bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pneumothorax in Patients with Idiopathic Pleuroparenchymal Fibroelastosis: Incidence, Clinical Features, and Risk Factors
Authors: Kono Masato , Nakamura Yutaro , Enomoto Yasunori , Yasui Hideki , Hozumi Hironao , Karayama Masato , Suzuki Yuzo , Furuhashi Kazuki , Miki Yoshihiro , Hashimoto Dai , Fujisawa Tomoyuki , Enomoto Noriyuki , Inui Naoki , Kaida Yusuke , Yokomura Koshi , Koshimizu Naoki , Toyoshima Mikio , Imokawa Shiro , Yamada Takashi , Shirai Toshihiro , Hayakawa Hiroshi , Nakamura Hidenori , Suda Takafumi
Published: January 2021

Background: Idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) is a rare form of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia that is characterized by predominantly upper lobe pleural and subpleural lung parenchymal fibrosis. Pneumothorax is one of the major respiratory complications in PPFE patients; however, its clinical features are poorly understood. Objective: We aimed to investigate the complication of pneumothorax in patients with idiopathic PPFE. Methods: A retrospective multicenter study involving 89 patients who had been diagnosed with idiopathic PPFE was conducted. We investigated the cumulative incidence, clinical features, and risk factors of pneumothorax after the diagnosis of idiopathic PPFE. Results: Pneumothorax developed in 53 patients (59.6%) with 120 events during the observation period (41.8 ± 35.0 months). The cumulative incidence of pneumothorax was 24.8, 44.9, and 53.9% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Most events of pneumothorax were asymptomatic (n = 85; 70.8%) and small in size (n = 92; 76.7%); 30 patients (56.6%) had recurrent pneumothorax. Chest drainage was required in 23 pneumothorax events (19.2%), and a persistent air leak was observed in 13 (56.5%). Patients with pneumothorax were predominantly male and frequently had pathological diagnoses of PPFE and prior history of pneumothorax and corticosteroid use; they also had significantly poorer survival than those without pneumothorax (log-rank test; p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that a higher residual volume/total lung capacity ratio was significantly associated with the development of pneumothorax after the diagnosis. Conclusion: Pneumothorax is often asymptomatic and recurrent in patients with idiopathic PPFE, leading to poor outcomes in some cases.
The Application of Tirofiban in the Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tang Lisha , Tang Xiangqi , Yang Qianwen
Published: January 2021

Objective: The purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of tirofiban during endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) databases for randomized controlled trials and cohort studies (published before May 1, 2020; no language restrictions) comparing tirofiban administration to blank control during EVT in patients with AIS. Our primary end points were the 3-month functional outcome, recanalization rate, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, and 3-month mortality. Results: The incidence of 3-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0–2 score of the tirofiban group was higher than that of the control group (odds ratio [OR] = 1.27, 95% CI [1.09, 1.48], p = 0.002) with heterogeneity (I2 = 34%, p = 0.11). Data pooled from the 6 studies describing the details of retriever stent in EVT revealed that tirofiban was associated with higher incidence of 3-month mRS 0–2 score (OR = 1.48, 95% CI [1.11, 1.96], p = 0.007). The recanalization rate was higher in the tirofiban group compared to the control group (OR = 1.66, 95% CI [1.16, 2.39], p = 0.006). There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (OR = 0.97, 95% CI [0.73, 1.31], p = 0.86) and intracranial hemorrhage (OR = 1.08, 95% CI [0.59, 1.97], p = 0.80) between tirofiban and non-tirofiban group. Besides, the tirofiban administration was associated with lower mortality (OR = 0.75, 95% CI [0.62, 0.91], p = 0.003). Conclusions: The application of tirofiban in EVT of AIS may improve functional outcomes and reduce mortality at 3 months. Besides, tirofiban does not seem to increase the risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and intracranial hemorrhage, either in the anterior or posterior circulation stroke.
Use of non-chemical methods for the management of southern blight disease of carrot incited by Sclerotium rolfsii
Authors: Rubayet M. Tanbir , Prodhan Farhana , Hossain M. Shamim , Ahmed Minhaz , Mamun M. Abdullah Al , Bhuiyan M. Khurshed Alam
Published: January 2021

This experiment was conducted to assess the effect of Trichoderma harzianum, soil solarization, and biofumigant on southern blight dis-ease of carrot incited by Sclerotium rolfsii isolate CS 5. A series of in-vitro and in-vivo trials laid out to select a virulent isolate of S. rolfsii against the carrot variety New Kuroda and evaluated the mustard, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli leaf extracts for choosing an effec-tive biofumigant against test pathogen. Mustard was the most effec-tive in inhibiting the radial growth, and sclerotia formation (80.37 and 83.37%) of S. rolfsii (isolate CS 5) at 40% level of concentration followed by cabbage leaf extract (62.22 and 68.69%). On the contrary, a total of 10 isolates of T. harzianum were screened against the test pathogen on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium for choosing a dominant isolate of T. harzianum. The isolate Th-6 was found as the most active in inhibiting the radial growth (84.44%) of S. rolfsii fol-lowed by Th-1 (75.56%). In the application of T. harzianum, biofumi-gation, and soil solarization, the treatment appeared to be the most superior in reducing pre- and post-emergence mortality of carrot during secondary field trials. The lowest southern blight disease inci-dence (10.77%), and disease severity (12.78%) were found at the same treatment. Subsequently, the yield of carrot was increased 155.18% which might be due to the reduction of carrot disease as well as the addition of organic materials in the soil.
Ecologia política e agricultura urbana na América Latina
Authors: Alves Henrique Freitas
Published: January 2021

O presente artigo tem por objetivo apresentar um panorama das discussões da ecologia política urbana e da agricultura urbana. A metodologia utilizada baseou-se na revisão bibliográfica, selecionada através do metabuscador Portal Águia (USP), de obras que abordem a ecologia política urbana e a agricultura urbana, além de comparar a literatura específica da ecologia política e caminhos para inserção na agricultura urbana. Por meio disto, evidencia-se a necessidade de aproximação ainda maior das análises destas na literatura acadêmica latino-americana, dada a escassez de estudos neste sentido na região. Dessa forma, discute-se a complexidade das relações políticas e socioambientais por trás da prática da agricultura urbana, evidenciando a contribuição de sua associação ao campo da ecologia política.
Trends, Management, and Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction Hospitalizations With In‐Hospital‐Onset Versus Out‐of‐Hospital Onset: The ARIC Study
Authors: Caughey Melissa C. , Arora Sameer , Qamar Arman , Chunawala Zainali , Gupta Mohit D. , Gupta Puneet , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Pandey Ambarish , Dai Xuming , Smith Sidney C. , Matsushita Kunihiro
Published: January 2021

Background

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with in‐hospital onset (AMI‐IHO) has poor prognosis but is clinically underappreciated. Whether its occurrence has changed over time is uncertain.

Methods and Results

Since 1987, the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study has conducted adjudicated surveillance of AMI hospitalizations in 4 US communities. Our analysis was limited to patients aged 35 to 74 years with symptomatic AMI. Patients with symptoms initiating after hospital arrival were considered AMI‐IHO. A total of 26 678 weighted hospitalizations (14 276 unweighted hospitalizations) for symptomatic AMI were identified from 1995 to 2014, with 1137 (4%) classified as in‐hospital onset. The population incidence rate of AMI‐IHO increased in the 4 ARIC communities from 1995 through 2004 to 2005 through 2014 (12.7—16.9 events per 100 000 people;
P
for 20‐year trend <0.0001), as did the proportion of AMI hospitalizations with in‐hospital onset (3.7%–6.1%;
P
for 20‐year trend =0.03). The 10‐year proportions were stable for patients aged 35 to 64 years (3.0%–3.4%;
P
for 20‐year trend =0.3) but increased for patients aged ≥65 years (4.6%–7.8%;
P
for 20‐year trend =0.008;
P
for interaction by age group =0.04). AMI‐IHO had a more severe clinical course with lower use of AMI therapies or invasive strategies and higher in‐hospital (7% versus 3%), 28‐day (19% versus 5%), and 1‐year (29% versus 12%) mortality (
P<
0.0001 for all).

Conclusions

In this population‐based community surveillance, AMI‐IHO increased from 2005 to 2014, particularly among older patients. Quality initiatives to improve recognition and management of AMI‐IHO should be especially focused on hospitalized patients aged >65.
Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in Corrected Valvular Heart Disease: Hemodynamic Insights and Long‐Term Survival
Authors: Bermejo Javier , González‐Mansilla Ana , Mombiela Teresa , Fernández Ana I. , Martínez‐Legazpi Pablo , Yotti Raquel , García‐Orta Rocío , Sánchez‐Fernández Pedro L. , Castaño Mario , Segovia‐Cubero Javier , Escribano‐Subias Pilar , Alberto San Román J. , Borrás Xavier , Alonso‐Gómez Angel , Botas Javier , Crespo‐Leiro María G. , Velasco Sonia , Bayés‐Genís Antoni , López Amador , Muñoz‐Aguilera Roberto , Jiménez‐Navarro Manuel , González‐Juanatey José R. , Evangelista Arturo , Elízaga Jaime , Martín‐Moreiras Javier , González‐Santos José M. , Moreno‐Escobar Eduardo , Fernández‐Avilés Francisco ,   the SIOVAC (“Sildenafil for Improving Outcomes after VAlvular Correction”) Investigators
Published: January 2021

Background

The determinants and consequences of pulmonary hypertension after successfully corrected valvular heart disease remain poorly understood. We aim to clarify the hemodynamic bases and risk factors for mortality in patients with this condition.

Methods and Results

We analyzed long‐term follow‐up data of 222 patients with pulmonary hypertension and valvular heart disease successfully corrected at least 1 year before enrollment who had undergone comprehensive hemodynamic and imaging characterization as per the SIOVAC (Sildenafil for Improving Outcomes After Valvular Correction) clinical trial. Median (interquartile range) mean pulmonary pressure was 37 mm Hg (32–44 mm Hg) and pulmonary artery wedge pressure was 23 mm Hg (18–26 mm Hg). Most patients were classified either as having combined precapillary and postcapillary or isolated postcapillary pulmonary hypertension. After a median follow‐up of 4.5 years, 91 deaths accounted for 4.21 higher‐than‐expected mortality in the age‐matched population. Risk factors for mortality were male sex, older age, diabetes mellitus, World Health Organization functional class III and higher pulmonary vascular resistance—either measured by catheterization or approximated from ultrasound data. Higher pulmonary vascular resistance was related to diabetes mellitus and smaller residual aortic and mitral valve areas. In turn, the latter correlated with prosthetic nominal size. Six‐month changes in the composite clinical score and in the 6‐minute walk test distance were related to survival.

Conclusions

Persistent valvular heart disease–pulmonary hypertension is an ominous disease that is almost universally associated with elevated pulmonary artery wedge pressure. Pulmonary vascular resistance is a major determinant of mortality in this condition and is related to diabetes mellitus and the residual effective area of the corrected valve. These findings have important implications for individualizing valve correction procedures.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT00862043.
We “Other Victorians”? Novelistic Remains, Therapeutic Devices, Contemporary Televisual Dramas
Authors: Chow Rey , Sarfan Austin
Published: January 2021

In reference to the work of Michel Foucault and to residual Victorian novelistic features, this essay explores the biopolitical dimension of contemporary televisual dramas, focusing on the popular crime genre as seen in The Sopranos (1999–2007), Breaking Bad (2008–2013), and The Fall (2013–2016). Emphasizing the confessional context of criminality and policing, we demonstrate how such shows rely on the conventions of modern psychological discourse in depicting criminals, thus foregrounding what Eva Illouz in Saving the Modern Soul (2008) has called the “therapeutic emotional style.” By updating aspects of D. A. Miller's conception of the policing plot in The Novel and the Police (1988), we argue that confession in contemporary televisual dramas exemplifies a cultural transition from power as force to power as communication. The ascendance of communicative power pathologizes aspects of masculinity and introduces a new dramatic/narrative device: the therapeutic couplet.
Active Inference: Demystified and Compared
Authors: Sajid Noor , Ball Philip J. , Parr Thomas , Friston Karl J.
Published: January 2021

Active inference is a first principle account of how autonomous agents operate in dynamic, nonstationary environments. This problem is also considered in reinforcement learning, but limited work exists on comparing the two approaches on the same discrete-state environments. In this letter, we provide (1) an accessible overview of the discrete-state formulation of active inference, highlighting natural behaviors in active inference that are generally engineered in reinforcement learning, and (2) an explicit discrete-state comparison between active inference and reinforcement learning on an OpenAI gym baseline. We begin by providing a condensed overview of the active inference literature, in particular viewing the various natural behaviors of active inference agents through the lens of reinforcement learning. We show that by operating in a pure belief-based setting, active inference agents can carry out epistemic exploration—and account for uncertainty about their environment—in a Bayes-optimal fashion. Furthermore, we show that the reliance on an explicit reward signal in reinforcement learning is removed in active inference, where reward can simply be treated as another observation we have a preference over; even in the total absence of rewards, agent behaviors are learned through preference learning. We make these properties explicit by showing two scenarios in which active inference agents can infer behaviors in reward-free environments compared to both Q-learning and Bayesian model-based reinforcement learning agents and by placing zero prior preferences over rewards and learning the prior preferences over the observations corresponding to reward. We conclude by noting that this formalism can be applied to more complex settings (e.g., robotic arm movement, Atari games) if appropriate generative models can be formulated. In short, we aim to demystify the behavior of active inference agents by presenting an accessible discrete state-space and time formulation and demonstrate these behaviors in a OpenAI gym environment, alongside reinforcement learning agents.
Raising the Bar
Authors: Roth Dieter T.
Published: January 2021

Recent discussions of the “meta-data” of NT manuscripts have included consideration of the so-called “staurogram” found in some forms of the nomen sacrum for σταυρόω or σταυρός. In several early NT papyri, this tau/rho monogram is clearly visible; however, in certain passages (e.g., in 𝔓⁴⁵, 𝔓⁶⁶, and 𝔓¹²¹), its presence is either not entirely certain or debated. In such instances, the discussion must necessarily appeal to other elements in or features of the manuscript in order to posit the presence or the absence of a staurogram. This brief study considers a heretofore overlooked paleographical feature as evidence for identifying the presence of unclear or disputed instances of a staurogram in nomina sacra, namely the elevated manner in which the attendant supralinear stroke is written.
Impotence and the Natural Explanation of Bewitchment: Wolfgang Reichart’s Medical Case Report on the Loss of “potentia coeundi”
Authors: Rubeis Giovanni , Ursin Frank , Steger Florian
Published: January 2021

Wolfgang Reichart (1486-c. 1547) was a humanist and a town physician of Ulm. His work consists of a largely unpublished collection of nearly 600 texts. So far, it has been claimed that this compilation only consists of letters and poems. However, we have found a medical treatise, wherein Reichart discusses a case of impotence, its pathophysiology and therapy. One of the crucial aspects in this text is the relationship it describes between witchcraft and medicine. The patient claims that his condition is the result of bewitchment. Reichart accepts witchcraft as a possible aetiological explanation, but claims that since the processes triggered by witchcraft are still natural, the patient can be cured by natural means. Thus, Reichart’s approach is an important contribution to the history of medicine and to the history of science of the early modern period. We provide the first edition, translation, and commentary of the text.
Sur la question des langues dans l’Islam oriental
Authors: Bernardini Michele
Published: January 2021

This paper deals with the theme of the coexistence of different languages in the pre-modern Islamic world. Starting from an analysis of the concept of “Islamic language” as it was singled out by Alessandro Bausani, it traces the evolution of scholarship concerning language as a historiographical subject. With the help of samples from their literary production, some authors will be examined here, moving from the anthropological dualism of Firdawsī to reach the Ottoman era, when plurilingualism proved to be most successful, both in the domain of politics and in the culture. In this sense, the twentieth-century emergence of nationalisms produced a rupture which implied radical changes, and even the loss of a whole intellectual heritage.
The Emergence of Classical Arabic: The Case of Mā al-Ḥijāziyya in the Qurʾān
Authors: al-Sharkawi Muhammad
Published: January 2021

In this article I will trace the position of mā al-ḥijāziyya as a variant of Classical Arabic. I will discuss the phenomenon in the Qurʾān. I will show that the rarity of its presence in the Holy Book correlates positively with its lack of use in other modes of expression. Section three will introduce the historical digression of the variant in the books of Arabic grammar up to the 4th/10th century and consequently its status as luġa.
Novograblenovite from Radlin, Upper Silesia, Poland and its relation to ‘redikortsevite’
Authors: Parafiniuk Jan , Stachowicz Marcin , Woźniak Krzysztof
Published: January 2021

The paper presents detailed mineralogical and structural characteristics of novograblenovite that occurs abundantly on a burning coal dump at Radlin, Upper Silesia, Poland. Our results indicate that NH4MgCl3⋅6H2O is the proper formula of this mineral. The thermal behaviour of novograblenovite shows a two-step dehydration at 155 and 193°C and sublimation of NH4Cl at 341°C. A Raman spectrum, obtained for the first time, reveals the normal modes of H2O and NH4+ vibrations. The crystal structure of novograblenovite was refined on the basis of high quality X-ray diffraction data. The final discrepancy factor wR2 was 0.0567 for 94 parameters and 1464 independent reflections. The structure has a monoclinic C2/c space group symmetry with the following unit cell parameters: a = 9.2709(3) Å, b = 9.5361(2) Å, c = 13.2741(4) Å and β = 90.054(3)°. We were able to specify the architecture of the disordered NH4+ cation located at the symmetry centre. This led to reasonable parameters for the H-bonding formed by this cation. In carnallite the K+ cations occupy an identical space to the ammonium ion in novograblenovite, but when embedded into the latter crystal structure it is bound less tightly. Voids occupy 14% of the space in the novograblenovite crystal structure. Novograblenovite is exactly the same phase as the ‘redikortsevite’ described previously from Chelabinsk coal dumps and this informally introduced name should be abandoned.
Read my lips! Perception of speech in noise by preschool children with autism and the impact of watching the speaker’s face
Authors: Newman Rochelle S. , Kirby Laura A. , Von Holzen Katie , Redcay Elizabeth
Published: January 2021

Background

Adults and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders show greater difficulties comprehending speech in the presence of noise. Moreover, while neurotypical adults use visual cues on the mouth to help them understand speech in background noise, differences in attention to human faces in autism may affect use of these visual cues. No work has yet examined these skills in toddlers with ASD, despite the fact that they are frequently faced with noisy, multitalker environments.

Methods

Children aged 2-5 years, both with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD), saw pairs of images in a preferential looking study and were instructed to look at one of the two objects. Sentences were presented in the presence of quiet or another background talker (noise). On half of the trials, the face of the target person speaking was presented, while half had no face present. Growth-curve modeling was used to examine the time course of children’s looking to the appropriate vs. opposite image.

Results

Noise impaired performance for both children with ASD and their age- and language-matched peers. When there was no face present on the screen, the effect of noise was generally similar across groups with and without ASD. But when the face was present, the noise had a more detrimental effect on children with ASD than their language-matched peers, suggesting neurotypical children were better able to use visual cues on the speaker’s face to aid performance. Moreover, those children with ASD who attended more to the speaker’s face showed better listening performance in the presence of noise.

Conclusions

Young children both with and without ASD show poorer performance comprehending speech in the presence of another talker than in quiet. However, results suggest that neurotypical children may be better able to make use of face cues to partially counteract the effects of noise. Children with ASD varied in their use of face cues, but those children who spent more time attending to the face of the target speaker appeared less disadvantaged by the presence of background noise, indicating a potential path for future interventions.
D-mannose ameliorates autoimmune phenotypes in mouse models of lupus
Authors: Wang Haiting , Teng Xiangyu , Abboud Georges , Li Wei , Ye Shuang , Morel Laurence
Published: January 2021

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease characterized by an overproduction of autoantibodies resulting from dysregulation in multiple immune cell types. D-mannose is a C− 2 epimer of glucose that exhibits immunoregulatory effects in models of autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, induced rheumatoid arthritis, and airway inflammation. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of D-mannose treatment in mouse models of lupus.

Results

Firstly, the effect of D-Mannose was evaluated by flow cytometry on the in vitro activation of non-autoimmune C57BL/6 (B6) bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) and their ability to induce antigen-specific CD4+ T cell proliferation and activation. D-mannose inhibited the maturation of BMDCs and their induction of antigen-specific T cell proliferation and activation. In vivo, D-mannose increased the frequency of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in unmanipulated B6 mice. To assess the effect of D-mannose in mouse models of lupus, we used the graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) induced model and the B6.lpr spontaneous model. In the cGVHD model, D-mannose treatment decreased autoantibody production, with a concomitant reduction of the frequency of effector memory and follicular helper T cells as well as germinal center B cells and plasma cells. These results were partially validated in the B6.lpr model of spontaneous lupus.

Conclusion

Overall, our results suggest that D-mannose ameliorates autoimmune activation in models of lupus, at least partially due to its expansion of Treg cells, the induction of immature conventional dendritic cells and the downregulation of effector T cells activation. D-Mannose showed however a weaker immunomodulatory effect in lupus than in other autoimmune diseases.
Skin cancers in people with albinism in Togo in 2019: results of two rounds of national mobile skin care clinics
Authors: Saka Bayaki , Akakpo Sefako Abla , Teclessou Julienne Noude , Gnossike Piham , Adam Saliou , Mahamadou Garba , Kassang Panawé , Elegbede Yvette , Mouhari-Toure Abas , Darre Tchin , Kombate Koussake , Pitché Palokinam
Published: January 2021

Background

In people with albinism (PWA), the deficiency of melanin increase the risk of skin cancers. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of skin cancers and characteristics of these detected skin cancers (histological types, localization) in PWA in 10 cities in Togo in 2019.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study of medical records of PWA systematically examined during two mobile skin care clinics in 2019, as part of a programme for the prevention and management of skin cancers in these subjects.

Results

During the study period, 280 (95.2%) of the 294 PWA consulted, had developed skin lesions. Of the 280 PWA, the pathological reports from the medical records of 33 patients (11.8%; (95%CI = [8.2–16.2]) had concluded to non-melanoma skin cancers. The mean age of these 33 patients was 38.6 ± 15.2 years and the sex-ratio was 1. Their occupations were mainly resellers (21.2%), traders (15.2%) and farmers (12.2%). In the 33 patients, 54 cases of non-melanoma skin cancers were identified, with some patients having more than one tumor, and some of them having more than one (histologically confirmed) diagnosis. These 54 non-melanoma skin cancers were divided into 21 cases of invasive squamous cell carcinomas, 2 cases of Bowen’s disease and 31 cases of basal cell carcinomas. These non-melanoma skin cancers mainly occurred in the head and neck (33 cases; 61.1%), the upper limbs (15 cases; 27, 8%) and the trunk (4 cases; 7.4%).

Conclusion

The results of this study show a high prevalence of skin cancers among PWAs in Togo in 2019, only non-melanoma skin cancers. In addition, they illustrate the role of ultraviolet rays with regard to the localization of skin cancers and the occupations of patients. Popularization and compliance with photo protection measures, systematic and regular examination of the skin of these PWAs will allow early detection and treatment of these skin cancers.
MEK inhibitors for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Han Jing , Liu Yang , Yang Sen , Wu Xuan , Li Hongle , Wang Qiming
Published: January 2021

BRAF and KRAS are two key oncogenes in the RAS/RAF/MEK/MAPK signaling pathway. Concomitant mutations in both KRAS and BRAF genes have been identified in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). They lead to the proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of tumor cells by activating the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway. To date, agents that target RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway have been investigated in NSCLC patients harboring BRAF mutations. BRAF and MEK inhibitors have gained approval for the treatment of patients with NSCLC. According to the reported findings, the combination of MEK inhibitors with chemotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors or BRAF inhibitors is highly significant for improving clinical efficacy and causing delay in the occurrence of drug resistance. This review summarized the existing experimental results and presented ongoing clinical studies as well. However, further researches need to be conducted to indicate how we can combine other drugs with MEK inhibitors to significantly increase therapeutic effects on patients with lung cancer.
Intermediate steps towards the achievement of an official romanian translation of the Fugl-Meyer assesment scale specific forms
Authors: CONSTANTIN Elena , OPREA (MANDU) Mihaela , FRUNZA Andreea , BADIU Cristinel Dumitru , OPREA Cosmin Daniel , ANGHELESCU Aurelian , POPESCU Cristina , ONOSE Gelu
Published: January 2021

Introduction. The Fugl-Meyer assessment scale for the evaluation of neuro-sensory-motor deficits after stroke represents, by completeness and adequate folding, both conceptually and methodologically, on the physio pathological and clinical-evolutionary reality of disability in this type of pathology, a widely used quantification tool for international level and well appreciated in many works in profile literature. Materials and methods. From the desire to implement the scale within the neurorehabilitation units in our country, some correspondence with the right holders of the use of the scale within the University of Gothenburg was initiated in 2019. Subsequently, the group proposed us to carry out an official translation according to an algorithm for achieving the unitary translation, agreed and recommended by the official administrators of the standardized forms of the scale, which will be included on the official website of the respective university along with other translations. Results. Following the initial steps, a constructive correspondence was maintained with the official administrators of the University of Gothenburg and in accordance with the mutual agreement, we carried out the translation from English into Romanian of the specific forms on the official site. The translation included, at the recommendation of the Gothenberg collective, only the component used for measuring the motor functions for the upper and lower extremities. In addition, Prof. Dr. Roxana Carare was co-opted in the team of. Currently, the confrontation of the translation version of our team with the one made by her (forward from English to Romanian) is underway. Within the confrontation of forward translation, different shades of formulations were found at different levels. Conclusions. In the later stages, the reverse confrontation from Romanian to English (backward) of the two translated variants is considered. At the same time, the coordinator of the administrators of the scale of the University of Gothenburg, Prof. Dr. Margit Alt Murphy, expressed her availability of assistance at all stages of the translation process. Keywords: Fugl-Meyer scale, stroke, assesment, hemiparetic patients, rehabilitation,
Strategies for the recovery of patients with post stroke sequelae in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: SILIŞTEANU Sînziana Călina , ANTONESCU Elisabeta , DUICĂ Lavinia
Published: January 2021

Introduction. The performance areas of post-stroke mention negatively correlated determinants in doing daily activities. The intrinsic motor recovery depends on the primary motor deficit. The functional recovery of patients with post-stroke sequelae is not only based on the remission of the functional deficit, but it also depends on the ability to develop adapted motor strategies.The objective of the study was to point out, for the patients with post-stroke sequelae, the sensitive, motor and cognitive changes in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and method. The study included a number of 18 patients diagnosed with post-stroke sequelae and was conducted for a period of 5 months in an outpatient department. The recovery treatment included sessions of kinetotherapy and occupational therapy. The evaluation of the patients was made in the beginning of the treatment, at its end and at the control after 6 weeks. Scales were used to assess pain, the static and dynamic balance, the gait and the cognitive function. Results. The obtained results were statistically significant for the patients in the group. The values that were obtained by applying the tests and evaluation scales are consistent with the clinical evolution of the patients in the study group. Conclusions. Given the pandemic period we are going through, it is still necessary to carefully evaluate not only the sensory-motor functions of patients with post-stroke sequelae, but also the cognitive functions that are known to influence in some situations the recovery of these patients.

Keywords: post-stroke sequelae, functional recovery, kinetic therapy,
Neuro-muscular rehabilitation approach with favorable results in a case of a tetraplegia after a cervical ganglioneuroma – case presentation
Authors: POPESCU Cristina , BAILA Mihai , DAIA Cristina , ANDONE Ioana , SERBAN Daniel , RADUCANU Cristian , MANESCU Mihaela , ONOSE Gelu
Published: January 2021

This is the case of a 52-year-old male patient with tetraplegia and muscle respiratory failure, due to an extradural compressive cervical ganglioneuroma (C1-C2), with a history of neurological symptoms for 3 years. The tumor was completely surgically removed and the patient followed a neuro-muscular rehabilitation program (NMRP) for 4 months, consisting of rehabilitation nursing, physical and occupational therapy. At the end of NMRP the patient’s achievements were: unilateral supported walking, partial autonomous daily living functioning, the improvement of quality of life and facilitation of social and professional participation.

Keywords: ganglioneuroma, spinal cord tumor, neuro-muscular rehabilitation program, non-traumatic spinal cord injury, spinal cord compression,
Skeletal effects and refeeding syndrome in anorexia nervosa
Authors: VĂDUVA Naomi , PUSKAS Lehel , RĂCHIȘAN Andreea-Liana , TOMȘA Anamaria Magdalena , ALDEA Andreea Alexandra , PERNE Mirela-Georgiana
Published: January 2021

Purpose Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a psychiatric disorder which can lead to numerous medical complications. In the clinical practice, during weight restoration, it is relatively common to observe potentially fatal complications, such as refeeding syndrome (RS). The objective of this case report is to highlight some key factors regarding nutritional support and the therapeutic approach in AN to avoid life-threatening complications, for example severe hypophosphatemia.
Methods We present the case of a 14-year-old girl suffering from AN, who was admitted to our hospital with lethargy, emaciation with bitemporal wasting, hirsutism and pitting lower extremity edema.
Results Based on the laboratory findings, the concerning condition of the patient was attributed to hypophosphatemia (1,64 mg/dl) caused by RS.
Conclusions Refeeding syndrome is a potentially lethal condition in the case of AN patients. Hypophosphatemia, which is a result of the refeeding syndrome, is a relatively common complication of overly aggressive nutritional rehabilitation. Physicians who are involved in treating this condition, should be aware of this potentially life-threatening syndrome, and assess their therapeutic approach accordingly

Keywords: anorexia nervosa, hypophosphatemia, refeeding syndrome, nutritional support,
In silico analysis of cross reactivity among phospholipases from Hymenoptera species
Authors: Emiliani Yuliana , Sánchez Andrés , Munera Marlon , Sánchez Jorge , Aparicio Dilia
Published: January 2021

Background: Phospholipases are enzymes with the capacity to hydrolyze membrane lipids and have been characterized in several allergenic sources, such as hymenoptera species. However, cross-reactivity among phospholipases allergens are little understood. The objective of this study was to determine potential antigenic regions involved in cross-reactivity among allergens of phospholipases using an in silico approach.

Methods: In total, 18 amino acids sequences belonging to phospholipase family derived from species of the order hymenoptera were retrieved from the UniProt database to perform phylogenetic analysis to determine the closest molecular relationship. Multialignment was done to identify conserved regions and matched with antigenic regions predicted by ElliPro server. 3D models were obtained from modeling by homology and were used to locate cross-reactive antigenic regions.

Results: Phylogenetic analysis showed that the 18 phospholipases split into four monophyletic clades (named here as A, B, C and D). Phospholipases from A clade shared an amino acid sequences’ identity of 79%. Antigenic patches predicted by Ellipro were located in highly conserved regions, suggesting that they could be involved in cross-reactivity in this group (Ves v 1, Ves a 1 and Ves m 1).

Conclusions: At this point, we advanced to the characterization of potential antigenic sites involved in cross-reactivity among phospholipases. Inhibition assays are needed to confirm our finding.
Assessment of Knowledge of Polish University Technical Students on Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) – Survey Results
Authors: Schmidt-Polończyk Natalia , Jaskuła Jerzy
Published: January 2021

Aim: The article presents the results of a survey, which assessed the knowledge of technical university studentson the use of AED (Automated External Defibrillator). The authors put forward two research hypotheses. The first one assumes that the respondents do not have sufficient knowledge about the use of AED. According to the second, the respondents assess their knowledge on using AED at a higher level than it actually is. Project and methods: The survey method was used to assess the knowledge about the location and proper use of the AED. Authors have conducted surveys with 133 respondents (42% women and 58% men) aged 20-24 (average 21.56 ± 0.95 years). Of all subjects, 91% had not previously performed any basic life support before. The questionnaire contained a number of questions that verify both the theoretical knowledge of the respondents and detailed practical knowledge regarding the proper use of the defibrillator. Results: The research results indicate that the level of knowledge about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) among the surveyed students of technical universities is limited. As many as 92% of respondents declared that they know what a defibrillator is used, but only 5% of respondents actually know what defibrillation is. Only 23% of respondents claimed to know the location of the defibrillator at their university, but in fact only 7% of them were able to pinpoint it. As many as 87% of students were not familiar with the location of the defibrillator in their area of residence. Furthermore, only 32% of the respondents answered the question correctly when the defibrillator should be used. Conclusions: The results of the survey indicate an important need for education – not only in terms of general knowledge and skills related to CPR and AED, but especially in practical information about the location of the nearest AED in the workplace, as well as place of residence. Information on the AED location should be included in the first aid training program. It is also important to instruct the audience where such data can be obtained. The authors would like to emphasize that efforts to increase the level of knowledge of lay people are necessary to improve the effectiveness of CPR and AED, and thus the survival of people during sudden life-threatening situations.
The Role of Community Development in Slum Electrification Efforts in Ashaiman, Ghana
Authors: Appiah-Kubi Jamal , Amoako Emmanuel Owusu
Published: January 2021

Upon its introduction into slums in Ghana as a result of its contribution to development in rural communities, community development has been adopted to provide some basic amenities such as houses and toilet facilities in such informal communities. With limited access to electricity being a major problem in Ashaiman slums, various stakeholders such as the Electricity Company of Ghana and non-governmental organizations have employed community development mechanisms to assist the inhabitants in electrification projects in Ashaiman slums. This qualitative study was conducted to investigate how community development has fared in the electrification efforts, focusing on the contributions it has made and the challenges encountered. The practice has improved the dialogue and relationship between the communities and officials of the Electricity Company of Ghana and led to the electrification of some neighbourhoods. However, slum electrification efforts have been impeded by tribal differences among the inhabitants due to the high ethnic diversity, and lack of resources. It is therefore important that leaders of the tribes work towards uniting their subjects for their participation in electrification efforts.
Economic Distress Arising From Covid-19 Pandemic as a Factor in Development of Anxiety Symptoms among Undergraduate Students in Anambra State-Nigeria
Authors: Nwanna Uju Christiana , Azuji Ifeanyi Mathew , Ejichukwu Esther Chinyere
Published: January 2021

The economic situation of a person or family is an important contributory factor to the individual’s health status, hence would likely contribute to the anxiety symptoms they experience, especially in an unforeseen pandemic situation currently being experienced in the world today. This study therefore examined economic distress arising from covid-19 pandemic as a factor in development of anxiety symptoms among undergraduate students in Anambra State, Nigeria. Five research questions guided the study while one null hypothesis tested at 0.05 level of significance. Correlational research design was used in carrying out the study. The population of the study comprised of 39,697 undergraduate students in Universities in Anambra State. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed in the selection of 1,900 participants for this study. The instruments for data collection are questionnaires titled; “Distressing Economic Survey Questionnaire (PESQ)” and “Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)”. The reliability coefficients of the instruments were 0.93 for PESQ and 0.92 for BAI. Data was collected by sending the questionnaires along with the consent form appended to it through e-mails, WhatsApp and Telegram messengers to the contacts of the researchers and analyzed using Percentages, answering the research questions 1-3., Pearson r. for research questions 4-5 and regression analysis for testing the hypothesis. The findings of the study revealed among others that there is a low positive relationship of 0.24 existing between the housing condition of the university undergraduate students’ and the anxiety symptoms experienced. The findings also revealed that the undergraduate students’ living status and housing condition are significant predictors of their experience of anxiety symptoms in Anambra State. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended among others that there is a serious need to have fully functional guidance counsellors in the university who are not combining counselling with lecturing. These guidance counsellors in the school will help to explore varieties of ways of coping with the distressing economic conditions to reduce feelings of anxiety and possibly handling the anxiety before it becomes a source of problem to the students.
Personality Type and Experience of Domestic Violence among Married Women in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Fasasi Motunrayo Idiat , Alabi Matthew Ayodele
Published: January 2021

Worldwide, the incidence of violence regardless of the form is increasing on a daily basis. Although, both men and women are victims and perpetrators of violence, the rate of experience of violence undeniably differs according to gender, with more women bearing the larger burden of experience of violence. Yet, not much is known about the effect of personality treait on experience of domestic violence among women. This study examine the relationship between personality type and experience of domestic violence among currently married women in Southwestern Nigeria. The original survey adopted a mixed method approach involving the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data. However, analysis in this study was restricted to the quantitative data. Primary data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire. A total of 400 eligible respondents were randomly selected out of the total population of 290,280 women of reproductive age. The study revealed 40% of married women in the study area experienced at least one form of violence or the other. However, verbal/emotional violence accounted for the highest prevalence rate (60.0%), followed by physical violence (37.0%) and sexual violence (23.2%). Findings also revealed personality trait was a significant predictor of domestic violence among women. Women with neuroticism, agreeableness and conscientiousness personality had higher likelihood of experiencing domestic violence relative to women with the extraversion personality. The openness personality trait was not significant in predicting experience of domestic violence. The study found high prevalence of domestic violence, while verbal/emotional violence remains the most prevalent form of domestic violence experienced by the women. Personality trait of the women was a significant predictor of experience of domestic violence.
An Inquiry into the Role of Women in Pre-Ahom and Ahom Society with Special Focus on the Institution of Kamakhya
Authors: Kakati Nilam
Published: January 2021

The role of women in Pre- Ahom and Ahom society could be regarded in the broader environment within the ambit of sacred space dedicated to them. Kamakhya temple, situated near Guwahati, Assam is the most profound illustration of the sacred space of women. It is celebrated as one of the renowned centres of Tantra in India in general and Assam in particular. It has established itself not only as an eminent Tantric centre but also as a menstruating Goddess. However, menstruation has been treated as a taboo since the earliest times in various religious texts. It represented the image of impurity and pollution and was dubbed as hot and dangerous. However, in Kamakhya temple, annual menstruation of the goddess is celebrated as a festival. In June every year, Ambubachi Mela represents one of the chief celebrations of the temple. The paper attempts to analyze the theme of menstruation, placing it in the border context of Kamakhya. The article also highlights the unrestricted movement of women in the pre- Ahom and Ahom society owing to its characteristics of the tribal bearing. The study claims that the inherent dichotomy of pure-impure, auspicious- inauspicious becomes unfitting in the case of Kamakhya and her annual menstruation festival. This specifics could pave the way to identify the theme of menstruation as a lone entity beyond the dichotomy which might aid in offering a fresh understanding of the same. The study employs the mixed methodology of hermeneutics and feminist theology.
Fedir Mykolayovych Lyman (22.02.1941–13.06.2020)
Authors: Editorial Board ADM
Published: January 2021

The famous Ukrainian mathematician and educator, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Professor Fedir Mykolayovych Lyman passed away on June 13, 2020 after a long illness.