Positive Connection Research Articles

A cross-country network analysis of disease infodemics: Looking through the lens of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Infodemics surrounding pandemics and epidemics have persisted for centuries and continue to impede efforts to promote high vaccination coverage. We explored the complex interplay between COVID-19 vaccination attitudes and COVID-19-related infodemics across Germany, Ghana, India, and New Zealand using the novel network analysis. We conducted an online cross-sectional survey and recruited 1822 participants from the general populations of India (n=411), New Zealand (n=413), Ghana (n=523), and Germany (n=413) to complete COVID-19 infodemic measures and demographics questions. Predictors of less favourable COVID-19 vaccination attitudes included the apocalypse-related infodemic in India, compared to all countries, as well as the not harmful belief of COVID-19 in New Zealand, compared to India and Germany, and in Ghana compared to India. COVID-19 origin-related infodemics were found to positively impact COVID-19 vaccination attitudes in Ghana and New Zealand only. The most influential infodemics in each of the countries studied-Ghana, New Zealand, Germany, and India-were the beliefs in bioweapons, 5G technology, apocalypse, and bat consumption, respectively. Across all countries, there were consistent strong positive connections between the infodemics. Our results suggest that country-specific infodemics significantly impact COVID-19 vaccination attitudes, with variations observed between nations. While the infodemics can reinforce each other and complicate public health efforts during pandemics, understanding the interactions between the central infodemic in each country and others can aid in developing more effective strategies to counter their influences. This highlights the importance of targeted public health interventions that address the unique dynamics of local infodemics during pandemics, epidemics, and Pathogen X outbreaks.

Longitudinal evolution of the transdiagnostic prodrome to severe mental disorders: a dynamic temporal network analysis informed by natural language processing and electronic health records.

Modelling the prodrome to severe mental disorders (SMD), including unipolar mood disorders (UMD), bipolar mood disorders (BMD) and psychotic disorders (PSY), should consider both the evolution and interactions of symptoms and substance use (prodromal features) over time. Temporal network analysis can detect causal dependence between and within prodromal features by representing prodromal features as nodes, with their connections (edges) indicating the likelihood of one feature preceding the other. In SMD, node centrality could reveal insights into important prodromal features and potential intervention targets. Community analysis can identify commonly occurring feature groups to define SMD at-risk states. This retrospective (2-year) cohort study aimed to develop a global transdiagnostic SMD network of the temporal relationships between prodromal features and to examine within-group differences with sub-networks specific to UMD, BMD and PSY. Electronic health records (EHRs) from South London and Maudsley(SLaM) NHS Foundation Trust were included from 6462 individuals with SMD diagnoses (UMD:2066; BMD:740; PSY:3656). Validated natural language processing algorithms extracted the occurrence of 61 prodromal features every three months from two years to six months before SMD onset. Temporal networks of prodromal features were constructed using generalised vector autoregression panel analysis, adjusting for covariates. Edge weights (partial directed correlation coefficients, z) were reported in autocorrelative, unidirectional and bidirectional relationships. Centrality was calculated as the sum of (non-autoregressive) connections leaving (out-centrality, cout) or entering (in-centrality, cin) a node. The three sub-networks (UMD, BMD, PSY) were compared using permutation analysis, and community analysis was performed using Spinglass. The SMD network revealed strong autocorrelations (0.04 ≤ z ≤ 0.10), predominantly positive connections, and identified aggression (cout = 0.103) and tearfulness (cin = 0.134) as the most central features. Sub-networks for UMD, BMD, and PSY showed minimal differences, with 3.5% of edges differing between UMD and PSY, 0.8% between UMD and BMD, and 0.4% between BMD and PSY. Community analysis identified one positive psychotic community (delusional thinking-hallucinations-paranoia) and two behavioural communities (aggression-cannabis use-cocaine use-hostility, aggression-agitation-hostility) as the most common. This study represents the most extensive temporal network analysis conducted on the longitudinal interplay of SMD prodromal features. The findings provide further evidence to support transdiagnostic early detection services across SMD, refine assessments to detect individuals at risk and identify central features as potential intervention targets.

Cardiac metabolic index as a predictor of new-onset diabetes in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients: a longitudinal cohort analysis

ObjectiveThe purpose of this investigation is to assess the clinical risk linked to the onset of diabetes in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) through the utilization of the cardiac metabolic index (CMI), which is derived from triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, height, and waist circumference. Research focusing on the application of CMI for evaluating diabetes risk among NAFLD patients remains scarce, and an exploration of the association between CMI and the emergence of diabetes within this demographic has not been conducted. This investigation aims to illuminate this connection, thereby providing novel insights into the prevention of diabetes progression in individuals with NAFLD.MethodsData were procured from a cross-sectional study involving 15,435 participants conducted by the Japanese government, resulting in a final cohort of 2,503 adults aged 18 and above who met the eligibility criteria for evaluation. The CMI is determined using the formula: TG (mmol/L) / HDL-C (mmol/L) * WHtR. CMI values were categorized into quartiles (Q1 to Q4) based on their scores, arranged from low to high. The investigation utilized logistic regression models, restricted cubic spline analysis, and subgroup analyses, with adjustments made for continuous models to elucidate the association between CMI and diabetes development among individuals with NAFLD, as well as the non-linear relationship between CMI and this outcome.ResultsThe investigation comprised 2,503 subjects with an average age of 44.79 ± 8.33 years, of whom 204 were diagnosed with new-onset diabetes (8.15%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that within the CMI quartile groupings, individuals with NAFLD in the uppermost quartile (Q4) exhibited the greatest likelihood of new-onset diabetes relative to those in the lowest quartile (Q1) (odds ratio, OR = 3.239, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.993–5.264, P < 0.001). Additionally, escalating CMI values corresponded to an increasing probability of new-onset diabetes in NAFLD subjects (OR = 1.705, 95% CI: 1.362–2.133, P < 0.001). Restricted cubic spline analysis demonstrated a non-linear connection between CMI and new-onset diabetes in NAFLD patients (P overall < 0.001, P non-linear = 0.035), with a risk inflection point identified at a CMI of 0.5554. Subgroup analysis revealed no significant interactions between gender, age, physical activity, alcohol consumption, or smoking status and the likelihood of new-onset diabetes in this patient population (P for interaction > 0.05).ConclusionFindings from this study indicate a notable positive non-linear connection between elevated CMI scores and the probability of new-onset diabetes in individuals afflicted with NAFLD.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

Imagined Intimacy: The Link Between Attachment Styles and Parasocial Relationship of Senior High School Students

This present study was designed to investigate how different attachment styles influence individuals' susceptibility to parasocial experiences, focusing on senior high school students through questionnaires assessing secure, fearful, preoccupied, and dismissing attachment styles. 300 senior high school students, 11 and 12, participated in this study from the University in the Mindanao Region of the Philippines. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test showed that the data were normally distributed (D =.035, p-value =.200). The levels of both variables were described using means and standard deviations. The study found low levels of Secure Attachment Style among students (X=2.23, SD=.337), indicating difficulties in emotional connections. A high level of Fearful Attachment Style was linked to anxiety and avoidance (X=3.56, SD= .419), while Preoccupied Attachment Style (X=3.86, SD=.389), and a high level of Dismissing Attachment Style (X=3.70, SD=.409). High levels of parasocial relationships were noted (X=3.54, SD= .51). Parasocial relationships and Secure Attachment Style had a weakly negative link (r = -.143, p =.013). Conversely, there were extremely minor positive connections between dismissing attachment styles (r =.095, p =.002) and preoccupied attachment styles (r =.002, p = 0.023). There was no significant link with Fearful Attachment Style (r = -0.025, p = 0.661). All things considered, our results point to a somewhat favourable correlation between parasocial relationships and attachment type (r = 0.494, p = 0.05). According to linear regression, Secure Attachment Styles have a negative correlation (B = -.189, p =.009) with parasocial connections, while Dismissing Attachment Styles have a positive correlation (B =.117, p =.004).

Effects of acupuncture at the Taichong (LIV3) and Hegu (LI4) points on functional connectivity with the retrosplenial cortex in patients with Alzheimer’s disease

BackgroundAcupuncture has been demonstrated to have a promising effect on Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but the underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. The retrosplenial cortex (RSC) is one of the earliest brain regions affected in AD, and changes in its functional connectivity (FC) are reported to underlie disease-associated memory impairment. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of acupuncture on FC with the RSC in patients with AD.MethodsDemographic data, neuropsychological assessments, and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data were collected from 14 AD patients and 14 normal controls (NCs) matched by age, sex, and educational level at baseline. After the baseline MRI scan, acupuncture stimulation on the Taichong (LIV3) and Hegu (LI4) points was performed for 3 min. Then, another 10 min of fMRI data were acquired after the needle was withdrawn. A dataset that included 100 healthy participants was also included to construct a reliable FC map of the RSC. Two sets of regions of interest (ROIs) in the RSC were selected to assess the sustained effect of acupuncture on FC with the RSC in AD patients and NCs.ResultsTwo sets of RSC ROI-based analyses demonstrated robust positive connectivity with the hippocampus (HPC). Furthermore, multiple brain regions, including the bilateral thalamus, bilateral posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), bilateral subcallosal cingulate gyrus (SCG), bilateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), and right precuneus, showed decreased FC with the RSC in the AD group and increased FC with the RSC in the NC group after acupuncture compared to that at baseline. Acupuncture also specifically elicited increased FC between the RSC and the HPC as well as between the RSC and the parahippocampal gyrus in AD patients and decreased FC between the RSC and the visual cortices in NCs. Additionally, diminished FC with the RSC was correlated with neuropsychological scale scores in the AD group before acupuncture treatment.ConclusionThese findings confirm and extend previous studies suggesting that acupuncture at Taichong (LIV3) and Hegu (LI4) can exert bidirectional and benign regulatory effects on RSC connectivity in AD patients.

The mediating role of work-life balance on the relationship between emotional intelligence and job satisfaction among Lebanese critical care nurses.

In healthcare settings, particularly in intensive care units, nurses face significant stress due to the high demands of their job. This stress can impact their job satisfaction, mental health, and overall quality of life. Emotional intelligence has been identified as a crucial factor that can mitigate workplace stress and enhance job satisfaction. Moreover, work-life balance is increasingly recognized as a critical factor influencing job satisfaction in the nursing profession. Our study aims at understanding the mediating effect of work-life balance between emotional intelligence and job satisfaction in Lebanese nurses working in the Intensive Care Unit. This study has a cross-sectional design. Nurses working in intensive care units of one hospital (n = 100) were asked to fill an online questionnaire which included the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale, Work-Life Balance Self-Assessment Scale, and Job Satisfaction Scale. Work Interference with Personal Life and Personal Life Interference with Work acted as significant mediators between emotional intelligence and job satisfaction. Specifically, the direct role of emotional intelligence on job satisfaction was found to be significant, with work interference with personal life (β = .02, SE = .01, p = .001) and personal life interference with work (β = .02, SE = .01, p = .002) showing significant indirect roles. Higher emotional intelligence was directly and significantly associated with more job satisfaction (p < .01). The study underscores the potential benefits of emotional intelligence training and work-life balance promotion in enhancing nurses' job satisfaction. Pending future longitudinal studies, findings cautiously imply that targeting work-life balance could help foster the positive connection between emotional intelligence and Job Satisfaction among nurses. Accordingly, healthcare administrators should prioritize policies that promote flexible scheduling, sufficient staffing levels, and mental health resources, which are essential for maintaining a balance between professional obligations Job Satisfaction and personal life.

Does Participation in Group Music Activities and Pro-Social Behavior Among College Students Have an Association? A Study of the Interlocking Mediating Effects of Positive Social Connections and Peer Support.

It has been demonstrated that music can be an effective tool for shaping the future of college students. This study aimed to investigate the effects of college students' participation in group music activities on their pro-social behavior, and for the first time introduced the psychological variables of "positive social connections" and "perceived peer support". The results of this study show the following: (1) Group music activity participation is positively associated with pro-social behavior. (2) Positive social connections serve as a mediator between college student group music activity participation and college students' pro-social behavior. (3) Perceived peer support serves as a mediator between college student group music activity participation and college students' pro-social behavior. (4) Positive social connections and perceived peer support interlock to shape the relationship between group music activity participation and pro-social behavior. This study explores the intrinsic factors of college students' participation in group music activities to promote their pro-social behavior from the dual perspectives of music psychology and behavioral psychology, provides empirical support for educational practice, emphasizes the importance of group music activities in promoting the development of college students' pro-social behavior, and provides insights into new perspectives for college students' overall healthy development.

Assessment of inflammatory markers in Acne vulgaris patients: serum IL-17, IL22, and IL-10

One of the four main factors in the pathophysiology of acne vulgaris (AV) is inflammation, which may be a primary or secondary process caused by Propionibacterium acnes. To counteract inflammatory mediators, the immune system possesses a variety of anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The data supporting the early involvement of the inflammatory pathway in the etiology of AV, a chronic, complex, inflammatory skin condition, has become more clear. This cell line's activators, Th17 cells, and the cytokines that follow are all probably important in initiating and maintaining the disease. The aim of this study is to determine the degree to which acne vulgaris is influenced by the interleukins IL-10, IL-17, and IL-22. Individualized patients in our study, sex-matched controls were included, and there were 42 male and 58 female AV patients, aged 12 to 30. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the serum levels of IL-10, IL-17, and IL-22. The levels were then connected with the severity of acne. In cases, the serum levels of IL-10, IL-17, and IL-22 were 0.34±0.080, 0.13, 0.14±0.0035, 0.136-0.233, and 0.24±0.0142, 0.126-0.243 pg/ml, respectively, while in controls, they were 0.13±0.028, 0.10±0.0085, 0.14±0.0035, 0.117-0.126, and 0.22±0.0089, 0.114-0.127 pg/ml. For IL-10 and IL-17, there was a substantial difference in levels between patients and controls; however, for IL-22, the difference was negligible. The levels of IL-10 and IL-17 showed an extremely strong positive connection. This study came to the conclusion that IL-10 and IL-17 are important effectors in the pathophysiology of AV. In acne lesions, Th17 cells activated by IL-22 are probably the main source of IL-37.

Trend Analysis of Atmospheric Lifted Index, Precipitable Water, and Rainfall Over Hyderabad, India

This study analyses the temporal patterns of rainfall, precipitable water, and lifted index in the Hyderabad region from 1980 to 2023, employing the Mann-Kendall test and regression analysis. These methods provide a comprehensive framework for evaluating rainfall variation, atmospheric instability and overall long-term climate change. Analysis was carried out using radiosonde data to assess precipitable water and lifted index while employing data from the India Water Resources Information System for rainfall analysis. A downward trend in the lifted index was observed during November, December, the annual period, and post-monsoon. An increasing trend in precipitable water was seen throughout all months, annually, and across the four seasons. No significant pattern in rainfall was seen throughout all months, annually, and throughout the four seasons. The annual increase in the lifted index in Hyderabad is significantly negative, indicating intensified convection and isolated storms. The yearly trend of precipitable water in Hyderabad demonstrates a significant positive connection, indicating an increase in atmospheric moisture. The monthly average time series revealed a significant positive trend in precipitable water, a negative trend in the lifted index, and no observable trend in rainfall. This study improves our comprehension of water vapour concentration, atmospheric instability, and precipitation patterns in Hyderabad, hence aiding agriculture, water resource management, and air pollution reduction.

Enriched rehabilitation on brain functional connectivity in patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment.

This study aims to observe the effect of enrichment rehabilitation (ER) on cognitive function in post-stroke patients and to clarify its underlying mechanism. Forty patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to two groups: conventional medical rehabilitation (CM group) and ER intervention (ER group). All patients underwent assessments of overall cognitive function, attention function, and executive function within 24 h before the start of training and within 24 h after the 8 weeks of training. We investigated the altered resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) with the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in patients with PSCI following ER training through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Additionally, twenty people undergoing routine physical examinations in the outpatient department of our hospital were selected as the healthy control (HC) group. Before training, both groups of PSCI patients exhibited significant impairment in overall cognitive function, attention function, and executive function compared to the HC group. However, there was no significant difference between the two PSCI patient groups. Following 8 weeks of treatment, both PSCI patient groups demonstrated substantial improvement in overall cognitive function, attention function, and executive function. Moreover, the ER group exhibited greater improvement after training compared to the CM group. Despite the improvements, the cognitive behavioral performance assessment scores of both PSCI patient groups remained lower than those of the HC group. RSFC analysis in the ER group revealed strengthened positive functional connectivity between the right DLPFC and the left superior frontal gyrus (SFG) and left anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG), along with decreased functional connectivity between the right DLPFC and the right superior temporal gyrus (STG) and right precentral gyrus post-ER intervention. ER intervention is more effective than conventional medical rehabilitation in improving the cognitive function of PSCI patients, potentially by augmenting the FC between the right DLPFC and dominant cognitive brain regions, such as the left SFG and left ACG while attenuating the FC between the right DLPFC and non-dominant hemisphere areas including the STG and precentral gyrus within the right hemisphere.

Serum Uric Acid and Bone Health in Middle-Aged and Elderly Hypertensive Patients: A Potential U-Shaped Association and Implications for Future Fracture Risk.

The influence of serum uric acid (SUA) on bone metabolism, as suggested by previous studies, remains a contentious issue. SUA plays a complex role in bone health and hypertension, making it challenging to discern its impact on the skeletal status of middle-aged and elderly hypertensive patients. This study aims to elucidate the effects of SUA on bone health, with a particular focus on its association with osteoporosis and the risk of fractures. Multiple linear regression analyzed SUA levels against bone mineral density (BMD) and future fracture risk. Additionally, multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association between SUA and osteoporosis. Dose-response relationship analysis was conducted using generalized smooth curve fitting (GSCF) and restricted cubic spline (RCS) methods. With the exception of the total femur region, SUA and BMD showed a positive connection. GSCF analysis revealed an inverted U-shaped relationship between SUA and BMD, alongside a U-shaped trend with FRAX scores. Moreover, RCS analysis indicated a U-shaped relationship between osteoporosis risk and SUA levels, with higher risks identified in the first and third tertiles compared to the second tertile. In individuals with middle-aged and older hypertension, SUA is substantially linked to bone health. The identification of an inverted U-shaped relationship with BMD and U-shaped relationships with FRAX scores and osteoporosis risk highlights the nuanced influence of SUA. These findings suggest that both low and high SUA levels may adversely affect bone health, emphasizing the need for further research.

Exploring the Value of Student Autonomy in Physical Education: Two Case Studies in the UK and Australia

Physical education can be a subject that students find challenging when they are given little autonomy. This article explores two high school case studies, in the UK and Australia respectively, where students were given a great deal of choice over their learning and assessment journeys. In the UK case study, a Sport England survey was used with students for them to identify which personality type they were of six: confident intellectuals; cautious introverts; everyday youths; thoughtful improvers; ambitious self-starters; sports enthusiasts. Activities were subsequently selected by students in accordance with their personality type. Developing a personality-focused method such as this was found to be a useful tool in curriculum design. In the Australia case study, autonomy was offered through a SOLO Taxonomy-focused intervention, pre and post COVID. This involved students becoming empowered through their participation in the design and assessment of activities via a strength-based approach. Both case studies were successful in their own way, helping to improve students’ engagement and enjoyment levels, thereby facilitating their positive connections with movement and the subject of PE more generally. These types of autonomy-focused approaches might help pave the way towards increased physical activity beyond the school walls into adulthood.

Programme Recipient and Facilitator Experiences of Positive Family Connections for Families of Children With Intellectual Disabilities and/or Who Are Autistic.

Family members of children with developmental disabilities on average report poorer family functioning and mental health. Positive Family Connections is a co-produced, positively-oriented, family-systems support programme for families of children with developmental disabilities aged 8-13. We investigated experiences of Positive Family Connections, and the processes involved in change. We conducted semi-structured interviews with eight family carers who took part in Positive Family Connections and nine facilitators. Data were analysed using framework analysis. Programme recipients' and facilitators generally reported positive experiences of Positive Family Connections and described beneficial effects on wellbeing and family relationships. We developed a model showing how the lived experience of facilitators and positive approach led to reductions in isolation and perceived changes in mindset that were described as improving family carers' wellbeing and family relationships. Positive Family Connections appears to be an acceptable programme which programme recipients and facilitators perceive to be beneficial.

Targeting VMPFC-amygdala circuit with TMS in substance use disorder: A mechanistic framework.

The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC), located along the medial aspect of the frontal area, plays a critical role in regulating arousal/emotions. Its intricate connections with subcortical structures, including the striatum and amygdala, highlight the VMPFC's importance in the neurocircuitry of addiction. Due to these features, the VMPFC is considered a promising target for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in substance use disorders (SUD). By the end of 2023, all 21 studies targeting VMPFC for SUD used anatomical landmarks (e.g., Fp1/Fp2 in the EEG system) to define coil location with a fixed orientation. Nevertheless, one-size-fits-all TMS over VMPFC has yielded variable outcomes. Here, we suggested a pipeline based on a tailored TMS targeting framework aimed at optimally modulating the VMPFC-amygdala circuit on an individual basis. We collected MRI data from 60 participants with methamphetamine use disorders (MUDs). We examined the variability in TMS target location based on task-based functional connectivity between VMPFC and amygdala using psychophysiological interaction (PPI) analysis. Electric fields (EF) were calculated for fixed vs. optimized location (Fp1/Fp2 vs. individualized maximal PPI), orientation (AF7/AF8 vs. optimized algorithm) and intensity (constant vs. adjusted) to maximize target engagement. In our pipeline, the left medial amygdala, identified as the brain region with the highest (0.31 ±0.29) fMRI drug cue reactivity, was selected as the subcortical seed region. The voxel with the most positive amygdala-VMPFC PPI connectivity in each participant was considered the individualized TMS target (MNI-coordinates: [12.6, 64.23, -0.8] ± [13.64, 3.50, 11.01]). This individualized VMPFC-amygdala connectivity significantly correlated with VAS craving after cue exposure (R = 0.27, p = 0.03). Coil orientation was optimized to increase EF strength over the targeted circuit (0.99 ±0.21 V/m vs. the fixed approach: Fp1: 0.56 ±0.22 and Fp2: 0.78 ±0.25 V/m) and TMS intensity was harmonized across the population. This study highlights the potential of an individualized VMPFC targeting framework to enhance treatment outcomes for addiction, specifically modulating the personalized VMPFC-amygdala circuit.

Enhancing the socio-cultural valuation of ecosystem services in Mountain animal production: a case study from piedmont’s alpine valley (North-west Italy)

The Italian Alpine region has a long-standing connection between the binary system of the tourism industry and silvopastoral sectors that offer different economic, ecological, and cultural benefits. This research investigates the perception of ecosystem services (ES) provided by mountain animal production among tourists in a specific mountain area (Upper Ellero Valley, North-West Italy). A total of 216 visitors were surveyed online between June and October 2022. The questionnaire was designed to explore the following aspects: (1) interviewees’ socio-demographic characteristics; (2) the perceived impacts of alpine livestock systems on ecosystem services, including also the animal welfare variable; (3) the heterogeneity of hikers in response to their perception of ES and (4) the assessment of the individuals’ opinion towards selected valorisation strategies of the herd-grazing production system. The responses about the ES perception were analysed using the Principal Component Analysis. The new principal components were employed to cluster the sample in the function of individuals’ perceptions of ecosystem services. Finally, the Correspondence Analysis was adopted to analyse the association between the three hikers’ groups and the proposed strategies for mountain area valorisation. This research revealed a positive perception of visitors towards the impact of herds on the ES. In addition, different opinions emerged among clusters related to the valorisation strategies adoptable for mountain area development exploiting the positive connection between animal farming and the environment. These findings could have concrete implications on the definition of social and economic development strategies for the alpine mountain valleys, representing an important source of production for national mountain pasture livestock farming.

Athletes' Perceived Team Climate, Social Support, and Optimistic Thoughts During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

In the Spring of 2020, Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) was officially declared a global pandemic, which prompted an unprecedented number of changes to societal functioning. Amongst those who experienced significant life alterations were collegiate athletes within the United States (US). The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between US athletes' perceptions of their team motivational climate, perceived support from coaches and teammates, and their optimistic thoughts during the COVID-19 pandemic. US collegiate athletes (N = 756; 56.3% female; Mage = 20.07 years, SDage = 1.57 years) across a variety of levels (e.g., Division I) and sports (e.g., basketball) were invited to participate in this study. Structural equation modeling analyses revealed significant positive associations between a caring and task-involving climate, athletes' feeling supported by their coaches and teammates, and athletes' optimistic thoughts during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, an ego-involving climate was significantly negatively associated with athletes' feeling supported by their coaches and teammates. The final results suggest that the supportive actions of coaches and teammates during difficult times can mediate the positive connection between perceptions of a caring-task-involving climate on athletic teams and an athlete's ability to stay optimistic during difficult life stressors.

Association between triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and microalbuminuria in the Chinese population

The evidence for the association between the triglyceride (TG) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) ratio and the risk of developing microalbuminuria is still limited in the Chinese population. Therefore, our research will endeavor to explore the relationship between the two. The cross-sectional survey enrolled 32,877 general population from eight regional centers in China. If the urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥ 30 mg/g, it was considered microalbuminuria. The dependent variable in the study was microalbuminuria, while the independent variable was the TG/HDL-c ratio. A binary logistic regression model was utilized to examine the independent association between the likelihood of microalbuminuria and the TG/HDL-c ratio. A generalized additive model (GAM) and spline smoothing were employed to investigate non-linear relationships between these two variables. To confirm the findings and pinpoint important turning points, subgroup and threshold effect tests were performed. The average age of the study participants was 57.67 ± 9.29 years, with 22,052 (67%) females and 10,825 (33%) males. The ratio of TG/HDL-c had a median value of 1.06, while the UACR had a median value of 9.92 mg/g. The prevalence of microalbuminuria was 14.4%. Following covariate adjustment, the prevalence of microalbuminuria and the TG/HDL-c ratio showed a significant positive connection (OR = 1.17,95% CI 1.13–1.21). Interestingly, we discovered a non-linear relationship between the occurrence of microalbuminuria and the TG/HDL-c ratio. At a TG/HDL-c ratio of 0.911, we detected an inflection point, with ORs of 1.12 (95% CI: 1.08, 1.17) on the right side of the point and 1.89 (95% CI: 1.51, 2.36) on the left. Subgroup analyses further validated the results. Our research revealed a positive and non-linear connection between the TG/HDL-c ratio and the prevalence of microalbumin in Chinese individuals. The connection was especially robust when the TG/HDL-c ratio was below 0.911. Reducing TG or raising HDL-c levels in order to lower the TG/HDL-c ratio may significantly mitigate the risk of microalbuminuria.

Public Library Interior Design with Biophilic Concept in Sleman Regency

The Sleman Regency Library is an educational facility established by the government to provide educational services and fulfill the government's responsibility to enlighten the nation. It also reflects the vision and mission of Sleman Regency, articulated through the Smart City concept, which aims to manage resources effectively and efficiently, maximize public services, and support sustainable development. However, the library in Sleman still requires design improvements, as it currently has a rigid design, with a need for better space planning, circulation, and additional facilities to meet visitor needs and enhance their comfort. The interior design is based on David K. Ballast’s 1992 design method. This public library design incorporates the Biophilic concept, which aims to enhance human well-being both physically and mentally while fostering a positive connection between people and nature. The goal of this interior design is to improve the quality of the library as an educational space, make it appealing to the community, and optimize space planning and facilities to better meet public needs.

Altered dynamic functional connectivity in antagonistic state in first-episode, drug-naïve patients with major depressive disorder

ObjectiveMajor depressive disorder (MDD) is known to be characterized by disrupted brain functional network connectivity (FNC) patterns, while the dynamic change mode of different functional networks is unclear. This study aimed to characterize specific dynamic alterations pattern on intrinsic FNC in MDD by combining static FNC (sFNC) and dynamic FNC (dFNC).MethodsA total of 48 first-episode drug-naïve MDD and 48 matched healthy controls (HCs) were included in this study. The sFNC and dFNC were analyzed using complete time-series and sliding window approach, respectively. Both sFNC and dFNC differences between groups were analyzed and associations between disease severity and aberrant FNC were explored.ResultsMDD patients exhibited lower sFNC within and between sensory and motor networks than HC. Four dFNC states were identified, including a globally-weakly-connected state, a cognitive-control-dominated state, a globally-positively-connected state, and an antagonistic state. The antagonistic state was marked by strong positive connections within the sensorimotor domain and their anti-correlations with the executive-motor control domain. Notably, MDD patients exhibited significantly longer dwell time in the globally-weakly-connected state, at the cost of significantly shorter dwell time in the antagonistic state. Further, only the mean dwell time of this antagonistic state was significantly anticorrelated to disease severity measures.ConclusionsOur study highlights the altered dynamics of the antagonistic state as a fundamental aspect of disrupted FNC in early MDD.

Fractal Dimensional Analysis of Building Facades: The Case of Office Buildings in Erbil City

Fractal dimension is a characteristic parameter used to measure the complexity and irregularity of geometric shapes and patterns. It is applied in architecture to explore complexity and irregularity and to assess the aesthetic preferences in architectural design. Office building facade design pattern, as an observation unit, has a positive connection with the aesthetic value. This study aims to evaluate facade design styles in terms of two aesthetic qualities, visual complexity and visual diversity, via applying fractal dimension to three design styles of office building facades in Erbil City. The study uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative evaluations to achieve this goal. It employs box-counting analysis through the ImageJ plugin to FracLac and the mathematical perplexity equation to evaluate visual complexity and diversity. The results indicate that the neo-classical office facade style, with a visual complexity value of 1.7008 and visual diversity of 21.27, presents an elevated level of aesthetics similar to the saccadic pattern facade. This study concluded that a neo-classical architectural style for office building facades is the most aesthetically preferable. Modern facade design is considered a secondary architectural style aimed at achieving aesthetic value. Ultimately, the high-tech style is the least attractive facade style. This study contributes to avoiding designs of unattractive office building facades due to a lack of architectural design vocabulary while avoiding overly complex designs that prove visually upsetting for viewers.