PLOS ONE Alerts: New ArticlesPLOShttps://journals.plos.org/plosone/webmaster@plos.orghttps://journals.plos.org/plosone/feed/atomAll PLOS articles are Open Access.https://journals.plos.org/plosone/resource/img/favicon.icohttps://journals.plos.org/plosone/resource/img/favicon.ico2024-03-28T21:56:42ZRetraction: Disruption of Growth Hormone Receptor Prevents Calorie Restriction from Improving Insulin Action and LongevityThe PLOS ONE Editors10.1371/journal.pone.03016712024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by The PLOS ONE Editors </p>Correction: Therapeutic interventions on human breast cancer xenografts promote systemic dissemination of oncogenesGorantla V. RaghuramKavita PalGaurav SriramAfzal KhanRuchi JoshiVishalkumar JadhavSushma ShindeAlfina ShaikhBhagyeshri RaneHarshada KangneIndraneel Mittra10.1371/journal.pone.03016502024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Gorantla V. Raghuram, Kavita Pal, Gaurav Sriram, Afzal Khan, Ruchi Joshi, Vishalkumar Jadhav, Sushma Shinde, Alfina Shaikh, Bhagyeshri Rane, Harshada Kangne, Indraneel Mittra</p>Retraction: Blood biomarker discovery for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A proteomic analysisThe PLOS ONE Editors10.1371/journal.pone.03016482024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by The PLOS ONE Editors </p>Correction: Assessing social needs among patients with cardiovascular and psychiatric comorbidities in free community health clinicsDavid HaddadVenkata Sai JastyJacob RefPaul HsuPatricia LebensohnTze-Woei Tan10.1371/journal.pone.03015762024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by David Haddad, Venkata Sai Jasty, Jacob Ref, Paul Hsu, Patricia Lebensohn, Tze-Woei Tan</p>Early prediction of the impact of public health policies on obesity and lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes: A modelling approachPierre BauvinClaire DelacôteLine Carolle Ntandja WandjiGuillaume LassaillyVioleta RaverdyFrançois PattouSylvie Deuffic-BurbanPhilippe Mathurin10.1371/journal.pone.03014632024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Pierre Bauvin, Claire Delacôte, Line Carolle Ntandja Wandji, Guillaume Lassailly, Violeta Raverdy, François Pattou, Sylvie Deuffic-Burban, Philippe Mathurin</p>
Objective <p>Help public health decision-making requires a better understanding of the dynamics of obesity and type 2 diabetes and an assessement of different strategies to decrease their burdens.</p> Methods <p>Based on 97,848 individual data, collected in the French Health, Health Care and Insurance Survey over 1998–2014, a Markov model was developed to describe the progression of being overweight to obesity, and the onset of type 2 diabetes. This model traces and predicts 2022–2027 burdens of obesity and type 2 diabetes, and lifetime risk of diabetes, according to different scenarios aiming at minimum to stabilize obesity at 5 years.</p> Results <p>Estimated risks of type 2 diabetes increase from 0.09% (normal weight) to 1.56% (obesity II-III). Compared to the before 1995 period, progression risks are estimated to have nearly doubled for obesity and tripled for type 2 diabetes. Consequently, over 2022–2027, the prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes will continue to increase from 17.3% to 18.2% and from 7.3% to 8.1%, respectively. Scenarios statibilizing obesity would require a 22%-decrease in the probability of move up (scenario 1) or a 33%-increase in the probability of move down (scenario 2) one BMI class. However, this stabilization will not affect the increase of diabetes prevalence whereas lifetime risk of diabetes would decrease (30.9% to 27.0%). Combining both scenarios would decrease obesity by 9.9%. Only the prevalence of obesity III shows early change able to predict the outcome of a strategy: for example, 6.7%-decrease at one year, 13.3%-decrease at two years with scenario 1 stabilizing obesity at 5 years.</p> Conclusions <p>Prevalences of obesity and type 2 diabetes will still increase over the next 5 years. Stabilizing obesity may decrease lifetime risks of type 2 diabetes without affecting its short-term prevalence. Our study highlights that, to early assess the effectiveness of their program, public health policy makers should rely on the change in prevalence of obesity III.</p>Factors associated with hepatitis A susceptibility among men who have sex with men using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in Northeastern Brazil: A cross-sectional studyHareton Teixeira VechiMônica Baumgardt BayCláudio Henrique Silva de FreitasJúlia Gomes Fernandes Costa de Sant’annaCarlos BritesKenio Costa de Lima10.1371/journal.pone.03013972024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Hareton Teixeira Vechi, Mônica Baumgardt Bay, Cláudio Henrique Silva de Freitas, Júlia Gomes Fernandes Costa de Sant’anna, Carlos Brites, Kenio Costa de Lima</p>
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection has disproportionately affected more men who have sex with men (MSM), occurring in outbreaks, despite being vaccine-preventable. We determined the prevalence and factors associated with HAV susceptibility among cisgender MSM on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in Northeastern Brazil. From September 30, 2021 to June 19, 2023, 282 cisgender MSM receiving HIV PrEP were enrolled into this cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic and clinical information were collected. Blood samples were collected for screening of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and serum samples were tested for IgM and total anti-HAV antibodies. Non-reactive results for total anti-HAV antibodies were found in 106 of 282 (37.6%) participants. Factors associated with HAV susceptibility included age <30 years (prevalence ratio [PR]: 2.02; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.61–2.53), having health insurance (PR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.19–1.64), sex only with cisgender men (PR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.23–1.89), non-steady partner (PR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.01–1.43) and no lifetime history of STIs (PR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.03–1.53). Identifying clinical correlates of HAV susceptibility in key populations is a fundamental step towards development of public policy focused on prevention, especially following the recent hepatitis A outbreak in Brazil.Can green funds improve corporate environmental, social, and governance performance? Evidence from Chinese-listed companiesFangjun WangXinmiao ZhouTian Gan10.1371/journal.pone.03013952024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Fangjun Wang, Xinmiao Zhou, Tian Gan</p>
Green funds play pivotal roles in driving corporate sustainable development. Utilizing data from Chinese publicly listed companies from 2010 to 2021, we examine the impact of green funds on corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance and the underlying mechanisms. The research findings claim that green funds positively affect corporate ESG performance. Mechanism analysis systematically demonstrates that green funds contribute to elevated corporate ESG performance by alleviating financial constraints, enhancing managerial efficiency, and fostering green innovation. Heterogeneity analysis further underscores that the effect of green funds is particularly potent in companies with high external attention. Furthermore, green funds also play significant roles in production capabilities and economic value. This research enriches the micro-level evidence on the development of green funds and furnishes substantial implications for sustainable development.Exploring the effects of habitat management on grassland biodiversity: A case study from northern SerbiaDubravka MilićMilica RatBojana BokićSonja Mudri-StojnićNemanja MiloševićNataša SukurDušan JakovetićBoris RadakTamara TotDušanka VujanovićGoran AnačkovDimitrije Radišić10.1371/journal.pone.03013912024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Dubravka Milić, Milica Rat, Bojana Bokić, Sonja Mudri-Stojnić, Nemanja Milošević, Nataša Sukur, Dušan Jakovetić, Boris Radak, Tamara Tot, Dušanka Vujanović, Goran Anačkov, Dimitrije Radišić</p>
Grasslands represent a biodiversity hotspot in the European agricultural landscape, their restoration is necessary and offers a great opportunity to mitigate or halt harmful processes. These measures require a comprehensive knowledge of historical landscape changes, but also adequate management strategies. The required data was gathered from the sand grasslands of northern Serbia, as this habitat is of high conservation priority. This area also has a long history of different habitat management approaches (grazing and mowing versus unmanaged), which has been documented over of the last two decades. This dataset enabled us to quantify the effects of different measures across multiple taxa (plants, insect pollinators, and birds). We linked the gathered data on plants, pollinators, and birds with habitat management measures. Our results show that, at the taxon level, the adopted management strategies were beneficial for species richness, abundance, and composition, as the highest diversity of plant, insect pollinator, and bird species was found in managed areas. Thus, an innovative modelling approach was adopted in this work to identify and explain the effects of management practices on changes in habitat communities. The findings yielded can be used in the decision making as well as development of new management programmes. We thus posit that, when restoring and establishing particular communities, priority needs to be given to species with a broad ecological response. We recommend using the decision tree as a suitable machine learning model for this purpose.Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of <i>Desmaulus extinctorium</i> (Littorinimorpha, Calyptraeoidea, Calyptraeidae) and molecular phylogeny of LittorinimorphaYanwen MaBiqi ZhengJiji LiWei MengKaida XuYingying Ye10.1371/journal.pone.03013892024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Yanwen Ma, Biqi Zheng, Jiji Li, Wei Meng, Kaida Xu, Yingying Ye</p>
For the purpose of determining the placement of Calyptraeidae within the Littorinimorpha, we hereby furnish a thorough analysis of the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) sequence of <i>Desmaulus extinctorium</i>. This mitogenome spans 16,605 base pairs and encompasses the entire set of 37 genes, including 13 PCGs, 22 tRNAs and two rRNAs, with an evident AT bias. Notably, <i>tRNA</i><sup>Ser1</sup> and <i>tRNA</i><sup>Ser2</sup> lack dihydrouracil (DHU) arms, resulting in an inability to form a secondary structure. Similarly, <i>tRNA</i><sup>Ala</sup> lacks a TΨC arm, rendering it incapable of forming a secondary structure. In contrast, the remaining tRNAs demonstrate a characteristic secondary structure reminiscent of a cloverleaf. A comparison with ancestral gastropods reveals distinct differences in three gene clusters (or genes), encompassing 15 tRNAs and eight PCGs. Notably, inversions and translocations represent the major types of rearrangements observed in <i>D</i>. <i>extinctorium</i>. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrates robust support for a monophyletic grouping of all Littorinimorpha species, with <i>D</i>. <i>extinctorium</i> representing a distinct Calyptraeoidea clade. In summary, this investigation provides the first complete mitochondrial dataset for a species of the Calyptraeidae, thus providing novel insights into the phylogenetic relationships within the Littorinimorpha.Validity and reliability of the Balance Error Score System (BESS) Thai version in patients with chronic non-specific neck painArisa LeungbootnakRungthip PuntumetakulThiwaphon ChatpremSurachai Sae-JungRose Boucaut10.1371/journal.pone.03013862024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Arisa Leungbootnak, Rungthip Puntumetakul, Thiwaphon Chatprem, Surachai Sae-Jung, Rose Boucaut</p>
Background <p>Neck pain has been found to affect the somatosensory system, which can lead to impaired balance control. To assess the balance of patients with neck pain and other conditions, the balance error scoring system (BESS) is commonly used as a static balance measurement tool. However, this tool is seldom used in Thailand due to its English language format.</p> Objective <p>To translate and determine the content, convergent validity, and reliability of a Thai version of the BESS tool.</p> Material and methods <p>A process of cross-cultural adaptation was utilized to translate BESS into a Thai version, called BESS-TH. To assess content validity, five physical therapy lecturers specializing in the musculoskeletal field used BESS to measure balance in participants with neck pain. For the convergent validity process, 130 patients diagnosed with chronic non-specific neck pain (CNSNP) were randomly assessed using four static balance tests (BESS, Single-leg balance test (SLBT), Romberg test, and Tandem stance test). For reliability, two assessors with varying years of work experience independently assessed videos of the participants twice using the BESS-TH, with a minimum 7-day interval between assessments.</p> Results <p>The BESS-TH used to assess balance of patients with neck pain demonstrated acceptable content validity (index of item objective congruence (IOC) = 0.87). The Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient was calculated between the BESS-TH and three other measures: the SLBT with eyes open and eyes closed, the Romberg test with eyes open and eyes closed, and the Tandem stance test with eyes open and Tandem stance test with eyes closed. The values obtained were as follows: -0.672, -0.712, -0.367, -0.529, -0.570, and -0.738, respectively. The inter-rater and intra-rater reliability were 0.922 (95% CI = 0.864–0.956) and 0.971 (95% CI = 0.950–0.983), respectively. Minimum detectable change (MDC) for the total BESS score of inter-rater and intra-rater reliability were 7.16 and 4.34 points, respectively.</p> Conclusion <p>The BESS-Thai version was acceptable, reliable, and valid for evaluating balance performance in patients with CNSNP. This tool can be used and applied to clinically evaluate postural control in Thailand.</p>Quantitative imaging and semiotic phenotyping of mitochondrial network morphology in live human cellsSophie CharrasseVictor RacineCharlotte Saint-OmerTitouan PoquillonLoïc LionnardMarine LedruChristophe GonindardSandrine DelaunoisKarima KissaRichard E. FryeManuela PastoreChristelle ReynesMathilde FrechetHanane ChajraAbdel Aouacheria10.1371/journal.pone.03013722024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Sophie Charrasse, Victor Racine, Charlotte Saint-Omer, Titouan Poquillon, Loïc Lionnard, Marine Ledru, Christophe Gonindard, Sandrine Delaunois, Karima Kissa, Richard E. Frye, Manuela Pastore, Christelle Reynes, Mathilde Frechet, Hanane Chajra, Abdel Aouacheria</p>
The importance of mitochondria in tissue homeostasis, stress responses and human diseases, combined to their ability to transition between various structural and functional states, makes them excellent organelles for monitoring cell health. There is therefore a need for technologies to accurately analyze and quantify changes in mitochondrial organization in a variety of cells and cellular contexts. Here we present an innovative computerized method that enables accurate, multiscale, fast and cost-effective analysis of mitochondrial shape and network architecture from confocal fluorescence images by providing more than thirty features. In order to facilitate interpretation of the quantitative results, we introduced two innovations: the use of Kiviat-graphs (herein named MitoSpider plots) to present highly multidimensional data and visualization of the various mito-cellular configurations in the form of morphospace diagrams (called MitoSigils). We tested our fully automated image analysis tool on rich datasets gathered from live normal human skin cells cultured under basal conditions or exposed to specific stress including UVB irradiation and pesticide exposure. We demonstrated the ability of our proprietary software (named MitoTouch) to sensitively discriminate between control and stressed dermal fibroblasts, and between normal fibroblasts and other cell types (including cancer tissue-derived fibroblasts and primary keratinocytes), showing that our automated analysis captures subtle differences in morphology. Based on this novel algorithm, we report the identification of a protective natural ingredient that mitigates the deleterious impact of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on mitochondrial organization. Hence we conceived a novel wet-plus-dry pipeline combining cell cultures, quantitative imaging and semiotic analysis for exhaustive analysis of mitochondrial morphology in living adherent cells. Our tool has potential for broader applications in other research areas such as cell biology and medicine, high-throughput drug screening as well as predictive and environmental toxicology.Older women’s experience with COVID-19 pandemic: A study of risk perception and coping among culturally and linguistically diverse population in South AustraliaNoore Alam SiddiqueeMohammad HamiduzzamanHelen McLarenEmi Patmisari10.1371/journal.pone.03013662024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Noore Alam Siddiquee, Mohammad Hamiduzzaman, Helen McLaren, Emi Patmisari</p>
Background <p>A global catastrophe–the COVID-19 pandemic–appears to have two-dimensional health consequences for older adults: high risk of being infected and psychological distress. There is limited evidence on how the pandemic has impacted the life and coping of older adults who are culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), women in particular. This study explored the COVID-19 risk perception and coping strategies of older CALD women in South Australia.</p> Methods <p>A mixed-methods research design was employed, involving a 31-items coping and emergency preparation scale for survey and semi-structured interviews with participants. The older CALD women were approached through 11 multicultural NGOs. One hundred and nine women participants from 28 CALD communities completed the online surveys; 25 of them agreed to a telephone interview and provided their contact details. 15 older CALD women ultimately participated in interviews.</p> Results <p>Mean sum-score of dread risk, unknown risk, and fear (M: 43.5; SD: 4.9) indicated that the participants were somewhat anxious and worried. Mean sum-score of coping (M: 79.8; SD: 9.3) reported their compliance with expert advice and disinfection practices but accessing health information (M: 2.8; SD 1.4) and tendency to minimize anxiety (M: 2.1; SD: 1.2) were below neutral. Significant variations were found in coping in terms of age, meaning that the women aged 75 years and older were less likely to cope with the pandemic (<i>P</i> = 0.01). Emergency preparation differed based on the participants’ residence and occupation status. The deductive-inductive thematic analysis of interview data was framed around three priori themes: risks of being affected, emotional and behavioral coping, and emergency preparation and access to services.</p> Conclusions <p>Evidence shows a fear among the older CALD women with an endeavor to cope and prepare for emergency situations. This suggests the requirements for interventions that improve coping and reduce the risk of stress among them.</p>Prevalence and associated factors of occupational injuries in an industrial city in GhanaMichael Tetteh AsieduDouglas Aninng OpokuNana Kwame Ayisi-BoatengJoseph OsarfoAlhassan SulemanaAliyu MohammedJohn AmissahJennifer AshileviAyongo Mate-KoleFelix Agyemang OpokuIsaac Kofi YanksonEmmanuel Kweku Nakua10.1371/journal.pone.03013392024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Michael Tetteh Asiedu, Douglas Aninng Opoku, Nana Kwame Ayisi-Boateng, Joseph Osarfo, Alhassan Sulemana, Aliyu Mohammed, John Amissah, Jennifer Ashilevi, Ayongo Mate-Kole, Felix Agyemang Opoku, Isaac Kofi Yankson, Emmanuel Kweku Nakua</p>
Background <p>Workers are exposed to workplace hazards which increase their risk of occupational injury. Data on occupational injuries and associated factors are important for planning and informing national policy regarding workplace health and safety. This study sought to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with occupational injuries among workers in an industrial city in Ghana.</p> Methods <p>A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 459 workers in the Tema industrial enclave in Ghana from 22<sup>nd</sup> December 2020 to 27<sup>th</sup> February 2021. Participants were recruited using a two-stage sampling technique. Eight communities were randomly selected from twenty-five communities in the first stage while households in each community were randomly selected in the second stage. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, occupational health and safety and occupational injuries were collected. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between occupational injuries and associated factors.</p> Results <p>The mean age of the workers was 33.9 (±6.8) years with a range of 21–53 while over 18.1% of them were working at the Port and Harbour. The prevalence of occupational injury among the workers in the preceding twelve months was 64.7%. The mechanism of injury was mainly the use of working tools (45.8%) and hot surfaces, substances or chemicals (14.1%). Being a casual staff (AOR: 2.26, 95%CI: 1.04–4.92), working at Port and Harbour (AOR: 3.77, 95%CI: 1.70–8.39), no health and safety training (AOR: 2.18, 95%CI: 1.08–4.39), dissatisfaction with health and safety measures (AOR: 4.31, 95%CI: 2.12–8.78) and tertiary education (AOR: 0.03, 95%CI: 0.01–0.10) were significantly associated with occupational injuries.</p> Conclusion <p>The prevalence of occupational injuries in this study was high. Promoting machine tools’ safety, health and safety training, and satisfaction with health and safety measures through rewarding workers who do not sustain injuries could be key to employees’ health and safety.</p>A new automatic sugarcane seed cutting machine based on internet of things technology and RGB color sensorLiu YangLoai S. NasratMohamed E. BadawyDaniel Eutyche Mbadjoun WapetManar A. OurapiTamer M. El-MesseryIrina AleksandrovaMohamed Metwally MahmoudMahmoud M. HusseinAbdallah E. Elwakeel10.1371/journal.pone.03012942024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Liu Yang, Loai S. Nasrat, Mohamed E. Badawy, Daniel Eutyche Mbadjoun Wapet, Manar A. Ourapi, Tamer M. El-Messery, Irina Aleksandrova, Mohamed Metwally Mahmoud, Mahmoud M. Hussein, Abdallah E. Elwakeel</p>
Egypt is among the world’s largest producers of sugarcane. This crop is of great economic importance in the country, as it serves as a primary source of sugar, a vital strategic material. The pre-cutting planting mode is the most used technique for cultivating sugarcane in Egypt. However, this method is plagued by several issues that adversely affect the quality of the crop. A proposed solution to these problems is the implementation of a sugarcane-seed-cutting device, which incorporates automatic identification technology for optimal efficiency. The aim is to enhance the cutting quality and efficiency of the pre-cutting planting mode of sugarcane. The developed machine consists of a feeding system, a node scanning and detection system, a node cutting system, a sugarcane seed counting and monitoring system, and a control system. The current research aims to study the pulse widths (PW) of three-color channels (R, G, and B) of the RGB color sensors under laboratory conditions. The output PW of red, green, and blue channel values were recorded at three color types for hand-colored nodes [black, red, and blue], three speeds of the feeding system [7.5 m/min, 5 m/min, and 4.3 m/min], three installing heights of the RGB color sensors [2.0 cm, 3.0 cm, and 4.0 cm], and three widths of the colored line [10.0 mm, 7.0 mm, and 3.0 mm]. The laboratory test results s to identify hand-colored sugarcane nodes showed that the recognition rate ranged from 95% to 100% and the average scanning time ranged from 1.0 s to 1.75 s. The capacity of the developed machine ranged up to 1200 seeds per hour. The highest performance of the developed machine was 100% when using hand-colored sugarcane stalks with a 10 mm blue color line and installing the RGB color sensor at 2.0 cm in height, as well as increasing the speed of the feeding system to 7.5 m/min. The use of IoT and RGB color sensors has made it possible to get analytical indicators like those achieved with other automatic systems for cutting sugar cane seeds without requiring the use of computers or expensive, fast industrial cameras for image processing.Tobacco use among in-school young adolescents in Indonesia: Exploring availability, affordability, and accessibilityYeni RosilawatiZain RafiqueErwan Sudiwijaya10.1371/journal.pone.03012912024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Yeni Rosilawati, Zain Rafique, Erwan Sudiwijaya</p>
The research on Indonesian adolescents’ perception of tobacco control in schools is limited. This study aimed to explore the availability, affordability, and accessibility of tobacco among young adolescents in Yogyakarta Municipality, Indonesia, with a focus on advocating for school teenagers. Focus groups, comprising participants from diverse backgrounds and stakeholders, were conducted in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, to systematically collect varied data. The subsequent analysis employed a robust thematic approach, combining both inductive and deductive processes to ensure a nuanced exploration of emerging patterns and pre-existing frameworks. In addition to focus group data, the study incorporated insights from extensive field observations and research group discussions. The multifaceted approach enhanced the depth of analysis but also facilitated a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics. The findings of this study revealed that young adolescents found it extremely easy to purchase cigarettes from local markets. The smoking prevalence among young adolescents was relatively low, with only 10% of the respondents admitting to smoking. Although the Indonesian government has increased surveillance and regulations regarding smoking among young individuals, the actual implementation and effectiveness of these measures remain questionable. The existing anti-smoking approaches in Indonesia have been unsuccessful in curbing smoking among Indonesian school students. The study argues that it is crucial to recognize and value students’ perceptions of smoking, as their knowledge of smoking is actively constructed. To address this issue, future anti-smoking education in schools should incorporate interactive sessions rather than solely relying on didactic approaches that highlight the harms of smoking. By engaging students in interactive discussions, they can actively participate in constructing their understanding of the consequences of smoking. Additionally, efforts should be made to enhance the implementation of tobacco control measures within schools and extend the reach of these measures to off-campus environments.Research on the coupling relationship and interaction between urbanization and eco-environment in urban agglomerations: A case study of the Chengdu-Chongqing urban agglomerationWeilong WuYing HuangYuzhou ZhangBo Zhou10.1371/journal.pone.03012872024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Weilong Wu, Ying Huang, Yuzhou Zhang, Bo Zhou</p>
Urban agglomerations are emerging as new regional units for national participation in global competition and the international division of labor. However, they face increasingly severe resource and eco-environment pressures during urbanization. The coordination of the relationship between urbanization and the eco-environment has attracted global attention. In this study, we used Coupling Coordination Degree and Vector Autoregression models to examine the dynamic evolution, coupling relationships, coordinated development patterns, and interaction mechanisms between urbanization and the eco-environment. The results indicate that: (1) The level of urbanization in the Chengdu-Chongqing Urban agglomeration was relatively low, and the region showed a good eco-environment background. However, rapid urbanization is gradually straining the carrying capacity of the eco-environment. (2) A close and stable coupling relationship exists between urbanization and the eco-environment, which has reached an advanced coupling stage. The status of coordinated development among cities differs considerably, and multiple stable forms may exist simultaneously. (3) Urbanization has a substantial impact on environmental changes, whereas the restrictive effect of the eco-environment on urbanization development is not particularly notable. (4) Various interactive relationships exist between the urbanization and eco-environment subsystems, including positive promotion and negative constraint effects. The positive promotion effect mainly manifests between the economic, social, and ecological response subsystems, while the negative constraint effect is most evident in the mutual coercion and inhibition between the regional urbanization, economic urbanization, ecological status, and ecological pressure subsystems. These findings have important policy implications for decision makers exploring the path of coordinated and sustainable development in urbanization and the eco-environment in Urban agglomerations.Enhanced amygdala–anterior cingulate white matter structural connectivity in Sahaja Yoga MeditatorsOscar Perez-DiazDaylín GóngoraJosé L. González-MoraKatya RubiaAlfonso Barrós-LoscertalesSergio Elías Hernández10.1371/journal.pone.03012832024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Oscar Perez-Diaz, Daylín Góngora, José L. González-Mora, Katya Rubia, Alfonso Barrós-Loscertales, Sergio Elías Hernández</p>
Objective <p>To study the white matter connections between anterior cingulate cortex, anterior insula and amygdala as key regions of the frontal-limbic network that have been related to meditation.</p> Design <p>Twenty experienced practitioners of Sahaja Yoga Meditation and twenty nonmeditators matched on age, gender and education level, were scanned using Diffusion Weighted Imaging, using a 3T scanner, and their white matter connectivity was compared using diffusion tensor imaging analyses.</p> Results <p>There were five white matter fiber paths in which meditators showed a larger number of tracts, two of them connecting the same area in both hemispheres: the left and right amygdalae and the left and right anterior insula; and the other three connecting left anterior cingulate with the right anterior insula, the right amygdala and the left amygdala. On the other hand, non-meditators showed larger number of tracts in two paths connecting the left anterior insula with the left amygdala, and the left anterior insula with the left anterior cingulate.</p> Conclusions <p>The study shows that long-term practice of Sahaja Yoga Meditation is associated with larger white matter tracts strengthening interhemispheric connections between limbic regions and connections between cingulo-amygdalar and cingulo-insular brain regions related to top-down attentional and emotional processes as well as between top-down control functions that could potentially be related to the witness state perceived through the state of mental silence promoted with this meditation. On the other hand, reduced connectivity strength in left anterior insula in the meditation group could be associated to reduced emotional processing affecting top-down processes.</p>OXIDATIVE study: A pilot prospective observational cohort study protocol examining the influence of peri-reperfusion hyperoxemia and immune dysregulation on early allograft dysfunction after orthotopic liver transplantationElizabeth A. WilsonAnna WoodburyKirsten M. WilliamsCraig M. Coopersmith10.1371/journal.pone.03012812024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Elizabeth A. Wilson, Anna Woodbury, Kirsten M. Williams, Craig M. Coopersmith</p>
Early allograft dysfunction (EAD) is a functional hepatic insufficiency within a week of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) and is associated with morbidity and mortality. The etiology of EAD is multifactorial and largely driven by ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI), a phenomenon characterized by oxygen scarcity followed by paradoxical oxidative stress and inflammation. With the expanded use of marginal allografts more susceptible to IRI, the incidence of EAD may be increasing. This necessitates an in-depth understanding of the innate molecular mechanisms underlying EAD and interventions to mitigate its impact. Our central hypothesis is peri-reperfusion hyperoxemia and immune dysregulation exacerbate IRI and increase the risk of EAD. We will perform a pilot prospective single-center observational cohort study of 40 patients. The aims are to determine (1) the association between peri-reperfusion hyperoxemia and EAD and (2) whether peri-reperfusion perturbed cytokine, protein, and hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) levels correlate with EAD after OLT. Inclusion criteria include age ≥ 18 years, liver failure, and donation after brain or circulatory death. Exclusion criteria include living donor donation, repeat OLT within a week of transplantation, multiple organ transplantation, and pregnancy. Partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO<sub>2</sub>) as the study measure allows for the examination of oxygen exposure within the confines of existing variability in anesthesiologist-administered fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO<sub>2</sub>) and the inclusion of patients with intrapulmonary shunting. The Olthoff et al. definition of EAD is the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include postoperative acute kidney injury, pulmonary and biliary complications, surgical wound dehiscence and infection, and mortality. The goal of this study protocol is to identify EAD contributors that could be targeted to attenuate its impact and improve OLT outcomes. If validated, peri-reperfusion hyperoxemia and immune perturbations could be targeted via FiO<sub>2</sub> titration to a goal PaO<sub>2</sub> and/or administration of an immunomodulatory agent by the anesthesiologist intraoperatively.Factors related to a sense of economic insecurity among older adults who participate in social activitiesYuriko InoueHisae NakataniIchie OnoXuxin Peng10.1371/journal.pone.03012802024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Yuriko Inoue, Hisae Nakatani, Ichie Ono, Xuxin Peng</p>
Japan has the highest life expectancy worldwide. Older adults who experience economic insecurity may refrain from seeking medical consultation or using long-term care insurance, and these behaviors may increase the incidence and progression of frailty. This study conducted a cross-sectional survey to identify factors related to a sense of economic insecurity among older adults who participate in social activities, and identified support measures. In total, 1,351 older adults aged ≥65 years who had participated in social activities voluntarily completed an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire encompassed their physical, cognitive, social, and psychological conditions, and economic insecurity. We performed univariate analysis considering a sense of economic insecurity as the dependent variable, and conducted multiple logistic regression analysis (forced entry method) considering the independent variables with p<0.1 as the covariates. Among the 872 filled questionnaires, 717 were analyzed as they had no missing data with respect to the responses to survey questions (valid response rate was 53.1%). Analysis results showed that 43.6% of the older adults had a sense of economic insecurity, which was most common among those aged 75–84 years, accounting for 47.3%, followed by those aged 65–74 years accounting for 44.1%, and those aged ≥85 years accounting for 31.5% (p<0.05). The sense of economic insecurity was not associated with physical conditions, subjective symptoms of dementia, or social conditions; however, it grew with increased loneliness (OR: 1.71, 1.002–2.92, p = 0.049) and decreased with an increased subjective sense of well-being (OR: 0.86, 0.81–0.92, <0.001). Economic insecurity among older adults was not associated with physical, cognitive, or social aspects, as reported in previous studies. The survey respondents constituted older adults who participate in social activities. Maintaining interactions within the community, even in old age, may prevent loneliness and improve subjective health.Compact rover surveying and laser scanning for BIM developmentSyed Riaz un Nabi JafriSyed Murtaza HussainAsif AhmedSyed Asher Hussain RizviKumayl Hassan KazmiJamshed Iqbal10.1371/journal.pone.03012732024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Syed Riaz un Nabi Jafri, Syed Murtaza Hussain, Asif Ahmed, Syed Asher Hussain Rizvi, Kumayl Hassan Kazmi, Jamshed Iqbal</p>
This paper presents a custom made small rover based surveying, mapping and building information modeling solution. Majority of the commercially available mobile surveying systems are larger in size which restricts their maneuverability in the targeted indoor vicinities. Furthermore their functional cost is unaffordable for low budget projects belonging to developing markets. Keeping in view these challenges, an economical indigenous rover based scanning and mapping system has developed using orthogonal integration of two low cost RPLidar A1 laser scanners. All the instrumentation of the rover has been interfaced with Robot Operating System (ROS) for online processing and recording of all sensorial data. The ROS based pose and map estimations of the rover have performed using Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) technique. The perceived class 1 laser scans data belonging to distinct vicinities with variable reflective properties have been successfully tested and validated for required structural modeling. Systematically the recorded scans have been used in offline mode to generate the 3D point cloud map of the surveyed environment. Later the structural planes extraction from the point cloud data has been done using Random Sampling and Consensus (RANSAC) technique. Finally the 2D floor plan and 3D building model have been developed using point cloud processing in appropriate software. Multiple interiors of existing buildings and under construction indoor sites have been scanned, mapped and modelled as presented in this paper. In addition, the validation of the as-built models have been performed by comparing with the actual architecture design of the surveyed buildings. In comparison to available surveying solutions present in the local market, the developed system has been found faster, accurate and user friendly to produce more enhanced structural results with minute details.Anti-modularization for both high robustness and efficiency including the optimal caseJaeho KimYukio Hayashi10.1371/journal.pone.03012692024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Jaeho Kim, Yukio Hayashi</p>
Although robustness of connectivity and modular structures in networks have been attracted much attentions in complex networks, most researches have focused on those two features in Erdos-Renyi random graphs and Scale-Free networks whose degree distributions follow Poisson and power-law, respectively. This paper investigates the effect of modularity on robustness in a modular <i>d</i>-regular graphs. Our results reveal that high modularity reduces the robustness even from the optimal robustness of a random <i>d</i>-regular graph in the pure effect of degree distributions. Moreover, we find that a low modular <i>d</i>-regular graph exhibits small-world property that average path length is <i>O</i>(<i>logN</i>). These results indicate that low modularity on modular structures leads to coexistence of both high robustness and efficiency of paths.Factors associated with adolescent pregnancy among Chepang women and their health-seeking behavior in Ichchhakamana rural municipality of Chitwan districtSmriti PantSaugat KoiralaAnand Prasad AcharyaPranil Man Singh Pradhan10.1371/journal.pone.03012612024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Smriti Pant, Saugat Koirala, Anand Prasad Acharya, Pranil Man Singh Pradhan</p>
Adolescent pregnancy is a critical public health issue, particularly in developing regions like Nepal, where it poses significant risks to maternal and child health and perpetuates the cycle of poverty. This study focused on the marginalized Chepang community, which is endangered and faces unique challenges. The study aimed to explore the factors associated with adolescent pregnancy among Chepang women in Ichchhakamana Rural Municipality, Chitwan, Nepal, and also assessed their reproductive health-seeking behavior. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted with 217 Chepang women aged 15–20 years, and data was collected through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. The collected data was entered and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistical tools like frequency, and percentage were used to express the results. Pearson chi-square test, Fisher exact test were used for bivariate analysis to determine the presence of association between the dependent and independent variables. Binary logistic regression was used for further analysis. The prevalence of current adolescent pregnancy was 8.3%(18), while one-fourth had experienced prior pregnancies during their adolescence. Factors significantly associated with adolescent pregnancy included lack of education among the women and their mothers, as well as living in joint families. Additionally, number of antenatal visits and consumption of iron tablets seemed to be lower among Chepang women in comparison to the national data. Chepang women had high adolescent pregnancy rates, with low education level and joint family structure being important risk factors for it. They also had inadequate reproductive health seeking behavior. Addressing these problems requires strategies that prioritize education and raise awareness about reproductive health.Prozone masks elevated SARS-CoV-2 antibody level measurementsMicaela N. SandovalSamuel P. McClellanStephen J. PontJessica A. RossMichael D. SwartzMark A. SilbermanEric Boerwinkle10.1371/journal.pone.03012322024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Micaela N. Sandoval, Samuel P. McClellan, Stephen J. Pont, Jessica A. Ross, Michael D. Swartz, Mark A. Silberman, Eric Boerwinkle</p>
We report a prozone effect in measurement of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibody levels from an antibody surveillance program. Briefly, the prozone effect occurs in immunoassays when excessively high antibody concentration disrupts the immune complex formation, resulting in a spuriously low reported result. Following participant inquiries, we observed anomalously low measurement of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibody levels using the Roche Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S immunoassay from participants in the Texas Coronavirus Antibody Research survey (Texas CARES), an ongoing prospective, longitudinal antibody surveillance program. In July, 2022, samples were collected from ten participants with anomalously low results for serial dilution studies, and a prozone effect was confirmed. From October, 2022 to March, 2023, serial dilution of samples detected 74 additional cases of prozone out of 1,720 participants’ samples. Prozone effect may affect clinical management of at-risk populations repeatedly exposed to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein through multiple immunizations or serial infections, making awareness and mitigation of this issue paramount.Impact of laws prohibiting domestic violence on wasting in early childhoodPragya BhuwaniaAmy RaubAleta SpragueAlfredo MartinBijetri BoseRachel KidmanArijit NandiJere R. BehrmanJody Heymann10.1371/journal.pone.03012242024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Pragya Bhuwania, Amy Raub, Aleta Sprague, Alfredo Martin, Bijetri Bose, Rachel Kidman, Arijit Nandi, Jere R. Behrman, Jody Heymann</p>
Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects an estimated 641 million women and girls globally with far-reaching consequences for the health of women and children. Yet, laws that prohibit domestic violence (DV) are not universal. Countries actively debate the effectiveness of DV laws in improving conditions given the inconclusive evidence on deterrent effects within households particularly in low- and middle-income countries that have limited infrastructure, and fewer resources to implement and enforce policy changes. This is the first study to rigorously examine the impact of DV laws on women’s health decision-making and the intergenerational impact on children’s wasting, a key predictor of mortality. We used the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data collected between 2000–2020 across 23 African countries. Exploiting the staggered adoption of laws, we used a difference-in-differences study design to estimate the impact of DV laws in the treated countries compared to countries without such laws. We find that DV laws increased women’s decision-making autonomy in healthcare by 16.7% as well as other measures of women’s autonomy that matter for health such as financial autonomy by 6.3% and social mobility by 11.0%. The improvements in women’s autonomy translated into reductions in the probability of wasting among children aged 0–23 months by 5.4% points, a 30.9% reduction from the mean. DV laws also reduced wasting among older children aged 24–59 months by 3.6% points, a 38.7% reduction from the mean. The laws were effective in all 6 countries analyzed individually that criminalized DV. A civil prohibition in the seventh country was not found to be effective. The effect was positive and significant for all wealth and geographical categories. Our findings demonstrate the value of enacting criminal laws that prohibit domestic violence as one important tool to reducing the profound health impacts of IPV, a critical health and human rights issue.Research on local sound field intensity control technique in metasurface based on deep neural networksHuanlong ZhaoQiang LvZhen HuangWei ChenGuoqiang Hao10.1371/journal.pone.03012112024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Huanlong Zhao, Qiang Lv, Zhen Huang, Wei Chen, Guoqiang Hao</p>
The use of tunable metasurface technology to realize the underwater tracking function of submarines, which is one of the hotspots and difficulties in submarine design. The structure-to-sound-field metasurface design approach is a highly iterative process based on trial and error. The process is cumbersome and inefficient. Therefore, an inverse design method was proposed based on parallel deep neural networks. The method took the global and local target sound field feature information as input and the metasurface physical structure parameters as output. The deep neural network was trained using a kernel loss function based on a radial basis kernel function, which established an inverse mapping relationship between the desired sound field to the metasurface physical structure parameters. Finally, the sound field intensity modulation at a localized target range was achieved. The results indicated that within the regulated target range, this method achieved an average prediction error of less than 5 dB for 92.9% of the sample data.Short-term chemotherapy-related complications and undernutrition in children diagnosed with cancer at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana: A prospective cohort studyNihad SalifuCatherine I. SegbefiaYakubu AlhassanLorna A. RennerEdem M. A. Tette10.1371/journal.pone.03012082024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Nihad Salifu, Catherine I. Segbefia, Yakubu Alhassan, Lorna A. Renner, Edem M. A. Tette</p>
Undernutrition in children with cancer is associated with complications during cancer therapy. The study objective was to determine the association between specific anthropometric parameters and short-term chemotherapy-related complications and mortality. This was a hospital-based, prospective cohort study of children, age ≤12 years, with a new cancer diagnosis at the Paediatric Oncology Unit, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana. Socio-demographic information, cancer characteristics and anthropometric measurements were obtained at enrolment. Participants were followed up for twelve weeks from commencement of chemotherapy and selected treatment-related complications such as anaemia and thrombocytopenia requiring transfusions, prolonged neutropenia resulting in treatment delays, febrile neutropenia, mucositis and death were recorded. A total of 133 participants were recruited with a median age of 4.5 years. Eighty-one (60.9%) were diagnosed with solid tumours, 31 (23.3%) had leukaemias and 21 (15.8%) had lymphomas. Of the anthropometric parameters assessed, only arm anthropometry using upper arm muscle area (UAMA) and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) were associated with complications. Participants with wasting were more likely to develop anaemia and mucositis. However, the incidence of prolonged neutropenia was significantly higher among participants with average UAMA (p = 0.043) and low average UAMA (p = 0.049) compared to those with low UAMA. Risk of neutropenia was also significantly less among those with wasting by MUAC compared to those well-nourished (p = 0.045). Twenty-three participants (17.3%) died with a greater proportion (11/44; 25%) occurring in those who were wasted using MUAC. These findings underscore the need for nutritional surveillance at diagnosis and during chemotherapy, particularly where co-morbid disease is prevalent.Etonogestrel-releasing subdermal contraceptive implant: Budget impact analysis based on the Brazilian private healthcare systemAgnaldo Lopes da Silva FilhoRicardo Luis Pereira BuenoYohanna RamiresLara Marina Cruz Lino10.1371/journal.pone.03012072024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Agnaldo Lopes da Silva Filho, Ricardo Luis Pereira Bueno, Yohanna Ramires, Lara Marina Cruz Lino</p>
High rates of unplanned pregnancies persist despite pharmacological developments and advancements in contraceptive methods. Here, we demonstrate that the etonogestrel-releasing subdermal contraceptive implant (IMP-ETN) may be an appropriate and cost-effective alternative to levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems (LNG-IUSs) for women in Brazil. For our pharmacoeconomic analysis, we reviewed the literature on IMP-ETN regarding its acceptance, eligibility criteria, choice, relations with age, adverse events and, finally, the unmet need in the fee-for-service private healthcare sector. We considered qualitative observations in combination with quantitative analysis and performed a deterministic sensitivity analysis to investigate whether this technology can be self-sustainable over a period of five years. The target population for this analysis comprised 158,696 women. Compared with the continued use of LNG-IUSs, adopting the IMP-ETN can result in a cost avoidance of $ 7.640.804,02 in the first year and $ 82,455,254.43 in five years. Disseminating information among physicians will promote this change and strengthen the potential cost avoided by private health system payers. These savings can be used to improve other healthcare programs and strategies. Moreover, the principles of care can be promoted by improving and adapting healthcare systems and expanding treatment and follow-up strategies. This would also provide support to women’s reproductive rights and improve their quality of life. Our results suggest that the IMP-ETN has a favorable cost-effectiveness profile. Given all its advantages and negative incremental cost impact over a period of five years, the IMP-ETN may be a more favorable alternative to LNG-IUSs. Therefore, it should be offered to beneficiaries with a private healthcare plan. This analysis overcomes previous barriers to the use of cost-benefit models, and our results may help balance decision-making by policymakers, technical consultants, and researchers.Impact of COVID-19 vaccination on liver transplant recipients. Experience in a reference center in MexicoDaniel Azamar-LlamasJosealberto Sebastiano Arenas-MartinezAntonio Olivas-MartinezJose Victor JimenezEric Kauffman-OrtegaCristian J García-CarreraBruno Papacristofilou-RiebelingFabián E Rivera-LópezIgnacio García-Juárez10.1371/journal.pone.03011982024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Daniel Azamar-Llamas, Josealberto Sebastiano Arenas-Martinez, Antonio Olivas-Martinez, Jose Victor Jimenez, Eric Kauffman-Ortega, Cristian J García-Carrera, Bruno Papacristofilou-Riebeling, Fabián E Rivera-López, Ignacio García-Juárez</p>
Background and aims <p>COVID-19 vaccination has proved to be effective to prevent symptomatic infection and severe disease even in immunocompromised patients including liver transplant patients. We aim to assess the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the mortality and development of severe and critical disease in our center.</p> Methods <p>A retrospective cohort study of LT patients in a reference center between March 2020 and February 2022. Demographic data, cirrhosis etiology, time on liver transplantation, immunosuppressive therapies, and vaccination status were recorded at the time of diagnosis. Primary outcome was death due to COVID-19, and secondary outcomes included the development of severe COVID-19 and intensive care unit (ICU) requirement.</p> Results <p>153 of 324 LT recipients developed COVID-19, in whom the main causes of cirrhosis were HCV infection and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease. The vaccines used were BNT162b2 (48.6%), ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (21.6%), mRNA-1273 vaccine (1.4%), Sputnik V (14.9%), Ad5-nCoV-S (4.1%) and CoronaVac (9.5%). Case fatality and ICU requirement risk were similar among vaccinated and unvaccinated LT patients (adjusted relative case fatality for vaccinated versus unvaccinated of 0.68, 95% CI 0.14–3.24, p = 0.62; adjusted relative risk [aRR] for ICU requirement of 0.45, 95% CI 0.11–1.88, p = 0.27). Nonetheless, vaccination was associated with a lower risk of severe disease (aRR for severe disease of 0.32, 95% CI 0.14–0.71, p = 0.005).</p> Conclusions <p>Vaccination reduces the risk of severe COVID-19 in LT patients, regardless of the scheme used. Vaccination should be encouraged for all.</p>How negative self-views may interfere with building positive relationships: An experimental analogue of identity dysfunction in borderline personality disorderCharlotte C. van SchieLaura WhitingBrin F. S. Grenyer10.1371/journal.pone.03011962024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Charlotte C. van Schie, Laura Whiting, Brin F. S. Grenyer</p>
Introduction <p>A disturbed, negative sense of self is associated with various interpersonal difficulties and is characteristic of disorders such as borderline personality disorder (BPD). Negative self-views may affect an individuals’ ability to build positive relationships, including a therapeutic relationship. However, it is not yet well understood how identity disturbances give rise to interpersonal difficulties. Using an experimental analogue design, we tested whether identity disturbances are associated with interpersonal difficulties.</p> Methods <p>Participants were university students (<i>N</i> = 43, age <i>M</i> = 20.51 (<i>SD</i> = 3.08), women <i>N</i> = 32 (74.4%)) who reported moderate to high levels of BPD features, with 34.9% reporting significant BPD features as measured by the Borderline scale of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI-BOR). In a within-subject experimental paradigm using a Social Feedback Task, participants received negative, intermediate, and positive evaluations, supposedly from a panel. Using multilevel models, we tested whether negative self-views were associated with how much the participants liked, trusted, and felt close to each of the three panel members who provided either predominantly negative, intermediate, or positive feedback.</p> Results <p>People with more negative self-views reported lower mood in response to positive feedback. In addition, where people with more positive self-views felt better when receiving feedback that was congruent with their self-views, people with more negative self-views did not report a better mood. Importantly, people with negative self-views felt lower desire to affiliate with the member who provided predominantly positive feedback. Affiliation was not affected when feedback was given by the negative member and intermediate member to those with negative self-views.</p> Conclusions <p>The findings validated that those with more negative self-views anticipated and expected more negative responses from others. Negative self-views, as relevant for BPD, may explain how people relate differently to those giving different types of feedback. Pervasive negative self-views may interfere with building new relationships including the therapeutic alliance. It may be helpful for clinicians to be aware of the potential challenges around creating a supportive therapeutic relationship for patients with negative self-views. Overly positive affirmations made by clinicians may inadvertently lower the patient’s mood and may impede alliance formation.</p>Optimized treatment parameter by computer simulation for high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment of uterine adenomyosis: Short-term and long-term resultsJae Seok BaeJae Young LeeHyun Hoon ChungMaria LeeMyung Jae JeonHoon KimHee Seung KimKidong KimChang-Soon LeeKeonho SonJoon Koo Han10.1371/journal.pone.03011932024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Jae Seok Bae, Jae Young Lee, Hyun Hoon Chung, Maria Lee, Myung Jae Jeon, Hoon Kim, Hee Seung Kim, Kidong Kim, Chang-Soon Lee, Keonho Son, Joon Koo Han</p>
This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of using optimized parameters obtained by computer simulation for ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment of uterine adenomyosis in comparison with conventional parameters. We retrospectively assessed a single-institution, prospective study that was registered at Clinical Research Information Service (CRiS) of Republic of Korea (KCT0003586). Sixty-six female participants (median age: 44 years) with focal uterine adenomyosis were prospectively enrolled. All participants were treated with a HIFU system by using treatment parameters either for treating uterine fibroids (Group A, first 20 participants) or obtained via computer simulation (Group B, later 46 participants). To assess the treatment efficacy of HIFU, qualitative indices, including the clinically effective dysmenorrhea improvement index (DII), were evaluated up to 3 years after treatment, whereas quantitative indices, such as the nonperfused volume ratio and adenomyosis volume shrinkage ratio (AVSR), on MRI were evaluated up to 3 months after treatment. Quantitative/qualitative indices were compared between Groups A and B by using generalized linear mixed effect model. A safety assessment was also performed. Results showed that clinically effective DII was more frequently observed in Group B than in Group A (odds ratio, 3.69; P = 0.025), and AVSR were higher in Group B than in Group A (least-squares means, 21.61; P = 0.001). However, two participants in Group B developed skin burns at the buttock and sciatic nerve pain and required treatment. In conclusion, parameters obtained by computer simulation were more effective than the conventional parameters for treating uterine adenomyosis by using HIFU in terms of clinically effective DII and AVSR. However, care should be taken because of the risk of adverse events.