Discrepancy Scores Research Articles

The many facets of metacognition: comparing multiple measures of metacognition in healthy individuals

Metacognition is important for successful goal-directed behavior. It consists of two main elements: metacognitive knowledge and online awareness. Online awareness consists of monitoring and self-regulation. Metacognitive sensitivity is the extent to which someone can accurately distinguish their own correct from incorrect responses and is an important aspect of monitoring of behavior. Research into the interplay between these elements is currently lacking. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to explore how these different elements of metacognition can predict metacognitive sensitivity. Healthy participants filled out the Metacognitive Awareness Inventory with two subscales that serve as measures of metacognitive knowledge. Next, as measures of online awareness, they performed a memory task that was adapted to include trial-by-trial confidence judgments, and made pro- and retrospective confidence judgments about their performance on this task. The 128 included participants show a large variability in scores on all the different metacognitive measures. Metacognitive sensitivity was predicted by higher prospective discrepancy scores and lower retrospective discrepancy scores but not by metacognitive knowledge. The current study confirms that metacognition is a multidimensional concept consisting of different elements. Online measures seem to be associated with each other, but not so much with offline measures. The current framework can be used to further investigate the associations between different elements of metacognition within persons.

Attitudes and professional development needs of school-based agricultural education teachers related to inclusion, diversity, and equity

This study aimed to describe school-based agricultural education (SBAE) teachers' attitudes regarding inclusion, diversity, and equity (IDE) and prioritize the need for IDE-related professional development. A series of survey questions were used to describe the sample of SBAE teachers and their attitudes toward IDE and inclusive teaching practices. Most participants agreed that their programs should create an inclusive environment where all students can benefit from their program, have equal opportunities, and demographically mirror their school's student population. However, the profession remains split on whether there are problems with IDE and whether changes are needed. This response is likely the result of today's polarized culture. The Borich Needs Assessment Model was used to determine the perceived level of importance and ability of SBAE teachers regarding 11 professional development statements related to IDE. All professional development needs were assessed and ranked using mean weighted discrepancy scores (MWDS). The top three IDE-related professional development need areas among SBAE teachers were (a) tapping into students' lived experiences (cultural capital) when teaching, (b) identifying curriculum resources to enhance inclusivity, and (c) advocating for minority students.

A comparison of the CAPS-5 and PCL-5 to assess PTSD in military and veteran treatment-seeking samples

ABSTRACT Background: This study was an examination of the puzzling finding that people assessed for symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) consistently score higher on the self-report PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) than the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5). Both scales purportedly assess PTSD severity with the same number of items, scaling, and scoring range, but differences in scores between measures make outcomes difficult to decipher. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine several possible psychometric reasons for the discrepancy in scores between interview and self-report. Method: Data were combined from four clinical trials to examine the baseline and posttreatment assessments of treatment-seeking active duty military personnel and veterans. Results: As in previous studies, total scores were higher on the PCL-5 compared to the CAPS-5 at baseline and posttreatment. At baseline, PCL-5 scores were higher on all 20 items, with small to large differences in effect size. At posttreatment, only three items were not significantly different. Distributions of item responses and wording of scale anchors and items were examined as possible explanations of the difference between measures. Participants were more likely to use the full range of responses on the PCL-5 compared to interviewers. Conclusions: Suggestions for improving the congruence between these two scales are discussed. Administration of interviews by trained assessors can be resource intensive, so it is important that those assessing PTSD severity are afforded confidence in the equivalence of their assessment of PTSD regardless of the assessment method used.

Can a failure in the error-monitoring system explain unawareness of memory deficits in Alzheimer’s disease?

Unawareness of memory deficits is an early manifestation in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which often delays diagnosis. This intriguing behavior constitutes a form of anosognosia, whose neural mechanisms remain largely unknown. We hypothesized that anosognosia may depend on a critical synaptic failure in the error-monitoring system, which would prevent AD patients from being aware of their own memory impairment. To investigate, we measured event-related potentials (ERPs) evoked by erroneous responses during a word memory recognition task in two groups of amyloid positive individuals with only subjective memory complaints at study entry: those who progressed to AD within the five-year study period (PROG group), and those who remained cognitively normal (CTRL group). A significant reduction in the amplitude of the positivity error (Pe), an ERP related to error awareness, was observed in the PROG group at the time of AD diagnosis (vs study entry) in intra-group analysis, as well as when compared with the CTRL group in inter-group analysis, based on the last EEG acquisition for all subjects. Importantly, at the time of AD diagnosis, the PROG group exhibited clinical signs of anosognosia, overestimating their cognitive abilities, as evidenced by the discrepancy scores obtained from caregiver/informant vs participant reports on the cognitive subscale of the Healthy Aging Brain Care Monitor. To our knowledge, this is the first study to reveal the emergence of a failure in the error-monitoring system during a word memory recognition task at the early stages of AD. This finding, along with the decline of awareness for cognitive impairment observed in the PROG group, strongly suggests that a synaptic dysfunction in the error-monitoring system may be the critical neural mechanism at the origin of unawareness of deficits in AD.

A-47 Vestibular Symptoms and Recovery Time in Sport-Related Concussions among Collegiate Athletes

Abstract Purpose This study represents the initial phase in testing self-reported vestibular symptoms as potential predictive factors of protracted concussion recovery times among collegiate athletes. Methods Vestibular Symptoms Scale–Short Form (VSS-SF) was administered to 24 collegiate athletes (12 females, 12 males; ages=18-21) at baseline and post-injury. Participant data was grouped by number of days until symptom resolution post-concussion (1-10 days [N=13], 11-60 days [N=11]) and VSS-SF discrepancy scores (d-scores). To calculate d-scores, baseline scores were subtracted from post-injury scores for each athlete. Instances in which baseline scores were higher than post-injury were assigned a discrepancy score of 0. Concussion symptoms were documented using Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) and Sport Concussion Assessment Tool, 5th Edition (SCAT-5). Results Results from an independent samples t-test demonstrated that VSS-SF d-scores were significantly higher among athletes with 11+ post-concussive recovery days (M=9.64, SD=10.21) compared to those with 1-10 recovery days (M=2.92, SD=3.77), t(22)=2.21, p=.019). Additionally, a simple regression revealed that d-scores significantly predicted recovery time and explained 23.9% of the variance (b=.44, R2=.24, p=.015). Interaction and mediation results will be presented and discussed. Conclusions Results suggest that changes in VSS-SF pre- and post-concussion can differentiate athletes with relatively short versus longer recovery time and predict length of concussion recovery. Further research with a larger number of participants appears warranted.

A-54 Increased Symptoms During a Post-Concussion Neuropsychological Evaluation are Associated with Intraindividual Cognitive Variability and Anxiety

Abstract Purpose To examine the relationship between self-reported affect, cognitive functioning, and increased symptoms during a post-concussion neuropsychological evaluation. Methods 46 collegiate athletes (M=34, F=12) completed a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation within 14 days of concussion, including measures of depression (Beck Depression Inventory-Fast Screen (BDI-FS)) and anxiety (NEO Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) Anxiety Subscale). Suggested cutoffs for significant depression (BDI-FS ≥4) and anxiety (NEO-FFI Anxiety Subscale ≥10) symptomatology were utilized. The 21-item Post-Concussion Scale (PCS) was administered at the beginning (Pre-PCS) and end (Post-PCS) of testing. A difference score was calculated by subtracting Post-PCS from Pre-PCS. Composites of mean neuropsychological performance and two intraindividual variability (IIV) indices (average standard deviation and maximum discrepancy score) were created separately for two domains: memory and attention/processing speed (APS). Results Cognitive functioning explained a significant amount of the variance in Pre-Post PCS difference scores, F(6,39)=5.13, p<.001, R2=.44. Both IIV indices for memory and APS (all p’s<.02) significantly predicted difference scores, with cognitive variability increasing as Pre-Post PCS difference scores increased, but traditional mean composites did not (p’s>.05). Athletes who reported significant anxiety symptomatology (M=-4.33, SD=4.41) were significantly more likely than those who did not (M=.21, SD=3.75) to experience an increase in PCS symptoms, t(37)=2.66, p=.01, 95% CI [1.09,8.00]. There were no significant Pre-Post PCS symptom changes between athletes reporting significant depression symptomatology (M=.43, SD=5.19) or not (M=-.15, SD=4.61). Conclusions Higher IIV in cognitive functioning and worse anxiety symptomatology, but not traditional mean differences in cognitive functioning or depression symptomatology, were associated with an increase in symptoms during a post-concussion evaluation.

A Positive View of Excessive Smartphone Utilization and Its Relationship With Other Academic-Related Variables Within the Online Course Setting.

The continual use of smartphones is a global problem that requires scholars' attention. This study investigates the impact of excessive smartphone use, self-regulation, and procrastination on students' online academic performance. A total of n = 238 university students participated in the study. Mean comparisons unveiled clear discrepancy scores on procrastination, self-regulation, and daily hours spent on smartphones between the smartphone-addicted and non-addicted students. Structural Equation Modeling helps us to answer our hypothesis. Unusually, smartphone use had a significant and positive effect on online students' academic performance. Also, the study provides a better understanding of the procrastination factor that significantly impacts students' smartphone use and online academic performance. Results are discussed considering possible interventions at the academic level.

Risk perception in pregnancy: Patient-physician discrepancies, information consumption, and mental health outcomes.

Little is known about the scope, causes, or consequences of risk overestimation. Our aim was to assess whether risk perceptions in pregnancy are heightened for a range of behaviors, related to consumption of health information, and associated with mental health indices. One hundred and fifty members of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists were invited to participate in a patient-physician study, and 37% returned surveys. Physicians (n = 73) and prenatal patients (n = 388) rated the perceived safety of exposure to 40 behaviors during pregnancy. A subset of prenatal patients completed a postpartum follow-up survey (n = 103). Statistical comparison of means indicated that patients overestimated the risk of 30 behaviors. Anchoring patient ratings against average physician ratings, 87.8% of total discrepancy scores reflected net risk overestimation. Greater risk overestimation was associated with higher consumption of pregnancy-related health information, but was not associated with anxiety or depression symptoms. Risk perceptions may be heightened across a range of behaviors during pregnancy, even when empirical evidence of risk is absent. Information consumption could be associated with risk estimation, but causality and directionality have not been established. Further research on risk perceptions could have implications for prenatal care.

Prevalence and pathological correlates of unawareness of memory impairment in non‐demented individuals with autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease: an item‐level investigation of the Memory Complaints Scale

AbstractBackgroundAwareness of memory was previously found to be reduced in the pre‐dementia stages, reaching unawareness/anosognosia 6‐years before dementia onset in individuals who carry the PSEN1 E280A mutation for autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease (Vannini et al.,2021). Whether there are potential differences in awareness for specific types of situations involving memory as well as their association with molecular markers of AD disease progression in preclinical AD is unknown. Here, we investigated memory awareness on an item‐level basis as well as its relationship to neocortical amyloid and regional tau levels in non‐demented mutation carriers and non‐carrier family members.MethodA total of 119 Colombian kindred members, 56 carriers (7 mildly impaired) and 63 non‐carriers were included (Table.1). Awareness indexes were calculated using participant and study‐partner discrepancy scores for each of the 15 questions of the Memory Complaint Scale (Spanish version). A score of ≥0 indicates that the participant is aware and <0 unaware. A subset of 67 kindred members (N = 31 carriers, 1 impaired) underwent amyloid (PiB) and tau (FTP) scans. For each question, odds ratio and Fisher’s exact test were used to evaluate prevalence of awareness/unawareness in carriers and non‐carriers. Pearson correlations, corrected for multiple comparisons, were used to assess the associations between awareness and pathology in the mutation carriers.ResultMutation carriers had significantly decreased overall awareness (p = 0.03), increased mean cortical amyloid (p<0.001) and inferior temporal tau (p = 0.001), compared to non‐carriers. Two questions (items 10 and 15), showed significantly lower awareness in the carriers than non‐carriers (both p = 0.002, Table.2). These results remained significant after removing impaired carriers. In carriers, decreased awareness was related to increased tau for 5/15 (33%) questions (Table.3 and Figure.1). No significant associations were found between awareness and amyloid.ConclusionOur results support previous findings that awareness is decreased in pre‐dementia stages of AD and related to tau, and not to amyloid pathology (Gagliardi et al.,2021). Importantly, we found that loss of awareness of specific memory items could differentiate carriers from non‐carriers. These findings support the usefulness of study‐partner‐reported cognitive decline. Individuals who become unaware of cognitive changes may represent a specific risk group to harbor pathology and develop AD dementia.

Temporal patterns and distribution of pyroptosis-related molecules and effects of human mesenchymal stem cells on pyroptosis following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats

ObjectivesPyroptosis is a new type of programmed cell death that has a strong proinflammatory effect. The present study investigated the dynamic changes of pyroptosis-related molecules and the effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on pyroptosis following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Materials and MethodsThe temporal pattern and cellular distribution of caspase-1, Gasdermin D and E (GSDMD and GSDME) in the peri-infarct area, and the effect of human MSCs on GSDMD, IL-1β, IL-18, Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and neurological function were studied in a rat model of transient focal cerebral ischemia. ResultsThe expression of caspase-1 mRNA increased with time, with a protein level of pro-caspase-1 comparable to its mRNA level, while the level of cleaved-caspase-1 protein peaked at 48 h following I/R. Increased levels of GSDMD mRNA and protein were also observed, with a peak level at 24 h. There were no significant changes in GSDME mRNA or protein expression after I/R. In regards to changes in the number of cells expressing GSDMD after I/R, that for neurons was more significant than those for microglia and astrocytes. The modified neurological severity score discrepancy and the expression of GSDMD showed no significant differences within 24 h following I/R between the MSC- and NS-treated groups, but MSCs treatment promoted the secretion of IL-1β, IL-18 and LDH. ConclusionsIn the early stage of cerebral infarction in rats, there were dynamic changes in pyroptosis-related molecules (caspase-1 and GSDMD), but MSCs showed no effect on the levels of GSDMD or neurological function.

Research Note: Effects of partial replacement of noug seed (Guizotia abyssinica) cake with maggot meal in dual-purpose chicken

The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effect of partial replacement of noug seed cake (NSC) with housefly maggot meal (HFLM) on the growth performance, complete blood count, carcass traits, and gizzard erosion. A total of 120 twenty-seven-day-old Sasso chickens were divided into 4 groups in a completely randomized design. Four diets were prepared to replace NSC with HFLM at the rate of 0%, 20%, 40%, and 60%, labeled as C, T1, T2, and T3, respectively. During the 28-d trial, the chickens were provided feed and water ad libitum. Average daily feed intake (ADFI), final body weight (FBW), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were not affected by increasing the dietary level of HFLM (P > 0.05). However, there was a difference (P < 0.05) in body weight gain (BWG) between the control and treatment groups, in which a higher BWG was achieved in T1. In this trial, the crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), and gross energy (GE) in HFLM were 34.06%, 26.85%, and 3871 (kcal/kg), respectively. Blood indices including white blood cells, granulocytes, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit were higher in treatment diets (P < 0.05) than in the control diets. No negative effects (P > 0.05) on carcass characteristics were found between the treated and control groups. Furthermore, no discrepancy (P > 0.05) in liver color scores and mortality rate were observed between the control and treatment diets. Surprisingly, feeding HFLM resulted in higher gizzard erosion scores (P < 0.05) in the group fed 40% HFLM. Overall, replacement of NSC at the rate of 20% HFLM in dual-purpose chicken feed produced higher BWG with no gizzard erosion and mortality.

The Burden of Survivorship: Survivor Guilt and Its Association with Psychiatric Sequelae in COVID-19 Patients.

COVID-19 survivors struggle with intense depressive and post-traumatic symptoms in sub-acute stages. Survivor guilt may affect post-acute psychopathology. Herein, we aim to unveil the potential affective mechanism underpinning post-COVID psychiatric implications by focusing on the association of survivor guilt with psychopathology and maladaptive attributional style. At one month after discharge, we evaluated symptoms of depression on The Zung Severity Rating Scale (ZSDS), post-traumatic distress on Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and sleep disturbances on the Women's Health Initiative Insomnia Rating Scale (WHIIRS) in 195 COVID-19 survivors. Interpersonal Guilt Rating Scale (IGRS-15) rated survivor guilt. A discrepancy score between the burden of depression and post-traumatic distress symptoms was computed individually. Dysfunctional depressive attributions were assessed through the Cognition Questionnaire (CQ). Survivor guilt significantly predicts all evaluated psychopathological dimensions. Moreover, higher rates of survivor guilt were associated with an overlap between post-traumatic and depressive symptomatology, thus suggesting that survivor guilt equally sustains both psychiatric manifestations. Finally, survivor guilt fully mediated the relationship between dysfunctional depressive attributions and the discrepancy index. Our results confirm survivor guilt as a clinically relevant form of suffering related to psychopathological dimensions of post COVID-19 infection, gaining the status of a specific phenomenon and a promising treatment target.

Apathy and Parkinson’s Disease Motor Phenotypes: A Preliminary Study (P6-11.014)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To investigate apathy characteristics across Parkinson’s Disease (PD) motor phenotypes using the Dimensional Apathy Scale (DAS). <h3>Background:</h3> Apathy is a common non-motor symptom of PD, characterized by decreased goal directed behavior. Apathy results in significant decline in functional abilities, caregiver burden, and increased costs of care. Motor phenotypes of PD are widely recognized (i.e., Postural Instability and Gait Difficulty [PIGD] and non-PIGD). It is unknown if distinct apathy profiles characterize motor PD phenotypes. DAS allows a multi-dimensional characterization of apathy (executive, emotional and cognitive/behavioral components) in addition to self-awareness. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> Eighteen participants (9 women, mean age: 64.5±9.5 years) with PD were recruited at Baylor College of Medicine under an IRB approved protocol. Apathy was measured by the DAS (cut off = 28.5), completed by both, participants and caregivers. Participants were also assessed with the Movement Disorders Society’s-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Analyses were performed for the whole cohort and clinical subgroups (PIGD and non-PIGD). Statistical analyses were done by GraphPad Prism version 9.0. <h3>Results:</h3> Seven participants were apathetic (PD-A) and 11 non-apathetic (PD-NA). There were no significant differences in age and MDS-UPDRS score between PD-A and PD-NA. The PD-A group had a significantly lower MoCA score (24.7±2.2 vs 27.4±2.5; p=0.03). In the whole cohort, there was a negative correlation between MoCA and total DAS score. DAS scores of participants and caregivers were correlated for the behavioral/cognitive and executive subscores but not for the emotional domain. Among those with PIGD-phenotype, 75% (3/4) had apathy versus 28.6% (4/14) among those with non-PIGD. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> The prevalence of apathy in the PIGD subtype was higher. Discrepancy of emotional DAS scores between participants and caregivers may suggest domain specific deficits on self-awareness. Future work in a larger population will focus on the characterization of apathy across PD subtypes. <b>Disclosure:</b> Mr. Lenka has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gazes has nothing to disclose. The institution of Dr. Vanegas-Arroyave has received research support from National Institutes of Health.

Relations between intelligence index score discrepancies and psychopathology symptoms in the EDEN mother-child birth cohort

The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential linkages between intelligence and psychopathology across the full IQ range, while considering both absolute IQ scores and discrepancies between them. We drew data from the EDEN mother-child birth cohort, gathered at two time points: 5.5 and 11.5 years of age. We examined three instruments assessing psychopathology: the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire, the Child Behavior Checklist, and the Mental Health and Social Inadaptation Assessment for Adolescents. We focused on four distinct scales: internalizing disorder, conduct disorder, social problems, and ADHD symptoms.Our analyses first examined correlations between Full-scale IQ, Verbal IQ, Performance IQ, and psychopathology scores. Subsequently, we explored correlations between absolute and relative verbal-performance IQ discrepancies and psychopathology scores. In general, we found that relations between intelligence index scores and psychopathology scales were generally null or negative (high IQ associated with fewer psychopathology symptoms). Our results do not lend support to the hypothesis that high intelligence or index score discrepancies are risk factors for psychopathology in children and adolescents.

Low standards yet disappointed: ADHD symptoms and experiential avoidance in college students

The literature suggests that ADHD symptoms are associated with experiential avoidance (EA), but little is known about factors that explain this relation. The present study examined indirect effects of ADHD symptoms on EA via perfectionism in a sample of 3720 undergraduates who completed an online survey. Results showed that perfectionism partially explained the relation between ADHD symptoms and EA, yet the direction of findings differed when examining different elements of perfectionism. Specifically, ADHD symptoms predicted higher Discrepancy scores, but lower Standards and Order scores. This suggests that undergraduates with elevated ADHD symptoms do not strive towards orderliness or hold themselves to overly high standards, yet judge themselves harshly for falling short of their expectations. Targeting this harsh judgment through the use of cognitive-behavioral, or acceptance and commitment therapy may be beneficial for undergraduates with elevated symptoms of ADHD.

Discrepancies between self-report and objective sleep outcomes are associated with cognitive impairment and fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis and insomnia.

The primary aim of this study was to assess the degree to which discrepancies between self-reported and actigraphy-based measures of sleep are associated with specific demographic, disease characteristics, and clinical features in a sample of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) reporting clinically significant insomnia symptoms. Participants were 90 community-based participants with MS and insomnia. Measures included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Depression Inventory-Fast Screen (BDI-FS), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), and MS Neuropsychological Screening Questionnaire (MSNQ), and wrist actigraphy-derived sleep parameters. Discrepancy scores were calculated by subtracting actigraphy-derived values from PSQI-derived values for sleep latency (SL), total sleep time (TST), and sleep efficiency (SE). Correlations between PSQI and actigraphy-derived values were weak. Significant discrepancies, with moderate-to-large effect sizes, were observed between PSQI and actigraphy for SL, TST, and SE, whereby the PSQI yielded longer SL, shorter TST, and less SE than actigraphy. MSNQ elevations correlated with greater PSQI-actigraphy discrepancies in SL and TST. MFIS elevations correlated with greater discrepancies in TST. Discrepancies were not significantly related to BDI-FS, gender, race, education level, or MS type. Results emphasize the importance of assessing fatigue with sleep, and when feasible, inclusion of both self-report and actigraphy measures.

Abstract TP65: An Automated Algorithm For The Nih Stroke Scale Assessment

The NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is widely adopted in clinical practice. Despite being originally designed for research use, the NIHSS is a valued resource for communication and prognostication, and it is useful for the decision-making process regarding reperfusion therapies and prophylaxis. However, its assessment can be laborious and complex among even certified healthcare providers. In the context of increasing telemedicine use, an accurate assessment of the NIHSS may be crucial in acute stroke management We aimed to create and validate an automated tool for the NIHSS (SPOKES) in a national telemedicine service. A board of five certified vascular neurologists created an NIHSS algorithm based on a tree decision, including tips and hints in the main questions and auxiliary boxes. We randomized 22 spoke hospitals using an automated tool to invite emergency physicians not certified in the NIHSS to use or not the SPOKES. NIHSS-certified and blinded neurologists from a hub hospital performed a double-check of each item of the NIHSS. From June to August 2022, we included 144 cases from 10 spoke hospitals. Our algorithm was fully adopted in 27 cases (19%). The median of reported NIHSS was 3 [1, 5] and 3 [2, 7] points among users and non-users, p=0.38. The general difference between the reported and the double-checked score was 0 [0, 1] points – there was no difference between those who used or did not the SPOKES (p=0.12). A complete concordant score was achieved at 66.7% (n=18/27) and 45.3% (n=53/117), χ 2 =0.036, among users and non-users, respectively. In a bivariate regression analysis, the SPOKES increased the chance of complete agreement [OR 2.4, 95%CI 1-5.8, p=0.049]. There was no difference regarding discrepant scores (≥4 points), χ 2 =0.46. Among SPOKES cases, treatment with tPA was indicated in 11.1%, versus 12.7% among non-users (p=0.59). Despite the small number of included cases, our algorithm seems to be a promising tool for the NIHSS assessment in a national telemedicine service, increasing the chance of a complete agreement with certified neurologists. The tool is free and available at www.spokes-nihss.com

The association of postoperative global femoral offset with total hip arthroplasty outcomes

Global femoral offset (GFO) and femoral offset (FO) reportedly affect outcomes following total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, FO assessed using plain radiography is affected by internal and external rotations of the hip joint. We investigated the relationship between leg length discrepancy and Harris hip score (HHS), and their influence on acetabular offset (AO), FO, GFO, anterior femoral offset, and outcomes after THA. We retrospectively evaluated 140 patients with hip osteoarthritis who underwent THA. A three-dimensional (3D) pelvis and femur model created from computed tomography (data using ZedHip software was used to investigate these parameters. The modified (m)HHS scores were significantly improved from 49.0 to 88.8 in total mHHS, 20.0–44.5 in pain, and 28.9–44.4 points in function. Significant correlations were found between the differences in AO, FO, GFO, and pain score in binominal, with maximum values of − 1.24, + 1.54, and + 0.90 mm/100 cm body height, respectively. The maximum value of GFO and mHHS in binominal was + 1.17 mm/100 cm body height (BH). The optimal range of difference of GFO was − 1.75 to 4.09 mm/100 cm BH. This is the first report using a 3D method for assessing FO. Preoperative planning using the system could improve postoperative function.

Does Smartphone Use Make Older Adults Feel Younger? A Cross-Sectional Online Survey during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Subjective age (i.e., how old one feels) has been found to be a biopsychosocial marker of aging. This study examined the associations between subjective age and the frequency of information and communication technology (ICT) usage by older adults. Data were collected via an online survey conducted in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study analyzed responses from participants aged 65 to 89 (M = 71.9, SD = 3.9) who resided in Japan (N = 1631, 52.8% female). Subjective age was indexed by asking participants to specify in years how old they felt. Proportional discrepancy scores (PDS) were calculated to indicate younger or older subjective age and were used as an independent variable. Participants were asked about the frequency of computer, smartphone, flip phone, tablet, and social networking service (SNS) use. Two-thirds of the participants (63.6%) reported feeling younger than their actual age. Nearly 90% reported using computers for more than 2-3 days a week, while 64.3% reported smartphone use, 22.9% reported flip phone use, and 36.6% reported SNS use. Logistic regression analyses revealed that a lower PDS (i.e., feeling younger) was associated with a significantly higher frequency of smartphone use (OR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.98) after adjusting for potential confounders. No such association was found for computer, flip phone, tablet, or SNS use. Our study found that feeling younger was associated with a higher frequency of smartphone use. The daily use of smartphones may have helped older adults stay in touch with family and friends and obtain the information that they needed, which may have contributed to better psychological well-being outcomes, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Novel approach using WGAN-GP and Conditional WGAN-GP for Generating Artificial Thermal Images of Induction Motor Faults

This paper proposes a novel approach for generating artificial thermal images for induction motor faults using Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Network with Gradient Penalty (WGAN-GP) and Conditional Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Network with Gradient Penalty (cWGAN-GP) frameworks. Traditional fault classification methods based on vibration signals often require extensive preprocessing and are more susceptible to noise. In contrast, thermal images offer easier classification and require less preprocessing. However, challenges arise due to the limited availability of thermal images representing different fault conditions and data confidentiality. To overcome these challenges, this paper introduces the utilisation of WGAN-GP and cWGAN-GP with health condition labels to create high-quality thermal images artificially. The results demonstrate that the cWGAN-GP approach is superior in generating thermal images that closely resemble real images of induction motors under various health conditions with a Maximum Mean Discrepancy (MMD) score of 1.023 compared to 1.078 using WGAN-GP. Furthermore, cWGAN-GP requires less training time (7.25 hours to train all health conditions classes) compared to WGAN-GP (12 hours to train the Inner fault class only) using NVIDIA V100. In addition to using EMD and MMD metrics for quantitative analysis of the GAN model, the evaluation process incorporated the expertise of a pre-trained CNN model, namely AlexNet, to assess cWGAN-GP's discriminative capabilities of the generated samples and their alignment with the real thermal images, which resulted in an overall accuracy of 98.41%. Therefore, these proposed approaches offer a promising solution to address the lack of public datasets containing induction motor thermal images representing different health states. By leveraging these models, it will be feasible to enhance induction motor condition monitoring systems and improve the process of fault diagnosis.