Semipartial Correlation Research Articles

The effect of Plasmodium falciparum exposure and maternal anti-circumsporozoite protein antibodies on responses to RTS,S/AS01E vaccination in infants and children: an ancillary observational immunological study to a phase 3, randomised clinical trial

The RTS,S/AS01E malaria vaccine showed lower antibody response and protective efficacy in infants aged 6-12 weeks compared with children aged 5-17 months (for whom this vaccine is recommended). We aimed to study the effect of previous Plasmodium falciparum exposure on the antibody responses to RTS,S/AS01E vaccination in infants and children, and the mediating effect of baseline (including maternal) anti-circumsporozoite protein (CSP) antibodies. In this observational study, we included children and infants from six African countries (Burkina Faso, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, and Tanzania) enrolled in the MAL067 immunology ancillary study of the RTS,S/AS01E phase 3 clinical trial from March 27, 2009, to Jan 21, 2011. We used comparator-vaccinated infants and children to identify antibody-based signatures of previous P falciparum exposure, which were later applied to RTS,S/AS01E-vaccinated infants and children. In these participants, we explored the relationship between vaccine antibody immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses measured by ELISA and pre-vaccination serological markers of malaria exposure by assessing the IgG levels against 1000 P falciparum antigens using partial proteome microarrays. We included 718 comparator-vaccinated infants (348 [48%]) and children (370 [52%]) and 606 RTS,S/AS01E-vaccinated infants (329 [54%]) and children (277 [46%]). Anti-CSP IgG responses to primary vaccination did not correlate with a baseline signature of previous exposure in children, suggesting that prior P falciparum exposure does not significantly affect antibody immunogenicity in children (Pearson's r=-0·02 [95% CI -0·13 to 0·10]). By contrast, high P falciparum exposure signature levels at the time of vaccination in infants, presumably driven by maternally transferred antibodies and declining within the initial 6-12 months of life, correlated with reduced RTS,S/AS01E responses (r=-0·17 [-0·27 to -0·06]). This negative correlation was stronger for anti-CSP IgG than for the exposure signature or any other more immunogenic blood stage P falciparum antigens (r=-0·42 [-0·50 to -0·33]), persisted after adjustment by baseline levels of the exposure signature (semi-partial correlation r=-0·44 [-0·55 to -0·33]), and involved antibodies to the central NANP region (r=-0·39 [-0·49 to -0·28]) but not the C-terminal region (r=0·02 [-0·10 to 0·15]) of CSP. The negative effect of maternal anti-CSP IgG in infants did not appear to be confounded by other malaria transmission-dependent variables. Interference between passive immunity and vaccine response is clinically significant and might affect the implementation of next-generation CSP-based vaccines for young infants and mothers as well as passive immunisation with human monoclonal antibodies. US National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; PATH-Malaria Vaccine Initiative; Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (Instituto de Salud Carlos III), European Regional Development Fund and European Social Fund; Fundación Ramón Areces; Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation; and Generalitat de Catalunya (CERCA Program).

The Load-Velocity Slope Is an Indicator of the Active Drag in all Competitive Swimming Strokes.

Active drag in swimming is a critical variable that affects swimmers' performance as well as the physiological load, but it is challenging for practitioners to assess this variable. This study aimed to assess if the load-velocity profiling method can be used as an indicator of active drag. A total of 419 swimmers performed three semi-tethered swimming trials in their speciality among the four competitive strokes with different external loads. Linear regression between external load and swimming velocity, as well as the external load relative to the body mass and swimming velocity, were established. The active drag and drag coefficient of each swimmer were calculated using a velocity perturbation method. There were significant correlations of the active drag with the absolute slope (r ≥ 0.713, p < 0.001) and relative slope (r ≥ 0.538, p < 0.001) in all four strokes and both sexes. A multiple regression analysis exhibited that the primary determinant of these relationships was the drag coefficient (semi-partial correlation ≥0.404, p < 0.001). The effects of the height and body mass index (BMI) on the relationship between the drag and the absolute slope were small (0.195 ≤ semi-partial correlation ≤0.248, p < 0.001) in both cases, which became either non-significant (height: p ≥ 0.282) or trivial (BMI: -0.099 ≤ semi-partial correlation ≤ -0.073, p ≤ 0.009). These results indicate that the absolute load-velocity slope is a strong indicator of the active drag, and the relative slope is useful when indirectly assessing the drag coefficient.

Right prefrontal activation associated with deviations from expected lipstick texture assessed with functional near-infrared spectroscopy.

There is a continuous consumer demand for ever superior cosmetic products. In marketing, various forms of sensory evaluation are used to measure the consumer experience and provide data with which to improve cosmetics. Nonetheless, potential downsides of existing approaches have led to the exploration of the use of neuroimaging methods, such as functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), to provide addition information about consumers' experiences with cosmetics. The aim of the present study was to investigate the feasibility of a real-time brain-based product evaluation method which detects the incongruency between a product, in this case lipstick, and a consumer's expectations. Thirty healthy, female, habitual lipstick users were asked to apply six different lipsticks varying in softness and to rate the softness of and their willingness to pay (WTP) for each lipstick. Cerebral hemodynamic responses in frontal areas were measured with fNIRS during lipstick application and analyzed using the general linear model (GLM). Incongruency scores between softness and expectation were calculated in order to understand how far removed each lipstick was from a participant's optimal softness preference. The correlation between brain activation (beta scores) during the application of each lipstick and the respective incongruency scores from each participant were acquired using semi-partial correlation analysis, controlling for the effects of WTP. We revealed a significant intra-subject correlation between incongruency scores and activation in the right inferior frontal gyrus (IFG). This confirms that as the texture incongruency scores increased for the lipstick samples, activation in each individual's right IFG also increased. The correlation observed between incongruency perceived by participants and activation of the right IFG not only suggests that the right IFG may play an important role in detecting incongruity when there is a discrepancy between the perceived texture and the consumer's expectations but also that measuring activity in the IFG may provide a new objective measurement of the consumer experience, thus contributing to the development of superior cosmetics.

Determinants of ecological footprint in European countries: Fresh insight from Bayesian model averaging for panel data analysis

This study examines the determinants of the ecological footprint of production in European countries from 1992 to 2020. Using partial and semipartial correlation analyses and Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) approach for the first time, the research identifies key variables affecting ecological footprint. Using Bayesian methods, posterior inclusion probabilities (PIPs) were calculated for each variable's coefficient estimates, revealing their relative importance. Biocapacity, energy consumption, industrialization, financial development, life expectancy, and globalization displayed notably high PIPs, indicating their strong influence on the ecological footprint. In addition, the study employs cointegration tests to examine the long-run relationship between ecological footprint and explanatory variables. The results indicate significant cointegration between these variables across panels, supported by various test statistics. In the Weighted Pooled DOLS estimation, biocapacity, energy consumption, and life expectancy significantly influence the ecological footprint, while industrialization, financial development, and globalization exert a comparatively smaller impact. Researchers and policymakers should consider these determinants for effective sustainable development planning. These findings underscore the intricate interplay of factors shaping the ecological footprint and offer insights for effective policy interventions towards sustainable development.

Predictors of Usual and Peak Gait Speed in Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer's Dementia.

Gait speed significantly affects functional status and health outcomes in older adults. This cross-sectional study evaluated cognitive and physical fitness contributors to usual and peak gait speed in persons with Alzheimer's dementia. Multiple hierarchal linear regression was used to obtain squared semipartial correlation coefficients (sr2) and effect sizes (Cohen's ƒ2). Participants (n = 90; 56% male) averaged 77.1 ± 6.6years of age and 21.8 ± 3.4 on Mini-Mental State Examination. Demographic/clinical, physical fitness, and cognition variables explained 45% and 39% of variance in usual and peak gait speed, respectively. Muscle strength was the only significant contributor to both usual (sr2 = .175; Cohen's ƒ2 = 0.31; p < .001) and peak gait speed (sr2 = .11; Cohen's ƒ2 = 0.18; p < .001). Women who were "slow" walkers (usual gait speed <1.0m/s) had significantly lower cardiorespiratory fitness and executive functioning compared with "fast" walkers. In conclusion, improving muscle strength may modify gait and downstream health outcomes in Alzheimer's dementia.

Students' Perception of Servant Leadership by Physical Therapy Faculty Mentors Is Associated With Interprofessional Socialization.

Promoting interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) is necessary. Consequently, investigating strategies associated with increased interprofessional socialization, the beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes underlying socialization toward IPCP is suggested. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship, in the presence of control variables, between students' perception of servant leadership by physical therapy faculty mentors and interprofessional socialization. Although faculty mentors are associated with influencing students' socialization process and servant leadership is suggested to support collaborative care, investigations exploring these concepts within physical therapy education are limited. Three cohorts of students (60 each) at an entry-level physical therapist education program in the Midwest of the United States. One hundred seventy individuals completed an anonymous paper-based composite survey, with 117 identifying the presence of an informal physical therapy faculty mentor. This cross-sectional survey study, inclusive of student demographic control variables, examined the relationship between interprofessional socialization and perceptions of physical therapy faculty mentors, as measured by the Interprofessional Socialization and Valuing Scale (ISVS-21) and the Servant Leadership Measure (SL-7), respectively. Multiple linear regression was used to obtain the semi-partial correlation (sr) between the SL-7 and the ISVS-21, with significance accepted at P < .05. Upon necessary assumptions being met, 114 participants were included with an analysis of variance identifying the model to be significant (F(8,105) = 2.59, P = .01). Multiple linear regression analysis found that the SL-7, in the presence of control variables, was associated with a significant proportion of ISVS-21 scores (R2 = 0.17, F(8,105) = 2.59, P = .01). Notably, only the SL-7 demonstrated a significant contribution to ISVS-21 estimates (β = 0.358, P < .001), with a significant and positive sr of 0.34 (P < .001). Perceptions of servant leadership by faculty mentors were positively correlated with interprofessional socialization. Findings bolster the theoretical link between servant leadership and interprofessional socialization, servant leadership in the development of faculty and mentorship programs, and the relevance of informal social interactions.

Is There Any Relation Between Smartphone Usage and Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic?: A Study by Exploring Two Objective App Usage Datasets

BACKGROUND: Though smartphone is popular and loneliness is higher among the youth, in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs) such as Bangladesh, the relation of loneliness with actual app usage is unexplored amid pandemic. Also, the studies conducted in developed countries are limited by exploration of some app categories.&#x0D; METHODS: We conducted two studies in Bangladesh: in 2020 (N1=100) and 2021 (N2=105). We collected participant’s ULS-8 score and 7 days’ actual app usage. We extracted app usage behavioral data from 1.69 million events and did semi-partial and partial correlation analyses.&#x0D; RESULTS: Our analysis did not present any significant relation which may indicate a negative impact on loneliness. However, we found higher usage of Social Media, Communication, Education, Books, and Shopping apps and higher entropy of Browser apps had significant (q&lt;.05) relation with lower loneliness.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: Smartphone may not negatively impact loneliness. Instead, some app categories can play a role to mitigate loneliness.

Evaluating predictors' relative importance using Bayes factors in regression models.

This study presents a Bayesian inference approach to evaluate the relative importance of predictors in regression models. Depending on the interpretation of importance, a number of indices are introduced, such as the standardized regression coefficient, the average squared semipartial correlation, and the dominance analysis measure. Researchers' theories about relative importance are represented by order constrained hypotheses. Support for or against the hypothesis is quantified by the Bayes factor, which can be computed from the prior and posterior distributions of the importance index. As the distributions of the indices are often unknown, we specify prior and posterior distributions for the covariance matrix of all variables in the regression model. The prior and posterior distributions of each importance index can be obtained from the prior and posterior samples of the covariance matrix. Simulation studies are conducted to show different inferences resulting from various importance indices and to investigate the performance of the proposed Bayesian testing approach. The procedure of evaluating relative importance using Bayes factors is illustrated using two real data examples. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Serum Uric Acid Levels Are Associated with the Echogenic Features of Carotid Plaque Vulnerability in Elderly Patients with Atherosclerotic Disease.

Uric acid is a marker of inflammation and a risk factor for atherosclerosis that has been suggested to play a role in carotid plaque instability. Reduced atherosclerotic plaque echogenicity at ultrasound examination is associated with alarming histopathological features and inflammation. In this study, we investigated the relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and echogenic patterns of plaque instability in elderly subjects with carotid atherosclerosis. Since uric acid metabolism largely depends on renal function, SUA levels were indexed for serum creatinine levels (SUA/SCr). We enrolled 108 patients aged 65 years or more (72.7 ± 5.9 years; 50 females and 58 males) who underwent carotid duplex ultrasound to evaluate plaque echogenicity by greyscale median (GSM). The regression analysis demonstrated a significant inverse association between the GSM and the SUA/SCr ratio (β: -0.567; 95% CI -0.751 to -0.384 and p < 0.0001). Stepwise multivariate regression showed that the SUA/SCr ratio explained 30.3% of GSM variability (β: -0.600; 95% CI -0.777/-0.424, p < 0.0001, and semi-partial correlation 0.303). After a mean period of 3.5 ± 0.5 years, 48 patients were reevaluated according to the same baseline study protocol. The regression analysis demonstrated a still significant inverse association between the GSM and the SUA/SCr ratio (β: -0.462; 95% CI -0.745 to -0.178 and p = 0.002). Stepwise multivariate regression showed that the SUA/SCr ratio explained 28.0% of GSM variability (coefficient -0.584, 95% CI -0.848/-0.319, p < 0.0001, and semi-partial R2 0.280). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that SUA levels indexed for serum creatinine are associated with the echogenic features of carotid plaque vulnerability in elderly patients with atherosclerotic disease. These data could suggest an influential role for uric acid metabolism in carotid plaque biology.

Morphological characterization of Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) ecotypes collected in Chiapas, Mexico

Objective: To characterize the morphology of 18 ecotypes of Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) in Chiapas. Design/Methodology/Approach: The morphological characterization was carried out with 34 quantitative and qualitative descriptors. A principal component analysis and a hierarchical cluster analysis were performed based on the average data. Results: In the principal component analysis, five of the principal components accounted for 70.7% of the total variability in the 18 ecotypes of Elephant grass. The variables that made the most significant contributions in each CP were: in CP1, internode diameter (p&lt;0.01), internode length (p&lt;0.05), color of internode without wax (p&lt;0.01), number of innovations (p&lt;0.01 ), prophylls (p&lt;0.01), number of prophylls (p&lt;0.01), external length of the sheath (p&lt;0.01), internal length of the sheath at its opening point (p&lt;0.01), opening of the auricle (p&lt;0.01 ); for CP2, the number of visible internodes (p&lt;0.05), channel width (p&lt;0.05), size of innovations (p&lt;0.05), adventitious root, number of internodes (p&lt;0.01), wax under the sheath (p&lt;0.05); and for CP3, number of visible internodes (p&lt;0.05), color of the internode with wax (p&lt;0.001), channel depth (p&lt;0.001), ligule shape (p&lt;0.05) and leaflet tip (p&lt; 0.05). As a result of the hierarchical cluster analysis and the semipartial correlation coefficient, five morphologically distinct groups were determined. Study Limitations: A more accurate description of the morphological diversity of the grasses requires the characterization of the inflorescence and the spikelet. Findings/Conclusions: The 18 ecotypes of the Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) collected and characterized were dissimilar with each other; consequently, they are considered a genetic resource with potential importance as forage on the Chiapas coast.

Regression-Equivalent Effect Sizes for Latent Growth Modeling and Associated Null Hypothesis Significance Tests

The effect of an independent variable on random slopes in growth modeling with latent variables is conventionally used to examine predictors of change over the course of a study. This article demonstrates that the same effect of a covariate on growth can be obtained by using final status centering for parameterization and regressing the random intercepts (or the intercept factor scores) on both the independent variable and a baseline covariate–the framework used to study change with classical regression analysis. Examples are provided that illustrate the application of an intercept-focused approach to obtain effect sizes–the unstandardized regression coefficient, the standardized regression coefficient, squared semi-partial correlation, and Cohen’s f 2–that estimate the same parameters as respective effect sizes from a classical regression analysis. Moreover, statistical power to detect the effect of the predictor on growth was greater when using random intercepts than the conventionally used random slopes.

Bayesian analysis of longitudinal binary responses based on the multivariate probit model: A comparison of five methods.

Dichotomous response data observed over multiple time points, especially data that exhibit longitudinal structures, are important in many applied fields. The multivariate probit model has been an attractive tool in such situations for its ability to handle correlations among the outcomes, typically by modeling the covariance (correlation) structure of the latent variables. In addition, a multivariate probit model facilitates controlled imputations for nonignorable dropout, a phenomenon commonly observed in clinical trials of experimental drugs or biologic products. While the model is relatively simple to specify, estimation, particularly from a Bayesian perspective that relies on Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling, is not as straightforward. Here we compare five sampling algorithms for the correlation matrix and discuss their merits: a parameter-expanded Metropolis-Hastings algorithm (Zhang et al., 2006), a parameter-expanded Gibbs sampling algorithm (Talhouk et al., 2012), a parameter-expanded Gibbs sampling algorithm with unit constraints on conditional variances (Tang, 2018), a partial autocorrelation parameterization approach (Gaskins et al., 2014), and a semi-partial correlation parameterization approach (Ghosh et al., 2021). We describe each algorithm, use simulation studies to evaluate their performance, and focus on comparison criteria such as computational cost, convergence time, robustness, and ease of implementations. We find that the parameter-expanded Gibbs sampling algorithm by Talhouk et al. (2012) often has the most efficient convergence with relatively low computational complexity, while the partial autocorrelation parameterization approach is more flexible for estimating the correlation matrix of latent variables for typical late phase longitudinal studies.

Lockdown Duration and Training Intensity Affect Sleep Behavior in an International Sample of 1,454 Elite Athletes.

Objective: To investigate the effect of 1) lockdown duration and 2) training intensity on sleep quality and insomnia symptoms in elite athletes. Methods: 1,454 elite athletes (24.1 ± 6.7 years; 42% female; 41% individual sports) from 40 countries answered a retrospective, cross-sectional, web-based questionnaire relating to their behavioral habits pre- and during- COVID-19 lockdown, including: 1) Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI); 2) Insomnia severity index (ISI); bespoke questions about 3) napping; and 4) training behaviors. The association between dependent (PSQI and ISI) and independent variables (sleep, napping and training behaviors) was determined with multiple regression and is reported as semi-partial correlation coefficient squared (in percentage). Results: 15% of the sample spent < 1 month, 27% spent 1–2 months and 58% spent > 2 months in lockdown. 29% self-reported maintaining the same training intensity during-lockdown whilst 71% reduced training intensity. PSQI (4.1 ± 2.4 to 5.8 ± 3.1; mean difference (MD): 1.7; 95% confidence interval of the difference (95% CI): 1.6–1.9) and ISI (5.1 ± 4.7 to 7.7 ± 6.4; MD: 2.6; 95% CI: 2.3–2.9) scores were higher during-compared to pre-lockdown, associated (all p < 0.001) with longer sleep onset latency (PSQI: 28%; ISI: 23%), later bedtime (PSQI: 13%; ISI: 14%) and later preferred time of day to train (PSQI: 9%; ISI: 5%) during-lockdown. Those who reduced training intensity during-lockdown showed higher PSQI (p < 0.001; MD: 1.25; 95% CI: 0.87–1.63) and ISI (p < 0.001; MD: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.72–3.27) scores compared to those who maintained training intensity. Although PSQI score was not affected by the lockdown duration, ISI score was higher in athletes who spent > 2 months confined compared to those who spent < 1 month (p < 0.001; MD: 1.28; 95% CI: 0.26–2.3). Conclusion: Reducing training intensity during the COVID-19-induced lockdown was associated with lower sleep quality and higher insomnia severity in elite athletes. Lockdown duration had further disrupting effects on elite athletes’ sleep behavior. These findings could be of relevance in future lockdown or lockdown-like situations (e.g., prolonged illness, injury, and quarantine after international travel).

P-value calculation methods for semi-partial correlation coefficients.

The p-value calculation methods for the partial and semi-partial correaltion coefficients were proposed by Cohen et al. (2003) and Kim (2015). The method of Cohen et al. (2003) depends on a single and identical statistic for both partial and semi-partial correlations, while Kim (2015)'s method uses two separate statistics for each of partial and semi-partial correlations. In particular, the mathematical expression of the p-value calculation for the semi-partial correlation coefficient differs between Kim (2015) and Cohen et al. (2003). Thus, these two expressions were compared through theoretical aspects and simulations. The results show that the semi-partial correlation coefficients by Kim (2015) is monotonic to the corresponding p-values, while Cohen et al. (2003)'s method does not maintain monotonicity.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies of the antecedents and consequences of wellbeing among university students

Background and objectives: Wellbeing among university students is associated with better academic outcomes and diminished harm from mental illness. This study systematically reviews and meta-analyses longitudinal studies of the antecedents and consequences of wellbeing within this population, providing an overview which establishes a ‘natural history’ of wellbeing to form a background for intervention and policy. Method: This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis of the peer-reviewed literature, based on a broad range of search terms across four journal databases in psychology, medicine and education. Studies were organised by the domain of their study variables (i.e., Self, Relationships, or Institutional Context) and variables relating to wellbeing were extracted. The incremental effect of study variables measured at baseline upon prospective wellbeing was calculated with semipartial correlation coefficients which controlled for baseline wellbeing. Meta-regressions were used to examine the effect of follow-up interval on effect sizes. Results: Sixty-two longitudinal studies of university student cohorts were identified. In 57 studies, wellbeing was an outcome variable. Meta-analyses showed that effects were moderated by measurement interval between baseline and follow-up, becoming weaker with longer intervals, and that this was not an artifact of the measurement instrument. The study factors with the strongest positive effect sizes after controlling for baseline wellbeing were authenticity, self-esteem, self-support for autonomy, emotional repair, and ability to regulate distress and despondency; relationship commitment and group memberships; self-identification with the university and time pressure. Study factors with the strongest negative effect sizes were uncertainty regarding university, materialism, a belief in social complexity, depression, and stress. In five studies, wellbeing was an antecedent, showing positive associations with educational outcomes. Conclusion: This review identified several antecedents of student wellbeing which could be targeted for interventions. These included self-relationship, emotion regulation, and interventions to decrease mental illness. Universities might also make it easier to establish and maintain groups (e.g., study cohorts, interest groups). Many variables which affect wellbeing are not amenable to study with experimental methods, but their study and use in wellbeing interventions should not be neglected. Because the antecedents of wellbeing are numerous and diverse, further research in the area should take advantage of research methods which maximise the variety of data collected and minimise respondent burden, such as passively collected and linked data.

Letter to the editor: Discussion of proposed t-statistic in "ppcor: An R Package for a fast calculation to semi-partial correlation coefficients," CSAM 2015; 22:665-674

Letter to the editor: Discussion of proposed <i>t</i>-statistic in "ppcor: An R Package for a fast calculation to semi-partial correlation coefficients," CSAM 2015; 22:665-674

Do Empathetic People Have Strong Religious Beliefs? Survey Studies with Large Japanese Samples

ABSTRACT The exploration of personality factors to explain individual differences in religiosity has demonstrated a link between empathic concern and religious beliefs using the Empathic Concern subscale of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI-EC). Research in the cognitive science of religion emphasized the role of empathizing ability related to mentalizing in acquisition of religious belief and has demonstrated the relationship between the Empathy Quotient (EQ) and religious belief. The current study was designed to compare the strength of relationships between religious belief and two representative measures of empathy (the IRI-EC and the EQ). Study 1 aimed to statistically evaluate the strength of the relationship between the EQ/IRI-EC and religious belief with four Japanese samples (Ns = 207, 155, 208, 183). The mini meta-analysis results with random effect model indicated that the effect size (semi partial correlation, r sp) of the IRI-EC (r sp = .120, 95%CI [.0002, .237]) was larger than that of the EQ (r sp = .074, 95%CI [−.0001, .147]). Moreover, these results were confirmed by Study 2 (N = 1440). Thus, the present study provided reliable evidence of the link between empathy and religious belief in non-Western samples. We discuss how empathic concern and mentalizing-related empathy contribute to acquiring religious beliefs. Abbreviations: EQ: Empathy Quotient; IRI-EC: Interpersonal Reactivity Index-Empathic Concern; WEIRD: Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic

Determination of bacteria morphotypes associated with the rhizosphere of organic coffee plantations

Objective: To determine the bacterial diversity in the rhizosphere of coffee (Coffea arabica L.) in coffee plantations in Oaxaca, Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: Soil samples collected from organic arabian coffee plantations in the Loxicha region of Oaxaca were analyzed to isolate and characterize bacterial populations associated with the rhizosphere of those plantations. Samples were collected from six sites in three altitude ranges (two sampling sites per each range): low (≥1,200, ≤1,400 masl), medium (≥1,700, ≤1,800 masl), and high (≥1,900 masl). Tukey’s test was used to compare the bacteria population distribution per altitude range. A multivariate analysis (Principal Component Analysis and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis) was performed considering four morphological —shape, surface, border, and color— and two microscopic —type and Gram— characteristics of the colonies. Results: Forty-three bacterial colonies were isolated and purified; their population distribution showed a significant difference (Tukey α = 0.5) with respect to the altitude range in which they were collected. The Principal Components Analysis showed that the first three principal components accounted for 74.19% of the total variation of the 43 bacterial colonies, indicating that the evaluated characteristics were widely distributed. The Hierarchical Cluster Analysis determined eight groups and divided them into subgroups, based on the semi partial correlation coefficient (0.05). Study limitations/implications: The environmental conditions where bacteria grow allow changes in the interspecific variation of each species. Findings/conclusions: The morphological and microscopic characterization of the bacterial colonies shows a high variability that is expressed in characteristics, indicating a high diversity of bacterial species in organically-managed coffee soils in Oaxaca

Angiogenic factors measured in aspirated placental tissue between the 10 + 6 and 18 + 3 weeks of gestation

This study was designed to determine the level of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in chorionic villi during in first and second trimester, and their association with nuchal translucency (NT) measured by ultrasound. Seventy-five singleton healthy pregnancies with no detected congenital malformation were collected for NT measurements and chorionic villus sampling (CVS). Concentrations of angiogenic factors were assayed in chorionic villi sampled between 10 + 6 and 18 + 3 weeks of gestation. ENOS level was steady during this gestational period, while the concentrations of VEGF-A and bFGF significantly decreased. Placental concentrations of VEGF-A and bFGF correlated positively with each other (semi-partial correlation in multivariable linear regression (r): 0.90) and both correlated negatively with the eNOS level (r: -0.64 and r: -0.83, respectively). NT was positively correlated with eNOS concentration and negatively correlated with bFGF levels (r: 0.85 and r: -0.78, respectively). Inverse correlation was found between gestational age and VEGF-A and bFGF concentrations (r: -0.57 and r: 0.73, respectively). Alterations of angiogenic factors in chorionic villi might be an adjunct modality to NT and foetal growth as sonographic markers.

Ocular Biometric Determinants of Dark-to-Light Change in Angle Width: The Chinese American Eye Study

To assess ocular biometric determinants of dark-to-light change in anterior chamber angle width and identify dynamic risk factors in primary angle closure disease (PACD). Population-based cross-sectional study. Chinese American Eye Study (CHES) participants underwent anterior segment optical coherence tomography imaging in the dark and light. Static dark and light biometric parameters, including angle opening distance, 750 µm (AOD750), anterior chamber width (ACW), lens vault (LV), and pupillary diameter (PD) were measured, and dynamic dark-to-light changes were calculated. Contributions by static and dynamic parameters to dark-to-light changes in AOD750 were assessed using multivariable linear regression models with standardized regression coefficients (SRCs) and semipartial correlation coefficients squared (SPCC2). PACD was defined as ≥3 quadrants of gonioscopic angle closure. The analysis included 1011 participants. All biometric parameters differed between dark and light (P < .05). On multivariable regression analysis, change in ACW (SRC=-0.35, SPCC2=0.081) and PD (SRC=-0.46, SPCC2=0.072) were the strongest determinants of dark-to-light change in AOD750 (overall R2=0.40). Dark-to-light increase in AOD750 was less in eyes with than without PACD (0.081 mm and 0.111 mm, respectively; P < .001). ACW increased in eyes with PACD and decreased in eyes without PACD from dark to light (P < .025), whereas change in PD was similar (P=.28). Beneficial angle widening effects of transitioning from dark to light are attenuated in eyes with PACD, which appears related to aberrant dark-to-light change in ACW. These findings highlight the importance of assessing the angle in both dark and light to identify potential dynamic mechanisms of angle closure.