bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of help-seeking behaviour in people with mental health problems: a 3-year prospective community study
Authors: Doll Carolin M. , Michel Chantal , Rosen Marlene , Osman Naweed , Schimmelmann Benno G. , Schultze-Lutter Frauke
Published: September 2021

Background

The majority of people with mental illness do not seek help at all or only with significant delay. To reduce help-seeking barriers for people with mental illness, it is therefore important to understand factors predicting help-seeking. Thus, we prospectively examined potential predictors of help-seeking behaviour among people with mental health problems (N = 307) over 3 years.

Methods

Of the participants of a 3-year follow-up of a larger community study (response rate: 66.4%), data of 307 (56.6%) persons with any mental health problems (age-at-baseline: 16–40 years) entered a structural equation model of the influence of help-seeking, stigma, help-seeking attitudes, functional impairments, age and sex at baseline on subsequent help-seeking for mental health problems.

Results

Functional impairment at baseline was the strongest predictor of follow-up help-seeking in the model. Help-seeking at baseline was the second-strongest predictor of subsequent help-seeking, which was less likely when help-seeking for mental health problems was assumed to be embarrassing. Personal and perceived stigma, and help-seeking intentions had no direct effect on help-seeking.

Conclusions

With only 22.5% of persons with mental health problems seeking any help for these, there was a clear treatment gap. Functional deficits were the strongest mediator of help-seeking, indicating that help is only sought when mental health problems have become more severe. Earlier help-seeking seemed to be mostly impeded by anticipated stigma towards help-seeking for mental health problems. Thus, factors or beliefs conveying such anticipated stigma should be studied longitudinally in more detail to be able to establish low-threshold services in future.
Comparing post-operative pain between single bundle and double bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a retrospective study
Authors: Chuaychoosakoon Chaiwat , Parinyakhup Wachiraphan , Wiwatboworn Arnan , Purngpiputtrakul Peeranut , Wanasitchaiwat Pawin , Boonriong Tanarat
Published: September 2021

Background

In anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, the clinical outcome and level of post-operative pain are important factors. To date there have been no studies evaluating differences in post-operative pain between single bundle and double bundle ACL reconstruction with a hamstring graft.

Hypothesis/purpose

We hypothesized that post-operative pain in single bundle ACL reconstruction would be less than in double bundle ACL reconstruction. This study was to compare post-operative pain between patients undergoing single bundle versus double bundle ACL reconstruction.

Study design

Cohort study.

Methods

﻿This was a retrospective study comparing post-operative pain scores between single bundle and double bundle ACL reconstruction. Each patient was given our standard regimen of oral diclofenac (25 mg/tab) three times per day and paracetamol (500 mg/tab) six times per day for 1 day post-operatively. If the patient complained of moderate to severe pain (pain numeric rating scale (PNRS) > 3), 3 mg of morphine was injected intravenously every 3 h for 24 h and 1 mg of morphine as a rescue medication every 1 h for 24 h. PNRS and morphine consumption were recorded at 4-h intervals for 24 h.

Results

209 patients were included in this study of whom 102 and 107 patients received single bundle and double bundle ACL reconstruction, respectively. The average post-operative pain scores of the single bundle group were lower at all time points. Linear mixed effect regression analyses showed that the single bungle group had lower post-operative pain than the double bundle group after adjusting for confounders (beta = − 0.45; 95% CI = − 0.838, − 0.062) but there was no statistically significant difference between numbers of bundle ACL reconstruction with regard to morphine consumption.

Conclusion

Single bundle ACL reconstruction had significantly lower post-operative pain scores than double bundle ACL reconstruction.

Clinical relevance

Double bundle ACL reconstruction results in higher post-operative pain, which may slow the start of rehabilitation and reduce patient satisfaction. In middle-aged adult patients with low-demand activities, we suggest performing a single bundle ACL reconstruction.
Quantitative evaluation of upper urinary tract pump function in pigs with acute unilateral lower ureteral obstruction by 640-slice dynamic volume CT
Authors: Mao Chongwen , Peng Cong , Li Song , Chen Liling , You Mengjing , Fang Kewei , Xiang Shutian , Su Yunshan
Published: September 2021

Background

It is a challenging problem to differentiate obstructive hydronephrosis from noninvasive evaluation of renal pelvis and ureteral motility in patients. The purpose of this study was to explore the value of 640-slice dynamic volume CT (DVCT) in the quantitative measurement of upper urinary tract (UUT) pump function after acute unilateral lower ureteral obstruction in pigs.

Methods

In this study, a perfusion pig model was constructed by constant pressure perfusion testing of the renal pelvis and left nephrostomy. The perfusion and pressure measuring devices were connected to create a state of no obstruction and acute obstruction of the lower part of the left ureter. After successful modelling, continuous dynamic volume scanning of the bilateral renal excretion phase was performed with 640-slice DVCT, and pump functions of the renal pelvis and part of the upper ureter were calculated and analysed. No obstruction or acute obstruction of the lower part of the left ureter was observed. Pump functions of the renal pelvis and part of the upper ureter were determined.

Results

The results showed that after LUUT fistulostomy, the time difference between the average UUT volume and positive volume value increased gradually, and the calculated flow velocity decreased, which was significantly different from that of the RUUT. The volume difference of the LUUT increased significantly in mild obstruction. In the bilateral control, the volume change rate of the LUUT increased with mild obstruction and decreased with severe obstruction, and there was a significant difference between the left and right sides.

Conclusion

The continuous dynamic volume scan and measurement of 640-slice DVCT can obtain five pump function datasets of UUT in pigs with acute lower ureteral obstruction.
Subjective and objective nutritional assessment: nurses’ role and the effect of cultural differences
Authors: Gbareen M. , Barnoy S. , Theilla M.
Published: September 2021

Background

Even though the nutritional assessment of chronically ill patients has a significant effect on outcomes, nurses’ time constraints in clinical encounters may make the process impractical. Also, cultural background has an effect on nutritional assessment. Patient nutritional self-assessment can ease some of the nurses’ workload. Objectives: To compare tools for subjective and objective nutritional assessment and to examine cultural differences in nutritional assessment between Jews and Arabs living in Israel.

Methods

The research design was cross-sectional; data were collected from Jews and Arabs with chronic illnesses living in the community during their visit to a public health clinic. The admitting nurse performed an objective nutritional assessment (Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA)) after the patients completed the Subjective Nutritional Assessment (SANS). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated to test the relationships between the variables, and independent student t-tests were used to compare the means and differences between groups. The diagnostic accuracy of the MNA and of the SANS was determined using the area under the curve (AUC) analysis of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The agreement between the MNA and SANS measurements was estimated by a Bland Altman plot. The level of significance employed throughout the analysis was 0.05.

Results

The sample was a convenience sample of 228 chronically ill patients, consisting of 121 Arabs and 107 Jews. A significant correlation was found between the subjective and objective nutritional assessments. The Bland–Altman plot demonstrated that the SANS and the MNA have a high level of agreement. Using the area under the curve (AUC) analysis of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, showed an moderate diagnostic accuracy (73 % sensitivity and 30 % specificity).

Conclusions

Since the patient-completed nutritional assessment requires minimal time investment by nurses and we found a significant correlation and evidence for the accuracy and agreement of the objective and subjective assessments, further studies should assess and validate the possibility of replacing the objective nutritional assessment by the subjective assessment. Cultural background has a significant effect on patients’ nutritional self-assessment; hence, culture should be considered as part of the nutritional assessment.
A literature-based study of patient-centered care and communication in nurse-patient interactions: barriers, facilitators, and the way forward
Authors: Kwame Abukari , Petrucka Pammla M.
Published: September 2021

Providing healthcare services that respect and meet patients’ and caregivers’ needs are essential in promoting positive care outcomes and perceptions of quality of care, thereby fulfilling a significant aspect of patient-centered care requirement. Effective communication between patients and healthcare providers is crucial for the provision of patient care and recovery. Hence, patient-centered communication is fundamental to ensuring optimal health outcomes, reflecting long-held nursing values that care must be individualized and responsive to patient health concerns, beliefs, and contextual variables. Achieving patient-centered care and communication in nurse-patient clinical interactions is complex as there are always institutional, communication, environmental, and personal/behavioural related barriers. To promote patient-centered care, healthcare professionals must identify these barriers and facitators of both patient-centered care and communication, given their interconnections in clinical interactions. A person-centered care and communication continuum (PC4 Model) is thus proposed to orient healthcare professionals to care practices, discourse contexts, and communication contents and forms that can enhance or impede the acheivement of patient-centered care in clinical practice.
Cost-effectiveness of MRI targeted biopsy strategies for diagnosing prostate cancer in Singapore
Authors: Cheng Li-Jen , Soon Swee Sung , Tan Teck Wei , Tan Cher Heng , Lim Terence Sey Kiat , Tay Kae Jack , Loke Wei Tim , Ang Bertrand , Chiong Edmund , Ng Kwong
Published: September 2021

Background

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of six diagnostic strategies involving magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) targeted biopsy for diagnosing prostate cancer in initial and repeat biopsy settings from the Singapore healthcare system perspective.

Methods

A combined decision tree and Markov model was developed. The starting model population was men with mean age of 65 years referred for a first prostate biopsy due to clinical suspicion of prostate cancer. The six diagnostic strategies were selected for their relevance to local clinical practice. They comprised MRI targeted biopsy following a positive pre-biopsy multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) [Prostate Imaging – Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) score ≥ 3], systematic biopsy, or saturation biopsy employed in different testing combinations and sequences. Deterministic base case analyses with sensitivity analyses were performed using costs from the healthcare system perspective and quality-adjusted life years (QALY) gained as the outcome measure to yield incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs).

Results

Deterministic base case analyses showed that Strategy 1 (MRI targeted biopsy alone), Strategy 2 (MRI targeted biopsy ➔ systematic biopsy), and Strategy 4 (MRI targeted biopsy ➔ systematic biopsy ➔ saturation biopsy) were cost-effective options at a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of US$20,000, with ICERs ranging from US$18,975 to US$19,458. Strategies involving MRI targeted biopsy in the repeat biopsy setting were dominated. Sensitivity analyses found the ICERs were affected mostly by changes to the annual discounting rate and prevalence of prostate cancer in men referred for first biopsy, ranging between US$15,755 to US$23,022. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses confirmed Strategy 1 to be the least costly, and Strategies 2 and 4 being the preferred strategies when WTP thresholds were US$20,000 and US$30,000, respectively.

Limitations and conclusions

This study found MRI targeted biopsy to be cost-effective in diagnosing prostate cancer in the biopsy-naïve setting in Singapore.
The innovation characteristics of person-centred care as perceived by healthcare professionals: an interview study employing a deductive-inductive content analysis guided by the consolidated framework for implementation research
Authors: Fridberg Helena , Wallin Lars , Tistad Malin
Published: September 2021

Background

Person-centred care (PCC) is promoted as an innovation that will improve patients’ rights and increase their participation in healthcare. Experience shows that the implementation of PCC is challenging and often results in varying levels of adoption. How health care professionals (HCPs) perceive an innovation such as PCC is an important factor to consider in implementation. Yet, such studies are scarce. Thus, in a sample of healthcare units in a region in Sweden, involved in a transition to PCC, we aimed to investigate HCPs’ perceptions of PCC.

Methods

An interview study was conducted in 2018 during the implementation of PCC with HCPs (n = 97) representing diverse vocational roles in six healthcare contexts. Data were collected via focus groups (n = 15), dyadic interviews (n = 5), and individual interviews (n = 22) and analysed using a deductive–inductive content analysis. The deductive approach was guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), followed by an inductive analysis to describe HCPs’ in-depth perceptions of PCC in relation to each of the CFIR constructs.

Results

Eight constructs from two of the CFIR domains, Intervention characteristics and Inner setting, were used to code HCPs’ perceptions of PCC. One construct, Observability, was added to the coding sheet to fully describe all the data. The constructs Relative advantage, Complexity, Compatibility, Observability, and Available resources were discussed in depth by HCPs and resulted in rich and detailed data in the inductive data analysis. This analysis showed large variations in perceptions of PCC among HCPs, based on factors such as the PCCs ethical underpinnings, its operationalisation into concrete working routines, and each HCPs’ unique recognition of PCC and the value they placed on it.

Conclusions

We identified nine CFIR constructs that seem pertinent to HCPs’ perceptions of PCC. HCPs report an array of mixed perceptions of PCC, underlining its complex nature. The perceptions are shaped by a range of factors, such as their individual understandings of the concept and the operationalisation of PCC in their local context. Stakeholders in charge of implementing PCC might use the results as a guide, delineating factors that may be important to consider in a wide range of healthcare contexts.
Stereotactic body radiotherapy for osseous low alpha–beta resistant metastases for pain relief—SOLAR-P
Authors: Nguyen Eric K. , Quan Kimmen , Parpia Sameer , Tran Stephan , Swaminath Anand
Published: September 2021

Background

Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) has shown effectiveness in treating bone metastases to alleviate pain. The benefit of SBRT may be further harnessed especially when radiating disease from primary malignancies with low alpha–beta ratios in order to maximize the magnitude and durability of pain relief. However, such an approach has not been studied in a prospective trial. We look to assess single-fraction SBRT for painful non-spinal bone metastases from radioresistant primaries.

Methods

Forty patients will be enrolled on an open label, phase II single arm trial to receive a single fraction of SBRT (15–20 Gray) to all sites of bone metastases requiring treatment for pain relief. Eligible patients will include those with primary malignancies consisting of prostate cancer, breast cancer, renal cell carcinoma, or melanoma. The primary endpoint is pain response at 3 months post-treatment using the Brief Pain Inventory. Secondary endpoints include pain response at 1 month and 6 months post-treatment, toxicity, patient-reported quality of life, re-irradiation or salvage surgery, and local control.

Discussion

This study will evaluate the efficacy of single-fraction SBRT on painful bone metastases from primary cancers with low alpha–beta ratios. These data will be valuable to promote future randomized trials and support clinical implementation.

Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04177056. Date of registration: November 26, 2019. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04177056
Three-dimensional mapping of distal humerus fracture
Authors: Wang Chao , Zhu Yong , Long Haitao , Lin Zhangyuan , Zhao Ruibo , Sun Buhua , Zhao Shushan , Cheng Liang
Published: September 2021

Background

Distal humerus fractures (DHFs) constitute one-third of elbow fractures approximately. In this study, we aim to define and analyze the fracture lines and morphological features of DHFs using mapping technique.

Methods

One hundred and two DHFs were retrospectively reviewed. All the computed tomography (CT) data were used to manually reconstruct and virtually reduce the DHF fragments to fit a standard 3D model. Smooth curves were depicted accurately onto the surface of the template to represent the fracture lines. All the curves were overlapped onto the model to create the 3D fracture map and heat map.

Results

Our analysis was based on 102 CT images of DHFs, contributed by 59 male and 43 female patients (mean age, 46 years; range, 18-93 years), and included 15 type A, 25 type B, and 62 type C fractures. On mapping, the hot zones were located in the radial fossa, coronoid fossa, olecranon fossa, and the external part of the trochlear. Conversely, the cold zones were noted in medial condyle, the medial side of the trochlear, and the anterolateral area on the supracondylar ridge.

Conclusions

Our study firstly shows the fracture lines and morphological features of distal humeral fractures by three-dimensional mapping technology. Distal humerus fracture lines are characteristic and highly related to the micro-architecture difference of distal humerus, which may provide some guidance for the treatment plan selection and surgical fixation design.
A gene-editing/complementation strategy for tissue-specific lignin reduction while preserving biomass yield
Authors: Yu Hasi , Liu Chang , Dixon Richard A.
Published: September 2021

Background

Lignification of secondary cell walls is a major factor conferring recalcitrance of lignocellulosic biomass to deconstruction for fuels and chemicals. Genetic modification can reduce lignin content and enhance saccharification efficiency, but usually at the cost of moderate-to-severe growth penalties. We have developed a method, using a single DNA construct that uses CRISPR–Cas9 gene editing to knock-out expression of an endogenous gene of lignin monomer biosynthesis while at the same time expressing a modified version of the gene’s open reading frame that escapes cutting by the Cas9 system and complements the introduced mutation in a tissue-specific manner.

Results

Expressing the complementing open reading frame in vessels allows for the regeneration of Arabidopsis plants with reduced lignin, wild-type biomass yield, and up to fourfold enhancement of cell wall sugar yield per plant. The above phenotypes are seen in both homozygous and bi-allelic heterozygous T1 lines, and are stable over at least four generations.

Conclusions

The method provides a rapid approach for generating reduced lignin trees or crops with one single transformation event, and, paired with a range of tissue-specific promoters, provides a general strategy for optimizing loss-of-function traits that are associated with growth penalties. This method should be applicable to any plant species in which transformation and gene editing are feasible and validated vessel-specific promoters are available.
Dynamic reciprocal relationships between cognitive and functional declines along the Alzheimer’s disease continuum in the prospective COGICARE study
Authors: Carles Sophie , Taddé Bachirou O. , Berr Claudine , Helmer Catherine , Jacqmin-Gadda Hélène , Carrière Isabelle , Proust-Lima Cécile
Published: September 2021

Background

Thoroughly understanding the temporal associations between cognitive and functional dimensions along the dementia process is fundamental to define preventive measures likely to delay the disease’s onset. This work aimed to finely describe the trajectories of cognitive and functional declines, and assess their dynamic bidirectional relationships among subjects at different stages of the dementia process.

Methods

We leveraged extensive repeated data of cognition and functional dependency from the French prospective COGICARE study, designed to better characterize the natural history of cognitive and functional declines around dementia diagnosis. Cognition was measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Isaacs Set Test for verbal fluency, the Benton Visual Retention Test for visuo-spatial memory, and Trail Making Test Part B for executive functioning. Functional dependency was measured by basic and instrumental activities of daily living. The study included 102 cognitively normal, 123 mildly cognitively impaired, and 72 dementia cases with a median of 5 repeated visits over up to 57 months. We used a dynamic causal model which addresses the two essential issues in temporal associations assessment: focusing on intra-individual change and accounting for time.

Results

Better cognitive abilities were associated with lower subsequent decline of the functional level among the three clinical stages with an intensification over time but no reciprocity of the association whatever the clinical status.

Conclusion

This work confirms that the progressive functional dependency could be induced by cognitive impairment. Subjects identified as early as possible with clinically significant cognitive impairments could benefit from preventive measures before the deterioration of activities of daily living and the appearance of dementia clinical signs.
Structural brain differences in recovering and weight-recovered adult outpatient women with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Brodrick Brooks B. , Adler-Neal Adrienne L. , Palka Jayme M. , Mishra Virendra , Aslan Sina , McAdams Carrie J.
Published: September 2021

Background

Anorexia nervosa is a complex psychiatric illness that includes severe low body weight with cognitive distortions and altered eating behaviors. Brain structures, including cortical thicknesses in many regions, are reduced in underweight patients who are acutely ill with anorexia nervosa. However, few studies have examined adult outpatients in the process of recovering from anorexia nervosa. Evaluating neurobiological problems at different physiological stages of anorexia nervosa may facilitate our understanding of the recovery process.

Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images from 37 partially weight-restored women with anorexia nervosa (pwAN), 32 women with a history of anorexia nervosa maintaining weight restoration (wrAN), and 41 healthy control women were analyzed using FreeSurfer. Group differences in brain structure, including cortical thickness, areas, and volumes, were compared using a series of factorial f-tests, including age as a covariate, and correcting for multiple comparisons with the False Discovery Rate method.

Results

The pwAN and wrAN cohorts differed from each other in body mass index, eating disorder symptoms, and social problem solving orientations, but not depression or self-esteem. Relative to the HC cohort, eight cortical thicknesses were thinner for the pwAN cohort; these regions were predominately right-sided and in the cingulate and frontal lobe. One of these regions, the right pars orbitalis, was also thinner for the wrAN cohort. One region, the right parahippocampal gyrus, was thicker in the pwAN cohort. One volume, the right cerebellar white matter, was reduced in the pwAN cohort. There were no differences in global white matter, gray matter, or subcortical volumes across the cohorts.

Conclusions

Many regional structural differences were observed in the pwAN cohort with minimal differences in the wrAN cohort. These data support a treatment focus on achieving and sustaining full weight restoration to mitigate possible neurobiological sequela of AN. In addition, the regions showing cortical thinning are similar to structural changes reported elsewhere for suicide attempts, anxiety disorders, and autistic spectrum disorder. Understanding how brain structure and function are related to clinical symptoms expressed during the course of recovering from AN is needed.
Mindfulness based art therapy study protocol to determine efficacy in reducing college stress and anxiety
Authors: Van Lith Theresa , Cheshure Andrea , Pickett Scott M. , Stanwood Gregg D. , Beerse Megan
Published: September 2021

Background

College students in Generation Z are among the most stressed of our time. Previous research suggests that current interventions on university campuses are primarily for students in crises, but supportive services like psychoeducation to introduce coping skills are scant. Interventions that take both financial and time pressures into account are needed to address the mental health challenges faced by students. This study is designed to determine the unique role of the arts as a proactive mental health strategy for college students.

Methods

A sample of college students in Generation Z (n = 120) will be recruited. Participants will be assigned to Arts-only, mindfulness-only, mindfulness-based art interventions or a non-intervention control group. These interventions will be delivered using a minimal contact, web-based approach. Participants will be screened for eligibility requirements prior to the inclusion in the Time 1 assessment though an online survey. Once enrolled, participants will complete the Time 1 assessment, followed by the intervention. Each assessment will consist of psychological and physiological measures. The MBAT, NCT and MO groups will complete a brief self-care task twice a week for 5 weeks. Upon completion of the assigned intervention, participants will complete a Time 2 assessment and participate in the Trier Social Stress Test. Six weeks post-intervention, participants will complete the final assessment to assess the longevity of effects of the intervention.

Discussion

This study will clarify the effects of Mindfulness-based Art Therapy on several biometric and physiological markers above and beyond isolated art therapy or mindfulness interventions. Qualitative data in the form of transcribed exit interviews will be analyzed to characterize the unique needs of Generation Z students, along with level of engagement, intervention acceptance and satisfaction. The results will identify the efficacy of a low-cost and easily accessible mental health intervention targeting college students experiencing stress and anxiety.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04834765, 05/17/21. Retrospectively registered.
A comparison of self-bias measures across cognitive domains
Authors: Amodeo Letizia , Wiersema Jan R. , Brass Marcel , Nijhof Annabel D.
Published: September 2021

Background

The ‘self-bias’—i.e., the human proneness to preferentially process self-relevant stimuli—is thought to be important for both self-related and social processing. Previous research operationalized the self-bias using different paradigms, assessing the size of the self-bias within a single cognitive domain. Recent studies suggested a reduced self-bias in autism, yet findings are inconsistent. The lack of consensus across existing studies may result from variation in paradigms and cognitive domains tested. Therefore, the primary goal of the current study was to investigate whether self-biases found across cognitive domains (i.e., perception, memory, attention) are related or independent. The secondary goal was to explore the relationship between these self-biases and the extent of autistic traits in a neurotypical sample.

Methods

In an online procedure, 99 Dutch-speaking adults performed three self-processing tasks in counterbalanced order—i.e., the shape-label matching task (perception), the trait adjectives task (memory) and the visual search task (attention)—and completed two self-report measures of ASD symptomatology, i.e., AQ-10 and SRS-A. To control for level of familiarity, self-, close other- and famous other-relevant stimuli were included in each task. Repeated measures ANOVAs were conducted for each task, and both frequentist as well as Bayesian analyses were applied to investigate the correlational patterns between self-bias measures.

Results

We observed significant correlations of the self-bias magnitude between memory and attention, as well as attention and perception. However, Bayesian analysis provided only weak support for the latter association. Further, the size of the self-bias was not significantly related across memory and perception. No significant correlation between autistic traits and the self-bias magnitude was found for any of the three tasks, with Bayesian analyses strongly favoring the null hypothesis.

Conclusions

In contrast with the view of a ‘unidimensional’ self-bias, our findings provide evidence for a heterogeneous and multifaceted self consisting of a variety of related and unrelated aspects. None of the self-bias indices were found to relate to autistic traits in our neurotypical sample.
Study on the linear absent section ratio (L-ASR) of earthen sites and anthropogenic influence from the perspective of population density
Authors: Du Yumin , Chen Wenwu , Cui Kai , Dong Wenqiang , Zhang Shuai , Zhang Qiyong
Published: September 2021

Having extremely high artistic, scientific and social values, earthen sites are widely distributed in China and are important human cultural relic resources. Due to accumulated natural erosions (from rain and wind) and human activities (destructive activities of human beings in history and modern times), however, earthen sites have been greatly damaged, and many sections have even been absent, so that they are seriously threatened by extinction. Under these circumstances, acquiring the conservation status of earthen sites is a vital prerequisite for the subsequent targeted protection. In this paper, as a world-renowned heritage site, the castles of the Ming Great Wall located in Qinghai Province were selected as the research object. A novel indicator, namely the linear absent section ratio (L-ASR), was proposed, and its value was classified into five levels to quantitatively characterize the specific conservation status of such sites, including excellent (E) (0–10%), good (G) (10–25%), fair (F) (25–50%), poor (P) (50–75%), and very poor (VP) (75–100%). Based on the assessment results, the castles with excellent status constituted the minimum proportion, while the castles with very poor status represented the largest percentage, reflecting the grave situation of earthen sites. Furthermore, by applying population distribution models to the linear fitting combined with the population density (PD), a positive correlation between PD and L-ASR was obtained to reveal the anthropogenic influence on the destruction of earthen sites. Principal component analysis (PCA) was utilized to provide a far richer understanding of which factors correlate most strongly with deterioration. This study provides a new thought to quantitatively characterize the preservation conditions of earthen sites and also indicates the effect of human activities on the damage of earthen sites from a population density perspective, which is potentially used for the analysis of more various types of architecture with different construction techniques. Hence, this approach is beneficial to the overall damage assessment of earthen sites, and also meaningful to their further preservation and protective planning.
Forecast of complex financial big data using model tree optimized by bilevel evolution strategy
Authors: Senoguchi Junsuke
Published: September 2021

If a decision tree is constructed through a series of locally optimal solutions, such as the Greedy method, overfitting to the data is likely to occur. In order to avoid overfitting, many previous research have attempted to collectively optimize the structure of a decision tree by using evolutionary computation. However, if attributes of each split and their thresholds are searched simultaneously, the evaluation function becomes intermittent; thus, optimization methods assuming continuous distribution cannot be used. In this study, in order to enable efficient search assuming continuous distribution even for complicated data that contains a lot of noise and extraordinary values, such as financial time series data, the inner level search that optimizes each threshold value collectively given a specific attribute for each split in a model tree and the outer level search that optimizes the attributes of each split were performed by separate evolutionary computing. As a result, we obtained high prediction accuracy that far exceeded the performance of the conventional method.
Review of the Early–Middle Pleistocene boundary and Marine Isotope Stage 19
Authors: Head Martin J.
Published: September 2021

The Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) defining the base of the Chibanian Stage and Middle Pleistocene Subseries at the Chiba section, Japan, was ratified on January 17, 2020. Although this completed a process initiated by the International Union for Quaternary Research in 1973, the term Middle Pleistocene had been in use since the 1860s. The Chiba GSSP occurs immediately below the top of Marine Isotope Substage (MIS) 19c and has an astronomical age of 774.1 ka. The Matuyama–Brunhes paleomagnetic reversal has a directional midpoint just 1.1 m above the GSSP and serves as the primary guide to the boundary. This reversal lies within the Early–Middle Pleistocene transition and has long been favoured to mark the base of the Middle Pleistocene. MIS 19 occurs within an interval of low-amplitude orbital eccentricity and was triggered by an obliquity cycle. It spans two insolation peaks resulting from precession minima and has a duration of ~ 28 to 33 kyr. MIS 19c begins ~ 791–787.5 ka, includes full interglacial conditions which lasted for ~ 8–12.5 kyr, and ends with glacial inception at ~ 774–777 ka. This inception has left an array of climatostratigraphic signals close to the Early–Middle Pleistocene boundary. MIS 19b–a contains a series of three or four interstadials often with rectangular-shaped waveforms and marked by abrupt (< 200 year) transitions. Intervening stadials including the inception of glaciation are linked to the calving of ice sheets into the northern North Atlantic and consequent disruption of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC), which by means of the thermal bipolar seesaw caused phase-lagged warming events in the Antarctic. The coherence of stadial–interstadial oscillations during MIS 19b–a across the Asian–Pacific and North Atlantic–Mediterranean realms suggests AMOC-originated shifts in the Intertropical Convergence Zone and pacing by equatorial insolation forcing. Low-latitude monsoon dynamics appear to have amplified responses regionally although high-latitude teleconnections may also have played a role.
The Influence of Customized Mouthguards on the Muscular Activity of the Masticatory Muscles at Maximum Bite and Motor Performance During Static and Dynamic Exercises
Authors: Lässing Johannes , Pökel Christoph , Lingener Lennart , Falz Roberto , Kwast Stefan , Schulze Antina , Busse Martin
Published: September 2021

Background

Some studies have suggested that a mouthguard is a performance-enhancing device due to a remote voluntary contraction. The extent to which a mouthguard can induce this phenomenon, e.g., by potentially increasing biting, has not been clarified. This study’s aim was to investigate the muscular activity of the maxillary and peripheral musculature and motor performance during a rest and exercise test.

Methods

Our study comprised 12 active, male, professional young handball players (age 18.83 ± 0.39 years). Their performance, electromyographic (EMG) muscle activity (Σ), and lateral deviation (Δ) of the masticatory and peripheral musculature were measured during rest in a maximum bite force measurement, one-legged stand, a kettlebell swing exercise and a jump test while wearing a customized mouthguard (CMG) or not wearing one (Co).

Results

Maximum bite force measurements did not differ significantly in their mean values of muscle activity (Σ) for the masseter and temporalis muscles (Co 647.6 ± 212.8 µV vs. CMG 724.3 ± 257.1 µVp = 0.08) (Co 457.2 ± 135.5 µV vs. CMG 426.6 ± 169.3 µVp = 0.38) with versus without CMG. We found no differences in the mean activation values during a one-legged stand, the kettlebell swing, and jump test (Σ) in any of the muscles tested. Lateral deviations (Δ) wearing a CMG were significantly less in the erector spinae during the kettlebell swing (Co 5.33 ± 3.4 µV vs. CMG 2.53 ± 1.8 µVp = 0.01) and countermovement jump (Co 37.90 ± 30.6 µV vs. CMG 17.83 ± 22.3 µVp = 0.03) compared to the performance without a CMG. Jump height, rotation moment, and balance were unchanged with versus without CMG.

Conclusion

Our results at rest and during specific motor stress show no differences with or without a CMG. The improved peripheral muscular balance while wearing a CMG indicates improved muscular stabilization.
Video-delivered emotion-focused mindfulness therapy for late- life anxiety: study protocol for a feasibility randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hatch Stacey , Kessler Dorothy , Finlayson Marcia , Rej Soham
Published: September 2021

Background

The worldwide prevalence of anxiety in older adults is estimated at between 6 and 10%. In Canada, adults 65 and older experience anxiety at a rate of 6.4%, affecting more than 300,000 people. Anxiety in older adults has been linked to difficulties retaining new information and engaging in instrumental daily activities of living. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, novel methods of delivering therapy programs remotely are needed; however, data is limited. There is some evidence that older adults prefer non-pharmacological approaches for anxiety that can be delivered in the community. Emotion-focused mindfulness therapy (EFMT) is a mindfulness-based intervention that emphasizes meditation and observing thoughts and emotions as they arise. This emphasis has been demonstrated to reduce symptoms of anxiety in general populations. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of EFMT with older adults.

Methods

This pilot feasibility randomized controlled trial will use a wait list control trial design. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we will use telehealth delivery via Zoom rather than in-person delivery. The first 48 people to meet the eligibility criteria will be randomly allocated to either receive EFMT immediately, or in approximately 8 weeks time from enrollment (1:1 allocation ratio). Data will be collected at baseline, 8 weeks following baseline, and 16 weeks following baseline. The primary outcomes will determine the feasibility of the intervention based on recruitment, enrolment, retention, and adherence to all components of the intervention. The secondary outcome will be changes to anxiety over time.

Discussion

The results of this trial will determine the feasibility and potential effectiveness of video-delivered EFMT for late-life anxiety compared to no treatment. If the results are promising, a larger randomized controlled trial may be conducted.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04415528. Registered on June 4, 2020

Protocol version

Protocol version 2, January 2, 2021
A small vocal repertoire during the breeding season expresses complex behavioral motivations and individual signature in the common coot
Authors: Fu Changjian , Kathait Atul , Lu Guangyi , Li Xiang , Li Feng , Xing Xiaoying
Published: September 2021

Background

Although acoustic communication plays an essential role in the social interactions of Rallidae, our knowledge of how Rallidae encode diverse types of information using simple vocalizations is limited. We recorded and examined the vocalizations of a common coot (Fulica atra) population during the breeding season to test the hypotheses that 1) different call types can be emitted under different behavioral contexts, and 2) variation in the vocal structure of a single call type may be influenced both by behavioral motivations and individual signature. We measured a total of 61 recordings of 30 adults while noting the behavioral activities in which individuals were engaged. We compared several acoustic parameters of the same call type emitted under different behavioral activities to determine how frequency and temporal parameters changed depending on behavioral motivations and individual differences.

Results

We found that adult common coots had a small vocal repertoire, including 4 types of call, composed of a single syllable that was used during 9 types of behaviors. The 4 calls significantly differed in both frequency and temporal parameters and can be clearly distinguished by discriminant function analysis. Minimum frequency of fundamental frequency (F0min) and duration of syllable (T) contributed the most to acoustic divergence between calls. Callawas the most commonly used (in 8 of the 9 behaviors detected), and maximum frequency of fundamental frequency (F0max) and interval of syllables (TI) contributed the most to variation in calla. Duration of syllable (T) in a single callacan vary with different behavioral motivations after individual vocal signature being controlled.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that several call types of a small repertoire, and a single call with function-related changes in the temporal parameter in common coots could potentially indicate various behavioral motivations and individual signature. This study advances our knowledge of how Rallidae use “simple” vocal systems to express diverse motivations and provides new models for future studies on the role of vocalization in avian communication and behavior.
Engaging citizens living in vulnerable circumstances in research: a narrative review using a systematic search
Authors: Goedhart N. S. , Pittens C. A. C. M. , Tončinić S. , Zuiderent-Jerak T. , Dedding C. , Broerse J. E. W.
Published: September 2021

Although public engagement in research is increasingly popular, the involvement of citizens living in vulnerable circumstances is rarely realized. This narrative review aims to describe and critically analyse concerns and corresponding strategies, tools, and methods that could support the inclusion of these citizens in health research. The 40 studies that are included were thematically analysed using the socioecological model. Concerns originate most often on the intrapersonal level of the socioecological model, but concerns were also identified at institutional, community, and policy levels. It is thought-provoking that there is a lack of attention for the research and policy structure in which engagement practices are designed, implemented and evaluated. More research is needed to explore how these cultures could be changed in a way that promotes rather than restrains the engagement of citizens living in vulnerable circumstances in research and policymaking.
Surface stress calculations for nanoparticles and cavities in aluminum, silicon, and iron: influence of pressure and validity of the Young-Laplace equation
Authors: Pizzagalli Laurent , David Marie-Laure
Published: September 2021

This study is dedicated to the determination of the surface energy and stress of nanoparticles and cavities in presence of pressure, and to the evaluation of the accuracy of the Young-Laplace equation for these systems. Procedures are proposed to extract those quantities from classical interatomic potentials calculations, carried out for three distinct materials: aluminum, silicon, and iron. Our investigations first reveal the increase of surface energy and stress of nanoparticles as a function of pressure. On the contrary we find a significant decrease for cavities, which can be correlated to the initiation of plastic deformation at high pressure. We show that the Young-Laplace equation should not be used for quantitative predictions when the Laplace pressure is computed with a constant surface energy value, as usually done in the literature. Instead, a significant improvement is obtained by using the diameter and pressure-dependent surface stress. In that case, the Young-Laplace equation can be used with a reasonable accuracy at low pressures for nanoparticles with diameters as low as 4 nm, and 2 nm for cavities. At lower sizes, or high pressures, a severely limiting factor is the challenge of extracting meaningful surface stress values.
Recent advances in engineering crop plants for resistance to insect pests
Authors: Kamatham Shilpa , Munagapati Sandhya , Manikanta Kota Neela , Vulchi Rohith , Chadipiralla Kiranmai , Indla Sri Hari , Allam Uday Sankar
Published: September 2021

Background

While the rapidly increasing global population has led to a dramatically increased demand for the agricultural production, there have been heavy economic losses owing to various pest attacks on different food crops. The advancement of various biotechnological techniques have come as a boon in addressing the global concern and leads to the development of novel varieties that have proven to be highly economical, pesticide resistant and environmentally safe.

Main body

The present review was aimed to update the recent developments that have taken place in the field of crop production. Major focus was laid predominantly on such genes that have demonstrated positive effects and proved to be of commercial success at the market primarily due to the development of pest-resistant transgenic food crops with expression of Bacillus thuringiensis toxins. This technology has been effective against a wide range of pests including coleopterans, lepidopterans, hemipterans, dipterans, strongylida (nematodes) and rhabditida. In similar lines various plant derived toxic proteins were also discussed along with different genes that code for insect resistant proteins such as δ-endotoxins and secreted toxins. This article also helps in understanding the structural features of the genes that are endowed with insect resistance followed by their mechanism of action on pests. Further the role of secondary metabolites in controlling the pests was addressed. The Pros and Cons of existing tools of insect pest management were demonstrated.

Conclusions

Novel technologies are necessary in crop improvement to progress the pace of the breeding programs, to confer insect resistance in crop plants. Therefore, the future aim of crop biotechnology is to engineer a sustainable, multi-mechanistic resistance to insect pests considering the diversity of plant responses to insect attack.