bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Differential Expressions and Associations of Intracellular and Extracellular GRP78/Bip with Disease Activity and Progression in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Liu Guoyin , Wu Jianping , Wang Yongqiang , Xu Chun , Fang Guilin , Li Xin , Chen Jianmin
Published: September 2024

GRP78/BiP, a stress-induced protein and autoantigen in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), exhibits different expressions in various biological fluids and tissues, namely serum, synovial fluid (SF), and synovium, all of which are pertinent to the disease activity and progression of RA; however, there is a scarcity of data linking both intracellular and extracellular GRP78/Bip to the disease activity and progression of RA within the realm of rheumatology. This study was undertaken to investigate the differential expression of intracellular and extracellular GRP78/Bip in serum, SF, and synovium, and to determine their association with disease activity and progression in patients with RA. Patients with RA, osteoarthritis (OA), and traumatic meniscal injury (TMI) without radiographic OA were consecutively recruited for the study at our hospital. Among the patients with RA, six different subgroups were established based on their disease activity and progression. Disease activity was measured using the DAS28 criterion, while disease progression was evaluated using the Steinbrocker classification grade. This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the differential expressions of GRP78/Bip in multiple sample types, including serum, SF, and synovium, with the specific emphasis on their associations with disease activity and progression in RA. The expression levels of GRP78/Bip, TNF-α, and IL-10 were significantly elevated in serum, SF, and synovium of patients with RA when compared to both the CON and iCON groups(P<0.05). During the status of disease activity, serum and synovium exhibited increased levels of GRP78/Bip, TNF-α, and IL-10 compared to periods of disease remission (P<0.05). However, in SF, the levels of GRP78/Bip and IL-10 were reduced, while TNF-α levels were elevated during disease activity status as opposed to the remission status (P<0.05). In serum and synovium of patients with RA, positive correlations were observed between the levels of GRP78/Bip expression and the stages of disease progression, along with TNF-α and IL-10 levels. Additionally, in SF, positive correlations were identified between the expression levels of GRP78/Bip and the concentrations of TNF-α and IL-10; conversely, a negative correlation was noted between GRP78/Bip expression and stages of disease progression. The differential expressions of GRP78/Bip in serum, SF, and synovium indicated that the potential role and function of GRP78/Bip might vary depending on its location within the specific biological fluids and tissues. The presence of intracellular and extracellular GRP78/Bip was associated with disease activity and progression of RA, suggesting the involvement of GRP78/Bip in the pathogenesis and development of this debilitating autoimmune disorder, as well as its potential as a biomarker for monitoring disease activity and progression.
Designing a Holistic Student Evaluation Model for E-Learning Using a Multi-Task Attention-Based Deep Learning Approach
Authors: Olaniyan Deborah , Olaniyan Julius , Obagbuwa Ibidun C , Micheal Esiefarienrhe B , Bernard Olorunfemi P
Published: September 2024

This study presents the development and evaluation of a Multi-Task Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model with an Attention Mechanism designed to predict students' academic performance. The model concurrently addresses two tasks: predicting overall performance (total score) as a regression task and categorizing performance levels (remarks) as a classification task. By processing both tasks simultaneously, the model optimizes computational efficiency and resource use. The dataset includes detailed student performance records across various metrics such as Continuous Assessment, Practical Skills, Demeanor, Presentation Quality, Attendance, and Participation. The model's performance was evaluated using comprehensive metrics. For the regression task, it achieved a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.0249, Mean Squared Error (MSE) of 0.0012, and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) of 0.0346. For the classification task, it attained perfect scores with an accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score of 1.0. These results highlight the model's high accuracy and robustness in predicting both continuous and categorical outcomes. The Attention Mechanism enhances the model's capabilities by identifying and focusing on the most relevant features. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the Multi-Task LSTM with Attention Mechanism in educational data analysis, offering a reliable tool for predicting student performance and potential broader applications in similar multi-task learning contexts. Future work will explore further enhancements and wider applications to improve predictive accuracy and efficiency.
Machine Learning Algorithms-Aided Determination of Predictors of Mortality from Diabetic Foot Sepsis at a Regional Hospital in South Africa during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mmatsinhe Carlos , Kagodora Shingirai Brenda , Mukheli Tshifhiwa , Mokoena Tshepo Polly , Malebati William , Moeng Maeyane Stephens , Luvhengo Thifhelimbilu Emmanuel Emmanuel (E)
Published: September 2024

Background: Diabetic foot sepsis (DFS) accounts for approximately 60% of hospital admissions in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Individuals with DM are at risk of severe COVID-19. This study investigated investigated factors associated with major amputation and mortality in patients admitted with DFS during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Demographic information, COVID-19 and HIV status, clinical findings, laboratory results, treatment and outcome from records of patients with diabetic foot sepsis. The chi-square test, Fisher’s test, Student t-test or Mann-Whitney compare findings when appropriate. Multivariate logistic regression to determine factors that were associated with major amputation and mortality. Results of logistic regression were compared with outputs from analysis using machine learning algorithms. Kaplan-Meier survival curve to compare survival between COVID-19 positive and negative patients. Statistical was a p-value below 0.05. Supervised machine learning algorithms were used to compare their ability to predict major and deaths. Results: Overall, 114 records were found and 57.9% (66/114) were of male patients. The mean age of the patients was 55.7 (14) years and 47.4% (54/114) and 36% (41/114) tested positive for COVID-19 and HIV, respectively. The median c-reactive protein was 168mg/dl, urea 7.8mmol/l and creatinine 92µmol/l. The mean potassium level was 4.8±0.9mmol, and glycosylated haemoglobin 11.2±3%. The main outcomes included major amputation in 69.3% (79/114) and mortality of 37.7% (43/114) died. AI. The level of potassium, urea, creatinine and HbA1c were significantly higher in the deceased. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in the rate of major amputation and mortality in patients with DFS. The in-hospital mortality was higher in patients above 60 years of age who tested positive for COVID-19. The Random Forest algorithm of ML can be highly effective predicting major amputation and death in patients with DFS.
Holographic Simulation of the Electric Field of a 6KA Rare Earth Molten Salt Electrolytic Cell
Authors: Wu Yongfu , Ma Shouying , Wang Rixin , Liu Zhongxing , Liu Yubao , Li Zhi
Published: September 2024

Molten salt electrolysis stands as an indispensable technique for the production of rare earth metals, where the judicious distribution of the electric field within the electrolytic cell is paramount for ensuring the seamless operation of the electrolysis process. This study introduces a pioneering approach by integrating the Nernst-Planck equation with the Butler-Volmer equation, thereby devising a holographic electric field model tailored for the electrolysis of the NdF3-LiF molten salt system. The paper presents pioneering experimental measurements concerning the potential distribution and voltage drop characteristics within a 6kA rare earth electrolytic cell, elucidating the interplay between decomposition voltage and current density, which substantiates the model's precision. Our findings unveil that, under operational conditions of 4010 amperes, the 6kA electrolytic cell incurs a total voltage drop of 6.3 volts, delineating a melt voltage drop of 4.43 volts, an ohmic voltage drop of 0.248 volts, and an interfacial voltage drop of 1.622 volts at the electrode-electrolyte junction. The discrepancy in error is confined to within 0.3% of the actual measured voltage of 6.28 volts.The simulation outcomes from the holographic electric field model have been confirmed to precisely and comprehensively reflect the characteristics of the electric field distribution during the rare earth molten salt electrolysis process, offering valuable theoretical insights for practical manufacturing applications.
Mineral Density and Frequency of Thyroid Malignancy: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Bukasa-Kakamba John , Bangolo Ayrton , Bayauli Pascal , Nagesh Vignesh Krishnan , Mou Maria J , Chahal Princejeet S , Chindam Sindhuja , Mbunga Branly , Mushfiq Taieba , Thapa Abhishek , Rao Nidhi L , Kalambayi Isis Kapinga , Rajesh Rahul Y , Sarioguz Ipek B , Thoomkuntla Vishal K.R. , Arefin Shamsul , Kaur Navneet , Mutombo Manasse Bukasa , Singh Satyajeet , Muto Natalia , Vamsi Surya , Mallampalli Pujita , Nkodila Aliocha , Weissman Simcha , M'buyamba-Kabangu Jean René
Published: September 2024

Background: Several trace minerals have been shown to be associated with thyroid cancer. However, there is a paucity of data on the characteristics of thyroid nodules in different mineral rich regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The objective of this study is to establish the spectrum of thyroid nodules in different regions of the most mineral wealthy country in the world. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study, performing descriptive statistics and logistic regression with a p value < 0.05 deemed of statistical significance. We enrolled 529 patients diagnosed with thyroid nodules between 2005 and 2019 in two of the richest provinces in minerals (Katanga and South Kivu) and the capital city, Kinshasa. Results: The mean age was 44.2±14.6 years with a female predominance, with a female to male ratio of 5.4. 66.5% of patients had a family history of thyroid disease. 74 patients had simple nodules, whereas 455 had multiple nodules. 87.7% of patients with nodules were euthyroid. The nodules mostly presented a solid structure (72.2%), hypoechogenicity (84.5%), a macronodule (59.8%), calcification (14.4%) and lymphadenopathy (15.5%). 22.3% of these nodules had a malignant character. The independent factors associated with this malignancy were age ≥60 years (aOR=2.81), Katanga as province of origin (aOR=8.19), solid echostructure (aOR=7.69), hypoechogenicity (aOR=14.19), macronodule (aOR=9.13), calcification (aOR=2.6) and the presence of adenopathy (aOR=6.94). Conclusion: By the way of this first of its kind study, we demonstrated that thyroid nodules were more likely to be malignant if found in patients originating from mineral rich region of Katanga. This high frequency of malignancy in mineral rich regions requires measures aimed at early detection in this population, lower threshold for suspicion of malignancy and adequate training of doctors involved in the management of these patients. This study paves the way for future, more extensive and well-funded studies to better understand the relationship of heavy metals and thyroid cancer incidence in the richest country in heavy metals in the world.
A Procedure for Analyzing Vertical Ground Deformation Anomalies in Active Volcanic Caldera during Unrest Phases
Authors: Matano Fabio , Casaburi Annarita , De Natale Giuseppe
Published: September 2024

Collapse calderas often experience large up and down movements, which rarely give rise to eruptions. The pattern of vertical deformation has generally an elliptical geometry, very close to a circular one. A simple and powerful method to explore second order anomalies of the volcanic caldera deformation patterns can enlighten important structural features. This method is here presented and applied to the case study of Campi Flegrei caldera ground deformation, representing a typical example of such a quasi-circular geometry, with dominant ground uplift occurring since 1950. Despite a markedly radial dependence of the vertical displacement, with a very constant shape in the time, we explore in the paper the second order anomalies, with respect to a purely radial behavior. To this aim, we have used a procedure based on the polynomial fit of the vertical displacement data, assuming they only depend on the distance from the maximum uplift point (i.e. deformation center); then, we have obtained anomalies map by subtracting from the theoretical deformation so determined the true data. We then obtain very peculiar results, which put in evidence a sharp separation between a less uplifted zone and a more uplifted one than expected, along a NE-SW alignment which approximately define the most seismically active area, in which most of the largest magnitude earthquakes occur. This very peculiar feature is likely to represent a main volcano-tectonic structure in the area, which can be of leading importance for evaluating both the highest seismic hazard area and the most likely zone of possible eruptive vent opening. The results obtained here indicate that the proposed method can be useful to analyze unrest related hazards.
Trends in Emotional Labor Research: Bibliometric and Science Mapping Analysis
Authors: Zengin Şakir , Ocak Metin
Published: September 2024

Emotional labor is about employees in the service sector involving their emotions while performing the service job as required. Emotions are also used for commercial purposes. The study analyzes data on emotional labor through bibliometric and science mapping methods. For the analyses, data between 1982 and 2024 are scanned in the Web of Science (WoS) database, and data for 2,925 documents are accessed. After loading the data, the VOSviewer program is utilized to analyze it for bibliometric and science mapping purposes. Subsequently, the investigation unveiles the foremost authors, countries, journals, institutions, and keywords in emotional labor research. This is followed by analyzing their co-authorship, co-citation, bibliographic coupling, and keyword co-occurrence models. As a result, in emotional labor research, it is found that Alicia A. Grandey is the most productive and most cited author, the USA is the most productive country, Frontiers in Psychology is the most productive journal, and the most frequently encountered keywords are burnout, surface acting, job satisfaction, deep acting, and emotional exhaustion, respectively. The analysis findings reveal a collaborative nexus among authors, countries, and institutions, offering visual network maps and comprehensive insights into emotional labor's present status and trends within the scientific literature.
Profile of Drowning Deaths: A Cross Sectional Study from Loni, Maharashtra
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Diamond Harbour Government Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal, 743331,, Mukherjee Bimbisar , D Chavan Kalidas ,   Dean, ESIC Medical College & Hospital, K.K. Nagar 600078, Chennai,, B Buktar Sanjay ,   Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Dr. Balasaheb Vikhe Patil Rural Medical College of Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences, Ahmednagar 413736, Maharashtra,, Manjhi Shivnarayan ,   Senior Medical Officer, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Pt. JNM Medical College, Raipur 492001, Chattisgarh, India.
Published: September 2024

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on all cases of deaths due to drowning autopsied at the mortuary of Pravara Rural Hospital attached to Rural Medical College, Loni, a rural region in Western Maharashtra, India. The study was conducted over a period of 4 years, two years retrospective (record based) from September 2012 to August 2014 and two years prospective from September 2014 to August 2016. Data was being collected from medico-legal autopsy records of drowning victims. The cases were studied to know the socio-demographic profile of victims, manner of death and place of drowning. The cases represented approximately 3.42% of all autopsy cases. The manner of the death in most cases(68.89%) was accidental in nature. Majority of the victims were male (57.78%) belonging to the age group of 11- 20 years (31.11%). Most of the victims (31.11%) were students followed by housewives (28.89%). Most of the drowning cases (51.11%) occurred in well, followed by river (20.0%). Deaths due to drowning can be prevented by proper education and awareness programmes. Preventive measures include teaching swimming to children as well as adults, installing barriers controlling access to water and training bystanders in safe rescue and resuscitation measures.
Histopathological Findings in Medicolegal Autopsies with Emphasis on Rare Incidental Findings
Authors:   Professor, Department of Pathology, Ramaiah Medical College and Hospitals, Bangalore 560054, Karnataka, India., Wilfred D Clement , Shankar B Amrutha ,   Post Graduate, Department of Pathology, Ramaiah Medical College and Hospitals, Bangalore 560054, Karnataka, India., S Shetty Akshit Raj ,   Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, Ramaiah Medical College and Hospitals, Bangalore 560054, Karnataka, India., Kondapura Thimmegowda Ashwini ,   Senior Resident, Department of Pathology, Ramaiah Medical College and Hospitals, Bangalore 560054, Karnataka, India.
Published: September 2024

Context: Medicolegal autopsies are not only indispensable to identify the cause of death; they are of vital importance in discovering various interesting and rare lesions/ diseases which were unnoticed or undiagnosed during the person’s life. Whether these incidental lesions are the cause of death or not, they are of academic and research importance. Hence this study was aimed to evaluate the various histopathological findings in medico-legal autopsies and to highlight the rare incidental lesions. method: This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted on medico-legal autopsy specimens over duration of five years, between August 2018 August 2023, at Ramaiah Medical College Hospital, Bangalore. The viscera of each autopsy case were evaluated grossly and microscopically to identify the various histopathological findings. results: A total of 554 histopathological lesions were identified in 549 cases, majority of which were found in cardiovascular system (47.6%), followed by pulmonary (31.3%), hepatic (12.6%), renal (6.3%), central nervous (4.3%), splenic (3.8%), pancreatic (3.5%) and female genital (0.5%) systems. The commonest lesion detected was atherosclerosis (26%) followed by myocardial infarction (11.9%) and pulmonary edema (9.6%) Rare incidental findings were observed in 5.8% of cases and incidental neoplasia was detected in 1.6% of cases. ConClusion: Varied spectrum of incidental lesions, which are not recognised during the person’s life, are discovered at autopsy. Some of these lesions are preventable; some warrant screening of close relatives and some, had they been detected before death, would have changed therapeutic management. These incidental findings are important for academic purpose, evaluating disease trends and introducing interventions.
Pattern of Suicidal Deaths and Most Affected Section of Society during Covid-19 Pandemic Time in Bhopal Region
Authors:   Senior Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi 110001,, Patel Drishti , Jain Ashish ,   Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Chirayu Medical College & Hospital, Bhopal 462030, Madhya Pradesh, India., Khilji Sahajad ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Chirayu Medical College & Hospital, Bhopal 462030, Madhya Pradesh, India., Baraw Rajendra ,   Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Chirayu Medical College & Hospital, Bhopal 462030, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Published: September 2024

Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic presented previously unheard-of difficulties that affected a number of aspects of daily life. This study aims to illustrate the most impacted segments of the population during the COVID-19 pandemic and investigates the suicide trend in Madhya Pradesh’s central area, providing insight into the possible effects of the crisis on mental health. India is a country with a large population and a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds, and it has been severely affected by the pandemic. People’s stress levels increased as a result of the nation’s widespread lockdowns, economic downturns, pressure on the healthcare system, and social unrest. These elements have added to an increased psychological pressure, as have the worries of being sick, being alone, and losing loved ones. Anecdotal data and preliminary research point to a concerning spike in suicide rates in India during the pandemic. Frontline healthcare professionals, migrants, and vulnerable people are just a few of the demographic groups that have been affected. Aside from this the groups with the highest suicide rates are married people, lower middle economic class, nuclear families, jobless people, and students. Probable reason behind that according to our study is hopelessness and guilt of not able to meet family expectations due to unemployment or loss of job during covid era. Things get worse when stigma, lack of awareness, and restricted access to mental health resources are combined. To create successful treatments and support networks, it is essential to comprehend the complex relationships that exist between the COVID-19 pandemic and suicide rates in India. To address the mental health issues brought on by the epidemic in India and other comparable settings, more study is needed to determine the long-term effects and create focused mitigation mechanisms. This research demonstrates the most impacted segment of the population and the suicide trends during the COVID-19 pandemic reported to the mortuary of a tertiary care center of central region of Madhya Pradesh.
A Retrospective Study on Profile of Death due to Poison
Authors:   Resident Doctor, Department of Forensic Medicine, Shri M. P. Shah Government Medical College, Jamnagar, Gujarat 361008, India., J. Parmar Haresh , A. Mehta Rahul ,   Associate Professor & HOD, Department of Forensic Medicine, Shri M. P. Shah Government Medical College, Jamnagar, Gujarat 361008, India., K. Chaniyara Viral ,   Resident Doctor, Department of Forensic Medicine, Shri M. P. Shah Government Medical College, Jamnagar, Gujarat 361008, India., N. Teraiya Kuldip ,   Resident Doctor, Department of Forensic Medicine, Shri M. P. Shah Government Medical College, Jamnagar, Gujarat 361008, India.
Published: September 2024

Death due to poisoning is one of the commonest medico-legal cases encountered by forensic experts. Committing suicide by ingestion of poison is one of the common method adopted. So in order to know the burden of this, a retrospective study was carried out in Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department, Shri M P Shah Government Medical College and Guru Gobindsingh Government Hospital, Jamnagar. Study was conducted for 1 year from December 2021 to January 2021. The data is collected by analysing various epidemiological parameters. According to this study, 168 people died due to poisoning out of 1062 autopsy performed in the Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department, Jamnagar. Male predominance is seen in this study which includes 63.09% male and 36.91% female. Organophosphorus compound was main compound followed by Aluminium phosphide for death due to poison. And among this 88.09% was suicidal in nature. Death due poisoning is a major public health related issue. Death due the poisoning is a partially preventable situation. Therefore by proper identification and knowledge of trend of the poisoning, early management can be given to prevent morbidity and mortality.
Redes sociales y comparación social en adolescentes de México: implementación de modelo interdisciplinar
Authors: Montes Castillo Mariel , Medina García Evelyn Mercedes , León Duarte Gustavo Adolfo
Published: September 2024

Following the increase in the use and consumption of the internet and social networks that occurred after the COVID-19 pandemic, the population between 12 and 17 years of age positioned themselves as the second group of users on the web. There is a need to identify what repercussions this had on the comprehensive well-being of these young people, especially with regard to digital well-being, a term that has become popular in the last decade and related to the good use of technologies taking into account the physical and mental health. A survey was designed from the socio-educational profile of the subjects, the characterization of their use and consumption of social networks, in order to obtain a general overview. Using quantitative methodology, surveys were applied to 416 male and female students from public secondary schools in Sonora. The results indicate that there should be greater concern towards physical well-being than mental well-being, and highlight algorithm training as part of digital literacy in adolescents.
Microstructural asymmetries of the planum temporale predict functional lateralization of auditory-language processing
Authors: Qin Peipei , Bi Qiuhui , Guo Zeya , Yang Liyuan , Li HaoKun , Li Peng , Liang Xinyu , Luo Junhao , Kong Xiangyu , Xiong Yirong , Sun Bo , Ocklenburg Sebastian , Gong Gaolang
Published: September 2024

Structural hemispheric asymmetry has long been assumed to guide functional lateralization of the human brain, but empirical evidence for this compelling hypothesis remains scarce. Recently, it has been suggested that microstructural asymmetries may be more relevant to functional lateralization than macrostructural asymmetries. To investigate the link between microstructure and function, we analyzed multimodal MRI data in 907 right-handed participants. We quantified structural asymmetry and functional lateralization of the planum temporale (PT), a cortical area crucial for auditory-language processing. We found associations between PT functional lateralization and several structural asymmetries, such as surface area, intracortical myelin content, neurite density, and neurite orientation dispersion. The PT structure also showed hemispheric-specific coupling with its functional activity. All these functional-structural associations are highly specific to within-PT functional activity during auditory-language processing. These results suggest that structural asymmetry underlies functional lateralization of the same brain area and highlight a critical role of microstructural PT asymmetries in auditory-language processing.
Single-cell Transcriptomic Atlas of Human Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Wang Qiang , He Xiaojun , Wang Dongjin , Gao Wei Dong
Published: September 2024

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is becoming a significant public health challenge, presenting moderate treatment effects and a high recurrence rate. The lack of a complete, in-depth understanding of the pathogenesis of AF severely limits the capability of early diagnosis (and staging) and the development of mechanism-based, individual patient-targeted therapies. Using analyses of large-scale single-nucleus transcriptomes, we characterized the cell-type compositions of AF and non-AF atrial appendage tissues. We identified and validated disease-specific cardiac cell subpopulations of primary cell types, analyzed their co-expression gene modules, explored the differentiation of cell subclusters, and evaluated the intercellular communication signals among cell types and subclusters. Our data elucidate the disease-specific cardiac cell states, their enriched biological functions, and potential critical genes that might be markers or targets for novel interventions. Our study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the cellular composition of the AF atrium and reveals how the gene expression landscape is altered in human AF atrium tissue. Our study contributes to the understanding of AF formation and progression.
The IMPACT Survey: the humanistic impact of osteogenesis imperfecta in adults
Authors: Welzenis Taco van , Westerheim Ingunn , Hart Tracy , Wekre Lena Lande , Semler Oliver , Rauch Frank , Dewavrin Laetitia , Dadzie Ruby , Prince Samantha , Raggio Cathleen
Published: September 2024

Background: The IMPACT Survey explored the humanistic, clinical and economic burden of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) on individuals with OI, their families, caregivers and wider society. Two previous publications report research methodology, initial insights of the survey, and cost of illness of OI. Here we present data on the impact of OI on the quality of life (QoL) of adults with OI and explore potential drivers of this impact.
Methods: The IMPACT Survey was an international mixed methods online survey in eight languages (fielded July–September 2021), aimed at adults (aged ≥18 years) or adolescents (aged 12–17 years) with OI, caregivers (with or without OI) of individuals with OI and other close relatives. Survey domains included demographics, socioeconomic factors, clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, QoL, and health economics. We conducted a descriptive analysis of the QoL data, as well as exploratory regression analyses to identify independent associations between patient characteristics, and the impact on QoL in adults with OI (henceforth called drivers).
Results: Between 49–84% of the 1,440 adults with OI who participated in the survey reported that OI impacted their QoL across physical, socioeconomic and mental well-being domains. For instance, 84% of adults reported an impact of OI on the types of leisure activities they could do, and 74% on the type of job they could do. Drivers of impact on QoL included having more severe OI and a higher frequency of fractures. Additionally, between 31–97% reported worrying about different aspects of their lives due to their OI, such as mobility loss, future fractures and ageing.
Conclusion: IMPACT provides insights into the humanistic burden of OI on adults, revealing that OI has a substantial impact on the QoL of adults. OI severity and fracture frequency were consistently identified as drivers of impact on QoL across all domains. Understanding these drivers may aid in identifying areas for targeted interventions, such as fracture prevention.
Agreement of Intraocular pressure measurement by scleral Schiotz and Goldmann applanation tonometer
Authors: Shaikh Zeba Muzammil , Rajalakshmi A. R. , Nagarajan Swathi , Lokeshmaran A.
Published: September 2024

Intraocular pressure (IOP) measured through the sclera has some advantages over IOP measured through cornea. This study aimed to determine the agreement between IOP as estimated by scleral Schiotz (SS) tonometer and Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT). In this cross-sectional observational study, IOP was measured by GAT on cornea and Schiotz tonometer on temporal sclera. Axial length and central corneal thickness (CCT) were noted. GAT IOP was then estimated (eGAT) from SS IOP using a predictive formula. Agreement of GAT corrected for CCT (cGAT) with eGAT and SS IOP were assessed. The effects of age, axial length, refraction, CCT, gender, and ocular and systemic comorbidity on measured IOP were also assessed. The study included 155 patients with mean age of 54.27 ± 10.02 years. Mean IOP measured by GAT and scleral Schiotz were 16.58 ± 2.76 mm Hg and 16.10 ± 2.96 mm Hg respectively. The mean IOP by cGAT and eGAT were 16.70 ± 2.80 mm Hg and 17.07 ± 3.10 mm Hg respectively. Both eGAT & SS IOP had good agreement with cGAT on Bland-Altmann plot (p = 0.96; 0.51 respectively). Age, axial length, refraction, central corneal thickness, gender, and ocular and systemic comorbidity did not show significant correlation with IOP measurement. GAT IOP as estimated from SS IOP showed good agreement with measured GAT values. SS IOP also agreed well with GAT IOP. Clinical significance: IOP measurement on the sclera using Schiotz can be used as an alternative to GAT.
RETRACTED: A novel disulfidptosis-related biomarker for assessing the therapeutic efficacy of a machine learning-based observational study in colon adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ji Xinwei , Wang Lixin , Luan Pengbo , Liang Jingru , Cheng Weicai
Published: September 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Prediction model for spontaneous preterm birth less than 32 weeks of gestation in low-risk women with mid-trimester short cervical length: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Huang Xiaoxiu , Zhou Yimin , Liu Bingqing , Huang Yuhui , Wang Mengni , Li Na , Li Baohua
Published: September 2024

Background
A short cervix in mid-trimester pregnancy is a risk factor for spontaneous preterm birth. However, there is currently a lack of predictive models and classification systems for predicting spontaneous preterm birth in these patients, especially those without additional risk factors for spontaneous preterm birth.
Methods
A retrospective observational cohort study of low-risk singleton pregnant women with a short cervix (≤ 25 mm) measured by mid-trimester fetal ultrasound scan between 22 and 24 weeks was conducted. A multivariate logistic regression model for spontaneous preterm birth < 32 weeks in low-risk pregnant women with a short cervix was constructed. Moreover, we developed a nomogram to visualize the prediction model and stratified patients into three risk groups (low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups) based on the total score obtained from the nomogram model.
Results
Between 2020 and 2022, 213 low-risk women with a short cervix in mid-trimester pregnancy were enrolled in the study. Univariate logistic analysis revealed that a high body mass index, a history of three or more miscarriages, multiparity, a short cervical length, leukocytosis, and an elevated C-reactive protein level were associated with spontaneous preterm birth < 32 weeks, but multivariate analysis revealed that multiparity (OR, 3.31; 95% CI, 1.13–9.68), leukocytosis (OR, 3.96; 95% CI, 1.24–12.61) and a short cervical length (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.82–0.94) were independent predictors of sPTB < 32 weeks. The model incorporating these three predictors displayed good discrimination and calibration, and the area under the ROC curve of this model was as high as 0.815 (95% CI, 0.700-0.931). Patients were stratified into low- (195 patients), intermediate- (14 patients) and high-risk (4 patients) groups according to the model, corresponding to patients with scores ≤ 120, 121–146, and > 146, respectively. The predicted probabilities of spontaneous preterm birth < 32 weeks for these groups were 6.38, 40.62, and 71.88%, respectively.
Conclusions
A noninvasive and efficient model to predict the occurrence of spontaneous preterm birth < 32 weeks in low-risk singleton pregnant women with a short cervix and a classification system were constructed in this study and can provide insight into the optimal management strategy for patients with different risk stratifications according to the score chart.
Social Isolation and Likelihood of becoming Centenarians: Evidence from The Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey
Authors: Li Yaqi , Jigeer Guliyeerke , Lv Yuebin , Wang Kaiyue , Peng Yinshun , Sun Liang , Shi Xiaoming , Gao Xiang
Published: September 2024

Background
Social isolation, defined as an individual lack of social connections, is particularly prevalent among older adults. However, its association with health outcomes among the oldest-old population (aged 80 and above) was understudied.
Aims
To examine the association between social isolation and the likelihood of becoming a centenarian among the oldest old people in China, aiming to provide novel insights into promoting healthy aging and longevity.
Methods
Using data from The Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, conducted in 22 provinces in mainland China since 1998, we performed a community-based, prospective nested case-control study. The primary outcome was survivorship to becoming a centenarian until 2018 (the end of follow-up). Information on social isolation and other covariates was collected via a questionnaire at baseline. The degree of social isolation was categorized as low, moderate, and high. Included (n = 5,716) were 1,584 identified centenarians and 4,132 controls (deceased before reaching 100 years), matched by age, sex, and year of entry. A conditional logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association between social isolation and the likelihood of becoming a centenarian, adjusting for demographic factors, lifestyle factors, chronic disease, potential disability, optimistic personality, and perceived loneliness.
Results
Included (n = 5,716) were 1,584 identified centenarians and 4,132 controls (deceased before reaching 100 years), matched by age, sex, and year of entry. Individuals with the highest social isolation score had lower odds of becoming centenarians (adjusted OR:0·82; 95% CI: 0·68, 0·98), relative to those having the least social isolation (P-trend < 0·05), and this association persisted in sensitivity analyses. The association was more pronounced among ever smokers, relative to never smokers (P-interaction = 0·001). We did not observe significant interactions between social isolation and other covariates (P-interaction > 0·05 for all).
Conclusions
This study highlights the association between a higher degree of social isolation and lower odds of becoming a centenarian, emphasizing the need for public health initiatives to combat isolation in the older population.
Multi-Modal Recognition Control System for Real-Time Robot Welding Penetration Control and Quality Enhancement
Authors: Ji Tao , Nor norzalilah Mohamad
Published: September 2024

Robot welding penetration control is an important research topic in the field of robot welding online control. This study proposes a recognition control system for multi-modal signals with multiple welding parameters for robot welding penetration control. In this study, a filter bank suitable for welding environments was proposed for welding acoustic signals, and separation and contour extraction algorithms were designed for the welding image signals. Taking the acoustic and image signals as inputs, a multi-modal hybrid model and multiparameter controller were established that can effectively classify and identify the welding penetration state. The penetration state was used as a reference input to the controller for controlling the welding speed and current in real-time. In addition, a digital twin system was developed in this study and deployed on the main and edge computers. The test results show that the system and model can accurately identify the weld penetration, regulate the welding speed and welding current, control the width of the backside molten pool, and improve the welding quality.
Prevalence of Psychiatric Comorbidities Among Adult Out-Patients Living with HIV/AIDS in a Tertiary Care Centre, North-Central Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ibraheem AbdulRauf Segun , Odeigah Louis Okeibunor , Kuranga Ibrahim Suleiman , Amoko Ampitan , Nwosu Chinyere Beatrice , Omowumi Rasaki Kayode , Maiyegun Afisullahi Abiodun , Ayodapo Abayomi Olusola
Published: September 2024

Background:Psychiatric disorders had been reported with higher prevalence among people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), [PLWHA] than the general population and its presence could confer poorer prognosis on infected individuals. However, there is limited research on the above subject matter in the North-Central part of Nigeria. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of common psychiatric disorders (CPD) among adult out-patients PLWHA at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Ilorin, North-Central Nigeria.
Methods: It was a hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted among 363 respondents attending the UITH Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) clinic between March and May 2019. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect data. Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was used to assess the prevalence of CPD among respondents. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21 and p - value of < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.
Results: The prevalence of depression was 24.5%, anxiety disorder (AD) was 16.8% and alcohol use disorder (AUD) was 0.6%. Respondents from the extended family type were more depressed 70.4% and about half 43.3% of the nuclear family had AD while a 1.6% prevalence of AUD was found among nuclear family. The association was statistically significant with a p-value of 0.001.
Conclusion: CPD exist among PLWHA with increasing prevalence therefore screening for these disorders should be encouraged during routine management of PLWHA to improve their psychological well-being.
Prospective Assessment of Learning Curve and Impact of Intensive Versus Progressive Training in Colonoscopy Competence Among French Residents
Authors: Wintzer-Wehekind Léonard , Moulis Lionel , Camus Marine , Vanbiervliet Geoffroy , Benamouzig Robert , Duflos Claire , Caillo Ludovic , Assenat Eric , Barthet Marc , Gonzalez Jean-Michel , Debourdeau Antoine
Published: September 2024

Backgrounds : There are no existing data in the literature on the learning curve of French interns in colonoscopy or on the comparison between different frequencies of colonoscopy training modalities. We aimed to assess the number of procedures required for French residents in hepatogastroenterology to achieve competency in colonoscopy.
Methods: The primary outcome was achieving greater than 90% cecal intubation rate (CIR90) competency using the Learning Curve-Cumulative Summation (LC-CUSUM) method. Participants with over 80 procedures were categorized into intensive and progressive training groups. We compared the proportion of residents reaching competency, the number of colonoscopies to reach it, and the speed of competency.
Results: The study included 81 residents, totaling 6,259 procedures. 29 did more than 80 procedures: 12 in the progressive group and 17 in the intensive group. 204 colonoscopies were needed for reaching CIR90 competency (21% of residents). Achievement rates were similar across groups: 50% in the progressive and 65% in the intensive group (p=0.50). LC competency was reached by 8.6% of residents after an average of 225 procedures, with no significant difference between groups (p=0.21). Survival analysis showed no significant difference in the speed of competency acquisition between groups (p=0.77 and p=0.14, respectively). The Polyp Detection Rate (PDR) averaged 40%.
Conclusion: The study supports a 200-colonoscopy threshold for competency. Given that only 21% reached CIR90, efforts are needed to increase the number of colonoscopies during training.
Policy Changes and Growth Slowdown: Assessing the Lost Decade of the Latin American Miracle
Authors: Toni Emiliano , Paniagua Pablo , Órdenes Patricio
Published: September 2024

The Latin American region has suffered an economic slowdown since the end of the commodities boom. Within this context, Chile was the poster child of economic growth and development up until 2014. Since then, Chile has also been trapped in a decade of slow economic growth. Chile's sudden slowdown and recent growth path divergence have posed a puzzle for economic growth and development economics. This paper examines this slowdown from an empirical perspective and determines how much can be attributed to internal and external causes. Using a synthetic control approach and a structural time series Bayesian estimation, our findings suggest that at least two-thirds of the Chilean slowdown is attributable to internal causes driven by a policy regime change in 2014, with external factors playing a secondary role. The net effect of this set of internal reforms resulted in a nearly 10% reduction in real GDP per capita over five years and led to a 1.8% decline in average GDP growth rates from 2015 to 2019. Our results are consistent with the literature that establishes that external shocks can explain only a small fraction of the poor economic performance of developing countries, suggesting that internal factors are the primary source of subpar performance. This research sheds light on the potential effects of policy regime shifts in economic growth, thus providing valuable insights for development economics and, more specifically, emerging economies.
JEL Codes: C21; C22; D78; N460; O11; O43
More public funding? A choice experiment on the healthcare funding system for older populations
Authors: MORI TAKESHI , Goto Rei
Published: September 2024

We conducted unique discrete choice experiments on the healthcare funding system for older populations and examined several relevant attributes. The experiments, which comprised a sample of 1,112 individuals in Japan, focused on the need for public funding. We studied the valuation of several insurance attributes, namely, the share of public funding, income equity, intergenerational equity, and the local or national burden. This study elicited respondents’ preferences using a random parameter probit model and assessed the heterogeneity of choice responses using demographic, socioeconomic, and attitudes towards government bonds based on latent class responses. The results show that the public overall has a negative preference for an increase in public funding and positive preferences for an income-proportional burden, universal burden regardless of age, and an increase in the national government burden relative to the local burden. However, the latent class responded heterogeneously to insurance choices. For example, the latent segment comprising 23% of the total sample—the second-largest group consisting mainly of young males—preferred a greater increase in public funding.
Isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic studies for negative pressure cavitation adsorption of paclitaxel from culture supernatants of Taxus chinensis onto Diaion HP-20
Authors: Yun Sangmin , Kim Jin-Hyun
Published: September 2024

In this study, a negative pressure cavitation adsorption method was developed to efficiently recover paclitaxel from Taxus chinensis culture supernatants using Diaion HP-20 as an adsorbent. The equilibrium adsorption data were applied to Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich, and Elovich isotherms, and the Langmuir isotherm was found to be the most feasible. The kinetic data were in good agreement with the pseudo-second-order model, and intraparticle diffusion played a dominant role in the adsorption rate of paclitaxel according to the intraparticle diffusion model. The time for the adsorption to reach equilibrium was shortened by more than eight times at all negative pressures (-50 to -200 mmHg) compared to the conventional adsorption. Additionally, as the negative pressure increased, the maximum adsorption capacity, adsorption rate constant, intraparticle diffusion rate constant, and intraparticle diffusion coefficient increased. The values of the thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption was endothermic and spontaneous. As the negative pressure intensity increased at a given adsorption capacity (qe = 60-100 mg/g), the isosteric heat of adsorption decreased and the adsorbent surface became more energetically homogeneous.