bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sulfur amino acid restriction, energy metabolism and obesity: a study protocol of an 8-week randomized controlled dietary intervention with whole foods and amino acid supplements
Authors: Stolt Emma , Olsen Thomas , Elshorbagy Amany , Kožich Viktor , van Greevenbroek Marleen , Øvrebø Bente , Thoresen Magne , Refsum Helga , Retterstøl Kjetil , Vinknes Kathrine J.
Published: April 2021

Background

Dietary sulfur amino acid (SAA) restriction is an established animal model for increasing lifespan and improving metabolic health. Data from human studies are limited. In the study outlined in this protocol, we will evaluate if dietary SAA restriction can reduce body weight and improve resting energy expenditure (REE) and parameters related to metabolic health.

Method/design

Men and women (calculated sample size = 60), aged 18–45 years, with body mass index of 27–35 kg/m2 will be included in a double-blind 8-week dietary intervention study. The participants will be randomized in a 1:1 manner to a diet with either low or high SAA. Both groups will receive an equal base diet consisting of low-SAA plant-based whole foods and an amino acid supplement free of SAA. Contrasting SAA contents will be achieved using capsules with or without methionine and cysteine (SAAhigh, total diet SAA ~ 50–60 mg/kg body weight/day; SAAlow, total diet SAA ~ 15–25 mg/kg body weight/day). The primary outcome is body weight change. Data and material collection will also include body composition (dual X-ray absorptiometry), resting energy expenditure (whole-room indirect calorimetry) and samples of blood, urine, feces and adipose tissue at baseline, at 4 weeks and at study completion. Measures will be taken to promote and monitor diet adherence. Data will be analyzed using linear mixed model regression to account for the repeated measures design and within-subject correlation.

Discussion

The strength of this study is the randomized double-blind design. A limitation is the restrictive nature of the diet which may lead to poor compliance. If this study reveals a beneficial effect of the SAAlow diet on body composition and metabolic health, it opens up for new strategies for prevention and treatment of overweight, obesity and its associated disorders.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04701346, Registration date: January 8th, 2021
Correction to: 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 modulates adipogenesis of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells dose-dependently
Authors: Salehpour Amin , Hedayati Mehdi , Shidfar Farzad , Tehrani Asal Neshatbini , Farshad Ali Asghar , Mohammadi Saeed
Published: April 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
“Our Choice” improves use of safer conception methods among HIV serodiscordant couples in Uganda: a cluster randomized controlled trial evaluating two implementation approaches
Authors: Wagner Glenn J. , Wanyenze Rhoda K. , Beyeza-Kashesya Jolly , Gwokyalya Violet , Hurley Emily , Mindry Deborah , Finocchario-Kessler Sarah , Nanfuka Mastula , Tebeka Mahlet G. , Saya Uzaib , Booth Marika , Ghosh-Dastidar Bonnie , Linnemayr Sebastian , Staggs Vincent S. , Goggin Kathy
Published: April 2021

Background

Safer conception counseling (SCC) to promote the use of safer conception methods (SCM) is not yet part of routine family planning or HIV care. Guidelines for the use of SCM have been published, but to date there are no published controlled evaluations of SCC. Furthermore, it is unknown whether standard methods commonly used in resource constrained settings to integrate new services would be sufficient, or if enhanced training and supervision would result in a more efficacious approach to implementing SCC.

Methods

In a hybrid, cluster randomized controlled trial, six HIV clinics were randomly assigned to implement the SCC intervention Our Choice using either a high (SCC1) or low intensity (SCC2) approach (differentiated by amount of training and supervision), or existing family planning services (usual care). Three hundred eighty-nine HIV clients considering childbearing with an HIV-negative partner enrolled. The primary outcome was self-reported use of appropriate reproductive method (SCM if trying to conceive; modern contraceptives if not) over 12 months or until pregnancy.

Results

The combined intervention groups used appropriate reproductive methods more than usual care [20.8% vs. 6.9%; adjusted OR (95% CI)=10.63 (2.79, 40.49)], and SCC1 reported a higher rate than SCC2 [27.1% vs. 14.6%; OR (95% CI)=4.50 (1.44, 14.01)]. Among those trying to conceive, the intervention arms reported greater accurate use of SCM compared to usual care [24.1% vs. 0%; OR (95% CI)=91.84 (4.94, 1709.0)], and SCC1 performed better than SCC2 [34.6% vs. 11.5%; OR (95% CI)=6.43 (1.90, 21.73)]. The arms did not vary on modern contraception use among those not trying to conceive. A cost of $631 per person was estimated to obtain accurate use of SCM in SCC1, compared to $1014 in SCC2.

Conclusions

More intensive provider training and more frequent supervision leads to greater adoption of complex SCM behaviors and is more cost-effective than the standard low intensity implementation approach.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03167879; date registered May 23, 2017.
Behçet’s disease: successful aortic root reconstruction in severely dilated aortoventricular junction after aortic valve replacement with novel surgical method – case report
Authors: Pólos Miklós , Koppányi Ádám , Benke Kálmán , Daróczi László , Oláh Attila , Heltai Krisztina , Kiss Emese , Fintha Attila , Nagy Beáta , Hartyánszky István , Lakatos Bálint , Kovács Attila , Merkely Béla , Szabolcs Zoltán
Published: April 2021

Background

Behçet’s disease is an auto-inflammatory disorder categorized as a primer systemic vasculitis of unknown aetiology. Genetic factors, infectious agents and the irregularity of T-cell homeostasis are presumed to be responsible for the emergence of Behçet’s disease. Characteristic symptoms are multisystemic. Although cardiovascular involvement is rare, it should be noted due to the difficulty of surgical treatment options.

Case presentation

Our 44-year-old male patient underwent aortic valve replacement due to aortic regurgitation. At the 15-month follow-up, echocardiography showed detachment of the prosthetic valve and in the aortic root, multiple pseudo-aneurysms were identified. We performed an aortic root reconstruction with a Bentall procedure using a special „skirted” conduit to reduce strain in the suture line between the conduit and the extremely dilated left ventricular outflow tract.

Conclusions

The surgical treatment of cardiovascular manifestations of Behçet’s disease remains challenging. This new technique may be beneficial in well-selected cases where the annulus of the aorta is extremely dilated or annular tissue disorder is present.
SEMAPHORINS and their receptors: focus on the crosstalk between melanoma and hypoxia
Authors: Valentini Elisabetta , Di Martile Marta , Del Bufalo Donatella , D’Aguanno Simona
Published: April 2021

Hypoxia, a condition of oxygen deprivation, is considered a hallmark of tumor microenvironment regulating several pathways and promoting cancer progression and resistance to therapy. Semaphorins, a family of about 20 secreted, transmembrane and GPI-linked glycoproteins, and their cognate receptors (plexins and neuropilins) play a pivotal role in the crosstalk between cancer and stromal cells present in the tumor microenvironment. Many studies reported that some semaphorins are involved in the development of a permissive tumor niche, guiding cell-cell communication and, consequently, the development and progression, as well as the response to therapy, of different cancer histotypes, including melanoma.

In this review we will summarize the state of art of semaphorins regulation by hypoxic condition in cancer with different origin. We will also describe evidence about the ability of semaphorins to affect the expression and activity of transcription factors activated by hypoxia, such as hypoxia-inducible factor-1. Finally, we will focus our attention on findings reporting the role of semaphorins in melanocytes transformation, melanoma progression and response to therapy. Further studies are necessary to understand the mechanisms through which semaphorins induce their effect and to shed light on the possibility to use semaphorins or their cognate receptors as prognostic markers and/or therapeutic targets in melanoma or other malignancies.
Resuscitative transesophageal echocardiography in the diagnosis of post-CABG loculated pericardial clot causing cardiac tamponade
Authors: Adi Osman , Ahmad Azma Haryaty , Fong Chan Pei , Ranga Asri , Panebianco Nova
Published: April 2021

Background

Pericardial effusion is a known complication of post-open cardiac surgery which can progress to life-threatening cardiac tamponade. Classical signs of tamponade such as hypotension and pulsus paradoxus are often absent. Diagnosing acute cardiac tamponade with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) can be challenging in post-cardiac surgical patients due to distorted anatomy and limited scanning windows by the presence of surgical dressings or scar. Additionally, this patient population is more likely to have a loculated pericardial effusion, or an effusion that is isoechoic in appearance secondary to clotted blood. These findings can be challenging to visualize with traditional TTE. Missed diagnosis of cardiac tamponade due to loculated pericardial clot can result in delayed diagnosis and clinical management.

Case presentation

We report a case series that illustrates the diagnostic challenge and value of resuscitative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in the emergency department (ED) for the diagnosis of cardiac tamponade due to posterior loculated pericardial clot in post-surgical coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients.

Conclusions

Cardiac tamponade due to loculated posterior pericardial clot post-CABG requires prompt diagnosis and appropriate management to avoid the potential for hemodynamic instability. Transesophageal echocardiography allows a rapid diagnosis, early appropriate referral and an opportunity to institute appropriate therapeutic measures.
KLF7/VPS35 axis contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma progression through CCDC85C-activated β-catenin pathway
Authors: Guo Yarong , Chai Bao , Jia Junmei , Yang Mudan , Li Yanjun , Zhang Rui , Wang Shunmin , Xu Jun
Published: April 2021

Objective

Dysregulation of KLF7 participates in the development of various cancers, but it is unclear whether there is a link between HCC and aberrant expression of KLF7. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of KLF7 in proliferation and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells.

Methods

CCK8, colony growth, transwell, cell cycle analysis and apoptosis detection were performed to explore the effect of KLF7, VPS35 and Ccdc85c on cell function in vitro. Xenografted tumor growth was used to assess in vivo role of KLF7. Chip-qPCR and luciferase reporter assays were applied to check whether KLF7 regulated VPS35 at transcriptional manner. Co-IP assay was performed to detect the interaction between VPS35 and Ccdc85c. Immunohistochemical staining and qRT-PCR analysis were performed in human HCC sampels to study the clinical significance of KLF7, VPS35 and β-catenin.

Results

Firstly, KLF7 was highly expressed in human HCC samples and correlated with patients’ differentiation and metastasis status. KLF7 overexpression contributed to cell proliferation and invasion of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. KLF7 transcriptional activation of VPS35 was necessary for HCC tumor growth and metastasis. Further, co-IP studies revealed that VPS35 could interact with Ccdc85c in HCC cells. Rescue assay confirmed that overexpression of VPS35 and knockdown of Ccdc85c abolished the VPS35-medicated promotion effect on cell proliferation and invasion. Finally, KLF7/VPS35 axis regulated Ccdc85c, which involved in activation of β-catenin signaling pathway, confirmed using β-catenin inhibitor, GK974. Functional studies suggested that downregulation of Ccdc85c partly reversed the capacity of cell proliferation and invasion in HCC cells, which was regulated by VPS35 upregulation. Lastly, there was a positive correlation among KLF7, VPS35 and active-β-catenin in human HCC patients.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that KLF7/VPS35 axis promoted HCC cell progression by activating Ccdc85c-medicated β-catenin pathway. Targeting this signal axis might be a potential treatment strategy for HCC.
Inner ear salivary gland choristoma extending to the middle ear with congenital profound hearing loss and facial palsy: A case report
Authors: Yamanobe Yoshiharu , Oishi Naoki , Nishiyama Takanori , Hosoya Makoto , Ogawa Kaoru
Published: April 2021

Background

Salivary gland choristoma (SGCh) is a rare benign tumor reported in several unusual sites, such as the gastrointestinal tract, the optic nerve, and the internal auditory canal, but never reported in the inner ear.

Case presentation

An 8-year-old girl with a history of left profound congenital hearing loss presented to us with ipsilateral progressive severe facial nerve palsy (House-Brackmann Grade VI). The left tympanic membrane was swollen with a pulsatile tumor. Radiological investigations revealed a multilocular tumor in the inner ear extending into the middle ear and internal auditory canal (IAC). We performed a partial resection of the tumor by transmastoid approach to preserve the anatomical structure of the facial nerve. The tumor was pathologically diagnosed as SGCh. Two years after surgery, her facial function recovered to House-Brackmann Grade II and the residual tumor did not show regrowth on MRI.

Conclusions

Although the natural course of this rare tumor is unknown, a partial resection is an acceptable treatment procedure when functional recovery of the facial nerve is anticipated.

Graphical abstract
Song divergence indicates an unclear relationship between the Neotropical and Nearctic Horned Larks
Authors: Vargas-Puentes Jimmy Alexander , Arias-Sosa Luis Alejandro , Ramos-Montaño Carolina
Published: April 2021

Background

Some studies have indicated that the Horned Larks (Eremophila alpestris) should be considered as a species complex. Recently it split into four species or clades and seven subclades based on genetic, morphological, and biogeographic data. However, other aspects like song divergence have not been studied and several subspecies have not been evaluated, leading to important information gaps in this group of birds. In this work, we aimed to assess the differences in song traits and playback response between the Nearctic subclade and the Neotropical or Colombian subspeciesE. a. peregrina.

Methods

We compared six song traits between these groups and performed field playback experiments, to test the response of the Neotropical larks to both songs. We tested the difference in the variables for separate as well as by principal component analysis (PCA).

Results

We found significant differences (p < 0.05) in the individual song traits and the PCA analysis between the two groups. Further, the PCA analysis showed a clearer divergence of the Neotropical songs in comparison to the Nearctic songs of different locations within North America. Similarly, the playback analysis showed a significantly lower response ofE. a. peregrinato the songs of the Nearctic larks.

Conclusions

Besides this song divergence, there are important ecological and biogeographic differences between the Neotropical and Nearctic Horned Larks, that indicate an unclear relationship between these two groups. Thus, further morphological and genetic studies are required to clarify the taxonomy of the Neotropical Horned Lark and define if they share the same evolutionary history as the other subspecies of the Nearctic subclade.
Reversible acute Fontan circulation failure secondary to retrogradely conducted junctional rhythm: clinical echocardiographic correlation
Authors: Ferrero Paolo , Piazza Isabelle , Sadou Youcef , Ciuffreda Matteo
Published: April 2021

Background

Sequential atrioventricular activation plays a critical role in the physiology of Fontan circulation. Although bradycardia is usually well tolerated, retrogradely conducted junctional rhythm may acutely increase atrial pressure impairing cardiac output. Echocardiographic evaluation can reveal clues of this hemodynamic condition. The clinical impact of arrhythmic disturbance on the follow up of patients who had undergone total cavo-pulmonary connection is well recognized but the role of, transient periods of retrogradely conducted junctional rhythm on the immediate post-operative course is less defined.

Case presentation

We describe two cases of acute Fontan circulatory failure due to postoperative retrogradely conducted junctional escape rhythm despite an adequate heart rate and circadian variation. The patients rapidly improved after atrial pacing, allowing discharge with a minimal dose of diuretic.

Conclusion

In the absence of any hemodynamic target, hearth rhythm should be systematically checked after TCPC irrespective of adequacy of heart rate. Likewise, efficiency of temporary atrial pacing should be granted and surgeons should have a low threshold for epicardial lead implantation.
Machine learning model and strategy for fast and accurate detection of leaks in water supply network
Authors: Fan Xudong , Zhang Xijin , Yu Xiong ( Bill)
Published: April 2021

The water supply network (WSN) is subjected to leaks that compromise its service to the communities, which, however, is challenging to identify with conventional approaches before the consequences surface. This study developed Machine Learning (ML) models to detect leaks in the WDN. Water pressure data under leaking versus non-leaking conditions were generated with holistic WSN simulation code EPANET considering factors such as the fluctuating user demands, data noise, and the extent of leaks, etc. The results indicate that Artificial Neural Network (ANN), a supervised ML model, can accurately classify leaking versus non-leaking conditions; it, however, requires balanced dataset under both leaking and non-leaking conditions, which is difficult for a real WSN that mostly operate under normal service condition. Autoencoder neural network (AE), an unsupervised ML model, is further developed to detect leak with unbalanced data. The results show AE ML model achieved high accuracy when leaks occur in pipes inside the sensor monitoring area, while the accuracy is compromised otherwise. This observation will provide guidelines to deploy monitoring sensors to cover the desired monitoring area. A novel strategy is proposed based on multiple independent detection attempts to further increase the reliability of leak detection by the AE and is found to significantly reduce the probability of false alarm. The trained AE model and leak detection strategy is further tested on a testbed WSN and achieved promising results. The ML model and leak detection strategy can be readily deployed for in-service WSNs using data obtained with internet-of-things (IoTs) technologies such as smart meters.
Recurrent schwannoma of the tongue in a pediatric patient—report of a rare case with an updated review of literature
Authors: Singh Anup , Kuzhikkali Vaisakh , Kairo Arvind Kumar
Published: April 2021

Background

Head and neck is a relatively common site of occurrence for the peripheral nerve sheath tumors, and majority of these tumors are seen involving neck, involving vagus nerve, and cervical sympathetic chain. Schwannomas involving mobile tongue are rarely encountered, especially in the pediatric population

Case presentation

We present a case of recurrent tongue schwannoma in a 13-year-old female successfully managed with transoral excision. At a follow-up of 3 years, no recurrence is observed.

Conclusion

Surgical excision is the recommended modality of treatment for lingual schwannomas, and when excised adequately, recurrences are not expected. A clear margin of surrounding normal tissue should be aimed for to avoid possible recurrence.
Modified thoracoscopic pleural cryo-biopsy in diagnosis of exudative pleural effusion of undetermined etiology
Authors: Baess Ayman Ibrahim , Hassanein Essam Gouda , Emara Mohamed Al Saeed , Eshmawey Heba Ahmed
Published: April 2021

Background

Rigid thoracoscopy is the gold standard tool for diagnosing exudative pleural effusion, but sometimes it is difficult to obtain sufficient biopsies using the conventional forceps. This study evaluated the efficacy, safety, and diagnostic value of a modified technique using cryoprobe to obtain pleural biopsies during thoracoscopy.

Results

This is a single-center prospective study in patients that underwent rigid thoracoscopy using conventional rigid forceps followed by a cryoprobe at the same setting after injection of subpleural mixture of adrenaline and xylocaine. Biopsies were reviewed by an independent pathologist; any complications were recorded, and all patients were followed-up post-procedure. Twenty-four patients (12 males; mean age was 56 ± 15.1years) were included. The diagnostic yield of both rigid forceps biopsy (RFB) and cryoprobe biopsy (CPB) was 100%. CPB had more surface area than RFB with no difference regarding largest diameter (p = 0.064). RFB and CPB had similar results regarding presence of fat cells. CPB had much less crushed cells than RFB with better tissue preservation (p = 0.004). No significant complications were reported.

Conclusions

The modified cryoprobe biopsy is a highly effective and safe way for obtaining pleural biopsy besides affording good quality and size of the biopsy especially in thick firmly adherent pleura.
What Satire Does: Lessons from the English Renaissance for the Great Age of American Satire
Authors: Vivier Eric D.
Published: April 2021

This essay argues that satire should be defined as a rhetorical genre rather than a literary genre or mode. It begins by analyzing a little-known meta satirical poem from the English Renaissance—John Weever's The Whipping of the Satyre (1601)—in order to highlight the range of potential rhetorical consequences of satire, which include not only blame for the target but also blame for the satirist, polarization of the audience, and more satire in the way of imitation and response. It then shows that these potential rhetorical consequences are consistent across time by analyzing The Onion's coverage of mass shootings in the twenty-first-century United States. This comparison between English Renaissance satire and modern American satire suggests that satire is consistent in rhetorical rather than formal terms, and therefore that satire is less a type of art than a type of social action. Satire is a way of using creative expression to make someone or something look bad.
Τεχνοοικονομική διαχείριση κινητών δικτύων πέμπτης γεννιάς (5G) και εξής
Authors: Κόλλια. Αναστασία Anastasia
Published: April 2021

Σήμερα, η χρήση κινητών δικτύων αποτελεί αναπόσπαστο κομμάτι της καθημερινότητας. Οι χρήστες χρησιμοποιούν το κινητό τόσο για κλήσεις και μηνύματα όσο και για κοινωνικά δίκτυα, βίντεο, ταινίες, εφαρμογές ασκήσεις και φυσικής κατάστασης, παιχνίδια, εφαρμογές γραφείου, ημερολόγια κλπ. Η χρηστικότητα των συσκευών όχι μόνο έχει αλλάξει άρδην τα τελευταία χρόνια, αλλά αναμένεται να μεταβληθεί ακόμα περισσότερο ιδίως όταν εφαρμογές Internet of Things (IoT) προστεθούν στην ήδη διευρυμένη χρήση των κινητών συσκευών. Ακόμα, εμφανίζεται η τάση προσθήκης στο δίκτυο άλλων απλών οικιακών συσκευών και άλλου επιπρόσθετου εξοπλισμού π.χ. ιατρικών μικροσυσκευών, συσκευών παρακολούθησης, καμερών ασφαλείας κλπ. Η διδακτορική αυτή διατριβή αποτελεί μία συνολική μελέτη και περιλαμβάνει ένα πλαίσιο σχετικά με την πέμπτη γενιά κινητής τηλεπικοινωνίας. Αναλύεται η κατάσταση των Τηλεπικοινωνιών στην Ελλάδα σε βάθος. Ακόμα, περιγράφονται οι σημαντικότερες έννοιες και τα πιο βασικά βήματα και οι σημαντικότερες εξελίξεις των υπαρχουσών γενεών κινητών δικτύων επικοινωνίας. Επιπρόσθετα, περιγράφεται το θεωρητικό πλαίσιο για τα κινητά δίκτυα επικοινωνίας, καθώς και διάφοροι όροι, που είναι απαραίτητοι για την κατανόηση της παρούσας διατριβής. Αναλύονται διεξοδικά οι σημαντικότερες τεχνολογίες, που αποτελούν δομικούς λίθους για την ανάπτυξη, αλλά και την εξέλιξη στη δόμηση και ύπαρξη της 5G γενιάς κινητής τηλεπικοινωνίας, όπως έχει ήδη περιγραφεί από πλήθος ερευνητικών δράσεων και περιλαμβάνουν τις τεχνολογίες: Υπέρπυκνες Αρχιτεκτονικές (Ultra-dense), Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), Network Function Virtualization (NFV), Software Defined Networks (SDN), Massive Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO), Cognitive Radio (CR), Milimeter Wave (mmWave), Cloud Computing και IoT και σύγκριση με τις σημερινές τεχνολογίες. Παρατίθενται τεχνο-οικονομικά μοντέλα, με βάση τις πιο σημαντικές τεχνολογίες, που συντελούν στην ανάπτυξη και προώθηση της 5G. Τα μοντέλα αυτά αποτελούν σημαντικό όπλο, ώστε οι πάροχοι να επενδύσουν σε νέες τεχνολογίες, να έχουν κέρδη και να καινοτομούν. Για το σκοπό αυτό επεξηγούνται τα αρχιτεκτονικά μοντέλα, τα μαθηματικά μοντέλα, οι παράμετροι, που επιλέγονται αλλά και τα αντίστοιχα πειράματα, που διεξάγονται για τις τεχνολογίες Ultra-density, DAS, NFV, SDN, Massive MIMO, CR, mmWave. Συνοψίζονται τα κυριότερα συμπεράσματα βάση των επιμέρους μελετών, που πραγματοποιήθηκαν στα πλαίσια της παρούσας διατριβής και προτείνονται ιδέες για μελλοντική έρευνα στον τομέα. Στα πλαίσια αυτά φιλοδοξείται ότι η συγκεκριμένη εργασία θα αποτελέσει ένα βασικό εργαλείο πληροφόρησης και ενημέρωσης για την επιστημονική και τηλεπικοινωνιακή κοινότητα σε ό,τι αναφορά στην τεχνο-οικονομική ανάλυση των τεχνολογιών, που αποτελούν τους θεμέλιους λίθους για τα δίκτυα Πέμπτης γενιάς.
Site «Gaponenko Artiom Vasilievich – autobiography and results of scientific and pedagogical activity»
Authors: Gaponenko Artiom , Gaponenko Vitaly
Published: April 2021

The site of Artiom Vasilyevich Gaponenko (https://www.gaponenko.info/) is intended to give a holistic view of the personality and the results of the scientific and pedagogical activity of the author. The site contains an autobiography, a list of scientific and pedagogical works, a link to the developed educational system MLESYS (https://mlesys.ru/), as well as information about advanced training, professional retraining and participation of A.V. Gaponenko. in competitions. At the bottom of the site page there is a personal Science Index counter (RSCI), there is a link to the author's portfolio.
Synergy of Innovative Opportunities for the Development of Digital Solutions for the Business Environment and Smart City Infrastructure
Authors: Levchaev Petr
Published: April 2021

Currently, there is a rapid development of digital technologies that determine not only innovative trends in the development of economic entities, but also cause possible synergistic changes in the future. Digitalization of all spheres of the modern socio-economic system leads to the active introduction of innovative developments in our daily lives, but also determines the possible risks. The article discusses the controversial issues of the digital economy, pays attention to the current state of digital technologies, economic principles and provisions of the formation and features, characteristics of the digital services economy, its capabilities, makes forecasts of the development of digitalization processes in society.
Digital Transformation of Russian Universities: Analytics of Best Practices
Authors: Shirinkina Elena , Sobirov B.
Published: April 2021

The relevance of the study is due to the fact that the orientation of the transformation processes of Russian universities is aimed at forming a new management model that takes into account globalization processes, both in foreign economic activity and in the technological field in the context of society digitalization. The purpose of this study is to analyze the best practices of university management in the context of digital transformation. The experience and result of the implementation of neurolearning, artificial intelligence, chat bots and other digital and resource-saving technologies in the educational and business processes of the university are presented. This study proves that digital technologies can give impetus to the development of a university management system.
The Government of Evil Machines: an Application of Romano Guardini’s Thought on Technology
Authors: Beltramini Enrico
Published: April 2021

In this article I propose a theological reflection on the philosophical assumptions behind the idea that intelligent machine can be governed through ethical protocols, which may apply either to the people who develop the machines or to the machines themselves, or both. This idea is particularly relevant in the case of machines’ extreme wrongdoing, a wrongdoing that becomes an existential risk for humankind. I call this extreme wrong-doing, ‘evil.’ Thus, this article is a theological account on the philosophical assumptions behind the possibility of evil machines, machines that can create an existential risk for humankind, and the ethical remedies that limit that risk. After discussing these assumptions, I argue for the ineffectiveness of these ethical remedies to prevent the possibility of evil machines. The article is an application of Romano Guardini’s thought on technology to evil machines.
“ANTIGAMENTE NÃO TINHA ISSO NÃO!”: CRIMINALIDADE, MIGRAÇÕES E A RESSIGNIFICAÇÃO DO RURAL NA ZONA DA MATA MINEIRA
Authors: Vieira João Paulo Louzada , Doula Sheila Maria , Andrade Marco Paulo , Ribeiro Isadora Moreira , Lopes Jeferson Henrique  dos Reis
Published: April 2021

Introdução: O desenvolvimento rural possibilitado pela modernização da agricultura agregou diversos resultados positivos para o campo, como a utilização de tecnologia, melhorias na qualidade de transporte e infraestrutura, ainda que sua distribuição tenha sido desigual. No entanto, o campo, há décadas representado como lugar tranquilo e pacífico, começa a se tornar um espaço propício a determinadas práticas criminais até então consideradas tipicamente urbanas. Objetivo: Pretende-se com este trabalho analisar se o aumento da criminalidade no campo vem modificando as representações sociais sobre o espaço rural e influenciando projetos familiares de deslocamento espacial e abandono das atividades agropecuárias. Metodologia: A metodologia consiste em pesquisa documental e de campo, com aplicação de questionários e entrevistas com famílias rurais. Resultados: Os resultados apontam que há uma relação entre a descontinuidade da atividade agropecuária e o aumento da criminalidade do meio rural, pois roubos e furtos têm como principal alvo idosos e pequenas propriedades familiares. Fatores apresentados como favoráveis para a ocorrência desses crimes é a facilidade de fuga e o baixo policiamento nessas localidades.
Sección de Medicina del Trabajo de la Unión Europea de Médicos Especialistas (UEMS)
Authors: Rodríguez-Jareño Maria Cruz
Published: April 2021

El pasado día 5 de diciembre se celebró la única reunión realizada durante el 2020 por la sección de Medicina del Trabajo de la Unión Europea de Médicos Especialistas (UEMS)(1,2). Esta fue una reunión en circunstancias muy especiales por tener lugar en medio de la pandemia por COVID-19 que obligó a realizarla de forma telemática, después de haberse cancelado las reuniones previstas para la primavera y el otoño de 2020. A la reunión asistieron 22 representantes de 18 estados miembros. 

Los estados representados fueron Alemania, Austria, Bélgica, Croacia, Dinamarca, Eslovenia, España, Finlandia, Hungría, Italia, Letonia, Luxemburgo, Noruega, Polonia, Portugal, Reino Unido, República Checa y Rumanía. También asistió la presidenta de EASOM (European Association of Schools of Occupational Medicine).

La presidenta de la Sección dio la bienvenida a los asistentes e informó de que todas las reuniones presenciales de todas las secciones de la UEMS habían sido canceladas debido a la pandemia por COVID-19…
Management of incontinence-associated dermatitis with topical antibiotics and antifungal medication
Authors: Wang Chin-Min , Chien Yu-Ju , Huang Chiao-Yi , Su Na-Chi , Lin Hsing Long , Chen Ching-Hsiang , Chen Chia-Jung , Hsu Honda
Published: April 2021

Objective:

The primary goals of managing incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) are to control the incontinence and to stop the progress of dermatitis. This study evaluated the effectiveness of using a combination of topical antibiotic and topical antifungal medication to manage IAD.

Method:

Patients with grade 2 IAD treated with a combination of topical antibiotic Biomycin (CBC Biotechnological and Pharmaceutical, Taiwan) and antifungal clotrimazole (Sinphar Group, Taiwan) between January 2017 and January 2019 were included in this retrospective study. Data collected included patients' age, sex, diagnosis, body mass index, comorbidities and surface area involved. Patients were reviewed fortnightly until the wounds had healed, the patient was discharged or had died.

Results:

A total of 76 patients were included. There were 39 men and 37 women with a mean age of 74 years. In 58 (76%) patients, the surface area involved was >50cm2, in 13 (17%) patients the involved area was 20–50cm2 and in five (7%) patients the area involved was <20cm2. The mean number of days treated was 10.3 (range: 1–53). A total of 46 (61%) patients showed total healing of their IAD, 17 (22%) patients showed improvement of >50% of the involved area, seven (9%) patients showed improvement of 0–50%, five (7%) patients showed no improvement and one (1%) patient showed an increase in the area involved.

Conclusion:

This combination of treatment was effective in the management of IAD. It was cheap, easy to apply, easy to remove and easily accessible. It could be used efficiently by the hospital staff and the patient's family.
Concurrent validity of biofilm detection by wound blotting on hard-to-heal wounds
Authors: Astrada Adam , Nakagami Gojiro , Minematsu Takeo , Goto Taichi , Kitamura Aya , Mugita Yuko , Sanada Hiromi
Published: April 2021

Objective:

Wound biofilms delay healing of hard-to-heal wounds. Convenient biofilm identification tools for clinical settings are currently not available, hindering biofilm-based wound management. Wound blotting with biofilm staining is a potential tool for biofilm detection, owing to its convenience. Although predictive validity of wound blotting has been established, it is necessary to confirm its concurrent validity. Furthermore, current staining systems employing ruthenium red have some disadvantages for clinical use. This study aimed to evaluate the usability of alcian blue as a substitute for ruthenium red.

Method:

Both in vitro and in vivo clinical samples were used to investigate validity and usability.

Results:

The in vitro study showed that proteins and extracellular DNA in biofilms did not affect staining ability of ruthenium red and alcian blue in the detection of biofilms. In the in vivo study, using a wound biofilm model with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the staining sensitivity of ruthenium red was 88.9% and 100% for alcian blue, with correlation coefficients of signal intensities with native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) of r=0.67 (p=0.035) and r=0.67 (p=0.036) for ruthenium red and alcian blue, respectively. Results from clinical samples were r=0.75 (p=0.001) for ruthenium red and r=0.77 (p<0.001) for alcian blue. The sensitivities of wound blotting staining by ruthenium red and alcian blue were very high and had a good correlation with native PAGE analysis.

Conclusion:

Because the alcian blue procedure is more convenient than the ruthenium red procedure, wound blotting with alcian blue staining would be a promising tool to guide clinicians in delivering biofilm-based wound management.
Faithful reconstruction of linear polarization wave without dielectric tensor constraint
Authors: Wang Jinyu , Qi Peiliang , Chen Yuxin , Lin Ayuan , Huang Zhiyun , Hao Jianying , Lin Xiao , Zhu Lili , Tan Xiaodi
Published: April 2021

Faithful reconstruction is a key and crucial point of polarization holography research, and has significant research interests in the field of holographic storage and image display. In order to realize faithful reconstruction of the reconstructed wave, the interference angle and dielectric tensor should be controlled. In contrast, we used the polarization holography theory described by tensor, and obtained the faithful reconstruction condition of linear polarization wave under arbitrary interference angle without any dielectric tensor constraint, which is further verified by experimental analysis.
Packaged whispering gallery resonator device based on an optical nanoantenna coupler
Authors: Li Angzhen , Tian Ke , Yu Jibo , Minz Rashmi A. , Ward Jonathan M. , Mondal Samir , Wang Pengfei , Nic Chormaic Síle
Published: April 2021

In this work, we present a packaged whispering gallery mode (WGM) device based on an optical nanoantenna as the coupler and a glass microsphere as the resonator. The microspheres were fabricated from either SiO2 fiber or Er3+-doped fiber, the latter creating a WGM laser with a threshold of 93 µW at 1531 nm. The coupler-resonator WGM device was packaged in a glass capillary. The performance of the packaged microlaser was characterized, with lasing emission both excited in and collected from the WGM cavity via the nanoantenna. The packaged system provides isolation from environmental contamination, a small size, and unidirectional coupling while maintaining a high quality (Q-) factor (∼108).
A robust scheme for unidirectional emission from a hybrid whispering gallery cavity system based on transformation optics
Authors: Lim Ji-Hun , Lee Yong-Hoon , Kim Inbo , Cho Jinhang , Rim Sunghwan , Park Sang-Jun , Choi Muhan
Published: April 2021

Using the transformation cavity, a gradient index cavity designed by transformation optics, we propose a hybrid resonator system to extract unidirectional narrow-beam emission from high-Q whispering gallery modes by embedding a transformation cavity inside a deformed uniform index cavity that exhibits unidirectional narrow-beam emission. For effective mode coupling between the transformation cavity and enclosing cavity, the embedded transformation cavity is designed to have bidirectional evanescent emission, which enables most of the emission from the transformation cavity to be laterally incident on the rim of the enclosing deformed cavity. Consequently, ultrahigh-Q resonances of this system can provide a sharp free-space light output, which is difficult to achieve by embedding a homogeneous disk cavity instead of the transformation cavity.
Reflection-type vapor cell for micro atomic clocks using local anodic bonding of 45° mirrors
Authors: Nishino Hitoshi , Yano Yuichiro , Hara Motoaki , Toda Masaya , Kajita Masatoshi , Ido Tetsuya , Ono Takahito
Published: April 2021

This Letter reports the design, fabrication, and evaluation of reflection-type planar vapor cells for chip-scale atomic clocks. The cell with 2–8 mm cavity length contains two 45° Bragg reflector mirrors assembled using a local anodic bonding. Coherent population trapping resonance of Rb atoms is observed, realizing an atomic clock operation. Allan deviations at an averaging time of 1 s are

2.2

×

1

0

−
10

and

9.5

×

1

0

−
11

for 2 mm long and 6 mm long vapor cells, respectively. These results show that planar vapor cells compatible with a system-in-package are feasible without degradation of clock stabilities compared to conventional vertically stacked cells.
Two transcriptionally distinct pathways drive female development in a reptile with both genetic and temperature dependent sex determination
Authors: Whiteley Sarah L. , Holleley Clare E. , Wagner Susan , Blackburn James , Deveson Ira W. , Marshall Graves Jennifer A. , Georges Arthur
Published: April 2021

How temperature determines sex remains unknown. A recent hypothesis proposes that conserved cellular mechanisms (calcium and redox; ‘CaRe’ status) sense temperature and identify genes and regulatory pathways likely to be involved in driving sexual development. We take advantage of the unique sex determining system of the model organism,Pogona vitticeps, to assess predictions of this hypothesis.P.vitticepshas ZZ male: ZW female sex chromosomes whose influence can be overridden in genetic males by high temperatures, causing male-to-female sex reversal. We compare a developmental transcriptome series of ZWf females and temperature sex reversed ZZf females. We demonstrate that early developmental cascades differ dramatically between genetically driven and thermally driven females, later converging to produce a common outcome (ovaries). We show that genes proposed as regulators of thermosensitive sex determination play a role in temperature sex reversal. Our study greatly advances the search for the mechanisms by which temperature determines sex.
Language switching training modulates the neural network of non-linguistic cognitive control
Authors: Chen Mo , Ma Fengyang , Zhang Zhaoqi , Li Shuhua , Zhang Man , Yuan Qiming , Wu Junjie , Lu Chunming , Guo Taomei
Published: April 2021

Bilingual language experience, such as switching between languages, has been shown to shape both cognitive and neural mechanisms of non-linguistic cognitive control. However, the neural adaptations induced by language switching remain unclear. Using fMRI, the current study examined the impact of short-term language switching training on the neural network of domain-general cognitive control for unbalanced Chinese-English bilinguals. Effective connectivity maps were constructed by using the extended unified structural equation models (euSEM) within 10 common brain regions involved in both language control and domain-general cognitive control. Results showed that, the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex/pre-supplementary motor area (dACC/pre-SMA) lost connection from the right thalamus after training, suggesting that less neural connectivity was required to complete the same domain-general cognitive control task. These findings not only provide direct evidence for the modulation of language switching training on the neural interaction of domain-general cognitive control, but also have important implications for revealing the potential neurocognitive adaptation effects of specific bilingual language experiences.
Intestinal endometriotic nodules with a length greater than 2.25 cm and affecting more than 27% of the circumference are more likely to undergo segmental resection, rather than linear nodulectomy
Authors: Abdalla-Ribeiro Helizabet , Maekawa Marina Miyuki , Lima Raquel Ferreira , de Nicola Ana Luisa Alencar , Rodrigues Francisco Cesar Martins , Ribeiro Paulo Ayroza
Published: April 2021

Study objective

To analyze the efficacy of intestinal ultrasonography with bowel preparation (TVUSBP) for endometriosis mapping in evaluating intestinal endometriosis to choose the surgical technique (segmental resection or linear nodulectomy) for treatment.

Design

Cross-sectional observational study.

Setting

University Hospital—Center for Advanced Endoscopic Gynecologic Surgery from April 2010 to November 2014.

Patient(s)

One hundred and eleven women with clinically suspected endometriosis and intestinal endometriotic nodule or intestinal adherence in TVUSBP for endometriosis mapping.

Intervention(s)

All patients with suspected endometriosis underwent TVUSBP for endometriosis mapping prior to videolaparoscopy for complete excision of endometriosis foci, including intestinal foci, using the linear nodulectomy or segmental resection techniques, depending on the characteristics of the intestinal lesion with confirmation of endometriosis on anatomopathological examination.

Measurements and main results

Preoperative ultrasonographic assessment of the length of the intestinal nodule, circumference of the intestinal loop affected by the endometriotic lesion, distance from the anal verge and intestinal wall layers infiltrated by endometriosis, as well as other endometriosis sites. Of the 111 patients who participated in the study, 63 (56.7%) presented intestinal endometriotic nodules in ultrasonography, performed by a single examiner (A.L.A.N.), and underwent intestinal surgical treatment of deep endometriosis—linear nodulectomy or segmental resection. The analysis of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that a longitudinal length of the intestinal nodule of 2.25 cm and a loop circumference of 27% are cutoff points separating linear nodulectomy from segmental resection techniques for excising intestinal endometriosis. The information obtained by TVUSBP helps the surgeon and patient, in the preoperative period, to select the surgical technique to be performed for resection of intestinal endometriosis and plan the surgical procedure while taking into account postoperative morbidity.
Effects of different types and doses of whey protein on the physiological and intestinal flora in D-galactose induced aging mice
Authors: Ma Zuolin , Zhang Fumei , Ma Hongxin , Chen Xinghao , Yang Jiaqing , Yang Yiyan , Yang Xueying , Tian Xiaojing , Yu Qunli , Ma Zhongren , Zhou Xueyan
Published: April 2021

The elderly usually suffer from many diseases. Improving the quality of life of the elderly is an urgent social issue. In this present study, D-galactose treated aging mice models were used to reveal the effects of different animal sources and different doses of whey protein (WP) on the immune indexes organs and intestinal flora. A total of 9 groups were set up, including normal control (NC), negative control (NS), positive control (Vc), low-, medium- and high-doses of cow WP intervention groups (CL, CM and CH for short, correspondingly) and low-, medium- and high-doses of goat WP intervention groups (GL, GM and GH for short, correspondingly). The body weight gain, thymus/body weight ratio, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, spleen immunoglobulins G (IgG), spleen interleukin-2 (IL-2) and spleen interleukin-2 (IL-6) were measured. Then, the intestinal contents were collected, and 16s genes of intestinal bacteria were sequenced to reveal the changes in bacterial flora structure. WP intervention significantly increased the weight gain, thymus/body ratio and SOD activity, but decrease the content of MDA. WP intervention increased some immune indicators. All the WP treated aging mice showed similar values of physiological indexes to that of the Vc group, even better. The relative abundance ofLactobacillusandStenotrophomonaswas increased and decreased, respectively, by both cow and goat WP.Lactobacillusmay be involved in regulating the functional repair of organisms. In contrast,Stenotrophomonasmight play a negative role in the immune and antioxidant capacity of the body. Combining physiological indicators and intestinal flora structure, low-concentration WP for cow and goat might be optimal for aging models.