bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hearing, β-Amyloid Deposition and Cognitive Test Performance in Black and White Older Adults: The ARIC-PET Study
Authors: Deal Jennifer A , Jiang Kening , Rawlings Andreea , Sharrett A Richey , Reed Nicholas S , Knopman David , Mosley Thomas , Wong Dean , Zhou Yun , Lin Frank R , Gottesman Rebecca F 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background
Hearing loss is a risk factor for dementia; whether the association is causal or due to a shared pathology is unknown. We estimated the association of brain β-amyloid with hearing, hypothesizing no association. As a positive control, we quantified the association of hearing loss with neurocognitive test performance.

Methods
Cross-sectional analysis of Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities-Positron Emission Tomography study data. Amyloid was measured using global cortical and temporal lobe standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs) calculated from florbetapir-positron emission tomography scans. Composite global and domain-specific cognitive scores were created from 10 neurocognitive tests. Hearing was measured using an average of better-ear air conduction thresholds (0.5–4 kHz). Multivariable-adjusted linear regression estimated mean differences in hearing by amyloid and mean differences in cognitive scores by hearing, stratified by race.

Results
In 252 dementia-free adults (72–92 years, 37% Black race, and 61% female participants), cortical or temporal lobe SUVR was not associated with hearing (models adjusted for age, sex, education, and APOE ε4). Each 10 dB HL increase in hearing loss was associated with a 0.134 standard deviation lower mean global cognitive factor score (95% CI: −0.248, −0.019), after adjustment for demographic and cardiovascular factors. Observed hearing-cognition associations were stronger in Black versus White participants.

Conclusions
Amyloid is not associated with hearing, suggesting that pathways linking hearing and cognition are independent of this pathognomonic Alzheimer’s-related brain change. This is the first study to show that the impact of hearing loss on cognition may be stronger in Black versus White adults.
Claims-Based Frailty Index as a Measure of Dementia Severity in Medicare Claims Data
Authors: Park Chan Mi , Sison Stephanie Denise M , McCarthy Ellen P , Shi Sandra , Gouskova Natalia , Lin Kueiyu Joshua , Kim Dae Hyun 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background
Dementia severity is unavailable in administrative claims data. We examined whether a claims-based frailty index (CFI) can measure dementia severity in Medicare claims.

Methods
This cross-sectional study included the National Health and Aging Trends Study Round 5 participants with possible or probable dementia whose Medicare claims were available. We estimated the Functional Assessment Staging Test (FAST) scale (range: 3 [mild cognitive impairment] to 7 [severe dementia]) using information from the survey. We calculated CFI (range: 0–1, higher scores indicating greater frailty) using Medicare claims 12 months prior to the participants’ interview date. We examined C-statistics to evaluate the ability of the CFI in identifying moderate-to-severe dementia (FAST stage 5–7) and determined the optimal CFI cut-point that maximized both sensitivity and specificity.

Results
Of the 814 participants with possible or probable dementia and measurable CFI, 686 (72.2%) patients were ≥75 years old, 448 (50.8%) were female, and 244 (25.9%) had FAST stage 5–7. The C-statistic of CFI to identify FAST stage 5–7 was 0.78 (95% confidence interval: 0.72–0.83), with a CFI cut-point of 0.280, achieving the maximum sensitivity of 76.9% and specificity of 62.8%. Participants with CFI ≥0.280 had a higher prevalence of disability (19.4% vs 58.3%) and dementia medication use (6.0% vs 22.8%) and higher risk of mortality (10.7% vs 26.3%) and nursing home admission (4.5% vs 10.6%) over 2 years than those with CFI &lt;0.280.

Conclusions
Our study suggests that CFI can be useful in identifying moderate-to-severe dementia from administrative claims among older adults with dementia.
Technology Affordance in an Information and Communication Technology Delivered Group Psychotherapy and Exercise Program for Older People With Depressive Symptoms: A Multiple Triangulation Qualitative Study
Authors: Leung Dara Kiu Yi , Wong Frankie Ho Chun , Wong Edwin Lok Yan , Sze Lesley , Chan Melissa , Liu Tianyin , Fong Annabelle Pui Chi , Kwok Wai Wai , Shum Angie Kwan Yu , Wong Gloria Hoi Yan , Lum Terry Yat Sang 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Health and mental health interventions, such as psychotherapy and exercise programs, delivered via information and communication technology (ICT) may improve service access. However, adjustment among older people and in synchronous group interventions is more challenging. Technology affordance concerns the possibilities engendered by technology for various users and purposes and can help understand challenges in ICT-delivered groups and identify possible solutions.

Research Design and Methods
Adopting a multiple triangulation approach, we observed ICT-delivered groups of acceptance and commitment therapy and exercise for older people with depressive symptoms, conducted focus groups with older people who had received group psychotherapy with or without an exercise component, and obtained clinical notes from interventionists. We conducted a thematic analysis of the observation notes, focus group transcriptions, and clinical notes.

Results
Four focus groups were conducted with 22 participants (mean age = 72.6 years, standard deviation = 7.2, 86% female). We identified 3 challenges: (1) seeing–be seen dilemma, (2) speaking–hearing dilemma, and (3) blurred therapy–home boundary, and 2 solutions: (1) maneuvering layouts and collaborative tools, and (2) cross-platform mediated strategies. Participants struggled to observe the interventionist while simultaneously demonstrating their posture in front of a camera. Remaining silent and moderated turn-taking allowed for clearer hearing but limited interactions. Interruptions from the background environment and intersections of family living spaces disrupted audio-visual communication and jeopardized the sense of security. As a solution, interventionists maneuvered layouts and collaborative tools on teleconferencing applications to achieve intervention goals and provided support through different media.

Discussion and Implications
The identified challenges and potential solutions can be understood from interactivity, portability, temporality, persistence, and multimediality. Technology affordance can guide ICT-delivered group design by matching the affordance of various technologies and communication media with the characteristics of the intervention and users to enhance efficacy and avoid an unnecessary digital divide.
Gender Differences in the Relationship Between Financial Capability and Health in Later Life: Evidence From Hong Kong
Authors: Chen Yu-Chih , Sun Sicong 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Financial capability, comprising financial literacy, access, and behavior, can influence an individual’s ability to effectively use financial resources, thus affecting their health and well-being. However, studies have predominantly focused on financial literacy and overlooked a more comprehensive measure of financial capability and its health impacts. Furthermore, although financial capability is shaped profoundly by gender, there is limited knowledge of the role of gender in these associations.

Research Design and Methods
This study investigated how gender may moderate the links between financial capability and health. The study recruited 1,109 community-dwelling adults (aged 45+) in Hong Kong to take part in an online survey employing multivariate linear and logistic regression to examine the gender differences in the associations between financial capability and physical (perceived health and mobility limitations), mental (life satisfaction and depression), and financial (retirement worry and financial satisfaction) health.

Results
The results showed that financial access and behavior had a more significant influence on health outcomes than financial literacy. Gender differences in financial capability were identified through simple slope analyses. Financial literacy was more important for men’s self-rated health and life satisfaction, whereas financial behavior was more critical for women. Additionally, although financial access was not related to retirement worry among men, it was significantly associated with lower retirement worry among women.

Discussion and Implications
The findings suggest that gender-specific pathways to financial capability may lead to health disparities. Policies and programs to improve population health and well-being, particularly for women, should target financial literacy, strengthen financial inclusion, and encourage responsible financial behavior.
From Sheltered in Place to Thriving in Place: Pandemic Places of Aging
Authors: Greer Valerie Chang , Hong Andy , Canham Sarah L , Agutter James , Garcia Ivis , Van Natter Jess M , Caylor Natalie 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Response to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic required rapid changes to physical, social, and technological environments. There is a need to understand how independent-living older adults are adapting to pandemic-borne transformations of place and how environmental factors may shape experiences of aging well in the context of a public health emergency response.

Research Design and Methods
We conducted a photovoice study to examine the characteristics associated with aging in place. Our study investigated how independent-living older adults characterized aging in a “right” place approximately 1 year after the onset of the pandemic.

Results
Six themes categorized into 2 groups capture how older adults describe a “right” place to age. The first category, “places as enactors of identity and belonging,” describes the significance of places contributing to intimate relationships, social connections, and a sense of personal continuity. The second category, “places as facilitators of activities and values,” recognizes environments that promote health, hobbies, goals, and belief systems. Participants reported modifying their daily living environments with increased use of technology and more time outdoors.

Discussion and Implications
Our findings emphasize older adults’ active engagement with place and strategies used to maintain healthy aging despite public health restrictions. The results also identify place-based characteristics that may help overcome stressful circumstances from older adults’ perspectives. These findings inform pathways to pursue to facilitate resiliency for aging in place.
A Bayesian inverse approach to identify and quantify organisms from fisheries acoustic data
Authors: Urmy Samuel S , De Robertis Alex , Bassett Christopher 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Identifying sound-scattering organisms is a perennial challenge in fisheries acoustics. Most practitioners classify backscatter based on direct sampling, frequency-difference thresholds, and expert judgement, then echo-integrate at a single frequency. However, this approach struggles with species mixtures, and discards multi-frequency information when integrating. Inversion methods do not have these limitations, but are not widely used because species identifications are often ambiguous and the algorithms are complicated to implement. We address these shortcomings using a probabilistic, Bayesian inversion method. Like other inversion methods, it handles species mixtures, uses all available frequencies, and extends naturally to broadband signals. Unlike previous approaches, it leverages Bayesian priors to rigorously incorporate information from direct sampling and biological knowledge, constraining the inversion and reducing ambiguity in species identification. Because it is probabilistic, a well-specified model should not produce solutions that are both wrong and confident. The model is based on physical scattering processes, so its output is fully interpretable, unlike some machine learning methods. Finally, the approach can be implemented using existing Bayesian libraries and is easily parallelized for large datasets. We present examples using simulations and field data from the Gulf of Alaska, and discuss possible applications and extensions of the method.
CFD and statistical analysis of flow mass ratios on temperature and pressure drops of double pipe heat exchanger
Authors: Evran Savaş , Kurt Mustafa 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
In this numerical and statistical study, the effect of mass flow rates for shell and fluid temperature for tube on temperature and pressure drops was analyzed in double pipe heat exchanger under counterflow. Numerical calculations were performed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in ANSYS Fluent. Calculations were carried out according to the L8 orthogonal array with two control factors in accordance with Taguchi method. Although the different mass flow rates of the fluid passing through the shell were chosen as the first control factor, different fluid temperatures of the fluid passing through the tube were selected for the second control factor. Signal-to-noise ratio analysis was used to decide the impacts and optimum levels of the mass flow rates and fluid temperatures on temperature and pressure drop. The significance levels and contribution percentages of each variable on the temperature and pressure change occurring in the heat exchanger were calculated using analysis of variance. The accuracy of the analyses was compared numerically and statistically by comparing the obtained optimum CFD results with the estimated Taguchi results. This study can be used as a guiding research in the project and cost calculations of heat exchangers to be produced experimentally.
(109) CONFIRMING ANTI-FIBROTIC EFFECT OF TERFENADINE, EBASTINE, AND SOLIFENACIN IN IN VITRO MODELS OF PEYRONIE’S DISEASE
Authors: Dr. Marcus M Ilg , Dr. Alice R Lapthorn , Prof. David J Ralph , Prof. Selim Cellek 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Peyronie’s disease (PD) is characterised by formation of a fibrotic plaque in the tunica albuginea which is caused by excessive myofibroblast presence and activity. A previous phenotypic screening campaign that tested 1,954 FDA-approved drugs for their ability to inhibit myofibroblast transformation in PD-derived fibroblasts revealed 26 hits. Of these, we investigated the following hits further; terfenadine (H1-receptor antagonist), ebastine (H3-receptor antagonist) and solifenacin (muscarinic receptor antagonist).

Methods
Tunica albuginea of PD patients was used to isolate primary fibroblasts. The cells were treated with the drugs and co-incubated with transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1). Full concentration response curves ranging from 0.03 μM to 100 μM were constructed and myofibroblast transformation was quantified by measuring α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) using the In-Cell ELIA (ICE) method. A modified ICE was used to quantify total extracellular matrix (ECM) production. ICE results were further supported by Western blots and immunocytochemistry (ICC).

Results
Terfenadine (IC50 of 1.7 μM), ebastine (IC50 of 4.3 μM), and solifenacin (IC50 of 3.5 μM) showed a concentration-dependent inhibition of α-SMA in ICE which was confirmed by Western blot. ICC revealed that stress fibre formation was inhibited by all three drugs. The modified ICE confirmed concentration-dependent inhibition of ECM formation. Western blot analysis showed that terfenadine and ebastine but not solifenacin reduced fibronectin expression.

Conclusions
This is the first study to demonstrate that modulating H1-receptor, H3-receptor or muscarinic receptor signalling can affect myofibroblast transformation in PD-derived cells. These drugs have potential for repurposing for treatment of PD but need to be confirmed by in vivo studies.

Conflicts of Interest
None
(150) COMPLIANCE TO ORAL TREATMENT FOR PREMATURE EJACULATION – DATA FROM A SINGLE ACADEMIC CENTER
Authors: Dr. Paolo Capogrosso , Dr. Edoardo Pozzi , Dr. Federico Belladelli , Dr. Fallara Giuseppe , Dr. Simone Cilio , Dr. Massimiliano Raffo , Fausto Negri , Ludovica Cella , Margherita Fanton , Dr. Alessandro Bertini , Dr. Luca Boeri , Dr. Francesco Lanzaro , Dr. Christian Corsini , Dr. Luigi Candela , Dr. D'arma Alessia , Prof. Federico Dehò , Prof. Francesco Montorsi , Prof. Andrea Salonia 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Oral therapy for premature ejaculation (PE) has been associated with high drop-out rates due to side effects and poor results. We compared patients compliance to dapoxetine prn vs. paroxetine OaD in men with PE in a real-life setting

Methods
Data from 4105 patients with sexual dysfunctions prospectively collected at a single Sexual Medicine clinic in 2005-2022 were analysed. Overall, 342(8.3%) patients complained of PE and were treated either with dapoxetine 30-60mg prn or paroxetine 20mg OaD according to patients’ profile and preference. All completed the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) and the IIEF before and over the treatment course. Patients were re-assessed at 3 months from treatment start and thereafter every 6 months or as needed. Kaplan-Meier estimated treatment drop-out rates over time. Cox regression analysis assessed predictors of treatment discontinuation.

Results
Median (IQR) age was 47(36, 61) years. Median baseline PEDT score was 15 (10,17.5). Of all, 151(44%) and 191(56%) patients were treated with dapoxetine and paroxetine respectively. Patients receiving dapoxetine were younger (40(30,48) vs. 56(41,67);p&lt;0.0001) and depicted worse baseline PEDT (16(14,18) vs. 8(3,14); p&lt;0.0001) as compared with those receiving paroxetine. Overall, 329(96%) discontinued the drugs at some point throughout the treatment course, showing only a slight mean improvement of PEDT from baseline of -0.4(95%CI:-0.8,1.7) and -0.8(95%CI:-0.7,1.3) with dapoxetine and paroxetine, respectively. At Kaplan-Meier (Figure-1) the two groups did not differ in terms of treatment dropout over time (p=0.3), with estimated discontinuation rates of 27%(15,45) and 55%(37,75) at 12 and 24 months for dapoxetine and 13%(7,24) and 47%(32,65) for paroxetine. Younger patients were at higher risk of treatment drop-out (HR:0.95,95%CI:0.91,0.99;p=0.03) after accounting for PEDT, IIEF-EF and type of treatment.

Conclusions
PE still represents a therapeutic challenge with high treatment drop-out rates and only minor improvements. Younger patients appear at higher risk of oral therapies discontinuation and maybe better candidates for a multimodal treatment.

Conflicts of Interest
NA
(282) CONSEQUENCES OF ANABOLIC-ANDROGENIC STEROID ABUSE IN MALES: RESULTS FROM A META-ANALYSIS STUDY
Authors: Dr. Walter Vena , Dr. Nicola Bianchi , Dr. Francesca Frizza , Prof. Giulia Rastrelli , Dr. Sara Marchiani , Dr. Sandra Filippi , Dr. Annamaria Morelli , Dr. Elena Sarchelli , Dr. Mario Dicuio , Dr. Alessandra Sforza , Dr. Alessandro Brunetti , Dr. Alessandro Pizzocaro , Prof. Mario Maggi , Dr. Giovanni Corona 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Objectives
The real epidemiology and the possible consequences of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) use still represent a very tricky task due to the difficulties in the quantification and detection of these drugs. The aim of the present study is to systematically meta-analyze and discuss the available evidence regarding the impact of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) on the male reproductive system.

Methods
A comprehensive Medline, Embase and Cochrane search was performed.
All studies investigating the impact of AAS on several andrological outcomes without any restriction were included.

Results
Out of 738 studies, 24 specifically analyzed the andrological consequences of AAS in males. These trials included 2411 patients with a mean age of 29.7 years and a mean follow-up of 148.7 weeks. The trials differ in basal characteristics and type of AAS used. In particular, 13 studies compared the effects of AAS to controls whereas 11 reported only side effects in the active group. Body builders or weightlifters were the most common athletes considered, the list of which included also soccer players, other professional athletes as well as recreational exercisers. In the vast majority of the cases, control groups were made up of non-abuser athletes but also of normal sedentary groups.

Conclusions
Available data clearly indicated that AAS negatively affect endogenous T production. In addition, increased T and estradiol circulating levels were also observed according to the type of preparations used. The latter leads to an impairment of sperm production and to the development of side effects such as acne, hair loss and gynecomastia. Furthermore, a worse metabolic profile, characterized by reduced high density lipoprotein and increased low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels along with an increased risk of hypertension has been also detected. Finally sexual dysfunctions, often observed upon doping, represent one the most probable unfavorable effects of AAS abuse.

Conflicts of Interest
No conflict of interest to declare.
(122) FEMALE SEXUAL FUNCTION AFTER PELVIC EXENTERATION FOR LOCALLY ADVANCED OR RECURRENT COLORECTAL CANCER: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Elke Platteau , Andreas Denys , Prof. Marlon Buncamper , Prof. Gabriëlle van Ramshorst 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Our objective was to analyze the impact of pelvic exenteration (PE) and vaginal flap reconstruction on the sexual functioning of women with locally advanced or recurrent colorectal cancer.

Methods
A protocol was registered in PROSPERO. PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched using protocolized search strategies. Studies published between January 2000 and October 2021 reporting on sexual function for at least 5 female PE patients were considered eligible. Study selection, data extraction, rating of certainty of evidence (GRADE) and risk of bias (ROBINS-I) were conducted independently by two reviewers.

Results
Seven of 2086 studies were included. The 5 retrospective and 2 cross-sectional studies were of very low quality, with an overall serious risk of bias. Of all 1221 patients, PE was performed in 683 patients. The VRAM-flap was used in 95,3% of 297 women undergoing reconstruction. 393 patients had locally advanced rectal cancer, 217 had recurrent rectal cancer and for the other patients the cancer type was not specified. Six different validated questionnaires were used in 4 different studies to evaluate female quality of life and sexual function, including the EORTC QLQ-CR29, EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-CR38, FSFI, SF-36v2 and SVQ. All studies included data on female sexual activity, with 3 studies reporting on both baseline and postoperative sexual activity. 41,8% (n= 64/153) of preoperative sexual active women, were still sexual active postoperative. The VRAM-flap was proven to be a suitable technique to close perineal and/or vaginal defects, with a low rate of major complications.

Conclusions
This study shows that oncologic resection including pelvic exenteration leads to grave sexual dysfunction despite vaginal reconstruction with the use of a VRAM-flap. Data concerning sexual function after reconstruction for vaginal resection are limited, with lack of a standard protocol to evaluate female sexual function making it difficult to compare treatment results between studies.

Conflicts of Interest
All authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.