bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An analysis of economic losses from cyberattacks: based on input–output model and production function
Authors: Kokaji Akiyoshi , Goto Atsuhiro
Published: December 2022

There has recently been a global increase in economic losses due to cyberattacks. However, research on the economic damage caused by cyberattacks has mainly focused on attacked companies, and spillover damage to other sectors has not been sufficiently investigated. This study analyzed the economic losses from cyberattacks in Japan using the production function and input–output model to improve the accuracy of damage prediction and various national measures. First, we provide an estimation method for the annual direct damage by industry using a production function. The mainstream input dataset is lost working hours owing to cyber incidents. Second, we devised a model to estimate the amount of spillover damage to the entire country using the input–output model. Third, although the cyber damage data were limited to only interview data by the JNSA and IPA, we showed the process of estimating direct and spillover damage in all sectors in Japan. As a result, we consider that our estimation method is feasible and effective at the national level. This study contributes to future research on cyber resilience by analyzing the damage caused by cyberattacks from a macroeconomic perspective using a production function and input–output model.
Circulating miR-320a-3p and miR-483-5p level associated with pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic profiles of rivaroxaban
Authors: Zhang Hanxu , Zhang Zhuo , Liu Zhiyan , Mu Guangyan , Xie Qiufen , Zhou Shuang , Wang Zhe , Cao Yu , Tan Yunlong , Wei Xiaohua , Yuan Dongdong , Xiang Qian , Cui Yimin
Published: December 2022

Background

Novel biomarkers for personalizing anticoagulation remain undetermined. We aimed to investigate the association of plasma miRNAs with pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) profiles of rivaroxaban.

Methods

This is a multicenter, exploratory study of miRNAs in a Chinese population. Healthy volunteers and patients receiving rivaroxaban were enrolled in the study. The area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0-t h (AUC0-t) and anti-Xa activity at 3 h (AXA3h) were measured in healthy volunteers, and AXA3h was measured in patients. MiRNAs were detected by miRNA microarray in 26 healthy volunteers with 20 mg rivaroxaban, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to exclude undetectable ones. MiR-320a-3p and miR-483-5p were then quantified in 65 healthy volunteers and 71 patients. MiRNA levels at 3 h were compared between high and low AXA3h or AUC0-t subjects and in matched patients with or without bleeding during follow-up. The miRNA targets were predicted by TargetScan, miRTarBase, and miRDB. Validated genes were included in GO enrichment and KEGG analyses. The protein–protein interaction network was established by STRING and visualized by Cytoscape.

Results

A total of 136 Chinese subjects completed the study. In healthy volunteers taking 15 mg rivaroxaban, the miR-320a level at 3 h was significantly positively correlated with AXA3h and AUC0-t (r = 0.359, p = 0.025; r = 0.370, p = 0.02, respectively). A positive correlation was also observed between miR-483 and AXA3h or AUC0-t (r = 0.372, p = 0.02; r = 0.523, p = 0.001, respectively). MiR-320a and miR-483 levels at 3 h in the higher AUC0-t group were significantly higher than those at 0 h. MiR-483 levels at 3 h may distinguish healthy volunteers with high or low AXA3h or AUC0-t. In the 10 mg fed subgroup, higher 3 h mir-483 levels were also observed compared with the control group. No significant differences were found in the comparisons among patients. Bioinformatic analysis showed that these miRNAs may play a regulatory role by targeting ABCG2, ITGB3, PTEN, MAPK1/3, etc.

Conclusions

MiR-320a and miR-483 levels were found to be associated with PK and PD profiles of rivaroxaban in healthy Chinese subjects. Further studies are required to verify these findings and explore the mechanisms.
Effects of ferric citrate hydrate in patients with chronic kidney disease and heart failure: subgroup analysis of a long-term, real-world, post-marketing surveillance study
Authors: Ito Kyoko , Murakami Kenjiro , Yamada Ryoichi , Susai Hiroyuki , Nishino Noriaki
Published: December 2022

Background

Iron deficiency is widely present in patients with heart failure (HF) and is associated with an increased risk of mortality and poor clinical outcomes regardless of anemia. HF is highly prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, existing oral iron preparations have failed to improve iron-related parameters in patients with HF, and intravenous iron preparations are recommended. Ferric citrate hydrate (FC) is an oral iron-based phosphate binder for CKD that is also approved for the treatment of patients with iron-deficiency anemia in Japan. In this subgroup analysis, we evaluated the effect of oral FC on iron-related parameters in CKD patients with and without HF.

Methods

We examined iron- and phosphate-related parameters and adverse drug reactions in subpopulations of CKD patients with and without HF enrolled in a previously reported 104-week, real-world, post-marketing surveillance study of FC in Japan.

Results

Among 2811 enrolled CKD patients, 348 patients had HF and 2352 did not have HF, including 166 and 1401 undergoing hemodialysis (HD), 36 and 173 undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD), and 146 and 778 non-dialysis-dependent (ND) patients, respectively. The mean changes (95% confidence interval (CI)) in serum ferritin from baseline to week 36 were 90.98 (62.99–118.97) and 81.86 (72.68–91.03) ng/mL in HD, 158.64 (108.91–208.36) and 132.91 (98.59–167.23) ng/mL in PD, and 68.06 (40.40–95.73) and 99.75 (81.10–118.40) ng/mL in ND group, respectively. The mean changes (95% CI) in transferrin saturation (TSAT) (%) from baseline to week 12 in patients with and without HF were 12.79 (9.15–16.44) % and 9.57 (8.46–10.68) % in HD, 9.55 (1.31–17.78) % and 4.96 (1.44–8.48) % in PD, and 5.85 (2.02–9.69) % and 5.21 (3.34–7.09) in ND patients, respectively. Levels of these parameters were well maintained thereafter. Mean serum phosphate levels decreased after FC treatment initiation and were well maintained in all groups.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that oral FC had a tendency to increase serum ferritin and TSAT, and controlled serum phosphate in CKD patients regardless of the presence of HF.

Trial registration This surveillance was conducted in accordance with the Good Post-marketing Study Practice of Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare in Japan.
Factors associated with prolonged hospitalization of patients with corona virus disease (COVID-19) in Uganda: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ingabire Prossie M. , Nantale Ritah , Sserwanja Quraish , Nakireka Susan , Musaba Milton W. , Muyinda Asad , Tumuhaise Criscent , Namulema Edith , Bongomin Felix , Napyo Agnes , Ainembabazi Rozen , Olum Ronald , Munabi Ian , Kiguli Sarah , Mukunya David
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Identification of factors predicting prolonged hospitalization of patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) guides the planning, care and flow of patients in the COVID-19 Treatment Units (CTUs). We determined the length of hospital stay and factors associated with prolonged hospitalization among patients with COVID-19 at six CTUs in Uganda.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients admitted with COVID-19 between January and December 2021 in six CTUs in Uganda. We conducted generalized linear regression models of the binomial family with a log link and robust variance estimation to estimate risk ratios of selected exposure variables and prolonged hospitalization (defined as a hospital stay for 14 days or more). We also conducted negative binomial regression models with robust variance to estimate the rate ratios between selected exposures and hospitalization duration.

Results

Data from 968 participants were analyzed. The median length of hospitalization was 5 (range: 1–89) days. A total of 136/968 (14.1%: 95% confidence interval (CI): 11.9–16.4%) patients had prolonged hospitalization. Hospitalization in a public facility (adjusted risk ratio (ARR) = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.65–3.76), critical COVID-19 severity scores (ARR = 3.24: 95% CI: 1.01–10.42), and malaria co-infection (adjusted incident rate ratio (AIRR) = 0.67: 95% CI: 0.55–0.83) were associated with prolonged hospitalization.

Conclusion

One out of seven COVID-19 patients had prolonged hospitalization. Healthcare providers in public health facilities should watch out for unnecessary hospitalization. We encourage screening for possible co-morbidities such as malaria among patients admitted for COVID-19.
First report of a patient meeting criteria for both multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children and adult onset Still’s disease
Authors: Alexandri Maya , Patel Julisa , Paul Eli , Coule Lynne W.
Published: December 2022

Background

COVID-19 is associated with a postinfectious hyperinflammatory disorder, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), that shares characteristics with still’s disease, known as systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) in children younger than 16, and adult onset Still’s disease (AOSD) in children 16 and older. Both MIS-C and SJIA/AOSD can be complicated by macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), a potentially fatal condition of cytokine storm.

Case presentation

We present a 16 year-old male who developed quotidian fever, headache, conjunctival injection, sore throat, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and symmetrical polyarticular arthralgia/arthritis 4 weeks after exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and 2 weeks after his first vaccination against COVID-19. Our patient’s laboratory results were significant for elevated inflammatory markers and acute phase reactants. He met criteria for diagnosis with both MIS-C and AOSD. After receiving first-line treatment for both diseases, IVIG and methylprednisolone, our patient improved.

Conclusion

MAS is a life-threatening rheumatological emergency, and physicians must be able to identify diseases, like MIS-C and AOSD, that may be complicated by MAS. Our patient’s distinguishing feature on presentation was symmetrical polyarticular arthralgia/arthritis, which has not been associated with MIS-C. Simultaneously, AOSD—which is associated with polyarticular arthralgia/arthritis—is only now being recognized as a possible post-infectious entity in the aftermath of COVID-19 infection. In patients like our own, who meet criteria for both MIS-C and AOSD, administering first line treatment for both diseases may be best practice.
Systemic paracoccidioidomycosis in a patient with enzymatic myeloperoxidase deficiency and acute lymphoblastic leukemia: case report
Authors: Hoyos Sebastián , Agudelo Cristián Camilo , Lozano Diana Mercedes , Buitrago Luis Eduardo
Published: December 2022

Background

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic fungal infection that is potentially fatal, and the most prevalent of its kind in Latin America. The predisposition to infection appears to be related to abnormalities in cellular immunity, given its low prevalence in endemic regions. The role of myeloperoxidase deficiency has not been elucidated.

Case presentation

We present a case of 48-year-old female patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, stem cell transplant candidate, who developed a fever with lymphadenopathy and lung nodules, consistent with paracoccidioidomycosis infection, in whom a myeloperoxidase deficiency was later discovered. The treatment of the hematologic malignancy had a good impact solving the enzymatic deficiency and antifungal therapy achieve controlling the infection.

Conclusions

This case lays out the possible association between acute leukemia, an alteration in neutrophil function (needed to fight fungal infections) and an infection due to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.
Regeneration of beaded activated carbon saturated with volatile organic compounds by a novel electrothermal swing adsorption system
Authors: Yu Hao-Chih , You Shu-Wen , Wang Can , Deng Ji-Guang , Hsi Hsing-Cheng
Published: December 2022

A commercially available beaded activated carbon (KBAC) was selected for combination with a novel electrothermal swing system in examining the Joule heating effects on the physical and chemical properties of activated carbon and its adsorption regenerability at various regeneration temperatures (120, 140, and 160 °C) after saturation by toluene (TOL) and methylethylketone (MEK). The specific surface area (1278 m2 g− 1) and micropore volume (0.48 cm3 g− 1) for KBAC after one adsorption/desorption cycle were slightly reduced, while KBAC micropore surface area (1158 m2 g− 1) and micropore volume decreased significantly after six adsorption/desorption cycles. It can be inferred that the pores of KBAC, especially micropores, are blocked by heel buildup caused mainly by formation of cracked TOL and MEK coke generated by cyclic Joule heating. The desorption efficiencies of TOL-KBAC and MEK-KBAC (KBAC saturated with TOL and MEK, respectively) evaluated per the gravimetric method ranged from 55 to 80 and 85–90%, respectively, and both showed great correlation between regeneration temperature and desorption efficiency. Notably, the desorption efficiencies calculated from the integral method based on breakthrough curves were 8 and 16% lower than those directly obtained by the gravitational method for TOL-KBAC and MEK-KBAC, respectively. The larger difference in desorption efficiency evaluated by the two methods for MEK-KBAC is likely caused by the decomposition of MEK into CO or CO2, which was less prominent in TOL-KBAC. In the cyclic adsorption/desorption tests, the adsorption capacities of both TOL-KBAC and MEK-KBAC decreased after the 6-cycle electrothermal swing regeneration, such that TOL-KBAC adsorption capacity significantly reduced to around 50%, while that of MEK-KBAC retained around 70% of their respective original adsorption capacities. As aforementioned, heel buildup blocks the pores and leads to decreasing adsorption, especially for TOL.
Similar, yet different! Comparing Ugandan secondary cities’ food system and nutritional transformations to findings from African primary cities
Authors: Mackay Heather , Tusabe Richard , Mugagga Frank
Published: December 2022

This research focuses on the food, farming and health experiences of two secondary cities of Uganda (Mbale and Mbarara), comparing findings with studies of primary African cities. We draw from survey data, focus groups with healthcare professionals, and in-depth interviews with varied residents. A feminist geographic perspective explored intersections of food, farming and health with varied aspects of identity, and with place (city itself, but also with rural areas). By comparing our secondary city findings to findings from primary African cities this paper sheds light on whether and how food systems in secondary African cities are transforming, and how urban life at this scale is being experienced. Our analysis suggests a good deal of similarity of food insecurity, dietary diversity, and of non-communicable disease experiences and understandings. The main difference was around the food access strategies, the access to land, and the engagement with agriculture and interaction with the rural. How this might change as these secondary cities grow further is not clear but there should not be an assumption that primary city experiences will inevitably be followed. Our findings offer important insights for future research and for those planning for Ugandan and potentially other African secondary city futures. In comparison to primary SSA cities our findings suggest less advance along theorised nutritional transitions (greater hybridity), a higher relevance of the rural for viable urban lives, yet comparable experience of non-communicable disease. This is intriguing, has implications for theory, and warrants further research.
The role of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in reduction of opioid craving: a single-blinded randomized sham-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Elrassas Hanan H. , Morsy Mahmoud H. , Abdelrazek Yasser M. , El Rasheed Amany H. , Saad Noha A. , Azzam Lobna A.
Published: December 2022

Background

Opioid use disorder (OUD) poses a great concern due to problems associated with their abuse as well as fatal and non-fatal overdose consequences. Craving has a complex relationship with opioid use and relapse. Developing new, effective treatments for substance use disorders (SUDs), including opioid use disorders is crucial. This study aimed to assess the effect of 18 sessions of high-frequency (HF) repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on opioid craving in 26 OUD male patients compared to sham rTMS in 26 OUD patients, during early abstinence, with craving assessment using brief substance craving scale (BSCS) for tramadol and morphine and heroin craving questionnaire (HCQ) for heroin craving.

Results

There was a statistically significant reduction in craving scores in the group of OUD patients receiving real rTMS compared to those receiving sham rTMS for both BSCS (p value = 0.044) and HCQ (p value=0.002). A statistically significant positive correlation was revealed between the number of hospital admissions and the mean scores of post-rTMS HCQ scores (r=0.05, p value= 0.040).

Conclusions

A high frequency of 10-Hz rTMS over the left DLPFC for 18 treatment sessions reduced craving OUD patients during early abstinence. These preliminary results suggest that 10-Hz rTMS of the left DLPFC may be used in the treatment of OUD, so our study recommends that the use of rTMS in the reduction of opioid craving in early abstinence.

Trial registration

Unique identification number PACTR202206487514449 in the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry retrospectively (www.pactr.org) registered on 10 June 2022.
Insight into clinical, laboratory, and GIT ultrasound diagnostic findings of cystic fibrosis in pediatrics
Authors: Hamed Dina H. , Ibrahim Rania SM. , Hakim Marwa A. , Mohsen Mona
Published: December 2022

Background

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystem disorder. Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) involvement presently requires medical attention, and this improves the survival rate of patients with CF. GIT imaging has an essential role in the early detection of GIT affection. This study aimed to quantify the abdominal symptoms and their relationship to clinical findings, abdominal ultrasound scoring system, and laboratory parameters, correlating GIT manifestation with ultrasound diagnostic findings.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study that included 60 patients diagnosed with CF based on clinical manifestations and confirmed by a positive sweat chloride test ≥ 60 mmol/L and/or genetic analysis (CFTR gene mutation; a copy from each parent) in the CF clinic in the Children’s Hospital, in a period of 12 months.

Results

Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) was the most common GIT manifestation, followed by abdominal distension and steatorrhea. Ultrasonography (US) showed that the most frequent findings were pancreatic lipomatosis in 16 patients (26.7%), the next common finding was heterogeneous coarse hepatic parenchyma in 14 patients (23.3%), while the least finding was the thickened bowel walls in 2 patients (3.3%). Abdominal US scoring revealed that the highest burden of GIT symptoms was clearly associated with pancreatic lipomatosis and liver steatosis with the highest score (6/7) (p = 0.048), while bowel wall thickness (BWT) had the lowest score (3/7) (Table 4).

Conclusion

This study reveals that abdominal US is a non-invasive investigation that helps in the early detection of GIT involvement in CF. RAP is a common GIT manifestation and may reflect a major pathology. Moreover, a significant relationship was detected between RAP and pancreatic cystosis and lipomatosis. Therefore, the study also highlights the importance of US as a routine non-invasive follow-up tool for patients with CF and suggests close monitoring of patients with CF by abdominal US performed every 6 to 12 months.
High-frequency oscillatory ventilation versus conventional ventilation in pediatric patients with acute lung injury: outcomes evaluation
Authors: Rezk Ahmed R. , Mohamed Mai A. , Elkenawy Mohamed H. , Bakry Nehad , Omran Ahmed
Published: December 2022

Background

With the development of medical technology and advancements of intensive care units, many types of mechanical ventilators are recruited in the management of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)/acute lung injury (ALI). We evaluated the outcome of the high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) compared to conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) in pediatric patients with critical respiratory situations mainly ALI or ARDS. A prospective cohort study was performed from 2019 to 2020 in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The following data were recorded: demographic and clinical data, length of PICU stay, mechanical ventilation days, and mortality percentages.

Results

Fifty cases who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were divided into two groups, 24 patients on HFOV from the start and the other 26 were admitted on rescue HFOV after the failure of CMV. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the age (p = 0.571) and the oxygenation index (OI) (p = 0.651). Early HFOV demonstrated shorter length of PICU stay and fewer days on mechanical ventilation. The mortality rate was less with the application of early HFOV compared to rescue HFOV.

Conclusions

Early admission on HFOV can be a safe option in the management of patients with critical lung situation as ARDS/ALI.
Effect of oxygen flow on aerosol delivery from a vibrating mesh nebulizer with a holding chamber
Authors: Amin Mohammed A. , Taha Hebatullah K. , Hussein Raghda R. S. , Sarhan Rania M. , Abdelrahim Mohamed E. A.
Published: December 2022

Background

A holding chamber (HC) was created to work with a vibrating mesh nebulizer (VMN) to boost the total inhalable dose for patients. In addition to the optional supply of supplemental oxygen, it facilitates intermittent and continuous nebulization. Our goal was to see how well a VMN coupled to a HC with a mouthpiece or valved facemask performed at varied oxygen flows starting at 0–6 L/min. In this study, we used a breathing simulator to simulate adults' spontaneous breathing patterns with a tidal volume of 500 mL and a 1:1 inhalation–exhalation ratio. For the combination of nebulizer and HC adapter with a valved facemask or mouthpiece, five determinations were made. Salbutamol was recovered and evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography from the inhalation filter connected to the breathing simulator, the nebulizer reservoir chamber, and the HC.

Results

The amount of salbutamol in the nebulizer reservoir chamber and within the HC did not differ significantly when using a mouthpiece or a valved facemask. However, the supplied dose to the inhalation filter was increased until oxygen flow reached 2 and 3 L/min using the mouthpiece and valved facemask as interfaces, respectively. The supplied salbutamol was much higher at this flow than at the other oxygen flows. This was followed by a progressive reduction in the supplied salbutamol until the lowest given dose was reached at 6 L/min oxygen flow, p < 0.005.

Conclusions

The supplied doses of salbutamol to the inhalation filter were variable with the VMN connected to the HC and mouthpiece or valved facemask, with significant improvements until an oxygen flow of 2 L/min with a mouthpiece and 3 L/min with a valved facemask, followed by gradual decreases to lower values at an oxygen flow of 6 L/min. An in vivo investigation is required to further validate the findings.
Profile of pediatric out-patients managed by physiotherapists at Federal Medical Center, Abeokuta: a retrospective review
Authors: Fafolahan Abiola Olayinka , Sodipo Oladunni Patricia , Davis Abigail Oladunni , Adeoye Kafayat Kehinde , Musa Badiru Olayinka , David Olakorede , Muminat Alli Asake
Published: December 2022

Background

Pediatric physiotherapists help children to achieve their optimal physical development. The present study was aimed to evaluate the out-patient pediatric conditions managed by physiotherapists in Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Nigeria (FMCA).

Methods

The present study included all children attended to at Pediatric Unit (outpatient) of FMCA in the period between the beginnings of May 20121 to the end of May 2022. The clinic runs every Tuesdays and Thursdays. All children below and equals to 15 years of age were included. Complete clinical, socio-demographic characteristics of patients and parents were manually scrapped from the electronic medical records (EMR) of the hospital. Descriptive statistics was used to present the results.

Results

During this period a total of 160 patients presented with different disorders were seen. There were 100 males (62.5%) and 60 females (37.5%). Cerebral palsy which can be classified as a neurological disorder was the most common condition managed (63.7%). Obstetric brachial palsy injury (OBPI), injection palsy, post-immobilization stiffness, congenital talipes equinivarus, and among others were managed during this period. Cerebral palsy was common among males, obstetric brachial palsy injury, and injection palsy. Cerebral palsy patients had late presentation for physiotherapy (1–5 years). Only 2 patients out of 11 with OBPI came for early physiotherapy. There is higher risk for cerebral palsy and OBPI among primiparous mothers.

Conclusions

It was concluded that neurological disorders are the most common pediatric cases managed by physiotherapists in Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, with cerebral palsy having higher prevalence.
The effect of adenotonsillectomy on pulmonary hypertension in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Bahgat Ahmed , Bahgat Yassin , Abdelmohaymen Ahmed , Elwany Mostafa
Published: December 2022

Background

In a majority of OSA children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy, very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all are related to the cardiopulmonary system, but symptomless chronic changes may slowly occur in these children. Therefore, it is wise to monitor these patients by an easy, noninvasive cost-effective method; this can easily be done by monitoring mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) of these children with Doppler echocardiography. Doppler echocardiography has been demonstrated to have a perfect correlation with cardiac catheterization. This study aims to determine the pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) in OSA children with hypertrophied tonsils and adenoid and to clarify whether adenotonsillectomy has any effect on pulmonary arterial pressure of these children.

Methods

Study was conducted on 50 children of both sexes aged from 4 to 15 years. Children complain of loud snoring and obstructive sleep apnea due to hypertrophied tonsils and adenoids. Children fit for general anesthesia and adenotonsillectomy. In all subjects, Doppler echocardiography was done before and after adenotonsillectomy.

Results

Comparison between preoperative PASP and after 2 months showed that normal PASP were found in 25 (50.0%) and 50 (100.0%) for preoperative and after 2 months respectively. There was statistically significant difference between preoperative PASP and after 2 months. However, there was no correlation between preoperative PASP and age, sex, or duration of symptoms.

Conclusion

From this study, we conclude that adenotonsillar hypertrophy causes higher PASP in OSA children, PASP is worse in neglected OSA cases with long duration of symptoms, and adenotonsillectomy is an effective therapeutic measure in such patients.
Effect of different geometric factors of H-shaped steel section on bi-axially loaded fully encased composite column
Authors: Rath Badrinarayan , Kiflu Feven , Dereje Bewiket , Garoma Shiferaw , Kebede Kassahun , Gutema Endalkachew Mosisa
Published: December 2022

A parametric study was conducted to investigate the influence of geometric factors on the fully encased composite column under eccentric loading about both axes of the steel section by using ABAQUS software. Thirty-six column specimens were assembled under 9 different groups by considering types of length to depth ratios (L/D ratios), three types of eccentricity to depth ratios (e/D ratios), and three types of steel contribution ratios. For validation of the model, simulations were conducted for eccentric loaded composite column test specimens from current studies and published literature. These composite columns were simulated under eccentrically applied axial load to observe the ultimate load carrying capacity, failure behavior, and axial deformation under ultimate load. Generally, these were found to greatly influence to ductility and load carrying capacity of fully encased composite column specimens. It was found that the axial load carrying capacity of the composite column was reduced with an increment of the L/D ratio up to 35%. As the e/D ratio was increased, the flexural stiffness of the column was reduced gradually. The increment of the structural steel contribution ratio increased the ductility and load-carrying capacity with a smooth decline of the post-peak region of the curve. A load-Moment interaction diagram was plotted based on EBCS EN 1994-1-1:2014 from test results.
Hindlimb muscle spindles inform preparatory forelimb coordination prior to landing in toads
Authors: Duman Alex , Azizi Emanuel
Published: December 2022

Animals move across a wide range of surface conditions in real-world environments to acquire resources and avoid predation. To effectively navigate a variety of surfaces, animals rely on several mechanisms including intrinsic mechanical responses, spinal-level central pattern generators, and neural commands that require sensory feedback. Muscle spindle Ia afferents play a critical role in providing sensory feedback and informing motor control strategies across legged vertebrate locomotion, which is apparent in cases where this sensory input is compromised. Here, we tested the hypothesis that spindle Ia afferents from hindlimb muscles are important for coordinating forelimb landing behavior in the cane toad. We performed bilateral sciatic nerve reinnervations to ablate the stretch reflex from distal hindlimb muscles while allowing for motor neuron recovery. We found that toads significantly delayed the onset and reduced the activation duration of their elbow extensor muscle following spindle Ia afferent ablation in the hindlimbs. However, reinnervated toads achieved similar elbow extension at touchdown to that of their pre-surgery state. Our results suggest that while toads likely tuned the activation timing of forelimb muscles in response to losing Ia afferent sensation from the hindlimbs they were likely able to employ compensatory strategies that allowed them to continue landing effectively with reduced sensory information during take-off. These findings indicate muscle spindle Ia afferents may contribute to tuning complex movements involving multiple limbs.
Maintaining control: metabolism of molting Arctic seals in water and when hauled out
Authors: Thometz Nicole M. , Rosen David A. S. , Hermann-Sorensen Holly , Meranda Madeline , Pardini Madilyn , Reichmuth Colleen
Published: December 2022

Seals haul out of water for extended periods during the annual molt, when they shed and regrow their pelage. This behavior is believed to limit heat loss to the environment given increased peripheral blood flow to support tissue regeneration. The degree to which time in water, particularly during the molt, may affect thermoregulatory costs is poorly understood. We measured the resting metabolism of three spotted seals (Phoca largha), one ringed seal (Pusa hispida) and one bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus) during and outside the molting period, while resting in water and when hauled out. Metabolic rates were elevated in spotted and ringed seals during molt, but comparable in water and air for individuals of all species, regardless of molt status. Our data indicate that elevated metabolism during molt primarily reflects the cost of tissue regeneration, while increased haul out behavior is driven by the need to maintain elevated skin temperatures to support tissue regeneration.
The effect of temperature on haemoglobin–oxygen binding affinity in regionally endothermic and ectothermic sharks
Authors: Morrison Phillip R. , Bernal Diego , Sepulveda Chugey A. , Brauner Colin J.
Published: December 2022

Haemoglobin (Hb)–O2 binding affinity typically decreases with increasing temperature, but several species of ectothermic and regionally endothermic fishes exhibit reduced Hb thermal sensitivity. Regionally endothermic sharks, including the common thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus) and lamnid sharks such as the shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), can maintain select tissues and organs warmer than ambient temperature by retaining metabolic heat with vascular heat exchangers. In the ectothermic bigeye thresher shark (Alopias superciliosus), diurnal movements above and below the thermocline subject the tissues, including the blood, to a wide range of operating temperatures. Therefore, blood–O2 transport must occur across internal temperature gradients in regionally endothermic species, and over the range of environmental temperatures encountered by the ectothermic bigeye thresher shark. While previous studies have shown temperature-independent Hb–O2 affinity in lamnid sharks, including shortfin mako, the Hb–O2 affinity of the common and bigeye thresher sharks is unknown. Therefore, we examined the effect of temperature on whole-blood Hb–O2 affinity in common thresher shark and bigeye thresher shark. For comparison, analyses were also conducted on the shortfin mako shark and two ectothermic species, blue shark (Prionace glauca) and spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias). Blood–O2 binding affinity was temperature independent for common thresher shark and shortfin mako shark, which should prevent internal temperature gradients from negatively affecting blood–O2 transport. Blue shark and spiny dogfish blood–O2 affinity decreased with increasing temperature, as expected, but bigeye thresher shark blood exhibited both a reduced temperature dependence and a high Hb–O2 affinity, which likely prevents large changes in environment temperature and low environmental oxygen from affecting O2 uptake.
Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends for 2023
Authors: Thompson Walter R.
Published: December 2022

Apply It!

The annual ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal®
worldwide survey to determine industry trends by health and fitness professionals is now in its 17th consecutive year. The COVID-19 pandemic certainly made an impact on the 2021 survey and continued for 2022, but for 2023, some current trends are emerging whereas others are weakening because of the world's recovery from the isolation caused by COVID-19. The #1 trend for 2023, as it was for 2022, is wearable technology. Home exercise gyms was #2 for 2022 but has dropped to #13 for 2023. Fitness programs for older adults will make a comeback in 2023, breaking the top 10 at #4. Functional fitness training, a popular form of exercise for the older adult, is the #5 trend for 2023.

From this article, the reader should understand the following concepts:

• Explain the differences between a fitness fad and a fitness trend

• Use the worldwide fitness trends in the commercial, corporate, clinical (including medical fitness), and community health and fitness industry to further promote physical activity

• Study expert opinions about identified fitness trends for 2023
Análise da tendência espaço-temporal da hepatite B no estado do Pará, 2006 a 2018
Authors: Amaral Sãmyla De Cássia dos Reis , Pereira Rita De Cássia Sá , Tavares Amanda Yasmine Santos , Pereira Douglas Ferreira , De Lima Patrícia Danielle Lima , Lima Sergio Beltrão de Andrade , Antunes Symara Rodrigues , Feio Danielle Cristinne Azevedo
Published: December 2022

Objetivo: o presente estudo tem por objetivo realizar uma análise do perfil espaço-temporal da hepatite B no estado do Pará, entre os anos de 2006 e 2018. Métodos: trata-se de um trabalho epidemiológico, ecológico e descritivo, realizado no estado do Pará por meio de seus municípios e regiões de saúde. A base de dados foi levantada perante consulta ao Departamento de Informática do SUS (DATASUS). Foram calculadas as variações percentuais anuais (APC) nas taxas de incidência de hepatite B, mediante a modelagem pelo método Jointpoint, usando o ano calendário como variável de regressão. Resultados: no estado do Pará, foram notificados, no período do estudo, 3,228 casos, sendo, 48,3% em homens e 51,7% em mulheres, com média de 248,3 casos por ano (61,8 de desvio padrão). A taxa de incidência média entre os anos de 2006 a 2018, nos 144 municípios no estado do Pará, obteve uma grande variação de 0 a 21,54 casos por 100.000 mil habitantes. Conclusão: apesar da dispersão nas taxas de incidência, obteve-se uma tendência crescente da ocorrência de casos de hepatite B no período estudado, sugerindo a necessidade de medidas de saúde pública mais eficazes no combate ao HBV
Nematódeos de interesse médico veterinário em represa urbana no município de Catalão, no sudeste do estado de Goiás, Brasil
Authors: Oliveira Bruna Simão de , Silva Juliana Veloso da , Oliveira Heliana Batista de
Published: December 2022

Objetivo: realizar análises parasitológicas em amostras de solo provenientes da represa da Bica situada no município de Catalão-GO. Métodos: a área do entorno da represa foi dividida em cinco parcelas, sendo realizadas coletas em dois pontos de cada parcela, superior e inferior. Foram realizadas quatro coletas em dias alternados, totalizando 40 amostras de, aproximadamente, 50g da camada superficial do solo, com profundidade máxima de cinco centímetros. As amostras foram processadas no Setor de Diagnóstico Parasitológico do Laboratório de Biologia Molecular da Universidade Federal de Catalão (UFCAT). Para as análises parasitológicas, foram utilizados cinco métodos encontrados na literatura, Rugai, Willis, Sedimentação espontânea, Ritchie e Ritchie modificado. Resultados: pelo método de Rugai, foi possível detectar larvas rabditoides do gênero Ancylostoma e Strongyloides. Utilizando o método de Ritchie modificado, foram encontrados ovos de Ascaris lumbricoidese Ancylostoma sp. Conclusão: a presença de formas evolutivas no solo da represa indica contaminação por dejetos animais e humanos, favorecendo o estabelecimento de ciclos biológicos das espécies encontradas e de outras diferentes zoonoses. Os dados obtidos demonstram a importância de sensibilizar a população de medidas de promoção da saúde, além de ações preventivas e programas de educação em saúde.
THE EFFECT OF PLAY ON SOCIAL AND LINGUISTIC SKILLS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
Authors: Secil Idil , Ertan Deniz
Published: December 2022

Children who are diagnosed with autism usually have similar problems with linguistic and social skills (making eye contact, starting a dialogue or continuing dialogues…) The main aim of this study is to examine the effect of play in social and linguistic skill development of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).In this study, 28 structured and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 parents in Izmir, Turkey (a parent had two autistic children). The Turkish translation of the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) (Irmak et al., 2007) was directed to the parents twice in the structured interviews in order to compare and contrast the presence of autism symptoms after the diagnosis (before play, over 6 months ago) and after play (present day). In the semi-structured interviews, open-ended questions prepared by the researchers were directed to the parents to capture and document more detailed information about the play process such as the duration and type of play. All interviews were recorded with permission, documents and dates were collected, and informed consent according to the Declaration of Helsinki was received.Analysis shows an overall decline or disappearance in nearly all attributes in the ABC. Results of the semi-structured interviews demonstrate that most frequently played games were as follows: Traditional and role play/imitation games (hide and seek, blindman’s buff…); make-believe games (house, teaching, hairdressing…) ; athletics (basketball, football…), and educational activities (drawing, card and board games…).According to the results, play affected the social and linguistic skills of autistic children positively.
Στάσεις και αντιλήψεις μαθητών για τη χρήση ψηφιακών μέσων στην εκπαίδευση
Authors: Δασκαλάκη Αγγελικη , Αλιφραγκή Όλγα , Ανδρικόπουλος Κωνσταντίνος , Διαμαντόπουλος Γιώργος
Published: December 2022

Με αφορμή την είσοδο των ηλεκτρονικών μέσων στην εκπαίδευση εδώ και πολλά χρόνια και ειδικότερα την επικράτηση τους τα τελευταία τρία έτη, κατασκευάσαμε ένα ερωτηματολόγιο αναφορικά με τις εμπειρίες και τις απόψεις ατόμων στον εκπαιδευτικό τομέα σχετικά με την χρήση της τεχνολογίας στην εκπαίδευση.
Ψηφιακός Εθελοντισμός: Student’s Vision
Authors: Ευαγγελόπουλος Αλέξανδρος , Κατσιπού Δήμητρα , Κεράνη Γεωργία- Ιωάννα , Κεφαλίδης Ιορδάνης
Published: December 2022

Με αφορμή την εργασία μας στα πλαίσια του μαθήματος της Πολιτικής  Παιδείας, αποφασίσαμε να δημιουργήσουμε μία ιστοσελίδα, ως μορφή ψηφιακού εθελοντισμού. Η ιστοσελίδα εξυπηρετεί ποικίλους σκοπούς, με τους βασικούς να είναι η πληροφόρηση και η ενημέρωση για διάφορες αναπηρίες, καθώς και η πρόταση πλήρως εξοπλισμένων υποδομών για ανθρώπους με αναπηρίες. Θέλαμε επίσης να διαμορφώσουμε έναν χώρο, όπου μπορεί ο καθένας να επικοινωνήσει άμεσα μαζί μας, αλλά και με άλλους επισκέπτες. Διαθέτει ειδικά διαμορφωμένο χάρτη, με τα προαναφερθέντα μέρη, τον οποίο θα εμπλουτίσουμε με τις προτάσεις των επισκεπτών μας, αλλά και με δικές μας. Επιπρόσθετα, υπάρχει forum, και chatroom.
ΤΑ ΜΙΚΡΟΠΛΑΣΤΙΚΑ ΣΤΗΝ ΖΩΗ ΜΑΣ
Authors: Στρωματιά Χριστίνα
Published: December 2022

Το πλαστικό έχει σε μεγάλο βαθμό κυριαρχήσει στην ζωή μας, καθώς φέρει εξαιρετικές ιδιότητες, που σε συνδυασμό με το χαμηλό του κόστος οδηγούν σε πλήθος χρήσεων. Ταυτόχρονα έχει υποβαθμίσει αισθητικά το περιβάλλον μας, ενώ αποτελεί αδιαμφισβήτητο κίνδυνο για πολλούς οργανισμούς, κυρίως θαλάσσιους. Στην παρούσα εργασία εστιάζουμε ειδικότερα στα «μικροπλαστικά», όρος που κυριάρχησε το 2004 και περιγράφει σφαιρίδια διαμέτρου περίπου 2-5 mm. Τα μικροπλαστικά έχουν υψηλή διαφυγή προς το περιβάλλον και αυξημένη επικινδυνότητα, καθώς εισέρχονται στην τροφική αλυσίδα, διεισδύουν στους οργανισμούς, δεσμεύουν και απελευθερώνουν τοξικές ουσίες. Είναι λοιπόν επιτακτική η ενημέρωση του ευρύτερου κοινού ως μέτρο πρόληψης, αλλά και η αναζήτηση μεθόδων διαχείρισης και αποικοδόμησης των μικρό – και όχι μόνο – πλαστικών, με σκοπό την ουσιαστική βελτίωση της ποιότητας της ζωής μας.
Η ΧΗΜΕΙΑ ΤΩΝ ΣΥΝΑΙΣΘΗΜΑΤΩΝ
Authors: Κράνης Ιωάννης , Μαράκης Ιωάννης , Μαύρος Δημήτρης
Published: December 2022

Η χαρά, η ευφορία, η λύπη, η απελπισία, ο φόβος, η οργή, ο θυμός, η ηδονή, είναι μερικά μόνο από τα συναισθήματα που βιώνουμε καθημερινά και χρωματίζουν τις πράξεις μας και τη ζωή μας. Ακριβής επιστημονικός ορισμός για το συναίσθημα δεν έχει δοθεί ακόμα. Το συναίσθημα ελέγχεται από νευρωνικά κυκλώματα του εγκεφάλου, όπως ο φλοιός των εγκεφαλικών ημισφαιρίων, η αμυγδαλή, ο υποθάλαμος, το εγκεφαλικό στέλεχος και το αυτόνομο νευρικό σύστημα, που αλληλεπιδρούν και παράγουν συναισθηματικές εμπειρίες. Η αλληλεπίδραση αυτή επιτυγχάνεται με τους νευροδιαβιβαστές, ειδικές βιοχημικές ουσίες που δρουν ως αγγελιοφόροι, μεταφέροντας μηνύματα από το ένα νευρικό κύτταρο στο άλλο. (Kandel & James H. Schwartz, 2009).
Το CERN στο σχολείο μας
Authors: Γκίκας Αναστάσης , Πετούμενος Δημήτρης , Σταυριανάκης Γιώργος , Στεφανιώρου Ωραιάνθη , Σωτηρίου Αλεξάνδρα
Published: December 2022

Λόγω του πεπερασμένου της ταχύτητας του φωτός, οι αστρονόμοι είναι οι "αρχαιολόγοι" του Σύμπαντος. Πολύ πρόσφατα (30/3/22) επιστήμονες ανακοίνωσαν στο περιοδικό Nature ότι το διαστημικό τηλεσκόπιο Hubble ανακάλυψε το πιο απομακρυσμένο μεμονωμένο άστρο που έχει ποτέ παρατηρηθεί. Το φως του χρειάστηκε 12,9 δισεκατομμύρια έτη για να φτάσει σ' εμάς κι έτσι σήμερα το βλέπουμε όπως ήταν πριν από τόσα χρόνια. Αυτό μας οδήγησε να αναρωτηθούμε αν μπορούμε, κοιτώντας τον ουρανό με ένα καλό τηλεσκόπιο, να δούμε πίσω μέχρι τη Μεγάλη Έκρηξη. Η έρευνα μας οδήγησε σε απρόσμενες απαντήσεις: Ναι, μπορούμε να δούμε τόσο πίσω στον χρόνο. Όχι, όμως, χρησιμοποιώντας μεγάλα τηλεσκόπια, αλλά μεγάλα μικροσκόπια, όπως τον Μεγάλο Επιταχυντή Αδρονίων (LHC) του Ευρωπαϊκού Κέντρου Πυρηνικών Ερευνών στη Γενεύη (CERN)! Στην παρούσα εργασία αναλύουμε τη δομή και τη λειτουργία του LHC και εξετάζουμε πτυχές της σχολικής Φυσικής που βρίσκουν εφαρμογή στη σύγχρονη έρευνα αιχμής της Σωματιδιακής Φυσικής.
FFECT OF CALCULATED MINERAL FERTILIZER RATES ON THE YIELD OF IRRIGATED FODDER MAIZE GREY FOREST SOILS OF THE REPUBLIC OF TATARSTAN
Authors: Yakhin Ildar , Gabitov Ranis , Hismatullin Mars , Trofimov Nikolay
Published: December 2022

Corn in the forest-steppe zone of the Russian Federation, which includes the Republic of Tatarstan, is the main fodder crop, the yield of which directly depends on the moisture content of a particular growing season and the nutritional background. The above-mentioned limiting factors for increasing the productivity of fodder corn can be easily controlled by the agrotechnical methods described in this paper. The results of the research showed the high efficiency of irrigation and the introduction of calculated fertilizer rates in combination with foliar feeding of the Isagri Force plant 6 l / ha in the phase of 4-6 pairs of true corn leaves. At the same time, the stem density increased from 51.1 thousand pcs/ha in the control to 59.5 thousand pcs/ha in the NPK variant by 60 t/ha + Isagri Force 6l/ha. Moreover, in the variant of applying mineral fertilizers with the expectation of obtaining 60 t/ha of green mass, the yield of green mass of the Nur hybrid was 61.4 t/ha, and the VNII hybrids 64.1 t/ha, which is higher than the control by 66.8 and 67.8% respectively. Additional foliar top dressing Izagri Force with the content of easily digestible amino acids and a complex of chelate forms of microfertilizers providing additional production from each hectare of 1.3 green mass of the studied Nur and Ross 140 corn hybrids.
DAIRY PRODUCTIVITY OF COWS OF DAUGHTERS OF BULLS OF DIFFERENT LINES AND GENOTYPE OF KAPPA-CASEIN
Authors: Kharisova Chulpan , Ahmetov Tahir , Shaydullin Radik
Published: December 2022

The aim of the study was to study the milk productivity of cows of daughters of sires with different linear affiliation and kappa-casein genotype. An analysis was made of the productivity of Black-and-White cows, originating from 60 sires of different lines, as well as those evaluated by the kappa-casein gene, which were used in Krasny Vostok Agro JSC. It has been established that cows of the R. Sovering line are characterized by the highest rates of economically useful traits, with an advantage in milk yield by 65-281 kg, in live weight by 6-24 kg, in terms of milk production index by 1-8 kg, in terms of milk yield by 0.01-0.12 kg/min. The worst indicators of productivity were found in animals of the Governer line. In general, interstrain differences are not high and productive indicators are within the normal range. When analyzing the milk productivity of the daughters of sires, carriers of various kappa-casein genotypes, it was revealed that cows of fathers with the AA genotype for kappa-casein have higher quantitative indicators of milk productivity and significantly (P<0.05-0.001) exceed the CSN3 AB and CSN3 EE by milk yield per 254-715 kg, by the amount of milk fat by 8.5-23.9 kg, by the amount of milk protein by 9.2-27.2 kg. At the same time, daughters of bulls with the CSN3 AA genotype are characterized by the maximum proportion of milk protein in milk, with an advantage over other groups by 0.03-0.12% (P<0.05-0.001). The CSN3 EE group is characterized by a high fat content in milk (4.11%) and exceeds other groups by 0.07-0.10% (P<0.01-0.001). Thus, the daughters of bulls with the AA CSN3 genotype had a higher milk production.