bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microscopic Surgical Anatomy of the Stapedius Muscle in Fresh Cadaveric Temporal Bone
Authors: Swain Santosh Kumar , Pani Somya Ranjan
Published: January 2022

Introduction:

Stapedius muscle is the smallest bone in the human body and it has an important role for preventing loud noise exposing to the inner ear. This stapedius muscle has also a very significant role during stapes surgery for otosclerosis.

Materials and Methods:

We studied the microscopic anatomy of the 36-stapedius muscle at our temporal bone dissection laboratory during the period of March 2019 to April 2021. All the 36 fresh temporal bones were dissected with the help of the microdrill, burr, and Zeiss microscope. Details of the stapedius muscle anatomy such as origin, extension, and attachment were studied.

Results:

The length of the stapedius muscle was ranging from 8 to 11 mm. The tendon of the stapedius muscle was ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 mm. The classical shape of the stapedius muscle was sickle shape. The bulky bell of the stapedius muscle was from 1.5 to 3.5 mm.

Discussion and Conclusion:

Clear anatomical knowledge of the stapedius muscle is needed for the postgraduates and during learning period of the otologist. If anatomical knowledge is not clear, it may lead to confusion between the stapedius muscle and facial nerve. Awareness regarding microscopic anatomic is required for avoiding the confusion between the facial nerve and stapedius muscle or during the facial nerve grafting.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice toward COVID-19 among Sudanese Population, Khartoum 2020
Authors: Khojaley Issra Osman , Hamad Fadwa Abdalhai , Saeed Ali Awadallah , Humaida Mai Abdalla , Hassan Tarig M.
Published: January 2022

Introduction:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is defined as an illness caused by a novel coronavirus which is an emerging respiratory infection that was first discovered in December 2019, in Wuhan city, Hubei Province, China, finally named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. This study aimed to evaluate the current level of knowledge regarding transmission, symptoms, and preventive measures of COVID-19 among the general population in Sudan.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice toward COVID-19 among Sudanese resident.

Methodology:

This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, community-based study for 1000 respondents selected by convenience sampling technique in seven localities of Khartoum state, Sudan between the periods April 9 and June 9, 2020. Data were collected using a pre designed pretested questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software, version 23.0 (IBM SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results:

Sixty-four percent of the population had good knowledge regarding COVID-19 clinical presentations transmission routes, prevention method, and self-isolation. Forty-four percent of the population had poor attitude regarding COVID-19 situation. Forty-two percent of the population had poor practice regarding COVID-19 preventive measures. There is a positive association between knowledge and attitude (P = 0.000001), positive association between knowledge and practice (P = 0.000001), and an insignificant negative association between attitude and practice (P = 0.453).

Conclusions:

Sudanese had a good level of knowledge and good practices compared to other nearby countries despite their economic state and lack of possibilities. The stressor experienced by the Sudanese citizens had huge effect on their negative attitude.

Recommendations:

Because good practices depend on good knowledge, it recommends to increase the level of knowledge about the disease, ways of transmission and prevention especially for women, elderly retired, unemployed, and those with low education level, rural resident using all the means of communication available (television and radio, awareness seminars, posters for guidance and alert in mosques, and the houses of worship) by clear, easy, simple language suitable for the elderly and uneducated.
Association of Plasma Zinc and Prostate-Specific Antigen in Patients with Prostatic Cancer in Khartoum
Authors: Mohammed Nafisa , Saeed Ali Awadallah , Mahdi M. A.
Published: January 2022

Background:

Prostate cancer is the most common visceral cancer in males, ranking as the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in men older than 50 years of age, after carcinoma of the lung. It is predominantly a disease of older males, with a peak incidence between the ages of 65 and 75 years. This study aimed to estimate the plasma zinc level and plasma prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level in patients suffer from prostate cancer.

Materials and Methods:

A case–control study was conducted in Khartoum on 100 males aged more than 50 years old which were divided into 50 apparently healthy as control and 50 with prostate cancer as case. A 5 ml of blood specimens was collected in lithium heparin anticoagulants for the estimation of plasma zinc level using Buck model 210 VGP Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (East Norwalk, CT 06855) made in the USA and the plasma total PSA that was measured by immunoassay Sandwich principle HITACHI ROCHE COBAS E 411 (serial number 04641655190 V 13.0).

Results:

The mean level of plasma zinc was 0.35 mg/L ± standard deviation [SD] 0.14 in case and in control was 0.68mg/L ± SD 0.13, so the P value was 0.002 and PSA was 43.08 ng/ml ± SD 20.08 in case and 3.53 ng/ml ± SD 3.90 in control, so the P value was 0.000, the correlation between the level of plasma PSA with plasma zinc in patients with prostate cancer give R was 0.01 and R
2 was 0.001.

Conclusion:

This study concluded that PSA is significantly increased in patients with prostate cancer and plasma zinc level is significantly decreased in patients with prostate cancer. However, it is statistically significant.
Outcomes of combined pyloric botulinum toxin injection and balloon dilation in dyspepsia with and without delayed gastric emptying
Authors: Santucci Neha R. , Kemme Sarah , El-Chammas Khalil I. , Chidambaram Maneesh , Mathur Manav , Castillo Daniel , Sun Qin , Fei Lin , Kaul Ajay
Published: January 2022

Background:

Pyloric botulinum toxin injection has improved symptoms in children with delayed gastric emptying. We aimed to determine the clinical response to combined endoscopic intra-pyloric botulinum toxin injection and pyloric balloon dilation (IPBT-BD) in patients with dyspepsia.

Methods:

Electronic medical records were reviewed to gather demographic data, symptoms, and follow-up on patients with dyspepsia. Cases were defined as those who underwent IPBT-BD in addition to their ongoing management. Controls received pharmacotherapy, behavioral intervention, or dietary management alone. Clinical response was defined as no change, partial, or complete improvement in symptoms within 12 months. Propensity score matching based on age, gender, and symptom duration was used to pair cases and controls.

Results:

In total, 79 cases and 83 controls were identified. After propensity matching, 63 patients were included in each group. The mean age for cases was 14.5 ± 3.9y; 62% were females and 98% were Caucasian. Further, 83% of 46 cases and 94% of 49 controls who had scintigraphy scans showed delayed gastric emptying. After matching, 76% of cases showed partial or complete improvement compared with 49% controls within 12 months (P = 0.004). Younger children tended to respond more favorably to the procedure (P = 0.08).

Conclusions:

In our propensity-matched analysis, combined IPBT-BD in addition to pharmacotherapy, behavioral, or dietary management clearly showed a benefit over these modalities alone. This favorable response lasted up to 12 months.
Comparison of safety and efficacy of intragastric botulinum toxin-A versus gastric balloon
Authors: Tayyem Raed M. , Qandeel Haitham G. , Al-Balas Hamzeh I. , Tayyem Farah R. , Fataftah Jehad Z. , Al-Balas Mahmoud I.
Published: January 2022

Background:

A prospective case-matched study was conducted to compare the safety and efficacy of endoscopic intragastric botulinum toxin-A (EIBT) versus endoscopically planned gastric balloon (EPGB), as a treatment for obesity.

Methods:

A total of 176 patients (matched for age and sex) were equally divided to undergo EIBT (n = 88) or EPGB (n = 88). Patients who received EIBT were restricted to a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 35 kg/m2, whereas a BMI >25 kg/m2 was allowed in the EPGB group. The main measured outcomes were weight loss, procedure duration, complications, early satiety, and quality of life (QoL).

Results:

The patients were followed up for a mean of 6 months. The mean weight loss was greater in the EPGB group than in the EIBT group (15.6 kg vs. 9.3 kg, P < 0.001). However, the percentage excess weight loss and the satiety score were greater in the EIBT group (59.1% vs. 42.2%, P < 0.001; and 3.5 vs. 2.3, P < 0.001) respectively. The procedure duration was shorter for EIBT patients (10 min vs. 15 min, P < 0.001). The postoperative complication rate recorded in the EPGB group was significantly higher (30% vs. 9%, P = 0.001). Adverse symptoms lasted longer in EPGB (5.2 days vs. 0.7 days, P < 0.001). Both groups enjoyed similar improvements in QoL.

Conclusion:

EIBT is a safe and effective treatment for mild obesity. Although the weight loss was greater in the EPGB group, the percentage excess weight loss, procedure duration, postoperative complications, and symptom duration were significantly better in the EIBT group. QoL improvement was comparable between the two groups.
Characterization of IEEE802.11 WLAN Implementing on Excavator: Can We Use IEEE802.11 for i-construction?
Authors: Hamamoto Ryo , Endo Kazuomi , Nakagawa Tomohiro , Togo Hiroshi , Tanaka Junya , Kanazawa Kouji , Ishihara Kentaro , Kawagoe Yuchi , Aso Takahito
Published: January 2022

As network systems become more sophisticated, through network systems, the automatic/remote-automatic/remote-control technology is spreading to construction machinery. These technologies are supported by wireless communication. Currently, IEEE802.11 is a widely used wireless communication standard. This IEEE802.11 standard is expected to improve the usability of construction machinery, similar to other mobilities, such as vehicles. However, its communication characteristics are unknown. Here, we evaluate the performance of a wireless local area network (WLAN) comprising wireless communication modules implemented in an excavator. In particular, we focus on the throughput when sender and receiver positions are changed. Experimental results were used to characterise the WLAN device communication between a PC and a communication controller. We found that the IEEE802.11 WLAN has been confirmed as having applicability to i-construction.
A sinonasal yolk sac tumor in an adult
Authors: Shin Jaehoon , Kim Ji Heui , Jung Kyeong Cheon , Cho Kyung-Ja
Published: January 2022

Yolk sac tumors (YSTs), which are also called endodermal sinus tumors, are malignant tumors of germ cell origin. These tumors usually occur in the gonads, but 20% of cases have been reported at extragonadal sites. The head and neck is a rarely affected region that accounts for just 1% of all malignant tumors of germ cell origin. In addition, YSTs arise mostly in childhood. We present a rare pathologically pure case of primary adult YST in the sinonasal area. A 45-year-old male patient presented with a rapidly growing mass in the nasal cavity, which caused nasal obstruction and bloody post-nasal drip. The histopathologic features indicated pure YST, and immunohistochemical analysis revealed positive reactivity for Sal-like protein 4 and alpha-fetoprotein. Herein, we discuss the clinical, radiologic, and histologic features of this YST and review other cases of sinonasal YST in adults.
Non-traumatic nasal septal abscess in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: Salam Badar , Camilleri Andrew
Published: January 2022

Nasal septal abscess is an uncommon condition. Most commonly it is secondary to nasal trauma, which leads to haematoma, and subsequent abscess formation. There are other less common causes like sinusitis, dental infections and furunculosis. Non-traumatic nasal septal abscess has also been reported in immunocompromised individuals. We report a case of non-traumatic, spontaneous nasal septal abscess, in a healthy immunocompetent patient with no evidence of sinusitis or other localized infections. Using Medline and Google.co.uk search applications, there has been one previous report of such a condition. We stress the importance of excluding nasal septal abscess in patients presenting with nasal obstruction especially with signs of toxaemia.
Normal peak nasal inspiratory flow rate values in healthy children aged 6 to 11 years in the Netherlands
Authors: van Spronsen E. , Ebbens F.A. , Fokkens W.J.
Published: January 2022

Background: The measurement of peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) is a simple, quick, easy to perform and cheap tool for determining the extent of nasal airway patency. However, normative data are rare and not available for Dutch children aged 6 to 11 years. Methods: Repeated PNIF measurements were obtained from 212 Dutch children of primary school age. Of these 212 children, 166 fulfilled the inclusion criteria of our study. The influence of age, gender, ethnicity, weight and height on PNIF was studied. Results: Age is the only parameter of influence on PNIF. All other parameters do not influence PNIF. Normative data are presented. Conclusion: PNIF measurements are possible in children aged six years and older. Age does influence PNIF, but gender, weight, height and ethnicity do not.
Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy for acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction: long-term results in 91 procedures
Authors: Saratziotis Athanasios , Emanuelli Enzo , Gouveris Haralampos , Tsironi Evangelia , Fountas Kostas
Published: January 2022

Background: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate long-term outcomes of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) using a drill without the use of mucosal flaps. Ninety one procedures in eighty seven patients were reviewed. All patients showed epiphora, caused by primary or secondary nasolacrimal obstruction. Methodology: All patients underwent preoperative evaluation (irrigation and probing of the lacrimal drainage system, fluorescein tests, computerized tomography scan of the paranasal sinuses, dacryocystography and endoscopic examination of the nasal cavity). In 19 patients further intranasal procedures were conducted simultaneously with DCR (10 FESS, 2 septoplasties, 5 functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and septoplasties, 2 septoplasties and turbinoplasties). Stents were placed intraoperatively and removed 4 to 12 weeks, postoperatively. Postoperative follow-up ranged between 12 and 24 months. Results: Long-term success was achieved in 87/91 procedures. No major complications were observed. Failure was caused by granulation tissue formation in three patients and inappropriate stent removal in one patient. Conclusion: The success rate achieved is comparable to success rates of external DCR.
Bacteriology of inverted papilloma
Authors: Kim Luke Y. , Cohen Noam A. , Palmer James N. , Kennedy David W. , Zhang Zi , Adappa Nithin D.
Published: January 2022

Background: Inverted papilloma (IP) is a benign lesion of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. The aetiology of IP remains unclear. Objective: To assess whether the sinonasal bacteriology of patients with IP is different from the bacteriology of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients and if there are differences between primary and recurrent IP. Methodology: A retrospective review of patients with IP at a tertiary referral centre. Intraoperative microbiology results from primary and revision IP resections were compared to each other and to published microbiology data from CRS patients. Results: Twenty-six cases of IP were identified with a total of 83 intraoperative cultures, of which 43 were positive. The most common isolates were coagulase negative Staphylococcus (SCN), Propionibacterium, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus. The trends in the prevalence of isolates were similar to those reported for CRS patients. Additionally, similar bacteriology was identified between primary and revision IP patients. Conclusion: In our series, the most common bacterial isolates found in IP are similar to those of CRS, as is the prevalence of gram-negative organisms. Additionally, we did not demonstrate a difference between primary and recurrent IP. Our findings suggest that IP does not result from specific sinonasal microbial exposure.
Age, Growth, Reproduction and Fecundity of the Sharpsnout Seabream (Diplodus puntazzo Walbaum, 1792) in the Black Sea Region
Authors: Aydın Mehmet , Özdemir Çağrı
Published: January 2022

In this study, the Sharpsnout Seabream (Diplodus puntazzo) population parameters (age, sex composition, length-weight relationship (LWR), age-length relationship, growth parameters, condition factor, gonadosomatic index, reproductive) of the sharpsnout seabream (Diplodus puntazzo) in the southern Black Sea Region have been investigated. In the study carried out between April 2018 and March 2019, 276 sharpsnout seabream were sampled and the average length and weight were calculated as 30.0 cm and 463.9 g, respectively. Male and female ratio was determined as 1:1.32 (P>0.05). Age of fish varied between 0-9 years. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters were L∞=48.1 cm, k=0.2656 year-1 and t0=-1.6587 year for all individuals. The LWR was found as W=0.0399 L2.7212 for all individuals. Total mortality rate (Z=0.560), natural mortality rate (M=0.501) and fishing mortality rate (F=0.059), growth performance index (φ'=2.73) and condition factor value (K=1.55) were calculated. The maximum GSI value was 6.83 in September. Mean relative fecundity was calculated as 14695.4 eggs / 1g. The mean egg diameter was calculated as 486.83µm. This study is very important in terms of being the first study on this species in the Black Sea and will provide a source for future studies.
Разложения Вольда для пар коммутативных полугрупп, порожденных изометриями
Authors: Binzar Tudor , Lazureanu C
Published: January 2022

Анализируются связи между разложениями Вольда для биизометрий и пар полугрупп изометрий, в которых
хотя бы одна из полугрупп является полугруппой произведений, порожденной двумя изометриями.
Необходимое и достаточное условие существования простых замкнутых геодезических на правильных тетраэдрах в сферическом пространстве
Authors: Borisenko Alexander Andreevich
Published: January 2022

Доказано необходимое и достаточное условие существования простой замкнутой геодезической типа $(p,q)$ на правильном тетраэдре в сферическом пространстве.
Библиография: 6 названий.
Up-regulation of miR-20a ameliorates sevoflurane anesthesia-induced cognitive impairment in rats by targeting EphA4
Authors: Qian Duo , Chen Changlin , Dong Biqian , Qiu Yu
Published: January 2022

Purpose: To evaluate the role of miR-20a in sevoflurane (SEV)-induced cognitive impairment in rats and to elucidate the mechanism of action.

Methods: A SEV-induced cognitive impairment rat model was developed. The Morris water maze test and fear assay were carried out to assess impaired learning and memory. A cellular SEV-impaired model was developed and the miR-20a level was measured in the animal and cellular models. TUNEL staining and immunoblot assay were performed to determine the SEV effect on apoptosis. Bioinformatic analysis and luciferase assay were conducted to identify the target of miR-20a action. A rescue assay involving miR-20a overexpression in cellular and animal models was developed and used to evaluate function of miR-20a in cognitive defects.

Results: The rats showed significant cognitive impairment upon SEV treatment, which inhibited the expression of miR-20a and promoted neuronal apoptosis. Further findings identified EphA4 as a target of miR-20a, which regulates its expression. Overexpression of miR-20a in rats effectively reduced cognitive dysfunction and apoptosis of hippocampus somatic cells caused by SEV treatment.

Conclusion: Evidently, miR-20a ameliorates SEV anesthesia-induced cognitive impairment in rats and thus has the potential to serve as a therapeutic target for the treatment of post-operative cognitive dysfunction.
Ambrosin exerts strong anticancer effects on human breast cancer cells via activation of caspase and inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Meng Xiangling , Shao Zhuling
Published: January 2022

Purpose: To investigate the antitumor effects of ambrosin sesquiterpene lactone on drug-resistant MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.

Methods: The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used for cell viability studies. Apoptotic effects were determined using 4′,6-diamidino2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining assay, while Annexin V/PI was used for the quantification of apoptosis. Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined by flow cytometry using DCFH-DA fluorescence staining while the effects of ambrosin on apoptosis and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway-allied proteins were evaluated by Western blotting assay.

Results: Ambrosin significantly suppressed the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Results from Annexin V/PI staining revealed that ambrosin induced production of apoptotic crops and blebbing of plasma membrane in MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, annexin V/PI assay results showed increases in percentage of cells in different stages of apoptosis. Thus, ambrosin promoted caspase-dependent-apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. Moreover, ambrosin enhanced the formation of ROS in MDA-MB-231 cells, as was evident from increased DCF- fluorescence (p < 0.05). The results also showed dose-dependent inhibition of Wnt/beta-Catenin signaling pathway by ambrosin.

Conclusion: Ambrosin exerts a chemo-preventive effect on breast cancer cells via induction of programmed cell death, enhanced ROS production, caspase activation and suppression of Wnt/beta- catenin signaling. These findings have potential benefits for breast cancer research and drug discovery.
Changes in nerve function and endothelin level in patients with cerebral infarction after treatment with a combination of urinary kallidinogenase and edaravone
Authors: Yan An , Yang Min , Cui Libo , Chen Ping
Published: January 2022

Purpose: To investigate changes in neurological function and endothelin (ET) levels in cerebral infarction patients treated with combination of urinary kallidinogenase and edaravone.

Methods: Two groups of acute cerebral infarction patients on admission in our hospital from May 2017 to July 2019 were enrolled in this study. The control group (44 patients) received edaravone, while the study group (44 patients) was given urinary kallidinogenase combined with edaravone. Hemorheological indices, NIHSS scores, cerebral edema area, and ET levels, as well as the clinical effects of the treatments were compared. Incidence of major cerebrovascular adverse events during the 26-month follow-up period after treatment was recorded.

Results: Compared with the control group, the study group exhibited increase in shear whole blood viscosity, high shear whole blood viscosity and fibrinogen levels after the treatment (p < 0.05); however, lower NIHSS score, ET level and brain edema area were observed in the study group (p < 0.05). Total treatment effectiveness in the study and control groups was 95.45 and 79.55 %, respectively (p < 0.05). Fewer adverse cerebrovascular events were observed in patients in the study group (11.36 vs 29.55 %, p < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis revealed a mean event-free period of 16.12 months for the study group and 12.41 months for the control group (χ2 = 14.868, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Urinary kallidinogenase combined with edaravone treatment yields a favorable effect in optimizing the hemorheological indices of cerebral infarction patients, reducing the degree of neurological deficits, and elevating ET levels.
Microglia inflammatory response contributes to chronic constriction injury-induced neuropathic pain via miR-339/PFKFB3 axis
Authors: Fan Xiaolian , Zeng Renqing , Cai Longxue
Published: January 2022

Purpose: To investigate the effect of miR-339 on neuropathic pain.

Methods: A rat neuropathic pain model was established through chronic constriction injury (CCI). Expression of miR-339 in spinal cord was determined 14 days later. Microglial inflammatory response was evaluated using immunofluorescence analysis of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1), while IL-6 and TNF-α were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Pain- associated behavioral effects and microglia-related inflammation were investigated after intrathecal administration of miR-339 agomir into rats post-CCI. The target gene of miR-339 involved in neuropathic pain was evaluated by a luciferase reporter assay. Microglia cells were isolated from rats, then treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The LPS-induced inflammatory response in microglia cells was determined using quantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis of IL-6 and TNF-α.

Results: CCI decreased mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia thresholds, but increased Iba1, IL-6, and TNF-α in rats. MiR-339 was reduced in rat spinal cord after CCI induction while intrathecal injection of miR-339 agomir alleviated CCI-induced changes in mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in rats, and reversed expression of Iba1, IL-6, and TNF-α. Furthermore, 6-phosphofructo-2- kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase-3 (PFKFB3) was identified as a miR-339 target gene, and over- expression of miR-339 decreased the expression of PFKFB3, IL-6, and TNF-α in LPS-induced microglia cells.

Conclusion: The miR-339/PFKFB3 axis ameliorates CCI-induced neuropathic pain by suppression of microglia inflammatory response, suggesting a novel strategy for neuropathic pain management.
Effect of rosiglitazone on 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid levels and CYP4F2 expression in HepG2 cells
Authors: Jarrar Yazun , Lee Su-Jun
Published: January 2022

Purpose: To determine the effect of rosiglitazone on the levels of the cardiotoxic arachidonic acid metabolite, 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), in the human liver hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, HepG2.

Methods: HepG2 cells were treated with thiazolidinedione rosiglitazone and the mRNA and protein expressions of cytochrome P450 4F2 (CYP4F2) responsible for synthesizing 20-HETE were measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting. The levels of 20-HETE were evaluated using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC-MS).

Results: Rosiglitazone significantly increased the levels of CYP4F2 mRNA and protein when compared with the control group (p < 0.05). This was correlated with significantly increased 20-HETE levels in the culture medium of rosiglitazone-treated cells in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). The PPARγ antagonist, GW9662, significantly repressed the increased production of 20-HETE and CYP4F2 mRNA protein (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Rosiglitazone increases the synthesis of 20-HETE via activation of PPARγ receptor and upregulation of CYP4F2. These findings may provide an additional explanation, at least in part, for the unwanted side effects of rosiglitazone on the cardiovascular system.
Prevalence, modes of administration and motives for cannabidiol use in young Swiss men
Authors: Bertholet Nicolas , Marmet Simon , Wicki Matthias , Gmel Gerhard , Studer Joseph
Published: January 2022

AIMS OF THE STUDY: In Switzerland, there has been a boom in the market for cannabidiol (CBD) products in recent years. However, little is known on the prevalence, modes of administration and motives for use of CBD products. The aim of the present study was to fill this gap using recent (2019) data from the Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors (C-SURF).
METHODS: Between April and December 2019, an unselected sample of 5233 Swiss young men from the French- and German-speaking regions (mean age 28.2 years, standard deviation 1.3) completed a self-report questionnaire covering measures of use of CBD products, modes of administration and motives to use of CBD, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cigarettes. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate prevalence of self-reported use, modes of administration and motives to use CBD, whereas logistic regression models were used to test the associations of linguistic region, THC and tobacco use with use of CBD.
RESULTS: Lifetime and 12-month prevalence of self-reported use of CBD were 32.4% and 18.5%, respectively. Among past 12-month CBD users, 79.4% used CBD once a month or less often, whereas 20.6% used it more than once a month. The most often reported modes of administration of CBD were in association with tobacco: flowers mixed with tobacco (67.5%), and CBD cigarettes with tobacco (37.1%), while 18.6% used flowers without tobacco. The three most reported reasons for using CBD were: out of curiosity (74.0%), to feel the effects of THC (38.1%) and for well-being and health (37.5%). In multivariable models, CBD use was associated with use of THC (odds ratio [OR] 9.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 8.28–11.73), cigarettes (OR 2.74, 95% CI 2.28–3.29) or e-cigarettes (OR 1.5795% CI 1.27–1.95), as well as for the linguistic region (French-speaking vs German-speaking region OR 1.3895% CI 1.15–1.65).
CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported use of CBD is common among young Swiss men: about one third used CBD in their life and about one in five in the previous 12 months. However, the vast majority of CBD users used it infrequently and out of curiosity. CBD use was particularly prevalent among users of THC and cigarette smokers. CBD was most often used in combination with tobacco, thus exposing users to risks associated with smoking tobacco products.
Presentations with reported methamphetamine use to an urban emergency department in Switzerland
Authors: Romann Valerie , Illgen Monika , Derungs Adrian , Klukowska-Rötzler Jolanta , Ricklin Meret E. , Exadaktylos Aristomenis , Liakoni Evangelia
Published: January 2022

AIMS OF THE STUDY: The stimulant methamphetamine (e.g., “crystal meth”) is a commonly abused drug in many parts of the world and can cause significant health problems. The present study aims to describe presentations with reported methamphetamine use at an urban emergency department (ED) in Switzerland, to investigate prevalence, patterns and susceptible groups.
METHODS: Retrospective study at the ED of the University Hospital of Bern, Switzerland. Cases from June 2012 to July 2019 were retrieved from the electronic patient database using full-text terms and were categorised into three groups based on patient history: “acute”, if patients presented within 72 hours of last reported use, “chronic” in cases of regular use but not within the previous 72 hours, and “past” in cases of discontinued consumption. Cases with a positive methamphetamine urine drug screening test with no further information available were described separately.
RESULTS: During the study period, 40 cases were categorised as “acute”. Among those, the mean age was 29.5 years (standard deviation [SD] 8.7), 75% (n = 30) were male, and agitation (n = 11, 28%), hypertension (n = 11, 28%), tachycardia (n = 11, 28%), sleep disturbances (n = 10, 25%) and aggression (n = 8, 20%) were the most common symptoms. Most patients (n = 22, 55%) were medically discharged, but 35% (n = 14) were admitted to a psychiatric clinic. Most (n = 33, 82.5%) were polydrug users, with alcohol, cocaine and cannabis being the most frequent co-used substances. The “chronic” group included 37 cases. Those patients were mostly male (n = 26, 70%), with a mean age of 31 years (SD 11.0), and 46% (n = 17) presented because of psychiatric symptoms, such as psychosis, depression or aggression. Of the 45 cases in the “past” group (mean age of 30 years, SD 8.6), 69% (n = 31) were male, and 49% (n = 22) and 24% (n = 11), respectively, had medical and psychiatric symptoms as the reason for admission. Of 61 cases with a positive urine drug screening test as the sole indicator of methamphetamine use, 19 patients reported MDMA use (cross-reactivity with methamphetamine in the urine immunoassay used). In the 42 remaining cases, it was unclear if the positive result was due to unreported methamphetamine use or cross-reactivity.
CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with reported methamphetamine use were young and male, with signs of sympathomimetic arousal and/or psychiatric symptoms. Although ED visits with reports of methamphetamine use appear to be uncommon, consumption-related health problems can require significant pre- and in-hospital resources.
Distributed architecture for a supply chain by integrating a multi- agent approach using simulation
Authors: Rubiano-Ovalle Oscar , García-Melo José I.
Published: January 2022

This study proposes an architecture based on multiple agents through a Colored Petri Net model (CPN), which enables the integration of supply chain links and information technology to speed up the production process and services. The methodology was developed based on three fundamental concepts: CPN as design tool, Supply Chain (SC) Architecture and Multi-Agent Systems (MAS). As a case study, a typical supply chain in the Colombian production system was considered. As a case study, a typical supply chain in the Colombian production system was considered. For this, the study developed a modeling procedure to transform its supply chain architecture from a typical structure to a multi-agent structure. This procedure consists of seven phases. Initially, the case study is characterized as a supply chain, then the information is collected, next the limitations of the supply chain are identified, then the variables and their interactions are defined. In the following two phases, three models are developed: the structural model, representing the physical distribution of the plant; the conceptual model, that relates the system components and their interactions; and the functional model, which integrates the previous models and associates them with the behavior of the variables during the process ow. Finally, a qualitative and quantitative validation of the models are performed, simulating different scenarios. The results show that a distributed supply chain structure, using multi-agent architecture, first, offers robust information and physical flows, and secondly, contributes to supply time reduction, communication quickness, efficiency and quality of information for operational decision making. The results could also motivate organizations to integrate the supply chains considering MASs in resource management.
PELAKSANAAN UJI KOMPETENSI DI ERA PANDEMI
Authors: Utami Iis Torisa
Published: January 2022

Pelaksanaan uji kompetensi keahlian merupakan salah satu standar kelulusan siswa-siswi sekolah menengah kejuruan. Tujuan dari pelaksanaan uji kompetensi keahlian untuk mengetahui tingkat kompetensi dari peserta didik yaitu kompeten atau tidak kompeten. Peserta uji kompetensi adalah siswa- siswi kelas XII jurusan Otomatisasi dan Tata Kelola Perkantoran, dan jumlah peserta uji kompetensi sebanyak 20 orang. Mitra dalam kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat adalah SMK Tunas Media yang sudah terakreditasi sehingga dapat melaksanakan Uji Kompetensi Keahlian (UKK) mandiri. Pelaksanaan UKK di masa pandemi covid-19 dilakukan secara offline selama dua hari mulai tanggal 24-25 Mei 2021.Metode yang digunakan pada kegiatan Abdimas yaitu sebagai penguji eksternal/asesor untuk memberikan penilaian/evaluasi dari hasil UKK yang telah dikerjakan oleh peserta didik SMK Tunas Media. Hasil pelaksanaan UKK menunjukkan bahwa 17 siswa-siswi atau 85% memiliki kriteria kompeten dengan skor 80-90 dan 3 siswa-siswi memiliki kriteria cukup kompeten dengan skor 70-79. Dengan demikian dapat disimpulkan bahwa kriteria kompetensi dari para calon lulusan SMK Tunas Media telah memenuhi syarat minimal dari kompetensi yang telah ditetapkan oleh pemerintah.
INTEGRATED HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT DALAM PENGELOLAAN DESA PARIWISATA BULUH CINA
Authors: Sari Maya Rizki , Harimurti Dwi Anindya , Miranda Putri , Purba Sri Wahyuni , Isabela Tiwi Putriana , Sari Nadia Rahma
Published: January 2022

Buluh Cina memiliki potensi alam yang besar dan menunggu pengelolaan yang tepat. Masyarakat desa Buluh Cina sudah mengelola hutan alam menjadi tempat wisata alam. Lahan hutan dikelola dengan baik tanpa merusak ekosistem hutan alam. Wisata alam Buluh Cina sudah mulai berkembang dan menuntut peran pemerintah yang tepat untuk perkembangan lebih lanjut. Salah satunya adalah pengelolaan pada SDM yang ada. Namun, Kurangnya keahlian pemandu wisata dalam bidang public speaking membuat mereka kurang percaya diri untuk memberikan informasi atau menjelaskan mengenai jenis wisata yang terdapat di desa tersebut. Keterbiasaan menggunakan bahasa daerah juga membuat para pemandu wisata kesulitan untuk berkomunikasi dengan bahasa Indonesia. Ditambah lagi dengan pengelolaan SDM yang masih terbatas disebabkan minimnya pengetahuan tentang Human Resource Management. Hal ini lah mendorong tim untuk melakukan pengabdian di Desa Pariwisata Buluh Cina. Metode yang digunakan dalam pelaksanaan kegiatan ini yaitu dengan metode partisipatif dimana tim PkM ikut berpartisipasi dalam kegiatan ini, kemudian proses pengambilan data dilakukan melalui observasi secara langsung kepada pemandu wisata Desa Buluh Cina tersebut. Lokasi kegiatan ini berada di Desa Pariwisata Buluh Cina, yang di pusatkan di Valasta (Variasi alam semesta) Buluh Cina dengan pemandu wisata dari IP2ABC (Ikatan Pemuda Pencinta Alam). Dengan adanya pelatihan ini, diharapkan lahirnya pemandu wisata yang terlatih sehingga dapat menghasilkan pelayanan mutu pariwisata sehingga dapat menunjang pengembangan desa pariwisata buluh cina.
PENINGKATAN MOTIVASI BERPRESTASI MELALUI PELATIHAN KONSEP DIRI BAGI GURU SD KHAIRUNNAS SURABAYA
Authors: Tamam Badrut , Sulaichah Sulaichah , Z.R M Ihvan Kurnia , Setyaningrum Arifah , Anggrainy Dian Novita
Published: January 2022

Guru memiliki kedudukan dan peran sangat penting dalam meningkatkan potensi peserta didik. Sebagaimana guru-guru di SD Khairunnas Surabaya mempunyai peran penting dalam peningkatan potensi peserta didik di lembaganya. Namun, dari hasil Training Need Analysis (TNA) diperoleh data bahwa masih terdapat beberapa guru muda yang belum linier dan minim pengalaman dalam mengajar. Selain itu, semangat dalam bekerja dan motivasi berprestasi guru-guru di SD Khairunnas ini masih perlu ditingkatkan. Cara atau metode untuk mengatasi hal tersebut adalah dengan mengadakan pelatihan konsep diri dengan moda IN-ON-IN bagi guru di SD Khairunnas. Tujuan pelatihan ini adalah untuk memberikan pemahaman tentang konsep diri, sehingga dengan pemahaman akan konsep diri tersebut, diharapkan dapat meningkatkan motivasi berprestasi guru-guru di SD Khairunnas Surabaya. Hasil pelatihan menunjukkan bahwa ada peningkatan pemahaman tentang konsep diri setelah diberikan materi. Hal ini dibuktikan dengan seluruh nilai post peserta yang lebih tinggi dari nilai pretest. Selain itu, ada peningkatan motivasi berprestasi guru SD Khairunnas setelah mengikuti pelatihan ini. Hal ini dibuktikan dengan 50% lebih tidak ada guru yang terlambat ketika hadir ke sekolah
PEMANFAATAN TANAMAN SAWIT MELALUI INOVASI TEKNOLOGI BERNILAI EKONOMI DI DESA SAKO MARGASARI KABUPATEN KUANTAN SINGINGI
Authors: Adianto Adianto , As’ari Hasim , Mayarni Mayarni , Rosaliza Mita
Published: January 2022

Desa Sako Margasari adalah merupakan sebuah desa yang terletak di dalam wilayah Kabupaten Kuantan Singingi dan dibentuk oleh Pemerintah melalui Program Transmigrasi pada tahun 1981, dimana mayoritas mata pencaharian masyarakatnya berasal dari sektor perkebunan sawit. Tujuan kegiatan ini adalah untuk melakukan pemberdayaan masyarakat melalui pelatihan inovasi teknologi yang berasal dari potensi desa di Desa Sako Margasari Kecamatan Logas Tanah Darat Kabupaten Kuantan Singingi. Metode kegiatan dilakukan dengan beberapa tahapan, yaitu: 1) Mempersiapkan, mengumpulkan dan menganalisa berkas/dokumen yang berkaitan dengan desa dan peningkatan ekonomi masyarakat local; 2) Melakukan observasi dan FGD (Forum Discussion Group) ke desa guna mengetahui dan mendiskusikan potensi lokal yang bisa dikembangkan; 3) Mengadakan pertemuan dengan Kepala Desa dan Direktur BUMDes guna mendapatkan izin pelaksanaan kegiatan dan penetapan jadwal pelaksanaan kegiatan; 4) Mengadakan pengenalan dan pelatihan kepada masyarakat, aparat desa dan BUMDes. Hasil kegiatan ini menemukan bahwa pemberdayaan masyarakat desa khususnya kaum laki-laki yang dilakukan melalui pengembangan nira sawit menjadi gula merah dan pemberdayaan masyarakat desa khususnya kaum perempuan yang dilakukan melalui pengembangan lidi sawit menjadi produk handmade juga memberikan daya tarik kepada masyarakat untuk mencoba dan memulainya. Kesimpulan dari kegiatan ini adalah pemberdayaan yang dilakukan melalui kegiatan pelatihan inovasi teknologi memberikan daya tarik dan peluang kepada masyarakat untuk memiliki sumber ekonomi baru yang berasal dari potensi desa yang ada
Emerging technologies that will impact on the UK Food System
Authors: Short Samuel , Strauss Bernhard , Lotfian Pantea
Published: January 2022

Rapid technological innovation is reshaping the UK food system in many ways. FSA needs to stay abreast of these changes and develop regulatory responses to ensure novel technologies do not compromise food safety and public health. This report presents a rapid evidence assessment of the emerging technologies considered most likely to have a material impact on the UK food system and food safety over the coming decade. Six technology fields were identified and their implications for industry, consumers, food safety and the regulatory framework explored. These fields are: Food Production and Processing (indoor farming, 3D food printing, food side and byproduct use, novel non-thermal processing, and novel pesticides); Novel Sources of Protein, such as insects (for human consumption, and animal feedstock); Synthetic Biology (including lab-grown meat and proteins); Genomics Applications along the value chain (for food safety applications, and personal “nutrigenomics”); Novel Packaging (active, smart, biodegradable, edible, and reusable solutions); and, Digital Technologies in the food sector (supporting analysis, decision making and traceability). The report identifies priority areas for regulatory engagement, and three major areas of emerging technology that are likely to have broad impact across the entire food industry. These areas are synthetic biology, novel food packaging technologies, and digital technologies. FSA will need to take a proactive approach to regulation, based on frequent monitoring and rapid feedback, to manage the challenges these technologies present, and balance increasing technological push and commercial pressures with broader human health and sustainability requirements. It is recommended FSA consider expanding in-house expertise and long-term ties with experts in relevant fields to support policymaking. Recognising the convergence of increasingly sophisticated science and technology applications, alongside wider systemic risks to the environment, human health and society, it is recommended that FSA adopt a complex systems perspective to future food safety regulation, including its wider impact on public health. Finally, the increasing pace of technological
THE MAIN RESULTS' OVERVIEW OBTAINED BY THE METHOD OF AMPLITUDE-INDEPENDENT INTERNAL FRICTION ON METALS AND IONIC CRYSTALS
Authors: Petchenko О.M. , Petchenko G.О. , Boiko S.M.
Published: January 2022

There was made the analysis of the main findings obtained in the field of the dislocations' dynamics research using the method of amplitude-independent internal friction on different objects of study – metals and alkali-halide crys-tals. The results of Granato-Lücke string dislocation theory verification, as well as of Alshits-Indenbom quantum-mechanical theory of dynamic dislocations' damping for above-mentioned materials were considered in the paper. An analytical review of works aimed at the study of relaxation and thermally activated processes in crystals was performed here. Some promising directions for the further experimental work on this problematics there were re-vealed as a result of the study.
TENSILE STRENGTH OF SURFACE NANOFIBERS IN TUNGSTEN
Authors: Mazilov A.A. , Noskov A.V.
Published: January 2022

Recent studies carried out in linear plasma devices and tokamaks, have shown that low-energy He bombardment causes the creation of the nanofiber structure that leads to increased radiation erosion and material failure. One of the key characteristics of nanofibers is their mechanical strength. In this paper, a new mathematical technique was used for determination of the inherent tensile strength of nanofibers. The configuration of nanofibers was modeled by equipotential cylindrical surfaces. The potential distribution and mechanical stresses induced by high electric field were determined. An elaborated formalism was used to obtain the ultimate strength of tungsten nanofibers. The mean value of the tensile strength of tungsten nanofibers is equal to 27.52 GPa. This value is a substantial part of the theoretical tensile strength of tungsten.
ФИЗИКО-МЕХАНИЧЕСКИЕ АСПЕКТЫ ДЕГРАДАЦИИ МЕТАЛЛА ТЕПЛООБМЕННЫХ ТРУБ ПАРОГЕНЕРАТОРОВ ТИПА ПГВ-1000
Authors: Воеводин В.Н. , Митрофанов А.С. , Гоженко С.В. , Крайнюк Е.А. , Василенко Р.Л. , Бажуков А.В. , Палий А.Н. , Ничепуренко В.В. , Мельник П.Е.
Published: January 2022

С помощью металлографии и растровой электронной микроскопии установлено воздействие включений карбонитридов титана и карбида кремния на деградацию стали 08Х18Н10Т в теплообменных трубах (ТОТ) парогенераторов энергоблоков ВВЭР-1000. Показана также роль конструкционных особенностей парогенераторов в зарождении и росте эксплуатационных дефектов ТОТ.