bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Beyond Caregiving: Daily Pleasant Activities Among Caregivers to Older Adults With and Without Dementia
Authors: Ng Yee To , Freedman Vicki , Kratz Anna , Birditt Kira 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Limited research has explored caregivers’ activities beyond caregiving duties, which may offer positive experiences and counterbalance caregiving stress. This study aimed to (a) identify the most pleasant non-caregiving activities, (b) assess time allocation based on activity categories and pleasantness, and (c) investigate the association between activity pleasantness and duration, considering differences between caregivers to older adults with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) and those without.

Methods
This study included 2,136 caregivers (33% ADRD) from the 2017 National Study of Caregiving who participated in a time diary interview. Participants reported all activities from the previous day, including their pleasantness appraisal and duration.

Results
Weighted descriptives showed organizational activities (e.g., religious practices) were rated as the most pleasant, followed by active leisure (e.g., sports), for both ADRD and non-ADRD caregivers. Caregivers spent most time on non-active leisure (e.g., TV viewing), with about 10.6 hr daily on pleasant non-caregiving activities and 35 min on unpleasant ones. Weighted linear regression models indicated that both groups reported comparable pleasantness ratings for various activities and allocated similar amounts of time to activities based on categories and pleasantness. For non-ADRD caregivers, greater activity pleasantness was temporarily linked to longer durations.

Discussion
This study enhances understanding of caregivers’ appraisals and time spent on non-caregiving activities. Although ADRD caregiving is more stressful than non-ADRD caregiving, no spillover effect was observed on the pleasantness ratings or time spent on non-caregiving activities. However, ADRD caregivers may encounter challenges in sustaining pleasant activities over time.
Impact of Childhood Adversity on Late-Life Cognition in Older Puerto Rican Adults
Authors: Lian James , Crowe Michael , Anstey Kaarin J , Kiely Kim M , Dávila Ana Luisa , Andel Ross 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This study examined the association between childhood adversity and late-life cognitive outcomes among older Puerto Rican adults.

Methods
Data were from the PREHCO study, a population-based cohort of 3,713 older Puerto Rican adults (mean age 72.5 years; 60% female). Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) were categorised into four factors: economic hardship, parental illiteracy, childhood illness, and neighbourhood disadvantage. Cognition was assessed with the Mini-Mental Cabán (MMC). For our analyses, cognitive impairment was defined as scoring 1.5 SD below expected score, adjusted for age, sex, education, and reading ability. Ordinal logistic regression (baseline) and generalised linear mixed models (all three waves) analysed MMC scores; generalised estimating equations assessed incident cognitive impairment (waves 2 and 3).

Results
All four adversity factors were associated with poorer MMC scores at baseline. Parental illiteracy (β=-0.35, p&lt;.001) and neighbourhood disadvantage (β=-0.27, p&lt;.001) showed stronger associations than economic hardship (β=-0.10, p=.003) and childhood illness (β=-0.21, p&lt;.001). No factors were significantly related to changes in cognitive scores over time. Depressive symptoms and self-rated health partially mediated cross-sectional relationships, with depressive symptoms showing a stronger effect. All adversity factors except economic hardship were linked to baseline cognitive impairment (OR=1.42 parent illiteracy, OR=1.24 childhood illness, OR=1.82 neighbourhood disadvantage, p&lt;.05). Only neighbourhood disadvantage was associated with incident cognitive impairment (OR=1.19, p=.003).

Discussion
This study highlights the lasting impact of childhood adversity on late-life cognitive health among older Puerto Ricans, suggesting that addressing early adversity may promote cognitive health later in life.
Successful Aging Across Middle Versus High-Income Countries: An Analysis of the Role of eHealth Literacy Associated With Loneliness and Well-Being
Authors: Ivan Loredana , Marston Hannah R , Prabhu Vishnunarayan Girishan , Großschädl Franziska , Alexandra Silva Paula , Buttigieg Sandra C , Öztürk Çalıkoğlu Halime , Bilir Koca Burcu , Arslan Hasan , Kanozia Rubal , Browning Matthew H E M , Freeman Shannon , Earle Sarah 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
“Successful aging” concerns the process of growing older while maintaining physical, cognitive, and social well-being, emphasizing independence for overall satisfaction and quality of life. We investigate the impact of eHealth literacy on reducing loneliness and sustaining well-being during the pandemic, comparing middle- and high-income countries.

Research Design and Methods
Online surveys were conducted between April 4, 2020, and September 30, 2021, collecting responses (N = 2,091) from medium- and high-income countries in Europe, Asia, and North America. T-tests and ANOVAs were used to test how sociodemographic predictors were associated with differences in e-Health literacy, loneliness, and well-being.

Results
Respondents from high-income countries reported significantly higher well-being scores than those from middle-income countries and respondents from high-income countries had significantly higher e-HEALS (e-Health literacy) scores compared to middle-income countries. No significant difference was observed in loneliness scores between high-income and middle-income country respondents. Well-being is associated with age, with younger adults (18–29 years) and those aged 40+ reporting higher levels. Higher education and income are linked to greater well-being. Gender differences are observed, with females and those with a partner reporting higher well-being. In middle-income countries, higher education levels are more linked to loneliness, while in higher-income countries, loneliness is observed across education levels.

Discussion and Implications
Future interventions by governments and policymakers should consider intersectionality in e-Health planning and offer digital literacy and digital skills training to those with lower education levels.
Upper crustal structure of the Xinfengjiang reservoir from ambient noise double beamforming tomography and its implications for induced seismicity
Authors: Wu Keyuan , He Lipeng , Guo Zhen , Luo Bin , Chen Yongshun John , Osotuyi Abayomi Gaius 
Published: December 2024

SUMMARY
The Xinfengjiang Reservoir in Guangdong, China, triggered one of the largest reservoir-induced earthquakes in the world, with a magnitude of 6.1 in 1961 March. Frequent local seismic events have been recorded in the vicinity of the reservoir, posing a potential threat to the dam infrastructure and surrounding regions. In this study, we obtain a high-resolution S-wave velocity model of the upper crustal structure underlying the Xinfengjiang Reservoir, using double beamforming tomography method from newly deployed dense array across the reservoir. Our results reveal that several high-velocity structures are distributed beneath the Xinfengjiang Reservoir. These structures are robust, facilitating a greater accumulation of stress before fault slip. Earthquakes beneath the reservoir are primarily concentrated at the boundaries of the high-velocity bodies, indicating their controlling role on the location of seismic events. Low-velocity zones, acting as pathways for fluid migration, extend from the surface to the depths of seismic sources, thereby inducing earthquakes by elevating pore pressure within fault and fracture systems. Due to significant differences in the fluid diffusion coefficient, the delay times between the onset of earthquakes and the peak water levels vary considerably with the different crustal structures.
A mechanistic model for the complex conductivity of clay materials. II. Comparison to experimental data
Authors: Maineult Alexis , Leroy Philippe , Mendieta Aida , Jougnot Damien 
Published: December 2024

SUMMARY
Clays are very abundant minerals in the Earth's crust and express a high conductivity response that can be observed at the scale of the geological formation by electrical and electromagnetic methods. However, these minerals have a complex microstructure that renders difficult the quantitative petrophysical interpretation of the electrical field measurements. In this study, we developed a new approach to interpret spectral induced polarization (SIP) signals measured on clay materials in terms of microstructural and electrical double layer (EDL) properties, including surface conductivity, using the physical model recently developed by Leroy et al. With a restrained set of optimized physical–chemical parameters, that is, the fraction of the counter-charge and cation effective ion mobility in the Stern layer the number of stacked sheets per montmorillonite particle, and clay aggregate effective shape and size distribution, our model well reproduces the measured laboratory SIP spectra in the mHz to kHz frequency range on kaolinite, illite and montmorillonite muds at different NaCl concentrations. Our results suggest that most of the EDL counter-charge controlling SIP spectra are located in the Stern layer on the basal surfaces. First Archie's law explains the in-phase conductivity measurements provided that the contribution of the diffuse layer to water conductivity is properly included. The ratio of imaginary surface conductivity to real surface conductivity is highly dependent on frequency and slightly dependent on salinity. Finally, the measured quadrature conductivity is proportional but not necessarily equal to the imaginary surface conductivity. Our study is a step forward to better understand the complex electrical conductivity of clays.
Differential substrate preferences IN ACTINOBACTERIAL protein O-MANNOSYLTRANSFERASES and alteration of protein-O-MANNOSYLATION by choice of secretion pathway
Authors: Saxena Hirak , Patel Rucha , Kelly John , Wakarchuk Warren 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Protein-O-mannosylation (POM) is a form of O-glycosylation that is ubiquitous and has been studied extensively throughout in fungi and animals. The key glycosyltransferase, protein O-mannosyltransferase (PMT), a member of family GT-39, is also found in over 3,800 bacterial genomes but has only been minimally examined from prokaryotes. In prokaryotes POM has only been investigated in terms of pathogenicity (in Mycobacterium tuberculosis) even though there are far more non-pathogenic bacteria that appear to carry out POM. To date, there is no consensus on what benefit POM imparts to the non-pathogenic bacteria that can perform it. Through the generation of a POM deficient mutant of Corynebacterium glutamicum – a widely utilized and known protein O-mannosylating actinobacteria – this work shows that even closely related actinobacterial GT-39 s (the enzymes responsible for the initiation of POM) can have different substrate specificities for targets of POM. Moreover, presented here is evidence that POM does not only occur in a SEC-dependent manner; POM also occurs with TAT and non-SEC secreted substrates in a specific and likely tightly regulated manner. Together these results highlight the need for further biochemical characterization of POM in these and other bacterial species to help elucidate the true nature of its biological functions.
Maternal health planning and prioritization in Chad: developing a supportive tool
Authors: Krause Ana , Quach Alexandre , Betinbaye Yamingué , Rolande Mindekem , Mgawadere Florence , Ameh Charles A 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The Republic of Chad has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality in the world. With scarce resources to respond to competing demands, pragmatic evidence-based planning tools are needed to aid planning and support priority setting. This action research aimed to develop a tool to support maternal health (MH) planning and prioritization decisions and identify priority regions/provinces for intervention in Chad based on aggregate MH coverage gap scores (Target-Coverage = Coverage Gap). A rapid review was conducted to identify key indicators and relevant national targets. The 2019 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey and other national surveys were the data sources for selected indicators at the provincial level. Aggregate MH coverage gaps were calculated and displayed using geographic information system software to visualize variations by province. Eleven key informant interviews (KIIs) and six focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with clinicians and administrators to understand existing MH planning, prioritization, and maternal mortality risks in Chad. Wide provincial variation in aggregate MH coverage gaps was identified (mean score 374.3, SD: 77.4). Indicators contributing the most to coverage gaps include emergency obstetric care, adolescent births, tetanus vaccination, and delivery by skilled health personnel. Two weighting scenarios for the coverage gap scores are also considered. KIIs and FGDs revealed that existing MH planning in Chad differs provincially and by health system level, with no clear prioritization processes identified. Main themes regarding MH risks reported by stakeholders included challenges relating to the health system, policy landscape, country and population-specific factors, along with specific MH threats. Current centralized planning approaches may benefit from greater consideration of provincial differences to support more efficient and equitable resource distribution. This multi-indicator assessment offers an adaptable approach for evidence-based MH resource allocation to prioritize subnational areas with worst health indicators in resource-limited settings, although further research is needed to test its impact.
Jueces en tensión: la Corte Suprema argentina (2003-2023) y la Corte Constitucional colombiana (2002-2023) frente a la polarización
Authors: Botero Sandra , García Holgado Benjamín 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In this article, we study how the Supreme Court of Argentina (2003-2023) and the Constitutional Court of Colombia (2002-2023) responded to periods of increasing political polarization. In each country, for each presidency, we describe the political context of the polarization, the composition of the courts, and how the courts ruled on significant cases for the executives during moments of high polarization. The evidence indicates that both courts did not align permanently or automatically with any political faction. We suggest that the mechanisms for selecting judges and the distribution of power in Congress have prevented a single force from controlling the high courts and have led to the absence of internal ideological polarization within these courts.
Implantation of a sutureless aortic valve into the ring of a mechanical valve: an extreme solution for extreme cases
Authors: Boris Robič , Petrovič Rene , Krasniqi Arta , Antonič Miha 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Reoperations due to dysfunction of artificial mechanical aortic valves represent a complex and high-risk surgical procedure, particularly for elderly patients. In this report, we present a case of an 81-year-old female patient where, due to structural degeneration of the mechanical valve, an emergency surgical procedure was indicated. After the removal of the valve leaflets, a sutureless aortic valve was implanted within the mechanical ring. In our case, we demonstrate that such an approach is a safe alternative for high-risk patients, who cannot undergo percutaneous procedures. By reducing the duration of cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic clamping, the surgical outcomes and complication rates can be significantly improved.
Feasibility of computed tomography-derived surgical margin assessment in an ex vivo sublobar lung resection model
Authors: Kitazawa Shinsuke , Bernards Nicholas , Gregor Alexander , Sata Yuki , Hiraishi Yoshihisa , Ogawa Hiroyuki , Koga Takamasa , Ishiwata Tsukasa , Aragaki Masato , Yokote Fumi , Effat Andrew , Kazlovich Kate , Weersink Robert , Cabanero Michael , Sato Yukio , Yasufuku Kazuhiro 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Computed tomography (CT) imaging of a sublobar resection specimen may inform intraoperative surgical margin assessment. However, consistency with final pathological margins has not been previously evaluated. In this study, we investigated the concordance between surgical margin measurements by CT versus pathology measurements using an ex vivo sublobar lung resection model.

METHODS
Pig lung wedge samples containing agarose pseudotumours were harvested. CT images were acquired following specimen inflation. The specimen was bisected along the same plane observed by CT for accurate comparison with pathological surgical margin measurement. The bisected samples were then fixed in formalin before preparing haematoxylin & eosin slides. Surgical margin length at four distinct stages (CT, gross pre-formalin fixation, gross post-formalin fixation and pathology) were measured and compared.

RESULTS
A total of 50 lung specimens were analysed. After specimen processing, Surgical margin length decreased in 94% (47/50) and increased in 6% (3/50) of samples. Mean surgical margin lengths were as follows: CT 14.0 mm (range: 4.5–28.3 mm), gross pre-formalin fixation 13.0 mm (range: 4.0–25.0 mm), gross post-formalin fixation 12.1 mm (range: 2.5–26.0 mm) and pathology 10.9 mm (range: 1.0–23.4 mm). There was an average −23.8% (range: +11 to −82%) change in surgical margin length from CT to final pathology (P &lt; 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS
While CT-based surgical margin measurement is feasible, we observed an average 23.8% discordance when compared to final pathology measurement. Surgeons must be aware that the CT-derived surgical margin generally overestimates the pathology-derived surgical margin.
The Impact of Showcard Use on Selected Point-Rating Scales in Face-to-Face Surveys: Evidence from the European Social Survey
Authors: Saraç Melike , West Brady T 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Although quality aspects of survey data have been well-investigated in the methodological literature, little is known about the effects of showcard use on data quality. This study sought to examine the impact of the degree of showcard use on data quality, focusing on item-missing data and middle-point selection for a selected set of questions. The data come from the European Social Survey Round 9 (ESS9), which covers 29 European countries. Our findings suggest that showcards used in face-to-face surveys significantly reduce the presence of item-missing data and middle-point selection, even if only some of them are used during interviews. This study presents different strategies that may be employed for questionnaire design, interviewer training, and data collection.
Exploring factors that impact pass rates in a UK pharmacist registration exam, 2011–2024
Authors: Kavanagh Oisín N , Ashton Mark , Husband Andrew K 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this work was to evaluate the performance of UK MPharm graduates on the General Pharmaceutical Council’s (GPhC) registration assessment, between the years 2011–2024, to explore the factors that impact student performance in this examination.

Methods
Student performance in the GPhC registration assessment was contextualized with factors like alma mater, Foundation Training placement, NSS, and HESA data. Relationships between these factors and the weighted average passing rates and raw scores were analysed using a range of statistical methods including correlation analysis, ANOM, Tukey–Kramer, and t-tests.

Key findings
Year on year, students from top performing Schools of Pharmacy consistently perform well and performance becomes less consistent as average passing rate decreases (R2 = 0.89; Prob &gt; F &lt; 0.0001). To best discriminate between MPharm programmes and placement type, students can be grouped by their raw score. We also find that students are more likely to pass in hospital compared to community placements, independent of institution. These relationships hold true for the best- and worst-performing students.

Conclusions
Our analysis highlights substantial differences in performance levels between the highest and lowest-performing schools and placement types. While not always the case, it appears that pharmacy students should seek to obtain a pre-registration placement in the hospital environment to maximise their chances of success in the GPhC exam. Moving forward, we advocate for better quality data which could link each individual (and their demographic characteristics) as they move through university right through to their performance on each question in the registration exam.
The Milstein scheme for singular SDEs with Hölder continuous drift
Authors: Gerencsér Máté , Lampl Gerald , Ling Chengcheng 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
We study the $L^{p}$ rate of convergence of the Milstein scheme for stochastic differential equations when the drift coefficients possess only Hölder regularity. If the diffusion is elliptic and sufficiently regular, we obtain rates consistent with the additive case. The proof relies on regularization by noise techniques, particularly stochastic sewing, which in turn requires (at least asymptotically) sharp estimates on the law of the Milstein scheme, which may be of independent interest.
A complex of NLRP3 with caspase-4 is essential for inflammasome activation by Tannerella forsythia infection
Authors: Hsu Chen-Wei , Okano Tokuju , Niinuma Yuiko , Leewananthawet Anongwee , Iida Tamako , Onsoi Poramed , Boonyaleka Kotchakorn , Ashida Hiroshi , Suzuki Toshihiko 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease of periodontal tissue, is often associated with a group of pathogenic bacteria known as the “red complex”, including Tannerella forsythia. Previous papers showed that T. forsythia induces many kinds of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1β regulated by inflammasome activation. However, the physiological function of periodontitis and the mechanism to induce inflammasome activation by T. forsythia infection are poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that the Nod-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) and caspase-4 are essential for inflammasome activation by T. forsythia infection, playing a crucial role in IL-1β maturation in THP-1 cells. We also showed that the knockout of ASC or Gasdermin D suppresses pyroptotic cell death. Moreover, co-immunoprecipitation assays confirmed the formation of a complex involving caspase-4, NLRP3, and ASC following T. forsythia infection. Additionally, reactive oxygen species production was identified as a key factor in caspase-4-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation by T. forsythia infection. These results enhance our understanding of inflammasome activation in response to T. forsythia infection and provide new insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of periodontitis.