bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential overestimation of 236U releases from Sellafield reprocessing plant
Authors: Qiao Jixin , Cao Yiyao , Lin Mu , He Yanchun , Steier Peter , Hain Karin
Published: May 2024

This work reveals potential overestimation on uranium-236 (236U) releases from Sellafield (SF) reprocessing plant in earlier estimations. We report the 40-year time series dataset of uranium isotopes in seaweed seasonally collected from Kattegat, which is at the downstream of radioactive discharges from the European reprocessing plants La Hague (LH) and SF. When comparing the estimated values derived from the previously reconstructed 236U releases of LH and SF, our observed 236U concentrations in seaweed demonstrate generally lower levels. Our data analysis suggests nearly one order of magnitude overestimation in the recently reconstructed SF discharge reported by other authors. Such overestimation would introduce large uncertainties when using 236U as a point-source in environmental tracer applications. We foresee that this work will significantly improve the applications of radioisotope tracers in oceanic studies such as spreading of marine pollutants, ocean mixing and circulation, especially in the regions of North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean.
Associations of Autistic Traits and Autism With Incontinence and Constipation in a UK Birth Cohort
Authors: Gyamenah Prince , Burrows Kimberley , Rai Dheeraj , Joinson Carol
Published: May 2024

Background
There is evidence that children with autism/autistic traits have higher risks of incontinence and constipation, but no studies have examined this in a large community-based cohort.
Aim
To examine prospective relationships between autistic traits/autism and incontinence/constipation in children/adolescents.
Methods
This was a population-based cohort study based on data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (n = 4233–4490 at age 9 years; n = 3403–3697 at age 14). We used multivariable logistic regression to examine associations of parent-reported autistic traits (sociability, repetitive behaviours, social-communication, coherence) (at ages 3–9 years) and autism with incontinence (bedwetting, daytime-wetting, soiling) and constipation (parent-reported at age 9, self-reported at age 14). We adjusted for parity, maternal age at delivery, child’s sex and developmental level, maternal depression and anxiety (antenatal and postnatal), and indicators of family socioeconomic status.
Results
Social-communication and speech coherence difficulties showed the strongest associations with incontinence, e.g. adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association between social-communication difficulties and daytime-wetting was 2.21 (1.47–3.32) and for coherence was 2.34 (1.60–3.43). The odds of soiling were also higher in children with social-communication (OR:1.88, 95%CI:1.28–2.75) and coherence difficulties (OR:2.04, 95%CI:1.43–2.93). Diagnosed autism was only associated with an increase in the odds of daytime-wetting (OR:3.18, 95%CI:1.44–7.02). At 14 years, there was less evidence of associations between autistic traits and incontinence but there was evidence of associations between autistic traits and constipation: social-communication (OR:1.68, 95%CI:1.13–2.49), coherence difficulties (OR:1.64, 95%CI:1.11–2.41).
Conclusions
Early assessment and treatment of incontinence/constipation should be considered for children with autistic traits.
Impacts of Calcium Cyanamide Application as a Nitrogen Source on Growth, Yield, Quality, and Storage Durability of Short-day Onion
Authors: Simelane Mzwakhile Petros Zakhe , Soundy Puffy , Maboko Martin Makgose
Published: May 2024

Rapid leaching of soluble nitrogen (N) sources in soil poses a significant challenge in agricultural practices. Therefore, gaining a comprehensive understanding of crop responses to slow-release N application rates has become crucial to contributing valuable insights to optimize N management strategies in agriculture. A field study was conducted to investigate the influence of preplant calcium cyanamide fertilizer on the growth, yield, quality, and shelf life of short-day onion. Six levels of calcium cyanamide (CaCN2, 19.8% N), 0, 90, 120, 200, 400, and 600 kg⋅ha−1 CaCN2, which are equivalent to 0, 17.82, 23.76, 39.6, 79.2, and 118.8 kg⋅ha−1 N, respectively, replicated four times were broadcasted and incorporated into the top 5 to 10 cm of soil. Using 400 kg⋅ha−1 of CaCN2 yielded noteworthy improvements in various parameters of onion growth, such as plant height, leaf count, bulb weight per plant, bulb diameter, bulb length, and overall plant weight, as indicated by the study results. The application of different levels of CaCN2 as an N source exerted a significant influence on these growth factors. Moreover, the study revealed a direct correlation between CaCN2 application levels and the storage life of onions. Specifically, the findings demonstrated that the application of 400 kg⋅ha−1 CaCN2 resulted in enhanced yield and overall onion plant growth. However, the application of 600 kg⋅ha−1 CaCN2 increased the incidences of bulb weight loss, rots, and sprouting during the 8-week storage period at room temperature. These findings provide valuable insights for onion investors and farmers in the region and offer practical recommendations for optimizing fertilizer use and storage practices to improve onion production and minimize postharvest losses.
Upper and Lower Limb Muscle Activation during Green Care: An Electromyographic Analysis
Authors: Kim Seon-Ok , Choi Na-Yoon , Yoo Na-Yeon , Park Sin-Ae
Published: May 2024

Green care activities are associated with lower intensity and a lower risk of injury than agricultural activities aimed at producing agricultural and livestock products; however, the risk of health problems cannot be completely ruled out. To implement green care interventions to improve physical health, it is essential to identify the green care activity levels and biomechanical characteristics of the movements that are appropriate for each subject’s physical functions and goals. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the muscle activation of the upper and lower limbs during 19 green care farming activities. We used electromyography signals, which are biomedical signals that measure the action potentials generated in the muscles and nervous system when the muscles contract, to evaluate the muscle activation. Twenty adults (aged 29.9 ± 9.6 years) participated in this study. Participants performed 19 green care farming activities, including horticultural activity, animal-mediated, and off-farming activities. The participants performed each activity three times. The electromyography data were assessed using surface electromyography during activities to measure muscle activation. As a result, 16 upper and lower limb muscles were activated during the green care farming activities, which showed significantly different muscle activation by care farming activity. As a result of the comparison of muscle activity according to each muscle, many of the muscles of the upper and lower limbs were most activated during organizing a garden plot, transplanting plants, and collecting natural objects. In conclusion, the electromyography data obtained during this study suggest that green care farming interventions may be effective for training specific muscles of the upper and lower limbs.
Investigating the Challenges of Managing Natural Turfgrass and Synthetic Turf on Community Sports Fields
Authors: Yue Chengyan , Cui Manlin , Straw Chase
Published: May 2024

Both natural turfgrass and synthetic turf fields have distinct advantages and disadvantages and present unique challenges. The challenges evolve over time because of climate change, players’ ever-changing needs, and the development of technologies. It is imperative to identify these challenges and devise effective solutions to overcome them. We conducted a survey of 97 administrators and managers from various organizations in the United States who were responsible for managing community sports fields. Our findings identified budget constraints as the biggest challenge for natural turfgrass field management, followed by issues related to use/scheduling and weather/climate. For synthetic turf field management, the top three challenges included budget constraints, use/scheduling, and other challenges (mainly safety issues). Additionally, administrators and managers consistently indicated increased funding as a solution for addressing challenges of both natural turfgrass and synthetic turf field management. We discuss the implications of these findings and provide potential ways to address these challenges.
Phenotypic Trait Analysis for Registered Cultivars of Camellia sasanqua
Authors: Zhang Ning , Wu Guijin , Wang Zhonglang , Huo Xiulin , Chen Longqing , Geng Fang
Published: May 2024

Based on the International Camellia Register (ICR), an analysis of 1616 cultivars of Sasanqua that were registered in 2022 and earlier was conducted. This analysis focused on the resource and biological characteristics of the cultivars. Additionally, a trait diversity analysis, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis of 118 cultivars that had complete morphological records were performed. The findings revealed a rich diversity of Sasanqua cultivars, with Japan, the United States, and Australia being the main sources. The primary flower color was red, followed by multiple colors, white, and rare colors. The predominant flower forms were single-petal and semi-double-petal, with a limited number of formal double-petal forms. Elliptical leaf shapes were the most common, and the predominant leaf colors were green and deep green. The flowering period mainly corresponded to early flowering cultivars. The phenotypic diversity index (H) of the 118 cultivars ranged from 0.31 to 1.84. The flower diameter exhibited the highest H value (1.84), whereas leaf shape had the lowest H value (0.31). The coefficient of variation (CV) ranged from 21.67% to 71.81%, with the flower diameter having the smallest CV (21.67%) and petal number having the largest CV (71.81%). The first three principal components, which accounted for a cumulative contribution rate of 62.49%, effectively represented most of the information regarding the seven trait indicators of the different cultivars. Furthermore, a cluster analysis was conducted based on the flower form, diameter, petal numbers, and other characteristics of the various cultivars. The 118 cultivars were divided into three groups. The first group could be used for breeding single-petal flower cultivars, whereas the third group exhibited a larger number of petals and could be used for breeding double-petal flower cultivars.
Sole-source Lighting of Lettuce that Increased Yield Had No Negative Effect on Postharvest Longevity
Authors: Kohler Annika E. , Runkle Erik S.
Published: May 2024

The effects of sole-source lighting on the growth and yield of hydroponically grown lettuce have been extensively studied, but research of postharvest performance is limited. We grew frill-leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa) ‘Green Incised’ and ‘Hydroponic Green Sweet Crisp’ hydroponically in an indoor vertical research farm under daily light integrals (DLIs) of 12 or 18 mol⋅m−2⋅d−1 and the following three ratios of blue (B; 400–499 nm) and red (R; 600–699 nm) light from light-emitting diode fixtures: B5:R95, B20:R80, and B35:R65. We postulated that biomass accumulation would increase with the DLI and decrease with the B light fraction, and that postharvest longevity would increase with the DLI and the B light fraction. As expected, shoot fresh weight, leaf length and width, leaf number, and relative chlorophyll content (SPAD; ‘Green Incised’ only) decreased as the proportion of B light increased from 5% to 35%. Decreasing the DLI from 18 to 12 mol⋅m−2⋅d−1 reduced the shoot fresh weight and leaf number of both cultivars. Leaves of ‘Green Incised’ were up to 27% wider under B5:R95 and 60% longer under B5:R95 at 12 mol⋅m−2⋅d−1 than those under treatments with a higher DLI or more B light. The shoot fresh weight of ‘Hydroponic Green Sweet Crisp’ was greatest when grown under B5:R95 at 18 mol⋅m−2⋅d−1 and decreased as B light increased or DLI decreased. At the time of harvest, leaves of each cultivar and treatment were placed in clamshells and stored at 7 °C in darkness and evaluated for decay. ‘Green Incised’ that grew under B35:R65 and a DLI of 18 mol⋅m−2⋅d−1 had the shortest storage life, with 9.5 d and 11.4 d for replications 1 and 2, respectively, which were ∼2.5 to 4.0 d and 1.4 to 3.6 d earlier, respectively, than the storage life of lettuce grown under other treatments. In contrast, ‘Hydroponic Green Sweet Crisp’ was not influenced by light quality or DLI and had a storage life of 12.6 to 13.3 d and 13.5 to 14.3 d for replications 1 and 2, respectively. Therefore, a B light fraction between 5% and 20% and a DLI of 18 mol⋅m−2⋅d−1 produced high-yielding frill-leaf lettuce with a relatively long storage life.
Relação dos atributos químicos e anatômicos no ataque de xilófago em espécies florestais nativas
Authors: Arruda Júnior Joilson Magalhães de , Costa Emerson Belarmino , Gabriel Claudinei dos Santos , Gouvêa Adriana de Fátima Gomes , Urbano Edilson
Published: May 2024

A durabilidade da madeira é algo considerado variável, pois depende das características das mesmas e condições de uso. A presença do agente biológico é algo frequentemente comum no ataque de madeira, pois é parte do ciclo natural de alguns insetos, porém acarretam grandes prejuízos. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar as propriedades anatômicas e químicas das madeiras de Vatairea macrocarpa (Benth.) Ducke (amargoso), Amburana cearensis (Allemao) A.C. Sm. (amburana) e a Astronium sp. Schott (gonçalo-alves) atacadas por insetos inferindo sobre tal ocorrência. As análises químicas e anatômicas foram realizadas no disco da base, porém para a caracterização química a região do cerne e alburno foi analisada separadamente. Para a caracterização anatômica, a presença de maior diâmetro e frequência de vasos, os valores relacionados à altura, largura e frequência dos raios, aumentam a susceptibilidade das espécies ao ataque do inseto, assim como para as madeiras estudadas. Em relação à caracterização química, a elevada variabilidade entre os componentes químicos da região cerne e alburno, independente da espécie avaliada, estão relacionados à maior afinidade do inseto Lyctus brunneus na região do alburno. Estas espécies apresentaram elevados teores de amido, sendo esse componente o principal alimento para o inseto identificado. O amargoso e amburana apresentaram maior incidência de ataque, possivelmente devido a abundância de células parenquimáticas axiais, as quais possuem elevada quantidade de materiais de reserva. As espécies avaliadas possuem teores de cinzas elevados na região do cerne, afetando a zona de ataque, pois elevados teores de cinzas, resultam em desgaste do aparelho bucal desses insetos
Effect of Citric Acid as a Porogenic Agent for Fabrication of Macroporous Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Scaffolds
Authors: Hesaraki Saeed , Nezafati Nader , Shahrezaee Mostafa
Published: May 2024

Background:

A key concern in tissue engineering for bone regeneration is the fabrication
of scaffolding so that it serves as a template for cell interactions and the formation of
bone’s extracellular matrix to provide structural support to the newly formed tissue.

Objective:

In the current study, different amounts of citric acid from 65 to 85 (vol%), including
different particle sizes (between 250-700 μm), were used as a porogen to fabricate
porous biphasic calcium phosphate scaffolds.

Methods:

The scaffolds were prepared under different pressures of 150-250 MPa followed
by sintering at various temperatures of 1100-1300°C. The compressive strength, total porosity,
volume shrinkage, phase composition, and microstructure of the samples were
evaluated.

Results:

Scaffolds with a macropore size of 100-500 μm were produced by citric acid porogen.
The compressive strength varied using different ranges of porogen particle size (containing
the same porogen content) as well as concentration. The results showed that the
compressive strength decreased when the applied pressure increased from 150 to 250 MPa
and a higher amount of porogen was used. The maximum value of compressive strength was
~13.9MPa, for the sample sintered at 1200°C and had a total porosity of ~55.3%.

Conclusion:

This kind of porous biphasic calcium phosphate can exhibit an appropriate
ability to be used as a bone substitute due to its physico-mechanical outcomes and approved
bioactive structure.
Postoperative Hormonal and Water Balance Disturbances After Non-Functioning Pituitary Macroadenoma Surgery
Authors: Yudha Nyoman , Setiabudi Patan , Abellia Gaby
Published: May 2024

Non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) are common sellar region tumors. Certain pituitary adenomas are categorized as functional, as they arise from specific cell types that excessively secrete hormones. In contrast, non-functional adenomas do not secrete hormones but can potentially compress the surrounding regions. The lack of hormonal activity in NFPAs often leads to a delayed diagnosis. It becomes clinically significant when the adenoma gets larger and starts causing symptoms. A 52-year-old man presented with visual field impairment since two years ago and throbbing headaches for the last three months. He was found to have pituitary macroadenoma and no hormonal excess was detected. He was diagnosed with non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma, then underwent endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal hypophysectomy as a surgical procedure in our institute. A surgical procedure to remove pituitary adenomas can lead to high chance of complications in pituitary hormone regulation due to the manipulation of the pituitary gland and its stalk, such as water balance imbalance and hormonal disturbances. Endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal hypophysectomy as a surgical procedure in treating pituitary macroadenoma has proven effective, resulting in good outcomes. A multidisciplinary approach involving specialists in endocrinology, ophthalmology, and neurosurgery is essential for the comprehensive evaluation of patients with pituitary adenoma.
Relationship Between Physical Exercise and Cognitive Function Among Older Adults in China: Cross-Sectional Population-Based Study
Authors: Wang Fubaihui , Gao Changqing , Wang Yantao , Li Zhuo , Zheng Feiran , Luo Yanan
Published: May 2024

Background

The existing literature reveals several significant knowledge gaps that hinder health care providers in formulating exercise prescriptions for cognitive health.

Objective

This study endeavors to elucidate the relationship between the level of physical activity and cognitive function in older adults in China. Moreover, it seeks to explore the associations between distinct exercise behaviors—such as exercise types, the purpose motivating engagement in exercise, the accessibility of exercise fields, and the inclination toward exercise—and cognitive function.

Methods

Using data from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS conducted in 2016, cognitive function was meticulously assessed through the modified Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination, encompassing measures of orientation, memory, and calculation. Using self-report structured questionnaires, a myriad of information about physical activity during leisure time, exercise engagement, exercise intensity, primary exercise types, reasons for exercise participation, availability of sports facilities, and exercise willingness was diligently gathered. Robust ordinary least squares regression models were then used to compute coefficients along with 95% CIs.

Results

A discernible inverted U-shaped trend in cognitive scores emerged as the level of physical activity surpassed the threshold of 500 metabolic equivalents of task (MET) minutes per week. Notably, individuals with a physical activity level between 500 and 999 MET minutes per week exhibited a coefficient of 0.31 (95% CI 0.09 to 0.54), those with a physical activity level between 1000 and 1499 MET minutes per week displayed a coefficient of 0.75 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.97), and those with a physical activity level above 1500 MET minutes per week demonstrated a coefficient of 0.45 (95% CI 0.23 to 0.68). Older individuals engaging in exercise at specific MET levels showcased superior cognitive function compared to their inactive counterparts. Furthermore, individuals driven by exercise motivations aimed at enhancing physical fitness and health, as well as those using sports facilities or public spaces for exercise, exhibited notably higher cognitive function scores.

Conclusions

The findings underscore the potential of exercise as a targeted intervention for the prevention and treatment of dementia or cognitive decline associated with aging in older individuals. Leveraging these insights to formulate informed exercise recommendations holds promise in addressing a significant public health challenge linked to aging populations.
A Deep Learning–Based Rotten Food Recognition App for Older Adults: Development and Usability Study
Authors: Chun Minki , Yu Ha-Jin , Jung Hyunggu
Published: May 2024

Background

Older adults are at greater risk of eating rotten fruits and of getting food poisoning because cognitive function declines as they age, making it difficult to distinguish rotten fruits. To address this problem, researchers have developed and evaluated various tools to detect rotten food items in various ways. Nevertheless, little is known about how to create an app to detect rotten food items to support older adults at a risk of health problems from eating rotten food items.

Objective

This study aimed to (1) create a smartphone app that enables older adults to take a picture of food items with a camera and classifies the fruit as rotten or not rotten for older adults and (2) evaluate the usability of the app and the perceptions of older adults about the app.

Methods

We developed a smartphone app that supports older adults in determining whether the 3 fruits selected for this study (apple, banana, and orange) were fresh enough to eat. We used several residual deep networks to check whether the fruit photos collected were of fresh fruit. We recruited healthy older adults aged over 65 years (n=15, 57.7%, males and n=11, 42.3%, females) as participants. We evaluated the usability of the app and the participants’ perceptions about the app through surveys and interviews. We analyzed the survey responses, including an after-scenario questionnaire, as evaluation indicators of the usability of the app and collected qualitative data from the interviewees for in-depth analysis of the survey responses.

Results

The participants were satisfied with using an app to determine whether a fruit is fresh by taking a picture of the fruit but are reluctant to use the paid version of the app. The survey results revealed that the participants tended to use the app efficiently to take pictures of fruits and determine their freshness. The qualitative data analysis on app usability and participants’ perceptions about the app revealed that they found the app simple and easy to use, they had no difficulty taking pictures, and they found the app interface visually satisfactory.

Conclusions

This study suggests the possibility of developing an app that supports older adults in identifying rotten food items effectively and efficiently. Future work to make the app distinguish the freshness of various food items other than the 3 fruits selected still remains.
Digital Peer-Supported App Intervention to Promote Physical Activity Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Nonrandomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tabira Kento , Oguma Yuko , Yoshihara Shota , Shibuya Megumi , Nakamura Manabu , Doihara Natsue , Hirata Akihiro , Manabe Tomoki
Published: May 2024

Background

The use of mobile apps has promoted physical activity levels. Recently, with an increasing number of older adults accessing the internet, app-based interventions may be feasible in older populations. Peer support–based interventions have become a common method for promoting health-related behavior change. To our knowledge, the feasibility of using digital peer support apps (DPSAs) to increase physical activity among older adults and its impact on physical activity and physical function have not been investigated.

Objective

This study aims to assess the feasibility of using DPSAs in older adults and to assess changes in physical activity and physical function in DPSA users.

Methods

We conducted a nonrandomized controlled trial of older adults aged ≥65 years. We recruited participants for 2 distinct 12-week programs designed to increase physical activity. Participants could choose between an intervention group (app program and exercise instruction) or a control group (exercise instruction only). DPSA creates a group chat for up to 5 people with a common goal, and participants anonymously post to each other in the group. Once a day, participants posted a set of their step counts, photos, and comments on a group chat box. The intervention group used the DPSA after receiving 2 face-to-face lectures on its use. The participants were characterized using questionnaires, accelerometers, and physical function assessments. The feasibility of the DPSA was assessed using retention and adherence rates. Physical activity was assessed using accelerometers to measure the daily step count, light intensity physical activity, moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA), and sedentary behavior. Physical function was assessed using grip strength and the 30-second chair-stand test.

Results

The participants in the intervention group were more frequent users of apps, were more familiar with information and communication technology, and had a higher baseline physical activity level. The retention and adherence rates for the DPSA intervention were 88% (36/41) and 87.7%, respectively, indicating good feasibility. Participants in the intervention group increased their step count by at least 1000 steps and their MVPA by at least 10 minutes using the DPSA. There was a significant difference in the interaction between groups and intervention time points in the daily step count and MVPA (step count, P=.04; duration of MVPA, P=.02). The DPSA increased physical activity, especially in older adults with low baseline physical activity levels.

Conclusions

The feasibility of DPSA was found to be good, with the intervention group showing increases in daily steps and MVPA. The effects of DPSA on step count, physical activity, and physical function in older adults with low baseline physical activity should be investigated using randomized controlled trials.
Smartphone App Designed to Collect Health Information in Older Adults: Usability Study
Authors: Murabito Joanne M , Faro Jamie M , Zhang Yuankai , DeMalia Angelo , Hamel Alexander , Agyapong Nakesha , Liu Hongshan , Schramm Eric , McManus David D , Borrelli Belinda
Published: May 2024

Background

Studies evaluating the usability of mobile-phone assessments in older adults are limited.

Objective

This study aims to identify design-based barriers and facilitators to mobile app survey completion among 2 samples of older adults; those in the Framingham Heart Study and a more diverse sample from a hospital-based setting.

Methods

We used mixed methods to identify challenging and beneficial features of the mobile app in participants from the electronic Framingham Heart Study (n=15; mean age of 72 years; 6/15, 40% women; 15/15, 100% non-Hispanic and White) and among participants recruited from a hospital-based setting (n=15; mean age of 71 years; 7/15, 47% women; 3/15, 20% Hispanic; and 8/15, 53% non-White). A variety of app-based measures with different response formats were tested, including self-reported surveys, pictorial assessments (to indicate body pain sites), and cognitive testing tasks (eg, Trail Making Test and Stroop). Participants completed each measure using a think-aloud protocol, while being audio- and video-recorded with a qualitative interview conducted at the end of the session. Recordings were coded for participant usability errors by 2 pairs of coders. Participants completed the Mobile App Rating Scale to assess the app (response range 1=inadequate to 5=excellent).

Results

In electronic Framingham Heart Study participants, the average total Mobile App Rating Scale score was 7.6 (SD 1.1), with no significant differences in the hospital-based sample. In general, participants were pleased with the app and found it easy to use. A large minority had at least 1 navigational issue, most committed only once. Most older adults did not have difficulty completing the self-reported multiple-choice measures unless it included lengthy instructions but participants had usability issues with the Stroop and Trail Making Test.

Conclusions

Our methods and results help guide app development and app-based survey construction for older adults, while also giving consideration to sociodemographic differences.
The Value of Social Media Analysis for Adverse Events Detection and Pharmacovigilance: Scoping Review
Authors: Golder Su , O'Connor Karen , Wang Yunwen , Klein Ari , Gonzalez Hernandez Graciela
Published: May 2024

Background

Adverse drug events pose an enormous public health burden, leading to hospitalization, disability, and death. Even the adverse events (AEs) categorized as nonserious can severely impact on patient’s quality of life, adherence, and persistence. Monitoring medication safety is challenging. Web-based patient reports on social media may be a useful supplementary source of real-world data. Despite the growth of sophisticated techniques for identifying AEs using social media data, a consensus has not been reached as to the value of social media in relation to more traditional data sources.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate and characterize the utility of social media analysis in adverse drug event detection and pharmacovigilance as compared with other data sources (such as spontaneous reporting systems and the clinical literature).

Methods

In this scoping review, we searched 11 bibliographical databases and Google Scholar, followed by handsearching and forward and backward citation searching. Each record was screened by 2 independent reviewers at both the title and abstract stage and the full-text screening stage. Studies were included if they used any type of social media (such as Twitter or patient forums) to detect AEs associated with any drug medication and compared the results ascertained from social media to any other data source. Study information was collated using a piloted data extraction sheet. Data were extracted on the AEs and drugs searched for and included; the methods used (such as machine learning); social media data source; volume of data analyzed; limitations of the methodology; availability of data and code; comparison data source and comparison methods; results, including the volume of AEs, and how the AEs found compared with other data sources in their seriousness, frequencies, and expectedness or novelty (new vs known knowledge); and conclusions.

Results

Of the 6538 unique records screened, 73 publications representing 60 studies with a wide variety of extraction methods met our inclusion criteria. The most common social media platforms used were Twitter and online health forums. The most common comparator data source was spontaneous reporting systems, although other comparisons were also made, such as with scientific literature and product labels. Although similar patterns of AE reporting tended to be identified, the frequencies were lower in social media. Social media data were found to be useful in identifying new or unexpected AEs and in identifying AEs in a timelier manner.

Conclusions

There is a large body of research comparing AEs from social media to other sources. Most studies advocate the use of social media as an adjunct to traditional data sources. Some studies also indicate the value of social media in understanding patient perspectives such as the impact of AEs, which could be better explored.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

RR2-10.2196/47068
Tracking and Profiling Repeated Users Over Time in Text-Based Counseling: Longitudinal Observational Study With Hierarchical Clustering (Preprint)
Authors: Xu Yucan , Chan Christian Shaunlyn , Chan Evangeline , Chen Junyou , Cheung Florence , Xu Zhongzhi , Liu Joyce , Yip Paul Siu Fai
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Due to their accessibility and anonymity, web-based counseling services are expanding at an unprecedented rate. One of the most prominent challenges such services face is repeated users, who represent a small fraction of total users but consume significant resources by continually returning to the system and reiterating the same narrative and issues. A deeper understanding of repeated users and tailoring interventions may help improve service efficiency and effectiveness. Previous studies on repeated users were mainly on telephone counseling, and the classification of repeated users tended to be arbitrary and failed to capture the heterogeneity in this group of users.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to develop a systematic method to profile repeated users and to understand what drives their use of the service. By doing so, we aimed to provide insight and practical implications that can inform the provision of service catering to different types of users and improve service effectiveness.

METHODS

We extracted session data from 29,400 users from a free 24/7 web-based counseling service from 2018 to 2021. To systematically investigate the heterogeneity of repeated users, hierarchical clustering was used to classify the users based on 3 indicators of service use behaviors, including the duration of their user journey, use frequency, and intensity. We then compared the psychological profile of the identified subgroups including their suicide risks and primary concerns to gain insights into the factors driving their patterns of service use.

RESULTS

Three clusters of repeated users with clear psychological profiles were detected: episodic, intermittent, and persistent-intensive users. Generally, compared with one-time users, repeated users showed higher suicide risks and more complicated backgrounds, including more severe presenting issues such as suicide or self-harm, bullying, and addictive behaviors. Higher frequency and intensity of service use were also associated with elevated suicide risk levels and a higher proportion of users citing mental disorders as their primary concerns.

CONCLUSIONS

This study presents a systematic method of identifying and classifying repeated users in web-based counseling services. The proposed bottom-up clustering method identified 3 subgroups of repeated users with distinct service behaviors and psychological profiles. The findings can facilitate frontline personnel in delivering more efficient interventions and the proposed method can also be meaningful to a wider range of services in improving service provision, resource allocation, and service effectiveness.
Searching COVID-19 Clinical Research Using Graph Queries: Algorithm Development and Validation (Preprint)
Authors: Invernici Francesco , Bernasconi Anna , Ceri Stefano
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, >1 million studies have been collected within the COVID-19 Open Research Dataset, a corpus of manuscripts created to accelerate research against the disease. Their related abstracts hold a wealth of information that remains largely unexplored and difficult to search due to its unstructured nature. Keyword-based search is the standard approach, which allows users to retrieve the documents of a corpus that contain (all or some of) the words in a target list. This type of search, however, does not provide visual support to the task and is not suited to expressing complex queries or compensating for missing specifications.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to consider small graphs of concepts and exploit them for expressing graph searches over existing COVID-19–related literature, leveraging the increasing use of graphs to represent and query scientific knowledge and providing a user-friendly search and exploration experience.

METHODS

We considered the COVID-19 Open Research Dataset corpus and summarized its content by annotating the publications’ abstracts using terms selected from the Unified Medical Language System and the Ontology of Coronavirus Infectious Disease. Then, we built a co-occurrence network that includes all relevant concepts mentioned in the corpus, establishing connections when their mutual information is relevant. A sophisticated graph query engine was built to allow the identification of the best matches of graph queries on the network. It also supports partial matches and suggests potential query completions using shortest paths.

RESULTS

We built a large co-occurrence network, consisting of 128,249 entities and 47,198,965 relationships; the GRAPH-SEARCH interface allows users to explore the network by formulating or adapting graph queries; it produces a bibliography of publications, which are globally ranked; and each publication is further associated with the specific parts of the query that it explains, thereby allowing the user to understand each aspect of the matching.

CONCLUSIONS

Our approach supports the process of query formulation and evidence search upon a large text corpus; it can be reapplied to any scientific domain where documents corpora and curated ontologies are made available.
Smartphone App Designed to Collect Health Information in Older Adults: Usability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Murabito Joanne M , Faro Jamie M , Zhang Yuankai , DeMalia Angelo , Hamel Alexander , Agyapong Nakesha , Liu Hongshan , Schramm Eric , McManus David D , Borrelli Belinda
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Studies evaluating the usability of mobile-phone assessments in older adults are limited.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to identify design-based barriers and facilitators to mobile app survey completion among 2 samples of older adults; those in the Framingham Heart Study and a more diverse sample from a hospital-based setting.

METHODS

We used mixed methods to identify challenging and beneficial features of the mobile app in participants from the electronic Framingham Heart Study (n=15; mean age of 72 years; 6/15, 40% women; 15/15, 100% non-Hispanic and White) and among participants recruited from a hospital-based setting (n=15; mean age of 71 years; 7/15, 47% women; 3/15, 20% Hispanic; and 8/15, 53% non-White). A variety of app-based measures with different response formats were tested, including self-reported surveys, pictorial assessments (to indicate body pain sites), and cognitive testing tasks (eg, Trail Making Test and Stroop). Participants completed each measure using a think-aloud protocol, while being audio- and video-recorded with a qualitative interview conducted at the end of the session. Recordings were coded for participant usability errors by 2 pairs of coders. Participants completed the Mobile App Rating Scale to assess the app (response range 1=inadequate to 5=excellent).

RESULTS

In electronic Framingham Heart Study participants, the average total Mobile App Rating Scale score was 7.6 (SD 1.1), with no significant differences in the hospital-based sample. In general, participants were pleased with the app and found it easy to use. A large minority had at least 1 navigational issue, most committed only once. Most older adults did not have difficulty completing the self-reported multiple-choice measures unless it included lengthy instructions but participants had usability issues with the Stroop and Trail Making Test.

CONCLUSIONS

Our methods and results help guide app development and app-based survey construction for older adults, while also giving consideration to sociodemographic differences.

CLINICALTRIAL
Tablet-Based Cognitive and Eye Movement Measures as Accessible Tools for Schizophrenia Assessment: Multisite Usability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Morita Kentaro , Miura Kenichiro , Toyomaki Atsuhito , Makinodan Manabu , Ohi Kazutaka , Hashimoto Naoki , Yasuda Yuka , Mitsudo Takako , Higuchi Fumihiro , Numata Shusuke , Yamada Akiko , Aoki Yohei , Honda Hiromitsu , Mizui Ryo , Honda Masato , Fujikane Daisuke , Matsumoto Junya , Hasegawa Naomi , Ito Satsuki , Akiyama Hisashi , Onitsuka Toshiaki , Satomura Yoshihiro , Kasai Kiyoto , Hashimoto Ryota
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder characterized by significant cognitive and neurobiological alterations. Impairments in cognitive function and eye movement have been known to be promising biomarkers for schizophrenia. However, cognitive assessment methods require specialized expertise. To date, data on simplified measurement tools for assessing both cognitive function and eye movement in patients with schizophrenia are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess the efficacy of a novel tablet-based platform combining cognitive and eye movement measures for classifying schizophrenia.

METHODS

Forty-four patients with schizophrenia, 67 healthy controls, and 41 patients with other psychiatric diagnoses participated in this study from 10 sites across Japan. A free-viewing eye movement task and 2 cognitive assessment tools (Codebreaker task from the THINC-integrated tool and the CognitiveFunctionTest app) were used for conducting assessments in a 12.9-inch iPad Pro. We performed comparative group and logistic regression analyses for evaluating the diagnostic efficacy of the 3 measures of interest.

RESULTS

Cognitive and eye movement measures differed significantly between patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls (all 3 measures; P<.001). The Codebreaker task showed the highest classification effectiveness in distinguishing schizophrenia with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.90. Combining cognitive and eye movement measures further improved accuracy with a maximum area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.94. Cognitive measures were more effective in differentiating patients with schizophrenia from healthy controls, whereas eye movement measures better differentiated schizophrenia from other psychiatric conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

This multisite study demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of a tablet-based app for assessing cognitive functioning and eye movements in patients with schizophrenia. Our results suggest the potential of tablet-based assessments of cognitive function and eye movement as simple and accessible evaluation tools, which may be useful for future clinical implementation.
Development and internal validation of a nomogram for predicting financial toxicity in patients with Lung cancer (Preprint)
Authors: Liu Yan , Li Peng Fei , Zhang Nan , Qi Yuan Tao , Ge Huai Ju , Dong Shi hong , Lin Yue Tong , Lu You Hua , Ma Gui Feng
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Financial toxicity refers to the economic hardships faced by cancer patients and their families due to treatment costs and income loss.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop a predictive nomogram for financial toxicity among lung cancer patients.

METHODS

We surveyed lung cancer patients at a tertiary oncology hospital in Shandong from October to December 2023 using random sampling. Factors influencing financial toxicity were identified through univariate logistic and multivariate stepwise regression analyses, and a nomogram prediction model was constructed and validated.

RESULTS

A total of 826 lung cancer patients were recruited and randomly divided into training (n=584) and validation (n=250) cohorts. Independent risk factors for financial toxicity included annual household income, enrollment family doctor services, debt due to medical treatment, number of exercise sessions per week, history of targeted therapy, working status after diagnosis, and time since diagnosis (all P < 0.05). These factors were used to construct the nomograms, which demonstrated good discriminative ability in both the training and validation cohorts, with AUC values of 0.814 and 0.889, respectively. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test confirmed a good fit of the model (P > 0.05). Both the calibration curves and decision curve analysis validated the model's accuracy and clinical utility.

CONCLUSIONS

Financial toxicity is relatively common among lung cancer patients, with over half facing economic challenges associated with their condition. The developed nomogram accurately predicts financial toxicity risk, aiding in early identification and intervention for at-risk patients, providing a basis for devising personalized intervention strategies.
Population Characteristics in Justice Health Research Based on PubMed Abstracts From 1963 to 2023: Text Mining Study (Preprint)
Authors: Lukmanjaya Wilson , Butler Tony , Taflan Patricia , Simpson Paul , Ginnivan Natasha , Buchan Iain , Nenadic Goran , Karystianis George
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

The field of epidemiological criminology (or justice health research) has emerged in the past decade, studying the intersection between the public health and justice systems. To ensure research efforts are focused and equitable, it is important to reflect on the outputs in this area and address knowledge gaps.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the characteristics of populations researched in a large sample of published outputs and identify research gaps and biases.

METHODS

A rule-based, text mining method was applied to 34,481 PubMed abstracts published from 1963 to 2023 to identify 4 population characteristics (sex, age, offender type, and nationality).

RESULTS

We evaluated our method in a random sample of 100 PubMed abstracts. Microprecision was 94.3%, with microrecall at 85.9% and micro–F1-score at 89.9% across the 4 characteristics. Half (n=17,039, 49.4%) of the 34,481 abstracts did not have any characteristic mentions and only 1.3% (n=443) reported sex, age, offender type, and nationality. From the 5170 (14.9%) abstracts that reported age, 3581 (69.3%) mentioned young people (younger than 18 years) and 3037 (58.7%) mentioned adults. Since 1990, studies reporting female-only populations increased, and in 2023, these accounted for almost half (105/216, 48.6%) of the research outputs, as opposed to 33.3% (72/216) for male-only populations. Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark) had the highest number of abstracts proportional to their incarcerated populations. Offenders with mental illness were the most common group of interest (840/4814, 17.4%), with an increase from 1990 onward.

CONCLUSIONS

Research reporting on female populations increased, surpassing that involving male individuals, despite female individuals representing 5% of the incarcerated population; this suggests that male prisoners are underresearched. Although calls have been made for the justice health area to focus more on young people, our results showed that among the abstracts reporting age, most mentioned a population aged <18 years, reflecting a rise of youth involvement in the youth justice system. Those convicted of sex offenses and crimes relating to children were not as researched as the existing literature suggests, with a focus instead on populations with mental illness, whose rates rose steadily in the last 30 years. After adjusting for the size of the incarcerated population, Nordic countries have conducted proportionately the most research. Our findings highlight that despite the presence of several research reporting guidelines, justice health abstracts still do not adequately describe the investigated populations. Our study offers new insights in the field of justice health with implications for promoting diversity in the selection of research participants.