Inconsistent Findings Research Articles

BMI trajectories from birth to young adulthood associate with distinct cardiometabolic profiles.

Numerous studies have investigated links between body mass index (BMI) trajectories and cardiovascular risk, yet discrepancies in BMI measurement duration and timing of the cardiovascular-related outcome evaluation have led to inconsistent findings. We included participants from the Swedish birth cohort (BAMSE) and applied latent class mixture modeling to identify BMI trajectories using data of multiple BMI measures (≥ 4 times) from birth until 24-year follow-up (n = 3204). Subsequently, we analyzed the associations of BMI trajectories with lipids (n = 1974), blood pressure (n = 2022), HbA1c (n = 941), and blood leukocytes (n = 1973) using linear regression. We also investigated the circulating levels of 92 inflammation-related proteins (n = 1866) across BMI trajectories. Six distinct BMI groups were identified, denoted as increasing-persistent high (n = 74; 2.3%), high-accelerated increasing (n = 209; 6.5%), increasing-accelerated resolving (n = 142; 4.4%), normal-above normal (n = 721; 22.5%), stable normal (n = 1608; 50.2%), and decreasing-persistent low (n = 450; 14.1%) BMI groups. The increasing-persistent high and high-accelerated increasing BMI groups had higher levels of total cholesterol [mean difference (95% confidence intervals): 0.30 (0.04-0.56) and 0.16 (0.02-0.31) mmol/L], triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, hemoglobin A1C [3.61 (2.17-5.54) and 1.18 (0.40-1.98) mmol/mol], and low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein ratios, but a lower level of high-density lipoprotein than the stable normal BMI group. These two groups also had higher leukocyte cell counts and higher circulating levels of 28 inflammation-related proteins. No increased cardiometabolic markers were observed in the increasing-accelerated resolving BMI group. Participants with persistently high or accelerated increasing BMI trajectories from birth to young adulthood have elevated levels of cardiometabolic risk markers at young adulthood than those with stable normal BMI. However, a raised BMI in childhood may not be inherently harmful to cardiometabolic health, provided it does not persist into adulthood.

Imaging modalities for atraumatic shoulder hypermobility: a scoping review.

Objective measures from imaging studies have the potential to assist in timely diagnosis of atraumatic shoulder hypermobility to better guide management. The aim of this scoping review is to examine imaging modalities and techniques used to characterize atraumatic shoulder hypermobility. MEDLINE, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched up to May 2024 for any primary study investigating imaging findings seen in atraumatic shoulder hypermobility. Patients with unilateral instability were excluded given its frequent association with traumatic origin. Eighteen observational studies met inclusion criteria. Results were divided into outcomes relating to capsular redundancy, glenohumeral anatomy, and muscle activation. Five studies using magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) demonstrated statistically significant increases in capsular cross-sectional area (CSA), while a significant superior capsular elongation was reported by two studies in patients with multidirectional instability (MDI). Labrocapsular distance, glenocapsular ratio, and the presence of a combined sail and triangle sign on MRA were highly sensitive and specific parameters for identifying MDI. There were inconsistent findings for alterations of glenohumeral anatomy. Ultrasound assessments of acromiohumeral distance (AHD) were significantly increased in patients with MDI, but not in shoulders with hypermobility alone. Similarly, muscle activity measured by electromyography or glenohumeral translations differed significantly in patients with MDI, but not in those with hypermobility alone. Radiographic markers of capsular redundancy (e.g., CSA, labrocapsular distance, glenocapsular ratio), AHD, and muscular activity are useful in the diagnosis of MDI. However, there are no definitive imaging markers for diagnosing atraumatic shoulder hypermobility without MDI.

Hyperlipidemia interferes with the behavior of variant NKT cells

Abstract Background NKT cells significantly influence atherosclerosis development. However, inconsistent findings on the function of the NKT cells and the invariant subset in atherosclerosis remains a challenge. Moreover, there is no clarity on the role and phenotype of the variant (vNKT) subset in atherosclerosis. Purpose To understand the role of the vNKT subsets in HFD-induced atherosclerosis. Methods We extracted the data for meta-analysis to understand the role of the whole NKT and iNKT cells in atherosclerosis. PRISMA guidelines were followed for the meta-analysis. In addition, C57BL/6 mice (WT) were fed with HFD for 20 weeks from 6-8 weeks of age. vNKTs were identified as CD3+NK1.1+CD1d-tetramer- within the CD3+NK1.1+ NKT cell population in both liver and spleen by flow cytometry. Intracellular cyotkines staining was performed. Statistical differences inthe means of two groups are calculated by two-tailed Student’s t-test with nonparametric Mann-Whitney tests. P-value<0.05 was considered significant. All data represented as mean±SEM. Results The NKT cell numbers increased significantly in the spleen, lymph nodes, blood, and liver in the HFD-fed mice fed from 1.5 to 24 weeks in Apoe-/-, Ldlr-/- in comparison to wild-type mice (SMD, 2.51 [95% CI, 1.42, 3.61]). Contrary to this, the iNKT cell numbers and the iNKT TCR gene expression levels, decreased significantly in the HFD-fed mice (SMD, -2.04 [95% CI, -3.34, -0.75]). The reduction in iNKT cell numbers is also supported by the clinical data from the AMI patients when compared to healthy controls [SMD = -1.81, 95% CI = -2.89, -0.74] (Figure 1). In HFD-fed C57BL/6 hyperlipidemic mice, significantly increased levels of total cholesterol (HFD vs Chow; 226.5±29.66 vs 118.5±10.56 mg/dL, n=4) and LDLc (44.56±11.96 vs 16.69±1.13 mg%, n=4) was observed. The number of vNKTs in the liver was significantly increased by 46% (HFD vs Chow 28.35±2.28 vs 19.41±1.36, n=6-7) (Figure 2A). However, the CD8+ vNKTs were significantly decreased by 68.6% in the liver (4.72±0.99 vs 15.06±0.96) and the CD4+ vNKTs decreased more than two times in the HFD-fed WT liver (7.39±0.76 vs 18.28±0.36) (Figure 2B). Also, the intracellular IFN-γ+ vNKT cells doubled in their numbers in the HFD-fed spleen (14.31±1.39 vs 6.367±0.87) compared to the chow-fed mice (Figure 2C). Conclusion(s) Meta-analysis revealed dual nature of the NKT cells and its invariant subsets in atherosclerosis, since the whole NKTs increase whereas the iNKTs decrease in number. The vNKT subset actively participates in immune modulation in the HFD-induced hyperlipidemia by increasing their number, as well as by differentially regulating CD8 and CD4 co-receptors between chow and HFD. HFD induced a pro-inflammatory nature in the splenic vNKTs but not in liver vNKTs, that in turn may aggravate other immune cells. This data confirms the dual nature of the NKT subsets and reveals a crucial systemic involvement of vNKT cells in the progression of dyslipidemia.

Association of a healthy plant-based heart-protective diet with reduced cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality: findings from the UK Biobank Study

Abstract Importance Previous research examining the effects of omnivorous and plant-based diets on CVD outcomes has produced inconsistent findings, and the importance of diet quality is overlooked. Objective To assess the relation between adherence to a healthy plant-based, heart-protective diet and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. Design: Prospective cohort study. Methods and Results 192,274 (mean age: 56.3±7.9 years, 43.3% males) participants in UK Biobank without CVD at baseline who completed a 24-hour recall questionnaire. Using data generated by Oxford WebQ, we developed a novel heart-protective diet score (HPDS) based on 22 food groups. Cox proportional hazard models were used to study associations. During a median follow-up of 12.3 years, there were 20,692 CVD events and 1,131 CVD deaths. After adjusting for demographics, Townsend deprivation index, lifestyle factors, and history of chronic diseases, participants in the top quartile of the HPDS were at the lower risk of overall CVD (HR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.88 to 0.95), ischemic heart disease (HR: 0.88 [95% CI: 0.83 to 0.93]), myocardial infarction (HR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.74 to 0.90), and heart failure (HR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.78 to 0.95) than those in the bottom quartile. Participants who adhered closely to a healthy plant-based heart-protective diet had the lowest risk of overall CVD (HR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.61 to 0.86), ischemic heart disease (HR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.52 to 0.89), myocardial infarction (HR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.46 to 0.91), and heart failure (HR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.85) mortality. Conclusions and relevance: Adherence to a healthy plant-based heart-protective diet rich in non-starchy vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and fish, is associated with a reduced cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality. Further research in diverse ethnic populations is necessary to validate our findings and enhance their generalizability.

Guard Cell Activity of PIF4 Represses Disease Resistance in Arabidopsis.

Phytochrome Interacting Factor 4 (PIF4) plays a central role in coordinating plant growth regulation by integrating multiple environmental cues. However, studies on whether and how PIF4 regulates plant immunity have inconsistent findings. In this study, we investigated the role of PIF4 in disease resistance against Pst DC3000 by characterizing its loss-of-function mutants using different inoculation strategies. Our findings reveal that pif4 mutants exhibit enhanced disease resistance with spray inoculation but not with infiltration inoculation compared to wild-type plants, and that mutants displayed more closed stomata apertures, indicating that PIF4 promotes stomatal opening. Importantly, expression of PIF4 by a guard-cell-specific promoter was sufficient to restore disease resistance to the wild-type level in the pif4 mutant. Additionally, PIF4 overexpression enhances disease symptom development independent of disease resistance and chlorophyll degradation, while the loss of PIF4 function leads to higher chlorophyll accumulation. Thus, our findings highlight a crucial function of PIF4 in regulating stomata-mediated disease resistance and chlorophyll accumulation, providing new insights into the connection of growth and defense in plants.

Filling in the missing pieces: Personality traits (un)related to dishonest behavior

Despite notable progress in the study of dishonest behavior and in particular the identification of personality traits (most notably, Honesty-Humility) that are robust predictors of individual differences in dishonesty, prior research has also left several traits untested or yielded inconsistent or inconclusive findings for other traits. We herein provide corresponding evidence, testing the associations between dishonesty and six operationalizations of Big Five Agreeableness, the dark tetrad traits, impression management and lie scales, and self-control versus impulsivity. We relied on a large dataset ( N = 1,916) across two incentivized measurements of dishonesty (separated by about 5 weeks) and tailored hierarchical modeling, and preregistered all hypotheses prior to data analysis. As expected, neither impression management and lie scales nor self-control versus impulsivity were related to dishonesty. By contrast, dark tetrad traits were consistently associated with dishonesty, though almost entirely due to their shared aversive core, the dark factor of personality. Finally, several (but not all) operationalizations of Big Five Agreeableness were associated with dishonesty, but none explained incremental variance above Honesty-Humility whereas the opposite was always the case. We discuss the implications of these findings for recent controversies about basic personality structure, the question of theoretical parsimony, and the dangers of jingle-fallacies.

Effects of meteorological factors on tuberculosis and potential modifiers in Zhejiang Province, China

Although some studies have explored the role of meteorological factors in the development of tuberculosis (TB), the majority have been confined to single regions, leading to inconsistent findings. Consequently, we conducted a multi-city study not only to determine whether meteorological factors significantly influence the risk of developing TB but also to assess the magnitude of these effects and explore potential modifying factors. Data on daily reported TB cases and meteorological factors were collected from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2022, across 11 cities in Zhejiang Province. A distributed lag non-linear model using a quasi-Poisson distribution was employed. Multivariate meta-regression was used to obtain overall pooled estimates and assess heterogeneity. From 2013 to 2022, 267,932 TB cases were reported in Zhejiang Province. Notably, a nonlinear relationship was observed between temperature and TB, with the relative risk (RR) peaking at 1.0 °C (RR = 1.882, 95% CI 1.173–3.020). The effect of low temperature was immediate and significant for a 13-day lag period, with the maximum effect at lag0 (RR = 1.014, 95% CI 1.008–1.021). The exposure-response curve between relative humidity (RH) and TB exhibited an M-shape, with the RR peaking at 47.7% (RR = 1.642, 95% CI 1.044–2.582). The lag effect of low RH was significant at lag 25–59, with the highest RR observed at lag 32 (RR = 1.011, 95% CI 1.001–1.022). Gross domestic product (GDP) per person, population density, and latitude demonstrated significant modification effects. Our study showed that low temperature and RH were associated with an increased risk of TB. Additionally, GDP per person, population density, and latitude may play important roles in explaining the association between RH and TB. These findings provide scientific evidence for the development of geographically specific public health policies.

Broad-line Region of the Quasar PG 2130+099. II. Doubling the Size Over Four Years?

Over the past three decades, multiple reverberation mapping (RM) campaigns conducted for the quasar PG 2130+099 have exhibited inconsistent findings with time delays ranging from ∼10 to ∼200 days. To achieve a comprehensive understanding of the geometry and dynamics of the broad-line region (BLR) in PG 2130+099, we continued an ongoing high-cadence RM monitoring campaign using the Calar Alto Observatory 2.2 m optical telescope for an extra four years from 2019 to 2022. We measured the time lags of several broad emission lines (including He ii, He i, Hβ, and Fe ii) with respect to the 5100 Å continuum, and their time lags continuously vary through the years. Especially, the Hβ time lags exhibited approximately a factor of 2 increase in the last two years. Additionally, the velocity-resolved time delays of the broad Hβ emission line reveal a back-and-forth change between signs of virial motion and inflow in the BLR. The combination of negligible (∼10%) continuum change and substantial time-lag variation (over 2 times) results in a significant scatter in the intrinsic R Hβ –L 5100 relationship for PG 2130+099. Taking the consistent changes in the continuum variability time scale and the size of the BLR into account, we tentatively propose that the changes in the measurement of the BLR size may be affected by “geometric dilution”

Assessment of nurses’ compliance with Patients’ Rights in South Africa: A scoping review.

Abstract Background Compliance with Patients’ Rights by nurses is a crucial determinant of how well healthcare services are provided. Nurses are responsible for upholding Patients’ Rights because they spend so much time with patients. Therefore, it is essential to continuously assess nurses’ compliance with Patients’ Rights in healthcare institutions. Objectives To outline the breadth and type of existing research on nurses’ compliance with Patients’ Rights as well as to pinpoint any gaps in the body of existing knowledge. Methods A scoping review search was done in six electronic databases. For eligibility, articles written in English and focusing on nurses’ compliance with Patients’ Rights in South Africa were checked and evaluated. Data were taken from eligible study materials in order to compile, evaluate the quality, summarize, and create a narrative summary of the results. Results The literature collected was 1158 records from six data bases, after deleting 239 duplicates, 919 records remained. 891 records were excluded using title and abstract of the studies. 15 articles were included in the final analysis. Four articles were quantitative studies, 10 qualitative and one a mixed method. The included studies focused on six Patients’ Rights listed in the Patients’ Rights Charter which consist of 12 Patients’ Rights. Conclusion Nurses’ compliance with Patients’ Rights is inconsistent and there are limited studies on nurses’ compliance with all Patients’ Rights in SA. More studies are required in future, as seen by the included studies’ inconsistent findings.

Impact of hearing rehabilitation programs on presbycusis management: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

In the field of audiology, numerous studies have sought to understand and improve hearing rehabilitation programs for older adults afflicted with presbycusis. Despite this, the field lacks uniform standards pertaining to the intervention methods, frequency, and duration of such programs. These discrepancies have led to varying test results and inconsistent findings across multiple studies. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of hearing rehabilitation programs in enhancing the utilization of hearing aids among older adults with presbycusis. We conducted a comprehensive exploration of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to identify randomized controlled trials assessing the role of hearing rehabilitation programs for patients with age-related hearing loss. The search period spanned from the inception of each database to September 12, 2024. Outcomes were synthesized using RevMan 5.4 software. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, involving 598 patients (290 in the intervention group and 308 in the control group). It was observed that hearing rehabilitation programs significantly diminished self-perceived hearing impairment [MD = -5.80, 95% CI = (-8.16, -3.44), p < 0.00001] and negative emotional states [MD = -1.66, 95% CI = (-3.02, -0.29), p = 0.02], while enhancing hearing aid utilization [MD = 0.22, 95% CI = (0.08, 0.36), p = 0.002]. Nonetheless, these programs did not significantly augment patients' satisfaction with their hearing aids [MD = 0.09, 95% CI = (-0.17, 0.26), p = 0.66]. Hearing rehabilitation programs significantly improve hearing aid outcomes, reduce self-perceived hearing impairment, and alleviate negative emotional states in patients. However, the current body of evidence is insufficient to conclusively indicate that these programs enhance patient satisfaction with daily hearing aid usage.

Association between Obesity and Dental Caries in Adults: An analysis of WHR, and DMFT score.

The relationship between obesity and dental caries in adults presents inconsistent findings in current literature, which necessitates further research to clarify this relationship. This study aimed to examine the association between obesity and dental caries in adults using a nationally representative sample. This study employed data of US adults aged &gt; 20 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) pre-pandemic cycle. Obesity was defined using the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. Dental caries were assessed using the Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) scores. Most participants were categorized as individuals with obesity based on the WHR (74.5%) or BMI (72.7%). A significant difference in the DMFT scores and missing teeth was observed between individuals with normal weight and individuals with obesity. After adjusting for the sociodemographic variables, individuals with obesity had a 0.11 higher DMFT score (95% CI: -0.01-0.23). A significant association was observed between the WHR and DMFT scores when age was excluded from the model, demonstrating a higher coefficient of 0.17 (95% CI: 0.05-0.30). A positive association was observed between obesity and dental caries in the US adult population. However, age was found to be a confounding factor in this relationship. This study highlights the relationship between oral and general health, advocating healthcare providers for an integrated health promotion strategy, through comprehensive campaigns addressing obesity, diet, lifestyle, and dental health, aiming for raising awareness and a more effective public health strategy.

“Give me some flexibility and I will perform better”: longitudinal lessons on the antecedents of job performance

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the longitudinal relationships between the intensity of remote work (IRW) and job performance (JP) with the mediation effect of work–life balance (WLB) and moderation by work overload (WO).Design/methodology/approachA three-wave longitudinal survey, covering pre-pandemic period, the pandemic itself and the post-pandemic period, was conducted among 291 employees. The authors applied linear regression analysis with a moderated mediation effect and the cross-lagged structural equation model with longitudinal mediation using Mplus 8.FindingsThe results show that relationships between IRW and WLB and WLB and JP are negative in the short term; yet over time, employees are able to adapt and benefit from the flexibility offered by remote work (RW). WLB can contribute to better JP in the long run. Furthermore, WLB plays a moderating role in the long-term relationship between RW and JP. There is the second-stage negative moderation effect on this relationship by WO.Practical implicationsThis study recommends a proactive approach toward flexible solutions for employees. It explains that the positive effects of IRW for WLB and JP appear in the longer perspective. Support from organizations to mitigate negative short-term effects is required. Organizations can leverage the mediating role of WLB between IRW and JP in the long term by providing resources and support to help employees achieve WLB in RW settings.Originality/valueThis study extends the research on the antecedents of JP of employees and enriches the extant literature that shows inconsistent findings in terms of the relationships among RW, WLB and JP. It also focuses on the rarely explored intensity of RW. It fills the gap in previous research using a longitudinal research approach. The longitudinal data provide unique and innovative insights into the antecedents of JP of employees and explain complex relationships between them in both the short and long term.

Harnessing the power of adaptation: a pre-registered systematic review on executive functions and the adaptation to new technologies

ABSTRACT Given the pervasive integration of technology into everyday life and its importance in mitigating the negative consequences of global crises, an understanding of human adaptation and preceding cognitive abilities remains highly relevant. A systematic review synthesising empirical findings on the association of executive functions (EFs) and the adaptation to new technologies is currently lacking in the literature. The presented pre-registered, systematic review adheres to PRISMA 2020 guidelines and aims to extract the current state of research on this topic [Registration DOI:10.17605/OSF.IO/MKA82]. Empirical studies investigating the influence of EFs on human adaptation were eligible for inclusion, resulting in 11 studies and 3,733 participants among PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO. Results suggest an enhancing influence of EFs on the adaptation to new technologies, although findings were partially mixed. Inconsistent findings and the performed risk of bias assessment point toward a need for further high-quality research, e.g. on the influence of technological context. A model of possible covariates was proposed that provides guidance for a structured investigation of the process of human adaptation to technology. This review contributes to a better understanding of the association between EFs and human adaptation to new technologies.

Network dynamics-based subtyping of Alzheimer’s disease with microglial genetic risk factors

BackgroundThe potential of microglia as a target for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) treatment is promising, yet the clinical and pathological diversity within microglia, driven by genetic factors, poses a significant challenge. Subtyping AD is imperative to enable precise and effective treatment strategies. However, existing subtyping methods fail to comprehensively address the intricate complexities of AD pathogenesis, particularly concerning genetic risk factors. To address this gap, we have employed systems biology approaches for AD subtyping and identified potential therapeutic targets.MethodsWe constructed patient-specific microglial molecular regulatory network models by utilizing existing literature and single-cell RNA sequencing data. The combination of large-scale computer simulations and dynamic network analysis enabled us to subtype AD patients according to their distinct molecular regulatory mechanisms. For each identified subtype, we suggested optimal targets for effective AD treatment.ResultsTo investigate heterogeneity in AD and identify potential therapeutic targets, we constructed a microglia molecular regulatory network model. The network model incorporated 20 known risk factors and crucial signaling pathways associated with microglial functionality, such as inflammation, anti-inflammation, phagocytosis, and autophagy. Probabilistic simulations with patient-specific genomic data and subsequent dynamics analysis revealed nine distinct AD subtypes characterized by core feedback mechanisms involving SPI1, CASS4, and MEF2C. Moreover, we identified PICALM, MEF2C, and LAT2 as common therapeutic targets among several subtypes. Furthermore, we clarified the reasons for the previous contradictory experimental results that suggested both the activation and inhibition of AKT or INPP5D could activate AD through dynamic analysis. This highlights the multifaceted nature of microglial network regulation.ConclusionsThese results offer a means to classify AD patients by their genetic risk factors, clarify inconsistent experimental findings, and advance the development of treatments tailored to individual genotypes for AD.

No Effect of Intermittent Palm or Sole Cooling on Acute Training Volume during Resistance Exercise in Physically Active Adults: A Summary of Protocols.

Intermittent palm (PC) and sole cooling (SC) are proposed ergogenic methods for enhancing exercise performance during high-intensity and fatiguing conditions. However, findings in the literature regarding its positive effect remain inconclusive. This study aimed at investigating the effects of intermittent PC and SC compared to no cooling (NC) on acute training volume during resistance exercise, particularly focusing on the total number of repetitions (TR) performed. Three separate randomized crossover protocols, incorporating commonly practiced resistance exercises (Protocol 1: pullups; Protocol 2: pushups; Protocol 3: leg extensions), were conducted, enrolling healthy, physically active adults (overall sample: n = 41 (12 female), age: 23.9 ± 4.0 years (mean ± SD), height: 174.4 ± 9.5 cm, body mass: 69.3 ± 12.4 kg). During Protocol 3, tympanic temperature (TT), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and electromyography (EMG) of quadriceps muscles were additionally assessed for SC. PC resulted in less TR compared to NC in Protocol 1 (p < 0.001). Protocol 2 and 3 did not reveal significant ergogenic benefits of PC or SC compared to NC (p > 0.05). Furthermore, SC had no effect on TT, RPE, or EMG amplitudes (all p > 0.05). The inconsistent findings suggest that intermittent PC and SC might have limited effectiveness in enhancing training volume during resistance exercise in physically active adults. Future research should examine various resistance training protocols under controlled conditions, and incorporate comprehensive physiological measurements to elucidate the potential benefits and mechanisms of intermittent cooling in resistance exercise contexts.

Gesture Imitation Performance and Visual Exploration in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Most studies in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) support a decrement in imitation performance. Factors related to visual attention and motor execution have been proposed to explain this phenomenon in ASD. However, studies investigated imitation with various methods, leading to inconsistent findings. Here, we examine imitation performance related to visual attention and motor execution. We focused on the imitation of meaningful and meaningless gestures, consistently reported as more affected than imitation of actions with objects in ASD. The imitation eye-tracking task consisted of a video of an actor demonstrating gestures and prompting children to imitate them. The demonstrations comprised meaningful and meaningless hand gestures, and meaningless facial gestures. We measured the fixation duration to the actor' face during child-directed speech and gesture demonstrations. We video-recorded children to assess their performance. Our sample comprised 100 participants (3.55 ± 1.11years old), including 84 children with ASD. The ASD and typically developing groups displayed the same visual attention toward gesture demonstrations, although children with ASD spent less time looking at the face during facial stimuli. Visual exploration of actors' gestures did not influence imitation performance. Imitation of meaningful gestures was associated with less severe autistic symptoms, whereas imitation of meaningless gestures was correlated with higher non-verbal cognitive and fine-motor skills. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the complexity of imitation. We delineated the distinct nature of imitation of meaningful and meaningless gestures in children with ASD. We discuss clinical implications in relation to assessment and intervention programs.

Reduced GABA Levels in the ACC of Actively Drinking High Risk Individuals Compared to Recently Detoxified Alcohol-Dependent Patients.

Acute gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAergic) effects of alcohol consumption are well-known, whereas prior research has yielded inconsistent findings regarding on adaptations of the GABAergic neurotransmitter system to chronic alcohol use. Previous studies indicate either elevated or reduced GABA levels in cortical regions such as the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in persons with alcohol use disorder (AUD). We tested the hypothesis that active alcohol consumption compared to abstinence contributes to GABA levels as observed in prior research on chronic alcohol use. We investigated GABA levels in the ACC of 31 healthy controls (low risk, LR), 38 high risk individuals providing an active drinking pattern (high risk, HR) and 27 recently detoxified alcohol-dependent (AD) subjects via proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). GABA levels in the ACC were significantly lower in HR compared with AD, but did neither differ between LR and AD nor between LR and HR. Also, we observed a quadratic effect indicating a distribution of GABA levels in the ACC as follows: LR > HR < AD. GABA levels were not associated with abstinence duration in AD. This study suggests that the GABAergic neurotransmitter system is blunted in AUD. More precisely GABA levels in the ACC seem to be higher in recently detoxified AD patients than in individuals at high risk which might suggest that GABA levels may increase after abstinence. No correlation was found between GABA levels and abstinence duration. Longitudinal studies are required to investigate alterations in the GABAergic system throughout the development and maintenance of AUD. No: NCT02094196. Registered 20 March 2014, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02094196.

Single-arm study of testosterone gel replacement therapy and ambulatory blood pressure outcomes in men with hypogonadism.

Studies examining ambulatory blood pressure (BP) response to testosterone replacement therapy are needed owing to inconsistent prior findings across formulations. This study assessed testosterone gel 1.62% and 24-h ambulatory BP. Single-arm non-inferiority trial (NCT04274894) conducted at 36 US sites enrolled 246 men with hypogonadism (mean age, 57.6 years; mean office systolic/diastolic BP [SBP/DBP], 129.8/79.5mm Hg) who were treated for 16weeks with once-daily testosterone gel treatment (starting dose, 40.5mg/day; min, max dose, 20.25, 81.0mg/day) to achieve testosterone concentration of 350-750ng/dL. Main outcome measures included mean change in 24-h average SBP (primary endpoint) and DBP from baseline to week 16. The non-inferiority threshold was a two-sided 95% confidence interval (CI) upper limit <3.0mm Hg for 24-h average SBP. Increase in mean±SD serum testosterone concentration to a physiologic level (baseline, 244.4±93.9ng/dL; week 16, 502.5±394.4ng/dL) was associated with a 1.9-mm Hg mean change in 24-h average SBP observed in the primary analysis (baseline, 123.5mm Hg; week 16, 125.4mm Hg; 95% CI, 0.63-3.13mm Hg; n=169). As the upper CI limit modestly exceeded the non-inferiority margin (3mm Hg), study drug effect on SBP could not be ruled out. Non-inferiority was observed in subgroups without hypertension or diabetes (95% CI, upper limit <3.0mm Hg) and was not observed in those with hypertension or diabetes. Daytime SBP and DBP changes were larger compared with nighttime. No clear cardiovascular adverse events or new safety signals were identified. While the effect of testosterone gel 1.62% on 24-h average SBP could not be ruled out based on the study's non-inferiority margin, the clinical relevance of the small-magnitude mean increase of 1.9mm Hg is anticipated to be minimal considering the results of the TRAVERSE study of testosterone gel 1.62% and major adverse cardiac events. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04274894 (registered February 17, 2020).

Environmental Cost Disclosure and Financial Performance of Oil and Gas Firms

General Background: The relationship between environmental cost disclosure and financial performance is essential in environmentally impactful sectors like oil and gas. Specific Background: This study focuses on listed oil and gas firms in Nigeria, examining health and safety costs and waste management costs as predictors of return on assets (ROA). Knowledge Gap: Existing research shows inconsistent findings on the effects of environmental disclosures on financial performance, necessitating further investigation. Aims: This study aims to clarify the impact of environmental cost disclosures on financial performance, particularly through health and safety and waste management costs. Results: Using ex-post-facto research design and secondary data analysis, the findings reveal a significant positive relationship between environmental cost disclosures and financial performance, highlighting the importance of these costs on ROA. Novelty: By applying legitimacy theory and focusing on specific environmental costs, this research fills a gap in Nigerian literature. Implications: The study recommends enhanced environmental policies for oil and gas firms, promoting accountability and aligning financial performance with ecological responsibilities. Highlights: Significant positive relationship exists between environmental cost disclosures and financial performance (ROA) in Nigerian oil and gas firms. Health and safety costs and waste management costs are critical predictors of financial performance. The study emphasizes the need for enhanced environmental policies and corporate accountability in the oil and gas sector. Keywords: Health, Safety Cost, Waste Management Cost, ROA

The Effect of Robot Anthropomorphism on Customers' Attention Activation and Satisfaction

ABSTRACTPrior research has predominantly focused on how interacting with anthropomorphic robots might affect customers' psychological processes and behaviors, wherein this stream of research has presented some inconsistent findings regarding its effectiveness in the service context. This research aims at taking a novel angle by illuminating on the arousal‐based reaction among customers, and their subsequent satisfaction. Grounded in selective attention theory, this research develops a model in which robot anthropomorphism activates customers' attention, which in turn cultivates heightened customer satisfaction. Findings across an eye‐tracking experiment (Study 1), a field survey study (Study 2), and a scenario‐based experiment (Study 3) converge to provide support to the hypotheses. The results of our mixed‐method approach shed new light on how robot anthropomorphism might impact customer satisfaction. Importantly, this study contributes to the research of service robot in the consumer psychology literature by disentangling an attention (arousal)‐based mechanism through which robot anthropomorphism might induce positive customer outcomes. Meanwhile, it simultaneously offers timely and crucial managerial implications for practitioners to better understand the underlying arousal‐based influences of digitalizing the service delivery among customers. This research ends with a discussion pertaining to its theoretical and practical implications.