bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ФІЛОСОФІЯ ЯК НАВЧАЛЬНА ДИСЦИПЛІНА В УМОВАХ ДИСТАНЦІЙНОГО НАВЧАННЯ: ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ВИКЛАДАННЯ І ВИВЧЕННЯ
Authors: Бондаренко С. В. , Пилипишин О. І. , Гуменна Н. В.
Published: January 2023

При існуванні багатьох спільних, загальних моментів у викладанні й вивченні кожної навчальної дисципліни, що мають виражений методичний характер (послідовність розгляду матеріалу, наявність необхідної літератури, врахування особливостей аудиторії та ін.), існують положення, які стосуються безпосередньо специфіки форми знання, що пропонується здобувачам для освоєння. Йдеться про методологічні засади організації освітнього процесу в контексті конкретного навчального курсу – історії України та української культури, соціології, філософії тощо. Питання принципово важливе, й від того, як воно буде вирішене, величезною мірою залежить не тільки методична сторона навчання, а і його результати. Щодо філософії, то тут справа не зовсім проста. Це надто специфічне утворення, що вирізняється низкою особливостей, які відсутні в інших формах духовної культури. Врахування їх – необхідна умова ефективного розкриття потенціалу дисципліни. У режимі дистанційного навчання, коли відсутнє пряме, безпосереднє спілкування викладачів і здобувачів, необхідно правильно визначити, яким особ­ливостям філософії слід надавати перевагу, а які матимуть другорядне звучання. Соціогуманітарні науки та, безпосеред­ньо, філософія виступають для сучасної науки й освіти певним методологічним регулятивом. Це говорить про життєву необхідність зберегти та посилити роль соціогуманітаристики в освітньому просторі як єдино можливого інструменту для формування критично мислення, ідеалів, норм культури мислення сучасного науковця та спеціаліста.
Um Jacobeu em Pernambuco? O caso do Pe. Bernardo da Silva do Amaral (c.1772- c. 1776)
Authors: Melo Bruno Kawai Souto Maior de
Published: January 2023

O presente artigo propõe analisar a trajetória do Pe. Bernardo da Silva do Amaral, confessor e diretor espiritual na capitania de Pernambuco, durante a segunda metade do século XVIII. Pe. Bernardo costumava afirmar às suas dirigidas que “dar ósculos abraços, e ter tratos desonestos, não era pecado”, antes “servia para maior união dos espíritos, e serviço de Deus”. Preso pelo vigário geral do Bispado de Pernambuco, teve sua acusação “fundada na mais refinada Jacobeia”. Encaminhado à Inquisição, em Lisboa, foi condenado por cometer crimes de solicitação e molinosismo. Diante disso, examinaremos o motivo da divergência entre a acusação realizada pelo juízo eclesiástico de Pernambuco e a condenação aplicada pelo Tribunal do Santo Ofício de Lisboa; e buscaremos demonstrar que a guerra à Jacobeia, promovida pelo pombalismo, pode ter inspirado o vigário geral de Pernambuco a classificar os desvios do Pe. Bernardo como “jacobices”.
Piolin para além do modernismo: modernidade nas décadas 1920 e 1930
Authors: Santana Camila Jansen de Mello de
Published: January 2023

Partindo do anseio modernista por um elemento-síntese da identidade nacional, discutiremos não apenas a eleição do Palhaço Piolin como modelo de brasilidade, mas também como o personagem conseguiu ultrapassar as expectativas dos modernistas, para tornar-se porta-voz da identidade popular e de grupos marginalizados. Utilizando discursos dos modernistas, embalagens das Balas Piolin e histórias em quadrinhos do personagem publicadas na edição infantil de A Gazeta, apontaremos os caminhos pelos quais Piolin tornou-se, nas décadas de 1920 e 1930, símbolo dos modernistas e da modernidade, que marcava a vida cotidiana das cidades brasileiras com inúmeras inovações, como novas técnicas e tecnologias, que permitiram aos populares verem e serem vistos, saindo das margens e circulando, como produto cultural, pelos diferentes segmentos da sociedade.
Reparative Game Creation: Designing For and With Psychosocial Disability
Authors: Stone Kara
Published: January 2023

This article proposes a design framework called Reparative Game Creation, a process of creating interactive media focused on healing, emotional acceptance, and accessibility for the psychosocially disabled. It is informed by disability studies, affect theory, anti-capitalist thought, and artist-scholarship on research creation and/or critical practice. Though much of game design and game studies focus on the end product or the player experience, this article instead focuses on the process of game design, and as such does not analyze particular games but instead proposes new ways of creating games informed by psychosocial disability.
Undetectable Starting Points: Rethinking “Passing” in Level Design through Queerness, Disability, and Roxy's Got Balls
Authors: DeAnda Michael Anthony , Straznickas Gracie Lu
Published: January 2023

In this article, the authors tease out meritocracy from level design by comparing “passing” game levels with “passing” as performances for survival by marginalized peoples. We use HIV to demonstrate passing as a response from the intersections of queerness, race, and disability to inform heuristics for level design that tease out meritocratic design practices. We finish by illustrating our heuristics in action through Roxy's Got Balls, an online drag queen bingo event.
How to Make Sino-Reformed Theology Possible?
Authors: Xu Ximian
Published: December 2022

This article aims to retrieve Abraham Kuyper’s theology to develop Reformed theology in mainland China. It shall argue that Kuyper’s concern about the varying contexts where theology is practiced shows an underdeveloped proto-Reformed contextual theology. Nonetheless, his idea of common grace serves as a conceptual apparatus through which his proto-Reformed contextual theology can underpin the construction of Sino-Reformed theology, a Reformed theology that is organically united with the history of Christianity while taking root in Chinese culture and interacting closely with the Chinese context. Such a contextualised Reformed theology can make Reformed faith an indigenous plant in the garden of Chinese Christianity on the one hand and prove conducive to the development of an organic Reformed community and theology on the other.
Contact and Conflict: Integral Experience in Classical Chinese and Reformational Philosophies
Authors: McIlhenny Ryan
Published: December 2022

This essay offers a comparative analysis of aspects of classical Chinese philosophy with those of Reformational (Neo-Calvinist) philosophy. Such aspects form a shared root in prioritizing temporal experience (over abstract reasoning) and conceptualizing the entirety of reality as contingent and relationally dependent. At the same time, however, what marks the divergence between the two philosophies is the underlying assumptions as to what this integral reality points toward – a directionality that is critical to meaning and being. For classical Chinese philosophy, the source and meaning of reality is found within reality itself, not beyond it, construing such reality not as independent and self-contained but necessary and sufficient. This conflicts with the notion of reality as contingent and dependent. From a Reformational perspective, on the other hand, reality (i.e., all of creation) is constituted as it stands in relation to an independent and necessary Creator. The crux of Reformational philosophy is that the origin and meaning of all reality must point outside of itself to its origin in God.
Polish–Arabic–English Trilingualism: A Case Study of Selected Language Biographies
Authors: Dzierżawin Katarzyna
Published: December 2022

This paper utilizes linguistic biographies in order to exhibit the multilingualism of Poles living in present-day Egypt. It presents two model language biographies: a woman and a man brought up in Arabic culture. The respondents belong to the second generation of the Polish diaspora in Cairo and are the children of mixed marriages. The aim of the article is to explore the process of becoming and being a trilingual person, as well as to show the linguistic situation of people of Polish origin in Egypt and their language and cultural preferences in the context of self-identification. The research was conducted through personal interviews.
Reconstruction of Metaphorical Mapping as an Instrument of the Pre-translation Analysis of Poetry
Authors: Aksenova Anna
Published: December 2022

Although it can help avoid far too literal translations of metaphorical expressions, the reconstruction of metaphorical mapping is still an unclaimed instrument of pre-translation analysis. This research aims at a pre-translation analysis of a book of poems, Babylon in a Jar (1998) by Andrew Hudgins, which has not been previously translated into Russian. The method for linguistic metaphor identification created by G. Steen is applied for the first time in this study as an instrument of pre-translation analysis. Firstly, key conceptual metaphors of the book are identified: death is departure, life is a journey, plants are people, and emotional intimacy is physical closeness. Secondly, the relationship between source and target domains is analysed. For example, the source domain for the metaphor people are plants is a daffodil, a tree, or a chinaberry. In Western cultures, a chinaberry symbolizes the tree of knowledge and in A. Hudgins’ poem, this idea is mapped onto knowledge about sinful human nature. Thirdly, translation strategies are outlined. In the translated version, another plant is introduced to preserve the original cross-domain mapping because the chinaberry tree is not familiar to Russian readers. Based on conceptual metaphor theory, this research seeks to integrate the reconstruction of metaphorical mapping into a pre-translation analysis, which allows for the preservation of the spirit of the original version. These insights advance interdisciplinary research on poetry interpretation and the practice of translation.
Efficacy of Biomarkers in Identifying Abnormal Echocardiogram in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children
Authors: Arora Rajan , Sethuraman Usha , Merolla David M. , Sanil Yamuna , Bharadwaj Madhumithaa , Kannikeswaran Nirupama
Published: December 2022

Cardiac involvement in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is common and contributes to significant morbidity and mortality. We evaluated the efficacy of cardiac biomarkers in detection of an abnormal echocardiogram in MIS-C patients. A retrospective chart review of children ≤18 years diagnosed with MIS-C at our hospital was performed. Sensitivity and specificity of high-sensitivity troponin I (hs-TnI) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) were estimated for an abnormal echocardiogram. Of the 83 patients with MIS-C, 33 (39.8%) had an abnormal echocardiogram. While BNP was more sensitive, hs-TnI >50 ng/L was more specific for detecting an abnormal echocardiogram. Compared with children who had normal hs-TnI levels (<17 ng/L), those with hs-TnI >50 ng/L were more likely to have an echocardiographic abnormality (relative risk: 4.9; 95% CI, 2.9-10.9). Children with abnormal BNP and/or troponin (especially greater than 3-fold the upper limit of normal) would benefit from an urgent echocardiogram in the emergency department.
Hemorrhagic Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in a Patient With Larynx Carcinoma
Authors: Ogul Hayri , Kiziloglu Alper , Ogul Yasemin
Published: January 2023

Significance Statement Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is characterized by variable neurological findings such as headache, deterioration in mental condition, loss of consciousness and visual loss. The disease results with impairment of the cerebral blood flow autoregulation. Ondansetron, serotonin (5HT-3) receptor antagonist, may cause the haemorrhagic PRES.
Epidemiology of Lateral Ligament Complex Tears of the Ankle in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Sports: 2014-15 Through 2018-19
Authors: Chandran Avinash , Moffit Reagan E. , DeJong Lempke Alexandra F. , Boltz Adrian J. , Alexander Andrew S. , Robison Hannah J. , Kerr Zachary Yukio , Collins Christy L. , Wikstrom Erik A.
Published: January 2023

Background:

Epidemiological studies of lateral ankle sprains in NCAA sports are important in appraising the burden of this injury and informing prevention efforts.

Purpose:

To describe the epidemiology of lateral ankle sprains in NCAA sports during the 2014-15 through 2018-19 seasons.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

Injury and exposure information collected within the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program (ISP) were examined. Counts, rates, and proportions of lateral ankle sprains were used to describe injury incidence by sport, event type (practices, competitions), season segment (preseason, regular season, postseason), injury mechanism (player contact, noncontact, and surface contact, injury history (new, recurrent), and time loss (time loss [≥1 day], non–time loss). Injury rate ratios (IRRs) were used to examine differential injury rates, and injury proportion ratios (IPRs) were used to examine differential distributions.

Results:

A total of 3910 lateral ankle sprains were reported (4.61 per 10,000 athlete exposures) during the study period, and the overall rate was highest in men’s basketball (11.82 per 10,000 athlete exposures). The competition-related injury rate was higher than the practice-related rate (IRR, 3.24; 95% CI, 3.04-3.45), and across season segments, the overall rate was highest in preseason (4.99 per 10,000 athlete exposures). Lateral ankle sprains were most often attributed to player-contact mechanisms in men’s (43.2%) and women’s sports (35.1%), although injuries were more prevalently attributed to player contact in men’s than in women’s sports (IPR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.13-1.34). Overall, 49.7% of all lateral ankle sprains were time loss injuries.

Conclusions:

The findings of this study are consistent with previous epidemiological investigations of lateral ankle sprains among NCAA athletes. Results offer additional context on differential injury mechanisms between men’s and women’s sports and on injury risk across the competitive season. Future research may examine the effectiveness of deploying injury prevention programs before the start of a season.
Influence of elevated temperature on the microhardness and microstructure of carbon fiber reinforced polymers
Authors: Lee Se Woong , Han Seulgi , Kim Sang-il , Choi Sungmo
Published: January 2023

Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) has attracted attention for the reinforcement and retrofitting of concrete structures. Thus, their degradation in elevated temperatures is important feature to investigate. Herein, influence of elevated temperatures on microstructure and microhardness properties of different types of CFRP was investigated. A series of CFRP plate-, sheet-, and bar-type samples were fired at 150, 250, 350, and 450°C. Crystal structural properties of epoxy resin matrices and carbon fibers in the CFRP composites were examined using X-ray diffraction analysis. An increase in surface defects was observed for the fired CFRP plates and bars; however, there was no significant difference between the microstructures of the fired CFRP sheets. Hardness of CFRP plates fired at 150 and 250°C substantially decreased from 0.67 to 0.62 and 0.47 GPa, respectively, compared to that of unfired CFRP plate. Similarly, hardness of CFRP bars fired at 150, 250, and 350°C decreased from 2.09 to 1.73, 1.63, and 0.62 GPa, which is reduced by 17, 22, and 70%, respectively, compared to that of unfired CFRP bar. Decrease in hardness is attributed to several factors, such as mechanical degradation in the resin matrix, fiber/matrix debonding, and an increase in microcracks on the surface.
Slip at the edge of complete contacts
Authors: Riddoch Daniel J , Hills David A
Published: January 2023

We describe an asymptotic method for calculating the size of a zone of partial slip at the edge of a complete contact of arbitrary edge angle and coefficient of friction. Above a critical coefficient of friction the contact remains stuck, and this critical value is explored. A distributed dislocation method is used and the use of different types of numerical quadrature is explored. The size of the slip zone, and its dependence on the contact edge angle and coefficient of friction, are explored.
Aptamer Technology and Its Applications in Bone Diseases
Authors: Liu Xiangzhong , Hu Jing , Ning Yu , Xu Haijia , Cai Hantao , Yang Aofei , Shi Zhengshuai , Li Zhanghua
Published: January 2023

Aptamers are single-stranded nucleic acids (DNA, short RNA, or other artificial molecules) produced by the Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) technology, which can be tightly and specifically combined with desired targets. As a comparable alternative to antibodies, aptamers have many advantages over traditional antibodies such as a strong chemical stability and rapid bulk production. In addition, aptamers can bind targets in various ways, and are not limited like the antigen–antibody combination. Studies have shown that aptamers have tremendous potential to diagnose and treat clinical diseases. However, only a few aptamer-based drugs have been used because of limitations of the aptamers and SELEX technology. To promote the development and applications of aptamers, we present a review of the methods optimizing the SELEX technology and modifying aptamers to boost the selection success rate and improve aptamer characteristics. In addition, we review the application of aptamers to treat bone diseases.
Aiming High: Applying Goal Setting to Social and Emotional Learning Skills in the Elementary Classroom
Authors: Sanders Sara , Rollins Lauren Hart , McFall Aundrea
Published: January 2023

Goal setting is used to track progress on academic and behavioral outcomes. It can also be extremely effective in monitoring progress toward social and emotional learning (SEL) goals. In this article, we provide an overview of effective goal setting in the classroom to support SEL skill acquisition and development, and practical examples of how to implement goal setting with elementary students with and at risk of emotional and behavioral disorders. Examples of progress monitoring and ideas for how to intensify goal supports are described.
Maize cytolines as models to study the impact of different cytoplasms on gene expression under heat stress conditions
Authors: Ardelean Ioana V. , Bălăcescu Loredana , Sicora Oana , Bălăcescu Ovidiu , Mladin Lia , Haș Voichița , Miclăuș Mihai
Published: January 2023

Background

Crops are under constant pressure due to global warming, which unfolds at a much faster pace than their ability to adapt through evolution. Agronomic traits are linked to cytoplasmic-nuclear genome interactions. It thus becomes important to understand the influence exerted by the organelles on gene expression under heat stress conditions and profit from the available genetic diversity. Maize (Zea mays) cytolines allow us to investigate how the gene expression changes under heat stress conditions in three different cytoplasmic environments, but each having the same nucleus. Analyzing retrograde signaling in such an experimental set-up has never been done before. Here, we quantified the response of three cytolines to heat stress as differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and studied gene expression patterns in the context of existing polymorphism in their organellar genomes.

Results

Our study unveils a plethora of new genes and GO terms that are differentially expressed or enriched, respectively, in response to heat stress. We report 19,600 DEGs as responding to heat stress (out of 30,331 analyzed), which significantly enrich 164 GO biological processes, 30 GO molecular functions, and 83 GO cell components. Our approach allowed for the discovery of a significant number of DEGs and GO terms that are not common in the three cytolines and could therefore be linked to retrograde signaling. Filtering for DEGs with a fold regulation > 2 (absolute values) that are exclusive to just one of the cytolines, we find a total of 391 up- and down-DEGs. Similarly, there are 19 GO terms with a fold enrichment > 2 that are cytoline-specific. Using GBS data we report contrasting differences in the number of DEGs and GO terms in each cytoline, which correlate with the genetic distances between the mitochondrial genomes (but not chloroplast) and the original nuclei of the cytolines, respectively.

Conclusions

The experimental design used here adds a new facet to the paradigm used to explain how gene expression changes in response to heat stress, capturing the influence exerted by different organelles upon one nucleus rather than investigating the response of several nuclei in their innate cytoplasmic environments.
Establishment and evaluation of an early prediction model of hepatorenal syndrome in patients with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis
Authors: Wang Shouhao , Zhou Zhewen , Xu Chengan , Chen Hanzhu , Ren Wenya , Yang Xingdi , Yin Qiaoqiao , Zheng Wei , Pan Hongying
Published: January 2023

Background and aim

In China, hepatorenal syndrome is a serious complication in the decompensated stage of hepatitis B cirrhosis, which requires early clinical intervention, so the early diagnosis of hepatorenal syndrome is crucial. This study establishes a new predictive model based on serum biomarkers for the early diagnosis of hepatorenal syndrome.

Methods

Patients with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to the training dataset and validation dataset at a 7:3 ratio. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to screen the risk factors for hepatorenal syndrome. The identified risk factors were used to establish and verify a model.

Results

This study included 255 patients with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis, including 184 in the training group and 71 in the validation group. The multivariate logistic regression model was established in the training group and verified in the validation group. Logistic regression showed that hemoglobin (OR 0.938, 95% CI 0.908–0.969), total bilirubin (OR 1.014, 95% CI 1.008–1.021) and creatinine (OR 1.079, 95% CI 1.043–1.117) were independent risk factors for hepatorenal syndrome (P < 0.05). These were used to establish the model. In the training group and the validation group, the area under the ROC curve of the nomogram for the diagnosis of hepatorenal syndrome was 0.968 and 0.980, respectively.

Conclusion

The three serum biomarkers, including hemoglobin, total bilirubin and creatinine, can be used as independent early predictors of hepatorenal syndrome in patients with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis.
Biofilm elimination from infected root canals using four different single files
Authors: Hamed Sarah A. , Shabayek Sarah , Hassan Hayam Y.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) is the most commonly isolated bacterium from infected root canals. It is found in the form of a biofilm, which makes it more resistant to antimicrobials, and requires optimal chemomechanical strategies to maximize root canal disinfection.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of 4 different endodontic file systems against E. faecalis biofilm growth in root canals using colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL) and scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Methods

Eighty-five extracted human mandibular premolars with straight root canals and apical diameters not larger than the #15 K-file were randomly selected. After performing a pilot study (n = 15) to determine the ideal incubation period for E. faecalis biofilm development, sixty-five root canals were infected with E. faecalis, incubated for 3 weeks, and then mechanically prepared using one of four single files (XP-endo Shaper, Hyflex EDM, One Curve, and Fanta. AFTM F One) (n = 15). Five infected root canals were excluded for the positive control. Five non-contaminated root canals were included for the negative control. Samples were collected using sterile paper points pre- and post-instrumentation to determine the bacterial load (CFU/mL). Root canals from each group were topographically evaluated at the coronal, middle, and apical segments using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Bacterial reduction data were estimated and statistically analyzed by Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests (post hoc test) (P ≤ .05).

Results

XP-endo Shaper, Hyflex DEM, and One Curve significantly could eradicate E. faecalis biofilms in infected root canals with no significant difference among them compared to Fanta. AF™ F One.

Conclusion

None of the systems were capable of completely eliminating biofilms. XP-endo Shaper, Hyflex EDM, and One Curve mechanically eliminated E. faecalis biofilms compared to Fanta. AF™ F One from infected root canals.
Neuro-nanotechnology: diagnostic and therapeutic nano-based strategies in applied neuroscience
Authors: Shabani Leili , Abbasi Milad , Azarnew Zeynab , Amani Ali Mohammad , Vaez Ahmad
Published: January 2023

Artificial, de-novo manufactured materials (with controlled nano-sized characteristics) have been progressively used by neuroscientists during the last several decades. The introduction of novel implantable bioelectronics interfaces that are better suited to their biological targets is one example of an innovation that has emerged as a result of advanced nanostructures and implantable bioelectronics interfaces, which has increased the potential of prostheses and neural interfaces. The unique physical–chemical properties of nanoparticles have also facilitated the development of novel imaging instruments for advanced laboratory systems, as well as intelligently manufactured scaffolds and microelectrodes and other technologies designed to increase our understanding of neural tissue processes. The incorporation of nanotechnology into physiology and cell biology enables the tailoring of molecular interactions. This involves unique interactions with neurons and glial cells in neuroscience. Technology solutions intended to effectively interact with neuronal cells, improved molecular-based diagnostic techniques, biomaterials and hybridized compounds utilized for neural regeneration, neuroprotection, and targeted delivery of medicines as well as small chemicals across the blood–brain barrier are all purposes of the present article.
The influence of male and female overweight/obesity on IVF outcomes: a cohort study based on registration in Western China
Authors: Liu Xiang , Shi Shengjia , Sun Jianhua , He Yuan , Zhang Zhou , Xing Junping , Chong Tie
Published: January 2023

Background

Overweight/obesity can affect fertility, increase the risk of pregnancy complications, and affect the outcome of assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, due to confounding factors, the accuracy and uniformity of published findings on IVF outcomes have been disputed. This study aimed to assess the effects of both male and female body mass index (BMI), individually and in combination, on IVF outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 11,191 couples undergoing IVF. Per the Chinese BMI standard, the couples were divided into four groups: normal; female overweight/obesity; male overweight/obesity; and combined male and female overweight/obesity. The IVF outcomes of the four groups were compared and analysed.

Results

Regarding the 6569 first fresh IVF-ET cycles, compared with the normal weight group, the female overweight/obesity and combined male/female overweight/obesity groups had much lower numbers of available embryos and high-quality embryos (p < 0.05); additionally, the fertilization (p < 0.001) and normal fertilization rates (p < 0.001) were significantly decreased in the female overweight/obesity group. The combined male/female overweight/obesity group had significant reductions in the available embryo (p = 0.002), high-quality embryo (p = 0.010), fertilization (p = 0.001) and normal fertilization rates (p < 0.001); however, neither male or female overweight/obesity nor their combination significantly affected the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), live birth rate (LBR) or abortion rate (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings support the notion that overweight/obesity does not influence pregnancy success; however, we found that overweight/obesity affects the fertilization rate and embryo number and that there are sex differences.
Hyaluronic acid spacer in prostate cancer radiotherapy: dosimetric effects, spacer stability and long-term toxicity and PRO in a phase II study
Authors: Björeland Ulrika , Notstam Kristina , Fransson Per , Söderkvist Karin , Beckman Lars , Jonsson Joakim , Nyholm Tufve , Widmark Anders , Thellenberg Karlsson Camilla
Published: January 2023

Background

Perirectal spacers may be beneficial to reduce rectal side effects from radiotherapy (RT). Here, we present the impact of a hyaluronic acid (HA) perirectal spacer on rectal dose as well as spacer stability, long-term gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) toxicity and patient-reported outcome (PRO).

Methods

In this phase II study 81 patients with low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer received transrectal injections with HA before external beam RT (78 Gy in 39 fractions). The HA spacer was evaluated with MRI four times; before (MR0) and after HA-injection (MR1), at the middle (MR2) and at the end (MR3) of RT. GI and GU toxicity was assessed by physician for up to five years according to the RTOG scale. PROs were collected using the Swedish National Prostate Cancer Registry and Prostate cancer symptom scale questionnaires.

Results

There was a significant reduction in rectal V70% (54.6 Gy) and V90% (70.2 Gy) between MR0 and MR1, as well as between MR0 to MR2 and MR3. From MR1 to MR2/MR3, HA thickness decreased with 28%/32% and CTV-rectum space with 19%/17% in the middle level. The cumulative late grade ≥ 2 GI toxicity at 5 years was 5% and the proportion of PRO moderate or severe overall bowel problems at 5 years follow-up was 12%. Cumulative late grade ≥ 2 GU toxicity at 5 years was 12% and moderate or severe overall urinary problems at 5 years were 10%.

Conclusion

We show that the HA spacer reduced rectal dose and long-term toxicity.
Computational comparison of anterior lumbar interbody fusion and oblique lumbar interbody fusion with various supplementary fixation systems: a finite element analysis
Authors: Ouyang Pengrong , Tan Qinghua , He Xijing , Zhao Bo
Published: January 2023

Background and objective

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) and oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) have shown a great surgical potential, while it has always been controversial which surgical approach and which type of fixation system should be selected. This study investigated the biomechanical response of ALIF and OLIF with various supplementary fixation systems using the finite element method.

Materials and methods

Lumbar L4–L5 ALIF and OLIF models stabilized by different supplementary fixation systems (stand-alone cage, integrated stand-alone cage, anterior plate, and bilateral pedicle screw) were developed to assess the segmental range of motion (ROM), endplate stress (EPS), and screw-bone interface stress (SBIS).

Experimental results

ALIF showed lower ROM and EPS than OLIF in all motion planes and less SBIS in the most of motion planes compared with OLIF when the anterior plate or pedicle screw was used. ALIF induced higher ROM, while lower EPS and SBIS than OLIF in the majority of motion planes when integrated stand-alone cage was utilized. Using a stand-alone cage in ALIF and OLIF led to cage migration. Integrated stand-alone cage prevented the cage migration, whereas caused significantly larger ROM, EPS, and SBIS than other fixation systems except for the rotation plane. In the most of motion planes, the pedicle screw had the lowest ROM, EPS, and SBIS. The anterior plate induced a slightly larger ROM, EPS, and SBIS than the pedicle screw, while the differences were not significant.

Conclusion

ALIF exhibited a better performance in postoperative segmental stability, endplate stress, and screw-bone interface stress than OLIF when the anterior plate or the pedicle screw was used. The pedicle screw could provide the greatest postoperative segmental stability, less cage subsidence incidence, and lower risk of fixation system loosening in ALIF and OLIF. The anterior plate could also contribute to the stability required and fewer complications, while not as effectively as the pedicle screw. Extreme caution should be regarded when the stand-alone cage is used due to the risk of cage migration. The integrated stand-alone cage may be an alternative method; however, further optimization is needed to reduce complications and improve postoperative segmental stability.
Biomechanical comparison of different screw-included angles in crossing screw fixation for transverse patellar fracture in level walking: a quasi-dynamic finite element study
Authors: Chang Chih-Wei , Chen Yen-Nien , Chang Hung-Chih , Li Chun-Ting
Published: January 2023

Background

A minimally invasive technique with various screw configurations without open surgery is currently used for the fixation of transverse patellar fractures. Percutaneous crossing screw configuration has been reported to have a good bone union rate in patellar fractures. However, the difference in mechanical stability of the fractured patella between different screw-included angles has not been fully investigated. Hence, this study aims to compare the mechanical stability of parallel and crossing screw fixations with different screw-included angles for the fixation of transverse patellar fractures during level walking.

Methods

A finite element knee model containing a patella with a transverse fracture is created. Two headless compression screws with different angles (0°, 30°, 60°, and 90°) are used to fix the fracture. The loading conditions of the knee joint during level walking are used to compare the stability of the fractured patella with different fixation screw configurations.

Results

The results indicate that the maximum fracture gap opening distance increased with an increase in the included angle. Two parallel screws yield the smallest gap distance among all screw configurations. The maximum gap opening distances at the anterior leading edge of the fractured patella with two parallel screws and two screws having an included angle of 90° are 0.73 mm and 1.31 mm, respectively, at 15% walking cycle.

Conclusions

Based on these results, the superior performance of two parallel screws over crossing screw fixations in the fixation of transverse patellar fractures is established. Furthermore, the smaller the angle between the crossing screws, the better is the stability of the fractured patella.
Effects of Qingda granule on patients with grade 1 hypertension at low-medium risk: study protocol for a randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial
Authors: Long Lin-zi , Chu Jian-feng , Qu Hua , Yang Qiao-ning , Lu Yan , Fu Chang-geng , Peng Jun , Chen Ke-ji
Published: January 2023

Background

Numerous pre-clinical studies showed that Qingda granule (QDG) was effective in treating hypertension. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of QDG in reducing blood pressure among patients with grade 1 hypertension at low-medium risk.

Methods

The study is designed as a randomized, multi-center, double-blinded, non-inferiority clinical trial. Five hundred fifty-two patients with grade 1 hypertension at low-medium risk from 13 hospitals will be recruited and randomly assigned to the QDG group (n = 276, treated with valsartan capsule simulation agent and QDG) or control group (n = 276, treated with valsartan capsule and QDG simulation agent). The treatment period will be 4 weeks and the follow-up period will last 4 weeks after treatment. Primary outcome will be a decreased value of systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure after treatment. And second outcome will include the decreased value of diastolic blood pressure and systolic blood pressure at the end of follow-up, the percentage of participants achieving normal blood pressure at the end of treatment and follow-up, the Hamilton Anxiety Scale and TCM syndrome scores at the end of treatment and follow-up, and levels of hypertensive hormones at end of treatment and follow-up.

Discussion

This study will provide initial evidence regarding the clinical efficacy and safety of QDG in treating grade 1 hypertension at low-medium risk.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000033890. Registered on 15 June 2020.
Human biting mosquitoes and implications for West Nile virus transmission
Authors: Uelmen Johnny A. , Lamcyzk Bennett , Irwin Patrick , Bartlett Dan , Stone Chris , Mackay Andrew , Arsenault-Benoit Arielle , Ryan Sadie J. , Mutebi John-Paul , Hamer Gabriel L. , Fritz Megan , Smith Rebecca L.
Published: January 2023

Background

West Nile virus (WNV), primarily vectored by mosquitoes of the genus Culex, is the most important mosquito-borne pathogen in North America, having infected thousands of humans and countless wildlife since its arrival in the USA in 1999. In locations with dedicated mosquito control programs, surveillance methods often rely on frequent testing of mosquitoes collected in a network of gravid traps (GTs) and CO2-baited light traps (LTs). Traps specifically targeting oviposition-seeking (e.g. GTs) and host-seeking (e.g. LTs) mosquitoes are vulnerable to trap bias, and captured specimens are often damaged, making morphological identification difficult.

Methods

This study leverages an alternative mosquito collection method, the human landing catch (HLC), as a means to compare sampling of potential WNV vectors to traditional trapping methods. Human collectors exposed one limb for 15 min at crepuscular periods (5:00–8:30 am and 6:00–9:30 pm daily, the time when Culex species are most actively host-seeking) at each of 55 study sites in suburban Chicago, Illinois, for two summers (2018 and 2019).

Results

A total of 223 human-seeking mosquitoes were caught by HLC, of which 46 (20.6%) were mosquitoes of genus Culex. Of these 46 collected Culex specimens, 34 (73.9%) were Cx. salinarius, a potential WNV vector species not thought to be highly abundant in upper Midwest USA. Per trapping effort, GTs and LTs collected > 7.5-fold the number of individual Culex specimens than HLC efforts.

Conclusions

The less commonly used HLC method provides important insight into the complement of human-biting mosquitoes in a region with consistent WNV epidemics. This study underscores the value of the HLC collection method as a complementary tool for surveillance to aid in WNV vector species characterization. However, given the added risk to the collector, novel mitigation methods or alternative approaches must be explored to incorporate HLC collections safely and strategically into control programs.

Graphical Abstract
Co-existence of extended-spectrum β-lactamases blaCTX-M-9 and blaCTX-M-15 genes in Salmonella species isolated from febrile and diarrhoeagenic patients in Lagos, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Fakorede Christopher O. , Amisu Kehinde O. , Saki Morteza , Akinyemi Kabiru O.
Published: January 2023

Background

Resistance to different antimicrobial classes by Salmonella species has generated a global public health concern. The spread of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) blaCTX gene variants is also increasing. This study aimed to investigate the antibiotic resistance and the carriage of blaCTX-M-9 and blaCTX-M-15 as well as the quinolone resistance gene (qnrB19) among Salmonella species from hospitalised patients in Lagos, Nigeria.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study from April 2021 to August 2021, a total of 508 samples were collected from hospitalised patients. The samples were subjected to standard microbiological investigation. All the isolates were identified using API 20E kits and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The in vitro antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) was investigated using the disk diffusion method. Detection of antibiotic resistance and virulence gene makers was conducted using RT-PCR.

Results

In total, 24 Salmonella species were identified. All the isolates were non-typhoidal Salmonella isolates. None of the isolates screened was S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi. Most of the isolates were susceptible to imipenem, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin and gentamycin, while a high level of resistance to all cephalosporins, penicillin, and some carbapenems was observed. In total, 79.2% (19/24) of the Salmonella isolates harboured the blaCTX-M variant including 54.2% (13/24) blaCTX-M-9 and 12.5% (3/24) blaCTX-M-15, while co-habitation of blaCTX-M-9 and blaCTX-M-15 was observed in 12.5% (3/24) of the isolates, respectively. None of the isolates harboured quinolone-resistant qnrB19 gene and virulence gene stn. However, invA gene was present in 66.7% (16/24) of all isolates.

Conclusions

This study is considered the first report of blaCTX-M-9 and blaCTX-M-15 variants in Salmonella species in Nigeria. The continued existence of cefotaximase (CTX-M)-producing Salmonella within our environment calls for the prudent use of cephalosporins.
Quality of Indonesia’s domestic institutions and export performance in the era of global value chains
Authors: Bustaman Arief , Indiastuti Rina , Budiono B. , Anas Titik
Published: December 2022

The focus of this research is on analysing the effects of institutional quality and trade agreements on Indonesia bilateral trade in four commodity groups in the era of global value chain (GVC). Employing a panel data gravity model of Indonesian export of four commodities to Indonesia’s trading partners from 2000 to 2018 and estimating the Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) and the Poisson Pseudo Maximum Likelihood Method (PPML), the results of this study find that institutional quality plays a different role in explaining Indonesia’s export performance of those four commodities, despite the fact that institutions contribute positively. On two commodities that are prospective to increase Indonesia participation in the global value chain, exported intermediates and consumer goods, we find that although both domestic institutions and trading partner institutions are significant to Indonesian export, but we argue that domestic institutions contribute more. This study also reveals that through tariff reductions, Indonesian trade agreements are significant regarding export of all the four commodities group. However, even though tariffs are significant, we find that the quality of institutions, especially domestic institutions, has a greater effect on Indonesia's exports.
Strategic Design to Increase MSME Intentions in Exporting with Standards for Global Market Needs
Authors:   Industrial Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Hanifa Tsamara Nurul , Muslim Erlinda
Published: January 2023

Abstract. The contribution of Indonesia's exports, with the number of business entities dominating at 99.99%, is relatively low at 14.37%. Meanwhile, large business entities achieved an export contribution for Indonesia of 85.63%. Indonesia was predicted to emerge from the middle-income trap phenomenon in 2036, implying that Indonesia will become a high-income country with the fourth-largest GDP in the world. This demonstrates that Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have enormous potential and opportunities to expand international trade. The many factors hindering MSMEs from exporting and high export standards were among the critical factors for the low intention of MSMEs in exporting and choosing to focus on domestic selling. This study used the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) methods to find out the main factors that cause low intentions on the awareness of MSME business actors in exporting by reducing data on the PCA method to perceived barrier and enabler factors. The ISM method helped produce policy formulation and strategic planning by analyzing the influence of the relationship between factors. 13 main barriers and six main enabler factors were obtained; from them, the action plan was designed through appropriate strategic planning, ordered by the priority of barrier factors and enablers, which are known from the partition level in the ISM model based on the results of discussion agreements with experts. Keywords: Export; export barriers; export enablers, msmes, Indonesian mses, principal component analysis (PCA); interpretive structural modeling (ISM)
Implementation Of Blended Learning Model Based On Expository Learning And Small Group Discussion In University
Authors: Roemintoyo Roemintoyo , Miyono Noor , Budiarto Mochamad Kamil
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this study is to determine the application of blended learning methods between expository and small group discussion in the Educational Research Course of the Building Engineering Education Study Program. This study follows a quantitative research method with a descriptive approach, with the hope of being able to identify the phenomenon of influence given by the mixed learning model. The sample of this research is 32 students of the Buildin Engineering Education Study Program who take educational research courses. The results of this study also indicate that the integration of the two learning models is proven to provide convenience for students in completing subjects. Almost all students can submit assignments on time for each material is 74%. The application of the combination of the Expository learning model with the Small group discussion method in the course is proven to be able to facilitate students in carrying out assignments according to what is given during learning activities.
Pengembangan Media Pembelajaran Matematika VIirtual untuk Meningkatkan Kemandirian Belajar Siswa Pada Materi Himpunan
Authors: Kusumawati Yunita , Lestari Indri
Published: January 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kelayakan produk media pembelajaran matematika virtual pada materi himpunan dan untuk mengetahui terdapatnya peningkatan kemandirian belajar siswa sebelum dan sesudah uji coba produk. Penelitian ini dilakukan sebagai pengembangan media pembelajaran virtual pada siswa kelas VII Â untuk mempelajari materi himpunan. Produk yang dikembangkan yaitu dalam bentuk pembelajaran virtual menggunakan platform Gnomio.com sebagai akses pada pembelajaran virtual. Metode yang digunakan pada penelitian ini yaitu metode penelitian dan pengembangan.Â Pada hasil penelitian yang diperoleh, dapat disimpulkan bahwa media pembelajaran matematika virtual pada materi himpunan untuk kelas VII memperoleh tingkat kelayakan sebesarÂ 79%Â dari uji Ahli MateriÂ dan uji Ahli Media sebesar 91% Â sehingga produk layak digunakan oleh siswa untuk mempelajari materi himpunan dan terdapat peningkatan kemandirian belajar siswa sebelum dan sesudah uji coba produkÂ dengan gain sebesar 0,6 pada uji skala terbatas dan 0,6 pada uji lapangan.
Editorial
Authors: Mattos Amana , Pocahy Fernando , Souza Leonardo Lemos de
Published: January 2023

Amana Mattos, Fernando Pocahy, Leonardo Lemos de Souza