bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Resolution Melting Curve Analysis as a Tool for Detection of SEC23B Gene Mutation Causing Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anemia Type II in Indian population
Authors: SAPTARSHI ARATI NANDAN , DONGERDIYE RASHMI K. , MORE TEJASHREE A. , Kedar Prabhakar S
Published: February 2022

Background: Congenital dyserythropoietic anemias (CDAs) are a very rare and heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by ineffective erythropoiesis. CDA II is caused by mutations in the SEC23B gene. The most common mutation reported in India is c.1385A>G, p.Y462C. There is no simple and cost-effective confirmatory diagnostic test available for CDA, and therefore, many patients remain undiagnosed. High-resolution melting (HRM) analysis is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based technique applied to identify genetic differences and scan nucleic acid sequences. HRM can be used to rapidly screen the common mutation causing CDA II in the Indian population. Objective: To study the use of High-Resolution Melting Curve Analysis to detect common mutation causing CDA II in the Indian population.Method:10 Indian families havingSEC23B (Y462C) mutation causing CDA II are considered for this study. HRM was used to check the presence of Y462C mutation. To verify the reliability of the HRM analysis, we compared results with the results of Sanger sequencing. This helped us to confirm the diagnosis.Results: We have described clinical, hematological, and genetic data of ten patients suffering from CDAII. According to HRM and Sanger sequencing, a homozygous SEC23B (Y462C) mutation was present in all patients, whereas a heterozygous Y462C mutation was present in their parents. Conclusion: Our data showed that High-Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis could be used to rapidly screen common SEC23B mutations that cause CDA II in the Indian population.HRM technique leads to an accurate diagnosis of CDA II patients and does not need further diagnostic workup.
Spirometry Profiles Among Pregnant And Non-Pregnant African Women
Authors: Ruhighira Jacktan Josephat , Mashili Fredrick , Tungu Alexander Mtemi , Mamuya Simon
Published: February 2022

Background: Lung function tests are done to assess the working and possible mechanical deterioration of lungs, respiratory muscles, and chest wall. Spirometry is a commonly used test. Pregnancy derives an altered physiological state due to accompanied hormonal and anatomical changes that affect the respiratory system. Despite that, spirometry is rarely done in pregnancy, and if done test results are compared against non-pregnancy references.Objective: This study aimed at determining spirometry profiles in pregnant and non-pregnant women and describing their differences.Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Mnazi Mmoja antenatal clinic where pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria were randomly recruited. Also, non-pregnant women were recruited from MUHAS as controls. Lung function was assessed using a digital spirometer (EasyOne®) while adhering to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and infection prevention protocols. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 23. The means of spirometry parameters of pregnant women were compared to parameters of non-pregnant women using an independent sample t-test. The level of significance was set to < 0.05 p-value.Results: A total of 92 pregnant and 98 non-pregnant women were subjected to spirometry. Mean FVC (p <0.01), FEV1 (p <0.01), and PEF (p <0.01) of pregnant women were significantly lower than non-pregnant women.Conclusion: Spirometry test values obtained from pregnant women were lower than those obtained from non-pregnant controls.Recommendations: Spirometry test values of pregnant women should be carefully interpreted against non-pregnancy references otherwise can cause underestimation of their values, and hence over-hospitalization. There is also a need to evaluate the accuracy of non-pregnancy spirometry reference equations for predicting test values among pregnant women.
Approaches to define canine distemper virus with neurological symptoms on the basis of molecular characterization of hemagglutinin and fusion genes
Authors: SALTIK Hasbi Sait , ATLI Kamil
Published: February 2022

Canine distemper virus (CDV), which causes severe infections in all domestic and wild carnivores, is transmitted by all secretions and excretions of infected animals. Despite the regular vaccination against it, CDV still manages to circulate in nature and is a worldwide problem in dogs. For many years in the world, the virus managed to circulate in nature. The current investigation aims to identify and characterize CDV in dogs with neurological symptoms and to determine whether CNS symptoms and phylogenetic data might be used to differentiate between CDV strains. The medical records of 35 dogs with central nervous system (CNS) symptoms were examined. An ELISA kit was used to identify CDV-specific IgG antibodies in all of the dogs' serum samples. RT-PCR confirmed the presence of CDV nucleic acid in 30 of these dogs. Of the RT-PCR-positive samples, 6 were randomly chosen for further sequencing, sequence comparisons, and phylogenetic reconstructions. Genes encoding the Hemagglutinin (H) and Fusion (F) proteins were partly sequenced and compared to other CDVs from throughout the world, including vaccine strains. The maximum likelihood method was used to build a phylogenetic tree using CDV H and F gene nucleotide sequences. According to phylogenetic analysis of partial H and F gene nucleotide sequences, the field CDVs in this investigation were unique and different from the vaccination strain. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that all Turkish CDV strains that induced CNS symptoms belonged to the European CDV clade. While the intricacy of the CNS and the complexities of glycosylation pathways may provide significant challenges to infections, future research will bring significant benefits by identifying evolutionarily conserved activities of N-glycosylation in CDV-infected dogs.
Surface bio-interactions stand at the base of the short-term nano CuO-induced cell oxidative stress: insights for a safe(r)-by-design approach
Authors: Moschini Elisa , Colombo Graziano , Chirico Giuseppe , Capitani Giancarlo , Dalle-Donne Isabella , Mantecca Paride
Published: February 2022

Background:It is well known that copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) are heavily toxic on in vitro systems. In human alveolar epithelial cells, the mechanism of toxicity is mostly related to oxidative insults, coming from intracellularly dissolved copper ions, finally leading to apoptotic or autophagic cell death.Our hypothesis is based on possible early oxidative events coming from specific NP surface reactivity able to undermine the cell integrity and to drive cell to death, independently from lysosomal-enhanced Trojan horse mechanism. Two types of CuO NPs, with different oxidative potential, were selected and tested on A549 cells for 1h and 3h at 10, 25, 50 and 100 mg/mL. Cells were then analyzed for viability and oxidative change of the proteome. Oxidative by-products were localized by immunocytochemistry and cell-NP interactions characterized by confocal and electron microscopy techniques.Results:CuO NPs induced oxidative changes soon after 1 h exposure as revealed by the increase in protein carbonylation and reduced-protein-thiol oxidation. In parallel, cell viability significantly decreased, as shown by MTT assay. Such effects were higher for CuO NPs with more crystalline defects and with higher ROS production than for fully crystalline NPs. At these exposure times, although NPs efficiently interacted with cell surface and were taken up by small endocytic vesicles, no ion dissolution is visible inside endo-lysosomal compartment and no effects were produced by extracellularly dissolved copper ions.Conclusions:A specific NP surface-dependent oxidative cell injury was demonstrated. More detailed studies are required to understand which targets precociously react to CuO NPs, but these results introduce new paradigms for the toxicity of the metal-based NPs, beyond the Trojan horse-related mechanism, and opens-up new opportunities to investigate the interactions and effects at the bio-interface for designing safer as well as more effective CuO-based biocides.
Soil microbial biomass and bacterial diversity in Southern European regions vulnerable to desertification
Authors: Valentina Catania , Bueno Rafael Silveira , Rosa Alduina , Grilli Eleonora , Mantia Tommaso La , Castaldi Simona , Quatrini Paola
Published: February 2022

Soil functionality is strongly dependent on the soil microbiota, which in turn is affected by soil quality and climate. Among global change factors, desertification is the most threatening ecosystem change affecting southern Europe, but the effects on the soil microbiota are largely unknown. In this study, we investigated soil microbial biomass and bacterial diversity in regions of southern European countries (Spain, Portugal and Italy), most under desertification risk, and related to key soil chemical-physical indicators and land use. Soil microbial biomass was positively related, to soil organic carbon (SOC) but bacterial diversity was negatively correlated with it. pH was the most influencing factor affecting soil alpha-diversity, while SOC, pH and cation exchange capacity drive the biogeographic patterns of bacterial communities. 16S metagenomics allowed the identification of a core microbiota of the analyzed semi-arid soils, including Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria and Firmicutes. We identified, at regional scale, a few rare multi-extremophilic endemic genera, which could reveal functional strategies to be exploited for arid land restoration. This work creates the baseline for the necessary monitoring of soils facing climate change and for the evaluation of the efficacy of adaptation measures in semi-arid European soils.
WITHDRAWN: Impact of climatic variability of the temperature-humidity index during winter, spring and summer seasons in Egypt on the growth of the native bovine calves
Authors: habeeb alsaied alnaimy , ATTA MOSTAFA ABBAS , SHARAF AHMED KAMEL , Elhanafy Anhar Ibrahim Aly
Published: February 2022

This research aims to check the impact of climatic variability of the THI index during the three main seasons of the year in Egypt on growth traits and biochemical blood components in native bovine calves. Eighteen Egyptian bovine calves after weaning were used in this study. The experimental design included three experimental groups according to the year's seasons. In the 1st group, sex calves were rearing under winter conditions. In the 2nd group, sex calves were kept during the spring season. In the 3rd group, sex calves were maintained during the summer season. Weekly and monthly Temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated for the three seasons. The daily body gain (DBG) the feed intake (DMI), and water consumption (WC) were measured weekly for each calf. The highest THI value (85.5) during summer resulted in a significant (P<0.01) decrease in DBG, daily DMI, thyroid hormonal levels, total proteins, and glucose and a significant (P<0.01) increase in daily WC and levels of cortisol and urea. The rate of decline increases with increasing THI values from low THI in winter (68.1) to moderate THI during spring (74.9) and high THI (85.5) during the summer season. With increasing THI, the depression in DBG was more than the decline in daily DMI; therefore, food conversion increases when the value of THI increases. THI has highly (P<0.01) significant negative correlations with DBG, DMI, thyroxin (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), total proteins, and glucose and has highly significant (P<0.01) positive correlations with water intake as well as cortisol and urea concentrations.
PIK3CA-AKT pathway predominantly acts in developing ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence long after breast conserving surgery
Authors: Nakagomi Hiroshi , Inoue Masayuki , Hirotsu Yosuke , Amemiya Kenji , Mochiduki Hitoshi , Omata Masao
Published: February 2022

Background: Ipsilateral Breast Tumor Recurrence (IBTR) after breast-conserving therapy is seen after a long interval, but the clinical classification of Residual Tumor Recurrence (RR) or Double Primary (DP) needs to be validated. We used genome profiling to identify the genetic alterations associated with IBTR recurrence after a long period of time. Methods: Among 1,881 breast cancer patients treated with breast-conserving therapy between 1999 and 2018, IBTR occurred in 52 patients (2.8%). Of these, 22 patients who consented for genetic analysis of Primary Breast Cancer (PBC) ( T1) and IBTR (T2) were studied.　 When the same gene mutations in T1 and T2 were identified, it was classified as genomic residual recurrence gRR, and when no shared mutations identified, it was classified as gDP.　The differences between clinical and genomic classification were compared. Furthermore, the pathway of the genes which were responsible for recurrence was also examined. Results: Of 13 clinically diagnosed RRs (cRRs), 11 were gRR and 2 were gDPs, while of 9 cDPs, 6 were gDP and 3 gRR, with a match rate of 17/22 (77%).　Discrepancy was mostly related to the limitation of clinical judgement, heavily depend on tumor location. We searched for genes involved in IBTR: PIK3CA-AKT pathway mutations were found in 12 of 14 gRRs (86%) in T1, while PIK3CA mutations were found in only 2 of 8 gDPs (25%), significant difference was noted (p=0.004). When both of PBC and IBTR compared, PIK3CA-AKT pathway abnormalities were 24/28 (86%) in the gRR group and 5/16 (31%) in the gDP group (p<0.001).Conclusions: Genome profiling revealed that abnormalities in the PIK3CA-AKT pathway in long-term residential recurrences and are a crucial molecular group in the development of IBTR.Trial registration: not applicable
Association between Intraoperative End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide and Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Gynecologic Laparoscopic Surgery
Authors: Dong Li , Takeda Chikashi , Yamazaki Hajime , Hamada Miho , Hirotsu Akiko , Yamamoto Yosuke , Mizota Toshiyuki
Published: February 2022

PURPOSE

Gynecologic laparoscopic surgery has a high incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Studies suggest that low intraoperative end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) is associated with an increased incidence of PONV, but the results have not been consistent among studies. This study investigated the association between intraoperative EtCO2 and PONV in patients undergoing gynecologic laparoscopic surgeries under general anesthesia.
METHODS

This retrospective cohort study involved patients who underwent gynecologic laparoscopic surgeries under general anesthesia at Kyoto University Hospital. We defined hypocapnia as a mean EtCO2 of <35 mmHg. Multivariable modified Poisson regression analysis examined the association between low EtCO2 and PONV two days after surgery and the postoperative length of hospital stay (PLOS).
RESULTS

Of the 739 patients, 120 (16%) had low EtCO2, and 430 (58%) developed PONV two days after surgery. There was no substantial association between low EtCO2 and increased incidence of PONV (adjusted risk ratio: 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.80–1.14; p = 0.658). Furthermore, there was no substantial association between low EtCO2 and prolonged PLOS (adjusted difference in PLOS: 0.13; 95% CI, −1.00 to 1.28; p = 0.816).
CONCLUSION

Intraoperative low EtCO2 was not substantially associated with either increased incidence of PONV or prolonged PLOS.
Mirror-image Streptavidin with Specific Binding to “Non-natural” L-biotin
Authors: Suganuma Masatoshi , Kubo Takuya , Ishiki Kengo , Tanaka Kota , Suto Kouzou , Ejima Daisuke , Toyota Masahiro , Tsumoto Kouhei , Sato Toshiyuki , Nishikawa Youichi
Published: February 2022

The streptavidin-biotin system is known to have a very high affinity and specificity and is widely used in biochemical immunoassays and diagnostics. However, this method is affected by endogenous D-biotin in serum sample measurements (biotin interference). While several efforts using alternative high-affinity binding systems (e.g., genetically modified streptavidin and biotin derivatives) have been attempted, these efforts have all led to reduction in affinity. To solve this interference issue, the enantiomer of streptavidin was synthesized, which enabled specific binding to L-biotin. We successfully obtained a functional streptavidin molecule by peptide synthesis using D-amino acids and an in vitro refolding technique. Several characterizations, including size exclusion chromatography (SEC), circular dichroism spectra (CD), and heat denaturation experiments collectively confirmed the higher-order enantiomer of natural streptavidin had been formed with comparable stability to the natural protein. Non-natural L-biotin specific binding of this novel molecule enabled us to avoid biotin interference in affinity measurements using the Biacore system and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We propose the enantiomer of streptavidin as a potential candidate to replace the natural streptavidin-biotin system, even for in vivo use.
Assessing Splenic Switch-Off In Adenosine Stress CMR For Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Propensity Matched Study
Authors: Barrishi Adam , Graby John , Khavandi Ali , Dastidar Amardeep , Rodrigues Jonathan Carl Luis
Published: February 2022

Purpose: Splenic switch-off is a validated indicator of adequate vasodilator stress unique to adenosine stress cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Patients in atrial fibrillation (AF) may have a reduced adenosine response due to lower hyperaemic coronary flow reserve, and therefore may achieve splenic switch-off less frequently than in sinus rhythm (SR). Methods: 1100 stress CMR studies were identified from a 5-year clinical CMR database (2016-2021). 70 patients in AF were propensity score matched to a SR group for age, sex, and body mass index. The adenosine dose administered, symptoms, and heart-rate change observed during infusion and scan result were recorded. Splenic switch-off was evaluated subjectively and semi-quantitatively via changes in splenic and myocardial signal intensity from rest to stress. Results: Subjective splenic switch-off occurred significantly less frequently in AF than SR (34/70 [49%] vs 53/70 [76%], p=0.003). Semi-quantitative assessment supported this, with a smaller splenic signal intensity difference between stress and rest in AF vs SR (median splenic stress:rest peak signal intensity ratio 0.92 [IQR, 0.61-1.11] vs 0.56 [IQR, 0.45-0.75], p<0.001). A heart-rate increase >10bpm predicted visual splenic switch-off in SR but not in AF. Fewer patients in AF than SR had inducible ischaemia (9/70 [13%] vs 17/69 [25%], p=0.058). However, this difference was not driven by inducible ischaemia rates in patients who did not achieve splenic switch-off (6/36 AF [17%] vs 4/17 SR [24%], p=0.403).Conclusions: Splenic switch-off occurs significantly less frequently in patients with AF. This may risk the under-diagnosis of inducible ischaemia and requires further assessment.
Impact of Admission SOFA Score and 48-hour Delta Sofa on Clinical Outcomes of Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Vasconcelos Cristiana Soares Queiroz , Cruz Manuel Dominguez de La , Nascimento Gabriel Henrique Lima Barreto do , de Azevedo Jose Raimundo Araujo
Published: February 2022

Background: Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores, determined upon ICU admission, can identify patients at risk of unfavorable outcomes and trigger assessment and application of interventional approaches, of which effectiveness can be evaluated by determining the SOFA score trend after 48 hours. Herein, we evaluated the impact of an admission SOFA score ≥ 2 and the 48-hour delta SOFA, on critically ill patients’ outcomes.Methods: This retrospective, observational cohort study included 1101 patients admitted to three ICUs of a tertiary hospital, from January 01 to December 31, 2020. SOFA scores—determined upon ICU admission and 48 hours thereafter—denoted three patient groups: those with admission SOFA scores below 2 (Group 1, n = 348), those with admission SOFA scores ≥ 2 whose 48-hour delta SOFA reflected improvement (SOFA after 48 hours < admission SOFA) (Group 2, n = 415), and those with admission SOFA scores ≥ 2 that had increased or remained unchanged after 48 hours (SOFA after 48 hours ≥ admission SOFA) (Group 3, n = 338). Statistical tests included the Shapiro-Wilk, Tukey's post hoc, and Kruskal-Wallis tests, among others.Results: Group 1 patients were significantly younger and less severely ill (based on SAPS 3 score and admission SOFA) than those in Groups 2 and 3, and their length of ICU stay was shorter. Furthermore, both their ICU (3.4%) and hospital (8.6%) mortality was significantly lower, compared to that of Group 2 and 3 patients. Among these, patients in Group 3 were older and had significantly higher mortality, both in the ICU (27.3% versus 10.1%, p < 0.001) and hospital (53.8% versus 14.9%, p < 0.001), compared to Group 2 patients. We discovered an independent association between age ≥ 66 years, the Charlson Comorbidity Index, prolonged vasopressor use, and hospital mortality.Conclusion: We demonstrated that the admission SOFA score and 48-hour delta SOFA are predictors of prognosis in a non-selective cohort of critically ill patients.Trial registration: The study protocol was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04980274, July 27, 2021.)
Exacerbated health related quality of life amid morbidly Obese PCOS women from Faisalabad, Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Laiq , Ul-Haq Ehsan
Published: February 2022

Background: Projected elevation rate of obesity, as feature of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among PCOS women, more likely intoxicated the women’s health and quality of life (HRQoL). Whereas influence of its multifaceted dysfunctional profile on PCOS pathology can better be explained employing advance statistical approach, structural equation modeling (SEM).Methods: PCOS women with MetS (N=500) were recruited to examine the impact of MetS on association of PCOS manifestation and HRQoL, recorded from normal weight, overweight, obese and morbidly obese women.Results: An appreciable (P<0.05) boost in PCOS and MetS parameters was resulted in obese and morbidly obese women compared to normal weighed. Moreover suggested models for obese women delineated the confounding intricacy of variables from each construct and appropriateness was also ascertained via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and goodness of fit statistics (χ2/df=1.68, NFI=0.786, CFI=0.897, RMSEA=0.078). While positive significant (0.523, P=0.001) impact of MetS on PCOS but inverse noticeable (-0.196, P=0.042) effects of PCOS on physical satisfaction was examined in morbidly obese women. A close directional association between physical dissatisfaction and mental distress in women was also revealed.Conclusion: In conclusion, metabolically blemished morbidly obese and obese women were found more threatened by PCOS manifestation as well as impaired HRQoL.
Do Oral Combined Contraceptive Pills Modify Body Image and Sexual Function?
Authors: Nowosielski Krzysztof
Published: February 2022

Background. The effect of hormonal contraceptives on sexual function and body image is still controversial. Existing studies have not come to definite conclusion on the associate between hormonal contraceptive use and sexual function/presence of sexual dysfunction nor changes in body image perception. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of sexual problems/dysfunction in Polish women in the reproductive age (18-45 years) and to assess to what extend oral combined contraceptive pills (OCCP) impact body image, sexual function and prevalence of Female Sexual Dysfunction – FSD. Methods. 495 women were included in this cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. Sexual function was assessed by Changes in Sexual Function Questionnaire - CSFQ, prevalence of FSD by DSM-5 criteria and body image by Body Exposure during Sexual Activity Questionnaire (BESAQ). 237 women using OCCP were study group (HC), the rest were controls (CG). Regression model was used to evaluate the influence of selected variable on sexual function and the presence of FSD. Results. The prevalence of FSD was 7.5% in HC and 2.6% in CG. 22% compared to 14% of women in HC and CG, respectively, reported sexual problems (CSFQ). Contraceptive group was characterized by significantly higher importance of sex (4.03 vs 3.79), worse partner’s’ attitude toward sex (4.35 vs 4.47), worse self-attitude towards sex (4.35 vs 4.47), and worse body image (BESAQ) compared to controls. Among all variables lower level of anxiety (t=-1.99), positive attitudes toward sex (t=2.05), watching erotic videos (t=5.58) and higher importance of sex (t=5.66) were predictive for better sexual function (R2 – 0.38, F=28.9, p=0.0001). Conclusion. Sexual behaviors and function are different in those using OCCP’s compared to non-users. The prevalence of sexual problems and dysfunction is higher in those using hormonal method, however using OCCP is not a risk factor for neither worse sexual function nor sexual dysfunction. Partner’s attitude toward sex and general anxiety level are factors contributing to sexual function and risk of sexual dysfunction in the population of women in reproductive age and should be routinely evaluated in clinical practice, especially before prescribing hormonal contraceptives.
Exploring cocatalyst type effect on the Ziegler-Natta catalyzed ethylene polymerizations: experimental and DFT studies
Authors: Pérez Sergio Posada , Masoori Maryam , Nekoomanesh Mehdi , Rashedi Reza , Bahri Naeimeh
Published: February 2022

Due to the important role of cocatalyst in the polymerization process employing industrially favored Ziegler-Natta catalysts, its effect on kinetic behavior, catalyst activity, and polymer properties is discussed. In this paper triethyl aluminum (TEA) and triisobutyl aluminum (TIBA) have been used as the main cocatalyst ingredient with 10-20 mole percent of diethyl aluminum chloride (DEAC) and ethyl aluminum dichloride (EADC) cocatalysts. Among studied systems, neat TEA demonstrated the highest activity. Moreover, TEA-DEAC and TEA-EADC cocatalysts revealed a built-up kinetic profile, while TIBA-DEAC and TIBA-EADC show a decay-type kinetic curve. According to melt flow index results, no considerable change in flowability was detected in the synthesized polyethylenes (PE). On the other hand, the ethylene insertion and chain termination mechanisms were scrutinized by means of density functional calculations using Ti active center located in (110) and (104) facets of the MgCl2 surface. Results revealed that TiCl4 supported (110) termination favors the PE chain production, being the ethylene insertion, the rate-determining step. To shed light on the bulkiness level of employed cocatalysts, buried volume (VBur) together with the two-dimensional map of cocatalyst molecules were considered. Higher VBur of TIBA can explain its lower activity and decay type kinetic profile obtained in the experimental section.
Adaptive CNC machining process optimization of near- net- shaped blade based on machining error data flow control
Authors: Wu Dongbo , Wang Hui , Yu Jie
Published: February 2022

Adaptive CNC machining process is one of the efficient processing solution for near- net- shaped blade, this study proposes an adaptive computer numerical control (CNC) machining process optimization scheme based on multi-process machining errors data flow control. The geometric and mechanical models of the multi-process adaptive CNC machining process are firstly constructed. The multi-process machining error data flow and the process system stiffness of near- net- shaped blade are then experimentally explored. The machining error flow collaborative control of the near- net- shaped blade multi-process CNC machining is finally realized by the adaptive CNC machining process under the premise of sufficient stiffness of the blade- fixture system. The results show that the dynamic displacement response of the blade multi-process CNC machining process is controlled within 0.007mm. The optimized adaptive CNC machining process based on the multi-process geometric machining error data flow control and the sufficient stiffness of blade- fixture system can realize the multi-process machining error control and high-precision machining of near- net- shaped blade. The process chain of the optimized adaptive CNC machining process is reduced by 87% compared with the low melting point alloy pouring process and 50% compared with adaptive CNC machining process of the twice on-machine measurement on the blade body.
Comparison of Tomography Suspect Keratoconus Defined by Sirius and Pentacam in a Chinese Cohort
Authors: Feng Kang , Zhang Yu , Chen Yue-guo
Published: February 2022

Purpose: To compare the proportion of tomography suspect keratoconus (TSK) defined by Sirius and Pentacam, and to explore the possible causes of the differences between them in a Chinese cohort.Methods: Single center retrospect cohort study. All subjects were selected from the Peking University Third Hospital Ectasia Cornea Disease Cohort Project database, which included myopic patients seeking corneal refractive surgical corrections since the year of 2013. Demographic information, basic eye examination, and auxiliary equipment examination including refraction, IOL-master, Pentacam, Sirius, and Topolyzer were recorded. In this study, all cases which were examined by Sirius and Pentacam respectively and have been followed up at least 2 years without abnormalities after laser corneal refractive surgeries (LASEK, FS-LASIK or SMILE). The composition ratio of TSK from Sirius and Pentacam were compared using Pearson Chi-square tests. Unpaired t tests and Chi-square tests were used to compare the differences of corneal diameter, corneal thickness, and variables of corneal tomographers between the normal eyes and the TSK eyes defined by Sirius and Pentacam separately. Results: To the date of December 31, 2018, total 171 cases (278 eyes) were selected in this study, the mean age is 28.4 years old. Total 167 (167/278, 60.1%) eyes were diagnosed of TSK by Sirius, and 203 (203/278, 73.0%) eyes were diagnosed of TSK by Pentacam (P<0.001). The corneal horizontal diameter is 11.40 and 11.60 mm in normal eyes and Sirius-TSK eyes (P<0.001). The corneal horizontal diameter is 11.74 and 11.43 mm in normal eyes and Pentacam-TSK eyes (P<0.001). The central corneal thickness measured by Sirius is 530.1 μm and 518.1 μm (P=0.001) in normal eyes and Sirius-TSK eyes. The central corneal thickness measured by Pentacam is 521.5 μm and 526.6 μm (P=0.102) in normal eyes and Pentacam-TSK eyes. There is statistical significance between normal eyes and TSK eyes defined by Sirius in the proportion of “yellow or red” SIf and SIb. There is statistical significance between the normal eyes and the TSK eyes defined by Pentacam in the proportion of “yellow or red” Df, Db, Dp, and Da, and there is no difference in Dt between them.Conclusions: The proportion of TSK eyes diagnosed by Sirius is less than those diagnosed by Pentacam in Chinese. Smaller corneal diameter is liable to be judged as TSK by Pentacam in Chinese compared with Sirius. Thinner corneal thickness is liable to be judged as TSK by Sirius in Chinese compared with Pentacam. The variables of SIf and SIb are the main factors leading to TSK in Sirius, the Dt is more stable in Pentacam using for screening normal Chinese cases.
COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT OF DISCOPATHIES OF THE LUMBAR SPINE
Authors: Potapov Oleksandr O. , Kmyta Oleksiy P. , Tsyndrenko Oleksandr O. , Pavlova Maryna V. , Zaporozhets Dmytro A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction. Degenerative disc disease is one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system, characterized by dystrophic changes in the intervertebral disc and vertebral bodies adjacent to it. The main symptoms of this disease are pain and sensory and motor disorders, which, according to various authors, occur in 50–80% of adults.
The main objective of the study was to find and implement the optimal set of treatment measures for degenerative disc disease depending on the age of a patient.
Materials and Methods. The medical records of inpatients who were treated in the Neurosurgical Department of the Sumy Regional Clinical Hospital in 2019–2020 were analyzed. The course of treatment of 93 patients (61 men and 32 women) was studied. The patients were divided into groups according to their age: young age (under 25) – 13 men and 8 women; middle age (under 60) – 24 men and 19 women; and elderly age (over 60 years) – 18 men and 11 women.
The combined use of pathogenetically justified physiotherapeutic measures in the treatment complex is gaining more and more interest. Their distinctive features are physiologic nature, absence of allergic manifestations, the ability to influence most of the pathogenesis of the disease, and the organic combination with other therapeutic factors. Unfortunately, there is an increase in the incidence of temporary incapacitation and progressive course, which often leads to disability and significant financial costs associated with expensive modern methods of diagnosis, treatment, and further provision of employment to patients.
The results of our study show that complex treatment including pathogenetic drug therapy, complex paravertebral block, therapeutic physical exercise, and physiotherapy treatment methods provides adequate recovery of spinal function regardless of dystrophic and degenerative changes severity and patient's age.
Treatment of degenerative disc disease should be comprehensive and directed at the various symptoms and links of the pathological process.
CHARACTERISTICS OF SKIN ELECTRICAL CONDUCTANCE IN PATIENTS WITH BREAST CANCER AND HIGH RISK OF RADIATION THERAPY-RELATED COMPLICATIONS
Authors: Kulinich Halyna V. , Prohorova Elvira B. , Hladkykh Fedir V.
Published: February 2022

Background. Radiation therapy (RT) is one of the main methods of treating cancer, including breast cancer (BC). This is one of the most knowledge-intensive medical industries, which is based on the latest advances in radiobiology, chemistry, radiation physics, engineering and others. Effective PT involves the use of fairly high doses of radiation, which is what determines the success of comprehensive treatment, in particular the increase in the number of patients who survived 5 years or more. In turn, the increase in survival after a course of combination treatment leads to an increase in the absolute number of patients with adverse treatment outcomes, including radiation-related complications (RC).
The aim of the work was to characterize the changes in the skin electrical conductance in patients with breast cancer and an increased risk of RC.
Materials and methods. The study was conducted on the basis of the clinic of the Grigoriev Institute of Medical Radiology and Oncology of NAMS of Ukraine. To study the skin electrical conductance, 16 patients with BC with an increased risk of RC were selected, with a mean age of 53.8 ± 3.7 (95% CI: 46.6–61.0) years. Studies of tissue electrical conductance were performed using the device "Electrodermatometer", measuring the indicators: modulus of complex impedance, impedance angle, complex impedance, and electrical capacity.
Results and discussion. The study showed that in patients with BC and increased risk of RC, there was a decrease in the complex impedance of tissues at the study points during RT. The modulus of complex impedance at the mitral area decreased by only 6.8% (p > 0.05), while at the aortic, pulmonic and tricuspid areas, this figure was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased by 27.0%; 26.2% and 33.0%, respectively, relative to the initial indicators for RT. It was found that the most pronounced changes in the skin electrical conductance in patients with BC at risk of RC were observed at the projection points of the tricuspid and pulmonic areas, where these indicators were significantly (p < 0.05) increased by 41.1% and 34.2% relative to the baseline and equaled 9.8 ± 0.89 pF and 9.8 ± 0.88 pF, respectively.
Conclusions. In patients with breast cancer at risk of RC, there was a statistically significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the value of the modulus of complex impedance by an average of 23.3% and a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) in the tissue electrical conductance by an average of 29.8% relative to the baseline during radiation therapy.
DETECTION OF SENTINEL LYMPH NODES IN PATIENTS WITH THYROID CANCER WITH THE USE OF TOLUIDINE BLUE
Authors: Kurochkin Andrii V. , Moskalenko Yulia V. , Moskalenko Roman A. , Kravets Oleksandr V. , Kuzmenko Vitalii V.
Published: February 2022

Introduction. Treatment of patients with thyroid cancer (TС) with clinically undetected metastases to regional lymph nodes remains an unsolved problem of modern oncology. The search for reliable diagnostic methods, which underlie the decision to perform an adequate lymphadenectomy for TC, is one of the priorities of oncosurgery.
The aim of the research: to find an effective method of intraoperative contrasting of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) in patients with TC using toluidine blue and to evaluate its effectiveness.
Methods. A study of 123 patients with TC who underwent surgical treatment using the contrast-visual method in the amount of thyroidectomy with central and bilateral selective cervical lymph node dissection (levels VI; IIA; III; IV). During surgery, a 1% solution of toluidine blue was injected into the tumor using a syringe. Surgical treatment was performed in two stages. At the first stage – thyroidectomy was performed in a block with a central lymphatic collector of the neck (level IV), which included removal of paratracheal, prelaryngeal, parathyroid tissue of the neck. Urgent intraoperative histological examination of thyroid tumor and distant SLN was performed. In the second stage of the operation performed cervical lymph node dissection with removal of fiber IIA; III; IV levels of the neck, with mandatory revision of the level of VB. After the operation, the final histological examination of the removed specimen with the tumor and all lymph nodes was performed.
Results. After the application contrasting technique, SLN were found in 120 (97.6%) patients. Their number varied from 2 to 12. These lymph nodes were mainly localized in the central collector of the neck on the side of the primary tumor (central, ipsilateral SLN) in 91 (75.8%) patients. Based on the results of an intraoperative study of SLN, metastases were found in 33 (27.5%) of 120 patients. In most cases (83.3%) SLNs were detected in the central lymphatic collector of the neck (level VI). In 76 (63.3%) patients, staining of the lymph nodes of the III level of the neck (middle ipsilateral jugular lymphatic collector) occurred, in 11 (9.2%) SLNs were found only at levels III, IV and VB of the neck. Very rarely (5.8%), the lymph nodes of the anterior-superior mediastinum were contrasted.
Conclusions. The method of contrast visualization of the regional collector in patients with TC using a 1% solution of toluidine blue is a highly informative study that allows to determine the regional lymph nodes affected by metastases and to differentiate the choice of the volume of lymph node dissection in the early stages of tumors. The method is simple to implement, does not involve considerable costs and can be recommended for use in oncology clinics.
PECULIARITIES OF HORMONAL HOMEOSTASIS IN WOMEN WITH DEFICIENT BODY WEIGHT
Authors: Sukharev Anatoliy B. , Kopytsia Tetiana V. , Boyko Volodymyr I.
Published: February 2022

Currently, among young women, the prevailing concept of female beauty is a slender figure with a poor subcutaneous fat layer. In this connection, many young girls use various diets and visit fitness clubs in order to lose body weight. After marriage, a significant number of them apply to family planning offices due to the failure to get pregnant after a year and more of regular sex life without contraception. The purpose of the research was to show the correlation between the levels of pituitary and ovarian hormones during the menstrual cycle and body weight deficit in women planning pregnancy.
The study was carried out at the City Clinical Maternity House during 2014–2019. The information was gathered by interviewing women with body weight deficit, who were planning pregnancy, and by analysis of hormone levels. We examined 327 patients. The content of follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH), luteinizing hormones (LH), prolactin, progesterone, estradiol, cortisol was studied. The subjects were divided into 4 groups depending on the body weight deficit: 1st group – a decrease in body weight of up to 5%, 2nd group – a decrease in body weight from 5 to 10%, 3rd group ­– from 10 to 15%, 4th group – more than 15%. The studied groups were also stratified according to the main etiological factor, namely: a) insufficient nutrition in quantitative and qualitative terms (starvation, some vitamin deficiencies, etc.); b) long-term physical exertion; c) long-term psycho-emotional stress; d) asocial lifestyle (alcoholism, substance abuse).
The results of the study showed changes in the level of hormones in response to the influence of these factors.
It was concluded that the most important factor that changed the level of hormones in the body was a causal relationship that caused weight loss. The most significant factors were: prolonged psycho-emotional stress and malnutrition, while prolonged physical exertion and unhealthy lifestyle were milder predisposing causes that led to changes in hormonal levels in case of underweight. To relieve psycho-emotional stress and optimize nutrition, it is necessary to manage patients together with a psychotherapist and a nutritionist.
Monitoring and personalization in treatment of breast cancer patients with metastatic bone lesions
Authors: Konovalenko Volodymyr , Drobotun Oleg , Ternovyy Nikolai , Konovalenko Sergii , Garashchenko Oksana
Published: February 2022

The aim. To increase the efficiency of treatment of BC patients with metastatic lesions of long tubular bones by using, Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and bone marrow markers for diagnostics and monitoring the clinical course of the oncologic process, accompanied by surgical intervention with endoprosthetics along with the treatment of polymorbid pathology in a specific patient.

Materials and methods. Authors provide systemic personification including visualization of the tumor site and its vascularization; printing out the 3D model; surgical planning, including optimal surgical access to the tumor site considering the volume and topographic and anatomical location and dissemination of the tumor, the convenience of intraoperative tasks (removal of the tumor, bone grafting or endoprosthetics), preoperative planning of bone resection lines with maximum preservation of intact bone tissue.

Results. Personalization of the treatment of breast cancer patients with metastatic bone lesions contributes to a significant reduction in postoperative complications of endoprosthetic replacement of large joints (up to 15.2 %) and increases the overall three-year survival rate (up to 40.6 %), as well as significantly improves their quality of life.

Conclusions. The personalization of treatment of patients with tumor lesions of the skeletons contributes to a significant decrease in the indicator of postoperative complications of endoprosthetics of great joints and to an increase in the total three-year survival rate, as well as to the improvement of the quality of life after the conducted treatment.
DOING GENDER AND RACE INTERSECTIONALITY: THE EXPERIENCES OF FEMALE MAORI AND NONWHITE ACADEMICS IN NEW ZEALAND
Authors:   Department of Sociology, The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University, Indonesia, Toyibah Dzuriyatun , Riyani Irma ,   Department of Qur’an and Tafsir Studies, The Faculty of Ushuluddin, Sunan Gunung Djati State Islamic University, Bandung, Indonesia
Published: February 2022

Several studies that focus on Western settings like Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand have found that gendered institutions within academic careers are still preserved through various means. These studies have verified that fewer women are in tenure track positions than men. Additionally, women have been receiving a lower salary and are seldom promoted. Several issues such as mobility, parenting, and gender bias in application and evaluation rate as well as gender citation gap are highly correlated with women’s challenges in pursuing professorships. Nonetheless, there is still a lack of studies pertaining to the impact of the intersection of race and gender on the experiences of people of colour and minority groups in academia. The current study aims to explore the role that gender and race play among female academics, which includes the careers of Maori academics (the indigenous people of New Zealand) and non-white academics in New Zealand. Based on in-depth interviews conducted with 15 academic staff, including Maori and non-white academics in New Zealand, the current research corroborates the existing literature regarding the interplay of race and gender in advancing academic career. Furthermore, this research also finds that the merit-based concept or objective indicators of academic excellence do not necessarily apply in New Zealand. On account of their gender and racial identities, women of minority groups and non-white academics frequently experience multidimensional marginalisation while pursuing their academic careers.
Hybridization of financing as a transition strategy to transparent, accountable, and efficient university management: The case of Ukraine
Authors: Pohribna Nataliia , Petlenko Yuliia , Chervinska Tetiana , Kharlamova Ganna
Published: February 2022

The development of universities in Ukraine requires explicit proposals for the financial component under the hybrid forms of management. A hybrid form is created by combining functional and product divisions, i.e. university staff are required to work on many projects, study programs, and report to multiple managers under a hybrid organizational structure, but not only to the chief of department and the vertical managers over them. The development of universities as public state institutions or as public institutions with the prevailing private financing requires a detailed examination and justification of the possible concourse ways. The study aims to present the theoretical analysis of the hybridization of financing in Ukraine, its ways, abilities, and benefits. This paper presents the findings of a systematic review of the academic literature, as the extant literature has seldom explained what hybridity signifies when it occurs and how it is shown, nothing to say about the practical case, especially in counties like Ukraine. The paper suggested a fine-grained understanding of what constitutes the hybrid nature of financing for a Ukrainian university. Practical use of hybridization of financing in university allows creating a reliable institutional framework for the development of financial autonomy, which is confirmed by analysis of the six largest universities in Ukraine in 2010–2020. Accordingly, this study suggests ways forward by revealing questions toward a better understanding of the hybridization in the higher education of Ukraine.
AcknowledgmentThis paper is done in the framework of the grant project “Financial stabilization of classical universities in the context of the global consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic” funded by the National Research Foundation of Ukraine “Science for Human Security and Society” (2020-2021).