bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Commutative algebraic monoid structures on affine surfaces
Authors: Dzhunusov Sergey , Zaitseva Yulia
Published: January 2021

We classify commutative algebraic monoid structures on normal affine surfaces over an algebraically closed field of characteristic zero.
The answer is given in two languages: comultiplications and Cox coordinates.
The result follows from a more general classification of commutative monoid structures of rank 0,

n
-
1

n-1

or 𝑛 on a normal affine variety of dimension 𝑛.
MW irradiation and ionic liquids as green tools in hydrolyses and alcoholyses
Authors: Harsági Nikoletta , Szőllősi Betti , Kiss Nóra Zsuzsa , Keglevich György
Published: January 2021

The optimized HCl-catalyzed hydrolysis of alkyl diphenylphosphinates is described. The reaction times and pseudo-first-order rate constants suggested the iPr > Me > Et ∼ Pr ∼ Bu order of reactivity in respect of the alkyl group of the phosphinates. The MW-assisted p-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA)-catalyzed variation means a better alternative possibility due to the shorter reaction times, and the alkaline hydrolysis is another option. The transesterification of alkyl diphenylphosphinates took place only in the presence of suitable ionic liquids, such as butyl-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphorate ([bmim][PF6]) and butyl-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([bmim][BF4]). The application of ethyl-methylimidazolium hydrosulfate ([emim][HSO4]) and butyl-methylimidazolium chloride ([bmim][Cl]) was not too efficient, as the formation of the ester was accompanied by the fission of the O–C bond resulting in the formation of Ph2P(O)OH. This surprising transformation may be utilized in the phosphinate → phosphinic acid conversion.
Dynamics of change in broomrape populations (Orobanche cumana Wallr.) in Romania and Russia (Black Sea area)
Authors: Škorić Dragan , Joiţa-Păcureanu Maria , Gorbachenko Fyodor , Gorbachenko Oleg , Maširević Stevan
Published: January 2021

The emergence of new broomrape populations (races) has been observed in the past 20 years in several countries (Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, Bulgaria, Spain, Serbia, and China) where sunflower is frequently grown in the same sites without applying traditional crop rotations. Differential lines for sunflower broomrape races A to F have been secured. The new broomrape races have been identified by researchers as races G and H. The question of whether the same broomrape mutations can occur in one year and affect the same countries remains unsolved. Several results of new broоmrape population emergences in some of the affected will be presented in the paper. A total of 390 genotypes were studied at four Romanian localities (Cuza Voda, Crucea-Stupina, Braila-Valea Canepii, and Tulcea-Agighiol) in 2014. At all four localities, a certain degree of sunflower broomrape infestation was observed in control hybrids and lines (Performer, LC-1093, LG-5661, and PR64LE20), which indicated the emergence of new populations higher than race H. The 390 studied genotypes had different reactions in all four localities. In 2015, 10 hybrids and controls were studied at five Romanian localities (Ciresu-Braila, Iazu-Ialomita, Stupina-Constanta, Topolog-Tulcea, and Viziru-Braila) and, according to the results, only hybrid Hy-7 was resistant in all localities. The results obtained from the three studied localities showed the emergence of new sunflower broomrape populations not controlled by gene for race H. Self-fertilization of hybrid Hy-7 produced the F2 generation in 2016. In 2017, broomrape resistance was studied at the infested (contaminated) plot at the All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops by the name of Pustovoit V.S. – VNIIMK in Rostov on Don. The plot was found to be infested by new broomrape populations originating from Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Turkey, and Spain. The obtained results showed an infestation degree in 17.1% plants of hybrid Hy-7, 35% in the F2 generation of Hy-7, control hybrids PR64LE25, LG-5580 and Donskoy-22 showed 19.4, 23, and 100% broomrape infestation, respectively. In conclusion, the plot contained broomrape populations which cannot be controlled by race H gene. According to the obtained results, a permanent change in variability of broomrape populations can be confirmed practically year after year. At present, new broomrape populations found at several localities are locally dispersed. Geneticists and breeders have to make joint efforts in further detailed studies of broomrape variability.
A neural network approach to detect winding faults in electrical machine
Authors: Imoru OdunAyo , Nelwamondo Fulufhelo V. , Jimoh Adisa , Ayodele Temitope Raphael
Published: January 2021

In this paper, Neural Network (NN) approach is developed and utilised to detect winding faults in an electrical machine using the samples data of electrical machine in both the healthy and different fault conditions (i.e. shorted-turn fault, phase-to-ground fault and coil-to-coil fault). This is done by interfacing a data acquisition device connected to the machine with a computer in the laboratory. Thereafter, a two-layer feed-forward network with Levenberg–Marquardt back-propagation algorithm is created with the collected input dataset. The NN model developed was tested with both the healthy and the four different fault conditions of the electrical machine. The results from the NN approach was also compared with other results obtained by determining the fault index (FI) of an electrical machine using signal processing approach. The results show that the NN approach can identify each of the electrical machine condition with high accuracy. The percentage accuracy for healthy (normal), shorted-turn, phase-to-ground and coil-to-coil fault conditions are 99, 99.6, 100 and 100% respectively.
Attenuation of potassium dichromate and sodium arsenite toxicities by methanol extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria in mice
Authors: Akinwumi Kazeem A. , Gbadegesin Michael A. , Aboyewa Jumoke A. , Odunola Oyeronke A.
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Exposure to arsenic and hexavalent chromium is a major public health concern especially in the developing part of the world and there is paucity of information on reliable treatment modalilities. It is in this regard that this study evaluates the efficacy of methanol leaf extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria (MRV) when used as pretreatment agent against potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) and sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) exposure.

Methods

Swiss albino mice between 7 and 10 weeks old were divided into eight cohorts of five animals each. Treatment groups consisted of a distilled water control, MRV alone (275 mg/kg po daily), K2Cr2O7 (12.0 mg/kg, single ip injection) +/− MRV pretreatment, NaAsO2 (2.5 mg/kg, single ip injection) +/− MRV pretreatment, Na2AsO2 + K2Cr2O7 +/− MRV pretreatment. MRV was given for seven consecutive days, while K2Cr2O7 and NaAsO2 were injected on day seven of the experiment. The frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (mPCEs) was determined in bone marrow cells, while aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities were assessed in the plasma. Hepatic glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) levels were also determined.

Results

The NaAsO2 and K2Cr2O7 significantly (p<0.05) increased mPCE formation, AST, ALT, and CAT when compared with the control. Simultaneous exposure to NaAsO2 and K2Cr2O7 further increased the levels of the markers. Furthermore, GSH and GST were significantly reduced by NaAsO2 or K2Cr2O7 or their combination. Pretreatment with MRV reversed the markers towards that of control.

Conclusions

Methanol extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria may therefore ameliorate NaAsO2 and K2Cr2O7-induced toxicities via reduction of oxidative stress and fortification of anti-oxidant system.
Beyond Manipulation: Administrative Sorting in Regression Discontinuity Designs
Authors: Crespo Cristian
Published: January 2021

This paper elaborates on administrative sorting, a threat to internal validity that has been overlooked in the regression discontinuity (RD) literature. Variation in treatment assignment near the threshold may still not be as good as random even when individuals are unable to precisely manipulate the running variable. This can be the case when administrative procedures, beyond individuals’ control and knowledge, affect their position near the threshold non-randomly. If administrative sorting is not recognized it can be mistaken as manipulation, preventing fixing the running variable and leading to discarding viable RD research designs.
Effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate of Camellia sinensis leaves on blood pressure, lipid profile, atherogenic index of plasma and some inflammatory and antioxidant markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: a clinical trial
Authors: Bazyar Hadi , Hosseini Seyed Ahmad , Saradar Sirous , Mombaini Delsa , Allivand Mohammad , Labibzadeh Maryam , Alipour Meysam
Published: January 2021

Background

In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) the inflammatory and metabolic responses to epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) are unknown.

Objectives

Evaluate the impacts of EGCG on metabolic factors and some biomarkers of stress oxidative in patients with T2DM.

Methods

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 50 patients with T2DM consumed either 2 tablets (300 mg) EGCG (n=25) or wheat flour as placebo (n=25) for 2 months. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC), interleukin-6 (IL-6), lipid profile, mean arterial pressure (MAP), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) were evaluated before and after the intervention.

Results

The finding of present study exhibited a significant increase in the serum levels of TAC after the EGCG supplementation (p=0.001). Also, in compare with control group, the mean changes of TAC were significantly higher in supplement group (p=0.01). In intervention group, a significant decrease was observed in the mean levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), AIP, and MAP (p<0.05). Taking EGCG resulted in the mean changes of total cholesterol, MAP and DBP were significantly lower in compare with control group (p<0.05).

Conclusions

This study recommended that EGCG supplementation may be improved blood pressure, lipid profile, AIP, and oxidative status in patients with T2DM.
MAPSOFT: A Multi-Agent based Particle Swarm Optimization Framework for Travelling Salesman Problem
Authors: Blamah Nachamada Vachaku , Oluyinka Aderemi Adewumi , Wajiga Gregory , Baha Yusuf Benson
Published: January 2021

This paper proposes a Multi-Agent based Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) Framework for the Traveling salesman problem (MAPSOFT). The framework is a deployment of the recently proposed intelligent multi-agent based PSO model by the authors. MAPSOFT is made up of groups of agents that interact with one another in a coordinated search effort within their environment and the solution space. A discrete version of the original multi-agent model is presented and applied to the Travelling Salesman Problem. Based on the simulation results obtained, it was observed that agents retrospectively decide on their next moves based on consistent better fitness values obtained from present and prospective neighborhoods, and by reflecting back to previous behaviors and sticking to historically better results. These overall attributes help enhance the conventional PSO by providing more intelligence and autonomy within the swarm and thus contributed to the emergence of good results for the studied problem.
First wolves in Luxembourg since 1893, originating from the Alpine and Central European populations
Authors: Schley Laurent , Jacobs Marianne , Collet Sebastian , Kristiansen Alexander , Herr Jan
Published: January 2021

Considering the spread of the grey wolf (Canis lupus) in Europe over the past 30 years, Luxembourg took some measures to prepare for the return of this apex predator, including the establishment of a management plan that notably addresses the issue of wolf depredation on livestock. Here we present the results of genetic analyses of putative wolf saliva, hair and scat samples collected from or near prey carcasses between 2015 and 2020. In two cases, the wolf was confirmed via DNA analysis: in July 2017 near Garnich and in April 2020 near Niederanven, both assigned to category C1 (hard evidence). A third case was classified as C2 (confirmed observation) based on prey carcass characteristics, while genetic analysis yielded no result. These are the first confirmed records of wolves in Luxemburg since 1893. Moreover, the two C1-cases originated from the Alpine (Garnich) and Central European (Niederanven) populations. Given similar developments in the neighboring countries and regions, we conclude that the area including the Benelux countries as well as Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland and Northern France may well become a melting pot for wolves of the two aforementioned populations in the coming years and decades.
Toward a Cinema of Contact Zones
Authors: Hudson Dale
Published: January 2021

Dubai is often defined by aerial shots of its landmark architecture in Bollywood and Hollywood films. By activating fantasies of seeing the whole city, the lived social realities of the city’s inhabitants fade from view. With Ali F. Mostafa’s City of Life (Dar al-haya, 2009, United Arab Emirates) as an example, this article explores the possibility of a cinema of contact zones, drawing upon Dubai’s historical interconnections with the world through intersecting globalizations. The film offers parallel narratives about different classes of residents that overlap, mingle, compete, align, and realign in spaces that are experienced differently. Stories of Emirati best friends, Indian taxi drivers and businessmen, East European flight attendants, and British “expats,” as well as other less visible residents, convey how lives entangle but do not entwine into community. Rather than reducing the film to an example of “national cinema” or “world cinema,” it is more productive to understand it as a film about a city that is itself produced through relationships to multiple places. The film invites audiences to think about noticing connections, rather than take comfort in confirming assumptions. It does not reward audiences with voyeuristic consumption of the city in its totality. More than a conflict zone, as the Middle East is often conceived, Dubai is a contact zone. City of Life acknowledges that Dubai is neither free of social inequities nor defined by them. Dubai is a place of possibilities and risks. It is a contact zone with all the contradictions that contact zones always contain.
Values, Knowledge, and Rights Shaping Land Use in the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Huambachano Mariaelena , Cooper Lauren
Published: January 2021

In the midst of climate change, population growth, and global food crisis scenarios, efforts to succeed in Sustainable Land Management (SLM) implementation are under enormous pressure. To contextualize Indigenous experiences on nature valuation in light of sustainable development efforts, we explored how the traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) of two Indigenous communities interacted with major land policies with sustainability implications through an ethnographic and community-based participatory research approach. Data collection tools included talking circles, storytelling, unstructured interviews, and participant observation with Indigenous community members of Shimaa and Diamante to understand how two major land management policies intersect in SLM, Indigenous values, TEK, and rights in the Peruvian Amazon. In complementation with secondary literature assessing the focal policies, the empirical data analysis, through a lens of TEK, provides a deeper examination of Indigenous peoples’ ways of knowing. Research findings show that TEK of Indigenous peoples can support values of nature and shape the design and implementation of SLM policies by incorporating Indigenous peoples’ holistic values of nature (e.g., relational and intrinsic values) and methods for sustainable and equitable land management, with improved outcomes for communities. However, the TEK of Indigenous peoples, values of nature, and rights can be at odds with the Eurocentric-oriented SLM in terms of values placed on nature, and results in a disconnection between international and national policy goals with realities at the local levels. This study concludes that to fully realize the objectives of SLM, it is imperative for decision makers to recognize the TEK of Indigenous peoples rooted in a holistic understanding of the multiple values attributed to nature, which resonates with the notion of a plural approach to valuing nature. Further, methods should include land management practices that are beneficial for such communities and not strictly for the production of goods for societal consumption, however long it may be sustained into the future. Such a management scheme would value ecologic stability, community resilience, and a wide range of human-nature values while still recognizing development needs.
Parties without Power
Authors: Ma Ngok
Published: January 2021

This article reviews how Beijing’s design of a liberal autocracy constrains party development in Hong Kong. It shows how the governing philosophy and the institutional design and mechanics of the electoral system disallow a strong governing party and suppress political participation. This situation brings about a weakened state capacity and a fragmented ruling coalition with elites working on contrasting incentives. It also leads to legislative fragmentation and declining public confidence in legislative and party politics. Unable to contain political participation, radical street actions arose to challenge the government. The 2019 Anti-Extradition Movement best exemplifies the weakness of the ruling coalition and the radicalization of street politics posing major challenges to the governance of Hong Kong.
Deepening the State
Authors: Yuen Samson , Cheng Edmund W.
Published: January 2021

United front work has long been an important tool through which the Chinese Communist Party exercises political influence in Hong Kong. While existing works have revealed the history, actors, and impact of united front work in this semiautonomous city, few studies have focused on its changing structure and objectives in the post-handover period. Using publicly available reports and an original event dataset, we show that united front work has involved a steady organizational proliferation of social organizations coupled with their increasingly frequent interaction with the mainland authorities and the Hong Kong government. We argue that united front work has become more decentralized and multilayered in its structure and that its objective has been shifting from elite co-optation to proactive countermobilization against pro-democracy threats. Our findings indicate that state power in post-handover Hong Kong does not solely belong to governmental institutions; it is increasingly exercised through an extensive network comprising multiple state and social actors.
Surgical Correction of Cardiac Defects with Ellis Van Crevald Syndrome – A Rare Case Report
Authors: Choudhury DIR , DasGupta Saikat , Uddin Mauin , Howlader Siddhartha Shankar , Chanda PK , Rahman ATMK , Ahmed Farooque
Published: January 2021

Ellis-Van Creveld (EVC) syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder. Around 150 cases are described in published literature and in Bangladesh, it is even rare.  The patient usually comes with short stature, dental deformity, and cardiac deformity. Here, we present the case of a patient with ostium primum atrial septal defect (ASD) with moderate mitral regurgitation who underwent surgical repair of ASD and mitral valve replacement.
Experience of Emergency Cervical Tracheal Repair after Non-Iatrogenic Injury
Authors: Mubarak Yasser , Bary Mohamed Abdel
Published: January 2021

Background: Non-iatrogenic cervical tracheal injury is very rare and challenging for emergency critical care, early diagnosis, and immediate repair. So, emergency repair after early definitive diagnosis is the mainstay to avoid mortality and morbidity.
Methods: A retrospective, observational, cohort study is undertaken with collected data on 50 patients with emergency cervical tracheal repair after non-iatrogenic injury between January 2011 to January 2020 at our accident and emergency department in Minia and South Valley Universities.
Results: The non-iatrogenic injury of the cervical trachea is more common in adult males (98%), and blunt trauma (70%) is the predominant type of injury. Subcutaneous emphysema (SE) is the most common presentation (99%). There are associated comorbidities like vascular (4%), maxillofacial (6%), head injury (2%), and esophageal tear (8%). Successful intubation is lifesaving, and early diagnosis and repair avoid complications.
Conclusions: Early diagnosis is a cornerstone for the successful management of cervical tracheal injury, in which successful intubation is a mainstay to reduce mortality. Emergency surgical repair reduces mortality and complications.
Early Predictive Value of Procalcitonin for the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Infections after Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Li YunTao , Zhang Jing , He ZiYang
Published: January 2021

Background: Cardiac surgery can cause similar inflammatory reactions with infection; antibacterial treatment may be inappropriately used. Early and accurate diagnosis of infection still is a difficult problem worldwide. Procalcitonin (PCT) helps to identify sepsis caused by bacterial infections. However, its application in the diagnosis of pulmonary infections after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) has not been well studied. We investigated the early predictive value of PCT for the diagnosis of pulmonary infections after OPCABG.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data, including conditions in the intensive care unit, postoperative complications, mortality rate, plasma PCT in the morning on the first postoperative day, routine white blood cell (WBC) count, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels of patients who underwent elective OPCABG. Patients were divided into an infection group and a noninfection group, according to the occurrence of pulmonary infections. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the predictive value of PCT for the diagnosis of postsurgical infections.
Results: In total, 131 patients who underwent OPCABG were included, of whom 23 (17.6%) developed pulmonary infections. The plasma PCT level significantly was higher in the infection group than in the noninfection group (6.0 ± 6.3 ng/ml vs. 2.0 ± 2.2 ng/ml, P = 0.007). WBC and hs-CRP values were not significantly different between the infection group and the noninfection group (12.3 ± 3.9×109/L vs. 11.1 ± 2.8×109/L, P = 0.171 and 12.4 ± 0.7 mg/L vs. 12.4 ± 0.8 mg/L, P = 0.903, respectively). The area under the ROC for predicting pulmonary infections after OPCABG by plasma PCT was 0.783 (P < 0.001, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.674–0.893), with a cut-off value of 3.55 ng/ml, a sensitivity of 0.609, and a specificity of 0.861.
Conclusion: From our study results, we postulate that PCT has a high early predictive value for the diagnosis of pulmonary infections after OPCABG.
El audiovisual en escena
Authors: Teira Alcaraz José Manuel
Published: January 2021

El teatro contemporáneo recurre con frecuencia al uso de audiovisuales, práctica que tiene su origen en la misma invención del cinematógrafo. Las relaciones entre cine y teatro, además de trasponer códigos del uno al otro, han permitido transferir también su semántica, al punto de configurarse la videoescena como un elemento dramatúrgico de la escenificación. Este trabajo busca analizar cómo tienen lugar las relaciones intersemióticas entre el lenguaje audiovisual y el escénico cuando se incluye la videoescena en la dramaturgia teatral. Para ello se revisa una breve historia del audiovisual en el teatro y la terminología existente, que permiten extraer conclusiones tomando en consideración espectáculos de referencia, tanto de ámbito español como internacional.
Solvent extraction and its effect on phytochemical yield and antioxidant capacity of woody medicinal plant, Polyalthia bullata
Authors: Kamarul Zaman Munirah Adibah , Azzeme Azzreena Mohamad , Ramli Siti Nurhafizah , Shaharuddin Noor Azmi , Ahmad Syahida , Abdullah Siti Nor Akmar
Published: January 2021

Polyalthia bullata is a woody medicinal plant that contains antioxidant compounds. Finding a suitable solvent is important to obtain a high yield of antioxidants in the phenolic, flavonoid, and terpenoid families. In this study, from different solvent extracts, the leaf methanolic extract exhibited the highest total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total terpenoid content (TTC), and total antioxidant activity. For woody parts of stem and roots, methanol was the best solvent for all phytochemicals except for phenolics, which accumulated in the roots and were extracted more efficiently using ethanol. However, the methanolic extracts from both tissues displayed the best antioxidant capacity. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) profiling data showed the presence of antioxidant compounds such as thymol, phytol, and neophytadiene in the leaf; trans-farnesol, n-hexadecanoic acid, and 9-Octadecenamide in the stem; and fatty acid (cis-vaccenic) and its methyl ester (11-Octadecanoic acid, methyl ester and [1,1’-bicyclopropyl]-2-octanoic acid, 2’-hexyl-methyl ester) in the roots. These findings reveal important compounds that are present in different plant parts of P. bullata.
Implementation of postgenomic technologies for cancer research. Institutional experience
Authors: RUDGALVYTĖ Martina , STANČIŪTĖ Diana , BIELSKIENĖ Kristina , JONUŠIENĖ Violeta , KIRVELIENĖ Vida , SUŽIEDĖLIS Kęstutis , ATKOČIUS Vydmantas , VALUCKAS Konstantinas Povilas
Published: January 2021

Advance in molecular biology and the new technologies for biomedical research are being rapidly introduced into the research of complex pathologies worldwide. Implementation of these technologies, however, needs substantial financial resources for the equipment and for training the specialists. The rapid development of biomedical research over the past decade increases the risk of moral ageing of the implemented technologies and raises doubts as to whether countries with limited financial resources could afford them. In this article, we share our institutional experience in the implementation of post-genomic technologies in cancer research in Lithuania and stress the need of modern infrastructure in biomedical research, despite the needed efforts and associated risks.

Keywords: postgenomic technologies, cancer research
Labour induction in postdate pregnancy: when to start – at week 40 or 41 of gestation?
Authors: PALIULYTĖ Virginija , RAMAŠAUSKAITĖ Diana
Published: January 2021

Introduction. Post-term delivery is associated with significantly increased risks of perinatal and maternal complications. The aim of the study was to compare maternal and neonatal complications in two groups: women who delivered at 41 completed weeks (study group) and women who delivered at 40 completed weeks (control group).
Materials and methods. This is a retrospective case-control study which included all pregnant women who delivered in the Vilnius City University Hospital (VCUH) from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007. Patients were eligible for inclusion in our study if they delivered a live birth beyond 41 weeks of gestation during the study period in the VCUH (n = 182). Using the week of gestation as the primary predictor variable, we examined its association with the following outcomes: mode of delivery, expectant management or labour induction, labour induction method, delivery time, perineal laceration, postpartum hemorrhage, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, oligohydramnios, umbilical artery pH, neonatal morbidity, duration of hospitalisation. From all the women who delivered from 40 completed weeks to 40 weeks + 6 days (n = 193) in the same study period, every tenth woman was selected for the control group.
Results. The pregnancy protracts frequently for nulliparous women without reference to mother’s age. Labour induction in them more frequently occurs at 41 completed weeks than in the control group (39.6% vs 14.5%, p < 0.05; OR 0.37), and the main way of induction in prolonged pregnancies is vaginal prostaglandins. The mother and her newborn at 41 completed weeks tend to have a higher risk of oligohydramnios (10.4% vs 5.2%, p < 0.05; OR 0.5), umbilical cord rotation around the baby’s neck (57% vs 43%, p < 0.05; OR 0.7), meconium-stained amniotic fluid (27.4% vs 16.6 %, p < 0.05; OR 0.6), vacuum extraction rate (7.7% vs 3.1%, p < 0.05; OR 0.4), newborn acidosis (45.5 % vs 33.2%, p < 0.05; OR 0.73). When meconium-stained amniotic fluid is diagnosed at 41 completed weeks, the delivery should be monitored more intensively because of a higher risk of newborn acidosis after the labour. The mode of delivery, delivery duration, mother’s injuries, postpartum hemorrhage and complications, also Apgar scores show no significant differences in these groups.
Conclusion. When delivery occurs at 41 competed weeks, the results are worse as compared to those of the delivery at 40 completed weeks. Therefore, it is reasonable to induce labour at 40 completed weeks and beyond of gestation. This suggestion requires large prospective studies and a very precise gestation time estimation for all pregnant women before recommending labour induction at 40 competed weeks.

Keywords: gestational age, post-term pregnancy, caesarean delivery, labour induction, expectant management, meconium-stained amniotic fluid
The problem of preschool wheeze: new developments, new questions
Authors: BUSH Andrew
Published: January 2021

Preschool wheeze is a common and often difficult to treat symptom. It may rarely be the first presentation of a severe underlying condition. Preschool wheeze is clearly a syndrome, not a single entity, and thus ripe for phenotyping. A number of approaches to phenotyping have been adopted. Epidemiology, based on the temporal patterns of symptoms, has taught us a lot about the medium and long-term implications of early life events, but is not useful for treatment planning. Atopic status is also not useful. Instead, symptom pattern (episodic (viral) and multiple trigger) should be used to decide on treatment. Reduced lung function at birth is associated with a number of maternal factors, including smoking (both by direct and epigenetic mechanisms), atopic status, and pregnancy complications; these children tend to have transient wheeze. Children whose symptoms persist into mid-childhood are born with normal lung function, but have evidence of airflow obstruction at 4–6 years of age. Early atopic sensitization is important in this group. Treatment of pre-school wheeze should be based on relief of present symptoms; there is no known therapy which prevents progression from episodic to multiple trigger symptoms and asthma. Episodic (viral) wheeze is a neutrophilic disease and should be treated with intermittent therapy. Options include inhaled anticholinergics or short-acting β-2 agonists, oral leukotriene receptor antagonists and short-course, high-dose inhaled corticosteroids. Prophylactic inhaled corticosteroids are not useful. Neither prophylactic nor inhaled corticosteroids are effective in preventing progression from an episodic viral to a multiple-trigger pattern. Multipletrigger wheeze may merit a three-step trial (trial period, stop if apparent response, restart only if symptoms return) of prophylactic inhaled corticosteroids or leukotriene receptor antagonists. Recent data have shown that prednisolone should not be a routine treatment for acute exacerbations of episodic (viral) wheeze, but should only be used for really severe excacerbations, defined as being more severe than a routine admission and likely needing high dependency care. This is especially true in the setting of multiple trigger wheeze.

Keywords: asthma, inhaled corticosteroid, leukotriene, neutrophil, prednisolone
Problematic, severe asthma in children: a new concept and how to manage it
Authors: BUSH Andrew
Published: January 2021

Most children with asthma respond to low doses of inhaled corticosteroids, but a few remain symptomatic despite being prescribed the routine usual asthma medications. The first steps are to ensure that the diagnosis is correct and that the inhaled medications are being given regularly with an appropriately used device. If the children continue to be symptomatic, with any or all of chronic symptoms, acute exacerbations, the need for regular oral corticosteroids, or persistent airflow limitation, then they are considered to have problematic, severe asthma. The next step is to perform a detailed evaluation, including a nurse-lead home visit, to determine whether the child has difficult to treat asthma which improves if the basics are got right, or severe, therapy-resistant asthma; the latter group would be candidates for cytokine-specific therapies. If severe, therapy-resistant asthma is the likely issue, then a detailed invasive investigation is performed, including bronchoscopy, bronchoalveolar lavage and endobronchial biopsy, and trial of adherence with a single intramuscular injection of depot triamcinolone. After detailed phenotyping, an individualised treatment plan is determined. Future work will determine the roles of proximal and distal inflammation, as well as the relative importance of intramural (mucosal) and intraluminal infection. The stability of paediatric asthma phenotypes over time is more variable than those of adults, and the implications of a change of phenotype are yet to be determined.

Keywords: steroid resistance, allergen exposure, passive smoking, omalizumab, prednisolone, steroid-sparing agent, phenotype, nitric oxide, induced sputum, endobronchial biopsy
The diagnostic value of ultrasound examination in temporal arteritis
Authors: DADONIENĖ Jolanta , JATUŽIS Dalius , LAURINAVIČIUS Arvydas
Published: January 2021

Introduction. Temporal arteritis (TA) is usually diagnosed according to clinical criteria, and temporal artery biopsy is considered as a golden standard for the diagnosis. Temporal artery biopsy is a surgical intervention on a head site and is not well-tolerated by the patients. As an alternative for temporal artery investigation, ultrasound examination may be used. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the performance of ultrasound examination of a temporal artery of patients with and without TA, but with similar clinical findings.
Materials and results. Thirteen patients seen at Vilnius University Hospital Santariškių Klinikos during 2006–2009 with suspicion of TA were included into this study, and ultrasound examination of their both right and left superficial temporal arteries was performed. Eight patients were diagnosed with TA according to clinical criteria, and 5 patients had headaches of another origin. Two patients had a biopsy-proven diagnosis. The thickened wall (“halo” sign) and / or stenosis / occlusion were found on ultrasound examination in three patients. The presence of abnormality was found in five patients from the setting of TA patients, and no abnormalities were detected in the control group. Although the groups were very small and the data scanty, we consider the sensitivity of the abnormalities detected by ultrasound to be 62.5%, and the specificity was close to 100% in this pilot study.
Conclusions. Authors recommend bilateral ultrasound examination of temporal arteries for patients with suspicion of giant cell arteritis (temporal arteritis). Our pilot study showed a sufficient sensitivity of this diagnostic test, although it greatly depends on the experience and skills of the performer.

Keywords: temporal arteritis, ultrasound examination
Mikania micrantha mixed woven fabric for quick blood clotting and wound healing
Authors: Alam Shaikh Md Mominul , Akter Shilpi , Rahman Md Lutfor
Published: January 2021

The aim of this paper is to introduce novel dressing with Mikania Micrantha for quick blood clotting and wound healing. When epidermis of human skin is cut or scrapped, sometimes too much bleeding occurs. Excessive bleeding may cause death, if bleeding is not stopped immediately. To promote blood clotting & wound healing natural based bio materials are still insufficient in medical textile sector. To fill up this scarcity, woven fabric treated with Mikania micrantha leaf juice & leaf powder was examined. M. micrantha exhibits good blood clotting time in comparison with available dressing materials. Woven fabric (bandage) that contains M. micrantha can be used for cut wounds healing purpose. The experiments were carried out in environment friendly way which indicates the production & processing of these dressing materials can have enormous contribution to sustainable operations and products.
A signature dish of Bihar: Litti and Chokha
Authors: Sharma Sanjiv Kumar
Published: January 2021

Bihar is a land locked state lying in the eastern part of India. The word Bihar comes from the Sanskrit word Vihara meaning Buddhist Monasteries. The Mauryan Empire rose from Magadha. Buddhism, which is one of the biggest religions in the world, originated in Bihar and it is also home to the ancient Nalanda University, which was a centre of learning established during the 5th century. Litti Chokha a remarkable dish which comes from the state of Bihar is not only popular in India today, but has also made a special mark globally. Litti and Chokha are absolutely delicious and is the rustic way of cooking.
Cervical ectopic pregnancy, conservative management, report of two cases and review of the bibliography
Authors: Aldama Yanet fermin , Rodriguez César , Gonzalez Fernando Martinez
Published: January 2021

Ectopic pregnancy represents around 1% of all pregnancies, it is considered an entity of difficult conservative management, in patients who wish to preserve fertility, in the context of hospitals, which cannot offer approaches with minimal invasion such as hysteroscopy, without However, conservative treatment with cervical balloon placement, clamping of the uterine arteries with the ZEA technique, and doses of methotrotexate have been documented. Cases with meted handling.
Mesh-related complications of laparoscopic lateral suspension
Authors: Atılgan Adeviye Elçi , Altuntaş Şükriye Leyla
Published: January 2021

Objective: Restorative procedures are essential for sexually active vaginal vault prolapse (VVP) cases. There are concerns about the long learning curve and major complications of sacrocolpopexy. Laparoscopic lateral suspension has a relatively short learning curve and no reported major complications. However, there are concerns about the use of mesh in prolapse surgeries and limited data is available about mesh complications with laparoscopic lateral suspension. This study aimed to establish the mesh-related complications after laparoscopic lateral suspension. Study Design: We carried out a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent laparoscopic lateral suspension for symptomatic VVP at three tertiary hospitals. Cases were identified from theatre records with coding data and the universities database. Demographic features, concomitant procedures, duration of surgery, intra-operative complications, hospital stay, change in pelvic organ prolapse quantification point C, Patient Global Impression of Improvement scale records, mesh-related complications and their management are presented. Results: A total of 120 patients underwent laparoscopic lateral suspension for symptomatic vault prolapse between 2014-2019. In total, mesh complications developed in 3 women (2.5%). While two vaginal mesh exposures were successfully managed with topical estrogen, one required surgical excision. One lateral mesh arm was loosened from the skin causing pain and itching. From 110 Patient Global Impression of Improvement scores, 106 women (96%) described their prolapse as ‘very much’ or ‘much’ better, 4 patients (3.6 %) reported ‘no change’ and no one reported worsening of symptoms. Conclusions: This series suggests that laparoscopic lateral suspension has low risk of mesh-related complications. It is a safe and effective procedure for symptomatic vault prolapse with high rates of patient satisfaction.
The main differences between vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia and vulvar intraepithelial lesion
Authors: Rodrigues Brum Vivian de Oliveira , Drumond Denise Gasparetti , Speck Neila Maria de Góis , Pannain Gabriel Duque , Bordim Giovana Moreira
Published: January 2021

Vulvar cancer is a recurrent subject in gynecological cancer. Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia is known for being a precursor lesion of vulvar cancer and can be divided in three different subtypes: Low-grade Vulvar Intraepithelial Lesion (vulvar LSI), High-grade Vulvar Intraepithelial Lesion (vulvar HSIL) and Differentiated Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia (dVIN). These subtypes differ in several aspects, and this article aims to present those differences in order to facilitate its treatment and the final diagnosis. The HSIL is the most associated with cronic Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection and can be related to other environment factors. As for dVIN, it’s more frequent in post-menopausal women with sclerosis lichen and it has a higher rate of progression to vulvar squamous carcinoma. The difference must be made in order to choose what is the best treatment, once there are various modalities, such as simple excision, CO2 ablation and topical application of imiquimod or fluoracil. This differences is also important for the development of measures that seek specific prevention, such as HPV vaccine for the HSIL and the proper treatment of vulvar conditions for the dVIN.
Opioid Management in the Dying Child With Addiction
Authors: Johnson Liza-Marie , Kaye Erica C. , Sawyer Kimberly , Brenner Alex M. , Friedrichsdorf Stefan J. , Rosenberg Abby R. , Antommaria Armand H. Matheny
Published: January 2021

The dramatic increases of opioid use and misuse in the past 15 years have resulted in a focus on the responsible and judicious use of opioids. In this Ethics Rounds, the commentators analyze the case of a 16-year-old girl with lymphoma and opioid misuse whose caregiver may have diverted her opioids. She is now at the end of life and prefers to die at home. The commentators, oncologists, palliative care providers, ethicists, and a medical student agree that supporting the patient’s goals and practicing good opioid stewardship are not incompatible. They identify additional information that would be required to analyze the case more fully such as the nature of the evidence for misuse and diversion and whether bias inadvertently contributed to these concerns. They agree that multimodal analgesia, including but not limited to opioids, is important. Safeguards could include a contract, directly observed therapy, and/or urine drug screens. Supervision or removal of a caregiver diverting medication or admission of the patient misusing medications would be alternatives if the initial plan was unsuccessful. Such patient-centered care requires well-developed substance misuse treatment, pain management, and home hospice that are adequately reimbursed.
Government's management concept in economy stabilization during the crisis
Authors: Kolosov Andrey , Kucherenko Sergey
Published: January 2021

Purpose – to identify weaknesses and advise the Ukrainian Government's managerial concept in economic stabilization during the crisis. There were applied system's methods and functional analysis and control systems' synthesis.

Findings. It was established that the country has no institute for monitoring and developing a strategy for macroeconomic regulation during the crisis, the Government's inability to compensate for the lack of conceptual substantiation for its decisions, most of which are not timely brought to the final economic entities that negatively perceive the Government's regulatory decisions, suspending from their implementation and even resorting to resistance. Significant deficiencies in the Government's regulatory activities during the crisis were identified, which demands its improvement based on managing economic entities' behavioral concepts in changing environments. Proposals for the selecting behavioral imperative for Ukraine's economy during the crisis and regulatory decisions were developed, considering changes in the management object's stability.

Theoretical and practical implications. The research's theoretical significance is to substantiate the Government's managerial concept during the crisis, and when the possibility of its direct application determines the practical significance.

Originality/Value. The research's novelty is the behavioral theory's elements application for Government activities.

Research limitations/Future Research. Prospects for further research are related to the substantiation and development of a government's holistic management model during the crisis. The article is theoretical and empirical.

Paper type –  theoretical.
“Sucesso” e “fracasso” escolar nos meios populares
Authors: Batista Sandra Aparecida , Ferreira Adriana de Fátima , Fiorelli Silva Ileizi Luciana , Souza Marcia Rejania Lemos de
Published: January 2021

Diante da ideia difundida de que as causas do “fracasso escolar” dos estudantes dos meios populares são consideradas inerentes ao seu meio sociocultural de origem o propósito deste trabalho é apresentar um Estudo de Caso que demonstra que estes estudantes podem superar o paradigma culturalista e a teoria das “carências socioculturais” e alcançar resultados satisfatórios. Assim, o arcabouço teórico apoia-se nos estudos de Bourdieu, Charlot, Lahire, entre outros. O Estudo de Caso foi desenvolvido através de entrevistas semiestruturadas envolvendo o estudo da configuração familiar, origem sociocultural e econômica, trajetória escolar, relação com o saber e, por fim a motivação e mobilização no que diz respeito ao ingresso no Ensino Superior público destes educandos. Dentre os resultados obtidos, há de se destacar a relação positiva que os mesmos possuem com a escola e a influência do processo de socialização na constituição dos mesmos enquanto sujeitos, o que os modelos estatísticos de explicação dos fenômenos de “sucesso” e “fracasso” desconsideram.
Palavras-chave: Meios populares; deficiência cultural; sucesso escolar; fracasso escolar; origem sociocultural.