bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations among healthy lifestyle characteristics, neuroinflammation, and cerebrospinal fluid core biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease in cognitively intact adults: The CABLE study
Authors: Wang Lan-Yang , Hu Hao , Sheng Ze-Hu , Hu He-Ying , Zhang Zi-Hao , Tan Lan
Published: November 2024

Background

The occurrence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) can be partially prevented through healthy lifestyles, but the mechanisms associated with AD pathology are unclear.

Objective

To explore associations among healthy lifestyle characteristics (HLCs), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) soluble TREM2 (sTREM2), and AD biomarkers.

Methods

From the Chinese Alzheimer's Biomarker and LifestylE (CABLE) study, 924 cognitively normal participants were enrolled in this cross-sectional analysis. We defined the following 11 HLCs: appropriate frequencies of coffee and tea consumption, sufficient frequencies of fish and fruit intake, non-social isolation, adequate sleep, regular physical activity, no depression, never smoking, non-hazardous drinking, and well-maintained blood pressure. We categorized participants according to the number of HLCs reported by participants into favorable, intermediate, and unfavorable lifestyle groups. Multiple linear regression was used to investigate the relationship among HLCs, CSF sTREM2, and AD biomarkers. Mediation effects were tested using a causal mediation analysis having 10,000 bootstrap iterations.

Results

Included subjects were with a mean age of 61.8 ± 10.2 years, of which 41.8% were female. Sufficient fish intake (β = −0.164, p = 0.017) and well-maintained blood pressure (β = −0.232, p = 0.006) were significantly correlated with lower CSF sTREM2 levels. A larger number of HLCs were associated with lower CSF T-tau (p = 0.001), P-tau (p = 0.012), and sTREM2 (p = 0.040) levels. CSF sTREM2 partially mediated the association between the number of HLCs and CSF tau pathology (mediating proportion T-tau: 22.4%; P-tau: 25.0%).

Conclusions

HLCs might impact the pathological processes of AD by regulating neuroinflammation.
Informing cognitively healthy research participants of modifiable dementia risk factors: Ethical implications
Authors: Graham Mackenzie , Rossor Martin , Lawlor Brian , Naci Lorina
Published: November 2024

Research has shown that up to 40% of dementia incidence can be accounted for by 12 modifiable lifestyle risk factors. However, the predictive value of these risks factors at an individual level remains uncertain. Ethical considerations that are typically invoked with respect to the disclosure of individual research results—beneficence and non-maleficence, respect for autonomy, and justice—do not provide conclusive justification for, or against, disclosing modifiable risk factors for future dementia to cognitively unimpaired research participants. We argue for a different approach to evaluating the disclosure of individual-level modifiable risk factors for dementia. Rather than focusing on individual-level disease prediction and prevention, we suggest that disclosure should be evaluated based on the impact of behavioral and lifestyle changes on current brain health.
Tri-culture modeling of neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and neuroprotection
Authors: Peethambaran Mallika Aswathy
Published: November 2024

The study of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), has long been a complex and challenging task. One of the major hurdles in understanding these diseases is the difficulty in recapitulating the complex interactions between neurons, astrocytes, and microglia in a laboratory setting. In recent years, researchers have made significant progress in developing triculture models that combine these three cell types, allowing for a more accurate representation of the cellular context of the human brain. This commentary discusses the recent advancements and importance of using tri-culture model systems in clarifying the pathophysiology of AD and discusses the recent article by Kim et al. (2024) published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
A multi-modal and multi-stage region of interest-based fusion network convolutional neural network model to differentiate progressive mild cognitive impairment from stable mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Chen Zhenpeng , Qi Beier , Jing Bin , Dong Ruijuan , Chen Rong , Feng Pujie , Shou Yilu , Li Haiyun
Published: November 2024

Background

Accurately differentiating stable mild cognitive impairment (sMCI) from progressive MCI (pMCI) is clinically relevant, and identification of pMCI is crucial for timely treatment before it evolves into Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Objective

To construct a convolutional neural network (CNN) model to differentiate pMCI from sMCI integrating features from structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) images.

Methods

We proposed a multi-modal and multi-stage region of interest (ROI)-based fusion network (m2ROI-FN) CNN model to differentiate pMCI from sMCI, adopting a multi-stage fusion strategy to integrate deep semantic features and multiple morphological metrics derived from ROIs of sMRI and PET images. Specifically, ten AD-related ROIs of each modality images were selected as patches inputting into 3D hierarchical CNNs. The deep semantic features extracted by the CNNs were fused through the multi-modal integration module and further combined with the multiple morphological metrics extracted by FreeSurfer. Finally, the multilayer perceptron classifier was utilized for subject-level MCI recognition.

Results

The proposed model achieved accuracy of 77.4% to differentiate pMCI from sMCI with 5-fold cross validation on the entire ADNI database. Further, ADNI-1&2 were formed into an independent sample for model training and validation, and ADNI-3&GO were formed into another independent sample for multi-center testing. The model achieved 73.2% accuracy in distinguishing pMCI and sMCI on ADNI-1&2 and 75% accuracy on ADNI-3&GO.

Conclusions

An effective m2ROI-FN model to distinguish pMCI from sMCI was proposed, which was capable of capturing distinctive features in ROIs of sMRI and PET images. The experimental results demonstrated that the model has the potential to differentiate pMCI from sMCI.
Tear fluid reflects the altered protein expressions of Alzheimer's disease patients in proteins involved in protein repair and clearance system or the regulation of cytoskeleton
Authors: Kärkkäinen Virve , Hannonen Sanna , Rusanen Minna , Lehtola Juha-Matti , Saari Toni , Uusitalo Hannu , Leinonen Ville , Thiede Bernd , Kaarniranta Kai , Koivisto Anne M , Utheim Tor Paaske
Published: November 2024

Background

New biomarkers that improve diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are warranted. Tear fluid (TF) containing variety of proteins that reflect pathophysiological changes of systemic diseases makes TF proteins potential biomarker candidates for AD.

Objective

We investigated the expression levels of TF proteins in persons with mild AD and cognitively healthy controls (CO) to find out if altered proteins may link to the AD pathophysiology.

Methods

We analyzed the data of the 53 study participants (34 COs, mean age 71 and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) 28.9 ± 1.4 and 19 persons with AD, CDR 0.5–1, mean age 71 and MMSE 23.8 ± 2.8). All went through neurological status examination, cognitive tests, and ophthalmological examination. TF was collected using Schirmer strips. The TF protein content was evaluated via mass spectrometry-based proteomics and label-free quantification.

Results

Eleven proteins having a role either in protein repair and clearance system, or regulation of cytoskeleton, showed altered expression in AD group compared to CO group. Seven of them were significantly ( p ≤ 0.05) upregulated (Sti1, Twf1, Myl6, Otub1, Pls1 and Caza1) or, downregulated (HSP90) in AD group.

Conclusions

Altered expression of all these up- or downregulated proteins may be linked to AD pathophysiology. Thus, our results are encouraging for searching new biomarker candidates for AD. TF is potential biomarker candidate, because TF seems to reflect altered protein levels already in mild AD dementia.
The study of Alzheimer's disease risk diagnosis based on natural killer cell marker genes in the multi-omics data
Authors: Chen Xiaorong , Hu Fuyan , Chi Qingjia , Rao Congjun
Published: November 2024

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder, currently lacking effective early diagnostic methods. However, natural killer (NK) cells may play a potential role in AD pathogenesis.

Objective

This study aims to identify AD-related feature genes from NK cell markers to construct a diagnostic model and explore their potential biological mechanisms in AD.

Methods

Single-cell RNA sequencing data was used to identify NK cell markers. A novel feature selection algorithm, adaptive dynamic graph convolutional network (ADGCN), was proposed to extract AD-related feature genes and construct a diagnostic model. Differential, correlation and enrichment analyses were performed to understand the biological mechanisms of these genes. Immune infiltration analysis compared the immune microenvironment between AD and controls. Two regulatory networks explored interactions between feature genes, transcription factors and microRNAs. The association between SNPs and feature genes' expression was examined through expression quantitative trait loci analysis. Differential CpG sites were identified to analyze their association with the NK cell markers' expression.

Results

We developed an optimal diagnostic model (ADGCN-XGBoost) with 17 feature genes, demonstrating high diagnostic effectiveness across datasets. These genes were primarily related to macromolecule biosynthesis, cytoplasmic translation biological processes and ribosome pathway, and potentially modulated immune infiltration of AD patients. We predicted 27 target miRNAs and 21 transcription factors influencing these genes. Multimodal analysis identified 57 significant SNP-gene associations and seven CpG-gene pairs.

Conclusions

This study proposed a novel feature selection algorithm and developed a diagnostic model based on 17 feature genes, providing new potential biomarkers for AD diagnosis.
Acupuncture for patients with Alzheimer's disease: An evidence map of randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analysis
Authors: Ke Chao , Shan Shengtao , Yu Juli , Wei Xin , Pan Jiang , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2024

Background: Acupuncture is an effective complementary treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD). This review aims to summarize the available evidence provided by randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews (SRs) or meta-analyses (MAs) on the effect of acupuncture on AD. Objective: To systematically summarize and combine clinical research evidence on AD distribution. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of various databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang Data, Chinese BioMedical Literature Database (CBM) and Chonqing VIP (CQVIP), from their inception to September 2023. Relevant literature about acupuncture for AD was included, and the characteristics of the evidence map were presented through charts and textual analyses. Results: In total, 117 RCTs and 17 SRs or MAs were included. The results were divided into three categories: basic characteristics of the included literature, clinical characteristics and quality assessment of the included RCTs, and clinical characteristics and quality assessment of the included SRs and MAs. Conclusions: Acupuncture as a therapeutic measure for AD has some advantages in improving cognition and quality of life; thus, it is imperative to conduct multi-center, large-scale RCTs to enhance the evidence supporting the use of acupuncture in AD. This is the first evidence map exploring acupuncture treatment for AD, providing insights into the current clinical research landscape on acupuncture treatment for AD. Furthermore, the findings of this study highlight research gaps in this field and serve as a valuable reference for guiding the planning and selection of topics for future research.
Exacerbated mitochondrial dynamic abnormalities without evident tau pathology in rapidly progressive Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Xiyang Yanbin , Gao Ju , Ding Mao , Ren Xiaojia , Appleby Brian S , Leverenz James B , Miyagi Masaru , Pillai Jagan A , Perry George , Wang Xinglong
Published: November 2024

Background

Rapidly progressive Alzheimer's disease (rpAD) is a clinical subtype distinguished by its rapid cognitive decline and shorter disease duration. rpAD, like typical AD (tAD), is characterized by underlying neuropathology of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. There is early evidence that the composition of amyloid plaques could vary between the rpAD and tAD. Differences in tau pathology between rpAD and tAD are also of interest. Additionally, mitochondrial dysfunction is a key early-stage change in tAD but has not yet been evaluated in rpAD.

Objective

To deepen our understanding of the underlying pathophysiological processes specific to rpAD, we explore potential changes in tau pathology and mitochondrial dysfunction in rpAD compared to tAD.

Methods

We performed immunohistochemical and immunoblot analyses of tau, phosphorylated tau, and key regulators of mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergetics in postmortem human temporal cortex tissues obtained from patients diagnosed with tAD or rpAD, and tissues from age-matched normal subjects.

Results

tAD was characterized by significant tau phosphorylation at the PHF1 epitope. Unexpectedly, rpAD showed milder PHF1 tau phosphorylation, similar to that of age-matched controls. Despite these differences in tau pathology, both tAD and rpAD exhibited a significant decrease in the key regulators of mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergetics compared to controls. However, the decline in mitochondrial dynamics regulators was more pronounced in rpAD.

Conclusions

These findings suggest divergent pathological processes between tAD and rpAD, specifically in terms of tau pathology and mitochondrial dynamic abnormalities, which underscore the necessity for different approaches to understand and potentially treat various AD subtypes.
Markers of amyloid-β deposition and burden of enlarged perivascular spaces in patients with cognitive impairment and small vessel disease
Authors: Costa Ana Sofia , Exalto Lieza G , van der Flier Wiesje M , Teunissen Charlotte E , Barkhof Frederik , Kuijf Hugo J , Biessels Geert Jan ,   TRACE-VCI Study Group
Published: November 2024

MRI-visible enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) are common in patients with cognitive impairment and possibly linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). In a study of memory clinic patients (n = 450; mean age 66.5 ± 7.45, 45.8% female), we investigated CSF amyloid-β (Aβ)1–42 (AD biomarker) and strictly lobar microbleeds (CAA marker) in relation to centrum semiovale EPVS (CSO-EPVS). Age-controlled analyses showed that severe CSO-EPVS associated with Aβ status (odds ratio [OR] = 1.51, 95%CI = 1.02–2.24), but not strictly lobar microbleeds (OR = 1.39, 95%CI = 0.92–2.11), with no significant Aβ status and microbleeds interaction. This implies that in this setting, severe CSO-EPVS is not a specific indicator of CAA.
Acceptability of bispectral Index monitoring in end-of-life care for dementia
Authors: Xu (须静媛) Jingyuan , Smaling Hanneke JA , Dahan Albert , Chan Justin , van der Steen Jenny T
Published: November 2024

Background

Assessing consciousness might benefit the care for people with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia at the end of life by indicating distressing symptoms and moments of awareness. This could guide symptom control and increase interaction with the person with dementia.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the acceptability of a biosignal measurement of consciousness, the Bispectral Index monitoring (BIS), for persons with dementia at the end of life.

Methods

Qualitative study using focus groups and interviews with demonstrations of BIS monitoring, with 17 individuals with dementia and 24 family caregivers. Qualitative content analysis was based on the theoretical framework of acceptability.

Results

People with dementia did not find BIS monitoring bothersome, yet acceptability varied across participants and situations. Family caregivers considered BIS acceptable for medical situations such as palliative sedation and pain assessment. Perceived effectiveness, ethicality, and usefulness considerations underpinned reasons and concerns around acceptability.

Conclusions

Potential end-users expressed diverse attitudes towards BIS monitoring in dementia end-of-life care. If BIS or similar technologies are to be implemented in the future, care must be taken to ensure that the device has sufficient added value, that the person with dementia and family are well informed, and that the technology does not replace human care. Future research should investigate its efficacy and feasibility in the situations that were deemed acceptable.
Exploring the role of miR-125b-5p as a pro-inflammatory factor in Alzheimer's disease pathology
Authors: Liu Wenjia , Chen Sophia , Rao Xin , Chen Xiaodong , Yu Liyang , Zhang Jiangtao , Chen Jiong , Cui Bohan
Published: November 2024

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease, where neuroinflammation significantly influences its pathophysiology by driving the disease's pathological cascade. As a pro-inflammatory regulator, miR-125b-5p contributes to AD progression, though its precise role and mechanisms remain unclear.

Objective

We aims to identify mRNAs significantly regulated by pro-inflammatory miR-125b-5p in AD and uncover key neuroinflammatory pathways.

Methods

Target mRNAs regulated by miR-125b-5p were predicted using online databases and analyzed with two mRNA datasets to identify differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs). Enrichment analysis was conducted to explore their biological functions and pathways. The significance of DEmRNAs expression in AD-related inflammatory pathways was verified by the Wilcoxon test, predictive accuracy was assessed via area under the curves (AUCs), and novel mRNAs were identified through positive control analysis.

Results

A total of 613 miR-125b-5p target mRNAs were identified, and 44 DEmRNAs were detected to be regulated by miR-125b-5p in two datasets. The 44 target DEmRNAs associated with AD include three key pathways: insulin signaling ( EXOC7, FLOT2, MKNK2), phosphatidylinositol signaling ( IP6K1, MTMR3), and phospholipase D signaling ( CYTH1, GAB2). Correlation analysis indicated strong correlations among 7 mRNAs, all showing significant differential expression, with AUCs above 0.5, confirming their predictive value. Three mRNAs ( EXOC7, IP6K1, CYTH1) were identified as novel AD-related genes. MiR-125b-5p binding sites in the 3′-UTRs of these 7 mRNAs suggest their potential roles in AD-related inflammation and signaling pathways.

Conclusions

This study investigates the pro-inflammatory miR-125b-5p's role in the pathological processes of AD, highlighting its regulation of key target mRNAs and critical pathways.
Coexistence of somatic and psychological symptoms of depression among community-dwelling older adults is associated with the incidence of dementia
Authors: Misu Yuka , Tsutsumimoto Kota , Kiuchi Yuto , Nishimoto Kazuhei , Ohata Tomoka , Shimada Hiroyuki
Published: November 2024

Background

Depression in old age is associated with the incidence of dementia. However, whether a combination of somatic and psychological symptoms influences the risk of dementia has not been fully investigated.

Objective

We aimed to determine the association between the combination of psychological and somatic symptoms of depression and the incidence of dementia.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 2111 community-dwelling older adults (median age = 73 years, interquartile range = 68–78 years, 39.5% male). Participants were evaluated for 5 years from baseline to assess the incidence of dementia. Somatic symptoms were defined as the presence of one or more symptoms of fatigue, weight loss, sleep disturbances, and abnormal appetite. Psychological symptoms were assessed using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. Participants were stratified into four groups based on the presence or absence of somatic and psychological symptoms. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine the associations with the incidence of dementia, adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

The hazard ratios for the incidence of dementia in the somatic (HR 1.42, 95% CI: 0.96–2.09) and psychological symptoms-only groups (HR 1.47, 95% CI: 0.83–2.59) were not significantly different; however, they were significantly higher in the coexistent group than in the normal group (HR 1.91, 95% CI: 1.24–2.94).

Conclusions

The coexistence of somatic and psychological symptoms of depression increases the risk of dementia. Therefore, interventions should consider both somatic and psychological symptoms to prevent or delay dementia.
Spatial differences in gene expression across the dorsal raphe nucleus in a model of early Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Kolling Louis J , Chimenti Michael S , Marcinkiewcz Catherine A
Published: November 2024

Background

Persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD) present with changes in mood, sleep, and arousal that may precede the clinical manifestation of cognitive decline. These early symptoms can be driven by changes in the serotonergic (5-HT) nuclei of the brainstem, particularly the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). It is unclear why all 5-HT neurons do not simultaneously develop AD pathology that progresses at the same rate.

Objective

We sought to identify any underlying genetic components associated with susceptibility or resistance of 5-HT neurons to AD pathology.

Methods

The Visium Spatial Gene Expression platform was used to identify transcriptomic changes across the DRN in a preclinical model of early AD, human tau-overexpressing mice (htau mice). We further used RNAscope and immunohistochemical assessment to validate findings of primary interest.

Results

We find that the DRN of htau mice differentially expresses AD-related genes, including those related to kinase binding, ion channel activity, ligand-receptor interactions, and regulation of serine/threonine kinases. We further find that computational sub-clustering of the DRN is consistent with previous circuitry-driven characterizations, allowing for spatial bounding of distinct subregions within the DRN. Of these, we find the dorsolateral DRN is preferentially impacted by 5-HT neuron loss and development of tau pathology, which coincides with increased expression of the long noncoding RNA Map2k3os.

Conclusions

Map2k3os may serve regulatory roles relevant for tau phosphorylation and warrants further investigation to characterize its interactions. Overall, this report demonstrates the power of large-scale spatial transcriptomics technologies, while underscoring the need for convergent-data validation to overcome their limitations.
Mediation effect of neuropsychological factors on the relationship between social networks and mild cognitive impairment in older adults
Authors: Wan Ruihan , Tu Jingnan , Gao Jiahui , Cao Lei , Zhang Lin , Huang Jia , Liu Zhizhen
Published: November 2024

Background

Although links between social networks and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have been suggested. The pathway between social networks and MCI from the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model perspective among older adults remains inconclusive.

Objective

To examine the relationship between social networks and MCI, and further identify whether neuropsychological factors mediate the relationship.

Methods

1036 participants aged 55 to 75 years were recruited from two districts of Fuzhou, China, from December 2020 to December 2022. Data were obtained via a face-to-face neuropsychological scale assessment. Social networks and cognitive function were assessed by the Lubben Social Network Scale and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, respectively. The mediation model and structural equation model (SEM) pathway analysis were used to examine the direct and indirect effects of social networks on MCI via neuropsychological factors.

Results

Data from 580 participants were analyzed (year: 65.16 ± 5.38). Regression analysis indicated that higher levels of social networks and psychological resilience were positively correlated with improved cognitive function, even after adjusting for demographic data. Increased depressive symptoms and poor sleep quality were linked to cognitive decline. Support from family members had a greater impact than support from friends in reducing the risk of developing MCI. The SEM model supported the hypothesis that significant indirect effects of social networks on MCI via psychological resilience, depressive tendencies, and sleep quality.

Conclusions

The effects of social networks on MCI are mediated by psychological resilience, depressive tendencies, and sleep quality.
The importance of cognitive correlates of plasma amyloid-β 42/40
Authors: Weinstein Andrea M , Gogniat Marissa A , Butters Meryl A
Published: November 2024

This commentary focuses on the clinical utility of plasma amyloid-β (Aβ) 42/40 to detect semantic intrusion errors in amnestic mild cognitive impairment, as investigated Curiel Cid et al. in a recent issue of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. This commentary highlights the importance of testing the sensitivity of plasma Aβ42/40 to clinical symptoms in the quest to develop a comprehensive definition of AD that incorporates both biological precursors and clinical consequences.
Intersections between policing and mental health at the neighbourhood level: Evidence from England
Authors: Kyprianides Arabella , Bradford Ben
Published: November 2024

Despite widespread assumptions, there is surprisingly little firm evidence on the extent of police activity among people who face, and in areas where people face, more mental health and well-being challenges in the United Kingdom. We conducted a secondary analysis of existing data from four different sources to examine the relationship between police stop-and-search practices and the prevalence of mental health issues across England. Our findings indicated an association between higher stop-and-search incidents and the prevalence of mental health issues outside London, persisting even when controlling for factors like ethnicity, age demographics, deprivation, crime rates and accessibility to local services. By contrast, within London, stop-and-search frequency correlated more with higher crime rates and ethnic diversity, whereas the prevalence of mental health issues and other socio-demographic factors showed no significant impact. This is the first national-level study to illustrate that area-level mental health, the percentage of Black individuals, and overall ethnic diversity directly influence the prevalence of stop-and-search incidents across the country.
Twenty-five years on: A bibliographic analysis of articles appearing in the International Journal of Police Science & Management
Authors: Brown Jennifer , McKenzie Ian
Published: November 2024

From a corpus of 678 articles appearing in the International Journal of Police Science & Management representing 25 years of publication, This article reviews the achievements of the Journal's founding principles. Aiming to be multidisciplinary, international and collaborative, with particular emphasis on diversity and operational issues, the Journal also sought to present research informing both policy and practice. A bibliographic analysis revealed 45 police jurisdictions, 41 cognate disciplines and 150 topics covered. The majority of articles (79%) were empirical papers of which 69% derived from primary, 26% secondary and 5% mixed research designs. Around one-fifth of papers related to police management issues, one-third to police deployments and policing practices, and one in ten papers were devoted to accountability and misconduct. Diversity featured in about one-third of papers with gender being the most referred to, whereas disability, religion and sexuality were barely referenced. The majority of articles (77%) were by those from academic institutions with relatively few police/academic collaborating authors. The article concludes with a brief assessment and discussion of the future direction of policing research.
I would rather be a cyborg than a Barbie: hyperfeminine nostalgia and patriarchal futurity in Barbie
Authors: Parke Jul Jeonghyun
Published: November 2024

I examine portrayals of digital media and technology in Barbie, analysing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) symbolism in conjunction with the film's thematic commentaries on gender and contemporary affects. I draw my theoretical framework from Tracey Mollet's conceptualisation of twenty-first-century American nostalgia and Donna Haraway's iconic discussion of the cyborg, tracing all appearances of digital screens and devices, media franchises, computer software and virtual platforms in the film. I demonstrate that Barbie consistently associates ICT with toxic masculinity and corruptive futures, while disassociating desirable feminine spaces and interactions from technological artifacts and their use. This gendered representation of technology is contextualised within two competing nostalgias portrayed in the film: a hyperfeminine, commercialised girlhood and a masculine, nationalist and patriotic past. Analysing the strategic placement of digital ICT across the film's settings – Barbie Land, the Real World and Kendom – I illuminate the paradoxical relationship between the film's selectively feminist message and its dichotomous portrayal of technology. This case highlights the challenges of portraying feminism without stakes in popular culture, evoking Sarah Banet-Weiser's observations of neoliberal girl-power narratives in the guise of feminism. Ultimately, I argue that the portrayal of technology in Barbie reinforces biological essentialism, revitalising archaic logics which fixate on the physical gendered body as the motivator for feminist solidarity; moreover, it overlooks the importance of digital spaces in feminist praxis and theory, complicating its status as a pop feminist film.
Solidarity, safety and journalism: Collaboration between Ukrainian and Kosovar journalists in times of war
Authors: Hoxha Abit , Andresen Kenneth , Mulliqi Getoarbë
Published: November 2024

This paper discusses the issues of safety and solidarity of journalists for journalists in a cooperative project where Ukrainian journalists fled to Kosovo at the time of war in Ukraine. Through international non-governmental mediation, several journalists have moved to Kosovo after the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 to continue the work of reporting from Kosovo. This is done with the help of journalist peers in Kosovo. The political situation is not favorable for journalists in Ukraine, also considered the fact that Ukraine has not recognized Kosovo as a sovereign state, but this provides a political opportunity to extend this solidarity in political spectrum as well. Interviewed journalists claim that this “functional solidarity” is essential in media development and aid in the future and is a new way to look at safety of journalists. The altruistic solidarity of journalists for journalists also has its culprits of political consequences such as being part of political agendas to try and develop political bridges at the times of war. Findings such as willingness to extend help, planning for solidarity and joint interactions will further advance studies on safety of journalists and reflect on best practices of solidarity among journalists for the future endeavors of similar nature. The role of existing institutions such as journalist associations and international non-government organization are explored as well, defining their role in the process. Ukrainian journalists are in Kosovo to reveal this story of unusual collaboration.
Cross border solidarity in journalist protection and the American paradox
Authors: Paterson Chris
Published: November 2024

United States governments (including those of states) have a paradoxical record in facilitating press protection. The US, with its middle-eastern allies, imprisoned and killed more media workers than any other nation from 1999 to 2007 but there were few effective collaborative responses from the news industry and considerable media commentary undermining efforts toward accountability. Since then, the encouragement of violence against media, and high profile confinements of journalists, have been domesticated, bringing the struggle for media freedom home to US media as never before. But the US has simultaneously invested heavily in media protection and speech rights outside its borders, and is home to globally prominent press defenders. This chapter examines how an internal industry discourse of ‘worthy’ and ‘unworthy’ reporters and the politicization of news production has derailed cross-border solidarity and collaboration among journalists and advocacy groups in the context of this ‘American paradox’.
Spirituality in social work practice: Myth or essential component of ethical and effective service provision?
Authors: Hodge David R , Boynton Heather M , Vis Jo-Ann , Graham John R , Coholic Diana , Canda Edward R
Published: November 2024

Recent scholarship questions the concept of practitioners addressing spirituality in social work practice arguing, for instance, that social workers should not conduct spiritual assessments. This article responds to these criticisms. Employing a modified domain-based review of the relevant literature, this article contends that addressing spirituality is an essential component of ethical and effective service provision.

Findings

To support the notion that social workers should address spirituality in practice, seven intertwined rationales are delineated. Specifically, conducting a spiritual assessment positions practitioners to (1) observe widely affirmed social work ethical principles, (2) respect client autonomy regarding the nature of the services they receive, (3) identify potential strengths that can be leveraged to assist clients deal with challenges, (4) provide culturally relevant services that resonate, rather than conflict, with clients' values, (5) create evidence-informed spiritual interventions that ameliorate problems, (6) advocate for social justice and clients' fundamental human rights, and (7) comply with professional standards and protocols that require the administration of spiritual assessments to optimize the effectiveness of services.

Applications

Based on the findings, we suggest that social workers should be equipped and trained to administer spiritual assessments and work with clients' spiritual and religious beliefs and practices to ensure the provision of effective, client-centered services.
Tupua te Kawa: Indigenous methodologies for non-Indigenous (and Indigenous) organisations
Authors: Cribb Miriama , Mika Jason Paul , Leberman Sarah , Bennett April
Published: November 2024

This paper proposes using Tupua te Kawa – a set of Indigenous values at law – together with tribal, kaupapa Māori (Māori approach) and Indigenous methodologies, to introduce a framework for facilitating non-Indigenous organisations’ engagement with and implementation of Indigenous knowledges, values and practices. The framework recognises that Tupua te Kawa, an outcome of giving legal personhood to the Whanganui River via Te Awa Tupua (Whanganui River Settlement Claims) Act 2017, can be a reorientation to Indigenous methodologies by non-Indigenous organisations. This paper provides strength-based examples of how non-Indigenous organisations can engage with Indigenous knowledges, values and practices appropriately and effectively through Indigenous methodologies. The paper illustrates the critical role Indigenous methodologies play when connecting Indigenous frameworks to Indigenous worldviews, peoples, knowledges, values and practices. To highlight the criticality of honouring Indigenous languages when seeking to understand Indigenous worldviews, te reo Māori (the Māori language) with translations is used throughout, which is necessary to receive the full benefit of the paper.
Sustainable design education: Explorations of the meaning of the consciously responsible communication design student in higher education
Authors: Newton Victoria , Ellis Thomas
Published: November 2024

There is general consensus within students and staff in higher education that designers have to be ‘eco-conscious’, making decisions every day that will consciously or non-consciously impact their carbon footprint in multiple ways, from the files they are saving, to the designs they are creating. However, in further/higher education, it is still not discussed widely, or in depth, as part of delivery. In communication design, this is particularly difficult, due in part to the multiple, nuanced considerations surrounding methods, processes, practices, and outputs listed as part of the discipline. This paper will specifically explore issues of student perception around relevance, and personal choice verses institutional expectations which internally shape working practices in academia, and beyond into their professional lives. By using data and insights gathered from interviews and focus groups of current communication design students, this paper discusses the relationship of the design student, their creative process, and the value of the practice when considered against sustainability within pedagogy and practice, leading to the need for delivery to be shaped towards the agenda more definitively, relevantly, and in parallel to learning outcomes and assessment.
Efficacy and Action: How Targeted Messages Influence Support of Social Advocacy Organizations
Authors: Anspach Nicolas M , Draguljić Gorana
Published: November 2024

Scholars widely agree that to mobilize individuals to action, it is vital that interest groups persuade them of the efficacy of participation. Despite firmly establishing the relationship between efficacy and action, research tells us surprisingly little about what kind of messaging most effectively evokes feelings of efficacy. To address this gap in the literature, we conduct a pair of survey experiments, each with three manipulations. The experiments present messages by fictitious advocacy organizations that emphasize the individual (action by an individual can produce change), the identity group (action by a specific identity group can produce change), or the organization (action by our organization can political change). Each message is designed to increase self-efficacy, group efficacy, or organizational efficacy, respectively. We conduct a two-stage analysis to determine first whether each message is able to increase efficacy, and then whether those feelings translate to behavioral support of the campaign. We find that while motivational messages often increase the intent to support a campaign, they only induce behavioral change in limited contexts.
A 2-Stage 6 Toe-to-Hand Transfer for the Reconstruction of Bilateral Digitless Hands
Authors: Lefebvre Rachel , Bougioukli Sofia , McCullough Meghan , Kelpin John , Detels Ed , Stevanovic Milan
Published: November 2024

Reconstruction of metacarpal hands remains a challenging problem for hand surgeons. In this case report, we present a middle-aged female patient with bilateral Wei Type IIB metacarpal hands secondary to severe burn injuries following a motor vehicle accident. The patient underwent a 2-stage reconstruction with big, second, and third toes transfer in each hand to restore tripod pinch. Long-term follow-up demonstrated excellent functional outcomes, with independence with all activities of daily living and minimal donor site morbidity. This is the first report of a 2-stage 6 toe-to-hand transfer in a patient with bilateral metacarpal hands. Approaching this patient’s reconstruction in only 2 stages allowed for a successful outcome with fewer operations and less surgical morbidity.
Discharge Pain Medications: Do They Affect 6-Month Patient-Reported Outcomes After Operative Treatment of CMC Arthritis?
Authors: Wegner Mariah N. , Kleismith Rebekah M. , Doxey Stephen A. , Sibley Andrew , Husband Jeffrey B. , Bohn Deborah C. , Cunningham Brian P.
Published: November 2024

Background:

The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between discharge opioids after operative treatment of carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) over a 6-month episode of care.

Methods:

A total of 172 patients met inclusion criteria for this study. Patient-reported outcomes including patient-reported wrist/hand evaluation (PRWHE), single assessment numeric evaluation, and PRO measurement information system (PROMIS) global-10 questionnaires were collected prospectively and stored in an electronic data capture system until review for the purpose of this study. Morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) were calculated using a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-published opioid conversion table.

Results:

Of the 172 patients who met inclusion criteria for this study, 121 (70.4%) were female. The average patient age on the day of procedure was 63.6 ± 7.4 years. All patients received a prescription pain medication upon discharge with an average of 191.3 MMEs (range: 40.00-800.00 MMEs) prescribed per patient. Overall, there was no correlation between the amount of pain medication prescribed in MMEs and change in PROs between baseline, 6-weeks, 3-months, and 6-months ( r < .14).

Discussion:

Surgeons should feel confident limiting postoperative opioid prescription for patients after CMC arthroplasty without jeopardizing outcomes.
Soft partial release of non-aggressive stent retriever technique for very distal arterial occlusion stroke
Authors: Sporns Peter B , Almohammad Mohammad , Puskas Zoltan , Soda Hassan , Nguyen-Kim Thi Dan Linh , Simon Ole , Timmermann Lars , Kemmling André
Published: November 2024

Background

Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for very distal vessel occlusion (DVO) stroke is increasingly performed but there is insufficient evidence on the efficacy and safety of distal EVT techniques. We hypothesized that the technique of soft partial release of non-aggressive stent retrievers (SPORNS) reduces friction on the perforating vessels during thrombectomy and thereby reduces bleeding complications.

Methods

Retrospective study including consecutive DVO patients who were treated with the SPORNS technique between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022 at two tertiary stroke centers. DVOs were defined as isolated occlusions of the M3 and M4 segments of the middle cerebral artery, occlusions of the A2 and A3 segments of the anterior cerebral artery, and occlusions of the P2 and P3 segments of the posterior cerebral artery or of the superior cerebellar artery. The technique is described in detail and procedural and clinical outcomes are given.

Results

Twenty-four patients were treated with the SPORNS technique of whom 22 (92%) had complete or near complete recanalization (eTICI 2c/3). National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) decreased from a median of nine (IQR 7–13) at admission to three (1–5) at discharge and 18 patients (75%) achieved a good outcome (modified Rankin scale 0-2) at day 90 post-stroke. Two patients (8%) had a small subarachnoid hemorrhage and two patients (8%) had a symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage on follow-up imaging.

Conclusion

For the treatment of very distal arterial occlusions, the SPORNS technique employing a soft partial release of a non-aggressive stent retriever is safe and effective for the thrombectomy of small clots. The technique potentially yields a lower rate of subarachnoid hemorrhages while achieving an excellent rate of complete and first-pass recanalization.
Structural parameter optimization of radial basis function neural network based on improved genetic algorithm and cost function model
Authors: Li Lianhui , Manyara Adham , Liu Jie
Published: November 2024

This paper investigates the structural parameter optimization of RBF networks with the goal of economic control. The cost function and its implementation method are analyzed, and the cost function model of RBF neural network is established. The weights of RBF neural network are determined using recursive least squares method, then the crossover and mutation operators of genetic algorithm are improved and a new adaptive genetic algorithm is designed to implement the economic control of RBF neural network. The optimized network structure parameters are applied to the RBF neural network for simulation through function example, and the results obtained are compared with those of ordinary RBF network training. It shows that the method proposed in this paper is superior in both error and prediction values.
A comprehensive analysis of European clinical trial governance: The evolution from directive to regulation
Authors: Maheriya Bhumika , Patel Tithi , Shaikh Rukshar , Chauhan Sanjay
Published: November 2024

The implementation of the new European Clinical Trial Regulation on January 31, 2022, marks a significant advancement in promoting clinical research across Europe. This article comprises three key sections aimed at elucidating the transition from the previous clinical trial directives to the new regulation and its implications. The introductory segment provides a simplified overview of the historical context and limitations of clinical trial directives, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the subsequent clinical trial regulation-related information. Here, the basic work structure of the Clinical Trial Information System (CTIS) is outlined alongside the transition period from directives to regulation, highlighting key differences between the two. Additionally, various differentiators of the regulation are highlighted, including coordinated assessments, increased public transparency, new definitions such as “low intervention clinical trials,” stricter timelines, simplified safety reporting, and improved patient protections. Lastly, the article creatively explores the guidance document titled “Guidance for the Transition of Clinical Trials from the Clinical Trial Directive to Clinical Trial Regulation,” elucidating its contents in an easy-to-understand manner. In summary, this article offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of the clinical trial directive, clinical trial regulation, and the clinical trial information system, while highlighting key differentiators of the regulation and the transition process, guided by the directive-to-regulation transition document.