bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of two commercial multiplex PCR assays for the detection of sexually transmitted infections
Authors: Yassin Ruba , Hanna Jessica , El Bikai Rana , Mohtar Jad , El Chaar Mira
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Multiplex molecular panels are replacing conventional methods for the detection of sexually transmitted infections. In the current study, we evaluated the performance of two commercial multiplex assays, EUROArray STI and Allplex STI essential assays, for detecting six sexually transmitted infections.

Methodology: The diagnostic performance of the EUROArray STI and Allplex STI essential assays was evaluated against a panel of 105 positive DNA samples identified by in-house real-time PCR assays including Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Neisseria gonorrhea. Samples from healthy subjects, negative for any microorganism, were used as negative controls.

Results: Of the 105 positive specimens, 103 (98%) were tested positive by Allplex and 102 (97%) by EUROArray. Among the 51 negative samples that were tested by in house assay, 48 (94%) were tested negative by Allplex assay and 43 (84%) by EUROArray assay. The overall sensitivity of EUROArray and Allplex were 97.1% and 98.1% with an accuracy of 92.9% and 96.7%, respectively. The overall assay specificity was 94.1% for Allplex assay and 84.3% for EUROArray assay, The sensitivity of both kits to all targeted microorganisms ranged from 55.6% to 100%, with the lowest sensitivity noted for Trichomonas vaginalis.

Conclusions: Diagnostic performance varies depending on the method used to detect the targeted pathogens, the assay manipulation, and the cost. This study showed sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy characteristics for two kits commonly used to detect STIs, which will guide the choice for an appropriate multiplex PCR platform.
Time Trends of Epidemiology of Hemorrhagic Stroke among Urban Population in Kazakhstan
Authors: Zhukov Yevgeniy , Dyussembekov Yermek Kavtaevich Kavtaevich , Aringazina Аltyn , Kastey Rauan , Nikatov Kuanysh , Tamasauskas Arimantas , Kulmanbetov Ruslan , Tursynbekova Anar , Almabayev Ydyrys
Published: March 2022

AIM: Central Asia has been known among the highest hemorrhagic stroke (HS) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) burden regions globally. Despite the decline in cardiovascular disease mortality (CVD), HS and SAH have been remaining a public health concern in Kazakhstan. This study aimed to evaluate the trends of HS and SAH among the urban population in Kazakhstan.
METHODS: We studied HS and SAH cases aged 18 years and older between 2013 and 2017 hospitalized to stroke centers in Almaty (Kazakhstan). HS and SAH were confirmed by neuroimaging. We calculated age-standardized event, mortality and in-hospital case-fatality rates (per 100,000 populations) with 95% CIs for each individual year and over the five years using SAS University Edition and Joinpoint Regression Program.
RESULTS: Out of 2759 HS and 413 SAH cases admitted into the stroke centers of Almaty (Kazakhstan), 27.4% cases died in a hospital. The age-standardized HS event rates decreased in both sexes over the five years while age-standardized SAH event rates increased for the same period of time. The age-standardized mortality and case-fatality rates decreased in women among HS and SAH cases and men with HS. However, the age-standardized mortality and case-fatality SAH rates increased in men over same period.
CONCLUSIONS: Despite the overall decline in HS and slight increase in SAH over the 5 years, the burden remains high. We need to further monitor HS and SAH trends to develop targeted interventions and ensure that the preventive strategies are reducing the burden.
Association between VEGF Gene Polymorphism -634G>C and Risk of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Tambunan Asri , Siregar Gontar Alamsyah , Lubis Masrul
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND: Genetic and environmental factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer. Angiogenesis is a central process in carcinogenesis and is affected by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Several genetic variations, such as polymorphism, may alter VEGF expression and influence the risk of colorectal cancer.

AIM: The objective of this study was to determine the association between VEGF gene polymorphism -634G>C and risk of colorectal cancer.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Haji Adam Malik general hospital and its sister hospitals. Subjects were obtained by consecutive sampling. Inclusion criteria for case and control groups were patients with colorectal cancer and healthy subject, respectively, aged 18 years or older and willing to participate in the study. Exclusion criteria were patients with systemic comorbidities or malignancies in other organs. Each subject undergoes an interview, colonoscopy, biopsy, serum VEGF level measurement, and VEGF polymorphism -634G>C evaluation.

RESULTS: Eighty subjects were enrolled and distributed into case and control groups. Males were dominant in both groups, with a mean age of older than 55 years. Most lesions were in the rectum and 45% of subjects had moderately differentiated cancer. The median serum VEGF level in the case group was higher than the control group (2,175.1 pg/mL vs. 253 pg/mL; p < 0.001). VEGF gene polymorphism -634G > C was associated with the risk of colorectal cancer (p = 0.048). GG and GC genotypes had 1.89 times higher risk of colorectal cancer compared to the CC genotype. GG genotype and G allele had the highest serum VEGF levels.

CONCLUSION: There is an association between VEGF gene polymorphism -634G>C and risk of colorectal cancer in this study.
First record of the invasive true bug (Heteroptera) Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) from Hamburg with other records from Northern Germany and possible implications for its range expansion
Authors: Hartung Viktor , Heller Martin , Husemann Martin
Published: March 2022

The invasive pentatomid true bug Halyomorpha halys is reported for the first time from the German state of Hamburg, along with records from several other locations in Northern Germany. Specimens collected by scientists were evaluated along with records from citizen science platforms. DNA barcode sequences of several H. halys specimens from Hamburg were evaluated along with 42 sequences of the species from across the world in a haplotype network analysis demonstrating that all specimens studied from Hamburg had the haplotype H3. The present state of distribution of H. halys in Germany, patterns of range extension, invasiveness, and possible economic impacts are discussed.
A field study on Saga pedo (Ensifera, Tettigoniidae, Saginae): Spatial behavior of adult specimens
Authors: Anselmo Luca
Published: March 2022

Despite its large size, the protected predatory bush-cricket Saga pedo (Pallas, 1771) is difficult to study in the field. This is mainly due to its strong mimicry, prevalent night activity, and low population density. The aim of this study was to investigate the spatial behavior of some adult individuals through the use of luminescent tags and recording their occurrences at night. The monitored individuals moved considerably during the oviposition period and were found more frequently in small sections of the study area. Two models for count data were implemented to try to explain this behavior. The results indicate that their spatial behavior was predominantly related to the prey availability in the available environment. In addition, predation on the HymenopteraSphex funerarius Gussakovskij, 1934 is reported for the first time.
The history and homology of the os paradoxum or dumb-bell-shaped bone of the platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus (Mammalia, Monotremata)
Authors: Wible John R.
Published: March 2022

Abstract

The os paradoxum or dumb-bell-shaped bone is a paired bone occurring in the middle of the specialized bill of the platypusOrnithorhynchus anatinus. It has been variously considered as a neomorph of the platypus, as the homologue of the paired vomer of sauropsids, or as a part of the paired premaxillae. A review of the near 200-year history of this element strongly supports the os paradoxum as a remnant of the medial palatine processes of the premaxillae given its ontogenetic continuity with the premaxillae and association with the vomeronasal organ and cartilage, incisive foramen, and cartilaginous nasal septum. In conjunction with this hypothesis, homologies of the unpaired vomer of extant mammals and the paired vomer of extant sauropsids are also supported. These views are reinforced with observations from CT scans ofO. anatinus, the Miocene ornithorhynchidObdurodon dicksoni, and the extant didelphid marsupialDidelphis marsupialis. At the choanae,Obdurodonhas what appears to be a separate parasphenoid bone unknown in extant monotremes.
Presence of Autoantibodies in Males and Females With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis
Authors: Hadwen Brook , Yu Richard , Cairns Ewa , Barra Lillian
Published: March 2022

Objective.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is more common in females, and although the cause of RA is unknown, it is characterized by the production of autoantibodies. The aims of this study were to determine whether RA-associated autoantibodies are more often found in females than males and to identify factors that influence the relationship between sex and seropositivity.

Methods.

Databases were searched and studies of RA (N ≥ 100) were included if they reported proportion of seropositive patients with RA by sex. Metaanalyses and metaregression were conducted using the random-effects model. Covariates regressed were smoking, age, BMI, Health Assessment Questionnaire–Disability Index (HAQ-DI), and the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28).

Results.

Eighty-four studies with a total of 141,381 subjects with rheumatoid factor (RF) seropositivity and 95,749 subjects with anticitrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) seropositivity met inclusion criteria. The mean age of participants ranged from 37 to 68 years and the proportion of female subjects ranged from 9% to 92%. Results indicated that females were less likely than males to be seropositive: odds ratio (OR) 0.84 [95% CI 0.77–0.91] for RF and OR 0.88 [95% CI 0.81–0.95] for ACPA. BMI, smoking, mean age, DAS28, and HAQ-DI did not affect the relationship between sex and seropositivity.

Conclusion.

Although studies report that females have higher RA disease activity than males and that seropositivity predicts worse outcomes, females were less likely to be seropositive than males.
Hospitalizations for Acute Gout: Process Mapping the Inpatient Journey and Identifying Predictors of Admission
Authors: Russell Mark D. , Nagra Deepak , Clarke Benjamin D. , Balachandran Sathiyaa , Buazon April , Boalch Amy , Bechman Katie , Adas Maryam A. , Alveyn Edward G. , Rutherford Andrew I. , Galloway James B.
Published: March 2022

Objective.

To identify predictors of admission following emergency department (ED) attendances for gout flares and to describe barriers to optimal inpatient gout care.

Methods.

ED attendances and hospital admissions with primary diagnoses of gout were analyzed at 2 UK-based hospitals between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2020. Demographic and clinical predictors of ED disposition (admission or discharge) and reattendance for gout flares were identified using logistic regression and survival models, respectively. Case note reviews (n = 59), stakeholder meetings, and process mapping were performed to capture detailed information on gout management and to identify strategies to optimize care.

Results.

Of 1220 emergency attendances for gout flares, 23.5% required hospitalization (median length of stay: 3.6 days). Recurrent attendances for flares occurred in 10.4% of patients during the study period. In multivariate logistic regression models, significant predictors of admission from ED were older age, overnight ED arrival time, higher serum urate (SU), higher C-reactive protein, and higher total white cell count at presentation. Detailed case note reviews showed that only 22.6% of patients with preexisting gout were receiving urate-lowering therapy (ULT) at presentation. Initial diagnostic uncertainty was common, yet rheumatology input and synovial aspirates were rarely obtained. By 6 months postdischarge, 43.6% were receiving ULT; however, few patients had treat-to-target dose optimization, and only 9.1% achieved SU levels ≤ 360 μmol/L.

Conclusion.

We identified multiple predictors of hospitalization for acute gout. Treat-to-target optimization of ULT following hospitalization remains inadequate and must be improved if admissions are to be prevented.
Using FibroScan to Assess for the Development of Liver Fibrosis in Patients With Arthritis on Methotrexate: A Single-center Experience
Authors: Darabian Saman , Wade John P. , Kur Jason , Wade Stefanie D. , Sayre Eric C. , Badii Maziar
Published: March 2022

Objective.

Methotrexate (MTX) is often the primary medication to treat various rheumatic diseases (RDs) because of its low cost and its demonstrated efficacy in controlling disease activity. However, a concern has been the potential for hepatic fibrosis associated with long-term MTX usage. This study investigated the association between cumulative MTX intake and development of liver fibrosis by utilizing noninvasive transient elastography (FibroScan).

Methods.

All patients with inflammatory arthritis treated with MTX were offered screening with FibroScan. A certified technician measured liver stiffness after patients adhered to a fast. Relevant clinical information was obtained by patient survey and medical records review. The population was divided into quartiles based on participants’ cumulative dosage of MTX.

Results.

Five hundred twenty patients with RD were included in this study. The prevalence of stages F3 or F4 liver fibrosis was 13.3% in the control group and 12.7% in the entire sample. Compared with subgroup 1 (control with cumulative MTX exposure of ≤ 499 mg), MTX subgroups 2 to 4 were not significantly correlated with higher FibroScan scores (P= 0.82, 0.59, and 0.18, respectively). In multivariable linear regression analysis, statistically significant factors for liver stiffness were BMI, waist circumference, male sex, and age.

Conclusion.

No significant correlation between the cumulative MTX dosage and liver stiffness, even at high MTX doses, was observed. The analyses showed significant correlations between the FibroScan score and BMI. These findings were reassuring in that current rheumatology practice appears to be safe and effective in screening for liver fibrosis in patients on long-term low-dose MTX therapy.
What Constitutes a Positive MRI for Clinical Trial Recruitment of Psoriatic Arthritis Patients With Axial Involvement?
Authors: Maksymowych Walter P. , Østergaard Mikkel
Published: March 2022

There has been a resurgence of interest in defining the axial inflammation component of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) since recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) raised the possibility that this entity may respond differentially to therapeutics compared to patients with axial spondyloarthritis. A workshop was conducted during the 2021 Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis annual meeting to review the literature on diagnosing PsA and to determine which criteria might be most appropriate. There was quite strong agreement that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) had an important role to play in helping to define axial inflammation in PsA and that a data-driven methodology for generating optimal MRI quantitative cut-offs for lesions in the sacroiliac joints and/or spine that reflect imaging typical of axial inflammation in PsA would be most desirable.
Le changement de paradigme de la politique de sécurité et de défense de l’Allemagne après l’invasion russe de l’Ukraine
Authors: Stark Hans
Published: March 2022

Le gouvernement allemand a longtemps hésité à prendre position face à la crise entre la Russie et l’Ukraine. Il a refusé de remettre en question le projet de mise en service de Nord Stream 2 et d’approvisionner l’Ukraine en armes. Cette attitude était certainement motivée par la crainte d’une baisse sensible de l’approvisionnement d’énergie et d’une nouvelle hausse de l’inflation. En outre, Berlin ne voulait pas non plus mettre en péril le dialogue avec le Kremlin, dans l’espoir de ne pas compromettre les accords de Minsk de 2014 et 2015. Berlin ne s’attendait certainement pas non plus à une invasion de l’Ukraine par les troupes russes, en tout cas pas au-delà de la région du Donbass. L’invasion russe de l'Ukraine à partir du 24 février 2022 et le bombardement de villes ukrainiennes par l’armée russe dans le but de renverser le gouvernement ukrainien librement élu ont eu un impact massif sur le gouvernement fédéral. Un changement complet de paradigme a été amorcé à Berlin. Cela concerne l’aide militaire à l’Ukraine, la politique énergétique et surtout la politique de défense allemande. Les dépenses pour l’armée allemande vont augmenter massivement à partir de cette année. Le budget de la défense dépassera 2 % du produit intérieur brut. La politique étrangère et de sécurité allemande est entrée dans une nouvelle réalité et Berlin s’y adapte.
La tendresse, un fil tissé de soi(e)
Authors: Cludy Régine
Published: March 2022

La tendresse est abordée comme tonalité affective qui fonde notre humanité en tant que besoin vital favorisant l’attachement et aussi comme affection permettant de se sentir connecté, mettant un voile de douceur et d’apaisement dans nos explorations tourmentées du monde. Apparaissant en thérapie, elle permet de rejoindre l’essentiel de ce qui est en jeu : le besoin d’un contact relationnel fait de douceur et de délicatesse, pacifiant les efforts et les luttes pour conquérir et pour calmer les angoisses à être.
L’apprentissage par corps contraint
Authors: de Bisschop Hervé , Olry Paul
Published: March 2022

Le rôle du corps dans les apprentissages a été étudié dans des univers de formations classiques (Faure, 2000), notamment à des fins d’acquisition de savoirs corporels 1 . Il est plus rare qu’il soit placé sous observation auprès de participants exposés à des sur-sollicitations physiques, psychiques et mentales, dans une visée de formation. Pour contribuer à comprendre comment les corps participent aux apprentissages, nous avons étudié un segment de dispositif de formation particulier : le stage d’aguerrissement suivi en Guyane par les élèves-officiers de l’EMIA 2 . L’ensemble de la formation vise l’acquisition de savoirs à la fois conceptuels et relationnels. L’intention pédagogique du stage observé repose sur un principe radical : épuiser les corps individuels pour « faire corps » au sein du groupe. Il s’agit en effet de susciter l’émergence d’un collectif indispensable dans l’exercice du métier en opérations extérieures. Le milieu du stage, épuisant et stressant pour le mental et pour le corps, est didactiquement pensé dans ce but. L’étude a consisté à caractériser le rôle joué par les dimensions sensorielles, émotionnelles et sensori-motrices au sein de ces apprentissages. Les résultats mettent en évidence qu’à côté des jugements de familiarité connus d’autres formes de typicalisation apparaissent lors de ces expériences sur-sollicitantes.
Trajectory tracking approach to logical (control) networks
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyu , Fu Shihua
Published: March 2022

Vector form expression of logical (control) networks is presented. From this aspect, the trajectory table is proposed to investigate Boolean networks. Based on it, the topology structure, controllability and observability of logical (control) networks are analyzed. Compared to the method of logical matrix, vector form expression called structure vector method decreases the computational complex. Numerical examples show that the complexity of the structure vector method is greatly reduced.
Determining the Readiness of the Mechanical Engineering Programme Candidates for Distance Education
Authors: Sekyere-Asiedu Daniel , Mashkin Nikolay A. , Mochelevskaya Elena V. , Petrova Marina G. , Zheltukhina Marina R.
Published: March 2022

The general purpose of this research is to determine the readiness of the mechanical engineering programme candidates for distance education. The quantitative research method was used in the study. The research was carried out in the spring term of 2020–2021. The working group consists of mechanical engineering students studying at universities in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Russian Federation. 460 volunteer university students participated in the study. In order to improve their readiness in the research, a 4-week online training was given to the mechanical engineer programme candidates. The ‘readiness for distance education’ measurement tool, which was developed by the researchers and was prepared by calculating the reliability coefficient, was applied to the university students. The measurement tool was simplified by consulting experts in the field. Data were collected by an online questionnaire and a hand-held questionnaire. The collected data were analysed using the SPSS programme. Frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum values were used to analyse the data obtained from the measurement tool. According to the results of the research, it was concluded that the university students’ readiness for distance education showed positive results and they did not have any problems while using the distance education system in their classes.
Determining the Opinions of University Students on the Education They Receive with Technology During the Pandemic Process
Authors: Uzunboylu Huseyin , Prokopyev Alexey I. , Kashina Svetlana G. , Makarova Elena V. , Chizh Nina V. , Sakhieva Regina G.
Published: March 2022

In this study, it was aimed to determine the opinions of university students studying in the Department of Electrical Engineering about the distance education process they received during the pandemic. The quantitative research method was used in the research. The research consisted of 390 volunteer university students studying at 16 universities in Russia; the universe of the research was determined as the distance education system and the sample was determined as ‘Microsoft Teams’. In order to collect the data of the research, a measurement tool called ‘technology use’ developed by the researchers was used and applied. For the measurement tool, help was received from experts in the field and have worked in these fields. The data were shared with university students via an online questionnaire and their participation was ensured and collected. When looking at the research, it was stated that university students frequently used their distance education centre infrastructure with Microsoft Teams infrastructure in the distance education process and they used Microsoft Teams elements in the activities. When the results of the research are discussed, they stated that the technology levels of the university students were high; that they learned the whiteboard and electric fields in the classroom activities; and that the topics covered and the questions solved in the lessons were high with the re-watch method.
Accompagner les étudiant·es universitaires dans la régulation des émotions vécues dans l’apprentissage : pistes d’intervention
Authors: Fischer Line , Romainville Marc , Philippot Pierre
Published: March 2022

Les dispositifs de promotion de la réussite mis en place en première année d’université visent à faciliter la transition de l’étudiant·e entre l’enseignement secondaire et supérieur. Focalisés sur l’enseignement des méthodologies d’apprentissage, sur des remises à niveau disciplinaires ou sur un travail concernant le projet personnel et professionnel de l’étudiant·e, ces dispositifs prennent peu en compte la dimension émotionnelle de l’apprentissage. Or, les émotions vécues en première année universitaire, notamment dans la période de préparation des examens, constituent un facteur clé dans l’adaptation et la réussite de l’étudiant·e. En effet, la capacité de celui-ci ou de celle-ci à réguler les émotions vécues dans ses études s’avère cruciale pour la poursuite de ses buts de formation. Cet article propose des pistes de réflexion et d’intervention aux accompagnateur·rices d’étudiant·es afin d’intégrer les émotions académiques et leur régulation au sein des dispositifs de promotion de la réussite à l’Université. Il est basé sur des résultats empiriques obtenus au sein d’un travail de thèse.
La motivation au pied de la lettre. Construction et expression des aspirations scolaires sur Parcoursup
Authors: Couto Marie-Paule , Valarcher Marion
Published: March 2022

Cet article analyse les modalités de l’encadrement et de l’expression des aspirations des lycéens français. Il apporte un éclairage nouveau sur les inégalités de parcours entre filière générale versus filière technologique et professionnelle. À travers l’analyse d’une enquête nationale et d’un corpus de lettres de motivation rédigées par des candidats à une licence de sociologie, il montre que, faute de moyens, les enseignants disposent principalement de deux types de stratégies d’accompagnement à l’orientation.Les enseignants ont pour habitude de cibler et de concentrer leur soutien sur les « bons élèves » dans les filières technologiques et professionnelles, tandis que, dans les filières générales, ils délèguent certaines étapes des procédures de suivi aux familles. Ces différentes stratégies ont des effets sur la manière dont les lycéens intériorisent les prescriptions scolaires et les restituent dans des lettres de motivation. Par le soutien resserré dont ils bénéficient auprès des enseignants, les « bons élèves » des filières technologiques et professionnelles intériorisent fortement les consignes et leur place dans la hiérarchie scolaire. Dans les filières générales, l’expression des aspirations des étudiants est beaucoup plus dépendante de leur capital familial.
La prise de décision dans la normalisation technique Internet : l’exemple de DoH
Authors: Bortzmeyer Stéphane
Published: March 2022

L’Internet repose sur de nombreuses techniques normalisées. C’est par exemple le cas du protocole HTTP, qui permet à un navigateur Web de visiter un site Web, même si les deux logiciels, le client et le serveur, ont été écrits par des équipes complètement différentes. C’est également le cas de protocoles plus techniques, comme IP ou le DNS. Mais qui décide de ces normes techniques et comment ? La question n’est pas de pure curiosité car les normes déterminent en grande partie ce qui sera facile ou au contraire difficile à faire sur l’Internet. Prenons l’exemple du protocole DoH qui a fait l’objet de vives controverses. Pourquoi ce qui semble un choix purement technique soulève des passions ? Quels sont les camps en présence, leurs opinions, et leurs moyens d’action ?Internet depends on standardised techniques. One example is HTTP, the protocol that allows a Web browser to visit a Web site. HTTP works even if the two programs, the client and the server, were written by different software teams. There are other, more technical protocols, like IP and DNS. Who decides on these protocols ? How is that decision taken ? It is not just idle curiosity since these standards will set what is easy to do or difficult to achieve on the Internet. As an exemple, we will study the design of the DoH protocol. Despite the fact that it may seen a purely technical subject, DoH raised some controversy. Who were the parties, what were the arguments and how the final outcome will be decided ?
Design and Implementation of a Low-Profile Patch Antenna for Industrial NB-IOT Applications
Authors: Raveendra Muddineni , Pedapalli Saam Prasanth Dheeraj , S. Bhoopalan , A. Rajan , U. Saravanakumar
Published: March 2022

For the requirement of NB-IOT applications, rectangular micro strip slot antennas have been developed with sufficient bandwidth of 112.5 MHz. The above 50% size of the antennas has been reduced by making multiple rectangular slots on the patch surface. Fr4 material has been utilized as a dielectric substrate. The position of the transmission line has been varied to match the perfect impedance matching. The proposed antenna model has been simulated on HFSS software. To check the practical behavior of the designed antenna, it has been fabricated and tested by using vector network analyzer. The proposed antenna has resonance frequency band from 1718.75 MHz – 1831.25 MHz with minimum return loss performance as below -20 dB.
Geochemical data for stream and groundwaters around the Casino Cu-Au-Mo porphyry deposit, Yukon (NTS 115 J/10 and 115 J/15)
Authors: Kidder J A , McClenaghan M B , Leybourne M
I , McCurdy M W , Pelchat P , Layton-Matthews D , Beckett-Brown C E , Voinot A
Published: March 2022

This open file reports geochemical data for stream and groundwater samples collected around the Casino porphyry Cu-Au-Mo deposit, one of the largest and highest-grade deposits of its kind in Canada. The calc-alkaline porphyry is hosted in a Late Cretaceous quartz
monzonite and associated breccias in the unglaciated region of west central Yukon. Water chemistry around the deposit was investigated because: (i) the deposit has not yet been disturbed by mining; (ii) the deposit was known to have metal-rich waters in local streams; and (iii) the deposit has
atypically preserved ore zones. Stream water samples were collected at 22 sites and groundwater samples were collected from eight sites. Surface and groundwaters around the Casino deposit are anomalous with respect to Cd (up to 5.4 µg/L), Co (up to 64 µg/L), Cu (up to 1657 µg/L), Mo
(up to 25 µg/L), As (up to 17 µg/L), Re (up to 0.7 µg/L), and Zn (up to 354 µg/L) concentrations. The stable isotopes of O and H of the groundwaters are essentially identical to the surface waters and plot close to the local and global meteoric water lines, indicating that the
waters represent modern recharge, consistent with the generally low salinities of all the waters (total dissolved solids range from 98 to 1320 mg/L). Sulfur and Sr isotopes are consistent with proximal waters interacting with the Casino rocks and mineralization; a sulfide-rich bedrock sample from
the deposit has delta-34S = -1.2 permille and proximal groundwaters are only slightly heavier (-0.3 to 3.1 permille). These geochemical and isotopic results indicate that surface water geochemistry is a suitable medium for mineral exploration for porphyry-style mineralization in the Yukon, and
similar unglaciated regions in Canada. The atypical geochemical signature (Mo, Se, Re, As, Cu) of these types of deposits are typically reflected in the water chemistry and S isotopes provide a more local vectoring tool.
Quality of life and Concerns of Parkinson's Disease Patients and their Caregivers during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Banerjee Sourav , Mukherjee Adreesh , Bhattacharyya Bidisha , Mohanakumar Kochupurackal P. , Biswas Atanu
Published: March 2022

Objectives:

Parkinson's disease (PD) patients have suffered during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, with worsening of both motor and nonmotor symptoms. We conducted this study to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) and concerns of PD patients and their caregivers.

Methods:

The study was conducted in mixed method, where the baseline data was taken by face-to-face interview during the unlock phase of December 2020 to March 2021, when there was no lockdown. This included demography, Hoehn and Yahr (HY) stage, Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-8 (PDQ-8), and Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire for Carer (PDQ-Carer). During the second wave of COVID-19 (April–June 2021), telephonic interview was conducted using Depression, Anxiety Stress Scale- 21 Items (DASS-21), PDQ-8, PDQ-Carer, and open-ended questions regarding their concerns.

Results:

Compared with the baseline data, PDQ-8 and PDQ-Carer scores showed significant worsening during the second wave. DASS-21 scores had significant correlation with PDQ-Carer and PDQ-8 scores. Female patients reported poorer QoL. Caregivers of non-vaccinated patients had worse PDQ-Carer Strain scores. There was no significant association between worsening of motor symptoms and PDQ-8 and PDQ-Carer scores. More than 80% patients and 70% caregivers reported anxiety and depression. Their concerns were regarding difficulties due to social isolation, restriction of activity, and financial constraints. Additionally, there were worries about patient care, vaccination, and recurrence of the wave.

Conclusions:

The QoL of both patients and their caregivers were affected by the pandemic. A significant proportion had anxiety and depression, and this correlated with QoL. There were some important concerns on various aspects of the pandemic.
Randomized Controlled Trial to Compare Injection Ferric Carboxymaltose and Oral Iron in Reducing Postpartum Anemia
Authors: Chawla Sushil , Tangri Manoj Kumar , Srivastava Ajai K. , Bhardwaj Davinder , Indu  , Mishra Rajesh
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

Iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) in pregnancy is common due to the increase demand for iron during pregnancy and is aggravated by blood loss associated with delivery. Intravenous iron formulations offer an alternative approach in the presence of moderate and severe anemia, due to intolerance of or nonadherence to oral iron and malabsorption status, to correct and prevent IDA. Ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) is a newer dextran-free iron formulation which allows for single and higher dose (up to 1000 mg) of IV iron infusion, making it a potentially ideal candidate for the treatment of postpartum anemia (PPA).

Materials and Methods:

A randomized control trial was conducted at two tertiary care centers involving 800 women (400 women in oral iron group and 400 women in the injection FCM group) to compare the efficacy of each in protecting the women from anemia in the postpartum period.

Results:

The compliance was 100% in the FCM group as the injection was given before the patient was sent on discharge after delivery. The mean rise in the hemoglobin levels in the FCM group and oral iron group was 3.76 g% and 2.476 g%, respectively. The mean rise in the serum ferritin levels in the FCM group was 214.265 mg% as noted at the end of 6 weeks.

Conclusion :

Injection FCM in the dose of 1000 mg given in a single dose before discharge in postpartum women helps in reducing PPA without any significant adverse effects.
Can Titanium elastic nails deliver a knockout punch against precontoured locking plates in handling displaced middle third clavicle fractures?
Authors: Shaik Jameer , Paka Varun Kumar , Pilaka Ravi Sharma , Murthy Talluri Srivatsava S. Dakshina
Published: March 2022

Background:

Plating is the gold standard for displaced middle third clavicle fractures, which holds true at least for comminuted fractures with a fair share of complications. For displaced fractures without comminution, intramedullary titanium elastic nailing system is an emerging option which claims similar success rates with fewer complications. There is a deficit in data pertaining to prospective trials supporting such claims which has propelled us to carry out this study. This study aims to compare the functional outcome and complication rates between precontoured locking plates and titanium elastic nails for displaced clavicle fractures.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective cohort study carried out on 56 patients with displaced clavicle fractures without comminution treated either by nailing (with open reduction through minimal incision at fracture site) or plating, and the results pertaining to their functional outcome and complication rates were compared.

Results:

Nottingham clavicle score and Constant Murley score were calculated at 6, 12, and 24 months along with comparison of complication rates.

Conclusion:

The functional outcome scores recorded significant differences at 6- and 12-month periods between the groups, which minimized at 24 months. Complication rates were significantly different between the groups. These results of functional outcome and complication rates point toward titanium nailing as an attractive alternative to plating for a comminuted displaced middle third clavicle fractures.
Does Operative Management Provide Better Outcome in Displaced Mid-Shaft Clavicle Fractures? A Randomized Control Study
Authors: Jain Deepak , Vieira Alfven , Mahajan Akshay , Naik Ashish , Kotecha Harsh , Issrani Mohit
Published: March 2022

Background:

Mid-shaft clavicle fracture management has been inclined more toward osteosynthesis in recent times for better functional outcomes. The aim of the study was to find out does operative management in displaced mid-shaft clavicle fractures provide better outcomes than conservative?

Materials and Methods:

The randomized trial was conducted between December 2017 and July 2019 at a tertiary trauma center on 50 consecutive patients with displaced mid-shaft clavicle fracture. The inclusion criteria included age between 16 and 60 with acute isolated closed displaced mid-shaft clavicle fracture. Patients with neurovascular deficit, compound fractures, pathological fractures, and nonunion/malunited fractures were excluded. Group A had 25 patients who were treated with operative line of management and Group B had 25 patients who were treated with a conservative line of management; division was done on basis of odd (Group A)–even (Group B) technique.

Results:

Out of 50 patients, the mean age group of patients was 35.5 ± 1 years of life with others ranging from 16 to 60 years. Out of 50 patients, 45 (90%) patients were male and 5 (10%) were female. Out of 50 patients, 42 had a history of road traffic accidents, while 8 had a history of falls. The right side clavicle was affected in 18 patients and left was affected in 32 patients. Out of 50 patients, the mean time of union in operative group was 11.36 ± 2.56 and 11.36 ± 2.75 weeks in nonoperative group. Constant shoulder score was 85.16 ± 15.30 and 84.64 ± 13.52 in the operative group and nonoperative group, respectively.

Conclusion:

In this prospective cohort study, we have concluded that long-term functional outcomes of conservative versus operative management of displaced mid-shaft clavicle fracture are similar, but primary open reduction with internal fixation of displaced mid-shaft clavicle fracture in young adult patients ensures anatomical reduction, early mobilization, and faster recovery for functional activity while avoiding complications such as malunion.
Resolution of Posttraumatic Brown Syndrome in a Child Following Treatment with Oral Steroid
Authors: Murthy Sowmya Raveendra , Tripathi Prerna
Published: March 2022

Aim:

To report a case of acquired Brown syndrome in a child following trauma and its response to oral steroids.

Case Report:

A 4-year-old child was brought to us with complaints of adopting abnormal head posture following a fall while playing and injuring his head. On examination, he had features of the acquired Brown syndrome of the right eye. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and orbits was normal. A course of oral steroids was given and the symptoms resolved after a month of treatment.

Conclusion:

Acute onset of abnormal head posture following trauma warrants keen evaluation of ocular movements and cover tests in all gazes to ascertain the cause. Acquired Brown syndrome should be considered in children following head trauma and it responds well to oral steroids.
Measles susceptibility of marriage migrant women in Korea
Authors: Kim Sooyeon , Kim Sun A , Hong Hanbich , Choi Seong Ryeong , Na Hae-Young , Shin Sung Un , Park Kyung-Hwa , Jung Sook In , Shin Min-Ho , Kweon Sun-Seog , Kang Seung Ji
Published: March 2022

International migrants could be considered a risk group susceptible to vaccine-preventable diseases. We conducted a measles seroprevalence study among 419 marriage migrant women living in Sinan-gun and Wando-gun, South Jeolla Province, located in the southwestern part of Korea. The overall seroimmunity was 92.8%. The seroimmunity varied considerably according to the country of origin and increased with age. Our current analysis could be valuable in the context of discussions concerning vaccination policies for immigrants in Korea.
Model-based cost-effectiveness analysis of oral antivirals against SARS-CoV-2 in Korea
Authors: Jo Youngji , Kim Sun Bean , Radnaabaatar Munkhzul , Huh Kyungmin , Yoo Jin-Hong , Peck Kyong Ran , Park Hojun , Jung Jaehun
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVES: Many countries have authorized the emergency use of oral antiviral agents for patients with mild-to-moderate cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We assessed the cost-effectiveness of these agents for reducing the number of severe COVID-19 cases and the burden on Korea’s medical system.METHODS: Using an existing model, we estimated the number of people who would require hospital/intensive care unit (ICU) admission in Korea in 2022. The treatment scenarios included (1) all adult patients, (2) elderly patients only, and (3) adult patients with underlying diseases only, compared to standard care. Based on the current health system capacity, we calculated the incremental costs per severe case averted and hospital admission for each scenario.RESULTS: We estimated that 236,510 COVID-19 patients would require hospital/ICU admission in 2022 with standard care only. Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (87% efficacy) was predicted to reduce this number by 80%, 24%, and 17% when targeting all adults, adults with underlying diseases, and elderly patients (25, 8, and 4%, respectively, for molnupiravir, with 30% efficacy). Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir use is likely to be cost-effective, with predicted costs of US$8,878, US$8,964, and US$1,454, per severe patient averted for the target groups listed above, respectively, while molnupiravir is likely to be less cost-effective, with costs of US$28,492, US$29,575, and US$7,915, respectively.CONCLUSIONS: In Korea, oral treatment using nirmatrelvir/ritonavir for symptomatic COVID-19 patients targeting elderly patients would be highly cost-effective and would substantially reduce the demand for hospital admission to below the capacity of the health system if targeted to all adult patients instead of standard care.
Reflections on “Orchestrating for Impact”: Harmonizing across Stakeholders to Accelerate Global Health Gains
Authors: Jacobson Julie , Brooks Alan
Published: March 2022

For developing countries and partners to accelerate the availability of new innovations to communities in need of intervention, it is necessary to find improved ways to work together that challenge today’s status quo in global health. By adopting new approaches and accepting shared risk and reward, diverse partners can work together to accelerate progress toward a common global health goal. A symphony orchestra—with a conductor who recruits, arranges, harmonizes, and orchestrates diverse musicians to work together to create something not possible by individual musicians on their own—provides an apt metaphor for successful global health initiatives. In such settings, stakeholders must be engaged and harmonized, workplans composed, and partnerships conducted such that all stakeholder roles progress from workplans that are sequential and independent to those that are integrated and interactive. Reflecting on the successful global health partnerships discussed here and beyond, we use this orchestral metaphor to illustrate the elements needed to make partnerships increasingly successful.
Desarrollo estratégico en el proceso de enseñanza de la educación superior
Authors: Bernal-Álava Ángel Fortunato
Published: March 2022

El proceso de enseñanza es un componente fundamental de la educación superior y es compleja y multifacética, tanto en la teoría como en la práctica. En este sentido, el concepto de aprendizaje heurístico consta de tres componentes principales interrelacionados: la experiencia docente real, el diseño curricular y la relación docente-alumno. En general, las mentalidades, creencias y actitudes individuales son desafiantes. Los docentes pueden construir sus planes de desarrollo en torno a diferentes aspectos de la enseñanza heurística y, con el apoyo de la alta gerencia y una cultura positiva, la comunidad docente puede trabajar en conjunto para lograr la enseñanza heurística.

Palabras claves: Desarrollo Estratégico, Enseñanza, Educación superior.
Scientific Computing and Visualization with Maple in Economics and Economic Research
Authors: Zuzana CZ Chvatalova , Jiri CZ Hrebicek
Published: March 2022

The aim of this paper is to map selected tools offered by Maple and user support provided by Maplesoft Inc. for professional and modern implementation in the field of scientific computing, modeling and visualizations in economics. Such support will be a significant technical advantage in time for use in economic research. The paper analyzes the latest version of the mathematical software Maple for scientific computing in economics and finance. It terms of its implementation in the quantitative modeling, calculations and graphics visualizations, both the direct using of built-in elements and the communication platform supported by the Canadian company Maplesoft Inc. that has developed Maple since 1980. Solutions of economic problems are intimately linked in the number of areas of society. At present, continuous innovations and using of new information technologies is trend in science, education and researches that occurs all over the world. Our efforts in this analysis are one of the preparatory stages to meet the primary objective of the solution of the project ""Construction of a complex multi-methods evaluation of performance in selected sectors"" (Reg. No. P403/11/2085) realized at the Brno University of Technology and the Mendel University in Brno.
Characteristics of Socio-Economic Issues and Their Possible Resolution in the Housing Market of Latvia
Authors: Geipele Ineta , Geipele Sanda , Stāmure Iveta
Published: March 2022

The aim of the research is to identify the main socioeconomic issues in the housing market and to elaborate proposals for resolving them in order to stabilize the development of housing market in Latvia. Within the framework of the research, real estate is evaluated as an object of real estate economics and an important real estate, as well as the housing market constituent of the national economy of Latvia. As socio-economic issues are important factors that affect the development of real estate market as well as housing market, a classification of the affecting factors is performed. Socio-economic issues that affect the development of housing market are also defined in the research. A qualitative and quantitative evaluation of population change in the largest cities and rural regions of Latvia has been performed; moreover, the level of household income in Latvia has been evaluated, and the housing fond has been viewed as an important socio-economic issue.
Factors Affecting Survival of New Firms in the Financial Crisis: the Role of the Local Milieu
Authors: Lladós-Masllorens Josep
Published: March 2022

This paper investigates how the long-lasting financial crisis is affecting the survival of nascent firms. The target of this research is a sample of 64 firms that benefit from the interaction with a high-technology innovation cluster located in Barcelona (Spain). A logistic regression analysis is conducted to predict survival using a wide set of variables as predictors. The born-global and high productivity ICT firms show the best prediction of success. Financial leverage has played also a critical role in the evolution of businesses whereas milieu effects have been insufficient to overcome the difficulties of financial crisis.