Long-term Loss Research Articles

Preoperative OCT-Derived Nasal Perifoveal Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness Predictively Correlates Long-Term Visual Acuity Post Oil Removal Surgery.

With the widespread application of silicone oil in vitreoretinal surgery, the purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors of long-term vision loss 12months post oil removal in retina-detached eyes treated with vitrectomy and silicone oil tamponade. Of the 592 patients approached, eligible eyes completed the investigation up to 12months post-oil-removal. Eligible eyes underwent pars-plana vitrectomy following oil tamponade. Oil removal was performed after 3 to 28months in different individuals, under the condition that the retina has reattached as well as the hemorrhage and inflammation has dissolved. Postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), age, sex, and interval between tamponade and removal were recorded, and retinal thickness was determined using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Fifty eyes of 50 participants aged 31 to 83years were enrolled. BCVA (LogMAR) 12months post-oil-removal improved in 25 of 40 (62.5%) patients, varying from 0.05 (20/22) to 1.0 (20/200) (mean ± SD = 0.55 ± 0.32). Pre-oil-removal nasal perifoveal retinal nerve fiber layer thickness varied from 16 to 83µm (38.40 ± 18.50), and was significantly linked with post-oil-removal BCVA (0.5%, 95% confidence interval 0.0%-1.0%; P = 0.046). This study demonstrates the risk factors and prognosis of visual function after long-term regeneration post vitrectomy, oil tamponade, and oil removal, thereby underscoring the need for a complete, dynamic examination of retinal structure via OCT measurement. Related studies should be conducted on a larger scale to facilitate the stratification of late-period vision damage in retina-detached eyes. This study developed OCT-based clinical markers for the postoperative visual prognosis of eyes affected by retinal detachment.

Business taxes, management delegation, and growth

We examine the interaction between agency issues and business taxation in a growth model with an endogenous market structure. Agency issues arise from two types of management delegation: day-to-day production and research and development (R&D) activities. We calibrate the model to the US economy. A reduction in profit tax fosters business dynamics, R&D investments, and income growth in the short and medium term but hampers long-term growth. Lower-quality governance dampens short-term income gains and amplifies long-term growth losses. Additionally, we compare the effects of profit tax cuts with those from dividend and executive income tax cuts. Our analysis includes a welfare and inequality evaluation of profit tax reforms.

An experimental and theoretical study on the creep behavior of silt soil in the Yellow River flood area of Zhengzhou City

We took the silt soil in the Yellow River flood area of Zhengzhou City as the research object and carried out triaxial shear and triaxial creep tests on silt soil with different moisture contents (8%, 10%, 12%, 14%) to analyze the effect of moisture content on silt soil. In addition, the influence of moisture contents on soil creep characteristics and long-term strength was analyzed. Based on the fractional derivative theory, we established a fractional derivative model that can effectively describe the creep characteristics of silt soil in all stages, and used the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm to inversely identify the relevant parameters of the fractional derivative creep model. The results show that the shear strengths of silt soil samples with moisture contents of 8%, 10%, 12% and 14% are 294 kPa, 236 kPa, 179 kPa and 161 kPa, respectively. The shear strength of silt soil decreases with increasing moisture content. When the moisture content increases, the cohesion of the silt soil decreases. Under the same deviatoric stress, the higher the moisture content of the silt soil, the greater the deformation will be. The long-term strength of silt soil decreases exponentially with the increase of moisture content. If the moisture content is 12%, the long-term strength loss rate of silt soil is the smallest, with a value of 32.96%. The calculated values of our creep model based on fractional derivatives have a high goodness of fit with the experimental results. This indicates that our model can better simulate the creep characteristics of silt soil. This study can provide a theoretical basis for engineering construction and geological disaster prevention in silt soil areas in the Yellow River flood area.

Distribution network line loss analysis method based on improved clustering algorithm and isolated forest algorithm

The long-term loss of distribution network in the process of distribution network development is caused by the backward management mode of distribution network. The traditional analysis and calculation methods of distribution network loss can not adapt to the current development environment of distribution network. To improve the accuracy of filling missing values in power load data, particle swarm optimization algorithm is proposed to optimize the clustering center of the clustering algorithm. Furthermore, the original isolated forest anomaly recognition algorithm can be used to detect outliers in the load data, and the coefficient of variation of the load data is used to improve the recognition accuracy of the algorithm. Finally, this paper introduces a breadth-first-based method for calculating line loss in the context of big data. An example is provided using the distribution network system of Yuxi City in Yunnan Province, and a simulation experiment is carried out. And the findings revealed that the error of the enhanced fuzzy C-mean clustering algorithm was on average − 6.35, with a standard deviation of 4.015 in the situation of partially missing data. The area under the characteristic curve of the improved isolated forest algorithm subjects in the case of the abnormal sample fuzzy situation was 0.8586, with the smallest decrease, based on the coefficient of variation, and through the refinement of the analysis, it was discovered that the feeder line loss rate is 7.62%. It is confirmed that the suggested technique can carry out distribution network line loss analysis fast and accurately and can serve as a guide for managing distribution network line loss.

Mapping fine-scale seagrass disturbance using bi-temporal UAV-acquired images and multivariate alteration detection

Seagrasses provide critical ecosystem services but cumulative human pressure on coastal environments has seen a global decline in their health and extent. Key processes of anthropogenic disturbance can operate at local spatio-temporal scales that are not captured by conventional satellite imaging. Seagrass management strategies to prevent longer-term loss and ensure successful restoration require effective methods for monitoring these fine-scale changes. Current seagrass monitoring methods involve resource-intensive fieldwork or recurrent image classification. This study presents an alternative method using iteratively reweighted multivariate alteration detection (IR-MAD), an unsupervised change detection technique originally developed for satellite images. We investigate the application of IR-MAD to image data acquired using an unoccupied aerial vehicle (UAV). UAV images were captured at a 14-week interval over two seagrass beds in Brisbane Water, NSW, Australia using a 10-band Micasense RedEdge-MX Dual camera system. To guide sensor selection, a further three band subsets representing simpler sensor configurations (6, 5 and 3 bands) were also analysed using eight categories of seagrass change. The ability of the IR-MAD method, and for the four different sensor configurations, to distinguish the categories of change were compared using the Jeffreys-Matusita (JM) distance measure of spectral separability. IR-MAD based on the full 10-band sensor images produced the highest separability values indicating that human disturbances (propeller scars and other seagrass damage) were distinguishable from all other change categories. IR-MAD results for the 6-band and 5-band sensors also distinguished key seagrass change features. The IR-MAD results for the simplest 3-band sensor (an RGB camera) detected change features, but change categories were not strongly separable from each other. Analysis of IR-MAD weights indicated that additional visible bands, including a coastal blue band and a second red band, improve change detection. IR-MAD is an effective method for seagrass monitoring, and this study demonstrates the potential for multispectral sensors with additional visible bands to improve seagrass change detection.

Analysis of Meteorological Drought for Selected Districts of Saurashtra Region of Gujarat

Drought, in particular, is a complex and recurring phenomenon triggered by insufficient precipitation or changes in its distribution, often resulting in decreased water availability. It evolves slowly, affecting large populations' access to food and water, disrupting the entire hydrological cycle, and causing long-term economic losses. The present study attempts a comprehensive analysis of meteorological drought characteristics for selected districts (Junagadh, Amreli, Jamnagar, and Rajkot) in the semi-arid Saurashtra region of Gujarat. The analysis of meteorological drought was performed using rainfall (RF), maximum temperature (Tmax), and minimum temperature (Tmin) data from four stations (each district has one station) for the 43 years duration (1981–2023). The Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) is utilized across multiple timescales to assess the number of drought affected years, occurrence of drought and drought parameters (total drought duration, magnitude, and intensity). The meteorological drought incidence varied significantly across Junagadh, Amreli, Jamnagar and Rajkot, with Junagadh experiencing droughts in 29% of years, Amreli in 32%, and higher rates in Jamnagar (37%) and Rajkot (36%). The most severe drought years in the four districts were 1987 and 2002, with additional major droughts occurred in 1985, 1986, 1987, 1993, 2002 and 2012. These districts also faced consecutive droughts from 1985 to 1987 and again from 1999 to 2002.Analysis of drought parameters in Junagadh, Amreli, Jamnagar and Rajkot districts showed that drought duration (DD) ranged from 29.46% (Junagadh) to 35.85% (Jamnagar) of months, drought magnitude (DM) varied between -37.58% (Jamnagar) and -34.10% (Junagadh), and drought intensity (DI) spanned from -1.17 (Rajkot) to -1.04 (Junagadh). The analysis of drought occurrence in all districts shows that mild and moderate droughts have been most frequent while severe and extreme droughts have been less common. The study's findings enhance water managers' understanding of how climate change influences drought patterns in the region, thereby assisting policymakers in conducting effective drought risk assessments.

Long-term natural history of ellipsoid zone width in USH2A-retinopathy

AimsTo investigate the long-term natural history of ellipsoid zone (EZ) width in USH2A-retinopathy.MethodsEZ width measurements from optical coherence tomography were retrospectively obtained from 110 eyes of 55 participants with molecularly...

Distinct olfactory mucosal macrophage populations mediate neuronal maintenance and pathogen defense

The olfactory mucosa is important for both the sense of smell and as a mucosal immune barrier to the upper airway and brain. However, little is known about how the immune system mediates the conflicting goals of neuronal maintenance and inflammation in this tissue. A number of immune cell populations reside within the olfactory mucosa and yet we have little understanding of how these resident olfactory immune cells functionally interact with the chemosensory environment. Identifying these interactions will allow therapeutic manipulations that treat disorders such as post-viral olfactory dysfunction. Macrophages are the most prevalent immune cell type in the uninflamed olfactory mucosa and here, we identify two distinct tissue macrophage populations in murine olfactory mucosa. P2ry12hi macrophages are transcriptionally specialized for neuron interactions, closely associated with olfactory neuron cell bodies, long-term tissue residents, and functionally specialized to phagocytose cells and debris, including olfactory neurons. Conversely, MHC Class IIhi macrophages are transcriptionally dedicated to cytokine production and antigen presentation, localized primarily within the olfactory lamina propria, more rapidly replaced by blood monocytes, and rapidly produce chemokines in response to viral infection. We further show that these macrophage signatures are present in human olfactory biopsies, and P2ry12-like olfactory macrophages are reduced in patients with long-term smell loss following COVID-19. Together, these data show that two olfactory macrophage populations regulate neurons and initiate the immune response, contributing to our understanding of both olfactory immunity and tissue-resident macrophage biology.

Do Not Worry That Generative AI May Compromise Human Creativity or Intelligence in the Future: It Already Has.

Technology alters both perceptions of human intelligence and creativity and the actual processes of intelligence and creativity. Skills that were once important for human intelligence, for example, computational ones, no longer hold anywhere near the same importance they did before the age of computers. The advantage of computers is that they may lead us to focus on what we believe to be more important things than what they have replaced. In the case of penmanship, spelling, or arithmetic computation, such an argument could bear fruit. But in the case of human creativity, the loss of creative skills and attitudes may be a long-term loss to humanity. Generative AI is replicative. It can recombine and re-sort ideas, but it is not clear that it will generate the kinds of paradigm-breaking ideas the world needs right now to solve the serious problems that confront it, such as global climate change, pollution, violence, increasing income disparities, and creeping autocracy.

Monitoring and Analysis of Prestress Loss in Prestressed Box Girder Bridges Strengthened with External Prestressing.

To investigate the effects of long-term prestress loss on concrete box girders strengthened with external prestressing, a large-span box girder, in service for over 20 years and strengthened with external prestressing, was monitored for four months. Prestress loss in the longitudinal, vertical, and transverse directions of the box girder was calculated according to Chinese code requirements. Magnetic flux rope force transducers were used to monitor the prestress loss in the external prestressing cables. Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors were used to monitor deflection changes at the mid-span of the bridge. Finally, the effect of prestress loss in the longitudinal, vertical, and transverse tendons on mid-span deflection was investigated through simulations using ABAQUS software. The results show that instantaneous prestress loss accounts for most of the total loss compared to long-term loss, and that longitudinal prestress loss has the most significant effect on mid-span deflection. The impact of longitudinal prestress loss on deflection before and after strengthening was also compared. The downward deflection and up-ward arch caused by longitudinal tendon prestress loss were reduced after strengthening, con-firming the effectiveness of the external prestressing method.

Tele-otology for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People Living in Rural and Remote Areas.

To evaluate a referral-based, tele-otology service in rural and remote areas of the Northern Territory, Australia. A retrospective observational cohort study was performed of a tele-otology service in 93 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities (2011 to 2019). Assessments included face-to-face examinations performed by Clinical Nurse Consultants and audiologists, and asynchronous reviews performed by otolaryngologists. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the likelihood of ear disease, adjusted for age and gender. Intra- and inter-rater agreement was assessed between otolaryngologists. A total of 3,950 patients were reviewed (6,838 encounters, 13,726 ear assessments). The median age of patients was 9.8 years (interquartile range: 7.2 years). Overall, 62.2% of patients were identified with ear disease and 62.5% identified with hearing loss. Substantial intra- and inter-rater agreement in diagnosis was found between otolaryngologists (κ = 0.71 and κ = 0.78, respectively). The most common ear conditions identified were chronic otitis media (COM, 28.1%) and otitis media with effusion (OME, 16.5%). Topical or oral antibiotics were initiated in 14.1% of all encounters, most often for acute otitis media or COM. Surgery was recommended in 27.7% of all encounters, most often myringoplasty, adenoidectomy, and myringotomy with insertion of tympanostomy tubes. Tele-otology is a critical component of an integrated approach to evaluating ear disease in Indigenous people living in rural and remote areas. The high prevalence of OME, COM, and surgical recommendations highlights the need for community engagement, regular follow-up, and early interventions to prevent long-term hearing loss. N/A Laryngoscope, 2024.

Carboxymethyl cellulose/quaternized chitosan hydrogel loaded with polydopamine nanoparticles promotes spinal cord injury recovery by anti-ferroptosis and M1/M2 polarization modulation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) represents a catastrophic neurological condition resulting in long-term loss of motor, autonomic, and sensory functions. Recently, ferroptosis, an iron-regulated form of cell death distinct from apoptosis, has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for SCI. In this study, we developed an injectable hydrogel composed of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and quaternized chitosan (QCS), loaded with modified polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA NPs), referred to as CQP hydrogel. This hydrogel effectively scavenged reactive oxygen species (ROS), prevented the accumulation of Fe2+ and lipid peroxidation associated with ferroptosis, and restored mitochondrial functions in primary neuronal cells. When administered to animal models (rats) with SCI, the CQP hydrogels improved motor function by regulating iron homeostasis, inhibiting ferroptosis, and mitigating oxidative stress injury. Both in vitro and in vivo studies corroborated the capacity of CQP hydrogels to promote the shift from M1 to M2 polarization of microglia/macrophages. These findings suggest that CQP hydrogels, functioning as a localized iron-chelating system, have potential as biomaterials to enhance recovery from SCI by targeting ferroptosis and modulating anti-inflammatory macrophages activity.

Research on the anti-slip performance of arc groove cable clamps

Cable clamps are crucial for connecting component and transmitting prestress in cable structures. The anti-slip performance of the cable clamp is an important factor affecting the stability and safety of the structure. This paper introduces a novel test device to evaluate the anti-slip performance of arc groove cable clamps, and anti-slip performance experiments are performed on four arc groove cable clamps and four straight groove cable clamps. Long-term high strength bolt preload loss tests are conducted to investigate the loss pattern. Furthermore, seventeen parametric finite element models are developed to analyze the effects of groove bending angle, bolt length, cable force, and pressure plate stiffness on the anti-slip performance of arc groove cable clamps. It is found that the arc groove cable clamp exhibits a higher anti-slip bearing capacity, with a friction coefficient equivalent to that of the straight groove cable clamp, both exceeding 0.2. The bolt preload stabilizes at a certain value after 96 h of screwing the bolt, while it stabilizes after 24 h of tensioning the cable. The increase in the bolt length and angel of arc groove, as well as the reduction in the stiffness of the pressure plate, have a positive impact on the anti-slip bearing capacity of the arc groove cable clamp. There is a critical cable force that results in the lowest anti-slip bearing capacity of the arc groove cable clamp. These research results provide valuable insights for the design and engineering application of arc groove cable clamps.

Characterizing the tumor suppressor activity of FLCN in Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome through transcriptiomic and proteomic analysis.

Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome patients are uniquely susceptible to all renal tumour subtypes. The underlying mechanism of carcinogenesis is unclear. To study cancer development in BHD, we used human proximal kidney (HK2) cells and found that long-term folliculin (FLCN) knockdown was required to increase their tumorigenic potential, forming larger spheroids in non-adherent conditions. Transcriptomic and proteomic analysis uncovered links between FLCN, cell cycle control and the DNA damage response (DDR) machinery. HK2 cells lacking FLCN had an altered transcriptome profile with cell cycle control gene enrichment. G1/S cell cycle checkpoint signaling was compromised with heightened protein levels of cyclin D1 (CCND1) and hyperphosphorylation of retinoblastoma 1 (RB1). A FLCN interactome screen uncovered FLCN binding to DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK). This novel interaction was reversed in an irradiation-responsive manner. Knockdown of FLCN in HK2 cells caused a marked elevation of γH2AX and RB1 phosphorylation. Both CCND1 and RB1 phosphorylation remained raised during DNA damage, showing an association with defective cell cycle control with FLCN knockdown. Furthermore, Flcn-knockdown C. elegans were defective in cell cycle arrest by DNA damage. This work implicates that long-term FLCN loss and associated cell cycle defects in BHD patients could contribute to their increased risk of cancer.

Determinants of Systemic SARS-CoV-2-Specific Antibody Responses to Infection and to Vaccination: A Secondary Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trial Data.

SARS-CoV-2 infections elicit antibodies against the viral spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins; COVID-19 vaccines against the S-protein only. The BCG-Corona trial, initiated in March 2020 in SARS-CoV-2-naïve Dutch healthcare workers, captured several epidemic peaks and the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines during the one-year follow-up. We assessed determinants of systemic anti-S1 and anti-N immunoglobulin type G (IgG) responses using trial data. Participants were randomised to BCG or placebo vaccination, reported daily symptoms, SARS-CoV-2 test results, and COVID-19 vaccinations, and donated blood for SARS-CoV-2 serology at two time points. In the 970 participants, anti-S1 geometric mean antibody concentrations (GMCs) were much higher than anti-N GMCs. Anti-S1 GMCs significantly increased with increasing number of immune events (SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 vaccination): 104.7 international units (IU)/mL, 955.0 IU/mL, and 2290.9 IU/mL for one, two, and three immune events, respectively (p < 0.001). In adjusted multivariable linear regression models, anti-S1 and anti-N log10 concentrations were significantly associated with infection severity, and anti-S1 log10 concentration with COVID-19 vaccine type/dose. In univariable models, anti-N log10 concentration was also significantly associated with acute infection duration, and severity and duration of individual symptoms. Antibody concentrations were not associated with long COVID or long-term loss of smell/taste.

With or without metamorphosis of learning Orientation: Post-Cross-Border mergers and acquisitions performance of emerging multinational enterprises

This study aims to shed light on how emerging multinational enterprises (EMNEs) can successfully learn from their strategic cross-border mergers and acquisitions (CBMAs). Building on organization learning theory, we introduce a “metamorphosis” strategy that outlines a transition from exploitation to exploration for EMNEs. In extending the boundary conditions of successful learning from CBMAs for EMNEs, we examine the moderating effect of both metamorphosis and low-discretion resource on the relationship between CBMAs and EMNE growth. Our study analyzes longitudinal data collected from 481 Chinese MNEs that conducted CBMAs between 2002 and 2019. We empirically investigate the moderating roles of metamorphosis and low-discretion resource on both the short-term and long-term post-CBMA performance of EMNEs. The results suggest that EMNEs adopting a metamorphosis strategy have the potential to transform long-term losses into wins in post-CBMA performance.

The Long-Term Loss of Smell and Taste in COVID-19 Patients – A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Olfactory symptoms have been reported as particular in COVID-19 patients. Objective: To synthesize and analyze the existing evidence on the monitoring loss of sense of smell and taste in COVID-19 patients, and for how long symptoms persist after the virus is no longer active in the organism. Methods: A search was implemented in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science databases. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to PRISMA, and the risk of bias was assessed through the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The review protocol is registered in PROSPERO. Results: Our systematic review included data from 14 articles with a total of 2143 participants. The most reported sensory symptom of COVID-19 was anosmia, which was detected in 1499 patients, being the only symptom to appear in all studies. Ageusia was detected in 595 patients, dysgeusia in 514 patients, and hyposmia in 209 patients. The studies provided the number of 729 patients with sensory symptoms during the acute COVID-19 infection of 15 days, and 1020 patients with lasting sensory symptoms, presenting sensory dysfunctions after the average latent period of 15 days of the acute COVID-19 infection. Conclusion: Evidence points to the loss or dysfunction of taste and smell as one of the symptoms of COVID-19 persisting for an average time of 15 days, with 44% of COVID-19 patients with persistent symptoms for more than 15 days. Nevertheless, most studies do not perform a follow-up with those patients. Therefore, further research on sensory symptoms and their follow-up is required.

Deep-Learning-Based Recovery of Missing Optical Marker Trajectories in 3D Motion Capture Systems.

Motion capture (MoCap) technology, essential for biomechanics and motion analysis, faces challenges from data loss due to occlusions and technical issues. Traditional recovery methods, based on inter-marker relationships or independent marker treatment, have limitations. This study introduces a novel U-net-inspired bi-directional long short-term memory (U-Bi-LSTM) autoencoder-based technique for recovering missing MoCap data across multi-camera setups. Leveraging multi-camera and triangulated 3D data, this method employs a sophisticated U-shaped deep learning structure with an adaptive Huber regression layer, enhancing outlier robustness and minimizing reconstruction errors, proving particularly beneficial for long-term data loss scenarios. Our approach surpasses traditional piecewise cubic spline and state-of-the-art sparse low rank methods, demonstrating statistically significant improvements in reconstruction error across various gap lengths and numbers. This research not only advances the technical capabilities of MoCap systems but also enriches the analytical tools available for biomechanical research, offering new possibilities for enhancing athletic performance, optimizing rehabilitation protocols, and developing personalized treatment plans based on precise biomechanical data.

Determining the effects of green space usage on health inequalities among residents of shrinking cities based on a social capital perspective

Long-term population loss and economic downturns have led to shrinking cities generally lacking social vitality and losing public spaces, such as green spaces. Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of green spaces for the social capital and health of residents, but the impacts of green space usage on health inequalities in the context of urban shrinkage have not been fully explored. In addition, residents who live in shrinking cities in northeastern China are more likely to suffer health problems due to their location in a severely cold region. Therefore, we selected 17 urban green spaces in Hegang, a typical shrinking city, as the research objects. We collected a total of 544 valid questionnaires through random distribution. These data were used to evaluate four green space usage characteristics of residents comprising transportation costs, usage frequency, usage duration, and participation in activities, as well as two social capital dimensions that are directly related to health comprising social networks and reciprocity and trust. We conducted correlation analysis, multivariate analysis of variance, and analysis of covariance to explore the impacts of green space usage on two categories of social capital for residents with different attributes and the consequences of health inequalities. The results showed that: (1) women, middle-aged and elderly people, and the low- and middle-income classes were less able to access social capital through the usage of green spaces; (2) the frequency of green space usage and intensity of participation in social activities were key dimensions that affected inequality; and (3) the usage of green spaces reinforced inequalities in the level of reciprocity and trust among residents. Based on our findings, we recommend that local governments in shrinking cities pay more attention to green spaces and squares in inner city areas to improve the accessibility and usability of these open spaces. Governments should focus on regenerating green spaces located near older neighborhoods to increase opportunities for residents to make new social connections and reduce inequalities in public services and health, especially for improving the social well-being of older populations with a lower socioeconomic status.

Gender disparities in lost productivity resulting from non-communicable diseases in Mexico, 2005-2021.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) cause long-term impacts on health and can substantially affect people's ability to work. Little is known about how such impacts vary by gender, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where productivity losses may affect economic development. This study assessed the long-term productivity loss caused by major NCDs among adult women and men (20-76 years) in Mexico because of premature death and hospitalisations, between 2005 and 2021. We conducted an economic valuation based on the Human Capital Approach. We obtained population-based data from the National Employment Survey from 2005 to 2021 to estimate the expected productivity according to age and gender using a two-part model. We utilised expected productivity based on wage rates to calculate the productivity loss, employing Mexican official mortality registries and hospital discharge microdata for the same period. To assess the variability in our estimations, we performed sensitivity analyses under two different scenarios. Premature mortality by cancers, diabetes, chronic cardiovascular diseases (CVD), chronic respiratory diseases (CRD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) caused a productivity loss of 102.6 billion international US dollars (Intl. USD) from 2.8 million premature deaths. Seventy-three percent of this productivity loss was observed among men. Cancers caused 38.3% of the productivity loss (mainly among women), diabetes 38.1, CVD 15.1, CRD 3.2, and CKD 5.3%. Regarding hospitalisations, the estimated productivity loss was 729.7 million Intl. USD from 54.2 million days of hospitalisation. Men faced 65.4 and women 34.6% of these costs. Cancers caused 41.3% of the productivity loss mainly by women, followed by diabetes (22.1%), CKD (20.4%), CVD (13.6%) and CRD (2.6%). Major NCDs impose substantial costs from lost productivity in Mexico and these tend to be higher amongst men, while for some diseases the economic burden is higher for women. This should be considered to inform policymakers to design effective gender-sensitive health and social protection interventions to tackle the burden of NCDs.