Large Effect Sizes Research Articles

30-sit-to-stand power is a better tool than isometric knee extensor strength to detect motor impairment in people with haemophilic arthropathy.

Regular assessment of motor impairments is crucial in people with haemophilic arthropathy (PwHA). This study aimed to determine if there are differences in 30-secondssit-to-stand (30-STS) power and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the knee extensors between PwHA and healthy control group (CG). The secondary aims were to investigate the correlation between 30-STS power and MVIC of knee extensors with clinical characteristics and to assess their effectiveness in identifying motor impairment in PwHA. A cross-sectional study was conducted by collecting data from PwHA (n=17) and a sedentary CG (n=15). MVIC (torque) and 30-STS power were normalised to body mass. Correlation analysis and simple linear regression adjusted for age were used to assess the association between tests and clinical variables. Using z-scores derived from the mean and standard deviation of the CG, we compared the MVIC and the 30-STS power in PwHA. PwHA showed lower MVIC and 30-STS power compared to CG (p<.001; large effect size d>.8). Lower 30-STS power was associated with greater joint impairment and greater fear of movement, whereas MVIC showed no association with clinical variables. 30-STS power showed a lower z-score compared to MVIC (p<.001). In addition, 30-STS power detected 47% of PwHA with motor impairment compared to 0% for MVIC (p=.002). Our results suggest that 30-STS power may be more effective than knee extensors MVIC in detecting motor impairment in PwHA. Consequently, lower limb skeletal muscle power, rather than maximum knee extensor strength, appears to be more affected in PwHA.

A phase I trial of accelerated intermittent theta burst rTMS for amnestic MCI

BackgroundEmerging evidence suggests that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) enhances cognition in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) rTMS protocols are promising as they substantially reduce...

Histological Outcomes of Pharmacological Interventions in Eosinophilic Esophagitis for Adults and Children: A Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Multiple pharmacological interventions have been studied for managing eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). We performed a comprehensive systematic review and network meta-analysis of all available randomized controlled trials (RCT) to assess the efficacy and safety of these interventions in EoE in adults and children. We performed a comprehensive review of Embase, PubMed, MEDLINE OVID, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science through May 10, 2023. We performed frequentist approach network meta-analysis using random effects model. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI for dichotomous outcomes. Our search yielded 25 RCTs with 25 discrete interventions and 2067 patients. Compared with placebo, the following interventions improved histology (using study definitions) in decreasing order on ranking: orodispersible budesonide (ODB) low dose, ODB high dose, oral viscous budesonide (OVB) high dose, fluticasone tablet 1.5mg twice daily, fluticasone 3mg twice daily, esomeprazole, dupilumab every 2 weeks, dupilumab weekly, OVB medium dose, fluticasone 3mg daily, cendakimab 180mg, prednisone, swallowed fluticasone, fluticasone tablet 1.5mg daily, OVB low dose, reslizumab 3mg/kg, reslizumab 1mg/kg, and reslizumab 2mg/kg. Network meta-analysis demonstrates histological efficacy of multiple medications for EoE. Because of the heterogeneity and large effect size, we recommend more trials comparing pharmacotherapeutic interventions with each other and placebo. An important limitation of this study is absence of clinical efficacy data due to insufficient data. Other limitations include heterogeneity of operator, population, and outcome analysis.

Pain Education and Virtual Reality Improves Pain, Pain-related Fear of Movement, and Trunk Kinematics in Individuals with Persistent Low Back Pain.

To evaluate the effect of combining pain education and virtual reality exposure therapy using a cognitive behavioural therapy-informed approach (VR-CBT) on pain intensity, fear of movement, and trunk movement, in individuals with persistent low back pain. Thirty-seven participants were recruited in a single cohort repeated measures study, attending three sessions one week apart. The VR-CBT intervention included standardised pain education (Session 1), and virtual reality exposure therapy (Session 2) incorporating gameplay with mixed reality video capture and reflective feedback of performance. Outcome measures (Pain intensity, pain-related fear of movement (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia), and trunk kinematics during functional movements (maximum amplitude, peak velocity) were collected at baseline (Session1), and one week following education (Session 2) and virtual reality exposure therapy (Session 3). One-way repeated measures ANOVAs evaluated change in outcomes from baseline to completion. Post-hoc contrasts evaluated effect sizes for the education and virtual reality components of VR-CBT. Thirty-four participants completed all sessions. Significant (P<0.001) reductions were observed in Mean(SD) pain (baseline 5.9(1.5); completion 4.3(2.1)) and fear of movement (baseline 42.6(6.4); completion 34.3(7.4)). Large effect sizes (Cohen's d) were observed for education (pain intensity 0.85; fear of movement 1.28) while the addition of virtual reality exposure therapy demonstrated very small insignificant effect sizes, (pain intensity 0.10; fear of movement 0.18). Peak trunk velocity, but not amplitude, increased significantly (P<0.05) across trunk movement tasks. A VR-CBT intervention improved pain, pain-related fear of movement, and trunk kinematics. Further research should explore increased VR-CBT dosage and mechanisms underlying improvement.

Prospective memory is associated with aspects of disability and quality of life in people with epilepsy

ABSTRACT Introduction Episodic memory disruptions in epilepsy stem from shared neurocircuitry. While prior research has focused on retrospective memory (RM), prospective memory (PM; i.e. remembering to remember) also deserves consideration given its critical role in the management of daily activities. The current investigation assessed whether PM is associated with disability and quality of life in people with epilepsy. Methods This cross-sectional, correlational study included a consecutive series of 50 people with epilepsy presenting for neuropsychological evaluation who completed the Royal Prince Alfred Prospective Memory Test (RPA) and Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ) and 63 demographically comparable healthy adults. The participants with epilepsy also completed clinical measures of neuropsychological ability and questionnaires assessing disability and quality of life. Results People with epilepsy had significantly more frequent memory symptoms as compared to healthy adults at a very large effect size. Worse mood was associated with lower PM ability at a medium effect size and more frequent PM symptoms at a large effect size. A hierarchical linear regression indicated that PM explained 52% of the variance in disability and 43% of the variance in quality of life after accounting for RM ability. Conclusions PM is associated with poorer everyday functioning among people with epilepsy and shows evidence of incremental value beyond RM ability in that regard. Future studies are needed to understand the complex pathways from PM to functional limitations to inform clinical intervention.

Abstract PO4-03-11: Discerning the impact of ctDNA detection on patient decisions in early-stage breast cancer

Abstract Background: Detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) after neoadjuvant therapy for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is associated with increased risk of recurrence. Ongoing trials aim to determine whether knowledge of specific genomic mutations in ctDNA can inform targeted adjuvant therapy to improve prognosis. The impact of knowledge of ctDNA status on patient treatment decisions weighing benefit and toxicity is unknown. Methods: 401 women were recruited via the Research Advocacy Network from Young Survivors’ Coalition, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, and Pink-4-Ever Ending Disparities. Participants had to self-report a history of non-metastatic breast cancer and have received chemotherapy in the prior 6 months to 10 years to be eligible. Participants completed a 27 question Qualtrics survey detailing demographics and experience with prior chemotherapy. Based on estimations from prior data, participants were presented with scenarios mimicking residual TNBC and unknown, negative, or positive ctDNA status with corresponding risk of recurrence of 40%, 20%, or 55% respectively. Participants were then presented with 12 scenarios (in random order) combining various degrees of absolute risk reduction (5%, 15%, 35%) with established toxicity profiles of four possible post-neoadjuvant therapies (capecitabine, immunotherapy, PARP inhibitor, and PI3K inhibitor). Participants rated scenarios in terms of acceptability from 0-100. A general linear model with repeated measures (3 × 4) was used to determine the contributions of risk reduction and toxicity to acceptability. Models were also run with the addition of between subject factors: age group (&amp;lt; 40; &amp;gt;40), stage of cancer (Stage 1; Stage 2/3), and previous experience with toxicity (Yes; No), to examine whether any of these factors moderated the effects of risk reduction and toxicity. Effect sizes were determined by partial h2. Results: 286 eligible respondents completed the survey with evaluable responses. Average age was 41.2 (range 27-75). When the hypothetical risk of recurrence decreased from 40% (ctDNA-unknown) to 20% (ctDNA-negative), significantly less participants preferred adjuvant capecitabine vs. no therapy (95.1% versus 63.3%, p&amp;lt; 0.001). Across the 12 scenarios, both benefit (F=448.5, p&amp;lt; 0.001; preference for greater benefit) and toxicity (F=33.64, p&amp;lt; 0.001; preference for lower toxicity) significantly influenced acceptability, but benefit had a much larger effect size than toxicity (h2=0.76 and 0.26, respectively). There was no significant interaction effect, and the pattern of results was not moderated by age, stage of cancer, or prior experience with chemotherapy toxicity. The most preferred scenario (greatest benefit, lowest toxicity) had a mean rating of 87.8/100; however, even when presented with the scenario with the lowest benefit and highest toxicity, the mean rating was still 31.5/100, suggesting that this combination would be acceptable to some individuals. Conclusions: Knowledge of ctDNA-negative status significantly reduced the number of participants preferring adjuvant capecitabine over no further therapy. When faced with ctDNA-positive status, participants preferred maximum risk reduction regardless of toxicity profile. As genomic technology advances, it is imperative that researchers and treating physicians understand its impact on patient decision making. Citation Format: Tarah Ballinger, Gregory Zimet, Elda Railey, Mary Lou Smith, Bryan Schneider. Discerning the impact of ctDNA detection on patient decisions in early-stage breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO4-03-11.

ROUTINE CAPSULAR REPAIR VERSUS UNREPAIRED CAPSULOTOMY: MINIMUM FIVE-YEAR OUTCOMES FOLLOWING ARTHROSCOPIC CORRECTION OF FEMOROACETABULAR IMPINGEMENT

To evaluate the impact of routine capsular repair on patient-reported outcomes, survivorship and achievability of clinically important improvement, minimum 5-years post-surgery.Our prospective institutional registry was reviewed for cases undergoing primary HA for FAI, and stratified into two groups depending on whether the capsule was repaired or not. Routine repair was introduced in late 2013. The No Repair group consisted of patients undergoing HA between Jan 2010-June 2013 while the Repair group consisted of patients undergoing HA between Jan 2015-Sept 2018. Exclusion criteria consisted of &gt;50 years, Tonnis&gt;1, dysplasia(LCEA&lt;25), concomitant hip pathologies. PROMs consisted of mHHS, SF36 and UCLA. Metrics of clinically important improvement was evaluated using MCID and SCB. Rates of repeat HA or THA conversion were recorded.985 cases were included (359 No Repair; 626 Repair), 86% male, average age 27.4±6.7years. Significant improvement in all PROMs at minimum 5-years was observed for both groups (p&lt;0.001 for all; large effect sizes for mHHS and SF36, medium effect sizes for UCLA). At 5-years post-op there was no significant difference between groups for mHHS(p=0.078) or UCLA(0.794). SF36 was significantly poorer for those cases undergoing routine repair(p&lt;0.001) however effect size was small (0.20). Thresholds of MCID and SCB were calculated as 69% and 86% for mHHS, 64% and 77% for UCLA, 43% and 60% for SF36. Both groups achieved MCID and SCB at similar rates for mHHS and UCLA. A significantly lower proportion of cases in the repair groups achieved MCID for SF36 (53.6% vs 63.5%, p=0.034) and SCB for SF36 (37.3% vs 52.8%, p&lt;0.001). No significant difference between groups for THA conversion (0.6% No Repair vs 0.5% Repair) or repeat HA (9.7% No Repair vs 8.1% Repair).Routinely repairing the capsule following HA for FAI demonstrates no clinical benefit over not repairing the capsule 5 years post-surgery

The Effectiveness Of Virtual Reality Along With Task Specific Training On Quality Of Life Of C6-C7 Level- Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury Patients

Background- Spinal cord injury is a devastating condition. In recent years, traumatic spinal cord injury has become one of the major disabling conditions in young males. These chronic complications negatively impact patients’ functional independence and thus affect the quality of life. Methods-Thirty-seven spinal cord injury patientsC6-C7 with American Spinal Cord Injury Association (C, D) who full-filled the inclusion criteria were recruited,  out of which 7 discontinued the therapy program, 15 spinal cord injury  patients in Group I (Virtual Reality with Task Specific Training) and 15 spinal cord injury patients in the Group II (only task specific) completed the study.Virtual Reality training was given as an intervention using NIRVANA which is a semi-immersive Virtual Reality training. Results-Group I, which received only Task Specific Training, revealed a statistically significantly positive change in Quality of life (Z = -2.671, p = 0.008) with a medium effect size of (r = 0.48). For Group II, which received Virtual Reality along with Task Specific Training,revealed a statistically significantly positive change in Quality of life (Z = -3.415 p = 0.001) with a large effect size of (r = 0.62) Conclusion-Both the groups showed significant positive improvements in quality of life inspinal cord injury patients, indicating that both task-oriented training and the use of Virtual Reality as treatment modalities have a direct impact on QoL. However, more significant improvement was seen in Group 2 where Virtual Reality was combined with Task Specific Training.

Abstract PO1-11-10: Use of a standardized tool for the evaluation and treatment of cancer related cognitive impairment (chemo-brain) among breast cancer patients

Abstract There is a steep linear increase in patients surviving a cancer diagnosis. Clinical solutions that address the high prevalence of cancer-related treatment effects (CRTE) are urgently needed. A stark example of this need is the dearth of screening and treatment programs for cancer related cognitive impairment (CRCI) (colloquially called “chemo-brain”). Up to 75% of cancer patients report neurocognitive changes that leave patients unable to cope with the expectations of employers, colleagues, families, and friends. The prevalence of neurological disorders is 275% higher among adult cancer patients, when compared to an adult cancer-free population. For many adolescent and young adult cancer patients, the onset of CRCI occurs during "cognitive prime time"; a time when individuals are pursuing education, careers, and raising families. To address a gap in CRTE we have implemented a virtual multi-disciplinary intervention to measure and treat CRCI. Our CRCI intervention follows National Comprehensive Cancer Network and American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) guidelines for CRCI. These guidelines indicate a multi-disciplinary approach with emphasis on increasing physical activity levels, cognitive-behavioral therapy, memory adaptive training, mood management, and sleep optimization. Our approach also follows recent ASCO guidelines for nutrition counseling. Our CRCI program utilizes medical oncologists, physician assistants, mental health therapists, registered dietitians, and occupational therapists. A nationally validated patient reported outcome (PRO) measurement, analysis, and reporting platform informs clinical treatment pathways, monitors patient progress, guides clinical decision making, and improves patient/provider communication. Using health status measures for CRCI, and following American Cancer Society and ASCO guidelines, patients are risk-stratified into three personalized cancer survivor care pathways: 1) low-complexity patients; 2) medium-complexity patients; and 3) high-complexity patients. Low-complexity patients baseline PROs score in the normal range, medium-complexity patients are those who score below the norm (moderate to large effect size difference from normal), and high-complexity patients are those who score well below the norm (greater than larger effect size difference from normal). Low-complexity patients are enrolled into a self-management and continuation of care program. Medium-complexity patients are enrolled into a shared care program. High-complexity patients are enrolled into an acute care program. All three clinical pathways include continued risk-factor vital-sign surveillance. Nearly 100% (99%) of patients who enroll in our primary cancer survivor care program complete our PRO baseline (N=80). From a convenient sample of breast cancer patients (N=42), provisional results of patient-specific segmentation analyses reveal a nearly perfect bell-shaped curve, with 51% of the population classified within the definition of medium-complexity and even split of outliers (high-complexity 24% and low-complexity 24%). Additionally, of all patients in our primary cancer survivor care program who completed at least three measurement time points for health status measures of cognitive impartment (N=38), 92% had a positive experience, 71% had a clinically significant improvement in cognitive health, 21% had a no change in cognitive status, and only 8% had a decline in cognitive health. If these data, and PRO implementation approach hold true, this program could be scaled to national and international cancer survivor population suffering from CRCI. Citation Format: John Librett, Mark Kosinski, Gregory Litton. Use of a standardized tool for the evaluation and treatment of cancer related cognitive impairment (chemo-brain) among breast cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO1-11-10.

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Meditation Mobile App Intervention for Adolescent and Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer

Background: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors of childhood cancer are increasingly recognized as a vulnerable group with unique emotional, social, and practical needs due to the intersection of cancer survivorship and normal developmental processes. Mindfulness meditation has shown early efficacy in improving psychological distress among cancer patients. However, the overall scientific study of app-based mindfulness-based interventions is still in its early stages. The goal of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a commercially available mindfulness mobile app intervention “Ten Percent Happier” among AYA survivors of childhood cancer. Methods: We conducted a single-arm pilot intervention with 25 AYA survivors of childhood cancer ages 18–29 years. Results: A total of 108 potentially eligible individuals were initially identified for screening. Of the 45 individuals reached (contact rate = 41.67%), 20 declined to participate; 25 were enrolled in the study and completed the baseline survey (enrollment rate = 55.56%). Twenty-one participants completed the study (retention rate = 84%). Changes in several outcomes were promising, with medium to large effect sizes: Mindfulness (d = 0.74), Negative Emotion (d = 0.48), Perceived Stress (d = 0.52), and Mental Health (d = 0.45). Furthermore, results suggested that participants with consistent app usage showed greater improvement in reported outcomes than those who stopped their usage (e.g., Mindfulness: d = 0.74, Perceived Stress: d = 0.83, Mental Health: d = 0.51; Meaning and Purpose: d = 0.84; and Sleep Disturbance: d = 0.81). Qualitative feedback indicated high satisfaction, but participants suggested adding group or individual peer support to improve their experience with the app. Conclusions: AYA survivors can be difficult to reach, but a mindfulness app was feasible and acceptable to this group. In particular, the robust retention rate and high satisfaction ratings indicate that the meditation mobile app was well received. Preliminary results suggest positive changes in health-related quality of life outcomes, warranting a larger efficacy trial.

FUNCTIONAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION COMBINED WITH VOLUNTARY CYCLING ACCENTUATES VO2 RESPONSE IN PEOPLE WITH ADVANCED MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: A PILOT STUDY

INTRODUCTION &amp; AIMS Lower limb muscle weakness and reduced balance due to disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS) may make robust aerobic exercise difficult. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling combined with voluntary cycling may allow people with advanced MS to enhance the intensity of aerobic exercise. The aim of this study was to investigate the cardiorespiratory, power, and participant perceptions during acute bouts of FES cycling, voluntary cycling, and FES cycling combined with voluntary cycling (FES assist cycling). METHODS Participants with advanced MS (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] ≥ 6.0) undertook three exercise trials on a leg cycle ergometer. Trial 1: 30 minutes of FES cycling; Trial 2: two 10-minute bouts of voluntary cycling separated by 10 minutes rest; and Trial 3: a combination of trials 1 and 2 (FES assist cycling). Outcome measures included VO2, cycle power output, heart rate, exertion, and post-exercise perceptions of fatigue. RESULTS Ten people with advanced MS participated (9 female; age 52.4±9.98 y; EDSS 7.1±0.6). Average VO2 during the 30-minute trials was significantly higher for FES assist cycling compared to voluntary cycling (429.7 ± 111.0 vs 388.5 ± 101.0 mL/min, 95% CI 23.4 to 113.0 mL/min, p=0.01), with a large effect size (Hedges’ g=1.04). Participants reported similar perceptions of exertion at the end of each trial (p=0.14). There was no difference in self-reported fatigue at the end of each trial (p=0.21). CONCLUSION This study found FES assist cycling produced significantly higher VO2 values than voluntary cycling, although the clinical significance of these differences is unknown. Participants performed FES assist cycling at a self-reported levels of exertion consistent with moderate to vigorous intensity, however it was considered light-intensity exercise when expressed by METS. FES assist cycling was no more fatiguing post-exercise than the other modes.

Processing speed in first episode of psychosis and first-degree relatives: A candidate endophenotype of spectrum schizophrenia disorders.

The processing speed (PS) is highly impacted in individuals experiencing their first episode of psychosis (FEP). Conducting family studies can help to determine whether PS can serve as an endophenotype of schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs), offering valuable insights into the prevention and diagnosis of SSDs. A comprehensive cognitive battery, encompassing tests for PS, verbal memory, visual memory, working memory, executive functions, motor dexterity, and attention, was administered to a sample consisting of 133 FEP patients, 146 parents, 98 siblings, and 202 healthy controls (HCs). Univariate analyses (analysis of covariance [ANCOVA]) were conducted to compare the different cognitive domains between groups, utilizing sex, age, and years of education as covariates and Bonferroni corrections. Effect sizes (ESs) were calculated for estimating the magnitude of differences between groups. Group comparisons revealed significant differences in all cognitive domains. PS was the most impaired function in patients. Parents and siblings had intermediate PS performance between FEP patients and HC. Large ES were observed in PS between FEP versus siblings, FEP versus controls, parents versus controls, and parents versus siblings. Despite not meeting all the necessary criteria, the PS observed in FEP patients and their first-degree relatives suggests its potential as a promising endophenotype of SSDs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

MITO END-3: Efficacy of Avelumab immunotherapy according to molecular profiling in first-line endometrial cancer therapy

Immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy significantly improves progression-free survival compared to first-line chemotherapy alone in advanced endometrial cancer, with a much larger effect size in microsatellite-instability high (MSI-H) cases. New biomarkers might help to select patients that may have benefit among those with a microsatellite-stable (MSS) tumor. In a pre-planned translational analysis of the MITO END-3 trial, we assessed the significance of genomic abnormalities in patients randomized to standard carboplatin/paclitaxel without or with avelumab. Out of 125 randomized patients, 109 had samples eligible for next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis, and 102 had MSI tested. According to The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), there were 29 cases MSI-H, 26 MSS TP53 wild-type (wt), 47 MSS TP53 mutated (mut), and one case with POLE mutation. Four mutated genes were present in more than 30% of cases: TP53, PIK3CA, ARID1A, and PTEN. Eleven patients (10%) had a BRCA1/2 mutation (five in MSI-H and six in MSS). High TMB (≥10 Muts/Mb) was observed in all MSI-H patients, in four out of 47 MSS/TP53 mut, and no case in the MSS/TP53 wt category. The effect of avelumab on progression-free survival significantly varied according to TCGA categories, being favorable in MSI-H and worst in MSS/TP53 mut (P interaction=0.003); a similar non-significant trend was seen in survival analysis. ARID1A and PTEN also showed a statistically significant interaction with treatment effect, which was better in the presence of the mutation (ARID1A P interaction=0.01; PTEN P interaction=0.002). The MITO END-3 trial results suggest that TP53 mutation is associated with a poor effect of avelumab, while mutations of PTEN and ARID1A are related to a positive effect of the drug in patients with advanced endometrial cancer.

부모의 양육태도와 유아 문제행동의 메타분석: 메타구조방정식 모형의 적용

This study aims to apply a meta-structural equation modeling to analyze the relationship between parents’ parenting attitudes and young children’s problem behavior and what kind of causal relationship exists between parents’ parenting attitudes and young children’s problem behavior. To achieve research questions, the researchers searched for various databases and analyzed 42 theses and 33 journals from 2000 to June 2023. When examining the intercorrelations between variables, positive parenting attitude and intrinsic problem behavior, positive parenting attitude and external problem behavior showed medium levels of negative effect sizes, negative parenting attitude and intrinsic problem behavior, and negative parenting attitude and external problem behavior showed medium levels of positive effect sizes. Positive and negative parenting attitudes showed large negative effect sizes, and intrinsic and external problem behaviors showed large positive effect sizes. When examining the meta-structural relationship, parents’ positive parenting attitudes showed small negative effect sizes on young children’s intrinsic and external problem behaviors, and parents’ negative parenting attitudes showed medium levels of positive effect sizes on young children’s intrinsic and external problem behaviors. This study is meaningful in that it sought ways to lower the problem behavior of young children by examining the relationship between parents’ parenting attitudes and young children’s problem behavior.

Kinetic Comparison between Drop Jumps and Horizontal Drop Jumps in Elite Jumpers and Sprinters

Previous research addressed the spatiotemporal variables of the drop jump (DJ) versus the horizontal drop jump (HDJ). This study compared the kinetic variables of the DJ versus the HDJ in elite jumpers and sprinters. In a single session, sixteen elite jumpers and sprinters performed two DJ attempts with three different fall heights (0.30 m, 0.40 m, and 0.50 m), and after 2 h, performed two HDJ attempts from the same fall heights (0.30 m, 0.40 m, and 0.50 m). Kinetic variables: eccentric ground reaction forces (GRFE) and concentric ground reaction forces; eccentric impulse (PE) and concentric impulse (PC); peak power in the concentric phase; and rate of force decrease (RFDe) were measured using a research-grade force plate. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the vertical and anteroposterior axes. GRFE was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in the DJ vs the HDJ with large effect sizes. The PE (p ≤ 0.006) and PC (p = 0.002) were significantly lower in the DJ than in the HDJ. The RFDe was also significantly lower in the DJ at 0.30 m vs. the HDJ at 0.30 m (p = 0.002). In summary, elite jumpers and sprinters may benefit from incorporating both the DJ and the HDJ into their training regimens, with the DJ being particularly advantageous for enhancing power metrics and RFDe.

Preschool mother-child emotional preparation program leads to significant improvement in autonomic regulation: a randomized controlled trial

IntroductionMany studies have documented the profound impact that the mother-child relationship has on child sociality and behavior. However, the biological mechanisms that govern the relationship are poorly understood. We developed a mother-child emotional preparation program (MCEP), based on a novel autonomic nervous system learning mechanism. MCEP is hypothesized to condition the child's autonomic nervous system to better meet the preschool socioemotional classroom challenges.MethodsWe conducted a randomized controlled trial of MCEP, comparing a group of children receiving standard curriculum with children receiving standard curriculum plus MCEP. Previously, we reported that the MCEP mother-child dyads (vs controls) were more emotionally connected at six months post intervention and MCEP children (vs controls) displayed better socioemotional behavior at home and in the classroom. At six months post intervention, mothers and children underwent a stressful interaction-interruption paradigm, during which we acquired child ECG. We analyzed heart rate and several measures of child heart rate variability obtained during the 10-minute post-stress recovery period.ResultsWe found that MCEP children showed better autonomic regulation following the stressor, as measured by lower heart rate (p = 0.017) and increased high frequency respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) or vagal tone (p = 0.043). Surprisingly, despite a sample size limited by COVID (n = 12 and 12), the effect sizes were large (g's ranging from 0.89 to 1.09). In addition, we found significant correlations with large effect sizes between autonomic measures and scores on the Welch Emotional Connection Screen (WECS).DiscussionThese findings support the conclusion that MCEP had a significant positive impact on child autonomic regulation in response to stress, which correlates with behavioral assessments of emotional connection. We discuss theoretical considerations and the implications of our findings for preschool education programs in general. This trial was retrospectively registered (clinicaltrial.gov registry NCT02970565) three months after the start of the first recruitment on April 9, 2019.

Limits to species' range: the tension between local and global adaptation.

We know that heritable variation is abundant, and that selection causes all but the smallest populations to rapidly shift beyond their original trait distribution. So then, what limits the range of a species? There are physical constraints, and also population genetic limits to the effectiveness of selection, ultimately set by population size. Global adaptation, where the same genotype is favoured over the whole range, is most efficient when based on a multitude of weakly selected alleles, and is effective even when local demes are small, provided that there is some gene flow. In contrast, local adaptation is sensitive to gene flow, and may require alleles with substantial effect. How can populations combine the advantages of large effective size with the ability to specialise into local niches? To what extent does reproductive isolation help resolve this tension? I address these questions using eco-evolutionary models of polygenic adaptation, contrasting discrete demes with continuous space.

Effectiveness of Blended Internet-based Self-help and Face-to-face Intervention for Depression: A Pilot Study from India

Background: Depression is a common mental health disorder with a wide treatment gap despite the availability of a number of effective treatment options. Blended interventions adopt a novel approach in combining internet-based self-help with brief face-to-face sessions thereby combining the advantages of both approaches and offering scope to address the treatment gap. The present study examined the effectiveness of a blended intervention combining the use of guided internet-based self-help with four to six face-to-face sessions in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Method: A single group, open-label design was adopted with baseline, postintervention, and three-month follow-up assessments. The sample comprised 60 individuals with a primary diagnosis of major depressive disorder, dysthymia, or recurrent depressive disorder of mild or moderate severity meeting eligibility criteria. Standardized measures (self-report and clinician-rated) were used to examine the effectiveness of the intervention in reducing depression, improving functioning, self-esteem, and psychological recovery. A total of 40 participants completed the intervention and follow-up assessments. Results: Significant improvements were noted from baseline to post-assessment for both completers’ and intent-to-treat samples, with medium to large effect size on most outcome measures and maintenance of gains at follow-up. Eighty-five percent of the completers showed clinically significant improvement. Subgroups of blended intervention participants with and without pharmacotherapy showed similar outcomes. Completers were higher on interest in learning self-help skills and on the Growth subscale of psychological recovery, compared to the dropouts at baseline. Conclusion: The blended intervention demonstrated effectiveness in reducing depression and improving self-esteem, and functional and psychological recovery.

The positive impact of conservation action.

Governments recently adopted new global targets to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity. It is therefore crucial to understand the outcomes of conservation actions. We conducted a global meta-analysis of 186 studies (including 665 trials) that measured biodiversity over time and compared outcomes under conservation action with a suitable counterfactual of no action. We find that in two-thirds of cases, conservation either improved the state of biodiversity or at least slowed declines. Specifically, we find that interventions targeted at species and ecosystems, such as invasive species control, habitat loss reduction and restoration, protected areas, and sustainable management, are highly effective and have large effect sizes. This provides the strongest evidence to date that conservation actions are successful but require transformational scaling up to meet global targets.

Improving Reading Comprehension in Secondary School Students through ICT Tools: An Innovative Approach

The research focused on determining the influence of ICT tools in improving reading comprehension in second grade secondary school students. A quantitative approach and a quasi-experimental design were used, with a sample of 74 students divided into two groups: one experimental and one control. A questionnaire validated by experts was applied for data collection and the Jasp program was used for data analysis, using the Mann-Whitney U coefficient. The results showed that reading comprehension improves significantly (p&lt;.05) with a large effect size after the application of ICT tools. It is concluded that reading comprehension is a skill that can be improved through the application of educational programs that incorporate digital tools. These findings suggest the importance of implementing digital technologies in the educational field to improve students' reading comprehension.