bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renoprotective effect of SGLT-2 inhibitors among type 2 diabetes patients with different baseline kidney function: a multi-center study
Authors: Lin Fang-Ju , Wang Chi-Chuan , Hsu Chien-Ning , Yang Chen-Yi , Wang Chih-Yuan , Ou Huang-Tz
Published: October 2021

Background

To assess the effect of sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is) for type 2 diabetes on kidney outcomes stratified by patient baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels (i.e., eGFR ≤ 60, 60 < eGFR ≤ 90, and eGFR > 90 mL/min/1.73 m2).

Methods

Patients from three large healthcare delivery systems in Taiwan who had initiated SGLT-2is or other glucose-lowering drugs (oGLDs) between May 2016 and December 2017 were included. Main outcomes were the times to 30%, 40%, and 50% eGFR reduction after treatment initiation. One-to-one propensity score matching in the overall study cohort and in each eGFR subgroup between SGLT-2i and oGLD users was applied to ensure between-group comparability in baseline characteristics.

Results

There were 13,666 matched pairs of SGLT-2is and oGLD users in the overall cohort. While a sustained eGFR decline was revealed in oGLD-treated patients (mean values [standard errors] from 85.61 [0.43] to 82.49 [0.44] mL/min/1.73 m2 during the 12 months after treatment initiation), the mean eGFR values of SGLT-2i users decreased in the first 3 months (85.68 [0.37] to 79.71 [0.41] mL/min/1.73 m2) but then improved and sustained until the end of follow-up. There were 2300, 5705, and 5509 matched SGLT-2i and oGLD users in the eGFR ≤ 60, 60 < eGFR ≤ 90, and eGFR > 90 subgroups, respectively. Using SGLT-2is versus oGLDs was significantly associated with slower eGFR declines; hazard ratios (HRs) were 0.51 (95% CI 0.37–0.69), 0.51 (0.37–0.70), and 0.47 (0.31–0.71) for 40% eGFR reduction in the eGFR ≤ 60, 60 < eGFR ≤ 90, and eGFR > 90 subgroups, respectively. The renoprotective effect of SGLT-2is versus oGLDs was confirmed in the outcomes of 30% and 50% eGFR reduction across the three eGFR subgroups.

Conclusions

This study supports the renoprotective benefit of real-world SGLT-2i use irrespective of patient baseline kidney function.
The effect of short term exposure to outdoor air pollution on fertility
Authors: González-Comadran Mireia , Jacquemin Bénédicte , Cirach Marta , Lafuente Rafael , Cole-Hunter Thomas , Nieuwenhuijsen Mark , Brassesco Mario , Coroleu Buenaventura , Checa Miguel Angel
Published: October 2021

Background

There is evidence to suggest that long term exposure to air pollution could be associated with decreased levels of fertility, although there is controversy as to how short term exposure may compromise fertility in IVF patients and what windows of exposure during the IVF process patients could be most vulnerable.

Methods

This prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the impact of acute exposure that air pollution have on reproductive outcomes in different moments of the IVF process. Women undergoing IVF living in Barcelona were recruited. Individual air pollution exposures were modelled at their home address 15 and 3 days before embryo transfer (15D and 3D, respectively), the same day of transfer (D0), and 7 days after (D7). The pollutants modelled were: PM2.5[particulate matter (PM) ≤2.5 μm], PMcoarse(PM between 2.5 and 10μm), PM10(PM≤10 μm), PM2.5abs, and NO2and NOx. Outcomes were analyzed using multi-level regression models, with adjustment for co-pollutants and confouding factors. Two sensitivity analyses were performed. First, the model was adjusted for subacute exposure (received 15 days before ET). The second analysis was based on the first transfer performed on each patient aiming to exclude patients who failed previous transfers.

Results

One hundred ninety-four women were recruited, contributing with data for 486 embryo transfers.

Acute and subacute exposure to PMs showed a tendency in increasing miscarriage rate and reducing clinical pregnancy rate, although results were not statistically significant. The first sensitivity analysis, showed a significant risk of miscarriage for PM2.5exposure on 3D after adjusting for subacute exposure, and an increased risk of achieving no pregnancy for PM2.5, PMcoarseand PM10on 3D.

The second sensitivity analysis showed a significant risk of miscarriage for PM2.5exposure on 3D, and a significant risk of achieving no pregnancy for PM2.5, PMcoarseand PM10 particularly on 3D. No association was observed for nitrogen dioxides on reproductive outcomes.

Conclusions

Exposure to particulate matter has a negative impact on reproductive outcomes in IVF patients. Subacute exposure seems to increase the harmful effect of the acute exposure on miscarriage and pregnancy rates. Nitrogen dioxides do not modify significantly the reproductive success.
Niraparib exhibits a synergistic anti-tumor effect with PD-L1 blockade by inducing an immune response in ovarian cancer
Authors: Meng Jinyu , Peng Jin , Feng Jie , Maurer Jochen , Li Xiao , Li Yan , Yao Shu , Chu Ran , Pan Xiyu , Li Junting , Zhang Ting , Liu Lu , Zhang Qing , Yuan Zeng , Bu Hualei , Song Kun , Kong Beihua
Published: October 2021

Background

Immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs) therapy showed limited efficacy in ovarian cancer management. Increasing evidence indicated that conventional and targeted therapies could affect tumor-associated immune responses and increase the effectiveness of immunotherapy. However, the effects of Niraparib, one of the poly (ADP) ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, on the immune response remains unclear. Delineating the crosstalk between cytotoxic anticancer agents and cancer-associated immunity may lead to more efficient combinatorial strategies.

Methods

Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in human ovarian cancer cells after PARP inhibitors treatment was examined by western blotting (WB) and flow cytometry. The expression of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP1), PD-L1, and CD8 in human ovarian cancer tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry(IHC). The effect of Niraparib and PD-L1 blockade in ovarian cancer progression was investigated in vivo. The changes of immune cells and cytokines in vitro and in vivo were detected by flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Changes of cGAS/STING signal pathway after Niraparib treatment were determined by WB, ELISA.

Results

Niraparib upregulated membrane PD-L1 and total PD-L1 expression in ovarian cancer cells and had a synergistic effect with PD-L1 blockade in vivo. In clinical patient samples, Niraparib augmented cytotoxic CD8+T cell proportion and function. In vivo and vitro, Niraparib can also increase the proportion of T cells and combined with PD-L1 blockade could further enhance the effect. Besides, Niraparib activated the cGAS-STING pathway, increasing the levels of cytokines such as CCL5 and CXCL10, which played a vital role in augmenting the infiltration and activation of cytotoxic T cells.

Conclusions

Niraparib could modulate the immune response via the activation of the cGAS/STING pathway, and combination with PD-L1 blockade could further enhance the effect. These results provide a sound theoretical basis for clinical treatment.
Improving mental health literacy among young people aged 11–15 years in Java, Indonesia: the co-development of a culturally-appropriate, user-centred resource (The IMPeTUs Intervention)
Authors: Brooks Helen , Syarif Armaji Kamaludi , Pedley Rebecca , Irmansyah Irman , Prawira Benny , Lovell Karina , Opitasari Cicih , Ardisasmita Adam , Tanjung Ira Savitri , Renwick Laoise , Salim Soraya , Bee Penny
Published: October 2021

Background

Many mental health problems emerge in late childhood and contribute significantly to the global burden of disease. Adverse outcomes can extend into adulthood if left untreated. This impact is exacerbated in low- and middle-income countries where significant treatment gaps persist. Improving mental health literacy may offer an effective strategy for early intervention but remains underexplored in these contexts.

Methods

An intervention was co-developed with children and young people (CYP) by undertaking a needs analysis combined with stakeholder consensus activities. A systematic review of mental health literacy interventions in South-East Asia was undertaken in addition to semi-structured interviews with 43 children and young people (19 with and 24 without experience of anxiety and depression), 19 parents of children with experience of mental health problems and 25 education and health professionals. A focus group was also held with 8 key stakeholders immersed nationally in policy and practice. Interview schedules explored participants’ experiences of mental health, unmet needs and priorities for intervention. Data were synthesised and presented at a 3-day co-production workshop. Attendees included 13 CYP, 6 parents/guardians, 2 teachers, 8 health professionals, 2 academics and 3 game designers. Consensus exercises were utilised to identify the preferred format, content and delivery of the intervention. A smaller group of patient and public involvement contributors worked with designers to further iterate the intervention.

Results

An immersive storyline digital application was co-developed for young people aged 11–15 with the primary aim of improving mental health literacy and self-management. The intervention comprises two chapters; one depression focussed, and the other anxiety focussed. The storyline format is interspersed with interactive games and exercises to promote engagement and encourage self-management. CYP also take part in group sessions delivered by trained facilitators before and after intervention use to discuss outcomes of and issues raised during the game.

Conclusion

The IMPeTUs intervention has been co-designed for CYP aged 11–15 to improve mental health literacy and enhance self-management abilities. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first Indonesian digital intervention to improve mental health literacy and self-management for this population. Implementation, acceptability, and impact are currently being explored in a multi-site case study evaluation.
Prevalence and risk factors for trypanosome infection in cattle from communities surrounding the Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Authors: Kizza Daniel , Ocaido Michael , Mugisha Anthony , Azuba Rose , Nalule Sarah , Onyuth Howard , Musinguzi Simon Peter , Okwasiimire Rodney , Waiswa Charles
Published: October 2021

Background

Bovine trypanosomosis transmitted by tsetse flies is a major constraint to cattle health and productivity in all sub-Saharan countries, including Uganda. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and identify its associated risk factors and the species of trypanosomes associated with the disease.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was conducted around Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda from January 2020 to April 2020. Trypanosomes were detected in blood samples by PCR analysis targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-PCR assays), and trypanosomes in positive blood samples were sequenced.

Results

Of 460 blood samples collected and tested, 136 (29.6%) were positive for trypanosome infections and 324 (70.4%) were negative. The overall trypanosome prevalence was 29.6% (95% confidence interval 25.4–33.8%), attributed to three trypanosome species. Of these three species, Trypanosoma vivax was the most prevalent (n = 130, 28.3%) while the others were detected as mixed infections: T. vivax + Trypanosomacongolense (n = 2, 0.4%) and T. vivax + Trypanosomaevansi (n = 1, 0.2%). There were significant differences in trypanosome prevalence according to sex (χ2 = 62, df = 1, P < 0.05), age (χ2 = 6.28, df = 2, P = 0.0043) and cattle breed (χ2 = 10.61, df = 1, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Trypanosomosis remains a major limitation to cattle production around Murchison Falls National Park and interventions are urgently needed. In our study, the prevalence of trypanosome infections was high, with T. vivax identified as the most prevalent species. Age, sex and breed of cattle were risk factors for trypanosome infection.

Graphical Abstract
Rapamycin-induced hyperglycemia is associated with exacerbated age-related osteoarthritis
Authors: Minton Dennis M. , Elliehausen Christian J. , Javors Martin A. , Santangelo Kelly S. , Konopka Adam R.
Published: October 2021

Background

The objective of this study was to determine if mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibition with or without AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation can protect against primary, age-related OA.

Design

Dunkin-Hartley guinea pigs develop mild primary OA pathology by 5 months of age that progresses to moderate OA by 8 months of age. At 5 months, guinea pigs served as young control (n = 3) or were fed either a control diet (n = 8), a diet enriched with the mTOR-inhibitor rapamycin (Rap, 14 ppm, n = 8), or Rap with the AMPK-activator metformin (Rap+Met, 1000 ppm, n = 8) for 12 weeks. Knee joints were evaluated by OARSI scoring, micro-computed tomography, and immunohistochemistry. Glenohumeral articular cartilage was collected for western blotting.

Results

Rap- and Rap+Met-treated guinea pigs displayed lower body weight than control. Rap and Rap+Met inhibited articular cartilage mTORC1 but not mTORC2 signaling. Rap+Met, but not Rap alone, stimulated AMPK. Despite lower body weight and articular cartilage mTORC1 inhibition, Rap- and Rap+Met-treated guinea pigs had greater OA severity in the medial tibial plateau due to articular cartilage structural damage and/or proteoglycan loss. Rap and Rap+Met increased plasma glucose compared to control. Plasma glucose concentration was positively correlated with proteoglycan loss, suggesting hyperglycemic stress after Rap treatment was related to worsened OA.

Conclusions

This is the first study to show that Rap induced increase in plasma glucose was associated with greater OA severity. Further, articular cartilage mTORC1 inhibition and bodyweight reduction by dietary Rap and Rap+Met did not appear to protect against primary OA during the prevailing hyperglycemia.
Affect and gaze responses during an Emotion-Evoking Task in infants at an increased likelihood for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Sacrey Lori-Ann R. , Zwaigenbaum Lonnie , Brian Jessica A. , Smith Isabel M. , Armstrong Vickie , Raza Sarah , Vaillancourt Tracy , Schmidt Louis A.
Published: October 2021

Background

The majority of research examining emotional difficulties in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prior to age 2 relies on parent report.

Methods

We examined behavioral responses (affect and gaze) during emotionally salient tasks designed to elicit mildly positive and negative emotional states in infants. At 12 and 18 months, infants at an increased likelihood for an ASD diagnosis (IL; have an older sibling with ASD; n = 60) and low likelihood (LL; no family history of ASD; n = 21) completed the Emotion-Evoking (EE) Task and parents completed the Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised (IBQ-R). All children received an Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale—second Edition assessment for ASD symptomatology at 24 months.

Results

The main findings were (1) the IL group displayed higher rates of negative affect and spent less time looking at the task objects compared to the LL group, and (2) affect and gaze scores at 12 and 18 months, but not scores on the IBQ-R, predicted ASD symptoms at 24 months.

Limitations

The data were drawn from an IL sample and may not be generalizable to the general ASD population, and the children were not followed to determine a diagnosis of ASD.

Conclusion

These results suggest that behavioral responses can provide important information that complements parent reports of emotional regulation in IL infants as early as 12 months of age.
Regulation of the integrin αVβ3- actin filaments axis in early osteogenesis of human fibroblasts under cyclic tensile stress
Authors: Peng Yan , Qu Rongmei , Feng Yanting , Huang Xiaolan , Yang Yuchao , Fan Tingyu , Sun Bing , Khan Asmat Ullah , Wu Shutong , Dai Jingxing , Ouyang Jun
Published: October 2021

Background

Integrins play a prominent role in osteogenic differentiation by transmitting both mechanical and chemical signals. Integrin expression is closely associated with tensile stress, which has a positive effect on osteogenic differentiation. We investigated the relationship between integrin αVβ3 and tensile stress.

Methods

Human fibroblasts were treated with c (RGDyk) and lentivirus transduction to inhibit function of integrin αVβ3. Y-15, cytochalasin D and verteporfin were used to inhibit phosphorylation of FAK, polymerization of microfilament and function of nuclear YAP, respectively. Fibroblasts were exposed to a cyclic tensile stress of 10% at 0.5 Hz, once a day for 2 h each application. Fibroblasts were harvested on day 4 and 7 post-treatment. The expression of ALP, RUNX2, integrin αVβ3, β-actin, talin-1, FAK, vinculin, and nuclear YAP was detected by Western blot or qRT-PCR. The expression and distribution of integrin αVβ3, vinculin, microfilament and nuclear YAP.

Results

Cyclic tensile stress was found to promote expression of ALP and RUNX2. Inhibition of integrin αVβ3 activation downregulated the rearrangement of microfilament and the expression of ALP, RUNX2 and nuclear YAP. When the polymerization of microfilament was inhibited the expression of ALP, RUNX2 and nuclear YAP were decreased. The phosphorylation of FAK induced by cyclic tensile stress reduced by the inhibition of integrin αVβ3. The expression of ALP and RUNX2 was decreased by inhibition of phosphorylation of FAK and inhibition of nuclear YAP.

Conclusions

Cyclic tensile stress promotes osteogenesis of human fibroblasts via integrin αVβ3-microfilament axis. Phosphorylation of FAK and nuclear YAP participates in this process.
Translating the InChI: adapting neural machine translation to predict IUPAC names from a chemical identifier
Authors: Handsel Jennifer , Matthews Brian , Knight Nicola J. , Coles Simon J.
Published: October 2021

We present a sequence-to-sequence machine learning model for predicting the IUPAC name of a chemical from its standard International Chemical Identifier (InChI). The model uses two stacks of transformers in an encoder-decoder architecture, a setup similar to the neural networks used in state-of-the-art machine translation. Unlike neural machine translation, which usually tokenizes input and output into words or sub-words, our model processes the InChI and predicts the IUPAC name character by character. The model was trained on a dataset of 10 million InChI/IUPAC name pairs freely downloaded from the National Library of Medicine’s online PubChem service. Training took seven days on a Tesla K80 GPU, and the model achieved a test set accuracy of 91%. The model performed particularly well on organics, with the exception of macrocycles, and was comparable to commercial IUPAC name generation software. The predictions were less accurate for inorganic and organometallic compounds. This can be explained by inherent limitations of standard InChI for representing inorganics, as well as low coverage in the training data.
Benchmark for anonymous video analytics
Authors: Sanchez-Matilla Ricardo , Cavallaro Andrea
Published: October 2021

Out-of-home audience measurement aims to count and characterize the people exposed to advertising content in the physical world. While audience measurement solutions based on computer vision are of increasing interest, no commonly accepted benchmark exists to evaluate and compare their performance. In this paper, we propose the first benchmark for digital out-of-home audience measurement that evaluates the vision-based tasks of audience localization and counting, and audience demographics. The benchmark is composed of a novel, dataset captured at multiple locations and a set of performance measures. Using the benchmark, we present an in-depth comparison of eight open-source algorithms on four hardware platforms with GPU and CPU-optimized inferences and of two commercial off-the-shelf solutions for localization, count, age, and gender estimation. This benchmark and related open-source codes are available at http://ava.eecs.qmul.ac.uk.
Non-polynomial B-spline and shifted Jacobi spectral collocation techniques to solve time-fractional nonlinear coupled Burgers’ equations numerically
Authors: Hadhoud Adel R. , Srivastava H. M. , Rageh Abdulqawi A. M.
Published: October 2021

This paper proposes two numerical approaches for solving the coupled nonlinear time-fractional Burgers’ equations with initial or boundary conditions on the interval $[0, L]$
[
0
,
L
]
. The first method is the non-polynomial B-spline method based on L1-approximation and the finite difference approximations for spatial derivatives. The method has been shown to be unconditionally stable by using the Von-Neumann technique. The second method is the shifted Jacobi spectral collocation method based on an operational matrix of fractional derivatives. The proposed algorithms’ main feature is that when solving the original problem it is converted into a nonlinear system of algebraic equations. The efficiency of these methods is demonstrated by applying several examples in time-fractional coupled Burgers equations. The error norms and figures show the effectiveness and reasonable accuracy of the proposed methods.
Higher-order q-derivatives and their applications to subclasses of multivalent Janowski type q-starlike functions
Authors: Khan Bilal , Liu Zhi-Guo , Srivastava H. M. , Araci Serkan , Khan Nazar , Ahmad Qazi Zahoor
Published: October 2021

In the present investigation, with the help of certain higher-order q-derivatives, some new subclasses of multivalent q-starlike functions which are associated with the Janowski functions are defined. Then, certain interesting results, for example, radius problems and the results related to distortion, are derived. We also derive a sufficient condition and certain coefficient inequalities for our defined function classes. Some known consequences related to this subject are also highlighted. Finally, the well-demonstrated fact about the $(p,q)$
(
p
,
q
)
-variations is also given in the concluding section.
Low-grade peripheral inflammation affects brain pathology in the AppNL-G-Fmouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Xie Junhua , Gorlé Nina , Vandendriessche Charysse , Van Imschoot Griet , Van Wonterghem Elien , Van Cauwenberghe Caroline , Parthoens Eef , Van Hamme Evelien , Lippens Saskia , Van Hoecke Lien , Vandenbroucke Roosmarijn E.
Published: October 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by the accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles. The last decade, it became increasingly clear that neuroinflammation plays a key role in both the initiation and progression of AD. Moreover, also the presence of peripheral inflammation has been extensively documented. However, it is still ambiguous whether this observed inflammation is cause or consequence of AD pathogenesis. Recently, this has been studied using amyloid precursor protein (APP) overexpression mouse models of AD. However, the findings might be confounded by APP-overexpression artifacts. Here, we investigated the effect of low-grade peripheral inflammation in the APP knock-in (AppNL-G-F) mouse model. This revealed that low-grade peripheral inflammation affects (1) microglia characteristics, (2) blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier integrity, (3) peripheral immune cell infiltration and (4) Aβ deposition in the brain. Next, we identified mechanisms that might cause this effect on AD pathology, more precisely Aβ efflux, persistent microglial activation and insufficient Aβ clearance, neuronal dysfunction and promotion of Aβ aggregation. Our results further strengthen the believe that even low-grade peripheral inflammation has detrimental effects on AD progression and may further reinforce the idea to modulate peripheral inflammation as a therapeutic strategy for AD.
Impacts of forestation on the annual and seasonal water balance of a tropical catchment under climate change
Authors: Marhaento Hero , Booij Martijn J. , Rahardjo Noorhadi , Ahmed Naveed
Published: October 2021

Background

This study aims to assess the effects of a forestation program and climate change on the annual and seasonal water balance of the Bogowonto catchment (597 km2) in Java, Indonesia. The catchment study is rare example in Indonesia where forestation has been applied at the catchment level. However, since the forestation program has been initiated, evaluations of the program only focus on the planting area targets, while the environmental success e.g., impacts on the hydrological processes have never been assessed. This study used a calibrated Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to diagnose the isolated and combined effects of forestation and climate change on five water balance components, namely streamflow (Q), evapotranspiration (ET), surface runoff (Qs), lateral flow (Ql) and base flow (Qb).

Results

The results show that from 2006 to 2019, forest cover has increased from 2.7% to 12.8% of the total area, while in the same period there was an increase in the mean annual and seasonal temperature, rainfall, and streamflow. Results of SWAT simulations show that changes in the mean annual and seasonal water balance under the forestation only scenario were relatively minor, while changes were more pronounced under the climate change only scenario. Based on the combined impacts scenario, it was observed that the effects of a larger forest area on the water balance were smaller than the effects of climate change.

Conclusions

Although we found that forestation program has minor impacts compared to that of climate change on the hydrological processes in the Bogowonto catchment, seasonally, forestation activity has decreased the streamflow and surface runoff during the wet season which may reduce the risk of moderate floods. However, much attention should be paid to the way how forestation may result in severe drought events during the dry season. Finally, we urge the importance of accounting for the positive and negative effects in future forestation programs.
A multicriteria credit scoring model for SMEs using hybrid BWM and TOPSIS
Authors: Roy Pranith Kumar , Shaw Krishnendu
Published: October 2021

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have a crucial influence on the economic development of every nation, but access to formal finance remains a barrier. Similarly, financial institutions encounter challenges in the assessment of SMEs’ creditworthiness for the provision of financing. Financial institutions employ credit scoring models to identify potential borrowers and to determine loan pricing and collateral requirements. SMEs are perceived as unorganized in terms of financial data management compared to large corporations, making the assessment of credit risk based on inadequate financial data a cause for financial institutions’ concern. The majority of existing models are data-driven and have faced criticism for failing to meet their assumptions. To address the issue of limited financial record keeping, this study developed and validated a system to predict SMEs’ credit risk by introducing a multicriteria credit scoring model. The model was constructed using a hybrid best–worst method (BWM) and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). Initially, the BWM determines the weight criteria, and TOPSIS is applied to score SMEs. A real-life case study was examined to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model, and a sensitivity analysis varying the weight of the criteria was performed to assess robustness against unpredictable financial situations. The findings indicated that SMEs’ credit history, cash liquidity, and repayment period are the most crucial factors in lending, followed by return on capital, financial flexibility, and integrity. The proposed credit scoring model outperformed the existing commercial model in terms of its accuracy in predicting defaults. This model could assist financial institutions, providing a simple means for identifying potential SMEs to grant credit, and advance further research using alternative approaches.
Analysis of challenges faced and the scientific content of a hybrid pediatric surgical conference arranged during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Patel Muhammad Haris , Akhtar Jamshed , Taqvi Syed Muhammad Raees Hussain , Batool Tayyaba
Published: October 2021

Background

Scientific conferences which are considered as an important event for dissemination of research and related academic activities were badly affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual format for interaction was used as an alternative method to continue such academic discourse. However, this did not provide the same level of communication and interest as that of in-person meetings. With evolving knowledge about the COVID-19 pandemic especially its transmission, role of vaccine, and observing standard operating procedures (SOPs), fear among healthcare providers is mitigated to some extent. Keeping in mind the importance of scientific conferences in the context of sharing knowledge and its impact on the training of faculty members and postgraduate residents, a hybrid conference was planned by the national association of pediatric surgeons.

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively review the challenges faced during the organization of this conference as well as to analyze the pattern of registration, number of abstracts received, the gender of the participants and their status, region of the country they represented, type of presentation made, and scientific subject covered. SPSS version 22 was used for data entry. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to present data. Chi square test was applied to find out the association between categorical variables and a p value < 0.05 was considered as significant.

Results

A total of 170 pediatric surgeons and postgraduate residents participated from all over the country and abroad. Nearly half (47.1%) of the registrants were postgraduate residents. Most of the participants (90%) opted for in-person attendance. The venue was selected with a capacity to house more than double the number of registrants with provision of safe distance. Availability of face masks, gloves, and sanitizers was ensured by the organizers. Packed meal boxes were arranged and served at the venue site in an open place on the terrace. A total of 97 abstracts were accepted for presentation that included 57 (58.8%) long oral podium and 40 (41.2%) poster presentations. Most of the studies (n=48–49.4%) were related to the subject of gastroenterology including pancreatico-hepatobiliary system and spleen. Majority of the presenters were male (p = 0.046) and postgraduate residents (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

It was possible to organize a hybrid annual medical conference where most of the participants preferred physical presence. A rich scientific program was made to cater the needs for pediatric surgical fraternity. Residents made attractive presentations. It was noted that physical presence during clinical conference produced effective communication and learning.
Predisposing factors of childhood dysphonia in primary school children
Authors: Elbanna M. M. , Elmaghraby R. M.
Published: October 2021

Background

Although dysphonia is a common symptom in children, there is lack of mass screening studies to cover its prevalence rate in the Egyptian Alexandrian schools. The aim of the work was to screen Alexandrian school-age children for dysphonia in order to determine the prevalence and to detect its possible predisposing factors. The study was carried out on 1913 school children (4th-6th grade), age range of 9-13 years and presenting the seven Alexandrian Educational districts. All patients were screened for the presence of dysphonia. The grade of dysphonia was assessed by a phoniatrician using perceptual auditory evaluation. Determination of possible predisposing factors was done through the application of a questionnaire. Only 317 students responded to the questionnaire.

Results

There was a significant difference between dysphonic and non-dysphonic as regards gender, and school grade. Having a smoking family member and conducting activities requiring high vocal demands were recorded with the highest percentage among dysphonic children.

Conclusion

The Study revealed a prevalence rate of childhood Dysphonia of 12.4%. The presence of chest problems, prolonged loud cry, temperament personality and passive smoking predisposed to dysphonia in primary school students.
Lipoprotein(a) Levels at Birth and in Early Childhood: The COMPARE Study
Authors: Strandkjær Nina , Hansen Malene Kongsgaard , Nielsen Sofie Taageby , Frikke-Schmidt Ruth , Tybjærg-Hansen Anne , Nordestgaard Børge G , Tabor Ann , Bundgaard Henning , Iversen Kasper , Kamstrup Pia R
Published: October 2021

Background and Objective

High lipoprotein(a) is a genetically determined causal risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and 20% of the adult population has high levels (ie, >42 mg/dL, >88 nmol/L). We investigated whether early life lipoprotein(a) levels measured in cord blood may serve as a proxy for neonatal venous blood levels, whether lipoprotein(a) birth levels (ie, cord or venous) predict levels later in life, and whether early life and parental levels correlate.

Methods

The Compare study is a prospective cohort study of newborns (N = 450) from Copenhagen, Denmark, including blood sampling of parents. Plasma lipoprotein(a) was measured in cord blood (N = 402), neonatal venous blood (N = 356), and at 2 (N = 320) and 15 months follow-up (N = 148) of infants, and in parents (N = 705).

Results

Mean lipoprotein(a) levels were 2.2 (95% CI, 1.9-2.5), 2.4 (2.0-2.7), 4.1 (3.4-4.9), and 14.6 (11.4-17.9) mg/dL in cord, neonatal venous, and 2- and 15-month venous samples, respectively. Lipoprotein(a) levels in cord blood correlated strongly with neonatal venous blood levels (R2 = 0.95, P < 0.001) and neonatal levels correlated moderately with 2- and 15-month levels (R2 = 0.68 and 0.67, both P < 0.001). Birth levels ≥ 90th percentile predicted lipoprotein(a) > 42 mg/dL at 15 months with positive predictive values of 89% and 85% for neonatal venous and cord blood. Neonatal and infant levels correlated weakly with parental levels, most pronounced at 15 months (R2 = 0.22, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Lipoprotein(a) levels are low in early life, cord blood may serve as a proxy for neonatal venous blood, and birth levels ≥ 90th percentile can identify newborns at risk of developing high levels.
T2-FLAIR mismatch sign: a roadmap of pearls and pitfalls
Authors: Pinto Catarina , Noronha Carolina , Taipa Ricardo , Ramos Cristina
Published: October 2021

T2-FLAIR mismatch sign has been advocated to be 100% specific for IDH-mutant 1p/19q non-codeleted gliomas (diffuse astrocytomas). However, false positives have been reported in recent works. Loose application of the criteria may lead to erroneous classification, especially by non-trained neuroradiologists. In this pictorial essay, we aim to bring attention to the need for strict criteria for the application of T2-FLAIR mismatch sign and to discuss the potential pitfalls in the application of these criteria. For that, a series of adult brain tumour cases are presented to demonstrate how to apply this radiological sign in the clinical practice.
Implementation of Mathematical Modeling Tools for Analysis of Economic Processes and Forecasting of Expenses
Authors: Kulyasova A. , Bondarev V.
Published: October 2021

The article is devoted to the consideration of various practices of using mathematical modeling for analysis of economic processes. The article contains specific examples of the application of mathematical modeling methods, including methods based on tools of the theory of probability and mathematical statistics. The purpose of the article is to draw the reader's attention to the widespread applicability and effectiveness of methods and tools of economic and mathematical modeling for solving applied problems in the subject area. The study has shown that the use of individually adapted models based on the basic elements of the mathematical apparatus is effective for solving highly specialized applied problems including tasks connected with forecasting costs and assessing possible risks.
Digital Transformation of the Service Sector
Authors: Shevchenko D. , Mihaylov V.
Published: October 2021

The article is devoted to the problems of digital transformation of companies in the service sector. The article describes the concepts of "digitization", "digitalization", "digital transformation", "automation". The analysis of the main sectors of the public services sector, the processes of transformation into a new business model of their development is carried out. Specific examples show the role of digital technologies implemented by individual companies, the leaders of their industry: "Internet of Things" (IoT); virtual diagnostics of the service; mobile applications and portals; artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI / ML); remote maintenance; UX design; virtual reality; cloud technologies; online services and others. The authors proceed from understanding the difference between automation and digitalization, the strategic goal of which is to create a new digital business model that creates new value. The result of digital transformation is the reconfiguration of processes that change the business logic of the company and the process of creating value. The article concludes that the rapid development of new technologies leads to the fact that companies face not only a dilemma when choosing the most suitable technologies for investment, but also the problem of staffing and finding an adequate organizational structure to create and maintain a new business model of the company.
Checklist of butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea) of an urban area of Caatinga-Atlantic Forest ecotone in Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Dantas Caique , Zacca Thamara , Bravo Freddy
Published: October 2021

The butterfly inventories carried out in urban landscapes in Bahia are still scarce. Urban areas with remnants of native vegetation in association with ornamental plants can provide several resources that are favorable for the development and shelter of various animal species, including insects, even with the high anthropization that occurs in these environments. In this work, we aim to investigate the urban fauna of butterflies at the Campus of the Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana (UEFS), an area of ​​Caatinga-Atlantic Forest ecotone located in the municipality of Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil. Monthly samplings were carried out with entomological net and standardized traps with different attractive baits, between May 2019 and January 2020, in addition to review of the material previously deposited at the Entomological Collection Prof. Johan Becker located at the Zoology Museum of the UEFS (MZFS). In total, 114 species of Papilionoidea were recorded, with Nymphalidae being the richest family (45 species), followed by Hesperiidae (32), Lycaenidae (21), Pieridae (10), Papilionidae (3) and Riodinidae (3). Thirteen species are new records for Bahia and eight species are new records for Northeast Brazil. The results demonstrate the extreme relevance of the conservation and preservation of urban green areas for the maintenance of butterflies species and, consequently, the associated insect fauna.
The content posting practices of young people on social networks
Authors: Rodríguez-Illera José Luis , Martínez-Olmo Francesc , Hurtado Rubio , Galván Cristina
Published: October 2021

We aim to rethink personal digital storytelling in light of new forms of communication that have emerged on social networks, as well as to analyse the core value of image in all of them. Three specific objectives are proposed: i) to know the habits and practices of young people in relation to the publication of digital (and other) narratives in social networks, ii) to identify profiles and types of young publishers, iii) to characterize the differentiating elements between the types of young publishers. For this purpose, we have designed a questionnaire on young people’s social network posting practices. The sample corresponds to 835 young people between 12 and 22 years old from Ibero-American countries (Spain, Chile and Colombia). Our analysis of the results of the questionnaire shows certain differences according to age, country and gender, along with several significant similarities. The respondents have been classified according to posting frequency and type of posts. Last of all, we make some considerations on how to incorporate the results of the questionnaire in the training methodology of personal digital storytelling.
Eculizumab as a Treatment for Hyper-Haemolytic and Aplastic Crisis in Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Patel Ishan , Odak Mihir , Douedi Steven , Alshami Abbas , Upadhyaya Vandan , Hossain Mohammad , Anne Madhurima , Patel Swapnil V
Published: October 2021

Background: Patients with sickle cell disease can experience various crises including sequestration crisis, haemolytic crisis and aplastic crisis. Due to alloantibody formation, transfusion alloantibodies can cause a haemolytic crisis. Treatment involves avoiding packed red blood cell transfusions, as well as intravenous immunoglobulin, steroids and eculizumab to decrease the chances of haemolysis. Case description: We report the case of a 42-year-old man who was found to have worsening anaemia after packed red blood cell transfusion with evidence suggestive of haemolytic crisis. Due to reticulocytopenia, aplastic crisis was also suspected and later confirmed via parvovirus IgG and IgM titres. The patient did not improve with steroid and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy and was treated with eculizumab as a salvage therapy. Conclusion: Concurrent hyper-haemolytic crisis and aplastic crisis should be suspected in patients with features of haemolysis and reticulocytopenia. Prompt recognition and treatment with eculizumab are paramount in those who fail steroid and intravenous immunoglobulin treatment.
FACTORS AFFECTING CAPITAL EXPENDITURES AND COMMUNITY WELFARE IN KALIMANTAN
Authors: Malini Helma
Published: October 2021

From centralized to decentralized systems provides new hope for most provinces in Indonesia. With government decentralization, it means that management authority will be distributed from the center to the regions. This study aims to examine and prove whether Locally-Generated Revenue (Pendapatan Asli Daerah–PAD), Special Allocation Fund (Dana Alokasi Khusus-DAK), General Allocation Fund (Dana Alokasi Umum-DAU), Profit-Sharing Fund (Distribusi Bagi Hasil–DBH) affect capital expenditure and community welfare in Kalimantan. The population in this study are districts and cities in Kalimantan, consisting of 47 districts and 9 cities. The method used to determine the sample is purposive sampling, which selects samples with certain criteria. From a population of 56, this study examines a sample of 49 observations (42 districts and 7 cities). The results show that PAD, DAK, DAU, and DBH positively impact capital expenditure in Kalimantan. However, capital expenditure has no effect on community welfare in Kalimantan.
Compassion fatigue and mental health nursing: the final taboo?
Authors: Camenzuli-Chetcuti Matshidiso L , Haslam Michael B
Published: October 2021

For mental health nurses, a core component of the nurse–patient relationship is compassion. Bearing witness to patients' distress may lead to the manifestation of compassion fatigue; a decrease in compassionate and empathic responses because of prolonged contact with patients with mental ill health issues. Mental health nurses, particularly those who work in areas where they are exposed to frequent crisis presentations, such as inpatient settings and crisis teams, are at risk of developing compassion fatigue, yet there remains a paucity of research into the impact on those delivering mental health care in the UK. This article highlights the importance of identifying compassion fatigue, advocates for open honest and supportive discussions without fear of reprimand, and argues that possible workplace causes should be effectively addressed by nurse leaders and organisations, not just for sake of the mental health nurse and their employers, but also to ensure positive patient outcomes.
We should be celebrating general practice, not criticising
Authors: Oldman Crystal
Published: October 2021

Recent stories in the national media have piled pressure on general practice. Crystal Oldman explains why the criticism has been unfair
Inhaled therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Booth Andrew
Published: October 2021

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is characterised by progressive symptoms of productive cough, breathlessness, wheeze and exacerbations. Airway obstruction is detected by quality assured spirometry, and is defined as a Forced Expired Volume in one second / Forced Vital Capacity ratio <0.7. Inhaled therapy is the most effective treatment solution, with bronchodilators and inhaled steroids helping to improve symptoms, quality of life and lung function, while reducing risk of exacerbations. Bronchodilators are available as both monotherapy and as dual combination therapy. Inhaled steroids can be added to inhaled long-acting bronchodilators, but are not without significant complications, including pneumonia. Therefore, careful assessment of the phenotype of a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease must be given before commencing any therapy that contains inhaled steroid and other treatments, such as flu vaccination, smoking cessation and pulmonary rehabilitation should be given due consideration.
Crowdlearning: estratégia frente aos Desafios de Aprendizado no Ensino Superior
Authors: Dos Santos Filho Adylson Sá , Lima Afonso Carneiro
Published: October 2021

Este artigo tem como objetivos compreender as principais dificuldades de aprendizado por parte de alunos do ensino superior na modalidade EaD e discutir a viabilidade operacional de uma plataforma de crowdlearning a partir da perspectiva da dinâmica de interação. Realizou-se uma pesquisa exploratória por meio de entrevistas individuais junto a um grupo de gestores de cursos na modalidade EaD de universidades públicas e privadas no País selecionados de maneira não-aleatória. A pesquisa revelou que as dificuldades vivenciadas pelos estudantes têm múltiplas causas, sobretudo a deficiência educacional estrutural, i.e., habilidades de leitura e interpretação de texto, cálculos de baixa e média complexidade e também aspectos atitudinais como a autonomia e a autodisciplina. Reconheceu-se também a viabilidade da contribuição dos princípios da economia colaborativa no aprendizado desses estudantes mediante a interação, cooperação e colaboração de discentes, docentes e outros participantes; são, assim, especificadas as condições para a operação de uma plataforma de crowdlearning como ferramenta de auxílio ao aprendizado de alunos nesse contexto.
Editorial
Authors: Iizuka Edson Sadao
Published: October 2021

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