bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of virtual reality distraction on reducing patients' anxiety before coronary angiography: a randomized clinical trial study
Authors: Keshvari Mostafa , Yeganeh Mohammad Reza , Paryad Ezzat , Roushan Zahra Atrkar , Pouralizadeh Moluk
Published: November 2021

Background

Coronary angiography is used as a qualified method to diagnose coronary heart disease. However, patients undergoing coronary angiography experience a great deal of anxiety. The present study is aimed at investigating the effect of virtual reality on anxiety before coronary angiography. In a randomized controlled trial, 60 candidates for coronary angiography were randomly assigned to two intervention and control groups from April to July 2019. Data were collected by Spielberger’s situational anxiety questionnaire. The participants’ anxiety level and their heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure were measured before and immediately after the intervention. The Intervention group received virtual reality intervention, and the control group was cared for based on the hospital routine. Data were entered into the SPSS version 24.0 software (SPSS Inc.) and analyzed using Chi-square, Paired samples, and independent sample t tests.

Results

The majority of participants were male (71.25%) and the Mean ± SD age of them in the intervention and control groups was 50.95 ± 4.120 and 52.08 ± 4.002 years, respectively. The mean score of anxiety (p < 0.01), heart rate (p = 0.001), and systolic blood pressure (p = 0.016) after the intervention in the intervention group decreased significantly.

Conclusions

This study indicated the implementation of a VR distraction protocol in the patients could effectively reduce perioperative anxiety and its indices. It showed that VR is a safe method without any complications related to the device and with good acceptability.

Registration code IRCT201 40515017693N3.
Mortality probabilities after revascularization and medical therapy in CAD patients under 60 years old: a meta-analysis study
Authors: Afrouzi Mohammad , Azar Farbod Ebadi Fard , Aboutorabi Ali , Hajahmadi Marjan , Ebadi Seyed Javad
Published: November 2021

To estimate death probabilities after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and medical therapy (MT) in patients under 60 years old. We conducted a search systematic on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science up to January 2021. The study included three parts. In the probabilities part (A), Comprehensive Meta-Analysis, and in the comparison parts (B and C), Review Manager was used in conducting meta-analyses. Nine studies consisting of 16,410 people with a mean age of 51.2 ± 6 years were included in the meta-analysis. Over a mean follow-up of 3.7 ± 2 years, overall mortality after CABG, PCI and MT was 3.6% (95% CI 0.021–0.061), 4.3% (95% CI 0.023–0.080) and 9.7% (95% CI 0.036–0.235), respectively. The length of follow-up periods was almost the same and did not differ much (p = 0.19). In Part B (without adjustment of baseline characteristics), 495 (4.0%) of 12,198 patients assigned to CABG died compared with 748 (4.5%) of 16,458 patients assigned to PCI (risk ratio [RR]: 0.77, 95% CI 0.50–1.20; p = 0.25). Seventy-four (3.5%) of 2120 patients assigned to CABG and 68 (4.2%) of 1621 patients assigned to PCI died compared with 103 (9.5%) of 1093 patients assigned to MT in equal follow-up periods (CABG-MT: RR 0.34; 95% CI 0.23–0.51; p < 0.002) (PCI-MT: RR 0.40; 95% CI 0.30–0.53; p = 0.02). In Part C, overall mortality after PCI in PACD patients with STEMI was higher in elderly versus young (RR 2.64; 95% CI 2.11–3.30) and is lower in men versus women (RR 0.61; 95% CI 0.44–0.83). Mortality probabilities obtained are one of the most important factors of effectiveness in the economic evaluation studies; these rates can be used to determine the cost-effectiveness of procedures in CAD patients aged < 60 years.
Sirtuin-1 in Egyptian patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Abdelnabi AL-Shabrawy M. , Esmayel Imam M. , Hussein Samia , Ali Reham M. , AbdelAal Alhoussein Alsayed
Published: November 2021

Background

Coronary artery disease (CAD) represents the leading cause of death worldwide. Animal and human studies have demonstrated that silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) is involved in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes. This study aimed to measure the plasma level of SIRT1 in patients with CAD and explore its correlation with cardiovascular risk factors.

Results

Plasma SIRT1 was significantly lower in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) than in those in the control group and was significantly lower in patients with both acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina than in those in the control group and with CCS. Moreover, plasma SIRT1 was positively correlated with platelet count and negatively correlated with cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Conclusions

The plasma level of SIRT1 is lower in patients with CAD compared to control and it could be a possible marker for this disease. Multi-center studies with follow-up measurements are recommended for further investigation.
Corticosteroids for treatment of COVID-19: effect, evidence, expectation and extent
Authors: Patel Vijay K. , Shirbhate Ekta , Patel Preeti , Veerasamy Ravichandran , Sharma Prabodh C. , Rajak Harish
Published: November 2021

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced the COVID-19 occurrence as a global pandemic in March 2020. The treatment of SARS-CoV-2 patients is based on the experience gained from SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV infection during 2003. There is no clinically accepted therapeutic drug(s) accessible yet for the treatment of COVID-19.

Main body

Corticosteroids, i.e., dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, hydrocortisone and prednisone are used alone or in combination for the treatment of moderate, severe and critically infected COVID-19 patients who are hospitalized and require supplemental oxygen as per current management strategies and guidelines for COVID-19 published by the National Institutes of Health. Corticosteroids are recorded in the WHO model list of essential medicines and are easily accessible worldwide at a cheaper cost in multiple formulations and various dosage forms. Corticosteroid can be used in all age group of patients, i.e., children, adult, elderly and during pregnancy or breastfeeding women. Corticosteroids have potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects in both primary and secondary immune cells, thereby reducing the generation of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines and lowering the activation of T cells, monocytes and macrophages. The corticosteroids should not be used in the treatment of non-severe COVID-19 patients because corticosteroids suppress the immune response and reduce the symptoms and associated side effects such as slow recovery, bacterial infections, hypokalemia, mucormycosis and finally increase the chances of death.

Conclusion

Intensive research on corticosteroid therapy in COVID-19 treatment is urgently needed to elucidate their mechanisms and importance in contributing toward successful prevention and treatment approaches. Hence, this review emphasizes on recent advancement on corticosteroid therapy for defining their importance in overcoming SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, their mechanism, efficacy and extent of corticosteroids in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
Assessing the spectrum of pulmonary hypertension identified at an Egyptian expert referral center
Authors: Elshazly Mostafa , Mostafa Amira Ismail , Ibrahim Asmaa , Sabry Irene M.
Published: November 2021

Background and objective

Pulmonary hypertension is an assorted state that encompasses a spectrum of diseases and is categorized into five groups. The registries are necessary for the identification of risk factors, progression of the disease, outcomes, and effect of treatment strategies on the progression of the disease. The aim of this work was to identify different groups of PH identified at an Egyptian referral center and to compare the demographic and clinical characteristics of each group.

Patients and methods

This study included 132 patients who were diagnosed with a right heart catheter in the Chest Department, Kasr El-Aini Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, in the period from January 2017 to January 2019. Patients were classified into different groups, then received medical treatment accordingly. Demographic and clinical data were documented. Arterial blood gases, spirometry, and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were performed.

Results

The mean age of cases was (43.9±13.69) years; the majority of them were females (72.7%). More than half of the patients (57.5%) had pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH), while 22.7% and 18.3% had pulmonary hypertension due to chronic thrombo-embolic cause and lung cause respectively. The 1-year survival rate was 81.8%.

Conclusions

The results of the study showed female predominance, the PAH type was the commonest, and the overall 1-year survival rate was 81.8%.
How to make study documents clear and relevant: the impact of patient involvement
Authors: Jilka Sagar , Hudson Georgie , Jansli Sonja M. , Negbenose Esther , Wilson Emma , Odoi Clarissa M. , Mutepua Magano , Wykes Til
Published: November 2021

Background

Patient and public involvement can improve study outcomes, but little data have been collected on why this might be. We investigated the impact of the Feasibility and Support to Timely Recruitment for Research (FAST-R) service, made up of trained patients and carers who review research documents at the beginning of the research pipeline.

Aims

To investigate the impact of the FAST-R service, and to provide researchers with guidelines to improve study documents.

Method

A mixed-methods design assessing changes and suggestions in documents submitted to the FAST-R service from 2011 to 2020. Quantitative measures were readability, word count, jargon words before and after review, the effects over time and if changes were implemented. We also asked eight reviewers to blindly select a pre- or post-review participant information sheet as their preferred version. Reviewers’ comments were analysed qualitatively via thematic analysis.

Results

After review, documents were longer and contained less jargon, but did not improve readability. Jargon and the number of suggested changes increased over time. Participant information sheets had the most suggested changes. Reviewers wanted clarity, better presentation and felt that documents lacked key information such as remuneration, risks involved and data management. Six out of eight reviewers preferred the post-review participant information sheet. FAST-R reviewers provided jargon words and phrases with alternatives for researchers to use.

Conclusions

Longer documents are acceptable if they are clear, with jargon explained or substituted. The highlighted barriers to true informed consent are not decreasing, although this study has suggestions for improving research document accessibility.
Analysis of the concept of informal economy through 102 definitions: legality or necessity
Authors: Luque Arturo
Published: November 2021

The processes of informal economy are well established, but the same cannot be said of their conceptual treatment in the academic literature. They constitute complex phenomena that cut across sectors and disciplines and give rise to other elements that simultaneously reject and encourage them. For many formal stakeholders in the economy, they are an enemy to be beaten; for the authorities, informal activity is seen as a loss of revenue for the state coffers; for the Sustainable Development Goals, by implicitly recognizing them in goal 8, they constitute a paradigm shift.  Meanwhile, the reality for those involved in the informal economy is that it is a way of life and not a mere choice, one that leads to the most social of all economies: that of necessity. There is no consensus among academics on informality and its ramifications, hence the need to analyze the processes of informal economy from its theoretical construction with the purpose of discovering its range and depth, as well as its interrelationships and theoretical implications. To achieve this, 102 definitions of informal economy were analyzed by identifying and deconstructing their dimensions and performing a frequency count of their citation in Google Scholar. This analysis demonstrated the lack of cultural elements in the definitions, which are the true underlying cause of the phenomenon, and the over-prominence afforded to legal dimensions.
Camera calibration method using synthetic speckle pattern with an improved gray wolf optimizer algorithm
Authors: Shu Xiaosong , Bao Tengfei , Hu Yuhan , Li Yangtao , Zhang Kang
Published: November 2021

Camera calibration is essential for various vision-based 3D metrological techniques. In this paper, a novel camera calibration method, to the best of our knowledge, combining synthetic speckle pattern and an improved gray wolf optimizer algorithm is presented. The synthetic speckle pattern serves as the calibration target. The particle swarm algorithm-based digital image correlation is employed to achieve matches among 3D control points and 2D image points; then the improved gray wolf optimizer algorithm is used to calculate the camera parameters. For verification, simulated and real tests are conducted. Through the analysis of calibration results, the proposed method performs better and is more stable than other calibration targets. Research on the influence of camera pose and optimization algorithm is conducted, showing that the improved gray wolf optimizer algorithm performs better than other benchmark algorithms. The camera parameters can be obtained through one captured image when the speckle patterns are added in the portion of the camera sensor.
Identification of heat responsive genes in pea stipules and anthers through transcriptional profiling
Authors: Huang Shaoming , Gali Krishna K. , Lachagari Reddy V. B. , Chakravartty Navajeet , Bueckert Rosalind A. , Tar’an Bunyamin , Warkentin Thomas D.
Published: November 2021

Field pea (Pisum sativum L.), a cool-season legume crop, is known for poor heat tolerance. Our previous work identified PR11-2 and PR11-90 as heat tolerant and susceptible lines in a recombinant inbred population. CDC Amarillo, a Canadian elite pea variety, was considered as another heat tolerant variety based on its similar field performance as PR11-2. This study aimed to characterize the differential transcription. Plants of these three varieties were stressed for 3 h at 38°C prior to self-pollination, and RNAs from heat stressed anthers and stipules on the same flowering node were extracted and sequenced via the Illumina NovaSeq platform for the characterization of heat responsive genes. In silico results were further validated by qPCR assay. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at log2 |fold change (FC)| ≥ 2 between high temperature and control temperature, the three varieties shared 588 DEGs which were up-regulated and 220 genes which were down-regulated in anthers when subjected to heat treatment. In stipules, 879 DEGs (463/416 upregulation/downregulation) were consistent among varieties. The above heat-induced genes of the two plant organs were related to several biological processes i.e., response to heat, protein folding and DNA templated transcription. Ten gene ontology (GO) terms were over-represented in the consistently down-regulated DEGs of the two organs, and these terms were mainly related to cell wall macromolecule metabolism, lipid transport, lipid localization, and lipid metabolic processes. GO enrichment analysis on distinct DEGs of individual pea varieties suggested that heat affected biological processes were dynamic, and variety distinct responses provide insight into molecular mechanisms of heat-tolerance response. Several biological processes, e.g., cellular response to DNA damage stimulus in stipule, electron transport chain in anther that were only observed in heat induced PR11-2 and CDC Amarillo, and their relevance to field pea heat tolerance is worth further validation.
The complete mitogenome of Lysmata vittata (Crustacea: Decapoda: Hippolytidae) with implication of phylogenomics and population genetics
Authors: Zhu Longqiang , Zhu Zhihuang , Zhu Leiyu , Wang Dingquan , Wang Jianxin , Lin Qi
Published: November 2021

In this study, the complete mitogenome of Lysmata vittata (Crustacea: Decapoda: Hippolytidae) has been determined. The genome sequence was 22003 base pairs (bp) and it included thirteen protein-coding genes (PCGs), twenty-two transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs) and three putative control regions (CRs). The nucleotide composition of AT was 71.50%, with a slightly negative AT skewness (-0.04). Usually the standard start codon of the PCGs was ATN, while cox1, nad4L and cox3 began with TTG, TTG and GTG. The canonical termination codon was TAA, while nad5 and nad4 ended with incomplete stop codon T, and cox1 ended with TAG. The mitochondrial gene arrangement of eight species of the Hippolytidae were compared with the order of genes of Decapoda ancestors, finding that the gene arrangement order of the Lebbeus groenlandicus had not changed, but the gene arrangement order of other species changed to varying degrees. The positions of the two tRNAs genes (trnA and trnR) of the L. vittata had translocations, which also showed that the Hippolytidae species were relatively unconserved in evolution. Phylogenetic analysis of 50 shrimp showed that L. vittata formed a monophyletic clade with Lysmata/Exhippolysmata species. This study should be helpful to better understand the evolutionary status, and population genetic diversity of L. vittata and related species.
The Theory of Planned Behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic: A comparison of health behaviors between Belgian and French residents
Authors: Wollast Robin , Schmitz Mathias , Bigot Alix , Luminet Olivier
Published: November 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic presents a global crisis and authorities have encouraged the population to promote preventive health behaviors to slow the spread of the virus. While the literature on psychological factors influencing health behaviors during the COVID-19 is flourishing, there is a lack of cross-national research focusing on multiple health behaviors. The present study overcomes this limitation and affords a validation of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a conceptual framework for explaining the adoption of handwashing and limitation of social contacts, two health behaviors that highly differ in their nature. Specifically, we compare TPB model on these two protective behaviors among people living in Belgium (N = 3744) and France (N = 1060) during the COVID-19 sanitary crisis. Data were collected from March 18 until April 19, 2020, which corresponds to the spring lockdown and the first peak of the pandemic in these countries. Results indicated that more positive attitudes, greater social norms, increased perceived control and higher intentions were related to higher adherence to handwashing and limitation of social contacts, for both Belgian and French residents. Ultimately, we argued that the TPB model tends to manifest similarly across countries in explaining health behaviors, when comparing handwashing and limitation of social contacts among individuals living in different national contexts.
Who is ‘on-call’ in Australia? A new classification approach for on-call employment in future population-level studies
Authors: Sprajcer Madeline , Appleton Sarah L. , Adams Robert J. , Gill Tiffany K. , Ferguson Sally A. , Vincent Grace E. , Paterson Jessica L. , Reynolds Amy C.
Published: November 2021

Background

On-call research and guidance materials typically focus on ‘traditional’ on-call work (e.g., emergency services, healthcare). However, given the increasing prevalence of non-standard employment arrangements (e.g., gig work and casualisation), it is likely that a proportion of individuals who describe themselves as being on-call are not included in current on-call literature. This study therefore aimed to describe the current sociodemographic and work characteristics of Australian on-call workers.

Methods

A survey of 2044 adults assessed sociodemographic and work arrangements. Of this population, 1057 individuals were workforce participants, who were asked to provide information regarding any on-call work they performed over the last three months, occupation type, weekly work hours, and the presence or absence of non-standard work conditions.

Results

Of respondents who were working, 45.5% reported working at least one day on-call in the previous month. There was a high prevalence of on-call work in younger respondents (63.1% of participants aged 18–24 years), and those who worked multiple jobs and more weekly work hours. Additionally, high prevalence rates of on-call work were reported by machinery operators, drivers, community and personal service workers, sales workers, and high-level managers.

Conclusions

These data suggest that on-call work is more prevalent than previously recorded and is likely to refer to a broad set of employment arrangements. Current classification systems may therefore be inadequate for population-level research. A taxonomy for the classification of on-call work is proposed, incorporating traditional on-call work, gig economy work, relief, or unscheduled work, and out of hours work.
The association between triglyceride-glucose index, cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, and death in Korean adults: A retrospective study based on the NHIS-HEALS cohort
Authors: Kim Joungyoun , Shin Sang-Jun , Kang Hee-Taik
Published: November 2021

Background

The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a reliable indicator of insulin resistance. We aimed to investigate the TyG index in relation to cardio-cerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs and mortality.

Methods

This retrospective study included 114,603 subjects. The TyG index was categorized into four quartiles by sex: Q1, <8.249 and <8.063; Q2, 8.249‒<8.614 and 8.063‒<8.403; Q3, 8.614‒< 8.998 and 8.403‒<8.752; and Q4, ≥8.998 and ≥8.752, in men and women, respectively. To calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the primary outcomes (CCVDs and all-cause mortality) and secondary outcomes (cardiovascular diseases [CVDs], cerebrovascular diseases [CbVDs], CCVD-related deaths, or all-cause deaths), Cox proportional hazards regression models were adopted.

Results

Compared to Q1, the HRs (95% CIs) for the primary outcomes of Q2, Q3, and Q4 were 1.062 (0.981‒1.150), 1.110 (1.024−1.204), and 1.151 (1.058−1.252) in men and 1.099 (0.986−1.226), 1.046 (0.938−1.166), and 1.063 (0.954−1.184) in women, respectively, after adjusted for age, smoking status, drinking status, physical activity, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, economic status, and anti-hypertensive medications. Fully adjusted HRs (95% CIs) for CVDs of Q2, Q3, and Q4 were 1.114 (0.969−1.282), 1.185 (1.031−1.363), and 1.232 (1.068−1.422) in men and 1.238 (1.017−1.508), 1.183 (0.971−1.440), and 1.238 (1.018−1.505) in women, respectively. The adjusted HRs (95% CIs) for ischemic CbVDs of Q2, Q3, and Q4 were 1.005 (0.850−1.187), 1.225 (1.041−1.441), and 1.232 (1.039−1.460) in men and 1.040 (0.821−1.316), 1.226 (0.981−1.532), and 1.312 (1.054−1.634) in women, respectively, while the TyG index was negatively associated with hemorrhagic CbVDs in women but not in men. The TyG index was not significantly associated with CCVD-related death or all-cause death in either sex.

Conclusions

Elevated TyG index was positively associated with the primary outcomes (CCVDs and all-cause mortality) in men and predicted higher risk of CVDs and ischemic CbVDs in both sexes.
Implantation of a peritoneal dialysis catheter in patients with ESRD using local anesthesia and Remifentanil
Authors: Jabbour Elizabeth , Fütterer Carsten , Zach Sebastian , Kälsch Anna-Isabelle , Keese Michael , Rahbari Nuh N. , Krämer Bernhard K. , Schwenke Kay G.
Published: November 2021

Study objective

The main objective of this study is to test the feasibility of the local anesthetic (LA) Mepivacaine 1% and sedation with Remifentanil as the primary anesthetic technique for the insertion of a peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter, without the need to convert to general anesthesia.

Methods

We analyzed 27 consecutive end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients who underwent the placement of a peritoneal catheter at our center between March 2015 and January 2019. The procedures were all performed by a general or vascular surgeon, and the postoperative care and follow-up were all conducted by the same peritoneal dialysis team.

Results

All of the 27 subjects successfully underwent the procedure without the need of conversion to general anesthesia. The catheter was deemed prone to usage in all patients and was found to be leak-proof in 100% of the patients.

Conclusion

This study describes a safe and successful approach for insertion of a PD catheter by combined infiltration of the local anesthetic Mepivacaine 1% and sedation with Remifentanil. Hereby, ESRD patients can be treated without general anesthesia, while ensuring functionality of the PD catheter.
A novel dominant selection system for plant transgenics based on phosphite metabolism catalyzed by bacterial alkaline phosphatase
Authors: Yuan Hang , Wang Yuxian , Liu Yanjuan , Zhang Mengru , Zou Zhurong
Published: November 2021

Selective markers are generally indispensable in plant genetic transformation, of which the frequently used are of antibiotic or herbicide resistance. However, the increasing concerns on transgenic biosafety have encouraged many new and safe selective markers emerging, with an eminent representative as phosphite (Phi) in combination to its dehydrogenase (PTDH, e.g. PtxD). As bacterial alkaline phosphatase (BAP) can resemble PtxD to oxidatively convert toxic Phi into metabolizable phosphate (Pi), herein we harnessed it as the substitute of PtxD to develop an alternative Phi-based selection system. We first validated the Escherichia coli BAP (EcBAP) did own an extra enzymatic activity of oxidizing Phi to Pi. We further revealed EcBAP could be used as a dominant selective marker for Agrobacterium-mediated tobacco transformation. Although the involved Phi selection for transformed tobacco cells surprisingly required the presence of Pi, it showed a considerable transformation efficiency and dramatically accelerated transformation procedure, as compared to the routine kanamycin selection and the well-known PtxD/Phi system. Moreover, the EcBAP transgenic tobaccos could metabolize toxic Phi as a phosphorus (P) fertilizer thus underlying Phi-resistance, and competitively possess a dominant growth over wild-type tobacco and weeds under Phi stress. Therefore, this novel BAP/Phi-coupled system, integrating multiple advantages covering biosafe dominant selective marker, plant P utilization and weed management, can provide a PTDH-bypass technological choice to engineer transgenic plant species, especially those of great importance for sustainable agriculture.
Unraveling the probiotic efficiency of bacterium Pediococcus pentosaceus OBK05 isolated from buttermilk: An in vitro study for cholesterol assimilation potential and antibiotic resistance status
Authors: Bhukya Kiran Kumar , Bhukya Bhima
Published: November 2021

The present study describes the probiotic potential and functional properties of the lactic acid bacterium Pediococcus pentosaceus OBK05 isolated from buttermilk. The isolate OBK05 was assessed for its probiotic properties. The isolate showed notable tolerance to pH 2.0 and 3.0 (8.44, 8.35 log CFU/mL), oxbile of 0.5% at 2 and 4 h of incubation (6.97, 6.35 log CFU/mL) and higher aggregation (auto-aggregation, adhesion to hydrocarbons) than the referral strain, Lactobacillus acidophilus MTCC 10307. The adhesion efficiency to HT-29 cells was found to be maximum, corresponding to 93.5% and 97% at 1 and 2 h incubation, respectively. In addition, the isolate OBK05 showed antagonistic solid activity against bacterial pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 424 and Bacillus subtilis MTCC 1133. The phenotypic antibiotic resistance of the isolate was examined before and after curing plasmids. Among the known five structural genes responsible for different antibiotic resistance, four genes indicating antibiotic resistance to kanamycin-Aph (3´´)-III, streptomycin-strA, vancomycin-vanA and ciprofloxacin-gyrA were detected by PCR amplification of genomic DNA. Further, the horizontal gene transfer from OBK05 isolate to pathogens was not found for these antibiotic resistance markers when filter and food mating were carried out as no transconjugants developed on media plates containing respective antibiotics. This indicates that the intrinsic resistance is harbored on chromosomal genes, and hence it is nontransferable to other microbes. In addition, strain OBK05 exhibited good DPPH scavenging activity of 56 to 77% and liberated free amino acid from conjugated bile acid. The strain OBK05 demonstrated a strong ability to reduce cholesterol at 12 h (17%), 24 h (27%) and 48 h (67%) of incubation.
The small-secreted cysteine-rich protein CyrA is a virulence factor participating in the attack of Caenorhabditis elegans by Duddingtonia flagrans
Authors: Wernet Nicole , Wernet Valentin , Fischer Reinhard
Published: November 2021

Nematode-trapping fungi (NTF) are a diverse and intriguing group of fungi that live saprotrophically but can switch to a predatory lifestyle when starving and in the presence of nematodes. NTF like Arthrobotrys oligospora or Duddingtonia flagrans produce adhesive trapping networks to catch and immobilize nematodes. After penetration of the cuticle, hyphae grow and develop inside the worm and secrete large amounts of hydrolytic enzymes for digestion. In many microbial pathogenic interactions small-secreted proteins (SSPs) are used to manipulate the host. The genome of D. flagrans encodes more than 100 of such putative SSPs one of which is the cysteine-rich protein CyrA. We have chosen this gene for further analysis because it is only found in NTF and appeared to be upregulated during the interaction. We show that the cyrA gene was transcriptionally induced in trap cells, and the protein accumulated at the inner rim of the hyphal ring before Caenorhabditis elegans capture. After worm penetration, the protein appeared at the fungal infection bulb, where it is likely to be secreted with the help of the exocyst complex. A cyrA-deletion strain was less virulent, and the time from worm capture to paralysis was extended. Heterologous expression of CyrA in C. elegans reduced its lifespan. CyrA accumulated in C. elegans in coelomocytes where the protein possibly is inactivated. This is the first example that SSPs may be important in predatory microbial interactions.
Kompetenciafejlesztés és vezetési kultúra egy ügyfélszolgálati esetpélda tükrében
Authors: Málovics Éva , Kincsesné Vajda Beáta , Farkas Gergely
Published: November 2021

A szerzők tanulmányukban egy vállalati esetpéldát mutatnak be. Kutatásuk célja a vizsgált szervezetnél az ügyfélszolgálati munkához szükséges kompetenciákat befolyásoló tényezők feltárása volt. Dolgozatuk első részében az ügyfélszolgálati munkához szükséges kompetenciákkal, s ezek fejlesztésének feltételeivel foglalkoznak a szakirodalom tükrében, a második részben a téma jellegzetességeit, problémáit személyes interjúkon, valamint blogelemzésen keresztül tárják fel. Ennek eredményeként az elméleti megközelítésekből alkotott modell alapján értelmezik primer kutatásuk eredményeit, s ennek konzekvenciáit a vizsgált vállalatra. A megállapítások alapján számos ponton megoldási javaslatokat is megfogalmaznak.
Application of physical theory of cavity in the construction of double skin facades
Authors: Bielek Boris , Szabó Daniel , Klem Josip , Kaniková Kristína
Published: November 2021

The article deals with the issue of double skin transparent facades as a new technological-operational system of transparent exterior walls. Especially of high-rise buildings, which with its operating modes ingeniously uses a renewable source of solar energy to reduce the energy needs of the building. The basic precondition for the correct function of the double skin facade is its functional aerodynamics in any climatic conditions of the outdoor climate. In the critical state of windlessness, the aerodynamic quantification of a double skin facade is the total aerodynamic resistance of the cavity, which consists of the aerodynamic frictional resistances along the length of the air flow line and local aerodynamic resistances of the cavity. The article analyses the functional aerodynamics on two frequented types of double skin facades with a narrow type and corridor type cavity. At the end it confronts functional aerodynamics with the results of their temperature, aerodynamic and energy regime obtained from in-situ experiments.
Efficacy of two intensive decontamination protocols and their effects after 30 days on environmental contamination by cyclophosphamide
Authors: Delafoy Clémence , Chabut Claire , Tanguay Cynthia , Bussières Jean-François
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of two decontamination protocols on cyclophosphamide surface contamination and to explore its lasting effect 30 days later.

Methods

All sampling sites that were systematically contaminated with cyclophosphamide in 2017–2020 were included, from a convenience sample of centers. The first decontamination protocol consisted of four steps, each with 20 mL and a Wypall® wipe: detergent, sodium hypochlorite 2%, isopropyl alcohol 70% and water. The second decontamination protocol consisted of eight steps, each with 15 mL and a Micronsolo® microfibre wipe: detergent, sodium hypochlorite 2%, isopropyl alcohol 70%, water and then a second round with each of the four products. A first sampling was done at the end of a regular working day (T0), a second immediately following decontamination (T1) and a third 30 days later (T2) after regular operations. Cyclophosphamide was quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry (limit of detection 0.001 ng/cm2).

Results

Seventeen sampling sites were included: six biological safety cabinet (BSC) front grilles, eight floors in front of BSCs and three cyclophosphamide storage shelves. The second protocol was more effective; however they both failed to completely remove all cyclophosphamide traces. BSCs and floors were found to be contaminated again 30 days later, at similar concentrations than at T0. A lasting effect was observed on the cyclophosphamide storage shelves that were less prone to be contaminated again.

Conclusions

Periodic decontamination with many cleaning steps is necessary on all surfaces, including those less frequently contaminated. Regular surface monitoring identifies systematically contaminated areas.
Candidatos, partidos políticos y electores: actividades de imagen en las cartas electorales españolas para las elecciones al Parlamento Europeo (2004–2019)
Authors: Gómez Sánchez M.ᵃ Elena
Published: November 2021

Este trabajo, de carácter exploratorio, descriptivo e interpretativo, estudia las actividades de imagen presentes en un conjunto de cartas electorales enviadas por los principales partidos políticos españoles a los ciudadanos de ese país entre 2004 y 2019; concretamente, las cartas electorales relativas a las elecciones al Parlamento Europeo celebradas en 2004, 2009, 2014 y 2019. Las cartas electorales constituyen una parte del discurso político escrito (Anaya Revuelta, 2018) en las que el candidato a unas elecciones (en ocasiones, acompañado en la misma misiva, o en otra diferente -pero que forma parte del mismo envío-por otro texto del secretario general o el presidente de su partido) se dirige a los potenciales votantes con un discurso persuasivo, orientado a conseguir su voto. En este contexto, las actividades que se llevan a cabo son principalmente de autoimagen, si bien es posible encontrar también actividades de cortesía (hacia los lectores) y críticas hacia otros partidos políticos -u otros actores sociales-que se enmarcan en una descortesía muchas veces carente de identificación del sujeto concreto al que se dirige y que, en ese sentido, entendemos como despersonalizada. Este trabajo pone de manifiesto tales actividades (y, por ende, el modo en el que se construye la imagen de los candidatos), mediante el análisis y comparación de estas cartas, no solo de manera sincrónica (las cartas que se envían desde distintos partidos para unas mismas elecciones) sino también, cuando es posible, de manera diacrónica (las cartas que un mismo partido envía a sus potenciales electores a lo largo del tiempo). Creemos que todavía no hay ningún trabajo que haya analizado este tipo de textos desde la perspectiva aquí planteada, por lo que consideramos que es un estudio que, además de original, puede abrir camino a otros investigadores que deseen realizar análisis similares o con los que establecer comparaciones.
Microstructural characterization and corrosion behaviour of ultrasound-assisted synthesis of Ni–xCo–yTiO2 nanocomposites in alkaline environments
Authors: ElSayed Nady , El-Rabiei Mohamed M. , Negem Mosaad
Published: November 2021

Electroplated protective thin film is highly promising materials for advanced applications such as high corrosion resistance and energy conversion and storage. This work is to investigate the effect of Co content and TiO2 on the corrosion resistance of Ni–xCo–yTiO2 nanocomposites in alkaline media. The nanocrystalline Ni–xCo–yTiO2 composites were electroplated using the sulfate-gluconate bath containing the suspended TiO2 nanograins under ultrasound waves and mechanical stirring. The microstructure and corrosion behavior of the electroplated Ni–xCo–yTiO2 nanocomposites have been investigated via X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The XRD pattern of the electroplated Ni–Co matrices with 1–75% of cobalt arranged in face-centered cubic (FCC) system, while the electroplated Ni–Co matrices of further Co% more than 76% converted to hexagonal closed-package (HCP) crystal system. The surface of the Ni–xCo–yTiO2 nanocomposites after immersion in 1.0 M KOH electrolytes was investigated via SEM, atomic force microscopy and EDX. The results displayed that the rate of corrosion of the different composites decreased by combining Ni, Co and the inclusion of TiO2. The improved corrosion resistance of Ni–47Co–3.77TiO2 composites is due to the formation of Ni/Co oxy/hydroxide layer and rebelling effect of OH− by TiO2 sites, which reduces the attacking effect of OH−, O2, and H2O, and notably retards the overall corrosion processes.
Effects of Fear of Falling on the Single-Step Threshold for Lateral Balance Recovery in Older Women
Authors: Tashiro Hideyuki , Sato Yui , Fukumoto Kanta , Toki Megumi , Kozuka Naoki
Published: November 2021

Background and Purpose:

Fear of falling is associated with poor physical health and influences postural stability during whole-body movement. The ability to recover from lateral balance loss is required to prevent falls; however, the relationship between lateral balance recovery and fear of falling has not been established. This study aimed to investigate whether fear of falling is associated with the stepping threshold for lateral balance recovery.

Methods:

This study included 56 ambulatory, community-dwelling women aged 65 years or older. We determined the single-step threshold as the maximum lean magnitude normalized with body weight from which participants could be suddenly released and still recover balance using a single side step. The short-form Falls Efficacy Scale International was used as a measure of fear of falling.

Results and Discussion:

The single-step threshold significantly correlated with age (rs =−0.603) and the short-form Falls Efficacy Scale International score (rs =−0.439). Ordinal regression analysis revealed that age (odds ratio, 0.826; 95% confidence interval, 0.742-0.920) and the short-form Falls Efficacy Scale International score (odds ratio, 0.811; 95% confidence interval, 0.680-0.966) were significantly associated with the single-step threshold, such that older age and greater fear of falling each independently predicted that failure to recover balance with a single step would occur at a lower percentage of body weight.

Conclusions:

Greater fear of falling was associated with reduced ability to recover from lateral balance loss in addition to aging. Future studies should explore whether evidence-based interventions to reduce fear of falling combined with perturbation training might lead to improved ability to recover from balance loss.
Differentiating Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis from Similar Diseases of Autoimmune Origin
Authors: Kunovsky Lumir , Dite Petr , Hornakova Lubomira , Dolina Jiri , Uvirova Magdalena , Kojecky Vladimir , Martinek Arnost , Jabandziev Petr
Published: November 2021

Background and Aims: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare cholestatic liver disease. Differential diagnostics can confuse it with immunoglobulin (Ig) G4-related sclerosing cholangitis (SC), an IgG4-related disease with clearly proven autoimmune origin. Differential diagnosis is made even more challenging because PSC with increased IgG4 levels (PSC-increased IgG4) also occurs. In order to facilitate their differential diagnosis, we reviewed recent literature regarding the etiologies, identifying characteristics, the most useful diagnostics, treatment, and the progression of these partially similar diseases. It is clear that PSC’s pathogenesis differs from that of IgG4-related SC. In any differential diagnosis between PSC and PSC-increased IgG4, high IgG1 and low or normal IgG2 levels are characteristic for patients with PSC. Histological examination of the biliary tree wall in patients with IgG4-related SC typically reveals such changes as storiform fibrosis, obliterative phlebitis, and venulitis. These are absent in PSC-increased IgG4, which is characterized by a typical circular thickness in different parts of the biliary ducts. Finally, PSC is associated with inflammatory bowel disease, which is rare in IgG4-related SC, and more frequently is associated with cholangiocarcinomas and colon cancers. As distinct from IgG4-related SC, PSC is not a primary autoimmune disease.
Toward Undogmatic Reading
Authors: Bradley John , Gius Evelyn , Gunia Inke , Hühn Peter , McCarty Willard , Möschner A. Vanessa , Moulin Claudine , Schmid Wolf , Schöch Christof , Thaller Manfred , Weitin Thomas
Published: November 2021

Sowohl die Narratologie als auch die Digital Humanities blicken auf eine bemerkenswerte Geschichte der Forschung und des Fortschritts zurück. Nacheinander haben sich die narratologische und die digitale Forschungsgemeinschaft zu großen internationalen und interdisziplinären Netzwerken entwickelt. Obwohl eine Zusammenarbeit zwischen den beiden Disziplinen in vielen Bereichen möglich und vorteilhaft wäre, arbeiten sie oft noch parallel und nicht gemeinsam. Ein Workshop an der Universität Hamburg brachte Literaturwissenschaftler:innen aus der Narratologie und den Digital Humanities zusammen, um (a) Anforderungen und Möglichkeiten einer digitalen Operationalisierung analytischer Kategorien aus Narratologie und Literaturwissenschaft zu diskutieren und (b) theoretisch über mögliche Verbindungen zwischen traditionellen und digitalen Ansätzen nachzudenken. Der vorliegende Band bündelt die Workshop-Beiträge aus beiden Disziplinen und versucht so, den Brückenschlag und den Dialog zu fördern.
CURRENT APPROACHES IN DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH PERITONITIS
Authors: Enchev E. , Muman A. , Minkov G. , Dimitrov E. , Petrov A. , Nikolov St. , Yovtchev Y.
Published: November 2021

Background: Intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) are a wide range of pathological conditions that affect all intra-abdominal tissues and organs. These include both inflammation of individual organs and any type of peritonitis (primary, secondary, tertiary), where the severity of the disease often depends on the spread of inflammation - local or diffuse peritonitis.
Methods: In this article ,we present a review and analysis of current definitions, classifications, and approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of intra-abdominal infections.
Results and Conclusions: IAIs remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality in modern surgical practice worldwide. Early and accurate clinical diagnosis, adequate local control, appropriate antimicrobial therapy according to the patient's risk factors and infection, and prompt resuscitation in critically ill patients are the cornerstones of IAI management. The application of the principles of evidence-based medicine and the individual approach to patients is crucial for optimizing results.
SCREENING FOR SARCOPENIA IN ELDERLY WOMEN
Authors: Penev P.
Published: November 2021

PURPOSE: The knowledge for the disease sarcopenia among the elderly population in Bulgaria is insufficient. Whole-body dual-energy X-ray (DXA) scans, anthropometric and clinical tests are used to diagnose it. Early screening of sarcopenia is an important strategy for the timely detection of this disease. The aim of the current study is to identify sarcopenia in the elderly through SARC-F questionnaire.
METHODS: Data were obtained based on a questionnaire conducted by the student nurses in the Faculty of Public Health and Health Care of the University "Prof. Dr. Assen Zlatarov"-Burgas. A five-component SARC-F questionnaire was used to assess muscle strength. A sum equal to or greater than 4 is predictive of sarcopenia. 113 women aged ≥65 with a mean age of 74.6 ± 6.7 years were included in the study.
RESULTS: 37% of the women had a total score corresponding to the risk of sarcopenia. The most common signs were a lack of muscle strength and an increased number of falls. The assessment of SARC-F might facilitate the physicians in the clinical practice to detect sarcopenia in the elderly population.
CONCLUSIONS: SARC-F is a reliable method for the assessment of sarcopenia in elderly women.
DERMOELECTROPORATION IN THE TREATMENT OF OVERUSE INJURIES
Authors: Radev S.
Published: November 2021

The musculoskeletal system can suffer from various types of overuse injuries which may affect the bone, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is a common overuse injury typically seen in runners, cyclist and other endurance athletes, whose sport requires repetitive knee flexion. The majority of cases resolve with conservative treatment. Care in the acute phase focuses on activity limitation, NSAIDʼs, corticosteroids. Analgesia and pain management are two very important aspects in the therapeutic process.
The research project is focused on the dermoelectroporation (pulse current iontophoresis), as a new method for transdermal drug delivery. It was evaluated the feasibility administering the cocktail of Diclofenac Sodium and Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate by dermoelectroporation (pulse current iontophoresis), for treatment of ITBS. Diclofenac Natrium and Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate was given locally, via dermoelectroporation (pulse current iontophoresis) in the area of pain (area of the damaged lateral femoral condyle), following microdermabrasion. The therapeutic procedures were performed every day, once a day, 3 times. The pain threshold was recorded objective with Pressure Algometer Somedic in kPa/cm2.. The subjective intensity of the painful sensation was assessed with 10 cm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), ranging from 0 cm (no pain) to 10 cm (worst possible pain). Using this method of application of nonsteroidal and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has significant benefits like: quick pain relief, minimally invasive effect for the patient and minimum side effects. Based on these advantages it is thought that dermoelectroporation could be a preferable way of administering anti-inflammatory drugs in inflammatory-degenerative conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, such as overuse injuries like tendinopathies.