bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Readiness to implement on-site molecular testing for tuberculosis in community health centers in Uganda
Authors: Nalugwa Talemwa , Handley Margaret , Shete Priya , Ojok Christopher , Nantale Mariam , Reza Tania , Katamba Achilles , Cattamanchi Adithya , Ackerman Sara
Published: February 2022

Background

Newer molecular testing platforms are now available for deployment at lower-level community health centers. There are limited data on facility- and health worker-level factors that would promote successful adoption of such platforms for rapid tuberculosis (TB) testing and treatment initiation. Our study aimed to assess readiness to implement onsite molecular testing at community health centers in Uganda, a high TB burden country in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

To understand implementation readiness, we conducted a qualitative assessment guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) at 6 community health centers in central and eastern Uganda between February and April 2018. We conducted 23 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with health workers involved in TB care at each health center to assess TB-related work practices and readiness to adopt onsite molecular testing using the GeneXpert Edge platform. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded for thematic analysis.

Results

Participants (N=23) included 6 nurses/nursing assistants, 6 clinicians, 6 laboratory directors/technicians, 1 medical officer, 2 health center directors, and 2 other health workers involved in TB care. Health workers described general enthusiasm that on-site molecular testing could lead to greater efficiencies in TB diagnosis and treatment, including faster turn- around time for TB test results, lack of need for trained laboratory technicians to interpret results, and reduced need to transport sputum specimens to higher level facilities. However, health workers also expressed concerns about implementation feasibility. These included uncertainty about TB infection risk, safety risks from disposal of hazardous waste, a lack of local capacity to provide timely troubleshooting and maintenance services, and concerns about the security of GeneXpert devices and accessories. Health workers also expressed the need for backup batteries to support testing or charging when wall power is unstable.

Conclusion

Our study generated a nuanced understanding of modifiable contextual barriers and led to direct revisions of implementation strategies for onsite molecular testing. The findings highlight that novel diagnostics should be implemented along with health system co-interventions that address contextual barriers to their effective uptake. Pre-implementation assessment of stakeholder perspectives, collaborative work processes, and institutional contexts is essential when introducing innovative technology in complex health care settings.
Post COVID-19 syndrome in a prospective cohort study of Egyptian patients
Authors: Gamal Dalia Mohamed , Ibrahim Rehab Ali , Samaan Sara Farid
Published: February 2022

Background

Post-coronavirus disease (COVID-19) syndrome is defined as the persistence of symptoms for more than 3 to 12 weeks after infection with the COVID-19 virus that cannot be attributed to another etiology. This study was conducted in our university hospital aiming to analyze the medium-term persistent symptoms in post-COVID-19 patients through a comprehensive and structured clinical assessment and evaluating the incidence, association, and risk factors of the post COVID-19 symptoms and their effect on the functional status of the survivors.

Results

Of 170 recruited individuals, about 66 (38.82%) reported post-COVID-19 symptoms. Post-viral fatigue was the most common symptom (23.5%), followed by arthralgia and myalgia in 32 patients (18.8%). Lower functional status was reported among some of the survivors which can be attributed to the severity of the disease and the presence of post-COVID symptoms among these patients. The post-COVID-19 syndrome showed an association with patient age, severity of the disease, and the presence of preexisting comorbidities.

Conclusion

A significant functional impact was found in some COVID-19 survivors after COVID-19 infection. Age, severity of the disease, and presence of preexisting comorbidities are critical risk factors for the development of post-COVID-19 syndrome.
Types of lime binders in mortars used for the construction of the Ming Great Wall of China and their importance for the development of a conservation strategy
Authors: Dettmering Tanja , Dai Shibing
Published: February 2022

The most obvious characteristics of the Ming Great Wall are external masonry walls made of natural stones, bricks and lime mortars. According to the chemical and mineralogical compositions of the original bedding and pointing mortars, dolomitic lime binder was used dominantly in the construction of the Ming Great Wall in provinces such as those around Beijing and Hebei. Calcium-rich lime and air lime with low natural hydraulically reactive phases, which are hydrated and react slowly with the carbon dioxide in air to form calcium carbonate, were used in some western provinces. Chemical and microscopic investigations show that both dolomitic and calcium-rich lime mortars are almost aggregate-free. Historic dolomitic lime mortars are characterised by high strengths, low porosities and dense micro-scale textures. The most recent conservation principle is to preserve the Ming Great Wall as a ruin. Therefore, the conservation strategy should be redefined in terms of mortars. Since some of the damage to the Great Wall is related to reactions between dolomitic lime mortars and air pollutants, calcium-rich lime binders should be used for conservation and even for restoration of those parts of the Great Wall that were originally built with dolomitic lime. Binders based on natural hydraulic lime and calcium-rich lime gauged with natural pozzolana might be more compatible than other binders” for the structural consolidation of the ruins of the Great Wall.
Therapeutic use of serious games in mental health: scoping review
Authors: Dewhirst Alice , Laugharne Richard , Shankar Rohit
Published: February 2022

Background

There has been an increase in the development and application of serious games to support management of mental ill health, but their full impact is unclear.

Aims

Evaluation of the current evidence of acceptability and effectiveness of serious games in improving mental health disorders.

Method

A PRISMA-guided scoping review was conducted, using a predefined criteria and a relevant word combination on three databases: EMBASE, Medline and PsycINFO. Each included study was examined for game format, study type, number of participants, basic demographics, disorder targeted, recruitment, setting, control conditions, duration and follow-up, study attrition, primary outcomes and their results. Each study was given a Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations rating for quality.

Results

Fourteen out of 513 studies met the inclusion criteria. The serious games focused on symptoms of anxiety (n= 4), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (n= 3), depression (n= 2), schizophrenia (n= 2), alcohol use disorder (n= 2) and bipolar disorder (n= 1). There were multiple significant outcomes favouring serious games across conditions covered in the review. Study quality varied, with studies rated high (n= 3), moderate (n= 6), low (n= 3) and very low (n= 2).

Conclusions

The available evidence suggests that serious games could be an effective format for an intervention to reduce mental health symptoms and improve outcomes of individuals. Better designed studies would further develop confidence in this area. This is a potential vehicle of change to deliver some of the much-needed psychiatric support to both economically developed and developing regions in a resource-utilitarian manner. Partnerships between the gaming industry, researchers and health services may benefit patients.
Clinical Utility of CDK4/6 Inhibitors in Sarcoma: Successes and Future Challenges
Authors: Hsu Jocelyn Y. , Seligson Nathan D. , Hays John L. , Miles Wayne O. , Chen James L.
Published: February 2022

PURPOSE

Soft tissue and bone sarcomas are rare malignancies that exhibit significant pathologic and molecular heterogeneity. Deregulation of the CDKN2A-CCND-CDK4/6-retinoblastoma 1 (Rb) pathway is frequently observed in about 25% of unselected sarcomas and is pathognomonic for specific sarcoma subtypes. This genomic specificity has fueled the clinical evaluation of selective CDK4/6 inhibitors in sarcomas. Here, we highlight successes, opportunities, and future challenges for using CDK4/6 inhibitors to treat sarcoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This review summarizes the current evidence for the use of CDK4/6 inhibitors in sarcoma while identifying molecular rationale and predictive biomarkers that provide the foundation for targeting the CDK4/6 pathway in sarcoma. A systematic review was performed of articles indexed in the PubMed database and the National Institutes of Health Clinical Trials Registry (ClinicalTrials.gov). For each sarcoma subtype, we discuss the preclinical rationale, case reports, and available clinical trials data.

RESULTS

Despite promising clinical outcomes in a subset of sarcomas, resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors results in highly heterogeneous clinical outcomes. Current clinical data support the use of CDK4/6 inhibitors in subsets of sarcoma primarily driven by CDK4/6 deregulation. When dysregulation of the Rb pathway is a secondary driver of sarcoma, combination therapy with CDK4/6 inhibition may be an option. Developing strategies to identify responders and the mechanisms that drive resistance is important to maximize the clinical utility of these drugs in patients with sarcoma. Potential biomarkers that indicate CDK4/6 inhibitor sensitivity in sarcoma include CDK4, CCND, CCNE, RB1, E2F1, and CDKN2A.

CONCLUSION

CDK4/6 inhibitors represent a major breakthrough for targeted cancer treatment. CDK4/6 inhibitor use in sarcoma has led to limited, but significant, early clinical success. Targeted future clinical research will be key to unlocking the potential of CDK4/6 inhibition in sarcoma.
Distinct Genomic Landscapes in Early-Onset and Late-Onset Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Choi Jungyoon , Holowatyj Andreana N. , Du Mengmeng , Chen Zhishan , Wen Wanqing , Schultz Nikolaus , Lipworth Loren , Guo Xingyi
Published: February 2022

PURPOSE

The spectrum of somatic mutations among women with endometrial cancer (EC) younger than 50 years (early-onset EC) remains unknown. We investigated distinct somatic mutation patterns among early-onset and late-onset (age ≥ 50 years) EC patients.

METHODS

This cohort study included individuals age 18+ years diagnosed with pathologically confirmed EC in the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) Genomics Evidence Neoplasia Information Exchange (GENIE, v9.1) consortium. We explored tumor mutational burden (TMB) and genomic patterns of EC by age at clinical sequencing using multivariable regression models adjusted for race, ethnicity, histology, sequencing assay, sample type, and TMB.

RESULTS

Among 2,425 women with EC, 176 (7.3%) had early-onset EC and 1,923 (79.3%) had nonhypermutated (< 17.78 mutations/Mb) tumors. TMB significantly differed across age and histology groups. Among nonhypermutated ECs, early-onset patients had significantly lower odds of presenting with nonsilent FGFR2 and PIK3R1 somatic mutations compared with late-onset EC patients in adjusted models ( FGFR2: odds ratio [OR] = 0.18, 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.76; PIK3R1: OR = 0.54, 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.92). By contrast, early-onset EC patients had increased odds of presenting with nonsilent CTNNB1 and BRCA2 mutations compared with late-onset patients ( CTNNB1: OR = 3.32, 95% CI, 2.14 to 5.16; BRCA2: OR = 4.01, 95% CI, 1.55 to 10.38). Subsequent analyses stratified by race, ethnicity, and tumor histology identified distinct patterns of APC, KMT2D, KMT2C, and KRAS by race, ethnicity, and PTEN and APC patterns by histologic subtypes.

CONCLUSION

Early-onset EC harbors a unique genomic landscape compared with late-onset disease. A distinct molecular phenotype of early-onset EC provides novel insights into a unique etiology and may yield clinical implications for developing targeted treatment modalities for younger patients.
New Concepts in the Pathogenesis of Cystic Fibrosis–Related Diabetes
Authors: Moheet Amir , Moran Antoinette
Published: February 2022

Context

Cystic fibrosis–related diabetes (CFRD) is the most common extrapulmonary complication of cystic fibrosis (CF). Approximately 40% of people with CF who are older than 20 years have CFRD. Presence of CFRD is associated with poor health outcomes in people with CF.

Objective

This review summarizes current knowledge on pathophysiology of CFRD.

Methods

A PubMed review of the literature was conducted, with search terms that included CFRD, cystic fibrosis, cystic fibrosis related diabetes, and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Additional sources were identified through manual searches of reference lists.

Pathophysiology of CFRD: The pathophysiology underlying development of glucose tolerance abnormalities in CF is complex and not fully understood. β-cell loss and functional impairment of the remaining β-cell function results in progressive insulin insufficiency. Factors that may contribute to development of CFRD include local islet and systemic inflammation, alterations in the incretion hormone axis, varying degrees of insulin resistance and genetic factors related to type 2 diabetes.

Conclusion

The prevalence of CFRD is expected to further increase with improving life expectancy of people with CF. Further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying the development of CFRD and the impact of diabetes on clinical outcomes in CF.
Insights into cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Martínez-Fernández Carmen , Bergamino Milana , Schiavi Alfonso , Brena David , Ventura Natascia , Honnen Sebastian , Villanueva Alberto , Nadal Ernest , Cerón Julián
Published: February 2022

Cisplatin is the most common drug in first-line chemotherapy against solid tumors. We and others have previously used the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to identify genetic factors influencing the sensitivity and resistance to cisplatin. In this study, we use C. elegans to explore cisplatin effects on mitochondrial functions and investigate cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity through a high-resolution system for evaluating locomotion.

Firstly, we report that a high-glucose diet sensitizes C. elegans to cisplatin at the physiological level and that mitochondrial CED-13 protects the cell from cisplatin-induced oxidative stress. Additionally, by assessing mitochondrial function with a Seahorse Analyzer, we observed a detrimental effect of cisplatin and glucose in mitochondrial respiration. Secondly, since catechol-O-methyltransferases (involved in dopamine degradation) are upregulated upon cisplatin exposure, we studied the protective role of dopamine against cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity. To implement the use of the Tierpsy Tracker system for measuring neurotoxicity, we showed that abnormal displacements and body postures in cat-2 mutants, which have the dopamine synthesis disrupted, can be rescued by adding dopamine. Then, we demonstrated that dopamine treatment protects from the dose-dependent neurotoxicity caused by cisplatin.
Deduction Dilemmas: The Taiwan Assignment Mechanism
Authors: Dur Umut , Pathak Parag A. , Song Fei , Sönmez Tayfun
Published: February 2022

This paper analyzes the Taiwan mechanism used nationwide for high school assignment starting in 2014. In the Taiwan mechanism, points are deducted from an applicant’s score, with larger penalties for lower-ranked choices. Deduction makes the mechanism a hybrid of the Boston and deferred acceptance mechanisms. Our analysis sheds light on why Taiwan’s new mechanism has led to massive nationwide demonstrations and why it nonetheless remains in use. (JEL D47, I21, I28)
On the Experimental Robustness of the Allais Paradox
Authors: Blavatskyy Pavlo , Ortmann Andreas , Panchenko Valentyn
Published: February 2022

The Allais Paradox, or the common consequence effect, is a well-known behavioral regularity in individual decision-making under risk. Data from 81 experiments reported in 29 studies reveal that the Allais Paradox is a fragile empirical finding. The Allais Paradox is likely to be observed in experiments with high hypothetical payoffs, the medium outcome being close to the highest outcome and when lotteries are presented as a probability distribution (not in a compound form). The Allais Paradox is likely to be reversed in experiments when the probability mass is equally split between the lowest and highest outcomes in risky lotteries. (JEL D44, D81)
Relationships on the Rocks: Contract Evolution in a Market for Ice
Authors: Ghani Tarek , Reed Tristan
Published: February 2022

Firms use relational contracts to support repeated trade. Do these informal agreements evolve in response to market conditions? In a market for ice, firms reestablish relationships on new terms when a prior agreement breaks down. Using transaction data, we show that ice retailers prioritize deliveries to loyal buyers—fishing firms— when supply from the monopolistic manufacturer is scarce. After an upstream shock to competition increases supply, repeated trade lapses, threatening retailers’ positions. Incumbent retailers establish a new agreement expanding trade credit to loyal buyers, which impedes new retailer entry. Upstream competition also increases downstream firms’ productivity and lowers consumer fish prices. (JEL D24, D86, L12, L14, L81, O14, Q22)
Dos experiencias mexicanas de relaciones intergubernamentales: Influenza a/h1n1 en la competencia y Covid-19 en la contracción
Authors: Mendoza Ruiz Joel
Published: February 2022

Ante la pregunta ¿Cuáles intervenciones durante las pandemias han permitido aprendizaje en políticas públicas y cuáles han impulsado la cooperación intergubernamental mexicana?, seis acciones clasificaron resultados. La Estrategia de Comunicación Política, el Diagnóstico Viral y la Consulta Territorial Directa mostraron retrocesos “no coordinados”. Procurar la capacidad de realización fue la principal propuesta, seguida de su normalización conjunta y del desarrollo gerencial horizontal. Los Programas de Subsidio Económico y la Atención Clínica comprobaron avances no imputables a la cooperación federal. Se propuso para estos la integridad de las transferencias nacionales. El Procesamiento de la Información ha significado el único avance cooperativo, que debe institucionalizarse en la organización horizontal de gobernadores. La propuesta culminante fue la reforma del texto constitucional para modificar la supremacía del gobierno nacional en situaciones pandémicas. La metodología aplicada fue la síntesis de dos tipos de documentos relacionados con las pandemias: documentos oficiales y artículos de opinión y análisis político.
O Antilíder: Da liderança discursiva presidencial à descoordenação federativa para o combate à Covid-19
Authors: Couto Felipe Fróes , Correia Gabriel Farias Alves , Carrieri Alexandre de Pádua
Published: February 2022

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar criticamente a liderança política de Jair Bolsonaro em relação à coordenação das ações dos demais entes federativos durante a pandemia Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19), a partir dos direcionamentos da análise crítica do discurso de Van Dijk. Utilizamos dos apontamentos do método da materialidade audiovisual para trabalharmos com 15 vídeos publicados na plataforma do YouTube nos canais oficiais do presidente da República. Seguindo as diretrizes desenvolvidas por Van Dijk, analisamos os dados. Os resultados sugerem que a liderança presidencial na coordenação dos entes federativos subnacionais constituiu uma antítese do que é prescrito na literatura sobre liderança pública. Bolsonaro posicionou-se de maneira agressiva, constituindo um cenário discursivo de guerra contra as demais lideranças políticas da nação. Sua postura pode ser associada à figura de um antilíder, um agente que busca a desagregação e a descoordenação dos atores em prol de suas próprias concepções.
Tuberculin test errors and its effect on detection of bovine tuberculosis
Authors: BORHAM M , OREIBY A , EL-GEDAWY A , HEGAZY Y , AL-GAABARY M
Published: February 2022

Bovine tuberculosis is an endemic disease in Egypt, a notable gap exists between limited cases identified by single intradermal tuberculin test performed through the national control program and higher detected cases at abattoirs. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate epidemiological situation and causes of the previously mentioned gap in Middle-Delta Region. A total of 25 emergency-slaughtered animals of unknown tuberculosis-status were investigated by cocktail-antigens ELISA and post-mortem examination. Five visible tuberculous-lesion cases were detected and confirmed by PCR, ELISA was sensitive and predictive of the existence of tuberculous-lesions; 4(80%) out of 5 visible-lesion cases were seropositive. True prevalence among the slaughtered animals was 27%. In addition, tuberculin-testing of 400 animals during the national control program was evaluated, many technical and procedural errors were detected, and all animals were negative.Out of them, 55 animals were tested by ELISA before the application of tuberculin test, 30 (54.5%) animals were seropositive. To confirm the effect of the reported errors on reliability of tuberculin test, reference serum of 20 tuberculosis-positive animals that were tested by standard-procedures tuberculin test and their status were confirmed by PCR after slaughtering, were tested by ELISA. A complete matching was evident, the 20 standard-tuberculin positive animals were all seropositive. In conclusion, bovine tuberculosis is endemic at high levels in the study area, reported errors of tuberculin test during national control program may be the cause for missing tuberculosis cases and not tuberculin test itself and finally, a further wide-scale funded study is required to discover the situation throughout Egypt.
Proteolytic activities and safety use of Enterococcus faecalis strains isolated from Turkish White Pickled Cheese and milk samples
Authors: BARAN A , NADAROGLU H , ÖNEM H , ADIGÜZEL MC
Published: February 2022

In this study, Enterococcus faecalis proteolytic strains which have the potential to degradation of bovine milk proteins were isolated from Turkish White Pickled Cheeses and milk samples. E. faecalis strains were found to have strong caseinolytic activity. The extracellular protease enzymes produced by E. faecalis strains from 60 different samples were analyzed in the pattern of bands on a stained SDS-PAGE gel. The highest proteolytic activity of E. faecalis isolates were determined at pH 7.0 and 40 ℃ for 24 h. In addition, antimicrobial resistance and the presence of selected virulence genes of isolates were investigated for microbiological safety. These findings further emphasize that the E. faecalis isolates can be effective in the degradation of bovine milk proteins.
A Case Report of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (G1) in a Domestic Cat in Turkey
Authors: OGUZ B , SELCIN O , DEGER MS , BICEK K , OZDAL N
Published: February 2022

Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato is a zoonotic helminth with a life cycle that include of definitive hosts (dogs and wild carnivores) and intermediate hosts (usually the even-toed ungulates, Artiodactyla). Intermediate hosts become infected by ingesting the parasite eggs in contaminated food and water. Accidental intermediate hosts acquire infection in a similar way as other intermediate hosts. A two-year-old female cat was presented to the Van (Turkey) Animal Care and Rehabilitation Center with abdominal tension. Multiple intraperitoneal vesicles, which were found to be E. granulosus (s.1.) metacestodes, were observed during the ultrasound imaging. Then, the animal was laparotomized. Phylogenetic analysis based the partial cytochrome c oxidase 1 (pcox1) mitochondrial gene region was performed on metacestode samples (hydatid cysts). The isolate was identified as sensu stricto genotype G1, which is most commonly found in Turkey.
Analysis of factors influencing the qualitative characteristics of equine synovial fluid
Authors: TYRNENOPOULOU P , DIAKAKIS N , RIZOS E , CHAINTOUTIS S , PATSIKAS MN , PAPADOPOULOU P , AGGELI A , POLIZOPOULOU ZS , PAPAZOGLOU L
Published: February 2022

The objective of the present study was to investigate the viscoelastic properties in synovial fluid between normal horses and horses with naturally occurring OA and to detect factors affecting synovial fluid viscosity. In total, 105 horses were included in this study. Synovial fluid samples were obtained from 60 mature horses with mild to moderate osteoarthritis in the 2nd interphalangeal, the metacarpophalangeal or the intercarpal joint. Forty-five horses were used as controls. Full rheological sample characterization was performed in order to measure the elastic G’ and viscous G’’ moduli. For determining hyaluronic acid concentrations a commercially available ELISA kit was used. The results of the linear mixed effect (LME) model revealed statistically significant (p < 0.001) effect of HA concentration, on the mean values of logG’ and logG” measurements. The ANOVA findings of the final model revealed statistically significant effect of joint type (p < 0.001) on the mean values of viscoelastic measurements. Interpreting the coefficients of the covariates osteoarthritis (p < 0.001) and age (p = 0.013), a negative correlation was detected on the response logG’ and logG” measurements. Geldings seemed to present lower viscous properties compared to mares. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first multivariate study to quantitatively evaluate the several factors that affect the viscoelastic properties of equine synovial fluid. Horses with osteoarthritis seemed to present lower viscoelastic properties compared to the healthy subjects that are joint type dependant. Finally, considering the multifactorial nature of osteoarthritis, one should expect an emerging need of personalized disease-modifying treatments.
Effect of training of frontline health workers on tuberculosis: a cluster randomized control trial in South Nigeria
Authors: Akwaowo Christie , Umoh Idongesit , Motilewa Oluseyi , Umoh Victor , Usoroh Eno , Adeboye Stella , Idiong Uduak , Antia Etop
Published: February 2022

Background:Intensified efforts to improve tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis, treatment, and prevention are needed to meet global EndTB targets. Community health workers’ (CHWs) knowledge with respect to case finding is vital in tuberculosis elimination. This study aimed to determine the effect of tuberculosis training on the knowledge of community health workers in Nigeria.

Methods:As part of a larger multicomponent intervention study, a randomised control trial was conducted with CHWs in 18 primary health care (PHC) clusters in Nigeria. The clusters were allocated to three arms: training and cash incentive (A), training only (B), and control (C) arms. Arms (A) and (B) received training on tuberculosis symptoms, prevention, diagnosis and treatment while the control arm (C) did not receive training. Participants’ knowledge on tuberculosis was assessed using questionnaires administered pre- and post-intervention. Data was analyzed using GraphPad Prism. Descriptive data was presented in tables and bivariate data was analyzed using chi square. Statistical significance was set as P<0.05.

Results:There was a significant increase in the total knowledge score (25.4%), knowledge of general symptoms (24.4%), prevention (22.6%) and diagnosis and treatment (30.0%) across all study arms post-intervention (p<0.0001). Compared with the control arm, the training arm (A) had a higher proportion of good total knowledge score (94.4%) and arm (B) had a lower proportion of good total knowledge score (83.1%) when compared to the control group (93.1%). These were, however, not statistically significant.

Conclusions:An improvement in the CHWs’ knowledge of symptoms, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis was observed after a training intervention was done. Integration of routine tuberculosis training is recommended to improve tuberculosis case finding in high burden communities.

Pan African Clinical Trial Registry registration:PACTR202010691865364 (14/01/2020)
Continuation and user satisfaction of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG IUS) contraceptive in Nigeria
Authors: Nwala Anthony , Udoh Ekerette , Anyanti Jennifer , Fajemisin Adewole
Published: February 2022

Background: The hormonal intrauterine device or intrauterine system (IUS) also known as the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) is a highly effective hormonal intra-uterine contraceptive. However, services offering the method are not widely available in Nigeria and little evidence exists on the dynamics of its use. We examined the continuation rate and satisfaction with the IUS among the user population.

Methods: This prospective longitudinal phone survey involved a baseline survey of users at two-weeks post-insertion of the LNG IUS, recruited from 40 clinics across 17 states in Nigeria, with a follow-up survey at the 3rd and 12th months. A total of 208 users were interviewed at baseline, 98 at three months, and 73 at 12 months. User family planning and the IUS use experiences were elicited, as well as the continuation rate and satisfaction with the method at three and 12 months.

Results: At three- and 12 months post-insertion, 96.9% (95% CI: 91.3, 99.3) and 91.8% (95% CI: 82.9, 96.9), respectively, reported still using the LNG IUS, with none out of the few users who discontinued the method reporting a method failure. Discontinuation was mainly a result of the experience of menstrual bleeding or amenorrhea (25.0%), experiences of pain with the method (18.8%), and partner complaining about strings (16.7%). High satisfaction with the LNG IUS (76.5% at three months and 86.3% at 12 months post-insertion) was reported. Satisfaction with LNG IUS was significantly associated with not having breast tenderness/pain (88.2%) and no vaginal bacterial infection (87.5%) at 12 months compared to experiencing breast tender/pain (50.0%) and vaginal infection (0.0%) (p<0.05).

Conclusion: High user continuation and satisfaction with IUS indicates the positive potential of the method as a contraceptive in Nigeria.
How modelling can help steer the course set by the World Health Organization 2021-2030 roadmap on neglected tropical diseases
Authors: Clark Jessica , Stolk Wilma A. , Basáñez María-Gloria , Coffeng Luc E. , Cucunubá Zulma M. , Dixon Matthew A. , Dyson Louise , Hampson Katie , Marks Michael , Medley Graham F. , Pollington Timothy M. , Prada Joaquin M. , Rock Kat S. , Salje Henrik , Toor Jaspreet , Hollingsworth T. Déirdre
Published: February 2022

The World Health Organization recently launched its 2021-2030 roadmap, Ending the Neglect to Attain the Sustainable Development Goals, an updated call to arms to end the suffering caused by neglected tropical diseases. Modelling and quantitative analyses played a significant role in forming these latest goals. In this collection, we discuss the insights, the resulting recommendations and identified challenges of public health modelling for 13 of the target diseases: Chagas disease, dengue, gambiense human African trypanosomiasis (gHAT), lymphatic filariasis (LF), onchocerciasis, rabies, scabies, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH), Taenia solium taeniasis/ cysticercosis, trachoma, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and yaws. This piece reflects the three cross-cutting themes identified across the collection, regarding the contribution that modelling can make to timelines, programme design, drug development and clinical trials.
Investment Attractiveness of the Russian Economy During the Pandemic
Authors: Mahmudova Muhabbat
Published: February 2022

The crisis phenomena in the global and Russian economy observed during the pandemic are manifested in almost all spheres of activity. Investment processes are no exception. they are a reflection of the level and pace of economic development of the Territory, especially foreign investment. The article presents an overview of statistical indicators reflecting the investment attractiveness of the Russian economy at the moment. Based on the analysis of trends in the dynamics of foreign direct investment in the national economy, the author formulates the confirmation of theoretical laws of the dependence of the model of investor behavior in conditions of cyclical fluctuations in the economy and the refutation of analysts' opinions about the decline in the investment attractiveness of the Russian economy for foreign investors.
Comparative characteristics of the effectiveness of complex therapy in the surgical treatment of acute condyloma of the anogenital region with the use of drugs - nitrogen donors
Authors: Slepichko A. , Deykalo I.
Published: February 2022

The paper presents comparative data on the effectiveness of complex treatment of acute condyloma of the anogenital region (n = 105). Destruction of genital warts was performed surgically, preceded by immunomodulatory and antiviral systemic therapy and local treatment with antiseptic measures and hyaluronic acid, which continued in the postoperative period. Patients of the first group (n = 70) were added to the complex therapy drug - nitrogen donor L - arginine. Efficacy control consisted of subjective assessment and patient complaints; objective determination of the clinical condition, the course of the postoperative period, assessment of the state of microcirculation; laboratory dynamics of interleukin levels; the presence of recurrence of the disease. The use of nitrogen donor (L-arginine) in complex therapy allows to eliminate subjective symptoms, signs of secondary bacterial contamination in the preoperative period, postoperative pain, post-traumatic stress and to provide a significantly higher rate of epithelization, which optimizes the patient's stay. prognosis for recurrence of AW. The obtained results showed a significantly higher efficiency of complex treatment of acute genital warts of the anogenital region in the group of patients receiving a nitrogen donor L - arginine. In the group of patients receiving L-arginine (n = 70), there were 2 (2,86 %) relapses. In the control (n = 35) group – 3 (8,57 %) (p < 0.05).
Monte Carlo and Quasi–Monte Carlo Density Estimation via Conditioning
Authors: L’Ecuyer Pierre , Puchhammer Florian , Ben Abdellah Amal
Published: February 2022

Estimating the unknown density from which a given independent sample originates is more difficult than estimating the mean in the sense that, for the best popular nonparametric density estimators, the mean integrated square error converges more slowly than at the canonical rate of [Formula: see text]. When the sample is generated from a simulation model and we have control over how this is done, we can do better. We examine an approach in which conditional Monte Carlo yields, under certain conditions, a random conditional density that is an unbiased estimator of the true density at any point. By averaging independent replications, we obtain a density estimator that converges at a faster rate than the usual ones. Moreover, combining this new type of estimator with randomized quasi–Monte Carlo to generate the samples typically brings a larger improvement on the error and convergence rate than for the usual estimators because the new estimator is smoother as a function of the underlying uniform random numbers.

Summary of Contribution: Stochastic simulation is commonly used to estimate the mathematical expectation of some output random variable X together with a confidence interval for this expectation. But the simulations usually provide information to do much more, such as estimating the entire distribution (or density) of X. Histograms are routinely provided by standard simulation software, but they are very primitive density estimators. Kernel density estimators perform better, but they are trickier to use, have bias, and their mean square error converges more slowly than the canonical rate of O(1/n) with n independent samples. In this paper, we explain how to construct unbiased density estimators that converge at the canonical rate and even much faster when combined with randomized quasi–Monte Carlo. The key idea is to use conditional Monte Carlo to hide appropriate information and obtain a computable (random) conditional density, which acts (under certain conditions) as an unbiased density estimator. Moreover, this sample density is typically smoother than the classic density estimators as a function of the underlying uniform random numbers, so it can get along much better with randomized quasi–Monte Carlo methods. This offers an opportunity to further improve the O(1/n) rate. We observe rates near O(1/n2) on some examples, and we give conditions under which this type of rate provably holds. The proposed approach is simple, easy to implement, and extremely effective, so it provides a significant addition to the stochastic simulation toolbox.
Extended Graph Formulation for the Inequity Aversion Pricing Problem on Social Networks
Authors: Chopra Sunil , Park Hyunwoo , Shim Sangho
Published: February 2022

The inequity aversion pricing problem aims to maximize revenue while providing prices to people connected in a social network such that connected people receive prices that are not too different. This problem is known to be NP-hard even when the number of prices offered is three. This paper provides an extended graph formulation for the problem whose LP-relaxation is shown to be very strong. We show that the extended graph relaxation is integral on a network without any cycle. We develop extended cycle inequalities and show that the extended cycle inequalities cut off all the fractional extreme points of the extended graph relaxation on a cycle. We generalize cycle inequalities to zero half cuts performing a Chvátal–Gomory procedure on a cycle. Computational experiments show that the extended graph relaxation results in an integer solution for most problem instances with very small gaps (less than 3%) from optimality for the remaining instances. The addition of zero half cuts reduces the integrality gap significantly on the few difficult instances.

Summary of Contribution: The inequity aversion pricing problem aims to maximize revenue while providing prices to people connected in a social network such that connected people receive prices that are not too different. This paper provides an extended graph formulation of this practical revenue management problem whose LP-relaxation is shown to be very strong. The authors show that the extended graph relaxation is integral on a network without any cycle. They develop extended cycle inequalities and generalize them to zero-half cuts. Computational experiments show that the extended graph formulation results in an integer solution or a very small integrality gap. For difficult instances, the addition of zero half cuts significantly reduces the integrality gap.
Game—Gimme a Better Price! A Negotiation Role Play on B2B Pricing in Hotel Revenue Management
Authors: Kuokkanen Henri , Van der Rest Jean-Pierre
Published: February 2022

We present a classroom role play to immerse students in the difficulties of applying value-based pricing principles to the practice of B2B price negotiations at different levels of the hotel value chain. The students assume roles as hotel chain and individual hotel management and as key business clients to the individual hotels. Through strategic and tactical preparations that rely on incremental additions of information on the goals, students prepare themselves to negotiate aspects linked with B2B pricing in a hotel revenue management context and collect points based on their success. After the negotiations, they systematically reflect on their performance vis-à-vis their set intentions. The role play is targeted to be an assignment in master’s level hotel revenue management teaching, but it could be modified to target bachelor’s students or other fields in which value-based pricing is still at its infancy. Based on our experience with running the game in a classroom as well as twice remotely because of COVID-19, it is compatible with both forms of learning and could potentially be extended to an asynchronous online learning environment.
Capacity Games with Supply Function Competition
Authors: Anderson Edward , Chen Bo , Shao Lusheng
Published: February 2022

Procurement Auctions with Capacity Reservation

It frequently happens that a supplier needs to invest in building capacity prior to supplying a product. Then the buyer will need to reserve capacity from suppliers and pay for this in advance of knowing the final demand. “Capacity Games with Supply Function Competition” by Edward Anderson, Bo Chen, and Lusheng Shao studies a very general version of this problem, in which both capacity and production costs are volume dependent. They explore how an auction will operate in this setting and allow supply function bids from suppliers. They apply this framework to a newsvendor problem with unreliable suppliers, a portfolio procurement setting with supply options and a spot market, and a bundling problem with nonsubstitutable products. This helps to understand when we may expect the buyer to make a reservation choice that maximizes the overall supply chain profit. The key to these results is to show that the supply chain optimal profit is submodular in the set of suppliers.
Evaluation of resonant scanning as a high-speed imaging technique for two-photon imaging of cortical vasculature
Authors: Zhou Annie , Engelmann Shaun A. , Mihelic Samuel A. , Tomar Alankrit , Hassan Ahmed M. , Dunn Andrew K.
Published: February 2022

We demonstrate a simple, low-cost two-photon microscope design with both galvo-galvo and resonant-galvo scanning capabilities. We quantify and compare the signal-to-noise ratios and imaging speeds of the galvo-galvo and resonant-galvo scanning modes when used for murine neurovascular imaging. The two scanning modes perform as expected under shot-noise limited detection and are found to achieve comparable signal-to-noise ratios. Resonant-galvo scanning is capable of reaching desired signal-to-noise ratios using less acquisition time when higher excitation power can be used. Given equal excitation power and total pixel dwell time between the two methods, galvo-galvo scanning outperforms resonant-galvo scanning in image quality when detection deviates from being shot-noise limited.
Full polarization random drift compensation method for quantum communication
Authors: Ramos Mariana F. , Silva Nuno A. , Muga Nelson J. , Pinto Armando N.
Published: February 2022

Long-term quantum key distribution (QKD) using polarization encoding requires a random drift compensation method. We propose a method to compensate any state of polarization based on the quantum bit error rate (QBER) of two states from two non-orthogonal mutually unbiased bases. The proposed method does not require dedicated equipment, and through a simple but highly efficient feedback loop it compensates the polarization random drift suffered by photons while transmitted over the optical fiber quantum channel. A QBER lower than 2% was observed even considering imperfect single photon detectors. Besides, we verify a 82% secret key rate generation improvement in a finite-key size BB84 implementation for a 40 km fiber-optics quantum channel.
Design and fabrication of dispersion controlled highly nonlinear fibers for far-detuned four-wave mixing frequency conversion
Authors: Ahmedou Sidi-Ely , Dauliat Romain , Parriaux Alexandre , Malfondet Alix , Millot Guy , Labonte Laurent , Tanzilli Sébastien , Dalidet Romain , Delagnes Jean-Christophe , Roy Philippe , Jamier Raphael
Published: February 2022

We report on the conception, fabrication and characterization of a new concept of optical fiber enabling a precise control of the ratio between the 2nd and 4th-order of chromatic dispersion (respectively β2 and β4) at 1.55 µm which is at the heart of the Four-Wave-Mixing (FWM) generation. For conventional highly nonlinear fiber the sensitivity of this ratio to fiber geometry fluctuations is very critical, making the fabrication process challenging. The new design fiber reconciles the accurate control of chromatic dispersion properties and fabrication by standard stack and draw method, allowing a robust and reliable method against detrimental fluctuations parameters during the fabrication process. Experimental frequency conversion with FWM in the new design fiber is demonstrated.
Absolute frequency referencing in the long wave infrared using a quantum cascade laser frequency comb
Authors: Komagata K. N. , Gianella M. , Jouy P. , Kapsalidis F. , Shahmohammadi M. , Beck M. , Matthey R. , Wittwer V. J. , Hugi A. , Faist J. , Emmenegger L. , Südmeyer T. , Schilt S.
Published: February 2022

Optical frequency combs (OFCs) based on quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) have transformed mid-infrared spectroscopy. However, QCL-OFCs have not yet been exploited to provide a broadband absolute frequency reference. We demonstrate this possibility by performing comb-calibrated spectroscopy at 7.7 µm (1305 cm−1) using a QCL-OFC referenced to a molecular transition. We obtain 1.5·10−10 relative frequency stability (100-s integration time) and 3·10−9 relative frequency accuracy, comparable with state-of-the-art solutions relying on nonlinear frequency conversion. We show that QCL-OFCs can be locked with sub-Hz-level stability to a reference for hours, thus promising their use as metrological tools for the mid-infrared.
Formation of nanochannels in sapphire with ultrashort Bessel pulses
Authors: Lavin-Varela Sebastian , Madden Steve , Yan Kunlun , Ploschner Martin , Rode Andrei V. , Rapp Ludovic
Published: February 2022

We explore, both by numerical simulations and experimentally, the flexibility in controlling Bessel beam parameters by re-imaging it into transparent material with a demagnifying collimator for the formation of high-aspect ratio nanochannels. Analysis of nanochannels produced by in-house precision-made axicon with 275 fs pulses in sapphire reveals the intensity threshold of ∼7.2 × 1013 W/cm2 required to create the cylindrical microexplosion. We estimate that the maximum applied pressure during the process was 1.5 TPa and that the resulting density of compressed sapphire in the nanochannel’s shells are ∼1.19 ± 0.02 times higher than the pristine crystal, and higher than what was achieved before in spherical microexplosion with Gaussian pulses.
Microwave photonic link to transmit four microwave vector signals on a single optical carrier based on coherent detection and digital signal processing
Authors: Li Peng , Dai Zheng , Yan Lianshan , Yao Jianping
Published: February 2022

A microwave photonic link to transmit four independent microwave vector signals modulated on a single optical carrier based on coherent detection and digital signal processing (DSP) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. At the transmitter, a continuous-wave (CW) light wave is modulated by four independent microwave vector signals with an identical center microwave frequency at a dual-polarization dual-drive Mach-Zehnder modulator (DP-DDMZM), to generate four intensity-modulated optical signals, with two signals sharing one of the two orthogonal polarization states. After transmission over a single-mode fiber (SMF), the optical signals are applied to a polarization- and phase- diversity coherent receiver to which a light wave from a second laser source as a local oscillator (LO) is also applied. To eliminate the joint phase noise and the unstable offset frequency from the transmitter and the LO laser sources and to perform polarization demultiplexing, a digital noise cancellation algorithm and a polarization demultiplexing algorithm are developed. The proposed approach is evaluated experimentally. For four independent 16 quadrature amplitude modulation (16-QAM) microwave vector signals at 4 GHz with a symbol rate of 0.5 GSymbol/s, error-free transmission over a 9-km SMF is achieved when the received optical power at the coherent receiver is higher than -21 dBm with forward error correction (FEC).