Proximal Variables Research Articles

Evaluation of Proximate Composition and Mineral Profile of Raw Milk from Three Livestock Species

This study investigated the variation in raw milk composition as influenced by species and parity among milking animals. Milk samples from buffalo, cow, and goat were randomly collected from livestock farms across three districts in southern Punjab, Pakistan. Alongside milk sampling, detailed animal-related data, including species and parity, were recorded. The milk samples underwent chemical analysis to determine proximate composition and mineral content. The results revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in all proximate variables, including total solids, fat, solids-not-fat, and crude protein, among the three species, while parity had no significant effect on these variables. Mineral parameters also varied significantly among species. Buffalo milk demonstrated the highest total solids (15.6%), and fat content (5.4%) compared to cattle (12.3% and 4.0%) and goat milk (12.1% and 3.88%), respectively. However, buffalo milk exhibited the lowest potassium content (37.7 ± 11.76) compared to cattle (60.7 ± 8.68) and goat milk (50.6 ± 8.05 mg/25 mL). Sodium levels were statistically similar across species. Calcium content was significantly higher in goat milk (647.5 ± 32.75 mg/25 mL) compared to buffalo (329.9 ± 44.38 mg/25 mL) and cattle milk (447.8 ± 30.41 mg/25 mL). While buffalo milk contained higher concentrations of major nutrients, it exhibited lower macro-mineral levels. These findings highlight the significant compositional variation in milk among species, providing a basis for selecting milk sources based on nutritional and mineral requirements.

Exploring the role of bridging nodes linking adverse childhood experiences and psychological risk factors in suicidal ideation among MSM

This study investigates the interplay between distal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and proximal psychological risk factors in predicting suicidal ideation among men who have sex with men (MSM) using network analysis. A total of 1138 MSM completed self-reported questionnaires on demographics, ACEs, depression, anxiety, interpersonal needs, and suicidal ideation. We employed Gaussian graphical models to perform a network analysis that mapped the relationships between ACEs and proximal psychological variables and identified bridge nodes. Additionally, suicidal ideation was incorporated to reevaluate the network and explore the association between the identified bridge nodes and suicidal ideation. The results show that approximately 88.3% of participants reported experiencing ACEs, with an average occurrence of 3.4 types of ACEs. Suicidal ideation was reported by 31.3% of participants. Key bridging nodes in the psychosocial network included perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, feeling tired/having little energy, and excessive worrying. Perceived burdensomeness exhibited the strongest correlation with suicidal ideation, followed by thwarted belongingness. Moreover, neglect is strongly associated with suicidal ideation. Our findings suggest that ACEs are associated with suicidal ideation and may be linked to specific proximal psychological factors that correlate with and potentially exacerbate suicidal ideation. These findings provide support to the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, which suggests that perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness are vital psychological factors in the onset of suicidal ideation. Addressing and intervening in these bridging nodes could help reduce the influence of ACEs on suicide ideation within the MSM community.

The role of the psychedelic experience in psilocybin treatment for treatment-resistant depression.

To determine the relationships between psilocybin dose, psychedelic experiences, and therapeutic outcome in treatment-resistant depression. For treatment-resistant depression, 233 participants received a single dose of 25, 10, or 1mg of COMP360 psilocybin (a proprietary, pharmaceutical-grade synthesized psilocybin formulation, developed by the sponsor, Compass Pathfinder Ltd.) with psychological support. The resulting psychedelic experience (Five-Dimensional Altered States of Consciousness questionnaire [5D-ASC] and Emotional Breakthrough Inventory [EBI]) were measured. These proximal variables and outcome 3weeks post-administration (change in Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale [MADRS]) were explored using correlation analysis. The mean intensity of psychedelic effects was dose-related, but distributions of scores for different doses overlapped considerably. Depression response correlated with select aspects of the psychedelic experience overall and for individual doses. At the 25mg dose, 5D-ASC dimensions Oceanic Boundlessness (Pearson correlation coefficient r=-0.508) and Visual Restructuralization (r=-0.516), and EBI (r=-0·637) were the variables with the strongest correlation to the Week 3 change from Baseline in MADRS score. The existence of correlation does not establish causation and exploratory findings require further replication, preferably in larger independent samples. The intensity of psychedelic experience overlaps widely across doses and mitigates the risk of unblinding to dose. Correlations between psychedelic experience and outcome suggest specificity in psilocybin's mechanism of action. Quality and intensity of psychedelic experience may be a measure of pharmacodynamic effect and reveal an effective dose response phenomenon for single oral doses.

What matters? A global meta-analysis of environmental income and reliance determinants

A recent body of literature has documented the importance of environmental income to rural households in the Global South. However, this literature has not been analyzed to establish which findings are robust—what determines rural households' absolute and relative environmental income? We conducted a meta-analysis using published articles that measured environmental reliance from the Web of Science, Scopus, WorldCat.org, and MPDI databases. We examined the effect of socioeconomic, demographic, and resource site proximity variables on environmental income and reliance. We applied a meta-regression approach and included moderator variables such as sample size, survey frequency, and the types of journal to control for variations in effect estimates and assess risks of biases. We analyzed 112 studies published between 1996 and 2021 that together surveyed about 52,000 households in 35 countries. The findings confirmed that environmental income matters in total household income: environment, forest, and non-timber forest product reliance were, on average, 25 ± 11%, 27 ± 16%, and 27 ± 16%. The level of reliance was moderated by region and the type of environmental products. On average, the proportions of significantly negative, positive, and statistically insignificant effect estimates were 25%, 18%, and 57%. All covariates, except distance to the resource sites, were weakly correlated with environmental income and reliance, indicating no globally robust covariates. Thus, policies and interventions should build on regional specificities.

Exploring Sexual Satisfaction in Lesbian and Bisexual Women from a Minority Stress Perspective

Sexual health among lesbian and bisexual (LB) women has largely been studied in the context of sexual health behaviors. Less is known about aspects of sexual health such as sexual satisfaction and minority stress processes as possible predictors of sexual satisfaction. This study explored sexual satisfaction and minority stress in LB women. Single and partnered cisgender LB women (N = 627) were compared on measures of sexual satisfaction and proximal minority stress (i.e., internalized homonegativity and outness/concealment). The proximal minority stress variables were tested as predictors of sexual satisfaction in a regression analysis. Multigroup analyses were also conducted to explore differences between lesbian and bisexual women in the regression analysis. Participants were recruited through LGBT+ websites and other social media platforms in Norway. Results showed that lesbian women were more open about their sexual orientation, reported greater identification with the LGBT+ community, and were more sexually satisfied than bisexual women. Those with a steady partner were also more sexually satisfied than those who were single. Being younger, partnered and experiencing less internalized homonegativity (IH) predicted greater satisfaction in LB women overall, and no differences in the predictors across sexual orientation were found in the multigroup analysis.

The impact of intimate partner violence on adverse birth outcomes in 20 sub-Saharan African countries: propensity score matching analysis.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health problem, with serious consequences on women's physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health, as well as birth outcomes. Women who encounter IPV are more likely to experience adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight, premature delivery, and stillbirth. Although numerous studies are exploring the association between IPV and adverse birth outcomes, they merely used classical models and could not control for potential confounders. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether there was a causation between IPV and adverse birth outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) using a quasi-experimental statistical technique [i.e., propensity score matching (PSM) analysis]. This study used the most recent (2015-22) Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 20 SSA countries. A total weighted sample of 13,727 women was included in this study. IPV (i.e., sexual, physical, emotional, and at least one form of IPV) was the exposure/treatment variable and adverse birth outcomes (preterm delivery, low birth weight, stillbirth, and macrosomia) were the outcome variables of this study. PSM was employed to estimate the impact of IPV on adverse birth outcomes. The average treatment effects (ATE) of sexual, physical, emotional, and at least one form of IPV were 0.031, 0.046, 0.084, and 0.025, respectively. Sexual, physical, emotional, and at least one form of IPV increased adverse birth outcomes by 3.1%, 4.6%, 8.4%, and 2.5%, respectively. Findings from the average treatment effect on treated (ATT) showed that women who experienced sexual, physical, emotional, and at least one form of IPV had an increased risk of adverse birth outcomes by 3.6%, 3.7%, 3.3%, and 3.0%, respectively, among treated groups. This study demonstrates a causal relationship between IPV and adverse birth outcomes in SSA countries, indicating a need for programs and effective interventions to mitigate the impact of IPV during pregnancy to reduce related adverse pregnancy outcomes. Furthermore, we suggest further research that investigates the causal effect of IPV on adverse birth outcomes by incorporating additional proximal variables not observed in this study.

Work together, walk forward: Unveiling collaborative innovation networks and mapping paths to breakthrough innovation in electric vehicles

The electric vehicle (EV) industry has made significant progress in practice, yet persistent technology bottlenecks impede its continuous progress. Collaborative innovation has emerged as a promising strategy to tackle these bottlenecks. To explore collaborative innovation within the EV sector, this study constructed EV collaborative innovation networks using patent data from 2009 to 2023 and applied the quadratic assignment procedure (QAP) to explore the internal mechanism of EV collaborative innovation networks. Furthermore, fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was employed to investigate the configurations for the realization of breakthrough innovation. The results show that (1) state-owned enterprises, along with universities and research institutions are crucial within the EV collaborative innovation network. Among them, state-owned enterprises play the most critical role. (2) Geographical proximity and institutional proximity positively impact the formation of EV collaborative innovation networks, while the effects of organizational proximity are insignificant. (3) Two pathways are identified for the realization of breakthrough innovation of innovation actors, with all proximity variables acting as core conditions in these pathways. This research engages in a dialogue between collaborative innovation networks and breakthrough innovation and enriches relevant theories and literature on this topic. Besides, this study provides practical implications for innovation actors to select collaborative partners and take tailored pathways for the realization of breakthrough innovations in the EV industry.

Estimation of gross calorific value of coal based on the cubist regression model.

The gross calorific value (GCV) of coal is an important parameter for evaluating coal quality, and regression analysis methods can be used to predict GCV. In this study, we proposed a GCV prediction model based on cubist regression. To develop a good regression model, feature selection of input variables was performed using a correlation analysis and a recursive feature elimination algorithm. Thus, in this study, we determined three sets of variables as the optimal combination for regression models: proximate analysis variables (Set 1: moisture, standard ash, and volatile matter), element analysis variables (Set 2: carbon, sulfur, and oxygen), and comprehensive index variables (Set 3: carbon, volatile matter, standard ash, sulfur, moisture, and hydrogen). Results for comparison with multiple linear regression, random forest regression, and numerous previous prediction models, such as gradient boosting regression tree, support vector regression (SVR), backpropagation neural networks, and particle swarm optimization-artificial neural network (PSO-ANN), indicate that these seven regression models have the best fitting effect on the comprehensive index variables among the three sets of input variables. The cubist model showed higher prediction accuracy and lower error than most other models (R2, mean absolute error, root mean square error, and average absolute relative deviation percentage values are 0.990, 0.476, 0.668, and 0.086% for the proximate analysis variables; 0.992, 0.381, 0.596, and 0.140% for element analysis variables; and 0.999, 0.161, 0.219, and 0.087% for comprehensive index variables, respectively). The cubist model combines the advantages of decision tree and linear regression, which not only enables it to perform well in terms of accuracy but also makes the model highly interpretable because it is based on multiple sublinear equations. In addition, the cubist model shows obvious advantages in terms of running speed, especially compared with SVR and PSO-ANN, which require complex parameter optimization. In summary, the cubist model considers the prediction accuracy, model interpretability, and computational efficiency as well as provides a new and effective method for GCV prediction.

Spatiotemporal analysis of landscape dynamics and their use as input for the design of a habitat suitability index: A case study of Oryctolagus cuniculus in a Mediterranean region

The connectivity of landscapes is increasingly threatened by urban sprawl, which leads to the fragmentation of habitats and thus endangers the species that live there. To address this situation, landscape dynamics in the literature have mostly been analyzed using predefined land cover classes, which were then not used to assess habitat suitability, but instead relied on physical variables. As a bridge between both aspects, this study aimed to model the spatiotemporal patterns of landscape fragmentation by analyzing the landscape metrics associated with four land cover groups classified according to their naturalness. Landscape metrics were then combined with a range of terrain, climate and proximity variables to develop a Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) for terrestrial animal species. The proposed methodology was tested using a case study in the Mediterranean region of the Valencian Community (Spain): landscape dynamics were assessed over the period 1992–2015, while the HSI was tested with the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) as the target species. The results obtained in terms of landscape dynamics showed a growing presence of artificial surfaces at the expense of fewer transformed areas, which became progressively fragmented over time. Moreover, the results of the developed HSI were highly concordant with observations of rabbit abundance in the region, based in particular on variables related to the temperature in the area and the patch shape in the preferred habitats of this species. These outputs can be used to support the implementation of habitat restoration strategies aimed at increasing ecological connectivity through measures such as wildlife crossings.

Cumulative Sociodemographic Risk as a Predictor of Adolescent Antisocial Behaviour

Sociodemographic disadvantage has pervasive effects on a broad range of youth outcomes, including greater likelihood of involvement in delinquent and criminal behaviours. Sociodemographic vulnerabilities rarely exist in isolation however, and research suggests that the cumulative impact of these risks exacerbates their effects. Most research examining cumulative disadvantage combines sociodemographic risk factors with more proximal variables related to individual characteristics, family functioning, social interactions and so on, disallowing exploration of the processes through which sociodemographic disadvantage operates. This paper proposes a framework for conceptualising and assessing cumulative sociodemographic risk (CSR) during adolescence using a summed index that consists only of sociodemographic risk factors known to influence antisocial involvement. Results showed that antisocial behaviours increased in line with levels of CSR. CSR was a significant predictor of adolescent antisocial behaviour in a regression model that controlled for the sociodemographic risk factors of which the index is made up, demonstrating the compounded impact of multiple simultaneous sociodemographic adversities. Findings highlight the need to recognise the effects of cumulative sociodemographic disadvantage, further explore the mechanisms through which it operates, and consider strategies for reducing its impact on outcomes such as antisocial behaviour for young people.

Optimizing Landslide Susceptibility Model Using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) Approach in Sawla-Laska Road Corridor and Surroundings, Southwest Ethiopia

Natural disasters such as landslides have potential to jeopardize human life and seriously harm ecosystems. Ethiopia is among the countries most susceptible to landslides because of its mountainous terrain, strong and sustained rainfall, and dense development near steep hillsides. This study aimed to produce a landslide susceptibility map for the Sawla-Laska road corridor and its surroundings in Ethiopia using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model. The QGIS model builder module was used to intersect 195 landslide polygons and 12 thematic raster pixels for the topographic, hydrological, proximity, geological, and environmental elements. The Generalized Weight (GW) results revealed strong correlations between proximity variables, slope, plane curvature, humicalisols, agricultural areas, settlements, scant vegetation, and barren terrain. In contrast, other factors exhibited negative and neutral interactions. The Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve showed acceptable results. The accuracy of the model ranges from 88% to 94%. Data were assorted into low, medium, and highly vulnerable zones representing 183.85 (75%), 14.55 (6%), and 47.6 (19.34%). The model performances demonstrate that the model can accurately predict the current situation in the future. Therefore, adequate land-use planning and environmental protection should be implemented based on the findings of this study and landslide susceptibility map.

The effect of proximity on risk perception: A systematic literature review

The use of geospatial analytical tools has recently advanced risk perception research, with growing interest in spatial dimension. Available reviews of risk perception studies usually focus on specific types of risk or look at various socio-psychological, cognitive and cultural factors, and there are no systematic reviews of empirical research analysing the effect of proximity on risk perception. This article synthesizes the evidence from 81 empirical studies that investigate the significance of proximity on subjective risk perception. The systematic review focused on summaries of research methods, samples, geographic coverage, measurements and direction of influence of proximity variables on risk perception and types and sources of risk. The majority of the studies analysed implemented quantitative research. The most popular data collection methods were face-to-face interviews and postal surveys, but only half had representative samples. Studies looking into the effect of proximity on risk perception most often analysed environmental and technological risks. Two-thirds of the empirical studies found a significant impact of proximity on risk perception; the majority of these showed a positive correlation, with respondents living closer to hazards having higher risk perceptions. Negative correlations of risk perception with proximity are more characteristic of nuclear risks. Co-occurrence analysis of sources-of-risk and objects-at-risk has identified three most frequent clusters: impact of floods on economic properties; impact of other natural hazards on economic properties and impact of industrial facilities on health and lives.

Dancers Show More Accurate Trunk-Pelvic Joint Angle Reproduction While Wearing a Jacket Augmented With Elastic Bands.

Purpose: The Backalast® compression jacket is intended to improve posture and proprioception of the trunk and shoulder girdle for dancers and dance students during dance training by way of elastic bands in the rear of the garment (which include bands enclosing the inferior thorax). This study was intended to investigate whether there is evidence to support those objectives. Materials and Methods: Fifteen dance students participated (4 male, mean age 19.9 ± 1.4 years old). The dependent variables of trunk-pelvis angle and proximity of trunk axis to global vertical for each participant were measured using optical motion capture before and after the completion of a series of trunk movements. The Helen Hayes model, which we used to represent the trunk, includes the shoulder girdles as part of the trunk. We compared the effect of the type of garment (Backalast® or control compression shirt) worn upon the 2 dependent variables, within-subject with paired t-tests. The order of whether Backalast® or control compression shirt was worn first was alternated between participants. Results: The pre/posttest difference in trunk proprioception as represented by the construct of ability to reproduce trunk-pelvis angle wearing the Backalast® was 0.8° ± 0.8°, but for the control shirt, the difference was 1.8° ± 1.4°, P = .03. The difference between garments in vertical trunk alignment, measured after the series of trunk movements, was not significant. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the Backalast® can help enhance trunk proprioception when compared to the control compression shirt, although it did not change the angle at which the participants' held their trunks while standing erect (proximity to global vertical).

Maternal risk factors for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: Distal variables.

A variety of maternal risk factors for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) have been described in the literature. Here, we conducted a multivariate analysis of a large array of potential distal influences on FASD risk. Interviews were conducted with 2515 mothers of first-grade students whose children were evaluated to assess risk for FASD. Topics included: physical/medical status, childbearing history, demographics, mental health, domestic violence, and trauma. Regression modeling utilized usual level of alcohol consumption by trimester and six selected distal variables (maternal head circumference, body mass index, age at pregnancy, gravidity, marital status, and formal years of education) to differentiate children with FASD from control children. Despite individual variation in distal maternal risk factors among and within the mothers of children with each of the common diagnoses of FASD, patterns emerged that differentiated risk among mothers of children with FASD from mothers whose children were developing typically. Case-control comparisons indicate that mothers of children with FASD were significantly smaller physically, had higher gravidity and parity, and experienced more miscarriages and stillbirths, were less likely to be married, reported later pregnancy recognition, more depression, and lower formal educational achievement. They were also less engaged with a formal religion, were less happy, suffered more childhood trauma and interpersonal violence, were more likely to drink alone or with her partner, and drank to deal with anxiety, tension, and to be part of a group. Regression analysis showed that the predictor variables explain 57.5% of the variance in fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) diagnoses, 30.1% of partial FAS (PFAS) diagnoses, and 46.4% of alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND) diagnoses in children with FASD compared to controls. While the proximal variables explained most of the diagnostic variance, six distal variables explained 16.7% (1 /6 ) of the variance in FAS diagnoses, 13.9% (1 /7 ) of PFAS, and 12.1% (1 /8 ) of ARND. Differences in distal FASD risks were identified. Complex models to quantify risk for FASD hold promise for guiding prevention/intervention.

Analysis of tunneling-induced ground movements in spatially variable soil under the influence of existing building

Tunnel construction invariably results in ground movement, which is significantly impacted by the spatial variability of soil properties and proximity of existing buildings. However, few studies have examined the coupled effect of these two factors on tunneling-induced ground movement. This study establishes a stochastic finite element model that incorporates both the spatial variability of soil properties and influence of existing buildings. The model is used to perform a series of random analyses, studying the effects of story number, eccentricity, and building length on ground settlements induced by tunneling in soil with spatial variability of Young’s modulus. A probabilistic analysis is conducted to investigate the uncertainties associated with ground settlements. The results of the analysis indicate that the presence of the building enhances the influence of the spatial variability of soil, leading to an increase in the dispersion of ground settlement. For high-rise buildings, the reduction of building eccentricity and length will increase the uncertainty of surface settlement. Neglecting the influence of the existing building in the probability analysis of surface settlement can result in an overestimation of the failure probability.

3D Enhancer-promoter networks provide predictive features for gene expression and coregulation in early embryonic lineages.

Mammalian embryogenesis commences with two pivotal and binary cell fate decisions that give rise to three essential lineages: the trophectoderm, the epiblast and the primitive endoderm. Although key signaling pathways and transcription factors that control these early embryonic decisions have been identified, the non-coding regulatory elements through which transcriptional regulators enact these fates remain understudied. Here, we characterize, at a genome-wide scale, enhancer activity and 3D connectivity in embryo-derived stem cell lines that represent each of the early developmental fates. We observe extensive enhancer remodeling and fine-scale 3D chromatin rewiring among the three lineages, which strongly associate with transcriptional changes, although distinct groups of genes are irresponsive to topological changes. In each lineage, a high degree of connectivity, or 'hubness', positively correlates with levels of gene expression and enriches for cell-type specific and essential genes. Genes within 3D hubs also show a significantly stronger probability of coregulation across lineages compared to genes in linear proximity or within the same contact domains. By incorporating 3D chromatin features, we build a predictive model for transcriptional regulation (3D-HiChAT) that outperforms models using only 1D promoter or proximal variables to predict levels and cell-type specificity of gene expression. Using 3D-HiChAT, we identify, in silico, candidate functional enhancers and hubs in each cell lineage, and with CRISPRi experiments, we validate several enhancers that control gene expression in their respective lineages. Our study identifies 3D regulatory hubs associated with the earliest mammalian lineages and describes their relationship to gene expression and cell identity, providing a framework to comprehensively understand lineage-specific transcriptional behaviors.

Bridge symptoms between parenting styles and proximal psychological risk factors associated with adolescent suicidal thoughts: a network analysis

BackgroundParenting styles and the associated proximal psychological factors are suggested to increase suicidal risks in adolescents. However, how the two factors interact and confer risks on the emergence of adolescent suicidal thoughts remains unclear. Herein, we used a network approach to investigate their interrelationship and explore whether the network properties predict adolescent suicidal thoughts.MethodsSelf-report questionnaires were completed by 1171 students aged 12–16. Network analyses were performed by Gaussian graphical models estimating the adolescent psychosocial network structure of parenting styles and psychological variables including depression, anxiety, affective lability, rumination, and resilience. Furthermore, we re-examined the network by adding a variable measuring active suicidal thoughts. Moreover, we conducted linear regressions to examine the predictive utility of bridge symptoms for adolescent suicidal thoughts.ResultsResilience, Afraid, Rumination, Concentration, and affective lability (Anger) had the highest bridge strengths in the adolescent psychosocial network. Among the identified bridge symptoms, Resilience was negatively correlated with active suicidal thoughts (regularized edge weights = -0.181, bootstrapped 95% CIs: [-0.043, -0.155]), whereas affective lability (from Anxiety to Depression, Anger), Rumination, and Afraid were positively correlated with active suicidal thoughts, with edge weights (bootstrapped 95% CIs) ranging from 0.057 (0.001, 0.112) to 0.081(0.026, 0.136). Regression analysis showed that bridge strength was significantly correlated with active suicidal thoughts (R2 = 0.432, P = 0.001).ConclusionNegative parenting styles may drive and maintain suicidal thoughts by modifying the key proximal psychological variables. Our findings highlight the important role of bridge symptoms, which may serve as vital targets for triggering adolescent suicide.

Maternal and paternal risk factors for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: Alcohol and other drug use as proximal influences.

To explore and analyze the significance of proximal influences of maternal and paternal traits associated with bearing a child with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Aggregated, maternal interview-collected data (N = 2515) concerning alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use were examined to determine risk for FASD from seven cross-sectional samples of mothers of first-grade students who were evaluated for a possible diagnosis of FASD. Mothers of children with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) reported the highest alcohol use throughout pregnancy, proportion of binge drinking, drinks per drinking day (DDD), drinking days per week, and total drinks per week. Mothers of children with FAS also consumed significantly more alcohol than mothers of children with partial FAS (PFAS), alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND), or typically developing controls. Mothers of children with PFAS and ARND reported similar drinking patterns, which exposed fetuses to 3-4 times more alcohol than mothers of controls, but the PFAS group was more likely than the ARND group to abstain in latter trimesters. Fathers of all children were predominantly drinkers (70%-85%), but more fathers of children with FASD binged heavily on more days than fathers of controls. Compared to the few mothers of controls who used alcohol during pregnancy, the ARND group binge drank more (3+ DDD) throughout pregnancy and drank more DDD before pregnancy and first trimester. Regression analysis, controlling for tobacco use, indicated that mothers who reported drinking <1 DDD were significantly more likely than abstainers to bear a child with FASD (OR = 2.75) as were those reporting higher levels such as 5-5.9 DDD (OR = 32.99). Exclusive, first-trimester maternal drinking increased risk for FASD five times over that of abstinence (p < 0.001, OR = 5.05, 95% CI: 3.88-6.58), first- and second-trimester drinking by 12.4 times, and drinking all trimesters by 16 times (p < 0.001, OR = 15.69, 95% CI: 11.92-20.64). Paternal drinking during and prior to pregnancy, without adjustment, increased the likelihood of FASD significantly (OR = 1.06 and 1.11, respectively), but the significance of both relationships disappeared when maternal alcohol and tobacco use were controlled. Differences in FASD risk emerged from the examination of multiple proximal variables of maternal alcohol and tobacco use, reflecting increased FASD risk at greater levels of maternal alcohol consumption.

Perceived and geographic access to urban green spaces in New York City during COVID-19

In New York City (NYC), the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring of 2020 induced a significant shift in the use and accessibility of urban green spaces (UGS). To understand the impact of COVID-19 on the access to UGS, we conducted a spatial analysis of geographic access to UGS and perceived access based on data collected from a social survey deployed from May 13 to June 15, 2020. We examine geographical accessibility to UGS and how this compares to perceived accessibility, or the ease which residents feel they can access a UGS. We further explored the correlation between spatial access to UGS and fifteen social vulnerability variables including economic status, household composition, minority status, and housing type for different zip codes. The results show that geographical proximity variables can predict a number of the perceived access variables, particularly those related to COVID-19 measures. Although lower-income communities were found to have higher spatial access to UGS, many of the same communities, including people living in crowded and multi-unit buildings, on average only have access to smaller green spaces, suggesting an uneven distribution of larger quality parks. This observation is further confirmed by survey results. These findings have implications for policies surrounding the distribution of UGS and whether equitable access is provided to NYC residents, with implications for similar patterns that may exist in other cities.

Refocusing of Attention on Positive Events Using Monitoring-Based Feedback and Microinterventions for Patients With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain in the PerPAIN Randomized Controlled Trial: Protocol for a Microrandomized Trial.

Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMSP) affects between 13% and 47% of the population, with a global growth rate of 20.3% within the last 15 years, suggesting that there is a high need for effective treatments. Pain diaries have long been a common tool in nonpharmacological pain treatment for monitoring and providing feedback on patients' symptoms in daily life. More recently, positive refocusing techniques have come to be used, promoting pain-free episodes and positive outcomes rather than focusing on managing the pain. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility (ie, acceptability, intervention adherence, and fidelity) and initial signals of efficacy of the PerPAIN app, an ecological momentary intervention for patients with CMSP. The app comprises digitalized monitoring using the experience sampling method (ESM) and feedback. In addition, the patients receive 3 microinterventions targeted at refocusing of attention on positive events. In a microrandomized trial, we will recruit 35 patients with CMSP who will be offered the app for 12 weeks. Participants will be prompted to fill out 4 ESM monitoring questionnaires a day assessing information on their current context and the proximal outcome variables: absence of pain, positive mood, and subjective activity. Participants will be randomized daily and weekly to receive no feedback, verbal feedback, or visual feedback on proximal outcomes assessed by the ESM. In addition, the app will encourage participants to complete 3 microinterventions based on positive psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. These microinterventions are prompts to report joyful moments and everyday successes or to plan pleasant activities. After familiarizing themselves with each microintervention individually, participants will be randomized daily to receive 1 of the 3 exercises or none. We will assess whether the 2 feedback types and the 3 microinterventions increase proximal outcomes at the following time point. The microrandomized trial is part of the PerPAIN randomized controlled trial (German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00022792) investigating a personalized treatment approach to enhance treatment outcomes in CMSP. Approval was granted by the Ethics Committee II of the University of Heidelberg on August 4, 2020. Recruitment for the microrandomized trial began in May 2021 and is ongoing at the time of submission. By October 10, 2022, a total of 24 participants had been enrolled in the microrandomized trial. This trial will provide evidence on the feasibility of the PerPAIN app and the initial signals of efficacy of the different intervention components. In the next step, the intervention would need to be further refined and investigated in a definitive trial. This ecological momentary intervention presents a potential method for offering low-level accessible treatment to a wide range of people, which could have substantial implications for public health by reducing disease burden of chronic pain in the population. DERR1-10.2196/43376.