bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
#3131 Stimulation of the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex speeds up evidence accumulation in conflictual-uncertain environments
Authors: Mandali Alekhya , Guzman Natalie Valle , Voon Valerie 
Published: July 2021

IntroductionEvaluation of the available choices, an integral step in decision-making, leads to the selection of the optimal and most rewarding one. This process of choice selection depends on its features such as value and reward-likelihood, which form the basis for constructs such as Conflict- easy or difficult (difference between reward probabilities of the stimuli-pairs) and Uncertainty- low, medium, or high (inverse U-shaped probability-uncertainty function).The ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC) has been implicated in various processes ranging from uncertainty processing to washing behaviours in Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Here, we target the vlPFC using trans-cranial stimulation, to modulate decision-making behaviours in the context of conflict and uncertainty.MethodsUsing a single-blinded design, we tested 60 healthy controls (30 per group) randomly allocated to either active (continuous theta burst protocol c-TBS) or sham group. The c-TBS protocol used the standard three-pulse burst design repeated every 200ms, with a total of 600 pulses delivered at stimulation intensity set at 80% of the participants Active Motor Threshold. The sham stimulation was delivered with the coil positioned at a 90 angle to the target. Post-stimulation (active or sham), the participants completed 134 trials of the sequential learning paradigm, which consisted of 2 stages. We focused on the second stage of the task, specifically on Conflict and Uncertainty which were used as model dependents of a hierarchical drift-diffusion model(HDDM) to extract the parameters (a- amount of evidence accumulated before making a decision) and the drift rates (v- information processing speed).ResultsUsing the choice and reaction time information as inputs to the HDDM model, we extracted the threshold and drift rates for all conflict and uncertainty conditions. A Bayesian repeated-measures ANOVA on threshold showed a very strong evidence for the main effect of conflict-uncertainty condition (BF10 = 5.2 x 1010) and stimulation by condition interaction (BF10 = 6.4 x 103) but no main effect of stimulation (BF10 = 0.46). A Bayesian Independent samples t-test showed strong evidence (BF10 = 77.54) for stimulation to speed up the decision-making process, by decreasing the amount of evidence accumulated (threshold)whilst selecting a choice in a difficult uncertain scenario.ConclusionsBy applying an inhibitory based stimulation protocol tovlPFC, we show a modulation in behaviour specific to context, where the choices are similar in value but their reward likelihood being uncertain. This finding has key implications to the design of novel interventions for OCD.
#3105 How does self-report of mood symptoms compare with observer assessments after acquired brain injury
Authors: Paramlall M , Bakar I , Kandasamy R , Gadhvi A , Holloway C , Harding S , Tyagi H 
Published: July 2021

ObjectivesPost acquired brain injury (ABI) depression has been implicated in different patient outcomes such as prospective cognition, cognitive impairment, rehabilitation outcome, and quality of life. However, there have been no studies identified in the literature, investigating post ABI insight into depression across varied cognitive abilities. Here we looked at ABI patient insight into their depression across a range of cognitive abilities and compared this to an observed or an objective measure of depression.MethodsA retrospective cohort of 24 individuals with ABI (depressed and non-depressed) seen in a neuropsychiatry outpatient clinic between 2019 and 2020 completed a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), self-reported depression scale and had a Neuropsychiatry Inventory Questionnaire(NPI-Q), an observer assessment with a depression domain. The patients also underwent a formal cognitive examination using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).ResultsNon-depressed ABI and depressed ABI individuals with a wide range of cognitive abilities demonstrated good insight into their depression when matched to the observer rating. Chi-Square Test showed little variation between the PHQ-9 and NPI-Q Depression data sets; Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test: Z Test -4.08, p<0.001, Effect Size 0.87 and Spearman’s rho showed positive correlation between the two data sets (Correlation Coefficient 0.527, P<0.008). Therefore, there was a statistically significant agreement between the subjective measure (PHQ-9) and the observed (objective) measure NPIQD and that there was a positive correlation between the two measurement scales for patients with ABI regardless of cognition (as measured by MoCAz score; range -6 to 2.21, mean: -1.17)ConclusionsThese findings indicate (1) self-reported measures of depression in ABI are consistent with observed (objective measures) thus can be used to assess depression in this cohort and (2) ABI patients with a wide range of cognitive abilities would appear to have good insight into their depression.
Racismo en Cuba: un análisis desde el número 2/2017 de la revista El Mar y la Montaña, en Guantánamo
Authors: Maturell Ruiz Mariurka , Smith Lisandro René Duvergel 
Published: July 2021

Analizar las narrativas de las publicaciones sobre racismos y discriminación racial en el número 2/2017 de la Revista El Mar y la Montaña de Guantánamo desvenda la pertinencia y actualidad de estos debates en Cuba. De igual manera, las publicaciones en la revista nos aproximan a las brechas ocultas y/o poco exploradas del tema racial en la realidad social cubana, a través de los temas: la subversión anticubana; el pensamiento y discurso afrofeminista; el debate en torno al término afrocubano/a; la presencia africana; las cuestiones raciales en la cultura Rastafari y los avances y retrocesos en la lucha antirracista. El tema racial, en Cuba, aún causa inconvenientes y provoca posicionamiento acalorados, como consecuencia de la invisibilidad que se creó, por décadas, alrededor de este. Esto se debe, entre otras razones, a un idealismo revolucionario que dio por resuelto “el problema racial”, al concebirse una política de igualdad social que desde el punto de vista clasista otorgaba los mismo derechos y deberes sin distinción de raza o género a todas las personas. Partiendo de estas cuestiones se indaga en las categorías racismo y discriminación racial, a través, del análisis de las publicaciones del número 2/2017 de la Revista El Mar y la Montaña. Para ello se utilizó el método Análisis de Contenidos.
A “Nihilist Philosophy?”
Authors: Gaitanidis Ioannis 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Contrary to other European countries, where Buddhism has been studied since at least the 19th century, this paper shows that there are no known direct channels of transmission of Japanese Buddhism between Japan and Greece. Connections have, however, been made through other European countries, where, for example, Italy continues to play a major role. Moreover, these transmissions have taken a very long time to spread beyond the immediate circle of one or two key figures, because such traditions have been met with suspicion by the larger population, which remains influenced by a Christian Orthodox outlook. The establishment of Zen meditation centers in today’s urban centers, however, shows that the legal and official protections from which the Greek Church continues to benefit are not a reflection of devout sentiment among the population. This paper illustrates that under Greece’s conservative Orthodox climate, Japanese Buddhism has become simultaneously “Japanese culture” and a philosophy open to “all religions.”
Successful Implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery in a Single-Surgeon Bariatric Practice
Authors: Lo Hung-Chieh 
Published: July 2021

The feasibility and safety of unselectively applying an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in a low-volume bariatric unit were determined. Retrospectively, review patients undergoing bariatric surgeries between 2015 and 2018 were included, and those receiving non-primary procedures or with BMI <32.5 kg/m2 were excluded. Demographics and 30-day outcomes were collected and compared between the ERAS (2017-2018) and control (2015-2016) groups. 62 (40.8%) were treated before and 90 (59.2%) were treated after ERAS. No differences in baseline demographics, except ERAS group had more Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures (58.9% vs. 12.9%). A markedly reduced operation time (101 min vs. 147 min) and shortened length of stay (2.6 days vs. 3.3 days) were observed with no increment of ER visits, readmissions (1.1% vs. 4.8%), or total complications between the groups (5.5% vs. 9.7%). Unselective ERAS implementation in low-volume units is feasible and safe, with significantly reduced operation times and shortened LOS without increased complications.
Characterising the English school stock using a unified national on-site survey and energy database
Authors: Hong Sung Min , Godoy-Shimizu Daniel , Schwartz Yair , Korolija Ivan , Mavrogianni Anna , Mumovic Dejan 
Published: July 2021

The recent commitment towards a net-zero target by 2050 will require considerable improvement to the UK’s building stock. Accounting for over 10% of the services energy consumption of the United Kingdom, the education sector will play an important role. This study aims to improve the understanding of English primary and secondary schools, using national on-site survey data with several large-scale disaggregate data sources. Property Data Survey Programme (PDSP) data on 18,970 schools collected between 2012 and 2014, Display Energy Certificate (DEC) and school census data from the same period were linked and processed to form a unified schools dataset. Statistical analyses were undertaken on 10,392 schools, with a focus on energy performance, and the relationship to several building and system characteristics. The analyses may point to the possibility of assessing operational energy use of schools in a more disaggregate manner. New datasets with detailed and accurate disaggregate information on characteristics of buildings, such as those used in this study, provide opportunities to develop more robust models of the building stock. Such data would provide an opportunity to identify pathways for reducing carbon emissions effectively and provide lessons for other organisations seeking to achieve significant reductions for achieving climate change goals. Practical Application: Outputs from this study are expected to benefit researchers in various organisations to establish a basis for typical buildings and their performance, facilities managers to assess the operational energy efficiency of school buildings, and relevant public bodies to make informed decisions on improving energy efficiency of the school stock.
A novel model of home-based, patient-tailored and mobile application-guided cardiac telerehabilitation in patients with atrial fibrillation: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Cai Cheng , Bao Zhipeng , Wu Nan , Wu Fengming , Sun Guozhen , Yang Gang , Chen Minglong 
Published: July 2021

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of tele-monitored cardiac rehabilitation in patients who have undergone ablation for atrial fibrillation. Design: Single-centre, prospective, assessment-blinded, randomised controlled trial. Setting: Domiciliary rehabilitation with support from a tertiary care hospital. Subjects: One hundred patients who underwent ablation for atrial fibrillation were recruited. Interventions: Participants were randomly allocated to a 12-week standard rehabilitation treatment (control group) or a comprehensive, domiciliary, mobile application-guided and tele-monitored cardiac rehabilitation program (intervention group) in a 1:1 fashion. Main outcome measures: The primary endpoint was the improvement in VO2peak. The secondary outcomes included adherence, physical activity, beliefs related to cardiovascular disease and exercise self-efficacy. Results: Ninety-seven patients completed follow-up. The mean VO2peak increased significantly in both the intervention group ( n = 49) (baseline vs 12 weeks: 19.1 ± 4.7 vs 27.3 ± 5.6 ml/(min kg), P < 0.01) and the control group ( n = 48) (baseline vs 12 weeks: 18.7 ± 4.9 vs 22.9 ± 6.3 ml/(min kg), P < 0.01). The results of the between-group analysis of aerobic capacity were significantly in favour of the intervention group. During the 12-week program, patients in the intervention group exhibited better adherence than those in the control group. Moreover, self-reported physical activity improved more in the intervention group than in the control group, as did the beliefs related to cardiovascular disease and exercise self-efficacy (all P < 0.01). Conclusions: Our domiciliary, mobile application-guided and tele-monitored cardiac rehabilitation program could lead to a more significant improvements in physical fitness, adherence and health beliefs than standard cardiac rehabilitation in patients who have undergone ablation for atrial fibrillation.
Perceptions of Arguments in Support of Policies to Reduce Sugary Drink Consumption Among Low-Income White, Black and Latinx Parents of Young Children
Authors: Cannon Julie S. , Farkouh Elizabeth K. , Winett Liana B. , Dorfman Lori , Ramírez A. Susana , Lazar Spencer , Niederdeppe Jeff 
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To test for racial/ethnic differences in perceived argument strength in favor of structural interventions to curb childhood obesity among lower-income parents of young children. Design: Cross-sectional, self-report. Setting: Online research panel, national sample of 1485 US adults in Fall 2019. Participants: Parents of children (age 0-5 years) with an annual income <$40,000, stratified by White, Black and/or Latinx race/ethnicity. Measures: SSB consumption, policy support, and strength of arguments in favor of marketing restrictions and a penny-per-ounce tax. Analysis: Descriptive statistics, multivariable OLS models. Results: Race/ethnicity was not a significant predictor of the perceived strength of a composite of marketing arguments (pBlack = 0.07; pLatinx = 0.10), however it was a significant predictor of the perceived strength of tax arguments (pBlack = 0.01; pLatinx = 0.01). Perceptions of strength of 12 of 35 discrete SSB tax arguments differed by race/ethnicity (p < .05). Arguments regarding industry targeting of Black children (marketing: pBlack < .001; pLatinx = .001; tax: pBlack < .001; pLatinx = .001), were particularly demonstrative of this difference. In contrast, arguments that these policies would provide support for parents (marketing: pBlack = 0.20; pLatinx = 0.84) and communities (tax: pBlack = 0.24; pLatinx = 0.58) were seen as strong arguments across groups. Conclusions: Black and Hispanic/Latinx parents may be more prepared to move toward SSB policy support than white parents. Emphasizing community benefits of policy may be effective in moving constituents toward policy support across groups.
Factors associated with increased suicidality risk following referral for isotretinoin commencement
Authors: Lappas Andreas S , Edwards Suarez Lori , Tzanetakou Vassiliki , Morton Sally , Schofield Chris , Christodoulou Nikos G 
Published: July 2021

Objective: To establish whether there is a significant change in suicidality risk following psychiatric assessment for commencement of isotretinoin and identify factors that underpin any potential risk change. Method: Retrospective cohort study. Suicidality risk was defined as a combination of the following: (i) actual/intended self-harm and/or attempted/completed suicide, and (ii) increased service utilisation associated with suicidal ideation/behaviour. All patients referred to Psychiatry for assessment prior to commencement of isotretinoin between 2014 and 2019 were examined. Inclusion criteria: >16 years of age, assessed for commencement of isotretinoin, complete clinical records. Data were collected by reviewing the Electronic Patient Records. Fifty-seven patients were eligible. We employed descriptive statistics, parametric/non-parametric/normality tests and logistic regression analysis, using socio-demographic and clinical characteristics as independent parameters, and suicidality risk as the dependent parameter. Results: Actual/intended self-harm/attempted suicide decreased significantly following assessment without significant change in service utilisation. Female gender, absence of protective factors and assessment by Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry were linked to increased suicidality risk, after controlling for age, ethnicity, recommendation for isotretinoin, and substance misuse. Conclusions: Psychiatric assessment is helpful before commencing isotretinoin. Female gender, and absence of ongoing psychopharmacological and/or psychological intervention and/or regular psychiatric follow-up predict increased suicidality risk among patients assessed for prescription of isotretinoin.
Treatment outcomes of photodynamic therapy and findings predicting treatment success in pachychoroid-associated neovascularization
Authors: Demirel Sibel , Yanık Özge , Batıoğlu Figen , Özmert Emin 
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To investigate the treatment outcomes and predictive factors affecting treatment success of half-fluence photodynamic therapy (hf-PDT) in pachychoroid-associated neovascularization (PNV). Methods: Twenty-four eyes of 23 PNV patients who underwent hf-PDT were included in this study. The results of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT-angiography imaging were analyzed. The total choroidal area (CA), luminal area (LA), and stromal area (SA) were measured using ImageJ software. Baseline characteristics of the eyes showing complete response (group 1) and the eyes with partial response or unresponsive to hf-PDT (group 2) were compared. Results: The mean age of the patients was 54.2±9.6 years. The mean follow-up time after hf-PDT was 20.7 ± 13.6 months. Three months after hf-PDT, the subretinal fluid had completely regressed in 18 eyes (75.0%), partial resolution was observed in 3 eyes (12.5%), and 3 eyes (12.5%) were unresponsive to hf-PDT. When the baseline characteristics before hf-PDT were evaluated between the groups, the mean central choroidal thickness (411.5 ± 115.1 µm vs 284.8 ± 69.4 µm), the mean CA (1.082 ± 0.315 mm2 vs 0.795 ± 0.242 mm2) and the mean LA (0.795 ± 0.234 mm2 vs 0.578 ± 0.200 mm2) was significantly higher in group 1 compared to group 2 ( p = 0.019, p = 0.018, p = 0.018, respectively). Conclusion: Hf-PDT is an effective treatment method usually providing total resolution of subretinal fluid in PNV cases. A high baseline central choroidal thickness and large luminal area may be positive predictive factors in terms of full anatomical response to hf-PDT. It may be possible to plan a more effective treatment strategy by keeping these factors in mind.
Preliminary testing of a patient decision aid for patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bansback* Nick , Chiu* Judy A , Metcalfe Rebecca , Lapointe Emmanuelle , Schabas Alice , Lenzen Marilyn , Traboulsee Anthony , Lynd* Larry D , Carruthers Robert 
Published: July 2021

Background Multiple first-line disease modifying therapies (DMTs) are available for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), each with different characteristics. We developed an interactive patient decision aid (PtDA) to promote informed shared decision-making (SDM). Objective To test the preliminary effectiveness of the PtDA in participants with RRMS. Methods Knowledge, and decisional conflict were measured pre- and post- implementation of the PtDA, SDM after the consultation, and 6-month treatment patterns were observed. Differences in scores were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-tests. Qualitative interviews with patients and neurologists were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results 52 participants were recruited: most were female (81%), 40 years of age or younger (62%), and had experienced MS for less than 5 years (56%). After participants used the PtDA, there was a significant improvement in decisional conflict (change = 1.00; p < 0.001) and knowledge (change = 2.15, p < 0.001). Nearly all patients wanted SDM, and 25 (56%) reported this occurred in their consult. Qualitative results suggested the PtDA supported both patients and neurologists in making decisions. Conclusion This pilot study suggests that PtDA use helps RRMS patients and their clinician select a DMT. Future studies will assess the feasibility of implementation and the impact of the PtDA on timely DMT initiation and longer-term adherence.
Time-varying associations between COVID-19 case incidence and community-level sociodemographic, occupational, environmental, and mobility risk factors in Massachusetts
Authors: Tieskens Koen F. , Patil Prasad , Levy Jonathan I. , Brochu Paige , Lane Kevin J. , Fabian M. Patricia , Carnes Fei , Haley Beth M. , Spangler Keith R. , Leibler Jessica H. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Associations between community-level risk factors and COVID-19 incidence have been used to identify vulnerable subpopulations and target interventions, but the variability of these associations over time remains largely unknown. We evaluated variability in the associations between community-level predictors and COVID-19 case incidence in 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts from March to October 2020.

Methods
Using publicly available sociodemographic, occupational, environmental, and mobility datasets, we developed mixed-effect, adjusted Poisson regression models to depict associations between these variables and town-level COVID-19 case incidence data across five distinct time periods from March to October 2020. We examined town-level demographic variables, including population proportions by race, ethnicity, and age, as well as factors related to occupation, housing density, economic vulnerability, air pollution (PM2.5), and institutional facilities. We calculated incidence rate ratios (IRR) associated with these predictors and compared these values across the multiple time periods to assess variability in the observed associations over time.

Results
Associations between key predictor variables and town-level incidence varied across the five time periods. We observed reductions over time in the association with percentage of Black residents (IRR = 1.12 [95%CI: 1.12–1.13]) in early spring, IRR = 1.01 [95%CI: 1.00–1.01] in early fall) and COVID-19 incidence. The association with number of long-term care facility beds per capita also decreased over time (IRR = 1.28 [95%CI: 1.26–1.31] in spring, IRR = 1.07 [95%CI: 1.05–1.09] in fall). Controlling for other factors, towns with higher percentages of essential workers experienced elevated incidences of COVID-19 throughout the pandemic (e.g., IRR = 1.30 [95%CI: 1.27–1.33] in spring, IRR = 1.20 [95%CI: 1.17–1.22] in fall). Towns with higher proportions of Latinx residents also had sustained elevated incidence over time (IRR = 1.19 [95%CI: 1.18–1.21] in spring, IRR = 1.14 [95%CI: 1.13–1.15] in fall).

Conclusions
Town-level COVID-19 risk factors varied with time in this study. In Massachusetts, racial (but not ethnic) disparities in COVID-19 incidence may have decreased across the first 8 months of the pandemic, perhaps indicating greater success in risk mitigation in selected communities. Our approach can be used to evaluate effectiveness of public health interventions and target specific mitigation efforts on the community level.