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Purpose: Most patient-reported outcome (PROs) used in thrombosis research and clinical practice are delivered using technology like online questionnaires. However, only few have undergone formal electronic adaptation from paper to digital versions, threatening the validity and reliability of the PROs. The present study aimed to perform an electronic adaption and cross-cultural translation of two PROs measuring health-related quality of life in a Danish cohort of patients with venous thrombosis (VTE), specifically the VEINES-QoL/Sym questionnaire and the PEmb-QoL questionnaire. Methods: The electronic adaption and cross-cultural translation processes followed the international guidelines recommended by ISPOR. The migration of the questionnaires from paper to electronic versions was conducted in the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap). Following approval of the electronically adapted and translated versions, a pretest of the questionnaires was performed by cognitive interviewing patients with VTE recruited from a hospital setting. Results: Nine men and ten women between the age of 19 and 73 years participated in cognitive interviews. The questionnaires were successfully adapted from paper to electronic versions, and during the migration process only a few modifications to the content and format were made. Most comments were related to technicalities, e.g. touch functions and checkboxes. The cross-cultural translation of both questionnaires was satisfactory, as only minor rephrasing was required. Conclusions: The original and Danish version of VEINES-QoL/Sym and PEmb-QoL were successfully adapted into electronic versions and are ready to share for REDCap users. Furthermore, the Danish versions of the two questionnaires have shown satisfactory face validity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human longevity leaders with remarkably long lifespan play a crucial role in the advancement of longevity research. In this paper, we propose a stochastic model to describe the evolution of the age of the oldest person in the world by a Markov process, in which we assume that the births of the individuals follow a Poisson process with increasing intensity, lifespans of individuals are independent and can be characterized by a gamma–Gompertz distribution with time-dependent parameters. We utilize a dataset of the world's oldest person title holders since 1955, and we compute the maximum likelihood estimate for the parameters iteratively by numerical integration. Based on our preliminary estimates, the model provides a good fit to the data and shows that the age of the oldest person alive increases over time in the future. The estimated parameters enable us to describe the distribution of the age of the record holder process at a future time point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Established health-related quality of life scores do not consider both subjective and objective indices of health. We propose the subjective and objective quality of life score (SOQOL) for the comprehensive assessment of health-related quality of life and aim to provide normative population data. The SOQOL is compatible with smartphone applications, allowing widespread use on a global scale. Methods: Normative SOQOL population data was sourced from pre-existing datasets on the EQ-5D-5L, daily step count, and walking speed. Normative values were calculated using weighted grand means. We trialled the SOQOL in a group of five patients presenting to a spinal neurosurgery clinic. Results: SOQOL scores decreased with age, and women had lower scores in every age group. In our case series, the spine patients with the biggest SOQOL deficit compared to age- and sex-matched population averages were found to be surgical while the rest were non-surgical. Conclusions: The SOQOL shows promise as a simple and effective scoring tool that is compatible with smartphones, potentially useful for screening in primary and specialized care settings, and for assessment following healthcare interventions. This study, however, is preliminary, and the findings are primarily suggestive. They underline the necessity for future, more comprehensive studies to validate and expand upon these initial observations. The conclusion of both this abstract and the full paper will clearly state these limitations and the preliminary nature of the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that the trauma population has needs for rehabilitation services that are best provided in a continuous and coordinated way. The discharge destination after acute care is the second step to ensuring quality of care. There is a lack of knowledge regarding the factors associated with the discharge destination for the overall trauma population. This paper aims to identify sociodemographic, geographical, and injury-related factors associated with discharge destination following acute care at trauma centers for patients with moderate-to-severe traumatic injuries. Methods: A multicenter, population-based, prospective study was conducted with patients of all ages with traumatic injury [New Injury Severity Score (NISS) > 9] admitted within 72 h after the injury to regional trauma centers in southeastern and northern Norway over a 1-year period (2020). Results: In total, 601 patients were included; a majority (76%) sustained severe injuries, and 22% were discharged directly to specialized rehabilitation. Children were primarily discharged home, and most of the patients ≥ 65 years to their local hospital. Depending on the centrality of their residence [Norwegian Centrality Index (NCI) 1–6, where 1 is most central], we found that patients residing in NCI 3–4 and 5–6 areas sustained more severe injuries than patients residing in NCI 1–2 areas. An increase in the NISS, number of injuries, or a spinal injury with an Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) ≥ 3 was associated with discharge to local hospitals and specialized rehabilitation than to home. Patients with an AIS ≥ 3 head injury (RRR 6.1, 95% Confidence interval 2.80–13.38) were significantly more likely to be discharged to specialized rehabilitation than patients with a less severe head injury. Age < 18 years was negatively associated with discharge to a local hospital, while NCI 3–4, preinjury comorbidity, and increased severity of injuries in the lower extremities were positively associated. Conclusions: Two-thirds of the patients sustained severe traumatic injury, and 22% were discharged directly to specialized rehabilitation. Age, centrality of the residence, preinjury comorbidity, injury severity, length of hospital stay, and the number and specific types of injuries were factors that had the greatest influence on discharge destination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study is to investigate psychosocial factors that are associated with positive and negative coping with stress, as well as with worries about and perceived threat by COVID-19 to enable us to provide adequate support for oldest-old individuals. A paper–pencil-based survey assessed COVID-19 worries and perceived threat, depression, anxiety, somatization, social support, loneliness, resilience, positive and negative coping in a sample of n = 197 oldest-old individuals (78–100 years). Linear multivariate and binary logistic regression analyses were conducted. Individuals with high levels of resilience were more likely to feel self-efficient when coping with stress. High levels of depression, anxiety and loneliness were associated with feeling more helpless when coping with stress. However, oldest-old individuals who felt lonely also experienced situations where they felt competent in stress coping. Being male and experiencing high levels of social support was more likely associated with high levels of worries due to COVID-19. Increased age and higher levels of depression were associated with lower levels of perceived personal threat, whereas higher somatization scores were more likely associated with higher perceived personal threat. Findings suggest that mental health factors may shape the way oldest-old individuals cope with pandemic-related stress. Resilience might be an important factor to take into account when targeting an improvement in positive coping with stress. Oldest-old individuals who have higher levels of depression, anxiety and feel lonely may be supported by adapting their coping skill repertoire to reduce the feeling of helplessness when coping with stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a vast literature on the health benefits associated with volunteering for volunteers. Such health advantages are likely to vary across groups of volunteers with different characteristics. The current paper aims to examine the health advantages of volunteering for European volunteers and explore heterogeneity in the association between volunteering and health. We carry out a mega-analysis on microdata from six panel surveys, covering 952,026 observations from 267,212 respondents in 22 European countries. We provide open access to the code we developed for data harmonization. We use ordinary least squares, fixed effects, first difference, and fixed effect quantile regressions to estimate how volunteering activities and changes therein are related to self-rated health for different groups. Our results indicate a small but consistently positive association between changes in volunteering and changes in health within individuals. This association is stronger for older adults. For respondents 60 years and older, within-person changes in volunteering are significantly related to changes in self-rated health. Additionally, the health advantage of volunteering is larger for respondents in worse health. The advantage is largest at the lowest decile and gradually declines along the health distribution. The magnitude of the association at the first decile is about twice the magnitude of the association at the ninth decile. These results suggest that volunteering may be more beneficial for the health of specific groups in society. With small health advantages from year to year, volunteering may protect older and less healthy adults from health decline in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of age-related declines in physical activity (PA) and the dramatic increase in ageing populations in many countries, this paper sheds further light on the link between PA and self-perceived health (SPH) by examining whether the magnitude of this relationship is age specific. With a sample of 14,456 Spanish individuals aged 18-69, we estimated three levels of intensity in PA using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Individuals who did more PA per week showed higher levels of SPH (β = 0.28; 95% CI 0.24-0.32), and age moderated this relationship, with a positive effect over age 49. People aged 50-59 and 60-69 who practiced PA had higher probabilities of better SPH compared with those aged 40-49 (β = 0.14; 95% CI 0.04-0.24) and (β = 0.32; 95% CI 0.21-0.43), respectively. This association between PA and SPH also depended on the intensity of PA, especially for walking (β = 0.14; 95% CI 0.04-0.24). In particular, in comparison with people age 40-49, a statistically significant relationship with SPH was found among people age 50-59 who walked (β = 0.22; 95% CI 0.07-0.36) and people age 60-69 who did moderate PA (β = 0.38; 95% CI 0.23-0.54). This paper provides a major rationale for the design, organisation and implementation of public policies promoting PA and healthy ageing for different age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mount Elbrus, Europe's tallest and largely glaciated volcano, is made of silicic lavas and is known for Holocene eruptions, but the size and state of its magma chamber remain poorly constrained. We report high spatial resolution U–Th–Pb zircon ages, co-registered with oxygen and hafnium isotopic values, span ~ 0.6 Ma in each lava, documenting magmatic initiation that forms the current edifice. The best-fit thermochemical modeling constrains magmatic fluxes at 1.2 km3/1000 year by hot (900 °C), initially zircon-undersaturated dacite into a vertically extensive magma body since ~ 0.6 Ma, whereas a volcanic episode with eruptible magma only extends over the past 0.2 Ma, matching the age of oldest lavas. Simulations explain the total magma volume of ~ 180 km3, temporally oscillating δ18O and εHf values, and a wide range of zircon age distributions in each sample. These data provide insights into the current state (~ 200 km3 of melt in a vertically extensive system) and the potential for future activity of Elbrus calling for much-needed seismic imaging. Similar zircon records worldwide require continuous intrusive activity by magmatic accretion of silicic magmas generated at depths, and that zircon ages do not reflect eruption ages but predate them by ~ 103 to 105 years reflecting protracted dissolution–crystallization histories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using data from simulated and actual case studies, this paper assesses the accuracy and precision of Bayesian estimates for the constructional date of medieval masonry buildings, generated from the radiocarbon evidence returned by different assemblages of wood-charcoal mortar-entrapped relict limekiln fuel (MERLF). The results from two theoretical studies demonstrate how Bayesian model specifications can be varied to generate a chronologically continuous spectrum of distributions from radiocarbon datasets subject Inbuilt Age (IA). Further analysis suggests that the potential for these distributions to contain the date of the constructional event depends largely upon the accuracy of the latest radiocarbon determination within each dataset, while precision is predicated on dataset age range, dataset size and model specification. These theoretical studies inform revised approaches to the radiocarbon evidence emerging from six culturally important Scottish medieval masonry buildings, each of which is associated with a wood-charcoal MERLF assemblage of different botanical character. The Bayesian estimates generated from these radiocarbon datasets are remarkably consistent with the historical and archaeological evidence currently associated with these sites, while age range distributions suggest the IA of each MERLF assemblage has been constrained by the taxa-specific and environmentally contingent lifespans and post-mortem durabilities of the limekiln fuel source. These studies provide further evidence that Bayesian techniques can generate consistently accurate chronological estimates for the construction of medieval masonry buildings from MERLF radiocarbon data, whatever the ecological provenance of the limekiln fuel source. Estimate precision is contingent upon source ecology and craft technique but can be increased by a more informed approach to materials analysis and interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the interference of three socio-demographic characteristics: gender, age and migration status on the labour market outcomes from the perspective of intersectionality theory. Concretely, we investigate whether gender and migration differences in hourly wages are observable at younger ages and whether these differences increase with age. Further, we analyse whether gender and migration interact in such a way that women with migration background suffer lower wage growth in relation to their counterparts. Our analyses draw on data from the Socio-Economic Panel (German SOEP from 1991 to 2014), distinguishing between populations with and without a migration background. Random effects hourly wage regressions controlling for selection bias using Heckman procedure have been estimated in our analysis. The results show that there are large gender differences in hourly wage at younger ages, and these differences are maintained over the life course. Regarding migration status, no significant disadvantages in wages are observable at early stages. However, disadvantages of men and women with migration background increase with age, resulting in lower earnings for older workers with migration background. When we analyse the interaction between migration and gender, we observe no effect either at younger ages or over the entire lifespan, indicating that the gender disadvantage is no more pronounced for women with migration background than for women without such a background (and vice versa). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Body image issues can affect all domains of sexual functioning. The aim of this study was to examine how, in a sociocultural context where physical and sexual attractiveness is equated with young and slim body ideals, appearance dissatisfaction and importance are related to sexual satisfaction in older adults in four European countries. A cross-sectional survey with probability samples of the population aged 60–75 years was used. Only respondents with a partner were included in this paper, and the countries included Norway (n = 957), Denmark (n = 846), Belgium (n = 612), and Portugal (n = 367). Sexual satisfaction, appearance dissatisfaction, and importance were assessed, and frequency of intercourse/kissing and cuddling, relationship satisfaction, age, and body mass index were all used as control variables. Belgian men scored significantly lower on sexual satisfaction, while there was no difference in sexual satisfaction in women. Appearance dissatisfaction was lower in Scandinavian women and men, and in Belgian men, and appearance salience was lower in Norwegian men and women, and in Portuguese women. Linear regression analysis revealed that, adjusting for confounders, appearance dissatisfaction was significantly related to sexual satisfaction in Scandinavian women and men, as well as in Belgian men. Compared to research on younger adults, appearance evaluation appeared to play an equally important role in sexual satisfaction in older adults in our study. The variation in appearance dissatisfaction in older adults across European countries is a novel finding that needs to be examined further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the effects on aggregate consumption of changes in the age distribution of the population are analysed empirically. Economic theories predict that age influences individuals’ saving and consumption behaviour. Despite this, age structure effects are rarely controlled for in empirical consumption functions. Our findings suggest that they should. By analysing Norwegian quarterly time series data, we find that changes in the age distribution of the population have significant and life-cycle-consistent effects on aggregate consumption. Furthermore, controlling for age structure effects stabilises the other parameters of the consumption function and reveals significant real interest rate effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use data from SHARE (The Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe) in Austria to investigate attitudes towards new technologies in information and communication technology. The technologies can significantly facilitate the daily lives of an ageing population. In Austria, in wave 6 in 2015, an additional paper-and-pencil questionnaire was implemented which asked details about attitudes towards different technological innovations. From these questions, we develop a binary attitude score which indicates positive attitudes towards new technologies. In probit estimations, the attitude score is related to different demographic and health variables. Our main results indicate that strong gender differences in attitudes towards new technologies exist: men value communication and entertainment devices more, whereas women's attitudes are more positive towards devices that include a specific health or support value. Furthermore, while older cohorts value entertainment devices less than younger ones, no such pattern exists for health and support systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Demographic and socio-economic factors determine pharmaceutical health care utilization for individuals. Prescription and non-prescription medicine use are expected to have different determinants. Even though prescription and non-prescription medicine use is being well researched for developed countries, there are only a few studies for developing countries. Objectives: This paper aims to analyze the socio-economic and individual characteristics that determine the use of prescription and non-prescription medicine. We examine the issue for the specific case of Turkey since Turkey's health system has undertaken significant changes in the last two decades and especially after 2003 with the "Health Transformation Programme". Methods: Data from the nationally representative "Health Survey" are used in the analysis. The data set covers the 2008–2016 period with two-year intervals. Pooled multivariate logistic regression is employed to identify the underlying determinants of prescription and non-prescription medicine use. Results: When compared to 2008, non-prescription medicine use decreases until 2012, however, an increasing trend appears after 2012. For prescription medicine use, a decreasing trend emerges after 2012. Findings from the marginal effects indicate that for non-prescription medicine use, the highest effect stems from the health status. For prescription medicine use, the highest marginal effects arise from age, health and employment status indicating the importance of the need and predisposing factors. Conclusion: Decreasing non-prescription medicine use largely depends on easier access to health care service utilization. Although having a health insurance has a positive relationship with prescription medicine use, there is still a problem for individuals living a rural area and heaving a lower income level since they are more likely to use non-prescription medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Data regarding rural youths' experience with firearms, including safety training, is highly limited despite their frequent presence in homes. Our objective was to investigate rural adolescents' use of firearms and whether they had received formal firearm training. Methods: A convenience sample of 2021 National FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America) Convention & Expo attendees were given an anonymous survey at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital injury prevention booth. The survey explored their use of rifles/shotguns and handguns and whether they had completed a certified firearm safety course. Descriptive and comparative analyses, including multivariable logistic regression analyses, were performed on compiled data. Results: 3206 adolescents ages 13–18 years participated with 45% reporting they lived on a farm or ranch. The vast majority of participants (85%) had fired a rifle/shotgun; 43% reported firing them > 100 times. Of those that had fired rifles/shotguns, 41% had done so before 9 years old. Most had also fired a handgun (69%), with 23% having fired handguns > 100 times. Of those that had fired handguns, 44% had done so before 11 years. Average age for first firing rifles/shotguns was 9.5 (SD 3.1) years, and 11.1 (SD 3.0) years for handguns. Males, non-Hispanic Whites, and those living on farms or in the country had significantly greater percentages who had fired a rifle/shotgun or a handgun. Significant differences were also seen by U.S. census region. Over half (64%) reported having gone hunting. Of those that had used a firearm, 67% had completed a firearm safety training course. Overall, 23% were/had been members of a school or club shooting team and of these, 87% had taken a safety course. Conclusions: Most FFA member participants had fired both rifles/shotguns and handguns, many at very young ages. Significant differences in firearm use were noted by demographic factors including the home setting (i.e., farms and ranches) and their U.S. census region. Nearly one-third of adolescent firearm users had not received formal safety training. Promoting firearm safety should include advising families on when it is developmentally appropriate to introduce youth to firearms and on the importance of firearm safety training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: miR-155 is involved in the generation and maintenance of inflammation and pain, endothelial function and immune system homeostasis, all functions that are relevant for migraine. The present study aims to assess the levels of miR-155 in migraine subtypes (episodic and chronic) in comparison to age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, controlled, study involving three study groups: I) episodic migraine (n = 52, EM), II) chronic migraine with medication overuse (n = 44, CM-MO), and III) healthy controls (n = 32, HCs). We assessed the interictal gene expression levels of miR-155, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10 in peripheral blood monocytes using rtPCR. The monocytic differentiation toward the M1 (pro-inflammatory) or M2 (anti-inflammatory) phenotypes was assessed in circulating monocytes with flow cytometry analysis and cell sorting. Results: miR-155 gene expression was higher in CM-MO group (2.68 ± 2.47 Relative Quantification - RQ) when compared to EM group (1.46 ± 0.85 RQ, p = 0.006) and HCs (0.44 ± 0.18 RQ, p = 0.001). In addition, miR-155 gene expression was higher in EM group when compared to HCs (p = 0.001). A multivariate analysis confirmed the difference between EM and CM-MO groups after correction for age, sex, smoking habit, preventive treatment, aura, presence of psychiatric or other pain conditions. We found higher gene expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, and lower gene expression of IL-10 in migraine participants when compared to HCs (p = 0.001 for all comparisons). TNF-α and IL-10 genes alterations were more prominent in CM-MO when compared to EM participants (p = 0.001). miR-155 positively correlated with IL-1β (p = 0.001) and TNF-α (p = 0.001) expression levels. Finally, in people with CM-MO, we described an up-regulated percentage of events in both M1 and M2 monocytic profiles. Conclusions: Our study shows for the first time a specific profile of activation of miR-155 gene expression levels in monocytes of selected migraine subpopulations, more pronounced in subjects with CM-MO. Interestingly, mir-155 expression correlated with markers of activation of the inflammatory and immune systems. The CM-MO subpopulation showed a peculiar increase of both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory monocytes which worths further investigation. Trial registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov. (NCT05891808). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in unprecedented changes to cancer care in many countries, impacting cancer patients' lives in numerous ways. This study examines the impact of changes in cancer care on patient's health-related quality of life (HRQL), which is a key outcome in cancer care. The study aims to estimate patients' self-reported HRQL before and during the pandemic and identify predictive factors for their physical and mental wellbeing. Method: The study employed the large-scale Outpatient Cancer Care (OCC) Patient Experience Survey, including the Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey, to evaluate cancer patients' experiences and HRQL before (January to May 2020) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (May to July 2021). Paired t-tests were conducted to compare differences in Physical Component Scores (PCS) and Mental Component Scores (MCS) before and during the pandemic. Multivariable linear regressions were employed to investigate the factors (sociodemographic, clinical, and patient-reported experience) influencing PCS and MCS during the pandemic. Results: PCS decreased significantly during the pandemic, while MCS remained stable. Lower PCS contributors included older age, more telehealth visits, self-reported hospitalization, and a longer time since the last cancer diagnosis. Higher PCS was associated with urban residence, higher MCS during the pandemic, and perceived active Healthcare Provider (HCP) involvement. For MCS, lower scores related to female gender and more telehealth visits, while higher scores were associated with being white, higher education, high MCS before the pandemic, and perceived active HCP involvement. Conclusion: The OCC Patient Experience Survey provides a unique patient level data set measuring HRQL pre- and post- the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study highlights challenges faced by cancer patients during the pandemic, with a significant reduction in PCS. However, the stability in MCS suggests effective coping mechanisms. Sociodemographic, clinical, and telehealth-related variables play a complex role in shaping both PCS and MCS. Perceived HCP involvement emerges as a crucial factor correlating with higher PCS and MCS. Navigating the post-pandemic era necessitates interventions fortifying patient-provider relationships, optimizing healthcare support systems, such as telehealth services, and prioritizing mental-well-being given its impact on both PCS and MCS. Plain English summary: This study delves into the impact of changes in cancer care and COVID-19 measures on the well-being of cancer patients. As cancer care shifted during the pandemic, we aimed to understand how it affected patients' quality of life. The study discovered that physical well-being significantly decreased, especially for older patients with more telehealth visits, while mental well-being remained stable, indicating effective coping strategies. Factors like the number of telehealth visits, healthcare provider engagement, and pre-pandemic mental health status played pivotal roles in shaping the mental and physical well-being of cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study emphasizes the challenges faced by cancer patients during the pandemic and highlights the importance of supportive interventions for patient-provider relationships and prioritizing mental-wellbeing in the post-pandemic era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite significant changes in healthcare, work practices, and leisure activity, the proposed precipitating factors for abdominal wall hernias have remained largely unchanged for almost two centuries. We aimed to investigate if there have been shifts in these factors over time by examining patients' perception of precipitating factors for abdominal wall hernia development. This study was conducted in the Royal College of Surgeons In Ireland Department of Surgery, Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin, where patients with abdominal wall hernias completed a questionnaire. Results: A total of 277 patients (mean age 55.7; 85.6% male) with abdominal wall hernia completed the questionnaire (66.1% inguinal; 10.8% umbilical; 6.9% paraumbilical; 10.5% epigastric; 3.2% incisional; 1.4% femoral, and 1.1% port-site). One hundred and twenty patients (43.3%) believed their hernia was due to lifting, 71 (25.6%) cited gym activity and 17 (6.1%) cited other sporting activities as the precipitating factor. Traditional factors – chronic cough and constipation - were cumulatively cited only by 11 patients (4.0%), while prostatic obstruction was not cited by any. Conclusion: This study suggests that fitness pursuits may be an increasing contributor to the development of abdominal wall hernia. Greater attention should be paid to the proper use of gym equipment to minimise the risk of hernia development. Key findings: Almost one quarter of patients attributed their hernia to gym activity which should be further explored in prospective studies. This potentially reflects changes in work practice and lifestyle. Traditional causes like chronic cough and constipation were rarely cited, probably reflecting improved healthcare and lifestyle practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paleolatitudes of volcanic rocks reveal that prominent changes in volcanic trend of the Hawaii-Emperor hotspot chain represent meridional migration of the magma source. However, models assuming latitudinal plume migration fail to explain the observed age distribution, rock composition, and erratic paleolatitude changes of the oldest Emperor seamounts. Here we use data-assimilation models to better reproduce the Hawaii-Emperor hotspot track by systematically considering plate reconstruction, plume-lithosphere interaction, and simplified melt generation and migration. Our results show that plate drag and plume-ridge interaction are both important in explaining the observed seamount ages. These shallow dynamic processes could account for 50% of the observed paleolatitude's secular reduction and erratic variations over time, where the necessary southward migration of the Hawaiian plume root is significantly less than previously thought. We conclude that plume-lithosphere interaction represents a common mechanism in affecting hotspot track, and has important implications in understanding mantle dynamics and plate reference frames. Plume-ridge interaction modulates plume-lithosphere interaction and leads to hotspot track deviations and paleolatitude offsets in multiple hotspot chains, according to 3D data assimilation models focused on the Hawaii-Emperor hotspot track. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Music learning induces significant neural changes, enhancing auditory, verbal, and visuospatial skills, IQ, and speech perception. Research studies reveal structural and functional brain plasticity due to music training in adults and children. While musical abilities are linked to formal training, the existence of "musical sleepers" with heightened speech perception without formal training is noteworthy in adults. This study addresses the gap in understanding such phenomena in children, exploring psychophysical abilities in musically adept children, and aiming to impact rehabilitation models. Materials and method: A pre-experimental study involved 164 typically developing children (mean age: 9.93) without musical training. Musical abilities were evaluated using the abbreviated version of Montreal Battery for Evaluation of Musical Abilities (MBEMA) test in DMDX software, covering melody, rhythm, and memory subtests. Psychophysical tests in MATLAB assessed temporal, frequency, intensity, timbre, and binaural resolution. Results: Using a median split based on MBEMA test scores (median: 42), 84 children exhibited poor musical abilities, while 80 showed good ones. Descriptive statistics for MBEMA scores and psychophysical tests were conducted. As data did not follow normal distribution, non-parametric inferential statistics were employed. Mann–Whitney U tests revealed significant differences favouring good musical abilities in all assessments: gap deduction (p = 0.01), pitch discrimination at 500 Hz and 4 kHz (p = 0.00), intensity discrimination at 500 Hz (p = 0.00) and 4 kHz (p = 0.01), profile analysis (p = 0.01), interaural level difference (p = 0.023), and interaural time difference (p = 0.038). Spearman correlation showed highest correlation with pitch discrimination at 500 Hz (r = − 0.538), 4 kHz (− 0.416), intensity discrimination at 4 kHz (r = − 0.367), and 500 Hz (r = − 0.311), profile analysis (r = − 0.313), interaural level difference (r = − 0.276), and gap deduction (r = − 0.235). All were significant (p < 0.01), except for the interaural time difference. Conclusion: Children excelling in music surpassed those with weaker abilities in psychophysical tasks. This echoes past research, underscoring auditory discrimination's influence on musical skills in untrained children. These results potentially support the concept of musical sleepers in children. Key predictors include pitch discrimination, while interaural time difference exhibited minimal correlation. Utilising such assessments may predict musical training outcomes for children with auditory disorders, but additional robust statistical investigation is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleep is essential to life. Accurate measurement and classification of sleep/wake and sleep stages is important in clinical studies for sleep disorder diagnoses and in the interpretation of data from consumer devices for monitoring physical and mental well-being. Existing non-polysomnography sleep classification techniques mainly rely on heuristic methods developed in relatively small cohorts. Thus, we aimed to establish the accuracy of wrist-worn accelerometers for sleep stage classification and subsequently describe the association between sleep duration and efficiency (proportion of total time asleep when in bed) with mortality outcomes. We developed a self-supervised deep neural network for sleep stage classification using concurrent laboratory-based polysomnography and accelerometry. After exclusion, 1113 participant nights of data were used for training. The difference between polysomnography and the model classifications on the external validation was 48.2 min (95% limits of agreement (LoA): −50.3 to 146.8 min) for total sleep duration, −17.1 min for REM duration (95% LoA: −56.7 to 91.0 min) and 31.1 min (95% LoA: −67.3 to 129.5 min) for NREM duration. The sleep classifier was deployed in the UK Biobank with ~100,000 participants to study the association of sleep duration and sleep efficiency with all-cause mortality. Among 66,262 UK Biobank participants, 1644 mortality events were observed. Short sleepers (<6 h) had a higher risk of mortality compared to participants with normal sleep duration 6–7.9 h, regardless of whether they had low sleep efficiency (Hazard ratios (HRs): 1.36; 95% confidence intervals (CIs): 1.18 to 1.58) or high sleep efficiency (HRs: 1.29; 95% CIs: 1.04–1.61). Deep-learning-based sleep classification using accelerometers has a fair to moderate agreement with polysomnography. Our findings suggest that having short overnight sleep confers mortality risk irrespective of sleep continuity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the screening approach to the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was subject to emergency simplifications. We aimed at assessing the effectiveness of two of these temporary pandemic protocols—namely the Australian and UK, and to examine the insights they gave into the effectiveness of the more standard WHO-outlined GDM diagnosis protocol. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 432 GDM patients attending the outpatient clinic at the University Hospital of Cracow, Poland throughout 2020. Results: When applying the UK criteria, 272 (63.0%) of 432 GDM cases would be missed. Women with missed-GDM by UK criteria were slightly older, had lower BMI, and had lower use of insulin. The frequency of child perinatal complications was lower in the missed GDM group (7.6% vs. 18.9%, p = 0.042) when compared to the non-missed cases group. When applying the Australian criteria, 86 of 432 (19.9%) GDM cases would be missed. Women with missed-GDM by the Australian criteria had lower BMI and less commonly used insulin than the women not missed. There were no differences in the frequency of child and maternal complications. Conclusions: Modifications proposed from the UK and Australia resulted in varying decreases and delays in GDM diagnoses, but with no apparent harm to mothers and offspring. More studies are required to investigate the impact of the simplification of GDM diagnosis on pregnancy outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childbearing motivation may be conceptualized as based upon psychological traits and shaped by experiences during childhood, adolescence, and early adult life. This paper explores what those traits and developmental experiences are. Two measures of childbearing motivation, one positive and the other negative, are described. Using a sample of 362 married men and 354 married women, the paper systematically examines the factors associated with these measures. In addition to a set of basic personality traits, these factors include parental characteristics, teenage experiences, and a number of variables from young adult behavior domains such as marriage, education, work, religion, and parental relationships. Stepwise multiple regression analyses lead to two final constrained, simultaneous-equation regression models. These models indicate the importance of both personality traits and diverse life-cycle experiences in the development of childbearing motivation, the differential gender distribution of predictors, and the different experiential antecedents of positive and negative motivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the relation between unmarried cohabitation and three important determinants of fertility-frequency of sexual intercourse, contraceptive practice, and the expectation to have a child within five years. Analyses based on data from the 1982 National Survey of Family Growth show that formerly married cohabitants are similar to married women with respect to these fertility determinants, but that never married cohabitants may have lower fertility in the short run because of extremely high levels of contraceptive practice. The paper also compares self-reported data on cohabitation with an inferred measure based on household composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By restricting the number of age groups to two and by introducing continued fractions, the dynamics of populations with deterministically changing vital rates are completely specified at all times. Explicit expressions for the sequence of the product of population projection matrices are given. From these, relative age distribution and reproductive values to any desired accuracy are obtained as functions of the vital rates. Thus, the results given in this paper are stronger than any existing weak ergodic theorems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of U–Pb (LA-ICP-MS) and Lu–Hf isotope studies of detrital zircons from the presumably Permian meta sedimentary rocks of the Tokur terrane. It has been established that the grains of detrital zircons from the meta sedimentary rocks of the Tokur and Ekimchan formations have a similar age distribution, which indicates the similar (or equal) age of these formations. The youngest zircons in these rocks has a U–Pb age of 326–323 Ma, which determines the lower age limit of the protolith of the rocks. The upper age limit of the formations corresponds to 254–251 Ma, which is the age of the Late Permian granitoids intruded into these formations. The main sources of zircon in the meta sedimentary rocks of the Tokur terrane are the igneous and metamorphic massifs of the southeast framing of the North Asian Craton. The Tokur terrane can be considered as a fragment of the Paleozoic accretionary complex, formed near the southeastern margin of the North Asian Craton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extending working life beyond the state pension age is a key European Union policy. In the UK, women are more likely to extend paid work than men, indicating that factors other than the state pension age play a role in working longer. Women are less able to build pension income due to their role as carer within the family. It, therefore, follows that gender inequalities over the life course continue into older age to influence need, capacity and desire to undertake paid work after state pension age. This paper explores how work, marital and fertility history impact upon the likelihood of extending employment. It uses the British Household Panel Survey's retrospective data from the first 14 waves to summarise work-family histories, and logistic regression to understand the impact of work and family histories on extending paid work. Findings show that, on the one hand, women are extending paid work for financial reasons to make up for 'opportunity costs' as a result of their caring role within the family, with short breaks due to caring, lengthy marriages, divorcing and remaining single with children all being important. Yet, there is also evidence of 'status maintenance' from working life, with the women most likely to extend paid work, also those with the highest work orientation, prior to state pension age. But lengthy dis-attachment (due to caring) from the labour market makes extending working life more difficult. This has implications for policy strategies to entice women into paid work to make up for low independent financial resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Auditory electrophysiological tests of the cortex, which are processed in or close to the auditory cortex, are brain reactions to sound. A variation in a continuous stimulus causes the acoustic change complex potential (ACC), which is a wave following the P1-N1-P2 response. Objective: To measure the amplitude and latency of different components of ACC in normal subjects and across individuals with mild and moderate degrees of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Patients and methods: The study includes 100 individuals with the age ranged from 10 to 50 years with different degrees of SNHL. The ACC was evoked by a change of second formant in the middle of ongoing steady-state synthetic, 3 formant vowels (ooee). The total duration was 500 ms. Changing occurred at 250 ms. Results: The SNHL subgroups showed statistically significantly longer P1 and N1 latencies. N1 and P2 amplitudes of ACC onset response were larger with a statistical significance as compared to controls. Post hoc analysis revealed no statistically significant difference between mild and moderate SNHL on ACC parameters. Age showed a significant negative correlation with ACC N1 and P2 latency, ACC P1 and N1 amplitude, and onset P2 latency. Onset response P1 latency was significantly higher in children than adults. Median ACC P1 amplitude significantly increased in children than adults. Conclusion: ACC is a reliable tool for testing the auditory cortex function of detecting difference in sounds presented that can be recorded readily in patients with mild and moderate SNHL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The World Health Organisation advocates Digital Health Technologies (DHTs) for advancing population health, yet concerns about inequitable outcomes persist. Differences in access and use of DHTs across different demographic groups can contribute to inequities. Academics and policy makers have acknowledged this issue and called for inclusive digital health strategies. This systematic review synthesizes literature on these strategies and assesses facilitators and barriers to their implementation. We searched four large databases for qualitative studies using terms relevant to digital technology, health inequities, and socio-demographic factors associated with digital exclusion summarised by the CLEARS framework (Culture, Limiting conditions, Education, Age, Residence, Socioeconomic status). Following the PRISMA guidelines, 10,401 articles were screened independently by two reviewers, with ten articles meeting our inclusion criteria. Strategies were grouped into either outreach programmes or co-design approaches. Narrative synthesis of these strategies highlighted three key themes: firstly, using user-friendly designs, which included software and website interfaces that were easy to navigate and compatible with existing devices, culturally appropriate content, and engaging features. Secondly, providing supportive infrastructure to users, which included devices, free connectivity, and non-digital options to help access healthcare. Thirdly, providing educational support from family, friends, or professionals to help individuals develop their digital literacy skills to support the use of DHTs. Recommendations for advancing digital health equity include adopting a collaborative working approach to meet users' needs, and using effective advertising to raise awareness of the available support. Further research is needed to assess the feasibility and impact of these recommendations in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The word-in-noise discrimination test evaluates the phonological aspect of speech based on the detection of the vowels. While word-in-noise perception (WINP) test is one of the speech perception exams and evaluates the ability to understand the meaning of words by discovering the consonants. Until now, all word-in-noise tests have assessed speech discrimination performance, and for the first time, the normal values of the WINP test for adults have been determined. Since the normal values of WINP scores in children have not been reported, our research aimed to determine the normal values of the WINP test in children aged 5 to 13 years. In this cross-sectional study, 120 Persian speaking Iranain children with normal hearing thresholds were evaluated from the beginning to the end of spring 2023. We divided them into 4 age groups (A = 5–7 < years, B = 7–9 < years, C = 9–11 < years, D = 11–13 < years). The evaluations included general audiology tests and WINP tests using homtonic-monosyllabic words (HMWs) at a signal-to-noise ratio of 5 dB. Results: Significant difference was observed between the mean scores of the WINP test in age group A (54%) compared to age group B (66%), (Pv = 0.04). Also, the differences between the mean scores of age group A compared to age groups C (70%) and D (69%) were significant (Pv = 0.01, Pv = 0.03). Conclusions: This article presented the norm values of WINP test scores for Persian speaking Iranian children aged 5 to 13 years. The norm values of WINP test scores in the age group of 5–7 years were lower than in the age groups of 7–13 years. The biggest change in the performance of speech perception in noise was observed in the age range of 7–9 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is considered one of the most common chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases that lead to affection of several joints, as well as extra-articular organ involvement. Rheumatoid arthritis women tend to menopause somewhat earlier. This was attributed to primary ovarian insufficiency because of autoimmune disorders. Anti-Müllerian hormone is a marker used for evaluating preantral follicle reserve. It provides a very sensitive way to reflect the ovarian reserve and has become a crucial factor in determining it. The study aimed to show the influence of rheumatoid arthritis and its activity on ovarian reserve assessed using anti-Müllerian hormone serum levels. Results: Our cross-sectional study involved 30 rheumatoid arthritis female patients with an age range between 25 and 35 years. The Disease Activity Score (DAS 28-ESR) was used to assess the degree of disease activity. Serum level of anti-Müllerian hormone was determined using quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the correlation with the disease activity as well as with the medications the patients were receiving was analyzed. A statistically significant relation was found amid the disease activity and the anti-Müllerian hormone level. Serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone were found less in cases with high disease activity than in low to moderate cases. Different medications had no effect on anti-Müllerian hormone levels. Conclusions: Rheumatoid arthritis high disease activity was linked to a diminished level of serum anti-Müllerian hormone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining acute ischemic stroke (AIS) etiology is fundamental to secondary stroke prevention efforts but can be diagnostically challenging. We trained and validated an automated classification tool, StrokeClassifier, using electronic health record (EHR) text from 2039 non-cryptogenic AIS patients at 2 academic hospitals to predict the 4-level outcome of stroke etiology adjudicated by agreement of at least 2 board-certified vascular neurologists' review of the EHR. StrokeClassifier is an ensemble consensus meta-model of 9 machine learning classifiers applied to features extracted from discharge summary texts by natural language processing. StrokeClassifier was externally validated in 406 discharge summaries from the MIMIC-III dataset reviewed by a vascular neurologist to ascertain stroke etiology. Compared with vascular neurologists' diagnoses, StrokeClassifier achieved the mean cross-validated accuracy of 0.74 and weighted F1 of 0.74 for multi-class classification. In MIMIC-III, its accuracy and weighted F1 were 0.70 and 0.71, respectively. In binary classification, the two metrics ranged from 0.77 to 0.96. The top 5 features contributing to stroke etiology prediction were atrial fibrillation, age, middle cerebral artery occlusion, internal carotid artery occlusion, and frontal stroke location. We designed a certainty heuristic to grade the confidence of StrokeClassifier's diagnosis as non-cryptogenic by the degree of consensus among the 9 classifiers and applied it to 788 cryptogenic patients, reducing cryptogenic diagnoses from 25.2% to 7.2%. StrokeClassifier is a validated artificial intelligence tool that rivals the performance of vascular neurologists in classifying ischemic stroke etiology. With further training, StrokeClassifier may have downstream applications including its use as a clinical decision support system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is an epidemic of firearm injuries in the United States since the mid-2000s. Thus, we sought to examine whether hospitalization from firearm injuries have increased over time, and to examine temporal changes in patient demographics, firearm injury intent, and injury severity. Methods: This was a multicenter, retrospective, observational cohort study of patients hospitalized with a traumatic injury to six US level I trauma centers between 1/1/2016 and 6/30/2022. ICD-10-CM cause codes were used to identify and describe firearm injuries. Temporal trends were compared for demographics (age, sex, race, insured status), intent (assault, unintentional, self-harm, legal intervention, and undetermined), and severity (death, ICU admission, severe injury (injury severity score ≥ 16), receipt of blood transfusion, mechanical ventilation, and hospital and ICU LOS (days). Temporal trends were examined over 13 six-month intervals (H1, January–June; H2, July–December) using joinpoint regression and reported as semi-annual percent change (SPC); significance was p < 0.05. Results: Firearm injuries accounted for 2.6% (1908 of 72,474) of trauma hospitalizations. The rate of firearm injuries initially declined from 2016-H1 to 2018-H2 (SPC = − 4.0%, p = 0.002), followed by increased rates from 2018-H2 to 2020-H1 (SPC = 9.0%, p = 0.005), before stabilizing from 2020-H1 to 2022-H1 (0.5%, p = 0.73). NH black patients had the greatest hospitalization rate from firearm injuries (14.0%) and were the only group to demonstrate a temporal increase (SPC = 6.3%, p < 0.001). The proportion of uninsured patients increased (SPC = 2.3%, p = 0.02) but there were no temporal changes by age or sex. ICU admission rates declined (SPC = − 2.2%, p < 0.001), but ICU LOS increased (SPC = 2.8%, p = 0.04). There were no significant changes over time in rates of death (SPC = 0.3%), severe injury (SPC = 1.6%), blood transfusion (SPC = 0.6%), and mechanical ventilation (SPC = 0.6%). When examined by intent, self-harm injuries declined over time (SPC = − 4.1%, p < 0.001), assaults declined through 2019-H2 (SPC = − 5.6%, p = 0.01) before increasing through 2022-H1 (SPC = 6.5%, p = 0.01), while undetermined injuries increased through 2019-H1 (SPC = 24.1%, p = 0.01) then stabilized (SPC = − 4.5%, p = 0.39); there were no temporal changes in unintentional injuries or legal intervention. Conclusions: Hospitalizations from firearm injuries are increasing following a period of declines, driven by increases among NH Black patients. Trauma systems need to consider these changing trends to best address the needs of the injured population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maximal strength may contribute to soccer players' performance. Several resistance training modalities offer the potential to improve maximal strength. During recent years, a large number of plyometric jump training (PJT) studies showed evidence for maximal strength improvements in soccer players. However, a comprehensive summary of the available data is lacking. Objective: To examine the effects of PJT compared with active, passive or intervention controls on the maximal strength of soccer players, irrespective of age, sex or competitive level. Methods: To perform a systematic review with meta-analysis following PRISMA 2020. Three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS) were systematically searched. Studies published from inception until March 2023 were included. A PICOS approach was used to rate studies for eligibility. The PEDro scale was used to assess risk of bias. Meta-analyses were performed using the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model if ≥ 3 studies were available. Moderator and sensitivity analyses were performed, and meta-regression was conducted when ≥ 10 studies were available for a given comparison. We rated the certainty of evidence using GRADE. Results: The search identified 13,029 documents, and from these 30 studies were eligible for the systematic review, and 27 for the meta-analyses. Overall, 1,274 soccer players aged 10.7–25.0 years participated in the included studies. Only one study recruited females. The PJT interventions lasted between 5 and 40 weeks (median = 8 weeks), with 1–3 weekly sessions. Compared to controls, PJT improved maximal dynamic strength (18 studies, 632 participants [7 females], aged 12.7–24.5 y; effect size [ES] = 0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.08–0.78, p = 0.017, impact of statistical heterogeneity [I2] = 77.9%), isometric strength (7 studies; 245 participants, males, aged 11.1–22.5 y; ES = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.28–0.87, p < 0.001, I2 = 17.7%), and isokinetic peak torque (5 studies; 183 participants, males, aged 12.6–25.0 y; ES = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.22–0.80, p = 0.001, I2 = 0.0%). The PJT-induced maximal dynamic strength changes were independent of participants' age (median = 18.0 y), weeks of intervention (median = 8 weeks), and total number of training sessions (median = 16 sessions). The certainty of evidence was considered low to very low for the main analyses. Conclusions: Interventions involving PJT are more effective to improve maximal strength in soccer players compared to control conditions involving traditional sport-specific training. Trial Registration The trial registration protocol was published on the Open Science Framework (OSF) platform in December 2022, with the following links to the project (https://osf.io/rpxjk) and to the registration (https://osf.io/3ruyj). Key Points: Plyometric jump training is an easy-to-administer training regime that can be performed on the soccer pitch and may have the potential to improve maximal strength in soccer players. Findings from this meta-analysis including 1274 soccer players indicate maximal strength improvements after plyometric jump training, with similar effects for youth and adult players, and with < 8 vs. ≥ 8 weeks or < 16 vs. ≥ 16 sessions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Olfactory and gustatory disorders are common problems encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic with a significant impact on the patient's quality of life: The aim of this study was to assess the olfactory and gustatory functions in COVID-19 patients with correlation between them and clinical and laboratory markers. This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 63 subjects recruited from the COVID-19 clinics at Police Authority and Menoufia University hospitals. The patients were assessed using history taking, anterior rhinoscopy, endoscopic examination, computed tomography, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Olfactory functions were assessed using the alcohol threshold test. Gustatory functions were assessed using the three-drop method. The olfactory and gustatory functions were correlated with age, gender, and laboratory parameters. Also, the recovery of smell and taste disorders was correlated with our assessed laboratory markers. Results: The prevalence of olfactory dysfunction among study participants was 41 patients (65%) of the participants including 12 patients (19.1%) having mild hyposmia, 10 patients (15.8%) having moderate hyposmia, 9 patients (14.3%) having severe hyposmia, and 10 patients (15.8%) having complete anosmia. The prevalence of gustatory dysfunction among study participants was 24 patients (38.1%). Age, gender, and laboratory parameters did not show any statistically significant difference between those who experienced olfactory dysfunction or gustatory dysfunction and those who did not. However, there was a significant positive correlation between the total leucocytic count, serum level of CRP, and serum level of D-dimer and the degree of olfactory dysfunction (0.049, 0.03, and 0.02, respectively). There was a nonsignificant correlation between recovery of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction and laboratory markers. Conclusion: Olfactory and gustatory dysfunction are established clinical presentations among COVID-19-positive patients. The laboratory markers had no correlation with the incidence of these dysfunctions or their recovery. However, TLC, serum CRP, and serum D-dimer had a significant positive correlation with the severity of olfactory dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detrital zircon dating allows us to elucidate the age and provenance of siliciclastic strata of the Sarydjaz and Ichkebash formations in the Middle Tianshan of eastern Kyrgyzstan, previously thought to be of the Middle or Late Ordovician age. New data indicate that the upper part of the Ichkebash Formation contains Lower Silurian sediments, previously unknown in this region. The Kanachu Formation, which lies stratigraphically above, is also not older than the Silurian in age. The absence of marine fauna at these levels apparently reflects the predominant development of deltaic facies. The paleocurrent indicators and the ages of detrital zircons point to its provenance in the North Tianshan (NTSh). Grains with ages from the Late Cambrian to the Silurian, synchronous with the main stage of the Early Paleozoic magmatism in the NTSh, predominate in the Ichkebash Formation. The occurrence of Precambrian detrital zircons in all dated samples and especially in the Sarydjaz Formation indicates the erosion of Precambrian rocks. The provenance most likely located in the Chu-Kendyktas Massif, where the Precambrian detrital zircons in the Neoproterozoic and Early Paleozoic metasedimentary rocks demonstrate a similar distribution of the ages. The foredeep in the Middle Tianshan was formed in the Late Ordovician and Early Silurian generally subsynchronously with the main orogenic event in the NTSh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is the most promising candidate to become the first migraine biomarker. However, literature shows clashing results and suggests a methodological source for such discrepancies. We aimed to investigate some of these methodological factors to evaluate the actual role of CGRP as biomarker. Methods: Previous to the experimental part, we performed a literature review of articles measuring CGRP in migraine patients. Using our 399 bio-bank sera samples, we performed a series of experiments to test the validity of different ELISA kits employed, time of sample processing, long-term storage, sampling in rest or after moderate exercise. Analysis of in-house data was performed to analyse average levels of the peptide and the effect of sex and age. Results: Literature review shows the high variability in terms of study design, determination methods, results and conclusions obtained by studies including CGRP determinations in migraine patients. CGRP measurements depends on the method and specific kit employed, also on the isoform detected, showing completely different ranges of concentrations. Alpha-CGRP and beta-CGRP had median with IQR levels of 37.5 (28.2–54.4) and 4.6 (2.4–6.4)pg/mL, respectively. CGRP content is preserved in serum within the 24 first hours when samples are stored at 4°C after clotting and immediate centrifugation. Storages at -80°C of more than 6 months result in a decrease in CGRP levels. Moderate exercise prior to blood extraction does not modulate the concentration of the peptide. Age positively correlates with beta-CGRP content and men have higher alpha-CGRP levels than women. Conclusions: We present valuable information for CGRP measurements in serum. ELISA kit suitability should be tested prior to the experiments. Alpha and beta-CGRP levels should be analysed separately as they can show different behaviours even within the same condition. Samples can be processed in a 24-h window if they have been kept in 4°C and should not be stored for more than 6 months at -80°C before assayed. Patients do not need to rest before the blood extraction unless they have performed a high-endurance exercise. For comparative studies, sex and age should be accounted for as these parameters can impact CGRP concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Migraine is a complex neurological disorder with significant heterogeneity in its clinical presentation and molecular mechanisms. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) has emerged as a key player in migraine pathophysiology, but challenges remain in its utilization as a biomarker. This study aimed to investigate salivary CGRP levels during migraine attacks across the frequency spectrum and explore associations with clinical variables. Methods: A prospective longitudinal pilot study was conducted, recruiting migraine patients from an outpatient headache clinic. Salivary CGRP levels were measured at interictal, onset, post-2 h of onset and end-of-attack. Using generalized linear mixed models, we explored the effect of CGRP changes over the attack in presence of depressive symptoms (DS), acute attack treatment, and after three-months of erenumab treatment. Finally, patients were classified and compared according to their CGRP phenotype. Results: A total of 44 migraine patients were included (90.9% women), with 80 migraine attacks analyzed. Salivary CGRP levels increased at the onset of migraine attacks. We observed statistically significant interactions between DS and both the linear (Est. [SE]: 19.4 [5.8], p = 0.001) and quadratic terms of time (-19.1 [6.0], p = 0.002). Additionally, a significant three-way interaction within the use of acute treated attack (linear-term: -18.5 [6.2], p = 0.005; quadratic-term: 19.2 [6.8], p = 0.005) was also found. Molecular phenotyping revealed that 72.7% (32/44) of patients presented only CGRP-dependent attacks, while 27.3% (12/44) presented non-CGRP-dependent migraine attacks. Patients with only CGRP-dependent attacks were associated with younger age, shorter disease evolution time, a higher proportion of aura, and fewer monthly headache days (p < 0.05). Exploratory analysis of erenumab treatment effects did not result in changes in CGRP levels during migraine attacks. Conclusions: Our study underscores the dynamic nature of migraine at a molecular level and emphasizes the importance of integrating clinical variables, such as depressive symptoms, in understanding its pathophysiology. The identification of distinct migraine subtypes based on CGRP dependence suggests potential opportunities for personalized treatment approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wearable devices are increasingly being integrated to improve prevention, chronic disease management and rehabilitation. Inferences about individual differences in device-measured physical activity depends on devices being worn long enough to obtain representative samples of behavior. Little is known about how psychological factors are associated with device wear time adherence. This study evaluated associations between identity, behavioral regulations, and device wear adherence during an ambulatory monitoring period. Young adults who reported insufficient physical activity (N = 271) were recruited for two studies before and after the SARS-COVID-19 pandemic declaration. Participants completed a baseline assessment and wore an Actigraph GT3X + accelerometer on their waist for seven consecutive days. Multiple linear regression indicated that wear time was positively associated with age, negatively associated with integrated regulation for physical activity, and greater after (versus before) the pandemic declaration. Overall, the model accounted for limited variance in device wear time. Exercise identity and exercise motivation were not associated with young adults' adherence to wearing the physical activity monitors. Researchers and clinicians can use wearable devices with young adults with minimal concern about systematic motivational biases impacting adherence to device wear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Burns occur disproportionately within low-socioeconomic populations. The Western Cape Province of South Africa represents a middle-income setting with a high rate of burns, few specialists and few burn centres, yet a well-developed pre-hospital system. This paper describes the burn cases from a viewpoint of operational factors important to pre-hospital emergency medical services. Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional study of administrative and patient records was conducted. Data were captured for all pre-hospital burn patients treated by public Emergency Medical Services over a continuous 12-month period. Data were captured separately at each site using a standardised data collection tool. Described categories included location (rural or urban), transport decision (transported or remained on scene), age (child or adult) and urgency (triage colour). Results: EMS treated 1198 patients with confirmed burns representing 0.6% of the total EMS caseload; an additional 819 potential burn cases could not be confirmed. Of the confirmed cases, 625 (52.2%) were located outside the City of Cape Town and 1058 (88.3%) were transported to a medical facility. Patients from urban areas had longer mission times. Children accounted for 37.5% ( n = 449) of all burns. The majority of transported patients that were triaged were yellow ( n = 238, 41.6% rural and n = 182, 37.4% urban). Conclusions: Burns make up a small portion of the EMS caseload. More burns occurred in areas far from urban hospitals and burn centres. The majority of burn cases met the burn centre referral criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]