bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can Loneliness be Predicted? Development of a Risk Prediction Model for Loneliness among Elderly Chinese: A Study Based on CLHLS
Authors: Lin Youbei , Li Chuang , Li Hongyu , Wang Xiuli 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: Loneliness is prevalent among the elderly, worsened by global aging trends. It impacts mental and physiological health. Traditional scales for measuring loneliness may be biased due to cognitive decline and varying definitions. Machine learning advancements offer potential improvements in risk prediction models.
Methods: Data from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), involving over 16,000 participants aged ≥65 years, were used. The study examined the relationships between loneliness and factors such as cognitive function, functional limitations, living conditions, environmental influences, age-related health issues, and health behaviors. Using R 4.4.1, seven predictive models were developed: logistic regression, ridge regression, support vector machines, K-nearest neighbors, decision trees, random forests, and multi-layer perceptron. Models were evaluated based on ROC curves, accuracy, precision, recall, F1 scores, and AUC.
Results: Loneliness prevalence among elderly Chinese was 23.4%. Analysis identified 16 predictive factors and evaluated seven models. Logistic regression was the most effective model for predicting loneliness risk due to its economic and operational advantages.
Conclusion: The study found a 23.4% prevalence of loneliness among elderly individuals in China. SHAP values indicated that higher MMSE scores correlate with lower loneliness levels. Logistic regression was the superior model for predicting loneliness risk in this population.
Arterial spin labeling can distinguish between ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack in intracranial stenosis more easily than high- resolution MRI
Authors: Li Ling , Tang Min , Zhang Jing , Zhang Na , Wen Yu , Ai Kai , Zhang Xiaoling , Lei Xiaoyan , Yan Xuejiao 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
We aimed to investigate differential characteristics of plaque in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and hemodynamics in patients with ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA), and to compare the ability of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) and arterial spin labeling (ASL) to diagnose ischemic stroke.
Methods
In this retrospective analysis of patients with ischemic events who underwent HRMRI and ASL imaging between October 2020 and December 2023, clinical risk factors, vascular plaque characteristics, and the presence and characteristics of arterial transit artifacts (ATAs) at post-labeling delays (PLDs) of 1.5 s and 2.5 s were compared between stroke and TIA groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of different prediction models combining clinical factors, differential plaque characteristics, and the presence of PLD ATAs.
Results
147 patients (mean age, 57.12 ± 13.08 years; 102 men) were initially included in this study, included 79 and 68 patients from the ischemic stroke and TIA groups. There were significant differences in vascular positive remodeling, intraplaque hemorrhage, enhancement ratio and the presence of 1.5-s and 2.5-s ATAs (p < 0.05) between the two groups. Combined HRMRI and ASL performed best in distinguishing ischemic stroke and TIA(area under the curve [AUC], 0.926; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.885 − 0.967), while there was no significant difference in ischemic stroke diagnostic performance between HRMRI and ASL (95% CI, -0.039 to 0.087, Z = 0.742, p = 0.458).
Conclusion
ASL allows simpler imaging assessment than HRMRI to distinguish between TIA and stroke in patients with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis. A model combining plaque characteristics and hemodynamic differences showed good performance. And ATAs assessments may become a more widely used imaging marker in clinical practice.
Navigating Chronic Uncertainty: A Theory Synthesis for Nursing Communication in Life-limiting illness
Authors: Grant Julie , Johnson-Koenke Rachel 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Despite the proven benefits of early palliative care and national initiatives to increase access, patient communication regarding these services remains elusive. Many theories in the fields of health communication, psychology, and medicine offer valuable insights for early palliative care and uncertainty communication. While these various fields study communication and have developed communication theories, the discipline of nursing must also recognize and research its unique communicatory role. Therefore, this paper aims to a) provide a comprehensive literature review on nurse palliative care communication addressing chronic uncertainty in life-limiting illness, b) define the Reconceptualization of Uncertainty in illness Theory (RUIT) and Problematic Integration Theory (PIT) within a nursing Unitary Caring Science (UCS) worldview and, c) synthesize these theories and literature review into a unique conceptual framework for early palliative care communication in nursing.
Method
Turner’s theory synthesis methodology was combined with a comprehensive PRISMA literature review to produce an overarching framework that transcends and interprets existing theories. The literature search was conducted in July of 2023 and updated in May 2024 using Pubmed, PsychINFO, and EBSCOhost databases. A second literature search was undertaken to identify applicable uncertainty theories in chronic or LLIs. This theory-oriented search used health communication and nursing theory textbooks, reference chaining from our first comprehensive literature review, and keyword searches of applicable theories in Pubmed, PsychINFO, and EBSCOhost databases.
Results
This theory synthesis highlights the integrality of all facets of uncertainty for those living with severe life-limiting illnesses (personal factors, types of uncertainty, and the nursing communicatory process) and conceptualizes uncertainty communication as a series of events happening simultaneously, not simply a cause-and-effect process.
Discussion
The framework resulting from this synthesis encourages nurses' holistic understanding of the complex nature of uncertainty in life-limiting illness, highlights the integral communicatory role nurses have in their patients’ health and wellness, and promotes further nursing-specific communication research. Future implementation nursing research focusing on enabling nurse-initiated early palliative care communication will support patients' values and dignity throughout more than a single hospital stay but their entire disease trajectory.
Crucial Role of Telomere Maintenance-Related Genes in Survival Prediction and Subtype Identification in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Huang Feng , Zhao Wei Guo , Li Zhuo Ya , Fong Jung Yin , Okechukwu Patrick Nwabueaze , Ng Chin Tat , Venkatachalam Karthik Kumar , Alshawsh Mohammed Abdullah , Letchumanan Vengadesh , Selvaraja Malarvili 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Telomere maintenance genes are closely related to colorectal cancer (CRC) development and progression. However, the potential influence of telomere maintenance-related genes (TMRGs) on the prognosis of CRC and their clinical relevance remains insufficiently explored. Utilizing mRNA expression data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we developed a risk model with three telomere maintenance-related biomarkers (PDE1B, TFAP2B, and HSPA1A). Then, the risk score, pathologic N, pathologic M, and age were identified as independent prognostic factor. Through the integration of model risk score with clinical information, we drew a nomogram to predict the survival outcomes of patients with CRC. We further divided the patients into two risk subgroups. Concomitantly, an in-depth analysis of the immuno-infiltration, functional variation and drug sensitivity analysis were performed in two risk subgroups. Ultimately, we experimentally validated the impact of PDE1B in CRC cell lines. The qPCR results showed expression level of PDE1B in CRC cells were lower than the control cells, which was consistent with gene expression analysis by the UALCAN database. Overexpression of PDE1B in CRC cells significantly inhibited proliferation, metastasis, while promoted apoptosis in vitro. In conculsion, three telomere maintenance-related biomarkers and effective prognostic model was developed to provide a basis for exploring the prediction of prognosis of CRC. Different subtypes can be utilized to further subdivide the CRC patient for a more precise treatment plan. Our study suggests that PDE1B may serve as both a biomarker and a therapeutic target for CRC.
Assessing Progress Towards SDG 4: Examining Education Accessibility in Somaliland using Data from the 2022 National Education Accessibility Survey and the Proportion of Out-of-School Children
Authors: Muse Yahye Hassan , Abdi Mustafe Khadar , Hassan Mukhtar Abdi , Ali Jibril Abdulkadir , Ali Tawakal Abdi , Cumar Mukhtaar Axmed , Muse Abdisalam Hassan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The challenges faced by economically disadvantaged nations, particularly in Somaliland, regarding equal access to education are the focus of this study. By analyzing data from the 2022 National Education Accessibility Survey (NEAS), the research aims to uncover the factors influencing educational accessibility, aligning with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 4, which emphasizes inclusive and quality education. Several significant determinants are identified, including the age group and size of the household, region, location type, sex of household head, occupation, income sources for school fees, and housing type. The findings highlight the obstacles faced by older individuals and larger households in accessing education, indicating the need for targeted interventions. Disparities between regions and urban-rural areas also have a significant impact on educational accessibility, underscoring the importance of ensuring equitable opportunities across different geographical areas. Occupation, income sources, and housing conditions are identified as influential factors, emphasizing the necessity for policies that address socio-economic barriers. These insights provide valuable guidance for policymakers and stakeholders in their efforts to promote educational equity in Somaliland. Further research should build upon these findings to develop effective strategies that overcome existing barriers and ensure equal educational opportunities for all individuals in the region.
Advanced Hybrid Composites: Integrating Carbon Fiber Tape into Glass Fiber Thermoplastics Via Automated Tape Placement Overmolding
Authors: Chahine Georges , Barakat Abdallah , White Brandon , Schwartz Benjamin , Marathe Umesh , Yeole Pritesh , Hassen Ahmed Arabi , Vaidya Uday 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Long fiber thermoplastic (LFT) composites have gained significant attention in various industries due to their desirable properties, including ease of processing, recyclability, superior strength, and corrosion resistance. Glass fiber (GF) is commonly used as a reinforcing material in LFT composites, given its low cost and excellent mechanical properties. However, there are challenges associated with the existing manufacturing processes, such as fiber attrition and limitations in achieving anisotropic properties. In this study, the overmolding of glass fiber-reinforced polyphenylene sulfide long fiber thermoplastic (G-LFT) and unidirectional continuous carbon fiber/polyphenylene sulfide tape (CF-Tape) using an Automated Tape Placement (ATP) robotic system has been investigated. The aim is to explore the potential of ATP for improving the mechanical properties of LFT composites. The results reveal that the overmolding process using CF-PPS on G-LFT leads to significant enhancements in mechanical performance. An increase of 129% in the tensile properties has been achieved, along with a 192% improvement in flexural strength. The bond strength at the interface was examined through the flatwise tensile test. An adequate bond was witnessed by in the form of partial failure of the CF-tape, and 7.52 MPa ±0.34 flatwise tensile strength. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) were conducted to analyze the thermal behavior of the parts. The crystallinity was calculated using DSC plot and a value of 33.4% was found. Low-velocity impact testing has been conducted to understand the dynamic behavior of G-LFT and G-LFT/CF-Tape. The impact energy absorbed was found to be similar in both cases. A numerical model was used to reduce the number of experiments. It was found that the flexural strength would improved by 60% by adding five layers of CF-Tape. In summary, this research contributes to expanding the knowledge of overmolding techniques and highlights the potential of ATP-based overmolding for for enhancing the localized strength and easily applied to intricate geometries.
Quality of Life in Patients with Malignant Wounds Treated at a Wound Care Clinic
Authors: Chen Anna , Dusza Stephen , Bromberg Jacqueline , Goldfarb Shari , Sanford Rachel , Markova Alina 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Malignant wounds can present in up to 14.5% of patients with advanced cancer, significantly reducing quality of life (QoL). Management of malignant wounds is generally palliative, with the goal of improving or maintaining QoL. There is a lack of data on the impact of wound care clinics on QoL in patients with malignant wounds.
Objectives
We sought to assess the QoL in patients with malignant wounds attending a wound care clinic. We also aimed to describe the baseline QoL, trends in QoL, physical symptoms, and treatment modalities that affect QoL in patients with malignant wounds over time.
Methods
This retrospective observational study included 36 patients attending a wound care clinic at an oncologic hospital from 1/1/2016–4/1/2023. As part of the standard of care, these patients complete a Skindex-16 QoL survey at each visit. The Skindex-16 is a validated instrument to measure the effects of skin diseases on QoL. Data were extracted from the electronic medical record. Descriptive statistics, graphical methods, and random effects models for change were used to describe the patient population and the QoL measures over time.
Results
Of the 36 patients who completed at least one Skindex-16 questionnaire, 69.4% were female, and 50.0% developed malignant wounds from breast cancer, 30.5% from nonmelanoma skin cancer, and 8.3% from sarcoma. At the initial visit, 86.1% of patients had exudate associated with their malignant wound, 52.7% of patients had malodor, 63.9% had bleeding, 69.4% had pain, and 50% had pruritus. The mean baseline Skindex-16 score was 54.5, falling into the “extremely severe” category, with a mean score of 15.4, 18.8, and 20.3 for the symptoms, emotions, and functioning domains, respectively. Nineteen patients completed at least one additional Skindex-16 questionnaire at follow-up visits (visit two 52.8%, visit three 33.3%, visit four 19.4%, visit five or greater 13.9%). Compared to the mean Skindex-16 score at baseline, there was an 18.5 point improvement at visit 2 (95% CI: 3.3–33.7, p = 0.018).
Conclusion
Malignant wounds severely adversely affect patients’ quality of life. However, patients experienced improved quality of life after being treated at a dedicated wound clinic.
Impact of Social Determinants of Health on Health-Related Quality of Life Among Cancer Survivors in the United States
Authors: Peitz Josephine , Zhong Michael , Adebamowo Clement , Adebamowo Sally N. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a critical aspect of cancer survivorship, influenced by various social determinants of health (SDoH) such as economic stability, education access, and healthcare coverage. Understanding the impact of these determinants is essential for developing interventions that improve the well-being of cancer survivors.
Methods: Cross-sectional analyses were conducted using data from 20,534 adults with cancer, including 15,754 from the All of Us (AOU) Research Program (2015-2024) and 4,780 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2001-2018). HRQoL outcomes were assessed across multiple dimensions: physical health, mental health, emotional well-being, social support, functional ability, and physical activity.
Results: Higher economic stability, education access, and healthcare coverage were significantly associated with better HRQoL outcomes in both cohorts. In the AOU cohort, those with higher family income were more likely to report very good (OR: 20.24; CI: 12.86-31.87) or excellent (OR: 33.06; CI: 20.01-54.64) quality of life. Similar trends were observed for physical and mental health. The NHANES cohort showed consistent findings. Participants with no negative SDoH factors were significantly more likely to report excellent outcomes across all HRQoL dimensions.
Conclusions and Implications for Cancer Survivors: These findings highlight the significant impact of SDoH on cancer survivors’ HRQoL and support the need for targeted interventions and policies to mitigate the adverse effects of negative SDoH factors. Addressing economic, educational, and healthcare disparities is crucial for improving the long-term health and quality of life of cancer survivors.
Immunoparesis Recovery in Newly Diagnosed Transplant Ineligible Multiple Myeloma Patients, an Independent Prognostic Factor That Complements Minimal Residual Disease
Authors: Lakhwani Sunil , Mateos María Victoria , Martínez-López Joaquín , Paiva Bruno , Dachs Laura Rosiñol , Martínez Rafael , Oriol Albert , Bargay Joan , González-Montes Yolanda , Gironella Mercedes , Encinas Cristina , Martín Jesús , Jarque Isidro , Granell Miquel , Abella Eugenia , Mateo Aránzazu García , Hernández-Rivas José Ángel , Ramila Elena , Krsnik Isabel , Montero Luis Felipe Casado , Arriba Felipe , Palomera Luis , Sampol Antonia , Moraleda José María , Casanova María , Delgado Pilar , Lafuente Ana , Amutio Elena , Martínez Aurelio López , Altés Albert , Ruíz M. Ángeles , Alegre Adrián , Lopez-Anglada Lucia , Cruz Javier La , Fernández Rafael Alonso , Creixenti Joan Bladé , Lahuerta Juan-José , San-Miguel Jesús , Hernández Miguel-Teodoro 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Information on the prognostic value of immunoparesis (IP) recovery in multiple myeloma (MM) patients has been only generated in some observational and retrospective studies. We have evaluated the prognostic impact of IP recovery and its association with minimal residual disease (MRD) in a series of 113 newly diagnosed transplant-ineligible (NDTI) patients, that received fix duration treatment (18 cycles of VMP/lenalidomide-dexamethasone) within the PETHEMA/GEM2010MAS65 trial and who achieved CR or VGPR. Immunoglobulin levels were measured at diagnosis, at the end of treatment (after cycle 18th ) and during subsequent follow up whereas MRD was analyzed only at the end of the treatment (after cycle 18th ). We found that patients who had IP at diagnosis and recovered it during or after treatment had longer progression free survival (PFS) [p < 0.001; HR 0.32 (0.19–0.52)] and longer overall survival (OS) [p = 0.007; HR 0.40 (0.20–0.80)] compared to those who failed to recover it. When we analyzed IP recovery in MRD negative patients, we found that those cases with IP recovery had longer PFS [p = 0.007; HR 0.31 (0.13–0.76)] and longer OS [p = 0.012; HR 0.21 (0.06–0.80)] as compared to MRD negative patients but without IP recovery. In conclusion, IP recovery confers better prognosis in NDTI-MM patients with fixed duration treatment who achieve CR or VGPR and the prognostic value of MRD can be complemented when combined with IP recovery.
Effects of mineral fertilization (NPK) on combined high temperature and ozone damage in rice
Authors: Jo So-Hye , Kim Ju-Hee , Moon Ji-Hyeon , Yang Seo-Yeong , Baek Jae-Kyeong , Song Yeong-Seo , Shon Ji-Young , Chung Nam-Jin , Lee Hyeon-Seok 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Increasing concern has recently been highlighted regarding crop damage due to extreme weather events caused by global warming and the increased production of ground-level ozone gas (O3). Several studies have investigated rice growth in response to fertilization conditions under various environmental stress conditions; however, studies on growth development in response to fertilization conditions under combined high-temperature/ozone treatment conditions are scarce. Therefore, this study was conducted to analyze the growth and physiological development of rice under combined high temperature and ozone treatment conditions and to reveal the damage-mitigation effects of NPK fertilization treatments.
Results
The results showed that the combined high-temperature/ozone treatment appeared to promote phenological development by increasing leaf age compared to normal conditions, but had a negative effect on quantitative growth by decreasing plant height and dry weight. The effects of this combined high-temperature/ozone treatment on growth were alleviated in K-2 (K2) treatments and worsened in N-2 (N2) treatments. Visible damage symptoms in rice leaves also tended to be alleviated by the K treatment. Meanwhile to physiologically analyse the effectiveness of K2 treatment in alleviating growth injury, antioxidant and abscisic acid (ABA)-related gene expression and stomatal conductance were analysed. As in the case of growth, the results showed that K2 treatment could alleviate the damage.
Conclusion
This study confirmed the possibility of reducing combined high-temperature/ozone damage by fertilization control and is expected to be used as basic data for related studies.
Infectious outcomes of a standardized subcutaneous immunoglobulin dose reduction strategy in primary immune deficiencies amid global shortage
Authors: Moral Pedro Moral , Cabanero-Navalon Marta Dafne , León Paula López , Balastegui-Martín Héctor , Mercader Sandra Martínez , Mir Amparo , Garcia-Bustos Victor 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IgRT), either intravenous (IVIg) or subcutaneous (SCIg), is crucial for managing primary immune deficiencies (PIDs) with hypogammaglobulinemia by reducing infection rates and mortality. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a global shortage of SCIg prompted our unit to reduce SCIg doses or maintain the same dose intravenously. This study evaluates the impact of a standardized SCIg dose reduction on infection rates and clinical outcomes in patients with PID. Adult PID patients on SCIg for at least 6 months, with IgG trough levels ≥ 700 mg/dL (or ≥ 900 mg/dL under specific conditions), and no significant infections in the past 6 months were eligible. A dose reduction of 15 mg/kg/week (60 mg/kg/month) for every 150 mg/dL above 700 mg/dL (or 900 mg/dL) was proposed. Clinical and laboratory data, and infectious events at 6- and 12-month follow-ups, were analyzed. Thirty-one patients with PID were included: common variable immunodeficiency (54.83%), IgG subclass deficiency (9.67%), and other PIDs (35.48%). The average SCIg dose was initially reduced from 7.82 g/week to 5.72 g/week and adjusted to 6.94 g/week at 12 months. There was no significant change in severe or recurrent infections before and at 6- and 12-months post-dose adjustment. The dose reduction saved an average of 5,550 euros per patient annually, totaling 172,050 euros annually for our cohort. Thus, optimizing SCIg doses in selected PIDs is feasible without increasing infection rates, conserving this plasma-derived product during shortages. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm this strategy's utility and its application to other Ig formulations.