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Inductive conformal predictors have been designed to overcome the computational inefficiency exhibited by conformal predictors for many underlying prediction algorithms. Whereas computationally efficient, inductive conformal predictors sacrifice different parts of the training set at different stages of prediction, which affects their informational efficiency. This paper introduces the method of cross-conformal prediction, which is a hybrid of the methods of inductive conformal prediction and cross-validation, and studies its validity and informational efficiency empirically. The computational efficiency of cross-conformal predictors is comparable to that of inductive conformal predictors, and they produce valid predictions in our empirical studies.

Root finding is a basic example that still remnant an interest to several researchers. Several hybrid experiments are developed to obtain approximate solutions for nonlinear equations. Thus, this paper presents an analysis on numerical comparison between common method and the other methods. An evaluation iterative method MATLAB is utilized for this paper. Numerical and interpretative results prove that Dekker’s Formula is acceptably efficient, accurate, and easy to use compared with other iterative methods.

The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has increased dramatically in recent decades, supporting the claim of an autism epidemic. Systematic monitoring of ASD allows estimating prevalence and identifying potential sources of variation over time and geographical areas. At present, ASD prevalence estimates are available worldwide, coming either from surveillance systems using existing health and educational databases or from population studies specifically performed. In the present article, we present a review of the ASD prevalence estimates published since 2014. Data confirm a high variability in prevalence across the world, likely due to methodological differences in case detection, and the consistent increase of prevalence estimates within each geographical area.

Based on a thorough review of the literature we introduce an integrated conceptualization of work-life balance involving two key dimensions: engagement in work life and nonwork life and minimal conflict between social roles in work and nonwork life. Based on this conceptualization we review much of the evidence concerning the consequences of work-life balance in terms work-related, nonwork-related, and stress-related outcomes. We then identify a set of personal and organizational antecedents to work-life balance and explain their effects on work-life balance. Then we describe a set of theoretical mechanisms linking work-life balance and overall life satisfaction. Finally, we discuss future research directions and policy implications.

In this paper, the operational matrix based on Bernstein wavelets is presented for solving fractional SIR model with unknown parameters. The SIR model is a system of differential equations that arises in medical science to study epidemiology and medical care for the injured. Operational matrices merged with the collocation method are used to convert fractional-order problems into algebraic equations. The Adams–Bashforth–Moulton predictor correcter scheme is also discussed for solving the same. We have compared the solutions with the Adams–Bashforth predictor correcter scheme for the accuracy and applicability of the Bernstein wavelet method. The convergence analysis of the Bernstein wavelet has been also discussed for the validity of the method.

Objectives. Behçet’s syndrome (BS) is a rare chronic multisystemic inflammatory disease associated with increased risk of morbidity, disability and mortality. Consistent assessment of damage and prevention of damage accrual is therefore crucial in daily clinical practice. This study aims to assess damage progression in our cohort of patients with BS using Behçet’s Syndrome Overall Damage Index (BODI), to evaluate BODI across time and the associations of BODI score with demographic and clinical features to identify potential independent predictors of damage accrual.   Methods. We conducted a retrospective observational monocentric study including patients with BS. BODI scores (range: 0-46; higher scores indicate greater damage) were calculated at T0 (diagnosis/first visit) and T1(last follow-up). Demographic, clinical features and treatments were retrieved. Patients were stratified according to BODI scores and comparisons were made using Mann-Whitney test or Chi-square test. Logistic regression models were used to identify potential independent predictors of damage accrual (BODI>=1) at T0 and T1, including BODI score variations (deltaBODI) between T0 and T1.   Results. We included 155 patients (56.8% females), median age at diagnosis 36 years [IQR 26-44], median disease duration at last follow-up 9 years [IQR 5-13], and median diagnostic delay 2 years [IQR 0-6]. Most were Italians (80%) and 63.8% (81/127) had HLA-B*51. Among clinical cumulative manifestations the most frequent were oral ulcers (96.8%), skin lesions (66.5%), musculoskeletal manifestations (55.5%) and genital ulcers (54.8%), while ocular, neurological, vascular, gastrointestinal and cardiopulmonary involvement occurred in 40%, 21.9%, 21.9%, 17.4%, and 11% respectively. Median BODI at T0, T1 and deltaBODI were 0 [IQR 0-1; min 0, max 7], 0 [IQR 0-2; min 0, max 17], 0 [IQR 0-1; min 0, max 17] respectively; 27.6% (42/152) of patients had deltaBODI>=1. Patients with BODI>=1 at T0 or T1 as compared to those with BODI=0 were older at diagnosis, had a higher frequency of neurological, vascular and cardiopulmonary manifestations, and received more often glucocorticoids and cs-DMARDs (Table 1). Patients with deltaBODI>=1 compared to those with deltaBODI=0 were older at diagnosis and had a higher frequency of ocular, neurological and vascular manifestations (Table 1). On multivariate analysis, older age was the only independent predictor of damage accrual at T0 and T1 and over time (deltaBODI>=1), while male sex was an independent risk factor for BODI>=1 at T1 (Table 2). The effects of the interactions of different variables on the risk of damage accrual are also reported in Table 2.   Conclusions. In our cohort of BS patients older age at diagnosis and male sex were identified as predictors of damage accrual. These findings emphasize the need for early and ongoing damage assessment, guiding tailored therapeutic strategies to prevent long-term complications. Future perspectives include evaluation of BODI trends at defined intervals and their relationship with treatment regimens.  

Scope of the study To investigate clinical and ultrasound (US) features as potential predictors of difficult-to-treat (D2T) psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Methods and materials In this retrospective study, we enrolled patients diagnosed with PsA followed at our outpatient clinic (January 2020-September 2024). D2T-PsA was defined as the persistence of disease activity upon failure of >= 2 lines of biological or targeted synthetic DMARDs (b/tsDMARDs). Demographic, clinical and US data were collected. 'Index' US was defined as the assessment performed in patients before fulfilment of D2T-PsA definition. Four expert rheumatologists conducted all US assessments with a high-frequency (15-24 MHz) Esaote MyLabX8 linear probe, following EULAR and OMERACT definitions (1). Synovitis, tenosynovitis, and bone erosions were evaluated in wrists, metacarpophalangeal (MCP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP) of the hands, metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints, shoulders, knees and ankles. Baseline predictors of D2TPSA were analysed using Cox regression adjusted for potential baseline confounders. Results 152 patients were included, 81 classified as D2T-PsA and 71 as non-D2T. Clinical and demographic features are shown in Table 1. A diagnostic delay of >= 1 year independently predicted development of D2T-PsA (HR 1.74, 95% CI 1.05–2.88, p=0.032) in the whole cohort (fig 1) as well as in subgroups with predominant peripheral (n=143, HR 1.73, 95% CI 1.37–2.90, p=0.036) or axial involvement (n=61, HR 3.18, 95% CI 1.22–8.27, p=0.018). In the latter group, baseline fibromyalgia (HR 2.45, 95% CI 1.12–5.36, p=0.025) and enthesitis (HR 2.49, 95% CI 1.08–5.73, p=0.033) were also predictive of D2T phenotype. Among patients = 1 year remained a significant risk factor for D2T-PsA (HR 4.78, 95% CI 1.25–18.28, p=0.022), in association with fibromyalgia (HR 9.04, 95% CI 2.20–37.07, p=0.002) and female sex (HR 68.26, 95% CI 3.22–1445.71, p=0.007). At index US, patients who would later become D2T displayed a higher prevalence of PIP synovitis (85.7% vs 14.3%, p=0.050), higher GLOESS score at the 1st MTP joint bilaterally (0.10 ±0.33 vs 0, p=0.022) and a higher grade of tenosynovitis at the extensor carpi tendons (0.11 ± 0.33 vs 0.02 ± 0.14, p=0.054). A higher baseline mean GLOESS score at the 1st MTP joint emerged as independent predictor of D2T-PsA (HR 3.93, 95% CI 1.76–8.78, p

BackgroundPapillary thyroid cancer (PTC), the predominant histologic subtype of thyroid cancer cases, has increased substantially over the past decades. In previous studies, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) exerts a paradoxical dual role in PTC. However, limited studies have specifically examined the association between HT and the invasion of PTC.MethodsIn this retrospective study, 10329 PTC patients were selected, and the clinicopathological features were retrospectively analyzed. Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to minimize confounding effects from baseline variables. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were performed using binary logistic regression to determine the predictive factor. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.ResultsAmong 10329 PTC patients, 992 (9.6%) individuals were diagnosed with HT. Compared to the non-HT group, the HT group demonstrated lower rates of extrathyroidal extension (p<0.001), reduced multifocality (p=0.004), decreased bilateral carcinoma involvement (p<0.001), and a greater proportion of pathological N0 stage tumors (p=0.003). Following PSM, a cohort of 970 patients with HT and 2783 non-HT controls without HT were analyzed. HT was significantly associated with lower rates of: central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) in cN0 patients (p<0.001); lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM) in cN1b patients (p=0.008); and bilateral carcinoma detection in patients with clinically unilateral PTC lesions (p=0.001).ConclusionThis study found an association between HT and reduced invasiveness of PTC, as evidenced by increased node-negative disease and reduced bilateral pathological involvement.

Some patients experience weight regain (WR) or insufficient weight loss (IWL) after bariatric surgery (BS). We undertook a scoping review of WR and IWL after BS. We searched electronic databases for studies addressing the definitions, prevalence, mechanisms, clinical significance, preoperative predictors, and preventive and treatment approaches including behavioral, pharmacological, and surgical management strategies of WR and IWL. Many definitions exist for WR, less so for IWL, resulting in inconsistencies in the reported prevalence of these two conditions. Mechanisms and preoperative predictors contributing to WR are complex and multifactorial. A range of the current knowledge gaps are identified and questions that need to be addressed are outlined. Therefore, there is an urgent need to address these knowledge gaps for a better evidence base that would guide patient counseling, selection, and lead to improved outcomes.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in North America and other developed countries. One of the reasons lung cancer is at the top of the list is that it is often not diagnosed until the cancer is at an advanced stage. Thus, the earliest diagnosis of lung cancer is crucial, especially in screening high-risk populations, such as smokers, exposure to fumes, oil fields, toxic occupational places, etc. Based on the current knowledge, it looks that there is an urgent need to identify novel biomarkers. The current diagnosis of lung cancer includes different types of imaging complemented with pathological assessment of biopsies, but these techniques can still not detect early lung cancer developments. In this review, we described the advantages and disadvantages of current methods used in diagnosing lung cancer, and we provide an analysis of the potential use of body fluids as carriers of biomarkers as predictors of cancer development and progression.