bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypomagnesemia and Cardiovascular Risk in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Oost Lynette J , Tack Cees J , de Baaij Jeroen H F
Published: November 2022

Hypomagnesemia is 10-fold more common in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) than in the healthy population. Factors that are involved in this high prevalence are low Mg2+ intake, gut microbiome composition, medication use, and presumably genetics. Hypomagnesemia is associated with insulin resistance, which subsequently increases the risk to develop T2D or deteriorates glycemic control in existing diabetes. Mg2+ supplementation decreases T2D-associated features like dyslipidemia and inflammation, which are important risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Epidemiological studies have shown an inverse association between serum Mg2+ and the risk of developing heart failure (HF), atrial fibrillation (AF), and microvascular disease in T2D. The potential protective effect of Mg2+ on HF and AF may be explained by reduced oxidative stress, fibrosis, and electrical remodeling in the heart. In microvascular disease, Mg2+ reduces the detrimental effects of hyperglycemia and improves endothelial dysfunction; however, clinical studies assessing the effect of long-term Mg2+ supplementation on CVD incidents are lacking, and gaps remain on how Mg2+ may reduce CVD risk in T2D. Despite the high prevalence of hypomagnesemia in people with T2D, routine screening of Mg2+ deficiency to provide Mg2+ supplementation when needed is not implemented in clinical care as sufficient clinical evidence is lacking. In conclusion, hypomagnesemia is common in people with T2D and is involved both as cause, probably through molecular mechanisms leading to insulin resistance, and as consequence and is prospectively associated with development of HF, AF, and microvascular complications. Whether long-term supplementation of Mg2+ is beneficial, however, remains to be determined.
Weaknesses and successes of the Ukrainian administrative reform
Authors: Michalski Tomasz , Matviyishyn Yevhen , Luhova Viktoriia
Published: November 2022

raine is one of the last post-communist countries where implementation of administrative reforms has started in practice. The aim of the study is to analyze the local-level results of the main stage of the administrative reform in Ukraine which was carried out in 2014–2020. The analysis concerns Ukrainian local government units equivalent to LAU 1 and LAU 2. When collecting data, the so-called triangulation of sources was applied. The SWOT method was used in the analysis, and Neshkova and Konstadinova’s publication (2012) constitutes the reference point. The decentralization of power and finance has led to the creation of amalgamated territorial communities (ATCs), better able to deliver public services. Thus, in this respect, the effects of the administrative reform in Ukraine so far have been similar to those diagnosed by Neshkova and Konstadinova (2012) in other post-communist countries. Admittedly, corruption in Ukraine has decreased, but only slightly. Therefore, Neshkova and Konstadinova’s (2012) assumption about the positive impact of administrative reforms on reducing corruption in post-communist countries was not confirmed in Ukraine. Referring to the detailed results of the SWOT analysis, the greatest strengths of this reform included the partial success of financial decentralization and the establishment of the State Regional Development Fund (SRDF) to support the development of local governments. The quality of public services has also improved. However, there were also weaknesses in the form of still too small funds received by the new ATCs and irregularities in the functioning of the SRDF. International support for this reform and the intensification of the activities of non-governmental organizations were considered to be the greatest opportunities. The still existing strongest threat of an endogenous nature is (despite its decline) the level of corruption, and the exogenous one is a threat from Russia. In addition, the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic can be seen at the end of the implementation of the reform.
Risk assessment of the social sphere development on the example of areas of the Carpathian-Podillia region (Ukraine)
Authors: Kuzyshyn Andrii , Kuczabski Aleksander , Poplavska Inna , Zadvornyi Serhii
Published: November 2022

The article is devoted to the problem of the functioning of the social sphere in the areas of the Carpathian-Podillia region. Emphasis is placed particularly on the differences between the levels of its individual components, the dynamics of their changes and the complex analysis of functionality. Territorial boundaries of the research are confined to Zakarpattia, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi, Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi and Ternopil regions, among which economic, labor-resource and informational-communicative connections are established, which also should be considered as a strength of such cooperation. Several basic components of the social sphere (education, culture, medicine, housing and communal services, trade and mass catering, communication) were selected for studying the differences between the elements of the social sphere in the areas of the Carpathian-Podillia region; for each several criteria were chosen (in general over 20). Residents of the study regions were also surveyed on their satisfaction with the functioning of the social sphere elements. To assess the risks of the functioning of the social sphere, the following criteria have been adopted: the identification of problematic regional areas, the identification of problematic areas of functioning within a certain component of the social sphere and the creation of appropriate grouping. Use was made of the information from the State Statistics Service of Ukraine.
«Έχεις αμφισβητήσει ποτέ την πραγματικότητά σου;»
Authors: Τσατσαρώνη Ελένη
Published: November 2022

Το άρθρο εξετάζει τον τρόπο με τον οποίο συγκροτείται η φαντασίωση του τεχνικώς κατασκευασμένου ανθρωπόμορφου υποκειμένου στη σύγχρονη επιστημονική φαντασία. Το συνθετικό αυτό υποκείμενο ακροβατεί ανάμεσα σε δύο ταυτότητες· είναι δημιούργημα τόσο της κοινωνικής πραγματικότητας όσο και της φαντασίας· είναι ένα πλάσμα που ενοικεί στο μεταίχμιο του ανθρώπινου και του τεχνολογικού. Προκειμένου να διερευνήσω τις διαδικασίες συγκρότησης της υποκειμενικότητας του ανθρωποειδούς ρομπότ καθώς και τη σχέση του με το ευρύτερο ιστορικό και πολιτισμικό πλαίσιο παραγωγής και αναπαραγωγής του, εστιάζω στην περίπτωση της τηλεοπτικής σειράς Westworld (HBO, 2016-2018). Η εν λόγω σειρά συνιστά ένα κυρίαρχο παράδειγμα που συνοψίζει την σύγχρονη επιστημονική φαντασία, τη δημοφιλή κουλτούρα και τη μαζική κατανάλωση. Ακολουθώντας τη διάκριση μεταξύ ανθρώπινου και μεταανθρώπινου, θα επιχειρήσω να επανεξετάσω τα χαρακτηριστικά που συνθέτουν το ανθρώπινο στοιχείο μέσα από τις ιστορίες που μας αφηγούνται οι τεχνολογικές ετερότητες της επιστημονικής φαντασίας.
Σχόλια πάνω στο Κάστρο των Βαμπίρ
Authors: Σαββόπουλος Κώστας , Μερκούρης Αντρέας
Published: November 2022

Σχόλια πάνω στο Κάστρο των Βαμπίρ του Μαρκ Φίσερ
Συμπόσιο «Η τέχνη και ο σχεδιασμός της εκτεταμένης πραγματικότητας»
Authors: Θεοδώρου Ινώ , Παπαγεωργοπούλου Πένυ , Χαρίτος Δημήτρης
Published: November 2022

Συμπόσιο «Η τέχνη και ο σχεδιασμός της εκτεταμένης πραγματικότητας» | ERASMUS XR Multiplier Event
Το πένθος προσφέρει ζωή: Βιοηθικοί προβληματισμοί στο πεδίο των μεταμοσχεύσεων
Authors: Ζάννη Αναστασία
Published: November 2022

Οι μεταμοσχεύσεις οργάνων ανθρωπίνου σώματος, είτε από ζώντες, είτε από νεκρούς δότες, με την πρώτη επιτυχημένη επέμβαση να πραγματοποιείται το 1954 από την χειρουργική ομάδα του Joseph Murray, αποτελούν ένα από τα σημαντικότερα επιτεύγματα της Ιατρικής επιστήμης κατά την διάρκεια του 20ου αιώνα, συγκρινόμενη ίσως, μόνο με ανακάλυψη της πενικιλίνης από τον Fleming το 1928 και του εμβολίου ενάντια στην πολιομυελίτιδα από τον Salk το 1955. Στην χώρα μας, η πρώτη επιτυχημένη μεταμόσχευση νεφρού πραγματοποιήθηκε στην Θεσσαλονίκη, το 1968. Με την παρούσα ανασκόπηση της βιβλιογραφίας θα παρουσιαστούν με λεπτομέρειες μία σειρά από πτυχές, οι οποίες χαρακτηρίζουν την δυναμική και τις προοπτικές που έχουν οι μεταμοσχεύσεις στην Ελλάδα.

Δυστυχώς, σε αντίθεση με πολλές χώρες της Ευρώπης και της Αμερικής, στις οποίες σταδιακά διαπιστώνεται αύξηση, χρόνο με τον χρόνο του αριθμού των πραγματοποιηθέντων μεταμοσχεύσεων οργάνων σώματος, στην χώρα μας τα στοιχεία δεν απέχουν πολύ από το να χαρακτηριστούν απογοητευτικά, με τον δείκτη δωρεάς  (δότες ανά εκατομμύριο πληθυσμού) να κυμαίνεται στο επίπεδο του 4.7, με τον Ευρωπαϊκό μέσο όρο να είναι άνω του 20. Τα αίτια για τις άσχημες αυτές επιδόσεις είναι πολλά – ανάμεσά τους τα διαχρονικά προβλήματα εμπιστοσύνης που διακατέχουν την ελληνική κοινωνία σε σχέση με τις διαδικασίες μεταμόσχευσης οργάνων, η πλημμελής στήριξη των προσπαθειών από τα μέσα μαζικής ενημέρωσης, η  ελάχιστη συμμετοχή των διαφόρων βαθμίδων της εκπαίδευσης, οι σημαντικές ελλείψεις σε υποδομές και καταρτισμένο προσωπικό και βέβαια, πρόσφατα, η πανδημία της νόσου COVID-19, η οποία έχει επηρεάσει δυσμενώς την παγκόσμια μεταμοσχευτική δραστηριότητα.

Προκειμένου να αναταχθεί η συγκεκριμένη δυσμενής εικόνα, χρειάζεται να γίνουν άμεσα στοχευμένες δράσεις, ανάμεσα στις οποίες περιλαμβάνεται η συνεχής ενημέρωση του κοινού και η σημαντική ενίσχυση και συνεχιζόμενη εκπαίδευση του επιστημονικού και υλικοτεχνικού δυναμικού σε όλα τα γενικά νοσοκομεία της χώρας. Σημαντικό ρόλο στον συγκεκριμένο στόχο έχει η εισαγωγή και στην χώρα μας του θεσμού του βιοηθικού διαμεσολαβητή,  ο οποίος με τις εξειδικευμένες γνώσεις του θα μπορέσει να επιλύσει πολλά από τα νομικά και ηθικά διλήμματα, τα οποία προκύπτουν σε καθημερινή βάση στο πολύπλοκο πλαίσιο της μεταμόσχευσης οργάνων σώματος, και για τα οποία, έως και σήμερα δεν είναι επαρκώς καταρτισμένοι να αντιμετωπίσουν οι επιστήμονες υγείας οι οποίοι εμπλέκονται στα διάφορα στάδια της διαδικασίας.
The Role and Importance of Continuous Technological Education in the Reindustrialization of the Domestic Economy
Authors: Policinskiy E. , Lysenko V. , Sinenko V.
Published: November 2022

The state of the domestic economy, the political and socio-economic situation dictate the need for a new industrialization. The article substantiates the need for reindustrialization in Russia, the foundation of which should be continuous technological education at all levels: general education school - SVE institutions - HE institutions. Need shown:

 systematic, active use of professionally-oriented learning technologies based on an activity approach, contextual, problem-based and project-based learning with the establishment and implementation of systematic intersubject relationships between academic disciplines and the corresponding formation of students' learning activities;

 creation of a regularly updated bank of contextual tasks and tasks (examples of such tasks and tasks are given), creative tasks related to future professional activities, practice-oriented educational projects.

Educational activities should be carried out with regular interaction between practitioners (technicians, technologists, engineers), teachers and teachers of general education, general professional and special disciplines, which should become the basis for training personnel with a wide range of technological competencies capable of effectively solving the problems of a new industrialization of the country.
Adipokines in gestational diabetes
Authors: Łopuszyńska Anna Małgorzata , Ochyra Łukasz , Pawlicki Mateusz , Piecewicz-Szczęsna Halina
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Gestational diabetes (GDM) is any hyperglycemic condition that has appeared for the first time in previously healthy pregnant women. The incidence varies from 1% to 20% and is constantly increasing. GDM results in numerous complications for both the fetus and the mother. Adipokines are a group of protein hormones and cytokines that are secreted by adipose tissue. They affect glucose and lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, appetite, and immune response. Due to their involvement in these processes, there are more and more reports that adipokines influence the pathomechanism of gestational diabetes. 

Material and methods, aim: The literature in the PubMed scientific database published in 2015-2022 was searched using the keywords: gestational diabetes, adipokines. The aim of this review is to present the role of adipokines in the pathomechanism of gestational diabetes as well as their potential role in the detection and treatment of this condition. 

Results: The pathophysiology of gestational diabetes is not fully understood. It has been noted that mothers with GDM have elevated levels of leptin. In turn, the level of adiponectin is lower in women with gestational diabetes compared to healthy women. Adipokines such as visphatin, resistin or chimerin are also suspected of a possible role in the pathomechanism of the disease. These reports could lead to the discovery of a biomarker for the rapid detection of GDM. 

Conclusions: Gestational diabetes is a common disease in pregnancy, the incidence of which is constantly increasing. Its complications are dangerous for both the mother and her baby. That is why research is important that will allow us to learn about its pathomechanism, to detect it faster, and to prevent it. Studies using adipokines show promising results, hence the urgent need for more randomized, multicentre studies to better understand their role in gestational diabetes.
Optimization of Surface Roughness and Tool Wear during Machining of AMMC using Taguchi Technique
Authors:   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nehru Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India, Surendran Srinivasan , Sundaram Thirumurugaveerakumar ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India, Kumar P Sathish ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Study world college of Engineering, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India
Published: November 2022

Metal matrix composite materials are used in several industrial applications due to its improved specifi c strength, capacity, good wear resistance, and high specifi c modulus and so on. In this work, the Aluminium alloy Al6061 is used as the matrix and 15% of volume fraction of silicon carbide is used as the reinforcing element to fabricate a MMC by stir casting process. The turning process parameters of Aluminium metal matrix composite (AMMC) considered in this work are cutting speed, feed, nozzle diameter and steam pressure and the responses surface roughness and tool wear. Taguchi technique is used in this research work to obtain optimum results and the S/N ratio is used as the quality characteristics and in this work L32 orthogonal array is used to conduct 32 experiments. It is observed that surface roughness of the AMMC is highly infl uenced by the nozzle diameter and it contributes to 19.87% and Tool wear of the AMMC is highly infl uenced by the steam pressure and it contributes to 7.12%.
Air Quality Characteristics and Their Natural and Socioeconomic Drivers in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Economic Zone, Northern China
Authors:   School of Finance and Economics, Qinghai university, Xining 810016, China, Zhang Xiaoxue , Li Shuang ,   College of Civil Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China, Xia Chengcheng ,   Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry, University of Padova, Legnaro 35129, Italy
Published: November 2022

Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Economic Zone is one of the most polluted areas in northern China. In recent years, pollution has become one of the most severe the environmental problems in that region, posing huge impact on the urban traffi c and threatening the public health greatly. Understanding the spatio-temporal variability and their mechanisms is important for the monitoring and control of regional air pollution. This study employed the Mann-Kendall test, statistical methods, geographical spatial analysis, aiming to explore the characteristics of air quality and its main controlling factors in this region. Temporal analysis was conducted in four largest cities to indicate the variation trend of air quality and identify the infl uence of meteorological factors, while spatial analysis was conducted based on all 13 cities of the region to clarify the socioeconomic controls on air quality. The results from trend analysis indicate an improving trend in air quality. Temperature, air pressure and wind speed are the main meteorological factors controlling air quality in the four large cities, which impose important infl uence on the migration, diffusion or settlement of pollutants. Agglomeration degree and distribution characteristics of AQI and six pollutants show great spatial heterogeneity, which is determined by topography, land-sea position, physicochemical properties of pollutants and socioeconomic factors. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicate that economic development benefi ts the improvement of air quality, while industrialization and traffi c construction aggravate air pollution. The air quality is less dependent on the level of urbanization. About 55 % of the spatial AQI changes can be explained by the socioeconomic factors, suggesting the leading contribution of human activities to air quality. This study will help deeply understand the main sources of air pollution in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, and provides insights for urban planning and rational policy formulation that are conducive to air pollution control.
Optical Interference Coating Design Contest 2022: a black box coating and a filter for an outdoor 3D cinema challenge [invited]
Authors: Kruschwitz Jennifer D. T. , Trubetskov Michael , Keck Jason
Published: November 2022

The design problems for the Optical Interference Coating (OIC) 2022 Topical Meeting include black box coatings to reverse engineer and a pair of white-balanced, multi-bandpass filters for three-dimensional cinema projection in cold and hot outdoor environments. There were 14 designers from China, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, and the United States, submitting 32 total designs for problems A and B. The design problems and the submitted solutions are described and evaluated.
Optical Goos–Hänchen effect in uniaxially strained graphene
Authors: Jahani Dariush , Akhavan Omid , Hayat A. , Shah Muzamil
Published: November 2022

We prove the existence of
relatively large Goos–Hänchen (GH) shifts for graphene in the presence
of an applied strain in different crystallographic directions for

p

and

s

polarized beams. It is shown that GH
shifts are smoothly increased by stretching the graphene’s lattice.
Moreover, we investigate the GH effect for strained graphene as a
function of Fermi energy, which can be controlled by external factors
such as gate voltage. We show that applied strain along zigzag and
armchair orientations gives different results for GH shifts, which
could provide a proper tool for the detection of strain in
graphene.
2D spot size converter using a multilevel asymmetric coupler MAC structure for Si photonics planar technology
Authors: El-Sabban Salwa , Khalil Diaa
Published: November 2022

In this work, we present an architecture for the design of an integrated optical spot size converter using planar technology. The proposed architecture is based on the use of multilevel planar structures without using vertical tapers. The function of the vertical taper is replaced by a horizontal taper and a multilevel asymmetric coupler structure. The proposed technique, used to couple a single-mode fiber with a core diameter of 8.2 µm to a silica-over-silicon waveguide with a

2

µ

m

×

4

µ

m

cross section, has a coupling efficiency greater than 98% without the need for a vertical coupler. The coupling transformation of the spot of the standard

500

n
m

×

220

n
m

Si photonics waveguide to the fundamental mode of a

1

µ

m

×

1

µ

m

waveguide is also demonstrated with a coupling efficiency greater than 92%. This technique offers very high flexibility in the coupling between different waveguides with different cross sections.
Experimental demonstration of coherent photonic neural computing based on a Fabry–Perot laser with a saturable absorber
Authors: Zheng Dianzhuang , Xiang Shuiying , Guo Xingxing , Zhang Yahui , Gu Biling , Wang Hongji , Xu Zhenzhen , Zhu Xiaojun , Shi Yuechun , Hao Yue
Published: November 2022

As Moore’s law has reached its limits, it is becoming increasingly difficult for traditional computing architectures to meet the demands of continued growth in computing power. Photonic neural computing has become a promising approach to overcome the von Neuman bottleneck. However, while photonic neural networks are good at linear computing, it is difficult to achieve nonlinear computing. Here, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a coherent photonic spiking neural network consisting of Mach–Zehnder modulators (MZMs) as the synapse and an integrated quantum-well Fabry–Perot laser with a saturable absorber (FP-SA) as the photonic spiking neuron. Both linear computation and nonlinear computation are realized in the experiment. In such a coherent architecture, two presynaptic signals are modulated and weighted with two intensity modulation MZMs through the same optical carrier. The nonlinear neuron-like dynamics including temporal integration, threshold, and refractory period are successfully demonstrated. Besides, the effects of frequency detuning on the nonlinear neuron-like dynamics are also explored, and the frequency detuning condition is revealed. The proposed hardware architecture plays a foundational role in constructing a large-scale coherent photonic spiking neural network.
Computer security incident response teams: are they legally regulated? The Swiss example
Authors: Meyer Pauline , Métille Sylvain
Published: November 2022

Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs) or Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) are an integral part of incident handling capabilities and are increasingly demanded by organizations such as critical infrastructures. They can hold many different skills and are of great interest to organizations in terms of cyber security and, more concretely, cyber incident management. This contribution seeks to analyze the extent to which their activity is regulated under Swiss law, considering that private CSIRTs are not regulated in the same way as governmental and national CSIRTs such as the Computer Emergency Response Team of the Swiss government and official national CERT of Switzerland (GovCERT).
Kleptoplasty: Getting away with stolen chloroplasts
Authors: Cruz Sónia , Cartaxana Paulo
Published: November 2022

Kleptoplasty, the process by which a host organism sequesters and retains algal chloroplasts, is relatively common in protists. The origin of the plastid varies, as do the length of time it is retained in the host and the functionality of the association. In metazoa, the capacity for long-term (several weeks to months) maintenance of photosynthetically active chloroplasts is a unique characteristic of a handful of sacoglossan sea slugs. This capability has earned these slugs the epithets “crawling leaves” and “solar-powered sea slugs.” This Unsolved Mystery explores the basis of chloroplast maintenance and function and attempts to clarify contradictory results in the published literature. We address some of the mysteries of this remarkable association. Why are functional chloroplasts retained? And how is the function of stolen chloroplasts maintained without the support of the algal nucleus?
Beyond early initiation: A qualitative study on the challenges of hospital-based postpartum breastfeeding support
Authors: Kinshella Mai-Lei Woo , Salimu Sangwani , Vidler Marianne , Banda Mwai , Molyneux Elizabeth M. , Dube Queen , Goldfarb David M. , Kawaza Kondwani , Nyondo-Mipando Alinane Linda
Published: November 2022

Improving breastfeeding practices is key to reducing child mortality globally. Sub-optimal exclusive breastfeeding rates may be associated with inadequate hospital-based postpartum breastfeeding support, particularly in resource-limited health settings such as Malawi. While almost all children in Malawi are breastfed, it is a concern that exclusive breastfeeding rates in Malawi are declining. The objective of this study is to understand postpartum breastfeeding support after delivery at Malawian hospitals from the perspectives of health workers and caregivers. We conducted a secondary analysis of a descriptive qualitative study on health worker and caregiver experiences of breastfeeding support at health facilities in southern Malawi as part of the Innovating for Maternal and Child Health in Africa Initiative. In-depth interviews following a semi-structured topic guide were conducted at three secondary-level district hospitals and one tertiary-level central hospital. Interviews were thematically analysed in NVivo 12 software (QSR International, Melbourne, Australia). We interviewed a total of 61 participants, including 30 caregivers and 31 health care workers. Participants shared the following themes: 1) a focus on early initiation of breastfeeding, 2) inadequate follow-up on breastfeeding practice, and 3) feasibility challenges and local solutions. There was an emphasis on early initiation of breastfeeding, which was challenged by maternal exhaustion after delivery. Study participants reported poor follow-up on breastfeeding practice after initial counselling and reacting to adverse outcomes in lieu of adequate monitoring, with a reliance on caregivers to follow-up on challenges. There was poor support for facility-based breastfeeding after initial counselling post-delivery, which revealed an overall neglect in hospital postpartum care for those considered to be in good health after initial assessment. We recommend the development of indicators to track continued facility-based breastfeeding, identify vulnerable infants at-risk of feeding problems, and strengthening care in postnatal wards, which is currently as neglected component of maternity care.
COVID-19 deaths in children and young people in England, March 2020 to December 2021: An active prospective national surveillance study
Authors: Bertran Marta , Amin-Chowdhury Zahin , Davies Hannah G. , Allen Hester , Clare Tom , Davison Chloe , Sinnathamby Mary , Seghezzo Giulia , Kall Meaghan , Williams Hannah , Gent Nick , Ramsay Mary E. , Ladhani Shamez N. , Oligbu Godwin
Published: November 2022

Background

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) deaths are rare in children and young people (CYP). The high rates of asymptomatic and mild infections complicate assessment of cause of death in CYP. We assessed the cause of death in all CYP with a positive Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) test since the start of the pandemic in England.

Methods and findings

CYP aged <20 years who died within 100 days of laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between 01 March 2020 and 31 December 2021 in England were followed up in detail, using national databases, surveillance questionnaires, post-mortem reports, and clinician interviews.

There were 185 deaths during the 22-month follow-up and 81 (43.8%) were due to COVID-19. Compared to non-COVID-19 deaths in CYP with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test, death due to COVID-19 was independently associated with older age (aOR 1.06 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01 to 1.11, p = 0.02) and underlying comorbidities (aOR 2.52 95% CI 1.27 to 5.01, p = 0.008), after adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity group, and underlying conditions, with a shorter interval between SARS-CoV-2 testing and death. Half the COVID-19 deaths (41/81, 50.6%) occurred within 7 days of confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 infection and 91% (74/81) within 30 days. Of the COVID-19 deaths, 61 (75.3%) had an underlying condition, especially severe neurodisability (n = 27) and immunocompromising conditions (n = 12). Over the 22-month surveillance period, SARS-CoV-2 was responsible for 1.2% (81/6,790) of all deaths in CYP aged <20 years, with an infection fatality rate of 0.70/100,000 SARS-CoV-2 infections in this age group estimated through real-time, nowcasting modelling, and a mortality rate of 0.61/100,000. Limitations include possible under-ascertainment of deaths in CYP who were not tested for SARS-CoV-2 and lack of direct access to clinical data for hospitalised CYP.

Conclusions

COVID-19 deaths remain extremely rare in CYP, with most fatalities occurring within 30 days of infection and in children with specific underlying conditions.
Prevalence of HIV and associated risk factors among street-connected children in Mwanza city
Authors: Nyumayo Said , Konje Eveline , Kidenya Benson , Kapesa Anthony , Hingi Marko , Wango Nyagwegwe , Ngimbwa Joshua , Alphonce Violeth , Basinda Namanya
Published: November 2022

While on the street, HIV infection among street-connected children is a challenging issue due to the nature of transmission, distribution, and prevention. Lack of proper care and protection, insufficient knowledge of the danger of acquiring HIV, and insufficient or absence of health facilities serving street-connected children have left this vulnerable group engaging in high-risk behaviors exposing them to acquiring HIV. This cross-sectional study aimed at estimating the prevalence of HIV infection and its associated risk factors among street-connected children aged between 10 to17 years in Mwanza City. The study was granted ethical clearance all permissions and restrictions to work with street-connected children were adhered to. A total of 131 participants aged 10–17 years were recruited for interviews and HIV testing. Exact logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with having HIV. A total of 111 (85.0%) boys and 20 (15.0%) girls responded to the questionnaire, with the median age being 15years. The overall HIV prevalence was 12.2% (16/131). Street-children using condoms were less likely to be affected by HIV compared to those who were not using (OR = 0.24; 95% CI 0.04–0.97). Females had higher odds of HIV infection compared to males (OR = 5.24; 95% CI of 1.24–24.65). The study shows a significantly higher prevalence of HIV among street-connected children as compared to the general population. Therefore, there should be tailored reproductive and sexual health programs, with the provision of protective materials like condoms.
Evaluation of a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)-based method for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva
Authors: Tamminga Gerrit G. , Jansen Gijsbert J. , Wiersma Marit
Published: November 2022

The use of a non-invasive fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)-based method on saliva for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 is evaluated in a proof-of-concept study and thereafter utilized in an outpatient setting with the Biotrack-MED® analyzer. For a proof-of-concept study, saliva samples were obtained from 28 persons with mild or moderate COVID-19-related symptoms who were tested RT-PCR positive or negative for SARS-CoV-2. In an outpatient setting, 972 individual saliva samples were utilized. All saliva samples were FISHed with a Cy3-labeled SARS-CoV-2-specific DNA probe and were analyzed manually by fluorescence microscopy (proof-of-concept) or with the SARS-CoV-2 application of the Biotrack-MED® analyzer, a semi-autonomous multi-sample filter cytometer. The proof-of-concept study showed a sensitivity of 96.0% and a specificity of 98.5% and is therefore comparable to the RT-PCR analysis of nasopharyngeal swabs. The outpatient setting showed a sensitivity of 90.9% and a specificity of 94.5% and seems therefore a valid assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in individuals that are healthy, mild or moderate symptomatic. In conclusion, the method evaluated in this study, the FISH-based SARS-CoV-2 application of the Biotrack-MED® analyzer, is a sensitive and reliable assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the general population.
Educación emocional y musical a través de la película Coco (2017) de Disney-Pixar. Propuesta didáctica necesaria en tiempos de pandemia.
Authors: Martín Félez David , Martínez Noguera Eva María
Published: November 2022

En este artículo se combina la educación emocional y la educación musical a través de una propuesta didáctica para cuarto curso de Educación Primaria, que parte del análisis musical y audiovisual de la película Coco de Disney- Pixar. Dada la situación de pandemia mundial que vivimos, la propuesta didáctica parte de la necesidad de que el alumnado de Educación Primaria adquiera una serie de valores como son: la perseverancia para conseguir sueños a través de las adversidades, la importancia de la vida y la muerte, la vinculación con la familia, el ser fiel a uno mismo o el apoyo incondicional en el que pueden convertirse los animales domésticos. Todo ello, se trabaja con la música a través del análisis, la interpretación y la puesta en escena de la banda sonora de la película, incluyendo propuestas musicales inclusivas como la interpretación con lenguaje de signos. Y con la utilización de una serie de herramientas TIC, que desde la propia creación de la programación didáctica pasando por un gran número de actividades, convierten en algo totalmente motivante tanto para el docente como para el alumnado todo aquello que se propone.
Umbilical cord blood interleukin-6 level as a predictor of early-onset neonatal sepsis
Authors: Fadilah Arya Adnan , Haksari Ekawaty Lutfia , Wandita Setya
Published: November 2022

Background Neonatal sepsis is a global health problem contributing significantly to neonatal morbidity and mortality. It is difficult to clinically distinguish neonates with and without sepsis. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration in neonates has high sensitivity and specificity to predict neonatal sepsis in infants at risk.

Objective  To determine the utility of umbilical cord blood IL-6 as a predictor of early-onset neonatal sepsis.

Methods This prospective cohort study was conducted in neonates born to mothers with sepsis risk factors from December 2020 to January 2021. We measured IL-6 from umbilical cord blood taken after placental expulsion. IL-6 ³16.4 pg/ml was considered to be elevated. Subjects were monitored for signs of clinical sepsis until 72 hours after birth. We also recorded the presence of other maternal and infant risk factors of sepsis and assessed association between IL-6 and other risk factors with the occurrence of sepsis, expressed as relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (95%CI).

Results During the study period, 40 neonates were born to mothers with sepsis risk factors; 13 (32.5%) developed clinical sepsis. Significantly more infants with elevated IL-6 developed neonatal sepsis (55.5%) than those with normal IL-6 (13.6%). After multivariate analysis incorporating other significant variables, the risk factors predictive of clinical early-onset neonatal sepsis were IL-6 [RR 5.54 (95%CI 1.68-18.25); P=0.016], prematurity [RR 4.92 (95%CI 1.66-14.59); P=0.014], and initial Apgar score [RR 3.38 (95%CI 1.34-3.38); P=0.046].

Conclusion In neonates with maternal risk factors, an IL-6 level of ³16.4 pg/ml is associated with an increased risk of early-onset neonatal sepsis.
Calcitriol levels and the stage of chronic kidney disease in children
Authors: Trisiana Diska Yulia , Yani Finny Fitry , Amelin Fitrisia , Pabuti Aumas
Published: November 2022

Background Kidney damage in chronic kidney disease (CKD) disrupts the 1?-hydroxylase enzyme, preventing the conversion of vitamin D into the active form of calcitriol. To our knowledge, no previous studies have assessed calcitriol levels in children with CKD. Decreased vitamin D levels may occur at an early stage of the disease, so it is important to evaluate calcitriol levels in children with early stage CKD.

Objective To assess calcitriol levels in children with CKD according to disease stage and other characteristics.

Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 43 pediatric CKD patients at Dr. M Djamil Hospital, Padang, Indonesia. We recorded patient characteristics and performed laboratory tests, including routine hematology, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, uric acid, electrolytes, calcium, and calcitriol levels. Based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), patients were grouped into either early-stage (stages I and II), or advanced-stage (stages III to V) CKD. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the association between calcitriol levels with disease stage and other characteristics.

Results The overall mean calcitriol level of our subjects was 108.77 (SD 10.79) pmol/L. Mean levels at each CKD stage from I to V were 164.28 (SD 160.90), 94.14 (SD 50.63), 72.16 (SD 13.18), 62.92 (SD 4.87), and 67.51 (SD 4.87) pmol/L, respectively. Calcitriol levels did not differ significantly by CKD stage (P=0.114) when each stage from I to V was considered separately. There was no significant difference in calcitriol levels by growth characteristics (P=0.944), etiology (P=0.311), or anemic status (P=0.104). However, low calcitriol levels were found in all subjects with advanced stage CKD, compared to 63.6% subjects with early stage CKD  (P=0.004). Mean calcitriol levels were significantly lower in CKD stage IV (P=0.049) and stage V (P=0.027) compared to stage I.

Conclusions The decrease in calcitriol level occurs at an early stage in CKD. Calcitriol levels are significantly lower in advanced stage than in early stage CKD.
How Blockchain Network Factors and Market Forces Determine Bitcoin Returns
Authors: Gbadebo Adedeji Daniel
Published: November 2022

The creation of distributed ledgers technologies for information storage spiral secured peer-to-peer interactions which allow for the invention of Bitcoin. Since its invention the price of bitcoin has exhibited excessive volatility, which have attracted undulated attentions. The study considers the isolated influence of network activities, mining (technology) and market information as fundamentals drivers of bitcoin prices. A long-term equilibrium and short-term dynamic is confirmed amongst endogenous system variables in the VECM. This supposes that any deviation from the equilibrium dynamics due to perturbations of market forces (total bitcoin supply and trade volume on exchanges), mining Information (network difficulty, Hashrate, and total transaction fees and network activity (confirmed payments and users adoptions) would be minimized. The model indicates that the cointegration relationship has a reverse adjustment effect on bitcoin return. This explains the why the price, and by implication the return experience different massive run-up, spiky protrusions, resistance, reversals, strong supports and consolidations in the short
Diabetic retinopathy treatments based onnanotechnology
Authors: Montoya-Álvarez Marybel , Gonzalez-Perez Juliana , Londoño Martha E
Published: November 2022

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by a high level of glucose in the blood. Diabetes is projected to affect 366 million people by 2030, and the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) is expected to rise accordingly. DR is a multifactorial late-stage manifestation in diabetic patients. This hyperglycemia is potentially the leading cause of retinal vascular disorder. With DR consuming roughly 40% of the total cost of diabetes care in the US, it translates to approximately $120 billion annually in economic burden, not only from direct disease management costs but also from lost worker productivity. Although some treatments are available, there is no treatment yet that could fully attenuate clinical progression to reverse damage to the retina. These shortcomings make it imperative to explore non-invasive, novel, and cost-effective routes for treating DR since all the available techniques are invasive, expensive, and primarily associated with side effects. Specialized databases and Mesh (terms defined as keywords by the researchers) were consulted to search for information that gathered scientific evidence on the subject in the last decade. Some of the databases used were: National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, SpringerLink, and Clinicaltrials, among others. This review focuses on the importance of developing non-invasive alternatives for the treatment of DR.
Estabilidade e adaptabilidade de cultivares de alface em diferentes substratos
Authors: Silva José Luís Tavares , Cavalcante Marcelo , Barros José Anderson Soares
Published: November 2022

A alface é uma espécie folhosa cultivada em diversas regiões do mundo. Durante o processo de produção de mudas, a escolha do substrato é uma das etapas mais importantes. Considerando a diversidade de tipos e o preço, é comum a produção de substratos alternativos, utilizando-se insumos com potencial causador de impactos ambientais. O lodo é um resíduo das estações de tratamento de água que apresenta potencial agrícola. Esta pesquisa objetivou estimar a estabilidade e a adaptabilidade de cinco cultivares de alface sob diferentes composições de substratos nos estágios iniciais de crescimento e produtividade. Foram realizados dois experimentos em 2021: 1º) em casa de vegetação, em que foram testados cinco cultivares (Veneranda, Camila, Elba, Vitória Verdinha, Diva), três substratos (Vida Verde, Bioplant 434, Bioplant 401) e três doses de lodo (0, 20, 40%), sobre o índice de qualidade da muda (IQM); 2º) em nível de campo, avaliou-se a produtividade das mudas produzidas na 1ª etapa. A partir de uma tabela de dupla entra, constituída de cinco cultivares e nove ambientes (combinação de 3 substratos x 3 doses de lodo), aplicou-se a análise de deviance, os índices de estabilidade WAASB e ASV, biplots do método AMMI e BLUPs. Interação GE significativa identificou cultivares adaptados a substratos específicos. O cultivar Camila foi estável quanto ao IQM e produtividade; Diva foi o mais instável, porém com adaptação específica a cinco substratos para o IQM e três para a produtividade. A adição de 40% de lodo reduziu o IQM, porém, não influenciou a produtividade quando associado ao Vida Verde e Bioplant 434, sendo indicado para produção de alface.
In-situ measurements of wall moisture in a historic building in response to the installation of an impermeable floor
Authors: Briggs Kevin , Ball Richard , McCaig Iain
Published: November 2022

When impermeable ground bearing slabs are installed in old buildings without a damp-proof course, it is a common belief of conservation practitioners that ground moisture will be ‘driven’ up adjacent walls by capillary action. However, there is limited evidence to test this hypothesis.

An experiment was used to determine if the installation of a vapour-proof barrier above a flagstone floor in a historic building would increase moisture content levels in an adjacent stone rubble wall. This was achieved by undertaking measurements of wall, soil and atmospheric moisture content over a 3-year period. Measurements taken using timber dowels showed that the moisture content within the wall did not vary in response to wall evaporation rates and did not increase following the installation of a vapour-proof barrier above the floor. This indicates that the moisture levels in the rubble wall were not influenced by changes in the vapour-permeability of the floor.
Meaningful public engagement in the context of open science: reflections from early and mid-career academics
Authors: Boon Wouter , de Haan Judith , Duisterwinkel Carien , Gould Lauren , Janssen Willem , Jongsma Karin , Milota Megan , Radstake Maud , Stevens Saskia , Strick Madelijn , Swinkels Marij , van Mil Marc , van Sebille Erik , Wanders Niko , Yerkes Mara A.
Published: November 2022

How is public engagement perceived to contribute to open science? This commentary highlights common reflections on this question from interviews with 12 public engagement fellows in Utrecht University’s Open Science Programme in the Netherlands. We identify four reasons why public engagement is an essential enabler of open science. Interaction between academics and society can: (1) better align science with the needs of society; (2) secure a relationship of trust between science and society; (3) increase the quality and impact of science; and (4) support the impact of open access and FAIR data practices (data which meet principles of findability, accessibility, interoperability and reusability). To be successful and sustainable, such public engagement requires support in skills training and a form of institutionalisation in a university-wide system, but, most of all, the fellows express the importance of a formal and informal recognition and rewards system. Our findings suggest that in order to make public engagement an integral part of open science, universities should invest in institutional support, create awareness, and stimulate dialogue among staff members on how to ‘do’ good public engagement.
SPERM ENERGY METABOLISM
Authors: Paixão Lisboa Fernando , Polesso Mazzuchini Mariana , Ozanam Papa Frederico , Dell'Aqua Junior José Antônio
Published: November 2022

The development of techniques to increase sperm longevity demands knowledge about cellmetabolism. Sperm requires a constant supply of energy to maintain its cell functions.Approximately 500 metabolic reactions take place in somatic cells, and several of them requireenergy. Most of the produced energy goes for sperm motility, which is an ATP-dependentspecialized process. Spermatozoa possess the required mechanisms to produce energy throughglycolysis, citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle) and oxidative phosphorylation. Understanding thesepathways provides knowledge on the interactions between the semen extender substrates andsperm cells. The aim of this review is to approach the major energy producing pathways of thesperm, as well as the substrates available for this metabolism.
EFFECTS OF PURGE POTATO (OPERCULINA MACROCARPA) IN MULTINUTRITIONAL BLOCKS ON SHEEP NATURALLY INFECTED WITH GASTROINTESTINAL HELMINTH
Authors: Guedes Rodrigues Onaldo , Célia Rodrigues Athayde Ana , Fontes Cézar Marcílio , Morais Pereira Filho José , Júnor Lopes José , Das Graças Gomes Cunha Maria , Ferreira da Silva Carpejane
Published: November 2022

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia da batata de purga (Operculina macrocarpa) incorporados a blocos multinutricionais (BMs) sobre nematódeos gastrintestinais de ovinos. O trabalho foi desenvolvido na fazenda Lameirão no município de Santa Teresinha-PB, Brasil, de acordo com um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos e seis repetições de um animal. Os tratamentos foram: T1 = apenas BMs; T2 = BMs + batata de purga (1g/Kg/peso vivo); T3 = BMs + batata de purga (0,5g/Kg/pv) e T4 = BMs + anti-helmíntico químico. Os ganhos de pesos diários e final se mostraram mais elevados para os tratamentos BMs com batata de purga 1g/Kg/pv, 0,5g/Kg/pv e químico com GPMD=56,7; 38,3; 53,8g e GPT=3,4; 2,3; 3,1kg respectivamente. Como também para o OPG que diminuiu aos sete dias com 767, 516, 267 e eficácia de 53, 68, e 84% respectivamente. Na coprocultura foram identificados dois gêneros com maior prevalência do Haemonchus sp. em todos os tratamentos. Foram recuperados os parasitos Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Strongyloides papillosus, Oesophagostomum columbianum. Os tratamentos acrescidos de batata de purga (O. macrocarpa) apresentaram eficácia considerável para um fitoterápico, com isso este método de controle com blocos multinutricionais acrescidos do fitoterápico nas doses de 0,5 a 1g/Kg/pv seria usado para diminuir os níveis de infecção global dos parasitos.
A PLATE-ROD CONSTRUCT FOR REPAIR OF A HUMERAL DIAPHYSEAL FRACTURE IN A BLACK HOWLER MONKEY INFANT
Authors: Pacheco Leandro , O. M. Pacheco Karine
Published: November 2022

An infant black howler monkey (Alouatta caraya), aged approximately three months, presented with atransverse fracture of the distal third of the right humeral shaft underwent surgical treatment using aplate-rod construct. A 1.00-mm diameter intramedullary pin was used in a retrograde fashion to reduceboth the fracture and plate stress. The plate-rod construct was a seven-hole 1.5-mm veterinary cuttableplate, which was installed following the principles of biological osteosynthesis. The animal presentedno pain in the postoperative exams and used the limb normally. Bone consolidation was observed foreighth weeks after surgery, showing that the treatment was effective.