bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personalizing a positive psychology intervention improves well‐being
Authors: Heintzelman Samantha J. , Kushlev Kostadin , Diener Ed
Published: February 2023

A variety of positive psychology intervention (PPI) activities can increase subjective well‐being. Still, there is variability in the impact of various PPI activities across people. In two studies, we examine strategies for personalizing a program of PPI activities to efficiently increase subjective well‐being. In Study 1 (N = 516), we examined participants' beliefs about and employment of various PPI activity selection strategies. Participants favored self‐selection over weakness‐based, strength‐based, or random activity assignments. When making activity selections for themselves, they reported using the weakness‐based strategy the most. The tendency to make weakness‐based activity selections related to negative affect whereas strengths‐based activity selections related to positive affect. In Study 2 (N = 112), we randomly assigned participants to complete a set of five PPI activities allocated either randomly, based on their skill weaknesses, or based on their self‐selections. Completing life‐skills lessons significantly increased subjective well‐being from baseline to post‐test. Furthermore, we found evidence for added benefits in terms of subjective well‐being, broad well‐being outcomes, and skills improvement of the weakness‐based and self‐selection personalization strategies compared with the random assignment of these activities. We discuss the implications for research, practice, and the well‐being of individuals and societies offered by the science of PPI personalization.
Ethical perspectives on femtech: Moving from concerns to capability‐sensitive designs
Authors: Jacobs Naomi , Evers Jenneke
Published: February 2023

Femtech is the collective name for technologies that address female health needs. Femtech applications can help women digitally track their period, manage their fertility, and support their pregnancy. Although femtech has beneficial potential, there are various ethical concerns to be raised with current femtech apps. In this article, we discuss three of the main ethical concerns with femtech apps regarding (1) medical reliability, (2) privacy, and (3) gender stereotyping and epistemic injustice, and we explore how Capability Sensitive Design, a novel design framework for health and well‐being technologies, is able to mitigate these concerns and help create morally sensitive femtech.
A Nonparametric Test of Group Distributional Differences for Hierarchically Clustered Functional Data
Authors: Long Alexander S. , Reich Brian J. , Staicu Ana-Maria , Meitzen John
Published: February 2023

Biological sex and gender are critical variables in biomedical research, but are complicated by the presence of sex-specific natural hormone cycles, such as the estrous cycle in female rodents, typically divided into phases. A common feature of these cycles are fluctuating hormone levels that induce sex differences in many behaviors controlled by the electrophysiology of neurons, such as neuronal membrane potential in response to electrical stimulus, typically summarized using a priori defined metrics. In this paper, we propose a method to test for differences in the electrophysiological properties across estrous cycle phase without first defining a metric of interest. We do this by modeling membrane potential data in the frequency domain as realizations of a bivariate process, also depending on the electrical stimulus, by adopting existing methods for longitudinal functional data. We are then able to extract the main features of the bivariate signals through a set of basis function coefficients. We use these coefficients for testing, adapting methods for multivariate data to account for an induced hierarchical structure that is a product of the experimental design. We illustrate the performance of the proposed approach in simulations and then apply the method to experimental data.
Listening to a popular upbeat song can lead to more adaptive cognitive inferences for stressful events in non‐clinical adult populations
Authors: Smith Elizabeth R. , Brouder Lily M. , Lawlor Ciara E. , Haeffel Gerald J.
Published: February 2023

Objective

We tested the effect of music on idiographic cognitive inferences about stressful events.

Method

In Study 1 (n = 336), adult participants from the United States were randomly assigned to non‐familiar songs that differed by lyrical content and tempo. In Studies 2 (n = 302) and 3 (n = 323), adult participants from the United States were randomly assigned to either a positive, neutral or no‐song condition.

Results

The results of Study 1 failed to support any of the study hypotheses. Given the null results, we decided to conduct a second study focused on increasing external validity and power (i.e., including fewer experimental conditions). The results of Study 2 showed that adults randomly assigned to a familiar upbeat song condition experienced an increase in positive affect and a decrease in event‐specific negative cognitions. A third study was then conducted to replicate the results and rule out a potential confound. Results of Study 3 corroborated the results of Study 2.

Conclusion

Taken together (Studies 2 and 3), results indicate it may be useful for future research to test the extent to which familiar upbeat music can be helpful during cognitive restructuring activities in psychotherapy to nudge people to generate more adaptive cognitions.
Insular cortex stimulation alleviates neuropathic pain via ERK phosphorylation in neurons
Authors: Kim Kyeongmin , Nan Guanghai , Kim Leejeong , Kwon Minjee , Lee Kyung Hee , Cha Myeounghoon , Lee Bae Hwan
Published: February 2023

Aims

The clinical use of brain stimulation is attractive for patients who have side effects or tolerance. However, studies on insular cortex (IC) stimulation are lacking in neuropathic pain. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of IC stimulation (ICS) on neuropathic pain and to determine how ICS modulates pain.

Methods

Changes in pain behaviors were observed following ICS with various parameters in neuropathic rats. Western blotting was performed to assess molecular changes in the expression levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (pERK), neurons, astrocytes, and microglia between experimental groups. Immunohistochemistry was performed to investigate the colocalization of pERK with different cell types.

Results

The most effective pain‐relieving effect was induced at 50 Hz–120 μA in single trial of ICS and it maintained 4 days longer after the termination of repetitive ICS. The expression levels of pERK, astrocytes, and microglia were increased in neuropathic rats. However, after ICS, the expression levels of pERK were decreased, and colocalization of pERK and neurons was reduced in layers 2–3 of the IC.

Conclusion

These results indicated that ICS attenuated neuropathic pain by the regulation of pERK in neurons located in layers 2–3 of the IC. This preclinical study may enhance the potential use of ICS and identify the therapeutic mechanisms of ICS in neuropathic pain.
Heterogeneity and plasticity of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer metastasis: Focusing on partial EMT and regulatory mechanisms
Authors: Li Dandan , Xia Lingyun , Huang Pan , Wang Zidi , Guo Qiwei , Huang Congcong , Leng Weidong , Qin Shanshan
Published: February 2023

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) or mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET) plays critical roles in cancer metastasis. Recent studies, especially those based on single‐cell sequencing, have revealed that EMT is not a binary process, but a heterogeneous and dynamic disposition with intermediary or partial EMT states. Multiple double‐negative feedback loops involved by EMT‐related transcription factors (EMT‐TFs) have been identified. These feedback loops between EMT drivers and MET drivers finely regulate the EMT transition state of the cell. In this review, the general characteristics, biomarkers and molecular mechanisms of different EMT transition states were summarized. We additionally discussed the direct and indirect roles of EMT transition state in tumour metastasis. More importantly, this article provides direct evidence that the heterogeneity of EMT is closely related to the poor prognosis in gastric cancer. Notably, a seesaw model was proposed to explain how tumour cells regulate themselves to remain in specific EMT transition states, including epithelial state, hybrid/intermediate state and mesenchymal state. Additionally, this article also provides a review of the current status, limitations and future perspectives of EMT signalling in clinical applications.
Brain exposure of osimertinib in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor mutation non‐small cell lung cancer and brain metastases: A positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Ekman Simon , Cselényi Zsolt , Varrone Andrea , Jucaite Aurelija , Martin Heather , Schou Magnus , Johnström Peter , Laus Gianluca , Lewensohn Rolf , Brown Andrew P. , van der Aart Jasper , Vishwanathan Karthick , Farde Lars
Published: February 2023

Brain metastases (BMs) are associated with poor prognosis in epidermal growth factor receptor mutation‐positive (EGFRm) non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Osimertinib is a third‐generation, irreversible, EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor that potently and selectively inhibits EGFR‐sensitizing and T790M resistance mutations with efficacy in EGFRm NSCLC including central nervous system (CNS) metastases. The open‐label phase I positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study (ODIN‐BM) assessed [11C]osimertinib brain exposure and distribution in patients with EGFRm NSCLC and BMs. Three dynamic 90‐min [11C]osimertinib PET examinations were acquired together with metabolite‐corrected arterial plasma input functions at: baseline, after first oral osimertinib 80 mg dose, and after greater than or equal to 21 days of osimertinib 80 mg q.d. treatment. Contrast‐enhanced MRI was performed at screening and after 25–35 days of osimertinib 80 mg q.d.; treatment effect was assessed per CNS Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 and per volumetric changes in total BM using a novel analysis approach. Four patients (aged 51–77 years) completed the study. At baseline, ~1.5% injected radioactivity reached the brain (IDmax[brain]) 22 min (median, Tmax[brain]) after injection. Total volume of distribution (VT) in whole brain was numerically higher compared with the BM regions. After a single oral osimertinib 80 mg dose, there was no consistent decrease in VT in whole brain or BMs. After greater than or equal to 21 days' daily treatment, VT in whole brain and BMs were numerically higher versus baseline. MRI revealed 56%–95% reduction in total BMs volume after 25–35 days of osimertinib 80 mg q.d. treatment. The [11C]osimertinib crossed the blood–brain and brain‐tumor barriers and had a high, homogeneous brain distribution in patients with EGFRm NSCLC and BMs.
Temporary abstinence challenges: What do we need to know?
Authors: Butters Anna , Kersbergen Inge , Holmes John , Field Matt
Published: February 2023

Participation in temporary abstinence challenges (TAC) continues to increase with campaigns established in several countries. Temporarily abstaining from alcohol as part of such challenges is associated with ongoing benefits including reductions to alcohol consumption after the TAC. We identified three research priorities regarding TACs which are outlined in this paper. First, the role of temporary abstinence itself is unclear with post‐TAC reductions in alcohol consumption still apparent among participants who do not remain fully abstinent throughout the challenge. It is necessary to establish to what degree temporary abstinence itself, rather than the combination of abstinence and the additional supports provided by TAC organisers (e.g., mobile applications, online support groups), contributes to changes in consumption after the TAC. Second, little is known about the psychological changes underlying these changes in alcohol consumption, with conflicting evidence as to whether increases in someone's belief in their ability to avoid drinking mediates the association between participation in a TAC and reductions in consumption afterwards. Other potential psychological and social mechanisms of change have been subjected to little, if any, scrutiny. Third, evidence of increased consumption post‐TAC among a minority of participants indicates a need to establish for whom or in what circumstances participation in a TAC may result in unintended negative consequences. Focussing research in these areas would increase the confidence with which participation could be encouraged. It would also enable campaign messaging and additional supports to be prioritised and tailored to be as effective as possible in facilitating long‐term change.
Novel usage of one nasobiliary drainage tube for cholecystitis with cholangitis from external to internal drainage
Authors: Kishi Kazuma , Kuwatani Masaki , Sakamoto Naoya
Published: February 2023

Watch a video of this article.
Cultural sensitivity and the impetus for fetal anomaly diagnosis: The case of Orthodox Jewish patients
Authors: Brody Rabbi Shlomo
Published: February 2023

This letter to the editor is on the Invited Review by Graf et al. on pages 900–907 of this issue.
Validation of a touchscreen assessment tool to screen for cognitive delay at 24 months
Authors: Casey Tríona , Thachuthara Aoife Jones , Fogarty Leanna , Livingstone Vicki , De Haan Michelle , Marlow Neil , Kiely Mairead E. , Murray Deirdre M.
Published: February 2023

Aim

To validate a touchscreen assessment as a screening tool for mild cognitive delay in typically developing children aged 24 months.

Method

Secondary analysis of data was completed from an observational birth cohort study (The Cork Nutrition & Microbiome Maternal–Infant Cohort Study [COMBINE]), with children born between 2015 and 2017. Outcome data were collected at 24 months of age, at the INFANT Research Centre, Ireland. Outcomes were the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition cognitive composite score and a language‐free, touchscreen‐based cognitive measure (Babyscreen).

Results

A total of 101 children (47 females, 54 males) aged 24 months (mean = 24.25, SD = 0.22) were included. Cognitive composite scores correlated with the total number of Babyscreen tasks completed, with moderate concurrent validity (r = 0.358, p < 0.001). Children with cognitive composite scores lower than 90 (1 SD below the mean, defined as mild cognitive delay) had lower mean Babyscreen scores than those with cognitive scores equal to or greater than 90 (8.50 [SD = 4.89] vs 12.61 [SD = 3.68], p = 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the prediction of a cognitive composite score less than 90 was 0.75 (95% confidence interval = 0.59–0.91; p = 0.006). Babyscreen scores less than 7 were equivalent to less than the 10th centile and identified children with mild cognitive delay with 50% sensitivity and 93% specificity.

Interpretation

Our 15‐minute, language‐free touchscreen tool could reasonably identify mild cognitive delay among typically developing children.
Ensemble modelling of Pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) distribution in biodiversity hotspot to understand its invasion risk
Authors: K.M.N. Mohamed Nisin , Ramanathan Sreenath K. , Sreeram Miriam Paul , Sudheesan Deepa
Published: February 2023

Invasive species pose a severe threat to biodiversity around the world. Managing the consequences of invasion is difficult in aquatic settings, as the rate at which invaders establish typically outpaces the resources available to eradicate them. For proactive management measures to be implemented, prior knowledge of the probability of invasion is required. In this study, we created a spatial model of the probability of the Pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) invasion in the Western Ghats. The Western Ghats, one of the world's top biodiversity hotspots, is home to numerous endemic species, many of which are now threatened. An ensemble modelling approach using 10 models, including machine learning techniques such as Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt), Random Forest (RF), Generalised Boosted Regression Model (GBM) and Classification Tree Analysis (CTA), was adopted. The model was built using the species' occurrence data and nine climate variables. The findings revealed that southern regions of the Western Ghats have a high risk of Pirarucu invasion. Sri Lanka also has a much greater geographical area with a higher percentage of appropriate habitats for the species. The study becomes vital as this exotic species was repeatedly reported from the rivers since the extensive floods in the region in 2018. The developed model will assist managers in prioritising locations and initiating monitoring and management steps to prevent the spread before they establish in the wild. With earlier Pirarucu invasions in Bolivia, Peru and East Asia and recent climatic vagaries in the Western Ghats, the native biodiversity of the region is in grave danger of being displaced.
Human filaggrin monomer does not seem to be a proteasome target
Authors: Briot Julie , Arbey Eric , Goudounèche Dominique , Bernard Dominique , Simon Michel , Méchin Marie‐Claire
Published: February 2023

Absence of a functional proteasome in the suprabasal layers of the epidermis is responsible for keratosis linearis with ichthyosis congenital and sclerosing keratoderma syndrome. Patient epidermis shows hypergranulosis associated with abnormally shaped keratohyalin granules and abnormal distribution of filaggrin in the Stratum granulosum and Stratum corneum. This suggests that the proteasome is involved in the degradation of filaggrin. To test this hypothesis, the proteasome proteolytic activity was inhibited in 3D reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) with the specific clasto‐lactacystin β‐lactone inhibitor. Confirming the efficacy of inhibition, ubiquitinated proteins accumulated in treated RHEs as compared to controls. Levels of urocanic acid (UCA) and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA), the end products of filaggrin degradation, were reduced. However, neither filaggrin accumulation nor appearance of filaggrin‐derived peptides were observed. On the contrary, the amount of filaggrin was shown to decrease, and a similar tendency was observed for profilaggrin, its precursor. Accumulation of small cytoplasmic vesicles associated with a significant increase in autophagy markers indicated activation of the autophagy process upon proteasome inhibition. Taken together, these results suggest that the perturbation of UCA and PCA production after proteasome inhibition was probably due to down‐regulation of filaggrin expression rather than to blocking of filaggrin proteolysis.
Photoperiod drives cessation of wood formation in northern conifers
Authors: Mu Wenhuan , Wu Xiuchen , Camarero J. Julio , Fu Yongshuo H. , Huang Jianguo , Li Xiaoyan , Chen Deliang
Published: February 2023

Aims

Shifts in xylem phenology directly determine the forest capacity for carbon sequestration. However, a systematic understanding of the spatial patterns and the underpinning drivers in determining the cessation of wood formation (Ccw) is lacking at a pan‐continental scale. Here, we addressed this knowledge gap by compiling a new dataset of multiple xylem phenology timings for northern conifers.

Locations

Sixty‐two study sites, Northern Hemisphere (25–55° N).

Time period

2003–2018 (16 years).

Taxa

Thirty‐three conifer species.

Methods

A generalized additive model was fitted to characterize the latitudinal pattern in Ccw. Structural equation modelling and a linear mixed‐effects model were applied to determine the main drivers underlying the latitudinal pattern in Ccw.

Results

The Ccw followed a flat S‐shaped pattern with increasing latitude. Photoperiod was the dominant determinant of the latitudinal pattern of Ccw, and a longer photoperiod was associated with an earlier Ccw. Both mean growing‐season temperature and total growing‐season precipitation exhibited significantly positive relationships to the cessation of cell elongation and thus the Ccw across all study sites. In arid regions, the pre‐growing‐season temperature had a significantly negative effect on Ccw. In humid regions, Ccw was positively affected by the mean growing‐season temperature. The onset of wood formation showed significantly positive coupling with Ccw at arid sites but not at humid sites. Early successional species were sensitive to hydrothermal variations during the pre‐growing season.

Main conclusions

We reveal the dominant role of photoperiod in determining the cessation of wood formation for northern conifers and highlight differentiated interactive effects between photoperiod and seasonal climatic factors and the preceding xylem phenophases in determining Ccw among ecoregions and tree species. These insights provide evidence to reduce uncertainty in prediction of the forest carbon uptake potential and the consequent biophysical feedbacks of northern forests.
Skin cancer mortality in Spain: adjusted mortality rates by province and related risk factors
Authors: Alcalá Ramírez del Puerto Antonio , Hernández‐Rodriguez Juan Carlos , Sendín‐Martín Mercedes , Ortiz‐Alvarez Juan , Conejo‐Mir Sánchez Julián , Pereyra‐Rodriguez José Juan
Published: February 2023

Background

Ultraviolet radiation is the main environmental risk factor responsible for the development of skin cancer. Other occupational, socioeconomic, and environmental factors appear to be related to the risk of skin cancer. Furthermore, the factors appear to differ for melanoma and non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). The purpose of this study is to analyze mortality rates of skin cancer in the different provinces of Spain and to determine the influence of socioeconomic conditions and other environmental and demographic factors in rates.

Methods

Deaths from melanoma and NMSC in the period 2000–2019 were obtained as well as socioeconomic and environmental variables. Annual standardized mortality rates (SMR) were calculated for all Spanish provinces. The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated.

Results

The SMR of melanoma was 2.10/100,000 inhabitants, while that of NMSC was 1.28/100,000. At the provincial level, a great variability is confirmed. Gross domestic product showed a positive correlation with melanoma mortality but a negative correlation with NMSC. Other environmental and socioeconomic variables also showed correlation, as a positive correlation between tobacco sales and melanoma and between agricultural development and the NMSC.

Conclusions

There are still important differences between each province that must be taken into account when planning health care and resource distribution. This ecological and province‐wise study helps to elucidate the relationship between social and ambient exposure determinants and skin cancer mortality in Spain.
Influence of stearic acid to soy lecithin ratios on structural, technological and bio‐functional characteristics of rice bran, mustard and virgin coconut oil‐based oleogels
Authors: Parmar Vijaya , Sharma Rajan , Sharma Savita
Published: February 2023

Oleogelation is a novel method for effectively lowering trans and saturated fats without compromising composition or consumer acceptance, making them a safe and environmentally benign technique for future industrial applications. Oleogel development takes into account the industry's need for shortening and spread substitutes to create nutritionally enhanced products with limited trans and saturated fat. The oleogels were developed using different combinations of stearic acid (SA) to soy lecithin (SL) ratios (7:3; 5:5; and 7:5) at 25% w/w to structure rice bran oil (RBO), virgin coconut oil (VCO) and mustard oil (MO) individually. X‐ray diffraction and confocal laser microscopy were used to examine the crystal morphology of oleogels. The characterisation of developed oleogels was done using temperature‐sweep test, texture profile, oil loss and gel strength. Additionally, FT‐IR and GC‐FID were used to evaluate chemical characteristics. The study discovered that the firmness and gel strength of all the oleogels rose with an increase in SA:SL. However, at the same level and composition of oleogelators, RBO‐based oleogels were the firmest in comparison to VCO‐ and MO‐based oleogels, owing to the different chemical composition of oil medium.
How can research contribute to the implementation of sustainable development goals? An interpretive review of SDG literature in management
Authors: Berrone Pascual , Rousseau Horacio E. , Ricart J.E. , Brito Esther , Giuliodori Andrea
Published: February 2023

Organizations often face challenges in incorporating the sustainable development goals (SDGs) into their strategic agendas. Despite the availability of guidelines from leading practitioners, such guidance often lacks the scientific insights provided by academia. In this study, we examine the integration of scholarly management literature into practical guidelines for achieving the SDGs. To do so, we first examined nine practitioner guidelines offered by well‐reputed consulting firms, multilateral organizations and non‐profits, from which we identified four underlying general processes: prioritizing SDGs to the most relevant strategic goals of firms, contextualizing the SDGs to firms’ geographical and industrial contexts, collaborating with other organizations and stakeholders to make more impactful progress and innovating via business process remodelling. Using these four processes as an overarching framework, we then conducted an interpretive literature review to mine highly cited sustainable development‐related papers in the management field covering an 11‐year period (2010–2020). From these studies, we derived novel connections to all four stages to offer a more robust and scientifically informed process‐based framework for SDG adoption. We discuss multiple scholarly implications, including the importance of enhancing knowledge about the various phases of the SDG adoption model, developing research on understudied SDGs, and expanding theoretical and methodological approaches to SDG research. Additionally, we provide a more grounded SDG adoption model with significant practical implications.
The application of the Limberg flap repair technique in the surgical treatment of pilonidal sinus disease
Authors: Song Yaoyao , Zang Yu , Chen Zequn , Li Jianjun , Zhu Minhui , Zhu Hongjuan , Chu Wanli , Liu Gang , Shen Chuan'an
Published: February 2023

Pilonidal sinus disease (PNSD) challenged surgeons for decades. Limberg flap repair (LFR) is a common treatment for PNSD. The purpose of this study was to observe the effect and risk factors of LFR in PNSD. A retrospective study was conducted on the PNSD patients who visited two medical centers and four departments in the People's Liberation Army General Hospital and were taking LFR treatment between 2016 and 2022. The risk factors, the effect of the operation, and complications were observed. The effects of known risk factors on the surgical results were compared. There were 37 PNSD patients: male/female ratio of 35:2, average age: 25.1 ± 7.9 years. Average BMI: 25.2 ± 4.0 kg/m2, average wound healing time: 15.4 ± 3.4 days. 30 patients (81.0%) healed in stage one and 7 (16.3%) had postoperative complications. Only 1 patient (2.7%) had a recurrence while others were healed after dressing‐changing. There was no significant difference in age, BMI, preoperative debridement history, preoperative sinus classification, Wound area, Negative pressure drainage tube, prone time (<3d) and treatment effect. Squat defecate and premature defecation were associated with treatment effect, and they were independent predictors of treatment effect in the multivariate analysis. LFR has a stable therapeutic outcome. Compared with other skin flaps, the therapeutic effect of this flap is not significantly different, but the design is simple and is not affected by the known risk factors before operation. However, it is necessary to avoid the influence of two independent risk factors, squatting defecation and premature defecation, on the therapeutic effect.
Commentary: Machine learning for autism spectrum disorder diagnosis – challenges and opportunities – a commentary on Schulte‐Rüther et al. (2022)
Authors: Cao Xu , Cao Jianguo
Published: February 2023

The commentary cites a study by Schulte‐Rüther et al. (Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 2022) that proposed a machine learning model to predict a clinical best‐estimate diagnosis of ASD when existing other co‐occurring diagnoses. We discuss the valuable contribution of this work to developing a reliable computer‐assisted diagnosis (CAD) system for ASD and point out that related research can be integrated with other multimodal machine learning methods. For future studies on developing the CAD system for ASD, we propose problems that need to be solved and potential research directions.
Using Linkage Sets to Improve Connectedness in Rater Response Model Estimation
Authors: Casabianca Jodi M. , Donoghue John R. , Shin Hyo Jeong , Chao Szu‐Fu , Choi Ikkyu
Published: February 2023

Using item‐response theory to model rater effects provides an alternative solution for rater monitoring and diagnosis, compared to using standard performance metrics. In order to fit such models, the ratings data must be sufficiently connected in order to estimate rater effects. Due to popular rating designs used in large‐scale testing scenarios, there tends to be a large proportion of missing data, yielding sparse matrices and estimation issues. In this article, we explore the impact of different types of connectedness, or linkage, brought about by using a linkage set—a collection of responses scored by most or all raters. We also explore the impact of the properties and composition of the linkage set, the different connectedness yielded from different rating designs, and the role of scores from automated scoring engines. In designing monitoring systems using the rater response version of the generalized partial credit model, the study results suggest use of a linkage set, especially a large one that is comprised of responses representing the full score scale. Results also show that a double‐human‐scoring design provides more connectedness than a design with one human and an automated scoring engine. Furthermore, scores from automated scoring engines do not provide adequate connectedness. We discuss considerations for operational implementation and further study.
Continuous use of antithrombotic medications during peri‐endoscopic submucosal dissection period for colorectal lesions: A propensity score matched study
Authors: Kawasaki Keisuke , Torisu Takehiro , Esaki Motohiro , Eizuka Makoto , Kawatoko Shinichiro , Kumei Tomo , Hirai Minami , Kondo Masahiro , Fujioka Shin , Fuyuno Yuta , Matsuno Yuichi , Umeno Junji , Moriyama Tomohiko , Kitazono Takanari , Sugai Tamotsu , Matsumoto Takayuki
Published: February 2023

Background and Aim

The aim of this study was to elucidate the continuous use of antithrombotic medications during the peri‐colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) period.

Methods

This study included 468 patients with colorectal epithelial neoplasms treated by ESD, consisting of 82 under antithrombotic medications and 386 patients without the medications. Among patients taking antithrombotic medications, antithrombotic agents were continued during the peri‐ESD period. Clinical characteristics and adverse events were compared after propensity score matching.

Results

Before and after propensity score matching, post‐colorectal ESD bleeding rate was higher in patients continuing antithrombotic medications (19.5% and 21.6%, respectively) than in those not taking antithrombotic medications (2.9% and 5.4%, respectively). In the Cox regression analysis, continuation of antithrombotic medications was associated with post‐ESD bleeding risk (hazard ratio, 3.73; 95% confidence interval, 1.2–11.6; P < 0.05) compared with patients without antithrombotic therapy. All patients who experienced post‐ESD bleeding were successfully treated by endoscopic hemostasis procedure or conservative therapy.

Conclusions

Continuation of antithrombotic medications during the peri‐colorectal ESD period increases the risk of bleeding. However, the continuation may be acceptable under careful monitoring for post‐ESD bleeding.
Historical Patterns of Inequality and Productivity around Financial Crises
Authors: PAUL PASCAL
Published: February 2023

To understand the determinants of financial crises, previous research focused on developments closely related to financial markets. In contrast, this paper considers changes originating in the real economy as drivers of financial instability. To this end, I assemble a novel data set of long‐run measures of income inequality, productivity, and other macrofinancial indicators for advanced economies. I find that rising top income inequality and low productivity growth are robust predictors of crises, and their slow‐moving trend components largely explain these relations. Moreover, recessions that are preceded by such developments are deeper than recessions without suchex antetrends.
Determinants of football players’ valuation: A systematic review
Authors: Franceschi Maxence , Brocard Jean‐François , Follert Florian , Gouguet Jean‐Jacques
Published: February 2023

As a result of the growth of the football players' transfer market and the increased availability of data, scholars from different fields have been investigating the topic of the empirical determination of the football players’ valuation, that is, transfer fees or monetary valuation proposed by media, for 30 years. We propose a systematic review of the topic to provide the research community with an overview of the determinants of football players' valuation. Peer‐reviewed papers written in English on men's football presenting fully available and interpretable econometrical results were selected. Based on the careful analysis of the 29 selected papers and their empirical models, this study has two main implications. First, it classifies all the independent variables used in the literature to explain or predict football players’ valuation, and proposes a set of core explanatory variables, with associated expected signs, that constitutes the common ground on which to build further research. Second, by presenting the state of the art in the current empirical literature, it highlights the existing gaps and suggests precise future research objectives. From a more general perspective, the review provides empirical insights for researchers interested in the valuation of human resources, signaling theory, market design, or bargaining theory.
Distress prospectively predicts higher nostalgia, and nostalgia prospectively predicts lower distress
Authors: Wang Yuqi , Sedikides Constantine , Wildschut Tim , Yang Ying , Cai Huajian
Published: February 2023

Objective

We were concerned with the relation between distress and nostalgia. At the state level, extensive research has established that momentary nostalgia is evoked by (experimentally manipulated) distress. However, at the trait level, the directionality of this relation is unclear. We conducted a longitudinal study to clarify the directional relation between these two constructs.

Method

We surveyed first‐year university students (N = 3167) twice across six months. We assessed nostalgia, psychological distress (depression), and physical distress (somatization) at both timepoints. We also assessed Big Five personality at the first timepoint.

Results

Initial distress prospectively predicted increased nostalgia, and initial nostalgia prospectively predicted reduced distress, six months later and independently of the Big Five.

Conclusions

Habitual nostalgia follows rather than precedes naturalistically occurring distress and serves to relieve it.
Early onset of otitis media is a strong predictor of subsequent disease in urban Aboriginal infants: Djaalinj Waakinj cohort study
Authors: Richmond Holly J , Swift Valerie M , Doyle June E , Morrison Natasha R , Weeks Sharon A , Veselinović Tamara , Jacoby Peter , Brennan‐Jones Christopher G , Richmond Peter C , Lehmann Deborah
Published: February 2023

Aim

Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children in rural/remote areas suffer high rates of persistent otitis media (OM) from early infancy. We aimed to determine the proportion of Aboriginal infants living in an urban area who have OM and investigate associated risk factors.

Methods

Between 2017 and 2020, the Djaalinj Waakinj cohort study enrolled 125 Aboriginal infants at 0–12 weeks of age in the Perth South Metropolitan region, Western Australia. Proportion of children with OM based on tympanometry at ages 2, 6 and 12 months was evaluated, type B tympanogram indicating middle ear effusion. Potential risk factors were investigated by logistic regression with generalised estimating equations.

Results

The proportion of children with OM was 35% (29/83) at 2 months, 49% (34/70) at 6 months and 49% (33/68) at 12 months of age. About 70% (16/23) of those with OM at ages 2 and/or 6 months had OM at 12 months compared with 20% (3/15) if no prior OM (relative risk = 3.48, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22–40.1). On multivariate analysis, infants living in houses with ≥1 person/room were at increased risk of OM (odds ratio = 1.78, 95% CI: 0.96–3.32).

Conclusion

Approximately half of Aboriginal infants enrolled into the South Metropolitan Perth project have OM by the age of 6 months and early onset of disease strongly predicts subsequent OM. Early surveillance for OM in urban areas is needed for early detection and management to reduce the risk of long‐term hearing loss which can have serious developmental, social, behavioural, educational and economic consequences.
Species boundaries and conservation implications of Cinnamomum japonicum, an endangered plant in China
Authors: Lin Han‐Yang , Yang Yue , Li Wen‐Hao , Luo Yu‐Xin , Bai Xiao‐Hua , Ohi‐Toma Tetsuo , Kim Changkyun , Kim Joo‐Hwan , Zhao Yun‐Peng
Published: February 2023

Clear species boundaries are crucial for plans and actions on biodiversity conservation. However, morphological similarities among allied species can result in taxonomic difficulties, thus impeding conservation efforts. In China, Cinnamomum japonicum Siebold is a well‐known endangered plant, yet suffers from longstanding taxonomic issues. Here, we explicitly evaluate whether C. japonicum, C. chenii, and C. chekiangense are the same phylogenetic species on the basis of a multi‐individual sampling strategy. We identified three sets of low‐copy orthologous genes from 19 Lauraceae taxa for phylogenetic inferences. Both the concatenation and coalescent‐based phylogenies supported that C. chenii individuals were embedded in the C. japonicum clade, indicating these two taxa are conspecific. Meanwhile, C. chekiangense accessions formed a monophyly which was not sister to C. japonicum. This result, together with the morphological differences that the leaves of C. japonicum are glabrous with a faveolate pattern of venation while those of C. chekiangense have trichomes and inevident lateral veins, led us to consider both as two distinct species. Based on 17 728 neutral single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), the ADMIXTURE analysis suggested that the Chinese C. japonicum populations in Zhoushan Archipelago (=C. chenii) were genetically differentiated from the Japanese and Korean ones. Furthermore, ecological niche modeling predicted that the present distribution area of Chinese C. japonicum is likely to be unsuitable under global warming scenarios. Together with its limited distribution and genetic uniqueness, we recommend that Chinese C. japonicum deserves conservation priorities.
The convergence between the Pacific Alliance and Mercosur: Advances, stagnation, and contemporary challenges
Authors: Bressan Regiane Nitsch , Borba Gonçalves Julia de Souza
Published: February 2023

This article investigates the relational dynamics between the Pacific Alliance and Mercosur from 2011 to 2022. It seeks to understand the moments of advancement and retraction of both regional processes by discussing the current situation and the prospects for strengthening the convergence between them. The study is based on data analysis—documents, reports, news, and institutional archives—that highlight how the negotiations between Mercosur and the Pacific Alliance were conducted. A literature review complements the analysis by reinforcing the concepts applied in this study to support the research hypothesis—that initial competition between the Pacific Alliance and Mercosur was overcome by efforts to manage the differences between them, which culminated in an ongoing dialog between the blocs. Still, the endogenous problems of Latin American integration processes and ideological differences between the national governments have resulted in challenges for the advancement of a convergence and the establishment of common trade policies. To overcome such differences, it is essential to reach cooperation agreements that transcend the elimination of tariffs between the two regional projects. The first steps toward restoring the convergence agenda require political willingness to overcome ideological differences, as well as clear interest and engagement from the economic elites.
Causal theories of spacetime
Authors: Baron Sam , Le Bihan Baptiste
Published: February 2023

We develop a new version of the causal theory of spacetime. Whereas traditional versions of the theory seek to identify spatiotemporal relations with causal relations, the version we develop takes causal relations to be the grounds for spatiotemporal relations. Causation is thus distinct from, and more basic than, spacetime. We argue that this non‐identity theory, suitably developed, avoids the challenges facing the traditional identity theory.
Ignorance and awareness
Authors: Silva Paul , Siscoe Robert Weston
Published: February 2023

Knowledge implies the presence of a positive relation between a person and a fact. Factual ignorance, on the other hand, implies the absence of some positive relation between a person and a fact. The two most influential views of ignorance hold that what is lacking in cases of factual ignorance is knowledge or true belief, but these accounts fail to explain a number of basic facts about ignorance. In their place, we propose a novel and systematic defense of the view that factual ignorance is the absence of awareness, an account that both comes apart from the dominant views and overcomes their deficiencies. Given the important role that ignorance plays in moral and legal theory and our understanding of various epistemic injustices, a precise and theoretically unproblematic account of the nature of ignorance is important not only for normative epistemology, but also for law, ethics, and applied epistemology.
Efficacy of Cetylpyridinium Chloride mouthwash against SARS‐CoV‐2: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: D'Amico Filippo , Moro Matteo , Saracino Marco , Marmiere Marilena , Cilona Maria Bernadette , Lloyd‐Jones Graham , Zangrillo Alberto
Published: February 2023

Introduction

COVID‐19 is a transmissible respiratory and multisystem disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Viral transmission occurs mainly through the spread of salivary droplets or aerosol from an infected subject. Studies suggest that salivary viral load is correlated with disease severity and probability of transmission. Cetylpyridinium chloride mouthwash has been found to be effective in reducing salivary viral load. The aim of this systematic review of randomized controlled trials is to evaluate the efficacy of the mouthwash ingredient cetylpyridinium chloride on salivary viral load in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials comparing cetylpyridinium chloride mouthwash with placebo and other mouthwash ingredients in SARS‐CoV‐2 positive individuals were identified and evaluated.

Results

Six studies with a total of 301 patients that met the inclusion criteria were included. The studies reported the efficacy of cetylpyridinium chloride mouthwashes in reduction on SARS‐CoV‐2 salivary viral load compared to placebo and other mouthwash ingredients.

Conclusion

Mouthwashes containing cetylpyridinium chloride are effective against salivary viral load of SARS‐CoV‐2 in vivo. There is also the possibility that the use of mouthwash containing cetylpyridinium chloride in SARS‐CoV‐2 positive subjects could reduce transmissibility and severity of COVID‐19.
Genome‐wide discovery of genetic variations between rice cultivars with contrasting drought stress response and their potential functional relevance
Authors: Shankar Rama , Dwivedi Anuj Kumar , Singh Vikram , Jain Mukesh
Published: February 2023

Drought stress is a serious threat to rice productivity. Investigating genetic variations between drought‐tolerant (DT) and drought‐sensitive (DS) rice cultivars may decipher the candidate genes/regulatory regions involved in drought stress tolerance/response. In this study, whole‐genome resequencing data of four DS and five DT rice cultivars were analyzed. We identified a total of approximately 4.8 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 0.54 million insertions/deletions (InDels). The genetic variations (162,638 SNPs and 17,217 InDels) differentiating DS and DT rice cultivars were found to be unevenly distributed throughout the rice genome; however, they were more frequent near the transcription start and stop sites than in the genic regions. The cis‐regulatory motifs representing the binding sites of stress‐related transcription factors (MYB, HB, bZIP, ERF, ARR, and AREB) harboring the SNPs/InDels in the promoter regions of a few differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Importantly, many of these DEGs were located within the drought‐associated quantitative trait loci. Overall, this study provides a valuable large‐scale genotyping resource and facilitates the discovery of candidate genes associated with drought stress tolerance in rice.
RETRACTED: Geochronology, geochemistry, and genesis of the Shamai tungsten deposit, Inner Mongolia, NE China
Authors: Dong Qingsong , Shi Shaoshan , Wang Cong , Xue Gang , Hu Kai , Sun Zhili
Published: February 2023

The Shamai tungsten deposit is located in the western part of the Xing'an Mongolian orogenic belt of northeastern China and contains quartz‐vein hosted tungsten mineralization. In this paper, we present the results of zircon laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) U–Pb dating of the fine‐grained biotite monzogranite, medium‐grained biotite monzogranite, and porphyritic biotite monzogranite samples from the deposit as well as in situ zircon Hf isotopic and in situ plagioclase Pb isotopic analyses. Combining new laser Raman spectroscopic data for fluid inclusions with previously HO isotopic data yields insights into the precipitation of ore minerals. The fine‐grained biotite monzogranite, medium‐grained biotite monzogranite, and porphyritic biotite monzogranite were emplaced at 142.5 ± 1.0 Ma, 141.9 ± 1.1 Ma, and 140.2 ± 1.0 Ma, respectively. The fine‐ to medium‐grained biotite monzogranite and porphyritic biotite monzogranite samples contain zircons with εHf(t) values from 3.2 to 7.9 and from 4.2 to 7.6, respectively, yielding tDM2 model ages from 996 to 692 Ma and 923 to 708 Ma, respectively. The geochemical, zircon Hf isotopic, and in situ plagioclase Pb isotopic data indicate that the magmas were generated by the partial melting of juvenile crustal material mixed with mantle‐derived components. The laser Raman and HO isotopic data for fluid inclusions within tungsten‐bearing quartz veins indicate that the tungsten mineralization formed as a result of fluid mixing. Combining the data with the spatial and temporal distribution and tectonic setting of tungsten deposits in NE China suggests that this area records four stages of mineralization at 300–290, 250–230, 200–180, and 150–130 Ma. The Shamai deposit occurred in an intra‐continental extensional regime.