bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
pyisotopomer: A Python package for obtaining intramolecular isotope ratio differences from mass spectrometric analysis of nitrous oxide isotopocules
Authors: Kelly Colette , Manning Cara , Frey Claudia , Noah Gluschankoff Noah , Casciotti Karen
Published: December 2021

RATIONALE Obtaining nitrous oxide isotopocule measurements with isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) involves analyzing the ion current ratios of the nitrous oxide parent ion (N2O+) as well as those of the NO+ fragment ion. The data analysis requires correcting for “scrambling” in the ion source, whereby the NO+ fragment ion obtains the outer N atom from the N2O molecule. While descriptions exist for this correction, and interlaboratory intercalibration efforts have been made, there has yet to be published a package of code for implementing isotopomer calibrations.METHODS We developed a user-friendly Python package (pyisotopomer) to determine two coefficients (γ and κ) that describe scrambling in the IRMS ion source, and then to use this calibration to obtain intramolecular isotope deltas in N2O samples.RESULTS With two appropriate reference materials, γ and κ can be determined robustly and accurately for a given IRMS. An additional third reference material is needed to define the zero-point of the delta scale. We show that IRMS scrambling behavior can vary with time, necessitating regular calibrations. Finally, we present an intercalibration between two IRMS laboratories, using pyisotopomer to calculate γ and κ, and to obtain intramolecular N2O isotope deltas in lake water unknowns.CONCLUSIONS Given these considerations, we discuss how to use pyisotopomer to obtain high-quality N2O isotopocule data from IRMS systems, including the use of appropriate reference materials and frequency of calibration.
ICESat-2 Reservoir Applications: A case study from the largest man-made reservoir in India
Authors: Ghosh Surajit , Kaushik Atul
Published: December 2021

Monitoring inland water levels is crucial for understanding hydrological processes to climate change impact leading to policy implementation. Satellite altimetry has proved to be an excellent technique to precisely measure water levels of rivers, lakes, and other inland water bodies. The ATL13 product of ICESat-2 space-borne LiDAR is solely dedicated to inland water bodies. The water surface heights were derived from ICESat-2's strong beams, and performance was assessed with respect to reservoir gauge observations. Statistical measurements were used to understand the agreement (R2= 0.99, %RMSE=0.08) among the datasets. An R2 value of 0.99 was observed between ICESat-2 derived water level anomaly and the reservoir storage anomaly. This study provides a unique opportunity to utilize the ATL13 data product to study reservoir water level variation and estimate the reservoir's storage. The methodology can also be helpful to understand the reservoir storage variation in a data-sparse region.
Improving well-being with mobile AI-powered Acceptance Commitment Therapy tool: Pragmatic Retrospective Study
Authors: Naor Navot , Frenkel Alex , Winsberg@gmail Mimi
Published: December 2021

Background The research and dissemination of smartphones-based apps to deliver coaching and psychological driven intervention had seen a great surge in recent years. Notably, Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) protocols were shown to be uniquely effective in treating symptoms for both depression and anxiety when delivered through smartphone apps. The aim if this study to expand on that work and test the suitability of AI driven intervention delivered directly through popular texting apps.Objective This study evaluated our hypothesis that using Kai.ai will result in improved well-being.Methods A pragmatic retrospective analysis of 2909 users who used Kai.ai on one of the top messaging apps (iMessage, WhatsApp, Discord, Telegram, etc.) Users’ well-being levels were tracked using the WHO-5 well-being questionnaire throughout the engagement with service. Paired sample t-test was used to assess well-being levels pre and post usage, and Hierarchical Linear Modeling was used to examine the change in symptoms over time.Results The median well-being score at the last measurement was better (Mdn = 52) then at the start of the intervention (Mdn = 40), indicating a significant improvement (W=2682927, p<0.001, one tailed test). Furthermore, HLM results showed that the improvement in well-being was linearly related to the number of daily messages a user sent (beta = 0.029, t(81.36)=4, p<0.001), as well as the interaction between the number of messages and unique number of days (beta = -0.0003, t(81.36)=-2.2, p<0.05).Conclusions mobile based Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) interventions are effective means to improve individuals’ well-being. findings reported in this paper further demonstrate Kai.ai’s great promise in helping individuals improve and maintain high levels of well-being, and thus improve their daily life.
The association between nonsuicidal and suicidal self-injurious behaviors: A systematic review and expanded theoretical model
Authors: Ammerman Brooke A. , Burke Taylor A. , O'Loughlin Caitlin M. , Hammond Rebecca
Published: December 2021

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is one of the strongest predictors of suicidal behavior. Despite this, the field still has a limited understanding of the mechanisms by which this relationship is conferred. As there has been a proliferation of research in this area over the past decade, an updated systematic review of the empirical research examining potential factors driving the relationship between NSSI and suicide-related outcomes is needed to move the field forward. We identified only 18 studies examining moderators or mediators of the relationship. Research to date does little to improve our understanding of the robust, prospective relationship between NSSI and suicide outcomes, highlighting a foundational gap in both the empirical and theoretical literature. Thus, we propose the Nonsuicidal to Suicidal Self-Injury Pathway Model, an expanded theoretical model of this relationship drawing on extant theory and empirical research, as well as discuss future directions for work in this area.
Bargaining over beauty: The economics of contracts in Renaissance art markets
Authors: Piano Ennio Emanuele , Piano Clara E.
Published: December 2021

This paper argues that concerns over opportunism affected the content and structure of Renaissance art contracts. Building on insights from the economic analysis of contracts, we first show that opportunism threatened the relationship between buyer—the patron—and seller—the painter—in Renaissance Italy. We then test the effect of opportunism on the contracting process for paintings against a novel data set on the content and structure of ninety documents corresponding to as many commissions. Our results provide evidence that concerns over opportunism had a systematic effect on the trading parties’ choice of how much and what to include in the contract governing their ex-change.
Transcending Lockdown: Fostering Student Imagination through Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning and Creativity in Engineering Design Courses
Authors: Martin Nolan Edmund
Published: December 2021

Engineering design and communication courses are typically dynamic, active learning spaces that bring together a complex array of knowledge and skills. Their ambiguous nature has allowed, often contentiously, subjects such as language and communication, the arts, the humanities, and the social sciences to enter the discourse of engineering in a newly meaningful way. This article considers this development in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and, in particular, how the creativity and imagination required to succeed in engineering design might be cultivated in emergency distance learning. I consider a plethora of sources for guidance, with a special interest in how language and communication facilitates collaborative learning, creativity, and intersubjectivity and how that mediation is further mediated by educational technology in distance learning. I focus on the challenges faced and the resulting importance of training for both instructors and students. Finally, I argue that, despite our difficult circumstances, we should aim to encourage our students to exercise their imaginations, both independently and collaboratively, through our selection, framing, and facilitation of team design projects during the pandemic.
All Parts of the Same Thing: Dispatches from the Creativity Everything Lab
Authors: Gauntlett David , Culpepper Mary Kay
Published: December 2021

We established the Creativity Everything lab at Ryerson University in 2018 as a place that would support and unlock “all kinds of creativity for all kinds of people.” In this article, we detail the transdisciplinary roots of our work and outline some of our activities and the thinking behind them. As a team of researchers developing projects and experiences that embrace a wide range of creators and creative practices, we are fashioning the lab to facilitate the actions of doing and making in a range of spheres: in everyday life, professional creative practice, and in learning and research. Three case studies – our ongoing efforts at supporting learning for students, a research project on platforms for creativity, and the community outreach of the 2019 Creativity Everything #FreeSchool – explore how teaching, research, events, and collaborations in multiple media intersect in a multifaceted system for relating to, and engaging with, creativity. Our studies suggest that creative practice as research helps people make connections that fuel curiosity and experimentation. We argue that engaging in multiple perspectives of the “everything” of creativity better equips our students, university, and public to reap its benefits and rewards.
‘ISOLATED IN OUR OWN NEIGHBOURHOOD’: ANALYSIS ON THE PROPOSAL TO REGULATE PEER-TO-PEER ACCOMMODATION SERVICES IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Daud Mahyuddin , Mat Isa Norlaili
Published: December 2021

Peer-to-Peer Accommodation services (P2PA) are mushrooming worldwide due to the expansion of digital services and Internet access. Since P2PA services operate fully online, small establishments utilise disruptive technology and surpass traditional hoteliers by surprise. In the first part of this article, we examine the problems caused by P2PA for ‘playing on an uneven field’, avoiding necessary taxes, skipping regulatory and safety requirements, and causing loss of tranquillity to the neighbourhood. Due to these problems, a proposal was moved by the government to regulate P2PA in Malaysia via a self-regulatory guideline, as analysed in the second part of the article. However, due to its non-binding status, the proposal will arguably lead to irregularities in regulatory mechanisms at the state level when enforced. P2PA hosts were asked to comply with regulatory requirements similar to hoteliers, but the platform providers have arguably avoided any P2PA related liability nor responsibility as they operate offshore. Applying qualitative research methods via content analysis and semi-structured interviews, the article concludes by proposing a legal framework to regulate the P2PA platform providers, including hosts and agents, which is deemed timely and necessary for Malaysia to safeguard the interests of both tourists and stakeholders.
Labor productivity as the main criterion of economic growth: theoretical aspects (applied to agriculture)
Authors:   Russian State Agrarian Correspondence University, Balashikha of Moscow region, Russia, Bykovskaya Natalia V. , Bondarenko Olga V. ,   Russian State Agrarian Correspondence University, Balashikha of Moscow region, Russia, Tolparov Elbrus B. ,   Russian State Agrarian Correspondence University, Balashikha of Moscow region, Russia
Published: December 2021

In the system of indicators and signs of the economic development of social production, labor productivity is of crucial importance. The productivity of materialized and living labor is an indicator of the real achievements of the economy - both of an individual business entity and of the entire national economy as a whole, reflects the possibilities of its development in the future and shows the state of each branch of the economy, including agriculture. Labor productivity is the factor that determines the organizational level of an economic entity, characterizes the effectiveness of the management system as a whole, the level of technical and technological equipment of production processes. In addition, labor productivity reflects the professional level of employees, the culture of industrial relations, the stability and organization of the enterprise in a competitive external environment.
Regional differentiation of food consumption in Russia
Authors:   Federal Scientific Center of Agrarian Economy and Social Development of Rural Areas – All-Russian Research Institute of Agricultural Economics (VNIIESH), Moscow, Russia, Bondarenko Liudmila V. , Yakovleva Olga A. ,   Federal Scientific Center of Agrarian Economy and Social Development of Rural Areas – All-Russian Research Institute of Agricultural Economics (VNIIESH), Moscow, Russia, Simanovsky Nikita A. ,   Federal Scientific Center of Agrarian Economy and Social Development of Rural Areas – All-Russian Research Institute of Agricultural Economics (VNIIESH), Moscow, Russia
Published: December 2021

The article presents the regional differences in food consumption by population of Russian Federation determined by deviations from the minimum and rational norms. Integrated assessment of the nutritional value of the food ration for the subjects of Russian Federation, based on the author’s methodology, is presented. In conclusion, the authors propose measures to improve the information content for diagnostics of the regional differentiation of food consumption.
Features of state support for the development of agriculture in the Moscow region
Authors:   Federal Scientific Center of Agrarian Economy and Social Development of Rural Areas – All-Russian Research Institute of Agricultural Economics (VNIIESH), Moscow, Russia, Sandu Ivan S. , Kirova Irina V. ,   Federal Scientific Center of Agrarian Economy and Social Development of Rural Areas – All-Russian Research Institute of Agricultural Economics (VNIIESH), Moscow, Russia
Published: December 2021

The Moscow region is one of the most economically developed regions of Russia. Today, the Moscow Region is the first region in terms of the number of cities, the second region in terms of the population of the Russian Federation and the volume of retail trade, the third – in terms of the scale of the economy, the fourth – in terms of population density. The Moscow region is among the leading regions in terms of the level of education of the population. In the structure of the gross regional product of the Moscow region, a key role is played by: wholesale and retail trade; manufacturing industries; real estate transactions. The main centers of attraction for investments, including foreign ones, are enterprises of the manufacturing sector of the economy. 102 objects have been created on the territory of the Moscow Region to attract investment, of which 3 are special economic zones, 80 industrial parks, 14 technological parks, 6 industrial sites. One of the fastest growing sectors of the region’s economy is agriculture. According to preliminary estimates, by the end of the year, the Moscow region will take the first place in the production of table beets, cabbage and carrots, and the second place in berries and greenhouse cucumbers. In this regard, consideration of the economic aspects of state support for the agricultural sector of the economy on the basis of the current system of regulatory and administrative and economic measures is becoming most relevant. The article gives a brief description of the economy of the Moscow region, provides a list of regulatory documents, as well as a list of administrative and economic measures to support the agricultural sector of the region.
The place of organizational and legal forms of the agro-industrial complex in the formation of resources for ensuring national food security
Authors:   Russian University of Cooperation, Mytishchi, Moscow region, Russia, Tkach Alexander V. , Nechitailov Alexander S. ,   Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia, Zhukova Olga I. ,   Griboyedov Institute of International Law and Economics, Moscow, Russia, Zhukov Alexander S. ,   Griboyedov Institute of International Law and Economics, Moscow, Russia
Published: December 2021

The place of various organizational and legal forms of the agricultural sector of the economy in the formation of national food security resources, as well as in the formation of food resources of the regions of Russia is considered, the urgency of the problem is revealed, statistical indicators for the provision of food to the population are given. The main sources of food supply to the country’s food fund are characterized. The main problems of the national food security of Russia are revealed, measures to strengthen the country’s food security are proposed. The assessment of the replacement of imported food with domestic products is given, food production is considered in the context of the country’s regions. The level of food production that provides the population with the necessary domestic food products is revealed. The dynamics of production and consumption of agricultural products by the population of Russia in comparison with medical standards is given. The article considers the development of the food processing industry in Russia.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of the instruments of state regulation of industrial fruit growing
Authors:   ”North Caucasus Federal Scientific Center of Horticulture, Viticulture, Winemaking”, Krasnodar, Russia, Egorov Evgeniy A. , Shadrina Zhanna A. ,   ”North Caucasus Federal Scientific Center of Horticulture, Viticulture, Winemaking”, Krasnodar, Russia, Kochian Gayane A. ,   ”North Caucasus Federal Scientific Center of Horticulture, Viticulture, Winemaking”, Krasnodar, Russia, Shcherbakov Nikolay A. ,   Union “Gardeners of Kuban”, Krasnodar, Russia
Published: December 2021

The characteristic of the arising imbalances in the organization of reproductive processes in industrial fruit growing is given. The main existing instruments of state regulation of the development of the horticulture industry are considered and an assessment of their sufficiency is given. Additional instruments of state regulation of industrial fruit growing are proposed, aimed at leveling functional imbalances in the organization of reproduction processes and at increasing the efficiency of industrial production; improving the pricing system for products sold; the use of non-tariff regulation measures providing for the establishment of seasonal quotas for the period of mass collection and sale of domestically produced fruit products.
ASSESSMENT OF STABILITY OF THE ROOF IN THE CARBON ART, WHICH CONTAINS PRODUCTS DURING THE DEVELOPMENT OF HARD COAL LAYERS
Authors:   PSP «Dobropilske Mine Group» LLC «DTEK Dobropolyeugol», Korol Anton
Published: December 2021

Purpose. Estimation of stability of a roof of a steep coal seam in the coal massif for maintenance of an operational condition of mine workings. Methods. To achieve this goal, analytical studies were performed using the basic principles of classical mechanics, the theory of elasticity and resistance of materials, when the roof of the coal seam was studied in the form of a model of a beam with a support. Results. As a result of the performed researches it is established that for an inclined single-girder beam with supports, at any regularity of distribution of loading on a surface the maximum deflection around the middle of span within (0,48 – 0,579) length of a beam is fixed. The value of the maximum deflection of the deformed load-bearing element depends on the angle of inclination and the ratio of the linear dimensions of the simulated beam. The curved axis is not perfectly symmetrical about the middle of the beam. The deviation from the symmetry depends on the linear dimensions of the model, the angle of inclination and is determined by the direction of the vector of total displacement of the beam. The deviation from the symmetry depends on the linear dimensions of the model, the angle of inclination and is determined by the direction of the vector of total displacement of the beam. The area in which the loss of stability of the load-bearing element is possible, occupies about 10% of the length of the inclined beam. In the presence of an asymmetrical deflection, to avoid loss of stability of the model, the placement of the system of supporting supports is advisable in this area of the beam. Scientific novelty. For the roof of a steep coal seam in its modeling in the form of an inclined single-girder beam with supports, when the external load is distributed on the surface naturally, the direction of the vector of complete displacement of the loaded model determines the contour of the curved axis of the deformed load-bearing element. Practical significance. The stability of the lateral rocks of the steep coal seam, which determines the operational condition of the mine workings in the coal massif, is provided by a system of supporting supports, the deformation characteristics of which are determined by the predicted deflection of the roof in the produced space. Keywords: stability, lateral rocks, coal massif, mining, deflection, supporting support.
BLOOD FATTY ACID COMPOSITION IN COWS DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF AUTONOMIC REGULATION IN SUMMER PERIOD
Authors:   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Hryshchuk I. A. , Karpovskyi V. I. ,   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Danchuk V. V. ,   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Gutyj B. V. ,   Stepan Gzhytskyi National University of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnologies Lviv, Kubiak K. ,   Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Міdyk S. V. ,   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Postoi R. V. ,   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Trokoz V. O. ,   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine
Published: December 2021

Coordination of physiological activity and intensity of metabolism in various organs and tissues of a productive animal, depending on environmental conditions and own needs, is provided by the regulatory activity of the corresponding nerve centers. However, the features of the autonomic regulation of the nervous system in this matter can have a significant impact not only on the physiological activity of animals but also on their productivity. Therefore, the question of studying the influence of autonomic regulation on the animal body in general and the interaction of the autonomic system and lipid metabolism is quite relevant. Groups of animals were formed by determining the state of the cardiovascular system according to Baevskyi. Blood plasma was used for the study, lipid extraction was performed by the Folch method. Fatty acid analysis was performed on a Trace GC Ultra gas chromatograph (USA) with a flame ionization detector. Studies have shown that the relative content of saturated fatty acids in blood of normotonics was the highest compared with other groups: sympathotonics – by 1.9%; vagotonics – 0.48%. Regarding the concentration of saturated fatty acids in sympathotonics, it should be noted that the content of stearic acid was the highest (18.07 ± 0.01; P < 0.001) and saturated fatty acids from C6 to C16 were characterized by the lowest values (P < 0.01–0.05) in comparison with other groups The total content of unsaturated fatty acids in blood plasma of sympathotonics and vagotonics was 1.19% and 0.49% higher, respectively, compared with normotonics. Quite interesting is the fact that sympathotonics were characterized by the highest content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, the content of which decreased in the range C18:2n6 > C20:4n6 > C18:3n3 > C22:6n3 > C22:5n3, a similar sequence we observed in other groups, although the relative concentration of acids could fluctuate. Normotonics were characterized by the highest levels of some polyunsaturated fatty acids (C18:3n3, C22:5n3, C22:6n3) (P < 0.05-0.01), while levels of some unsaturated fatty acids (C18: 1n9, C20: 3n6) were the lowest. Thus, the type of nervous activity has a significant effect on the ratio of fatty acids in blood plasma of cows and autonomous regulation affects the metabolic processes in the animal’s body.
MICROSCOPIC CHANGES IN THE INTERNAL ORGANS OF WHITE MICE DURING EXPERIMENTAL IRON (IV) CLATHROCHELATE TOXICOSIS
Authors:   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Borysevych B. V. , Lisova V. V. ,   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Derkach I. M. ,   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Derkach S. S. ,   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Dukhnytskyi V. B. ,   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Tyshkivska A. M. ,   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine
Published: December 2021

Iron (IV) clathrochelate based on a macrobicyclic ligand of the hexahydrazide type is a unique compound that contains iron in a rare high valence IV. Preclinical and clinical studies of this complex, which were started for the first time in Ukraine, have an important theoretical and practical consequence as this complex can be recommended as an active substance in iron-containing drugs with antianemic action. In conducting preclinical studies of new drugs, pathomorphological studies are important because they are a necessary step in studying the biological response of animals to the action of test substances. It was found that some pathological changes develop in the body of white mice under conditions of experimental acute and chronic iron (IV) clathrochelate intoxication. They correlated with the dose of the test compound. During chronic intoxication, the microscopic changes in the liver and kidney of white mice treated with iron (IV) clathrochelate at a dose of 1/10 DL50 were similar to the microscopic changes in the liver and kidney of mice treated with the experimental drug at a dose of 1/5 DL50. However, the severity of these changes was lower, reflecting a lower degree of organ damage. In the myocardium of mice treated with iron (IV) clathrochelate at a dose of 1/5 DL50 on the 10th day, as in acute iron (IV) clathrochelate poisoning, only edema was recorded. The prospects for further research are the study of microscopic changes in the organs of laboratory animals of other species during experimental iron (IV) clathrochelate toxicosis.
BIOLOGICAL PECULIARITIES OF ADIPOSE TISSUE-DERIVED MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS AT DIFFERENT PASSAGES OF CULTIVATION
Authors:   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Kladnytska L. V. , Mazurkevych A. Y. ,   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Velychko S. V. ,   Hospital of Veterinary Medicine, Garmanchuk L. V. ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Malyuk М. О. ,   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Mazurkevych Т. A. ,   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Kovpak V. V. ,   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Kozytska T. V. ,   Bogomolets National Medical University, Kharkevych Yu. O. ,   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Bokotko R. R. ,   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Savchuk T. L. ,   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine
Published: December 2021

The studies were conducted on 2–3-months-old males of C57BL/6 mice weighing 20–24 g. Obtaining and operating with adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) culture was performed in a sterile laminar box under conditions of asepsis and antiseptics. The adipose tissue-derived MSC of the 2, 4, 7 and 12 passages were analyzed. Morphometric analysis was performed using a light microscopy. Morphometric parameters such as cell and nucleus area or nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio were calculated using the Axiovision light microscope (Carl Zeiss, Germany) and Image J 1.45 software. Trypan blue dye used for investigation of the viability of MSC. The morphological characteristics of adipose tissue-derived MSC during the process of cultivation changes: at the first passages of cultivation, the cells are spindle-shaped with two, at least three, long cytoplasmic processes, which are located bipolar. Near the nucleus, the Golgi complex is clearly visible – a sign of active cells. At later passages, cells have a small cytoplasmic processes and the bipolar arrangement of processes changes by stellar arrangement. Golgi complex is also clearly visualized. The indicator of the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio in MSC from adipose tissue is significantly reduced at the 7th passage to 0.2189 ± 0.0122 (P < 0.01), and at the 12th passage to 0.1111 ± 0.0086 (P < 0.001) compared to the 2nd passage. The coefficient of proliferation of adipose tissue-derived MSC is significantly reduced at 12th passage. The viability of MSC from adipose tissue with an increasing of a number of passages significantly reduces and at the 12th passage of cultivation reaches 84.67 ± 1.36 (P < 0.05). The content of apoptotic cells that exhibited sensitivity to serum-free cultivation significantly increased at the 7th and 12th passages and was 21.33 ± 1.36 (P < 0.05) and 23.67 ± 0.97% (P < 0.05), respectively.
DYNAMICS OF SERUM PROTEIN CONTENT AND PRODUCTIVITY OF CHICKENS WITH DIFFERENT TONUS OF THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
Authors:   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Studenok A. A. , Trokoz V. O. ,   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine
Published: December 2021

The main role in maintaining the functioning of the body, its growth, and development belongs to protein. It is involved in the formation of the muscular skeleton and is s part of enzymes, neurotransmitters, hormones. The effect of the autonomic nervous system on total protein metabolism has not been sufficiently studied. It is known that the autonomic nervous system is a structure that is responsible for the homeostasis and stability of the whole organism. It participates in the regulation of the heart, endocrine and external secretion glands, gastrointestinal tract, excretory organs, and more. In our studies, it was found that in chickens of Cobb 500 strain with different tones of the autonomic nervous system during the growing period from the 35th to the 60th day, different contents of total protein, albumin, and globulins were observed and different body weights were recorded. Vagotonic chickens showed the lowest protein metabolism at the age of 35 and 45 days (P ˂ 0.05–0.001) compared with sympathicotonics and normotonics, which tended to increase between 35 and 60 days of rearing compared with other groups of birds, where the studied protein fractions on the contrary decreased. Correlations between total protein, albumin, and bird body weight had a high linear relationship in all groups of chickens (P ˂ 0.05–0.001) and a negative relationship between the 45th and 60th days of rearing in sympathicotonics and normotonics. In birds with a predominance of parasympathetic tone of the autonomic nervous system, this correlation maintained its direction with high reliability (P ˂ 0.05) between body weight and total protein on the 60th day of rearing.
PATHOHISTOLOGICAL CHANGES IN PIGS WITH MYCOPLASMOSIS
Authors:   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Kolych N. B. , Hudz N. V. ,   Institute of Veterinary Medicine of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine
Published: December 2021

A pathological autopsy was performed on 6 corpses of piglets in the first week of life who died from mycoplasmosis. Examination of the visible mucous membranes revealed hyperemia of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and thymus. Simultaneous lesions of the pharyngeal, parotid, cervical, mandibular lymph nodes were noted. They were slightly enlarged, from dark pink to dark red. The heart is irregularly shaped due to the expansion of the right ventricle or the diffuse expansion of all departments. Lungs have doughy consistency, uneven color. In some cases, there are diffuse red areas covering the entire lobe of the lungs, in other cases, there is a defeat of small areas. The liver has a smooth surface, soft or pasty consistency, the parenchyma pattern is slightly smoothed in section. The color of the liver is different: dark red areas, without clear boundaries turn into creamy-clay. Flatulence was a characteristic feature of the stomach and intestines. Catarrhal enteritis was registered in animals, which manifested itself in the form of moderate hyperemia of the intestinal mucosa and serous membranes. Microscopically, there is a significant blood supply to the vessels in the lungs. Alveoli are half fall down, in the form of slit-like lumens. In areas of tissue infiltration by inflammatory infiltrate, the alveolar wall is thickened, alveocytes are in a state of turbid swelling and vacuolar dystrophy, they are impregnated with erythrocytes. Peribronchial pneumonia of lymphocytic character is observed. The liver is in a state of acute venous hyperemia. The central and intraparticle capillaries are sharply dilated and filled with blood in some lobes, and the hepatic beams are compressed accordingly. In the center of other lobes, diffuse infiltration of liver tissue by erythrocytes as a consequence of diapedesis is noted. Hepatocytes are in a state of granular dystrophy. Destructive changes are strongly expressed in the mucous membrane of the small intestine: desquamation of the epithelium, necrosis of epitheliocytes and villi, destruction of crypts. In the brain tissue, there is dilation of the lumens of large and small blood vessels, extracellular and perivascular edema, areas of reactive necrosis.
Mediation effect of collapse avoidance assurance on behavioural intention to use forensic accounting
Authors: Azman Nur Liyana Adila
Published: December 2021

Forensic Accounting is a widely known technique for fraud prevention and detection. To date, the demand for forensic accounting is increasing, as well as the fraud level. However, some companies are reluctant to use forensic accounting to find guilty and face legal consequences such as liquidation or winding up. The two main theories of this study are the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) and Forensic Accounting Theory. The two theories incorporate fraud treat appraisal and collapse avoidance assurance in forensic accounting to determine the behavioural intention to use forensic accounting. This study is expected to generate the best model to address the unwillingness to adopt forensic accounting services by industrial products and services companies. Therefore, this study may significantly contribute to the increase in companies' awareness and willingness to use forensic accounting in mitigating fraud or unethical activities.
Sociodemographic disparities in fetal surgery for myelomeningocele: a single-center retrospective review
Authors: Foy Andrew B. , Sawin Kathleen J. , Derflinger Tia , Heffelfinger Amy K. , Koop Jennifer I. , Cohen Susan S. , Sherburne Eileen C.
Published: December 2021

OBJECTIVE

Fetal surgery for myelomeningocele has become an established treatment that offers less risk of requiring a ventricular shunt and improved functional outcomes for patients. An increasing body of literature has suggested that social determinants of health have a profound influence on health outcomes. The authors sought to determine the socioeconomic and racial and ethnic backgrounds of patients who were treated with fetal surgery versus those who underwent postnatal repair.

METHODS

Demographic data, the method of myelomeningocele repair, insurance status, and zip code data for patients entered into the National Spina Bifida Patient Registry (NSBPR) from Children’s Wisconsin were collected. The zip code was used to determine the Distressed Communities Index (DCI) score, a composite socioeconomic ranking with scores ranging from 0 (no distress) to 100 (severe distress). The zip code was also used to determine the median household income for each patient based on the US Census Bureau 2013–2017 American Community Survey 5-year estimates.

RESULTS

A total of 205 patients were identified with zip code and insurance data. There were 23 patients in the fetal surgery group and 182 patients in the postnatal surgery group. All patients were born between 2000 and 2019. Patients in the fetal surgery group were more likely to have commercial insurance (100% vs 52.2%, p < 0.001). Fetal surgery patients were also more likely to be non-Hispanic White (95.7% vs 68.7%, p = 0.058), just missing the level of statistical significance. Patients who underwent fetal surgery tended to reside in zip codes with a higher median household income (mean $66,507 vs $59,133, p = 0.122) and less-distressed communities (mean DCI score 31.3 vs 38.5, p = 0.289); however, these differences did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients treated with fetal surgery were more likely to have commercial insurance and have a non-Hispanic White racial and ethnic background. The preliminary data suggest that socioeconomic and racial and ethnic disparities may exist regarding access to fetal surgery, and investigation of a larger population of spina bifida patients is warranted.
Neurological event prediction for patients with symptomatic cerebral cavernous malformation: the BLED2 score
Authors: Orlev Alon , Feghali James , Kimchi Gil , Salomon Moran , Berkowitz Shani , Oxman Liat , Levitan Idan , Knoller Nachshon , Auriel Eitan , Huang Judy , Tamargo Rafael J. , Harnof Sagi
Published: December 2021

OBJECTIVE

Retrospective patient cohort studies have identified risk factors associated with recurrent focal neurological events in patients with symptomatic cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs). Using a prospectively maintained database of patients with CCMs, this study identified key risk factors for recurrent neurological events in patients with symptomatic CCM. A simple scoring system and risk stratification calculator was then created to predict future neurological events in patients with symptomatic CCMs.

METHODS

This was a dual-center, prospectively acquired, retrospectively analyzed cohort study. Adult patients who presented with symptomatic CCMs causing focal neurological deficits or seizures were uniformly treated and clinically followed from the time of diagnosis onward. Baseline variables included age, sex, history of intracerebral hemorrhage, lesion multiplicity, location, eloquence, size, number of past neurological events, and duration since last event. Stepwise multivariable Cox regression was used to derive independent predictors of recurrent neurological events, and predictive accuracy was assessed. A scoring system based on the relative magnitude of each risk factor was devised, and Kaplan-Meier curve analysis was used to compare event-free survival among patients with different score values. Subsequently, 1-, 2-, and 5-year neurological event rates were calculated for every score value on the basis of the final model.

RESULTS

In total, 126 (47%) of 270 patients met the inclusion criteria. During the mean (interquartile range) follow-up of 54.4 (12–66) months, 55 patients (44%) experienced recurrent neurological events. Multivariable analysis yielded 4 risk factors: bleeding at presentation (HR 1.92, p = 0.048), large size ≥ 12 mm (HR 2.06, p = 0.016), eloquent location (HR 3.01, p = 0.013), and duration ≤ 1 year since last event (HR 9.28, p = 0.002). The model achieved an optimism-corrected c-statistic of 0.7209. All factors were assigned 1 point, except duration from last event which was assigned 2 points. The acronym BLED2 summarizes the scoring system. The 1-, 2-, and 5-year risks of a recurrent neurological event ranged from 0.6%, 1.2%, and 2.3%, respectively, for patients with a BLED2 score of 0, to 48%, 74%, and 93%, respectively, for patients with a BLED2 score of 5.

CONCLUSIONS

The BLED2 risk score predicts prospective neurological events in symptomatic CCM patients.
Radiographic and clinical outcomes in one- and two-level transforaminal lumbar interbody fusions: a comparison of bullet versus banana cages
Authors: Toop Nathaniel , Viljoen Stephanus , Baum Justin , Hatef Jeffrey , Maggio Dominic , Oosten James , Deistler Kyle , Gilkey Ty , Close Liesl , Farhadi H. Francis , Grossbach Andrew J.
Published: December 2021

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether cage morphology influences clinical and radiographic outcomes following short-segment transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) procedures.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed one- and two-level TLIFs at a single tertiary care center between August 2012 and November 2019 with a minimum 1-year radiographic and clinical follow-up. Two cohorts were compared based on interbody cage morphology: steerable “banana” cage or straight “bullet” cage. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), radiographs, and complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 135 patients with 177 interbody levels were identified; 45 patients had 52 straight cages and 90 patients had 125 steerable cages. Segmental lordosis increased with steerable cages, while it decreased with straight cages (+3.8 ± 4.6 vs −1.9 ± 4.3, p < 0.001). Conversely, the mean segmental lordosis of adjacent lumbar levels decreased in the former group, while it increased in the latter group (−0.52 ± 1.9 vs +0.52 ± 2.1, p = 0.004). This reciprocal relationship results in global sagittal parameters, including pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis and lumbar distribution index, which did not change after surgery with either cage morphology. Multivariate analysis confirmed that steerable cage morphology, anterior cage positioning, and less preoperative index-level segmental lordosis were associated with greater improvement in index-level segmental lordosis. PROMs were improved after surgery with both cage types, and the degree of improvement did not differ between cohorts (p > 0.05). Perioperative and radiographic complications were similar between cohorts (p > 0.05). Overall reoperation rates, as well as reoperation rates for adjacent-segment disease within 2 years of surgery, were not significantly different between cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

Steerable cages are more likely to lie within the anterior disc space, thus increasing index-level segmental lordosis, which is accompanied by a reciprocal change in segmental alignment at the adjacent lumbar levels. The converse relationship occurs for straight cages, with a kyphotic change at the index levels and reciprocal lordosis occurring at adjacent levels.
The incidence and predictors of new brain metastases in patients with non–small cell lung cancer following discontinuation of systemic therapy
Authors: London Dennis , Patel Dev N. , Donahue Bernadine , Navarro Ralph E. , Gurewitz Jason , Silverman Joshua S. , Sulman Erik , Bernstein Kenneth , Palermo Amy , Golfinos John G. , Sabari Joshua K. , Shum Elaine , Velcheti Vamsidhar , Chachoua Abraham , Kondziolka Douglas
Published: December 2021

OBJECTIVE

Patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) metastatic to the brain are living longer. The risk of new brain metastases when these patients stop systemic therapy is unknown. The authors hypothesized that the risk of new brain metastases remains constant for as long as patients are off systemic therapy.

METHODS

A prospectively collected registry of patients undergoing radiosurgery for brain metastases was analyzed. Of 606 patients with NSCLC, 63 met the inclusion criteria of discontinuing systemic therapy for at least 90 days and undergoing active surveillance. The risk factors for the development of new tumors were determined using Cox proportional hazards and recurrent events models.

RESULTS

The median duration to new brain metastases off systemic therapy was 16.0 months. The probability of developing an additional new tumor at 6, 12, and 18 months was 26%, 40%, and 53%, respectively. There were no additional new tumors 22 months after stopping therapy. Patients who discontinued therapy due to intolerance or progression of the disease and those with mutations in RAS or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) pathways (e.g., KRAS, EGFR) were more likely to develop new tumors (hazard ratio [HR] 2.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.33–3.81, p = 2.5 × 10−3; HR 2.51, 95% CI 1.45–4.34, p = 9.8 × 10−4, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of new brain metastases from NSCLC in patients off systemic therapy decreases over time and is uncommon 2 years after cessation of cancer therapy. Patients who stop therapy due to toxicity or who have RAS or RTK pathway mutations have a higher rate of new metastases and should be followed more closely.
Prognostic factors for long-term outcomes of microvascular decompression in the treatment of glossopharyngeal neuralgia: a retrospective analysis of 97 patients
Authors: Zheng Wentao , Zhao Peng , Song Haidong , Liu Bo , Zhou Jingru , Fan Cungang , Wang Dongliang , Liu Ruen
Published: December 2021

OBJECTIVE

The authors aimed to investigate predictors of postoperative outcomes of microvascular decompression (MVD) for the treatment of glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN).

METHODS

A cohort of 97 patients with medically refractory GPN who underwent MVD at the authors’ institution between January 2010 and July 2019 was retrospectively reviewed. Univariate and multivariate regression models were used to identify predictors of long-term outcome in patients after MVD.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine patients (91.8%) reported immediate and complete relief of pain after the procedure. Of the remaining 8 patients (8.2%), 6 achieved partial pain relief and pain gradually diminished within 2 weeks after surgery, and 2 did not experience postoperative pain relief. In univariate Cox regression analysis, venous compression of the glossopharyngeal nerve root entry zone (HR 3.591, 95% CI 1.660–7.767, p = 0.001) and lower degree of neurovascular conflict (HR 2.449, 95% CI 1.177–5.096, p = 0.017) were significantly associated with worse pain-free survival. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, venous compression (HR 8.192, 95% CI 2.960–22.669, p < 0.001) and lower degree of neurovascular conflict (HR 5.450, 95% CI 2.069–14.356, p = 0.001) remained independently associated with worse pain-free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Venous compression of the glossopharyngeal nerve root entry zone and lower degree of neurovascular conflict were significantly correlated with shorter pain-free survival in patients who underwent MVD for GPN. Microvascular decompression is a safe, feasible, and durable approach with a low complication rate for the treatment of GPN.