bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A gut reaction
Authors: Hasan Dalia , Reilly Kristen
Published: March 2019

The development of antibiotics is one of the greatest advances of modern medicine. While antibiotics have dramatically improved morbidity and mortality rates worldwide, current evidence asserts that one should err on the side of caution when prescribing antibiotics. The medical literature is accumulating studies on alarming consequences of inappropriate antibiotic use. Due to antibiotic overexposure, a North American “hypervirulant” strain of Clostridium difficile has emerged causing more severe gastrointestinal manifestations than previous strains. More recently, antibiotic overuse has been associated with obesity and diabetes mellitus. Unnecessary antibiotic use has led to increasing rates of bacterial resistance rendering more antibiotics ineffective. We are currently on the brink of an era which could reverse all the progress made with the introduction of antibiotics. The salient health consequences of inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions and the threat of a postantibiotic era command attention to practical initiatives that improve antibiotic prescribing patterns.
“Ow, doc, it hurts”
Authors: Chau Brandon , Bobotsis Robert
Published: March 2019

In a world where medical conditions are increasingly understood, chronic pain remains among the most difficult to diagnose and treat. Current first-line treatment of nonmalignant chronic pain include tricyclic antidepressants and physiotherapy, while topical lidocaine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and other antidepressants serve as appropriate second-line therapy. Opioids, though highly effective analgesics, remain medical options of last resort due to their highly addictive properties. Surgical implantation of nerve stimulators and/or spinal decompression may also be considered for treatment of chronic pain. As a parallel course of treatment, complementary and alternative medicine such as acupuncture may also be considered. Unfortunately, people with pain are among the least anticipated patients that doctors will see, and lack of both patience and expertise often result in cookie-cutter prescriptions and standardized healthcare that do not benefit individual patients. In the ever-evolving field of pain management, recent evidence has shown that a multidisciplinary approach, rather than traditional physician-based management, offers the best long-term results to patients.
Companion diagnostics and the age of personalized medicine in oncology
Authors: Rodic Stefan , Gershon Ariel
Published: March 2019

Companion diagnostics are tests which are used to guide targeted therapies. They represent the application of knowledge of unique sensitivities of hosts or diseases. The FDA approved the first companion diagnostic-related drug, trastuzumab (Herceptin), in 1998. Trastuzumab is specifically effective in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive cancers, which are associated with poor outcomes with conventional cytotoxic therapy. Since trastuzumab, many other companion diagnostics have been brought to market. There are both health and economical advantages to developing companion diagnostics. With personalized therapy, patients will experience fewer and less severe side effects, and patients are more likely to have positive outcomes. Companies seeking to approve companion diagnostics will be able to recruit fewer participants for efficacy trials, leading to decreased development costs. Challenges to the future of companion diagnostics include preventing off-label usage of drugs. Additionally, the likely expensive cost of companion diagnostics, as in the example of ivacaftor (Kalydeco), will raise questions on how these drugs will be paid for.
A review of housing-first strategies in reducing rates of substance use amongst people experiencing homelessness
Authors: Yin Charles , Danby Stuart
Published: March 2019

Substance use is a serious and prevalent health challenge among people who are homeless. The rate of alcohol use is 6 to 7 times more common in people experiencing homelessness than the general population, while approximately a quarter of all homeless individuals exhibit disordered use of one or more substances other than alcohol. Substance use is recognized as a significant risk factor for becoming homeless and is thought to complicate rehousing efforts and contribute to decreased adherence to rehabilitation programs that were and continue to be traditionally a requirement of rehousing. While studies have largely shown that housing-first strategies result in increased rates of retention in permanent housing compared to more established treatment-first strategies, it is less established whether housing-first strategies are equally successful among those homeless individuals with substance use challenges. In this review, we examine the available evidence on the efficacy of housing-first strategies in rehousing individuals with substance use challenges and in reducing the rates of substance use among people experiencing homelessness. We conclude that while housing-first strategies have not been shown to reduce rates of substance use compared to treatment-first strategies, both types of programs result in a comparable level of decrease in substance use rates despite treatment-first strategies mandating rehabilitation prior to rehousing. Finally, we provide a number of guidelines for an interdisciplinary approach to rehousing homeless individuals with substance use disorders through a housing-first strategy.
The future of personalized medicine
Authors: Neferu Ramona , Yi Alice
Published: March 2019

Dr Richard Kim is currently a professor and the chair of the Division of Clinical Pharmacology at Western University and the Director for the Centre for Clinical Investigation and Therapeutics at the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). He also holds the Wolfe Medical Research Chair in Pharmacogenomics and is at the forefront of advancing the specialty of clinical pharmacology—a growing field that promises to change the way we deliver healthcare in Canada and abroad. Dr Kim shared his insights into the future of personalized medicine and his roles as a clinician, researcher, administrator, and teacher.
Reducing medication errors
Authors: Thomas Benjamin , Shi Hao , Chow Anthony , Surujballi Julian
Published: March 2019

Hospital readmissions place a heavy burden on healthcare in Canada. Communication errors often occur at vulnerable time points like peridischarge, and these can lead to downstream adverse drug events necessitating rehospitalization. Existing mechanisms to address this problem still have room for improvement. Discharge summaries, for example, may be late, erroneous, or incomplete. Medication reconciliation processes directly integrated with electronic medical records have demonstrated advantages in terms of legibility and timeliness but unfortunately encourage risky behaviours like indiscriminate copy and pasting, leading to new errors of a different sort.

A single unified medication list that could be kept on a patient’s person at all times can ensure that medication information is always present at medical appointments and is synchronously updated among all involved practitioners. Near-field communications (NFC) may facilitate the creation and maintenance of such a list. It is a relatively new wireless technology that has advantages over radio-frequency identification and Bluetooth. It allows information to be recorded to and read from objects as small and thin as a sticker. Technologies based on NFC may prove useful for consolidation patient health information into “one source of truth”.
Expanding access to contraceptive choice in Canada
Authors: McLeod Laura J , Baldwin Helene , DeMelo Vanessa
Published: March 2019

Every woman should possess the power to decide whether or not she chooses to become pregnant at any given point in her life. Unplanned pregnancy may have a huge impact on a woman’s health, economic, and social well-being, and yet an estimated 41% of pregnancies worldwide are unintentional. There are a multitude of reversible contraceptive options available and many factors that contribute to a woman’s decision regarding which method is right for her. Efficacy, effort and side effect profile are important considerations and vary widely between methods. Surprisingly, condoms and the oral contraceptive pill, which have relatively high typical use failure rates at 21% and 9% respectively and require frequent user action, are the most popular reversible contraceptive options in Canada. In contrast, intrauterine contraceptive devices, with failure rates of <0.8% and almost no user action, have extremely poor uptake. Recognizing that the variation of side effect profiles will also impact use, this disconnect between efficacy, effort and use suggests that forces beyond the intrinsic merits of a contraceptive system play a role in these decisions. Cost and accessibility can both inhibit the use of intrauterine systems, which are a large upfront investment and require physician insertion. Peers, the media and providers all influence contraceptive decision-making and may also contribute their own bias. We advocate for providing public funding for all contraceptive options as well as engaging in open discussion with both patients and the public to improve our delivery of reproductive health care.
Resilience to childhood adversity
Authors: Wassenaar Catherine Anne
Published: March 2019

Despite being linked to several negative long-term physical and psychological pathologies in adulthood, childhood adversity elicits variable responses in the sufferer. When searching for explanations for this heterogeneity, the concept of resilience has been postulated as a potential mitigating factor. Gene-environmental interactions are a promising avenue in the study of resilience. The premise of gene-environmental research is that interindividual variability in the response to an environmental stressor is due to an individual’s genetic make-up exacerbating or buffering the impact of that stressor. Herein, gene-environmental findings are illustrated in the context of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many of the gene loci found to interact with childhood adversity influence both depression and PTSD possibly due to the high degree of shared heritability between these psychopathologies. Variation in the serotonin transporter gene, SLC6A4, and in FKBP5, a gene coding for a glucocorticoid receptor binding protein, interacts with childhood adversity to influence the development and symptomology of depression and of PTSD. Findings in the field of gene-environmental interactions has led to a proposed 3-hit model whereby 3 hits, genetics, early life experiences and later life stressors, interact to determine whether an individual is vulnerable or resilient to the development of psychopathology. As limitations with the current research are addressed and complementary lines of research are integrated, the insight gained on childhood adversity has the potential to better predict children at risk of the long-term sequelae of adversity and to inform potential intervention and prevention strategies.
Physical activity versus metformin for increasing insulin sensitivity in children and adolescents at-risk for type 2 diabetes
Authors: Hanna Andrew D , Scime Natalie V
Published: March 2019

Global rates of type 2 diabetes (T2D) among children and adolescents are steadily rising. As such, an increasing amount of attention and research has begun to focus on strategies to prevent this chronic and burdensome disease in pediatric populations. The purpose of this article is to briefly review current evidence pertaining to the effectiveness of physical activity versus metformin in improving insulin sensitivity of children at-risk (ie, obese and/or insulin resistant) for developing T2D. Potential barriers to each preventative intervention will also be discussed. Physical activity, both aerobic and resistance, has demonstrated effectiveness in a moderate number of demographically diverse pediatric studies. However, the pediatric population is already alarmingly sedentary with barriers such as lack of motivation, social stigma and discomfort presenting a challenge. A small number of studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of metformin in children and adolescents for improved insulin sensitivity. However, longer and larger studies are required to confirm these findings and elucidate upon the long-term safety and efficacy of this pharmaceutical in pediatric populations. While no head-to-head studies examining physical activity and metformin exist in pediatric populations and more research is needed, current evidence seems to favour the use of physical activity given the larger quantity of studies and generalizability of its beneficial effects. Thus, physical activity should be emphasized in clinical and public health practice when targeting at-risk children and adolescents to prevent a T2D diagnosis.
Non-invasive colorectal cancer screening
Authors: Holdren Melissa , Deller Brittany , Braden Kevin
Published: March 2019

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world and is the second most common cause of Canadian cancer-related deaths in men and the third most common in women. Most CRC appears to arise from the gradual development and advancement of colonic adenomatous polyps to cancerous tissue. This developmental process of CRC is the rationale for screening programs which aim to reduce CRC-related morbidity and mortality by early detection and removal of adenomatous polyps, specifically advanced adenomas. Although both the gFOBT and FIT function to detect occult bleeding in asymptomatic patients at average risk for CRC development, the mechanisms of these screening tests are distinct. gFOBT works by detecting the peroxidase activity of heme whereas FIT selectively detects human hemoglobin. The sensitivity in detecting CRC is higher for the FIT, with sensitivity of 0.79 compared to gFOBT with sensitivity of 0.36, they have similar specificities of 0.94 and 0.96, respectively. Currently, both the gFOBT and FIT are strongly recommended across Canada, with all provinces using the FIT, apart from Ontario and Manitoba which currently use the gFOBT to screen asymptomatic patients for CRC. A newer test, the sDNA test, identifies mutations in DNA that are shed by both adenomatous polyps and CRC cells. The sDNA test is more sensitive (0.92 95% CI 0.83-0.98) than both the gFOBT and FIT, however, is less specific and more expensive. Further data surrounding the sDNA test will be required prior to its implementation and recommendation for population based CRC screening in Canada.
Traditional Chinese medicine in cardiovascular disease prevention
Authors: Li Annie , Bobotsis Robert , Yildiz Christopher
Published: March 2019

Aim: This review paper aims to familiarize the health practitioner with common components of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and to provide general clinical recommendations in the context of cardiovascular disease prevention.

Methods: Three databases (EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science) were searched for results relating to TCM, cardiovascular disease, and prevention. Clinically relevant results from systemic reviews as well as individual randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were reviewed and presented in this paper.

Conclusion: Currently there is insufficient or conflicting evidence for the use of TCM in cardiovascular disease prevention.
Questioning the benefits of current screening protocols for common cancers
Authors: Rodic Stefan , Gershon Ariel
Published: March 2019

Screening is the application of a diagnostic test to a population of patients without suspicious clinical signs or symptoms of a disease. Applying screening protocols to detect cancer is especially attractive as cancer is a growing burden and earlier detection of malignancies can lead to better outcomes. While the initial excitement over screening for cancers has caused protocols to be put into practice, data analysis has cast doubt on the net benefit. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood testing has been used as a screening test for prostate cancer. The harms of a positive PSA screen include invasive investigations and treatments with side effects such as infection and incontinence. The poor sensitivity and specificity of PSA screening caused the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care to recommend against PSA as a screening tool. Similarly, mammography and ultrasound for detecting breast cancer lesions in asymptomatic women suffer from relatively low sensitivity and specificity. The harms of screening include emotional stress and invasive surgical procedures. Meta-analyses reveal that the risks outweigh the benefits for some age groups, but there may be a role in screening asymptomatic patients with a family history of breast cancer with more sensitive but more expensive modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Finally, colonoscopy, which is the gold standard to diagnose colorectal cancers, has failed to show net benefit in screening. While screening protocols thus far have provided underwhelming results, the key in screening in the future may lie in using tests with high specificity and sensitivity, as in next generation screening modalities that rely on molecular markers and analytics.
Radical to routine
Authors: Zhu Cindy , Amir Ali Asma
Published: March 2019

Cervical cancer detection and prevention has paved the way for a myriad of cancer screening programs today. At first, observing cervical lesions was for the purposes of identifying sexually transmitted diseases. Later, however, it was thought that lesions and malignancies were along the same continuum; this led to the adoption of aggressive treatments of early, benign lesions. Stagnation of the cure rates in the late 1920s was resolved by the development of the Pap smear, a procedure still in use today. Although widespread adoption of the Pap smear led to identification of cervical lesions, subjectivity and lack of standardization presented further obstacles to achieving the optimal screening program. Meanwhile, organizations invested in women’s health advocated strongly for women to get regular gynecological check-ups. While the medical community was moving forward with identifying lesions, the cause of cervical cancer was still up for debate. From recognizing that cervical cancer was rare in nuns to assuming trauma played a part, the scientific community finally concluded that HPV wasthe causative agent. Today, the goal is to prevent cervical cancer with vaccines rather than treat lesions when they’re found. The journey of cervical cancer has certainly been an arduous one, and there is still much to be improved as treatments and target populations for vaccines are still up for debate.
Defending public health policies from objections of paternalism
Authors: Greenacre Matthew
Published: March 2019

Paternalism is defined as an action that infringes a person’s liberty and is performed without their consent, but is intended to improve a person’s welfare. As such, many public health policies are criticized as being paternalistic because they attempt to influence citizens’ behaviours to prevent disease or injury. Therefore, public health advocates ought to be aware of what justifies paternalism. Arguments based on the harm principle are the strongest defense of paternalistic policies in Western culture, but reinforcing an individual’s integrity and improving social welfare may also be considered sufficient reasons. In practice, what is considered sufficient reason for paternalism depends upon the culture of the affected society. Collectivist cultures are willing to accept a paternalistic policy in exchange for a better quality of life for their whole community, but individualist cultures are very averse to such a trade. This article provides examples of how these principles arise in the debate over implementing anti-obesity legislation. Advocates must recognize paternalism and know when it is acceptable in order to defend public health policy from that common criticism.
Ethics of pre-exposure prophylaxis in high-risk HIV patients
Authors: Cappelletti Adriana
Published: March 2019

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is the daily use of antiretrovirals to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission in uninfected people at high risk of infection, including men who have sex with men and serodiscordant heterosexual couples. PrEP has the potential benefit of reducing the human population’s viral load, and unlike barrier protection, PrEP allows for individual control over HIV exposure. However, ethical concerns have been raised around this intervention’s risk of serious side effects. These side effect risks may not be justifiable given PrEP’s modest benefit and the existence of standard HIV prevention: condoms, counseling, and education. Critics of this preventative approach also worry that PrEP promotes unsafe sexual practices such as sex without barrier protection. However, this discussion is harmful to the underserviced at-risk groups targeted by PrEP, and prohibition of PrEP for this reason is unjustified in a society that allows women to access oral contraceptives despite the risk of adopting unsafe sexual practices. To ensure the safety of high-risk HIV groups, future clinical trials of PrEP should compare this intervention to the standard of prevention rather than placebo, and stigma mitigation strategies must be implemented at the policy level.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis in a new era of HIV prevention
Authors: Muzlera Carlos , Arseneau Nicole
Published: March 2019

Linda is a healthy, 25-year-old married woman living in the city of Toronto who presents with questions about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention. Linda and her husband met on an online dating forum in 2011 and married each other one year later while they were both seronegative. She describes her and her husband as having an “open” marriage and have had 2 and 5 extramarital partners, respectively. In 2014, Linda’s husband was incidentally diagnosed with HIV infection after donating blood at a clinic, and Linda received testing shortly thereafter which came back negative for HIV. His viral load had reached 20 000 copies/mL and he immediately began highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). His infection has stabilized with undetectable viral loads and a CD4+ T-helper cell count of 1000 cells/μL; however, the risk of transmission has created damaging tensions within their marriage. Prior to his diagnosis Linda reports condom usage of less than 50% for both herself and her husband; however, the anxiety and fear of infection has prompted usage of over 90%. Linda wants to be at ease in her sexual endeavours but is motivated to remain uninfected so she can be healthy to take care of her husband. She read about a new drug on Twitter that can prevent HIV infection in non-infected people and requests your counsel on it. She has an unremarkable history with respect to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), drug use, smoking and hepatitis, and has had no recent symptoms of fever, malaise, or sore throat.
Inside Insite
Authors: Lefebvre Cory , Crosby Lauren , Kovacs-Litman Adam
Published: March 2019

The debate around supervised injection facilities (SIF) rages on more than a decade after the opening of Insite, Canada’s first supervised injection site in Vancouver. Recently, an article published in the journal Addiction reignited the discussion when it made a financial case for introducing facilities in Ottawa and Toronto. The model predicts that the introduction of two SIFs in Ottawa and three in Toronto would be a cost-savings measure to prevent the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among intravenous drug users (IVDUs). Over 600 total cases of HIV or HCV are projected to be averted in a 20-year period, saving over $40 million in healthcare costs in Toronto and over $30 million in Ottawa. Opponents deny the benefits of safe injection sites despite research conducted on Insite, which suggest that these facilities have tremendous utility and are economically viable. Insite targets and attracts high-risk IVDUs, fosters safer injection habits and prevents transmission of needle-sharing diseases. Insite’s facilities also offer complementary detoxification and rehabilitation services and encourage users to register for these programs. In contrast to arguments made by opponents, Insite has not been found to increase incidental overdoses, neighbourhood crime rates, or public disposal of needles. Given the outcomes of research conducted on Insite, the viability of similar facilities in Ontario should be further explored.
Zika virus
Authors: Douglas-Vail Matt , Su Hong Yu (Andrew)
Published: March 2019

Before 2015, few people outside the infectious disease community had heard of Zika virus. However, this virus is now the centre of global conscience. Pictures of newborns with microcephaly have been widely circulated and misinformation abounded. This piece explores and examines the evolution of infectious disease outbreaks, in addition to the historical public health responses. This investigation serves to garner lessons which can be applied to the current Zika outbreak. The virus’ role as a pathogen is introduced, and current public health responses and their impacts are also examined. Finally, we posit what Canada’s role should be in the midst of this outbreak.
Microneedle patch vaccine
Authors: Chan Victoria , Wong Steven
Published: March 2019

Vaccinations are an important means of controlling communicable diseases, especially in developing countries where patients do not have regular access to adequate healthcare. However, barriers such as cost and lack of resources are particularly problematic in the developing world and limit the adoption of vaccines. Meanwhile, in developed nations, the fear of injections contributes to the growing problem of vaccine avoidance and hesitancy. To address these barriers, a microneedle patch vaccine was recently created by Dr Prausnitz and his research team at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, in which application of the patch to the skin allows polymer microneedles containing the vaccine to puncture the epidermis, dissolve, and elicit an immunogenic response. Research using rodent and primate models have demonstrated this technology’s effectiveness, and a human clinical trial using an influenza microneedle patch vaccine is currently being conducted. Future trials are being planned for microneedle patch vaccines against measles and polio as well. This technology’s nearly pain-free administration, portability, and relative ease of delivery can help address patients’ apprehensions to hypodermic needles and lessen administration costs and efforts. While the microneedle patch vaccine is a promising vaccination modality that can potentially be used to overcome the barriers to vaccination, further studies will need to be conducted to determine adverse events. Also, strategies for patient education and potential legal issues will need to be addressed before widespread use of this novel vaccination modality.
Shifting from picking up the pieces to preventive health
Authors: Neferu Ramona , Yi Alice
Published: March 2019

Dr Lori Teeple has been a family and emergency medicine physician for over 25 years. She is an award-winning teacher and has published several national papers for physician education. Currently, Dr Teeple is a part of the Bluewater Area Family Health Team, which serves approximately 3500 patients with an interdisciplinary team of health care professionals. Dr Teeple recently published Overweight is a Disease: A Canadian Doctor’s Prescription for Self-Management,1 a workbook designed to provide an evidence-based approach to lifestyle modification using self-reflection, healthier diet, and exercise habits. Her main academic interests are in education; she is currently on an educator sabbatical, developing small group educational modules for continuing professional development.
When the story doesn’t fit
Authors: Elzinga Jason L , Jian Charles
Published: March 2019

Melanoma is an aggressive but easily preventable cancer. However, it may have a highly atypical presentation which makes early detection more difficult. This case report discusses a 25-year-old patient with a rare case of melanoma developing underneath the nail of the first toe. The case was originally diagnosed as trauma due to its rarity and epidemiological unlikeliness, however through the patient’s persistence for alternative opinions the correct diagnosis was eventually made. However, this led to an amputation as well as more intense, invasive treatment.

There were several points on history (duration of the lesion, appearance of the lesion, and lack of healing progress) which when combined with the lesion’s physical appearance should have made such a presentation suspicious for a more malignant cause. This case highlights the importance of early detection in the prognosis and treatment of patients with cancer, the importance of considering all aspects of a history and physical exam, and the importance of listening to and addressing a patient’s concerns. As always, more common diagnoses should be first considered, but when the story does not match up with the presentation, one should move past the horses to consider the zebras.
Condutas em Atenção Primária: desenvolvendo um sumário online, em português, de prática clínica baseada em evidências
Authors: Lúcio Donavan de Souza , Scalco Diogo Luis
Published: March 2019

Introdução: Embora existam internacionalmente diversos sumários online baseados em evidências, a maioria é de língua inglesa, pago ou com restrições de acesso internacional. Desta forma, estamos desenvolvendo um sumário de prática clínica baseado em evidências, em português, gratuito, transparente e livre de insumos da indústria farmacêutica. Métodos: Selecionamos 28 tópicos para a primeira fase do projeto. Estes tópicos compõem problemas que abrangem 50% da demanda em atenção primária, são desenvolvidos sob a metodologia de revisões rápidas e submetidos à revisão por pares. A busca por evidência é realizada de forma discricionária, dando preferência às revisões sistemáticas. O website é financiado pelos autores, os quais não possuem conflitos de interesse. O conteúdo do site está sob licença Creative Commons BY-NC-SA. Resultados: Criamos um manual para o desenvolvimento dos tópicos e o site www.condutas.com.br está disponível para acesso, com três tópicos desenvolvidos: resfriado comum, hipertensão arterial e pré-natal. Conclusão: O Condutas em Atenção Primária possui qualidade editorial e metodologia baseada em evidências adequada, se comparada a outros sumários online, o que é um avanço para a prática clínica nacional. Seu perfil inovador democratiza o acesso a informações atuais, consistentes e diversas, antes restritas ao leitor de língua inglesa, contudo, ao mesmo tempo enfrenta as limitações por seu pioneirismo e inerente amadorismo.
New Simple Modification of Dip, Spray and Cathodic Electrodeposition Coating Methods for Wire Coating (3D Coating)
Authors: Sadig Hisham R. , Cheng Li , Tengfei Xiang
Published: March 2019

In the current paper three most applied coating methods modified to suit wire coating (three dimensional coating). Capillary-gravitational coating (CGM) with natural motions considered to compensate the lifting of substrates, which normally occurs in the dip coating method. Besides a new economic-environmental friendly spray coating (EESM) assisted by the motor rotating to coat different wires, and branched cathodic electrodeposition (BCE) used also for the same mission. Thoroughly, several tests and evaluations carried out for those applied techniques. Remarkably, easy application detected for all modified methods. Unusually perfect morphology output and functional layers were synthesized. Comparison of all mentioned methods carried out considering loses and the number of coating time. Evaluation analysis has been comprehensively considered to find out capability of using these methods later on in the future.
Plasma Cleaning of Metallic Mirrors from Carbon-Containing Films – New Possibilities for In Situ Monitoring of the Efficiency of Wall Conditioning in Fusion Devices
Authors: Voitsenya V.S. , Konovalov V.G. , Timoshenko A.I. , Solodovchenko S.I. , Ryzhkov I.V. , Shtan A.F. , Shapoval A.N.
Published: March 2019

The method proposed for measuring the erosion rate of the carbon film, pre-deposited on the mirror-like surface of the test metallic samples, directly during wall conditioning procedures in a fusion device. The practical realization of the method provided at the DSM-2 stand where deuterium plasma produced in conditions of electron resonance at frequency 2.45 GHz used for cleaning the samples. For controlling C-film thickness the time variation of electrical conductivity of the circuit ‘film+plasma+entire scheme’ was measured. The final cleaning stage sets according to the saturation section corresponding to the resistance of the entire measuring scheme. To check the state of full purification of samples from a carbon-containing film the reflectance at normal incidence in the wavelength 220-650 nm was measured before C-film deposition, just after C-film deposition, and after finishing the cleaning procedure. In all cases (16 experiments) the approach of total resistance to the ‘entire resistance’ of the scheme in use was supported by restoration of the reflectance of stainless steel samples to its initial value.
The method can be reversed, i.e. allows one to control in situ the appearance of a contaminating layer growing on the surface of a metal sample, preliminary cleaned before being installed in a vacuum vessel
Ontogenetic features of redox reactions in the myocardium of geese
Authors: Yakoviichuk Oleksandr , Danchenko Olena , Kurtyak Bohdan , Nikolaeva Yulia , Fedorko Anastasia , Halko Tetiana
Published: March 2019

Under conditions of physiological stress of different aetiologies, cells of any organism undergo compensatory metabolic changes. The specificity of such changes primarily depends on functional and histochemical features of the tissues of the body. The purpose of this work was to describe the functioning of the main components of the oxidation-reduction system, (ORS, the Krebs cycle, and the antioxidant system) in the myocardium of geese under conditions of the physiological stress occurring during the transition from the embryonic to postnatal development. It has been experimentally established that in the second half of geese embryogenesis, the content of short-chain fatty acids is significantly increased and the content of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in their myocardium decreases. During the first two weeks of the postnatal period, there are reversible changes in the fatty acid composition of this tissue. The second half of the embryogenesis is characterized by the activation of dehydrogenases of the Krebs cycle in the low variability of antioxidant enzyme activity. At the same time, the experiment demonstrated an increase in the antioxidant activity coefficient, with the exception of its significant reduction on the first day of postnatal ontogenesis. The functioning of the ORS in the myocardium of geese is characterized by the presence of correlations between the nature of the changes of 19 investigated components (dehydrogenases of the Krebs cycle, antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation products, antioxidant activity coefficient, fatty acids, their total content and unsaturation) and structuring of the system into two clusters.
Taxonomic and typological structure of the flora of Eastern Podilia (Ukraine)
Authors: Mudrak Oleksandr , Ovchynnykova Yuliia , Mudrak Halyna , Tarasenko Halyna
Published: March 2019

On the basis of herbarium data, literary and cartographic sources, own field research with subsequent critical-system processing of the collected material, an inscription of the flora of Eastern Podilia was compiled, which includes 1210 species belonging to 526 genera and to 123 families. The taxonomic structure of the flora of the investigated area includes five divisions, where the Magnoliophyta division with 1183 species is dominant (97.2%). The authors have also established the biomorphological structure of phytogenic manures of the region, 88.6% of which belong to herbaceous plants. The majority of species belong to polycarpic 736 (60.8%), monocarpic (17.4%), and young (10.4%) species. It should be noted that when assessing phytobiota by the Raunkiaer eco-biomorphic index, it was found that hemicryptophytes (47.9%) and tetophytes (22.2%) prevailed in the studied flora. Cryptophytes, which are divided into geophytes, gelophytes, and hydrophytes, constituted 17.6%, and phanerophytes and hamefites 12.3%. As a result of studies on the ecological and coenotic structure of the flora of the region, there are 16 categories of ecological structure. The dominant group is the meadow-steppe – 191 species (15.8%), rayon – 185 species (15.3%), and non-forest species – 183 species (15.1%) of vegetation.
Different LF and HF HRV responses to cold pressor test in normotensive and prehypertensive men
Authors: Shekh Vera E. , Ofoegbu Emeka Idot-Eyin , Adenuga Ebunoluwa Grace , Shchyrova Larisa S.
Published: March 2019

Hypertension is a global health problem and a risk factor of cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular and kidney disease. The cold pressor test (CPT) is commonly used as a sympathoexcitatory manoeuvre. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a useful tool for assessment of autonomic nervous system activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiovascular and HRV responsiveness to CPT in 46 normotensive and 25 prehypertensive (PHT) young man. In ECG was recorded at rest and CPT for 5 min each to evaluate heart rate (HR), total power (TP), low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) power. General linear model was used to test for effect of prehypertension and CPT on HR, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and HRV variables and their responses to cold. The stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was used to reveal predictors of ∆HR, ∆SBP and ∆DBP. All analyses were conducted using SPSS 22. Blood pressure responsiveness to CPT was not associated with PHT; instead, it was associated with BMI. The ∆HR, ∆SBP, and ∆DBP were not significantly different between normotensive and prehypertensive subjects. However, ∆LnTP, ∆LnLF, and ∆LnHF were significantly higher in normotensives than in prehypertensives: LnTP, LnLF, and LnHF increased in normotensive subjects while these indices decreased in prehypertensives.
“Floral-dip” transformation of Amaranthus caudatus L. and hybrids A. caudatus × A. paniculatus L.
Authors: Yaroshko Olha , Vasylenko Maksym , Gajdošová Alena , Morgun Bogdan , Khrystan Olesia , Velykozhon Liudmyla , Kuchuk Mykola
Published: March 2019

After “floral-dip” transformation of Amaranth plants with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain GV3101 carrying pCBV19 gene vector that contained bar and gus genes, transgenic seeds were obtained. The functioning of the tran+sferred genes in Amaranthus tissues was confirmed with herbicide selection (PPT herbicide – phospinotricin) and gus gene activity. Positive results were obtained for cultivars “Karmin” and “Kremoviy rannii”. The percentage of GUS positive samples was 1% (for “Karmin”), 2.2% (for “Kremoviy rannii”) from the total initial quantity of plants that was prior to selection with the herbicide. The seeds of six amaranth cultivars were received after treatment with A. tumefaciens by the method “floral dip”. The lowest lethal dose of herbicide PPT was established – 40 mg/l. After spraying with herbicide, resistant plants were obtained for cultivars: “Kremoviy rannii” (21%) and “Karmin” (20%). After conduction of PCR analysis, positive results were obtained for four cultivars. The percentage of bar positive plants was 0.3% (“Helios”); 0.26% (“Sterkch”); 0.06% (“Kremoviy rannii”); 0.3% (“Rushnichok”) from total initial quantity of plants.
Bryophyte Phylogeny Poster (BPP)
Authors: Cole Theodor C H , Hilger Hartmut H , Goffinet Bernard
Published: March 2019

Bryophyte Phylogeny Poster

This educational poster presents an overview of the evolutionary relationships among nonvascular land plants based on broad consensus as of early 2019. The phylogenetic tree depicts the divisions, subclasses, orders, and families of "bryophytes", listing the main apomorphies and plesiomorphies as well as diagnostic and nondiagnostic anatomical, morphological, and phytochemical features also for the higher ranks within the tree. The intuitive color-coding facilitates memorization and teaching. Translations will soon be available in 12 languages (all freely accessible on ResearchGate and other platforms). This is part of a series of educational posters on the phylogeny of land plants.
Exploring spatial nonstationary environmental effects on species distribution: a case study of Yellow Perch in Lake Erie
Authors: Liu Changdong , Liu Junchao , Jiao Yan , Tang Yanli
Published: March 2019

Background: Global regression models under an implicit assumption of spatial stationarity were commonly applied to estimate the environmental effects on aquatic species distribution. However, the relationships between species distribution and environmental variables may change among spatial locations, especially at large spatial scales with complicated habitat. Local regression models are appropriate supplementary tools to explore species-environment relationships at finer scales.

Method: We applied geographically weighted regression (GWR) models on Yellow Perch in Lake Erie to estimate spatially-varying environmental effects on the presence probabilities of this species. Outputs from GWR were compared with those from generalized additive models (GAMs) in exploring the Yellow Perch distribution. Local regression coefficients from the GWR were mapped to visualize spatially-varying species-environment relationships. K-means cluster analyses based on the t-values of GWR local regression coefficients were used to characterize the distinct zones of ecological relationships.

Results: GWR resulted in a significant improvement over the GAM in goodness-of-fit and accuracy of model prediction. Results from the GWR revealed the magnitude and direction of environmental effects on Yellow Perch distribution changed among spatial location. Consistent species-environment relationships were found in the east basin for juveniles and in the west and east basins for adults. The different kinds of species-environment relationships found in the central management unit implied the variation of relationships at a scale finer than the management unit.

Conclusions: This study draws attention to the importance of accounting for spatial nonstationarity in exploring species-environment relationships. The superiority of GWR over the GAM highlights the limitations of using one global regression model to explore species-environment relationships at a large spatial scale and provides insights for managing Yellow Perch at finer scales.
A Feminist Critique of “Voice” and the “Other” in J.M. Coetzee’s Post-colonial Novel “Foe”
Authors: Azam Nushrat
Published: March 2019

This paper seeks to analyze the techniques and effects of voice and silence in the life of a female character in J. M. Coetzee’s Foe. The analysis shows how the character of Susan Barton in Foe gives readers a feminine perspective on the famous tale of Robinson Crusoe. The method of investigation is a critical examination of the characterization of the female character; the research analyzes the events, actions and the interactions of Susan Barton, with a sight to identify how the character of Susan is portrayed in the novel. The analysis shows that while Susan is able to find a “voice” in some parts of this post-colonial text, her constant submission to strong male characters in the novel ends up showing a picture of a frail woman who defines her existence and individuality relative to men in her life. It strengthens the fact that women were still struggling to free themselves from the patriarchal domination of the post-colonial era.
Wideband Microstrip Dipole Antenna Design for WLAN/WiMAX Applications
Authors: Sondas A.
Published: March 2019

Recently, microstrip antennas are preferred in all areas of wireless communication, due to their advantages such as low volume coverage, light weight, surface compatibility, high cost requirements and easy production etc. The main disadvantage of these antennas is their narrow band performance (~11%). In the literature, there are some wideband microstrip antenna designs. These broadband characteristics are obtained by changing the antenna geometry or by adding new parasitic patches to the antenna elements. In this study, a classical wideband microstrip dipole antenna (MDA) design which can be used in WLAN/WiMAX applications (covering the bands 2.4–2.5 GHz and 2.5–3.5 GHz) is introduced. The proposed antenna has a pair of twisted strip which are placed asymmetrically near the feed of the dipole element with a length of 52 mm (~λ/2). Also a pair of square loop elements is placed on a sublayer. The proposed MDA has a resonance between 2.06-3.72 GHz with a bandwidth of 57%. The antenna has a directive radiation pattern with a gain of 6.49-3.98 dBi.
Base Station Antenna with Enhanced Cross Polarization Discrimination Performance by Using Horizontal Meandered Dipole and Vertical Parasitic Elements
Authors: Kadagan O. M. , Turkmen C. , Secmen M.
Published: March 2019

This study is related with the design of a ± 45° dual polarized base station antenna with improved cross-polarization discrimination (XPD) values. Parasitic elements are added to antenna design formed by orthogonal two compact meandered dipole above ground plane. The antenna designed with CST Microwave Studio program has VSWR ≤ 2 within 1.71-2.69 GHz frequency band, which covers GSM 1800/3G/LTE bands. The antenna has minimum of 0 dBi gain in the beamwidth of 120° ( 60°) at azimuth plane (ϕ = 0°) along the band, and XPD values being minimum of 2 dB at 1.71-2.4 GHz for  60° without parasitic elements are improved to 10 dB with parasitic elements. This design initially had two horizontal straight monopoles on the ground plane perpendicular to each other. Afterwards, antenna with microstrip balun feed applied but the XPD values were not appropriate to expected results. Because of that, by using image theory, vertical parasitic elements were added to get appropriate XPD values. Later, meandered structure used to make antenna smaller. Finally, according to base station applications, antenna frequencies optimized to 1.71 GHz and 2.69 GHz. The designed and optimized antenna produced and measured in laboratory environment. Return losses for port 1 and port 2 are measured above the 10 dB and isolation between the port 1 and port 2 are measured above the 20 dB. In addition, the maximum gain values are measured between 3 dB and 7 dB in 1.71 GHz and 2.69 GHz frequency band.  Finally, XPD values are measured more than 10 dB in bandwidth.
A Low Profile Wideband Log Periodic Microstrip Antenna Design for C-Band Applications
Authors: Yerlikaya M. , Gültekin S. S. , Uzer D.
Published: March 2019

In this study, a wideband low profile microstrip antenna design for C-band applications is presented. The proposed antenna consists of a monopol log periodic patch in the equilateral triangular dimensions with the microstrip line fed and a rectangular ground plane. The antenna has 9×19.8 mm2 overall size, thickness of 1.6 mm and 4.3 dielectric constant. According to the simulation results, the proposed antenna has a very wide bandwidth while operating in the frequency band of 4.25-7.95 GHz and 5 GHz resonance frequency. The proposed antenna was also prototyped on FR4 substrate with the 0.02 tangent loss and the measurement results were quite similar by the simulated results.