bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correcting Delayed Reporting of COVID-19 Using the Generalized-Dirichlet-Multinomial Method
Authors: Stoner Oliver , Halliday Alba , Economou Theo
Published: December 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted delayed reporting as a significant impediment to effective disease surveillance and decision-making. In the absence of timely data, statistical models which account for delays can be adopted to nowcast and forecast cases or deaths. We discuss the four key sources of systematic and random variability in available data for COVID-19 and other diseases, and critically evaluate current state-of-the-art methods with respect to appropriately separating and capturing this variability. We propose a general hierarchical approach to correcting delayed reporting of COVID-19 and apply this to daily English hospital deaths, resulting in a flexible prediction tool which could be used to better inform pandemic decision-making. We compare this approach to competing models with respect to theoretical flexibility and quantitative metrics from a 15-month rolling prediction experiment imitating a realistic operational scenario. Based on consistent leads in predictive accuracy, bias, and precision, we argue that this approach is an attractive option for correcting delayed reporting of COVID-19 and future epidemics.
‘I don't know which is the chicken and which is the egg’: A qualitative study of weight loss‐related beliefs and behaviours among adults with psoriasis and comorbid obesity
Authors: Pavlova Neli T. , Ramasawmy Celeny , Picariello Federica , Smith Catherine , Moss‐Morris Rona
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Obesity is a common (30%–40%) comorbidity of psoriasis. Weight loss is shown to improve the severity of psoriasis; however, little is known about the factors that may influence successful weight loss in the context of obesity and psoriasis. The current qualitative study aimed to explore the obesity‐associated beliefs, perceptions, and behaviours related to weight loss in psoriasis. Preferences for a weight loss intervention were also explored.

Design

Qualitative in‐depth semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 24 adults (62.5% male) with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis and obesity (mean body mass index = 35.2 kg/m2, SD = 4.1), recruited through a patient organization website in the UK. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Most participants viewed psoriasis as unrelated to obesity. A well‐controlled psoriasis and improvements in psoriasis symptoms were considered as major motivators for engaging in a weight loss program by individuals who viewed psoriasis and obesity as related conditions. Comfort eating was perceived as an escape strategy from the psoriasis‐induced negative emotions. Participants shared their dissatisfaction with current weight loss recommendations which were too generic. They suggested that a desirable weight loss program would require both emotional and behavioural support, with an emphasis on psoriasis' burden.

Conclusion

The findings accentuate the importance of (1) clinicians discussing the link between obesity and psoriasis with patients, (2) weight loss advice to include both behavioural and emotional support, and (3) a weight loss advice to consider the psoriasis burden and the perceived barriers which may potentially lead to improved outcomes to obesity management in psoriasis.
Influence of the abutment height on marginal bone level changes around two‐piece dental implants: Meta‐analysis and trial sequential analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Muñoz Marta , Vilarrasa Javi , Ruíz‐Magaz Vanessa , Albertini Matteo , Nart José
Published: December 2022

Background

The focused question was: “In systemically healthy individuals with at least one two‐piece dental implant, what is the efficacy of long (≥2 mm; intervention) compared with short (<2 mm; comparison) shoulder height abutments in peri‐implant marginal bone level (MBL) changes at <1 year and ≥1 year reported by randomized controlled clinical trials?”

Materials and Methods

An electronic and hand search was conducted to identify RCTs published up to August 2022. The primary outcome variable was changed in MBL from implant surgery to subsequent follow‐ups. Mean values and standard deviations for each study were extracted. Weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Meta‐analysis for MBL changes was performed through a random‐effect restricted maximum‐likelihood model at early (<1 year) and late (≥1 year) stages of bone remodeling. Publication bias and sensitivity tests were also applied. Subgroup analysis was performed to further explore possible sources of heterogeneity in the estimated treatment effect. Trial sequential analysis was performed to assess the required information and false‐positive results.

Results

Six randomized clinical trials fulfilled the inclusion/exclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative and quantitative analysis with a follow‐up range from 6 to 36 months after implant surgery. Meta‐analysis revealed that long abutments significantly exhibited 0.27 mm (CI 95% −0.60, 0.06) and 0.33 mm (CI 05% −0.50, −0.16) lower MBL changes compared with short ones at <1 year and ≥1 year, respectively. Subgroup meta‐analysis revealed that studies with implants placed in a more subcrestal position significantly exhibited less differences in MBL changes between long and short abutments. No meta‐analysis was conducted for peri‐implant clinical parameters, and soft‐tissue changes provided that reported data were scarce. Trial sequential analysis revealed insufficient information size to provide a definitive answer on the effect of abutment height in MBL.

Conclusions

It might be cautiously concluded that two‐piece implants with long abutments (≥2 mm) may display a protective role against marginal bone loss when compared with short ones (<2 mm) at <1 year and ≥1 year. A more subcrestal implant position seemed to minimize the effect of the abutment height in terms of MBL.
Are short‐term complications associated with poor allograft and patient survival after liver transplantation? A systematic review of the literature and expert panel recommendations
Authors: Alconchel Felipe , Tinguely Pascale , Frola Carlo , Spiro Michael , Ciria Ruben , Rodríguez Gonzalo , Petrowsky Henrik , Raptis Dimitri Aristotle , Brombosz Elizabeth W. , Ghobrial Mark ,   the ERAS4OLT.org Working Group
Published: December 2022

Background

Maximizing patient and allograft survival after liver transplant (LT) is important from both a patient care and organ utilization perspective. Although individual studies have addressed the effects of short‐term post‐LT complications on a limited scale, there has not been a systematic review of the literature formally assessing the potential effects of early complications on long‐term outcomes.

Objectives

To identify whether short‐term complications after LT affect allograft and overall survival, to identify short‐term complications of particular clinical interest and significance, and to provide recommendations to improve post‐LT graft and patient survival.

Data sources

Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central.

Methods

A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines and recommendations using the GRADE approach derived from an international expert panel.

Results

The literature review and analysis provided show that short‐term complications have a large impact on allograft and patient survival after LT. The complications with the strongest effect on survival are acute kidney injury (AKI), biliary complications, and early allograft dysfunction (EAD).

Conclusion

This panel recommends taking measures to reduce the risk and incidence of short‐term complications post‐LT. Clinicians should pay particular attention to preventing or ameliorating AKI, biliary complications, and EAD (Quality of evidence; Moderate | Grade of Recommendation; Strong).
Intermittent theta burst transcranial magnetic stimulation induces hippocampal mossy fibre plasticity in male but not female mice
Authors: Zhang Tian Rui , Askari Baran , Kesici Aydan , Guilherme Evelyn , Vila‐Rodriguez Fidel , Snyder Jason S.
Published: December 2022

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) induces electric fields that depolarise or hyperpolarise neurons. Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), a patterned form of TMS that is delivered at the theta frequency (~5 Hz), induces neuroplasticity in the hippocampus, a brain region that is implicated in memory and learning. One form of plasticity that is unique to the hippocampus is adult neurogenesis; however, little is known about whether TMS or iTBS in particular affects newborn neurons. Here, we therefore applied repeated sessions of iTBS to male and female mice and measured the extent of adult neurogenesis and the morphological features of immature neurons. We found that repeated sessions of iTBS did not significantly increase the amount of neurogenesis or affect the gross dendritic morphology of new neurons, and there were no sex differences in neurogenesis rates or aspects of afferent morphology. In contrast, efferent properties of newborn neurons varied as a function of sex and stimulation. Chronic iTBS increased the size of mossy fibre terminals, which synapse onto Cornu Ammonis 3 (CA3) pyramidal neurons, but only in males. iTBS also increased the number of terminal‐associated filopodia, putative synapses onto inhibitory interneurons but only in male mice. This efferent plasticity could result from a general trophic effect, or it could reflect accelerated maturation of immature neurons. Given the important role of mossy fibre synapses in hippocampal learning, our results identify a neurobiological effect of iTBS that might be associated with sex‐specific changes in cognition.
Normalization free Siamese network for object tracking
Authors: Gupta Himanshu , Verma Om Prakash
Published: December 2022

Siamese‐based trackers have received global recognition for target tracking. However, these trackers employ batch‐normalized networks for feature extraction, which has been sensitive to batch size and hard to replicate on different hardware. Therefore, to meliorate tracking performance and effectively address this issue, the present work proposes a Normalization free Siamese (NfS) tracker by introducing normalization‐free networks in target tracking. The developed NfS has been trained end‐to‐end with large‐scale datasets such as COCO, TrackingNet, LaSOT, VID, DET, and GOT10k. Extensive experimentation has been carried out on six challenging benchmark datasets (OTB100, LaSOT, VOT2018, VOT2019, UAV123, and GOT10k), revealing that NfS ensures comparable performance with state‐of‐the‐art (SOTA) trackers on most of the benchmarks. It pushed the performance bar by a minimum of 2.88% and 2.37% on UAV123 for both precision and success scores. Also, it overshadows the compared trackers by a significant minimum margin of 11.88% and 8.14% on the LaSOT for similar metrics, demonstrating the higher discrimination capability of the NfS tracker for both natural and aerial target tracking tasks.
The expanding role of expert psychological evaluations and testimony in Hague child abduction litigation
Authors: Yohananoff Alberto , Min Richard
Published: December 2022

Hague Convention cases are a growing niche in forensic assessments. These cases focus on returning children, or preventing their return, after international abductions, by one of the parents, has occurred. This article focuses on the legal underpinnings of the Hague Abduction Convention, the “affirmative defenses” that may be invoked to prevent a return order, including “grave risk of harm,” “mature objection”, and the “well settled defense.” The article will also focus on the increasing roles that forensic evaluators play in these matters, the distinction between the role of forensic experts in custody proceedings and Hague cases, and the inherent limitations present in these unique kinds of evaluations.
Prediction of near‐term climate change impacts on UK wheat quality and the potential for adaptation through plant breeding
Authors: Fradgley Nick S. , Bacon James , Bentley Alison R. , Costa‐Neto Germano , Cottrell Andrew , Crossa Jose , Cuevas Jaime , Kerton Matthew , Pope Edward , Swarbreck Stéphanie M. , Gardner Keith A.
Published: December 2022

Wheat is a major crop worldwide, mainly cultivated for human consumption and animal feed. Grain quality is paramount in determining its value and downstream use. While we know that climate change threatens global crop yields, a better understanding of impacts on wheat end‐use quality is also critical. Combining quantitative genetics with climate model outputs, we investigated UK‐wide trends in genotypic adaptation for wheat quality traits. In our approach, we augmented genomic prediction models with environmental characterisation of field trials to predict trait values and climate effects in historical field trial data between 2001 and 2020. Addition of environmental covariates, such as temperature and rainfall, successfully enabled prediction of genotype by environment interactions (G × E), and increased prediction accuracy of most traits for new genotypes in new year cross validation. We then extended predictions from these models to much larger numbers of simulated environments using climate scenarios projected under Representative Concentration Pathways 8.5 for 2050–2069. We found geographically varying climate change impacts on wheat quality due to contrasting associations between specific weather covariables and quality traits across the UK. Notably, negative impacts on quality traits were predicted in the East of the UK due to increased summer temperatures while the climate in the North and South‐west may become more favourable with increased summer temperatures. Furthermore, by projecting 167,040 simulated future genotype–environment combinations, we found only limited potential for breeding to exploit predictable G × E to mitigate year‐to‐year environmental variability for most traits except Hagberg falling number. This suggests low adaptability of current UK wheat germplasm across future UK climates. More generally, approaches demonstrated here will be critical to enable adaptation of global crops to near‐term climate change.
‘There is no formula for life and career’: A commentary on perspectives and experiences of early career quantitative human geographers
Authors: Ballantyne Patrick , Sanderson Rachael K. , Davies Alec , Houlden Victoria , MacLachlan Andrew , Owen Gwilym , Robinson Caitlin , Shin Hyesop , Wartmann Flurina M. , Wilkin Joanna , Williams Isabel
Published: December 2022

Early career researchers (ECRs) encounter distinctive opportunities (and challenges) within the neoliberal academy. In this commentary, we reflect on issues common to ECR experiences in quantitative human geography. Our discussion is inspired by and develops conversations from a panel at the Royal Geographical Society‐Institute of British Geographers (RGS‐IBG) postgraduate forum, with panellists from across the subfield. While many aspects of the ECR experience transcend sub‐disciplinary boundaries, the quantitative subfield presents unique dynamics for ECRs to navigate. ECRs in quantitative geography are steeped in ‘data science’, which changes relations between academia and industry, with the growth of our field increasing the size and the scope of what ECRs might be expected to know and do. Bringing together reflections from the panel, we highlight the variation in pathways experienced by ECRs, reflecting on opportunities, uncertainties, and mentorship, in the hope of offering insights and advice for prospective and current ECRs and their mentors. This commentary reflects on the perspectives and experiences of early career quantitative human geographers, placing significant emphasis on opportunities, uncertainty, and mentorship, and the overall diversity of pathways available to other early career quantitative human geographers.
Update on lobular lesions of the breast
Authors: Kuba Maria Gabriela , Brogi Edi
Published: December 2022

The current histological classification of in‐situ and invasive lobular carcinomas (ILCs) includes different morphological variants, some of which have been recently described. In this review, we will focus upon: (i) the diagnostic criteria of non‐invasive lobular neoplasia and treatment implications across different countries; (ii) utility and limitations of immunohistochemistry; (iii) recently described variants of ILC; and (iv) the significance of lobular differentiation in invasive carcinoma for clinical management.
Peer effects and intentional entrepreneurial behaviour: A systematic literature review and research agenda
Authors: Portyanko Sergey , Reinmoeller Patrick , Hussels Stephanie , Turner Neil
Published: December 2022

What role peers play in individuals’ decisions to become entrepreneurs and to what extent peer effects play a role in influencing behaviours at the various stages of business venturing are important questions for scholars and policymakers. This systematic review takes stock of the recent additions to the literature around the phenomenon of peer influence in entrepreneurship. The review identified 2894 documents which were then narrowed down through three consecutive filtering stages. We thematically analysed the final sample of 27 empirical studies that shed light on how individual peers influence the process and outcomes of these individuals’ entrepreneurial intentions and behaviour, allowing for critical analysis. We propose a conceptual schema of social influence that occurs in interactions among entrepreneurial individuals within business venturing and across the three stages of pre‐formation, formation and growth. Our framework reconciles the conceptual classification around discovering, evaluating and exploiting entrepreneurial opportunities with the mechanisms of social influence affecting entrepreneurial behaviours. Grounded in the findings of the literature review, this framework synthesizes peer influence in entrepreneurship with the tripartite distinction of the behavioural motives recognized in contemporary theories of social influence. We suggest promising directions for further research on how interactions with peers might affect individuals’ entrepreneurial behaviours.
IMC’s Development in Its Understanding of Evangelism and Chinese Christians’ Early Ministry in Self‐Propagating the Gospel
Authors: Lin Manhong
Published: December 2022

Adequate research has been done on the relationship of evangelism to non‐Christian religions, church mission, and culture. These topics have been studied and addressed when ecumenical organizations like the International Missionary Council (IMC) – now the Commission on World Mission and Evangelism (CWME) of the World Council of Churches – develop the theory of evangelism in their evangelizing enterprises. The China Continuation Committee was one of the founding members of the IMC in 1921, and thus proactively participated in the IMC’s mission. Chinese Christians inevitably encountered the same challenges in their early evangelizing attempts. This article examines Chinese Christians’ early efforts to self‐propagate the gospel in the social environment of the first half of the 20th century in China. Chinese Christianity has demonstrated distinctive approaches to the above three key relationships, as Chinese Christians dedicate themselves to national salvation and liberation. It can even be said that in the first half of the 1900s, Chinese churches made more progress than other churches in the ecumenical world in such respects as indigenization and self‐propagating ministry – even though some of the efforts were mingled with narrow‐minded motives of converting Chinese people. It was not until the launch of the Three‐Self Patriotic Movement that Chinese Christianity became an authentically autonomous Christian church, which has severed its ties with colonialism and started pursuing all‐round self‐reliance, including church evangelism. After analyzing the challenges that Chinese churches still face today in terms of evangelism, this article calls for Chinese Christianity to learn from IMC‐CWME’s experience of evangelism for the further contextualization of Christianity in China. This aims at making the gospel proclamation carry more Chinese characteristics and eventually form an evangelism theology of Chinese Christianity. In this way, the outcome of the early efforts can be consolidated and the gospel message will better fit today’s Chinese context.
The International Missionary Council and Mission Cooperation in Tanzania’s Southern Highlands, 1916–28
Authors: Ross Kenneth R.
Published: December 2022

Healthy mission cooperation between Scottish and German missions around the northern end of Lake Malawi was a feature of the period from 1891, when the German missions were establishing themselves in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. This happy collaboration was shattered by the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, which led to the internment of the German missionaries and the cream of the local church leadership. In this context, the Continuation Committee of the Edinburgh 1910 World Missionary Conference, which took permanent form as the International Missionary Council (IMC) from 1921, played a critical role as broker. It first negotiated a caretaker role for British missions in regard to the “derelict” German missions and later facilitated the return of the German missionaries. While European missionaries held centre stage in the international discussions, on the ground, the decisive role was played by Malawian evangelists and Tanzanian church leaders – a case of mission from the margins. At the same time, the supra‐national understanding of mission championed by the IMC enabled it to exercise a highly influential role in facilitating the mission cooperation that ultimately overcame the division, suspicion, and mistrust that had arisen during the war.
The Glocalization of Methodist Christianity in Colonial Korea
Authors: Kim David W. , Bang Won‐il
Published: December 2022

Modern Protestant missions were launched in East Asia based on previous experiences in South and Southeast Asia. Regional nations, including Japan and China, encountered the Christian movement within the context of the global phenomena of colonialism and imperialism in the 18th and 19th centuries. While Joseon Korea had not been fully known among outsiders, the US Methodist Church, along with the Presbyterian and Baptist churches, did send pioneers in 1884. What, then, was the influence of the Methodists’ work? Who was Victor W. Peters (1902–2012)? Why was he unique compared to his other colleagues? What was his cultural philosophy in colonial Korea (1920s–1940s)? This article explores these questions through the historical records of the Christian mission to establish the Korean Methodist Church, focusing especially on the principles that Peters applied. The article argues that, unlike other Americans, Peters endeavoured to promote the indigenization of Western religion through his personal experience of entering a cross‐cultural marriage with a Korean woman. The philosophy of regionalism, in terms of a “soft power,” is likewise demonstrated by Peters’ Korean lifestyle – living in a hanok (Korean house), wearing hanbok (traditional Korean dress), eating hansik (Korean food), and speaking Hangul (Korean) – while he voluntarily involved himself in church planting and advocating for Simeon Lee Yongdo (1901–33).
Psychosocial factors associated with career success among nurses: A latent profile analysis
Authors: Zhang Yilin , An Yan , Wang Lyu , Zhao Qiuge , Li Haiying , Fan Xiuzhen
Published: December 2022

Aim

In this study, a person‐centred approach was used to analyse career success profiles and explore the associated psychosocial factors among nurses.

Design

A cross‐sectional study was conducted from 15 April to 15 October 2019.

Methods

A total of 1155 registered Chinese nurses were recruited from two general hospitals using convenience sampling. Participants completed a printed questionnaire, including the Maslach Burnout Inventory, Stress of Conscience Questionnaire, Practice Environment Scale, and Career Success Scale. Latent profile analysis and multinomial logistic regression were performed. The data were analysed with Mplus 8.3 and SPSS version 26.0.

Results

Three latent profiles of career success were identified: high, moderate and low. Nurses with lower educational levels, more years of work experience, lower emotional exhaustion, higher personal achievement, lower stress of conscience and higher participation in hospital affairs were more likely to have higher career success than the other profiles.

Conclusions

Burnout, stress of conscience, practice environment, educational level and years of work experience were associated with career success among nurses. Targeting interventions may help enhance nurses' career success. Future research should combine subjective and objective indicators (salary, title and so on) to assess career success and explore other determinants for formulating interventions to enhance nurses' career success.

Impact

The heterogeneity and psychosocial factors associated with nurses' career success provide valuable evidence for the formulation of individualized interventions. Nursing managers should understand the importance of career success, develop interventions to reduce nurses' burnout and stress of conscience, and improve the practice environment to enhance their career success.

No Patient or Public Contributions

This study was designed to examine the psychosocial factors associated with nurses' career success. The study was not conducted using suggestions from the patient groups or the public.
Meta‐analysis of blood parameters related to lipid and glucose metabolism between two subtypes of primary aldosteronism
Authors: Zhu Qiu‐Gen , Zhu Feng
Published: December 2022

It remains unclear whether metabolic profiles differ within the subtypes of primary aldosteronism (PA). This meta‐analysis aimed to compare the blood parameters related to lipid and glucose metabolism at baseline between unilateral PA and bilateral PA. A search was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, and Sciencedirect databases, supplemented by hand‐searching of related references. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for each parameter. Twenty‐one studies involving 4197 patients with PA were included. Compared with bilateral PA groups, unilateral PA groups demonstrated significantly lower low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C, SMD: −.14 mmol/L, 95% CI: −.20, −.07), total cholesterol (TC, SMD: −.16 mmol/L, 95% CI: −.23, −.09), triglyceride (TG, SMD: −.22 mmol/L, 95% CI: −.29, −.16), fasting blood glucose (FBG, SMD: −.11 mmol/L, 95% CI: −.18, −.04), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c, SMD: −.21%, 95% CI: −.30, −.13), and homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR, SMD: −.40, 95% CI: −.58, −.23). No significant difference was found in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) level between the two groups (SMD: .40 mmol/L, 95% CI: −.02, .11). To sum up, comparison of several blood metabolic parameters between the two subtypes suggested that the bilateral PA may associate with a higher prevalence of impaired glucose and lipid metabolism than unilateral PA; however, results should be treated with caution. Additional well‐designed studies are needed to prove the present results and better elucidate the link between metabolic abnormalities and etiologies of each PA subtype.
The structure and diversity of retinal ganglion cells in the masked greenling Hexagrammos octogrammus Pallas, 1814 (Pisces: Scorpaeniformes: Hexagrammidae)
Authors: Pushchin Igor , Kondrashev Sergei , Borshcheva Tatiana
Published: December 2022

The authors studied the structure and diversity of retinal ganglion cells (GC) in the masked greenling Hexagrammos octogrammus. In vivo labelling with horseradish peroxidase revealed GCs of various structures in retinal wholemounts. A total of 154 cells were camera lucida drawn, and their digital models were generated. Each cell was characterized by 17 structural and topological parameters. Using nine clustering algorithms, a variety of clusterings were obtained. The optimum clustering was found using silhouette analysis. It was based on a set of three variables associated with dendritic field size and dendrite stratification depth in the retina. A total of nine cell types were discovered. A number of non‐parametric tests showed significant pair‐wise between‐cluster differences in at least four parameters with medium and large effect sizes. Three large‐field types differed mainly in dendritic field size, total dendrite length, level of dendrite stratification in the retina and position of somata. Six medium‐ to small‐field types differed mainly in the structural complexity of dendritic arbors and level of dendrite arborization. Cells similar and obviously homologous to types 1–4 were identified in many fish species, including teleosts. Potential homologues of type 5 cells were identified in fewer teleost species. Cells similar to types 6–9 in relative dendritic field size and dendrite arborization pattern were also described in several teleostean species. Nonetheless, their homology is more questionable as their stratification patterns do not match so well as they do in large types. Potential functional matches of the GC types were identified in a number of teleostean species. Type 1 and 2 cells probably match spontaneously active units with the large receptive field centre, so‐called dimming and lightening detectors; type 4 may be a counterpart of changing contrast detectors with medium receptive field centre size preferring fast‐moving stimuli. Type 3 (biplexiform) cells have no obvious functional matches. Probable functional matches of types 6, 8 and 9 belong to ON‐centre elements with small receptive fields such as ON‐type direction‐selective cells, ON‐type spot detectors or ON‐type spontaneously active units. Type 5 and 7 cells may match ON–OFF type units, in particular, changing contrast detectors or orientation‐selective units. Potential functional matches of GC types presently described are involved in a wide spectrum of visual reactions related to adaptation to gradual change in illumination, predator escape, prey detection and capture, habitat selection and social behaviour.
One parent, two parents, one sex, two sexes: Public attitudes toward single and same‐sex parents
Authors: Cheng Simon , Kelley Kristin , Powell Brian
Published: December 2022

Objective

The aim of this study is to compare public opinion regarding single and same‐sex parents.

Background

Comparing attitudes about the effectiveness of single‐parents to same‐sex parents shows how much importance the public places on the number of parents compared to the sex of the parents; however, surprisingly little research examines attitudes about single and same‐sex parenting ability.

Method

We use data from the 2012 General Social Survey “Family‐and‐Changing‐Gender‐Roles” module (N ~ 1200) to compare perceptions of the effectiveness of single parents (vs. two parents) and same‐sex parents (vs. a mother and a father). We construct a measure that captures whether individuals hold more positive attitudes about single parents or same‐sex parents. We then rely on multivariate models to examine the impact of sociodemographic characteristics on these perceptions, and explore the influence of attitudes regarding gender, sexuality, and childcare policy.

Results

Approximately half of the respondents provided similarly positive or negative responses regarding the effectiveness of single and same‐sex parents; of the remaining half, slightly more provided higher ratings to single parents. Several sociodemographic factors—gender, age, marital status, region, and sexual minority status—significantly shape attitudes about same‐sex and single parents in similar directions—although, in some cases, these factors also predict differences in these attitudes. For example, compared to men, women are more positive about both single parents and same‐sex parents, but they still rate single parents higher. In contrast, other sociodemographic factors—notably, race/ethnicity and education—predict attitudes about same‐sex and single parents, as well as the difference between these two parental types. Some of these patterns occur via respondents' religiosity. Of the attitudinal factors, attitudes regarding gender, sexuality, and childcare policy are linked to views regarding single parents and same‐sex parents; however, only sexuality attitudes significantly and consistently differentiate views regarding single parents and same‐sex parents.

Conclusion

Views of single parents and same‐sex parents often are not consistent with each other. Public assessments and comparisons of same‐sex and single parents are shaped by sociodemographic and attitudinal factors, notably, attitudes regarding sexuality.
Racial discrimination and the weathering of nonmarital relationships
Authors: Barr Ashley B. , Simons Ronald L. , Beach Steven R. H. , Simons Leslie Gordon
Published: December 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of perceived racial discrimination on the satisfaction and dissolution of different‐gender, nonmarital relationships among African American young adults.

Background

Racial discrimination has proven detrimental to relationship quality among married couples. Racial disparities in relationship processes begin long before marriages form, however. Racial discrimination may also weather and disrupt nonmarital relationships earlier in the life course.

Method

Survey data from African American young adult couples (N = 407) from the Family and Community Health Study were used to assess the associations between each partner's experience of racial discrimination, relationship satisfaction, and relationship dissolution using structural equation modeling.

Results

Results support a stress spillover perspective in that racial discrimination experienced by both men and women increased the likelihood of relationship dissolution through reduced satisfaction. No support was found for a stress buffering perspective.

Conclusion

Racial discrimination appears to distress and, ultimately, disrupt nonmarital relationships among African American young adult couples.

Implications

Given the roles of relationship quality and stability in promoting health and well‐being, understanding how discrimination impacts the unfolding of relationships, or linked lives, across the life course is essential to untangling and addressing the “chains of disadvantage” identified by Umberson et al. (2014) as central to racial disparities in health and well‐being.
Factors associated with lack of care engagement among older, rural‐dwelling adults living with HIV in the United States
Authors: Petroll Andrew E. , Quinn Katherine G. , John Steven A. , Nigogosyan Zack , Walsh Jennifer L.
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Most people living with HIV (PLH) in the United States are over age 50 and this sector of PLH continues to grow. Aging with HIV can be challenging due to comorbid medical conditions, mental health disorders, substance use, and lack of social and practical support. Additional challenges are faced by older PLH living in the rural United States, such as longer distances to health care, concerns over privacy and stigma, and social isolation. PLH in rural areas have higher mortality rates than urban PLH. We aimed to understand factors associated with HIV care engagement and quality of life in rural US adults over age 50.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study to evaluate the association between patient‐level factors and a combined outcome variable encompassing multiple aspects of care engagement.

Findings

Either online or on paper, 446 participants completed our survey. One‐third of the participants (33%) were from the southern United States; one‐third were women; one‐third were non‐White; and 24% completed the survey on paper. In multiple regression analysis, lower income, residing in the southern United States, lacking internet access at home, not having an HIV specialist provider, higher levels of stress, living alone, and longer distance to an HIV provider were all associated with lower engagement in HIV care.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrated multiple potential options for interventions that could improve care engagement, such as providing and enhancing access to technology for health care engagement and remotely delivering social support and mental health services. Research on such potential interventions is needed for older, rural PLH.
Comparison of echocardiographic measurements and cardiac biomarkers in healthy dogs eating nontraditional or traditional diets
Authors: Owens Eric J. , LeBlanc Nicole L. , Freeman Lisa M. , Scollan Katherine F.
Published: December 2022

Background

There has been a recent association between nontraditional diets and development of diet‐associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To compare echocardiographic measurements and cardiac biomarkers between healthy dogs eating nontraditional vs traditional diets. We hypothesized that dogs eating nontraditional diets would have lower measures of systolic myocardial performance compared to dogs eating traditional diets.

Animals

Forty‐six healthy dogs: 23 eating nontraditional diets and 23 eating traditional diets.

Methods

Prospective, cross‐sectional study. Dogs were divided into groups based on diet ingredients. Dogs underwent 2‐dimensional (2D), 3‐dimensional (3D), and Doppler echocardiographic examinations and analysis of plasma N‐terminal prohormone of B‐type natriuretic peptide, serum cardiac troponin I, and whole blood and plasma taurine concentrations.

Results

Mean 2D ejection fraction (EF) was lower for dogs eating nontraditional diets (48.65 ± 7.42%) vs dogs eating traditional diets (56.65 ± 4.63%;P < .001; mean difference 8.0% [4.0%‐12.0%] 95% confidence interval [CI]). Mean 3D EF was lower for dogs eating nontraditional diets (45.38 ± 7.35%) vs dogs eating traditional diets (57.58 ± 4.84%;P < .001; 12.0% [8.0%‐16.0%] 95% CI). Mean 2D left ventricular end‐systolic volumes, indexed to body weight, were significantly higher in dogs eating nontraditional diets (1.46 ± 0.08 mL/kg) vs dogs eating traditional diets (1.06 ± 0.08 mL/kg;P = .002; 0.4 mL/kg [0.18‐0.62 mL/kg] 95% CI).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Healthy dogs eating nontraditional diets had lower indices of systolic function and larger left ventricular volumes compared to dogs eating traditional diets. Screening of apparently healthy dogs eating nontraditional diets might allow for early detection of diet‐associated DCM.
Guidelines for Choosing Cognitive Load Measures in Perceptually Rich Environments
Authors: Skulmowski Alexander
Published: December 2022

Cognitive load measurement is a methodological issue of high importance in all learning settings involving a high perceptual richness, such as virtual and augmented reality. As a result of the growing number of cognitive load measurement methods and surveys, it can be difficult to choose the optimal measurement instrument for learning tasks in perceptually rich environments. Current research suggests that survey‐based methods do not necessarily have to be less valid than physiological measures. Furthermore, in several studies, single‐item measures of cognitive load have shown a high negative correspondence with learning outcomes. A trend toward a more fine‐grained analysis of different components of cognitive load can be observed, but the ability to detect cognitive load depends on selecting an appropriate survey for the specific task. Based on this narrative overview on current developments in cognitive load measurement, recommendations for deciding on a cognitive load measurement method are given.
Construction of the Adjusted Scoliosis 3D Finite Element Model and Biomechanical Analysis under Gravity
Authors: Li Jiahao , An Zhicheng , Wu Jigong , Gao Yongchang , Lu Sheng , He Da , Zhao Yu
Published: December 2022

Objective

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three‐dimensional structural deformity of the spine caused by the disruption of the biomechanical balance of the spine. However, the current biomechanical modeling and analysis methods of scoliosis cannot really describe the real state of the spine. This study aims to propose a high‐precision biomechanical modeling and analysis method that can reflect the spinal state under gravity and provide a theoretical basis for therapeutics.

Methods

Combining CT and X‐ray images of AIS patients, this study constructed an adjusted three‐dimensional model and FE model of the spine corresponding to the patient's gravity position, including vertebral bodies, intervertebral discs, ribs, costal cartilage, ligaments, and facet cartilage. Then, the displacement and stress of the spine under gravity were analyzed.

Results

A model of the T1‐Sacrum with 1.7 million meshes was constructed. After adding the gravity condition, the maximum displacement point was at T1 of thoracic vertebra (20.4 mm). The analysis indicates that the stress on the lower surface of the vertebral body in thoracolumbar scoliosis tended to be locally concentrated, especially on the concave side of the primary curvature's vertebral body (the maximum stress on the lower surface of T9 is 32.33 MPa) and the convex side of the compensatory curvature's vertebral body (the maximum stress on the lower surface of L5 is 41.97 MPa).

Conclusion

This study provides a high‐precision modeling and analysis method for scoliosis with full consideration of gravity. The reliability of the method was verified based on patient data. This model can be used to analyze the biomechanical characteristics of patients in the treatment plan design stage.
Nudge in the news: Ethics, effects, and support of nudges
Authors: Tummers Lars
Published: December 2022

Governments use nudges to stimulate citizens to exercise, save money and eat healthily. However, nudging is controversial. How the media frames nudge impacts decisions on whether to use this policy instrument. We, therefore, analyzed 443 newspaper articles about nudging. Overall, the media was positive about nudges. Nudging was viewed as an effective and efficient way to change behavior and received considerable support across the political spectrum. The media also noted that nudges were easy to implement. The controversy about nudges concerns themes like paternalism, fear of manipulation, small effect sizes, and unintended consequences. Academic proponents of nudging were actively involved in media debates, while critical voices were less often heard. There were some reports criticizing how the government used nudges. However, these were exceptions; the media often highlighted the benefits of nudging. Concluding, we show how nudging by governments was discussed in a critical institution: the news media.
Progression of primarily untreated desomorphine drug induced jaw osteonecrosis: A case report
Authors: Ramishvili Nata , Chachua Irakli , Zurmukhtashvili Marika , Abiatari Ivane , Marks Luc , Dugashvili Giorgi
Published: December 2022

Desomorphine is a composite of the self‐made illicit drug “krokodil”, which is popular in Eastern Europe and other parts of the world. It causes toxic damage of different organs including bones. In this paper, a clinical portrait of the patient with drug‐induced osteonecrosis of mandible who refused surgical treatment in the early stages of the disease, is presented. At the time of first presentation, the patient displayed swelling of oral soft tissues and purulent discharge in the molar area of the right mandible. Radiographic examination demonstrated several small radiolucent lesions in the body of the mandible. The patient gave consent for surgical treatment and rehabilitation only after 12 months of the diagnosis. During this period of time, the necrosis of the mandibular bone progressed and a pathological fracture of the jaw was developed. Patient underwent surgical treatment – resection of the mandible. Management of drug‐induced jaw osteonecrosis is challenging as the necessity of dental and surgical treatment as well as treatment and rehabilitation of substance use disorder arises. Involvement of a multidisciplinary healthcare professionals team is essential in successful treatment of this pathology. The latter includes early surgical intervention/medical treatment and rehabilitation from drug addiction.
Prevalence of adsorbed A antigen onto donor‐derived group O red cells in children following stem cell transplantation: A single‐centre evaluation
Authors: Cripps Kelly , Mullanfiroze Khushnuma , Hill Annette , Moss Rachel , Kricke Susanne
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives

A group AB D‐positive child presented 1 year after haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) from a group O D‐negative donor as group A D‐negative. Engraftment remained at 100% in white cell lineages. The reason for the unusual result was explored, and the scarcely reported phenomenon of adsorption of secreted antigen was considered. This study also investigated the prevalence of secreted antigen adsorbed onto donor‐derived group O red blood cells (RBCs) in children after HSCT and defined a process for laboratory management.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective data analysis of HSCTs carried out over 19 months at Great Ormond Street Hospital was conducted to identify cases of adsorbed A antigen after HSCT. Investigation of RBC reactions with different clones of anti‐A and in vitro experiments was performed to recreate adsorption.

Results

Nineteen A to O HSCTs were conducted over 19 months, of which six (31%) displayed weak A antigen on RBCs despite full myeloid engraftment. Negative reactions with anti‐A were obtained when run on an alternative clone. Laboratory protocols for the future management of these cases have been developed.

Conclusion

Passive adsorption of secreted antigen is responsible for these results and is more widespread than previously reported, as a third of A to O HSCTs at our centre demonstrated this phenomenon. A process has been implemented into the laboratory to manage this cohort, ensuring component groups compatible with both donor and recipient are given, and the shared care centres are aware of these requirements.
Selectivity dependence of atomic layer deposited manganese oxide on the precursor ligands on platinum facets
Authors: Lan Yuxiao , Wen Yanwei , Li Yicheng , Yang Jiaqiang , Cao Kun , Shan Bin , Chen Rong
Published: December 2022

Selective atomic layer deposition shows a great perspective on the downscaling manufacturing of nanoelectronics with high precision. The interaction between Mn precursors and Pt terrace, (100), and (111) facets is investigated by density functional theory and microkinetic modeling to reveal the effect of the ligands of the precursors on MnOx selective growth on the Pt facets. MnCl2 and MnCp2 have preferential deposition on the Pt terrace and (100) over (111), while Mn(acac)2 does not show obvious selectivity on the three pristine Pt facets due to the extremely strong adsorption energies. It is found that the adsorption energies of the Mn precursors exhibit size dependence mainly due to the van der Waals interaction. The increase in the number of methyl substituents of Cp-derivate precursors enlarges the decomposition energy barrier of the precursor on (100) due to the steric hindrance, which weakens the selectivity between (111) and (100) facets. It is found that the oxygen groups on these facets accelerate the decomposition of the precursors, which diminishes the selectivity of the precursors on the three Pt facets. While the surface hydroxyl groups significantly weaken the adsorption of Mn(acac)2, it exhibits preferential deposition on hydroxylated Pt (111) among the three facets. Our work highlights the group effect on adsorption, reaction kinetics, and the selective growth of Mn precursors on Pt facets, which provides important guidance to screen precursors to achieve selective deposition of metal oxides on differentiated metal surfaces.