bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PNPLA3 gene polymorphism and severity of liver steatosis and fibrosis
Authors: Wawrzynowicz-Syczewska Marta , Waszczyk Aleksandra , Bander Dorota , Miętkiewski Janusz , Urbańska Anna , Scheibe Kaja
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the leading chronic liver diseases worldwide. Environmental and genetic factors have an impact on NAFLD development. Single nucleotide polymorphism in the PNPLA3 gene is strongly related to the increased fat content in hepatocytes. The aim of our study was to investigate the association between PNPLA3 variants and the intensity of liver steatosis and fibrosis assessed by liver biopsy in patients with NAFLD.

Material and methods

The study group comprised 127 patients with NAFLD confirmed by liver biopsy. The control group comprised 251 healthy volunteers. In every case genotyping of the PNPLA3 rs738409 C to G nonsynonymous sequence variant was performed. Distributions of genotypes and alleles were compared between NAFLD patients and controls, and analyzed in relation to different steatosis and fibrosis stages in the study group.

Results

Frequencies of PNPLA3 genotypes strongly differ between NAFLD patients and controls (p = 0.00001). Odds ratio (OR) for genotype GG in NAFLD was 2.94 (1.45–5.97, p = 0.0015). Also allele G was more frequent in NAFLD patients vs. controls (p = 0.00001); OR for G allele in NAFLD was 2.74 (1.77–4.27, p = 0.00000273). No significant differences in the genotype or allele distribution of PNLPA3 were observed in relation to steatosis intensity or between patients with or without cirrhosis. However, allele G was found is every hepatocellular carcinoma case.

Conclusions

We do not advocate universal genetic testing in every NAFLD case to select patients at risk of development of cirrhosis or steatohepatitis. Further investigation of the relationship between PNPLA3 variants and hepatocellular carcinoma is warranted.
The effects of social comparison on the relationships among social media addiction, self-esteem, and general belongingness levels
Authors: Kavaklı Mehmet , Ünal Gülten
Published: May 2021

Background

Social media addiction (SM) is a widespread and severe problem in today’s world. It is associated with both self-esteem (SE) and general belongingness (GB). There are many studies related to these associations in the literature, but in this research an attempt was made to explain this mechanism based on social comparison theory. The aim of this study is to examine the indirect effect of social comparison (SC) on the relationship among SM, SE, and GB.

Participants and procedure

The sample consisted of 311 university students studying at a state university in Turkey. Data were gathered by using a demographic information form, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the General Belongingness Scale, the Social Comparison Scale, and the Social Media Addiction Scale-Student Form. The mediator effect of SC was determined via structural equation modelling.

Results

The results indicate that SC has an indirect effect on the relation between SM and SE. Similarly, SC has an indirect effect on the relation between SM and GB.

Conclusions

People tend to compare themselves with other individuals, and this SC process can be made very easily and quickly via social media tools. Moreover, social media sites offer plenty of opportunities for SC, and this comparison consists of sometimes up-ward SC and sometimes downward SC processes. Downward and upward SC processes can regulate individuals’ emotions, SE, and GB levels in social media either in a negative or positive way. The mediating role of SC in the relationship between SM, SE, and GB can be examined in terms of these upward and downward SC processes.
Interpersonal competences of students, their interpersonal relations, and emotional intelligence
Authors: Klinkosz Waldemar , Iskra Justyna , Artymiak Małgorzata
Published: May 2021

Background

Some of the most important interpersonal competences are: effectiveness in dealing with specific interpersonal challenges and the ability to undertake appropriate actions in a given situation; the range of interpersonal challenges with which one can effec-tively deal; and satisfaction derived from one’s interpersonal contacts and relations, and from one’s social standing. One’s time at university is one of the most influential educational stages in one’s life and is a time of accumulation of changes related to a variety of dimensions of life. At university, young people, often away from their parents, learn how to be independent, make new friends, and make decisions related to their personal and professional lives.

Participants and procedure

The participants in the study were 173 (92 women and 81 men) psychology students of three universities in Poland who volun-teered to complete three questionnaires: the Interpersonal Competence Questionnaire, the Interpersonal Adjective Scales, and the Popular Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire.

Results

The results showed a positive correlation between the students’ interpersonal competence and emotional intelligence. The re-search has confirmed the value of the applied methods and the significance of social competences in the development of positive interpersonal relations and the ability to adapt to a new environment.

Conclusions

The results showed a positive correlation between the students’ interpersonal competence and emotional intelligence. The re-search has confirmed the value of the applied methods and the significance of social competences in the development of positive interpersonal relations and the ability to adapt to a new environment.
Self-esteem, quality of life, and physical activity in women with diagnosed endometriosis: a pilot study in an Italian sample
Authors: Bianco Antonino , Gentile Ambra , Russo Marzia , Maiorana Antonio , Lavanco Gioacchino , Mellina Arianna , Palma Antonio
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Endometriosis is a painful pathology impairing women’s daily life. Several studies have shown that patients report low mental and physical quality of life, but no general evaluation of their self-esteem has been found. Studies concerning physical activity frequency present inconsistent results. Therefore, the current paper aims to compare life quality and selfesteem in women with endometriosis with the Italian normative data of the measures used.

Methods

Overall, 36 women with diagnosed endometriosis treated in hospital completed a questionnaire detecting physical activity frequency, self-esteem, quality of life, and socioeconomic information. One sample t-test served to compare the data from this particular group with those of the general Italian population.

Results

The participants displayed higher self-esteem (t = 5.65, p < 0.001) and a good quality of life (physical functioning: t = 3.64, p < 0.001), except for fatigue (t = –3.24, p = 0.003; significant difference); they declared feeling more fatigue than the general population. Only 4 women (11%) reported regular physical activity, while 16 were smokers (44.4%, mean: 10.6 cigarettes/day).

Conclusions

Women with diagnosed endometriosis presented higher self-esteem and normal quality of life, even though their general health was lower and fatigue was higher than in the general Italian population. However, the sample involved females of low socioeconomic status and low education, characterized by poor communication skills and not open to externalize their feelings. Therefore, they might not have been honest in their answers. This potential bias, together with the small sample size, will be addressed in future research.
Percutaneous ultrasound-guided plugged liver biopsy – a single-centre experience
Authors: Singhal Soumil , M.D. Pradeep , Inuganti Srikar , Botcha Sandeep , Thiruchunapalli Deepashree Deepashree , C. Uthappa Mangerira
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Liver biopsy is a widely used, safe diagnostic tool utilised by clinicians for the histopathological assessment of the liver. Our study aims to report our experience in patients who underwent ultrasound-guided plugged percutaneous liver biopsy in a tertiary care hospital in India.

Material and methods

The Institutional Ethical Review Board approved this retrospective study, and informed consent was obtained from all the patients. A total of 830 liver biopsies were performed between January 2014 and December 2018, of which 782 were plugged percutaneous liver biopsies. The tract was plugged using Gelfoam slurry. Various observations related to the procedures were recorded.

Results

Seven hundred and eighty-two were plugged percutaneous liver biopsies, which were performed during the study period. Of the 782 patients, 163 were male, and 619 were female (20.8 % and 79.2 %, respectively), with a mean age of 49.6 ± 2 years (1 month to 86 years). A 100% technical success rate was seen. No immediate major complications were documented in any of the patients who underwent plugged biopsies. No significant complications were seen in any patient.

Conclusions

Percutaneous liver biopsy is an extensively performed diagnostic tool. We found that ultrasound-guided percutaneous plugged liver biopsy is an easy to perform procedure, which is associated with a lower risk of a bleeding complications.
The role of physical activity in the prevention of breast cancer: potential mechanisms of action
Authors: Łomnicka Aneta , Malicka Iwona
Published: May 2021

Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy in women both in Poland and worldwide. It is currently one of the largest epidemiological problems. The health-promoting lifestyle, including physical activity, plays an important role in the primary and secondary prevention of breast cancer. Studies have confirmed the relationship between regular exercise and the risk of developing breast cancer, as well as its course and prognosis. A number of possible mechanisms are involved in linking physical activity with the risk of breast cancer. Nevertheless, they have not been fully elucidated. The most important mechanisms include the impact of physical activity on the immune system, inflammatory processes, sex hormone levels, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and lifestyle. The paper attempts to discuss these mechanisms.
Depression symptoms related to undertaking regular physical activity in students of the Faculty of Physiotherapy
Authors: Szczepańska-Gieracha Joanna , Rusowicz Jagoda , Markowska Anna
Published: May 2021

Introduction

The aim of the study was to assess the frame of mind and mood of students of extramural studies at the Faculty of Physiotherapy at the University School of Physical Education in Wrocław in the context of regular physical activity.

Methods

The research involved 35 students of the second year of extramural studies (the whole year 2017/2018). Mood disorders were examined with the Beck Depression Inventory. Moreover, the respondents answered a number of questions included in a questionnaire concerning their economic situation, the possession of a loved one or a close relative, the willingness to receive help from a psychologist/psychotherapist in the case of problems, their professional plans, and undertaking physical activity.

Results

Overall, 49% of the studied group experienced mood disorders of different severity and 6% met the criteria for diagnosing depression. Lack of regular physical activity, gender, and economic situation were significantly related to the occurrence of depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Owing to the high percentage of students with mood disorders, education in the area of prevention and treatment of depression is very important, as is access to psychological support during the course of studies. The mental condition of future physiotherapists is also crucial for the quality of their work, which is related to helping the sick and disabled.
Dos países en uno
Authors: Editor El
Published: May 2021

No abstract available.
ECA Estudios Centroamericanos, Vol. 61, No. 691-692, 2006: 503-515.
An exploratory study on the aspects of vocabulary knowledge addressed in EAP textbooks
Authors: Vu Duy Van , Michel Marije
Published: May 2021

Vocabulary knowledge, which plays an important role in foreign or second language (L2) learning, involves a range of aspects such as form and meaning, grammatical functions, or word parts. Little research, however, has investigated how aspects of vocabulary knowledge are addressed in L2 textbooks. This study aims to fill that gap by examining the aspects of vocabulary knowledge that English for Academic Purposes (EAP) textbooks pay attention to. To that end, four EAP textbooks of upper-intermediate and advanced levels were investigated. A total of 873 vocabulary activities were identified and analysed based on Nation (2013) and Brown’s (2011) frameworks. Results show that grammatical functions, associations, and word parts receive the most attention in the EAP textbooks while written form, constraints on use, and spoken form receive the least attention. The findings also demonstrate variations among the EAP textbooks in their amounts of attention to different aspects of word knowledge.
AGROMETEOROLOGIA APLICADA NA ANÁLISE DE MUDANÇAS CLIMÁTICAS; BALANÇO HÍDRICO CLIMATOLÓGICO DE DIAMANTINO, MATO GROSSO, PARA AS CAD(S) DE 70 E 120
Authors: Silva Guilherme Luiz dos Santos
Published: May 2021

O objetivo deste presente trabalho foi esclarecer os debates polemizados acerca do suposto acréscimo de temperatura e redução da pluviosidade em função do desmatamento e urbanização do Cerrado situado no Centro Oeste brasileiro. Para nível de comparação, foram utilizadas as normais climatológicas de 1961-1990 e 1981-2010, obtidas no banco de dados do Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INMET), vinculado ao Ministério da Agricultura e Abastecimento (MAPA). A localidade escolhida foi o município de Diamantino-MT, sendo que  os resultados obtidos não foram significativos a nível de classificação, permanecendo imutáveis, para ambas as classificações (Köppen e Thornthwaite). Para culturas florestais, pertencentes ao  Cerradão, exigentes de CAD média igual ou superior a 120, Segundo Köppen a classificação foi equivalente àquela CAD voltada a exploração extensiva agrícola de culturas anuais, ou seja, AW Megatérmico ou Tropical com seca no Inverno, para ambos  os períodos. Já para a classificação de Thornthwaite, levando-se em consideração a CAD para espécies florestais de 120, para as normais climatológicas de 1961-1990 e de 1981-2010, o clima encontrado foi distinto daquele aplicado às culturas anuais, agora  dado como B1rA'a' (Clima úmido, sem ou com pequena deficiência hídrica, Megatérmico ou com Evapotranspiração de Verão inferior a 48% da Evapotranspiração Potencial Anual).
Microphysical processes producing high ice water contents (HIWCs) in tropical convective clouds during the HAIC-HIWC field campaign: evaluation of simulations using bulk microphysical schemes
Authors: Huang Yongjie , Wu Wei , McFarquhar Greg M. , Wang Xuguang , Morrison Hugh , Ryzhkov Alexander , Hu Yachao , Wolde Mengistu , Nguyen Cuong , Schwarzenboeck Alfons , Milbrandt Jason , Korolev Alexei V. , Heckman Ivan
Published: May 2021

Abstract. Regions with high ice water content (HIWC), composed of mainly small ice crystals, frequently occur over convective clouds in the tropics. Such regions can have median mass diameters (MMDs) <300 µm and equivalent radar reflectivities <20 dBZ. To explore formation mechanisms for these HIWCs, high-resolution simulations of tropical convective clouds observed on 26 May 2015 during the High Altitude Ice Crystals – High Ice Water Content (HAIC-HIWC) international field campaign based out of Cayenne, French Guiana, are conducted using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with four different bulk microphysics schemes: the WRF single‐moment 6‐class microphysics scheme (WSM6), the Morrison scheme, and the Predicted Particle Properties (P3) scheme with one- and two-ice options. The simulations are evaluated against data from airborne radar and multiple cloud microphysics probes installed on the French Falcon 20 and Canadian National Research Council (NRC) Convair 580 sampling clouds at different heights. WRF simulations with different microphysics schemes generally reproduce the vertical profiles of temperature, dew-point temperature, and winds during this event compared with radiosonde data, and the coverage and evolution of this tropical convective system compared to satellite retrievals. All of the simulations overestimate the intensity and spatial extent of radar reflectivity by over 30 % above the melting layer compared to the airborne X-band radar reflectivity data. They also miss the peak of the observed ice number distribution function for 0.1<Dmax<1 mm. Even though the P3 scheme has a very different approach representing ice, it does not produce greatly different total condensed water content or better comparison to other observations in this tropical convective system. Mixed-phase microphysical processes at −10 ∘C are associated with the overprediction of liquid water content in the simulations with the Morrison and P3 schemes. The ice water content at −10 ∘C increases mainly due to the collection of liquid water by ice particles, which does not increase ice particle number but increases the mass/size of ice particles and contributes to greater simulated radar reflectivity.
Spaceborne differential absorption radar water vapor retrieval capabilities in tropical and subtropical boundary layer cloud regimes
Authors: Roy Richard , Lebsock Matthew , Kurowski Marcin
Published: May 2021

Abstract. Differential absorption radar (DAR) near the 183 GHz water vapor absorption line is an emerging measurement technique for humidity profiling inside of clouds and precipitation with high vertical resolution, as well as for measuring integrated water vapor (IWV) in clear air regions. For radar transmit frequencies on the water line flank away from the highly attenuating line center, the DAR system becomes most sensitive to water vapor in the planetary boundary layer (PBL), which is a region of the atmosphere that is poorly resolved in the vertical by existing spaceborne humidity and temperature profiling instruments. In this work, we present a high-fidelity, end-to-end simulation framework for notional spaceborne DAR instruments that feature realistically achievable radar performance metrics, and apply this simulator to assess DAR's PBL humidity observation capabilities. Both the assumed instrument parameters and radar retrieval algorithm leverage recent technology and algorithm development for an existing airborne DAR instrument. To showcase the capabilities of DAR for humidity observations in a variety of relevant PBL settings, we implement the instrument simulator in the context of large eddy simulations (LES) of 5 different cloud regimes throughout the trade-wind subtropical-to-tropical cloud transition. Three distinct DAR humidity observations are investigated: IWV between the top of the atmosphere and the first detected cloud bin or Earth's surface; in-cloud water vapor profiles with 200 meter vertical resolution; and IWV between the last detected cloud bin and the Earth's surface, which can provide a precise measurement of the sub-cloud humidity. We provide a thorough assessment of the systematic and random errors for all 3 measurement products for each LES case, and analyze the humidity precision scaling with along-track measurement integration. While retrieval performance depends greatly on the specific cloud regime, we find generally that for a radar with cross-track scanning capability, in-cloud profiles with 200 m vertical resolution and 10–20 % uncertainty can be retrieved for horizontal integration distances of 100–200 km. Furthermore, column IWV can be retrieved with 10 % uncertainty for 10–20 km of horizontal integration. Finally, we provide some example science applications of the simulated DAR observations, including estimating near-surface relative humidity using the cloud-to-surface column IWV, and inferring in-cloud temperature profiles from the DAR water vapor profiles by assuming a fully saturated environment.
Are elevated moist layers a blind spot for hyperspectral infrared sounders? – A model study
Authors: Prange Marc , Brath Manfred , Buehler Stefan Alexander
Published: May 2021

Abstract. The ability of the hyperspectral satellite based passive infrared instrument IASI to resolve Elevated Moist Layers (EMLs) within the free troposphere is investigated. EMLs are strong moisture anomalies with significant impact on the radiative heating rate profile and are thought to be coupled to freezing level detrainment of convective cells in the tropics. Based on an exemplary EML testcase and forward modelled IASI observations, it is shown that if sufficient independent humidity and temperature information is available, EMLs do not pose a blind spot for passive satellite observations, contrary to what results of Stevens et al. (2017) have indicated. To further quantify the retrieval’s ability to capture moisture anomalies, a statistical evaluation of synthetic retrievals of 1438 clear sky tropical ocean short-range forecast model atmospheres is conducted. For this purpose, a framework for the identification and characterisation of moisture anomalies, a subset of which are EMLs, is introduced. The statistical evaluation shows that retrieved moisture anomalies are on average 37 % weaker and 28 % thicker than their true counterparts, which can be attributed to the retrieval smoothing error and the fact that rather weak and narrow moisture anomalies are most frequently missed by the retrieval. Smoothing is found to also constrain the magnitude of local heating rate extremes associated with moisture anomalies, particularly for the strongest anomalies that are found in the lower to mid troposphere. In total, about 72 % of moisture anomalies in the reference dataset are found by the retrieval. Below 5 km altitude, this fraction is only on the order of 30 %, which can be attributed to the fact that lower tropospheric moisture anomalies are typically more narrow and therefore tougher to retrieve than anomalies aloft. We conclude that the retrieval of lower to mid tropospheric moisture anomalies, in particular of EMLs, is possible when the anomaly is sufficiently strong and its thickness is at least on the order of about 1.5 km. This study sets the methodological basis, from a retrieval setup and evaluation perspective, to investigate real world EMLs in IASI observations in the future.
Persistent impacts of the 2018 drought on forest disturbance regimes in Europe
Authors: Senf Cornelius , Seidl Rupert
Published: May 2021

Abstract. Europe was affected by an extreme drought in 2018, compounding with an extensive heatwave in the same and subsequent years. Here we provide a first rapid assessment of the impacts this compounding event had on forest disturbance regimes in Europe. We find that the 2018 drought has caused unprecedented levels of forest disturbance across large parts of Europe, persisting up to two years post drought. The 2018 drought pushed forest disturbance regimes in Europe to the edge of their past range of variation, especially in Central and Eastern Europe. Increased levels of forest disturbance were statistically linked to low soil water availability in 2018, and were further modulated by high vapor pressure deficit from 2018 to 2020. We also document the emergence of novel spatiotemporal disturbance patterns following the 2018 drought (i.e., more and larger disturbances, occurring with higher spatiotemporal autocorrelation) that will have long-lasting impacts on forest structure, and raise concerns about a potential loss of forest resilience. We conclude that the 2018 drought had unprecedented impacts on forest disturbance regimes in Europe, highlighting the urgent need to adapt Europe's forests to a hotter and drier future with more disturbance.
The mesoscale eddy field in the Lofoten Basin from high-resolution Lagrangian simulations
Authors: Dugstad Johannes S. , Isachsen Pål Erik , Fer Ilker
Published: May 2021

Abstract. Warm Atlantic-origin waters are modified in the Lofoten Basin in the Nordic
Seas on their way toward the Arctic. An energetic eddy field redistributes
these waters in the basin. Retained for extended periods, the warm waters
result in large surface heat losses to the atmosphere and have an impact on
fisheries and regional climate. Here, we describe the eddy field in the
Lofoten Basin by analyzing Lagrangian simulations forced by a high-resolution
numerical model. We obtain trajectories of particles seeded at three levels – near the surface, at 200 m and at 500 m depth – using 2D and 3D
velocity fields. About 200 000 particle trajectories are analyzed from each
level and each simulation. Using multivariate wavelet ridge analysis, we
identify coherent cyclonic and anticyclonic vortices in the trajectories and
describe their characteristics. We then compare the evolution of water
properties inside cyclones and anticyclones as well as in the ambient flow
outside vortices. As measured from Lagrangian particles, anticyclones have
longer lifetimes than cyclones (16–24 d compared to
13–19 d), a larger radius (20–22 km compared to
17–19 km) and a more circular shape (ellipse linearity of 0.45–0.50
compared to 0.51–0.57). The angular frequencies for cyclones and anticyclones
have similar magnitudes (absolute values of about 0.05f). The anticyclones
are characterized by warm temperature anomalies, whereas cyclones are colder
than the background state. Along their path, water parcels in anticyclones
cool at a rate of 0.02–0.04 ∘Cd-1, while those in cyclones warm at a rate of
0.01–0.02 ∘Cd-1. Water parcels experience a net downward
motion in anticyclones and upward motion in cyclones, often found to be
related to changes in temperature and density. The along-path changes in
temperature, density and depth are smaller for particles in the ambient
flow. An analysis of the net temperature and vorticity fluxes into the Lofoten
Basin shows that while vortices contribute significantly to the heat and
vorticity budgets, they only cover a small fraction of the domain area (about
6 %). The ambient flow, including filaments and other non-coherent
variability undetected by the ridge analysis, hence plays a major role in
closing the budgets of the basin.
Effects of body position and sex group on tongue pressure generation
Authors:   University of Kansas Medical Center, Dietsch Angela , Cirstea Carmen ,   University of Kansas Medical Center, Auer Ed ,   George Washington University, Searl Jeff
Published: May 2021

Fine control of orofacial musculature is necessary to precisely accelerate and decelerate the articulators across exact distances for functional speech and coordinated swallows (Amerman & Parnell, 1990; Benjamin, 1997; Kent, Duffy, Slama, Kent, & Clift, 2001). Enhanced understanding of neural control for such movements could clarify the nature of and potential remediation for some dysarthrias and other orofacial myofunctional impairments. Numerous studies have measured orolingual force and accuracy during speech and nonspeech tasks, but have focused on young adults, maximum linguapalatal pressures, and upright positioning (O’Day, Frank, Montgomery, Nichols, & McDade, 2005; Solomon & Munson, 2004; Somodi, Robin, & Luschei, 1995; Youmans, Youmans, & Stierwalt, 2009). Patients’ medical conditions or testing procedures such as concurrent neuroimaging may preclude fully upright positioning during oral motor assessments in some cases. Since judgments about lingual strength and coordination can influence clinical decisions regarding the functionality of swallowing and speech, it is imperative to understand any effects of body positioning differences. In addition, sex differences in the control of such tasks are not well defined. Therefore, this study evaluated whether pressures exerted during tongue movements differ in upright vs. supine body position in healthy middle-aged men and women. Twenty healthy middle-aged adults compressed small air-filled plastic bulbs in the oral cavity at predetermined fractions of task-specific peak pressure in a randomized block design. Tasks including phoneme repetitions and nonspeech isometric contractions were executed in upright and supine positions. Participants received continuous visual feedback regarding targets and actual exerted pressures. Analyses compared average pressure values for each subject, task, position, and effort level. Speech-like and nonspeech tongue pressures did not differ significantly across body position or sex groups. Pressure matching was significantly less accurate at higher percentages of maximum pressure for both tasks. These results provide preliminary comparative data for the clinical assessment of individuals with orofacial myofunctional and neurological disorders.
Mandibular angle and coronoid process fracture secondary to orofacial dystonia: report of a case
Authors:   Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, Mohanty Sujata , Gulati Ujjwal
Published: May 2021

As the angle is a weak region in the continuity of mandible, so it is more prone to fracture. It has been proven time and again that coronoid fracture results from a strong sudden contraction of temporalis. Muscular forces influence the remodeling of bones. Orofacial dystonia is a centrally mediated disease in which there is an uncontrolled spasmodic contraction of facial and masticatory muscles. This continuous force applied over a long period of time has the potential to unfavorably remodel or weaken bone. A case is presented in which the dystonic action of facial musculature gradually resorbed the bone to such an extent that there was spontaneous fracture at the right angle of mandible as well as the contra lateral coronoid. Management of this fracture posed a challenge at every step eventually leading to resection of the ramus-condyle unit. No case has been reported so far in the literature where dystonic movements have resulted in fracture of the mandible.
Electropalatography as an adjunct to nonspeech orofacial myofunctional disorder assessments: A feasibility study
Authors:   Missouri State University, Mantie-Kozlowski Alana , Pitt Kevin
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to determine if electropalatography (EPG) would be a useful adjunct and feasible option for those conducting clinical assessments of individuals with suspected nonspeech orofacial myofunctional disorders (NSOMD). Three females (two adults, one child) were referred by their orthodontist for assessment of suspected NSOMD. Three adults and one child without NSOMD were recruited for the purpose of evaluating methodological construct, and to provide comparisons for participants with NSOMD. Using EPG, lingual-palatal timing and contact patterns of 105 saliva swallows (45 with NSOMD, 60 without NSOMD) were analyzed by compartmentalizing the sensor display and tracking the order and duration of activation. Lingual-palatal contact patterns were compared in terms of four stages: prepropulsion, propulsion, postpropulsion, release. Coding the lingual-palatal activation in an operationalized manner was a valuable adjunct for describing lingual-palatal timing and contact patterns. Participants with NSOMD showed unique lingual-palatal contact patterns that differed from the patterns of the participants without NSOMD, and from each other. EPG is a potential adjunct to the non-instrumental assessment of NSOMD. Larger scale investigations using EPG should proceed.
The essential role of the COM in the management of sleep-disordered breathing: A literature review and discussion
Authors: Frey Lorraine , Green Shari , Fabbie Paula , Hockenbury Dana , Foran Marge , Elder K Kathleen
Published: May 2021

The origins of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy began in the early 1960's by orthodontists who recognized the importance of functional nasal breathing, proper swallowing, and more ideal oral rest postures. Re-patterning these functions through myofunctional therapy assisted with better orthodontic outcomes and improved stability. Experts in orofacial myology have concluded that improper oral rest postures and tongue thrusting may be the result of hypertrophy of the lymphatic tissues in the upper airway. Orthodontists are aware of the deleterious effects these habits have on the developing face and dentition. Sleep disordered breathing is a major health concern that affects people from infancy into adulthood. Physicians who treat sleep disorders are now referring patients for orofacial myofunctional therapy. Researchers have concluded that removal of tonsils and adenoids, along with expansion orthodontics, may not fully resolve the upper airway issues that continue to plague patients' health. Sleep researchers report that the presence of mouth breathing, along with hypotonia of the orofacial muscular complex, has been a persistent problem in the treatment of sleep disordered breathing. Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) coexist in a large population of people with sleep disordered breathing and sleep apnea. Advances in 30 Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) imaging offer the dental and medical communities the opportunity to identify, assess, and treat patients with abnormal growth patterns. These undesirable changes in oral structures can involve the upper airway, as well as functional breathing, chewing and swallowing. Leading researchers have advocated a multidisciplinary team approach. Sleep physicians, otolaryngologists, dentists, myofunctional therapists, and other healthcare professionals are working together to achieve these goals. The authors have compiled research articles that support incorporating the necessary education on sleep disordered breathing for healthcare professionals seeking education in orofacial myology.
Nuevas narrativas en los cibermedios: de la disrupción a la consolidación de formatos y características
Authors: Vázquez-Herrero Jorge
Published: May 2021

El periodismo digital ha vivido transformaciones constantes en sus primeros 25 años de historia, en los que la forma de contar historias ha cambiado conforme las diferentes especies del ecosistema aparecieron y se interrelacionaron. Superada una fase de significativa experimentación en los formatos narrativos adaptados al medio digital, es necesario evaluar los aspectos que permanecen y su evolución en la producción de los cibermedios. A partir del análisis de contenido en una selección de diez cibermedios y entrevistas con profesionales, se identifican los formatos y las características que se han desplegado con un desarrollo narrativo. Los resultados indican que existe una experimentación significativa que ha llevado determinados rasgos y formas de expresión de la disrupción a la consolidación, en función al grado de adopción e innovación, aunque todavía es extraordinaria la presencia de los proyectos multimedia e interactivos complejos en la oferta informativa cotidiana.
Discursos antigênero e políticas curriculares cearenses: entre tensões e resistências
Authors: Oliveira Wenderson Silva , Melo Carlos Ian Bezerra de , Farias Isabel Maria Sabino de
Published: May 2021

Este artigo aborda os discursos antigênero nos planos educacionais cearenses e como atravessam os currículos escolares. Examinamos a legislação educacional dos dez maiores municípios do Estado do Ceará e encontramos, nas cidades de Fortaleza, Sobral, Juazeiro do Norte, Crato e Quixadá, projetos legislativos que mencionavam o slogan “ideologia de gênero”. Até o presente momento, apenas os municípios de Juazeiro do Norte e Crato proíbem, na legislação educacional, quaisquer menções a gênero e sexualidade, sob a premissa de serem ideológicos. Apresentamos, também, os modos pelos quais a política curricular estadual, por meio do Documento Curricular Referencial do Ceará, faz resistência às investidas conservadoras, tentando promover uma educação plural, justa e diversa, que dialogue com as necessidades dos movimentos sociais das minorias de direito.
Resectoscopic Surgery Part I: Overcoming Obstacles and Mastering the Basics
Authors: Wortman Morris
Published: May 2021

The introduction of the continuous flow gynecologic resectoscope (CFGR) in 1989 revolutionized minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS) by introducing such intrauterine procedures as hysteroscopic myomectomy, polypectomy, and endometrial ablation. However, with the subsequent introduction of global endometrial ablation (GEA) devices and hysteroscopic morcellators (HMs), the CFGR has fallen into relative disuse—a regrettable situation since it remains ideally suited for accomplishing many procedures that are otherwise not achievable with these newer technologies. Procedures which involve greater precision and control—endomyometrial resection (EMR), hysteroscopic metroplasty, the correction of isthmoceles, the resection of intramural myomas, and the management of late-onset endometrial ablation failure—are only possible with the CFGR. In addition, the CFGR permits a variety of functions that would otherwise require several different disposable platforms.
Despite the benefits of the gynecologic resectoscope, there are clear impediments to its use including a scarcity of educational resources and trained experts, medico-legal concerns, institutional obstacles to organizing an operative team, and the need to develop and maintain an adequate caseload.
In Part I of this three-part series, the author will review why the CFGR remains a relevant and indispensable tool for the minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon, the composition of an operating room team, and the instrumentation and skills necessary to accomplish basic resectoscopic surgery. In Part II, we will describe how ultrasound guidance can be used to assist the execution of more challenging intermediate-level cases. Finally, in Part III, we will discuss the most demanding cases for the resectoscopic surgeon—the treatment of post-ablation failures and the removal of intramural leiomyomas—which are clinical scenarios that require ultrasound guidance and well-honed resectoscopic surgical skills.
Inguinal Hernia: Defect Obliteration with the 3D Dynamic Regenerative Scaffold Proflor™
Authors: Amato Giuseppe , Agrusa Antonino , Di Buono Giuseppe , Calò Pietro , Cassata Giovanni , Cicero Luca , Romano Giorgio
Published: May 2021

Prosthetic inguinal hernia repair presents significant challenges. Some of these, such as mesh fixation and quality of the biologic response, are still debated among surgeons. For example, there is no strong consensus regarding a specific condition that characterizes the surgical procedure during herniorrhaphy. This issue concerns management of the hernia defect, which in conventional hernia repair with flat meshes remains patent. However, a critical analysis of typical postoperative complications after inguinal hernia repair reveals that some of these adverse events are related to patency of the hernial opening. Postoperative discomfort, pain with specific movements and even hernia recurrence can be caused by incomplete or defective management of the hernia defect. For this reason, a deeper understanding of this topic would be useful for improving postoperative outcomes. A recently updated concept for inguinal hernia repair takes this technical aspect into consideration. It is based on the use of a newly developed 3D scaffold—ProFlor™ (Insightra Medical, Inc., Clarksville, TN, USA)—that is intended to be deployed into the defect. This novel hernia repair device has interesting and original features, such as dynamic responsivity in compliance with inguinal movement, fixation-free mode and regenerative behavior that counteracts the degenerative effects of the disease. Another additional proprietary feature of this 3D scaffold is the full and permanent obliteration of the defect, which is a crucial aspect to improve outcomes by avoiding the typical adverse effects of this surgical procedure. Obliteration of the hernia defect with the 3D dynamic regenerative scaffold ProFlor™ appears to be superior to coverage by means of static (passive) flat meshes/plugs used in conventional hernia repair. This report highlights the principles of this procedural approach.
Rancang Bangun Sistem Informasi Penjualan Online (E-Commerce) pada Toko Cindyah Collection dengan Metode Rapid Application Development
Authors: Suriyana Afan , Junaedi Lukman
Published: May 2021

Penelitian ini dilakukan pada Cindyah Collection. Laporan ini diambil dengan judul “Rancang Bangun Sistem Informasi Penjualan Berbasis Web Menggunakan Metode RAD Pada Cindyah Collection”. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode RAD (Rapid Application Development) ini dapat dikembangkan sebagai pendekatan yang sangat cocok untuk sistem informasi penjualan. Penelitian ini dilakukan bertujuan untuk membangun sebuah sistem informasi penjualan di Cindyah Collection dan untuk membantu manajamen perusahaan dalam menyediakan penjualan. Sistem informasi penjualan berbasis web ini dibangun menggunakan Freamwork Codeigniter 3.1.0, Php MySql, Xampp, Adobe Illustrator dan Metode Blackbox Testing untuk melakukan pengujian pada sistem. Dengan begitu hasil dari penelitian ini adalah sistem informasi penjualan yang digunakan untuk melakukan transaksi penjualan, pembelian dan pencatatan laporan penjualan yang lebih terkomputerisasi, efisien dan akurat.
Perancangan ComuLife Aplikasi Pendukung Kebutuhan Masyarakat Menghadapi Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Putro Fidi Wincoko , Manoppo Leonard Julian Augusta , Akbar Harya Abimanyu Athalla , Zindani Ahmad Yuridan
Published: May 2021

Pandemi Covid-19 saat ini melanda beberapa negara. Indonesia termasuk negara yang terkena dampak dari Covid-19 tersebut. Akibat dampak tersebut, tidak sedikit dari warga Indonesia yang terpapar virus tersebut. Penyebaran Covid-19 terus bertambah hingga korban jiwa terus meningkat. Warga yang terpapar pun diharuskan melakukan isolasi mandiri selama 14 hari di rumah bersama keluarga mereka. Karena melakukan isolasi mandiri, maka warga yang terkonfirmasi positif Covid-19 kesulitan untuk memenuhi kebutuhan hidup sehari-hari. Masyarakat telah berusaha untuk saling membantu warga yang terkena Covid-19 untuk bertahan hidup selama masa isolasi, tetapi mereka takut terjadi kontak langsung. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini mengusulkan rancangan suatu alat bantu berupa aplikasi ComuLife yang berfungsi sebagai alat komunikasi dan kolaborasi untuk membantu warga terkonfirmasi Covid-19 agar mampu bertahan hidup secara gotong-royong bersama masyarakat sekitar. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, sekitar 61,1% masyarakat menyatakan aplikasi tersebut sangat layak untuk digunakan.
Historija i savremenost: publicistički doprinos Adila Zulfikarpašića procesu kritičkog preispitivanja ratne prošlosti Bosne i Hercegovine (1941-1945)
Authors: Bandžović Safet
Published: May 2021

Period Drugog svjetskog rata na prostoru nekadašnje jugoslavenske državne zajednice, kao i Bosne i Hercegovine, s problemima “zatamnjene prošlosti”, izaziva znatnu pažnju u “historiografiji tranzicije”. Taj dio historije, izložen nerijetko politiziranju, selektivnim shvatanjima i starim matricama, nerijetko se, pogotovo kada je riječ o Bošnjacima, tendenciozno interpretira, sa mnoštvom stereotipa. Adil Zulfikarpašić je ukazivao na to da je nužan konstruktivan pogled na cjelokupnu prošlost Bošnjaka, jer ona nije “crna i neslavna”. Postoje, pak, ne samo u regionalnim naučnim krugovima, otpori prema racionalnim rekonstrukcijama i reaktuelizaciji “kontroverznih” tema, pošto im odgovaraju konzervirane slike, manihejske ocjene i dogmatska terminologija. Odsustvo želje da se to stanje prevaziđe posljedica je diskriminatorskog stava u tim limitiranim historiografijama, pritisnutih tegovima politike i prevaziđenih istraživačkih koncepcija. Generalizacije vode u zablude, kao i nasilno povezivanje deformirane prošlosti sa sadašnjošću i njenim interesima. Brojna pitanja vezana za Drugi svjetski rat, Bosnu i Hercegovinu i bošnjačku poziciju, mimo poratnih ideoloških premisa i “zvaničnih istina”, ostala su marginalizirana. Ta prošlost je složenija od svih istraživačkih modela i ideoloških naklonosti. Zulfikarpašić je uređivanjem Bosanskih pogleda, svojim spisateljskim i intelektualnim angažmanom, uz izdavačku djelatnost Bošnjačkog instituta, dao višestran doprinos multiperspektivnom pristupu ratnoj prošlosti i sagledavanju njenih reljefnih dionica.
The Armenian Virtual Observatory (ArVO)
Authors: Mickaelian A. M. , Astsatryan H. V. , Knyazyan A. V. , Mikayelyan G. A. , Gevorgyan Gh. , Baghdasaryan D. S. , Abrahamyan H. V.
Published: May 2021

The Astrophysical Virtual Observatories (AVOs) have been created in a number of countries using their available databases and current observing material as a collection of interoperating data archives and software tools to form a research environment in which complex research programs can be conducted. Among all these data, a large spectroscopic database for all objects is especially useful. The Armenian Virtual Observatory (ArVO) has being created to utilize the Digitized First Byurakan Survey (DFBS) as an appropriate spectroscopic database. ArVO is a project of the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (BAO) aimed at construction of a modern system for data archiving, extraction, acquisition, reduction, use and publication. ArVO is based on DFBS and is the Armenian contribution to the International Virtual Observatories Alliance (IVOA). One of the ArVO's main tasks is to create and utilize a global Spectroscopic Virtual Observatory, which will combine data from DFBS and other low-dispersion spectroscopic databases, as well as provide the first understanding on the nature of any object up to B=18 m. In frame of ArVO, BAO collaborates with the Institute of Informatics and Automation Problems (IIAP) of the Armenian National Academy of Sciences to develop software for ArVO corresponding to the IVOA standards. Beside the DFBS, ArVO is being complemented by the Digitized Second Byurakan Survey (SBS) database, the Byurakan photographic archive, and BAO 2.6m and 1m Schmidt telescope observations, and will be a part of IVOA.
Runaway stars in Vel OB1 association
Authors: Azatyan N. , Kaper L. , Guo D. , Nikoghosyan E.
Published: May 2021

We present the origins of two runaway stars in the Vel OB1 association using Gaia proper motions and parallaxes. Proper motions and parallaxes show that mentioned two runaways came out from Vel OB1 association: one of them, namely CD-41 4637 is the result of dynamical interaction in its host cluster and Vela X-1 high-mass X-ray binary became a runaway after supernova explosion.
EFFECTIVENESS OF STABILITY BALL EXERCISES AND ERGONOMICS TRAINING IN PREGNANCY RELATED LOW BACK PAIN
Authors:   Dr. Nousheen Nazir, Gynaecology Clinic. I-10/4 Islamabad, Izhar Faiqa , Naqvi Qudsia ,   Medicare Hospital Rawalpindi. Pakistan, Aftab Anam ,   Faculty of Rehabilitation & Allied Health Science Riphah International University, Lahore
Published: May 2021

Objective: to determine the effectiveness of stability ball exercises and ergonomics training to reduce pregnancy related low back pain. Methodology: A pretest-posttest, randomized clinical trial was conducted at Dr. Nousheen Nazir, gynaecology clinic in I-10/4 Islamabad, for a time period of 1 year. The participants with age criteria of 18-35 years and pregnant females up to 32 weeks were included in the study. Low back pain was assessed through Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The level of significance was set at 95% CI (p≤0.05).Results: The mean age of the study participants was 26.48±4.54 years. Ergonomic training (ET) showed significant improvement in overall low back disability {X2(2) =24.58, W=0.53, p<0.001} but no significant improvement (p>0.05) observed from 0 to 2nd week and from 2nd to 4th week, large significant improvement was observed (p=0.005, r=0.59). Stability ball exercise showed large significant improvement {X2(2) =36.86, W=0.84, p<0.001} from 0 to 2nd week (p=0.000, r=0.84) and from 2nd to 4th week (p=0.000, r=0.77). There was moderate significant difference in overall ODI score between SBE and ET group after 2nd {19(9.5) vs 24(13), p=0.012, r=-0.37) and 4th week {9(10) vs 18(10), p=0.002, r=0.472}. Conclusion: Both protocols such as ergonomics training and balancing ball exercises were effective for pregnancy related low back pain. But stability ball exercises were more effective in reducing the disability.