bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information and Communication Technologies in A Postgraduate TESOL Program: A Human Capital Investment
Authors: AlMarwani Manal
Published: August 2021

With the global advancements in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the national and international demand for well-developed ICT skills and competencies, academic programs at higher education institutions need to make necessary adjustments to content and processes. This study reports on the current ICT integration practices in a TESOL postgraduate program at a Saudi Arabian university, addressing viewpoints at administrative, faculty, and postgraduate student levels. Three different questionnaires were used to answer the following questions: What are the TESOL postgraduate students’ practices of ICT integration, and how do they perceive their professors’ practices? What ICT integration practices do faculty members use, and how do they perceive the merit and desirability of their practices? And ‘How is ICT integration tackled at the administrative level with respect to policy and procedures, infrastructure, training, and technical support? The findings indicate that ICT integration practices in this program are lagging expectations. This is not a matter of attitude, potential, and challenges in the current situation, but is related to understanding the national ICT policy and developing sustainable strategies at an institutional level to guide and support faculty members’ practices. Since the impact of such changes will go beyond higher education to the broader national education system, much more attention needs to be dedicated to teacher education and professional development programs, including TESOL postgraduate programs.
Unspoken, yet understood: Exploring how couples communicate their exclusivity agreements
Authors: Muise Megan D. , Belu Charlene F. , O’Sullivan Lucia F.
Published: August 2021

Although monogamy (i.e., romantic and/or sexual exclusivity) remains the most common arrangement for romantic partnerships, there is little research exploring how couples communicate about exclusivity to one another. The current study assessed the ways in which couples discuss and negotiate exclusivity agreements, and whether those agreements change over time. Participants were 573 North American adults (mean age = 28.86 years; 52% identified as female) in romantic relationships who completed an online survey asking them to describe their current exclusivity agreements using both structured and open-ended survey questions. Open-ended data were subjected to inductive content analysis, and eight primary themes were identified. Although most (91%) indicated that they have an agreement to remain romantically and sexually exclusive in their relationships, only 43% reported coming to the agreement during an explicit conversation with their partner. More often (52%) the agreements were described as implied, meaning they had never actually been discussed. Of those with exclusivity agreements, 87% reported no change to their agreement throughout the relationship. Implications are discussed in terms of the value of direct communication between partners about exclusivity and infidelity.
Children’s books on grown-up themes. On J. Boyne’s novels The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and The Boy at the Top of the Mountain
Authors: Pozina M. V.
Published: August 2021

The essay is concerned with the work of the Irish writer John Boyne, who received international renown upon publication of his two young adult novels: The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and The Boy at the Top of the Mountain. The two books are connected by the same topic — a child and the war — as well as an unconventional view of the fate of the small protagonist who becomes entangled in the big history. Among the characters of Boyne’s novels are children of high-ranking Nazis, prisoners of concentration camps, people inhabiting pre-war Europe, and even the Führer (Hitler) himself. The essay not only comments on the plots of the two novels, which follow the lives of Boyne’s young protagonists, but also suggests that everyone, including children, is responsible for their moral choice: whereas Bruno, the hero of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, remains pure in heart, his counterpart Peter (Pierrot) from The Boy at the Top of the Mountain becomes infected with Nazi ideology. In addition, the essay discusses certain facts of the writer’s biography, mentioning, in particular, that he turned to young adult fiction after a successful career in ‘grown-up’ literature.
No, I’m not… Chaucer? The Arabic motif in Troilus and Criseyde and Pushkin’s ‘The Prophet’ [‘Prorok’]
Authors: Shapovalova A. A.
Published: August 2021

The article discusses two works of literature: Troilus and Criseyde, a long poem written in the genre of courtly romance (1382–1386/1387) by G. Chaucer, and ‘The Prophet’ [‘Prorok’] (1826), a poem by A. Pushkin. The two works are compared due to a common motif: the opening of the chest and swapping of the heart as a sign of the person’s spiritual regeneration. In her comparative analysis of the two poems, the author attempts to identify their common source or the likelihood of direct contact — whether Pushkin had come across Chaucer’s work and borrowed the motif directly. As for the heart being replaced, it seems both poets may have been inspired by several biblical stories. Further analysis of the motif of the chest being opened suggests that the research should focus on the Arabic tradition alone and take into account the potential influence of Islamic religious texts on Pushkin as well as Chaucer. Relying on the available data about Russian and European relations with the Arabic world, the article hypothesises about the ways in which the motif in question could have reached each of the poets. The author names the Quran as the common genetic source of the two poems.
Illies, F. (2019). Just now the sky was blue. Texts on art. Translated by V. Serov. Moscow: Ad Marginem Press, Muzey sovremennogo iskusstva ‘Garazh.’ (In Russ.)
Authors: Kovalyov N. I.
Published: August 2021

The reviewer claims that Florian Illies’ essays demonstrate a perfect balance between pure scholarship and journalism. Despite representing a miscellany of genres (book and exhibition reviews, articles summarising the author’s view of various painters and art historians), the collection proves harmonious due to a common motif of the essays. The book does not draw a strict line between history of literature and art history. Similarly, Illies does not separate art history from the context of the life around art, i. e. the authors’ correspondence, their relationships with their family and friends, fellow artists and patrons. His unconventional view of art history enables Illies to identify interesting overarching subjects which include the problem of the patron’s influence on a work of art and the category of taste. The essayist is particularly interested in ‘second-rank’ authors, who, he suggests, emerge as first-rank in various historical periods.
Combined non-Orthodox Therapy in the Management of Treatment-Resistant Infections due to Helicobacter Pylori, Giardia Duodenalis and Microsporidium sp. In a Patient with Chronic Diarrhea, Wasting Synd
Authors: Marcano-Lozada Marcel , Molero-Leon Silvia
Published: August 2021

we resume a clinical case submitted to the Medical Microbiology Unit due to the complexity of etiological diagnosis and previous health issues of the patient, and with the additional restriction in the use of anti-infective treatments for a severe allergic reaction record.
TECHNICAL INSPECTION OF THE STRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE STRUCTURE OF FRAMES WITH COLD-ROLLED THIN-WALLED PROFILES
Authors:   Kherson State agrarian and economic University, Romanenko S.M. , Andriievska Y.P. ,   Kherson State agrarian and economic University
Published: August 2021

Cold rolled steel structures have been known since the mid-19th century in the United States and Great Britain. Despite the advances in the development of cold-rolled structures, the level of their use was lower than that of hot-rolled structures. A significant factor that influenced this imbalance in application was the fact that there were no regulations. Into different countries of the world have their own national regulations for the calculation of cold-rolled steel structures, which have many controversies. In the European group includes the norms of the countries of the European Union, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan; American group - the United States of America, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Chile, Egypt. The regulations of such large countries as China, India and Russia have their own characteristics. The article presents the results of a technical survey of the load-bearing structures of the canopy. The survey was carried out to determine the bearing capacity of the roof load-bearing structures in relation to the location of the solar panels on the roof of the building. The construction of buildings and their structural parts from light steel thin-walled structures (profiles) is carried out in the form of light frames, the frames of which are successively connected into spatial systems. A new lightweight roof covering made of profiled sheet and a frame structure made of cold-rolled P-profile and C-profile elements for roofing and installation of solar panels are proposed. Such a coating is the most industrialized, easily and quickly erected. The analysis of constructive options for the effective placement of the profile of cold-rolled elements and joints of the frame and reinforced concrete run of the coating is carried out. The design of the frame was carried out in the software package " Лира САПР 2013" . The results of the work carried out served to draw up recommendations for restoring the properties of the load-bearing structures of the canopy, the development of design estimates and implementations into construction practice during the reconstruction of the canopy.
TECHNOLOGY PROVIDING SECONDARY PROTECTION METAL STRUCTURES AGAINST CORROSION UNDER AGGRESSIVE IMPACT OF METALLURGICAL PRODUCTION
Authors:   State Higher Education Institution “Pryazovskyi State Technical University”, O.M. Gibalenko , O.A. Bocharova ,   State Higher Education Institution “Pryazovskyi State Technical University”, G.О. Melnik
Published: August 2021

Research is aimed at the formation and development of innovative developments to increase the metal structures corrosion protection, as an important means of ensuring the quality and safety industrial facilities. The method determining the corrosion destruction signs, the procedure of monitoring and carrying out measures to diagnose the technical condition of lattice metal structures according to the level of corrosion hazard were adopted. The nomenclature indicators and control methods (conformity assessment) of determining parameters primary and secondary protection metal designs against corrosion is established. During this study, the lattice structures operational condition loader crane’s girder structure was considered. It is revealed that operation of the crane is carried out in difficult production conditions operating environment’s aggressive influence in combination with considerable dynamic loadings working operations loading technological process, unloading, sorting (averaging) of ore yard’s charge of blast furnace shop. Based on the study structures corrosion condition and operating conditions, measures have been developed to increase the durability ore-grab crane of the reloader. Based on the analysis of the principles of the ISO 9001 process approach, the development and implementation design solutions to extend the structures service life in aggressive environments of metallurgical production. It is proved that the procedure of making constructive and technological decisions, performance works on increase corrosion resistance promotes maintenance conditions of resource saving and technological safety industrial constructions. The principles process is offered to develop and implement design measures to extend the service life of structures in aggressive environments metallurgical production are proposed. Constructive and technological measures to ensure durability in accordance with the requirements of the building structure corrosion risk have been developed, which are determined by the critical indicators metal structures protection in the conditions corrosion influences within their limit values.
MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF THE COVERING OPTIMIZATION OF THE ROUND BUILDINGS IN A PLAN WITH A RADIAL BEAM POSITION
Authors:   Kherson State Agrarian University, Yanin A.E. , Novikova S.N. ,   Kherson State Agrarian University
Published: August 2021

The article presents the results of optimization of the angle between radial beams in the floor of a circular building in the plan. On the one hand, they rest on the central post, and on the other, on vertical supporting structures along the circle. Steel decking is laid on the beams. The angle between the beams is determined so that the mass of the beam and the deck is minimal. This angle is considered optimal. To solve the problem, the target function of the cost of flooring and radial beams per unit floor area is used. This function depends on the angle between the beams. Using mathematical methods of differentiation, the minimum of the objective function and the corresponding value of the optimal angle were found. The thickness of the flooring was determined on the basis of ensuring its rigidity. It is assumed that composite welded radial beams have I-beams with two axes of symmetry. The height of the beam corresponds to the equality of the areas of the shelves and the wall. The problem of determining the optimal angle between the beams was solved on the basis of ensuring the strength of the beams under normal stresses. In the design diagram of the beam, a triangular distributed load is adopted. The dimensions of the cross-section of the beam were determined based on the equality of the required and actual moments of resistance, and were included in the target cost function. The study took into account that the deflection of the beam at the optimal angle between them can exceed the limiting standard value. Based on the solution of the system of equations of strength and stiffness, a formula is obtained for the minimum angle between the beams from the stiffness condition. The carried out mathematical studies have shown that at the optimal angle between the beams, it is possible to ensure its rigidity. This is possible when the flexibility of the beam wall exceeds a certain minimum value. Analysis of the formula for the minimum value of the wall flexibility showed that it is proportional to the design steel resistance to the sixth power. Therefore, to ensure that the deflection of the beam does not exceed the limiting value at the optimum angle, it is necessary to use low strength steel. To confirm the practical feasibility of using the proposed method, the problem was solved with certain numerical data. The results obtained have confirmed that the problem has a practical meaning at a relatively low steel strength. In addition, it turned out that the optimal angle between the beams does not depend on its span.
TEST OF A NET DOME FRAGMENT
Authors:   Odessa State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture, O.Y. Hilodo , A.M. Arsiriy ,   Odessa State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture, О.М. Korshak ,   Odessa State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture, V.P. Kovtun ,   Odessa State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture, A.A. Kitaiev ,   Ltd. «ECODVUTAVR»
Published: August 2021

A geodesic or net dome, also known as a Fuller’s dome, is a spherical structure. Geodesic domes are well receptive to asymmetric loads, especially snow and wind, have high aerodynamics, increased rigidity and stability. It should be noted that the larger the diameter of the sphere, the greater its bearing capacity, and the strength of such dome slightly depends on the building materials used. With significant advantages, the design and construction of wooden net domes has not become widespread. The fact is that net domes are spatial structures with a large number of elements, which accordingly entails a large number of nodes. The elements of the dome are connected with dowels, wet film gauge, bolts, wood screws, staples, screws, nails. Adhesive connections on washers are used, also steel clamps, straps, overlays are applied. However, they all have disadvantages, the scope of each connector is different, and their cost is often comparable to the cost of the dome elements. We offer a universal connector for connecting dome parts at any angle. As a result of introduction of such technical decision of knot, we receive essential simplification of a design, reduction of quantity of components, at the same time with increase of its manufacturability. To study the operation of the joint of wooden glue-board elements of the dome with the use of a universal connector, its experimental studies were carried out. The purpose of the study: to study the actual operation of the connection of wooden parts of the dome with a universal connector in the form of rotating fasteners that rotate freely on the draw bolt, to assess its strength and deformability, to assess the possibility of using such a connection in the design of spatial structures. To solve the tasks, a full-scale fragment of the dome was tested, which includes characteristic nodes with rigid adjacency of elements to each other.
INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY OF THE ROOF PURLIN SYSTEM
Authors:   Odessa State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Kupchenko Y.V. , Singayevsky P.M. ,   Odessa State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Lesechko O.V. ,   Odessa State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Konstantinov P.V. ,   Odessa State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture
Published: August 2021

In the article, the authors consider one of the ways to solve the problem of reducing metal consumption and increasing the efficiency of metal structures by choosing an effective static scheme. The choice of the appropriate scheme is carried out for the most common elements of metal structures - beams, which also include roof purlins. To cover the industrial building of the seaport, discontinuous and continuous stringer systems are being developed and their efficiency is analyzed in terms of metal consumption and labor intensity.
BIM-TECHNOLOGY METHOD AND MODELS IN THE DESIGN OF THE AQUAPARK DOME STRUCTURE WITH WOODEN ARCHES
Authors:   Kyiv National University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Budko T.G. , Lavrinenko L.І. ,   Kyiv National University of Civil Engineering and Architecture
Published: August 2021

Тhe issues of designing a multi-volume dome structure for a water park using wooden arches as load-bearing structures are сonsidered. The complexity of the volumes and their joining lines, as well as the requirement to perform non-linear analysis of large-span timber elements at the request of Eurocode 5, make an information model with elements of BIM-technology necessary. It is noted that design using this technology is developing in the direction of taking into account all stages of the structure life cycle. Wood Information modeling is the most prepared for the use of BIM-technologies. This is due to the high factory readiness and complex digital technologies for the manufacture of modern wooden structures elements. During the design, an information model was formulated in the SAPFIR software package with the subsequent possibility of importing the model into the LIRA-SAPR software package. Additional steps were used to build the model: creating a 2D template in AutoCad with reference lines and the location of rigid walls on which the coating rests, and importing drawings into SAPFIR as a dxf-underlay; for all elements of the system located in the local coordinate system, auxiliary lines were built for the correct orientation of the plane in space; loads on curved surfaces were calculated in the PC Expri. For the further development of the nodes, 3D modeling was used with the transfer of the information model to the Tekla Structures PC as a specialized environment for the constructive section of the project. The presented calculation of a complex dome structure using wooden arches summarizes the approaches to the development of unique forms of structures using wood. The use of information models made it possible to reduce the time spent on design, to optimize the drawings, and also to significantly increase the complexity of the architectural and structural design of the structure and the design model, taking into account the nonlinear effects of wood.
OPTIMIZATION OF CALCULATION SCHEMES
Authors:   Volodymyr Dahl East Ukrainian National University, Medved I.
Published: August 2021

Any calculation is preceded by the stage of creating a design diagram of a real structure, which would most accurately correspond to real operating conditions. The more optimally the design scheme is drawn up, the less laborious the stages of calculation and design of the corresponding structure will be. There are practically no results of using this approach when calculating building structures. This article attempts to show the possibility and expediency of using the "Search for solutions" (add-on for Microsoft Excel) at the stage of choosing the optimal parameters of the design design schemeAny calculation is preceded by the stage of creating a design diagram of a real structure, which would most closely correspond to real operating conditions. The more optimally the design scheme is drawn up, the less laborious the stages of calculation and design of the corresponding structure will be. If the efficiency criterion is a linear function, and the variables in the constraint system are also linear, then such a problem is a linear programming problem. Of the listed methods of mathematical programming, the most common and developed is linear programming. To illustrate the idea of the proposed approach, a simple statically definable truss on two supports was deliberately chosen. This is done so that the idea of the proposed approach is not lost due to the complexity and cumbersomeness of the calculations. This article shows the possibility and feasibility of using the "Search for solutions" at the stage of choosing the optimal parameters of the design design scheme. After the design scheme has been defined, more powerful conventional means of calculating building structures can be involved for its complete calculation.
Where the central canal begins: endoscopic in vivo description
Authors: Longatti Pierluigi , Fiorindi Alessandro , Marton Elisabetta , Sala Francesco , Feletti Alberto
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVE

Although evidence and descriptions of the central canal (CC) along the medulla oblongata and the spinal cord have been provided by several anatomical and radiological studies, a clear picture and assessment of the opening of the CC, or apertura canalis centralis (ACC), into the fourth ventricle is lacking, due to its submillimetric size and hidden position in the calamus scriptorius.

METHODS

The authors reviewed all of their cases in which patients underwent ventricular transaqueductal flexible endoscopic procedures and selected 44 cases in which an inspection of the region of the calamus scriptorius had been performed and was suitable for study inclusion. Patients were divided into different groups, based on the presence or absence of a chronic pathological process involving the fourth ventricle. In each case, the visual appearance of the opening of the CC of the ACC was classified as no evidence (A0), indirect evidence (A1), or clear evidence (A2). Morphometric measurements were inferred from surrounding structures and the size of surgical tools visible in the field.

RESULTS

The opening of the CC could be clearly observed in all cases (A1 4.5%, A2 95.5%). In normal cases, a lanceolate shape along the median sulcus was most frequently found, with an average size of 600 × 250 µm that became rounded and smaller in size in cases of hydrocephalus. The distance between the caudal margin of the ACC and the obex was about 1.8 mm in normal cases, 2.1 mm in cases of obstructive hydrocephalus, and 1 mm in cases of normal pressure hydrocephalus. The two wings of the area postrema, variable in size and shape, were sited just caudal to the opening.

CONCLUSIONS

A flexible scope inserted through the cerebral aqueduct can approach the hidden calamus scriptorius like a pen fits into an inkpot. With this privileged viewpoint, the authors provide for the first time, to their knowledge, a clear and novel vision of the opening of the CC in the fourth ventricle, along with the precise location of this tiny structure compared to other anatomical landmarks in the inferior triangle.
Anterior transpetrosal approach: experiences in 274 cases over 33 years. Technical variations, operated patients, and approach-related complications
Authors: Tomio Ryosuke , Horiguchi Takashi , Borghei-Razavi Hamid , Tamura Ryota , Yoshida Kazunari , Kawase Takeshi
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVE

The anterior transpetrosal approach (ATPA) was initially reported in 1985. The authors’ institution has 274 case records of surgery performed with the ATPA during the period from 1984 to 2017. Although many technical advances and modifications in the ATPA have occurred over those 33 years, to the authors’ knowledge no articles to date have reported a detailed analysis of variations and complications of the ATPA. In this study, the authors analyzed their patient series to elucidate improvements over time in ATPA methodology while highlighting unresolved problems and evaluating how to avoid surgical complications.

METHODS

All surgical cases (274 patients) using the ATPA at the authors’ institution during the period from 1984 to 2017 were analyzed retrospectively using charts, clinical summaries, operative records, and operative videos. Obtained parameters were patient age and sex, diagnosis, size of tumors, location of disease, operative date, neurological symptoms before and after surgery, radiographically identified brain injury, and other surgical complications. The most common diagnosis was petroclival meningioma (n = 158), followed by trigeminal schwannoma (n = 32), chordoma (n = 25), epidermoid tumor (n = 21), other tumor (n = 27), aneurysm (n = 6), and other (n = 5).

RESULTS

The original ATPA was performed in 239 cases. In an additional 35 cases, a modified ATPA was performed. Zygomatic osteotomy with ATPA was a common modification that was used in 19 of the 35 cases to decrease retraction damage to the temporal lobe for high-positioned tumors. Brain injury by temporal lobe retraction without venous hemorrhage still occurred in 8 of the 19 cases (3.1%) with surgical death in 1 of these cases (0.4%) of reoperation with sacrifice of the petrosal vein. Symptomatic CSF leak was the most frequent complication noted and was observed in 35 cases (13.5%). In most of these cases the patients were cured by observation or lumbar drain, but in 6 cases (17.1%) reoperation was needed. Facial nerve damage related to surgical approach decreased from 6.2% to 3.5% after 2010; however, the incidence of CSF leaks (13.5%) has not improved.

CONCLUSIONS

There have been several modifications and advancements made in the ATPA to increase tumor removal and decrease surgical complications. However, complications related to surgical approach occurred, such as venous occlusion–related brain injury and facial nerve damage at pyramid resection. CSF leak remained an unsolved problem related to the ATPA procedures. Preoperative assessment of venous variation of the middle fossa, pneumatization of the temporal bone, and intraoperative monitoring of cranial nerves are important procedures to decrease these complications.
Synergy between glutamate modulation and anti–programmed cell death protein 1 immunotherapy for glioblastoma
Authors: Medikonda Ravi , Choi John , Pant Ayush , Saleh Laura , Routkevitch Denis , Tong Luqing , Belcaid Zineb , Kim Young Hoon , Jackson Christopher M. , Jackson Christina , Mathios Dimitrios , Xia Yuanxuan , Shah Pavan P. , Patel Kisha , Kim Timothy , Srivastava Siddhartha , Huq Sakibul , Ehresman Jeff , Pennington Zach , Tyler Betty , Brem Henry , Lim Michael
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVE

Immune checkpoint inhibitors such as anti–programmed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD-1) have shown promise for the treatment of cancers such as melanoma, but results for glioblastoma (GBM) have been disappointing thus far. It has been suggested that GBM has multiple mechanisms of immunosuppression, indicating a need for combinatorial treatment strategies. It is well understood that GBM increases glutamate in the tumor microenvironment (TME); however, the significance of this is not well understood. The authors posit that glutamate upregulation in the GBM TME is immunosuppressive. The authors utilized a novel glutamate modulator, BHV-4157, to determine synergy between glutamate modulation and the well-established anti-PD-1 immunotherapy for GBM.

METHODS

C57BL/6J mice were intracranially implanted with luciferase-tagged GL261 glioma cells. Mice were randomly assigned to the control, anti-PD-1, BHV-4157, or combination anti-PD-1 plus BHV-4157 treatment arms, and median overall survival was assessed. In vivo microdialysis was performed at the tumor site with administration of BHV-4157. Intratumoral immune cell populations were characterized with immunofluorescence and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The BHV-4157 treatment arm demonstrated improved survival compared with the control arm (p < 0.0001). Microdialysis demonstrated that glutamate concentration in TME significantly decreased after BHV-4157 administration. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry demonstrated increased CD4+ T cells and decreased Foxp3+ T cells in mice that received BHV-4157 treatment. No survival benefit was observed when CD4+ or CD8+ T cells were depleted in mice prior to BHV-4157 administration (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the authors showed synergy between anti-PD-1 immunotherapy and glutamate modulation. The authors provide a possible mechanism for this synergistic benefit by showing that BHV-4157 relies on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. This study sheds light on the role of excess glutamate in GBM and provides a basis for further exploring combinatorial approaches for the treatment of this disease.
Nerve transfers for femoral nerve palsy: an updated approach and surgical technique
Authors: Peters Blair R. , Ha Austin Y. , Moore Amy M. , Tung Thomas H.
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVE

Femoral nerve palsy results in significant impairment of lower extremity function due to the loss of quadriceps muscle function. The authors have previously described their techniques utilizing the anterior obturator and sartorius nerves for transfer in cases of femoral nerve palsy presenting within 1 year of injury. In the current study, the authors discuss their updated techniques, results, and approach to partial and complete femoral nerve palsies using femoral nerve decompression and nerve transfers.

METHODS

They conducted a retrospective review of patients with femoral nerve palsies treated with their technique at the Washington University School of Medicine in 2008–2019. Primary outcomes were active knee extension Medical Research Council (MRC) grades and visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients with femoral nerve palsy were treated with femoral nerve decompression and nerve transfer: 4 with end-to-end (ETE) nerve transfers, 6 with supercharged end-to-side (SETS) transfers, and 4 with ETE and SETS transfers, using the anterior branch of the obturator nerve, the sartorius branches, or a combination of both. The median preoperative knee extension MRC grade was 2 (range 0–3). The average preoperative VAS pain score was 5.2 (range 1–9). Postoperatively, all patients attained an MRC grade 4 or greater and subjectively noted improved strength and muscle bulk and more natural gait. The average postoperative pain score was 2.3 (range 0–6), a statistically significant improvement (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Until recently, few treatments were available for high femoral nerve palsy. A treatment strategy involving femoral nerve decompression and nerve transfers allows for meaningful functional recovery and pain relief in cases of partial and total femoral nerve palsy. An algorithm for the management of partial and complete femoral nerve palsies and a detailed description of surgical techniques are presented.
Endoscopic endonasal and transorbital approaches to petrous apex lesions
Authors: Lee Won Jae , Hong Sang Duk , Woo Kyung In , Seol Ho Jun , Choi Jung Won , Lee Jung-Il , Nam Do-Hyun , Kong Doo-Sik
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVE

The petrous apex (PA) is one of the most challenging areas in skull base surgery because it is surrounded by numerous critical neurovascular structures. The authors analyzed the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) and transorbital approach (TOA) procedures for lesions involving PA to determine the perspectives and proper applications of these two approaches.

METHODS

The authors included patients younger than 80 years with lesions involving PA who were treated between May 2015 and December 2019 and had regular follow-up MR images available for analysis. Patients with meningioma involving petroclival regions were excluded. The authors classified PA into three regions: superior to the petrous segment of the internal carotid artery (p-ICA) (zone 1); posterior to p-ICA (zone 2); and inferior to p-ICA (zone 3). Demographic data, preoperative clinical and radiological findings, surgical outcomes, and morbidities were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 19 patients with lesions involving PA were included. Ten patients had malignant tumor (chondrosarcoma, chordoma, and osteosarcoma), and 6 had benign tumor (schwannoma, Cushing’s disease, teratoma, etc.). Three patients had PA cephalocele (PAC). Thirteen patients underwent EEA, and 5 underwent TOA. Simultaneous combined EEA and TOA was performed on 1 patient. Thirteen of 16 patients (81.3%) had gross- or near-total resection. Tumors within PA were completely resected from 13 of 16 patients using a view limited to only the PA. Complete obliteration of PAC was achieved in all patients. Postoperative complications included 2 cases of CSF leak, 1 case of injury to ICA, 1 fatality due to sudden herniation of the brainstem, and 1 case of postoperative diplopia.

CONCLUSIONS

EEA is a versatile surgical approach for lesions involving all three zones of PA. Clival tumor spreading to PA in a medial-to-lateral direction is a good indication for EEA. TOA provided a direct surgical corridor to the superior portion of PA (zone 1). Patients with disease with cystic nature are good candidates for TOA. TOA may be a reasonable alternative surgical treatment for select pathologies involving PA.
Adapting the 5-factor modified frailty index for prediction of postprocedural outcome in patients with unruptured aneurysms
Authors: Feghali James , Gami Abhishek , Rapaport Sarah , Patel Jaimin , Khalafallah Adham M. , Huq Sakibul , Mukherjee Debraj , Tamargo Rafael J. , Huang Judy
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVE

The 5-factor modified frailty index (mFI-5) is a practical tool that can be used to estimate frailty by measuring five accessible factors: functional status, history of diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, and hypertension. The authors aimed to validate the utility of mFI-5 for predicting endovascular and microsurgical treatment outcomes in patients with unruptured aneurysms.

METHODS

A prospectively maintained database of consecutive patients with unruptured aneurysm who were treated with clip placement or endovascular therapy was used. Because patient age is an important predictor of treatment outcomes in patients with unruptured aneurysm, mFI-5 was supplemented with age to create the age-supplemented mFI-5 (AmFI-5). Associations of scores on these indices with major complications (symptomatic ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, or surgical site infection requiring reoperation) were evaluated. Validation was carried out with the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database (2006–2017).

RESULTS

The institutional database included 275 patients (88 underwent clip placement, and 187 underwent endovascular treatment). Multivariable analysis of the surgical cohort showed that major complication was significantly associated with mFI-5 (OR 2.0, p = 0.046) and AmFI-5 (OR 1.9, p = 0.028) scores. Significant predictive accuracy for major complications was provided by mFI-5 (c-statistic = 0.709, p = 0.011) and AmFI-5 (c-statistic = 0.720, p = 0.008). The American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification System (ASA) provided poor discrimination (area under the curve = 0.541, p = 0.618) that was significantly less than that of mFI-5 (p = 0.023) and AmFI-5 (p = 0.014). Optimal relative fit was achieved with AmFI-5, which had the lowest Akaike information criterion value. Similar results were obtained after equivalent analysis of the endovascular cohort, with additional significant associations between index scores and length of stay (β = 0.6 and p = 0.009 for mFI-5; β = 0.5 and p = 0.003 for AmFI-5). In 1047 patients who underwent clip placement and were included in the NSQIP database, mFI-5 (p = 0.001) and AmFI-5 (p < 0.001) scores were significantly associated with severe postoperative adverse events and provided greater discrimination (c-statistic = 0.600 and p < 0.001 for mFI-5; c-statistic = 0.610 and p < 0.001 for AmFI-5) than ASA score (c-statistic = 0.580 and p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

mFI-5 and AmFI-5 represent potential predictors of procedure-related complications in unruptured aneurysm patients. After further validation, integration of these tools into clinical workflows may optimize patients for intervention.
The Rota das Emoções in the touristic context of Northeast region of Brazil
Authors: PUTRICK Simone Cristina , PERİNOTTO André Riani Costa
Published: August 2021

The objective is to analyze the importance of the Rota das Emoções in the development of Piauí's territory. Piauí is studied in the context of the Northeast of Brazil, geographical space of Piauí and public tourism policies, with a focus on the Programa de Regionalização do Turismo (Tourism Regionalization Program) that suggests itineraries with the emergence of the Rota das Emoções (Route of Emotions), a regional route that comprises the Brazilian states of Piauí, Ceará and Maranhão. The relevance is given by the significant growth acquired by tourism in contemporary society. Governmental actions that promote territorial tourism diffusion are examined in Brazil, especially in Piauí. Private policies that regulate and establish tourist services that generate formal and informal jobs and trigger transformations with a multiplier effect. However, infrastructural transformations do not meet social objectives, directed to the market and to people's well-being.
Cuba in Soviet and American Cold War cinema. Comparative analysis
Authors: Kleshchenko Lyudmila
Published: August 2021

The article presents the results of a study of Cuba's cinema images in Soviet and American cold war cinema. The study aimed to compare the ways of representing Cuba in the Soviet and American cinema of this period. Materials for the study were Soviet and American films made in the period 1945-1991. It is shown that in the American cinema of the cold war, Cuba can be positioned as an enemy, as an arena of confrontation in the struggle of two superpowers, or as a victim of this struggle. In Soviet cinema, accordingly, Cuba is positioned as a fraternal country, or as a victim of American imperialism. There is a similarity in the representation of Cuba in Soviet and American cinema: images of Cuba are involved in constructing the image of the enemy to strengthen the threat emanating from it and perform a mobilization function. Besides, the image of Cuba in distress serves to legitimize the fight against the invaders, Soviet or American. The feminization of Cuba is used as an ideological device for constructing the image of the enemy. At the same time, the images of Cuba in American cinema are more diverse, due to the long history of relations between the two countries based on geographical proximity.
Youth factor in the separatism development in Spain. The case of Catalonia and Basque Country
Authors: Frolov Yulia N.
Published: August 2021

The article is dedicated to the issue of young people role in separatism in Spain. The phenomenon of separatism is considered as a system where young people can be both a part of the system and an external factor. An attempt is made to trace the evolution of the youth involvement in separatist movements, as well as to identify the main current trends in the attitude of young people to the ideas of nationalism, specifically in the autonomous communities of Catalonia and the Basque Country. The article investigates the results of European empirical studies on the problem of young people political participation both in Spain and in other EU countries, as well as a number of sociological studies on the attitude of the youth to the issues of separatism, nationalism and radicalism. As a result, a number of conclusions are made that indicate the existence of multidirectional trends among modern young Spaniards on issues of separatism, some of these trends are features of the current situation and were not typical for Spanish society earlier.
“Shadow of Empires”: Ways and Means of Stability in Central and Eastern Europe Viewed by the British Diplomats and Political Leaders in the 1920s
Authors: Magadeev Iskander
Published: August 2021

Using the evidence from the National Archives of Great Britain and published diplomatic documents, this article analyses the role, which the “shadow of empires” played in the British diplomatic estimates of the 1920s regarding the international stability in Central and Eastern Europe. This “shadow” is interpreted as the influence caused by the idea that the past images and realities of the international relations in Central and Eastern Europe before 1914, dominated by empires, could re-emerge. The author defined three main manifestations of this pattern. First, the fears that Germany and Russia would drift towards each other at the expense of Poland, and the feeling of risks, which emanated from the eventual growth of the Russian influence in the Balkans. Second, the British desire to reestablish the common economic space of the former Austro-Hungary in Danubian Europe. Finally, the criticism of nationalism of created/re-created states and the attempts to group them in confederations or blocs, which was rather widespread in the Foreign Office circles. The author concludes that the “shadow of empires” played a significant role in the British estimates of the post-war stability in Central and Eastern Europe though its influence and nature remained controversial. It was characterised, on the one hand, by the pragmatism and the desire to defend the British strategic and economic interests, but on the other, by the stereotypes and biased conceptions.
Latin America and the Soviet-Chinese Conflict (the 1960s – mid-1970s)
Authors: Schelchkov Andrey
Published: August 2021

The disagreements and rupture between the Chinese Communist Party and the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) were the most important event in the history of the International Communist Movement in the 60s and 70s of the 20th century, which had a huge impact on the fate of communist parties around the world. Latin America has become a place of fierce rivalry between Moscow and Beijing for influence on the political left flank. Moscow's tough opposition to any attempts by the Chinese Communist Party to increase its influence in the continent's communist parties without resorting to splitting them caused a backlash and a change in the policy of criticism within the parties to a policy of secession of independent “anti-revisionist” communist parties. Maoist communist parties emerged in all countries of the continent, opposing their policies to the pro-Moscow left parties. Maoism was able to penetrate not only the old communist movement but also the ranks of socialists, leftist nationalists and even Christian democrats. It often became the ideological and political basis for a break with the “traditional” left parties, a kind of transit bridge towards the “new left”. The ideas of Maoism were partly accepted by the trend of the “new left”, which gained special weight among the intelligentsia and students of the continent. This article is devoted to the emergence and development of the Maoist Communist Parties, the reaction of Moscow and Havana in the political circumstances of Latin America in the 60s of the 20th century.
The Clinical Spectrum of Young Onset Dementia Points to Its Stochastic Origins
Authors: Panegyres Peter K.
Published: August 2021

Background:

Dementia is a major global health problem and the search for improved therapies is ongoing. The study of young onset dementia (YOD)—with onset prior to 65 years—represents a challenge owing to the variety of clinical presentations, pathology, and gene mutations. The advantage of the investigation of YOD is the lack of comorbidities that complicate the clinical picture in older adults. Here we explore the origins of YOD.

Objective:

To define the clinical diversity of YOD in terms of its demography, range of presentations, neurological examination findings, comorbidities, medical history, cognitive findings, imaging abnormalities both structural and functional, electroencephagraphic (EEG) data, neuropathology, and genetics.

Methods:

A prospective 20-year study of 240 community-based patients referred to specialty neurology clinics established to elucidate the nature of YOD.

Results:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD; n = 139) and behavioral variant frontotemporal (bvFTD; n = 58) were the most common causes with a mean age of onset of 56.5 years for AD (±1 SD 5.45) and 57.1 years for bvFTD (±1 SD 5.66). Neuropathology showed a variety of diagnoses from multiple sclerosis, Lewy body disease, FTD-MND, TDP-43 proteinopathy, adult-onset leukoencephalopathy with axonal steroids and pigmented glia, corticobasal degeneration, unexplained small vessel disease, and autoimmune T-cell encephalitis. Non-amnestic forms of AD and alternative forms of FTD were discovered. Mutations were only found in 11 subjects (11/240 = 4.6%). APOE genotyping was not divergent between the two populations.

Conclusion:

There are multiple kinds of YOD, and most are sporadic. These observations point to their stochastic origins.