bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on plant growth and herbivore infestation depend on availability of soil water and nutrients
Authors: Wang Minggang , Wang Zhongbin , Guo Mingjie , Qu Laiye , Biere Arjen 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionFitness of plants is affected by their symbiotic interactions with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), and such effects are highly dependent on the environmental context.MethodsIn the current study, we inoculated the nursery shrub species Artemisia ordosica with AMF species Funneliformis mosseae under contrasting levels of soil water and nutrients (diammonium phosphate fertilization), to assess their effects on plant growth, physiology and natural infestation by herbivores.ResultsOverall, plant biomass was synergistically enhanced by increasing soil water and soil nutrient levels. However, plant height was surprisingly repressed by AMF inoculation, but only under low water conditions. Similarly, plant biomass was also reduced by AMF but only under low water and nutrient conditions. Furthermore, AMF significantly reduced leaf phosphorus levels, that were strongly enhanced under high nutrient conditions, but had only minor effects on leaf chlorophyll and proline levels. Under low water and nutrient conditions, specific root length was enhanced, but average root diameter was decreased by AMF inoculation. The negative effects of AMF on plant growth at low water and nutrient levels may indicate that under these conditions AMF inoculation does not strongly contribute to nutrient and water acquisition. On the contrary, the AMF might have suppressed the direct pathway of water and nutrient absorption by the plant roots themselves despite low levels of mycorrhizal colonization. AMF inoculation reduced the abundance of the foliar herbivore Chrysolina aeruginosa on plants that had been grown on the low nutrient soil, but not on high nutrient soil. Fertilization enhanced the abundance of this herbivore but only in plants that had received the high water treatment. The lower abundance of the herbivore on AMF plants could be related to their decreased leaf P content. In conclusion, our results indicate that AMF negatively affect the growth of Artemisia ordosica but makes them less attractive to a dominant herbivore.DiscussionOur study highlights that plant responses to AMF depend not only on the environmental context, but that the direction of the responses can differ for different components of plant performance (growth vs. defense).
Multifactorial structure of cognitive assessment tests in the UK Biobank: A combined exploratory factor and structural equation modeling analyses
Authors: Ciobanu Liliana G. , Stankov Lazar , Ahmed Muktar , Heathcote Andrew , Clark Scott Richard , Aidman Eugene 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionThe UK Biobank cognitive assessment data has been a significant resource for researchers looking to investigate predictors and modifiers of cognitive abilities and associated health outcomes in the general population. Given the diverse nature of this data, researchers use different approaches – from the use of a single test to composing the general intelligence score,g, across the tests. We argue that both approaches are suboptimal - one being too specific and the other one too general – and suggest a novel multifactorial solution to represent cognitive abilities.MethodsUsing a combined Exploratory Factor (EFA) and Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling Analyses (ESEM) we developed a three-factor model to characterize an underlying structure of nine cognitive tests selected from the UK Biobank using a Cattell-Horn-Carroll framework. We first estimated a series of probable factor solutions using the maximum likelihood method of extraction. The best solution for the EFA-defined factor structure was then tested using the ESEM approach with the aim of confirming or disconfirming the decisions made.ResultsWe determined that a three-factor model fits the UK Biobank cognitive assessment data best. Two of the three factors can be assigned tofluid reasoning (Gf)with a clear distinction betweenvisuospatial reasoningandverbal-analytical reasoning. The third factor was identified as aprocessing speed (Gs)factor.DiscussionThis study characterizes cognitive assessment data in the UK Biobank and delivers an alternative view on its underlying structure, suggesting that the three factor model provides a more granular solution thangthat can further be applied to study different facets of cognitive functioning in relation to health outcomes and to further progress examination of its biological underpinnings.
Stress and coping strategies of families of pediatric solid organ transplant recipients in times of pandemic
Authors: Forner-Puntonet Mireia , Gisbert-Gustemps Laura , Castell-Panisello Eudald , Larrarte Mauricio , Quintero Jesús , Ariceta Gema , Gran Ferran , Iglesias-Serrano Ignacio , Garcia-Morán Annabella , Español-Martín Gemma , Ibañez-Jimenez Pol , Ramos-Quiroga Josep Antoni 
Published: January 2023

ObjectivePediatric solid organ transplantation (SOT) is a chronic condition that impacts the whole family system. The objective of this study is to evaluate psychopathology, family stress, and coping strategies in families of SOT recipients compared to families of healthy children and adolescents. Moreover, it analyzes if the stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic has had an additional impact on these families.MethodsThe sample was recruited between May and July 2021, during the fourth and fifth wave of the pandemic in Spain. It consisted of 102 families, 51 with a pediatric recipient who had undergone a SOT (liver, kidney, heart, or lung) and 51 healthy controls, matched by child age and gender. A primary caregiver from each family answered an online sociodemographic questionnaire and different tests to evaluate family stress, depression, anxiety, coping strategies, and effects of the pandemic on the family.ResultsCaregivers were mostly mothers (89.2%). Families of SOT recipients showed greater anxiety (U = 863.5, p = 0.003) and more total stress, stress related to childcare (t = −2.043; p = 0.045), and parent–child interaction stress (U = 355.5, p = 0.015). SOT families used more avoidance strategies, specifically denial (U = 889.5; p = 0.010) and abandonment of coping efforts (U = 1,013; p = 0.047), more religious strategies (U = 792.5; p = 0.031), and fewer social support coping strategies (t = 2.098; p = 0.038). No differences were found between groups in terms of exposure, impact, and distress more than 1 year after the start of the pandemic.ConclusionSOT families showed clinical levels of anxiety, more parent–child interaction stress, more difficulties in taking care of their child, more avoidance and religious strategies, and less use of social support strategies, even 4 years after transplantation. The pandemic did not have an additional differential effect on SOT families. Caregivers of SOT patients can benefit from psychological interventions focused on parents’ mental health, parent–child connectedness, skill building, and social support aid groups, with attention to multiculturalism and promoting a better balance between caregivers. There is a need for family interventions that are maintained over time. Strategies that offer this support to families through digital resources can facilitate adjustment to chronic illness, especially in pandemic times.
Imprisonment following discharge from mental health units: A developing trend in New Zealand
Authors: Skipworth Jeremy , Garrett Nick , Pillai Krishna , Tapsell Rees , McKenna Brian 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionContemporary models of care for people with mental disorders continue to shift to community-based care, requiring fewer inpatient mental health beds, shorter inpatient lengths of stay, and less use of coercion. It has been suggested that some mentally unwell people, whose behavior can no longer be safely contained in overstretched mental health units where seclusion and restraint are discouraged, are now left to the criminal justice system to manage. It is unclear whether the risk of imprisonment following discharge from a mental health unit has increased over recent years.MethodsA quantitative, retrospective cohort study design was used to investigate any association between an acute inpatient mental health service admission in Aotearoa (New Zealand), and referral to a prison mental health team within 28 days of hospital discharge, from 2012 to 2020. Data were extracted from the national mental health dataset managed by the Ministry of Health.ResultsRisk of imprisonment within 28 days of inpatient discharge increased over the study period. People experiencing this outcome were more likely to be younger, male, of Mâori or Pacific ethnicity, presenting with substance use and psychotic disorders who were aggressive or overactive, and were subject to coercive interventions such as seclusion and compulsory treatment during their admission.DiscussionWe concluded that contemporary models of less coercive predominantly community based mental health care may be increasingly reliant on the criminal justice system to manage aggressive and violent behavior driven by mental illness. It is argued from a human rights perspective that mental health inpatient units should retain the capacity to safely manage this type of clinical presentation.
A multimodal machine learning system in early screening for toddlers with autism spectrum disorders based on the response to name
Authors: Zhu Feng-lei , Wang Shi-huan , Liu Wen-bo , Zhu Hui-lin , Li Ming , Zou Xiao-bing 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundReduced or absence of the response to name (RTN) has been widely reported as an early specific indicator for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), while few studies have quantified the RTN of toddlers with ASD in an automatic way. The present study aims to apply a multimodal machine learning system (MMLS) in early screening for toddlers with ASD based on the RTN.MethodsA total of 125 toddlers were recruited, including ASD (n = 61), developmental delay (DD, n = 31), and typical developmental (TD, n = 33). Procedures of RTN were, respectively, performed by the evaluator and caregiver. Behavioral data were collected by eight-definition tripod-mounted cameras and coded by the MMLS. Response score, response time, and response duration time were accurately calculated to evaluate RTN.ResultsTotal accuracy of RTN scores rated by computers was 0.92. In both evaluator and caregiver procedures, toddlers with ASD had significant differences in response score, response time, and response duration time, compared to toddlers with DD and TD (all P-values &lt; 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.81 for the computer-rated results, and the AUC was 0.91 for the human-rated results. The accuracy in the identification of ASD based on the computer- and human-rated results was, respectively, 74.8 and 82.9%. There was a significant difference between the AUC of the human-rated results and computer-rated results (Z = 2.71, P-value = 0.007).ConclusionThe multimodal machine learning system can accurately quantify behaviors in RTN procedures and may effectively distinguish toddlers with ASD from the non-ASD group. This novel system may provide a low-cost approach to early screening and identifying toddlers with ASD. However, machine learning is not as accurate as a human observer, and the detection of a single symptom like RTN is not sufficient enough to detect ASD.
The association between fatty acid quality indices and quality of life among overweight and obese women: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Rasaei Niloufar , Daneshzad Elnaz , Soveid Neda , Clark Cain C. T. , Mirzaei Khadijeh 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundReduced quality of life (QOL) is a major public health challenge affecting the global population. Fatty acid quality indices (FAQIs) are novel determinants of QOL and may impact various aspects of QOL. Prior research has established a significant link between dietary habits and QOL. However, the association between FAQIs and specific dimensions of QOL has not been established. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between FAQIs and QOL in overweight and obese women.MethodsIn total, 378 adult overweight or obese women participated in this cross-sectional study. Several anthropometric indices, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and biochemical factors were measured using standard protocols. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated and reliable semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (the FFQ, 147 items). The cholesterol–saturated fat index (CSI) and the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 (N6/N3) essential fatty acids consumed were employed as FAQIs. The SF-36 questionnaire was administered to measure QOL. Linear logistic regression was used, in the form of raw and adjusted models, to evaluate the associations between FAQIs and QOL.ResultsThe study sample consisted of 279 participants for whom ω-6/ω-3 ratio was measured and 378 participants for whom CSI was measured. The mean (±SD) age of participants was 36.65 ± 9.07 years. Linear logistic regression, with adjustment for potential confounders, such as age, energy intake, body mass index, employment, and thyroid status, indicated that ω-6/ω-3 intake ratio was negatively and marginally significantly associated with general health (β = −139.94, 95% CI: [−286.54, 6.66]; p = 0.061) and physical role limitations (β= −337.68, 95% CI: [−679.99, 1.61]; p = 0.051). A significant negative association was observed between ω-6/ω-3 intake ratio and social functioning (β = −247.54, 95% CI: [−458.14, −36.94]; p = 0.021), which indicates that obese and overweight women with a higher ω-6/ω-3 intake ratio obtained lower scores on social functioning.ConclusionsIt was found that FAQI scores were negatively associated with certain QOL measures among overweight and obese Iranian women, suggesting that a higher consumption of fatty acids, especially trans and saturated fatty acids, may be associated with lower QOL.
Sexual health indicators for the United States: Measuring progress and documenting public health needs
Authors: Ford Jessie V. , Ivankovich Megan B. , Coleman Eli 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionToday, we are facing increased and continued adverse sexual health outcomes in the United States, including high post-COVID-19 pandemic rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For the past 20 years, there have been calls for a national health strategy and a more comprehensive sexual health approach to address the myriad of persistent sexual health problems in this country. Employing a sexual health approach requires shifting from a longstanding, stigmatizing focus on morbidity toward a holistic and integrated focus on health rather than disease. While strategies are being implemented by multisectoral stakeholders, it is also important to establish a core set of indicators that broadly describe the state of sexual health in the U.S. and allow for measurement across time. The development of a comprehensive scorecard with key sexual health indicators has been proposed by other entities (e.g., Public Health England, World Health Organization), but such an attempt has not been made in the U.S.MethodsA review of national U.S. surveys and surveillance systems with items related to sexual health was conducted for years 2010–2022 to develop an inventory of existing data that yield national estimates for potential indicators of sexual health.ResultsWe selected 23 sexual health indicators in four broad domains including: (1) knowledge; communication and attitudes (five indicators); (2) behaviors and relationships (four indicators); (3) service access and utilization (seven indicators); and (4) adverse health outcomes (seven indicators). Recent data for each indicator are provided.DiscussionA growing body of evidence shows the positive effects of moving away from a morbidity focus toward an integrated, health-promoting approach to sexual health. Yet, not much has been done in terms of how we implement this national shift. We argue that measurement and monitoring are key to future change. We envision these core sexual health indicators would be published in the form of an index that is publicly available and updated frequently. These sexual health indicators could be used for ongoing monitoring, and to guide related research, programming, and policy development to help promote sexual health in coming years.
The pooled estimate of the total fertility rate in sub-Saharan Africa using recent (2010–2018) Demographic and Health Survey data
Authors: Tesfa Desalegn , Tiruneh Sofonyas Abebaw , Gebremariam Alemayehu Digssie , Azanaw Melkalem Mamuye , Engidaw Melaku Tadege , Kefale Belayneh , Abebe Bedilu , Dessalegn Tsion , Tiruneh Mulu 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundEven though the total fertility rate (TFR) has decreased significantly over the past decades in many countries, it has remained stable in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. However, there is variation among the sub-regions and inhabitants of SSA. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis of demographic and health surveys (DHS) to estimate the pooled level of TFR in SSA and to depict sub-regional and inhabitant differences.MethodsThe data source for this study was the standard Demographic and Health Survey datasets of 33 sub-Saharan African countries, accessed through www.meaasuredhs.com between 2010 and 2018. The point estimate of the total fertility rate with its corresponding standard error in each sub-Saharan African country was estimated using the DHS.rates R package. Using the point estimate of the TFR with the standard error of each country, the pooled estimate of the TFR was generated by the metan STATA command.ResultsThe study comprised 1,324,466 live births in total. The pooled estimate of sub-Saharan Africa's overall fertility rate was five children per woman (95% CI: 4.63–5.37). Consequently, the pooled estimate of total fertility for people living in urban and rural areas was 3.90 (95% CI: 3.60–4.21) and 5.82 (95% CI: 5.43–6.21) children per woman, respectively. In sub-group analysis, the pooled estimates of the TFR for the East African, Central African, Southern African, and West African regions, respectively, were 4.74, 5.59, 3.18, and 5.38 children per woman. Total fertility rates were greater in low-income nations (5.45), lower-middle-income countries (4.70), and high-middle-income countries (3.80).ConclusionsSSA has a relatively high total fertility rate. The regions of West and Central Africa have the highest overall fertility rate. The fertility rate is higher in countries with a large rural population and low income. Strategies should be developed to address this public health concern, especially in rural Central and Western Africa.
Understanding the motivational mechanisms behind the usage frequency of ride-hailing during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ling Shuai , Jia Yunqi , Yuan Xuemin , Dong Hongming , Zhang Tianjing 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionThis study aimed to explore the factors influencing people's utilization of ride-hailing services, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA two-stage survey was conducted among the same group of passengers pre and post COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a total of 670 valid samples. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was applied to the data, followed by the ordered probit and ordered logit models to identify the motivational factors behind passengers' frequency of using ride-hailing.ResultsThe findings indicated that trust and loyalty were the most influential factors in determining passengers' frequency of using ride-hailing services. However, passengers' perception of the COVID-19 pandemic did not have a significant effect on the frequency of using ride-hailing.DiscussionThis research provides empirical evidence and policy implications for understanding people's usage of the ride-hailing services in the context of public-health emergency.
The social value of a PASI 90 or PASI 100 response in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in Spain
Authors: Maravilla-Herrera Paulina , Merino María , Alfonso Zamora Santiago , Balea Filgueiras Jesús , Carrascosa Carrillo José Manuel , Delgado Sánchez Olga , Dolz Sinisterra Francisco , García-Ruiz Antonio , Herranz Pinto Pedro , Manfredi Antonio , Martínez Olmos José , Morales de los Ríos Luna Paloma , Puig Lluís , Ros Sandra , Hidalgo-Vega Álvaro 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionPsoriasis is a chronic disease involving the skin, which significantly impacts the quality of life. Disease severity and treatment efficacy (i.e., response) are assessed through the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). A PASI 75 response, i.e., an improvement of at least 75% with respect to the baseline PASI score, has traditionally been used as a therapeutic benchmark in clinical trials. Therapeutic advances have made PASI 90 or PASI 100 responses possible in most patients treated with some biologics. A greater response may generate social value beyond clinical outcomes that would benefit both patients and society.MethodsA 1-year economic model was applied to estimate the impact of having a PASI 75, PASI 90, or PASI 100 response in four areas of analysis (quality of life, activities of daily living, work productivity, and out-of-pocket expenditures) and the social value of having a PASI 90 or PASI 100 response in comparison with a PASI 75 response. A mixed-methods approach based on the scientific literature, a focus group with patient, and an advisory committee with psoriasis stakeholders was used. The model included three different scenarios: having a PASI 90 vs a PASI 75 response; a PASI 100 vs a PASI 90 response; and a PASI 100 vs a PASI 75 response. A sensitivity analysis was included.ResultsThe annual economic impact per patient with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis having a PASI 75 response was estimated at Ł 6,139, mainly related to labour productivity losses and quality of life reductions. Having a PASI 90 or a PASI 100 response would reduce this impact to €3,956 or €1,353, respectively. Accordingly, the social value of having a PASI 90 instead of a PASI 75 response was estimated at €2,183, and €4,786 with a PASI 100 response.DiscussionA PASI 90 or PASI 100 response would have a lower economic impact and a greater social value than a PASI 75 response for patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.