Variables In Regression Model Research Articles

Effects of Oral Macrocyclic Lactone Heartworm Preventatives on Retinal Function and Chromatic Pupillary Light Reflex in Healthy Companion Dogs.

Determine the effect of oral macrocyclic lactone heartworm-preventative medications on retinal function and chromatic pupillary light reflex (cPLR) in healthy dogs. Cross-sectional retrospective: 60 dogs (n = 33 females) with heartworm medication administration status and electroretinogram (ERG) data available. Prospective clinical study: 25 dogs (n = 10 females) had ERG performed, 18 of which had cPLR performed. Retrospective: ERG amplitudes/peak times were compared between dogs that had or had not received oral heartworm preventatives. Bivariate and multiple variable linear regression models were used to evaluate relationships between ERG testing and heartworm preventive administration status, age, and sex. ERG and cPLR testing were performed at a baseline visit (minimum 14 days since last preventative administration), and a second visit where ERG/cPLR testing was performed 4 h after oral preventative administration. Mixed effects models and Mann-Whitney U statistics were performed. Retrospective: There was no association between heartworm preventive administration status and ERG amplitudes or peak times (all p-values > 0.12). Heartworm preventative had no effect on light- and dark-adapted ERG amplitudes or peak times (all p-values > 0.56). Similarly, there was no effect on baseline pupil size (p = 0.83), nor on cPLR (p = 0.32). No significant effects of oral macrocyclic lactones on retinal/cPLR function at preventative doses were identified. While small effects on retinal/cPLR function cannot be completely ruled out, it remains unlikely that these medications cause clinically significant visual deficits at prescribed doses, and proven antiparasitic benefits likely far outweigh small potential ophthalmic risks of administration.

The Impact of Social Investment and Green Finance on Sustainable Development: Evidence From Emerging Market Economies

ABSTRACTThis study examines how social investment and green finance affect sustainable development (SDE) in 16 emerging market economies from 2014 to 2022. Truncated regression, Prais‐Winsten regression, and single‐equation instrumental variables (IV) regression models were applied for the empirical analysis. The findings reveal that social investment and green finance have positive effects, whereas poverty and ecological footprint negatively affect SDE. Social investment reduces the negative impact of poverty on SDE by enhancing human development and reducing economic vulnerability, confirming the moderation impact. The Juodis‐Karavias‐Sarafidis (JKS) panel's non‐causality analysis confirms the causal relationship between variables. This study recommends that emerging markets allocate more resources for social and green initiatives and limit their consumption of natural resources to avoid the negative consequences of a high ecological footprint. This study implies that doing and going green is essential for meeting sustainability challenges in the post‐modern era in emerging market economies.

Prenatal vitamin utilization and its determinants among pregnant women in south Gondar zone: multicenter cross-sectional study.

Prenatal vitamin and mineral supplements are commonly advised as clinical practice standard of care. In spite of Ethiopian government focus on maternal nutrition programmes targeting pregnant and lactating women, Micronutrient deficiencies are still quite common and are regarded as a serious public health issue and also little is known regarding utilization and barriers to prenatal vitamin use during pregnancy. This study aimed to assess utilization and associated factors of prenatal vitamins among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public hospitals in the south Gondar zone, 2024. Multi center crossectional study design was conducted among 416 pregnant women from March 1 to May 30, 2024. Systematic sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data was collected using Interviewer administered questionnaire. After data, SPSS version 26 software was used for analysis. Factors associated with utilization of prenatal vitamins were identified using bi-variable and multi variable logistic regression models. Statistical significance was declared at 95%CI and p-value < 0.05. In this study, we found that 87.5% (95% CI: 84.31, 90.34) of pregnant women did not use prenatal vitamins. Women not having formal education (AOR = 2.72, 95%CI: 1.44-5.15), being unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 2.58, 95%CI: 1.76-3.78), husband being decision maker in health care (AOR = 1.71, 95%CI:1.09-2.68), having poor knowledge (AOR = 3.27, 95%CI: 1.44-7.42) and unfavorable attitude (AOR = 3.63, 95%CI: 1.61-8.18) on prenatal vitamins were significantly associated with non-users of prenatal vitamins. The proportion of non-users of prenatal vitamin were higher. Educational level of women, pregnancy plan, decision on health care, knowledge and attitude on prenatal vitamins had statistically significant with utilization of prenatal vitamins. Developing and implementing targeted educational programs to increase awareness about the importance and benefits of prenatal vitamins and encouraging women to take an active role in their healthcare decisions is recommended to improve the utilization of prenatal vitamins.

The influence of earning targets, independent board, and audit committee on earnings management in the Indonesian banking sector

This study investigates the influence of the independent board of commissioners and audit committee on earnings management to achieve earning targets in Indonesian banking. The research sample was drawn from 33 banks listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2012 to 2022 to evaluate the time frame of the study and its relevance to current banking trends in Indonesia, as well as to examine the data sources used and their reliability. The data analysis method used in this study is a dummy variable regression model. The findings reveal significant insights into the motivations behind earnings management practices. Specifically, this study finds that managers engage in earnings management to meet profit targets, thereby signaling strong performance to stakeholders and potentially securing bonuses. Notably, the influence of corporate governance structures varies: while the independent board of commissioners demonstrates no significant effect on earnings management (p = –0.01), the audit committee plays a pivotal role, significantly influencing earnings management practices (p = –0.017). Moreover, the analysis uncovers that company size has a significant impact on earnings management (p = 0.002), while return on assets (ROA) does not. This study provides empirical evidence demonstrating the efficacy of audit committees in curbing managerial incentives for earnings management to meet targets. Furthermore, by quantifying the influence of corporate governance mechanisms and firm characteristics on earnings management, this study sheds light on key dynamics in the Indonesian banking industry.

Estimated Reduction in Health Care Spending Associated With Weight Loss in Adults

Recent data from federal surveys show that more than 70% of adults have either overweight or obesity. Overweight and obesity are associated with several expensive chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. The prevalence of chronic disease is a key driver of rising health care spending among employers and the Medicare program. To estimate health care spending among adults with overweight or obesity and have employer-sponsored insurance or Medicare and examine the association of higher and lower body mass index (BMI). This cross-sectional study included privately insured adults and adult Medicare beneficiaries with a BMI of 25 and higher. Data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey-Household Component were used to tabulate total annual health care spending. Data were analyzed from April 1 to June 20, 2024. The primary intended measures were total annual health care spending, controlling for patient demographics, income, education, and BMI. The baseline health care spending as a percentage reduction in BMI. An instrumental variable regression model with estimated total spending at various levels of BMI was used. This study included 3774 adults who were insured with Medicare (mean [SD] age, 63.1 [11.1] years; mean [SD] percentage female, 50.4% [49.7%]; mean [SD] percentage non-Hispanic Black adults, 17.4% [37.7%]; mean [SD] percentage non-Hispanic White adults, 61.3% [48.4%]). The study also included 13 435 adults who had employer-sponsored insurance (mean [SD] age, 46.3 [6.9] years; mean [SD] percentage female, 47.6% [48.9%]; mean [SD] percentage non-Hispanic Black adults, 11.1% [30.7%]; mean [SD] percentage non-Hispanic White adults, 73.1% [43.4%]). Overall, adults with employer-sponsored insurance with a weight loss of 5% were estimated to spend a mean of $670 (95% CI, $654-$686) less on health care (8% less), and those with a weight loss of 25% spent an estimated mean of $2849 (95% CI, $2783-$2916) less on health care (34% less). Among adults with Medicare who had 1 or more comorbid conditions, a 5% weight loss was estimated to reduce spending by $1262 (95% CI, $1217-$1306) (7% less) and a 25% weight loss was estimated to reduce health care spending by a mean of $5442 (95% CI, $5254-$5629) (31% less). In this cross-sectional study, projected annual savings from weight loss among US adults with obesity were substantial for both Medicare and employer-based insurance.

Performance improvement with boosted intake pressure and hydrogen enriched biogas and producer gas-fuelled SI engine

The depletion of conventional fuels and rising energy demand necessitate alternative energy solutions, with biomass emerging as a viable resource. However, relying on a single renewable source poses challenges like inconsistent supply and reduced engine power output. This study numerically simulates a spark-ignition (SI) engine fueled by a triple fuel blend of producer gas (PG), biogas (BG), and hydrogen (HG). A comprehensive quasi-dimensional thermodynamic model, coded in FORTRAN, simulates SI engine performance by varying input factors such as biogas blending ratio, intake pressure, and late inlet valve closure timing (LIVC). This study introduces a novel approach to simulate the combined impact of triple fuel blending concentration, intake boost pressure, and inlet valve closure timing on SI engine performance and emissions. Additionally, it aims to identify optimal operating parameters to maximize power and efficiency while minimizing fuel consumption and emissions. Using response surface methodology and an analysis of variance regression model, results showed statistical significance at a 95 % confidence level. Optimal conditions were found at 82.99° aBDC for LIVC timing, 23.28 % biogas concentration, and 1.99 bar inlet pressure. Under these conditions, the engine achieved 2.39 kW brake power, 28.92 % brake thermal efficiency, 12,461 kJ/kWh brake-specific energy consumption, 0.081 % carbon monoxide, and 1640.36 ppm nitric oxide, with a composite desirability of 0.843. In triple fuel blend, while biogas concentration changes from 40 % to 23.28 % with increasing the intake pressure from 1 to 2 bar, BTE improves from 22.24 to 28.92 %. These results demonstrate that simulation and optimization can effectively predict SI engine performance with blended gaseous fuels.

Adipose tissue insulin resistance in children and adolescents: linking glucose and free fatty acid metabolism to hepatic injury markers.

Obesity is one of the leading causes of the development of insulin resistance, diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in children. With the progression of insulin resistance, both glucose and free fatty acid (FFA) plasma levels are elevated, leading to cardiometabolic complications such as impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), type 2 diabetes, and liver fat accumulation. In this study, oral minimal models were used to estimate insulin sensitivity indexes (SI and SIFFA) in 375 adolescents with obesity. Differences between normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and IGT were assessed by using Mann-Whitney U test, while the relationship between insulin sensitivities and plasma alanine transaminase (ALT) was assessed using Spearman correlation and linear regression model of the log-transformed variables. Also, 48 youths repeated the oral glucose tolerance test and the measurement of liver function test after ∼1.3 yr of follow-up. SI was statistically different between NGT and IGT (P < 10-6) and correlated with each other (ρ = 0.7, P < 10-6). Lipolysis was completely suppressed after 30 min in NGT, compared with 120 min in IGT. SI and SIFFA were both statistically correlated with ALT (ρ = -0.19, P < 10-3). Also, the percentages of variation of SIFFA and ALT between the first and second visits correlated significantly (ρ = -0.47, P = 0.002). FFA minimal model can be used to estimate adipose tissue lipolysis in youths with obesity. The relationship of SI and SIFFA with ALT, along with the progression of the impairment of adipose tissue insulin sensitivity, shows that systemic insulin resistance underlies the relationship of glucose and FFA metabolism with hepatic damage.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this study, we applied glucose, Cpeptide, and FFA minimal models to assess insulin sensitivities, insulin secretion, and lipolytic flux in NGT and IGT in adolescents with obesity. The results show that glucose and adipose tissue insulin sensitivities are strongly correlated with each other and with ALT plasma level. The longitudinal results show that changes in FFA insulin sensitivity are inversely associated with changes of beta cell secretion and with biomarkers of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.

Effects of Progesterone on Isoflurane Requirement for Balance Disturbance and Loss of Righting Reflex in Male Mice.

Introduction It has been known that progesterone has central effects, as measured by minimum alveolar concentration in various experimental settings. Previously, we showed that progesterone reduces the sevoflurane requirement for the loss of righting reflex (LORR) using male mice. However, the combination of progesterone and isoflurane has not been studied. Therefore, in this study, we compared the effect of progesterone on anesthetic requirements in a mouse model. Methods Male C57BL/6 mice were treated with either progesterone (75 mg/kg) + olive oil or only olive oil. Animals were studied in closed cylinders supplied with oxygen and isoflurane that rotated four times per minute. Balance disturbance and loss of the righting reflex were counted. The data were analyzed by using a multiple independent variable logistics regression model. Results The concentrations at the onset of balance disturbances, represented by the effective dose 50% (ED50) and effective dose 95% (ED95) of isoflurane, were 0.37% and 0.45% for the control group and 0.34% and 0.41% for the progesterone group, respectively. Similarly, the concentrations for loss of righting reflex (LORR), represented by ED50 and ED95, were 0.55% and 0.62% for the control group and 0.53% and 0.60% for the progesterone group, respectively. Subcutaneous injection of progesterone at a dose of 75 mg/kg significantly reduced the isoflurane requirement for both balance disturbance (p = 0.0022) and LORR (p = 0.0218). Conclusion We conclude that progesterone decreased isoflurane concentration for both balance disturbance and LORR.

Information and communication technology and female employment in India

We revisit the issue of declining female labour force participation in India by investigating the role of information and communication technology (ICT) adoption. Given that ICT has been rapidly penetrating in India in the past few decades, we explore the impact of ICT ownership and use on female labour market behaviour. We use a nationally representative survey, the India Human Development Survey and estimate instrumental variable regression models and find that ICT adoption increases the likelihood of female employment. Our results show that the positive impact of ICT adoption is limited to individuals who are salaried or are self-employed. Further, we find that ICT adoption increases (decreases) the likelihood of entry into (exit from) the labour market. We contrast our analysis by comparing it with male employment and find evidence of differential impact of ICT adoption. Finally, we find that the effect is limited to women with relatively higher levels of education and those belonging to relatively higher income households. We investigate the potential channels that could drive our results and find that women who adopt ICT have more flexible work options where they spend lesser time to travel to work, have a higher autonomy in work related decisions and a higher willingness to enter the workforce. Thus, ICT adoption by reducing information asymmetries in the labour market could increase female labour market participation.

Examining the joint effect of clinical quality, meaningful use of HIT and patient-caregiver interaction on mortality rates in US acute care hospitals.

Healthcare quality has long been defined and assessed using different theories that outline care delivery as a product of clinical and non-clinical aspects. The clinical aspect is medicinal in nature, while the non-clinical symbolizes social and technological aspects of care. To the best of our knowledge, the joint effect of the clinical, social, and technological aspects of care on outcome quality of care has not been investigated in the literature. The current study empirically investigates, using the joint effect of the clinical, social, and technological care quality dimensions on mortality rates through analyzing longitudinal data from 3081 US hospitals. Six-year data from 3081 acute care hospitals are collected and analyzed using econometric analysis with two-stage least square instrumental variable regression models. Hospitals that jointly focus on clinical, social, and technological care dimensions realize lower mortality rates. Combining clinical quality (CM) with either patient-caregiver interaction (PCI) or meaningful use of health infomration technology (MUHIT) reduces mortality rates. The lowest mortality rate is realized when hospitals combine CM, PCI, and MUHIT. Our study provides empirical evidence on the importance of combining clinical and non-clinical care measures to reduce mortality rates in hospitals. Our results indicate that hospitals that combine dual quality dimensions, clinical quality with either PCI or MUHIT, can also realize improvement in mortality rates. However, the best outcome can be realized by focusing on the triple quality dimensions (CM, PCI, and MUHIT). The study provides pointers to healthcare professionals and policymakers on the impact of non-clinical care on the clinical-mortality link in hospitals.

New multivariate models for the estimation of earth’s albedo and its variation with meteorological parameters over Kano, Nigeria

The study of what happens to sunlight as it goes through the atmosphere is vital to many fields of science because over time, reflection, scattering, and absorption in the atmosphere have changed the amount of solar radiation that reaches the Earth's surface. This study examined the variation in albedo over Kano, situated in the Sahelian climatic zone of Nigeria. The study's data, which covered the years 1984–2022, totaled thirty-nine, was obtained from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Utilizing monthly average daily measured meteorological data on global solar radiation, wind speed, mean temperature, surface pressure, and relative humidity, eleven models of three categories based on two, three, and four variable regression models were developed. Five validation indicators were used to verify the regression models: the t-test, coefficient of determination (R2), mean percentage error (MPE), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean bias error (MBE). The developed models that were considered most appropriate for estimating surface albedo were ranked; the three-variable regression model ALB7, which included the wind speed, relative humidity, and mean temperature, outperformed the previously employed generalized method from literature in estimating surface albedo over Kano. The variation of measured albedo with meteorological parameters depicts a direct relationship for clearness index and wind speed; an inverse relationship was observed for surface pressure. Mean temperature and surface pressure exhibit an inverse relationship during the wet season and vice versa for the dry season.

Development and validation of a measure for father involvement during early childhood in a resource-limited context

BackgroundGlobally, there is mounting evidence about the importance of father involvement for improving child and family wellbeing. However, there are limited measurement tools available for assessing father involvement in low-resource settings globally. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a scale for measuring fathers’ engagement in caregiving activities for young children and families in rural Kenya.MethodsWe used baseline data collected in February–March 2023 from a cluster-randomized controlled trial of a parenting intervention aimed at improving early child development in Nyamira and Vihiga counties in Western Kenya. The analytic sample comprised 460 primary caregivers of children under 18 months of age (91.3% mothers) who were in a relationship with a male caregiver of the young child (i.e., father). The primary caregiver reported on the 25-item father involvement scale. We conducted exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to determine the dimensionality of the measure and estimated latent variable regression models to assess construct and predictive validity in terms of associations with sociodemographic factors, other paternal and maternal psychosocial measures, and early child development outcomes.ResultsThe scale had a four-factor structure representing father involvement in (1) childcare activities, (2) play and affection, (3) household chores, and (4) early learning activities. Each factor showed good internal consistency reliability and evidence of multiple forms of validity. The four factors were associated with child and household sociodemographic characteristics and more positive paternal and maternal psychosocial outcomes. Father involvement across all four domains was associated with higher early child cognitive, language, motor, and socioemotional development scores.ConclusionsOur findings highlight the multidimensional nature of fathers’ caregiving roles in the lives of young children and their families. We establish a valid tool for assessing father involvement in rural Western Kenya that has potential for use in other similar contexts.

Temporal variations in and predictive values of ABG results prior to in-hospital cardiac arrest

In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) has been understudied relative to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Further, studies of IHCA have mainly focused on a limited number of pre-arrest patient characteristics (e.g., demographics, number and types of comorbidities). Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis, one of the most common diagnostic tests for assessing and managing critically or acutely ill hospitalized patients, reflects pathophysiological changes associated with adverse events or complications, including IHCA. Yet the predictive and prognostic values of patterns of pre-arrest ABG parameters for IHCA have not been fully studied. The purpose of this retrospective pilot cohort study was to investigate temporal variations in and predictive values of pre-IHCA ABG values among patients with a history of cardiopulmonary diseases. Eligible patients had a history of structural heart disease, heart failure, or pulmonary diseases. Patients were excluded if their IHCA was due to trauma, drug overdose, hypothermia, drowning, chronic terminal illness such as cancer or human immunodeficiency virus, or bleeding not caused by hemorrhage in the brain or heart. Also collected were dates, times, and causes of mechanical intubation prior to IHCA and causes of mortality. Co-primary outcomes were initial rhythms of IHCA and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). We conducted a pilot study and the ABG results (pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide [PaCO2], partial pressure of oxygen [PaO2], bicarbonate [HCO3-] , and lactate) from each of the 3 days prior to IHCA were extracted from the electronic health records (EHRs) of patients (N = 44) who had experienced IHCA at a single medical center. To characterize differences in ABG parameters among study days, coefficients of variation (CVs) were compared using the modified likelihood ratio test (MLRT) using the worst ABG values. Linear regression models were run for the continuous ABG parameters and logistic regression models for the dichotomous ABG variables. Overall model effect and least squares means, SDs, mean differences within and between days (with 95 % confidence intervals), p-values and effect sizes were reported for continuous variables. For categorical variables, estimates and standard errors, 95 % confidence intervals, Wald X2 variables and p-values were presented. The CVs for pH, PaCO2, and HCO3- differed significant between study days (p <.05). The least squares means with 95 % confidence intervals for pH and lactate differed significantly in days (p <.01). Moderate to large effect sizes were obtained for all ABG parameters. Arterial lactate predicted initial rhythm (shockable versus non-shockable) and ROSC, while pH and HCO3- predicted ROSC. Results demonstrate, for the first time, the presence of significant variability in ABG parameters across 72 h prior to IHCA and the predictive potential of these parameters for initial rhythms of IHCA and ROSC. While validation in a larger sample is necessary, this study confirms the feasibility and potential value of exploring temporal patterns of pre-arrest ABG values from the EHRs. Findings of future larger studies on pre-arrest patterns of ABG parameters and other laboratory values may be used to design models that better predict risk for IHCA and guide patient care in the pre and intra-arrest periods.

Impact of the Preservation of Residual Kidney Function on Hemodialysis Survival: Results from the BISTRO Trial.

Preservation of residual kidney function (RKF) in dialysis patients has been associated with improved survival. RKF in the BISTRO trial was relatively well preserved and here we describe its association with survival during the trial and extended follow-up. RKF, measured as the average urea and creatinine clearance (GFR) or 24-hour urine volume was assessed at baseline, one, two and three months and three-monthly up to 2 years in incident haemodialysis patients. Time to event survival data or competing events (transplantation, modality change) were obtained for 50 months post enrolment via data linkage with the UK Renal Registry. Cox proportional hazards regression survival models, including those incorporating change in GFR from baseline as a time-varying variable and joint regression models for longitudinal and survival data (longitudinal models for GFR or urine volume) were used to explore the relationship of RKF preservation with survival. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, comorbidity and ethnicity. 2919 measures of RKF were made in 387 patients from 32 UK dialysis units. Higher age and comorbidity score associated with increased mortality in all models. Baseline GFR reduced the risk of death (Hazard Ratio: 0.918 95%CI: 0.844, 0.999) per ml/min/1.73m2. A greater fall in GFR and urine volume from baseline was associated with a non-significant increased risk of death as visualised on spline plots. In the joint survival models higher GFR (adjusted HR: 0.88 95%CI 0.80, 0.97) or urine volume (adjusted HR: 0.75 95%CI 0.57, 0.95 per L) at any time point associated with better survival. Lower RKF during the first two years of haemodialysis is associated with an increased death risk for up to 50 months following dialysis initiation. This adds to a growing body of evidence that interventions to preserve RKF should be developed and tested in clinical trials.

A-321 Rethinking the Role of Race in Prenatal AFP Screening for Open Neural Tube Defects

Abstract Background The quantification of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in maternal serum is commonly used in prenatal screening to estimate the risk of fetal open neural tube defects (ONTDs). This involves comparing a patient’s measured AFP concentration to the median AFP for women of similar gestational age and weight, reported in AFP multiples of the median (MoM). Current guidelines recommend establishing population medians separately grouped by patients’ race, based on historical reports documenting differences in median AFP concentrations across different populations. We aimed to reevaluate this practice of race based ONTD risk stratification given the limited and questionable historical evidence as well as the small observed differences in AFP concentrations in our practice and in a recent report. Methods We collected maternal serum AFP screening data for patients between 12/30/19 and 2/9/24. Informed by the statistical methods used for clinical risk stratification, we developed two log-linear multiple variable regression models for estimating AFP: gestational age (GA), weight, and interaction terms (Model 1) and Model 1 predictors, race, and interaction terms (Model 2). AFP MoMs were calculated by dividing the measured AFP concentration by the model-estimated AFP. Results We analyzed maternal ONTD screening for 7,702 patients with singleton pregnancies. The current clinical process uses race and ethnicity as documented in the electronic health record, which was categorized as Black (N = 2,360), White (N = 3,734), Hispanic (N = 209), Asian (N = 641), and Other (N = 758). The addition of race in Model 2 included statistically significant predictors (p &amp;lt; 0.001) for Black (β = 0.2), Asian (β = 0.05), and Black:weight interaction (β = -5.9 x 10-4). Between Model 1 and Model 2, the mean change in AFP MoMs was -0.05, +0.03, 0.0, -0.02, and +0.01 for Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, and Other patients, respectively. 95% of Black patients had a change &amp;lt; 0.12 in AFP MoM and &amp;gt; 99% of all other patients had a change &amp;lt; 0.1. Using the clinical interpretative threshold, 56 (0.7%) results were considered elevated in both models, 4 (0.05%) elevated in Model 1 only (3 Black, 1 Other), and 4 (0.05%) elevated in Model 2 only (3 White, 1 Hispanic). Chart review of the 8 discordant interpretations showed small changes in MoMs (mean absolute difference = 0.09) and no cases of ONTDs. Conclusions In our health system’s population, maternal race appears to have a small statistically significant association with maternal AFP concentration, even after adjustment for weight and maternal GA. However, preliminary analyses indicate that this difference has a small impact on the clinical interpretation of these studies, with most patients classified similarly when race is not accounted for in the calculation. Further investigation is needed to clarify whether this small impact on estimation of risk warrants the continued inclusion of race in NTD screening, as well as whether other clinical, social, or community factors available for inclusion in this clinical risk stratification model would be better predictors than the poorly defined and discriminatory concept of race.

Associations between APOE genotypes, urine 8-isoprostane and blood trace elements in middle-aged mothers (CROME study)

BackgroundThere is almost no data on the combined associations between apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) genotypes, trace elements (TEs), and lipid peroxidation in vivo. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between APOE genotypes and TE levels in blood (B-TEs) and erythrocytes (E-TEs), and 8-isoprostane in urine (U-8-isoprostane) in women with low exposure to potentially toxic TEs and with adequate supply of essential TEs. MethodsB-TEs, E-TEs and U-8-isoprostane were determined in 172 healthy women of childbearing age (30.1–51.4 years) using ICP-MS and ELISA competitive assay, respectively. All women were divided into three APOE genotype groups according to the presence of the ɛ4 allele, ɛ2 allele or ɛ3 homozygotic allele. The associations between B-TEs, E-TE, U-8-isoprostane, and the APOE genotype groups were estimated by multiple variable linear regression models with relevant explanatory variables (e.g., age, BMI, and seafood). ResultsAll TE and U-8-isoprostane levels were inside the reference ranges for the healthy population. In the multiple variable linear regression models, our results showed that urine 8-isoprostane levels increased by up to 43.3% in the APOE4 group compared to the APOE3 group and a negligible negative modifying effect for essential TEs. However, the APOE genotype groups were associated also with some TEs. A clear positive association was found between the APOE2 and APOE4 groups (vs. APOE3) with B-molybdenum. ConclusionsOur study suggests that the APOE4 genotype played an important role in 8-isoprostane variability in a population with an adequate supply of essential and with low exposure to potentially toxic TEs. Adequate copper, zinc and selenium status seemed to be protective against, while the levels of nonessential TEs were probably too low to play a decisive role in 8-isoprostane formation. The observed impact of the APOE2 and APOE4 groups on increased B-molybdenum opens a new research topic.

Factors Influencing the Participation in Defined Contribution Pension Scheme by Urban women in the informal Sector in Ghana

The study set out to investigate reasons for the low interest in participating in Defined Contribution Pension Schemes (DCPS) by urban women in the informal sector in Ghana (UWISG) in order to unravel the causes of the phenomenon of non-participation so that solutions can be identified. Most studies conducted on voluntary participation in pension schemes have not explored the such variables; perceived net pension wealth, permanent income, attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control. The main research questions among others are; what are the effects of demographic characteristics of urban women in the informal sector in Ghana (UWISG) on their intention to participate in Defined Contribution Pension Schemes (DCPS)? What is the impact of perceived net pension wealth (perceived benefits) on the intention of UWISG to participate in DCPS? The Methodology of the study is quantitative research design. The study has two research models a logistic regression model of demographic variables and model is a framework consisting of exogenous and endogenous latent variables. Some significant findings of the study are (i) an inverse relationship between disposition to save and intention to participate in DCPS. The inverse relationship implied that most of the respondents would prefer to probably put money in their savings or investment accounts rather than contributing to DCPS. The study also found the age variable to be an insignificant influencer of DCPS adoption intention.

Association between dietary mineral intakes and urine flow rate: data from the 2009-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Minerals play an important role in human health, but their effect on urinary function remains controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the association between dietary intake of minerals (Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Na, K, Se) and urine flow rate (UFR). We conducted a cross-sectional study using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2009-2018) database. Multivariate regression and smooth curve fitting were used to investigate the association between dietary mineral intakes and UFR. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests were used to investigate whether this association was stable in the population. Our study involving 10,229 representative adult NHANES participants showed an association between Mg intake and UFR in a linear regression model for continuous variables. And in the model analysis of tertile categorical variables, we observed a positive association between six mineral intakes (Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Na, and K) and UFR. Smoothed curve fitting and threshold effect analysis further support the nonlinear relationship between mineral intakes and UFR. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests ensured the reliability and robustness of the findings. This study examined the effects of nine dietary minerals on UFR and found that intake of Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Na, and K were positively correlated with UFR, suggesting that these minerals may have a positive effect on improving urinary function. In particular, Mg showed a more significant positive correlation with UFR in women, while Na showed a stronger positive correlation in diabetics. However, P, Fe and Se did not show significant correlations. In summary, although these findings provide a preliminary understanding of the relationship between dietary minerals and urinary function, further prospective studies are still necessary to validate these relationships and explore the physiologic mechanisms underlying them.

Classified dataset, regression and machine learning modeling for prediction of phase transformation temperatures in steels

The prediction of the characteristic Martensite Start (Ms) temperature and Austenitic Nose Tip Temperature (ANTT) in steels is of scientific and technological importance; however, it faces significant challenges due to multiphysical complexity.In this study, we introduced a structured framework for data classification and hierarchical iterations aimed at predicting Ms (Martensite start temperature) and ANTT (Austenite non-transforming temperature). This framework was incorporated into two optimization models, leading to enhancements in accuracy, extrapolation capabilities, and generalization performance. First, we classified the collected Ms datasets hierarchically based on the alloying elements presented in steels, including carbon, austenite stabilizers, non-austenitization elements, and data credibility. Regression analyses of Ms temperatures concerning chemical compositions were then carried out using phenomenological variables from binary systems to multi-component systems in alignment with the spirit of CALPHAD modeling, which is renowned for its robust extrapolation abilities. By iteratively fitting the hierarchically classified datasets and implementing hierarchical iterations, we developed the CALPHAD-guided phenomenological variable (CGPV) Ms regression model. This model achieved improved accuracy levels, with R2 values of 0.9 for training and 0.87 for testing, surpassing most conventional regression models that do not account for compositional interactions. Furthermore, the CALPHAD-guided machine learning (CGML) model, constructed based on the classified datasets and hierarchical iterations but without utilizing phenomenological variables, demonstrated strong performance with R2 values of 0.98 and 0.86 for training and testing, respectively. The CGML model was demonstrated not only to reliably filter out problematic data in a dataset but also to unveil the unnoticed coupling between carbon and other alloying elements on Ms. Finally, the CGML method has been readily transferred to predict ANTT with high accuracy as well.

β values obtained by linear regression models of morpho-physiological and biochemical variables as novel drought stress estimators in Capsicum annuum varieties

Capsicum annuum varieties are highly sensitive to drought. Under water stress conditions, these can show yield losses of up to 70 %. Due to the above, this work proposes a novel approach to obtain estimators of drought stress based on linear regression models for morpho-physiological and biochemical variables in jalapeño pepper (C. annuum cv. jalapeno M), bell pepper (C. annuum cv. california wonder), and serrano pepper (C. annnuum cv. serrano tampiqueno). Jalapeno pepper plants were grown for 69 days under permanent water deficit conditions at 40, 60, 80 % and 100 % of field capacity (FC) (100 % FC as control). Throughout the crop cycle, we monitored the plant's height and weight, basal stem diameter, transpiration, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, NDVI, and proline. This monitoring allowed us to obtain linear regression models from the accumulated values for these variables, from which the slope values (β) were used as estimators of drought stress using the interval estimation method, in the same way, this method was used to estimate water status in bell pepper and serrano pepper. For bell pepper, drought levels of 40, 60, 80 and 100 % FC were imposed for 12 days and serrano pepper 60 and 100 % FC for 63 days. The results showed that this method can be used to estimate drought stress in jalapeno pepper for all the irrigation levels through photosynthesis and NDVI and can be applied for bell pepper and serrano pepper using stem diameter and plant height, and in the case of serrano pepper, NDVI showed adequate results. Also, this work establishes the relationship between the jalapeno pepper responses (morpho-physiological and biochemical) to drought stress during vegetative, flowering, and fruiting stages through a Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The PCA found that interaction among morphological, physiological, and biochemical responses change concerning the phenological stage of the plant. The results suggested several direct and inverse relationships between the variables and showed that drought can be described by stomatal conductance during any phenological stage of the crop. In parallel, the proline content, NDVI and plant height can also describe drought stress during the vegetative and flowering stages. This research is the first to apply this methodology to drought stress estimation in jalapeno, bell pepper, and serrano pepper cultivation. The results could significantly contribute to precision agriculture, sensor development, and water management.