bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-shell connectome DWI-based graph theory measures for the prediction of temporal lobe epilepsy and cognition
Authors: Garcia-Ramos Camille , Adluru Nagesh , Chu Daniel Y , Nair Veena , Adluru Anusha , Nencka Andrew , Maganti Rama , Mathis Jedidiah , Conant Lisa L , Alexander Andrew L , Prabhakaran Vivek , Binder Jeffrey R , Meyerand Mary E , Hermann Bruce , Struck Aaron F
Published: April 2023

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common epilepsy syndrome that empirically represents a network disorder, which makes graph theory (GT) a practical approach to understand it. Multi-shell diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) was obtained from 89 TLE and 50 controls. GT measures extracted from harmonized DWI matrices were used as factors in a support vector machine (SVM) analysis to discriminate between groups, and in a k-means algorithm to find intrinsic structural phenotypes within TLE. SVM was able to predict group membership (mean accuracy = 0.70, area under the curve (AUC) = 0.747, Brier score (BS) = 0.264) using 10-fold cross-validation. In addition, k-means clustering identified 2 TLE clusters: 1 similar to controls, and 1 dissimilar. Clusters were significantly different in their distribution of cognitive phenotypes, with the Dissimilar cluster containing the majority of TLE with cognitive impairment (χ2 = 6.641, P = 0.036). In addition, cluster membership showed significant correlations between GT measures and clinical variables. Given that SVM classification seemed driven by the Dissimilar cluster, SVM analysis was repeated to classify Dissimilar versus Similar + Controls with a mean accuracy of 0.91 (AUC = 0.957, BS = 0.189). Altogether, the pattern of results shows that GT measures based on connectome DWI could be significant factors in the search for clinical and neurobehavioral biomarkers in TLE.
Anatomic considerations after commando double valve reconstruction: insights for future valve-in-valve therapies
Authors: Simpson Michael T , Kachel Matuesz , Mirza Farooq , Shea Nicholas J , Takeda Koji , Takayama Hiroo , George Isaac
Published: April 2023

OBJECTIVES

The Commando technique for reconstruction of the aortomitral intervalvular fibrous body is effective to facilitate double valve surgery in cases of endocarditis or infiltrative calcification. The length of patch utilized in reconstruction of the intervalvular fibrous body has an important relationship to the geometry of the mitral valve (MV) and aortic valve (AV) and may impact on potential future valve-in-valve (VIV) therapy. Here we report anatomic measurements after Commando reconstruction in a small group of patients and analyse the impact of reconstruction techniques on transcatheter VIV therapies.

METHODS

Seven patients from January 2018 to April 2022 who underwent double valve surgery with the Commando technique with postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were identified. Computed tomographic reconstruction of the AV and MV was performed using 3mensio software and virtual transcatheter valve replacement was performed. Two of these patients who had preoperative imaging was analysed to assess the change in aortomitral geometry resulting from reconstruction.

RESULTS

Measurements for each patient post-reconstruction are given in the table. Aortomitral length was grossly inversely proportional to aortomitral angle (AMA). AMA and aortomitral curtain (AMC) length were significantly altered post-Commando in 2 analysed patients with pre- and postoperative computed tomography scan. Transcatheter AV and MV replacements were feasible in all patients post-Commando. The AMA was larger and more favorable for mitral VIV in patients in which the AMC was short.

CONCLUSIONS

AMC length, as determined by location of AV annular sutures, may be an important consideration in surgical decision-making for VIV after the Commando procedure.
The Core Curriculum for Cardiovascular Nurses and Allied Professionals
Authors: Neubeck Lis , Ross Catherine , Jones Jennifer , Simpson Maggie , Mindham Richard , Jaarsma Tiny , Uchmanowicz Izabella , Hinterbuchner Lynne , Astin Felicity
Published: April 2023

This 2023 update of the Core Curriculum in Cardiovascular Nursing (2015) embraces the formation of the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professionals and reflects the diverse professional backgrounds of our members, including nurses, allied health professionals, and healthcare scientists (in this document referred to collectively as Nurses and Allied Professionals).
Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Family Caregiver Medication Administration Hassles Scale
Authors: Kingir Zehra Betul , Sancar Mesut , Ay Pinar , Demirtunc Refik , Nuhoglu Cagatay , Misirli Cemile H , Okuyan Betul
Published: April 2023

Background

The Family Caregiver Medication Administration Hassles Scale (FCMAHS) was developed to evaluate the hassles and concerns experienced by family caregivers in medication administration.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Family Caregiver Medication Administration Hassles Scale (FCMAHS-TR).

Methods

The FCMAHS-TR was developed after translation, cultural adaptation, and a pilot study. The cross-sectional study was conducted among family caregivers (≥18 years) in community pharmacies. Test–retest reliability analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed. Hypothesis testing was used for the assessment of construct validity.

Results

The majority (68.7%) of the family caregivers were female (n = 470). In the test–retest reliability analysis (n = 30), the ICC value was 0.917 (P < 0.001). In EFA analysis (n = 251), the Kaiser‒Meyer‒Olkin (KMO) measure was 0.799, 62.6% of the total variance was explained by five factors including eighteen items, and Cronbach’s alpha was 0.836. According to CFA (n = 219), the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) was 0.0654, and the comparative fit index (CFI) was 0.918. In construct validity, family caregivers with low reading ability of health-related materials and with high care burden had significantly higher median scores for all the factors of the FCMAHS-TR (P < 0.05 for all).

Conclusions

The FCMAHS-TR can be used to evaluate the hassle and concerns experienced by family caregivers in medication administration. This scale can be used by healthcare professionals to identify family caregivers who need individualized interventions for medication administration hassles.
Weight-adjusted waist index is not superior to conventional anthropometric indices for predicting type 2 diabetes: a secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sun Huaxin , Li Yao , Shi Jia , Li Kai , Zhao Yang , Shang Luxiang , Tang Baopeng
Published: April 2023

Background

Weight-adjusted waist index (WWI) is a new anthropometric indicator to assess adiposity. Current knowledge regarding its association with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is limited. This present study aims to evaluate the association of WWI with the risk of T2DM in the Japanese population, and to compare its predictive ability with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC).

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort study involving 15,464 participants. Participants were divided into quartiles based on baseline WWI levels. Cox regression model, Kaplan–Meier curve, and smooth curve fitting were used to explore the relationship between WWI and T2DM. The discriminative ability of obesity indices in predicting T2DM was compared by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

After a mean follow-up of 6.05 years, 373 participants were diagnosed with T2DM. In fully adjusted models, the risk of incident T2DM was 1.96 times higher for each 1-unit increment in WWI levels (95% CI: 1.61–2.39, P < 0.001). Smooth curve fitting analysis showed a linear positive association between baseline WWI and new-onset T2DM. Subgroup analysis showed consistent results which subjects in the 4th WWI quartile had the highest risk of developing T2DM in different age, gender, and BMI groups. WWI did not exhibit better predictive ability compared with BMI and WC in the results of ROC curve.

Conclusion

WWI, a new metabolic index, can be used to predict new-onset T2DM in the Japanese population. However, its predictive capability was not superior to conventional anthropometric indices.
Person-centred deprescribing for patients living with frailty: a qualitative interview study and proposal of a collaborative model
Authors: Peat George , Fylan Beth , Breen Liz , Raynor David K , Olaniyan Janice , Alldred David P
Published: April 2023

Objectives

(1) Present deprescribing experiences of patients living with frailty, their informal carers and healthcare professionals; (2) interpret whether their experiences are reflective of person-centred/collaborative care; (3) complement our findings with existing evidence to present a model for person-centred deprescribing for patients living with frailty, based on a previous collaborative care model.

Methods

Qualitative design in English primary care (general practice). Semi-structured interviews were undertaken immediately post-deprescribing and 5/6 weeks later with nine patients aged 65+ living with frailty and three informal carers of patients living with frailty. Fourteen primary care professionals with experience in deprescribing were also interviewed. In total, 38 interviews were conducted. A two-staged approach to data analysis was undertaken.

Key findings

Three themes were developed: attitudes, beliefs and understanding of medicines management and responsibility; attributes of a collaborative, person-centred deprescribing consultation; organisational factors to support person-centred deprescribing. Based on these findings and complementary to existing evidence, we offer a model for person-centred deprescribing for patients living with frailty.

Conclusions

Previous models of deprescribing for patients living with frailty while, of value, do not consider the contextual factors that govern the implementation and success of models in practice. In this paper, we propose a novel person-centred model for deprescribing for people living with frailty, based on our own empirical findings, and the wider evidence base.
A Potent Recombinant Polyclonal Antibody Therapeutic for Protection Against New Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Variants of Concern
Authors: Wayham Nicholas P , Niedecken Ariel R , Simons Jan Fredrik , Chiang Yao Y , Medina-Cucurella Angélica V , Mizrahi Rena A , Wagner Ellen K , Gras Ashley , Segal Ilana , Witte Peyton , Enstrom Alexis , Bountouvas Aristea , Nelson Sabrina M , Weinberger Tess , Tan David , Asensio Michael A , Subramanian Alagu , Lim Yoong Wearn , Adler Adam S , Keating Sheila M
Published: April 2023

Emerging variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) possess mutations that prevent antibody therapeutics from maintaining antiviral binding and neutralizing efficacy. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) shown to neutralize Wuhan-Hu-1 SARS-CoV-2 (ancestral) strain have reduced potency against newer variants. Plasma-derived polyclonal hyperimmune drugs have improved neutralization breadth compared with mAbs, but lower titers against SARS-CoV-2 require higher dosages for treatment. We previously developed a highly diverse, recombinant polyclonal antibody therapeutic anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin hyperimmune (rCIG). rCIG was compared with plasma-derived or mAb standards and showed improved neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 across World Health Organization variants; however, its potency was reduced against some variants relative to ancestral, particularly omicron. Omicron-specific antibody sequences were enriched from yeast expressing rCIG-scFv and exhibited increased binding and neutralization to omicron BA.2 while maintaining ancestral strain binding and neutralization. Polyclonal antibody libraries such as rCIG can be utilized to develop antibody therapeutics against present and future SARS-CoV-2 threats.
Understanding Religious-Organizational Marketization: The Case of the United States Mainline
Authors: Moberg Marcus
Published: April 2023

Past decades have witnessed an accelerating proliferation of managerial and market-associated discourses and imperatives across the traditional religious-organizational field. Based on theoretical perspectives on marketization, this article outlines a general analytical framework by which to approach, empirically investigate, and understand processes of organizational marketization as they unfold in contemporary religious-organizational settings. As illustrated by more recent developments among the Protestant mainline denominations in the United States, the article (1) provides a general sociological explanation for the primary reasons why processes of organizational marketization have been set in motion within the US mainline; (2) outlines the main ways and means by which such processes have tended to unfold; and (3) accounts for their main practical effects on current mainline organizational cultures and working routines.
The Labour Market Impact of COVID-19 Lockdowns: Evidence from Ghana
Authors: Schotte Simone , Danquah Michael , Osei Robert Darko , Sen Kunal
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we provide causal evidence of the immediate and near-term impact of stringent COVID-19 lockdown policies on employment outcomes, using Ghana as a case study. We take advantage of a specific policy setting, in which strict stay-at-home orders were issued and enforced in two spatially delimited areas, bringing Ghana's major metropolitan centres to a standstill, while in the rest of the country less stringent regulations were in place. Using a difference-in-differences design, we find that the 3-week lockdown had a large and significant immediate negative impact on employment in the treated districts, particularly among workers in informal self-employment. While the gap in employment between the treated and control districts had narrowed 4 months after the lockdown was lifted, we detect a persistent nationwide decline in both earnings and employment, jeopardising particularly the livelihoods of small business owners mainly operating in the informal economy.
Are Budget Neutral Income Floors Fiscally Viable in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Authors: Lustig Nora , Jellema Jon , Martinez Pabon Valentina
Published: April 2023

We use microsimulations to assess whether budget-neutral universal income floors are fiscally viable in twelve Sub-Saharan African countries. We consider three universal basic income scenarios of decreasing levels of generosity: poverty line, average poverty gap and current spending on transfers and subsidies per person. The first two may not be viable because the required increase in taxes to fulfil budget neutrality is significant.
Informality and Inequality: The African Case
Authors: David Anda , Diallo Yoro , Nilsson Björn
Published: April 2023

Despite the importance of labour markets in shaping inequalities, the literature linking the informal sector to income inequalities is scarce. In this article, we examine this linkage on the African continent, where informality has both been deemed a development curse, and lauded as a potential engine for growth. Recognising a multitude of mechanisms affecting both concepts, we investigate the link in two settings: using a panel of country data ranging from 1991 to 2015, and using a series of surveys on the informal sector from seven West African capitals. Focusing on the prism of social redistribution, we find evidence that a smaller informal sector has marginally contributed to reducing income inequalities but find no evidence that social redistribution has played a role in this evolution.
Tweeting the Holocaust: social media discourse between reverence, exploitation, and simulacra
Authors: Neiger Motti , Meyers Oren , Ben-David Anat
Published: April 2023

This article explores the uses and abuses of traumatic memory within the context of the multifaceted discursive representation of the Holocaust on social media. Combining computational, quantitative, and qualitative methodologies, the article offers a comprehensive mapping of the mnemonic spectrum extending beyond memory work conducted during official commemorative occasions. To do so, we examined a unique case: the Twitter manifestations of one Hebrew expression—“and their collaborators” (ATC)—which echoes the Israeli “Law for punishing Nazis and their collaborators.” In contrast to the complete phrase, the truncated collocation appears in a variety of contexts across Hebrew Twitter. Thus, our investigation shows that alongside traditional awe-inspiring commemorative (“good”) uses of ATC, the conjunction between social media affordances and user practices brings to the discursive forefront exploitative political (“bad”) ATC uses and misuses that contribute to political polarization; and a plethora of playful and ironic (inappropriate-“ugly”) uses, that call for moral and aesthetic scrutiny.
Dynamic latent space relational event model
Authors: Artico I , Wit E C
Published: April 2023

Dynamic relational processes, such as e-mail exchanges, bank loans, and scientific citations, are important examples of dynamic networks, in which the relational events constitute time-stamped edges. There are contexts where the network might be considered a reflection of underlying dynamics in some latent space, whereby nodes are associated with dynamic locations and their relative distances drive their interaction tendencies. As time passes, nodes can change their locations assuming new configurations, with different interaction patterns. The aim of this manuscript is to define a dynamic latent space relational event model. We then develop a computationally efficient method for inferring the locations of the nodes. We make use of the expectation maximization algorithm, which embeds an extension of the universal Kalman filter. Kalman filters are known for being effective tools in the context of tracking objects in the space, with successful applications in fields such as geolocalization. We extend its application to dynamic networks by filtering the signal from a sequence of adjacency matrices and recovering the hidden movements. Besides the latent space, our formulation includes also more traditional fixed and random effects, thereby achieving a general model that can suit a large variety of applications.
Prospective phase II trial of the dual mTORC1/2 inhibitor vistusertib for progressive or symptomatic meningiomas in persons with neurofibromatosis 2
Authors: Jordan Justin T , Orr Christina C , Thalheimer Raquel D , Cambillo Josephine V , Beauchamp Roberta L , Shaikh Ghalib , Muzikansky Alona , Stemmer-Rachamimov Anat , Giovannini Marco , Kalamarides Michel , Barker Fred G , Ramesh Vijaya , Plotkin Scott R
Published: April 2023

Background

Meningiomas occur in 80% of persons with neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) and cause significant mortality and morbidity, yet there are no effective medical treatments. NF2-deficient tumors have constitutive activation of mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), and treatment with mTORC1 inhibitors results in growth arrest in a minority of tumors, with paradoxical activation of the mTORC2/AKT pathway. We studied the effect of vistusertib, a dual mTORC1/mTORC2 inhibitor, in NF2 patients with progressive or symptomatic meningiomas.

Methods

Vistusertib was administered orally at 125 mg twice daily for 2 consecutive days each week. The primary endpoint was the imaging response in the target meningioma, defined as a volume decrease of 20% compared with the baseline. Secondary endpoints included toxicity, imaging response of nontarget tumors, quality of life, and genetic biomarkers.

Results

Eighteen participants (13 female), median age of 41 (range, 18–61) years, were enrolled. In target meningiomas, the best response was partial response (PR) in 1/18 tumors (6%) and stable disease (SD) in 17/18 tumors (94%). For all measured intracranial meningiomas and vestibular schwannomas, the best imaging response was PR in 6/59 tumors (10%) and SD in 53 (90%). Treatment-related grade 3/4 adverse events occurred in 14 (78%) participants, and 9 participants discontinued treatment due to side effects.

Conclusions

Although the study did not meet the primary endpoint, vistusertib treatment was associated with high rates of SD in progressive NF2-related tumors. However, this dosing regimen for vistusertib was poorly tolerated. Future studies of dual mTORC inhibitors for NF2 should focus on optimizing tolerability and evaluating the relevance of tumor stability in participants.
Queer Performativity
Authors: Milani Tommaso M.
Published: April 2023

The aim of this chapter is to present and re-read Judith Butler’s well-known performativity theory. The main argument advanced here is that, even though Butler’s work is widely viewed as instigating the field of queer studies, it is perhaps time to revisit performativity in order to queer it. The act of queering should be understood in the context of this chapter in two ways. First, it entails going against the sociolinguistic grain and troubling the linguistic core of performativity in a way that engages with “aspects of experience and reality that do not present themselves in propositional or even in verbal form” (Sedgwick 2003: 6), such as affect, embodiment, and the materiality of the built environment. The embodied and affective aspects of performativity are illustrated with the help of examples from gender and sexual activism in Israel, which show how multi-semiotic and sensory meanings are performatively brought into being in order to stake political claims. Second, queering performativity entails questioning the antinormative mantra encoded in the very notion of queer. This requires going back to a performative utterance par excellence—“I do” in wedding ceremonies—in order open up an uneasy self-reflection about (anti)normativity in queer scholarship.
Astrometric VLBI observations of H2O masers in an extreme OH/IR star candidate NSV 17351
Authors: Nakagawa Akiharu , Morita Atsushi , Sakai Nobuyuki , Kurayama Tomoharu , Sudou Hiroshi , Orosz Gabor , Yuda Akito , Kaseda Daichi , Matsuno Masako , Hamada Shota , Omodaka Toshihiro , Ueno Yuji , Shibata Katsunori M , Tamura Yoshiaki , Jike Takaaki , Hirano Ken , Honma Mareki
Published: April 2023

The results of astrometric very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations toward an extreme OH/IR star candidate NSV 17351 are presented. Using the VERA (VLBI Exploration of Radio Astrometry) VLBI array , we observed 22 GHz H2O masers of NSV 17351 and derived an annual parallax of 0.247 ± 0.035 mas, which corresponds to a distance of 4.05 ± 0.59 kpc, from the observation. By averaging proper motions of 15 maser spots further, we determined the systemic proper motion of NSV 17351 to be (μαcos δ, μδ)avg. = (−1.19 ± 0.11, 1.30 ± 0.19) mas yr−1. The maser spots spread out over a region of 20 × 30 mas, which can be converted to a spatial distribution of ∼80 × 120 au at the source distance. Internal motions of the maser spots suggest an outward-moving maser region with respect to the estimated position of the central star. From single-dish monitoring of the H2O maser emission, we estimate the pulsation period of NSV 17351 to be 1122 ± 24 d. This is the first report of the periodic activity of NSV 17351, indicating that NSV 17351 could have a mass of ∼4 M⊙. We confirmed that the time variation of H2O masers can be used as a period estimator of variable OH/IR stars. Furthermore, by inspecting dozens of double-peaked H2O maser spectra for the last 40 years, we discovered the long-term acceleration in the radial velocity of the circumstellar matter to be 0.17 ± 0.03 km s−1 yr−1. We finally determined the position and kinematics in the Milky Way Galaxy and found that NSV 17351 is located in an interarm region between the Outer and Perseus arms. We note that the astrometric VLBI observation toward extreme OH/IR stars shows us a useful sample of the Galactic dynamics.
Organization, genomic targeting, and assembly of three distinct SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Fu Wei , Yu Yaoguang , Shu Jie , Yu Zewang , Zhong Yixiong , Zhu Tao , Zhang Zhihao , Liang Zhenwei , Cui Yuhai , Chen Chen , Li Chenlong
Published: April 2023

Switch defective/sucrose nonfermentable (SWI/SNF) complexes are evolutionarily conserved multisubunit machines that play vital roles in chromatin architecture regulation for modulating gene expression via sliding or ejection of nucleosomes in eukaryotes. In plants, perturbations of SWI/SNF subunits often result in severe developmental disorders. However, the subunit composition, pathways of assembly, and genomic targeting of the plant SWI/SNF complexes are poorly understood. Here, we report the organization, genomic targeting, and assembly of 3 distinct SWI/SNF complexes in Arabidopsis thaliana: BRAHMA-Associated SWI/SNF complexes (BAS), SPLAYED-Associated SWI/SNF complexes (SAS), and MINUSCULE-Associated SWI/SNF complexes (MAS). We show that BAS complexes are equivalent to human ncBAF, whereas SAS and MAS complexes evolve in multiple subunits unique to plants, suggesting plant-specific functional evolution of SWI/SNF complexes. We further show overlapping and specific genomic targeting of the 3 plant SWI/SNF complexes on chromatin and reveal that SAS complexes are necessary for the correct genomic localization of the BAS complexes. Finally, we define the role of the core module subunit in the assembly of plant SWI/SNF complexes and highlight that ATPase module subunit is required for global complex stability and the interaction of core module subunits in Arabidopsis SAS and BAS complexes. Together, our work highlights the divergence of SWI/SNF chromatin remodelers during eukaryote evolution and provides a comprehensive landscape for understanding plant SWI/SNF complex organization, assembly, genomic targeting, and function.
Complexity and regulation of age-dependent alternative splicing in Brachypodium distachyon
Authors: Shen Yuxin , Qin Zhengrui , Ren Gaojie , Deng Pingchuan , Ji Wanquan , Jiao Chen , Wu Liang
Published: April 2023

Alternative splicing (AS) is a gene regulatory mechanism that generates multiple transcripts of the same gene precursor by the spliceosome complex, promoting messenger RNA complexity, and proteome diversity. Although AS is extensively studied in response to environmental stresses, whether it mediates age-dependent development and how it is adjusted by growth transitions are largely unknown. Here, we comprehensively explored the AS landscape at different developmental stages in the grass model plant Brachypodium (Brachypodium distachyon). We identified abundant coding genes and noncoding transcripts subject to dynamic AS regulation during juvenile, adult, and reproductive transitions. Moreover, we revealed that SC35-LIKE SPLICING FACTOR 33 (SCL33), a serine/arginine-rich splicing factor in spliceosomes, plays a redundant and antagonistic role with its putative paralog, SCL33L, in regulating intron assembly across distinct developmental stages. In addition, we determined global AS variations in microRNA156 (miR156)-overproducing plants, in which growth transitions are delayed, and found that SPLs were regulated by miR156 in intron retention alteration in addition to mRNA clearance and translation inhibition manners. Finally, we demonstrated a complex regulatory process of age-dependent AS events in B. distachyon that was coincidently or separately regulated by miR156 and SCL33/SCL33L. These results illustrate a substantial machinery of AS that mediates phase transitions in plants.
Does presentation matter? An analysis of images and text in a choice experiment of green roofs
Authors: Netusil Noelwah R , Dissanayake Sahan T M , Lavelle Lauren , Ando Amy W , Wells Kaylee K
Published: April 2023

The use of images in choice experiment surveys has been increasing over time. Research on the impact of complex graphical displays of information on respondent comprehension and the quality of preference estimates yields mixed results. We contribute to this literature by leveraging a split-sample design for a choice experiment concerning green roofs in Portland, Oregon, to investigate the effects of including high-quality static images in the survey instrument and in the choice cards. We find that respondents who completed the ‘image’ version of our survey had a significantly higher total willingness to pay (TWTP) to support a new green roof program than respondents who completed the ‘text only’ version of the survey. We explore the relationship between respondent characteristics and TWTP and find that respondents with little knowledge about green roofs who completed the image survey have a TWTP that is over three times larger than text survey respondents. Our findings support the trend in the literature of using images in choice experiments but also highlight the importance of paying attention to image quality in survey design, using focus groups with mixed previous knowledge for survey refinement, and gathering information in surveys themselves about respondents’ prior knowledge about the valuation scenario.
Growth and growth curve analysis in Dorper × Tumele crossbred sheep under a smallholder management system
Authors: Deribe Belay , Tesema Zeleke , Lakew Mesfin , Zegeye Asres , Kefale Alemu , Shibesh Mekonnen , Yizengaw Liuel , Belayneh Negus
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the growth performance and Kleiber ratio (KR) and to determine the growth curve of Dorper × Tumele sheep under a smallholder management system. Growth and efficiency-related traits were analyzed by using the general linear model (GLM) procedure of SAS. Gompertz, Logistics, Brody, Monomolecular, and Negative exponential models were used to determine the growth curve, and growth curve parameters were estimated via the nonlinear regression model (NLIN) procedure of SAS. The overall least-squares means of the birth weight, weaning weight, 6-month weight, and yearling weight were 3.29, 13.7, 17.3, and 23.4 kg, respectively. Dorper × Tumele lambs grew faster during the preweaning period (115.3 ± 1.19 g day−1) than during the postweaning periods (44.1 ± 1.26 g day−1 to 33.5 ± 1.13 g day−1). Likewise, a higher KR was observed during the pre-weaning age (16.1 ± 0.08 g/day/kg0.75) than during postweaning periods (5.08 ± 0.13 g/day/kg0.75 to 3.10 ± 0.09 g/day/kg0.75). Brody, a model without an inflection point was the best-fitted growth function for Dorper × Tumele sheep under a smallholder management system. The highest and lowest asymptotic weight was observed for Brody (23.8 ± 0.22 kg) and Logistics (20.7 ± 0.11 kg) models, respectively. The maturation rate ranged between 0.21 (Brody) and 0.66 (Logistics). Based on the Brody model, the correlation between asymptotic weight and maturity rate was −0.92. The growth parameter estimate in this study indicates that Dorper × indigenous sheep had a better speed to achieve mature weight and the early mature crossbred sheep are less likely to exhibit high adult weight. The rapid growth of crossbred sheep during the early period can provide more profit to the farmer by reducing the cost of sheep production inputs. Therefore, crossing Tumele with Dorper sheep and integrating with improved management would be suggested to improve productivity and profit from sheep production.
Susceptibility to Nocebo Hyperalgesia, Dispositional Optimism, and Trait Anxiety as Predictors of Nocebo Hyperalgesia Reduction
Authors: Karacaoglu Merve , Meijer Simone , Peerdeman Kaya J. , Dusseldorp Elise , Jensen Karin B. , Veldhuijzen Dieuwke S. , van Middendorp Henriët , Evers Andrea W.M.
Published: April 2023

Objectives:

The current paper explores the psychological predictors of nocebo hyperalgesia and whether the reduction of nocebo hyperalgesia can be predicted by susceptibility to nocebo hyperalgesia and psychological characteristics.

Methods:

Nocebo effects on pressure pain were first experimentally induced in 83 healthy female participants through conditioning with open-label instructions about the pain-worsening function of a sham TENS device to assess susceptibility to nocebo hyperalgesia. Participants were then randomized to 1 out of 2 nocebo-reduction conditions (counterconditioning/extinction) or to continued nocebo-conditioning (control), each combined with open-label instructions about the new sham device function. Dispositional optimism, trait and state anxiety, pain catastrophizing, fear of pain, and body vigilance were assessed at baseline.

Results:

The results showed that lower optimism and higher trait anxiety were related to a stronger induction of nocebo hyperalgesia. Moreover, a stronger induction of nocebo hyperalgesia and higher trait anxiety predicted a larger nocebo reduction across interventions. Also, nocebo hyperalgesia and optimism moderated the effects of the nocebo-reduction interventions, whereby larger nocebo hyperalgesia and lower optimism were associated with a larger nocebo reduction after counterconditioning, compared with control, and also extinction for larger nocebo hyperalgesia.

Discussion:

Our findings suggest that open-label conditioning leads to stronger nocebo hyperalgesia when trait anxiety is high and dispositional optimism is low, while these psychological characteristics, along with larger nocebo hyperalgesia, also predict open-label counterconditioning to be an effective nocebo-reduction strategy. Susceptibility to nocebo hyperalgesia, trait anxiety, and dispositional optimism might be indicators of a flexible pain regulatory system.
Cisplatin-induced ototoxicity: a novel approach to an ancient problem
Authors: Omar Nabil E. , Elewa Hazem
Published: April 2023

With the scarcity of pharmacological otoprotective agents against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity (CIO), researchers find themselves compelled to look at and navigate all possible strategies to identify ways to prevent CIO. One of these promising strategies is pharmacogenomic implementation. This strategy aims for identifying and detecting high-risk genetic variants to tailor cisplatin therapy to reach the best survival outcomes with the least risk of ototoxicity.
Distribution and associated factors of crystalline lens volume in noncataract adolescents and adults and patients with cataract in a Chinese population
Authors: Chen Kailin , Ruan Xiaoting , Gu Xiaoxun , Zhang Miao , Liu Zhenzhen , Luo Lixia
Published: April 2023

Purpose:

To explore the distribution of lens volume (VOL) and its associated factors in noncataract adolescents and adults and patients with cataract in a Chinese population.

Setting:

Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Methods:

1674 eyes from 1674 Chinese participants (690 adolescents and 363 adults without cataract, and 621 patients with cataract) aged from 7 to 90 years were included. Lens thickness (LT) and lens diameter (LD) were measured using swept-source anterior segment optical coherence tomography (SS-AS OCT) to calculate VOL. Axial length (AL) was measured by IOL-Master 700. Pearson correlation analysis and multivariate linear regression models were used to evaluate the potential associated factors of lens dimensions.

Results:

The mean VOL was 167.74 ± 12.18 mm3 in noncataract adolescents, 185.20 ± 14.95 mm3 in noncataract adults, and 226.10 ± 49.25 mm3 in patients with cataract. VOL had no significant correlation with AL in patients with cataract (P > .05), neither in noncataract adolescents nor noncataract adults, when adjusted with LT, LD, age, and sex (P > .05). On the other hand, eyes with longer ALs tended to have smaller LTs and larger LDs in all groups (all P-trend < .05). Larger VOL was associated with older age in all groups (all P < .001).

Conclusions:

A data set of VOLs in Chinese eyes over a wide age range was presented. It is inaccurate to predict VOL, LT, and LD solely according to AL. The direct measurement and calculation of VOL in vivo and the establishment of the normal range of VOL could help predict the size of lens capsular bag and plan cataract surgery.
Upregulation of REL and WSB1 in patients with psoriasis and metabolic syndrome
Authors: Alsabbagh Manahel Mahmood , Bakhiet Moiz , Taha Safa
Published: April 2023

Objective:

A strong association exists between metabolic syndrome and psoriasis. The current study was performed to explore the gene regulation of metabolic syndrome in patients with psoriasis.

Methods:

Patients were assessed for psoriasis and metabolic syndrome clinically (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, height, weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure) and biochemically (lipid profile and fasting blood sugar concentration). Systemic gene regulation was first explored by microarray and analyzed using Transcriptome Analysis Console Software, after which two selected upregulated genes were further validated using polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and analyzed using independent sample t test.

Results:

The analysis showed 7,269 upregulated and 3 downregulated genes at a fold change of 2 and P value of <0.05; only 17 genes were upregulated and none were downregulated at a fold change of 8 and P value of <0.005. Comparison with 22 previously reported potential biomarkers of metabolic syndrome in patients with psoriasis showed that the levels of 16 biomarkers aligned with the gene regulation observed in the current study. In particular, the REL transcript was upregulated 12-fold (P = 8.16 × 10−17), while the WSB1 transcript was upregulated 9-fold (P = 9.87 × 10−13). Validation showed that REL was also upregulated 2-fold in the polymerase chain reaction, and its protein was expressed at 7.140 ng/mL versus undetectable levels in the cases (P = 0.048). However, WSB1 was upregulated 2-fold in the polymerase chain reaction compared with controls, and unexpectedly, its protein was undetectable in cases but detectable in controls (P = 0.018).

Conclusion:

The upregulation of REL and WSB1 was observed in patients with psoriasis and metabolic syndrome, the clinical application of REL and WSB1 as biomarkers needs further validation for potential future implications in clinical practice.
Development and Validation of a New Comprehensive Assessment Scale of HIV-Related Psychological Distress in China: A Methodological Study
Authors: Ma Haiqi , Hu Zhiguang , Wang Zhongqing , Ma Yue , Zhai Huimin , Li Juan
Published: April 2023

Instruments evaluating HIV-related psychological distress (HRPD) in people living with HIV may lack sensitivity to capture patients' psychological burden. We developed a comprehensive scale measuring HRPD and evaluated its psychometric properties. A mixed-method study was conducted from July 2021 to April 2022; it involved a literature review, semistructured interviews (n = 15), three rounds of panel discussions, two rounds of Delphi studies (n = 20), a pilot test (n = 20) to generate new scale items, and a cross-sectional survey (n = 659) to evaluate the psychometric properties of the HIV-related psychological distress scale. The scale contains 22 items across 4 subscales (i.e., disease-related distress, treatment adherence distress, identity distress, and disclosure distress). The confirmatory factor analysis revealed high goodness of fit (χ2/df = 2.412, comparative fit index = 0.916, incremental fit index = 0.917, and Tucker‒Lewis index = 0.902), showing that the HIV-related psychological distress scale is a reliable (Cronbach's α = 0.871 overall) and valid scale for evaluating HRPD in China and can be used to dynamically evaluate and monitor HRPD levels during patient follow-up.
A National Perspective of Telemedicine Use and Direct Medical Costs
Authors: Tak Hyo Jung , Cozad Melanie , Horner Ronnie D.
Published: April 2023

Background:

Telemedicine has the potential to reduce medical costs among health systems. However, there is a limited understanding of the use of telemedicine and its association with direct medical costs.

Objectives:

Using nationally representative data, we investigated telemedicine use and the associated direct medical costs among respondents overall and stratified by medical provider type and patient insurance status.

Research Design, Subjects, and Measures:

We used the 2020 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey full-year consolidated file, and outpatient department (OP) and office-based (OB) medical provider event files. Outcomes included total and out-of-pocket costs per visit for OP and OB. The primary independent variable was a binary variable indicating visits made through any telemedicine modality. We used multivariable generalized linear models and 2-part models, adjusting for types of providers and care, patient characteristics, and survey design.

Results:

Among total OP (n = 2938) and OB (n = 20,204) visits, 47.6% and 24.7% of visits, respectively were made through telemedicine. For OP, telemedicine visits were associated with lower total costs (average marginal effect: −$228; 95% confidence interval −$362, −$95) and out-of-pocket costs for all visits and for visits to specialists and to nurse practitioners or physicians assistants. For OB, telemedicine visits were associated with lower total costs, but not with lower out-of-pocket costs, for visits to primary care physicians or nurse practitioners or physician assistants, and for visits by Medicare patients.

Conclusion:

Telemedicine was associated with lower direct medical costs. Its potential for cost curbing should be proactively identified and integrated into clinical practice and health policy design.
Can a rigid antipronation foot orthosis change the effects of prolonged standing on postural control in men with patellofemoral pain?
Authors: Orakifar Neda , Shahbazi Fatemeh , Mofateh Razieh , Seyedtabib Maryam , Esfandiarpour Fateme
Published: April 2023

Background:

Pronated foot posture is known as a contributing factor for patellofemoral pain (PFP) development. Patients with patellofemoral pain often experience poor postural control. Implementation of optimal management strategies for enhancing their postural performance is important.

Objective(s):

The aim of this study was to determine whether a rigid antipronation foot orthosis changes prolonged standing effects on postural control in men with PFP.

Study Design:

Case–control study.

Methods:

Twenty-eight men with PFP and pronated foot and 28 healthy men were enrolled in this study. Center-of-pressure parameters were measured during short trials (60 seconds) of single-leg standing before and immediately after prolonged standing (20 minutes) using force platform. In patients with PFP, postural control was examined on 2 separate days with and without rigid antipronation foot orthosis.

Results:

Findings showed that the pre–post differences of sway area (t(48) = −2.22, p = 0.03), mediolateral (ML) displacement (t (48) = −2.51, p = 0.01), and mean velocity (t(48) = −2.01, p = 0.04) were significantly greater in patients with PFP without foot orthosis compared with those in the healthy group. Significant intervention main effect (p = 0.04) and time-by-intervention interaction (p = 0.006) for sway area were shown. Significant intervention main effects were noted for ML displacement (p = 0.007) and mean velocity (p = 0.003). For these variables, significant time-by-intervention interactions were found. Further analysis showed greater values of ML displacement and mean velocity parameters before the prolonged standing in patients with PFP without foot orthosis compared with patients with PFP with orthosis.

Conclusions:

Rigid antipronation foot orthosis can improve the postural performance after prolonged standing in young adult men with PFP.
Interspecific sociality alters the colonization and extinction rates of birds on subtropical reservoir islands
Authors: Martínez Ari E. , Si Xingfeng , Zhou Liping , Zeng Di , Ding Ping , Goodale Eben
Published: April 2023

Island biogeography theory has proved a robust approach to predicting island biodiversity on the assumption of species equivalency. However, species differ in their grouping behaviour and are entangled by complex interactions in island communities, such as competition and mutualism. We here investigated whether intra- and/or interspecific sociality may influence biogeographic patterns, by affecting movement between islands or persistence on them. We classified bird species in a subtropical reservoir island system into subcommunities based on their propensity to join monospecific and mixed-species flocks. We found that subcommunities which had high propensity to flock interspecifically had higher colonization rates and lower extinction rates over a 10-year period. Intraspecific sociality increased colonization in the same analysis. A phylogenetically corrected analysis confirmed the importance of interspecific sociality, but not intraspecific sociality. Group-living could enable higher risk crossings, with greater vigilance also linked to higher foraging efficiency, enabling colonization or long-term persistence on islands. Further, if group members are other species, competition can be minimized. Future studies should investigate different kinds of island systems, considering positive species interactions driven by social behaviour as potential drivers of community assembly on islands.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Mixed-species groups and aggregations: shaping ecological and behavioural patterns and processes’.
Aggregation in an heterospecific population of blowfly larvae: social behaviour is impacted by species-specific thermal requirements and settlement order
Authors: Charabidze Damien , Aubernon Cindy
Published: April 2023

Larvae of several blowfly species grow on carcasses and actively aggregate together. They face harsh developmental conditions resulting in a strong pressure to reduce development time: this is achieved either through thermoregulation or aggregation. We investigate how these two developmental strategies are modulated within heterospecific groups. In a first experiment, larvae of two species with different thermal requirements were deposited simultaneously on a thermal gradient. This resulted in the formation of two monospecific groups, each located at the species-specific thermal preferendum. However, when
Calliphora vomitoria
(Linnaeus) larvae were placed first, the later arriving
Lucilia sericata
(Meigen) larvae attracted the whole group to its own thermal preferendum. In the reverse experiment, half of the replicates resulted in single dense heterospecific groups observed at temperatures ranging from
C. vomitoria
to
L. sericata
preferendum. The other half of the replicates resulted in loose groups spread out on the thermal gradient. These results highlight the emergence of collective decisions ranging from thermal optimization to heterospecific aggregation at suboptimal temperatures. They demonstrate that species settlement order strongly affects self-organization processes and mixed-species group formation. We conclude that thermal optimization and heterospecific niche construction are two developmental strategies of carrion fly larvae.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Mixed-species groups and aggregations: shaping ecological and behavioural patterns and processes’.