bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What is the added value of incorporating pleasure in sexual health interventions? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zaneva Mirela , Philpott Anne , Singh Arushi , Larsson Gerda , Gonsalves Lianne
Published: February 2022

Despite billions of dollars invested into Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) efforts, the effect of incorporating sexual pleasure, a key driver of why people have sex, in sexual health interventions is currently unclear. We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines across 7 databases for relevant articles published between 1 January 2005–1 June, 2020. We included 33 unique interventions in our systematic review. Eight interventions reporting condom use outcomes were meta-analyzed together with a method random effects model. Quality appraisal was carried out through the Cochrane Collaborations’ RoB2 tool. This study was pre-registered on Prospero (ID: CRD42020201822). We identified 33 unique interventions (18886 participants at baseline) that incorporate pleasure. All included interventions targeted HIV/STI risk reduction, none occurred in the context of pregnancy prevention or family planning. We find that the majority of interventions targeted populations that authors classified as high-risk. We were able to meta-analyze 8 studies (6634 participants at baseline) reporting condom use as an outcome and found an overall moderate, positive, and significant effect of Cohen’s d = 0·37 (95% CI 0·20–0·54, p < 0·001; I2 = 48%; τ2 = 0·043, p = 0·06). Incorporating sexual pleasure within SRHR interventions can improve sexual health outcomes. Our meta-analysis provides evidence about the positive impact of pleasure-incorporating interventions on condom use which has direct implications for reductions in HIV and STIs. Qualitatively, we find evidence that pleasure can have positive effects across different informational and knowledge-based attitudes as well. Future work is needed to further elucidate the impacts of pleasure within SRHR and across different outcomes and populations. Taking all the available evidence into account, we recommend that agencies responsible for sexual and reproductive health consider incorporating sexual pleasure considerations within their programming.
Factors affecting intention to take COVID-19 vaccine among Pakistani University Students
Authors: Hossian Mosharop , Khan Md Abdullah Saeed , Nazir Anum , Nabi Mohammad Hayatun , Hasan Mehedi , Maliha Ramisha , Hossain Mohammad Ali , Rashid Md Utba , Itrat Nizwa , Hawlader Mohammad Delwer Hossain
Published: February 2022

Background

Widespread vaccination coverage is essential for reducing the COVID-19 havoc and regarded as a crucial tool in restoring normal life on university campuses. Therefore, our research aimed to understand the intention to be vaccinated for COVID-19 among Pakistani university students.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in five administrative units of Pakistan, i.e., Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. We obtained data from 2,865 university students between 17th January and 2nd February, 2021, using a semi-structured and self-administered questionnaire. We used Stata (version 16.1, StataCorp LLC) for data management and analysis.

Results

The majority (72.5%) of our respondents were willing to take COVID-19 vaccine. The current level of education had a statistically significant relationship with the intention to be vaccinated (p < 0.05). Respondents answered 11 questions encompassing five different domains of the Health Belief Model (HBM). All the items of HBM were significantly associated with the positive intention towards receiving the vaccine (p < 0.05). We conducted a multivariable logistic regression analysis to assess the relative contribution of different factors towards the intention to receive COVID-19 vaccine. Multiple factors such as belief that vaccination should be mandatory for everyone (AOR: 3.99, 95% CI: 3.20–4.98) and willingness to take vaccine even if it is not free (AOR: 3.91, 95% CI: 3.18–4.81) were observed to be associated with high odds of showing willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Conclusion

Most of our study participants intended to take vaccines based on their belief regarding the high effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine. But as rumor-mongers are generating and spreading conspiracy theories daily, the health department and policymakers need to undertake evidence-based campaigns through electronic and social media to ensure expected countrywide vaccination coverage. In this case, our study findings can serve as a foundation for them to ensure mass vaccination coverage among university students, which is crucial now to reopen the dormitories and restore everyday life on campuses.
Restenosis rates in patients with ipsilateral carotid endarterectomy and contralateral carotid artery stenting
Authors: Nguyen Dat Tin , Vokó Boldizsár , Nyárádi Balázs Bence , Munkácsi Tamás , Bérczi Ákos , Vokó Zoltán , Dósa Edit
Published: February 2022

Purpose

We aimed to evaluate the long-term outcome of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) in patients who underwent both procedures on different sides.

Methods

In this single-center retrospective study (2001–2019), 117 patients (men, N = 78; median age at CEA, 64.4 [interquartile range {IQR}, 57.8–72.2] years; median age at CAS, 68.8 [IQR, 61.0–76.0] years) with ≥50% internal carotid artery stenosis who had CEA on one side and CAS on the other side were included. The risk of restenosis was estimated by treatment adjusted for patient and lesion characteristics.

Results

Neurological symptoms were significantly more common (41.9% vs 16.2%, P<0.001) and patients had a significantly shorter mean duration of smoking (30.2 [standard deviation {SD}, 22.2] years vs 31.8 [SD, 23.4] years, P<0.001), hypertension (10.1 [SD, 9.8] years vs 13.4 [SD, 9.1] years, P<0.001), hyperlipidemia (3.6 [SD, 6.6] years vs 5.0 [SD, 7.3] years, P = 0.001), and diabetes mellitus (3.9 [SD, 6.9] years vs 5.7 [SD, 8.9] years, P<0.001) before CEA compared to those before CAS. While the prevalence of heavily calcified stenoses on the operated side (25.6% vs 6.8%, P<0.001), the incidence of predominantly echogenic/echogenic plaques (53.0% vs 70.1%, P = 0.011) and suprabulbar lesions (1.7% vs 22.2%, P<0.001) on the stented side was significantly higher. Restenosis rates were 10.4% at 1 year, 22.3% at 5 years, and 33.7% at the end of the follow-up (at 11 years) for CEA, while these were 11.4%, 14.7%, and 17.2%, respectively, for CAS. Cox regression analysis revealed a significantly higher risk of restenosis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–3.10; P = 0.030) for CEA compared to that for CAS. After adjusting for relevant confounding factors (smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, calcification severity, plaque echogenicity, and lesion location), the estimate effect size materially did not change, although it did not remain statistically significant (HR, 1.85; 95% CI, 0.95–3.60; P = 0.070).

Conclusion

Intra-patient comparison of CEA and CAS in terms of restenosis tilts the balance toward CAS.
The impact of face masks on emotion recognition performance and perception of threat
Authors: Grahlow Melina , Rupp Claudia Ines , Derntl Birgit
Published: February 2022

Facial emotion recognition is crucial for social interaction. However, in times of a global pandemic, where wearing a face mask covering mouth and nose is widely encouraged to prevent the spread of disease, successful emotion recognition may be challenging. In the current study, we investigated whether emotion recognition, assessed by a validated emotion recognition task, is impaired for faces wearing a mask compared to uncovered faces, in a sample of 790 participants between 18 and 89 years (condition mask vs. original). In two more samples of 395 and 388 participants between 18 and 70 years, we assessed emotion recognition performance for faces that are occluded by something other than a mask, i.e., a bubble as well as only showing the upper part of the faces (condition half vs. bubble). Additionally, perception of threat for faces with and without occlusion was assessed. We found impaired emotion recognition for faces wearing a mask compared to faces without mask, for all emotions tested (anger, fear, happiness, sadness, disgust, neutral). Further, we observed that perception of threat was altered for faces wearing a mask. Upon comparison of the different types of occlusion, we found that, for most emotions and especially for disgust, there seems to be an effect that can be ascribed to the face mask specifically, both for emotion recognition performance and perception of threat. Methodological constraints as well as the importance of wearing a mask despite temporarily compromised social interaction are discussed.
Effect of empagliflozin on coronary microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus–A randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over study
Authors: Suhrs Hannah Elena , Nilsson Malin , Bové Kira Bang , Zander Mette , Prescott Eva
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Results from large scale cardiovascular outcome trials in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) have found that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) reduce cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure, but the mechanisms behind the beneficial cardiovascular effects are not fully understood. We tested the hypothesis that the SGLT2i, empagliflozin, improves non-endothelial dependent coronary microvascular function, thereby leading to better cardiac function.

Methods

Patients with DM2 followed at the endocrinology outpatient clinic at Bispebjerg University Hospital were included in a double blinded, placebo-controlled cross-over study. Participants were allocated equally to each treatment sequence using simple randomization and treated with empagliflozin 25 mg and placebo for 12 weeks, interrupted by 2 weeks wash-out period. The primary outcome was coronary microvascular function, assessed as coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) and measured with transthoracic doppler echocardiography. Echocardiographic parameters of cardiac function were measured, and blood samples were analyzed for a broad panel of cardiovascular biomarkers.

Results

Thirteen patients were randomized to each sequence and 10 and 9 completed the study according to protocol, respectively, and were included in the analysis of outcome parameters. We found no improvement in CFVR (change in the empagliflozin period was -0.16 (SD 0.58)). There were no effects on cardiac systolic function or indicators of cardiac filling pressure. Well-known effects of empagliflozin were obtained, such as weight loss and reduction in Hba1c level. Creatinine level increased but remained within normal range. We observed a clear trend of reduction in cardiovascular biomarkers after empagliflozin treatment and increased levels after the placebo period. No serious adverse reactions were reported.

Conclusions

Despite effect on weight-loss, Hba1c and biomarkers, treatment with empagliflozin for 12 weeks did not improve CFVR in patients with DM2.
Phytolith profile of Acrachne racemosa (B. Heyne ex Roem. & Schult.) Ohwi (Cynodonteae, Chloridoideae, Poaceae)
Authors: Badgal Priya , Chowdhary Poonam , Bhat Mudassir Ahmad , Soodan Amarjit Singh
Published: February 2022

Acrachne racemosa (B. Heyne. ex Roem. & Schult.) Ohwi of the subfamily Chloridoideae of the family Poaceae is an economically important grass species. Grasses are characterized by deposits of silica in the cells or tissues in the form of phytoliths which protect them from various types of biotic and abiotic stresses. Owing to variable shape and specificity of morphotypes, phytolith helps in taxonomical studies, reconstruction of paleoenvironments and prediction of climate changes. The present study focussed on developing a phytolith profile of the selected species. For isolation of phytolith, Dry Ashing Method was employed, and by epidermal peeling, in-situ location of phytoliths was deciphered. In the present study, silica percentage was studied from different parts of the plant and the maximum amount was found in the leaf. Frequency and morphometric data of phytolith morphotypes from different parts of the plants were also collected and analyzed. The strongest correlation was found between phytolith types of root and culm by Pearson’s correlation coefficient supported by cluster analysis. The saddle type of phytoliths had the highest frequency in the leaf; other types of phytoliths in different parts of the plant were bilobate, blocky types, elongate types, trapezoids, triangular, cross, sinuate elongate, tabular types, globular types. Functional groups and amorphous polymorphic phases of silica were also analyzed by FTIR and XRD. It was concluded that phytolith types are controlled by parts of plant body and by anatomical and environmental factors.
Low birth weight and associated factors among HIV positive and negative mothers delivered in northwest Amhara region referral hospitals, Ethiopia,2020 a comparative crossectional study
Authors: Fentie Elsa Awoke , Yeshita Hedija Yenus , Bokie Moges Muluneh
Published: February 2022

Background

Even though pregnancy does not affect HIV infection progression, HIV affects the pregnancy outcome. Maternal HIV infection has many untoward effects which include low birth weight which is the major cause of neonatal, infant, and under-five mortality. However, there is controversy and limited information about the effect of HIV status on birth weight around the world including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the prevalence of LBW and their associated factors among HIV+ and HIV- mothers delivered in Northwest Amhara region referral hospitals.

Method

A comparative crossectional study was conducted from September 2016 to September 2019. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 474 participants. Data were collected from the mothers’ chart by using a data extraction sheet and then entered into Epi-data and exported into SPSS for analysis. Independent variables with p-values < 0.2 in the bivariable analysis were entered into multivariable logistic regression models with backward logistic regressions method to control confounders and identify the factor.

Result

The overall prevalence of LBW was 13.9% (95% CI:10.8%-17.1%). The prevalence was higher among HIV+ 17.7% (95% CI:14.1%-22.8%) than HIV- mothers 10.1% (95% CI:6.3%—13.8%). CD4 count < 200 cells/mm3 [AOR 3.2, 95%CI (1.05, 9.84)] and between 200–350 cells/mm3 [2.81, 95% CI (1,08, 7.28)], Mothers with MUAC <23 cm [AOR 3.39, 95% CI (1.41, 8.18)] and gestational age <37 weeks [AOR 7.34, 95% CI (3.02,17.80)] were significantly associated with LBW in HIV+ mothers. While, rural residence [AOR 3.93,95% CI (1.356,11.40)], PROM during current pregnancy [AOR 4.96, 95% CI (2.55, 15.83)] and gestational age <37 week [AOR 8.21, 95% CI (2.60, 25.89)] were significantly associated with LBW in HIV negative mothers.

Conclusion

The prevalence of LBW was significantly higher among HIV+ mothers as compared to HIV—mothers and this study suggests to emphasize nutritional supplementation of HIV positive mothers, needs to focus on nutritional counseling during ANC/PMTCT follow up and encourage HIV positive mothers to delay their pregnancy until their immune status improve.
The role of semantics in the success of crowdfunding projects
Authors: Babayoff Orel , Shehory Onn
Published: February 2022

Crowdfunding platforms allow entrepreneurs to publish projects and raise funds for realizing them. Hence, the question of what influences projects’ fundraising success is very important. Previous studies examined various factors such as project goals and project duration that may influence the outcomes of fundraising campaigns. We present a novel model for predicting the success of crowdfunding projects in meeting their funding goals. Our model focuses on semantic features only, whose performance is comparable to that of previous models. In an additional model we developed, we examine both project metadata and project semantics, delivering a comprehensive study of factors influencing crowdfunding success. Further, we analyze a large dataset of crowdfunding project data, larger than reported in the art. Finally, we show that when combining semantics and metadata, we arrive at F1 score accuracy of 96.2%. We compare our model’s accuracy to the accuracy of previous research models by applying their methods on our dataset, and demonstrate higher accuracy of our model. In addition to our scientific contribution, we provide practical recommendations that may increase project funding success chances.
Creativity in higher education through the flow channel
Authors: Dominek Dalma Lilla
Published: February 2022

In our study, we present the importance of creativity and its possible rebuilding into education. We also consider it important to examine Group Flow, because in education, group synchronicity and its combined use in enhancing creativity is important for students entering the labour market to be aware of raising and maintaining their performance at a higher level. To work in a group means to achieve goals and work together, and that can only be achieved through creativity. It can be shown that if someone is creative in the group, it spreads to the other members. However, a whole new creative teaching methodology is needed that can be implemented in a new digital technology age. Introducing or rebuilding creativity into education is an exciting area for the above.
Analysis of characteristics of the cities on the warehouse location: the case of Belo Horizonte metropolitan region
Authors: Kopperschmidt de Oliveira Isabela , Gonçalves Ferreira de Araújo Gracielle , De Oliveira Leise Kelli
Published: February 2022

The warehouse location is a critical factor in the efficiency of urban freight transport. However, several factors influence this location. This paper analyses the spatial correlation of characteristics of cities in a metropolitan region and the location of the warehouses through a case study in the Belo Horizonte metropolitan region. The municipalities' socioeconomic and fleet data were analysed using the Local Moran Index and Bivariate Moran Index statistics. The results were presented by clusters using the Local Indicator of Spatial Association. Populational density, land cost, and truck fleet are spatially correlated with the warehouses' location. Furthermore, the characteristics of some municipalities, as Contagem, Ribeirão das Neves, and Ibirité, create high-high clusters, with high spatial correlation in the municipalities of cluster and, also, in the surroundings. Findings suggest the importance of land use, logistics, and real estate sector public policies minimise warehouses' externalities and contribute to economic development.
A detailed investigation on highly dense CuZr bulk metallic glasses for shielding purposes
Authors: Tekin Huseyin Ozan , ALMisned Ghada , Susoy Gulfem , Zakaly Hesham M. H. , Issa Shams A. M. , Kilic Gokhan , Rammah Yasser Saad , Lakshminarayana Gandham , Ene Antoaneta
Published: February 2022

Gamma-ray shielding properties of eight different metallic glasses based on CuxZr100-x: x = 35 (Cu35Zr65) − 70 (Cu70Zr30) were determined using Monte Carlo simulations and Phy-X/PSD software. A typical gamma-ray transmission setup has been modeled in MCNPX Monte Carlo code. The general trend of the linear attenuation coefficients (μ) was reported as (μ)Cu35Zr65 < (μ)Cu40Zr60 < (μ)Cu45Zr55 < (μ)Cu50Zr50 < (μ)Cu55Zr45 < (μ)Cu60Zr40 < (μ)Cu65Zr35 < (μ)Cu70Zr30. In terms of half value layer (HVL) values, the Cu35Zr65 sample has the highest value (2.984 cm) and the Cu70Zr30 sample has the lowest value (2.769 cm) at 8 MeV photon energy. The mean free path (MFP) values were 4.305 and 3.995 cm for Cu35Zr65 and Cu70Zr30 samples, respectively. Generally, MFP and HVL values of the studied glasses were reported as (MFP,HVL)Cu35Zr65 > (MFP,HVL)Cu40Zr60 > (MFP,HVL)Cu45Zr55 > (MFP,HVL)Cu50Zr50 > (MFP,HVL)Cu55Zr45 > (MFP,HVL)Cu60Zr40 > (MFP,HVL)Cu65Zr35 > (MFP,HVL)Cu70Zr30 for all photon energy range. The Cu70Zr30 sample showed maximum values of both the effective conductivity (C
eff) and effective electron density (N
eff). In addition, the Cu70Zr30 sample has minimum exposure and energy absorption buildup factor (EBF and EABF) values at all studied gamma-ray energies. The results revealed that the Cu70Zr30 sample has superior attenuation properties among all studied samples.
Some physicochemical and technological properties of cooking water of pulses as a canned industry waste: effect of ultrasound treatment during soaking
Authors: Kilicli Mahmut , Toker Omer Said
Published: February 2022

Canned products are important part of human diet and therefore, many types of canned products with high amounts are produced worldwide. During canned production, cooking water of pulses (aquafaba) is an important waste. Therefore, recycling of it is important for sustainability and economic value. In the present study, it was aimed to determine technological properties of aquafabas obtained from canned production. For this aim, chickpea, bean, kidney bean, broad bean, green pea and lentil were used in this study, and conventional soaking and ultrasound soaking was both performed. Aquafaba is a cooking water of pulses not only chickpea and also lentil, pea and bean species. Aquafaba is used for foaming, emulsifying and gelling agent as a plant based food additive. Soaking with ultrasound has shortened the soaking time of all pules as well as increased the D
eff (effective diffusion constant) values. Diffusion is a basic physical mechanism for remove moisture or absorb and also give important information about physical and thermal properties of sample. “Remove moisture” term is using for drying and the other is using for hydration. The relationship between the physical properties of pulses and D
eff values was observed. The protein content of aquafaba on a dry basis changed between 20 and 35% and it has been observed that there are also positive correlation with their foaming properties. Foaming capacities of aquafabas varied between 167 and 567% in conventional soaking, and between 133 and 533% in ultrasonic soaking. In both methods, chickpea aquafaba showed the lowest foaming capacity and stability, while pea had the highest foaming capacity and stability. US process generally decreased the protein content and foaming capacity (FC) of aquafabas. The foam of pea and lentil aquafabas showed higher resistant against to gravity. In contrary to the foaming properties, an increase in emulsifying properties was observed as a result of US. It has been observed that the obtained aquafabas can be used in various products in the food industry thanks to their technological features instead of animal-based ingredients.
On the influence of heavy warm reduction on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a medium-carbon ferritic –pearlitic steel
Authors: Storojeva L. , Ponge D. , Raabe D. , Kaspar R.
Published: February 2022

The current study on a medium-carbon steel (0.36% C) with deformation-induced spheroidized cementite produced by heavy warm deformation (HWD) was carried out in order to investigate an alternative microstructural route when compared to conventional quenching and tempering (QT) or soft annealing (SA) processes. After austenite deformation, the HWD samples were cooled and heavily deformed at temperatures below the γ–α transformation followed by a simulated coiling treatment. In particular, the study addresses the influence of adiabatic heating due to the heavy deformation on the microstructure and properties. The mechanical properties after the various treatments show that the strength – ductility relation after HWD and QT are superior to those after continuous cooling (CC) or soft annealing (SA). In the microstructures obtained from the CC and SA treatments we observed lamellar pearlite which deteriorated the mechanical properties. A similar effect was observed after the adiabatic HWD treatment, which also entails some lamellar pearlite. HWD at 670 °C with subsequent coiling produced a microstructure with dispersed spheroidized cementite distributed homogeneously in the fine-grained ferrite matrix. The mechanical properties of the HWD samples are well comparable to those observed after the QT process owing to the resemblance in microstructure.
Influence of pre-straining on mechanical properties of HSLA steel by using ball indentation technique
Authors: Das Goutam , Ghosh Sabita , Sahay S. K. , Ranganath V. R. , Vaze K. K.
Published: February 2022

Ball indentation technique has been employed to explore the possibilities for revealing the effect of pre-strain on mechanical properties of two groups of high-strength low-alloy steels. These steels were pre-strained up to 5%. Results are presented here for 1, 3, 4, and 5% of pre-strain effect on these steels. The dependence of yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, strength coefficient, strain-hardening component and true stress–strain curves on pre-straining effect are available from the ball indentation test, and they are validated with the standard mechanical test results. It is found that the increment of the pre-straining effect results in an increment of the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength values, while strength coefficient and strain-hardening component values are decreased. The existence of Lüders bands in the conventional stress–strain curves is also revealed in ball indentation test by the presence of the Lüders strain surrounding the indentation profile. In the conventional test it is found that the amount of Lüders bands is decreasing with increasing pre-strain. Similarly, Lüders strain as well as pile-up/sink-in of materials surrounding the indentation decrease as the pre-straining increases. It is found that ball indentation technique can be effectively used to determine the minute changes of mechanical properties due to introducing small amount of pre-straining.
Mathematical modeling of point kinetic equations with temperature feedback for reactivity transient analysis in MTR
Authors: Girgis Selim Hala Kamal
Published: February 2022

The behavior of the nuclear reactor in response to any sudden change in reactivity is very important for reactor control. Positive reactivity insertions causes power excursion and could have a destructive impact on the reactor core. The aim of the study is to investigate the safety features of a material test reactor (MTR) during reactivity transient with emphasis on the capability of the mathematical modeling using programming language. Therefore a mathematical model using Python3.6; high-level programming language is developed to solve the point kinetic equations taking into account Doppler and moderator feedback effects. The model is validated with AIREKMOD_RR; point kinetic computer code for reactivity transient analysis in nuclear research reactors. The results of the Python model demonstrate the inherent safety features of the MTR reactor. Also, there is good agreement between the results of the Python model and AIREKMOD_RR code, illustrating the efficiency of the Python model in simulating the behavior of the reactor core under reactivity transient.
An enhanced formalism for the inverse reactor kinetics problem
Authors: Zarei Mohamad
Published: February 2022

The inverse kinetics problem in reactor physics is a standard formalism to unfold reactivity on the basis of registered power (flux) profile. The classical inverse point kinetics framework has been retrofitted herein to comprise thermal reactivity feedback effects. The instantaneous fuel and coolant temperatures are thus computed by way of the exponential time-differencing scheme and the corresponding thermal reactivity feedback is plugged into the inverse kinetics module. The core external reactivity is therefore unfolded employing only two consecutive time-steps of the power (flux) profile. A history independent yet straightforward numerical routine is accrued enjoying noticeable robustness with regards to the time-step resolution.
The establishment of analysis methodology of NRCDose3 for Kuosheng nuclear power plant decommissioning
Authors: Hsu Wen-Sheng , Chen Shao-Shuan , Wang Jong-Rong , Yang Jung-Hua , Chen Shao-Wen , Shih Chunkuan
Published: February 2022

In this research, the analysis methodology for Kuosheng BWR/6 nuclear power plant (NPP) decommissioning is established by using NRCDose3 code. NRCDose3 code includes XOQDOQ, GASPAR II, and LADTAP II programs that can assess atmospheric dispersion factor, gaseous radioactive effluents and offsite doses, and liquid radioactive releases and offsite doses, respectively. Therefore, this analysis methodology of NRCDose3 assesses the offsite doses of the gaseous radioactive effluents and liquid radioactive releases for Kuosheng NPP decommissioning. According to the analysis results, the results of NRCDose3 are consistent with Kuosheng NPP data.
Stratifying workers on sick leave due to musculoskeletal pain: translation, cross-cultural adaptation and construct validity of the Norwegian Keele STarT MSK tool
Authors: Rysstad Tarjei , Grotle Margreth , Aasdahl Lene , Hill Jonathan C. , Dunn Kate M. , Tingulstad Alexander , Tveter Anne Therese
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Stratified care using prognostic models to estimate the risk profiles of patients has been increasing. A refined version of the popular STarT Back tool, the Keele STarT MSK tool, is a newly developed model for matched treatment across a wide range of musculoskeletal pain presentations. The aim of this study was to translate and culturally adapt the Keele STarT MSK tool into Norwegian, examine its construct validity and assess the representativeness of the included sample.

Methods

The Keele STarT MSK tool was formally translated into Norwegian following a multistep approach of forward and backward translation. A pre-final version was tested in 42 patients. Minor changes were implemented. To assess its construct validity, an online survey was conducted among workers aged 18–67 years who were on sick leave (>4 weeks) due to musculoskeletal disorders. Construct validity was evaluated in terms of convergent and discriminant validity using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and known-group validity by comparing risk subgroups as suggested by the COSMIN checklist. The representativeness of the sample was assessed by comparing demographic and sick leave information of participants to eligible non-participants (n=168,137).

Results

A representative sample of 549 workers participated in the validity assessment; 74 participants (13.5%) were categorised as low risk, 314 (57.2%) as medium risk and 161 (29.3%) as high risk. The construct validity was found sufficient, with 90.9% and 75.0% of the pre-defined hypotheses confirmed for convergent and discriminant validity, and known-group validity, respectively. Floor or ceiling effects were not found.

Conclusions

The Keele STarT MSK tool was successfully translated into Norwegian. The construct validity of the tool was acceptable in a representative cohort of workers on sick leave as a result of musculoskeletal pain. However, the analyses raised concerns as to whether one of the questions captures the construct it is intended to measure.
Motoneuron-Specific PTEN Deletion in Mice Induces Neuronal Hypertrophy and Also Regeneration after Facial Nerve Injury
Authors: Meyer zu Reckendorf Sofia , Moser Diana , Blechschmidt Anna , Joga Venkata Neeha , Sinske Daniela , Hegler Jutta , Deininger Stefanie , Catanese Alberto , Vettorazzi Sabine , Antoniadis Gregor , Boeckers Tobias , Knöll Bernd
Published: February 2022

In postmitotic neurons, several tumor suppressor genes (TSGs), including p53, Rb, and PTEN, modulate the axon regeneration success after injury. Particularly, PTEN inhibition is a key driver of successful CNS axon regeneration after optic nerve or spinal cord injury. In contrast, in peripheral neurons, TSG influence in neuronal morphology, physiology, and pathology has not been investigated to the same depth. In this study, we conditionally deleted PTEN from mouse facial motoneurons (Chat-Cre/PtenloxP/loxP) and analyzed neuronal responsesin vivowith or without peripheral facial nerve injury in male and female mice. In uninjured motoneurons, PTEN loss induced somatic, axonal, and nerve hypertrophy, synaptic terminal enlargement and reduction in physiological whisker movement. Despite these morphologic and physiological changes, PTEN deletion positively regulated facial nerve regeneration and recovery of whisker movement after nerve injury. Regenerating PTEN-deficient motoneurons upregulated P-CREB and a signaling pathway involving P-Akt, P-PRAS40, P-mTOR, and P-4EBP1. In aged mice (12 months), PTEN deletion induced hair loss and facial hyperplasia of the epidermis. This suggests a time window in younger mice with PTEN loss stimulating axon growth after injury, however, at the risk of hyperplasia formation at later time points in the old animal. Overall, our data highlight a dual TSG function with PTEN loss impairing physiological neuron function but furthermore underscoring the positive effects of PTEN ablation in axon regeneration also for the PNS.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTTumor suppressor genes (TSGs) restrict cell proliferation and growth. TSG inhibition, including p53 and PTEN, stimulates axon regeneration after CNS injury. In contrast, in PNS axon regeneration, TSGs have not been analyzed in great depth. Herein we show enhanced peripheral axon regeneration after PTEN deletion from facial motoneurons. This invokes a signaling cascade with novel PTEN partners, including CREB and PRAS40. In adult mice, PTEN loss induces hyperplasia of the skin epidermis, suggesting detrimental consequences when reaching adulthood in contrast to a beneficial TSG role for regeneration in young adult mice. Thus, our data highlight the double-edged sword nature of interfering with TSG function.
Mineralocorticoid receptor status in the human brain after dexamethasone treatment: a single case study
Authors: Koning Anne-Sophie C A M , Habets Philippe C , Bogaards Marit , Kroon Jan , van Santen Hanneke M , de Bont Judith M , Meijer Onno C
Published: February 2022

Background

Synthetic glucocorticoids like dexamethasone can cause severe neuropsychiatric effects. They preferentially bind to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) over the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). High dosages result in strong GR activation but likely also result in lower MR activation based on GR-mediated negative feedback on cortisol levels. Therefore, reduced MR activity may contribute to dexamethasone-induced neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Objective

In this single case study, we evaluate whether dexamethasone leads to reduced MR activation in the human brain. Brain tissue of an 8-year-old brain tumor patient was used, who suffered chronically from dexamethasone-induced neuropsychiatric symptoms and deceased only hours after a high dose of dexamethasone.

Main outcome measures

The efficacy of dexamethasone to induce MR activity was determined in HEK293T cells using a reporter construct. Subcellular localization of GR and MR was assessed in paraffin-embedded hippocampal tissue from the patient and two controls. In hippocampal tissue from the patient and eight controls, mRNA of MR/GR target genes was measured.

Results

In vitro, dexamethasone stimulated MR with low efficacy and low potency. Immunofluorescence showed the presence of both GR and MR in the hippocampal cell nuclei after dexamethasone exposure. The putative MR target gene JDP2 was consistently expressed at relatively low levels in the dexamethasone-treated brain samples. Gene expression showed substantial variation in MR/GR target gene expression in two different hippocampus tissue blocks from the same patient.

Conclusions

Dexamethasone may induce MR nuclear translocation in the human brain. Conclusions on in vivo effects on gene expression in the brain await the availability of more tissue of dexamethasone-treated patients.
100 YEARS OF VITAMIN D: Supraphysiological doses of vitamin D changes brainwave activity patterns in rats
Authors: Lima Gabriella Oliveira , Menezes da Silva Alex Luiz , Azevedo Julianne Elba Cunha , Nascimento Chirlene Pinheiro , Vieira Luana Rodrigues , Hamoy Akira Otake , Oliveira Ferreira Luan , Bahia Verônica Regina Lobato Oliveira , Muto Nilton Akio , Lopes Dielly Catrina Favacho , Hamoy Moisés
Published: February 2022

Low plasma levels of vitamin D causes bone mineral change that can precipitate osteopenia and osteoporosis and could aggravate autoimmune diseases, hypertension and diabetes. The demand for vitamin D supplementation becomes necessary; however, the consumption of vitamin D is not without risks, which its toxicity could have potentially serious consequences related to hypervitaminosis D, such as hypercalcemia and cerebral alterations. Thus, the present study describes the electroencephalographic changes caused by supraphysiological doses of vitamin D in the brain electrical dynamics and the electrocardiographic changes. After 4 days of treatment with vitamin D at a dose of 25,000 IU/kg, the serum calcium levels found were increased in comparison with the control group. The electrocorticogram analysis found a reduction in wave activity in the delta, theta, alpha and beta frequency bands. For ECG was observed changes with shortened QT follow-up, which could be related to serum calcium concentration. This study presented important evidence about the cerebral and cardiac alterations caused by high doses of vitamin D, indicating valuable parameters in the screening and decision-making process for diagnosing patients with symptoms suggestive of intoxication.
Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D and the risk of low muscle mass in young and middle-aged Korean adults
Authors: Kim Yejin , Chang Yoosoo , Ryu Seungho , Cho In Young , Kwon Min-Jung , Wild Sarah H , Byrne Christopher D
Published: February 2022

Objective

Despite the known benefit of vitamin D in reducing sarcopenia risk in older adults, its effect against muscle loss in the young population is unknown. We aimed to examine the association of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] level and its changes over time with the risk of incident low muscle mass (LMM) in young and middle-aged adults.

Design

This study is a cohort study.

Methods

The study included Korean adults (median age: 36.9 years) without LMM at baseline followed up for a median of 3.9 years (maximum: 7.3 years). LMM was defined as the appendicular skeletal muscle (ASM) mass by body weight (ASM/weight) of 1 s.d. below the sex-specific mean for the young reference group. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs.

Results

Of the 192,908 individuals without LMM at baseline, 19,526 developed LMM. After adjusting for potential confounders, the multivariable-adjusted HRs (95% CIs) for incident LMM comparing 25(OH)D levels of 25–<50, 50–<75, and ≥75 nmol/L to 25(OH)D <25 nmol/L were 0.93 (0.90–0.97), 0.85 (0.81–0.89), and 0.77 (0.71–0.83), respectively. The inverse association of 25(OH)D with incident LMM was consistently observed in young (aged <40 years) and older individuals (aged ≥40 years). Individuals with increased 25(OH)D levels (<50–≥50 nmol/L) or persistently adequate 25(OH)D levels (≥50 nmol/L) between baseline and follow-up visit had a lower risk of incident LMM than those with persistently low 25(OH)D levels.

Conclusions

Maintaining sufficient serum 25(OH)D could prevent unfavourable changes in muscle mass in both young and middle-aged Korean adults.
A fertile future: Fertility preservation special series
Authors: Mitchell Rod T , Williams Suzannah A
Published: February 2022

Lay summary

Fertility preservation is a rapidly advancing field with numerous broad applications ranging from retaining the prospect of fertility in a child with cancer to protecting an entire species from extinction. In recent years, huge strides have been made in understanding the biology of male and female reproduction in animals and humans and using this knowledge to develop strategies for fertility preservation across a range of clinical and ecological applications. This Reproduction and Fertility preservation series is composed of articles from experts on this topic and these will highlight key developments in fertility preservation and also identify the challenges that still face this exciting and relatively new field.
Implementation of advanced radiotherapy techniques: stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for oligometastatic patients with lung metastasis - a single institution experience
Authors: Pop Dan Dumitru , Hopîrtean Claudiu , Coşer Flavius , Dan Florina , Zah Teodor , Fekete Zsolt , Chiş Aurel , Tufăscu Gabriela , Udrea Adrian , Mihai Alina
Published: February 2022

Background and purpose. The treatment of oligometastatic disease has become common practice as advanced radiotherapy techniques became more available. Lung is one of the main metastatic sites for a majority of cancers and many of these patients present with a limited metastatic disease burden. For these patients, SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy) represents a non-invasive treatment alternative. In this report we present our experience with our first series of patients with limited metastatic disease treated with lung SBRT. The purpose of this paper is to provide a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the lung SBRT treatment process and algorithm leading up to treatment delivery in a community-based radiotherapy department.

Methods. We have retrospectively reviewed our first series of 41 patients with lung oligometastases from various malignancies, treated using SBRT between March 2019 and December 2020. Demographic, technical and outcome data were analyzed. 

Results. A number of 45 lung metastases (in 41 patients) were treated with SBRT during the specified time period. The median age was 65.7 years old (range 33-83). 16 patients (39%) were treated for multiple lesions and the mean number of treated lesions was 1 (range1-3). Median dose prescribed was 50 Gy /5 fractions (median BED10 =77 Gy). The median intra-fraction displacements were: Vertical (0.23cm), Longitudinal (-0.27 cm), Lateral (-0.1 cm), Pitch [0.22°], Roll [0.15°], Rotation [0.32°]. The median session time was 40 minutes. All patients completed the prescribed course of treatment.

Preliminary clinical data were recorded. With a median follow-up of 9 months, local control was recorded in all but one patient. At the last known follow-up, local control was recorded for 39 (85%) out of 45 treated lesions.

Conclusion. For lung SBRT, the required corrections at the time of treatment delivery are small, as long as strict protocols are implemented. Preliminary data for lung metastasis in oligometastatic patients support SBRT as a viable method of achieving high rates of early local control. These results need to be further confirmed in a larger cohort of patients with longer follow-up.
Факторна структура підготовленості юних спортсменів аеробної гімнастики
Authors: Юсупова Людмила , Бодренкова Інна , Мошенська Тетяна
Published: February 2022

Мета: провести багатофакторний аналіз підготовленості юних спортсменів аеробної гімнастики, визначити провідні фактори та обґрунтувати планування тренувального процесу спортсменів даного виду спорту.

Матеріал і методи: у дослідженні взяли участь 20 спортсменок віком 7-9 років. Методи дослідження: аналіз і узагальнення даних науково-методичної літератури, педагогічне спостереження, педагогічне тестування, педагогічний експеримент і методи математичної статистики.

Результати: вивчено сучасний стан тренувального процесу юних спортсменів аеробної гімнастики та досліджено специфіку даного виду спорту. Визначено факторну структуру підготовленості юних спортсменок аеробної гімнастики та встановлено 6 основних факторів. Експериментально доведено та математично підтверджено, що в перший і найголовніший фактор увійшли показники швидкісно-силової підготовленості та топпінг-тест у поєднанні з антропометричними даними. Отримані дані збігаються з даними кореляційного аналізу і свідчать про те, що в сучасній аеробній гімнастиці точність виконання рухів повинна поєднуватися з швидкісно-силовою підготовленістю та антропометричними даними.

Висновки: результати факторного аналізу показали, що при навчанні основним технічним елементам в аеробній гімнастиці слід робити акцент не тільки на просторово-часових параметрах виконання, але й на швидкісно-силовому аспекті їх виконання.

Ключові слова: аеробна гімнастика, факторний аналіз, юні спортсмени 7-9 років.
Визначення кореляційної залежності засвоєння базових елементів художньої гімнастики від використання класичного екзерсису дівчаток 5-6 років
Authors: Рябченко Ольга , Ельхан кизи Алієва Ельміра
Published: February 2022

Мета: встановити кореляційний взаємозв’язок базових елементів художньої гімнастики та спеціальних вправ класичного екзерсису.

Матеріал і методи: дослідження проводилося на базі КЗ "КДЮСШ №1 ХМР" серед дівчаток 5-6 років, які займаються художньою гімнастикою. В експерименті брали участь 60 юних спортсменок. Для встановлювання кореляційної залежності було залучено 3 хореографа і 4 тренера з художньої гімнастики. В зв’язку з тим, що дослідження проводилося в групах початкової підготовки другого року навчання, була застосована 10-ти бальна шкала оцінки. На початку дослідження визначався вплив класичного екзерсису на засвоєння базових елементів художньої гімнастики. Наприкінці – встановлювалася кореляція між елементами художньої гімнастики та спеціальними вправами класичного екзерсису.

Результати: в процесі застосування спеціальних вправ класичного екзерсису (фр. exercice – "вправа"), тобто вивчення елементарних базових рухів біля станку – підвищився рівень виконання базових елементів художньої гімнастики, таких як: стрибок «козак» (t=2,12; p<0,05), рівновага «вперед» (t=3,57; p<0,001), рівновага «атитюд» (t=2,68; p<0,01), поворот «пасе» (t=2,21; p<0,05), «колесо» (t=1,72; p>0,05).

Висновки: у результаті досліджень визначено кореляційний взаємозв’язок базових елементів художньої гімнастики зі спеціальними вправами класичного екзерсису.

Ключові слова: художня гімнастика, базові елементи, класичний екзерсис, кореляція.
Strategi Komunikasi OIC Youth Indonesia dalam Meningkatkan Kualitas Pemuda Muslim melalui Program Kepemimpinan
Authors: Rahayu Rahma Putri , Nisa Pia Khoirotun
Published: February 2022

The Indonesian Islamic Cooperation Youth Organization is a youth organization that builds the quality of youth through leadership programs. As in IIYLS 2019, there are two agenda of activities, namely the OIC Model and YES. Methods in this research are qualitative. Data collection techniques consist of observation, interviews, and study documentation to be analyzed in the descriptive data analysis technique. Laurie J. Wilson and Joseph D. Odgen about the stages of communication strategy. There are four stages on Research, Action Plans, Communication and Evaluation. The results of this study indicate that the strategy research conducted by the Youth Organization of Indonesian Islamic Cooperation has been going well. This is evidenced by the formation of a leadership program team, coordination and cooperation with the government that is managed, the use of appropriate publication media, as well as the packaging of interesting activity programs.
First record of Migonemyia vaniae Galati, Fonseca & Marassá, 2007 (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: D'Almeida Balthazar Thamiris , Luís Ferreira de Santana Antônio , Henrique Costa Luiz , Santos Mallet Jacenir R. , Luiz Vilela Maurício
Published: February 2022

In an investigation carried out at the headquarters of Jequitibá in Três Picos State Park, the presence of the sandfly Migonemyia vaniae Galati, Fonseca & Marassá, 2007 was observed. Morphometric analyzes of the sperm pump and aedeagal ducts and photographs of the structures were performed to compare the differences between Migonemyia vaniae and Migonemyia migonei (França, 1920). Since its description, Mg. vaniae has been recorded only in the state of São Paulo. Therefore, we report the first encounter of this species in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
Scriptures in the Study of G. I. Gurdjieff and the “Work”
Authors: Cusack Carole M.
Published: February 2022

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