The relationship of fatigue, cardiac structure and function, and outcomes in heart failure: The ARIC study.

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of antimicrobial-resistant uropathogens in community settings of India: A multicentric cross-sectional study.

The methodological aspects of conducting qualitative near-sociological studies of informal communities in the context of urban studies have been studied. The paper analyzes the research approach transformation in the study of youth groups in the historical district of Rzhevka-Porokhovye in the Krasnogvardeysky district of St. Petersburg. The object of the research is the youth communities of the district, the subject is the informal rules and patterns of their intra-group interaction. The purpose of the study is to establish and systematize a set of unspoken rules that have been used for successful implementation of the included observation method in the study of closed social groups. The study result is a consolidated methodological analysis of the basic informal rules used to implement inclusive monitoring of youth groups in a specific urban environment. This study is a generalization of the results obtained in the framework of a successfully presented Master’s thesis in Urban Planning at the Higher School of Economics (Moscow) on the topic “Urban planning factors in youth groups formation: St. Petersburg’s Rzhevka-Porokhovye district case”. The established methodology of working with complex communities is of applied importance for urban and sociological research, as well as for working with youth.

This study analyzed the community mechanisms used to manage agricultural areas amid urban expansion and the conditions that support their success, focusing on the Yothaka and Khao Din communities in Chachoengsao province. This study adopted a qualitative research approach to understand social phenomena in all relevant contextual dimensions, using a holistic perspective to examine the economic, social, and political dimensions of the study areas, following the framework of local community studies in political economy. Data collection included documentary research (primary and secondary sources), in-depth interviews with key informants in urban development and local governance, and focus group interviews. The study found that both communities developed civil society mechanisms to form social movements. Yothaka formed the “Yothaka Rak Thin Group” to strengthen networks with non-governmental organizations and enhance its bargaining power through petitions, symbolic actions, and negotiations, while Khao Din mobilized through the “Rak Mae Phra Thoranee Network” and utilized specific mechanisms such as rejecting public hearings, seeking redress through the Land Bank Administration Institute, and leveraging national political mechanisms. Key conditions for successful agricultural land management include internal community cooperation, the nature of conflicts, social network building, effective communication, and post-election political context. This study contributes to the reconceptualization of rural civil society in Thailand as shifting from adaptive cooperation to networked, activist resistance under state-led capitalist development.

Metagenomic sequencing has revolutionized microbial ecology by enabling culture-independent analysis of complex microbial communities. Recent advancements in sequencing technologies, computational tools, and functional annotation pipelines have dramatically improved resolution, accuracy, and scalability. This review explores the evolution of metagenomic platforms (e.g., short-read, long-read, and single-cell sequencing), their applications in diverse ecosystems (human gut, environmental, industrial), and persistent challenges such as data integration and bias correction. We highlight emerging trends, including portable sequencing devices and CRISPR-based enrichment, that promise to democratize metagenomic research further.

ABSTRACT This paper aims to clarify the spatial arrangement of house in Nonmuang Community, Khon Kaen, Thailand. As Thailand moves toward a super-aged society, understanding how everyday domestic spaces support aging in place is increasingly important, especially in rural-peri-urban communities. Based on field observation (walkthrough surveys, photographs, and rapid sketches) accounts from 30 households, two existing house types. Type A mixed-material houses and Type B contemporary concrete houses were identified, and daily-use patterns of key spaces were analyzed. During daytime, older adults most frequently used semi-outdoor terraces (Charn) and toilets, whereas at night the living area/living room and bedrooms were the primary settings. More than half of households (53%) reported daytime use of Charn for sitting, resting, eating, and light activities, while around 73% reported that older adults slept in the first-floor living area at night to reduce mobility burden and improve accessibility. These findings position Charn as a multipurpose transitional space supporting everyday routines and informal caregiving, and suggest practical implications for incremental improvement of rural-peri-urban housing, including safer thresholds/level changes, accessible connections between living areas and Charn, and shorter, safer routes to toileting spaces.

Design of MOSAAIC (Multi-Ethnic Observational Study in American Asian and Pacific Islander Communities).

ABSTRACT Value Co-Creation (VCC) is widely studied as an outcome of inter-organizational collaboration but lacks processual explanations of how it works, especially in knowledge-intensive academic communities. Based on a four-year longitudinal qualitative case study of a cross-disciplinary research community, this paper identifies five VCC mechanism clusters: Partner, Strategy, Technology, Collaboration, and Adaptation (PSTCA). These mechanisms function at two levels: first-order structural mechanisms enable collaboration, while second-order socio-cognitive processes drive knowledge integration. They operate through iterative cycles rather than linear stages. This study develops a processual theory of VCC, shifting focus from what VCC is to how it unfolds, and offers implications for cross-context research and multi-dimensional value measurement.

Community-level perceptions of housing services for people with opioid use disorder: a qualitative analysis of community stakeholders in the HEALing communities study.

Plasma biomarkers such as phospho-tau species are increasingly used in clinical practice for the diagnosis of Alzheimer disease (AD). Phosphorylated-tau at threonine 181 (p-tau181) values also provide prognostic information about incident dementia. Cognitive status similarly conveys prognostic information, but the relationship between plasma biomarkers for AD and cognitive status requires clarification. Participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study who were adjudicated as free of dementia in 2011-2013 had plasma samples analyzed for p-tau181 and other biomarkers. Participants were surveilled for incident dementia through December 31, 2022. Cumulative incidence curves, Cox models, and Fine-Gray models were used to evaluate the independent and combined discriminatory accuracy of cognitive status and plasma biomarkers for incident dementia. The sample comprised 1,577 ARIC participants (age 76.5 years, 60% women, 73% White, 27% Black). The risk of incident dementia was higher in persons with a baseline status of mild cognitive impairment (covariate-adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.94, 95% CI 2.61-3.33) compared with those who were cognitively unimpaired independent of biomarker status. The risk of dementia was also higher in persons with more abnormal concentrations of p-tau181 and other biomarkers independent of cognitive status. When age, cognitive status, and p-tau181 were included in the same models, the risk was attenuated relative to models where only cognitive status or plasma biomarkers were included. For continuous p-tau181 concentrations, the covariate-adjusted HR without cognitive status was 1.45 (95% CI 1.36-1.54), but when cognitive status was included, the HR decreased to 1.37 (95% CI 1.29-1.46). Models showed that when combined with age, p-tau181 alone, cognitive status alone, or the combination of p-tau181 and cognitive status had similar discriminatory accuracy. Cognitive status and plasma biomarker concentrations convey independent but overlapping information about the risk of incident dementia. Although cognitive status and plasma p-tau181 have similar discriminatory accuracies, the far lower incidence rate of dementia in persons who are initially cognitively unimpaired highlights the importance of an accurate clinical diagnosis.

Inferring causal effects with unmeasured confounder is a main challenge in causal inference. Many researchers impose parametric assumptions on the distribution of unmeasured confounder. However, due to the unobservable nature of the unmeasured confounder, it is more reasonable to leave its distribution unrestricted. Another key challenge in causal inference is the involvement of invalid instrumental variables, which may lead to biased inference and potentially deceptive results. To this end, we employ a flexible semiparametric model that allows for possibly invalid instruments without specifying the distribution of unmeasured confounder in this work. A penalized semiparametric estimator for causal effects is constructed and its oracle and asymptotic properties are well established for statistical inference. We evaluate the performance of the estimator through simulation studies, revealing that our proposed estimator exhibits asymptotic unbiasedness and robustness in estimating causal effects, along with consistent selection of invalid instruments. We also demonstrate its application using Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study data set, which further validates its robustness in the presence of invalid instruments.

In the crystalline basement terrains of Southwestern Nigeria, groundwater exploration remains a significant challenge due to the extreme lateral and vertical heterogeneity of the subsurface. This study investigates the Agbaje–Ijokodo area in Ibadan, a region historically plagued by high borehole failure rates, using an integrated geophysical approach. By combining 1D Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) at 28 locations with 2D Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) across 14 profiles, we mapped the complex architecture of the local aquifer system. The results reveal a predominant three-layer geoelectric sequence: a clayey topsoil, a weathered saprolite layer (averaging 10.8 m in thickness), and a basal fractured-to-fresh basement. Interpretation of geoelectric curves, primarily H-type (57%) and Dar-Zarrouk parameters indicates that while the weathered regolith provides storage, its productivity is often hampered by high clay content. Critical secondary porosity was identified in deep-seated fracture zones and basement depressions, particularly in the Agbaje sector, where reflection coefficients below 0.75 and longitudinal conductance values (0.2 - 0.69 mhos) suggest both high groundwater potential and moderate protective capacity. In contrast, the Ijokodo area is characterized by shallow bedrock ridges and thin overburden, explaining its poor-to-fair yield history. These findings suggest that sustainable groundwater development in the area must shift from targeting shallow saprolite to deeper, localized fracture networks. This research demonstrates that an integrated resistivity framework is indispensable for reducing the risks associated with borehole siting in complex metamorphic terrains.

At least 13 cancers are linked to obesity. We analyse time-to-event data using Sensitive Period Analysis to explore whether associations between body mass index (BMI) and cancer incidence vary throughout adulthood to inform cancer prevention strategies, policy and weight management trials of optimal intervention ages. Using the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort, Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study, Women's Health Initiative, Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial, NIH-AARP Diet and Health, we predicted BMI throughout adulthood. We landmarked to predefined ages of interest (AOI), ages 30 to 65 (5-yearly). Super-landmarking and a two-stage IPD meta-analysis were used. A single stratified Cox proportional hazards model with interaction terms between BMI and AOIs was fitted to analyse associations between per 5 kg/m2 BMI at AOIs and cancer incidence and identify sensitive age periods. 720,210 participants were followed up over 9.85 years in men and 10.80 years in women. Positive associations were found per 5 kg/m2 BMI across ages 30-65 for obesity-related cancers. Some evidence suggests BMI in the 40s-50s raises cancer risk more than baseline. Interactions by age were found in women at ages 35 and 40 for obesity-related cancers with HRs per 5 kg/m2 of 1.04 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.07, I2:0%) and 1.05 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.09, I2:50%), respectively, and at ages 35-65 for postmenopausal breast cancer. Higher BMI increased obesity-related cancer risk across ages 30-65. Similar associations across adulthood suggest adiposity at any age increases cancer risk. Policymakers should prevent excess adiposity accumulation in early life to minimise cancer risk.

This study investigates whether proteomic aging clocks (PACs) are associated with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). We included participants from two US community-based cohorts: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study and the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) Study. These analyses leveraged PACs that were developed in ARIC using proteomics measured by SomaScan in midlife (Visit 2; mean age 56 y; n=1,486) and late-life (Visit 5; mean age 76 y; n=1,496), trained on chronological age. Proteomic age acceleration (PAA) was calculated as residuals from regressing PACs on chronological age. 3T brain MRI data were collected in late-life. We examined associations of PAA with log-transformed white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume using linear regression and with the presence of microbleeds, and subcortical, lacunar, and cortical infarcts using logistic regression. Associations of PACs with WMH volume and microbleeds were tested in MESA using proteins measured at Exam 1 (mean age 57 y; n=932) and Exam 5 (mean age 66 y; n=934). All associations were quantified per 5-year increase in PAA. All models were adjusted for demographics and cardiovascular risk factors. In ARIC, higher midlife PAA was associated with greater WMH volume (percent difference: 25% [95% CI: 13%, 39%]) and higher odds of subcortical infarcts (OR: 1.24 [1.02, 1.51]). Late-life PAA was associated with all CSVD markers: WMH volume (percent difference: 20% [8%, 34%]), cerebral microbleeds (OR: 1.40 [1.15, 1.69]), subcortical (OR: 1.80 [1.47, 2.22]), lacunar (OR: 1.80 [1.46, 2.23]), and cortical infarcts (OR: 1.39 [1.07, 1.82]). In MESA, higher late-life PAA was associated with greater WMH volume (28% [3%, 58%]) but not with microbleeds. Accelerated proteomic aging is associated with a higher prevalence of MRI markers of CSVD, most predominantly in late-life. Understanding this relationship may help stratify those at higher risk of CSVD at an early stage.

Epigenome-wide association study of blood proteome in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study.

Risk factors for early-onset and late-onset dementia: a prospective cohort study.

Suboptimal cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) health is highly prevalent in the United States, especially among older adults, but whether the CKM syndrome staging framework is predictive of incident heart failure (HF) in this population remains uncertain. Participants from the ARIC Study (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities; visit 5, 2011-2013) who underwent echocardiography were categorized according to the American Heart Association CKM syndrome staging framework, which is based on excess or dysfunctional adiposity, metabolic risk factors, kidney disease, subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD), and clinical CVD. We evaluated the association between CKM stage and prevalence and progression of cardiac remodeling and longitudinal risk of incident HF. Of the 5646 participants who had data available for CKM staging (age range, 66 to 90 years; 3271 women [57.9%]), 24 (0.4%) were stage 0 (optimal CKM health), 104 (1.8%) stage 1, 460 (8.1%) stage 2, 3197 (56.0%) stage 3, 1842 (32.3%) stage 4a, and 19 (0.3%) stage 4b. Higher CKM stage was incrementally associated with adverse left ventricular remodeling, worse left ventricular systolic and diastolic function, and greater progression of adverse remodeling by visit 7 (2018-2019). Among participants without prevalent HF at visit 5 (n=4827), the risk of incident HF during follow-up (656 events; median follow-up time, 9.0 years) increased with higher CKM syndrome stage: stage 0/1, 0 events per 1000 person-years; stage 2, 2.9 events/1000 person-years (referent due to no events in stage 0/1); stage 3, 15.1 events/1000 person-years (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.6 [95% CI, 2.1-6.0]); stage 4, 37.4 events/1000 person-years (adjusted hazard ratio, 8.3 [95% CI, 4.9-14.2]; Ptrend<0.001). Poor CKM health was widespread among community-dwelling older adults, with higher CKM stage associated with adverse myocardial remodeling and increased risk of incident HF.

Association of cardiac biomarkers with longitudinal cognitive changes in the general population.

National burden of and optimal vaccine policy for Japanese encephalitis virus in Bangladesh: a seroprevalence and modelling study.

The association between stroke severity and dementia is well established. However, reports on trajectories of cognitive decline comparing stroke survivors with individuals without stroke in large cohorts are insufficient. To examine associations of ischemic stroke incidence and severity with cognitive decline and dementia risk and to explore whether vascular risk factors modify these associations. This cohort study pooled longitudinal data on cognitive function of participants aged 45 years or older and without stroke and dementia at baseline from 3 US prospective cohorts: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study (1987-2019), Framingham Offspring Study (1971-2019), and Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke study (2003-2019). First definite ischemic strokes were reported in each cohort using consistent protocols, with severity defined using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). The data analysis was completed February 27, 2026. Incident ischemic stroke categorized as minor (NIHSS 0-5), mild to moderate (NIHSS 6-10), or moderate to severe (NIHSS ≥11). The primary outcomes were decline in global cognition and incident dementia. Secondary outcomes were changes in memory and executive function. Multivariable linear mixed-effects models were used to test the association of stroke incidence and severity with cognitive decline. A total of 42 342 participants from the pooled cohorts were included (mean [SD] age, 61.3 [9.8] years; 55.0% female). Longitudinal cognitive testing data were available for a median of 11.1 years (range, 0-29.7 years) with 397 344 person-years of observation for dementia incidence. Stroke severity data were available for 1055 of 1505 first-ever ischemic stroke survivors (70.1%). Compared with participants with no stroke, adjusted hazard ratios for incident dementia were 1.93 (95% CI, 1.52-2.45) for NIHSS 0 to 5, 3.26 (95% CI, 1.93-5.53) for NIHSS 6 to 10, and 5.06 (95% CI, 2.71-9.45) for NIHSS 11 or higher. Over the follow-up, higher stroke severity was associated with progressively steeper cognitive declines across all domains, with more prevalent dose-response associations for global cognition (ranging from a mean -0.18 [95% CI, -0.19 to -0.18] points per year for no stroke to -0.58 [95% CI, -0.73 to -0.42] points per year for moderate to severe stroke) and memory (ranging from a mean -0.15 [95% CI, -0.16 to -0.14] points per year for no stroke to -0.36 [95% CI, -0.51 to -0.21] points per year for moderate to severe stroke) than for executive function (ranging from a mean -0.33 [95% CI, -0.34 to -0.32] points per year for no stroke to -0.52 [95% CI, -0.66 to -0.39] points per year for moderate to severe stroke). This large cohort study of participants from 3 prospective cohorts found that greater stroke severity was associated with substantially elevated dementia risk and accelerated decline in global cognition, memory, and executive function. These findings underscore the critical importance of stroke prevention, particularly severe stroke, and identifying mechanisms that may link stroke to cognitive decline.