bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Implementation of Trusted Key Management Protocol (TKMP) in Wireless Network
Authors: Jayaprakash R. , Radha B.
Published: March 2021

The Trusted Key Management Protocol (TKMP) provides one of the most secure communication technologies in MANET cluster-based data protection. For security reasons, TKMP is a trusted key that can be sent to all nodes in the communication cluster. This document introduces the Trusted
Key Management Protocol (TKMP) feature to improve the quality of secure communications over a cluster-based wireless network. The proposed TKMP execution process includes CBPPRS (Cluster Based Privacy Preserving Routing Selection), LBCPR (Load Balancing Cluster Based Privacy Routing) and DLBPS
(Dynamic Load Balancing Privacy Path Selection) procedure. To lock the data from the malicious node, the Paillier Cryptosystem (PC) encrypts packets with homomorphic encryption. The trust score makes it easier to update routing information and improves network throughput. The experimental
results show that the proposed TKMP method works better than the other Trust-ECC method.
Women Safety Application Designed for Smart Phones to Enable Protection and Security Services
Authors: Nimala K. , Sangeetha M. , Saveetha D.
Published: March 2021

In India we live in a society where men and women have equal rights but as far as it goes these don’t hold up in real life scenarios and practical situations for women. Despite having all these laws and regulations to protect the rights of a woman, they still face problems. Women
have grown powerful and are conquering our world’s greatest positions/frontiers but they face issues with our society’s narrow-minded behavior. Every third woman faces physical abuse/harassment in this world. Women Safety is a matter of concern and a smart phone can be used efficiently
for personal security and other protection purposes. The existing apps need the user to interact with the interface and follow a sequence of steps to make them work. We are going to solve it by eliminating the user interaction with the app by providing an instant solution.
Automatic Detection of Diabetic Retinopathy Using Support Vector Machine
Authors: Meenal P. L. , Gowr P. Sheela , Ram A. Sajeev , Rajini A. R. , Abishek B. Ebenezer , Ravikumar D.
Published: March 2021

Excess amount of insulin in human blood might affect the retina in eyes and cause abnormalities in human vision, which is generally termed as Diabetic Retinopathy (DR). Many diabetic patients are often saved by the earlier diagnosis of Diabetic Retinopathy. The surface of retinal layer
that has the earlier signs of Diabetic Retinopathy. This type of abnormalities are detected using traditional image processing methods which includes stages such as capturing fundus images, preprocessing, feature extraction and finally classification is performed to classify it as retinal
and healthy images. (The proposed system, this detection is completed by Fuzzy-C Means (FCM) clustering). The proposed automated system consists of four phases which includes, preprocessing of the captured fundus images in which the image is resized and the second stage involves CLAHE. Images
has to enhanced in order to boost up the features for which Contrast adjustment is performed in the third phase and before classification the grey and green channels of the images are extracted from the processed images. This detection process provides better results than the prevailing method.
SVM classifier has been used in the proposed framework which classified the malady level of diabetic retinopathy in eye. The proposed system manages to provide better classification rates compared to the previous methodologies. The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the developed automated
system was found to be 94.4%, 100% and 85.7%, which was promising than the compared methods.
First Principles Study of Structural Stability and Electronic Properties of CdTe Nanowires
Authors: Kaushik Sanjay Prakash , Singh Satyendra , Thakur Ram-Krishna
Published: March 2021

This research article has explored the electronic behaviour of CdTe nanowire. The present study has evolved the structural dependence of electronic properties of CdTe nanowire. The shapes for which this dependence has been studied are 2 atoms linear, 2 atoms zigzag, 4 atoms square and
6 atoms hexagonal for CdTe nanowire. We have used ABINIT code for this study. We have explored the geometrical optimization, band structure and stability of proposed structures. The structure which has come out to be the most stable amongst the all is 4 atom square nanowire where as the findings
of the study for band structure reveal that CdTe nanowires may have insulating as well semiconducting nature depending on the shape of the nanowire.
Nanoscaled Metal-Organic Frameworks: Challenges Towards Biomedical Applications
Authors: Oggianu Mariangela , Mameli Valentina , Monni Noemi , Ashoka Sahadevan Suchithra , Sanna Angotzi Marco , Cannas Carla , Mercuri Maria Laura
Published: March 2021

Achieving metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in the form of nanoparticles (NanoMOFs) represents a recent challenge due to the possibility to combine the intrinsic porosity of these materials with the nanometric dimension, a fundamental requirement for strategic biomedical applications.
In this outlook we envision the current/future opportunities of the NanoMOFs in the field of biomedicine, with particular emphasis on (i) biocompatible MOFs composition; (ii) MOFs miniaturization and (iii) nanoMOFs applications.
New Perspectives for Neutron Capture Radiation Therapy with 7Be. The Chemistry and Biochemistry Gap
Authors: Andrea Scorciapino Mariano , Nunes Claudia , Ceccarelli Matteo , Tkalya Eugene , Bodrenko Igor
Published: March 2021

The research on new radiopharmaceuticals for therapy of cancer is evolving rapidly. Thanks to novel technologies and new selective and less toxic compounds, we move towards personalized molecular medicine. The neutron capture radiation therapy (NCT) can be potentially much safer and
can offer a better spatial and temporal control than the radioisotope therapy. Still, there are not many options in NCT: the 10B isotope has been almost exclusively used for decades, and only recently, 157Gd has attracted some interest. Here, we want to draw attention
to a new nuclide, 7Be, recently suggested for the NCT, and discuss perspective of Be2+ confinement in aqueous solutions and targeted delivery to cancerous tissues.
Development of Nanoliposomes Loaded with Carbon Dioxide Serenoa repens (Saw Palmetto) Extract
Authors: Vanti Giulia , Camilla Bergonzi Maria , Rita Bilia Anna
Published: March 2021

Liposomes represent, among the nanocarriers, the most useful ones for dermatological use, and their composition, charge, size strongly influence their performance in topical drug delivery systems, with possible accumulation of the loaded drugs in the hair follicles. Recently, a saw
palmetto carbon dioxide (CO2) extract has been reported useful for the treatment of hair loss because of the inhibition of 5α-reductase enzyme, responsible of the conversion of testosterone to the most potent androgen, the 5α-dihydrotestosterone. In this
work, the formation of nano-sized liposomes and the encapsulation efficiency of saw palmetto CO2 extract were investigated by light scattering techniques, microscopy and HPLC. The vesicles were loaded with 0.1% w/v saw palmetto CO2 extract and were small in size (mean
size of 145±5 nm). In addition, they were homogeneously dispersed (polydispersity index ≤0.27) and negatively charged (mean value −36.2±3.1 mV). The developed nanoliposomes could represent suitable drug delivery systems to treat the hair loss.
Versatile Mesoporous Nanoparticles for Cell Applications
Authors: Seco Gudiña Román , Yáñez Vilar Susana , González Gómez Manuel , Vargas Osorio Zulema , de la Fuente María , Piñeiro Redondo Yolanda , López Rafael , Rivas José
Published: March 2021

Mesoporous silica nanostructures are emerging as a promising platform able to deal with challenges of many different applications in fields such as biomedicine and nanotechnology. The versatile physical and functional properties of these materials like high specific surface area, ordered
porosity, chemical stability under temperature and pH variations, and biocompatible performance, offers new approaches to many biomedical applications ranging from drug delivery systems to biosensing, cell applications and tissue engineering. Their morphology, size and textural properties
can be easily tailored by means of chemical control, giving rise to a variety of nanostructures with hexagonal (SBA15, MCM41) or cubic (SBA16) arrangement of channels and pore size ranging from 1.3 to 10 nm. Based on the versatility of their silane surface, a plethora of hybrid mesoporous
matrices can be prepared incorporating new functionalities like contrast enhancement for magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic/plasmonic hyperthermia, drug delivery or cell applications by the simple grafting of superparamagnetic metal oxides (Fe3O4, transition metal ferrites)
nanoparticles, noble metal (Au, Ag) nanoparticles, fluorescent moieties (fluorescein, rhodamine) or biological agents (mAb, mRNA, etc). The goal of this work is to present the development, by a facile soft template method, of size tailored mesoporous silica nanospheres from 20 to 350 nm (by
means of chemical control), and highlight its versatility for surface grafting (with rhodamine and polydopamine) and their biological compatibility and efficient uptake by cultured HeLa cells. The combined, physicochemical and biological, properties indicate that MSNs are good candidates for
cell tagging, gene transfer or targeted therapies.
Effect of Manual Grinding on Diclofenac Acid Nanocrystals: A Chemico-Physical Investigation
Authors: Scano Alessandra , Lai Francesco , Marongiu Francesca , Ennas Guido
Published: March 2021

X-ray Powder Diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Differential Scanning Calorimeter were used to study the effect of the manual grinding in an agate mortar of the diclofenac acid polymorphs HD1 and HD2. In particular, we have tried to highlight how the HD2 form is more sensitive than the HD1 to the grinding process to achieve a nanometric crystal size. HD1 shows no change, while in the case of the HD2, changes in the molecular conformation and the formation of a new metastable form of the polymorph are observed after grinding.
Physico-Chemical Challenges in 3D Printing of Polymeric Nanocomposites and Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Bonini Massimo
Published: March 2021

Additive manufacturing techniques (i.e., 3D printing) are rapidly becoming one of the most popular methods for the preparation of materials to be employed in many different fields, including biomedical applications. The main reason is the unique flexibility resulting from both the method itself and the variety of starting materials, requiring the combination of multidisciplinary competencies for the optimization of the process. In particular, this is the case of additive manufacturing processes based on the extrusion or jetting of nanocomposite materials, where the unique properties of nanomaterials are combined with those of a flowing matrix. This contribution focuses on the physico-chemical challenges typically faced in the 3D printing of polymeric nanocomposites and polymeric hydrogels intended for biomedical applications. The strategies to overcome those challenges are outlined, together with the characterization approaches that could help the advance of the field.
Effect of Surface Tension, Foaming Stabilizer, and Graphene Oxide on the Properties of Foamed Paste
Authors: Tang Zhuo , Li Zhipeng , Fan Liang , Gong Jing , Zhong Jing , Shi Xianming
Published: March 2021

Foamed paste has attracted much attention because of its excellent thermal insulation performance and diverse applications in infrastructure projects. However, there are still some shortcomings hindering the further application of foamed paste, such as the low mechanical strength and the lack of effective methods to evaluate the properties of foaming bubbles. In this study, surface tension was used as the key parameter to characterize the properties of bubbles. A novel nanomaterial, graphene oxide was employed to enhance the mechanical strength of foamed paste, which was also effective in decreasing the surface tension of aqueous solution. A central composite design scheme was employed to evaluate the influence of three selected factors, surface tension, Sodium Phosphate/foaming reagents mass ratio, and graphene oxide/binder mass ratio, on the engineering properties of foamed paste. Additionally, mercury intrusion porosimetry and scanning electron microscope were employed to elucidate the structure of pores, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis were employed to further analyze the hydration products at the microscopic scale. This study reveals that surface tension holds great potential in predicting the engineering properties or performances of foamed paste, and a new mechanism may be developed for explaining the influence of graphene oxide on the pore structure of cementitious materials by evaluating the surface tension of pore solution.
Toward Transient Subgrid-Scale Gravity Wave Representation in Atmospheric Models. Part I: Propagation Model Including Nondissipative Wave–Mean-Flow Interactions
Authors: Bölöni Gergely , Kim Young-Ha , Borchert Sebastian , Achatz Ulrich
Published: March 2021

Current gravity wave (GW) parameterization (GWP) schemes are using the steady-state assumption, in which an instantaneous balance between GWs and mean flow is postulated, thereby neglecting transient, nondissipative interactions between the GW field and the resolved flow. These schemes rely exclusively on wave dissipation, by GW breaking or near critical layers, as a mechanism leading to forcing of the mean flow. In a transient GWP, without the steady-state assumption, nondissipative wave–mean-flow interactions are enabled as an additional mechanism. Idealized studies have shown that this is potentially important, and therefore the transient GWP Multiscale Gravity Wave Model (MS-GWaM) has been implemented into a state-of-the-art weather and climate model. In this implementation, MS-GWaM leads to a zonal-mean circulation that agrees well with observations and increases GW momentum-flux intermittency as compared with steady-state GWPs, bringing it into better agreement with superpressure balloon observations. Transient effects taken into account by MS-GWaM are shown to make a difference even on monthly time scales: in comparison with steady-state GWPs momentum fluxes in the lower stratosphere are increased and the amount of missing drag at Southern Hemispheric high latitudes is decreased to a modest but nonnegligible extent. An analysis of the contribution of different wavelengths to the GW signal in MS-GWaM suggests that small-scale GWs play an important role down to horizontal and vertical wavelengths of 50 km (or even smaller) and 200 m, respectively.
The Nodality Disconnect of Data-Driven Government
Authors: Castelnovo Walter , Sorrentino Maddalena
Published: March 2021

We must ask critical questions regarding what actors are gaining influence, and regarding why the centrality of government is to be preserved in a data-intensive society. The article recognizes that the transformative capacity of big data—and its artificial intelligence (AI)-based companion data analytics—does not deterministically result from the technologies concerned. Instead, the direction of change depends on both the technical features and the intertwining of big data applications and governmental machinery. In short, the reconfiguration of the government nodality remains an open question. Overall, government is urged to think strategically about its future role within digital ecosystems.
Pandemic and human lifeworld: A manifest/hidden warfare
Authors: Dallmayr Fred , Manoochehri Abbas
Published: March 2021

The crisis of pandemics such as Covid-19 reveals the reality of a crisis-ridden world fraught by devastation of nature and distortion of human life simultaneously. This article tries to bring to light that pandemics actually move from one ‘region’ of human Lifeworld to another. The phenomenological notion of ‘Lifeworld’ can enable one to see ‘natural life’ and ‘civil life’ as two different but related ‘regions of life’ related to each other in the context of an ontological unity. As such, the ‘coming’ of pandemic viruses into human life-sphere is seen as one step in a process which had already begun with the disruptive human interference in the natural environment. These are in fact practical implications of the mastery of the modern ‘ego cogito’ and its use of technological warfare.
Fetuin-A exerts a protective effect against experimentally induced intestinal ischemia/reperfusion by suppressing autophagic cell death
Authors: El-Malkey Nanees F , Alsemeh Amira E , Ashour Wesam MR , Hassan Nancy H , Edrees Husam M
Published: March 2021

Intestinal tissue is highly susceptible to ischemia/reperfusion injury in many hazardous health conditions. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant glycoprotein fetuin-A showed efficacy in cerebral ischemic injury; however, its protective role against intestinal ischemia/reperfusion remains elusive. Therefore, this study investigated the protective role of fetuin-A supplementation against intestinal structural changes and dysfunction in a rat model of intestinal ischemia/reperfusion. We equally divided 72 male rats into control, sham, ischemia/reperfusion, and fetuin-A-pretreated ischemia/reperfusion (100 mg/kg/day fetuin-A intraperitoneally for three days prior to surgery and a third dose 1 h prior to the experiment) groups. After 2 h of reperfusion, the jejunum was dissected and examined for spontaneous contractility. A jejunal homogenate was used to assess inflammatory and oxidative stress enzymes. Staining of histological sections was carried out with hematoxylin, eosin and Masson’s trichrome stain for evaluation. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect autophagy proteins beclin-1, LC3, and p62. This study found that fetuin-A significantly improved ischemia/reperfusion-induced mucosal injury by reducing the percentage of areas of collagen deposition, increasing the amplitude of spontaneous contraction, decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress, and upregulating p62 expression, which was accompanied by beclin-1 and LC3 downregulation. Our findings suggest that fetuin-A treatment can prevent ischemia/reperfusion-induced jejunal structural and functional changes by increasing antioxidant activity and regulating autophagy disturbances observed in the ischemia/reperfusion rat model. Furthermore, fetuin-A may provide a protective influence against intestinal ischemia/reperfusion complications.
Pedal Musculovenous Pump Activation Effectively Counteracts Negative Impact of Knee Flexion on Human Popliteal Venous Flow
Authors: Reb Christopher W. , Haupt Edward T. , Vander Griend Robert A. , Berlet Gregory C.
Published: March 2021

Knee scooters are commonly used for mobility instead of other devices. However, passive popliteal venous flow impedance has been observed with knee scooter usage ostensibly as a result of deep knee flexion. This study aimed to characterize the magnitude of impact knee flexion has on popliteal venous flow in relation to the degree of knee flexion when walking boot immobilized. Furthermore, the countervailing effect of standardized pedal musculovenous pump (PMP) activation was observed. Popliteal venous diameter and flow metrics were assessed with venous ultrasonography in 24 healthy individuals. Straight leg, crutch, and knee scooter positioning while wearing a walking boot and non–weight-bearing were compared. Flow was assessed with muscles at rest and with PMP activation. Of 24 participants, 16 (67%) were female. Twelve limbs (50%) were right sided. The mean age was 21.9 (SD = 3.0) years, and the mean body mass index was 21.9 (SD 1.9) kg/m2. Observer consistencies were excellent (intraclass correlation range = 0.93 to 0.99). No significant differences in mean vessel diameter, time-averaged mean velocity, and total volume flow occurred (all P > .01). Corresponding knee flexion effect sizes were small (range = −0.04 to −0.26). A significant decrease (−24%) in active median time-averaged peak velocity occurred between upright and crutch positions (20.89 vs 15.92 cm/s; P < .001) with a medium effect size (−0.51). PMP activation increased all flow parameters (all P < .001), and effect sizes were comparatively larger (>0.6) across all knee flexion positions.

Clinical Significance: Knee flexion has a small to medium impact on popliteal venous return in healthy patients. Active toe motion effectively counters the negative effects of gravity and knee flexion when the ankle is immobilized.

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV
Impact of Structured Clinical Handover Protocol on Communication and Patient Satisfaction
Authors: Ghosh Sayani , Ramamoorthy Lakshmi , pottakat Biju
Published: March 2021

The Handover process is an essential aspect of patient care in daily clinical practice to ensure continuity of patient care. Standardization of clinical handover may reduce sentinel events due to inaccurate and ineffective communication. Single arm experimental trial was conducted to assess the effect of standard Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation (SBAR) protocol implementation in overall bedside nursing handover process, patient satisfaction, and nurses’ acceptance. As a sample, all nursing staff of specified unit, all handover process performed by them, and patients admitted during study the period were included. Initially, the prevailing handover process and patient satisfaction regarding nursing handover was assessed using a structured observation checklist. During the implementation phase, nurses were trained on an SBAR handover protocol. After implementation, nursing handovers were again assessed and data regarding patient satisfaction and nurses’ acceptance were collected. There was a statistically significant difference ( P < .05) in median scores between the pre and post-intervention group on overall nursing handover and patient satisfaction regarding nursing handover. Standardization of patient’s handover process is effective in terms of improving nursing handover process, patient satisfaction, and health professionals’ acceptance.
Trends in the magnitude of chronic conditions in patients hospitalized with a first acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Tisminetzky Mayra , Miozzo Ruben , Gore Joel M , Gurwitz Jerry H , Lessard Darleen , Yarzebski Jorge , Granillo Edgard , Abu Hawa O , Goldberg Robert J
Published: March 2021

Background:

Among adults with heart disease, there is a high prevalence of concomitant chronic medical conditions. We studied patients with a first acute myocardial infarction to describe: sample population characteristics; trends of the most prevalent pairs of chronic conditions; and differences in hospital management according to burden of these morbidities.

Methods and Results:

Patients (n = 1,564) hospitalized with an incident AMI at the 3 major medical centers in central Massachusetts during 2005, 2011, and 2015 comprised the study population. Hospital medical records were reviewed to identify 11 more prevalent chronic conditions. The median age of this population was 68 years and 56% were men. The median number of previously diagnosed chronic conditions was 2. Patients hospitalized during 2015 were more likely to be younger than those hospitalized in the earliest study cohorts. The most common pairs of chronic conditions for those hospitalized in 2005 were: anemia-chronic kidney disease (31%), chronic kidney disease-heart failure (30%), and stroke-atrial fibrillation (27%). Among patients hospitalized during 2011, chronic kidney disease-heart failure (29%), hypertension-hyperlipidemia (27%), and hypertension-diabetes (27%) were the most common pairs whereas hypertension-hyperlipidemia (43%), diabetes-heart failure (30%), and chronic kidney disease-diabetes (23%) were the most frequent pairs recorded in 2015. There was a significant decrease in the odds of undergoing cardiac catheterization and a percutaneous coronary intervention in those with higher chronic disease burden in the most recent as compared to earliest study years.

Conclusions:

Our findings highlight the magnitude of chronic conditions in patients with AMI and the challenges of caring for this vulnerable population.
Layer‐specific strain echocardiography may reflect regional myocardial impairment in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Chen Zhongxiu , Li Chunmei , Li Yajiao , Rao Li , Zhang Xiaoling , Long Dan , Li Chen
Published: March 2021

Our study aimed to determine whether layer-specific strain (LSS) could reflect regional myocardial impairment in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The study enrolled 50 patients with HCM and 30 age-matched healthy controls. Transmural gradient of longitudinal strain (TGLS), defined as the difference between the longitudinal strain of the endocardium and epicardium in a left ventricular segment, was used to reflect layer-specific myocardial impairment. Negative TGLS was consistently observed in healthy controls. The TGLS was relatively consistent within the basal, middle, and apical levels in healthy controls,but showed a significant gradient from the base towards the apex. In patients with HCM, the hypertrophic segments had significantly higher TGLS than the relatively normal segments or healthy controls at all 3 levels (0.14 % ± 3.48 % vs. −2.65 % ± 4.44 % vs. −2.17 % ± 1.66 % for basal, − 0.72 % ± 3.71 % vs. −4.02 % ± 4.00 % vs. −3.58 % ± 2.29 % for middle, and − 8.69 % ± 7.96 % vs. −11.44 % ± 6.65 % vs. −10.04 % ± 3.20 % for apex). Abnormal TGLS, defined as positive TGLS, in patients with HCM was associated with chest pain. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, a large area of abnormal TGLS (> 4 segments) had moderate accuracy for predicting chest pain (sensitivity, 73.3 %; specificity, 70.0 %). TGLS, a novel LSS derived parameter, may reflect regional myocardial impairment in patients with HCM.
Trunk Injuries in Athletes
Authors: Gundersen Alexandra , Borgstrom Haylee , McInnis Kelly C.
Published: March 2021

Trunk pain is a common cause of performance limitation and time away from sport in athletes. However, atraumatic trunk injuries are underrepresented in medical literature and underrecognized clinically. Delays in diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment can increase injury morbidity and return-to-play time. Currently, evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of trunk pain in athletes are limited. Thus, we provide an overview of atraumatic sport-related injuries to the thoracic spine (disc herniation, scoliosis, kyphosis), ribcage (bone stress injury, costochondritis, Tietze syndrome, slipping rib syndrome, costovertebral or costotransverse joint dysfunction), and chest and abdominal wall musculature (intercostal, serratus anterior, oblique strains, regional myofascial pain), highlighting sport-specific biomechanical considerations. We aim to increase awareness of these causes of trunk pain among sports medicine providers in an effort to guide diagnostic and treatment recommendations that will ultimately improve overall musculoskeletal health in athletes.
An Optimal High-Order Tensor Method for Convex Optimization
Authors: Jiang Bo , Wang Haoyue , Zhang Shuzhong
Published: March 2021

This paper is concerned with finding an optimal algorithm for minimizing a composite convex objective function. The basic setting is that the objective is the sum of two convex functions: the first function is smooth with up to the dth-order derivative information available, and the second function is possibly nonsmooth, but its proximal tensor mappings can be computed approximately in an efficient manner. The problem is to find—in that setting—the best possible (optimal) iteration complexity for convex optimization. Along that line, for the smooth case (without the second nonsmooth part in the objective), Nesterov proposed an optimal algorithm for the first-order methods ([Formula: see text]) with iteration complexity [Formula: see text], whereas high-order tensor algorithms (using up to general dth-order tensor information) with iteration complexity [Formula: see text] were recently established. In this paper, we propose a new high-order tensor algorithm for the general composite case, with the iteration complexity of [Formula: see text], which matches the lower bound for the dth-order methods as previously established and hence is optimal. Our approach is based on the accelerated hybrid proximal extragradient (A-HPE) framework proposed by Monteiro and Svaiter, where a bisection procedure is installed for each A-HPE iteration. At each bisection step, a proximal tensor subproblem is approximately solved, and the total number of bisection steps per A-HPE iteration is shown to be bounded by a logarithmic factor in the precision required.
‘Don't let those “perfect parents” fool you’
Authors: Forsythe Gemma
Published: March 2021

Dental nurse Gemma Forsythe shares her experience of juggling her career and education with home schooling her nine-year-old son, Tyler
Suicide: How to make a difference
Authors: Fleming Alis , Edwards Natasha , Hylton Preetee
Published: March 2021

Alis Fleming, Natasha Edwards and Preetee Hylton share the reasons why they embarked on a suicide awareness training course and why they are urging other dental nurses to do the same
Mouth Cancer: early detection
Authors: Jalota Puja
Published: March 2021

Puja Jalota reviews the statistics and considers the role of a dental nurse in the early detection of mouth cancer

Aim

To understand the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of mouth cancer for early detection.

Objectives

Discuss the meaning of detecting mouth cancer early. Discuss the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer. Discuss the risk factors of mouth cancer. GDC development outcomes A, C, D
Smiles to treasure, voices to raise
Authors: Bates Natalie
Published: March 2021

Natalie Bates reveals why treatment planning is key to the long-term investment in patients' oral health – and how her role as student representative with the Society of British Dental Nurses is adding value for the next generation of dental nurses
Forecasting the spread of SARS-CoV-2 is inherently ambiguous given the current state of virus research
Authors: Koenen Melissa , Balvert Marleen , Brekelmans Ruud , Fleuren Hein , Stienen Valentijn , Wagenaar Joris
Published: March 2021

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic many researchers and health advisory institutions have focused on virus spread prediction through epidemiological models. Such models rely on virus- and disease characteristics of which most are uncertain or even unknown for SARS-CoV-2. This study addresses the validity of various assumptions using an epidemiological simulation model. The contributions of this work are twofold. First, we show that multiple scenarios all lead to realistic numbers of deaths and ICU admissions, two observable and verifiable metrics. Second, we test the sensitivity of estimates for the number of infected and immune individuals, and show that these vary strongly between scenarios. Note that the amount of variation measured in this study is merely a lower bound: epidemiological modeling contains uncertainty on more parameters than the four in this study, and including those as well would lead to an even larger set of possible scenarios. As the level of infection and immunity among the population are particularly important for policy makers, further research on virus and disease progression characteristics is essential. Until that time, epidemiological modeling studies cannot give conclusive results and should come with a careful analysis of several scenarios on virus- and disease characteristics.
Effects of disusing closed suction drainage in simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Park Chan-Woo , Lim Seung-Jae , Yoo Insun , Lee Youngsik , Won Jae-Yeon , Park Youn-Soo
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Increased blood loss remains a major drawback of simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty (SBTHA). We examined the effects of disusing closed suction drainage (CSD) on postoperative blood loss and transfusion requirement in cementless SBTHA.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted with a consecutive series of cementless SBTHAs performed by a single surgeon between January 2014 and March 2017. The surgeon routinely used CSD until May 2015 and refrained from CSD in all primary THAs thereafter. This study included SBTHAs with intravenous administration of tranexamic acid (TXA). Postoperative hemoglobin drop, blood loss, transfusion rate, pain scores, complication rates, and implant survivorships were compared between the groups of SBTHA with and without CSD. The minimum follow-up duration was 1 year.

Results

Among the 110 patients (220 hips), 46 (92 hips) and 64 (128 hips) underwent SBTHA with and without CSD, respectively. Maximum hemoglobin drop (mean, 4.8 vs. 3.9 g/dL; P = 0.001), calculated blood loss (mean, 1530 vs. 1190 mL; P<0.001), transfusion rate (45.7% vs. 21.9%; P = 0.008), and length of hospital stay (mean, 6.6 vs. 5.8 days; P = 0.004) were significantly lower in patients without CSD. There were no significant differences in postoperative pain scales and wound complication rates. The mean Harris Hip scores at final follow-up (92.5 vs. 92.1; P = 0.775) and implant survivorships with an end-point of any revision at 4 years (98.9% vs. 98.4%; log-rank, P = 0.766) were similar between groups.

Conclusions

Disusing CSD significantly reduced postoperative blood loss and transfusion requirement without increasing postoperative pain and surgical wound complications in cementless SBTHA with concurrent administration of intravenous TXA.
ACG Clinical Guidelines: Colorectal Cancer Screening 2021
Authors: Shaukat Aasma , Kahi Charles J. , Burke Carol A. , Rabeneck Linda , Sauer Bryan G. , Rex Douglas K.
Published: March 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in men and women in the United States. CRC screening efforts are directed toward removal of adenomas and sessile serrated lesions and detection of early-stage CRC. The purpose of this article is to update the 2009 American College of Gastroenterology CRC screening guidelines. The guideline is framed around several key questions. We conducted a comprehensive literature search to include studies through October 2020. The inclusion criteria were studies of any design with men and women age 40 years and older. Detailed recommendations for CRC screening in average-risk individuals and those with a family history of CRC are discussed. We also provide recommendations on the role of aspirin for chemoprevention, quality indicators for colonoscopy, approaches to organized CRC screening and improving adherence to CRC screening. CRC screening must be optimized to allow effective and sustained reduction of CRC incidence and mortality. This can be accomplished by achieving high rates of adherence, quality monitoring and improvement, following evidence-based guidelines, and removing barriers through the spectrum of care from noninvasive screening tests to screening and diagnostic colonoscopy. The development of cost-effective, highly accurate, noninvasive modalities associated with improved overall adherence to the screening process is also a desirable goal.
Grenzenlos menschlich?
Authors: Zimmermann Vera
Published: March 2021

Der Umgang mit unseren Mitgeschöpfen stellt uns als Individuen sowie als Gesellschaft immer wieder vor elementare moralische Fragen: Welche Ernährungsform ist moralisch vertretbar? Wie viel Leid können wir ertragen, ignorieren oder verdrängen? Und was zählt das Leiden und Sterben nichtmenschlicher Tiere überhaupt? Für Antworten auf diese Fragen bietet sich die Literatur als Raum für Gedankenexperimente und Perspektivenwechsel an. Vera Zimmermann betrachtet die diskursiven und sprachkünstlerischen Möglichkeiten moderner und postmoderner Literatur anhand der Positionen von Elias Canetti, Marlen Haushofer und Brigitte Kronauer, um tierethische Positionen sowie deren Begründungen darzustellen.
Dispositivos contemporáneos de visibilización, reconocimiento y registro de pueblos originarios en la Provincia de Santa Fe
Authors: Gomitolo Mercedes Sofía , Cabre Pilar Guadalupe , Cardozo Lucas Gabriel
Published: March 2021

El artículo aborda las implicancias de ciertos dispositivos estatales en términos de visibilización, reconocimiento y restitución de tierras en procesos de reemergencia indígena en la provincia de Santa Fe. En particular, distinguimos el carácter activo que adquieren los censos, la tramitación de las personerías jurídicas, el Registro Especial de Comunidades Aborígenes y la demanda y otorgamiento de lotes en la configuración de un proceso de reemergencia étnica “controlado territorialmente” por parte del Estado. Para el análisis recurrimos a estadísticas, normativas, informes y documentos oficiales (provinciales y nacionales) por medio de los cuales se visibiliza/invisibiliza, registra, sostiene y soslaya una serie de discursos sobre los sujetos indígenas santafesinos y sus condiciones para la acción.
Józef M. Fiszer, Mateusz Czasak, Trójkąt Weimarski. Geneza i działalność na rzecz integracji Europy w latach 1991–2016, Wydawnictwo Instytutu Studiów Politycznych PAN, Warszawa 2020, ss. 485.
Authors: Koszel Bogdan
Published: March 2021

Recenzja
Tomasz Kubin, Mieczysław Stolarczyk (red.), Kryzysy w Unii Europejskiej w drugiej dekadzie XXI wieku. Uwarunkowania – przebieg – implikacje, Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Śląskiego, Katowice 2018, ss. 566.
Authors: Ratajczak Anna
Published: March 2021

Recenzja
The Influence of Russian Propaganda on the EU’s Interstate Relations With the Eastern European Countries (Case of Poland-Ukraine)
Authors: Grabina Ganna
Published: March 2021

The article is devoted to the analysis of the influence of Russian propaganda on relations between the European Union member states and its eastern neighbors in the case of Poland and Ukraine. The analysis is related to an issue that can be formulated as the following research question: how exactly does propaganda affect domestic and foreign policy processes in countries? A multidisciplinary approach to the study of the impact of political propaganda enabled the use of such methods as: systemic, institutional, structural-functional, content analysis, and descriptive. The article gives definition and main characteristics of the concept of propaganda in political context. Special attention is paid to reasons for the successful use of propaganda by Russia in fanning the conflict in Ukraine, which is presented in the article. The complex of means and methods used in Russia’s information policy to influence Western countries is denoted. The author presents the main narratives of Russian propaganda, and identifies the features of its pressure on interstate relations between Ukraine and Poland by analysing articles in pro-Russian periodicals of Poland and Ukraine. Conclusions are drawn on the need for strong international resistance to Russian propaganda, and to define the shortcomings of the system for countering Russian information aggression in general and propaganda in particular.
Two manual therapy techniques for management of lumbar radiculopathy: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Danazumi Musa S. , Bello Bashir , Yakasai Abdulsalam M. , Kaka Bashir
Published: March 2021

Context

Evidence has shown that spinal mobilization with leg movement (SMWLM) and progressive inhibition of neuromuscular structures (PINS) are individually effective in the management of lumbar radiculopathy. However, previous evidence reported data for only a short-term study period and did not investigate the effect of the combined manual therapy techniques.

Objectives

To compare the combined effects of two manual therapy techniques (SMWLM and PINS) with the individual techniques alone (SMWLM or PINS) in the management of individuals with lumbar radiculopathy.

Methods

A total of 60 patients diagnosed with unilateral lumbar radiculopathy secondary to disc herniation were randomly allocated into three groups: 20 participants each in the SMWLM, PINS, and combined SMWLM + PINS groups. Each group attended two treatments per week for 30 min each, for three months. Participants were assessed at baseline, immediately posttreatment, and then at three, six, and nine months follow-up using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Rolland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and Sciatica Bothersomeness Index (SBI).

Results

Between-groups analyses using a two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance indicated significant interactions between groups and follow-up times for all outcomes (p=0.001). Participants receiving combined SMWLM + PINS treatment experienced greater improvement in leg pain, back pain, disability, and sciatica at all timelines (immediately posttreatment, and three, six, and nine months follow-up) than the participants receiving SMWLM or PINS alone (p<0.05). However, participants receiving SMWLM alone showed better improvement than the participants receiving PINS alone at all timelines (p<0.05).

Conclusions

A combined SMWLM + PINS treatment protocol showed greater improvement than the individual techniques alone in the management of individuals with LR in this study.
The Difficult alliance. Military cooperation between the ruthenian king Daniel and the Piasts of Mazovia
Authors: Skoczyński Michał
Published: March 2021

The article presents the military cooperation between the King of Galician-Volhynian Ruthenia, Daniel Romanowicz, and the Dukes of Mazovia, Konrad and his son Siemowit. The alliance, based as a counterweight for the cooperation between the King of Hungary and the Piast princes of Lesser Poland, who were trying to conquer Ruthenia and dominate all Piast principalities in then fragmented Poland. It lasted for several decades from the 1220’s to the 1260’s and was primarly aimed at mutual protection against the invasions of the pagan Yotvingians and supporting each other in armed conflicts. The text contains an analysis of war expeditions, tactics and ways of support that were given by both sides of the allianace. It is a new point of view on this aspect of political strategy of both sides that in some ways defined the regional situation. Ruthenians granted masovian Piasts some mobile and political uncommited support in fight with their relatives in Poland, and also secured their border with the Yotvingians. On the other hand, masovian knights were an additional strike force in ruthenian plundering expeditions to Yotvingia. The research was based on the analysis of preserved historical sources and scientific literature using historical methodology.
A cognitive semantic exploration of Englishplantphrasal verbs with the particleoutand their Serbian counterparts
Authors: Milošević Ivan , Pavlović Tijana Vesić
Published: March 2021

This paper explores the semantic motivation of English phrasal verbs with the particleoutwhose constituent verb refers to processes and activities performed by or to plants and their prefixed Serbian counterparts with the prefixesiz-,s- andraz-. The cognitive approach to the semantics of phrasal verbs and prefixes is employed, which entails observing their meaning through the notions of conceptualisation, image-schematic structuring and spatial schematisation. It is shown that there is a high degree of correspondence in the concrete and abstract senses of the contrasted English and Serbian lexemes owing to the same spatial configurations which structure the constituent English and Serbian satellites (the particleoutand the prefixesiz-,s-andraz-, respectively). Additionally, various conceptual metaphors stemming from the domain of PLANTS, inherent in the constituent verb, play a prominent role in the extension of the phrasal and prefixed verb meaning in both languages. The conclusion underlines the benefits of using the cognitive semantic approach in the contrastive studies of particles and prefixes.
Endocannabinoid system in trauma and psychosis: distant guardian of mental stability
Authors: Bielawski Tomasz , Albrechet-Souza Lucas , Frydecka Dorota
Published: March 2021

Central endocannabinoid system (eCBS) is a neuromodulatory system that inhibits potentially harmful, excessive synaptic activation. Endocannabinoid receptors are abundant among brain structures pivotal in different mental disorders development (for example, hippocampus, amygdala, medial-prefrontal cortex, hypothalamus). Here, we review eCBS function in etiology of psychosis, emphasizing its role in dealing with environmental pressures such as traumatic life events. Moreover, we explore eCBS as a guard against hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis over-activation, and discuss its possible role in etiology of different psychopathologies. Additionally, we review eCBS function in creating adaptive behavioral patterns, as we explore its involvement in the memory formation process, extinction learning and emotional response. We discuss eCBS in the context of possible biomarkers of trauma, and in preclinical psychiatric conditions, such as at-risk mental states and clinical high risk states for psychosis. Finally, we describe the role of eCBS in the cannabinoid self-medication-theory and extinction learning.
Betaine Supplementation: A Critical Review of Its Efficacy for Improving Muscle Strength, Power, and Body Composition
Authors: Van Every Derrick W. , Plotkin Daniel L. , Delcastillo Kenneth , Cholewa Jason , Schoenfeld Brad J.
Published: March 2021

Dietary supplements are commonly used by athletes to optimize body composition and/or performance in sport. Trimethylglycine, better known as betaine, is a popular ingredient in sports supplements that has been claimed to enhance performance and lean mass. This article aims to review the current state of the literature as to the potential ergogenic effects of betaine on muscular strength, power, and body composition and draw evidence-based conclusions as to its use as a sports supplement. Animal models indicate beneficial effects of betaine on improvements in body composition; the literature investigating these effects in humans is promising but limited. There are various mechanisms by which betaine may facilitate increases in muscle strength and power; however, the current literature does not seem to support a beneficial effect on these outcomes. Given that betaine does not seem to be associated with any side effects, its short-term use may be worth considering for athletes seeking improved body composition until further research provides more definitive evidence on the topic. The lack of data on long-term safety warrants caution for its continued use.
Mental health benefits from lifestyle physical activity interventions: A systematic review
Authors: Farris Samantha G. , Abrantes Ana M.
Published: March 2021

Lifestyle physical activity (LPA) interventions are a promising alternative to structured exercise interventions for addressing mental health problems. The authors conducted a systematic review of the literature on LPA interventions in any population in order to determine (a) the extent to which mental health outcomes were examined and (b) whether benefits in mental health outcomes were observed. Mental health outcomes were defined as depression, anxiety, perceived stress, health-related quality of life, and psychological well-being. A total of 73 articles were identified as LPA intervention, of which 24.7% (n = 18) reported the effect of LPA intervention on mental health outcomes. The most commonly evaluated mental health outcome was depression, and to a lesser extent anxiety and perceived stress. Overall, findings point to promising effects of LPA interventions across common mental health problems. Key areas for future research are discussed in light of emergent limitations in existing published studies.