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To reap the benefits of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), channel state information (CSI) is generally required. However, CSI acquisition in RIS systems is challenging and often results in very large pilot overhead, especially in unstructured channel environments. Consequently, the RIS channel estimation problem has attracted a lot of interest and also been a subject of intense study in recent years. In this paper, we propose a decision-directed RIS channel estimation framework for general unstructured channel models. The employed RIS contains some hybrid elements that can simultaneously reflect and sense the incoming signal. We show that with the help of the hybrid RIS elements, it is possible to accurately recover the CSI with a pilot overhead proportional to the number of users. Therefore, the proposed framework substantially improves the system spectral efficiency compared to systems with passive RIS arrays since the pilot overhead in passive RIS systems is proportional to the number of RIS elements times the number of users. We also perform a detailed spectral efficiency analysis for both the pilot-directed and decision-directed frameworks. Our analysis takes into account both the channel estimation and data detection errors at both the RIS and the BS. Finally, we present numerous simulation results to verify the accuracy of the analysis as well as to show the benefits of the proposed decision-directed framework.

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Introduction We assessed trends in HIV and syphilis prevalence, HIV incidence, related risk factors, and preventive behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Vietnam from 2015 to 2020.Methods Data originated from the HIV Sentinel Surveillance Plus system, which sampled MSM at venues and hotspots in seven of Vietnam’s 63 provinces in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2020 (N= 1100-1445 per year; ∼150-300 per province per year).Results HIV prevalence estimates increased from 6.6% (95% CI 4.5–9.6) in 2015 to 13.8% (95% CI 10.5-18.2, p= .001 for trend) in 2020 overall, and separately in An Giang, Can Tho, Hai Phong, and Khanh Hoa provinces but not in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Kien Giang. Syphilis prevalence increased from 2.7% (95% CI 1.4-5.1) in 2015 to 12.6% (95% CI 8.7-18.0) in 2020 overall (p< .001 for trend), and separately in An Giang, Can Tho, and Hai Phong provinces but not in Ho Chi Minh City or Kien Giang. We calculated time-at-risk from first anal sex to first HIV-positive or last HIV-negative test to estimate HIV incidence. Estimated HIV incidence suggested increasing rates of seroconversion from 1.36 per 100 person-years experienced by participants in 2015 to 2.61 per 100 person-years among participants in 2020 (hazard ratio per year 1.13, 95% CI 1.08-1.18, p< .001). There was a statistically significant increase in HIV testing, STI testing, and receipt of free condoms over the period (p< .05 for trend), and a statistically significant decrease in amphetamine use (p= .043 for trend).Conclusions Despite prevention efforts and improvements in some risk indicators, consecutive cross-sectional sampling results provide evidence of increasing incidence of HIV and syphilis among MSM in Vietnam, especially outside the major cities. Aggressive HIV prevention and treatment services can be expanded while conducting deeper investigations into the causes of these increases.

Massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communications using low-resolution analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) is a promising technology for providing high spectral and energy efficiency with affordable hardware cost and power consumption. However, the use of low-resolution ADCs requires special signal processing methods for channel estimation and data detection since the resulting system is severely non-linear. This paper proposes joint channel estimation and data detection methods for massive MIMO systems with low-resolution ADCs based on the variational Bayes (VB) inference framework. We first derive matched-filter quantized VB (MF-QVB) and linear minimum mean-squared error quantized VB (LMMSE-QVB) detection methods assuming the channel state information (CSI) is available. Then we extend these methods to the joint channel estimation and data detection (JED) problem and propose two methods we refer to as MF-QVB-JED and LMMSE-QVB-JED. Unlike conventional VB-based detection methods that assume knowledge of the second-order statistics of the additive noise, we propose to float the elements of the noise covariance matrix as unknown random variables that are used to account for both the noise and the residual inter-user interference. We also present practical aspects of the QVB framework to improve its implementation stability. Finally, we show via numerical results that the proposed VB-based methods provide robust performance and also significantly outperform existing methods.

Under the pressure of competitiveness and climate change, the rice sector has adopted multiple agricultural technologies to improve productivity, reduce production costs, and be environment-friendly. The Massive technology adoption program (AMTEC) is an example of Colombian rice production. Although all components of AMTEC have been approved to improve the rice yield in demo farms, these impacts, along with other factors under actual farm conditions, are unclear. Data were obtained from the 2016 National Rice Census data of 20,174 rice production units. This study determines the effects of each AMTEC technology and other agricultural factors on paddy rice yield under actual farm conditions using the multiple regression analysis with a backward stepwise method. The average paddy rice yield was 5.508 t ha−1with a considerable variation across the whole country (0.110–12.187 t ha−1). The results showed that 69.47% of the variation in paddy rice yield was influenced by rice cultivation regions, farm size, technical assistance, applying chisel plow, having a ban, having an irrigation system, and the number of nitrogen fertilizer applications. Landplane, certified seeds, and drill sowing were the three components of the AMTEC program that contributed to an increase in rice yield. Notably, the paddy rice yield was 0.361 t ha−1with an additional N fertilizer application or the farm under the irrigation system. It also increased from 0.404 to 0.362 t ha−1for the farm that used drill sowing compared to the farm that used benchmark technologies. The results also showed that the farm that received technical assistance had a 0.150 t ha−1compared to their counterparts who did not, and there was a significant difference among its sources. Therefore, to improve the rice yield, the above-mentioned multiple technologies should be widely disseminated. Additionally, the farms should receive technical assistance, particularly from private companies such as supply distributors or milling companies.

Objective Primary repair in the first six months of life is routine for tetralogy of Fallot, complete atrioventricular septal defect, and ventricular septal defect in high-income countries. The objective of this analysis was to understand the utilization and outcomes of palliative and reparative procedures in high versus middle-income countries.Methods The World Database of Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery identified patients who underwent surgery for: tetralogy of Fallot, complete atrioventricular septal defect, and ventricular septal defect. Patients were categorized as undergoing primary repair, repair after prior palliation, or palliation only. Country economic status was categorized as lower middle, upper middle, and high, defined by the World Bank. Multiple logistic regression models were utilized to identify independent predictors of hospital mortality.Results Economic categories included high (n = 571, 5.3%), upper middle (n = 5,342, 50%), and lower middle (n = 4,793, 49.7%). The proportion of patients and median age with primary repair were: tetralogy of Fallot, 88.6%, 17.7 months; complete atrioventricular septal defect, 83.4%, 7.7 months; and ventricular septal defect, 97.1%, ten months. Age at repair was younger in high income countries (P< .0001). Overall mortality after repair was lowest in high income countries. Risk factors for hospital mortality included prematurity, genetic syndromes, and urgent or emergent operations (all P< .05).Conclusions Primary repair was selected in >90% of patients, but definitive repair was delayed in lower and upper middle income countries compared with high-income countries. Repair after prior palliation versus primary repair was not a risk factor for hospital mortality. Initial palliation continues to have a small but important role in the management of these three specific congenital heart defects.

Background Mortality associated with the correction of congenital heart disease has decreased to approximately 2% in developed countries and major adverse events are uncommon. Outcomes in developing countries are less well defined. The World Database for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery was utilized to compare mortality and adverse events in developed and developing countries.Methods A total of 16,040 primary procedures were identified over a two-year period. Centers that submitted procedures were dichotomized to low/middle income (LMI) and high income (HI) by the Gross National Income per capita categorization. Mortality was defined as any death following the primary procedure to discharge or 90 days inpatient. Multiple logistic regression models were utilized to identify independent predictors of mortality.Results Of the total number of procedures analyzed, 83% (n  =  13,294) were from LMI centers. Among all centers, the mean age at operation was 2.2 years, with 36% (n  =  5,743) less than six months; 85% (n  =  11,307) of procedures were STAT I/II for LMI centers compared with 77% (n = 2127) for HI centers (P< .0001). Overall mortality across the cohort was 2.27%. There was a statistical difference in mortality between HI centers (0.55%) versus LMI centers (2.64%) (P< .0001). After adjustment for other risk factors, the risk of death remained significantly higher in LMI centers (odds ratio: 2.36, 95% confidence interval: 1.707-3.27).Conclusion Although surgical expertise has increased across the globe, there remains a disparity with some outcomes associated with the correction of congenital heart disease between developing and developed countries. Further studies are needed to identify specific opportunities for improvement.

Massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) is a key technology for emerging next-generation wireless systems. Utilizing large antenna arrays at base-stations, massive MIMO enables substantial spatial multiplexing gains by simultaneously serving a large number of users. However, the complexity in massive MIMO signal processing (e.g., data detection) increases rapidly with the number of users, making conventional hand-engineered algorithms less computationally efficient. Low-complexity massive MIMO detection algorithms, especially those inspired or aided by deep learning, have emerged as a promising solution. While there exist many MIMO detection algorithms, the aim of this magazine article is to provide insight into how to leverage deep neural networks (DNN) for massive MIMO detection. We review recent developments in DNN-based MIMO detection that incorporate the domain knowledge of established MIMO detection algorithms with the learning capability of DNNs. We then present a comparison of the key numerical performance metrics of these works. We conclude by describing future research areas and applications of DNNs in massive MIMO receivers.

The cytidine deaminases APOBEC3A (A3A) and APOBEC3B (A3B) are prominent mutators of human cancer genomes. However, tumor-specific genetic modulators of APOBEC-induced mutagenesis are poorly defined. Here, we used a screen to identify 61 gene deletions that increase A3B-induced mutations in yeast. We also determined whether each deletion was epistatic with Ung1 loss, which indicated whether the encoded factors participate in the homologous recombination (HR)–dependent bypass of A3B/Ung1-dependent abasic sites or suppress A3B-catalyzed deamination by protecting against aberrant formation of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). We found that the mutation spectra of A3B-induced mutations revealed genotype-specific patterns of strand-specific ssDNA formation and nucleotide incorporation across APOBEC-induced lesions. Combining these three metrics, we were able to establish a multifactorial signature of APOBEC-induced mutations specific to (1) failure to remove H3K56 acetylation, (2) defective CTF18–RFC complex function, and (3) defective HR-mediated bypass of APOBEC-induced lesions. We extended these results by analyzing mutation data for human tumors and found BRCA1/2-deficient breast cancers display three- to fourfold more APOBEC-induced mutations. Mirroring our results in yeast, Rev1-mediated C-to-G substitutions are mainly responsible for increased APOBEC-signature mutations in BRCA1/2-deficient tumors, and these mutations associate with lagging strand synthesis during replication. These results identify important factors that influence DNA replication dynamics and likely the abundance of APOBEC-induced mutation during tumor progression. They also highlight a novel role for BRCA1/2 during HR-dependent lesion bypass of APOBEC-induced lesions during cancer cell replication.

Estimation in few-bit MIMO systems is challenging, since the received signals are nonlinearly distorted by the low-resolution ADCs. In this paper, we propose a deep learning framework for channel estimation, data detection, and pilot signal design to address the nonlinearity in such systems. The proposed channel estimation and data detection networks are model-driven and have special structures that take advantage of domain knowledge in the few-bit quantization process. While the first data detection network, B-DetNet, is based on a linearized model obtained from the Bussgang decomposition, the channel estimation network and the second data detection network, FBM-CENet and FBM-DetNet respectively, rely on the original quantized system model. To develop FBM-CENet and FBM-DetNet, the maximum-likelihood channel estimation and data detection problems are reformulated to overcome the indeterminant gradient issue. An important feature of the proposed FBM-CENet structure is that the pilot matrix is integrated into the weight matrices of its channel estimator. Thus, training the proposed FBM-CENet enables a joint optimization of both the channel estimator at the base station and the pilot signal transmitted from the users. Simulation results show significant performance gains in estimation accuracy by the proposed deep learning framework.

Background: Antibiotics are commonly used in both outpatient and inpatient settings and are responsible for the majority of adverse drug reaction (ADR) reports. We aimed to characterize spontaneously reported ADRs associated with antibiotics and assessing the preventability of these ADRs in a Vietnamese setting. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study based on ADRs related to antibiotics spontaneously reported by healthcare workers to the National Pharmacovigilance Database of Vietnam (NPDV) between June 2018 and May 2019. The characteristics of included reports were descriptively analyzed. The preventability of reported ADRs was assessed using a standardized preventability scale. We identified the leading causes and described the characteristics associated with preventable ADRs (pADRs). Results: We included 6385 antibiotic-related reports from a total of 12,056 reports submitted to the NPDV during the study period. Beta-lactam antibiotics, mostly broad-spectrum with parenteral route, were suspected in the majority cases. The most commonly reported pADRs were allergic reactions, mostly classified under skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders. Of all included cases, 537 cases (8.4%) were deemed as associated with pADRs. Major causes of pADRs include potentially inappropriate prescribing (352/537, 65.5%) and re-administration of antibiotics causing prior allergy/allergies (99/537, 18.4%). The majority of pADRs involved the use of beta-lactam antibiotics with inappropriate indications. Conclusion: ADRs related to antibiotic use represent more than half of ADRs spontaneously reported in Vietnam. Approximately one in every ten reported cases is associated with pADRs. The majority pADRs can be prevented through simple improvement in antibiotic prescribing practices.

Cell shape change processes, such as proliferation, polarization, migration, and cancer metastasis, rely on a dynamic network of macromolecules. The proper function of this network enables mechanosensation, the ability of cells to sense and respond to mechanical cues. Myosin II and cortexillin I, critical elements of the cellular mechanosensory machinery, preassemble in the cytoplasm of Dictyosteliumcells into complexes that we have termed contractility kits (CKs). Two IQGAP proteins then differentially regulate the mechanoresponsiveness of the cortexillin I-myosin II elements within CKs. To investigate the mechanism of CK self-assembly and gain insight into possible molecular means for IQGAP regulation, we developed a coarse-grained excluded volume molecular model in which all protein polymers are represented by nm-sized spheres connected by spring-like links. The model is parameterized using experimentally measured parameters acquired through fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, which describe the interaction affinities and diffusion coefficients for individual molecular components, and which have also been validated via several orthogonal methods. Simulations of wild-type and null-mutant conditions implied that the temporal order of assembly of these kits is dominated by myosin II dimer formation and that IQGAP proteins mediate cluster growth. In addition, our simulations predicted the existence of “ambiguous” CKs that incorporate both classes of IQGAPs, and we confirmed this experimentally using fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy. The model serves to describe the formation of the CKs and how their assembly enables and regulates mechanosensation at the molecular level.

AbstractWe develop a theoretical trade model based on classical welfare economics and apply it empirically to both importers and exporters of shrimp, the most traded seafood, to determine the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on shrimp produced and consumed in the U.S. and globally. We consider two time periods and compare these to the base period before the pandemic. Period 1 (March–June 2020): there is a net economic loss globally of $194 million due to lockdowns. Period 2 (July 2020–June 2021): there is a net welfare gain globally of $885 million due to increased shrimp demand. Overall, the global net economic gain was $692 million. For the United States alone, shrimp consumers gained $470 million while shrimp producers gained $24 million, which is relatively consistent with the net quasi-consumer gain of $475 million due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This case report presents the clinical course and management of a 29-day-old female infant who presented with upper limb trauma secondary to entrapment beneath a sewing machine. Following admission, the patient exhibited clinical signs consistent with arterial injury and compartment syndrome, necessitating prompt diagnostic evaluation and surgical intervention. Despite challenges in arterial visualization via Doppler ultrasound, radiographic imaging confirmed displaced distal humerus fracture of the left upper limb, prompting further evaluation and surgical planning. Surgical decompression and stabilization were performed, followed by successful endovascular intervention utilizing digital subtraction angiography (DSA) to restore arterial perfusion. Subsequent development of compartment syndrome necessitated emergent fasciotomy, followed by wound care and skin grafting. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation facilitated optimal recovery, with the patient demonstrating improved motor function and sensory perception at six-month follow-up. This case underscores the importance of timely recognition, multidisciplinary collaboration, and prompt intervention in managing pediatric upper limb trauma complicated by arterial injury and compartment syndrome.

Purpose: The demand for clean vegetables has rapidly increased, many farmers gradually turn to vegetable cultivation to increase income; therefore, agricultural cooperative mobilized farmers group to facilitate them access to technical training and enhance compliance with the Vietnamese Good Agricultural Practices (VietGAP) standards. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impacts of the participation on farmer’s income as well as the major factors that affect the participation in cooperatives by the vegetable farmers in Vietnam. Design/methodology/approach: The study used primary data collected from vegetable farmers in Vietnam. This study utilized propensity score matching to avoid initial selection bias. The differences between participants and nonparticipants will be adjusted by matching each membership individual to a nonmember based on similar observable characteristics by summarizing the conditional probability of a member given pretreatment characteristics. Findings: This study demonstrates that participation in cooperatives is significantly affected by ethnicity, age of household head, labor involving vegetable production and extension service access. The results of this study also confirm that agricultural cooperatives have positive effects on member farmers to enhance income and that participants – on average – have a higher income than nonparticipants. Research limitations/implications: The method cannot rule out the possibility of selection bias due to unobserved differences between participants and even an appropriate comparison group. Originality/value: This study contributes to an improved understanding about impacts of cooperatives on farmers’ income in developing and emerging economies. Moreover, research also upgrades knowledge regarding the effectiveness of agricultural cooperatives in Vietnam, as well as guides policymakers in supporting the cooperatives in expanding the market and other necessary changes.

Many studies have identified factors that influence the adoption of new technologies and management practices in livestock production to improve productivity, animal health and protect the environment. However, few studies have attempted to clarify the constraints faced by farmers in implementing these new management practices. This study identified 10 constraints on implementing good management practices designed to improve the health and productivity of pig production, ensure the health of workers, reduce environmental pollution and allow customers to trace the origins of their products, collectively known as Good Animal Husbandry Practices. Low output price and lack of capital were identified as the key constraints faced by 42.8% and 28.3% of farmers, respectively. Furthermore, specialized production was found to mitigate these two constraints in terms of income contribution, whereas access to credit was found to exacerbate them. Lack of knowledge was the only constraint perceived to be more severe by non-VietGAHP farmers than by their VietGAHP counterparts. Based on the above results for both VietGAHP and non-VietGAHP farmers, these constraints need to be addressed by improving financial situations through formal credit and focusing on specialized pig-producing households. For the non-VietGAHP group, delivery of information on new management practices through the government extension services should be implemented.

Introduction: A study was conducted in three districts in Hai Phong province, Vietnam to estimate the population size of the Female Sex Workers (FSW) in June–July 2019. Methods: The procedures included selection of three districts, compilation of a list of accessible venues where FSW congregate, distribution of first unique objects (first capture) and second unique objects (second capture) to FSW in randomly selected venues and implementation of a Mini-Respondent Driven Sampling (mRDS) Survey (third capture). Population size of the FSW was calculated based on the number of FSW in each round, number of FSW ‘recaptured’ during the second and the third captures. Additionally, personal network size data captured in the mRDS was used to measure the population of FSW within the three districts using Successive Sampling Population Size Estimates (SS-PSE). Results: The total estimated FSWs in the three selected districts, using Three Source Capture–Recapture (3S-CRC) was 958, which is slightly lower than that estimated using SS-PSE – 1192. The 3S-CRC method yielded a provincial estimate of 1911 while the SS-PSE method resulted in a total of 2379 FSW for the province. Conclusion: Two techniques produced different PSE at both the district and the province levels and resulted in estimates lower than ones produced using programmatic data. For planning HIV prevention and care service needs among all FSWs, additional studies are needed to estimate the number of sex workers who are not venue-based and use social media platforms to sell services.

The optimal training of the highly specialized congenital heart surgeon is a long and complex process, which is a significant challenge in most parts of the world. The World Society for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery (WSPCHS) has established the Global Council on Education for Congenital Heart Surgery as a nonprofit organization with the goal of assessing current training and certification and ultimately establishing standardized criteria for the training, evaluation, and certification of congenital heart surgeons around the world. The Global Council and the WSPCHS have reviewed the present status of training and certification for congenital cardiac surgery around the world. There is currently lack of consensus and standardized criteria for training in congenital heart surgery, with significant disparity between continents and countries. This represents significant obstacles to international job mobility of competent congenital heart surgeons and to the efforts to improve the quality of care for patients with Congenital Heart Disease worldwide. The purpose of this article is to summarize and document the present state of training and certification in congenital heart surgery around the world.

Zinc-finger structure, in which a Zn2+ion binds to four cysteines or histidines in a tetrahedral structure, is a very common motif of nucleic acid-binding proteins. The corresponding interaction model is present in 3% of the genes in the human genome. As a result, the zinc finger has been extremely useful in various therapeutic and research capacities and in biotechnology. In a stable configuration of the zinc finger, the cysteine amino acids are deprotonated and become negatively charged. Thus, the Zn2+ion is overscreened by four cysteine charges (overcharged). Whether this overcharged configuration is also stable when such a negatively charged zinc finger binds to a negatively charged DNA molecule is unknown. We investigated how the deprotonated state of cysteine influences its structure, dynamics, and function in binding to DNA molecules by using an all-atom molecular dynamics simulation up to the microsecond range of an androgen receptor protein dimer. Our results showed that the deprotonated state of cysteine residues is essential for the mechanical stabilization of the functional, folded conformation. This state stabilizes not only the protein structure but also the protein–DNA binding complex. The differences in the structural and energetic properties of the two sequence-identical monomers are also investigated and show the strong influence of DNA on the structure of the zinc-finger protein dimer upon complexation. Our result can potentially lead to a better molecular understanding of one of the most common classes of zinc fingers.

AbstractConcerns that additional supplies of U.S. farm-raised fish may compete with domestic wild fish has contributed to resistance and litigation that has slowed aquaculture development in the U.S. We employ a contingent choice experiment to large seafood wholesalers and suppliers in the U.S. to investigate market potential of new farmed finfish species from the Gulf of Mexico. We estimate probabilities that wholesale buyers prefer a new farmed product over existing market products using a conditional logit model. The results indicate it is more probable that Gulf farmed fish will substitute for imports than for domestic wild-caught fish given U.S. wholesale buyers have a preference for domestic fish to imported fish, but no significant preference for wild-caught fish to farmed fish.

Mercury (Hg) researchers have made progress in understanding atmospheric Hg, especially with respect to oxidized Hg (HgII) that can represent 2 to 20% of Hg in the atmosphere. Knowledge developed over the past ∼10 years has pointed to existing challenges with current methods for measuring atmospheric Hg concentrations and the chemical composition of HgIIcompounds. Because of these challenges, atmospheric Hg experts met to discuss limitations of current methods and paths to overcome them considering ongoing research. Major conclusions included that current methods to measure gaseous oxidized and particulate-bound Hg have limitations, and new methods need to be developed to make these measurements more accurate. Developing analytical methods for measurement of HgIIchemistry is challenging. While the ultimate goal is the development of ultrasensitive methods for online detection of HgIIdirectly from ambient air, in the meantime, new surfaces are needed on which HgIIcan be quantitatively collected and from which it can be reversibly desorbed to determine HgIIchemistry. Discussion and identification of current limitations, described here, provide a basis for paths forward. Since the atmosphere is the means by which Hg is globally distributed, accurately calibrated measurements are critical to understanding the Hg biogeochemical cycle.

Background and Aim: Recurrent implantation failures (RIF) remain always a strong problem for all IVF teams. Our ART Center started in 2015 and quickly we wanted to focus on implantation failure. After 2 or 3 embryo transfers without pregnancy, guidelines provide to perform exams such as karyotypes, Anti phospholipid, thrombophilia, uterine Doppler, hysteroscopy, endometrial biopsy with CD 136, laparoscopy, sperm DNA Fragmentation. However, a large part of these failures remains unexplained. Following the studies performed in France by N. Lédée in 2013, this study evaluates the results of a new exploration based on immunological analysis of endometrial receptivity.Methods: This study is proposed, after other explorations already done, for patients with 6 or more embryos D3 or 3 embryos D5 transferred without pregnancy. Such an analysis is achieved on endometrial biopsy performed in middle luteal phase and sent to MatriceLab (Paris)Immunological exploration is based on uNK count (uterine Natural Killer cells) and cytokines expression. According to these parameters, “individualized” care is proposed to patient for next embryo transfers to correct the disorder identified by analysis.Results: From 2016 to 2020, 114 biopsies have been performed and sent to MatriceLab. 112 were suitable for analysis. According with results, 4 main profiles have been isolated: Normal immunity (22,3%) Dysregulation immunity (77,7%). Low local immune activation (25%). Over local immune activation (40,2%). “Mix” profile (12,5%) 95 patients have been performing FET following the analysis. Mean age 32.6 ±3.6 years. Mean number of transfers before biopsy 3.9 ±1.6. Mean number of embryos previously transferred 9.6 ±4.4. Deliveries in normal immunity group: 33% (n=6). Deliveries in dysregulation group treated with adapted protocol: 53,2% (n=40)Conclusions: This pregnancy rate is much better than usual pregnancy rate expected after six embryos D3 or three embryos D5 transferred without pregnancy.

Background and aim: Hormonal monitoring impact on overall pregnancy rate in frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles and hence progesterone supplement adjustments remain debatable in current literature. This study aims to investigate the effect of monitoring and follow-up of serum progesterone level on the day of FET, and progesterone supplement adjustments effects on pregnancy outcomes for FET in programmed hormonal replacement therapy cycles.Methods: In this study, all patients who were scheduled for FET had their progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) level assessed in the morning of FEM and if their P4 level was less than 10 ng/ml, intramuscular progesterone was given for 7-10 days since the day of FET to rescue the cycle.Results: In 2022, in Vinmec IVF center, there were in total 659 FET cycles, all was single blastocyst transfer and applied the mention protocol to rescue the cycle in case P4 level was less than 10 ng/ml. The chemical (62,87% vs 59.94%), clinical (56,68% vs 54,83%) and ongoing pregnancy rate (46,25% vs 45,17%) were comparable between the two group (with and without parenteral progesterone), P<0,05.Conclusions: Monitor P4 level on the day of FET and use parenteral progesterone in case P4 level is less than 10 ng/ml could be an effective method to rescue the cycle and improve the outcome. Further studies are needed to draw a better conclusion and recommendation in this aspect.

ABSTRACTAn excess supply-demand model is used to determine the effects of income and population growth on the international price of fish and on welfare in net-exporting and importing regions. Stochastic simulations of the model suggest that fish price increases by between 0.25 and 1.07% for each 1% increase in world income, and by between 0.30 and 1.20% for each 1% increase in world population. Combining these elasticity estimates with the actual growth in income and population for 1999–2013, results suggest that income and population growth together caused the world price of fish to rise by between 1.0 and 4.1% per year, for a best-bet estimate of 2.1% per year. According to a trend regression the actual rise in fish price over the same approximate period averaged 1.0% per year. This suggests supply growth due to aquaculture cut the increase in price due to demand shifts by about one half. Higher fish prices increase welfare in net-exporting countries at the expense of welfare in net-importing countries. However, our results suggest that net gains to producers and consumers in the two regions combined are positive.

The traditional approach to testing the law of one price is modified to allow for product differentiation. Applying the modified framework to the US market for shrimp, the pass-through elasticity of the import price into the domestic price was found to be less than one, as predicted by theory when domestic and imported versions of a good are imperfect substitutes. Among the supply and demand shifters included in the model, the most important variables to affect the domestic price are exchange rate and the price of diesel fuel. The pass-through elasticities for diesel fuel (0.38) and exchange rate (0.55) are almost as large as for import price (0.60). This suggests changes in exchange rates and fuel prices are not to be overlooked as important drivers of the domestic price. The US market for shrimp is highly efficient, with 70% of disequilibrium caused by a demand or supply shock “corrected” within one month.

To test the impact of engineering cells with altered contractile properties, NMIIB and mutants that have different assembly and force-generating properties were introduced. Adding NMIIB into pancreatic ductal epithelia–derived cancer cells led to altered cell morphology. Additionally, NMIIB is highly integrated with a range of cellular systems, including metabolism and gene expression. Modifying the contractile machinery leads to cellular reprogramming.

Aim:To explore palliative care knowledge, attitudes and perceived self-competence of nurses working in oncology settings in Hanoi, Vietnam.Method:The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive survey design. The self-administered questionnaires consisted of three validated instruments: the Expertise and Insight Test for Palliative Care, the Attitude Toward Care of the Dying Scale B and the Palliative Care Nursing Self Competence Scale. The sample consisted of 251 nurses caring for cancer patients in three oncology hospitals in Vietnam.Results:The responses identified low scores in nurses' palliative care knowledge related to pain and other symptom management and psychological and spiritual aspects. Nurses' responses reflected discomfort in communicating about death and establishing therapeutic relationship with oncology patients who require palliative care. Additionally, nurses reported low scores in perceived self-competence when providing pain management and addressing social and spiritual domains of palliative care. The findings also revealed that nurses who had higher palliative care knowledge scores demonstrated attitudes which were more positive and expressed greater perceived self-competence.Conclusion:Nurses working in oncology wards need more education to develop their knowledge and skills of palliative care, especially in the areas of pain management, psychological and spiritual care, and communication.

ABSTRACTFidaxomicin (FDX) is approved to treat Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea and is superior to vancomycin in providing a sustained clinical response (cure without recurrence in the subsequent 25 days). The mechanism(s) behind the low recurrence rate of FDX-treated patients could be multifactorial. Here, we tested effects of FDX, its metabolite OP-1118, and vancomycin on spore germination and determined that none affected the initiation of spore germination but all inhibited outgrowth of vegetative cells from germinated spores.

The methoxycarbonylation reactions of aliphatic diamines with dimethyl carbonate are accelerated greatly in the presence of water. Theoretical investigations on the mechanistic aspects of the methoxycarbonylation of 1,6hexanediamine strongly suggest that the hydroxide ion, generated in situfrom the interaction of 1,6hexanediamine with water, is an active catalytic species and plays a pivotal role in the ratedetermining hydrogen abstraction step from the amino group.

BACKGROUND:Few studies have investigated the epidemiologic features of clinically defined subgroups of anotiamicrotia.METHODS:Data on cases of anotia andor microtia among 1999–2005 deliveries were obtained from the Texas Birth Defects Registry, a populationbased active surveillance system. We determined crude and adjusted associations between selected factors and seven clinical subgroups of anotiamicrotia.RESULTS:In total, 742 cases were diagnosed with anotia andor microtia, corresponding to a prevalence of 2.86 per 10,000 live births. Of those, 45 had no other major birth defect “isolated”, 77 were unilateral, and 22 bilateral. Anotia alone made up 6, whereas microtia made up 94. Birth prevalence was higher with increasing maternal age and among Mexicoborn Hispanics. Compared to white mothers, Hispanic mothers were twotothree times more likely to have infants with all but the syndromic and bilateral groups adjusted prevalence ratios aPRs 2.05–2.61. NonHispanic blacks had significantly lower risk for total anotiamicrotia, and for the isolated, unilateral, and microtia subgroups aPRs 0.42–0.64. Less educated mothers were threetofour times more likely to have children with anotia aPRs 2.98 for less than high school, 3.97 for high school graduates. Males were more likely to be born with total anotiamicrotia and with syndromic, unilateral, and microtia subtypes aPRs 1.27–1.41.CONCLUSIONS:In Texas, most anotiamicrotia cases were in the unilateral and microtia groups, and 45 were isolated. Several clinical subgroups exhibited higher prevalence in males and among older mothers. Relative to whites, blacks were at lower risk and Hispanics especially Mexicoborn mothers were at higher risk for selected types of anotiamicrotia. Birth Defects Research Part A 2009. © 2009 WileyLiss, Inc.

With the number of cancer cases projected to significantly increase over time, researchers are currently exploring “nontraditional” research fields in the pursuit of novel therapeutics. One emerging area that is steadily gathering interest revolves around cellular mechanical machinery. When looking broadly at the physical properties of cancer, it has been debated whether a cancer could be defined as either stiffer or softer across cancer types. With numerous articles supporting both sides, the evidence instead suggests that cancer is not particularly regimented. Instead, cancer is highly adaptable, allowing it to endure the constantly changing microenvironments cancer cells encounter, such as tumor compression and the shear forces in the vascular system and body. What allows cancer cells to achieve this adaptability are the particular proteins that make up the mechanical network, leading to a particular mechanical program of the cancer cell. Coincidentally, some of these proteins, such as myosin II, α-actinins, filamins, and actin, have either altered expression in cancer and/or some type of direct involvement in cancer progression. For this reason, targeting the mechanical system as a therapeutic strategy may lead to more efficacious treatments in the future. However, targeting the mechanical program is far from trivial. As involved as the mechanical program is in cancer development and metastasis, it also helps drive many other key cellular processes, such as cell division, cell adhesion, metabolism, and motility. Therefore, anti-cancer treatments targeting the mechanical program must take great care to avoid potential side effects. Here, we introduce the potential of targeting the mechanical program while also providing its challenges and shortcomings as a strategy for cancer treatment.

To assess the usefulness of a computer-assisted image-guided system (CAIGS) as an intraoperative anatomical guide in performing orbital surgery.