bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcome of Tumor Lysis Syndrome in Hospitalized Children (1–12 Years) with Malignancy
Authors: Kumar Vinay , Singh Amitabh , Goel Neha , Dawar Rajni , Sharma Shobha
Published: February 2025

Introduction Oncological emergencies such as tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) can strike before or during the start of chemotherapy. TLS is an important cause of death in children with malignancies. Understanding the risk factors and timely management can prevent mortality in these children.

Objectives We performed this study to determine the incidence and risk factors for TLS in hospitalized children (1–12 years old) with malignancy and assess the outcomes in terms of the need for renal replacement therapy, residual kidney dysfunction, and death.

Materials and Methods A prospective observational cohort study was performed for 18 months, and newly diagnosed children with malignancy aged 1 to 12 years with TLS were enrolled. They were followed to assess risk factors for TLS and their outcome.

Results TLS was strongly correlated to the white blood cell count and spleen size at presentation. Uric acid was the most common parameter affected. Most patients developed TLS on day 1 of chemotherapy initiation.

Conclusion Total leucocyte count (≥50,000 mm3) and spleen size more than 3 cm below the costal margin are associated with a higher risk of developing TLS and can be closely followed up for the development of TLS. The use of rasburicase lowers the incidence of TLS and the complications associated with raised uric acid levels.
Exploring Proximal and Distal Factors of Dental Caries in Underserved Populations Utilizing Charitable Mobile Dental Services: A Cross-Sectional Study, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Gamar Elanbya May , Aloufi Nujud Ghazai , Alharbi Ahmed , Almurowbea Alanoud , Alrehaili Shuruq , Alaydaa Rawan , Shubayr Mosa , Elsayed Shadia A. , Ramadan AbdelRahman M. , Alsharif Alla
Published: February 2025

Objective This study aimed to assess and identify the associated proximal and distal factors of dental caries in underserved populations using charitable mobile dental services in Al Madinah Province, Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among adults aged ≥18 years attending a charitable mobile clinic in the rural areas of Al Madinah Province, Saudi Arabia, between June and September 2023. Calibrated dentists examined the dental caries among patients who completed a questionnaire.

Statistical Analysis Spearman's rho test, Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests, and negative binomial regression analyses were conducted.

Results Of the 414 participants, 195 (47%) were males, and the age median/interquartile range (IQR) was 39 (19) years. Caries were identified in 412 of the sample with a median (IQR) decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) score of 13 (9). Age showed a statistically significant positive association with DMFT scores (β = 0.015; rate ratio [RR] = 1.015; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.101, 1.02], p < 0.001) and likewise nationality and place of residence associated significantly with DMFT scores (β = −0.203; RR = 0.816; 95% CI: [0.676, 0.986], p = 0.035 and β = 0.161; RR = 1.175; 95% CI: [1.037, 1.331], p = 0.012, respectively). Educational level (university level) was negatively associated with DMFT scores (β = −0.079; RR = 0.924; 95% CI: [0.855, 0.998], p = 0.044). Visiting dentists was negatively associated with DMFT scores (β = −0.104; RR = 0.902; 95% CI: [0.858, 0.947], p < 0.001), but income, diabetes, hypertension, teeth brushing practice, use of fluoridated toothpaste, and acidic food consumption showed nonsignificant associations.

Conclusion This study highlights the significance of age, nationality, place of residence, educational level, and visiting dentists as factors associated with increases in DMFT scores, while income, oral hygiene practices, and certain chronic conditions showed no significant impact within this population.
Clinical Characteristics and Burden of IgG4-Related Disease in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Namas Rajaie , Alawadhi Hamdan , AlMheiri Mahra , Eljabour Rema , Al Qassimi Sarah , Memisoglu Esat , Salvo Fulvio , Mubashir Asia , AlKhatib Amer , Chiha Maguy , Hegazin Safa , Masri Mohamad , Abuzakouk Mohamed , Elarabi Mohamed , Almarzooqi Ahlam , Ghosn Muriel
Published: February 2025

Background There is a scarcity of literature detailing the demographic and clinical data concerning immunoglobulin G4–related disease (IgG4-RD) within the population of the UAE.

Objective This retrospective follow-up study aimed to investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics of IgG4-RD in an Arab cohort receiving treatment at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

Patients and Methods Data were collected from 28 Arab patients diagnosed with IgG4-RD at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi between April 1, 2015 and May 31, 2023. The study employed rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria, utilizing the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) 2019 criteria for classification. Comprehensive analysis of electronic health records included demographics, clinical history, laboratory results, and treatment specifics. The study received ethical approval.

Results The median age of the patients at the time of initial symptoms was 42 ± 3 years (median ± standard deviation) and that at the time of diagnosis was 47 ± 4.6 years, with a 5-year lag period between initial clinical presentation and establishing a diagnosis. The most common symptoms were constitutional symptoms (71%) followed by low back pain experienced by 54% of patients due to mass effect. In terms of organ involvement, 89% of patients exhibited a single organ being affected. The kidney was the most frequently involved organ (46%). Treatment involved glucocorticoids, often combined with methotrexate and azathioprine, with rituximab.

Conclusion The study highlights unique features in the Arab population, including a younger median age and the absence of pancreatic involvement. The findings emphasize the need for a national registry to understand disease prevalence, raise awareness, and guide health care strategies for IgG4-RD.
Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Colon Cancer: Simple is Better… Less is More
Authors: Narayanan Prasad , Aggarwal Shyam , Singhal Manish , Krishna Vamshi , Rathi A. K. , Singh Brig H. P. , Sharma Atul , Sharma J. B. , Bhargava Amit , Suresh P. , Walia Meenu , Darling H. S. , Medhi K. , Dutta Kumardeep , Rajpurohit Sajjan Singh , Mehta Prashant , Goswami Vikas , Rawat Saumitra , Selvasekar C. , Parikh Purvish M.
Published: February 2025

A significant number of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) benefit from adjuvant therapy. While 6 months of FOLFOX is standard of care, newer regimens like CAPOX and SOX allow for shorter durations. Trials of importance include SCOT (U.K., Denmark, Spain, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand), TOSCA (Italy), Alliance/SWOG80702 (U.S., Canada), IDEA (France), ACHIEVE (Japan), and HORG (Greece). Management recommendation is also based on patient preferences, dividing them into fighters and fatalists. Better patient selection is possible with the use of novel molecular-based biomarkers and circulating tumor deoxyribonucleic acid monitoring of minimal residual disease. There also needs to be special consideration for the geriatric patients—especially due to their limited mobility, comorbidities, and polypharmacy.
Response Assessment after Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Rectal Cancer
Authors: Chandramohan Anuradha , Augustine Antony , Hiriyanna Sneha , Natarajan Shobiga , Selvam Ajeet A. , Eapen Kurian C. , Yadav Saloni A. , Paul Joseph Chacko , Lakhani Aisha , Simon Betty , Eapen Anu
Published: February 2025

Management of locally advanced rectal cancer is complex, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings play a central role in treatment decisions. While neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy significantly improved local recurrence rates, newer treatment modalities, such as total neoadjuvant chemotherapy, improved distant control. They significantly improved pathological complete response rates, enabling organ preservation in more patients. MRI is the best imaging modality to assess treatment response. MRI aids in assessing operability, predicts surgical outcomes following neoadjuvant treatment, and aids in identifying patients' eligible for organ preservation and their follow-up. In this review, we discuss imaging techniques and interpretation of rectal cancer MRI following neoadjuvant treatment, provide a structured reporting template for response assessment MRI, and detail how imaging findings influence treatment decisions.
ALK-Rearranged Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report with Review of Literature
Authors: Deshpande Gauri , Arora Amandeep , Katdare Aparna , Prakash Gagan , Joshi Amit , Murthy Vedang , Desai Sangeeta , Menon Santosh
Published: February 2025

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearranged renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a newly recognized entity in the 2022 WHO classification under molecularly defined renal tumors. It is imperative to diagnose this entity, especially with the advent of ALK-directed therapy. Herein, we report the case of a 52-year-old lady who presented with incidentally detected mass in the mid-pole of the left kidney. The patient underwent left radical nephrectomy. Microscopically, the tumor showed varied patterns, namely, papillary, tubulocystic, solid, and varied cell morphologies—cuboidal cells with low-grade nuclei, and rhabdoid cells in nests and clusters. Locoregional spread to the lymph nodes was noted. The tumor was reported as “renal cell carcinoma, unclassified.” On further immunohistochemistry, the tumor was diffusely positive for ALK by immunohistochemistry. Further, the finding of ALK rearrangement was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization, thus confirming the diagnosis of ALK-rearranged RCC. She came back with progression after a year and was started on ALK-directed therapy after confirmation of ALK rearrangement. However, she succumbed to the disease 15 months after diagnosis. ALK-directed therapy has revolutionized the management of ALK-positive lung adenocarcinomas. Although ALK-rearranged RCC is a rare subtype of RCC, it is essential to know this case histopathologically for an accurate diagnosis and future development of targeted therapy.
Imbalance in spatiotemporal analysis of narcotics-related activities: a bibliometric review
Authors: Tajuddin Razik Ridzuan Mohd , Ismail Noriszura , Kamaluddin Mohammad Rahim , Nordin Ahmad Azwan Amin , Firdaus-Raih Mohd
Published: February 2025

The mapping of specific narcotics-related activities and determination of hotspots using spatiotemporal techniques enable the relevant law enforcement agencies to allocate more resources around hotspots rather than diluting manpower to canvas larger areas to conduct anti-narcotics operations. Since the use of spatiotemporal techniques to map narcotics-related activities is practiced globally, it is important to determine how often the techniques have been a core aspect of research methodology in investigating narcotics-related activities. This question can be answered by investigating how impactful the work documented in publications have been to the community by analyzing the following – descriptive summary, distributions of documents, authors’ productivity, core sources of publications, relevant affiliations, top cited documents, collaborations between countries and disproportion in selecting subjects for studies. In this paper, a bibliometric analysis of 323 documents in the Scopus database is investigated, in which the analysis revealed a 6.28% annual growth rate for the subject publications of which the majority are articles written in English. We further identified 20 “core” sources with one article which was cited a total of 691 times. Our analysis also revealed trends that provided insights into future research directions such as mapping the HIV infection caused by substance misuse as well studying the demography of the offenders. Our study also uncovered a gap that neglects the mapping of substance misuse crime in African countries that although not unexpected, presents a stark disparity in allocated resources. Our findings can be a starting point for strategizing future studies that integrate spatiotemporal analysis to address the increasing complexity of narcotics crimes with the expanding use of new psychoactive substances and the intertwining of substances misuse with public health issues.
Mapping AI ethics narratives: evidence from Twitter discourse between 2015 and 2022
Authors: Wei Mengyi , Zhang Puzhen , Chen Chuan , Chen Dongsheng , Zuo Chenyu , Meng Liqiu
Published: February 2025

The ethical issues that arise in the development of AI technologies are closely linked to public engagement. Although Twitter, as an online public sphere, provides a platform for exploring AI ethics discourse, it is difficult for current research to effectively extract fine-grained but meaningful information from the vast amount of social media data. To address this challenge, this paper proposes a research framework for the fine-grained exploration of AI ethics discourse on Twitter. The framework consists of two main parts: (1) combining neural networks with large-scale language models to construct a hierarchically structured topic framework that not only extracts popular topics of public interest, but also highlights smaller, yet significant voices; (2) using narrative metaphors to achieve the integration of fragmented information across levels and topics, ultimately presenting a complete story to help the public better understand the evolution of topics within AI ethics discourse. Our research has revealed that the most significant concern in the current AI ethics discourse is the lag in AI-related laws and ethical guidelines. It also shows that the integration of AI technology with the humanities is essential to promote a good public society. Through cross-level fine-grained mining, this study uncovers information hidden beneath the noise interference, which helps policymakers make targeted adjustments or improvements to policies. In addition, this research framework provides a reference for fine-grained mining of other specific issues in social media data.
Building sustainable information systems and transformer models on demand
Authors: Asselborn Thomas , Melzer Sylvia , Schiff Simon , Bender Magnus , Marwitz Florian Andreas , Aljoumani Said , Thiemann Stefan , Hirschler Konrad , Möller Ralf
Published: February 2025

The growing practice of archiving research data in repositories reflects an upward trend. However, storing data in an RDR (Research Data Repository) does not guarantee that the archived data will always be readily reusable, even if this fulfils the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable Reusable) principles. To ensure sustainable RDM (Research Data Management), archiving must consider the future potential for data reuse in a low-threshold fashion. In this article, we demonstrate the utilisation of straightforward methods to implement a so-called warm or hot archiving for research data within an RDR, as opposed to the conventional cold archiving approach. We explore the additional value of using research data in the humanities, emphasising the advantages of maintaining data accessibility and relevance over time. In the humanities, evaluating numerous data sets efficiently is crucial for current and future projects. Reviewing and evaluating relevance is important, particularly when dealing with a substantial number of data sets. Rapid evaluation facilitates profound decisions on the utility of the data for one’s ongoing or upcoming projects. For hot archiving, this means that in addition to the research data, the data should be available in a human-friendly way, i.e., a viewer application to visualise the data should be easily accessible. However, as rapid developments in the IT sector mean that after a few years, it cannot be guaranteed that these viewers or other tools will work, we also show how data can be viewed in a user-specific way via the RDR and how sustainable viewing can be integrated into the RDR. This article presents a generic approach to building sustainable viewers, which we call information systems, or transformer models on demand using data from pre-modern Arabic. In addition, we show that the easy-to-use chatbot ChatGPT can alternatively be context-specifically prepared to deliver more precise results and associated resources in the field of humanities. On the one hand, we have achieved a substantial reduction in the development time of an information system, from months to seconds, as well as the ability to fine-tune BERT (Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers) models without specific knowledge in selecting models or tools. On the other hand, we have developed a chatbot that not only provides project-specific responses but also references the sources.
Stokes/anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy of Al0.86Ga0.14N semiconductor alloy
Authors: Lin Yuru , Li Yu , Wu Binbin , Liu Jingyi , Guo Ruiang , Wang Yangbin , Hu QiWei , Lei Li
Published: February 2025

The lattice dynamics of high Al composition semiconductor alloy, Al0.86Ga0.14N, in comparison with the intrinsic GaN and AlN are studied by Stokes/anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy in the temperature range of 85~823 K. The phonon anharmonic effect in Al0.86Ga0.14N is found to be stronger than GaN, revealing the low thermal conductivity in the semiconductor alloy. The multi-phonon coupling behavior are analyzed by both the Stokes Raman and anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy. It is interesting to find that the anti-Stokes scattering exhibits stronger three-phonon coupling behavior as compared to the Stokes scattering, which may be due to the fact that the anti-stokes scattering process is generated from excited state and the scattered photons have higher energies. The Stokes/anti-Stokes temperature correction factor β for Raman modes in Al0.86Ga0.14N alloy are all smaller than those of the corresponding intrinsic modes in GaN and AlN. The reasons for the difference in β can be attributed to three aspects, including the equipment setups, materials properties (the binding energy), and the coupling strength of Raman scattering and sample.
Evaluation of a hazardous drug surface contamination surveillance program in a large community hospital
Authors: Hayes-Porter Alexis , Shay Blake
Published: February 2025

Disclaimer

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time.

Purpose

Risks of occupational exposures to hazardous drugs (HDs) have been documented and identified as needing to be monitored. To decrease potential exposures in a community hospital, this project evaluated the impact of implementing a hazardous drug wipe sampling technology (BD HD Check system; BD, Franklin Lakes, NJ) and accompanying environmental procedures, risk level scoring assessment, and recordkeeping tools on identifying HD surface contamination.

Methods

The 16-week evaluation focused on HD wipe sampling of locations (25 sites) within a cleanroom suite and infusion areas at the largest hospital of a multihospital community health system. Sites were determined through a risk stratification assessment to which areas were given a high, medium, or low-risk category to determine frequency of testing. HD wipe samples were tested for methotrexate, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) were developed to address testing, decontamination, and retesting procedures.

Results

A total of 238 samples were collected over 16-weeks across 25 sample sites. Fifteen of 25 sites resulted in at least 1 positive, totaling 37 initially positive results. Following initial positives, 92.5% of sites successfully tested negative following decontamination. Three sites that remained positive after decontamination underwent a corrective and preventative action (CAPA) analysis and were negative after a second round of decontamination.

Conclusion

Sampling led to reduction in contamination and more transparency in HD monitoring. The HD wipe sampling technology (BD HD Check system) and accompanying procedures were shown to be helpful in establishing and refining SOPs for HD preparation, cleaning/decontamination, and wipe sampling.
Mixed mating system and intraspecific variation in lizard pollination of Withania frutescens (L.) Pauquy
Authors: Muñoz-Gallego Raquel , Traveset Anna , Beltrán Rafel , Hervías-Parejo Sandra
Published: February 2025

Premise of the study

Plant reproductive strategies are particularly relevant on islands, where environmental constraints usually shape ecological dynamics. In this sense, the role of lizards (Lacertilia) as flower visitors and potential pollinators has been increasingly recognized. However, lizards may also consume plant reproductive tissues, potentially influenced by lizard intraspecific traits such as age and sex. This study aims to investigate, for the first time, the reproductive biology of the rare Mediterranean shrub Withania frutescens (L.) Pauquy (Solanaceae), and to assess the role of the Balearic lizard Podarcis lilfordi Günther (Lacertidae) as a potential pollinator on Na Redona islet (Cabrera archipelago, Balearic Islands).

Methods

We analyzed flower traits (corolla length, corolla diameter, stamen length, and pistil length) and performed flower bagging experiments with three pollination treatments (open pollination, autogamy, and cross hand-pollination) from 2018 to 2021 to unravel the plant reproductive system. Fruit set, the number of seeds per fruit, seed weight, size and viability were then assessed. Observational censuses were conducted to identify the main flower visitors and estimate their visitation frequency. Finally, we measured morphometric traits of lizards and explored potential intraspecific variation in floral use.

Key results

The flowers of W. frutescens were morphologically hermaphroditic but functionally dioecious, spatially separated in unisexual individual plants. Open pollination and autogamy treatments resulted in similar fruit set, while cross hand-pollination produced the highest value. However, open pollination significantly increased seed weight and viability. Lizards were the most frequent floral visitors, accounting for 68% of visits, while insects made up the remaining 32%. Lizards played a dual role as both pollinators and florivores, with 45% of their visits potentially contributing to pollination and 55% involving florivory. Juveniles and females primarily conducted legitimate visits, whereas males –with a larger size- were more likely to consume the flowers.

Conclusions

Our research describes, for the first time, a mixed reproductive system in W. frutescens, combining hermaphroditism with cryptic dioecy. We also provide a new example of a lizard-pollinated plant, highlighting the importance of vertebrates on island pollination as well as the influence of pollinator intraspecific variation on plant reproductive success. Further research on the reproductive and pollination systems of small, isolated plant populations is crucial, given their heightened vulnerability to disturbance and genetic inbreeding.
Artificial induction of the UPR by Tet-off system-dependent expression of Hac1 and its application in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells
Authors: Ishiwata-Kimata Yuki , Monguchi Masaki , Geronimo Ralph Allen Capistrano , Sugimoto Maya , Kimata Yukio
Published: February 2025

In response to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells produce Hac1, which is a transcription factor responsible for the unfolded protein response (UPR). When Hac1 is unregulatedly expressed from a constitutive promoter, the ER is artificially enforced and enlarged, even without ER stress stimuli. However, such cells are unsuitable for applicative bioproduction because they grow quite slowly and quickly lose their high-UPR phenotype upon their long-term storage. To avoid this problem, we constructed S. cerevisiae plasmids for Hac1 expression under the control of the inducible Tet-off promoter. Yeast cells carrying these plasmids did not exhibit a considerable UPR and grew rapidly when the Tet-off promoter was repressed by doxycycline. In contrast, under the Tet-off inducing condition, these plasmids caused UPR induction, growth retardation, and ER expansion, depending on the copy number of the plasmid. Moreover, as expected, lipidic molecule production was increased under these conditions.
Oregano leaf odor regulates sodium chloride consumption in mice
Authors: Osada Kazumi , Akiyama Nanako , Hosono Akira , Ohata Motoko , Yokoyama Issei , Miyazono Sadaharu , Komai Michio
Published: February 2025

This study explores how the odor of oregano and its active component, carvacrol, influence salt preference in mice. Using a two-bottle choice test (distilled water vs. 0.15 M NaCl), 66 C57BL/6 J mice were exposed to oregano odor. Female mice showed a significant reduction in saline intake with oregano or carvacrol exposure, while the effect was lower in males. Carvacrol was identified in dried oregano using GC–MS with HS–SPME. Neurologically, oregano odor increased c-Fos immunoreactivity in the ventral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), a region regulating salt appetite. These results suggest that oregano odor decreases salt preference, partly due to carvacrol, which stimulates brain areas controlling salt appetite. This present study highlights the role of olfactory cues in modulating dietary behavior and suggests potential applications for managing salt consumption in health contexts.
Glymphatic dysfunction exacerbates cognitive decline by triggering cortical degeneration in Parkinson's disease: evidence from diffusion-tensor MRI
Authors: Zhao Yang , Xu Changyuan , Chen Yufan , Gong Tao , Zhuo Mengyuan , Zhao Cheng , Sun Zhanfang , Chen Weibo , Xiang Yuanyuan , Wang Guangbin
Published: February 2025

The glymphatic system may play a central role in cognitive impairment associated with Parkinson's disease, but its relationship with regional cortical atrophy is not fully explored. To explore associations among glymphatic dysfunction, regional cortical degeneration and cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease participants, we evaluated 51 participants with documented Parkinson’s disease (28 men; age, 61.65 ± 8.27 years) and 30 age- and sex-matched normal controls (11 men; age, 59.2 ± 5.90 years) who underwent 3.0-T MRI of the brain, including high-resolution T1-weighted imaging and diffusion-tensor imaging along the perivascular space as a surrogate for glymphatic flow. Cortical grey matter volume was segmented automatically based on three-dimensional T1-weighted sequences. Cognitive function was assessed by Mini-Mental State Examination. The relationship between glymphatic dysfunction, cognitive decline and regional cortical degeneration was explored. The participants with Parkinson’s disease revealed lower diffusion-tensor imaging along the perivascular space (1.45 ± 0.17 versus 1.64 ± 0.17, P < 0.0001) as compared with normal controls, indicating disturbed glymphatic flow. Glymphatic dysfunction was associated with cognitive scores (r = 0.54, P = 0.003). Diffusion-tensor imaging along the perivascular space values were positively associated with the volume of specific cortical regions (all P-values <0.05) including the temporal pole, posterior orbital gyrus, orbital part of the inferior frontal gyrus, frontal operculum, central operculum and anterior cingulate gyrus. Mediation analysis within the Parkinson’s disease participants indicated that the relationship between glymphatic dysfunction and cognitive scores was partially mediated by the integrity of orbital part of the inferior frontal gyrus and anterior cingulate gyrus. Glymphatic dysfunction is associated with cognitive decline in Parkinson’s disease, whereas the distribution of regional cortical degeneration may constitute the link between glymphatic dysfunction and cognitive impairment.
Innate liking and disgust reactions elicited by intraoral capsaicin in male mice
Authors: Han Yibin , Tanaka Daisuke H , Uesaka Naofumi
Published: February 2025

Liking and disgust are the primary positive and negative emotions, respectively, and are crucial for nutrient intake and toxin avoidance. These emotions are induced by multimodal stimuli such as taste, olfactory, and somatosensory inputs, and their dysregulation is evident in various psychiatric disorders. To understand the biological basis of liking and disgust, it is crucial to establish an animal model that allows for quantitative estimation of liking and disgust in response to multimodal stimuli. The only readout shared by many species, including humans, for liking and disgust, has been taste reactivity. However, readouts of non-taste stimuli-induced emotions remain unestablished. Here, we show that intraoral administration of capsaicin, a chemosomatosensory stimulus, elicits orofacial and bodily reactions in male mice similar to those observed in taste reactivity. Capsaicin induced liking reactions at low concentrations and disgust reactions at high concentrations. Capsaicin-induced disgust reactions consisted of various reactions, including gape and forelimb flail, with the proportion of each reaction among the disgust reactions being similar to that induced by bitter and sour stimuli. These findings indicate that orofacial and bodily reactions, defined as taste reactivity, are elicited not only by taste stimuli, but also by intraoral chemosomatosensory stimuli. Understanding the biological basis of capsaicin-induced orofacial and bodily reactions will advance our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms underlying liking and disgust across sensory modalities.
Optimal extent of left recurrent laryngeal nerve para-lymph node dissection in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective analysis based on cytokeratin 19 immunopositivity for micrometastasis detection
Authors: Zheng Bin , Huang Guanglei , Zeng Taidui , Zhang Shuliang , Chen Chun
Published: February 2025

No consensus has been achieved for the optimal extent of left recurrent laryngeal nerve para-lymph node dissection (LRLN-LND) for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Surgeons follow different extents according to their experience, technical proficiency, and habits. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis is a feasible method to detect micrometastasis (MM) of lymph nodes in ESCC. We hereby explored the optimal extent of LRLN-LND by detecting the routine pathological and MM-positive rates of lymph nodes in different regions. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent R0 resection and LRLN-LND between September 2018 and July 2019. We divided lymph nodes into four groups based on the LRLN and cervicothoracic junction plane: (i) anterior LRLN region above the plane, (ii) posterior LRLN region above the plane, (iii) anterior LRLN region under the plane, and (iv) posterior LRLN region the plane. In total, 263 lymph nodes were collected from 52 patients. We detected MM based on cytokeratin 19 (CK19) immunopositivity in lymph nodes with negative histological detection. We calculated the positive rates of routine pathological and MM detection and analyzed the metastasis status in different regions. Lymph nodes of cervical regions (group 1 and group 2), which are always ignored due to inherent technical difficulties and poor exposure, showed higher positive rates than those in group 4; the rate in group 3 was also higher than that in group 4. Routine histological detection achieved positive rates of 8.9, 6.7, 1.6, and 0.9%, respectively. After the detection of MM by the CK19 IHC method, increased positive rates were achieved. To the best of our knowledge, only a few studies have focused on the optimal extent of LRLN-LND. Because of the high positive rates both in routine pathological detection and by CK19 IHC MM detection in this study, thorough LRLN-LND during esophagectomy for ESCC is necessary, including the cervical region and anterior nerve region adjacent to the trachea.
Impact of a hearing intervention on the levels of leisure-time physical activity and T.V. viewing in older adults: results from a secondary analysis of the ACHIEVE trial
Authors: Martinez-Amezcua Pablo , Zhang Wuyang , Assi Sahar , Gupta Heramb , Twardzik Erica , Huang Alison R , Reed Nicholas S , Deal Jennifer A , Arnold Michelle L , Burgard Sheila , Chisolm Theresa , Couper David , Glynn Nancy W , Gmelin Theresa , Goman Adele M , Gravens-Mueller Lisa , Hayden Kathleen M , Mitchell Christine M , Pankow James S , Pike James Russell , Schrack Jennifer A , Sanchez Victoria A , Sullivan Kevin J , Lin Frank R , Coresh Josef ,   ACHIEVE Collaborative Research Group
Published: February 2025

Background

Age-related hearing loss is common among older adults and may influence physical activity and sedentary behaviors, such as TV viewing. This study examined whether a hearing intervention could affect these behaviors over three years.

Methods

977 participants (mean age of 76.8, 53.5% female, 11.5% Black), recruited from the ARIC study (n=238) and de novo (n=739) with hearing loss (pure-tone average=39.4 dB), were randomized to a hearing intervention or a health education control group. Physical activity, leisurely walking, and TV viewing were interrogated at baseline and three-year follow-up. We used regression models adjusted for demographic and hearing loss severity to examine the impact of the intervention on the change in the frequency of engaging in these activities.

Results

At baseline, 57.6% of participants engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), 29.1% in high-frequency leisurely walking, and 46.8% in high-frequency TV viewing. Over three years, MVPA decreased to 48.8%, while leisurely walking and TV viewing increased. After three years, the hearing intervention group had similar odds of engaging in MVPA (ratio of odds ratios [ROR] = 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93 to 1.14), leisurely walking (ROR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.93 to 1.17), and TV viewing (ROR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.87 to 1.02) compared to the control group. Results were consistent across recruitment sources (ARIC and de novo).

Conclusion

A hearing intervention did not significantly influence physical activity, walking, or TV viewing behaviors in older adults over three years. Additional strategies may be needed to change physical and sedentary behaviors in this population.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Community Belonging and its Impact on Cognitive Function in Older Adults
Authors: Nemeth Samuel R , Thomas Patricia A , Stoddart Cassidy M , Ferraro Kenneth F
Published: February 2025

Objectives

This study adds to the literature on the relationship between social relationships and cognitive function by using social integration theory to examine whether a sense of community belonging at different ages is related to cognitive function in later life. We also examine whether the relationship between community belonging, and cognitive function is distinct among White, Black, and Hispanic older adults.

Methods

Using data from the Health and Retirement Study including the 2017 Life History Mail Survey (N = 3,307), we use parallel measures of community belonging across three periods in the life course. We estimated relationships using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and lagged dependent variable models.

Results

Respondents who experienced greater community belonging at age 10 and during later life (i.e., age in 2016) had higher levels of cognitive function in 2018 than those who reported feeling less belonging with their community at those ages (b=0.191, p<0.001; b=0.093, p<0.05, respectively). The main effects of community belonging at any age were not related to change in cognitive function from 2016 to 2018; however, there were significant interaction effects between community belonging at age 10 on cognitive function in 2018 and from 2016 to 2018 (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively) with the beneficial effects of community belonging at age 10 being stronger for Black older adults compared to White older adults.

Discussion

These findings highlight the importance of early and later life community belonging for the cognitive functioning of older adults, and particularly for Black older adults’ cognitive function.
Social care costs of depressive symptoms in the English older population: The role of housing quality improvements
Authors: Hu Bo , Brimblecombe Nicola , Cartagena-Farias Javiera
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives

Poor housing conditions pose a substantial threat to older people’s mental health and create inequalities in social care needs. However, their economic consequences for the social care sector have not been thoroughly investigated. This study projects the costs of social care for community-dwelling older people with depressive symptoms under different housing intervention scenarios in England.

Research Design and Methods

Drawing on data collected from 10601 individuals (33,461 observations across four waves) participating in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), we combined a Markov model with a Macrosimulation model to make projections of social care costs. Multinomial logistic regression and linear regression analyses were conducted to derive the parameters for the two simulation models.

Results

We estimate that the costs of unpaid care for older people with depressive symptoms will rise from £33.6 billion in 2022 to £59.9 billion in 2042, and the costs of formal home care will rise from £4.2 billion in 2022 to £8.1 billion in 2042 in the base case scenario of no interventions to improve housing quality. In a scenario where the number of housing problems is reduced to zero, the costs of unpaid care and formal home care in 2042 are projected to rise to be £3.5 billion lower and £0.3 billion lower, respectively, than the no intervention scenario.

Discussion and Implications

Housing improvements reduce social care demand in the older population by delaying and reversing the progression of depressive symptoms, which has the dual benefits of elevating personal well-being and generating long-term cost savings in the social care sector.
“I Haven’t Grieved Yet…”: The Experiences of Older Homeless Persons Living in Long-Term Transitional Housing
Authors: Cormier Émilie , Sussman Tamara , Bourgeois-Guérin Valérie , Serrano Diandra , Gauthier Michel , Mahmood Atiya , Walsh Christine A , Canham Sarah L
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives

Older homeless persons can experience relief when accessing housing. However, becoming housed can also elicit the (re)emergence of loss and grief. Building on the notion of disenfranchised grief, this study sought to better understand how grief works together with relief to shape older persons’ experiences living in long-term transitional housing.

Research Design and Methods

Eleven older persons with experience of homelessness participated in up to three photovoice interviews in Montreal, Canada. Informed by the principles of interpretative phenomenology, their accounts and photos were analyzed to capture the nuances and depth of their lived experiences.

Results

Analysis showed that relocation to long-term transitional housing allows for the re-emergence of grief associated with past losses, while also provoking new forms of grief related to housing conditions and anticipated losses. Analysis further revealed that a failure to recognize these losses, alongside a lack of resources to support the grieving process, can result in an accumulation of losses that widens the gap between older homeless persons’ experiences and the world around them.

Discussion and Implications

If left unattended, grief and loss can threaten older homeless persons’ reaffiliation when relocating to transitional housing. Adopting a humanistic-existential grief perspective could go a long way in supporting the development of housing policies, programs and practices that nurture the time and space required to attend to grief and truly address precarity in the final stages of life.
Strengthening Connections Between the Aging and Disability Networks: Perspectives from the Field
Authors: Wilson Traci L , Blair Beth , Biggar Virginia , Stone-Walls Deborah , Markwood Sandy
Published: February 2025

The aging and disability networks in the United States provide services and supports enabling millions of older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers to live in the community settings of their choice. With increasing numbers of people with disabilities aging into older adulthood and older adults aging into disability, community living requires seamless and equitable access to services and supports across the aging and disability networks and the life course. This Forum article provides a brief overview of the aging and disability networks and describes successful national initiatives bridging aging and disability organizations such as USAging’s Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative and the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center. State and local trends in disability and aging collaborations are described, including the growth of community care hubs that bring aging and disability organizations together in social care networks to serve these populations. This article will help researchers better understand the current initiatives connecting aging and disability organizations and identify opportunities for further research.
Facilitating Informal Support Among Older People Through Community-Based Initiatives: Identifying Underlying Mechanisms
Authors: Xia Wenran , Buljac-Samardžić Martina , Huijsman Robbert , Smelik Jan , van Wijngaarden Jeroen D H
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives

In the context of accelerated global aging and increasing insufficiencies in long-term care delivery, older people are encouraged to provide informal support to each other within their communities. However, the mechanisms facilitating such informal support among older people remain unclear. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the perspectives and experiences of various stakeholders involved in initiatives aimed at stimulating informal support in the community.

Research Design and Methods

A qualitative multiple-case study was conducted in five Dutch initiatives stimulating informal support. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a total of 23 different stakeholders and relevant documents were analyzed. An abductive thematic analysis approach was used for data analysis.

Results

Our analysis shows that community-based initiatives stimulate mutual support among older people by providing a coherent set of activities and facilities that indirectly, through community building, and directly influence individual behavior. On the community level, initiatives strengthen social cohesion, in terms of for example shared values and feelings of belonging. On the individual level initiatives create opportunities to provide support, help individuals to recognise and strengthen their abilities to give support and stimulate individual motivation.

Discussion and Implications

Our findings underscore the need for policies that support informal care through complementary processes, which work in tandem with formal care systems. Policies and practices taking the identified mechanisms into account are likely to stimulate older people to provide informal support to each other in the community, thus enhancing aging in place.
A Phenomenological Understanding of Aging ‘Well’ with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Richardson Emma V , Motl Robert W
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives

As the life expectancy of the multiple sclerosis (MS) community increases, new innovations and understandings of what it is to age ‘well’ are needed. Building on a line of work exploring the meaning and experiences of aging with a disabling condition, and showing how and why people aging with MS experience this phenomenon differently, this paper progresses aging and disability literature by (re)conceptualizing what ‘wellbeing’ means to people aging with MS, and how wellbeing may be enhanced or compromised.

Research Design and Methods

Working with 40 persons with MS over the age of 60, we used a Heideggerian phenomenological framework to co-construct what wellbeing meant among persons aging with MS.

Results

Emphasizing the importance of the ‘everdayness’ of wellbeing experiences, persons aging with MS discussed how wellbeing was related to ‘doing, being, and becoming; the ability to do the things they wanted to do, be the person they wanted to be, and the autonomy, opportunity, and ability to do something, or become someone, different’. The ability to be, do or become was, however, dependent on, ‘the power of people’, ‘sociocultural privilege’ and ‘writing one’s own health narrative’.

Discussion and Implications

These findings, that are contextualized within the socio-cultural boundaries of participants’ situations, can help support persons with MS, families and friends, caregivers, health care professionals and interventionists that are working towards enhancing quality of life among persons aging with MS.
“What does gerotranscendence mean to you?” Older adults’ lay perspectives on the theory
Authors: Abreu Taiane , Araújo Lia , Teixeira Laetitia , Ribeiro Oscar
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives

Gerotranscendence, a recent adaptive aging theory developed by Tornstam, postulates a mindset shift in old age from a materialistic viewpoint to a more transcendent one. Gerotranscendence is considered a promising aging model, as it approaches specific developmental challenges in late life. However, knowledge of this theory is still maturing and lacks laypersons’ perspectives to further validate its components. This study aimed to explore how older adults perceive gerotranscendence and gain insights of their understanding.

Research Design and Methods

Three focus group discussions were conducted with 18 participants (59–98 years old; mean: 79.5 years). The protocol included open-ended questions on what gerotranscendence, and its dimensions meant (based exclusively on their designations), as well as on the theory’s components (after further explanation). The discussions were recorded and transcribed, and a content analysis was performed.

Results

The data were organized into two themes: general suppositions and personal perceptions. This second theme was divided into (i) relatable thoughts and experiences and (ii) a different and complementary understanding of the theory.

Discussion and Implications

Despite the lack of knowledge of the meaning of gerotranscendence, older persons presented clear evidence that this topic was meaningful for them and that they experienced aspects of the cosmic, coherence, and solitude dimensions of gerotranscendence. However, in specific points, some participants had distinctive and complementary ideas compared with those espoused by gerotranscendence theory. Obtaining laypersons’ perspectives provides a more in-depth understanding of gerotranscendence theory and the cultural aspects it may encompass.