bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of a Brief Group Intervention Program for Young Adults with Gaming-Related Problems
Authors: Männikkö Niko , Mustonen Terhi , Tanner Niina , Vähänikkilä Hannu , Kääriäinen Maria
Published: June 2021

Excessive digital gaming can have unfavorable effects on gamers’ well-being and everyday functioning. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of a novel group intervention “Limitless Gaming Bootcamp” on (i) gaming disorder (GD) tendencies, (ii) the amount of time spent on leisure activities, and (iii) subjective well-being among Finnish young adults, and to determine the persistence of the intervention’s influence over time. A one-group pre- and post-test design with no control group was used. Thirty-seven participants were enrolled in the study. The inclusion criteria were being between the ages of 18 and 29; self-reported excessive gaming; a willingness to get support in monitoring one’s gaming behaviour; and a fluency in Finnish. Participants completed a 10-session group intervention designed to enhance conscious gaming behavior and well-being. Baseline, post-test, and six month follow-up measurements were conducted to gather data. Variables measured included background variables, gaming disorder tendencies (Problematic Online Gaming Questionnaire, POGQ), self-reported time spent on various leisure activities, and subjective well-being (Short Form of the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation Outcome Measure, CORE-SF/A). The time spent on gaming decreased from pre- to post-intervention measurement and further to the six month follow-up, and participants exhibited less severe GD symptoms during the post-intervention phase and six months after the intervention. Gradual improvements in subjective well-being were also observed. The group intervention was found to be particularly effective at reducing the severity of GD symptoms.
Convergent subseries of divergent series
Authors: Balcerzak Marek , Leonetti Paolo
Published: June 2021

Let $$\mathscr {X}$$
X
be the set of positive real sequences $$x=(x_n)$$

x
=
(

x
n

)

such that the series $$\sum _n x_n$$

∑
n

x
n

is divergent. For each $$x \in \mathscr {X}$$

x
∈
X

, let $$\mathcal {I}_x$$

I
x

be the collection of all $$A\subseteq \mathbf {N}$$

A
⊆
N

such that the subseries $$\sum _{n \in A}x_n$$

∑

n
∈
A

x
n

is convergent. Moreover, let $$\mathscr {A}$$
A
be the set of sequences $$x \in \mathscr {X}$$

x
∈
X

such that $$\lim _n x_n=0$$

lim
n

x
n

=
0

and $$\mathcal {I}_x\ne \mathcal {I}_y$$

I
x

≠

I
y

for all sequences $$y=(y_n) \in \mathscr {X}$$

y
=
(

y
n

)
∈
X

with $$\liminf _n y_{n+1}/y_n>0$$

lim inf
n

y

n
+
1

/

y
n

>
0

. We show that $$\mathscr {A}$$
A
is comeager and that contains uncountably many sequences x which generate pairwise nonisomorphic ideals $$\mathcal {I}_x$$

I
x

. This answers, in particular, an open question recently posed by M. Filipczak and G. Horbaczewska.
Uniqueness of Curvature Measures in Pseudo-Riemannian Geometry
Authors: Bernig Andreas , Faifman Dmitry , Solanes Gil
Published: June 2021

The recently introduced Lipschitz–Killing curvature measures on pseudo-Riemannian manifolds satisfy a Weyl principle, i.e. are invariant under isometric embeddings. We show that they are uniquely characterized by this property. We apply this characterization to prove a Künneth-type formula for Lipschitz–Killing curvature measures, and to classify the invariant generalized valuations and curvature measures on all isotropic pseudo-Riemannian space forms.
Foraminiferal Assemblages of Inferred Onshore Paleotsunami Deposits in Southwestern Andaman Islands, India
Authors: Johnson Frango C. , Malik Javed N. , Kathal Pradeep K. , Khan Afzal
Published: June 2021

Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of foraminiferal species within the inferred paleotsunami deposits of southwestern Andaman Island were examined using sediment samples from six geoslice sections up to a depth of ~2.5m. In this study, it is considered that the foraminiferal assemblages of the 2004 tsunami deposit (Unit b) as a modern analogue to trace similar events in the geological past. Paleontological and quantitative data analysis suggests 2 biofacies in the stratigraphy. Biofacies I is indicative of a subtidal sediment provenance and its mixing with intertidal sediments due to the tsunami, whereas, Biofacies II is an intertidal/marshy sediment provenance/environment. Foraminiferal tests >180µm in dimension in the tsunami facies (Biofacies I) show abrasion marks, which otherwise show high preservation potential than the pre-tsunami (Biofacies II) that indicates high dissolution activity and low preservation potential. Based on these inferences, 4 tsunami zones, 4 marsh zones, and 1 basin filling zone was elucidated in the stratigraphical column. In order to refine the chronostratigraphy of this area, the contemporaneous foraminifera recovered from a 15cm thick paleotsunami deposit (Unit g) were dated using 14C accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). The AMS age suggests that AD 1005-1190 was the predecessor of 2004 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake (Mw 9.3) and associated Indian Ocean tsunami.
Geology, Structure and Geochemical Features of the Latérites with Anomalous Ti-V-Cr and REE of the Dhandraul Formation of the Vindhyan Supergroup, Eastern India
Authors: Yadav Pawan Kumar , Das Manorama
Published: June 2021

The present paper reports an important amount of Ti-V-Ga and REE enrichments in the hitherto-unreported eighteen bodies of ferruginous and aluminous laterite capping over the Dhandraul Formation of the Vindhyan Supergroup, Eastern India. It is brown to deep reddish-brown, limonitic, massive, and having a pisolitic form which is mainly rounded to subrounded and filled up of clay, bauxite, limonite, hematite, goethite, and surface encrustation of ferruginous material. Laterites are chiefly composed of ferruginous minerals like hematite, magnetite along with secondary jaspery material and limonite, goethite, in association with silicates and clay minerals. The analyzed samples show high values of Ti, V, Ga, and LREE like La, Ce, Pr, Nd, and Eu along with some significant values of Sm, Gd, Dy, and Yb. TiO2 value is ranging from 0.72 to 18.84 % with an average of 9.77 wt. % which is twenty-two times higher than the crustal abundance. Values of vanadium vary from 48 to 1163 ppm with an average of 593 ppm, and gallium varies from 9 to 90 ppm with an average of 47 ppm, and these values are three to five times higher than the crustal abundance. The ”REE is varying from 208.81 to 899.31 ppm with an average of 484.49 ppm which is three times higher than the crustal abundance. The other significant trace elements identified are in ppm: Co (5 - 135), Cr (76 - 970), Cu (5 - 17), Ni (7 - 48), Pb (6 - 143), and Zn (14 - 231 ppm). This finding has got an enormous impact on the future Ti-V-Ga and REE exploration in the Vindhyan Supergroup in the state of Bihar.
Rock Magnetic Signatures of the Dalma Formation in the Singhbhum Mobile Belt, Eastern India
Authors: Chatterjee Saurodeep , Basavaiah N. , Mondai Supriya , Gain Debesh
Published: June 2021

Petrography and rock magnetic properties of the Dalma volcanics (DV) and associated meta-sediments of Singhbhum mobile belt (SMB) are presented to describe magnetic grain size and Fe-Ti oxide mineralogy of the volcano-sedimentary sequence. Petrography revealed the presence of Ti-magnetite, hematite, ilmenite and pyrite in quartz-biotite-sericite-muscovite schists, quartzites, and volcanic rocks. The average value of magnetic susceptibility (χ) is 5.6 × 10−7 m3/kg, anhysteretic remanent magnetization (ARM) is 2.25 × 10−5 Am2/kg, saturating isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM) is 403.33 × 10−5 Am2/kg, soft IRM is 240.2 × 10−5 Am2/kg, hard IRM is 77.56 × 10−5 Am2/kg, and natural remanent magnetization (NRM) is 54.1 mA/m. The central tendency of the inter-parametric ratio ARM/χ is 0.06 kAm−1, SIRM/χ is 111.04 kAm−1 and S-ratio is 0.8. Based on results, magnetic mineralogy indicated that the bulk magnetic carrier is stable single domain (SSD) or pseudo single domain (PSD) grains of Fe-Ti oxides with minor iron sulphides such as pyrite, greigite and pyrrhotite. Petrography and rock magnetic studies suggest that the magnetic carriers are chiefly secondary in origin and the NRM is modified over time.
Gamification-less: may gamification really foster civic participation? A controlled field experiment
Authors: Romano Marco , Díaz Paloma , Aedo Ignacio
Published: June 2021

In the context of smart communities, it is essential an active and continuous collaboration between citizens, organizations and institutions. There are several cases where citizens may be asked to participate such as in public decision-making process by informing, voting or proposing projects or in crisis management by sharing precise and timely information with other citizens and emergency organizations. However, these opportunities do not automatically result in participatory practices sustained over time. Mobile technologies and social networks provide the substratum for supporting formal empowerment, but citizen engagement in participation processes is still an open issue. One of the techniques used to improve engagement is gamification based on the humans’ predisposition to games. So far, we still lack studies that can prove the advantage of gamified systems respect to non-gamified ones in civic participation context. In this work, we present a between-group design experiment performed in the wild using two mobile applications enabling civic participation, one gamified and the other not. Our results highlight that the gamified application generates a better user experience and civic engagement.
A nomogram to predict overall survival and disease-free survival after curative-intent gastrectomy for gastric cancer
Authors: Tonello Alice Sabrina , Capelli Giulia , Bao Quoc Riccardo , Marchet Alberto , Farinati Fabio , Pawlik Timothy M. , Gregori Dario , Pucciarelli Salvatore , Spolverato Gaya
Published: June 2021

An individual prediction of DFS and OS may be useful after surgery for gastric cancer to inform patients and to guide the clinical management. Patients who underwent curative-intent resection for gastric cancer between January 2010 and May 2020 at a single Italian institution were identified. Variables associated with OS and DFS were recorded and analysed according to univariable and multivariable Cox models. Nomograms predicting OS and DFS were built according to variables resulting from multivariable Cox models. Discrimination ability was calculated using the Harrell’s Concordance Index. Overall, 168 patients underwent curative-intent resection. Nomograms to predict OS were developed including age, tumor size, tumor location, T stage, N stage, M stage and post-operative complications, while nomogram to predict DFS includes Lauren classification, and lymph node ratio (LNR). On internal validation, both nomograms demonstrated a good discrimination with a Harrell’s C-index of 0.77 for OS and 0.71 for DFS. The proposed nomogram to predict DFS and OS after curative-intent surgery for gastric cancer showed a good discrimination on internal validation, and may be useful to guide clinician decision-making, as well help identify patients with high-risk of recurrence or with a poor estimated survival.
No Time to Lift? Designing Time-Efficient Training Programs for Strength and Hypertrophy: A Narrative Review
Authors: Iversen Vegard M. , Norum Martin , Schoenfeld Brad J. , Fimland Marius S.
Published: June 2021

Lack of time is among the more commonly reported barriers for abstention from exercise programs. The aim of this review was to determine how strength training can be most effectively carried out in a time-efficient manner by critically evaluating research on acute training variables, advanced training techniques, and the need for warm-up and stretching. When programming strength training for optimum time-efficiency we recommend prioritizing bilateral, multi-joint exercises that include full dynamic movements (i.e. both eccentric and concentric muscle actions), and to perform a minimum of one leg pressing exercise (e.g. squats), one upper-body pulling exercise (e.g. pull-up) and one upper-body pushing exercise (e.g. bench press). Exercises can be performed with machines and/or free weights based on training goals, availability, and personal preferences. Weekly training volume is more important than training frequency and we recommend performing a minimum of 4 weekly sets per muscle group using a 6–15 RM loading range (15–40 repetitions can be used if training is performed to volitional failure). Advanced training techniques, such as supersets, drop sets and rest-pause training roughly halves training time compared to traditional training, while maintaining training volume. However, these methods are probably better at inducing hypertrophy than muscular strength, and more research is needed on longitudinal training effects. Finally, we advise restricting the warm-up to exercise-specific warm-ups, and only prioritize stretching if the goal of training is to increase flexibility. This review shows how acute training variables can be manipulated, and how specific training techniques can be used to optimize the training response: time ratio in regard to improvements in strength and hypertrophy.

Graphic Abstract
The mediating role of the novelty ecosystem between personality traits, entrepreneurial networks and entrepreneurial ambidexterity among small and medium enterprises
Authors: Mayanja Samuel , Omeke Michael , Tibamwenda Josue Vajeru , Mutebi Henry , Mufta Fredrick
Published: June 2021

This paper examines the mediating effect of the novelty ecosystem in the relationship between personality traits, entrepreneurial networking and entrepreneurial ambidexterity. Three hundred eighty-two SMEs in Kampala, Uganda, were studied to explore the influence of the novelty ecosystem. The results show that novelty ecosystem mediates the relationship between personality traits, entrepreneurial networking and entrepreneurial ambidexterity. This suggests that novelty ecosystem is a conduit through which personality traits and entrepreneurial networking relate to entrepreneurial ambidexterity. Business owners/managers should, therefore, create an enabling environment for employees to interact, learn from others through constructive feedback and tolerate learning through slip-ups and putting in place flexible policies to allow creativity. In effect, business owners/managers should create environments that are conducive to opportunity exploration, tension and exploitation.
Distribution of Fetal Anomalies According to International Statistical Classification of Diseases 10th Revision for Congenital Malformations and Chromosomal Defects: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Gowda Mamatha , Godipelli Laxmi , Plakkal Nishad , Deodhare Kirti , Yadav Manisha
Published: June 2021

Reports on incidence of congenital anomalies may be an underestimation of the problem owing to deficiencies in maintaining birth defect registries, reliable medical records, statistics and uniformity in reporting. International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems is a system used to translate diagnosis of disease and other health problems from words into an alphanumeric code to provide a common language to share health information across the globe and forms a foundation for identification of health trends and statistics globally. ICD-10 version for congenital malformations, deformities and chromosomal abnormalities classification has been widely applied in the pediatric age group. This study attempts to extrapolate the utility of this classification in coding fetal anomalies prenatally to provide data on their burden and distribution at a tertiary referral centre. To apply ICD-10 coding system for congenital malformations and chromosomal defects antenatally to study the distribution pattern of fetal anomalies and its correlation with postnatal coding, 150 consenting women with prenatal diagnosis of fetal malformation were recruited over a period of 18 months between March 2017 and October 2018. A provisional ICD-10 code was assigned based on antenatal ultrasound findings which was revised again based on postnatal examination or autopsy. Cases were followed up until termination or postnatal day 28 to study the outcome. Correlation of antenatal coding with postnatal code and pattern of distribution of anomalies was studied. Among the 150 cases recruited, 145 (96.7%) were singleton pregnancies with most cases (130) diagnosed for the first time beyond 20 weeks of gestation. Termination of pregnancy was done in 17 (11.3%) cases and 133 pregnancies were continued and among these, intra-uterine demise occurred in 5 (3.3%) and 128 (85.3%) resulted in live birth. Postnatal surgery was done in 20 cases in the neonatal period. Of the live births, 97 (75.8%) were alive on postnatal day 28, while 23 (18.0%) expired. Multisystem involvement was observed in 41 (27.3%) cases and the others had single organ system anomalies, most commonly involving circulatory (29/19.3%) followed by nervous (27/18%) system. ICD coding was similar antenatally and postnatally in 87(58%) cases. It was almost similar in 38 (25.3%), and, in 25 (16.7%) cases, the code was different. Though commonly applied postnatally, prenatal classification of fetal anomalies can be done using ICD-10 to study the pattern and distribution of malformations. However, due to fallacies in prenatal diagnosis and additional information that can be obtained only postnatally, all the prenatally coded cases have to be reviewed postnatally and revised.
Long-term effects of somatostatin analogues in rat GH-secreting pituitary tumor cell lines
Authors: Dicitore A. , Saronni D. , Gaudenzi G. , Carra S. , Cantone M. C. , Borghi M. O. , Persani L. , Vitale G.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

First-generation somatostatin analogs, octreotide (OCT) and lanreotide, are the cornerstone for the medical treatment of growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary tumors. A new multireceptor analog, such as pasireotide (PAS), showed better activity than OCT in long-term treatment of patients with acromegaly, but modulation of intracellular key processes is still unclear in vitro. In this study, we evaluated the antitumor activity of OCT and PAS in two GH-secreting pituitary tumor cell lines, GH3 and GH4C1, after a long-term incubation.

Methods

The effects of PAS and OCT on the cell viability, cell cycle, apoptosis, GH secretion, and tumor-induced angiogenesis have been evaluated through a colorimetric method (MTS Assay), DNA flow cytometry with propidium iodide, and Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining, ELISA assay and zebrafish platform, respectively.

Results

PAS showed a more potent antitumor activity compared to OCT in GH3 cell line exerted through inhibition of cell viability, perturbation of cell cycle progression, and induction of apoptosis after 6 days of incubation. A concomitant decrease in GH secretion has been observed after 2 days of incubation only with PAS. No effect on tumor-induced angiogenesis has been reported after treatment with OCT or PAS in zebrafish/tumor xenograft model.

Conclusion

Long-term incubation with PAS showed a more potent antitumor activity than that reported after OCT in GH3 cells, mainly modulated by a cell cycle perturbation and a relevant induction in apoptosis.
Fuzzy based multi-response optimization: a case study on EDM machining process
Authors: Sahu Jambeswar , Shrivastava Sonam
Published: June 2021

The current study challenges the multi-objective optimization of electric discharge machining (EDM) parameters. EDM is used for creating profiles by machining of workpiece that are difficult to machine by conventional method. In the current work four responses such as material removal rate (production rate), tool wear rate, surface roughness (quality) and circularity (profile) are collectively investigated with varying controlling parameters. The human decision for best combination of controlling parameters for highest performance has uncertainties, which results in inferior solution. The multiple responses along with uncertainties and impreciseness can be addressed by combining a neuro-fuzzy system with particle swarm optimization (PSO). To illustrate the superiority of the proposed approach a set of experiment have been conducted in EDM process using AISI D2 tool steel as workpiece and brass tool. The experimental plan was made according to the Box-Behnken response surface methodology design with four process parameters namely discharge current, pulse-on-time, duty factor, and flushing pressure. The four response parameters such as material removal rate, tool wear rate, surface roughness, and circularity of machined components were optimized simultaneously. One unique Multi-response Performance Characteristic Index was obtained by combining the four responses using the proposed neuro-fuzzy technique. A regression model was developed on single response and optimized by PSO to obtain the optimal parameter setting. An experiment was conducted on optimal parameter to test the optimum performance. It is observed that the EDM responses were affected significantly by discharge current and pulse-on-time. The increase in pulse-on-time leads to larger surface cracks and more micro-pores on the machined surface.

Article Highlights

RSM was proven to be an effective statistical tool for reducing the experimental runs, and also establishes the relation between multiple inputs and single output.

The neuro-fuzzy system combined with PSO results a suitable model to convert multiple response into an equivalent single response.

The presented approach can be a practical method for situations where multiple conflicting objectives are needed to be optimized at the same time.
Empowering Users in Online Open Communities
Authors: Osman Nardine , Chenu-Abente Ronald , Shen Qiang , Sierra Carles , Giunchiglia Fausto
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we propose an architecture supportingonline open communities, where byopencommunities, we mean communities where previously unknown people can join, possibly for a limited amount of time. The fundamental question that we address is “how we can make sure that an individual’s requirements are taken into consideration by the community while her privacy is respected and the community’s ethical code is not violated”. The main contributions are: (i) a conceptual framework which allows to describe individual and communityprofiles, including data and norms that provide information about their owner and their requirements, and (ii) adecentralised architectureenabling interactions that leverage the exchange of profile information among people and communities to ensure that requirements are fulfilled and privacy is respected.
Implicit Bias as Mental Imagery
Authors: NANAY BENCE
Published: June 2021

What is the mental representation that is responsible for implicit bias? What is this representation that mediates between the trigger and the biased behavior? My claim is that this representation is neither a propositional attitude nor a mere association (as the two major accounts of implicit bias claim). Rather, it is mental imagery: perceptual processing that is not directly triggered by sensory input. I argue that this view captures the advantages of the two standard accounts without inheriting their disadvantages. Further, this view also explains why manipulating mental imagery is among the most efficient ways of counteracting implicit bias.
Maternal methionine supplementation in mice affects long-term body weight and locomotor activity of adult female offspring
Authors: Cavalcante-Silva Vanessa , Ribeiro da Silva Vallim Julia , Fernandes Leandro , de Oliveira Allan Chiaratti , D’Almeida Vânia
Published: June 2021

Methionine is a precursor of s-adenosylmethionine, the main donor of methyl radicals for methylation of DNA and other compounds. Previous studies have shown that reduced availability of methyl radicals during pregnancy/lactation decreased offspring perigonadal white adipose tissue (PWAT) and body weight. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effects of methionine supplementation during early development, a time of great ontogenic plasticity, by assessing the biometric, biochemical and behavioural parameters of the offspring of adult Swiss female mice supplemented with 1 % methionine in water 1 month before pregnancy, during pregnancy or pregnancy/lactation. After birth, the offspring were distributed into three groups: control (CT), methionine supplementation during pregnancy (SP) and methionine supplementation during pregnancy and lactation (SPL), and were followed until postnatal day (PND) 300. No changes were observed in offspring birth weight in both sexes. At PND 5, 28 and 90, no differences in body weight were found in females; however, at PND 300, SP and SPL females showed an increase in body weight when compared with the control group. This increase in body weight was accompanied by a total and relative increase in PWAT, and a decrease in locomotor activity in these groups. No differences in the body and organ weights were found in male offspring. In conclusion, the increased availability of methyl radicals during pregnancy and lactation impacted long-term body composition and locomotor activity in female offspring.
Impact of intra-category food substitutions on the risk of type 2 diabetes: a modelling study on the pizza category
Authors: Adjibade Moufidath , Mariotti François , Leroy Pascal , Souchon Isabelle , Saint-Eve Anne , Fagherazzi Guy , Soler Louis-Georges , Huneau Jean-François
Published: June 2021

Advice on replacing unhealthy foods with healthier alternatives within the same food category may be more acceptable and might ease the transition towards a healthy diet. Here, we studied the potential impact of substitutions within the pizza category on the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The study sample consisted of 2510 adults from the INCA2 French national survey. Based on their nutritional characteristics, the 353 pizzas marketed in France were grouped into 100 clusters that were used to run various scenarios of pizza substitutions, which were either isoenergetic (IE) or non-isoenergetic (NIE). We then used a model structurally similar to the Preventable Risk Integrated ModEl to assess the expected rate of change in risk of T2D. Pizzas characterised by a low energy, high vegetable content and whole grain dough were associated with a greater reduction in the risk of T2D. The rates of change in risk of T2D were markedly stronger in men and for NIE substitutions. When the rates of change were estimated in the subsample of pizza consumers, replacing the observed pizzas with the best pizza resulted in a T2D risk reduction of −6·7 % (–8·4 %; −4·9 %, IE) and −8·9 % (–11·2 %; −6·3 %, NIE), assuming that this is their usual diets. The greatest risk reduction induced by an IE substitution of the observed pizza with a mixed dish was similar to that observed with the best pizzas. Overall, this modelling study suggests that healthy swaps within a category can effectively supplement broader dietary changes towards a healthier diet.
Fruit and vegetable consumption before and during pregnancy and developmental delays in offspring aged 2 years in Japan
Authors: Yonezawa Yudai , Ueno Fumihiko , Obara Taku , Yamashita Takahiro , Ishikuro Mami , Murakami Keiko , Noda Aoi , Onuma Tomomi , Sugawara Junichi , Suzuki Shigenori , Suganuma Hiroyuki , Kuriyama Shinichi
Published: June 2021

The association between fruit and vegetable consumption before and during pregnancy and offspring’s physical growth has been well reported, but no study has focused on offspring’s neurological development. We aimed to explore the association between maternal fruit and vegetable consumption before and during pregnancy and developmental delays in their offspring aged 2 years. Between July 2013 and March 2017, 23 406 women were recruited for the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study. Fruit and vegetable consumption was calculated using FFQ, and offspring’s developmental delays were evaluated by the Ages & Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition (ASQ-3) for infants aged 2 years. Finally, 10 420 women and 10 543 infants were included in the analysis. Totally, 14·9 % of children had developmental delay when screened using the ASQ-3. Women in the highest quartile of vegetable consumption from pre-pregnancy to early pregnancy and from early to mid-pregnancy had lower odds of offspring’s developmental delays (OR 0·74; 95 % CI 0·63, 0·89 and OR 0·70; 95 % CI 0·59, 0·84, respectively) than women in the lowest quartile. Women in the highest quartile of fruit consumption from early to mid-pregnancy had lower odds of offspring’s developmental delays (OR 0·78; 95 % CI 0·66, 0·92) than women in the lowest quartile. In conclusion, high fruit and vegetable consumption before and during pregnancy was associated with a lower risk of developmental delays in offspring aged 2 years.
Performance of elite genotypes of barley, chickpea, lentil, and wheat under conservation agriculture in Mediterranean rainfed conditions
Authors: Devkota Mina , Patil S. B. , Kumar Shiv , Kehel Zakaria , Wery Jacques
Published: June 2021

Conservation agriculture (CA) practices are becoming more important in Mediterranean rainfed areas due to their potential to minimize climatic risk, reduce soil erosion, and improve soil quality and water availability. Due to minimum soil disturbance and crop residue retention, the soil environment for crop growth and development can differ between CA and conventional tillage (CT) practice. However, breeding targets for improving yield performance in CA system remain poorly explored. The objective of this study was to assess the performance of elite genotypes of barley, chickpea, lentil, and wheat grown under CA, a promising alternative agricultural practice in the Mediterranean rainfed conditions. A three-year field study, with contrasting rainfall pattern, was conducted in the International Center for Agriculture Research in the Dry Areas’s research field in Morocco to evaluate the tillage × genotype interaction and its consequence for yield performance of barley, chickpea, lentil, and wheat. Thirteen elite genotypes for each crop were planted under both CA and CT systems. Wheat and chickpea produced significantly higher grain yield (+62% for wheat and +43% for chickpea) under CA than in CT, while lentil and barley performed equally under both systems. Significant effect of tillage × genotype was more frequent for chickpea and wheat than for barley and lentil. Increased yield under CA, mainly in dry year, was associated with higher harvest index (HI). For each crop species yield was mainly influenced by rainfall amount and distribution (75–88% yield variation), and tillage × genotype was of little importance. The overall results suggest that a specific breeding program for CA in lentil, chickpea, wheat, and barley may not be efficient. Few tillage × genotype interaction, especially in dry years, indicated that breeding target on increasing HI, tolerance to drought (high yield in dry years), and potential yield (high yield in wet year) can help to improve yield performance of chickpea, lentil, and wheat genotypes in CA system. Varieties with wider adaptability considering drought tolerance, higher yield with stability, and adoption of CA practices are important in the context of the Mediterranean rainfed environment. Integrating trade-off analysis between yield potential and stability in a rainfall gradient in both CT and CA in the national certification scheme of varieties may be more efficient than developing breeding programs for each type of tillage system.
Use of pre-operative calcium and vitamin D supplementation to prevent post-operative hypocalcaemia in patients undergoing thyroidectomy: a systematic review
Authors: Khatiwada A S , Harris A S
Published: June 2021

Objective

This systematic review aimed to establish the evidence behind the use of pre-operative calcium, vitamin D or both calcium and vitamin D to prevent post-operative hypocalcaemia in patients undergoing thyroidectomy.

Method

This review included prospective clinical trials on adult human patients that were published in English and which studied the effects of pre-operative supplementation with calcium, vitamin D or both calcium and vitamin D on the rate of post-operative hypocalcaemia following total thyroidectomy.

Results

Seven out of the nine trials included reported statistically significantly reduced rates of post-operative laboratory hypocalcaemia (absolute risk reduction, 13–59 per cent) and symptomatic hypocalcaemia (absolute reduction, 11–40 per cent) following pre-operative supplementation.

Conclusion

Pre-operative treatment with calcium, vitamin D or both calcium and vitamin D reduces the risk of post-operative hypocalcaemia and should be considered in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy.
Occupancy patterns of prey species in a biological corridor and inferences for tiger population connectivity between national parks in Bhutan
Authors: Letro Letro , Fischer Klaus , Duba Dorji , Tandin Tandin
Published: June 2021

Site occupancy models, accounting for imperfect detection and the influence of anthropogenic and ecological covariates, can indicate the status of species populations. They may thus be useful for exploring the suitability of landscapes such as biological corridors, to ensure population dispersal and connectivity. Using occupancy probability models of its principal prey species, we make inferences on landscape connectivity for the movement of the tiger Panthera tigris between protected areas in Bhutan. We used camera-trap data to assess the probability of site occupancy (Ψ) of the sambar Rusa unicolor, wild boar Sus scrofa and barking deer Muntiacus muntjak in biological corridor no. 8, which connects two national parks in central Bhutan. At least one prey species was recorded at 17 out of 26 trapping locations. The probability of site occupancy was highest for the barking deer (Ψ = 0.52 ± SE 0.09) followed by sambar (Ψ = 0.49 ± SE 0.03) and wild boar (Ψ = 0.45 ± SE 0.07). All three species had higher occupancy probability at lower altitudes. Sambar occupancy was greater farther from settlements and on steeper and/or south-facing slopes. Barking deer also had higher occupancy on south-facing slopes, and wild boar occurred mainly close to rivers. Our findings suggest that this biological corridor could facilitate dispersal of tigers. Protecting prey species, and minimizing anthropogenic disturbance and habitat fragmentation, are vital for tiger dispersal and thus functional connectivity amongst populations in this area.
Baseline Differences in Long-term Survivors and Nonsurvivors of the Colorado/Columbia Fetal Implant Trial
Authors: McRae Cynthia , Dunk Michelle , Russell Dan , Ellgring Heiner , Stern Yaakov , Greene Paul , Fahn Stanley , Henchcliffe Claire
Published: June 2021

Objective:

This study is based on long-term follow-up of participants in a randomized double-blind sham surgery-controlled trial (1995–1999) designed to determine the effectiveness of implantation of human embryonic mesencephalic tissue containing dopamine neuron precursors into the brains of patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD). We investigated differences between long-term survivors and nonsurvivors at baseline in order to contribute to information regarding optimal patient selection for upcoming stem cell trials.

Method:

Forty participants were randomly assigned to receive either neural implantation or sham surgery. Thirty-four patients who ultimately received the implant were followed periodically with the most recent assessment occurring in 2015–2016. Demographic information, neurological measures, positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, neuropsychological assessments, and a personality assessment were included in the current analyses. T-tests were used to compare survivors and nonsurvivors. Logistic regression analyses examined predictors of survivorship.

Results:

Five of six survivors were female. They were younger than nonsurvivors (p = .03) and more neuropsychologically “intact” across a broad range of cognitive areas (significance levels ranged from <.001 to .045). There were no differences between survivors and nonsurvivors off medications at baseline on neurological or PET assessments. Survivors reported more “Openness to Experience” (p = .004) than nonsurvivors. Using empirically derived predictor variables, results of logistic regression analyses indicated that Animal Naming (cognitive task) and Openness to Experience (personality variable) were the strongest predictors of survivorship.

Conclusions:

Variables to consider when selecting participants for future cell-based therapies include being “intact” neuropsychologically, level of Openness to Experience, younger age, and inclusion of women.
The Cognitive Scale of Basic and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living for Multidomain Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Patients: Validation of its Extended Version
Authors: Montoro-Membila Nuria , Arnedo Montoro Marisa , Funes María Jesús , Rodríguez-Bailón María
Published: June 2021

Objective:

To validate an informant-based tool – the extended version of the Cognitive Scale of Basic and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (BADL and IADL) or Ext. Cog-ADL Scale – in a larger sample and with a broader range of cognitive-functional items related to activities of daily living (ADL).

Method:

The Ext. Cog-ADL Scale was administered to family informants of 42 patients with dementia, 43 patients with multidomain mild cognitive impairment (mdMCI), and 23 healthy control participants. We analyzed the convergent and concurrent validity and external validity of this scale.

Results:

The Ext. Cog-ADL Scale demonstrated good psychometric properties. Episodic and working memory tests were the main predictors of most cognitive-functional items of the scale. While patients with dementia obtained lower scores in most error categories of the scale, affecting both BADL and IADL, mdMCI patients showed a more specific pattern of difficulties. Apart from the typical alterations in IADL, mdMCI patients also showed difficulties in several error categories related to BADL (i.e., error detection, problem solving, task self-initiation, distraction inhibition, and restore).

Conclusions:

The Ext. Cog-ADL Scale seems to be an adequate tool to capture the specific pattern of cognitive alterations related to IADL and BADL that differentiates dementia from mdMCI and healthy aging; it shows that mdMCI can involve specific cognitive difficulties that affect even BADL.
Politics, Markets, and Pandemics: Public Education’s Response to COVID-19
Authors: Hartney Michael T. , Finger Leslie K.
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic provides a unique opportunity to examine how local governments respond to a public health crisis amid high levels of partisan polarization. As an arena that has historically been relatively insulated from national partisan cleavages, public schools provide a useful window into understanding the growing nationalization of local politics. Leveraging the fact that all school districts had to adopt a reopening plan in fall 2020, we assess the factors that influenced school district reopening decisions. We find that mass partisanship and vested interests best explain the degree to which schools reopened. Republican (Democratic) districts were far more (less) likely to reopen in person, while districts with stronger unions relied more on remote learning. Notably, we find little connection between reopening decisions and indicators measuring the severity of the virus. Finally, public schools were sensitive to the threat of student exit. Districts located in counties with more Catholic schools were somewhat more likely to reopen in person. We assess the implications of these findings for U.S. education policy and the study of local government more generally.
DNA methylation profile of liver of mice conceived by in vitro fertilization
Authors: Lira-Albarrán Saúl , Liu Xiaowei , Lee Seok Hee , Rinaudo Paolo
Published: June 2021

Offspring generated by in vitro fertilization (IVF) are believed to be healthy but display a possible predisposition to chronic diseases, like hypertension and glucose intolerance. Since epigenetic changes are believed to underlie such phenotype, this study aimed at describing global DNA methylation changes in the liver of adult mice generated by natural mating (FB group) or by IVF. Embryos were generated by IVF or natural mating. At 30 weeks of age, mice were sacrificed. The liver was removed, and global DNA methylation was assessed using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS). Genomic Regions for Enrichment Analysis Tool (GREAT) and G:Profilerβ were used to identify differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and for functional enrichment analysis. Overrepresented gene ontology terms were summarized with REVIGO, while canonical pathways (CPs) were identified with Ingenuity® Pathway Analysis. Overall, 2692 DMRs (4.91%) were different between the groups. The majority of DMRs (84.92%) were hypomethylated in the IVF group. Surprisingly, only 0.16% of CpG islands were differentially methylated and only a few DMRs were located on known gene promoters (n = 283) or enhancers (n = 190). Notably, the long-interspersed element (LINE), short-interspersed element (SINE), and long terminal repeat (LTR1) transposable elements showed reduced methylation (P < 0.05) in IVF livers. Cellular metabolic process, hepatic fibrosis, and insulin receptor signaling were some of the principal biological processes and CPs modified by IVF. In summary, IVF modifies the DNA methylation signature in the adult liver, resulting in hypomethylation of genes involved in metabolism and gene transcription regulation. These findings may shed light on the mechanisms underlying the developmental origin of health and disease.
Greater Post-Surgical Pain Predicts Long-Term Depressed Affect in	Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Fisher Hannah M. , Taub Chloe J. , Lechner Suzanne C. , Antoni Michael H.
Published: June 2021

Abstract. Background: Depressed affect is observed during primary treatment for early-stage breast cancer and often persists into survivorship. Pain can influence the long-term emotions of women with breast cancer. Behavioral mechanisms explaining this relationship are less clear. Coping during primary treatment may play a role in the association between pain and depressed affect. Aims: Our observational study examined a longitudinal mediation model testing whether post-surgical pain intensity predicted depressed affect 5 years later via disengagement and/or engagement coping at the end of treatment. Method: Women ( N = 240) with stage 0–III breast cancer completed measures of pain, coping, and depressed affect 4–10 weeks post-surgery, and 12 months and 5 years later. Results: Structural modeling yielded measurement models of 12-month disengagement and engagement coping. Direct effects emerged between post-surgical pain intensity and 12-month disengagement (β = .37, p < .001) and engagement coping (β = .16, p < .05). Post-surgical pain intensity was also related to 5-year depressed affect (β = .25, p < .05). Disengagement and engagement coping were not associated with depressed affect at 5-year follow-up, and there was no evidence of mediation. Limitations: This is a secondary analysis of data from a trial conducted several years ago, and may not generalize due to a homogenous sample with attrition at long-term follow-up. Conclusions: Greater post-surgical pain intensity predicts more disengagement and engagement coping at the end of primary treatment, as well as depressed affect during survivorship. Managing post-surgical pain may influence the emotions of survivors of breast cancer up to 5 years later, possibly through coping or non-coping processes.
Relationships Between Mindfulness Facets and Mental and Physical	Health in Meditating and Nonmeditating University Students
Authors: Karing Constance , Oeltjen Lara , Beelmann Andreas
Published: June 2021

Abstract. Background: Little is known about the relations of the mindfulness facets to mental and physical health among meditators and nonmeditators. Aim: The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between the mindfulness facets and mental as well as physical health of university students with and without meditation experience using attentional control, body awareness, nonattachment, and emotion regulation as mediators. Method: Data were collected from a sample of 508 university students (meditators: n = 195, nonmeditators n = 313). Path analysis models were used to examine the associations between the mindfulness facets, all candidate mediators and the outcome variables mental and physical health complaints. Additionally, a bootstrapping procedure was used to test the significance of the indirect effects. Results: Results showed that the associations between the mindfulness facets, the proposed mediators, and mental and physical health complaints were similar between students with and without meditation experience. Nonattachment and body awareness were the most important mediators. Limitations: Only self-report questionnaires were used in the study, and the majority of the sample was women and enrolled in health and social science studies. Conclusion: The results indicated that the investigation of mindfulness at the facet level is worthwhile. The study helps to clarify the associations between the mindfulness facets and mental as well as physical health among students with and without meditation experience. Further, mindfulness mediators should be examined in intervention studies.
Evaluation of Extreme Temperatures Over Australia in the Historical Simulations of CMIP5 and CMIP6 Models
Authors: Deng Xu , Perkins‐Kirkpatrick Sarah E. , Lewis Sophie C. , Ritchie Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2021

Historical simulations of models participating in the sixth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) are evaluated over 10 Australian regions for their performance in simulating extreme temperatures, among which three models with initial‐condition large ensembles (LEs) are used to estimate the effects of internal variability. Based on two observational data sets, the Australian Water Availability Project (AWAP) and the Berkeley Earth Surface Temperatures (BEST), we first analyze the models' abilities in simulating the probability distributions of daily maximum and minimum temperature (TX and TN), followed by the spatial patterns and temporal variations of the extreme indices, as defined by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI). Overall, the CMIP6 models are comparable to CMIP5, with modest improvements shown in CMIP6. Compared to CMIP5, the CMIP6 ensemble tends to have narrower interquartile model ranges for some cold extremes, as well as narrower ensemble ranges in temporal trends for most indices. Over southeast, tropical, and southern regions, both CMIP ensembles generally exhibit relatively large deficiencies in simulating temperature extremes. We also confirm that internal variability can affect the trends of the extremes and there is uncertainty in representing the irreducible variability among different LEs in CMIP6. Furthermore, the evaluation based on Perkins' skill score (PSS) and root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) in the three LEs does not directly correlate with the ranges of the trends for extreme temperatures. The findings of this study are useful in informing and interpreting future projections of temperature‐related extremes over Australia.