bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mathematical and numerical analyses of a stochastic impulse control model with imperfect interventions
Authors: Yoshioka Hidekazu , Yaegashi Yuta 
Published: September 2021

AbstractA stochastic impulse control problem with imperfect controllability of interventions is formulated with an emphasis on applications to ecological and environmental management problems. The imperfectness comes from uncertainties with respect to the magnitude of interventions. Our model is based on a dynamic programming formalism to impulsively control a 1-D diffusion process of a geometric Brownian type. The imperfectness leads to a non-local operator different from the many conventional ones, and evokes a slightly different optimal intervention policy. We give viscosity characterizations of the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman Quasi-Variational Inequality (HJBQVI) governing the value function focusing on its numerical computation. Uniqueness and verification results of the HJBQVI are presented and a candidate exact solution is constructed. The HJBQVI is solved with the two different numerical methods, an ordinary differential equation (ODE) based method and a finite difference scheme, demonstrating their consistency. Furthermore, the resulting controlled dynamics are extensively analyzed focusing on a bird population management case from a statistical standpoint.
Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of mothers/caregivers on infant and young child feeding in Assosa Woreda, Assosa Zone, Benshangul Gumuz Region, Western Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Assefa Dawit Getachew , Woldesenbet Tigist Tekle , Molla Wondowsen , Zeleke Eden Dagnachew , Simie Timsel Girma 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundThrough the health extension package, Ethiopia had practiced infant and young child feeding. However, infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practice has been poor. Hence, in this study, the knowledge, attitude, and practice of the mothers/caregivers on infant and young child feeding were assessed.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out among 486 mothers/caregivers from Assosa Districts in the Assosa Zone of Benshangul Gumuz Region, Western Ethiopia. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used. To isolate independent predictors for good knowledge, good practice, and favorable attitude of the mothers/caregivers related to child feeding, multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed.ResultsOut of 486 study participants, 456 (93.8 %) of mothers had good knowledge, 432 (88.9 %) had a positive attitude, and 380 (78.2 %) mothers had good practice of IYCF practice recommendations. Furthermore, age of mothers, educational status of the mother, place of delivery, father’s educational status, father’s involvement & support, previous knowledge about IYCF, discussion with their husband about IYCF, and ANC follows up were significantly associated with mother’s knowledge on IYCF recommendation.ConclusionsOverall mothers had good knowledge and a positive attitude about IYCF practices. To support IYCF practices, behavior change communications intervention strategies should be introduced in mothers to bridge the gap between knowledge and practices.
Synchronous supratentorial and infratentorial oligodendrogliomas with incongruous IDH1 mutations, a case report
Authors: Agopyan-Miu Alexander H. C. W. , Banu Matei A. , Miller Michael L. , Troy Christopher , Hargus Gunnar , Canoll Peter , Wang Tony J. C. , Feldstein Neil , Haggiagi Aya , McKhann Guy M. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractInfratentorial oligodendrogliomas, a rare pathological entity, are generally considered metastatic lesions from supratentorial primary tumors. Here, we report the case of a 23-year-old man presenting with a histopathologically confirmed right precentral gyrus grade 2 oligodendroglioma and a concurrent pontine grade 3 oligodendroglioma. The pontine lesion was biopsied approximately a year after the biopsy of the precentral lesion due to disease progression despite 4 cycles of procarbazine-CCNU-vincristine (PCV) chemotherapy and stable supratentorial disease. Histology and genetic analysis of the pontine biopsy were consistent with grade 3 oligodendroglioma, and comparison of the two lesions demonstrated common 1p/19q co-deletions and TERT promoter mutations but distinct IDH1 mutations, with a non-canonical IDH1 R132G mutation identified in the infratentorial lesion and a R132H mutation identified in the cortical lesion. Initiation of Temozolomide led to complete response of the supratentorial lesion and durable disease control, while Temozolomide with subsequent radiation therapy of 54 Gy in 30 fractions resulted in partial response of the pontine lesion. This case report supports possible distinct molecular pathogenesis in supratentorial and infratentorial oligodendrogliomas and raises questions about the role of different IDH1 mutant isoforms in explaining treatment resistance to different chemotherapy regimens. Importantly, this case suggests that biopsies of all radiographic lesions, when feasible and safe, should be considered in order to adequately guide management in multicentric oligodendrogliomas.
Joint inversion of strain and tilt data using the Akaike’s Bayesian information criterion to map detailed slip distributions of short-term slow slip events
Authors: Tsuyuki Takahiro , Kobayashi Akio , Kai Reiko , Kimura Takeshi , Itaba Satoshi 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAlong the Nankai Trough subduction zone, southwest Japan, short-term slow slip events (SSEs) are commonly detected in strain and tilt records. These observational data have been used in rectangular fault models with uniform slip to analyze SSEs; however, the assumption of uniform slip precludes the possibility of mapping the slip distribution in detail. We report here an inversion method, based on the joint use of strain and tilt data and evaluated in terms of the Akaike’s Bayesian information criterion (ABIC), to estimate the slip distributions of short-term SSEs on the plate interface. Tests of this method yield slip distributions with smaller errors than are possible with the use of strain or tilt data alone. This method provides detailed spatial slip distributions of short-term SSEs including probability estimates, enabling improved monitoring of their locations and amounts of slip.
A three-dimensional atmospheric dispersion model for Mars
Authors: Viúdez-Moreiras D. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Atmospheric local-to-regional dispersion models are widely used on Earth to predict and study the effects of chemical species emitted into the atmosphere and to contextualize sparse data acquired at particular locations and/or times. However, to date, no local-to-regional dispersion models for Mars have been developed; only mesoscale/microscale meteorological models have some dispersion and chemical capabilities, but they do not offer the versatility of a dedicated atmospheric dispersion model when studying the dispersion of chemical species in the atmosphere, as it is performed on Earth. Here, a new three-dimensional local-to-regional-scale Eulerian atmospheric dispersion model for Mars (DISVERMAR) that can simulate emissions to the Martian atmosphere from particular locations or regions including chemical loss and predefined deposition rates, is presented. The model can deal with topography and non-uniform grids. As a case study, the model is applied to the simulation of methane spikes as detected by NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory (MSL); this choice is made given the strong interest in and controversy regarding the detection and variability of this chemical species on Mars.
Impacts of acquisition and reconstruction parameters on the absolute technetium quantification of the cadmium–zinc–telluride-based SPECT/CT system: a phantom study
Authors: Zhang Ruyi , Wang Miao , Zhou Yaqian , Wang Shen , Shen Yiming , Li Ning , Wang Peng , Tan Jian , Meng Zhaowei , Jia Qiang 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
The digital cadmium–zinc–telluride (CZT)-based SPECT system has many advantages, including better spatial and energy resolution. However, the impacts of different acquisition and reconstruction parameters on CZT SPECT quantification might still need to be validated. This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of acquisition parameters (the main energy window and acquisition time per frame) and reconstruction parameters (the number of iterations, subsets in iterative reconstruction, post-filter, and image correction methods) on the technetium quantification of CZT SPECT/CT.

Methods
A phantom (PET NEMA/IEC image quality, USA) was filled with four target-to-background (T/B) ratios (32:1, 16:1, 8:1, and 4:1) of technetium. Mean uptake values (the calculated mean concentrations for spheres) were measured to evaluate the recovery coefficient (RC) changes under different acquisition and reconstruction parameters. The corresponding standard deviations of mean uptake values were also measured to evaluate the quantification error. Image quality was evaluated using the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) NU 2–2012 standard.

Results
For all T/B ratios, significant correlations were found between iterations and RCs (r = 0.62–0.96 for 1–35 iterations, r = 0.94–0.99 for 35–90 iterations) as well as between the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the Gaussian filter and RCs (r = − 0.86 to − 1.00, all P values < 0.05). The regression coefficients of 1–35 iterations were higher than those of 35–90 iterations (0.51–1.60 vs. 0.02–0.19). RCs calculated with AC (attenuation correction) + SC (scatter correction) + RR (resolution recovery correction) combination were more accurate (53.82–106.70%) than those calculated with other combinations (all P values < 0.05). No significant statistical differences (all P values > 0.05) were found between the 15% and 20% energy windows except for the 32:1 T/B ratio (P value = 0.023) or between the 10 s/frame and 120 s/frame acquisition times except for the 4:1 T/B ratio (P value = 0.015) in terms of RCs.

Conclusions
CZT-SPECT/CT of technetium resulted in good quantification accuracy. The favourable acquisition parameters might be a 15% energy window and 40 s/frame of acquisition time. The favourable reconstruction parameters might be 35 iterations, 20 subsets, the AC + SC + RR correction combination, and no filter.
Heart rate and cardiac autonomic responses to concomitant deep breathing, hand grip exercise, and circulatory occlusion in healthy young adult men and women
Authors: Andrade David C. , Melipillan Claudia , Toledo Camilo , Rios-Gallardo Angélica , Marcus Noah J. , Ortiz Fernando C. , Martinez Gonzalo , Muñoz Venturelli Paula , Del Rio Rodrigo 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Deep breathing (DB) and handgrip (HG) exercise -with and without circulatory occlusion (OC) in muscle-, have been shown to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular function; however, the combination of these maneuvers on heart rate (HR) and cardiac sympathovagal balance have not been previously investigated. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of simultaneous DB, HG, and OC maneuvers on the sympathovagal balance in healthy women and men subjects.

Methods and results
Electrocardiogram and ventilation were measured in 20 healthy subjects (Women: n = 10; age = 27 ± 4 years; weight = 67.1 ± 8.4 kg; and height = 1.6 ± 0.1 m. Men: n = 10; age = 27 ± 3 years; weight = 77.5 ± 10.1 kg; and height = 1.7 ± 0.1 m) at baseline and during DB, DB + HG, or DB + HG + OC protocols. Heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate were continuously recorded, and spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) were calculated to indirectly estimate cardiac autonomic function. Men and women showed similar HR responses to DB, DB + HG and DB + HG + OC. Men exhibited a significant HR decrease following DB + HG + OC protocol which was accompanied by an improvement in cardiac autonomic control evidenced by spectral changes in HRV towards parasympathetic predominance (HRV High frequency: 83.95 ± 1.45 vs. 81.87 ± 1.50 n.u., DB + HG + OC vs. baseline; p < 0.05). In women, there was a marked decrease in HR after completion of both DB + HG and DB + HG + OC tests which was accompanied by a significant increase in cardiac vagal tone (HRV High frequency: 85.29 ± 1.19 vs. 77.93 ± 0.92 n.u., DB + HG vs. baseline; p < 0.05). No adverse effects or discomfort were reported by men or women during experimental procedures. Independent of sex, combination of DB, HG, and OC was tolerable and resulted in decreases in resting HR and elevations in cardiac parasympathetic tone.

Conclusions
These data indicate that combined DB, HG and OC are effective in altering cardiac sympathovagal balance and reducing resting HR in healthy men and women.
Oral microbiota in the oral-genitourinary axis: identifying periodontitis as a potential risk of genitourinary cancers
Authors: Yuan Shuai , Fang Cheng , Leng Wei-Dong , Wu Lan , Li Bing-Hui , Wang Xing-Huan , Hu Hailiang , Zeng Xian-Tao 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPeriodontitis has been proposed as a novel risk factor of genitourinary cancers: although periodontitis and genitourinary cancers are two totally distinct types of disorders, epidemiological and clinical studies, have established associations between them. Dysbiosis of oral microbiota has already been established as a major factor contributing to periodontitis. Recent emerging epidemiological evidence and the detection of oral microbiota in genitourinary organs indicate the presence of an oral-genitourinary axis and oral microbiota may be involved in the pathogenesis of genitourinary cancers. Therefore, oral microbiota provides the bridge between periodontitis and genitourinary cancers. We have carried out this narrative review which summarizes epidemiological studies exploring the association between periodontitis and genitourinary cancers. We have also highlighted the current evidence demonstrating the capacity of oral microbiota to regulate almost all hallmarks of cancer, and proposed the potential mechanisms of oral microbiota in the development of genitourinary cancers.
Food security and COVID-19 in Afghanistan: a two-sided battlefront
Authors: Ahmadi Attaullah , Gandour Georges , Ghaffari Hujjatullah , Sati Heba , Mrad Anthony Abou , Semaan Serena , Elhadi Yasir Ahmed Mohammed , Mousavi Sayed Hamid , Arif Shamim , Madadi Shekiba , Lucero-Prisno Don Eliseo 
Published: September 2021

AbstractFood security is a major element for the sustainability, stability and development of a country. However, despite fundamental efforts in fighting poverty, Afghanistan continues to struggle with food insecurity with a large proportion of its population living below the poverty line. With extreme climates, protracted conflict, and now COVID-19, food insecurity has become rampant and is on the rise in the country. Efforts have been reinforced to mitigate this issue, but a spate of obstacles which seems not to come to an end, has contributed to the deterioration of the situation. With the collaboration and efforts of international organizations, there remains a glimmer of hope to potentially reduce the gravity of the food insecurity in the country. This paper aims to highlight the efforts of Afghanistan in alleviating food insecurity with a focus on the impact of COVID-19 on this issue. It also presents recommendations that may help ameliorate the country’s food security status during and after the pandemic.
Measurement properties of brief neuropathy screening items in cancer patients receiving taxanes, platinums, or proteasome inhibitors
Authors: Knoerl Robert , Mazzola Emanuele , Mitchell Sandra A. , Hong Fangxin , Salehi Elahe , McCleary Nadine , Ligibel Jennifer A. , Reyes Kaitlen , Berry Donna L. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Timely detection of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is critical to effectively tailor chemotherapy dose levels and offer supportive care. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to determine the reliability and validity of the two Patient-Reported Outcomes Version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE™) numbness and tingling severity and interference items to screen for CIPN in patients receiving taxanes, platinums, or proteasome inhibitors.

Methods
Participants (N = 142) completed the two PRO-CTCAE items, a 0–10 numerical rating scale of worst CIPN pain intensity, and the Quality of Life Questionnaire–CIPN20 (QLQ-CIPN20) prior to three clinical visits (T1, T2, T3) during neurotoxic chemotherapy. Participants completed the two PRO-CTCAE items again following the T3 clinical visit (T4). In addition, study staff administered the modified Total Neuropathy Score–Clinical Version (TNSc©) at T3. We examined floor (i.e., no CIPN severity or interference) and ceiling effects, test–retest reliability, concurrent validity, longitudinal validity, construct validity of the response categories, and sensitivity and specificity of the two PRO-CTCAE items.

Results
At T3, 29% of participants had PRO-CTCAE severity scores at the floor; 60.1% of participants reported interference item scores at the floor. Agreements between scores reported at T3 and T4 for PRO-CTCAE severity (ICC = 0.79) and interference (ICC = 0.73) were moderate to strong. The PRO-CTCAE severity and interference items correlated moderately-strongly with QLQ-CIPN20 sensory (Spearman’s ρ-range = 0.53–0.72) and motor (Spearman’s ρ-range = 0.50–0.58) subscale scores. The Cohen’s d from T1 to T3 for the PRO-CTCAE items were small (severity: d = 0.32, interference: d = 0.40) and comparable to the effect sizes for change observed with the QLQ-CIPN20. The PRO-CTCAE severity (0–3) and interference (0–2) response categories distinguished respondents with significantly different levels of QLQ-CIPN20 sensory and motor subscale scores (p < 0.001 via Jonckheere-Terpstra tests). The sensitivity and specificity of the PRO-CTCAE severity item (cutoff > 0) to detect probable sensory peripheral neuropathy were 95.83% and 65.22%, while the sensitivity and specificity of the PRO-CTCAE™ interference item (cutoff > 0) were 51.39% and 73.91%.

Conclusion
Preliminary evidence supports the reliability and validity of the PRO-CTCAE numbness and tingling items for CIPN screening, although there may be floor effects and limitations in the capacity of the PRO-CTCAE items to identify the full range of CIPN sensory and motor features beyond numbness and tingling.
Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.Gov, NCT03514680. Registered 21 April 2018. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03514680
Diversity and abundance of terrestrial gastropods in Skikda region (North-East Algeria): correlation with soil physicochemical factors
Authors: Zaidi Nedjoua , Douafer Louiza , Hamdani Amel 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
The inventory process is the first method to protect and safeguard animal biodiversity. This study carries out a quantitative and qualitative inventory of terrestrial gastropods at three sites in Skikda province (north-eastern Algeria). The relationship between terrestrial gastropod diversity and soil physicochemical factors was investigated using statistical analyses.

Results
The inventory data reveals the presence of four families and eight species showing varied predominance rates of Cornu aspersum species according to each site in the city of Skikda (Azzaba 53.88%; Ben-Azzouz 56.12%; El-Hadaiek 37.92%). The maximal specific richness was registered in the El-Hadaiek site (seven species), and the highest mean richness was noted in the Ben-Azzouz site (392 individuals). Of the eight gastropod species identified, three species (Cornu aspersum, Cantareus apertus and Rumina decollate) were classified as constant species. The Shannon–Weaver diversity and equitability indices vary by site.

Conclusion
The presence of certain species in one site and their absence in other sites, as well as the variation in ecological indices, could be attributed to the effect of soil-physicochemical factors.
Enhanced sensory conduction in primary fibromyalgia: a case–control pilot study
Authors: Thabit Mohamed N. , Abdelmomen Mostafa , Aboelfadl Esam , Hadad Saber 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to test the changes in the conduction properties of peripheral nerves in patients with primary fibromyalgia (FM). Thirty patients with FM and sixteen healthy controls participated in this study. Visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain severity, pain duration, Widespread Pain Index (WPI), Symptom Severity (SS) scale, Hamilton depression rating scale, Taylor’s manifest anxiety scale, and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR) were used for measurement of psychiatric comorbidities and quality of life for each patient. Routine motor and sensory nerve conduction studies of both median, ulnar, common peroneal, posterior tibial, and sural nerves were measured for all study participants.ResultsWe found statistically significant increase in Sensory Conduction Velocity (SCV), Sensory Nerve Action Potential (SNAP) amplitude, and decrease in Sensory Latency (SL) in patients with FM compared to controls. There were no significant changes in motor nerve conduction between patients and controls. Regression analysis showed a significant relation between WPI and both SCV and SL especially in nerves of upper limbs. However, no significant relation between SCV and SL and other presumed predictors including VAS for pain severity, pain duration, SS scale, FIQR, and psychiatric comorbidities. Patients with FM suffered more depression and anxiety than controls.ConclusionsWe found enhanced conductivity of the sensory rather than the motor nerves in patients with FM. To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe these sensory changes which may add further evidence of peripheral sensitization in patients with FM.
Iron replacement therapy in heart failure: a literature review
Authors: Ismahel Hassan , Ismahel Nadeen 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Heart failure (HF) is a major global challenge, emphasised by its designation as the leading cause of hospitalisation in those aged 65 and above. Approximately half of all patients with HF have concurrent iron deficiency (ID) regardless of anaemia status. In HF, iron deficiency is independently associated with higher rates of hospitalisation and death, lower exercise capacity, and poorer quality-of-life than in patients without iron deficiency. With such consequences, several studies have investigated whether correcting ID can improve HF outcomes.
Main body.
As of 1st June 2021, seven randomised controlled trials have explored the use of intravenous (IV) iron in patients with HF and ID, along with various meta-analyses including an individual patient data meta-analysis, all of which are discussed in this review. IV iron was well tolerated, with a comparable frequency of adverse events to placebo. In the context of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), IV iron reduces the risk of hospitalisation for HF, and improves New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, quality-of-life, and exercise capacity (as measured by 6-min walk test (6MWT)) distance and peak oxygen consumption. However, the effect of IV iron on mortality is uncertain. Finally, the evidence for IV iron in patients with acute decompensated heart failure, or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is limited.

Conclusions
IV iron improves some outcomes in patients with HFrEF and ID. Patients with HFrEF should be screened for ID, defined as ferritin < 100 µg/L, or ferritin 100–299 µg/L if transferrin saturation < 20%. If ID is found, IV iron should be considered, although causes of ID other than HF must not be overlooked.