bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loss to Follow-up and Unplanned Readmission After Emergent Surgery for Acute Subdural Hematoma
Authors: Guidry Bradley S. , Tang Alan R. , Thomas Harrison , Thakkar Rut , Sermarini Anthony , Dambrino Robert J. , Yengo-Kahn Aaron , Chambless Lola B. , Morone Peter , Chotai Silky
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND:

Loss to follow-up (LTF) and unplanned readmission are barriers to recovery after acute subdural hematoma evacuation. The variables associated with these postdischarge events are not fully understood.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine factors associated with LTF and unplanned readmission, emphasizing socioeconomic status (SES).

METHODS:

A retrospective analysis was conducted of surgical patients with acute subdural hematoma managed operatively from 2009 to 2019 at a level 1 regional trauma center. Area Deprivation Index (ADI), which is a neighborhood-level composite socioeconomic score, was used to measure SES. Higher ADI corresponds to lower SES. To decrease the number of covariates in the model, principal components (PCs) analysis was used. Multivariable logistic regression analyses of PCs were performed for LTF and unplanned readmission.

RESULTS:

A total of 172 patients were included in this study. Thirty-six patients (21%) were LTF, and 49 (28%) patients were readmitted; 11 (6%) patients were both LTF and readmitted (P = .9). The median time to readmission was 10 days (Q1: 4.5, Q3: 35). In multivariable logistic regression analyses for LTF, increased ADI and distance to hospital through PC2 (odds ratio [OR] 1.49; P = .009) and uninsured/Medicaid status and increased length of stay through PC4 (OR 1.73; P = .015) significantly contributed to the risk of LTF. Unfavorable discharge functional status and nonhome disposition through PC3 were associated with decreased odds of unplanned readmission (OR = 0.69; P = .028).

CONCLUSION:

Patients at high risk for LTF and unplanned readmissions, as identified in this study, may benefit from targeted resources individualized to their needs to address barrier to follow-up and to ensure continuity of care.
The construction and deconstruction of identity on the Internet
Authors: Gerogianni Evangelia Maria , Koupriza Georgia , Merkouri Evangelia , Prifti Ioulia Anna
Published: June 2022

The construction and deconstruction of identity is a significant issue, which has been studied extensively throughout the years and from various perspectives. However, during the past decades the scientific community has become particularly interested in this process’s unfolding and taking place to a remarkable extent within the Internet. The current research aims to investigate some key factors related to the construction of new identities in the context of the increased use of the Internet. Specifically, based on the two main research hypotheses that were raised, the notion of self-perception and that of educational level were studied in the first and in the second case respectively. For this purpose, quantitative research was carried out with the aid of a questionnaire, involving a total of 154 people, the majority of whom are women. Through statistical analysis, it was found that there is a statistically significant correlation between internet usage and identity construction. However, the effect of low self – perception and low level of education combined with the use of the Internet was found statistically insignificant in terms of identity construction.
Social influence on Twitter: Examples & Projections
Authors: Dagla Mavreta , Bairami Georgia Paraskevi , Nikolaou Freideriki , Schoinaraki Emmanouela
Published: June 2022

The dominance of social media in today’s world is unquestionable. However, the target of their use has shifted over time from simple communication and information, regarding various issues, to influencing and convincing a wide range of people irrespective of their age, social and educational status. This literature review aims to present examples of social influence that have emerged in the field of public health, society and politics through twitter and to examine the ways and the extent of this influence during users’ navigation on the specific platform. The spread of the #metoo movement in Greece during the writing period, as well as the spread of conspiracy theories about covid-19 triggered the choice of this particular topic to review. Results of this literature review show that the social influence exerted via the internet, and especially via twitter, may take on much larger dimensions in space-time scale than in real conditions, due to the abundance and diversity of people to whom it is addressed. On one hand this contributes to a more widespread and faster awareness on important social issues. However, it simultaneously and inevitably leads to the uncontrolled spread of invalid information, possibly resulting in user disorientation and incorrect conclusion-making and correspondingly leading to incorrect choices in real life.
The Use of Virtual Reality in the Science of Psychology
Authors: Lampathaki Nefeli , Evangelou Maria , Papageorgiou Margarita , Stefanidou Tsiavou Artemis , Chomko Giasemin
Published: June 2022

With the evolution of technology, digital gaming became a more holistic and realistic experience that engages all senses. This novel capacity was seized by Psychological Science. The aim of this literature review was to describe some of the usages of Virtual Reality (VR), specifically in the domains of Developmental, Clinical, Social, Organizational, Athletic Psychology and Neuropsychology. Some of the findings were that VR can promote children’s socialization and self-control in the case of Developmental Psychology. Research on Clinical Psychology has shown that VRT contributes to phobia treatment and can help analyze negative self-image in individuals with eating disorders. In the area of Social Psychology, it can reduce prejudice and enhance prosocial behavior, by providing the ability to manipulate variables and achieving high experimental control and ecological validity. Furthermore, it can enhance employees’ productivity and help them cope with stress in Organizational Psychology and boost athletes’ motivation and decision making in Athletic Psychology. In Neuropsychology, VR gives the potential of early diagnosis and rehabilitation of neuropsychological complications of Traumatic Brain Injury, Brain Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease and facilitates the reduction of Autism Index. Overall, psychological research, diagnosis and treatment via VR seems so far to be a rich and promising field for further investigation that will possibly improve different people’s quality of life.
The social representation of internet gaming disorder in the Greek population
Authors: Kollias Dimitrios , Lampris Ioannis , Mouli Anastasia , Plagos Panagiotis , Velaki Athanasia
Published: June 2022

The aim of this paper is to study the social representation of Internet Gaming Disorder. For this reason, 286 adults, both male and female, 18-69 years old, participated in the research. The selected method is the free association technique. Underlying assumptions are:  On one hand, a strong representation was not expected, given the fact that this disorder has been acknowledged only for the last ten years in the scientific field. On the other hand, addiction is expected to be the central nucleus’ main element. Results confirmed the above assumptions. Indeed, addiction seems to be the core’s main element. Furthermore, “Social isolation” and “Technological means” stood out as main peripheral elements, due to their relatively high frequency. In addition, results suggest that the representation has not yet fully emerged, confirming our first hypothesis. Finally, we must keep in mind that this new concept needs further study. Therefore, alternative proposals and methods for future research are proposed in the last section of this paper, in order to take a broad view of this subject.
Book Reviews
Authors: Shen Wenjing
Published: June 2022

In Book Reviews, we review an extensive and diverse range of books. They cover theory and applications in operations research, statistics, management science, econometrics, mathematics, computers, and information systems. In addition, we include books in other fields that emphasize technical applications. The editor will be pleased to receive an email from those willing to review a book, with an indication of specific areas of interest. If you are aware of a specific book that you would like to review, or that you think should be reviewed, please contact the editor. The following book is reviewed in this issue of INFORMS Journal on Applied Analytics, 52(3), May–June: Give Yourself a Nudge: Helping Smart People Make Smarter Personal and Business Decisions, Ralph Keeney.
Wisdom in the Wild: Generalization and Adaptive Dynamics
Authors: Choi Jaeho , Levinthal Daniel
Published: June 2022

Learning from experience is a central mechanism underlying organizational capabilities. However, in examining how organizations learn from past experiences, much of the literature has focused on situations in which actors are facing a repeated event. We direct attention to a relatively underexamined question: when an organization experiences a largely idiosyncratic series of events, at what level of granularity should these events, and the associated actions and outcomes, be encoded? How does generalizing from experience impact the wisdom of future choices and what are the boundary conditions or factors that might mitigate the degree of desired generalization? To address these questions, we develop a computational model that incorporates how characteristics of opportunities (e.g., acquisition candidates, new investments, product development) might be encoded so that experiential learning is possible even when the organization’s experience is a series of unique events. Our results highlight the power of learning through generalization in a world of novelty as well as the features of the problem environment that reduce this “power.”

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2022.1609 .
Resurrecting the ‘fourth 90’: towards a definition of health-related quality of life in HIV care
Authors: Bourne Kathryn , Croston Michelle
Published: June 2022

Medical advancements in the treatment of HIV continue to return ever more impressive medical results; increasing life expectancy and reducing negative symptoms (either disease-related or medically-induced). Physical wellness, however, is only one of the many facets of human life. It has been 5 years since Lazarus et al proposed we should be looking towards a fourth 90—good health-related quality of life (QoL)—yet little has been done to take up this task within a coherent approach. We suggest that one of the barriers to this is a lack of definition about what we mean by ‘good health-related quality of life’ (HRQoL) for people living with HIV. This article considers existing definitions of this, and related terms, and the difficulties in finding a universal definition. It goes on to suggest a way to a conceptual HRQoL in people living with HIV based on the biopsychosocial model. It is proposed that by doing it this way, practitioners can assess HRQoL in a comprehensive way, and focus on the things that matter to the individual.
Neuropathic ulcers in leprosy: clinical features, diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Serrano-Coll Héctor , Cardona-Castro Nora
Published: June 2022

Leprosy is a neglected disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis, and is related to significant disabilities resulting from the neural damage generated by this mycobacteria. Neuropathic ulcers—lesions that can appear at the plantar and extra-plantar levels—are one such disability, and diagnosis requires an adequate dermatological, neurological and microbiological evaluation. The treatment of these lesions is based on a multidisciplinary approach that includes debridement of the necrotic tissue, controlling infections, reducing pressure areas, optimising blood flow, and nerve decompression. This review aims to describe the clinical features, diagnostic methods and treatment of neuropathic ulcers in leprosy. The diagnostic methods and medical management used in leprosy ulcers are based on those used for diabetic foot. This requires radical change as these diseases are immunologically and physiologically very different.
Implementing Online Integrated Character Education and Parental Engagement in Local Cultural Values Cultivation
Authors: Ariani Farida , Ulfatin Nurul , Supriyanto Achmad , Arifin Imron
Published: June 2022

Character education is urgent in passing down the ethical and moral values in the cultured community life. The local cultural values are a source of ethics and moral education for elementary school students. The school keeps taking an essential role in cultivating the local values through online character education during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to analyze the effect of implementing online integrated character education and parental engagement in local cultural values cultivation outcome. The method of this study used an exploratory sequential mixed method design. Collect qualitative data using interview forms, observation, documentation, and quantitative data using questionnaires and portfolios. Qualitative data interpretation used content analysis, and inferential analysis used multiple linear regression. Results revealed that parental engagement, teachers’ performance, and online learning obstacles affect local cultural values cultivation outcome in character education partially and simultaneously for sixth-grade students in Padang City. We suggested teachers improve character education management based on local cultural values by building good synergy and collaboration between them and parents to cultivate noble character behavior among students.
Unmapping social work scholarship about gender self-designation: reconstructing the basis for engagement
Authors: Howe Rebecca
Published: June 2022

For a half-century, transgender studies and theory have existed alongside but disconnected from social work scholarship on providing services to people with self-designated genders. This article utilises unmapping as a methodology for tracing connections between normalised assumptions and power/knowledge hierarchies across four journal articles that present theoretically focused recommendations for social work in this area. Unmapping the academic discipline of social work as a space organised in particular ways reveals practices that discount and place limits on accepted knowledges. I argue that social work scholarship brackets itself off from broader transgender studies scholarship and transgender theory, and, in doing so, perpetuates social relations of dominance experienced by people with self-designated genders. I suggest that a premise of becoming consciously responsive enables continuing reflexivity, accountability and anti-colonial social work scholarship and practice.
Labia elongation and the experiences of Zimbabwean women in the UK
Authors: Mutunami Patience , Bradley Tamsin
Published: June 2022

Literature attempting to understand the extent to which labia elongation (LE) affects women is virtually non-existent. Twenty qualitative interviews were conducted with Zimbabwean women in the UK seeking to understand the extent to which the practice was seen as harmful. Currently LE is not considered as harmful as types 1–3 and is therefore absent in global campaigning against FGM/C. The findings from this study strongly argue that LE is indeed a form of violence but the ways in which it causes harm are less visible than with types 1–3. The critical feminist lens applied in this article demonstrates that LE needs to be considered as linked to other forms of VAWG including IPV. It is also strongly linked to other harmful practices such as child marriage and bride-price. Ultimately, as with all forms of gendered violence, structural inequalities found the continuance of LE. Transforming patterns of abuse are made harder by the perception that LE makes a girl more beautiful to her future husband. Young women perform the practice on themselves in the belief that it will secure them a good marriage. The challenge to end the practice is therefore complex and no less urgent than other forms of FGM/C.
The symbolic potential of security: on collective emotions in Swedish criminal policy discourse
Authors: Hermansson Klara
Published: June 2022

The emotions and experiences of the public have become of increasingly prominent concern in criminal policy debates in Western countries. In Sweden, the concepts of trygghet (security) and otrygghet (insecurity) are often used during discussions on public safety and fear of crime. In this article, I address how the Swedish concept of (in)security is politically constructed in the criminal policy discourse, by scrutinising the political debate taking place prior to Swedish general elections in the 21st century. By analysing the symbolic potential of the concept of security, I demonstrate how people are encouraged to turn towards the welfare state and its associated values to feel secure and how collective emotions such as trust and solidarity play a key role in enhancing the emotional tone of the discourse. By relating the political discourse on crime and (in)security to the welfare state context, the aim of this article is to further our understanding of how a culture of insecurity and a normative order of emotions manifest in Sweden. In the concluding discussion, I address some of the consequences of the discourse: in particular, the potentially unifying and solidarity-producing, as well as exclusionary, effects.
Simulation of anisoplanatic lucky look imaging and statistics through optical turbulence using numerical wave propagation: erratum
Authors: Rucci Michael A. , Hardie Russell C. , Martin Richard K.
Published: June 2022

We present an erratum to our previously published work [Appl. Opt. 60, G19 (2021)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.427716] that corrects errors in the body of the paper. The corrections do not affect the results and conclusion of the original paper.
System-level graphene foam speaker and the simulation of the thermo-acoustic process
Authors: Xin Guangze , Chen Dongqi , Cai Yi , Huang Yi , Bai Tingzhu , Wang Lingxue
Published: June 2022

Recent studies have shown that microporous graphene foam (GF) exhibits photoacoustic effect when irradiated with modulated light. Inspired by this phenomenon, we fabricated a light emitting diode (LED)-induced system-level GF speaker that generates photoacoustic waves in a frequency range of 0.2–16 kHz or plays music with high fidelity when illuminated by modulated LED light. LED light modulation is realized by our specially designed driving circuit that combines the AC voltage corresponding to the audio signal (sinusoidal signal or music from a cell phone) and a DC bias. To reveal the effect of the microporous structure of GF on the photoacoustics, we simulated the thermo-acoustic process (the second process of the photoacoustic effect). We built a periodically heated model of micro-spherical air unit with a diameter of 42 μm to investigate the relationship between the heat flow absorbed by the air unit and the thermo-acoustic wave created by it. The simulated results show that in the frequency range of 0.2–16 kHz, the thermo-acoustic pressure correlates with the frequency of heat flow. Moreover, in the diameter range of 10 to 80 μm of the air unit, the thermo-acoustic pressure is directly proportional to the square of the diameter of the air unit, suggesting that the photoacoustic effect can be enhanced by increasing the size of the GF pores to a certain extent. This work demonstrates the light-induced speakers and provides theoretical support for the photoacoustic effect that occurs in materials with microporous structures.
Hybrid silicon photonics DBR laser based on flip-chip integration of GaSb amplifiers and µm-scale SOI waveguides
Authors: Zia Nouman , Tuorila Heidi , Viheriälä Jukka , Ojanen Samu-Pekka , Koivusalo Eero , Hilska Joonas , Guina Mircea
Published: June 2022

The development of integrated photonics experiences an unprecedented growth dynamic, owing to accelerated penetration to new applications. This leads to new requirements in terms of functionality, with the most obvious feature being the increased need for wavelength versatility. To this end, we demonstrate for the first time the flip-chip integration of a GaSb semiconductor optical amplifier with a silicon photonic circuit, addressing the transition of photonic integration technology towards mid-IR wavelengths. In particular, an on-chip hybrid DBR laser emitting in the 2 µm region with an output power of 6 mW at room temperature is demonstrated. Wavelength locking was achieved employing a grating realized using 3 µm thick silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology. The SOI waveguides exhibit strong mode confinement and low losses, as well as excellent mode matching with GaSb optoelectronic chips ensuring low loss coupling. These narrow line-width laser diodes with an on-chip extended cavity can generate a continuous-wave output power of more than 1 mW even when operated at an elevated temperature of 45°C. The demonstration opens an attractive perspective for the on-chip silicon photonics integration of GaSb gain chips, enabling the development of PICs in a broad spectral range extending from 1.8 µm to beyond 3 µm.
Photonic integrated circuits with bound states in the continuum: erratum
Authors: Yu Zejie , Xi Xiang , Ma Jingwen , Tsang Hon Ki , Zou Chang-Ling , Sun Xiankai
Published: June 2022

This erratum corrects typographical errors in our previous paper
[Optica
6, 1342 (2019)OPTIC82334-253610.1364/OPTICA.6.001342].
A lifecourse mendelian randomization study highlights the long-term influence of childhood body size on later life heart structure
Authors: O’Nunain Katie , Park Chloe , Urquijo Helena , Leyden Genevieve M. , Hughes Alun D. , Davey Smith George , Richardson Tom G.
Published: June 2022

Children with obesity typically have larger left ventricular heart dimensions during adulthood. However, whether this is due to a persistent effect of adiposity extending into adulthood is challenging to disentangle due to confounding factors throughout the lifecourse. We conducted a multivariable mendelian randomization (MR) study to separate the independent effects of childhood and adult body size on 4 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of heart structure and function in the UK Biobank (UKB) study. Strong evidence of a genetically predicted effect of childhood body size on all measures of adulthood heart structure was identified, which remained robust upon accounting for adult body size using a multivariable MR framework (e.g., left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), Beta = 0.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.23 to 0.43, P = 4.6 × 10−10). Sensitivity analyses did not suggest that other lifecourse measures of body composition were responsible for these effects. Conversely, evidence of a genetically predicted effect of childhood body size on various other MRI-based measures, such as fat percentage in the liver (Beta = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.05 to 0.23, P = 0.002) and pancreas (Beta = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.10 to 0.33, P = 3.9 × 10−4), attenuated upon accounting for adult body size. Our findings suggest that childhood body size has a long-term (and potentially immutable) influence on heart structure in later life. In contrast, effects of childhood body size on other measures of adulthood organ size and fat percentage evaluated in this study are likely explained by the long-term consequence of remaining overweight throughout the lifecourse.
An assessment of vaccine wastage in the Solomon Islands
Authors: Dadari Ibrahim , Ropiti Laura , Patson Aven , Okia Philip , Narasia Jenny , Hare’e Timothy , Namohunu Salome , Ogaoga Divinal , Gaiofa Jenny , Usuf Effua
Published: June 2022

Calculating vaccine wastage rates supports vaccine forecasting and prevents stock outs/over-stock at central and immunisation delivery facilities. Ensuring there are sufficient vaccines on the several small islands of The Solomon Island while minimising waste is a challenge. Twenty-two health facilities were selected randomly from six purposefully identified provinces in the Solomon Islands and across the different levels of the health service. Additional data were obtained from the national medical stores and the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) monthly reports for 2017 and 2018. All the selected facilities were visited to observe stock management practices. We calculated wastage rates for each vaccine antigen in the EPI and described the type of wastage. We found a wide variation in the average wastage rates at the second level medical stores which may be attributed to the partial availability of wastage data. The overall wastage rate for 20-dose BCG was 38.9% (18.5–59.3), 10-dose OPV was 33.6% (8.1–59.1), and single dose PCV was 4.5% (-4.4–13.5). The data from the two smaller and farthest provinces were incomplete/not available and did not contribute to the overall wastage rates. About 50% of the reported wasted doses at the facility were reported as “damaged” vials. Wastage rates were high for the multidose vials and slightly lower for the single dose vials which were also higher than the indicative rates. There is a need to improve recording of vaccine wastage through continuous monitoring for better forecasting and program effectiveness.
National surveillance of hookworm disease in China: A population study
Authors: Zhu Hui-Hui , Huang Ji-Lei , Chen Ying-Dan , Zhou Chang-Hai , Zhu Ting-Jun , Qian Men-Bao , Zhang Mi-Zhen , Li Shi-Zhu , Zhou Xiao-Nong
Published: June 2022

Background

Hookworm disease is endemic in China and is widespread globally. The disease burden to humans is great.

Methods

The study described the national surveillance of hookworm implemented in 31 provinces/autonomous regions/municipalities (P/A/Ms) of China in 2019. Each P/A/M determined the number and location of surveillance spots (counties). A unified sampling method was employed, and at least 1000 subjects were investigated in each surveillance spot. The modified Kato-Katz thick smear method was employed for stool examination. Fifty samples positive with hookworm eggs were cultured in each surveillance spot to discriminate species betweenA.duodenaleandN.americanus. Twenty-five soil samples were collected from each surveillance spot and examined for hookworm larva. The 2019 surveillance results were analyzed and compared with that of 2016–2018.

Results

A total of 424766 subjects were investigated in 31 P/A/Ms of China in 2019, and the overall hookworm infection rate was 0.85% (3580/424766). The weighted infection and standard infection rates were 0.66% (4288357/648063870) and 0.67% (4343844/648063870), respectively. Sichuan province had the highest standard infection rate (4.75%) in 2019, followed by Chongqing (2.54%) and Hainan (2.44%). The standard infection rates of other P/A/Ms were all below 1%, with no hookworm detected in 15 P/A/Ms. The standard hookworm infection rate in the males and the females were 0.61% (2021216/330728900) and 0.71% (2267141/317334970), respectively, with a significant difference between different genders (χ2= 17.23,P<0.0001). The highest standard hookworm infection rate (1.97%) was among age ≥ 60 years, followed by 45~59 years (0.77%), 15~44 years (0.37%), and 7~14 years (0.20%). The lowest standard infection rate was among the 0~6 years age group (0.12%). A significant difference was observed among different age groups (χ2= 2 305.17,P<0.0001). The constitute ratio forN.americanus,A.duodenale, and coinfection was 78.70% (1341/1704), 2.03% (346/1704), and 1.00% (17/1704), respectively. The detection rate of hookworm larva from soil was 3.45% (71/2056).

Conclusion

The national surveillance showed that the hookworm infection rate has been decreasing annually from 2016 to 2019, and it is now below 1%. China has made significant progress in controlling hookworm. The national surveillance system is an important way to understand the endemic status and provide important information in this process and thus needs to be continually optimized.
Construction of sublingual trilaminated Eszopiclone fast dissolving film for the treatment of Insomnia: Formulation, characterization and In vivo clinical comparative pharmacokinetic study in healthy human subjects
Authors: Teaima Mahmoud , Yasser Mohamed , Elfar Nehal , Shoueir Kamel , El-Nabarawi Mohamed , Helal Doaa
Published: June 2022

Background

Disturbed sleep can cause to m health problems such as cognitive impairment, depressed mood, and negative effects on cardiovascular, endocrine, and immune function. This study formulates and optimizes Eszopiclone trilaminate fast dissolving film.

Methods

Prepared Eszopiclone trilaminate fast dissolving film (Eszopiclone TFDF) was characterized by disintegration time, drug release, tensile strength (TS), percentage elongation (EB%), folding endurance, taste masking test, and in vitro dissolution test. The selected formulas were F2 (0.5% xanthan gum, 10% propylene glycol), F4 (3% sodium alginate, 10% propylene glycol) and F6 (1.5% pullulan, 10% propylene glycol) were subjected to in vivo study compared to conventional Lunesta® tablet.

Results

The results indicated that disintegration time was in the range of 940 m. Drug release was found to be in the field of 78.51%–99.99%, while TS values and EB% differed from 11.12 to 25.74 (MPa) and 25.38%–36.43%, respectively. The folding endurance went between 200 and 300 times. All formulas exhibited acceptable uniformity content, surface pH, film thickness, and a good taste feeling.

Conclusion

F4 had the highest Cmax (39.741 ± 6.785-μg/l) and lower Tmax (1.063 hr) among other formulas and conventional tablets. Therefore, FDFs’ technology could increase the therapeutic effect of Eszopiclone.
Prospective associations between coffee consumption and psychological well-being
Authors: Qureshi Farah , Stampfer Meir , Kubzansky Laura D. , Trudel-Fitzgerald Claudia
Published: June 2022

Objective

Prior work indicates a robust relationship between coffee consumption and lower depression risk, yet no research has examined links with psychological well-being (e.g., happiness, optimism). This study tested whether coffee intake is prospectively associated with greater psychological well-being over time. Secondarily, associations in the reverse direction were also examined to determine whether initial levels of psychological well-being were related to subsequent coffee consumption.

Methods

Among women in the Nurses’ Health Study, coffee consumption was examined in 1990 and 2002 in relation to sustained levels of happiness reported across multiple assessments from 1992–2000 (N = 44,449) and sustained levels of optimism assessed from 2004–2012 (N = 36,729). Associations were tested using generalized estimating equations with a Poisson distribution adjusted for various relevant covariates. Bidirectional relationships were evaluated in secondary analyses of baseline happiness (1992) and optimism (2004) with sustained moderate coffee consumption across multiple assessments through 2010.

Results

Compared to minimal coffee consumption levels (<1 cup/day), moderate consumption (1–3 cups/day) was unrelated to happiness, whereas heavy consumption (≥4 cups/day) was associated with a 3% lower likelihood of sustained happiness (relative risk, RR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.95–0.99). Only moderate coffee consumption was weakly associated with a greater likelihood of sustained optimism (RR1-3cups/day = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.00–1.06). Secondary analyses showed high levels of optimism but not happiness levels were modestly associated with increased likelihood of sustained moderate coffee intake (RRoptimism = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02–1.10; RRhappiness = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.99–1.04).

Conclusions

Associations between psychological well-being and coffee consumption over up to two decades were largely null or weak. Although coffee consumption may protect individuals against depression over time, it may have limited impact on facets of psychological well-being.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted mutagenesis of GmTCP19L increasing susceptibility to Phytophthora sojae in soybean
Authors: Fan Sujie , Zhang Zhuo , Song Yang , Zhang Jun , Wang Piwu
Published: June 2022

The TEOSINTE BRANCHED1/CYCLOIDEA/PROLIFERATING CELL FACTOR (TCP) transcription factors is one of the superfamilies of plant-specific transcription factors involved in plant growth, development, and biotic and abiotic stress. However, there is no report on the research of the TCP transcription factors in soybean response to Phytophthora sojae. In this study, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation was used to introduce the CRISPR/Cas9 expression vector into soybean cultivar “Williams 82” and generated targeted mutants of GmTCP19L gene, which was previously related to involve in soybean responses to P. sojae. We obtained the tcp19l mutants with 2-bp deletion at GmTCP19L coding region, and the frameshift mutations produced premature translation termination codons and truncated GmTCP19L proteins, increasing susceptibility to P. sojae in the T2-generation. These results suggest that GmTCP19L encodes a TCP transcription factor that affects plant defense in soybean. The new soybean germplasm with homozygous tcp19l mutations but the BAR and Cas9 sequences were undetectable using strip and PCR methods, respectively, suggesting directions for the breeding or genetic engineering of disease-resistant soybean plants.
Discriminatory Gleason grade group signatures of prostate cancer: An application of machine learning methods
Authors: Mokoatle Mpho , Mapiye Darlington , Marivate Vukosi , Hayes Vanessa M. , Bornman Riana
Published: June 2022

One of the most precise methods to detect prostate cancer is by evaluation of a stained biopsy by a pathologist under a microscope. Regions of the tissue are assessed and graded according to the observed histological pattern. However, this is not only laborious, but also relies on the experience of the pathologist and tends to suffer from the lack of reproducibility of biopsy outcomes across pathologists. As a result, computational approaches are being sought and machine learning has been gaining momentum in the prediction of the Gleason grade group. To date, machine learning literature has addressed this problem by using features from magnetic resonance imaging images, whole slide images, tissue microarrays, gene expression data, and clinical features. However, there is a gap with regards to predicting the Gleason grade group using DNA sequences as the only input source to the machine learning models. In this work, using whole genome sequence data from South African prostate cancer patients, an application of machine learning and biological experiments were combined to understand the challenges that are associated with the prediction of the Gleason grade group. A series of machine learning binary classifiers (XGBoost, LSTM, GRU, LR, RF) were created only relying on DNA sequences input features. All the models were not able to adequately discriminate between the DNA sequences of the studied Gleason grade groups (Gleason grade group 1 and 5). However, the models were further evaluated in the prediction of tumor DNA sequences from matched-normal DNA sequences, given DNA sequences as the only input source. In this new problem, the models performed acceptably better than before with the XGBoost model achieving the highest accuracy of 74 ± 01, F1 score of 79 ± 01, recall of 99 ± 0.0, and precision of 66 ± 0.1.
Silicon fertilization counteracts salinity-induced damages associated with changes in physio-biochemical modulations in spinach
Authors: Naz Riffat , Zaman Qamar uz , Nazir Saba , Komal Nayab , Chen Yinglong , Ashraf Kamran , Al-Huqail Asma A. , Alfagham Alanoud , Siddiqui Manzer H. , Ali Hayssam M. , Khan Faheema , Sultan Khawar , Khosa Quratulain
Published: June 2022

Plant growth and productivity are limited by the severe impact of salt stress on the fundamental physiological processes. Silicon (Si) supplementation is one of the promising techniques to improve the resilience of plants under salt stress. This study deals with the response of exogenous Si applications (0, 2, 4, and 6 mM) on growth, gaseous exchange, ion homeostasis and antioxidant enzyme activities in spinach grown under saline conditions (150 mM NaCl). Salinity stress markedly reduced the growth, physiological, biochemical, water availability, photosynthesis, enzymatic antioxidants, and ionic status in spinach leaves. Salt stress significantly enhanced leaf Na+ contents in spinach plants. Supplementary foliar application of Si (4 mM) alleviated salt toxicity, by modulating the physiological and photosynthetic attributes and decreasing electrolyte leakage, and activities of SOD, POD and CAT. Moreover, Si-induced mitigation of salt stress was due to the depreciation in Na+/K+ ratio, Na+ ion uptake at the surface of spinach roots, and translocation in plant tissues, thereby reducing the Na+ ion accumulation. Foliar applied Si (4 mM) ameliorates ionic toxicity by decreasing Na+ uptake. Overall, the results illustrate that foliar applied Si induced resistance against salinity stress in spinach by regulating the physiology, antioxidant metabolism, and ionic homeostasis. We advocate that exogenous Si supplementation is a practical approach that will allow spinach plants to recover from salt toxicity.
Improved implementation of aspirin in pregnancy among Dutch gynecologists: Surveys in 2016 and 2021
Authors: bij de Weg Jeske Milou , Visser Laura , Oudijk Martijn Alexander , de Vries Johanna Inge Petra , de Groot Christianne Johanna Maria , de Boer Marjon Alina
Published: June 2022

Objective

To evaluate the implementation of low-dose aspirin in pregnancy for the prevention of utero-placental complications among gynecologists in the Netherlands between 2016 and 2021. In this timeframe, a national guideline about aspirin in pregnancy was introduced by the Dutch Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Materials and methods

A national online survey among Dutch gynecologists and residents was performed. An online questionnaire was distributed among the members of the Dutch Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology in April 2016 and April 2021. Main outcome measure was the proportion of gynecologists indicating prescription of aspirin in pregnancy for high and moderate risk indications.

Results

In 2016, 133 respondents completed the survey, and in 2021 231. For all indications mentioned in the guideline there was an increase in prescribing aspirin in 2021 in comparison to 2016. More specifically, the percentage of gynecologists prescribing aspirin for a history of preeclampsia before 34 weeks, between 34 and 37 weeks and at term increased from respectively 94% to 100%, 39% to 98%, and 15% to 97%. Consultant obstetricians and respondents working in an university hospital did not more often indicate the prescription of aspirin for tertiary care indications in 2021. Future use of a prediction model was suggested in the narrative comments.

Conclusion

Implementation of aspirin in pregnancy among Dutch gynecologists substantially improved after a five year timeframe in which the national guideline on aspirin during pregnancy was introduced and trials confirming the effect of aspirin were published.
Improving outcomes for care partners of persons with traumatic brain injury: Protocol for a randomized control trial of a just-in-time-adaptive self-management intervention
Authors: Carlozzi Noelle E. , Sander Angelle M. , Choi Sung Won , Wu Zhenke , Miner Jennifer A. , Lyden Angela K. , Graves Christopher , Sen Srijan
Published: June 2022

Informal family care partners of persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI) often experience intense stress resulting from their caregiver role. As such, there is a need for low burden, and easy to engage in interventions to improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for these care partners. This study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a personalized just-in-time adaptive intervention (JITAI) aimed at improving the HRQOL of care partners. Participants are randomized either to a control group, where they wear the Fitbit® and provide daily reports of HRQOL over a six-month (180 day) period (without the personalized feedback), or the JITAI group, where they wear the Fitbit®, provide daily reports of HRQOL and receive personalized self-management pushes for 6 months. 240 participants will be enrolled (n = 120 control group; n = 120 JITAI group). Outcomes are collected at baseline, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- & 6-months, as well as 3- and 6-months post intervention. We hypothesize that the care partners who receive the intervention (JITAI group) will show improvements in caregiver strain (primary outcome) and mental health (depression and anxiety) after the 6-month (180 day) home monitoring period. Participant recruitment for this study started in November 2020. Data collection efforts should be completed by spring 2025; results are expected by winter 2025. At the conclusion of this randomized control trial, we will be able to identify care partners at greatest risk for negative physical and mental health outcomes, and will have demonstrated the efficacy of this JITAI intervention to improve HRQOL for these care partners.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrial.gov NCT04570930; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04570930.
Health-related quality of life among women aging with and without HIV in Peru
Authors: Cabrera Diego M. , Chen Meibin , Cornejo Mijahil P. , Pinedo Yvett , Garcia Patricia J. , Hsieh Evelyn
Published: June 2022

Background

Studies have shown that women aging with HIV have significantly lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL) compared to women without HIV. However, no studies have examined this issue in Latin America and the Caribbean. We aimed to explore HRQoL measured by the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) among women aging with and without HIV in Peru.

Materials and methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study at a large HIV-clinic in Peru. Outcomes of the SF-36 were evaluated, exploring the relationship between physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), sociodemographic factors (ethnicity, alcohol/tobacco use, age, BMI) and clinical data (AIDS progression, treatment duration, CD4+ cell count and viral load, years since HIV diagnosis) with HRQoL using regression analysis. Statistical significance was set with a two-tailed p-value <0.05.

Results

We enrolled 427 women (175 HIV-infected) with mean age of 54±8 years. From the SF-36 individual domains: physical functioning, role limitations due to physical and emotional health, and emotional wellbeing were significantly lower for HIV-infected women. Summary component scores were lower for the HIV-subset for both physical (45.8 vs 47.3) and mental (45.1 vs 45.8) components, although they did not achieve statistical significance. Regression analysis of the HIV-infected women revealed that the physical component score was significantly associated with physical activity, ethnicity, and chronic comorbidities while the mental component was significantly associated with physical activity, employment, and CD4+ cell count.

Conclusion

In our study, HIV-infected women scored lower in both physical and mental component scores. Important determinants for each component included CD4+ cell count as an assessment of HIV severity for the mental component, and ethnicity, reflecting socio-cultural factors, for the physical component. These results reveal the importance of a holistic approach to addressing HRQoL in this population. Better understanding of these factors will help shape future policies and interventions to improve HRQoL of women aging with HIV.
Power and lie detection
Authors: Ulatowska Joanna , Cislak Aleksandra
Published: June 2022

Social power undermines focus on others and increases reliance on stereotype-consistent information. Thus, power may enhance focus on stereotypical cues to deception, thereby decreasing lie detection accuracy. In three studies, we tested whether having power affects lie detection accuracy. Participants (overall N = 502) were asked to identify truthful and lying candidates (N = 12) during mock job interviews. Study 1 was a field experiment involving employees who held managerial and non-managerial positions (N = 88). In the following laboratory experiments, we manipulated power and asked participants to imagine themselves as managers (Study 2, N = 214) or provided them with control over resources and the ability to reward others (Study 3, N = 200). In Studies 2 and 3, we additionally manipulated the method of lie detection (direct vs. indirect). In contrast to the original hypotheses, we found that power led to increased veracity assessment accuracy. Having power over others enhances the accuracy of one’s veracity assessment, although this increase is small and limited to lie detection (Study 1) or direct judgments (Studies 2 & 3). Together, power affects the processing of social information and what aspects of this information are taken into account.
An information theory-based approach to characterize drivers of upstream salmon migration
Authors: Goodwell Allison , Campbell Nicholas
Published: June 2022

The migration timing of Pacific salmon in the Columbia River basin is subject to multiple influences related to climate, human water resource management, and lagged effects such as oceanic conditions. We apply an information theory-based approach to analyze drivers of adult Chinook salmon migration within the spring and fall spawning seasons and between years based on salmon counts at dams along the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Time-lagged mutual information and information decomposition measures, which characterize lagged and nonlinear dependencies as reductions in uncertainty, are used to detect interactions between salmon counts and lagged streamflows, air and water temperatures, precipitation, snowpack, climate indices and downstream salmon counts. At a daily timescale, these interdependencies reflect migration timing and show differences between fall and spring run salmon, while dependencies based on variables at an annual resolution reflect long-term predictability. We also highlight several types of joint dependencies where predictability of salmon counts depends on the knowledge of multiple lagged sources. This study illustrates how co-varying human and natural drivers could propagate to influence salmon migration timing or overall returns, and how nonlinear types of dependencies between variables enhance predictability of a target. This information-based framework is broadly applicable to assess driving factors in other types of complex water resources systems or species life cycles.