bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hearing Loss and Physical Activity Among Older Adults in the United States
Authors: Assi Sahar , Twardzik Erica , Deal Jennifer A , Martin Ginis Kathleen , Palta Priya , Schrack Jennifer A , Reed Nicholas S , Martinez-Amezcua Pablo 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Hearing loss is associated with adverse health outcomes among older adults. Lower physical activity levels may partly explain these observations, yet the association between hearing loss, hearing aid use, and physical activity among older adults is understudied.

Methods
Cross-sectional analysis of National Health and Aging Trends Study (2021) participants. The better-hearing ear pure-tone average (BPTA) at speech frequencies (0.5–4 kHz) was modeled continuously (10-dB increments) and categorically (no: ≤25 dB, mild: 26–40 dB, moderate or greater: &gt;40 dB hearing loss). Activity measures were wrist accelerometry-derived (Actigraph) total activity counts, daily active minutes, activity fragmentation (using active-to-sedentary transition probability), and self-reported participation in vigorous activities and walking for exercise in the last month. We used multivariable regression adjusted for sociodemographic and health covariates.

Results
Among 504 participants excluding hearing aid users (mean age = 79 years, 57% female, 9% Black), 338 (67%) had hearing loss. Worse hearing (continuously and categorically) was associated with fewer counts and active minutes, more fragmented activity, and greater odds of not reporting recent vigorous activities. Among 472 participants with hearing loss including hearing aid users, nonusers (n = 338) had more fragmented activity and greater odds of not reporting walking for exercise compared to users.

Conclusions
Older adults with hearing loss are less physically active. This may mediate the association between hearing loss and other adverse outcomes. Recognition of this potential association is essential for providers to better support older adults in maintaining an active lifestyle. Future research is warranted to understand the impact of hearing interventions.
Diabetes risk assessments and HbA1c-measurements in community pharmacies
Authors: Risøy Aslaug Johanne , Kjome Reidun Lisbet Skeide , Sandberg Sverre , Sølvik Una Ørvim 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Due to a lack of clear symptoms, type 2 diabetes (T2D) can remain undetected for many years. The aim of the study was to explore if Norwegian community pharmacies could identify individuals with a high risk of developing T2D by offering a diabetes risk assessment service. This study also investigated if the service recruited individuals that the national guideline recommends for diabetes risk assessment, and the proportion of participants who had visited their GP at least once a year.

Methods
During the inclusion period (September 2016 to the middle of April 2017), pharmacy customers 45 years or older wishing to participate contacted the pharmacy staff. Included participants completed a diabetes risk test and participants with a high risk were offered an HbA1c measurement. At two months after intervention, all participants were followed up.

Key findings
Of the 245 participants, 27% had a high risk of developing T2D. Of these, 46%, 43% and 9% had HbA1c values corresponding to normal (&lt;39 mmol/mol [5.7%]), prediabetes (39–47 mmol/mol [5.7–6.4%]) or above cut-off for diabetes (≥48 mmol/mol [≥6.5%]), respectively. A total of 86% of the participants were in at least one category that the guideline recommends for a diabetes risk assessment, and 88% had visited their GP at least once a year.

Conclusions
Norwegian community pharmacies can identify individuals with a high risk of developing T2D by offering a diabetes risk assessment service. Individuals who sought out the service were within the relevant demographics for testing, and a high proportion visited their GP at least once a year.
Effect of dietary calcium concentration and exogenous phytase on inositol phosphate degradation, mineral digestibility, and gut microbiota in growing pigs
Authors: Klein Nicolas , Sarpong Naomi , Melzer Tanja , Feuerstein Dieter , Heyer Charlotte M E , Camarinha-Silva Amélia , Rodehutscord Markus 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Variations in the dietary Ca concentration may affect inositol phosphate (InsP) degradation, and thereby, P digestibility in pigs. This study assessed the effects of dietary Ca concentration and exogenous phytase on InsP degradation, nutrient digestion and retention, blood metabolites, and microbiota composition in growing pigs with ileal cannulation. In a completely randomized row–column design with four periods, eight ileal-cannulated barrows (initial body weight 27 kg) were fed four corn–soybean- and rapeseed meal-based diets containing 5.5 or 8.5 g Ca/kg dry matter (DM), with or without 1,500 FTU of an exogenous hybrid-6-phytase/kg diet. No mineral P was added and the P concentration in the feed was 4.8 g P/kg DM. Prececal InsP6 disappearance in pigs fed diets containing exogenous phytase was lower (P = 0.022) with additional Ca than without. Concentrations of InsP2-4 isomers and myo-inositol in the distal ileal digesta and prececal P digestibility were greater (P &lt; 0.001) with exogenous phytase than without exogenous phytase. In feces, InsP6 disappearance was lower (P &lt; 0.002) and concentration of InsP5 and InsP4 isomers was higher (P ≤ 0.031) with additional Ca compared to without additional Ca. The prececal amino acid digestibility, energy digestibility, and hindgut disappearance of energy did not differ. The Shannon diversity index of the microbiota in the distal ileal digesta and feces was similar among the diets but was lower in the distal ileal digesta than in the feces (P &lt; 0.001). Permutation analysis of variance revealed no dietary differences between the bacterial groups within the ileal digesta and fecal samples (P &gt; 0.05). In conclusion, additional Ca reduced the effect of exogenous phytase on prececal InsP6 degradation. Endogenous InsP degradation was impaired by additional Ca only in the hindgut but the abundance of bacterial genera in feces was not affected.
Experimental Study on the Effect of Caffeine Hydrogel on the Expression of TGF -β1, α-SMA and Collagen in Hypertrophic Scar of Rabbit Ears
Authors: Ma Jiu-Cheng , Wang Zhao-Nan , Xi Ming-Fan , Yin Dong , Jiang LI-Fan , Qi Jun 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of topical use of caffeine hydrogel on hypertrophic scar in a rabbit ear wound model. Nine rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: control group, caffeine hydrogel group, and matrix group. Punched defects were established on each rabbit’s ear which resulted in a hypertrophic scar. When the wound epithelialization and scar hyperplasia could be seen, control group did not do any treatment, while caffeine hydrogel group and matrix group were treated with caffeine hydrogel and hydrogel matrix, respectively. After 3 weeks of administration, the general morphological changes of scar were observed, and the scar tissue of rabbit ears was stained with HE and Masson. The relative expressions of TGF β-1, α-SMA, type I collagen, and type III collagen in scar tissue were detected by Western blot. In all three groups, findings showed that caffeine hydrogel can inhibit scar growth by reducing the expression of TGF β-1, reducing the proliferation of fibroblasts, improving collagen arrangement and reducing collagen deposition. The overall study shows efficacy and mechanism of caffeine. It concluded that caffeine could be an effective therapeutic agent for hypertrophicscars.
Transforming entomology to adapt to global concerns: 2021 student debates
Authors: Prade Patricia , Kaur Sandhi Ramandeep , DePaolo Elzay Sarah , Arnold Katherine , Pickens Victoria , Freedman Andrew , Dillard DeShae , Gresham Sean , Morris Ashley , Pezzini Daniela , Oladipupo Seun O , Carroll Elijah P , Murphy Richard O , Ajibefun Festus K , Mendez Luis M , Carroll Katherine , Kaur Jasleen , Rooney Lillie M , Stacey Kendall , Tavares Yasmin , Dyer Jared E , Xie Na , Bielski Jason , Schepis John , Hauri Kayleigh C , Ternest John J , Pecenka Jacob , Gula Scott W , Constancio Natalie , Rampone Emily , Luppino Mario , Jocson Dowen , Onayemi Stephen , Rendleman Emily 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The 2021 Student Debates of the Entomological Society of America (ESA) were held at the Annual Meeting in Denver, CO. The event was organized by the Student Debates Subcommittee (SDS) of the Student Affairs Committee (SAC). The theme of the 2021 Student Debates was “Transforming Entomology to Adapt to Global Concerns”, with 3 topics. Each topic had an unbiased introduction and 2 teams. The debate topics were (i) Nonnative insect introduction is an ethical approach for counteracting proliferation and overpopulation of consumers, (ii) What is the best technology to control undesirable insect pests in urban and agricultural settings? and (iii) Compared to other solutions, like plant-based diets, insect farming is the best method to address rising human global food and nutrient supply demands. Unbiased introduction speakers and teams had approximately 6 months to prepare for their presentations.
Discovering the mesoscale for chains of conflict
Authors: Kushwaha Niraj , Lee Edward D 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Conflicts, like many social processes, are related events that span multiple scales in time, from the instantaneous to multi-year development, and in space, from one neighborhood to continents. Yet, there is little systematic work on connecting the multiple scales, formal treatment of causality between events, and measures of uncertainty for how events are related to one another. We develop a method for extracting causally related chains of events that addresses these limitations with armed conflict. Our method explicitly accounts for an adjustable spatial and temporal scale of interaction for clustering individual events from a detailed data set, the Armed Conflict Event & Location Data Project. With it, we discover a mesoscale ranging from a week to a few months and tens to hundreds of kilometers, where long-range correlations and nontrivial dynamics relating conflict events emerge. Importantly, clusters in the mesoscale, while extracted from conflict statistics, are identifiable with mechanism cited in field studies. We leverage our technique to identify zones of causal interaction around conflict hotspots that naturally incorporate uncertainties. Thus, we show how a systematic, data-driven, and scalable procedure extracts social objects for study, providing a scope for scrutinizing and predicting conflict and other processes.
Maternal-derived galectin-1 shapes the placenta niche through Sda terminal glycosylation: Implication for preeclampsia
Authors: Xie Yiran , Zhao Fangqi , Freitag Nancy , Borowski Sophia , Wang Yiru , Harms Charlotte , Pang Poh-Choo , Desforges Juliette , Wen Tianyu , Schwedhelm Edzard , Singh Manvendra , Dechend Ralf , Dell Anne , Haslam Stuart M , Dveksler Gabriela , Garcia Mariana G , Blois Sandra M 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Placental abnormalities cause impaired fetal growth and poor pregnancy outcome (e.g. preeclampsia [PE]) with long-lasting consequences for the mother and offspring. The molecular dialogue between the maternal niche and the developing placenta is critical for the function of this organ. Galectin-1 (gal-1), a highly expressed glycan-binding protein at the maternal–fetal interface, orchestrates the maternal adaptation to pregnancy and placenta development. Down-regulation or deficiency of gal-1 during pregnancy is associated with the development of PE; however, the maternal- and placental-derived gal-1 contributions to the disease onset are largely unknown. We demonstrate that lack of gal-1 imposes a risk for PE development in a niche-specific manner, and this is accompanied by a placental dysfunction highly influenced by the absence of maternal-derived gal-1. Notably, differential placental glycosylation through the Sda-capped N-glycans dominates the invasive trophoblast capacity triggered by maternal-derived gal-1. Our findings show that gal-1 derived from the maternal niche is essential for healthy placenta development and indicate that impairment of the gal-1 signaling pathway within the maternal niche could be a molecular cause for maternal cardiovascular maladaptation during pregnancy.
Identification of an adverse outcome pathway (AOP) for chemical-induced craniofacial anomalies using the transgenic zebrafish model
Authors: Liu Shujie , Kawanishi Toru , Shimada Atsuko , Ikeda Naohiro , Yamane Masayuki , Takeda Hiroyuki , Tasaki Junichi 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Craniofacial anomalies are one of the most frequent birth defects worldwide and are often caused by genetic and environmental factors such as pharmaceuticals and chemical agents. Although identifying adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) is a central issue for evaluating the teratogenicity, the AOP causing craniofacial anomalies has not been identified. Recently, zebrafish has gained interest as an emerging model for predicting teratogenicity because of high throughput, cost-effectiveness and availability of various tools for examining teratogenic mechanisms. Here, we established zebrafish sox10-EGFP reporter lines to visualize cranial neural crest cells (CNCCs) and have identified the AOPs for craniofacial anomalies. When we exposed the transgenic embryos to teratogens that were reported to cause craniofacial anomalies in mammals, CNCC migration and subsequent morphogenesis of the first pharyngeal arch were impaired at 24 hours post-fertilization. We also found that cell proliferation and apoptosis of the migratory CNCCs were disturbed, which would be key events of the AOP. From these results, we propose that our sox10-EGFP reporter lines serve as a valuable model for detecting craniofacial skeletal abnormalities, from early to late developmental stages. Given that the developmental process of CNCCs around this stage is highly conserved between zebrafish and mammals, our findings can be extrapolated to mammalian craniofacial development and thus help in predicting craniofacial anomalies in human.
Does the Sleeper Plate Application for Temporary Epiphysiodesis Make Life Easier or Complicated? Increased Risk of Tethering
Authors: Bakircioglu Sancar , Kolac Ulas Can , Yigit Yigit Aras , Aksoy Taha , Aksoy Mehmet Cemalettin , Yazici Muharrem , Yilmaz Guney 
Published: August 2023

Background:
The present study aims to investigate the frequency of recurrence and tethering effect after only metaphyseal screw removal (sleeper plate technique) compared with the conventional complete plate removal in the treatment of lower extremity deformities with guided growth surgery.

Methods:
Seventy-two patients (107 limbs) treated by an 8-plate hemiepiphysiodesis technique around the knee joint were evaluated. After the desired correction, only metaphyseal screw was removed (sleeper plate group) in 35 limbs (25 patients), whereas both screws and plate were removed (plate removal group) in 72 limbs (47 patients). An increase of 5 degrees or more in joint orientation angles in the direction of the initial deformity was considered as recurrence. The rate of rebound, tethering, and maintenance of correction in groups was analyzed at the latest follow-up (mean of 49 mo).

Results:
The mean age of the patients was 97 months (range: 80 to 129 mo) at the time of index surgery. After a mean of 49 months (range: 16 to 86), 17 (48.5%) limbs maintained the desired stable correction in the sleeper plate group compared with 59 stable limbs (72.2%) in the plate removal group (P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference regarding recurrence between the sleeper plate group and the plate removal group (34.3% vs. 27.8%, respectively) (P=0.216). Reinsertion of the metaphyseal screw was possible 8/12 limbs, and the remaining 4 limbs underwent further surgeries. There were 6 limbs (17.3%) of tethering in the sleeper plate group, and 4/6 limbs required further corrective surgeries. The remaining 2 limbs with slight tethering did not require further surgeries.

Conclusions:
Removing only metaphyseal screw increases the risk of tethering. In addition, reinsertion of the screw may not be possible in all cases due to bony growth, and further corrective surgeries may be necessary. Close follow-up is required if the sleeper plate technique is to be applied.

Level of Evidence:
Level III.
Additive effects of 10-year exposures to PM2.5 and NO2 and primary cancer incidence in American older adults
Authors: Wei Yaguang , Danesh Yazdi Mahdieh , Ma Tszshan , Castro Edgar , Liu Cristina Su , Qiu Xinye , Healy James , Vu Bryan N. , Wang Cuicui , Shi Liuhua , Schwartz Joel 
Published: August 2023

Background:
Epidemiologic evidence on the relationships between air pollution and the risks of primary cancers other than lung cancer remained largely lacking. We aimed to examine associations of 10-year exposures to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) with risks of breast, prostate, colorectal, and endometrial cancers.

Methods:
For each cancer, we constructed a separate cohort among the national Medicare beneficiaries during 2000 to 2016. We simultaneously examined the additive associations of six exposures, namely, moving average exposures to PM2.5 and NO2 over the year of diagnosis and previous 2 years, previous 3 to 5 years, and previous 6 to 10 years, with the risk of first cancer diagnosis after 10 years of follow-up, during which there was no cancer diagnosis.

Results:
The cohorts included 2.2 to 6.5 million subjects for different cancers. Exposures to PM2.5 and NO2 were associated with increased risks of colorectal and prostate cancers but were not associated with endometrial cancer risk. NO2 was associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer, while the association for PM2.5 remained inconclusive. At exposure levels below the newly updated World Health Organization Air Quality Guideline, we observed substantially larger associations between most exposures and the risks of all cancers, which were translated to hundreds to thousands new cancer cases per year within the cohort per unit increase in each exposure.

Conclusions:
These findings suggested substantial cancer burden was associated with exposures to PM2.5 and NO2, emphasizing the urgent need for strategies to mitigate air pollution levels.
Cervical cancer screening in menopause: when is it safe to exit?
Authors: Long Margaret E. , Lee Yeonsoo S. , Vegunta Suneela 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Importance and Objective
Despite a decreasing incidence of cervical cancer in North America overall, disparities in screening and cervical cancer rates persist, especially in the postmenopausal age group.

Methods
We reviewed the literature regarding cervical cancer screening considerations for postmenopausal persons, with a focus on cervical cancer in postmenopausal persons, existing guidelines, screening methods, and gaps in care.

Discussion and Conclusion
Postmenopausal persons are an important population at risk because age 65 years in the United States and up to 70 years in some parts of Canada is a milestone for screening cessation if the criteria are met. Unfortunately, inadequate screening is common, with most women 65 years or older discontinuing (exiting) screening despite not meeting the criteria to do so. Screening cessation recommendations are nuanced, and if not all criteria are met, screening should be continued until they are. Cervical cancer screening should be stopped at the recommended age if adequate screening has occurred or at any age if life expectancy is limited or the patient has had a hysterectomy in the absence of high-grade preinvasive cervical lesions or cervical cancer. Human papillomavirus infection, which is causally linked to almost all cervical cancer cases, can persist or reactivate from a prior infection or can be newly acquired from sexual contact. With more persons aging with a cervix in place, the potential for cervical cancer has increased, and higher cancer rates may be observed if recommended screening is not adhered to. We propose an algorithm based on current cervical cancer screening guidelines to aid providers in identifying whether exit criteria have been met. Until adequate screening has been confirmed, cervical cancer screening should continue.
Exploring the relationship between history of infertility and the experience of menopausal symptoms
Authors: Fitz Victoria W. , Soria-Contreras Diana C. , Rifas-Shiman Sheryl L. , Shifren Jan L. , Oken Emily , Chavarro Jorge E 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Objective
The aim of the study is to examine longitudinal associations of history of infertility with menopausal symptoms in midlife.

Methods
Six hundred ninety-five midlife women (≥45 y old or reporting ≥12 mo of amenorrhea at the midlife visit) in Project Viva, a prospective cohort enrolled 1999-2002 during pregnancy and followed for 18 years after enrollment (“midlife visit”). Exposure was history of infertility defined as time to pregnancy ≥12 months (≥6 mo if ≥35 y), use of medical treatment to conceive, or infertility consultation or treatment in the 6-month preceding enrollment. The primary outcome was score below or above the median on the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). Secondary outcomes included individual symptom score on the MRS and self-reported age of menopause.

Results
A total of 36.6% had a history of infertility in their lifetime. At the time of MRS completion, the women with prior infertility were older (53.4 [SD, 3.8] vs 51.2 [SD, 3.7] y) than those without infertility and a larger proportion had reached menopause (62% vs 40%). Women with prior infertility were more likely to score above the median on the MRS (Adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR], 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-2.01) and had higher odds for reporting any depressive mood (aOR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.12-2.16) and irritability (aOR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.13-2.19). There was a trend toward greater severity of sleep problems among women with prior infertility. There was no association of prior infertility with report of other menopausal symptoms or age of menopause.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that women with prior infertility are more likely to have an MRS score above the median and experience depressive mood, irritability, and sleep problems during midlife than women without infertility. These findings have implications for mental health screening among midlife women.
Artificial intelligence for home monitoring devices
Authors: Keenan Tiarnan D.L. , Loewenstein Anat 
Published: August 2023

Purpose of review
Home monitoring in ophthalmology is appropriate for disease stages requiring frequent monitoring or rapid intervention, for example, neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma, where the balance between frequent hospital attendance versus risk of late detection is a constant challenge. Artificial intelligence approaches are well suited to address some challenges of home monitoring.

Recent findings
Ophthalmic data collected at home have included functional (e.g. perimetry), biometric (e.g. intraocular pressure), and imaging [e.g. optical coherence tomography (OCT)] data. Potential advantages include early detection/intervention, convenience, cost, and visual outcomes. Artificial intelligence can assist with home monitoring workflows by handling large data volumes from frequent testing, compensating for test quality, and extracting useful metrics from complex data. Important use cases include machine learning applied to hyperacuity self-testing for detecting neovascular AMD and deep learning applied to OCT data for quantifying retinal fluid.

Summary
Home monitoring of health conditions is useful for chronic diseases requiring rapid intervention or frequent data sampling to decrease risk of irreversible vision loss. Artificial intelligence may facilitate accurate, frequent, large-scale home monitoring, if algorithms are integrated safely into workflows. Clinical trials and economic evaluations are important to demonstrate the value of artificial intelligence-based home monitoring, towards improved visual outcomes.