bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cationic Lipid-Based Formulations for Encapsulation and Delivery of Anti-EFG1 2’OMethylRNA Oligomer
Authors: Araújo Daniela , Gaspar Ricardo , Mil-Homens Dalila , Henrqiques Mariana , Silva Bruno , Silva Sónia
Published: October 2021

Background: The effective protection and delivery of antisense oligomers to its site of action is a challenge without an optimal strategy. Some of the most promising approaches encompass the complexation of nucleic acids, which are anionic, with liposomes of fixed or ionizable cationic charge. Thus, the main purpose of this work was to study the complexation of cationic liposomes with anti-EFG1 2’OMe oligomers and evaluate the complex efficacy to control Candida albicans filamentation in vitro and in vivo using a Galleria mellonella model. Results: To accomplish this, cationic 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammoniumpropane (DOTAP) was mixed with three different neutral lipids dioleoylphosphocholine (DOPC), dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) and monoolein (MO) and used as delivery vectors. Fluorescence Cross Correlation Spectroscopy measurements revealed a high association between antisense oligomers (ASO) and cationic liposomes confirming the formation of lipoplexes. In vitro, all cationic liposome-ASO complexes were able to release the anti-EFG1 2’OMe oligomers and consequently inhibit C. albicans filamentation up to 60 % after 72 h. In vivo, from all formulations the DOTAP/DOPC 80/20 ρchg=3 formulation proved to be the most effective, enhancing the G. mellonella survival by 40% within 48 h and by 25% after 72 h of infection.Conclusions: In this sense, our findings show that DOTAP-based lipoplexes are very good candidates for nano-carriers of anti-EFG1 2’OMe oligomers.
Effect of Various Process Parameters of EDC on Mild Steel Substrate and their Properties
Authors: PATEL RAKESH KUMAR , Pradhan Mohan Kumar
Published: October 2021

In the present study, A layer of the modified composite coated surface is made using Copper, molybdenum disulfide, and hexagonal boron nitride. For this process, Electrical discharge machine (EDM) is used but in reverse polarity. Various factors of the machine influenced the thickness of the deposited layer like the amplitude of peak current, duty factor, powder mixing ratio, used etc. For the deposition process, green compacted electrodes which was made after mixing the powder material in mortar for approximately 2.5 hour and post processing in Hot mount press moulding machine. After that the mixture powder was put in the Hot mounting press machine to made green compact electrode with specific parameters. Experiment was performed on EDM and many analysis were carried out to study the morphology of the coated surface. To get the morphology of the coated layer, FESEM images were examined and found the satisfying uniform distribution of deposited layer constituents with material powder mixing ratio of (Cu/HBN/MoS2) at (20/40/40) got with 50% duty factor and 10 Ampere peak current amplitude. Also done XRD, for the evidence of Cu, MoS2 and HBN.
Land Tenure Systems and Agricultural Productivity in Nigeria: a Case of Rice Production
Authors: SANUSI Saheed Olakunle , Madaki Musa Janga , David Hyelni Seth , Adole Sharon Ocheinehi
Published: October 2021

This study examined land tenure systems and rice productivity in Nigeria. Primary data were used for the study. Data were collected with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire. A four-stage sampling technique was used to select a total sample size of three hundred and forty-nine (349) rice farmers based on the number of questionnaires correctly filled and returned from the selected sampled size. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, total factor productivity, and Stochastic production frontier model. The study revealed that large portion of the land (over 94%) used for rice production were acquired through inheritance mode of land acquisition and communal type of land tenure system widely practiced. The result of total factor productivity indicated that 62.18% of the rice farmers were at sub-optimal productivity level. The results of the stochastic production frontier function revealed that seed (P< 0.10), and fertilizer application (P<0.01) were the significant factors influencing technical efficiency of rice production in the study area. Based on the findings, the study recommend that current land use act and policy should be amended to prevent concurrent grabbing of agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes in order to enhance availability and accessibility of land for agriculture.
Context-Dependent Effects of Inflammation On Retina Regeneration
Authors: Zhou Cuiping , Zhang Xiaoli , Chen Yuxi , Lin Zihao , Zhang Shuqiang , Zhang Zhiqiang , Cao Lining , Guan Huaijin , Lu Jianfeng , Xu Hui
Published: October 2021

Inflammation is required for the proliferation of Müller glia (MG) into multipotent progenitors (MGPCs) in the injured fish and avian retinas. However, its function in retina regeneration has not been fully understood. Here we investigated the role of inflammation in three different retinal regeneration paradigms in zebrafish (stab-injury, NMDA-injury and insulin treatment). We first show that different types of immune cells and levels of inflammatory cytokines were found in the retinas of these paradigms. Though zymosan injection alone was insufficient to induce MG proliferation in the uninjured retina, immune suppression significantly inhibited MGPC formation in all three paradigms. Enhancing inflammation promoted MGPC formation after stab-injury, while exhibiting a context-dependent role in the NMDA or insulin models. Furthermore, proper levels of inflammation promoted MG reprogramming and cell cycle re-entry after stab- or NMDA-injury, but excessive inflammation also suppressed MG proliferation in the latter model. Finally, while inflammation promoted retinal neuron regeneration after stab-injury, immune suppression surprisingly achieved the best regeneration in the NMDA model. Our study reveals the complex and context-dependent role of inflammation during retinal repair in fish, and suggests accurate inflammation management may be crucial for successful retina regeneration in mammals.
Multivariate Outlier Detection in Precipitation Series by Using Two-Dimensional Correlation
Authors: Yaşar Mutlu , Dikbaş Fatih
Published: October 2021

The accuracy of descriptive statistics might be influenced by the existence of outliers in data sets. An observation which might not be considered as an outlier in the univariate case might be a multivariate outlier. Therefore, determination of outliers might make multivariate analysis more robust by providing an opportunity for making required corrections before modelling studies. This paper presents the implementation of the two-dimensional correlation method in the determination of multivariate outliers among the observations of six precipitation stations in Turkey. The two-dimensional correlation method considers the averages of the parts of the whole series instead of the average of the whole series and enables determination of the location of the outlier in the compared series. The obtained results point out that an outlier analysis for hydrologic variables should consider the two-directional behavior and the presented two-dimensional correlation method proves to be a strong alternative to be used in outlier and irregularity detection studies even with a limited number of available data. The 2DCorr software used in the study is freely provided as a supplementary material.
Traditional Acupuncture and Laser Acupuncture in Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: PERON RAFAELA , Rampazo Érika Patrícia , Liebano Richard Eloin
Published: October 2021

Background: Nonspecific neck pain is a multifactorial and very common condition in adult individuals. No reports were found in the literature comparing the effectiveness of Traditional Acupuncture (TA) and Laser Acupuncture (LA) in cases of chronic nonspecific neck pain. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the effectiveness of TA and LA therapies in individuals with chronic nonspecific neck pain.Methods/design: This study will be a controlled and randomized clinical trial. A total of 60 individuals will be randomized into two groups (30 each). The TA group will receive the acupuncture treatment using needles, while the LA group will receive the laser acupuncture treatment. The acupuncture points (Tianzhu, Fengchi, Jianjing, and Jianzhongshu) will be stimulated bilaterally with needles or laser. The primary outcome will be pain intensity, determined using the numerical rating scale. The secondary outcomes will be pressure pain threshold, temporal summation of pain, conditioned pain modulation, use of analgesic drugs after treatment, and the global perceived effect scale. The assessments will be performed immediately before and after treatment. At the follow-up, 1 months after the end of the treatments, evaluation will be made of the pain intensity and the global perceived effect. Statistical analysis of the data obtained will consider a significance level of p < 0.05.Discussion: This study will provide evidence concerning the effects of LA treatment, in comparison to TA, leading to benefits for individuals suffering from chronic nonspecific neck pain.Trial registration: RBR-7vbw5gd (Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials - ​ReBEC)
Evaluating Eye Health Care Services Progress Towards VISION 2020 Goals in Gurage Zone, Ethiopia.
Authors: Soboka Jibat Gemida , Teshome Tiliksew , Salamanca Omar , Calise Alana
Published: October 2021

Background Ethiopia signed the VISION 2020 Global Declaration and launched its eye health program in 2002. Since then, there has been limited systematic and comprehensive evaluation of the progress towards VISION 2020 goals in Ethiopia.Purpose To evaluate Gurage Zone progress towards VISION 2020 targets and process indicators.Method An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among all public and private eye health care facilities in the Gurage Zone within the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People Region of Ethiopia. The evaluation protocol was adopted from the VISION 2020 situational analysis data collection tool. We used this structure to evaluate progress in terms of human resources, infrastructure, and service delivery at the Zonal Health Office and facility level.Result At the time of the study, the Gurage Zone had a 1.7 million catchment area population. There was a total of five eye care centers, of which one was established by a Non-Governmental Organization. Three of these facilities were secondary eye care centers with an operating theater and two of them were primary eye care centers. At the zonal level, there is no survey data available on the prevalence of blindness. There was no systemic evaluation of VISION 2020 process indicators. The budget allocation specific to eye health care was less than 0.7% of the total budget of the office. The human resources for eye health in the catchment area were: one ophthalmologist, two cataract surgeons, five optometrists, and 12 ophthalmic nurses, which is below the VISION 2020 targets for human resources for eye health. In terms of equipment, neither primary eye care center had a slit lamp biomicroscope, and two of the three secondary eye care centers did not have intraocular pressure (IOP) measuring equipment. Only one secondary eye care center was providing glaucoma surgical services, and no center provided either emergency or elective pediatric surgery. The cataract surgical rate (CSR) determined by the study was 1967.ConclusionGurage Zone had not achieved VISION 2020 goals in terms of critical human resources and service delivery. We recommend that the Zonal Health Office carries out a focused and baseline evaluation of eye health care service achievements.
The Short-Term Efficacy of Tenofovir Alafenamide (TAF) in Acute-On-Chronic Liver Failure: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Li Zhiqin , Liu Yang , Dong Jianxia , Yan Jingya , Hu Yushu , Wang Meng
Published: October 2021

Background and aims: Entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) reduce hepatic events and death in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), but the efficacy of Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) is less well studied. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of TAF in hepatitis B virus (HBV) related ACLF.Methods: We analyzed 106 patients with HBV-ACLF received TAF (25mg/d), ETV(0.5mg/d) for 12 weeks. The primary endpoints were overall mortality and liver transplantation (LT) at week 12. Other determined factors of biochemical response, virologic response, mortality rate, and drug safety and side-effect were also evaluated.Results: At 4 weeks and 12 weeks, patients received TAF got significantly higher HBV-DNA reduction (P<0.001), higher rate of HBV-DNA undetectbility (P<0.001), lower HBV-DNA level (P<0.001). Lower CTP scores (P=0.003) at 4 weeks in TAF group, but CTP scores showed no difference in two groups at 12 weeks (P=1.143). Lower ALT levels in TAF group at week 4 and week 12 (P=0.023, P<0.0001). The mortality rate was lower in TAF group after 4 weeks treatment(P=0.038), but two group got similar mortality rate at week 8 and week 12. As for reason cause death in HBV-ACLF patients, we found that two group patients developed similar rates of liver-related complications (P>0.05).Conclusions: The antiviral efficacy of TAF was superior than ETV for the treatment of HBV-related ACLF. TAF therapy reduced 4-week mortality rate in patients with HBV-related ACLF.
A rough set theory and deep learning based predictive system for gender recognition using audio speech
Authors: Yasmin Ghazaala , DAS ASIT KUMAR , Nayak Janmenjoy , Vimal S , Dutta Soumi
Published: October 2021

Speech is one of the most delicate medium through which gender of the speakers can easily be identified. Though the related research has shown very good progress in machine learning but recently, deep learning has imparted a very good research area to explore the deficiency of gender discrimination using traditional machine learning techniques. In deep learning techniques, the speech features are automatically generated by the reinforcement learning from the raw data which have more discriminating power than the human generated features. But in some practical situations like gender recognition, it is observed that combination of both types of features sometimes provides comparatively better performance. In the proposed work, we have initially extracted and selected some informative and precise acoustic features relevant to gender recognition using entropy based information theory and Rough Set Theory (RST). Next, the audio speech signals are directly fed into the deep neural network model consists of Convolution Neural Network (CNN) and Gated Recurrent Unit network (GRUN) for extracting features useful for gender recognition. The RST selects precise and informative features, CNN extracts the locally encoded important features, and GRUN reduces the vanishing gradient and exploding gradient problems. Finally, a hybrid gender recognition system is developed combining both generated feature vectors. The developed model has been tested with five bench mark and a simulated dataset to evaluate its performance and it is observed that combined feature vector provides more effective gender recognition system specially when transgender is considered as a gender type together with male and female.
Peptidomic Changes in The Milk of Water Buffaloes (Bubalus Bubalis) With Intramammary Infection By Non-Aureus Staphylococci
Authors: Addis Maria Filippa , Maffioli Elisa Margherita , Penati Martina , Albertini Mariangela , Bronzo Valerio , Piccinini Renata , Tangorra Francesco , Tedeschi Gabriella , Cappelli Giovanna , Vuolo Gabriele Di , Vecchio Domenico , De Carlo Esterina , Ceciliani Fabrizio
Published: October 2021

Mastitis by non-aureus staphylococci (NAS) is a significant issue in dairy buffalo farming. In a herd with subclinical NAS mastitis, we identified Staphylococcus microti as the predominant species. To assess milk protein integrity and investigate potential disease markers, we characterized 12 NAS-positive and 12 healthy quarter milk samples by shotgun peptidomics combining peptide enrichment and high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). We observed significant changes in the milk peptidome. Out of 789 total peptides identified in each group, 49 and 44 were unique or increased in NAS-positive and healthy milk, respectively. In NAS-positive milk, the differential peptides belonged mainly to caseins, followed by milk fat globule membrane proteins (MFGMP) and by the immune defense/antimicrobial proteins osteopontin, lactoperoxidase, and serum amyloid A. In healthy milk, these belonged mainly to MFGMP, followed by caseins. In terms of abundance, peptides from MFGMP and immune defense protein were higher in NAS-positive milk, while peptides from caseins were higher in healthy milk. These findings highlight the impact of NAS on buffalo milk quality and mammary gland health, even when clinical signs are not evident, and underscore the need for clarifying the epidemiology and relevance of the different NAS species in this dairy ruminant.
Postoperative Evaluation of Knees With Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Using Patient-Oriented Evaluation Method: Comparison of Single-Bundle and Anatomic Double-Bundle Techniques
Authors: Ochiai Satoshi , Hagino Tetsuo , Senga Shinya , Furuya Naoto , Taniguchi Naofumi , Ando Takashi , Haro Hirotaka
Published: October 2021

Introduction Using the patient-based QOL evaluation scale SF-36 and conventional assessment methods, we evaluated the postoperative outcome of patients with posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury who underwent single-bundle or double-bundle reconstruction, and compared the two reconstruction techniques. Methods 37 male patients with isolated PCL injury who underwent reconstruction were randomized to receive single-bundle reconstruction (group S: n=20) or double-bundle reconstruction (group D: n=17). Before surgery and 6 and 24 months after surgery, patients were evaluated by SF-36 scores, Lysholm score, visual analog scale (VAS), posterior tibial displacement rate, and knee range of motion (ROM). Results For SF-36 evaluation at 6 months post-surgery, the scores of all the subscales improved to above the national standard values in group D, whereas none of the subscale scores reached the national standard values in group S, and three subscale scores were inferior in group S compared to group D. At 24 months post-surgery, improvement of all subscale scores to above the national standard values was achieved in both groups. Lysholm score, VAS score, and posterior tibial displacement rate improved after surgery in both groups, but no significant intergroup differences were observed in all evaluation methods. For knee ROM, residual limitation of flexion was significantly more frequent in group S than in group D at 6 and 24 months post-surgery.Conclusion Arthroscopy-assisted single-bundle PCL reconstruction technique is considered to be a safe procedure with low invasiveness, but despite its widespread use, surgical result is not consistently good. This was attributed to the low reproducibility of the unique course and anatomy of PCL, and the anatomic double-bundle reconstruction technique was proposed aiming to improve treatment outcome. According to the present results, double-bundle reconstruction tended to achieve better restoration at an early stage compared to single-bundle reconstruction, with fewer patients having residual limitation of knee flexion after surgery. Trial registration number of our hospital’s IRB: 27-8.Registered 14 September 2015, retrospectively registered.
Fertility Preservation Counselling for Women With Endometriosis: A European Online Survey
Authors: Sänger Nicole , Menabrito Marco , Sardo Atillio Di Spiezo Di Spiezo , Estadella Josep , Verguts Jasper
Published: October 2021

Background: Endometriosis is a common cause for infertility. Decreased ovarian reserve due to pathology or surgical management can reduce the chances of natural pregnancy and limit the effectiveness of controlled ovarian stimulation during fertility treatment. Cryopreservation of oocytes or ovarian cortex prior to surgery or before loss of follicular capital are strategies to preserve fecundity. Methods: An online survey was sent to reproductive specialists and gynaecological surgeons representing major centers of reproductive medicine in Europe to investigate current fertility preservation practices for endometriosis patients. Results: Of 58 responses, 45 (77.6%) in 11/13 countries reported the existence of endometriosis management guidelines, of which 37/45 (82.2%) included treatment recommendations for infertile patients. Most centers (51.7%) reserved fertility counselling for severe endometriosis (large endometriomas with or without deep endometriosis) while 15.5% of centers did not offer fertility preservation for endometriosis. Conclusions: To address non-uniformity in available guidelines and the diversity in fertility preservation practices, we propose an algorithm for managing patients with severe endometriosis most likely to be impacted by reduced ovarian reserve. Improved awareness about the possibilities of fertility preservation and clear communication between gynaecological surgeons and reproductive medicine specialists is mandatory to address the unmet clinical need of preventing infertility in women with endometriosis.
Treatment Outcome, Cognitive Function and Psychopathology in Methamphetamine Users Compared to Other Substance Users
Authors: Kamp Felicia , Behle Nina , Proebstl Lisa , Hager Laura , Riebschläger Marlies , Schacht-Jablonowsky Maik , Hamdorf Willem , Neumann Steffi , Krause Daniela , Manz Kirsi , Franke Andreas G. , Koller Gabi , Soyka Michael
Published: October 2021

Background: There is an increasing demand of treatment options for methamphetamine users. The present study evaluates differences between methamphetamine users and users of other substances with respect to cognitive function and psychopathology and possible correlates of treatment outcome. Method: 110 subjects were recruited for an observational longitudinal study from a German inpatient addiction treatment center: 55 patients with methamphetamine dependence and 55 patients with dependence of other substances (OS group). Groups were examined at beginning (baseline) and end of treatment (after six months) with regard to treatment retention, craving, cognitive functioning, psychosocial resources, personality traits, and psychiatric symptoms. Results: A total drop-out rate of 40% was observed without significant differences. At baseline, Methamphetamine-group subjects had significantly lower intelligence quotient, less years of education, poorer working speed and lower working accuracy and cannabinoid and cocaine use compared to OS-group. Methamphetamine-group subjects showed a significantly lower score of conscientiousness, psychiatric symptoms than subjects from the OS-group. Both groups showed a reduction of craving and depressive symptoms and an improvement of working speed and working accuracy after treatment. Conclusions: There are differences between methamphetamine users and users of other drugs, but not with regard to the effectiveness of treatment in this inpatient setting.
Smart Gold-Polymer Nanostructures As Promising Drug Nanocarriers For Dual-Imaging Modality And Synergistic Chemo-Photothermal Therapy in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Azizi Mehdi , Pakravan Asrin , Valizadeh Hadi , Rahbarghazi Reza , Dianat-Moghadam Hassan , Bani Farhad , Kahroba Houman , Salehi Roya , Mehrmohammadi Mohammad
Published: October 2021

To improve the efficacy of cancer therapeutics, highly sensitive imaging with precise accuracy is mandatory for timely diagnosis and selection of strategic approaches. Despite recent advances in technologies associated with tumor imaging, the application of conventional single-mode imaging is the subject of debate. Herein, two types of pH-responsive gold-polymer nanostructures, GNSts and GNRs, containing CD and MTX, GNSts-MTX@CD-Pol and GNRs-MTX@CD-Pol were designed. Dual-imaging modalities (fluorescence and CT imaging) and synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy were examined in human breast cancer MDA-MB 231 cells. MTT assay showed NIR irradiation of cells pre-treated with synthesized nanoparticles promoted tumoricidal synergy via the reduction of survival rate after 48 hours in comparison with the control group (p<0.05), indicating a high absorption coefficient in the NIR area and efficient heat production rate. Flow cytometry, real-time PCR and western blot, analyses indicated an apoptotic cell death induced by the up-regulation of Caspases 3, 6, 7, 8, and 9, Bax, and Annexin-V, confirming the activation of intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways inside the host cells. The elevation of p27 and p53 in line with the increase of cell percent at the subG1 phase showed apoptotic changes and inhibition of dynamic cell growth compared to the non-treated cells (p<0.05). Evident fluorescence intensity at lower pH values (6.3) showed pH-dependent activity of nanoparticles internalized by surface folate receptor. Of note, we showed strong capability for CT imaging in cells incubated with GNSts-MTX@CD-Pol and GNRs-MTX@CD-Pol. Taken together, all data show that gold-polymer nanostructures have considerable capability in theranostic applications like simultaneous diagnostic imaging and therapy.
Effects of a mobile health intervention on activities of stress self-management for workers: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lee Young Joo
Published: October 2021

Background: Mobile health interventions are being widely tried because of their attractive advantages. However, there is not enough evidence for its effectiveness. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of mobile app-based stress management intervention (mSMI) on highly stressed workers. Methods: A sample of 82 white-collar workers with elevated symptoms of perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale-10≥22) were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. The mSMI consisted of three modules: self-management including a work diary, counseling based on cognitive behavioral therapy and interventions focused on music, meditation, relaxation and image healings. Self-report data were collected the baseline and post-intervention. Study outcomes were perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and work engagement. Data were assessed using analysis of covariance with covariates. Results: There was significantly reduced perceived stress from baseline to 6 weeks in mSMI (t=5.788, p<.001) and control group (t=3.184, p=.003). After adjusting for covariates, the between-group difference in the perceived stress was significantly different (F=4.051, p=.048); however, the effect size was small. There was no significant intervention effect on anxiety, depression, and work engagement. The process evaluation indicated that most participants (85.3%) were satisfied with the intervention and their mental health benefited. Conclusion: This study found that mobile health intervention facilitated stress management for highly stressed workers. Further studies should address job-related outcomes and mental health symptoms in workers by applying the latest information technology and addressing the limitations of mobile interventions. Trial Registration: Not applicable.
WITHDRAWN: Optimization and Scale-up Methodology in Preparing Microsponge Loaded with 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU).
Authors: Halder Shahjaman , Poddar Sourav , Khanam Jasmina
Published: October 2021

The present investigation aims at developing models by response surface methodology (FCCCD) followed by the scale-up method in preparing control release microsponge particles loaded with 5- fluorouracil, a drug used to treat actinic keratosis and colon cancer, and producing a new Dermal Delivery System. The polymer-based (ethyl cellulose and eudragit RS 100) microsponge particles were prepared by the w/o/w double emulsification method. The optimized product was formed with the combination of independent variables levels: polymer (600 mg), stirring speed (1198 rpm) and surfactant (2% w/v), yielding responses as yield (~63.6257%), the average size of particles (~151.563 µm), entrapment efficiency (~75.319 %) and drug release in 8hr (~75.75%), with desirability value of 0.737. The products showed similar responses as obtained in scale-up work. FT-IR, DSC and SEM studies confirmed the drug's compatibility with polymers and porous morphology. Finally, gel embedded optimised product showed shear-thinning rheological property, ideal for drug release from the thixotropic gel.
Rostral Anterior Cingulate Activations Inversely Relate To Reward Payoff Maximation & Predict Depressed Mood
Authors: Balasubramani Pragathi Priyadharsini , Diaz-Delgado Juan , Grennan Gillian , Alim Fahad , Zafar-Khan Mariam , Maric Vojislav , Ramanathan Dhakshin , Mishra Jyoti
Published: October 2021

Choice selection strategies and decision making are typically investigated using multiple-choice gambling paradigms that require participants to maximize reward payoff. However, research shows that performance in such paradigms suffers from individual biases towards the frequency of gains to choose smaller local gains over larger longer term gain, also referred to as melioration. Here, we developed a simple two-choice reward task, implemented in 186 healthy human adult subjects across the adult lifespan to understand the behavioral, computational, and neural bases of payoff maximization versus melioration. The observed reward choice behavior on this task was best explained by a reinforcement learning model of differential future reward prediction. Simultaneously recorded and source-localized electroencephalography (EEG) showed that diminished theta-band activations in the right rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) correspond to greater reward payoff maximization, specifically during the presentation of cumulative reward information at the end of each task trial. Notably, these activations (greater rACC theta) predicted self-reported depressed mood symptoms, thereby showcasing a reward processing marker of potential clinical utility.
Character of Microbial Engraftment Following the Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Olekhnovich Evgenii I. , Kalachnyuk Tatyana N. , Fedorov Dmitry E. , Zhgun Elena S. , Klimina Ksenia M. , Veselovsky Vladimir A. , Boldyreva Daria I. , Matorin Roman I. , Lyamina Svetlana V. , Andreev Dmitriy N. , Maev Igor V. , Pavlenko Alexander V. , Govorun Vadim M. , Ilina Elena N.
Published: October 2021

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) targeting gut microbiota has recently been applied in treatment of Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). However, only a fraction of patients respond positively to this therapy. In this regard, it is gaining popularity to study the combinations of approved medications and FMT to increase the effectiveness of therapy. Here we present a pilot longitude project for the study of FMT application combined with the anti-inflammatory therapy in CD (n = 8) and UC (n = 6) patients. Using the shotgun sequencing of stool samples (n = 56) we evaluated the temporal changes in the taxonomic and functional structure of the patients’ metagenomes and donor-derived microbes engraftment due to the FMT procedure. According to our analysis, the gut microbiota was changed both in CD and UC patients whereas reshaping nature in experimental groups was differ. Only in the UC group the shift of gut microbiota composition towards donor and the donor-derived microbes engraftment were more extensive in comparison with the CD group. Moreover, we observed that beneficial and prevailing in human population microbes such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Eubacterium rectale, and others are the best colonizers. The difference in the microbial engraftment can be explained by differences in the pathogenesis of CD and UC. On the other hand, mucosal and intestinal lumen conditions in the UC group may have been better corrected due to the proposed treatment which allowed the donor microbes to colonize these patients more successfully. In addition, the evolutionary formed ecological relationship between the gut microbiota and the host can be linked with the FMT therapeutic effect.
Constructing co-presence through shared VR gameplay
Authors: Olbertz-Siitonen Margarethe , Piirainen-Marsh Arja , Siitonen Marko
Published: October 2021

This study analyzes how participants playing VR games construct co-presence and shared gameplay. The analysis focuses on in­stances of play where one person is wearing the VR equipment, and other participants are located nearby without the ability to directly interact with the game. We first show how the active player using the VR equipment draws on talk and embodied activity to signal their presence in the shared physical environment, while simul­taneously conducting actions in the virtual space, and thus creates spaces for the other participants to take part in gameplay. Second, we describe how other participants draw on the contextual config­urations of the moment in displaying co-presence and position themselves as active and consequential co-players. The analysis demonstrates how gameplay can be communicatively con­structed even in situations where the participants have differential rights and possibilities to act and influence the game.
Efficient Data-Mining Algorithm for Predicting Heart Disease Based on an Angiographic Test
Authors:   Department of Statistics, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, Banjoko Alabi Waheed , Abdulazeez Kawthar Opeyemi ,   Department of Statistics, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Published: October 2021

Background: The computerised classification and prediction of heart disease can be useful for medical personnel for the purpose of fast diagnosis with accurate results. This study presents an efficient classification method for predicting heart disease using a data-mining algorithm. Methods: The algorithm utilises the weighted support vector machine method for efficient classification of heart disease based on a binary response that indicates the presence or absence of heart disease as the result of an angiographic test. The optimal values of the support vector machine and the Radial Basis Function kernel parameters for the heart disease classification were determined via a 10-fold cross-validation method. The heart disease data was partitioned into training and testing sets using different percentages of the splitting ratio. Each of the training sets was used in training the classification method while the predictive power of the method was evaluated on each of the test sets using the Monte-Carlo cross-validation resampling technique. The effect of different percentages of the splitting ratio on the method was also observed. Results: The misclassification error rate was used to compare the performance of the method with three selected machine learning methods and was observed that the proposed method performs best over others in all cases considered. Conclusion: Finally, the results illustrate that the classification algorithm presented can effectively predict the heart disease status of an individual based on the results of an angiographic test.
Effect of the Movement Control Order on the Incidence of Complicated Appendicitis During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors:   Department of Surgery, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia, Sukiman Hamzah , Mohamad Abdul Malek ,   Department of Surgery, International Islamic University Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia, Raduan Muhammad Firdaus Nasution ,   Department of Surgery, Hospital Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, Temerloh, Pahang, Malaysia, Mohd Yasim Mohd Nur Afiq ,   Department of Surgery, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia, Mat Lazim Muhammad Ikhwan ,   Hospital Pekan, Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia
Published: October 2021

Background: Appendicitis is common and delayed presentation results in complicated appendicitis with increased morbidity. This study investigates the effect of the Movement Control Order (MCO) during the COVID-19 pandemic on the presentation and severity of appendicitis. Methods: A cross-sectional study including 193 patients diagnosed with appendicitis was conducted at four hospitals in Pahang, Malaysia. Those who presented between 1 February 2020 and 17 March 2020 were included in the pre-MCO group and those between 18 March 2020 and 30 April 2020 in the MCO group. The definitions of simple and complicated appendicitis were based on the Sunshine Appendicitis Grading Score. The primary outcome was the incidence of complicated appendicitis, and the secondary outcomes were length of stay, a composite of surgical morbidities and a composite of organ failure. Results: A total of 105 patients in the pre-MCO group and 88 in the MCO group were analysed. The incidence of complicated appendicitis was 33% and it was higher in the MCO than in the pre-MCO group (44% versus 23%, P = 0.002). The MCO period was independently associated with complicated appendicitis in the logistic regression (P = 0.001). It was also associated with prolonged length of stay (3.5 days versus 2.4 days, P < 0.001) and higher overall surgical morbidity (19% versus 5%, P = 0.002). Conclusion: The MCO imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a higher incidence of complicated appendicitis and surgical morbidity.
Impact and Adaptation of Reproductive Training During COVID-19 Pandemic in Malaysia
Authors:   Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Abdul Karim Abdul Kadir , Abu Muhammad Azrai ,   Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Ahmad Mohd Faizal ,   Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mat Jin Norazilah ,   Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,   Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia, Suharjono Haris Njoo ,   Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching Sarawak, Malaysia
Published: October 2021

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the community at large. It has affected almost everyone and every aspect of social, economic and educational activities. Training in reproductive medicine has not been spared, as training in this field requires a combination of clinical interaction with patients, procedural experience, constant discussions and the element of research. The changes to numbers of new infections or active cases dictate the restrictions placed on the community and health care services alike. At the beginning of the pandemic, both the patients’ fear of going to a health care facility and movement restrictions had caused a significant reduction in the number of COVID-19 cases. Furthermore, the Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia’s recommendation to withhold all non-essential medical services, including those related to reproductive medicine, falls under this category. Therefore, it could negatively impact the quality of training and lead to an extension of training duration in reproductive medicine. Thus, the procedural experience could be supplemented with simulator training, teleconsultation could replace standard clinic sessions and online meeting platforms could replace routine academic meetings. Any modifications must be adaptable or flexible, as similar infectious pandemics and restrictions could recur from time to time.
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Its Associated Factors Among Blood Donors in Yemen
Authors:   Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Al-Nwany Naif Tawfeq ,   Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Sana’a, Yemen, Ahmad Norfazilah ,   Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mohammed Nawi Azmawati ,   Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Hassan Mohd Rohaizat ,   Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Hod Rozita ,   Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Baharom Mazni ,   Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Published: October 2021

Background: In limited-resource countries, the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can be measured using data taken from blood donors. This study aimed to determine the HBV infection seroprevalence and its associated factors among blood donors in Sana’a Governorate, Yemen. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 500 people who donated blood at hospitals located in Sana’a between August and October 2016. The volunteers were aged 18–65 years old and were recruited using convenience sampling. A set of questionnaires was administered through face-to-face interviews. Blood samples from each donor were tested for hepatitis B surface antigens using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The overall seroprevalence of HBV infection in the blood donors was 2.6%. Participants with a history of dental treatment had 7.80 higher odds (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.26, 26.71; P = 0.002) for HBV infection. Respectively, blood donors who had history of malaria infection or cupping therapy had 7.48 (95% CI: 1.75, 31.82; P = 0.010) and 7.32 (95% CI: 1.72, 30.83; P = 0.010) greater odds of HBV infection. Conclusion: The seroprevalence of HBV infection in Sana’a is lower than in other governorates in Yemen. Stakeholders could focus on a history of dental procedure, malaria infection and cupping treatment when strategising about HBV infection prevention and control among blood donors.
Grain pricing in Ukraine: A case study of malted barley
Authors: V. Dykha Mariia , Kuzinа Viktoriia , Serdyukov Kostyantyn
Published: October 2021

The agrarian market participants operate in a changing market environment. Their activities are characterized by a high level of risk, in particular, price risk, which determines the likelihood of failure in achieving the planned results. The purpose of the paper is to analyze the dynamics of prices for malted barley and determine the main factors influencing the price of malted barley in the agricultural market of Ukraine. The theoretical and methodological basis of the study is the scientific works of domestic and foreign authors on the problems of pricing management. Methods of data analysis, synthesis, and generalization of results are used. As a result, one can notice a high level of price fluctuations, significant price fluctuations during the year, absence of a uniform inversely proportional effect between the volume of barley production and its purchasing prices, and presence of disparity between the selling price of barley and the production costs of grain producers. The key factors that determine the price of malted barley include market saturation, grain quality, production expenditures, conditions on the market of barley fodder, contractual relations (which are sufficiently standardized but do not protect agricultural producers from risks), public policy through regulation market. The study outlined recommendations regarding the need to improve the legal regulation of relations and the development of a system to ensure the functioning of the grain market, effective cost management, introduction of innovative agrotechnologies, and financial hedging instruments.
Filtragem Online Baseada na Informação do Sistema Calorimetria do Experimento ATLAS Utilizando Modelos de Aprendizado de Máquinas
Authors: Araújo Micael Veríssimo , Pinto João Victor da Fonseca , Seixas José Manoel
Published: October 2021

Na área de Física Experimental de Altas Energias uma etapa sensível é a aquisição dos dados com os quais os físicos, a partir de suas análises, colocam à prova as mais diversas teorias. Assim, os experimentos construídos possuem, dentre muitas outras características, uma grande quantidade de canais de leitura e interesse por eventos raros. Neste contexto destaca-se o sistema de filtragem (Trigger) empregado pelo ATLAS tem utilizado desde 2017 uma estratégia de seleção baseada em um conjunto de redes neurais, chamado NeuralRinger apenas para candidatos com energia transversa superior a 15 GeV. O NeuralRinger faz uso das características naturais de deposição de energia dos elétrons no sistema de calorimetria de modo a encapsular estas características em anéis, que por sua vez são utilizados como entradas para as redes neurais que tomam a decisão de filtragem. O ATLAS está próximo de voltar a coletar dados e para esta nova etapa o NeuralRinger expandirá sua atuação para à toda região cinemática. Neste trabalho irá serão exibidos resultados simulados obtidos pelo NeuralRinger para a região abaixo de 15 GeV.
Intraempreendedorismo no setor público por meio de ações formativas e educativas das escolas de governo brasileiras
Authors: Neto Alcielis De Paula , Emmendoerfer Magnus Luiz , Corrêa Stela Cristina Hott
Published: October 2021

Melhorias interorganizacionais das instituições públicas passam pela ressignificação do seu capital humano, inclusive no que tange às competências empreendedoras. Nesta perspectiva, as Escolas de Governo (EGs) podem contribuir com a formação e capacitação de funcionários públicos. Assim, o objetivo aqui proposto é compreender as evidências de diretrizes educativas e formativas em prol do intraempreendedorismo no setor público por intermédio das EGs. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo de casos múltiplos com três Escolas de Governo brasileiras dos três níveis federativos (federal, estadual e municipal). As entrevistas em profundidade foram submetidas à análise de conteúdo apoiadas no software IRAMUTEQ. Os resultados apontam a projeção da inovação como um pseudoempreendedorismo e a insinuação de diretrizes para um possível processo de educação para o empreendedorismo de servidores públicos, o que os tornaria potenciais intraempreendedores. Dentre essas diretrizes, destacam-se a análise do contexto, o perfil do aluno, os métodos de ensino e aprendizagem, aspectos jurídicos-legais, a adequação da infraestrutura e o papel dos facilitadores (mentores). Conclui-se que as EGs analisadas contribuem com a criação do valor público e valorização da imagem das organizações públicas por meio da ação intraempreendedora de seus servidores.