bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single-cell Transcriptomic Atlas of Human Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Wang Qiang , He Xiaojun , Wang Dongjin , Gao Wei Dong 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

Intraocular pressure (IOP) measured through the sclera has some advantages over IOP measured through cornea. This study aimed to determine the agreement between IOP as estimated by scleral Schiotz (SS) tonometer and Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT). In this cross-sectional observational study, IOP was measured by GAT on cornea and Schiotz tonometer on temporal sclera. Axial length and central corneal thickness (CCT) were noted. GAT IOP was then estimated (eGAT) from SS IOP using a predictive formula. Agreement of GAT corrected for CCT (cGAT) with eGAT and SS IOP were assessed. The effects of age, axial length, refraction, CCT, gender, and ocular and systemic comorbidity on measured IOP were also assessed. The study included 155 patients with mean age of 54.27 ± 10.02 years. Mean IOP measured by GAT and scleral Schiotz were 16.58 ± 2.76 mm Hg and 16.10 ± 2.96 mm Hg respectively. The mean IOP by cGAT and eGAT were 16.70 ± 2.80 mm Hg and 17.07 ± 3.10 mm Hg respectively. Both eGAT & SS IOP had good agreement with cGAT on Bland-Altmann plot (p = 0.96; 0.51 respectively). Age, axial length, refraction, central corneal thickness, gender, and ocular and systemic comorbidity did not show significant correlation with IOP measurement. GAT IOP as estimated from SS IOP showed good agreement with measured GAT values. SS IOP also agreed well with GAT IOP. Clinical significance: IOP measurement on the sclera using Schiotz can be used as an alternative to GAT.
Prediction model for spontaneous preterm birth less than 32 weeks of gestation in low-risk women with mid-trimester short cervical length: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Huang Xiaoxiu , Zhou Yimin , Liu Bingqing , Huang Yuhui , Wang Mengni , Li Na , Li Baohua 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

In this study, a negative pressure cavitation adsorption method was developed to efficiently recover paclitaxel from Taxus chinensis culture supernatants using Diaion HP-20 as an adsorbent. The equilibrium adsorption data were applied to Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich, and Elovich isotherms, and the Langmuir isotherm was found to be the most feasible. The kinetic data were in good agreement with the pseudo-second-order model, and intraparticle diffusion played a dominant role in the adsorption rate of paclitaxel according to the intraparticle diffusion model. The time for the adsorption to reach equilibrium was shortened by more than eight times at all negative pressures (-50 to -200 mmHg) compared to the conventional adsorption. Additionally, as the negative pressure increased, the maximum adsorption capacity, adsorption rate constant, intraparticle diffusion rate constant, and intraparticle diffusion coefficient increased. The values of the thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption was endothermic and spontaneous. As the negative pressure intensity increased at a given adsorption capacity (qe = 60-100 mg/g), the isosteric heat of adsorption decreased and the adsorbent surface became more energetically homogeneous.
A Perspective of Nursing Students on the Challenges of Online Learning in the Blended Learning Era: A Call to Action for Universities?
Authors: Gabriel Rebekka Ndatolewe , Nyahwema Valerie 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Blended learning has become the new norm post the pandemic. It aims to combine the advantages of online and face-to-face learning. However, the online aspect comes with unique challenges, some of which might be a spillover from the pandemic. This study aimed to explore the challenges faced by nursing students regarding online learning in the blended learning era. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted at a University in Namibia. It has four undergraduate nursing classes. A Focus Group Discussion was conducted per class whereby 10 students were randomly selected to partake in sessions. Thematic data analysis was conducted using ATLAS.ti. Four main themes were created from the data collected. 1. Financial constraints to buy data and devices for online learning. 2. Digital illiteracy and a lack of technological skills characterized by difficulties in logging into online learning platforms and accessing materials. 3. Technical issues in the form of poor network coverage and gadgets acting up. 4. Reduced motivation characterized by a lack of interest and mental exhaustion. Although blended learning has both face-to-face and online learning modes, the online mode still presents challenges to students. Higher learning institutions ought to dissect these challenges and implement mitigation strategies to improve the online learning experience and subsequently improve student performance.
Influence of grain size or anisotropy on the correlation between uniaxial compressive strength and Brazilian tensile strength
Authors: Kong Fanmeng , Han Mingyi , Zhao Yuting , Lu Haitao , Liu Shian , Luan Pengyu , Zhuo Baolong , Shi Gaofei 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

To offer guidance for using Brazilian tensile strength (BTS) to estimate UCS of anisotropic rocks, this study uses sandstone (fine or coarse grain) and gneiss (0°, 45°, 90° inclined anisotropy) to investigate the influence of grain size or anisotropy on the correlations of UCS-BTS. According to the regression analysis, there is no significant equation of UCS-BTS for rocks with vertical anisotropy. The grain size variation or multidirectional anisotropy can result in a decrease in the determination coefficient value of correlations. Then, coarse grain size or vertical anisotropy deteriorates the statistical performance of correlations between UCS and BTS, reflected by the Akaike Information Criterion and performance index. For rocks with fine grain size or 45° inclined anisotropy, the data points of estimated UCS are clustered uniformly around the exact estimation line. Finally, the accuracy of predicted UCS via BTS declines obviously following the varying grain size or different anisotropy orientations. Using empirical formulas with different grain sizes or anisotropy properties can generate significant errors in estimated UCS. To predict UCS, BTS should be extracted from rocks with single grain size magnitude or unidirectional anisotropy. Moreover, the Brazilian test parallel to the anisotropy cannot be used to derive the correlation of UCS-BTS.