bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The molecular phylogeny of Chionaster nivalis reveals a novel order of psychrophilic and globally distributed Tremellomycetes (Fungi, Basidiomycota)
Authors: Irwin Nicholas A. T. , Twynstra Chantelle S. , Mathur Varsha , Keeling Patrick J.
Published: March 2021

Snow and ice present challenging substrates for cellular growth, yet microbial snow communities not only exist, but are diverse and ecologically impactful. These communities are dominated by green algae, but additional organisms, such as fungi, are also abundant and may be important for nutrient cycling, syntrophic interactions, and community structure in general. However, little is known about these non-algal community members, including their taxonomic affiliations. An example of this is Chionaster nivalis, a unicellular fungus that is morphologically enigmatic and frequently observed in snow communities globally. Despite being described over one hundred years ago, the phylogeny and higher-level taxonomic classifications of C. nivalis remain unknown. Here, we isolated and sequenced the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and the D1-D2 region of the large subunit ribosomal RNA gene of C. nivalis, providing a molecular barcode for future studies. Phylogenetic analyses using the ITS and D1-D2 region revealed that C. nivalis is part of a novel lineage in the class Tremellomycetes (Basidiomycota, Agaricomycotina) for which a new order Chionasterales ord. nov. (MB838717) and family Chionasteraceae fam. nov. (MB838718) are proposed. Comparisons between C. nivalis and sequences generated from environmental surveys revealed that the Chionasterales are globally distributed and probably psychrophilic, as they appear to be limited to the high alpine and arctic regions. These results highlight the unexplored diversity that exists within these extreme habitats and emphasize the utility of single-cell approaches in characterizing these complex algal-dominated communities.
Activity data from wearables as an indicator of functional capacity in patients with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Rens Neil , Gandhi Neil , Mak Jonathan , Paul Jeddeo , Bent Drew , Liu Stephanie , Savage Dasha , Nielsen-Bowles Helle , Triggs Doran , Ata Ghausia , Talgo Julia , Gutierrez Santiago , Aalami Oliver
Published: March 2021

Background

Smartphone and wearable-based activity data provide an opportunity to remotely monitor functional capacity in patients. In this study, we assessed the ability of a home-based 6-minute walk test (6MWT) as well as passively collected activity data to supplement or even replace the in-clinic 6MWTs in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Methods

We enrolled 110 participants who were scheduled for vascular or cardiac procedures. Each participant was supplied with an iPhone and an Apple Watch running the VascTrac research app and was followed for 6 months. Supervised 6MWTs were performed during clinic visits at scheduled intervals. Weekly at-home 6MWTs were performed via the VascTrac app. The app passively collected activity data such as daily step counts. Logistic regression with forward feature selection was used to assess at-home 6MWT and passive data as predictors for “frailty” as measured by the gold-standard supervised 6MWT. Frailty was defined as walking <300m on an in-clinic 6MWT.

Results

Under a supervised in-clinic setting, the smartphone and Apple Watch with the VascTrac app were able to accurately assess ‘frailty’ with sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 85%. Outside the clinic in an unsupervised setting, the home-based 6MWT is 83% sensitive and 60% specific in assessing “frailty.” Passive data collected at home were nearly as accurate at predicting frailty on a clinic-based 6MWT as was a home-based 6MWT, with area under curve (AUC) of 0.643 and 0.704, respectively.

Conclusions

In this longitudinal observational study, passive activity data acquired by an iPhone and Apple Watch were an accurate predictor of in-clinic 6MWT performance. This finding suggests that frailty and functional capacity could be monitored and evaluated remotely in patients with cardiovascular disease, enabling safer and higher resolution monitoring of patients.
ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in a University hospital: Molecular features, diffusion of epidemic clones and evaluation of cross-transmission
Authors: Fils Pierre Edwige L. , Cholley Pascal , Gbaguidi-Haore Houssein , Hocquet Didier , Sauget Marlène , Bertrand Xavier
Published: March 2021

The worldwide spread of Klebsiella pneumoniae producing extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL-Kp) is a significant threat. Specifically, various pandemic clones of ESBL-Kp are involved in hospital outbreaks and caused serious infections. In that context, we assessed the phenotypic and molecular features of a collection of ESBL-Kp isolates in a French university hospital and evaluated the occurrence of potential cross-transmissions. Over a 2-year period (2017–2018), 204 non-duplicate isolates of ESBL-Kp were isolated from clinical (n = 118, 57.8%) or screening (n = 86, 42.2%) sample cultures. These isolates were predominantly resistant to cotrimoxazole (88.8%) and ofloxacin (82.8%) but remained susceptible to imipenem (99.3%) and amikacin (93.8%). CTX-M-15 was the most frequent ESBL identified (83.6%). Multilocus sequence typing and pulse-field gel electrophoresis analysis showed an important genetic variability with 41 sequence types (ST) and 50 pulsotypes identified, and the over representation of the international epidemic clones ST307 and ST405. An epidemiological link attesting probable cross-transmission has been identified for 16 patients clustered in 4 groups during the study period. In conclusion, we showed here the dissemination of pandemic clones of ESBL-Kp in our hospital on a background of clonal diversity.
Small RNAs as biomarkers to differentiate benign and malign prostate diseases: An alternative for transrectal punch biopsy of the prostate?
Authors: Markert Lukas , Holdmann Jonas , Klinger Claudia , Kaufmann Michael , Schork Karin , Turewicz Michael , Eisenacher Martin , Savelsbergh Andreas
Published: March 2021

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common cancer and the third most frequent cause of male cancer death in Germany. MicroRNAs (miRNA) appear to be involved in the development and progression of PCa. A diagnostic differentiation from benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is often only possible through transrectal punch biopsy. This procedure is described as painful and carries risks. It was investigated whether urinary miRNAs can be used as biomarkers to differentiate the prostate diseases above. Therefore urine samples from urological patients with BPH (25) or PCa (28) were analysed using Next-Generation Sequencing to detect the expression profile of total and exosomal miRNA/piRNA.

79 miRNAs and 5 piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) were significantly differentially expressed (adjusted p-value < 0.05 and log2-Fc > 1 or < -1). Of these, 6 miRNAs and 2 piRNAs could be statistically validated (AUC on test cohort > = 0.7). In addition, machine-learning algorithms were used to identify a panel of 22 additional miRNAs, whose interaction makes it possible to differentiate the groups as well. There are promising individual candidates for potential use as biomarkers in prostate cancer. The innovative approach of applying machine learning methods to this kind of data could lead to further small RNAs coming into scientific focus, which have so far been neglected.
Assessing Classic Maya multi-scalar household inequality in southern Belize
Authors: Thompson Amy E. , Feinman Gary M. , Prufer Keith M.
Published: March 2021

Inequality is present to varying degrees in all human societies, pre-modern and contemporary. For archaeological contexts, variation in house size reflects differences in labor investments and serves as a robust means to assess wealth across populations small and large. The Gini coefficient, which measures the degree of concentration in the distribution of units within a population, has been employed as a standardized metric to evaluate the extent of inequality. Here, we employ Gini coefficients to assess wealth inequality at four nested socio-spatial scales–the micro-region, the polity, the district, and the neighborhood–at two medium size, peripheral Classic Maya polities located in southern Belize. We then compare our findings to Gini coefficients for other Classic Maya polities in the Maya heartland and to contemporaneous polities across Mesoamerica. We see the patterning of wealth inequality across the polities as a consequence of variable access to networks of exchange. Different forms of governance played a role in the degree of wealth inequality in Mesoamerica. More autocratic Classic Maya polities, where principals exercised degrees of control over exclusionary exchange networks, maintained high degrees of wealth inequality compared to most other Mesoamerican states, which generally are characterized by more collective forms of governance. We examine how household wealth inequality was reproduced at peripheral Classic Maya polities, and illustrate that economic inequity trickled down to local socio-spatial units in this prehispanic context.
Dig out, Dig in! Plant-based diet at the Late Bronze Age copper production site of Prigglitz-Gasteil (Lower Austria) and the relevance of processed foodstuffs for the supply of Alpine Bronze Age miners
Authors: Heiss Andreas G. , Jakobitsch Thorsten , Wiesinger Silvia , Trebsche Peter
Published: March 2021

This paper starts from theoretical and methodical considerations about the role of archaeobotanical finds in culinary archaeology, emphasizing the importance of processed cereal preparations as the “missing link” between crop and consumption. These considerations are exemplified by the discussion of abundant new archaeobotanical data from the Late Bronze Age copper mining site of Prigglitz-Gasteil, situated at the easternmost fringe of the Alps. At this site, copper ore mining in opencast mines took place from the 11thuntil the 9thcentury BCE (late Urnfield Culture), as well as copper processing (beneficiation, smelting, refining, casting) on artificial terrain terraces. During archaeological excavations from 2010 to 2014, two areas of the site were investigated and sampled for archaeobotanical finds and micro-debris in a high-resolution approach. This paper aims at 1) analysing the food plant spectrum at the mining settlement of Prigglitz-Gasteil basing on charred plant macroremains, 2) investigating producer/consumer aspects of Prigglitz-Gasteil in comparison to the Bronze Age metallurgical sites of Kiechlberg, Klinglberg, and Mauken, and 3) reconstructing the miners’ and metallurgists’ diets.

Our analyses demonstrate that the plant-based diet of the investigated mining communities reflects the general regional and chronological trends rather than particular preferences of the miners or metallurgists. The lack of chaff, combined with a high occurrence of processed food, suggests that the miners at Prigglitz-Gasteil were supplied from outside with ready-to-cook and processed grain, either from adjacent communities or from a larger distance. This consumer character is in accordance with observation from previously analysed metallurgical sites. Interestingly, the components observed in charred cereal products (barley,Hordeum vulgare, and foxtail millet,Setaria italica) contrast with the dominant crop taxa (broomcorn millet,Panicum miliaceum, foxtail millet, and lentil,Lens culinaris). Foraging of fruits and nuts also significantly contributed to the daily diet.
Automatic fault detection of sensors in leather cutting control system under GWO-SVM algorithm
Authors: Luo Ke , Jiao Yingying
Published: March 2021

The purposes are to meet the individual needs of leather production, improve the efficiency of leather cutting, and increase the product’s competitiveness. According to the existing problems in current leather cutting systems, a Fault Diagnosis (FD) method combining Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and the Support Vector Machine (SVM) of Gray Wolf Optimizer (GWO) is proposed. This method first converts the original signal into a scale spectrogram and then selects the pre-trained CNN model, AlexNet, to extract the signal scale spectrogram’s features. Next, the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) reduces the obtained feature’s dimensionality. Finally, the normalized data are input into GWO’s SVM classifier to diagnose the bearing’s faults. Results demonstrate that the proposed model has higher cutting accuracy than the latest fault detection models. After model optimization, whencis 25 andgis 0.2, the model accuracy can reach 99.24%, an increase of 66.96% compared with traditional fault detection models. The research results can provide ideas and practical references for improving leather cutting enterprises’ process flow.
Protocol for a reproducible experimental survey on biomedical sentence similarity
Authors: Lara-Clares Alicia , Lastra-Díaz Juan J. , Garcia-Serrano Ana
Published: March 2021

Measuring semantic similarity between sentences is a significant task in the fields of Natural Language Processing (NLP), Information Retrieval (IR), and biomedical text mining. For this reason, the proposal of sentence similarity methods for the biomedical domain has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. However, most sentence similarity methods and experimental results reported in the biomedical domain cannot be reproduced for multiple reasons as follows: the copying of previous results without confirmation, the lack of source code and data to replicate both methods and experiments, and the lack of a detailed definition of the experimental setup, among others. As a consequence of this reproducibility gap, the state of the problem can be neither elucidated nor new lines of research be soundly set. On the other hand, there are other significant gaps in the literature on biomedical sentence similarity as follows: (1) the evaluation of several unexplored sentence similarity methods which deserve to be studied; (2) the evaluation of an unexplored benchmark on biomedical sentence similarity, called Corpus-Transcriptional-Regulation (CTR); (3) a study on the impact of the pre-processing stage and Named Entity Recognition (NER) tools on the performance of the sentence similarity methods; and finally, (4) the lack of software and data resources for the reproducibility of methods and experiments in this line of research. Identified these open problems, this registered report introduces a detailed experimental setup, together with a categorization of the literature, to develop the largest, updated, and for the first time, reproducible experimental survey on biomedical sentence similarity. Our aforementioned experimental survey will be based on our own software replication and the evaluation of all methods being studied on the same software platform, which will be specially developed for this work, and it will become the first publicly available software library for biomedical sentence similarity. Finally, we will provide a very detailed reproducibility protocol and dataset as supplementary material to allow the exact replication of all our experiments and results.
Use of face masks to limit the spread of the COVID-19 among western Ugandans: Knowledge, attitude and practices
Authors: Sikakulya Franck Katembo , Ssebuufu Robinson , Mambo Simon Binezero , Pius Theophilus , Kabanyoro Annet , Kamahoro Elizabeth , Mulumba Yusuf , Muhongya Jean Kakule , Kyamanywa Patrick
Published: March 2021

Background

The world is grappling with an ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic using preventive measures such as personal hygiene, face masks, restrictions on travel and gatherings in communities, in addition to a race to find a vaccine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the western Uganda community on the proper use of face masks to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Methods

A cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire was carried out from 1st July to 10th July 2020 among western Ugandans of consent age of 18 years and above. Data was analysed using Stata version 14.2.

Results

Among the respondents (n = 1114), the mean age was 30.7 (SD 11.1), 51% were males, 53.9% married and 43% had attained secondary education. Most participants (60.1%, n = 670) had satisfactory knowledge on the use of face masks and participants at a tertiary education level [AOR 2.6 (95% CI: 1.42–4.67; p = 0.002)] were likely to have satisfactory knowledge than participants who had not education. On attitude, most respondents (69.4%) were confident enough to correctly put on a face mask; 83.4% believed that a face mask can protect against COVID-19 and 75.9% of respondents had never shared their face mask. The majority of respondents (95.2%) agreed wearing face masks in public places was important to protect themselves against COVID-19; 60.3% reported washing their hands before wearing and after removing the face mask. Unfortunately, 51.5% reported removing the face mask if they needed to talk to someone.

Conclusion

Despite the satisfactory knowledge, good attitude and practices, there is still much more to be done in terms of knowledge, attitude and practices among participants. Government, non-governmental organizations and civil society should improve sensitization of populations on how to behave with face masks while talking to avoid the spread of the COVID-19 among western Ugandans.
A faster and less costly alternative for RNA extraction of SARS-CoV-2 using proteinase k treatment followed by thermal shock
Authors: Ñique Adolfo Marcelo , Coronado-Marquina Fiorella , Mendez Rico Jairo Andrés , García Mendoza María Paquita , Rojas-Serrano Nancy , Simas Paulo Vitor Marques , Cabezas Sanchez Cesar , Drexler Jan Felix
Published: March 2021

One of the biggest challenges during the pandemic has been obtaining and maintaining critical material to conduct the increasing demand for molecular tests. Sometimes, the lack of suppliers and the global shortage of these reagents, a consequence of the high demand, make it difficult to detect and diagnose patients with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection, negatively impacting the control of virus spread. Many alternatives have enabled the continuous processing of samples and have presented a decrease in time and cost. These measures thus allow broad testing of the population and should be ideal for controlling the disease. In this sense, we compared the SARS-CoV-2 molecular detection effectiveness by Real time RT-PCR using two different protocols for RNA extraction. The experiments were conducted in the National Institute of Health (INS) from Peru. We compared Ct values average (experimental triplicate) results from two different targets, a viral and internal control. All samples were extracted in parallel using a commercial kit and our alternative protocol–samples submitted to proteinase K treatment (3 μg/μL, 56°C for 10 minutes) followed by thermal shock (98°C for 5 minutes followed by 4°C for 2 minutes); the agreement between results was 100% in the samples tested. In addition, we compared the COVID-19 positivity between six epidemiological weeks: the initial two in that the Real time RT-PCR reactions were conducted using RNA extracted by commercial kit, followed by two other using RNA obtained by our kit-free method, and the last two using kit once again; they did not differ significantly. We concluded that our in-house method is an easy, fast, and cost-effective alternative method for extracting RNA and conducing molecular diagnosis of COVID-19.
Analytical cryptanalysis upon N = p2q utilizing Jochemsz-May strategy
Authors: Adenan Nurul Nur Hanisah , Kamel Ariffin Muhammad Rezal , Yunos Faridah , Sapar Siti Hasana , Asbullah Muhammad Asyraf
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a cryptanalytic approach on the variants of the RSA which utilizes the modulus N = p2q where p and q are balanced large primes. Suppose e∈Z+ satisfying gcd(e, ϕ(N)) = 1 where ϕ(N) = p(p − 1)(q − 1) and d < Nδ be its multiplicative inverse. From ed − kϕ(N) = 1, by utilizing the extended strategy of Jochemsz and May, our attack works when the primes share a known amount of Least Significant Bits(LSBs). This is achievable since we obtain the small roots of our specially constructed integer polynomial which leads to the factorization of N. More specifically we show that N can be factored when the bound δ<119−294+18γ. Our attack enhances the bound of some former attacks upon N = p2q.
Prevalence, risk factors and association with delivery outcome of curable sexually transmitted infections among pregnant women in Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Zenebe Mengistu Hailemariam , Mekonnen Zeleke , Loha Eskindir , Padalko Elizaveta
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as infection withChlamydia trachomatis(C.trachomatis),Neisseria gonorrhoeae(N.gonorrhoeae), andTrichomonas vaginalis(T.vaginalis) can lead to adverse pregnancy and birth outcome. There are limited data on the prevalence and correlate of STI in Ethiopia, yet pregnant women are not screened for curable STI. Hence in this study, the prevalence of STIs and associated risk factors were assessed.

Methodology

A cross- sectional study was conducted on consecutive women attending the delivery ward at the Hawassa comprehensive and specialized hospital. Vaginal swabs collected at the time of labor and delivery were tested forC.trachomatis,N.gonorrhoeaeandT.vaginalisusing GeneXpert. Study participants responded to a questionnaire about their previous and current obstetric history and socio-demographic characteristics. Possible independent factors for curable STIs were assessed by chi-square, bivariable, and multivariable, logistic regression.

Results

Of the 350 vaginal swabs tested, 51 (14.6%, 95% CI: 10.9–18.3) were positive for one or more curable STIs. The prevalence ofC.trachomatis,N.gonorrhoeaeandT.vaginaliswere 8.3%, 4.3%, and 3.1%, respectively. STIs was associated (p<0.005) with the delivery outcomes birth weight and gestational age. A 3-fold increase in odds of acquisition STIs was found in currently unmarried women (AOR, 3.5; 95% CI: 1.1–10.4; p = 0.028), in women <25 years (AOR, 2.7; 95% CI 1.1–6.6; p = 0.031). Women reporting presence of vaginal discharge (AOR, 7.7; 95% CI: 3.2–18.6; p < 0.001) and reporting pain during urination (AOR, 6.5; 95% CI: 2.6–16.2; p <0.001) found to associate with curable STIs.

Conclusion

The higher magnitude of STIs found in this population, and the absence of symptoms in many illustrate the need for systematic follow-up during routine antenatal care primarily history taking and asking for signs and symptoms to provide early management and avoid long term sequelae.
Is the heart rate variability monitoring using the analgesia nociception index a predictor of illness severity and mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19? A pilot study
Authors: Aragón-Benedí Cristian , Oliver-Forniés Pablo , Galluccio Felice , Yamak Altinpulluk Ece , Ergonenc Tolga , El Sayed Allam Abdallah , Salazar Carlos , Fajardo-Pérez Mario
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) has proven to be an important tool for the management of autonomous nerve system in both surgical and critically ill patients. We conducted this study to show the different spectral frequency and time domain parameters of HRV as a prospective predictor for critically ill patients, and in particular for COVID-19 patients who are on mechanical ventilation. The hypothesis is that most severely ill COVID-19 patients have a depletion of the sympathetic nervous system and a predominance of parasympathetic activity reflecting the remaining compensatory anti-inflammatory response.

Materials and methods

A single-center, prospective, observational pilot study which included COVID-19 patients admitted to the Surgical Intensive Care Unit was conducted. The normalized high-frequency component (HFnu), i.e. ANIm, and the standard deviation of RR intervals (SDNN), i.e. Energy, were recorded using the analgesia nociception index monitor (ANI). To estimate the severity and mortality we used the SOFA score and the date of discharge or date of death.

Results

A total of fourteen patients were finally included in the study. ANIm were higher in the non-survivor group (p = 0.003) and were correlated with higher IL-6 levels (p = 0.020). Energy was inversely correlated with SOFA (p = 0.039) and fewer survival days (p = 0.046). A limit value at 80 of ANIm, predicted mortalities with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 85.7%. In the case of Energy, a limit value of 0.41 ms predicted mortality with all predictive values of 71.4%.

Conclusion

A low autonomic nervous system activity, i.e. low SDNN or Energy, and a predominance of the parasympathetic system, i.e. low HFnu or ANIm, due to the sympathetic depletion in COVID-19 patients are associated with a worse prognosis, higher mortality, and higher IL-6 levels.
Planning deficits in Huntington’s disease: A brain structural correlation by voxel-based morphometry
Authors: Calderon-Villalon Jesus , Ramirez-Garcia Gabriel , Fernandez-Ruiz Juan , Sangri-Gil Fernanda , Campos-Romo Aurelio , Galvez Victor
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Early Huntington’s disease (HD) patients begin to show planning deficits even before motor alterations start to manifest. Generally, planning ability is associated with the functioning of anterior brain areas such as the medial prefrontal cortex. However, early HD neuropathology involves significant atrophy in the occipital and parietal cortex, suggesting that more posterior regions could also be involved in these planning deficits.

Objective

To identify brain regions associated with planning deficits in HD patients at an early clinical stage.

Materials and methods

Twenty-two HD-subjects genetically confirmed with incipient clinical manifestation and twenty healthy subjects were recruited. All participants underwent MRI T1 image acquisition as well as testing in the Stockings of Cambridge (SOC) task to measure planning ability. First, group comparison of SOC measures were performed. Then, correlation voxel-based morphometry analyses were done between gray matter degeneration and SOC performance in the HD group.

Results

Accuracy and efficiency planning scores correlated with gray matter density in right lingual gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, anterior cingulate gyrus, and paracingulate gyrus.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that planning deficits exhibited by early HD-subjects are related to occipital and temporal cortical degeneration in addition to the frontal areas deterioration.
Design, Synthesis, Characterization, Evaluation for Anticancer and Cytotoxic Properties of New Pyrazole Carbothioamides
Authors: Kumar A. Dileep , Vagish C.B. , Lokeshwari D.M. , Sowmya R. , Kumar K. Ajay
Published: March 2021

Chemotherapy against specific molecular targets is one of the most effective approaches used to treatcancer patients. However, lack of selectivity and development of drug-resistance reduces the efficacyof cancer chemotherapy. Therefore, development of effective and safe anticancer agents with highpotency and less toxicity is a major focus for researchers across the world. In the current article, theutility of a reverse ligand similarity based approach to identify potential targets for a new series ofsynthesized pyrazole carbothioamides that demonstrate the potent anticancer activities against MCF-7 cells compared to other structurally related molecules and controls is discussed. Further, in silicodocking analysis provided insights into their sight of binding. Thus, these compounds show promise fordevelopment as next generation anticancer drugs.
The Utility of Clinicopathological Correlation of Sinonasal Masses in a Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Hasan Abdulkarim , Nady Mohammed , Ibrahim Adel A. , Fayad Sherif , Mohammed Yasien , Kandil Ahmad , Omar Nasser
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND Sinonasal masses are commonly seen lesions in ENT practice with multiple aetiological factors. We wanted to study the clinico-pathological features of nasal mass specimens in a tertiary hospital and evaluate the utility of routine histopathological examination of the surgically removed nasal tissue specimens. METHODS All the histologically examined specimens of patients clinically presenting with nasal or sinonasal lesions over a period of one year were retrospectively studied and analyzed. RESULTS Out of total 36 patients with masses, 21 were males (58.3 %) and 15 (41.7 %) were females. The age ranged from 10 to 75 years with a mean age of 31.4 years and maximum patients were in the third decade (37.5 %). The most common presenting clinical symptom was nasal obstruction that was seen in 33 patients (91.6 %). Computed tomography (CT) scan was done in 94.5 % of cases prior to the surgical intervention. One fifth of the sinonasal lesions were neoplastic as per histopathology examination. The clinicopathological agreement percentage for detection of the nature of the nasal mass was 88.9 %. The applied interrater reliability in Cohen's kappa coefficient (κ) showed moderate agreement (0.55). CONCLUSIONS The clinical similarity between the histologically different lesions is common and may lead to improper management; so, correlation of clinical, radiologic and pathologic features is of utmost importance for accurate diagnosis and the policy of discarding a surgically removed nasal lesion which clinically appears unremarkable should be totally avoided. KEY WORDS Nasal Polyp, Pathology, Sinonasal Carcinoma
Prospective Study of Clinical Profile and Early Complications of Ileostomy
Authors: Singh Nitesh , Bhatia Pramod Kumar , Goyal Kirti Savyasacchi , Pundeer Sameer , Kallem Srinivas Reddy , Gandhi Hemangi , Devi Duvaraha
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND Ileostomy is a lifesaving procedure in cases like perforation, peritonitis, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, and trauma. Ileostomy serves the purpose of diversion, decompression, and exteriorisation. Construction of ileostomy is still a common and frequently performed procedure, even though it is a major advancement in the field of surgery. This study intends to evaluate the clinical profile of ileostomy and assess early postoperative complications of ileostomy. METHODS A total number of 36 patients admitted in MMIMSR, Mullana (Ambala), managed and operated with ileostomy were followed up closely from the day of admission in the hospital to the day of discharge. Different parameters were studied. RESULTS The clinical profile, techniques, complications, indications of ileostomy were studied in detail and along with various early complications encountered with ileostomy formation. The most common complication was peristomal irritation in 33 patients (91.7 %), followed by skin excoriation in 24 patients (66.7 %), fistula in 21 patients (58.3 %), high output stoma in 17 patients (47.2 %), stomal retraction in 3 patients (8.3 %), abscess in 2 patients (5.6 %), necrosis in 1 patient (2.8 %), and stenosis in 1 patient (2.8 %). CONCLUSIONS Construction of ileostomy and its management was associated with high rate of complications. However, most patients tolerated the complications of ileostomy well and the overall compliance was satisfactory. Loop ileostomy was the most commonly performed stoma and was associated with high rate of complications. KEY WORDS Intestinal Stoma, Complications, Loop Ileostomy, End Ileostomy, Skin Excoriation, Fistula, High Output Ileostomy
Outcome of Cranioplasty Done within and Beyond 2 Months after Decompressive Craniectomy for Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Vyas Khongbantabam , Singh Khaidem Mani
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND Cranioplasty although a simple elective neurosurgical procedure is burdened by considerable morbidity. The timing of doing cranioplasty and a good outcome remains a topic of much debate. We wanted to compare the outcome of doing cranioplasty within (early) and beyond (late) 2 months after decompressive craniectomy for traumatic brain injury. METHODS The study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital. A 5-year retrospective study of patient records was analysed. Consecutive series of traumatic brain injury patients who underwent cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy from a tertiary care hospital operated by a single neurosurgeon, were studied. Data was analysed using SPSS version 21, IBM. Associations of categorical variables were compared using chisquare test and of continuous variables by using unpaired 2-tailed Student t-test. RESULTS Altogether 90 patients were identified who had undergone cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy for traumatic brain injury and were grouped into early (within 2 months; 44 patients) and late (beyond 2 months; 46 patients). Cranioplasty operative time was significantly shorter in the early (59.39 mins) than the late (77.28 mins) with a P value of 0.001. Infection rates were significantly higher in the early (4.55 %) than late (0 %), with P value 0.144. Other complication rates were postoperative haematoma (0 % early, 2.17 % late, P = 0.325), hydrocephalus (0 % early, 6.52 % late, P = 0.085), sunken brain (0 % early, 4.35 % late, P = 0.162), and bone graft resorption (0 % early, 2.17 % late, P = 0.325). These differences were not statistically significant though. CONCLUSIONS Early cranioplasty performed within 2 months of decompressive craniectomy has better outcome in the form of reduced hospital stay, decreased cost, and fewer complications. KEY WORDS Traumatic Brain Injury, Decompressive Craniectomy, Outcome, Cranioplasty
Banti’s Syndrome Presenting as Hematemesis - A Case Report
Authors: Ghule Aishwarya , Acharya Sourya , Shukla Samarth , Kumar Sunil , Godhiwala Parth
Published: March 2021

Massive splenomegaly presenting with hypersplenism, pancytopenia and portal hypertension, without any underlying known cause is known as Banti’s syndrome. There are various causes of splenomegaly. When all the known causes of portal hypertension are ruled out, it is termed as Banti’s syndrome. This syndrome was discovered by Guido Banti in 1882 and is named after him. Banti’s syndrome is also known as idiopathic portal hypertension or non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis.1 Banti’s syndrome is commonly found in India and Japan than in the West. 2 There is absence of any haematologic cause, primary hepatic cause or any tumour or mass lesion involving the spleen. Banti had stated that the primary organ involved was spleen and not the liver leading to secondary splenomegaly. Other features include normal liver function tests, varices seen in endoscopy, cytopenia of one or more cell lines, absence of cirrhosis, patent hepatic veins and elevated portal pressure with multiple collaterals. The complications include rupture of varices and massive bleeding. 3 We report a case of a 20-year-old male who presented to us with a history of fever for 7 days and one-episode of hematemesis on the day of admission. All known causes of hypersplenism were ruled out and he was diagnosed to have idiopathic massive splenomegaly with portal hypertension and hypersplenism.
Fenntarthatóság – fenntartható fogyasztás – egyetemi hallgatók fogyasztásának vizsgálata alapján
Authors: Tóth Mónika , Málovics György , Tóth István János
Published: March 2021

A jelenlegi társadalmi-gazdasági folyamatok fenntarthatatlansága, potenciálisan önpusztító jellege a közvélemény és a környezeti problémakörrel foglalkozó kutatók körében napjainkra egyaránt tudatosult. Immár tudományos tény, hogy e folyamatok már a közeli jövőben beszűkíthetik a jövőbeni társadalmi-gazdasági választási lehetőségeket. E tendenciák kapcsán hangsúlyt kap a fejlett országok – köztük hazánk – állampolgárai részéről a jelenlegi fenntarthatatlan életmód megváltoztatásának szükségessége. A szerzők tanulmányukban arra a kérdésre keresik a választ, hogy a Szegedi Tudományegyetem hallgatóinak körében mi befolyásolja a környezettudatos fogyasztói magatartást. Ehhez megvizsgálják, hogy az ökológiai lábnyom alkalmas-e a környezettudatos fogyasztás mérésére, továbbá elemzik az ökológiai lábnyom méretének alakulását a SZTE hallgatóinak körében. Végül feltárják az ökolábnyomot befolyásoló tényezőket, ezek hatásának irányát és mértékét, amelyhez elméleti keretül elsősorban az érték-hit-norma elmélet (Value-Belief-Norm Theory) szolgál.
Munkaszervezeti modellek Európában és az emberierőforrás-gazdálkodás néhány jellemzője – Kísérlet a munkaszervezetek nemzetközi paradigma-térképének elkészítésére – I. rész
Authors: Valeyre Antoine , Lorenz Edward , Cartron Damien , Csizmadia Péter , Gollac Michel , Illéssy Miklós , Makó Csaba
Published: March 2021

Az EU 2005-ben elfogadott Lisszaboni Stratégiájának foglalkoztatási és munkaerő-piaci céljai közé tartozik a munka minőségének és a termelékenységének fejlesztése a munkahelyeken, továbbá a szociális kohézió erősítése és a munkaerőpiac bővítése. Az ilyen jellegű törekvések támogatásának elengedhetetlen feltétele a teljesítménynövekedést elősegítő, innovatív és nagyfokú tanulási kapacitással rendelkező munkaszervezeti formák feltérképezése. A szerzők erre vállalkoztak a 2005-ös Európai Munkafeltétel-felmérés (European Working Condition Survey) eredményeinek elemzésével, melynek során négy munkaszervezeti modellt azonosítottak. A szerzők a tanulmány első részében az elemzés módszertanát, a munkaszervezeti modellek tartalmát és az egyes munkaszervezeti modellek előfordulásának ágazatonkénti és országonkénti különbségeit mutatják be, a második részben pedig az egyes munkaszervezeti modellek és az emberierőforrás- gazdálkodás olyan elemei, mint pl. a képzés vagy az ösztönzési rendszerek, illetve a munkavégzés minőségének jellemzői közötti kapcsolatokat elemzik.
Social pedagogy vs social work in Poland
Authors: Odrowąż-Coates Anna , Szostakowska Katarzyna
Published: March 2021

This article is a descriptive review of the historical and theoretical conditions of social pedagogy and social work in Poland. It pertains to the definition, tradition and development of social pedagogy and social work in Poland. Using the insiders’ expert overview of the latter, it identifies the disciplinary boundaries, commonalities and differences that shape both social work and social pedagogy today. The authors present the academic roots, methodology, research scopes, theoretical framework for practitioners and finally, the practical application for both disciplines. The discussion is based on literary sources and extensive experience in the field presented by an associate professor of social pedagogy and a qualified social worker, both employed at a social pedagogy department. This combination ensures scientific honesty and a double-screening procedure of the content from the perspective of practitioners representing both disciplines. This approach provides a balanced view, since the interdependency and separation of the two fields may be seen as an area of potential negotiation.
Cribriform-morular thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Britvin Timur A. , Nechaeva Olga A. , Beloshitsky Mikhail E. , Tamazyan Tatiana S. , Bondarenko Ekaterina V. , Gurevch Larisa E. , Semenov Dmitry Yu.
Published: March 2021

Along with classic papillary thyroid cancer, there are rare histological variants with special clinical features, and often physicians are not well informed about them. We present a clinical case of 25 years-old female, who was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer based on neck ultrasound and fine needle aspiration biopsy followed by thyroidectomy. The histological and immunohistochemical investigation (expression of cytokeratin-19, CD 56, thyroglobulin, β-catenin) were performed and cribriform-morular carcinoma was identified. It’s believed that this type of papillary thyroid cancer in the majority of cases is associated with familial adenomatous polyposis of the colon. This disease with an autosomal dominant type of inheritance is caused by the mutation of the APC suppressor gene and characterized by the presence of multiple adenomatous polyps in the colon with a 100% risk of malignancy and colon cancer. The patient underwent an additional examination with colonoscopy which revealed polyps in all parts of the colon ranging in size from 1 mm to 3.5 cm. We identified mutation in gene APC — p.S1104X and performed a preventive coloproctectomy. The histological examination verified tubular and tubulovillous adenomas with moderate epithelial dysplasia. During 6 years of follow-up of patient, structural and biochemical remission of thyroid cancer was observed.
Good White Queers?
Authors: Linke Kai
Published: March 2021

How do white queer people portray our own whiteness? Can we, in the stories we tell about ourselves, face the uncomfortable fact that, while queer, we might still be racist? If we cannot, what does that say about us as potential allies in intersectional struggles? A careful analysis of Dykes To Watch Out For and Stuck Rubber Baby by queer comic icons Alison Bechdel and Howard Cruse traces the intersections of queerness and racism in the neglected medium of queer comics, while a close reading of Jaime Cortez's striking graphic novel Sexile/Sexilio offers glimpses of the complexities and difficult truths that lie beyond the limits of the white queer imaginary.
Systemtheorie
Authors: Benkel Thorsten
Published: March 2021

Thorsten Benkel nimmt eine soziologische Problematisierung des Verhältnisses von Moral und Verantwortung vor. Angesichts der Pluralität von Lebensweisen und Einstellungen können moralische Ansprüche in der modernen Gesellschaft nicht mehr als verbindliche Klammern des gesellschaftlichen Zusammenlebens fungieren. Wenn Moral dennoch als gesellschaftliche Sichtweise in Anschlag gebracht wird, so bringt dies einen subtilen Verantwortungsdiebstahl mit sich. Am Beispiel des Drogenkonsums wird verdeutlicht, wie mit moralischen Vorwürfen Verantwortung dem Subjekt erst entzogen und dann gegen es verwendet wird. Das Verhältnis von Verantwortung und Moral wird somit für den Kontext der modernen Gesellschaft reflektiert und problematisiert.
Körpersoziologie
Authors: Meitzler Matthias
Published: March 2021

In diesem Beitrag untersucht Matthias Meitzler aus Perspektive der Körpersoziologie, wie im gesellschaftlichen Wandel gleichzeitig eine Zunahme von Körperautonomie und eine Abnahme von institutionell auferlegten Körperzwängen beobachtbar ist. Mit Fokus insbesondere auf das Lebensende zeigt Meitzler, in welchem Maße Verantwortung für den eigenen Körper sowie dieser Körper selbst gesellschaftlich geprägt sind und Körperautonomie auch in der modernen Gesellschaft ambivalent bleibt.
Sozialkonstruktivismus
Authors: Burow Johannes Frederik
Published: March 2021

Johannes Frederik Burow widmet sich in seinem Beitrag der Frage, ob die Konstruktion sozialer Roboter Verantwortung mit sich bringt - und wenn ja, welche und für wen? Aus der sozialkonstruktivistischen wissenssoziologischen Perspektive Berger & Luckmanns argumentiert er, am Fallbeispiel Spielzeugroboter, dass mit den Robotern möglicherweise neue »signifikante Andere« ins Kinderzimmer einziehen. Er zeigt, wie über den Blick auf die Verantwortung klar wird, dass nicht die Roboter selbst in die Wirklichkeitsproduktion der Kinder eingreifen, sondern vielmehr die Wirklichkeitskonzeptionen anderer menschlicher Akteure durch die Roboter vermittelt werden. Die Analyse der einzelnen Verantwortlichkeiten offenbart ein komplexes Verantwortungsgeflecht aus Programmierenden, Unternehmen, Wissenschaft, Eltern und Institutionen. Diese Argumentation überträgt er abschließend auch auf andere soziale Roboter und auf nicht-materielle digitale Instanzen wie bspw. die Chatbots Alexa, Siri & Co.
Gleichheit und politische Repräsentation
Authors: Linden Markus
Published: March 2021

Markus Linden thematisiert das Verhältnis von Gleichheit und politischer Repräsentation. Zunächst werden drei Ansätze dargestellt, die sich zwar in der öffentlichen und/oder wissenschaftlichen Debatte einiger Beliebtheit erfreuen, sich jedoch bei näherer Betrachtung als unterkomplex bzw. normativ verfehlt erweisen: populistische Thesen, die Postdemokratie-Theorie von Colin Crouch und der Ansatz einer Forschergruppe um Armin Schäfer. Anschließend wird mit Pierre Rosanvallons Konzept der Beziehungsgleichheit ein Vorschlag für ein angemessenes politisches Gleichheitsverständnis unterbreitet. Der letzte Abschnitt widmet sich der Darstellung der empirischen Anwendungsmöglichkeiten dieses Konzepts. Es zeigt sich, dass der Gleichheitsanspruch von Demokratie in Deutschland durch parlamentarisch-parteipolitische Repräsentationsformen noch vergleichsweise eher verwirklicht wirkt als durch alternative Institutionen. Deshalb sollten inklusive demokratische Reformen
Bildung unter den Bedingungen von (Im-)Mobilität
Authors: Beck Elisabeth , Heimerer Christine
Published: March 2021

Der Zugang zu formaler Bildung ist für verschiedene Adressat*innengruppen im Kontext von Flucht und Migration unterschiedlich geregelt und gestaltet sich bisweilen herausfordernd. Besonders unter den Bedingungen von (Im-)Mobilität, hervorgebracht durch die zentrale Unterbringung von Geflüchteten in Anker-Einrichtungen, gestalten sich die Bildungs- und Lernsituationen von geflüchteten Kindern, Jugendlichen und Erwachsenen komplex. Die Frage, wie sich die Bildungssituation in Anker-Einrichtungen darstellt, wurde in der Forschung bisher wenig systematisch beantwortet. Diesem Desiderat widmet sich der Beitrag und möchte am Beispiel der bayerischen Anker-Einrichtung Manching-Ingolstadt Erkenntnisse zur Gestaltung von Bildung und Bildungsangeboten in zentralen Unterkünften für Geflüchtete liefern und dabei Formen von Mobilität und Immobilität analysieren. Dabei wird zunächst die schulische Bildung von Kindern und Jugendlichen als einer vulnerablen Gruppe betrachtet. Weiter wird ein Einblick in die Angebote der Erwachsenenbildung für Geflüchtete in der Anker-Einrichtung gegeben. Aufbauend auf theoretische Annäherungen an Formen der (Im-)Mobilität sowie an das Konstrukt eines Lernorts werden mittels qualitativer Forschung (problemzentrierte Interviews in Anlehnung an Witzel) Erkenntnisse zur Gestaltung von Bildungsangeboten in der Anker-Einrichtung Manching-Ingolstadt und zur Konzeptionierung der Anker-Einrichtung als besonderer Lernort generiert. Es zeigen sich zahlreiche Bildungsanlässe und Bildungsmöglichkeiten mit einem deutlichen Schwerpunkt auf der Vermittlung und dem Ausbau von Deutschkenntnissen. Nicht selten wird Bildung normativ definiert und mit spezifischen Vorstellungen von Integration verbunden. Die Anker-Einrichtung lässt sich insgesamt als ein besonderer Lernort charakterisieren, dessen Besonderheit darin besteht, dass Bildungs- und Lernprozesse stets stattfinden, zugleich jedoch die (im-)mobilisierenden Rahmenbedingungen insgesamt ein nachhaltiges Lernen und Bildung erschweren.
Medial verAnkERt
Authors: Evers Tanja
Published: March 2021

Tanja Evers beleuchtet in ihrem Beitrag die Darstellung der Unterbringung von Geflüchteten in lokalen Öffentlichkeiten. Im Rahmen einer quantitativen Inhaltsanalyse von Regionalzeitungen analysiert sie Themen, Akteur*innen, Bewertungen und Forderungen im massenmedialen Diskurs über Ankereinrichtungen in Bayern und Sachsen. Journalistische Berichterstattung wird dabei als Faktor der (Im-)Mobilisierung und öffentliche Kommunikation als eigene Dimension der Mobilität konzeptualisiert. Im Ergebnis bewertet der mediale Diskurs die Unterbringungssituation zwar insgesamt durchaus kritisch, jedoch weniger differenziert denn polarisiert. Die Artikel vermitteln in der Regel einen engen Kanon von überwiegend problemzentrierten Narrativen. Geflüchtete werden in ihnen zwar sichtbar, allerdings treten sie kaum selbst als Sprecher*innen auf.
Lesen lernen im Nationalsozialismus
Authors: Straube-Heinze Kristin , Heinze Carsten
Published: March 2021

Das Lesenlernen im Nationalsozialismus wird aufgrund einer vordergründig stilisierten Fibel-Idylle des »unschuldigen Kindes« gemeinhin in der Bedeutung für die »völkische Erziehung« unterschätzt. Die Rekonstruktion des komplexen kontextuellen Bedingungszusammenhangs der Fibel-Gestaltung und -Produktion im »Dritten Reich« zeigt, dass dem Lesenlernen eine wesentliche Funktion bei der ideologischen Formierung des »deutschen Kindes« zukam. Diese folgte konzeptionell dem Prinzip der kindgemäßen Vermittlung einer fraglosen Anerkennung der »Volksgemeinschaft« als positiv erlebbare Zugehörigkeitsordnung, verbunden mit der Vorbereitung und Anbahnung gewaltförmigen Handelns.