bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mental health and the ballot box: A correlational analysis of Google searches for mental health and national election periods in the United States and the United Kingdom from 2008 to 2020
Authors: Smith Alexander J. , Graña Juan , Alibudbud Rowalt , Ventriglio Antonio , Buadze Anna , Liebrenz Michael
Published: June 2024

Background:

In electoral contexts, mental health topics have recently attracted sociopolitical relevance, influenced by policy developments, election-related psychopathology and popular discourse about individual candidates. Yet, whether this reflects generalised trends or is contingent on election-specific and contextual factors remains difficult to ascertain.

Aims:

This study sought to examine correlations between Google Trends (GT) data on mental health and four national elections in the US and the UK from 2008 to 2020. This was intended to yield preliminary insights into the relevance of mental health topics amongst voters and the potential impact of electoral cycles on patterns of online engagement with these issues.

Methods:

Monthly and daily Search Volume Indexes (SVI) were gathered from the ‘Mental Health’ category on GT in the US and UK from 2008 to 2023. SVI were evaluated around the past four national ballots, comparing election-year intervals and baseline data from the preceding year. Statistical tests were conducted to assess SVI and short- and long-term dynamics.

Findings:

The results showed heterogeneous SVI patterns related to mental health during elections in the US and the UK. In the US, there were statistically significant SVI increases proximal to the majority of elections as compared to data in the same calendar year, but these did not typically exceed baseline SVI. However, interestingly, divisive US contests showed correlations with several elevated SVI measures in the same and previous years. Conversely, there was a lack of consistent longitudinal trends in UK elections, perhaps informed by its disparate sociopolitical landscape.

Conclusions:

These findings underline the composite relationship between electoral politics and popular engagement with mental health topics around national votes, suggesting that this is driven more by situational factors rather than a recurrent electoral effect or signs of burgeoning engagement. Detailed research is required to understand the nuances and causality behind these dynamics and their wider implications.
Autoethnographic Disability-Related Research in Hospitality and Tourism Journals: Empowering Marginalized Identity Scholars’ Voices
Authors: Doan Tin , Darcy Simon
Published: June 2024

Autoethnography, an essential research approach, interweaves personal experiences with introspective insights from distinct communities. Despite its methodological significance, autoethnography remains inadequately represented in hospitality and tourism research discourse. This paper seeks to challenge this status quo by advocating for social model strength-based paradigms in understanding disability and by addressing the structural and attitudinal obstacles that hinder the acceptance of autoethnographic research in high-ranking journals within hospitality and tourism. This conceptual note emphasizes the empowerment of marginalized voices, including those with disabilities, and their intersecting identities. It also highlights the hurdles faced by autoethnographers when submitting their work to prestigious journals and provides recommendations for fostering the recognition and inclusion of autoethnography within the field.
Communicating Green Innovation to Online Communities: Evidence from Sports Mega Events
Authors: Qin Xiangru , Muskat Birgit , Xia Haiyang , Mair Judith , Li Gang
Published: June 2024

Tourism and event organizers implement green innovation to mitigate the negative environmental impacts they cause. However, how to effectively communicate these green innovations to online communities remains a challenge. Drawing on message framing and construal level theories, we collected 503 tweets and used an exploratory sequential mixed-methods approach to analyze the textual data. First, we conducted abductive coding analysis, identifying two novel framing forms, innovative and value chain framings. Second, using negative binomial regressions, we found that input-value (vs. output-value) framing is often used but decreases online engagement. Moreover, proximal (vs. distal) framing is less used but enhances online engagement. Third, we explored the moderating effect of green innovation, revealing that innovative and proximal framings are more effective for green organizational innovation, whereas emotional framing is more effective for green service innovation. This study offers novel insights on how to strategically communicate green innovation to event online communities.
Research on Optimization of Maintenance Task Scheduling for Metro Systems Based on Resource Constraints
Authors: Luo Qin , Huang Shan , Li Wei , Wang Yi , Zeng Cuifeng , Chen Jingjing
Published: June 2024

Optimizing the maintenance scheduling of metro systems is a crucial task that necessitates meticulous coordination of labor, equipment, and workspaces to ensure optimal system performance and safety. A mathematical model and a two-stage teaching-learning-based optimization (TLBO)-resource operators crossover (ROC) algorithm are proposed aiming at optimizing the scheduling of maintenance tasks for metro systems. The mathematical model focuses on minimizing the makespan, which represents the total duration or time required to complete a set of tasks or activities within a project. In addition, it takes into account the need to balance the load on labor and workspaces, considering environmental constraints, limited resources, and strict scheduling requirements. A two-stage TLBO-ROC algorithm is specifically designed to enhance the scheduling process. It achieves this by iteratively updating the local best individual matrix, dividing it into groups, and adjusting the resource allocation. This algorithm effectively reduces the makespan while also achieving improved balance in the workspace load. The model and algorithm are tested on the Shenzhen metro system. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed approach significantly reduces the makespan. In comparison to manual scheduling plans, the algorithm achieved a remarkable 28.06% reduction in the makespan. Moreover, when compared to benchmark algorithms, our proposed algorithm not only improves the makespan but also ensures more equitable occupation of workspaces by maintaining a similar balance in labor load.
Anchoring and stressing methods for prestressed FRP plates: State-of-the-art review
Authors: Chang Xinquan , Wang Xin , Liu Changyuan , Wu Zhishen , Noori Mohammad
Published: June 2024

Prestressing of the fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) plate is applied to fully extend the high-strength performance of the FRP plate in structure reinforcement. Anchoring methods and stressing are the two main issues for prestressed FRP plates. Although a number of methods concerning those two main issues have been developed, the literature lacks a systematic review on the existing methods for FRP plates anchoring and stressing. This article compares the comprehensive performance of different FRP plates, recommending BFRP plates as more suitable for use in prestressed tensioning systems. It contrasts the principles and applicability of various anchoring devices, suggesting that wedge-type clip anchors and flat-type anchors show promising development prospects. Additionally, addressing stress concentration in the anchorage zones of low-modulus FRP plates is key to enhancing anchoring efficiency. Ultimately, the paper evaluates tensioning methods for FRP plates, identifying “the method of jacking against the strengthened component” as the most promising, yet it requires innovation in terms of dimensions and positioning of the tensioning frame to enhance its applicability to specific engineering needs.
“Re-Inventing How We Live in the City”: Well-being and the Los Angeles Ecovillage
Authors: Knoll Dani X.
Published: June 2024

In this study I examine the ritualistic behavior of participants in the intentional community where I live, the Los Angeles Ecovillage, and how that relates to well-being in a collective sense. Studying the ritualistic behavior within the Los Angeles Ecovillage can offer insight into areas that have been perhaps less explored, as in ritual’s relationship to well-being in intentional communities, particularly in the urban context of this community. Furthermore, although it is a factor, psychological well-being in this context is not limited to an individual’s self-reported quality of mental and physical health—it arguably extends to a collective expression of well-being. In describing social alternative approaches to health and well-being related problems posed by societal barriers to human connection, a paradigm may be formed for how intentional community can support psychological needs.
Robust attitude trajectory tracking control for a quadrotor under external disturbance
Authors: Huang Tianpeng , Ren Junxiao , Li Liang , Shao Huishuang , Yu Tao
Published: June 2024

Attitude stability plays an important role in quadrotor aircraft. However, it is difficult to design a robust controller to precisely track a desired attitude trajectory in the presence of external disturbance. To address this problem, a nonlinear disturbance estimator with finite-time convergence is proposed to estimate external disturbance. Then, a dynamic surface control scheme based on the disturbance estimator is developed. Therefore, the compensation for external disturbance can be achieved in the designed controller. Furthermore, the L ∞ performance of transient attitude tracking error is achieved by analyzing solution of Lyapunov function. The finite-time convergence of disturbance estimation error and the asymptotical convergence of attitude tracking error of closed-loop system are rigorously proved. Finally, the numerical simulations are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed disturbance estimator and control scheme.
Sickle cell trait, APOL1 risk allele status and chronic kidney disease among ART-experienced adults living with HIV in northern Nigeria
Authors: Abdulhamid Abdurrahman , Shepherd Bryan E. , Wudil Usman J. , Van Wyk Chelsea , Dankishiya Faisal S. , Hussaini Nafiu , Wester C. William , Aliyu Muktar H.
Published: June 2024

Background

We sought to determine the prevalence of sickle cell trait (SCT) and apolipoprotein-1 ( APOL1) risk variants in people living with HIV (PLWH) in Nigeria, and to establish if SCT and APOL1 high-risk status correlate with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and/or prevalent chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

Baseline demographic and clinical data were obtained during three cross-sectional visits. CKD was defined as having an eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m2. We collected urine specimens to determine urine albumin-creatine ratio and blood samples for sickle cell genotyping, APOL1 testing, and for creatinine/cystatin C assessment. The associations between SCT, APOL1 genotype, and eGFR/CKD stages/CKD were investigated using linear/ordinal logistic/logistic regression models, respectively.

Results

Of 2443 participants, 599 (24.5%) had SCT, and 2291 (93.8%) had a low-risk APOL1 genotype (0 or 1 risk variant), while 152 (6.2%) had high-risk genotype (2 allele copies). In total, 108 participants (4.4%) were diagnosed with CKD. In adjusted analyses, SCT was associated with lower eGFR (adjusted mean difference [aMD]= −2.33, 95% CI -4.25, −0.42), but not with worse CKD stages, or increased odds of developing CKD. Participants with the APOL1 high risk genotype were more likely to have lower eGFR (aMD= −5.45, 95% CI -8.87, −2.03), to develop CKD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.03, 3.75), and to be in worse CKD stages (aOR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.12, 2.29) than those with the low-risk genotype. There was no evidence of interaction between SCT and APOL1 genotype on eGFR or risk of CKD.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the multifaceted interplay of genetic factors in the pathogenesis of CKD in PLWH.
Pediatric Uropathogens and their Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern: Experience from an Impoverished District of Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Khan Moiz Ahmed , Shakeel Nosheen
Published: June 2024

Introduction:

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common infection of the pediatric age group. Several factors linked to higher prevalence include poor personal hygiene, improper sanitation, lower socioeconomic status, and malnourishment. In addition to having a worse quality of life, the 1.8 million children who live in Karachi’s Korangi district are routinely exposed to such factors.

Objectives:

The study aims to evaluate the frequency of UTI and distribution of uropathogens along with their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern in patients presenting to a pediatric tertiary care center in the Korangi district of Karachi, Pakistan.

Design:

The study employed an observational cross-sectional design.

Methods:

The study was conducted at the Microbiology laboratory of Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology, Karachi, Pakistan from 1st January to 15th August 2023. Urine samples of patients 1 to 16 years of age were collected via midstream clean catch method and of patients from birth up to 1 year were collected in urine collection bags. The samples were cultured on Cystine Lactose Electrolyte Deficient (CLED) agar and antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer Disc Diffusion method.

Results:

A total of 457 urine samples were collected, of which 90 (19.7%) were positive for significant uropathogens. With a mean age of 4.6 years, majority of the culture-positive patients were female (n = 72; 80%). Enterobacterales were the most frequently isolated (n = 88; 95.6%), of which Escherichia coli was the most common (73.9%; n = 68). Citrobacter (n = 7; 7.6%), Klebsiella (n = 6; 6.5%), Serratia (n = 4; 4.3%), Proteus (n = 2; 2.2%), Salmonella (n = 2; 2.2%), and Enterobacter (n = 1; 1.1%) were among the other Enterobacterales isolated. Meropenem and imipenem were the most effective in isolates from Enterobacterales (n = 88) followed by amikacin (n = 84), ciprofloxacin (n = 75), and piperacillin-tazobactam (n = 70). Ceftriaxone and cefixime exhibited moderate susceptibility (n = 69 and 52) whereas, amoxicillin-clavulanate was the least susceptible (n = 3).

Conclusion:

We report high frequency of UTI in our pediatric population with uropathogens and associated antimicrobial susceptibility pattern confirming to the existing trends of pediatric UTIs in Pakistan. In addition to valuable insights for treating patients under similar conditions, our study serves as a catalyst for further multi-center research in this area.
Human-bus-road coupled vibration considering effect of braking forces
Authors: Zhang Jie , Wang Guichun , Hu Jiexuan
Published: June 2024

The ride comfort of vehicles traveling on the road has always been a concern. In addition, the braking force of vehicles will aggravate the damage to road structures and reduce the comfort of drivers and passengers. In the present study, the dynamic response of pavement, road friendliness, and human comfort are investigated by setting up the human-bus-road coupled vibration system considering the braking forces. Firstly, the three-dimensional finite element model of asphalt pavement with interlayer contact and the human-bus model with multiple degrees of freedom (2n + 7) were established to analyze the dynamic responses of asphalt pavement, human body, and bus under different braking conditions. Then, the dynamic load coefficients of wheels under different combined conditions were investigated to evaluate the road friendliness and the human annoyance rate was adopted to evaluate the human comfort. The results show that for the asphalt pavement, the shear stress of the pavement is larger than the normal stress due to the bus braking, and the combined effect of road surface roughness and braking force on the road friendliness is the largest. For the human comfort, the pitch acceleration of human body increases more than the roll acceleration due to bus braking, resulting in the decreased human comfort and increased annoyance rate.
Are pie charts evil? An assessment of the value of pie and donut charts compared to bar charts
Authors: Hill Andrew
Published: June 2024

Many data visualization experts recommend the use of bar charts over pie charts because they consider comparing the area or angle of segments to be less accurate than comparing bars on a bar chart. However, many studies show that when the pie chart is used to estimate proportions (arguably its main function) it is as accurate as the bar chart. A major issue is that most previous studies have only looked at one method of extracting information from pie charts, for example either by comparing the segment to the circle (the part-whole relationship) or one segment to another (relative magnitude estimation). Therefore, in this study I test multiple metrics to provide a more holistic assessment of the pie and donut chart against the bar chart. I also measured cognitive load through pupillometry. In summary, bar charts were more precise than pie and donut charts for ranking elements, but all charts were equally accurate for extracting the part-whole relationship. There was little difference in cognitive load between chart types, although bar charts were consistently faster to use on average. Overall, the bar chart was more flexible, but where there were statistically significant differences between charts, the effect sizes were often small, and unlikely to prevent effective extraction of quantitative information. That is, as long as they were used appropriately, all chart types were arguably acceptable for displaying simple, categorical data.
Nuancing Representation of Global Girlhoods: Promises and Problematics
Authors: Morley Alyssa , Makhuva Stella , Silver Rachel
Published: June 2024

This article explores the ethical implications of methods that seek to nuance mainstream representations of girls in the Global South during COVID-19. In response to what we observed as monolithic and highly sexualized framings of “Third-world” girls during the initial years of the coronavirus pandemic (2020–2023), we designed a two-part study that (a) examined the circulation and implications of discursive tropes on gendered risk with a focus on African girlhoods; and (b) collaborated with girls in Southern Malawi to construct longitudinal counternarratives based on lived experience during the pandemic’s early years. We reflect upon how each component may have mitigated or perpetuated problematic patterns in gendered representation. At the same time, we analyze the dilemmas transnational researchers face in positioning themselves to nuance global discourses and destabilize asymmetries in research collaboration. Finally, we consider new directions for girlhood studies methodologies.
The ethical value of consulting community members in non-emergency trials conducted with waivers of informed consent for research
Authors: Largent Emily A , Joffe Steven , Dickert Neal W , Morain Stephanie R
Published: June 2024

There is growing interest in using embedded research methods, particularly pragmatic clinical trials, to address well-known evidentiary shortcomings afflicting the health care system. Reviews of pragmatic clinical trials published between 2014 and 2019 found that 8.8% were conducted with waivers of informed consent; furthermore, the number of trials where consent is not obtained is increasing with time. From a regulatory perspective, waivers of informed consent are permissible when certain conditions are met, including that the study involves no more than minimal risk, that it could not practicably be carried out without a waiver, and that waiving consent does not violate participants’ rights and welfare. Nevertheless, when research is conducted with a waiver of consent, several ethical challenges arise. We must consider how to: address empirical evidence showing that patients and members of the public generally prefer prospective consent, demonstrate respect for persons using tools other than consent, promote public trust and investigator integrity, and ensure an adequate level of participant protections. In this article, we use examples drawn from real pragmatic clinical trials to argue that prospective consultation with representatives of the target study population can address, or at least mitigate, many of the ethical challenges posed by waivers of informed consent. We also consider what consultation might involve to illustrate its feasibility and address potential objections.
The Influences of Misinformation on Incidences of Politically Motivated Violence in Europe
Authors: Rulis Mina
Published: June 2024

Misinformation has become increasingly prevalent in online media. Transnational misinformation, in particular, poses an increasing threat to the security and stability of modern nation-states. To this end, at least some anecdotal evidence suggests a direct relationship between misinformation and domestic acts of politically motivated violence. Yet, such claims lack systematic empirical evidence, especially as it relates to transnational misinformation. To address this, this paper analyzes the effects of transnational misinformation on several distinct forms of domestic political violence across Europe, sharpening our empirical understanding of the purported association between misinformation and political violence. This is achieved through the fusion of a fine-grained spatial-temporal dataset of confirmed instances of news-based misinformation with daily event data on incidents of political conflict. These combined data are analyzed using a variety of statistical techniques for the period covering January 2016–May 2022. Findings imply a positive association between transnational misinformation and several forms of political violence in Europe. Furthermore, this association is more reliable for civilian-to-government violence events than for violence between civilian actors. Altogether this paper accordingly provides novel and nuanced empirical evidence for the pernicious effects of transnational misinformation on political violence.
Obsessive-Compulsive Visual Search: A Reexamination of Presence–Absence Asymmetries
Authors: Sarna Noam , Mazor Matan , Dar Reuven
Published: June 2024

In previous research, obsessive-compulsive tendencies were associated with longer search times in visual-search tasks. These findings, replicated and extended to a clinical sample, were specific to target-absent trials, with no effect on target-present trials. This selectivity was interpreted as checking behavior in response to mild uncertainty. However, an alternative interpretation is that individuals with high obsessive-compulsive (OC+) tendencies have a specific difficulty with inference about absence. In two large-scale, preregistered, online experiments (conceptual replication: N = 1,007; direct replication: N = 226), we sought to replicate the original finding and elucidate its underlying cause: an increased sensitivity to mild uncertainty or a selective deficiency in inference about absence. Both experiments showed no evidence of prolonged search times in target-absent trials for OC+ individuals. Taken together, our results do not support the notion that inducing mild uncertainty in the form of target absence leads to excessive checking among OC+ individuals.
Preparing Students for Communicating in Business: A Framework for Informing Literacy Practices
Authors: Orwig Marcy Leasum , Strong Jane , Kurtenbach Bridget
Published: June 2024

Preparing students to communicate in business has often been an overlooked area within literacy studies. With current calls by Cardon et al. (2024) to focus on core competencies in the business communication classroom with the emergence of generative AI, it is more important than ever to remember Berkenkotter and Huckin’s (1994) explanation that students will always learn in a form of “situated cognition embedded in disciplinary activities” (p. 3). This project, as a result, provides a framework to explore student experiences with business communication before students arrive on a college campus to better inform higher education stakeholders.
Cerebrospinal fluid distribution and pharmacokinetics of ponatinib in Ph1+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Walczak Pierre , Fodil Sofiane , Vignal Nicolas , Cabannes-Hamy Aurélie , Boissel Nicolas , Raffoux Emmanuel , Cayuela Jean-Michel , Goldwirt Lauriane , Lengliné Etienne
Published: June 2024

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors efficacy in central nervous system (CNS) disease remains uncertain. Ponatinib was studied for CNS distribution in 16 patients with Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Cerebrospinal fluid concentrations fell below the 40 nM threshold, suggesting suboptimal CNS exposure.
Cuproptosis in cancer: biological implications and therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Li Liping , Zhou Houfeng , Zhang Chenliang
Published: June 2024

Cuproptosis, a newly identified copper (Cu)-dependent form of cell death, stands out due to its distinct mechanism that sets it apart from other known cell death pathways. The molecular underpinnings of cuproptosis involve the binding of Cu to lipoylated enzymes in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. This interaction triggers enzyme aggregation and proteotoxic stress, culminating in cell death. The specific mechanism of cuproptosis has yet to be fully elucidated. This newly recognized form of cell death has sparked numerous investigations into its role in tumorigenesis and cancer therapy. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge on Cu metabolism and its link to cancer. Furthermore, we delineated the molecular mechanisms of cuproptosis and summarized the roles of cuproptosis-related genes in cancer. Finally, we offered a comprehensive discussion of the most recent advancements in Cu ionophores and nanoparticle delivery systems that utilize cuproptosis as a cutting-edge strategy for cancer treatment.
Corneal ulceration following periocular scorpion sting: a case report
Authors: Shiravani Mohammad , Nejabat Mahmood , Attar Alireza
Published: June 2024

Background

Scorpion envenomation, a prevalent medical emergency in rural areas, demands immediate attention due to its potential severity. While ocular manifestations are uncommon, they can lead to significant complications such as corneal ulceration. We present a unique case of corneal ulceration subsequent to a yellow scorpion (Hemiscorpius lepturus) sting near the eye, a scenario not previously documented.

Case presentation

A 34-year-old male sought medical care following a scorpion sting despite prior anti-venom treatment. Clinical examination revealed pronounced ocular inflammation, corneal stromal melting, and anterior chamber inflammation, with microbiological confirmation of Pseudomonas spp infection. Treatment comprised fortified ceftazidime and vancomycin eye drops, alongside topical corticosteroids, leading to visual and corneal healing.

Conclusion

This case highlights the urgency of addressing scorpion envenomation and its potential for severe ocular complications, including corneal ulceration. Prompt diagnosis and targeted therapy with antibiotics and corticosteroids are crucial for favorable outcomes. A comprehensive understanding and timely intervention in scorpion sting-induced ocular manifestations are essential for optimal patient management and outcomes in such cases.
The Impact of Blood and Urine Biomarkers on Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Insights from Mendelian Randomization and Cross-sectional Study from NHANES
Authors: Jingzhi Wang , Cui Xuehao
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness, affecting millions worldwide. Its complex pathogenesis involves a variety of risk factors, including lipid metabolism and inflammation. This study aims to elucidate the causal relationships between biomarkers related to these processes and AMD, leveraging Mendelian randomization (MR) and cross-sectional analysis from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Method

We conducted a two-phase study, initially using MR to explore the causality between 35 biomarkers and various AMD subtypes, followed by observational analysis with NHANES data to validate these findings.

Results

MR analysis identified a protective role of TG and a risk factor role of HDL-C and CRP in AMD development. NHANES data corroborated these findings, highlighting a nuanced relationship between these biomarkers and AMD. Notably, lipid metabolism-related biomarkers showed stronger associations with early AMD, whereas CRP’s significance was pronounced in late AMD.

Conclusion

This comprehensive analysis, combining MR with NHANES data, reinforces the importance of lipid metabolism and inflammation in AMD’s etiology. Future research should further investigate these biomarkers’ mechanisms and their potential as therapeutic targets for AMD prevention and treatment.
iProL: identifying DNA promoters from sequence information based on Longformer pre-trained model
Authors: Peng Binchao , Sun Guicong , Fan Yongxian
Published: June 2024

Promoters are essential elements of DNA sequence, usually located in the immediate region of the gene transcription start sites, and play a critical role in the regulation of gene transcription. Its importance in molecular biology and genetics has attracted the research interest of researchers, and it has become a consensus to seek a computational method to efficiently identify promoters. Still, existing methods suffer from imbalanced recognition capabilities for positive and negative samples, and their recognition effect can still be further improved. We conducted research on E. coli promoters and proposed a more advanced prediction model, iProL, based on the Longformer pre-trained model in the field of natural language processing. iProL does not rely on prior biological knowledge but simply uses promoter DNA sequences as plain text to identify promoters. It also combines one-dimensional convolutional neural networks and bidirectional long short-term memory to extract both local and global features. Experimental results show that iProL has a more balanced and superior performance than currently published methods. Additionally, we constructed a novel independent test set following the previous specification and compared iProL with three existing methods on this independent test set.
Diabetes mellitus and risk of incident dementia in APOE ɛ4 carriers: an updated meta-analysis
Authors: Rashtchian Ava , Etemadi Mohammad Hossein , Asadi Elham , Binaei Sara , Abbasi Mina , Bayani Maedeh , Izadi Erfan , Sadat-Madani Sayedeh-Fatemeh , Naziri Mahdyieh , khoshravesh Sahar , shirani Mahsa , Asadi Anar Mahsa , Deravi Niloofar
Published: June 2024

Background and aim

Diabetes raises the risk of dementia, mortality, and cognitive decline in the elderly, potentially because of hereditary variables such as APOE. In this study, we aim to evaluate Diabetes mellitus and the risk of incident dementia in APOE ɛ4 carriers.

Method

We thoroughly searched PubMed (Medline), Scopus, and Google Scholar databases for related articles up to September 2023. The titles, abstracts, and full texts of articles were reviewed; data were extracted and analyzed.

Result

This meta-analysis included nine cohorts and seven cross-sectional articles with a total of 42,390 population. The study found that APOE ɛ4 carriers with type 2 diabetes (T2D) had a 48% higher risk of developing dementia compared to non-diabetic carriers (Hazard Ratio;1.48, 95%CI1.36–1.60). The frequency of dementia was 3 in 10 people (frequency: 0.3; 95%CI (0.15–0.48). No significant heterogeneity was observed. Egger’s test, which we performed, revealed no indication of publication bias among the included articles (p = 0.2).

Conclusion

Overall, diabetes increases the risk of dementia, but further large-scale studies are still required to support the results of current research.
Perceived but not objective measures of neighborhood safety and food environments are associated with longitudinal changes in processing speed among urban older adults
Authors: Hyun Jinshil , Lovasi Gina S. , Katz Mindy J. , Derby Carol A. , Lipton Richard B. , Sliwinski Martin J.
Published: June 2024

Background

Although a growing body of literature documents the importance of neighborhood effects on late-life cognition, little is known about the relative strength of objective and subjective neighborhood measures on late-life cognitive changes. This study examined effects of objective and subjective neighborhood measures in three neighborhood domains (neighborhood safety, physical disorder, food environments) on longitudinal changes in processing speed, an early marker of cognitive aging and impairment.

Methods

The analysis sample included 306 community-dwelling older adults enrolled in the Einstein Aging Study (mean age = 77, age range = 70 to 91; female = 67.7%; non-Hispanic White: 45.1%, non-Hispanic Black: 40.9%). Objective and subjective measures of neighborhood included three neighborhood domains (i.e., neighborhood safety, physical disorder, food environments). Processing speed was assessed using a brief Symbol Match task (unit: second), administered on a smartphone device six times a day for 16 days and repeated annually for up to five years. Years from baseline was used as the within-person time index.

Results

Results from mixed effects models showed that subjective neighborhood safety (β= -0.028) and subjective availability of healthy foods (β= -0.028) were significantly associated with less cognitive slowing over time. When objective and subjective neighborhood measures were simultaneously examined, subjective availability of healthy foods remained significant (β= -0.028) after controlling for objective availability of healthy foods. Associations of objective neighborhood crime and physical disorder with processing speed seemed to be confounded by individual-level race and socioeconomic status; after controlling for these confounders, none of objective neighborhood measures showed significant associations with processing speed.

Conclusion

Subjective neighborhood safety and subjective availability of healthy foods, rather than objective measures, were associated with less cognitive slowing over time over a five-year period. Perception of one’s neighborhood may be a more proximal predictor of cognitive health outcomes as it may reflect one’s experiences in the environment. It would be important to improve our understanding of both objective and subjective neighborhood factors to improve cognitive health among older adults.
Measuring pain intensity in older patients: a comparison of five scales
Authors: Nimmaanrat Sasikaan , Thepsuwan Arpawan , Tipchatyotin Suttipong , Jensen Mark P.
Published: June 2024

Background and aims

Pain is common in older individuals. In order to understand and treat pain in this group, reliable and valid measures are needed. This study aimed to evaluate: (1) the validity, utility, incorrect response rates and preference rates of 5 pain rating scales in older individuals; and (2) the associations between age, education level, and cognitive function and both (a) incorrect response and (b) preference rates.

Methods

Two hundred and one orthopedic clinic outpatients ≥ 65 years old were asked to rate their current pain, and least, average, and worst pain intensity in the past week using 5 scales: Verbal Numerical Rating Scale (VNRS), Faces Pain Scale - Revised (FPS-R), Verbal Rating Scale (VRS), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Participants were also asked to indicate scale preference. We computed the associations between each measure and a factor score representing the shared variance among the scales, the incorrect response and scale preference rates, and the associations between incorrect response and preference rates and age, education level, and cognitive function. The incorrect responses included being unable to respond, providing more than one response, responses outside a range, providing range answers rather than fixed answers, and responses indicating ‘least > average,’ ‘least > worst,’ and ‘average > worst’.

Results

The findings support validity of all 5 scales in older individuals who are able to use all measures. The VNRS had the lowest (2%) and the VAS had the highest (6%) incorrect response rates. The NRS was the most (35%) and the VAS was the least (5%) preferred. Age was associated with the incorrect response rates of the VRS and VAS, such that older individuals were less likely to use these scales correctly. Education level was associated with the incorrect response rates of the FPS-R, NRS and VAS, such that those with less education were less likely to use these measures correctly. Cognitive function was not significantly associated with incorrect response rates. Age, education level and cognitive function were not significantly associated with scale preference.

Conclusions

Although all five scales are valid, the VNRS evidences the best overall utility in this sample of older individuals with pain. The NRS or FPS-R would be fine alternatives if it is not practical or feasible to use the VNRS.
A simple machine learning model for the prediction of acute kidney injury following noncardiac surgery in geriatric patients: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Peng Xiran , Zhu Tao , Chen Qixu , Zhang Yuewen , Zhou Ruihao , Li Ke , Hao Xuechao
Published: June 2024

Background

Surgery in geriatric patients often poses risk of major postoperative complications. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication following noncardiac surgery and is associated with increased mortality. Early identification of geriatric patients at high risk of AKI could facilitate preventive measures and improve patient prognosis. This study used machine learning methods to identify important features and predict AKI following noncardiac surgery in geriatric patients.

Methods

The data for this study were obtained from a prospective cohort. Patients aged ≥ 65 years who received noncardiac surgery from June 2019 to December 2021 were enrolled. Data were split into training set (from June 2019 to March 2021) and internal validation set (from April 2021 to December 2021) by time. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regularization algorithm and the random forest recursive feature elimination algorithm (RF-RFE) were used to screen important predictors. Models were trained through extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), random forest, and LASSO. The SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) package was used to interpret the machine learning model.

Results

The training set included 6753 geriatric patients. Of these, 250 (3.70%) patients developed AKI. The XGBoost model with RF-RFE selected features outperformed other models with an area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC) of 0.505 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.369–0.626) and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.806 (95%CI: 0.733–0.875). The model incorporated ten predictors, including operation site and hypertension. The internal validation set included 3808 geriatric patients, and 96 (2.52%) patients developed AKI. The model maintained good predictive performance with an AUPRC of 0.431 (95%CI: 0.331–0.524) and an AUROC of 0.845 (95%CI: 0.796–0.888) in the internal validation.

Conclusions

This study developed a simple machine learning model and a web calculator for predicting AKI following noncardiac surgery in geriatric patients. This model may be a valuable tool for guiding preventive measures and improving patient prognosis.

Trial registration

The protocol of this study was approved by the Committee of Ethics from West China Hospital of Sichuan University (2019–473) with a waiver of informed consent and registered at www.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR1900025160, 15/08/2019).
Development of machine learning models for patients in the high intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma incidence age group
Authors: Shen Jie , Yang Dashuai , Zhou Yu , Pei Junpeng , Wu Zhongkai , Wang Xin , Zhao Kailiang , Ding Youming
Published: June 2024

Background

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) has a poor prognosis and is understudied. Based on the clinical features of patients with ICC, we constructed machine learning models to understand their importance on survival and to accurately determine patient prognosis, aiming to develop reference values to guide physicians in developing more effective treatment plans.

Methods

This study used machine learning (ML) algorithms to build prediction models using ICC data on 1,751 patients from the SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) database and 58 hospital cases. The models’ performances were compared using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, C-index, and Brier scores.

Results

A total of eight variables were used to construct the ML models. Our analysis identified the random survival forest model as the best for prognostic prediction. In the training cohort, its C-index, Brier score, and Area Under the Curve values were 0.76, 0.124, and 0.882, respectively, and it also performed well in the test cohort. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed that the model could effectively determine patient prognosis.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first study to develop ML prognostic models for ICC in the high-incidence age group. Of the ML models, the random survival forest model was best at prognosis prediction.
Clinical results with a multifocal intraocular lens with a novel optical design
Authors: Goldman Gustavo
Published: June 2024

Background

To evaluate the optical performance and safety of a new multifocal lens with a novel optical design featuring two additional foci (or intensifiers) in patients with cataract and presbyopia.

Methods

In this single-center, non-randomized prospective observational study, 31 patients underwent implantation of the new multifocal IOL between March 2020 and November 2021 at a tertiary clinical center in Buenos Aires and Ramos Mejia, Argentina. Postoperative examinations with emphasis on uncorrected and corrected visual acuity at distance and near and at two different intermediate distances (80 cm and 60 cm) were performed during the 3 postoperative months.

Results

Of the 31 patients who underwent implantation of the new IOL, 30 underwent bilateral surgery (61 eyes in total). At 3 months, all 61 eyes had an uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA) of at least 0.15 logMAR; 57 eyes (93%) had an uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA) of 0.1 logMAR and 27 eyes (44%) had an UCDVA of 0.0 logMAR. At 80 cm, 60 eyes (98%) had an uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UCIVA) of at least 0.1 log MAR and 48 eyes (79%) had an UCIVA of 0.0 logMAR.

Conclusion

The new multifocal IOL with a novel optical concept (5 foci) showed a wide range of visual acuity especially at intermediate and near distances in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Uncorrected visual acuity was excellent at all tested distances, monocularly and binocularly, spectacle independence and patient satisfaction were high.
The association between dental and dentoalveolar arch forms of children with normal occlusion and malocclusion: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Luo Jiaqing , Liu Taiqi , Wang Yi , Li Xiaobing
Published: June 2024

Background

Symmetrical and coordinated dental and alveolar arches are crucial for achieving proper occlusion. This study aimed to explore the association between dental and dentoalveolar arch forms in children with both normal occlusion and malocclusion.

Methods

209 normal occlusion subjects (5–13 years, mean 8.48 years) and 199 malocclusion subjects (5–12 years, mean 8.19 years) were included. The dentoalveolar arch form was characterized by the smoothest projected curve representing the layered contour of the buccal alveolar bone, referred to as the LiLo curve. Subsequently, a polynomial function was utilized to assess dental and dentoalveolar arch forms. To facilitate separate analyses of shape (depth/width ratio) and size (depth and width), the widths of dental and dentoalveolar arch forms were normalized. The normalized dental and dentoalveolar arch forms (shapes) were further classified into 6 groups, termed dental/dentoalveolar arch clusters, using the k-means algorithm.

Results

The association between dental and dentoalveolar arch clusters was found to be one-to-many rather than one-to-one. The mismatch between dental and dentoalveolar arch forms is common in malocclusion, affecting 11.4% of the maxilla and 9.2% of the mandible, respectively.

Conclusions

There are large individual variations in the association between dental and dentoalveolar arch forms. Early orthodontic treatment may play an active role in coordinating the relationship between the dental and dentoalveolar arch forms.
Too much time or not enough? An observational study of teacher wait time after questions in case-based seminars
Authors: Häusler Janina , Gartmeier Martin , Grünewald Marc Georg , Hapfelmeier Alexander , Pfurtscheller Theresa , Seidel Tina , Berberat Pascal Oliver
Published: June 2024

Background

We define teacher wait time (TWT) as a pause between a teacher question and the following response given by a student. TWT is valuable because it gives students time to activate prior knowledge and reflect on possible answers to teacher questions. We seek to gain initial insights into the phenomenon of TWT in medical education and give commensurate recommendations to clinical teachers.

Methods

We observed n = 719 teacher questions followed by wait time. These were video-recorded in 29 case-based seminars in undergraduate medical education in the areas of surgery and internal medicine. The seminars were taught by 19 different clinical teachers. The videos were coded with satisfactory reliability. Time-to-event data analysis was used to explore TWT overall and independently of question types.

Results

In our sample of case-based seminars, about 10% of all teacher questions were followed by TWT. While the median duration of TWT was 4.41 s, we observed large variation between different teachers (median between 2.88 and 10.96 s). Based on our results, we recommend that clinical teachers wait for at least five, but not longer than 10–12 s after initial questions. For follow-up and reproduction questions, we recommend shorter wait times of 5–8 s.

Conclusions

The present study provides insights into the frequency and duration of TWT and its dependence on prior questions in case-based seminars. Our results provide clinical teachers with guidance on how to use TWT as an easily accessible tool that gives students time to reflect on and respond to teacher questions.