bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new method to design energy-conserving surrogate models for the coupled, nonlinear responses of intervertebral discs
Authors: Hammer Maria , Wenzel Tizian , Santin Gabriele , Meszaros-Beller Laura , Little Judith Paige , Haasdonk Bernard , Schmitt Syn
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study was to design physics-preserving and precise surrogate models of the nonlinear elastic behaviour of an intervertebral disc (IVD). Based on artificial force-displacement data sets from detailed finite element (FE) disc models, we used greedy kernel and polynomial approximations of second, third and fourth order to train surrogate models for the scalar force-torque -potential. Doing so, the resulting models of the elastic IVD responses ensured the conservation of mechanical energy through their structure. At the same time, they were capable of predicting disc forces in a physiological range of motion and for the coupling of all six degrees of freedom of an intervertebral joint. The performance of all surrogate models for a subject-specific L4$$\vert$$
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5 disc geometry was evaluated both on training and test data obtained from uncoupled (one-dimensional), weakly coupled (two-dimensional), and random movement trajectories in the entire six-dimensional (6d) physiological displacement range, as well as on synthetic kinematic data. We observed highest precisions for the kernel surrogate followed by the fourth-order polynomial model. Both clearly outperformed the second-order polynomial model which is equivalent to the commonly used stiffness matrix in neuro-musculoskeletal simulations. Hence, the proposed model architectures have the potential to improve the accuracy and, therewith, validity of load predictions in neuro-musculoskeletal spine models.
Herpes zoster after the third dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-BNT162b2 vaccine in actively treated cancer patients: a prospective study
Authors: Nelli Fabrizio , Fabbri Agnese , Virtuoso Antonella , Giannarelli Diana , Marrucci Eleonora , Fiore Cristina , Giron Berrios Julio Rodrigo , Schirripa Marta , Signorelli Carlo , Chilelli Mario Giovanni , Primi Francesca , Panichi Valentina , Caterini Luciano , Farinelli Stefania , Silvestri Maria Assunta , Ruggeri Enzo Maria
Published: January 2024

Several concerns have been raised about a causal relationship between COVID-19 mRNA-based vaccines and the development of herpes zoster (HZ). We performed a prospective analysis of the Vax-On-Third-Profile study to investigate the incidence of HZ after the third dose of mRNA-BNT162b2 (tozinameran) and its correlation with immune responses. Patients who had received a booster dose and had been actively treated for at least 8 weeks were eligible. Serologic assessment was performed before the third dose of tozinameran (timepoint-1) and 4 weeks later (timepoint-2). We also assessed the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections at predefined time points. The current analysis included 310 patients, of whom 109 (35.2%) and 111 (35.8%) were being treated with targeted therapies and cytotoxic chemotherapy, respectively. All participants received a third dose of tozinameran between September 26 and October 30, 2021. After a mean follow-up of 17.3 (IQR 15.1–18.4) months, HZ occurred in 8 recipients, for a cumulative incidence of 2.6%, and an incidence rate of 0.310 per person-year (95% CI 0.267–0.333). All HZ cases occurred within 30 days of booster dosing (range 5–29 days), with a median time to onset of 15 (IQR 9–22) days. Among the 7 patients (2.2%) who also contracted a SARS-CoV-2 infection, all cases preceded COVID-19 outbreaks. No instances of complicated HZ were reported. In multivariate analysis, impaired T helper and T cytotoxic cell counts independently correlated with HZ occurrence. These findings provide the first evidence that cancer patients on active treatment have a not negligible risk of developing HZ within 30 days after the third dose of tozinameran. The favorable clinical outcome of all observed cases confirms that protective effects of boosters in reducing the risk of severe COVID-19 outweigh the potential risk of HZ occurrence.
Humoral responses to wild type and ancient BA.1 SARS-CoV-2 variant after heterologous priming vaccination with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and BNT162b2 booster dose
Authors: Sanna Giuseppina , Marongiu Alessandra , Firinu Davide , Piras Cristina , Palmas Vanessa , Galdiero Massimiliano , Atzori Luigi , Caria Paola , Campagna Marcello , Perra Andrea , Costanzo Giulia , Coghe Ferdinando , Littera Roberto , Chessa Luchino , Manzin Aldo
Published: January 2024

Several countries have recommended a booster dose of Pfizer BNT162b2 vaccine for subjects under the age of 60, who have already received the first dose of ChAdOx1. This is due to several ChAdOx1 vaccine-associated adverse vascular events and thrombocytopenia. Neutralization assay and quantitative IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike antibody (anti-S-IgG) were conducted to investigate the long-term responses to vaccine treatment in a cohort of Sardinian participants, who have received heterologous Prime–Boost Vaccination via ChAdOx1 vector vaccine and a booster dose via BNT162b2. The obtained results were compared with those of a cohort of healthcare workers (HCW) who received homologous BNT162b2 (BNT/BNT/BNT) vaccination. One month (T2) and five months after the second and before the third dose (T3), anti-spike antibody or neutralizing titers in the subjects vaccinated with ChAdOx1-S/BNT162b2 were significantly higher than those who experienced the ChAdOx1-S/ChAdOx1-S or BNT162b2/BNT162b2 schedule. These results suggest that a ChAdOx1-S/BNT162b2 regimen provides a more robust antibody response than either of the homologous regimens. However, the anti-spike antibodies or neutralizing titers after the third injection (mRNA vaccine) of ChAdOx1-S as a second dose and BNT162b2 were not statistically different. Homologous and heterologous vaccination provided a strong antibody response. Neutralizing activities were also described against the Omicron BA.1 variant in a sub-group (40) representative of the three vaccination regimens among our cohort.
Towards interactive explanation-based nutrition virtual coaching systems
Authors: Buzcu Berk , Tessa Melissa , Tchappi Igor , Najjar Amro , Hulstijn Joris , Calvaresi Davide , Aydoğan Reyhan
Published: January 2024

The awareness about healthy lifestyles is increasing, opening to personalized intelligent health coaching applications. A demand for more than mere suggestions and mechanistic interactions has driven attention to nutrition virtual coaching systems (NVC) as a bridge between human–machine interaction and recommender, informative, persuasive, and argumentation systems. NVC can rely on data-driven opaque mechanisms. Therefore, it is crucial to enable NVC to explain their doing (i.e., engaging the user in discussions (via arguments) about dietary solutions/alternatives). By doing so, transparency, user acceptance, and engagement are expected to be boosted. This study focuses on NVC agents generating personalized food recommendations based on user-specific factors such as allergies, eating habits, lifestyles, and ingredient preferences. In particular, we propose a user-agent negotiation process entailing run-time feedback mechanisms to react to both recommendations and related explanations. Lastly, the study presents the findings obtained by the experiments conducted with multi-background participants to evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of the proposed system. The results indicate that most participants value the opportunity to provide feedback and receive explanations for recommendations. Additionally, the users are fond of receiving information tailored to their needs. Furthermore, our interactive recommendation system performed better than the corresponding traditional recommendation system in terms of effectiveness regarding the number of agreements and rounds.
Monitoring genome-wide diversity over contemporary time with new indicators applied to Arctic charr populations
Authors: Saha Atal , Kurland Sara , Kutschera Verena E. , Díez-del-Molino David , Ekman Diana , Ryman Nils , Laikre Linda
Published: January 2024

Genetic diversity is fundamental to the adaptive potential and survival of species. Although its importance has long been recognized in science, it has a history of neglect within policy, until now. The new Global Biodiversity Framework recently adopted by the Convention on Biological Diversity, states that genetic diversity must be maintained at levels assuring adaptive potential of populations, and includes metrics for systematic monitoring of genetic diversity in so called indicators. Similarly, indicators for genetic diversity are being developed at national levels. Here, we apply new indicators for Swedish national use to one of the northernmost salmonid fishes, the Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus). We sequence whole genomes to monitor genetic diversity over four decades in three landlocked populations inhabiting protected alpine lakes in central Sweden. We find levels of genetic diversity, inbreeding and load to differ among lakes but remain stable over time. Effective population sizes are generally small (< 500), suggesting a limited ability to maintain adaptive variability if genetic exchange with nearby populations became eliminated. We identify genomic regions potentially shaped by selection; SNPs exhibiting population divergence exceeding expectations under drift and a putative selective sweep acting within one lake to which the competitive brown trout (Salmo trutta) was introduced during the sampling period. Identified genes appear involved in immunity and salinity tolerance. Present results suggest that genetically vulnerable populations of Arctic charr have maintained neutral and putatively adaptive genetic diversity despite small effective sizes, attesting the importance of continued protection and assurance of gene flow among populations.
Cause for Concern? The Relationship Between Language Skills in Toddlers and Later Reading Skills in School
Authors: Joner Maya Dybvig
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this longitudinal study is to investigate the association between poor language skills in toddlers and later reading skills. In contrast to earlier research, the present study used an authentic assessment of language skills conducted by staff in early childhood education and care as a tool for early identification. The participants were 515 Norwegian monolingual toddlers who were assessed when they were 33 months, 7 years, and 10 years. The results showed a small correlation between language skills identified at 33 months and later reading skills. The toddlers with the 10% poorest language skills were overrepresented in the 10% with the poorest decoding skills in 2nd grade and reading comprehension in 5th grade. Furthermore, 67.3% of toddlers with poor language skills attained below-average reading scores in 5th grade. These findings support the importance of paying attention to children in the lowest 10%, even at the age of 33 months. Furthermore, the results show that authentic assessments in the early years conducted by staff in early childhood education and care can make an important contribution to identifying toddlers in need of extra language stimulation in early childhood education.
Diurnal heating and cooling of a sloping water body with vegetated shallow regions
Authors: Prinos Panagiotis , Papaioannou Vassilios
Published: January 2024

In this work, diurnal heating, by solar radiation, and cooling in a sloping water body with vegetated shallow regions are investigated numerically. The sloping water body consists of a vegetated region with a bottom slope equal to 0.1 and a deep region with a horizontal bottom. The Volume-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations together with the Volume-Averaged Energy equation are solved numerically in the vegetated region. The latter has porosity equal to 0.85 (typical of aquatic plants found in lakes) and a length equal to the total length of the sloping region. At the top free surface, a time-dependent thermal forcing is applied, which is reduced in the vegetated region. Shallow water is considered with a maximum water depth being less than the penetration depth of the solar radiation. The non-vegetated sloping water body is also considered for validation purposes. The results (isotherms, streamlines, exchange flow rate), after ten full thermal forcing cycles, indicate significant vegetation effects on the daytime and night circulation and the exchange flow rates.
From Dispositions to Possible Worlds
Authors: Kodaj Daniel
Published: January 2024

﻿Abstract

Dispositions (powers, potentialities) have become popular in metaphysics in recent years, and some of their proponents are advertising them as the best metaphysical grounds for modality. This project has a logical as well as an ontological side: dispositionalists offer modal and counterfactual semantics that make no use of possible worlds. I argue that, as a result of their counterfactual semantics, dispositionalists are in fact committed to entities that play the same theoretical role as possible worlds. Roughly, the claim is that certain counterfactuals (ones that concern 'very large' states) force the dispositionalist to posit world-sized states that play the theoretical role of worlds. As a result, dispositionalists can (and perhaps should) make use of the mainstream framework (Kripke frames and the Lewis–Stalnaker counterfactual semantics) even if they ground all modal facts in dispositions.
Macroinvertebrate community responses to salinity around non-saline–saline confluences in the Draa River basin, Morocco
Authors: Kaczmarek Nils , Benlasri Mokhtar , Schäfer Ralf B. , Aabid Abdelghani , Nothof Maren , Lazrak Khawla , Ghamizi Mohamed , Berger Elisabeth
Published: January 2024

Freshwater salinization increasingly threatens river ecosystems in arid regions. In situ studies on effects of salinity on freshwater communities are still scarce, especially in largely understudied areas of Africa. To compare macroinvertebrate communities in differing salinity levels, we conducted a confluence-based study in the Draa River basin in Morocco by focusing on two tributaries and their joint downstream sections, in the immediate vicinity of three confluences. Our study revealed that α-diversity differed only minimal. Although only around five taxa comprised over 90% of specimens per section, the more saline sections exhibited proportionally more salt-tolerant generalist species. There was lower β-diversity between the downstream section and each tributary compared to between tributaries, indicating a mixed community after the confluence. The trait profile of the saline El Mellah displayed more resistance and resilience traits to disturbances than the less saline Iriri. Furthermore, low water flow reduced the abundance of sensitive taxa. Overall, we observed minimal differences in macroinvertebrate community composition, due to low γ-diversity in the basin. However, the confluence-based study design remains valuable for investigating effects of specific stressors on ecosystems by excluding large-scale geographic patterns, as compared sites are close and therefore share the same climate, geology, and altitude.
Video Analytics in Moodle Using xAPI
Authors: Judel Sven , vom Felde Jasper , Schroeder Ulrik
Published: January 2024

This article presents the first iteration of the video analytics system VA4ME that enables the logging of video interactions in Moodle without the need to provide the videos by a separate plugin or website. Instead, the logging plugin injects, if allowed within a course, JavaScript code that logs video interactions and transforms these logs into xAPI statements. Using this data format creates the foundation for combining video interactions with other logs for more in-depth analyses. The analyses are conducted periodically, every 24 h. Advantages and challenges resulting from this approach are presented. It is described how the dashboard, visualizing the analysis results, was designed and how the analysis results are stored such that they can be retrieved as fast as possible. Overall, the setup of the video analytics system is quite extensive, as two Moodle plugins and Excalibur LA need to be set up. The advantages however, especially in the long term, including analyzing video interactions with other logs or easy extensibility with new analyses, outweigh the initial effort. The system was pilot tested in a blended learning course where videos were an addition to the lectures. The analysis results show little consumption of the videos, which limits the insights into the video usage. Still, the dashboard’s usability was rated good and the reports were considered promising in terms of providing more insights when more data is given. To further evaluate this potential, the system was integrated in a flipped classroom and a self-learning course where video usage was more central than within the pilot test course.
Play Behavior Varies with Age, Sex, and Socioecological Context in Wild, Immature Orangutans (Pongo spp.)
Authors: Kunz Julia A. , Falkner Sonja S. , Aprilinayati Fikty , Duvot Guilhem J. , Fröhlich Marlen , Willems Erik P. , Atmoko Sri Suci Utami , van Schaik Carel P. , Schuppli Caroline , van Noordwijk Maria A.
Published: January 2024

Play is thought to serve different purposes at different times during ontogeny. The nature and frequency of play are expected to change accordingly over the developmental trajectory and with socio-ecological context. Orangutans offer the opportunity to disentangle the ontogenetic trajectories of solitary and social play with their extended immature phase, and socio-ecological variation among populations and species. We evaluated the frequency of play in 39 immature individuals across two populations (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii, at Tuanan, Borneo, andP. abeliiat Suaq, Sumatra), age (0–11 years), sex, and social context, using more than 11 500 h of full-day focal observation data. We found independent age trajectories of different play types, with solitary object and solitary locomotor peaking before social play. Social play partners changed during ontogeny, and male immatures were more likely to engage in non-mother social play than females. Overall, social play was more frequent at Suaq than Tuanan, linked to the more frequent availability of partners. Furthermore, per time in association with conspecifics, Tuanan immatures were as likely to engage in social play as their peers at Suaq, suggesting similar intrinsic motivation. Increasing fruit availability correlated with both longer associations and increased social play frequency in the less sociable population of Tuanan, but not at Suaq. Our findings on orangutans support evidence from other species that different play types follow different developmental trajectories, vary with sex, social opportunities, and ecological context. Although drawing functional inferences is challenging, the distinct developmental trajectories reflecting adult sociability and behavioral repertoires may indicate that play serves several, non-mutually exclusive functions during ontogeny.
Predicting Academic Dishonesty: The Role of Psychopathic Traits, Perception of Academic Dishonesty, Moral Disengagement and Motivation
Authors: Sirca Chiara Luisa , Billen Eva
Published: January 2024

This study conducted on a sample of 295 Dutch and Italian undergraduate and graduate students aims to investigate how psychopathic personality traits (meanness, boldness and disinhibition) may lead to cheating behavior, and to study whether there are correlations between psychopathic traits, motivation, moral disengagement, the perception of seriousness of academic dishonesty and frequency of academic dishonesty to try to better understand what causes students to cheat and engage in dishonest conduct. Results confirmed the key role of psychopathic traits, particularly the disinhibition aspect in predicting academic dishonesty. In addition, it was shown that students’ perceptions of what constitutes academic dishonesty and what does not are also important in predicting the frequency of dishonest behavior. Furthermore, the role of motivation and moral disengagement in predicting and mediating the relationship between traits of psychopathy and academic dishonesty were analyzed through mediation and regression analysis.
A Marginalised Role in Parenting and Maltreatment Risks—A Qualitative Content Analysis of Fathers in Japan Reflecting on their Parenting Experiences
Authors: Hososaka Yasuko , Kayashima Kimiko , Goetz J. T. , Rooksby Maki
Published: January 2024

In Japan, many fathers consider their spouse to be their children’s primary parent while casting themselves in a supporting role. Yet, in the majority of reported child maltreatment cases in Japan, the child’s father is recorded as the perpetrator. This may seem somewhat puzzling, given that primary caregivers are recorded as the perpetrator of maltreatment in other cultures. This study qualitatively analyses the parenting experience of 11 Japanese fathers and their reflections on child maltreatment risks. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fathers of pre-school aged children from middle-class families who had no reported history of child maltreatment. Using qualitative content analysis through a process of condensing, coding and categorising, we arrived at the following theme: fathers aspire to be an active parent, while respecting and supporting their spouses, but anxiety and stress trigger impatience and frustration during parenting. The fathers reported that they are more likely to maltreat their children, especially boys, in situations which triggered anxiety and frustration. Anxiety is particularly heightened when they feared public embarrassment. These findings are discussed with reference to the Japanese social and cultural context, and contrasted with previous research into the parenting experiences of Japanese mothers. The findings indicate that fathers may benefit from tailored support programmes which strengthen their self-efficacy before building resilience for the challenging situations they may encounter as fathers.
Relationship between Childhood Disability or Developmental Delay and COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts on Families across the Canadian Maritime Provinces
Authors: Lamptey De-Lawrence , McIsaac Jessie-Lee D. , MacQuarrie Madison , Cummings Randi , Rossiter Melissa D. , Janus Magdalena , Turner Joan
Published: January 2024

This study examined the relationship between having a child with a disability or developmental delay and early impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on family environments that influenced early childhood development and health in the Maritime provinces of Canada. This was a mixed method cross-sectional survey involving 256 primary caregivers of children with disabilities or developmental delays and 1720 primary caregivers of typically developing children aged 0–8 years. A Family access to resources and social support, parenting Abilities and self-care, and home Routines and Environments change scale (FARE Change Scale) was produced from the survey to assess the early impacts of the pandemic on family environments that influenced early childhood development and health. Open-ended questions provided in-depth description of the early impacts of the pandemic on family environments. Pooled bivariate and multivariate regression coefficients revealed that having a child with a disability or developmental delay significantly decreased a caregiver’s score on the FARE Change Scale by 1.95. The open-ended questions were thematically analyzed. Caregivers of children with disabilities or developmental delays discussed positive and negative impacts of the pandemic on their family environments. Overall, the study findings indicate that the early impacts of the pandemic on family environments that influenced early childhood development and health of children with disabilities or developmental delays were mixed and context-specific. The study findings inform the development of context-specific policies and programs to adequately support families of children with disabilities or developmental delays in public health crises similar to the pandemic.
Doxorubicin-loaded PEG-CdTe QDs conjugated with anti-CXCR4 mAbs: a novel delivery system for extramedullary multiple myeloma treatment
Authors: Chen Dangui , Chen Fei , Lu Jia , Wang Lihong , Yao Fusheng , Xu Haitao
Published: January 2024

Extramedullary multiple myeloma (EMM) is defined as the presence of plasma cells outside the bone marrow of multiple myeloma patients, and its prognosis is poor. High-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation, as a good option on early lines of therapy, has retained the survival benefit of youny EMM patients, but is intolerant for the majority of old patients because of drug cytotoxicity. To essentially address the intolerance above, we designed a CXCR4-PEG-CdTe-DOX (where CXCR4: chemokine receptor 4; PEG-CdTe: polyethylene glycol-modified cadmium telluride; DOX:doxorubicin) nanoplatform. First, CXCR4 is highly expressed in extramedullary plasma cells. Second, PEG-CdTe a drug carrier that controls drug release, can reduce adverse reactions, prolong drug (e.g, DOX) circulation time in the body, and form a targeting carrier after connecting antibodies. In vitro experiments showed CXCR4-PEG-CdTe-DOX facilitated intracellular drug accumulation through active CXCR4 targeting and released DOX into the microenvironment in a pH-controlled manner, enhancing the therapeutic efficacy and apoptosis rate of myeloma cells (U266). Therefore, targeted chemotherapy mediated by CXCR4-PEG-CdTe-DOX is a promising option for EMM treatment.

Graphical abstract
Targeting Beliefs About Emotions via Meta-Emotion Therapy for Adolescents with Anxiety: A Case Series Study
Authors: Cain Linnea , Strodl Esben , Howard Glenn
Published: January 2024

Research suggests that best-practice psychotherapies only have moderate effects on reducing anxiety in youths. Such limitations in outcomes prompt consideration of alternative conceptualisations of anxiety and its treatment. Based upon the metacognitive model, we propose a novel therapy targeting metacognitive knowledge (beliefs about emotions and emotion regulation) for the treatment of anxiety in adolescents. The current case series study aimed to provide a proof of concept for the effectiveness of Meta-Emotion Therapy for adolescents (MET-A) for the treatment of adolescent anxiety. Four adolescents with elevated anxiety participated in this case series study. All participants received 10 individual sessions of MET-A. Participants and a parent completed the Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale at baseline, weekly and at one-month follow-up. The participants also completed the Beliefs About Emotions Questionnaire and the Difficulties with Emotion Regulation Scale at baseline, post-therapy and one-month follow-up. The results showed that all participants improved or recovered from symptoms of anxiety and depression from pre- to post-treatment, when taking into consideration both self- and parent-reported ratings (however, these ratings were often non-concordant). Gains were maintained at one-month follow-up. Further, participants who self-reported reductions in anxiety and depression also cited reductions in several maladaptive beliefs about emotions and improvements in aspects of emotion regulation. The participants endorsed the therapy as highly acceptable, appropriate, and feasible. Overall, the results of this study provide preliminary proof of concept for MET-A as a promising intervention for the treatment of adolescent anxiety Further investigation of MET-A is warranted to optimise treatment outcomes and measurement of change.

Clinical Trial Registration: Registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry number 382327.
Psychodynamic Group Therapy for Eating Disorders: A Narrative Review
Authors: Trombetta Tommaso , Bottaro Davide , Paradiso Maria Noemi , Santoniccolo Fabrizio , Abbate Daga Giovanni , Rollè Luca
Published: January 2024

Several psychotherapeutic interventions are recommended for Eating Disorders (EDs), chiefly individual cognitive-behavioral therapy and family-based treatments. Manualized individual psychodynamic treatments are recommended for adults with Anorexia Nervosa (AN). Evaluation of psychodynamic group treatments in treating EDs requires further assessment, and recent reviews focused only marginally on this topic. To fill this gap, a narrative review through APA PsychInfo, PubMed and Scopus was carried out. Psychodynamic group treatments appear to improve some ED symptoms at the end of the treatment; however, most of the studies cited were not manualized and lacked control groups and follow-ups. The differences in therapeutic methods and the criteria used to measure remission across the studies included, as well as the incorporation of diverse interventions (including psychodynamic group therapy and elements of BT/CBT or psychoeducation), create difficulties when it comes to forming conclusive judgments about the effectiveness of psychodynamic group therapies for Eating Disorders. The need for more rigorous research and Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) is evident.
Depression and Anxiety Mediate the Relationship between Discrimination and Well-Being in a Sample of Latinx Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: Results from a Dual Mediation Analysis
Authors: Matlock Kevin A. , Pérez-Escamilla Rafael , Wagner Julie
Published: January 2024

Latinxs experience greater risk for type 2 diabetes, discrimination, and poor mental health. The pathways linking these factors, however, are not well understood. This study tested whether depression and anxiety mediated the relationship between discrimination and well-being. Bootstrapped mediation tests were conducted using a sample of Latinx adults with type 2 diabetes (n = 121) and regression models adjusted for demographic and health covariates. Depression and anxiety fully and jointly mediated the effect of discrimination on well-being; everyday discrimination was linked to elevated symptoms of depression and anxiety which were, in turn, independently linked to reduced emotional well-being. Moreover, the effect size for the anxiety pathway (β=–0.13) was 60% larger than for depression (β=–0.08). Dual mediation suggests depression, and especially anxiety, may be important targets for interventions seeking to mitigate the deleterious effects of discrimination. Findings have important implications for psychotherapeutic treatments and public health policy.
Longitudinal Associations Between Support and Prosocial Behavior Across Adolescence: The Roles of Fathers, Mothers, Siblings, and Friends
Authors: van Meegen Marije , Van der Graaff Jolien , Carlo Gustavo , Meeus Wim , Branje Susan
Published: January 2024

Family members and friends can play an important role in adolescents’ prosocial behavior. To better understand the relation between support and prosocial behavior in adolescence, it’s important to conduct longitudinal studies that distinguish between within-dyad variance and between-dyad variance. The current study investigated longitudinal associations between adolescents’ prosocial behavior, autonomy support, and emotional support from family and friends across adolescence. Across six annual years, 497 Dutch adolescents (284 boys; mean age T1 = 13.03 years, SDage = 0.46), fathers, mothers, siblings, and friends reported on their prosocial behavior. Adolescents also reported on perceived autonomy and emotional support. Between-dyads almost all associations of support and prosocial behavior of family members and friends with adolescents’ prosocial behavior were significant, with higher levels of adolescents’ prosocial behavior being associated with higher levels of prosocial behavior and support from fathers, mothers and friends. Within-dyads, several concurrent associations were significant, but within-dyads links between prosocial behavior and autonomy support are particularly driven by adolescent-mother or adolescent-sibling effects. This study highlights processes that occurred either at the between-dyad level or at the within-dyad level, but that varied per relationship type and that adolescents are the main catalysts in within-dyads changes in prosocial behavior and support. Preregistration: This study was preregistered on 20 January 2020 at https://osf.io/vxkm3/?view_only=dca87fd1585c444ba5cd5a00c22280ae.
Medicaid Expansion and Perinatal Health Outcomes: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Modrek Sepideh , Collin Daniel F. , Hamad Rita , White Justin S.
Published: January 2024

Objective

There has been little evidence of the impact of preventive services during pregnancy covered under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on birthing parent and infant outcomes. To address this gap, this study examines the association between Medicaid expansion under the ACA and birthing parent and infant outcomes of low-income pregnant people.

Methods

This study used individual-level data from the 2004–2017 annual waves of the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS). PRAMS is a surveillance project of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and health departments that annually includes a representative sample of 1,300 to 3,400 births per state, selected from birth certificates. Birthing parents’ outcomes of interest included timing of prenatal care, gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, cigarette smoking during pregnancy, and postpartum care. Infant outcomes included initiation and duration of breastfeeding, preterm birth, and birth weight. The association between ACA Medicaid expansion and the birthing parent and infant outcomes were examined using difference-in-differences estimation.

Results

There was no association between Medicaid expansion and the outcomes examined after correcting for multiple testing. This finding was robust to several sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions for Practice

Study findings suggest that expanded access to more complete insurance benefits with limited cost-sharing for pregnant people, a group that already had high rates of insurance coverage, did not impact the birthing parents’ and infant health outcomes examined.
Quantitative approach to Grover’s quantum walk on graphs
Authors: Mograby Gamal , Balu Radhakrishnan , Okoudjou Kasso A. , Teplyaev Alexander
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we study Grover’s search algorithm focusing on continuous-time quantum walk on graphs. We propose an alternative optimization approach to Grover’s algorithm on graphs that can be summarized as follows: Instead of finding specific graph topologies convenient for the related quantum walk, we fix the graph topology and vary the underlying graph Laplacians. As a result, we search for the most appropriate analytical structure on graphs endowed with fixed topologies yielding better search outcomes. We discuss strategies to investigate the optimality of Grover’s algorithm and provide an example with an easy tunable graph Laplacian to investigate our ideas.
Exposure to Lived Representations of Abortion in Popular Television Program Plotlines on Abortion-Related Knowledge, Attitudes, and Support: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Herold Stephanie , Becker Andréa , Schroeder Rosalyn , Sisson Gretchen
Published: January 2024

Evidence suggests that entertainment media may influence knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to health topics. After the overturning of Roe v. Wade, it is critical to examine how these media may be associated with people’s knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions related to abortion. Using a non-experimental ex post facto design, we examined whether exposure to any of three abortion plotlines was correlated with (a) greater knowledge about abortion, (b) lower stigmatizing attitudes about abortion, and (c) higher likelihood of supporting someone seeking an abortion among a sample of television audience members (N = 1,016), administered via a survey on Qualtrics. We selected three scripted, fictional abortion plotlines on the U.S. television shows Station 19, Better Things, and A Million Little Things, based on medical accuracy and airdates near each other in March 2022. Exposure to a plotline was defined as accurately answering at least two recall questions about a given plotline. We found that compared to those who were not exposed to any of the plotlines, exposure to any of the three plot lines was associated with greater knowledge about abortion and higher willingness to support a friend seeking an abortion, but not with lower stigmatizing attitudes. Exposure to medically accurate depictions of abortion on television may be one way to improve knowledge about abortion and community support for people seeking abortion.
Women’s Mental Health During COVID-19 in South Africa
Authors: Kopylova Natalia , Greyling Talita , Rossouw Stephanié
Published: January 2024

Women’s mental health vulnerability, already a concern before the COVID-19 pandemic, has been exacerbated due to social isolation and restrictions on daily activities. This paper aims to follow a cohort of women from pre - to during the pandemic to determine the change in their mental health using the PHQ-2 scale (a mental health screening tool). Additionally, we investigate whether women with depressive symptoms before the pandemic suffered similarly to those without while controlling for pandemic-related factors. Primarily, we use the Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey dataset and apply pooled ordered logit and fixed effects ordered logit models. We find that the value of the PHQ-2 scale significantly increased during the first period of the pandemic and then eased over time. Interestingly, the behaviour of the individual scale items differed over time. This result questions the internal reliability of the scale during the pandemic and the importance of analysing the scale items individually. Furthermore, being depressed before the pandemic increases the probability of ‘depressive feelings’ and does not matter for ‘anhedonia’. Other factors increasing the probability of mental health disorders are taking care of children for 13–24 h a day and living with a person who has gone hungry. In contrast, wearing a mask and living in a grant-receiving household decreases the probability. These findings inform future researchers of the unexpected behaviour of scales and policymakers of the vulnerability of women’s mental health during unprecedented times, given their vital role in increasing the well-being of future generations.
Hydrogeochemical and isotopic assessment of the origin of NO3− and N–NH3 contents in the aquifer located in a closed lacustrine volcano-sedimentary basin in the metropolitan area of Mexico City
Authors: Morales-Arredondo José Iván , Armienta Hernández María Aurora , Ortega-Gutiérrez Joel Edmundo , Ramirez Elisa Cuellar
Published: January 2024

To explain the presence and spatial distribution of NO3− and N–NH3 in the Aquifer of the Metropolitan Area of Mexico City (AMAMC), a hydrogeochemical and isotopic analysis using 13CDIC (as well as the stable isotopes 18O and 2H) in groundwater was conducted. This aquifer is located in an old closed lacustrine volcano-sedimentary basin; some wells hosted in the semi-confined zone contain high N–NH3 concentrations, while others present NO3− contents in the recharge zones (hosted in an oxidizing environment). In this study, a change in the isotopic signature (primarily in 18O and 2H) was observed from the recharge zones to the basin center in some of the wells with high NO3− concentrations, this behavior can be attributed to evaporation during the incorporation of recently infiltrated water. In addition, the results for 13C (along with 2H) in wells with the highest N–NH3 concentrations exhibited an atypically broad range of values. Results indicated the occurrence of hydrogeochemical and/or biochemical processes in the aquifer (in an oxidizing or reducing environment), such as organic degradation, bacterial decomposition (primarily in the ancient Lake Texcoco and which acts as a natural sink for carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus), besides rock weathering and dissolution, which may be responsible for a very marked isotopic modification of the 13C (and, to a lesser extent, 2H). Methanotrophic bacterial activity and methanogenic activity may be related to N–NH3 removal processes by oxidation and residual water incorporation respectively, whereas the increase in the NO3− content in some wells is due to the recent contribution of poor-quality water due to contamination.
Clinical Management of Major Postoperative Bleeding After Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Kollmann Lars , Gruber Maximilian , Lock Johan F. , Germer Christoph-Thomas , Seyfried Florian
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Major postoperative bleeding (mPOB) is the most common complication after bariatric surgery. Its intesity varies from self-limiting to life-threatening situations. Comprehensive decision-making and treatment strategies are mandatory but not established yet.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzied our prospectively collected database of our bariatric patients during 2012–2022. The primary study endpoint was major postoperative bleeding (mPOB) defined as hemoglobin drop > 2 g/dl or clinically relevant bleeding requiring intervention (transfusion, endoscopy or surgery). Secondary endpoints were overall complications according to Clavien-Dindo-Classification and comprehensive-complication-index (CCI).

Results

We identified 1017 patients, of whom 667 underwent gastric bypass (GB) and 350 sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Major postoperative bleeding occured in 39 patients (total 3.8%; 5.1% after GB and 2.3% after SG). Patients with mPOB were more often diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (p = 0.039), chronic kidney failure (p = 0.013) or received antiplatelet drug treatment (p = 0.003). The interval from detection to intervention within 24 h was 92.1% (35/39). Blood transfusions were necessary in 20/39 cases (total 51.3%; 45.2% after GB and 75% after SG; p = 0.046). Luminal bleeding only occured after GB (19/31; 61.3%), while all mPOB after SG were intraabdominal (p = 0.002). Reoperations were performed in 21/39 (total 53.8%; 48.4% after GB and 75% after SG; p = 0.067). CCI in patients with mPOB was 34.7 overall, with 31.2 after GB and 47.9 after SG (p = 0.005).

Conclusion

The clinical appearance of mPOB depends on the type of surgery with severe bleedings after SG. We suggest a surgery first approach for mPOB after SG and an endoscopy first approach after GB.

Graphical Abstract
Outcomes of One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass Conversion to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Severe Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Sargsyan Narek , Das Bibek , Robb Henry , Namgoong Christopher , Ali Iihan , Ashrafian Hutan , Humadi Samer , Mitra Anuja , Fehervari Matyas
Published: January 2024

One-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is an effective procedure to treat severe obesity. However, conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is increasing. We therefore conducted a systematic review to determine the safety and efficacy associated with OAGB-RYGB conversion. A systematic search was conducted by three independent reviewers using Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane library following PRISMA guidelines. Six studies including 134 patients were selected who were undergoing OAGB-RYGB conversion. The most common indications were reflux (47.8%), malnutrition (31.3%), and inadequate weight loss (8.2%). Study outcomes demonstrated 100% resolution of bile reflux. Overall, there was medium-term weight gain of 0.61 BMI. OAGB to RYGB conversion leads to resolution of reflux symptoms. However, it is associated with weight regain, albeit this may be acceptable to patients to treat biliary reflux.
Surgical gestures can be used to assess surgical competence in robot-assisted surgery
Authors: Olsen Rikke Groth , Svendsen Morten Bo Søndergaard , Tolsgaard Martin G. , Konge Lars , Røder Andreas , Bjerrum Flemming
Published: January 2024

To collect validity evidence for the assessment of surgical competence through the classification of general surgical gestures for a simulated robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). We used 165 video recordings of novice and experienced RARP surgeons performing three parts of the RARP procedure on the RobotiX Mentor. We annotated the surgical tasks with different surgical gestures: dissection, hemostatic control, application of clips, needle handling, and suturing. The gestures were analyzed using idle time (periods with minimal instrument movements) and active time (whenever a surgical gesture was annotated). The distribution of surgical gestures was described using a one-dimensional heat map, snail tracks. All surgeons had a similar percentage of idle time but novices had longer phases of idle time (mean time: 21 vs. 15 s, p < 0.001). Novices used a higher total number of surgical gestures (number of phases: 45 vs. 35, p < 0.001) and each phase was longer compared with those of the experienced surgeons (mean time: 10 vs. 8 s, p < 0.001). There was a different pattern of gestures between novices and experienced surgeons as seen by a different distribution of the phases. General surgical gestures can be used to assess surgical competence in simulated RARP and can be displayed as a visual tool to show how performance is improving. The established pass/fail level may be used to ensure the competence of the residents before proceeding with supervised real-life surgery. The next step is to investigate if the developed tool can optimize automated feedback during simulator training.
Soft sensor for in-line quality control of turning processes based on non-destructive testing techniques and advanced data fusion
Authors: Böttger David , González Germán , Geiser Alexander , Kempf Daniel , Lanza Gisela , Schulze Volker , Wolter Bernd
Published: January 2024

This study describes the systematic process of training, testing, and validating a soft sensor designed for quality control of a turning process on components made of AISI 4140 steel. The soft sensor allows product quality to be predicted and unfavorable surface conditions to be identified, in particular the appearance of a phenomenon known as “White Layer”, often characterized in the case of AISI 4140 steel by an ultra-fine-grained microstructure (UFG). Basis of the soft sensor is a data fusion supported by non-destructive testing techniques (NDT), particularly micromagnetic methods (3MA). A critical part of this work is to address challenges such as lift-off compensation and in-process detection using 3MA. The application of machine-learning techniques, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and regression analysis, is detailed. These techniques result in robust models capable of detecting the occurrence of the White Layer phenomenon while minimizing the influence of measurement setup variations and process disturbances. In addition, the study demonstrates the integration of NDT into the machining process which drives the soft sensor and allows suitable adjustments of the process parameters. The data-driven soft sensor approach demonstrates a possible In-Line control system and discusses different control theories and their respective advantages and disadvantages. This system can effectively set targeted surface conditions in real time during the turning process.
Weighted Strong-Type Estimates on Classical Lorentz Spaces
Authors: Baena-Miret Sergi
Published: January 2024

We present new estimates in the setting of weighted classical Lorentz spaces for important operators in Harmonic Analysis such as Calderón-Zygmund operators, sparse operators and the Bochner-Riesz operator among others.