The Risky Side of Creativity: A Scientific Investigation of Creativity and Domain Specific Risk Taking

Previous researchers have often speculated about the role of risk taking in creativity, however this association has rarely been systematically investigated. This thesis explores the association between domain specific risk taking and creativity in human participants. It presents a systematic review of the speculations and scientific studies which aimed at uncovering the association between creativity and risk taking in various populations. This discussion aims to bring together the current knowledge centred around the link between risk taking and creativity and poses two overarching questions – Are creative individuals risk takers and if so, is this association domain specific? In five studies, the present research investigated these questions and found that creativity is strongly associated with risk taking in the social domain (but not in the financial, ethical, health/ safety or recreational domains). Additionally, with an aim to further disentangle the association between creativity and risk taking in specific populations and social situations, this thesis explored creativity in a specific group of individuals (sexual minority) who are speculated to be highly creative and are known to be more likely to take health/ safety risks such as smoking tobacco, consuming illegal drugs or engaging in unsafe sexual encounters. It was found that sexual minority (specifically bisexual individuals) were highly creative and were also more likely to take risks in various domains. As opposed to the sexual minority, another group of individuals in which creativity and risk taking are hypothesised to be different, consists of individuals who subscribe to the right-wing socio-political ideologies. As predicted, individuals who affiliated to the right-wing socio-political ideologies (in the United States) were found to be low on creativity and were significantly less likely to take risks, specifically in the social domain. A mediating role of social risk taking on the relationship between sociopolitical attitudes and creativity was also found. The research work presented in this thesis illustrates the role that social risk taking plays in creativity and paves way for the development of new ways to foster creativity

Guided Prompting in SAM for Weakly Supervised Cell Segmentation in Histopathological Images

Cell segmentation in histopathological images plays a crucial role in understanding, diagnosing, and treating many diseases. However, data annotation for this is expensive since there can be a large number of cells per image, and expert pathologists are needed for labelling images. Instead, our paper focuses on using weak supervision -- annotation from related tasks -- to induce a segmenter. Recent foundation models, such as Segment Anything (SAM), can use prompts to leverage additional supervision during inference. SAM has performed remarkably well in natural image segmentation tasks; however, its applicability to cell segmentation has not been explored. In response, we investigate guiding the prompting procedure in SAM for weakly supervised cell segmentation when only bounding box supervision is available. We develop two workflows: (1) an object detector's output as a test-time prompt to SAM (D-SAM), and (2) SAM as pseudo mask generator over training data to train a standalone segmentation model (SAM-S). On finding that both workflows have some complementary strengths, we develop an integer programming-based approach to reconcile the two sets of segmentation masks, achieving yet higher performance. We experiment on three publicly available cell segmentation datasets namely, ConSep, MoNuSeg, and TNBC, and find that all SAM-based solutions hugely outperform existing weakly supervised image segmentation models, obtaining 9-15 pt Dice gains

Piloting a Home Visual Support Intervention with Families of Autistic Children and Children with Related Needs Aged 0–12

Marion Rutherford - ORCID: 0000-0002-2283-6736 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2283-6736 Donald Maciver - ORCID: 0000-0002-6173-429X https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6173-429XVisual supports are an important intervention for autistic individuals and others with neurodevelopmental differences. However, families often report limited access to visual supports and lack of information and confidence in their use at home. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a home-based visual supports intervention. Methods: 29 families with children (n = 20 males; mean age 6.59 years [Range 3.64–12.21 years SD 2.57]) receiving support for autism or related needs participated in the study. Parents engaged in an individualised assessment and intervention process through home visits, completing pre- and post-measures. Qualitative methods were used to explore the parents’ experiences of the intervention. Results: The intervention led to a statistically significant improvement in parent-reported quality of life (t28 = 3.09, p = 0.005) and parent-reported perception of autism-specific difficulties (t28 = 2.99, p = 0.006). Parents also reported improved access to resources and relevant information and increased confidence in using visual supports at home. The home visit model was strongly supported by the parents. Conclusion: The results provide initial evidence of the acceptability, practicality, and utility of the home-based visual supports intervention. These findings suggest that outreach into the family home may be a beneficial mechanism for delivering interventions related to visual supports. This study highlights the potential of home-based interventions to improve access to resources and information for families and the importance of visual supports in the home setting.https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph2005440120pubpub

Living with and breaking a cycle of illness: A secondary qualitative data analysis of women’s experiences with long COVID

Eleanor Curnow - ORCID: 0000-0001-9332-8248 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9332-8248Vaibhav Tyagi - ORCID: 0000-0003-2756-1513 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2756-1513Long COVID is an emerging condition, with early evidence suggesting it impacts women at a greater rate than men. As we seek to understand long COVID, it is important to consider the holistic impacts of this condition. Therefore, a qualitative perspective was used to explore the experience of those living with long COVID. Eight people from Scotland, who presented as women and Caucasian, participated in this study. A thematic analysis, from a phenomenological perspective, was conducted on data collected during two semi-structured focus groups. Five central themes emerged including: (1) a prolonged, varied, and debilitating illness; (2) barriers to care; (3) predominantly negative experiences of care; (4) fighting to carry the burden; and (5) looking to the future. These themes are linked through an explanatory theory describing a cycle of illness, the work required to break the cycle, and participant’s aims to regain their health and advocate for their condition. The thematic results are consistent with two prior qualitative studies on long COVID, creating a relatively consistent picture of individuals’ experiences during the pandemic. Additionally, the developed theory shares commonalities with individuals living with chronic illness, providing further insight into participants’ experiences.This secondary analysis was conducted on data collected in a study funded by the Chief Scientist Office of Scotland (project code COV/QMU/20/04), in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.https://doi.org/10.3390/women20200172pubpub

VapC12 ribonuclease toxin modulates host immune response during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

Mechanistic understanding of antibiotic persistence is a prerequisite in controlling the emergence of MDR cases in Tuberculosis (TB). We have reported that the cholesterol-induced activation of VapC12 ribonuclease is critical for disease persistence in TB. In this study, we observed that relative to the wild type, mice infected with ΔvapC12 induced a pro-inflammatory response, had a higher pathogen load, and responded better to the anti-TB treatment. In a high-dose infection model, all the mice infected with ΔvapC12 succumbed early to the disease. Finally, we reported that the above phenotype of ΔvapC12 was dependent on the presence of the TLR4 receptor. Overall, the data suggests that failure of a timely resolution of the early inflammation by the ΔvapC12 infected mice led to hyperinflammation, altered T-cell response and high bacterial load. In conclusion, our findings suggest the role of the VapC12 toxin in modulating the innate immune response of the host in ways that favor the long-term survival of the pathogen inside the host

Corrigendum: A small molecule inhibitor of Notch1 modulates stemness and suppresses breast cancer cell growth

Although breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are well characterized, molecularly targeting and eradicating this sub-population remains a challenge in the clinic. Recent studies have explored several signaling pathways that govern stem cell activation: We and others established that the Notch1 signaling plays a significant role in the proliferation, survival, and differentiation of BCSCs. Earlier, we reported that a newly developed small molecule, ASR490, binds to the negative regulatory region (NRR: The activation switch of the Notch receptor) of Notch1. In vitro results demonstrated that ASR490 significantly inhibited BCSCs (ALDH+ and CD44+/CD24–) and breast cancer (BC) growth at nM concentrations, and subsequently inhibited the colony- and mammosphere-forming abilities of BCSCs and BCs. ASR490 downregulated the expressions of Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD: The active form of Notch1) and its downstream effectors Hey1 and HES1. Inhibition of Notch1-NICD facilitated autophagy-mediated growth inhibition by triggering the fusion of autophagosome and autolysosome in BCSCs. ASR490 was found to be non-toxic to healthy cells as compared to existing Notch1 inhibitors. Moreover, oral administration of ASR490 abrogated BCSC and BC tumor growth in the in vivo xenograft models. Together our results indicate that ASR490 is a potential therapeutic agent that inhibits BC tumor growth by targeting and abolishing Notch1 signaling in BCSCs and BC cells.</p

Support after COVID-19 study: a mixed-methods cross-sectional study to develop recommendations for practice

From BMJ via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: received 2021-10-28, accepted 2022-05-12, ppub 2022-08, epub 2022-08-26Publication status: PublishedFunder: Chief Scientist Office; FundRef: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100000589; Grant(s): COV/QMU/20/04Objectives of study stage 1 were to: explore people’s experiences of illness due to COVID-19 while feeling socially isolated or socially isolating; identify perceptions of what would support recovery; and synthesise insights into recommendations for supporting people after COVID-19. Study stage 2 objectives were to engage stakeholders in evaluating these recommendations and analyse likely influences on access to the support identified. Design: A two-stage, multimethod cross-sectional study was conducted from a postpositivist perspective. Stage 1 included an international online survey of people’s experiences of illness, particularly COVID-19, in isolation (n=675 full responses). Stage 2 involved a further online survey (n=43), two tweetchats treated as large online focus groups (n=60 and n=27 people tweeting), two smaller focus groups (both n=4) and one interview (both using MS teams). Setting: Stage 1 had an international emphasis, although 87% of respondents were living in the UK. Stage 2 focused on the UK. Participants: Anyone aged 18+ and able to complete a survey in English could participate. Stage 2 included health professionals, advocates and people with lived experience. Main outcome measures: Descriptive data and response categories derived from open responses to the survey and the qualitative data. Results: Of those responding fully to stage 1 (mean age 44 years); 130 (19%) had experienced COVID-19 in isolation; 45 had recovered, taking a mean of 5.3 (range 1–54) weeks. 85 did not feel they had recovered; fatigue and varied ‘other’ symptoms were most prevalent and also had most substantial negative impacts. Our draft recommendations were highly supported by respondents to stage 2 and refined to produce final recommendations. Conclusions: Recommendations support access to progressive intensity and specialism of support, addressing access barriers that might inadvertently increase health inequalities. Multidisciplinary collaboration and learning are crucial, including the person with COVID-19 and/or Long Covid in the planning and decision making throughout

Person-centered healthcare practice in a pandemic context: An exploration of people's experience of seeking healthcare support

Eleanor Curnow - ORCID: 0000-0001-9332-8248 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9332-8248Vaibhav Tyagi - ORCID: 0000-0003-2756-1513 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2756-1513Lisa Salisbury - ORCID: 0000-0002-1400-3224 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1400-3224Brendan McCormack - ORCID: 0000-0001-8525-8905 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8525-8905Background: The recent COVID-19 pandemic increased pressure upon healthcare resources resulting in compromised health services. Enforced national lockdown led to people being unable to access essential services in addition to limiting contact with social support networks. The novel coronavirus, and subsequent condition known as long covid were not well-understood and clinicians were not supported by existing guidelines or pathways. Our study explored people's experiences of healthcare during this period with a person-centered “lens.”Methods: Ninety-seven people participated in our online survey about their experiences of the pandemic, particularly while socially isolated and their experiences of healthcare. Following completion of the survey, 11 of these participants agreed to further semi-structured interviews to explore this further in their own words. Interview conversations were transcribed, checked; together with the responses to open questions in the survey. The data were then analyzed thematically by members of the research team. We conducted framework analysis from a post-positivist perspective, using the Person-centered Practice Framework to explore participants' experiences.Results: There were few examples of people describing person-centered care. People experienced barriers to accessing support, and negative experiences of care that represented complexities enacting person-centered care at each level of the framework (processes, practice environment, prerequisites, and macro context). These barriers were influenced greatly by the pandemic, for example, with health professionals being harder to access. Some experiences related to the ways in which health professionals responded to the context, for example, positive examples included active listening, recognition of people's experiences, seeking to find out more, and engaging in collaborative problem-solving.Discussion: People want to feel heard, supported to navigate healthcare systems, source trustworthy information, find appropriate services, and collaborate in learning and problem-solving with healthcare professionals. There have been enormous challenges to the provision of healthcare throughout the pandemic. Moving forward is crucial with emphasis on overcoming barriers to person-centered healthcare. This should focus on steps now and also in planning for the possibility of further rapid changes in the demand for and provision of healthcare.This study received funding from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh through the Scottish Funding Council Research Funding to Mitigate the effects COVID 19 on the Research. It built on previous work which was funded by Chief Scientist Office, Scotland (Rapid Research in Covid−19 programme: COV/QMU/20/04).https://doi.org/10.3389/fresc.2021.7262102pubpu

Development, psychometrics and feasibility of the School Participation Questionnaire: A teacher measure of participation related constructs

Donald Maciver - ORCID 0000-0002-6173-429X https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6173-429XReplaced AM with VoR 2020-10-16. Replaced VoR with updated version 2020-11-17.Background We report development of the SPQ (School Participation Questionnaire) a teacher-completed measure of participation related constructs for schools. The SPQ was developed to support participation-related assessment, interventions, and research in the inclusive school context.Methods Several iterative steps were undertaken. An international panel of experts reviewed content validity. A 66-item pilot questionnaire was administered in schools. Mokken and Rasch model analysis were applied. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Analyses were conducted on associations with teacher and child demographic variables. Feedback was sourced from users. Participants were teachers of 101 children (5−12 years old) with a range of disabilities, including intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder and learning difficulties.Results Four participation-related dimensions of the SPQ were confirmed. Rasch person and item reliability were good, and 2–4 strata were confirmed per scale. Internal consistency was good (all scales, Cronbach α > 0.8). Mean administration time was 11.7 min. Mean SPQ scores were independent of teacher characteristics. A significant effect of school support level, eligibility for free school meals and gender was found. Through synthesising analytic results and feedback, a new 46-item tool was obtained.Conclusion The results of this study provide evidence of acceptability, practicality and validity. The SPQ is the first tool developed to assess participation related constructs in schools, and it contains novel information not given by other assessments. The SPQ may be used by practitioners and researchers to understand and improve the participation of children with a range of disabilities in schools.This research was funded by NHS Lothian, City of Edinburgh Council & Scottish Government.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103766106pubpu