bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allostatic load and oral health later in life among middle‐aged and older adults: An analysis of population‐based panel data in China
Authors: Ye Xin , Hu Mingzheng
Published: September 2023

Background

Oral health is a major global public health problem, but its risk factors have not been fully identified. The limited evidence suggests that AL may affect oral health conditions, but most of these studies focus only on middle‐aged western populations.

Objectives

To examine whether allostatic load is associated with oral health conditions later in life among middle‐aged and older adults in China and there there is a correlation in both middle‐aged and older people.

Materials and methods

Data were collected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2011–2018 (N = 10 890) and were analysed using logistic regressions for the overall sample and subsamples by age.

Results

Results showed that higher inflammation load significantly increased the odds of edentulism (OR = 1.358, 95% CI = 1.020–1.809, p < .05). Higher metabolic load significantly increased the odds of denture use (OR = 1.375, 95% CI = 1.154–1.640, p < 0.001) and difficulty in chewing solid foods (OR = 1.100, 95% CI = 1.035–1.169, p < .01). These associations were manifested in older adults over 60 years of age, while in the middle‐aged subsample, the associations were not significant.

Conclusion

The findings suggested that higher allostatic load was associated with poorer oral health conditions later in life. It is critical to lower allostatic load and improve oral health conditions, especially for older adults over 60 years of age. Prospective studies and intervention trials help to better understand whether allostatic load is causally linked to oral health.
Arbitrage theory in a market of stochastic dimension
Authors: Bayraktar Erhan , Kim Donghan , Tilva Abhishek
Published: September 2023

This paper studies an equity market of stochastic dimension, where the number of assets fluctuates over time. In such a market, we develop the fundamental theorem of asset pricing, which provides the equivalence of the following statements: (i) there exists a supermartingale numéraire portfolio; (ii) each dissected market, which is of a fixed dimension between dimensional jumps, has locally finite growth; (iii) there is no arbitrage of the first kind; (iv) there exists a local martingale deflator; (v) the market is viable. We also present the optional decomposition theorem, which characterizes a given nonnegative process as the wealth process of some investment‐consumption strategy. Furthermore, similar results still hold in an open market embedded in the entire market of stochastic dimension, where investors can only invest in a fixed number of large capitalization stocks. These results are developed in an equity market model where the price process is given by a piecewise continuous semimartingale of stochastic dimension. Without the continuity assumption on the price process, we present similar results but without explicit characterization of the numéraire portfolio.
A Practical Guide to Negotiation Simulation Writing
Authors: Kesting Peter , Smolinski Remigiusz
Published: September 2023

There are many good reasons for writing negotiation simulations, but designing and preparing simulations that generate desired pedagogical effects is a challenging process. Building on an earlier article in this journal that presented fundamental principles for the design of negotiation simulations, this article offers a practical guide that outlines in detail how negotiation simulations can be structured and what elements they should include. We offer blueprints for creating six types of simulations: short introductory, distributive, integrative, multi‐issue, multiparty, and multiparty multi‐issue. For each type of simulation, we suggest the pedagogical use, discuss the basics of the construction, and present the core elements schematically: parties, decision problem, interests, and options. Finally, we illustrate the different types of negotiation simulations with representative examples.
‘Ethical and humane use’, intrinsic value and the Convention on Biological Diversity: Towards the reconfiguration of sustainable development and use
Authors: Scholtz Werner
Published: September 2023

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) does not contain provisions that deal with wildlife welfare. However, its Addis Ababa Principles and Guidelines for the Sustainable Use of Biodiversity require the promotion of ethical and humane use of components of biodiversity as well as the recognition of intrinsic values. This article considers the meaning and implications of ‘ethical and humane use’ for the CBD by discussing South African case law that recognizes the intrinsic value of animals in terms of biodiversity law. These judgements may contribute to the development of animal welfare as a general principle of international law as well as influence foreign jurisdictions. The article further considers the link between values and sustainable use as well as sustainable development in the CBD, with a particular focus on wildlife. The article argues for an evolutionary interpretation of the concept of sustainable use, which progressively recognizes wildlife welfare.
A critical appraisal of Friends of the Irish Environment v Government of Ireland
Authors: Kelleher Orla
Published: September 2023

This case note examines the judgement of the Irish Supreme Court quashing Ireland’s National Mitigation Plan and the earlier judgement of the High Court dismissing judicial review proceedings in Friends of the Irish Environment v Government of Ireland. It explores the contrasting legal reasoning of the two courts on the issues of standard of review, justiciability, compliance of the National Mitigation Plan with the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, locus standi and the constitutionality and compatibility of the National Mitigation Plan with the European Convention on Human Rights.
The dynamic socioecological model of economic inequality and psychological tendencies: A cycle of mutual constitution
Authors: Gobel Matthias S. , Carvacho Héctor
Published: September 2023

Economic inequality is one of the defining challenges of our era. Social science research links higher levels of economic inequality to a range of undesirable outcomes, including more crime, social anomie, and ill health. Social psychological research is at the forefront of investigating how economic inequality shapes the human mind and behavior, but it has mostly focused on explaining how economic inequality at the societal level causes individual level manifestations. In this review, we reconceptualize economic inequality as a dynamic system, and we adopt a socioecological perspective to explain how economic inequality and psychological tendencies mutually constitute each other. First, we show how the psychological experience of economic inequality is afforded by social and physical environments that people interact with. Next, we show that through mechanisms such as norm formation, individuals and institutions can maintain or change economic inequality. Our socioecological perspective highlights the self‐reinforcing cycle of economic inequality and individual behavior, and it discusses to what extent lived experiences and psychological manifestations of economic inequality may differ across economic strata. We end by discussing the implications of our model for the research agenda in the social psychology of economic inequality.
Risk factors influencing death prior to discharge in 302 dogs undergoing unilateral adrenalectomy for treatment of primary adrenal gland tumours
Authors: Piegols Hunter J. , Abrams Brittany E. , Lapsley Janis M. , Cray Megan T. , Dornbusch Josephine A. , Murphy Christina , Wustefeld‐Janssens Brandan G. , Souza Carlos H. , Traverson Marine , Amsellem Pierre , Williams Elroy , Skinner Owen T. , Liptak Julius M. , Stephens Julie A. , Selmic Laura E.
Published: September 2023

Adrenalectomies for canine adrenal tumours are associated with peri‐operative morbidity and mortality. Objectives of this study included assessing the prognostic value of tumour‐ or surgery‐related variables in predicting peri‐operative mortality and overall survival in dogs undergoing adrenalectomies for primary adrenal tumours as well as pre‐treatment with phenoxybenzamine on survival to discharge with pheochromocytomas specifically. A multi‐institutional retrospective cohort study was performed across nine institutions. Electronic medical record searches identified 302 dogs which met the inclusion criteria. Data collected included dog‐related, tumour‐related, treatment‐related, surgery‐related, and outcome variables. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression and cox proportional hazards models were used to identify variables associated with death prior to discharge and tumour‐related survival. Overall, 87% of dogs survived to discharge with a tumour‐related survival time of 3.96 years. Post‐operative complications were reported in 25%. Increased surgical time (p = 0.002) and pre‐surgical medical treatment other than phenoxybenzamine (p = 0.024) were significantly associated with increased peri‐operative mortality while ureteronephrectomy (p = 0.021), post‐operative pancreatitis (p = 0.025), and post‐operative aspiration pneumonia (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with decreased overall survival. Phenoxybenzamine pretreatment had no effect on peri‐operative mortality. Thirty‐seven of 45 (82%) dogs with pheochromocytomas not pretreated survived to discharge, and 50 of 59 (85%) dogs with pheochromocytomas pretreated with phenoxybenzamine survived to discharge (p = 0.730). This study provides information on risk factors for death prior to discharge and tumour‐related survival that may help guide clinical management and owner expectations. In addition, the study findings challenge the previously reported benefit of phenoxybenzamine for pretreatment of dogs undergoing adrenalectomies for pheochromocytomas.
Analysis of Citizens' Preference for a Single Currency: The Case of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa
Authors: Bodjongo Mathieu Juliot Mpabe
Published: September 2023

This study explored the level of support for a single currency among citizens of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa member countries. It also identified the factors that explain this support. The results of the probit model applied to Afrobarometer 2021 data highlight the influence of certain factors (the country's economic situation, citizens' living conditions, internet access, place of residence, perception of the evolution of corruption, and the effectiveness of subregional institutions) in explaining citizens' support for a single currency. In particular, when comparing Cameroonian and Gabonese citizens, this study determined that the factors of support are not entirely comparable.
Improved snapshot-deficient active target localization using the knowledge-aided covariance of reverberation
Authors: Wang He , Zhang Ting , Zhao Hangfang
Published: September 2023

Underwater reverberation often hinders the effectiveness of adaptive methods in active target localization with snapshot-deficient conditions. To overcome this challenge, a knowledge-aided reverberation covariance-based approach is proposed to maintain high resolution while reducing sidelobe levels. Using the aided reverberation covariance computed from the reverberation model, the knowledge-aided sample covariance matrix is constructed and used to decrease reverberation and compensate for snapshot deficiency. Simulations show that the proposed approach can localize targets with improved resolution and reduce reverberation levels in low signal-to-reverberation ratio situations, manifesting its potential to enhance adaptive processing reliability for active target localization.
Apical size and
deltaA
expression predict adult neural stem cell decisions along lineage progression
Authors: Mancini Laure , Guirao Boris , Ortica Sara , Labusch Miriam , Cheysson Felix , Bonnet Valentin , Phan Minh Son , Herbert Sébastien , Mahou Pierre , Menant Emilie , Bedu Sébastien , Tinevez Jean-Yves , Baroud Charles , Beaurepaire Emmanuel , Bellaiche Yohanns , Bally-Cuif Laure , Dray Nicolas
Published: September 2023

The maintenance of neural stem cells (NSCs) in the adult brain depends on their activation frequency and division mode. Using long-term intravital imaging of NSCs in the zebrafish adult telencephalon, we reveal that apical surface area and expression of the Notch ligand DeltaA predict these NSC decisions.
deltaA
-negative NSCs constitute a bona fide self-renewing NSC pool and systematically engage in asymmetric divisions generating a self-renewing

deltaA
neg

daughter, which regains the size and behavior of its mother, and a neurogenic

deltaA
pos

daughter, eventually engaged in neuronal production following further quiescence-division phases. Pharmacological and genetic manipulations of Notch, DeltaA, and apical size further show that the prediction of activation frequency by apical size and the asymmetric divisions of

deltaA
neg

NSCs are functionally independent of Notch. These results provide dynamic qualitative and quantitative readouts of NSC lineage progression in vivo and support a hierarchical organization of NSCs in differently fated subpopulations.
Enantioselective catalytic radical decarbonylative azidation and cyanation of aldehydes
Authors: Wang Rui , Wang Cheng-Yu , Liu Peng , Bian Kang-Jie , Yang Chi , Wu Bing-Bing , Wang Xi-Sheng
Published: September 2023

Empowered by the ubiquity of carbonyl functional groups in organic compounds, decarbonylative functionalization was prevalent in the construction of complex molecules. Under this context, asymmetric decarbonylative functionalization has emerged as an efficient pathway to accessing chiral motifs. However, ablation of enantiomeric control in a conventional 2e transition metal–catalyzed process was notable because of harsh conditions (high temperatures, etc.) that are usually required. To address this challenge and use readily accessible aldehyde directly, we report the asymmetric radical decarbonylative azidation and cyanation. Diverse aldehydes were directly used as alkyl radical precursor, engaging in the subsequent inner-sphere or outer-sphere ligand transfer where functional motifs (CN and N
3
) could be incorporated in excellent site- and enantioselectivity. Mild conditions, broad scope, excellent regioselectivity (driven by polarity-matching strategy), and enantioselectivity were shown for both transformations. This radical decarbonylative strategy using aldehydes as alkyl radical precursor has offered a powerful reaction manifold in asymmetric radical transformations to construct functional motifs regio- and stereoselectively.
OLED catheters for inner-body phototherapy: A case of type 2 diabetes mellitus improved via duodenal photobiomodulation
Authors: Sim Jee Hoon , Kwon Jinhee , Chae Hyeonwook , Kim Su-Bon , Cho Hyunsu , Lee Woochan , Kim So Hee , Byun Chun-Won , Hahn Sangin , Park Do Hyun , Yoo Seunghyup
Published: September 2023

Phototherapeutics has shown promise in treating various diseases without surgical or drug interventions. However, it is challenging to use it in inner-body applications due to the limited light penetration depth through the skin. Therefore, we propose an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) catheter as an effective photobiomodulation (PBM) platform useful for tubular organs such as duodenums. A fully encapsulated highly flexible OLED is mounted over a round columnar structure, producing axially uniform illumination without local hotspots. The biocompatible and airtight OLED catheter can operate in aqueous environments for extended periods, meeting the essential requirements for inner-body medical applications. In a diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat model, the red OLED catheter delivering 798 mJ of energy is shown to reduce hyperglycemia and insulin resistance compared to the sham group. Results are further supported by the subdued liver fibrosis, illustrating the immense potential of the OLED-catheter–based internal PBM for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and other diseases yet to be identified.
On Location of the Matrix Spectrum with Respect to a Parabola
Authors: Demidenko G. V. , Prokhorov V. S.
Published: September 2023

In the present article, we consider the problem on location of the matrix spectrum with
respect to a parabola. In terms of solvability of a matrix Lyapunov type equation, we prove
theorems on location of the matrix spectrum in certain domains $${\cal P}_i
$$ (bounded by a parabola) and $${\cal P}_e
$$ (lying outside the closure of $${\cal P}_i
$$). A solution to the matrix equation is constructed.
We use this equation and prove an analog of the Lyapunov–Krein theorem on dichotomy of
the matrix spectrum with respect to a parabola.
Depressive symptom networks in the UK general adolescent population and in those looked after by local authorities
Authors: Schlechter Pascal , Ford Tamsin , Neufeld Sharon A S
Published: September 2023

Background

Despite the importance of understanding depressive symptom constellations during adolescence and specifically in looked-after children, studies often only apply sum score models to understand depression in these populations, neglecting associations among single symptoms that can be elucidated in network analysis. The few network analyses in adolescents have relied on different measures to assess depressive symptoms, contributing to inconsistent cross-study results.

Objective

In three population-based studies using the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire, we used network analyses to study depressive symptoms during adolescence and specifically in looked-after children.

Method

We computed cross-sectional networks (Gaussian Graphical Model) in three separate datasets: the Mental Health of Children and Young People in Great Britain 1999 survey (n=4235, age 10–15 years), the mental health of young people looked after by local authorities in Great Britain 2002 survey (n=643, age 11–17 years) and the Millennium Cohort Study in the UK 2015 (n=11 176, age 14 years).

Findings

In all three networks,self-hateemerged as a key symptom, which aligns with former network studies.I was no good anymorewas also among the most central symptoms. Among looked-after children,I was a bad personconstituted a central symptom, while this was among the least central symptom in the other two datasets. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition symptomI did not enjoy anythingwas not central.

Conclusions

Findings indicate that looked-after children’s depressive symptoms may be more affected by negative self-evaluation compared with the general population.

Clinical implications

Intervention efforts may benefit from being tailored to negative self-evaluations.
Prevalence of sleep disorder diagnoses and sleep medication prescriptions in individuals with ADHD across the lifespan: a Swedish nationwide register-based study
Authors: Ahlberg Rickard , Garcia-Argibay Miguel , Taylor Marc , Lichtenstein Paul , D'Onofrio Brian M , Butwicka Agniezska , Hill Catherine , Cortese Samuele , Larsson Henrik , Du Rietz Ebba
Published: September 2023

Background

Consistent evidence suggests a strong association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and subjectively reported sleep problems. However, the prevalence of clinically ascertained sleep disorder diagnoses and sleep medication prescriptions in individuals with ADHD remains unclear.

Objective

To determine the rates of sleep disorder diagnoses and sleep medication prescriptions in children, adolescents and adults with ADHD.

Methods

We linked Swedish national registers to create a cohort of individuals born 1945–2008. We estimated the absolute and relative risks (using logistic regression models) of different sleep disorder diagnoses and medication prescriptions in individuals with and without ADHD. The analyses were performed across five different age groups: children (5–11 years), adolescents (12–17 years), young adults (18–30 years), middle-aged adults (31–45 years) and older adults (46–60 years).

Findings

Among individuals with ADHD (N=145 490, 2.25% of the cohort), 7.5% had a sleep disorder diagnosis and 47.5% had been prescribed sleep medication. Individuals with ADHD, across all age groups, had a statistically significantly increased risk of having any sleep disorder diagnosis (ORrange=6.4–16.1) and any sleep medication prescription (ORrange=12.0–129.4) compared with individuals without ADHD. While rates of sleep disorders were highest in older adults, the relative risks were highest in youth.

Conclusions

Individuals with ADHD have a substantially increased risk of sleep disorder diagnoses and sleep medication prescriptions, from childhood into older adulthood.

Clinical implications

More clinical efforts are needed to tackle impairing sleep problems in individuals with ADHD via systematic sleep assessment, appropriate diagnosis, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Sleep medication use should be informed by sleep disorder diagnosis.
Feasibility, comprehensibility and acceptability of the VISION-Cog, a novel tool to assess cognitive impairment in visually impaired older adults: a cross-sectional pilot study in Singapore
Authors: Vu Tai Anh , Fenwick Eva , Doshi Kinjal , Gupta Preeti , Quek Shin Yi , Chen Christopher , Ting Simon , Ng Adeline S L , Yap Philip , Yeo Donald , Milea Dan , Lamoureux Ecosse
Published: September 2023

Objectives

We pilot-tested theVISuallyIndependent test batteryOfNeuroCOGnition (VISION-Cog) to determine its feasibility, comprehensibility and acceptability in evaluating cognitive impairment (CI) in visually impaired older Asian adults.

Design

The VISION-Cog was iteratively fine-tuned through pilot studies and expert-panel discussion. In the first pilot study (Stage 1), we recruited 15 visually impaired and cognitively normal participants aged ≥60 years to examine the pilot VISION-Cog’s feasibility (length of time to administer), comprehensibility (clarity of instructions) and acceptability (participant burden). We then presented the pilot results to the expert panel (Stage 2) who decided via agreement on a revised version of the VISION-Cog. Subsequently, we conducted a second pilot study (Stage 3) on another four participants to ascertain improvement in feasibility, comprehensibility and acceptability of the revised version.

Setting

Singapore Eye Research Institute.

Participants

Nineteen Asian adults aged ≥60 years with visual impairment (defined as near visual acuity worse than N8) were recruited.

Outcome measure

Revised VISION-Cog.

Result

The VISION-Cog was deemed feasible, taking approximately 60 min to complete on average. All participants agreed that the test instructions were clear, and the battery did not cause undue discomfort or frustration. The data collector rated all tests as very user-friendly (score of 5/5). Minor modifications to the pilot VISION-Cog were suggested by the panel to improve its safety, clarity of instructions and content validity, which were incorporated and iteratively tested in the second pilot study until no further issues emerged.

Conclusions

Using an iterative mixed-methods process, we have developed a feasible, comprehensible and acceptable 5-domain and 9-item visually independent VISION-Cog test battery suitable to assist CI diagnosis in older adults with visual impairment. We will assess its diagnostic potential against clinician-based assessment of CI in subsequent phases.
FamilyCoviDD19: results of a cross-sectional study—long-term outcomes of infected and uninfected household members
Authors: Horst Theresa S , Armann Jakob P , Doenhardt Maren , Dreßen Svenja , Czyborra Paula , Schneider Josephine , Gano Christin , Dalpke Alexander , Lück Christian , Bluschke Annet , Wekenborg Magdalena , Berner Reinhard , Blankenburg Judith
Published: September 2023

Objective

In this study, we aimed to compare long-term physical and mental health outcome between SARS-CoV-2 infected and uninfected household members to differentiate between infection-related and pandemic-related outcomes after about two and a half years of the pandemic. Furthermore, possible differences in the outcome of adults and children and young people (CYP) were of interest.

Design

In a cross-sectional study design, we compared the long-term physical and mental health outcome of between infected and uninfected as well as between adult and CYP (household members).

Setting

The FamilyCoviDD19 study—a serology study in households—was initially conducted to evaluate virus transmission in a close contact setting focusing on households with children and adolescents in Germany. At least 1 year after initial infection in the respective households, a follow-up took place in which the prevalence and type of possible long-term consequences were surveyed on the basis of self-reported information on physical and mental health.

Participant

In this study, a total of 533 household members of 146 families participated and responded to our survey, including 296 (55.5%) adults and 237 (44.5%) CYP.

Result

The difference in frequency of reported symptoms between infected and uninfected individuals was very moderate, suggesting that the vast majority of reported symptoms were not attributable to a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, regardless of age and infection status, this study showed overall high rates of self-reported symptoms with CYP having fewer long-term sequelae than adults one year after infection. Furthermore, over 50% of those reporting symptoms were not affected in their daily life, with CYPs reporting an even lower percentage compared with adults.

Conclusion

CYP are at reduced risk not only to develop symptomatic infection or severe disease courses (previous analyses) but also to develop infection-associated long-term sequelae (this study). Independent of infection CYP reported high rates of neurocognitive, pain, somatic and mood symptoms, which makes the influence of the pandemic itself—including pandemic control measures—decisive.
Clinical outcomes and progression rate of tricuspid regurgitation in patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease
Authors: Caldas Mônica M Costa , Esteves William Antonio M , Nascimento Bruno R , Hung Judy , Levine Robert , Silva Vicente Resende , Castro Marildes Luiza , Chavez Luz Marina Tacuri , Silva José Luiz Padilha da , Mello Luana Aguiar , Ruffo Fernando Cunha , Andrade André Barbosa , Tan Timothy , Passaglia Luiz Guilherme , Freire Claudia Maria Vilas , Nunes Maria Carmo P
Published: September 2023

Objective

A substantial proportion of patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) have tricuspid regurgitation (TR). This study aimed to identify the impact of functional TR on clinical outcomes and predictors of progression in a large population of patients with RHD.

Methods

A total of 645 patients with RHD were enrolled, mean age of 47±12 years, 85% female. Functional TR was graded as absent, mild, moderate or severe. TR progression was defined either as worsening of TR degree from baseline to the last follow-up echocardiogram or severe TR at baseline that required surgery or died. Incidence of TR progression was estimated accounting for competing risks.

Results

Functional TR was absent in 3.4%, mild in 83.7%, moderate in 8.5% and severe in 4.3%. Moderate and severe functional TR was associated with adverse outcome (HR 1.91 (95% CI 1.15 to 3.2) for moderate, and 2.30 (95% CI 1.28 to 4.13) for severe TR, after adjustment for other prognostic variables. Event-free survival rate at 3-year follow-up was 91%, 72% and 62% in patients with no or mild, moderate and severe TR, respectively. During mean follow-up of 4.1 years, TR progression occurred in 83 patients (13%) with an overall incidence of 3.7 events (95% CI 2.9 to 4.5) per 100 patient-years. In the Cox model, age (HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.34 to 2.17), New York Heart Association functional class III/IV (HR 2.57, 95% CI 1.54 to 4.30), right atrial area (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.10) and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction (HR 2.02, 95% CI 1.07 to 3.84) were predictors of TR progression. By considering competing risk, the effect of RV dysfunction on TR progression risk was attenuated.

Conclusions

In patients with RHD, functional TR was frequent and associated with adverse outcomes. TR may progress over time, mainly related to right-sided cardiac chambers remodelling.
Cardiovascular diseases and their associations with lipid parameters and endothelial dysfunction in giant cell arteritis
Authors: Jud Philipp , Hafner Franz , Meinitzer Andreas , Brodmann Marianne , Dejaco Christian , Silbernagel Günther
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Evaluation of endothelial dysfunction, lipid metabolism, prevalence and development of cardiovascular diseases in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA).

Methods

138 GCA patients and 100 controls were evaluated for prevalent cardiovascular diseases in 2012. Cholesterol, lipoproteins and triglycerides, intima–media thickness, arterial stiffness, asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginine were also measured in 2012. Cardiovascular events, mortality and relapse were retrieved by chart review in 2020.

Results

Prevalent carotid and vertebral artery disease was higher in GCA patients than in controls (p<0.001). GCA patients had higher levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), intermediate-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, apolipoprotein A1 and B, and augmentation index (all with p<0.05). Target LDL levels were less frequently achieved at study inclusion by GCA patients (p=0.001), who developed more frequently new cardiovascular events, also with a higher amount, during follow-up (all with p<0.001). Statin treatment in GCA patients was associated with lower levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine, monocytes and C reactive protein (all with p<0.05). Relapse was independently associated with higher risk of future cardiovascular events (OR 5.01 (95% CI 1.55 to 16.22), p=0.007).

Conclusions

GCA patients are at a high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Of relevance, there was underuse of statins and a large proportion of these patients showed LDL cholesterol concentrations above the treatment targets for high-risk patients. These data underscore the need for improvement of preventive strategies to reduce cardiovascular risk in GCA patients.
Acute work rate adjustments during high-intensity interval training in a hot and temperate environment
Authors: Yoder Hillary A. , Mulholland Anne M. , MacDonald Hayley V. , Wingo Jonathan E.
Published: September 2023

Heart rate drifts upward over time during interval exercise and during exercise in hot conditions. As such, work rate must be lowered to maintain target heart rate. The purpose was to characterize acute work rate adjustments during high-intensity interval training based on target heart rate. Seven humans (three females) completed five study visits: a graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer to measure maximal heart rate (HRmax) in ∼22 °C and four trials performed in ∼22 °C (TEMP) or ∼35 °C (HOT), consisting of an 8 min warm-up at 70% HRmax followed by one (15TEMP and 15HOT) or five (43TEMP and 43HOT) rounds of high-intensity interval training (one round = 4 min work at 90% HRmax and 3 min recovery at 70% HRmax) totaling 15 min or 43 min of exercise, respectively. Work rate was lowered 33 ± 20 W ( p = 0.005) in 43TEMP and 56 ± 30 W ( p = 0.003) in 43HOT between the first and fifth work intervals. Thermal strain (0.2 °C higher rectal temperature, p = 0.01) and cardiovascular strain (6 beats·min–1 larger increase in heart rate from first to fifth recovery interval, p = 0.01) were greater in 43HOT versus 43TEMP. Using target heart rate during high-intensity interval training may reduce the training stimulus, especially in hot environments, but it may also limit thermal strain and enable participants to complete the prescribed workout despite the heat.
Quantifying the Quality of Parent-Child Interaction Through Machine-Learning Based Audio and Video Analysis: Towards a Vision of AI-assisted Coaching Support for Social Workers
Authors: Jebeli Atefeh , Chen Lujie Karen , Guerrerio Katherine , Papparotto Sophia , Berlin Lisa , Harden Brenda Jones
Published: September 2023

Attachment is the emotional bonding between a child and a caregiver. Whether or not there is a secure attachment in early childhood has a profound life-long impact on the child. In recent years, attachment-based interventions have been developed and implemented, especially with families from low socioeconomic backgrounds. One important aspect of the program is to assess the quality of parent-child interactions through audio/video recorded at home while parent-child dyads were engaged in semi-structured interaction tasks, such as “three-bag-assessment.” The current practice relies on human coders to rate the videos, which is a time-consuming process. Using a dataset of 220 video recordings of parent-child dyads collected at home as part of an attachment-based intervention program, we prototype a machine learning approach based on human body keypoints extracted from the posture analysis tool OpenPose and voice activity features derived from audio recordings. The results show that there are potential values in using machine learning to improve the coding efficiency of parent-child interactions. When further developed and improved, this kind of model may contribute to a new vision of AI-assisted parenting coaching support to make evidence-based interventions accessible and affordable at a large scale to children and families.
Machine Learning (In) Security: A Stream of Problems
Authors: Ceschin Fabrício , Botacin Marcus , Bifet Albert , Pfahringer Bernhard , Oliveira Luiz S. , Gomes Heitor Murilo , Grégio André
Published: September 2023

Machine Learning (ML) has been widely applied to cybersecurity and is considered state-of-the-art for solving many of the open issues in that field. However, it is very difficult to evaluate how good the produced solutions are, since the challenges faced in security may not appear in other areas. One of these challenges is the concept drift, which increases the existing arms race between attackers and defenders: malicious actors can always create novel threats to overcome the defense solutions, which may not consider them in some approaches. Due to this, it is essential to know how to properly build and evaluate an ML-based security solution. In this article, we identify, detail, and discuss the main challenges in the correct application of ML techniques to cybersecurity data. We evaluate how concept drift, evolution, delayed labels, and adversarial ML impact the existing solutions. Moreover, we address how issues related to data collection affect the quality of the results presented in the security literature, showing that new strategies are needed to improve current solutions. Finally, we present how existing solutions may fail under certain circumstances and propose mitigations to them, presenting a novel checklist to help the development of future ML solutions for cybersecurity.
Research on Visual SLAM Navigation Techniques for Dynamic Environments
Authors: Wang Tongjun , Zhao Peijun
Published: September 2023

Synchronous positioning and mapping mainly realize the functions of self-positioning and environment map construction for intelligent navigation technology. In order to solve the problems of low positioning accuracy and poor mapping effect of existing SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping) systems in indoor dynamic environments and to improve the positioning accuracy, timeliness, and robustness of visual SLAM systems in dynamic environments, an improved visual SLAM method is proposed. Aiming at the inconsistency between the direction of dynamic objects and static background optical flow, this method adopts a high-real-time dynamic region mask detection algorithm to eliminate the feature points in the dynamic region mask, remove the camera motion optical flow according to the original feature information, and then cluster the optical flow amplitude of dynamic objects so as to realize the dynamic region mask detection and eliminate the dynamic signpost points combined with the polar geometric constraints. In order to verify the effectiveness of the improved algorithm, the three evaluation indexes of system accuracy, real-time performance, and the amount of drift are analyzed and verified, respectively, on the TUM dataset. The results show that the proposed algorithm not only has good real-time performance but also improves the accuracy of the system and reduces the amount of drift.
Brain Atrophy as an Outcome of Disease-Modifying Therapy for Remitting-Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Chylińska Magdalena , Komendziński Jakub , Wyszomirski Adam , Karaszewski Bartosz
Published: September 2023

Introduction. Currently, clinical trials of DMTs strive to determine their effect on neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. We aimed to determine the impact of currently used DMTs on brain atrophy and disability in RRMS. The main goal of this review is to evaluate the neuroprotective potential of MS therapy and assess its impact on disability. Methods. We performed a systematic analysis of clinical trials that used brain atrophy as an outcome or performed post hoc analysis of volumetric MRI parameters to assess the neuroprotective potential of applied therapies. Trials between 2008 and 2019 that included published results of brain parenchymal fraction (BPF) change and brain volume loss (BVL) in the period from baseline to week 96 or longer were considered. Results. Twelve from 146 clinical trials met the inclusion criteria and were incorporated into the analysis. DMTs that presented a large reduction in BVL also exhibited robust effects on clinical disability worsening, e.g., alemtuzumab with a 42% risk reduction in 6-month confirmed disability accumulation (

p
=
0.0084

), ocrelizumab with a 40% risk reduction in 6-month confirmed disability progression (

p
=
0.003

), and other DMTs (cladribine and teriflunomide) with moderate influence on brain atrophy were also associated with a marked impact on disability worsening. Dimethyl fumarate (DEFINE) and fingolimod (FREEDOMS I) initially exhibited significant effect on BVL; however, this effect was not confirmed in further clinical trials: CONFIRM and FREEDOMS II, respectively. Peg-IFN-β1a shows a modest effect on BVL and disability worsening. Conclusion. Our results show that BVL in one of the components of clinical disability worsening, together with other variables (lesion volume and annualized relapse rate). Standardization of atrophy measurement technique as well as harmonization of disability worsening and progression criteria in further clinical trials are of utmost importance as they enable a reliable comparison of neuroprotective potential of DMTs.
Evaluation of the Risk of Truck Platoon under Crosswind regarding the Lateral Displacement on Horizontal Curves
Authors: Wu Wentao , Ma Xiaoxiang
Published: September 2023

Driving safety on horizontal curves under crosswinds has always been a concern for researchers. However, previous studies focused on single vehicles, especially single trucks. The safety of the truck platoon under crosswinds on horizontal curves was rarely examined. To fill such a gap, this study establishes a model for evaluating the safety of truck platoons under crosswinds on curves. After obtaining aerodynamic coefficients, a cosimulation model of a three-truck platoon is established with Trucksim and Simulink. The influencing factors on the lateral displacement of the truck platoon were analyzed, and the safety of the truck platoon under crosswinds on horizontal curves was then quantified with the response surface method. The results show that the fully autonomous platoon is safer than the human-led platoon. In a three-vehicle platoon, the smaller the lateral displacement of the truck, the further back the truck, and the lateral displacement of the vehicle increases with the loading of the truck. The safety index is computed to quantify the reliability of the truck platoon. The results indicate that the safety index increases with a decrease in the mean wind velocity and mean vehicle velocity and increases with an increase in the mean radius. When crosswinds come from the inside of the curve, the safety index increases with an increase in the mean superelevation; for crosswinds from the outside of the curve, the safety index rises with the drop of superelevation. The proposed approach can quantify the safety level of truck platoons under crosswinds on horizontal curves, and the results provide guidance to support the decision-making of transportation management agencies.
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis of the Uvea with a Ciliochoroidal Mass: A Case Report of Management with Systemic Therapy
Authors: Ghassemi Fariba , Riazi-Esfahani Hamid , Ebrahimiadib Nazanin , Amini Abdulrahim , Mahdizad Zahra
Published: September 2023

Background. This study is aimed at exploring a case of choroidal Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) successfully treated with systemic corticosteroid and immunosuppressant. Case presentation. A 24-year-old man with known multisystem LCH developed loss of vision, ocular pain, conjunctival injection, panuveitis, and a ciliochoroidal mass. After receiving an intravenous methylprednisolone pulse, oral high-dose corticosteroids, and methotrexate, the mass resolved quickly and completely without flare-ups during 6 months of follow-up. Conclusions. Intraocular involvement of LCH is rare and can present with or without a history of multisystemic disease. The diagnosis is challenging, and the standard treatment is not established. Systemic anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive therapy could be an effective treatment, as the LCH itself contains an essential element of inflammation and the symptoms may be mainly inflammatory.
Plasma Adiponectin and Its Correlation with Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Obesity and in Type 2 Diabetes and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Hussein Maha , Saif Aasem , Amin Mona , Khalafallah Osama , Hussien Ahmed , Aboulsoud Samar , Mousa Shrook
Published: September 2023

Background and Aim. Low plasma adiponectin has been found in both obese subjects and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Also, it was reported in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We assessed plasma adiponectin and its correlation with carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), as a marker of atherosclerosis, in Egyptian patients with NAFLD. Methods and Results. The study included 200 Egyptian subjects. They were divided into four equal groups: group 1: obese patients with NAFLD and T2DM (O+/NAFLD+/DM+), group 2: nonobese patients with NAFLD and T2DM (O-/NAFLD+/DM+), group 3: obese nondiabetic patients with NAFLD (O+/NAFLD+/DM-), and group 4: nonobese healthy control subjects. Plasma adiponectin was measured using ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) technique. Ultrasonography was used to diagnose NAFLD. CIMT was assessed using Doppler ultrasonography. Plasma adiponectin was significantly lower and CIMT was significantly higher in O+/NAFLD+/DM+, as compared with O-/NAFLD+/DM+, O+/NAFLD+/DM-, and control subjects (

p
<
0.001

for all). A significant negative correlation was found between adiponectin and CIMT in obese patients with NAFLD (

p
<
0.05

), but not in patients with NAFLD and T2DM. The significant independent predictors of CIMT were diabetes duration, BMI (body mass index), albumin/creatinine ratio, and cholesterol. Conclusion. Plasma adiponectin is inversely correlated with CIMT in obese patients with NAFLD, but not in patients with NAFLD and T2DM. Hypoadiponectinemia could be a good indicator of cardiovascular risk in obese patients with NAFLD, with or without T2DM, but not in nonobese patients with NAFLD.
Ground State Solutions of Schrödinger-Kirchhoff Equations with Potentials Vanishing at Infinity
Authors: Sun Dongdong
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we deal with the following Schrödinger-Kirchhoff equation with potentials vanishing at infinity:

−

ε

2

a
+
ε
b

∫

ℝ

3

∇
u

2

Δ
u
+
V

x

u
=
K

x

u

p
−
1

u
 
in
 

ℝ

3

and

u
>
0
,
u
∈

H

1

ℝ

3

,

where

V

x

~

x

−
α

and

K

x

~

x

−
β

with

0
<
α
<
2

, and

β
>
0

. We first prove the existence of positive ground state solutions

u

ε

∈

H

1

ℝ

3

under the assumption that

σ
<
p
<
5

for some

σ
=

σ

α
,
β

, then we show that

u

ε

concentrates at a global minimum point of

A

x

=

V

2
/

p
−
1

−
1
/
2

x

/

K

2
/

p
−
1

x

.
Driving in the Rain: A Survey toward Visibility Estimation through Windshields
Authors: Morden Jarrad Neil , Caraffini Fabio , Kypraios Ioannis , Al-Bayatti Ali H. , Smith Richard
Published: September 2023

Rain can significantly impair the driver’s sight and affect his performance when driving in wet conditions. Evaluation of driver visibility in harsh weather, such as rain, has garnered considerable research since the advent of autonomous vehicles and the emergence of intelligent transportation systems. In recent years, advances in computer vision and machine learning led to a significant number of new approaches to address this challenge. However, the literature is fragmented and should be reorganised and analysed to progress in this field. There is still no comprehensive survey article that summarises driver visibility methodologies, including classic and recent data‐driven/model‐driven approaches on the windshield in rainy conditions, and compares their generalisation performance fairly. Most ADAS and AD systems are based on object detection. Thus, rain visibility plays a key role in the efficiency of ADAS/AD functions used in semi‐ or fully autonomous driving. This study fills this gap by reviewing current state‐of‐the‐art solutions in rain visibility estimation used to reconstruct the driver’s view for object detection‐based autonomous driving. These solutions are classified as rain visibility estimation systems that work on (1) the perception components of the ADAS/AD function, (2) the control and other hardware components of the ADAS/AD function, and (3) the visualisation and other software components of the ADAS/AD function. Limitations and unsolved challenges are also highlighted for further research.
Statistically Optimized Near-Field Acoustic Holography Using Prolate Spheroidal Wave Functions
Authors: Zhang Xuxin , Lou Jingjun , Lu Jinfang , Li Ronghua , Zhu Shijian
Published: September 2023

Near-field acoustic holography (NAH) is an effective tool for realizing accurate sound field reconstruction in three-dimensional space on the prerequisite that appropriate elementary wave functions are selected or constructed to match the characteristics of the sound sources. However, for elongated sources, common wave functions, i.e., plane, cylindrical, or spherical waves, sometimes do not perform well during the sound field projections. To solve this problem, statistically optimized near-field acoustical holography combined with prolate spheroidal wave functions is proposed. In the approach, the sound field is expanded by a series of prolate spheroidal wave functions, whose wavefronts can be set nearly conformal to the elongated sources. Based on these wave functions, fewer expansion terms are required to model the sound field, and the need for regularization can be reduced during the inverse solving process. Therefore, the accuracy of the reconstruction results can be further improved. Numerical simulations are conducted by two types of elongated source models, namely, spatially separated and extended. The results show that the proposed method can effectively reconstruct the sound pressures of elongated sources and perform robustly across a wide frequency range. Simultaneously, a designed experiment is carried out in an anechoic chamber, which demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed method.