Interpretation Bias Research Articles

Pronoun interpretation is more subject-biased than expected by the Bayesian Model

ABSTRACT A Bayesian Model proposed by Kehler et al. ([2008]. Coherence and coreference revisited. Journal of Semantics, 25(1), 1–44. https://doi.org/10.1093/jos/ffm018) suggests that pronoun production and interpretation are driven by a different set of factors following the Bayes’ rule. Evidence suggests that the Bayesian Model makes better predictions on pronoun interpretation compared to other models that assume that pronoun production and interpretation are influenced by the same set of factors. Yet, it remains unclear precisely to what extent the Bayesian Model can capture this relationship. The current study examines the validity of the Bayesian Model by comparing its performance across three different contexts using a variety of evaluation methods. Our results demonstrate that the Bayesian Model’s performance varied across contexts and consistently underestimated the subject bias in interpretation. We suggest that the underestimation is likely because the subject bias in pronoun production is not sufficient to account for the subject bias in actual interpretation, contra to the assumption of the Bayesian Model. We discuss potential sources of the additional subject bias in interpretation.

Perception of pointing gestures in 3D space.

Pointing gestures are often used to refer to distant referents by indicating in which vertical and horizontal direction the referent is located relative to the pointer. In the present manuscript, we address whether and how both dimensions interact when people spatially interpret pointing gestures, or whether both dimensions are processed independently as reflected in many current models. We found that both dimensions interact on different levels. First, cross-dimensional effects were found on a between-gestures level. That is, the perception of the vertical position implied by a pointing gesture depended on horizontal arm and finger orientation. Conversely, the horizontal interpretation depended on vertical arm and finger orientation. Second, we found cross-dimensional interactions on the level of intra-individual biases. That is, participants' horizontal perceptual biases in interpretations (e.g., perceiving a gesture as directed more rightward than others) were related to their vertical perceptual biases. Third, we found cross-dimensional interactions on the level of intra-individual variability. That is, the vertical and horizontal interpretations of the same pointing gestures were correlated within participants and gestures. Together, these findings indicate that human spatial pointing perception is based on configural processing of a gesture on different levels of information processing.

Bedding and bedding surfaces in carbonate and mixed carbonate-siliciclastic successions Part 1: a critical evaluation of biases in identification and interpretation across disciplines and schools

Carbonate sedimentary rocks are crucial for understanding Earth's geological history, ecosystems, and climate dynamics. However, their study is complicated by diagenetic processes that can alter original bedding and surfaces, leading to potential misinterpretations, for example of palaeoecological and sedimentological settings as well as the time represented by these surfaces and the overall succession of deposits. This study examines the varied definitions and interpretations of bedding and associated surfaces in carbonate rocks, highlighting differences across geoscientific disciplines and regions. Through a survey, we aim to clarify the usage of the terminology in bedding and associated surfaces to improve communication and reduce misunderstandings within the geoscientific community. The survey results highlight the highly diverse, but restrictive, individual perceptions of the term “bedding” in carbonate rocks. Significant differences exist between disciplines, a researcher's main region of education, and the main region of work. This study underscores the potential for miscommunication and misunderstandings among geoscientists regarding bedding and associated surfaces, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary and international exchange to recognize the varied origins of “bedding” in carbonate successions.

A single-session feedback training modifies interpretation bias in individuals with high social anxiety: A randomized controlled trial.

The ability to interpret facial expressions accurately is important to adaptive social functioning. Social anxiety disorder is associated with a biased interpretation of facial emotions. This study aimed to demonstrate the effects of feedback training on modifying interpretation bias in individuals with high social anxiety. A total of 451 university students were screened, and 69 participants with high social anxiety were randomly assigned to either a training (n = 37) or a control (n = 32) group. Participants completed pre-questionnaires on social anxiety and depression symptoms, then performed a single session of experiment, followed by post-questionnaires on social anxiety symptoms. In the experiment, participants viewed an ambiguous facial expression and rated the intensity on a continuous scale. The training group received feedback that presented their ratings alongside the actual intensity, allowing them to accurately assess their emotional perception bias through trial-by-trial feedback. The control group received no feedback. The training group showed a significant reduction in interpretation bias for happy and angry faces after the experiment, while the control group did not. However, although the training group's social anxiety symptoms decreased post-experiment, the difference was not statistically significant compared to the control group. These findings provide preliminary evidence that the feedback training targeting dimensional ratings of emotions may be a promising option for correcting interpretation bias in individuals with high social anxiety. Future research could implement multiple sessions of training to potentially reduce both interpretation bias and social anxiety symptoms and verify the long-term effects.

Digital narratives and historical representation: A review - analyzing how digital mediums are revolutionizing the way history is taught and perceived

This study critically examines the transformative impact of digital narratives on historical representation, focusing on how digital mediums have revolutionized the way history is taught, perceived, and interacted with. Employing a systematic literature review and content analysis methodology, the research analyzes data from peer-reviewed articles, books, and digital platforms published between 2013 and 2023. The study's objectives include exploring the emergence and evolution of digital narratives in historical education, assessing their methodological approaches, and evaluating their educational, cultural, and technological impacts. Key findings reveal that digital narratives have significantly altered historical representation, introducing interactive storytelling techniques, democratizing historical knowledge, and integrating advanced technologies like AI and VR in historical education. These narratives have enhanced accessibility and engagement but also presented challenges such as the digital divide, the need for standardization, and potential biases in historical interpretation. The study concludes that the future landscape of historical representation in the digital age is poised to balance traditional and digital methodologies, emphasizing inclusivity and technological innovation. Recommendations are provided for educators, policy makers, and technologists to collaboratively create an accessible, accurate, and engaging digital historical landscape. Future research directions include investigating the long-term impacts of digital narratives on historical understanding, developing pedagogical strategies for digital history education, and exploring ethical considerations in digital historical representation. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamic role of digital narratives in shaping historical knowledge and education in the digital era.

Can a zero-shot learning Large Language Model code complex interview data?

Abstract Background Psychological autopsy is essential to establish theories, explore trends and identify previously unexplored psychosocial risk factors in suicide research. However, qualitative research has been scrutinized for being prone to interpretation bias, problems with accuracy, challenges to reproducibility, and is very time- and cost intensive. The current study aimed to investigate if a Large Language Model can achieve sufficient agreement with a researcher in the deductive coding of interview data obtained in a psychological autopsy study of suicide, to be integrated with qualitative research procedures. Methods Data from 38 interviews was deductively coded by a researcher and a LLAMA 3 based language model. The model performance was evaluated in four increasingly difficult coding tasks, including binary classification and data summarization. Intercoder agreement scores were calculated using Cohen’s Kappa. Results The preliminary results showed that the LLM achieved substantial agreement with the human coders for the binary classification task (.78). The variability in performance was influenced by code definitions. The results of the quality of LLM interpretation and summarization will also be presented. Conclusions State-of-the-art LLM can be easily integrated into the qualitative analyses of psychological autopsy interviews and may improve real time monitoring of suicides. We recommend a human-AI collaborative model, whereby deductive coding by the LLM is complemented by human inductive coding and further interpretation. Key messages • Integrating an LLM with qualitative research procedures is feasible in a collaborative model. • Integrating an LLM with qualitative research procedures allows near real-time monitoring based on qualitative data, which extends to other public health fields.

Cognitive processing biases of social anxiety in adults who do and do not stutter

PurposeAdults who stutter are at risk of developing high levels of social anxiety, leading to negative outcomes and contributing towards stuttering relapse post treatment. To ensure that psychological treatments for social anxiety in stuttering adults are relevant and effective, a broader empirical understanding of the mechanisms of social anxiety in stuttering populations is required. Four key cognitive processing biases identified as maintenance factors in cognitive behavioral models of social anxiety were examined: self-focused attention, safety behavior use, negative self-imagery, and interpretation bias. MethodsAdults who stutter and non-stuttering adults (N = 186) were assessed via an online survey. Participants were categorised into two groups based on stuttering: formally diagnosed stuttering and non-stuttering. Within those groups, participants were further categorised as having low or high levels of social anxiety. Cognitive processing bias was assessed in response to two hypothetical social scenarios (i.e., social interaction and social performance). ResultsAs predicted, in both adults who stutter and who are non-stuttering, high social anxiety was related to greater self-focused attention, safety behavior use and negative self-imagery compared to low social anxiety. No significant effect of social anxiety or stuttering was found in relation to interpretation bias. A significant effect of social anxiety upon negative self-imagery was observed in formally-diagnosed adults who stutter compared to non-stuttering adults. ConclusionThe results support the use of cognitive behavioral models of social anxiety as a framework for research and treatment development within stuttering populations.

Development and validation of a gene expression-based Breast Cancer Purity Score

The prevalence of malignant cells in clinical specimens, or tumour purity, is affected by both intrinsic biological factors and extrinsic sampling bias. Molecular characterization of large clinical cohorts is typically performed on bulk samples; data analysis and interpretation can be biased by tumour purity variability. Transcription-based strategies to estimate tumour purity have been proposed, but no breast cancer specific method is available yet. We interrogated over 6000 expression profiles from 10 breast cancer datasets to develop and validate a 9-gene Breast Cancer Purity Score (BCPS). BCPS outperformed existing methods for estimating tumour content. Adjusting transcriptomic profiles using the BCPS reduces sampling bias and aids data interpretation. BCPS-estimated tumour purity improved prognostication in luminal breast cancer, correlated with pathologic complete response in on-treatment biopsies from triple-negative breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant treatment and effectively stratified the risk of relapse in HER2+ residual disease post-neoadjuvant treatment.

Exploring the Impact of Sex and Gender in Brain Function: Implications and Considerations.

Sex and gender are crucial variables in understanding brain development and disease. Biological sex is determined by genetic and hormonal factors, whereas gender is a multidimensional construct shaped by social and cultural influences. The interplay of these factors contributes to sex-specific susceptibilities and disease progression in psychiatric and neurological disorders. However, sex and gender are often considered as a single variable, which can lead to biased data analysis and interpretation. This commentary aims to analyze how sex and gender influence brain structure and function, with implications for personalized medicine, research, and the development of gender-sensitive clinical guidelines. Findings from various studies employing neuroimaging techniques and animal models are discussed, as well as the impact of biological sex, gender, environmental, cultural, and social factors on brain development, organization, and behavior. Evidence suggests that sex differences in brain structure and function are not only genetically determined but arealso influenced by gender-related experiences and societal contexts. Importantly, discrepancies between male and female brains are reduced in gender-equal societies. Preclinical studies play a pivotal role in determining the influence of biological sex, independent of gender, in different disease models. The findings underscore the need to consider both sex and gender in research and clinical practice to avoid biases and promote equitable health outcomes. Moving forward, we advocate for gender-sensitive approaches to be integrated into brain research and in clinical guidelines to achieve personalized and precision medicine.

Low prevalence of spin in conclusions of interventional pediatric orthopedic studies

Interpretation bias as a factor of research reporting quality has not been thoroughly investigated in the conclusions of pediatric orthopedic publications. Our objective was to investigate the prevalence, subtypes, and severity of research reporting bias or spin of the conclusions in full-texts and abstracts of published studies investigating the effects of treatment/intervention in the pediatric orthopedic literature. We systematically searched ten high-ranking orthopedic journals on MEDLINE/PubMed. Inclusion criteria were pediatric orthopedic studies investigating the effects of treatment/intervention. We used descriptive statistics to report the prevalence, subtype, and severity of reporting bias in the studies’ conclusions according to validated classification criteria. We checked the results to ensure that data were neither misreported nor misinterpreted/extrapolated in the conclusions of the full-texts and their abstracts. Out of 93 included studies in the final analysis, 17 (18%) had at least one count of bias. Nine (10%) studies had bias in both full-text and the corresponding abstract conclusions. In four (4%) studies, bias was restricted to conclusions of abstracts only, and in four (4%) studies was restricted to a bias criterion assigned to the classification criteria of conclusions of full-text only and not the abstract. We analyzed 2511 spin/bias items across 93 studies and reported 30 (1%) counts of bias in conclusions of full-text and/or abstracts. The intervention was surgical in (71%) of studies. Interventional pediatric orthopedic studies published in high-ranking journals showed a low prevalence of reporting bias, namely, misleading reporting, misinterpretation, and inadequate extrapolation of conclusions. A comparative analysis with lower-ranking journals as a control group may reveal if our favorable results are an attribute of journal rank/quality. In general, editorial policies should emphasize skilled interpretation and extrapolation of research results.

Recycled crystal population proving complex plumbing systems: an archetypal example from Cretaceous alkaline magmatism in SE Brazil

Porphyritic alkaline dykes from the Serra do Mar province (SE Brazil) carry clinopyroxene macrocrysts with a complex magmatic history. Clinopyroxene is the main macrocryst phase from the Bom Repouso dyke, representing different populations. Based on petrographical features, mineral chemistry and equilibrium relationships, the clinopyroxene populations are classified as antecrysts (green cores and colourless cores and mantles) and phenocrysts (Ti-augite mantle/rims). Calculated compositions for the liquid in equilibrium with the macrocryst cores indicate mafic (colourless cores) and felsic (green cores) alkaline melts. These were used as poles for mixing-model curves, revealing a hybrid origin for the host matrix. Clinopyroxene barometry reveals key insights into the plumbing systems of the Serra do Mar province, with the Bom Repouso dyke as an archetypal example of these transcrustal systems. All target bodies record a crystallization history over a continuous range of pressures (>8 kbar up to the surface). Some preferred levels for magma storage are observed: c. 0–0.5, 1–2.5, 3–4 and 5.5–7 kbar. Our work highlights the complex magmatic history of the Serra do Mar alkaline occurrences, encompassing several open-system effects. A thorough petrographical examination is necessary to enhance our comprehension of these magmas, while petrogenetic models based on whole-rock compositions may lead to biased interpretations.

Analysis Of Staffing Strategies In Startup Companies: A Qualitative Study In Startup Companies In Jakarta, Indonesia

The purpose of this research is to understand the planning, implementation, and evaluation of staffing strategies by startup companies to ensure their success. This study employs a qualitative approach using a case study method. Research data were obtained through observation at one small startup company, namely Investify, and in-depth interviews with 16 informants, including HR staff, HR Managers, and one CEO of a startup company. Data were coded using NVivo 12 software. The research findings reveal that staffing strategies involve several stages, including selecting job posting channels, candidate screening, and offering incentives to potential employees. The limitations lie in the research scope, focused only on startups in Jakarta, and potential bias in data interpretation. Using these research findings, practitioners can enhance workforce management effectiveness by reinforcing the company's brand through cultural communication, exploring diverse recruitment channels, and improving employee selection methods. The originality and value of this research lie in exploring workforce strategies in Jakarta's startup companies, providing insights into recruitment and selection processes that can enhance staffing strategies in startup companies.

An improved convolutional architecture for quantitative characterization of pore networks in fine-grained rocks using FIB-SEM

Focused ion beam scanning electron microscope (FIB-SEM) is one of the most advanced imaging techniques for analyzing and understanding complex pore networks in shale and other fine-grained formations. However, FIB-SEM imaging tends to be time-consuming and labor-intensive and can result in biased interpretations associated with pore analysis. Recently, U-Net or its variants for image segmentation have been applied to capture microscopic pores at higher resolutions. The ‘traditional’ encoder-decoder-based approaches tend to detect very fine-scale microscopic pores poorly. This study presents an improved convolutional architecture for automatically analyzing pore structures in shale reservoirs using FIB-SEM. It does so by applying an overcomplete convolutional architecture, KiU-Net, to capture very fine-scale microscopic pores by accurately defining their edges in the input FIB-SEM images. The KiU-Net learns low and high-level features by making the model more sensitive to fine-scale microscopic pores in the input images. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate KiU-Net's capabilities by analyzing different shale formations with varying characteristics. The results indicate that KiU-Net is more accurate and efficient than other methods in predicting nanopores in the Longmaxi, Niutitang, Qingshankou, Qianjiang, and Yanchang Formations (China), Bakken shale (Canada), and coal reservoirs (China). Furthermore, KiU-Net demonstrated the advantage of requiring fewer parameters and achieving super convergence compared to the Attention U-Net technique. KiU-Net addresses the challenges of the Edge-Threshold Automatic Processing (ETAP) methods by capturing very fine-scale microscopic pores with accurate edges. This study further enhances the accuracy and efficiency of pore analysis in shales, thereby offering an improved method for understanding shale reservoir quality with the potential to improve petroleum recovery from such formations.

Integrating Whole Slide Imaging and Artificial Intelligence Provides Higher Accuracy in Thyroid Cytology

Abstract Introduction/Objective The aim of the study is to evaluate the potential advantages of integrating Whole Slide Imaging (WSI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to increase efficiency and diagnostic accuracy in thyroid cytology, especially in indeterminate lesions. Methods/Case Report A retrospective database search from 2000-2023 was performed, and the concordance with the pathologists was evaluated based on the manual or AI-based Region of Interest (ROI) identification, the best- suited AI, algorithm design, color enhancement, and combination of AI and Electronic Medical Records (EMR). Results (if a Case Study enter NA) The cohort included 3285 WSI and 121,384 ROI. In 109 WSI with manually diagnosed ROI, Deep learning successfully predicted benign and malignant cases, including 11 indeterminate cases, with zero false positives or negatives for 35% of cases. In the second study with 908 WSI, 4494 ROI were identified with Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). A higher area under the curve (AUC) resulted when EMR and Machine Learning algorithm (MLA) were integrated: EMR: 0.931, MLA: 0932, EMR+ MLA; 0.962, Sensitivity: 92.0%, Specificity 90.5%. In the next study with 145 WSI, the CNN-identified ROI was presented to the same pathologist after 117 days. Perfect concordance was seen between the two methods (K score 0.924, time to diagnosis;81.59 Second). In 360 WSI, YOLOV4 algorithm was trained to detect the ROI, and detection and classification rates were used to evaluate the accuracy. It had a precision of 81.84% (3.16% more than the single detection networks of 78.68%). In the last study with 964 WSI, color augmentation improved the AUC for indeterminate cases from 88.3% to 96.2%. Conclusion CNN is a better-suited AI for whole slide imaging due to its compatibility with image data and ability to automatically detect important features without human supervision. It also removes the component of subjective bias in interpretation. Color augmentation and integration of EMR can overcome the unique challenges in thyroid indeterminate cytology.

Does the Diagnostic Performance of the Pathologist on the Indeterminate Categories of the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology Vary between Pediatric and Adult Patients?

The objectives of this study were to investigate the variation in the use of indeterminate categories of The Bethesda System for reporting thyroid cytopathology across age groups, particularly focusing on atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) category, and discern the potential role of a bias in pathologist's interpretation when dealing with pediatric patients. To highlight a more refined diagnostic pattern, thyroid fine-needle aspirations reported by a single pathologist over a span of 10 years enrolled to the study. A total of 8,827 cases from patients aged between 2 and 89 were categorized for each decades of ages. For the AUS category, AUS to malignant (AUS:M) ratio was calculated, and variations in distinct age groups and across the years were noted. The rate of indeterminate categories was 19% for the pediatric cases and 11% for the adults. When compared to adults, AUS diagnosis was more common in pediatric patients (14% vs. 9%), with rates of malignancy (ROMs) 54% and 45%, respectively. The AUS:M ratio during the study period ranged between 0.5 and 2.3 (mean 1.4). AUS:M ratio was highest in children below the age 11. Among AUS subtypes, AUS-nuclear predominated in both age groups, and papillary thyroid carcinoma emerged as the most common malignancy after resection. Follicular neoplasia category was higher in pediatric patients than in adults (4% vs. 1%), with similar ROMs (29% vs. 32%). Indeterminate cytology diagnosis and subsequent ROM is higher in pediatric patients, which might be attributable to a slightly higher use of AUS diagnosis in the youngest children.

ASSISTÊNCIA DE ENFERMAGEM NA SAÚDE MENTAL DA MULHER PUÉRPERA COM DEPRESSÃO PÓS-PARTO

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a multifactorial condition that affects the mental health of many women after childbirth, with impacts on child development. Factors such as income, education, and social support influence the prevalence and severity of symptoms. Early identification and proper management are essential, and the nurse’s role is central in this process. Nurses, due to their privileged position, can provide emotional support, conduct screenings, and educate new mothers about the signs of PPD. Ongoing training in mental health is fundamental for these professionals to perform their roles effectively. Research indicates that interventions focused on strengthening social support and improving socioeconomic conditions can be effective in preventing PPD. However, current research has limitations, such as the lack of diversity in samples and interpretive biases. Future studies should include more representative samples and explore new approaches that nurses can adopt in different contexts. Understanding PPD should go beyond identifying symptoms and consider the socioeconomic context and social support available to postpartum women. Proactive nurse intervention is fundamental to ensuring adequate care during this critical period, promoting both maternal mental health and healthy child development. Evidence highlights the importance of public policies that integrate the role of nurses in maternal mental health care.

B-004 Method Validation of Lactate in the Plasma of Rats

Abstract Background The objective of this study is to validate Lactate (LAC) measurement in rat plasma using the ADVIA 1800 analyzer. Methods LAC was validated in rat plasma using the ADVIA 1800 analyzer. Validation testing included intra-assay and inter-assay precision, accuracy, linearity of dilution, limit of quantitation (LOQ), limit of detection (LOD), reference interval, carry-over, correlation, recovery, and stability. Samples were collected into tubes containing sodium fluoride. Intra-assay precision was determined by analyzing two biological samples and the two quality control levels of Bio-Rad Lyphochek Assayed Chemistry Control 10 consecutive times. Inter-assay precision was determined by analyzing the two quality control levels in duplicate for six days over a 10-day period. Accuracy was calculated using the data obtained from the inter-assay precision testing. For linearity of dilution, Audit MicroControl General Chemistry Linearity Kit and biological samples were diluted and analyzed in duplicate. The LOQ was determined by diluting the calibrator material to produce a value at the low end of the reportable range. Diluted material was tested six times. The LOD was determined by assaying the appropriate blank 10 times. The reference interval was determined by analyzing 21 plasma samples. Correlation between the two ADVIA 1800 analyzers was determined by assaying 10 samples on both analyzers once. The carry-over of the assay was determined by analyzing the high-level quality control material followed by the low-level quality control material. Recovery was determined by analyzing a pair of test samples in duplicate that have been spiked and diluted. The proportional error between the two test samples was calculated. Stability of plasma samples was tested on wet ice, refrigerated, and frozen (at -70°C) for various durations of storage. Results Measurement of LAC in rat plasma met the acceptance criteria for precision, accuracy, linearity of dilution, limit of quantitation, carry-over, recovery, and stability. For intra-assay precision in specimen and control material, the %CV was within ±20%. The inter-assay precision %CV was within ±20%. The total error observed (TEobs) was within ±20% for accuracy and the obtained mean of the control material was within the manufacturer’s acceptable range. For linearity of dilution, the coefficient of determination was ≥ 0.9000, the slope was within 1.00 ± 0.25, and TEobs for each plasma and linearity kit dilution was ≤20%. The LOQ was set at the lowest concentration for which the TEobs was within ±20%. The LOD was calculated by adding the mean concentration obtained and three times the standard deviation. The reference interval was set to the 2.5th to 97.5th percentile interval using Excel software. The carry-over was acceptable at ≤2%. Correlation between the two ADVIA 1800 analyzers was determined to describe any bias in result interpretation. Recovery was acceptable as the proportional error was within ±20%. Stability at all storage conditions was found to be acceptable with a mean %difference within ±20%. Conclusions LAC in rat plasma met the acceptance criteria for all required validation parameters. The ADVIA 1800 analyzer can be used for preclinical studies to test LAC in rat plasma.

B-234 Evaluating the diagnostic utility of dd-cf-dna in renal allograft surveillance: a single-center perspective

Abstract Background Donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cf-DNA) tests offer a non-invasive alternative to biopsy for allograft surveillance in solid organ transplantation. Unlike biopsies, dd-cf-DNA tests are not subject to interpretation bias and have the potential to detect subclinical rejection, which can lead to graft dysfunction and poor outcomes. At our institution, dd-cf-DNA testing is currently offered as a send out test and we sought to evaluate its efficacy in monitoring our post-transplant patients. Methods We retrospectively examined electronic health records of 50 renal transplant patients with dd-cf-DNA (using AlloSure and Prospera assays) between January 1st, 2019, and December 31st, 2022 to assess diagnostic utility of dd-cf-DNA relative to donor-specific antibodies (DSA) and biopsy (all predictors of graft function). Statistical analysis included correlation testing with t-tests. Results Overall, dd-cf-DNA levels correlated with DSA levels (p = 0.0002) and patients with both HLA-class I and II DSA had significantly higher dd-cf-DNA levels (p< 0.05). The Prospera dd-cf-DNA assay appeared to be a better predictor of DSA levels (p = 0.04) than the Allosure dd-cf-DNA assay. Though not statistically significant, there was trend towards an increase in dd-cf-DNA in patient with biopsy-proven graft injury and rejection vs no rejection. Interestingly, dd-cf-DNA levels were significantly elevated in patients with biopsy-proven antibody mediated rejection (ABMR). Because dd-cfDNA levels have been reported to be impacted by sensitizing events including prior transplant, we evaluated and observed levels of dd-cf-DNA to be higher in patients with a history of more than one graft vs single graft recipients (p< 0.0001) and this observation was prominent in the Allosure assay. Conclusions Our findings suggest that dd-cf-DNA testing holds promise as a valuable tool for graft surveillance and early detection of ABMR. The lack of correlation with biopsy-confirmed rejections may be attributed to the dd-cf-DNA assays’ ability to detect rejection events earlier in the disease progression process compared to biopsy. Time course analysis will be beneficial. Additionally, the observed differences between AlloSure and Prospera emphasize the significance of thoroughly evaluating and selecting assays, particularly in multi-transplant recipients. We highlight that our initial analysis is limited due to a small sample size. However, we aim to assess 200 patients by the conclusion of this study.

Studyholism and Attachment Style: A Study among Italian University Students.

Studyholism (or obsession with studying) is a new potential clinical condition introduced in the literature in 2017. Since then, growing research has supported its conceptualization as a clinical disorder and highlighted some potential intervention targets, namely trait worry, social anxiety, negative interpretation bias, and defense mechanisms. The present study aims to extend the literature concerning psychodynamic-related constructs that might constitute targets for interventions aimed at reducing Studyholism by investigating the role of attachment in 1073 students (Mage = 23.48 ± 3.77), balanced concerning civil status (i.e., currently being single or involved in a relationship/non-single). Among the main findings, we found that insecure attachment-mainly preoccupied attachment-is a positive predictor of Studyholism in both non-single and single students. However, there are also some differences depending on the civil status. Finally, (single) disengaged studyholics have a statistically significant lower level of secure attachment than (single) engaged studyholics. In conclusion, this study showed the value of distinguishing between non-single and single students when investigating the role of attachment. Regarding problematic overstudying specifically, the study provided support for its definition as a clinical disorder, also with evidence of the appropriateness of its OCD-related conceptualization. Finally, it suggests preoccupied (insecure) attachment as a target to reduce Studyholism by fostering in students the feeling of being loved and deserving of being loved in their current adult relationships.

Church Conflict, Loneliness, and the Bid to Belong

Loneliness, a perceived sense of isolation, has been demonstrated to have deleterious effects on both physical and mental health. Numerous studies suggest that the prevalence of loneliness is increasing over time and is common in the church, even among pastors. Many researchers now conceptualize the pain of loneliness as an evolutionarily adaptive signal that prompts the lonely person to make social connections. Loneliness, however, can also increase one’s hypervigilance to the threat of rejection, leading to a cycle of behavior and biased interpretation called the “loneliness loop.” Drawing upon Baumeister’s need-to-belong theory, this article is a concept paper that suggests that congregations are places of belonging, and that some church conflict can be understood as stemming from failed bids for social connection, with the conflict being reciprocally maintained by the mutual activation of the loneliness loop. This perspective will be illustrated through two vignettes drawn from the published ministry literature.