bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of duchenne muscular dystrophy in five Chinese families based on relative mutation dosage approach
Authors: Zhao Ganye , Wang Xiaofeng , Liu Lina , Dai Peng , Kong Xiangdong
Published: November 2021

Background

Relative haplotype dosage (RHDO) approach has been applied in noninvasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). However, the RHDO procedure is relatively complicated and the parental haplotypes need to be constructed. Furthermore, it is not suitable for the diagnosis of de novo mutations or mosaicism in germ cells. Here, we investigated NIPD of DMD using a relative mutation dosage (RMD)-based approach—cell-free DNA Barcode-Enabled Single-Molecule Test (cfBEST), which has not previously been applied in the diagnosis of exon deletion.

Methods

Five DMD families caused by DMD gene point mutations or exon deletion were recruited for this study. After the breakpoints of exon deletion were precisely mapped with multiple PCR, the genotypes of the fetuses from the five DMD families were inferred using cfBEST, and were further validated by invasive prenatal diagnosis.

Results

The cfBEST results of the five families indicated that one fetus was female and did not carry the familial molecular alteration, three fetuses were carriers and one was male without the familial mutation. The invasive prenatal diagnosis results were consistent with those of the cfBEST procedure.

Conclusion

This is the first report of NIPD of DMD using the RMD-based approach. We extended the application of cfBEST from point mutation to exon deletion mutation. The results showed that cfBEST would be suitable for NIPD of DMD caused by different kinds of mutation types.
Effect of fermented Rhus verniciflua stokes extract on liver function parameters in healthy Korean adults: a double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kwak Jung Hyun , Lee Hyo-Jeong , Jeong Seok-Tae , Lee Ju Yeon , Lee Minho , Paik Jean Kyung
Published: November 2021

Background

Fermented Rhus verniciflua Stokes extract (FRVE) reported an anti-hepatic lipidemic property mediated by the upregulation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in cell and animal models. However, it remains unclear whether there is an effect of FRVE on liver disease-related parameters and serum lipid levels in humans. We investigated the effects of FRVE intake for 12 weeks on liver disease-related parameters and serum lipid profiles in Korean adults.

Methods

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted among 79 subjects. An aqueous extract of fermented Rhus verniciflua Stokes that was filtered and fermented was prepared. For 12 weeks, the test group (n = 39) consumed two capsules of FRVE (main components: fustin 129 mg and fisetin 59 mg) once daily. The control group (n = 40) consumed two placebo pills (main component: lactose 627.0 mg) once daily. A 1:1 randomization of control and test was performed using computer-generated randomization. Both before and after FRVE intake, anthropometric parameters, liver function-related parameters, and clinical laboratory parameters were measured. The effects between the test and control groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test and independent t-test, and the difference between baseline and follow-up values was compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum test and paired t-test.

Results

There was no significant difference when comparing the change values of liver disease-related parameters and serum lipid profiles in between groups.

Conclusions

In our study, we did not confirm the significance in liver function parameters and serum lipid profiles.

Trial registration

The study protocol was registered in the Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS: https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/index.jsp) under number KCT0005687. Registered on 2 December 2020
Ultrasound at the patient’s bedside for the diagnosis and prognostication of a renal colic
Authors: Bourcier Jean-Eudes , Gallard Emeric , Redonnet Jean-Philippe , Abillard Morgan , Billaut Quentin , Fauque Laura , Jouanolou Anna , Garnier Didier
Published: November 2021

Background

Diagnosing a ureteral colic is sometimes difficult; however, clinicians should not fail to detect a surgical emergency. This is why diagnostic strategies depend on the imaging examinations, especially ultrasound. Prior studies have investigated the accuracy of Point of Care Ultrasound (PoCUS), but there are relatively few. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the PoCUS in the diagnosis of renal colic. The secondary objective was to evaluate the relationship between the imaging results and the treatment performed.

Methods

After the clinical evaluation of patients aged > 18 years with suspected ureteral colic, the Emergency Physician (EP) trained in ultrasound performed PoCUS to conclude whether a diagnosis of “renal colic” should be made. A computed tomography (CT) examination was subsequently performed, to determine whether ureteral or bladder lithiasis was present to diagnose a ureteral colic. The patient’s management was decided according to the to degree of urinary tract dilatation, presence of perinephric fluid, size, and localization of stones.

Results

Of the 12 Eps in our units, seven met the training criteria for the inclusion of patients. A total of 103 patients were analyzed, and the renal colic diagnosis was retained in 85 cases after the CT examination. The accuracy of PoCUS was 91% (86; 95%) for detecting urinary tract dilatation, 83% (76; 90%) for detecting perinephric fluid, and 54% (44; 64%) for detecting lithiasis. Only high urinary tract stones with ≥ 6 mm diameter were surgically managed (p < 0.01). Conversely, distal ureteral stones with a diameter of < 6 mm were managed with medical ambulatory treatment (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

PoCUS is a good diagnostic tool, for renal colic, and could help reduce the requirement for the CT examinations and, hence, reduce induced radiation exposure.
Predicting respiratory failure in patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 by admission sex-specific biomarkers
Authors: Pagano Maria Teresa , Peruzzu Daniela , Busani Luca , Pierdominici Marina , Ruggieri Anna , Antinori Andrea , D’Offizi Gianpiero , Petrosillo Nicola , Palmieri Fabrizio , Piselli Pierluca , Cicalini Stefania , Notari Stefania , Nicastri Emanuele , Agrati Chiara , Ippolito Giuseppe , Vaia Francesco , Gagliardi Maria Cristina , Capobianchi Maria Rosaria , Ortona Elena ,   INMI-ISS COVID-19 team, Macchione Manuela , Di Lorenzo Rachele , Camici Marta , Gagliardini Roberta , Vita Serena , Maffongelli Gaetano , Milozzi Eugenia , Faraglia Francesca , Cerva Carlotta , Mosti Silvia , Donno Davide Roberto , Chinello Pierangelo , Bordoni Veronica , Sacchi Alessandra , Tartaglia Eleonora , Casetti Rita , Grassi Germana , Cimini Eleonora , Dupuis Maria Luisa , Anticoli Simona , Fecchi Katia , Bellenghi Maria , Puglisi Rossella , Mattia Gianfranco , Pontecorvi Giada
Published: November 2021

Background

Several biomarkers have been identified to predict the outcome of COVID-19 severity, but few data are available regarding sex differences in their predictive role. Aim of this study was to identify sex-specific biomarkers of severity and progression of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in COVID-19.

Methods

Plasma levels of sex hormones (testosterone and 17β-estradiol), sex-hormone dependent circulating molecules (ACE2 and Angiotensin1-7) and other known biomarkers for COVID-19 severity were measured in male and female COVID-19 patients at admission to hospital. The association of plasma biomarker levels with ARDS severity at admission and with the occurrence of respiratory deterioration during hospitalization was analysed in aggregated and sex disaggregated form.

Results

Our data show that some biomarkers could be predictive both for males and female patients and others only for one sex. Angiotensin1-7 plasma levels and neutrophil count predicted the outcome of ARDS only in females, whereas testosterone plasma levels and lymphocytes counts only in males.

Conclusions

Sex is a biological variable affecting the choice of the correct biomarker that might predict worsening of COVID-19 to severe respiratory failure. The definition of sex specific biomarkers can be useful to alert patients to be safely discharged versus those who need respiratory monitoring.
The association between childhood neighborhood relationship and mental health in middle and later life: Evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study
Authors: Sun Jian , Luo Hongye , Li Chaofan , Wang Qianqiang
Published: November 2021

Background

It is unclear that whether childhood neighborhood relationship is associated with mental health among middle-aged and older adults. To overcome this research gap, this study aimed to investigate the association between childhood neighborhood relationship and mental health among the middle-aged and older adults in China.

Methods

The data of this study was sourced from the 2014 and 2015 waves of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. We used ordinary least squares and logit regression models to explore the association between childhood neighborhood relationship and mental health among the middle-aged and older adults in China.

Results

The regression results indicate that the middle-aged and older adults who lived in place where neighbors had close-knit relationships at childhood was significantly associated with decreased odds of suffering from depressive symptoms (OR = 0.4259, p < 0.001). Furthermore, compared to the middle-aged and older adults who lived in place where neighbors were not close-knit at childhood, those who lived in place where neighbors were close-knit at childhood had a reduced CES–D score (coefficient = − 2.7822, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the importance of living in place where neighbors had close-knit relationships at childhood. The integrated interventions, including maintaining close-knit neighborhood relationships and strengthening the construction of community, may be useful to improve mental health.
Courting emissions: climate adjudication and South Africa’s youth
Authors: Nkrumah Bright
Published: November 2021

Background

The urgency to pursue sustainable consumption or use energy in a manner that does not negatively impact the environment has become an important theme in recent times. As a major fluctuation in the atmosphere, climate change will be one of the major challenges faced by youth. As a result, there have been a growing number of young South Africans advocating for environmental justice. Surprisingly, their effort has not yielded the expected result as the country continues to emit a high amount of greenhouse gases. The notion of youth may be construed as those between the ages of 15 and 24. The age bracket suggests that the adult lives of this population will be shaped by environmental crises such as famines, vector-borne diseases, and hikes in commodity prices which may impinge on their basic rights to life, health, and property. This development triggers an ancient discourse, what role can youth play towards decarbonization? In other words, which effective avenue could be used by young people for capping emissions?

Methods

An analysis of South Africa’s energy policy documents relevant to sustainability was conducted through the application of desktop research. We use (inter)national instruments and jurisprudence to understand how a state structure, like the judiciary, could nudge the executive to cap rising green gas emissions. South Africa is used as a case study because of its over-reliance on coal for electricity, and how young people could use the existing legal framework to cap rising emissions. Drawing from existing literature, the paper interrogates the lack of activism around climate litigation and under what conditions this pattern could be reversed in South Africa.

Results

The paper found that while litigation has an important role to play in mitigating climate change, it ought to be complemented with other forms of advocacy.

Conclusions

The study concludes that given the government’s perceived slow steps towards shifting from coal to renewables, youth (who will bear the brunt of high emissions) ought to use both courtrooms and advocacy to trigger political action.
Nucleases as molecular targets for cancer diagnosis
Authors: Balian Alien , Hernandez Frank J.
Published: November 2021

Early cancer diagnosis is a crucial element to improved treatment options and survival. Great research efforts have been made in the search for better performing cancer diagnostic biomarkers. However, the quest continues as novel biomarkers with high accuracy for an early diagnosis remain an unmet clinical need. Nucleases, which are enzymes capable of cleaving nucleic acids, have been long considered as potential cancer biomarkers. The implications of nucleases are key for biological functions, their presence in different cellular counterparts and catalytic activity led the enthusiasm towards investigating the role of nucleases as promising cancer biomarkers. However, the most essential feature of these proteins, which is their enzymatic activity, has not been fully exploited. This review discusses nucleases interrogated as cancer biomarkers, providing a glimpse of their physiological roles. Moreover, it highlights the potential of harnessing the enzymatic activity of cancer-associated nucleases as a novel diagnostic biomarker using nucleic acid probes as substrates.
Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin does not originate from the kidney during reperfusion in clinical renal transplantation
Authors: Passov Arie , Ilmakunnas Minna , Pihlajoki Marjut , Hermunen Kethe , Lempinen Marko , Helanterä Ilkka , Kailari Villemikko , Heikinheimo Markku , Andersson Sture , Pesonen Eero
Published: November 2021

Background

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a common clinical complication. Plasma/serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) has been proposed as a rapid marker of AKI. However, NGAL is not kidney-specific. It exists in three isoforms (monomeric, homo-dimeric and hetero-dimeric). Only the monomeric isoform is produced by renal tubular cells and plasma NGAL levels are confounded by the release of all NGAL isoforms from neutrophils. Our aim was to investigate whether NGAL is released into blood from injured renal tubules.

Methods

Kidney transplantation (n = 28) served as a clinical model of renal ischaemic injury. We used ELISA to measure NGAL concentrations at 2 minutes after kidney graft reperfusion in simultaneously taken samples of renal arterial and renal venous blood. Trans-renal gradients (venous–arterial) of NGAL were calculated. We performed Western blotting to distinguish between renal and non-renal NGAL isoforms. Liver-type fatty acid binding protein (LFABP) and heart-type fatty acid binding protein (HFABP) served as positive controls of proximal and distal tubular damage.

Results

Significant renal release of LFABP [trans-renal gradient 8.4 (1.7–30.0) ng/ml, p = 0.005] and HFABP [trans-renal gradient 3.7 (1.1–5.0) ng/ml, p = 0.003] at 2 minutes after renal graft reperfusion indicated proximal and distal tubular damage. NGAL concentrations were comparable in renal venous and renal arterial blood. Thus, there was no trans-renal gradient of NGAL. Western blotting revealed that the renal NGAL isoform represented only 6% of the total NGAL in renal venous blood.

Conclusions

Ischaemic proximal and distal tubular damage occurs in kidney transplantation without concomitant NGAL washout from the kidney graft into blood. Plasma/serum NGAL levels are confounded by the release of NGAL from neutrophils. Present results do not support the interpretation that increase in plasma NGAL is caused by release from the renal tubules.
Condition analysis of a multicopter carried with passive skid for rough terrain landing
Authors: Xu Maozheng , Senoo Taku , Takaki Takeshi
Published: November 2021

This paper describes the condition analysis of a multicopter carried with a proposed device for rough terrain landing. Based on a multicopter carried with an electrical robot arm for grasping, we proposed a method to determine whether the skid-carried multicopter can land on an arbitrary slope or not. We established the static model of the entire device, and analyzed the conditions under which the arm and skid can contact the arbitrary plane and the COG (Center of Gravity), which includes the mass of passive skid, multicopter body and each link of the robot arm. Further, we proposed a method to analyze whether the entire device can land stably. By analyzing that the projection of the entire device’s COG is inside or outside the triangle, that comprises the contact point between the device and the uneven ground, we can determine whether the device can land successfully and the condition for capable landing is concluded. After the numerical analysis, the verification experiment is conducted, and by comparing the result of analysis with the experiment, the accuracy of the analysis can be demonstrated.
Bilberry/red grape juice decreases plasma biomarkers of inflammation and tissue damage in aged men with subjective memory impairment –a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Bøhn Siv K. , Myhrstad Mari C. W. , Thoresen Magne , Erlund Iris , Vasstrand Ann Kristin , Marciuch Anne , Carlsen Monica H. , Bastani Nasser E. , Engedal Knut , Flekkøy Kjell M. , Blomhoff Rune
Published: November 2021

Background

Few randomized clinical trials have explored the health effects of bilberries in humans. The aim was to test the effect of bilberry and red grape-juice consumption on visual memory, motor speed and dexterity as well as inflammatory and tissue damage biomarkers of plasma in aged men with subjective memory impairment.

Methods

Nine-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, dietary intervention study of aged men (n = 60, age ≥ 67 years) with subjective memory impairment randomized to consume a 50/50 mix of bilberry/red grape-juice or an iso-caloric placebo juice. A selection of Cambridge Cognition Test Battery (CANTAB), Grooved Pegboard tests and blood-sampling for biomarker analysis were performed before and after the intervention.

Results

Compared to placebo the selected memory and motor test scores were un-affected by the bilberry/red grape intervention. However, the plasma levels of tissue damage biomarkers decreased significantly more in the bilberry/red grape group. In particular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) decreased from 362 U/L (median, baseline) to 346 U/L (median, post intervention) in the bilberry/red grape group. Also, several biomarkers of inflammation (EGF, IL6, IL9, IL10 and TNFα) decreased significantly more in the bilberry/red grape group. Furthermore, several plasma polyphenols; p-coumaric acid, hippuric acid, protocatechuic acid, 3HPAA and vanillic acid, increased significantly more in the bilberry/red grape group compared to placebo with the largest increase in p-coumaric acid with 116%; from 2.2 [1.0,5.5] to 4.7 [2.8,8.1] μM/L (median [95% CL]).

Conclusions

The results indicate that a nine-week bilberry/red grape juice intervention has no measurable effects on the selected memory scores in aged men experiencing memory problems but decreases the level of biomarkers of inflammation and tissue damage. Whether the dampening effects on inflammation and tissue damage biomarkers have relevance for neuroinflammatory brain pathology remains to be established.

Trial registration

Registration number (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00972972), September 9, 2009.
Designing an ideal alcohol-based hand sanitizer: in vitro antibacterial responses of ethanol and isopropyl alcohol solutions to changing composition
Authors: Nzekwe Ifeanyi T. , Agwuka Onyedika I. , Okezie Moses U. , Fasheun Daniel O. , Nnamani Petra O. , Agubata Chukwuma O.
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to achieve an in vitro quantification of the effects of composition and formulation factors on the killing rates of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. The killing rates of 85% ethyl alcohol (ET) and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) were studied under different conditions such as pH, electrolyte concentration, or inclusion of herbal extracts (cucumber, carrot, and aloe vera), a quaternary ammonium compound, or thickener over different time intervals. Changes in the activities were retested after 3 months as an indication of stability. From two-way ANOVA, both the time of exposure and the sanitizer type affected the activity against Staphylococcus aureus (P = 0.001 for both alcohols), whereas for Escherichia coli, time of exposure was significant (P = 0.027), while sanitizer type was less significant (P = 0.063). Extreme pHs, the presence of ions, and the inclusion of additives such as benzalkonium chloride (BAC), plant extracts, or carbomer impacted the 3-month activity of the samples differently. Important differences existing in the activities of ET and IPA, as a function of formulation factors or use conditions have been quantified using in vitro methods. Formulations should best be tailored for particular purposes and the all-purpose hand sanitizer may not exist.

Graphic Abstract
Potential distribution of the primary malaria vector Anopheles gambiae Giles [Diptera: Culicidae] in Southwest Nigeria under current and future climatic conditions
Authors: Olabimi Isaac Omotayo , Ileke Kayode David , Adu Babasola Williams , Arotolu Temitope Emmanuel
Published: November 2021

Background

Mosquitoes are key vectors for the transmission of several diseases. Anopheles gambiae is known to transmit pathogens of malaria and filariasis. Due to several anthropogenic factors such as climate change and population growth leading to diverse land use, their distribution and disease spreading pattern may change. This study estimated the potential distribution and climatic suitability of An. gambiae under the present-day and future conditions across Southwest Nigeria using Ecological Niche Modelling (ENM). The future scenarios assessed were based on two general circulation models (GCMs), namely community climate system model 4 (CCSM4) and geophysical fluid dynamics laboratory-climate model 3 (GFDL-CM3), in two representative concentration pathways (RCP 2.6 and RCP 8.5).

Methodology

The occurrence data were obtained from literatures that have reported the presence of An. gambiae mosquito species in locations within the study area. Ecological niche modelling data were processed and analysed using maximum entropy algorithm implemented in MaxEnt.

Result

Fifty-five (55) unique occurrences of An. gambiae were used in the model calibration after data cleaning. Data analysis for the present-day habitat suitability shows that more than two-thirds (81.71%) of the study area was observed to be suitable for An. gambiae population. However, the two future GCMs showed contrasting results. The CCSM4 models indicated a slight increase in both RCPs with 2.5 and 8.5 having 81.77 and 82.34% suitability, respectively. The reverse was the case for the GFDL-CM3 models as RCPs 2.5 and 8.5 had 78.86 and 76.86%.

Conclusion

This study revealed that the study area is climatically suitable for An. gambiae and will continue to be so in the future irrespective of the contrasting results from the GCMs used. Since vector population is often linked with their disease transmission capacity, proper measures must be put in place to mitigate disease incidences associated with the activities of An. gambiae.
Impact of dexamethasone added to intra-articular morphine and bupivacaine for postoperative analgesia after knee arthroscopy
Authors: Toulan Heba Fouad , Hammad Raafat Abdel-Azim , Talaat Amr Mohammed , Abd El-Haq Ahmed Abd El-Daeem
Published: November 2021

Background

Pain relief after knee arthroscopy is very important for early recovery and rehabilitation. The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of adding dexamethasone (8 mg) to intra-articular morphine (10 mg) and bupivacaine (25 mg) combination on postoperative pain after knee arthroscopy.

Results

We enrolled 40 patients, 18–65 years-old of both sexes, ASA I and II scheduled for minor arthroscopic knee surgeries. The study group showed a lower visual analog score at rest and movement, prolonged postoperative analgesia, and decreased total analgesic consumption compared with the control group (P value < 0.05).

Conclusions

Adding dexamethasone to intra-articular combination of morphine and bupivacaine after knee arthroscopy prolongs the duration of analgesia, lowers pain scores, and decreases total analgesic consumption with no detected adverse effects.
Development of the Oncology Opportunity Cost Assessment Tool: Item Generation and Content Validity Testing
Authors: Handley Nathan R. , Binder Adam F. , Heyer Arianna , Granberg Rachel E. , Davis Garrison , Nord Garrison , Gentsch Alexzandra T. , Rising Kristin L.
Published: November 2021

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this study was to develop the Oncology Opportunity Cost Assessment Tool (OOCAT), a survey instrument to evaluate the opportunity costs patients experience when seeking medical oncology care.

METHODS:

Development of the OOCAT involved extensive patient engagement through both focus groups and interviews. First, the study team developed a list of opportunity cost concepts, which included patients' logistical and financial considerations related to seeking care. We conducted focus groups with patients to expand upon this list of concepts, and then developed a set of questions that incorporated all the concepts generated during the focus groups. To refine these questions, we next performed cognitive interviews with another set of patients to ensure content validity and clarity of instrument items, refining the OOCAT iteratively on the basis of feedback.

RESULTS:

We engaged 23 participants (17 patients and six caregivers) across four focus groups and 17 participants in cognitive interviews. Focus group participants generated 112 concepts, which resulted in an initial OOCAT with 16 questions. Cognitive interviews resulted in modification of 12 questions and addition of two questions (related to coordination of transportation and impact on home responsibilities). The final OOCAT consisted of 18 items examining time requirements for appointments, financial implications of traveling to appointments for the patient and the caregiver, and logistical and quality-of-life challenges associated with traveling for appointments.

CONCLUSION:

We developed the OOCAT, an instrument designed to evaluate patient-level opportunity costs of seeking medical oncology care. Further studies to validate the OOCAT are underway.
Midazolam-Induced Hiccups Reversed by Flumazenil: A Case Report
Authors: Rao Prashant N. , Wu Christopher L. , YaDeau Jacques T.
Published: November 2021

Hiccups are a common phenomenon experienced by many people and are usually short-lived with spontaneous resolution of symptoms. Certain anesthetic medications have been associated with the development of hiccups, though the underlying pathophysiology and reflex arcs remain poorly understood. We describe a patient who developed hiccups lasting 9 days following an orthopedic surgery and again developed hiccups during a subsequent surgery after only having received midazolam; flumazenil administration led to sustained cessation of his hiccup symptoms immediately.
What's Really New about the Neoliberal University? The Business of American Education Has Always Been Business
Authors: Shermer Elizabeth Tandy
Published: November 2021

Journalists, academics, and ordinary Americans wrongly bemoan the student debt and college financing crises as two separate unhappy endings to a mythical story of unprecedented postwar federal and state support for higher education. Rarely have they considered that either catastrophe has anything to do with the labor question. Yet the thousands of Americans in debt and the many colleges facing bankruptcy (even before the pandemic) are intertwined disasters, which reveal that Americans never had genuine economic security or basic social welfare, a basic truth that has historically hurt and still overwhelmingly harms residents of color, particularly women, who disproportionately hold the most debt. Colleges and universities have always had to rely on tuition and business support because they never received adequate sustained funding from lawmakers, who had far more interest in offering young people and their families ways to creatively finance tuition in order to get the credentials needed to just compete for well-paying work. Business needs and demands did a lot to shape postsecondary schools before the emergency of the neoliberal university, supposedly a late twentieth-century phenomenon. As such, seemingly radical solutions, like forgiving debts and unionizing adjuncts, are not enough to transform universities into the progressive strongholds that they never really were. Lawmakers, taxpayers, and faculty would have to embrace a complete overhaul of how higher education is funded as well as how students are assisted in studying.
Convergent validity and reliability of a novel repeated agility protocol in junior rugby league players
Authors: Nicholls Anthony , Leicht Anthony , Connor Jonathan , Halliday Aaron , Doma Kenji
Published: November 2021

Background: : Rugby league involves repeated, complex, and high intensity change-of-direction (COD) movements with no existing test protocols that specifically assesses these multiple physical fitness components simultaneously. Thus, the current study examined the convergent validity of a repeated Illinois Agility (RIA) protocol with the repeated T-agility protocol, and the repeatability of the RIA protocol in adolescent Rugby League players. Furthermore, aerobic capacity and anaerobic and COD performance were assessed to determine whether these physical qualities were important contributors to the RIA protocol.

Methods: Twenty-two junior Rugby League players completed 4 sessions with each separated by 7 days. Initially, physical fitness characteristics at baseline (i.e., Multi-stage Shuttle test, countermovement jump, 30-m sprint, single-effort COD and repeated sprint ability [RSA]) were assessed. The second session involved a familiarisation of RIA and repeated T-agility test (RTT) protocols. During the third and fourth sessions, participants completed the RIA and RTT protocols in a randomised, counterbalanced design to examine the validity and test-retest reliability of these protocols.

Results: For convergent validity, significant correlations were identified between RIA and RTT performances (r= >0.80; p<0.05). For contributors to RIA performance, significant correlations were identified between all baseline fitness characteristics and RIA (r = >0.71; p < 0.05). Reliability of the RIA protocol was near perfect with excellent intra-class correlation coefficient (0.87-0.97), good ratio limits of agreement (×/÷ 1.05-1.06) and low coefficient of variations (1.8-2.0%).

Conclusions: The current study has demonstrated the RIA to be a simple, valid and reliable field test for RL athletes that can provide coaches with information about their team’s ability to sustain high intensity, multi-directional running efforts.
Estimating the duration of seropositivity of human seasonal coronaviruses using seroprevalence studies
Authors: Rees Eleanor M. , Waterlow Naomi R. ,   Centre for the Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases COVID-19 Working Group, Lowe Rachel , Kucharski Adam J.
Published: November 2021

Background: The duration of immunity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is still uncertain, but it is of key clinical and epidemiological importance. Seasonal human coronaviruses (HCoV) have been circulating for longer and, therefore, may offer insights into the long-term dynamics of reinfection for such viruses.

Methods: Combining historical seroprevalence data from five studies covering the four circulating HCoVs with an age-structured reverse catalytic model, we estimated the likely duration of seropositivity following seroconversion.

Results: We estimated that antibody persistence lasted between 0.9 (95% Credible interval: 0.6 - 1.6) and 3.8 (95% CrI: 2.0 - 7.4) years. Furthermore, we found the force of infection in older children and adults (those over 8.5 [95% CrI: 7.5 - 9.9] years) to be higher compared with young children in the majority of studies.

Conclusions: These estimates of endemic HCoV dynamics could provide an indication of the future long-term infection and reinfection patterns of SARS-CoV-2.
Saint Thomas Aquinas’ Theology and His Commentary on the Book of Psalms
Authors: Casanova Carlos Augusto
Published: November 2021

This is a brief commentary of the Spanish bilingual edition of Aquinas’ Commentary to the Book of Psalms, by Carlos Casanova and Enrique Alarcón, with the outstanding introductions to each of its four volumes. It deals with the relevance of Biblical studies for the understanding of Aquinas’ theological work, the hermeneutical tools used by Aquinas when commenting the Book of Psalms, the contemporary representatives of the school of Biblical Thomism and the main lessons a reader could draw from Aquinas’ reading of the Book of Psalms.
Pismo Święte i odwieczne Słowo Boga w Expositio Symboli Apostolorum Jana z Kwidzyna
Authors: Karczewski Marek
Published: November 2021

Prezentowany artykuł nosi tytuł Pismo Święte i odwieczne Słowo Boga w Expositio Symboli Apostolorum Jana z Kwidzyna. Przedmiot analizy stanowi późnośredniowieczne dzieło Jana z Kwidzyna ((Johannes Marienwerder vel Joannes Marienwerder) (1343-1417) Expositio Symboli Apostolorum (1399-1401). Główny cel artykułu stanowi wskazanie na znaczenie Pisma Świętego w Expositio. Zwrócono szczególną uwagę na dwa wymiary analizy biblijnej Jana z Kwidzyna zawartej w tym dziele. Po pierwsze: wymiar dydaktyczny i teoriopoznawczy. Po drugie: wymiar typowo teologiczny koncentrujący się na wyjątkowości Słowa Boga. Jan z Kwidzyna poświęca sporo uwagi refleksji na temat relacji Bóg Ojciec i Syn Boży, który jest Jego odwiecznym Słowem. Artykuł zawiera cztery punkty: 1) Expositio Symboli Apostolorum jako główne dzieło teologiczne Jana z Kwidzyna; 2) Teksty biblijne w Expositio; 3) Pismo Święte jako droga poznania; 4) Jezus Chrystus jako odwieczne Słowo Boga. Artykuł stanowi przyczynek do dalszych badań nad hermeneutyką biblijną Jana z Kwidzyna, teologa i kierownika duchowego Doroty z Mątów.
Politicisation of Regional Authorities and Its Impact on the Development of Civil Society in Slovakia
Authors: Kancik-Kołtun Ewelina
Published: November 2021

The paper is an attempt to answer the question to what extent the local government at the regional level in Slovakia is dominated by political parties, and to what extent by independent politicians. The subject of the study are the results of the 2017 local government elections at the regional level and their analysis. The main goal of the paper is to provide a comprehensive, statistical and comparative presentation of the regional election results in Slovakia and show the degree of local authorities’ party-dependency. The secondary objective is to examine how the politicisation of local government influences the development of civil society. An attempt is also made to determine how political competition at the local government level looks like, and whether local entities effectively compete with political parties.
Analysis of the frequency of pathologies of the cervical spine in adolescents according to computed tomography
Authors: Adamovych O. , Yashchenko A.
Published: November 2021

Spinal pathologies today occupy a leading position in the rankings of diseases with a high degree of disability of patients, translating the problem into the category of medical and social. Cervical lesions are one of the most common manifestations of spinal pathology, and cervical osteochondrosis ranks second after lumbar. Literature sources indicate that today spinal pathologies have a pronounced tendency to rejuvenate. The aim of our study was to determine the frequency of pathological lesions of the cervical spine among adolescents in a randomized sample according to computed tomography. 100 series of anonymized computed tomograms of young people (18-21 years old) were processed. The examination was performed on the TSX-101A Aquilion 16. According to the analysis, only 22% of the examined young people do not have pathological changes in the study area. Changes in intervertebral discs in the form of protrusions of different localization were found in 51% of the examined persons, in 23% - intervertebral hernias. The high frequency of pathological lesions of the cervical spine indicates the need to identify the causes of their occurrence, as well as the development and application of effective preventive measures.
Ultrasound investigation in pregnant women with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Medvedeva M. , Tertyshnyk D. , Safonova I. , Lazurenko V. , Borzenko I.
Published: November 2021

Introduction. Ultrasound (US) has been used in obstetrics for more than 30 years and is considered to be reliable, simple, quick in results, painless and cheap method. The aim: to optimize the use of US in childbirth in pregnant women with diabetes and determine the outcome of childbirth, taking into account the condition of the fetus and newborn. Materials and methods. 52 pregnant women, among them 32 with diabetes mellitus (pre-gestational diabetes was in 20 persons and 12 persons had gestational diabetes) have been examined.  The average age of pregnant women in the main group was 29.8 ± 5.4 years, in the control group - 25.7 ± 4.3 years. All women in the main and control groups were primiparous. The gestation period in the main group was 39.1 ± 0.5 weeks [38.0; 39.6], in the control group - 39.5 ± 0.7 [38.4; 40.5] weeks. Clinical-laboratory and instrumental examinations were made. Control group consisted of  20 physiologically pregnant women. To determine the condition and size of the fetus and its progress in labor, immediately at the end of the first and during the second staage of labor, transabdominal and transperineal US and Doppler examination were performed with device HD 11 XE Phillips (USA). Results. Pregnant women with diabetes are more likely to have a pathological second stage of labors due to macrosomia and problems with the birth of the fetus, as evidenced by the lack of increased angle of progress and decreased head-perineal distance. The data obtained indicate the prospects of using ultrasound in childbirth as an objective non-invasive method for predicting the likelihood of vaginal birth, which will reduce operative delivery and perinatal pathology. Conclusions. The use of ultrasound in childbirth in women with diabetes and diabetic fetopathy can determine the possibility of complications in the promotion of the fetus, including clinical narrow pelvis, shoulder dystocia, the occurrence of distress, as evidenced by the Apgar scale and CLS. Intraparietal ultrasound helps to guide the plan of childbirth, reduce the frequency of cesarean delivery, perinatal morbidity and mortality, and birth trauma.
Experience of psychiatry distance teaching to english speaking international students
Authors: Oprya Ye. , Melnyk E. , Pustovoyt M. , Chernova T. , Goryachev P.
Published: November 2021

The article describes the difficulties of transition to distance learning (DL) at a medical university when students pass clinical disciplines, using the example of the subject of "psychiatry". The negative impact of the pandemic on international cooperation in the field of education and science was also noted, in particular, attracting foreign students to further education.

Based on the above, the following tasks were set: to study the features of the transition to distance learning the subject of "psychiatry" at the Odessa National Medical University, to identify the features of distance work with English-speaking foreign students during their learning of this discipline and to present proposals for optimizing this process.

During the transition to DL, a significant decrease in the quality of education was noticed during the absence of an existing learning management system, since this transition was a certain stress for all participants in the educational process, both students and teachers. Significant problems have arisen in the DL of clinical disciplines for English-speaking students. The greatest difficulty is the teaching of psychiatry, since it is difficult to explain to students in English not only the description of psychopathological symptoms and syndromes, but also the mental characteristics of people with other nationalities. It is proposed to use movies, with the main heroes suffering from mental disorders, as a thematic guide for mastering practical skills. Although some of the positive aspects of DL have been noted by medical students, they agree to DL only as a forced short-term measure.
Clinical considerations for the management of psoriasis in women with disorders of the menstrual cycle
Authors: Dyulmesova-Bilash Olga
Published: November 2021

Introduction. Psoriasis in women of reproductive age is one of the most pressing medical and social problems. The consequence of psoriasis disease is a significant decrease in the quality of life, disability of patients, difficulties in creating a family and deterioration of family relations, significant psychological discomfort.

Objective of the study: to increase the effectiveness of treatment of women with psoriasis with menstrual irregularities by means of pathogenetically substantiated therapy based on the study of hormonal changes.

Materials and research methods. The study included 130 women who were divided into three groups: the main group – 75 women with psoriasis with menstrual irregularities, who were randomized into 3 subgroups: 1a – 25 patients who will receive standard psoriasis therapy; 1b – 25 patients, in addition to the standard treatment of psoriasis, will receive gestagens for 3 months; 1c – 25 patients, in addition to the standard treatment of psoriasis, will receive a preparation of an dry extract of herb of creeping anchors for 3 months. The comparison group consisted of 25 women with psoriasis without hormonal disorders, comparable in age and social status with the study group. The control group – 30 apparently healthy women, comparable in age and social status with the study group.

Research results. In patients of the main group who received standard psoriasis therapy (1a); who received progestogens for 3 months in addition to standard psoriasis treatment (1b) and, in addition to the standard treatment of psoriasis, who received the preparation of an dry extract of herb of anchors creeping for 3 months (1c), before the start of the treatment, the ratio of LH / FSH – luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was below normal, which indicates a certain deficit in LH production relative to FSH values. In parallel, in these cohorts, the production of prolactin was increased, which suppresses the formation of FSH and LH in the pituitary gland. Changes in the production of gonadotropic hormones are a reaction to the existing deficiency or excess of sex hormones. In the main 1a, 1b and 1c in groups, estradiol values ​​were within the normal range with progesterone deficiency in the luteal phase. The testosterone value in all study groups did not deviate from the standard values.

Conclusions. The obtained results of the survey indicate the need to increase the effectiveness of treatment of women with psoriasis with menstrual irregularities by involving measures aimed at correcting hormonal status in complex therapy.
Biological medicinal products: reference and biosimilar products – selected issues
Authors: Kobuszewski Bartosz
Published: November 2021

Biological therapies are being used in many chronic conditions. Development of biosimilar medicines gives chances for wider access to biological treatment. The aim of the review was to present legal regulations of the marketing authorisation of biological medicines in the context of biosimilars medicines. The article focuses on the legislation of the European Union, which was established on the beginning of the XXI century and is very complex and strict. In the first part of the article were described basic terms in this field, such as biological medicine, biosimilar medicine, reference medicine and generic medicie. It also shows  differnces between biosimilar and generic medicines. Main difference concerns the manufacturing process, because of which biosimilar will never be identical to the reference medicine. Next part concentrates on the proces of registration of new biological medicines, especially in the area of medicines’ indications to use and controversies related to them. The last part presents issues of the safety monitoring of biological medicines on european level. The purpose of european law in that field is to guarantee every registred biologic therapy is safe for the patients.
Features of the intestinal microbiota functional status in early-aged children with rotavirus infection
Authors: Vorobiova N. , Usachova O.
Published: November 2021

The aim is to assess the intestinal microflora functional and structural disorders in early-aged children in the dynamics of rotavirus infection by studying intestinal metabolites in faeces – short-chain fatty acids (SCFA).

Materials and methods. The study included 60 breastfed children aged 1-24 months with rotavirus infection (the study group) and 30 healthy children, representative by age and sex (the comparison group). Determination of SCFA (acetate, propionate, butyrate) in faeces was carried out in all children of the study group three times in the dynamics of the disease (on the 3rd, 5th and 10th day) and in healthy children once.

Results. The total concentration of SCFA in children with rotavirus infection was 3 and 2.2 times lower than in healthy children in the acute period of the disease (p<0.01 on the 3rd and 5th day, respectively), increasing on the 10th day (p<0.05), however, not reaching the normal level (p<0.01). The decrease in the total pool of SCFA occurred due to all volatile acids (C2, C3, C4), the concentrations of which were lower than in healthy children (p<0.01). Violation of the volatile acids ratio in their general pool was observed from the first days of rotavirus gastroenteritis in the form of an increase in the C2 relative concentration (p˂0.05) and a decrease in C3 and C4 profiles (p˂0.05). Correspondingly, a decrease in anaerobic index was noted. It was equal to 0.04 [0.01; 0.11] on the 3rd and 5th day of the disease, constituting only 1/5 of the healthy children values (p˂0,01), increasing on the 10th day to 0,09 [0,02; 0.17], however, remaining twice as lower than in children of the comparison group (p˂0,01).

Conclusions. There is a violation of the intestinal microflora functional condition in early-aged children from the first days of rotavirus infection, which is expressed by depletion of the total pool of SCFA and concentrations of each of them, as well as structural disorders of intestinal microbiocinosis in the form of reducing its anaerobiosis. These changes are most pronounced during the first five days of rotavirus gastroenteritis and last up to 10th day of illness.