bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Figure-ground responsive fields of monkey V4 neurons estimated from natural image patches
Authors: Kimura Kouji , Kodama Atsushi , Yamane Yukako , Sakai Ko
Published: June 2022

Neurons in visual area V4 modulate their responses depending on the figure-ground (FG) organization in natural images containing a variety of shapes and textures. To clarify whether the responses depend on the extents of the figure and ground regions in and around the classical receptive fields (CRFs) of the neurons, we estimated the spatial extent of local figure and ground regions that evoked FG-dependent responses (RF-FGs) in natural images and their variants. Specifically, we applied the framework of spike triggered averaging (STA) to the combinations of neural responses and human-marked segmentation images (FG labels) that represent the extents of the figure and ground regions in the corresponding natural image stimuli. FG labels were weighted by the spike counts in response to the corresponding stimuli and averaged over. The bias due to the nonuniformity of FG labels was compensated by subtracting the ensemble average of FG labels from the weighted average. Approximately 50% of the neurons showed effective RF-FGs, and a large number exhibited structures that were similar to those observed in virtual neurons with ideal FG-dependent responses. The structures of the RF-FGs exhibited a subregion responsive to a preferred side (figure or ground) around the CRF center and a subregion responsive to a non-preferred side in the surroundings. The extents of the subregions responsive to figure were smaller than those responsive to ground in agreement with the Gestalt rule. We also estimated RF-FG by an adaptive filtering (AF) method, which does not require spherical symmetry (whiteness) in stimuli. RF-FGs estimated by AF and STA exhibited similar structures, supporting the veridicality of the proposed STA. To estimate the contribution of nonlinear processing in addition to linear processing, we estimated nonlinear RF-FGs based on the framework of spike triggered covariance (STC). The analyses of the models based on STA and STC did not show inconsiderable contribution of nonlinearity, suggesting spatial variance of FG regions. The results lead to an understanding of the neural responses that underlie the segregation of figures and the construction of surfaces in intermediate-level visual areas.
“You are not alone”: Family-based HIV risk and protective factors for Hispanic/Latino men who have sex with men in San Juan, PR
Authors: Garcia Moctezuma
Published: June 2022

Hispanic/Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) have the second largest HIV infection rate in the United States and Puerto Rico (PR) has ranked number five with the greatest number of Hispanics living with HIV. This study aims to understand how family affects HIV risk and protective factors for young adults. PR MSM ages 21 through 30 in San Juan, PR completed semi-structured interviews exploring the influence interpersonal family relationships have on HIV risk and protective factors. PR MSM (N = 15) completed a semi-structured in-depth individual interview. NVivo was used for administering a thematic analysis based on the transcripts in the original language of the interview, 14 in Spanish and one in English. The following five general themes emerged from the data analysis: 1) Immediate versus Extended Family; 2) The Matriarch; 3) Fractured Paternal Relationships; 4) Siblings Influence; and 5) Fictive Kin–Creating My Own Family. Findings suggest that the immediate family play an integral role in enhancing HIV protective factors for PR MSM as young adults. This study highlights the importance for developing family-based interventions that reinforce cultural beliefs and values through a strengths-based approach towards enhancing HIV protective behaviors for PR MSM.
Does the relationship marketing orientation of an entrepreneur support agency improve performance? Evidence from small- and medium-size enterprises in Malaysia
Authors: Omar Nor Asiah , Md. Aris Hasnan , Nazri Muhamad Azrin , Jannat Taslima , Shah Alam Syed
Published: June 2022

Entrepreneur support agencies are highly important in the development of small-and medium-size businesses of entrepreneurs. There are a number of studies on support agencies, but studies on entrepreneurial performance from the perspective of a relationship marketing orientation (RMO) between support agencies and entrepreneurs are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the hypothesized relationships between the RMO of an entrepreneur support agency and the financial and nonfinancial performances of small- and medium-size entrepreneurs (SMEs). A total of 276 valid SMEs survey responses based on purposive sampling were collected and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings indicate that trust and reciprocity are the significant factors to financial performance of SMEs. Meanwhile, trust, communication, empathy, and reciprocity indicate a significant positive relationship with nonfinancial performance of SMEs. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to provide an interesting avenue to understand the relationship between an entrepreneur support agency and entrepreneurs to work on synergistic relationship approaches in order to remain sustainable in the market. This study has also drawn specific implications for SMEs and government agencies for entrepreneur and policy planning to coordinate appropriate entrepreneurship development programs and strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Comparative assessment of cognitive impairment and oxidative stress markers among vitamin D insufficient elderly patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)
Authors: R. Rajalakshmi , Uthaiah Chinnappa A. , C. M. Ramya , Madhunapantula SubbaRao V. , Salimath Paramahans V. , K. Praveen , M. Srinath K. , M. R. Kishor
Published: June 2022

Background

Disorders of mental health are known to affect cognitive functions, hence called as cognitive disorders. Impaired glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, vitamin-D deficiency and oxidative stress are some of the key early events reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of most common cognitive disorders, which include Alzheimer’s disease. Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the known contributing factors of cognitive impairment and dementia.

Methods

A cross sectional study was carried out in 145 subjects, who were assessed for cognitive function by modified mini mental status examination (3MS). In addition, measurement of fasting blood sugar (FBS), fasting insulin, HbA1c, lipid profile, vitamin D and oxidative markers was performed. Participants were divided into different groups based on (a) vitamin D insufficiency and sufficiency; (b) diabetic and non-diabetic with and without cognitive impairment.

Results

The study included a total of 145 subjects; 51 males and 94 females and the mean age was 68.24±9.70 years. Among diabetics with vitamin D insufficiency, 35 subjects (71.43%) had cognitive impairment, but, among non-diabetics with vitamin D insufficiency, 27 subjects (62.79%) had cognitive impairment. Chi square test showed no significant association between diabetes, vitamin D insufficiency and cognitive impairment. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were non-significantly lower in cognition-impaired subjects, when compared to cognition normal subjects in diabetics with vitamin D insufficiency.

Conclusion

Our study showed that cognitive impairment is more predominant in individuals with diabetes. However, our study did not find any significant relationship between T2DM, vitamin D deficiency, cognitive impairment, and oxidative stress. A significant association was found only with GPx and 3MSE score in vitamin D insufficient non-diabetics.
Economic burden of sickle cell disease in Brazil
Authors: Silva-Pinto Ana Cristina , Costa Fernando F. , Gualandro Sandra Fatima Menosi , Fonseca Patricia Belintani Blum , Grindler Carmela Maggiuzzu , Souza Filho Homero C. R. , Bueno Carolina Tosin , Cançado Rodolfo D.
Published: June 2022

Background

Sickle cell disease (SCD) may cause several impacts to patients and the whole society. About 4% of the population has the sickle cell trait in Brazil, and 60,000 to 100,000 have SCD. However, despite recognizing the significant burden of disease, little is known about SCD costs.

Objective

To estimate SCD societal costs based on disease burden modelling, under Brazilian societal perspective.

Methods

A disease burden model was built considering the societal perspective and a one-year time horizon, including direct medical and indirect costs (morbidity and mortality). The sum of life lost and disability years was considered to estimate disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Data from a public database (DATASUS) and the prevalence obtained from literature or medical experts were used to define complications prevalence and duration. Costs were defined using data from the Brazilian public healthcare system table of procedures and medications (SIGTAP) and the human capital method.

Results

Annual SCD cost was 413,639,180 USD. Indirect cost accounted for the majority of burden (70.1% of the total; 290,158,365 USD vs 123,480,816 USD). Standard of care and chronic complications were the main source of direct costs among adults, while acute conditions were the main source among children. Vaso-occlusive crisis represented the complication with the highest total cost per year in both populations, 11,400,410 USD among adults and 11,510,960 USD among children.

Conclusions

SCD management may impose an important economic burden on Brazilian society that may reach more than 400 million USD per year.
Predict models for prolonged ICU stay using APACHE II, APACHE III and SAPS II scores: A Japanese multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Takekawa Daiki , Endo Hideki , Hashiba Eiji , Hirota Kazuyoshi
Published: June 2022

Prolonged ICU stays are associated with high costs and increased mortality. Thus, early prediction of such stays would help clinicians to plan initial interventions, which could lead to efficient utilization of ICU resources. The aim of this study was to develop models for predicting prolonged stays in Japanese ICUs using APACHE II, APACHE III and SAPS II scores. In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, we analyzed the cases of 85,558 patients registered in the Japanese Intensive care Patient Database between 2015 and 2019. Prolonged ICU stay was defined as an ICU stay of >14 days. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to develop three predictive models for prolonged ICU stay using APACHE II, APACHE III and SAPS II scores, respectively. After exclusions, 79,620 patients were analyzed, 2,364 of whom (2.97%) experienced prolonged ICU stays. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that severity scores, BMI, MET/RRT, postresuscitation, readmission, length of stay before ICU admission, and diagnosis at ICU admission were significantly associated with higher risk of prolonged ICU stay in all models. The present study developed predictive models for prolonged ICU stay using severity scores. These models may be helpful for efficient utilization of ICU resources.
Factors associated with delay in treatment-seeking behaviour for fever cases among caregivers of under-five children in India: Evidence from the National Family Health Survey-4, 2015–16
Authors: Debsarma Dhiman , Saha Jayanti , Ghosh Sagar
Published: June 2022

Background

Fever is one of the common clinical symptoms found among children suffering from various illnesses. India carries a substantial burden of febrile illness among under-five children which heighten the risk of malnutrition, mortality and morbidity. This study aims to determine the factors associated with delay in treatment-seeking for fever among under-five children in India.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out using the large-scale nationally representative data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4), conducted in 2015–2016. The data were collected by using four survey questionnaires i.e., Household Questionnaire, Woman’s Questionnaire, Man’s Questionnaire, and Biomarker Questionnaire. Delay in treatment-seeking was defined as taking a child for treatment after 24 hours of fever onset. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were performed to assess the factors associated with delay in treatment-seeking behaviour for fever in under-five children.

Results

In India, 31.12% (n = 7229) of the caregivers sought treatment for children after 24 hours of the onset of fever. Findings show no significant differences in delay in treatment-seeking behaviour by age groups and sex of children. Multivariate analysis revealed that the odds of delay in treatment-seeking behaviour of fever were higher among children from the poorest wealth quintile (AOR: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.85, 2.31), belonging to the scheduled tribe (AOR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.24, 1.48), children who resided in rural areas (AOR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.22), children from the northeast region (AOR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.46), and children of caregivers who perceived distance to health facilities as a ‘big problem’ (AOR: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.23).

Conclusion

The study shows a high prevalence of delay in seeking treatment for fever among caregivers of under-five children in India. Delay in seeking treatment is associated with socio-demographic and socio-economic factors. Therefore, there is a need for intensified health promotion programs to sensitize caregivers on the importance of early health-seeking behaviour.
Micropatterning of cells via adjusting surface wettability using plasma treatment and graphene oxide deposition
Authors: Al-Azzam Nosayba , Alazzam Anas
Published: June 2022

The wettability of a polymer surface plays a critical role in cell-cell interaction and behavior. The degree to which a surface is hydrophobic or hydrophilic affects the adhesion and behavior of cells. Two distinct techniques for patterning the surface wettability of a Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC) substrate were developed and investigated in this article for the purpose of patterning cell growth. These include oxygen plasma treatment and graphene oxide (GO) coating to alter the wettability of the COC substrate and create hydrophilic patterned regions on a hydrophobic surface. When the two techniques are compared, patterning the surface of COC using GO film results in a more stable wettability over time and increases the roughness of the patterned area. Interestingly, both developed techniques were effective at patterning the COC surface’s wettability, which modulated cell adhesion and resulted in micropatterning of cell growth. The novel methods described herein can be used in the fields of cell and tissue culture as well as in the development of new biological assays.
Acute clinical deterioration and consumer escalation: The understanding and perceptions of hospital staff
Authors: Thiele Lisa , Flabouris Arthas , Thompson Campbell
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Consumer escalation systems allow patients and families to escalate concerns about acute clinical deterioration. Hospital staff can impact upon the success of this process. As part of evaluation processes within a Local Health Network, where a consumer escalation system was introduced in accordance with National requirements, we sought to explore clinicians’ understanding and perceptions of consumer escalation.

Methods

Voluntary and anonymous staff surveys pre, and post, system introduction. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square independence, and non-parametric independent samples median tests. Qualitative data was evaluated using content analysis and cross-referenced with quantitative responses.

Results

Respondent’s (pre: 215; post: 89) area of work varied significantly between survey periods. Most agreed that patients/families have a sound knowledge of a patient’s typical health status (pre: 192/215 (89.3%); post 82/88 (93.2%)) and that patients/families should be encouraged to escalate concerns of deterioration to ward staff (pre: 209/212 (98.6%); post: 85/89 (95.5%)). Respondent perceptions of patient/family ability to recognise clinical deterioration varied. Staff agreement towards local response expectations decreased as the degree of clinical requirement increased. Staff concerns of increased workloads (pre: 90/214 (42.1%); post 12/72 (16.7%), p<0.001) and conflict generation (pre: 71/213 (33.3%); post: 7/71 (9.9%), p = 0.001) decreased significantly following system introduction. However, clinician perceptions of positive system effects also decreased (patient-staff rapport pre: 163/213 (76.5%); post: 38/72 (52.8%), p = 0.001; patient centred care pre: 188/214 (87.9%); post: 53/72 (73.6%), p = 0.012; patient safety pre: 173/214 (80.8%); post: 49/72 (68.1%), p = 0.077). Only 53% of respondents (pre: 112/213 (52.6%); post: 48/88 (54.5%)) perceived that patient/family have sufficient confidence to escalate concerns.

Conclusion

Consumer escalation systems require staff support. Staff perceptions may indicate, and act as, barriers to the operation of consumer escalation processes. Further exploration in identifying and managing staff barriers is crucial to the success of consumer escalation.
Nasopulmonary mites (Acari: Halarachnidae) as potential vectors of bacterial pathogens, including Streptococcus phocae, in marine mammals
Authors: Pesapane Risa , Chaves Andrea , Foley Janet , Javeed Nadia , Barnum Samantha , Greenwald Katherine , Dodd Erin , Fontaine Christine , Duignan Padraig , Murray Michael , Miller Melissa
Published: June 2022

Nasopulmonary mites (NPMs) of the family Halarachnidae are obligate endoparasites that colonize the respiratory tracts of mammals. NPMs damage surface epithelium resulting in mucosal irritation, respiratory illness, and secondary infection, yet the role of NPMs in facilitating pathogen invasion or dissemination between hosts remains unclear. Using 16S rRNA massively parallel amplicon sequencing of six hypervariable regions (or “16S profiling”), we characterized the bacterial community of NPMs from 4 southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis). This data was paired with detection of a priority pathogen, Streptococcus phocae, from NPMs infesting 16 southern sea otters and 9 California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) using nested conventional polymerase chain reaction (nPCR). The bacteriome of assessed NPMs was dominated by Mycoplasmataceae and Vibrionaceae, but at least 16 organisms with pathogenic potential were detected as well. Importantly, S. phocae was detected in 37% of NPM by nPCR and was also detected by 16S profiling. Detection of multiple organisms with pathogenic potential in or on NPMs suggests they may act as mechanical vectors of bacterial infection for marine mammals.
The correlation between serum albumin and diabetic retinopathy among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: NHANES 2011–2020
Authors: Wang Gao-Xiang , Fang Ze-Bin , Li Jun-Tong , Huang Bao-Li , Liu De-Liang , Chu Shu-Fang , Li Hui-Lin
Published: June 2022

Objectives

The objective of this research aimed to investigate the correlation involving serum albumin with diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

From 2011 to 2020, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) surveyed 45462 participants. We used the relevant data to conduct descriptive statistics, linear regression, and Logistic regression analysis.

Results

After adjusting for age, sex, and race, as well as all other variables, serum albumin was significantly negatively related to DR (P<0.001). Furthermore, after controlling for confounding factors, the third quartile (Q3) and the fourth quartile (Q4) had quite a negative significant relationship with the incidence of DR (P<0.01). The second quartile had a significant positive correlation with DR, whereas the observed negative correlations were not statistically meaningful (P>0.05).

Conclusion

Albumin levels in the serum have a quantitatively significant negative correlation with DR. Serum albumin levels in the blood can be used as a reference point for protracted follow-up of people with T2DM.
Genome-wide association study and selection for field resistance to cassava root rot disease and productive traits
Authors: Hohenfeld Camila Santiago , Passos Adriana Rodrigues , de Carvalho Hélio Wilson Lemos , de Oliveira Saulo Alves Santos , de Oliveira Eder Jorge
Published: June 2022

Cassava root rot disease is caused by a complex of soil-borne pathogens and has high economic impacts because it directly affects the tuberous roots, which are the main commercial product. This study aimed to evaluate cassava genotypes for resistance to root rot disease in a field with a previous history of high disease incidence. It also aimed to identify possible genomic regions associated with field resistance based on genome-wide association studies. A total of 148 genotypes from Embrapa Mandioca and Fruticultura were evaluated over two years, including improved materials and curated germplasms. Analysis of phenotypic data was conducted, as well as a genomic association analysis, based on the general linear model, mixed linear model, and fixed and random model circulating probability unification. The observed high disease index (ω) was directly correlated with genotype survival, affecting plant height, shoot yield, and fresh root yield. The genotypes were grouped into five clusters, which were classified according to level of root rot resistance (i.e., extremely susceptible, susceptible, moderately susceptible, moderately resistant, and resistant). The 10 genotypes with the best performance in the field were selected as potential progenitors for the development of segregating progenies. Estimates of genomic kinship between these genotypes ranged from -0.183 to 0.671. The genotypes BGM-1171 and BGM-1190 showed the lowest degree of kinship with the other selected sources of resistance. The genotypes BGM-0209, BGM-0398, and BGM-0659 showed negative kinship values with most elite varieties, while BGM-0659 presented negative kinship with all landraces. A genome-wide association analysis detected five significant single nucleotide polymorphisms related to defense mechanisms against biotic and abiotic stresses, with putative association with fresh root yield in soil infested with root rot pathogens. These findings can be utilized to develop molecular selection for root rot resistance in cassava.
Moral sensitivity of nursing students. Adaptation and validation of the moral sensitivity questionnaire in Spain
Authors: Jiménez-Herrera Maria Francisca , Font-Jimenez Isabel , Bazo-Hernández Leticia , Roldán-Merino Juan , Biurrun-Garrido Ainoa , Hurtado-Pardos Barbara
Published: June 2022

Ethical sensitivity is a requirement for people care as well as for decision-making in everyday practice. The aim is to present an adaptation and transcultural validation -in Spanish- of the Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire by Lützén et al. in Spain. In addition to that, we provide a practical implementation analysing the degree of moral sensitivity of nursing students. The data used for data collection were moral Sensitivity Questionnaire, socio-demographic data and a self-report questionnaire. The psychometric properties of the questionnaire were assessed, including validity and reliability. Fit indices of the overall model were computed. The fit indices of the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) indicate a poor fit, although the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) revealed two dimensions that show a better fit of its indices. Women and those women with more experience in the clinical setting have a higher mean score, as well as those who study in centers where the strategic lines are the humanization of care. Female nursing students with more experience in the clinical setting and with more educational training present higher sensitivity indexes, as well as those who study in centers where the strategic lines are the humanization of care. The findings confirm that the Lützén et al. questionnaire is multidimensional. In the Spanish sample, it was necessary to group the three initial factors into two: sense of moral burden and moral strength—grouping the moral responsibility items into the above items to make the instrument more resilient.
Undergraduate dental students’ perspective of online learning and their physical and mental health during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Etajuri Enas Abdalla , Mohd Noorhayati Raja , Naimie Zahra , Ahmad Norasmatul Akma
Published: June 2022

Background and objective

COVID-19 pandemic continuously spread exacerbating global concerns. It had impacted all life aspects such as social, cultural, economic and education. This study assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on undergraduate dental students at Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on physical and mental health of undergraduate dental students.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study. An online questionnaire was administrated to 150 undergraduate dental students. The questionnaire included questions related to students’ demographic data, their concerns on academic achievement, their opinion on institution response, and the impact of the crisis on their mental and physical health. SPSS software v26.0 was used to analyse the collected data.

Results

A total of 147 respondents participated in the study. About 66% of the students felt comfortable in adapting to the new technology while 85.7% were concerned about the quality of online learning. Almost all students 98.6% expressed their doubts on the ability to pass the competency exams and to graduate on time, with only 49.7% agreed that clinical experience was effectively delivered through online classes. Most students were also concerned on the impact of the pandemic on their physical and emotional health 85.8% and 76.9% respectively.

Conclusions

The findings of our study highlight the positive adaptation of the students to online learning and using technology. On the other hand, the study indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic brings negative impacts on our students’ physical and mental health.
Involvement of high school teachers in Health Promoting School program in selected township, Yangon Region, Myanmar: A cross-sectional mixed methods study
Authors: Naing Kaung Myat , Htun Ye Minn , Tun Kyaw Myo , Win Tun Tun , Lin Htein , Sein Than Tun
Published: June 2022

Background

Schools provide a big opportunity for promoting the student’s health, life skill, and behavior. Teachers play a fundamental role in the promotion and successful implementation of school health services. This study aimed to assess the level of involvement in the Health Promoting School program and its associated factors and to explore the benefits and barriers to involvement among high school teachers in Myanmar.

Methods

A mixed methods explanatory sequential study was conducted among 194 high school teachers in Thanlyin Township, Yangon Region, Myanmar, from June to August 2020. Quantitative data were collected with the pretested structural questionnaire and analyzed by Chi-square tests and Fisher’s exact tests. A qualitative strand was added by conducting in-depth interviews (n = 15, five teachers from each level of involvement: poor, medium, and good), analyzed by thematic content analysis.

Results

Of the 194 teachers, 23.7% had a good level of involvement in the Health Promoting School program. The factor associated with involvement in Health Promoting School program were age (p value < 0.001), duration of services (p value = 0.001), and a number of accomplished training-related school health (p value = 0.008). Qualitative data revealed that improvement of the health knowledge and awareness on health problems, the progress of healthy behaviors, development of physical and mental health, prevention of the disease spread, achievement of healthy and productive learning environment, and development of academic achievement were major benefits of teachers’ involvement. Moreover, the main barriers to involvement were insufficient materials and human resources, time constraints, incompetence of the teachers, poor cooperation of school health partnerships, and insufficient awareness of parents.

Conclusions

The proportion of good involvement in the Health Promoting School program among high school teachers was low in this study area. Providing sufficient human resources and material, conducting the on-the-job and refresher training, enhancing parent-teacher cooperation, and strengthening the community partnerships were crucial to improve the level of involvement and reduced the barriers for the achievement of the Health Promoting School program.
A construction heuristic for the capacitated Steiner tree problem
Authors: Van den Eynde Simon , Audenaert Pieter , Colle Didier , Pickavet Mario
Published: June 2022

Many real-life problems boil down to a variant of the Minimum Steiner Tree Problem (STP). In telecommunications, Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) houses are clustered so they can be connected with fiber as cost-efficiently as possible. The cost calculation of a fiber installment can be formulated as a capacitated STP. Often, STP variants are solved with integer linear programs, which provide excellent solutions, though the running time costs increase quickly with graph size. Some geographical areas require graphs of over 20000 nodes—typically unattainable for integer linear programs. This paper presents an alternative approach. It extends the shortest path heuristic for the STP to a new heuristic that can construct solutions for the capacitated STP: the Capacitated Shortest Path Heuristic (CSPH). It is straightforward to implement, allowing many extensions. In experiments on realistic telecommunications datasets, CSPH finds solutions on average in time O(|V|2), quadratic in the number of nodes, making it possible to solve 50000 node graphs in under a minute.
Clinical characteristics and risk factors for COVID-19 infection and disease severity: A nationwide observational study in Estonia
Authors: Meister Tatjana , Pisarev Heti , Kolde Raivo , Kalda Ruth , Suija Kadri , Milani Lili , Karo-Astover Liis , Piirsoo Marko , Uusküla Anneli
Published: June 2022

Background

COVID-19 pandemic has led to overloading of health systems all over the world. For reliable risk stratification, knowledge on factors predisposing to SARS-CoV-2 infection and to severe COVID-19 disease course is needed for decision-making at the individual, provider, and government levels. Data to identify these factors should be easily obtainable.

Methods and findings

Retrospective cohort study of nationwide e-health databases in Estonia. We used longitudinal health records from 66,295 people tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA from 26 February 2020 to 28 February 2021 and 254,958 randomly selected controls from the reference population with no known history of SARS-CoV-2 infection or clinical COVID-19 diagnosis (case to control ratio 1:4) to predict risk factors of infection and severe course of COVID-19. We analysed sociodemographic and health characteristics of study participants. The SARS-CoV-2 infection risk was slightly higher among women, and was higher among those with comorbid conditions or obesity. Dementia (RRR 3.77, 95%CI 3.30⎼4.31), renal disease (RRR 1.88, 95%CI 1.56⎼2.26), and cerebrovascular disease (RRR 1.81, 95%CI 1.64⎼2.00) increased the risk of infection. Of all SARS-CoV-2 infected people, 92% had a non-severe disease course, 4.8% severe disease (requiring hospitalisation), 1.7% critical disease (needing intensive care), and 1.5% died. Male sex, increasing age and comorbid burden contributed significantly to more severe COVID-19, and the strength of association for male sex increased with the increasing severity of COVID-19 outcome. The strongest contributors to critical illness (expressed as RRR with 95% CI) were renal disease (7.71, 4.71⎼12.62), the history of previous myocardial infarction (3.54, 2.49⎼5.02) and obesity (3.56, 2.82⎼4.49). The strongest contributors to a lethal outcome were renal disease (6.48, 3.74⎼11.23), cancer (3.81, 3.06⎼4.75), liver disease (3.51, 1.36⎼9.02) and cerebrovascular disease (3.00, 2.31⎼3.89).

Conclusions

We found divergent effect of age and gender on infection risk and severity of COVID-19. Age and gender did not contribute substantially to infection risk, but did so for the risk of severe disease Co-morbid health conditions, especially those affecting renin-angiotensin system, had an impact on both the risk of infection and severe disease course. Age and male sex had the most significant impact on the risk of severe COVID-19. Taking into account the role of ACE2 receptors in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as its modulating action on the renin-angiotensin system in cardiovascular and renal diseases, further research is needed to investigate the influence of hormonal status on ACE2 expression in different tissues, which may be the basis for the development of COVID-19 therapies.
Assessing Performance of Cattle Dung and Waste Cooked Foods in Producing Biogas as Single Substrate and Mixed Substrates in Kampala Uganda
Authors: J Mutesasira, , I.Z Mukasa-Tebandeke , HZ Wasajja , R Nankinga
Published: June 2022

Biogas is anaerobic degradation product formed from aqueous slurry of organic waste in a digester. It can be produced from cattle dung,(cd)chicken droppings, decaying leaves, kitchen waste foods(kwf), sewage sludge, slaughter house, goat, pig or sheep manure, Aqueous slurry of 200g/L of mixed or single substrate of cattle dung or/and kitchen waste evolved up to 400mL of biogas at ambient temperatures. The rate of gas evolution reached 5mL/day on the 15th day using 25% cd mixed slurry. The rates of degradation attained in the mixtures were 1.42ml/g for cd; 1.58mL/g for kwf; 1.78mL/g for 75% cd mixed substrate; 1.78mL/g for 50% cd mixed substrate; 1.92mL/g for 25% cd mixed substrate slurries. The comparative rate of biogas formation ranged from1.25 to 1.35 which was in agreement with the range published in literature of 0.8 to 5.5. Biogas can be synthesized efficiently at ambient temperature in Kampala as was done at mesophilic temperatures elsewhere. However, it may be necessary to attempt producing biogas at different pH and temperatures as well as using other substrates and inoculums.
Risk of cervical cancer in inflammatory bowel disease: A meta-analysis of population-based studies
Authors: Mann Simran , Jess Tine , Allin Kristine , Elmahdi Rahma
Published: June 2022

INTRODUCTION:

There is increased risk of several malignancies in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, evidence regarding risk of cervical cancer in IBD is conflicting. We aimed to investigate the risk for cervical cancer in IBD by undertaking a systematic review and meta-analysis of unselected, population-based studies.

METHODS:

Medline, Embase and Cochrane library were searched using Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms and 2 reviewers independently screened results. Pooled hazard ratios (HR) were calculated using random effects model (REM) meta-analysis for risk of cervical cancer in IBD. Subgroup meta-analysis was undertaken to assess risk of cervical cancer by IBD subtype (Crohn’s disease [CD] and ulcerative colitis [UC]), treatment exposure and grade of lesion.

RESULTS:

We screened 1,393 articles to identify 5 population-based studies, including 74,310 IBD patients and 2,029,087 reference patients across 5 different countries. Pooled REM meta-analysis of these studies did not show statistically significant increased risk for cervical cancer in IBD compared with reference populations (HR: 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.94-1.63). Meta-analysis by grade of lesion showed increased risk of low-grade cervical lesions (HR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.04-1.28). Meta-analysis by disease subtype indicated no statistically significant increased risk in CD (HR: 1.36; 95%CI: 0.83-2.23) or UC (HR: 0.95; 95%CI: 0.72-1.25), or in patients treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) (HR: 1.19; 95% CI: 0.64-2.21) or thiopurines (HR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.60-1.50).

CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis of high-quality, unselected population-based studies shows no statistically significant increased risk of cervical cancer in IBD patients. There is, however, increased risk of low-grade cervical lesions compared with the general population.
Measurement of the Magnetic Monopole Charge, the Missing Link in Quantum Mechanics, Aether and the Dark Energy
Authors: Jeong Eue Jin , Edmondson Dennis
Published: June 2022

Charge conservation in the theory of elementary particle physics is one of the best-established principles in physics. As such, if there are magnetic monopoles in the universe, magnetic charge will most likely be a conserved quantity like electric charges. If neutrinos are magnetic monopoles, as physicists have reported the possibility, the Earth should show signs of having magnetic monopole charge on a macroscopic scale since neutrons must also have magnetic monopole charge if general charge conservation principle is valid. To test this hypothesis, experiments were performed to detect the collective effect of magnetic monopole charge of neutrons on the earth's equator using two balanced high strength neodymium rod magnets. We were able to identify non-zero magnetic monopole charge of the individual neutrons from the experiments. The presence of individual magnetic monopole charges in the universe prompted proposition of the new symmetric form of Maxwell's equations. Based on the theoretical investigation of the new Maxwell's equations, we conclude that magnetic monopole neutrinos are the cause of the origin of quantum mechanical uncertainty, dark energy and the medium for electromagnetic wave propagation in space.
Khilāfah in the View of Nahdhatul Ulama (NU), Muhammadiyah, and Nahdhatul Wathan (NW) Ulema in Lombok
Authors: Musawar Musawar , Suhirman Gatot
Published: June 2022

Indonesia is a multiethnic and religious state anchored in the five state principles, Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution. However, its stability has recently been disrupted by the emergence of khilāfah propagated by the banned Islamic organization, the Hizb al-Tahrir Indonesia (HTI). The concept of khilāfah proposed by the organization violates against the state’s ideology of Pancasila. Such a phenomenon is of paramount importance to examine. Hence, this qualitative study aimed to explore the concept of khilāfah from the perspectives of Islamic ulema from the three prominent Islamic mass organizations, the biggest mass organination, Nahdhatul Ulama (NU), Muhammadiyah, and Nahdhatul Wathan (NW) on the island of Lombok. Drawing on the data garnered from the observation, interviews, and documentation that analyzed suitable with its’ substation of the writing. Finally, the findings of this writing showed that the three Islamic mass organizations generally denied khilāfah as a state system. NU firmly rejected the khilāfah system because it more likely pertained to extremism. For the same token, Muhammadiyah denied the concept, but welcomed it as a culture, while NW opposed it as being contradictory to the republic in that khilāfah belongs to the empire system.[Indonesia merupakan negara multietnik dan agama yang dinaungi oleh Pancasila dan UUD 1945. Namun stabilitasnya sempat terganggu dengan kemunculan wacana khilafah yang dipropagandakan oleh HTI. Konsep khilāfah ini yang kemudian diperhadapkan dengan ideologi Pancasila dan menjadi fenomena yang penting untuk dielaborasi. Dalam artikel ini akan mengeksplorasi konsep khilāfah ulama dari tiga organisasi massa Islam, NU, Muhammadiyah dan NW di Lombok. Berdasarkan data yang dikumpulkan melalui observasi, wawancara dan arsip menunjukkan bahwa tiga ormas Islam tersebut menolak khilāfah sebagai sistem negara. NU menolaknya karena cenderung mirip dengan ekstremisme. Muhammadiyah juga menolaknya sebagai sistem tetapi masih bisa menerima sebagai budaya. Sedangkan NW menolaknya karena kontradiksi dengan sistem republik dan mirip dengan sistem kerajaan.]
STRENGTH AND CORROSION RESISTANCE OF METAKAOLIN-BASED GEOPOLYMER HYBRID MORTAR
Authors: Supit Steve Wilben Macquarie , Olivia Monita , Reza Alfa , Tindoilo Ognerius
Published: June 2022

The utilization of metakaolin in the manufacture of geopolymers as a cement replacement material can be improve several of the physical, mechanical, and resistance properties of mortar in a corrosive environment. This paper presents the characteristics of metakaolin-based geopolymer cement mortar tested for setting time, compressive strength, and corrosion resistance. In this study, cement of the Portland Cement Composite type was added to the mortar mixture with 5% metakaolin forming a metakaolin-based geopolymer hybrid mortar. Three mortar mixes, namely MN (Normal Mortar), MK-100 (100% metakaolin), MK-95 (95% metakaolin and 5% cement), were cast and cured under ambient temperature until the testing days at 3, 7, and 28 days respectively. The alkaline activator ratio (Na2SiO3/NaOH) of 2, water to binder ratio of 0.8 was selected to form metakaolin-based geopolymer mortar specimens and the water binder ratio of 0.5 was selected to mix the cement mortar (MN). The results show that MK-100 and MK-95 exhibited a higher compressive strength than the cement mortar (MN) on all of the testing days. However, MK-95 showed a better performance in terms of corrosion resistance with a lower corrosion rate density compared to the MN and MK-100 mortar specimens. This indicates that the metakaolin-based geopolymer hybrid mortar with a 5% cement mixture can be applied on site as a repair and coating material, particularly for construction in a corrosive environment.
Analytical approximation and numerical simulation of liquidus for non-equilibrium multi-component eutectic systems
Authors: Afanaseva Olga S. , Afanaseva Elena A. , Egorova Galina F.
Published: June 2022

In the first part of the article, the methods of analytic approximation of melting curves for two-component systems and their visualization by means of computer graphics are considered. For two-component systems, a method is proposed for the approximate construction of a melting curve, based on their by approximation of polynomials of the first and second degree. The diagrams obtained by solving the Schroeder Le Chatelier system and the liquidus curves constructed on the basis of their approximation by polynomials are compared. The value of the maximum deviation of these approximations from each other is given. The errors of the diagrams of two systems are considered separately: Ba(ClO4)2 KClO4 and BaF2 BaSO4, obtained experimentally and constructed using a system of Schroeder Le Chatelier equations and their approximation by polynomials of the first and second degree. In the second part of the article, a method is proposed to construct crystallization surfaces for three-component systems based on the approximate formulas for calculation eutectic characteristics of the two-component and three-component systems, and the linear approximations of the three-component systems isotherms. Based on the proposed approximation procedure, a method for calculating the composition and temperature of eutectic for two-component systems, and the construction of three-component system isotherms in the Delphi visual programming environment with the user interface is created. The table of errors of the eutectic characteristics calculations for three-component systems is given. The results of visualization of numerical simulation of liquidus surfaces for three-component eutectic systems and their comparison with experimentally obtained samples of crystallization surfaces for two systems: Ba(ClO4)2 KClO4 and BaF2 BaSO2 are presented.
Sulfadiazine crystalluria in a patient with lupus nephritis
Authors: Ruiz Álvarez Maria Jesús , Molina Blas Sergio , Barrionuevo González Marta , Peñas Lorite M. Eugenia , Gasalla Herraiz José Manuel
Published: June 2022

Objectives

It is estimated that 29% of patients treated with sulfadiazine ultimately develop acute kidney failure. Diagnosis is based on urine sediment analysis.

Case presentation

A 71-year-old woman with loss of visual acuity in the context of a flare of systemic erythematosus lupus (SEL). A diagnosis of acute retinal necrosis was established, pending etiological confirmation. Empirical treatment with sulfadiazine was initiated. Follow-up analyses included urine sediment, which revealed pH 6, 30–50 RBCs/field, urothelial cells and lower tract epithelial cells, hyaline casts, fatty casts or Maltese cross, and abundant sulfadiazine crystals. The finding was reported to the Unit of Nephrology, and treatment was immediately suspended.

Conclusions

Sulfadiazine is an antibiotic of the family of sulfamides. Crystalization of sulfadiazine in the renal tubules may cause acute interstitial nephritis. These crystals adopt different shapes according to the metabolite that crystalizes: unaltered forms precipitate into dense, globular crystals, whereas in other cases, as in the case reported in this paper, crystals adopt a fan-shaped, shocks-of-wheat morphology.
Potential tumor marker for hepatocellular carcinoma identification: PI3K and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TGF-β, IL-1, and IL-6)
Authors: Tabakhiyan Fahimeh , Mir Amirabbas , Vahedian Vahid
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer, is a leading cause of tumor-associated mortality worldwide. Diagnosis based upon non-invasive criteria is currently challenged by the need for molecular information that requires tissue or liquid biopsies. The progression of HCC is often associated with chronic inflammation, expression levels of inflammatory mediators, chemokine, and cytokines. In this study, we try to evaluate the PI3K and pro-inflammatory cytokines, TGF-β, IL-1, and IL-6 expression level in patients with liver cancer.

Materials and methods

The kupffer cells were isolated from patient’s specimens. Real-time PCR was applied to evaluate the expression level of PI3K in cell lines or tumors. The concentrations of TGF-β, IL-1, and IL-6 were measured by the quantitative ELISA kit.

Results

PI3K mRNA expression in cancer cells was increased markedly vs. normal cells. The ELISA results demonstrated over expression of TGF-β, IL-1, and IL-6 in patients and positive correlation between tumor size and stage.

Discussion

This study suggests that targeting the expression level of PI3K and pro-inflammatory chemokine and cytokines, TGF-β, IL-1, and IL-6, may be a potential diagnostic strategy in HCC patients.