bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of geriatric and somatic status in patients with osteoporosis
Authors: Khovasova N. O. , Naumov A. V. , Tkacheva O. N. , Dudinskaya E. N.
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND: Older adults with osteoporosis (OP) and high risk of falls are the most vulnerable group of patients with respect to the development of fractures. Falls and fractures in elderly patients with OP are associated with geriatric syndromes and worse functional status.

AIM: To аssess comorbidity and geriatric status in elderly and senile patients with and without OP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 607 patients over 60 years of age hospitalized in the geriatric department. According to the presence of OP, the patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 — patients with OP (n=178, 29.3%), group 2 — patients without OP (n=429, 70.7%). All patients underwent a general clinical study, an assessment of comorbidity ­according to the Charlson index, and a comprehensive geriatric score.

RESULTS: OPs had 178 (29.3%) patients, more often these were women. 55.6% of patients with OP were disabled. Age-­related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, osteoarthritis, anemia, thyroid disease, varicose veins were significantly more common in patients with OP. With almost all of these diseases, a univariate analysis revealed an association with OP. Geriatric syndromes such as frailty, hypodynamia, malnutrition, polypharmacy, urinary incontinence were significantly more common in group 1 patients. Patients with OP were more likely to live alone and use mobility aids compared to patients without OP.

The univariate analysis demonstrated that OP is associated (OR 1.54 to 2.00) with frailty, hypodynamia, the use of aids in movement, sleep disorders, sensory vision deficiency, urinary incontinence. The Functional status of patients with OP was worse compared to patients without OP. Patients with OP suffered more fractures, and vertebral fractures were significantly more frequent.

CONCLUSION: Patients with OP have a high comorbidity, a burdened geriatric status. In elderly patients, it is necessary not only to screen and diagnose OP, to assess the risk of 10-years probability of major pathological fractures using the FRAX algorithm, but also to conduct a comprehensive geriatric assessment to diagnose geriatric syndromes that weaken the course of OP and lead to more serious consequences.
Adrenal imaging: anatomy and pathology (literature review)
Authors: Korb T. A. , Chernina V. Yu. , Blokhin I. A. , Aleshina O. O. , Vorontsov A. V. , Morozov S. P. , Gombolevskiy V. A.
Published: July 2021

This literature review focuses on the normal adrenal gland anatomy and typical imaging features necessary to evaluate benign and malignant lesions. In particular, adenoma, pheochromocytoma, metastases and adrenocortical carcinoma were discussed as some of the most common lesions. For this purpose, a review of relevant local and international literature sources up to January 2021 was conducted.

In many cases, adrenal incidentalomas have distinctive features allowing characterization using noninvasive methods. It is possible to suspect a malignant nature and promptly refer the patient for the necessary invasive examinations in some cases. ­Computed tomography, especially with intravenous contrast enhancement, is the primary imaging modality because it enables differential diagnosis. Magnetic resonance tomography remains a sensitive method in lesion detection and follow-up but is not very specific for determining the malignant potential. Positron emission computed tomography also remains an additional method and is used mainly for differential diagnosis of malignant tumors, detecting metastases and recurrences after surgical treatment. Ultrasound has a limited role but is nevertheless of great importance in the pediatric population, especially newborns. Promising techniques such as radiomics and dual-energy CT can expand imaging capabilities and improve diagnostic accuracy.

Because adrenal lesions are often incidentally detected by imaging performed for other reasons, it is vital to interpret such findings correctly. This review should give the reader a broad overview of how different imaging modalities can evaluate adrenal pathology and guide radiologists and clinicians.
A rare case of a functioning gonadotroph tumor accompanied by erythrocytosis in an elderly man
Authors: Mamedova E. O. , Selivanova L. S. , Potapova K. A. , Buryakina S. A. , Azizyan V. N. , Grigoriev A. Yu. , Belaya Zh. E.
Published: July 2021

Functioning gonadotroph adenomas are rare pituitary tumors secreting one or two gonadotropins (follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and/or luteinizing hormone (LH)), which are hormonally active. In the majority of cases, gonadotroph tumors are endocrinologically “silent” and make up more than a half of non-functioning pituitary adenomas. In this article we describe a rare clinical case of LH/FSH-secreting pituitary macroadenoma with bitemporal hemianopsia in a 62-year-old man. The patient underwent transnasal transsphenoidal adenomectomy, leading to remission. The distinctive feature of this case is the presence of secondary erythrocytosis due to endogenous hyperandrogenism, which required several blood exfusions to normaliza the level of hematocrit before surgery. It is noteworthy that clinical signs of erythrocytosis were present long before visual impairment. This clinical case demonstrates difficulties in the early diagnosis of functioning gonadotroph adenomas.
Percepciones sobre riesgos ocupacionales en el trabajo con animales y motivaciones de los estudiantes para ingresar a la carrera de veterinaria
Authors: TARABLA Héctor Dante
Published: July 2021

Se desarrolló un estudio transversal en 130 ingresantes a la Faculta de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral para describir las motivaciones para estudiar veterinaria y las percepciones sobre el riesgo de sufrir enfermedades profesionales y accidentes ocupacionales. El análisis estadístico incluyó χ2 y correlación de Spearman. La motivación por la medicina fue la más prevalente, registrándose un mayor interés por los bovinos, caninos, felinos y fauna silvestre. Los varones mostraron preferencia por los bovinos (P= 0,005) y las mujeres por los caninos y felinos (P˂ 0,001). La motivación por la actividad agropecuaria y los espacios abiertos no estuvieron significativamente asociadas (P= 0,598). La primera estuvo relacionada con los bovinos (P˂ 0,001), ovinos (P= 0,003) y porcinos (P= 0,050), mientras que los últimos sólo con la fauna silvestre (P˂ 0,053). Las zoonosis más mencionadas fueron rabia, tuberculosis y brucelosis. Los estudiantes percibieron el riesgo de enfermedades como más alto en el trabajo con porcinos y bovinos, mientras que el de lesiones lo fue con equinos. Las respuestas “No sabe/no contesta” fueron frecuentes en el reconocimiento de algunas zoonosis y en las percepciones de riesgos de accidentes y enfermedades. Estos resultados reafirman la necesidad de un contacto precoz de los estudiantes de veterinaria con temas relacionados con la salud ocupacional.
Fiabilidad y validez de constructo de la traducción al valenciano/catalán del Cuestionario para la Evaluación del Síndrome de Quemarse por el trabajo (CESQT) en docentes no universitarios
Authors: Llorca-Rubio José Luis , Llorca-Pellicer Marta , Gil-Monte Pedro Rafael
Published: July 2021

Mediante este estudio se pretende determinar las propiedades psicométricas del «Cuestionario para la Evaluación del Síndrome de Quemarse por el Trabajo» (CESQT) para su adaptación al valenciano/catalán en una muestra de personal docente no universitario de la provincia de Valencia (España). La muestra la formaron 1359 docentes (67.2% mujeres). El cuestionario consta de 20 ítems distribuido en cuatro escalas: Ilusión por el trabajo (5 ítems), Desgaste psíquico (4 ítems), Indolencia (6 ítems) y Culpa (5 ítems). Se realizó un análisis factorial confirmatorio (AFC) y se calcularon los valores alfa de Cronbach para las escalas. Todos los ítems presentaron valores estadísticos y psicométricos adecuados. El modelo de cuatro factores que reproduce la estructura original del cuestionario presentó un ajuste adecuado a los datos. El valor del alfa de Cronbach resultó aceptable para las cuatro escalas del instrumento. Estos resultados contribuyen a la validación psicométrica transcultural del cuestionario, permitiendo concluir que el CESQT, en valenciano/catalán resulta un instrumento fiable y válido para evaluar el SQT en personal docente no universitario.
Autoeficacia y optimismo en estudiantes universitarios según su espiritualidad y religiosidad y espiritualidad
Authors: Arbinaga Félix , Torres-Rosado Lidia , Romero-Pérez Nehemías , Mendoza-Sierra María Isabel , Carrasco-Rodriguez Yojanan
Published: July 2021

La espiritualidad/religiosidad, como factores de regulación verbal, influyen en sobre la manera en que una persona se comporta. En esta investigación se analiza cómo ambas variables interaccionan con la autoeficacia y el optimismo en estudiantes universitarios. Ha participado un total de 121 hombres y 198 mujeres estudiantes universitarios, con una edad media de 22.63 años (DT = 2.834). La espiritualidad fue evaluada mediante la Beliefs and Values Scale, el ateísmo con la Rejection of Christianity Scale, la autoeficacia general mediante la The General Self-Efficacy Scale y el optimismo con el Life Orientation Test. Los resultados indican que tras realizar una regresión lineal las puntuaciones en ateísmo mostrarían una capacidad explicativa del 22.7% sobre la varianza en la autoeficacia general reflejada por los estudiantes; sin embargo, el aporte realizado por la espiritualidad no es significativo. No obstante, es el optimismo quien mantiene la mayor capacidad explicativa (β = .401). Tomando la puntuación total del optimismo como variable dependiente, tanto la espiritualidad como el ateísmo hacen un aporte negativo y no significativo, siendo explicada por la autoeficacia general en un 40.9% de su varianza; el número de actos religiosos a los que se acude durante un mes explicarían el 13% de la varianza obtenida.
Diferencias en el bienestar y capital psicológico de las personas afectadas por el DANA
Authors: García Selva Adrián , Solanes Puchol Ángel , Martín del Río Beatriz
Published: July 2021

El fenómeno meteorológico conocido como “gota fría” o DANA, que puede dar lugar a un desastre natural, genera afectación psicológica y consecuencias adversas en el bienestar psicológico de quien lo padece. El objetivo del trabajo es analizar si las personas que han vivido este fenómeno y han experimentado daños materiales y/o pérdidas en el empleo o puesto de trabajo, muestran diferencias en su bienestar psicológico y capital psicológico en función del nivel de pérdida de recursos experimentado, en comparación con los que han vivido el mismo evento sin experimentar dichas pérdidas. En el estudio participaron 202 personas trabajadoras que sufrieron este desastre natural en primera persona en septiembre de 2019. Se evaluó las pérdidas experimentadas en las inundaciones (materiales propias, materiales en su organización o puesto de trabajo), el bienestar psicológico (PWBS) y el capital psicológico (PCQ). Los resultados indican que el grupo de sujetos que sufrieron más pérdidas (materiales y en el entorno laboral), mostraban niveles significativamente menores de bienestar psicológico (menor autonomía, autoaceptación, dominio del entorno, capacidad para desarrollar relaciones positivas con los demás y menor posibilidad de desarrollo personal) y capital psicológico (menos autoeficacia, atribuciones positivas de éxito, esperanza en el cumplimiento de metas y menor resiliencia).
Análisis de las Actitudes de las y los Adolescentes hacia la Prostitución y los Motivos para su consumo
Authors: Velikova Dimitrova Mariela , Martín-Aragón Gelabert Maite , Terol Cantero María del Carmen , Vázquez Rodríguez Carolina
Published: July 2021

La prostitución es una fenómeno social complejo pero escasamente investigado. El impacto social del tema señala la importancia de abordarlo desde etapas tempranas, como la adolescencia, por lo que, este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar las creencias de las y los adolescentes sobre diferentes motivos para el consumo de prostitución, y en qué medida éstos predicen sus actitudes al respecto. La muestra fue de 615 adolescentes de centros públicos y concertados de la provincia de Alicante. Se utiliza un cuestionario ad-hoc de Motivos para el Consumo de Prostitución (Martin-Aragón, Terol, Domínguez y López-Andújar, 2019) y la Escala de Actitudes hacia la Prostitución (Levin y Peled, 2011, adaptada por Brotons, Martin-Aragón y Terol, 2016). Los resultados muestran que los chicos frente a las chicas presentan mayor acuerdo con los motivos para el consumo de prostitución, y consideran en mayor medida la prostitución como una elección personal. Estos resultados muestran la necesidad de sensibilizar a las y los adolescentes en el fenómeno de la prostitución para facilitar el cambio de un sistema de relaciones de género basadas en el sexismo, la violencia y la dominación masculina.
Atención plena y conciencia corporal en mujeres con un trastorno de la conducta alimentaria
Authors: Fernández Alcaraz Candela , Quiles Sebastian María José , Quiles Yolanda
Published: July 2021

Introducción. A las personas con un trastorno de la conducta alimentaria (TCA) les resulta complicado sentir o reconocer señales corporales, ya que presentan un bloqueo emocional acompañado de pensamientos obsesivos entorno al peso, comida y cuerpo. Objetivo. Describir en un grupo de mujeres con un TCA las variables conciencia y disociación corporales, actitud consciente, no enjuiciamiento, restricción cognitiva, sintomatología ansioso/depresiva y estilos de ingesta, relacionar esas variables entre sí y, por último, analizar si existen diferencias con un grupo de población general. Método. Estudio descriptivo de carácter transversal. Se realizó un muestreo incidental y participaron 31 mujeres diagnosticadas de TCA con una media de 30,32 años (DT=11,19) y 66 mujeres de la población general con características sociodemográficas equivalentes a las participantes del grupo de pacientes, donde la media de edad fue de 28,97 años (DT=9,75). Para la evaluación se emplearon los cuestionarios DASS-21, FFMQ-E, TFEQ-R18, DEBQ, SBC y un cuestionario sociodemográfico elaborado Ad-hoc. Resultados. Existen diferencias significativas entre el grupo de TCA y el grupo de población general en las variables ingesta incontrolada (p=,003), dieta restrictiva (p=,001), comer emocional (p=,001) y comer externo (p=,001). Conclusiones. Los resultados sugieren la relevancia de incluir intervenciones centradas en el mindful eating en estas pacientes.
The Effect of Trim on Tanker, Container and Bulk Carrier Ship Toward the Reduction of Ship’s Exhaust Gas Emission
Authors: Undap Robin , Fadillah Arif
Published: July 2021

Emission is one of the few environmental problems, and ships are one of the modes of transportation that produce it. This study aims to define the impact of using optimal trim during the cruising phase, so it can decrease the resistance and the fuel consumption, which will lead to less emission produced by the ship. The type and amount of ships used in this study are three tanker ships, three container ships, and two bulk carrier ships. The methodology used in this study is by using Holtrop’s resistance calculation method with the help of Maxsurf software. The resistance, the power needed, and the fuel consumption is calculated on 22 trim variations and seven speed variations. This study determined that the average decrease in fuel consumption caused by trim optimization for tanker, container, and bulk carrier ships is 5.641%, 8.269%, and 15.704%. Furthermore, the average decrease of emissions produced by tanker, container, and bulk carrier is 6.494%, 11.317%, and 13.775%, respectively. These results are narrowed down to conclude that trim optimization can reduce fuel consumption by up to 9.871% and decrease the emission produced by up to 10.529% for the three types of ships used in this study.
The TLP 2-DOF as an alternative model for extreme wave application
Authors: Akmal Jamiatul , Lubis Asnawi , Tanti Novri , Nuryanto Nuryanto , Murti Adam Wisnu
Published: July 2021

Tension Leg Platform (TLP) is an offshore platform structure used for deep-sea oil and gas exploration. The main structure of the TLP consists of a deck, pontoon, mooring system, and foundation. TLP operates in a balance of buoyancy, structural weight, and mooring tension. The problem is the construction of TLP in the deep sea, where sometimes extreme waves appear could damage the TLP structure. This paper proposes a new model of TLP that is more stable to extreme waves. The method is to separate the mass of the deck and the mass of the pontoon into two flexible parts, which are connected by a cantilever spring system. Thus the TLP motion becomes two degrees of freedom (TLP 2-DOF). Using the dynamic vibration absorber (DVA) method, the ratio of the deck mass, pontoon mass, and spring stiffness are adjusted so that the primary mass movement is minimal. Furthermore, the ratio of the amplitude of the deck movement as the primary mass to the wave amplitude is analyzed, which is known as the operator response amplitude (RAO). The results showed that the TLP 2-DOF model was more stable. As an illustration, at resonance conditions, this model can reduce RAO to about 67%.
Efeito alelopático de Solanum pimpinellifolium L. sobre a germinação e crescimento inicial de Lactuca sativa e Bidens pilosa
Authors: Fioresi Raiane de Souza , Rodrigues Filho Josinei , Perin Idalina Tereza de Almeida Leite , Da Silva Rodolpho Waichert , Dos Santos Camila Reis , Borges Corte Viviana , França Hildegardo Seibert
Published: July 2021

Alelopatia é a interferência causada por substâncias químicas produzidas por plantas em organismos da comunidade, acarretando tanto efeitos benéficos quanto prejudiciais. Devido ao grande potencial alelopático do gênero Solanum, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar o efeito alelopático dos extratos hexânico, metanólico e de acetato de etila de folhas de Solanum pimpinellifolium L. sobre a germinação de Lactuca sativa e Bidens pilosa. Os extratos foram obtidos por maceração à temperatura ambiente por 7 dias. Depois foram secos e diluídos para as concentrações 1,0; 2,0 e 5,0 mg/mL. Em seguida, 100 sementes de cada espécie foram distribuídas em placas de Petri umedecidas com as diferentes concentrações de cada extrato e colocadas para germinar sob luz constante em câmara de germinação tipo BOD. Os bioensaios foram monitorados diariamente, obtendo-se ao final de 7 dias a porcentagem de germinação e o índice de velocidade de germinação (IVG). Dos três extratos analisados, o obtido pela extração com acetato de etila apresentou melhor desempenho, diminuindo a velocidade e a porcentagem de germinação em todas as concentrações e na concentração 5,0 mg/mL apresentou apenas 7% de germinação para L. sativa. O extrato hexânico diminuiu a velocidade e a porcentagem de germinação de B. pilosa em todas as concentrações. As análises fitoquímicas realizadas por meio de técnica de cromatografia em camada delgada (CCD) nos extratos de folha de Solanum pimpinellifolium identificaram quatro grupos químicos: flavonoides, saponinas, alcaloides e mono e diterpenos, sendo apenas esta última classe presente em todos os extratos analisados.
Comparison of selenium-induced antioxidant responses and bioaccumulation in two strains of the halotolerant alga Dunaliella salina
Authors: Hamidkhani Aida , Asgarani Ezat , Saboora Azra , Hejazi Mohammad Amin
Published: July 2021

Selenium water pollution is an increasing environmental problem that requires investigation of cellular responses of aquatic primary producer organisms, especially algae. Industrial wastewater with selenium contamination is often coupled with high salinity (60–70). In this study, the biochemical responses of two strains of the halotolerant alga (Dunaliella salina Hoze-soltan and Dunaliella salina CCAP 19/18) to different selenium concentrations were evaluated. Although at high selenium concentrations both strains showed lipid peroxidation and cell number reduction, Dunaliella salina Hoze-soltan was less affected. Higher selenium tolerance in this strain might be attributed to the better activity of resistance responses like proline, total reducing sugar, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POX), even at the high selenium concentrations. Catalase (CAT) had no significant role for protection against selenium toxicity as its activity declined in both strains with rising selenium concentration. Both strains accumulated selenium intracellularly, but the accumulation was about three-fold higher in Dunaliella salina Hoze-soltan than in the other strain. It can be concluded that Dunaliella salina Hoze-soltan may be a better candidate for selenium bioremediation of a high salinity environment. The data obtained from this study could be useful for improvement of algal ability for high efficiency selenium bioremediation in hypersaline environments.
Anthropometric, metabolic, and reproductive outcomes of patients with central precocious puberty treated with leuprorelin acetate 3-month depot (11.25 mg)
Authors: Ramos Carolina O. , Canton Ana P M , Seraphim Carlos Eduardo , Faria Aline Guimarães , Tinano Flavia Rezende , Mendonca Berenice B , Latronico Ana C. , Brito Vinicius N.
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Longer-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs (GnRHa) have been widely used for central precocious puberty (CPP) treatment. However, the follow-up of patients after this treatment are still scarce. Our aim was to describe anthropometric, metabolic, and reproductive follow-up of CPP patients after treatment with leuprorelin acetate 3-month depot (11.25 mg).

Methods

Twenty-two female patients with idiopathic CPP were treated with leuprorelin acetate 3-month depot (11.25 mg). Their medical records were retrospectively evaluated regarding clinical, hormonal, and imaging aspects before, during, and after GnRHa treatment until adult height (AH).

Results

At the diagnosis of CPP, the mean chronological age (CA) was 8.2 ± 1.13 year, and mean bone age (BA) was 10.4 ± 1.4 year. Mean height SDS at the start and the end of GnRHa treatment was 1.6 ± 0.8 and 1.3 ± 0.9, respectively. The mean duration of GnRHa treatment was 2.8 ± 0.8 year. Mean predicted adult heights (PAH) at the start and the end of GnRH treatment was 153.2 ± 8.6 and 164.4 ± 7.3 cm, respectively (p<0.05). The mean AH was 163.2 ± 6.2 cm (mean SDS: 0.1 ± 1). All patients were within their target height (TH) range. There was a decrease in the percentage of overweight and obesity from the diagnosis until AH (39–19% p>0.05). At the AH, the insulin resistance and high LDL levels were identified in 3/17 patients (17.6%) and 2/21 patients (9.5%), respectively. The mean CA of menarche was 12.2 ± 0.5 years. At the AH, PCOS was diagnosed in one patient (4.8%).

Conclusions

Long-term anthropometric, metabolic, and reproductive follow-up of patients with CPP treated with longer-acting GnRHa revealed effectivity, safety, and favorable outcomes.
Collective Action and Social Ontology in Thomas Aquinas
Authors: Harris Joshua
Published: July 2021

In this paper I argue that there are resources in the work of Thomas Aquinas that amount to a unique approach to what David P. Schweikard and Hans Bernhard Schmid’s call the “Central Problem” facing theorists of collective intentionality and action. That is to say, Aquinas can be said to affirm both (1) the “Individual Ownership Claim” and (2) the “Irreducibility Claim,” coherently and compellingly. Regarding the Individual Ownership Claim, I argue that Aquinas’s concept of “general virtue” (virtus generalis) buttresses an account of the way in which individuals act collectively qua individuals, i.e., without invoking hive minds or other scientifically problematic phenomena. Further, with respect to the Irreducibility Claim (2), I argue that Aquinas’s concept of “common good” (bonum commune) offers an account of the way in which some powers and acts of social groups are importantly irreducible to those of their members. Considered together, I argue that these two positions in Aquinas are correlative, and therefore amount to a coherent account of collective action and group agency, respectively.
Tailoring exceptional points in a hybrid PT-symmetric and anti-PT-symmetric scattering system
Authors: Xiao Zhicheng , Alù Andrea
Published: July 2021

Fano resonances feature an asymmetric lineshape with controllable linewidth, stemming from the interplay between bright and dark resonances. They provide efficient opportunities to shape the scattering lineshape, but they usually lack flexibility and tunability and are hindered by loss in passive systems. Here, we explore a hybrid parity-time (PT) and anti-parity-time (APT) symmetric system supporting unitary scattering features with highly tunable Fano resonances. The PT-APT-symmetric system can be envisioned in nanophotonic and microwave circuit implementations, allowing for real-time control of the scattering lineshape and its underlying singularities. Our study shows the opportunities enabled by non-Hermitian platforms to control scattering lineshapes for a plethora of photonic, electronic, and quantum systems, with potential for high-resolution imaging, switching, sensing, and multiplexing.
Review on resistive switching mechanisms of bio-organic thin film for non-volatile memory application
Authors: Cheong Kuan Yew , Tayeb Ilias Ait , Zhao Feng , Abdullah Jafri Malin
Published: July 2021

Bio-organic, as one of the sustainable and bioresorbable materials, has been used as an active thin film in producing resistive switching random access memory (RRAM) due to its specialized properties. This type of nonvolatile memory consists of a simple unit structure with the processed and solidified bio-organic-based thin film sandwiched between two electrodes. Its memory characteristics are significantly affected by the resistive-switching mechanism. However, to date, the reported mechanisms are very diverse and scattered, and to our best knowledge, there is no literature that reviewed comprehensively the mechanisms of resistive switching in bio-organic-based thin films. Therefore, the objective of this article is to critically analyze data related to the mechanisms of the bio-organic-based RRAM since it was first reported. Based on the pool of literature, three types of mechanisms are categorized, namely electronic, electrochemical, and thermochemical, and the naming is well justified based on the principle of operation. The determining factors and roles of bio-organic material and the two electrodes in governing the three mechanisms have been analyzed, reviewed, discussed, and compared.
Paroxetine effects on morphine analgesic tolerance in rats
Authors: Sahebi Vaighan Navideh , Parhiz Soha , Sabetkasaei Masoumeh , Moini Zanjani Taraneh , Zarei Malek
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To alleviate different pain intensities, morphine administration has been extensively used. However, prolonged administration of morphine leads to a progressive decline of its analgesic effect which limits their overall utility. Morphine tolerance is considered as a challenging issue for the treatment of both acute and chronic pain. We conducted this study in rats to investigate the effect of paroxetine on morphine tolerance when used preemptively or after morphine tolerance had developed.

Methods

Male Wistar rats (weight 250–300 g, n=10) were used to evaluate the effects of paroxetine on tolerance to morphine. In order to induce tolerance, daily intraperitoneal injection of morphine (7 mg/kg) was done. After tolerance induction, a group of animals received intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg paroxetine 30 min prior to each morphine dose. In another trial, to investigate the potential of paroxetine to prevent tolerance to morphine, animals were pretreated with 10 mg/kg paroxetine 30 min before morphine administration. In the control groups, 10 mL/kg of saline was injected. The behavioral test (tail-flick test) was done for all groups.

Results

Our data showed that paroxetine significantly reversed tolerance to morphine when used after tolerance induction (p<0.001). However, administration of paroxetine before occurrence of tolerance had no effect.

Conclusions

We conclude that paroxetine could decrease tolerance to morphine when used after the occurrence of morphine tolerance, while it was not able to prevent morphine tolerance when administered preemptively.

Ethical committee number

IRIB.SBMU.MSP.REC.1394.098.
The Railroad Giveth and the Railroad Taketh Away
Authors: Milowski Daniel
Published: July 2021

Continued railroad investment and the development of national highway transportation infrastructure factored heavily into the development of American communities during the twentieth century. Seligman, Arizona, is one of these communities, located on a major railroad route (Santa Fe Railway) and a former U.S. federal highway (U.S. Route 66). The town of Seligman was created by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway as a service stop and switchyard. At its founding, few roads served the community. Seligman later became a community linked to others by an auto-trail, the National Old Trails Road, and then by a paved federal highway. Through much of the postwar period, Seligman was a thriving travel center hosting significant Santa Fe Railway operations and a robust auto-traveler and tourist service industry. In the early 1980s, however, the community experienced a rapid decline. Looking at the period from 1910 to 1985 and examining what caused this dramatic transformation, this article argues that just as the construction of railroad operations birthed Seligman, the dismantling of railroad operations in the town delivered a death blow to its economy while benefiting larger communities like Barstow, California. Although the diversion of highway travelers off of Route 66 and away from town by the I-40 bypass hurt Seligman businesses, it was the loss of railroad workers’ local spending that put its economy in decline. This argument is discussed within the additional context of the social history of the community, the effects of infrastructure disinvestment on communities, and the limits of successor industries (like tourism) to support these communities.
Primjena okvira DPSIR za procjenu ekoloških problema s naglaskom na gospodarenje otpadom izazvano stacionarnim turizmom u Jadranskoj Hrvatskoj
Authors: Zovko Mira , Melkić Sara , Marković Vukadin Izidora
Published: July 2021

Složenost turističkog sektora ogleda se u raznovrsnosti gospodarskih i socijalnih aktivnosti. Posljedično, njihova provedba smatra se pokretačima koji uzrokuju različite pritiske i utjecaje na okoliš. Osnovni preduvjet za praćenje napretka prema održivom upravljanju turizmom je kontinuirano praćenje podataka i sveobuhvatni okvir procjene, kao što je okvir DPSIR (pokretač-pritisak-stanje-utjecaj-odgovor, prema engl. Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response) (u nastavku tekst DPSIR). Među ekološkim izazovima DPSIR-a komunalni otpad kao posljedica turističkih aktivnosti identificiran je kao jedan od glavnih ekoloških izazova. U ovom istraživanju provedena je analiza utemeljena na dokazima odabranih pokazatelja kako bi se razmotrio DPSIR razvijen s naglaskom na održivo gospodarenje otpadom. Ovaj holistički pristup osigurava utemeljenu evaluaciju i odgovarajuće mjere kao odgovor društva na dugoročno rješavanje glavnih okolišnih izazova povezanih s intenzitetom turizma. Uz to, autori su istražili moguće smjerove za razvoj veće održivosti gospodarenja otpadom u turizmu Jadranske Hrvatske, uzimajući u obzir primjere dobre prakse na otoku Krku. Istraživanje i procjena odabranih pokazatelja potvrdila je da sezonalnost turizma utječe na okoliš. Također se pokazalo da visoki intenzitet turizma ima izravan utjecaj na infrastrukturu gospodarenja otpadom koja je uglavnom uspostavljena za ograničen broj stanovnika. Stoga autori predlažu umjereni intenzitet turizma kao najpovoljniju opciju, čime se osigurava održivo gospodarenje otpadom koji stvara manji pritisak na infrastrukturu gospodarenja otpadom i okoliš. Naposljetku, ovim je radom kreiran novi pokazatelj koji istražuje održivost gospodarenja komunalnim otpadom.
MAPPING COMPETENCY ACQUISITION IN HIGHER EDUCATION AND ITS INFLUENCES: A META-STUDY
Authors: Toepper Miriam , Zlatkin-Troitschanskaia Olga , Braunheim Dominik
Published: July 2021

In the 10-year research program "Modelling and Measuring Competencies in Higher Education (KoKoHs)" that ran from 2011 until 2020, more than 100 theoretically sound models and corresponding tests were developed to analyze the level and development of students’ competencies. Using these newly developed assessments, generic and domain-specific competencies of more than 75,000 students at more than 350 German universities in numerous disciplines (e.g., economics, teacher education) were measured in 39 interdisciplinary collaborative KoKoHs projects.
Method: In these measurements, a nationally and internationally unique database was created that contains information on the level, acquisition, and development of competencies, as well as corresponding personal and contextual influences, among students at different stages throughout their studies. A comprehensive meta-analysis of the students’ competencies as well as of the central factors influencing the acquisition of competencies in higher education had not been conducted so far. The existing KoKoHs data had only been analyzed in isolation within the individual KoKoHs projects until then. Accordingly, the obtained results related only to the individual project level. To address this research deficit, the meta-study presented in this paper conducted a research synthesis, i.e., a systematic and structured meta-analysis of the KoKoHs database.
Results: The meta-study describes the acquisition of competencies in higher education across domains and provides empirical evidence on generalizable versus specific influencing factors and, thus, evidence-based practical knowledge for higher education practice and policy.
ASSESSMENT OF VOCATIONAL SKILLS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES IN VET: A REVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES
Authors: Dudyrev Fedor , Maltseva Vera , Romanova Olga , Petrov Evgenii
Published: July 2021

There is a growing need for valid tools for assessing skills and certifying qualifications in the context of increasing labour migration and mobility. Due to the growing internationalization of business activities, companies are interested in standardized skills assessments that ensure valid and comparable ratings of job applicants and employees. At the same time, assessment of professional or vocational skills, which are highly domain-specific and numerous, remains challenging, especially in terms of comparability.  Therefore, objective skills assessment tops the list of challenges faced by national VET systems.
This paper presents an overview of practices and tools for assessing vocational skills and VET learning outcomes, and covers the following issues: a) current practices and challenges in measuring vocational skills and learning outcomes in VET; b) initiatives for internationally comparable assessment of vocational skills, including PISA-VET and WorldSkills competitions; c) national initiatives for assessment of VET learning outcomes in the cases of Germany and Russia; d) labor market- and industry-driven initiatives in skills assessment for job seekers and qualification assurance. This paper contributes to the literature on skills assessment by providing a more comprehensive picture of approaches to skills assessments, including well-established ones and emerging initiatives outside the field of measuring learning outcomes in education.
Effect of initial fermentation medium on bioacetone, biobutanol, and bioethanol (BioABE) production from fermentable sugars of Acacia mangium using Clostridium acetobutylicum YM1
Authors: Jalil Rafidah , Kalil Mohd Sahaid , Abd Rahman Norliza , Al-Tabib Abdulalati Ibrahim , Abdul Hamid Aidil , Ahmad Mohd Farid
Published: July 2021

Bioacetone, biobutanol, and bioethanol (BioABE) production is dependent on the fermentable sugars produced from lignocellulosic biomass and on the composition and initial pH of the medium. Understanding these process variables and their interconnectedness could enhance the BioABE product yield. Acacia mangium is available abundantly and it is a potential feedstock for BioABE production. In this study, BioABE was produced from fermentable sugars of A. mangium using Clostridium acetobutylicum YM1. Alkaline treated A. mangium (70 °C, 3 h, 5.50 %w/v NaOH) was further hydrolyzed via enzymatic hydrolysis using a multi-enzyme of white rot fungi to convert it into fermentable sugars. Approximately 15 g/L of fermentable sugars was produced from A. mangium (100 g/L) and was used for BioABE production in comparison with glucose. Initial findings showed that only 0.94 g/L of BioABE was produced in comparison with glucose (2.86 g/L) at a pH of 6.2. Decreasing the initial pH of the medium to 4.50 increased the BioABE (2.87 g/L), and after the medium was supplemented with tryptone-yeast-acetate (TYA), the BioABE yield increased by more than 100% to 6.84 g/L. This study discovered that BioABE produced from A. mangium was comparable to using commercial glucose, thus offering high potential as a low-cost feedstock.
Language, gender and sexuality in 2020: forward Global South
Authors: Singh Jaspal Naveel
Published: July 2021

The Global South is a postcolonial imagined community that bears the potential to imagine powerful south-south solidarity between the struggles for decoloniality of diverse populations across the world. To prepare our field’s pan-global future, this year-in-review overrepresents literature on gender, sexuality and language from/on the Global South. This decolonial move aims to notice and promote southern tactics of resistance, southern epistemologies and southern theories and evaluate what can be learnt if we look southward on our way forward. Some literature from the Global North will be considered too. The review is structured using three overlapping foci: (1) embodied and linguistic resistance, (2) mediatisation and scale and (3) fragile masculinities. I conclude by suggesting that our research should stay locally situated and globally radical.
Queer Theory and Translation Studies: Language, Politics, Desire Brian James Baer (2021)
Authors: Wang Chenchen
Published: July 2021

Queer Theory and Translation Studies: Language, Politics, Desire Brian James Baer (2021) London and New York: Routledge, 227 pp.
The Effects of Nostalgia-based Advertising on a Toy Company’s Brand Equity: The Example of the LEGO Group
Authors: Lubiński Kamil
Published: July 2021

Objective: The paper aims to demonstrate whether or not nostalgia can be regarded as an antecedent of brand loyalty and, more importantly, how nostalgia might affect overall brand equity.Research Design & Methods: A total of 255 Polish consumers (172 males and 83 females) participated in the study. The sample was obtained using computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI) technique in the period between June and September 2020, and the research procedure was designed so the subjects would engage online. The author chose a correlational approach (Spearman’s rho), given its frequent use in the literature on nostalgia.Findings: It was found that previous experience with a brand, particularly during childhood, does influence a nostalgia-oriented purchase intention, t253 = 2.634, p = 0.009. In addition, the intensity of consumer nostalgia towards a brand positively affected the strength of LEGO® brand equity, which is conceptualised in the paper as consisting of four dimensions.Implications / Recommendations: This paper offers insight to both managers and marketers looking for differential marketing techniques in building consumer loyalty whilst improving the effectiveness of the marketing message.Contribution: The findings expand the literature by examining the influence of nostalgia-based advertising endeavours on consumer-based brand equity in an international context.
Państwowe fundusze majątkowe krajów członkowskich Unii Europejskiej
Authors: Kulbacki Michał
Published: July 2021

Objective: The article has two objectives: to evaluate the activities of the sovereign wealth funds of EU member states, and to identify the strengths and weaknesses in their functioning.Research Design & Methods: The study uses the original Indicator of Assessment of Sovereign Wealth Funds (the SWF Indicator), an analysis of information and data on these funds, and comparative analysis.Findings: The activity of the sovereign wealth funds was assessed as moderately positive. Their strengths include their institutional foundations, governance and portfolio management. The weaknesses include a failure to  achieve environmental, social and ethical goals, as well as the support of economic policy.Implications / Recommendations: The implications presented in the paper show that sovereign wealth funds should take measures to address their weaknesses. For this purpose, they can rely on good practices identified in the study.Contribution: A comprehensive assessment of the activities of EU Member States’ sovereign wealth funds.
Electric Propulsion system on the basis of the matrix direct frequency converter
Authors: Koptjaev Evgenij , Evseev Roman , Balashevich Vyacheslav
Published: July 2021

Many of today's ships are equipped with electric propulsion systems, which leads to the relevance of the article. The general trend is the use of electric propulsion systems AC, due to a more robust design of an asynchronous motor and slightly better weight and dimensions. The use of asynchronous motor requires a static frequency converter for speed control and soft start. In the currently used PWM converters different types. Opportunities classical direct frequency converters are limited due to a number of fundamental shortcomings, particularly the lack of quality of the output voltage and the presence of the gap current during switching. Offered in Article electric propulsion system with direct frequency converter allows for a natural mode switching valves, as well as significantly improve the harmonic composition of output voltage and current of the inverter. The absence of a carrier frequency pulse-width modulation improves acoustics and electromagnetic compatibility with the ship's equipment. Mode powered by two independent generators improves vibro-acoustic characteristics.
Level of knowledge and misconceptions about brain concussion in Brazilian adults
Authors: De Araújo Amanda Vitória Lacerda , Areza-Fegyveres Renata , Guariglia Carla Cristina , Ianof Jéssica Natuline , Baratho Regina Maria , Demario José Luiz Carlos , Watanabe Rafael Gustavo Sato , Anghinah Renato
Published: July 2021

Abstract Background: Brain concussion (BC) is seen as a public health priority due to its high incidence and morbidity rate, among thousands of people around the world. There are needs for fast identification, accurate diagnosis and correct management in order to reduce the short and long-term problems relating to BC. Proper knowledge of BC in the population and among clinicians is a critical factor in achieving this. Objectives: To evaluate the level of self-reported BC knowledge and gaps/misconceptions, and to identify variables correlated with this level. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was performed. A Brain Concussion Knowledge Questionnaire (BCKQ) that had been created to capture data was widely distributed. Total scores, domain partial scores and percentages of correct and incorrect answers were calculated to ascertain the level of knowledge relating to BC. Results: The sample was formed by 1,247 Brazilian adults (age: 41.7±11.8 years). Partial scores of the BCKQ revealed the existence of poor knowledge and misconceptions in all domains of the questionnaire, especially regarding questions about recovery from and management of BC. Moderate correlations between BCKQ scores and professions (p=0.312; P=0.00) or previous brain concussion knowledge (p=0.489; P=0.00) were observed. In a multiple linear regression model, age, profession and sports practice were predictors of BC knowledge. Conclusion: This first study to analyze the level of BC knowledge in a sample of Brazilian adults suggests that poor knowledge and misconceptions are present. Thus, meaningful and useful information was provided by this study for developing health education programs about BC for the population in order to improve fast diagnosis and correct BC management.
Epidemiological and clinical aspects of Guillain-Barré syndrome and its variants
Authors: Oliveira Dayanne Rodrigues da Cunha Alves Bento , Fernandez Rubens Nelson Morato , Grippe Talyta Cortez , Baião Fabiano Silva , Duarte Rafael Lourenco , Fernandez Diego Jose
Published: July 2021

Abstract Background: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), an acute polyradiculoneuropathy that occurs because of an abnormal inflammatory response in the peripheral nervous system, is clinically characterized by acute flaccid paresis and areflexia with or without sensory symptoms. This syndrome can lead to disabling or even life-threatening sequelae. Objective: This study aimed to present the clinical and epidemiological aspects of GBS in patients admitted to a tertiary-level hospital in the Federal District between January 2013 and June 2019. Methods: In this observational, cross-sectional and retrospective study, medical records of patients diagnosed with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, acute motor axonal neuropathy or acute axonal motor-sensitive neuropathy based on electromyographic findings were included, and clinical data were collected retrospectively. Results: A total of 100 patients (63 males and 37 females; ratio, 1.7:1) aged 2–86 years (mean, 36.4 years) were included. The mean annual incidence rate of GBS was 0.54 cases/100,000 inhabitants, with 52 and 49% of the cases occurring between October and March (rainy season) and between April and September (dry season), respectively. The proportions of patients showing each GBS variant were as follows: demyelinating forms, 57%; axonal forms, 39%; and undetermined, 4%. The mean duration of hospitalization was 8–15 days for most patients (38%). During hospitalization, 14% of the patients required mechanical ventilation and 20% experienced infectious complications. Conclusion: The findings indicate that there was an increase in the incidence of GBS during the rainy season. Moreover, we did not observe the typical bimodal distribution regarding age at onset.
Determinants of disability development in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Kara Fatma , Göl Mehmet Fatih , Boz Cavit
Published: July 2021

Abstract Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common chronic neurological diseases affecting the central nervous system in young adults. Objective: To investigate demographic and clinical factors that are effective in the development of irreversible disability from the onset of MS, and to identify factors that affect the transformation from the relapse-remitting MS (RRMS) phase to the progressive MS (PMS) phase. Methods: Retrospective study on 741 patients who were diagnosed with RRMS and PMS according to the McDonald criteria, and were enrolled into the Turkish MS database of the Department of Neurology MS Polyclinic, at the Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, in Trabzon, Turkey. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate the time taken to reach EDSS 4 and EDSS 6 from the onset of disease, and the time taken between EDSS 4 and EDSS 6. Results: Age of onset >40 years; having polysymptomatic-type onset, pyramidal or bladder-intestinal system-related first episode; ≥7 episodes in the first 5 years; and <2 years between the first two episodes were found to be effective for MS patients to reach EDSS 4 and EDSS 6. The demographic and clinical parameters that were effective for progression from EDSS 4 to EDSS 6 were: pyramidal or bladder-intestinal system-related first episode; 4‒6 episodes in the first 5 years; >2 years until start of first treatment; and smoking. Conclusions: Our findings reveal important characteristics of MS patients in our region. However, the associations between these parameters and MS pathophysiology remain to be elucidated.