bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the effects of strigolactone levels on maize root system architecture
Authors: Lucido Abel , Andrade Fabian , Basallo Oriol , Eleiwa Abderrahmane , Marin-Sanguino Alberto , Vilaprinyo Ester , Sorribas Albert , Alves Rui
Published: January 2024

Maize is the most in-demand staple crop globally. Its production relies strongly on the use of fertilizers for the supply of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which the plant absorbs through its roots, together with water. The architecture of maize roots is determinant in modulating how the plant interacts with the microbiome and extracts nutrients and water from the soil. As such, attempts to use synthetic biology and modulate that architecture to make the plant more resilient to drought and parasitic plants are underway. These attempts often try to modulate the biosynthesis of hormones that determine root architecture and growth. Experiments are laborious and time-consuming, creating the need for simulation platforms that can integrate metabolic models and 3D root growth models and predict the effects of synthetic biology interventions on both, hormone levels and root system architectures. Here, we present an example of such a platform that is built using Mathematica. First, we develop a root model, and use it to simulate the growth of many unique 3D maize root system architectures (RSAs). Then, we couple this model to a metabolic model that simulates the biosynthesis of strigolactones, hormones that modulate root growth and development. The coupling allows us to simulate the effect of changing strigolactone levels on the architecture of the roots. We then integrate the two models in a simulation platform, where we also add the functionality to analyze the effect of strigolactone levels on root phenotype. Finally, using in silico experiments, we show that our models can reproduce both the phenotype of wild type maize, and the effect that varying strigolactone levels have on changing the architecture of maize roots.
Mutation of BAM2 rescues the sunn hypernodulation phenotype in Medicago truncatula, suggesting that a signaling pathway like CLV1/BAM in Arabidopsis affects nodule number
Authors: Thomas Jacklyn , Frugoli Julia
Published: January 2024

The unique evolutionary adaptation of legumes for nitrogen-fixing symbiosis leading to nodulation is tightly regulated by the host plant. The autoregulation of nodulation (AON) pathway negatively regulates the number of nodules formed in response to the carbon/nitrogen metabolic status of the shoot and root by long-distance signaling to and from the shoot and root. Central to AON signaling in the shoots of Medicago truncatula is SUNN, a leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase with high sequence similarity with CLAVATA1 (CLV1), part of a class of receptors in Arabidopsis involved in regulating stem cell populations in the root and shoot. This class of receptors in Arabidopsis includes the BARELY ANY MERISTEM family, which, like CLV1, binds to CLE peptides and interacts with CLV1 to regulate meristem development. M. truncatula contains five members of the BAM family, but only MtBAM1 and MtBAM2 are highly expressed in the nodules 48 hours after inoculation. Plants carry mutations in individual MtBAMs, and several double BAM mutant combinations all displayed wild-type nodule number phenotypes. However, Mtbam2 suppressed the sunn-5 hypernodulation phenotype and partially rescued the short root length phenotype of sunn-5 when present in a sunn-5 background. Grafting determined that bam2 suppresses supernodulation from the roots, regardless of the SUNN status of the root. Overexpression of MtBAM2 in wild-type plants increases nodule numbers, while overexpression of MtBAM2 in some sunn mutants rescues the hypernodulation phenotype, but not the hypernodulation phenotypes of AON mutant rdn1-2 or crn. Relative expression measurements of the nodule transcription factor MtWOX5 downstream of the putative bam2 sunn-5 complex revealed disruption of meristem signaling; while both bam2 and bam2 sunn-5 influence MtWOX5 expression, the expression changes are in different directions. We propose a genetic model wherein the specific root interactions of BAM2/SUNN are critical for signaling in nodule meristem cell homeostasis in M. truncatula.
The formation of health-related procrastination in patients with type-2 diabetes: a grounded theory research
Authors: Shareinia Habib , Ghiyasvandian Shahrzad , Rooddehghan Zahra , Esteghamati Alireza
Published: January 2024

Considering the adverse effects of procrastination on the care and treatment of patients with type-2 diabetes, examining the how, why, and contributing factors of procrastination in this group of patients through in-depth studies seems essential. This is a grounded theory research in which 28 participants were selected by theoretical purposive sampling from patients with type-2 diabetes, their families, and healthcare personnel. Data were collected through interviews, observations, field notes and memos. The data were analyzed using Corbin and Strauss approach (2015) and MAXQDA 2010 software. The data obtained were classified into seven main categories. Health-related procrastination in patients with type-2 diabetes began to form in the patients when they perceived the hardships of self-care as their main concern. The ominous shadow of the disease, the prison of family care, patient-related factors, health system shortfalls, sociocultural background, and the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic laid the groundwork for abandoning diabetes self-care. Patients tried to abandon their diabetes self-care by adopting strategies such as escaping the reality of the disease, self-medication and procrastination. Wavering health-related procrastination was identified as the central category of this research. The formation of health-related procrastination in patients with type-2 diabetes is a multidimensional process depending on the patients’ background that consists of their interactivity with their family, the health system, and the society. The findings of this research can be used for the design, implementation and monitoring of treatment and care programs for these patients.
Do first responders and populations perceive risks similarly? A comparative study of seven countries
Authors: Stolero Nathan , Elkady Sahar , Labaka Leire , Siman Tov Maya , Peleg Kobi , Adini Bruria
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Risk perception illustrates the subjective evaluation of individuals concerning the characteristics, severity, and capacity to cope with potential hazards. Risk perception influences attitudes and actions individuals take to protect themselves from future threats. Risk perceptions might change among different stakeholder groups such as society and first responders. Identifying risk perceptions of stakeholders is essential to establish effective protective measures.

Method

This study investigated the commonalities and diversities in risk perception among first responders and the public, within and between seven European and beyond countries. A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data from both first responders and civilians. They were asked to assess their risk perception level for five categories of risks (Extreme weather-related events, nature-related events, social disruptions, critical services dependencies, and pandemics).

Results

Using Univariate Analysis of Variance showed disparity concerning both the levels of risk perception between the public and first responders, as well as their relative ranking. For example, concerning extreme weather-related and nature-related events, risk perception levels of the first responders is higher than that of the population in six out of the seven studied countries. In contrast, the population’s risk perception is higher compared to the first responders in six out of the seven countries, concerning critical infrastructure dependencies and pandemics.

Discussion

The relative gaps between the first responders versus the population, within each country, vary considerably. Norway for example presents significant differences between the two internal populations concerning all risks (except for extreme weather), while in Sweden, no significant gaps were identified, concerning all five risks.
The effect of peer victimization on adolescents’ revenge: the roles of hostility attribution bias and rumination tendency
Authors: Zhao Xu-Yan , Zheng Shu-Jie
Published: January 2024

Although previous studies revealed that peer victimization was closely related to revenge, mechanisms underlying this association have been unclear. The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating role of hostility attribution bias (HAB) and the moderating role of rumination tendency in the relationship between peer victimization and revenge. The data were collected from 6,622 adolescents. The PROCESS macro of SPSS 26.0 was used to examine the hypotheses. The results show that peer victimization positively associates with revenge. Hostile attribution bias play a partial mediating role between peer victimization and revenge. Both the direct effect of peer victimization on revenge and the first half of the mediating effect of HAB are moderated by rumination tendencies. Specifically, both direct and indirect effects of peer victimization on revenge are stronger in individuals with concrete experiential rumination (CER) tendency than in those with abstract analytic rumination (AAR) tendency.
Physical exercise can enhance meaning in life of college students: the chain mediating role of self-efficacy and life satisfaction
Authors: Guo Yuncheng , Qin Keyi , Yu Yida , Wang Lixia , Xu Fanglei , Zheng Qishan , Hou Xinyu , Zhang Yan , Hu Biying , Hu Qingping , Gu Chuanhua , Zheng Jianhong
Published: January 2024

Meaning in life refers to an individual’s capacity to understand and grasp the meaning of their own existence, as well as being aware of the goals, tasks, or missions in their personal life. Previous studies have found that college students lack meaning in life, but physical exercise can enhance it. In this study, 3,196 college students completed self-report questionnaires to assess self-efficacy, life satisfaction, physical exercise, and meaning in life. The results revealed that the physical exercise not only influenced an individual’s perceived meaning in life directly, but also influenced it through self-efficacy. Furthermore, it confirmed the chain mediating role of self-efficacy and life satisfaction, whereby engaging in physical exercise can ultimately impact meaning in life through self-efficacy and life satisfaction. This discovery can help educators create interventions to improve college students’ physical exercise engagement and overall life satisfaction.
The detrimental effects of student-disordered behavior at school: evidence from using the cusp catastrophe
Authors: Alkhadim Ghadah
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The purpose of the present study is to examine the potentially complex relationship between disordered behavior at school and students’ engagement with reading activities given that they enjoy reading. Of particular interest is the role of disordered behavior which we believe moderated the relationship between liking reading and reading engagement.

Methods

Participants were 2,420 fourth graders who participated in the 2021 PIRLS study from Saudi Arabia and were selected using stratified random sampling from 117 schools in the Kingdom. Data were analyzed using linear and nonlinear means such as the linear model, the logistic model, and the cusp catastrophe.

Results

Results pointed to the superiority of the cusp catastrophe towards predicting student engagement in reading by highlighting the splitting role of students’ disruptive classroom behavior.

Discussion

It was evident that exceeding a critical upward level in disruptive classroom behavior was associated with unpredictable and sudden changes in reading engagement. It is concluded that the application of non-linear means may be conducive to understanding complex educational phenomena.
Social exclusion evokes different psychophysiological responses in individuals high on the psychopathy facets fearless dominance and self-centered impulsivity
Authors: Seeger Natalia A. , Brackmann Nathalie , Lamm Claus , Hennig-Fast Kristina , Pfabigan Daniela M.
Published: January 2024

Individuals with psychopathic personality traits are generally thought to have difficulties in processing and experiencing emotions. These difficulties could also translate to emotionally charged social situations such as social exclusion. Being socially excluded is often experienced as stressful and unpleasant, potentially even leading to selfish or aggressive behavior–both of which are linked to certain aspects of psychopathy. The current study investigated self-report and physiological responses to social exclusion in the cyberball paradigm in a carefully selected community sample of individuals either scoring high on primary (N = 24) or secondary psychopathy traits (N = 17). Across the sample, the cyberball paradigm decreased experiences of joy and approach motivation, increased subjective anger reports, and induced changes in heart rate. In contrast, individuals scoring high on secondary psychopathy traits (Self-Centered Impulsivity group) displayed stronger physiological reactivity during a habituation phase of prolonged social exclusion than individuals scoring high on primary psychopathy traits (Fearless Dominance group), indexed by changes in skin conductance level. Moreover, a potential mismatch between self-reported and physiological arousal seemed to be only observable in individuals with high secondary psychopathy traits. Overall, the current results suggest diverging patterns of emotional processing and regulation in a social exclusion situation when comparing well-functioning individuals with varying psychopathy traits. It seemed as if individuals high on primary psychopathy traits were insensitive to contextual social cues, while individuals high on secondary psychopathy traits were more affected by the potentially threatening social situation. Cautiously transferring the current findings to forensic samples, they support the idea of moving from a behavioral understanding of the psychopathy construct to a more clinical picture with distinct cognitive and emotional processing patterns in individuals high on either primary or secondary psychopathy traits.
Safety, tolerability, pharmacodynamic and wellbeing effects of SPL026 (dimethyltryptamine fumarate) in healthy participants: a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 1 trial
Authors: James Ellen , Erritzoe David , Benway Tiffanie , Joel Zelah , Timmermann Christopher , Good Meghan , Agnorelli Claudio , Weiss Brandon M. , Barba Tommaso , Campbell Graham , Baker Jones Michelle , Hughes Charlotte , Topping Helen , Boyce Malcolm , Routledge Carol
Published: January 2024

Background

Due to their potential impact on mood and wellbeing there has been increasing interest in the potential of serotonergic psychedelics such as N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD).

Aim

The aim of Part A of this study was to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) profile of escalating doses of SPL026 (DMT fumarate) in psychedelic-naïve healthy participants to determine a dose for administration to patients with MDD in the subsequent Phase 2a part of the trial (Part B: not presented in this manuscript).

Methods

In the Phase 1, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, single dose-escalation trial, psychedelic-naïve participants were randomized to placebo (n = 8) or four different escalating doses [9, 12, 17 and 21.5 mg intravenously (IV)] of SPL026 (n = 6 for each dose) together with psychological support from 2 therapy team members. PK and acute (immediately following dosing experience) psychometric measures [including mystical experience questionnaire (MEQ), ego dissolution inventory (EDI), and intensity rating visual analogue scale (IRVAS)] were determined. Additional endpoints were measured as longer-term change from baseline to days 8, 15, 30 and 90. These measures included the Warwick and Edinburgh mental wellbeing scale and Spielberger’s state-trait anxiety inventory.

Results

SPL026 was well tolerated, with an acceptable safety profile, with no serious adverse events. There was some evidence of a correlation between maximum plasma concentration and increased IRVAS, MEQ, and EDI scores. These trends are likely to require confirmation in a larger sample size. Using the analysis of the safety, tolerability, PD, PK results, doses of 21.5 mg SPL026 were the most likely to provide an intense, tolerated experience.

Conclusion

Based on the data obtained from this part of the trial, a dose of 21.5 mg SPL026 given as a 2-phase IV infusion over 10 min (6 mg/5 min and 15.5 mg/5 min) was selected as the dose to be taken into patients in Part B (to be presented in a future manuscript).

Clinical trial registration:www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT04673383; https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu, identifier 2020-000251-13; https://www.isrctn.com/, identifier ISRCTN63465876.
Immature defense mechanisms mediate the relationship between negative life events and depressive symptoms
Authors: Ma Dandan , Cao Jinya , Wei Jing , Jiang Jing
Published: January 2024

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the patterns of life events (LEs) and defense mechanisms in outpatients with depression and investigate the mediating role of defense mechanisms in the association between LEs and depressive symptoms in a psychosomatic outpatient sample in China.

Materials and methods

All of 2,747 outpatients (aged 18–65) from psychosomatic department were investigated in this study. LEs, depressive symptoms, and defense mechanisms were assessed by the Life Events Scale (LES), Patient-Health-Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ), respectively.

Results

Based on the optimal cut-off point of PHQ-9, 1840 (67.0%) patients had a PHQ-9 score of 10 or higher (depression group), and 907 (33.0%) had a score below 10 (non-depression group). The scores of Negative Life Events (NLEs), immature and intermediate defense mechanisms in the depression group were significantly higher than those in the non-depression group, while the scores of mature defense mechanisms were the opposite (p < 0.001). NLEs was directly related to depressive symptoms (b = 0.010, p < 0.001), and significant indirect effect via immature defense mechanisms (b = 0.008, p < 0.001) was observed.

Conclusion

Immature defense mechanisms play an important mediating role in the relationship between NLEs and depressive symptoms. Helping patients improving defense mechanisms and dealing with NLEs may be of great help in the treatment of relevant patients.
Familial context influences media usage in 0- to 4-year old children
Authors: Paulus Frank W. , Joas Jens , Friedmann Anna , Fuschlberger Tamara , Möhler Eva , Mall Volker
Published: January 2024

Background

The use of digital media (e.g., smartphones, tablets, etc.) and the Internet have become omnipresent for every age group and are part of children’s and parents’ everyday life. Focusing on young children, the availability of media devices, their use as well as associated problems (e.g., in social, emotional and motor development) have increased in recent years. Of particular interest for prevention of these problems in early childhood is the relationship between the familial context (parental digital media use, Problematic Internet Use, school graduation, presence of siblings) and the digital media use of infants and toddlers. The present study’s goal was to describe media usage in 0–4-year-old children and to identify the potential relationship between familial context factors and child media usage.

Methods

The sample included N = 3,035 children aged 0 to 3;11 years (M = 17.37 months, SD = 13.68; 49.13% female). Recruitment took place within the framework of a restandardization study for a German developmental test. The parents of the participants answered a questionnaire on socio-demographics, on child media use, and on parental media use. Questions on parental media use included the full version of the Short Compulsive Internet Use Scale (S-CIUS).

Results

Significant increases in media usage times with child age were identified, but no significant gender differences. A multiple regression analysis revealed that increasing maternal total media usage time, a higher parental S-CIUS score, lower school leaving certificate of both mother and father, and increasing child’s age led to higher child media usage time. Having siblings diminished young children’s media usage in this study. Having more than one child and having children aged over a year was associated with a higher parental S-CIUS score.

Conclusion

Family factors such as maternal media use time, Problematic Internet Use and lower school graduation are significantly associated with young children’s digital media use. Parents should be aware of their personal influence on their children’s media use which might be due their role in terms of model learning.
Dissemination and implementation of evidence-based programs for people with chronic disease: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Coyle Peter , Tripken Jennifer , Perera Subashan , Juarez Gardenia A. , Spencer-Brown Lesha , Cameron Kathleen , Brach Jennifer S.
Published: January 2024

Background

Using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework, we describe the implementation of evidence-based chronic disease self-management education (CDSME) programs by the Administration for Community Living CDSME Grantees during 2016–2022 and we also explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on implementation.

Methods

Grantees collected data before and after the implementation of the CDSME programs and contributed to the national data repository. Data components included workshop information, participant information, and organizational data.

Results

The cohort consisted of 175,973 individuals who participated in 34 CDSME programs across 45 states. Participants had a mean ± SD age of 66.1 ± 14.8 years, were primarily female (65.9%) and had a mean ± SD of 2.6 ± 2.3 chronic conditions. Compared to the pre-COVID-19 strata, those who participated during COVID-19 were on average 1.5 years younger and had slightly less comorbidities. For individuals who had pre and post program self-reported health, 65.3% stayed the same, 24.4% improved, and 10.3% worsened (p < 0.001) after participating in CDSME programs.

Conclusion

CDSME offers a variety of programs across a broad geographic area to a diverse set of older adults in the US, underscoring the expansive reach of this public health initiative. COVID-19 appears to have shifted participant reach toward a slightly younger and healthier population. Finally, these programs appear to be effective in improving participants’ self-rated health. However, these results should be interpreted with caution, given limitations due to missing data and the observational nature of this study design.
Effectiveness of distributing pocket cards in improving the behavior, attitude, and knowledge regarding proper medication use among junior high school students in Japan
Authors: Sakai Chihiro , Iguchi Kazuhiro , Tachi Tomoya , Noguchi Yoshihiro , Hisamatsu Aki , Katsuno Shingo , Teramachi Hitomi
Published: January 2024

Objective

This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of distributing pocket cards with summaries of key information on appropriate medication usage after the implementation of a structured school-based medication education program for junior high school students in Japan.

Methods

A total of 227 3rd-grade high school students participated in the intervention. Students who received the program without the provision of pocket cards in 2022 were included in the comparison group, and students who took the program with the provision of pocket cards in 2023 were included in the intervention group. After propensity score matching, the final sample of N = 116 comprised n = 58 comparison group participants and n = 58 intervention group participants. Questionnaires were administered at baseline, end-of-class, and 3-month follow-up to assess the changes in behavior, attitude, and knowledge scores.

Results

The matched intervention group showed significantly lower scores at the 3-month follow-up than the matched comparison group. The results of the multiple linear regression analysis showed that for both groups, only the attitude scores were significantly correlated with the behavior scores. In addition, regardless of the baseline scores, the matched intervention group demonstrated smaller or negative changes in scores at the 3-month follow-up.

Conclusion

Overall, the results of this study did not support the effectiveness of distributing pocket cards after in-class intervention. However, the usefulness of medication education intervention was confirmed. These results emphasize the need to explore other supplemental teaching tools to further enhance the impact of structured medication education programs.
Quality criteria of nature-based interventions in healthcare facilities: a scoping review
Authors: Sterckx Ann , Delbaere Ben , De Blust Geert , Spacova Irina , Samson Roeland , Remmen Roy , Keune Hans
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Implementing integrated nature-based interventions that simultaneously serve human health and the restoration of biodiversity in healthcare facilities is considered a promising strategy. As an emerging field of research and practice in healthcare, identification of quality criteria is necessary to support desired outcomes related to biodiversity, human health and intervention processes. This study is part of a larger research project in collaboration with the Flemish Agency of Nature and Forest in Belgium.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews, in PubMed, Medline, Web of Science and Scopus. A step-by-step tabular screening process was conducted to identify relevant studies and reviews of nature-based interventions, published in English between January 2005 and April 2023. A qualitative content analysis was conducted and the results were then presented to the project steering group and a panel of stakeholders for refinement.

Results

After filtering on the eligibility criteria, and with focus on healthcare facilities, 14 articles were included in this study. A preliminary nature-based interventions quality framework with a set of quality indicators has been developed.

Discussion

When designing integrated nature-based interventions, a needs analysis of users and the outdoor environment should be conducted. Next, the integration of a One Health and biodiversity perspective and the application of a complex intervention framework, could support the quality of the design and implementation of nature-based interventions in healthcare facilities and facilitate their assessment. In future work, more rigorous research into the design and implementation of integrated nature-based interventions is needed to test and refine the quality criteria in practice.
A multi-study analysis enables identification of potential microbial features associated with skin aging signs
Authors: Myers Tyler , Bouslimani Amina , Huang Shi , Hansen Shalisa T. , Clavaud Cécile , Azouaoui Anissa , Ott Alban , Gueniche Audrey , Bouez Charbel , Zheng Qian , Aguilar Luc , Knight Rob , Moreau Magali , Song Se Jin
Published: January 2024

Introduction: During adulthood, the skin microbiota can be relatively stable if environmental conditions are also stable, yet physiological changes of the skin with age may affect the skin microbiome and its function. The microbiome is an important factor to consider in aging since it constitutes most of the genes that are expressed on the human body. However, severity of specific aging signs (one of the parameters used to measure “apparent” age) and skin surface quality (e.g., texture, hydration, pH, sebum, etc.) may not be indicative of chronological age. For example, older individuals can have young looking skin (young apparent age) and young individuals can be of older apparent age.

Methods: Here we aim to identify microbial taxa of interest associated to skin quality/aging signs using a multi-study analysis of 13 microbiome datasets consisting of 16S rRNA amplicon sequence data and paired skin clinical data from the face.

Results: We show that there is a negative relationship between microbiome diversity and transepidermal water loss, and a positive association between microbiome diversity and age. Aligned with a tight link between age and wrinkles, we report a global positive association between microbiome diversity and Crow’s feet wrinkles, but with this relationship varying significantly by sub-study. Finally, we identify taxa potentially associated with wrinkles, TEWL and corneometer measures.

Discussion: These findings represent a key step towards understanding the implication of the skin microbiota in skin aging signs.
Artificial intelligence in biology and medicine, and radioprotection research: perspectives from Jerusalem
Authors: Socol Yehoshua , Richardson Ariella , Garali-Zineddine Imene , Grison Stephane , Vares Guillaume , Klokov Dmitry
Published: January 2024

While AI is widely used in biomedical research and medical practice, its use is constrained to few specific practical areas, e.g., radiomics. Participants of the workshop on “Artificial Intelligence in Biology and Medicine” (Jerusalem, Feb 14–15, 2023), both researchers and practitioners, aimed to build a holistic picture by exploring AI advancements, challenges and perspectives, as well as to suggest new fields for AI applications. Presentations showcased the potential of large language models (LLMs) in generating molecular structures, predicting protein-ligand interactions, and promoting democratization of AI development. Ethical concerns in medical decision making were also addressed. In biological applications, AI integration of multi-omics and clinical data elucidated the health relevant effects of low doses of ionizing radiation. Bayesian latent modeling identified statistical associations between unobserved variables. Medical applications highlighted liquid biopsy methods for non-invasive diagnostics, routine laboratory tests to identify overlooked illnesses, and AI's role in oral and maxillofacial imaging. Explainable AI and diverse image processing tools improved diagnostics, while text classification detected anorexic behavior in blog posts. The workshop fostered knowledge sharing, discussions, and emphasized the need for further AI development in radioprotection research in support of emerging public health issues. The organizers plan to continue the initiative as an annual event, promoting collaboration and addressing issues and perspectives in AI applications with a focus on low-dose radioprotection research. Researchers involved in radioprotection research and experts in relevant public policy domains are invited to explore the utility of AI in low-dose radiation research at the next workshop.
Demand management processes to improve access to cognitive-behavioral therapies for anxiety disorders: a grounded theory study
Authors: Carrier Jean-Daniel , Gallagher Frances , Vanasse Alain , Roberge Pasquale
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Anxiety disorders are impactful mental health conditions for which evidence-based treatments are available, notably cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBTs). Even when CBTs are available, demand-side factors limit their access, and actors in a position to perform demand management activities lack a framework to identify context-appropriate actions.

Methods

We conducted a constructivist grounded theory study in Quebec, Canada, to model demand management targets to improve access to CBTs for anxiety disorders. We recruited key informants with diverse experiences using purposeful, then theoretical sampling. We analyzed data from 18 semi-directed interviews and 20 documents through an iterative coding process centered around constant comparison.

Results

The resulting model illustrates how actors can target clinical-administrative processes fulfilling the demand management functions of detection, evaluation, preparation, and referral to help patients progress on the path of access to CBTs.

Discussion

Modeling clinical-administrative processes is a promising approach to facilitate leveraging the competency of actors involved in demand management at the local level to benefit public mental health.
A review of differentiable digital signal processing for music and speech synthesis
Authors: Hayes Ben , Shier Jordie , Fazekas György , McPherson Andrew , Saitis Charalampos
Published: January 2024

The term “differentiable digital signal processing” describes a family of techniques in which loss function gradients are backpropagated through digital signal processors, facilitating their integration into neural networks. This article surveys the literature on differentiable audio signal processing, focusing on its use in music and speech synthesis. We catalogue applications to tasks including music performance rendering, sound matching, and voice transformation, discussing the motivations for and implications of the use of this methodology. This is accompanied by an overview of digital signal processing operations that have been implemented differentiably, which is further supported by a web book containing practical advice on differentiable synthesiser programming (https://intro2ddsp.github.io/). Finally, we highlight open challenges, including optimisation pathologies, robustness to real-world conditions, and design trade-offs, and discuss directions for future research.
Outcomes of remotely delivered behavioral insomnia interventions for children and adolescents: systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Lah Suncica , Cao Thanh Vinh
Published: January 2024

Pediatric insomnia is common and can be effectively treated with behavioral therapies delivered face-to face. Such treatments could also improve children's mood, cognition, and quality of life, and caregivers' wellbeing. There is a discrepancy between high needs and limited access to pediatric behavioral insomnia treatments, which could be improved by provision of technology enhanced interventions. No study reviewed outcomes of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of remotely delivered psychological treatments for pediatric insomnia. The current study aimed to examine (i) the outcomes of remotely delivered RCTs for pediatric insomnia/insomnia symptoms and (ii) whether gains made in treatment extend to functional correlates. We conducted a systematic review according to Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines. PsychINFO, PubMed/Medline and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched for RCTs reporting on remotely delivered behavioral treatments for insomnia and insomnia symptoms. Data was abstracted and the risk of bias were assessed in November 2022 and November 2023. Seven RCTs (nine manuscripts) involving 786 participants, with the mean age from 19.3 months to 16.9 years, were identified. Four different treatments were used. Risk of bias ranged from low to high and was the highest for the randomization process. Across studies, significant improvements were found in some (but not all) sleep parameters, namely: sleep quality and sleep efficacy on questionnaires and on actigraphy, despite heterogeneity of the treatments used, age of participants and instruments employed to assess outcomes. Improvements gained in treatments delivered remotely was compared to treatments delivered face-to-face in 3 studies and were found to be comparable or slightly lower. No worsening was observed on either objective or subjective measures of sleep, except for sleep onset latency and wake after sleep onset that improved on questionnaires but worsened on actigraphy in one study each. Children's mood improved across studies on parent and self-report measures. Other possible functional gains were understudied. Our study provides preliminary evidence of improved sleep following remotely delivered behavioral treatments for pediatric insomnia, and improvements in children's mood. Further research is needed to develop individualized treatments that will cater for different developmental needs and types of insomnia symptoms and examine not only group but also individual outcomes.
VR communication simulation with scripted dialog elicits HPA axis stress
Authors: Ban Yuki , Inazawa Masahiro , Kato Chisato , Warisawa Shin’ichi
Published: January 2024

Stress-inducing virtual reality (VR) systems have various applications in research, ranging from training to therapy to the observation of biological stress responses. Stress in VR can be evoked through environmental, cognitive, and social stimuli. Although various VR tasks can induce an autonomic nervous system (ANS) stress response, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis stress responses have only been confirmed in VR for the virtual Trier social stress test (V-TSST). Understanding the impact of a wider variety of tasks on HPA-axis stress response could lead to the development of more effective stress relief measures and treatments. This study aims to clarify whether a virtual communication simulation, using a static procedure with a predetermined dialog, can evoke an HPA-axis stress response. Employing a virtual customer service system, we varied the intensity of the presented stress by changing the tone and gestures of the virtual customer. The findings confirm that HPA-axis stress responses can be elicited by such static virtual customer service training systems, and the stress responses can be adjusted by altering the avatar’s attitude. These findings suggest potential applications in research for observing human physiological responses to stress and development of stress reduction strategies, thereby affirming the effectiveness of VR in communication training.
Potential ecological risk from heavy metals in surface sediment of lotic systems in central region Peru
Authors: Custodio María , Fow Anthony , De la Cruz Heidi , Chanamé Fernán , Huarcaya Javier
Published: January 2024

High Andean rivers are fragile ecosystems in the face of various threats, including heavy metal contamination. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential ecological risk of heavy metals in surface sediment of lotic systems in the central region of Peru. Composite samples of surface sediments were collected from the Chía and Miraflores rivers and the concentrations of heavy metals were determined. The ecological risk analysis was carried out based on the contamination indexes and confirmed by the modified degree of contamination (mCd). The concentration of heavy metals in the sediment of the Chía river was in the following descending order: Fe > Mn > Zn > V > Pb > Cr > Ni > Cu > Mo > Hg, y en el río Miraflores fue: Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > V > Cr > Cu > Pb > Hg > Mo. The mean concentration of Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, and V in the sediment samples in both rivers did not exceed the threshold values of the continental crust concentration, nor the interim sediment quality guidelines of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment. However, the mean concentration of Hg exceeded the guideline values in the Miraflores river and the likely effect (0.7 mg.kg−1) adverse effects. The values of the enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), and pollution load index (PLI) indicated low contamination in the sediments of the rivers studied, being confirmed by the modified degree of contamination (mCd). Finally, the risk assessment showed that heavy metals in the sediments presented a low potential ecological risk.
A Molecular Superhero That Helps Fight Aging
Authors: Detcheverry Flavie E. , Senthil Sneha , Narayanan Sridar , Badhwar AmanPreet
Published: January 2024

As adults get older, their body functions decline. This can cause a build up of harmful substances, called reactive oxygen species, which can damage the cells: the process is called oxidative stress. Luckily, the body uses superhero chemicals called antioxidants to fight against oxidative stress, with the most common being a chemical called glutathione. We were curious to know whether glutathione levels change with age, and how. In previous studies, some researchers measured glutathione levels in the brains of healthy individuals and in the preserved brains of people that had passed away. Other researchers measured glutathione levels in the blood. We analyzed all the results to see how they fit together. Compared to young adults, glutathione levels in older people were either higher, lower, or unchanged depending on the brain region scientists looked at. In blood, glutathione levels were usually lower with increasing age. This means that oxidative stress contributes to aging by damaging the cells in different parts of the brain and in the body, and that the superhero chemical provides protection by fighting oxidative stress.
Precarity prevented or reinforced? Migrants' right to change employers in the recast of the EU Single Permit Directive
Authors: De Lange Tesseltje , Falkenhain Mariella
Published: January 2024

Labor migration policies within the European Union and its Member States typically address two conflictive labor market policy goals. They aim to attract and retain foreign workers in a situation of labor shortage, while at the same time protecting the national workforce from additional labor market competition. The balancing of these two goals is commonly resolved in favor of nationals and with fewer rights for migrant workers. It is precisely this nexus between migrant rights and the protection of the national workforce that is central to the understudied question of whether and under what conditions migrant workers from third countries (i.e. non-EU countries) may change their employer to quit low-quality work or exploitative employment, or for career reasons. Building on scholarly discussions on employer dependency and bureaucratic complexity as general sources of migrant precarity, as well as on international and EU law on the rights of migrant workers, this article presents three policy variations of the right to change employers currently in place in the European context. Thereby we fill a gap in the literature on labor migration, labor market regulation, and migrant workers' rights. To illustrate the mixed ambitions of EU institutions to reduce migrant precarity the article then presents and critically discusses the high-level negotiations over the recast of the EU Single Permit Directive 2011/98 that were centered around the right to change employers.
The effect of heat mitigation strategies on thermoregulation and productivity during simulated occupational work in the heat in physically active young men
Authors: Morrissey-Basler Margaret C. , Brewer Gabrielle J. , Anderson Travis , Adams William M. , Navarro John S. , Marcelino Monique , Martin David G. , Casa Douglas J.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To investigate heat stress mitigation strategies on productivity and thermoregulatory responses during simulated occupational work in the heat.

Methods

Thirteen physically active men (age, 25 ± 4 years; body mass,77.8 ± 14.7 kg; VO2peak, 44.5 ± 9.2 ml·kg−1·min−1) completed five randomized-controlled trials in a hot environment (40°C, 40% relative humidity). Each trial was 4.5 h in duration to simulate an outdoor occupational shift. Thermoregulatory responses (heart rate, HR; rectal temperature, Trec; mean skin temperature, Tsk), perceptual responses (rating of perceived exertion, RPE; thermal sensation; thermal comfort; fatigue) and productivity outcomes (box lifting repetitions, time to exhaustion) were examined in the following heat mitigation strategy interventions: (1) simulated solar radiation with limited fluid intake [SUN]; (2) simulated solar radiation with no fluid restrictions [SUN + H2O]; (3) shade (no simulated solar radiation during trial) with no fluid restrictions [SHADE + H2O]; (4) shade and cooling towels during rest breaks with no fluid restrictions [COOL + H2O]; and (5) shade with cooling towels, cooling vest during activity with no fluid restrictions [COOL + VEST + H2O].

Results

[COOL + VEST + H2O] had lower Trec compared to [SUN] [p = 0.004, effect size(ES) = 1.48], [SUN + H2O] (p < 0.001, ES = −1.87), and [SHADE + H2O] (p = 0.001, ES = 1.62). Average Tsk was lower during the treadmill and box lifting activities in the [COOL + VEST + H2O] compared to [SUN] (p < 0.001, ES = 7.92), [SUN + H2O] (p < 0.001,7.96), [SHADE + H2O] (p < 0.001), and [COOL + H2O] (p < 0.001, ES = 3.01). There were performance differences during the [COOL + VEST + H2O] (p = 0.033) and [COOL + H2O] (p = 0.023) conditions compared to [SUN] during phases of the experimental trial, however, there were no differences in total box lifting repetitions between trials (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that during a simulated occupational shift in a laboratory setting, additional heat mitigation strategies ([COOL + VEST + H2O] and [COOL + H2O]) reduced physiological strain and improved box lifting performance to a greater degree than [SUN]. These differences may have been attributed to a larger core to skin temperature gradient or reduction in fatigue, thermal sensation, and RPE during [COOL + H2O] and [COOL + VEST + H2O]. These data suggest that body cooling, hydration, and “shade” (removal of simulated radiant heat) as heat stress mitigation strategies should be considered as it reduces physiological strain while producing no additional harm.
Surgical management of abdominal wall sheath and rectus abdominis muscle endometriosis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Triantafyllidou Olga , Mili Nikoletta , Kalampokas Theodoros , Vlahos Nikolaos , Kalampokas Emmanouil
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Endometriosis, defined as the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity, mainly affects the pelvic viscera and peritoneum. Endometriosis can also occur at sites of surgical incisions on the abdominal wall, mainly in women with a history of cesarean section (CS). The incidence of abdominal wall endometriosis after CS reaches 1%. Clinical suspicion, along with imaging, plays a crucial role in diagnosis. The preferred treatment involves extensive surgical excision with clear margins, ensuring a definitive diagnosis through histopathology examination.

Case presentation

This case report is of a 44-year-old woman with a history of two CS procedures who developed pain and pigmentation at the incisional site one year after the last CS. Thirteen years after the surgical excision of an abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE) mass, followed by hormone therapy, she presented in our hospital with worsening pain for further management. Pelvic MRI findings were consistent with AWE. During surgery, the abdominal wall endometriosis foci were removed, and the defect in the aponeurosis was repaired using a dual-sided mesh in a tension-free procedure.

Conclusion

Although AWE is a rare condition, we foresee an increase in cases because of the ever-increasing CS rates and the important association between AWE and CS. Healthcare practitioners should remain vigilant for this condition in women of reproductive age who exhibit cyclic pain, a palpable mass in the abdomen, and a background of previous uterine surgeries.