bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relational turbulence during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal analysis of the reciprocal effects between relationship characteristics and outcomes of relational turbulence
Authors: Jones Hannah E. , Theiss Jennifer A.
Published: October 2021

This study offers a longitudinal and dyadic test of relational turbulence theory during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, this study highlights the severity of irritations and the aggressiveness and openness of relational communication as outcomes of relational turbulence that both shape and reflect relationship characteristics during this transition. Romantic dyads ( N = 151) completed four weekly surveys during the pandemic’s early stages. We used multilevel modeling to document between- and within-person effects and evaluate reciprocal effects over time. Results indicated that relational uncertainty and partner interference were positively associated with relational turbulence, whereas partner facilitation was negatively associated with turbulence. Relational turbulence was positively associated with the severity of irritations and the aggressiveness of communication, and negatively associated with the openness of communication, above and beyond the effects of the relationship mechanisms. Over-time analyses showed that relational turbulence, severity of irritations, aggressive communication, and open communication predicted subsequent levels of relationship qualities. These findings showcase the theoretical utility of relational turbulence theory for explaining how relationships are affected by the pandemic and highlight relationship processes to target in helping couples manage their relationship during these stressful times.
Defensive Medicine Practices: Scale Development and Validation
Authors: Ünal Özgün , Akbolat Mahmut
Published: October 2021

Aim

Defensive medicine refers to practices with low marginal benefit to patients that doctors may undertake to protect themselves from legal liability. We aimed to develop a scale to measure the practice of defensive medicine.

Method

We identified aspects of defensive medicine previously reported in the literature and conducted and analyzed semi-structured interviews with 21 physicians in Sakarya to augment and clarify these aspects between May 15, 2018, and June 15, 2018. Informed by these results, we developed, pilot tested, refined, and fielded a 10-item survey to 1724 doctors in Turkey between April 1, 2019, and July 16, 2019. We examined the psychometric properties of the scale using exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA).

Results

The 10-item scale provided measures of 2 factors: positive defensive medicine (assurance) and negative defensive medicine (avoidance), with Cronbach’s alpha >0.8 for the scale and both subscales in both the EFA and CFA subsamples and excellent goodness-of-fit measures.

Conclusions

We developed a highly reliable scale to measure positive and negative defensive medicine practice that may be suitable for future research on physician decision making.
Trends in Competition among Digital Platforms for Shared Mobility: Insights from a Worldwide Census and Prospects for Research
Authors: Boutueil Virginie , Nemett Luc , Quillerier Thomas
Published: October 2021

Mobility systems in metropolitan areas in both the Global North and the Global South have entered an era of rapid change since the early 2010s under the influence of mobile information and communication technologies (ICTs). Mobile ICT-based shared mobility platforms have been filling some of the gaps in transport supply left by historical modes of transport (i.e., private cars, public transit, and for-hire services). Shared mobility digital platforms are a subcategory of mobility applications that give individual customers direct and full access to one or several shared mobility services. Based on a worldwide systematic census, this paper documents the diversity of services provided by such platforms, then analyzes the trends in geographic distribution and competition among platforms across the world’s metropolises. It proposes a new classification of shared mobility services. Since innovations in shared mobility are also taking a leading place in the Global South, future research avenues in this field are discussed in an effort to break away from the prior focus of the scientific literature on the Global North. The census brings out four original findings. First, the rise of shared mobility digital platforms is a worldwide metropolitan phenomenon transcending the traditional distinction between the Global North and the Global South. Second, emerging countries have become clusters for innovation and competition among platforms. Third, three types of shared mobility digital platforms are identified based on geographic reach (local, regional, or global). Fourth, shared mobility digital platforms providing for-hire services are the most widespread in the world.
Improving Driving Safety by Detecting Negative Emotions with Biological Signals: Which Is the Best?
Authors: Habibifar Naser , Salmanzadeh Hamed
Published: October 2021

There is ample evidence confirming the adverse effects of negative emotions such as anger, fear, and anxiety on drivers’ performance. Also, effectiveness of biological signals in emotion recognition has been confirmed. Therefore, developing advanced driver-assistance systems based on biological signals to detect negative emotions can play a major role in improving driving safety. However, since recording signals, data analysis, as well as design and implementation of a system based on one or more biological signals take time and are costly, it is necessary to conduct appropriate preliminary studies on the efficiency of these signals in identifying negative emotions. The purpose of this study was to explore the efficiency of four biological signals including electrocardiogram (ECG), electromyogram (EMG), electrodermal activity (EDA), and electroencephalogram (EEG) in detecting negative emotions while driving. To this end, a series of scenarios were designed to arouse negative emotions in the driving simulator environment. A total of 43 individuals participated in the experiments, during which the four signals were recorded. Next, we extracted 58 features from the collected data for analysis. Then, multi-layer perceptron and radial basis function neural networks were implemented using the features of each of these signals separately. Afterward, the four evaluation criteria of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and precision were calculated for the signals. Finally, TOPSIS was used to rank the signals. ECG and EDA signals, with 88% and 90% accuracy, respectively, were found to be the best signals in detecting negative emotions during driving.
Exploring Factors Enhancing Resilience Among Marginalized Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lee Kathy , Hyun Kate , Mitchell Jaci , Saha Troyee , Oran Gibson Nilufer , Krejci Caroline
Published: October 2021

Marginalized older adults are highly vulnerable to COVID-19 due to social isolation and physical and functional limitations. Despite these stressors, they appear to be resilient by leveraging individual, community, and societal resources. This study conducted in-depth interviews with marginalized older adults to understand how COVID-19 affected their mobility and daily lives. We also identified different levels of protective factors affecting their resiliency to pandemic stressors. COVID-19 influenced not only the physical health but also the mental health of older adults. However, they overcame adversity by using technology to continue daily activities, exchanging informal support with family and neighbors, relying on formal support from community organizations, and keeping themselves physically active in their neighborhoods. Our findings suggest a holistic approach to enhance the resilience of older adults during an unprecedented event.
The Moral Career of a Suspected Legionary: Psychological Language in the Securitate Archives
Authors: Plamadeala Cristina , Tileaga Cristian
Published: October 2021

This article explores some notable uses of psychological language in the Securitate archives. We examine Securitate files concerning Constantin Vaman, a suspected legionary subjected to surveillance work by the Securitate. This article seeks to show how Securitate activities, particularly the writing of informer notes and operatives’ reports, are the upshot of strategic use of morally implicative psychological language. Constantin Vaman’s Securitate files are used to explore two categories of psychological language: the language of mental states and the language of disposition and motive. We show that Securitate’s writing of informer notes and operatives’ reports were dependent on the strategic use of morally implicative psychological descriptions. We argue that close attention to the many facets of psychological language used in Securitate documents discussed in this article may enable researchers to understand more fully the complex nature and inner workings of surveillance work.
Increase of Human Milk Fat Inducing Nutritional Ketosis in Exclusively Breastfed Infant, Brought About by Treating the Mother With Ketogenic Dietary Therapy
Authors: Tan-Smith Charlene , Little Helen , Fabe Jennifer , Dickson Cameron , Shillito Paul
Published: October 2021

Introduction:

Medicalized Ketogenic Therapy is commonly used to treat refractory epilepsy. Patients have varying degrees of seizure or symptom relief, responding at individual levels of ketone production. Typically, initiating the therapy necessitates the discontinuation of breastfeeding. Our case study mother was keen to continue breastfeeding if possible. We were able to achieve this by placing the healthy mother on a ketogenic diet and altering the composition of the mother’s own milk.

Main Lactation Issue:

Pediatric Medicalized Ketogenic Therapy is delivered through a ketogenic diet consisting of up to 90% fat, measuring of ingredients to 0.1 g matching a food prescription of fat, protein, and carbohydrate. We placed the mother on a less stringent ketogenic diet achieving 61% fat and measured both infant and mother’s blood sugar levels and ketones. The hypothesis was that changes would occur in the mother’s own milk fat content, and/or ketones would be passed directly to the infant. If therapeutic levels of ketones were reached in the infant and a reduction in seizures observed, breastfeeding could continue.

Management Overview:

Over 3 months we achieved a calorific increase of the mother’s mature milk by an additional 134%. The infant was successfully put into nutritional ketosis and visible seizures eliminated.

Conclusion:

Medicalized Ketogenic Therapy can be safely used to treat seizures of breastfeeding infants diagnosed with epilepsy, through management of the mother on a ketogenic diet. Significantly increasing the mature mothers own milk fat component could have implications for other areas, including faltering growth.
Criticism in the Parkinson’s Caregiving Relationship: A Key Target for Intervention
Authors: Interian Alejandro , Mann Sarah L. , Mavandadi Shahrzad , St Hill Lauren M. , Kashan Rachel , Rodriguez Kailyn M. , Dobkin Roseanne D.
Published: October 2021

Introduction:

Caregiver distress is prevalent in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and predictive of negative health outcomes for both people with PD and caregivers. To identify future intervention targets, it is important to better elucidate the specific processes, such as criticism, that perpetuate burden.

Objective:

Evaluate the frequency and impact of criticism and reactivity to criticism in PD caregiving dyads.

Methods:

Eighty-three people with PD and their caregivers independently completed measures of criticism and physical and emotional health.

Results:

Criticism in the caregiving relationship was reported by 71.1% (n = 59) of people with PD and 80.7% (n = 67) of caregivers. Both perceived criticism and emotional reactivity to criticism were significant predictors of caregiver distress, adjusting for PD motor and non-motor symptom severity. In contrast, criticism was not related to PD depression.

Conclusion:

Criticism in the PD caregiving relationship is a clear target for psychotherapeutic intervention and may improve caregiver health and quality of life.
COVID-19: A Review of Potential Treatments (Corticosteroids, Remdesivir, Tocilizumab, Bamlanivimab/Etesevimab, and Casirivimab/Imdevimab) and Pharmacological Considerations
Authors: Nhean Salin , Varela Mario E. , Nguyen Y-Nha , Juarez Alejandra , Huynh Tuyen , Udeh Darlington , Tseng Alice L.
Published: October 2021

Objectives: In light of the ongoing global pandemic, this paper reviews data on a number of potential and approved agents for COVID-19 disease management, including corticosteroids, remdesivir, tocilizumab, and monoclonal antibody combinations. Dose considerations, potential drug–drug interactions, and access issues are discussed. Key findings: Remdesivir is the first antiviral agent approved for the treatment of COVID-19, based on results from large clinical trials showing reduction in recovery time, faster clinical improvement, and decrease in time to discharge with remdesivir. Dexamethasone and tocilizumab have demonstrated mortality benefits in large, randomized controlled trials. Consequently, the use of corticosteroids has become the standard of care for hospitalized patients with severe or critical COVID-19, while tocilizumab is recommended for use in combination with a corticosteroid in certain hospitalized patients. Recently, monoclonal antibody combinations bamlanivimab/etesevimab and casirivimab/imdevimab received emergency use authorizations for use in non-hospitalized patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 at high risk of disease progression. Summary: As data from large clinical trials emerge, the paradigm of COVID-19 treatments has shifted significantly. The use of corticosteroids, remdesivir, and tocilizumab depend on disease severity. Emerging data on monoclonal antibody combinations are promising, but further data are required. Pharmacists can play a role in ensuring appropriate access, correct administration, and safe use of COVID-19 treatments and are encouraged to stay abreast of new developments.
Wedelolactone protects against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in mice via inhibition of organic cation transporter 2
Authors: Wang Guangju , Bi Yajuan , Xiong Hui , Bo Tongwei , Han Lifeng , Zhou Lijun , Zhang Chunze , Zhang Youcai
Published: October 2021

The balance of cisplatin uptake and efflux, mediated mainly by organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2) and multidrug and toxin extrusion 1 (MATE1), respectively, determines the renal accumulation and nephrotoxicity of cisplatin. Using transporter-mediated cellular uptake assay, we identified wedelolactone (WEL), a medicinal plant-derived natural compound, is a competitive inhibitor of OCT2 and a noncompetitive inhibitor of MATE1. Wedelolactone showed a selectivity to inhibit OCT2 rather than MATE1. Cytotoxicity studies revealed that wedelolactone alleviated cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in OCT2-overexpressing HEK293 cells, whereas it did not alter the cytotoxicity of cisplatin in various cancer cell lines. Additionally, wedelolactone altered cisplatin pharmacokinetics, reduced kidney accumulation of cisplatin, and ameliorated cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury in the Institute of Cancer Research mice. In conclusion, these findings suggest a translational potential of WEL as a natural therapy for preventing cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and highlight the need for drug–drug interaction investigations of WEL with other treatments which are substrates of OCT2 and/or MATE1.
The role of motivated science reception and numeracy in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Hutmacher Fabian , Reichardt Regina , Appel Markus
Published: October 2021

The successful management of the COVID-19 pandemic depends on individuals accepting the current state of research and adhering to the preventive behaviors that follow from it. However, the processing of scientific results is not always rational, but influenced by prior attitudes as well as the ability to understand statistical data. Against this background, this study investigated the role of motivated reasoning and numeracy in the context of the current pandemic. To this end, participants ( N = 417; US sample) evaluated two fictitious studies, one indicating that mask mandates in schools are an effective intervention to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2, and one indicating that mask mandates in schools are counterproductive. Participants evaluated the studies in line with their prior attitude toward mask mandates. In addition, higher numeracy was associated with decreased bias, demonstrating that the ability to reason with numbers can lead to more accurate processing of statistical information.
McDonald’s India: Pains of Partnering with A Delinquent Partner
Authors: Pai V. S.
Published: October 2021

McDonald’s India is a real-life, undisguised decision case. This US-based fast food multinational corporation set shop in India in early 1990s to gain early mover advantage in a country with a huge population. It struck joint ventures with two domestic Master Franchisee to grow its business. The company made efforts to localize its menu and customize its offerings to suit domestic customers. With the passage of time competition intensified and so did customer expectations.

Of the two Master Franchisees, while Westlife Development Ltd. maintained cordial relations with McDonald’s, the chief executive officer of Connaught Plaza Restaurants Ltd. Vikram Bakshi became an impediment in its business plans. Differences between McDonald’s and Bakshi reached a flash point and the matter landed in the courts in India and London. Even after several years of litigation no clear winner emerged. As a consequence, while operations of Westlife Development flourished, the business of Connaught Plaza Restaurants remained stunted. While the two partners in the joint venture clashed, competitors took advantage of the situation to capture emerging opportunities.

Even after over two decades of operations in the country, McDonald’s is not making profits. On the contrary it has accumulated losses of ₹4.22 billion by the end of 2018. The challenge facing McDonald’s is how to find a quick solution to the long-drawn problem and thereby accelerate the pace of growth of its business in one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
Book review: Wazhmah Osman, Television and the Afghan Culture Wars: Brought to You by Foreigners, Warlords, and Activists
Authors: Jaber Heather
Published: October 2021

Wazhmah Osman, Television and the Afghan Culture Wars: Brought to You by Foreigners, Warlords, and Activists. Champaign: University of Illinois Press, 2020, 288 pp., $28.00 (Paperback). ISBN: 978-0-252-08545-1.
The New ‘Other’: Islamic Radicalisation and De-Radicalisation in Sri Lanka
Authors: Manoharan N. , Chatterjee Drorima , Ashok Dhruv
Published: October 2021

One of the key terms to understand the nature of violence and conflicts world over is ‘radicalisation’. Sri Lanka’s case is instructive in understanding the various dimensions of Islamic radicalisation and de-radicalisation, especially in South Asia. Though a small state, Sri Lanka has witnessed three radical movements, the latest being Islamic that got manifested in deadly Easter attacks of April 2019. Eco-space for Islamic radicalisation existed in the island for decades, but the rise of ultra-Sinhala-Buddhist nationalism post the end of Eelam War IV acted as a breaking point. The underlying context is perceived as the feeling of insecurity projected by hardline Sinhala-Buddhist elements. In due course, the primary ‘other’ shifted from Tamils to Sri Lankan Muslims. Apart from inter-communal dissonance, international jihadist network also fostered radicalisation process in the island’s Muslim community. Political instability due to co-habitation issues between the then president and the prime minister was a perfect distraction from the core security and development issues. In response to the violent manifestation of radicalisation, de-radicalisation measures by the successive Sri Lankan governments were mostly military in nature. Socio-economic and political components of Islamic de-radicalisation are at the incipient stage, if not totally missing. The article suggests wide-ranging measures to address the issue of radicalisation in the island state.
Piezo impedance-based monitoring of loosening of bolts: Experimental and numerical study
Authors: Moharana Sumedha , Sevugaperumal Arun Vishnu
Published: October 2021

The suspension strut mount plays a crucial role in any vehicular suspension system, where it acts as a connector (bolted) to the vehicular body and suspension strut. The mount’s purpose is to cushion the Vehicular impacts and reduce the jarring effect, noise, and vibration caused due to vehicle movement over the undulated roads. The self-loosening of bolts results because of the up and down impact of the spring cause the jounce bouncer to push and pull action at the mount interface, cause vibrations transmitted to the vehicle camber. Self-loosening leads to damage of mount followed by clunking noises, noisy steering, tire misalignment, and can cause discomfort to the passenger. Therefore, condition monitoring and assessment of an upper strut mount is necessary for vehicles. This paper studies the feasibility of the piezo Impedance-based Structural health monitoring (SHM) technique to monitor the self-loosening bolts in the upper strut mount of the suspension system (MacPherson strut suspension) of passenger car. The piezo coupled signatures were obtained experimentally by loosening all the three bolts (connected to strut bearing) through control torques through a digital torque wrench. All the experimental signatures were acquired with a single PZT patch bonded to the surface of the upper strut mount for loosening bolts with pre-tight loss. Progressive damage scenarios are simulated along with preload loss of either single bolt or all three bolts, respectively. Three different statistical damage indices were evaluated for damage quantification raised due to bolt loosening. A 3D numerical modeling of strut mount is done using ANSYS WORKBENCH, and piezo impedance signatures were acquired (hence converted to admittance) for validating the experimental signatures. In an overall, this study provides an insight into the loss of structural integrity due to the self-loosening of suspension bolts, which can be threatful to vehicular integrity.
Interventions with Fathers: Effective Social Work Practice for Enhancing Individual and Family Well-Being
Authors: Johnson Waldo E. , Briggs Harold E.
Published: October 2021

Father involvement, as specifically parent-led or engaged activities, is recognized and understood as distinctively broad in scope, but also rigid and historically prescribed by gendered social roles such the provider and protector roles. American fatherhood is rooted in masculine tropes that historically restricted men to narrowly circumscribed social roles and expected parental performance. All too frequently hegemonic masculinity stifles broad paternal engagement and ingenuity as well as children’s and families well-being. In addition, racial and ethnic bias and discrimination limits Black and other men of color’s ability and access to enact paternal expectations and obligations broadly shared by American civil society and the fathers themselves (Johnson & Johnson, under review). Interventions with these fathers and their families frame the empirical studies in this Special Issue of Research on Social Work Practice.
Sex Work and Professional Risk Communication: Keeping Safe on the Streets
Authors: Itchuaqiyaq Cana Uluak , Edenfield Avery C. , Grant-Davie Keith
Published: October 2021

Risk communication is traditionally authored by institutions and addressed to the potentially affected publics for whom they are responsible. This study expands the scope of risk communication by analyzing safety guides produced by a hypermarginalized group for whom institutions show no responsibility: full-contact, street-level sex workers. Using corpus-assisted discourse analysis and keyword analysis to reveal patterns of word choices, the authors argue that the safety guides exhibit characteristics and qualities of professional communication: audience adaptation, social responsibility, and ethical awareness. This area of inquiry—the DIY, peer-to-peer, extrainstitutional risk communication produced by marginalized people—widens technical and professional communication's approach to risk communication.
Preoperative Gait Analysis of Peroneal Tendon Tears
Authors: Chinitz Noah , Bohl Daniel D. , Reddy Manoj , Tenenbaum Shay , Coleman Scott , Brodsky James W.
Published: October 2021

Background:

Little is known regarding the impact of peroneal tendon tears on function. This study quantifies gait changes associated with operatively-confirmed peroneal tendon tears.

Methods:

Sixty-five patients with unilateral peroneal tendon tears were prospectively evaluated using preoperative 3D multisegment gait analysis of both limbs. Data were analyzed according to pattern/severity of tears, as confirmed surgically: peroneus brevis tears, reparable (PBR); peroneus brevis tears, irreparable (PBI); peroneus longus tears, irreparable (PLI); and concomitant irreparable tears of both tendons (PBI+PLI). The following parameters were analyzed: ankle sagittal motion, coronal motion, axial rotation, foot progression angle, sagittal power, sagittal moment.

Results:

Twelve patients (18.5%) had the PBR pattern, 37 (56.9%) PBI, 10 (15.4%) PLI, and 6 (9.2%) PBI+PLI. Compared with the contralateral, nonpathologic extremities, limbs with peroneal tears had diminished ankle sagittal motion (mean 23.14 vs 24.30 degrees, P = .012), ankle/hindfoot axial rotation (6.26 vs 7.23 degrees, P = .001), sagittal moment (1.16 vs 1.29 Nm/kg, P < .001), and sagittal power (1.24 vs 1.47 W/kg, P < .001). The most severe tear patterns had the greatest derangements in multiple parameters of gait (PBI+PLI > PBI or PLI > PBR). For example, all groups except PBR had loss of ankle sagittal moment and/or power in the affected limb, and the greatest losses in moment and power were in the PBI+PLI group (1.22 vs 0.91 Nm/kg, P = .003 for moment; 0.73 vs 1.31 W/kg, P < .001 for power). The PBI+PLI group had a >10-degree varus shift in coronal motion on the affected side ( P = .002).

Conclusion:

This is the first study to demonstrate diminished biomechanical function in patients with peroneal tendon tears. In vivo 3-dimensional gait analysis found significant changes in hindfoot motion, ankle motion, and ankle power. Impairments were related to the pattern and severity of the tears, and demonstrated a strong association of peroneal tendon tears with diminished ankle plantarflexion strength.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective cohort study.
Anticoagulation for COVID-19 Patients: A Bird's-Eye View
Authors: Kreidieh Firas , Temraz Sally
Published: October 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a systemic disease that can be life-threatening involving immune and inflammatory responses, and that can result in potentially lethal complications, including venous thrombo-embolism (VTE). Forming an integrative approach to thrombo-prophylaxis and coagulation treatment for COVID-19 patients ensues. We aim at reviewing the literature for anticoagulation in the setting of COVID-19 infection to provide a summary on anticoagulation for this patient population. COVID-19 infection is associated with a state of continuous inflammation, which results in macrophage activation syndrome and an increased rate of thrombosis. Risk assessment models to predict the risk of thrombosis in critically ill patients have not yet been validated. Currently published guidelines suggest the use of prophylactic intensity over intermediate intensity or therapeutic intensity anticoagulant for patients with critical illness or acute illness related to COVID-19 infection. Critically ill COVID-19 patients who are diagnosed with acute VTE are considered to have a provoking factor, and, therefore, treatment duration should be at least 3 months. Patients with proximal deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism should receive parenteral over oral anticoagulants with low-molecular-weight heparin or fondaparinux preferred over unfractionated heparin. In patients with impending hemodynamic compromise due to PE, and who are not at increased risk for bleeding, reperfusion may be necessary. Internists should remain updated on new emerging evidence regarding anticoagulation for COVID-19 patients. Awaiting these findings, we invite internists to perform individualized decisions that are unique for every patient and to base them on clinical judgment for risk assessment.
Epilepsy as a predictor of disease progression in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Grothe Matthias , Ellenberger David , von Podewils Felix , Stahmann Alexander , Rommer Paulus S , Zettl Uwe K
Published: October 2021

Background:

Epilepsy development during the course of multiple sclerosis (MS) is considered to be the result of cortical pathology. However, no long-term data exist on whether epilepsy in MS also leads to increasing disability over time.

Objective:

To examine if epilepsy leads to more rapid disease progression.

Methods:

We analyzed the data of 31,052 patients on the German Multiple Sclerosis Register in a case–control study.

Results:

Secondary progressive disease course (odds ratio (OR) = 2.23), age (OR = 1.12 per 10 years), and disability (OR = 1.29 per Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) point) were associated with the 5-year prevalence of epilepsy. Patients who developed epilepsy during the course of the disease had a higher EDSS score at disease onset compared to matched control patients (EDSS 2.0 vs 1.5), progressed faster in each dimension, and consequently showed higher disability (EDSS 4.4 vs 3.4) and lower employment status (40% vs 65%) at final follow-up. After 15 years of MS, 64% of patients without compared to 54% of patients with epilepsy were not severely limited in walking distance.

Conclusion:

This work highlights the association of epilepsy on disability progression in MS, and the need for additional data to further clarify the underlying mechanisms.
Diminished seroconversion following a single SARS-COV-2 vaccine in ocrelizumab-treated relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Georgieva Zoya G , Dӧffinger Rainer , Kumararatne Dinakantha , Coles Alasdair J , McCarthy Claire
Published: October 2021

Background:

Despite impressive efficacy in immunocompetent individuals, the immunogenicity of a single dose of COVID-19 vaccine in B-cell-deplete patients remains unknown.

Objectives:

We aimed to quantify real-world vaccine immunogenicity in ocrelizumab recipients.

Methods:

We measured post-vaccination SARS-COV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) in ocrelizumab recipients using a highly sensitive Luminex assay.

Results:

44.1% of patients had detectable SARS-COV-2-IgG 21+ days after one vaccine dose, regardless of vaccine type (AZD1222 vs BNT162b2, odds ratio (OR) = 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.157–2.32, p = 0.72). B-cell count strongly predicted seroconversion (β1 = 12.38, 95% CI = 4.59–20.16, p = 0.0029), but undetectable B-cells did not preclude it. The second vaccine seroconverted 53% of the patients who had not already responded to dose 1.

Conclusion:

Humoral response after one COVID-19 vaccine dose is lower than expected in CD20-deplete patients.
Cardiorespiratory fitness and free-living physical activity are not associated with cognition in persons with progressive multiple sclerosis: Baseline analyses from the CogEx study
Authors: Sandroff Brian M , Motl Robert W , Amato Maria Pia , Brichetto Giampaolo , Chataway Jeremy , Chiaravalloti Nancy D , Cutter Gary R , Dalgas Ulrik , DeLuca John , Farrell Rachel , Feys Peter , Filippi Massimo , Freeman Jennifer , Inglese Matilde , Meza Cecilia , Rocca Maria A , Salter Amber , Feinstein Anthony
Published: October 2021

Background:

Aerobic exercise training (physical activity for improving cardiorespiratory fitness) represents a promising approach for managing cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, there is limited evidence that levels of physical activity and fitness are associated with cognition in progressive MS.

Objective:

We examined associations among cardiorespiratory fitness, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and cognitive performance in a large, international progressive MS sample.

Methods:

Two hundred forty European and North American persons with progressive MS underwent cardiorespiratory fitness measurement on a recumbent stepper, wore an ActiGraph GT3X + accelerometer for 7 days for measuring MVPA, and underwent the Brief International Cognitive Assessment in MS.

Results:

Cardiorespiratory fitness was not significantly correlated with Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT; r = −0.01; r = −0.04), California Verbal Learning Test-II (CVLT-II; r = 0.05; r = 0.05), or Brief Visuospatial Memory Test–Revised (BVMT-R; r = −0.14; r = −0.14) z-scores controlling for age, sex, and education. MVPA and SDMT ( r = 0.05), CVLT-II ( r = −0.07), and BVMT-R ( r = 0.01) z-scores were not significantly correlated.

Conclusion:

Cardiorespiratory fitness and MVPA were not associated with cognition in this large progressive MS sample, yet these outcomes represent critical manipulation checks for documenting the success of the CogEx trial. This highlights the importance of examining other exercise-related mechanisms-of-action for improving cognition in progressive MS.
Cable effective length model error-based bridge performance warning method under thermal action
Authors: Wang Yan , Yang Dong-Hui , Zhou Yu-Zheng , Yi Ting-Hua
Published: October 2021

The cables of long-span cable-stayed bridges are subjected to substantial tension during long-term service and are more susceptible to corrosion and fatigue failure than concrete structures. Most existing structural health monitoring (SHM) systems do not have monitoring equipment to directly measure cable length, and long-term monitoring of the change in cables is less involved. The displacement response of a bridge is induced by the combination of dynamic effects (wind and highways) and quasi-static effects (temperature). In this paper, the dynamic responses were eliminated by averaging the displacement data for 10 min, and the relationship between temperature and displacement was studied. Based on the monitoring data, the distribution of the thermal field for the bridge was studied and the time variability of the tower displacement was investigated. The correlation was analyzed to study the relationship between the temperature and the tower displacements, the north tower–south tower distance and the tower–girder distances. A strong linear relationship between the temperature and quasi-static responses of the displacements was observed. The thermal expansion coefficient of the effective length of cables was proposed as a quantitative index for long-term cable monitoring. The error in the cable effective length is proposed as the warning index for performance warning research. The results show that the proposed performance warning method can monitor cables and perform warnings when the cable is damaged.
Price elasticity of demand for cigarettes among youths in high-income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Kjeld Simone Gad , Jørgensen Maja Bæksgaard , Aundal Maria , Bast Lotus Sofie
Published: October 2021

Aims: Smoking in youth remains a major public health issue. As increasing tobacco prices is considered one of the most effective prevention strategies, examining youth’s responsiveness to price changes on cigarettes will provide crucial knowledge. This study aims systematically to review research examining the price elasticity of demand for cigarettes among youths (<30 years of age) in high-income countries. Methods: Searches were conducted in three databases (Web of Science, Pubmed and Scopus). Inclusion criteria were publications within the past 10 years (2011–2021) written in English and with a population of youths below 30 years of age, concerning price elasticity of demand for cigarettes and from high-income countries. Searches were screened by two independent reviewers and the quality of studies was assessed using a quality assessment tool. Results: Four outcomes related to price elasticity of demand for cigarettes were examined in six studies included in this review; that is, cigarette initiation, consumption, prevalence and cessation. Overall, findings indicate that increasing tobacco prices affect youth tobacco use. The effect was associated with gender and age; young women were more price sensitive concerning smoking initiation, whereas young men were more price sensitive concerning cigarette prevalence and consumption. Moreover, younger age was associated with higher price elasticity. Conclusions: Estimates for price elasticity varied across the included studies. This may be caused by differences in data sources, collection methods used and country of origin. Most included studies were of older date. Therefore, to make reliable predictions of the expected effects of increased tobacco prices, further examinations of up-to-date and locally embedded measures are required.
Power and sample-size calculations for trials that compare slopes over time: Introducing the slopepower command
Authors: Nash Stephen , Morgan Katy E. , Frost Chris , Mulick Amy
Published: October 2021

Trials of interventions that aim to slow disease progression may analyze a continuous outcome by comparing its change over time—its slope—between the treated and the untreated group using a linear mixed model. To perform a sample-size calculation for such a trial, one must have estimates of the parameters that govern the between- and within-subject variability in the outcome, which are often unknown. The algebra needed for the sample-size calculation can also be complex for such trial designs. We have written a new user-friendly command, slopepower, that performs sample-size or power calculations for trials that compare slope outcomes. The package is based on linear mixed-model methodology, described for this setting by Frost, Kenward, and Fox (2008, Statistics in Medicine 27: 3717–3731). In the first stage of this approach, slopepower obtains estimates of mean slopes together with variances and covariances from a linear mixed model fit to previously collected user-supplied data. In the second stage, these estimates are combined with user input about the target effectiveness of the treatment and design of the future trial to give an estimate of either a sample size or a statistical power. In this article, we present the slopepower command, briefly explain the methodology behind it, and demonstrate how it can be used to help plan a trial and compare the sample sizes needed for different trial designs.
Review of Michael N. Mitchell’s Data Management Using Stata: A Practical Handbook, Second Edition
Authors: Dupont William D.
Published: October 2021

In this article, I review Data Management Using Stata: A Practical Handbook, Second Edition, by Michael N. Mitchell (2020, Stata Press).
From Text to Thought: How Analyzing Language Can Advance Psychological Science
Authors: Jackson Joshua Conrad , Watts Joseph , List Johann-Mattis , Puryear Curtis , Drabble Ryan , Lindquist Kristen A.
Published: October 2021

Humans have been using language for millennia but have only just begun to scratch the surface of what natural language can reveal about the mind. Here we propose that language offers a unique window into psychology. After briefly summarizing the legacy of language analyses in psychological science, we show how methodological advances have made these analyses more feasible and insightful than ever before. In particular, we describe how two forms of language analysis—natural-language processing and comparative linguistics—are contributing to how we understand topics as diverse as emotion, creativity, and religion and overcoming obstacles related to statistical power and culturally diverse samples. We summarize resources for learning both of these methods and highlight the best way to combine language analysis with more traditional psychological paradigms. Applying language analysis to large-scale and cross-cultural datasets promises to provide major breakthroughs in psychological science.
Who tugs at our heart strings? The effect of avatar images on player generosity in the dictator game
Authors: Buchanan Kathryn , Rolison Jonathan J. , Jinga Isadora , Thompson Jessica , Russo Riccardo
Published: October 2021

The present research was motivated by a prior study, where several wallets, each containing a photo of either a baby, a puppy, a family, or an elderly couple, were scattered across a city in the United Kingdom. Most of the wallets containing a photo of a baby were returned compared with less than one-third of the wallets containing a photo of an elderly couple. To investigate further, in a series of three studies we examined, using a pseudo online version of the dictator game, possible subtle cues supporting prosocial behaviour by manipulating the type of avatar used by the recipient of the donation made by the “dictator.” Overall, it emerged that participants showed significantly higher levels of generosity towards babies and older people, supporting the notion that perceptions of vulnerability and need drive prosocial behaviour.
Optimization of the Extraction Technology and Assessment of Antioxidant Activity of Chlorogenic Acid-Rich Extracts From Eucommia ulmoides Leaves
Authors: Jiang Hua , Li Jun , Zhang Ning , He Hai-Yang , An Jia-Min , Dou Ya-Ning
Published: October 2021

Chlorogenic acid has been proved to have cardiovascular protection, antibacterial, antiviral, hemostatic, and hypolipidemia effects. Modern scientific research on the bioactivity of chlorogenic acid has been extended to the fields of food, medicine, health care and daily-use chemical industry. The aim of this research was to optimize the extraction conditions for chlorogenic acid from Eucommia ulmoides (Eucommiaceae) leaves. The significant variables were screened and optimized by a combination of Plackett-Burman test and Box-Behnken design. Optimum extraction parameters with ethanol concentration of 50%, solvent pH value of 3, and particle size of 60 mesh were determined according to variance analysis and contour plots. Under these conditions, the yield of chlorogenic acid was up to 4.36 mg/g, which was basically consistent with the theoretical prediction value of 4.50 mg/g. This study also proved the potential antioxidant activity of E. ulmoides leaves. The optimal extract of E. ulmoides leaves rich in chlorogenic acid showed the highest antioxidant activity in the FRAP method, which was 219.8 μM Trolox equivalents (TE) per g extract weight (EW) (μM TE/g EW). The DPPH method gave a similar value (168 μM TE/g EW) to the ABTS method (152 μM TE/g EW). The established extraction process was efficient in the recovery of chlorogenic acid from E. ulmoides leaves, encouraging its valorization as a cheap and sustainable alternative for the isolation of chlorogenic acid.
Acquired pial arteriovenous fistula secondary to cerebral cortical vein thrombosis: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Sammoud Skander , Hammami Nadia , Turki Dhaker , Nabli Fatma , Sassi Samia Ben , Belal Samir , Drissi Cyrine , Hamouda Mohamed Ben
Published: October 2021

Pial arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are rare neurovascular malformations. They differ from arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in that they involve single or multiple feeding arteries, draining directly into a dilated cortical vein with no intervening nidus. Pial and dural AVFs differ in blood supply, as the first originate from pial or cortical arteries and the latter from outside the dural leaflets. Unlike dural AVFs, most of the pial AVFs are supratentorial. The vast majority are congenital, manifesting during infancy. Acquired pial AVFs are significantly rarer and occur after vasculopathy, head trauma, brain surgery, or cerebral vein thrombosis. We describe a unique case of an acquired pial AVF in a 50-year-old man secondary to a cortical vein thrombosis manifesting as a focal-onset seizure with secondary generalization. A cerebral digital subtraction angiography revealed a low-flow pial AVF fed by a postcentral branch of the left middle cerebral artery draining to the superior sagittal sinus via a cortical vein. It also showed a collateral venous circulation adjacent to the previously thrombosed left parietal vein. There was no evidence of an associated dural AVF or venous varix. Endovascular treatment was scheduled three months later, but the angiogram preceding the embolization showed spontaneous and complete closure of the malformation. To our knowledge, this is the first case illustrating acquired pure pial AVF unaccompanied by a dural component following cortical vein thrombosis, eventually resulting in an unprompted closure.
Value of machine learning to predict functional outcome of endovascular treatment for acute ischaemic stroke of the posterior circulation
Authors: Feyen Ludger , Schott Peter , Ochmann Hendrik , Katoh Marcus , Haage Patrick , Freyhardt Patrick
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Clinical outcomes vary considerably among individuals with vessel occlusion of the posterior circulation. In the present study we evaluated machine learning algorithms in their ability to discriminate between favourable and unfavourable outcomes in patients with endovascular treatment of acute ischaemic stroke of the posterior circulation.

Methods

This retrospective study evaluated three algorithms (generalised linear model, K-nearest neighbour and random forest) to predict functional outcomes at dismissal of 30 patients with acute occlusion of the basilar artery who were treated with thrombectomy. Input variables encompassed baseline as well as peri and postprocedural data. Favourable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin scale score of 0–2 and unfavourable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin scale score of 3–6. The performance of the algorithms was assessed with the area under the receiver operating curve and with confusion matrixes.

Results

Successful reperfusion was achieved in 83%, with 30% of the patients having a favourable outcome. The area under the curve was 0.93 for the random forest model, 0.86 for the K-nearest neighbour model and 0.78 for the generalised linear model. The accuracy was 0.69 for the generalised linear model and 0.84 for the random forest and the K nearest neighbour models.

Conclusion

Favourable and unfavourable outcomes at dismissal of patients with acute ischaemic stroke of the posterior circulation can be predicted immediately after the follow-up non-enhanced computed tomography using machine learning.
Longitudinal Changes in Life Satisfaction and Mental Health in Emerging Adulthood During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Risk and Protective Factors
Authors: Preetz Richard , Filser Andreas , Brömmelhaus Ana , Baalmann Tim , Feldhaus Michael
Published: October 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted emerging adults’ daily routines due to social distancing, stay-at-home orders, and public and educational facilities’ closure. This article uses longitudinal panel data from Germany ( N = 625) to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic affects emerging adults’ mental health and life satisfaction. Specifically, we investigate risk and protective factors for within-person changes in life satisfaction and mental health using change score models. Our analysis reveals three main findings. First, we find a significant decline in emerging adults’ life satisfaction and mental health compared to pre-pandemic levels. Second, results show heterogeneity in life satisfaction and mental health trajectories. Third, limited peer contacts, financial strain, and returning to the parental home act as risk factors for longitudinal changes. Social integration, having an intimate partner, and self-efficacy act as protective factors. We discuss the implications of our findings for the consequences of the pandemic for emerging adults.