bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delirium In ICU Patients With Malignancy: Patient Characteristics, Resource Utilization and Outcomes
Authors: Sieber Mattia , Rudiger Alain , Schüpbach Reto , Krüger Bernard , Schubert Maria , Bettex Dominique
Published: March 2021

Background: Whereas delirium in the general intensive care unit (ICU) population is common and well studied, knowledge on ICU delirium in patients with malignancy is scarce. The aim was to assess the frequency of delirium and its impact on resource utilizations and outcomes in ICU patients with malignancy.Methods: This retrospective, single-center longitudinal cohort study included all patients with malignancy admitted to ICUs of a University Hospital during one year. Delirium was diagnosed by an Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC) score ≥ 4. Groups were compared with Fisher’s exact and Mann-Whitney U tests. Multivariate analysis included binary logistic regression, Cox regression and multiple linear regression. Results are given as number (percentage; confidence interval (CI)) and median (interquartile range).Results: Of 488 ICU patients with malignancy, 176/488 (36%) developed delirium. Frequencies were high in patients with hepatic (13/21 [62%]; 95% CI 41-82%), lung (29/65 [45%]; 95% CI 33-56%) and colorectal malignancies (15/37 [41%]; 95% CI 24-56%). Delirious patients were older (66 [55-72] vs 61 [51-69] years, p = 0.001), had higher SAPS II (41 [27-68] vs 24 [17-32], p < 0.001) and more frequently sepsis (26/176 [15%] vs 6/312 [1.9%], p < 0.001) and / or shock (30/176 [6.1%] vs 6/312 [1.9%], p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, delirium was independently associated with lower discharge home (OR [95% CI] 0.366 [0.236-0.567], p < 0.001), longer ICU (HR [95% CI] 0.295 [0.234-0.371], p < 0.001) and hospital length of stay (HR [95% CI] 0.619 [0.500-0.765], p < 0.001), longer mechanical ventilation (HR [95% CI] 0.401 [0.282-0.572], p < 0.001), higher ICU nursing workload (B [95% CI] 1.917 [1.665-2.206], p < 0.001) and ICU (B [95% CI] 2.077 [1.811-2.382], p < 0.001) and total costs (B [95% CI] 1.442 [1.301-1.597], p < 0.001). However, delirium was not independently associated with in-hospital mortality (OR [95% CI] 2.263 [0.925-5.537], p = 0.074).Conclusions: In ICU patients with malignancy, delirium was a frequent complication independently associated with high resource utilizations, however, it was not independently associated with in-hospital mortality.
Mr-Proadrenomedullin As Biomarker Of Renal Damage In Urinary Tract Infection In Children
Authors: Penedo Rafael Peñalver , Lucas Marta Rupérez , Welther Luis Antonio Álvarez-Sala , Benavent Alicia Torregrosa , Losada María Luisa Casas , Andrio Luis Bañuelos , Poves Ana Belén Rebolledo , Campaña María Mercedes Bueno
Published: March 2021

Background: Midregional-proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM) is a useful prognostic peptide in severe infectious pathologies in the adult population. However, there are no studies that analyze its utility in febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI) in children. An accurate biomarker would provide an early detection of patients with kidney damage, avoiding other invasive tests like renal scintigraphy scans. Our objective is to study the usefulness of MR-proADM as a biomarker of acute and chronic renal parenchymal damage in fUTI within the pediatric population. Material and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in pediatric patients with fUTI between January 2015 and December 2018. Plasma and urine MR-proADM levels were measured at admission in addition to other laboratory parameters. After confirmation of fUTI, renal scintigraphy scans were performed during the acute and chronic stages. A descriptive study has been carried out and sensitivity, specificity and ROC curves for MR-proADM, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin were calculated. Results: 62 pediatric patients (34 women) were enrolled. Scintigraphy showed acute pyelonephritis in 35 patients (56.5%). Of those patients, median of plasmatic MR-proADM (P-MR-proADM) showed no differences compared to patients without pyelonephritis. 7 patients (11.3%) developed renal scars (RS). Their median P-MR-proADM levels were 1.07 nmol/L (IQR 0.66 – 1.59), while in patients without RS were 0.48 nmol/L (0.43 – 0.63) (p<0.01). The AUC in this case was 0.92 (95% CI 0.77 – 0.99). We stablished an optimal cut-off point at 0.66 nmol/L with sensitivity 83.3% and specificity 81.8%. Conclusion: MR-ProADM has a poor ability to diagnose pyelonephritis in pediatric patients with fUTI. However, P-MR-proADM showed as a very reliable biomarker for RS prediction. Keywords: Proadrenomedullin, biomarker, urinary tract infection, pediatric, renal scarring
Driving Factors for the Utilisation of Healthcare Services by People with Osteoarthritis: Results from A Nationwide Population-Based study
Authors: Costa Daniela , Rodrigues Ana M , Cruz Eduardo B , Canhão Helena , Branco Jaime da Cunha , Nunes Carla
Published: March 2021

Background: Worldwide, the current management of knee osteoarthritis appears heterogeneous, high-cost and often not based on current best evidence. The absence of epidemiological data regarding the utilisation of healthcare services may conceal the need for improvements in the management of osteoarthritis. The aim of this study is to explore the profiles of healthcare services utilisation by people with knee osteoarthritis, and to analyse their determinants, according to Andersen’s behavioural model. Methods: We analysed a sample of 978 participants diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis from the population-based study EpiReumaPt . Data was collected with a structured interview, and the diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis was validated by a rheumatologist team. With the Two-step Cluster procedure, we primarily identified different profiles of healthcare utilisation according to the services most used by patients with knee osteoarthritis. Secondly, we analysed the determinants of each profile, using multinomial logistic regression, according to the predisposing characteristics, enabling factors and need variables.Results: In our sample, a high proportion of participants are overweight or obese (82,6%, n=748) and physically inactive (20,6%, n=201) and a small proportion had physiotherapy management (14,4%, n=141). We identified three profiles of healthcare utilisation: “HighUsers”; “GPUsers”; “LowUsers”. “HighUsers” represents more than 35% of the sample, and are also the participants with higher utilisation of medical appointments. "GPUsers" represent the participants with higher utilisation of general practitioner appointments. Within these profiles, age and geographic location – indicated as predisposing characteristics; employment status and healthcare insurance - as enabling factors; number of comorbidities, physical function, health-related quality of life, anxiety and physical exercise - as need variables, showed associations ( p <0,05) with the higher utilisation of healthcare services profiles. Conclusions: Healthcare utilisation by people with knee osteoarthritis is not driven only by clinical needs. The predisposing characteristics and enabling factors associated with healthcare utilisation reveal inequities in the access to healthcare and variability in the management of people with knee osteoarthritis. Research and implementation of whole-system strategies to improve equity in the access and quality of care are paramount in order to diminish the impact of osteoarthritis at individual-, societal- and economic-level.
An Analysis of Health Financial Protection in Ghana
Authors: Fuseini Sataru , Anthony Seddoh , Twumasi-Ankrah Kwame
Published: March 2021

BackgroundGhana introduced a state sponsored health insurance in 2005. The objectives of risk sharing through a prepaid mechanism was integral to the design, aimed at addressing the inequities in financial protection. Progress, however, has been predictably slow and complicated. The Scheme coexists alongside out-of-pocket spending, resulting in the persistence of catastrophic health expenditures and impoverishment. This study adds to the comparative literature on health financial protection in Ghana.MethodsThis study analysed data from Round 7 of the Ghana Living Standards Survey using ADePT. Out-of-pocket spending was used as the indicator for living standards. We estimated different headcount thresholds and concentration index for catastrophic health expenditure. Consumption was estimated to determine the poverty headcount and poverty gap. The distributive effect of health care expenditures on the different income quintiles was estimated to determine progressivity of health financing sources.ResultsSix percent of the households incurred catastrophic expenditures. The out-of-pocket health payments share reduced with total household resources. Those in the lowest quintile allocated a higher share of their total expenditures to health. This impoverished a significant proportion. The richer households had a higher share of health consumption. Therefore, the financing share rose the higher the quintile rank. The total redistributive effect of the expenditure on insurance, total expenditure on health and total payments showed an increase in income inequality between households. Expenditures on insurance and total health showed overall higher inequality for the bottom 25% and 50% of the population.ConclusionThe results highlighted multiple technical challenges related to the implementation of policies and interventions on health financial protection. Ghana can leverage its Scheme to strengthen implementation of its current health financing policies and create opportunities for investments in pro-poor interventions and actions. Other supporting social protection strategies and policies can help reinforce the ability and flexibility of poor households to cope with the uncertainties of health expenditures.
Does the reform of public hospitals' payment system increase the pay of medical personnel? A nationwide cross-sectional study
Authors: Dang Yong , Zhao Yaxin , Yan Hong , Wang Zhichao , Zhou Zhongliang
Published: March 2021

Background

The reform of public hospitals' payment system (RPHPS) is the focus of medical reform in China. The current medical personnel payment system was formulated under a framework including the whole public sector, and this cannot meet the demands of necessary reform. In 2017, the government piloted the RPHPS to raise the pay of medical personnel and mobilize their work enthusiasm. Here, we examine whether the RPHPS provides a way to influence the pay of medical personnel and examine the factors determining this pay.
Methods

This study used data from a cross-sectional survey of 699 public hospitals across 21 provinces of China in 2017, the China Public Hospitals Pay Reform Survey. We used a coarsened exact matching method and hierarchical linear analysis to enhance the comparability between groups. A total of 178,622 medical personnel were included in our study.
Results

We found that the RPHPS was significantly associated with total annual pay and annual performance pay. Those who worked in the treatment group had significantly higher total annual pay and annual performance pay than those in the control group. The pay of medical personnel was strongly associated with the average salary of an urban worker and the hospital type, and their gender, age, education status, work characteristics, position, professional titles, seniority in years and departments.
Conclusion

There was a strong relationship between the implementation of the RPHPS and the pay of medical personnel. From a policymaker perspective, this shows that there may be value in further promoting the development of the payment system in public hospitals. The government should scale up the piloted areas for RPHPS and increase the total salary and the total performance-based wage-control level of public hospitals to reflect the value of the technical and labor services provided by medical personnel.
Piloting a roving nurse mentor into community-based health programmes to capacitate community health workers: Findings from a realist evaluation in South Africa
Authors: Malatji Hlologelo , Goudge Jane , Griffiths Frances
Published: March 2021

Background
Many low- and middle- income countries (LMICs) are repositioning community health workers (CHW) programmes to provide promotive and preventive services and referrals to the formal health service. However, the CHW low literacy levels, insufficient supervision and fragmented programmes result in the under-performance of the programmes in many settings. In this paper, we report on the realist evaluation of an intervention to explain mechanisms that led to a change in CHW care and household coverage in a semi-rural area of South Africa.
Methods
Using a case study approach, we conducted in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and observations to document the experiences of CHWs, their supervisors, clients, facility staff and community representatives prior to the intervention, during, and after a 6 month post-intervention gap to assess how the benefits were generated and sustained.
Results
The nurse mentor (senior nurse) intervention operated in a complex and dynamic environment with resource shortages, conflicts between CHWs and facility staff, and a disruptive CHW labour union. Over 15 months, the mentor was able to overcome these issues and (1) create learning platforms for the CHWs and their supervisors to learn and practice new skills relating to priority activities, (2) address their fears of failing and (3) establish operational systems to address inefficiencies in the CHWs’ activities, resulting in improved service provision and household coverage. An increase in the CHWs’ stipend to the minimum wage improved their motivation, and their direct employment by the Department of Health led to their formal integration into the health care team working at their ‘home’ facility. However, given the volatile communities in which the teams operated, and the communities focus on demanding government housing, the nurse mentor was not able to establish a collaboration with the community structures.
Conclusions
A roving nurse mentor overseeing several CHW teams within a district healthcare system is a feasible option, particularly in a context where there is a shortage of qualified supervisors. However, the long term sustainability of the effects of intervention is dependent on CHWs’ formal employment by the Department of Health.
Population-based Comparison Study on the Costs of Stroke Care for Women with Dysmenorrhea
Authors: Lin Ya-Wen , Sung Fung-Chang , Lin Ming-Hung , Mou Chih-Hsin , Teng Yu-Kuei , Tzeng Ya-Ling
Published: March 2021

Background

No study has investigated costs of stroke care for women with dysmenorrhea and stroke. This study compared types of stroke and costs of stroke care between women with and without dysmenorrhea, using the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan.
Methods

From the insurance claims data, we identified women aged 15–44 to establish study cohorts with and without dysmenorrhea, frequency matched by age, with same sample size of 66048. Incidence of stroke and costs by stroke subtype were compared between the two cohorts at the end of follow-up.
Results

The incidence of stroke was 1.3-fold greater in the dysmenorrhea cohort than in comparisons. Proportionally, hemorrhagic stroke (HS) decreased with age, whereas ischemic stroke (IS) increased with age in both cohorts. Compared to comparisons, dysmenorrhea women had lower proportions of both HS (16.6% vs. 21.3%) and IS (19.8 vs. 20.1%), whereas dysmenorrhea women had higher proportion of transient cerebral ischemia (TIA) (31.3 vs. 24.2%). The average HS care and IS care cost ratios were 4.1 (3254/789, USD) for dysmenorrhea women, and 3.3-fold (3870/1171, USD) for comparisons. Hospitalization rate was lower in the dysmenorrhea than in comparisons (18.0 vs. 23.4%). Dysmenorrhea was associated with an increased risk of HS hospitalized (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71–2.23), but a lowered risk for IS (aOR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.21–0.69). Average costs for inpatient care, intensive care units, emergency and outpatient visits for dysmenorrheal women were all less than that for comparisons, but not significant.
Conclusion

The overall incidence of stroke was higher in dysmenorrheal women than in comparisons due to a higher proportion of TIA, but not HS and IS. However, costs for stroke care were slightly lower for dysmenorrhea women than for comparisons.
Empirically Identified Networks of Healthcare Providers for Adults with Mental Illness
Authors: Breslau Joshua , Dana Beth , Pincus Harold , Horvitz-Lennon Marcela , Matthews Luke
Published: March 2021

Background
Policies target networks of providers who treat people with mental illnesses, but little is known about the empirical structures of these networks and related variation in patient care. The goal of this paper is to describe networks of providers who treat adults with a mental illness in a multi-payer database based medical claims data in a U.S. state.
Methods
Provider networks were identified and characterized using paid inpatient, outpatient and pharmacy claims related to care for people with a mental health diagnosis from an all-payer claims dataset that covers both public and private payers.
Results
Three nested levels of network structures were identified, an overall network, which included 21% of providers (N = 8,256) and 97% of patients (N = 476,802), five communities and 24 sub-communities. Sub-communities were characterized by size, provider composition, continuity-of-care (CoC), and network structure measures including mean number of connections per provider (degree) and average number of connections who were connected to each other (transitivity). Sub-community size was positively associated with number of connections (r = .37) and the proportion of psychiatrists (r = .41) and uncorrelated with network transitivity (r=-.02) and continuity of care (r = .00). Network transitivity was not associated with CoC after adjustment for provider type, number of patients, and average connection CoC (p = .85).
Conclusions
These exploratory analyses suggest that network analysis can provide information about the networks of providers that treat people with mental illness that is not captured in traditional measures and may be useful in designing, implementing, and studying interventions to improve quality of care. Though initial results are promising, additional empirical work is needed to develop network-based measures and tools for policymakers.
Knowledge, Beliefs and Attitudes Towards Dementia and Dementia Risk Reduction Among Descendants of People with Dementia: A Qualitative Study Using Focus Group Discussions
Authors: Vrijsen Joyce , Maeckelberghe Els , Broekstra Reinder , de Vries Jeroen , Abu-Hanna Ameen , De Deyn Peter Paul , Voshaar Richard Oude , Reesink Fransje , Buskens Erik , de Rooij Sophia , Smidt Nynke
Published: March 2021

Background Individuals with a parental family history of dementia have an increased risk of developing dementia because they share their genes as well as their psychosocial behaviour. Due to this increased risk and their experience with dementia, they may be particularly eager to receive information regarding dementia risk reduction (DRR). This study evaluated the knowledge, beliefs and attitudes towards dementia and DRR among descendants of people with dementia.Method Using a semi-structured topic guide, three focus group discussions were conducted consisting of 12 female (80%) and 3 male (20%) descendants of people with dementia with a mean age of 48.8 ± 12.0 years. Focus group discussions were audio recorded and transcribed. Each transcript was analysed thoroughly, and where appropriate, a code was generated and assigned by two researchers independently. Then, similar codes were grouped together and categorized into themes.Results The items in the topic guide could only be addressed after participants had been given the opportunity to share their experiences of having a parent with dementia. Participants were unaware or uncertain about the possibility of reducing the risk of developing dementia and therefore hesitant to assess their dementia risk without treatment options in sight. Moreover, participants indicated that their general practitioner only gave some information on heritability, not on DRR. Although participants identified a large number of modifiable risk factors as a group during the group discussions, they were eager to receive more information on dementia and DRR. In the end, participants adopted a more positive attitude towards a DRR program and provided suggestions for the development of future DRR programs.Conclusions Although the research aim was to evaluate the knowledge, beliefs and attitudes towards dementia and DRR, sharing experiences of having a parent with dementia seemed a prerequisite for considering participants’ own risk of developing dementia and participating in a DRR program. Knowledge of dementia and DRR was limited. Due to unawareness of the possibility of reducing dementia risk, participants were hesitant about assessing their dementia risk. Group discussions positively changed the perception of dementia risk assessment and participants’ willingness to participate in a DRR program.
Alteration mRNA Expression Profile of Autophagy Related mTOR Pathway in Schizophrenic Patients with Olanzapine Treatment.
Authors: Cui Fengwei , Gu Shuguang , Gu Yue , Yin Jiajun , Fang Chunxia , Liu Liang
Published: March 2021

Background: mTOR signaling pathway involves in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and the mechanism of extrapyramidal adverse reactions of antipsychotic drugs, which might mediate by mTOR-dependent autophagy impairment. This study aimed to examine the mRNA expression levels of Mammalian rapamycin target protein (mTOR) pathway genes in schizophrenia patients with olanzapine treatment, which is considered to be an mTOR inhibitor and autophagy inducer. Methods: Thirty-two acute schizophrenia patients had been treated with olanzapine for four weeks (average dose 14.24 ± 4.35 mg/d), along with 32 healthy volunteers. Before and after olanzapine treatment, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used to evaluate the symptoms of schizophrenia patients, and the mRNA expression levels of mTOR pathway-related genes, including MTOR, RICTOR, RPTOR, and DEPTOR, were detected by real-time quantitative PCR with the fasting venous blood of all the samples. Results: The MTOR and RICTOR mRNA expression levels of acute schizophrenia patients significantly decreased than them of healthy controls, and furtherly significantly decreased after four weeks of olanzapine treatment. While DEPTOR mRNA expression levels of acute schizophrenia patients had no significant difference with them of healthy controls, but significantly increased after treatment. And the mRNA expression levels of RPTOR had no significant difference in the three groups. The pairwise correlation of MTOR, DEPTOR, RPTOR, and RICTOR mRNA expression levels in acute schizophrenia patients and healthy controls showed significant correlationships. After olanzapine treatment, the correlationships of mRNA expression levels disappeared between DEPTOR and MTOR, and also between DEPTOR and RICTOR. Conclusions: The results inferred the abnormalities of mTOR pathway, especially DEPTOR, might play important roles in autophagy mechanism of the pathophysiology in schizophrenia and olanzapine treatment.
Adjustment of Bolt Length in the Femoral Neck System for Femoral Neck Fracture: Technical Note
Authors: Cha Yonghan , Song Ji-Ung , Yoo Jun-Il , Park Ki Hoon , Kim Jung-Taek , Park Chan Ho , Choy Won-Sik
Published: March 2021

Background: The depth of bolt in Femoral neck system (FNS, DePuy Synthes, Oberdorf, Switzerland) is difficult to finely control as the length of the bolt is in units of 5 mm. Thus, this study introduces a method to control the depth of FNS bolt in analogue scale in patients with femoral neck fracture. Methods: By the technique of control of reaming and retraction of bolt, the tip of implant could be positioned close to subchondral bone without harming it. The position of implant tip in four cases who was operated with the introduced technique was compared to that of eight cases with standard technique.Results: The average tip-apex distance measured in the group that underwent surgery with the technique suggested in this study was statistically significantly shorter than that in manufacturer guide group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Even though the bolt of FNS is manufactured in the unit of 5 mm, the technique proposed in this study helps surgeons to adjust the depth of bolt for the fixation of femoral neck fracture using FNS.
‘A day to day struggle’: A comparative qualitative study on experiences of women with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain
Authors: Armour Mike , Hawkey Alexandra , Micheal Sowbhagya , Diezel Helene , Chalmers K Jane
Published: March 2021

There is an increasing body of research that considers the lived experiences of women with endometriosis. However, less attention has been paid to women’s lived experiences with non-endometriosis related chronic pelvic pain (CPP). The aim of this study was to explore similarities and differences in experiences of women with endometriosis and non-endometriosis related CPP. A total of 17 participants aged between 21 and 48 years old participated in three focus groups between June 2017 and February 2018. Using thematic analysis three main themes were found. In “the struggling women” women with both endometriosis and non-endometriosis related CPP described the impact that pain had across significant aspects of their lives including; intimate relationships, fertility, parenting and work. In the “unheard women”, participants shared similar accounts of not being listened to or taken seriously by healthcare professionals leading to incorrect or delayed diagnosis, and unnecessary treatments. In the final theme, “the self-silenced women” all participants described how a societal normalisation of heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and dyspareunia led to women to silence their experiences. While all women wanted to resist such silencing through information and support seeking, women with non-endometriosis related CPP described fewer avenues to accessing credible resources or networks for support. Greater awareness, education and support resources are needed for women who experience non-endometriosis related CPP.
MassARRAY multigene screening combined with LDL-C and sdLDL-C detection for more favorable outcomes in type 2 diabetes mellitus therapy
Authors: Tian Yong , Wang Junhong , Liu Yanxiao , Luo Xiangguang , Yao Ziying , Wang Xinjun , Zhang Yuanyuan , Xu Cheng , Zhao Xiaoyu
Published: March 2021

Background
To determine the clinical value of multigene polymorphisms, LDL-C and sdLDL-C on T2DM therapy.
Methods
In total, 352 T2DM patients before and after treatment and 48 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. LDL-C and sdLDL-C were detected in 352 T2DM patients and 48 healthy individuals by Quantimetrix Lipoprint System. The 11 gene polymorphisms—HTR3B (rs2276307, A > G), APOE (rs7412, c.526C > T), APOE (rs429358, c.388T > C), CYP2C9*3 (rs1057910, c.1075A > C), KIF6 (rs20455, c.2155T > C), HMGCR (rs17238540, T > G), HMGCR (rs17244841, A > T), ABCB1 (rs2032582, c.2677G > T/A), HTR7 (rs1935349, C > T), SLCO1B1 (rs4149056, c.521T > C), and CETP (rs708272, G > A)—were screened in these 352 T2DM patients by the Agena Bioscience MassARRAY system before therapy.
Results
Genetic polymorphisms associated with T2DM and statin effects in pretreatment patients were detected, then results showed that all 11 genes had heterozygous mutation, and 7 genes had homozygous mutation in 352 T2DM patients, more specifically reflected that these gene polymorphisms were common in Chinese T2DM patients. LDL-C and sdLDL-C were detected before and after treatment, sdLDL mainly existed in T2DM patients, and T2DM patients had higher mean levels of sdLDL-C than healthy people. After pharmacotherapy, the coincidence rates of decreases in LDL-C and sdLDL-C levels were 88.35% (311/352) and 84.09% (296/352), consistent with patients in remission.
Conclusions
Gene polymorphisms related to pharmacotherapy were common in Chinese T2DM patients. And the expression of LDL-C and sdLDL-C was consistent with the T2DM disease course. Combined multigene screening before therapy and LDL-C and sdLDL-C detection before and after therapy could better assist T2DM treatment.
Algorithm for measuring distortion in a signal with quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK)
Authors:   Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics (TUSUR), Chernyy V. S. , Abramenko A. Y. ,   Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics (TUSUR), Ponomarev O. G. ,   National Research "Tomsk State University"
Published: March 2021

The article describes the types of distortion of the QPSK signal and the algorithms for measuring the parameters of distortions in the conditions of their simultaneous presence in the signal.
THE STUDY OF SOCIAL-MEDICAL AND GENETIC RISKS OF REPRODUCTIVE LOSSES
Authors: Alieva Tarana Dzhafar Kyzy
Published: March 2021

Object of research: homozygous and heterozygous disorders of genes encoding the enzymes of the folate cycle, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and methionine-synthase-reductase (MTRR).
Solved problem: an in-depth study of genetically determined risk factor’s influence for reproductive losses associated with homozygous and heterozygous disorders of folate cycle genes.
Main scientific results: in-depth study of genetically determined reproductive losses as a systemic phenomenon was held. The structural characteristics of reproductive losses in population and significant predominance of pathology in the pedigrees of those examined with a burdened obstetric history of reproductive losses were determined. Also, a significant increase in the chances of reproductive loss in patients with heterozygous and homozygous inheritance of MTHFR and MTRR genes was determined. A correlation effect on the degree of genomic polymorphism of the MTHFR and MTRR gene was noted.
Area of practical use of research results: medical-genetic institutions.
Innovative technological product: determination of genetically risk factors for growth of reproductive losses of the population associated with homozygous and heterozygous disorders of genes encoding the enzymes of the folate cycle (MTHFR C677T and MTRR A66G). Timely adjustment of folic acid levels allows to prevent birth defects and reduce reproductive losses
Scope of application of the innovative technological product: clinical medical-genetic practice using the ability to determine the polymorphism of genes MTHFR and MTRR, which makes it possible to timely adjust the level of folic acid and prevent the reproductive losses.
Motives for the migration of scientific, research and academic workers
Authors: Fichtnerová Eva , Vacková Jitka
Published: March 2021

The higher education system needs personalities who guarantee high quality of academic and scientific performance. This paper deals with the motives of their migration to/from HEIs, knowledge of which is important for their HR management and increasing global competitiveness. The theory is based on the idea of internationalization (Knight, 2012) and push-pull factors (Ravenstein, 1889), leading to the recruitment of highly qualified labor from abroad. The analysis focused on the “circulation of brains” in modern Europe. The final part contains a graph of the research methodology.Three main areas of the motivation process affecting migration have been identified. At the macro-level, this is political support, which enables the arrival of experts and creates conditions for own professionals to gain experience abroad, but return. This applies to working conditions, adaptation, and integration. Economic conditions at the mezzo-level are based on the motives of finding a better job opportunity and one’s living conditions. The transfer of knowledge increases the country’s economic potential. At the micro-level, there is an impact of an individual’s character traits and surrounding social networks. It depends on the influence of a family, school, friends, the desire to apply language and other skills, and experience abroad. The knowledge of the motives for migration should be a stimulus for taking appropriate measures at higher education institutions leading to the creation of a multicultural environment and the readiness of HEIs to use «brain circulation» to increase their excellence in academic and scientific performance.
AcknowledgmentThis research did not receive a specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. The researchers have no conflicts of interest to disclose.
The Political and Strategic impacts of the U.S. Advantage at Sea 2020 for the Brazilian Maritime Domain
Authors: Carvalho Bruno , Barreto Jéssica , Gaspar Victor , Farias Ana Carolina
Published: March 2021

This the English version of our latest report on the document "U.S Advantage at Sea: Prevailing with Integrated All-Domain Naval Power (USAS)". Our main goal was to briefly indicate the impact of this document on Brazil, both politically and strategically. We contextualise the U.S strategic maritime documents since the 9/11 attacks, highlight the main concepts of the current USAS and elaborate on the consequences for Brazil. Our key finding was that, from a political standpoint, the USAS brings challenges to Brazil when qualifying enemies such as Russia and China. On the other hand, the focus on interoperability and new technologies might contribute to Brazil’s future maritime strategy. This brief analysis is divided into three parts: the first intends to contextualise the U.S strategic maritime documents since the 9/11 attacks; the second aims to summarize the USAS’ most relevant concepts for Brazil’s Sea Power, and the third part elaborates on the overall consequences for Brazil.
РАЗВИТИЕ ХИРУРГИЧЕСКИХ ОСЛОЖНЕНИЙ У БОЛЬНЫХ НОВОЙ КОРОНАВИРУСНОЙ ИНФЕКЦИЕЙ
Authors:   Курский государственный медицинский университет, Иванова Антонина Петровна , Волобуев Денис Константинович , Анфилова Марина Геннадьевна , Востриков Павел Павлович , Привалова Татьяна Сергеевна
Published: March 2021

This article is devoted to the development of surgical complications in patients treated for a new coronavirus infection COVID-19 in a stationary setting in the Kursk region. The article analyzes the material obtained in the course of a retrospective analysis of case histories of patients who received medical care in inpatient conditions. In the course of the study, surgical complications were divided into 3 groups, depending on the location of the complication, and data were obtained in absolute and relative terms in order to objectively assess and draw conclusions.
АНКЕТИРОВАНИЕ СТУДЕНТОВ КАФЕДРЫ ОПЕРАТИВНОЙ ХИРУРГИИ И ТОПОГРАФИЧЕСКОЙ АНАТОМИИ
Authors:   Курский государственный медицинский университет, Ледук Табата Феррейра Роза Миддлвич , Майстренко Алла Николаевна , Григорьян Арсен Юрьевич , Липатов Вячеслав Александрович , Терехов Алексей Геннадьевич
Published: March 2021

The article deals with the importance of improvements in departments, in the techniques used, in the opportunities offered and in all aspects at our university. The starting point of this work was "Institutional research". This is a special scientific direction that has emerged and is successfully developing abroad, the purpose of which is to solve practical problems of optimizing the educational process. An anonymous questionnaire was developed for this study. Students of the international medical institute and medical facultie took part in the survey. Respondents shared their opinion about the organization of the educational process at the Department of operative surgery and topographic anatomy.
ОТ ОПЕРАЦИОННОГО БЛОКА КАФЕДРЫ ДО СОВРЕМЕННОЙ ХИРУРГИЧЕСКОЙ ЛАБОРАТОРИИ: АКТУАЛЬНОСТЬ ИНТЕГРАЦИИ МЕДИЦИНСКОГО ОБРАЗОВАНИЯ И НАУКИ
Authors:   Курский государственный медицинский университет, Наимзада Мухаммад Давид Зияуддин , Липатов Вячеслав Александрович , Денисов Артём Александрович
Published: March 2021

Authors study reorganization process of Operative surgery and topographical anatomy department. Modern trends in education are analyzed, and possible ways to strategize and integrate scientific departments and educational programs are inspected.
ИЗМЕНЕНИЯ НЕКОТОРЫХ ГЕМАТОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ТЕСТОВ КАК РЕЗУЛЬТАТ ВОЗДЕЙСТВИЯ ШИРОКОПОЛОСНЫХ ЭЛЕКТРОМАГНИТНЫХ ПОЛЕЙ В ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТЕ
Authors:   ООО «Парамерус», Руцкой Андрей Сергеевич , Липатов Вячеслав Александрович , Панов Александр Анатольевич , Денисов Артём Александрович
Published: March 2021

The article presents the results of studying hematological tests of small laboratory animals after exposure to broadband electromagnetic radiation. To achieve this goal, three study groups were formed, each of which included 10 male mice. After exposure, the parameters of the quantitative analysis of leukocytes, leukocyte formula and leukocyte indices of the control, experimental and intact groups were compared. The statistical significance of the revealed differences was determined using the Mann-Whitney test. As a result of the study, when determining the total concentration of leukocytes, statistically significant differences were revealed between the experimental and intact groups, the control and intact groups. During the analysis of the data of the leukocyte formula, no statistically significant differences were revealed, however, in the experimental group, atypical forms of leukocytes with myelodysplasia were revealed. When studying the data of a biochemical blood test and calculating leukocyte indices, no significant differences between the study groups were also revealed.
АКАДЕМИЧЕСКОЕ МОШЕННИЧЕСТВО КАК ПОБОЧНЫЙ ЭФФЕКТ ДИСТАНЦИОННОГО ОБУЧЕНИЯ
Authors:   Курский государственный медицинский университет, Симонова Жанна Геннадьевна
Published: March 2021

Distance teaching on the basis of Internet technologies is the only method which is being used nowadays all over the world. In this regard the evaluation of its effectiveness which may decrease as a result of the change of the social character of the teacher-student relationship acquires a special relevance. The paper presents the results of the evaluation of the educational motivation the foreign students of KSMU possess; the concept of "academic dishonesty" is analyzed, the hypothesis of a directly proportional dependence of academic cheating on educational motivation is confirmed; some preventive measures and pieces of advice for overcoming the students’ ways of dishonest behavior are suggested.
Isolation and degradation characteristics of bacteria in black and odorous water
Authors: Yuan Hao , Chen Gangcai , Xiao Yuchun , Yang Jianxia , Huang Liping , Tao Kelin , Li Yunyi , Ye Jiangyu
Published: March 2021

Bioremediation is one of the treatment technologies for the black-odorous water, and obtaining functional bacteria is the key step to its success. In this study, a number of highly efficient pollutant degrading strains were isolated from the sediment of black-odorous river, and were identified by phenotypic and phylogenetic analysis. The composite bacterial agent J1 was mixed by strains A1, A2, A5 and A7, with a volume ratio of 4:4:2:1. And the final compound bacteria injected into black-odorous water were composed of J1 and NS3, with the volume ratio of 1:1. Optimized degradation conditions of compound bacterium agent were as follows: pH 7.5, DO 2.5 mg/L, temperature 30 °C. Under optimized conditions, add 1% by volume to the black-odorous water for a 50-day experimental operation. Finally, the overlying water ammonia nitrogen, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total phosphorus has been significantly degraded. The research is expected to contribute to the use of bioremediation methods to repair black-odorous water, and the application of isolates can be carried out in situ for water types similar to pollute waterways.
A Língua Política e a Política Poética na Poesia Encarnada de Alex Simões
Authors: Thurler Djalma , Woyda Duda
Published: March 2021

In an interdisciplinary dialogue, our goal is to observe how the poetic work of Alex Simões contributes to the redefinition of a type of poetry that aims at being political. A “politics of poetry” then takes shape in the footsteps of Jacques Rancière and his “politics of aesthetics”, taking political perspective as a critique of the present and a desire for transformation, from a relation to the real, a production of meaning and its own conception of the spectator. Based on queer-frontier references, the authors recognize a politics of poetry in its aesthetic dimension, in hybrid processes between politics of difference and aesthetics, which serve as new policies of subjectivation.
Walking, Body, and The City: Pleasure and The Co-formation of The Self and The City
Authors:   The University of Sydney, Nurul Islami Mayarani
Published: March 2021

In Surabaya, as the case of this study, road-based culture has been historically predisposing the way people inhabit the roads. It, then, leads to the ‘acceptance’ of the automobile as the primary mode of mobility. In contrast, there is an emerging youth movement who promotes walking as a way to subvert the current road-based culture and re-invent walking as creative and pleasurable activity as an alternative way of enjoying Surabaya. Through an examination of daily journals, photos, and social media documented by people joining the walking community in Surabaya City, this paper scrutinises the subversive yet creative aspects of walking as an organized activity with a view to generating new insights into the creative potential of walking. In this paper, I argue that the way people experience the world through walking is different to the way people experience the world through automobile travel, and that this generates different versions of, and attachments to, the urban environment of Surabaya.
Pemenuhan Kebutuhan Informasi Karyawan PT Antavaya Melalui Program Acara Celebrity on Vacation Trans TV
Authors:   Universitas Mpu Tantular, Christina Selly , Sitinah Sitinah ,   Universitas Mpu Tantular, Kuniawati Laurencia SMW ,   Universitas Mpu Tantular, Sandi Fitriana ,   Universitas Bunda Mulia, Marta Rustono F ,   Universitas Bunda Mulia
Published: March 2021

Beragam program acara ditayangkan televisi sebagai penghibur serta pemberi kepuasan kebutuhan informasi bagi audiens. Celebrity on Vacation merupakan acara andalan Trans TV yang diharapkan mampu memberikan pemenuhan kebutuhan informasi penontonnya. Penelitian ditujukan untuk mengukur pengaruh program televisi terhadap pemenuhan kebutuhan informasi bagi karyawan PT. Antavaya Tour and Travel berdasarkan Teori Komunikasi Harold D Lasswell dan Teori Pemenuhan Informasi. Paradigma positivistik digunakan dengan pendekatan kuantitatif deskriptif. Data diperoleh melalui instrument yang disebarkan pada karyawan PT Antavaya tour and travel. Studi ini menyebutkan, program acara Celebrity in Vacation belum dianggap memenuhi kebutuhan pencarian informasi mengenai destinasi wisata. Hasil uji korelasi menunjukkan bahwa hubungan antar kedua variabel tidak signifikan yang artinya tidak saling memengaruhi. Hal ini disebabkan durasi yang pendek pada program ini membuat kurangnya informasi yang dapat diperoleh audiens. Pendapat kami adalah dengan memperhatikan kolom komentar di media sosial seperti youtube, instagram dan lain-lain, dapat mengatasi keterbatasan media massa konvensional yang memiliki delay feedback.
Komunikasi Verbal dan Nonverbal dalam Kegiatan Mendongeng di Rumah Dongeng Yogyakarta
Authors:   Universitas Mercu Buana, Yogyakarta, Nurdiarti Rosalia , Prabowo Reno ,   Universitas Mercu Buana, Yogyakarta
Published: March 2021

Dongeng merupakan salah satu kegiatan komunikasi, yaitu bercerita dengan menggunakan bahasa verbal lisan dan bahasa nonverbal seperti ekspresi wajah, gerakan tubuh, dan parabahasa. Penting bagi seorang storyteller dalam kegiatan mendongeng dapat memadukan kedua jenis komunikasi tersebut. Hal ini bertujuan untuk membantu penonton agar lebih memahami pesan cerita yang terdapat di dalam dongeng. Untuk mencapai itu semua, penting memahami unsur-unsur yang terdapat di dalam dua jenis komunikasi verbal dan komunikasi nonverbal. Penelitian ini merupakan jenis penelitian yang menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode deskriptif, sehingga peneliti dapat melihat dan berinteraksi langsung dengan para storyteller. Instrumen pengambilan data menggunakan dokumentasi, wawancara, dan pengamatan langsung yang kemudian dianalisis. Hasil penelitian yang diperoleh adalah komunikasi verbal di dalam dongeng yaitu dengan menggunakan bahasa lisan secara langsung, sedangkan komunikasi nonverbal di dalam dongeng meliputi kinetik, parabahasa, penampilan fisik, dan artefak. Hal ini sangat memberikan pengaruh bagi penyampaian pesan di dalam dongeng.
Dimensional, Mechanical and LCA Characterization of Terrazzo Tiles along with Glass and Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW)
Authors: Stabile Paola , Radica Francesco , Ranza Luigi , Carroll Michael R. , Santulli Carlo ,   School of Science and Technology, Geology Division, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III da Varano, 62032 Camerino, Italy, Paris Eleonora
Published: March 2021

In this work, two types of wastes were introduced, namely, glass from municipal waste and Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW). The latter, which was obtained from rubble generated by the seismic events occurred in Central Italy in 2016, was introduced in two configurations, the single-layer and the double-layer of the cement-based Terrazzo tiles. A maximum of 77% of waste introduction was proven to be possible, therefore creating the possibility of obtaining construction products including high quantities of secondary raw materials, coupled with a valuable aesthetic aspect. The tiles represent a novel CDW upcycling application and follow the EU recommendations to improve the circular economy in the building sector. In particular, the products obtained showed dimensional conformity in the specifications and mechanical performance in the case of double-layer tiles as required by the envisaged use in the flooring (EN 13748-1). A life cycle analysis (LCA) clarified the possible advantages in terms of reduced resource depletion (RD) and global warming potential (GWP). The evaluation at the aggregate/glass matrix interface indicated good performance of the tiles, demonstrating the readiness for industrial production and market introduction.
Principales plagas del fríjol (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) en el Cesar, Colombia
Authors: De Oro Aguado Rafael Francisco , Sánchez Doria Tatiana , Rubiano Rodríguez José Antonio , Sierra Baquero Paola Vanessa
Published: March 2021

Esta cartilla es una herramienta para facilitar a productores y asistentes técnicos el conocimiento de los diferentes insectos plaga que pueden afectar al cultivo de fríjol en el departamento del Cesar (Colombia). Mediante la aplicación de sus recomendaciones se pueden tomar las mejores decisiones al momento de realizar programas de manejo integrado de plagas (MIP).