bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between mother’s knowledge and behaviour with oral health status of early childhood
Authors: Abdat Munifah , Ramayana Ivan
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Early childhood period has a high caries risk that needs special attention from parents, especially the mothers, as their role models. Mothers’ knowledge and positive behaviour towards oral health care are essential in preventive dentistry since it is the crucial thing that can support the children’s oral hygiene. Purpose of study was aimed to analyse the relationship between the mother’s knowledge and behaviour regarding oral health with the early childhood oral health status. Methods: Type of study was a cross-sectional study with correlational research method. The material from this research were questionnaires and standard instruments for an oral examination. The study was conducted on 44 children of the early childhood period and their mothers, which was chosen as sample using a purposive sampling technique for respondents who met the inclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria were mothers who took up their children to the mother and children’s health centre, children in the early childhood period with complete deciduous teeth eruption, and willing to participate in the research. A Kendall’s-tau test was used for statistical analysis. Results: The results showed that the def-t index was 7.6 (very high) and there was a significant relationship between mother’s knowledge (p-value=0.0001) and behaviour (p-value=0.004) towards oral health status of the children (def-t index). The results also showed strong correlation coefficient to knowledge (τ = -0.643) and sufficient correlation coefficient to behaviour (τ = -0.415). Ironically, mothers with sufficient knowledge regarding the children’s oral health are not fully reflected in daily oral hygiene practice. The mean value of caries teeth in each child was seven teeth, mostly found in children with mothers with poor oral health knowledge and behaviour. Conclusion: There is a strong relationship between mother’s knowledge and oral health status of early childhood, while the mother’s behaviour and oral health status has a moderate relationship.
Antisense oligonucleotide p45Skp-2 suppresses migratory chemotactic and metastasis of oral malignant Burkitt’s lymphoma cell through down-regulation of MTA-1 and induction of E-cadherin mechanism
Authors: Supriatno Supriatno , Irnawati Dyah , Medawati Ana
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Burkitt’s lymphoma is a high-grade B-cell neoplasm and one of the most aggressive malignancies of lymphoid origins which found mainly in the paediatric population. The treatment options of this tumour are still limited. However, a new strategy for refractory tumour, phosphorothioate oligonucleotide antisense technique has watched with keen interest. This study was aimed to examine the effect of antisense p45Skp-2 (Skp-2 AS) suppressed migratory chemotactic and metastasis of oral malignant Burkitt’s lymphoma (Raji) cell through down-regulation of MTA-1 and E-cadherin. Methods: True experiment laboratory with post-test control group design was confirmed in this study. The efficiency of Skp-2 AS in the suppression of cell chemotactic migration was examined by Boyden chamber assay. To evaluate the inhibition of cell metastasis was conducted by decreasing MTA-1 expression protein. The expressions of MTA-1, E-cadherin and α-tubulin protein were investigated by Western blot analysis. Results: The results revealed that the number of chemotactic migration of Skp-2 AS treated Raji cell was significantly decreased when compared with that of sense p45Skp-2 (Skp-2 S) and scrambled control (SC) cells (P<0.05) followed by decreased expressions of MTA-1 protein and overexpression of E-cadherin. Interestingly, the expression of α-tubulin protein as an internal control was approximately similar in each transfectant cells. Conclusion: p45Skp-2 have an antitumor activity via suppression of migratory chemotactic activity and metastasis on oral Burkitt’s lymphoma cells through down-regulation of MTA-1 and induction of E-cadherin proteins targeting this molecule could represent a promising new therapeutic approach for this type of cancer.
Concepción de la adolescencia en Peter Blos: la ardua tarea de ser adolescente
Authors: Klein Alejandro
Published: November 2020

Esta contribución hace referencia a las ideas principales de Peter Blos sobre los adolescentes en términos de individuación, segunda oportunidad, complejo de Edipo y narcisismo. También se propone una discusión sobre cómo el contexto social ha permitido este acercamiento al adolescente. Por lo tanto, es necesario entender qué sucede si este modelo social tradicional es rechazado o cuestionado. Finalmente, se desarrollan algunas indicaciones del autor sobre psicoterapia con adolescentes.
Blood taurine concentrations in dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Authors: Tayler Sarah , Seo Joonbum , Connolly David J. , Kathrani Aarti
Published: November 2020

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether blood taurine concentrations in dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) were lower than the reference interval (200 to 350 nmol/mL) or the cutoff used to indicate taurine deficiency (< 150 nmol/mL).

ANIMALS

18 dogs with clinical or presumptive subclinical EPI with residual blood samples available for taurine concentration analysis.

PROCEDURES

Dogs were classified as having clinical EPI if they had a serum trypsin-like immunoreactivity concentration of < 2.0 μg/L and presumptive subclinical EPI if they had a concentration of 2.0 to 5.0 μg/L. Archived, frozen blood samples stored in EDTA were submitted for measurement of taurine concentration with an automated high-performance liquid chromatography amino acid analyzer. Medical record data were examined for associations with blood taurine concentration.

RESULTS

None of the 18 dogs had a blood taurine concentration < 150 nmol/mL. Two dogs had a concentration < 200 nmol/mL. No clinical signs, physical examination findings, or serum biochemical abnormalities were associated with blood taurine concentration. Eleven of the 17 dogs for which diet histories were available were not receiving a diet that met recommendations of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association Global Nutrition Committee.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

A low blood taurine concentration was noted in a small subset of dogs with EPI. Additional research is needed to determine whether EPI was the primary cause of this low concentration. Findings suggested the importance of obtaining complete diet histories and ensuring dietary requirements are sufficiently met in dogs with EPI. (Am J Vet Res 2020;81:958–963)
Risk Factors for the Occurrence of Desmopathy of the Collateral Ligaments of the Distal Interphalangeal Joint in Equines – A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Camargo Góss Geórgia , Desconsi Mozzaquatro Fabricio , Lima Machado Ingrid Rios , Maldonado Gomes Etiele , Salgueiro Da Silva Graziele , Moreira Carneiro Ana Luisa , Belmonte Silveira Bruno , Afonso Rivero Bruno , Acosta Duarte Claudia
Published: November 2020

Desmopathy of the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint (CL-DIPJ) has been increasingly relevant in equine sports medicine. However, the risk factors for the development of such desmopathy are not well established. In the literature, what has been described about it, is based on the clinical conditions observed in animals diagnosed with this disorder. Considering this scenario, the aim of this study was to verify which possible extrinsic or intrinsic risk factors may influence the occurrence of disorders in the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint in polo horses. Twenty-five horses from the same equestrian team, all competing in polo, were evaluated via ultrasonography. The outcome was defined as changes in echogenicity and/or boundaries of the CL-DIPJ of the thoracic limbs of the horses evaluated. The intrinsic factors considered in this study were age, the presence of angular deviations and gender. As extrinsic factors, the parameters taken into consideration were the handicap in which the animals played and the type of training to which these horses were previously submitted in their professional athletic career. The prevalence ratio was used to verify the association between risk factor and outcome. The result of this evaluation was considered significant when the confidence interval value did not involve the value 1. Positive and significant association was observed only for age. Playing in different handicaps did not influence the presence of ligament disorders. The other factors evaluated revealed a positive but not significant association. Thus, it was concluded that animals aged nine years or older present a higher risk of CL-DIPJ disorders.
The Impact of Double Layer Membrane Technique on Bone Regeneration in Postextraction Alveoli – A Pathohistological Experimental Study in Dogs
Authors: Dejan Dubovina , Marija Bubalo , Branko Mihailović , Zoran Tatić , Darko Marinković , Zoran Bukumirić , Filip Đorđević , Zoran Lazić
Published: November 2020

Post extraction alveolar ridge preservation is a preventive oral surgical procedure aimed to preserve the dimensions of the alveolar ridge after removal of the teeth. According to literature data, the utilization of guided bone regeneration for this purpose is absolutely justified. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of resorbable collagen membranes placed in two layers in respect to the application of membranes placed in one layer to the degree of bone regeneration after a tooth extraction. This experimental study was conducted on six adult dogs. In the first phase all four premolars were extracted on both sides in the lower jaw. After the volume-standardisation with bone drill, three post extraction alveoli were filled with bone substitute of equine origin and then covered with: collagen bioresor bable membrane of porcine origin; collagen bioresorbable membrane of equine origin; pericardial bioresorbable membrane of equine origin. The membranes on the left side were placed in single-layer and on the right side in double-layer manner. After different monitoring periods, histopathological analysis of the samples taken from the experimental regions was performed. A different degree of bone regeneration was achieved between experimental regions in which membranes were placed in one layer and those where membranes were placed in two layers. There was no difference between regions where membranes of different origin were placed in the same manner. The procedure of covering the post extraction alveoli, filled with bone substitute and with resorbable membranes placed in two layers resulted in a higher degree of bone regeneration compared to those where resorbable membranes were placed in one layer.
Observation of Hermann’s Tortoise (Testudo hermanni) C Lutching without the Presence of Males and Eggshell Mortality on a Large Tortoise Farm in Slovenia Over a Three-Year Period
Authors: Mateja Stvarnik , Renata Lindtner-Knific , Žan Štokar , Gordana Gregurić Gračner , Jasna Mićunović , Alenka Dovč
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to determine the percentage of hatched and fertilized eggs in female Hermann’s tortoises before and after the removal of males after breeding.

A breeding group of Testudo hermanni boettgeri with 50 females and 12 males was included in the study. In the first year, all adults were together in the same habitat until reproductive activity was observed. After the end of May, the males and females were separated for the next two active seasons. The number of eggs and number of second clutches decreased gradually. In the first year, 76.0% of females laid eggs; in the second year, 24.0%; and in the third year, only 8.0%. Second clutches were observed in ten females (26.3%) in the first year, while in the next two years, one female had a second clutch. There was a small but significant correlation between the weight of a single tortoise and the number of eggs laid but no significant correlation between the weight of the tortoise and its average egg weight. The weight (15.1-16.8 g), length (33.9-36.1 mm) and width of each egg (27.5-28.0 mm) was measured.

During the laying season, the eggs were put into incubators. The incubation length varied from 52 to 70 days. After the end of incubation, eggshell mortality and its causes (19.3-52.5%) were examined. In the first year, the viability rate of the incubated eggs was 80.7%; in the second year, 80.5%; and in the third year, 47.8%. Among the unhatched eggs in the first year, 62.5% were unfertilized, 53.1% were infected, 28.1% were dehydrated and 21.9% were found in various stages of embryonic development.
Urticaria Pigmentosa Due to Microsporum canis Infection in a Sphynx Cat – Case Report
Authors: Marcin Szczepanik , Piotr Wilkołek , Grzegorz Kalisz , Anna Śmiech
Published: November 2020

A two- year-old Sphynx cat, an unneutered female with multiple erythematous papules with hyperpigmentation was presented. In skin biopsy, in the dermis, well differentiated monomorphic mast cells were found. Fungal culture was positive for Microsporum canis. Diagnosis of urticaria pigmentosa following M. canis infection was made. The animal was successfully treated with itraconazole orally and shampoo containing chlorhexidine and miconazole. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of urticaria pigmentosa following the dermatophyte infection in a Sphynx cat.
Plyometric Exercises Improves Muscular Power and Digital Achievement in High Jump Among Students
Authors: Houcine Benzidane , Djamel Mokrani , Ahmed Attalah
Published: November 2020

The research aim was to identify the effect of using some plyometric exercises to improve muscular power (vertical jump) and digital achievement in high jump activity among third year’s students. The researchers used an experimental method in conformity with research nature between pre-tests and post-tests for the sample research. The sample was formed by students belonging to the physical education and sports institute, University of Mostaganem (Algeria) of the academic year 2018/2019. 40 students were chosen and divided into two groups (experimental 21 students, control 19 students). The vertical jump test of stability and digital achievement test were used. After the treatment of the results by statistical means and through these results, it has been reached several conclusions from them. Plyometric exercises are important to develop vertical jump and digital achievement level in high jump [discussion significant difference (p≤0.05)] among students, and the best improvement of the experimental group based on plyometric exercises is marked comparing to the control group.
Clinical Characteristics of PMS Co-Morbid with MDD and Effectiveness of SSRIs in its Treatment
Authors: Yakimova R. , Stoimenova-Popova M. , Chumpalova P. , Pandova M. , Stoyanova M.
Published: November 2020

Background: Data on the clinical characteristics of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with co-morbid major depressive disorder (MDD) are scarce. Although selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are widely used to treat both PMS and MDD there is little information on their efficacy in PMS in patients with co-morbid MDD.

Objective: To describe the clinical picture of PMS co-morbid with current depressive episode (DE) and evaluate its dynamics under a 6-month course of SSRIs treatment.

Materials and methods: We present a longitudinal observational study, conducted in out- and inpatient conditions. Thirty-one women eligible to antidepressant treatment for a current DE in the course of MDD were evaluated for PMS and those of them suffering from both conditions were re-evaluated twice during a 6-month medication intake period.

Results: The pre-treatment clinical picture of PMS co-morbid with MDD was dominated by moderately to severely expressed mood swings, anxiety, fatigue, breast tenderness, palpitations, abdominal bloating, and headache. After six months of SSRIs intake the syndrome was characterised by nearly the same symptoms (with the addition of irritability and appetite changes) but mildly expressed.

Conclusion: Untreated PMS co-morbid with MDD is characterised by mainly moderately severe psychological and around three times less commonly – somatic symptoms. SSRIs treatment alleviate both symptom types at month three and even further, although less pronouncedly at month six.
Additive Antidepressant Effects of Combined Administration of Ecitalopram and Caloric Restriction in LPS-Induced Neonatal Model of Depression in Rats
Authors: Haritov E. , Tivcheva J.
Published: November 2020

Background and aims: Increasing evidence indicates that inflammation in the periphery and neuroinflammation in the brain might be involved in the pathophysiology of depressive symptoms in humans. Relatively little is known about the effects of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI) on individuals exposed to differential dietary regimens, like caloric restriction (CR).

The aim of the current study is to assess the antidepressant and antineuroinflammatory effects of CR in single administration and combined with SSRIsantidepressant escitalopram in LPS-induced model of depression in Wistar rats.

Materials and methods: For this purpose, we used 36 Wistar rats and applied 3 behavioral tests for depression (FST, SPT and NSFT) in animals and an ELISA-method for measurement of brain IL-1beta levels.

Results: Behavioral assessment and results from ELISA-method have shown that CR not only augments the effect of the antidepressant escitalopram on forced swim test (FST) and sucrose preference test (SPT), but also reduces the brain levels of proinflammatory cytokine IL-1beta. Combined with escitalopram, CR enhances antidepressant and antinflamatory properties of this SSRI.

Discussion and conclusion: These results show that the response to antidepressive treatment depends on the diverse dietary regimens, especially low-caloric diet. We suggest that the background of this is augmentation of anidepressant and antineuronflammatory properties of some antidepressants by CR. Manipulation of dietary regimens is attractive and new strategy for the management of pharmacoresistant depression.
Telemedicine in Assistance to Healthcare in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kilova K. , Uzunova S.
Published: November 2020

Global pandemics pose unprecedented challenges to healthcare. In the current situation, telemedicine appears to be a sustainable and effective solution in the implementation of precautions, prevention and treatment in order to discontinue the spreading of the coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

The aim of this paper was to research and analyze the role of telemedicine in assistance to healthcare in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: The PubMed Database, Google Scholar, SpringerLink, ScienceDirect (Elsevier) and sites of public authorities have been accessed and reviewed.

Results: Advantages, restrictions, policy and application of telemedicine in the conditions of COVID-19 pandemic have been studied and analyzed.

Conclusion: Healthcare systems are put under an extreme test during global pandemics. Telemedicine is crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic because it guarantees that patients have access to medical care.
Comparison of yield, composition and quality of milk of Polish Holstein-Friesian cows in conventional and automatic milking systems
Authors: Kolenda Magdalena , Piwczyński Dariusz , Brzozowski Marcin , Sitkowska Beata , Wójcik Piotr
Published: November 2020

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the changes in selected production and functional traits of Polish Holstein-Friesian cows after switching from a conventional (CMS) to an automatic milking system (AMS). The study consisted of 3398 Polish Holstein- Friesian dairy cows, from 16 herds in which CMS was changed to AMS. Cows were in their 1st (L1) or 2nd lactation (L2). The data consisted of milk yield [MY, kg], fat content [FC, %], protein content [PC, %], dry matter [DM, %], lactose content [LC, %], urea content [MU, mg/l], somatic cell count [SCC, thous./ml] and score [SCS, log]. The milking system had a significant impact on milk yield, fat, lactose, dry matter and urea contents. Regardless of lactation number, milk derived from CMS was characterised by higher values for FC, PC, DM SCC and SCS, while milk from AMS had higher MY, LC and MU. Multifactor analysis of variance also confirmed significant effect of herd, season, herd × milking system interaction on SCS in milk of cows in L1. In the studied herds change from CMS to AMS was evaluated separately for cows in L1 and L2. The transitioning from CMS to AMS resulted in the decrease of fat content in 6 L1 and 7 L2 herds, dry matter in 8 L1 and 5 L2 herds. SCS in milk also decreased in 4 L1 and 5 L2 herds. The change caused the increase of MY in 11 L1 and 9 L2 herds, lactose content in 6 L1 and 4 L2 herds and urea content in 9 L1 and 10 L2 herds. AMS may positively affect milk yield and health status, however, the change of milking system should be also accompanied by the change in herd management.
Sex Dependent Action of Aroclor 1254 on Basal and sGnRHa-Stimulated Secretion of LH from the Pituitary Cells of Common Carp, Cyprinus carpio L.
Authors: Socha Magdalena , Sokołowska-Mikołajczyk Mirosława , Chyb Jarosław , Drąg-Kozak Ewa , Łuszczek-Trojnar Ewa
Published: November 2020

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in many vertebrates, changing the hormonal regulation of reproduction. To identify one of the possible sites of action of PCBs on gonadotropin release in common carp, the direct effects of Aroclor 1254 on luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion from dispersed pituitary cells were investigated. Pituitary cells were obtained from sexually mature male and female common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) at the time of natural spawning. The cells were incubated with different concentrations of Aroclor 1254 (5, 10, 50 and 100 ng mL–1 medium) and/or salmon gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (sGnRHa) at a concentration of 10−8 M. LH levels were measured in the cultured medium by the ELISA method after 10 hours of cell incubation. Incubation of male pituitary cells in the presence of tested concentrations of Aroclor did not change the basal LH secretion to the media. In the female pituitary cell incubations Aroclor (5, 10 and 100 ng mL–1 medium) caused a significant increase in LH concentrations in comparison to control incubations. In the case of sGnRHastimulated LH secretion in incubations of cells of both sexes, all the concentrations of Aroclor significantly stimulated LH release and potentiated stimulatory effects of sGnRH analogue. These results indicate that endocrine disrupters, such as Aroclor 1254, may affect reproduction in fish, acting also directly on gonadotrophs at the level of the pituitary gland, changing LH secretion.
Effects of feeding urea-treated triticale and oat grain mixtures on ruminal fermentation, microbial population, and milk production performance of midlactation dairy cows
Authors: Libera Kacper , Szumacher-Strabel Malgorzata , Vazirigohar Mina , Zieliński Wiktor , Lukow Rafal , Wysocka Klaudia , Kołodziejski Pawel , Lechniak Dorota , Varadyova Zora , Patra Amlan Kumar , Cieslak Adam
Published: November 2020

The starch content of triticale and oat grains provides much of their readily available energy. Synchronizing energy and nitrogen in the rumen is important in optimizing profitability; for this reason, ammonia processing of these grains was evaluated for its potential to modify ruminal fermentation and to improve milk production performance. A mixture of ground triticale and oats (CONG, at a ratio of 60:40 on a dry matter basis) was treated with urea (5 kg/1000 kg) and urease additive (20 kg/1000 kg) containing 200 g/kg of moisture, for 2 wk (UREG). The urea treatment enhanced the pH and CP content of grains by 34% and 52%, respectively. In a batch culture study, CONG or UREG as the only substrate was incubated in a buffered ruminal fluid. Compared to CONG, UREG increased pH, total VFA concentration, total gas, and disappearance of DM, while reducing CH4 production, whereas NH3 concentration increased and entodiniomorph counts tended to increase. In the in vivo study, cows were randomly allocated to two dietary groups (n = 24) and were offered TMR based on maize and grass silage, containing either 155 g/kg of CONG and 80 g/ kg of soybean meal (CONT) or 155 g/kg of UREG and 59 g/kg of soybean meal (URET) for 31 d. Ruminal fluid was collected (n = 10) using rumenocentesis. The relative abundances of Streptococcus bovis decreased, but Megasphaera elsdenii, methanogens, and ammonia-producing bacteria increased by URET. Entodiniomorph and holotrich counts were decreased by URET. Feeding with URET increased ruminal pH and concentrations of total VFA, acetate, branched-chain VFA, and NH3. Feeding with URET also increased milk yield. These results demonstrate that replacing untreated triticale and oat grains with urea-treated grains can beneficially modulate ruminal microbiota and fermentation, consequently improving production performance and profitability.
Some population parameters of Bengal yellowfin seabream, Acanthopagrus longispinnis (Val.), from Hatiya Island, Bay of Bengal
Authors: Siddique Mohammad Abdul Momin , Hossain Md. Soliman , Hossain Md. Sabbir , Hasan Zahid , Das Jewel , Mustafa Golam
Published: November 2020

Size frequency, length-weight relationships (LWRs), length-length relationships (LLRs), and relative condition factor (Kn) was studied in an estuarine fish the Bengal yellowfin seabream, Acanthopagrus longispinnis (Val.), from Hatiya Island in the Meghna River estuary. Specimens were caught with fixed purse nets of two mesh sizes (0.2 to 0.5 inch and 2.0 to 2.5 inch) from January to March 2020. The total body length of A. longispinnis ranged between 5.8 and 9.3 cm throughout the sampling period. The length-weight relationships for A. longispinnis was highly significant (p < .001), and the adjusted r
2 value was 0.921. The calculated growth coefficient (b) for A. longispinnis was 3.163, which indicated a hyperallometric growth pattern. The length-length equation TL = 1.1384 SL + 0.4899 for unsexed A. longispinnis was highly significant (p = 0.001, r2 = 0.951). There were no significant variations in relative condition factors among the specimens of different length classes (5.5–9.5 cm). No information regarding length-weight or length-length relationships for A. longispinnis was previously reported in FishBase. Our estimated LWR and LLR parameters for A. longispinnis can be useful for management and conservation purposes of this estuarine species.
Internal Perspectivism and Empathy in Ismail Kadare’s Novels in the Communist and Post-Communist Period
Authors: Tahiri Lindita , Kamberi Nerimane
Published: November 2020

This paper compares the literary work of the Albanian writer Ismail Kadare in the communist and post-communist periods, pointing out the stylistic traits that have made his work resistant to the communist rule. In a political context which managed to disfigure literature as a tool of the daily interests of politics, Kadare succeeded in protecting language from an Orwellian absolute repression. During the communist period, Kadare broke out not only of the Albanian political isolation but also of the stylistic limits and literary incapability of Socialist Realism. Yet, scholars such as the eminent Balkan historian Noel Malcolm (1997) have condemned Kadare for opportunistic relation with the regime, and this opinion emerged every time the writer was announced as candidate for the Nobel Prize. The paper argues that Kadare’s narrative style characterized by lack of authoritarianism is the best argument which refutes this condemnation. The stylistic features of his prose are analysed through linguistic indicators such as agency, transitivity, passivation, animacy, free direct and indirect discourse, intensifiers, deictics, thematization, and cohesion. This study points out the internal perspectivism in Kadare’s prose written during the communist period and identifies metafiction and inter-subjective focalization in his post-communist novels.
Social Meanings of the Hungarian Politeness Marker Tetszik in Doctor-Patient Communication
Authors: Kuna Ágnes , Domonkosi Ágnes
Published: November 2020

The paper explores how the politeness marker tetszik is used in Hungarian and how its functions are evaluated by the participants of doctor-patient communication. The possible functions of tetszik are investigated on the basis of questionnaires filled in by 50 patients and 50 GPs. Data about the social meanings of tetszik are presented with regard to the following: proportions of the use of tetszik in doctor-patient communication; metapragmatic evaluations and attitudes to the use of tetszik by doctors and patients; probable strategies underlying its use. Based on the data, we conclude that the use of the politeness marker tetszik is prototypically respectful while conveying familiarity and friendliness, with the age, gender, and relative status of the interlocutors also taken into consideration.
On the Discourse of Online Sports News Headlines
Authors: Peterlicean Andrea , Berariu Elena-Cristina
Published: November 2020

Sports discourse is one of the most common types of discourses today. It is regarded to be one of the types of media discourses which is supposed to display mainly features of description and commentary, with a unique, specialized vocabulary. This study focuses on sports news headlines published online. One of the objectives of the study is to establish some of the markers with respect to lexical choices, events, and formulation of content. Another objective is to see what ideologies these headlines may reveal.
Design and Performance Evaluation of Protective Clothing for Emergency Rescue
Authors: Zhang Haitang , Zheng Qing , Ke Ying , Wang Hongfu , Wang Min , Ye Yuanli
Published: November 2020

Protective clothing is very important to guarantee the safety of emergency rescuers. And proper construction design of clothing will improve the rescue efficacy. This study developed a new set of emergency rescue protective clothing (NC) and evaluated its performance. Clothing fit test, freedom of movement, and rationality of pocket tests were conducted. The results showed that the amount of slippage at the hem, waist of pants, and leg opening of NC has been greatly reduced. The NC had provided better cloth fit and dynamic comfort. The storage capacity of the pockets had been increased, the position and angle design of the pocket made it easier to take and keep the rescue tools.
Characterisation of Morphology in Musculus Semitendinosus Tendon Used for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Pilot Study
Authors: Osipovs Janis Davis , Pilmane Mara , Ciems Modris
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is very common in athletes. In the general population, incidence is approximately 33 per 100 000 people.

Aim of the study

The aim of the study was the evaluation of morphological changes in the musculus semitendinosus tendon used for the reconstruction of ACL to understand the quality of most common for surgery used material.

Material and methods

The materials were obtained from four ACL autologous hamstring reconstruction surgeries. The tissue was stained with hematoxyllin and eosin and with immunohistochemical (IMH) staining of PGP9.5, VEGF, collagen I and collagen III. The material was evaluated with semiquantitative method.

Results

Routine staining showed practically unchanged tendon structure, with one exception when sclerotic blood vessels were observed in endotenon. Collagen III IMH demonstrated moderate to numerous positive collagen fibres in two cases, but in other two there were only few positive structures seen. Collagen I IMH showed few to moderate number of positive collagen fibres in all cases. In two cases, moderate number of PGP9.5 positive nerve fibres was observed and in two other cases occasional to few number of positive structures was detected. PGP 9.5 marked higher number of nerve fibres in peritenon than in endotenon. Numerous VEGF positive endotheliocytes were observed in two cases, but in two other cases VEGF positive endotheliocytes were occasional.

Conclusions

Tendon of musculus semitendinosus displays two patterns of distribution of tissue ischemia, neuropeptide containing innervation and collagen I and III. Collagen III is thought to be evaluated as a response of tendon to the ischemia and intensive innervation, while increase of collagen I probably is related to the relatively unchanged vascularity and innervation. The pattern of musculus semitendinosus tendon structural changes seems to be connected to the individual homeostasis in patients persisting before the usage of tendon for the reconstruction.
Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in the Downstaging of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer and its Impact on Progression–Free Survival
Authors: Neško Tatjana , Neško Arvils , Sīviņa Elīna , Purkalne Gunta
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT) followed by radical surgery, which allows to reduce local recurrence, downsize the tumor and facilitate its R0 resection.

Aim of the study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the downstaging of LARC after NACRT and to assess the impact of downstaging on progression–free survival (PFS).

Materials and methods

65 patients diagnosed with LARC from 2012 to 2018, who received NACRT with subsequent radical surgery were identified in the Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital in Riga and included in this retrospective study. Average follow–up period was 31 months. Data were analysed with SPSS Statistics 22.0, Wilcoxon signed–rank test and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis were performed.

Results

Overall, 66.7% (n=40) of patients experienced a downstaging in response to NACRT, of which 37.5% (n=24, p=0.004) had a downstaging of T and 63.3% (n=38, p=0.0001) of N.

12–month PFS was 87.8%, 24–month PFS – 66.1% and 3–year PFS – 62.7%, median PFS (mPFS) was not met. 3–year PFS of those patients treated with intravenous 5FU/LV boluses was significantly higher (76.5%) than those who received oral tegafur (45.6%, mPFS 32 months), p=0.038. 3–year PFS of patients with downstaged T was 85.9%, compared to 52.1% without it; mPFS not met, p=0.04. Similarly, 3–year PFS of patients with downstaged N was 71.5%, compared to 43.3% without it (mPFS 24 months), p=0.112. Lymphatic and vascular invasion were associated with significantly lower PFS compared to the patients with absent lymphatic and vascular invasion (p=0.0001 and p=0.014, respectively), while perineural invasion did not show any impact on PFS. Age at diagnosis, tumor location, type of surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy did not have a significant impact on PFS.

Conclusions

Results confirm the efficacy of NACRT in LARC in the downstaging of T and N. Downstaging of LARC, intravenous chemotherapy and absence of lymphovascular invasion are associated with significantly increased PFS.
Subliminal Laser as Additional Therapy to Reduce Intravitreal Injection Number for the Patients with Macular Diseases
Authors: Muceniece Liene , Markevica Dace
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Intravitreal injections have become one of the most performed surgical procedures in ophthalmology. There is a need to look for an effective alternative therapy for patients with anti-VEGF complications and systemic disease contraindications.

Aim of the study

To evaluate Subliminal laser effectiveness on reducing macular disease edema.

Materials and methods

Subliminal laser treatment was done three times with three month intervals for patients with macular edema due to retinal diseases. On 1st, 3rd, 6th and 9th month visit the best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, macular thickness and macular volume were registered.

Results

Mean visual acuity before treatment was 0,52 (SD=0,31) that changed to 0,56 after the 9 month treatment (p>0,05). Mean central macular thickness from 326,12 μm reduced to 308,15 (p=0,76). Without significant difference, inner cycle volume changed from 1353,80 mm3 to 1297,57 mm3 (p=0,81) and outer cycle volume from 1179,4 mm3 to 1112,56 mm3 (p=0,51).

Conclusions

Subliminal laser controls macular edema level and could be a solution for patients who cannot afford or are emotionally distressed by monthly intravitreal injections. This treatment method can be used as additional therapy to reduce the number of intravitreal injections.
Postoperative Antibacterial Prophylaxis in Vascular Surgery: Analysis of its Parameters Before and After Evaluation of Justification of Chosen Indications
Authors: Supols Edgars
Published: November 2020

In surgical practice, antibacterial prophylaxis (AP) is widely used to reduce the risk of possible infectious complications; it is not always administrated according to evidence-based clinical indications. Administration of AP in cases when its inefficiency for exact situation has been scientifically proven, should be considered as unwarranted. A one-year-long retrospective analysis of AP cases in the Department of Vascular Surgery of Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital was performed and the results were broadly analyzed within the local structural unit. It was followed by the development of the local guidelines for administration of antibiotics, as a result, a significant decrease in cases of unwarranted AP has been achieved.
Exploring the need for a new paradigm in engineering management and the decision-making process in technology-based organisations
Authors: Philbin Simon P. , Kennedy Donald
Published: November 2020

Engineering management and engineering projects are subject to greater levels of uncertainty and complexity as part of the current dynamic and competitive industrial environment. Engineering managers need to navigate the arising challenges and consequently gain access to effective decision-making processes. Engineering education has a clear role to play here. However, formal education in quantitative methods is only part of the solution — engineers and engineering managers should also have access to a broader set of skills and knowledge to be effective in the industrial landscape. Therefore, we now need a new paradigm for engineering management and the decision-making process. This article draws on supporting material from the literature and the insights gained from a series of industrial cases using the participatory action research method and a process of inductive reasoning to allow synthesis of generalised propositions that are linked to the industrial cases and antecedent factors from the literature. The findings lead to a set of areas that require further development to support engineering managers to be more effective when dealing with increasing levels of uncertainty and complexity. This includes a number of areas, which are as follow: the need for engineering managers to have enhanced professional skills and knowledge; the importance of experience-based judgement; effective knowledge management; supportive leadership and overall organisational culture; and a holistic approach to decision-making. The research study has practical relevance to engineering management practitioners working in industrial companies to support self-evaluation and professional development. The findings are also pertinent to academic researchers seeking to evaluate decision-making models as part of extending the current understanding of the field of engineering management in technology-based organisations.
Evaluating Efficacy of Fumagilin-B® Against Nosemosis and Tracking Seasonal Trends of Nosema spp. in Nova Scotia Honey Bee Colonies
Authors: McCallum Robyn , Olmstead Sawyer , Shaw Jillian , Glasgow Kathleen
Published: November 2020

The efficacy of the antimicrobial Fumagilin-B® against nosemosis was evaluated in both spring and autumn feeding treatments following label directions in seventy-two honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies across three apiaries in Nova Scotia, Canada. The seasonal trend of Nosema spp. spore loads was also tracked in these same colonies throughout a thirteen-month period (February 2018 – March 2019). We found the spring Fumagilin-B® treatment to be effective at significantly suppressing Nosema spp. spore levels below the recommended treatment threshold. There was no effect of Fumagilin-B® treatment in the autumn based on low spore levels at this time. We detected a drastic increase in Nosema spp. spore loads as May progressed but a decline in spores in summer (June–September). By October, there was another increase in spore levels, but this increase did not exceed the economic treatment threshold. Across seventeen collection periods in both control and Fumagilin-B® colonies, 74% (25) of samples tested positive for Nosema ceranae, while 26% (9) contained no Nosema spp. spores. No Nosema apis spores were detected during this trial. Our results indicate that Fumagilin-B® is an effective management practice in the spring, but colonies should still be monitored in the autumn. Our data also support that the Nosema species profile is shifting to be exclusively N. ceranae and the treatment threshold for Fumagilin-B® may need to be updated to reflect this, as the threshold was originally developed for N. apis.
Genetic characterisation and local genotypes of canine parvovirus strains collected from pet dogs in central and eastern China during 2018–2019
Authors: Hu Wen , Zheng Liangyan , Xu Xin , Liu Qiang , Ji Jun , Yao Lunguang , Kan Yunchao , Bi Yingzuo
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Canine parvovirus type-2 (CPV-2) causes acute infectious diseases in puppies, which show high morbidity and mortality. Better effect of vaccination against these diseases could be achieved with deeper knowledge of CPV-2 genotype dissemination and mutation history. This study investigated CPV-2–positive samples collected recently over a wide region of China.

Material and Methods

A total of 118 faecal samples from dogs identified as CPV-positive were collected from veterinary clinics in central and eastern China. Overall, 16 strains collected from Anhui, 29 from Henan, and 16 from Zhejiang Province were sequenced to determine the genotypic composition of CPV-2 and mutational complexity of CPV-VP2.

Results

The CPV-2a, CPV-2b, and CPV-2c genotypes were detected in Anhui and Henan Provinces, while CPV-2c alone was detected in Zhejiang Province. Sequence analysis of all strains showed 98.5%–99.8%, 98.3%–99.9%, and 98.7%–99.8% identity among the 16 Anhui, 29 Henan, and 16 Zhejiang strains, respectively. Strains collected from Anhui and Henan Provinces showed lower identity (97.0%), suggesting greater genetic divergence in central China. The mutation rates of Henan and Anhui strains were lower than that of Zhejiang strains. Major amino acid mutations occurred at sites 5, 370, 426, and 440. Epitope and entropy analyses implied these sites’ likely conformance to the principles of mutation tendency, complexity, and diversity.

Conclusion

The findings for the evolutionary structure of CPV-2 strains collected from three provinces in central and eastern China advance trend monitoring of the genetic variation in canine parvovirus and point to its implications in the development of novel vaccines.
Port Revenue Performance and Economic Growth: The Nigerian Ports Authority Experience, 2010-2019
Authors: Osadume Richard C. , University Edih O.
Published: November 2020

The Study examined Port Revenue Performance and Economic Growth: The Nigerian Ports Authority Experience, 2010 to 2019. The objective of this study is to examine the effect of Port Revenue Performance on Nigeria's economic growth by critically evaluating the Nigerian Ports Authority Performance. The neoclassical growth theory was employed in the study and the Nigeria Ports Authority was chosen as its sample, covering the period from 2010 to 2019. The study used secondary time series data sourced from the Nigeria Ports Authority and the National Bureau of Statistics and used the ordinary least square regression and the Engle-Granger co-integration to test the variables at the 5% level of significance. The findings showed that total revenue to gross registered tonnage had positive and significant effect on economic growth while operating surplus to operating revenue showed a negative but significant effect and operating surplus to cargo throughput showed insignificant effect; there was no co-integration between the variables. The study concludes that Port revenue performance affects economic growth in the short-run only, and it recommends amongst others that policy makers should formulate appropriate and implementable regulatory framework that will address infrastructural deficits at the ports and stimulate increased utilization by major foreign vessel companies.
A study of nickel and cobalt silicides formed in the Ni/Co/Si(1 0 0) system by thermal annealing
Authors: Sedrati C. , Bouabellou A. , Kabir A. , Haddad R. , Boudissa M. , Taabouche A. , Fiad H. , Hammoudi A.
Published: November 2020

In this work, the Ni/Co/Si system was annealed at temperatures ranging from 300 °C to 800 °C. The samples were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and sheet resistance measurement. The XRD and Raman spectroscopy results showed that the formation of nickel and cobalt silicides (CoSi, Co2Si, Ni2Si, NiSi, NiSi2, CoSi2) is an annealing temperature dependent diffusion process. The diffusion phenomenon was evidenced by RBS. The low values of the sheet resistance which were correlated with the films surface roughness were attributed to the formation of both CoSi and NiSi phases.
Influence of cation order on the dielectric properties of (1 – x)Pb(Sc0:5Nb0:5)O3-xPb(Yb0:5Nb0:5)O3 ceramics
Authors: Garbarz-Glos Barbara , Bąk Wojciech , Antonova Maija , Kalvane Anna , Kajtoch Czesław , Dulian Piotr
Published: November 2020

Ceramic lead niobates and their solid solutions (1 – x)Pb(Sc0:5Nb0:5)O3 – xPb(Yb0:5Nb0:5)O3 were synthesized by solid state reactions from oxides. The structure of investigated samples was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Dielectric studies of the ceramics were performed by means of broadband dielectric spectroscopy at the temperature ranging from 600 K to 140 K. For all ceramic samples a diffuse phase transition as well as relaxor ferroelectric behavior were observed.
A Longitudinal Analysis of Swedish Local Governments on Facebook: A visualisation of communication
Authors: Baltz André
Published: November 2020

Facebook has become an essential channel for local governments to convey information and interact with citizens, and communication on the platform has been studied intensively through a range of smaller case studies in various countries. By looking at the development of Swedish municipalities’ Facebook usage between 2009 and 2017, this article attempts to frame such use in a longitudinal perspective. Based on more than 85,000 posts from 38 Swedish local governments, the findings show that most municipalities have adapted to an online visual culture, using photos and videos “to go viral”. The findings also show large increases in interactions, such as sharing and liking, whilst commenting appears to lag behind. It also shows that local government Facebook pages retain a strong, yet decreasing, tie with government web pages, visible through a tendency of the Facebook page to recycle information from the web page.