bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Haemodynamic Consequences in Immediate Postoperative Period in Comparison between Open and Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy”
Authors: Banu Mst Sabiha , Mondol Mohammmad Shaddam Hoshain , Das Rajat Shuvra , Ali Md Arman , Shathi Ishrat Jhahan , Khatun Mst Habiba , Rahman Kazi Monisur
Published: March 2021

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has emerged as a popular alternative to traditional open cholecystectomy in the management of cholelithiasis. It has several advantages .Pneumoperitoneum and trendelenburg positioning causes release of stress hormones and ultimately changes in hemodynamic parameters. Stretching of peritoneum, abdominal wall associated with postoperative pain. So maintenance of haemodynamic stability, immediate postoperative pain control continues to be a major challenge for the anaesthesiologists.

Methods: Sample was selected by non-probability sampling technique in two groups distributed as- Group-L (Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, n=30) and Group-O (opencholecystectomy, n=30). Detailed history taking, physical examination and routine lab investigations were done. Approval of the study was obtained by the local Ethical Committee. Post-operative complications, postoperative pain, frequency and pattern of cardiovascular complications, frequency and pattern of respiratory complications were evaluated and compared between thegroups

Result: In both groups female were predominant. In this study haemodynamic status (Heart rate, SBP, DBP, MBP) in different phases of anaesthesia, surgery and postoperative follow-up (at 4th hour, 8th hour, and 12th hour) has been observed.

Conclusion: This study confirms the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomy is better than open technique in terms of attenuation of better haemodynamic stability, better postoperative pain control and less requirement of analgesia.

J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 28, No.2, October, 2019, Page 184-189
Inoculante líquido contendo estirpe de Azospirillum brasilense, via sementes na cultura do milho, associado à adubação nitrogenada promovendo ganhos em produtividade
Authors: Guimarães Vandeir Francisco , Klein Jeferson , Kestring Klein Débora
Published: March 2021

Objetivou avaliar a eficiência agronômica a campo de inoculante líquido contendo estirpes Ab-V5 e Ab-V6 de Azospirillum brasiliense, para a cultura do milho, via tratamento de sementes, associado à adubação nitrogenada. Foram conduzidos quatro ensaios em delineamento de blocos casualizados com sete tratamentos e quatro repetições. T1 - 0 kg ha-1 de nitrogênio, sem inoculação (controle); T2 - 80 kg ha-1 de N, sem inoculação; T3 - 160 kg ha-1 de N, (SI); T4 - 80 kg ha-1 de N + Inoculação de padrão registrado, contendo A. brasilense (Ab-V5 e Ab-V6), 100 mL 25 kg-1 de sementes; T5 - 80 kg ha-1 de N + FERTIBIO Azospirillum ‘Líquido’ na 100 mL 25 kg-1 de sementes; T6 - 80 kg ha-1 de N + FERTIBIO Azospirillum ‘Líquido’ 150 mL 25 kg-1 de sementes; e T7 - 80 kg ha-1 de N + FERTIBIO Azospirillum ‘Líquido’ 200 mL 25 kg-1 de sementes. O inoculante apresentou eficiência agronômica semelhante ao inoculante padrão registrado, quando foi utilizado, via inoculação de sementes com suplementação de 80 kg ha-1 de nitrogênio e foi superior estatisticamente ao controle e ao tratamento inoculado com metade da dose de N. De acordo com os resultados, fica comprovada a eficiência do inoculante líquido (estirpes Ab-V5 e Ab-V6) de A. brasiliense, sendo recomendada a dose de 100 mL 25 kg-1 de sementes, via tratamento de sementes, para a cultura do milho, utilizando-se a metade da dose de fertilizante nitrogenado.
O pescado na alimentação escolar, no Brasil: cenário, avanços e desafios
Authors: Souza Mariana Martins Magalhães de , Morte Elba Santos da Boa , Cardoso Ryzia de Cassia Vieira
Published: March 2021

Este estudo objetivou abordar o cenário, os avanços e os desafios do consumo de pescado na alimentação escolar, no Brasil. Realizou-se uma revisão de literatura, abarcando diferentes tipos de publicações como artigos, livros, legislações e documentos de diversas organizações, considerando conteúdos estruturados em três eixos: o consumo de pescado no mundo e no Brasil; as diretrizes relacionadas ao uso do pescado na alimentação escolar; e o desenvolvimento de preparações à base pescado e testes de aceitabilidade, junto aos escolares, no Brasil. Conforme a literatura, no país, o consumo per capita/ano de pescado ainda é inferior à recomendação internacional (12 Kg per capita / ano). Políticas foram implementadas, buscando estimular este consumo pela população e na alimentação escolar, conquanto a coexistência desafios, na perspectiva cultural e operacional. Todavia, mudanças políticas e econômicas recentes têm repercutido negativamente nesta evolução. Nas escolas, a introdução do pescado mostrou-se constituir estratégia importante, por incentivar a formação do hábito do consumo deste alimento, desde a infância. Quanto aos estudos que desenvolveram e avaliaram a aceitabilidade de produtos à base de pescado, verificou-se que preparações como fishburguer, almôndegas e nuggets, ou mesmo bolos enriquecidos com filé de peixe foram bem aceitos, atendendo aos critérios para inserção nos cardápios das escolas. Apesar do cenário de retrocessos nas políticas de alimentação e nutrição do país, os estudos indicaram elevado potencial para a criação de preparações com pescado, com alta aceitabilidade pelos escolares.
Strategi Pembelajaran Kerjasama Tim Pada Pemasangan Peranca di Portside Model Mooring And Windlass STIMARYO
Authors: Kusuma Ade Chandra , Iswanto Iswanto
Published: March 2021

Pelaksanaan pembelajaran bermain peran dalam pemasangan peranca merupakan model pembelajaran konteks dalam proses transfer ilmu untuk mencapai kompetensi taruna Sekolah Tinggi Maritim Yogyakarta atau Stimaryo sebagai calon pekerja di kapal. Kepemimpinan dan kerjasama tim dilakukan di model mesin jangkar mooring and windlass milik STIMARYO pada Prodi Studi Nautika. Adapun tujuan dalam karya tulis ini adalah penelitian tindakan kelas dalam proses ketercapaian berupa ketuntasan dalam mencapai kompetensi minimal atau kriteria ketuntasan minimal 75. Metode pembelajaran kecakapan bahari II ini menggunakan metode role play atau bermain peran yang dipersiapkan oleh dosen atau instruktur berupa skenario pembelajaran. Skenario pembelajaran ini memiliki indikator berupa ketercapaian kompetensi serta kemampuan kerjasama tim bagi taruna tingkat II semester tiga Prodi Studi Nautika Sekolah Tinggi Maritim Yogyakarta dalam pembelajaran kecakapan bahari II di media Mooring and Windlass milik Sekolah Tinggi Maritim Yogyakarta. Hasil yang dicapai terbentuknya tenaga kerja yang profesional khususnya kemampuan kerjasama tim khususnya departemen deck dibidang pelayaran khususnya Prodi Studi Nautika.
Improvements of Football Clubs’ Marketing Strategies in Russian Reality
Authors: Panferov Dmitry , Averin Alexander
Published: March 2021

Relevance and novelty. The article examines the issues related to the marketing activities of Russian football clubs in order to identify patterns in this process, as well as assessing the prospects for an integrated approach to evaluating such strategies in modern conditions, in particular, solving the issue of maximizing the effectiveness or efficiency and increasing the attractiveness of Russian football clubs in the international arena.

Justification for the study. Therefore, it is the actions of specific specialists that largely determine how exactly a football club positions itself in the external environment, and also with the help of which tools it solves the problems of increasing the brand’s popularity and attracting fans to stadiums, which directly contribute to the increase in sales of related products to clubs. Marketing management in a football club as well as in companies of other industries should be based on a marketing strategy that should solve a number of specific issues and ensure that the football club is stable in the external environment even in times of crisis. In this regard, the relevance of theoretical and practical research of this problem cannot be questionable.

The purpose of this study was to investigate how Russian football clubs deal with marketing activities in the new reality and consider the ways of optimizing their work.

Methods. The main research methods were literary review, analysis and synthesis of information, modeling and statistical analysis.

Results. As a result of the work, it was concluded that a marketing strategy is necessary for every football club, since it can be used not only to generate new ways of interacting with stakeholders, but also to create a good idea of the brand and ensure its promotion with much lower costs and problems. and also evaluate the effectiveness of brand communications. Realizing that organizational efficiency and effectiveness to a large extent depends not only on titles won, but also on financial performance, fan base growth, as well as the number of followers in social networks, which then turn into loyal fans, we can conclude that for a correct and adequate assessment of the club's marketing strategy and its overall activities requires a system that will consider these, as well as unnamed, but no less important, indicators.

Conclusion. Based on the research, it is necessary to understand that the marketing strategy of a football club can significantly facilitate its task of increasing material well-being, as well as provide audience growth in the stands and brand recognition not only in the territory of a particular country, but also beyond its borders.

Keywords: football, marketing, integrated approach.
Hume's General Point of View, Smith's Impartial Spectator, and the Moral Value of Interacting with Outsiders
Authors: McHugh John
Published: March 2021

Here is an appealing position: one reason to pursue interaction with people from backgrounds that differ from our own is that doing so can improve our moral judgment. As some scholars have noticed, this position seems pedigreed by support from the famed philosophers of human sociability, David Hume and Adam Smith. But regardless of whether Hume or Smith personally held anything like the appealing position, neither might have had theoretically grounded reason to do so. In fact, both philosophers explain moral judgment in ways that seem to present obstacles to the acceptance of the appealing position. This paper entertains the possibility that either of their moral theories contains resources to overcome these obstacles and implies the appealing position. I argue that Smith's theory does so more straightforwardly than Hume's does. This difference, I also argue, reveals something important about the Hume-Smith philosophical relationship. I close by sketching a way to fit the source of the appealing position in Smith's moral psychology with his focus on the desire for mutual sympathy.
Quercetin Antagonizes Glucose Fluctuation Induced Renal Injury by Inhibiting Aerobic Glycolysis via HIF-1α/miR-210/ISCU/FeS Pathway
Authors: Xu Wei-long , Liu Su , Li Nan , Ye Li-fang , Zha Min , Li Chang-yin , Zhao Yue , Pu Qiang , Bao Jin-jing , Chen Xing-jie , Yu Jiang-yi , Pei Ying-hao
Published: March 2021

Background and Objective: Glucose fluctuation (GF) has been reported to induce renal injury and diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, the mechanism still remains ambiguous. Mitochondrial energy metabolism, especially aerobic glycolysis, has been a hotspot of DN research for decades. The activation of HIF-1α/miR210/ISCU/FeS axis has provided a new explanation for aerobic glycolysis. Our previous studies indicated quercetin as a potential therapeutic drug for DN. This study aims to evaluate levels of aerobic glycolysis and repressive effect of quercetin via HIF-1α/miR210/ISCU/FeS axis in a cell model of GF.

Methods: The mouse glomerular mesangial cells (MCs) were exposed in high or oscillating glucose with or without quercetin treatment. Cell viability was measured by CCK8 assay. Aerobic glycolysis flux was evaluated by lactate acid, pH activity of PFK. Apoptosis level was confirmed by Annexin V-APC/7-AAD double staining and activity of caspase-3. TNF-α and IL-1β were used to evaluate inflammation levels.

Results: GF deteriorated inflammation damage and apoptosis injury in MCs, while quercetin could alleviate this GF-triggered cytotoxicity. GF intensified aerobic glycolysis in MCs and quercetin could inhibit this intensification in a dose-dependent manner. Quercetin prevented activities of two FeS-dependent metabolic enzymes, aconitase, and complex I, under GF injury in MCs. The mRNA expression and protein contents of HIF-1α were increased after GF exposure, and these could be alleviated by quercetin treatment. Knockdown of ISCU by siRNA and Up-regulating of miR-210 by mimic could weaken the effects of quercetin that maintained protein levels of ISCU1/2, improved cell viability, relieved inflammation injury, decreased apoptosis, and reduced aerobic glycolysis switch in MCs.

Conclusion: Quercetin antagonizes GF-induced renal injury by suppressing aerobic glycolysis via HIF-1α/miR-210/ISCU/FeS pathway in MCs cell model. Our findings contribute to a new insight into understanding the mechanism of GF-induced renal injury and protective effects of quercetin.
The Proposition of the Pulmonary Route as an Attractive Drug Delivery Approach of Nano-Based Immune Therapies and Cancer Vaccines to Treat Lung Tumors
Authors: Donkor Michael , Jones Harlan P.
Published: March 2021

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer related deaths globally, making it a major health concern. The lung’s permissive rich microenvironment is ideal for supporting outgrowth of disseminated tumors from pre-existing extra-pulmonary malignancies usually resulting in high mortality. Tumors occurring in the lungs are difficult to treat, necessitating the need for the development of advanced treatment modalities against primary tumors and secondary lung metastasis. In this review, we explore the pulmonary route as an attractive drug delivery approach to treat lung tumors. We also discuss the potential of pulmonary delivery of cancer vaccine vectors to induce mucosal immunity capable of preventing the seeding of tumors in the lung.
Clinical Utility of the Serum Level of Lipoprotein-Related Phospholipase A2 in Acute Ischemic Stroke With Cerebral Artery Stenosis
Authors: Cao Jing , Yan Ping , Zhou Yajun , Zhou Xia , Sun Zhongwu , Zhu Xiao-Qun
Published: March 2021

We aimed to study the clinical utility of serum lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with cerebral artery stenosis (CAS). We included 200 AIS patients and 90 healthy controls in this study. AIS patients were classified into three subgroups depending on the severity of CAS. They were also classified based on the stability of the carotid plaques. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to determine the correlation relationship between the level of Lp-PLA2 and neurologic injury. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent risk factors for AIS. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic value of Lp-PLA2 for AIS and for the degree of CAS. We found that the serum level of Lp-PLA2 in AIS patients was significantly higher than that in the control group. Lp-PLA2 was further identified as an independent risk factor for AIS (p = 0.001, OR = 1.057). In addition, serum Lp-PLA2 level was the highest in AIS patients with severe CAS or occlusion. Lp-PLA2 level was higher in AIS patients with unstable plaques and in AIS patients with moderate to severe neurological injury. Lp-PLA2 level was positively correlated with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (r = 0.335, p = 0.001). We found that the optimal cut-off value for Lp-PLA2 level was 123.365 ng/ml, at which the sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of ACI were 74.5 and 86.7%, respectively, and the area under ROC curve (AUC) was 0.892. Similarly, the optimal value for Lp-PLA2 level was 136.46 ng/ml, at which the sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of the presence of moderate to severe artery stenosis or occlusion were 79.6 and 95.2%, respectively, and the AUC was 0.938. The ROC curve indicated that serum Lp-PLA2 level has an excellent diagnostic value for AIS and severe stenosis. Based on these results we conclude that Lp-PLA2 could be a potential biomarker to complement the current imaging methods in the prediction and diagnosis of AIS. An elevated Lp-PLA2 level is also correlated with carotid plaque instability, severe neurological injury and cerebrovascular stenosis. Future longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether there is a causative relationship between Lp-PLA2 and AIS.
RAFF-4, Magnetization Transfer and Diffusion Tensor MRI of Lysophosphatidylcholine Induced Demyelination and Remyelination in Rats
Authors: Holikova Klara , Laakso Hanne , Salo Raimo , Shatillo Artem , Nurmi Antti , Bares Martin , Vanicek Jiri , Michaeli Shalom , Mangia Silvia , Sierra Alejandra , Gröhn Olli
Published: March 2021

Remyelination is a naturally occurring response to demyelination and has a central role in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury. Recently we demonstrated that a novel MRI technique entitled Relaxation Along a Fictitious Field (RAFF) in the rotating frame of rank n (RAFFn) achieved exceptional sensitivity in detecting the demyelination processes induced by lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) in rat brain. In the present work, our aim was to test whether RAFF4, along with magnetization transfer (MT) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), would be capable of detecting the changes in the myelin content and microstructure caused by modifications of myelin sheets around axons or by gliosis during the remyelination phase after LPC-induced demyelination in the corpus callosum of rats. We collected MRI data with RAFF4, MT and DTI at 3 days after injection (demyelination stage) and at 38 days after injection (remyelination stage) of LPC (n = 12) or vehicle (n = 9). Cell density and myelin content were assessed by histology. All MRI metrics detected differences between LPC-injected and control groups of animals in the demyelination stage, on day 3. In the remyelination phase (day 38), RAFF4, MT parameters, fractional anisotropy, and axial diffusivity detected signs of a partial recovery consistent with the remyelination evident in histology. Radial diffusivity had undergone a further increase from day 3 to 38 and mean diffusivity revealed a complete recovery correlating with the histological assessment of cell density attributed to gliosis. The combination of RAFF4, MT and DTI has the potential to differentiate between normal, demyelinated and remyelinated axons and gliosis and thus it may be able to provide a more detailed assessment of white matter pathologies in several neurological diseases.
The Prospects of Lactobacillus oris as a Potential Probiotic With Cholesterol-Reducing Property From Mother's Milk
Authors: Afrin Sadia , Akter Suraiya , Begum Shamima , Hossain Md Nur
Published: March 2021

This experiment was conducted to characterize potential Lactobacillus spp. isolated from mother's milk and infant feces to obtain new and specific probiotic strains. In this study, seven ascendant strains were identified as Lactobacillus spp. based on their morphological characteristics and biochemical properties. Among them, only one (C-1) isolate was identified as Lactobacillus oris through BioLogTM identification. The study further investigated the isolate through probiotic potentiality tests such as pH and bile tolerance, NaCl tolerance test, gastric juice tolerance, antioxidant activity, resistance to hydrogen, reduction of sodium nitrate, antimicrobial activity, and antibiotic susceptibility test. The result showed that the strain is a potential probiotic based on probiotic capability. The identified strain was most acid-tolerant and retained around 80% viability for up to 4 h at pH 1.0 and 2.0. The isolate showed tolerance against up to 1.50% bile concentration and gastric juice and was able to grow 1–6% NaCl concentrations. Lactobacillus oris showed resistance to most antibiotics as well as antagonistic activity against the tested pathogen, good antioxidant properties, reduction of sodium nitrate and H2O2. The isolate exhibited good intestinal epithelial adhesion properties, and SDS page was performed for secreted protein analysis. Moreover, the strain showed promising cholesterol-lowering properties based on the cholesterol level. This present result indicates that L. oris has superior probiotic properties and can be regarded as a potential probiotic candidate.
Natural Medicines for the Treatment of Epilepsy: Bioactive Components, Pharmacology and Mechanism
Authors: He Li-Ying , Hu Mei-Bian , Li Ruo-Lan , Zhao Rong , Fan Lin-Hong , He Lin , Lu Feng , Ye Xun , Huang Yong-liang , Wu Chun-Jie
Published: March 2021

Epilepsy is a chronic disease that can cause temporary brain dysfunction as a result of sudden abnormal discharge of the brain neurons. The seizure mechanism of epilepsy is closely related to the neurotransmitter imbalance, synaptic recombination, and glial cell proliferation. In addition, epileptic seizures can lead to mitochondrial damage, oxidative stress, and the disorder of sugar degradation. Although the mechanism of epilepsy research has reached up to the genetic level, the presently available treatment and recovery records of epilepsy does not seem promising. Recently, natural medicines have attracted more researches owing to their low toxicity and side-effects as well as the excellent efficacy, especially in chronic diseases. In this study, the antiepileptic mechanism of the bioactive components of natural drugs was reviewed so as to provide a reference for the development of potential antiepileptic drugs. Based on the different treatment mechanisms of natural drugs considered in this review, it is possible to select drugs clinically. Improving the accuracy of medication and the cure rate is expected to compensate for the shortage of the conventional epilepsy treatment drugs.
Epigenetic Variability Among Saffron Crocus (Crocus sativus L.) Accessions Characterized by Different Phenotypes
Authors: Busconi Matteo , Wischnitzki Elisabeth , Del Corvo Marcello , Colli Licia , Soffritti Giovanna , Stagnati Lorenzo , Fluch Silvia , Sehr Eva Maria , de los Mozos Pascual Marcelino , Fernández José Antonio
Published: March 2021

This work represents the first epigenomic study carried out on saffron crocus. Five accessions of saffron, showing differences in tepal pigmentation, yield of saffron and flowering time, were analyzed at the epigenetic level by applying a methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme-sequencing (MRE-seq) approach. Five accession-specific hypomethylomes plus a reference hypomethylome, generated by combining the sequence data from the single accessions, were obtained. Assembled sequences were annotated against existing online databases. In the absence of the Crocus genome, the rice genome was mainly used as the reference as it is the best annotated genome among monocot plants. Comparison of the hypomethylomes revealed many differentially methylated regions, confirming the high epigenetic variability present among saffron accessions, including sequences encoding for proteins that could be good candidates to explain the accessions’ alternative phenotypes. In particular, transcription factors involved in flowering process (MADS-box and TFL) and for the production of pigments (MYB) were detected. Finally, by comparing the generated sequences of the different accessions, a high number of SNPs, likely having arisen as a consequence of the prolonged vegetative propagation, were detected, demonstrating surprisingly high genetic variability. Gene ontology (GO) was performed to map and visualize sequence polymorphisms located within the GOs and to compare their distributions among different accessions. As well as suggesting the possible existence of alternative phenotypes with a genetic basis, a clear difference in polymorphic GO is present among accessions based on their geographic origin, supporting a possible signature of selection in the Indian accession with respect to the Spanish ones.
Biochar’s Leacheates Affect the Abscisic Acid Pathway in Rice Seedlings Under Low Temperature
Authors: Yuan Jun , Meng Jun , Liang Xiao , Yang E , Yang Xu , Chen Wen-fu
Published: March 2021

Organic molecules of biochar’s leacheates are known to increase the cold resistance of rice seedlings. Yet, it remains unclear whether the organic molecules of biochar leacheates can interact with the abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway associated with low temperature. This study used experiments and bioinformatics (molecular docking) to determine which of the organic molecules of biochar’s leacheates could influence the ABA signaling pathway. Specifically, we investigated whether these molecules affected ABA, a plant hormone linked to cold resistance. The contents of endogenous ABA and its precursor carotenoids were determined under low-temperature stress (10°C) and treatment with different concentrations of biochar leacheates. With increased leacheate concentrations, the endogenous ABA and carotenoid contents also increased, as did the expression of ABA- and cold-related genes. When rice seedlings were instead treated with exogenous ABA, it also affected the above-measured indexes; hence, we surmised that certain water-soluble organic molecules of biochar could exert a similar effect as ABA. We first used gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to identify the organic molecules in the biochar extract, and then we used molecular docking software Autodock to show how they interact. We found that the molecule (1R, 2R, 4S)-2-(6-chloropyridin-3-yl)-7-azabicyclo(2.2.1)heptane was simplified, as Cyah could dock with the ABA receptor protein OsPYL2 in rice, which shows Cyah in biochar is probably an analog of ABA, with a similar function. Based on these results, we conclude that organic molecules of biochar’s leacheates could enter into rice plants and interact with ABA-related proteins to affect the ABA signaling pathway, thereby improving the cold stress resistance of plants.
Substance Use in Mild-COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ismael Flavia , Zaramella Beatriz , Battagin Tatiane , Bizario João C. S. , Gallego Júlia , Villela Victoria , de Queiroz Lilian Bezerra , Leal Fabio E. , Torales Julio , Ventriglio Antonio , Marziali Megan E. , Gonçalves Priscila D. , Martins Silvia S. , Castaldelli-Maia João M.
Published: March 2021

Background: There is a need for prospective studies investigating substance use variations in mild COVID-19 patients. These individuals represent the majority of patients affected by the disease and are routinely treated at home, facing periods of quarantine.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. All people who tested positive for COVID-19 and classified as mild cases (i.e., no alarm sign/symptom, no need for in-person consultation) during the treatment in the public health system of a Brazilian city with around 160,000 inhabitants were monitored by phone for all the COVID-19 symptoms listed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during the active phase of the disease (i.e., no longer experiencing symptoms, up to 14 days in mild cases). After this phase (median = 108 days after intake, IQR = 76–137), we asked these patients who were classified as experiencing mild COVID-19 (n = 993) about last-month substance use in three time-points: pre-COVID, just after COVID-19 acute phase (post-COVID acute phase) and in the period before survey (post-COVID follow-up phase).

Results: The number of COVID-19 symptoms was not associated with pre- or post-infection substance use. Pre-COVID alcohol and non-medical benzodiazepine use were associated with specific COVID-19 symptoms. However, sensitivity analyses showed that such associations could be explained by previous psychiatric and medical profiles. Alcohol and tobacco use decreased and non-medical analgesics increased in the post-COVID acute phase. However, just alcohol use remained lower in the post-COVID follow-up period. Higher pre-COVID levels of tobacco and alcohol were associated with post-COVID follow-up cannabis and non-medical analgesic use, respectively. Non-medical benzodiazepine use had positive and negative bi-directional associations with cannabis and non-medical analgesic use, respectively.

Conclusion: We were not able to find specific associations between substance use and COVID-19 symptomatology in the present study. Patients with mild COVID-19 should be monitored for substance use in the post-COVID-19 period, and preventive interventions for non-medical analgesic use should be implemented. Focused preventive interventions increasing the perceived risks of cannabis and non-medical benzodiazepine and analgesic use among people experiencing mild COVID-19 that reported previous substance use could be useful.
Relative Age Effect in Canadian Hockey: Prevalence, Perceived Competence and Performance
Authors: Lemoyne Jean , Huard Pelletier Vincent , Trudeau François , Grondin Simon
Published: March 2021

The term “relative age effect” (RAE) is used to describe a bias in which participation in sports (and other fields) is higher among people who were born at the beginning of the relevant selection period than would be expected from the distribution of births. In sports, RAEs may affect the psychological experience of players as well as their performance. This article presents 2 studies. Study 1 aims to verify the prevalence of RAEs in minor hockey and test its associations with players' physical self-concept and attitudes toward physical activities in general. Study 2 verifies the prevalence of the RAE and analyzes the performance of Canadian junior elite players as a function of their birth quartile. In study 1, the sample is drawn from 404 minor hockey players who have evolved from a recreational to an elite level. Physical self-concept and attitudes toward different kinds of physical activities were assessed via questionnaires. Results showed that the RAE is prevalent in minor hockey at all competition levels. Minor differences in favor of Q1-born players were observed regarding physical self-concept, but not attitudes. In study 2, data analyses were conducted from the 2018–2019 Canadian Hockey League database. Birth quartiles were compared on different components of performance by using quantile regression on each variable. Results revealed that RAEs are prevalent in the CHL, with Q1 players tending to outperform Q4 players in games played and power-play points. No other significant differences were observed regarding anthropometric measures and other performance outcomes. RAEs are still prevalent in Canadian hockey. Building up perceived competence and providing game-time exposure are examples of aspects that need to be addressed when trying to minimize RAEs in ice hockey.
Virtual Training of Endurance Cycling – A Summary of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats
Authors: McIlroy Benjamin , Passfield Louis , Holmberg Hans-Christer , Sperlich Billy
Published: March 2021

Virtual online training has emerged as one of the top 20 worldwide fitness trends for 2021 and continues to develop rapidly. Although this allows the cycling community to engage in virtual training and competition, critical evaluation of virtual training platforms is limited. Here, we discuss the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with virtual training technology and cycling in an attempt to enhance awareness of such aspects. Strengths include immersive worlds, innovative drafting mechanics, and versatility. Weaknesses include questionable data accuracy, inadequate strength and reliability of power-speed algorithms. Opportunities exist for expanding strategic partnerships with major cycling races, brands, and sponsors and improving user experience with the addition of video capture and “e-coaching.” Threats are present in the form of cheating during competition, and a lack of uptake and acceptance by a broader community.
Impact of Feeding Pattern on the Structure and the Economic Performance of Dairy Cow Sector
Authors: Ragkos Athanasios , Koutouzidou Georgia , Theodoridis Alexandros
Published: March 2021

In dairy farms, the feeding cost, which includes the expenses for purchased feed but also the expenses for feed production, constitutes a very large part of production cost (more than 60%), which indicates the economic importance of the feeding strategy. This study discerns three different feeding strategies: landless farms only purchasing feed from markets (“Purchasing”), farms for which home-grown feeds stand for more than 10% of feeding costs (“Producing”) and farms with less than 10% home-grown feeds (“Multi-purpose”). Based on technical and economic data from 47 dairy cow farms in Greece, alternative scenarios of development of the dairy sector are determined taking into account the dependence on on-farm feed production. Through a parametric programming model, the study provides insights regarding the optimal structure of the system under different scenarios (changing availability of variable capital, changes in milk prices). The results indicate that “Purchasing” farms are the preferred option when variable capital is abundant and milk prices are satisfactory, while “Producing” are the ones surviving with milk prices significantly lower than the actual ones in Greece and European Union. “Multi-purpose” farms perform worse than the other two and are sidelined in both scenarios, as they do not seem to be able to specialize in the dairy enterprise or in crop production and thus to minimize costs.
Assessing Animal Welfare with Behavior: Onward with Caution
Authors: Watters Jason V. , Krebs Bethany L. , Eschmann Caitlin L.
Published: March 2021

An emphasis on ensuring animal welfare is growing in zoo and aquarium associations around the globe. This has led to a focus on measures of welfare outcomes for individual animals. Observations and interpretations of behavior are the most widely used outcome-based measures of animal welfare. They commonly serve as a diagnostic tool from which practitioners make animal welfare decisions and suggest treatments, yet errors in data collection and interpretation can lead to the potential for misdiagnosis. We describe the perils of incorrect welfare diagnoses and common mistakes in applying behavior-based tools. The missteps that can be made in behavioral assessment include mismatches between definitions of animal welfare and collected data, lack of alternative explanations, faulty logic, behavior interpreted out of context, murky assumptions, lack of behavior definitions, and poor justification for assigning a welfare value to a specific behavior. Misdiagnosing the welfare state of an animal has negative consequences. These include continued poor welfare states, inappropriate use of resources, lack of understanding of welfare mechanisms and the perpetuation of the previously mentioned faulty logic throughout the wider scientific community. We provide recommendations for assessing behavior-based welfare tools, and guidance for those developing tools and interpreting data.
Land Tenure Security and Health Nexus: A Conceptual Framework for Navigating the Connections between Land Tenure Security and Health
Authors: Dachaga Walter , de Vries Walter Timo
Published: March 2021

The rise of urban populations has rendered cities in both developed and developing countries vulnerable to poor health and diseases that are associated with urban living conditions and environments. Therefore, there is a growing consensus that while personal factors are critical in determining health, the urban environment exacerbates or mitigates health outcomes, and as such the solution for improving health outcomes in urban settings can be found in addressing socio-environmental factors that shape urban environments. Land tenure security is a social environmental factor of health that has been understudied by urban geographers despite its obvious role in shaping urban environments, housing conditions, and health. We interpret literature and infer possible pathways through which land tenure security connects to health and propose a land tenure security and health nexus conceptual framework for modeling and investigating the extent of this connection. Based on a narrative review of literature, this inter-disciplinary paper shows that land tenure security can influence health outcomes via four pathways—infrastructure access, environmental justice, psycho-ontological security, and social cohesion. Going forward, a subsequent investigation can focus on developing an index of land tenure security health insults, based on which an empirical investigation of the relationship between land tenure security and health disease is possible.
Severe Heat Stress Resulted in High Coral Mortality on Maldivian Reefs following the 2015–2016 El Niño Event
Authors: Bessell-Browne Pia , Epstein Hannah E. , Hall Nora , Buerger Patrick , Berry Kathryn
Published: March 2021

Coral cover worldwide has been declining due to heat stress caused by climate change. Here we report the impacts of the 2015–2016 El Niño mass coral bleaching event on the coral cover of reefs located on central and northern atolls of the Maldives. We surveyed six reef sites in the Alifu Alifu (Ari) and Baa (South Maalhosmadulu) Atolls using replicate 20 m benthic photo transects at two depths per reef site. Live and recently dead coral cover identified from images differed between reef sites and depth. Recently dead corals on average made up 33% of the coral assemblage at shallow sites and 24% at deep sites. This mortality was significantly lower in massive corals than in branching corals, reaching an average of only 6% compared to 41%, respectively. The best predictors of live coral cover were depth and morphology, with a greater percentage of live coral at deep sites and in massive corals. The same predictors best described the prevalence of recently dead coral, but showed inverse trends to live coral. However, there was high variability among reef sites, which could be attributed to additional local stressors. Coral bleaching and resulting coral mortalities, such as the ones reported here, are of particular concern for small island nations like the Maldives, which are reliant on coral reefs.
A Review of Car-Following Models and Modeling Tools for Human and Autonomous-Ready Driving Behaviors in Micro-Simulation
Authors: Ahmed Hafiz Usman , Huang Ying , Lu Pan
Published: March 2021

The platform of a microscopic traffic simulation provides an opportunity to study the driving behavior of vehicles on a roadway system. Compared to traditional conventional cars with human drivers, the car-following behaviors of autonomous vehicles (AVs) and connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs) would be quite different and hence require additional modeling efforts. This paper presents a thorough review of the literature on the car-following models used in prevalent micro-simulation tools for vehicles with both human and robot drivers. Specifically, the car-following logics such as the Wiedemann model and adaptive cruise control technology were reviewed based on the vehicle’s dynamic behavior and driving environments. In addition, some of the more recent “AV-ready (autonomous vehicles ready) tools” in micro-simulation platforms are also discussed in this paper.
Optimization of the designing of flexible pads in removable dental prosthetics
Authors: Yarova S.P. , Komlev A.A. , Genzytska O.S. , Turchenenko S.O. , Yarov Yu.Yu.
Published: March 2021

The results of studies of elastic cushioning materials in removable plate prostheses are presented. Negative role in the mechanism of the rapid aging of the elastic material of functional loads, causing compression, relatively higher than the reversible deformation of materials is shown. The technique of constructing elastic pads with removable plate denture prosthetics is proposed. Clinical assessment of durability of the elastic-elastic pads in the removable plate denture is carried out. In order to preserve the properties of elastic strips, dentures constructed so that the sealing materials during the function did not experience the load exceeds the value of their relatively reversible deformation. It is determined that the presence of prostheses stops deformation and elastic pads, designed to meet the functional prevent excessive contractions allow prosthesis significantly longer maintain their functional value.
Current notions about etiopathogenic and genetics specific features of Сlostridium perfringens toxins
Authors: Lobzin Yu. V. , Kvetnaya A. S. , Skripchenko N. V. , Zhelezova L. I.
Published: March 2021

The review presents modern data on the genetics and etiopathogenetic features of Clostridium perfringens toxins, including the role of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin, in the development of food poisoning and a number of intestinal diseases in humans, animals and birds.
Moraxella osloensis as a part of genital tract microbiota in infertility: incidental findings or pathology markers?
Authors: Godovalov A. P. , Karpunina N. S. , Karpunina T. I.
Published: March 2021

Aim. To assess the potential role of M. osloensis in genital microbiota of infertile males and females..Materials and methods. Samples from men’s urethra and women’s posterior vaginal fornix in barren couples of the reproductive age were examined. Cultivation was carried out using elective culture media with subsequent identification of strains by biochemical properties. A metagenomic study of 16S ribosomal RNA samples was performed on the Illumina MiSeq platform using the MiSeq Reagent Kits v3 kit (600-Cycle Kit).Results. Metagenomic study of samples from genital tracts of barren married couples, as well as from patients with suspected «acute genital gonococcal infection» demonstrated that all samples (100%) contained fragments of the Moraxella spp. genome, mostly in a huge amount, among which M. osloensis occupied leading positions. In women, the proportion of M. osloensis was twice as large as in men (25.3 ± 9.0 and 11.7 ± 9.3%, respectively). A high frequency of association of M. osloensis with other opportunistic pathogens, G. vaginalis and E. faecalis in particular, was established. It appears that M. osloensis can contribute to development of asymptomatic inflammatory process. Moreover, the constant presence of moraxellas in the microbiota during gonococcal infection may indicate their certain pathogenetic activity, and the synergistic nature of the relationship between M. osloensis and N. gonorrhoeae.Conclusion. We assume that it is M. osloensis that forms the consortia determining pathosymbiocenosis in the reproductive organs. In this context, we propose to consider a decrease in fertility with a steadily established symbiocenosis, including moraxella, as an indicative condition for this pathology, and M. osloensis as its marker.
The Spanish flu pandemic in 1918 in Russia. Questions a hundred years later
Authors: Morozova O. M. , Troshina T. I. , Morozova E. N. , Morozov A. N.
Published: March 2021

The course of the Spanish flu on the territory of the former Russian Empire is not well studied. This is due to the state of the medical statistics during the times of the Civil War. The medical data was collected more diligently by the Soviet Russia rather than by the officials of the White Army.This article discusses the timeline, symptoms, morbidity and mortality of the Spanish flu. The materials used in this article were obtained from the regional hospital archives, printed publications, and personal memoirs.The virus of the Spanish flu has initially entered the territory of Russia at the end of August of 1918 through the demarcation line with the German army at the temporary western border defined by the Treaty of Brest. In the beginning of September the virus was carried out by the Allies army through the ports of Murmansk and Arkhangelsk. In the European part of Russia, the outbreak started around September–November of 1918. So far, there is not enough data regarding pandemic flu in Siberia and Far East region of Russia. The unknown illness that undermined the combat capability of the 11th Red Army at the end of the fall of 1918 was likely of viral etiology. There was no evidence found that pandemic flu in Russia had high mortality.The possible correlation between atypical malignant nature of typhus and relapsing fever, the epidemics of which began in the fall of 1918, and the previous exposure of the population to the influenza virus has been hypothesized. Another hypothesis under discussion is about the possible correlation between outbreaks of the malaria and measles and subsequent susceptibility to the pandemic Spanish flu virus.
Nanchizi New Courtyard Housing in Beijing: Residents’ Perceptions and Experiences of the Redevelopment
Authors: Zhang Donia
Published: March 2021

Cultural sustainability is the theoretical framework for this study, which investigates Nanchizi (“South Pond”) new courtyard housing experimental project constructed in Beijing, China, in 2003. It is located in a traditional courtyard house neighborhood right to the east of the Forbidden City, in a culturally and politically sensitive area that the initial scheme had even caught the attention of UNESCO. The redevelopment project has restored numerous single-storey traditional courtyard houses that were in relatively good condition, demolished those in poor condition, and rebuilt two-storey new courtyard housing units with modern facilities and shared courtyards whose style and features resemble some aspects of Beijing siheyuan. This 2007-2008 onsite survey and semi-structured interviews with residents, project architect, and lead developer critically examine this approach to historic preservation in China. The findings reveal that communal courtyards promote social interaction and private courtyards facilitate cultural activities, despite some issues raised by the residents, including irrational unit design and poor construction quality, among others. The study attempts to offer valuable lessons and proposes a new courtyard garden house design template for discussion and future practice.
Impact of Rainfall Variability on Rural Tea Roads in Kericho, Kenya
Authors: Koech Nancy Chemutai , Letema Sammy C. , Koske James Kibii
Published: March 2021

Climate variability is a global phenomenon that is posing a threat to the infrastructure and agricultural sector. Intense precipitation often results in the deterioration of rural road infrastructure resulting in inaccessibility. Rainfall and temperature data from 1989 to 2019 was obtained from Kenya Meteorological Department. Data on Greenleaf and cost of repairs and maintenances are from selected tea factories managed by Kenya Tea Development Agency. Data on perception is based on a questionnaire survey of 398 randomly selected tea farmers. Results show that climate variability is experienced in Kericho (p < 0.005). There is a varsity variation in mean maximum temperatures F(0.05, 29) ꞊ 5.564 (p ꞊ 0.009) and mean minimum temperature F(29) =8.503 (p ꞊  0.000). However, the linear regression analysis shows that rainfall has decreased (y ꞊ 2.5476x - 40.778) while the temperature has increased (y ꞊ 0.028x - 0.4473). There is a significant positive correlation between the amount of rainfall and cost of repairs and maintenances for five factories (r ꞊ 0.122, r = 0.046, r = 0.029, r = 0.255) except one (r = -.261, p ꞊ .466). Therefore, the climate has significantly varied from 1989-2019 and heavy rains occur periodically that damage rural tea roads, thus impacting negatively on tea transportation. There is a need, therefore, for heavy investment of emergency funds for repair and maintenance of rural tea roads based on rainfall variability and heavy rain return period pattern.