bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Morphometric Analysis of Commonly Used Craniometric Approaches for Freehand Ventriculoperitoneal Shunting
Authors: Woo Peter Y. M. , Wong Desiree K. K. , Yuan Yixuan , Guo Xiaoqing , See Michael K. W. , Tam Matthew , Wong Alain K. S. , Chan Kwong-Yau
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND:

Ventricular catheter tip position is a predictor for ventriculoperitoneal shunt survival. Cannulation is often performed freehand, but there is limited consensus on the best craniometric approach.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the accuracy of localizing craniometric entry sites and to identify which is associated with optimal catheter placement.

METHODS:

This is a retrospective analysis of adult patients who underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunting. The approaches were categorized as Kocher's, Keen's, Frazier's and Dandy's points as well as the parieto-occipital point. An accurately sited burr hole was within 10 mm from standard descriptions. Optimal catheter tip position was defined as within the ipsilateral frontal horn.

RESULTS:

A total of 110 patients were reviewed, and 58% (65/110) of burr holes were accurately sited. Keen's point was the most correctly identified (65%, 11/17), followed by Kocher's point (65%, 37/57) and Frazier's point (60%, 3/5). Predictors for accurate localization were Keen's point (odds ratio 0.3; 95% CI: 01-0.9) and right-sided access (odds ratio 0.4; 95% CI: 0.1-0.9). Sixty-three percent (69/110) of catheters were optimally placed with Keen's point (adjusted odds ratio 0.04; 95% CI: 0.01-0.67), being the only independent factor. Thirteen patients (12%) required shunt revision at a mean duration of 10 ± 25 mo. Suboptimal catheter tip position was the only independent determinant for revision (adjusted odds ratio 0.11; 95% CI: 0.01-0.98).

CONCLUSION:

This is the first study to compare the accuracy of freehand ventricular cannulation of standard craniometric entry sites for adult patients. Keen's point was the most accurately sited and was a predictor for optimal catheter position. Catheter tip location, not the entry site, predicted shunt survival.
Ventriculogallbladder Shunt: Percutaneous Transhepatic Placement of the Distal Catheter
Authors: Ogagan Charles O. , Kulkarni Nichita , Owusu-Adjei Brittany , Karam Adib R. , Cataltepe Oguz
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND:

Ventriculogallbladder (VGB) shunts are currently placed as a salvage procedure in treatment of hydrocephalus when all other options are exhausted. Although VGB shunts work well when successfully implanted, they are still rarely used because of the technical challenges with the traditional surgical technique.

OBJECTIVE:

To implant VGB shunts using a minimally invasive technique that is safer and less technically challenging.

METHODS:

We discussed our utilization of a percutaneous transhepatic approach to placement of the distal catheter into the gallbladder as a new technique that offers a solution to the established but surgically demanding current approach. We presented a complex patient with multiple failed shunts who underwent placement of a VGB shunt.

RESULTS:

The shunt was successfully placed and did not incur any complications or require any revisions in 5 yr.

CONCLUSION:

Given the safety and ease of this minimally invasive approach, we believe percutaneous transhepatic approach in VGB shunts should be considered as a reasonable option in patients with complex hydrocephalus.
Envisioning the next human genome reference
Authors: Lek Monkol , Mardis Elaine R.
Published: December 2021

Summary: We provide an Editorial perspective on approaches to improve ethnic representation in the human genome reference sequence, enabling its widespread use in genomic studies and precision medicine to benefit all peoples.
Catalytic Methylation of Benzene over Pt/MoOx/TiO2 and Zeolite Catalyst Using CO2 and H2
Authors: Ting Kah Wei , Imbe Takuto , Kamakura Haruka , Maeno Zen , Siddiki S M A Hakim , Matsushita Koichi , Shimizu Ken-ichi , Toyao Takashi
Published: December 2021

Catalytic methylation of benzene using CO2/H2 was investigated using various combinations of supported metal catalysts and zeolites in a batch reactor. After a thorough catalyst screening process, the combination of Pt(3)/MoOx(30)/TiO2 and H-MOR (SiO2/Al2O3 = 90) was the most efficient, achieving up to 39% benzene-based yield and 27% CO2-based yield, without promoting the dearomatization of benzene, under the reaction conditions employed in this study (1 MPa CO2, 5 MPa H2, 1 mmol of benzene, 240 °C, 12 h).
The Use of Econometric Analysis in Forecasting Macroeconomic Processes
Authors: Kalyanov Aleksandr , Shishkin Andrey
Published: December 2021

The article discusses the issues related to the influence of various price categories of goods on the level of inflation. The possibility of using econometric analysis for predictive purposes is considered. An econometric model of multiple regression of the influence of consumer prices on the level of inflation is formed. A linear multiple regression equation is constructed. The selection of factors for the construction of an econometric model is made. The main groups of goods are identified, the prices of which form the level of inflation and can have a primary impact. The viability of the model and the possibility of forecasting macroeconomic indicators based on econometric analysis are proved.
Innovative Processes and Innovations in Economic Activity
Authors: Babanov V.
Published: December 2021

The article analyzes the state and prospects of development of innovation activity and its main components - innovations. The relevance of the topic lies in the fact that the innovative problems of economic activity that have already been identified at the present time and in the future, being a factor in its development, need to determine the range of tasks that will require their solution in the near future.

The objects of innovation activity are increasingly becoming factors of production, forms of its organization, infrastructure, energy supply, education, its results, ecology.

The subjects of future innovative research are likely to be the sources of material and energy supply of economic activity, the principles of formation and content of knowledge, methods of reducing environmental damage and preserving the natural habitat of people, alternatives to solving innovative problems, criteria for choosing preferred options

Economic activity in the coming periods will not only change its content, but will also face the emergence of new problems and the need to solve them.
The Innovation Activity of Russian Enterprises from 2010 to 2020 according to Federal State Statistics Service
Authors: Levkina Nataliya , Averina Tatyana
Published: December 2021

In modern conditions, there is a large-scale transformation of the Russian economy in the direction of its digitalization, accordingly, the innovative activity of enterprises and organizations is of particular importance. This work is devoted to the assessment of the dynamics of innovation activity of Russian enterprises for the period from 2010 to 2020 according to Rosstat of the Russian Federation. The analysis of the main indicators of innovation activity indicates that the level of innovation activity in the whole country is low, and most of the indicators show negative dynamics, which jeopardizes the implementation of many large-scale innovative projects. The results of the study can be used in planning and adjusting federal and regional programs for digitalization of certain industries and areas of activity.
The effectiveness of acaricidic drugs based on herbal raw material
Authors: Voronova Nataliya , Horban Valeriy , Bohatkina Viktoriia
Published: December 2021

Limitation the number of ixodes ticks is one of the most important tasks of modern science and requires the search for new, highly effective and environmentally hazardous acaricides, so our experiment was aimed at identifying acaricidal properties of essential oils and their individual active components in the population of ixodes ticks in Zaporizhzhia region. The study of acaricidal properties of essential oils was performed in the laboratory conditions. Tampons with wool were soaked in various concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, 3%, 5% and 10% aqueous emulsion of essential oils such as Caryophyllus floris aetheroleum and Limonis aetheroleum, and essential oils of Thymus serpyllum L., Рinus sylvestris L., Salvia officinalis L., Mentha x piperita L. and Eucalyptus viminalis Labill. The essential oils had a significant effect on the lifespan of adult ticks. The results showed the acaricidal effect of Thymus serpyllum essential oils. When searching the acaricidal and repellent properties of individual essential oils components thymole, menthol and citral showed the high activity as acaricides. In the same time, eugenol and borneol proved the effectiveness as repellent. Our research schowed that essential oils are promising as alternative methods of controlling the number of Ixodes ticks in areas where there are conditions for infection with tick infections.
Occurrence of Viscum album subsp. album L. on Laburnum anagyroides Medik. in Toruń, Poland
Authors: Nienartowicz Andrzej , Rutkowski Lucjan , Kamiński Dariusz , Kunz Mieczysław
Published: December 2021

This short note presents two localities of the common mistletoe growing on the common laburnum found in central Poland in the city of Toruń in 2020. The common laburnum is one of the rare hosts of this recently rapidly spreading semi-parasite. The presented relationship between the two species has so far been reported in only several publications, mostly from the late 19th and early 20th century.
Changing the Health Behaviour of Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland
Authors: Przyborowska Beata , Błajet Piotr
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented changes in educational, professional, and leisure activities around the world. Protecting health against the virus has become the most important task in the social and individual dimension. The aim of the study was to diagnose changes in the behaviour and health beliefs of students. The WHO definition of health and the Health Belief Model (HBM) were adopted as the theoretical basis for defining variables. The study was of diagnostic and verification nature, and a quantitative strategy was used in it. The general population comprised students of Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun. The study was conducted electronically in 2020, during the first lockdown in Poland. The Likert scale was used as a tool to assess the degree of change. The respondents declared the greatest changes in terms of caring about physical and relational health. The declared behavioural changes concerned the most conservative, trained forms of pro-health activity. Despite the declared beliefs about the importance of maintaining health and the personal risk of viral infection, the respondents declared undertaking more advanced pro-health activities only to a small extent.
Methodology of Modern Research Concerning Childhood – The Perspective of Childhood Studies
Authors: Jarosz Ewa
Published: December 2021

Modern research concerning childhood has been developing mostly based on the concept of children’s rights, which is seen not only in the topics of research but also in the objectives and methodological aspects. The aim of the paper is to show how respecting children’s subjectivity and their right to voice opinions in matters that affect them are reflected in childhood studies by means of the specific epistemological perspective, which is seeing the reality through children’s eyes, and the preference for some methodological solutions, i.e. the types of research and the applied methods that are useful in obtaining reports, opinions and assessment of children. The analysis of scientific and research discourse allowed identification of several preferred methodological types of childhood studies, i.e. ethnographic, meta-analytical using big data, survey and longitudinal research. It also allowed indication of the current which is developed in research on childhood and is related to promotion of participatory research with children.
Kazimierz Twardowski’s Philosophy and Mykhailo Rudnytskyi’s Literary Criticism
Authors: Honcharenko Olha
Published: December 2021

In this article Twardowski’s philosophy and Rudnytskyi’s literary criticism have been compared for the first time. The purpose of the comparative analysis was to identify Twardowski’s tradition in the works of his student Rudnytskyi. This comparison seems to contribute to a rethinking of Rudnytskyi’s literary criticism in Ukrainian culture, namely to clarify its philosophical background, conceptual apparatus, and methodology. In the introduction some critical remarks on Rudnytskyi’s literary work, that were made by Ukrainian scholars, have been provided. Next, in the first part, the methodological and philosophical background of Twardowski’s philosophy has been analyzed. The second part encompasses an attempt to reconstruct Rudnytskyi’s literary criticism. In the third part the author argues the direct impact of Twardowski’s philosophy on Rudnytskyi’s literary criticism. Finally, in the conclusions, the author claims that Rudnytskyi’s literary criticism had a philosophical background, conceptual apparatus, and methodology.
Filozofia starożytnej Grecji w twórczości Władysława Tatarkiewicza do roku 1947 – zarys
Authors: Habura Adrian
Published: December 2021

Władysław Tatarkiewicz to polski uczony, historyk filozofii i filozof, który od początku swojej drogi naukowej, aż do jej końca, badał filozofię starożytnych Greków. Jego twórczość historycznofilozoficzna pozwala wnioskować, że uznawał on filozofię starożytną za fundament filozofii europejskiej, w czym – jak się wydaje – nie ma nic zaskakującego. Z kolei jego oryginalna twórczość filozoficzna świadczy o tym, że dociekania starożytnych Greków były dla niego szczególnie inspirujące. Celem artykułu jest szkicowe przedstawienie tych prac Tatarkiewicza sprzed 1947 roku, w których wątek filozofii greckiej został przez niego podjęty jako przedmiot badań historycznofilozoficznych lub jako źródło refleksji filozoficznej. Analiza twórczości zogniskowana na wątku filozofii greckiej została umieszczona w kontekście dotychczasowych badań nad metodologią Tatarkiewicza, co pozwoliło udzielić wstępną odpowiedź na pytanie o znaczenie antycznej filozofii greckiej dla jego rozwoju filozoficznego.
The hipster subculture and its representation in Lena Dunham’s tv series girls.
Authors: Narbona Carrión María Dolores
Published: December 2021

Hipsters are considered as one of the most relevant American subcultures at present. However, the term hipster is notoriously difficult to define and has not received sufficient academic attention, especially when referring to women. Thus, one of the main objectives of this interdisciplinary study is to reverse this situation by bringing to light information and bibliography about this prominent cultural phenomenon in the US context. To prove its importance, this theoretical aspect will be complemented by its practical implementation, as this essay includes the evaluation of the representation of the hipster in one of the main cultural products which have reflected it, television and, more concretely, in Lena Dunham’s TV series, Girls. This analysis responds to the aim of discerning if Girls’s alleged hipsterism can be considered authentic and of elucidating the reasons that may have led Dunham to this choice for the creation of her characters and, also, for her self-branding.
Communis Consensus – Unanimus Consensus: Sejm walny Rzeczypospolitej Obojga Narodów w latach 1586-1668
Authors: Lewandowska-Malec Izabela
Published: December 2021

COMMUNIS CONSENSUS – UNANIMUS CONSENSUS. THE GENERAL SEJM OF THE POLISH-LITHUANIAN COMMONWEALTH IN THE YEARS 1586-1668 In the 16th century, in Europe, with reference to ancient ideas, attempts were made to create the state “well ruled”, which was called the commonwealth. These aspirations headed in different directions. While France became a cradle of monarchy absolutism, the Kingdom of Poland was characterised by reinforcement of the nobility who in confrontation with the king, based on the pushed program of the execution of rights and possessions, led to the creation of a special political hybrid. Taking over some powers of the ruler, a commonwealth was established on this basis – as the combination of oligarchy represented by “senatorial lineages” and democracy with the nobility as a “political nation”. In this way, a mixed monarchy was formed, mixed doubly as the monarchy and commonwealth, and within the latter – an oligarchy with democracy. In the commonwealth, the nobility was the supreme authority, for senators came out, after all, from the circle of “brothers”, while the monarch was a sovereign in the kingdom. An internal order was to be guaranteed due to the balance between these political forms. At the end of the 1560s, these principles were also introduced in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, and under the Union of Lublin the Polish-Lithuanian state called the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was created.
Gonzalo Guerrero and the Psychology of Identity
Authors: Krueger Joachim I.
Published: December 2021

Historiographic analysis is underused in academic psychology. In this expository essay, I intend to show that historical events or persons can be described with reference to theory and research provided by empirical psychology. Besides providing evidence-based grounds for a more penetrating historical account, the conclusions drawn from a historiographic analysis may feedback into psychological theory by generating new testable hypotheses. Whereas standard empirical research is focused on statistical associations among quantitative variables obtained in random samples, historiographic analysis is most informative with the use of extreme cases, that is, by asking and showing the limits of what is possible. This essay focuses on the story of Gonzalo Guerrero to explore psychological processes involved in identity transformation.
Social Movements that Led to Social Transformation in Jammu and Kashmir During the British Rule
Authors: Ahmad Ganaie Dr. Nasir
Published: December 2021

The article tries to examine and study the role of some of the Hindu social reform movements that came up during the British rule to transform, modernize, and uplift society by imparting modern or western education. The article studies their role in eradicating social evils like child re-marriage, dowry and sati among the Hindu community in Jammu and Kashmir. In addition to these elements, it also tries to enlighten the role of various Hindu reform movements in imparting education among all sections of society without any discrimination.
The Punjab Exhibition of 1881 and Politics of the British Raj
Authors: Kapoor Punita
Published: December 2021

In 1849, Punjab was annexed by the English East India Company. This paper deals with the Punjab Exhibition of 1881, where along with textiles, arts and other local handicrafts of India were put on display. Claiming to revive the indigenous Indian arts, crafts and textiles, the exhibition represents the politics of selected exhibits that catered to the taste1 and choice of the British. The exhibition helps in understanding the objective and importance of conducting imperial exhibitions, as exhibitions were also redefining the European homes. A detailed analysis of the exhibition foregrounds how colonial rule redefined the idea and representation of indigenous handicrafts and art. The indigenous handicraft was also immensely being guided by the European market. Thus, the paper focuses on the aspects and strategy adopted by the British at promoting and preserving Indian art and textile. Moreover, efforts at preservation of the arts got institutionalised in the form of art schools. These were set up for the purpose of promoting and building taste for Indian traditional art in the British markets. The paper attempts to understand how the British shaped the notion of heritage and cultural difference between the coloniser and colonised and the ‘self’ and the ‘other’ through the exhibition. By analyzing the Punjab Exhibition 1881, the paper aims to deal with some pertinent issues such as strategic organisation and representation of the exhibits, as well as the legacy of the exhibition during colonial rule. The paper argues that though the British took to organising exhibitions to promote and preserve Indian art and textile, but in reality, it was a disguise aimed at establishing imperial supremacy over the colonised and maintain a hierarchical relationship of aesthetic and traditional culture between the ruler and the ruled.
Prawo podmiotowe jednostki do środowiska. Perspektywa konstytucyjna
Authors: Uliasz Joanna
Published: December 2021

The article does not discuss a new research problem. However, it contributes to the discussion on the need to secure the individual’s subjective right to the environment as well as on the need to determine the scope of this right. The arguments presented in the study serve to decide whether there exist constitutional subjective rights to the environment, secured by a legal means in the form of a constitutional complaint. A number of arguments, supported both by the doctrine and the case law of the Constitutional Tribunal, lead to the conclusion that the Constitution of the Republic of Poland of 1997 does not guarantee individuals any other subjective rights related to human functioning in the natural environment, apart from the right of everyone to information on the condition and protection of the environment.
W trosce o bezpieczną cywilizację
Authors: Stadniczeńko Stanisław
Published: December 2021

The author stresses the need to look more closely at the characteristics of the pres- ent age, which limit people in-depth reflection. Points out the challenges that come with paradigm shift and notes that fundamental questions arise about the essence of humanity itself, the regression of humanity and what defines them. The author empha- sizes that man lives in a growing fear that his products (not all of them), which have a special value of ingenuity and entrepreneurship, may go against man. The development of civilization forces us to take action to protect human needs and rights, and therefore the progress of civilization should go hand in hand with the ethical, moral and spiritual progress of man and the return to common-sense thinking, as well as taking responsibility for the fate of man and the world we live in.
Służba cywilna w ujęciu Strategii Zarządzania Zasobami Ludzkimi w Służbie Cywilnej do 2020 roku
Authors: Łukaszczuk Agnieszka
Published: December 2021

The subject of this study is the issue of modern human resource management in the civil service in government administration offices. The basis of government administration human resources management are public service motivation (PSM) supported by the Human Resource Management Strategy in the Civil Service until 2020. The aim of the study was to investigate how the Strategy supports the development of government administration staff based on the methodology of human resource management. The methods of motivation of administration staff are training courses, individual professional development programs, and the remuneration and promotion system. These activities support the institutional efficiency of the state by improving the quality of services in government administration offices and the competences of civil service corps members. The strategy also finds its justification in the implementation of the systemic assumptions of the Civil Service, according to which the civil service corps acts to ensure professional, reliable, impartial and politically neutral performance of the state’s tasks (Article 153).
Patriarchy, Subordination, and Rise of the Individual in Hisham Matar's In the Country of Men
Authors: Abraham Nevine
Published: December 2021

This article examines the narrative of resistance to social subordination and the manipulated notions of faithfulness and treason in Hisham Matar'sIn the Country of Men(2006) observed through the lens of the child narrator, 9-year-old Suleiman, who grows critical of the patriarchy and power hierarchy of Libyan society's private and public spheres. In the private sphere, his mother's retelling of her forced marriage at a young age informs his initial aversion of patriarchy. In the public sphere, the Revolutionary Committee's policing and suppression of dissent, and the neighbor's public execution amid a cheering crowd, shed light on the dynamics of subservience and divisiveness. Though the novel takes place in 1979 Libya, it raises questions on the possibility of individual agency and rise of the citizen against a post-colonial Arab despotic regime, where patriarchal authoritarianism, rooted in colonialism, creates a system of dependency and subjugation that undermines citizens' power and manipulates faith as a medium of submissiveness. This article concludes with some reflections on the outcomes of 2011 Arab uprisings with regards to active citizenship.
Agential realism meets feminist art. A diffractive dialogue between writers, theories and art
Authors: Kronberger Alisa , Krall Lisa
Published: December 2021

This article invites readers to follow our diffractive dialogue, which reflects on our interdisciplinary collaboration in thinking and writing with Karen Barad. Working with Barad’s diffractive methodology, we bring her agential realism, insights from quantum physics and feminist theories to contemporary feminist art. The aesthetic practices of three art works are discussed, and we argue that these call for an understanding of eco-, capitalist-, colonialist- and feminist critique as interrelated phenomena in the sense of agential realism. This is because it is not only the art works themselves that create encounter-moments of being-entangled with the bodies and discourses that surround them. From a methodological perspective, we are also interested in marking diffractive moments of encounter with the art works and between us, given our different disciplinary backgrounds. So, we intend to open up a space of encounters between Barad’s work, the work of the three artists and the work of ourselves as writers.
Embodied Knowledge of/with the place. Review of the book: Placemaking, A New Materialist Theory of Pedagogy (Page, Tara, 2020)
Authors: Zarabadi Shiva
Published: December 2021

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Experiencia de “gamificación” en Derecho Financiero y Tributario. La integración de dinámicas propias de juego y sus resultados: el efecto Kahoot!
Authors: Bergas Forteza Antoni
Published: December 2021

El presente trabajo muestra la experiencia docente que ha supuesto la utilización de técnicas de “gamificación” en la asignatura de «Fundamentos de Derecho Financiero y Tributario para Relaciones Laborales» del primer curso del Grado en Relaciones Laborales impartida durante el curso 2019 - 2020, en concreto la utilización de la plataforma educativa Kahoot!. Así, el uso de tal herramienta digital supone una motivación extra para el alumnado, tanto en su asimilación del contenido propio de la asignatura, como en el logro de los objetivos académicos propuestos. En consecuencia, la introducción puntual de tales dinámicas de juego ha conseguido hacer frente a la tradicional desmotivación y ha promovido un proceso de aprendizaje continuo y autónomo por parte del estudiante.
La representación del Estado regido por el Derecho a través del western en el cine y en los videojuegos. Análisis de “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance”, “Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid” y “Red Dead Redemption 2” para la enseñanza del Derecho
Authors: Vila-Viñas David
Published: December 2021

Este artículo plantea la pertinencia de utilizar elementos del género western, como las películas The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (Ford, 1962) y Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (Peckinpah, 1973), así como el videojuego Red Dead Redemption 2 (Rockstar Games, 2018) para abordar el proceso de consolidación de un Estado regido por el Derecho. El estudio ha analizado la pertinencia de estos contenidos en asignaturas introductorias al Derecho en estudios de grado. En este sentido, ha analizado las obras citadas considerando la manera en que tratan asuntos clave del proceso de consolidación del Derecho: 1) el paso del estado de naturaleza al imperio de la ley; 2) las relaciones entre el poder político y el Derecho a propósito del problema de la legitimidad; 3) el carácter productivo del Derecho y su relación con el proceso de civilización; 4) las ambivalencias del proceso de civilización y 5) la relevancia de las fundamentaciones de orden mítico para el Estado y para el Derecho. Del análisis se infiere la utilidad de estos recursos para poner en contexto los orígenes del actual régimen jurídico-estatal y permitir así un abordaje más ajustado a las perspectivas de la ciencia jurídica contemporánea.
Second-order nonlinear optical coefficients of the monoclinic crystal BaGa4Se7
Authors: Guo Feng , Boursier Elodie , Segonds Patricia , Peña Alexandra , Debray Jerôme , Badikov Valeriy , Panyutin Vladimir , Badikov Dmitrii , Petrov Valentin , Boulanger Benoît
Published: December 2021

We characterize the magnitude and relative signs of the second-order nonlinear optical coefficients of the biaxial crystal BaGa4Se7 (BGSe) combining measurements of phase-matched and non-phase-matched second-harmonic generation at different wavelengths using slabs and a sphere.
The rarA gene as part of an expanded RecFOR recombination pathway: Negative epistasis and synthetic lethality with ruvB, recG, and recQ
Authors: Jain Kanika , Wood Elizabeth A. , Cox Michael M.
Published: December 2021

The RarA protein, homologous to human WRNIP1 and yeast MgsA, is a AAA+ATPase and one of the most highly conserved DNA repair proteins. With an apparent role in the repair of stalled or collapsed replication forks, the molecular function of this protein family remains obscure. Here, we demonstrate that RarA acts in late stages of recombinational DNA repair of post-replication gaps. A deletion of most of therarAgene, when paired with a deletion ofruvBorruvC, produces a growth defect, a strong synergistic increase in sensitivity to DNA damaging agents, cell elongation, and an increase in SOS induction. Except for SOS induction, these effects are all suppressed by inactivatingrecF,recO, orrecJ, indicating that RarA, along with RuvB, acts downstream of RecA. SOS induction increases dramatically in ararA ruvB recF/Otriple mutant, suggesting the generation of large amounts of unrepaired ssDNA. TherarA ruvBdefects are not suppressed (and in fact slightly increased) byrecBinactivation, suggesting RarA acts primarily downstream of RecA in post-replication gaps rather than in double strand break repair. InactivatingrarA,ruvBandrecGtogether is synthetically lethal, an outcome again suppressed by inactivation ofrecF,recO, orrecJ. ArarA ruvB recQtriple deletion mutant is also inviable. Together, the results suggest the existence of multiple pathways, perhaps overlapping, for the resolution or reversal of recombination intermediates created by RecA protein in post-replication gaps within the broader RecF pathway. One of these paths involves RarA.
Clinical evaluation of the SD Biosensor SARS-CoV-2 saliva antigen rapid test with symptomatic and asymptomatic, non-hospitalized patients
Authors: Igloi Zsofia , Velzing Jans , Huisman Robin , Geurtsvankessel Corine , Comvalius Anoushka , IJpelaar Jeroen , van Beek Janko , Ensing Roel , Boelsums Timo , Koopmans Marion , Molenkamp Richard
Published: December 2021

Background

Performance of the SD Biosensor saliva antigen rapid test was evaluated at a large designated testing site in non-hospitalized patients, with or without symptoms.

Method

All eligible people over 18 years of age presenting for a booked appointment at the designated SARS-CoV-2 testing site were approached for inclusion and enrolled following verbal informed consent. One nasopharyngeal swab was taken to carry out the default antigen rapid test from which the results were reported back to the patient and one saliva sample was self-taken according to verbal instruction on site. This was used for the saliva antigen rapid test, the RT-PCR and for virus culture. Sensitivity of the saliva antigen rapid test was analyzed in two ways: i, compared to saliva RT-PCR; and ii, compared to virus culture of the saliva samples. Study participants were also asked to fill in a short questionnaire stating age, sex, date of symptom onset. Recommended time of ≥30mins since last meal, drink or cigarette if applicable was also recorded. The study was carried out in February-March 2021 for 4 weeks.

Results

We could include 789 people with complete records and results. Compared to saliva RT-PCR, overall sensitivity and specificity of the saliva antigen rapid test was 66.1% and 99.6% which increased to 88.6% with Ct ≤30 cutoff. Analysis by days post onset did not result in higher sensitivities because the large majority of people were in the very early phase of disease ie <3 days post onset. When breaking down the data for symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, sensitivity ranged from 69.2% to 50% respectively, however the total number of RT-PCR positive asymptomatic participants was very low (n = 5). Importantly, almost all culture positive samples were detected by the rapid test.

Conclusion

Overall, the potential benefits of saliva antigen rapid test, could outweigh the lower sensitivity compared to nasopharyngeal antigen rapid test in a comprehensive testing strategy, especially for home/self-testing and in vulnerable populations like elderly, disabled or children where in intrusive testing is either not possible or causes unnecessary stress.
From low sense of control to problematic smartphone use severity during Covid-19 outbreak: The mediating role of fear of missing out and the moderating role of repetitive negative thinking
Authors: Brailovskaia Julia , Stirnberg Jan , Rozgonjuk Dmitri , Margraf Jürgen , Elhai Jon D.
Published: December 2021

Since the outbreak of Covid-19, the use of digital devices, especially smartphones, remarkably increased. Smartphone use belongs to one’s daily routine, but can negatively impact physical and mental health, performance, and relationships if used excessively. The present study aimed to investigate potential correlates of problematic smartphone use (PSU) severity and the mechanisms underlying its development. Data of 516 smartphone users from Germany (Mage= 31.91,SDage= 12.96) were assessed via online surveys in April and May 2021. PSU severity was significantly negatively associated with sense of control. In contrast, it was significantly positively linked to fear of missing out (FoMO), repetitive negative thinking (RNT), and daily time spent on smartphone use. In a moderated mediation analysis, the negative relationship between sense of control and PSU severity was significantly mediated by FoMO. RNT significantly moderated the positive association between FoMO and PSU severity. Specifically, the higher the RNT, the stronger the relationship between FoMO and PSU. The present findings disclose potential mechanisms that could contribute to PSU. Potential ways of how to reduce PSU severity are discussed.
The epidemiology of falls in Portugal: An analysis of hospital admission data
Authors: Sampaio Filipa , Nogueira Paulo , Ascenção Raquel , Henriques Adriana , Costa Andreia
Published: December 2021

Background

Falls are a common cause of injury and pose an increased risk of morbidity, mortality, and lifelong disability. Falls encompass a troublesome definition and can pose challenges in epidemiological studies. Data on fall-related hospital admissions in Portugal remain unpublished. This study aimed to examine the epidemiology of fall-related hospital admissions in the Portuguese population between 2010 and 2018. It also aimed to examine annual rates of fall-related hospital admissions using three methodological approaches.

Methods

The Portuguese Hospital Morbidity Database was used to identify all cases resulting in one or more inpatient admission in public hospitals related to falls from 2010 to 2018. Fall-related hospital admissions were described by age groups, sex, geographical area of residence, and type of fall. Annual rates were computed using three approaches: i) based on the number of inpatient admissions with an ICD code of fall, ii) based on the number of patients admitted to inpatient care with an ICD code of fall, and iii) based on the number of inpatient admissions with a principal diagnosis of injury.

Results

Between 2010 and 2018, 383,016 fall-related admissions occurred in 344,728 patients, corresponding to 2.1% of the total number of hospitalizations during the same period. Higher rates were seen among the younger (20–25) and the oldest age groups (+85), males until the age of 60, females from the age of 60, and areas of residence with a higher aging index. An overall rate of falls per 100,000 population was estimated at 414 (based on number of admissions), 373 (based on number of patients) and 353 (based on number of admissions with a principal diagnosis of injury).

Conclusions

This study provides an overall picture of the landscape of falls in a scarcely explored setting. The results aim to contribute to identifying appropriate preventive interventions and policies for these populations.
Knowledge management process, knowledge based innovation: Does academic researcher’s productivity mediate during the pandemic of covid-19?
Authors: Rehman Fazal ur , Ismail Hishamuddin , Al Ghazali Basheer M. , Asad Muhammad Mujtaba , Shahbaz Muhammad Saeed , Zeb Ali
Published: December 2021

Drucker’s knowledge-worker productivity theory and knowledge-based view of the firm theory are widely employed in many disciplines but there is little application of these theories in knowledge-based innovation among academic researchers. Therefore, this study intends to evaluate the effects of the knowledge management process on knowledge-based innovation alongside with mediating role of Malaysian academic researchers’ productivity during the Pandemic of COVID-19. Using a random sampling technique, data was collected from 382 academic researchers. Questionnaires were self-administered and data was analyzed via Smart PLS-SEM. Knowledge management process and knowledge workers’ productivity have a positive and significant relationship with the knowledge-based innovation among academic researchers during the Pandemic of COVID-19. In addition, knowledge workers’ productivity mediates the relationship between the knowledge management process (knowledge creation, knowledge acquisition, knowledge sharing, and knowledge utilization) and knowledge-based innovation during the Pandemic of COVID-19. Results have also directed knowledge sharing as the key factor in knowledge-based innovation and a stimulating task for management discipline around the world during the Pandemic of COVID-19. This study provides interesting insights on Malaysian academic researchers’ productivity by evaluating the effects of knowledge creation, acquisition, sharing, and application on the knowledge-based innovation among academic researchers during the Pandemic of COVID-19. These useful insights would enable policymakers to develop more influential educational strategies. By assimilating the literature of defined variables, the main contribution of this study is the evaluation of knowledge creation, acquisition, sharing, and utilization into knowledge-based innovation alongside the mediating role of knowledge workers productivity in the higher education sector of Malaysia during the Pandemic of COVID-19.
SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific memory B cells express higher levels of T-bet and FcRL5 after non-severe COVID-19 as compared to severe disease
Authors: Reyes Raphael A. , Clarke Kathleen , Gonzales S. Jake , Cantwell Angelene M. , Garza Rolando , Catano Gabriel , Tragus Robin E. , Patterson Thomas F. , Bol Sebastiaan , Bunnik Evelien M.
Published: December 2021

SARS-CoV-2 infection elicits a robust B cell response, resulting in the generation of long-lived plasma cells and memory B cells. Here, we aimed to determine the effect of COVID-19 severity on the memory B cell response and characterize changes in the memory B cell compartment between recovery and five months post-symptom onset. Using high-parameter spectral flow cytometry, we analyzed the phenotype of memory B cells with reactivity against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein or the spike receptor binding domain (RBD) in recovered individuals who had been hospitalized with non-severe (n = 8) or severe (n = 5) COVID-19. One month after symptom onset, a substantial proportion of spike-specific IgG+ B cells showed an activated phenotype. In individuals who experienced non-severe disease, spike-specific IgG+ B cells showed increased expression of markers associated with durable B cell memory, including T-bet and FcRL5, as compared to individuals who experienced severe disease. While the frequency of T-bet+ spike-specific IgG+ B cells differed between the two groups, these cells predominantly showed an activated switched memory B cell phenotype in both groups. Five months post-symptom onset, the majority of spike-specific memory B cells had a resting phenotype and the percentage of spike-specific T-bet+ IgG+ memory B cells decreased to baseline levels. Collectively, our results highlight subtle differences in the B cells response after non-severe and severe COVID-19 and suggest that the memory B cell response elicited during non-severe COVID-19 may be of higher quality than the response after severe disease.
Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus vFLIP promotes MEndT to generate hybrid M/E state for tumorigenesis
Authors: Chen Weikang , Ding Yao , Liu Dawei , Lu Zhengzhou , Wang Yan , Yuan Yan
Published: December 2021

Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is an angioproliferative and invasive tumor caused by Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). The cellular origin of KS tumor cells remains contentious. Recently, evidence has accrued indicating that KS may arise from KSHV-infected mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) through mesenchymal-to-endothelial transition (MEndT), but the transformation process has been largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the KSHV-mediated MEndT process and found that KSHV infection rendered MSCs incomplete endothelial lineage differentiation and formed hybrid mesenchymal/endothelial (M/E) state cells characterized by simultaneous expression of mesenchymal markers Nestin/PDGFRA/α-SAM and endothelial markers CD31/PDPN/VEGFR2. The hybrid M/E cells have acquired tumorigenic phenotypes in vitro and the potential to form KS-like lesions after being transplanted in mice under renal capsules. These results suggest a homology of KSHV-infected MSCs with Kaposi’s sarcoma where proliferating KS spindle-shaped cells and the cells that line KS-specific aberrant vessels were also found to exhibit the hybrid M/E state. Furthermore, the genetic analysis identified KSHV-encoded FLICE inhibitory protein (vFLIP) as a crucial regulator controlling KSHV-induced MEndT and generating hybrid M/E state cells for tumorigenesis. Overall, KSHV-mediated MEndT that transforms MSCs to tumorigenic hybrid M/E state cells driven by vFLIP is an essential event in Kaposi’s sarcomagenesis.
Arts in Hospitals during COVID-19: Time to Reflect, hosted by CW+ (the charity for Chelsea & Westminster NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust), 22 January 2021, online
Authors: Gray Karen
Published: December 2021

Review of: Arts in Hospitals during COVID-19: Time to Reflect, hosted by CW+ (the charity for Chelsea & Westminster NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust), 22 January 2021, online
What is left of the studio, in the absence of a room to share?
Authors: Byrne Libby , Crane Tess
Published: December 2021

This article builds on previous work exploring the essential relational experiences of risk, rupture and change that are possible for students and teachers who learn in an open studio setting. In response to the isolation that accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic this article considers how the relational dynamics of the studio are translated into an online environment. The authors use artmaking to explore their experience of working alongside each other in this way, engaging their material knowing in an online learning environment. The findings reveal that just as the constructed physical space of an art studio is a dynamic container for social interaction and expression, an online space can act as a container for these transformative experiences. The article considers what elements of the studio remain in the absence of a room to share and in doing so is pertinent for art therapists and educators working across face-to-face and online environments.
A hospital’s collaborative arts in health approach to COVID-19
Authors: Kulha Shay Thornton , Frazier J. Todd , Townsend Jennifer , Laguaite Elizabeth , Gray Virginia
Published: December 2021

This note from the field outlines how an integrated arts in health department within a hospital created clinical and non-clinical art experiences for patients and providers during COVID-19. Working with a multi-disciplinary team, the Center for Performing Arts Medicine at Houston Methodist established creative arts therapy and arts integration programmes targeting patient and provider experiences during COVID-19. Emphasis is placed on how programmes respond to both physical health and emotional well-being through accessible, appropriate art experiences. This article outlines those strategies and highlights various entry points for arts experiences in a hospital experience during a pandemic.
Freeing us from pandemic alienation: Tea-based online expressive arts therapy
Authors: Kwong (Aleck) Man-Kit
Published: December 2021

This article creatively presents a framework of conducting expressive arts therapy online during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim is to help people tap into the four modes of being through multimodal arts to respond to the alienation in each of them due to the pandemic. Tea, which has similarities with watercolour but is more natural and easily accessible, serves as the core art material in the creative process. This article includes experience of the participants who voluntarily joined a one-off online workshop, giving a clearer picture of the therapeutic process and changes. The relevance of tea to the four modes of being is discussed, and the ways in which the framework can be implemented are explored.
Egyptian imaginaries of resistance: Cinematic remembrance of the Suez crisis
Authors: Galal Ehab
Published: December 2021

Current politics in Egypt has revived the idea of a strong connection between the army, the Egyptian people and its leaders. This imaginary was introduced by Egyptian cinema about the time of the 1952 revolution. In the early days of national independence, the Suez crisis of 1956 in particular holds the symbols and images needed to create the set of semantics supporting this imaginary. Based on theories on national and postcolonial imaginaries, I analyse two Egyptian films on the Suez crisis: Port Said from 1957 and Maliqat al-Bihar (Giants of the Sea) from 1960 including shorter references to other films from the period. By examining the postcolonial semantics of these films, I identify three elements that together retell the Egyptian nation. First, the Suez crisis is pictured as eliminating the colonial enemies due to the actions of strong leaders. Second, a pan-Arab alliance is installed. Third, enemies from within are disconnected from the true Egyptian assessed by loyalty to the nation. The result is a strong imaginary of the correlation between the army, people and in particular its leaders.