bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost-effectiveness analysis of robotic-arm assisted total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Hua Yechu , Salcedo Jonathan
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is widely recognized as an effective treatment for end-stage knee osteoarthritis (OA). Compared with conventional TKA, robotic-arm assisted TKA may improve patients’ functionality and resulting quality of life by more accurate and precise component placement. Currently, the literature on cost-effectiveness of robotic-arm assisted TKA in the US is limited. The objective of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of robotic-arm assisted TKA relative to TKA in the Medicare-aged population including exploring the impact of hospital volume on cost-effectiveness outcomes.

Methods

We developed a decision-analytic model to evaluate the costs, health outcomes, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of robotic-arm assisted TKA vs TKA in Medicare population with OA. We evaluated cost-effectiveness at a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of $50,000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). We sourced costs from the literature including episode-of-care (EOC) costs from a Medicare study. We assessed cost-effectiveness of robotic-arm assisted TKA by hospital procedure volume and conducted deterministic (DSA) and probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA).

Results

For the average patient treated in a hospital with an annual volume of 50 procedures, robotic-arm assisted TKA resulted in a total QALY of 6.18 relative to 6.17 under conventional TKA. Total discounted costs per patient were $32,535 and $31,917 for robotic-arm assisted TKA and conventional TKA, respectively. Robotic-arm assisted TKA was cost-effective in the base case with an ICER of $41,331/QALY. In univariate DSA, cost-effectiveness outcomes were most sensitive to the annual hospital procedure volume. Robotic-arm assisted TKA was cost-effective at a WTP of $50,000/QALY only when hospital volume exceeded 49 procedures per year. In PSA, robotic-arm assisted TKA was cost-effective at a $50,000/QALY WTP threshold in 50.4% of 10,000 simulations.

Conclusions

Despite high robotic purchase costs, robotic-arm assisted TKA is likely to be cost-effective relative to TKA in the Medicare population with knee OA in high-volume hospitals through lowering revision rates and decreasing post-acute care costs. Higher-volume hospitals may deliver higher value in performing in robotic-arm assisted TKA.
Examining the psychometric properties of the Controlling Coach Behaviors Scale in Chinese Elite Athletes
Authors: Zhao Daliang , Zhou Yu
Published: November 2022

Coaching style is key to athletes’ performance and mental well-being. However, few attempts have examined the effects of coaching style on athletes in a Chinese cultural context. Based on previous literature and 23 expert interviews (11 with athletes and 12 with coaches), we rebuilt a 16-items on the Controlling Coach Behaviors Scale. In study 1, 130 provincial team athletes completed a 16-items questionnaire on controlling coach behaviors. The questionnaire items were then screened using exploratory factor analysis and transformed into a formal scale. In study 2, another 560 provincial athletes completed several measures related to coaching style, motivation, subjective vitality, and burnout, and systematic tests were carried out to validate the scale. Study 3 examined the test-retest reliability of the Controlling Coach Behaviors Scale over a 2-week interval. Finally, the present study yielded a nine-item Controlling Coach Behaviors Scale with three dimensions (controlling use of reward, negative conditional regard, and excessive personal control). It suggests that cultural differences played an important role in the communication between athletes and coaches. The new Controlling Coach Behaviors Scale shows good validity and can be used in future research.
Drug utilization patterns before and during COVID-19 pandemic in Manitoba, Canada: A population-based study
Authors: Aboulatta Laila , Peymani Payam , Vaccaro Christine , Leong Christine , Kowalec Kaarina , Delaney Joseph , Falk Jamie , Alessi-Severini Silvia , Aloud Basma , Eltonsy Sherif
Published: November 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has led the Canadian provincial governments to take unprecedented measures, including restrictions to healthcare services and pharmacists. Limited evidence exists on changes in prescription trends in Canada during the pandemic period.

Objectives

To examine the trend of prescription medications’ utilization before and during COVID-19, among incident and prevalent users in the general population. We examined 18 major classes of medications.

Methods

We used the administrative health databases from the province of Manitoba, Canada, to conduct a province-wide cross-sectional study. Incident and prevalent use was compared between two time periods; pre-COVID-19: July 2016-March 2020 and during COVID-19: April 2020-March 2021. Interrupted time series analysis using autoregressive models was used to quantify the change in level and slope in quarterly medication use among incident and prevalent users.

Results

The quarterly study population ranged from 1,353,485 to 1,411,630 Manitobans. The most common comorbidities were asthma (26.67%), hypertension (20.64%), and diabetes (8.31%). On average, the pandemic restrictions resulted in a 45.55% and 12.17% relative decline in the aggregated utilization of all drugs among both incident and prevalent users, respectively. Subclass analysis showed a 46.83%, 23.05%, and 30.98% relative drop among incident users of antibiotics, cardiovascular drugs and opioids use, respectively. We observed a significant slope increase during COVID-19 among the quarterly cardiovascular, antidiabetics, alpha-1 blockers, and statins incident users compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. We noted a significant decrease in level among NSAIDs, opioids, and antibiotic prevalent users, however, no significant changes in slope were observed.

Conclusion

Our findings show a significant impact of COVID-19 measures on prescription trends in the general population. The observed decline among several medication classes was temporary. Further research is needed to monitor prescription trends and better understand if those changes were associated with increased health services and worsened outcomes.
Metabolite profiling, antifungal, biofilm formation prevention and disruption of mature biofilm activities of Erythrina senegalensis stem bark extract against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata
Authors: Harley Benjamin Kingsley , Quagraine Anthony Martin , Neglo David , Aggrey Mike Okweesi , Orman Emmanuel , Mireku-Gyimah Nana Ama , Amengor Cedric Dzidzor , Jato Jonathan , Saaka Yussif , Fleischer Theophilus Christian
Published: November 2022

The antifungal activity of the 70% ethanol stem bark extract of Erythrina senegalensis (ESB) against different strains and drug resistant clinical isolates of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata were evaluated in the study. The effect of ESB on biofilms as well as its activity in combination with fluconazole, nystatin or caspofungin against the Candida strains were also evaluated. We then evaluated the antifungal activity of a microemulsion formulation of ESB against planktonic and biofilms of the Candida species. UPLC-QTOF-MS2 analysis was then undertaken to identify the phytoconstituents of the extract and UPLC fingerprints developed for the routine authentication as part of quality control measures. ESB exerted strong antifungal activities against C. albicans ATCC 10231 and SC5314 strains, and C. glabrata ATCC 2001 strain with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values from 3.91 to 31.25 μg/mL and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) that ranged from 62.5 to 250 μg/mL. It also exhibited potent antifungal activities (MIC = 4–64 μg/mL) against a collection of C. albicans and C. glabrata clinical isolates that were resistant to either nystatin or azole antifungals. The formulated ESB demonstrated higher antifungal potency against the C. albicans and C. glabrata strains with MIC values of 3.91–31.25 μg/mL which was the same as the MFC values. The extract and its microemulsion formulation were active against biofilms of the strains of the Candida species inhibiting their biofilm formations (SMIC50 = 16–64 μg/mL) and their preformed biofilms (SMIC50 = 128 –>512 μg/mL). ESB also exhibited synergistic antifungal action with fluconazole and nystatin against C. albicans ATCC 10231 and C. glabrata ATCC 2001 strains in the checkerboard assay. Chemical characterization of the extract revealed the presence of phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and their prenylated derivatives, anthracene glycosides and alkaloids. UPLC Fingerprints of the extract was also developed and validated for routine identification and authentication of the stem bark of E. senegalensis. The study findings have demonstrated that the stem bark of E. senegalensis is as a potential source of bioactive compounds that could be developed as novel antifungal agents.
Sarcopenia in head and neck cancer: A scoping review
Authors: Jovanovic Nedeljko , Chinnery Tricia , Mattonen Sarah A. , Palma David A. , Doyle Philip C. , Theurer Julie A.
Published: November 2022

Objectives

In those undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC), sarcopenia is a strong prognostic factor for outcomes and mortality. This review identified working definitions and methods used to objectively assess sarcopenia in HNC.

Method

The scoping review was performed in accordance with Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage methodology and the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines.

Information sources

Eligible studies were identified using MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL databases.

Study selection

Inclusion criteria represented studies of adult HNC patients in which sarcopenia was listed as an outcome, full-text articles written in English, and empirical research studies with a quantitative design.

Data extraction

Eligible studies were assessed using a proprietary data extraction form. General information, article details and characteristics, and details related to the concept of the scoping review were extracted in an iterative process.

Results

Seventy-six studies published internationally from 2016 to 2021 on sarcopenia in HNC were included. The majority were retrospective (n = 56; 74%) and the prevalence of sarcopenia ranged from 3.8% to 78.7%. Approximately two-thirds of studies used computed tomography (CT) to assess sarcopenia. Skeletal muscle index (SMI) at the third lumbar vertebra (L3) (n = 53; 70%) was the most prevalent metric used to identify sarcopenia, followed by SMI at the third cervical vertebra (C3) (n = 4; 5%).

Conclusions

Currently, the most effective strategy to assess sarcopenia in HNC depends on several factors, including access to resources, patient and treatment characteristics, and the prognostic significance of outcomes used to represent sarcopenia. Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) measured at C3 may represent a practical, precise, and cost-effective biomarker for the detection of sarcopenia. However, combining SMM measurements at C3 with other sarcopenic parameters—including muscle strength and physical performance–may provide a more accurate risk profile for sarcopenia assessment and allow for a greater understanding of this condition in HNC.
Thalamocortical functional connectivity and cannabis use in men with childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Lee Sanghyun , Hong Soon-Beom
Published: November 2022

Disruptions of the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuit has been implicated in both attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and substance use disorder. Given the high prevalence of cannabis use among patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, we set out to investigate the relationship between the two in the thalamus. We analyzed resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data obtained from the Addiction Connectome Preprocessed Initiative Multimodal Treatment Study of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder database. Functional connectivity maps were extracted to compare thalamic connectivity among adults who had been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder during childhood according to whether or not they used cannabis. The study participants included 18 cannabis users and 15 cannabis non-users with childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Our results revealed that adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder who used cannabis (n = 18) had significantly decreased functional connectivity between the thalamus and parietal regions, which was particularly prominent in the inferior parietal areas, in comparison with those who did not use cannabis (n = 15). Left thalamic functional connectivity with the inferior parietal and middle frontal areas and right thalamic functional connectivity with the inferior parietal and superior frontal areas were increased in non-users of cannabis with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder compared with a local normative comparison group (n = 7). In conclusion, adults with a childhood history of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder who do not use cannabis often have relatively stronger thalamoparietal and thalamofrontal connectivity, which may help reduce the risk of cannabis use.
Fatigue following type 2 diabetes: Psychometric testing of the Indonesian version of the multidimensional fatigue Inventory-20 and unmet fatigue-related needs
Authors: Romadlon Debby Syahru , Huang Hui-Chuan , Chen Yang-Ching , Hu Sophia H. , Hasan Faizul , Chiang Morales Milton D. , Dwi Marta Ollyvia Freeska , Al Baqi Safiruddin , Chiu Hsiao-Yean
Published: November 2022

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often experience fatigue. The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20) is a valid tool for evaluating fatigue; however, its psychometric properties have not been examined in Indonesian-speaking patients with T2DM. This study assessed the psychometric properties of the Indonesian version of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20 (IMFI-20) in patients with T2DM and investigated fatigue in a health-care setting. A cross-sectional design was adopted. Two hundred patients with T2DM were interviewed in clinics. Five self-structured measures were used to assess the frequency and duration of fatigue and the health-care utilization of patients with fatigue. Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation (ICC) were used to evaluate the internal consistency and test–retest reliability of the Indonesian version of the MFI-20 (IMFI-20). The criterion, convergent, and known-group validity of the IMFI-20 were also examined, and its underlying structure was determined using explanatory factor analysis. The STROBE checklist was used. The results revealed that approximately half of the patients experienced fatigue. Among those with fatigue, 62% reported that their fatigue was rarely or never treated by their physicians. The IMFI-20 exhibited satisfactory model fit, excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha of 0.92), and test–retest ICC of 0.93. The IMFI-20 was significantly associated with the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue, Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (r = 0.705, 0.670, and 0.581, respectively). The IMFI-20 exhibited known-group validity for unfavorable sleep quality and HbA1C ≥ 6.5%. Our findings suggest that patients with T2DM who experience fatigue are often overlooked by health-care providers, and that the IMFI-20, which exhibits excellent psychometric properties, can be adopted by studies that use fatigue as an endpoint in Indonesian-speaking populations.
Experimental identification of individual insect visual tracking delays in free flight and their effects on visual swarm patterns
Authors: Islam Md. Saiful , Faruque Imraan A.
Published: November 2022

Insects are model systems for swarming robotic agents, yet engineered descriptions do not fully explain the mechanisms by which they provide onboard sensing and feedback to support such motions; in particular, the exact value and population distribution of visuomotor processing delays are not yet quantified, nor the effect of such delays on a visually-interconnected swarm. This study measures untethered insects performing a solo in-flight visual tracking task and applies system identification techniques to build an experimentally-consistent model of the visual tracking behaviors, and then integrates the measured experimental delay and its variation into a visually interconnected swarm model to develop theoretical and simulated solutions and stability limits. The experimental techniques include the development of a moving visual stimulus and real-time multi camera based tracking system called VISIONS (Visual Input System Identification from Outputs of Naturalistic Swarms) providing the capability to recognize and simultaneously track both a visual stimulus (input) and an insect at a frame rate of 60-120 Hz. A frequency domain analysis of honeybee tracking trajectories is conducted via fast Fourier and Chirp Z transforms, identifying a coherent linear region and its model structure. The model output is compared in time and frequency domain simulations. The experimentally measured delays are then related to probability density functions, and both the measured delays and their distribution are incorporated as inter-agent interaction delays in a second order swarming dynamics model. Linear stability and bifurcation analysis on the long range asymptotic behavior is used to identify delay distributions leading to a family of solutions with stable and unstable swarm center of mass (barycenter) locations. Numerical simulations are used to verify these results with both continuous and measured distributions. The results of this experiment quantify a model structure and temporal lag (transport delay) in the closed loop dynamics, and show that this delay varies across 50 individuals from 5-110ms, with an average delay of 22ms and a standard deviation of 40ms. When analyzed within the swarm model, the measured delays support a diversity of solutions and indicate an unstable barycenter.
Association of mental health and behavioral disorders with health care and service utilization in children before and after diagnosis
Authors: Nurminen Mikko
Published: November 2022

Mental health is one of the most important contributors to the global burden of disease in children and adolescents. Mental health conditions are associated with lower quality of life in adulthood. These conditions have an early onset and typically first occur in childhood. However, little is known about how these conditions are related to service utilization before the initial diagnosis, or about the significance of the diagnosis on later service utilization. To study this, register data on 5-15-year-old children in the city of Oulu, Finland, covering the years 2013–2018 were used. To identify the association of mental health and behavioral conditions with service utilization, counterfactuals were constructed from children who were similarly diagnosed three years later. Event study regressions on several health care and service utilization outcomes were estimated. The findings showed that primary and specialized health care utilization increased sharply before the initial diagnosis and peaked during the time of diagnosis. Primary care utilization started decreasing slowly after, while specialized health care utilization remained high for two years after the diagnosis. Probability of visiting a mental health professional, use of rehabilitation services, psychiatric medication, and utilization of child protection services increased significantly after the diagnosis. The results highlighted the importance of outpatient health care in detecting and treating the conditions in children. In a fragmented system, knowledge on utilization trajectories in different services may be of help in allocating resources to improve the health of these children.
GluR2Q and GluR2R AMPA Subunits are not Targets of lypd2 Interaction
Authors: Lauriello Anna , McVeigh Quinn , Sung Rou-Jia
Published: November 2022

A large family of prototoxin-like molecules endogenous to mammals, Ly6 proteins have been implicated in the regulation of cell signaling processes across multiple species. Previous work has shown that certain members of the Ly6 family are expressed in the brain and target nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and potassium channel function. Structural similarities between Ly6 proteins and alpha-neurotoxins suggest the possibility of additional ionotropic receptor targets. Here, we investigated the possibility of lypd2 as a novel regulator of AMPA receptor (AMPAR) function. In particular, we focused on potential interactions with the Q/R isoforms of the GluR2 subunit, which have profound impacts on AMPAR permeability to calcium during neuronal stimulation. We find that although lypd2 and GluR2 share overlapping expression patterns in the mouse hippocampus, there was no interaction between lypd2 and either GluR2Q or GluR2R isoform. These results underscore the importance of continuing to investigate novel targets for Ly6 interaction and regulation.
Dynamics and consequences of the HTLV-1 proviral plus-strand burst
Authors: Ramanayake Saumya , Moulding Dale A. , Tanaka Yuetsu , Singh Abhyudai , Bangham Charles R. M.
Published: November 2022

Expression of the transcriptional transactivator protein Tax, encoded on the proviral plus-strand of human T-cell leukaemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), is crucial for the replication of the virus, but Tax-expressing cells are rarely detected in fresh blood ex vivo. The dynamics and consequences of the proviral plus-strand transcriptional burst remain insufficiently characterised. We combined time-lapse live-cell imaging, single-cell tracking and mathematical modelling to study the dynamics of Tax expression at single-cell resolution in two naturally-infected, non-malignant T-cell clones transduced with a short-lived enhanced green fluorescent protein (d2EGFP) Tax reporter system. Five different patterns of Tax expression were observed during the 30-hour observation period; the distribution of these patterns differed between the two clones. The mean duration of Tax expression in the two clones was 94 and 417 hours respectively, estimated from mathematical modelling of the experimental data. Tax expression was associated with a transient slowing in cell-cycle progression and proliferation, increased apoptosis, and enhanced activation of the DNA damage response pathways. Longer-term follow-up (14 days) revealed an increase in the proportion of proliferating cells and a decrease in the fraction of apoptotic cells as the cells ceased Tax expression, resulting in a greater net expansion of the initially Tax-positive population. Time-lapse live-cell imaging showed enhanced cell-to-cell adhesion among Tax-expressing cells, and decreased cell motility of Tax-expressing cells at the single-cell level. The results demonstrate the within-clone and between-clone heterogeneity in the dynamics and patterns of HTLV-1 plus-strand transcriptional bursts and the balance of positive and negative consequences of the burst for the host cell.
Változószelekciós algoritmusok vizsgálata általánosított additív modellekben – Egy új, hibrid metaheurisztika elemzése
Authors:   , Kovács László
Published: November 2022

Változószelekciós algoritmusok vizsgálata általánosított additív modellekben – Egy új, hibrid metaheurisztika elemzése
How successful entrepreneurs lead? : Multi-method Analysis of Entrepreneurial Leadership
Authors:   , Kassai Ákos
Published: November 2022

There has been recently an emerging academic debate on entrepreneurial leadership style and related contingency models No generally accepted model for entrepreneurial leadership style and its measurement has arisen so far. This research contributes to the debate by summarizing what scholars have achieved so far, but more importantly, it introduces a new approach with applying leadership competencies for constructing the model of entrepreneurial leadership styles. The ultimate objective of this research is to understand what leadership styles entrepreneurs employ to overcome challenges they face during the entrepreneurial process. This work aims to contribute both theory and practice by proposing a comprehensive model for entrepreneurial leadership styles by applying entrepreneurial competencies. The study relies on a multi-step research process that combines qualitative and quantitative elements and employs methodological triangulation. Successful entrepreneurs employ various leadership strategies and rely on a wide range of leadership competencies to achieve their goals. The paper presents the list of and ranking of the most critical entrepreneurial leadership competencies required for entrepreneurs to succeed. The research identified five leadership dimensions, four leadership styles, and the paper explains the characteristics, strengths and weaknesses, common pitfalls, and development needs of entrepreneurs style by style. Four leadership competency dimensions (Imagination, Social, Execution, Organizational) found in the research help to explain how successful entrepreneurs apply diverse leadership styles to achieve their goals. A fifth leadership dimension (Personal) presents the leadership competency dimension that separates entrepreneurs from the rest of the World. This leadership dimension contributes to answering the question of who becomes an entrepreneur. The study also found that adapting their leadership style to the situation and the life phase of a venture is essential for selecting the appropriate leadership competencies. Entrepreneurial leadership is situational. It was shown that the appropriate entrepreneurial leadership style is contingent on the situation and the development life-stage of the venture is a relevant factor to that. Entrepreneurs with the style of “Lonely Wolf “may kick-start their business in the phases of “inception” and “survival”, but the leadership style of “Team Builder” and “Architect” is far more often observed at entrepreneurs who can scale their business and graduate their venture to the phases of “growth”, “expansion” and “maturity”. “Explorer” entrepreneurial leadership style is particularly useful when a venture develops or reinvents its product or service offering or makes a shift in its corporate strategy. A diverse and adaptable set of competencies is required to build a business; an entrepreneurial partnership of individuals with complementary leadership competencies is often the key for entrepreneurial success.
The PsychoEducation Tensor Model of Cognitive Architecture
Authors: Sheppard Joseph Z.
Published: November 2022

The PsychoEducation Tensor Model of Cognitive Architecture describes all major cognitive domains or elemenary modules (EM) in a unified symmetry isometric with Einstein's Metric Tensor. This model of cognition is likewise positioned as one of seven primary tensors that, along with the Metric Tensor, describe all observable phenomena. This model of cognition was developed soley by Joseph Zalman Sheppard in his research work at the University of Victoria and Camosun College, British Columbia, Canada.
Review of Drug Abuse In Nigeria: A Social And Public Health Menace
Authors: Okoh Linda , Okoh Jocelyn Cletus , Aduloju Precious Oluwaseun
Published: November 2022

Drug abuse has become a serious issue to the overall sustainable growth of a developing nation like Nigeria. It is also a major public health, social and individual problem and is seen as an aggravating factor for economic crises. The use of psychoactive substances (drugs) among adolescents and youth has become a subject of public concern worldwide due to the fact that it contributes potentially to deliberately or otherwise harmful effects in physical, mental, emotional or social impairment of the user. Curiosity, ignorance, frustration, lack of proper counseling or guidance, depression and not following the physician’s рrеѕсrіption have all been indicted as possible factors that could potentially predispose to an abuse. Cannabis, Crack, Tramadol, Rohypnol (Roofies), Codeine, Skunk and Aphrodisiacs are all examples of drugs readily abused. The effects of drug abuse on youth can be viewed from the social, health, community and financial angles. In battling this menace, all hands must be on deck to ensure this scourge is rid off society. Curbing of drug abuse involves the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders – Government, Drug Control Agencies, Community, traditional media, Schools and the family. Educating family units on drug use, abuse and inherent dangers. Establishment of counselling centers for drug control in every community. Designing curricula on drug education and actively implementing its teaching both in classes and in clubs that pupils are encouraged to join to propagate in their communities. It is our utmost desire to ensure a drug-free society, reduce the stress on medical institutions and propagate higher prosperity among our citizens.
PROPOSTA DE TERMOHIGROMÊTRO DE BAIXO CUSTO PARA COLETA DE DADOS CLIMÁTICOS EM CAMPO
Authors: Castelhano Francisco Jablinski
Published: November 2022

A discussão a respeito das mudanças climáticas mantém como um dos temas de maior debate nos âmbitos científico, político e cotidiano. Pensando neste cenário, faz-se necessário o desenvolvimento de estudos climáticos em múltiplas escalas e com alto nível de qualidade. A qualidade dos trabalhos por sua vez, perpassa na necessidade da utilização de equipamentos de alto nível e que, na maioria das vezes, tem um preço condizente. Pensando na necessidade qualificar as pesquisas no âmbito da climatologia geográfica, o presente artigo visa apresentar o desenvolvimento de um termo-higromêtro de baixo custo para coletas de dados. O equipamento foi desenvolvido com componentes de prototipagem Arduino e levado a campo durante sete dias na cidade de Curitiba, Sul do Brasil. Os dados coletados pelo presente equipamento foram correlacionados com os dados da estação meteorológica oficial e devidamente calibrados. Os resultados validaram o equipamento de baixo custo  para coleta de dados em campo
MANEJO DAS MICROBACIAS HIDROGRÁFICAS: AS GEOTECNOLOGIAS EM SUAS PARTICULARIDADES APLICADAS AO CÓRREGO DA CAÇADA (ITUIUTABA-MG)
Authors: Zanetoni Penariol Rafael , Ferreira Barcelos Luiz Felipe , Barboza Castanho Roberto
Published: November 2022

A microbacia hidrográfica é um sistema natural cuja sua base é formada pela água, e que se relaciona com outros elementos, sejam eles naturais ou sociais, durante esta pesquisa buscou-se apontar estas relações supracitadas no Córrego da Caçada, Localizado no municio de Ituiutaba – MG/Brasil, utilizando os elementos que englobam as geotecnologias, dando ênfase as aplicabilidades do sensoriamento remoto no software QGIS no que tange a sua ferramenta Taudem. Esta investigação acadêmica, objetiva demonstrar técnicas de estudo que auxiliam a análise da utilização e degradação dos recursos hídricos, mais especificamente  aquelas integradas as microbacias, e com isso auxiliando na compreensão acerca dos processos que trazem a esta ciência uma nova percepção. No recorrer desta, optou-se por realizar os mapeamentos de  ipsometria, hierarquização fluvial e uso e ocupação do solo da área utilizada, concluindo-se que as geotecnologias  possuem capacidade em auxiliar a produção de atividades relacionadas às microbacias mesmo com algumas objeções.
ESTRUTURA SUPERFICIAL E FISIOLOGIA DA PAISAGEM:
Authors: Cristina Nesta Silva Érika , Marques dos Santos Caio Augusto
Published: November 2022

Nas últimas décadas tem crescido o número de trabalhos que mencionam a participação humana/social nos processos naturais superficiais, como erosão e sedimentação, com consequentes alterações no relevo, nos materiais superficiais, etc., contexto este em que surge a abordagem dos terrenos tecnogênicos. No presente artigo discute-se a produção de terrenos tecnogênicos no Córrego da Piscina, em Rondonópolis-MT, em continuidade aos estudos já previamente elaborados na sua área de nascente. São utilizadas imagens de diferentes períodos do Google Earth Pro, além do uso de outras de suas ferramentas, como o Street View, demonstrando que esse software é de grande usabilidade, especialmente para o acompanhamento de mudanças em aspectos da paisagem. Conclui-se com a afirmativa de que os terrenos tecnogênicos devem ser estudados pela perspectiva da totalidade, e que a sociabilidade capitalista precisa ser abordada para que se compreenda os meios e os fins das transformações das paisagens.
presença de Irara (Eira barbara) em sítios arqueológicos, etnográficos e paleontológicos no Brasil
Authors: Chahud Artur
Published: November 2022

Os mustelídeos possuem ampla distribuição geográfica e habitats variados. O território brasileiro possui cinco espécies desta família, observados em sítios paleontológicos, arqueológicos e etnográficos. A irara, Eira barbara, é um mustelídeo de florestas, onívoro e que necessita de grande área geográfica para viver. O presente trabalho aborda as ocorrências em sítios paleontológicos, arqueológicos e no sítio etnográfico Guajá, além de comentar características osteológicas. Por ser um animal de hábitos preferencialmente arbóreos a presença em sítios paleontológicos como cavernas, é raro. Os estudos no sítio etnográfico Guajá demonstraram que o consumo ocorre em comunidades indígenas, mas em sítios arqueológicos as ocorrências são muito poucas e restritas a partes ósseas indeterminadas, podendo ter origem natural ou antrópica.
Algumas considerações sobre conforto ambiental, arborização e áreas verdes na cidade de Manaus
Authors: Vasconcellos Luiz Gonzaga Falcão
Published: November 2022

Algumas considerações sobre conforto ambiental, arborização e áreas verdes na cidade de Manaus
What Predict Modern Contraception Use? A Study of Reproductive Age Married Couples in Indonesia
Authors: K Hedo Dian Jayantari Putri , Simarmata Nicholas
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACTBackground: Health, including reproductive health is everyone's right. Reproductive health can be achieved in several ways, including the practice of family planning through modern contraception used by married couples. Modern contraception brings positive impact for ensuring couples and families’ overall health and wellbeing. However, prevalence of modern contraception use among couples is still low, including in Indonesia. This study aimed to determine factors that predicted the modern contraception use of reproductive age married couples in Indonesia.Method: This study was quantitative study with cross-sectional approach. Data used in this study was secondary data from the 2021 Family Data Collection. Sampling technique was saturated sampling on reproductive age couples in 34 Provinces in Indonesia. Dependent variable was modern contraception use. Independent variables were women's ideal marriage age, women's early marriage age, and ideal number of children preferences. Data analysis used multiple linear regression test. Results: Results showed that variables that were significantly related to modern contraception use were women's ideal marriage age, women's early marriage age, and ideal number of children preferences (p<0.001). There was significant relationship between each variable women's ideal marriage age (p<0.001), women's early marriage age (p<0.001), and ideal number of children preferences (p<0.001) with modern contraception use. women's ideal marriage age, women's early marriage age, and ideal number of children preferences were predictors of modern contraception use among reproductive age married couples in Indonesia, both simultaneously and individually. Based on study results, reproductive age couples need to consider their age of marriage and gain good information and understanding about children preferences. It is hoped that it would increase their participation of modern contraception use.
Jakob Eduard Wittak a jeho doba v univerzitní kanceláři
Authors: Sekyrková Milada
Published: November 2022

For several decades in the first half of the 19th century, and especially around the time of the far-reaching administrative changes in mid-19th century when the need for and importance of the university office had grown, the office of a syndic was held by Dr Jakob Eduard Wittak (1785–1859). He worked in the university office from the second decade of the 19th century, having previously studied law at the Prague university. In 1835–1843, he worked as an actuary, then he was promoted to a syndic. This study analyses the operation and written materials produced by the university office at a time when Wittak worked there both as an employee and as its head. During his term, official documents of the university office were kept more meticulously than at any other time in the 19th century. Alongside this, this contribution presents, using Wittak as an example, a portrait of career of a university official in the first half of the 19th century.
Ladislav Hejdánek jako student Univerzity Karlovy (1946–1952)
Authors: Dostál Václav
Published: November 2022

This study deals with the studies of Ladislav Hejdánek (1927–2020), one of the most prominent contemporary Czech philosophers, in particular the years he spent at the Prague university both as a student of mathematics (at the Faculty of Science) and later as a student of philosophy (at the Faculty of Arts). The author follows the development of his interests from natural sciences through symbolic logic all the way to his decision to focus on philosophy, which he took after meeting Jan Patočka. The contribution examines the conditions which influenced is studies after the Communist coup-d’état in February 1948, the way he passed the political screening to which all students were subjected, and continuation of studies despite the political situation and a severe illness. Hejdánek is presented as a talented student who despite his ideological nonconformity with the new regime was able to receive a doctorate but was then subsequently for most of his life banned from working in his field of expertise.
Olga Lomová (ed.), Ex Oriente lux. Rudolf Dvořák (1860–1920)
Authors: Továrek Michal
Published: November 2022

Book review on Olga Lomová (ed.), Ex Oriente lux. Rudolf Dvořák (1860–1920). Univerzita Karlova, Filozofická fakulta, Praha 2020, 308 s., ISBN 978-80-7308-989-4.
Martin Franc a kol., Habitus českých vědců 1918–1968. Příklad dvou generací
Authors: Brčák Marek
Published: November 2022

Book review on Martin Franc a kol., Habitus českých vědců 1918–1968. Příklad dvou generací. Masarykův ústav a Archiv AB ČR, v. v. i., Praha 2021, 509 s., ISBN 978-80-88304-65-4.
Editorial
Authors: Nešpor Zdeněk R.
Published: November 2022

Editorial
Czech Underground from a Musical Historical Point of View
Authors: Opekar Aleš
Published: November 2022

The first part of the article summarises and comments on the literature on the Czech music underground. It proves that professional research of the phenomenon was previously carried out by foreign authors, whose focus was mainly on the social and political contexts in Eastern Europe. Memoirs and published interviews predominated in the domestic reflection of the phenomenon. Theoretical studies, including monographic treatises, appear only on an ongoing basis. However, the underground is still more in the field of view of historians than musicologists. This article also traces the changes in understanding the “underground” category in the Czech environment. It leads to defining it compared to the “alternative scene” and “grey zone” categories, which gradually gained a specific significance in Czech public awareness in the 1970s and 1980s. The second part of the article places the Czech musical underground in the context of the general development of rock and popular music in Czechoslovakia in the 1970s and 1980s.
On Blasphemy
Authors: Havelka Ondřej
Published: November 2022

Book review on Yvonne Sherwood, Blasphemy: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford: Oxford University Press 2021, 145 p.
Heterogeneous phenotype of autoinflammatory disease in a patient with mutations in NOD2 and MEFV genes
Authors: Abrego Fuentes Laura Edith , Chair Irene , Vadas Peter , Roifman Chaim M.
Published: November 2022

Background: Autoinflammatory diseases are a genetically heterogeneous group of conditions characterized by excessive activation of the innate immune system. They frequently present with overlapping features, particularly in cases of digenic or polygenic inheritance. The most common cause of autoinflammation arises from causative variants in the MEFV gene, responsible for familial Mediterranean fever. Clinical features include recurrent episodes of fever with serositis and amyloidosis. Individuals with variants in MEFV that present atypically with heterogeneous autoinflammatory features have also been described. Notably, gene modifiers of MEFV, such as NOD2 encoding an intracellular bacterial sensor, can result in more severe disease. NOD2 underlies a number of autoinflammatory and immunodeficiency conditions, including Blau syndrome. To date, Blau syndrome has not been described in the context of MEFV.

Aim: To expand the presentation and phenotype of autoinflammatory disease associated with defects in the NOD2 and MEFV genes.

Methods: A retrospective review of the patient’s chart was performed, including family history, medical history, immune laboratory evaluation, and genetics.

Results: We describe here a 68-year-old male with a remarkable medical history since childhood of skin rash, erythroderma, recurrent infections, autoinflammation, arthritis, uveitis, and malignancy. A significant family history of cancer and autoinflammation was noted. Genetic work-up involving a 17-gene autoinflammatory panel revealed 3 heterozygous variants of uncertain significance, 2 of which were present in the MEFV gene and one in the NOD2 gene. His features were consistent with an overlapping phenotype of Blau syndrome and atypical FMF.

Conclusion: Heterozygous variants in NOD2 and MEFV can result in a spectrum of autoinflammatory disorders with a heterogeneous phenotype. The NOD2 variant identified in our patient has not previously been associated with Blau syndrome.

Statement of Novelty: We describe a patient harbouring heterozygous mutations in the MEFV and NOD2 genes marked by recurrent childhood infections.
Whole exome sequencing identifies causative compound heterozygous variants in PRF1 in late-onset familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Sham Marina , Zhu Rongbo , Merico Daniele , Pasternak Yehonatan
Published: November 2022

Background: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare and life-threatening disease in which cells of the immune system are overactivated, leading to uncontrolled inflammation and tissue destruction. Inherited or familial forms of HLH (FHL) are further classified into FHL1 to 5, based on the underlying genetic etiology. The most common form, FHL2, is associated with mutations in the PRF1 gene encoding perforin, a pore-forming glycoprotein required for natural killer and cytotoxic T cell-mediated apoptosis. Importantly, diagnosis of FHL can be challenging, particularly in late-onset cases in which presentation is delayed beyond the first years of life.

Aim: We report the essential role of whole exome sequencing in the diagnostic work-up of a patient with complex, late-onset FHL.

Methods: A comprehensive retrospective chart review was performed.

Results: Our patient presented at 11 years of age with recurrent fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and pancytopenia. In the following years, she was admitted to hospital on multiple occasions, including twice for febrile neutropenia, and once for febrile cytopenia. Serial immune evaluation revealed features of immune dysregulation. While HLH was suspected, she did not fulfil the diagnostic criteria. Initial genetic work-up involving a targeted primary immunodeficiency gene panel identified only a single novel variant of uncertain significance, c.T374C (p.I125T) in PRF1. Subsequently, research-based whole exome sequencing was performed which revealed a second variant, c.C272T (p.A91V), in the same gene. The expanded genetic findings, a set of compound heterozygous missense mutations in PRF1, strengthened the diagnosis of FHL. She later fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for HLH.

Conclusion: Whole exome sequencing identified compound heterozygous mutations in the PRF1 gene in a patient with late-onset FHL.

Statement of Novelty: We report the use of whole exome sequencing to identify compound heterozygous mutations in PRF1, including a novel p.I125T variant not previously identified in FHL.
The ANKK1/DRD2 gene TaqIA polymorphism (rs1800497) is associated with the severity of extrapyramidal side effects of haloperidol treatment in CYP2D6 extensive metabolizers with schizophrenia spectrum disorders
Authors: Kibitov Andrey Alexandrovitch , Kiryanova Elena Mikhaylovna , Salnikova Ludmila Ivanovna , Bure Irina Vladimirovna , Shmukler Alexander Borisovitch , Kibitov Alexander Olegovitch
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) are one of the most prominent side effects of haloperidol. Variability of EPS severity may be associated with the genetic factors, affecting both haloperidol pharmacokinetics (e.g., CYP2D6) and pharmacodynamics (e.g., DRD2, ANKK1). We conducted a 3-week prospective study to investigate the associations of ANKK1/DRD2 TaqIA (rs1800497), DRD2 −141C Ins/Del (rs1799732) polymorphisms and CYP2D6 metabolic phenotype on the efficacy of haloperidol treatment and severity of EPS in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Methods

In total, 57 inpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (24 (42.1%)) females; age −46.7 (11.8) years (M(SD)) of European ancestry were enrolled. BARS and SAS scales were used to assess EPS. PANSS and CGI scales – to assess the efficacy of haloperidol treatment. Genotyping was performed by real-time PCR. CYP2D6 metabolic phenotype was predicted by the CYP2D6 *3, *4, *5, *6, *9, *10, *41 and xN genotypes.

Results

Minor C allele of TaqIA was associated with higher scores of BARS (p=0.029) and SAS (p=0.024) on day 21 and minor Del allele of −141C Ins/Del – with more prominent clinical improvement by CGI scale (p=0.007) but not by PANSS. These differences were observed only in extensive CYP2D6 metabolizers, although no associations with the metabolic type itself were found. General linear model showed that the combination of TaqIA genotype and metabolic type was significantly associated with BARS score on day 21 (p=0.013).

Conclusions

Our results highlight the importance of using both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic genetic markers for predicting haloperidol treatment response to personalize schizophrenia spectrum disorders treatment.