bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial Intelligence Based Body Sensor Network Framework—Narrative Review: Proposing an End-to-End Framework using Wearable Sensors, Real-Time Location Systems and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Algorithms for Data Collection, Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery in Sports and Healthcare
Authors: Phatak Ashwin A. , Wieland Franz-Georg , Vempala Kartik , Volkmar Frederik , Memmert Daniel
Published: October 2021

With the rising amount of data in the sports and health sectors, a plethora of applications using big data mining have become possible. Multiple frameworks have been proposed to mine, store, preprocess, and analyze physiological vitals data using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms. Comparatively, less research has been done to collect potentially high volume, high-quality ‘big data’ in an organized, time-synchronized, and holistic manner to solve similar problems in multiple fields. Although a large number of data collection devices exist in the form of sensors. They are either highly specialized, univariate and fragmented in nature or exist in a lab setting. The current study aims to propose artificial intelligence-based body sensor network framework (AIBSNF), a framework for strategic use of body sensor networks (BSN), which combines with real-time location system (RTLS) and wearable biosensors to collect multivariate, low noise, and high-fidelity data. This facilitates gathering of time-synchronized location and physiological vitals data, which allows artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML)-based time series analysis. The study gives a brief overview of wearable sensor technology, RTLS, and provides use cases of AI/ML algorithms in the field of sensor fusion. The study also elaborates sample scenarios using a specific sensor network consisting of pressure sensors (insoles), accelerometers, gyroscopes, ECG, EMG, and RTLS position detectors for particular applications in the field of health care and sports. The AIBSNF may provide a solid blueprint for conducting research and development, forming a smooth end-to-end pipeline from data collection using BSN, RTLS and final stage analytics based on AI/ML algorithms.
Can We Go Online for Sports Injury Prevention? A Systematic Review of English-Language Websites with Exercise-Based Sports Injury Risk Reduction Programmes
Authors: Mącznik Aleksandra Katarzyna , Mehta Poonam , Kaur Mandeep
Published: October 2021

Background

Preventing sports injuries is at the forefront of sports medicine. Although effective preventive strategies in scientific literature exist, their implementation is lagging behind. The Internet could support the translation of knowledge from the literature to end-users, but the quality of the online resources would have to be assured. This online-based systematic review is to assess availability, readability, quality, and content of the websites presenting exercise-based sports injury risk reduction (prevention) programmes. Moreover, the quality of reporting and contents of the exercise programmes were assessed.

Methods

Google, Yahoo, and Bing were searched on 2 September 2018. We used ‘sports injury prevention program*’ and ‘sports injury prevention warm-up’ as search phrases. The owners/authors of the included websites were asked for further recommendations on online resources. Search updates were run in DuckDuckGo on 15 May 2020 and 22 August 2021. Eligible websites were active, in English, and contained instructions for the exercise/s aiming at sports injury prevention. Two reviewers independently screened the links and previews and performed an in-depth appraisal of included websites. The website quality was assessed using JAMA framework criteria and Health on the Net Foundation Code of Conduct (HONcode) certification. The readability of websites was assessed using the Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease score. The reporting appraisal of exercise programmes was done using the modified Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT).

Results

Among 480 websites screened, 16 were eligible with an additional four recommended and nine found in search updates (29 in total). None of the websites was certified by HONcode. The overall quality of websites was low 2.1 ± 1.0/4, but overall readability was high 67 ± 17/100. The average quality of reporting of exercise programmes was low 5.79 ± 3.1/12. Websites with community input had the lowest readability, but the highest quality, and vice versa websites run by businesses had the highest readability, but the lowest quality. Eight websites presented programmes tested for effectiveness.

Conclusions

Overall, the quality of the websites was low, but their readability was high. Improvements required are relatively easy to implement (i.e. including the date when the website was updated, applying for HONcode certification) and extremely important (e.g. providing resources on which the website’s content is based). There are some sports injury risk reduction programmes reported with high quality and effectiveness-tested available online for team sports, but none for individual sports.

Trial Registration This review has been registered in the PROSPERO (CRD42019107104).
Differentiation and differences: anthropological research on the social integration of the Chaoxian immigrants currently residing in South Korea
Authors: Ma Weihua , Chen Ji
Published: October 2021

The occupational differentiation of the Chaoxian people (Korean Ethnic Group of China or Ethnically Korean Chinese Citizens) migrating to South Korea is an important factor leading to big differences in the social integration within this group. The marginalized characteristics of non-college educated immigrant workers in economic integration have caused them to experience difficulty in social interaction and cultural integration; the successful integration of the middle-and-high-end professional groups into South Korean society has promoted deep interaction and cultural homogeneity with South Koreans. Studying these differentiation and differences in the integration of Chaoxian immigrants into Korean society can not only show the diversity and complexity of cross-border ethnic issues. It is hoped that it will also have a certain positive guiding significance on the rational cross-border transnational migration of Chaoxian people.
Specialized dermatological-rheumatological patient management improves diagnostic outcome and patient journey in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: a four-year analysis
Authors: Ziob Jana , Behning Charlotte , Brossart Peter , Bieber Thomas , Wilsmann-Theis Dagmar , Schäfer Valentin Sebastian
Published: October 2021

Background

Management of psoriasis patients with arthralgia suffering from suspected psoriatic arthritis (PsA) requires an interdisciplinary approach involving dermatologists and rheumatologists. The aim of the study was to analyze the specialized dermatological-rheumatological management of these patients before and after foundation of a PsA center.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of all dermatological-rheumatological consultations during two periods was conducted. Period one, from April 1st, 2016 to February 28th, 2018 versus period two, from March 1st, 2018 to January 31st, 2020, after foundation of a PsA center. Clinical data on patient characteristics including psoriasis subtypes, clinical symptoms and signs, disease activity scores, classification criteria and comorbidities as well as patient journey were extracted and analyzed.

Results

Four hundred four consultations were studied. Close collaboration in a PsA center lead to a relevantly shortened patient journey concerning rheumatological complaints: period 1: median (IQR): 36.0 (10.0–126.0) months, period 2: median (IQR): 24.0 (6.0–60.0) months. Established scores and classification criteria such as GEPARD or CASPAR did not assist in diagnosis of PsA. Arthralgia (p = 0.0407), swollen joints (p = 0.0151), morning stiffness (p = 0.0451) and dactylitis (p = 0.0086) helped to distinguish between osteoarthritis and PsA.

Conclusions

Clinical signs and symptoms, scores and classification criteria usually assessed were less helpful than expected in diagnosis of PsA. Close collaboration in a specialized PsA center yielded the fastest way of diagnosis.
Clinical features contributing to the sit-to-stand transfer in people with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review
Authors: Da Cunha Charmaine Pearl , Rao Pratiksha Tilak , Karthikbabu Suruliraj
Published: October 2021

Introduction

The aim of this systematic review is to present the existing literature on the clinical motor, and non-motor factors contributing to sit-to-stand transfer in individuals with Parkinson's disease.

Data synthesis

Five databases (PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane, SCOPUS, and Ovid) were searched for literature on the contributing factors to sit-to-stand performance in Parkinson's disease. A quality check of these observational studies was done using the 'strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology' (STROBE) statement and the tool of the 'National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute' (NHLBI). Descriptive and quantitative data were extracted and compiled, and a meta-analysis was performed to compute the standardised mean difference.

Results

Thirteen studies were selected; a majority of them provided a high-to-moderate level of evidence. Ten were cross-sectional, while the other three were case–control studies. Collectively, individuals with Parkinson's disease had a prolonged transfer time than those of age-matched healthy peers, particularly from peak horizontal velocity phase to seat-off phase, implying bradykinesia. A reduction in peak and rate to peak joint torques was also related to the decreased pace and stability of the sit-to-stand movement in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Additionally, they demonstrated exaggerated trunk flexion as a postural stabilisation strategy, allowing them to maintain and manoeuvre the relative positions of their centre of mass through the transitional phase of the transfer.

Conclusion

As per the existing literature, an alteration in strength, overall body bradykinesia, balance, posture, as well as cognition may result in an impaired sit-to-stand transfer in individuals with Parkinson's disease.
Functional gait assessment in early and advanced Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Eldeeb Hany Mohamed , Abdelraheem Heba Samir
Published: October 2021

Background

Postural instability and balance problems in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) can seriously affect the quality of life and lead to falls with a subsequent increase in the morbidity and mortality. Early identification of gait dysfunction in early stages of PD establishes an effective therapy, prevention of the falls and reducing health care costs. This work aimed to detect gait disorders in patients with PD using the functional gait assessment (FGA) scale and to correlate it with the disease severity in Egyptian PD patients. This is a case–control study in which 40 patients with PD were recruited from the Involuntary Movement Clinic at Alexandria University El-Hadara Hspoital; 20 patients had early stages of PD (Hoehn Yahr stages 1 and 2) and 20 patients had advanced PD (Hoehn Yahr stages 3 and 4). Another 20 subjects were recruited as controls. All recruited subjects underwent gait assessment using FGA scale.

Results

Gait analysis using FGA showed significant differences (P < 0.001) between the recruited PD patients and the control group. Upon comparing the early and advanced PD patients’ groups, certain items in the FGA (gait with pivot turn, step over obstacle, gait with eyes closed and backward gait) together with time consumed for 6-m walk with eyes open and close showed significant statistical differences between early and advanced PD patients. The patients’ duration of illness with PD was reversely correlated with the total FGA score.

Conclusion

The FGA scale was strongly influenced by the duration of PD among the Egyptian patients and can potentially detect early stages of PD.
Risk factors and impact of stigma on psychiatric patients in Sohag
Authors: Sayed Taher Abdelraheem , Ali Magda Mohamed , Hadad Saber
Published: October 2021

Background

Stigma among psychiatric patients is pervasive all over the world. Our aim in this study was to investigate risk factors for stigma related to psychiatric disorders and to demonstrate the major consequences of mental stigma for patients who experience mental illness. We conducted a cross-sectional study and applied a stigma scale to 573 patients with psychiatric disorders who attended our outpatient psychiatry clinic. Participants were divided into two groups, group I (no.262) with low stigma score and group II (no.311) with high stigma score. The two groups were compared in term of socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, level of education, residency, marital status, employment and socioeconomic level), factors related to the psychiatric disorder (duration of illness, number of psychiatric hospital admission and diagnosis) and impact of psychiatric illness (follow-up visits, adherence to medications and suicidal thoughts or attempts).

Results

The mean age of patients with high stigma score (group II) was 29 ± 6 years. High stigma score was more common in females (53.7%), illiterate (11.9%), living in rural areas (58.2%), single (22.83%), unemployed (44.37%) and low socioeconomic class (59.49%). Patients with a high stigma score showed longer duration of psychiatric disorder (43 ± 8 months), more frequent number of psychiatric hospital admission (4.3 ± 0.5) and schizophrenia ((11.25%) and other psychotic disorders (6.49%) were common diagnoses. Patients with a high stigma score show poor adherence to medication (47.91%) and follow-up (44.05%) and a high frequency of suicidal ideation or attempt (47.91%). Significant risk factors predicting high mental stigma were level of education (explaining about 23% of the risk, P = 0.03), duration of mental illness (explaining about 25% of the risk, P = 0.019), number of hospital admissions (explaining about 22.7% of the risk, P = 0.032), diagnosis of mental illness (explaining about 27.7% of the risk, P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Mental stigma is more prevalent among young aged individuals, females, single, unemployed, living in rural areas and those with lower educational and socioeconomic level. Mental stigma has a parallel correlation with psychiatric disorder duration, number of psychiatric hospital admissions, as well as diagnosis of psychotic disorder. The stigma of mental illness from the viewpoint of the patient may lead to delaying the access to care as well as poor adherence to medications and follow-up. Anti-stigma measures can contribute to diminishing the psychiatric illness effect.
Does the second ischemic stroke herald a higher proportional risk for cognitive and physical impairment than the first-ever one?
Authors: Elwan Mohammed Ezzat , Al-emam Aktham Ismail , Munir Ahmed Nabil , Melake Mostafa Saleh
Published: October 2021

Background

Post-stroke cognitive and physical disabilities are common sequelae; however, it seems that the second ischemic stroke carries a higher proportional risk more than expected. In this study, we aimed to study second stroke sequelae over first-ever one with regard to cognition and physical competence. This study was conducted on two groups; the first composed of 40 patients with acute first lifetime ischemic stroke, and the second group composed of 40 acute second lifetime ischemic stroke. The study was done at menoufiya university hospitals from August 2017 to August 2018. Modified Rankin Scale (MRS), National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and MINI-Cog Score, were performed at onset, 2 weeks and 3 months later. In addition, routine lab and neuro-imaging were also done.

Results

Size of infarction is larger in 2nd group (p < 0.001), MRS, and NIHSS are significantly higher in 2nd group. Also, there are significant differences between baseline, 2 weeks, and 3 months follow-up in MRS and NIHSS. Mini-Cog scale showed significant difference between the two groups in favor of better cognition in the 1st group. Atrial fibrillation (AF), p = 0.012 was a significant risk factor in the 1st group while smoking, p = 0.017 was the significant risk factor in the 2nd group. Large size stroke was found as independent risk factor in the 2nd group (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

There are significant cognitive and physical disabilities in the second recurrent ischemic stroke as compared to the first-ever one, and the second stroke tend to be more dangerous and carry more disability.
Synthesis of silver nanoparticles by using Aloe vera and Thuja orientalis leaves extract and their biological activity: a comprehensive review
Authors: Burange Prashant J. , Tawar Mukund G. , Bairagi Ritu A. , Malviya Vedanshu R. , Sahu Vanshika K. , Shewatkar Sakshi N. , Sawarkar Roshani A. , Mamurkar Renuka R.
Published: October 2021

Background

Nanotechnology's rapid development has been in great demand, particularly for silver nanoparticles, which are useful in a variety of industries including medicine, textiles, and home appliances. Silver nanoparticles are extremely essential due to their unique physicochemical and antibacterial properties, which can be used in a variety of applications. Green synthesis is an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional synthesis because it uses fewer chemical reagents and lowers temperature and pressure. Aloe vera and Thuja orientalis have a wide medical use because it contains a large number of compounds derived and was decided to use for the synthesis of nanoparticles.

Main text

The combination of silver nanoparticles has a wide range of applications, which has encouraged researchers to focus on the methods for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Aloe vera and Thuja orientalis leaves extract, characterization techniques of synthesized silver nanoparticles, and evaluation of their antimicrobial and antifungal activities. The synthesized AgNPs can be characterized by using various analytical techniques including UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), etc. The various types of silver nanoparticles, various strategies for silver nanoparticle synthesis, nano-based drug delivery systems, taxonomy and chemical constituents of Aloe vera and Thuja orientalis plants, the general mechanism of action of silver nanoparticles in bacteria, and various applications of silver nanoparticles have also been discussed.

Conclusion

This review covers a wide range of research on silver nanoparticles to gain a better understanding of their physicochemical feature characterization, production, mechanisms of action, and applications. Various AgNP factors, such as size, surfactant, and structural shape, influence the unique physicochemical properties of these nanoparticles. Even though there are a variety of ways to make AgNPs, green synthesis has a high yield and biocompatibility because it uses natural agents and harmless chemicals. In this paper, we describe the green manufacture of silver nanoparticles utilizing Aloe vera and Thuja orientalis leaf extracts, as well as the method to test their antimicrobial and antifungal activity.
Time impacts of treating pervious concrete with sodium bicarbonate
Authors: Almeida Nara , Haselbach Liv
Published: October 2021

Magnesium chloride (MgCl2) deicers applications onto pervious concrete pavements can deteriorate the material, and studies investigate treatments to increase the concrete resistance to MgCl2 attacks. In this paper, pervious concrete specimens are subjected to a treatment with Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3) solution, which seems to accelerate concrete carbonation and might hamper chemical reactions between MgCl2 deicer and hydroxides in cement mortar. All specimens had their compressive strength tested and the time frames before and after treatment varied. Results show that at least 2 months should be given post curing before treatment to not harm the concrete, and longer post treatment periods may be beneficial.
The impact of investment in human capital on bank performance: evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md. Mominur , Akhter Bilkis
Published: October 2021

The objective of this study is to examine the aspects of investment in human capital like training of employees, education level of employees, knowledge level of employees, and skills of employees that influence the performance of a bank and to provide some comments to improve the banking sectors. This research included a conceptual model along with hypotheses. This empirical study is based on primary data. The data were obtained by the convenient sampling procedure with a questionnaire using the seven-point Likert scale. The hypothesized model has been validated using data from 261 participants, and an analysis was conducted using the system of structural equation modelling. The results revealed that investment in training, knowledge level and skills of the employee were positively connected to bank performance at less than 1% and a 5% level of significance. But the employee’s educational level does not substantially affect bank output in this analysis. The focus field is the study of the human capital investments of the Human Resources Division at Janata Bank Limited. It investigates different aspects of the Janata Bank’s facilities as well as the problems and prospects. Thus, this study can be a policy dialogue for the managers, owners, decision-makers, and academicians.
Virtual screening, pharmacokinetics, and molecular dynamics simulations studies to identify potent approved drugs for Chlamydia trachomatis treatment
Authors: Edache Emmanuel Israel , Uzairu Adamu , Shallangwa Gideon Adamu , Mamza Paul Andrew
Published: October 2021

Background

The most frequent bacterial sexually transmitted disease is Chlamydia trachomatis (STD). In 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) received 1.3 million reports of cases (CDC). Human chlamydial infections are linked to a variety of clinical symptoms. Inclusion (IncA) membranes are a promising drug target for the treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis. In the present study, molecular docking, ADMET, golden triangle, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies were performed on a series of salicylidene acylhydrazides derivatives against Chlamydia trachomatis. Three types of docking software with different algorithms were used to screen the potential candidate against Chlamydia trachomatis.

Results

The results obtained from the docking analysis succeeded in screening nine novel hit compounds with high affinity to IncA membranes. Then, pharmacokinetics properties were calculated to spot out the drug-likeness of the selected compounds. Also, golden triangles were performed on the selected compounds. Compounds outside the golden triangle indicate that they would have clearance problems. Out of the nine novel hits drugs, four compounds pass the golden triangle screening and virtually all the quality assurance tests proposed by the model and were used for further analysis. One-ns molecular dynamics simulations on the docked complex of compound 44 (one of the highly active selected compounds of the dataset) aided in the further exploration of the binding interactions. Some crucial residues such as Ser111, Gln114, Asn107, Leu142, Gly144, Gln143, Lys104, Tyr149, Phe108, Phe145, and Arg146 were identified. Conventional and carbon–hydrogen bond interactions with amino residues Arg146, Asn107, Phe145, and Ser111 were critical for the binding of inclusion (IncA) membranes inhibitors.

Conclusion

Outcomes of the study can further be exploited to develop potent inclusion (IncA) membranes inhibitors.
Inlay butterfly versus underlay cartilage tympanoplasty
Authors: Hassan Osama , Esmat Mena , Salah Mohamed , El Shazly Mohamed
Published: October 2021

Background

Tympanic membrane grafting is one of the most common otological procedures. Underlay technique of tympanoplasty was described by Shea in 1960. Utech in 1959 introduce the cartilage in middle ear surgery. The search for an ideal graft material and technique for tympanoplasty was adopted by numerous contributions from surgeons all over the world. Professor Roland Eavey in 1998 introduced a transcanal inlay technique which offers advantages of surgical ease and speed as well as patient comfort.

Results

This study included 46 patients; 23 patients had inlay butterfly myringoplasty (group A), and 23 patients had underlay cartilage tympanoplasty. In group A, 65 % of the patients had a completely healed tympanic membrane postoperatively. Mean AB gap closure was 3.94 db. In underlay group B, 82.6% of the patients had a completely healed tympanic membrane postoperatively. Mean AB gap closure was 4.7 db. These outcomes show no statistically significant difference between both groups in terms of graft take and hearing improvement (p > 0.1).

Conclusions

Inlay butterfly myringoplasty is an easy, reliable, and time saving procedure that should be possible as a choice to underlay procedure. Results are comparable with underlay technique in terms of graft take rate and hearing improvement. Procedure is better regarding diminishing operative time, postoperative pain, and duration before resuming usual activities.
Should we use diastolic function parameters to determine preload responsiveness in cardiac surgery? A pilot study
Authors: Courbe Athanase , Perrault-Hébert Clotilde , Ion Iolanda , Desjardins Georges , Fortier Annik , Denault André , Deschamps Alain , Couture Pierre
Published: October 2021

Background

Left ventricular (LV) diastolic function (DF) may play an important role in predicting fluid responsiveness. However, few studies assessed the role of diastolic function in predicting fluid responsiveness. The aim of this pilot study was to assess whether parameters of right and left diastolic function assessed with transesophageal echocardiography, including the mitral E/e′ ratio, is associated with fluid responsiveness among patients undergoing elective bypass graft surgery. We also sought to compare other methods of fluid responsiveness assessment, including echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters, pulse pressure variation, and stroke volume variation (SVV) (arterial pulse contour analysis, Flotrac/Vigileo system).

Results

We prospectively studied seventy patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) monitored with a radial arterial catheter, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and a pulmonary artery catheter (for cardiac output measurements), before and after the administration of 500 mL of crystalloid over 10 min after the anesthetic induction. Thirteen patients were excluded (total of 57 patients). Fluid responsiveness was defined as an increase in cardiac index of ≥ 15%. There were 21 responders (36.8%) and 36 non-responders (63.2%). No difference in baseline pulsed wave Doppler echocardiographic measurements of any components of the mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonary and hepatic venous flows were found between responders and non-responders. There was no difference in MV tissue Doppler measurements between responders and non-responders, including E/e′ ratio (8.7 ± 4.1 vs. 8.5 ± 2.8 in responders vs. non-responders, P = 0.85). SVV was the only independent variable to predict an increase in cardiac index by multivariate analysis (P = 0.0208, OR = 1.196, 95% CI (1.028-1.393)).

Conclusions

In this pilot study, we found that no parameters of right and left ventricular diastolic function were associated with fluid responsiveness in patients undergoing CABG. SVV was the most useful parameter to predict fluid responsiveness.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT 02714244. Registered 21 March 2016—retrospectively registered.
Incentivizing Full-time Employment for New Graduate Nurses in Ontario: Impact of Policy on Care
Authors:   McMaster University, Baumann Andrea , Crea-Arsenio Mary ,   McMaster University, Blythe Jennifer ,   McMaster University
Published: October 2021

There is consensus that a professional full-time nursing workforce leads to better patient outcomes and a safer health care environment. In 2007, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care introduced the Nursing Graduate Guarantee (NGG), a policy mechanism designed to strengthen the nursing workforce by increasing full-time (FT) employment for newly graduated nurses. Several factors have affected the supply and employment status of nurses in the province over the past two decades, including the introduction of unregulated health care workers and crises such as SARS and COVID-19. A secondary analysis of the College of Nurses of Ontario registration database was conducted to identify and evaluate trends in the supply and employment of nurses in Ontario prior to and following introduction of the NGG. The results demonstrate that full-time employment of new registered nurses and new registered practical nurses initially increased but has since fallen to below pre-policy levels. Part-time work among newly graduated nurses is increasing across all sectors, signaling a diminishing effect of the NGG investments over time. Investments in health human resources have a stabilizing effect on the nursing workforce. Ensuring an adequate number of nurses is necessary for crisis preparation, management and recovery, particularly in sectors with low surge capacity such as long-term care. However, sustained financial, political, public, and professional support is required.
Comparison of Fixation Methods for the Detection of Claudin 1 and E-Cadherin in Breast Cancer Cell Lines by Immunofluorescence
Authors: Edechi Chidalu A. , Amini Maryam , Hamedani Mohammad K. , Terceiro Lucas E.L. , Nickel Barbara E. , Leygue Etienne , Myal Yvonne
Published: October 2021

The tight junction membrane protein claudin 1 and the adherens junction protein E-cadherin play critical roles in cell–cell communication and in cell signaling. As a result, their protein levels and distribution in cancer have been a focus of cancer researchers in recent years. The loss of sensitivity to contact inhibition and the establishment of invasive properties in cancer are thought to be a result of the mislocalization of these membrane proteins to the cytoplasm. However, reports on their distribution and levels have been inconsistent. It is therefore critical that the techniques used to determine the cellular localization of these proteins be both consistent and reliable. This study was undertaken to determine the optimal fixation method, methanol or formalin, for the detection of claudin 1 and E-cadherin by immunofluorescence in five different human breast cancer cell lines. Both methods exhibited staining of the cell membrane and cytoplasm, but the strongest and most distinct signals were obtained using methanol fixation. Interestingly, cell-specific differences were also observed that appeared to be associated with levels of claudin 1 and E-cadherin as seen by Western blotting. Therefore, when evaluating cellular localization of the junction proteins claudin 1 and E-cadherin, expression level and cell type differences must be considered:
Influence of the Random Data Sampling in Estimation of Wind Speed Resource: Case Study
Authors: Salami Adekunlé Akim , Ouedraogo Seydou , Kodjoa Koffi Mawugno , Ajavona Ayité Sénah Akoda
Published: October 2021

In this study, statistical analysis is performed in order to characterize wind speeds distribution according to different samples randomly drawn from wind speed data collected. The purpose of this study is to assess how random sampling influences the estimation quality of the shape (k) and scale (c) parameters of a Weibull distribution function. Five stations were chosen in West Africa for the study, namely: Accra Kotoka, Cotonou Cadjehoun, Kano Mallam Aminu, Lomé Tokoin and Ouagadougou airport. We used the energy factor method (EPF) to compute shape and scale parameters. Statistical indicators used to assess estimation accuracy are the root mean square error (RMSE) and relative percentage error (RPE). Study results show that good accuracy in Weibull parameters and power density estimation is obtained with sampled wind speed data of 30% for Accra, 20% for Cotonou, 80% for Kano, 20% for Lomé, and 20% for Ouagadougou site. This study showed that for wind potential assessing at a site, wind speed data random sampling is sufficient to calculate wind power density. This is very useful in wind energy exploitation development.
Decision support or autonomous artificial intelligence? The case of wrong blood in tube errors
Authors: Farrell Christopher-John L.
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Artificial intelligence (AI) models are increasingly being developed for clinical chemistry applications, however, it is not understood whether human interaction with the models, which may occur once they are implemented, improves or worsens their performance. This study examined the effect of human supervision on an artificial neural network trained to identify wrong blood in tube (WBIT) errors.

Methods

De-identified patient data for current and previous (within seven days) electrolytes, urea and creatinine (EUC) results were used in the computer simulation of WBIT errors at a rate of 50%. Laboratory staff volunteers reviewed the AI model’s predictions, and the EUC results on which they were based, before making a final decision regarding the presence or absence of a WBIT error. The performance of this approach was compared to the performance of the AI model operating without human supervision.

Results

Laboratory staff supervised the classification of 510 sets of EUC results. This workflow identified WBIT errors with an accuracy of 81.2%, sensitivity of 73.7% and specificity of 88.6%. However, the AI model classifying these samples autonomously was superior on all metrics (p-values<0.05), including accuracy (92.5%), sensitivity (90.6%) and specificity (94.5%).

Conclusions

Human interaction with AI models can significantly alter their performance. For computationally complex tasks such as WBIT error identification, best performance may be achieved by autonomously functioning AI models.
How (Not) to Compare?: Not Being Inside, Nor Outside
Authors: Çapar Gürkan
Published: October 2021

Despite the clear clue given by Kim L. Scheppele as to the shortcomings of governance checklists, it is surprising that comparative constitutional lawyers have not yet followed it up. In fact, what Scheppele hinted at is that the methodologies we have used so far fall short of detecting the interaction effect of the particular components; this is why we need new methodologies and new ways of seeing. To address this, this article will incorporate some tools, having already taken hold in legal philosophy, into the methods discussions in comparative constitutional law in particular and comparative law in general. Upon benefiting from the distinction between internal and external points of view and showing how hermeneutical one differs from the others, the article will make a discursive analysis of the 2010 constitutional amendment in Turkey through the lenses of these three points of view.
Site preferences and ion dynamics in lithium chalcohalide solid solutions with argyrodite structure: I. A multinuclear solid state NMR study of the system Li6PS5-xSexI and of Li6AsS5I
Authors: Koch Barbara , Kong Shaio Tong , Gün Özgül , Deiseroth Hans-Jörg , Eckert Hellmut
Published: October 2021

A comprehensive multinuclear (7Li, 31P, 75As, 77Se, 127I) NMR study has been conducted to characterize local structural configurations and atomic distributions in the crystallographically ordered solid solutions of composition Li6PS5-x
Se
x
I (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) and in Li6AsS5I. Throughout the composition range, structural ordering between the atoms on the Wyckoff sites 4a and 4c is maintained, with the I− ions exclusively occupying the 4a sites. 31P magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) can serve to differentiate between the various possible PS4-n
Se
n

3− tetrahedral units in a quantitative fashion, indicating a preference of P-S relative to P-Se bonding. Each individual PS4-n
Se
n

3− tetrahedron is represented by a peak cluster containing up to five resonances, representing the five different configurations in which the PCh4
3− units are surrounded by the four closest chalcogenide anions occupying the 4c sites; the distribution of S2− and Se2− over these sites is close to statistical. Non-linear 7Li chemical shift trends as a function of x are interpreted to indicate that the Coulombic traps created by sulfur-rich PS4-n
Se
n

3− ions (n ≥ 2) within the energy landscape of the lithium ions are deeper than those of the other anionic species present (i.e. selenium-richer PCh4
3− tetrahedra, isolated chalcogenide or iodide ions), causing the Li+ ions to spend on average more time near them. Temperature dependent static 7Li NMR linewidths measured on Li6PS5I and Li6AsS5I indicate a two-step motional narrowing process characterized by a clear dynamic distinction between a more rapid localized intra-cage process and a slower, long-range inter-cage process. In the solid solutions this differentiation gradually disappears, leading to an overall increase of lithium ionic mobility with increasing selenium content, which can be attributed to the influences of higher anionic polarizability and a widening of the lithium migration pathways caused by lattice expansion. Furthermore, the low-temperature phase transition in Li6PS5I, which tends to immobilize the lithium ions below 170 K, is suppressed in the solid solutions. The results offer interesting new insights into the -structure/ionic mobility correlations in this new class of compounds.
Skład tuszki i profil kwasów tłuszczowych mięśni piersiowych samców i samic bażanta łownego (Phasianus colchicus)
Authors: Flis Marian , Grela Eugeniusz , Gugała Dariusz , Kołodziejski Albert
Published: October 2021

W pracy dokonano oceny wybranych cech anatomiczno-morfologicznych samców i samic bażanta łownego (Phasianus colchicus) pochodzących z dzikiej populacji w rejonie Wyżyny Lubelskiej. Bażanty pozyskano w trakcie polowań w listopadzie 2017 roku w obwodach łowieckich, w których nie były prowadzone zasiedlenia tym gatunkiem. W badaniach wykorzystano 30 ptaków, z czego 10 to samice pozyskane w ośrodku hodowli zwierzyny, a 20 – samce pozyskane w obwodach łowieckich dzierżawionych przez koła łowieckie. Po wypatroszeniu tuszki zważono oraz wypreparowano mięsień piersiowy (m. pectoralis) ptaków. W mięśniu określono zawartość tłuszczu, profil kwasów tłuszczowych oraz wyznaczono indeks aterogenny (AI) i trombogenny (TI), jak również proporcję kwasów hipocholesterolemicznych/hipercholesterolemicznych. Wykazano wyraźny dymorfizm płciowy pod względem masy ciała, a tym samym masy tuszki na korzyść samców. W przypadku ptaków młodych różnica ta wynosiła 274,3 g, a dorosłych – 392,2 g. Również wszystkie oceniane narządy wewnętrzne kur, klasyfikowane jako podroby, miały zdecydowanie mniejszą masę. Najmniejszą wydajnością rzeźną, wynoszącą 70,5 %, charakteryzowały się kury dorosłe, zaś największą – na poziomie 74,2 % – kury młode. Uzyskane wskaźniki wydajności rzeźnej są zbliżone do rezultatów wydajności rzeźnej bażantów z chowu fermowego, a niewielkie odstępstwa uwarunkowane były wiekiem ptaków oraz ich pochodzeniem. Profil kwasów tłuszczowych tłuszczu bażantów był bardziej zdeterminowany wiekiem ptaków niż płcią. Najbardziej korzystny skład kwasów tłuszczowych oraz wskaźniki atero- i trombogenne stwierdzono w tłuszczu mięśni piersiowych jednorocznych bażantów.
Porównanie zmian fizykochemicznych i proteolitycznych zachodzących w kiełbasach surowo dojrzewających z mięsa wołowego i z mięsa daniela podczas ich przechowywania
Authors: Kononiuk Anna , Karwowska Małgorzata
Published: October 2021

Celem badań było porównanie trwałości przechowalniczej kiełbas surowo dojrzewających z mięsa daniela i z mięsa wołowego na podstawie oceny intensywności przemian proteolitycznych i zachodzących zmian fizykochemicznych oraz ich wpływu na barwę i teksturę badanych kiełbas. Wyprodukowano po 4 warianty doświadczalne kiełbas z mięsa wołowego oraz z mięsa daniela: C – wariant kontrolny z dodatkiem peklosoli (2,8 %), S – wariant referencyjny z solą morską (2,8 %), SAW – wariant badany z dodatkiem soli morskiej (2,8 %) i serwatki kwasowej (5 %), SAA – wariant badany z dodatkiem soli morskiej (2,8 %), serwatki kwasowej (5 %) i askorbinianu sodu (0,05 %). W celu oceny intensywności przemian proteolitycznych określono zawartość azotu ogólnego (TN) i azotu niebiałkowego (NPN), na podstawie których wyliczono indeks proteolizy (PI). Zmiany fizykochemiczne oceniono na podstawie pomiaru pH i aktywności wody (aw) po procesie dojrzewania (0), po półrocznym (180) oraz rocznym (360) okresie chłodniczego przechowywania. Barwę badanych kiełbas (CIE L*a*b*) oraz instrumentalną analizę wyróżników tekstury wykonano po 180 i 360 dniach przechowywania produktów. Uzyskane wyniki wskazują na istotny wpływ czasu przechowywania, zastosowanego rodzaju mięsa oraz dodatków na wszystkie badane parametry. Zaobserwowano, że kiełbasy z mięsa daniela są bardziej podatne na niekorzystne zmiany zachodzące w trakcie długotrwałego ich przechowywania (wyższe wartości pH i aktywności wody, bardziej zaawansowane przemiany proteolityczne). Niezależnie od gatunku mięsa kiełbasy, do których produkcji wykorzystano serwatkę kwasową charakteryzowały się zbliżonymi wartościami badanych cech w trakcie długotrwałego przechowywania chłodniczego w porównaniu z kontrolnymi wariantami z dodatkiem mieszanki peklującej. Zastosowanie dodatku serwatki kwasowej i askorbinianu sodu pozwoliło na ograniczenie wzrostu wartości pH, aktywności wody, intensywności przemian proteolitycznych oraz niekorzystnych zmian barwy i tekstury w trakcie przechowywania produktów jedynie w przypadku kiełbas wołowych.
Analysis of the setup deviations generated in the 6D ExacTrac X-ray system for patients in hypofractionated intracranial radiosurgery treatments
Authors: Vasques Maíra Milanelo , Augusto Bertotti Ribeiro Victor , Pessoa Sales Camila , Vollet Cunha Ana Paula , Zeppelini Emiliozzi Caroline
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of the pre-treatment daily imaging system with the Brainlab ExacTrac X-Ray 6D for patients in hypofractionated intracranial treatments and radiosurgery procedures in order to quantify setups errors and review margins used by the institution in the current planning protocol. The deviations generated in the translational and rotational coordinates were given in terms of the mean values and their respective standard deviations. The random and systematic errors were determined through the Stroom and Wang relation and 36 patients treated with intracranial hypofractionated radiosurgery from August 2015 to October 2016 were evaluated. The prescribed dose was 25-30 Gy in 5 fractions for 30 patients and 12-18 Gy in a single fraction for 6 patients. The calculated margin for the planning target volume (PTV) from the deviations analyzed was 1.3mm, consistent with that adopted by the institution. When the correlation between the volume of the PTV, vector and its respective loss of coverage is evaluated and a tendency can be observed for smaller volumes to suffer greater losses in coverage when the isocenters were displaced with the resulting margins. We can suggest that for volumes smaller than 2.6 cm3, margins greater than 1 mm are required in order to guarantee the expected coverage of the PTV.
A. P. CHEKHOV AND THE CONCEPT OF “DEGENERATION”: TO THE PROBLEM OF CRYPTOPOETICS OF RUSSIAN LITERATURE
Authors: Kubasov Alexander
Published: October 2021

The concept of “degeneration” is associated with the fin-de-siècle period and came to Russian soil from Western Europe. First and foremost, it was represented there by Cesare Lombroso and his popularizer, the author of the book Degeneration, Max Nordau. The concept of degeneracy was studied by the scientist using the work of outstanding representatives of European art, including Leo Tolstoy. The book was a scandalous success in Russia and a subject of numerous magazine reviews. Chekhov implicitly participated in this polemic. The writer’s cryptic review of the fashionable problem of degeneracy can be seen in the image of Dr. Dorn, which allows to examine the elements of Chekhov’s cryptopoetics. The surname of this character in The Seagull is considered as a transformation of the surname Nordau. An analysis of Dorn’s behavior and speech suggests that the author of the play uses it to express his position regarding the “nervous age” and the fatigue and degeneration associated with it. The intertextually expressed polemic between Chekhov and Nordau allows to define the role of Dorn as a hidden trickster. This is an additional argument that proves the validity of the author’s definition of The Seagull as a comedy.
EPISTEMOLOGICAL PREMISES FOR THE CONCEPT OF DIGNITY IN JOHN LOCKE’S PHILOSOPHICAL DISCOURSE
Authors: Doichyk Maksym Victorovich , Doichyk Oksana Yaroslavivna
Published: October 2021

The article presents the analysis of the epistemological basis for the concept of dignity in the philosophical discourse of an outstanding English enlightener John Locke. His views on natural rights and freedoms as well as on human dignity, formed within the framework of the Enlightenment formative shifts, haven’t lost their heuristic potential, and moreover, reveal their relevance in the context of the tendencies prevailing in the contemporary dynamic world. In the process of investigation the following methods were applied: dialectical, hermeneutical, phenomenological, and comparative. The research has revealed that John Locke’s concept of dignity, as well as the conception of educating a worthy citizen, directly correlate with his epistemology. Despite the fact that the phraseological unit “tabula rasa” wasn’t mentioned in Locke’s works directly, though having been repeatedly attributed to him, the intention emphasized in this Roman phrase is present in his views. This phrase lied in the basis of his fundamental view that moral ideas couldn’t be inborn. Rejecting the metaphysical basis for human morality, John Locke argued that social differentiation as well as a person’s virtuous or wicked behavior were not rooted in human nature, but on the contrary, were formed by the social environment, especially by the upbringing. This idea presupposed having equal cultural, educational, political, and legal conditions for a person’s social start. Only human striving for happiness could be considered innate. This desire, in its correlation with social progress, was seen as transforming the idea of human dignity. Having been established, Western capitalism gives rise to new competitive possibilities of self-realization, not available for most people before. Consequently, dignity has been increasingly identified with rationality and the level of education and upbringing, as well as with personal and professional success.