bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioinformatics Analysis Predicts hsa_circ_0026337/miR-197-3p as a Potential Oncogenic
ceRNA Network for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers
Authors: Zhang Qian , Li Xiaoyue , Kang Lingkai , Li Zhirui , Wen Shimin , Fu Xi
Published: July 2021

Background:

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play an essential role in developing tumors, but their role in Non-
Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is unclear. Thus, the present study explored the possible molecular mechanism of
circRNAs in NSCLC.

Methods:

Three circular RNA (circRNA) microarray datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus
(GEO) database. Differential expressions of circRNAs (DECs) were identified in NSCLC tissue and compared to adjacent
healthy tissue. The online cancer-specific circRNA database (CSCD) was used for the analysis of the DECs function.
Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Gene Ontology
(GO), Cytoscape and UALCAN were used to predict the critical nodes and perform patient survival analysis, respectively.
The interaction between the DECs, the predicted miRNAs, and hub genes was also determined. Finally, the
circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was established.

Results:

The expression of hsa_circ_0049271, hsa_circ_0026337, hsa_circ_0043256, and hsa_circ_0008234 was decreased
in NSCLC tissues. The Encyclopedia of RNA Interactomes (ENCORI) and CSCD database results showed that
hsa_circ_0026337 was found to sponge with miR-1193, miR-197-3p, miR-3605-5p, miR-433-3p and miR-652-3p, and
hsa_circ_0043256 to sponge with miR-1252-5p, miR-494-3p and miR-558, respectively. Subsequently, 100 mRNAs
were predicted to bind with these seven miRNA response elements (MREs). The GO analysis and KEGG pathway
revealed that these 100 MREs might be involved in “histone deacetylase binding” and “cellular senescence.” PPI network
and Cytoscape identified the top ten hub genes. Survival analysis data showed that the low expression of
hsa_circ_0026337 was significantly associated with shortened survival time in NSCLC (P = 0.037), which increased
the expression level of hsa-miR-197-3p, thereby inhibiting the translation of specific proteins.

Conclusion:

This study examined the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network associated with NSCLC and explored
the potential functions of DECs in the network to elucidate the mechanisms underlying disease progression in
NSCLC.
Delta Inferior Vena Cava Index Correlated with Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) in Spinal Anesthesia
Authors:   Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy Department, Medical Faculty, Brawijaya University / Dr. Saiful Anwar General Hospital, Malang, Indonesia Indonesia, Jaya Wiwi , Abshor Ulil ,   Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy Department, Medical Faculty, Brawijaya University, Laksono Buyung Hartiyo ,   Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy Department, Medical Faculty, Brawijaya University / Dr. Saiful Anwar General Hospital, Malang, Indonesia, Fatoni Arie Zainul ,   Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy Department, Medical Faculty, Brawijaya University / Dr. Saiful Anwar General Hospital, Malang, Indonesia Indonesia
Published: July 2021

Background: Spinal anesthesia has become an alternative to general anesthesia. However, spinal anesthesia has the most common side effects including, bradycardia and hypotension. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between changes in the inferior vena cava index (delta inferior vena cava index) to changes in mean arterial pressure in spinal anesthesia. Methods: This study was an observational pre-post test study in thirty-two patients who received spinal anesthesia. The inferior vena cava index (inferior vena cava collectibility index and caval-aorta index) was measured before and after spinal anesthesia (5 and 10 minutes after onset). Data were analyzed using the Kolmogorov Smirnov test, Shapiro-Wilk test, T-test, and correlation test with α=5% Result: There was a significant difference in mean arterial pressure (MAP), delta inferior vena cava collectibility index (D-IVC-CI), and delta caval-aorta index (D-CAo-I) before and after spinal anesthesia. D-IVC-CI and D-CAo-I are significantly correlated with MAP. The correlation between D-IVC-CI and MAP had R = -0.371 (P <0.05) at 5 minutes post-anesthesia, while D-CAo-I and MAP had R = 0.472 (P <0.05) at 10 minutes post-anesthesia. Conclusion: The delta inferior vena cava index is correlated with the mean arterial pressure (MAP) value in spinal anesthesia.
As estratégias do Grupo Votorantim em meio à desindustrialização do Brasil: internacionalização, revisão do portfólio e mudanças na gestão do grupo (1980-2019)
Authors: Pereira Da Silva Gustavo , Dalla Costa Armando João
Published: July 2021

O Grupo Votorantim foi criado em 1891, na cidade paulista de Sorocaba (Brasil). Desde 1930, passou a concentrar suas atividades no setor de bens intermediários (cimento, zinco, alumínio, produtos químicos e siderúrgicos), expandindo-se junto ao processo de industrialização do Brasil e convertendo-se no maior grupo privado da indústria nacional. Todavia, a partir dos anos 1980 — com a crise da dívida externa —, o modelo de industrialização liderado pelo Estado se perdeu e iniciou-se a desindustrialização do país. Neste artigo, analisam-se as estratégias da Votorantim para se adaptar à instabilidade econômica do Brasil pós-1980, utilizando como fonte os relatórios anuais do Grupo e apreendendo as seguintes estratégias: internacionalização, revisão do portfólio e mudanças na gestão do grupo no período de 1980 a 2019.
Políticas culturais municipais: análise de documentos estruturantes em torno da cultura
Authors: Gama Manuel Carlos Lobão Araújo , Costa Pedro Rodrigues
Published: July 2021

Este livro surge na sequência de um conjunto de estudos, realizados no processo de preparação do programa que sucederá ao programa Portugal 2020, realizados no âmbito do Observatório de Políticas de Ciência, Comunicação e Cultura (PolObs), do Centro de Estudos de Comunicação e Sociedade da Universidade do Minho. São 12 as investigações sobre documentos estruturantes, nacionais e internacionais. Esta análise é feita nos principais documentos que compõem o alinhamento e o enquadramento da cultura e das suas políticas, nas perspetivas constitucionais, legislativas e burocráticas (em especial da República Portuguesa e da Europa em geral, mas também sobre experiências brasileiras), assim como da consolidação da cultura na dimensão legislativa.
Formação de professores de língua portuguesa no contexto mundial da globalização: O estudo do caso da China
Authors: Hu Jing
Published: July 2021

Na China, desde 2005, verifica-se uma grande demanda da aprendizagem do português. Neste contexto, a formação de professores torna-se um fator determinante. A formação docente na China tem sido, no entanto, questionada e criticada,envolta por um discurso que apela à necessidade de reforma do ensino e das práticas pedagógicas.Com efeito, esta questão deve ser compreendida no plano estrutural e conjuntural da sociedade para se evitar o risco de isolar o processo do conjunto do movimento da sociedade. O presente trabalho centra-se precisamente no estudo da formação docente na sua estrita relação com a sociedade contemporânea, pretende-se discutir a formação de professores de língua portuguesa (LP) na China, tendo como objetivo contribuir para a elaboração de propostas de ação que promovam uma prática pedagógica mais consciente.
Autoestima, metas de logro y estrategias de autoprotección: un enfoque centrado en la persona
Authors: Ferradás Canedo María del Mar , Freire Rodríguez Carlos , Regueiro Fernández Bibiana , Vieites Lestón Tania , Rodríguez-Llorente Carolina
Published: July 2021

Las estrategias de self-handicapping y pesimismo defensivo constituyen un recurso frecuentemente utilizado por los estudiantes que buscan proteger sus sentimientos de valía personal. Numerosos trabajos han evidenciado que la autoestima y las metas de logro constituyen dos de los predictores motivacionales más importantes de estas estrategias. Sin embargo, el estudio de estas relaciones se ha efectuado desde un enfoque centrado en la variable. A partir de la identificación de diferentes perfiles de estudiantes en función de sus características de autoestima y metas de logro (aprendizaje, aproximación al rendimiento y evitación del rendimiento), se pretendía determinar, dentro de cada perfil, el poder predictivo de estas variables sobre las estrategias de autoprotección. En el estudio participaron 1028 estudiantes universitarios, seleccionados mediante un muestreo por conveniencia. Partiendo de la determinación de cuatro perfiles —(a) alta autoestima y predominio de aproximación al rendimiento; (b) alta autoestima y predominio de aprendizaje; (c) baja autoestima y predominio de metas de rendimiento; y (d) baja autoestima y altas metas generalizadas—, se realizaron análisis de regresión lineal (pasos sucesivos). Los resultados evidenciaron que, en los dos perfiles con alta autoestima, las metas de aprendizaje constituían un predictor negativo del self-handicapping. Asimismo, en los perfiles con baja autoestima, las metas de evitación del rendimiento (negativamente) y ambas metas de aproximación (positivamente) se mostraron como predictores del pesimismo defensivo. Estos resultados sugieren que, en aras de propiciar una prevención eficaz del uso de estrategias de autoprotección, es preciso conocer las características motivacionales de cada estudiante.
Breaking the Silence: A Testimonial of Resistance to Jewish Invisibility in Simone Veil’s Une jeunesse au temps de la Shoah
Authors: Arenberg Nancy M.
Published: July 2021

Simone Veil had a remarkable career as a public figure in France, but her personal life was shrouded in profound trauma as a victim of the Holocaust. Veil’s autobiographical narrative reveals a unique form of testimonial writing in which she uses her agency, as a survivor, to demonstrate resistance to Jewish absence and ‘otherness’. As will be shown, a close study of the writer’s autobiography reveals a multilayered text in which the author acts as a spokeswoman for the victims to impart global awareness of the Shoah, especially to young people. This essay will focus on the pedagogical objective of Veil’s memoir, the impossibility of conveying unimaginable suffering, and the power of feminine solidarity as a survival strategy. The latter part of the analysis will broaden the perspective, with emphasis on how writing a testimonial narrative serves as a way in which the autobiographer can recover the shattered self.
Psihosocijalne intervencije kod osoba oboljelih od Alzheimerove demencije i njihovih njegovatelja
Authors: Milić Babić Marina , Rusac Silvia , Oreb Tereza
Published: July 2021

Alzheimerova demencija (AD) je neurodegenerativna, progresivna bolest heterogene etiologije, čije je glavno obilježe oštećenje kognitivnih funkcija koje ima za posljedicu ozbiljne poteškoće u svim područjima funkcioniranja oboljele osobe i potrebu za pomoći neformalnih njegovatelja. Istraživanja pokazuju da rano dijagnosticiranje AD-a može osigurati bolji zdravstveni i razvojni ishod za oboljelog. Cilj je ovog rada istaknuti važnost rane intervencije u dijagnostičkom i rehabilitacijskom pogledu te naglasiti ključnu ulogu članova obitelji koji su preuzeli poziciju neformalnih njegovatelja oboljele osobe. Rana intervencija uključuje ranu dijagnostiku i ranu primjenu postupaka rehabilitacije, uključujući i programe podrške članovima obitelji, tzv. neformalnim njegovateljima. Mreža podrške oboljelima i neformalnim njegovateljima važan je čimbenik u kvaliteti skrbi za oboljele i njihove njegovatelje. U pružanju podrške njegovateljima važno je prepoznati potrebe njegovatelja članova obitelji i pružiti pravovremene i učinkovite mehanizme formalne podrške. AD je bolest uz koju se dobrobiti bilo koje vrste vrlo rijetko ističu, a upravo je uloga pomažućih profesija pronaći ih i pomoći oboljelom i obitelji.
Is the Brazilian made Bioethics social?
Authors: Zanella Diego Carlos
Published: July 2021

This paper aims to present the panorama in which bioethics was found in Brazil. For this, exploratory descriptive and documentary research will be carried out on the emergence of bioethics as a field of research and its process of institutionalization in Brazil. In this sense, three facts are very significant: i) the creation of a bi-annual journal, Revista Bioética, published by the Federal Council of Medicine (CFM) in 1993; ii) the creation of the Brazilian Society of Bioethics (SBB) in 1995 to bring together researchers and people from different academic areas interested in bioethics; and iii) the edition of Resolution N.° 196 of October 10, 1996, of the National Health Council (CNS), which created the Brazilian Research Ethics System, that is, the Research Ethics Committees (CEP) and the National Research Ethics Commission (CONEP). These three facts will allow to identify which are the main defining elements and how they form the first theoretical models of Brazilian bioethics. Thus, this research will allow the building of a panorama of Brazilian bioethics, in which the characteristic notes of such a bioethical thought will be identified.
Поперечный эффект Нернста--Эттинсгаузена в двумерном электронном газе двоякопериодической полупроводниковой сверхрешетки
Authors: Перов А.А. , Пикунов П.В.
Published: July 2021

В одноэлектронном приближении во внешнем магнитном поле при наличии градиента температуры рассчитана поверхностная плотность тока носителей заряда в двумерных двоякопериодических полупроводниковых сверхрешетках n-типа проводимости. Магнитное поле полагалось постоянным, однородным, приложенным перпендикулярно плоскости электронного газа. В результате совместного решения уравнения Шредингера и кинетического уравнения Больцмана показано, что зависимости поверхностной плотности поперечного тока от температуры и модуля градиента температуры имеют существенно нелинейный характер, присутствуют участки с отрицательной дифференциальной проводимостью. Зависимость времени релаксации от квазиимпульса электрона учтена в модели феноменологически через закон дисперсии носителей в магнитных подзонах. Ключевые слова: термомагнитные эффекты, магнитные блоховские состояния, сверхрешетки.
Экспериментальные исследования модификации характеристик GaAs-структур с контактами Шоттки после воздействия быстрых нейтронов
Authors: Волкова Е.В. , Логинов А.Б. , Логинов Б.А. , Тарасова Е.А. , Пузанов А.С. , Королев С.А. , Семёновых Е.С. , Хазанова С.В. , Оболенский С.В.
Published: July 2021

The electrophysical parameters and surface morphology of GaAs n/n- structures with Schottky contacts before and after neuron impact with an average energy of about 1 MeV were studied. Changes in the profiles of the concentration and mobility of electrons in the structures were determined by the C-V method measurements. The method of atomic force microscopy helped to find radiation defect clusters which appearing during impact. A complex approach to the determination of their parameters is proposed.
Расчет эффективности удвоения частоты излучения субтерагерцового гиротрона за счет решеточной нелинейности в монокристаллической пластине InP
Authors: Румянцев В.В. , Фокин А.П. , Дубинов А.А. , Морозов С.С. , Богдашов А.А. , Паршин В.В. , Глявин М.Ю. , Гавриленко В.И. , Морозов С.В.
Published: July 2021

In this work, we calculated the efficiency of second harmonic generation for sub-THz gyrotron radiation in a single-crystal InP plate embedded in a conical metal waveguide. For the values of the losses at the doubled frequency (depending on the degree of purity of the InP crystal), the dimensions of the wafer are revealed that provide the optimal effective frequency conversion. Thus, the conversion factor f –>2f can reach 5 W/kW^2 when pumped at a frequency of 263 GHz and a loss of alpha_2f = 0.1 cm^-1. The possibility of a noticeable increase in the efficiency of frequency doubling with fine tuning of the phase matching due to the selection of the size of the submicron gap between the InP plate and the plates of the metal waveguide is shown. The results obtained can be used to solve applied problems in the field of dynamic nuclear polarization spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance studies.
Анализ влияния спейсерных слоев на нелинейные искажения вольт-амперных характеристик pHEMT на основе соединения GaAlAs/InGaAs
Authors: Тарасова Е.А. , Хазанова C.В. , Голиков О.Л. , Пузанов А.С. , Оболенский С.В. , Земляков В.Е.
Published: July 2021

The work is devoted to the results of modeling of the parameters of pHEMT structures based on the AlGaAs / InGaAs / GaAs compound using a self-consistent solution of the Schrödinger and Poisson equation. Based on numerical calculations, a method for analyzing nonlinear distortions of transfer I-V characteristics is proposed. The influence of the spacer layers and the degree of doping of the δ-layer on the nonlinearity of the I – V characteristic is estimated.
Кремниевый металл-оксид-полупроводник транзистор с зависимым контактом к карману и двухслойным поликремниевым затвором
Authors: Шоболова Т.А. , Мокеев А.С. , Рудаков С.Д. , Оболенский С.В. , Шоболов Е.Л.
Published: July 2021

Проведено сравнение характеристик двух вариантов конструктивно-технологического исполнения кремниевого МОП-КНИ транзистора с контактом к подложке, совмещенным с истоком, с одним и двумя слоями поликремниевого затвора. По результатам численного моделирования показано, что транзисторы с двухслойным поликремниевым затвором имеют повышенную надежность, быстродействие и стойкость к ионизирующему излучению. Предложена самосовмещенная технология изготовления транзистора с зависимым контактом к карману и с двухслойным поликремниевым затвором, позволяющая реализовать транзисторы с большим отношением ширины к длине затвора (до 100 и более). Описанные конструктивно-технологические особенности изготовления транзистора дают возможность дополнительного управления каналом транзистора, улучшают его характеристики и расширяют область применения. Ключевые слова: МОП-транзистор, КНИ, двухслойный поликремний, зависимый контакт к карману, "широкий" транзистор.
Особенности катионного распределения и магнитных свойств поликристаллических гексагональных ферритов BaFe-=SUB=-12-x-=/SUB=-Sn-=SUB=-x-=/SUB=-O-=SUB=-19-=/SUB=-
Authors: Костишин В.Г. , Коровушкин В.В. , Похолок К.В. , Труханов А.В. , Исаев И.М. , Миронович А.Ю. , Дарвиш М.А.
Published: July 2021

The cation distribution and magnetic properties of polycrystalline ВаFe12–xSnxO19 (х = 0.0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9 and 1.2) ferrites have been studied for the first time by Fe57 and Sn119 Mössbauer spectroscopy. It was shown that doping of BaFe12O19 with tin is performed with limited heterovalent isomorphism according to the scheme 2Fe3+Sn4+ + Fe2+. It was found that intense heterovalent isomorphic substitutions occur in the 12k site of the BaFe12-xSnxO19 hexaferrite in the range of 0.1 < x < 0.6; less significant substitutions observed in the 4f2 and 2a sites. It was established that the heterovalent isomorphic substitution of tin for iron in
BaFe12- xSnxO19 is limited by the values of x in range х = 0.6–0.9
Measurements of the magnetic parameters of the obtained samples were performed. The possibility of practical application of the synthesized ferrites is discussed.
Резонансные прецессионные режимы системы диполей при слабом переменном поле
Authors: Шутый А.М. , Семенцов Д.И.
Published: July 2021

В области ферромагнитного резонанса исследованы режимы прецессии суммарного магнитного момента плоских систем магнитных наночастиц, связанных диполь-дипольным взаимодействием при слабом высокочастотном поле. Показало, что диполь-дипольное взаимодействие помимо изменения резонансной частоты, приводит к нелинейности прецессионных режимов. Выявлены области амплитудной модуляции прецессии, неустойчивых прецессионных режимов, различного вида хаотической динамики, а также получены частотные зависимости, характерные для динамической бистабильности. Рассмотрены особенности резонансного поведения систем с различной по величине одноосной магнитной анизотропией наночастиц. Ключевые слова: система диполей; ферро-магнитный резонанс; прецессия магнитного момента; анизотропия наночастицы; хаотические колебания.
Релаксация поляризации при статическом прямом флексоэлектрическом эффекте в монокристалле SrTiO-=SUB=-3-=/SUB=-
Authors: Залесский В.Г. , Обозова Е.Д. , Полушина А.Д. , Сырников П.П.
Published: July 2021

The results of a study of the dielectric polarization induced by spherical bending of thin single-crystal SrTiO3 plates are presented, and the flexoelectric coefficients are estimated. The processes of relaxation of inhomogeneous deformation and induced polarization are investigated.
Влияние парциального давления кислорода на стехиометрический состав пленок оксида титана в процессе магнетронного нанесения
Authors: Булярский С.В. , Гусаров Г.Г. , Коива Д.А. , Рудаков Г.А.
Published: July 2021

Представлены результаты экспериментов по синтезу нестехиометрических пленок оксидов титана при различных парциальных давлениях кислорода и мощностях разряда в реакторе при магнетронном распылении, а также результаты их термодинамического анализа. Увеличение парциального давления кислорода и снижение парциального давления титана при синтезе пленок приводит к фазовому переходу монооксида в диоксид титана, структурным изменениям пленки от мелкокристаллической к аморфной, а также изменению соотношения дефектов в материале пленки. Сопротивление пленок при этом растет на порядки своей величины. Теоретически и экспериментально показано, что это связано с изменением стехиометрического со пленок. Ключевые слова: диоксид титана, монооксид титана, парциальное давление кислорода и титана, стехиометрия, фазовый и структурный переход, прыжковая проводимость.
Объемные и поверхностные эффекты при образовании и разрушении графена на родии
Authors: Pутьков E.B. , Афанасьева Е.Ю. , Лавровская Н.П. , Галль H.P.
Published: July 2021

Growth and destruction of graphene islands on Rh have been studied accounting processes on the surface and in the substrate bulk simultaneously. Atomic carbon was shown to be distributed between three equilibrium phases: graphene, solid solution in the metal substrate, and chemisorbed carbon. An increase in graphene island area results in corresponding increase in carbon concentration in the solid solution and chemisorbed phase. Atomic carbon concentrations are measured for all three phases for various stages of graphene growth and decomposition. The activation energy of atomic carbon detachment from the graphene island perimeter on Rh has been determined, Edet = 2.7 eV. Surface concentration of graphene islands has been estimated to be about 1010 per сm2.
The Optical Blueshift Saturation Behavior of Mg-=SUB=-x-=/SUB=-Zn-=SUB=-1-x-=/SUB=-O Films
Authors: Xue C. , Zhang J. , Lu X. , Geng M. , Huang T. , Zhang T. , Gu D. , Shen L. , Wang L.
Published: July 2021

A phenomenon of blueshift saturation was observed from cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra of MgxZn1-xO films (0.069≤x≤0.8) which were grown by pulsed laser deposition technology. By analyzing the results of composition-dependent X-ray diffraction spectra, scanning electron microscopy images, absorption spectra and CL spectra, the crystalline structural disorder was determined via Urbach energy value. Furthermore, a competition mechanism between band-filling effect and band tail states was proposed in the composition-dependent CL spectra. This competition is believed to be responsible for the composition-induced blueshift saturation often observed in the disordered alloy semiconductors. The results of this research can provide important reference in energy-band engineering.
Treatment of overactive bladder symptoms in women with Diunorm®: preliminary results report
Authors: Shkodkin S. V. , Pokrovsky M. V. , Krasnyak S. S. , Polichuk A. V. , Chirkov S. V. , Churikova O. V. , Kpavtsova N. A.
Published: July 2021

Introduction. Overactive bladder (OAB) with or without urgent incontinence tends to progress with age and occurs in both men and women. However, the frequency of occurrence in the female population averages about 25%.

Purpose of the study. To assess the effectiveness and safety of the drug Diunorm® (in caps.) in the prevention and treatment of OAB in women.

Materials and methods. The statistical analysis includes the results of a survey of 28 women with symptoms of OAB, whose average age was 35.3 years. The drug Diunorm® was used for treatment in dosage 400 mg QD for 90 days. Patients completed the Overactive Bladder Awareness Tool and a urination diary. Additionally, urinalysis, bacteriological examination of urine, uroflowmetry, bladder ultrasound and cystoscopy were performed.

Results. All women throughout the study had negative urine cultures and no pyuria in urinalysis, which excluded an infectious etiology of urinary dysfunction. During therapy, a statistically significant decrease in irritative symptoms was recorded according to the Overactive Bladder Awareness Tool questionnaire. The sum of points after 1 and 3 mo decreased by 3.0 and 4.3 points, respectively (p < 0.05). Positive dynamics in terms of the points' sum was noted in 75%, in relation to nocturia in 82% of patients (p < 0.01). The average urination rate increased from 13.3 ± 0.7 ml/s to 15.1 ± 0.7 ml/s and 15.4 ± 0.5 ml/s after 1.5 and 3 months, respectively (p < 0,0001). A similar trend was observed for maximum urine flow and residual urine volume. The maximum urine flow when taking Diunorm® increased from 15.9 ± 0.6 ml/s to 17.4 ± 0.5 ml/s and 18.1 ± 0.4 ml/s (p < 0.001). Residual urine volume decreased throughout the study. When included in the study, after 1,5 and 3 mo, this indicator was 19.9 ± 1.4; 12.2 ± 1.6 and 6.4 ± 1.1 ml, respectively (p < 0.001).

Conclusion. Diunorm® can become a worthy alternative to traditional first-line OAB therapy. Comparative studies are required to obtain a high-level evidence base.
Peyronie's disease and the first user experience of Peyroflex®
Authors: Shirin G. V. , Fedorova N. A.
Published: July 2021

The article deals with the current issues of the etiology, pathogenesis and clinical course of Peyronie's disease. The diagnostic possibilities of using ultrasound sonography are demonstrated. The international data on known treatment options for Peyronie's disease are reviewed. The author describes his own user experience of the Peyroflex® at an early stage of the disease and gives a preliminary assessment of its effectiveness.
The effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for lower calyx stones in children
Authors: Klyuka I. V. , Sizonov V. V. , Shaldenko O. A. , Lukash Yu. V. , Chibichyan M. B. , Kogan M. I.
Published: July 2021

Introduction. According to current clinical guidelines, the use of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for lower calyx stones is indicated when their size is less than 1 cm. This is due to the low efficiency and high frequency of repeated procedures for larger stones.

Purpose of the study. To examine the results of ESWL usage in the treatment of children with lower calyx stones of various sizes.

Materials and methods. ESWL was performed on 33 children with lower calyx stones during 2013 - 2018 yrs. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group I - 24 (72.7%) patients with primary stones, Group II - 9 (27.3%) patients after ESWL of kidney pelvis stones that migrated to the lower calyx. Both groups are divided into subgroups: a - children with stones less than 1 cm and b - with stones more than 1 cm. ESWL was performed under general anesthesia and ultrasound guidance. In all patients after ESWL we used the inversion technique. The result was considered positive in case of the complete elimination of stones was achieved.

Results. After the first ESWL session, stone-free status was achieved in 21/33 (63.6%) patients of all groups, after the second ESWL session in 26/33 (78.8%), after 3 sessions - 30/33 (90.9%). In subgroups Ia and IIa, there were 14/22 (63.6%) children after the first ESWL with complete elimination of calculi, and after subsequent sessions, the success rate was 90.9% (20/22 calculi). After the first ESWL session in subgroups Ib and IIb, complete elimination of stones was achieved in 7/11 (63.6%) children, after repeated sessions in 10/11 (90.9%) children.

Conclusions. ESWL demonstrates a high efficiency in the treatment of lower calyx stones less and more than 1 cm, both after the first and third sessions, and in the treatment of primary and residual (migrated) stones.
Temporary urethral stent with perineal fixation for posterior urethral stenosis (preliminary results)
Authors: Kyzlasov P. S. , Mustafaev A. T. , Ostrovsky D. V. , Martov A. G.
Published: July 2021

Introduction. Urethroplasty is the “gold standard” treatment of urethral stenosis. However, often in connection with old and senile age, as well as due to the presence of concomitant diseases, it is not possible to carry out urethroplasty due to its certain invasiveness. In such cases, one of the methods of treatment is the installation of a urethral stent. But this method has not found practical application due to the frequent migration of stent and the high frequency of its incrustation. The approach developed by us avoids stent migration.

Purpose of the study. To evaluate the immediate results of the placement of a urethral stent with fixation through the perineum.

Materials and methods. A total of 18 patients with urethral stenosis aged 68 to 84 years have been operated on since February 2019. Ten patients had stenosis of the urethrocystoneoanastomosis after radical prostatectomy, 6 patients had iatrogenic stenosis of the prostatic urethra, 1 patient had post-radiation stenosis of the bulbo-membranous urethra. All patients in the preoperative and postoperative periods underwent: IPSS-QoL questioning, uroflowmetry, bladder ultrasound with residual urine volume evaluation, urethroscopy, ascending and micturition urethrocystography. The first stage was an internal optical urethrotomy according to the standard technique. Then, a urethral stent was installed in the area of dissected stenosis. The second stage was an incision in the perineum, the urethra was isolated, and under optical control, through the perineum, the stent was fixed to the urethra with non-absorbable suture material. The stent was removed endoscopically after 6 months.

Results. The median surgery duration averaged 45 minutes. Patients were discharged 2 to 3 days after surgery. The maximum observation period was 20 months. During the observation period, not a single case of stent migration was recorded. All patients showed a persistent increase in Qmax and no residual urine. Six patients had a stress component of urinary incontinence, 4 patients had total urinary incontinence. According to control urethrocystoscopy 6 months after stent removal, clinically insignificant urethral stenosis was noted in all patients. In all cases, moderate signs of stent encrustation were identified. Dysuric phenomena disturbed 5 patients, who were stopped by rectal suppositories with NSAIDs, as well as taking herbal uroseptics. The data from the IPPS-QoL questionnaires confirm the positive effect of the treatment.

Conclusions. Temporary placement of a urethral stent for urethral stenosis is an effective minimally invasive treatment. The technique of fixation through the perineum allows preventing migration in all cases. This approach to treatment significantly improves the quality of life of patients who were contraindicated for urethroplasty for one reason or another. However, the technique requires longer observation and analysis.
Efectos de la Covid-19 y la restricción a la movilidad de las personas sobre el consumo adictivo de cigarros en México, 2005-2020
Authors: Mendoza-González Miguel Ángel , Villagra-Piña Alberto
Published: July 2021

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar el impacto que han tenido la Covid-19 y la restricción de movilidad de las personas en el consumo de cigarrillos en México. La metodología son modelos de cointegración fmols con endogeneidad y cambio estructural para identificar comportamientos miopes o racionales de acuerdo con la Teoría de Adicción Racional. Los resultados muestran que los precios y eventos estresantes son el principal determinante del consumo de cigarros. Se recomienda incidir significativamente sobre los precios del tabaco. Las implicaciones son que el distanciamiento social y la restricción a la movilidad de las personas han incrementado el consumo de cigarros, el alcance limita la inclusión de otros factores como la pérdida del empleo. La originalidad del artículo radica en que en estudios previos no se han considerado eventos estresantes como la Covid-19. La principal conclusión es que el aumento de precios relativos de cigarros previo a las condiciones de pandemia y el choque de ingreso son la principal causa de la reducción de las ventas de cajetillas de cigarros durante la crisis sanitaria y económica de 2020.
The purposes of the provisions of the Qur’an in extending security and stability
Authors: Jenko Aladin
Published: July 2021

This study deals with the most important legal purposes in preserving human dignity and dignity through an objective reading of some Quranic verses and its jurisprudential problems, studying Quranic purposes from the verses of fighting, and reconsidering these noble verses. They used this topic as a pretext to attack the Holy Qur’an, portraying it as a source of terrorism and a book that orders its followers to kill people, without respecting human rights or human feelings. This accusation, which lacks a precise scientific method, has become an old and disturbing cylinder due to its frequent repetition by orientalists and those affected by them from among the sons of our religion.
The study included: defining the purposes and clarifying the relationship of fighting with security and stability, by studying and analyzing the verses of fighting. He mentioned the most important Qur’anic purposes in it, such as self-defense, establishing freedoms, preserving dignity and building a society of justice
Politeness and Indirectness in Donald Trump’s Intercommunication
Authors: Mahmood Rauf Kareem , Rasheed Hezha Muhammad
Published: July 2021

This paper elaborates the notion of politeness as a pragmatic concept and attempts to find answers regarding the strategies followed to achieve a polite act within a course of communication. Both the speaker and the hearer tend to act politely (in accordance to their beliefs regarding a polite act) and expect to be treated alike. However, the type of politeness considered in this paper is different from that of a culture-based concept.
Pragmatic Politeness consists of following a number of principles and maxims in accordance to a particular context. Both types of the concepts are connected to the notion of ‘face’ which refers to the image that both the speaker and hearer desire to save, whenever they are intercommunicating. The face saving of interlocutors requires the adaptation of Leech’s Politeness principle and maxims. This paper examines both ‘direct’ and ‘indirect’ strategies to approach politeness in Donald Trump’s political intercommunications verify or nullify common claims that politeness is achieved throughout indirect methods. The paper hypothesizes that both strategies are applicable to fulfill a communicative polite behavior on the basis of proper context.
The Content and Quality of Publicly Available Information About Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Descriptive Study
Authors: Soltys Frank Coyle , Spilo Kimi , Politi Mary C
Published: July 2021

Background

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) diagnosis in an infant is distressing for parents. Parents often feel unable to absorb the complexities of CDH during prenatal consultations and use the internet to supplement their knowledge and decision making.

Objective

We aimed to examine the content and quality of publicly available, internet-based CDH information.

Methods

We conducted internet searches across 2 popular search engines (Google and Bing). Websites were included if they contained CDH information and were publicly available. We developed a coding instrument to evaluate websites. Two coders (FS and KS) were trained, achieved interrater reliability, and rated remaining websites independently. Descriptive statistics were performed.

Results

Searches yielded 520 websites; 91 met inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Most websites provided basic CDH information including describing the defect (86/91, 95%), need for neonatal intensive care (77/91, 85%), and surgical correction (79/91, 87%). Few mentioned palliative care, decisions about pregnancy termination (13/91, 14%), or support resources (21/91, 23%).

Conclusions

Findings highlight the variability of information about CDH on the internet. Clinicians should work to develop or identify reliable, comprehensive information about CDH to support parents.
Clinically Applicable Segmentation of Head and Neck Anatomy for Radiotherapy: Deep Learning Algorithm Development and Validation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Nikolov Stanislav , Blackwell Sam , Zverovitch Alexei , Mendes Ruheena , Livne Michelle , De Fauw Jeffrey , Patel Yojan , Meyer Clemens , Askham Harry , Romera-Paredes Bernadino , Kelly Christopher , Karthikesalingam Alan , Chu Carlton , Carnell Dawn , Boon Cheng , D'Souza Derek , Moinuddin Syed Ali , Garie Bethany , McQuinlan Yasmin , Ireland Sarah , Hampton Kiarna , Fuller Krystle , Montgomery Hugh , Rees Geraint , Suleyman Mustafa , Back Trevor , Hughes Cían Owen , Ledsam Joseph R , Ronneberger Olaf
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Over half a million individuals are diagnosed with head and neck cancer each year globally. Radiotherapy is an important curative treatment for this disease, but it requires manual time to delineate radiosensitive organs at risk. This planning process can delay treatment while also introducing interoperator variability, resulting in downstream radiation dose differences. Although auto-segmentation algorithms offer a potentially time-saving solution, the challenges in defining, quantifying, and achieving expert performance remain.

OBJECTIVE

Adopting a deep learning approach, we aim to demonstrate a 3D U-Net architecture that achieves expert-level performance in delineating 21 distinct head and neck organs at risk commonly segmented in clinical practice.

METHODS

The model was trained on a data set of 663 deidentified computed tomography scans acquired in routine clinical practice and with both segmentations taken from clinical practice and segmentations created by experienced radiographers as part of this research, all in accordance with consensus organ at risk definitions.

RESULTS

We demonstrated the model’s clinical applicability by assessing its performance on a test set of 21 computed tomography scans from clinical practice, each with 21 organs at risk segmented by 2 independent experts. We also introduced surface Dice similarity coefficient, a new metric for the comparison of organ delineation, to quantify the deviation between organ at risk surface contours rather than volumes, better reflecting the clinical task of correcting errors in automated organ segmentations. The model’s generalizability was then demonstrated on 2 distinct open-source data sets, reflecting different centers and countries to model training.

CONCLUSIONS

Deep learning is an effective and clinically applicable technique for the segmentation of the head and neck anatomy for radiotherapy. With appropriate validation studies and regulatory approvals, this system could improve the efficiency, consistency, and safety of radiotherapy pathways.
Mobile Health to Support Community-Integration of Individuals With Disabilities Using iMHere 2.0: Focus Group Study (Preprint)
Authors: Ward Rebecca E , Setiawan I Made Agus , Quinby Eleanor , Fair Melva , Ambadar Zara , Parmanto Bambang , Dicianno Brad E
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Mobile health (mHealth) systems that support self-management can improve medical, functional, and psychosocial outcomes for individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions. The mHealth systems can potentially be expanded to support community integration.

OBJECTIVE

The purposes of this study were to (1) partner with a community-based organization that supports community integration of individuals with disabilities; (2) identify software requirements needed to support community participation; and (3) iteratively refine an existing mHealth application to include new requirements.

METHODS

Community Living and Support Services (CLASS), a nonprofit organization that serves individuals with disabilities in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was identified as the focus group for this study. Key stakeholders within the Community Partners Program at CLASS proposed design requirements for an existing mHealth application, Interactive Mobile Health and Rehabilitation (iMHere) 2.0, that has been used to support self-management.

RESULTS

We gathered qualitative data from a focus group composed of CLASS members to develop and iteratively revise iMHere 2.0 to include new modules and features to support community integration. A caregiver app was also developed. The new system contains features to support finance, transportation, client and caregiver communication, calendar and checklist management, upcoming medical and nonmedical appointments, social engagement, pain management, and access to a personal profile. Modifications were made to the following existing modules: education, mood, personal health record, goals, medications, and nutrition.

CONCLUSIONS

A successful partnership with a community-based organization that supports individuals with disabilities resulted in a newly designed mHealth system with features to support community integration.
Intervention for a Digital, Cognitive, Multi-Domain Alzheimer Risk Velocity Study: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Gray Michelle , Madero Erica N , Gills Joshua L , Paulson Sally , Jones Megan D , Campitelli Anthony , Myers Jennifer , Bott Nicholas T , Glenn Jordan M
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

In the United States, more than 6 million adults live with Alzheimer disease (AD) that affects 1 out of every 3 older adults. Although there is no cure for AD currently, lifestyle-based interventions aimed at slowing the rate of cognitive decline or delaying the onset of AD have shown promising results. However, most studies primarily focus on older adults (>55 years) and use in-person interventions.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to determine the effects of a 2-year digital lifestyle intervention on AD risk among at-risk middle-aged and older adults (45-75 years) compared with a health education control.

METHODS

The lifestyle intervention consists of a digitally delivered, personalized health coaching program that directly targets the modifiable risk factors for AD. The primary outcome measure is AD risk as determined by the Australian National University-Alzheimer Disease Risk Index; secondary outcome measures are functional fitness, blood biomarkers (inflammation, glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides), and cognitive function (Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status and Neurotrack Cognitive Battery). Screening commenced in January 2021 and was completed in June 2021.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics indicate no difference between the intervention and control groups for AD risk (mean −1.68, SD 7.31; P=.90).

CONCLUSIONS

The intervention in the Digital, Cognitive, Multi-domain Alzheimer Risk Velocity is uniquely designed to reduce the risk of AD through a web-based health coaching experience that addresses the modifiable lifestyle-based risk factors.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04559789; https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT04559789

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/31841
An Innovative App (ExoDont) for Postoperative Care of Patients After Tooth Extraction: Prototype Development and Testing Study (Preprint)
Authors: Krishna Meenakshi , Sybil Deborah , Shrivastava Priyanshu Kumar , Premchandani Shubhangi , Kumar Himanshu , Kumar Pintu
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

The postoperative period is crucial for the initiation of healing and prevention of complications after any surgical procedure. Due to factors such as poor compliance, comprehension, and retention of instructions, and other unaccounted factors, the objectives of postoperative care are not always achieved. Therefore, an Android-based mobile health app (ExoDont) was developed to ensure a smooth postoperative period for patients after a dental extraction. The ExoDont app delivers reminders for postoperative instructions and drug intake at defined intervals, thus fostering self-reliance among patients in taking their prescribed dose of medication.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to design, develop, and validate ExoDont, an innovative app for improved adherence to postoperative instructions after tooth extraction.

METHODS

A postoperative treatment protocol was developed by a team of oral and maxillofacial surgeons and general dentists, following which the clinical and technological requirements of the app were determined along with the software engineers, graphic designers, and applications architect in the team. ExoDont was developed to provide timely reminders for medication and postoperative care. The app was field tested and validated using the User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale.

RESULTS

The ExoDont software design was divided into a 3-level architecture comprising a user interface application, logical layer, and database layer. The software architecture consists of an Android-based ExoDont app for patients and a web version of the admin panel. The testing and validation of the ExoDont app revealed that Perceived Impact received the highest mean score of all rated components (mean 4.6, SD 0.5), while Engagement received the lowest mean score (mean 3.5, SD 0.8).

CONCLUSIONS

The testing and validation of the app support its usability and functionality, as well as its impact on users. The ExoDont app has been designed, keeping the welfare of patients in view, in a user-friendly manner that will help patients adhere to the prescribed drug regimen and ensure easy and efficient dissemination of postoperative instructions. It could play an instrumental role in fostering compliance among patients and significantly decrease the complication rate following dental extractions.
Mental health correlates of demonstrated smartphone expertise in community dwelling older adults (Preprint)
Authors: Mohlman Jan , Tsang William , Magee Sofia Alba , Dalokay Lauren , Basch Corey Hannah
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

There is a pressing need to integrate mobile technology into the treatment of common mental health problems of later life such as anxiety and depression. However, adults over the age of 65 vary greatly in their mastery of smartphones.

OBJECTIVE

This study characterizes an older community-dwelling sample in terms of their varying levels of demonstrated smartphone expertise relative to anxiety, depression, and self-perceived proficiency in using technological (tech) devices.

METHODS

A 20-step behavioral smartphone challenge task, the Smartphone Task for Older Adults, was used to evaluate older adults’ knowledge of a range of smartphone functions.

RESULTS

Findings diverge in potentially meaningful ways from previous studies using self-report measures of tech expertise. Scores on the task were relatively low and partly replicated the digital divide, but also indicate negative relations of demonstrated smartphone expertise with specific variants of anxiety and in-vivo frustration, rather than anxiety or depression more generally.

CONCLUSIONS

Tech-related anxiety and frustration while attempting new smartphone functions may characterize the current cohort of older adults who have not effectively mastered use of smartphones. Implications for smartphone training tailored to this older subgroup are discussed.