Arterial Hypertension-Related Factors within Custodial Settings of Southern Benin in 2023

Introduction: Hypertension, a non-communicable disease, is a major public health threat worldwide, accounting for a high level of morbidity and mortality. Although it has been extensively published among the general population, further research is needed to understand the reality of hypertension within the custodial setting. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with arterial hypertension in custodial settings in southern Benin in 2023. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, analytical study held in prisons in southern Benin from March to April 2023, involving inmates selected by two-stage random sampling. In the first stage, four prisons out of the six in the southern region of Benin were selected by simple random sampling. In the second stage, the prisoners were selected by systematic random sampling, with the sampling frame being the numbered list of eligible prisoners in each prison selected. Data collected by observation and questionnaire survey were analyzed using Stata 11 software. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg. Overweight was defined by a body mass index (weight/height2 (kg/m2) ≥ 25. Factors associated with hypertension were identified by multiple logistic regression, at a 5% threshold of significance. Results: Altogether 336 inmates aged 37.55 ± 1.72 years were surveyed. The prevalence of hypertension in custodial settings in southern Benin in 2023 was 31.32% (95% CI [17.06;52.57]). Associated factors were inmate age (ORa = 3.36 95% CI: [1.94;5.85]) and abnormal waist circumference (ORa = 2.61 95% CI [1.27;5.40]). Conclusion: The prevalence of arterial hypertension in prisons of southern Benin (31.32%) is high when compared with the national average (25.9% (22.5-29.3)). The ministries of the Interior and Health need to collaborate to involve inmates in preventive strategies for non-communicable diseases, including hypertension.

Prospective randomized study to evaluate and compare the post-procedural sexual function in patients undergoing semi-rigid ureterorenoscopy for distal ureteric stones in three different operating room settings

Objective:To evaluate and compare the effect of semi-rigid ureterorenoscopy on post-procedural sexual function with three different operating room settings.Methods:In this prospective randomized study,consecutive sexually active patients with normal pre-operative sexual function undergoing uncomplicated semi-rigid ureterorenoscopy for distal ureteric stones were randomized into three groups,with three different operating room settings.Procedure-related anxiety and sexual function were assessed pre-operatively using Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale and Brief Sexual Function Inventory(in males)and Female Sexual Function Index-6(in females),respectively.All the participants were stented following the procedure,and the stent was removed after 3 weeks.Post-procedural sexual function and general discomfort were assessed and compared between three groups at 1 week,3 weeks,and 12 weeks.The effect of surgery-related anxiety,preoperative sexual function,age,and general discomfort(including stent-related discomfort)on post-procedural sexual function were analyzed using multiple regression analysis.A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:Totally,327 eligible patients were randomized into three groups.The group of patients who underwent the procedural with a screen separating the operating area from the patient vision,while the patient could watch the endoscopy through a separate monitor,had better post-procedural sexual function compared to those who had total vision of the operating area as well as to those whose eyes were blocked.This difference was statistically significant.This post-procedural reduction in sexual function could not be attributed to in situ stent alone.Conclusions:Our study showed that semi-rigid ureterorenoscopy can have significant negative effect on sexual function,which can be reduced with proper preoperative counseling and an ideal operating room settings.

Federated Learning Model for Auto Insurance Rate Setting Based on Tweedie Distribution

In the assessment of car insurance claims,the claim rate for car insurance presents a highly skewed probability distribution,which is typically modeled using Tweedie distribution.The traditional approach to obtaining the Tweedie regression model involves training on a centralized dataset,when the data is provided by multiple parties,training a privacy-preserving Tweedie regression model without exchanging raw data becomes a challenge.To address this issue,this study introduces a novel vertical federated learning-based Tweedie regression algorithm for multi-party auto insurance rate setting in data silos.The algorithm can keep sensitive data locally and uses privacy-preserving techniques to achieve intersection operations between the two parties holding the data.After determining which entities are shared,the participants train the model locally using the shared entity data to obtain the local generalized linear model intermediate parameters.The homomorphic encryption algorithms are introduced to interact with and update the model intermediate parameters to collaboratively complete the joint training of the car insurance rate-setting model.Performance tests on two publicly available datasets show that the proposed federated Tweedie regression algorithm can effectively generate Tweedie regression models that leverage the value of data fromboth partieswithout exchanging data.The assessment results of the scheme approach those of the Tweedie regressionmodel learned fromcentralized data,and outperformthe Tweedie regressionmodel learned independently by a single party.

Watson-Jones Anatomical Approach for Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Proximal Femoral Fractures without Image Intensifier in a Low-Resource Setting

Introduction: Standard procedures for surgical fixation of proximal femoral fractures (PFF) require an image intensifier which in developing countries remains a luxury. We hypothesized that, with a well-codified technique, the Watson Jones approach (WJA) without image intensifier nor traction table, can allow open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of PFF using Dynamic hip screw (DHS), with satisfactory outcome. Patients and methods: Forty one consecutive patients (mean age 59.5 ± 21.6 years, 61% males) who were followed in a Teaching Hospital for PFF treated by ORIF using the WJA and DHS from January 2016 to December 2020 were reassessed. The outcome measures were the quality of the reduction, the positioning of the implants, the tip-apex distance (TAD), the rate and delay of consolidation, the functional results using Postel Merle d’Aubigné (PMA) score, the rate of surgical site infection (SSI) and the overall mortality. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with mechanical failure. Results: The mean follow-up period was 33.8 ± 15.0 months. Fracture reduction was good in 31 (75.6%) cases and acceptable in 8(19.5%) cases. Implant position was fair to good in 37 (90.2%) patients. The mean TAD was 26.1 ± 3.9 mm. Three patients developed SSI. Consolidation was achieved in 38 (92.6%) patients. The functional results were good to excellent in 80.5% of patients. The overall mortality rate was 7.3%. There were an association between mechanical failure and osteoporosis (p = 0.04), fracture reduction (p = 0.003), and TAD (p = 0.025). In multivariate logistic regression, no independent factors were predictive of mechanical failure. Conclusion: This study shows that ORIF using DHS for PFF via the Watson-Jones approach without an image intensifier can give satisfactory anatomical and functional outcomes in low-resource settings. It provides and validates a reliable and reproducible technique that deserves to be diffused to surgeons in austere areas over the world.

Age and geochemical evolution of granite magmatism in Olkhon region from Caledonian syncollisional ore-free granite to the rare metal granite and pegmatite of Middle Paleozoic intraplate setting

The detailed description of two granite complexes in the Olkhon subterrane is given.The Early Paleozoic Sharanur complex was formed by granitization of gneisses of the Olkhon series.It includes migmatites,granite-gneisses,granites and pegmatites of normal alkalinity;they belong to the type of syncollisional granites.The Middle Paleozoic Aya granite complex includes mother Aya massif of amazonite-bearing granites and several types of rare-metal pegmatites.They have elevated alkalinity,low of Ba,Sr,and high LILE and HFSE elements contents.The Aya pegmatites lie in northwest cracks of stretching and associated with the rise of the territory under the influence of the North Asian plume.These cracks and pegmatites mark the beginning of a new intraplate geodynamic setting.Two geochemical types are distinguished among the pegmatites of this complex.These are amazonite pegmatites of Li-F type with Ta mineralization and complex type pegmatite with Be-Rb-Nb-Ta and Li-F mineralization(the Ilixin vein).The Tashkiney pegmatite vein is similar to Ilixin,but lies in the gneisses of the Olkhon series.It shows high concentrations of Be,Nb,Ta,as well as W,Sn,but lacks Li and F,due to a greater depth and higher temperature of the melt crystallization of this pegmatite.

Significance of“Printing English”in the Curriculum Setting of Business English Majors(Publishing Direction)

With the development of the global economy and the quick growth of international exchanges,Business English major plays an increasingly important role in higher education.The training goal of Business English major(publishing direction)has gradually shifted from the improvement of studentslanguage abilities to the cultivation of more specialized business knowledge and publishing skills.As an important course for Business English majors(publishing direction),Printing English is of great significance for cultivating studentsprofessional quality,professional competitiveness,career development,and practical ability.From the perspective of curriculum setting,it is necessary to re-understand the importance of Printing English in the curriculum setting of Business English major(publishing direction),and put forward corresponding teaching methods and strategies.

Phase-Based Optical Flow Method with Optimized Parameter Settings for Enhancing Displacement Measurement Adaptability

To enhance the applicability and measurement accuracy of phase-based optical flow method using complex steerable pyramids in structural displacement measurement engineering applications, an improved method of optimizing parameter settings is proposed. The optimized parameters include the best measurement points of the Region of Interest (ROI) and the levels of pyramid filters. Additionally, to address the issue of updating reference frames in practical applications due to the difficulty in estimating the maximum effective measurement value, a mechanism for dynamically updating reference frames is introduced. Experimental results demonstrate that compared to representative image gradient-based displacement measurement methods, the proposed method exhibits higher measurement accuracy in engineering applications. This provides reliable data support for structural damage identification research based on vibration signals and is expected to broaden the engineering application prospects for structural health monitoring.

VR环境下SET GO教学法的构建及在耳鼻喉临床教学的应用

SET GO教学法也称为应诊录像教学法,就是在教学过程中,通过观察操作者的视频录像,进行教学的教学法。由于耳、鼻、喉的结构复杂,内部空间狭小,增加了视频录制的难度。在此背景下,吉林药学院附属医院将VR技术融入SET GO教学法中,借助VR技术录制成三维视频,使录制的视频清晰度更高,为SET GO教学法的实施提供了可行性。具体的教学环节分为前期教学、VR模拟操作及录制、VR录像加工、See和Else教学环节、Think教学环节、Goals和Offers教学环节等。通过以上环节的有序实施,提高了耳鼻喉科的临床教学效果。如在视频录制质量评价和SET GO教学效果评价方面,学生各项指标评价的良好率均在90%以上。建议进一步推广和应用。

Delivering substance use prevention interventions for adolescents in educational settings:A scoping review

Currently,a proportion of adolescents use alcohol,tobacco,and illicit drugs,which inevitably harms their health and academic progress.Adolescence is a peak period for substance use initiation and a critical time for preventing substance use problems.Various entities,such as families,schools,and communities,have implemented a variety of interventions to alleviate adolescent substance use problems,and schools play a unique role.To explore the types,characteristics,and effectiveness of substance use interventions in educational settings for adolescents,we conducted a scoping review and identified 32 studies after screening.We divided the 32 studies according to intervention type,including curriculum interventions focusing on cognitive-behavioral skill enhancement,exercise interventions,peer interventions and family-school cooperation,and electronic interventions.Except for the mixed results on electronic interventions,the results showed that the other interventions were beneficial to different extents in alleviating adolescent substance use problems.In addition,we analyzed and summarized the advantages and challenges of intervening in adolescent substance use in educational settings.Schools can use equipment and human resources to provide adolescents with various types of intervention measures,but they also face challenges such as stigmatization,ineffective coordination among multiple resources,and poor implementation effects.In the future,school-based intervention measures can fully utilize big data and artificial intelligence technology and collaborate with families and communities to intervene appropriately while paying attention to the comorbidity risks of substance use disorders and psychological health issues.

Psychosocial Group Intervention at a Low-Resource Setting Environment for Women Who Are Diagnosed and Treated for Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review

Africa faces significant challenges in terms of material and personnel resources for oncology interventions. This is particularly evident in South Africa, where resources are divided into high- and low-resource settings. High-resource settings cater to those with financial means to access private oncology facilities. However, many breast cancer patients receive care in South Africa’s low-resource settings, such as public hospital oncology clinics. Unfortunately, these settings have limited service providers and fail to offer comprehensive interventions, resulting in poor outcomes. However, recent research has highlighted the significance of socially supportive relationships in promoting healing and overall individual well-being, and spirituality has been identified as a source of positive outcomes in cancer patients. This systematic review paper explores the feasibility of implementing support group cancer care and interventions that incorporate social support networks available in community settings, and spiritual practices facilitated by traditional healers, and religious/spiritual leaders. These interventions can be provided within low-resource settings to women diagnosed with breast cancer. Inclusive participation of spouses, children, and extended family in the support group cancer care can facilitate healing for the entire system. Focusing on the strengths and resources within communities and incorporating these complementary services, can enhance the well-being and quality of life for Black African women diagnosed with breast cancer, despite low-resource settings. This approach acknowledges the potential of community-based support networks and encourages collaboration between various stakeholders, including community health educators, nurses, lay counselors, and community volunteers, to address the complex needs of these patients.

Magma source and tectonic setting of the Dunde granite in the Western Tianshan:constraints from geochronology,geochemistry,and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes

The Dunde iron-zinc polymetallic deposit is one of large iron deposits occurred in the Awulale Metallogenetic Belt,Western Tianshan(NW-China).This study reports new geochronology and geochemistry for granite in the Dunde mining area in order to constrain the tectonicmagmatic activities and metallogenesis of this region.Granites in the southwest of Dunde mining area are mainly syenogranites intruded into volcanics of the Dahalajunshan Formation in the Early Carboniferous,and they are far from the area where ore bodies and mineralized altered rocks are widely developed.LA-ICP-MS U–Pb zircon dating indicates that Dunde syenogranite was at 306.8±1.0 Ma,which could constrain the upper limit of metallogenic age for this deposit.The Dunde granites are high SiO_(2)(73.41–80.07 wt%),high differentiation index(D.I.=89.7–95.0),weakly peraluminous to metaluminous(A/CNK=0.94–1.08),and they are enriched in LILE and LREE and depleted in Eu,Ba,Sr and P_(2)O_(5),indicating that they belong to highly fractionated Ⅰ-type granite.Based on εHf values(+9.2 to+10.5)for zircon and high εNd(-t)values(+4.7 to+5.8)for whole-rock,and the two-stage model ages for 601–735 Ma,suggest that the magma source could be the juvenile lower crust.Combined with regional geological setting,the 306.8 Ma Dunde granites are formed in post-collision extensional tectonic setting.

Labetalol versus Hydralazine in the Management of Severe Pre-Eclampsia at Tertiary Hospitals in a Low-Resource Setting: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Objective: Intravenous labetalol and hydralazine are both considered first-line medications for the management of acute-onset, severe hypertension in pregnant and postpartum women. The study compared the efficacy and safety profile of intravenous labetalol and hydralazine in the control hypertension in severe pre-eclampsia. Materials and Methods: One hundred patients who presented with severe pre-eclampsia were randomized into two study groups. The fifty patients in each arm of the study received either intravenous labetalol or intravenous hydralazine for the control of blood pressure. Results: The mean age of the labetalol subjects was 28.6 ± 5.47 years while that of their hydralazine counterparts was 29.12 ± 5.77 years. The majority of respondents in both groups were primigravidae (76% vs. 78%) (P = 0.813). The number of doses of drug needed to significantly lower the mean systolic blood pressure was slightly lower in the labetalol group (2 doses) compared to the hydralazine group (5 doses) (t = 0.803Y, P = 0.977). The incidence of headaches which were the commonest complaints was comparable in both groups 8% and 10% of respondents respectively (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Although both intravenous labetalol and hydralazine are useful in patients with severe pre-eclampsia, the response to labetalol was better with comparable side effects.

Analysis of TOPSIS techniques based on bipolar complex fuzzy N-soft setting and their applications in decision-making problems

A novel model termed a bipolar complex fuzzy N-soft set(BCFN-SS)is initiated for tackling information that involves positive and negative aspects,the second dimension,and parameterised grading simultaneously.The theory of BCFN-SS is the generalisation of two various theories,that is,bipolar complex fuzzy(BCF)and N-SS.The invented model of BCFN-SS helps decision-makers to cope with the genuine-life dilemmas containing BCF information along with parameterised grading at the same time.Further,various algebraic operations,including the usual type of union,intersection,complements,and a few others types,are invented.Certain primary operational laws for BCFNSS are also invented.Moreover,a technique for order preference by similarity to the ideal solution(TOPSIS)approach is devised in the setting of BCFN-SS for managing strategic decision-making(DM)dilemmas containing BCFN-SS information.Keeping in mind the usefulness and benefits of the TOPSIS approach,two various types of TOPSIS approaches in the environment of BCFN-SS are devised and then a numerical example for exposing the usefulness of the devised TOPSIS approach is interpreted.To disclose the prominence and benefits of the devised work,the devised approaches with numerous prevailing work are compared.

Exclusive Fibula Osteosynthesis for Treating Open Fractures Gustillo I-III B of the Distal Half of the Leg Bones in a Resources-Limited Setting

Introduction: Management of open leg bones fractures is a challenging health issue for the surgeon, particularly true in resource-limited settings. In this study, we evaluate exclusive fibular osteosynthesis in the treatment of open fractures of the distal half of the leg bones as a therapeutic option in our context. Methods: This is a prospective, experimental, multicenter study of 30 open fractures of the distal half of the leg bones treated with exclusive fibula osteosynthesis, conducted in 3 hospitals in the DRC from January 1, 2013 to September 30, 2016. Results: The age range of 20 to 40 years grouped 22 (73.4%) patients, the sex ratio was 1:1 and the unemployed were the most involved with 16 (53.3%) cases. The Gustilo II, I, III B and III A types represented 40%, 33.3%, 20% and 6.7%, respectively. The fractures were located in the distal third in 12 (40%) cases, in the middle third in 11 (36.7%) cases, and in both malleoli in 7 cases (23.3%). Osteosynthesis of the fibula by screw plate was applied in 22 (73.3%) patients and pinning in 8 (26.7%). Satisfactory reduction of the tibial fracture site was achieved in 29 (96.7%) cases and 100% bone healing was achieved within an average of 10 weeks. Four (13.3%) loss of alignment, 1 (3.3%) infection, 1 (3.3%) skin necrosis and 2 (6.7%) ankle stiffness complicated our fractures. Conclusion: Exclusive osteosynthesis of the fibula as a common technique for fractures of the distal half of the leg bones allowed us to reduce, immobilize and consolidate the tibial fracture in the required time and to preserve the mobility of the ankle.

Access to novel anti-diabetic agents in resource limited settings:A brief commentary

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing in resource limited settings.Simultaneously,there has been an increase in the number of novel therapies for the management of diabetes mellitus.However,use of novel antidiabetic therapies is limited because of major market access challenges in resource limited settings.Niching products to those patients with the highest absolute risk for major adverse cardiovascular outcomes,and thus most likely to benefit from the therapy,are less likely to have negative budget impact for funders.To improve access,and reduce morbidity and mortality,requires alignment amongst key stakeholders including patient advocacy groups,health care professional councils,national departments of health,the pharmaceutical industry,treasury and finance departments.

Design and Structure Optimization of Plenum Chamber with Airfoil Baffle to Improve Its Outlet Velocity Uniformity in Heat Setting Machines

The plenum chamber of a heat setting machine is a key structure for distributing hot air to different air channels.Its outlet velocity uniformity directly determines the heating uniformity of textiles,significantly affecting the heat setting performance.In a traditional heat setting machine,the outlet airflow maldistribution of the plenum chamber still exists.In this study,a novel plenum chamber with an airfoil baffle was established to improve the uniformity of the velocity distribution at the outlet in a heat setting machine.The structural influence of the plenum chamber on the velocity distribution was investigated using a computational fluid dynamics program.It was found that a chamber with a smaller outlet partition thickness had a better outlet velocity uniformity.The structural optimization of the plenum chamber was conducted using the particle swarm optimization algorithm.The outlet partition thickness,the transverse distance and the longitudinal distance of the optimized plenum chamber were 20,686.2 and 274.6 mm,respectively.Experiments were carried out.The experimental and simulated results showed that the optimized plenum chamber with an airfoil baffle could improve the outlet velocity uniformity.The air outlet velocity uniformity index of the optimized plenum chamber with an airfoil baffle was 4.75%higher than that of the plenum chamber without an airfoil baffle and 5.98%higher than that of the conventional chamber with a square baffle in a commercial heat setting machine.

MTA2、SET8蛋白在喉癌中的表达及与临床病理特征的关系

目的探讨MTA2、SET8蛋白在喉癌中的表达及与临床病理特征的关系。方法收集喉癌患者205例作为研究对象,采用免疫组织化学染色法检测MTA2、SET8阳性蛋白,采用Real-time PCR检测MTA2、SET8 mRNA表达水平。分析MTA2、SET8蛋白表达与喉癌患者临床病理特征的关系。Spearson相关性分析MTA2蛋白与SET8蛋白表达之间的关系。结果喉癌组MTA2、SET8蛋白阳性表达率(56.10%、54.15%)显著高于癌旁组,差异均有统计学意义(χ^(2)=27.926,P<0.001;χ^(2)=28.277,P<0.001);喉癌组MTA2、SET8 mRNA表达水平高于癌旁组,差异均具有统计学意义(t=25.005,P<0.001;t=20.390,P<0.001)。喉癌组织中MTA2、SET8蛋白阳性表达与性别、年龄、是否吸烟、临床分型均无关(P>0.05),与淋巴结是否转移、病理分级、临床分期有关(P<0.05)。Spearson相关性分析显示,MTA2蛋白与SET8蛋白表达呈现正相关(γ=0.477,P<0.05)。结论MTA2、SET8蛋白在喉癌中表达明显上升,且与喉癌的发展密切相关,预示其可能成为诊断分子的潜能。

Quantum algorithm for minimum dominating set problem with circuit design

Using quantum algorithms to solve various problems has attracted widespread attention with the development of quantum computing.Researchers are particularly interested in using the acceleration properties of quantum algorithms to solve NP-complete problems.This paper focuses on the well-known NP-complete problem of finding the minimum dominating set in undirected graphs.To expedite the search process,a quantum algorithm employing Grover’s search is proposed.However,a challenge arises from the unknown number of solutions for the minimum dominating set,rendering direct usage of original Grover’s search impossible.Thus,a swap test method is introduced to ascertain the number of iterations required.The oracle,diffusion operators,and swap test are designed with achievable quantum gates.The query complexity is O(1.414^(n))and the space complexity is O(n).To validate the proposed approach,qiskit software package is employed to simulate the quantum circuit,yielding the anticipated results.

基于SET-AHP-TRIZ的坐式康复训练器设计研究

为解决现有坐式康复训练器形式与功能单一、操作使用缺乏智能化等问题,文章构建了基于SET-AHP-TRIZ的设计思路。首先,对产品的现状、用户进行市场调研,采用SET分析法确定目标产品的机会缺口;其次,应用AHP法对需求点进行定量计算,以确定创新过程中需要着重改善的问题;最后,通过应用TRIZ理论分析出现的矛盾问题,并总结其矛盾类型,利用发明原理解决问题,进行坐式康复训练器设计实践,减少了设计过程主观因素的影响,使设计结果更为科学合理,以期提高用户的满意度。

Incidence and Survivability of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients in the United States: Analysis of SEER Data Set from 2000-2019

The main goal of this research is to assess the impact of race, age at diagnosis, sex, and phenotype on the incidence and survivability of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) among patients in the United States. By taking these factors into account, the study aims to explore how existing cancer registry data can aid in the early detection and effective treatment of ALL in patients. Our hypothesis was that statistically significant correlations exist between race, age at which patients were diagnosed, sex, and phenotype of the ALL patients, and their rate of incidence and survivability data were evaluated using SEER*Stat statistical software from National Cancer Institute. Analysis of the incidence data revealed that a higher prevalence of ALL was among the Caucasian population. The majority of ALL cases (59%) occurred in patients aged between 0 to 19 years at the time of diagnosis, and 56% of the affected individuals were male. The B-cell phenotype was predominantly associated with ALL cases (73%). When analyzing survivability data, it was observed that the 5-year survival rates slightly exceeded the 10-year survival rates for the respective demographics. Survivability rates of African Americans patients were the lowest compared to Caucasian, Asian, Pacific Islanders, Alaskan Native, Native Americans and others. Survivability rates progressively decreased for older patients. Moreover, this study investigated the typical treatment methods applied to ALL patients, mainly comprising chemotherapy, with occasional supplementation of radiation therapy as required. The study demonstrated the considerable efficacy of chemotherapy in enhancing patients’ chances of survival, while those who remained untreated faced a less favorable prognosis from the disease. Although a significant amount of data and information exists, this study can help doctors in the future by diagnosing patients with certain characteristics. It will further assist the health care professionals in screening potential patients and early detection of cases. This could also save the lives of elderly patients who have a higher mortality rate from this disease.