bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extensor Mechanism Injuries after Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Jajou Lawrence , Golasa Brian , McCall Daniel
Published: December 2024

Background: Extensor mechanism injuries after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) continue to be a difficult complication to treat and can be associated with devastating outcomes. This study attempts to review the prevalence, treatment types, and outcomes of extensor mechanism injuries after total knee arthroplasty within a cohort of patients.
Methods: Using a clinical research database, a retrospective cohort study was performed via chart review of patients who underwent a total knee arthroplasty over the course of 7 years from 7 hospitals within the same hospital system. The charts were then screened for subsequent operative repair of the ipsilateral extensor mechanism at a later date. Patient characteristics, implants, type of extensor mechanism injury, fixation type, subsequent surgeries were evaluated.
Results: Of the 6064 total knee arthroplasties, 104 patients with 105 (1.73%) knees went on to have extensor mechanism injuries. Quadriceps tendon injuries were the most common, followed by patellar tendon, and then patella fractures. Median time to injury was 70 days. Patients requiring additional surgery beyond initial repair of extensor mechanism injury was 47.6% (50/105). Additionally, 33% (35/105) went on to have revision of component(s) and 17.1% (18-105) received treatment for prosthetic joint infection.
Conclusions: While overall rare, extensor mechanism injuries after total knee arthroplasty can pose serious complications beyond initial repair, including need for additional surgery, infection, revision, and even amputation. Careful consideration should be taken by the treating surgeon when faced with these injuries to avoid further complications.
A novel KRAS Exon 2 drop-off Digital PCR Assay for Mutation Detection in Cell- free DNA of Cancer Patients
Authors: Nard Bianca Addamo-De , Geissmann Meret , Akhoundova Dilara , Pistoni Clelia , Brezina Tomas , Zoche Martin , Weber Achim , Hussung Saskia , Fritsch Ralph
Published: December 2024

Background: KRAS exon 2 mutations are highly prevalent in human malignancies, making them attractive targets for detection and monitoring in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) of cancer patients. Drop-off assays designed for digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR drop-off) span entire mutational hotspots and detect any mutated allele within the covered region, overcoming a major limitation of mutation-specific ddPCR assays. We therefore set out to develop a novel KRAS codon 12/13 ddPCR drop-off assay for the robust, highly sensitive and specific detection of KRAS exon 2 hotspot mutations in cfDNA.
Methods: We designed, optimized and extensively validated a KRAS codon 12/13 ddPCR drop-off ssay. We compared assay performance to a commercially available KRAS multiplex assay. For clinical validation, we analyzed plasma samples collected from patients with KRAS-mutated gastrointestinal malignancies.
Results: Limit of detection of the newly established ddPCR drop-off assay was 0.57 copies/µL, limit of blank was 0.13 copies/µ. The inter-assay precision (r2) was 0.9096. Our newly developed KRAS ddPCR drop-off assay accurately identified single nucleotide variants in 35/36 (97.2%) of circulating tumor-positive samples from the patient validation cohort. Assay cross-validation showed that the newly established KRAS codon 12/13 ddPCR drop-off assay outperformed a commercially available KRAS multiplex ddPCR assay in terms of specificity . Moreover, the newly developed assay proved to be suitable for multiplexing with mutation-specific probes.
Conclusion: We developed and clinically validated a highly accurate ddPCR drop-off assay for KRAS exon 2 hot-spot detection in cfDNA with broad applicability for clinic and research.
An Intelligent CDS (Clinical Decision Support) Framework using Machine Learning Algorithms for Parkinson Disease Detection
Authors: Mukherjee Rajendrani , Dwivedi Rahul , Jana Nanda Dulal , Chatterjee Rajdeep , Ghosh Subhayu , Dey Ankika , NA Draksha , Lemos Bernardo , Mallik Saurav , Shah Mohd Asif
Published: December 2024

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the gradual onset of symptoms, complicating early diagnosis. Traditionally, neurologists diagnose Parkinson’s through patient medical history reviews and repeated scans, while body movement analysts focus on evaluating physical movements. Recent studies suggest that speech alterations can serve as quantifiable markers for early Parkinson’s detection. This paper introduces a novel and robust framework that leverages the Multiple Feature Evaluation Approach (MFEA), the Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE), and Neural Networks for the early detection of Parkinson’s disease. A new algorithm, termed Multi-Agent MFEA, is proposed within this framework, which is further developed into an intelligent system called iCDS (Intelligent Clinical Decision Support). The effectiveness of this system is validated using a speech dataset from the UCI Machine Learning Repository. Comparative analysis shows that the iCDS framework, equipped with MFEA, outperforms traditional feature selection methods (such as Mutual Information Gain and Recursive Feature Elimination) and classifiers (including Naive Bayes, KNN, and SVM) in multiple aspects. The study’s findings have the potential to aid both patients and medical professionals in making timely decisions and improving medical support. The development of Clinical Decision Support (CDS) systems has made early detection of Parkinson’s disease more feasible, and this research substantiates that advancement.
Prevalence and Distribution of Respiratory Pathogens in Paediatric Acute Respiratory Infections After the Cessation of Strict Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions in Putian, China.
Authors: Zhu Jinwei , Wu Suqing , Chen Yan , Zheng Liping
Published: December 2024

Background
Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are a significant cause of morbidity in children. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and distribution of respiratory pathogens in paediatric ARIs in Putian, China, following the cessation of strict non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs).
Methods
A total of 3,790 paediatric patients with suspected ARIs were included in the study. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected and analyzed using RT-PCR to identify 13 common respiratory tract pathogens. Statistical analyses were performed to examine the distribution of pathogens among patients stratified by sex, age, and season.
Results
The overall pathogen positivity rate was 78.9%. No significant difference in detection rates was observed between males (79.7%) and females (77.9%). The highest positivity rate was found in the school-age group, with elevated rates noted during autumn and winter. Among the positive cases, 81.9% had a single pathogen, with Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp) being the most common (33.6%), followed by Human rhinovirus (HRV) and Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV). Age-dependent distribution indicated that Influenza A (InfA) was more prevalent in preschool and school-age children, whereas HRSV was most prevalent in infants. Temporal distribution showed that InfA peaked in spring, while Mp, Human metapneumovirus (HMPV), and Human adenovirus (HADV) were most common in winter. Co-infections were more frequent in autumn and winter, with the HRV + Mp co-infection being the most prevalent pattern.
Conclusion
The prevalence of respiratory pathogens in children with ARI has returned to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels following the discontinuation of stringent NPIs. Additionally, the epidemiology of certain pathogens has shifted from traditional patterns. These findings underscore the dynamic nature of respiratory pathogen distribution and highlight the necessity for ongoing surveillance to inform effective treatment and prevention strategies for ARIs in children.
The role of left atrio-ventricular coupling index and left atrial ejection fraction in predicting onset of atrial fibrillation and adverse cardiac events in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Parisi Francesca , Franca Eluisa La , Pistelli Lorenzo , Gentile Giovanni , Bellavia Diego , Nuzzi Vincenzo , Manca Paolo , Mulè Massimiliano , Zito Concetta , Bella Gianluca Di , Carerj Scipione , Cipriani Manlio , Faletra Francesco F.
Published: December 2024

Background
In recent years, several indexes have been proposed to predict atrial fibrillation (AF) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients, but with limited accuracy. This study aims to assess the role of new echocardiographic parameters in predicting AF onset. Additionally, the relationship of these parameters with major adverse cardiovascular outcomes (cardiovascular death and heart transplant) has been also investigated.
Methods
Clinical and imaging data from 141 patients with HCM and without history of AF have been retrospectively analyzed over 5 years period. Patients who developed AF during the study were compared to those who did not. Main parameters analyzed included end-diastolic left atrial volume (LAVmin), end-systolic volume (LAVmax), left atrial ejection fraction (LAEF), left atrioventricular coupling index (LACI), and left atrial diameter (LAD). The standardization of echocardiographic measurements has been assessed using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) as a reference.
Results
Thirty-five patients developed AF at mean time of 4 years from the baseline evaluation. HCM-AF group had significantly higher values of LACI, LAD, and LAVmin. A LACI > 43% on echocardiography, and LACI > 44% on CMR showed the best performance in identifying patients who would develop AF. In a multivariate analysis, an echocardiographic LAEF < 43% was independently associated with the occurences of AF (OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.4–13.7). Eleven patients met the composite outcome of cardiovascular death or heart transplant; and a LACI > 60% was associated with this outcome.
Conclusion
In HCM patients, both LACI and LAEF were significantly associated with the occurrence of AF over a 4 years period, demonstrating higher sensitivity and specificity compared to other tools. LACI > 60% showed to be associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular death or heart transplant in HCM patients.
Risk of falls in patients with arthritis: results from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS)
Authors: Zhong zhongci , Chen Jiayi , Hua Chenfeng , Hu Xinlan , Qiu Xiaoqiao , Che Yizhang , Sun Shanghui , Zhan Ling , Bi yin , Zheng Chenxiao , Dong Lijuan
Published: December 2024

Background
Arthritis is a common chronic disease often accompanied by pain and activity limitation, which significantly affects the quality of life of older adults and may increase the risk of falls. This study aimed to clarify the association between arthritis and fall risk and its influencing factors.
Methods
Data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were compared between participants with and without arthritis. The effect of arthritis on the incidence of falls was assessed by propensity score matching (PSM) method, adjusting for potential confounders, and using multiple statistical models (e.g., multivariate logistic regression and inverse probability weighting model) to calculate the odds ratio (OR) for falls and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI).
Results
A total of 9553 subjects were included, and the overall incidence of falls was 40.7%. The China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) data China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) data rate for patients with arthritis was 25.6%, whereas the incidence of falls in patients without arthritis was 22.0%. Multivariate analysis showed that the ratio of falls in arthritis patients was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.82 to 0.99, P = 0.042). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses showed that the results were stable and reliable.
Conclusions
This study confirms the significance of fall risk in patients with arthritis and suggests the development of fall prevention strategies for patients with arthritis to improve their health outcomes.
The Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on Investment in Innovative Medicines: A Project- Level Analysis
Authors: Xie Richard Z. , Cameron Tess , Kolchinsky Peter
Published: December 2024

The impact of Medicare’s price negotiation on long-term pharmaceutical innovation and patient welfare remains one of the most widely debated topics across stakeholder groups.
Existing policy simulations have tried to assess the policy impacts on innovation based on either empirical estimates of elasticity of innovation from the literature or structural models estimating the joint distribution of expected revenue and expected costs at key stages of pharmaceutical development.
Since investors exert significant influence on investment programs that companies advance in the real world, a program-level analysis of how investors make their investment decisions can inform the key assumptions for policy simulations and generate more realistic insights.
Using an illustrative case example based on a marketed small-molecule drug indicated for cardiovascular diseases, we constructed a net present value (NPV) model to examine how Medicare price negotiation will impact discounted value and investment decisions at six key timepoints of new drug development.
Our analyses showed that IRA would lead to a 40% reduction in the NPV at the time of launch. The reduction was greater in earlier stages of development due to expected dilution and discounting, resulting in discontinuing this project at earlier decision points.
The case study demonstrated that the negative impacts of price negotiation at nine years were more pronounced for small-molecule assets in the earlier stages of development (e.g., preclinical or Phase 1) than those in the later stages, implying a possibly much larger impact on innovation than suggested by existing empirical literature and observed in the short term.
New machine-learning models outperform conventional risk assessment tools in gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Boros Eszter , Prószéky Kristóf Gergely , Molontay Roland , Pintér József , Vörhendi Nóra , Simon Orsolya Anna , Teutsch Brigitta , Pálinkás Dániel , Frim Levente , Tari Edina , Gagyi Endre Botond , Szabó Imre , Hágendorn Roland , Vincze Áron , Izbéki Ferenc , Abonyi-Tóth Zsolt , Szentesi Andrea , Vass Vivien , Hegyi Péter , Erőss Bálint
Published: December 2024

Rapid and accurate identification of high-risk acute gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) patients is essential. We developed two machine-learning (ML) models to calculate the risk of in-hospital mortality in patients admitted due to overt GIB. We analyzed the prospective, multicenter Hungarian GIB Registry's data. The predictive performance of XGBoost and CatBoost machine-learning algorithms with the Glasgow-Blatchford (GBS) and pre-endoscopic Rockall scores were compared. We evaluated our models using five-fold cross-validation, and performance was measured by area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analysis with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Overall, we included 1,021 patients in the analysis. In-hospital death occurred in 108 cases. The XGBoost and the CatBoost model identified patients who died with an AUC of 0.84 (CI:0.76–0.90; 0.77–0.90; respectively) in the internal validation set, whereas the GBS and pre-endoscopic Rockall clinical scoring system's performance was significantly lower, AUC values of 0.68 (CI:0.62–0.74) and 0.62 (CI:0.56–0.67), respectively. The XGBoost model had a specificity of 0.96 (CI:0.92–0.98) at a sensitivity of 0.25 (CI:0.10–0.43) compared with the CatBoost model, which had a specificity of 0.74 (CI:0.66–0.83) at a sensitivity of 0.78 (CI:0.57–0.95). XGBoost and the CatBoost model identified patients with high mortality risk better than GBS and pre-endoscopic Rockall scores.
Application of Terahertz-combined Infrared Technology to the Restoration Testing of Ancient City Walls
Authors: Meng Tianhua , Xu Shixiang , Ren Jianguang , Yang Chunhua , Liu Hongmei , Li Wenyu , Li Bangquan , Hu Weidong
Published: December 2024

A comprehensive study of the three sections of the Desheng Fortress was conducted using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) and infrared thermal imaging technology. The results demonstrated significant differences in both THz spectra and infrared thermal images among the well-preserved unrepaired wall, adobe brick laying repaired wall, and traditionally layer-by-layer ramming repaired wall. Samples extracted from the traditional layer-by-layer ramming repaired wall had consistent THz time-domain delay values, absorption coefficients, and refractive indexes with those of the well-preserved wall but slightly higher values for the adobe brick laying repaired wall. Infrared thermal imaging demonstrated that the areas restored by layer-by-layer ramming exhibited greater uniformity with fewer instances of cracks, capillary phenomena, or biological diseases. Therefore, it can be concluded that restoration methods involving layer-by-layer ramming are more effective in reinstating the Desheng Fortress to its original state. The repair effect of the city wall can be accurately and quantitatively evaluated by combining infrared thermograph detection of the city wall area with terahertz spectroscopy measurement of fixed-point samples. Additionally, this approach enabled precise identification of deterioration and diseases in city walls.
Synthesis of trypsin protected CsPbCl3 fluorescent nanocrystals for hydroxyl radical sensing
Authors: Kailasa Suresh Kumar , Makwana Kartik Pankajbhai , Deshpande Madhura Pradeep , Choi Yoojin , Park Tae Jung
Published: December 2024

Water-dispersible perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) show promising applications in recognizing ionic and molecular species because of their excellent optical properties. However, lead halide PNCs have some limitations when they are used as probes for molecular species sensing in aqueous media. Here, we introduce trypsin (Try) as a bioligand for the synthesis of cesium lead chloride (CsPbCl3) perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) with high water stability. The as-fabricated Try-CsPbCl3 PNCs show λEm/Ex at 433/370 nm with quantum yield of 17.26%. The fluorescence emission spectral characteristics of Try-CsPbCl3 PNCs demonstrated that water-stable Try-CsPbCl3 PNCs acted as a promising fluorescent probe for the detection of hydroxyl radical (•OH) via turn-off mechanism. The Try-CsPbCl3 PNCs-based turn-off fluorescence approach displayed good selectivity for hydroxyl radical in water, showing a wider linear range (0.01–5 µM) with a remarkable detection limit of 3.10 nM for hydroxyl radical. The as-prepared Try-CsPbCl3 PNCs were demonstrated to be a facile probe for sensing •OH in water samples, which signifies that Try-CsPbCl3 PNCs exhibited broad applications for hydroxyl radical sensing and cell imaging.
Risk factors for sporadic infection with non-typhoidal Salmonella among children under five years of age in urban area of Kunming City: a matched case-control study
Authors: Jian Xiaoli , Zhao Jinglin , Wang Wenting , Han Dingrui , He Weizhi , Hang Yaofang , Jiang Li
Published: December 2024

Background
With the urbanization process in China, improving clean water and proper sanitation has reduced fecal-oral transmitted infectious diseases. However, non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) infection is relatively prevalent among children. The study aims to explore risk factors associated with NTS infection in young children in urban city areas.
Methods
An age- and sex-matched, case-control study was conducted from May 2022 through April 2023. One hundred one cases and 202 controls who resided in the urban area of Kunming City were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire on exposures three days before illness. The association of each exposure with infection status was determined using conditional logistic regression.
Results
The proportion of diagnoses for NTS infections was the highest in the rainy season (May to October) each year. S. Typhimurium was the most common serotype (64.5%), followed by Enteritidis (11.8%). Permanently storing raw eggs in a refrigerator, no separate cutting board for raw and cooked food, and more than one child living together in the same family were found to be associated with 4.73, 10.38, and 2.69 to 10.16 times increased risk of NTS infections in family children, respectively.
Conclusions
These risk factors are closely related to hygiene habits. Thus, family members should practice good hand hygiene and use correct food storage and handling methods in the domestic setting.
An analysis of factors influencing dropout in methadone maintenance treatment program in Dehong prefecture of China based on cox regression and decision tree modelling
Authors: Zhou Qunbo , Tang Renhai , Yang Yuecheng , Ye Runhua , Gao Jie , Li Lin , Xiang Lifen , Duan Song , Shan Duo
Published: December 2024

Background
The high dropout rate among Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) patients poses a significant challenge to drug dependence treatment programs, especially in regions with prevalent drug use and HIV transmission risks. This study aimed to analyze factors of dropout in MMT clinics over an 18-year period in Dehong Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from China’s HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Response Information Management System (CRIMS). Participants included individuals who enrolled in MMT between June 2005 and December 2023 and completed baseline surveys. Cox proportional hazards regression and decision tree models were used to identify factors influencing treatment dropout.
Results
The study included 9,435 MMT participants, with a male-to-female ratio of 26:1 (9,086 males and 349 females). The median duration of treatment was 12.2 months (ranging from 2.7 to 43.9 months), with a minimum of 1 day and a maximum of 217 months. The results showed that the dropout rate among MMT patients in Dehong Prefecture, Yunnan Province, from 2005 to 2023 was 89.6% (8,458/9,435). Cox regression analysis indicated that factors significantly associated with higher dropout risk included being a farmer (AHR = 1.52) and a positive urine test (AHR = 2.47), while lower dropout risks were associated with enrollment age over 35 years, being married, a higher education level, relatively good family relationships, and a daily methadone dose > 60 ml. In the decision tree model, the treatment duration was the root node, followed by recent urine test results, family relationships, education level, and methadone dosage.
Conclusion
Between 2005 and 2023, the dropout rate among MMT patients in Dehong Prefecture, Yunnan Province, was relatively high. Traditional risk factors (including age, education level, being marital stutas, and occupation) and potentially modifiable risk factors (including the most recent urine test, relationship with family, and average daily dose) have a significant impact on the increased risk of dropout in MMT. Targeted interventions, such as increasing methadone dosage, enhancing support for patients with positive urine tests, and involving family members in treatment, could improve MMT retention. The use of decision tree models allows for personalized strategies, facilitating better management of dropout risks in high-risk MMT populations.
Impact of Differentiated Service Delivery Models on Quality of Life among People living with HIV in Uganda – A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Nasasira Benson , Banturaki Grace , Kalema Nelson , Musaazi Joseph , Nanvuma Aidah , Okoboi Stephen , Kiarie Nancy , Moitui Joash Ntenga , Kadengye Damazo , Izudi Jonathan , Castelnuovo Barbara
Published: December 2024

Background Differentiated service delivery (DSD) models in resource-limited settings have reduced strain on health services and improved client experience, retention and viral suppression, but little is known about the impact of HIV DSD models on quality of life (QoL), which is essential for optimizing person-centered care. This study assessed the impact of DSD models on QoL, loss to follow-up (LTFU), and mortality among persons living with HIV (PLHIV) on ART over time at a large urban HIV clinic in Uganda.Methods We analyzed records of 1,000 PLHIV who had been on ART for 10 years and followed up for eight years, starting in 2014 or 2015 at the Infectious Diseases Institute clinic in Kampala, Uganda. The primary outcome, QoL, was assessed using an adapted Medical Outcomes Study (MOS-HIV) tool. Secondary outcomes included sustained viral suppression (< 200 copies/mL), all-cause mortality, and loss to follow-up or LTFU (missing clinic visits for ≥ 3 months). Outcomes were compared across three DSD models—fast-track drug refill (FTDR), facility-based groups (FBG), and a composite model combining FTDR and FBG against the facility-based individual management (FBIM), the standard of care (SOC). Inverse probability treatment weighting was used to achieve comparability in measured covariates across the DSD models followed by mixed effects modeling. Robustness of results was checked using G-computation analysis.Results Of 1,000 records for PLHIV, 980 were analyzed. 62% were female and 95% virally suppressed at baseline. After eight years of follow-up, participants on DSD models had higher QoL (90.4% vs 89.1%; weighted mean ratio 3.66, 95% CI 2.10–6.37, p-value < 0.001), better sustained viral suppression, lower mortality, and reduced LTFU rates compared to SOC.Conclusion These findings support the broader adoption of DSD models in delivering ART across HIV programs to enhance the QoL and clinical outcomes among PLHIV.
Investigation of the mechanism of Dan Zhi Qing'e Formula for treating menopausal hot flashes using UHPLC-Q-TOF MS and network pharmacology
Authors: Li Xinyu , Dou Yajie , cai minghui , Wei Shuang , Wang Rui , Xu Nanjian , Qu Jingtian , Wang Yuming
Published: December 2024

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the material basis and underlying mechanisms of action of the Dan Zhi Qing'e Formula in the treatment of menopausal hot flashes.
Methods
The composition analysis of the Dan Zhi Qing'e Formula was conducted using UHPLC-Q-TOF MS, facilitated by MassLynx V4.1 software. Subsequently, Cytoscape 3.10.1 was employed to merge the data with information from Swiss, GeneCards, and OMIM databases to identify the active components and primary targets. GO and KEGG analyses were performed to elucidate the potential mechanisms of action. Finally, molecular docking technique was applied to validate the results.
Results
A total of 117 compounds, 98 blood-absorbed components and 89 potential targets were identified. Molecular docking studies indicate that these core components exhibit strong affinity for the identified targets. These targets contribute to the tonic function of the liver and kidneys through hormone response.
Conclusion
The findings provide a scientific foundation for further in-depth research into the therapeutic mechanisms of Dan Zhi Qing'e Formula for menopausal hot flashes.
The 2011 Tohoku earthquake: Fragility of Japanese buildings to ground shaking
Authors: Ioannou Ioanna , Bertelli Silvia , Chandler Richard E. , Ohno Susumu , Shibayama Akihiro , Suppasri Anawat , Rossetto Tiziana
Published: December 2024

The quality of post-disaster data directly impacts the reliability of empirical fragility curves. Many seismic studies rely on estimated, rather than measured, ground motion intensity due to the limited number of recording stations. However, this study utilizes a unique database of over 7,817 buildings surveyed near 37 ground motion stations in the prefectures of Fukushima, Miyagi and Iwate Prefectures following the 2011 Great Japan earthquake. This research examines damage data inland of the tsunami inundation zone, which has received little attention. A flexible Bayesian framework is employed to construct fragility curves, accounting for data overdispersion and uncertainty in the actual level of ground motion intensity experienced by the buildings. Despite large uncertainties, the results reveal that post-2000 buildings demonstrated superior seismic performance, while pre-1981 buildings were the most vulnerable. Contrary to observations from the 1995 Kobe earthquake, heavy steel frame buildings emerged as the most susceptible to damage, whereas wooden buildings performed similarly to reinforced concrete and light steel frame structures. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis indicates that the difference between the recorded ground motion intensity and the level actually experienced by the buildings surveyed in the station’s vicinity has a negligible impact on the fragility curves.
Predictive Value of Insulin Resistance and GFR-Adjusted Uric Acid Levels on Cardiovascular Mortality: The Urrah Study
Authors: Russo Elisa , Viazzi Francesca , Pontremoli Roberto , Angeli Fabio , Barbagallo Carlo Maria , Berardino Bruno , Bombelli Michele , Cappelli Federica , Casiglia Edoardo , Cianci Rosario , Ciccarelli Michele , Cicero Arrigo Francesco Giuseppe , Cirillo Massimo , Cirillo Pietro , D'Elia Lanfranco , Desideri Giovambattista , Ferri Claudio , Galletti Ferruccio , Gesualdo Loreto , Giannattasio Cristina , Grassi Guido , Iaccarino Guido , Imbalzano Egidio , Lippa Luciano , Mallamaci Francesca , Maloberti Alessandro , Masi Stefano , Masulli Maria , Mazza Alberto , Mengozzi Alessandro , Muiesan Maria Lorenza , Nazzaro Pietro , Palatini Paolo , Parati Gianfranco , Quarti-Trevano Fosca , Rattazzi Marcello , Reboldi Gianpaolo , Rivasi Giulia , Salvetti Massimo , Tikhonoff Valerie , Tocci Giuliano , Ungar Andrea , Verdecchia Paolo , Virdis Agostino , Volpe Massimo , Borghi Claudio
Published: December 2024

Background
Insulin resistance (IR) and serum uric acid (SUA) are closely interconnected: SUA contributes to adversely affects the insulin signaling pathway and contributing to IR, while IR is a known predictor for the development of hyperuricemia. The triglyceride (TG) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio has been proposed as an easily obtainable marker for IR. This research aimed to investigate the interaction between IR and glomerular filtration rate (GFR)-adjusted uricemia (SUA/GFR ratio) in determining CV risk in a large population cohort study.
Methods
data from 18,694 subjects were analyzed from Uric acid Right foR heArt Healt (URRAH) database. The study evaluated the association between TG/HDL-C ratio and SUA/GFR ratio, as well as their impact on the development of outcomes during the follow-up study period. The primary endpoint was CV mortality.
Results
After a mean follow-up of 124 ± 64 months, 2,665 (14.2%) CV deaths occurred. The incidence of fatal and non-fatal CV events increased in parallel with the increase of TG/HDL-C quintiles. TG/HDL-C ratio showed a positive association with increasing of SUA/GFR ratio, even in non-diabetic patients. Multivariate analysis showed that the TG/HDL-C ratio increases the mortality risk even after adjustment for potential confounding factors. Finally, IR and GFR-adjusted hyperuricemia showed an additive effect on CV mortality.
Conclusions
both IR and SUA/GFR ratio independently predict CV mortality, regardless of age, gender, BMI, diabetes, hypertension and statin use. The joint effect of the TG/HDL-C ratio and the elevated SUA/GFR ratio was greater than the presence of each single risk factors on CV mortality. This highlights the importance of monitoring these markers to better assess cardiovascular risk.
Late Mid-Pleistocene hominin fire control inferred from sooty speleothem analysis
Authors: Vandevelde Ségolène , Pons-Branchu Edwige , Deldicque Damien , Niane Abdou , Mathias Cyrielle , Savard Dany , Perrette Yves , Desachy Bruno , Slimak Ludovic , Bouchard Kevin
Published: December 2024

The origin of fire control is considered a major turning point in human evolution and remains a highly debated albeit central subject in archaeology. Studying paleo-fires is challenging because of taphonomic phenomena that alter combustion structures and hinder the identification of the oldest hearths. Moreover, hearths do not record all fire events and do not provide a chronological record of fire. In contrast, speleothems, carbonated cave deposits, can preserve evidence of ancient fires, including soot traces, and these features can be dated directly using radiometric methods. Orgnac 3, an important archaeological sequence in western Europe, provides a case study on the origins of habitual fire use in this region during the transition between the Lower and Middle Paleolithic. This paper presents the first documented record of over 20 fire events at this ancient site. The habitual use of fire by Mid-Pleistocene hominins at the site is well documented within sooty speleothems, as opposed to relying on scattered and rare traces. The soot deposit sequence at Orgnac 3 is the strongest and best-documented evidence of repeated fire use at the site to date. The robust fire-use chronology is established using stratigraphic U-Th dating of the speleothem. The soot record at Orgnac 3, testifying to fire events during both dry and wet periods, supports the hypothesis that around 270,000 years ago in the Rhone Valley, Mid-Pleistocene hominins could control fire or at least maintain fire throughout the year.
Comparative Analysis of Iridocorneal Angle in Cats and Dogs Using Ultrasound Biomicroscopy: Implications for Glaucoma Prevalence
Authors: Kim Donghee , Jung Ji Seung , Hwang Jiyi , Park Jiwoo , Kwon Myeongjee , Yong Jungyeon , Yoon Haerin , Park Kyung-Mee M.
Published: December 2024

Background
This study aims to investigate the anatomical differences in the anterior segment of the eyes between dogs and cats using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) to understand the higher prevalence of primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) in dogs compared to cats.Retrospective analysis was performed on clinical data from 16 eyes of 16 dogs and 14 eyes of 14 cats with normal eye conditions. UBM was utilized to measure nine specific parameters, including Schwalbe's Line Distance (SLD), Iridocorneal Angle (ICA), Angle-Opening Distance (AOD), and three ciliary cleft parameters: width (CCW), length (CCL), and area (CCA). To account for differences in body size, ciliary cleft parameters were adjusted accordingly.
Results
Significant anatomical differences in the anterior segment were found between the two species. Dogs had smaller values for SLD, ICA, AOD, and ciliary cleft parameters (CCW, CCL, CCA) compared to cats. Even after body-size adjustment, the rectified ciliary cleft parameters remained smaller in dogs.
Conclusion
The anatomical differences, particularly the smaller ciliary cleft and narrower drainage angles in dogs, may contribute to the higher prevalence of PACG in this species. Conversely, the larger ciliary cleft in cats may explain the lower occurrence of primary glaucoma in cats.
The Role of Occupational & Industry Education Attainment in Partner Selection: Evidence of Workplace Influence on Spouse's Education Level
Authors: Lee Jun Yeong
Published: December 2024

This study examines the role of occupational and industry education attainment in partner selection, focusing on the influence of workplace environments on spousal education levels. Using data from the American Community Survey(ACS), the research analyzes the average education level of opposite-sex individuals in the same occupation and industry (Occ*Ind Edu) as a predictor of spousal education. Results indicate a significant positive association between occupational education and spousal education for both men and women, with a stronger effect observed for women. This suggests that men and women may use different criteria when selecting a partner, potentially driven by transaction cost reduction and returns on education in the marriage market. In particular, the effect is stronger for couples in the same occupation or industry than for those who are not, which indirectly explains the phenomenon of people meeting and marrying in the same occupation/industry. By treating marriage as a contract and exploring education-based partner selection mechanisms, the findings provide insights into how workplace dynamics and education contribute to spousal selection, with implications for understanding socioeconomic assortative mating.
JEL code: J12, J16, I20
A spinodal decomposition model for the large-scale structure of the universe
Authors: Yadav Nitish
Published: December 2024

The tremendous efforts placed in understanding the structure and galaxy formation in the universe have led to major improvements in our models for the universe. Particular the computational simulations that solve its non-linear growth have painted a clearer picture of the processes behind the enormous scale and shape of the structures observed experimentally. Inspired by porous structure of polymer membranes prepared using phase-inversion, we have taken a fresh-approach to understand how the universe got its present structure. We present the results of a finite-element method based simulation to predict large-scale structure formation in the universe. The novel method applies the Cahn-Hilliard model of spinodal decomposition of a binary mixture to predict the dynamics of matter and dark-energy distribution in the universe. The results closely match the various surveys of matter distribution in the universe and can prove to be an important step towards decreasing the computational resources required for future simulations.
Fiscal Policy and Unemployment in Ethiopia: Evidence from ARDL Model
Authors: Irge Takele Wogari
Published: December 2024

One of the main objectives of macroeconomic and fiscal policy in Ethiopia, as in many other developed and developing nations, is to reduce unemployment. This study examines the impact of fiscal policy on unemployment in Ethiopia from 1990 to 2022. The analysis employed the ARDL Model and cointegration test. The variables analyzed include real gross domestic product (RGDP), government spending, tax income, trade openness, population growth, and the unemployment rate. A stationarity test was conducted, revealing that all variables except population growth were stationary at their first difference. The cointegration test indicated a long-term relationship among the examined variables. Additionally, the ECM results showed that government spending negatively affects unemployment, while tax income has a positive impact. The Granger causality results demonstrated a one-way relationship, with causality flowing from government spending to unemployment. This method provides evidence of a long-term relationship between the unemployment rate and factors such as government spending and tax income. The study suggests that the government should restructure its spending patterns by allocating more funds to productive expenditures and enhance its revenue generation by diversifying Ethiopia's revenue streams.
A Systematic Review on the Effects of Logotherapy and Meaning-Centered Therapy on Psychological and Existential Symptoms in Women with Breast and Gynecological Cancer
Authors: Aiello-Puchol Andrea , García-Alandete Joaquín
Published: December 2024

Purpose Women diagnosed with breast cancer (BC) and gynecological cancer (GC) face psychological challenges common to all cancers, such as anxiety and depression, along with specific issues related to body image and sexuality. Logotherapy and meaning-centered therapy (MCT) have shown positive effects on the psychological well-being of cancer patients.
Methods A systematic review of studies from 2014-2024 that explored the impact of logotherapy and MCT on women diagnosed with BC and GC was conducted following PRISMA guidelines.
Results Findings suggest that logotherapy decreases depressive symptoms, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress, whereas improves meaning in life, quality of life, physical symptom perception, and post-traumatic growth in women with BC and GC.
Conclusion Implementing logotherapy in cancer care units through a multidisciplinary approach could be valuable, considering biopsychosocial factors, and incorporating aspects of self-image and sexuality in treatment would also be beneficial.
Nanoprinting with Crystal Engineering for Perovskite Lasers
Authors: Hu Shiqi , Kim Ji Tae
Published: December 2024

Metal halide perovskites are promising laser light sources due to their exceptional optical gain and solution-processability. Structuring the cavity that determines lasing mode and performance, however, is mostly limited to chemical synthesis or in-plane multi-step lithographic processes, which lead to high shaping rigidity or poor lasing performance. Here, we introduce a direct electrohydrodynamic three-dimensional printing that produces freestanding, high-performance inorganic perovskite sub-micro lasers with tailored dimensions and locations, assisted by crystal engineering. The printed vertical nanowires exhibit excellent crystallinity after vapor-phase solvent engineering. Therefore, they show a high-performance two-photon pumped Fabry–Pérot mode vertical lasing with a threshold of 2.98 µJ/cm2, and our on-demand printing method provides the simplest route to tune the lasing characteristics such as lasing threshold and mode spacing, by adjusting the printed nanowire length. We demonstrated that the length-dependent lasing in the printed arrays can configure multi-level anticounterfeiting labels. We expect this additive manufacturing approach combined with crystal engineering to improve the design flexibility and performance of micro photonic circuitries.
«ИСТОРИЯ ПРО АМЕРИКУ В ТО ВРЕМЯ,РАССКАЗАННАЯ АМЕРИКОЙ НАШЕГО ВРЕМЕНИ»
Authors: Ходнев А.С.
Published: December 2024

В статье исследован случай использования прошлого в театральной постановке, неожиданно породившей серьезную дискуссию как в публичной, так и в академической истории США. Мюзикл «Гамильтон», поставленный на Бродвее в 2015 г., делает историю. Учителя истории используют «Гамильтона», чтобы оживить свои уроки. Книги об Американской революции, А. Гамильтоне и других основателях, исчезают с полок книжных магазинов. Стремление утвердить новый патриотический миф образования США существенно влияет на чувство исторического времени и деконструкцию старых взглядов. «Шик основателей» как новая форма восприятия истории XVIII века становится частью идентичности нового поколения Америки.

The article explores a case of using the past in a theatrical production, which unexpectedly generated serious discussion both in public and in academic history of the United States. The musical “Hamilton” put on Broadway in 2015 makes history. History teachers use “Hamilton” to revitalize their lessons. Books about the American Revolution, A. Hamilton and other founders, disappear from the shelves of bookstores. The desire to establish a new patriotic myth of US foundation significantly affects the sense of historical time, and the deconstruction of old views. The “Founders Chic” as a new form of perception of the history of the 18th century becomes a part of the identity of the new generation of America.
РОЖДЕНИЕ ИСТОРИИ В КАТАЛОНИИСУДЬБА ОДНОЙ СГОРЕВШЕЙ РУКОПИСИ
Authors: Белимова А.А.
Published: December 2024

В статье рассматривается проблема датировки текста Первых Рипольских анналов, которые традиционно считаются в каталонистике наиболее древним из местных исторических нарративов. Автор показывает, что каталонская историография имеет тенденцию искусственно занижать хронологические рамки их составления, и доказывает, что эта тенденция противоречит источниковедческому анализу текста.

This article considers a problem of dating of the First Annals of Ripoll which are traditionally deemed to be the ancient local historical narrative by the Catalan historians. Author shows a tendency of national historiography to understate the possible chronological framework of its composition, and proves this tendency contradicts historiographic analysis of the text.
КОНСЕРВАТИВНАЯ РЕВОЛЮЦИЯКАК ИНТЕЛЛЕКТУАЛЬНЫЙ ФЕНОМЕНВЕЙМАРСКОЙ РЕСПУБЛИКИ
Authors: Терехов О.Э.
Published: December 2024

В статье рецензируется монография С.В. Артамошина, посвященная интеллектуальному феномену немецкой консервативной революции в Веймарской республике, идейное наследие которой продолжало вызывать интерес в гуманитарной и общественно-политической мысли второй половины XX – начала XXI в. Автор книги дал комплексный анализ консервативной революции и, в первую очередь, поисков нового образа германского консерватизма после Первой мировой войны. Рассматриваются композиция монографии и главные выводы автора.

The article reviews a monograph by S.V. Artamoshin devoted to the intellectual phenomenon of the German conservative revolution in the Weimar Republic. It is alleged that S.V. Artamoshin created a comprehensive analysis of the conservative revolution and, above all, its intellectual search for a new image of German conservatism after the First World War. The structural elements of the monograph and the main conclusions of the author are considered. The relevance of the book’s problems is proved in connection with the fact that the ideological legacy of the conservative revolution aroused interest in humanitarian and sociopolitical thought of the second half of XX – beginning of the XXI c.
The impact of digital banking channels and organizational culture on operational excellence in Jordanian banking
Authors: Q. Bataineh Abdallah , Qasim Dhia , Alhur Mohammad
Published: December 2024

This study explores the impact of digital banking channels on the operational excellence of Jordanian banks. It investigates the impact of social media, chatbots, digital wallets, and mobile applications on operational excellence in Jordanian banks, focusing on the moderating role of organizational culture. The study used a quantitative research method and a stratified random sampling technique to ensure a diverse sample of the five largest banks in Jordan, including managers and IT professionals responsible for managing digital banking operations. A total of 276 completed questionnaires were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The findings show that digital banking channels significantly contribute to operational excellence. Social media banking (β = 0.155, p < 0.05) and chatbots (β = 0.212, p < 0.01) positively impact operational excellence, while digital wallets (β = 0.301, p < 0.001) and mobile banking applications (β = 0.22, p < 0.01) also exhibit significant positive effects. The structural model explained 63% of the variance in operational excellence. Additionally, organizational culture was found to positively moderate the impact of social media banking (β = 0.20, p < 0.01), chatbots (β = 0.10, p < 0.05), and digital wallets (β = 0.16, p < 0.01) on operational excellence. However, the interaction between mobile applications and organizational culture was not significant (β = 0.078, p = 0.065).
Macroeconomic and energy impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: A comparative analysis across countries
Authors: Koilo Viktoriia
Published: December 2024

The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine has triggered profound economic and energy-related consequences, reshaped global priorities, and exposed systemic vulnerabilities. The current study aimed to examine pre- and post-invasion trends in key economic and energy indicators for a diverse set of countries: Ukraine and Russia as directly involved parties; the European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom as supporters of Ukraine; and China, India, and Türkiye as neutral actors maintaining economic ties with Russia. Using structural time series analysis over the period 2000–2023, the analysis maps economic booms and busts by identifying cycle deviations through a Hodrick-Prescott filter. The findings reveal significant variations in the conflict’s impact, highlighting disruptions in GDP growth, energy systems, and trade dynamics across regions. The study underscores how the war has accelerated energy transitions, redefined global economic resilience, and reshaped international economic and political relationships.