bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Domestic violence: legal aspect of the problem
Authors: Buchakova Marina Aleksandrovna , Koshelev Evgeniy Viktorovich , Altynbaeva Liliya Mudarisovna , Gaydukov Andrey Aleksandrovich , Scheglov Aleksandr Ivanovich
Published: May 2021

Prerequisites of research. The authors of the article study the approaches to the solution of the domestic violence problem from the position of different branches of law: constitutional, international, family, administrative, and criminal law that allows revealing the inconsistence and collisions in the current legislation related to this phenomenon. Objectives of the research. The objective of the research is to analyze the legal aspects of the problem related to domestic violence and also search for possible ways of their solution directed to the improvement of the current criminal and administrative legislation. Methods. The following system of methods was used in the research: analysis, synthesis, and the system approach. In addition, the comparative and legal methods were applied when analyzing the international norms and individual laws of the foreign states directed to combatting domestic violence. Results. The improvement of legal regulation in regard to the establishment of consistency of branches of law, first of all, administrative and criminal legislation. Basing upon the current norms of criminal, administrative, and family legislation, the conclusions are made of the consistency, wrongfulness, and public danger of domestic violence, the main form of which in Russia is physical abuse of the people having family and domestic relations with a law-breaker. Domestic violence is a complex social phenomenon. It appears depending upon the object of abuse and its consequences, as a rule, are spread to all family members. The violence acts are made mainly to women and have a latent character. Only the legally punishable acts provided by the legislation of administrative violations and criminal law can be considered the expression of domestic violence. Novelty. A complex interbranch approach to the domestic violence problem is used, the suggestions for the improvement of the current legislation are offered.
On challenging aspects of countering the international terrorism
Authors: Stepanov Oleg Anatolyevich , Prokhorova Evgeniya Nikolaevna
Published: May 2021

The problem of international terrorism has become one of the serious problems hindering the sustainable development of the global community. The tragic events in Moscow, Beslan, New York, Madrid, Monte Carlo, London, and Paris have clearly shown this. The prerequisite for the study is an increase in the spread of international terrorism and the associated new threats and risks for the world community. International terrorism has many forms of manifestation aimed at causing harm to various objects (on the ground, in the waters, in the air, on the Internet), including critical infrastructure facilities associated with the use of nuclear materials. Also, the second decade of the 21st century was marked by hundreds of thousands of victims and millions of refugees associated with the consequences of terrorist activities on the territory of Syria, Iraq, and other states. The main objective of the study is to investigate socially significant scientific problems associated with countering this negative phenomenon. The result of the study is the introduction of the concept of “international security” into scientific circulation, which should be understood as the state of protection of subjects of international law from internal and external threats, based on the consideration of the interests of these subjects related to the leveling of dangerous manifestations that are global. At the same time, the authors emphasize the need to consider the development of the artificial intelligence sphere in the framework of countering the international terrorism threat. The results obtained in the study have not been previously published in literary sources and can serve as a guideline for further scientific research in the field of countering international terrorism.
Alteration of court charges: ways of legislative solution of the problem
Authors: Gavrilov Boris Yakovlevich , Burmagin Sergey Viktorovich , Barabanov Pavel Kelseevich , Popova Irina Pavlovna , Ilyukhov Aleksey Aleksandrovich
Published: May 2021

The article deals with the issues relevant for the criminal proceedings of Russia, connected with the practical need of legislative consolidation of procedural rules fixed in the Code of Criminal Procedure of the Russian Federation (CCP RF) that provide a possibility for the court to alter charges brought by preliminary investigation bodies. The current procedural rules, to change accusation for a graver verdict, establish the procedure enshrined in Article 237 of the CCP RF, according to which the court must return a criminal case to the prosecutor, while the latter has to return the same to the investigator (interrogating officer). This practice in fact returns the law enforcer to the provisions of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic Code of Criminal Procedure that maintained the existence of the institute of supplementary investigation; the court annually returned from 40 to 55 thousand cases to investigators within the framework of this institute. Having set the goal to explore the problematic issues of amending a faulty accusation in court and finding an optimal legal mechanism for the court’s amending a charge towards its stiffening, the authors, using the methods of scientific knowledge – dialectical approach, comparative legal method, statistical and systemic analysis – analysed the scholarly views on the said problem and the practice of enforcing Article 237 of the CCP RF by Russian courts; made a comparative research of foreign laws governing the issues of alteration of court charges. The authors, on the basis of the research results, made a conclusion on the need to develop an efficient legislative procedure in terms of altering indictment towards a more serious verdict by the prosecution – directly at the court session, under supervision of the court and without returning a case for supplementary investigation.
Problems of electronic funds theft investigation
Authors: Golyatina Svetlana Mikhailovna
Published: May 2021

The number of thefts of electronic funds is growing each year. Regretfully this trend is observed not only in Russia but also in several foreign countries. Another surge in remote theft and fraud was triggered by the coronavirus pandemic, during which both large corporations and individual citizens became victims of cyberattacks. Scientists and various Internet sources note that today criminals are constantly developing new schemes for committing theft of electronic funds and are one step ahead of law enforcement. Since the number of crimes under consideration is increasing, and their detection rate remains extremely low, it can be assumed that the existing method of investigating electronic funds theft is not effective enough. In our opinion, to improve the situation, it is first of all necessary to identify the range of main problems that law enforcement officers face when investigating such crimes. By analyzing investigative practice, scientific literature, documents, and materials published on various websites, we have identified some of them and conditionally divided them into two groups that cannot be considered in isolation from each other: organizational problems (lack of interaction between departments of different countries, problems of the appointment and execution of computertechnical examinations, long time for obtaining information that has evidentiary value, the low competence of law enforcement officers and their minor experience of working with specific sources of evidentiary information, etc.) and problems directly related to the investigation of electronic funds theft, with the main one being the problem of establishing the crime scene.
Forms of manipulation in the discourse of social advertising
Authors: Anisimova Tatiana Valentinovna , Chubai Svetlana Anatolievna , Gimpelson Elena Grigorievna
Published: May 2021

The article examines the specifics of using manipulation techniques in the discourse of social advertising. It is proposed to refer to manipulation the methods of distorting the linguistic picture of the addressee’s world with the help of the possibilities provided by linguistic mechanisms. The research material was 12,000 posters collected by the continuous sampling method from various media banks on the Internet. The authors refer to the most frequent manipulation techniques, objectively inherent in the discourse of social advertising, the distortions in the intensity of promoting ideas in the public consciousness, and the use of pseudo-rational arguments. The presence of these manipulation techniques is due to the fact that social advertising posters are produced most often by public funds that seek to promote only the ideas that are close to them. A situation arises when not those values that are more important for society are more actively promoted, but those that have material support from funds. The ideas promoted by different funds may conflict with each other and with the traditional values of the nation. In this “war of ideas”, two situations should be distinguished: 1) advertising encroaches on the values, which are traditionally recognized as important and promoted by state advertising (for example, for same-sex marriage, against vaccinations, etc.). 2) advertising raises questions regarding the settlement of relationships between people. Usually, such relationships have many options, so it is impossible to establish clear boundaries of a positive or negative attitude towards an object. Different funds interpret such situations in various ways in accordance with their ideology. Another active form of manipulation is the use of various forms of statistics that cannot be verified and which do not have any authoritative source behind them.
Using the grade-rating system assessing the knowledge when teaching informational and legal disciplines in universities of law enforcement agencies
Authors: Grigorev Anatolii Nikolaevich , Fadeeva Violetta Vladimirovna , Kodoeva Arina Chermenovna , Bichan Natalya Vitalevna , Dzyadevich Irina Vladimirovna
Published: May 2021

This article discusses the practical experience of using the grade-rating system for assessing the knowledge of cadets in educational organizations within the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia when using the Moodle virtual learning environment. The advantages and disadvantages of the grade-rating system are analyzed.
Readiness for action in emergency circumstances in professional activities of penal system employees
Authors: Kirillova Tatiana Vasilievna , Lobanova Elena Sergeevna , Smykovsky Vasily Vasilyevich , Machekhin Maksim Sergeevich
Published: May 2021

Correctional facilities are created to implement penalties for persons who have committed criminal offences. Consequently, persons held in them are often socially dangerous, criminally infected and inclined to deviant behavior. At the same time, the isolation, restriction of discretion and movement, the need to stay for a long time in a certain group of people are triggering factors and cause such conditions as boredom, irritation, apathy, depression, emotional instability. These circumstances do not exclude the occurrence of emergencies caused by a violation of standards and rules of conduct by persons sentenced to imprisonment, as evidenced by the facts recorded in penitentiary practice. Working in such conditions imposes special requirements to employees. In respect thereof, particular attention is paid to the need for penal system employees to be ready for emergency circumstances. This type of readiness is complex and includes motivationally interdependent will, cognitive and activity components. The formation of the given components depends on a number of external and internal factors. While preparing staff for professional tasks in emergency circumstances, it is rather important to pay attention not only to personal, but also to the collective readiness of staff units. The staff readiness to emergencies contributes to the effective service tasks execution, increases the sense of self-confidence in staff and their authority among colleagues, and affects the nature of professional communication.
Development of Emotional Intelligence in Convicted Women
Authors: Ovsyannikova Marina Viktorovna , Kovalchuk Ilya Alexandrovich , Krasikova Julia Yuryevna , Savelyeva Tatyana Ivanovna , Komarova Oksana Nikolaevna
Published: May 2021

The article notes an insufficient study of the problem of female convicts’ emotional intelligence, and briefly considers existing models of emotional intelligence. The main results of the conducted research of female convicts’ emotional intelligence taking into account the term of their stay in a correctional institution, using the developed author’s complex of psychodiagnostic methods, are presented. The paper describes a model for enhancing emotional and personal maturity, taking into account the criminalisation and personal immaturity of female convicts through the application of cognitive-behavioural, humanistic, and rational-emotive approaches. Women serving sentences in penitentiary institutions of the Russian Federal Penitentiary Service in the Oryol, Moscow, and Kaluga Regions took part in an experimental study to test the adequacy and validity of the proposed model for emotional and personal maturity development and the correctional work method created on its basis. The results obtained empirically testify to a statistically significant increase in the components of emotional intelligence in the target group. On this basis, the conclusion is made about the adequacy of the proposed model and technology of work and the possibility of their practical application. This conclusion is confirmed by the information about the subsequent successful implementation of the experimentally tested psychotechnology to improve emotional and personal maturity in the activities of institutions and bodies of the Russian Federal Penitentiary Service. The conclusions about the validity of the proposed model, as well as about the effectiveness and practical relevance of the created on their basis methodological tools for psychodiagnostics and psychocorrection of emotional intelligence, are made.
Personal and professional development of the individual in the civil service of the Russian Federation
Authors: Sepiashvili Ekaterina Nikolaevna , Maltseva Tatyana Vyacheslavna , Sumina Ekaterina Anatolyevna , Bashlueva Natalya Nikolaevna , Bashlueva Mariya Andreevna
Published: May 2021

The presence of professional highly qualified personnel in the civil service, together with modern information technologies, is possible thanks to the existence of a democratic state governed by the rule of law. The professional activity of civil servants acts as a subsystem within the civil service system. The study of the peculiarities of personal and professional development of the individual in the civil service will contribute to the disclosure of the psychological mechanisms of this process, the resolution of a number of pressing questions about the methods and possibilities of optimizing professional and personal development, which in turn will contribute to improving labour efficiency. To study the features of personal and professional development of the individual in the Russian Federation Civil Service. Survey among civil servants and comparative analysis of the results obtained in all study groups; statistical processing of the results. 120 respondents took part in the study: federal-state civil servants (40 people) and civil servants of other types (80 people). The main problems and features of personal and professional development of the individual in the civil service of the Russian Federation are identified and the main directions of optimization of the studied process are determined. The process of personal and professional development of civil servants, as will be shown in this study, is an overall result of the professional education and additional professional education, including retraining, advanced training, and internships. The main directions of optimization of the studied process are the following: improving scientific, methodological, and organizational support; increasing the motivation for professional activity and career advancement; improving the efficiency of additional professional education; developing a program for personal and professional self-development; introducing additional forms and technologies for improving professional skills of state civil servants.
Modern financial and legal relations trends and economy digitalization
Authors: Semukhin Igor , Kolovaylo Svetlana , Kravchenko Natalia
Published: May 2021

The article considers the trends in the development of financial and legal relations, which are caused by changes taking place in economic and social relations through the introduction of digital technologies. In conducting the study the authors analyzed the totality of currency, banking relationships, insurance relationships, budgetary legal relations and financial market relations. As a result of the study, the authors concluded that it is necessary to improve the mechanism of legal regulation of the use of such financial instruments as blockchain, cryptocurrency, etc., as well as the supervisory functions of the Bank of Russia credit bureaus in order to increase confidence in financial market participants.The authors also justify the need to introduce specific taxes (taxation on payments made for the purchase of goods and services over the Internet, or a tax on turnover from commercial activities on the world wide web) in order to prevent digital businesses from tax avoidance. An implication of the analyses is identifying tools that ensure a transparency of the budget system. Control approaches themselves have also been transformed. Thus, risk-based approaches have been used, as well as ratings of control objects by the level of reliability. It also requires further analysis of the regulatory tools that can be applied by public authorities, changes in the object and tax base, the procedure for collecting taxes, and possible tax benefits. The results can be used in further research to develop an effective legal mechanism for regulating financial and legal relations in modern economic condition.
Prognostic Value of Cerebroplacental Ratio in Appropriate-for-Gestational-Age Fetuses Before Induction of Labor in Late-Term Pregnancies
Authors: Ortiz Javier U. , Graupner Oliver , Flechsenhar Sarah , Karge Anne , Ostermayer Eva , Abel Kathrin , Kuschel Bettina , Lobmaier Silvia M.
Published: May 2021

Purpose To evaluate the relationship between cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) and the need for operative delivery due to intrapartum fetal compromise (IFC) and adverse perinatal outcome (APO) in appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) late-term pregnancies undergoing induction of labor. The predictive performance of CPR was also assessed.

Materials and Methods Retrospective study including singleton AGA pregnancies that underwent elective induction of labor between 41 + 0 and 41 + 6 weeks and were delivered before 42 + 0 weeks. IFC was defined as persistent pathological CTG or pathological CTG and fetal scalp pH < 7.20. Operative delivery included instrumental vaginal delivery (IVD) and cesarean section (CS). APO was defined as a composite of umbilical artery pH < 7.20, Apgar score < 7 at 5 minutes, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit for > 24 hours.

Results The study included 314 women with 32 (10 %) IVDs and 49 (16 %) CSs due to IFC and 85 (27 %) APO cases. Fetuses with CPR < 10th percentile showed a significantly higher rate of operative delivery for IFC (40 % (21/52) vs. 23 % (60/262); p = 0.008) yet not a significantly higher rate of APO (31 % (16/52) vs. 26 % (69/262); p = 0.511). The predictive values of CPR for operative delivery due to IFC and APO showed sensitivities of 26 % and 19 %, specificities of 87 % and 84 %, positive LRs of 2.0 and 1.2, and negative LRs of 0.85 and 0.96, respectively.

Conclusion Low CPR in AGA late-term pregnancies undergoing elective induction of labor was associated with a higher risk of operative delivery for IFC without increasing the APO rate. However, the predictive value of CPR was poor.
Deep learning-based detection of eosinophilic esophagitis
Authors: Guimarães Pedro , Keller Andreas , Fehlmann Tobias , Lammert Frank , Casper Markus
Published: May 2021

Background For eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a substantial diagnostic delay is still a clinically relevant phenomenon. Deep learning-based algorithms have demonstrated potential in medical image analysis. Here we establish a convolutional neuronal network (CNN)-based approach that can distinguish the appearance of EoE from normal findings and candida esophagitis.

Methods We trained and tested a CNN using 484 real-world endoscopic images from 134 subjects consisting of three classes (normal, EoE, and candidiasis). Images were split into two completely independent datasets. The proposed approach was evaluated against three trainee endoscopists using the test set. Model-explainability was enhanced by deep Taylor decomposition.

Results Global accuracy (0.915 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.880–0.940]), sensitivity (0.871 [95 %CI 0.819–0.910]), and specificity (0.936 [95 %CI 0.910–0.955]) were significantly higher than for the endoscopists on the test set. Global area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.966 [95 %CI 0.954–0.975]. Results were highly reproducible. Explainability analysis found that the algorithm identified the characteristic signs also used by endoscopists.

Conclusions Complex endoscopic classification tasks including more than two classes can be solved by CNN-based algorithms. Therefore, our algorithm may assist clinicians in making the diagnosis of EoE.
Electrochemical Aromatization of Dihydroazines: Effect of Chalco­genophosphoryl (CGP) Substituents on Anodic Oxidation of 9-CGP-9,10-dihydroacridine
Authors: Shchepochkin Alexander V. , Chupakhin Oleg N. , Demina Nadezhda S. , Averkov Maxim A. , Shimanovskaya Tatyana Yu. , Slepukhin Pavel A. , Volkov Pavel A. , Telezhkin Anton A. , Trofimov Boris A. , Charushin Valery N.
Published: May 2021

The effect of chalcogenophosphoryl fragments on the anodic oxidation of 9-chalcogenophosphoryl-9,10-dihydroacridines was studied in detail. The data of X-ray structural analyses, quantum chemical calculations, and cyclic voltammetry measurements obtained for these compounds provide an explanation of the observed features. The direct electrochemical phosphorylation of acridine was first carried out successfully.
Synthesis of Borylated Hydrazino Acid Derivatives
Authors: Yudin Andrei K. , Tien Chieh-Hung , Trofimova Alina , Shao Wenjie
Published: May 2021

α-Boryl-α-hydrazinoacetic acid is a highly functionalized boron-containing building block that can be easily accessed from readily available α-borylacetaldehyde. The hydrazine motif can be converted into a variety of α-borylated azoles and diazines in a straightforward protocol. Furthermore, the carboxy group can be derivatized to afford novel organoboron compounds that should find applications in various cross-coupling transformations.
Flexural Strength of an Indirect Composite Modified with Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Pennisi Pedro Rogério Camargos , Silva Pedro Urquiza Jayme , Valverde Fábio Scorsolini , Clemente Ticiane Campos , Cerri Vitória , Biaco Maria Eduarda , Ferreira Rebeca Garcia Rosa , Paranhos Luiz Renato , Moffa Eduardo Buozi
Published: May 2021

Objectives The low resistance to fracture has limited the use of indirect composite resins for dental restorations, particularly in regions that are exposed to strong occlusal forces. To overcome this issue, different types of reinforcement for composites have been proposed, one of which is carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the flexural resistance of one commercial indirect composite resin (Sinfony, 3M/ESPE) after incorporation of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs; Sigma–Aldrich, Inc., St. Louis, Missouri, United States) with or without the silanization form.

Materials and Methods Specimens of composite resin were fabricated in a Teflon mold. The composite resin was prepared according to the manufacturer’s instructions (n = 10 for each group), with SWCNTs in three concentrations.

Statistical Analysis The SWCNTs and SWCNT/SiO2-ATES specimens were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy, and a flexural test was conducted according to the ISO 4049/2009. Flexural strength data in MPa were submitted to one-way ANOVA following Tukey (p < 0.05).

Results The SWCNTs did not improve the flexural strength of indirect composite resin when compared with the control, independent of the concentration added (p > 0.05). However, when SWCNTs and SWCNTs/SiO2-ATES were compared, the SWCNTs/SiO2-ATES showed higher values than the three concentrations of SWCNTs (p < 0.05).

Conclusion The silanization process improves the SWCNTs strength proprieties, but the modification of chemical bonding between SWCNT and SWCNT/SiO2-ATES modified resins, in different concentrations, did not improve the composite resin flexural strength.
Venous Thromboembolism among Critically Ill Children: A Narrative Review
Authors: Sochet Anthony A. , Kiskaddon Amy , Betensky Marisol , Goldenberg Neil
Published: May 2021

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients, including children. In recent years, it has become clear that hospitalization and critical illness bestow an increased VTE risk in pediatrics and relate to mortality and life-limiting comorbidities. For critically ill children, reported rates of VTE vary by study sampling techniques, presence of inherited or acquired thrombophilia, acute and chronic immobility, underlying illness prompting hospitalization, and clinical factors related to illness severity such as central venous catheterization, length of stay, mechanical ventilation, and patient age. Accordingly, critically ill children with new signs of venous congestion, acute inflammation, or unexplained acute organ dysfunction should be routinely evaluated for VTE. This narrative review summarizes recent and historical literature regarding risk factors, prevention, presentation, treatment, and outcomes of VTE in critically ill children. In addition, we identify knowledge gaps and priorities for future collaborative research on this vital condition. Special attention is given to the clinical trial opportunities, challenges, and ongoing efforts in thromboprophylaxis in critically ill children, including those hospitalized for disease related to novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and multisystem inflammatory disease in children.
DNA Profiling in Forensic Science: A Review
Authors: Bukyya Jaya Lakshmi , Tejasvi M L. Avinash , Avinash Anulekha , P. Chanchala H. , Talwade Priyanka , Afroz Mohammed Malik , Pokala Archana , Neela Praveen Kumar , Shyamilee T K. , Srisha Vammi
Published: May 2021

DNA is present in most of the cells in our body, which is unique in each and every individual, and we leave a trail of it everywhere we go. This has become an advantage for forensic investigators who use DNA to draw conclusion in identification of victim and accused in crime scenes. This review described the use of genetic markers in forensic investigation and their limitations.
Computed Tomography of the Chest in COVID-19: A Pictorial Review of Indian Patients
Authors: Madhusudhan Kumble Seetharama , Srivastava Deep Narayan , Garg Kushagra V. , Khandelwal Niranjan
Published: May 2021

The Coronavirus disease 2019, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has evolved into a pandemic and has affected more than 130 million people globally to date and continues to infect more. The disease primarily involves the respiratory system and manifests as fever, dry cough, dyspnea, and myalgia. Nearly half of the infected patients may be asymptomatic. The real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) performed on the blood or respiratory samples is the diagnostic test with high accuracy. Although imaging with CT is not routinely indicated in this disease, this modality may provide a quick answer and assist in making a diagnosis in certain situations. In addition, imaging with CT also aids in evaluating the progress of the disease and in prognostication. A thorough knowledge of the common findings on the CT scan helps a radiologist in suggesting a diagnosis when it is performed in unsuspected patients. In this review, we describe the common and uncommon chest findings of COVID-19 on the CT scan.
Prognostic Value of Standard Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography Reporting System (CAD-RADS)
Authors: Altay Sedat
Published: May 2021

Aims This study evaluated the clinical prospects of Coronary Artery Disease—Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS) scoring in coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA). The aim of the study was to determine the guidance value of CAD-RADS scoring in patient follow-up after CTA.

Methods and Materials Reports of cases reported between 2010 and 2013 were reevaluated with CAD-RADS scoring. Clinical risk analysis was performed with initial forms of anamnesis. Clinical follow-up was performed on 7 to 10 years (mean: 8 years, 4 months) hospital records. Univariate and multivariate Cox modeling was performed with Kaplan–Meier method to define the relationship between clinical (age, gender, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, family history) and CAD-RADS variables, and for risk analysis based on these causes. Cox proportional-hazards analysis results were presented as a hazard ratio with a 95% confidence interval. CAD-RADS scores were evaluated as meaningful determinants of univariate and multivariate Cox proportional survival analysis.

Results Totally, 359 cases were evaluated in the study. Severe coronary pathology development rate was observed as CAD-RADS 0to 1%, CAD-RADS 1 to 3%, CAD-RADS 2 to 4%, CAD-RADS 3 to 9%, CAD-RADS 4A to 21%, 4B to 25%, CAD-RADS 5 to 50%. There were no coronary artery deaths in CAD-RADS 1,2,3 cases in 10 years of follow-up. Two cases with CAD-RADS 4 A score, three cases with 4 B score, and four patients with CAD-RADS 5 had a history of death as a result of coronary disease.

Conclusions The cases with a high risk of side effects with CAD-RADS scores were clearly shown. CAD-RADS score accurately identifies risks in postimaging follow-up and is a reliable reporting system in the required treatment planning.
Prediction of Motor Recovery after Stroke by Assessment of Corticospinal Tract Wallerian Degeneration Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Authors: Darwish Hoda Salah , ElShafey Rasha , Kamel Hanaa
Published: May 2021

Aim of the Study To predict motor recovery after stroke by detection of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) fractional anisotropy (FA) changes of corticospinal tract (CST) and correlate findings with clinical scores to provide more effective treatment and rehabilitation.

Subjects and Methods Thirty patients with cerebral stroke were enrolled and underwent conventional magnetic resonance imaging and DTI at admission and 1 month after stroke. Mean diffusivity (MD), FA, FA ratio (rFA), and fiber number (FN) values of CST were calculated at the pons at admission and after 1 month of stroke. Three-dimensional reconstruction of bilateral CST and the structural changes of fibrous bands were observed. Severity of limb weakness was assessed by using the motor sub-index scores of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at admission, and after 1, 6, and 9 months for severity of limb weakness.

Results The mean age of our patients was 61.32 ± 4.34 years, 17/30 (56.6%) were females, and 13/30 (43.4%) were males. In our study, 18/30 (60%) were hypertensive, 19/30 (63.3%) were diabetic, and 12/30 (40%) were smokers. A significant negative correlation was found between rFA and FN in the ipsilateral CST of the cerebral infarction at the rostral part of pons after 1 month of infarction and NIHSS score at 6 months (r = 0.377, p = 0.04 and r = 0.237, p = 0.02, respectively). However, a positive insignificant correlation was found between MD and NIHSS (r = 0.345, p = 0.635). The initial NIHSS score at the time of injury was 19.2 ± 4.3, which changed to 7.9 ± 2.4, 4.6 ± 1.9, and 3.3 ± 1.4 at 1, 6, and 9 months, respectively.

Conclusion DTI is a sensitive tool for early detection of Wallerian degeneration in the CST after stroke, and can predict motor performance to provide effective treatment and rehabilitation to improve quality of life.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Characterization of the Hippocampi in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: Correlation of Volumetry and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient with Laterality and Duration of Seizures
Authors: Muralidhar Apoorva , Kumar Ashok , Prakash Arjun , Krishnamurthy Umesh , S. Manjunath , Majeed Roshni
Published: May 2021

Background and Purpose It is estimated that hippocampal damage is seen in 50 to 70% of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Although most magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies are adequate to detect gross hippocampal atrophy, subtle changes that may characterize early disease in TLE, such as visually nonappreciable volume loss, may often be missed if objective volumetric analysis is not undertaken.

Materials and Methods We conducted a hospital-based prospective analytical study in which 40 patients with partial seizures of temporal lobe origin were included and their hippocampal volumes (HVs) were determined by manual volumetric analysis. The findings were recorded and correlated with the side of seizure and its duration. The quantitative assessment was allotted different grades accordingly. Also, the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of bilateral hippocampi were estimated and their correlation with the side of seizure was determined.

Results Most patients in the study were in the age group of 11 to 20 years (37.5%). In total, 57.5% had seizures for a period of 1 to 5 years. While 67.5% (n = 27) had seizure on the right, 32.5% (n = 13) had on the left. The mean HV estimated on the right and left were correlated with the side of seizure and found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001 in those with right-sided seizures and p = 0.02 in those with left-sided seizures). Simultaneously the ADC values estimated were found to correlate with the laterality of seizures with a statistical difference (p < 0.01). Duration of seizures however did not show a positive correlation with the HV.

Conclusion MRI with quantitative estimation of HV and ADC values can depict the presence and laterality in TLE with accuracy rates that exceed those achieved by visual inspection alone. Thus, quantitative MRI provides a useful means for translating volumetric analysis into clinical practice.
Extraosseous Ewing’s Sarcoma: Pictorial Review of Imaging Findings, Differential Diagnosis, and Pathologic Correlation
Authors: Alexander Alan , Hunter Kyle , Rubin Michael , Bhat Ambarish P.
Published: May 2021

Extraosseous Ewing’s sarcoma (EES), first described in 1969, is a malignant mesenchymal tumor just like its intraosseous counterpart. Although Ewing’s sarcomas are common bone tumors in young children, EESs are rarer and more commonly found in older children/adults, often carrying a poorer prognosis. We discuss the multimodality imaging features of EES and the differential diagnosis of an aggressive appearing mass in proximity to skeletal structures, with pathologic correlates. This review highlights the need to recognize the variability of radiologic findings in EES such as the presence of hemorrhage, rich vascularity, and cystic or necrotic regions and its imaging similarity to other neoplasms that are closely related pathologically.
Clinical Spectrum of Movement Disorders in Neurology Inpatients in a Tertiary Care Centre
Authors: Paul Shabeer Ahmad , Mondal Gouranga Prasad , Bhattacharyya Ramesh , Ghosh Kartik Chandra , Das Sarbajit , Das Suman , Krishna Hema , Patra Chandrakanta
Published: May 2021

Background Little data are available on the spectrum of movement disorders in inpatients, particularly those admitted in neurology specialty. This may be related to the fact that patients presenting with movement disorders are usually evaluated from outpatient clinics.

Objective The aim of this study is to provide data on the pattern of movement disorders in neurology inpatients.

Materials and Methods Patients admitted through emergency department or neurology clinic with complaints of movement abnormalities were recruited in this study from October 2019 to September 2020. Cases were subjected to proforma-based detailed history, examination, and appropriate investigations.

Statistical Analysis Descriptive statistics using SPSS 20.

Results and Conclusion Bradykinesia with or without tremor was the most common movement disorder (28.3%), followed by ataxia and dystonia (24.5% each) and hemifacial spasm and myoclonus (7.5% each). Chorea, tic disorder, and hemiballismus were also reported. Etiologies included Parkinson disease, Wilson’s disease, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), drugs, stroke, spinocerebellar ataxia, Huntington’s disease, neuroacanthocytosis, and others. Dystonia represented the most common disorder in the younger age group (44.4%), whereas bradykinesia and/or tremor represented the most common movement disorder in the older age group (46.4%).

This study demonstrates the characteristic distribution of movement disorders in neurology inpatients.
Is Lactoferrin Supplementation Beneficial for All Preterm Infants?
Authors: Nayak Amrita , Tiozzo Caterina , Lin Xinhua , Mejia Claudia , Gurzenda Ellen , Kim Maureen , Hanna Nazeeh
Published: May 2021

Objective Human milk (HM) has antibacterial properties due to the presence of immune-modulators, including lactoferrin (LF). This study will determine effect(s) of HM maturation, fortification, and storage conditions on LF levels and its antibacterial properties.

Study Design HM samples (n = 30) were obtained from preterm and term mothers. The LF levels were analyzed by ELISA, and the antibacterial activity was measured after inoculation with Escherichia coli.

Results The highest level of LF in preterm HM was observed in the first week of lactation. However, storage of preterm HM at 4°C decreased LF levels significantly. Both LF levels and antibacterial activity in preterm HM was lower compared with term HM, but significantly higher than donor HM even after HM-based fortification. LF supplementation of donor HM improved its antibacterial activity.

Conclusion Preterm infants fed donor HM, formula, or stored HM at 4°C may benefits from LF supplementation to improve HM antibacterial properties.

Key Points
Neonatal Outcomes of Infants Born to Women on Hemodialysis: A Single-Center, Case-Control Study
Authors: Imai Ken , Wada Masaki , Ogawa Masaki , Tsuchiya Ken , Kusuda Satoshi
Published: May 2021

Objective The study aimed to investigate the neonatal outcomes of infants born to mothers on hemodialysis.

Study Design This retrospective, case-control, and observational study included 17 infants born to 16 mothers on dialysis in 2003 to 2016. We compared their clinical characteristics to those of 51 gestational age- and sex-matched control infants. Statistical comparisons were made between the two groups by using the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test for continuous variables and the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables.

Results Of the 16 pregnancies of mothers on dialysis, 15 (94%) deliveries were premature (<37 weeks), and 16/17 (94%) infants survived to discharge. The incidences of neonatal complications, such as intraventricular hemorrhage, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, patent ductus arteriosus, and periventricular leukomalacia, were not significantly different between the groups. However, 5/17 (29%) of the infants had congenital anomalies.

Conclusion Although infants born to mothers on dialysis have a high risk of prematurity, they do not have any additional risk of neonatal complications, except for congenital anomalies. The potential risk of congenital anomalies should be investigated further.

Key Points
A Laboratory Investigation on a Tailored Skin and Muscle Flap Variant for the Retrosigmoid Approach
Authors: Chibbaro Salvatore , Cebula Helene , Zaed Ismail , Gubian Arthur , Todeschi Julien , Scibilia Antonino , Nannavecchia Beniamino , Scheer Louise , Bozzi Maria Teresa , Mahoudeau Pierre , Coca Andres , Signorelli Francesco , Djennaoui Idir , Debry Christian , Ganau Mario
Published: May 2021

Introduction An anatomical study was conducted to test a modified C-shaped flap designed for patients undergoing a keyhole approach and/or minicraniotomy for retrosigmoid approach (KRSA).

Materials and Methods Ten heads specimens were used. The surgical technique investigated was based on a 4-cm C-shaped skin incision with medial convexity (placed 8 cm laterally to the external occipital protuberance, with the lower edge terminating 1.5 to 2 cm above the mastoid tip), which followed by careful subperiosteal dissection and completed by reflecting and securing the skin flap layer anteriorly and the muscle flaps superiorly and inferiorly by stitches. Anatomical findings, including depth of surgical corridor till to the cerebellopontine cistern (CPC) as well as the sparing of neurovascular structures, were evaluated in every specimen.

Results Twenty surgical approaches to CPC were conducted, resulting in a short working distance to the target (32 mm) without any need for a self-retaining retractor. In every specimen, the integrity of occipital muscles and cutaneous nerves was maintained, and a solid multilayer closure was always achieved. These data suggest that landmarks-based design of this C-shaped incision could be helpful in avoiding damages to the soft tissues encountered during KRSA.

Conclusion This modified approach provides a wide surgical corridor to access the CPC while ensuring the minimal invasiveness of the standard S-shaped incision. Compared with the latter, it preserves better the integrity of the surrounding soft tissues and appears less likely to cause any iatrogenic injury to occipital muscles and cutaneous nerves.
Correction to: So near, so far, so what is social distancing? A fundamental ontological account of a mobile place brand
Authors: Rossolatos George
Published: May 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: 10.1057/s41254-020-00186-z.
In vivo study of iron oxide-calcium phosphate composite nanoparticles for delivery to atherosclerosis
Authors: Nakamura Maki , Kosuge Hisanori , Oyane Ayako , Kuroiwa Kiyoko , Shimizu Yoshiki , Aonuma Kazutaka
Published: May 2021

Atherosclerosis is a macrophage-related inflammatory disease that remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Magnetic iron oxide (IO) nanocrystals are clinically used as magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents and their application as a detection agent for macrophages in arterial lesions has been studied extensively. We recently fabricated heparin-modified calcium phosphate (CaP) nanoparticles loaded with a large number of IO nanocrystals via coprecipitation from a supersaturated CaP solution supplemented with heparin and ferucarbotran (IO nanocrystals coated with carboxydextran). In this study, we further increased the content of IO nanocrystals in the heparin-modified IO–CaP composite nanoparticles by increasing the ferucarbotran concentration in the supersaturated CaP solution. The increase in nanoparticle IO content caused a decrease in particle diameter without impairing its dispersibility; the nanoparticles remained dispersed in water for up to 2 h due to electrostatic repulsion between particles due to the surface modification with heparin. The nanoparticles were more effectively taken up by murine RAW264.7 macrophages compared to free ferucarbotran without showing significant cytotoxicity. A preliminary in vivo study showed that the nanoparticles injected intravenously into mice delivered more IO nanocrystals to macrophage-rich carotid arterial lesions than free ferucarbotran. Our nanoparticles have potential as a delivery agent of IO nanocrystals to macrophages in arterial lesions.
Direct measurement of the resonance strengths and branching ratios of low-energy (p, γ) reactions on Mg isotopes *
Authors: Zhang Hao , Li Zhi-Hong , Su Jun , Li Yun-Ju , Chen Chen , Zhang Long , Cao Fu-Qiang , Shen Yang-Ping , Nan Wei , Nan Wei-Ke , Li Xin-Yue , Chen Li-Hua , Lian Gang , Cui Bao-Qun , Guo Bing , Liu Wei-Ping
Published: May 2021

Proton capture reactions on Mg isotopes are significant in the Mg-Al cycle in stellar H-burning. In particular, the resonance strengths and branching ratios of low-energy resonances in 25Mg(

)26Al reactions determine the production of 26Al, which is one of the most important long-lived radioactive nuclei in nuclear astrophysics. In this article, we report our first experiment using the intense proton beam of approximately 2 mA provided by the JUNA accelerator ground laboratory and a new technique that can minimize the composition change of targets under intense beam irradiation. The resonance strengths and branching ratios of E = 214, 304, and 326 keV resonances in the reactions of 24Mg(

)25Al, 25Mg(

)26Al, and 26Mg(

)27Al, respectively, were measured with high accuracy. The success of this experiment provides a good calibration for the nuclear astrophysical experiment at the Jinping underground laboratory.
Study of C parity violating and strangeness changing J/ψ → PP weak decays *
Authors: Yang Yueling , Lu Junliang , Duan Mingfei , Huang Jinshu , Sun Junfeng
Published: May 2021

Although

weak decays are rare, they are possible within the standard model of elementary particles. Inspired by the potential prospects of the future intensity frontier, the C parity violating

,

decays and the strangeness changing

,

decays are studied via the perturbative QCD approach. It is determined that the

decays have relatively large branching ratios, approximately on the order of

, which might be within the measurement capability and sensitivity of the future STCF experiment.
Morphological, histochemical and histological study of the ileum in the Iraqi Black Partridge (Francolinus francolinus)
Authors: Mnati Intidhar Mohammed , Al-Bhadly Ola , Rushdi Jaber Nawar
Published: May 2021

Objective: This project aimed to study the morphological description and histological structure of ileum in Iraqi black partridge (Francolinus francolinus). Methods: To conduct this investigation, 20 healthy Iraqi black partridge were collected from local suppliers. Birds were euthanized, dissected and then specimens were processed for histological and histochemical staining techniques. Results: A morphological study showed that the ileum appears as a short narrow tubular structure. It extends from the wide end of the jejunum and ends in the Ileo-caecal junction region. Histologically, the wall ileum consists of four tunica mucosa, submucosa, muscularis and serosa. The mucosa was lined by simple columnar epithelium with goblet cells. The muscularis mucosa is arranged in two thick layers of smooth muscle fibers, outer longitudinal and inner circular bundles. The tunica submucosa was a thin layer of fibrous connective tissue. Tunica serosa was loose connective tissue covered by mesothelium. The goblet cells gave a positive reaction with PAS stain. Conclusion: Goblet cells neutral mucopolysaccharide secretions; in fact, the latter stain is an indicator mucin substance which are very important in digestion and absorption and subsequent body growth of the bird.