bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ENHANCE: a comparative prospective longitudinal study of cognitive outcomes after 3 years of hearing aid use in older adults
Authors: Sarant Julia Z. , Busby Peter A. , Schembri Adrian J. , Fowler Christopher , Harris David C.
Published: January 2024

Background

With an aging population, the prevalence of hearing loss and dementia are increasing rapidly. Hearing loss is currently considered the largest potentially modifiable risk factor for dementia. The effect of hearing interventions on cognitive function should therefore be investigated, as if effective, these may be successfully implemented to modify cognitive outcomes for older adults with hearing loss.

Methods

This prospective longitudinal observational cohort study compared outcomes of a convenience sample of prospectively recruited first-time hearing aid users without dementia from an audiology center with those of community-living older adults participating in a large prospective longitudinal cohort study with/without hearing loss and/or hearing aids. All participants were assessed at baseline, 18 months, and 36 months using the same measures.

Results

Participants were 160 audiology clinic patients (48.8% female patient; mean age 73.5 years) with mild–severe hearing loss, fitted with hearing aids at baseline, and 102 participants of the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle Flagship Study of Aging (AIBL) (55.9% female patient; mean age 74.5 years). 18- and 36-month outcomes of subsets of the first participants to reach these points and complete the cognition assessment to date are compared. Primary comparative analysis showed cognitive stability for the hearing aid group while the AIBL group declined on working memory, visual attention, and psychomotor function. There was a non-significant trend for decline in visual learning for the AIBL group versus no decline for the hearing aid group. The hearing aid group showed significant decline on only 1 subtest and at a significantly slower rate than for the AIBL participants (p < 0.05). When education effects on cognitive trajectory were controlled, the HA group still performed significantly better on visual attention and psychomotor function (lower educated participants only) compared to the AIBL group but not on working memory or visual learning. Physical activity had no effect on cognitive performance trajectory.

Conclusion

Hearing aid users demonstrated significantly better cognitive performance to 3 years post-fitting, suggesting that hearing intervention may delay cognitive decline/dementia onset in older adults. Further studies using appropriate measures of cognition, hearing, and device use, with longer follow-up, are required.
Accurate diagnosis and treatment of sacral meningeal cysts without spinal nerve root fibres: identifying leakage orificium using high-resolution spherical arbitrary-dimensional reconstructing magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Yang Chenlong , Lou Xiaohui , Huang Lina , Ma Qianquan , Yin Xiaoliang , Zhao Qiang , Wu Chao , Wu Haibo , Sun Jianjun
Published: January 2024

Objective

This study aimed to develop an arbitrary-dimensional nerve root reconstruction magnetic resonance imaging (ANRR-MRI) technique for identifying the leakage orificium of sacral meningeal cysts (SMCs) without spinal nerve root fibres (SNRFs).

Methods

This prospective study enrolled 40 consecutive patients with SMCs without SNRFs between March 2021 and March 2022. Magnetic resonance neural reconstruction sequences were performed for preoperative evaluation. The cyst and the cyst-dura intersection planes were initially identified based on the original thin-slice axial T2-weighted images. Sagittal and coronal images were then reconstructed by setting each intersecting plane as the centre. Then, three-dimensional reconstruction was performed, focusing on the suspected leakage point of the cyst. Based on the identified leakage location and size of the SMC, individual surgical plans were formulated.

Results

This cohort included 30 females and 10 males, with an average age of 42.6 ± 12.2 years (range, 17–66 years). The leakage orificium was located at the rostral pole of the cyst in 23 patients, at the body region of the cyst in 12 patients, and at the caudal pole in 5 patients. The maximum diameter of the cysts ranged from 2 cm to 11 cm (average, 5.2 ± 1.9 cm). The leakage orificium was clearly identified in all patients and was ligated microscopically through a 4 cm minimally invasive incision. Postoperative imaging showed that the cysts had disappeared.

Conclusion

ANRR-MRI is an accurate and efficient approach for identifying leakage orificium, facilitating the precise diagnosis and surgical treatment of SMCs without SNRFs.
Exploring the causal factor effects of hypothyroidism on ischemic stroke: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Tian Yi , Shi Xiao Qin , Shui Jing Wen , Liu Xiao Yu , Bu Ya , Liu Yi , Yin Li Ping
Published: January 2024

Background

Observational studies have suggested a possible association between hypothyroidism and increased risk of ischemic stroke. However, a causal relationship remains unclear.

Methods

Data on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with hypothyroidism and ischemic stroke were sourced from the FinnGens database and the UK Biobank of European descent. Both databases underwent separate two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses. A subsequent meta-analysis of MR results using a random-effects model was conducted to determine the causal relationship between hypothyroidism and ischemic stroke.

Results

All five analyses indicated a positive causal relationship between hypothyroidism and ischemic stroke. MR analysis of the association between hypothyroidism and ischemic stroke yielded a result of the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method at 4.7411 (1.3598–16.5308), p = 0.0146. The analysis of ischemic stroke (without excluding controls) yielded a result of the IVW method of 4.5713 (1.3570–15.3986), p = 0.0142. MR analysis with cerebral infarction yielded a result of the IVW method at 1.0110 (1.0006–1.0215), p = 0.0373. The MR analysis with cerebrovascular disease sequelae yielded an IVW method result of 2.4556 (1.0291–5.8595), p = 0.0429. Analysis for the sequelae of cerebrovascular disease (without excluding controls) yielded an IVW method result of 2.4217 (1.0217–5.7402), p = 0.0446. No evidence of heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy was found. The meta-analysis of the five MR results was 2.24 (1.18–4.26), p = 0.025.

Conclusion

Our two-sample Mendelian randomization study suggested a causal relationship between hypothyroidism and ischemic stroke, indicating that hypothyroidism could be a risk factor for ischemic stroke. However, further studies are required to elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms.
Time-delay estimation in biomechanical stability: a scoping review
Authors: Shokouhyan Seyed Mohammadreza , Blandeau Mathias , Wallard Laura , Barbier Franck , Khalaf Kinda
Published: January 2024

Despite its high-level of robustness and versatility, the human sensorimotor control system regularly encounters and manages various noises, non-linearities, uncertainties, redundancies, and delays. These delays, which are critical to biomechanical stability, occur in various parts of the system and include sensory, signal transmission, CNS processing, as well as muscle activation delays. Despite the relevance of accurate estimation and prediction of the various time delays, the current literature reflects major discrepancy with regards to existing prediction and estimation methods. This scoping review was conducted with the aim of characterizing and categorizing various approaches for estimation of physiological time delays based on PRISMA guidelines. Five data bases (EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, IEEE and Web of Science) were consulted between the years of 2000 and 2022, with a combination of four related categories of keywords. Scientific articles estimating at least one physiological time delay, experimentally or through simulations, were included. Eventually, 46 articles were identified and analyzed with 20 quantification and 16 qualification questions by two separate reviewers. Overall, the reviewed studies, experimental and analytical, employing both linear and non-linear models, reflected heterogeneity in the definition of time delay and demonstrated high variability in experimental protocols as well as the estimation of delay values. Most of the summarized articles were classified in the high-quality category, where multiple sound analytical approaches, including optimization, regression, Kalman filter and neural network in time domain or frequency domain were used. Importantly, more than 50% of the reviewed articles did not clearly define the nature of the estimated delays. This review presents and summarizes these issues and calls for a standardization of future scientific works for estimation of physiological time-delay.
fNIRS a novel neuroimaging tool to investigate olfaction, olfactory imagery, and crossmodal interactions: a systematic review
Authors: Boot Eleanor , Levy Andrew , Gaeta Giuliano , Gunasekara Natalie , Parkkinen Emilia , Kontaris Emily , Jacquot Muriel , Tachtsidis Ilias
Published: January 2024

Olfaction is understudied in neuroimaging research compared to other senses, but there is growing evidence of its therapeutic benefits on mood and well-being. Olfactory imagery can provide similar health benefits as olfactory interventions. Harnessing crossmodal visual-olfactory interactions can facilitate olfactory imagery. Understanding and employing these cross-modal interactions between visual and olfactory stimuli could aid in the research and applications of olfaction and olfactory imagery interventions for health and wellbeing. This review examines current knowledge, debates, and research on olfaction, olfactive imagery, and crossmodal visual-olfactory integration. A total of 56 papers, identified using the PRISMA method, were evaluated to identify key brain regions, research themes and methods used to determine the suitability of fNIRS as a tool for studying these topics. The review identified fNIRS-compatible protocols and brain regions within the fNIRS recording depth of approximately 1.5 cm associated with olfactory imagery and crossmodal visual-olfactory integration. Commonly cited regions include the orbitofrontal cortex, inferior frontal gyrus and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The findings of this review indicate that fNIRS would be a suitable tool for research into these processes. Additionally, fNIRS suitability for use in naturalistic settings may lead to the development of new research approaches with greater ecological validity compared to existing neuroimaging techniques.
Ultra-processed food consumption and metabolic disease risk: an umbrella review of systematic reviews with meta-analyses of observational studies
Authors: Lv Jia-Le , Wei Yi-Fan , Sun Jia-Nan , Shi Yu-Chen , Liu Fang-Hua , Sun Ming-Hui , Chang Qing , Wu Qi-Jun , Zhao Yu-Hong
Published: January 2024

Background and aims

There is an ongoing debate on whether to advocate reducing ultra-processed food (UPF) in dietary guidelines to control metabolic disease (such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM]). We aimed to summarize the evidence from systematic reviews with meta-analyses between UPF consumption and metabolic diseases risk, assess the credibility, and verify the robustness of these associations.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases from their inception to July 15, 2023, to identify relevant systematic reviews with meta-analyses. We used the random-effects model to evaluate the summary effect size, along with 95% confidence interval and prediction interval. We also assessed heterogeneity, evidence of small-study effects and excess significance bias, and categorized the credibility of each association based on quantitative umbrella review criteria. Additionally, we conducted subgroup and sensitivity analyses to assess the robustness of associations based on continents, study design, dietary assessment methods, definition methods of UPF, population, and units of UPF consumption.

Results

Overall, 6 systematic reviews with 13 meta-analyses were included. Three (23.08%) meta-analyses were classified as highly suggestive evidence for meeting the criteria that associations were significant at p < 10−6, had more than 1,000 cases, and presented the largest study with significance at p < 0.05. Among them, the highest UPF consumption quantile was associated with an increased risk of obesity (OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.36–1.77) when compared with the lowest UPF consumption quantile. The highest UPF consumption quantile was associated with an increased risk of T2DM (RR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.23–1.59) when compared with the lowest UPF consumption quantile, and a 10% increase in UPF consumption (% g/d) was associated with an increased risk of T2DM (RR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.10–1.13). Meanwhile, the robustness of these associations was verified by a series of subgroup and sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

UPF consumption may be a risk factor for several metabolic diseases. However, well-designed studies are still needed to verify our findings in the future.
PARC: a phase I/II study evaluating the safety and activity of pegylated recombinant human arginase BCT-100 in relapsed/refractory cancers of children and young adults
Authors: Fenwick Nicola , Weston Rebekah , Wheatley Keith , Hodgson Jodie , Marshall Lynley , Elliott Martin , Makin Guy , Ng Antony , Brennan Bernadette , Lowis Stephen , Adamski Jenny , Kilday John Paul , Cox Rachel , Gattens Mike , Moore Andrew , Trahair Toby , Ronghe Milind , Campbell Martin , Campbell Helen , Williams Molly W. , Kirby Maria , Van Eijkelenburg Natasha , Keely Jennifer , Scarpa Ugo , Stavrou Victoria , Fultang Livingstone , Booth Sarah , Cheng Paul , De Santo Carmela , Mussai Francis
Published: January 2024

Background

The survival for many children with relapsed/refractory cancers remains poor despite advances in therapies. Arginine metabolism plays a key role in the pathophysiology of a number of pediatric cancers. We report the first in child study of a recombinant human arginase, BCT-100, in children with relapsed/refractory hematological, solid or CNS cancers.

Procedure

PARC was a single arm, Phase I/II, international, open label study. BCT-100 was given intravenously over one hour at weekly intervals. The Phase I section utilized a modified 3 + 3 design where escalation/de-escalation was based on both the safety profile and the complete depletion of arginine (defined as adequate arginine depletion; AAD <8μM arginine in the blood after 4 doses of BCT-100). The Phase II section was designed to further evaluate the clinical activity of BCT-100 at the pediatric RP2D determined in the Phase I section, by recruitment of patients with pediatric cancers into 4 individual groups. A primary evaluation of response was conducted at eight weeks with patients continuing to receive treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Results

49 children were recruited globally. The Phase I cohort of the trial established the Recommended Phase II Dose of 1600U/kg iv weekly in children, matching that of adults. BCT-100 was very well tolerated. No responses defined as a CR, CRi or PR were seen in any cohort within the defined 8 week primary evaluation period. However a number of these relapsed/refractory patients experienced prolonged radiological SD.

Conclusion

Arginine depletion is a clinically safe and achievable strategy in children with cancer. The RP2D of BCT-100 in children with relapsed/refractory cancers is established at 1600U/kg intravenously weekly and can lead to sustained disease stability in this hard to treat population.

Clinical trial registration

EudraCT, 2017-002762-44; ISRCTN, 21727048; and ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03455140.
Assessment of chemotherapy resistance changes in human colorectal cancer xenografts in rats based on MRI histogram features
Authors: Wu Min-Yi , Han Qi-Jia , Ai Zhu , Liang Yu-Ying , Yan Hao-Wen , Xie Qi , Xiang Zhi-Ming
Published: January 2024

Purpose

We investigated the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) histogram features, a non-invasive method, in assessing the changes in chemoresistance of colorectal cancer xenografts in rats.

Methods

A total of 50 tumor-bearing mice with colorectal cancer were randomly divided into two groups: control group and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) group. The MRI histogram characteristics and the expression levels of p53 protein and MRP1 were obtained at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 120 h, and 168 h after treatment.

Results

Sixty highly repeatable MRI histogram features were obtained. There were 16 MRI histogram parameters and MRP1 resistance protein differences between groups. At 24 h after treatment, the MRI histogram texture parameters of T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) images (10%, 90%, median, energy, and RootMeanSquared) and D images (10% and Range) were positively correlated with MRP1 (r = 0.925, p = 0.005). At 48 h after treatment, histogram texture parameters of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) images (Energy) were positively correlated with the presence of MRP1 resistance protein (r = 0.900, p = 0.037). There was no statistically significant difference between MRI histogram features and p53 protein expression level.

Conclusions

MRI histogram texture parameters based on T2WI, D, and ADC maps can help to predict the change of 5-FU resistance in colorectal cancer in the early stage and provide important reference significance for clinical treatment.
Implementing data on targeted therapy from the INFORM registry platform for children with relapsed cancer in Sweden
Authors: Wallin Sofia , Øra Ingrid , Prochazka Gabriela , Sandgren Johanna , Björklund Caroline , Ljungman Gustaf , Vogt Hartmut , Ek Torben , van Tilburg Cornelis M. , Nilsson Anna
Published: January 2024

Background

Advances in treatment of childhood malignancies have improved overall cure rates to 80%. Nevertheless, cancer is still the most common cause of childhood mortality in Sweden. The prognosis is particularly poor for relapse of high-risk malignancies. In the international INFORM registry, tumor tissue from patients with relapsed, refractory, or progressive pediatric cancer as well as from very-high risk primary tumors is biologically characterized using next-generation sequencing to identify possible therapeutic targets. We analyzed data from Swedish children included in the INFORM registry concerning patient characteristics, survival, sequencing results and whether targeted treatment was administered to the children based on the molecular findings.

Methods

A registry-based descriptive analysis of 184 patients included in the INFORM registry in Sweden during 2016–2021.

Results

The most common diagnoses were soft tissue and bone sarcomas followed by high grade gliomas [including diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG)]. Complete molecular analysis was successful for 203/212 samples originating from 184 patients. In 88% of the samples, at least one actionable target was identified. Highly prioritized targets, according to a preset scale, were identified in 48 (24%) samples from 40 patients and 24 of these patients received matched targeted treatment but only six children within a clinical trial. No statistically significant benefit in terms of overall survival or progression free survival was observed between children treated with matched targeted treatment compared to all others.

Conclusion

This international collaborative study demonstrate feasibility regarding sequencing of pediatric high-risk tumors providing molecular data regarding potential actionable targets to clinicians. For a few individuals the INFORM analysis was of utmost importance and should be regarded as a new standard of care with the potential to guide targeted therapy.
Addressing the risk and management of cardiometabolic complications in prostate cancer patients on androgen deprivation therapy and androgen receptor axis-targeted therapy: consensus statements from the Hong Kong Urological Association and the Hong Kong Society of Uro-Oncology
Authors: Poon Darren M. C. , Tan Guang-Ming , Chan Kuen , Chan Marco T. Y. , Chan Tim-Wai , Kan Raymond W. M. , Lam Martin H. C. , Leung Clarence L. H. , Wong Kenneth C. W. , Kam Kevin K. H. , Ng Chi-Fai , Chiu Peter K. F.
Published: January 2024

Background

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the foundational treatment for metastatic prostate cancer (PCa). Androgen receptor (AR) axis-targeted therapies are a new standard of care for advanced PCa. Although these agents have significantly improved patient survival, the suppression of testosterone is associated with an increased risk of cardiometabolic syndrome. This highlights the urgency of multidisciplinary efforts to address the cardiometabolic risk of anticancer treatment in men with PCa.

Methods

Two professional organizations invited five urologists, five clinical oncologists, and two cardiologists to form a consensus panel. They reviewed the relevant literature obtained by searching PubMed for the publication period from April 2013 to April 2023, to address three discussion areas: (i) baseline assessment and screening for risk factors in PCa patients before the initiation of ADT and AR axis-targeted therapies; (ii) follow-up and management of cardiometabolic complications; and (iii) selection of ADT agents among high-risk patients. The panel convened four meetings to discuss and draft consensus statements using a modified Delphi method. Each drafted statement was anonymously voted on by every panelist.

Results

The panel reached a consensus on 18 statements based on recent evidence and expert insights.

Conclusion

These consensus statements serve as a practical recommendation for clinicians in Hong Kong, and possibly the Asia-Pacific region, in the management of cardiometabolic toxicities of ADT or AR axis-targeted therapies in men with PCa.
Efficacy and safety of respiratory syncytial virus vaccination during pregnancy to prevent lower respiratory tract illness in newborns and infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ma Juan , Chen Long , Tang ShiFang , Shi Yuan
Published: January 2024

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination during pregnancy in preventing lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in infants and neonates, we conducted a systematic search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in five databases (PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Cochrane Center Register of Controlled trial) until 1 May 2023. We performed a meta-analysis of the eligible trials using RevMan5.4.1 software. Our analysis included six articles and five RCTs. The meta-analysis revealed significant differences in the incidences of LRTI [risk ratio (RR): 0.64; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.43, 0.96; p = 0.03)] and severe LRTI (RR: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.79; p = 0.01) between the vaccine group and the placebo group for newborns and infants. These differences were observed at 90, 120, and 150 days after birth (p = 0.003, p = 0.05, p = 0.02, p = 0.03, p = 0.009, p = 0.05). At 180 days after birth, there was a significant difference observed in the incidence of LRTI between the two groups (RR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.90; p = 0.02). The safety results showed a significant difference in the incidence of common adverse events between the two groups (RR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.12; p < 0.0001). However, there was no significant difference observed in the incidence of serious adverse events (RR: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.97, 1.15; p = 0.23), common and serious adverse events (RR: 1.02; 95% CI: 0.96, 1.10; p = 0.23), or common and serious adverse events among pregnant women and newborns and infants (RR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.93, 1.04; p = 0.52). In conclusion, maternal RSV vaccination is an effective and safe immunization strategy for preventing LRTI in postpartum infants, with greater efficacy observed within the first 150 days after birth.
Research progress on cuproptosis in cancer
Authors: Feng Qingbo , Huo Chenyu , Wang Maijian , Huang Handong , Zheng Xingbin , Xie Ming
Published: January 2024

Cuproptosis is a recently discovered form of cell death that is mediated by copper (Cu) and is a non-apoptotic form of cell death related to oligomerization of lipoylated proteins and loss of Fe-S protein clusters. Since its discovery, cuproptosis has been extensively studied by researchers for its mechanism and potential applications in the treatment of cancer. Therefore, this article reviews the specific mechanism of cuproptosis currently studied, as well as its principles and strategies for use in anti-cancer treatment, with the aim of providing a reference for cuproptosis-based cancer therapy.
Detection of potential safety signals related to the use of remdesivir and tocilizumab in the COVID era during pregnancy, resorting to open data from the FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS)
Authors: Romão Beatriz Marinho Silva , Duval Felipe Vieira , Lima Elisângela Costa , Silva Fabrício Alves Barbosa da , Matos Guacira Correa de
Published: January 2024

Background: The in-hospital treatment for COVID-19 may include medicines from various therapeutic classes, such as antiviral remdesivir and immunosuppressant tocilizumab. Safety data for these medicines are based on controlled clinical trials and case reports, limiting the knowledge about less frequent, rare or unique population adverse events excluded from clinical trials.

Objective: This study aims at analyzing the reports of Adverse Drug Events (ADEs) related to these two medicines, focusing on events in pregnant women and foetuses.

Methods: Data from the open-access FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) from 2020 to 2022 were used to create a dashboard on the Grafana platform to ease querying and analyzing report events. Potential safety signals were generated using the ROR disproportionality measure.

Results: Remdesivir was notified as the primary suspect in 7,147 reports and tocilizumab in 19,602. Three hundred and three potential safety signals were identified for remdesivir, of which six were related to pregnant women and foetuses (including abortion and foetal deaths). Tocilizumab accumulated 578 potential safety signals, and three of them were associated with this population (including neonatal death).

Discussion: None of the possible signals generated for this population were found in the product labels. According to the NIH and the WHO protocols, both medicines are recommended for pregnant women hospitalized with COVID-19.

Conclusion: Despite the known limitations of working with open data from spontaneous reporting systems (e.g., absence of certain clinical data, underreporting, a tendency to report severe events and recent medicines) and disproportionality analysis, the findings suggest concerning associations that need to be confirmed or rejected in subsequent clinical studies.
Universal quantum gates by nonadiabatic holonomic evolution for the surface electron
Authors: Wang Jun , He Wan-Ting , Wang Hai-Bo , Ai Qing
Published: January 2024

The nonadiabatic holonomic quantum computation based on the geometric phase is robust against the built-in noise and decoherence. In this work, we theoretically propose a scheme to realize nonadiabatic holonomic quantum gates in a surface electron system, which is a promising two-dimensional platform for quantum computation. The holonomic gate is realized by a three-level structure that combines the Rydberg states and spin states via an inhomogeneous magnetic field. After a cyclic evolution, the computation bases pick up different geometric phases and thus perform a holonomic gate. Only the electron with spin up experiences the holonomic gate, while the electron with spin down is decoupled from the state-selective driving fields. The arbitrary controlled-U gate encoded on the Rydberg states and spin states can then be realized. The fidelity of the output state exceeds 0.99 with experimentally achievable parameters.
Descriptive norms and entrepreneurial intentions: the mediating role of anticipated inaction regret
Authors: Bae Tae Jun , Lee Chong Kyoon , Lee Younggeun , McKelvie Alexander , Lee Woo Jin
Published: January 2024

Previous research has mainly focused on the cognitive-based theory of planned behavior (TPB) model to predict entrepreneurial intentions. However, given the close relationship between cognition and emotion, researchers may need to pay more attention to how emotional reactions help predict entrepreneurial intentions. To fill this gap, we apply both cognitive (i.e., descriptive norms) and emotional (i.e., anticipated inaction regret) aspects to understand predictors of entrepreneurial intentions. Specifically, we employ the affect-as-information perspective as a complementary theoretical lens to TPB to test whether the role of descriptive norms on entrepreneurial intentions is affected by anticipated inaction regret as a form of emotional reaction to descriptive social norms. We conducted two survey-based studies with diverse samples (i.e., online Mturk panels of adults in the US and undergraduate students in Korea). This study demonstrates (1) a positive and significant relationship between descriptive norms and entrepreneurial intentions and (2) a mediating role of anticipated inaction regret between descriptive norms and entrepreneurial intentions. Our results contribute to the entrepreneurial intentions literature by exploring the mechanism between cognition and emotion, and highlighting an indirect emotional link (i.e., anticipated inaction regret) in understanding entrepreneurial intentions.
Attentional biases in abstinent patients with cocaine use disorder: rapid orienting or delayed disengagement?
Authors: Branchadell Victoria , Poy Rosario , Segarra Pilar , Ribes-Guardiola Pablo , Moltó Javier
Published: January 2024

Addiction-related attentional biases may play a central role in the development and maintenance of drug-seeking and drug-taking behaviors. However, evidence in cocaine dependence is limited and mixed. This study examined the time course and component processes of attentional biases for cocaine-related cues in a sample of 47 outpatients (38 men) with cocaine use disorder (CUD) with varying durations of current abstinence. Reaction times in a visual dot-probe task with two picture exposure durations —500 ms, to assess initial stages of attention, and 2,000 ms, to assess maintained attention— were recorded. We found faster responses to probes replacing cocaine-related vs. matched control pictures in the 500 ms but not in the 2,000 ms condition, indicative of early but not late attentional biases for cocaine cues in abstinent patients with CUD. Further comparisons with a neutral baseline revealed that it was not due to rapid orienting but to delayed disengagement from cocaine-related pictures, being this effect greater the longer the period of current abstinence. Consistent with the incentive-sensitization theory, these data suggest that cocaine-related stimuli maintain the capacity to hold spatial attention in abstinent patients with CUD, even after months of abstinence, highlighting the relevance of carrying out stimulus control to avoid relapses.
The double-edged sword of personality in shaping craftsmanship spirit: an investigation of conscientiousness and openness to experience
Authors: Li Zhi , Lu Fangmei , He Gang
Published: January 2024

Background

Craftsmanship is associated with various positive outcomes at both individual and organizational level, and thus has attracted scholarly attention on examining its antecedents. While craftsmanship can be shaped by both contextual factors and personal traits, existing research has dominantly focused on the former, leaving the latter less examined. Such a lack of examination limits our understanding of craftsmanship in workplace.

Objective

Following the view that individuals’ intrinsic desire to do the job as the core of craftsmanship, we define craftsmanship spirit (CS) as an individual’s psychological state of feeling competent, transcendent, and valuable during work, which evolves as an individual’s skills and knowledge expand. We then draw on the classic dispositional literature to explore how individuals’ personality traits (conscientiousness and openness to experience) shape the development of CS differently (i.e., the initial level and the developmental trajectory), and test our theory using a latent growth modeling (LGM) approach.

Methods

We conducted a four-round on-site questionnaire survey with participants who were employees at a large manufacturing company in China. The final sample consists of 746 matched respondents. Data analysis was performed in Mplus 8.3.

Results

Empirical results confirm our hypotheses that both conscientiousness and openness to experience have a positive effect on the initial level of CS. Besides, conscientiousness has a negative effect on the subsequent growth of CS. However, the proposed negative effect of openness to experience on the subsequent growth of CS was not supported when the other four personality traits were considered simultaneously.

Conclusion

This study reveals that conscientiousness and openness to experience have an important effect on CS. Specifically, both conscientiousness and openness to experience are associated with a high level of CS, and the former is associated with low growth of CS. This study not only broadened our understanding on the antecedents of CS, but also provided a dynamic perspective to understand CS in workplace.
Photobiomodulation improves depression symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ji Qipei , Yan Shichang , Ding Jilin , Zeng Xin , Liu Zhixiang , Zhou Tianqi , Wu Zhuorao , Wei Wei , Li Huaqiang , Liu Shuangyue , Ai Shuangchun
Published: January 2024

Background

Depression is a common mental illness that is widely recognized by its lack of pleasure, fatigue, low mood, and, in severe cases, even suicidal tendencies. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that could treat patients with mood disorders such as depression.

Methods

A systematic search of ten databases, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for depression, was conducted from the time of library construction to September 25, 2023. The primary outcome was depression. The secondary outcome was sleep. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan (version 5.4) and Stata (version 14.0). Subgroup analyses were performed to identify sources of heterogeneity. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE).

Results

Three thousand two hundred and sixty-five studies were retrieved from the database and screened for inclusion in eleven trials. The forest plot results demonstrated that PBM alleviated depression (SMD = −0.55, 95% CI [−0.75, −0.35], I2 = 46%). But it is not statistically significant for patients’ sleep outcomes (SMD = −0.82, 95% CI [−2.41, 0.77], I2 = 0%, p > 0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that s-PBM was superior to t-PBM in relieving symptoms of depression. The best improvement for t-PBM was achieved using a wavelength of 823 nm, fluence of 10–100 J/cm2, irradiance of 50–100 mW/cm2, irradiance time of 30 min, treatment frequency < 3/week, and number of treatments >15 times. The best improvement for s-PBM was achieved using a wavelength of 808 nm, fluence ≤1 J/cm2, irradiance of 50–100 mW/cm2, irradiance time ≤ 5 min, treatment frequency ≥ 3/week, number of treatments >15 times. All results had evidence quality that was either moderate or very low, and there was no bias in publication.

Conclusion

We conclude that PBM is effective in reducing depression symptoms in patients. However, the current number of studies is small, and further studies are needed to extend the current analysis results.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, CRD42023444677.
Cultural adaptation of INDIGO mental health stigma reduction interventions using an ecological validity model in north India
Authors: Daniel Mercian , Kallakuri Sudha , Gronholm Petra C. , Wahid Syed Shabab , Kohrt Brandon , Thornicroft Graham , Maulik Pallab K.
Published: January 2024

Background

The International Study of Discrimination and Stigma Outcomes (INDIGO) Partnership is a multi-country international research program in seven sites across five low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in Africa and Asia to develop, contextually adapt mental health stigma reduction interventions and pilot these among a variety of target populations. The aim of this paper is to report on the process of culturally adapting these interventions in India using an established framework.

Methods

As part of this larger program, we have contextualized and implemented these interventions from March 2022 to August 2023 in a site in north India. The Ecological Validity Model (EVM) was used to guide the adaptation and contextualization process comprising eight dimensions.

Findings

Six dimensions of the Ecological Validity Model were adapted, namely language, persons, metaphors, content, methods, and context; and two dimensions, namely concepts and goals, were retained.

Conclusion

Stigma reduction strategies with varied target groups, based on culturally appropriate adaptations, are more likely to be acceptable to the stakeholders involved in the intervention, and to be effective in terms of the program impact.
Effect of health belief model-based training and social support on the physical activity of overweight middle-aged women: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Faghih Masoumeh , Kaveh Mohammad Hossein , Nazari Mahin , Khademi Khadijeh , Hasanzadeh Jafar
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The highest incidence of overweight among adults is found among women, predominantly middle-aged women. While it has been demonstrated that being overweight increases mortality by compromising physical and mental health, it also imposes substantial costs on the healthcare system. Lack of physical activity is a primary contributing factor to becoming overweight. The majority of inactive adults are women, particularly middle-aged women. Consequently, this study investigated the training program for overweight women based on the health belief model (HBM) and social support approach.

Methods

A randomized, controlled trial involving 73 overweight middle-aged women (control group: 37, intervention group: 36) was conducted using simple random sampling. The intervention group participated in six 120-min sessions per week for 6 weeks of a training program based on HBM and social support through physical activity, group discussion, role play, and media. Data were collected using the Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Bandura’s Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (Bandura’s ESE), and a researcher-made questionnaire before and 4 weeks after the training. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics via SPSS 27 software. p-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

A training program based on HBM and social support led to improved perceived benefits (p < 0.001), cues to action (p = 0.03), and self-efficacy (p < 0.001) of physical activity; decreased perceived barriers (p = 0.001); increased social support (p = 0.001); and increased physical activity (p < 0.001). In addition, the BMI of the intervention group decreased after the training program (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

The findings of the study demonstrate the efficacy of the training program based on HBM and the social support approach in improving social support and physical activity of women. In addition, the study evaluates the long-term outcome in populations with varying social, economic, and cultural standings.

Clinical Trials Registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/, (IRCT201706236261N17).
The role of the Field Epidemiology Training Program in the public health emergency response: Sudan armed conflict 2023
Authors: Khairy Amna , Bashier Haitham , Nuh Hatim , Ahmed Nagla , Ali Yousif , Izzoddeen Ahmad , Mohamed Sara , Osman Muntasir , Khader Yousef
Published: January 2024

Background

On April 15, 2023, the armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) started in Khartoum state, Sudan. This conflict was complicated by the preexisting complicated epidemiological situation and fragile health system in Sudan. This study endeavors to illuminate the pivotal role essayed by the Sudan FETP (SFETP) in enhancing the nation’s public health response, particularly amidst the tumultuous backdrop of armed conflicts that have left their indelible mark on the region.

Methods

Employing a blend of quantitative and qualitative methodologies, we investigated the SFETP’s contributions to the public health response during the initial 4 months of the conflict (April–July 2023). Sixty-four SFETP residents and graduates were invited to participate, and data were gathered through semi-structured questionnaires.

Results

A total of 44 (69%) SFETP residents and graduates were included in this study. Out of 38 SFETPs present in the states, 32 have considerably contributed to the crisis response at state and locality levels. Three-quarters of them have played key leadership, planning, and management roles. In essence, 38% (n = 12) of them have contributed to public health surveillance, particularly in data management, reports, Early Warning Alert and Response System (EWAR) establishment, and epidemic investigation. SFETPs have made special contributions to crisis response at the community level. The involved SFETPs supported WASH interventions (n = 4), and almost one-third of them strengthened risk communication and community engagement (n = 9). Despite their physical presence at the subnational level, 27% of graduates were not deployed to the crisis emergency response. Notably, throughout this time, half of the total SFETPs were formally retained during this response.

Conclusion

The study highlighted the importance of FETP engagement and support during public health crises. SFETP residents and graduates played diverse roles in the various levels of public health emergency response to the crisis. However. Strategies to improve the deployment and retention of FETP residents are necessary to ensure their availability during crises. Overall, FETP has proven to be an asset in public health crisis management in Sudan.
Flourishing-Life-Of-Wish Virtual Reality Relaxation Therapy (FLOW-VRT-Relaxation) outperforms traditional relaxation therapy in palliative care: results from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Woo Olive K. L. , Lee Antoinette M. , Ng Royce , Eckhoff Daniel , Lo Raymond , Cassinelli Alvaro
Published: January 2024

Introduction: As the global population continues to age, the demand for palliative care is progressively increasing. This growing trend highlights the pressing need for groundbreaking interventions that can effectively manage palliative symptoms and improve the quality of end-of-life care. We present a brief, structured, personalized, and innovative psychological intervention named Flourishing-Life-Of-Wish Virtual Reality Therapy (FLOW-VRT)®, which capitalizes on the distinctiveness of virtual reality (VR) as an advanced technology for symptom management. FLOW-VRT is theoretically based on self-determination theory, stress coping theory, flow theory, and attention restoration theory. With a special focus on relaxation, “FLOW-VRT-Relaxation” is designed to enhance end-of-life coping through personalized VR relaxation. As most studies on the use of VR in palliative care have been feasibility or pilot studies with small sample sizes, there is a need for a randomized controlled trial with sufficient statistical power.

Methods: The current study used a randomized controlled trial (n = 128) to test the efficacy of FLOW-VRT-Relaxation by comparing it to traditional relaxation practice in palliative care.

Results: Our results showed that following a FLOW-VRT-Relaxation session, the symptoms of distress that patients in palliative care have to endure significantly reduced, whether physical or emotional in nature.

Discussions: The current findings provide promising results regarding the therapeutic potential of using FLOW-VRT-Relaxation as a cost-effective, scalable, and personalized VR relaxation for patients in palliative care.
Affective associations towards running: fuzzy patterns of implicit-explicit interaction in young female runners and non-runners
Authors: Burberg Tim , Würth Sabine , Amesberger Günter , Finkenzeller Thomas
Published: January 2024

Empirical evidence demonstrates that high concordance and low discrepancy of implicit and explicit affective processes facilitate consistent exercise behavior. Novice runners often have difficulties implementing their running behavior on a regular basis resulting in irregular running behavior. To investigate the potential value of affective associations 89 young female runners (regular and irregular) and non-runners were recruited. Affective associations towards running were measured through a Single-Target Implicit Association Test on the implicit level and by self-report on the explicit level. Implicit-explicit interaction (IEI) scores (i.e., implicit-explicit concordance and discrepancy) were derived from principal component analysis. Fuzzy k-means cluster analysis was used to identify patterns of interacting implicit-explicit affective associations. The resulting clusters were assessed for differences in previous running experience, current running behavior, motivational and intentional aspects. Four meaningful overlapping clusters were found and labeled according to their prevalent IEI patterns (i.e., “positive non-discrepant”, “positive discrepant”, “negative discrepant”, “negative non-discrepant”). Significant differences between clusters were found for past running experience, current running behavior, motivational and intentional aspects. The results indicate that running behavior varies between and within patterns of affective associations. In line with previous findings, positive non-discrepant implicit and explicit affective associations are linked to more consistent running behavior, while negative non-discrepant affect is associated with non-runners. However, the occurrence of discrepant implicit-explicit affective associations in young women differing in running behavior, motivation, and intention broadens the view of the complex relationship between affective processes and exercise behavior. In conclusion, individualized interventions that take into account the implicit-explicit interaction of affective associations besides well-known cognitive self-regulatory resources may prove more effective for individuals who struggle to run regularly.
The potential application of artificial intelligence in veterinary clinical practice and biomedical research
Authors: Akinsulie Olalekan Chris , Idris Ibrahim , Aliyu Victor Ayodele , Shahzad Sammuel , Banwo Olamilekan Gabriel , Ogunleye Seto Charles , Olorunshola Mercy , Okedoyin Deborah O. , Ugwu Charles , Oladapo Ifeoluwa Peace , Gbadegoye Joy Olaoluwa , Akande Qudus Afolabi , Babawale Pius , Rostami Sahar , Soetan Kehinde Olugboyega
Published: January 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a fast-paced technological advancement in terms of its application to various fields of science and technology. In particular, AI has the potential to play various roles in veterinary clinical practice, enhancing the way veterinary care is delivered, improving outcomes for animals and ultimately humans. Also, in recent years, the emergence of AI has led to a new direction in biomedical research, especially in translational research with great potential, promising to revolutionize science. AI is applicable in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) research, cancer research, drug design and vaccine development, epidemiology, disease surveillance, and genomics. Here, we highlighted and discussed the potential impact of various aspects of AI in veterinary clinical practice and biomedical research, proposing this technology as a key tool for addressing pressing global health challenges across various domains.