bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Deep Learning to Detect the Maternal Heart Rate and False Signals on Fetal Heart Rate Recordings
Authors: Boudet Samuel , Houzé de l'Aulnoit Agathe , Peyrodie Laurent , Demailly Romain , Houzé de l'Aulnoit Denis
Published: July 2022

We have developed deep learning models for automatic identification of the maternal heart rate (MHR) and, more generally, false signals (FSs) on fetal heart rate (FHR) recordings. The models can be used to preprocess FHR data prior to automated analysis or as a clinical alert system to assist the practitioner. Three models were developed and used to detect (i) FSs on the MHR channel (the FSMHR model), (ii) the MHR and FSs on the Doppler FHR sensor (the FSDop model), and (iii) FSs on the scalp ECG channel (the FSScalp model). The FSDop model was the most important because FSs are far more frequent on the Doppler FHR channel. All three models were based on a multilayer symmetric gated recurrent unit and were trained on data recorded during the first and second stages of delivery. The FSMHR and FSDop models were also trained on antepartum recordings. The training dataset contained 1030 expert-annotated periods (mean duration: 36 min) from 635 recordings. In an initial evaluation of routine clinical practice, 30 fully annotated recordings for each sensor type (mean duration: 5 h for MHR and Doppler sensors, and 3 h for the scalp ECG sensor) were analyzed.The sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV) and accuracy were respectively 62.20%, 87.1% and 99.90% for the FSMHR model, 93.1%, 95.6% and 99.68% for the FSDop model, and the 44.6%, 87.2% and 99.93% for the FSScalp model. We built a second test dataset with a more solid ground truth by selecting 45 periods (lasting 20 min, on average) on which the Doppler FHR and scalp ECG signals were recorded simultaneously. Using the scalp ECG data, the experts estimate the true FHR value more reliably and thus annotated the Doppler FHR channel more precisely. The models achieved a sensitivity of 53.3%, a PPV of 62.4%, and an accuracy of 97.29%. In comparison, two experts (blinded to the scalp ECG data) achieved a sensitivity of 15.7%, a PPV of 74.3%, and an accuracy of 96.91% for expert 1 and a sensitivity of 60.7%, a PPV of 83.5% and an accuracy of 98.24% for expert 2; hence, the model performed better than one expert and worse than the other. Hence, the models performed at expert level, although a well-trained expert with good knowledge of FSs could probably do better in some cases. The models and datasets have been included in the Fetal Heart Rate Morphological Analysis open source MATLAB toolbox and can be used freely for research purposes.
CONSTRUCTION OF A MULTIVARIATE POLYNOMIAL GIVEN BY A REDUNDANT DESCRIPTION IN STOCHASTIC AND DETERMINISTIC FORMULATIONS USING AN ACTIVE EXPERIMENT
Authors: Pavlov Alexander , Holovchenko Maxim , Drozd Valeria
Published: July 2022

We present the methods for constructing a multivariate polynomial given by a redundant representation based on the results of a limited active experiment. We solve the problem in two formulations. The first is the problem of constructing a multivariate polynomial regression given by a redundant representation based on the results of a limited active experiment. The solution method is based on the previous results of Professor A. A. Pavlov and his students showing the fundamental possibility of reducing this problem to the sequential construction of univariate polynomial regressions and solving the corresponding nondegenerate systems of linear equations. There are two modifications of this method. The second modification is based on proving for an arbitrary limited active experiment the possibility of using only one set of normalized orthogonal polynomials of Forsythe. The second formulation refers to the solution of this problem for a particular but sufficient from the practical point of view case when an unknown implementation of a random variable is not added to the initial measurement results during an active experiment. This method is a modification of the solution method for the multivariate polynomial regression problem. Also, we used the main results of the general theory (which reduces the multivariate polynomial regression problem solving to the sequential construction of univariate polynomial regressions and solution of corresponding nondegenerate systems of linear equations) to consider and strictly substantiate fairly wide from the practical point of view particular cases leading to estimating the coefficients at nonlinear terms of the multivariate polynomial regression as a solution of linear equations with a single variable.
ON THE CONCEPT OF VECTOR OPTIMIZATION IN THE TASKS OF MULTICRITERIAL CHOICE
Authors: Shevchenko Sergiy
Published: July 2022

Problems of multi-criteria choice with estimates of applicants by a number of local criteria are considered. Known approaches to the solution of such problems use their peculiarities with the allocation of the corresponding classes of problems and a number of assumptions that significantly limit the possibilities of their practical application. This is the use of fixed scales to compare values that do not correspond to real ranges of values, the assumption of linear relationships between quality assessments and decision attributes, the absence of nonlinear relationships between estimates of local criteria and parameter values of solutions from different ranges. The given circumstances can lead to the loss of adequacy of the taken decisions and cause unacceptable consequences. An approach to procedures of multi-criteria optimization based on the content of optimization as a choice of a solution applicant with the best values of the chosen vector criterion within the elements of the admissible solution set is outlined. To find a solution, it is suggested to use a generalized criterion in the form of a scalar product of vectors, one of which contains components of the values of local criteria for the solution pretender, and the other is a virtual vector of the target reference in a given space with the best or predicted values. To compare the applicants, we propose approaches to forming a subset of Pareto optimal solutions as a set of solutions by consistent local criteria, using a series of concessions on the local criteria represented by mathematical models with the allocation of alternatives to change the values of local criterion estimates, allowing the formation of consistent solutions. The results of the analysis allow us to use the proposed approaches to form a subset of effective solutions in the decision support subsystems, providing operational management of dynamic processes of service and production.
BLACK AND WHITE-BOX UNIT TESTING FOR WEB APPLICATIONS
Authors: Golіan Nataliіa , Golіan Vira , Afanasieva Iryna
Published: July 2022

The types of the testing methods were analyzed from the side of development. If changes are made to the code, even minor ones, bugs can appear anywhere in the system. The cost of fixing bugs increases with the time they are discovered. Using effective web testing can prevent unexpected costs. Modern web applications are indeed a place where all the type of the testing is vital for the high-quality product. At the moment, traditional front and back office applications are increasingly moving from desktop computers to web interfaces, so testing web applications is becoming extremely relevant. Thus, learning what to automate and how is an important component of successful web application testing. Web application testing is a software practice that is designed to ensure quality by verifying that the functionality of a particular web application works correctly or according to fixed requirements. Web testing makes it possible to find bugs at any point in time, before release or on a daily basis. On the one hand there are wide range of tools that could be used to pursue this goal by means of using best decisions present for now but on the other hand there are essential advantages and disadvantages present in these tools, which are all in the approach to it, so there are always cons and pros of using one or another. For now, despite on having the ability to test using both black and white box testing it looks like the second one is not the best choice. There are several points on each board for both of them, but black box approach that is being represented with react testing library is more successful and efficient way to cover and application with high- and low-level tests, that could be easily maintained and understood. But white box testing is now the most used decision due to the historic development of the industry. So, it also has some great features and could be chosen to be used on the project, but it should be precise choice with the understanding of all the consequences standing behind.
RELATIONAL-TEMPORAL MODEL OF SET OF SUBSTANCES OF SUBJECT AREA FOR THE PROCESS OF SOLUTION FORMATION IN INTELLECTUAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Authors: Chalyi Serhii , Leshchynskyi Volodymyr , Leshchynska Irina
Published: July 2022

The subject of research is the processes of formation of causal relationships between the states of the entities of the subject area in the process of functioning of the information system. These causal links reflect the dependencies that underlie the process of obtaining a result in the information system, and therefore they can be used to form explanations for this process. The explanation reflects the knowledge of the causes and consequences of both the result obtained as a whole and the individual actions of the decision-making process in the information system. The use of such knowledge increases the user’s confidence in the decisions received from the information system. The aim of the work is to develop a relational-temporal model of representation of many interconnected entities of the subject area, which are the object of decision formation in the information system, in order to create conditions for identifying causal dependencies on the decision formation process in such a system. To achieve the formulated goal, the following tasks are solved: structuring the relationships between the entities of the subject area in the attributive and temporal aspects; determining constraints on the decision-making process in the information system based on static dependencies between entities; definition of temporal connections within one class of entities as a reflection of causal dependencies between entities in the process of obtaining a solution in the intellectual system; construction of a relational-temporal model of interconnected entities of the subject area. Conclusions. The structuring of static and dynamic dependences between the entities of the subject area, which is the object of decision formation in the information system. Static constraints on the process of decision formation, which are related to the properties of the subject area, are determined. The temporal dependences between the entities of the subject area are determined, which reflect the cause-and-effect relations between the actions of the decision-making process. A relational-temporal model of related entities of the subject area is proposed, which contains classes of entity equivalence, static dependencies between properties of different equivalence classes, as well as temporal dependencies between properties within each class. The model makes it possible to test constraints on the decision-making process based on static relationships between entities of the subject area, as well as to determine possible sequences of changing properties of entities over time, which creates conditions for building causal relationships that underlie the decision-making process. The obtained causal dependencies are a key element of explanations about the process of functioning of the information system.
Распространение вариантов вируса SARS-COV-2, вызывающих озабоченность (VOC) на основе количества их геномов, депонированных в базу данных GISAID за неделю с 02.07.2022 г. по 08.07.2022 г.
Authors: Дмитриева Людмила , Краснов Ярослав , Чумачкова Елена , Осина Наталья , Зимирова Анастасия , Иванова Александра , Карнаухов Игорь , Караваева Татьяна , Щербакова Светлана , Кутырев Владимир
Published: July 2022

В обзоре представлена информация по актуальным геновариантам вируса SARS-COV-2, циркулирующим в настоящее время, геномные последовательности которых размещены в международной базе данных GISAID за неделю с 02.07.2022 г. по 08.07.2022 г.
Techniques for developing bars and islands in incising channels
Authors: McComas Robert , Miller Sarah , Felt Deborah , Fischenich J. , Porter Michael , Hayes Donald
Published: July 2022

Sandbars and islands provide important nesting and foraging habitat for birds (including listed species) and shallow water habitat for many aquatic species in riverine ecosystems. In-stream habitat is especially important in incised channels lacking floodplain connectivity, with channel bars providing important riparian habitat. However, some river management practices significantly alter and sometime eventually eliminate these important habitats. Several US Army Corps of Engineers districts are planning or actively building instream bars and islands using flow management and/or instream structures. Sister agencies (e.g., US Bureau of Reclamation) have similar initiatives downstream of their reservoir structures. This report outlines considerations for establishing and managing sandbar and island features. It presents a compilation of proven techniques for promoting sandbar and island development and for reducing erosion of these features.
Infarct Diameter for Predicting Cognitive Dysfunction in Ischemic Stroke Survivors in West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Authors: Harahap Herpan Syafii , Putri Setyawati Asih , Indrayana Yanna , Amin Hasan , Mahardika Fransisca Ika
Published: July 2022

Cognitive dysfunction is an important consequence of ischemic stroke, which can progress in the first few years and is primarily determined by clinical factors. This study aimed to investigate the clinical determinants of cognitive dysfunction in stroke survivors in West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. This cross-sectional study assessed 255 ischemic stroke survivors with a mean age of 57.1±9.3 years old and 29–79 years old, recruited consecutively in three main hospitals in West Nusa Tenggara Province between March 2019 and October 2021. Categorical data collected included age, sex, education level, clinical determinants of ischemic stroke, and cognitive status of the patients. The association between the clinical determinants of ischemic stroke and the risk of cognitive dysfunction in patients was analyzed using logistic regression after adjusting for age, sex, and level of education. The final multiple logistic regression analysis models revealed infarct diameter as the only clinical determinant significantly associated with an increased risk of cognitive dysfunction (OR = 3.14;95% CI = 1.20–8.23). Thus, a larger infarct diameter is the only clinical determinant of cognitive dysfunction in ischemic stroke survivors in West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia.
Diabetes Mellitus and Mortality among COVID-19 Patients in Jakarta, March-August 2020
Authors: Wulandari Endang Widuri , Rotnoatmodjo Sudarto , Salama Ngabila
Published: July 2022

Diabetes mellitus (DM) comorbidity is one of the risk factors for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mortality. This study aimed to determine the association of comorbid DM and mortality among COVID-19 confirmed cases in DKI Jakarta Province, controlled with confounding variables from March to August 2020. The study design was a retrospective cohort using cox proportional hazard regression, with a total sample of 1,480. The data consisted of 740 COVID-19 cases with and 740 without comorbid DM. The inclusion criteria were COVID-19 confirmed cases with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) laboratory testing reported to the DKI Jakarta Provincial Department of Health, and the exclusion criteria were pregnant women. The study result indicated that the Crude Hazard Ratio (CHR) of DM and mortality among COVID-19 confirmed cases was 7.4 (95% CI = 4.5-12.3, p-value<0.001), while the adjusted Hazard Ratio, controlled by covariates (comorbid hypertension and age groups) was 3.9 (95% CI = 2.2- 6.8, p-value<0.001). This concludes that the risk of death from COVID-19 cases with comorbid DM was 3.9 times compared to those without comorbid DM after controlling for confounding variables comorbid hypertension and age group (<50 years and >50 years).
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): A Comprehensive Analysis of the Malaise and Summarizing Possible Management Options through Phytotherapeutic Agents
Authors: Sasidharan Shan , Srinivasakumar Kumarapillai Parameswaran , Poddar Sandeep , Bhaumik Amiya , Das Sreemoy Kanti , J Hareendran Nair
Published: July 2022

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a severe illness affecting middle-aged and geriatric male patients. This disease normally occurs at the age of 40 or above and is also associated with sexual dysfunction. Alpha-blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors are the preferred drugs practiced to treat BPH. However, invasive surgical therapy remains the gold standard for managing the condition in the case of refractory and intricate BPH conditions. Due to the fear of sexual dysfunction and the detrimental influence on their quality of life, most patients seek to avoid synthetic drugs and surgery. For this reason, several patients turn to phytotherapy and other alternative therapies. The authors looked at the existing perceptions of epidemiology, etiology, and pathophysiology associated with BPH in this review article. In addition, this article contained basic information on the pathological roles of inflammation in BPH and various diagnoses and treatment options. It was well reported that the administration of medicinal herbs played a vital role in managing BPH. In recent years, many researchers worldwide have reported the efficiency and safety of phytochemicals in managing numerous pathological disorders in-vivo and in-vitro conditions and the prevention of illness.
Impacto de la remuneración variable en la motivación de los trabajadores sindicalistas de una institución financiera en tiempos de Covid-19/2021
Authors:   , Martinez del Castillo Ana Maria del Rosario
Published: July 2022

La presente investigación tiene como objetivo determinar cómo impacta en los trabajadores sindicalistas la remuneración variable en su motivación laboral, de una institución financiera en tiempos de Covid-19/2021. La muestra y población del estudio se conforma por 122 trabajadores, siendo una investigación con diseño no experimental transversal, con enfoque cuantitativo de tipo aplicada descriptivo correlacional. El Alfa de Cronbach de los instrumentos fue de 0.827 y 0.942 por instrumentos de remuneración variable y motivación laboral respectivamente, con resultados de relación positiva, con una prueba de correlación de Rho de Spearman 0.673; con un pvalor=0.000<0.05 de prueba significativa. Entre otros resultados destaca el nivel de Remuneración Variable de la institución financiera, donde el 73.8% de los encuestados tienen un el nivel bajo, un 25.4% considera que tiene una remuneración mediana y sólo el 0.8% considera que tiene una alta remuneración. En cuanto a la motivación laboral del personal el 71.3% consideran que tienen una baja remuneración, el 23% se considera con una mediana motivación y el 5.7% con una alta motivación. El estudio concluye que existe un impacto positivo de la Remuneración Variable sobre la Motivación Laboral, del personal sindicalista de la institución financiera en tiempos de pandemia, es decir a mayor remuneración más alta la motivación de los trabajadores. Afirmando de esta manera lo planteado por Chiavenato, y lo descrito por Azorín.
Estimación del coeficiente de correlación de concordancia entre la temperatura corporal predicha en vacas lecheras mediante termómetro infrarrojo en comparación con los termómetros clínico y digital como alternativa de medición de temperatura corporal en vacas lecheras
Authors:   , Flores Desposorio Magaly Karina
Published: July 2022

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la correlación de concordancia entre la medición de la temperatura corporal predicha en vacas lecheras mediante un termómetro infrarrojo en comparación con la medición de la temperatura corporal con los termómetros clínico y digital. Asimismo, determinar la relación entre la temperatura rectal y la temperatura infrarroja de vulva, nariz, ubre, ojo, piel y oreja en vacas lecheras. Se utilizaron un total de 40 vacas Fleckvieh en las que se midió la temperatura superficial de la vulva, nariz, ubre, ojo, piel y oreja utilizando el termómetro infrarrojo y la temperatura rectal mediante un termómetro clínico y digital. El análisis estadístico se llevó a cabo mediante paquete estadístico SAS donde se realizó una Regresión Lineal Múltiple para predecir la temperatura corporal mediante el termómetro infrarrojo. Los resultados indicaron que el modelo estadístico 2 puede ser utilizado para predecir la temperatura corporal en vacas lecheras por presentar un R2 ajustado de 0.0599, Criterio de Información de Akaike (AIC) y Criterio de Información Bayesiano (BIC) de -69.039 y BIC de -65.972, respectivamente. Así mismo, el modelo 2 de predicción de la temperatura corporal y la temperatura rectal medida con termómetro clínico presentaron una correlación de concordancia (CC) de 0.195. De igual manera, el mismo modelo presentó una CC de 0.167 con la temperatura rectal medida con un termómetro digital. Finalmente, la correlación entre la temperatura rectal y la temperatura infrarroja de las diferentes zonas corporales fueron: nariz (-0.035), ojo (-0.091), oreja (-0.170), piel (-0.014), ubre (-0.231) y vulva (-0.148). Se concluye que el termómetro infrarrojo presentó una correlación de concordancia baja con los termómetros clínico rectal y digital respectivamente.
DarkCVNet: Optimized Pneumonia and Covid 19 detection using CXR Images
Authors: Suganyadevi S , V Seethalakshmi
Published: July 2022

Since the advent of the Covid 19 infectious disease, a variety of studies have been conducted around the world in order to accurately forecast its outcome. Covid 19 is linked to the previous lung disease pneumonia, since many individuals died from severe chest congestion (pneumonic condition). The objective of this study is to use computerized x ray images to identify bacterial pneumonia, covid 19 viral pneumonia, other viral pneumonia, lung opacity and normal instinctively. It continues with a lengthy report on developments made in the accurate identification of pneumonia, followed by the authors' technique. For transfer learning, thirteen different deep Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) were used: AlexNet, ResNet18, ResNet50, ResNet101, VGG16, VGG19, MobileNetV2, GoogLeNet, DenseNet201, NasNetMobile, NasNetLarge, DarkNet and Inception-ResNet V2. Our data set consisting of 6530 images which are divided into five categories such as bacterial pneumonia, covid 19 viral pneumonia, other viral pneumonia, lung opacity and normal or healthy person’s x ray images, then the pre-processed images were trained for the transfer learning based classification task. Contrasting to other deep learning classification techniques with a large image data base, obtaining a large amount of pneumonia dataset for this classification task is difficult. As a result, we used several data augmentation techniques to enhance the CNN model's validation and classification accuracy as 99.50% and 98.20% respectively, and we produced significant validation accuracy. This DarkCVNet (DarkCovidNetwork) approach could be able to help with the trustworthiness and interpretability issues that come up frequently when dealing with medical images.
Risk of serotonin syndrome in acutely ill patients receiving linezolid and opioids concomitantly: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Mitwally Hassan , Saad Mohamed , Alkhiyami Dania , Fahmi Amr , Mahmoud Sara , Hmoud Eman Al , Enany Rasha El , Younis Hassan , Mohammed Shaban , Rouf Palli Abdul , Thomas Binny , Hail Moza Al
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Linezolid is an oxazolidinone antibiotic with a reversible, non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitory effect. Combining linezolid with serotonergic agents may increase serotonin syndrome (SS) risk. Secondary to its high tissue penetration, linezolid is recommended in patients with suspected or confirmed resistant gram-positive bacterial infections, as pneumonia, and skin-soft tissue infections, especially if vancomycin cannot be used. However, it is unclear whether co-administration of linezolid with opioids increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Research objective: Whether combing linezolid with opioids will increase the incidence of SS in acutely ill patients. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study. All adult patients admitted to Hamad Medical Corporation facilities in Qatar and received linezolid between March 2020 and September 2020 were included in the study. The primary outcome was the prevalence of SS defined by Hunter’s criteria. SS was confirmed if the patient had spontaneous clonus; inducible clonus plus agitation or diaphoresis; ocular clonus plus agitation or diaphoresis; tremor plus hyperreflexia; or hypertonia plus fever plus ocular clonus or inducible clonus. Results: We included 106 patients, most of the patients were males (91.5%). More than half of the cohort (56.6%) received a concomitant opioid agent. Morphine and fentanyl were the most prescribed opioids (37.7% and 34%, respectively). Among patients who received opioids, only one patient (1.6%) had spontaneous clonus. However, this patient developed spontaneous clonus post cardiac arrest, which made the association with the linezolid-opioids combination doubtful. Conclusion: In this study, the incidence of SS was low in acutely ill patients who received concomitant linezolid and opioids. However, larger prospective studies are required to confirm this finding.
Effect of Composite Amendments on Physicochemical Properties of Copper tailings repaired by Herbaceous Plants
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Xue Jinchun , You Jiajia , Han Huaqin , Qi Hui , Wang Xiaojuan
Published: July 2022

Phytoremediation is considered to be the most environmentally friendly green restoration technology for dealing with mine waste. Adding amendments can improve the substrate environment for plant growth and enhance remediation efficiency. Herbaceous plants have become the preferred species for vegetation restoration in abandoned mines because of their fast greening and simple management. Considering that, in this paper, to explore the effect of composite amendments on physicochemical properties of copper tailings repaired by herbaceous plants, the untreated copper tailings were employed as the control group, whereas copper tailings repaired by ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides L.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb) with or without conditioners and straw combination into the compound amendments, were taken separately as the test group. After 6 months of planting, the pH, electrical conductivity, water content, available potassium, organic matter, total nitrogen and available phosphorus in the main physical and chemical properties of copper tailings in each experimental area were analyzed. The results showed that the electrical conductivity, organic matter and total nitrogen content of copper tailings were improved to a certain extent by planting herbs without treatment. Meanwhile, compared with the control group, all indexes of planting herbs showed an upward trend after adding composite amendments. Among them, pH, water content and available potassium content of copper tailings were enhanced more obviously. Furthermore, as discovered from the grey correlation analysis results, vetiver grass planted with composite amendments has the best comprehensive effect of improving the physicochemical properties of copper tailings, followed by tall fescue and ryegrass.
Intestine and brain TLR-4 modulation following N-Acetyl-Cysteine treatment in NEC rodent model
Authors: Beloosesky Ron , Gutzeit Ola , Ginsberg Yuval , Khatib Nizar , Ross Michael G. , Zeev Weiner , zmora Osnat
Published: July 2022

Objective: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) brain injury is mediated through Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) on the intestinal epithelium and on brain microglia. We sought to determine whether postnatal and/or prenatal NAC can modify NEC associated intestinal and brain TLR4 expression and brain glutathione levels in a rat model of NEC.Study Design: Newborn Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into 3 groups: Control (n=33); NEC (n=32) subjected to hypoxia and formula feeding; NEC-NAC (n=34) received NAC (300mg/kg IP) in addition to NEC conditions. Two additional groups included pups of dams who were treated once daily with NAC (300mg/kg IV) for the last 3 days of pregnancy: NAC-NEC (n=33) or NAC-NEC-NAC (n=36) with additional postnatal NAC. Pups were sacrificed on the fifth day, ileum and brains harvested for TLR-4 and glutathione protein levels. Results: NEC offspring had significantly increased brain and ileum TLR-4 protein levels compared to control (brain 2.5+0.6 vs 0.88+0.12 U; ileum 0.24+0.04 vs 0.09+0.01 U, p<0.05). NAC administered only to dams (NAC-NEC) significantly decreased NEC offspring brain (1.53+0.41 vs 2.5+0.6 U; p<0.05) and ileum (0.12+0.03 vs 0.24+0.04 U; p<0.05) TLR-4 protein levels compared to NEC. The same pattern was demonstrated when NAC was administered only or also postnatally. The decrease in offspring brain glutathione levels observed under NEC condition was reversed with all NAC treatment groups.Conclusion: NAC could reverse the increase in ileum and brain TLR-4 levels and the decrease in brain glutathione levels associated with NEC in a rat model, and thus may protect from NEC associated brain injury.
Patient satisfaction with telemedicine in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed methods study
Authors: Noceda Alicia , Acierto Lianne Margot , Bertiz Morvenn Chaimek , Dionisio David Emmanuel , Laurito Chelsea Beatrice , Sanchez Girrard Alphonse , Amit Arianna Maever
Published: July 2022

Background: The capacity to deliver essential health services has been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic particularly due to lockdown restrictions. Telemedicine provides a safe, efficient, and effective solution that addresses the needs of patients and the health system. However, there remain implementation challenges and barriers to patient adoption in resource-limited settings as in the Philippines. This mixed methods study thus aimed to describe patient perspectives and experiences with telemedicine services, and explore the factors that influence telemedicine use and satisfaction.Methods: An online survey using Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) Clinician & Group Adult Visit Survey 4.0 (beta) and Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ) was accomplished by 200 participants aged 18 to 65 years. A subsample of 16 participants was interviewed to provide insights to the quantitative data. We used descriptive statistics to analyze survey data and grounded theory to analyze data from interviews. Results: Participants were generally satisfied with telemedicine services, with most reporting that this was an efficient and convenient alternative to face-to-face consultations. However, only 2 in 5 perceived telemedicine as affordable. Our quantitative findings suggest that participants preferred telemedicine services rather than in-person consultations, especially in cases where they feel that their condition is not urgent and does not need extensive physical examination. Safety against COVID-19, and the availability of multiple communication platforms contributed to patient satisfaction with telemedicine. Negative perceptions of patients on their telemedicine provider, inherent limitations of telemedicine, perceived high costs, poor connectivity and other technological issues were found to be barriers to its use and satisfaction.Conclusion: Telemedicine is viewed as a safe and efficient alternative to receiving care. Continued adoption of telemedicine will require improvements in technology and better patient communication related to their telemedicine provider and the associated costs.
Association of Soluble Transferrin Receptor with Systolic Hypertension: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2007–2010 and 2015–2018)
Authors: Wang Haoran , Qi Qianjin , Song Shuaihua , Zhang Di , Feng Li
Published: July 2022

Background
Hypertension increases the global burden of disease and mortality. Iron metabolism is considered to be an important factor in hypertension. However, as an indicator of iron metabolism, little is known about the associations of soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) with hypertension. We studied the relationship between sTfR and hypertension.
Methods
We studied 7416 adults aged 20 years old or above from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a nationally representative, cross-sectional, population-based study. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the association between markers of iron metabolism and hypertension. We used the restricted cubic spline (RCS) to characterize the association between sTfR and blood pressure.
Results
Multiple logistic regression showed that higher sTfR level was associated with higher odds of hypertension (OR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.01–1.05; P = 0.001) after adjustment for all the potential confounding factors. Meanwhile, logistic regression analyses indicated independent associations of high sTfR (P = 0.009) with systolic hypertension after adjusting for various different confounders. The result of restricted cubic splines showed a non-linear association between sTfR and systolic blood pressure was observed among U.S. adults.
Conclusions
sTfR was found to be an independent factor in systolic hypertension. Meanwhile, our research found a nonlinear relationship between sTfR and systolic blood pressure among U.S. adults.
The most promising social care practices for the elderly who are dependent and/or at risk of social exclusion in the Mediterranean basin: an integrative literature review
Authors: Porcel-Gálvez Ana María , Fadden Isotta Mac , Allende-Cussó Regina , Ferentinou Eleni , Zafiropoulou Maria , Lima-Serrano Marta
Published: July 2022

Objective The aim of this article was to describe the results of a literature review focused on identifying the social care practices, characteristics, and trends in each country participating in the TEC-MED European Project. The review also centred on the most promising initiatives directed towards the dependent elderly and/or those at risk of social exclusion in the Mediterranean Basin countries.Method The study was conducted in two phases to achieve both the integrative literature review goal and a qualitative research consensus among the research team based on the documents found in the literature. The integrative review identified 10,940 documents between 2000 and 2019. A total of 10,107 documents were found in the Scopus, Pubmed and Cochrane library official databases and 833 from other sources. The 20 most promising initiatives were selected from the 347 articles finally included.Results To be successful, the model of socio-ethical care for older people who are dependent and/or at risk of social exclusion must be based on person-centred integrative care and follow a holistic and interdisciplinary approach, paying special attention to bio-psycho-social frailty. The elements to consider are as follow: quality, research and dissemination, the gender perspective, ethics, social inclusion and transcultural issues.Conclusion The social practices in the Mediterranean Basin and the 20 most promising initiatives shared common aspects that served as a basis to design the TECMED model.
The Size and Behavior of Virtual Objects have influence on Functional Exercise and Motivation of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis: a randomized study
Authors: Cikajlo Imre , Hukić Alma , Pertot Anja Udovčić
Published: July 2022

Background: The consequences of multiple sclerosis are problems related to movement of extremities, coordination and vision. Heretofore frequent treatment with additional medications can change the course of the disease. Motor relearning of small range movements are important to support daily living activities. We have designed a virtual environment for pick and place task. The user hand and finger movements were tracked with a small infrared camera. The primary objective of the study was to examine the influence of size and behavior of virtual cubes on motor control, motivation and functional performance. The secondary objective was to examine the changes of heart rate and intensity of the task due to the different size and behavior of the virtual objects. Methods: In the randomized study 84/107 eligible inpatients with multiple sclerosis participated. They were randomized into 4 groups by computer random function; group 1 - small and bouncing, group 2 - small and non-bouncing, group 3 - big and bouncing and group 4 - big and non-bouncing virtual cubes. Each participant took 50 sessions, each up to 2 min in approximately 14 days. Before commencement of the study the participants took visual-spatial and cognitive tests. The participants’ subjective experiences was assessed daily with Intrinsic Motivation Inventory. Box and Blocks Test was carried out before and after the study. Results: In the study the group 4 was the most successful (inserted cubes > 9) and the fastest (63.4 SD 25.8 s). The group 1 was the slowest (88.9 SD 28.2 s), but with high interest/enjoyment rate and pressure/tension at high heart rate. There were substantial differences in intrinsic motivation between the 1st and the last session within the groups (Cohen's U3 < 0.3 or > 0.8). Kinematic analysis showed differences between the groups (average manipulation time p = 0.008, inserted cubes p = 0.004).Conclusions: The size and behavior of virtual objects may be crucial for the motivation of participants with equal visual-spatial and cognitive capabilities while maintaining effort and keep trying to improve their performance. Furthermore, the clinical outcomes can confirm the effectiveness of the approach.Trial registration: The small scale randomized pilot trial has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04266444, 12/02/2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04266444
Development of an immune-related gene prognostic risk model and identification of an Immune infiltration signature in the tumor microenvironment of colon cancer
Authors: Hao Mengdi , Li Huimin , Yi Meng , Wang Kung , Liu Yin , Liang Xiaoqing , Ding Lei
Published: July 2022

Background: Colon cancer is a common and highly malignant tumor. Its incidence is increasing rapidly with poor prognosis. At present, immunotherapy is a rapidly developing treatment for colon cancer. The aim of this study was to construct a prognostic risk model based on immune genes for early diagnosis and accurate prognostic prediction of colon cancer.Methods: Transcriptome data and clinical data were downloaded from the cancer Genome Atlas database. Immunity genes were obtained from ImmPort database. The differentially expressed transcription factors (TFs) were obtained from Cistrome database. Differentially expressed (DE) immune genes were identified in 473 cases of colon cancer and 41 cases of normal adjacent tissues. An immune-related prognostic model of colon cancer was established and its clinical applicability was verified. Among 318 tumor-related transcription factors, differentially expressed transcription factors were finally obtained, and a regulatory network was constructed according to the up-down regulatory relationship.Results: A total of 477 DE immune genes (180 up-regulated and 297 down-regulated) were detected. We developed and validated twelve immune gene models for colon cancer, including SLC10A2, FABP4, FGF2, CCL28, IGKV1-6, IGLV6-57, ESM1, UCN, UTS2, VIP, IL1RL2, NGFR. The model was proved to be an independent prognostic variable with good prognostic ability. A total of 68 DE TFs (40 up-regulated and 23 down-regulated) were obtained. The regulation network between TF and immune genes was plotted by using TF as source node and immune genes as target node. In addition, Macrophage, Myeloid Dendritic cell and CD4+ T cell increased with the increase of risk score.Conclusions: We developed and validated twelve immune gene models for colon cancer, including SLC10A2, FABP4, FGF2, CCL28, IGKV1-6, IGLV6-57, ESM1, UCN, UTS2, VIP, IL1RL2, NGFR. This model can be used as a tool variable to predict the prognosis of colon cancer.
Does GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide alter food-related sensory pleasure in patients with obesity? A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Coppin Geraldine , David Muñoz Tord , Pool Eva , Locatelli Loïc , Achaibou Amal , Erdemli Asli , Perez Laura Leon , Wuensch Lavinia , Cereghetti Donato , Golay Alain , Sander David , Pataky Zoltan
Published: July 2022

Background/Objectives: Obesity is a complex condition and the mechanisms involved in weight gain and loss are poorly understood. Liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, has been demonstrated to successfully promote weight loss in patients with obesity (OB). Yet, it is unclear whether the observed weight loss is driven by an alteration of food reward processing. Here we investigated the effects of liraglutide on cerebral correlates of food-related sensory pleasure in OB. Subjects/Methods: This study was a randomized, single-centre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, prospective clinical trial. 73 patients with OB and without diabetes were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive liraglutide 3.0 mg (37.40±11.18 years old, BMI = 35.89 kg ±3.01) or placebo (40.04±14.10 years old, BMI = 34.88 kg ±2.87) subcutaneously once daily, for 16 weeks. They also followed a multidisciplinary weight loss program. Interventions/Methods: We investigated sensory pleasure during food consumption (i.e., “liking”). Participants reported their hedonic experience while consuming a high-calorie food (milkshake) and a tasteless solution. The solutions were administered inside the scanner with a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-compatible gustometer to assess neural responses during consumption. The same procedure was repeated for pre- and post-intervention sessions. Results: The liraglutide group lost more weight (BMI post-pre = - 3.19 kg/m2 ±1.28) than the placebo group (BMI post-pre = - 0.60 kg/m2 ±1.26). The sensory pleasure during food reward consumption was associated with the activation of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and the amygdala. We did not find any statistically significant difference in the liraglutide group between the pre and post sessions, neither at a subjective level nor at a neural level in terms of reactivity of the vmPFC to the milkshake.Conclusions: These results suggest that liraglutide leads to weight loss without self-report or neural evidence supporting a concomitant reduction of food-related sensory pleasure in patients with from obesity.
Relationship between pain management and women´s satisfaction during labour. A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Authors: Aníbal Báez-Suárez , Estela Martín-Castillo , Josué García-Andújar , Ángel García-Hernández José , P. Quintana-Montesdeoca María , Francisco Loro-Ferrer Juan
Published: July 2022

Background: The factors related to the satisfaction of women during labour vary widely. Pain relief is one of the fundamental weaknesses, so it could influence the rating of the rest of the satisfaction items. The use of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), like a non-pharmacologic pain relief approach, is a safe and effective technique used during childbirth. Measure for Testing Satisfaction (COMFORTS) scale is a specific questionnaire that includes the most important factors associated with the relation between mother satisfaction and the childbirth experience. The aim is to analyse factors influencing satisfaction in pregnant women during labour and its relationship with pain management.Methods: A randomized and double-blind controlled trial was conducted. All participants completed the satisfaction scale immediately after childbirth. A total of 63 participants were randomly assigned to one Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) device to relieve the pain, with different dose in each patients group. This was measured with two scales; the satisfaction level was measured with the COMFORTS scale and pain was measured with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results: the total satisfaction scale mean score was 171.03 (SD 19.69) with an individual item mean of 4.28. Women who expressed a low level of satisfaction had experienced severe pain. A lower degree of satisfaction was observed in women with severe pain (3.03 ± 1.1) than in women with moderate pain (4.53 ± 0.7). Women who have had more than one delivery presented the highest level of satisfaction, followed by nulliparous and those who have had a previous pregnancy. Conclusions: Overall, high level of satisfaction during labour was obtained; we recommend the use of Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for pain relief to improve general satisfaction.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03137251.
Evidence of pair-correlation of which-way effects in the asymmetrical double-slit interference
Authors: Van Thuan Vo , Duc Vinh Vu , Thanh Hung Nguyen , Quang Thieu Dang
Published: July 2022

The problem of physical reality in quantum mechanics has been raised since the famous Einstein-Bohr debate at the 5th Solvey conference in 1927. Ignoring the reality of a quantum matter existing independent of human observation, Bohr proposed an interpretation through the principle of complementarity, which negates simultaneous measurements of both characteristics of wave-particle duality. Until now, the issue remains unresolved and has received increasing attention over the past decade. Here we show for the first time a novel experimental correlation between two substitutionary which-way effects in asymmetrical double-slit experiments performed under the far-field Fraunhofer condition. The identifiable paired fringes can be seen in the self-interference spectra of single photons, travelling through different paths as point-like particles. The correlation greatly improves the confidence level and turns the present experiment into unambiguous evidence for the simultaneous measurement of wave-particle duality to the ontological physical reality of photons against the orthodox interpretation of quantum mechanics.
Optimization of Wire Electric Discharge Machining (WEDM) process parameters for AISI 1045 Medium Carbon Steel using Taguchi Design of Experiment
Authors: Ahmed Usman , Zaman Uzair Khaleeq Uz , Asghar Eram , Baqai Aamer Ahmed , Butt Sajid Ullah
Published: July 2022

The demand for alloy materials with high hardness, toughness, and impact strength has increased with the growth of the manufacturing industry. These materials are extremely difficult to manufacture using standard techniques, hence, non-conventional machining is used to solve this problem. Wire cut electric discharge machine is one of them. Thus, to attain the required outcome or productivity, it is necessary to control the input parameters that affect the response factors. This research aims to optimize the wire cut electric discharge machining process parameters using the Taguchi design of experiment (DOE) for AISI 1045 medium carbon steel. In this work, experiments are performed in an automotive sector to analyze the influence of WEDM process parameters such as current, voltage, and pulse on time on material removal rate (MRR) for AISI 1045 medium carbon steel. The signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio and analysis of variance are used to analyze the impact of error in this experiment, establishing the best set of process parameters for optimizing the material removal rate. According to the present investigation, the current has a significant effect on the material removal rate. The observed optimal process parameter settings for higher material removal rate based on the Taguchi DOE were found to be, I=16amp,V=60volt, pulse on time =100µs .The conclusion of the paper includes the disclosure of findings, analysis, and judgments.