bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving Recall in Sparse Associative Memories That Use Neurogenesis
Authors: Warr Katy , Hare Jonathon , Thomas David
Published: January 2025

The creation of future low-power neuromorphic solutions requires specialist spiking neural network (SNN) algorithms that are optimized for neuromorphic settings. One such algorithmic challenge is the ability to recall learned patterns from their noisy variants. Solutions to this problem may be required to memorize vast numbers of patterns based on limited training data and subsequently recall the patterns in the presence of noise. To solve this problem, previous work has explored sparse associative memory (SAM)—associative memory neural models that exploit the principle of sparse neural coding observed in the brain. Research into a subcategory of SAM has been inspired by the biological process of adult neurogenesis, whereby new neurons are generated to facilitate adaptive and effective lifelong learning. Although these neurogenesis models have been demonstrated in previous research, they have limitations in terms of recall memory capacity and robustness to noise.

In this article, we provide a unifying framework for characterizing a type of SAM network that has been pretrained using a learning strategy that incorporated a simple neurogenesis model. Using this characterization, we formally define network topology and threshold optimization methods to empirically demonstrate greater than 104 times improvement in memory capacity compared to previous work. We show that these optimizations can facilitate the development of networks that have reduced interneuron connectivity while maintaining high recall efficacy. This paves the way for ongoing research into fast, effective, low-power realizations of associative memory on neuromorphic platforms.
Hearing Pronouns Primes Speakers to Use Pronouns
Authors: Arnold Jennifer E.
Published: January 2025

Speaking requires frequent decisions about how to refer, for example whether to use a pronoun (she) or a name (Ana). It is well known that this choice is guided by the discourse context, but little is known about the representations that are activated. We use priming to test whether this choice can be facilitated through recent exposure, and if so, what representations are activated. In a storytelling task, participants take turns with experimenters telling a story that is illustrated in 2-panel cartoons. The first sentence is given, and participants describe the second panel in their own words. We manipulate whether the experimenter used a pronoun or name in the prior story. Experiment 1 provides the first evidence in the literature that reference form choice can be primed, and that it is not dependent on the syntactic position of the antecedent. However, the effect is not finely tuned to the preceding prime. Instead, exposure at the start of the experiment persists throughout, even when the prime changes. Experiments 2 and 3 further show that exposure to pronoun primes result in greater pronoun use than at baseline, but that there is no sensitivity to the prime on the most recent trial. Results argue against a role for production facilitation in pronoun use, which suggests that reference production is not impacted by production efficiency.
Does the Burnt Offering Atone?
Authors: Zuckier Shlomo
Published: January 2025

The wholly burnt offering, or olah, and its relation to expiation/atonement, poses a vexing question. Across biblical, Second Temple, and rabbinic sources, there is conflicting evidence as to whether olah atones. Among the rabbinic materials this question is especially complicated, with multiple texts stating that olah does atone (‮כ.פ.ר‬‎), and others implying or stating outright that it does not. This study analyzes these varied materials, considering rabbinic texts against parallel biblical and Second Temple materials. This question is important both for understanding this offering and for how that impacts upon understandings of sacrifice and atonement in ancient Judaism. The flexibility of the olah offering renders it a site for negotiation between differing conceptions of these categories for ancient Jews.
Seed microbiome in crop disease management
Authors: Poonguzhali G. , Rajendran L. , Manoranjitham S.K. , Raja P. , Vinothkumar B. , Saravanakumari K.
Published: January 2025

Sustainable agriculture needs innovative approaches because of the increasing demand for food in which the plant microbiome helps in increase crop production and protection which leads to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers. The microbiome comprises a variety of microorganisms that reside in plant parts such as leaves, stems, roots, flowers and seeds. In particular, the seed microbiome, which inhabits the seed surface and internal tissues, offers an opportunity to improve plant health and resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses. They help to tolerate stress and inhibit the pathogens through induced systemic resistance (ISR), production of antimicrobial, volatile compounds and competition for nutrients and space. These beneficial microorganisms within the microbiome are isolated and characterized using culture-dependent and culture-independent methods via modern omics technology called metagenomics. The importance of the seed microbiome in plant defence mechanisms against pathogens and the factors that affect the composition of the microbiome, such as plant genotype, agricultural practices and environmental impact are addressed in detail in this review.
Intraseasonal Air Temperature Variability and Its Trends Are Sensitive to the Definition of Daily Mean Temperature: Germany as a Case Study
Authors: Krauskopf Tomáš , Huth Radan
Published: January 2025

Our previous research on trends in summer day-to-day mean temperature difference in Europe indicates inhomogeneities to occur at climate stations in Germany. In most cases, they produce an unrealistic decreasing trend. It is suggested that these discontinuities are caused by the change in daily mean temperature calculation in April 2001, from averaging the temperature at 7, 14, and two times 21 to averaging all 24-hourly values. This study demonstrates this inhomogeneity and uncovers the difference in climatology and trends of summer temperature variability between aforesaid definitions of daily mean temperature at 13 stations in Germany. It is revealed that the choice of definition is crucial for seasonal temperature variability while for seasonal mean temperature itself no difference between definitions is noticed. The first definition [(T7 + T14 + 2 × T21)/4] shows days after warming warmer and days after cooling colder than if averaging all 24 observations, which is the reason for overestimated intraseasonal temperature variability before 2001 and for its artificial decreasing trends.
Impact of the Inflammatory Burden Index on Prognosis After Hepatectomy for Colorectal Liver Metastasis
Authors: Kawai Hironari , Furukawa Kenei , Tsunematsu Masashi , Shirai Yoshihiro , Onda Shinji , Haruki Koichiro , Matsumoto Michinori , Okui Norimitsu , Taniai Tomohiko , Ikegami Toru
Published: January 2025

Background/Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic impact of the inflammatory burden index (IBI), a novel inflammation-based biomarker, in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) after hepatic resection.

Patients and Methods

One hundred fifty patients with CRLM who underwent hepatectomy were retrospectively analyzed. The IBI was defined as C-reactive protein × neutrophil count/lymphocyte count. The relationship of the IBI with overall survival was investigated by univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Seventy-three (49%) patients had a high IBI (>3.45). In univariate analysis, overall survival was significantly worse in patients with lymph node metastases ( P = 0.048), high NLR ( P = 0.03), and high IBI ( P < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, high IBI ( P = 0.048) was an independent and significant predictor of overall survival. Patients with a high IBI had more postoperative complications compared with those with a low IBI ( P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The IBI was a strong predictor for both short- and long-term outcomes in patients who underwent hepatic resection for CRLM.
“Empathy Code”: The Dangers of Automating Empathy in Business
Authors: Thomas Nicola , Docherty Niall
Published: January 2025

Organizations are increasingly adopting “Emotional AI” to monitor and influence employee emotions, aiming to create more empathetic workplaces. However, we argue that automating empathy risks fostering empathy skepticism, alienating employees, exacerbating mental health issues, and eroding trust. We call on organizations to address the root causes of negative workplace emotions and leverage AI as a tool to complement—rather than replace—empathy, fostering workplaces that genuinely prioritize care and trust.
Exploring Compassion Fatigue in Pediatric Nursing: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Zhou Jingjing , Xia Yu
Published: January 2025

Background:

Compassion fatigue is a state of emotional and physical exhaustion that arises from frequent contact with people who have experienced trauma or stress, which may affect particularly those working in health care. This study aimed to elucidate the prevalence and determinants of compassion fatigue among pediatric nurses.

Methods:

A survey was administered to pediatric nurses at a tertiary hospital in Jiangsu province, China. Chinese compassion fatigue scale was used to investigate the compassion fatigue.

Results:

The study enrolled 364 pediatric nurses, with a compassion fatigue prevalence of 59.89%. Age (odds ratio [OR] = 2.094, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.833-2.418), education level (OR = 2.118, 95% CI = 1.852-2.669), monthly income (OR = 3.976, 95% CI = 2.904-4.412), and having children at home (OR = 2.314, 95% CI = 1.851-3.025) were independent predictors of compassion fatigue.

Conclusions:

These findings demonstrate the need for targeted interventions to mitigate compassion fatigue in pediatric nurses.
Axatilimab
Authors: Levien Terri L. , Baker Danial E.
Published: January 2025

Each month, subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service receive 5 to 6 well-documented monographs on drugs that are newly released or are in late phase 3 trials. The monographs are targeted to Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committees. Subscribers also receive monthly 1-page summary monographs on agents that are useful for agendas and pharmacy/nursing in-services. A comprehensive target drug utilization evaluation/medication use evaluation (DUE/MUE) is also provided each month. With a subscription, the monographs are available online to subscribers. Monographs can be customized to meet the needs of a facility. Through the cooperation of The Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy publishes selected reviews in this column. For more information about The Formulary Monograph Service, contact Wolters Kluwer customer service at 866-397-3433.
When Visual Communication Backfires: Reactance to Three Aspects of Imagery
Authors: Bünzli Fabienne , Dillard James Price , Li Yuwei , Eppler Martin J.
Published: January 2025

Although many persuasive messages include imagery, relatively little is known about the potential for the visual components to induce reactance. This research examined the effects of three message variations—camera angle (low vs. eye-level), antithesis (vs. thesis) (i.e., the juxtaposition of contrasting images), and facial expression of emotion (anger vs. happiness)—on reactance and subsequent persuasion. Two experiments ( N = 240 and N = 259) using pro-environmental appeals found that variation in each of the visual features was associated with increased perception of threat to freedom, reactance and decreased persuasion. Political conservatives felt more threatened by any message than liberals, but were not differentially sensitive to image variations. This research opens the door for a programmatic analysis of imagery and reactance.
Proportional–integral observer-based consensus control for heterogeneous vehicular platoon systems with mixed disturbances and unavailable acceleration information
Authors: Li Yang , Chen Yangzhou , Li Shanglin
Published: January 2025

A proportional–integral observer-based consensus control scheme is proposed for heterogeneous vehicular platoon systems (VPSs) subject to model uncertainties, mixed disturbances (external disturbances and measurement noise), and unavailable acceleration information. For each vehicle, this work considers the measurement noise in the velocity channel, then proposes a distributed proportional–integral observer that can accurately estimate the states information of velocity and acceleration. To improve the control performance of the VPSs, a predictive spacing strategy is adopted, which can transform the VPSs stability problem into a leader–follower consensus problem by introducing a new variable. Through utilizing a state linear transformation technique, the consensus problem can be further converted into a partial state stability problem. To facilitate the analysis of partial state stability under the disturbances, the partial state stability problem can be transformed into a multi-objective optimization problem by using the [Formula: see text] control method. Based on Lyapunov stability theory and projection lemma, the sufficient conditions are derived to achieve asymptotic stability of the VPSs and satisfy optimization performance indices simultaneously. In addition, the control scheme can also guarantee the [Formula: see text] string stability for the VPSs. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control method is confirmed through numerical simulations and comparisons.
Making Light Work: Infrastructures and Their Many Publics
Authors: Green Judith , Michael Mike , Steinbach Rebecca , Edwards Phil
Published: January 2025

This article explores the multiplicity of publics that are enacted in relation to infrastructures. We take the case of street lighting infrastructure in the UK in 2013/4, at a point when innovations in light emitting diode (LED) and smart technologies were making the infrastructuring of street lighting newly visible. Multifarious, emergent and recursive publics were variously enacted by lighting professionals, researchers, and publics themselves as part of this infrastructuring. We argue that these publics were constituted vis-à-vis other actors and entities and coalesced around configurations and attributions of knowledge, uncertainty and ignorance. “Supra-publics” indexed long-standing local knowledge gained by lighting professionals. “Occasioned publics” vis-à-vis technocratic expertise emerged when infrastructures became newly visible as lighting professionals (or researchers) consulted publics. “Citizen publics”, mobilized vis-à-vis governance, carefully marshalled experiential knowledge alongside newly acquired technical knowledge. These categories are neither comprehensive nor mutually exclusive, and their contours have shifted since our fieldwork as domains of knowledge and ignorance have changed. However, they are indicative of the multiplicity of publics that are part of lighting infrastructure in liberal states, and suggestive of ways in which publics are not stable entities, but rather in constant flux, as infrastructuring makes light work.
Cohort and Gender Differences in Stability Over Five Years Among Mexican-Origin Caregivers to Older Adults Living With Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Vazquez Christian E. , Rote Sunshine , Antequera Felipe , Cabrera Alberto , Cantu Phillip , Angel Jacqueline L.
Published: January 2025

The current study examines cohort (i.e., Generation X, Baby Boomers, and Silent Generation) and gender differences in the stability of Mexican-origin family caregivers over time. The data comes from Mexican-origin caregivers to community-dwelling older adults living in the west and southwestern United States from the Caregiving Supplement to the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (2010/11–2016). Multinomial logistic regressions with interaction and predicted probabilities demonstrate that female caregivers are more consistent in their caregiving role over male caregivers in every cohort over the two time points (RRR = 0.67; 95% CI = [0.01–0.38]). Among men, predicted probabilities indicate more caregivers from Baby Boomer (.17) and Generation X (0.12) cohorts remain in the caregiver role compared to Silent Generation (.07). The findings suggest that gendered expectations may be changing as male caregivers increase in their provision of family care. Future research should consider generational diversity in Hispanic caregiving experience.
Maintaining physical activity in older adults: The importance of health-specific control strategies
Authors: Kotsiopoulos Jasmine , Giannis Irene , Sabiston Catherine M. , Wrosch Carsten
Published: January 2025

The Lines-of-Defense model postulates that older adults should engage in important health goals and behaviors for as long as possible and adjust them downwardly only when they become impossible to pursue. This process is thought to be supported by goal engagement and self-protective control strategies. We tested this model in a 4-year longitudinal study of 236 older adults by predicting the maintenance of physical activity using accelerometers. We hypothesized that older adults would exert shifts from more strenuous (e.g., vigorous and moderate intensity) to less strenuous (e.g., light intensity) physical activity over time. In addition, we expected that these processes would be supported by the use of health-specific control strategies. Multilevel modeling revealed that older adults experienced declines in moderate and vigorous physical activity but increases in light physical activity. Health engagement predicted an accelerated increase in light physical activity, and exerted substantial, but longitudinally decreasing, benefits for moderate physical activity. Health-related self-protection, by contrast, predicted the maintenance of vigorous physical activity over time. These results support the Lines-of-Defense model by demonstrating that control strategies can predict the maintenance of older adults’ physical activity levels.
Accommodative coping and preparation for age-related changes: Results from a four-wave panel study
Authors: Leipold Bernhard , Loepthien Tim
Published: January 2025

One important function of accommodative coping is to stabilize the quality of life in the face of age-related losses by adjusting control beliefs and action competence. Preparation for age-related changes is an important preventive resource for a higher degree of independence and quality of life in old age. This study examined the longitudinal associations between preparation for age-related changes, facets of accommodative coping (dispositional tendencies in general positive reappraisal, acceptance, downward comparison, reorientation), and goal detachment. Variables were assessed in a four-wave longitudinal study (intervals of approximately 1 year) with a sample of N = 248 adults, aged 30 to 78 years. In line with our hypotheses, latent growth models showed that increases in accommodative coping were associated with increases in preparation for age-related changes (correlations between the slopes). Cross-lagged panel models showed that mainly the change correlations (concurrent changes) remained significant, as compared with the mostly absent cross-lagged paths. The present findings highlight the interplay between proactive life-management strategies that aim to prevent age-related losses and accommodative-coping processes by which goals are adjusted to limitations in action resources. The adaptive role of both strategies and their implications for maximizing quality of life into old age are discussed in light of developmental-regulation models.
Spacing Leadership with Greta Thunberg: A materializing ‘story-so-far’
Authors: Smolović Jones Owain , Smolović Jones Nela , Carroll Brigid
Published: January 2025

How should we interpret the figure of Greta Thunberg and the leadership constituted through and around her? This question drives an inquiry that enhances knowledge of the materializing of leadership through a spatial analysis rooted conceptually in critical geography and the communicative constitution of organizations (CCO). Building from the insights of geographer Doreen Massey and CCO scholar Consuelo Vásquez, the inquiry contributes by surfacing the spatial relations and communicative practices that co-constitutively knit together bodies and their objects in leadership, enabling a rich inquiry that illuminates mobilizations around the most complex issue of the day – climate change. Building multimodally with data derived from media and speeches, we posit four communicated ‘stories-so-far’ of Thunberg, decentred and communicated figures who merge and co-exist to constitute a composite Thunberg-the-Leader: the Child, Traveller, Activist and Learner. We then offer a model theorizing the underlying spacing leadership practices that act across and between figured stories-so-far, drawing them together, making certain constitutions of leadership (im)possible: shrinking, naturalizing, struggling and clearing. Concluding, we assert that this approach holds the possibility of making abstracted aspects of leadership materially present, while drawing together conceptual resources that have to date not been placed in productive dialogue.
Religious Alliances and Imperial Ambitions: The Jesuit Mission to Little Armenia (1881)
Authors: Hazir Ediz
Published: January 2025

This paper investigates the Jesuit mission to Little Armenia, initiated in 1881, emphasizing the collaboration between the Holy See and France amidst escalating competition with Protestant powers within the Ottoman Empire. The study aims to scrutinize the Jesuits' endeavors to advance France's religious-cultural activities until the severance of relations between the Holy See and France. The Jesuits provided religious and educational assistance, thus promoting French influence among Ottoman Christians. This research contends that the partnership between the Holy See and France facilitated through the Jesuit mission, exemplifies the significant impact of religion on France's international policies during the Third Republic. Drawing on a diverse array of historical sources, including diplomatic records, missionary accounts, and scholarly works, this study offers a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between the Jesuits, the Holy See, and France within the intricate political and religious context of the late nineteenth-century Ottoman Empire.
Knowing the Creator and Caring for Creation: Aspects of a Truly Undivided Witness
Authors: Greenlee David
Published: January 2025

Caring for creation is an issue of increasing prominence but, with so many other issues to consider, why should God's people be interested? Creation care is not merely one more thing to do, another activity we should carry out. Rather, caring for creation flows from multiple pages of Scripture, from the garden of Genesis to the renewal of all things in Revelation. Not an end in itself, our theme is captured in the complementary questions “How does knowing the Creator cause me to care for creation?” and “How can caring for creation help people come to know the Creator?” I begin by briefly addressing the need for Christians to care for creation. I describe creation care as a lived-out value that can add beautiful flavour to how we live and what we do, both in demonstration and explanation of the gospel and part of our truly “undivided witness.”
Motives for following social media influencers: Scale development and validation
Authors: Wang Chih-Chien , Chang Shu-Chen , Hsieh I-Hsin
Published: January 2025

The study develops a 33 items Influencer Following Motives Scale for analyzing why people follow social media influencers. The study unfolds in four stages: initial item formation through interviews and literature review, item refinement via exploratory factor analysis, validation of the scale through confirmatory factor analysis, and final validation using the Multi-Trait Multi-Method Matrix. The scale identifies eleven motivational dimensions: Beauty, Authenticity, Learning, Boredom, Expertise, Entertainment, Aesthetics, Curiosity, Sharing, Similarity, and Information. The developed measurement scale aids in understanding follower motivations, offering insights for influencers and content creators to engage their audience more effectively.
Enhancing the hybrid media system model: The role of critical theory in media and communication research
Authors: Smrdelj Rok , Pajnik Mojca
Published: January 2025

In this article, we propose a theoretical reconceptualization of the hybrid media system model by introducing structural and material conditions of contemporary media sphere with reference to critical theory. Our main thesis is based on the principle of historicization and the concept of social relations. Using this framework, we demonstrate that those who wield dominant power within the neoliberal capitalist economy also have influence over the logic of the hybrid media system. Following the premise that the “agency” is constrained by hierarchical social relations, we enhance the hybrid media system model to explicate not only cases where digital media have enabled successful civic activism leading to social change but also cases where newer digital technologies reinforce pre-existing social relations of power and subordination. The main contribution of the article is to show that critical theory strengthens the explanatory power of the current eclectic-empirical media models without fundamentally undermining their foundations.
Kinesophobia in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: a latent profile analysis
Authors: Li Rui , Liang Meng-yao , Wu Yue , Song Hong , Liu Hai-tang
Published: January 2025

Objective

To explore the status of kinesophobia in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures and analyze the influencing factors of different kinesophobia profiles.

Design

Cross-sectional survey study

Participants

A total of 245 patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures who underwent surgical treatment at our Department of Orthopedics between January 2023 and March 2024 were selected

Main Measure

A general data questionnaire and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia were used in the investigation. Latent profile analysis was conducted to categorise kinesophobia in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, while univariate logistic regression was performed to identify the factors influencing the latent profiles of kinesophobia.

Results

The average kinesophobia score of the patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures was 45.38 ± 7.12 points. The patients were divided into three latent profile categories, namely high, medium, and low kinesophobia, with mean probabilities of 0.958, 0.966, and 0.970, respectively. Furthermore, age, gender, pain score, injury cause, and other injuries were significant influencing factors in the kinesophobia groups ( P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Kinesophobia in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures is heterogeneous and affected by age, gender, pain score, injury cause, and other injuries. Clinical staff should recognise the characteristics of patients in different kinesophobia categories and actively adopt appropriate measures for those in the high kinesophobia group to enhance the alleviation of their fear status and mitigate the occurrence of fear-induced adverse outcomes, such as disability and weakness.
Exploring Smartwatch Aesthetic Preferences Through the Unified Model of Aesthetics
Authors: Ma Jun , Yahaya Mohd Faiz bin , Tai Lichen , Whitfield Allan , Barron Deirdre
Published: January 2025

Human attempts to understand the factors involved in aesthetic preferences have a long history, extending from pure art to product aesthetics. Adopting the Unified Model of Aesthetics (UMA), this study simultaneously investigates the effects of opposing factors on stimulus aesthetic preferences from three levels: perceptual, cognitive, and social. The study used smartwatches as stimuli and was conducted on a 7-point Likert scale with 203 participants from China. The results are precise: the higher the contributions of unity at the perceptual level, typicality at the cognitive level, and connectedness at the social level, the higher the aesthetic preference. On the other hand, when the UMA model simultaneously measures the influence intensity of opposing factors, the cognitive level has the most significant influence, followed by the perceptual level, and the social level has the lowest impact. This research will provide product designers with theoretical guidance and design directions for future wearable devices.
Exploring the association between familial hemiplegic migraine genes (CACNA1A, ATP1A2 and SCN1A) with migraine and epilepsy: A UK Biobank exome-wide association study
Authors: Staehr Christian , Nyegaard Mette , Bach Flemming W. , Rohde Palle Duun , Matchkov Vladimir V.
Published: January 2025

Background

Familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) types 1–3 are associated with protein-altering genetic variants in CACNA1A, ATP1A2 and SCN1A, respectively. These genes have also been linked to epilepsy. Previous studies primarily focused on phenotypes, examining genetic variants in individuals with characteristic FHM symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the association of FHM genetic variation with migraine and epilepsy, utilizing a genotype-first approach.

Methods

Whole-exome sequence data from 454,706 individuals from the UK Biobank were examined for self-reported and inpatient-diagnosed migraine and epilepsy. Carriers were compared with non-carriers in a burden analysis using logistic regression while accounting for age, biological sex and UK Biobank assessment center. A machine learning-based approach was employed to predict whether variants resulted in gain-of-function (GoF), loss-of-function (LoF) or neutral effects.

Results

Heterozygous carriers of GoF CACNA1A variants, LoF ATP1A2 variants or neutral SCN1A variants were at increased risk of migraine. Homozygous carriers of neutral SCN1A variants were also associated with migraine but these carriers showed a reduced disease risk of epilepsy.

Conclusions

Heterozygous genotypes in all three FHM genes were associated with migraine but not epilepsy in this genotype-focused study. Homozygous SCN1A genotypes also showed increased disease risk of migraine, yet these carriers were protected against epilepsy.
Sex differences in photophobic behaviors following cortical spreading depression in rats
Authors: Kaur Manvir , Ward Nicholas A. , Karlage Kelly L. , Morgans Catherine W. , Aicher Sue A. , Largent-Milnes Tally M.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Photophobia is a common and debilitating symptom associated with migraine. Women are disproportionately affected by migraines, with a higher prevalence and more severe symptoms compared to men. This study investigated the effects of cortical spreading depression on light-aversive and dark-seeking behaviors in a rat model, with an emphasis on sex differences.

Method

Experiments were conducted on seven to eight-week-old male and female Sprague Dawley rats. cortical spreading depression was modeled by injections of potassium chloride or artificial cerebrospinal fluid into the occipital cortex through a guide cannula. Key behavioral assessments included light-aversive and dark-seeking behaviors measured using a three-chamber box, pupil to iris ratio, periorbital tightening, periorbital allodynia and facial withdrawal thresholds.

Results

Our results demonstrated that cortical potassium chloride injections significantly increased photophobic behaviors, particularly in female rats. Specifically, potassium chloride-injected females demonstrated a significant reduction in the time spent in the light chamber (p = 0.001) and increased time in the dark chamber compared to control rats (p = 0.01), indicating heightened light-aversion. Females exhibited more substantial pupil constriction and eyelid closure at 180 min after potassium chloride injection compared to artificial cerebrospinal fluid injection, suggesting a stronger physiological response to light. Similarly, a greater percent of female rats displayed periorbital allodynia (withdrawal threshold <6 g) over a post injection time course compared to male rats. Among rats that exhibited periorbital allodynia at least two consecutive time points, females had significantly lower facial withdrawal thresholds than males at 60-, 90-, 120-, and 180-min post injection (p < 0.05), suggesting a difference in magnitude and duration. Furthermore, the area under the curve for the time course experiment indicated development of tactile allodynia in periorbital region among female rats (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Altogether these findings highlight the importance of considering sex-specific differences in developing therapeutic strategies for the treatment of migraine. We report for the first time a complete time course analysis of migraine-related responses, providing a comprehensive overview of the dynamics involved. The results suggest that potassium chloride-induced cortical spreading depression may offer a valuable model for studying the underlying mechanisms and sex differences of photophobia in migraine, aiding in the development of targeted treatments.
Cutting through the noise: Assessing tools that employ artificial intelligence
Authors: Nogueira Leticia Antunes , Moltubakk Stine Thordarson , Fagervik Andreas , Langfeldt Inga Buset
Published: January 2025

The popularization of artificial intelligence (AI) represents a significant business opportunity for private actors developing tools and services aimed at research and higher education. Academic libraries are often at the receiving end of sales pitches for new tools and could benefit from guidance on how to assess them. Libraries’ assessment of tools is a valuable service to library stakeholders, many of whom may not have sufficient time, the necessary competencies or the inclination to explore the landscape of innovations promising to support their information needs and research endeavours. This article offers concrete guidance concerning what to consider when assessing whether to adopt, endorse and/or invest in innovative information and research tools that make use of AI. The main areas proposed for reflection concern (a) tool purpose, design and technical aspects; (b) information literacy, academic craftsmanship and integrity; (c) ethics and the political economy of AI.
Where Are All the Female Participants in Sports and Exercise Medicine Research? A Decade Later
Authors: Ose Benjamin M. , Eisenhauer Jake , Roepe Isaiah , Herda Ashley A. , Vopat Bryan G. , Vopat Lisa M.
Published: January 2025

Background:

In 2014, Costello and colleagues published a sentinel paper spotlighting the large disparity of female versus male representation within sports science and sports medicine (SSSM) research.

Purpose:

To (1) revisit the method published by Costello et al a decade later to evaluate female representation and (2) ascertain whether study designs account for menstrual status.

Study Design:

Systematic Review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

All original and epidemiologic research of live human participants from the journals Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, British Journal of Sports Medicine, and the American Journal of Sports Medicine were included from January 2021 to August 2023. Number of male and female participants for each study was analyzed. A menstrual-status tiering system published by Smith et al was used to classify the consideration of female participants’ menstrual status in study design.

Results:

A total of 1441 studies and 40,152,860 participants were included in this analysis. This included 17,648,509 (43.95%) female participants. The mean proportion of female participants per study was 40.22%, and 103 (7.15%) studies included only female participants compared with 268 (18.6%) male-only studies. A total of 66 (5.6%) studies included menstrual-status considerations in their study design with 7.7 (0.7%) and 5.5 (0.5%) receiving a silver or gold classification, respectively, for design considerations.

Conclusion:

Our investigation into the representation of female athletes in SSSM research found an increase in female participation from 39% to 43.95% of total participants over the past decade. While the overall number of female participants rose in the years 2021 to 2023, there remains a significant disparity in female representation in SSSM research compared with male participants. Additionally, we found that the inclusion of menstrual status in study designs has been limited, with few studies considering this crucial variable.
Identifying Needs and Support Services for Family Caregivers of Older Community-Based Family Members: Mixed-Method Research Findings
Authors: Wilson Donna M. , Heron Jennifer , Banamwana Gilbert
Published: January 2025

A recent Canadian study conducted in one province identified family caregiver support needs and essential support services when caring for older community-based family members requiring assistance with activities of daily living. Weekly interviews of 150 volunteer caregivers over 6 months identified 11 support needs and 5 essential support services. Scoping literature reviews of the 11 needs found they had all been identified before. Program logic investigations of the 5 support services identified a patch-work of temporarily available support services in existence across the province. Two governmental policies are recommended: (a) provincial policy assuring access to the five support services, and (b) federal policy for federal-provincial funding transfers to address the provincial cost of assured community-based support services. Family caregivers require this support to maintain their own and their family member’s well-being, particularly as this caregiving prevents or delays older family member hospitalizations and nursing home entry.
Childhood Housing Condition and Old Age Health Among Chinese: The Mediation Role of Adulthood Socioeconomic and Medical History
Authors: Lu Peiyi , Kong Dexia , Lou Vivian W.
Published: January 2025

Guided by the lifecourse perspective and social determinants of health framework, this study examined the association of childhood housing with old age health among Chinese and its midlife mediators. Respondents were middle-aged and older adults (aged 45+) from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study ( N = 12,842). They were asked about their childhood housing conditions (e.g., if their houses had clean water, water toilet, and electricity). Adulthood socioeconomic and medical history and middle- and old-age health were measured. Causal mediation analysis showed childhood better housing was directly associated with fewer depressive symptoms and better cognition in middle- and older-age, and indirectly through increasing education level. However, the proportion-mediated estimate had very wide confidence intervals. Our findings suggested the importance of broad infrastructure development and adult continuing education programs among those who grew up in poor housing conditions to promote mental health in older age.
Effective Solutions for Caregivers of Older Adults: A Review of Systematic Reviews
Authors: McHugh Molly , Munsterman Ellen , Cho Hannah , Naylor Mary D.
Published: January 2025

This umbrella review aims to describe caregiver interventions tested across populations of informal caregivers of older adults and to examine the effect of caregiver interventions on depression, burden, and quality of life across intervention types and care-recipient populations. PubMed, Scopus, APA PsycInfo, ABIM, Sociological Abstracts, PAIS, and EconLit databases were systematically searched. Forty systematic reviews were identified as meeting inclusion criteria. Most commonly, interventions focused on improving outcomes for caregivers of older adults with dementia. Among the included reviews, caregiver depression was most likely to be reduced by caregiver interventions, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) were most effective. The use of information and communication technologies to deliver caregiver interventions is increasingly common. Standardization of intervention classifications and transparent reports of intervention delivery details will strengthen research in this field.
“The enemy of my friend is my enemy”: Chinese leaders’ foreign visits and transnational repression of Uyghurs
Authors: Oztig Lacin Idil , Karluk Abdurresit Celil
Published: January 2025

China has been targeting Uyghurs indiscriminately in many countries around the world. However, the Uyghur diasporas in some countries are more susceptible to China's repressive practices than in other countries. What explains cross-country variations regarding China's repression of Uyghurs abroad? In this study, we explain this variation by laying out a causal linkage between Chinese leaders’ foreign visits and transnational repression of Uyghurs. We argue that China's rising global power translates into political weight over countries it frequently interacts with. For such countries, maintaining the status quo in bilateral relations is advantageous, whereas alienating China is costly. This dynamic highlights the importance of complying with China's strategic interests, one of which is the repression of the Uyghur diasporas around the world. As such, we expect countries that host the Uyghur population and witness the visits of Chinese leaders to operate according to the logic “the enemy of my friend is my enemy” and allow and even help China's (the friend's) repressive activities against Uyghurs (the enemy of my friend) on their soil. Drawing on the Transnational Repression of Uyghurs Dataset and examining 43 countries in the period 1998–2020, we find a positive and statistically significant relationship between Chinese leaders’ foreign visits and transnational repression of Uyghurs: the more a Chinese leader visits a country, the more likely it is that diaspora Uyghurs are subject to Chinese repression. We also find a positive relationship between Chinese leaders’ foreign visits and the severity of China's transnational repression.
Racial Discrimination and Perceived Weight Status Are Positively Associated With Depressive Symptoms Among Latina and Hispanic Women in the United States
Authors: Osa Maggie L. , Luther Gabriella M. , Kelly Nichole R.
Published: January 2025

Holding intersecting marginalized identities in the United States (U.S.)—gender, ethnicity, and perceived weight status (PWS)—may increase Latina and Hispanic women’s risk for depressive symptoms. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between racial discrimination stress, PWS, and depressive symptoms in Latina and Hispanic women. PWS was also examined as a potential moderator. Participants were an ethnically diverse sample of 467 Latina and Hispanic women ( Mage = 40.79 ± 14.98 years) living in the U.S. After adjusting for age, ethnicity, health insurance status, acculturation, education, income, and body mass index (BMI), racial discrimination stress was positively associated with depressive symptoms ( p < .001). PWS did not moderate this association. However, PWS was significantly associated with depressive symptoms; perceiving oneself as “overweight” was associated with more severe depressive symptoms ( p < .05) compared to perceiving oneself as “skinny” ( p < .05), “average weight” ( p < .05), or “slightly overweight” ( p < .05). These data underscore the influence of both racial discrimination and body size perception, regardless of BMI, on Latina and Hispanic women’s psychological health. Health promotion efforts for Latina and Hispanic women in the U.S. may consider targeting the perpetration of racial and weight-based discrimination, as well as addressing self-perceptions and accompanying beliefs surrounding race and body size.
Oxygen Targets for Mechanically Ventilated Adults with Sepsis: Secondary Analysis of the PILOT Trial
Authors: Shapiro Jack C. , Casey Jonathan D. , Qian Edward T. , Seitz Kevin P. , Wang Li , Lloyd Bradley D. , Stollings Joanna L. , Freundlich Robert E. , Self Wesley H. , Rice Todd W. , Wanderer Jonathan P. , Semler Matthew W. ,   for the Pragmatic Critical Care Research Group
Published: January 2025

Background

Patients with sepsis frequently require invasive mechanical ventilation. How oxygenation during mechanical ventilation affects clinical outcomes for patients with sepsis remains uncertain.

Research Question

To evaluate the effects of different oxygen saturation targets on clinical outcomes for patients with sepsis receiving mechanical ventilation.

Study Design and Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of the Pragmatic Investigation of optimaL Oxygen Targets (PILOT) trial dataset among patients who met criteria for sepsis by the Sepsis-3 definition at the time of enrollment. We compared patients randomized to a lower oxygen saturation target (90%; range, 88–92%), an intermediate target (94%; range, 92–96%), and a higher target (98%; range, 96–100%) with regard to the outcomes of 28-day in-hospital mortality and ventilator-free days to study day 28.

Results

Of 2541 patients in the PILOT dataset, 805 patients with sepsis were included in the current analysis. In-hospital mortality by day 28 did not differ significantly between the lower target group (48%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 42% to 54%), the intermediate target group (50%; 95% CI, 43% to 56%), and the higher target group (51%; 95% CI, 45% to 56%) (P = 0.83). The number of ventilator-free days to day 28 did not significantly differ between the trial groups, with a mean of 9.9 (standard deviation [SD], 11.8) in the lower oxygen saturation target group, 9.5 (SD, 11.2) in the intermediate group, and 9.4 (SD, 11.4) in the higher group (P = 0.65).

Interpretation

Among mechanically ventilated patients with sepsis in a large, randomized trial, the incidence of 28-day in-hospital mortality was not statistically significantly different between the use of a lower, intermediate, or higher oxygen target. However, the confidence intervals included treatment effects that would be clinically meaningfully and further randomized trials of oxygen targets in sepsis are required.

Referenced trial name

Pragmatic Investigation of optimaL Oxygen Targets Trial (PILOT) ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT03537937 URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03537937
Implementation of a Checklist Tool to Improve Understanding of Rapid Response Team Protocols
Authors: Pliakas Maria C. , Carlton Erin F. , Brennan Sarah , Brown Diane , Getchell Laura , O’Neal Debra , Phelps Kayla B. , Shaw Rebekah , Strohacker Courtney , Coughlin Anisha K.
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives: Rapid response teams (RRT) are multidisciplinary teams activated to assess patients outside of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and require a shared framework for approaching a deteriorating patient. In this project, we aimed to improve the understanding of RRT protocols through the development and implementation of the RRT Huddle Checklist. Methods: This quality improvement project took place from 2019 to 2022. A multidisciplinary workgroup conducted a current state analysis and defined the ideal RRT process. To improve the RRT process, we developed and implemented an RRT Huddle Checklist based on the SBAR framework, standardized education, and created a process for regular feedback. The primary aim was to improve understanding of RRT protocols among participants. RRT duration was used as a balancing measure. Results: A total of 301 stakeholders completed surveys, including 127 nurses, 101 residents, 45 RRT nurses, 10 Hospital Medicine faculty and fellows, and 18 PICU fellows. After implementation of the RRT Huddle Checklist, the proportion of respondents who agreed with knowing RRT protocols increased from 69% in 2020 to 75% in 2022, with no increase in RRT duration. Conclusions: The implementation of the RRT Huddle Checklist resulted in an increased proportion of key stakeholders that understood RRT protocols without increasing the duration of RRTs. The RRT Huddle Checklist tool utilizes a widely known, validated framework that can be adapted at other institutions to standardize the RRT process and promote ongoing just-in-time education.