bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiometabolic and psychological effects of dual-release hydrocortisone: a cross-over study
Authors: Dineen Rosemary , Martin-Grace Julie , Ahmed Khalid Mohamed Saeed , Frizelle Isolda , Gunness Anjuli , Garrahy Aoife , Hannon Anne Marie , O’Reilly Michael W , Smith Diarmuid , McDermott John , Healy Marie-Louise , Agha Amar , Pazderska Agnieszka , Gibney James , Thompson Chris J , Behan Lucy-Ann , Sherlock Mark
Published: November 2020

Background

Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and reduced quality of life (QoL). Optimum glucocorticoid (GC) dosing and timing are crucial in the treatment of AI, yet the natural circadian secretion of cortisol is difficult to mimic. The once-daily dual-release hydrocortisone (DR-HC) preparation (Plenadren®), offers a more physiological cortisol profile and may address unmet needs.

Methods

An investigator-initiated, prospective, cross-over study in patients with AI. Following baseline assessment of cardiometabolic risk factors and QoL, patients switched from their usual hydrocortisone regimen to a once-daily dose equivalent of DR-HC and were reassessed after 12 weeks of treatment.

Results

Fifty-one patients (21 PAI/30 SAI) completed the study. Mean age was 41.6 years (s.d. 13), and 58% (n = 30) were male. The median daily HC dose before study entry was 20 mg (IQR 15–20 mg). After 3 months on DR-HC, the mean SBP decreased by 5.7 mmHg, P = 0.0019 and DBP decreased by 4.5 mmHg, P = 0.0011. There was also a significant reduction in mean body weight (−1.23 kg, P = 0.006) and BMI (−0.3 kg/m2, P = 0.003). In a sub-analysis, there was a greater reduction in SBP observed in patients with SAI when compared to PAI post-DR-HC. Patients reported significant improvements in QoL using three validated QoL questionnaires, with a greater improvement in PAI.

Conclusion

Dual-release hydrocortisone decreases BP, weight and BMI compared with conventional HC treatment, even at physiological GC replacement doses. Additionally, DR-HC confers significant improvements in QoL compared to immediate-release HC, particularly in patients with PAI, which is also reflected in the patient preference for DR-HC.
Creep behavior of laminated veneer lumber from poplar under cyclic humidity changes
Authors: Li Chao , Huang Yuxiang
Published: November 2020

Many academic studies over the years have confirmed that mechano-sorptive (MS) creep is an inherent characteristic of wood. Unlike solid wood, bond lines are introduced into laminated veneer lumber (LVL), creating a laminated structure with different hygroscopicity. What are the effects of these differences on the MS creep of LVL? In this study, three groups of well-matched LVL samples were subjected to four-point bending loading within different relative humidity cycles. For each group, the applied load ranged from 15% to 35% of the short-term fracture load. The results showed that after the first hygroscopic process, LVL showed irreversible expansion (0.11 mm) and a relatively slow moisture adsorption rate. These made it difficult for LVL to show partial creep recovery during the first adsorption process no matter how low the load level was, while solid wood showed partial creep recovery when the load level was ≤ 25%. The following creep behavior of LVL was similar to that of solid wood: partial creep recovery started from the second adsorption stage when a moderate load level was applied.
Modelos de integración de la tecnología en la educación de personas que desempeñan funciones ejecutivas y de dirección: el TPACK y el SAMR
Authors: Campos Retana Roy Alberto
Published: November 2020

La transformación digital supone uno de los principales retos educativos globales, los cuales se han visto acelerados por diversas tendencias del entorno actual y recientemente, por la pandemia del COVID-19. Aunque se han analizado los factores que restringen y habilitan la integración de la tecnología en entornos virtuales y presenciales, esas investigaciones se han enfocado principalmente en la educación de la niñez y de la juventud, pero no de personas adultas. Mediante un análisis de la teoría naciente (propone respuestas tentativas a nuevas preguntas) y madura (presenta construcciones y modelos bien desarrollados) de la educación de personas ejecutivas y los modelos de integración de la tecnología, este ensayo científico procura desarrollar una teoría intermedia que cierre la brecha entre ambos campos del conocimiento. Este estudio propone que los modelos de integración de la tecnología activan la reflexión del profesorado de personas que desempeñan funciones ejecutivas y de dirección. Se concluye que modelos, tales como el TPACK y el SAMR facilitan la reformulación de los modelos mentales para integrar la tecnología en la práctica docente, porque la mera adición de dispositivos o plataformas virtuales no garantiza un adecuado proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje.
Harmadikablak-szindróma – osztályozás, diagnózis, terápia
Authors: Kalinics Péter , Gerlinger Imre , Révész Péter , Bakó Péter , Végh Ildikó , Kovács Márton , Fehér Attila
Published: November 2020

Összefoglaló. Halláspanasszal számos beteg fordul orvoshoz. A
rutinszerűen elvégzett súgottbeszéd-, hangvilla- és
tisztahangküszöb-audiometriai vizsgálat alapján vezetéses, sensorineuralis,
illetve a kettő együttes fennállása esetén kevert típusú halláscsökkenést
különböztetünk meg. Vezetéses halláscsökkenés létrejöhet mind a külső, mind a
közép- vagy a belső fül veleszületett vagy szerzett rendellenességei esetén.
Amennyiben a stapediusreflex kiváltható, ugyanakkor a betegnél nincs jelen a
külső fület, valamint a középfület érintő kórfolyamat, felmerül a
harmadikablak-szindróma lehetősége. A kórkép okaként egy, a belső fül csontos
tokján „harmadik ablakként” funkcionáló laesio van jelen, amely az ovális
ablakon keresztül beérkező hangenergia egy részét elvezeti, mielőtt az a kerek
ablakon át kivezetődik a középfülbe. A diagnózis felállítása gyakran nehéz
feladat elé állítja a klinikust, melyhez a megfelelő audiológiai, illetve
képalkotó vizsgálatok elvégzése elengedhetetlen. Tekintettel arra, hogy a
panaszok megszüntetésére számos műtéti módszer került leírásra, közleményünkben
átfogó képet adunk a kórkép etiológiájáról, diagnosztikájáról, terápiájáról,
valamint bemutatjuk saját kezdeti tapasztalatainkat is 2 eset prezentálásával.
Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(46): 1944–1952.

Summary. Patients frequently present to the physician with hearing
loss. Routine hearing tests include speech field (whisper test), tuning forks
and pure tone threshold audiometry, which can identify the presence of
sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss or a combination of both
(mixed type). Conductive hearing loss can be a symptom of many different
conditions. These include congenital or acquired malformations of the outer,
middle and inner ear. If a conductive hearing loss with intact stapedial
reflexes are recorded and in the absence of outer or middle ear pathology, then
the third window syndrome should be considered. The cause is a bony defect on
the otic capsule that acts as a ’third window’, dissipating the incoming sound
energy. Without the appropriate audiological and imaging tests, the diagnosis of
the condition is challenging in clinical setting. Several surgical techniques
have been described to treat the condition. The authors give a comprehensive
review of the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of the disease presenting their
initial experiences with 2 cases. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(46): 1944–1952.
Evaluation of secondary diamond (and gemstone) deposits according to the SAMREC Code
Authors: Marshall T.R.
Published: November 2020

SYNOPSIS Alluvial diamond and other gemstone deposits have, typically, been exploited by small artisanal operations with little or no geological control. Over the last decade, however, alluvial deposits have become more interesting to larger (often listed), mid-tier companies wishing to benefit from the higher incomes generated by high-quality stones. The difficulties associated with evaluation and valuation of such alluvial diamond/gemstone deposits are widely known but, regrettably, often not widely understood - leading to several misconceptions over what can and cannot be expected from such deposits. Fortunately, there is a reasonably well-established body of knowledge on alluvial diamonds that has resulted in accepted industry-standard practices of how to evaluate these deposits. The 2016 version of the SAMREC Code includes several sections specific to the requirements of secondary diamond and gemstone deposits, both alluvial and marine. Consequently, it is possible to define Diamond/Gemstone Resources in accordance with the major international Committee for Mineral Reserves International Reporting Standards (CRIRSCO) type codes. This paper outlines some of the requirements and some of the pitfalls that need to be appreciated while estimating Diamond/Gemstone Resources and/or Reserves on such deposits. Keywords: Reporting Codes, SAMREC, alluvial diamonds, gemstones, Resources, Reserves.
Los contenidos digitales en los centros educativos: Situación actual y prospectiva / Digital content in schools: Current and prospective situation
Authors: Santiago Campión Raúl , Maeztu Esparza Víctor Manuel , Andía Celaya Luis Alberto
Published: November 2020

La realidad de un nuevo paradigma educativo ha hecho que se cuestionen muchos de los elementos que tradicionalmente han acompañado al proceso de enseñanza/aprendizaje. La irrupción de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación facilita la creación y el acceso a nuevos tipos de materiales didácticos que están provocando una revisión global en la producción de contenidos y en las metodologías a aplicar en el aula. El mundo editorial y los responsables de los diferentes niveles educativos deben afrontar el reto de dar una respuesta a este cambio. En este artículo se pretende ahondar en la percepción que los directivos de los centros escolares muestran sobre los contenidos digitales, sus características más relevantes y su impacto a corto y medio plazo en el mundo educativo. Por regla general, son  los dirigentes de las escuelas los que toman decisiones en relación con los planes de formación destinados a la mejora técnica y metodológica. El estudio que aquí se presenta se basa en un diseño metodológico de carácter descriptivo mediante el procedimiento de encuesta. Entre las conclusiones más relevantes se encuentran la necesidad de adaptabilidad de dichos contenidos a diferentes contextos y la importancia del incremento de las competencias digitales de los profesionales a través de una formación sólida y sostenida que permita una correcta inclusión de este tipo de innovación dentro de una más amplia de carácter metodológico.AbstractThe existence of a new educational paradigma has led to the revision of the elements that have traditionally participated in the learning process. The emergence of Information and Comunication Technologies has eased the access to new types of educational materials that are causing a global revision of the contents’ production and methodologies to implement in the classroom. The publishing world and the leaders of the different educational levels have to face the challenge of given an answer to this process of change. This is currently a debate in many schools. The aim of this study is to analyse school leaders' perception of the digital content, their more relevant features and their impact in the educational world in the short and middle term. It is usually the leaders of the schools who make decisions in relation to the training plans aimed at technical and methodological improvement. To do this, the study is based on a methodological descriptive design backed by a survey. Among the conclusions we highlight the need for adaptability of digital contents to different contexts and the requirement of teachers’ training in the pedagogical use of ICT through a solid and sustained formation programme as a strategy to implement this innovation in a larger methodological framework.
Realidad Aumentada en Educación Primaria: efectos sobre el aprendizaje / Augmented Reality in Primary Education: effects on learning
Authors: Toledo Morales Purificación , Sánchez García José Manuel
Published: November 2020

El uso de Realidad Aumentada (RA) lleva a investigar los efectos de su utilización en los entornos educativos, si modifica y facilita la adquisición de conocimientos, la atención y la motivación, así como el rendimiento académico del alumnado, y las percepciones que tenían tras el uso de este novedosa tecnología. La muestra del estudio la formaron 46 alumnos de dos aulas de 6º de educación primaria de un colegio de la provincia de Sevilla (España), asignados a un grupo control de 22 alumnos y a un grupo experimental de 24 alumnos, con el cual se utilizó herramientas de RA. El diseño cuasi-experimental llevó a utilizar herramientas que recogieron datos de forma cuantitativa y cualitativa. Para la realización de este estudio utilizamos contenidos de RA durante cinco semanas, periodo necesario para impartir el tema seleccionado para el que se crearon  contenidos específicos. Su uso reveló una mejora significativa en el proceso de aprendizaje y la adquisición de conocimientos por los alumnos. Se puede apreciar una mejora de las calificaciones, la adquisición de conocimientos y la mejora en el rendimiento que es deseable y beneficiosa. La percepción por parte del alumnado y el profesorado de esta tecnología es positiva y les parece incentivadora, motivadora y capaz de propiciar una mejora en el proceso de enseñanza y aprendizaje.AbstractThe use of Augmented Reality (AR) leads to investigate the effects of its use in educational environments, if it modifies and facilitates the acquisition of knowledge, attention and motivation, as well as the academic performance of students, and the perceptions they had The use of this new technology. The sample of the study was formed by 46 students from two classrooms of 6º of primary education of a school of the province of Seville (Spain), assigned to a control group of 22 students and to an experimental group of 24 students, with which tools were used of AR. The quasi-experimental design led to the use of tools that collected data in a quantitative and qualitative way. To carry out this study we used AR content for five weeks, a period necessary to impart the selected topic for which specific contents were created. Its use revealed a significant improvement in the learning process and the acquisition of knowledge by students. It is possible to appreciate an improvement of the qualifications, the acquisition of knowledge and the improvement in the performance that is desirable and beneficial. The perception by the students and teachers of this technology is positive and seems encouraging, motivating and capable of promoting an improvement in the teaching and learning process.
THE FIRST BIOGRAPHER OF STEPAN NIS: TO THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UKRAINIAN WRITER AND PUBLIC FIGURE HRYHORII KOVALENKO (1868–1937)
Authors: Danylevych Alisa
Published: November 2020

The contribution of Ukrainian writer and historian Hrygorii Kovalenko to the study of the life path and scientific creativity of ethnographer and folklorist Stepan Nis has been clarified. The first posthumous study of the writer on S. Nise place among Ukrainian ethnographers of the second half of the 19th century is analyzed. His biography is outlined; the priority issues and the content of his works are defined.
INFORMAL ORGANIZATIONS AND PASSIONARIES IN THE 60S – EARLY 90S OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY – THE FOUNDATION OF THE FORMATION OF A MULTI-PARTY SYSTEM IN THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS
Authors: Ostapenko Anatolii
Published: November 2020

The development of social movements in Belarus after 1960 can be divided into two periods. The first: the 1960s – the first half of the 1980s, and the second since 1985 – until the proclamation of the sovereignty of Belarus in 1991. The first period is characterized by the emergence of informal communities and individuals, whose activities were in every way suppressed by the Soviet regime. The second period is marked by the structuring of social movements, the emergence of informal organizations, subsequently united in public associations and parties. As a result, a multi-party system has been formed in the Republic of Belarus.
Distribution Law of Water Pressure on the Lining in Tunnels with Water Blocking and Drainage Control Design
Authors: Huang Hongyuan , Wu Guoyin , Rong Yao
Published: November 2020

For mountain tunnels in water-rich areas, the water pressure on the lining (WPOL) has a significant impact on the parameter selection and operation safety of the lining. Based on the theory of groundwater dynamics and complex function, this paper derives the analytical expressions of the WPOL and the seepage pressure outside the grouting ring. Under different supporting conditions, the authors analyzed how the WPOL was influenced by the head of groundwater, the permeability of the surrounding rock, and the permeability of the grouting ring. The results show that the permeability of the secondary lining not only affects the drainage capacity of the drainage system, but also greatly impacts the WPOL on the composite lining; the WPOL decreases linearly with the growing drainage capacity. To control the WPOL on the composite lining, designers of mountain tunnels in water-rich areas should carefully plan the water blocking and drainage control in accordance with the surrounding environment.
Analiza zmian jakości powietrza Małopolski w latach 2012–2020
Authors:   Instytut Nafty i Gazu – Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, Rataj Mateusz , Holewa-Rataj Jadwiga ,   Instytut Nafty i Gazu – Państwowy Instytut Badawczy
Published: November 2020

The article focuses on the problem of air pollution, which is referred to as smog, which, according to the WHO, causes the death of 4.2 million people annually. In Europe, the problem of smog particularly affects Poland, according to WHO data, among the 50 most polluted European cities, as many as 33 are in Poland. Out of concern for the health of the residents, Polish law has given local authorities the opportunity to introduce anti-smog resolutions. Anti-smog resolutions focus mainly on reducing dust emissions from the municipal and housing sector, and according to the data of the National Centre for Balancing and Emissions Management, it is responsible for approximately 49% of dust emissions into the atmosphere in Poland. Małopolska also adopted anti-smog resolutions in 2016 (for the city of Kraków) and 2017 (for the remaining area of the voivodeship). Nevertheless, actions under the implementation of air protection programs in Małopolska have been undertaken much earlier. In the years 2013–2018, 43.6 thousand boilers and stoves using solid fuels were decommissioned in Małopolska, including 22.5 thousand in Kraków alone. The article analyzes the changes in air quality in Małopolska in the years 2012–2020. The data analysis focused on five basic pollutants included in smog (i.e. PM10 and PM2.5 dust, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide) and the readings of 8 air quality monitoring stations (3 located in the city of Krakow and 5 stations located outside Krakow). The main purpose of the analysis was to show whether the measures taken in Małopolska lead to the improvement of air quality. For this purpose, both changes in daily average and annual average pollutant concentrations recorded by individual measurement stations, as well as changes in the number of days in the heating season in which the limit values were exceeded were analyzed. The analysis of the available measurement data for the years 2012–2020 clearly showed that there are pollutants for which the permissible content in the air is exceeded many times a year throughout the voivodeship. At the same time, in the analyzed period, there are noticeable decreasing trends in the observed concentrations of individual pollutants in the air, which proves that the measures taken in Małopolska to improve air quality are slowly bringing results.
Forensic Accounting: Breaking the Nexus between Financial Cybercrime and Terrorist Financing in Nigeria
Authors: Emmanuel Olatunji Toyin , Michael Aruwaji Akinola
Published: November 2020

This paper aims to examine forensic accounting (FA) investigation in tracking financial cybercrime (FC) and terrorist financing (TF) in Nigeria. It also verifies the associations between cyber criminality and terrorist financing. The sample composed of all Nigeria anti-graft agencies including the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC). A quantitative method is used in a way to analyze the data. The results of the hypotheses revealed that forensic accounting has significant influence in disclosing the associations between financial cybercrime and terrorist financing. This study finds forensic accounting as a tool and deterrence to terrorist financing and associated crimes activities. The implications of this study emphasized that the government should strengthen enforcement on cybercrimes and provides security infrastructure (advanced technology) in tackling the precedence of financial cybercrime and terrorist financing in Nigeria.
Co-movement and Lead–Lag Relationship Between Green Bonds and Renewable Energy Stock Markets: Fresh Evidence from the Wavelet-Based Approach
Authors: Liu Nana , Liu Chuanzhe
Published: November 2020

Background: A recent study in Nature Climate Change shows that due to reduced human activities during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemics, daily global emissions of carbon dioxide decreased by 17% from the average level in 2019. With the gradual recovery of economic activity and human energy consumption, the emissions of greenhouse gas and pollution would rise again. Green bonds are considered a crucial tool to release climate finance. The green bond market can act as an essential bridge between capital providers (i.e. institutional investors) and sustainable assets (i.e. renewable energy).This study is the first attempt to examine co-movement and the lead–lag relationship between green bonds and global and sector renewable energy stock markets in the time and frequency horizons. We apply continuous wavelet, wavelet coherence, and line and non-line causality approaches on data during the period 2010–2020, coincidentally including the COVID-19 pandemic.Results: (1) Green bonds and renewable energy markets show evidence of a similar pattern based on the wavelet power spectrum, which shows high price volatility at small and medium scales, especially during periods of turbulence and crisis. (2) The dynamic connection between green bonds and renewable energy returns is weak (strong) on the short (long) time-scale. However, on medium-term time scales, the dependence between them is significant only during turbulent periods, such as the European Sovereign Debt Crisis 2012 (ESDC) and the COVID-19 pandemic. (3) With regard to causality, our results show unidirectional and bidirectional linear (non-linear) causality at low and high frequencies. Moreover, our finding reveals the fact regarding the lead–lag relationship that, most of the time and frequencies, no one market necessarily dominates the other.Conclusion: Our findings provide several remarkable policies and practical implications for market regulators and investors. Institutional investors can benefit by including green bonds in their portfolios to decrease their climate change risk and improve their environmental, social, and corporate governance rating in the portfolio. Considering that the dependence between green bonds and renewable energy stock prices varies over various time scales, investors with different investment horizons should make diverse investment portfolio and hedging choices. The finding is also relevant for formulating green finance policies and supporting renewable energy investments. Policy decisions on the transition of energy to a decarbonized economy should consider the consequences for green bonds, which are also critical for the transition to a climate-resilient economy.
Microbiome divergence across four major Indian riverine water ecosystems impacted by anthropogenic contamination: A comparative metagenomic analysis
Authors: Regar Raj Kumar , Kamthan Mohan , gaur Vivek Kumar , Singh Satyendra Pratap , Mishra Seema , Dwivedi Sanjay , Mishra Aradhana , Manickam Natesan , Nautiyal Chandra Shekhar
Published: November 2020

Background
Indian rivers are a major source of livelihood as river water is used for drinking, agriculture, and religious purposes to a large population. In this study, we report comparative microbial structures and functional potential of four major rivers of India, namely Ganga, Narmada, Cauvery, and Gomti. Comparative microbiome study of these geographically distinct rivers was performed using the samples collected from the source to the downstream sites of each river. We employed metagenomic approach to comprehensively determine the taxonomic and functional potential of river microbiome.
Results
In this study, we report the pollution influences on microbial composition and functional potential of four distantly located rivers. Results revealed significant microbial diversity in contaminated locations as compared to the upstream samples. A total number of 37 bacterial phyla were detected out of which Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Planctomycetes, and Verrucomicrobia were abundant. Microbial diversity in respect to anthropogenic activities revealed the prevalence of Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Firmicutes, and Nitrospirae phyla, whereas a decline in Proteobacteria and Bacteroides. Virulent and temperate bacteriophages were found high in Ganga when compared to others. Interestingly, the abundance of bacteriophage decreased with increasing pollution load in the river Ganga, unlike in other rivers. The carbon utilization studies indicated a correlation with functional genes occurred in metal contaminated sites. Ganga water has relatively higher trace elements at pristine-upstream than in the Narmada and Cauvery, indicating its origin from Himalayan rocky mountains and also both Ganga and Cauvery rivers found to harbour a large number of metal resistance genes.
Conclusion
Our findings indicate a correlation between pollution and the microbiome composition. The insights obtained suggest the role of high abundance of microbial communities with implications for human health and demonstrate the functional capabilities contributed by the microbial communities. Among the four rivers studied, the distinctiveness of Ganga in comparison to others, particularly upstream of Ganga revealed a highly dynamic microbial structure. Bhagirathi and Alaknanda confluence to form Ganga, the microbiome revealed that Alaknanda has the foremost contribution to Ganga with respect to microbial community, bacteriophages, and the type of trace elements and heavy metals detected.
Rehabilitation training improves subjective cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease patients: A prospective analysis
Authors: Wen Shi Rong , Yang Guang , Xu Si Jia , Liu Yan , Pan Yu Jun
Published: November 2020

Background: The predictive value of subjective cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease (PD-SCD) remains controversial. However, there is growing evidence that individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) are associated with Alzheimer's disease pathology and are a higher risk for cognitive decline. The aim of the present study is to characterize PD-SCD and its progression, assess the effects of rehabilitation training programs on cognitive function in PD patients.Methods: Forty-two PD patients were evaluated with a neuropsychological protocol, and classified depending on the presence (PD-SCD+, n=22) or absence of SCD (PD-SCD-,n=20). After a mean follow-up of 3.0 years (2.0-4.0 years), we repeated the cognitive assessments with the same subjects. The rehabilitation training for individuals with PD for six months after the re-assessment.Results: The clinical characteristics and overall cognitive performance of the 2 groups did not differ from baseline. During the follow-up assessment, patients with PD-SCD exhibited a more significant annual decline in Chinese-Beijing version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Test (BJ-MoCA) and semantic fluency than patients without PD-SCD. Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that the MMSE Scores(P=0.000), HAMD Scores (P=0.008), male (P=0.026), and the presence of SCD (P=0.022) were risk factors for language and related functions domain. There are significant improvements detected in 2 groups after rehabilitation training in terms of BJ-MoCA. Pairwise comparisons showed that language at post-intervention in the PD-SCD+ groups were significantly higher than at pre-intervention in the PD-SCD-.Conclusion: With the progression of the disease, the cognitive performance of patients with PD-SCD+ was worse than PD-SCD-. Meanwhile, the present data indicate that semantic fluency might be a key component to evaluate the cognitive subset of PD. Rehabilitation training is a viable intervention for PD that can improve several non-motor domains, produced larger improvements in cognition.
Utilization And Effectiveness Of Malaria Prevention Methods Among Pregnant Women In A Rural Community Of Ekiti State, South West Nigeria: A Cross- Sectional Study.
Authors: Ibrahim Azeez , Agbesanwa Tosin Anthony , Shabi Olabode Muftau , Ariyibi Kayode Ebenezer , Alabi Ayodele Kamal , Omonijo Oluwatosin Adejumoke
Published: November 2020

Background: National surveys indicate that among countries in Africa where malaria is endemic, Nigeria alone accounts for 21% of pregnancies that are unprotected from malaria. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the extent of utilization and effectiveness of malaria prevention methods, to find out the existing relationship between maternal parasitaemia and the effectiveness of these methods at (p<0.05) level of significance.Methods: The study was a cross sectional survey involving 264 consenting booked pregnant women who were recruited from antenatal clinic at Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido -Ekiti, Ekiti State, Southwestern Nigerian. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used to elicit information on the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents, mode of malaria prevention, extent of utilization of malaria prevention methods and their effectiveness. Venous blood samples for malaria parasite test were collected and microscopic analysis was done to detect the malaria parasite in the obtained blood samples. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0Results: All the 264 pregnant women interviewed, consented to having their blood taken. In rank order, the mode of malaria prevention methods most commonly reported as being effective were Intermittent Preventive Treatment using sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPT-sp) which was favored by majority 190 (72.0%). This was followed by Insecticide Spray 166 (62.9%). Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) were the least utilized by 108 (40.9%) respondents. Nine (8.3%) of the 108 participants that used ITNs, 15 (7.9%) of the 190 participants that used IPT-s and 18 (10.8%) of the 156 participants that used Insecticide Spray tested positive for malaria respectively. There was a statistically significant association between maternal parasitaemia and malaria prevention methods using ITNs (p=0.001), IPT-sp (p = 0.001) and Insecticide sprays (p = 0.001).Conclusion: The three malaria preventive methods adopted for this study were ITNs, IPT-sp and Insecticide Spray. Despite their protective effectiveness, their utilizations are still poor. Information and communication strategies with other concerted efforts by the stakeholders are suggested to ensure proper implementation of the national policy on malaria as adopted by other countries.
Primary Thyroid Lymphoma
Authors: Krishnan Sripriya , Renuka I V , Ramya C H , . Harshitha
Published: November 2020

Primary thyroid lymphoma (PTL) is a rare condition and accounts for 5% of all thyroid malignancies. They constitute less than 2 % of all lymphomas. Most PTL’s are non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. It is clinically essential to discriminate between primary or secondary lymphoma of the thyroid as the treatment and prognosis varies. It commonly occurs in women in their sixth and seventh decade. Primary thyroid lymphoma is quite curable without the need for extensive surgery if diagnosed early. We present such a case of a 60- year old female patient presenting with complaints of neck swelling with loss of appetite and dysphagia. Histopathological diagnosis confirmed Primary thyroid lymphoma of B cell origin which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry.
Platelet Counts and Indices Are Altered in Pre-Eclampsia
Authors: Saini Vandana , Vallepu Vijaya , Gupta Mamta
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND: Endothelial damage and activation of platelets leading to their increased consumption and increase in production of young platelets by bone marrow is the most common pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia. Thus, fall in platelet count and altered platelet indices may have diagnostic as well as prognostic value in pre-eclampsia. AIM: To evaluate platelet count and platelet indices between pre-eclamptic and normotensive women and to assess their association with severity of pre-eclampsia.

METHODS: Platelet counts and indices were estimated in 30 normotensive and 30 PE women at 20-24 weeks pregnancy and were repeated after every 4 weeks.

RESULTS: Mean platelet counts, platelet volume, platelet distribution width, and platelet large cell ratio between pre-eclampsia and normotensive women were significantly altered in PE women and were associated with severity of PE. This alteration of platelet count and indices occurred even before the rise of BP.

CONCLUSION: All the platelet indices were found to be reliable markers of PE and were found to be increased much earlier than BP. MPV had the maximum sensitivity (96.7%) and specificity (93.3%) and was the most reliable biomarker.
A Rare Case Report of Invasive Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasm of Conjunctiva
Authors: Patil Noopur Subhash , Kanthikar Shivraj N , Chege Prashant B , Kulkarni Sheela N
Published: November 2020

Ocular surface neoplasm(OSSN) represent a rare but broad spectrum of disease, including mild dysplasia on one end of the spectrum and invasive Squamous cell carcinoma(SCC) on the other. Thus, the diagnosis completely depends on histopathological examination of the lesion. The incidence of ocular surface neoplasia is strongly associated with factors like solar ultraviolet radiation, HIV and human papilloma virus(HPV) infections. Most lesions occur at the limbus within the interpalpebral fissure particularly the nasal side. Their importance lies in the fact that they mimic benign lesions like pterygium or even chronic conjunctivitis and thus can be misinterpreted and inadequately treated. Red eye and ocular irritation are the most common presenting symptoms. No tumor related deaths or metastasis are generally seen. Surgery with intra-operative control of surgical margins and adjunctive chemotherapy, immunotherapy and cryotherapy result in good tumor control rates, with promising results in aggressive, recurrent and large tumors.
Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin’s Lymphoma with T Cell/ Histiocyte Rich Large B Cell Lymphoma Like Transformation
Authors: Batra Sakshi , Batra Harsh , Ahluwalia Charanjeet , Ranga Sunil
Published: November 2020

Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NLPHL) is an uncommon variant form of Hodgkin’s lymphoma with a worldwide incidence of 5%. 1 It has long been recognized that NLPHL can have varied growth patterns, including some with diffuse areas and/or numerous T cells.2 NLPHL may evolve to a completely diffuse T-cell–rich proliferation lacking any follicular dendritic cells which would be consistent with a T-cell histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma (THRLBCL) or can be associated with such a proliferation at a separate site. Recent data indicate that progression to a process with features of THRLBCL is associated with a more aggressive clinical course, and requires different management, hence the significance of diagnosing correctly THRLBCL-like transformation of NLPHL. We report a case of THRLBCL-like transformation of NLPHL in an 11-year old male child.
Cation partitioning among crystallographic sites based on bond-length constraints in tourmaline-supergroup minerals
Authors: Bačík Peter , Fridrichová Jana
Published: November 2020

Theoretical bond-length calculations from ideal bond valences for each ion and coordination allow for the prediction of ion site preference and partitioning in tourmaline structures at low-pressure conditions. A comparison of calculated data with published bond-length values enables the determination of the range of structurally stable bond lengths with a minimal induced distortion—the “Goldilocks zone.” The calculations provided the following conclusions: the B-site occupancy is strictly limited to B3+; the T site can freely accommodate not only Si4+ but also B3+ and Al3+, although these substituents require shrinkage and expansion of the TO4 tetrahedron, respectively; and the Be2+ substitution results in a significant difference in charge. Satisfactory bond lengths for octahedral sites were calculated for Al3+ (Z-site preference), Ti4+, Mn3+, Ga3+, V3+, Fe3+ (mixed preference), Mg2+, Fe2+, Li+, Mn2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, Cu2+, Sc3+, and Zr4+ (Y-site preference). Another group of cations, which includes U4+, Th4+, Y3+, and lanthanoids from Tb to Lu and Ce4+, have significantly longer bonds than typical Y-O and very short bonds for the X site; therefore, it is likely they would prefer an octahedron. The empirical bond length for the X site is met with Na+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Pb2+, and lanthanoids from La to Gd, while K, Rb, and Cs are too large in the low-pressure conditions. However, the final tourmaline composition results from the interaction of the structure with the genetic environment in terms of P-T-X and geochemical conditions. This results in structural and environmental constraints that limit the incorporation of elements into the structure. Consequently, major elements, such as Si, Al, B, Mg, Fe, Na, and Ca usually occur in abundance, whereas other elements (V, Cr, Mn, Ti, Pb) could form end-member compositions, but rarely do because of their low abundance in the environment. The elements with contents limited to trace amounts have either structural (Be, C, REE, Rb, Cs, U, Th) or geochemical (Zr4+, Sc3+, and Sr2+) limits. However, environmental properties, such as high pressure or specific local structural arrangements, can overcome structural constraints and enable the incorporation of elements (K).
Algumas Notas Sobre Pesquisa Operacional
Authors: Furtado Antônio Luiz
Published: November 2020

O futuro pertencerá aos computadores eletrônicos? Certo professor estadunidense de administração emitiu resposta afirmativa, o que nos traz logo a imagem nada agradável de um robô tomando decisões, um robô substituindo o chefe executivo. Entretanto, não parece provável que isso aconteça. As máquinas executam cálculos cada vez mais complexos mas só operam sobre dados fornecidos pelo homem e segundo as regras por ele impostas. Elas não fazem perguntas. Não equacionam problemas. São os técnicos de pesquisa operacional os homens que se propõem a lograr essa difícil simbiose homem-máquina, cuja linguagem comum são as técnicas matemáticas.
O Cérebro e a Máquina
Authors: Neto Miranda
Published: November 2020

Os autômatos sempre encantaram os homens. Em uma noite de gala em Versalhes, o excelente Roentgen apresentava a Luís X V I, rei de França, e à sua augusta consorte uma pequena obra-prima: A tocadora de címbalon, vestida de brocado, ricamente bordado. Roentgen dá corda ao autômato e a boneca, deliciosa boneca, com altaneira graça começa a mover os martelos de marfim, um minueto, elegante e seco, começa a soar. Terminada a peça a boneca volta a cabeça e saúda a assistência, como que agradecendo os aplausos. Houve quem achasse, sob a peruca empoada, traços de Maria Antonieta. A tempestade já escurecia os céus de França, mas a Côrte ainda se divertia com os seus bonecos animados. Em breve cairia, na guilhotina, a linda cabeça que inspirara o autômato de Roentgen. Os autômatos, ou robôs como os chamados hoje, não são nenhuma novidade. Aristóteles já fala de uma Vênus, construída por Dédalo, movida por motor de mercúrio.
Especificações de Classe
Authors: Morais Maria
Published: November 2020

Por “exemplos ilustrativos do trabalho compreendem-se as ilustrações características de tarefas executadas ou das responsabilidades assumidas nos cargos englobados na classe. A finalidade genérica de se incluírem tais exemplos é ampliar e tornar mais claro o enunciado, precisar e dinamizar integralmente a especificação e ajudar a estabelecer os limites da classe. Exemplos ilustrativos de trabalho deverão, portanto, ser selecionados, descritos e dispostos com bastante cuidado. O enunciado das tarefas ou operações reais é consultado frequentemente por oficiais de administração, funcionários e pelo público, posto que todos confiam, irrestritamente, neste trecho da especificação para compreenderem que espécie de trabalho está contido numa determinada classe. Assim, pois, será bem despendido qualquer esforço no sentido de tornar o enunciado de exemplos ilustrativos mais realístico, específico e seguro. Além do mais, os próprios técnicos de classificação baseiam-se nesta parte da especificação para ilustrarem o que significam algumas de suas partes mais genéricas. Eles veem nos exemplos de trabalhos as bases de comparação contra as quais as funções de um cargo a ser classificado serão comparadas ou contrastadas: Estudam os exemplos a fim de determinarem a “extensão” e a “amplitude da classe. Consequentemente, dever-se-ão incluir ilustrações específicas de todos os fatores pertinentes para efeito de distribuição de cargos.
A mesa redonda de Lisboa do Instituto Internacional de Ciências Administrativas
Authors: RSP Revista do Serviço Público
Published: November 2020

Realizar - se - a em Lisboa, em setembro do corrente ano, a mesa redonda do Instituto Internacional de Ciências Administrativas.Essa reunião internacional, preparatória do X II Congresso Internacional de Ciências Administrativas a realizar-se no próximo ano de 1962, terá por objetivo examinar e discutir os relatórios nacionais preliminares apresentados em obediência aos questionários elaborados pelo IICA durante e após o Colóquio de San Remo, de' 1960, e recebidos pelas Seções Nacionais do IICA em fins do mesmo ano.
SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Health Care Personnel and Their Household Contacts at a Tertiary Academic Medical Center: Protocol for a Longitudinal Cohort Study (Preprint)
Authors: Ciccone Emily J , Zivich Paul N , Lodge Evans K , Zhu Deanna , Law Elle , Miller Elyse , Taylor Jasmine L , Chung Suemin , Xu Jason , Volfovsky Alexander , Beatty Cherese , Abernathy Haley , King Elise , Garrett Haley E , Markmann Alena J , Rebuli Meghan E , Sellers Subhashini , Weber David J , Reyes Raquel , Alavian Naseem , Juliano Jonathan J , Boyce Ross M , Aiello Allison E
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Health care personnel (HCP) are at high risk for exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While personal protective equipment (PPE) may mitigate this risk, prospective data collection on its use and other risk factors for seroconversion in this population is needed.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objectives of this study are to (1) determine the incidence of, and risk factors for, SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCP at a tertiary care medical center and (2) actively monitor PPE use, interactions between study participants via electronic sensors, secondary cases in households, and participant mental health and well-being.

METHODS

To achieve these objectives, we designed a prospective, observational study of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCP and their household contacts at an academic tertiary care medical center in North Carolina, USA. Enrolled HCP completed frequent surveys on symptoms and work activities and provided serum and nasal samples for SARS-CoV-2 testing every 2 weeks. Additionally, interactions between participants and their movement within the clinical environment were captured with a smartphone app and Bluetooth sensors. Finally, a subset of participants’ households was randomly selected every 2 weeks for further investigation, and enrolled households provided serum and nasal samples via at-home collection kits.

RESULTS

As of December 31, 2020, 211 HCP and 53 household participants have been enrolled. Recruitment and follow-up are ongoing and expected to continue through September 2021.

CONCLUSIONS

Much remains to be learned regarding the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCP and their household contacts. Through the use of a multifaceted prospective study design and a well-characterized cohort, we will collect critical information regarding SARS-CoV-2 transmission risks in the health care setting and its linkage to the community.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/25410
Urinary Soluble CD163 and Disease Activity in Biopsy-Proven ANCA-Associated Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Aendekerk Joop P. , Timmermans Sjoerd A.M.E.G. , Busch Matthias H. , Potjewijd Judith , Heeringa Peter , Damoiseaux Jan G.M.C. , Reutelingsperger Chris P. , van Paassen Pieter ,   for the Limburg Renal Registry
Published: November 2020

Background and objectives

ANCA-associated GN is a common cause of rapidly progressive GN, with high relapse rates. The early recognition of an ANCA-associated GN relapse is of importance to prevent loss of kidney function. Urinary soluble CD163 has been identified as a promising marker of active ANCA-associated GN. Previous studies, however, are limited by the lack of histologic data.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We analyzed urinary soluble CD163 in 95 patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis who underwent a kidney biopsy. In total, 125 kidney tissue sections (first kidney biopsy, n=67; repeated biopsy, n=58) with concurrent 24-hour urine samples were studied. Correlation analyses comparing urinary soluble CD163 levels and morphologic features of ANCA-associated GN were performed using Spearman rank correlation analysis. The diagnostic performance of biomarkers to detect relapsing ANCA-associated GN was evaluated using receiver operating characteristics curve analysis.

Results

High levels of urinary soluble CD163 were found in 96 (87%) of 110 biopsies with active ANCA-associated GN compared with one (7%) of 15 biopsies without active ANCA-associated GN and one (6%) of 17 healthy controls. Urinary soluble CD163 correlated with fibrinoid necrosis (Rho=0.48, P<0.001) and cellular crescents (Rho=0.70, P<0.001) on kidney biopsy. In repeated biopsies, urinary soluble CD163’s sensitivity of 0.94 and specificity of 0.91 for the recognition of relapsing ANCA-associated GN appeared better than routine clinical measures. The presence of CD163+ cells in affected glomeruli confirmed urinary soluble CD163’s origin.

Conclusions

Urinary soluble CD163 is associated with active ANCA-associated GN and correlates with histologic features as seen in ANCA-associated GN.

Podcast

This article contains a podcast at https://www.asn-online.org/media/podcast/CJASN/2020_11_17_CJN07210520_final.mp3