bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Wetlands Soils Around an Industrial Area Using Combined GIS-Based Pollution Indices and Remote Sensing Techniques
Authors: Anthony Tobore
Published: November 2023

Understanding variations of heavy metals and their anthropogenic influence on wetland soils are very imperative and crucial for environmental planning and sustainability. To assess heavy metal contamination in Ibese wetland soils, Nigeria, 30 soil surface (0–20 cm) samples clustered around industrial effluents, were collected and analyzed with atomic absorption spectrophotometer for copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd). Herein, the geo-accumulation (Igeo), and pollution index (PI), coupled with environmental (RS) remote sensing vegetation and water indices were employed as predictor models to assess heavy metals contamination of the area. The vegetation and water indices highlighted an intense decreasing vegetation trend and loss of waterbodies of the area, respectively. The results of the Igeo metals revealed that the wetland soils pollution ranged from uncontaminated to moderately contaminated, except Cd which ranged from moderately to heavy pollution. The PI shows a moderate significant pollution by Cu and Zn, except Cd which recorded considerable contamination. A very significant correlation was found between the metals and the spatial distribution pattern revealed that the contamination is related to the influence of uncontrolled human activities on soil properties like soil pH and organic carbon. The study suggested that adequate attention be directed to alert policymakers and stakeholders toward lessening the anthropogenic sources in the area for future control measures.
The Israeli parties' positions in comparative perspective
Authors: Zur Roi , Bakker Ryan
Published: November 2023

The multidimensionality of the Israeli political system is expected given Israel’s electoral system and cleavage structure. We introduce a new dataset and measurement of party positions in Israel and provide evidence that Israel’s party system is comparable to other multiparty systems in Europe (CHES-EU) and Latin America (CHES-LA). We argue and provide evidence that the most important dimension in the Israeli party system, similar to other multiparty systems, is the general Left-Right continuum, which combines both economic and cultural policy issues. Yet, unlike other established democracies, parties’ positions on the Left-Right continuum are closely related to their positions on policies related to the Arab-Israeli conflict. We also discuss Israeli-specific issues which structure the Israeli party competition. The contribution of this paper is two-fold. First, it allows scholars of party competition to include Israel as a comparative case in their research. Second, it is the first study that provides valid and reliable measurement of Israeli parties’ positions across multiple issues.
Optimizing shared recreational vehicle service areas: A multi-strategy approach for economic performance and user satisfaction
Authors: Thiel Daniel , Leroux Erick , Labarbe Emmanuel
Published: November 2023

In order to reduce overtourism and traffic congestion, local authorities may have to divert recreational vehicle traffic to off-site service areas. The problem that will arise is how best to accommodate different types of users with opposing preferences in the same area, some wanting to be as close as possible to the major site to be visited, others seeking peace and quiet. We have represented their specific attitudes using a two-stage decision-making process via a conjunctive model followed by a compensatory model. We then propose to model three strategies, seeking either to optimise customer attractiveness, or profit, or space occupation, in order to define a location, capacity and price for this shared area. Using a realistic data set, the results show that economic performance follows a concave curve as a function of the population mix. Moreover, only the strategy of maximising attractiveness suggests always mixing users in the same area.
Campsite revenue management decision-making–A semi-systematic review
Authors: Grande Kevin , Haynes Natalie
Published: November 2023

This paper provides a semi-systematic review of the extant literature surrounding the concept of camping and campground revenue management from 1984 until 2023 and presents a conceptual model that encircles and categorizes all the subjects treated in the previous research which was found to be disparate and multidisciplinary in nature. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the state of knowledge in the field and a conceptual structuring of the topic which was previously lacking. By synthesizing the various disparate conceptual strands of the topic that have developed over time, the paper presents a revenue management decision-support tool tailored for campsites that organizes the camping revenue management literature around its own conceptual model whilst also highlighting areas for future research.
Unveiling racism through qualitative research: The politics of interpretation
Authors: Wojnicka Katarzyna , Nowicka Magdalena
Published: November 2023

The main purpose of the article is to present and compare various strategies aimed at encouraging research participants to voice their experiences of racism and discrimination. This is supplemented by the discussion on how scholars can unveil the intersections of multiple systems of oppression reverberating in research participants’ narratives, given the challenge of racial asymmetry in research and the politics of interpretation in a race-mute societal context. Based on their study involving young migrants, the authors argue that qualitative research instruments such as individual and focus-group interviews, visual elicitation, co-creative methods, and video interviews enable individuals to frame their experienced reality in complementary ways. Comparing how each method can conceal or disclose racism, the authors warn of treating narrations on racism on face value and plead for carefully analyzing the extent to which individual narrations align with political agendas and normative discourses within the research's contexts. Addressing each research tool's potential and limitations, the authors also show how the researchers’ epistemological and political positionalities shape their data collection and analysis.
Do Socioeconomic Factors Affect Symptom Duration and Disease Severity at Presentation for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
Authors: Grisdela Jr Phillip , Liu Christina , Model Zina , Steele Amy , Liu David , Earp Brandon , Blazar Philip , Zhang Dafang
Published: November 2023

Background:

Socioeconomic factors have been implicated in delayed presentation for compressive neuropathies of the upper extremity. Our article seeks to elucidate the effect of socioeconomic factors on self-reported symptom duration and objective disease severity at presentation for cubital tunnel syndrome.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study included 207 patients with surgical management of cubital tunnel syndrome at 2 institutions between June 1, 2015, and March 1, 2020. Exclusion criteria included age under 18 years, revision surgery, lack of preoperative electrodiagnostic studies, and concurrent additional surgeries. Response variables were self-reported symptom duration, time from presentation to surgery, McGowan grade, and electrodiagnostic measures. Explanatory variables included age, sex, white race, diabetes mellitus, depression, anxiety, and the Distressed Communities Index.

Results:

Symptom duration was associated with nonwhite race, and time from presentation to surgery was associated with insurance provider. More clinically severe disease was associated with older age, male sex, and not having carpal tunnel syndrome. Nonrecordable sensory nerve action potential latency was associated with older age, higher body mass index, male sex, diabetes mellitus, and unemployment. Nonrecordable conduction velocities were associated with older age, and having fibrillations at presentation was associated with older age, male sex, and unemployment.

Conclusions:

Economic distress is not associated with self-reported symptom duration, time from presentation to surgery, or presenting severity of cubital tunnel syndrome. White patients presented with shorter self-reported symptom duration. Insurance type was associated with delay from presentation to surgery. Older age and male sex were risk factors for more clinically severe disease at presentation.
The Reconstructed History of the Foundation of the Chinese School of Animation: A Textual Criticism on the ‘Crow Incident’
Authors: Jifeng Huang , Baochuan Li
Published: November 2023

The screening of colour cel animation Why Is the Crow Black at the 1956 Venice Film Festival was seen as a pivotal moment in Chinese animation history. It is recorded that Why Is the Crow Black was misidentified as a Soviet animation by international judges, which made this film an epic failure. Frustrated Chinese animators, led by Te Wei, reflected on the imitation of the Soviet styles and commenced the exploration of a Chinese style. This ultimately led to the foundation of the Chinese School of Animation, marked by the release of Te Wei’s film The Conceited General in 1956. However, many of the widely believed ‘facts’ in this narrative are false. There is no evidence of an actual award, nor of the mis-identification of Why Is the Crow Black. A series of false assumptions have converged to form an entirely mistaken narrative of causality that the Crow’s reception transformed the production of the General. This narrative has become ingrained in Chinese animation historiography, and the doubters remain marginal. This article argues that the ‘Crow Incident’ was a 1980s fabrication, arising from transcultural misunderstandings, translation errors, and perhaps even deliberately misleading assertions. The alleged Crow Incident has been used to explain and justify the urgency and necessity of exploring the Chinese minzu style in the 1950s, yet it devalues the subjectivity, initiative and self-awareness of Chinese animators.
Buddhism, quantum theory and international relations: On the strength of the subject, the discontinuous relationality, and the world of contingency
Authors: Shimizu Kosuke
Published: November 2023

This article is part of a forum on Karin Fierke’s book Snapshots from Home: Mind, Action and Strategy in an Uncertain World. In it, the importance of viewing international relations from the intersection of Buddhism and quantum theory is discussed. The ontological implication of Buddhism and quantum theory is extremely important in an uncertain world, and when we accept the uncertainty, we gain a new vision of contemporary world affairs. This is precisely where the gates of ethics open to us.
The where, who, and what of poverty in schools: Re-framing the concept from a leadership perspective
Authors: Arar Khalid , Mifsud Denise
Published: November 2023

It is widely agreed that the relationship between poverty and education is bi-directional: poor people lack access to a decent education, and without the latter people are often constrained to a life of poverty (Van der Berg, 2008). Poverty as a “lifetime, and life-wide status” thus develops into a self-fulfilling prophecy that is difficult to emerge from. We acknowledge the interplay between the notions of “poverty,” and “disadvantage,” especially in the wide context of education, and school leadership more specifically, as the focus of this conceptual paper, and thus use them interchangeably in order to advocate for full, and equal opportunities in life as a matter of equity, and fairness. Moreover, we firmly regard education as a direct social justice contributor both in the provision of equal life opportunities, and in imparting students with the responsibility for the perpetration of such opportunities (Waite and Arar, 2020). In this conceptual commentary, we stretch this scholarship of social justice further by troubling the notion of poverty from a social justice lens, and redefining it as a type of “under-privilege” in order to engage scholars, policymakers, and stakeholders in meaning-making, and action. We seek to provide our contextual, inclusive, and problematized re-definition of poverty in relation to schooling, and education by portraying students to be considered at risk at any point in time. We ultimately ask ourselves, and our readers to reflect upon this quintessential question: “What is the purpose of education epitomized by?”
Prediction of Hypoglycemia From Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Insulin-Treated Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Using Transfer Learning on Type 1 Diabetes Data: A Deep Transfer Learning Approach
Authors: Thomsen Helene B. , Jakobsen Mike M. , Hecht-Pedersen Nikolaj , Jensen Morten Hasselstrøm , Kronborg Thomas
Published: November 2023

Background:

Hypoglycemia is common in insulin-treated type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients, which can lead to decreased quality of life or premature death. Deep learning models offer promise of accurate predictions, but data scarcity poses a challenge. This study aims to develop a deep learning model utilizing transfer learning to predict hypoglycemia.

Methods:

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data from 226 patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and 180 patients with T2D were utilized. Data were structured into one-hour samples and labeled as hypoglycemia or not depending on whether three consecutive CGM values were below 3.9 [mmol/L] (70 mg/dL) one hour after the sample. A convolutional neural network (CNN) was pre-trained with the T1D data set and subsequently fitted using a T2D data set, all while being optimized toward maximizing the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) value, and it was externally validated on a separate T2D data set.

Results:

The developed model was externally validated with 334 711 one-hour CGM samples, of which 15 695 (4.69%) were labeled as hypoglycemic. The model achieved an AUC of 0.941 and a positive predictive value of 40.49% at a specificity of 95% and a sensitivity of 69.16%.

Conclusions:

The transfer learned CNN model showed promising performance in predicting hypoglycemic episodes and with slightly better results than a non-transfer learned CNN model.
Evaluation of Paroxysmal Events in Critically Ill Patients: Relationship of Primary Diagnosis to Long-Term Electroencephalogram Yield
Authors: Chen Hai , Becker Andrew , Atallah Eugenie , Pauldurai Jennifer , Koubeissi Mohamad
Published: November 2023

Continuous EEG (cEEG) is indicated for the workup of paroxysmal events. We aimed to assess whether primary admission diagnoses predict the yield of cEEG when ordered for evaluating paroxysmal events. We identified patients in the ICU who underwent at least 6 hours of cEEG monitoring to evaluate paroxysmal events. Primary admission diagnoses were categorized into neurological or non-neurological conditions. cEEG results were dichotomized into presence or absence of epileptiform discharges. We identified 159 recordings that were obtained for the evaluation of paroxysmal events. Most patients (n = 100, 63%) were admitted with primary admission diagnoses of neurological disorders, such as ischemic stroke, or intracranial hemorrhage. We found that patients with primary neurological conditions were more likely to have brain surgeries, abnormal brain imaging, and focal neurological deficits on examination compared to those with primary non-neurological conditions. However, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of epileptiform discharges in cEEG among patients with primary diagnoses of neurological or non-neurological disorders. These results suggest that cEEG is often necessary to evaluate paroxysmal events, even among patients without primary neurological disorders.
What’s the matter with the unconscious?
Authors: Pohl Lucas
Published: November 2023

Anna Secor’s ‘Spacetimeunconscious’ offers a groundbreaking intervention into the fields of material and psychoanalytic geographies. Following Karen Barad and Jacques Lacan, she develops a concept of the unconscious that takes place within matter itself. In this commentary, I add some questions, loose ends, and fragments to the theory-building patchwork of Secor's paper.
Who “phubs”? A systematic meta-analytic review of phubbing predictors
Authors: Arenz Anisha , Schnauber-Stockmann Anna
Published: November 2023

Phubbing (i.e., snubbing someone in face-to-face interactions by focusing on one's phone instead of those present) has increased enormously in recent years and has become a widespread usage phenomenon that is associated with negative consequences, for instance for relationships and friendships. To better understand the predictors of phubbing behavior, the present paper provides a systematic overview of the growing research field. Based on a meta-analytic review of 79 studies and 526 effect sizes, we identified 10 higher-level predictor categories of phubbing behavior: sociodemographics, personality, technology-related norms & experiences, technical equipment, (smart)phone & Internet use, problematic use, well-being, psychopathology, and resilience as well as risk factors. The results of the three-level meta-analysis models indicated that the strongest predictors were problematic use patterns.
The Development and Evaluation of the Antiracist School Counseling Inventory
Authors: Stickl Haugen Jaimie , Bledsoe Kenya G. , Springfield Janita
Published: November 2023

This article presents the development of the Antiracist School Counseling Inventory (ASCI), an instrument designed to support school counselors engaging in antiracist counseling practice. We administered the ASCI to a sample of 457 practicing school counselors. Results of an exploratory factor analysis yielded a 19-item exploratory model encompassing four factors: (a) Awareness of Institutional and Educational Racism, (b) Promoting Inclusion and Equity, (c) Challenging Racism, and (d) Responsive Leadership and Advocacy. The ASCI demonstrated promising evidence of convergent validity and internal consistency reliability. We discuss the development of the ASCI and implications for school counselors and future research.
Research on FinTech Talent Evaluation Index System and Recruitment Strategy: Evidence From Shanghai in China
Authors: Ding Xue , Qin Mengling , Yin Linsen , Lv Dayong , Bai Yao
Published: November 2023

In recent years, the development and iteration of information technology have prompted the financial industry to transform and upgrade to financial technology (FinTech), which has received emerging attention from the global financial industry. While the FinTech industry is growing rapidly around the world, however, few studies have foucusd on the shortage of talent and difficulties in recruiting talent. First, this paper clarifies the shortage of FinTech talent through expert interviews and a questionnaire survey of 112 financial industry enterprises in Shanghai, China. Following, based on role theory, we construct a talent capability evaluation index system using 5 primary and 17 secondary indicators. Based on the exploration above, a gray optimization model is designed to support talent recruitment strategy for FinTech enterprises. The results indicate that Chinese FinTech talent should have composite abilities with outstanding professional technical skills and learning abilities, innovation and teamwork ability, project experience, and international vision. This study provides methodological guidelines for global FinTech talent evaluation and recruitment strategies and broadens the application of role theory and gray clustering theory.
Exploring Students’ Perception of Subject and Translation Integrated Learning (STIL) as an Innovative Approach to Translation Instruction: A Case Study
Authors: Huang Jian
Published: November 2023

Subject knowledge, also known as domain knowledge or thematic knowledge in translation studies (TS), is universally recognized as a constituent element of translator competence. However, there is a dearth of empirical exploration into its instruction in translation classroom, especially from translation students’ perspective. Inspired by CLIL (content-language integrated learning) in L2 learning and relevant discussions in TS, this study proposes STIL (subject-translation integrated learning) as a novel approach to translation instruction characterized by integration of a systematic in-depth instruction of subject knowledge with translation instruction on course level. It then explores students’ perception of the proposed approach as it is implemented in an MTI (Master of Translation and Interpreting) course specialized in translation of classical texts in economics. The results show: (1) STIL is generally preferred by the participants to other approaches to translation instruction that they have been exposed to; (2) STIL, if well-designed and carried out, could produce positive cognitive and affective outcomes with both subject-learning and translation-learning through a forced and facilitated engagement with the texts.
India’s Military Modernisation in the Shadow of the China Threat
Authors: Singh Gunjan
Published: November 2023

The violent Galwan clashes of 2020 have changed the trajectory of India–China relations. It has also compelled the Indian government and policy makers to undertake major and long-term changes to push for military modernisation. The need for a modernised, leaner, and younger military is quite eminent and the Galwan clashes have further underscored this issue. Given this backdrop, the article looks at the various changes, which the current Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has undertaken to achieve this goal. It also argues that the government is aware that these changes will need time and resources while acknowledging that the Indian side cannot continue to be reactive. India under the current leadership appears to be a very different nation than the Chinese are used to.
Creating Positive Childhood Experiences With Music
Authors: Varner Edward
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this column is to provide a quick introduction to the concept of positive childhood experiences (PCEs) as an important support for the value of music education and music teachers endeavoring to create safe, predictable settings for children to be, learn, and grow. Music learning environments, it would seem, are premium opportunities for schools looking to play a role in providing students with PCEs. As such, it is important for music educators to be more aware of the significant role they play in supporting students by providing them with positive relationships and experiences to safeguard healthy childhood development.
IGF2 deficiency promotes liver aging through mitochondrial dysfunction and upregulated CEBPB signaling in d-galactose-induced aging mice
Authors: Zhou Xiaohai , Tan Bowen , Gui Weiwei , Zhou Caiping , Zhao Hanxin , Lin Xihua , Li Hong
Published: November 2023

Background

Liver aging, marked by cellular senescence and low-grade inflammation, heightens susceptibility to chronic liver disease and worsens its prognosis. Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) has been implicated in numerous aging-related diseases. Nevertheless, its role and underlying molecular mechanisms in liver aging remain largely unexplored.

Methods

The expression of IGF2 was examined in the liver of young (2–4 months), middle-aged (9–12 months), and old (24–26 months) C57BL/6 mice. In vivo, we used transgenic IGF2f/f; Alb-Cre mice and d-galactose-induced aging model to explore the role of IGF2 in liver aging. In vitro, we used specific short hairpin RNA against IGF2 to knock down IGF2 in AML12 cells. d-galactose and hydrogen peroxide treatment were used to induce AML12 cell senescence.

Results

We observed a significant reduction of IGF2 levels in the livers of aged mice. Subsequently, we demonstrated that IGF2 deficiency promoted senescence phenotypes and senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASPs), both in vitro and in vivo aging models. Moreover, IGF2 deficiency impaired mitochondrial function, reducing mitochondrial respiratory capacity, mitochondrial membrane potential, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)+/NADH ratio, increasing intracellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species levels, and disrupting mitochondrial membrane structure. Additionally, IGF2 deficiency markedly upregulated CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (CEBPB). Notably, inhibiting CEBPB reversed the senescence phenotypes and reduced SASPs induced by IGF2 deficiency.

Conclusions

In summary, our findings strongly suggest that IGF2 deficiency promotes liver aging through mitochondrial dysfunction and upregulated CEBPB signaling. These results provide compelling evidence for considering IGF2 as a potential target for interventions aimed at slowing down the process of liver aging.
External quality assessment scheme for sperm DNA fragmentation: a pilot study in China
Authors: Zheng Yan , Wu Ying-Bi , Jia Ye-Lin , Ying Li-Juan , Yang Ting-Ting , Cheng Qing-Yuan , Qin Jiao , Luo Chen , Yu Lin , Li Fu-Ping
Published: November 2023

Background

The aim of this article is to establish an external quality assessment (EQA) scheme for sperm Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation (SDF) detection, and to assess the feasibility of the scheme. In addition, this article provides some case analysis of abnormal results in order to really help improve the performance of the laboratory.

Results

In 2021 and 2022, 10 and 28 laboratories in China volunteered to participate in the EQA program respectively. Two samples were selected for EQA each year, a large spread of results was obtained for the four samples, and the highest values were 13.7, 4.2, 8.0 and 4.0 times the lowest respectively. The coefficients of variation (CVs) were very high for the four samples, at 46.6%, 30.1%, 26.7% and 30.3%, respectively. The CVs of the samples with high SDF values were lower than those of the samples with low SDF values. There was no significant difference between the results of sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) and sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD). For the 10 laboratories that participated in EQA in 2021 and 2022, the CVs of low SDF value samples and high SDF value samples decreased from 46.6% and 30.1% in 2021 to 32.5% and 22.7% in 2022, respectively.

Conclusion

This is the first study to evaluate the EQA program on SDF, which involved a number of laboratories and was demonstrated to be feasible. It is recommended that all laboratories participate in the EQA of SDF to ensure the accuracy of the results.
Association between two-component systems gene mutation and Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission revealed by whole genome sequencing
Authors: Li Yameng , Kong Xianglong , Li Yifan , Tao Ningning , Hou Yawei , Wang Tingting , Li Yingying , Han Qilin , Liu Yao , Li Huaichen
Published: November 2023

Background

Two-component systems (TCSs) play a crucial role in the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). However, the precise regulatory mechanism of their contribution remain to be elucidated, and only a limited number of studies have investigated the impact of gene mutations within TCSs on the transmission of M. tuberculosis. Therefore, this study aims to explore the relationship between TCSs gene mutation and the global transmission of M. tuberculosis.

Results

A total of 13531 M.tuberculosis strains were enrolled in the study. Most of the M.tuberculosis strains belonged to lineage4 (n=6497,48.0%), followed by lineage2 (n=5136,38.0%). Our results showed that a total of 36 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were positively correlated with clustering of lineage2, such as Rv0758 (phoR, C820G), Rv1747(T1102C), and Rv1057(C1168T). A total of 30 SNPs showed positive correlation with clustering of lineage4, such as phoR(C182A, C1184G, C662T, T758G), Rv3764c (tcrY, G1151T), and Rv1747 C20T. A total of 19 SNPs were positively correlated with cross-country transmission of lineage2, such as phoR A575C, Rv1028c (kdpD, G383T, G1246C), and Rv1057 G817T. A total of 41 SNPs were positively correlated with cross-country transmission of lineage4, such as phoR(T758G, T327G, C284G), kdpD(G1755A, G625C), Rv1057 C980T, and Rv1747 T373G.

Conclusions

Our study identified that SNPs in genes of two-component systems were related to the transmission of M. tuberculosis. This finding adds another layer of complexity to M. tuberculosis virulence and provides insight into future research that will help to elucidate a novel mechanism of M. tuberculosis pathogenicity.
Multi-omics analysis of functional substances and expression verification in cashmere fineness
Authors: Xu Yanan , Zhang Yu , Qin Yuting , Gu Ming , Chen Rui , Sun Yinggang , Wu Yanzhi , Li Qian , Qiao Yanjun , Wang Xiaowei , Zhang Qiu , Kong Lingchao , Li Shuaitong , Wang Zeying
Published: November 2023

Background

Numerous factors influence the growth and development of cashmere. Existing research on cashmere has predominantly emphasized a single omics level. Integrating multi-omics analyses can offer a more comprehensive understanding by encompassing the entire spectrum. This study more accurately and comprehensively identified the key factors influencing cashmere fineness using multi-omics analysis.

Methods

This study used skin tissues of coarse cashmere type (CT_LCG) and fine cashmere type Liaoning cashmere goats (FT_LCG) for the analysis. This study employed an integrated approach involving transcriptomics, translatomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to identify substances associated with cashmere fineness. The findings were validated using parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) techniques.

Results

The GO functional enrichment analysis identified three common terms: multicellular organismal process, immune system process, and extracellular region. Furthermore, the KEGG enrichment analysis uncovered the involvement of the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway. Protein expression trends were verified using PRM technology. The expression trends of KRT79, as confirmed by PRM, were consistent with those observed in TMT proteomics and exhibited a positive regulatory effect on cashmere fineness. Metabolite expression trends were confirmed using MRM technology. The expression trends of 9 out of 15 validated metabolites were in agreement with those identified in the non-targeted metabolomics analysis.

Conclusions

This study employed multi-omics analysis to identify key regulators of cashmere fineness, including PLA2G12A, KRT79, and prostaglandin B2. The findings of this study offer valuable data and establish a theoretical foundation for conducting comprehensive investigations into the molecular regulatory mechanisms and functional aspects of cashmere fineness.
Biological ageing and the risk of decreased handgrip strength among community-dwelling older adult Indians: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Vennu Vishal
Published: November 2023

Background

Evidence from the literature demonstrates that the risk of decreased handgrip strength is associated with various health issues, particularly in older persons. To make judgments regarding their general health condition that are well-informed for longevity, it is crucial to assess the risk level of decreased handgrip strength among community-dwelling older adult Indians. However, no study has examined the relationship between biological aging and the risk of decreased handgrip strength in Indian men and women aged 60 and older. The goal of the current study was to fill this gap in the literature.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we included 31,464 (15,098 men and 16,366 women) community-dwelling older adult Indians aged 60 years and older using data from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI). The LASI is the world’s most extensive and India’s first multidisciplinary, internationally harmonized, longitudinal aging study. It has enrolled 72,250 individuals aged 45 and above across all 28 states and 8 union territories of India. Secondary analysis of biological ageing was performed by stratifying for age groups (60–64, 65–69, 70–74, 75–79, 80–84, and 85 + years) for both genders. The dominant right and nondominant left handgrip strength was assessed using the portable Smedley’s Hand Dynamometer. All individuals had a dominant right hand. The adjusted logistic regression analysis assessed the association between biological ageing and the risk of decreased handgrip strength for both genders.

Results

Compared to those between the ages of 60–64, those at age 65 and those aged 85 and above had 1-fold and 12-fold odds of decreasing handgrip strength, respectively. Men 85 years or older had a 12-fold higher chance than women in the same age group of having decreased handgrip strength.

Conclusions

The results indicate that community-dwelling older adult Indians aged 65 years and older are significantly associated with a higher risk of decreased handgrip strength, especially among older men. The results of this study can help assess and implement handgrip strength measurement in medicine for older Indians as part of regular admission assessment, particularly for older men.
Changes in symptoms and characteristics of COVID-19 patients across different variants: two years study using neural network analysis
Authors: Torabi Seyed Hossein , Riahi Seyed Mohammad , Ebrahimzadeh Azadeh , Salmani Fatemeh
Published: November 2023

Background

Considering the fact that COVID-19 has undergone various changes over time, its symptoms have also varied. The aim of this study is to describe and compare the changes in personal characteristics, symptoms, and underlying conditions of individuals infected with different strains of COVID-19.

Methods

This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 46,747 patients who underwent PCR testing during a two-year period from February 22, 2020 to February 23, 2022, in South Khorasan province, Iran. Patient characteristics and symptoms were extracted based on self-report and the information system. The data were analyzed using logistic regression and artificial neural network approaches. The R software was used for analysis and a significance level of 0.05 was considered for the tests.

Results

Among the 46,747 cases analyzed, 23,239 (49.7%) were male, and the mean age was 51.48 ± 21.41 years. There was a significant difference in symptoms among different variants of the disease (p < 0.001). The factors with a significant positive association were myalgia (OR: 2.04; 95% CI, 1.76 – 2.36), cough (OR: 1.93; 95% CI, 1.68—2.22), and taste or smell disorder (OR: 2.62; 95% CI, 2.1 – 3.28). Additionally, aging was found to increase the likelihood of testing positive across the six periods.

Conclusion

We found that older age, myalgia, cough and taste/smell disorder are better factors compared to dyspnea or high body temperature, for identifying a COVID-19 patient. As the disease evolved, chills and diarrhea, demonstrated prognostic strength as in Omicron.
Deep learning model for measuring the sagittal Cobb angle on cervical spine computed tomography
Authors: Wang Chunjie , Ni Ming , Tian Shuai , Ouyang Hanqiang , Liu Xiaoming , Fan Lianxi , Dong Pei , Jiang Liang , Lang Ning , Yuan Huishu
Published: November 2023

Purposes

To develop a deep learning (DL) model to measure the sagittal Cobb angle of the cervical spine on computed tomography (CT).

Materials and methods

Two VB-Net-based DL models for cervical vertebra segmentation and key-point detection were developed. Four-points and line-fitting methods were used to calculate the sagittal Cobb angle automatically. The average value of the sagittal Cobb angle was manually measured by two doctors as the reference standard. The percentage of correct key points (PCK), matched samples t test, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Pearson correlation coefficient, mean absolute error (MAE), and Bland‒Altman plots were used to evaluate the performance of the DL model and the robustness and generalization of the model on the external test set.

Results

A total of 991 patients were included in the internal data set, and 112 patients were included in the external data set. The PCK of the DL model ranged from 78 to 100% in the test set. The four-points method, line-fitting method, and reference standard measured sagittal Cobb angles were − 1.10 ± 18.29°, 0.30 ± 13.36°, and 0.50 ± 12.83° in the internal test set and 4.55 ± 20.01°, 3.66 ± 18.55°, and 1.83 ± 12.02° in the external test set, respectively. The sagittal Cobb angle calculated by the four-points method and the line-fitting method maintained high consistency with the reference standard (internal test set: ICC = 0.75 and 0.97; r = 0.64 and 0.94; MAE = 5.42° and 3.23°, respectively; external test set: ICC = 0.74 and 0.80, r = 0.66 and 0.974, MAE = 5.25° and 4.68°, respectively).

Conclusions

The DL model can accurately measure the sagittal Cobb angle of the cervical spine on CT. The line-fitting method shows a higher consistency with the doctors and a minor average absolute error.
Prevalence of maternal mortality causes based on ICD-MM: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alipour Jahanpour , Payandeh Abolfazl , Karimi Afsaneh
Published: November 2023

Background

Maternal mortality is a universal public health challenge. ICD-Maternal Mortality (ICD-MM) was introduced in 2012 to facilitate the gathering, analysis, and interpretation of data on maternal deaths worldwide. The present study aimed to estimate the global prevalence of maternal death causes through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted using various databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, as well as Persian databases such as MagIran and Scientific Information Database (SID). The search encompassed articles published until August 21, 2022. Thirty-four eligible articles were included in the final analysis. Analysis was performed using a meta-analysis approach. The exact Clopper-Pearson confidence intervals, heterogeneity assessment, and random effects models with Mantel-Haenszel methods were employed using the STATA software version 14.2.

Results

The most prevalent causes of maternal deaths, listed in descending order from highest to lowest prevalence, were non-obstetric complications (48.32%), obstetric hemorrhage (17.63%), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium (14.01%), other obstetric complications (7.11%), pregnancy with abortive outcome (5.41%), pregnancy-related infection (5.26%), unanticipated complications of management (2.25%), unknown/undetermined causes (2.01%), and coincidental causes (1.59%), respectively.

Conclusion

Non-obstetric complications, obstetric hemorrhage, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, childbirth, and puerperium were the most common causes of maternal deaths. To reduce the burden of maternal mortality causes, increasing awareness and promoting self-care management among women of reproductive age, and implementing effective screening mechanisms for high-risk mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium can play a significant role. ICD-MM enables the uniform collection and comparison of maternal death information at different levels (local, national, and international) by facilitating the consistent collection, analysis, and interpretation of data on maternal deaths. Our findings can be utilized by policymakers and managers at various levels to facilitate necessary planning aimed at reducing the burden of maternal mortality causes.
Evaluating effective measles vaccine coverage in the Malaysian population accounting for between-dose correlation and vaccine efficacy
Authors: Kumar Shurendar Selva , Hartner Anna-Maria , Chandran Arunah , Gaythorpe Katy A. M. , Li Xiang
Published: November 2023

Background

Malaysia introduced the two dose measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine in 2004 as part of its measles elimination strategy. However, despite high historical coverage of MCV1 and MCV2, Malaysia continues to report high measles incidence. This study suggests a novel indicator for investigating population immunity against measles in the Malaysian population.

Methods

We define effective vaccine coverage (EVC) of measles as the proportion of a population vaccinated with measles-containing vaccine (MCV) and effectively protected against measles infection. A quantitative evaluation of EVC throughout the life course of Malaysian birth cohorts was conducted accounting for both vaccine efficacy (VE) and between-dose correlation (BdC). Measles vaccination coverage was sourced from WHO-UNICEF estimates of Malaysia’s routine immunisation coverage and supplementary immunisation activities (SIAs). United Nations World population estimates and projections (UNWPP) provided birth cohort sizes stratified by age and year. A step wise joint Bernoulli distribution was used to proportionate the Malaysian population born between 1982, the first year of Malaysia’s measles vaccination programme, and 2021, into individuals who received zero dose, one dose and multiple doses of MCV. VE estimates by age and doses received are then adopted to derive EVC. A sensitivity analysis was conducted using 1000 random combinations of BdC and VE parameters.

Results

This study suggests that no birth cohort in the Malaysian population has achieved > 95% population immunity (EVC) conferred through measles vaccination since the measles immunisation programme began in Malaysia.

Conclusion

The persistence of measles in Malaysia is due to pockets of insufficient vaccination coverage against measles in the population. Monitoring BdC through immunisation surveillance systems may allow for the identification of susceptible subpopulations (primarily zero-dose MCV individuals) and increase the coverage of individuals who are vaccinated with multiple doses of MCV. This study provides a tool for assessment of national-level population immunity of measles conferred through vaccination and does not consider subnational heterogeneity or vaccine waning. This tool can be readily applied to other regions and vaccine-preventable diseases.
Associations between changes in habitual sleep duration and lower self-rated health among COVID-19 survivors: findings from a survey across 16 countries/regions
Authors: Matsui Kentaro , Chung Frances , Bjelajac Adrijana Koscec , Merikanto Ilona , Korman Maria , Mota-Rolim Sérgio , Cunha Ana Suely , Bjorvatn Bjørn , Xue Pei , Benedict Christian , Morin Charles M. , Espie Colin A. , Landtblom Anne-Marie , Penzel Thomas , De Gennaro Luigi , Holzinger Brigitte , Hrubos-Strøm Harald , Leger Damien , Bolstad Courtney J. , Nadorff Michael R. , Plazzi Giuseppe , Reis Catia , Chan Ngan Yin , Wing Yun Kwok , Yordanova Juliana , Dauvilliers Yves , Partinen Markku , Inoue Yuichi
Published: November 2023

Background

Self-rated health (SRH) is widely recognized as a clinically significant predictor of subsequent mortality risk. Although COVID-19 may impair SRH, this relationship has not been extensively examined. The present study aimed to examine the correlation between habitual sleep duration, changes in sleep duration after infection, and SRH in subjects who have experienced SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods

Participants from 16 countries participated in the International COVID Sleep Study-II (ICOSS-II) online survey in 2021. A total of 10,794 of these participants were included in the analysis, including 1,509 COVID-19 individuals (who reported that they had tested positive for COVID-19). SRH was evaluated using a 0-100 linear visual analog scale. Habitual sleep durations of < 6 h and > 9 h were defined as short and long habitual sleep duration, respectively. Changes in habitual sleep duration after infection of ≤ -2 h and ≥ 1 h were defined as decreased or increased, respectively.

Results

Participants with COVID-19 had lower SRH scores than non-infected participants, and those with more severe COVID-19 had a tendency towards even lower SRH scores. In a multivariate regression analysis of participants who had experienced COVID-19, both decreased and increased habitual sleep duration after infection were significantly associated with lower SRH after controlling for sleep quality (β = −0.056 and −0.058, respectively, both p < 0.05); however, associations between current short or long habitual sleep duration and SRH were negligible. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that decreased habitual sleep duration was significantly related to increased fatigue (odds ratio [OR] = 1.824, p < 0.01), shortness of breath (OR = 1.725, p < 0.05), diarrhea/nausea/vomiting (OR = 2.636, p < 0.01), and hallucinations (OR = 5.091, p < 0.05), while increased habitual sleep duration was significantly related to increased fatigue (OR = 1.900, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Changes in habitual sleep duration following SARS-CoV-2 infection were associated with lower SRH. Decreased or increased habitual sleep duration might have a bidirectional relation with post-COVID-19 symptoms. Further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying these relationships for in order to improve SRH in individuals with COVID-19.
Association between psychological distress and mental help-seeking intentions in international students of national university of Singapore: a mediation analysis of mental health literacy
Authors: Zeng Fanmin , John Wong Chee Meng , Qiao Dan , Sun Xueli
Published: November 2023

Background

International students encounter a wide range of challenges that can have a significant impact on their mental health. Seeking help is one of the primary means of managing mental health, and more attention is required. This study aimed to investigate the psychological distress(PD), mental health literacy(MHL), and mental help-seeking intentions(MHSI) in international students of National University of Singapore(NUS), to explore the correlation between the three and to verify the mediating role of MHL in PD and MHSI.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted between May and July 2023 using the Mental Help Seeking Intention Scale(MHSIS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9(PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7(GAD-7), and Mental Health Literacy Scale(MHLS). 281 international students(177 males, 104 females;) in NUS completed self-report questionnaires. SPSS 25.0 was applied to the data for descriptive analysis, Pearson correlation analysis and stepwise regression analysis. Mediation analysis fully for all potential confounding factors were conducted.

Results

Significant correlations were found between PD, MHL and MHSI. MHLS- knowledge of how to seek professional information(MHLS- H) completely mediated the association of anxiety with MHSI[B=-0.271; 95% confidence interval(CI): (-0.067, 0.0037)]; MHLS- attitude that promote recognition or appropriate help-seeking behavior(stigma)(MHLS- H) partially mediated the association of PD with MHSI[B = 0.104, 95% CI: (0.008, 0.179)]; with mediating effects accounting for 100% and 24.847% of the total effect. In addition, demographic variables such as gender, years in Singapore and residence type mediated both the direct and indirect effect of the mediation model.

Conclusions

MHL mediated both the direct and indirect effects on the association between PD and MHSI, especially, the mediator of the MHLS- H and MHL-A. It means that MHSI in this population can be improved by increasing MHL and thus the PD. The findings suggest that, such as providing information about how to access to professional services and promoting disorder recognition to the international students, may help them develop their psychological well-being and good mental health care decisions.