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Death toll among the Bangladeshi refugees of the 1971 war
Bangladesh achieved its independence in 1971 through a violent liberation war. To avoid persecution by the Pakistani army, 9.9 million Bangladeshi refugees escaped to India. Medicine and food supplies to these camps were not adequate to meet the necessities of such a large population of refugees. Therefore, poor condition of these camps resulted in a higher death rate among the refugees than the peacetime death rate of Bangladeshis. This paper reviews reported death tolls in several refugee camps in India as published in newspapers and peer-reviewed journals. Extrapolating these figures, we estimate the total death toll among the refugees in 1971. We also estimate the overall ‘excess death toll’, the difference between the actual death toll and the expected natural death toll among these refugees, to be approximately 562,915 deaths. The confidence interval for the estimated excess death toll among the refugees is (323,562, 802,268) deaths.
Exploring the wave’s structures to the nonlinear coupled system arising in surface geometry
The challenges of transgender and nonbinary graduate students in chemistry: A qualitative study on trans identity, science culture, and institutional support using reflexive thematic analysis
Transgender, nonbinary, two spirit, and gender-expansive students (herein trans students ) are marginalized in higher education and have significantly different college experiences than their cisgender peers. Using in-depth interviews modeled after Sista Circles methodology and applying reflexive thematic analysis, this qualitative research illuminates the nuanced experiences of trans students navigating chemistry PhD programs ( N = 10). The participants’ counterstories revealed tensions between their identities as trans people and their identities as chemists, where STEM professional culture encouraged the participants to cover and separate their transness from their graduate education. The data demonstrated that these students navigated a complicated process when choosing a graduate program and deciding whether to share their trans identities in their institutions. Participants also encountered cisnormative institutional structures, including program applications and information technology systems, which enforced usage of their legal name and gender marker data in the academy. These results highlight disparities between institutional rhetoric regarding LGBTQ+ inclusion and tangible support for trans graduate students. From grappling with the absence of supportive policies to advocating for institutional change, participants confronted systemic barriers that impeded their academic and personal growth. This study underscores the imperative for transparent and proactive support structures within STEM academic departments to foster an environment where trans individuals can thrive.
Neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern: a pediatric surveillance study
Early detection of esophageal cancer: Evaluating AI algorithms with multi-institutional narrowband and white-light imaging data
Esophageal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, especially esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, which is often diagnosed at a late stage and has a poor prognosis. This study aimed to develop an algorithm to detect tumors in esophageal endoscopy images using innovative artificial intelligence (AI) techniques for early diagnosis and detection of esophageal cancer. We used white light and narrowband imaging data collected from Gachon University Gil Hospital, and applied YOLOv5 and RetinaNet detection models to detect lesions. The models demonstrated high performance, with RetinaNet achieving a precision of 98.4% and sensitivity of 91.3% in the NBI dataset, and YOLOv5 attaining a precision of 93.7% and sensitivity of 89.9% in the WLI dataset. The generalizability of these models was further validated using external data from multiple institutions. This study demonstrates an effective method for detecting esophageal tumors through AI-based esophageal endoscopic image analysis. These efforts are expected to significantly reduce misdiagnosis rates, enhance the effective diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer, and promote the standardization of medical services.
Retinal neurodegeneration, neuroretinal rim analysis and choroid thickness in pseudoexfoliation syndrome with spectral domain optical coherence tomography
Genetic, clinical, lifestyle and sociodemographic risk factors for head and neck cancer: A UK Biobank study
Introduction Despite a steady decline in tobacco smoking, head and neck cancer (HNC) incidence rates are on the rise. Therefore, novel risk factors for HNC are needed to identify at-risk patients at an early stage. Here, we used genetic, clinical, lifestyle, and sociodemographic data from UK Biobank (UKB) to evaluate the relative importance of known risk factors for HNC and identify novel predictors of HNC risk. Methods All participants in the UKB between 2006 and 2021 were stratified into HNC cases and controls at baseline (cases: n = 534; controls: n = 501833) or during follow-up (cases: n = 1587; controls: n = 500246). A cross-sectional description of risk factors (clinical characteristics, lifestyle and sociodemographic) for HNC at baseline was performed, followed by multivariate Cox regression analysis (adjusted for age and sex) and gradient boosting machine learning to determine the relative importance of predictors (phenotypic predictors and SNPs) of HNC development after baseline. Results In addition to known risk factors for HNC (age, male sex, smoking and alcohol consumption habits, occupation), we show that smoking cessation at ≤ 40 years of age is the strongest predictor of HNC risk. Although SNPs may play a role in HNC development, a predictive model containing phenotypic variables and SNPs (C-index 0.75) did not significantly outperform a model containing the phenotypic predictors alone (C-index 0.73). Conclusion Taken together, this study demonstrates that phenotypic variables such as past tobacco smoking habits, occupation, facial pain, education, pulmonary function, and anthropometric measures can be used to predict HNC risk.
Effect of the location and severity of partial ureteral obstruction on urinary system stone disease formation
Optimizing an automated sleep detection algorithm using wrist-worn accelerometer data for individuals with chronic pain
Objective To optimize a wrist-worn accelerometer-based, automated sleep detection methodology for chronic pain populations. Patients and methods A cohort of 16 patients with chronic pain underwent free-living observation for one week before participating in an Interdisciplinary Pain Management Program. Patients wore ActiGraph GT9X devices and maintained a sleep diary, documenting their nightly bedtimes and wake times. To derive sleep quality measures from accelerometry data, the Tudor-Locke sleep detection algorithm was employed. However, this algorithm had not been validated for chronic pain patients. Therefore, a sensitivity analysis of the algorithm’s parameters was conducted, identifying a set of parameters which maximized the agreement between sleep periods identified by the algorithm and sleep periods identified by participant’s sleep logs, which were considered ground truth. Sleep measures derived when using the optimized parameters were then compared against sleep measures derived using the default parameters. Results Our optimized parameter set achieved a mean sleep detection agreement of 67% with participant’s sleep logs, while the default parameter set achieved a mean agreement of 50%. Statistically significant differences were observed between sleep measures from the optimal and default parameter sets (P < .001). These findings suggest an optimized parameter set should be favored for chronic pain populations. Conclusion The Tudor-Locke algorithm provides automated sleep detection for accelerometry data; however, caution must be exercised when applying the algorithm to populations beyond its validated scope. In this manuscript, we provide an empirically optimized parameter set for applying this algorithm to adults with chronic pain.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: A secure and scalable blockchain-based model for electronic health record management
Correction: Deeper effects of fiscal multidimensional poverty reduction: Household characteristics, financial lags and elite capture
A novel multimodel medical image fusion framework with edge enhancement and cross-scale transformer
Correction: Copying fidelity of functional and non-functional features in ni-Vanuatu children: A transmission chain study
Research on the sustainable development capability of Chinese rural E-Commerce based on multidimensional perspective
Safe spaces for youth mental health: A scoping review
Introduction Mental illness is a significant challenge during adolescence and youth period, posing a threat to individuals’ mental health, well-being, and productivity. Despite the global burden, comprehensive evidence on the use of youth-safe spaces to improve their mental health has been limited. Therefore, this review aims to explore the existing literature on the role of safe spaces in shaping the mental health outcomes of youth. Methods We followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoping review guidelines. This review focused on individuals aged 10 to 25. It explores safe spaces for youth, including community centers, schools, clubs, and online forums, and their role in promoting youth mental health. We conducted a comprehensive search using PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and grey literature sources. Study selection and screening were done using Covidence software, with two independent reviewers applying predefined criteria. We used the standardized table for data extraction; findings were presented using graphical and tabular formats alongside narrative synthesis. Reporting followed the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) framework. Results The review included 23 studies from various regions, notably North America (USA) and Europe. These studies found that safe spaces, primarily within schools, offered youth mental health support, resources, and guidance. Additionally, community organizations, outreach programs, and primary care clinics were identified as safe spaces to enhance the mental well-being of young adults. The interventions used in these safe spaces included cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness programs, and multi-component approaches. Positive outcomes included reduced posttraumatic stress disorders, anxiety, and substance use, along with improved mental well-being and interpersonal relationships. However, there needs to be more focus on methodological diversity and research in other regions. Geographic imbalances exist, and evidence beyond schools and communities as safe spaces is limited. Intersectional factors are often overlooked. Conclusion This review emphasizes the significant impact of safe spaces on youth mental health. It suggests that fostering supportive environments within schools, recreational clubs, and communities can significantly benefit youth mental well-being. The findings highlight the need to expand safe space initiatives to address young people’s challenges during their developmental stage.
Knowledge, attitude and practice toward liraglutide and semaglutide among endocrinology medical staff
The influence of language proficiency, acculturation stress, and institutional support in enhancing personal development of international students in China
This study highlights the significance of understanding how diversity experiences and innovative learning environments contribute to the personal development of international students in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Shaanxi, China. Despite existing studies, there remains a notable gap in exploring their combined effects specifically within Chinese HEIs. This research aims to address this gap by analyzing the relationships among diversity experiences, language proficiency, and personal development, thereby offering valuable insights for educators and policymakers to enhance institutional support for international students. To achieve this, we conducted a quantitative survey involving 364 international students, utilizing a structured questionnaire and employing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for data analysis. The results reveal a positive relationship between diversity experiences and personal development. However, no direct relationship was found between innovative learning environments and personal development. Furthermore, language proficiency mediates the relationship between diversity experiences and personal development. Moreover, innovative learning environments were positively associated with both acculturation stress and language proficiency, which in turn were related to personal development. The findings underscore the vital role of institutional support in enhancing international students’ personal development through improved diversity experiences and language proficiency. To achieve this, educators and policymakers should integrate diversity initiatives and create adaptable learning environments that specifically address the needs of international students.
A comparative analysis of three risk assessment scales for predicting venous thromboembolism in traumatic brain injury patients
Position specific peak running demands, and influence of bout type in professional rugby union
Objectives To quantify peak running intensity in professional rugby union across position groups, and peak running intensity differences between bout types (i.e., whole, starter, substitute). Design Longitudinal study. Method Global positioning systems were used to assess the activity of 36 professional rugby union players. A moving average approach was used to identify the 1- to 10-minute peak intensity period distances, and time spent above 80% and 90% of individual 1-minute match peak. Differences between position groups and bout type were determined by magnitude-based inferences. Results All position groups showed most likely moderate to most likely large differences in peak intensity periods, except for tight 5 vs. backrow (possibly trivial small and possibly small), and half-backs vs. outside backs (very likely trivial small to likely trivial small). No position group comparison for time spent above 80% and 90% of 1-minute match peak resulted in moderate or greater differences. Possibly moderate to most likely moderate difference were observed between forwards whole vs. forward substitutes in 2- to 10-minute peak periods; most likely moderate differences were observed between forwards starters vs. forward substitutes in 10-minute peak intensity period; and most likely moderate differences were observed between backs whole vs. backs substitutes in the 1-minute peak intensity period. For time spent above 80% and 90% of 1-minute match peak all bout type comparisons resulted in most likely moderate to most likely large differences. Conclusions There are meaningful differences between position groups in peak running intensity in professional rugby union, and substitute players perform lower peak intensity running than whole or starters.