bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of the environment and lifestyle on myopia
Authors: Biswas Sayantan , El Kareh Antonio , Qureshi Mariyem , Lee Deborah Mei Xuan , Sun Chen-Hsin , Lam Janice S.H. , Saw Seang-Mei , Najjar Raymond P.
Published: January 2024

Background

Myopia, commonly known as near-sightedness, has emerged as a global epidemic, impacting almost one in three individuals across the world. The increasing prevalence of myopia during early childhood has heightened the risk of developing high myopia and related sight-threatening eye conditions in adulthood. This surge in myopia rates, occurring within a relatively stable genetic framework, underscores the profound influence of environmental and lifestyle factors on this condition. In this comprehensive narrative review, we shed light on both established and potential environmental and lifestyle contributors that affect the development and progression of myopia.

Main body

Epidemiological and interventional research has consistently revealed a compelling connection between increased outdoor time and a decreased risk of myopia in children. This protective effect may primarily be attributed to exposure to the characteristics of natural light (i.e., sunlight) and the release of retinal dopamine. Conversely, irrespective of outdoor time, excessive engagement in near work can further worsen the onset of myopia. While the exact mechanisms behind this exacerbation are not fully comprehended, it appears to involve shifts in relative peripheral refraction, the overstimulation of accommodation, or a complex interplay of these factors, leading to issues like retinal image defocus, blur, and chromatic aberration. Other potential factors like the spatial frequency of the visual environment, circadian rhythm, sleep, nutrition, smoking, socio-economic status, and education have debatable independent influences on myopia development.

Conclusion

The environment exerts a significant influence on the development and progression of myopia. Improving the modifiable key environmental predictors like time spent outdoors and engagement in near work can prevent or slow the progression of myopia. The intricate connections between lifestyle and environmental factors often obscure research findings, making it challenging to disentangle their individual effects. This complexity underscores the necessity for prospective studies that employ objective assessments, such as quantifying light exposure and near work, among others. These studies are crucial for gaining a more comprehensive understanding of how various environmental factors can be modified to prevent or slow the progression of myopia.
Discontinuation Syndrome With JAK2 Selective Agents: Case Presentation and Mechanistic Insights
Authors: Handa Shivani , Farina Kyle A. , Becker Michelle , Kelly Brianna , Yu Ashley , Feld Jonathan , Tremblay Douglas , Marcellino Bridget K. , Salib Christian , Mascarenhas John , Shih Alan H.
Published: January 2024

We report the first case of pacritinib-withdrawal syndrome with in vitro elucidation of underlying mechanisms.
Baseline and Longitudinal Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio as Prognostic Factor for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Secondary Analysis of the ITACa Randomized Trial
Authors: Petracci Elisabetta , Passardi Alessandro , Biggeri Annibale , Valgiusti Martina , Monti Manlio , Frassineti Giovanni Luca , Nanni Oriana , Scarpi Emanuela
Published: January 2024

PURPOSE

We aimed to investigate the prognostic role of baseline and longitudinal levels of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treated with chemotherapy + bevacizumab (CT + B) or chemotherapy only. Additionally, we investigated whether treatment outcomes were mediated by the longitudinal biomarker.

METHODS

Data from an Italian randomized phase III trial were used. The main end point was progression-free survival (PFS). To address research questions, a series of joint models of longitudinal and survival data were specified, and the direct and indirect treatment effects were quantified.

RESULTS

Data for 239 patients, 113 (47.3%) treated with CT + B and 126 (52.7%) with CT only, were included in the analyses. The effect of NLR seemed to be mediated by the longitudinal trajectory of the biomarker. Only in the patient subgroup treated with CT + B, the baseline NLR retained a direct effect on PFS. Regarding the effect of treatment on PFS, two scenarios were observed. In the subgroup of patients with low baseline, NLR bevacizumab showed a direct protective effect only (hazard ratio [HR], 0.66 [95% CI, 0.45 to 0.98]), whereas in the subgroup with high baseline NLR, there was evidence for an adverse direct effect (HR, 1.63 [95% CI, 1.03 to 2.57]) and a protective indirect—which is mediated by the longitudinal biomarker—effect (HR, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.55 to 0.90]).

CONCLUSION

In our study, inflammatory indexes collected longitudinally showed a significant adverse prognostic role, thus suggesting the collection and use of such data for better clinical decision making. In the specific setting, we considered this is particularly important as the treatment effect seemed to be modified by both the baseline and longitudinal inflammation statuses. However, further research is needed to understand the possible factors underlying these results.
Ultrasound Features and Performance of Afirma Gene Sequencing Classifier in Cytologically Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Azaryan Irina , Endo Mayumi , Sipos Jennifer A , Ma Jianing , Peng Jing , Nabhan Fadi
Published: January 2024

Background

Cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules (ITN) pose a management challenge. Here we analyze if adding ultrasound characteristics to Afirma Genome Sequence Classifier (GSC) results increases GSC diagnostic performance.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 237 GSC-tested Bethesda III/IV ITNs between July 2017 and December 2019 and classified them by American Thyroid Association (ATA) and the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) of the American College of Radiology.

Results

The benign call rate was higher in Bethesda III ITNs with TIRADS <5 vs TIRADS 5 (89% vs 68%. P = .015). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of GSC in ATA high-risk Bethesda III ITNs vs lower were 100% vs 80% (P = 1), 89.5% vs 91.5% (P = .67), 66.7% vs 25% (P = .13), and 100% vs 99.2% (P = 1), respectively, and for TIRADS 5 vs <5 were 100% vs 80% (P = 1), 88.2% vs 91.4% (P = .65), 71.4% vs 23.5% (P = .06), and 100% vs 99.3% (P = 1). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of GSC in high-risk ATA Bethesda IV ITNs vs lower were 66.7% vs 100% (P = .42), 83.3% vs 85.7% (P = 1), 66.7% vs 64.3% (P = 1), and 83.3% vs 100% (P = .3), respectively, and for TIRADS 5 vs <5 were 66.7% vs 90% (P = .42), 88.9% vs 83.8% (P = 1), 66.7% vs 60% (P = 1), and 88.9% vs 96.9% (P = .39).

Conclusion

Sensitivity, specificity, NPV, and PPV of GSC were not significantly different in ATA high-risk and TIRADS 5 ITNs compared to ATA < high-risk and TIRADS 1-4 ITNs.
Before the Reporter's Notebook: The Oblong Book in the Long Eighteenth Century
Authors: Cataldo Ashley
Published: January 2024

Throughout the eighteenth century, the oblong octavo format had a specific variety of uses. Held horizontally, oblong books were almost exclusively used for printed and manuscript music, and printed music books frequently contain manuscript additions by amateur musicians, as well as non-music additions. Held vertically, oblong books were used by sermon auditors, students, notetakers, and businessmen and women for their receipts. In this article, I examine the changing print and manuscript uses of the oblong book over the eighteenth century. I look at the stationers who sold oblong blank books in the context of their wider blank book offerings; the publishers and booksellers who used the oblong format for printed books and who accounted for manuscript use by those who purchased the volumes; and the everyday practice of the musicians, business owners, and students who used them. Ultimately, this article suggests that studying book format requires not only the skills of traditional bibliography, but also research into the practical use of books.
Computational Approaches to Manuscript Books: Quaker Correspondence and the History of Its Reconstruction
Authors: Badley Chip , Coleman Sydney , Al-halabieh Deena , Johnson Lacey , King Rachael Scarborough , LaFond Jaucqir , Merritt John Henry
Published: January 2024

In this essay, the authors use an archival collection housed at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Library Special Research Collections to examine how the concept of “the book” changes in light of historical archival practices and present-day techniques of digitization and computational literary analysis. The Ballitore Collection consists of roughly 2,500 letters, journals, and notes related to the eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Irish Quaker community of Ballitore, Ireland. Researchers on the Ballitore Project have applied the computational methods of network analysis and topic modeling to the collection while considering how its history of collection and curation affect our interpretation of the materials. Just as the documents in the Ballitore Collection have been created, collected, edited, disassembled, reassembled, and curated by networks of writers, readers, and librarians over time, so the Ballitore Project has been run by a diverse, collaborative, nonhierarchical research team dedicated to showing how our contemporary concepts of digitization and media transformation can elucidate the nonlinear relationship between print and manuscript in earlier periods.
The AIDS Quilt in Prison
Authors: Hobson Emily K.
Published: January 2024

This article examines AIDS activism in women’s prisons in the 1980s and 1990s United States through a focus on incarcerated women’s creation and display of panels for the AIDS Quilt. It argues that AIDS Quilt panels made in prison reflected the potential of incarcerated activists to use creative expression as a tool of illustrating and exercising care work inside and against the carceral state. This care work challenged the convergence of state abandonment and state violence that helped define the Reagan-Bush and Clinton eras, and it articulated the issue of women and HIV/AIDS as a problem both of illness and of caregiving.
“If You’re Going to Be Beautiful, You Better Be Dangerous”
Authors: Berg Heather
Published: January 2024

Refusing both sex workers’ state-produced vulnerability to violence and the state’s monopoly on protection, sex worker radicals articulate community defense as a practice of care. Grounded in interviews with thinkers of the sex worker Left and in sex workers’ cultural production, this article explores sex worker community defense with an eye to its relationship to past struggles and contributions to future ones. Chief among those is the abolitionist struggle for a world beyond prisons and policing. Sex worker abolitionists identify a tension between a vision of transformative justice that rejects violence and the understanding that transformation might not come without injury to those who do violence on behalf of the state. Sex worker abolitionists seek resources for navigating this tactical ambivalence in Black radical, decolonial, and queer and feminist traditions. Many wonder if building new worlds will require a transitional program of militant community defense, even retribution.
Embodying Revolution
Authors: Moradian Manijeh
Published: January 2024

This essay considers the 2022–23 feminist uprising in Iran through a transnational feminist lens, as part of a global revolt against patriarchal, homophobic, and transphobic state violence. After first placing the Women, Life, Freedom movement in the context of modern Iranian history, the essay analyzes the dramatic changes in revolutionary politics and consciousness that have resulted in the shift of gender and sexual liberation from the periphery to the center of the freedom struggle in Iran. These novel developments have also opened up new possibilities for diasporic and transnational feminist solidarities that can cut against Iran’s relative isolation from other social movements in the global South. The essay focuses on Iranian iterations of the Chilean feminist song “A Rapist in Your Path” as examples of how affective desires for revolution are transmitted across borders and embodied at the same time, rendering these performances situated acts of resistance as well as sites of South-South solidarity.
“Bound by a Shared Affect”
Authors: Siltanen Elina
Published: January 2024

In this article, the author presents a theoretically oriented framework for teaching poetry that accounts for the role of affect. The author calls this framework reading for affective uncertainty, meaning an approach to affect and meaning that recognizes affects associated with the reading event as integral parts of the reading without expecting meaning to be inherent to texts and simply in need of interpretation, which is often a focus in teaching. Central to this framework are the notion of a poem as an object and Sara Ahmed's argument in The Cultural Politics of Emotion (2004), that objects do not cause emotions, but emotions are produced in circulation with objects. As concrete examples, the author discusses Evelyn Reilly's Echolocation (2018) and Wendy Trevino's Cruel Fiction (2018), two recent poetry books that consider relations between the human and the nonhuman and the notions of race and borders, respectively. These works generate uncertainty as to how to relate to others and thus serve as examples of the way in which reading for affective uncertainty works in acknowledging that poems can be viewed as ordinary objects that participate in generating emotion.
Hassle Costs versus Information: How Do Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs Reduce Opioid Prescribing?
Authors: Alpert Abby , Dykstra Sarah , Jacobson Mireille
Published: January 2024

We study hassle costs versus information provision in explaining how prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) decrease opioid prescribing. PDMPs aim to reduce opioid prescribing through information provision but may also unintentionally affect prescribing through the hassle of required record checks. We analyze Kentucky’s landmark PDMP to disentangle these two mechanisms. Hassle costs reduce opioid prescribing across the board, including to opioid-naïve patients; however, physicians continue to prescribe opioids to patients who would benefit the most. Although information also affects prescribing, hassle costs explain the majority of the decline. Introducing a cost to prescribing high-risk medications improves the targeting of treatment. (JEL H75, I11, I12, I18, L65)
Regulating Privacy Online: An Economic Evaluation of the GDPR
Authors: Goldberg Samuel G. , Johnson Garrett A. , Shriver Scott K.
Published: January 2024

Modern websites rely on personal data to design better content and to market themselves. The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was intended to make access to such personal data more difficult, with the goal of protecting user privacy. We examine the GDPR's impact on website page views and revenue for 1,084 online firms using data from Adobe's website analytics platform. We find a reduction of 12 percent in both EU user website page views and website revenue recorded by the platform after the GDPR’s enforcement deadline. We decompose these GDPR effects into changes in real outcomes and changes to data recording, respectively. (JEL D83, K24, L51, L86, L88, M31, M37)
Corporate Taxation and Evasion Responses: Evidence from a Minimum Tax in Honduras
Authors: Lobel Felipe , Scot Thiago , Zúniga Pedro
Published: January 2024

We study corporate responses to a minimum income tax, using the universe of corporate tax filings in Honduras. The policy design allows us to separately estimate cost misreporting under profit taxation and the elasticity of reported revenue. Large corporations overreport true costs when taxed on profits. Taxing revenue leads to a substantial decrease in reported revenues: we estimate an elasticity in the range 0.35–1. The elasticity of revenue is attenuated when third-party information on the revenue of firms is available, suggesting misreporting plays an important role. Our results inform trade-offs when broadening tax bases to curb evasion. (JEL H25, H26, K34, L25, O14, O17)
Bibliometric Analysis of Sustainable Practices in the Hotel Industry: Current Trends and Future Research Directions
Authors: Singh Ranjit , Khana Iqra Sajad , Najara Ashaq Hussain , Shafi Iqra
Published: January 2024

This research was conducted with the purpose of providing a bibliometric overview of sustainable practices in hotels. Following the PRISMA framework and using the Scopus database, a total of 228 articles were selected to analyse the trends and developments in sustainable practices in hotels. The results revealed that the International Journal of Hospitality Management is the prominent source of choice for the authors to publish the hotel’s sustainability practice research. Additionally, the findings of prolific authors showed that Acampora A was the leading author. The thematic analysis identified three themes based on various aspects of sustainable hotel practices. Based on the findings, implications and future research suggestions were provided .
Wakhan Koridoru’nda (Afganistan) Pamir Kırgızlarının Yaşam Biçimi, Mevcut Durumu ve Sorunları
Authors: CAN Reyhan Rafet
Published: January 2024

Wakhan Koridoru, Amuderya Nehri’nin kaynak sularını Pamir Dağları’ndaki kaynaklarına kadar takip ederek Bedahşan eyaletinden doğuya doğru uzanan, vadiler ve yüksek dağlardan oluşan dar bir panhandledir. İpek Yolu’nun en önemli kavşak noktası olan koridor, Avrupalılar ve Çinliler tarafından Arap Denizi Kıyıları üzerinden Hint Ovaları’na ulaşmak için bir ticaret yolu olarak kullanılmıştır. Afganistan’da Kırgız topluluğunun mensupları, kuzey Bedahşan Eyaletinde, Küçük ve Büyük Pamir olarak bilinen iki yerleşim yerinde yaşamaktadırlar. Hindikuş, Karakurum ve Pamir sıradağları arasındaki yüksek, açık vadiler, Pamir Düğümü olarak bilinen yeri oluşturur. Bu çalışmada Pamir Kırgızlarının Wakhan Vadisindeki yaşantısı, etno-kültürel özellikleri, mevcut ekonomik durumları ve sorunları ele alınmıştır. Çalışmada nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden biri olan doküman ve içerik analizi metodundan yararlanılmıştır. Araştırma sonunda Pamir Kırgızları nüfusunun her yıl %

6-7 oranında azaldığı, eğitim, sağlık ve medeniyetin diğer imkânlarından mahrum bırakıldıkları, Çin ve Orta Asya’daki zamana ve siyasi gelişmelere rağmen bozulmadan korunmuş büyük bir kültürel özgünlüğe ve zenginliğe sahip oldukları sonucuna varılmıştır.
Imaging, pathology, and diagnosis of solitary fibrous tumor of the pancreas: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Wang Wen-Wen , Zhou Shu-Ping , Wu Xiang , Wang Luo-Luo , Ruan Yi , Lu Jun , Li Hai-Li , Ni Xu-Ling , Qiu Li-Li , Zhou Xin-Hua
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

A solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is often located in the pleura, while SFT of the pancreas is extremely rare. Here, we report a case of SFT of the pancreas and discuss imaging, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

CASE SUMMARY

A 54-year-old man presented to our hospital with pancreatic occupancy for over a month. There were no previous complaints of discomfort. His blood pressure was normal. Blood glucose, tumor markers, and enhanced computed tomography (CT) suggested a malignant tumor. Because the CT appearance of pancreatic cancer varies, we could not confirm the diagnosis; therefore, we performed endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB). Pathology and immunohistochemistry were consistent with SFT of the pancreas. The postoperative pathology and immunohistochemistry were consistent with the puncture results. The patient presented for a follow-up examination one month after discharge with no adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

Other diseases must be excluded in patients with a pancreatic mass that cannot be diagnosed. CT and pathological histology have diagnostic value for pancreatic tumors. Endoscopic puncture biopsy under ultrasound can help diagnose pancreatic masses that cannot be diagnosed preoperatively. Surgery is an effective treatment for SFT of the pancreas; however, long-term follow-up is strongly recommended because of the possibility of malignant transformation of the tumor.
Virological and care outcomes of community ART distribution: Experience with the PODI+ model in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Gill Michelle M. , Bakebua Winnie , Ditekemena John , Gbomosa Cady Nyombe , Tshishi Dieudonné , Loando Aimé , Giri Abhigya , Ngantsui Roger Beni , Hoffman Heather J.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Differentiated service delivery models for HIV treatment can minimize unnecessary burdens on health systems and promote efficient delivery of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Under the PODI+ (poste de distribution communautaire) model, ART multi-month dispensation (MMD) was provided by lay workers (peers) in communities. We compared outcomes among clinically stable adults living with HIV receiving MMD via PODI+ or health facility (HF).

Methods

Clients receiving MMD at nine HFs and two PODI+ sites in Kinshasa were followed prospectively for one year (2018–2020). Medication possession ratio (MPR) was measured as proportion of total days with medication during the study through record abstraction at 3-month intervals. Viral load was assessed at enrollment and 12 months. We compared MPR and viral load suppression by arm and examined associations and potential confounders using unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (AOR). Likert-style client satisfaction was collected during 12-month interviews and described by arm.

Results

Odds of maintaining viral load suppression at 12 months for PODI+ participants were two times that for HF participants. In adjusted models, PODI+ participants had 1.89 times the odds of being suppressed at 12 months compared to HF participants (95% CI: 1.10, 3.27). No significant differences in MPR were found between groups (OR: 0.86, 0.38–1.99). Older participants had significantly higher odds of MPR (AOR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.03) and viral suppression (AOR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.07). Satisfaction with services was ≥87% overall, but PODI+ participants rated time spent at site, provider attributes and other care aspects more favorably.

Conclusions

Participants receiving MMD via peer-run community distribution points had similar MPR, but better virological outcomes and greater satisfaction with care than clinically similar participants receiving MMD through facilities. PODI+ could be a useful model for expansion to serve larger clinic populations from overburdened health facilities, particularly as policy shifts towards more inclusive MMD eligibility requirements.
Development and initial validation of a family activation measure for acute care
Authors: Hallot Sophie , Debay Vanessa , Foster Nadine , Burns Karen E. A. , Goldfarb Michael
Published: January 2024

Background

Activation of a family member refers to their desire, knowledge, confidence, and skills that can inform engagement in healthcare. Family activation combined with opportunity can lead to engagement in care. No tool currently exists to measure family activation in acute care. Therefore, we aimed to develop and validate a tool to measure family activation in acute care.

Methods

An interdisciplinary team of content experts developed the FAMily Activation Measure (FAM-Activate) through an iterative process. The FAM-Activate tool is a 4-item questionnaire with 5 Likert-type response options (ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree). Scale scores are converted to a 0–100 point scoring range so that higher FAM-Activate scores indicate increased family activation. An overall FAM-Activate score (range 0–100) is calculated by adding the scores for each item and dividing by 4. We conducted reliability and predictive validity assessments to validate the instrument by administering the FAM-Activate tool to family members of patients in an acute cardiac unit at a tertiary care hospital. We obtained preliminary estimates of family engagement and satisfaction with care.

Results

We surveyed 124 family participants (age 54.1±14.4; 73% women; 34% non-white). Participants were predominantly the adult child (38%) or spouse/partner (36%) of patients. The mean FAM-Activate score during hospitalization was 84.1±16.1. FAM-Activate had acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s a = 0.74) and showed test-retest responsiveness. FAM-Activate was moderately correlated with engagement behavior (Pearson’s correlation r = 0.47, P <0.0001). The FAM-Activate score was an independent predictor of family satisfaction, after adjusting for age, gender, relationship, and living status.

Conclusion

The FAM-Activate tool was reliable and had predictive validity in the acute cardiac population. Further research is needed to explore whether improving family activation can lead to improved family engagement in care.
A novel assay to measure low-density lipoproteins binding to proteoglycans
Authors: Geh Esmond N. , Swertfeger Debi K. , Sexmith Hannah , Heink Anna , Tarapore Pheruza , Melchior John T. , Davidson W. Sean , Shah Amy Sanghavi
Published: January 2024

Background

The binding of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to proteoglycans (PGs) in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the arterial intima is a key initial step in the development of atherosclerosis. Although many techniques have been developed to assess this binding, most of the methods are labor-intensive and technically challenging to standardize across research laboratories. Thus, sensitive, and reproducible assay to detect LDL binding to PGs is needed to screen clinical populations for atherosclerosis risk.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to develop a quantitative, and reproducible assay to evaluate the affinity of LDL towards PGs and to replicate previously published results on LDL-PG binding.

Methods

Immunofluorescence microscopy was performed to visualize the binding of LDL to PGs using mouse vascular smooth muscle (MOVAS) cells. An in-cell ELISA (ICE) was also developed and optimized to quantitatively measure LDL-PG binding using fixed MOVAS cells cultured in a 96-well format.

Results

We used the ICE assay to show that, despite equal APOB concentrations, LDL isolated from adults with cardiovascular disease bound to PG to a greater extent than LDL isolated from adults without cardiovascular disease (p<0.05).

Conclusion

We have developed an LDL-PG binding assay that is capable of detecting differences in PG binding affinities despite equal APOB concentrations. Future work will focus on candidate apolipoproteins that enhance or diminish this interaction.
Perceived neighborhood social cohesion and functional disability among older adults: The moderating roles of sex, physical activity, and multi-morbidity
Authors: Awuviry-Newton Kofi , Amoah Dinah , Doh Daniel , Agyemang-Duah Williams , Ofori-Dua Kwadwo , Kowal Paul , Appiah Seth Christopher Yaw
Published: January 2024

Though the Ghanaian social structure is largely communal in several of its social life and social spaces, the extent to which cohesive neighbourhood affects functional ability of older persons and the moderating factors of the relationship, are unknown in Ghana. This study examines the moderating roles of sex, multimorbidity, and physical activity on the association between neighbourhood social cohesion and functional disability among older people in Ghana. A cross-sectional study of 4,446 people—50 years and older—from WHO’s Study on global AGEing and adult health Ghana Wave 2 was employed. Functional disability—WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0—and neighbourhood social cohesion measured with community-level participation, perceived trust and safety were studied. Generalised Logistic regressions with interactional tests were used to examine the associations. A more socially cohesive neighbourhood was significantly associated with a lower functional disability among older people (OR = 0.94, 95%CI: 0.93, 0.94; P<0.001). A similar relationship was found for community-level participation (aOR = 0.94, 95%CI: 0.94, 0.95; P<0.001) and perceived trust (aOR = 1.00, 95%CI: 0.99, 1.00; P<0.001). Community-level participation is associated with a lower functional disability among older people who were physically active (aOR = 0.98, 95%CI: 0.96, 0.99; P<0.001). Among the three individual-level measures of neighbourhood social cohesion, only physical activity (OR = 0.98, 95%CI: 0.98, 0.99; P<0.01) moderated the association between community-level participation and functional disability. Community-level participation, along with physical activity, may be relevant in improving functional ability among older people. The results highlight the usefulness of policy to ensure a more socially cohesive neighbourhood for older people in Ghana to improve their quality of life.
Has the agricultural cooperatives served each member fairly? A new perspective based on utilization level of member services
Authors: Liu Guoqiang , Chen Chaoyue , Fu Xinhong , Liu Yuying , Khan Nawab , Luo Lei
Published: January 2024

With the rapid increase of the number of agricultural cooperatives in China, the problem of fake cooperatives has become more and more serious. The core problem is that some members do not use cooperative services, and elite capture phenomenon appears in the organization. Since services are one of the most important public goods attributes of cooperatives, it is important to ensure that more members use them. What are the factors that affect members’ utilization level of cooperative services? Existing research does not provide a comprehensive answer. Based on the micro-survey data of 74 citrus cooperatives and 524 citrus members in China, the article found out that 50.9% of the members did not use any services provided by cooperatives, and only 20.04% of the members used cooperatives’ sales services. So, this study empirically analyzes the factors that influence the use of cooperatives’ services by puns model. The results show that quality of service, service convenience and mountain terrain promote the use of cooperative sales services for members. In addition, cooperative knowledge, planting area, surplus distribution, quality of service, and service convenience significantly increased the utilization leve of cooperative sales services by members. Finally, the study puts forward some suggestions, such as propagating cooperative sales service, improving the quality of cooperative sales service, perfecting cooperative distribution system.
Timing and duration of dog walking and dog owner’s chronotype in relation to incident depression risk among middle to older-aged female nurses
Authors: Żebrowska Magdalena , Strohmaier Susanne , Westgarth Carri , Huttenhower Curtis , Eliassen Heather A. , Haghayegh Shahab , Huang Tianyi , Laden Francine , Hart Jaime , Rosner Bernard , Kawachi Ichiro , Chavarro Jorge E. , Okereke Olivia I. , Schernhammer Eva S.
Published: January 2024

Background

We examined associations between dog ownership, morning dog walking and its timing and duration, and depression risk in female nurses, exploring effect modification by chronotype. We hypothesized that dog ownership and morning walking with the dog are associated with lower odds of depression, and that the latter is particularly beneficial for evening chronotypes by helping them to synchronize their biological clock with the solar system.

Methods

26,169 depression-free US women aged 53–72 from the Nurses’ Health Study 2 (NHS2) were prospectively followed from 2017–2019. We used age- and multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) for depression according to dog ownership, and morning dog walking, duration, and timing.

Results

Overall, there was no association between owning a dog (ORvs_no_pets= 1.12, 95%CI = 0.91–1.37), morning dog walking (ORvs_not= 0.87, 95%CI = 0.64–1.18), or the duration (OR>30min vs. ≤15mins= 0.68, 95%CI = 0.35–1.29) or timing of morning dog walks (ORafter9am vs. before7am= 1.06, 95%CI = 0.54–2.05) and depression. Chronotype of dog owners appeared to modify these associations. Compared to women of the same chronotype but without pets, dog owners with evening chronotypes had a significantly increased odds of depression (OR = 1.60, 95%CI = 1.12–2.29), whereas morning chronotypes did not (OR = 0.94, 95%CI = 0.71–1.23). Further, our data suggested that evening chronotypes benefited more from walking their dog themselves in the morning (OR = 0.75, 95%CI = 0.46–1.23, Pintx= 0.064;) than morning chronotypes.

Conclusions

Overall, dog ownership was not associated with depression risk though it was increased among evening chronotypes. Walking their dog in the morning might help evening chronotypes to lower their odds of depression, though more data are needed to confirm this finding.
A novel Multi-Level Refined (MLR) knowledge graph design and chatbot system for healthcare applications
Authors: Hsueh Huei-Chia , Chien Shuo-Chen , Huang Chih-Wei , Yang Hsuan-Chia , Iqbal Usman , Lin Li-Fong , Jian Wen-Shan
Published: January 2024

Imagine having a knowledge graph that can extract medical health knowledge related to patient diagnosis solutions and treatments from thousands of research papers, distilled using machine learning techniques in healthcare applications. Medical doctors can quickly determine treatments and medications for urgent patients, while researchers can discover innovative treatments for existing and unknown diseases. This would be incredible! Our approach serves as an all-in-one solution, enabling users to employ a unified design methodology for creating their own knowledge graphs. Our rigorous validation process involves multiple stages of refinement, ensuring that the resulting answers are of the utmost professionalism and solidity, surpassing the capabilities of other solutions. However, building a high-quality knowledge graph from scratch, with complete triplets consisting of subject entities, relations, and object entities, is a complex and important task that requires a systematic approach. To address this, we have developed a comprehensive design flow for knowledge graph development and a high-quality entities database. We also developed knowledge distillation schemes that allow you to input a keyword (entity) and display all related entities and relations. Our proprietary methodology, multiple levels refinement (MLR), is a novel approach to constructing knowledge graphs and refining entities level-by-level. This ensures the generation of high-quality triplets and a readable knowledge graph through keyword searching. We have generated multiple knowledge graphs and developed a scheme to find the corresponding inputs and outputs of entity linking. Entities with multiple inputs and outputs are referred to as joints, and we have created a joint-version knowledge graph based on this. Additionally, we developed an interactive knowledge graph, providing a user-friendly environment for medical professionals to explore entities related to existing or unknown treatments/diseases. Finally, we have advanced knowledge distillation techniques.
Apuntes de la ecología fluvial de la cuenca del Alto Guadalope y en un contexto de conflictividad ambiental y crisis climática
Authors: Del Romero Renau Luis , Esteve Roda Núria , Valera Lozano Antonio
Published: January 2024

El Maestrazgo y la Sierra de Gúdar en Teruel tienen una gran diversidad de ecosistemas, entre los que destacan, además del bosque de ribera y los ecosistemas acuáticos sobre los que nos centraremos en este trabajo, ecosistemas forestales repartidos en varios pisos bioclimáticos. El objetivo de este trabajo es doble. Por un lado, se pretende evaluar el estado de conservación de uno de los territorios de mayor riqueza natural del sur de Aragón como es el ecosistema fluvial del río Guadalope en su tramo alto, y por otro lado proponer un marco de protección con mayor imperativo legal como es el parque natural, figura que en la actualidad no tiene esta provincia. Para ello, la metodología empleada por un lado consistirá en la consulta de la escasa bibliografía especializada sobre esta zona de estudio, y por otro lado en la determinación de la calidad de los hábitats fluviales a partir de la construcción de dos índices: el QBR sobre calidad del bosque de ribera, y el IHF sobre hábitats fluviales. Los resultados muestran que, pese a que este territorio no tiene en estos momentos ningún marco de protección ambiental más allá de tres monumentos naturales, una ZEPA y una ZEC, reúne valores suficientes como para que sea declarado como parque natural, que sería, además, el primero de este territorio.
Synthesis, Characterization, DFT Studies, Biological Investigation and Molecular Modelling of Novel 1-(5-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)- 3-amino-2-cyano-N-phenyl-1H-benzo[f]chromene-5-carboxamide Derivatives
Authors: Patel Rajat , Sharma Puja , Koshti Rohit R. , Vyas Akshay , Sangani Chetan B.
Published: January 2024

In this work, a new series of imidazole-pyrazole-benzo[f]chromene hybrids were designed and synthesized by a base-catalyzed cyclo-condensation through a one-pot multicomponent reaction. All compounds were tested for in vitro antimicrobial and anticancer activities. Enzyme inhibitory activities of all compounds were carried out against FabH and EGFR. The majority of synthesized  compounds displayed promising antimicrobial as well as anticancer activity against used strains and cancer cell lines respectively. The  compounds were also tested for in vitro anticancer activities against two cancer cell lines A549 and Hep G2. Compound 7f (IC50 = 0.62  µM) against EGFR and (IC50 = 1.31 µM) against A549 kinase displayed the most potent inhibitory activity as compared to another  member of the series. In the molecular modelling study, compound 7e was bound into the active pocket of EGFR with one pi-pi  interaction and one hydrogen bond having minimum binding energy ∆Gb = −7.6894 kcal/mol. Moreover, FabH molecule 7d was found  to be binding in the active pocket with a minimum binding energy of −8.9117 kcal/mol.
A Hybrid Synthesis Approach: Tailoring Photocatalytic Activity of Co3O4 Nanoparticles by PEG Functionalization
Authors: Kaur Arshdeep , Kumar Sanjeev , Kaur Harpreet , Singh Prit Pal , Batoo Khalid Mujasam , Gaur Jyoti , Supreet
Published: January 2024

This study presents a novel fusion of precipitation and hydrothermal methods for the synthesis of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-functionalized cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles. The synthesized PEG/Co3O4 nanoparticles characterized using various techniques to elucidate their structure, composition, properties and application. The XRD analysis confirmed the formation of cubic phase of Co3O4 with a crystallite size of 2.04 nm. Two direct bandgap (Eg) transitions were observed at energy levels of 1.68 and 2.5 eV, exhibiting intensities that exceeded those reported in prior studies. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited distinct structural features as revealed by FESEM and HRTEM investigations. Furthermore, the FTIR analysis provided evidence of interactions between PEG and Co3O4, suggesting successful functionalization. The high crystallinity of the PEG-mediated Co3O4 nanoparticles was further confirmed by the selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern. The XPS analysis revealed the presence of Co2+ and Co3+ ions, along with defect sites, confirming the successful synthesis of Co3O4 NPs with controlled oxidation states. These findings offer valuable insights into the chemical composition and electronic structure of the synthesized PEG-mediated Co3O4 nanoparticles. The photocatalytic activity of the PEG/Co3O4 nanoparticles was evaluated through the degradation of Congo red dye, a typical azo dye pollutant. The study revealed that PEG/Co3O4 (dose 200 mg L-1) acted as an efficient photocatalyst for Congo red degradation. These results suggest that PEG-mediated Co3O4 nanoparticles hold promising potential as efficient photocatalysts for the treatment of wastewater containing organic contaminants.
Use of ChatGPT for Determining Clinical and Surgical Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation With Radiculopathy: A North American Spine Society Guideline Comparison
Authors: Mejia Mateo Restrepo , Arroyave Juan Sebastian , Saturno Michael , Ndjonko Laura Chelsea Mazudie , Zaidat Bashar , Rajjoub Rami , Ahmed Wasil , Zapolsky Ivan , Cho Samuel K.
Published: January 2024

Objective: Large language models like chat generative pre-trained transformer (ChatGPT) have found success in various sectors, but their application in the medical field remains limited. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of using ChatGPT to provide accurate medical information to patients, specifically evaluating how well ChatGPT versions 3.5 and 4 aligned with the 2012 North American Spine Society (NASS) guidelines for lumbar disk herniation with radiculopathy.Methods: ChatGPT's responses to questions based on the NASS guidelines were analyzed for accuracy. Three new categories—overconclusiveness, supplementary information, and incompleteness—were introduced to deepen the analysis. Overconclusiveness referred to recommendations not mentioned in the NASS guidelines, supplementary information denoted additional relevant details, and incompleteness indicated omitted crucial information from the NASS guidelines.Results: Out of 29 clinical guidelines evaluated, ChatGPT-3.5 demonstrated accuracy in 15 responses (52%), while ChatGPT-4 achieved accuracy in 17 responses (59%). ChatGPT-3.5 was overconclusive in 14 responses (48%), while ChatGPT-4 exhibited overconclusiveness in 13 responses (45%). Additionally, ChatGPT-3.5 provided supplementary information in 24 responses (83%), and ChatGPT-4 provided supplemental information in 27 responses (93%). In terms of incompleteness, ChatGPT-3.5 displayed this in 11 responses (38%), while ChatGPT-4 showed incompleteness in 8 responses (23%).Conclusion: ChatGPT shows promise for clinical decision-making, but both patients and healthcare providers should exercise caution to ensure safety and quality of care. While these results are encouraging, further research is necessary to validate the use of large language models in clinical settings.
Biomechanical Evaluation of 2 Endoscopic Spine Surgery Methods for Treating Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Finite Element Study
Authors: Zou Yang , Ji Shuo , Yang Hui Wen , Ma Tao , Fang Yue Kun , Wang Zhi Cheng , Liu Miao Miao , Zhou Ping Hui , Bao Zheng Qi , Zhang Chang Chun , Ye Yu Chen
Published: January 2024

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 2 endoscopic spine surgeries on the biomechanical properties of normal and osteoporotic spines.Methods: Based on computed tomography images of a healthy adult volunteer, 6 finite element models were created. After validating the normal intact model, a concentrated force of 400 N and a moment of 7.5 Nm were exerted on the upper surface of L3 to simulate 6 physiological activities of the spine. Five types of indices were used to assess the biomechanical properties of the 6 models, range of motion (ROM), maximum displacement value, intervertebral disc stress, maximum stress value, and articular protrusion stress, and by combining them with finite element stress cloud.Results: In normal and osteoporotic spines, there was no meaningful change in ROM or disc stress in the 2 surgical models for the 6 motion states. Model N1 (osteoporotic percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy model) showed a decrease in maximum displacement value of 20.28% in right lateral bending. Model M2 (unilateral biportal endoscopic model) increased maximum displacement values of 16.88% and 17.82% during left and right lateral bending, respectively. The maximum stress value of L4–5 increased by 11.72% for model M2 during left rotation. In addition, using the same surgical approach, ROM, maximum displacement values, disc stress, and maximum stress values were more significant in the osteoporotic model than in the normal model.Conclusion: In both normal and osteoporotic spines, both surgical approaches were less disruptive to the physiologic structure of the spine. Furthermore, using the same endoscopic spine surgery, normal spine biomechanical properties are superior to osteoporotic spines.
Severe Preoperative Disability Is Associated With Greater Mental Health Improvements Following Surgery for Degenerative Spondylolisthesis: A Cohort Matched Analysis
Authors: Khosla Ishan , Anwar Fatima  N. , Roca Andrea M. , Medakkar Srinath S. , Loya Alexandra  C. , Kaul Aayush , Wolf Jacob C. , Federico Vincent P. , Sayari Arash J. , Lopez Gregory  D. , Singh Kern
Published: January 2024

Objective: To evaluate preoperative disability’s influence on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) following surgery for degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS).Methods: DS patients who underwent surgical intervention were retrospectively identified from a single-surgeon spine registry. Cohorts based on Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) < 41 (milder disability) and ≥ 41 (severe disability) were created. Demographic differences were accounted for with 1:1 propensity score matching. For the matched sample, perioperative and PRO data were additionally collected. PROs assessed included mental health, physical function, pain, and disability. Pre- and up to 2-year postoperative PROs were utilized. Average time to final follow-up was 15.7 ± 8.8 months. Improvements in PROs and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) rates were calculated. Continuous variables were compared through Student t-test and categorical variables were compared through chi-square tests.Results: Altogether, 214 patients were included with 77 in the milder disability group. The severe disability group had worse postoperative day (POD) 1 pain scores and longer hospital stays (p ≤ 0.038, both). The severe disability group reported worse outcomes pre- and postoperatively (p < 0.011, all), but had greater average improvement in 12-item Short Form health survey mental composite score (SF-12 MCS), 9-Item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), visual analogue scale (VAS)-back, and ODI by 6 weeks (p ≤ 0.037, all) and PHQ-9, VAS-back and ODI by final follow-up (p ≤ 0.015, all). The severe disability cohort was more likely to achieve MCID for SF-12 MCS, PHQ-9, and ODI (p ≤ 0.003, all).Conclusion: Patients with greater baseline disability report higher POD 1 pain and discharge later than patients with milder disability. While these patients report inferior physical/mental health before and after surgery, they report greater improvements in mental health and disability postoperatively.
Xanthogranulomatous Cholecystitis - An Intimidating Diagnostic Dilemma - A Case Report
Authors: Amit Shrivastava  , Irbinder Kour Bali  , Srishti Mann  , Gunjan Jindal
Published: January 2024

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) is an uncommon form of chronic cholecystitis[1] characterized by inflammation and infiltration of gall bladder (GB) wall by lymphocytes and multinucleated histiocytic giant cells. There is transudation of bile into gall bladder wall and involvement of the Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses leading to formation of submucosal abscess and xanthogranulomas.[2] On CECT, they appear as submucosal hypoattenuating nodules and circumferential wall thickening of gallbladder wall, a sign highly specific of XGC.[3]