bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-rated health and smoking among physicians and general population with higher education in Estonia: results from cross-sectional studies in 2002 and 2014
Authors: Pärna Kersti , Ringmets Inge , Siida Sävelin
Published: November 2019

Background

Poor self-rated health (SRH) and smoking have consistently been shown to be related to mortality. The aim of this study was to explore SRH and smoking among physicians and general population with higher education in Estonia in 2002 and 2014 and to analyse the association of SRH with smoking and sociodemographic factors.

Methods

This study was based on cross-sectional postal surveys among physicians and general population with higher education in Estonia n in 2002 and 2014. Calculation of age-standardized prevalence of SRH and current smoking with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was performed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to measure association between SRH (at-least-good vs less-than good) and smoking status, study year, age group, ethnicity, and marital status. Fully adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% CI were computed.

Results

Age-standardized prevalence of at-least-good SRH was 71.3 and 80.6% among male physicians, 68.4 and 83.1% among female physicians, 45.4 and 67.4% among men with higher education, and 44.7 and 63.1% among women with higher education in 2002 and 2014, respectively. Age-standardized prevalence of current smoking was 26.0 and 15.6% among male physicians, 10.2 and 5.9% among female physicians, 38.7 and 22.2% among men with higher education, and 20.9 and 16.4% among women with higher education in 2002 and 2014, respectively. There was no significant gender difference in at-least-good SRH, but prevalence of current smoking was significantly higher among men in both study groups in 2002 and 2014. Compared to year 2002, odds to have at-least-good SRH was higher in 2014 (OR = 1.64; 95% CI 1.16–2.31 among male and OR = 2.36; 95% CI 2.02–2.75 among female physicians, OR = 1.49; 95% CI 1.07–2.07 among men and OR = 2.40; 95% CI 1.84–3.13). Odds to have at-least-good SRH was significantly higher among non-smokers (except female physicians), in the youngest age group, and among Estonians.

Conclusions

This study gave an overview of differences in SRH and smoking between two target groups with higher education in two timepoints highlighting the importance of addressing smoking cessation counselling and health promotion campaigns in the population by different subgroups in Estonia.
Spatio-temporal variation of zooplankton community structure in tropical urban waterbodies along trophic and urban gradients
Authors: Abd. Razak Siti Balqis , Sharip Zati
Published: November 2019

The ecological impacts of urbanization and eutrophication on zooplankton communities in urban waterbodies have recently gained wide interest. Study findings vary across species and urban waterbodies. How the development of such changes affects the variation of biotic assemblages has only been explored to a limited extent in tropical urban lakes.

Spatial and temporal variations of zooplankton community structure in 11 urban waterbodies in the Klang Valley, Malaysia were investigated along trophic and urbanization gradients. Zooplankton and water quality samples were collected three times, between May and November 2017, from two different locations in each lake. All three main zooplankton groups (rotifera, copepoda, and cladocera) were recorded from the study areas throughout the sampling period. The zooplankton community structure, particularly with regard to rotifers and cladocerans, varied between lakes and seasons. Zooplankton diversity does not vary with lake size or distance from the city center but does vary with shoreline development index and urbanization impacts. The zooplankton populations were dominated by rotifers, mainly Brachionus angularis at all study sites during the study period followed by copepods and cladocerans. The total density of zooplankton was significantly highest (p < 0.05) in the hypereutrophic lakes and during the dry season. Zooplankton diversity and rotifer species richness were negatively correlated with total phosphorus (TP). Diversity increased with urbanization and shoreline development, with rotifers as a potential bioindicator of trophic state in urban tropical lakes, due to their close relationship with TP.
Facial esthetic outcome of functional followed by fixed orthodontic treatment of class II division 1 patients
Authors: Zouloumi Mary-Eleni , Tsiouli Kleopatra , Psomiadis Simeon , Kolokitha Olga-Elpis , Topouzelis Nikolaos , Gkantidis Nikolaos
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To assess the perceived facial changes in class II division 1, convex profile patients treated with functional followed by fixed orthodontic appliances.

Subjects and methods

The study sample consisted of 36 pairs of pre- and post-treatment photographs (frontal and profile, at rest) of 12 patients treated with activator, 12 with twin-block, and 12 controls with normal profiles, treated without functional appliances. All photographs were presented in pairs to 10 orthodontists, 10 patients, 10 parents, and 10 laypersons. Visual analog scale (VAS) ratings of changes in facial appearance were assessed.

Results

The patient groups were similar in sex distributions, age, and treatment duration. The different rater groups showed strong to excellent agreement. There were no significant differences among treatment groups (F = 0.91; P = 0.526; Wilks lambda = 0.93), raters (F = 1.68; P = 0.054; Wilks lambda = 0.83), and when testing the combined effect of treatment and rater on the results (F = 0.72; P = 0.866; Wilks lambda = 0.85). The raters detected slightly more positive changes in the activator and twin-block groups, compared to the control group, regarding the lower face and the lips, but these findings did not reach significance. Furthermore, their magnitude hardly exceeded 1/20th of the total VAS length.

Limitations

Retrospective study design.

Conclusions

The perceived facial changes of convex profile patients treated with functional, followed by fixed orthodontic appliances, did not differ from those observed in normal profile patients, when full-face frontal and profile photos were simultaneously assessed. Consequently, professionals should be skeptical regarding the improvement of a patient’s facial appearance when this treatment option is used.
Gramicidin inhibits human gastric cancer cell proliferation, cell cycle and induced apoptosis
Authors: Chen Tingting , Wang Yong , Yang Yang , Yu Kaikai , Cao Xiangliao , Su Fang , Xu Huanbai , Peng Yongde , Hu Yudong , Qian Feng , Wang Zishu
Published: November 2019

Background

Gastric cancer is a common malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality worldwide, which seriously affects human health. Gramicidin is a short peptide antibiotic which could be used for treating infection induced by bacteria or fungi. However, the anti-cancer effect of gramicidin on gastric cancer cells and its underlying mechanism remains largely unknown.

Results

Gastric cancer cells SGC-7901, BGC-823 and normal gastric mucosal cells GES-1 were treated with different concentrations of gramicidin respectively. The results of CCK-8 experiment revealed cellular toxicity of gramicidin to cancer cells while cell colony formation assay showed that gramicidin significantly inhibited the proliferation of gastric cancer cells, but had little effect on normal gastric mucosal cells. In addition, the wound healing assay showed that gramicidin inhibited the migration of SGC-7901 cell. Meanwhile, apoptosis and cell cycle analysis revealed that gramicidin induced cell apoptosis with G2/M cell cycle inhibition. Furthermore, western blot analysis demonstrated that gramicidin down-regulated the expression of cyclinD1 and Bcl-2 as well as the FoxO1 phosphorylation.

Conclusions

The current study illustrated the anti-tumor activity of gramicidin on gastric cancer cells, providing a possibility for gramicidin to be applied in clinical practice for the treatment of gastric cancer.
Awareness and factors associated with reported intake of folic acid-fortified flour among women of reproductive age in Ifakara, Morogoro region, Tanzania: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mwandelile Ipyana Frank , Mpembeni Rose , Abade Ahmed , Rumisha Susan F. , Massaga Julius J. , Kishimba Rogath
Published: November 2019

Background

Folic acid fortification of staple foods has been in place in many countries for over two decades. Studies have shown that folic acid fortification can significantly reduce incidence of neural tube defects. Tanzania adopted a mandatory fortification policy for commercially-produced wheat and maize flour in 2011. We determined factors influencing intake of folic acid-fortified flour among women of reproductive age (WRA).

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study among WRA during March–April 2017 in Ifakara Town Council, Morogoro region. Multistage cluster sampling was used to select study participants. We used a questionnaire to capture information on demographics, awareness of folic acid, awareness of existence of folic acid fortified flour in community and intake of folic acid fortified flour. Intake was defined as reported consumption of folic acid fortified flour products at least once within 7 days before interview. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariable logistic analyses were done to evaluate factors associated with intake of folic acid fortified flour.

Results

The median age of the 698 participating WRA was 30 years (range: 18–49). Awareness of folic acid and folic acid fortified flour was 6.9% (95% CI: 5.2–9.0%) and 7.5% (95% CI: 5.7–9.6%), respectively. Consumption of folic acid fortified flour was 63.3% (95% CI: 59.7–66.8%). Independent factors associated with intake included being employed (aOR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.19–3.06), having no children (nulliparity) (aOR = 2.59; 95% CI: 1.36–4.95) or having 1–4 children (aOR = 1.98; 95% CI: 1.17–3.33) (vs. 5 or more children), and folic acid awareness (aOR = 2.53; 95% CI: 1.30–4.92).

Conclusion

Folic acid fortified flour was used by most respondents in our study despite low awareness of existence of folic acid fortified flour in the community. Being employed, having fewer than five children, and folic acid awareness were independent factors associated with intake. We recommend scaling up of mandatory flour fortification program and doing further studies on blood folate level among women of reproductive age in Ifakara to assess fortification program effectiveness.
Potentials of some entomopathogens against the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Tozlu Elif , Saruhan Islam , Tozlu Göksel , Kotan Recep , Dadaşoğlu Fatih , Tekiner Nasibe
Published: November 2019

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is an invasive harmful pest species due to its economic losses. Its wide host range and continuous movement make its control difficult with insecticides. Biological control has recently gained importance due to the negative aspects of chemical control. The study evaluated the biological control tools by testing the entomopathogens against the pest by 11 bacteria strains and 1 fungal isolate. Brevibacillus, Bacillus, Pantoea, Vibrio, Pseudomonas, and Beauveria were tested against the nymphs of H. halys under controlled conditions. All applied entomopathogens had potentials for controlling H. halys. Mortality rates of 75 and 100% were obtained by the bacteria strains and 76.19% by the fungus, B. bassiana. Successfully reaching a 100% control rate, the bacterial isolates of the Bacillus cereus GC subgroup B and Pantoea agglomerans GC subgroup were recorded to have a greater potential than the others.
Nivolumab Is Effective in Mismatch Repair–Deficient Noncolorectal Cancers: Results From Arm Z1D—A Subprotocol of the NCI-MATCH (EAY131) Study
Authors: Azad Nilofer S. , Gray Robert J. , Overman Michael J. , Schoenfeld Jonathan D. , Mitchell Edith P. , Zwiebel James A. , Sharon Elad , Streicher Howard , Li Shuli , McShane Lisa M. , Rubinstein Larry , Patton David R. , Williams P. Mickey , Coffey Brent , Hamilton Stanley R. , Bahary Nathan , Suga J. Marie , Hatoum Hassan , Abrams Jeffrey S. , Conley Barbara A. , Arteaga Carlos L. , Harris Lyndsay , O'Dwyer Peter J. , Chen Alice P. , Flaherty Keith T.
Published: November 2019

PURPOSE

The National Cancer Institute Molecular Analysis for Therapy Choice (NCI-MATCH) trial, the largest national precision oncology study to date (> 1,100 sites) of patients with relapsed or refractory malignancies, assigned patients to targeted therapy in parallel phase II studies based on tumor molecular alterations. The anti–programmed death receptor 1 inhibitor nivolumab previously showed activity in mismatch repair (MMR)–deficient colon cancer. We hypothesized that nivolumab would have activity in patients with MMR-deficient, noncolorectal tumors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eligible patients with relapsed or refractory tumors, good end-organ function, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of ≤ 1 underwent tumor biopsy for centralized screening of molecular alterations. MMR deficiency was defined by complete loss of nuclear expression of MLH1 or MSH2 MMR gene products by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Patients with MMR-deficient colorectal cancer were excluded. Nivolumab, 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks (28-day cycles) and 480 mg every 4 weeks after cycle 4, was administered intravenously. Disease reassessment was performed every 2 cycles. The primary end point was RECIST 1.1 objective response rate (ORR).

RESULTS

Two percent of 4,902 screened patients had an MMR-deficient cancer by IHC. Forty-two evaluable patients were enrolled, with a median age of 60 years and a median of 3 prior therapies. The most common histologies were endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma (n = 13), prostate adenocarcinoma (n = 5), and uterine carcinosarcoma (n = 4). ORR was 36% (15 of 42 patients). An additional 21% of patients had stable disease. The estimated 6-, 12-, and 18-month progression-free survival rates were 51.3% (90% CI, 38.2% to 64.5%), 46.2% (90% CI, 33.1% to 59.3%), and 31.4% (90% CI, 18.7% to 44.2%), respectively. Median overall survival was 17.3 months. Toxicity was predominantly low grade.

CONCLUSION

A variety of refractory cancers (2.0% of those screened) had MMR deficiency as defined in NCI-MATCH. Nivolumab has promising activity in MMR-deficient noncolorectal cancers of a wide variety of histopathologic types.
MiR-221/222 Inhibit Insulin Production of Pancreatic β-Cells in Mice
Authors: Fan Liwen , Shan Aijing , Su Yutong , Cheng Yulong , Ji He , Yang Qi , Lei Ying , Liu Bei , Wang Weiqing , Ning Guang , Cao Yanan , Jiang Xiuli
Published: November 2019

Microribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are essential for the regulation of development, proliferation, and functions of pancreatic β-cells. The conserved miR-221/222 cluster is an important regulator in multiple cellular processes. Here we investigated the functional role of miR-221/222 in the regulation of β-cell proliferation and functions in transgenic mouse models. We generated 2 pancreatic β-cell-specific–miR-221/222 transgenic mouse models on a C57BL/6J background. The glucose metabolic phenotypes, β-cell mass, and β-cell functions were analyzed in the mouse models. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of miR-221/222 was performed on β-cells and mouse insulinoma 6 (MIN6) cells to explore the effect and mechanisms of miR-221/222 on β-cell proliferation and functions. Luciferase reporter assay, histological analysis, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were carried out to study the direct target genes of miR-221/222 in β-cells. The expression of miR-221/222 was significantly upregulated in β-cells from the high-fat diet (HFD)–fed mice and db/db mice. Overexpression of miR-221/222 impaired the insulin production and secretion of β-cells and resulted in glucose intolerance in vivo. The β-cell mass and proliferation were increased by miR-221/222 expression via Cdkn1b and Cdkn1c. MiR-221/222 repressed insulin transcription activity through targeting Nfatc3 and lead to reduction of insulin in β-cells. Our findings demonstrate that miR-221/222 are important regulators of β-cell proliferation and insulin production. The expression of miR-221/222 in β-cells could regulate glucose metabolism in physiological and pathological processes.
Investigating the relationship between corticosterone and glucose in a reptile
Authors: Neuman-Lee Lorin A. , Hudson Spencer B. , Webb Alison C. , French Susannah S.
Published: November 2019

The glucocorticoid hormone corticosterone (CORT) has classically been used in ecophysiological studies as a proxy for stress and energy mobilization, but rarely are CORT and the energy metabolites themselves concurrently measured. To examine CORT's role in mobilizing glucose in a wild reptile, we conducted two studies. The first study measured natural baseline and stress-induced blood-borne CORT and glucose levels in snakes during spring emergence and again when snakes return to the denning sites in fall. Our second study manipulated the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis in male snakes in the fall by taking a baseline blood sample, then subjecting individuals to one of five treatments (no injection, saline, CORT, adrenocorticotropin hormone, and metyrapone). Subsequent samples were taken at 30 minutes and 60 minutes. In both studies, we found that glucose levels do increase with the acute stress, but that the relationship was not directly related to CORT elevation. In the second study, we found that none of the HPA axis manipulations directly affected blood glucose levels, further indicating that CORT may play a complex, but not direct role in glucose mobilization in snakes. This study highlights the need for testing mechanisms in wild organisms by combining in situ observations with manipulative studies.
Glucagon regulation of carbohydrate metabolism in rainbow trout: in vivo glucose fluxes and gene expression
Authors: Forbes Johnathon L. I. , Kostyniuk Daniel J. , Mennigen Jan A. , Weber Jean-Michel
Published: November 2019

Glucagon increases fish glycemia, but how it affects glucose fluxes in vivo has never been characterized. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that glucagon stimulates hepatic glucose production (Ra) and inhibits disposal (Rd) of rainbow trout. Changes in the mRNA abundance of key proteins involved in glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and glycogen breakdown were also monitored. Results show that glucagon increases glycemia (+38%) by causing a temporary mismatch between Ra and Rd before both fluxes converge below baseline (-17%). A novel aspect of the regulation of trout gluconeogenesis is also demonstrated: the completely different effects of glucagon on the expression of three Pepck isoforms (stimulation of pck1, inhibition of pck2a, and no response of pck2b). Glycogen phosphorylase was modulated differently among tissues, and muscle upregulated pygb and downregulated pygm. Glucagon failed to activate the cAMP-dependent protein kinase or FoxO1 signalling cascades. We conclude that trout hyperglycemia results from the combination of two responses: (i) an increase in Ra glucose induced by the stimulation of gluconeogenesis through transcriptional activation of pck1 (and possibly glycogen phosphorylase), and (ii) a decrease in Rd glucose via inhibition of glycogen synthase and glycolysis. The observed decrease in glucose fluxes after 4 h of glucagon administration may be caused by a counterregulatory response of insulin, potentially linked to the decrease in pygm transcript abundance. Overall, however, these integrated effects of glucagon only lead to modest changes in glucose fluxes that partly explain why trout seem to be unable to control glycemia very tightly.
Stepping behavior contributes little to balance control against continuous mediolateral trunk perturbations
Authors: Best Aaron N. , Martin Jean-Paul , Li Qingguo , Wu Amy R.
Published: November 2019

Human bipedal gait is exceptionally stable, but the underlying strategies to maintain stability are unclear, especially in the frontal plane. Our study investigates balance strategies of healthy adults subjected to continuous mediolateral oscillations at the trunk during walking. We used a backpack with a passive inverted pendulum to create perturbations that were fixed, in-phase, or out-of-phase with subjects’ trunk. We evaluated subjects’ corrective strategies and whether they yielded equivalent stability, measured by the margin of stability and the local divergence exponent. The margin of stability measure quantified adjustments in step behavior relative to the centre of mass, and the local divergence exponent measure characterized the chaotic behavior of the system throughout the entire trial. Among the conditions, there was no significant difference in the step width. We found a higher margin of stability for the out-of-phase condition and the lowest local divergence exponent for the in-phase and the highest for the fixed condition. These results indicate that the in-phase condition was more stable with respect to fluctuations throughout gait cycles, and the out-of-phase condition was more stable in terms of foot placement relative to centre of mass. To maintain equivalent or greater gait stability, subjects elected to reduce the motion of their centre of mass rather than alter step width. The reduction in centre of mass motion without reduction in step width suggests direct control of the centre of mass to maintain stability was preferred over adjusting stepping behavior.
Free-living Evaluation of Laboratory-based Activity Classifiers in Preschoolers
Authors: AHMADI MATTHEW N. , BROOKES DENISE , CHOWDHURY ALOK , PAVEY TOBY , TROST STEWART G.
Published: November 2019

Machine learning classification models for accelerometer data are potentially more accurate methods to measure physical activity in young children than traditional cut point methods. However, existing algorithms have been trained on laboratory-based activity trials, and their performance has not been investigated under free-living conditions.

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of laboratory-trained hip and wrist random forest and support vector machine classifiers for the automatic recognition of five activity classes: sedentary (SED), light-intensity activities and games (LIGHT_AG), walking (WALK), running (RUN), and moderate to vigorous activities and games (MV_AG) in preschool-age children under free-living conditions.

Methods

Thirty-one children (4.0 ± 0.9 yr) were video recorded during a 20-min free-living play session while wearing an ActiGraph GT3X+ on their right hip and nondominant wrist. Direct observation was used to continuously code ground truth activity class and specific activity types occurring within each class using a bespoke two-stage coding scheme. Performance was assessed by calculating overall classification accuracy and extended confusion matrices summarizing class-level accuracy and the frequency of specific activities observed within each class.

Results

Accuracy values for the hip and wrist random forest algorithms were 69.4% and 59.1%, respectively. Accuracy values for hip and wrist support vector machine algorithms were 66.4% and 59.3%, respectively. Compared with the laboratory cross validation, accuracy decreased by 11%–15% for the hip classifiers and 19%–21% for the wrist classifiers. Classification accuracy values were 72%–78% for SED, 58%–79% for LIGHT_AG, 71%–84% for MV_AG, 9%–15% for WALK, and 66%–75% for RUN.

Conclusion

The accuracy of laboratory-based activity classifiers for preschool-age children was attenuated when tested on new data collected under free-living conditions. Future studies should train and test machine learning activity recognition algorithms using accelerometer data collected under free-living conditions.
Recent advances in tissue imaging for cancer research
Authors: Maiques Oscar , Georgouli Mirella , Sanz-Moreno Victoria
Published: November 2019

Image analysis in clinical research has evolved at fast pace in the last decade. This review discusses basic concepts ranging from immunohistochemistry to advanced techniques such as multiplex imaging, digital pathology, flow cytometry and intravital microscopy. Tissue imagingex vivois still one of the gold-standards in the field due to feasibility. We describe here different protocols and applications of digital analysis providing basic and clinical researchers with an overview on how to analyse tissue images.In vivoimaging is not accessible to researchers; however, it provides invaluable dynamic information easily. Overall, we discuss a plethora of techniques that - when combined - constitute a powerful platform for basic and translational cancer research.
Quantitative approach to numbers and sizes: Generation of primary neurospheres from the dorsal lateral ganglionic eminence of late embryonic mice
Authors: Blackwood Christopher
Published: November 2019

Background: The neurosphere assay is a powerful tool to study neural stem cell biology. The objective of this protocol is to create a simple and rapid approach to generate neurospheres from the dorsal lateral ganglionic eminence of late embryonic (day 17) mice. This method predicts the average number of neurospheres and provides an approximation of its expected size after 7 days in vitro. Characterization of numbers and sizes will provide investigators with quantitative data to advise on the implementation of downstream applications, including immnocytochemistry, self-renewal and differentiation assays.

Methods: Our method is based on a simple dissection technique, where tissue surrounding the dorsal lateral ventricle from a single mouse embryo is trimmed away to enrich for neural stem cell and progenitor populations. Following this dissection, tissue is mechanically dissociated by trituration. Cells are then cultured in media containing epidermal growth factor and other supplements to generate healthy primary neurospheres.

Results: Using this approach, we found reproducible number of primary neurospheres after 7 days in vitro. Furthermore, we found this method yields different sizes of neurospheres. Lastly, using an anti-GFAP antibody, we confirm that these neurospheres can be used for immunocytochemistry studies.

Conclusions: Future use of this protocol provides metrics on the generation of neurospheres that will be useful for further advances in the area of stem cell biology.
ClinEpiDB: an open-access clinical epidemiology database resource encouraging online exploration of complex studies
Authors: Ruhamyankaka Emmanuel , Brunk Brian P. , Dorsey Grant , Harb Omar S. , Helb Danica A. , Judkins John , Kissinger Jessica C. , Lindsay Brianna , Roos David S. , San Emmanuel James , Stoeckert Christian J. , Zheng Jie , Tomko Sheena Shah
Published: November 2019

The concept of open data has been gaining traction as a mechanism to increase data use, ensure that data are preserved over time, and accelerate discovery. While epidemiology data sets are increasingly deposited in databases and repositories, barriers to access still remain. ClinEpiDB was constructed as an open-access online resource for clinical and epidemiologic studies by leveraging the extensive web toolkit and infrastructure of the Eukaryotic Pathogen Database Resources (EuPathDB; a collection of databases covering 170+ eukaryotic pathogens, relevant related species, and select hosts) combined with a unified semantic web framework. Here we present an intuitive point-and-click website that allows users to visualize and subset data directly in the ClinEpiDB browser and immediately explore potential associations. Supporting study documentation aids contextualization, and data can be downloaded for advanced analyses. By facilitating access and interrogation of high-quality, large-scale data sets, ClinEpiDB aims to spur collaboration and discovery that improves global health.
ЗАДАЧИ КОММИВОЯЖЕРА ПРИ ОПТИМИЗАЦИИ МАРШРУТНОГО ПУТИ
Authors: Agapova Elena Grigoryevna , Popova Tatyana Mikhajlovna
Published: November 2019

В статье изучены вопросы оптимизации маршрутного пути, специфики дорожного движения в городе с учетом потери времени на заторы на дорогах. Предложен оптимальный маршрут торгового представителя, который задает последовательность всех торговых точек и описывает оптимальные пути следования от одной торговой точки к другой.
О расширении ареала инвазивного вида жука-зерновки Megabruchidius dorsalis Fahreus, 1839 (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Bruchinae) в Туркестанской области (южный Казахстан)
Authors: Temreshev I.I. , Makezhanov A.M.
Published: November 2019

На юго-востоке Казахстана (город Алматы и окрестности) вид зерновки Megabruchidius dorsalis Fahreus, 1839 известен с 2016 года, и в настоящее время отмечен повсюду, где произрастают его кормовые растения. В Туркестанской области ранее обнаруживался нами только в г. Шымкент, и высказывалось предположение о возможности его дальнейшеего расселения в окрестностях города и в области. Мы обнаружили этот вид в городе Кентау и окрестностях в Туркестанской области на юге Казахстана. Найденные особи относились к разным полам. Семена Gleditsia triacanthos, собранные и просмотренные нами, были повреждены всего на 10 %. Это позволяет сделать вывод, что вид уже интродуцировался в Кентауской городской агломерации, но еще не достиг максимальной численности и продолжает постепенно расселяться в её пределах. Это указывает на расширение ареала вредителя в пределах юга страны. Инвазия вида произошла из города Шымкент (южный Казахстан), куда в свою очередь вид попал из г. Алматы (юго-восточный Казахстан), откуда он был известен с 2016 года.
Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma Associated With Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Nehme Fredy , Schneider Ashley , Hamid Fadi
Published: November 2019

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a known risk factor for colorectal cancer, but the association between UC and appendiceal adenocarcinoma remains rare. We present a 42-year-old patient with long-standing UC who presented with acute appendicitis shortly after a routine colonoscopy. Histopathological examination revealed moderately differentiated appendiceal adenocarcinoma. The recognition of appendiceal cancer as a complication of long-standing UC warrants increased clinical awareness.
Measuring Workplace Discrimination among Sexual and Gender Minority Workers
Authors: Lee Joseph G. L. , Chaney Beth H. , Cabacungan Ashley N.
Published: November 2019

Objectives: As inequities in health for sexual and gender minority (SGM; eg, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender [LGBT]) populations become increasingly well documented, it is important to investigate causes of inequities to inform intervention work. One area of importance
is in employment discrimination, as there are limited or no protections against sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination in approximately half of US states. We sought to assess the internal consistency and validity of a brief, adapted scale to measure SGM work-place discrimination.
Methods: We modified an existing workplace age discrimination scale to assess SGM work- place discrimination. We assessed internal consistency, criterion validity, construct validity, and conducted a confirmatory factor analysis. Data came from a convenience sample of employed, SGM-identified
adults (N = 124) attending a pride festival in Durham, NC, in September 2016. Results: The 5-item scale was significantly associated with poorer health, greater internalized homonegativity, reporting workplace bullying, SGM isolation, gender expression discrimination, and having filed
a formal complaint of workplace discrimination. The scale had a single factor solution. Conclusions: This 5-item scale may be useful in efficiently documenting and addressing SGM workplace discrimination; it assesses material forms of discrimination (eg, pay and job tasks assigned)
against SGM employees.
Preoperative Urinary pH is Associated with Acute Kidney Injury After Cardiac Surgery in Non-Diabetic Patients
Authors: Tumer Naim Boran , Tekeli Kunt Atike , Gunaydin Serdar
Published: November 2019

Background: Acute kidney injury is a common complication of cardiac surgery that increases morbidity and mortality. The present study aims to analyze the association of preoperative urinary pH with acute kidney injury after isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG).
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 270 adult non-diabetic patients who underwent isolated CABG surgery with normal renal function. The perioperative data of the patients included demographic data, laboratory findings, morbidity, and mortality. The patient population was divided into four groups: Group I, patients with preoperative urinary pH=5; Group II, patients with preoperative urinary pH=5.5; Group III, patients with preoperative urinary pH=6-6.5; and Group IV, patients with preoperative urinary pH ≥ 7.0. Kidney injury was interpreted according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO).
Results: There were 108 patients (40%) in Group I, 44 patients (16.3%) in Group II, 78 patients (28.9%) in Group III, and 40 patients (14.8%) in Group IV. Postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) occurred in 39 patients (36.1%) in Group I, 4 patients (9.1%) in Group II, and 2 patients (2,5%) in Group III. None of the patients developed AKI in Group IV. Renal replacement therapy was required in 8 patients (2.3%) (6 patients from Group I; 2 patients from Group II; P = .016). Thirty-day mortality occurred in 5 patients (1.9%) (5 patients from Group I; none from other groups; P =  .017). All of the patients required renal replacement therapy. Logistic regression analysis revealing the presence of lower pH levels preoperatively was shown to be associated with increased incidence of postoperative AKI (OR: 0.193; 95% CI: 0.103-0.361; P < .001).
Conclusion: Low preoperative urinary pH (≤5.5) results in severe acute kidney injury and increases the rate of morbidity and mortality after isolated CABG.
A Multi Center Experience: Is Valve Replacement Safe for Patients with Hugely Dilated Left Ventricle?
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed , Toema Ahmed , Yehia Ahmed , Hashim Yassin , Elkahely Mohamed , Onsy Ahmed
Published: November 2019

Background: Dilated left ventricle occurs in chronic aortic and mitral regurgitations. We describe the early outcome of mitral and aortic valve replacement for patients with severely dilated left ventricle in different surgical interventions.
Methods: From March 2014 to December 2018, 620 patients with left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) of ≥ 70 mm underwent valve replacement procedures in 8 cardiac surgery centers in Egypt. One hundred ninety four cases (31.3%) underwent aortic valve replacement, 173 cases (27.9%) underwent mitral valve replacement, 123 cases (19.9%) underwent double valve replacement, 59 cases (9.5%) underwent double valve replacement with either tricuspid valve repair or replacement, 33 cases (5.3%) underwent mitral valve replacement with either tricuspid valve repair or replacement, 20 cases (3.2%) underwent mitral valve replacement with CABG, 10 cases (1.6%) underwent aortic valve replacement with CABG, while 8 cases (1.3%) underwent aortic valve replacement with ascending aortic aneurysm repair.
Results: Four patients (0.6%) developed new postoperative renal failure, which required dialysis. Twenty-nine patients (4.7%) required reoperation for bleeding. One patient (0.2 %) developed sternal dehiscence. Five patients (0.8%) postoperatively developed stroke. Twenty-five patients (4%) died, and the main causes of death were low cardiac output and sepsis with eventual multi-organ failure.
Conclusion: Valve replacement in patients with hugely dilated left ventricle are safe operations with satisfactory outcomes even if combined with other procedures, especially with proper preoperative preparation, intraoperative preservation of posterior mitral leaflet, and meticulous postoperative follow up in the surgical ICU.
Los programas de microfinanciamiento en México. Un análisis desde la perspectiva institucional
Authors: Espinosa Báez Diana , Portal Boza Malena , Feitó Madrigal Duniesky
Published: November 2019

Actualmente, los micronegocios en México presentan limitaciones para acceder a un financiamiento externo que les posibilite desarrollarse y crecer ya que estos negocios tienen características especiales, las cuales les restringe alcanzar una mayor inclusión financiera en el sistema. Esto trae consigo el surgimiento de instituciones microfinancieras (IMF) para cubrir dicha necesidad. El objetivo general del estudio es caracterizar los instrumentos financieros que ofrecen las IMF, que permita a su vez analizar las ventajas y desventajas para los micronegocios en comparación con otras instituciones pertenecientes al sistema financiero del país. Se tiene una contribución práctica y social en la caracterización comparativa de los programas que ofrecen las IMF así como los beneficios que obtienen los microempresarios en la toma de decisiones al elegir una fuente de financiamiento externa. A partir de la información de la Encuesta Nacional de Micronegocios (Enamin) y con la aplicación de pruebas no paramétricas como metodología estadística se obtuvo como resultado que existen diferencias entre los programas financieros que ofrecen las IMF en comparación con la banca comercial, así como en los resultados que obtienen los micronegocios en el uso del financiamiento.
Spatial ARMA model for wind speed data
Authors: Paulionienė Laura
Published: November 2019

Spatial time series model for wind speed data is proposed. Based on few similar papers, first at each location univariate time series model, containing seasonal component and higher order autoregressive component is fitted. After eliminating time dependence in time series, empirical semivariogram based on time independent residuals is fitted and spatial weights for new location are calculated.
An empirical study of the gap sequences for Shell sort
Authors: Radavičius Irmantas , Baranauskas Mykolas
Published: November 2019

We present an improved version of the Shell sort algorithm. Using the algorithm, we study various geometrical sequences and the performance of Shell sort. We demonstrate that neither number of assignments nor the number of comparisons is sufficient to properly evaluate Shell sort and pick the optimal gap sequence. We argue that one should count both operations, as well as measure actual running times.
Investigation of the spectrum for Sturm–Liouville problems with a nonlocal boundary condition
Authors: Skučaitė-Bingelė Kristina , Štikonas Artūras
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we analyze the Sturm–Liouville problem with one classical first type boundary condition and the other Samarskii–Bitsadze type nonlocal boundary condition. We investigate how the spectrum of this problem depends on the parameters γ and ξ  of the nonlocal boundary condition. Some new results are given as graphs of the characteristic function.
Classification of the nullity for the second order discrete nonlocal problems
Authors: Paukštaitė Gailė , Štikonas Artūras
Published: November 2019

In this paper we investigate the nullity of second order discrete problem with two nonlocal conditions. The classification of nullity with respect to rows and columns of discrete problem matrix is presented.
The research was partially supported by the Research Council of Lithuania (grant No. MIP-047/2014).
On large deviations for random sums of the squares of weighted Gaussian random variables
Authors: Kasparavičiūtė Aurelija , Deltuvienė Dovilė
Published: November 2019

The paper considers normal approximation to the distribution of random sums of the squares of independent weighted Gaussian random variables (r.vs.) taking into consideration large deviations in the Cramér zone.
On the implementation and improvement of automatic EEG spike detection algorithm
Authors: Misiūnas Andrius Vytautas Misiukas , Meškauskas Tadas , Juozapavičius Algimantas
Published: November 2019

The algorithm of automatic EEG spike detection and its implementation is described in this article. The algorithm implemented is based on mathematical morphological filters which distinguishes background brain activity from EEG spikes. The implementation of the algorithm is system independent, it can be deployed on both personal computers and clusters with MPI parallel computing support.
On the equivalence of discrete Sturm–Liouville problem with nonlocal boundary conditions to the algebraic eigenvalue problem
Authors: Novickij Jurij , Štikonas Artūras
Published: November 2019

We consider the ﬁnite diﬀerence approximation of the second order Sturm–Liouville equation with nonlocal boundary conditions (NBC). We investigate the condition when the discrete Sturm–Liouville problem can be transformed to an algebraic eigenvalue problem and denote this condition as solvability condition. The examples of the solvability for the most popular NBCs are provided.
The research was partially supported by the Research Council of Lithuania (grant No. MIP-047/ 2014).
Nullity of the second order discrete problem with nonlocal multipoint boundary conditions
Authors: Paukštaitė Gailė , Štikonas Artūras
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we investigate several second order discrete problems with non-local multipoint boundary conditions and present obtained results about their nullity.
The research was partially supported by the Research Council of Lithuania (grant No. MIP-047/ 2014).
Zeroes and poles of a characteristic function for Sturm–Liouville problem with nonlocal integral condition
Authors: Skučaitė Agnė , Štikonas Artūras
Published: November 2019

This paper presents some new results on a spectrum for the Sturm–Liouville problem with one integral type nonlocal boundary condition depending on tree parameters (γ, ξ1, ξ2). Some new results on distribution of the sets of special points (poles, zeros and constant eigenvalue points) are presented.
The research was partially supported by the Research Council of Lithuania (grant No. MIP-047/ 2014).
Radial basis function method modelling borehole heat transfer: the practical application
Authors: Indriulionis Audrius , Vaitkus Pranas
Published: November 2019

In this work, the method of radial basis function (RBF) is used for the borehole heat exchanger transfers (BHET) problems. The RBF method is an efficient mesh free technique for the numerical solution of partial differential  equations. The condition number of the system of linear equations (matrix A)   is large it means that the ill-conditioning of matrix A makes the numerical solution unstable. Tikhonov regularization (TR) method are presented to solve such ill-conditioned systems. In this work, generalized cross-validation (GCV) method is carried out to determine the regularization parameter ksi  for the TR method that minimizes the GCV function. The some practical results of numerical experiments are presented.
A derivation-loop method for temporal logic
Authors: Alonderis Romas , Giedra Haroldas
Published: November 2019

Various types of calculi (Hilbert, Gentzen sequent, resolution calculi, tableaux) for propositional linear temporal logic (PLTL) have been considered in the literature. Cutfree Gentzen-type sequent calculi are convenient tools for backward proof-search search of formulas and sequents. In this paper we present a cut-free Gentzen type sequent calculus for PLTL with the operator
Technical efficiency of the Chilean AFP
Authors: Araya-Pizarro Sebastián Cristóbal , Rojas-Escobar Luperfina
Published: November 2019

The research analyzes the degree of technical efficiency of the pension fund managers of Chile (AFP), through the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA CCR-O), efficiency measurement technique that studies the performance of productive units under a treatment multidimensional non-parametric variable. The model proposed in the study considers as inputs personnel expenses and investment in fixed assets; and as income the commission income. The results show that the average efficiency of the entities for the years 2011-2017 was 68% and that only the AFP Model presented the maximum efficiency for the period analyzed. It is concluded that the allocation of resources destined to the administration of pension funds is susceptible to be improved about the estimated technical efficiency.RESUMENLa investigación analiza el grado de eficiencia técnica de las administradoras de fondos de pensiones de Chile (AFP), mediante el Análisis Envolvente de Datos (DEA CCR-O), técnica de medición de la eficiencia que estudia el desempeño de unidades productivas bajo un tratamiento multidimensional no-paramétrico de las variables. El modelo planteado en el estudio considera como entradas los gastos de personal y la inversión en activos fijos; y como salida los ingresos por comisiones. Los resultados muestran que la eficiencia promedio de las entidades para los años 2011-2017, fue de 68% y que solo la AFP Modelo presentó la eficiencia máxima para el periodo analizado. Se concluye que la asignación de los recursos destinados a la administración de fondos de pensiones es susceptible de ser mejorada en lo concerniente a la eficiencia técnica estimada.RESUMOA pesquisa analisa o grau de eficiência técnica dos gestores de fundos de pensão do Chile (AFP), por meio da Análise Envoltória de Dados (DEA CCR-O), técnica de medição de eficiência que estuda o desempenho das unidades produtivas em tratamento. variáveis não paramétricas multidimensionais. O modelo proposto no estudo considera como insumos gastos com pessoal e investimento em ativos fixos; e como rendimento o rendimento de comissões. Os resultados mostram que a eficiência média das entidades para os anos 2011-2017 foi de 68% e que apenas o Modelo AFP apresentou a máxima eficiência para o período analisado. Conclui-se que a alocação de recursos destinados à administração de fundos de pensão é suscetível de ser melhorada quanto à eficiência técnica estimada.
Mortality of Pregnancy Following Breast Cancer Diagnoses in Taiwanese Women
Authors: Chuang Shu-Chun , Lin Ching-Hung , Lu Yen-Shen , Hsiung Chao Agnes
Published: November 2019

Background

This work examined the association between pregnancy after breast cancer (BC) diagnosis and total mortality in Taiwanese patients with BC.

Materials and Methods

The Taiwan Cancer Registry, National Health Insurance database, and Taiwan National Death Certificate database were reviewed. Patients who became pregnant after being diagnosed with BC were selected (n = 249). Four nonpregnant patients with BC were selected and matched to every pregnant patient with BC by age at diagnosis, year at diagnosis, and propensity score based on disease stage, tumor size, node involvement, and histological grade. The disease-free time interval for the selected control needed to have been longer than the time interval between the cancer diagnosis and pregnancy for the index case. Follow-up was calculated from the pregnancy date of the index case to the date of death or December 31, 2014, whichever came first. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

After adjusting for age, year at BC diagnosis, stage, positive nodes, and hormone therapy, patients with BC who became pregnant after their cancer diagnosis had lower total mortality than did the comparison group (HR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.23–0.84), including that of estrogen receptor-positive patients (HR = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.07–0.77). The inverse association was more pronounced for those who became pregnant more than 3 years after diagnosis (HR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.05–0.78).

Conclusion

Our nationwide retrospective analysis revealed that pregnancy after BC diagnosis was associated with lower mortality than that of nonpregnant patients with BC at a similar age, year at diagnosis, and clinical characteristics.