bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence of atrial fibrillation and flutter in Denmark in relation to country of origin: a nationwide register-based study
Authors: Frydenlund Juliane , Valentin Jan Brink , Norredam Marie , Bøggild Henrik , Kragholm Kristian Hay , Riahi Sam , Frost Lars , Johnsen Søren Paaske
Published: January 2024

Background:

Atrial fibrillation and flutter (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia with an increasing prevalence in Western countries. However, little is known about AF among immigrants compared to non-immigrants.

Aim:

To examine the incidence of hospital-diagnosed AF according to country of origin.

Method:

Immigrants were defined as individuals born outside Denmark by parents born outside Denmark. AF was defined as first-time diagnosis of AF. All individuals were followed from the age of 45 years from 1998 to 2017. The analyses were adjusted for sex, age, comorbidity, contact with the general practitioner and socioeconomic variables. Adjustment was conducted using standardised morbidity ratio weights, standardised to the Danish population in a marginal structural model.

Results:

The study population consisted of 3,489,730 Danish individuals free of AF and 108,914 immigrants free of AF who had emigrated from the 10 most represented countries. A total of 323,005 individuals of Danish origin had an incident hospital diagnosis of AF, among the immigrants 7,300 developed AF. Adjusted hazard rate ratios (HRRs) of AF for immigrants from Iran (0.48 [95%CI:0.35;0.64]), Turkey (0.74 [95%CI:0.67;0.82]) and Bosnia-Herzegovina (0.42 [95%CI:0.22;0.79]) were low compared with Danish individuals. Immigrants from Sweden, Germany and Norway had an adjusted HRR of 1.13 [95%CI:1.03;1.23], 1.12 [95%CI:1.05;1.18] and 1.11 [95%CI:1.03;1.21], respectively (Danish individuals as reference).

Conclusions:

Substantial variation in the incidence of hospital-diagnosed AF according to country of origin was observed. The results may reflect true biological differences but could also reflect barriers to AF diagnosis for immigrants. Further efforts are warranted to determine the underlying mechanisms.
A taste of ambrosia: Do Olympic medalists live longer than Olympic losers?
Authors: Kovbasiuk Anna , Ciechanowski Leon , Jemielniak Dariusz
Published: January 2024

Objective:

To investigate the longevity of a large sample of Olympic Games participants, considering the interaction between different types of sports and medal awards.

Methodolgy:

Data scraping from Wikipedia and Wikidata allowed us to collect a sample of 102,993 famous athletes. We selected 20 of the most populated disciplines to make the groups comparable. We conducted a comparison of life duration on a subset of 17,194 elite athletes, predominantly male, dead at the time of analysis.

Results:

Olympic medalists’ lifespan was shorter than non-medalists. Athletes in such disciplines as boxing, weightlifting, ice hockey, cycling, football, swimming, and wrestling lived significantly shorter lives than the mean of the group of athletes. In contrast, the duration of life in athletes involved in athletics, rowing, fencing, artistic gymnastics, shooting, cross-country skiing, sailing, and equestrian sports was highest compared with the mean of the group.

Conclusions:

Disciplines classified as engaging mostly power were linked to shorter lifespans, whereas those involving predominantly skill were associated with longer life durations. The interaction of being a medalist and sport was found to be significant. Medalists in the disciplines of athletics, basketball, boxing, equestrian sports, wrestling, and water polo had significantly shorter lives (the final item was insignificant after correction for multiple comparisons). Olympic achievement was linked to length of life in mainly individual, not team, sports.
“Wait, really, stop, stop!”: Go-along interviews with visually disabled people and the pitfalls of ableist methodologies
Authors: Porkertová Hana , Osman Robert , Pospíšilová Lucie , Doboš Pavel , Kopecká Zuzana
Published: January 2024

Despite the growing interest in walking methods in disability research, their methodological difficulties are rarely examined. Therefore, we debate the challenges of doing go-along interviews with visually disabled people when geographically studying blind experience with urban space. The article is divided into two parts. The methodological part examines the difficulties we encountered to contribute to the critical discussion of the ableist nature of both methodologies and post qualitative inquiry, and their interconnection with ableist conceptions of walking, talking, and space. Second, we discuss the epistemological consequences of go-along interviews, which have the potential to challenge existing thinking, ableist conceptions of space, and, consequently, the given discipline. The result is a constructivist conception of science that modifies human geography through visual disability and visual disability through human geography.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of AIDS-Related Burkitt Lymphoma in China: A Retrospective Single-Center Study
Authors: Liu Rongqiu , Zhao Han , Xiao Guanying , Tao Yu , Tang Xiaoping , Feng Lizhi , Liao Baolin , Liu Bo , Guan Jialong , Li Linghua , Chen Zhimin , He Haolan , You Hua
Published: January 2024

Objectives: Studies on the prognosis and risk stratification of patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) – related Burkitt lymphoma (AR-BL) are rare. We aim to construct a novel model to improve the risk assessment of these patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 34 patients over the past 10 years and the factors associated with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated in univariate and multivariate Cox models. Then, the novel model consisting of screened factors was compared with the existing models. Results: With a 37-month median follow-up, the overall 2-year PFS and OS rates were 40.50% and 36.18%, respectively. The OS of patients who received chemotherapy was better compared with those without chemotherapy ( P = .0012). Treatment with an etoposide, prednisone, oncovin, cyclophosphamide, and hydroxydaunorubicin-based regimen was associated with longer OS and PFS compared with a cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone-based regimen (OS, P = .0002; PFS, P = .0158). Chemotherapy (hazard ratio [ HR] = 0.075; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.009-0.614) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) 2 to 4 ( HR = 4.738; 95% CI, 1.178-19.061) were independent prognostic factors of OS in multivariate analysis and we established a novel prognostic risk stratification model named GZ8H model with chemotherapy and ECOG PS. Conclusion: GZ8H showed better stratification ability than the international prognostic index (IPI) or Burkitt lymphoma IPI (BL-IPI). Furthermore, the C-index of the nomogram used to predict OS was 0.884 in the entire cohort and the calibration curve showed excellent agreement between the predicted and actual results of OS. No human immunodeficiency virus-related factors were found to be associated with OS and PFS of AR-BL patients in our study. Overall, the clinical characteristics and outcomes in AR-BL were shown and prognostic factors for OS and PFS were identified in this study.
The Potential Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Mechanisms of ATO and ATRA in Treatment of FLT3-ITD Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Peng Chun-Jin , Fan Zhong , Luo Jie-Si , Wang Li-Na , Li Yu , Liang Cong , Zhang Xiao-Li , Luo Xue-Qun , Huang Li-Bin , Tang Yan-Lai
Published: January 2024

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 gene internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) mutations has a poor prognosis. The combination of arsenic trioxide (ATO) and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) has a synergistic killing effect on leukemia cells with FLT3-ITD mutation. However, the mechanism, especially the changes of gene expression and metabolic activity remain unclear. Here we explore the transcriptome and metabolomics changes of FLT3-ITD AML cells treated with ATO/ATRA.

Methods

RNA-seq was used to identify differential expressed genes (DEGs), and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole electrostatic field orbital trap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QE-MS) nontargeted metabolomics method was used to screen out the differential metabolites in FLT3-ITD mutant cell lines treated with ATRA and ATO. KEGG pathway database was utilized for pathway exploration and Seahorse XF24 was used to detect extracellular acidification rate (ECAR). Metabolic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were used to detect mRNA levels of key metabolic genes of glycolysis and fatty acid after drug treatment.

Results

A total of 3873 DEGs were identified and enriched in 281 Gene Ontology (GO) terms, among which 210 were related to biological processes, 43 were related to cellular components, and 28 were related to molecular functions. Besides, 1794 and 927 differential metabolites were screened in positive and negative ion mode separately, and 59 different metabolic pathways were involved, including alanine-aspartate-glutamate metabolic pathway, arginine, and proline metabolic pathway, glycerophospholipid metabolic pathways, etc. According to KEGG Pathway analysis of transcriptome combined with metabolome, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathway and fatty acid metabolism pathway were significantly founded enriched. ATRA + ATO may inhibit the glycolysis of FLT3-ITD AML cells by inhibiting FLT3 and its downstream AKT/HK2-VDAC1 signaling pathway.

Conclusions

The gene transcription profile and metabolites of FLT3-ITD mutant cells changes significantly after treatment, which might be related to the anti-FLT3-ITD AML effect. The screened DEGs, differential metabolites pathway are helpful in studying the mechanism of anti-leukemia effects and drug targets.
The Ground Floor Approach to Video Game Accessibility: Identifying Design Features Prioritized by Accessibility Reviews
Authors: Anderson Sky LaRell
Published: January 2024

This article describes the priorities for accessibility found in video game accessibility reviews. Through an analysis of 20 articles published by the accessibility review websites DAGERSystem.com and CanIPlayThat.com, this study categorizes the accessibility features in those articles in order to discover which accessibility features are the most important to reviewers, gauged by how many words are dedicated to addressing each feature. The study discovers 15 primary categories of accessibility most prominently features in these reviews. Word counts for each category provide a prioritized list of which accessibility features are the most central to video game accessibility. This article concludes by introducing the ground floor approach to video game accessibility, which calls for subtitles, difficulty settings, control options, and visual clarity as essential features in modern game design.
Profiles, Perceptions, and Experiences of Video Game Translators
Authors: Zoraqi Amir Arsalan , Kafi Mohsen
Published: January 2024

The nuances involved in game localization call for an expert workforce, well-versed in dealing with the challenges involved. Yet, the prospect of game localization is still a blue-water area of research and not much is known regarding the profiles and the current industry practices. Thus, the present study seeks to throw light on the profiles, perceptions, and experiences of game translators. A total of 125 game translators provided qualitative and quantitative data regarding the various aspects of the profession through a 25-item online questionnaire. The findings point to a relatively young, highly educated, and mostly self-employed workforce who undertake translation as their main source of income and have a strong gaming background. The strengths and the weaknesses of the current workflow practices are identified and discussed, and suggestions are made drawing on the perceptions and experiences of game translation practitioners.
“In My Mind, It Was Just Temporary”: A Qualitative Study of the Impacts of Cancer on Men and Their Strategies to Cope
Authors: Montiel Corentin , Bedrossian Nathalie , Myre André , Kramer Asher , Piché Alexia , Mcdonough Meghan H. , Sabiston Catherine M. , Petrella Anika , Gauvin Lise , Doré Isabelle
Published: January 2024

Individuals who are diagnosed and treated for cancer use a variety of strategies to manage its impacts. However, there is currently a lack of research on men’s experience with managing cancer impacts, which is necessary to better support them throughout the cancer care continuum. This study explored the experience of men diagnosed with cancer, focusing on the impacts of the illness and its treatment and men’s strategies to cope. A qualitative descriptive design was used. Thirty-one men ( Mage = 52.7 [26–82] years) diagnosed with various cancer types were recruited to take part in individual telephone interviews ( n = 14) or online focus groups ( n = 17) addressing the impacts of cancer and strategies they used to cope with these impacts. Directed content analysis was performed, using Fitch’s (2008) supportive care framework to guide the analysis. Cancer impacts and strategies used to cope were classified into six categories: physical, psychological, interpersonal, informational, practical, and spiritual. Results indicate that the cancer experience is diverse and multifaceted rather than homogeneous. Medical and supportive care services could be more effectively personalized to meet the diversity of men’s needs by adopting a comprehensive and holistic approach to supportive care. Working in partnership with patients, it appears promising to recognize and identify men’s needs and match them to appropriate resources to provide truly supportive care.
Analysis and modeling for the dynamics of the nipper mechanism considering jaw’s impacts
Authors: Chang Boyan , Zhou Yang , Jin Guoguang , Liang Dong , Han Fangxiao , Wang Zhimin
Published: January 2024

The comber is very important in the spinning for high quality yarns, in which the nipper mechanism (NM) determines the quality of the yarn it combs. This paper is to connect topology and multi-body dynamics to reveal the principle of impact motion of the nipper mechanism. Firstly, the working process of the NM is analyzed and corresponding kinematic models of work sub-phases are derived. Subsequently, the transition from the work phase of the jaw closed to the opened is studied. The research results show that during the transformation process, the mechanism presented another work phase with multiple impacts, which is the main reason why the NM could not stably clamp the cotton clump and thus affect the quality of the yarn combed by the comber. According to the relative coordinate method, the dynamic model of the NM is set up. Combining the classical collision theory and the restitution coefficient equation, the acquisition of the impact impulse generated at the jaw and the subsequent motion of the mechanism are decided. Finally, the NM in the E62 comber is taken as an example to verify the correctness of the established dynamic model, and the influences of different input speeds, restitution coefficients, and stiffness coefficients of spring on the jaw’s impact are studied. This has certain theoretical value for improving the speed and efficiency of the comber.
A review of epidural and non-epidural contrast flow patterns during fluoroscopic and CT-guided epidural steroid injections
Authors: Madhavan Ajay A. , Liebo Greta B. , Baffour Francis , Diehn Felix E. , Maus Timothy P. , Murthy Naveen S. , Rhodes Nicholas G. , Tiegs-Heiden Christin A.
Published: January 2024

Epidural steroid injections are commonly performed using fluoroscopic or CT guidance. With both modalities, the injection of contrast material is necessary before steroid administration to ensure adequate epidural flow and exclude non-epidural flow. While fluoroscopic guidance is conventional, CT is utilized at some centers and can be particularly helpful in the setting of challenging or postoperative anatomy. It is important for proceduralists to be adept at evaluating contrast media flow patterns under both modalities. The goal of this review article is to describe and provide examples of epidural and non-epidural flow patterns on both conventional fluoroscopy and CT. Specific non-epidural patterns discussed include intrathecal flow, intradural/subdural flow, vascular uptake, flow into the retrodural space of Okada, inadvertent facet joint flow, and intradiscal flow.
Disability-free outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the randomized controlled trials
Authors: Bilgin Cem , Ibrahim Mohamed , Ghozy Sherief , Jabal Mohamed Sobhi , Shehata Mostafa , Kobeissi Hassan , Kadirvel Ramanathan , Brinjikji Waleed , Rabinstein Alejandro A , Kallmes David F
Published: January 2024

Background

The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of ≤2 (functional independence) has been the most common primary endpoint of modern mechanical thrombectomy (MT) trials. However, unlike mRS 0-1, mRS score of 2 indicates disability. An important proportion of the mRS 2 patients are home dependent and report a significant decrease in their quality of life.

Purpose

To investigate excellent outcome (mRS 0-1) rates after MT.

Methods

We systematically searched Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the role of modern MT in acute ischemic stroke were screened. Posterior circulation and large-core infarct trials were excluded from the study. The data regarding excellent outcomes (mRS: 0-1), functional independence (mRS: 0-2), and reperfusion were collected.

Results

Twenty-two RCTs comprising 5692 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The overall mRS 0-1 rate was 31.24% (95% CI = 26.95–36.2). The rate of successful reperfusion was 81.8% (95% CI = 77.93–85.86). MT achieved significantly higher rates of mRS 0-1 compared to standard care alone (OR =  2.04; 95% CI = 1.64–2.55; P-value < 0.001), with no heterogeneity detected among studies (I2= 0%; P-value = 0.52). The direct MT and MT plus intravenous thrombolytic treatment groups’ excellent outcome rates were comparable (OR =  0.98; 95% CI = 0.82–1.18; P-value = 0.863). Also, aspiration and stent retriever thrombectomy techniques provided similar excellent outcome rates (OR =  0.76; 95% CI = 0.55–1.05; P-value = 0.141).

Conclusions

Our results prove the additional benefit of MT over standard care, using a stricter definition for favorable functional outcome. Nearly one-third of patients presenting with large artery occlusion and treated with MT had no disability at 90 days. While this is remarkable, our results also indicate that reperfusion alone is often not enough to prevent disability and underline the need for better neuroprotection strategies.
Fear of failure and perception of the motivational climate under the coach pressure
Authors: Gómez-López Manuel , Valero-Valenzuela Alfonso , Manzano-Sánchez David , González-Hernández Juan
Published: January 2024

The motivational climate perceived by players is a psychosocial process that has an impact on how they adjust their psychological response to performance situations with greater or lesser efficiency and balance. The aim of this study was to identify distinctive profiles of fear of failure and basic psychological needs in young handball players according to perceived motivational climate (mastery vs. performance). It examined differences in the distribution of gender and age and satisfaction of basic psychological needs and fear of failure within each profile. The study participants were 681 young (M = 16.16 years; SD = 0.92) handball players. A battery of scales adapted to Spanish was administered to measure motivational climate, fear of failure, and basic psychological needs. Central tendency, correlational, cluster, and comparative analysis (multivariate analysis) were applied to determine two profiles (Cluster 1 vs. Cluster 2). The Cluster 1 was characterized by those players with the highest values in the perception of a mastery climate, and the Cluster 2 included those players with a mixed mastery/ performance climate. The results may provide relevant information suggesting that a climate high in mastery and low in performance is preferable to a climate that is moderately high in both dimensions. They are useful to coaches in designing and adjusting training programs so that their athletes can enhance resources under balanced psychological efforts that reduce discomfort and flight, thus improving adaptation skills to coping with competitive demands and pressure.
Clinical and treatment outcomes of a second subcutaneous or intravenous anti-TNF in patients with ulcerative colitis treated with two consecutive anti-TNF agents: data from the ENEIDA registry
Authors: Calafat Margalida , Torres Paola , Tosca-Cuquerella Joan , Sánchez-Aldehuelo Rubén , Rivero Montserrat , Iborra Marisa , González-Vivo María , Vera Isabel , de Castro Luisa , Bujanda Luis , Barreiro-de Acosta Manuel , González-Muñoza Carlos , Calvet Xavier , Benítez José Manuel , Llorente-Barrio Mónica , Surís Gerard , Cañete Fiorella , Arias-García Lara , Monfort David , Castaño-García Andrés , Garcia-Alonso Francisco Javier , Huguet José M. , Marín-Jímenez Ignacio , Lorente Rufo , Martín-Cardona Albert , Ferrer Juan Ángel , Camo Patricia , Gisbert Javier P. , Pajares Ramón , Gomollón Fernando , Castro-Poceiro Jesús , Morales-Alvarado Jair , Llaó Jordina , Rodríguez Andrés , Rodríguez Cristina , Pérez-Galindo Pablo , Navarro Mercè , Jiménez-García Nuria , Carrillo-Palau Marta , Blázquez-Gómez Isabel , Sesé Eva , Almela Pedro , Ramírez de la Piscina Patricia , Taxonera Carlos , Rodríguez-Lago Iago , Cabrinety Lidia , Vela Milagros , Mínguez Miguel , Mesonero Francisco , García María José , Aguas Mariam , Márquez Lucía , Silva Porto Marisol , Pineda Juan R. , García-Etxebarría Koldo , Bertoletti Federico , Brunet Eduard , Mañosa Míriam , Domènech Eugeni
Published: January 2024

Background:

Infliximab seems to be the most efficacious of the three available anti-TNF agents for ulcerative colitis (UC) but little is known when it is used as the second anti-TNF.

Objectives:

To compare the clinical and treatment outcomes of a second subcutaneous or intravenous anti-TNF in UC patients.

Design:

Retrospective observational study.

Methods:

Patients from the ENEIDA registry treated consecutively with infliximab and a subcutaneous anti-TNF (or vice versa), naïve to other biological agents, were identified and grouped according to the administration route of the first anti-TNF into IVi (intravenous initially) or SCi (subcutaneous initially).

Results:

Overall, 473 UC patients were included (330 IVi and 143 SCi). Clinical response at week 14 was 42.7% and 48.3% in the IVi and SCi groups (non-statistically significant), respectively. Clinical remission rates at week 52 were 32.8% and 31.4% in the IVi and SCi groups (nonsignificant differences), respectively. A propensity-matched score analysis showed a higher clinical response rate at week 14 in the SCi group and higher treatment persistence in the IVi group. Regarding long-term outcomes, dose escalation and discontinuation due to the primary failure of the first anti-TNF and more severe disease activity at the beginning of the second anti-TNF were inversely associated with clinical remission.

Conclusion:

The use of a second anti-TNF for UC seems to be reasonable in terms of efficacy, although it is particularly reduced in the case of the primary failure of the first anti-TNF. Whether the second anti-TNF is infliximab or subcutaneous does not seem to affect efficacy.
Chemical Profiling, Antibacterial Efficacy, and Synergistic Actions of Ptychotis verticillata Duby Essential Oil in Combination with Conventional Antibiotics
Authors: Taibi Mohamed , Elbouzidi Amine , Haddou Mounir , Loukili El Hassania , Bellaouchi Reda , Asehraou Abdeslam , Douzi Youssef , Addi Mohamed , Salamatullah Ahmad M , Nafidi Hiba-Allah , Bourhia Mohammed , Dauelbait Musaab , Guerrouj Bouchra El , Chaabane Khalid
Published: January 2024

Introduction: The primary aim of the current investigation is to assess the chemical composition and antibacterial efficacy of Ptychotis verticillata essential oil (PVEO) against three Gram-positive bacteria ( Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, and Bacillus subtilis) and three Gram-negative bacteria ( Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae). Furthermore, this research endeavors to investigate the potential synergistic effects of PVEO when combined with established antibiotics (Amoxicillin, Erythromycin, and Ampicillin), with a focus on discerning their interaction dynamics. Methods: The phytochemical profiling of PVEO was performed via the Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry technique. The broth dilution test determined the interaction effect between PVEO and these three antibiotics. Results: Components γ-terpinene (38.96%), p-cymene (19.38%), thymol (18.07%), and carvacrol (6.99%) are the major bioactive moleculs composing this studied essential oil. PVEO demonstrated significant antibacterial activity with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 0.2 against E coli to 2 mg/mL against M luteus. The assessment of the synergistic activity between PVEO and antibiotics was accomplished through the utilization of the Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FICI). The combination of PVEO and amoxicillin against M luteus demonstrated the best synergistic action with a FICI value of 0.43. Conclusion: Significant reductions, ranging from two to sevenfold, in the MIC values of PVEO, and antibiotics were observed. This noteworthy synergistic interaction between highly potent essential oils and synthetic antibiotics holds the potential to open avenues for novel combination therapies aimed at addressing infections caused by multiresistant microorganisms, even at notably reduced concentrations within the pharmaceutical sector.
Accelerometer-measured physical activity and posture among older adults in assisted-living residences
Authors: Kijima Tsunetaka , Akai Kenju , Amagasa Shiho , Inoue Shigeru , Yamagata Shingo , Ishibashi Yutaka , Tsukihashi Hironori , Makiishi Tetsuya
Published: January 2024

Objective:

Few studies have detailed the physical activity and postural patterns (e.g. lying or sitting) in older adults with declining activities of daily living (ADL). Therefore, we aimed to address this issue by quantifying physical activity using an accelerometer and measuring time spent in various postures among older adults in assisted-living residences.

Methods:

We quantified physical activity using an accelerometer (ActivPAL) and measured time spent in various postures in 35 older adults (mean age: 89.1 years) with chronic conditions residing in two assisted-living residences in Japan. ActivPAL was attached to the thigh and trunk of patients to distinguish between sitting and lying postures.

Results:

Participants had a mean count of 6.2 comorbidities, and they were divided into three groups (fully independent, requiring minimal assistance and requiring care) based on their activities of daily living capacity using the Barthel Index. Residents aged ⩾90 years walked a mean of 1109.1 steps and spent 167.3 min upright per day. Fully independent participants walked a mean of 3587.6 steps daily; those requiring minimal assistance walked 1681.0 steps daily; and those requiring care walked 428.9 steps daily.

Conclusions:

Our findings indicated that step count, number of sit-to-stand transitions, stepping time, and upright time decreased significantly as activities of daily living capacity decreased. Comorbidity type and number of comorbidities were not related to their lying time except for depression status. Lying time was associated with depression status.
‘It would help people to help me’: Acceptability of digital phenotyping among young people with visual impairment and their families
Authors: Higgins Bethany , Jones Lee , Devraj Kishan , Kilduff Caroline , Moosajee Mariya
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To explore the acceptability of an eHealth App for vision-related monitoring and symptom reporting among young people with a visual impairment and their parents.

Methods

Qualitative investigation using virtual semi-structured focus groups (via Zoom software) of seven young participants with a genetic eye disorder including inherited retinal disease and structural eye abnormalities (e.g. microphthalmia), and 7 parents; all recruited from ocular genetic clinics at Moorfields Eye Hospital. Audio transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Data were coded into six key themes: (1) increased involvement in care, (2) opportunity for less hospital-centric care, (3) better representation of visual impairment in a real-world setting, (4) trust in a reputable service provider, (5) harnessing data for health purposes and (6) intended purpose of the app. Both young people and their families were accepting of an eHealth app and felt they would be empowered by greater involvement in their care plan, if privacy of the data was retained, and information was managed correctly. While parents endorsed the opportunity for mental health tracking, young people were hesitant towards its inclusion.

Conclusion

In summary, there was overall acceptability of an eHealth app among young people with a visual impairment and their parents. These findings will help to maximise the effective integration of digital phenotyping when monitoring and supporting young people experiencing sight loss.
Clinical human activity recognition based on a wearable patch of combined tri-axial ACC and ECG sensors
Authors: Ren Yanling , Liu Minqi , Yang Ying , Mao Ling , Chen Kai
Published: January 2024

Background

In digital medicine, human activity recognition (HAR) can be used to track and assess a patient's progress throughout rehabilitation, enhancing the quality of life for the elderly and the disabled.

Methods

A patch-type flexible sensor that integrated dynamic electrocardiogram (ECG) and acceleration signal (ACC) was used to record the signals of the various behavioral activities of 20 healthy volunteers and 25 patients with pneumoconiosis. Seven HAR tasks were then carried out on the data using four different deep learning methods (CNN, LSTM, CNN–LSTM and GRU).

Results

When ECG and ACC were obtained simultaneously, the overall accuracy rates of HAR for healthy group were 0.9371, 0.8829, 0.9843 and 0.9486 by the CNN, LSTM, CNN–LSTM and GRU models, respectively. In contrast, the overall accuracy rates of HAR for the pneumoconiosis patients’ group were 0.8850, 0.7975, 0.9425 and 0.8525 by the four corresponding models. The accuracy of HAR for both groups using all four models is higher than when only ACC signal is detected.

Conclusion

The addition of the ECG signal significantly improves HAR outcomes in the group of healthy individuals, while having relatively less enhancing effects on the group of patients with pneumoconiosis. When ECG and ACC signals were combined, the increase in HAR accuracy was notable compared to cases where no ECG data was provided. These results suggest that the combination of ACC and ECG data can represent a novel method for the clinical application of HAR.
Performance of ChatGPT incorporated chain-of-thought method in bilingual nuclear medicine physician board examinations
Authors: Ting Yu-Ting , Hsieh Te-Chun , Wang Yuh-Feng , Kuo Yu-Chieh , Chen Yi-Jin , Chan Pak-Ki , Kao Chia-Hung
Published: January 2024

Objective

This research explores the performance of ChatGPT, compared to human doctors, in bilingual, Mandarin Chinese and English, medical specialty exam in Nuclear Medicine in Taiwan.

Methods

The study employed generative pre-trained transformer (GPT-4) and integrated chain-of-thoughts (COT) method to enhance performance by triggering and explaining the thinking process to answer the question in a coherent and logical manner. Questions from the Taiwanese Nuclear Medicine Specialty Exam served as the basis for testing. The research analyzed the correctness of AI responses in different sections of the exam and explored the influence of question length and language proportion on accuracy.

Results

AI, especially ChatGPT with COT, exhibited exceptional capabilities in theoretical knowledge, clinical medicine, and handling integrated questions, often surpassing, or matching human doctor performance. However, AI struggled with questions related to medical regulations. The analysis of question length showed that questions within the 109–163 words range yielded the highest accuracy. Moreover, an increase in the proportion of English words in questions improved both AI and human accuracy.

Conclusions

This research highlights the potential and challenges of AI in the medical field. ChatGPT demonstrates significant competence in various aspects of medical knowledge. However, areas like medical regulations require improvement. The study also suggests that AI may help in evaluating exam question difficulty and maintaining fairness in examinations. These findings shed light on AI role in the medical field, with potential applications in healthcare education, exam preparation, and multilingual environments. Ongoing AI advancements are expected to further enhance AI utility in the medical domain.
Lessons Learned From a Community-Based Men’s Health Fair
Authors: Wippold Guillermo M. , Abshire Demetrius A. , Garcia Kaylyn A. , Crichlow Zion , Frary Sarah Grace , Murphy Elijah R. , Frank Lucina , Johnson LaVonda , Woods Terry
Published: January 2024

Introduction:

Strategies are needed to promote the uptake of preventive health services among Black, Hispanic, and rural men because these men underutilize health services. Previous research indicates that men prefer community-based health promotion programming, such as health fairs; however, specific guidance on how to tailor health fairs for Black, Hispanic, and rural men are lacking. The present seeks to study provides that guidance.

Methods:

A multisectoral team developed, implemented, and evaluated a men’s health fair in a county of South Carolina with a sizeable Black, Hispanic, and rural-dwelling population. Although the health fair was open to all men in the county, specific outreach campaigns were implemented to attract Black and Hispanic men. The health fair occurred on Father’s Day weekend in 2023 and consisted of health screenings, health information, and other resources (eg, condoms, research studies). Participants who attended the health fair were asked to complete a check-in survey (N = 103) that assessed demographic information and how they heard about the health fair, followed by a survey (N = 58) that assessed facilitators/barriers to participation in a men’s health fair.

Results:

Results were stratified by the gender of respondent. The results highlight the facilitators/barriers experienced by men to attending health fairs and also highlight important differences in facilitators/barriers for men to attend a health fair as perceived by men and women.

Conclusions:

These findings have implications for the design and implementation of future men’s health fairs to promote preventive health service use among Black, Hispanic, and rural men.
An Appraisal Analysis of the Performance of Malaysian Fresh Graduates in a Job Interview
Authors: Krishnan Isai Amutan , Maniam Mahendran , Mokhtar Mazlin Binti Mohamed
Published: January 2024

The current study was undertaken to investigate how fresh graduates perform in English and why they were successful, reserved, or unsuccessful in job interviews from the perspective of the Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) Appraisal Theory namely from the Attitude subsystem. The theory focuses on the English language proficiency of the candidates in terms of their ability to express their stances in English. A qualitative method was employed in the present study. The data of the study comprised of walk-in interview transcripts of 10 fresh graduates for the post of Administrative Officer (s). An Appraisal analysis was conducted to reveal stances for the answers to the general interview question, “How do you face challenges?” and it was used as a theme to analyze the data. The findings revealed that the Appreciation subsystem of Attitude was used predominantly by candidates who were successful. The current study is expected to advance knowledge on the performance of graduates in job interviews and contribute to the field of SFL and Educational Linguistics.
The Importance of Critical Social Media Literacy in the Digital Era: Benefits for Social Support and Flourishing
Authors: Keum Brian TaeHyuk
Published: January 2024

We examined the association between critical social media literacy (critical consumption and prosumption) and several indicators of flourishing mental health (i.e., resilience, coping ability, life satisfaction) as well as mental health issues (i.e., depressive symptoms, anxiety, loneliness), with a focus on the mediating role of social support. Using data from 338 emerging adults ( Mage = 23.28, SD = 2.38), we conducted a path analysis to examine the relationship between critical social media literacy, social support, flourishing, and mental health outcomes. Our results showed that greater critical social media literacy was associated with greater social support, which in turn was associated with greater levels of flourishing outcomes and lower levels of mental health issues. These findings suggest that critical social media literacy may serve as a key tool in developing effective social support systems and promoting a flourishing lifestyle among emerging adults. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Missing the Wood for the Trees: How Indian Legal Education Fails to Deliver the Professional Lawyer?
Authors: Gupta Suvrajyoti , Moti Shireen
Published: January 2024

In this work, we compare the Indian and American legal education systems, to argue that the former lacks the toolkit to impart professionalism among its graduates. ‘Professionalism’ in American literature means the internalization of legal skills along with values of public service. The formation of these cognitive attributes through law school and formative years is known as ‘professional identity formation’. We refer to the American discourse of professionalism and argue that Indian legal education should switch to the American Bar Association output-based model, thereby creating a clear goal but flexible pathways, allowing for faculty-led innovation in courses, curricula and pedagogy. We also underline other aspects of Indian legal education like faculty shortages and barriers between academia and profession as causative factors preventing the growth of professionalism in law graduates, which may eventually disadvantage them in the global workplace. We call for reform and discourse of the basic attitudes of the Bar Council of India and the legal educators.
Amplitude Compression for Preventing Rollover at Above-Conversational Speech Levels
Authors: Fereczkowski Michal , Sanchez-Lopez Raul H. , Christiansen Stine , Neher Tobias
Published: January 2024

Hearing aids provide nonlinear amplification to improve speech audibility and loudness perception. While more audibility typically increases speech intelligibility at low levels, the same is not true for above-conversational levels, where decreases in intelligibility (“rollover”) can occur. In a previous study, we found rollover in speech intelligibility measurements made in quiet for 35 out of 74 test ears with a hearing loss. Furthermore, we found rollover occurrence in quiet to be associated with poorer speech intelligibility in noise as measured with linear amplification. Here, we retested 16 participants with rollover with three amplitude-compression settings. Two were designed to prevent rollover by applying slow- or fast-acting compression with a 5:1 compression ratio around the “sweet spot,” that is, the area in an individual performance-intensity function with high intelligibility and listening comfort. The third, reference setting used gains and compression ratios prescribed by the “National Acoustic Laboratories Non-Linear 1” rule. Speech intelligibility was assessed in quiet and in noise. Pairwise preference judgments were also collected. For speech levels of 70 dB SPL and above, slow-acting sweet-spot compression gave better intelligibility in quiet and noise than the reference setting. Additionally, the participants clearly preferred slow-acting sweet-spot compression over the other settings. At lower levels, the three settings gave comparable speech intelligibility, and the participants preferred the reference setting over both sweet-spot settings. Overall, these results suggest that, for listeners with rollover, slow-acting sweet-spot compression is beneficial at 70 dB SPL and above, while at lower levels clinically established gain targets are more suited.
Depressive Symptoms Associated With Social Participation in Older Adults Living With Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Rodakowski Juleen , Dorris Jennie L. , Stahl Sarah
Published: January 2024

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) affects 15% of adults 50 years old and over. Individuals living with MCI have shown decreased social participation, a critical activity as it may delay cognitive decline. Depression may be a key factor in limiting participation. This study is a secondary data analysis of 30 older adults living with MCI, looking for associations with participation. Participation was examined using the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) Satisfaction with Participation in Social Roles Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) form. Depressive symptoms were reported using the PROMIS Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders Depression CAT form and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PhQ-9) form. Results showed that demographics (age, sex) were not significantly associated with participation, but depressive symptoms were significantly associated. This suggests that adults living with MCI who have higher levels of depressive symptoms may be a uniquely vulnerable population who benefit from interventions that support participation.
Reducing Preoperative Caregiver Anxiety With Virtual Reality: A Pragmatic, Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Fonseca Ahtziri , Qian Daniel , Forbes Ty , Li Brian S-K , Lee Charles , Burdsall Kylie , Rodriguez Samuel , Jackson Christian , Wang Ellen Y , Caruso Thomas J
Published: January 2024

Pediatric patients and their caregivers often experience perioperative anxiety. Interventions reduce caregiver anxiety improve cooperation and contribute to an improved patient experience. This study seeks to evaluate the efficacy of virtual reality (VR)-assisted mindfulness on perioperative caregiver anxiety. Participants were randomized into a standard of care (SOC) group, which included snacks but no technology-based distractions, or a VR group, which included snacks and a VR-guided meditation. Caregiver anxiety was measured before and after the intervention using the Visual Analogue Scale for Anxiety (VAS-A). Secondary aims explored participants’ baseline anxiety with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). VR group participants completed a satisfaction survey. Linear regression models of VAS-A and STAI were used to compare group differences. Satisfaction survey results were reported with descriptive statistics. 26 participants were included, with 12 randomized to the SOC group and 14 to the VR group. VAS-A scores in the VR group were lower than those in the SOC group ( p = .002). The STAI found no change in participants’ state of anxiety in the SOC group ( p = .7108), compared to a significant reduction ( p = .014) in the VR group when controlling for anxiety traits. 12 of 14 caregivers in the VR group expressed satisfaction or strong satisfaction. This study supports the implementation of VR mindfulness as a method to reduce caregiver anxiety. VR use in the pediatric healthcare setting is safe and inexpensive, and the intervention had a high degree of participant satisfaction.
Rediscovering the Spiritual in Religious Conversion Studies
Authors: Hilderbrand Kelly Michael
Published: January 2024

This article is a review of conversion research and how it views the spiritual within conversion. Central to missions is the understanding of the process of conversion. Missiologists, psychologists, sociologists, and theologians have all studied the process of conversion. An evaluation of conversion studies shows that researchers tend to ignore or downplay the role of spiritual agency or the supernatural in the process of conversion. Recent studies in a majority world context have identified spiritual agency or the supernatural as central to conversion. We need to reexamine our models of conversion and further study the universality of spiritual agency in consideration of these results.
Interfaith Collaborations and Development in Botswana: Focus on Pentecostals and Other Christian Denominations
Authors: Nkomazana Fidelis , Motswapong Elizabeth
Published: January 2024

The article seeks to address how religion under the auspices of interfaith networks and collaborations continues to be pivotal in the development of countries across the globe. These networks and collaborations come in different forms such as interfaith education, dialogue, and cooperation. Inter- and intra-faith umbrella bodies/organizations continue to provide forums for religious committees to gather, dialogue, and cooperate on issues of mutual and national interests, thus contributing to the development of the country. These umbrella bodies and organizations are charged with fostering unity among different churches. In this article, Pentecostalism, under the umbrella body of Evangelical Fellowship of Botswana (EFB), is used as an example of interfaith collaboration with other churches to foster development in Botswana. These networks are being done in the spirit of the Lambeth Conference of 1998 that pointed out that: “Dialogue with people of other faith begins when people meet each other . . . in mutual understanding, respect, and trust . . . to share in service to the community . . . as an authentic witness.” These liaisons herein referred to as interfaith networks have immensely contributed to development in Botswana.
The Importance of Thai Christian Art: An Analysis of Three Artists and Their Impact on Society
Authors: Panjinda Wipawee
Published: January 2024

In this article, three differing approaches to faith representation will be presented. Sawai Chinnawong uses a traditional Thai art form, while Arnan Moontrakorn utilizes an amalgamated approach to Thai and Modern art. Jompol Puatawee, while using Thai imagery in his contemporary art style, does not reference traditional symbols. The artists featured, while all representing their Christian faith, do not use obvious Christian symbolism. As this article shows, Thai Christians can accept Thai traditional art as a useful medium for presenting Christian ideas, and these works of art are understood to have a Christian message.