bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tissue-specific and repeat length-dependent somatic instability of the X-linked dystonia parkinsonism-associated CCCTCT repeat
Authors: Campion Lindsey N. , Mejia Maza Alan , Yadav Rachita , Penney Ellen B. , Murcar Micaela G. , Correia Kevin , Gillis Tammy , Fernandez-Cerado Cara , Velasco-Andrada M. Salvie , Legarda G. Paul , Ganza-Bautista Niecy G. , Lagarde J. Benedict B. , Acuña Patrick J. , Multhaupt-Buell Trisha , Aldykiewicz Gabrielle , Supnet Melanie L. , De Guzman Jan K. , Go Criscely , Sharma Nutan , Munoz Edwin L. , Ang Mark C. , Diesta Cid Czarina E. , Bragg D. Cristopher , Ozelius Laurie J. , Wheeler Vanessa C.
Published: April 2022

X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism (XDP) is a progressive adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder caused by insertion of a SINE-VNTR-Alu (SVA) retrotransposon in the TAF1 gene. The SVA retrotransposon contains a CCCTCT hexameric repeat tract of variable length, whose length is inversely correlated with age at onset. This places XDP in a broader class of repeat expansion diseases, characterized by the instability of their causative repeat mutations. Here, we observe similar inverse correlations between CCCTCT repeat length with age at onset and age at death and no obvious correlation with disease duration. To gain insight into repeat instability in XDP we performed comprehensive quantitative analyses of somatic instability of the XDP CCCTCT repeat in blood and in seventeen brain regions from affected males. Our findings reveal repeat length-dependent and expansion-based instability of the XDP CCCTCT repeat, with greater levels of expansion in brain than in blood. The brain exhibits regional-specific patterns of instability that are broadly similar across individuals, with cerebellum exhibiting low instability and cortical regions exhibiting relatively high instability. The spectrum of somatic instability in the brain includes a high proportion of moderate repeat length changes of up to 5 repeats, as well as expansions of ~ 20- > 100 repeats and contractions of ~ 20–40 repeats at lower frequencies. Comparison with HTT CAG repeat instability in postmortem Huntington’s disease brains reveals similar brain region-specific profiles, indicating common trans-acting factors that contribute to the instability of both repeats. Analyses in XDP brains of expansion of a different SVA-associated CCCTCT located in the LIPG gene, and not known to be disease-associated, reveals repeat length-dependent expansion at overall lower levels relative to the XDP CCCTCT repeat, suggesting that expansion propensity may be modified by local chromatin structure. Together, the data support a role for repeat length-dependent somatic expansion in the process(es) driving the onset of XDP and prompt further investigation into repeat dynamics and the relationship to disease.
EARL compliance measurements on the biograph vision Quadra PET/CT system with a long axial field of view
Authors: Prenosil George A. , Hentschel Michael , Weitzel Thilo , Sari Hasan , Shi Kuangyu , Afshar-Oromieh Ali , Rominger Axel
Published: April 2022

Background

Our aim was to determine sets of reconstruction parameters for the Biograph Vision Quadra (Siemens Healthineers) PET/CT system that result in quantitative images compliant with the European Association of Nuclear Medicine Research Ltd. (EARL) criteria. Using the Biograph Vision 600 (Siemens Healthineers) PET/CT technology but extending the axial field of view to 106 cm, gives the Vision Quadra currently an around fivefold higher sensitivity over the Vision 600 with otherwise comparable spatial resolution. Therefore, we also investigated how the number of incident positron decays—i.e., exposure—affects EARL compliance. This will allow estimating a minimal acquisition time or a minimal applied dose in clinical scans while retaining data comparability.

Methods

We measured activity recovery curves on a NEMA IEC body phantom filled with an aqueous 18F solution and a sphere to background ratio of 10–1 according to the latest EARL guidelines. Reconstructing 3570 image sets with varying OSEM PSF iterations, post-reconstruction Gaussian filter full width at half maximum (FWHM), and varying exposure from 59 kDecays/ml (= 3 s frame duration) to 59.2 MDecays/ml (= 1 h), allowed us to determine sets of parameters to achieve compliance with the current EARL 1 and EARL 2 standards. Recovery coefficients (RCs) were calculated for the metrics RCmax, RCmean, and RCpeak, and the respective recovery curves were analyzed for monotonicity. The background’s coefficient of variation (COV) was also calculated.

Results

Using 6 iterations, 5 subsets and 7.8 mm Gauss filtering resulted in optimal EARL1 compliance and recovery curve monotonicity in all analyzed frames, except in the 3 s frames. Most robust EARL2 compliance and monotonicity were achieved with 2 iterations, 5 subsets, and 3.6 mm Gauss FWHM in frames with durations between 30 s and 10 min. RCpeak only impeded EARL2 compliance in the 10 s and 3 s frames.

Conclusions

While EARL1 compliance was robust over most exposure ranges, EARL2 compliance required exposures between 1.2 MDecays/ml to 11.5 MDecays/ml. The Biograph Vision Quadra’s high sensitivity makes frames as short as 10 s feasible for comparable quantitative images. Lowering EARL2 RCmax limits closer to unity would possibly even permit shorter frames.
A case of alveolar echinococcosis in the liver that ruptured into the pericardium treated by a combination of hepatectomy and albendazole
Authors: Yamamoto Yoichi , Sakamoto Yuzuru , Kamiyama Toshiya , Nagatsu Akihisa , Asahi Yoh , Orimo Tatsuya , Kakisaka Tatsuhiko , Kamachi Hirofumi , Otsuka Takuya , Mitsuhashi Tomoko , Taketomi Akinobu
Published: April 2022

Background

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a rare parasitic disease caused by the larva ofEchinococcus multilocularis. It nearly always occurs in the liver, and cardiac involvement is extremely rare. Liver resection is the most effective intervention for AE because the only potentially curative treatment is removal of the lesion. Even when complete resection is not performed, long-term survival can be expected after surgical removal of most of the lesion with lifelong administration of albendazole (ABZ).

Case presentation

A 64-year-old man who lived in Hokkaido was referred to our hospital due to abnormalities in biliary enzymes. According to the findings from enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resource imaging of the abdomen, transthoracic echocardiography and serologic tests, he was diagnosed with hepatic AE with rupture into the pericardium. He underwent extended left hemi-hepatectomy with reconstruction of the inferior vena cava and opening of the pericardium with drainage as reduction surgery. Pathological examination revealed echinococcal infection in the pericardium as well as the liver. He started chemotherapy with 400 mg ABZ per Day 67 days after surgery. Although the surgical margin was positive in the pathological findings, he was alive 19 months later with no regrowth of the echinococcal lesion.

Conclusion

AE with cardiac involvement is extremely rare. Even if the complete removal of cardiac-involved AE is not possible, surgical debulking with lifelong ABZ treatment can successfully manage the disease.
Sex hormones, CSF and serum leptin in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Abdelghaffar Mohamed , Hussein Mona , Abdelkareem Shaimaa A. , Elshebawy Haidy
Published: April 2022

Background

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is typically seen in females of childbearing period; therefore, it is possible that female sex hormones have a pathogenic role in IIH. Obesity is considered as a strong risk factor for IIH, Leptin levels in the serum and CSF were found to be positively correlated with anthropological measures of obesity. The role of leptin and sex hormones in the pathogenesis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension is not fully understood. The aim of this work was to assess CSF leptin, serum leptin, estradiol, testosterone, Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) patients.

Results

This is a case control study which was conducted on 38 IIH female patients and 38 females as controls. IIH patients had significantly higher levels of serum Leptin, CSF Leptin, serum estradiol and serum testosterone than controls (P value < 0.001, < 0.001, 0.005 and < 0.001, respectively), whereas there was no statistically significant difference between IIH patients and controls in serum DHEAS (P value = 0.142). IIH patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 had significantly higher levels of serum Leptin, CSF Leptin, serum estradiol, serum testosterone, and serum DHEAS than IIH patients with BMI < 30 kg/m2 (P value < 0.001, < 0.001, 0.009, < 0.001, and < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Patients with IIH express a characteristic elevation in CSF leptin, serum leptin, estradiol and testosterone levels. These hormones are significantly elevated in patients with high BMI.
Efficacy of intraoperative magnesium sulfate versus ketamine on emergence agitation in pediatric patients under sevoflurane anesthesia: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Abdelhakim Nada , Hassan Alaa Eid Mohamed , Nasr Dalia Abdelhamid Mohamed , Kamal Farouk
Published: April 2022

Background

Over the years, sevoflurane has been proven to be the most effective inhalational anesthetic for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia in pediatrics. However, one of the downsides of utilizing sevoflurane anesthesia in pediatrics is emergence agitation (EA). A variety of drugs have been evaluated for prophylaxis against the occurrence of EA. Both magnesium and ketamine were evaluated in controlling this phenomenon; however, the usefulness of using intraoperative magnesium and ketamine infusions in preventing EA is still debatable.

Methods

Fifty-two children aged 4–7 years who were having elective lower abdominal or pelvic surgeries under sevoflurane anesthesia were enrolled then allocated randomly into one of two groups (n= 26 each). The magnesium group (M) included 26 patients who received intravenous (IV) loading dose of magnesium 15 mg/kg before the surgical incision followed by IV infusion 10 mg/kg/h over the duration of surgery, while the ketamine group (K) included 26 patients who received an IV loading dose of ketamine 1 mg/kg before the surgical incision, then IV infusion 1 mg/kg/h over the duration of surgery. For each patient, the agitation score (Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium [PAED] scale) and pain score, as well as the time to endotracheal tube (ETT) removal, regain of mental orientation, and transfer from the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) to ward were all documented.

Results

Intraoperative magnesium sulfate infusion showed a lower PAED score on immediate arrival to PACU than intraoperative ketamine infusion, with less time to tracheal extubation, recovery of mental orientation, and discharge from PACU with aPvalue below 0.001, while there was no statistical significance between both groups as regards PAED score after 30 min in PACU, pain score, or perioperative vital data.

Conclusions

Magnesium sulfate was found superior to ketamine in lowering the severity of the postoperative agitation in pediatric patients undergoing abdominal or pelvic surgeries under sevoflurane anesthesia. Also, patients restored their consciousness and mental orientation faster in the magnesium group compared to ketamine. This has increased the PACU stay in the ketamine group.
COVID-19 vaccines: their effectiveness against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its emerging variants
Authors: Noor Rashed , Shareen Saadia , Billah Muntasir
Published: April 2022

Background

The world has been suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic (officially declared by WHO in March 2020), caused by the severe acute respiratory β-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) since the last week of December 2019. The disease was initially designated as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on January 30, 2020. In order to protect the health of mass public, an array of research on drugs and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 has been conducted globally. However, the emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2, i.e., Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P.1), and Delta (B.1.617.2) variants which evolved in late 2020 and the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) which emerged in November 2021 along with its subvariant BA.2 which was first identified in India and South Africa in late December 2021, have raised the doubt about the efficiency of the currently used vaccines especially in terms of the consistent potential to produce neutralizing antibodies targeting the viral spike (S) protein.

Main body of the abstract

The present review discussed the functional details of major vaccines regarding their efficiency against such variants during the pandemic. Overall, the mRNA vaccines have shown around 94% effectiveness; the adenovector vaccine showed approximately 70% efficacy, whereas Sputnik V vaccines showed around 92% effectiveness; the inactivated whole-virus vaccine CoronaVac/PiCoVacc and BBIBP-CorV showed a varying effectiveness of 65–86% according to the geographic locations; the subunit vaccine NVX-CoV2373 has shown 60–89% effectiveness along with the global regions against the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 strain. However, reduced effectiveness of these vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 variants was noticed which is suggestive for the further administration of booster dose.

Short conclusion

Maximum variants of SARS-CoV-2 emerged during the second wave of COVID-19; and extensive studies on the viral genomic sequences from all geographical locations around the world have been conducted by an array of groups to assess the possible occurrence of mutations(s) specially within the receptor binding domain of the viral spike (S) protein. Mutational similarities and the new or critical mutations within all variants have been clearly identified so far. The study of effectiveness of the currently used vaccines is also ongoing. The persistence of memory B cell action and the other immune components as well as the administration of booster dose is expected to mitigate the disease.
Pulmonary hypertension among maintenance hemodialysis patients in Somalia: a hospital-based observational study
Authors: Alıcı Gökhan , Waberi Mohamud Mire , Mohamud Mohamed Abdullahi , Bashir Ahmed Muhammad , Genç Ömer
Published: April 2022

Background

This study aims to examine the prevalence and related factors of pulmonary hypertension (PHT) in patients on hemodialysis (HD) at the only referral institution in Somalia. A total of one hundred and forty-three patients  who had received regular HD therapy for at least three months and underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) were included in the study. Patients with a systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) value > 35 mmHg at rest on TTE were considered having PHT. The relationship of TTE parameters, demographic, and clinic characteristics of participants with PHT were evaluated.

Results

The number of patients with PHT was 73 (51%). The mean age was 54.2 ± 18.4 years. The majority of patients were 65 years of age or older. (n: 46, 32.2%) and 65 (45.5%) were male. Median sPAP was found to be 35 mmHg. Systolic pulmonary artery pressure was positively correlated with right atrium (RA) diameter (r: 0.6,p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (r: − 0.4,p < 0.001). In addition, LVEF, RA diameter, presence of pericardial effusion (PE) were found to be independent predictors of PHT.

Conclusions

Pulmonary hypertension has a relatively high prevalence in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on regular HD. Besides, the presence of PE and certain right and left heart parameters were independently associated with PHT.
Effects of the Isolated and Combined Ablation of Growth Hormone and IGF-1 Receptors in Somatostatin Neurons
Authors: Chaves Fernanda M , Wasinski Frederick , Tavares Mariana R , Mansano Naira S , Frazao Renata , Gusmao Daniela O , Quaresma Paula G F , Pedroso João A B , Elias Carol F , List Edward O , Kopchick John J , Szawka Raphael E , Donato Jose
Published: April 2022

Hypophysiotropic somatostatin (SST) neurons in the periventricular hypothalamic area express growth hormone (GH) receptor (GHR) and are frequently considered as the key neuronal population that mediates the negative feedback loop controlling the hypothalamic–GH axis. Additionally, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) may also act at the hypothalamic level to control pituitary GH secretion via long-loop negative feedback. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study so far has tested whether GHR or IGF-1 receptor (IGF1R) signaling specifically in SST neurons is required for the homeostatic control of GH secretion. Here we show that GHR ablation in SST neurons did not impact the negative feedback mechanisms that control pulsatile GH secretion or body growth in male and female mice. The sex difference in hepatic gene expression profile was only mildly affected by GHR ablation in SST neurons. Similarly, IGF1R ablation in SST neurons did not affect pulsatile GH secretion, body growth, or hepatic gene expression. In contrast, simultaneous ablation of both GHR and IGF1R in SST-expressing cells increased mean GH levels and pulse amplitude in male and female mice, and partially disrupted the sex differences in hepatic gene expression. Despite the increased GH secretion in double knockout mice, no alterations in body growth and serum or liver IGF-1 levels were observed. In summary, GHR and IGF1R signaling in SST neurons play a redundant role in the control of GH secretion. Furthermore, our results reveal the importance of GH/IGF-1 negative feedback mechanisms on SST neurons for the establishment of sex differences in hepatic gene expression profile.
Neuroimaging of Epilepsy
Authors: Lapalme-Remis Samuel , Nguyen Dang K.
Published: April 2022

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article provides an overview of imaging modalities, important imaging pathologies, and the role each imaging modality can play in the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of epilepsy, including epilepsy surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

The Harmonized Neuroimaging of Epilepsy Structural Sequences (HARNESS-MRI) protocol was proposed to standardize MRI imaging for all patients with seizures. The role of 7-Tesla MRI in finding previously occult epileptogenic lesions is under investigation, and the technique is increasingly used. Developing MRI postprocessing techniques can increase the sensitivity of MRI. Improvements in functional imaging techniques such as EEG–functional MRI (fMRI) and magnetic source imaging provide complementary methods of identifying seizure foci. New epileptogenic pathologies such as multinodular and vacuolating neuronal tumors (MVNT) are being discovered, and the importance of others, such as encephaloceles, is better appreciated.

Brain imaging is a critical component of the diagnosis and evaluation of patients with epilepsy. Structural imaging modalities such as MRI and CT allow for the identification of a wide variety of potentially epileptogenic lesions. For patients with drug-resistant epilepsy under consideration for resective surgery, both structural and functional neuroimaging may be needed for focus identification and surgical planning for preservation of neurologic function.
Osteoblast lineage Sod2 deficiency leads to an osteoporosis-like phenotype in mice
Authors: Schoppa Astrid M. , Chen Xiangxu , Ramge Jan-Moritz , Vikman Anna , Fischer Verena , Haffner-Luntzer Melanie , Riegger Jana , Tuckermann Jan , Scharffetter-Kochanek Karin , Ignatius Anita
Published: April 2022

Osteoporosis is a systemic metabolic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and strength associated with fragility fractures. Oxidative stress, which results from elevated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and arises in the aging organism, is considered one of the critical factors contributing to osteoporosis. Mitochondrial (mt)ROS, as the superoxide anion (O2−) generated during mitochondrial respiration, are eliminated in the young organism by antioxidant defense mechanisms, including superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), the expression and activity of which are decreased in aging mesenchymal progenitor cells, accompanied by increased mtROS production. Using a mouse model of osteoblast lineage cells with Sod2 deficiency, we observed significant bone loss in trabecular and cortical bones accompanied by decreased osteoblast activity, increased adipocyte accumulation in the bone marrow and augmented osteoclast activity, suggestive of altered mesenchymal progenitor cell differentiation and osteoclastogenesis. Furthermore, osteoblast senescence was increased. To date, there are only a few studies suggesting a causal association between mtROS and cellular senescence in tissue in vivo. Targeting SOD2 to improve redox homeostasis could represent a potential therapeutic strategy for maintaining bone health during aging.
Long-term non-invasive drug treatments in adult zebrafish that lead to melanoma drug resistance
Authors: Lu Yuting , Patton E. Elizabeth
Published: April 2022

Zebrafish embryos are widely used for drug discovery, however, administering drugs to adult zebrafish is limited by current protocols that can cause stress. Here, we developed a drug formulation and administration method for adult zebrafish by producing food-based drug pellets that are consumed voluntarily. We applied this to zebrafish with BRAF-mutant melanoma, a model that has significantly advanced our understanding of melanoma progression, but not of drug resistance due to the limitations of current treatment methods. Zebrafish with melanomas responded to short-term, precise and daily dosing with drug pellets made with the BRAFV600E inhibitor, vemurafenib. On-target drug efficacy was determined by phospho-Erk staining. Continued drug treatment led to the emergence, for the first time in zebrafish, of acquired drug resistance and melanoma relapse, modelling the responses seen in melanoma patients. This method presents a controlled, non-invasive approach that permits long-term drug studies and can be widely applied to adult zebrafish models.
Patterns, outcomes, and risk factors of mild head injuries in children: do we know enough?
Authors: Sinopidis Xenophon , Kallianezos Panagiotis , Petropoulos Constantinos , Gkentzi Despoina , Fouzas Sotirios , Karatza Ageliki , Panagiotopoulos Vasileios , Spyridakis Ioannis , Roupakias Stylianos , Sakellaris George , Jelastopulu Eleni
Published: April 2022

Background: Mild head injuries in children are associated with morbidity and family distress. Though they are common causes of emergency department visits, they have been studied less than other more severe types of head trauma. This study aims to contribute to the reduction of this gap.
Method and Materials: The medical records of 381 children with mild head injuries were reviewed and analyzed. Identification of any associated risk factors has been attempted with regression analysis.
Results: The age group of 6-8 years was the most affected (44.6%). There was male predominance. Incidence presented seasonal variation. Concussion diagnosis was set in one tenth of patients. Half of children were under adult supervision during the traumatic incident. Cranial radiography was routinely performed in almost all patients, and computed tomography in 1.8%. Neurosurgical consultation was requested in 8.1%. Pedestrians, bicycle-riders, and car-passengers were at most risk of suffering mild head injury. Occurrence at street and playgrounds were risk factors for coexisting abdominal injuries. Absence of adult supervision was a risk factor for bicycle-riders, and occurrence at school for neurosurgical consultation.
Conclusions: Mild head injuries occur more often at the streets of urban areas. Clinical observation for 24 hours is considered satisfactory for a safe outcome. Identification of risk factors of mild head injuries may improve both prevention and outcome. Improvement of training of physicians in pediatric trauma is also required. Quality of adult supervision is important to improve prevention.
Robustness of the aging effect of smiling against vertical facial orientation
Authors: Yoshimura Naoto , Yonemitsu Fumiya , Sasaki Kyoshiro , Yamada Yuki
Published: April 2022

Background: Previous studies have shown that the association between smiling and youth is a misconception; smiling faces have been estimated to be older than neutral faces. Previous studies have indicated that this aging effect of smiling (AES) is due to eye wrinkles caused by the facial action of smiling. However, whether holistic processing for facial expressions is involved in AES has not been investigated. The present study aimed to clarify these issues.

Methods: Participants were recruited to participate in an online experiment that had a 3 (facial expression: smiling/neutral/surprised) × 2 (facial orientation: upright/inverted) mixed design. Participants were presented with an upright or inverted face for each expression (neutral, smiling, and surprised) and were asked to estimate the individual’s age.

Results: In total, 104 participants were included in the analysis. The results show that smiling faces were estimated to be older than neutral faces, whereas there was no significant difference between upright and inverted faces.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that direct age estimation is not dependent on holistic processing.
Philympics 2021: Prophage Predictions Perplex Programs
Authors: Roach Michael J. , McNair Katelyn , Michalczyk Maciej , Giles Sarah K , Inglis Laura K , Pargin Evan , Barylski Jakub , Roux Simon , Decewicz Przemysław , Edwards Robert A.
Published: April 2022

Background

Most bacterial genomes contain integrated bacteriophages—prophages—in various states of decay. Many are active and able to excise from the genome and replicate, while others are cryptic prophages, remnants of their former selves. Over the last two decades, many computational tools have been developed to identify the prophage components of bacterial genomes, and it is a particularly active area for the application of machine learning approaches. However, progress is hindered and comparisons thwarted because there are no manually curated bacterial genomes that can be used to test new prophage prediction algorithms.

Methods

We present a library of gold-standard bacterial genomes with manually curated prophage annotations, and a computational framework to compare the predictions from different algorithms. We use this suite to compare all extant stand-alone prophage prediction algorithms and identify their strengths and weaknesses. We provide a FAIR dataset for prophage identification, and demonstrate the accuracy, precision, recall, and f 1 score from the analysis of ten different algorithms for the prediction of prophages.

Results

We identified strengths and weaknesses between the prophage prediction tools. Several tools exhibit exceptional f 1 scores, while others have better recall at the expense of more false positives. The tools vary greatly in runtime performance with few exhibiting all desirable qualities for large-scale analyses.

Conclusions

Our library of gold-standard prophage annotations and benchmarking framework provide a valuable resource for exploring strengths and weaknesses of current and future prophage annotation tools. We discuss caveats and concerns in this analysis, how those concerns may be mitigated, and avenues for future improvements. This framework will help developers identify opportunities for improvement and test updates. It will also help users in determining the tools that are best suited for their analysis.
Ensuring sufficient service capacity for removals of long-acting reversible contraceptives: a mixed-method study of provider experiences in Senegal
Authors: Brunie Aurélie , Lydon Megan M. , Ndiaye Salif , Aw Fatou Ndiaté Rachel Sarr , Lebetkin Elena , Cartwright Alice , Brittingham Sarah , Dabo Marème , Dioh Etienne , Ndiaye Marème Mady Dia
Published: April 2022

Background: As the number of implants and intrauterine devices (IUD) used in sub-Saharan Africa continues to grow, ensuring sufficient service capacity for removals is critical. This study describes public sector providers’ experiences with implant and IUD removals in two districts of Senegal.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with providers trained to insert implants and IUDs from all public facilities offering long-acting reversible contraceptives. Data collection elements included a survey with 55 providers and in-depth interviews (IDIs) with eight other providers. We performed descriptive analysis of survey responses and analyzed qualitative data thematically.

Results: Nearly all providers surveyed were trained in both implant and IUD insertion and removal; 42% had received training in the last two years. Over 90% of providers felt confident inserting and removing implants and removing IUDs; 15% were not confident removing non-palpable implants and 27% IUDs with non-visible strings. Challenges causing providers to refer clients or postpone removals include lack of consumables (38%) for implants, and short duration of use for implants (35%) and IUDs (20%). Many providers reported counseling clients presenting for removals to keep their method (58% implant, 31% IUD), primarily to attempt managing side effects. Among providers with removal experience, 78% had ever received a removal client with a deeply-placed implant and 33% with an IUD with non-visible strings. Qualitative findings noted that providers were willing to remove implants and IUDs before their expiration date but first attempted treatment or counseling to manage side effects. Providers reported lack of equipment and supplies as challenges, and mixed success with difficult removals.

Conclusions: Findings on provider capacity to perform insertions and regular removals are positive overall. Potential areas for improvement include availability of equipment and supplies, strengthening of counseling on side effects, and support for managing difficult removals.
Multi-criteria optimization using local qualitative importance of criteria
Authors: Terterian Aram , Brovko Aleksandr
Published: April 2022

This article describes the research of the applicability of using the local importance of criteria in multi-criteria optimization problems. The theory of the global qualitative importance of criteria is currently well developed, there are many works on this topic. Moreover, numerous computer decision support systems (DSS) using global importance exist. However, the local importance of criteria is investigated very weak - there is no even mathematical definition for it. Authors have not been able to find in the public domain optimization algorithms and DSS using local importance. The authors start by formulating a mathematical definition for local criteria importance by adding specific limitations to the existing definition for global criteria importance. The next step is creating an iterative optimization algorithm that works with local importance criteria too. However, it is needed to check the applicability of this algorithm that is why authors create a DSS that realizes it. After a series of experiments, the authors conclude that the algorithm is applicable for real optimization problems.
Methodology for the preparation of experimental data for an information and intelligent system for the design of logging road networks
Authors: Nikitin Vladimir , Skrypnikov Aleksey , Bavykina Elena , Vikulin Igor' , Bryuhoveckiy Andrey , Boykov Pavel
Published: April 2022

The article describes a technique for obtaining experimental data for the purpose of optimal distribution of the forest transport network on a specific terrain model. Particular attention was paid to the issue of the operability of primary forest transport routes, in particular, the requirements for the strength of trunk lines, which is of fundamental importance when establishing the optimal distance between long-term roads. The operability of the trunk lines was experimentally investigated, while the scheme of the movement of tractors along the ring was used. Based on experimental data, certain values of track depth, relative humidity, density and the number of impacts depending on the number of passes were obtained. In the course of the experimental study, functional dependences of the increase in the depth of the track on the number of passages were established and calculated, taking into account the physical and mechanical properties of forest soils. During the tests, some fundamental differences were recorded in the process of track formation during the movement of wheeled and tracked tractors. It is important for the development of measures to reduce the seasonality of forest transport, especially during the autumn-spring thaw. Comparative tests of tracked and wheeled tractors when they move along a reinforced track have shown that a reinforced track when moving a wheeled tractor is able to withstand a significantly greater number of passes than when moving a tracked tractor. For the statistical evaluation of the experiments carried out, it was determined what errors could be caused by replacing the parameter with its point estimate. Analysis of statistical processing of the observation results showed that all the series, as a rule, correspond to the law of normal definition, which is determined by the ratio of the symmetry and kurtosis indicators to their average errors. These relations are determined within the limits of permissible deviations, therefore, asymmetry and kurtosis in this case do not matter significantly.
PERT method applicability to the project management process of the microelectronics design center
Authors: Novikova Tatyana , Evdokimova Svetlana , Novikov A.
Published: April 2022

This paper presents a study of the applicability of the PERT method to the project management process of the microelectronics design center in comparison with the optimization mathematical model, which formed the basis of the software developed earlier. The study was based on corporate and cluster analyses of the projected results of project implementation by microelectronics design centers. The predicted values were obtained using a network model based on the PERT method and a mathematical model. To study the degree of similarity of the results of the network and mathematical models, we used a visualized proximity matrix constructed by the Ward method based on the criteria of the square of the Euclidean distance. The results are graphically represented by a similarity dendrogram. The paper illustrates the obtained dependencies of the implementation time on the totality of the number of simultaneously executed projects, the number of works and performers. The conducted studies have shown a significant correlation between the projected time of project implementation through network and mathematical models. That is, there is a direct relationship between the calculated time of implementation of mathematical and network model projects. Comparative analysis has shown that from the point of view of the minimum project execution time, the forecast of the PERT method network model is more flexible and relevant for managing small groups of projects.
Mathematical model and methodology for providing resources to fire departments in case of fire in a shopping and entertainment center
Authors: Sazonova Svetlana , Zyazina Tat'yana , Osipov Aleksandr
Published: April 2022

The problem of ensuring safety in case of fire of large objects is considered as a problem of engineering-oriented physics. The article discusses the concepts of the methodology for providing resources for fire departments in extinguishing fires and conducting emergency rescue operations. An algorithm of necessary actions in case of fire was obtained, including the provision of labor resources, material and technical resources and working capital. When extinguishing fires and carrying out rescue operations on large fires, and in our case at facilities with a massive stay of people, an algorithm of actions has been developed to provide resources for fire departments, for the implementation of which the rear is responsible in the person of the head of the rear. A mathematical model and methodology have been developed for providing fire departments with resources when extinguishing a fire and conducting emergency rescue operations using the example of the Passage shopping and entertainment center in Voronezh. We received an algorithm of certain actions that ensures fire extinguishing and emergency rescue operations, labor resources (fire brigade personnel), material and technical resources (fire vehicles, fire fighting and rescue weapons and equipment), working capital (gasoline, oils, foaming agents and other consumables). When extinguishing fires and carrying out rescue operations on large fires, and in our case at facilities with a massive stay of people, the rear, represented by the head of the rear, is responsible for the algorithm of actions to provide resources for fire departments. Recommendations were given to officials when extinguishing the fire in question. A scheme for the alignment of forces and means has been developed.
Content of the “Geometric Modeling” Course for the “Mathematics and Computer Science” Training Program
Authors: Zaharov A. , Zakharova Y.
Published: April 2022

In this paper has been considered the main content and distinctive features of the “Geometric Modeling” training course for the “Mathematics and Computer Science” training program 02.03.01 (“Mathematical and Computer Modeling” specialization).

The goal of the “Geometric Modeling” course study is the assimilation of mathematical methods for construction of geometric objects with complex curved shapes, and techniques for their computer visualization by using polygons of curves and surfaces. Methods for construction of structures’ curved shapes using spline representations, as well as techniques for construction of surfaces and volumetric geometries using motion operations and basic logical operations on geometric objects are considered. The spline representations include linear and bilinear splines, Hermite cubic splines and Hermite surfaces, natural cubic and bicubic interpolation splines, Bezier curves and surfaces, rational Bezier splines, B-splines and B-spline surfaces, NURBS-curves and NURBS-surfaces, transfinite interpolation methods, and splines of surfaces with triangular form. Logical operations for intersection of two spline curves, and intersection of two parametric surfaces are considered. The principles of scientific visualization and computer animation are considered in this course as well.

Some examples for visualization of initial data and results of curves and surfaces construction in two- and three-dimensional spaces through the software shell developed by authors and used by students while doing tests have been demonstrated. The software shell has a web interface with the WebGL library graphic support. Tasks for four practical studies in a computer classroom, as well as several variations of homework are represented.

The problems occurring in preparation materials for some course sections are discussed, as well as the practical importance of acquired knowledge for the further progress of students.

The paper may be interesting for teachers of “Geometric Modeling” and “Computer Graphics” courses aimed to students with a specialization in mathematics and information, as well as to those who independently develop software interfaces for algorithms of geometric modeling.
Społeczno – gospodarczy obraz Sławatycz w świetle inwentarzy (1679-1764) (dawny powiat brzeskolitewski województwa brzeskolitewskiego).
Authors: Panasiuk Adam
Published: April 2022

Sławatycze są dawnym miastem prywatnym (obecnie wsią), położonym w okresie I Rzeczypospolitej na pograniczu etniczno-państwowo-kulturowym, co znalazło swoje odbicie w charakterze tego miasteczka. Jest to jedno z 15 miasteczek dawnego powiatu brzeskolitewskiego (Wielkiego Księstwa Litewskiego), które uzyskało status miasta w XVI w., a utraciło go w XIX w. W XVII i XVIII w. wielcy właściciele ziemscy przeprowadzali spisy gospodarcze swoich posiadłości; jednym z takich spisów jest zachowany inwentarz Sławatycz, sporządzany w latach 1656–1765 w nierównych odstępach czasu. Jest to łącznie kilkanaście różnych zestawów danych z różnych lat. Materiały te pozwalają zrekonstruować życie gospodarcze i społeczne oraz układ przestrzenny. Wspomniane inwentarze nie zostały dotąd opracowane jako całość.
Sprawa przywrócenia Trybunału Koronnego w 1774 roku
Authors: Jakimowicz Kamil
Published: April 2022

Funkcjonowanie Trybunału Koronnego zostało przerwane w marcu 1769 r. i pozostawał on bezczynny przez kolejne pięć i pół roku z powodu trwającej konfederacji barskiej, a następnie rozpoczęcia się sejmu rozbiorowego. Sprawa wznowienia prac tej instytucji została podniesiona w maju 1774 r. z inicjatywy Stanisława Augusta i była elementem rozgrywki między monarchą a marszałkiem konfederacji sejmowej Adamem Ponińskim, dzierżącym z tego tytułu władzę sądowniczą. Autor artykułu dokonał analizy znanych mu redakcji projektu konstytucji o Trybunale Koronnym, pokazując przy tym kierunek ewolucji zawartych w niej koncepcji, oraz omówił przebieg dyskusji na forum delegacji sejmowej. Następnie przedstawił rywalizację monarchy z Ponińskim o podział kompetencji między jurysdykcję trybunalską a konfederację, toczącą się w drugiej połowie czerwca, i rolę, jaką w wydarzeniach tych odegrał Otto Magnus von Stackelberg.
Natalia Bilous, Za krok do Vіčnostі. Meškancі mіst Volinі u svіtlі testamentіv kіncâ XVІ–XVІІ stolіtʹ, Kiїv 2021, ss. 536*
Authors: Zielecka-Mikołajczyk Wioletta
Published: April 2022

Recenzja książki ukraińskiej badaczki Natalii Biłous, poświęconej testamentom wołyńskich mieszczan i szlachty z XVi-XVII w.
VIII Konferencja Naukowa pt. “Wojny i konflikty zbrojne po 1945 roku”, Muzeum Wojsk Lądowych w Bydgoszczy, 8-9 listopada 2021 roku
Authors: Tuszyńska Daria
Published: April 2022

VIII Konferencja Naukowa pt. “Wojny i konflikty zbrojne po 1945 roku”, Muzeum Wojsk Lądowych w Bydgoszczy, 8-9 listopada 2021 roku
Horticultura terapêutica em um grupo de reabilitação da dependência química no Brasil
Authors: Carvalho e Silva Jonas , Bezerra Magalhães Yasmim , Bucher-Maluschke Júlia Sursis Nobre Ferro
Published: April 2022

A prática da horticultura para benefício terapêutico é utilizada nas abordagens clínicas, que demonstram a melhoria da qualidade de vida e a redução dos índices de estresse biológico, como uma modalidade de Reabilitação Baseada na Comunidade (RBC). Este documento avalia a implementação de um projeto de economia solidária no contexto de um grupo de reabilitação para pessoas com dependência química. Trata-se de um estudo de avaliação qualitativa da implementação de tecnologias sociais (quintais produtivos), baseado no método da inserção ecológica, em um grupo de reabilitação e prevenção terciária a dependência química de um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial no Brasil. Os participantes foram quinze pessoas, das quais doze eram do sexo masculino e três do sexo feminino, com idades entre 30 e 60 anos. Foi realizada análise documental dos prontuários do serviço, diário de campo, fotografias e filmagens das oficinas, reuniões, visitas domiciliares, visitas técnicas e dos mutirões. Os dados foram analisados seguindo os critérios da Avaliação Multicultural: Dimensionamento Dinâmico Individual e Contextual. Os resultados indicaram que a implementação dos quintais produtivos fortaleceu os vínculos familiares e institucionais, por meio da rede de apoio construída em torno do projeto. Conclui-se que os quintais produtivos são eficientes para a geração de renda, segurança alimentar e nutricional e ações de ressocialização como uma estratégia terapéutica complementar de RBC.
Factores psicológicos asociados al riesgo suicida en estudiantes universitarios de Honduras
Authors: Landa-Blanco Miguel , Urtecho-Osorto Óscar Rolando , Mercado Miguel , Aguilar-Chávez Ángel
Published: April 2022

El riesgo suicida es definido como la posibilidad de que una persona atente deliberadamente contra su vida y se considera una conducta autodestructiva de causas multifactoriales. El propósito de esta investigación fue determinar los factores psicológicos asociados al riesgo suicida en estudiantes universitarios. Esto se realizó por medio de un enfoque cuantitativo no experimental. La muestra estuvo conformada por 1696 estudiantes de pregrado, 54.7 % correspondiente al sexo femenino y 43.6 % al masculino. Se aplicaron escalas para evaluar sentido de la vida, depresión, esperanza, soledad, apoyo interpersonal y riesgo suicida. Los resultados indicaron que el 50% de la muestra reportó nunca haber tenido pensamientos suicidas.  Sin embargo, el 26.8 % tuvo un pensamiento pasajero al respecto; el 9.9 % planeó quitarse la vida, pero no lo intentó; el 5.8 % realizó un intento suicida sin intención real de concretar el acto, el 5 % hizo planes para quitarse la vida con intención real de concretar el acto; y el 2.4 % efectuó intentos suicidas con deseos de morir. Se evidenció que existe una relación inversa significativa entre el riesgo suicida y la esperanza, presencia y búsqueda de sentido de la vida y apoyo interpersonal. No obstante, los individuos con mayor riesgo suicida poseen puntajes más altos en soledad y depresión. Estos resultados se discuten desde sus implicaciones en el ejercicio clínico.
En casa de herrero, azadón de palo. ¿Por qué estudiar medicina puede llegar a ser perjudicial para la salud y un riesgo para el fracaso académico?
Authors: Vergel John
Published: April 2022

No es un secreto que estudiar medicina se caracteriza por tener altas cargas académicas, estar expuesto al sufrimiento de los pacientes y, en algunos casos, a sus muertes, lo que puede generar estrés y ansiedad. No obstante, existen algunos vacíos de conocimiento en relación con esta problemática. Por ejemplo, aún no está del todo claro, por la poca evidencia disponible, cómo se relacionan el estrés académico y los hábitos de estudio inadecuados o la ansiedad y la somnolencia diurna en un ambiente educativo con estas características. Si estas asociaciones se demuestran, o se llegan a entender mejor, se podría concluir entonces que estudiar medicina (en particular) o una carrera universitaria con demandas académicas y emocionales similares (en general), tendría un nexo causal con los problemas de salud vinculados con la ansiedad, las alteraciones del sueño y los altos índices de estrés. Estos problemas incluyen, por ejemplo, las enfermedades mentales, como la depresión, o las alteraciones cardiovasculares, como la hipertensión arterial. Adicionalmente, vivir una experiencia de aprendizaje con este tipo de tensiones puede desencadenar dificultades para la concentración y la memoria, procesos que son fundamentales para el éxito académico.
Menstruation and quality of life among female teenagers in Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Authors: Faremi Funmilola Adenike , Olatubi Matthew Idowu , Adesiyan Olukemi O , Afolabi Opeyemi Olanike , Famakinwa Timothy Titilayo
Published: April 2022

Background/Aims

There is a lack of information about how premenstrual symptoms and menstrual symptoms affect the quality of life of adolescent girls in Nigeria and the coping strategies they adopt to manage them. The study aimed to identify premenstrual and menstrual symptoms among adolescents, as well as their effect on quality of life and the strategies adolescents adopt to cope with these symptoms.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional design using multi-stage sampling was used to recruit 357 adolescent girls. Data were collected in 2019 using a questionnaire and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

The mean quality of life score of participants was 41.31. A significant relationship was found between the prevalence of premenstrual and menstrual symptoms and overall quality of life, general health, physical health and psychological domains of quality of life (P<0.01). The most used coping strategy during the menstrual and premenstrual periods was self-care. A significant relationship exists between coping strategies and quality of life (P<0.02).

Conclusions

The majority of the participants experienced premenstrual and menstrual symptoms that affected their quality of life. It is recommended that female adolescents are taught how to manage premenstrual and menstrual symptoms.