bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association between pain and central nervous system depressing medication among hospitalised Norwegian older adults
Authors: Bjelkarøy Maria Torheim , Cheng Socheat , Siddiqui Tahreem Ghazal , Benth Jūratė Šaltytė , Grambaite Ramune , Kristoffersen Espen Saxhaug , Lundqvist Christofer 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Central nervous system depressant medications (CNSD) including benzodiazepines, z-hypnotics and opioids are regularly prescribed for the older patient. These medications are linked to dependence and associated with severe side effects in some older patients. Consensus recommendations for this group suggest limiting their use. We have recently described a high proportion of long-term CNSD use and dependence among older in-hospital patients. In this study, we aim to investigate factors associated with pain intensity and presentation of pain among older adults with long-term use of CNSDs compared to non-users.

Methods
Two hundred and forty six elderly hospitalised patients were recruited consecutively in a cross-sectional study. Data was collected from patients and electronic health records (EHR). Independent variables were sex, age, education, emotional symptoms (hospital anxiety and depression scale [HADS]), cognitive function (Mini-mental State Examination test [MMSE]), comorbidity (cumulative illness rating score – geriatrics [CIRS-G]), loneliness (the six-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale) and prolonged (≥4 weeks) use of any CNSDs or prolonged use of opioids (≥4 weeks). All variables, including pain intensity, were collected at one time point consistent with the cross-sectional study design. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and linear regression models using the above mentioned variables and pain intensity (visual analogue scale for pain intensity [VAS] pain 0–100) as outcome. Additional information regarding pain presentation was extracted from the patients’ EHR.

Results
Mean pain intensity VAS (SD) was 35.2 (30.4) and 18.1 (24.2) respectively, for patients with vs. without prolonged use of CNSDs. In the multivariable linear regression analysis, prolonged use of CNSDs and opioids were positively associated with pain intensity (VAS) (regression coefficient (95% CI) 20.7 (11.0; 30.3), p<0.001, and 19.8 (5.7; 33.8), p=0.006, respectively), while sex, age, education, MMSE, HADS, CIRS-G and loneliness scores were not. Pain related to back (23.2%) and lower extremities (23.2%) were most common pain sites, and those with one or more pain sites reported overall higher pain intensity compared to those with no reported pain sites (p<0.006).

Conclusions
Prolonged use of CNSD medications as well as prolonged use of opioids are both positively associated with pain intensity. The results may have implications for treatment and long-term pain management for older patients.
Evaluation of Soil Strength from Variable Rate CPTU Tests in Silt
Authors: Bihs Annika , Long Mike , Nordal Steinar 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe interpretation of cone penetration test (CPTU), at the standard rate of 20 mm/s, results in clays assuming undrained penetration tests, whereas the interpretation in sands is carried out using a drained approach. However, for silts, the drainage conditions during a standard rate test are less well understood, and often partial drainage occurs. The main objectives of this work are to show the limitations of applying existing correlations for sand and clay to a silt material and to give guidance to practicing engineers on how to establish strength parameters for silts that allow a safe design. This paper presents the results of a comprehensive laboratory and field test study that was carried out on a silt site in Halsen-Stjørdal, Norway. Varied rate CPTU tests were conducted, and various soil samples were taken. Using a conventional Nkt approach to determine undrained shear strength, standard rate CPTU tests provided 20 % higher values compared with high-rate tests. Thus, the undrained strength may be overestimated from standard rate tests. Care needs to be taken when using undrained shear strength in silts. Nevertheless, this value represents a limiting strength value, which is often of interest when investigating the response as if it were undrained. The friction angle could be successfully determined from CPTU results by applying the modified Norwegian Institute of Technology (NTH) method to the measured data set. The results reveal a rate dependency of the friction angle, resulting in an underestimation of 20 % if a standard rate test is used compared with using low-rate CPTU tests, giving drained results that match the reference values from the laboratory. To overcome uncertainties in picking design strength values, it is highly recommended to carry out at least one fast and one slow CPTU test to evaluate the drainage situation and to adjust the design values accordingly.
Distinct Progressions of Neuronal Activity Changes Underlie the Formation and Consolidation of a Gustatory Associative Memory
Authors: Arieli Elor , Younis Nadia , Moran Anan 
Published: December 2021

Acquiring new memories is a multistage process. Numerous studies have convincingly demonstrated that initially acquired memories are labile and are stabilized only by later consolidation processes. These multiple phases of memory formation are known to involve modification of both cellular excitability and synaptic connectivity, which in turn change neuronal activity at both the single neuron and ensemble levels. However, the specific mapping between the known phases of memory and the changes in neuronal activity at different organizational levels—the single-neuron, population representations, and ensemble-state dynamics—remains unknown. Here we address this issue in the context of conditioned taste aversion learning by continuously tracking gustatory cortex neuronal taste responses in alert male and female rats during the 24 h following a taste–malaise pairing. We found that the progression of activity changes depends on the neuronal organizational level: whereas the population response changed continuously, the population mean response amplitude and the number of taste-responsive neurons only increased during the acquisition and consolidation phases. In addition, the known quickening of the ensemble-state dynamics associated with the faster rejection of harmful foods appeared only after consolidation. Overall, these results demonstrate how complex dynamics in the different representational levels of cortical activity underlie the formation and stabilization of memory within the cortex.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTMemory formation is a multiphased process; early acquired memories are labile and consolidate to their stable forms over hours and days. The progression of memory is assumed to be supported by changes in neuronal activity, but the mapping between memory phases and neuronal activity changes remains elusive. Here we tracked cortical neuronal activity over 24 h as rats acquired and consolidated a taste–malaise association memory, and found specific differences between the progression at the single-neuron and populations levels. These results demonstrate how balanced changes on the single-neuron level lead to changes in the network-level representation and dynamics required for the stabilization of memories.
MAWAR (Melawan Rentenir): Integrated MSMEs Financial Inclusion Strategy In Sharia-Based
Authors: Chasanah Amalia Nur , Herawati Ratna , Budiantoro Risanda Alirasta , Sukono Putro Febrianur Ibnu Fitroh 
Published: December 2021

Allah has provided Islam as life guidance to be used in taking and undergoing all life aspects, including of the management and business financing. In the perspective of Islamic finance, financing venture capital through moneylenders will makes the borrower in difficult situation. This research aims to analyze the integrated financial inclusion strategy in sharia-based MSMEs financing in the Semarang City with the MAWAR Program. Mawar program is a funding assistance program for potential micro small andÂ medium entrepreneurs based on sharia with Murabahah by collaborating through memorandum of understanding with several other agencies, such as Sharia People Financing banks, Semarang City Amil Zakat Agency, Semarang Syariah Economic Community, Semarang City Cooperatives and Micro Enterprises Agency, telecommunications companies, branchless banking agents and financial technology institutions. The benefit obtained can provide scientific contributions to the empowerment management and can be developed into a study material for long-term planning programs by the Semarang City Government in empowering micro, small and medium enterprises so they can be competitive, independent, prosperous, and cultured based on religiosity values. The approach method used qualitative research with analytical tools is the business model canvas. Data collection method used observation, interviews, and literature study. The results of this research are with the MAWAR Program, the Semarang City Government does not charge any additional costs to the borrowers (MSMEs). The legal basis of this program is based on a memorandum of understanding between the stakeholders involved and Islamic sharia
Dynamic Forecasting of Government Foreign Debt: Case of Indonesia
Authors: Rahman Yozi Aulia , Pujiati Amin 
Published: December 2021

This study aims to forecast the value of the Indonesian government foreign debt in 2020-2024. The secondary data of time series during the period of 2010-2019 on Indonesian government foreign debt are used as the basis of forecasting for the next five years by using ARIMA (Autogressive Integrated Moving Average). The results show that the selected ARIMA models for forecasting are ARIMA (3,1,3) after the unit root test is carried out and 16 ARIMA models are tested. The value of government foreign debt is predicted to keep increasing from 2020 to 2024 amounted to USD 253.01. Then, compared to government debt in January 2010, within 11 years, government foreignÂ debt is predicted to rise by 169.6%.
Quantum Mathematics in Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Widdows Dominic , Kitto Kirsty , Cohen Trevor 
Published: December 2021

In the decade since 2010, successes in artificial intelligence have been at the forefront of computer science and technology, and vector space models have solidified a position at the forefront of artificial intelligence. At the same time, quantum computers have become much more powerful, and announcements of major advances are frequently in the news.
The mathematical techniques underlying both these areas have more in common than is sometimes realized. Vector spaces took a position at the axiomatic heart of quantum mechanics in the 1930s, and this adoption was a key motivation for the derivation of logic and probability from the linear geometry of vector spaces. Quantum interactions between particles are modelled using the tensor product, which is also used to express objects and operations in artificial neural networks.
This paper describes some of these common mathematical areas, including examples of how they are used in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in automated reasoning and natural language processing (NLP). Techniques discussed include vector spaces, scalar products, subspaces and implication, orthogonal projection and negation, dual vectors, density matrices, positive operators, and tensor products. Application areas include information retrieval, categorization and implication, modelling word-senses and disambiguation, inference in knowledge bases, decision making, and and semantic composition. Some of these approaches can potentially be implemented on quantum hardware. Many of the practical steps in this implementation are in early stages, and some are already realized. Explaining some of the common mathematical tools can help researchers in both AI and quantum computing further exploit these overlaps, recognizing and exploring new directions along the way.This paper describes some of these common mathematical areas, including examples of how they are used in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in automated reasoning and natural language processing (NLP). Techniques discussed include vector spaces, scalar products, subspaces and implication, orthogonal projection and negation, dual vectors, density matrices, positive operators, and tensor products. Application areas include information retrieval, categorization and implication, modelling word-senses and disambiguation, inference in knowledge bases, and semantic composition.
Some of these approaches can potentially be implemented on quantum hardware. Many of the practical steps in this implementation are in early stages, and some are already realized. Explaining some of the common mathematical tools can help researchers in both AI and quantum computing further exploit these overlaps, recognizing and exploring new directions along the way.
Low-risk prostate cancer: evaluation of quality of life after surgical treatment and during active observation
Authors: Gasanov E. N. , Shpot E. V. , Magomedov A. A. , Chinenov D. V. , Proskura A. V. , Golovnya P. I. , Kapralova E. S. , Tikhonova V. S. , Rapoport L. M. 
Published: December 2021

The study objective is to improve results of treatment of patients with low-risk prostate cancer (PC).Materials and methods. In the study, comparative analysis of data from 84 patients with low-risk PC was performed: 40 patients were included in the active observation group (group 1) and 44 patients underwent radical prostatectomy (group 2). For evaluation of functional responses the following questionnaires were used: Short Form 36 Health Quality Survey (SF-36), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC-26). For control of oncological results, tests for prostate-specific antigen, digital rectal examination, magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvic organs with intravenous contrast, and confirmation biopsy of the prostate were preformed.Results. Mean score for the SF-36 questionnaire in the group 1 (active observation) at the beginning of the study was 63.2 ± 11.5 for mental health (MH) and 57.1 ± 9.8 for physical health (PH), while in the group 2 MH score was 63.1± 6.8, PH score was 56.2 ± 8.6. However, 18 months later in the group 1 mean MH score increased to 68.2 ± 10.1, mean PH score to 62.4 ± 7.8; in the group 2 PH score increased insignificantly to 64.2 ± 7.4 and PH score decreased to 54.8 ± 5.4 (p <0.05). IIEF-5 score in the group 1 decreased from 18.8 ± 4.2 to 18.3 ± 4.0, in the group 2 from 19.1 ± 4.3 to 16.9 ± 4.8 (p <0.05). Mean IPSS score insignificantly increased in the group 1 from 9.1 ± 2.1 to 9.3 ± 2.7, while in the group 2 it decreased from 9.2 ± 2.3 to 8.4 ± 1.5 (p <0.05). For the EPIC-26 questionnaire, mean score for all criteria initially was 56.1 ± 5.1 in the group 1 and 54 ± 4.4 in the group 2 (after prostatectomy), and currently it increased to 65 ± 4.6 in the group 1 and decreased to 49 ± 5.4 in the group 2.Two (5 %) patients from the group 1 underwent surgical treatment due to PC progression. One (2.5 %) patient chose surgical treatment due to cancer-related anxiety. Biochemical recurrence with an increase in prostate-specific antigen of 0.29 ± 0.09 ng/ml was observed in 3 (6,8 %) patients in the group 2.Conclusion. Strategy of active observation is the preferred method of care for patients with low-risk PC allowing to preserve high quality of life while surgical treatment should be performed only if necessary.
Evaluating the effect of BESTFertil antioxidant complex on semen parameters and severity of asthenic syndrome in men with a recent history of novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19)
Authors: Shatylko T. V. , Gamidov S. I. , Popova A. Yu. 
Published: December 2021

Introduction. Direct influence of novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) on male fertility is still unproven. However, through prolonged fever, hypoxia, systemic inflammation and other yet incompletely described factors this disease may apparently cause not only “long COVID” syndrome, but also transitory non-specific impairment of spermatogenesis. The study objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of administration of Russian complex with unique composition BESTFertil in case of decreased fertility and asthenic syndrome in males after new coronavirus infection.Materials and methods. We performed a non-blinded randomized prospective controlled trial which included 60 male patients with a history of COVID-19 not earlier than 6 months prior to enrollment from couples planning to have children. Patients were included if they had pre-disease semen analysis results available. They were divided into two equal groups. Group 1 (main group) received BESTFertil complex for 12 weeks, while Group 2 (comparison group) received no additional treatment. At baseline and 12-week follow-up all patients underwent semen analysis, MAR test, sperm DNA fragmentation test, serum sex hormone profiling and completed the “Asthenic condition scale” questionnaire. Student's t-test, Wilcoxon test, Mann-Whitney U-test and McNemar test were used for statistical analysis.Results. When comparing retrospective and baseline values we found no critical influence of COVID-19 on semen parameters, though a moderate decrease of percentage of sperm with progressive motility could be observed (40.5 % vs 30 %, p = 0.008). Group 1 had a stronger tendency toward recovery of semen parameters. Patients receiving BESTFertil had median total motile sperm count increased from 48.5 million to 76.8 million (p = 0.032), while in comparison group it increased from 39.8 million to 49.2 million (p = 0.317). BESTFertil antioxidant complex had no negative influence on endocrine profile. Moreover, there was a statistically significant decrease of sperm DNA fragmentation index from 21.2 to 13.9 % (p = 0.007) in Group 1. Lower rate of asthenic symptoms was observed in Group 1 which received BESTFertil.Conclusion. Men with a recent history of COVID-19 had a moderate decrease of surrogate fertility markers, most probably due to non-specific mechanisms. Patients receiving BESTFertil had a more pronounced recovery of semen parameters and improvement in post-COVID asthenic syndrome.
I am a plant! Not a human being!
Authors: González Mote Ana Elizabeth , Leyva Vázquez Ingrid 
Published: December 2021

En el presente texto, compartimos el proceso creativo y de investigación, en el que nuestra colectiva “Aliens Anyways” -formada por Ingrid Leyva y Ana Mote- plantea un trabajo colaborativo que explora la relación que existe entre -cuerpos, frontera y cruce-; desde la región fronteriza situada en Estados Unidos y México, específicamente entre Cd. Juárez, Chihuahua y El Paso, Texas.
Nuestro análisis, que se guía por el cuestionamiento ¿Por qué ser una planta y no un ser humano? Intenta desarrollar una respuesta, que se divide en 4 secciones. La primera de ellas presenta la forma en cómo nos integramos como colectiva y desde qué fundamentos es que logramos hacer un lugar común y una pregunta; la segunda, da cuenta del contexto histórico de los cruces desde su institucionalidad, para así llegar a un panorama contemporáneo, que en la tercera parte se sitúa con el TLCAN (Tratado de Libre Comercio de América del Norte) para discutir la situación entre los cruces de cuerpos humanos y no humanos; nuestra cuarta parte se dirige al análisis del aguacate como cuerpo no humano que nos permite evidenciar el absurdo de las políticas antiinmigrantes. Por último, proponemos a modo de conclusión una serie de ideas, que trazan la reflexión del proceso colaborativo e interdisciplinario, y de los principios estéticos que sostienen las bases para la siguiente etapa de nuestra propuesta.
Un (des)intento fugitivo de (a)bordar los (des)bordes
Authors: Barone Zallocco Ornela , Díaz Santiago 
Published: December 2021

En el presente trabajo se han descompuesto los modos del pensar y producir conocimiento, se visibilizan todas las experiencias que conversan cuando (de)finimos posiciones onto-epistémicas (des)bordantes. Mediante una escritura mixturada de conceptos, teorías, referentes, experiencias y sensibilidades indagamos sobre los modos (des)bordantes que afectan lxs cuerpxs, las sensibilidades múltiples de los territorios, los (con)textos extractivistas y capitalistas, las instituciones educativas y la consagrada academia. Se proponen múltiples preguntas como intento de dehiscencia de este escrito y su devenir en (quizá) posibles agencias insurgentes.
Scale Insects (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) on Jackfruit (Moraceae) in Nayarit, Mexico
Authors: Arias-Corpuz Saúl , Romero-Nápoles Jesús , Hernández-Fuentes Luis Martín , González-Hernández Héctor , Illescas-Riquelme Carlos Patricio , Lomeli-Flores J. Refugio , Montalvo-González Efigenia , Nolasco-González Yolanda , Velázquez-Monreal José Joaquín , de Lourdes García-Magaña María 
Published: December 2021

AbstractJackfruit, Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (Rosales: Moraceae), was only recently introduced into Mexico, and the state of Nayarit has become its main source of production. Information on its management, development, and production in Mexico is scarce. In this study, we identified four species of scale insects on jackfruit belonging to the families Coccidae (one species), Diaspididae (two species), and Pseudococcidae (one species) from Coccomorpha. We found one species of a parasitic wasp (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) and two ant species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) associated with the mango shield scale, Milviscutulus mangiferae (Green) (Coccidae). Three species of aphelinid parasitoids and one coccinellid species (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) were found attacking the lesser snow scale, Pinnaspis strachani (Cooley) (Diaspididae). The lesser snow scale and the mango shield scale were the most frequent scales insect species encountered in jackfruit orchards in Nayarit. Therefore, attention should be paid to the populations of these two scale insects, as well as to the type of interaction between ants and the mango shield scale, to design more efficient management of these pests.
Morphofunctional Features of the Thyroid Mast Cell Histotopography under Motor Activity
Authors: Bezdenezhnykh A. V. , Aryasov M. S. 
Published: December 2021

Dysfunction and pathology of the thyroid gland (TG) are inextricably related to structural and functional changes in the organ. It is known that the stroma of the thyroid gland contains mast cells (MCs) participating in adaptation processes.The aim of research was to study morphofunctional changes in MCs in various topographic zones of the canine thyroid gland in normal conditions and under muscular loads that cause structural transformations of the organ.Material and methods. The study involved digitized cross-sections of the central part of the right thyroid lobe of male dogs, aged 1.5 to 2 years. The animals were divided into the control (n = 16) and experimental groups (n = 67); they received single and multiple starting, training, extreme dynamic muscular loads with the heart rate control. MCs were detected using azure-eosin staining. Based on the results of the qualitative analysis, the histoscore coefficient was calculated. In the ImageJ program, the area of MCs and their average optical density were measured relative to the geometric center of the section in the central, intermediate and peripheral zones.Results. Muscle loads during single and multiple trainings resulted in a stereotyped MC response: a decrease (p <0.008) in their number, cross-sectional area, average optical density, and histoscore coefficient. The duration and frequency of exposure formed a wide range of responses, up to atypical. Involvement of the central zone was detected in 100% of cases, intermediate in 2/3 of cases and peripheral in 50%.Conclusion. MCs provide integration in the central, intermediate and peripheral zones of the thyroid gland, and the magnitude and frequency of impacts determine the severity and specificity of their morphofunctional changes.