bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital health technologies and self-efficacy in Parkinson’s: a scoping review
Authors: Hall Andrew Michael , Allgar Victoria , Carroll Camille B , Meinert Edward
Published: January 2025

Objective

Prior research has identified that people with Parkinson’s reporting lower levels of self-efficacy exhibit worsening motor and non-motor symptomology, reduced quality of life, and self-management. Our key objective was to conduct a scoping review examining the impact of digital health technologies on self-efficacy in people with Parkinson’s.

Design

A scoping review using Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) framework was undertaken.

Data sources

MEDLINE, Embase, PsychINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, and Google Scholar principally for grey literature were searched from 1 January 2008 to the 24th of July 2024.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Primary studies which incorporated digital health technologies, measured self-efficacy and had a sample population of people with Parkinson’s were searched.

Data extraction and synthesis

Following identification of potentially eligible records, two independent reviewers undertook title and abstract screening, followed by full-text screening. Data was extracted using our earlier published data extraction sheet which incorporated the Practical Reviews in Self-Management Support (PRISMS) taxonomy, and the template for intervention description and replication (TIDieR) checklist. Data was extracted from a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and synthesised by describing themes, demographic data and numerical data.

Results

From 33 165 unique records following screening and independent review by two reviewers, 11 eligible records were found. Of these five elevated self-efficacy to a statistically significant level, five did not and one lowered self-efficacy. Of the studies which raised self-efficacy to a statistically significant level, all adopted a multimodal approach with a variety of devices. Thematically, these devices were focused on physical activity, falls/falls prevention, or both. The level of heterogeneity precluded comparisons between studies.

Conclusions

This scoping review identified significant knowledge and evidence gaps in the literature, and the limited number of eligible studies make these findings not generalisable. Future self-management research might benefit from also considering self-efficacy.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of healthcare professionals in the management of patients with hypertension and concurrent bronchial asthma: a cross-sectional study in the Yellow River Delta region of China
Authors: Yu Fei , Xu Wenwen , Ma Xingbin , Yang Yang , Gao Jinxiang , Yan Xiaohong
Published: January 2025

Objective

To assess the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) among healthcare professionals in managing patients with coexisting hypertension and bronchial asthma.

Design

A cross-sectional survey. The reporting of this study followed the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist.

Setting

From 30 March to 15 April 2024 at 66 various level hospitals and community health service centres.

Participants

Physicians and nurses specialising in clinical internal medicine, each with over 2 years of practice and who provided informed consent.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The demographic characteristics of the healthcare professionals and their KAP towards the Management of Patients with Hypertension and Concurrent Bronchial Asthma were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The primary outcome was the KAP scores. The secondary outcomes were the factors associated with the KAP scores and how the KAP dimensions interacted among them.

Results

The study involved 586 valid questionnaires collected from participants. Participants’ median KAP scores were as follows: knowledge – 8 (IQR: 6–9), attitude – 31 (29-34) and practice – 41 (36-46) on scales ranging from 0 to 12, 7 to 35 and 12 to 60, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed having a Bachelor’s degree or higher education (OR=0.614; 95% CI (0.421, 0.896); p=0.011), and a knowledge score ≥8 (OR=2.130; 95% CI (1.527, 2.973); p<0.001) significantly predicted adherence to recommended practices. Structural equation modelling revealed significant direct effects between knowledge and attitude (β=0.578, p=0.010) and between knowledge and practice (β=0.221, p=0.010). However, the direct link between attitude and practice (β=0.162, p=0.052) and indirect effect of knowledge on practice via attitude (β=0.094, p=0.052) were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Healthcare professionals exhibited limited knowledge, positive attitudes but suboptimal practices when managing patients with comorbid hypertension and bronchial asthma. It is crucial to develop targeted educational interventions and continuous professional development programmes to improve clinical outcomes in this patient population.
Relationship between the latent profiles of health information-seeking behaviour and glycated haemoglobin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional survey in rural areas of China
Authors: Zeng Lin , Zhang Yan-Ping , Zhang Xin , Chen Jing-Feng , Bai Chao-Qun , Lei Xiao-Xue , Fu Gui-Fen
Published: January 2025

Objective

The purpose of this study was to analyse the heterogeneity of health information-seeking behaviour (HISB) among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in rural areas based on latent profiles and to explore the relationship between various behaviours and glycaemic control rates and the factors influencing glycaemic control rates.

Methods

Between January and July 2022, a stratified cluster random sampling method was used to sample T2D patients in the rural Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Participants completed a general information questionnaire and a HISB scale. Latent profile analysis (LPA) identified behaviour categories, and χ2tests examined differences in glycaemic control rates across these categories. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyse factors influencing glycaemic control. The glycaemic control rate was defined as the proportion of individuals whose HbA1c levels are less than 7.0%, indicating good control, in relation to the total number of individuals assessed.

Results

A total of 2178 valid questionnaires were received in this study, and respondents were divided into three categories according to the LPA of their HISB: negative (18.3%), occlusive (46.8%) and inefficient (34.9%). The glycaemic control rate of patients with T2D in rural areas was 22.6% (494/2178 cases). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the category of patients’ HISB profile, age, course of disease and educational level were the factors influencing the glycaemic control rate (all p<0.05).

Conclusion

Patients with T2D in rural areas had poor glycaemic control and inadequate HISB. Three latent profile categories were identified that reflect the HISB of this group. We recommend that clinical medical professionals develop personalised health management education based on the various latent profile characteristics of patients to promote HISB and thereby achieve optimal glycaemic control.
Evaluation of disparities in hospitalisation outcomes for deaf and hard of hearing patients with COVID-19: a multistate analysis of statewide inpatient databases from Florida, Maryland, New York and Washington
Authors: Sakai-Bizmark Rie , Kumamaru Hiraku , Lee Jong Hyon , Estevez Dennys , Wu Frank , Marr Emily H , Miller Loren G
Published: January 2025

Objective

Investigate whether deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH) patients with COVID-19 exhibited different hospitalisation outcomes compared with hearing patients with COVID-19.

Design

Cohort study

Setting

Statewide Inpatient Databases for Florida, Maryland, New York and Washington, for the year 2020.

Participants

Records of patients aged 18–64 years with COVID-19

Primary outcomes and measures

Differences in in-hospital death, 90-day readmission, length of stay, hospitalisation cost, hospitalisation cost per day, intensive care unit (ICU) or coronary care unit (CCU) utilisation and ventilation use were evaluated. Adjustment variables included patient basic characteristics, socioeconomic factors, and clinical factors.

Results

The analyses included 347 D/HH patients and 72 882 non-D/HH patients. Multivariable log-transformed linear regression models found an association of patients’ hearing loss status with longer length of stay (adjusted mean ratio (aMR) 1.15, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.27, p<0.01), higher hospitalisation cost (aMR 0.96, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.22, p=0.049) and lower hospitalisation cost per day (aMR 0.96, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.00, p=0.04). We did not detect any significant relationships with other outcomes.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that higher hospitalisation costs were attributed to prolonged stays rather than costly interventions, such as ICU care. Communication barriers between healthcare providers and D/HH patients, coupled with providers’ cautious approach to discharging D/HH patients, may explain our findings.
Comparative evaluation of funduscopy, PCR and serology in the diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis at ECWA Eye Hospital, Kano
Authors: Adebakin Biodun Bintu , Atima Mayor Orezime , Idakwo Ugbede , Bala Jamilu Abubakar , Abdullahi Alhasan Sharif , Muhammad Auwal Bello , Pam Jah Douglas , Dingwoke Emeka John , Darda Florence Olufunke
Published: January 2025

Objective

Ocular toxoplasmosis, caused byToxoplasma gondii, is a significant cause of posterior uveitis and vision impairment globally. Accurate diagnosis is essential to prevent retinal damage and optimise treatment. This study aimed to compare three diagnostic methods funduscopy, serology (ELISA), and PCR in detecting ocular toxoplasmosis in patients at ECWA Eye Hospital, Kano, Nigeria.

Methods and analysis

A total of 264 patients suspected of having ocular toxoplasmosis were enrolled. Funduscopy was performed to identify retinal lesions typical ofT. gondii. Serological analysis was conducted using ELISA to detect anti-ToxoplasmaIgG antibodies. Additionally, PCR was used to confirm the presence ofT. gondiiDNA in blood samples. The results from these methods were compared with assess their sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic value.

Results

Funduscopy detectedT. gondiiin 25.4% (67/264) of the patients, while ELISA showed a higher detection rate of 36.7% (97/264). PCR, the most specific method, confirmed infection in only 3.8% (10/264) of cases, with 60% (6/10) of these being male and 40% (4/10) female.T. gondiidetected had 196 base pairs. The study found that ELISA had the highest sensitivity (90.0%) but lower specificity (64.9%), whereas funduscopy showed high specificity (74.4%) but low sensitivity (20.0%). PCR had the highest specificity but a low detection rate, emphasising its role in confirming diagnosis.

Conclusion

Although ELISA and funduscopy detected more positive cases, PCR remains the gold standard for confirmingT. gondiiinfection due to its high specificity. In resource-limited settings like ECWA Eye Hospital, combining serology and PCR offers a practical approach for improving diagnostic accuracy and ensuring timely treatment of ocular toxoplasmosis.
Selective expression and significance of ACKR2 in lung aerocytes
Authors: Albano Francesca , Mollica Poeta Valeria , Zotti Lucia , Castagna Alessandra , Felicetta Arianna , Mesaglio Alessandro , Zaghen Elisa , Sironi Marina , Capucetti Arianna , Di Donato Rachele , Laffranchi Mattia , Massara Matteo , Carriero Roberta , Condorelli Gianluigi , Sozzani Silvano , Mantovani Alberto , Locati Massimo , Bonecchi Raffaella
Published: January 2025

Background

ACKR2 is an atypical chemokine receptor that plays a significant role in regulating inflammation by binding to inflammatory CC chemokines and facilitating their degradation. Previous findings suggest that the genetic absence of ACKR2 leads to heightened tumor growth in inflammation-driven models. Conversely, mice lacking ACKR2 exhibit protection against lung metastasis in melanoma and breast cancer models. This study aims to explore the specific cell types expressing ACKR2 and their relative contributions to the protection against lung metastasis.

Methods

ACKR2 expression was studied by the generation of an inducible and conditional knockout (KO) mouse expressing two reporter genes, luciferase and TdTomato visible by In Vivo Imaging System, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Gene expression in lung endothelial cells (ECs) was investigated by RNA sequencing analysis. In vivo models of lung metastasis and inflammation were performed in wild-type (WT) and conditional KO mice by intravenous injection of melanoma and colon cancer cell lines; the induction of acute lung injury model was done by intranasal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Leukocytes infiltrating lung metastasis were studied by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. The serum chemokine levels were studied with a multiplex ELISA.

Results

The analysis of the reporter mouse revealed that ACKR2 is expressed by lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) in most murine organs. However, uniquely in the lungs, ACKR2 expression is observed in blood endothelial cells (BECs), specifically in capillaries known as aerocytes specialized for regulating leukocyte trafficking. Selective deletion of Ackr2 from ECs (ACKR2ΔCdh5mice) but not from LECs (ACKR2ΔProx1mice) resulted in protection in models of melanoma and colorectal cancer lung metastasis. This protection was associated with an increased presence of activated T lymphocytes infiltrating the lungs compared with WT mice. Additionally, in a model of acute lung injury, mice with selective deletion from the endothelial compartment exhibited heightened extravasation of T lymphocytes compared with both ACKR2 KO and WT mice.

Conclusions

These results indicate that ACKR2 is selectively expressed by lung vascular capillaries (aerocytes) that are devoted to the regulation of leukocyte extravasation. Selective ACKR2 targeting in this compartment, by modulating chemokine availability, promotes T lymphocyte extravasation resulting in reduced lung metastases.
Artificial intelligence-based, non-invasive assessment of the central aortic pressure in adults after operative or interventional treatment of aortic coarctation
Authors: Freilinger Sebastian , Bambul Heck Pinar , Dewald Oliver , Eicken Andreas , Ewert Peter , Freiberger Annika , Harig Frank , Huntgeburth Michael , Lösch Manuel , Kaemmerer Harald , Klawonn Frank , Meierhofer Christian , Mellert Fritz , Middeke Martin , Nagdyman Nicole , Oberhoffer Renate , von Scheidt Fabian , Ury Elsa , Wolfrum Nicole , Kaemmerer-Suleiman Ann-Sophie , Suleiman Mathieu N.
Published: January 2025

Background

Aortic coarctation (CoA) is a congenital anomaly leading to upper-body hypertension and lower-body hypotension. Despite surgical or interventional treatment, arterial hypertension may develop and contribute to morbidity and mortality. Conventional blood pressure (BP) measurement methods lack precision for individual diagnoses and therapeutic decisions. This study evaluated the use of artificial intelligence-based pulse wave analysis (AI-PWA) to assess central aortic blood pressure (CABP) and related parameters in post-treatment CoA patients.

Methods

This exploratory, cross-sectional study enrolled 47 adults with CoA, between June 2023 and May 2024. Peripheral BP (PBP) was conventionally measured, and CABP was assessed using the VascAssist2 (inmediQ, Butzbach, Germany). Hypertension was defined by systolic BP≥140 mm Hg and/or diastolic BP≥90 mm Hg for PBP. Using AI-PWA, patients with systolic CABP≥130 mm Hg and/or diastolic BP≥90 mm Hg were classified as hypertensive.

Results

The study cohort’s age was 41.5±13.7 years, with all patients having undergone previous aortic surgery or intervention. PBP measurements showed a systolic BP of 135.4±14.4 mm Hg at the upper and 147.8±20.3 mm Hg at the lower extremities. CABP measurements were significantly lower, with a systolic BP of 114.3±15.8 mm Hg (p<0.001). Overall, 32 patients (68.1%) were diagnosed as hypertensive, either by PBP measurement (n=13/27.7%), because of antihypertensive treatment (n=9; 40.4%), or a combination of both. The measurement of PBP was more likely to indicate arterial hypertension than the measurement of CABP (n=12; 25.5% vs n=4; 8.5%). Pulse wave velocity, indicative of aortic stiffness, averaged 9.1 m/s, with higher values in 13 patients (27.7%), including 4 after end–end anastomosis, 2 after graft interposition and 7 after stent placement/angioplasty as the most recent procedure. An increased augmentation index as an indicator of arterial stiffness was observed in nine patients (19.1%). Comparing PBP and CABP in the entire collective, significant differences were found for CABP in relation to the procedure performed, with higher values in patients after prosthesis interposition as their last treatment (p<0.05).

Conclusion

AI-PWA provides valuable insights into cardiovascular stress in CoA patients, beyond PBP measurements. The study highlights the need to incorporate CABP measurements into clinical practice to avoid overdiagnosis of hypertension. Further research with larger cohorts is needed to validate these findings and refine management strategies for CoA patients.
Impact of Sjögren’s disease on quality of sexual life using the Qualisex score
Authors: Kachaner Alexandra , Seror Raphaele , Le Guern Véronique , Dieudé Philippe , Gottenberg Jacques-Eric , Hachulla Eric , Devauchelle-Pensec Valérie , Perdriger Aleth , Dernis Emanuelle , Couderc Marion , Berville Sophie , Mariette Xavier , Belkhir Rakiba , Nocturne Gaetane
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study aimed to assess the impact of Sjögren disease (SjD) on the quality of sexual life and its determinants using the Qualisex questionnaire.

Methods

The Qualisex questionnaire was administered to participants within the ASSESS cohort, a French national multicentric prospective cohort of individuals with SjD. Patients’ characteristics and psychometric evaluations were also collected.

Results

Among the 395 patients of the cohort, 92 (23%) completed the questionnaire, with a median age of 56 (44–59) years and a female ratio of 92% (85/92). The median Qualisex score was 3.4 (1.1–5.9).

Comparing the first and last quartiles of the Qualisex score, a worst sexual satisfaction was associated with older age (median (IQR) 58 (52–65) vs 52 (41–56) years, p=0.005), higher EULAR Sjögren’s disease Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI) (6.8 (5.7–7.7) vs 4.3 (2.8–5.3), p<0.0001) lower SF-36 mental and physical scores (respectively, 43 (38–46) vs 49 (47–53), p=0.0035 and 31 (29–35) vs 35 (30–37), p=0.035), higher Depression and Anxiety scores (HADS) (respectively, 9 (7–11) vs 2 (1–4), p<0.0001 and 11 (8–14) vs 7 (4–10), p=0.006). Interestingly, EULAR Sjögren’s disease Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) score did not differ significantly (4 (1–10) vs 2.5 (1.8–4), p=0.35). In a multivariable analysis, the Qualisex score remained strongly associated with a higher HADS depression score and, to a lesser extent, with a higher ESSPRI. The inability to obtain a score was associated with older age.

Conclusion

In SjD patients, sexual satisfaction assessed with the Qualisex score, was strongly associated with depression and, to lesser extent, with ESSPRI, but not with systemic activity.
Fermionic steering in multi-event horizon spacetime
Authors: Wu Shu-Min , Li Jin-Xuan , Wang Yu-Xuan , Shang Si-Han , Lu Jianbo
Published: January 2025

We investigate quantum steering of Dirac field for different types of Bell states in Schwarzschild–de Sitter (SdS) spacetime that has a black hole event horizon (BEH) and a cosmological event horizon (CEH). We find that fermionic steerability from Bob to Alice is greater than fermionic steerability from Alice to Bob, while bosonic steerability exhibits the opposite behavior in SdS spacetime. These different properties between fermionic and bosonic steering arise from the differences between Fermi–Dirac statistics and Bose–Einstein statistics. We also find that the Hawking effect of the black hole decreases fermionic steerability. However, the Hawking effect of the expanding universe can enhance fermionic steerability, which differs from the properties of quantum steering in single-event horizon spacetime. Interestingly, we can indirectly protect quantum steering by using appropriate types of Bell states in multi-event horizon spacetime. These conclusions are helpful to guide the task of processing relativistic quantum information for quantum steering in SdS spacetime.
Parameterized covering in semi-ladder-free hypergraphs
Authors: Guillemot Sylvain
Published: January 2025

In this article, we study the parameterized complexity of the
Set Cover
problem restricted to semi-ladder-free hypergraphs, a class defined by Fabianski et al. [Proceedings of STACS 2019]. We observe that two algorithms introduced by Langerman and Morin [Discrete & Computational Geometry 2005] in the context of geometric covering problems can be adapted to this setting, yielding simple FPT and kernelization algorithms for
Set Cover
in semi-ladder-free hypergraphs. We complement our algorithmic results with a compression lower bound for the problem, which proves the tightness of our kernelization under standard complexity-theoretic assumptions.
Co-creating conditions for social justice in digital societies: modes of resistance in HCI collaborative endeavors and evolving socio-technical landscapes
Authors: Crivellaros Clara , Coles-Kemp Lizzie , Dix Alan , Light Ann
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we report on a three-year endeavour that fostered 18 collaborations between academic and non-academic organizations to co-create responses to social (in)justice issues in digital societies. The projects and range of individuals and organisations connected to this programme offer a snapshot of the state of social justice thinking within the UK digital economy research sector. Our analysis shows how the programme’s constellations of actions enacted different modes of resistance attempting to reshape people’s relationship to power dynamics, addressing institutions and exposing systems, and developing and restoring values for social justice. We explore how these efforts invite nuanced understanding of what constitutes resistance in knowledge co-production endeavours and how they helped surface tensions at the intersection of agencies and the distribution of responsibilities. Drawing from our insights and experience, we discuss implications for HCI concerned with the creation of the conditions for social justice in our digital societies.
Real-time Adversarial Image Perturbations for Autonomous Vehicles using Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Yoon Hyung-Jin , Holmes Ryan , Jafarnejadsani Hamidreza , Voulgaris Petros
Published: January 2025

The deep neural network (DNN) model for computer vision tasks (object detection and classification) is widely used in autonomous vehicles, such as driverless cars and unmanned aerial vehicles. However, DNN models are shown to be vulnerable to adversarial image perturbations. The generation of adversarial examples against inferences of deep neural networks has been actively studied recently. The generation typically relies on optimizations taking an entire image frame as the decision variable. Hence, given a new image, the computationally expensive optimization needs to start over as there is no learning between the independent optimizations. Very few approaches have been developed for attacking online image streams while taking into account the underlying physical dynamics of autonomous vehicles, their mission, and the environment. The paper presents a multi-level reinforcement learning framework that can effectively generate adversarial perturbations to misguide autonomous vehicles’ missions. In the existing image attack methods against autonomous vehicles, optimization steps are repeated for every image frame. This framework removes the need for fully converged optimization at every frame. Using multi-level reinforcement learning, we integrate a state estimator and a generative adversarial network that generates the adversarial perturbations. Due to the reinforcement learning agent consisting of state estimator, actor, and critic that only uses image streams, the proposed framework can misguide the vehicle to increase the adversary’s reward without knowing the states of the vehicle and the environment. Simulation studies and a robot demonstration are provided to validate the proposed framework’s performance.
Autophagy in Plant Health and Disease
Authors: Gross Angelina S. , Raffeiner Margot , Zeng Yonglun , Üstün Suayib , Dagdas Yasin
Published: January 2025

Autophagy has emerged as an essential quality control pathway in plants that selectively and rapidly removes damaged or unwanted cellular components to maintain cellular homeostasis. It can recycle a broad range of cargoes, including entire organelles, protein aggregates, and even invading microbes. It involves the de novo biogenesis of a new cellular compartment, making it intimately linked to endomembrane trafficking pathways. Autophagy is induced by a wide range of biotic and abiotic stress factors, and autophagy mutant plants are highly sensitive to stress, making it an attractive target for improving plant stress resilience. Here, we critically discuss recent discoveries related to plant autophagy and highlight open questions and future research areas.
Figure 3 from Molecular Differences in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinomas from Black versus White Patients
Authors: Mandal Saurabh , Teslow Emily A. , Huang Minxuan , Yu Yingying , Sridhar Swathi , Crawford Howard C. , Hockenberry Adam J. , Stoppler Melissa C. , Levin Albert M. , Huang Ling
Published: January 2025

Cancer immunology-related molecular features of tumors from BAA and White patients. A and B, TMB of tumors from BAA (purple) and White (orange) patients. B, TMBs in patients stratified by race and sex. C, TMB of tumors from BAA (purple) and White (orange) patients at different clinical stages. D, Percentage of PD-L1 positive patients in BAA (purple) and White (orange) groups. E, Percentage of PD-L1 positive BAA (purple) and White (orange) patients at different clinical stages. The significance of differences between groups was calculated by Fisher’s exact test or χ2 test. Significance representation: N.S., P ≥ 0.05; *, 0.01 ≤ P < 0.05; ***, P < 0.001.
Figure 2 from Molecular Differences in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinomas from Black versus White Patients
Authors: Mandal Saurabh , Teslow Emily A. , Huang Minxuan , Yu Yingying , Sridhar Swathi , Crawford Howard C. , Hockenberry Adam J. , Stoppler Melissa C. , Levin Albert M. , Huang Ling
Published: January 2025

TP53 and KRAS mutations in BAA and White patients from cohorts in AACR Project GENIE. A and B, frequencies of TP53 genomic alterations in BAA (purple) and White (orange) patients from MSK (A) and DFCI (B). C and D, frequencies of KRASG12R in BAA (purple) and White (orange) patients from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK, C) and (DFCI, D). P value indicators: N.S., P ≥ 0.05; *, 0.01 ≤ P < 0.05.
Hearing Loss as a Risk Factor for Dementia: A Nationwide 15-Year Follow-Up Cohort Study in Taiwan
Authors: Lee Jia-Fu , Lai Chun-Chia , Chung Chi-Hsiang , Weng Tzu-Hsuan , Huang Yao-Ching , Huang Shi-Hao , Wang Bing‑Long , Yu Pi-Ching , Chien Wu-Chien
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Although hearing loss is associated with dementia, the exact causal relationship between hearing loss and dementia remains unclear. Early detection and prevention of hearing loss are essential. In this study, data from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) of Taiwan were used to monitor patients with hearing loss for 15 years to determine whether hearing loss leads to dementia.
Methods: This retrospective matched-cohort study involved 208,570 individuals, divided into 41,714 patients with hearing loss and 166,856 controls matched by sex, age, and chronic diseases. Cox regression analysis was conducted on data obtained from the NHIRD for the period 2000–2015 to determine the hazard ratio (HR) associated with dementia.
Results: The percentage of patients with hearing loss who developed dementia was higher than that of the control group (18.67% vs. 14.10%). The onset age of dementia was younger in the hearing loss group (69.95 vs. 70.31 years, p = 0.001). Middle-aged individuals (45–65 years) with hearing loss were more likely to develop dementia compared with those without hearing loss (48.53% vs. 47.94%, p = 0.03). Compared with the controls, the patients with hearing loss were more likely to develop hyperlipidemia and stroke. In the patients with hearing loss, the adjusted HRs for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), vascular dementia, and other types of dementia were significant. The patients were followed up for an average of 7.82 years. Compared with the controls, the patients with hearing loss exhibited a shorter mean time to dementia onset (5.21 vs. 5.49 years, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Hearing loss may increase the risks of AD, dementia, hyperlipidemia, and stroke. Therefore, health-care providers should closely monitor cardiovascular complications in patients with hearing loss.
Association of pregnancy diet with metabolic adverse outcomes in pregnant women and their children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Fan Mengmeng , Chu Yijun , Zheng Yunze , Zhang Zhirui , Hou Min
Published: January 2025

Introductions: The diet during pregnancy has long-term effects on the health outcomes of both mothers and their children. Study aimed to undertake a systematic review to explore the association of high-fiber diet, DASH diet, and Mediterranean diet with metabolic outcomes among mothers and their children.
Methods: We searched for relevant articles published from Jan 2012 to Nov 2022 through PubMed, MEDLINE and Embase. Randomized trials and observational studies that considered high-fibre diet, DASH diet, Mediterranean diet during pregnancy and metabolic outcomes in pregnant women and their children were included in the systematic review. Thirty studies were included involving 41,424 pregnant women and children.
Results: A high-fibre diet was associated with reduced risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (OR: 0.22; 95%CI: 0.11-0.42), pregnancy hypertensive disorders (OR: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.25-0.81) and lower birth weight (-109.54g; 95%CI: -204.84 to -14.24). The adherences to Mediterranean diet and DASH diet were associated with reduced risk of GDM (OR: 0.60; 95%CI: 0.45-0.80; OR: 0.36; 95%CI: 0.26-0.51), and lower risk of excessive gestational weight gain (OR: 0.41; 95%CI: 0.18-0.93; OR: 0.3, 95%CI: 0.16-0.57). Adherence to Mediterranean diet was associated with a lower risk of small for gestational age, fetal growth restriction and childhood overweight in the progeny (OR: 0.83, 95%CI: 0.73-0.95; OR: 0.50; 95%CI: 0.28-0.89; OR: 0.85; 95%CI: 0.74-0.97).
Conclusions: During pregnancy, high-fibre diet and adherences to Mediterranean diet and DASH diet were associated with lower risk of adverse metabolic outcomes in pregnant women and their children.
Incidence of First-ever Stroke, Stroke Events, and Early Case Fatality Rate in China: Results from a National Population-based Survey
Authors: Sun Haixin , Ge Siqi , Jiang Bin , Ru Xiaojuan , Sun dongling , Wang Limin , Zhang Mei , Wang Wenzhi
Published: January 2025

Background: In recent years, stroke has become the leading cause of death in the Chinese population，and the burden of stroke is huge. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiological characteristics of population-based stroke incidence and case fatality rates in China, which are nationally representative.
Methods: In 2013, a nationally representative household survey was conducted at 155 survey sites in 31 provinces. All stroke cases occurring within 1 year before the start of the survey period, including first-ever and recurrent strokes, were considered event cases. According to computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and autopsy results, stroke was classified as ischemic, hemorrhagic, subarachnoid hemorrhagic, or difficult-to-classify stroke. The 7- and 30-day case fatality rates after stroke onset were investigated.
Results: A total of 595,711 people were surveyed, with 2164 diagnosed stroke events and 1645 first-ever strokes. The age-standardized incidence of first-ever stroke and stroke event incidence in the Chinese population were 229.5 and 300.61 per 100,000 person-years, respectively. The world population age-standardized incidence of first-ever stroke and stroke events by the World Health Organization were 188.5 and 246.3 per 100,000 person-years, respectively. Among the 31 provinces, the top five incidence rates of first-ever stroke were recorded in Shannxi, Heilongjiang, Ningxia, Henan, and Tianjin (518.0, 400.8, 389.5, 366.6, and 344.0 per 100,000 person-years, respectively). The top five incidence rates of stroke events were documented in Heilongjiang, Shannxi, Henan, Tianjin, and Ningxia (672.7, 603.1, 580.2, 469.0, and 456.2 per 100,000 person-years, respectively). The 7- and 30-day case fatality rates were 14.3% and 17.8% for patients with first-ever stroke, respectively. Significant differences in the 30-day mortality rate of different stroke subtypes were recorded: 8.3% (95% CI, 8.2–8.5) for ischemic stroke, 44.4% (95% CI, 42.2–46.5) for cerebral hemorrhage, and 3.1% (95% CI, 3.0–3.3) for subarachnoid hemorrhage (P < 0.0001). Compared with the area of residence, the 30-day mortality rate of first-ever stroke in rural areas was 19.8% (95% CI, 19.3–20.3), which was higher than that in urban areas (14.9% [95% CI, 14.5–15.3]) (P = 0.011).
Conclusion: In China, the incidences of first-ever stroke and stroke events are increasing, whereas the early case fatality rate is declining, which will inevitably lead to a higher stroke prevalence and a greater stroke burden. Therefore, the primary and secondary prevention strategies should be strengthened to reduce the incidence and burden of stroke.
Characteristics and Outcomes of 237 Juxtapapillary Choroidal Melanomas Treated with Iodine-125 Plaque Brachytherapy
Authors: Kornblau Ilyse , Hopkins Nikolas S. , King Benjamin A. , Wiles Andy , Izaguirre Enrique , Liu-Smith Feng , Wilson Matthew
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Juxtapapillary uveal melanomas limit plaque brachytherapy treatment using the standard 2 mm margin and are often excluded from prospective studies thus limiting data on outcomes and complications. We retrospectively evaluated outcomes in this tumor population following primary iodine-125 plaque brachytherapy.
Methods: We performed a retrospective review over 30 years of patients treated with iodine-125 plaque brachytherapy for juxtapapillary uveal melanoma at a single center.
Results: Patients were white (97%), male (53.2%), 62 years old (median age, median follow up of 4.1 years), with right eye involvement (54.4%). At 1, 5, and 10 years, local recurrence was observed in 2.2%, 10%, and 24.6%, enucleation in 0.05%, 11.3%, and 22.1%, metastasis in 1.3%, 6.7%, and 14.2%, and mortality in 1.8%, 14.9%, and 32.8% respectively. Median visual acuity declined from LogMAR 0.1 to 2.0 at last visit. Radiation retinopathy and optic neuropathy were seen in 54.9% and 46%, respectively, of patients by a median of 742 days (2.03 years) and 1011.5 days (2.77 years).
Conclusions: Juxtapapillary melanomas demonstrated higher rates of vision loss and local recurrence following plaque brachytherapy compared with other tumor configurations. Enucleation, distant metastasis, and overall mortality were comparable to those reported for non-juxtapapillary melanomas.
Prognostic value of clinical complete response for patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma after conversion with triple therapy
Authors: Wu Jun-Yi , Zeng Zhen-Xin , Li Yi-Nan , Zhang Zhi-Bo , Zhuang Shao-Wu , Li Bin , Zhou Jian-Yin , Li Shu-Qun , Liu De-Yi , Li Han , Ou Xiang-Ye , Wu Jia-Yi , Yan Mao-Lin
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Accurately predicting the outcomes of conversion therapy among patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) remains a challenge. Clinical complete response (cCR) has been proposed as a predictor of prognosis. However, information on its prognostic value in these patients is limited. We aimed to explore the prognostic value of cCR in patients with uHCC following conversion therapy and identify predictors of cCR.
Methods: We included 241 patients with uHCC who underwent transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with lenvatinib and PD-1 inhibitors (triple therapy) as first-line treatment. The prognostic value of cCR, predictive factors of cCR, and the relationship between cCR and pathological complete response (pCR) were analyzed.
Results: The cCR rate of the 241 patients included was 17.4%. Patients with cCR showed better overall survival (OS) (p < 0.001) and progression-free survival (PFS) (p < 0.001) than those without. cCR was an independent risk factor for OS (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.03–0.42, p = 0.001) and PFS (HR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.15–0.56, p < 0.001). Serum α-fetoprotein levels ≥400 ng/mL (odds ratio [OR]: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.22–0.95, p = 0.040) and extrahepatic metastasis (OR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.01–0.62, p = 0.046) were independent negative predictors of cCR. A total of 107 patients (44.4%) underwent conversion surgery. Among these patients, cCR was associated with better OS (p =0.009) and recurrence-free survival (p = 0.007). cCR was significantly correlated with pCR (Φ = 0.61, p < 0.001). Albumin levels ≥35 g/L (OR: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.02–0.69, p = 0.018) and cCR (OR: 30.32, 95% CI: 9.19–128.00, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of pCR.
Conclusion: cCR after triple therapy has an excellent long-term survival advantage and is significantly related to pCR. cCR may be a surrogate marker for predicting prognosis and pCR in patients with uHCC receiving triple therapy.
Burden of Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Asia from 1990 to 2030: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Wang Haomiao , Lin Jinxin , Zhao Fengchun , Zhang Xuyang , Wang Long , Zhang Chao , Luo Ran , Yin Yi , Zhang Shuixian , Hu Rong
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:
Intracerebral hemorrhage represents a critical subtype of stroke, imposing substantial social and economic challenges. Considering the considerable impact of intracerebral hemorrhage in Asia and the absence of studies detailing its epidemiological features, the aim of this study is to elucidate the temporal trends and distribution characteristics of intracerebral hemorrhage in Asia from 1990 to 2021, as well as to forecast the future burden.
METHODS:
The data derived from Global Disease Burden Study 2021 were used to investigate the age-standardized rates and absolute numbers of incident intracerebral hemorrhage cases and related deaths in Asia across genders, age groups and geographical locations. Estimated annual percentage change was estimated to represent temporal trends and autoregressive integrated moving average model was used to forecast the future burden.
RESULTS:
In Asia, the age-standardized incidence and mortality rates of intracerebral hemorrhage per 100, 000 population have declined from 1990 to 2021, despite a continuous increase in the absolute numbers, which exhibit significant heterogeneity across different geographical locations. In terms of gender, males experience a greater burden of intracerebral hemorrhage compared to females, and the impact of risk factors on disability-adjusted life years of intracerebral hemorrhage varies. In comparison to the figures observed in 2021, our forecasts indicate a rise in the burden of intracerebral hemorrhage in Asia.
CONCLUSIONS:
The study offers an extensive depiction of the epidemiological features of intracerebral hemorrhage in Asia spanning from 1990 to 2021, while also outlining the diverse trajectories of the impending burden of this condition in the region. Comprehending the expected increase in disease burden can aid in formulating tailored strategies to tackle upcoming challenges.
Identifying Neuro-inflammatory Biomarkers of Generalized Anxiety Disorder from Lymphocyte Subsets based on machine learning approaches
Authors: Lu Jingjing , Liang Weiwei , Cui Lijun , Mou Shaoqi , Pei Xuedan , Shen Xinhua , Shen Zhongxia , Shen Ping
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Activation of the inflammatory response system is involved in the pathogenesis of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The purpose of this study was to identify and characterize inflammatory biomarkers in the diagnosis of GAD based on machine learning algorithms.
Methods: The evaluation of peripheral immune parameters and lymphocyte subsets was performed on patients with GAD. Multivariable linear regression was used to explore the association between lymphocyte subsets and the of severity GAD. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine the predictive value of these immunological parameters for GAD. Machine learning technology was applied to classify the collected data from patients in the GAD and healthy control groups.
Results: Of the 340 patients enrolled, 171 were GAD patients and 169 were non-GAD patients as healthy control. The levels of neutrophil (NEU), monocytes (MON) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) were significantly elevated in GAD patients (P<0.01), and the count and proportion of immune cells, including CD3+CD4+ T cells, CD3+CD8+ T cells, CD19+ B cells and CD3-CD16+CD56+ NK cells (P<0.001) have undergone large changes. The classification analysis conducted by machine learning using a weighted ensemble-L2 algorithm demonstrated an accuracy of 95.00±2.04% in assessing the predictive value of these lymphocyte subsets in GAD. In addition, the feature importance analysis score is 0.255, which was much more predictive of GAD severity than for other lymphocyte subsets.
Conclusion: In the presented work, we show the level of lymphocyte subsets altered in GAD. Lymphocyte subsets, specifically CD3+CD4+ T %, can serve as neuroinflammatory biomarkers for GAD diagnostics. Furthermore, the application of machine learning offers a highly efficient approach for investigating neuroinflammatory biomarkers and predicting GAD. Our research has provided novel insights into the involvement of cellular immunity in GAD and highlighted the potential predictive value and therapeutic targets of lymphocyte subsets in this disorder.
A new species of Rimboda Heller (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Conoderinae, Othippiini) reared from Distylium racemosum Siebold & Zucc. in the Ryukyu Islands, Japan
Authors: FUJISAWA YUSUKE , LEWIS JAKE H. , ANZALDO SALVATORE S.
Published: January 2025

The genus Rimboda has hitherto contained six species from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Philippines. Here, Rimboda saekii Fujisawa & Lewis new species is described from specimens collected in the subtropical forests of Amami-Oshima, Tokunoshima, Okinawa-jima Island, and Ishigaki-jima Island, Japan. Specimens were reared from Distylium racemosum (Hamamelidaceae). The occurrence of Rimboda in southwestern Japan represents a significant northward extension in the known geographic range of the genus. We provide habitus photographs, a 3D model and illustrations of the male and female genitalia of R. saekii, as well as a checklist to the world species of Rimboda.
Description of three new species of Grandilithus Liu & Li, 2022 (Araneae: Phrurolithidae) from China
Authors: SHI SONGTAO , MU YANNAN , ZHANG FENG
Published: January 2025

Three new species of Grandilithus Liu & Li, 2022 (Araneae: Phrurolithidae) are described from China on the basis of both sexes: G. globosus sp. nov. from Anhui Province, G. nigromaculatus sp. nov. from Guangdong Province, and G. tongren sp. nov. from Guizhou Province. Detailed descriptions, photographs, and a distribution map for these species are provided. In addition, Grandilithus is divided into three species-groups based on the genitalic characters.
A new micropterous species of Haematoloecha from Vietnam (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae)
Authors: SANTILLAN IAN GABRIEL C. , RÉDEI DÁVID
Published: January 2025

A new species of Haematoloecha Stål, 1874 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Ectrichodiinae), H. merkli sp. nov., is described from northern Vietnam based on micropterous males and females. A checklist of species placed into Haematoloecha and currently considered valid is presented.
Coupling of Photocatalysis and Biological Treatment for Terephthalic Acid Degradation
Authors: Du Ang , Wan Zhou , Fan Wenjie , Zhang Jiaming , Zhou Zhenqi , Xiao Bing , Xiong Jianhua , Chen Guoning , Zou Liang , Zhu Hongxiang , Chen Yongli
Published: January 2025

Coupling of photocatalysis and biology is an emerging treatment method, which has a wide range of applications in the treatment of refractory wastewater. Based on its significant advantages and research value, this paper applies it to the treatment of terephthalic acid wastewater to
explore its degradation mechanism. The experimental results show that after the system reaction, the removal rate of terephthalic acid is 91.1% at a concentration of 10 mg/L, of which the contribution rate of the photocatalytic reaction is 37.9%; scanning electron microscopy observation and
energy spectrum scanning show that there are obvious nano-TiO2 particles loaded on the sponge; The free radical trapping experiment shows that the contribution of free radicals to terephthalic acid degradation is: ·OH > h+ > ·O− 2 ; According
to the analysis of intermediate products detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS), terephthalic acid was mainly removed by redox, substitution, esterification and ring-opening reactions under the active substances such as free radicals, oxygenases and decarboxylases during
the removal process; the biological activity observed by a laser scanning confocal microscope (CLSM) found that the relative activities of the original activated sludge, after biological treatment of 2 h and 6 h were 96%, 49% and 89% respectively; The genus level of the microbial community,
such as norank_f_Microscillaceae, Flavobacterium, Thauera, Zoogloea and Azoarcus adapted to changes in the environment and became the dominant specie
Disease burden, healthcare resource utilisation, and treatment patterns in patients with newly diagnosed myasthenia gravis in England: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bonar Kerina , Boudiaf Nada , Zaremba Piotr , Tarancón Thais , Zhou Jiachen , Jacob Saiju
Published: January 2025

Background:

Myasthenia gravis (MG), a chronic and unpredictable autoimmune disease, is associated with multiple comorbidities and high disease burden.

Objective:

To assess the disease burden, healthcare resource utilisation (HCRU), and treatment patterns of patients with newly diagnosed MG in England.

Methods:

Data from Clinical Practice Research Datalink GP practices linked to the Hospital Episode Statistics database were used. Eligible patients had ≥1 diagnostic code for MG, with the first MG diagnostic code recorded between 01 January 2010 and 31 December 2019. Non-MG controls were selected if they had no recorded MG diagnosis and ≥12 months of data. Controls were matched for age, sex and GP practice in a maximum ratio of 5:1.

Results:

Mean follow-up duration was 2.8 and 3.1 years for the MG and non-MG cohorts, respectively. In the MG cohort, 56% of patients were male, with a mean age of 67 years at baseline. Incidence rates of all comorbidities assessed during follow-up were higher in the MG cohort than in controls. Almost two-thirds of MG patients experienced ≥1 myasthenic exacerbation during follow-up; incidence rates (95% confidence interval) of MG exacerbations and crises were 50.0 (44.7–55.9) and 1.3 (0.8–2.0) per 100 person-years, respectively. Visits to non-neurology specialists and outpatient clinics were the most common instances of HCRU overall, each being more frequent in the MG cohort than for controls. In the first year of follow-up, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) and corticosteroids were used by 56.0% and 50.2% of MG patients, respectively; the use of AChEIs declined thereafter.

Conclusions:

Despite treatment, there is a high disease burden for patients with newly diagnosed MG in England, with high rates of MG exacerbation and HCRU use. Thus, there is a need for targeted treatments with sustained efficacy and improved safety to adequately manage MG symptoms and reduce MG-related disease burden.