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Differential associations of anticipatory and consummatory anhedonia with depression and social anxiety symptoms: a network analysis of university students
No full textBackground: Depression and social anxiety are frequently co-occurring conditions that significantly impact young people. Anhedonia may be important to consider in early interventions for these conditions, but the roles of specific dimensions of anhedonia—anticipatory and consummatory—are not well understood. This study explored the symptom connectivity of depression and social anxiety in university students, focusing on how the two dimensions of anhedonia relate to symptoms of both conditions.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional network analysis of data from 672 university students (19–24 years). A Gaussian graphical model was used to investigate the relationship between anticipatory and consummatory anhedonia and symptoms of depression and social anxiety.
Results: Anticipatory anhedonia was distinctively connected with specific depression nodes (low mood and suicidal ideation) and social anxiety nodes (avoiding being the centre of attention and less fear of embarrassment). Consummatory anhedonia was related to a wider range of depression nodes (worthlessness/guilt, suicidal ideation, concentration problems and sleep problems) and all social anxiety nodes. Both dimensions of anhedonia demonstrated strong bridge expected influence (EI), alongside worthlessness/guilt and avoiding being the centre of attention, highlighting their relevance to both social anxiety and depression nodes.
Conclusions: The findings refine our understanding of the psychopathology of depressive and social anxiety symptoms in young people and exemplify the importance of distinguishing the dimensions of anhedonia. Given its transdiagnostic associations, anhedonia may be important to account for in early interventions for depression and social anxiety. Future research should incorporate clinical samples and longitudinal data
An Accelerated Spectral CG‐Type Projection Method With Restart Strategy for Nonlinear Monotone Equations and Applications in Compressed Sensing
Get PDFIn this study, we present an accelerated spectral conjugate gradient‐type projection method to solve the system of nonlinear monotone equations. Compared to traditional methods for solving such equations, this method utilizes three‐step successive information to produce inertial iterates. The proposed composite search direction framework incorporates an effective restart strategy, eliminating the need for additional conditions, including the specification of conjugate parameter, and satisfies conditions for the sufficient descent condition and trust region property. Establishing the theoretical convergence of the present method does not require Lipschitz continuity. Furthermore, we analyze the asymptotic and non‐asymptotic convergence rates in terms of iteration complexity. To evaluate effectiveness, comparative tests are conducted against existing methods using problems related to the system of nonlinear equations. Moreover, the practicality of the presented method is demonstrated through applications in compressed sensing
A comparative analysis of three distinct approaches for the management of type A1 traumatic thoracolumbar fractures: a retrospective cohort study with a minimum 6-year follow-up
Get PDFObjective: Comparing the efficacy of conservative treatment, percutaneous pedicle screw fixation and percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty with calcium sulphate particles in the treatment of AO Spine type A1 traumatic thoracolumbar fractures. Methods: The 220 patients with type A1 thoracolumbar fractures were divided into group A (n = 63, conservative treatment), group B (n = 85, percutaneous pedicle screw fixation), and group C (n = 72, percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty with calcium sulphate particle). Before treatment, 1 months and 2 years after treatment, and at the final follow-up, the efficacy was measured and compared between the three groups. Calcium sulphate particles ossification was assessed in patients from group C at 9 and 12 months postoperatively using computed tomography scans. Results: At the corresponding time points, the anterior vertebral body height ratio and Cobb angle were significantly better in groups B and C than in group A (all P 0.05). Group C had significantly shorter operation time, less intraoperative blood loss, and shorter incision length compared to group B (all P < 0.05). At 12 months after surgery, computed tomography scan showed that the calcium sulphate particle disappeared and was replaced by autologous newly formed bone in patients of group C. Conclusion: For the management of type A1 thoracolumbar fractures, all three treatment methods demonstrated satisfactory clinical efficacy. After interim follow-up, similar levels of pain relief and functional improvement were observed across the three methods. Both percutaneous pedicle screw fixation and kyphoplasty with calcium sulphate particle exhibited similar efficacy in correcting kyphotic Cobb angle and restoring vertebral body height, with both being superior to conservative treatment. Notably, percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty with calcium sulphate particle exhibited a more minimally invasive profile compared with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation
Toward All‐Carbon Electronics Buried in Diamond
Get PDFThis work investigates the use of femtosecond laser processing to fabricate various nanocarbon structures with distinct electrical behaviors within diamond substrates. Conventional approaches for achieving diamond doping have significant disadvantages, including challenging growth profiles, limited environmental stability, and sub‐optimal psuedo‐vertical structures. Here, it is demonstrated that laser‐written nanocarbon networks (NCNs) directly alleviate these issues, demonstrating the highly repeatable fabrication of robust and precise electrical architectures buried in diamond with proven stability over repeated temperature and voltage cycling. By varying the laser pulse repetition rate (PRR), a transition from Ohmic conductive to semiconductive/ambipolar behavior is achieved in the modified diamond. Furthermore, a proof‐of‐concept, all‐carbon transistor architecture buried within the bulk diamond is presented, showcasing the potential for integrated device fabrication using the laser‐writing process
The role of evidence-based healthcare in improving outcomes for lower limb open fractures
Get PDFIntroduction: Lower extremity open fractures are severe, limb-threatening injuries. To improve outcomes, a multidisciplinary approach has been advocated. In the United Kingdom, their treatment is standardised following clinical guidelines. However, management of these injuries globally is unknown. The aim of this thesis is to address this gap and optimise the uptake of evidence to improve the management and outcomes of patients with open lower limb fractures.
Methods: I used a mixed methods approach for my thesis research, which included a large multinational survey of outcomes, comparing results in settings with and without guidelines; an evaluation of available guidelines based on a systematic scoping review; a qualitative study exploring attitudes toward, barriers to, and limitations of developing guidelines for open extremity trauma; and a Delphi study to validate a framework to aid introduction of evidence-based practice into settings with no guidelines.
Results: The INTELLECT study included 2,694 cases of open fractures treated in 16 countries. Patients managed in settings with clinical guidelines were more likely to present better outcomes. A systematic scoping review identified only five countries that currently had clinical guidelines for open lower limb fractures. A reflexive thematic analysis of twelve interviews involving senior orthopaedic and plastic surgeons in countries with no guidelines was used to conceptualise a framework to aid in implementation of guidelines. This framework was later validated by a consensus of members of an international panel consisting of forty-three orthopaedic and plastic surgeons using Delphi methodology.
Conclusion: Significant international variability exists in open lower limb fracture management. Evidence-based clinical guidelines for these injuries are rare on a global scale. Clinician, team, system, and cultural factors should be considered by stakeholders planning the implementation of clinical guidelines to optimise the uptake of evidence in management of open fractures. The proposed framework summarises these elements
Mainstreaming behaviour change in biodiversity conservation—a new Global Needs Assessment Report
Get PDFDeveloping a Set of Key Principles for Care Planning Within Older Adult Care Homes: A Modified Delphi Survey
Get PDFBackground: Older adult care homes in England must develop care plans on behalf of their residents and make them available to care providers. There is currently a lack of formal agreement around the key principles that should inform the care planning process. Objective: The study aimed to develop a set of key principles for care planning in older adult care homes in England. Methods: We developed 78 evidence‐based items and presented them to a panel of health and social care professionals with experience of care planning. We used two online rounds of Delphi to generate consensus (≥ 75%) on items to include in a set of key principles for care planning. Results: A set of key principles, comprising 81 items, were developed. One‐hundred participants completed Round 1, and 80 participated in Round 2. Three percent (n = 4/78) of the Round 1 statements did not reach agreement. Revisions primarily related to the terminology used, clarification of language and an increased emphasis on care home residents' consent and autonomy. Agreement was achieved on all statements (n = 78/78) in Round 2. Conclusion: Substantial agreement was achieved regarding the document's content. Future research should (a) look to develop a resource for the family and friends of care home residents to enhance their participation in care planning and (b) explore how these principles can be put into practice. Reporting Method: Study reporting was guided by the Conducting and REporting of DElphi Studies (CREDES) framework. Patient or Public Contribution: Two public involvement advisers with lived experience of caring for a relative living in a care home worked with researchers to develop the key principles and Delphi survey, recruit panel members, interpret the results from the two rounds and assist with revising the items
A Bayesian analysis of diagnostic timelines across Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and other neurodegenerative conditions
Get PDFINTRODUCTION: Timely diagnosis is crucial for managing neurodegenerative conditions. This study investigated whether time from symptom onset to diagnosis differs by clinical syndrome and sex. METHODS: This retrospective, cross‐sectional study included 591 participants with Alzheimer's disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD) subtypes (behavioral variant FTD [bvFTD], semantic dementia [SD], and progressive non‐fluent aphasia), logopenic progressive aphasia (LPA), and syndromes associated with movement disorders (corticobasal syndrome, FTD with motor neuron disease [FTD‐MND], and progressive supranuclear palsy). Bayesian regression models were used to compute diagnostic timelines. RESULTS: Compared to AD (3.35 years; 95% credible interval [CrI]: 3.03–3.72), SD and bvFTD had additional delays of 9.7 (95% CrI: 1.96–20.64) and 14.82 months (95% CrI: 6.94–25.42), respectively, while FTD‐MND was shorter by 11.62 months (95% CrI: −15.7 to −4.68). Men with bvFTD had 23.64 month longer delays than women (95% CrI: 10.35–44.33). DISCUSSION: Diagnostic delays may reflect syndrome‐specific clinical features, diagnostic complexity, and sociocultural factors. Findings highlight the need for improved diagnostic pathways and pre‐clinical biomarkers to facilitate earlier identification. Highlights: Bayesian analyses revealed that diagnostic delays differ by syndrome and sex. Alzheimer's disease (AD) was diagnosed on average 3.35 years after symptom onset. Diagnoses were delayed in semantic and behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) compared to AD. Men with bvFTD had longer delays than women. Findings support need for improved diagnostic pathways and pre‐clinical biomarkers
The beginnings of wisdom: Schleiermacher, Newman, and Kuyper on theology and the end of higher education
Get PDFWhat role should theology play in the modern university? This dissertation argues that theology is not merely a legacy discipline of a bygone era but remains essential to the university’s pursuit of wisdom. Engaging the work of three nineteenth-century thinkers—Friedrich Schleiermacher, John Henry Newman, and Abraham Kuyper—who each helped shape or found new universities, the project explores how theology can function as an orienting discipline for the academy.
Through a comparative analysis of these figures, the dissertation traces diverging conceptions of theology’s epistemological foundations and academic legitimacy. Schleiermacher’s model, grounded in practical ecclesial utility and an Enlightenment epistemology (here termed ‘Egocentric Epistemological Foundationalism’), ultimately redefines theology as ecclesial know-how rather than a truth-seeking science. In contrast, Newman and Kuyper defend theology as a rational, coherent discipline in its own right, capable of participating in and guiding the broader intellectual work of the university (‘Theological Ontological Foundationalism’).
The dissertation also engages with the modern demarcation problem in the philosophy of science, showing that rigid boundaries between science, religion, and philosophy are historically contingent and philosophically unstable. Drawing on recent work in epistemology, theology, and higher education criticism the project affirms that theology—properly construed—retains the capacity to serve as a discourse that orients other fields toward unified knowledge and metadisciplinary wisdom