bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics phetoplacental complex change in women with pulmonary tuberculosis, complicated by iron deficiency anemia
Authors: Zadorozhnyi O. , Rozhkovskaya N. , Zadorozhnaya O. , Tarnovska G. 
Published: September 2022

87 pregnant women have been examined, 57 of them had pulmonary form of TB, complicated by IDA (main group). The control group consisted of 30 conditionally somatic-healthy patients with physiological pregnancy. Changes in the parameters of erythron, increased metabolic acidosis, development of placental dysfunction (93%), violation of hemodynamics in the utero-placental-fetal basin, and low biophysical profile of the fetus were found. The main group patients received comprehensive anti-anemic, antihypoxic, detoxificative, antioxidant and membrane-stabilizing therapy. After the pathogenetic treatment, the general condition of mother and fetus improved, e. g. the total index of biophysical profile of fetus in the pregnant women of the main group increased from (6.87 ± 0.18) points to (8.73 ± 0.12) points Women with pulmonary tuberculosis and iron-deficiency anemia require complex pathogenetic therapy, which significantly improves the erythron signs, fetal, newborn and general mother’s condition.
On Integer Programming, Discrepancy, and Convolution
Authors: Jansen Klaus , Rohwedder Lars 
Published: September 2022

Integer programs with a fixed number of constraints are solvable in pseudo-polynomial time in the largest coefficient of any constraint. We give a new algorithm which improves the running time of the state of the art. Moreover, we show that improving on our algorithm for any number of constraints is equivalent to improving over the quadratic time algorithm for (min, +)-convolution. This is strong evidence that our algorithm’s running time is the best possible. We also present a specialized algorithm for testing the feasibility of an integer program and give a tight lower bound, which is based on the strong exponential time hypothesis in this case. Funding: This work was supported by the German Research Foundation [Grants JA 612/16-1, JA 612/20-1].
A prospective clinical pilot study comparing two post-operative dressings in the treatment of surgical incisions in volunteers
Authors: Breisinger Kristy , Harrell Khristina , Serena Laura , Serena Thomas E 
Published: September 2022

Objective: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are one of the leading causes of post-operative morbidity and mortality worldwide. The original post-operative dressing, gauze taped in place, did not protect the incision from contamination. A recent clinical trial demonstrated that transparent films were superior to gauze in reducing SSIs. Transparent films are semi-occlusive (semi-permeable, transparent). They protect the incision from contamination; however, one of the drawbacks of current films is that they may become dislodged during daily activities, such as showering. Patients may not realise that the integrity of the dressing has been compromised, leading to soiling of the incision and possible infection. DrySee (DrySee Inc., US) is a novel film dressing with a colorimetric indicator that alerts the patient when the dressing has been compromised. Method: This trial compared the film dressing with the indicator (DSD) to a commonly used post-operative dressing comparator (Tegaderm + Pad; 3M, US). A 1.5cm incision was made in the volar forearm of volunteers. The incisions were randomly treated with the DSD or comparator dressing. Results: A cohort of 20 volunteer patients was recruited. The DSD had a greater wear time and patients reported that the DSD dressing stayed in place better during activities compared to the comparator. Conclusion: Overall, 75% of patients preferred DSD and 25% preferred the comparator.
Metagenomics of diabetic foot ulcer undergoing treatment with total contact casting: a case study
Authors: Isaac Adam L , Tritto Michael , Colwell Rita R , Armstrong David G 
Published: September 2022

Objective: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are characterised by the presence of many microbes, some of which may not be identified by traditional culture techniques. Total contact casting (TCC) remains the gold-standard for offloading, yet little is known about the microbiome of wounds that progress from hard-to-heal to closed within a TCC. Method: A patient with a DFU underwent weekly treatment with TCC to closure. Samples for next-generation sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatics analysis of tissue samples were collected during each visit. Detection, identification, characterisation of the microbial community and abundance of microbes in each sample were compared. Results: Abundance of microbes, identified by species and strain, changed with each treatment visit. By the final week of treatment, species diversity of the wound microbiome had decreased significantly, highlighted by an observed decrease in the number of total microorganisms present. Resistance genes for tetracyclines were detected in the first sample, but not in subsequent samples. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest dynamic microbiological changes associated with DFUs as they progress to healing within a TCC. As NGS becomes more readily available, further studies will be helpful to gain an improved understanding of the significance of the wound microbiome in patients with DFUs.
Compact asymmetric directional-coupler-based two-mode optical switch utilizing low loss Sb2Se3 phase-change material
Authors: Atri Ali , Zarifkar Abbas 
Published: September 2022

Mode division multiplexing (MDM) has provided a new trend in high capacity optical transmission systems. Some of the most important devices in MDM systems are multimode switches that can route signals simultaneously into different paths. In this work, a two-mode

1

×

2

optical switch based on an asymmetric directional coupler and using Sb2Se3 phase-change material is proposed with a compact size of

45

µ

m

×

6

µ

m

. This switch can route the fundamental and first transverse magnetic modes in a wide bandwidth in the third telecommunication window from 1535 to 1565 nm. According to the 3D finite-difference time-domain simulation results, this switch has a low insertion loss of 0.83 dB and cross talk of

−

7.93

d
B

across the bandwidth in the “on” state. In addition, when the switch is off, it has suitable specifications in terms of insertion loss and cross talk with values lower than 0.29 dB and

−

11.98

d
B

across the bandwidth, respectively.
Robust inference of population size histories from genomic sequencing data
Authors: Upadhya Gautam , Steinrücken Matthias 
Published: September 2022

Unraveling the complex demographic histories of natural populations is a central problem in population genetics. Understanding past demographic events is of general anthropological interest, but is also an important step in establishing accurate null models when identifying adaptive or disease-associated genetic variation. An important class of tools for inferring past population size changes from genomic sequence data are Coalescent Hidden Markov Models (CHMMs). These models make efficient use of the linkage information in population genomic datasets by using the local genealogies relating sampled individuals as latent states that evolve along the chromosome in an HMM framework. Extending these models to large sample sizes is challenging, since the number of possible latent states increases rapidly.
Here, we present our method CHIMP (CHMM History-Inference Maximum-Likelihood Procedure), a novel CHMM method for inferring the size history of a population. It can be applied to large samples (hundreds of haplotypes) and only requires unphased genomes as input. The two implementations of CHIMP that we present here use either the height of the genealogical tree (TMRCA) or the total branch length, respectively, as the latent variable at each position in the genome. The requisite transition and emission probabilities are obtained by numerically solving certain systems of differential equations derived from the ancestral process with recombination. The parameters of the population size history are subsequently inferred using an Expectation-Maximization algorithm. In addition, we implement a composite likelihood scheme to allow the method to scale to large sample sizes.
We demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of our method in a variety of benchmark tests using simulated data and present comparisons to other state-of-the-art methods. Specifically, our implementation using TMRCA as the latent variable shows comparable performance and provides accurate estimates of effective population sizes in intermediate and ancient times. Our method is agnostic to the phasing of the data, which makes it a promising alternative in scenarios where high quality data is not available, and has potential applications for pseudo-haploid data.
Performance of the UNICEF/UN Washington Group tool for identifying functional difficulty in rural Zimbabwean children
Authors: Dunne Thomas Frederick , Chandna Jaya , Majo Florence , Tavengwa Naume , Mutasa Batsirai , Chasekwa Bernard , Ntozini Robert , Prendergast Andrew J. , Humphrey Jean H. , Gladstone Melissa J. 
Published: September 2022

Introduction
Over one billion people live with disability worldwide, of whom 80% are in developing countries. Robust childhood disability data are limited, particularly as tools for identifying disability function poorly at young ages.

Methods
A subgroup of children enrolled in the Sanitation Hygiene Infant Nutrition Efficacy (SHINE) trial (a cluster-randomised, community-based, 2x2 factorial trial in two rural districts in Zimbabwe) had neurodevelopmental assessments at 2 years of age. We evaluated functional difficulty prevalence in HIV-exposed and HIV-unexposed children using the Washington Group Child Functioning Module (WGCFM), comparing absolute difference using chi-squared or Fisher’s exact tests. Concurrent validity with the Malawi Developmental Assessment Tool (MDAT) was assessed using logistic regression with cohort MDAT score quartiles, linear regression for unit-increase in raw scores and a Generalised Estimating Equation approach (to adjust for clusters) to compare MDAT scores of those with and without functional difficulty. A 3-step, cluster-adjusted multivariable regression model was then carried out to examine risk factors for functional difficulty.

Findings
Functional Difficulty prevalence was 4.2% (95%CI: 3.2%, 5.2%) in HIV-unexposed children (n = 1606) versus 6.1% (95%CI: 3.5%, 8.9%) in HIV-exposed children (n = 314) (absolute difference 1.9%, 95%CI: -0.93%, 4.69%; p = 0.14). Functional difficulty score correlated negatively with MDAT: for each unit increase in WGCFM score, children completed 2.6 (95%CI: 2.2, 3.1) fewer MDAT items (p = 0.001). Children from families with food insecurity and poorer housing were more at risk of functional difficulty.

Interpretation
Functional difficulty was identified in approximately 1-in-20 children in rural Zimbabwe, which is comparable to prevalence in previous studies. WGCFM showed concurrent validity with the MDAT, supporting its use in early childhood.
Out-of-pocket expenditure on medicines in Bangladesh: An analysis of the national household income and expenditure survey 2016–17
Authors: Serván-Mori Edson , Islam Md Deen , Kaplan Warren A. , Thrasher Rachel , Wirtz Veronika J. 
Published: September 2022

Background and objectives
High out-of-pocket expenditures (OOPE) increases the probability that households will become impoverished or will forgo needed care. The aim of this paper is to study household medicines expenditure and its associated determining factors to develop policies to protect households from financial hardship.

Methods
The present cross-sectional and population-level study used the Bangladesh 2016–17 National Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES). The final sample size was 46,080 households. We analyzed the probability of OOPE for medicines, the share of total OOPE due to medicines out of total OOPE in health (reported as a ratio between zero and one), the OOPE amount for medicines reported (in United States Dollars), and the share of OOPE amount on medicines out of total household expenditure (reported as a ratio between zero and one). Predictors of analyzed outcomes were identified using three regression models.

Results
Out of those households who spent on healthcare, the probability of having any OOPE on medicines was 87.9%. Of those who spent on medicines, the median monthly expenditure was US$3.03. The poorest households spent 9.97% of their total household expenditure as OOPE on medicines, nearly double that of the wealthiest households (5.86%). The characteristic which showed the most significant correlation to a high OOPE on medicines was the presence of chronic diseases, especially cancer. Twenty six percent of all surveyed households spend more than 10% of their OOPE on medicines.

Conclusions
Our study shows that financial protection should be targeted at the poorest quintiles and such protection should include enrollment of rural households. Further, outpatient medicines benefits should include those for non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Incarceration status and cancer mortality: A population-based study
Authors: Oladeru Oluwadamilola T. , Aminawung Jenerius A. , Lin Hsiu-Ju , Gonsalves Lou , Puglisi Lisa , Mun Sophia , Gallagher Colleen , Soulos Pamela , Gross Cary P. , Wang Emily A. 
Published: September 2022

Background
The complex relationship between incarceration and cancer survival has not been thoroughly evaluated. We assessed whether cancer diagnosis during incarceration or the immediate post-release period is associated with higher rates of mortality compared with those never incarcerated.

Methods
We conducted a population-based study using a statewide linkage of tumor registry and correctional system movement data for Connecticut adult residents diagnosed with invasive cancer from 2005 through 2016. The independent variable was place of cancer diagnosis: during incarceration, within 12 months post-release, and never incarcerated. The dependent variables were five-year cancer-related and overall survival rates.

Results
Of the 216,540 adults diagnosed with invasive cancer during the study period, 239 (0.11%) people were diagnosed during incarceration, 479 (0.22%) within 12 months following release, and the remaining were never incarcerated. After accounting for demographics and cancer characteristics, including stage of diagnosis, the risk for cancer-related death at five years was significantly higher among those diagnosed while incarcerated (AHR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.12–1.73) and those recently released (AHR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.57–2.10) compared to the never-incarcerated group. The risk for all-cause mortality was also higher for those diagnosed with cancer while incarcerated (AHR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.63–2.26) and those recently released (AHR = 2.18, 95% CI = 1.94–2.45).

Conclusions and relevance
There is a higher risk of cancer mortality among individuals diagnosed with cancer during incarceration and in the first-year post-release, which is not fully explained by stage of diagnosis. Cancer prevention and treatment efforts should target people who experience incarceration and identify why incarceration is associated with worse outcomes.
Empowering families to take on a palliative caregiver role for patients with cancer in India: Persistent challenges and promising strategies
Authors: Fereydooni Soraya , Lorenz Karl A. , Ganesh Archana , Satija Anchal , Spruijt Odette , Bhatnagar Sushma , Gamboa Raziel C. , Singh Nainwant , Giannitrapani Karleen F. 
Published: September 2022

Background
The population of patients with cancer requiring palliative care (PC) is on the rise in India. Family caregivers will be essential members of the care team in the provision of PC.

Objective
We aimed to characterize provider perspectives of the challenges that Indian families face in taking on a palliative caregiving role.

Method
Data for this analysis came from an evaluation of the PC-PAICE project, a series of quality improvement interventions for PC in India. We conducted 44 in-depth semi-structured interviews with organizational leaders and clinical team members at seven geographically and structurally diverse settings. Through thematic content analysis, themes relating to the caregivers’ role were identified using a combination of deductive and inductive approaches.

Result
Contextual challenges to taking up the PC caregiving role included family members’ limited knowledge about PC and cancer, the necessity of training for caregiving responsibilities, and cultural preferences for pursuing curative treatments over palliative ones. Some logistical challenges include financial, time, and mental health limitations that family caregivers may encounter when navigating the expectations of taking on the caregiving role. Strategies to facilitate family buy-in for PC provision include adopting a family care model, connecting them to services provided by Non-Governmental Organizations, leveraging volunteers and social workers to foster PC awareness and training, and responding specifically to family’s requests.

Conclusion
Understanding and addressing the various challenges that families face in adopting the caregiver role are essential steps in the provision and expansion of PC in India. Locally initiated quality improvement projects can be a way to address these challenges based on the context.
Bowel Preparation Efficacy and Safety of 1 L vs 2 L Polyethylene Glycol With Ascorbic Acid for Colonoscopy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Jeon Han Jo , Keum Bora , Bang Eun Ju , Lee Kang Won , Kim Sang Hyun , Lee Jae Min , Choi Hyuk Soon , Kim Eun Sun , Jeen Yoon Tae , Lee Hong Sik , Chun Hoon Jai 
Published: September 2022

INTRODUCTION:
Polyethylene glycol with ascorbic acid (PEG/Asc) is a well-established bowel preparation solution with guaranteed effectiveness and safety. A new low-volume agent, 1 L-PEG/Asc, has recently been released. This study aimed to compare the bowel cleansing efficacy and safety of 1 L-PEG/Asc and 2 L-PEG/Asc administered to adult outpatients in a split-dose manner.

METHODS:
Outpatients undergoing colonoscopy enrolled in a single-blinded, single-center, noninferiority study conducted between July and October 2021 were randomized in a 1:1 manner to a 1 L-PEG/Asc or 2 L-PEG/Asc group. Bowel cleansing was assessed using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) and the Harefield Cleansing Scale in intention-to-treat and per-protocol populations.

RESULTS:
Two hundred forty participants were randomized and allocated, with 120 patients in the 1 L and 2 L-PEG/Asc groups, respectively. Noninferiority was demonstrated for overall successful bowel cleansing (BBPS: 92.5% vs 90.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.054 to 0.087) and the high-quality cleansing rate of the right-sided colon (BBPS = 3, 40.0% vs 35.8%; 95% CI, −0.082 to 0.165; Harefield Cleansing Scale ≥3, 50.0% vs 43.3%; 95% CI, −0.060 to 0.194) in the intention-to-treat population. The overall incidence of adverse events was similar in both groups ([82/120] 68.3% vs [72/120] 60.0%; P = 0.178). The tolerability, acceptability, and compliance rates of both regimens were similar, with no significant differences.

DISCUSSION:
Compared with 2 L-PEG/Asc, 1 L-PEG/Asc achieved successful overall bowel cleansing efficacy with high-quality cleansing in the proximal colon and proved its noninferiority. Therefore, 1 L-PEG/Asc is an acceptable alternative bowel cleansing solution.
A two-case study on CSL learners’ agency in classroom settings from the perspective of language socialization
Authors: Luo Shaoqian , Si Zhoucong 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Examining the learner agency expressed by two learners of Chinese as a second language (CSL), the current two-case study was conducted from the perspective of language socialization. Qualitative data have been collected through classroom observations and semi-structured interviews. Data analysis reveals that the two cases in the current study exhibited eight forms of learner agency in their CSL learning, including self-determination, self-motivation, self-regulation, participation, cooperation, negotiation, hesitancy and resistance. In addition, learner agency observed in the two cases is constantly mediated by multiple sociocultural factors in specific contexts of CSL socialization. The results of the current study imply the socioculturally mediated essence of learner agency and suggest that learner agency develops through a temporal course and is constrained by social structures.
Investigation of mechanical properties of SiC-reinforced seamless aluminium pipes fabricated using powder metallurgy followed by hot extrusion
Authors: Yurt Ozgur Erdem , Uzun Arif 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
In this study, SiC (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 wt.%) reinforced seamless aluminium pipes were fabricated using powder metallurgy followed by hot extrusion. The microstructural (optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy) and mechanical (tensile and crush behaviour) properties of silicon carbide reinforced seamless aluminium pipes were studied. Experimental results showed that the SiC particles form some clusters in the Al matrix and were oriented in the direction of extrusion. Tensile tests indicated that the addition of SiC particles to pure Al matrix resulted in a significant increase in tensile properties of the SiC-reinforced seamless aluminium pipes. Compared to pure Al pipe, 20 % SiC reinforced aluminium pipe exhibited higher yield strength (127 vs. 83 MPa, increased by ∼53 %) and ultimate tensile strength (150 vs. 129 MPa, increased by ∼16 %). Two types of deformation mode (symmetrical ring and asymmetric diamond) were observed in the samples with L/D:1 and L/D:2 ratios under crushing load. Maximum initial collapse force (6.7 kN) was obtained in 10 % SiC reinforced aluminium pipe with L/D:1 ratio.
Effects of blending poly(lactic acid) and thermoplastic polyester polyurethanes on the mechanical and adhesive properties in two-component injection molding
Authors: Klute Marco , Piontek Alexander , Heim Hans-Peter , Kabasci Stephan 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
One possible way to increase the use of bioplastics and thus contribute to a more resource-efficient and sustainable economy is to broaden the application range of such bioplastics. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a promising and commercially available bio-based and biologically degradable polymer, which exhibits a high strength and stiffness but is very brittle. Blending with other polymers can lead to an enhancement of the ductility of the PLA. The goal of this work was to show that blending of PLA with a bio-based thermoplastic polyester-urethane elastomer (TPU) increases the ductility of the compound and also affects the adhesion of the layers when the materials – the modified PLA compound and the TPU – are processed via two-component (2C) injection molding to form corresponding composite parts. The results show that both goals – the increased ductility as well as the increased adhesion between the polymeric phases in 2C parts – can be reached by compounding PLA with two different bio-based polyester-based TPUs. Tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the compounds decrease according to a linear mixing rule with the addition of TPU. Elongation at break and notched Charpy impact strength increase by 750 and 200%, respectively. By addition of the TPU, the surface free energies of the compounds were increased, especially the polar parts. This led to reduced interfacial tensions between the produced compounds and the neat TPUs and thus increased the adhesion between them. For the softer TPU the adhesion was so strong that the TPU showed a cohesive failure in the 90° peel test and thus could not be separated from the compound substrate at all. For the harder TPU the bonding strength increased by 140% upon the addition of this TPU inside the hard component.