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From conflict to control: Responsiveness to food-related conflict predicts healthy eating
No full textPeople often want to eat healthily but fail to do so. Sometimes people try and fail to exert control over unwanted food choices. But failing to eat healthily might also happen for a different, largely ignored reason: when encountering conflict between healthy and unhealthy food, people might fail to respond and initiate self-regulation. Accordingly, we tested in three studies (total N = 542) if how responsive participants are to conflict between healthy and unhealthy food is an important part of eating regulation. We developed a conflict response measure that indicates responsiveness to conflict between healthy and unhealthy food via post-conflict slowing. We then show that the stronger participants are committed to healthy eating, the more they slowed down after goal-relevant conflict (Study 1, 2) but not after goal-irrelevant conflict (Study 2). Importantly, goal-relevant, but not goal-irrelevant, post-conflict slowing predicted subsequent healthy eating in participants’ everyday life (Study 2). Finally, planning to act on a healthy eating goal via an implementation mindset manipulation increased post-conflict slowing compared to when healthy eating was deliberated (Study 3). Our findings suggest that conflict responsiveness might be important for understanding how people initiate self-regulatory processes
KidneyGenAfrica multi-cohort Genome-wide association study and polygenic prediction of kidney function in 110,000 Africans
Full text linkKidney disease disproportionately affects populations of African ancestry, yet most genetic studies have focused on Europeans. Here, we present a three-stage genome-wide association study meta-analysis of estimated glomerular filtration rate in ~26,000 individuals across Eastern, Western, and Southern Africa and ~81,000 African-ancestry individuals in the diaspora. Continental African meta-analysis identifies four independent genome-wide significant loci, including two previously unreported loci. Pan-African meta-analysis identifies 19 independent loci, including three previously unreported loci. Fine-mapping reveals four loci with high causality probability, and phenome-wide analyses demonstrate pleiotropic effects on cardiometabolic and immunological traits. Notably,
APOL1
high-risk variants strongly associated with kidney disease in African Americans show markedly lower frequency and attenuated effects in continental Africa, indicating potential distinct genetic architectures. Polygenic scores from genetically similar populations significantly outperformed those from distant cohorts. These findings demonstrate the necessity of conducting genomic research across diverse African populations to enable equitable health outcomes
More frequent financial reporting and market feedback effect: Evidence from U.S. and EU regulatory changes
No full textWe examine how mandatory financial reporting frequency affects corporate investment decisions using hand-collected data on U.S. public firms that experienced reporting frequency increases between 1950 and 1974. Employing a generalized difference-in-differences design, we find that investment-to-stock-price sensitivity (IPS) increases following increases in reporting frequency. Our results suggest that more frequent reporting enhances the informational role of stock prices and enables managers to make better-informed investment decisions. Consistent with this mechanism, we document a post-adoption increase in profitability. The increase in IPS is strongest for firms with greater private information-based trading and for growth-oriented firms that rely more on external market signals. We find no evidence that the increase in IPS is driven by reduced financial constraints or a lower cost of capital. To assess external validity, we analyze the European Union’s 2007 Transparency Directive, which required interim management statements (IMS) between semi-annual reports. We find a similar IPS increase for affected firms. Overall, our findings demonstrate that reporting frequency influences the quality of corporate investment decisions and inform ongoing regulatory debates about financial reporting frequency. In addition, our results underscore the need for regulators to consider how the type of information they require firms to disclose shapes investors’ private information search activities and, in turn, influences managerial learning and real investment efficiency
Applying Cumulative Survival Functions to Age Comparison Data Sets on Breast Cancer
Full text linkA comparative examination of breast cancer survival between two data sets from the Kurdistan area of Iraq and a corresponding data set from Germany is the aim of this paper. Using breast cancer data from the Kurdistan area of Iraq, both censored and unfiltered, we developed a methodology in a previous publication (2016) for predicting survival probabilities and hazard functions in a health context when a significant fraction of participants are lost to the research. This study follows earlier research (2023) where we had to use unique estimation methods to address the two Iraqi datasets' filtering problems. In particular, the data from Nanakaly hospital in the city of Erbil and Hewa hospitals in the city of Sulamani involved problems with hidden censoring affecting the survival time, leading to significant biases in survival curves generated using standard methods, and we had developed new Markov chain-based methods for generating survival curves providing adjusted Kaplan Meier analyses. Due to the availability of a reliable survival function, we chose to work with a German data set from the W. Sauerbrei Institute for Medical Biometry and Informatics, University of Freiburg—Germany. Our data analysis leads us to the conclusion that younger German women had a higher breast cancer survival rate than patients from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq
The role of AI in optimizing CMR image quality: A scoping review
Full text linkBackground
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is a powerful tool for assessing cardiac anatomy and function but remains limited by average image quality due to artefacts and long acquisition times, and complex and often too long breath-holds. Deep learning methods have recently been applied and show potential to shorten scan times by 70–80 % while improving image quality, enhancing clinical efficiency. The aim of this study is to summarise the different AI-enabled methods for improving CMR image quality, including scanning time, as a key determinant for artefact reduction.
Methods
A scoping review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. The articles were screened and reviewed by two researchers. A qualitative thematic synthesis was conducted and a CASP-mediated risk of bias assessment was performed.
Results
The eligible articles were thirty-one. These articles were thematically categorised in four subgroups, based on emerging themes: scan acceleration, artefact detection, artefact reduction, image reconstruction. A table with significant results for each theme has been presented and results were discussed qualitatively.
Discussion
AI demonstrated consistent improvements across the four subgroups. For scan acceleration, deep learning achieved approximately a 70–80 % reduction in scan duration maintaining or even improving image quality. For artefact detection, convolutional neural networks achieved on average a 90 % accuracy in detecting artefacts, across multiple metrics, indicating reliable artefact identification and strong agreement with human experts. AI models effectively reduce artefacts and enhance image quality, achieving consistently better reconstruction accuracy, sharper edges, and faster processing compared to conventional methods. Finally, for image reconstruction, generative adversarial networks enhanced structural similarity by approximately 56 % (SSIM 0.591 → 0.925). Together, these results illustrate the potential of AI to optimise CMR image quality.
Conclusion
AI can be an effective tool in addressing many of the CMR imaging challenges and thus improving image quality
Axial compressive capacity of volcanic scoria concrete-filled circular steel tube stub columns
No full textIn this paper, lightweight concrete with different volcanic scoria coarse aggregate (VSCA) replacement ratios (0 %, 25 %, 50 %, 75 %, 100 %) into steel tube of varying wall thicknesses (2.5 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm), 15 volcanic scoria concrete-filled steel tube (VSCFST) stub column specimens were tested. A systematic study was conducted on the effects of VSCA replacement ratios and steel ratios (6.35 %, 7.69 %, 10.45 %) on their axial compressive capacity. The test results demonstrated that when the VSCA replacement ratio ≤ 50 % and the steel tube wall thickness ≥ 4 mm, the specimens primarily exhibit mid-section buckling failure; when the VSCA replacement ratio ≥ 75 % or the wall thickness ≤ 3 mm, the specimens are prone to end-section shear failure. As the VSCA replacement ratio increases, the ultimate load capacity, elastic stiffness, and ductility of the specimens all show a decreasing trend; however, increasing the wall thickness of steel tube can effectively enhance these mechanical properties. This phenomenon can be attributed to the incorporation of VSCA weakening the synergistic effect between concrete and steel tube. Additionally, the reliability of the finite element model developed in Abaqus software was validated using the test results, followed by a comprehensive parameter analysis. Finally, the applicability of current design codes was verified by comparing experimental data, and a modified ultimate load capacity calculation formula considering the VSCA replacement ratios and steel tube confinement effect was developed. This formula predicts the ultimate load capacity of VSCFST stub columns with a deviation within 5 % from the experimental values
Universal maternal testing for group B streptococcus in late pregnancy: process outcomes and alongside qualitative study for the GBS3 trial
No full textBackground: One in five pregnant women/birthing people carry group B streptococcus in the gut or genital tract, and over half of them will pass it to their child during pregnancy, labour (most commonly) or after birth. Most babies exposed to maternal GBS remain well, but 1 in 1750 newborns in the UK and Ireland develop early-onset GBS infection. Introducing routine testing for group B streptococcus (GBS) for all pregnant women and birthing people in late pregnancy may reduce cases of early-onset infection in the newborn but would likely increase the number of women given antibiotics during labour. The GBS3 trial (ISRCTN49639731) is a cluster-randomised trial involving approximately 320,000 women/birthing people from 80 maternity units in England and Wales. It will determine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of routine testing, compared to the current risk-factor based strategy.
Methods: To obtain details of the timing, coverage and outcome of the testing process and use of IAP, about 130 consecutive maternity records of women who birthed after 32 weeks’ gestation and who were not scheduled for a planned caesarean birth, and the corresponding neonatal records, were scrutinised at each participating maternity unit. We performed a baseline qualitative study to inform the trial design to explore women's views on the acceptability of different methods of GBS testing in pregnancy, including self-swabbing procedures. We explored the acceptability of different methods of routine testing for GBS colonisation to pregnant women and health care professionals (HCPs), and examined the barriers and facilitators to their implementation.
Results: We received detailed demographic data for 9179 women. Overall, in both testing groups, 72 % of women were offered a vaginal-rectal swab for GBS. Of those women offered a swab, 82 % accepted a vaginal-rectal swab. Of the women with a swab taken, 17 % were positive for GBS. 87 % of women had a test result ≥ 4 hours before birth. Our baseline and embedded qualitative studies found that GBS testing is acceptable to most women and HCPs.
Conclusion: GBS testing is acceptable to pregnant women and health care professionals in the UK. When GBS testing is offered to eligible women, the offer is accepted, the test performed and a result available to guide the offer of IAP in a timely fashion for the majority of women
Something old, something borrowed, something new: frameworks to guide cultural adaptations and their documentation in aphasia treatments
Full text linkBackground and Aims: There is a crucial need to improve cultural and linguistic representation in the field of aphasia research and in clinical practice. One way to increase representation in the field of aphasiology is by adapting treatments to the diverse cultures and languages of the world. Adapting existing evidence-based interventions for diverse cultural contexts increases fit, acceptability, engagement, and access to aphasia interventions. However, such adaptations must be approached systematically and with careful documentation of the process. This paper aims to 1) present frameworks that can guide cultural and linguistic adaptations of aphasia treatments (i.e. bottom-up and top-down approaches), and 2) present a framework that can guide the documentation of critical elements that must be considered and reported when adapting aphasia treatments.
Methods and Procedures: This discussion paper examines bottom-up and top-down approaches for adapting aphasia treatments to diverse linguistic and cultural contexts. It also introduces a practical framework to support researchers and clinicians in systematically documenting these adaptations. The arguments presented here are based on a critical review of the relevant literature. Illustrative examples are provided to demonstrate how these approaches and the framework can be applied.
Outcomes & Results: The approaches and the framework discussed in this paper can help clinicians and researchers adapt evidence-based treatments for aphasia, document their adaptation process, and trace a path for future treatment modifications. This paper could provide much-needed support for increasing aphasia intervention development and research for diverse cultures and languages, thereby increasing access to appropriate interventions for all persons with aphasia and their care partners
Brief individual psychological intervention for people with probable personality disorder: a multicentre, researcher-masked, randomised, controlled superiority trial in England
Full text linkBackground: Long-term psychological treatments are recommended for people with personality disorder. Brief interventions are increasingly delivered but are of uncertain benefit. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a brief individual psychological intervention for people with probable personality disorder over a 12-month period.
Methods: The Structured Psychological Support (SPS) study was a multicentre, researcher-masked, randomised controlled superiority trial, conducted in seven mental health Trusts in England: Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership National Health Service (NHS) Trust, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust. Participants were aged 18 years or older and had probable personality disorder identified by meeting a threshold of 4 or more on the Standardised Assessment of Personality Abbreviated Scale. We excluded those who: did not consent; had a co-existing psychotic disorder; or were already receiving psychological treatment. We assessed whether participants met criteria for borderline personality disorder using the Structured Clinical Interview for Axis II Personality Disorders and whether they had co-existing complex post-traumatic stress disorder using the International Trauma Questionnaire. We randomly assigned participants to up to ten sessions of SPS plus treatment-as-usual or enhanced treatment-as-usual (allocation ratio 1∙15:1), using an independent remote system. Researchers assessing outcomes were masked to group allocation. SPS comprises up to ten individual sessions of personalised psychological support, which includes psychoeducation and psychological skills derived from evidence-based treatments (dialectical behaviour therapy and mentalisation-based treatment). Sessions were usually delivered on a fortnightly basis by staff with previous experience of working with people with personality disorder. The primary outcome was social functioning at 12 months measured using the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS). Data were analysed using multilevel mixed effects general linear regression on an intention-to-treat basis. We used multiple imputation to address missing outcomes. We undertook a parallel
health economic evaluation, which included cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses. People with lived experience were involved in the design of the research and in the writing process. The trial was prospectively registered (ISRCTN13918289) and is now complete.
Findings: Between Feb 7, 2023, and Jan 31, 2024, 569 potential participants were referred for study inclusion, 34 were deemed ineligible, 56 declined to participate, and 127 were not approached. 352 potential participants provided consent, of whom 16 were deemed ineligible or withdrew. 336 participants were randomly assigned to either SPS (n=180) or treatment-as-usual (n=156). 251 (75%) participants were female, 75 (22%) were male, and ten (3%) were non-binary or other. The mean age was 34∙8 years (SD 13∙2; range 18–68) and 281 (84%) participants were White. 152 (84%) participants in the SPS group and 132 (85%) in the control group completed the 12-month follow-up. There was no difference between groups for the primary outcome of WSAS score (standardised coefficient 0∙12 [95% CI –2∙14 to 2∙38]; p=0∙92). The probability that SPS is cost-effective was 0∙34–0∙39. There were 36 serious adverse events affecting 17 participants in the SPS group and 16 in the treatment-as-usual group. None were judged to be related to study procedures. Two study participants died during the 12-month follow period, both in the SPS group.
Interpretation: We found no difference in social functioning over the course of 1 year among people offered a brief psychological intervention, and no evidence of cost-effectiveness. These data highlight the importance of improving access to longer-term evidence-based psychological treatment programmes for people with personality disorder
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