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We introduce a directed, weighted random graph model, where the edge-weights are independent and beta distributed with parameters depending on their endpoints. We will show that the row- and column-sums of the transformed edge-weight matrix are sufficient statistics for the parameters, and use the theory of exponential families to prove that the ML estimate of the parameters exists and is unique. Then an algorithm to find this estimate is introduced together with convergence proof that uses properties of the digamma function. Simulation results and applications are also presented., 1. Introduction The theory of ML estimation in the following types of exponential family random graph models has frequently been investigated in the last decade, see, e.g., [5,6,8,10,11]. The graph [...]

Background: While research suggests that manifestations of the hidden curriculum (HC) phenomenon have the potential to reinforce or undermine the values of an institution, very few studies have comprehensively measured its scope, impact, and the varied clinical teaching and learning contexts within which they occur. We explored the HC and examined the validity of newly developed constructs and determined the influence of context on the HC. Methods: We surveyed medical students (n =182), residents (n =148), and faculty (n = 140) from all disciplines at our institution between 2019 and 2020. Based on prior research and expertise, we measured participants’ experience with the HC including perceptions of respect and disrespect for different medical disciplines, settings in which the HC is experienced, impact of the HC, personal actions, efficacy, and their institutional perceptions. We examined the factor structure, reliability, and validity of the HC constructs using exploratory factor analysis Cronbach’s alpha, regression analysis and Pearson’s correlations. Results: Expert judges (physician faculty and medical learners) confirmed the content validity of the items used and the analysis revealed new HC constructs reflecting negative expressions, positive impacts and expressions, negative impacts, personal actions, and positive institutional perceptions of the HC. Evidence for criterion validity was found for the negative impacts and the personal actions constructs and were significantly associated with the stage of respondents’ career and gender. Support for convergent validity was obtained for HC constructs that were significantly correlated with certain contexts within which the HC occurs. Conclusion: More unique dimensions and contexts of the HC exist than have been previously documented. The findings demonstrate that specific clinical contexts can be targeted to improve negative expressions and impacts of the HC.

Introduction: In the present era, the classification of lung carcinoma is not confined to Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (SCLC) and Non Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (NSCLC). Precise subtyping of lung carcinoma has a direct impact on patient management and prognosis. Further molecular study helps in identifying adenocarcinoma receptors, such as Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK), which are useful in targeted therapy. Aim: To assess the role of Immunohistochemistry (IHC) in accurate diagnosis and subtyping of lung carcinoma and to analyse the prevalence of EGFR mutations and ALK rearrangement in lung adenocarcinoma. Materials and Methods: A retrospective hospital-based, observational study was conducted at the Department of Pathology of American International Institute of Medical Sciences, Udaipur, Rajasthan from January 2020 to August 2021. Total of 105 cases of guided core needle biopsies from lung and bronchoscopic biopsies were included. IHC markers were applied based on histopathological diagnosis from a panel of p63, Cytokeratin 7 (CK7), AE1/AE3, Thyroid Transcription Factor (TTF1), Napsin A, p40, synaptophysin, chromogranin, CD56 and Ki67. Adenocarcinoma cases were further analysed for EGFR mutations and ALK rearrangements. Data was tabulated and analysed statistically using Microsoft Excel to determine the percentage frequency distribution of cases. Results: Among 105, there were 88 males and 17 females and the mean age of the population was 60.57 years. The most prevalent subtype of lung malignancy was squamous cell carcinoma (44.7%) followed by adenocarcinoma (29.5%). The diagnostic accuracy of squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas on morphology was 93.1% and 84.6%, respectively and for small cell carcinoma it was 100%. Amongst 28 cases of adenocarcinoma, EGFR mutation was found in 46.42% cases whereas ALK mutation was found only in 21.42% cases. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of IHC, and a substantial prevalence of EGFR mutations was found in patients with lung carcinoma.

A functional single-chain variable fragment (scFv) of mouse monoclonal antibody against norfloxacin was expressed in yeast Pichia pastoris GS115, purified and characterized. Gene encoding monoclonal antibody against norfloxacin was transformed to P. pastoris GS115 using the pJM01 plasmid. Integration of the plasmid into the genome was verified by PCR and DNA sequencing analysis. After screening for the transformant and production of the selected scFv, the norfloxacin-binding ability was determined by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis. Eight transformats (O1-O8) were obtained from the transformation of P. pastoris GS115 with PmeI-linearized pJM01. PCR products detected by gel electrophoresis confirmed that pJM01 expression cassette was integrated at AOX1 promoter. After screening all transformants for high expression of the recombinant scFv, transformant O5 was selected for antibody production and purification. Detection of norfloxacin by ELISA with the recombinant scFv fragment was successful albeit with lower sensitivity compared to the original monoclonal antibody. In SPR analysis, our recombinant scFv fragments have the binding capability to norfloxacin equivalent to the original antibody with the average angle shift of 580 ± 133 and 505 ± 28 mDegree, respectively. The functional recombinant scFv of monoclonal antibody against norfloxacin successfully produced by methylotrophic yeast, P. pastoris GS115. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Hewitt-Savage 0-1 law, symmetric measurable sets are considered in a countable product of a σ-algebra Σ with itself. Therefore, it may be of interest to find simple generators for these sets in terms of the generators of Σ. We put the problem into a more general framework of action groups and as an application find simple generators for the finite product case. We also have a partial result in the countable product case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Norfloxacin belongs to the group of fluoroquinolone antibiotics which has been approved for treatment in animals. However, its residues in animal products can pose adverse side effects to consumer. Therefore, detection of the residue in different food matrices must be concerned. In this study, a single chain variable fragment (scFv) that recognizes norfloxacin antibiotic was constructed. The cDNA was synthesized from total RNA of hybridoma cells against norfloxacin. Genes encoding V H and V L regions of monoclonal antibody against norfloxacin (Nor155) were amplified and size of V H and V L fragments was 402 bp and 363 bp, respectively. The scFv of Nor155 was constructed by an addition of (Gly 4 Ser) 3 as a linker between V H and V L regions and subcloned into pPICZαA, an expression vector of Pichia pastoris . The sequence of scFv Nor155 (GenBank No. AJG06891.1 ) was confirmed by sequencing analysis. The complementarity determining regions (CDR) I, II, and III of V H and V L were specified by Kabat method. The obtained recombinant plasmid will be useful for production of scFv antibody against norfloxacin in P. pastoris and further engineer scFv antibody against fluoroquinolone antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The letter of recommendation is currently an integral part of applicant selection for residency programs. Internal medicine residents will spend much time and expense completing sub-specialty away electives to obtain a letter of recommendation. The purpose of this study was 1) to examine a large sample of reference letters in order to define essential components of a high-quality letter, and 2) to elucidate the relationship between quality of reference letter and the letter writer. Methods We conducted a two-phase study. In phase one, a large sample of letters of recommendation was examined using an audit tool as a coding framework. A 5-point composite endpoint of high-quality letter components was subsequently developed. In phase two, program director letters were compared to non-program director home institution and non-home institution elective letters based on inclusion of components of the 5-point composite endpoint using Chi square testing. Results 715 letters were examined (398 non-program director home institution letters, 201 program director letters, and 116 non-home institution elective letters). High-quality letter components were: nature of relationship, duration of relationship, In Training Evaluation Report information, research involvement and comments on areas for improvement. Program director letters had a significantly higher proportion (10.4%) of all 5 high-quality components, compared to 0% in both non-program director home institution letters and elective letters (p

Video surveillance systems are omnipresent and automatic monitoring of human activities is gaining importance in highly secured environments. The proposed work explores the use of the bio-inspired third generation neural network called spiking neural network (SNN) in order to recognize the action sequences present in a video. The SNN used in this work carries the neural information in terms of timing of spikes rather than the shape of the spikes. The learning technique used herein is reward-modulated spike time-dependent plasticity (R-STDP). It is based on reinforcement learning that modulates or demodulates the synaptic weights depending on the reward or the punishment signal that it receives from the decision layer. The absence of gradient descent techniques and external classifiers makes the system computationally efficient and simple. Finally, the performance of the network is evaluated on the two benchmark datasets, viz., Weizmann and KTH datasets.

Objective: To observe the association of chronic hypertension in pregnant women on their health and fetal outcome. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out from September 2019 to September 2020 upon a sample of 183 consenting pregnant women (chosen via non-probability – consecutive sampling) aged 20 – 35 years admitted to the study setting via OPD and emergency at Gynae Unit IV, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro (LUMHS). The data obtained was recorded on structured questionnaire comprising of inquiries pertaining to basic biodata, sociodemographic details, inferences obtained from history, clinical examination, and blood pressure. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS V. 21.0. Results: The mean age of the women was 24 years ±3 SD. The mean gestational age was 38 weeks (±1 SD). A majority of the participants hailed from an urban background and most presented as booked elective cases (normal delivery more often than cesarean delivery). Chronic hypertension (mean value 134/92) was present among 38.8% of the study participants. Poor maternal and fetal outcome were encountered among patients with chronic hypertension. Conclusion: A heavy burden of chronic hypertension was unearthed by this study which consisted of around 2/5th of whole sample. Adverse maternal outcomes including postpartum hemorrhage, eclampsia & spontaneous abortion and fetal (low birth weight & neonatal deaths complications were strongly associated with chronic hypertension.

The aim of this study was to evaluate a new device for the ultrasound-guided transvaginal aspiration of follicular fluid for acid-base balance analysis (ABB set) in comparison with the original modified commercial OPU set. In the ABB set, an aspiration syringe was placed in the front part of the new tool's handle, next to the transducer, so as to enable direct collection of the sample into the syringe. To obtain a sufficient amount of testable fluid, reservoirs of urine (rubber balloons) were used for later aspiration under laboratory conditions in Experiment 1. Fifteen triads of samples (each triad with two punctures) were collected. While the first sample of each triad was taken using the ABB set (ABB sample), two samples were taken by one puncture using the original modified commercial OPU set: aerobic phase of sampling (AE sample) with air present in the tubing at the start of sampling and the subsequent anaerobic phase of sampling (AN sample). Values determined in the second sample from the triad (AE) varied from the values in both ABB and AN samples (pH 7.685 vs. 7.704 vs. 7.692, pCO2 11.13 vs. 10.3 vs. 10.85, pO2 6.87 vs. 8.67 vs. 7.02). In Experiment 2, ultrasound-guided transvaginal aspirations were carried out in 13 cows bearing ovarian cysts with diameters of at least 3 cm, using plastic aspiration syringes (Experiment 2P) and in 12 cows using glass aspiration syringes (Experiment 2G). The sequence of samples was the same as in Experiment 1. We found a significantly higher pH in AE in comparison to AN (7.357 vs. 7.348), lower pCO2 (6.85) and higher O2 (14.12) in samples of AE in comparison to samples of ABB and AN (pCO2 7.36, 7.30; O2 9.95, 10.63 respectively) in cystic fluid in Experiment 2P. We found a significantly higher pH (7.4), lower pCO2 (5.98) and a higher pO2 (12.35) in AE samples in comparison to ABB and AN samples of cystic fluid (pH 7.386, 7.385; pCO2 6.39, 6.35 and O2 10.56, 10.65, respectively) from Experiment 2G. We conclude that the acid-base balance assay was affected by air, present in the tubing during aerobic sampling in comparison to anaerobic and ABB set sampling. These pre-analytical changes can be prevented by the use of the ABB set because the results obtained with the ABB set were not different from that of the AN samples. We also confirmed pre-analytical changes in acid-base balance parameters in the cystic fluid after it had been stored in plastic aspiration syringes. Our new ABB set equipped with a glass aspiration syringe is suitable for sampling follicular fluid for both acid-base balance and gas analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intrafollicular treatment (IFT) with different doses of luteinising hormone. Experimental heifers were treated with a single deslorelin implant to desensitise gonadotroph cells of the pituitary gland. Thereafter, follicular development was stimulated by exogenous FSH treatment. Intrafollicular treatment with 10, 5, 1 and 0.01 µg LH was performed on one single follicle while other follicles remained untreated. Human chorionic gonadotrophine (2000 UI) was administered intravenously as a control. Ovulation and development of the corpus luteum occurred after all intrafollicular treatments with 10 and 5 µg LH. After IFT using 1 µg of LH 75% animals (3/4) ovulated. The dose of 0.01 µg was not followed by any ovulation whereas control treatments with hCG were followed by an ovulation of the majority of follicles present in the ovaries. In conclusion, IFT with different doses of LH (greater than 0.01 µg) is capable of inducing ovulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate a new double-channel system for ultrasound-guided transvaginal intrafollicular treatment in cattle. The system is equipped with separate aspiration and treatment channels facilitating the aspiration of a small part of follicular fluid followed by the immediate injection of the same amount of treatment solution. In Experiment 1 an intracystic injection was performed successfully in all cows (6/6). In Experiment 2 saline was administered to dominant follicles with an overall success rate of 87.5% (14/16). This new double-channel system represents a reliable method for intrafollicular treatment preceded by an aspiration of the necessary amount of follicular fluid without an increase in intrafollicular pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of maternal dietary intakes on pregnancy outcomes was assessed in a descriptive, cross-sectional survey among women attending the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV program at Nyanza Provincial General Hospital (NPGH), Kenya. A Purposive sampling procedure was employed to select pregnant women (n=107) who had been tested for HIV into the study. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, health factors, dietary intakes and pregnancy outcomes were collected through an interview schedule from HIV-infected (n=48) and uninfected (n=59) pregnant women. Maternal dietary intakes were investigated using 24-Hour Diet Recalls and Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQs). Pregnancy outcomes were assessed in terms of infants' birth weights, gestational age, birth complications and stillbirths. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze data for descriptive and inferential statistics while NutriSurvey computer program analyzed dietary data for nutrient intake levels. The results showed that protein (p = 0.025) and vitamin B12 (p = 0.021) intakes had significant correlation with infant's gestational age among the HIV-infected women while calorie (p = 0.042), vitamin B6 (p = 0.048) and vitamin B12 (p = 0.015) intakes significantly influenced infant's gestational age among uninfected women. Magnesium, iron and folate had a significant influence (p < 0.05) on infant's gestational age in both HIV-infected and uninfected mothers. The results further revealed that HIV-infected women gave birth to infants of low birth weight (2.70 ± 0.3799 kg) compared with those uninfected (3.16 ± 0.5307 kg), while the gestational age of infants born to HIV-infected mothers was shorter (34.6 ± 3.24 weeks) compared with that of infants born to uninfected mothers (39.4 ± 2.21 weeks). The study concluded that both HIV and dietary intake have significant effects on pregnancy outcomes. It is imperative, therefore, that appropriate nutrition intervention be put in place to improve maternal health during HIV infection to ensure favourable pregnancy outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on public attitudes towards the use of transgenic trees in forest plantations is important in the decision-making process and policy implementation for safe tree development, particularly at the EU level. In Europe, the use of transgenic forest trees is very limited and therefore such information is completely lacking. To address this issue within the FP0905 European COST Action on the Biosafety of Transgenic Forest Trees a pioneer cross-country pilot survey on public attitudes towards the use of transgenic forest trees was conducted using young population as a focus group. This was decided mainly because this focus group represents the future consumers, policy makers or developers. Specifically, the survey aimed to: i) assess the level of young people’s knowledge about transgenic forest trees, ii) identify issues of concern to them regarding the cultivation of transgenic forest trees and iii) explore whether they approve or disapprove of the use of transgenic forest trees in plantations. Purposive sampling was performed and university students of different disciplines were included in the research as sampling subjects. In total, 1868 completed questionnaires from 15 European and non-European countries were analyzed. The young educated people that took part in the survey appeared to approve of the use of transgenic forest trees in plantations and would be willing to buy forest transgenic products. The potential loss of biodiversity due to a risk of gene flow between transgenic and wild trees was seen as the safety issue of most concern when considering the commercial release of transgenic forest trees. However, a serious perceived lack of knowledge about potential benefits and risks of the cultivation of transgenic forest trees was recorded in most of the countries. K-means clustering was implemented on respondents’ positive responses to identify potential country patterns. No differences in patterns of public attitude towards the acceptance of the commercial growing of transgenic forest trees were observed between European and non-European countries. Extended research on public attitude issues towards the use of transgenic forest trees is strongly recommended as a basis for policy implementation on safe tree development.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the hip point and the centre of mass for kinematical parameters (displacement, velocity and acceleration) in the three axes of motion. One complete stroke cycle was analyzed in eight swimmers performing a 25 m front crawl swim test at high intensity. Within-subject correlation coefficients were computed between the centre of mass and both hips, as well as mean of the errors, RMS error and a paired sample t- test. High correlation coefficients were found for the displacement in the horizontal direction (r=1.00 for both hips) and low to moderate correlation coefficients (r= -0.01 to r=0.54) were found for all other studied variables. Moreover, moderate to large RMS errors were observed: (i) between 0.05 and 0.15 for the displacement: (ii) between 0.16 and 0.30 for the velocity and (iii) between 5.28 and 7.86 for the acceleration. Complementarily, RMS errors for the intracyclic velocity variation were between 0.07 and 0.18. Considering the centre of mass and hip values statistical differences were found in velocity in x, acceleration in x and y. and intracyclic velocity variation in y axes. Therefore, results suggest that the hip point does not represent most kinematical parameters of the estimated centre of mass in front crawl swimming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acid-base balance is one of the most vigorously regulated variables of the body, including genital organs. Subacute ruminal acidosis is a common disturbance in dairy cows that disturbs several biochemical indices in the blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine. The possible negative effects of metabolic acidosis on the follicular fluid (FF) composition and, subsequently, on oocyte quality, are not fully elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in acid-base balance (ABB) in FF and blood during acute metabolic acidosis in dairy heifers. Ten Holstein heifers were stimulated with FSH in eight decreasing doses at 12-hour intervals (D0–D3). Acidosis was induced by oral administration of sucrose at 9 g/kg of body weight, dissolved in 10 L of warm tap water, at D3. Samples were collected from each cow at 0, 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, 40, and 48 hours after treatment. Samples of FF, obtained by transvaginal follicular aspiration, and peripheral blood were examined for ABB parameters: pH, pCO 2 , pO 2 , HCO 3 − , and base excess (BE). A significant decrease in pH, HCO 3 − , and BE values in the blood, as well as FF, occurred after sucrose treatment. The lowest pH values occurred in blood at 16 hours, and in FF at 24 hours, after treatment (7.30 ± 0.05 and 7.33 ± 0.05, respectively). The lowest HCO 3 − values in blood (18.75 ± 3.2 mmol/L) and FF (18.07 ± 2.84 mmol/L) occurred 24 hours after treatment, as did the lowest BE values (−6.61 ± 3.7 mmol/L and −7.53 ± 3.89 mmol/L, in blood and FF, respectively). Significant correlations for HCO 3 − (r = 0.928), BE (r = 0.946), pH (r = 0.889), and pCO 2 (r = 0.522) existed between blood and FF samples. The results demonstrated that metabolic acute acidosis substantially influences the characteristics of both serum and FF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]