bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of end-stage knee osteoarthritis on perceived physical function and quality of life: A descriptive study from Jordan
Authors: Abujaber Sumayeh , Altubasi Ibrahim , Hamdan Mohammad , Al-Zaben Raed
Published: June 2023

Objective

Of the present study was to evaluate the impact of end-stage knee OA on patient’s perception of their functional abilities and quality of life (QoL) using the self-reported questionnaire; the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and to determine the contribution of knee pain on patient’s perceived outcomes.

Methods

Patients with end-stage knee OA who are on the waiting list for total knee arthroplasty were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Patients were asked to fill out the KOOS questionnaire. Knee pain for both sides was quantified on a continuous scale from 0–10. Age, and anthropometric data were recorded. Descriptive statistics were calculated for patients’ characteristics, and for the scores of each KOOS subscale. Hierarchical linear regression models were created to determine the contributions of knee pain on two KOOS subscales; the function in daily living (KOOS-ADL), and the knee-related quality of life (KOOS-QoL).

Results

Patients in this study scored low across KOOS subscales (27.7% - 54.2%) with the QoL subscale being the lowest. After accounting for age and BMI, hierarchical linear regressions revealed that knee pain in both sides were determinants of self-perceived KOOS-ADLs, while only knee pain in the most-affected side significantly contributed to lower KOOS-QOL scores.

Conclusion

End-stage knee OA negatively impact the patients’ perceived function and quality of life. Patients’ KOOS scores were similar to those reported in other countries, with QoL being the domain most affected. Our findings demonstrate that the level of knee pain has a determinant effect on our patients’ perceptions of functional abilities and QoL. As waiting-list patients, addressing knee pain with a targeted regimen prior to TKA, as well as increasing patient’s awareness about knee pain management, may improve/ or minimize deterioration in perceived functional ability and QoL while awaiting TKA.
Adipokines and risk of rheumatoid arthritis: A two-sample multivariable Mendelian randomisation study
Authors: Vasileiadis Georgios K. , Sayols Sergi , Zhao Sizheng Steven , Fatima Tahzeeb , Maglio Cristina
Published: June 2023

Adiponectin, leptin, and resistin are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the causal relationship between these adipokines and the risk for RA is unclear. We performed a range of two-sample Mendelian randomisation (MR) analyses to assess the causal effect of circulating adiponectin, leptin, and resistin on RA risk in European and East Asian individuals. Different sets of adiponectin-, leptin-, and resistin-related genetic variants were used as instruments for genetically determined adipokine levels. As body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for RA and affects adipokine levels, multivariable MR was used to calculate the causal effect of each adipokine on RA risk taking BMI into account. Several MR analyses revealed no evidence of a causal relationship between circulating adiponectin, leptin, or resistin levels and RA risk in either Europeans or East Asians. Similarly, multivariable MR did not provide evidence of any causal effect of adiponectin, leptin, or resistin on RA risk when taking BMI into account. This MR study shows for the first time that genetically determined levels of adiponectin, leptin, or resistin do not have a direct causal effect on the risk of developing RA after adjustment for BMI.
Multidrug-resistant and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolated from chicken droppings in poultry farms at Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Tigabie Mitkie , Biset Sirak , Belachew Teshome , Amare Azanaw , Moges Feleke
Published: June 2023

Background

The poultry sector is one of the largest and fastest-growing agricultural sub-sector, especially in developing countries like Ethiopia. In poultry production, poultry farmers use sub-optimum doses of antibiotics for growth promotion and disease prevention purpose. This indiscriminate use of antibiotics in poultry farms contributes to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which has adverse implications for public health. Therefore, this study is aimed to assess multidrug resistance and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae from chicken droppings in poultry farms.

Methods

A total of 87 pooled chicken-dropping samples were collected from poultry farms from March to June 2022. Samples were transported with buffered peptone water. Selenite F broth was used for the enrichment and isolation of Salmonella spp. Isolates were cultured and identified by using MacConkey agar, Xylose lysine deoxycholate agar, and routine biochemical tests. Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique and combination disk test were used for antibiotic susceptibility testing and confirmation of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase production, respectively. Data were entered using Epi-data version 4.6 and then exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis.

Result

Out of 87 pooled chicken droppings, 143 Enterobacteriaceae isolates were identified. Of these, E. coli accounts for 87 (60.8%), followed by Salmonella spp. 23 (16.1%), P. mirabilis 18 (12.6%) and K. pneumoniae 11 (7.7%). A high resistance rate was observed for ampicillin 131 (91.6%), followed by tetracycline 130 (90.9), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 94 (65.7%). The overall multidrug resistance rate was 116/143 (81.1%; 95% CI: 74.7–87.5). A total of 12/143 (8.4%; CI: 3.9–12.9) isolates were extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producers, with 11/87 (12.6%) E. coli and 1/11 (9.1%) K. pneumoniae.

Conclusion and recommendations

High prevalence of multi-drug resistant isolates was observed. This study alarms poultry as a potential reservoir of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae, which might shed and contaminate the environment through faecal matter. Prudent use of antibiotics should be implemented to manage antibiotic resistance in poultry production.
Pregnancy pesticide exposure and child development in low- and middle-income countries: A prospective analysis of a birth cohort in rural Bangladesh and meta-analysis
Authors: Bliznashka Lilia , Roy Aditi , Christiani David C. , Calafat Antonia M. , Ospina Maria , Diao Nancy , Mazumdar Maitreyi , Jaacks Lindsay M.
Published: June 2023

Background

Despite considerable evidence on a negative association between pregnancy pesticide exposure and child development in high-income countries, evidence from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is limited. Therefore, we assessed associations between pregnancy pesticide exposure and child development in rural Bangladesh and summarised existing literature in a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

We used data from 284 mother-child pairs participating in a birth cohort established in 2008. Eight urinary pesticide biomarkers were quantified in early pregnancy (mean gestational age 11.6±2.9 weeks) as an index of pesticide exposure. The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition were administered at 20–40 months of age. Associations between creatinine-adjusted urinary pesticide biomarker concentrations and child development scores were estimated using multivariable generalised linear models. We searched ten databases up to November 2021 to identify prospective studies on pregnancy pesticide exposure and child development conducted in LMICs. We used a random-effects model to pool similar studies, including our original analysis. The systematic review was pre-registered with PROSPERO: CRD42021292919.

Results

In the Bangladesh cohort, pregnancy 2-isopropyl-4-methyl-6-hydroxypyrimidine (IMPY) concentrations were inversely associated with motor development (-0.66 points [95% CI -1.23, -0.09]). Pregnancy 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPY) concentrations were inversely associated with cognitive development, but the association was small: -0.02 points (-0.04, 0.01). We observed no associations between 4-nitrophenol and 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA) concentrations and child development. The systematic review included 13 studies from four LMICs. After pooling our results with one other study, we found consistent evidence that pregnancy 3-PBA concentrations were not associated with cognitive, language, or motor development.

Conclusion

Evidence suggests that pregnancy exposure to some organophosphate pesticides is negatively associated with child development. Interventions to reduce in-utero pesticide exposure in LMICs may help protect child development.
Standardization of in-house anti-IgG and IgA ELISAs for the detection of COVID-19
Authors: Rungrojcharoenkit Kamonthip , Suthangkornkul Rungarun , Utennam Darunee , Buddhari Darunee , Pinpaiboon Soontorn , Mongkolsirichaikul Duangrat , Fernandez Stefan , Jones Anthony R. , Cotrone Thomas S. , Hunsawong Taweewun
Published: June 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). RT-PCR detection of viral RNA represents the gold standard method for diagnosis of COVID-19. However, multiple diagnostic tests are needed for acute disease diagnosis and assessing immunity during the COVID-19 outbreak. Here, we developed in-house anti-RBD IgG and IgA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) using a well-defined serum sample panel for screening and identification of human SARS-CoV-2 infection. We found that our in-house anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG ELISA displayed a 93.5% sensitivity and 98.8% specificity whereas our in-house anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA ELISA provided assay sensitivity and specificity at 89.5% and 99.4%, respectively. The agreement kappa values of our in-house anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgA ELISA assays were deemed to be excellent and fair, respectively, when compared to RT-PCR and excellent for both assays when compared to Euroimmun anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgA ELISAs. These data indicate that our in-house anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgA ELISAs are compatible performing assays for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Public perception of the appropriateness of COVID-19 management strategies and level of disturbances in daily activities: A focus on educational level
Authors: Ju Yeong Jun , Kim Woorim , Lee Soon Young
Published: June 2023

Background

This study investigated the association between public perception of the appropriateness of management strategies implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic and the level of disturbances in daily activities reported by the general population.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used Korea Community Health Survey conducted from August to November 2020. Public perception of COVID-19 management strategies included those implemented by the government (central, city or provincial, and administrative districts), the mass media, regional medical institutions, and neighbors. The subjective level of disturbances in daily activities was measured using a 0–100 numeric rating scale developed by Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used. A subgroup analysis was conducted based on education level.

Results

The present study analyzed 211,353 participants. Compared to individuals who perceived that the management strategies implemented during the pandemic was ‘highly appropriate,’ those who reported ‘mediocre appropriateness’ (β: -1.96, p-value: <0.001) or ‘low appropriateness’ (β: -3.60, p-value: 0.010) reported higher levels of subjective disturbances. The appropriateness of measures implemented by the mass media was associated with levels of subjective disturbances felt by individuals of lower education with statistical significance, whereas that applied by the mass media and the government were important in those with higher education.

Conclusions

The findings suggest the importance of public perception of management strategies when implementing containment policies and minimizing its disturbances on daily lives is essential.
Replicative Acinetobacter baumannii strains interfere with phagosomal maturation by modulating the vacuolar pH
Authors: Distel Jesus S. , Di Venanzio Gisela , Mackel Joseph J. , Rosen David A. , Feldman Mario F.
Published: June 2023

Bacterial pneumonia is a common infection of the lower respiratory tract that can afflict patients of all ages. Multidrug-resistant strains of Acinetobacter baumannii are increasingly responsible for causing nosocomial pneumonias, thus posing an urgent threat. Alveolar macrophages play a critical role in overcoming respiratory infections caused by this pathogen. Recently, we and others have shown that new clinical isolates of A. baumannii, but not the common lab strain ATCC 19606 (19606), can persist and replicate in macrophages within spacious vacuoles that we called Acinetobacter Containing Vacuoles (ACV). In this work, we demonstrate that the modern A. baumannii clinical isolate 398, but not the lab strain 19606, can infect alveolar macrophages and produce ACVs in vivo in a murine pneumonia model. Both strains initially interact with the macrophage endocytic pathway, as indicated by EEA1 and LAMP1 markers; however, the fate of these strains diverges at a later stage. While 19606 is eliminated in an autophagy pathway, 398 replicates in ACVs and are not degraded. We show that 398 reverts the natural acidification of the phagosome by secreting large amounts of ammonia, a by-product of amino acid catabolism. We propose that this ability to survive within macrophages may be critical for the persistence of clinical A. baumannii isolates in the lung during a respiratory infection.
Rapid adaptation to a novel pathogen through disease tolerance in a wild songbird
Authors: Henschen Amberleigh E. , Vinkler Michal , Langager Marissa M. , Rowley Allison A. , Dalloul Rami A. , Hawley Dana M. , Adelman James S.
Published: June 2023

Animal hosts can adapt to emerging infectious disease through both disease resistance, which decreases pathogen numbers, and disease tolerance, which limits damage during infection without limiting pathogen replication. Both resistance and tolerance mechanisms can drive pathogen transmission dynamics. However, it is not well understood how quickly host tolerance evolves in response to novel pathogens or what physiological mechanisms underlie this defense. Using natural populations of house finches (Haemorhous mexicanus) across the temporal invasion gradient of a recently emerged bacterial pathogen (Mycoplasma gallisepticum), we find rapid evolution of tolerance (<25 years). In particular, populations with a longer history of MG endemism have less pathology but similar pathogen loads compared with populations with a shorter history of MG endemism. Further, gene expression data reveal that more-targeted immune responses early in infection are associated with tolerance. These results suggest an important role for tolerance in host adaptation to emerging infectious diseases, a phenomenon with broad implications for pathogen spread and evolution.
Investigating technology opportunities toward improved Colorado water monitoring: Insights from key informant interviews and stakeholder surveys
Authors: Holland Melanie , Demaree Kat , Thomas Evan
Published: June 2023

Prolonged drought conditions in the western United States have prompted an interest in improved water resource management. In the past two decades, Colorado has experienced decreasing precipitation and increasing temperatures, causing persistent meteorological and agricultural drought. In times of limited water resources, more precise water accounting and water conservation is often required. We investigated technological and monitoring gaps in Colorado water resource management using a sequential explanatory mix-method approach, including key informant interviews and a survey study. Key informant interviews gave insight into water monitoring concerns and informed a state-wide survey on monitoring gaps and water resource challenges. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of interview transcripts and survey results found that the most critical monitoring gaps for water managers in Colorado are: (1) streamflow forecasting and improved understanding of Colorado snowpack, (2) expanding groundwater and soil moisture monitoring, (3) wildfire impacts on watershed health, (4) improved accuracy and reliability of data sources, and (5) addressing these gaps while maintaining an emphasis on community collaboration. Challenges for Colorado managers varied by stakeholder basin and sector but included changes in hydrologic systems due to the effects of extended drought, climate change, and related anthropogenic impacts and negative impacts of intensifying wildfire seasons on water quality and watershed health.
Soviet children’s film adaptations: Cipollino (1959–64)
Authors: Biernacka-Licznar Katarzyna
Published: June 2023

This article investigates the reception of the Soviet film adaptations of Gianni Rodari’s Il romanzo di Cipollino (Tale of Cipollino) (1951), a book about the adventures of a clever and resourceful ‘little onion’ which was adapted to the screen several times in the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics (USSR). In the first part of the article, the genesis of Rodari’s book is recounted along with the reasons for its popularity with children. Subsequently, the article outlines the history of the adaptations of Tale of Cipollino in the USSR, which were not limited to literary rewritings, but also saw Rodari’s work transposed onto films and a ballet. Lastly, the article presents an analysis of the Soviet film productions with Cipollino as the protagonist: the animated film Rovno v 3:15 (At 3:15 Sharp) (Dezhkin and Migunov 1959), a feature animation (Chipollino, ) and a filmstrip (Chipollino, ).
What are we fighting for? Michał Waszyński’s Italian-Polish films on the Second World War
Authors: Jóźwiak Karol
Published: June 2023

In this article I discuss production, distribution and reception contexts of Michał Waszyński’s films Wielka Droga (La grande strada: L’odissea di Montecassino) (‘The great way: The odyssey of Montecassino’) (1947) and Lo sconosiuto di San Marino (The Unknown Man from San Marino) (1948), which were produced in Italy in the wake of the Second World War. Thus, I aim at reconstructing the wider political plan to which these films were inscribed, locating them on the backdrop of the Polish Army propaganda activity and diplomacy in Italy in the eve of the Cold War. An in-depth inquiry into archival documentation concerning different contexts of the films shows them as a nodal point for a complex set of problems. I show to what extent these films were entangled into diplomatic, political and ideological struggles between the Polish Armed Forces, the Moscow-dependent Polish government, the Allies and the Italian government in the early post-war years. On a more general scale, this analysis uncovers the negotiations over boundaries of what was acceptable in the Second World War depiction in Italian film culture.
Timber, horses and dollars in free currency: Film policy cycles and the Italian-Yugoslav 1957 co-production agreements
Authors: Chiara Francesco Di , Noto Paolo
Published: June 2023

In this article, we analyse the Italian and Yugoslav film co-productions in the context of the eastern/western politics of the Cold War era. In December 1957, the two countries signed their first co-production agreements, designed to foster reciprocal industrial and artistic cooperation. Although only two official co-productions were made, until the late 1960s, the two film industries cooperated on the making of about 40 films, during which time Yugoslav companies were denied artistic control and downgraded to a labour and locations supplier. By examining archival sources, we demonstrate that Italian state bureaucracy had a pivotal role in making film co-production an organizational field where subjects and institutions interact, regulate power relations and communicate. This allows us to highlight the role of co-production as a form of management of international relations, focusing on issues such as the lack of balance between partners and the financial rationale behind these arrangements.
New Italian Cinema Events in Russia: Interview with Viviana del Bianco
Authors: Laviosa Flavia , Grusha Anastasia
Published: June 2023

The New Italian Cinema Events (NICE) was established in the United States in 1990, in 1993 in Russia and, over the years, in many other countries. Viviana del Bianco, artistic director of NICE, illustrates the history of this festival and explains the reasons of the success of the festival which launches young Italian filmmakers, thus giving them the opportunity to establish an international artistic reputation. In this interview, del Bianco also explains the genesis and cultural impact of the Contemporary Russian Film Festival in Florence established in 2019 which promotes the work of new Russian talents in Italy.
‘The poetics of contradictions’: Pier Paolo Pasolini interviewed by Vera Gancheva
Authors: Panayotov Stanimir
Published: June 2023

The following text is an interview with writer and film director Pier Paolo Pasolini which was conducted by Bulgarian intellectual and translator Vera Gancheva in 1974, during the 27th Cannes Film Festival (9–24 May). The interview was published much later, in 1984, and only in Bulgarian, in a book by Gancheva. In their conversation, the two parties discuss a range of topics, beginning with contemporary society’s moral decomposition; the mission of art and literature and the changing roles of intellectuals; and concluding with Pasolini’s radically new creative plans, notwithstanding his firm beliefs in Marxist thought, in both cinema and literature.
CIAO, 2021! (2022), Russia: Perviy Kanal
Authors: Bonelli Diego
Published: June 2023

Review of: CIAO, 2021! (2022), Russia: Perviy Kanal
La violencia contra las mujeres y la pandemia de COVID-19 en Brasil
Authors: Schabbach Letícia Maria , Stuker Paola , Mori Madeira Lígia
Published: June 2023

El conocimiento de los efectos de la pandemia de COVID-19 sobre el fenómeno de la violencia contra las mujeres es una demanda científica mundial, especialmente en el caso de un país con alta propagación del coronavirus y alta tasa de mortalidad por la enfermedad, sumado a los elevados índices de violencia de género. Ningún territorio es inmune al virus o a la violencia, pero las históricas desigualdades sociales y la insuficiente respuesta pública y gubernamental hacen de Brasil un observatorio indiscutible para estos fenómenos. Partiendo de este marco, el artículo analiza la violencia contra las mujeres en Brasil, presentando factores explicativos y datos secundarios que describen las tendencias del fenómeno durante el contexto pandémico, así como las principales respuestas gubernamentales para hacerle frente. Éstas resultaron ser de emergencia e inconexas en el contexto federal, meros paliativos ante un problema estructural que parece haberse agravado desde el inicio de la enfermedad en el país.
Presentación
Authors: Alexandre Netto Carlos , Tavares dos Santos José Vicente
Published: June 2023

Presentación de los Coordinadores. Texto de presentación del número 19 (volumen 9) de la Revista de Estudios Brasileños.
Suicide in veterinary medicine: A literature review
Authors: Silva Carina Rodrigues da , Gomes Ana Amélia Domingues , Santos-Doni Thaís Rabelo dos , Antonelli Alexandre Coutinho , Vieira Rafael Felipe da Costa , Silva Alexandre Redson Soares da
Published: June 2023

Veterinarians are commonly exposed to occupational stressors, including excessive workload and financial constraints. These stressors can lead to psychological distress, which typically results in mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and burnout and can even culminate in suicide attempts or suicide deaths. Risk factors associated with poor mental health and high rates of suicide in veterinary practitioners include continuous exposure to challenging scenarios, such as interpersonal conflicts, performing euthanasia, and easy access to lethal means of suicide, such as opioids and anesthetics. The previous studies highlight the urgent need for a better understanding of predisposing factors, mental health-related improvements in the professional environment, and the subsequent establishment of primary mental health-related care policies. Effective ways to promote mental health and prevent suicide may include social support, resilience, developing coping skills, promoting a healthy work environment, and discouraging perfectionist behaviors. This review aimed to summarize findings in studies that have investigated mental health and suicide in veterinarians and veterinary students and highlight measures that could be implemented as options for mental health promotion and suicide prevention.

Keywords: burnout, depression, mental health, occupational stress, veterinarians.
Isolasi dan Karakterisasi Amilase Termostabildari Geobacillus dYtae-14
Authors: Aminin Agustin L.N. , Milarsih Yulia , Mulyani Nies Suci
Published: June 2023

Enzim amilase termostabil merupakan salah satu enzim yang sangat potensial bagi industri, terutama industri makanan dan farmasi. Enzim termostabil memiliki beberapa keuntungan seperti reaksi berlangsung lebih cepat, menurunkan viskositas dan mencegah kontaminasi karena produksi berlangsung pada suhu tinggi. Penelitian ini mengeksplorasi potensi amilase termostabil dari isolat lokal  Geobacillus dYTae-14 yang tumbuh optimum pada suhu 55oC. Aktivitas spesifik amilase ditentukan berdasarkan produk glukosa yang diukur dengan metode DNS dan kadar protein ditentukan dengan metode Lowry. Tahapan penelitian ini meliputi pembuatan kurva pertumbuhan, isolasi enzim amilase termostabil, pemurnian parsial enzim, dialisis, penentuan aktifitas spesifik tiap fraksi, penentuan kandungan protein, penentuan temperatur dan pH optimum. Amilase termostabil dari Geobacillus dYTae-14 berhasil diisolasi dan menunjukkan aktivitas spesifik tertinggi pada fraksi kejenuhan ammonium sulfat 20-40%, sebesar 934,356 unit/mg protein. Temperatur optimum amilase termostabil dicapai pada 85oC dan pH optimum di pH 8; dengan aktivitas spesifik sebesar 2143,538 unit/mg protein.
The clinical and prognostic role of changes in parameters of the hemostasis system and C-reactive protein in the development of thrombotic complications in oxygen-dependent patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Authors: Cherkaskyi V. V. , Riabokon O. V. , Riabokon Yu. Yu.
Published: June 2023

Aim. The purpose of our work was to find out the clinical and prognostic role of changes in hemostasis parameters and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the development of thrombotic complications in oxygen-dependent patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Materials and methods. 211 oxygen-dependent patients with COVID-19 were examined. To assess the prognostic role of changes in hemostasis parameters and CRP, patients were divided into groups: I group – 94 patients who recovered, II group – 117 patients who died. Subgroups: II-A subgroup – 35 patients with thrombotic complications and II-B subgroup – 82 patients without these complications. All patients were examined and received treatment according to the normative documents in force at the relevant time.
Results. The frequency of thrombotic complications in oxygen-dependent patients with COVID-19 was 16.6 %, among which the most common were pulmonary embolism (6.6 %), myocardial infarction (6.2 %), and ischemic stroke (3.2 %). Lifetime diagnosis of thrombotic complications took place on the 18th [16.0; 24.0] day of illness in 45.9 % of cases. Deathtime diagnosis of thrombotic complications took place on the 24th [20.0; 28.0] day of illness in 54.1 % of cases. Lifetime pulmonary artery thromboembolism was diagnosed less frequently than ischemic stroke (p = 0.002) and myocardial infarction (p = 0.02).
With the development of oxygen dependence and admission to the intensive care unit on the 9th [8.0; 11.0] day of illness, changes in the hemostasis system were characterized as prothrombotic with an increase above the reference values of fibrinogen and D-dimer in patients of all groups. CRP in patients with fatal outcomes of the disease, regardless of the development of thrombotic complications, was higher (p < 0.05) than in patients who subsequently recovered, and was accordingly in patients of the I group – 67.65 [41.20; 139.95] mg/l, in the II-A group – 122.2 [61.2; 178.0] mg/l, and in patients of the II-B group – 109.8 [56.3; 180.0] mg/l.
In the dynamics of complex treatment after 5–7 days, the level of fibrinogen, D-dimer and CRP had a diagnostic value in predicting the further development of thrombotic complications. With an increase in the level of fibrinogen >4.6 g/l (AUC = 0.600, p = 0.042), D-dimer >2.1 μg/ml (AUC = 0.704, p = 0.001) and CRP >89.3 mg/l (AUC = 0.720, p < 0.001) the probability of developing thrombotic complications was significant.
Conclusions. In dynamics of complex treatment of oxygen-dependent patients after 5–7 days, the levels of fibrinogen, D-dimer and C-reactive protein had consistent diagnostic value in predicting further development of thrombotic complications. Increased fibrinogen >4.6 g/l, D-dimer >2.1 μg/ml, and CRP >89.3 mg/l were important for predicting the risk of developing thrombotic complications.
Maria Ulfgard, Nils Holgersson tur & retur: Barnens brev till Selma Lagerlöf
Authors: Sundmark Björn
Published: June 2023

Review/Recension
Ett utile dulci för ungdom
Authors: Kärrholm Sara
Published: June 2023

An Utile Dulci for Youth: Ungdomens bibliotek as Book Series and Publishing Project

The Swedish publishing house Svensk läraretidnings förlag published the extensive book series Barnbiblioteket Saga (the Children’s Library Saga) between 1899 and 1970. In this article, the publisher’s less extensive book series Ungdomens bibliotek (the Library of Youth) is analysed as an example of the marketing techniques that the publishing house used to reach different target groups. The article investigates how the publishing house used their smaller book series as a way to diversify and increase visibility for their books at a time when the main series Barnbiblioteket Saga was growing into a vast phenomenon that was becoming increasingly difficult to overview. This is investigated through an analysis of the book series’ paratexts, drawing on different theories from the field of publishing studies about the marketing of literature. The article focuses on marketing – through the book covers as well as material inside the books – and advertising. The study provides an explanation of how the publishing house used their marketing of Ungdomens bibliotek to strengthen their brand and expand their business from the 1920s through the 1940s. They accomplished this by developing strategies for curation: they curated a book series targeted for a more specific audience segment than the larger Barnbiblioteket Saga, while also emphasising the qualities that were associated with all their work: pedagogy, accessibility, richness (in subjects and variety), and formation.
Estetiken i praktiken
Authors: Lyngfelt Anna , Björklund Camilla
Published: June 2023

Aesthetics in Practice: About the Relationship Between Aesthetics and Pedagogy When Reading Lisen Adbåge’s Samtidigt som

The purpose of this article is to investigate the relationship between aesthetics and pedagogy by focusing on a picturebook’s aesthetic design and students’ understanding of time as abstraction. The survey uses Lisen Adbåge’s picturebook Samtidigt som (At the Same Time As, 2017), which was read and discussed in three Swedish preschool classes. In the study, the book’s artistic forms of expression are linked to students’ statements about what ”at the same time as” means. The research questions are: a) How does time appear as a phenomenon through the book’s artistic forms of expression? b) What do the children focus on in doublespreads that arouse their interest when they reason about what ”at the same time” means? and c) Is it possible to discern what specifically triggers thoughts about time through the aesthetic design of the book? To answer the research questions, theory for picturebook analysis (Laukka) and play research (Pramling et al.) is used, as well as conversation analysis (Sidnell and Stivers). Through the children’s comments when reading the book aloud to them, it turns out that seven of the 13 doublespreads in the book attract the children’s interest more than the others, and these are the doublespreads that contain an interplay between what happens (”as is”) and may happen (”as if”). Play research’s use of ”as is” and ”as if” is therefore proposed as a starting point for understanding children’s interpretation of a picturebook, that is, as thought play. Also, this implies that aesthetic means are important for developing an understanding of abstractions such as time.
A numerical study on thin film flow and heat transfer enhancement for copper nanoparticles dispersed in ethylene glycol
Authors: Hayat Umer , Ali Ramzan , Shaiq Shakil , Shahzad Azeem
Published: June 2023

The current study examines thin film flow and heat transfer phenomena with some additional effects such as magnetohydrodynamic, viscous dissipation, and slip condition over unsteady radially stretching surfaces for various shapes of copper

(
Cu
)

\left({\rm{Cu}})

nanoparticles dispersed in ethylene glycol

(
EG
)

\left({\rm{EG}})

. The effective thermal conductivity of a nanofluid made of Cu nanometer-sized particles distributed in

EG

{\rm{EG}}

is significantly higher than that of pure EG. Partial differential equations are transformed into ordinary differential equations using the proper transformations. An effective convergent technique (i.e., BVP4C) is used to compute the solutions of nonlinear systems. MATLAB software is used to perform the calculations. The effect of numerous emerging physical characteristics on temperature and velocity, such as unsteadiness parameter

(
S
)

\hspace{ 1em}\left(S)

, slip parameter

(
K
)

\left(K)

, Hartmann number

(
M
)

\left(M)

, solid volume fraction

(

ϕ

)

(\phi )

, and Eckert number

(
EC
)

\left({\rm{EC}})

is investigated and illustrated graphically. The physical quantities, such as the skin friction coefficient and the Nusselt number, are calculated, described, and displayed in tabular form. It is observed that blade-shaped Cu nanoparticles had the lowest surface drag, highest heat transfer rate, and minimum film thickness compared to the brick and cylinder-shaped nanoparticles. According to our detailed investigation blade-shaped

Cu

{\rm{Cu}}

nanoparticle is the most suited solution for manufacturing unsteady radially stretching modules.
Research and analysis on low-velocity impact of composite materials
Authors: Qiu Ju
Published: June 2023

In this article, the concept of low-velocity impact resistance in composite materials is presented. Three existing expressions (e.g., bilinear, parabola, and exponential) that show the relationship between the dent depth and impact energy of composite laminates subjected to low-velocity impact are presented. Because of some flaws in these expressions, new supposed functions between impact energy and impact dent have been established. By means of existing ASTM D 7136 tests and simulation analysis, the new expressions are verified, and the nature of dent formation in composite materials is well explained. The conclusion is reflected in the ending part.
Connections across the Coral Sea
Authors: Westaway Michael C.
Published: June 2023

The absence of archaeological narratives in Australian museums reflects a complex post-colonial history of research and museology. In this context, Connections across the Coral Sea at the Queensland Museum (December 2021 to 9 July 2023), Brisbane, is a welcome contribution to the important mission of sharing the ancient Australian past with the public. This object-rich exhibition illuminates the lives of coastal peoples, as understood through the ‘Coral Sea Cultural Interaction Sphere’ hypothesis—that is, the idea that during the late Holocene, this was a region of substantial maritime-based exchange between mainland Aboriginal Australians inhabiting Cape York and the peoples of the south coast of Papua New Guinea and the Torres Strait Islands (see McNiven et al. 2004; Figure 1). The key archaeological content on display includes evidence from excavations on Lizard Island (Jiigurru) off the east coast of Cape York, short films on the Cultural Interaction Sphere hypothesis and how it has been investigated, and a 3D-printed stratigraphic section accompanied by an impressive interactive virtual stratigraphic section (Figure 2). Proponents of the Coral Sea Cultural Interaction Sphere hypothesis argue that, although groups shared ideas, they continued to maintain their individual identities, in many cases choosing not to adopt technologies used in other areas (e.g. the continued use of spear throwers in Australia versus bows and arrows in the Torres Strait Islands and Papua New Guinea).
Characterization of Fatigue Damage Properties of Fine Aggregate Matrix and Hot Mix Asphalt
Authors: Liu Hongfu , Ge Wenwen , Liang Guoxi , Yang Xinyu , Chen Liyin , Jin Dongzhao , Chu Chenfeng , Gong Xiangbin , Yu Huanan , Lv Songtao
Published: June 2023

It is still a challenge to evaluate the fatigue damage property of hot mix asphalt (HMA) with low workload, low cost, and high efficiency. This study aims to better evaluate the fatigue damage properties of asphalt mixtures by testing and characterizing the fatigue damage behavior of fine aggregate matrix (FAM) and HMA. Three varieties of HMA and corresponding FAM were created using neat asphalt, styrene-butadiene-styrene modified asphalt, and high-modulus modified asphalt. The dynamic modulus of the three types of HMA and FAM were tested using the standard performance tester. The materials testing system is used to conduct a direct tensile fatigue test on the three types of HMA and FAM. The fatigue performance of HMA and FAM was investigated using the simplified viscoelastic continuum damage model. The damage characteristic curves of FAM and HMA, as well as the master curve of dynamic modulus and phase angle, were assessed. Additionally, the apparent damage capacity and average pseudo stiffness reduction value (DR) were used to evaluate the fatigue characteristic between FAM and HMA. The findings show that: (1) for FAM and HMA prepared by the same asphalt binder, there is a high degree of shape and change similarity between the master curves of dynamic modulus and phase angle. (2) Based on the Tukey multiple comparison test and two-way analysis of variance, the fatigue performance of HMA and FAM were evaluated by DR and had higher discrimination ability and sensitivity. (3) There is a significant correlation between HMA and the FAM fatigue index DR. The evolution of FAM’s fatigue damage is similar to that of HMA’s. It is feasible to test the dynamic and fatigue performance of the FAM using the experimental methods in this article.
Hyperconnectivity of Two Separate Long-Range Cholinergic Systems Contributes to the Reorganization of the Brain Functional Connectivity during Nicotine Withdrawal in Male Mice
Authors: Carrette Lieselot L. G. , Kimbrough Adam , Davoudian Pasha A. , Kwan Alex C. , Collazo Andres , George Olivier
Published: June 2023

Chronic nicotine results in dependence with withdrawal symptoms on discontinuation of use, through desensitization of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and altered cholinergic neurotransmission. Nicotine withdrawal is associated with increased whole-brain functional connectivity and decreased network modularity; however, the role of cholinergic neurons in those changes is unknown. To identify the contribution of nicotinic receptors and cholinergic regions to changes in the functional network, we analyzed the contribution of the main cholinergic regions to brain-wide activation of the immediate early-gene Fos during withdrawal in male mice and correlated these changes with the expression of nicotinic receptor mRNA throughout the brain. We show that the main functional connectivity modules included the main long-range cholinergic regions, which were highly synchronized with the rest of the brain. However, despite this hyperconnectivity, they were organized into two anticorrelated networks that were separated into basal forebrain-projecting and brainstem-thalamic-projecting cholinergic regions, validating a long-standing hypothesis of the organization of the brain cholinergic systems. Moreover, baseline (without nicotine) expression ofChrna2,Chrna3,Chrna10, andChrndmRNA of each brain region correlated with withdrawal-induced changes in Fos expression. Finally, by mining the Allen Brain mRNA expression database, we were able to identify 1755 gene candidates and three pathways (Sox2-Oct4-Nanog, JAK-STAT, and MeCP2-GABA) that may contribute to nicotine withdrawal-induced Fos expression. These results identify the dual contribution of the basal forebrain and brainstem-thalamic cholinergic systems to whole-brain functional connectivity during withdrawal; and identify nicotinic receptors and novel cellular pathways that may be critical for the transition to nicotine dependence.
Arginase 1 and L‐arginine coordinate fetal lung development and the initiation of labor in mice
Authors: Yu Yaqin , Liu Yuanyuan , Sui Xuesong , Sui Yanyu , Wang Zhe , Mendelson Carole R , Gao Lu
Published: June 2023

Fetal development and parturition are precisely regulated processes that involve continuous crosstalk between the mother and the fetus. Our previous discovery that wild‐type mice carrying steroid receptor coactivator (Src)‐1 and Src‐2 double‐deficient fetuses exhibit impaired lung development and delayed labor, which indicates that the signals for parturition emanate from the fetus. In this study, we perform RNA sequencing and targeted metabolomics analyses of the lungs from fetal Src‐1/‐2 double‐knockout mice and find that expression of arginase 1 (Arg1) is significantly decreased, accompanied by increased levels of the Arg1 substrate L‐arginine. Knockdown of Arg1 in the lungs of fetal mice induces apoptosis of epithelial cells and dramatically delays initiation of labor. Moreover, treatment of human myometrial smooth muscle cells with L‐arginine significantly inhibits spontaneous contractions by attenuating activation of NF‐κB and downregulating expression of contraction‐associated protein genes. Transcription factors GR and C/EBPβ increase transcription of Arg1 in an Src‐1/Src‐2‐dependent manner. These findings provide new evidence that fetus‐derived factors may play dual roles in coordinating fetal lung development and the initiation of labor.
Feasibility of using a vibrating machine for laying ceramic tiles
Authors: Dal Ross Gabriel , Coelho dos Santos Francielle
Published: June 2023

Inadequate practices are still present in the day-to-day of the works when performing the ceramic tile laying service. The coating laying machine comes as a proposal to improve the execution process of this service, guaranteeing higher quality. The general objective of this work is to verify the quality of the ceramic tile laying service using a vibrating laying machine. Eight pieces of porcelain tiles measuring 60x120 cm were laid in order to verify the differences in the quality of laying the pieces using the vibrating machine and the rubber hammer. The quality was verified following two requirements, mortar compaction and the adherence resistance of the pieces. The use of a vibrating machine for installing ceramic tiles improves the quality of the service, as well as makes its application viable in laying coatings. The mortar compaction was better in the pieces settled using the vibrating machine. Adherence to the pieces laid using the vibrating machine was, on average, twice that stipulated by the regulatory standard, whether using one or two layers of mortar. It is noteworthy that there were no cases of rejected values. The use of the vibrating machine proved to be high compared to the traditional laying method, which makes it legitimate to lay pieces with surface area dimensions greater than 900 cm², using only a single layer of mortar. Adherence to the pieces laid using the vibrating machine was, on average, twice that stipulated by the regulatory standard, whether using one or two layers of mortar. It is noteworthy that there were no cases of rejected values. The use of the vibrating machine proved to be high compared to the traditional laying method, which makes it legitimate to lay pieces with surface area dimensions greater than 900 cm², using only a single layer of mortar. Adherence to the pieces laid using the vibrating machine was, on average, twice that stipulated by the regulatory standard, whether using one or two layers of mortar. It is noteworthy that there were no cases of rejected values. The use of a vibrating machine proved to be high compared to the traditional laying method, which makes it legitimate to lay pieces with surface area dimensions greater than 900 cm², using only a single layer of mortar.
Viral Infections and Neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Mani Srinivasan , Hazra Snehashis , Hagan Joseph , Sisson Amy , Nair Jayasree , Pammi Mohan
Published: June 2023

CONTEXT

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating intestinal disease affecting preterm infants. Studies implicate viral infections in etiopathogenesis.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the association of viral infections with NEC by systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

We searched Ovid-Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases in November 2022.

STUDY SELECTION

We included observational studies that examined the association between viral infections and NEC in newborn infants.

DATA EXTRACTION

We extracted data regarding the methodology, participant characteristics, and outcome measures.

RESULTS

We included 29 and 24 studies in the qualitative review and meta-analysis, respectively. The meta-analysis demonstrated a significant association between viral infections and NEC (odds ratio [OR], 3.81, 95% confidence interval: 1.99–7.30, 24 studies). The association remained significant after excluding the outliers (OR, 2.89 [1.56–5.36], 22 studies) and studies with poor methodology (OR, 3.33 [1.73–6.43], 22 studies). In subgroup analysis based on participants' birth weight, studies including very low birth weight infants only (OR, 3.62 [1.63–8.03], 8 studies) and non-very low birth weight infants only (OR, 5.28 [1.69–16.54], 6 studies) showed a significant association. In subgroup analysis based on specific viruses, infection with rotavirus (OR, 3.96 [1.12–13.95], 10 studies), cytomegalovirus (OR, 3.50 [1.60–7.65], 5 studies), norovirus (OR, 11.95 [2.05–69.84], 2 studies), and astrovirus (OR, 6.32 [2.49–16.02], 2 studies) was significantly associated with NEC.

LIMITATIONS

Heterogeneity of the included studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Viral infection is associated with an increased risk of NEC in newborn infants. We need methodologically sound prospective studies to assess the effect of preventing or treating viral infections on NEC incidence.
Cardioneuroablation for Treating Vasovagal Syncope: Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Li Le , Po Sunny , Yao Yan
Published: June 2023

Syncope is defined by transient and spontaneous loss of consciousness with rapid recovery. Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is the most common form of syncope and is strongly associated with hypervagotonia. There is, however, a lack of effective therapies for VVS. Cardioneuroablation (CNA) is an emerging and promising intervention for VVS with favourable outcomes. CNA has been shown to suppress excessive excitation of vagal activity through ablating the cardiac ganglionated plexi. CNA in the management of VVS requires more structured and comprehensive studies and several issues concerning patient selection, selection of ablation targets, ablation endpoints and the long-term effect of CNA are yet to be determined. This review describes its clinical applications and future directions based on current research data and the authors’ own experiences.