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Associations between cognitive activities and all-cause mortality among older adults with cognitive impairment: A prospective cohort study
Background Evidence on the association between cognitive activities and mortality among older adults with cognitive impairment is limited. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the association and examine whether baseline cognitive function mediates the association. Methods A total of 10477 older participants with cognitive impairment (median age: 95.0 [IQR: 88.0–100.0], males: 27.9%, Mini-Mental State Examination score ≤24 points) from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey conducted between 1998 and 2014 were included, with follow-up until 2018. Exposures were three prevalent cognitive activities among older adults in China: reading books/newspapers, playing cards/mah-jong, and watching TV or listening to radio, and the outcome was all-cause mortality within a 10-year follow-up period. We evaluated the association between these activities and mortality using Cox regression models and also conducted a mediation analysis to examine the role of baseline cognitive function in this association. Results During a follow-up period of totaling 33632.1 person-years, there were 8763 recorded deaths (83.6%). For each cognitive activity, the risk of mortality decreased with an increased frequency of engagement in these activities. Moreover, the risk of mortality significantly decreased with a greater number of cognitive activities. With zero activities as reference, adjusted hazard ratios were 0.83 (95% CI: 0.79–0.87) for one activity, 0.76 (95% CI: 0.69–0.83) for two activities, and 0.67 (95% CI: 0.53–0.86) for three activities, respectively. Stratified and sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings. Additionally, baseline cognitive function partially mediated the association between cognitive activities and mortality; compared to zero activities, the mediated proportions were 15.2% (95% CI: 10.9%–22.4%) for one activity, 13.4% (95% CI: 8.9%–21.3%) for two activities, and 9.3% (95% CI: 4.2%–23.4%) for three activities, respectively. Conclusions Among older adults with cognitive impairment in China, the risk of all-cause mortality significantly decreased as both the frequency and number of cognitive activities increased. Baseline cognitive function only mediated a small proportion of the benefits of cognitive activities in longevity.
Predicting hepatocellular carcinoma survival with artificial intelligence
Stronger and coarser-grained biodegradable zinc alloys
Sleep disturbances in older surgical patients with and without suspected cognitive impairment: A multicenter cohort study
Aims Early detection and management of sleep disturbances can improve postoperative outcomes given the high prevalence of sleep disturbances and unrecognized cognitive impairment in older surgical patients. There is an association between sleep disturbances and cognitive impairment in the general population. However, the relationship in older surgical patients has not been systematically investigated. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and trajectory of preoperative and postoperative sleep disturbances in older surgical participants with and without suspected cognitive impairment (sCI). Methods Two hundred and fifty-two participants aged ≥ 65 years undergoing non-cardiac surgery were recruited. The primary outcome was the prevalence and trajectory of sleep disturbances measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) in participants with and without sCI preoperatively, 30, 90, and 180 days postoperatively. The main exposure, preoperative sCI, was operationalized as screening positive on one or more of the following cognitive screening tools: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cognitive question (answered “yes”), Ascertain Dementia Eight-item Questionnaire (≥2), Telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment (≤18), and Modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (≤31). Sleep disturbances were defined as a PSQI score > 5. Mixed effects logistic regression models with random intercepts were used for the dichotomous outcome of sleep disturbances. Results One hundred and eight participants (43%) screened positive for preoperative sCI. The prevalence of preoperative sleep disturbances was higher in participants with sCI versus without (63% vs 47%, P = 0.02). Postoperatively in both groups, the prevalence of sleep disturbances was lower at 30, 90, and 180 days, compared to the preoperative assessment and overall trajectories did not differ significantly. Female sex and depression were associated with poorer postoperative sleep, regardless of cognitive status. Conclusion Sleep disturbances and suspected cognitive impairment are highly prevalent in surgical cohorts. Targeting conditions such as depression which affect sleep, may improve postoperative outcomes.
A real-world based study for immunogenicity and safety for three immunization schedules of polio vaccine
Abstract To evaluate the immunogencity and safety for three immunization schedules of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) and bivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (bOPV) for providing a basis for further optimization of the polio sequential immunization schedule. To obtain immunogenicity data and to active surveillance the occurrence of adverse events following immunization (AEFI), healthy infants ≥ 2 months of age were randomly chosen in Hebei Province, and were divided into three groups to be vaccinated with IPV-bOPV-bOPV(Group a), IPV-IPV-bOPV(Group b) and IPV-IPV-IPV(Group c) at 2, 3 and 4 months of age respectively. AEFI cases related to poliomyelitis vaccines in Hebei province by passive surveillance from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2022 were obtained from national adverse event following immunization surveillance system (NAEFISS). After basic immunization with polio vaccine, the positive conversion rate of neutralizing antibodies of types I, II and III were all > 97.00% and the positive rates were all > 98.00%, the geometric mean titer (GMT) was significantly higher than that before basic immunization, the GMT level of neutralizing poliovirus antibody after basic immunization was the highest in type I, followed by type III, and the lowest in type II. A total of 16 AEFI cases (2.52%) were reported by active surveillance, and 2903 AEFI cases (1.40%) were reported by passive surveillance. AEFI reported by both monitoring modalities were dominated by fever of common vaccine reactions. No rare serious adverse reactions like VAPP etc. were monitored and the overall regression was positive. All three immunization schedules for polio vaccine have demonstrated good immunogenicity and safety when administered to healthy populations.
Improved genetic algorithm based on greedy and simulated annealing ideas for vascular robot ordering strategy
This study presents a comprehensive approach for optimizing the acquisition, utilization, and maintenance of ABLVR vascular robots in healthcare settings. Medical robotics, particularly in vascular treatments, necessitates precise resource allocation and optimization due to the complex nature of robot and operator maintenance. Traditional heuristic methods, though intuitive, often fail to achieve global optimization. To address these challenges, this research introduces a novel strategy, combining mathematical modeling, a hybrid genetic algorithm, and ARIMA time series forecasting. Considering the dynamic healthcare environment, our approach includes a robust resource allocation model for robotic vessels and operators. We incorporate the unique requirements of the adaptive learning process for operators and the maintenance needs of robotic components. The hybrid genetic algorithm, integrating simulated annealing and greedy approaches, efficiently solves the optimization problem. Additionally, ARIMA time series forecasting predicts the demand for vascular robots, further enhancing the adaptability of our strategy. Experimental results demonstrate the superiority of our approach in terms of optimization, transparency, and convergence speed from other state-of-the-art methods. The source code is available at https://github.com/ybfo/improved-GA.
Genome-wide KAS-Seq mapping of leukocytes in ischemia-reperfusion model reveals IL7R as a potential therapeutic target for ischemia-reperfusion injury
Open-source 3D printable forearm crutch
Although there has been considerable progress in distributed manufacturing of open-source designs for mobility aids, there is a notable lack of affordable, open-source crutches. Crutches are a vital tool for many individuals with mobility impairments, yet the high costs limit accessibility. Even more, they are in short supply in regions undergoing conflict. The goal of this study is to address this need by leveraging the principles of free and open-source hardware and the capabilities of digital distributed manufacturing to create a low-cost, functional crutch that can be easily produced and customized locally using inexpensive desktop 3D printers. All the design files are open-source, and the design process incorporated load-bearing tests using a hydraulic actuator under static loading conditions to meet the ISO 11334-1:2007 standard for walking aids. The open-source forearm crutch developed in this study not only surpasses the requirements of the ISO method for load capacity (1,516.3 ± 169.9 N, which is 51.6% percent above needs), weighs a fraction of comparable commercial systems (0.612 kg or 27% of proprietary devices), and is customizable, but also offers a highly cost-effective solution; costing CAD $36 in material, which is less than all equivalent crutches on the open market. If recycled plastic is used, the material cost of the crutch could be further reduced to under CAD $13, making it much more accessible.
Optimizing nitrogen fertilizer input using fallow season precipitation for dryland winter wheat
Validity and reliability of the Malay version of the PSC-12 scale among healthcare workers in Malaysia
The prime instrument used to measure Psychosocial Safety Climate (PSC) at the workplace is the PSC-12 scale questionnaire, which has been widely used by researchers worldwide. We set out to translate the PSC-12 scale into Malay and validate it among Malaysian healthcare workers, the first time this has ever been attempted. We carried out a cross-sectional study among 250 healthcare workers from 3 government health clinics and 15 identified clinical work units in a public hospital in the Klang Valley area, Malaysia. The English version of the PSC-12 scale was translated into the Malay language (Bahasa Malaysia) and back into English to check for content accuracy and validity. Psychometric properties of the questionnaire were assessed for internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient), temporal stability for test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation) and construct validity (confirmatory factor analysis). The translated questionnaire had a persistently high content validity-index (CV-I) of 0.916. The hypothesised four-factor-structure model displayed high goodness of fit indices (RMSEA = 0.081, SRMR = 0.032, GFI = 0.919, AGFI = 0.869, CFI = 0.961, and TLI = 0.946), demonstrating good questionnaire construct validity. Each item subscale in the PSC-12 scale showed satisfactory internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha (α) coefficient between 0.895 to 0.921. There was satisfactory temporal stability and test-retest reliability with ICC (2,1) for scores of 0.954 (total item score), 0.897 (Domain 1 score), 0.910 (Domain 2 score), 0.807 (Domain 3 score) and 0.806 (Domain 4 score) over the two-week interval. The Malay version of the PSC-12 scale is a valid and reliable instrument for use among healthcare workers in Malaysia as evidenced by its satisfactory psychometric measure and construct structure properties.
A novel approach to graph distinction through GENEOs and permutants
Abstract The theory of Group Equivariant Non-Expansive Operators (GENEOs) was initially developed in Topological Data Analysis for the geometric approximation of data observers, including their invariances and symmetries. This paper departs from that line of research and explores the use of GENEOs for distinguishing r-regular graphs up to isomorphisms. In doing so, we aim to test the capabilities and flexibility of these operators. Our experiments show that GENEOs offer a good compromise between efficiency and computational cost in comparing r-regular graphs, while their actions on data are easily interpretable. This supports the idea that GENEOs could be a general-purpose approach to discriminative problems in Machine Learning when some structural information about data and observers is explicitly given.
Proteomic associations with cognitive variability as measured by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test in a healthy Thai population: A machine learning approach
Inter-individual cognitive variability, influenced by genetic and environmental factors, is crucial for understanding typical cognition and identifying early cognitive disorders. This study investigated the association between serum protein expression profiles and cognitive variability in a healthy Thai population using machine learning algorithms. We included 199 subjects, aged 20 to 70, and measured cognitive performance with the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified using label-free proteomics and analyzed with the Linear Model for Microarray Data. We discovered 213 DEPs between lower and higher cognition groups, with 155 upregulated in the lower cognition group and enriched in the IL-17 signaling pathway. Subsequent bioinformatic analysis linked these DEPs to neuroinflammation-related cognitive impairment. A random forest model classified cognitive ability groups with an accuracy of 81.5%, sensitivity of 65%, specificity of 85.9%, and an AUC of 0.79. By targeting a specific Thai cohort, this research provides novel insights into the link between neuroinflammation and cognitive performance, advancing our understanding of cognitive variability, highlighting the role of biological markers in cognitive function, and contributing to developing more accurate machine learning models for diverse populations.
Reliability of noninvasive hyperspectral tongue diagnosis for menstrual diseases using machine learning method
Comprehensive techno-environmental evaluation of an isolated PV/wind/biomass hybrid microgrid employing various battery technologies: A comparative analysis
Renewable energy technologies offer promise for addressing energy access and environmental concerns, especially in remote off-grid areas. This paper presents a comprehensive techno-economic analysis of an off-grid PV/wind/biomass hybrid system. Employing optimization techniques including the osprey optimization algorithm (OOA), zebra optimization algorithm (ZOA), and flying foxes optimization (FFO) algorithm, the study aims to determine the optimal sizing of solar PV, wind, biomass, and battery components. Using data from Tabuk, Saudi Arabia (28.38° N, 36.56° E), the study seeks to achieve optimal sizing for solar PV, wind, biomass, and battery storage components to minimize the net present cost (NPC) and ensure reliable power supply, adhering to specified loss of power supply probability (LPSP) and excess energy thresholds. Three battery types, namely, flooded lead-acid, lithium iron phosphate (LFP), and nickel iron (Ni-Fe), were analyzed. Results reveal that ZOA outperformed other algorithms, supplying electricity at a minimum cost of 0.1285 $/kWh in one configuration, with the LFP battery achieving the lowest NPC of 3.8 M$ in case studies with constrained LPSP. Across multiple simulations, ZOA displayed superior stability and convergence characteristics, evidenced by its tight objective function range and lower relative error metrics. These findings underscore the potential of this integrated approach to enhance the economic viability and operational resilience of off-grid hybrid microgrid systems, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.
The impact of threshing unit structure and parameters on enhancing rice threshing performance
Abstract Improving rice threshing unit performance and structure significantly enhances the thresher’s overall efficiency by raising its productivity while lowering costs and power consumption. This study evaluated and optimized longitudinal axial flow threshing device performance using two threshers’ structures, namely conical thresher and drum thresher, under different rotating speeds of 1100, 1300, and 1500 rpm and feeding rates of 0.8, 1.1, and 1.4 kg/s. The studied parameters were evaluated regarding thresher throughput, efficiency, seed damage, and specific energy, and it was figured that the experimental parameters greatly affected the whole performance of the threshing unit. The drum thresher increased the threshing throughput from 2304 to 2448 kg/h and maximized the efficiency from 98.6 to 99.07% at 1500 rpm rotation speed and 1.8 kg/s feeding rate. Moreover, it reduced the specific energy from 3.37 to 3.15 kW.h/ton for the experimental variables 1100 rpm speed and 1.4 kg/s feeding. The lowest damage rate of 0.24% was recorded using the drum thresher at a feeding rate of 0.8 kg/s and 1100 rotating speed. These results highlight the distinct effect of the new thresher structure and operating parameters on the rice threshing device’s overall effectiveness for medium-sized combine harvesters.
STRyper: A macOS application for microsatellite genotyping and chromatogram management
Microsatellite markers analyzed by capillary sequencing remain useful tools for rapid genotyping and low-cost studies. This contrasts with the lack of a free application to analyze chromatograms for microsatellite genotyping that is not restricted to human genotyping. To fill this gap, I have developed STRyper, a macOS application whose source code is published under the General Public License. STRyper only uses macOS libraries, making it very lightweight, responsive, and behaving like a modern application. Its three-pane window enables easy management and viewing of chromatograms imported from FSA and HID files, the creation of size standards and of microsatellite marker panels (including bins). STRyper features powerful search capabilities (with smart folders) and a modern graphical user interface allowing, among others, the manual correction of DNA ladders and of individual genotypes by drag-and-drop. It also introduces a new way to mitigate the effect of variations in electrophoretic conditions on estimated allele sizes.
Antimicrobial cyclic peptides effectively inhibit multiple forms of Borrelia and cross the blood-brain barrier model
Fire history in arid and semi-arid regions of northwest China during the last glacial period inferred from a charcoal record in Hetao Basin
In arid and semi-arid regions of northwest China, the ecological environment is fragile and fire occurs frequently. Fire has an important impact on the regional ecological environment. The last glacial period is the most recent glacial period, and the climate is unstable, characterized by millennial oscillations. The research reveals regional fire evolution and driving mechanism of the last glacial period in arid and semi-arid regions of northwest China. The research can provide important theoretical reference for regional fire prevention and control in the future. Therefore, a sediment core was drilled from the southwestern part of the Hetao Basin. In this study, we extended the study sequence to 23.68-m-long, and reconstructed the history of fire during the last glacial period (MIS4 ~ MIS2). The results are as follows: (1) 72.2 ~ 59.5 ka BP: The regional fire activity was low. 59.5 ~ 49.8 ka BP: The regional fire activity was relatively higher than the previous stage. 49.8 ~ 36.9 ka BP: The regional fire activity had little change than the previous stage. 36.9 ~ 26.6 ka BP: The regional fire activity was relatively higher than the previous stage. 26.6 ~ 18.9 ka BP: The regional fire activity was relatively lower than the previous stage. 18.9 ~ 15.7 ka BP: The regional fire activity was low. (2) The regional fire activity was low during the Heinrich events in the Hetao Basin. (3) The more fire activity in the last glacial period in the Hetao Basin was due to the warm and wet climatic conditions, which promoted better regional vegetation development and increased regional biomass, which provided sufficient fuel for the occurrence of fire activity.