bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Count Models for Identifying Factors Associated with Child Mortality in Ethiopia
Authors: Ali Endale Alemayehu , Tilahun Tsigereda 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Introduction: The under-five mortality rate, often known by its acronym U5MR or simply as the child mortality rate, indicates the probability of dying between births exactly five years of age, expressed per 1,000 live births. In comparison, the probability of dying after the first month and before reaching age 1 was 12 per 1,000, the probability of dying after age 1 and before age 5 was 10 per 1,000, and the probability of dying after age 5 and before age 15 was 7 per 1,000. Objectives: The study was aimed to determine the major factors of child mortality in Ethiopia using different counting models. In detail the study has the objective of identifying the risk factors of child mortality in Ethiopia and also to prioritize the best counting models that fit the data well. Methods: The Ethiopian demographic and health survey of 2016 was used for this study. About 10641 women aged between 15-49 were included in the survey. To analyze the data, counting models like the Poisson regression model, negative binomial model, zero-inflated regression models, and zero-inflated negative binomial regression model were applicable. Results: The results of the study indicated that of the total 10641 women respondents, 7576 (71.2%) have not faced the problem of child mortality. Thus, this result has the clue that the count models, especially the models that can handle the dispersion may be applicable. The average rate of child mortality is less than the variance of child mortality and this indicated that there is an over-dispersion of the data. Of all the candidate models, a zero-inflated negative binomial regression model was found to be the best model since it has a minimum AIC(15517). The coefficient table of the best model indicated that of child mortality for the women from rural residence is 1.2532 greater than those from urban with a 95% confidence interval (0.0905, 0.3610). Conclusion: The model comparison technique is indicated that the zero-inflated negative binomial regression models were the best mode that fit the data well. Under this model, the residency of women, birth order, Preceding Birth Interval, Size of a child at birth (smaller than average), and number of household members are significant variables in determining the status of child mortality in Ethiopia
Incidence Trends and Survival Prediction of Urothelial Cancer of the Bladder: A Population-Based Study
Authors: He Hairong , Liu Tianjie , Han Didi , Li Chengzhuo , Xu Fengshuo , Lyu Jun , Gao Ye 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence trends of urothelial cancer of the bladder (UCB) and to develop a nomogram for predicting the cancer-specific survival (CSS) of postsurgery UCB at a population-based level based on the SEER database. Methods. The age-adjusted incidence of UCB diagnosed from 1975 to 2016 was extracted, and its annual percentage change was calculated and joinpoint regression analysis was performed. A nomogram was constructed for predicting the CSS in individual cases based on independent predictors. The predictive performance of the nomogram was evaluated using the consistency index (C-index), net reclassification index (NRI), integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), a calibration plot and the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve. Results. The incidence of UCB showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing from 1975 to 2016. However, the overall incidence increased over that time period. The age at diagnosis, race, insurance status, marital status, differentiated grade, AJCC stage, regional lymph nodes removed status, chemotherapy status and tumor size were independent prognostic factors for postsurgery UCB. The nomogram constructed based on these independent factors performed well, with a C-index of 0.823 and a close fit to the calibration curve. Its prediction ability for CSS of postsurgery UCB is better than that of the existing AJCC system, with NRI and IDI values greater than 0 and ROC curves exhibiting good performance for 3, 5, and 8 years of follow-up. Conclusions. The nomogram constructed in this study might be suitable for clinical use in improving the clinical predictive accuracy of the long-term survival for postsurgery UCB.
300,000-year-old wooden tools from Gantangqing, southwest China
Authors: Gao Xing , Liu Jian-Hui , Ruan Qi-Jun , Ge Junyi , Huang Yongjiang , Liu Jia , Li Shufeng , Guan Ying , Shen Hui , Wang Yuan , Stidham Thomas , Deng Chenglong , Li Shenghua , Han Fei , Li Bo , Dennell Robin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Early Palaeolithic wooden implements are exceptionally rare. The best known are the spears and throwing sticks from Schöningen, Germany dated to ca. 300–330 thousand years (kyr) ago 1,2 and the 171-kyr old digging sticks from Poggetti Vecchi, Italy 3. Here, we report a unique assemblage of 35 wooden implements from the site of Gantangqing, southwestern China, which was found associated with stone tools, antler soft hammers and cut-marked bones, and is dated to ca. 361–250 kyr at 95% probability. The wooden implements include digging sticks and complete, small, hand-held pointed tools. The tips of several had starch grains of plants with starch-rich rhizomes. We suggest that most of these tools were used for digging the rhizomes of sub-aquatic plants on the edges of an ancient lake. This discovery provides the earliest tangible evidence for the exploitation of sub-surface plant foods in the Middle Pleistocene. It also highlights the probable role of plant foods (especially underground storage organs [USOs]) in sub-tropical and tropical environments in which a wide variety of edible plants were available, and implies that hominins had a detailed knowledge of which plants, and which parts of plants, were edible. These tools also show that organic materials played an important role in Middle Pleistocene technology, and the sophistication of many of these tools off-sets the seemingly “primitive” design of stone tools in the East Asian Early Palaeolithic.
Attitudes of registered physiotherapists toward people identifying as lesbian, gay, and bisexual: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Klein Roei , Elboim-Gabyzon Michal 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to explore the attitudes of registered physiotherapists in Israel toward people identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) and to identify background characteristics associated with their attitudes toward LGB individuals. Methods: This study employed an observational design and was conducted nationwide in Israel. The anonymous online questionnaire covered participants’ demographic characteristics (e.g., age, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, and religiousness), two self-assessment questions regarding levels of homophobia (active engagement against LGB individuals) and heterosexism (holding negative opinions regarding LGB individuals), and the 22-item Hebrew version of the Attitudes Toward Homosexuality Scale (ATHS). Participants were recruited through professional organizations, social media, and word of mouth. Results: The data of 383 registered physiotherapists practicing in Israel were analyzed. ATHS scores ranged between 32 and 110 (out of 110), with a median score of 106 and 41% scoring below the median. The median score regarding homophobia and heterosexism was one out of five. Logistic regression indicated that identifying as men, heterosexual orientation, and religiousness were significantly associated with less positive attitudes toward LGB individuals. Most participants received considerably limited formal education regarding the specific needs of sexual minorities. Conclusions: Overall, physiotherapists in Israel demonstrated favorable attitudes toward LGB individuals, as reflected both by ATHS scores and their levels of homophobia and heterosexism. The current results highlight the need to update the physiotherapy curriculum to include information regarding sexual orientation and its effect on the mental and physical health of the LGB community.
Clinical Characteristics and Long-term Surgical Outcome of Spinal Myxopapillary Ependymoma: A French Cohort of 101 Patients
Authors: Montero Anne-Sophie , Tran Suzanne , Amelot Aymeric , Berriat Félix , Lot Guillaume , Gaillard Stephan , Villa Chiara , Polivka Marc , Adam Clovis , Idbaih Ahmed , Feuvret Loïc , Carpentier Alexandre , Parker Fabrice , Bielle Franck , Mathon Bertrand 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Myxopapillary ependymoma (MPE) is the most frequent tumor affecting the medullary conus. The surgical therapeutic management is still debated and only few studies have focused on the postoperative clinical outcome of patients. This study aimed to demonstrate long-term postoperative outcome and to assess the predictive factors of recurrence as well as the clinical evolution of these patients.Methods: From 1984 to 2019, in four French centers 101 adult patients diagnosed with MPE were retrospectively included. Results: Median age at surgery was 39 years. Median tumor size was 50mm and lesions were multifocal in 13% of patients. All patients benefited from surgery and one patient received postoperative radiotherapy. Gross total resection was obtained in 75% of cases. Sixteen percent of patients presented recurrence after a median follow-up of 70 months. Progression free survival at 5 and 10 years were respectively estimated at 83% and 79%. After multivariable analysis, sacral localization, and subtotal resection were shown to be independently associated with tumor recurrence. 85% of the patients had a favorable evolution concerning pain. Twelve percent of the patients presented a postoperative deterioration of sphincter function and 4% of motor function. Conclusion: Surgery alone is an acceptable option for MPE patients. Patients with sacral location or incomplete resection are at high risk of recurrence and should be carefully monitored.
Pseudocapsular resection in elderly patients with non-functioning pituitary adenoma
Authors: Kinoshita Yasuyuki , Taguchi Akira , Tominaga Atsushi , Arita Kazunori , Yamasaki Fumiyuki 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose
The safety of transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) for pituitary adenoma in elderly patients is becoming a new topic in our aging society. However, previous studies did not focus on the surgical procedures in elderly patients. We attempted to clarify the safety of TSS and the influence of pseudocapsular resection in elderly patients with non-functioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA).
Methods
A total of 272 patients undergoing initial surgery for NFPA were categorized into two groups as follows: 1) Elderly group (n = 66; age ≥ 70 years); and 2) Younger group (n = 206; age < 70 years). Furthermore, all patients were newly divided into the two following categories: 1) Resected group (n = 113, with total pseudocapsule resection); and 2) Non-Resected group (n = 159, without pseudocapsule resection). The main outcome measure was the incidence of perioperative complications and the rate of severe growth hormone deficiency (sGHD) after TSS.
Results
No data indicated a negative influence of aging on TSS. Furthermore, pseudocapsular resection did not increase the surgical risks in the Elderly group. On the other hand, sGHD only showed a significant improvement in the Younger group. However, the prevalence of sGHD did not change after TSS in the Elderly group, irrespective of whether the pseudocapsule was resected.
Conclusions
Aging does not increase the risk of TSS for NFPA, furthermore, pseudocapsular resection does not have any negative influence on the TSS of NFPA in elderly patients. However, in elderly patients, the likelihood of achieving an improvement in sGHD is lower, irrespective of whether the TSS is performed with a pseudocapsular resection.
Comprehensive Analysis of Proteasomal Complexes in Mouse Brain Regions Detects ENO2 as a Potential Partner of the proteasome in the Striatum
Authors: Rezvani Khosrow , Esfahanian Niki , Nelson Morgan , Autenried Rebecca , Pattison Scott , Callegari Eduardo 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Defects in the activity of the proteasome or its regulators are linked to several pathologies including neurodegenerative diseases. We hypothesize that proteasome heterogeneity and its selective partners vary across brain regions and have a large impact on proteasomal catalytic activities. Using neuronal cell cultures and brain tissues obtained from mice, we compared proteasomal activities from two distinct brain regions affected in neurodegenerative diseases, the striatum and the hippocampus. The results indicated that proteasome activities and their responses to proteasome inhibitors are determined by their subcellular localizations and their brain regions. Using a iodixanol gradient fractionation method, proteasome complexes were isolated, followed by proteomic analysis for proteasomal interaction partners. Proteomic results revealed gamma enolase (ENO2), a known proteasome partner, has more affinity to proteasome complexes purified from the striatum than to those from the hippocampus. These results highlight a potential key role for non-proteasomal partners of proteasome regarding the diverse activities of the proteasome complex recorded in several brain regions.
Do Fires Discriminate? Socio-Economic Disadvantage, Wildfire Hazard Exposure and the Australian 2019–20 ‘Black Summer’ Fires
Authors: Akter Sonia , Grafton R. Quentin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
We examine the relationship between socio-economic disadvantage and exposure to environmental hazard with data from the catastrophic 2019–2020 Australian wildfires (Black Summer) that burnt at least 19 million hectares, thousands of buildings and was responsible for the deaths of 34 people and more than one billion animals. Combining data from the National Indicative Aggregated Fire Extent (NIAFE) and 2016 Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), we estimate the correlation between wildfire hazard exposure and an index of community-level socio-economic disadvantage. Wildfire hazard exposure is measured as the interaction between the percentage of area burnt and proximity of the fire to settlements. The results reveal a significant positive relationship between fire hazard exposure and socio-economic disadvantage, such that the most socio-economically disadvantaged communities bore a disproportionately higher hazard exposure in the Black Summer than relatively advantaged communities. Our spatial analysis shows that the socio-economic disadvantage and wildfire hazard exposure relationship exists in inner regional, outer regional and remote areas of New South Wales and Victoria, the two worst-hit states of the Black Summer catastrophe. Our spatial analysis also finds that wildfire hazard exposure, even within a small geographical area, can vary substantially depending on the socio-economic profiles of communities. A possible explanation for our findings is resource gaps for fire suppression and hazard reduction that favours communities with a greater level of socio-economic advantage.
Evaluation the relationship of&nbsp;left ventricular global longitudinal strain and laboratory parameters in discharged patients with COVID-19: A follow-up study
Authors: BAYKIZ Derya , GOVDELI Elif AYDUK , OZER Pelin KARACA , KARAAYVAZ Ekrem Bilal , CATMA Yunus , MEDETALIBEYOGLU Alpay , CAGATAY Atahan , UMMAN Berrin , TUKEK Tufan , BUGRA Zehra 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
The novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) disease has spread rapidly and posed a great threat to global public health. The laboratory parameters and clinical outcomes of the disease in discharged patients remain unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the laboratory and echocardiographic findings of patients with COVID-19 after discharge and the relation between left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) and inflammatory parameters in discharged patients.
Methods
A total of 75 patients recovering from COVID-19 as the study group were prospectively recruited from the COVID-19 outpatient clinic for their follow-up visits at a median 6 months after discharge. Patients were classified into groups according to pneumonia severity and impairment in LVGLS. Laboratory findings of patients both at admission and after discharge were evaluated and the relation with pneumonia severity at admission and LVGLS after discharge were analyzed.
Results
Serum ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP) levels after discharge were significantly higher in the study group than the control group (n = 44). Ferritin was found to be related to pneumonia severity. Serum ferritin and LDH values after discharge were significantly higher in patients with impaired LVGLS than those with preserved. There was a significant correlation between LVGLS, serum ferritin and LDH values after discharge (r = -0.252, p = 0.012; r = -0.268, p = 0.005, respectively).
Conclusions
Clinicians should pay close attention to the serum ferritin and LDH levels in discharged patients for predicting the severity of COVID-19 disease and early identification of subclinical left ventricular myocardial dysfunction.
Okur-Chung Neurodevelopmental Syndrome-linked CK2α mutations have reduced kinase activity
Authors: Dominguez Isabel , Gamero Jose Cruz , Corasolla Victor , Dacher Nicolas , Rangasamy Sampath , Urbani Andrea , Naranayan Vinod , rebholz heike 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The Okur-Chung Neurodevelopmental Syndrome, or OCNDS, is a newly discovered rare neurodevelopmental disorder. It is characterized by developmental delay, intellectual disability, behavioral problems (hyperactivity, repetitive movements and social interaction deficits), hypotonia, epilepsy and language/verbalization deficits. OCNDS is linked to de novo variants in CSNK2A1, that lead to missense or deletion/truncating mutations in the encoded protein, the protein kinase CK2a.
Eighteen different missense CK2a mutants have been identified to date, however no biochemical or cell biological studies have yet been performed to clarify the functional impact of such mutations. Here, we show that 15 different missense CK2a mutations lead to varying degrees of loss of kinase activity as recombinant purified proteins and when mutants are ectopically expressed in mammalian cells. We further detect changes in the phosphoproteome of three patient derived fibroblast lines and show that the subcellular localization of CK2a is altered for some of the OCNDS-linked mutants and in patient derived fibroblasts. Our data argue that reduced kinase activity and abnormal localization of CK2a may underlie the OCNDS phenotype.
Equitable mitigation to achieve the 1.5 °C goal in the Mediterranean basin
Authors: Alcaraz Olga , Sureda Bàrbara , Turon Albert , Ramírez Cindy , Gebellí Marta 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The mitigation required to achieve the 1.5 °C goal of the Paris Agreement entails drastic emission reductions. The mentioned goal is of special interest for regions like the Mediterranean where the average temperature is rising above the world average with the consequential risk for the future viability of its different ecosystems.
The objective of this work is to analyze if the commitments of the Mediterranean basin countries submitted under the Paris Agreement framework are in line with the 1.5 °C goal. For this analysis, the cumulative emissions of the current Nationally Determined Contributions of these countries until 2030, are compared with the result obtained from distributing the cumulative greenhouse gas emissions compatible with the 1.5 °C global mitigation scenario between 2018 and 2100. This distribution is obtained using the Model of Climate Justice that allocates the global emissions by using equity criteria (equality and responsibility) that take into consideration the historical responsibility for each country, in the period from 1994 to 2017.
There are two main conclusions from the analysis of the NDCs. Firstly, it is concluded that the Mediterranean basin countries as a whole, are not in line with the 1.5 °C goal, because by 2030, 77% of the emissions budget that will be available until 2100, based on the equity criteria aforementioned, will already have been emitted. And, secondly, when the NDCs for each one of the countries are compared some significant differences in the degree of ambition can be seen.
Socio-demographic, economic and mental health problems were risk factors for suicidal ideation among Kenyan students aged 15 plus
Authors: Ndetei David M , Mutiso Victoria N. , Weisz John R. , Okoth Consolate A. , Musyimi Christine W , Muia Esther N. , Osborn Tom L. , Sourander Andre , Wasserman Danuta , Mamah Daniel 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Understanding the prevalence of different suicidal ideas and context appropriate wide range of risk factors in youth in particular is important because about a third of youth with suicidal ideation develop suicidal plans and about 60% of youth with suicidal plans make suicidal attempts. This study aims to provide for the first time wide ranging Kenyan data on the above so as to inform context appropriate practice and policy. Methods: To achieve our aim, we studied a total of 9742 high school, college and university students using following self-administered instruments: - a researcher design socio-demographic questionnaire, Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire (PDSQ) to document psychiatric disorders and various types of suicidal ideas in previous two weeks, Washington Early Recognition Center Affectivity and Psychosis tool to assess stress, affectivity and psychosis, Wealth index questionnaire to document economic indicators based on household items for the families of the students. We used descriptive statistics to document the prevalence of suicidal ideas and socio-demographics, univariate analysis to determine associations between suicidal ideas and mental health disorders, socio-demographic characteristics and economic indicators. All the independent variables were then estimated using bivariate logistic regression, fitted to identify potential confounding factors. Variables with a p-value of less than <.05 were entered into generalized linear models using logit links to identify independent predictors. Results: The median age was 21.3 years (range 15-43),with a majority of males (53.5%)and 93.4% single. The overall prevalence of different types of suicidal ideation was (22.6%), the commonest of which was thinking of specific ways to take their life (19.3%) and least wanting to be dead (10.7%). Major depression was found in 20.0%. Affectivity, psychosis and stress was found in 10.4%, 8.7% and 26.0% respectively. Female gender, major depression, stress, affectivity and psychosis and being in high school were significant (p<0.05) predictors of suicidal ideation. Conclusion: We have documented the prevalence of different types of suicidal ideas and the risk factors in Kenyan students. We have therefore achieved our aims. Future studies are needed to study the progression from suicidal ideas to suicidal attempts and the factors associated with that progression.