bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the influence of the probability of erasing binary symbols «0» on the probability of erroneous data registration in a quantum-cryptographic communication channel
Authors: Timofeev A. M.
Published: June 2022

An asynchronous quantum-cryptographic communication channel with a receiving module based on a photon counter with a dead time of an extending type was investigated. An expression for estimating the ratio of the probability of erasing binary symbols "0" P(–/0) to the probability of these symbols being erroneous Perr0 has been obtained. Based on the results of mathematical modeling, the dependences of the ratio P(–/0) / Perr0 on the average count rate of signal pulses at the output of the photon counter during the transmission of symbols “0” ns0 for various average duration of dead time of the extended type τd were established. The performed studies have shown that with an increase in ns0, these dependences at first practically do not change and have values close to unity, but then they drop down to the lowest values and go into saturation. This takes place both in the absence of a dead time of the prolonging type, and in its presence.
One-Year Retention of Gait Speed Improvement in Stroke Survivors After Treatment with a Wearable Home-Use Gait Device
Authors: Darcy Brianne , Rashford Lauren , Tsai Nancey T. , Huizenga David , Reed Kyle B. , Bamberg Stacy J.M.
Published: June 2022

A majority of stroke survivors experience gait impairments, some of which persist into the chronic phase of stroke. Treatment with the iStrideTM gait device has been shown to improve symmetry, gait speed, and functional balance for chronic stroke survivors with hemiparetic gait impairments. In this study, we examine the long-term gait speed changes up to twelve months after treatment with the gait device. Eighteen individuals (mean 56.7 years, range 44-77 years) at least one-year post-stroke (mean 59.7 months, range 13-308 months) participated in this single group, before-after study with multiple follow-ups. Participants completed approximately 12, 30-minute treatment sessions with the gait device in their home environment. Gait speed was measured using the Ten-Meter Walk Test at a comfortable pace at baseline and five follow-up sessions after the treatment period: one week, one month, three months, six months, and twelve months. Gait speed changes were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA from baseline to each follow-up time frame, comparison to the minimal clinically important difference threshold, evaluation of gait speed classification changes, and subjective questionnaires. Results showed that participants retained more than a 0.21 m/s gait speed improvement compared to baseline at all post-treatment time frames, p<0.01. Additionally, 94% of participants improved their gait speed beyond the minimally clinically important difference during one or more post-treatment measurements, and 88% of participants subjectively reported a gait speed improvement. These study findings indicate that treatment with the gait device may result in meaningful, long-term gait speed improvement for chronic stroke survivors with hemiparetic gait impairments.
Topographic factors drive natural understory revegetation in burned areas
Authors: He Zhixue , Wang Lei , luo jun , Zhang Bin , Deng Qingchun , Liu Hui , Yang Haiqing
Published: June 2022

Fire is an important disturbance factor in forest ecosystems which has important influence on vegetation succession. To reveal the natural recovery characteristics of understory vegetation after subtropical forest fire and its response to topographic factors, typical subtropical forests were selected for our study area (Xide County, China). Based on quadrat surveys and correlation analyses, the main results of this study were as follows. (1) Within four months after a fire, 71 species, 52 genera, and 20 families gained, representing rapid recoveryafter a fire. (2) Different burning intensities had different effects on vegetation diversity restoration. the Margalef index was the most sensitive, increasing by 5.44 and 5.16 in lightly and severely burned areas respectively. (3) Elevation and slope were significantly correlated with the diversity and distribution characteristics of understory vegetation in burned area. This study is helpful to understand the characteristics of short-term natural recovery of sub-forest vegetation after small-scale fire in subtropical forests, and identify the relationships between revegetation and topographic factors in burned areas. Thereby providing a scientific basis for related ecological restoration.
Understanding the multilevel determinants of clinicians’ imaging decision-making: Setting the stage for de-implementation of low-value imaging
Authors: Hwang Soohyun , Birken Sarah A. , Nielsen Matthew E. , Elston-Lafata Jennifer , Wheeler Stephanie B. , Spees Lisa P.
Published: June 2022

Background: De-implementation requires understanding and targeting multilevel determinants of low-value care. The objective of this study was to identify multilevel determinants of imaging for prostate cancer (PCa) and asymptomatic microhematuria (AMH), two common urologic conditions that have contributed substantially to the approximately $30 billion spent annually on unnecessary imaging in the US. Methods: We used a convergent mixed-methods approach involving survey and interview data. Using a survey, we asked 33 clinicians (55% response rate) to indicate their imaging approach to 8 clinical vignettes designed to elicit responses that would demonstrate guideline-concordant/discordant imaging practices for patients with PCa or AMH. A subset of survey respondents (N=7) participated in semi-structured interviews guided by a combination of two frameworks that offered a comprehensive understanding of multilevel implementation determinants. We analyzed the interviews using a directed content analysis approach. We then identified themes to better understand the differences and similarities in the imaging determinants across the two clinical conditions. Results: Survey results showed that the majority of clinicians chose guideline-concordant imaging behaviors for PCa, guideline-concordant imaging intentions were more varied for AMH. Imaging decisions for both PCa and AMH were often driven by national guidelines from major professional societies. However, when clinicians felt that guidelines were inadequate, they reported that their decision-making was influenced by their knowledge of recent scientific evidence, past clinical experiences, and the anticipated benefits of imaging (or not imaging) to both the patient and the clinician. In particular, clinicians referred to patients’ anxiety and uncertainty which were, at times, resolved through more intensive diagnostic imaging. Patients’ clinical factors also informed clinicians’ imaging decisions. For AMH patients, clinicians additionally expressed concerns regarding legal liability risk. Conclusions: Our study identified comprehensive multilevel determinants of imaging to inform development of de-implementation interventions to reduce low-value imaging, which we found useful for identifying determinants of de-implementation. De-implementation interventions should be tailored to address the contextual determinants that are specific to each clinical condition.
Prevalence and characteristics of tarsal coalition in East Asians: what are the differences compared to Caucasians?
Authors: Park Jeong Jin , Seok Hyun Gyu , Woo In Ha , Park Chul Hyun
Published: June 2022

Previous studies have reported a prevalence of tarsal coalition of 1–13%. Calcaneonavicular coalition is known as main anatomical type, and the bilateral occurrence of tarsal coalition is known to be 50–60%. These are the results of studies on Caucasians, there have been few studies targeting large number of East Asians so far. We hypothesized that the prevalence and characteristics of tarsal coalition in East Asians might differ from those in Caucasians. The medical records of 839 patients who underwent bilateral computed tomography on foot and ankle in our hospital from January 2012 to April 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The overall prevalence was 6.0%, talocalcaneal coalition was the most common anatomical type. The overall bilateral occurrence was 56.5%, talocalcaneal coalition had the highest bilateral occurrence (76.0%) among anatomical types. Isolated union of the posterior facet was the most common subtype of talocalcaneal coalition (43.2%). Talocalcaneal coalition had a significantly higher proportion of coalition-related symptomatic patients than calcaneonavicular coalition (p = 0.019). Our study showed a similar trend to other East Asian studies, confirming the existence of racial differences. The possibility of tarsal coalition in foot and ankle patients in East Asians should always be considered, and bilateral examination is essential for diagnosis.
Dynamics of functional genes and bacterial community during bioremediation of diesel-contaminated soil amended with compost
Authors: Yang Hyoju , Lee Jiho , Cho Kyung-Suk
Published: June 2022

Compost is widely used as an organic additive to improve the bioremediation of diesel-contaminated soil. In this study, the effects of compost amendment on the remediation performance, functional genes, and bacterial community are evaluated during the bioremediation of diesel-contaminated soils with various ratios of compost (0–20%, w/w). The study reveals that the diesel removal efficiency, soil enzyme (dehydrogenase and urease) activity, soil CH4 oxidation potential, and soil N2O reduction potential have a positive correlation with the compost amendment (p < 0.05). The ratios of denitrifying genes (nosZI, cnorB and qnorB) to 16S rRNA genes each show a positive correlation with compost amendment, whereas the ratio of the CH4-oxidizing gene (pmoA) to the 16S rRNA genes shows a negative correlation. Interestingly, the genera Acidibacter, Blastochloris, Erythrobacter, Hyphomicrobium, Marinobacter, Parvibaculum, Pseudoxanthomonas, and Terrimonas are strongly associated with diesel degradation, and have a strong positive correlation with soil CH4 oxidation potential. Meanwhile, the genera Atopostipes, Bacillus, Halomonas, Oblitimonas, Pusillimonas, Truepera, and Wenahouziangella are found to be strongly associated with soil N2O reduction potential. These results provide useful data for the development of technologies for improving diesel removal efficiency while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions in the bioremediation process of diesel-contaminated soil.
Prevalence and Consumption Pattern of Kolanut Among Pregnant Women in Ibadan Metropolis
Authors: Atiba F.A. , Popoola O.A. , Odukogbe A.O. , Ihunwo A.O.
Published: June 2022

Background
Kolanut is popular in Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan African countries where it is widely consumed in various social contexts. While some studies have suggested that kolanut is consumed by pregnant women, there is a dearth of information on the prevalence, consumption pattern and reasons for kolanut consumption.
Methods
This study investigated these gaps among pregnant women in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study involving 478 consenting pregnant women in all three trimesters and registered at health facilities in Ibadan was conducted. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric history and kolanut use during pregnancy. Google mapping of all the addresses of the respondents was exported into ArcGIS online to generate the maps. Association between kolanut use and respondent characteristics was investigated using Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis.
Results
The mean age of the women was 28.7 ± 6.3 years, 50.8% had secondary level qualifications, 43.9% were semi-skilled workers. 38.7% were recruited in Primary Health Centres (PHCs), 18% from Secondary Health Centres, 22.6 from Tertiary Health Centres and 20.7 from Traditional Birth Assistants (TBA)/Faith Clinics. 162 (33.9%) of women reported kolanut in pregnancy and 140 (29.3%) in the index/current pregnancy. Frequency of use defined as high (every day), medium (thrice a week), low (≤ once a week) and quantity of use defined as high (≥ 1 nut at once), medium (half to < 1 lobe) and low (quarter to < half lobe). 26.9% reported frequent use, while 12.3% used in high quantity. A high consumption pattern was found with higher consumption at both Ibadan North East and Ibadan North Local Government areas. Significant associations were found between current kolanut use and Hausa respondents (p = 0.014), educational level; secondary (p = 0.032), tertiary (p = 0.006), TBA (p = 0.005). Majority (93.7%) used kolanut to prevent spitting, nausea, and vomiting.
Conclusion
This study has shown that kolanut use is common among pregnant women and it is consumed in large quantities. The results of this study justifyy research into consequences of kolanut use in pregnant women.
Combination effect of smoking conditions and Dunaliella salina as natural antioxidant on biochemical characters of stored Sander lucioperca fillets
Authors: Bouriga N. , Mili S. , Troudi D. , Atitallah A. Ben , Bahri W. Rjiba , Bejaoui S. , Quignard J.-P. , trabelsi M
Published: June 2022

Sander lucioperca is a fresh water fish characterized with its remarkable nutritional value. Thus, smoking improves sensory and microbiological characteristics. Therefore smoking processes is associated to alterations in some physicochemical fish properties. The object of this study is to evaluate the combined effects of two different processes of smoking (cold and hot) and natural antioxidants obtained from the microalgea Dunaliella salina administrated at two graded concentrations (+0.5pp and +1pp) on the biochemical quality and shelf life of Sander lucioperca fillets were investigated during 1, 20 and 90 days of storage.Smoking Sander lucioperca using Dunaliella salina extract increases polyphenols content in the fillets smoked fish. This natural antioxidant leads to a better preservation for this smoked fish. Dunaliella salina increases of the amounts of lipids and decreases TVBN, PV, TBARS and FFA in cold and hot smoked fillets. Therefore, combined effects of two different processes of smoking (cold and hot) and natural antioxidants could be a promising technique to preserve the Sander lucioperca fillets quality.
Light and zinc application treatment regulates yield and 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP) formation in fragrant rice
Authors: shuochen Jiang , Lihe Zhang , fenqin Hu , xiangru Tang , bin Du
Published: June 2022

Background
Improving the yield and aroma content of fragrant rice is the focus of fragrant rice research. Light (L) and Zinc (Zn) management generally cause regulations in the 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP) accumulation in fragrant rice. In addition, Zn promotes rice growth and improves rice yield, which has the potential to compensate for the negative impact of low light on fragrant rice yield. However, the potential of Zn to improve fragrant rice yield and 2AP content under shading conditions has not been verified.
Methods
Field experiments were conducted in the rice season (May-September) in 2019 to 2021. Two light i.e., normal light (NL) and low light (LL) and four Zn levels i.e., 0 kg Zn ha− 1 (N0), 1 kg Zn ha− 1 (Zn1), 2 kg Zn ha− 1(Zn2), and 3 kg Zn ha− 1 (Zn3), which applied at booting stage was set up. The grain yield, 2AP contents, Zn content in polish rice, photosynthesis related indicators, MDA content, antioxidant enzyme activity and the biochemical parameters related to 2AP formation were investigated.
Results
Shading reduced yield by 8.74% and increased 2AP content by 24.37%. In addition, shading reduced net photosynthetic rate (Pn), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT), and increased proline, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid (P5C), proline dehydrogenase (PDH), △1-pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid synthetase (P5CS), malondialdehyde (MDA). With increasing Zn application levels, yield, 2AP, Zn content in polish rice, Pn, proline, P5C, GABA, PDH, P5CS, SOD, CAT and POD increased, and MDA decreased. Significant L and Zn interaction effect on 2AP content was detected, and both shading and increasing Zn application increased the 2AP content.
Conclusion
Shading can increase the 2AP content but reduce the yield of fragrant rice. Increasing Zn application under shading conditions can further promote the biosynthesis of 2AP, but the effect of improving yield is limited.
Design and Psychometrics of the Sexual-Reproductive Needs and Concerns Scale of Iranian Never-Married Women Over 35
Authors: Taghizadeh Ziba , Ebadi Abbas , Shahrak Shakiba Pourasad , Brand Serge
Published: June 2022

Background
In traditional cultures, never-married women over 35 have to face a broad variety of social challenges. So far, no tool has been developed to measure the needs and concerns of these women. The purpose of the present study was to design the Farsi Scale of Sexual-Reproductive Needs and Concerns of never-married women over 35 and to assess its psychometric properties.
Methods
The combined exploratory study had two phases. In the first phase, we performed a qualitative study. We interviewed never-married Iranian women over 35; next, from their descriptions, we extracted specific items, and these items were aggregated to form items of a questionnaire. To psychometrically validate the questionnaire, we tested the validity (face, content, and structure) and reliability (internal consistency and stability) of the questionnaire. For evaluating the structural validity, a cross-sectional study of 240 never-married women over the age of 35 completed the questionnaire.
Results
The Sexual-Reproductive Needs and Concerns Scale of Iranian Never-Married Women over 35 was developed with 15 items and three dimensions (Emotional burden; Sexual needs; Stigma). Cronbach's alpha of the instrument was 0.81 and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient was 0.98.
Conclusion
The results of the study showed that the developed scale has acceptable validity and reliability, and thus can be used to assess the sexual-reproductive needs and concerns of never-married Iranian women over 35.
In-silico investigations on the anticancer activity of selected 2-aryloxazoline derivatives that inhibit fatty acid synthase (FASN)
Authors: Rani Moly , Nath Ashutosh , Kumer Ajoy
Published: June 2022

As the in-silico study has become an important tool to search the new drugs in the concurrent era with towering acceptance and accuracy, it is executed in our research for unearthing the effective cancer drugs. To say more, breast cancer has accounted for the serious diseases for both men and women although few research outputs have been obtained on breast cancer that is not an adequate amount to ascertain new drugs. Due to this gap, the virtual screening, In-silico study, provides the ability to design and select by quickly identifying anticancer compounds with desirable drug-like properties. A total of nine 2-aryloxazoline derivatives were chosen, and In-silico was studied as a potential anticancer agent with the comparison of seven Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved breast cancer drugs. These compounds were subjected to computational ADME and Lipinski analysis, as well as molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations calculations against a variety of therapeutic targets involved in cell proliferation (PDB ID: 3TJM, 3ERT, 4OAR, 2J6M). An in-silico docking study reveals that ligands Hit-4, Hit-6, and Hit-8 had the highest docking scores of -10.3 kcal/mole − 10.3 kcal/mole, and − 10.2 kcal/mole towards Fatty Acid Synthase. The ligands had docking scores better than the standard anti-breast cancer drug gefitinib (− 5.3 kcal/mole). Our studies show the significance of pharmaceutical researchers in designing and developing new anticancer breast cancer drugs.
Association between oral health behavior and multiple chronic diseases among middle-aged and older adults in Beijing, China
Authors: Guo Dan , Shi Zhenyu , Luo Yanan , Ding Ruoxi , He Ping
Published: June 2022

Objectives: To evaluate the association between oral health behavior and multiple chronic diseases among middle-aged and older adults.Methods: Data from the Beijing Health Service Survey were used to estimate the association between oral hygiene behavior and risk of multiple chronic diseases using multivariate logistic models(N=18,158).Results: The risk of overall chronic diseases (OR=1.27, 95% CI:1.18~1.37), cardiovascular diseases (CVD, OR=1.30, 95% CI:1.21~1.39) and endocrine or nutritional metabolic disorders (OR=1.11, 95% CI:1.01~1.22) was higher in those who with poor oral health behavior. There was no significant correlation between oral health behavior and the risk of diseases of the musculoskeletal, respiratory, digestive, and genitourine systems.Conclusions: Poor oral hygiene practices were associated with a higher risk of overall chronic diseases, CVD and diabetes mellitus (DM) in middle-aged and older people. These findings motivate further studies to evaluate whether improved oral health behavior may prevent the incidence of chronic diseases.
Analysis of Inter-regional industrial relations of major industries in Sejong City
-using 2015 Korean Multiregional Input-Output Table
Authors: Lee Seongha , Ishiro Taku
Published: June 2022

South Korea's capital metropolitan area accounts for more than half of the country's total population and GDP. To overcome this phenomenon, the Korean government implemented various policies for the balanced development of the country, a representative of which was the construction of Sejong City in Chungcheong Province. Sejong City was established in July 2012, and by 2021, 44 government organizations and 15 state-run research institutes had migrated from metropolitan areas. In addition, it actively interacts with various cities in Daejeon, Chungcheongbuk-do, and Chungcheongnam-do, increasing its influence on the size of the economy and surrounding cities. Despite the importance of Sejong City, economic analysis after its establishment of Sejong City is still insufficient. Sejong City is expected to have clear regional characteristics in the public administration sector and research and development (R&D) for construction purposes. The education service industry is expected to revitalize because of the characteristics of the newly created city. Therefore, by using the 2015 Korean Multiregional Input-Output table, this study analyzes the industrial structure of Sejong City and Sejong's industrial characteristics and economic relations with other regions by measuring the industrial linkage between Sejong City and Chungcheong area, Seoul metropolitan area, and other regions by major industry.
Physical, static, and kinetic analysis of the electrochemical deposition process for the recovery of heavy metal from simulated industrial wastewater
Authors: Hamdi Ridha , Rached Amani , Massoudi Imen , Al-Otaibi Amal L. , Alkorbi Shouq , Ali Amor Saidi Ben
Published: June 2022

The electrochemical deposition has been used to recover lead, a harmful heavy metal, from simulated industrial wastewater. At constant potential, it is deposited onto fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) electrodes. Chronoamperometry was used to track its kinetic electrodeposition processes in situ for advanced nucleation stages at various temperatures. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray techniques were used to investigate and characterize the deposits. The results show that the current density, as well as the density of the deposits, is strongly influenced by temperature. In this paper, we examine the relationship between experimental results and theoretical processes of lead deposits using 2D and 3D kinetic growth models.
NCoA3 upregulation in breast cancer-associated adipocytes elicits an inflammatory profile
Authors: Lira Maria Cecilia , Rosa Francisco Damian , Aiello Ignacio , Machado Mileni Soares , Palma Alejandra Graciela , Paz Leonardo Agustin , Güemes Maria Cecilia Salazar , Burlando Silvia , Azurmendi Pablo Javier , Paladino Natalia , Costas Monica Alejandra , Rubio Maria Fernanda
Published: June 2022

Purpose
NCoA3 is a transcriptional coactivator of NF-κB and other factors, present in undetectable levels into normal cells and amplified or overexpressed in several types of cancer, including breast tumors. We have previously demonstrated that NCoA3 levels decrease during adipogenesis, but its role in tumor-surrounding adipose tissue is still unknown. Therefore, in this work, we studied the modulation of NCoA3 in breast cancer-associated adipocytes and evaluated its correlation with the expression of inflammatory markers.
Methods
We collected mammary adipose tissue (MAT) from female mice that were stimulated with conditioned media from breast cancer cell lines or MAT adjacent to tumors from breast cancer patients. Then, the expression levels of NCoA3 were evaluated by qPCR and immunohistochemistry. TNF and MCP1 levels were measured. Ex vivo models were validated using 3T3-L1 cell lines and bioinformatics analysis.
Results
We found that in MAT samples expressing high levels of NCoA3 were mainly associated to a pro-inflammatory profile. Even more, patients with a worse prognosis and advanced clinical stage of disease showed high levels of this coactivator. Furthermore, in 3T3-L1 cell line-derived adipocytes, NCoA3 silencing or NF-κB inhibition reverted the expression of inflammatory molecules.
Conclusion
The modulation of NCoA3 levels in synergy with NF-κB activity in MAT in tumoral context, could be determinant factors to establish breast cancer-associated inflammation. As adipocytes are involved in the development and progression of breast cancer, this signaling network deserves to be further investigated to improve future tumoral treatments.
Predictive Model for Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome after Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
Authors: Jakjaroenrit Nattawit , Tanthanuch Monthira , Bejrananda Tanan
Published: June 2022

Objective: To investigate the factors associated with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for upper urinary tract stones and establish a predictive model to prevent postoperative SIRS that correlates with PCNL. Methods: Patients who had undergone PCNL between June 2012 and December 2019 were retrospectively enrolled and categorized into groups according to their urosepsis status. Univariable and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the predictive factors associated with SIRS after PCNL. Nomograms were generated using the predictors, and the discriminative ability was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. Results: A total of 262 PCNL patients were enrolled in this study, and SIRS occurred in 117 (44%) patients after PCNL. Multivariable logistic regression analysis suggested that there were three factors related to postoperative SIRS, namely stone size ≥ 3 cm (odds ratio [OR], 3.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.08–6.26; p = 0.001), positive preoperative urine white blood cells (WBC) (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.65–5.81; p = 0.028), and positive urine culture (OR, 2.89, 95% CI, 1.63–5.13; p = 0.017). According to the results of the logistic regression analysis, stone size ≥ 3 cm, positive preoperative urine WBC, and positive urine culture were used to develop the nomogram. A nomogram prediction model was established to calculate the cumulative probability of urosepsis after PCNL and displayed favorable fitting in the Hosmer–Lemeshow test (p=0.938). Internal validation of the nomogram showed that the area under the ROC curve was 0.702. Conclusion: Positive preoperative urine WBC, positive urine culture, and stone size ≥ 3 cm are the most significant predictors of SIRS after PCNL. The nomogram, which is based on independent risk factors, helps identify high-risk individuals and facilitates the early detection of SIRS after PCNL.
Significant miR-145-a genotypes to serve as asthma predictors
Authors: Wang Shou-Cheng , Tsai Chia-Wen , Chang Wen-Shin , Hsia Ning-Yi , Mong Mei-Chin , Wang Yun-Chi , Hsia Te-Chun , Gu Jian , Bau Da-Tian
Published: June 2022

Background: Asthma is a chronic airway inflammation disease and the diagnosis and treatment strategies remain difficult. The study and application of miRNAs have rapidly become one of the hot spots of translational medical sciences. There is no study confirming the contribution of the genotypes of miR-145 to asthma. We hypothesized the genotypes of miR-145 may influence the risk of asthma and aimed to test this hypothesis. Methods: In 198 asthma patients and 453 healthy controls, the genotypes of miR-145 rs4705342 and rs4705343 were determined, and the correlation of miR-145 genotypes with asthma severity were evaluated.Results: The distribution of miR-145 rs4705342 genotypes between asthma patients and non-asthmatic control groups were significantly different (p=0.0187). In detail, the variant CC genotypes were of lower proportions in asthma patients than in controls (OR=0.41, 95%CI=0.21-0.79, p=0.0102). The allele frequency analysis also showed a significantly differential distribution between the two groups (OR=0.69, 95%CI=0.53-0.90, p=0.0070). As for rs4705343, there was no such differential distribution. In addition, miR-145 rs4705342 variant genotypes were correlated with the symptom severity (p=3×10-5). Further, from the genotype-phenotype observation, there was a trend that C allele carriers prone to have a lower miR-145 expression level in their serum (p=0.0001). Conclusions: Our data provide evidence for miR-145 to serve as a novel biomarker for asthma risk prediction and early detection.
Increasing spatial and temporal resolution in energy system optimization model – the case of Kenya
Authors: Moksnes Nandi , Howells Mark , Usher William
Published: June 2022

At the time of writing 759 million people (2019) still lack access to electricity globally. Energy planning is important to describe plausible pathways to achieve national goals, where energy systems models are tools to explore scenarios and provide insight. Until recently, modelling energy access in countries with a low electrification rate was conducted at low spatial (e.g. national) and/or temporal resolution (e.g. annual time slices or ‘overnight’ electrification). In this paper, we develop methods in an open-source computational workflow with high spatial and medium temporal resolution in OSeMOSYS. We use Kenya as our case application where still 16 million people lack access to electricity (2019). The spatial resolution of approximately 40x40km cells leads to 591 demand cells split between electrified and un-electrified. Results show that a key limitation of PV + battery systems is that they struggle to provide peak demand. This manifests itself in very high marginal costs at peak times. That high marginal cost drives a transition of the system to mini-grid and grid connections as soon as demand levels are high.
Case Report of Protruded Implantable Cardiac Device Through Chest in 50 years old male
Authors: Alrajhi Abdulaziz , Alsultan Mohammed , Alotaibi Lama , Alshudukhi Ahmed
Published: June 2022

Abstract:
Background:
Implantable cardiac defibrillators use has been increasing for the last two decades and they are prone to infections. ICD device infection risk factors are many, some are host related while the others are procedures related.Staphylococcus aureus and staphylococcus epidermidis are accountable for 65 to 75% of the total cases of Implantable cardiac devices infections.

Case presentation:
A 50 years old male presented to our emergency department with ICD pocket migrated through the skin. The symptoms started over 2 weeks, started as gradual feeling of foreign body moving underneath the skin, associated with mild pain and 3 days before presentation, the ICD penetrated the skin. The patient denied any history of fever, bleeding, pus discharge, palpitations, abnormal shocks or syncope. He was admitted to the hospital, treated for a presumed infection and his ICD device was removed.

Conclusion:
ICD devices complications are many, including infections. But, to have an infected device protruded through the skin is not a common presentation. We outlined the approach that was taken for this patient and his management in order to enhance the literature in terms of the above mentioned rare presentation
Knowledge construction of Caesarean Section among women in Northern Ghana
Authors: Amike Joana , Yidana Adadow
Published: June 2022

Introduction: The study sought to determine the prevalence of cesarean section among women who delivered at the Tamale Teaching Hospital. Cesarean section is performed when a vaginal delivery is risky to the baby and mother. Even though the benefits of Caesarean section are known to women, many would often opt for vaginal delivery to boost their social recognition as women. Methods: The design was a hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study among women within the Tamale Metropolis. The study employed a qualitative method. There were four focus group discussions to elicit information from women who experienced Caesarean Section. Results: Many of the participants had good knowledge about the risk and effects of a Caesarean Section. Respondents with cesarean section experience did not have a choice to decline in the study hospital because all were emergency cases. The belief of respondents about cesarean section was influenced by friends and relatives. Some of the reasons assigned for not opting for a cesarean section were; fear of complications, uncertainty regarding the pain during and after the procedure, and the fact that it is not a natural phenomenon. The perception of society regarding womanhood strongly emerged as an order of socialization and revealed that women who experienced Caesarean section go through ridicule in their respective communities. Conclusion: There is a growing trend of misconception about cesarean section. The Ministry of Health in Ghana should ensure that all health personnel, especially nurses and midwives, have location-based training on sociocultural beliefs about Caesarean section.
Effect of Part Geometry/Process Conditions in Fabricating Woven Fiber Angle Part Composite by Vacuum Bag Only Process with Interleaved Fiber/Prepreg Layup
Authors: Wu Kai Jen , Young Wen-Bin
Published: June 2022

This study used the vacuum bag-only (VBO) process to fabricate angle composite parts with interleaved layup of prepreg and dry fibers. The quality of angle parts is investigated by statistical methods, which are divided into two parts: geometric characteristics and internal characteristics. The results indicated that the part fabricated by the convex mold presented higher dimension stability and uniformity as compared to that by the concave mold. In addition, the lead caul plate could effectively improve the thickness change in the corner area in both the concave and convex molds, and both the lead and Si-rubber caul plates could significantly reduce the angle deviation. For the internal characteristics, to quantify the void content of the laminate, we propose a scoring mechanism to analyze angle part. The part fabricated by the convex mold has higher score than that by the concave mold. In order to fully understand the thickness variation of the part at the corner region, a semi-empirical model was proposed to calculate the corner thickness deviation in different mold geometry and stacking thickness. In this study, the prediction errors of the semi-empirical model for the parts by the concave and convex molds are 17.6% and 16.1%, respectively.
Juvenile Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy and Juvenile Dermatomyositis: Characteristics and outcomes of affected children at a Paediatric Rheumatology Clinic in a tropical climate.
Authors: Latchan Zafir Wasim , Ali Shanice , Chin-Kong Patrick , Dyaanand Haramnauth
Published: June 2022

Background
Juvenile Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy (JIIM) is a rare autoimmune condition of which Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) is the most common subtype. To this date there has been no published data focusing on this condition in Trinidad nor the English-speaking Caribbean.
Methods
A retrospective folder analysis was done on patients with JIIM who attended the recently formed Paediatric Rheumatology Multi-Disciplinary Clinic over a 6 months period from May 2021 at San Fernando Teaching Hospital, Trinidad and Tobago. Demographics, investigations and diagnoses were analysed. A secondary comparative analysis of two diagnostic criteria was performed and treatment approach was examined.
Results
5 notes were reviewed in this period. The male: female ratio was 1:4 and the average age of onset was 6.8 years. 80% of JIIM cases were JDM. The most common presenting complaints were: skin rash and weakness (62%). The most common additional symptoms were: joint pain (60%) and pruritis (60%). Previous upper respiratory tract infection was recognized in 40% of JIIM patients and one patient had Kawasaki disease 6 years prior. Creatine Kinase showed modest elevations in JDM, whilst it was extremely elevated in one patient with myositis. There was an 80% concordance between the EULAR/ACR 2017 and the Peter and Bohan 1975 criteria. 60% tested positive for ANA. Anti PM, Anti Ku, Anti RP155, Anti Mi2A, Anti Mi2B and Anti RP11 antibodies were identified. 40% were positive for AntiRP155. 60% of patients utilized MRI imaging which detected myositis in all reports. Methotrexate and prednisolone were used in 100%. Parenteral drugs used included: intravenous immunoglobulin and methylprednisolone. 80% had vitamin D supplementation and 100% were prescribed physiotherapy. One child had intractable calcinosis.
Conclusions
Whilst the study size was arguably small, patterns were seen which are in keeping with international data on epidemiology and treatment. Recommendations from this study include: greater utilization of MRI in diagnostic workup, further evaluating anti RP155 antibody as a new myositis associated antibody in a Caribbean population and exploring further options for calcinosis treatment in a developing nation.
Modelling Monthly Rainfall in the Agricultural Hub of Oyo State, Nigeria: A Comparative Probability Distributions Study
Authors: Sasanya Blessing Funmbi , Awodutire Phillip Oluwatobi , Ufuoma Olohita Geogina
Published: June 2022

The most appropriate probability distribution for rainfall data varies from one region to the other. The need to research the best distribution for different locations is thus a continuous process. This research was designed to investigate rainfall variability and the best-fit distribution model for monthly rainfall in Oke Ogun, the agricultural hub of Oyo state, Nigeria. Thirty-six years’ rainfall data (1982-2017) were statistically analysed and fitted to ten different probability distributions for each calendar month. Parameters of each distribution were estimated from maximum likelihood estimates. Best fit distribution models for each month were selected using Akaike Information Criteria (AIC), Bayesian Information Criteria (BIC) and Corrected Akaike Information Criteria (CAIC) as model selection criteria. Gamma distribution had the best-fit for six of the twelve-monthly rainfall data. Weibull distribution had best-fit for three months, while Lognormal fitted data for March and July best and Gumbel distribution had best-fit for August. This study will enable adequate integrated water resources management as well as proper water resources evaluation and planning, for agricultural productivity in the Oke Ogun region of Oyo state. Nigeria.
Bridge connection between depression and anxiety symptoms and lifestyles in Chinese residents from a network perspective
Authors: Wang Shi-Bin , Xu Wen-Qi , Gao Li-Juan , Tan Wen-Yan , Zheng Hui-Rong , Hou Cai-Lan , Jia Fu-Jun
Published: June 2022

Purpose As lifestyle behaviors are components of the culture of mental health treatment settings, we examined bridge connection between depression and anxiety symptoms and lifestyles from a network perspective using a population-based study.Methods A provincial representative sample of 13,768 inhabitants from the Guangdong Sleep and Psychosomatic Health Survey was face-to-face interviewed using standardized assessment tools. Expected influence was used to identify central symptoms. The interconnection between depression and anxiety symptoms, and bridge connectivity linking depression-anxiety symptoms and lifestyle factors was evaluated using bridge centrality index. A case dropping bootstrap procedure was employed to network stability and sensibility analyses. Results In depression-anxiety symptoms network,fatigue or little energy has the highest expected influence, followed by uncontrollable worry, trouble relaxing and sad mood. Surrounding nodes of each node explained a mean 57.63% of the variance. In the network integrating depression-anxiety symptoms with lifestyle factors, suicidal thoughts were identified as collective bridging symptoms connecting lifestyle variables. And irritability and guilt also indicated the highest connectivity with lifestyles. All networks had high stability and accuracy. Conclusion These emphasized core and bridge symptoms were latent targets to prevent and intervene comorbid depression and anxiety. Targeting interventions aiming at specific lifestyle behaviors may be crucial to develop efficient and purposeful treatment strategies for clinical practitioners.
Comparative evaluation of accuracy of the multiple methods of heatstroke risk model including time-stratified case-crossover analysis
Authors: Nemoto Mio , Hirabayashi Satoshi , Sato Seisho , Fujii Akihiro , Nojiri Hidetoshi , Ihara Tomohiko
Published: June 2022

Background
High temperatures in urban areas owing to climate change and urban heat islands have led to an increase in the number of heatstroke patients. To prevent heatstroke, accurate heatstroke patient prediction model should be used to predict and alert people to their risk. However, most previous models have not tested sufficient training data, although susceptibility to heatstroke is likely to be dependent on year-wise trends and is susceptible to training data. We investigated an accurate heatstroke risk model that is robust to the training data. By examining the factors affecting the accuracy and trade-off between the quantity and quality of adding old data to training data, the method of selecting training data for constructing an accurate model was also investigated.
Method
We compared the accuracies of three methods: multiple regression analysis (MR), generalized additive model (GAM), and time-stratified case-crossover analysis (TC). The training data for all combinations from 2012 were tested. By comparing the errors of each method, we identified the error influencing factors in the training data.
Results
The TC errors were the smallest (p < 0.005) and much less sensitive to the training data than others. Best accuracy odds ratios were 1.41–1.44. The error was significantly larger when the number of extremely hot days differed between the training and test data in MR and GAM (p < 0.01, p < 0.05). All three methods tended to increase accuracy up to a certain point and decrease from the middle of the year when adding past years retroactively from the most recent year in training data.
Conclusions
By using the odds ratios produced by TC with low sensitivity to training data, we can develop highly accurate heatstroke risk model that are robust to training data, which has not been possible with previous models. If data are to be included continuously, a model constructed from three or four years of data from the latest one is the most accurate.
Occupational Resilience: Construct and Practice Implications in Occupational Therapy
Authors: Muriithi Bernard Austin Kigunda , Muriithi Jennifer , Gupta Jyothi , Radziak Jennifer , Story Adam
Published: June 2022

BackgroundOccupational resilience is a new construct in occupational therapy. It is used in other disciplines to refer to an individual’s ability to maintain challenging work roles, but its definition requires better clarity and more consensus.AimThis paper proposes a definition of occupational resilience with the goal of bringing important perspectives to the field of occupational therapy. The paper embraces the nuanced meaning of the term occupation and explains how integrating resilience into occupational therapy opens innovative prospects for practice.MethodDrawing from literature review, published stories of specific individuals or groups, documentaries, and hypothetical case scenarios, the paper illustrates how occupational resilience is a complex reality that can have widespread implications.ResultsOccupational resilience is defined as the capacity for persistence in the performance of an occupation, where capacity is examined from both duration and intensity of engagement in a specified occupation. While most examples of resilience refer to the individual, occupational resilience applies to groups, communities, and populations as well.SignificanceOccupational resilience is an innovative construct that names the naturally changing individual or group capacity shaped by personal and environmental factors. Defining this reality creates a more focused discussion on its clinical and research implications.
Cat flea infestation on ruminants: clinical evaluation, control, and tick fever agents DNA investigation
Authors: Neves Luiz Felipe , Campolina Joana Palhares , Bastos Gabriela , Souza Gabriel Resende , Pinheiro Guilherme Rafael Gomide , Rodrigues Daniel Sobreira , Coelho Sandra Gesteira , Ferreira Lorena Lopes
Published: June 2022

Ectoparasites in ruminants are common in tropical rearing systems and normally associated with tick and fly infestations. Although cat fleas it can occur, records of ruminant infestation by are unusual. The present study describes two different cases of flea infestation at the same farm in the Brazilian southeast region, in different periods and different species, kids and calves. In both cases, domestic feral cats and dogs infested by Ctenocephalides felis felis had access to the animal’s facility. Kids and calves presented high flea burden that caused dermatitis, stress, discomfort, irritation, anemia, and weight gain reduction. The packed cell volume of the calves was performed and due to history of tick fever in the farm an investigation of tick fever agents DNA in the fleas was done, to verity possible mechanical transmission through flea bite. For flea control, on both situations, the animal’s treatment with deltamethrin plus environment cleaning and spraying insecticide showed success. Four of eight calves presented anemia (packed cell volume < 24%). The tick fever agents DNA was not diagnosed. The right parasite identification, election of methods, drugs and environment management are necessary to a satisfactory outcome and parasite control.
Economic freedom, inclusive growth, and financial development: A heterogeneous panel analysis of less financially developed countries
Authors: Vitenu-Sackey Prince Asare
Published: June 2022

The effective and efficient management of financial systems and resources creates a socioeconomic climate that is beneficial to technological and innovation progress, propagating economic development in the long run. The study used panel data on 72 countries classified as less financially developed from 2009 to 2017 to critically assess the role of economic freedom and inclusive growth in financial development. We used the linear dynamic panel GMM-IV estimator and panel corrected standard errors (PCSE) linear regression method and contemporaneous correlation estimator, a thus generalized least square method for the long-run estimations. Evidence from our analyses suggests that economic freedom, inclusive growth, and capital stock positively contribute to financial development significantly. More importantly, inclusive growth positively contributes to overall financial development through improved economic freedom. We observed that tax burden and investment freedom are the adverse drivers of financial development considering the overall financial development index irrespective of exogenous and endogenous shocks. On the contrary, property rights protection, government spending, monetary freedom, and financial freedom are the positive and significant drivers of financial development.