bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of the effects of platelet-rich fibrin, concentrated growth factor and platelet-poor plasma on the healing of tooth extraction sockets in rabbits
Authors: Li Siying , Yang Hongyi , Duan Qinyu , Bao Hongyu , Li Aodi , Li Wei , Chen Junliang , He Yun
Published: March 2022

Background

Autologous platelet concentrate has been widely used to encourage the regeneration of hard and soft tissues. Up to now, there are three generations of autologous platelet concentrates. Many studies have shown that the three autologous concentrates have different effects, but the specific diversities have not been studied. The purpose of this study was to explore and compare the effects of platelet-rich fibrin, concentrated growth factor and platelet-poor plasma on the healing of tooth extraction sockets in New Zealand rabbits.

Methods

A total of 24 healthy male New Zealand white rabbits aged 8–12 weeks were selected. The experimental animals were randomly divided into four groups: three experimental groups were respectively implanted with PPP, CGF and PRF gel after bilateral mandibular anterior teeth were extracted, and the control group did not implant any material. The alveolar bone of the mandibular anterior region was taken at 2, 4 and 8 weeks after operation. The height and width of the extraction wound were detected by CBCT, the growth of the new bone was observed by HE and Masson staining, and the expression of osteogenic genes was detected by real-time PCR. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS statistical package 22.0.

Results

The radiological results showed that alveolar bone resorption in all groups gradually increased over time. However, the experimental groups showed lower amounts of bone resorption. The histological results showed that new bone formation was observed in all groups. Over time, the new bone trabeculae of the CGF group became closely aligned while those in the PPP and PRF groups remained scattered. PCR results showed that the expression of BMP-2 and ALP was higher in the experimental groups than the control group.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the application of PRF, CGF and PPP in tooth extraction sockets effectively promoted bone regeneration. CGF showed more effective bone induction and tissue regeneration ability in the long term.
Finnish nursing students’ perceptions of the development needs in palliative care education and factors influencing learning in undergraduate nursing studies – a qualitative study
Authors: Hökkä Minna , Lehto Juho T. , Kyngäs Helvi , Pölkki Tarja
Published: March 2022

Background

Nurses have an essential role in providing high-quality palliative care to patients and their families. Hence, they require adequate palliative care education. However, there is only limited insight into how final-year nursing students perceive palliative care education in undergraduate nursing programs. This study aimed to describe nursing students’ perspectives of the development needs of palliative care education. An additional two aims emerged based on the collected data, namely, to describe the preferred education for palliative care and the factors which promote or hinder palliative care learning during undergraduate nursing studies.

Methods

The research was guided by a descriptive qualitative approach and applied inductive content analysis. The frequencies (f) of identified codes (reduced expressions) were counted to show the noteworthiness of each category in relation to the entirety. The participants were final-year nursing students (n = 766) who had participated in a national survey.

Results

The inductive content analysis identified three unifying categories. The first was ‘Development needs and views of palliative care education’ (f = 524), which consisted of the main categories ‘the need to develop palliative care education’ (f = 414) and ‘meaning of palliative care and its education’ (f = 110). Secondly ‘Preferred types of palliative care education’ (f = 1379), including the main categories ‘teaching contents in palliative care education’ (f = 905), ‘teaching methods for palliative care learning’ (f = 393), and ‘placement of palliative care studies’ (f = 81). Thirdly ‘The facilitators and barriers to palliative care learning’ (f = 401), consisting of the main categories ‘factors facilitating palliative care learning’ (f = 66) and ‘barriers to palliative care learning’ (f = 335).

Conclusions

This study provides detailed information about nursing student’s perspectives of palliative care education and its development needs. Hence, the results are relevant to decision-makers who want to develop undergraduate nursing curricula. This study highlights that palliative care education should be developed by ensuring that all students have equal access to palliative care education provided by highly competent teachers. Possibilities for clinical placements or visits to palliative care units during the education should also be improved. The participating students felt unprepared to provide high-quality palliative care even though they responded that palliative care is an important topic in their nursing studies.
National travel distances for emergency care
Authors: Tolpadi Anagha , Elliott Marc N. , Waxman Daniel , Becker Kirsten , Flow-Delwiche Elizabeth , Lehrman William G. , Stark Debra , Parast Layla
Published: March 2022

Background

Most emergency department (ED) patients arrive by their own transport and, for various reasons, may not choose the nearest ED. How far patients travel for ED treatment may reflect both patients’ access to care and severity of illness. In this study, we aimed to examine the travel distance and travel time between a patient’s home and ED they visited and investigate how these distances/times vary by patient and hospital characteristics.

Methods

We randomly sampled and collected data from 14,812 patients discharged to the community (DTC) between January and March 2016 from 50 hospital-based EDs nationwide. We geocoded and calculated the distance and travel time between patient and hospital-based ED addresses, examined the travel distances/ times between patients’ home and the ED they visited, and used mixed-effects regression models to investigate how these distances/times vary by patient and hospital characteristics.

Results

Patients travelled an average of 8.0 (SD = 10.9) miles and 17.3 (SD = 18.0) driving minutes to the ED. Patients travelled significantly farther to avoid EDs in lower performing hospitals (p < 0.01) and in the West (p < 0.05) and Midwest (p < 0.05). Patients travelled farther when visiting EDs in rural areas. Younger patients travelled farther than older patients.

Conclusions

Understanding how far patients are willing to travel is indicative of whether patient populations have adequate access to ED services. By showing that patients travel farther to avoid a low-performing hospital, we provide evidence that DTC patients likely do exercise some choice among EDs, indicating some market incentives for higher-quality care, even for some ED admissions. Understanding these issues will help policymakers better define access to ED care and assist in directing quality improvement efforts. To our knowledge, our study is the most comprehensive nationwide characterization of patient travel for ED treatment to date.
Converting the existing disease surveillance from a paper-based to an electronic-based system using district health information system (DHIS-2) for real-time information: the Lebanese experience
Authors: Youssef Dalal , Yaghi Ayat , Jouny Abbas , Abou-Abbas Linda , Chammaa Houssam , Ghosn Nada
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The Ministry of Public Health in Lebanon is in the process of converting the surveillance reporting from a cumbersome paper-based system to a web-based electronic platform (DHIS-2) to have real-time information for early detection of alerts and outbreaks and for initiating a prompt response.

Objectives

This paper aimed to document the Lebanese experience in implementing DHIS-2 for the disease surveillance system. It also targets to assess the improvement of reporting rates and timeliness of the reported data and to disclose the encountered challenges and opportunities.

Methodology

This is a retrospective description of processes involved in the implementation of the DHIS-2 tool in Lebanon. Initially, it was piloted for the school-based surveillance in 2014; then its use was extended in May 2017 to cover other specific surveillance systems. This included all surveillance programs collecting aggregate data from hospitals, medical centers, dispensaries, or laboratories at the first stage. As part of the national roll-out process, the online application was developed. The customized aggregated-based datasets, organization units, user accounts, specific and generic dashboards were generated. More than 80 training sessions were conducted throughout the country targeting 1290 end-users including health officers at the national and provincial levels, focal persons who were working in all public and private hospitals, laboratories, and medical centers as well. Completeness and timeliness of reported data were compared before and after the implementation of DHIS-2. The unveiled challenges and the main lessons learned during the roll-out process were discussed.

Results

For laboratory-based surveillance, completeness of reporting increased from 70.8% in May to 89.6% in October. Timeliness has improved from 25 to 74%. For medical centers, an improvement of 8.1% for completeness and 9.4% in timeliness was recorded before and after training sessions. For zero reporting, completeness remains the same (88%) and timeliness has improved from 74 to 87%. The main challenges faced during the implementation of DHIS-2 were mainly infrastructural and system-related in addition to poor internet connectivity, limited workforce, and frequent changes to DHIS-2 versions.

Conclusion

Implementation of DHIS-2 improved timeliness and completeness for aggregated data reporting. Continued on-site support, monitoring, and system enhancement are needed to improve the performance of DHIS-2.
Research on the design of serious illness insurance scheme in Shanghai based on micro-simulation
Authors: Li Yang , Duan Guangfeng , Xiong Linping
Published: March 2022

Background

Urban and rural residents’ basic medical insurance (URRBMI) is an institutional arrangement for rural residents and unemployed urban residents in China. The serious illness medical insurance system (SIMIS) was established to provide additional medical cover. At present, the SIMIS payment method in China is based on large expenses, and only a few areas, such as Shanghai, pay according to the treatment of serious diseases. This study aims to simulate and analyse the effect of the two payment methods on SIMIS in Shanghai.

Methods

We developed a micro-simulation model to predict the number and characteristics of SIMIS participants among urban and rural residents in Shanghai and to simulate the process of medical treatment, medical consumption, and medical insurance payments for each insured person from 2020 to 2025. We then summarised and analysed the payment compensation effect, and compared it with Shanghai’s current policies.

Results

The payment of SIMIS according to high expenses, the total medical expenses of seriously ill patients show an increasing trend, with an average annual growth rate of 3.56%. The URRBMI fund payment covers 56%–58% of total medical expenses, and the SIMIS fund covers 5%–7% of the total medical expenses. Both cover 62%–63% of total medical expenses. Self-payment under SIMIS covers 22%–23% of the total medical expenses, total self-payment covers 14%–15% of the total medical expenses, and the medical expenses borne by individuals cover 36%–38% of the total medical expenses.The fund expenditure is 213 million yuan and average annual cost borne by individual patients ranges from 40 000 to 60 000 yuan.

Conclusions

The policy of designing SIMIS according to national guidelines does not meet the development needs of Shanghai. Shanghai should take the current policy of paying compensation according to the treatment of serious illness as the policy basis, consider the security needs of patients with large medical expenses outside the scope of protection, and adjust policies appropriately to prevent poverty caused by illness.
Daily food insecurity is associated with diet quality, but not energy intake, in winter and during COVID-19, among low-income adults
Authors: Jimenez Rincon Sara , Dou Nan , Murray-Kolb Laura E. , Hudy Kristen , Mitchell Diane C. , Li Runze , Na Muzi
Published: March 2022

Background

Food insecurity (FI) is a dynamic phenomenon. Experiences of daily FI may impact dietary outcomes differently within a given month, across seasons, and before or during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objectives

The aims of this study were to investigate the association of short-term FI with dietary quality and energy 1) over six weeks in two seasonal months and 2) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Using an ecological momentary assessment framework on smartphones, this study tracked daily FI via the 6-item U.S. Adult Food Security Survey Module and dietary intake via food diaries in 29 low-income adults. A total of 324 person-days of data were collected during two three-week long waves in fall and winter months. Generalized Estimating Equation models were applied to estimate the daily FI-diet relationship, accounting for intrapersonal variation and covariates.

Results

A one-unit increase in daily FI score was associated with a 7.10-point (95%CI:-11.04,-3.15) and 3.80-point (95%CI: -6.08,-1.53) decrease in the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) score in winter and during COVID-19, respectively. In winter months, a greater daily FI score was associated with less consumption of total fruit (-0.17 cups, 95% CI: -0.32,-0.02), whole fruit (-0.18 cups, 95%CI: -0.30,-0.05), whole grains (-0.57 oz, 95%CI: -0.99,-0.16) and higher consumption of refined grains (1.05 oz, 95%CI: 0.52,1.59). During COVID-19, elevated daily FI scores were associated with less intake of whole grains (-0.49 oz, 95% CI: -0.88,-0.09), and higher intake of salt (0.34 g, 95%CI: 0.15,0.54). No association was observed in fall nor during the pre-COVID-19 months. No association was found between daily FI and energy intake in either season, pre-COVID 19, or during-COVID-19 months.

Conclusion

Daily FI is associated with compromised dietary quality in low-income adults in winter months and during the COVID-19 period. Future research should delve into the underlying factors of these observed relationships.
Combined angiogenesis and PD-1 inhibition for immunomodulatory TNBC: concept exploration and biomarker analysis in the FUTURE-C-Plus trial
Authors: Wu Song-Yang , Xu Ying , Chen Li , Fan Lei , Ma Xiao-Yan , Zhao Shen , Song Xiao-Qing , Hu Xin , Yang Wen-Tao , Chai Wen-Jun , Guo Xiao-Mao , Chen Xi-Zi , Xu Yan-Hui , Zhu Xiao-Yu , Zou Jian-Jun , Wang Zhong-Hua , Jiang Yi-Zhou , Shao Zhi-Ming
Published: March 2022

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors had a great effect in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC); however, they benefited only a subset of patients, underscoring the need to co-target alternative pathways and select optimal patients. Herein, we investigated patient subpopulations more likely to benefit from immunotherapy and inform more effective combination regimens for TNBC patients.

Methods

We conducted exploratory analyses in the FUSCC cohort to characterize a novel patient selection method and actionable targets for TNBC immunotherapy. We investigated this in vivo and launched a phase 2 trial to assess the clinical value of such criteria and combination regimen. Furthermore, we collected clinicopathological and next-generation sequencing data to illustrate biomarkers for patient outcomes.

Results

CD8-positivity could identify an immunomodulatory subpopulation of TNBCs with higher possibilities to benefit from immunotherapy, and angiogenesis was an actionable target to facilitate checkpoint blockade. We conducted the phase II FUTURE-C-Plus trial to assess the feasibility of combining famitinib (an angiogenesis inhibitor), camrelizumab (a PD-1 monoclonal antibody) and chemotherapy in advanced immunomodulatory TNBC patients. Within 48 enrolled patients, the objective response rate was 81.3% (95% CI, 70.2–92.3), and the median progression-free survival was 13.6 months (95% CI, 8.4–18.8). No treatment-related deaths were reported. Patients with CD8- and/or PD-L1- positive tumors benefit more from this regimen. PKD1 somatic mutation indicates worse progression-free and overall survival.

Conclusion

This study confirms the efficacy and safety of the triplet regimen in immunomodulatory TNBC and reveals the potential of combining CD8, PD-L1 and somatic mutations to guide clinical decision-making and treatments.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04129996. Registered 11 October 2019.
Lockdown stringency and paediatric self-harm presentations during COVID-19 pandemic: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wong Ben Hoi-ching , Vaezinejad Mehrak , Plener Paul L. , Mehdi Tauseef , Romaniuk Liana , Barrett Elizabeth , Hussain Haseena , Lloyd Alexandra , Tolmac Jovanka , Rao Manish , Chakrabarti Sulagna , Carucci Sara , Moghraby Omer S. , Elvins Rachel , Rozali Farah , Skouta Ereni , McNicholas Fiona , Baig Benjamin , Stevanovic Dejan , Nagy Peter , Davico Chiara , Mirza Hassan , Tufan Evren , Youssef Fatima , Meadowcroft Ben , Ougrin Dennis
Published: March 2022

Background

Lockdown during the pandemic has had significant impacts on public mental health. Previous studies suggest an increase in self-harm and suicide in children and adolescents. There has been little research on the roles of stringent lockdown.

Aims

To investigate the mediating and predictive roles of lockdown policy stringency measures in self-harm and emergency psychiatric presentations.

Method

This was a retrospective cohort study. We analysed data of 2073 psychiatric emergency presentations of children and adolescents from 23 hospital catchment areas in ten countries, in March to April 2019 and 2020.

Results

Lockdown measure stringency mediated the reduction in psychiatric emergency presentations (incidence rate ratio of the natural indirect effect [IRRNIE] = 0.41, 95% CI [0.35, 0.48]) and self-harm presentations (IRRNIE = 0.49, 95% CI [0.39, 0.60]) in 2020 compared with 2019. Self-harm presentations among male and looked after children were likely to increase in parallel with lockdown stringency. Self-harm presentations precipitated by social isolation increased with stringency, whereas school pressure and rows with a friend became less likely precipitants. Children from more deprived neighbourhoods were less likely to present to emergency departments when lockdown became more stringent,

Conclusions

Lockdown may produce differential effects among children and adolescents who self-harm. Development in community or remote mental health services is crucial to offset potential barriers to access to emergency psychiatric care, especially for the most deprived youths. Governments should aim to reduce unnecessary fear of help-seeking and keep lockdown as short as possible. Underlying mediation mechanisms of stringent measures and potential psychosocial inequalities warrant further research.
Association between serum lithium level and incidence of COVID-19 infection
Authors: De Picker Livia J. , Leboyer Marion , Geddes John R. , Morrens Manuel , Harrison Paul J. , Taquet Maxime
Published: March 2022

An antiviral effect of lithium has been proposed, but never investigated for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Using electronic health records of 26 554 patients with documented serum lithium levels during the pandemic, we show that the 6-month COVID-19 infection incidence was lower among matched patients with ‘therapeutic’ (0.50–1.00) versus ‘subtherapeutic’ (0.05–0.50) lithium levels (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.82, 95% CI 0.69–0.97, P = 0.017) and among patients with ‘therapeutic’ lithium levels versus matched patients using valproate (HR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.67–0.92, P = 0.0023). Lower rates of infection were observed for both new COVID-19 diagnoses and positive polymerase chain reaction tests, regardless of underlying psychiatric diagnosis and vaccination status.
Branched-Chain and Aromatic Amino Acids Related to Visceral Adipose Tissue Impact Metabolic Health Risk Markers
Authors: Orozco-Ruiz Ximena , Anesi Andrea , Mattivi Fulvio , Breteler Monique M B
Published: March 2022

Context

Visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) function as endocrine organs capable of influencing metabolic health across adiposity levels.

Objective

We aimed to investigate whether metabolites associated with VAT and SAT impact metabolic health through metabolite concentrations.

Methods

Analyses are based on 1790 participants from the population-based Rhineland Study. We assessed plasma levels of methionine (Met), branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), aromatic amino acids (AAA), and their metabolic downstream metabolites with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. VAT and SAT volumes were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Metabolically healthy and unhealthy phenotypes were defined using Wildman criteria.

Results

Metabolically unhealthy participants had higher concentrations of BCAA than metabolically healthy participants (P < 0.001). In metabolically unhealthy participants, VAT volumes were significantly associated with levels of L-isoleucine, L-leucine, indole-3-lactic acid, and indole-3-propionic acid (in log SD units: β = 0.16, P = 0.003; β = 0.12, P = 0.038; β = 0.11, P = 0.035 and β = −0.16, P = 0.010, respectively). Higher concentrations of certain BCAA and AAA-downstream metabolites significantly increased the odds of cardiometabolic risk markers. The relation between VAT volume and cardiometabolic risk markers was mediated by BCAA (indirect effects 3.7%-11%, P = 0.02 to < 0.0001), while the effect of VAT on systemic inflammation was mediated through higher kynurenine concentrations (indirect effect 6.4%, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Larger volumes of VAT in metabolically unhealthy individuals are associated with altered concentrations of circulating BCAA and AAA-downstream metabolites, increasing the odds of cardiometabolic risk markers. This suggests that these metabolites are involved in the mechanisms that underlie the relationship of abdominal VAT with metabolic health.
Quinine Effects on Gut and Pancreatic Hormones and Antropyloroduodenal Pressures in Humans–Role of Delivery Site and Sex
Authors: Rezaie Peyman , Bitarafan Vida , Rose Braden D , Lange Kylie , Rehfeld Jens F , Horowitz Michael , Feinle-Bisset Christine
Published: March 2022

Context

The bitter substance quinine modulates the release of a number of gut and gluco-regulatory hormones and upper gut motility. As the density of bitter receptors may be higher in the duodenum than the stomach, direct delivery to the duodenum may be more potent in stimulating these functions. The gastrointestinal responses to bitter compounds may also be modified by sex.

Background

We have characterized the effects of intragastric (IG) versus intraduodenal (ID) administration of quinine hydrochloride (QHCl) on gut and pancreatic hormones and antropyloroduodenal pressures in healthy men and women.

Methods

14 men (26 ± 2 years, BMI: 22.2 ± 0.5 kg/m2) and 14 women (28 ± 2 years, BMI: 22.5 ± 0.5 kg/m2) received 600 mg QHCl on 2 separate occasions, IG or ID as a 10-mL bolus, in randomized, double-blind fashion. Plasma ghrelin, cholecystokinin, peptide YY, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), insulin, glucagon, and glucose concentrations and antropyloroduodenal pressures were measured at baseline and for 120 minutes following QHCl.

Results

Suppression of ghrelin (P = 0.006), stimulation of cholecystokinin (P = 0.030), peptide YY (P = 0.017), GLP-1 (P = 0.034), insulin (P = 0.024), glucagon (P = 0.030), and pyloric pressures (P = 0.050), and lowering of glucose (P = 0.001) were greater after ID-QHCl than IG-QHCl. Insulin stimulation (P = 0.021) and glucose reduction (P = 0.001) were greater in females than males, while no sex-associated effects were found for cholecystokinin, peptide YY, GLP-1, glucagon, or pyloric pressures.

Conclusion

ID quinine has greater effects on plasma gut and pancreatic hormones and pyloric pressures than IG quinine in healthy subjects, consistent with the concept that stimulation of small intestinal bitter receptors is critical to these responses. Both insulin stimulation and glucose lowering were sex-dependent.
The Ambient Politics of Affective Computing
Authors: Wu Angela Xiao
Published: March 2022

Much attention to affective computing has focused on its alleged ability to “tap into human affects,” a trope also foundational to broader theorizations about big-data surveillance. What remains understudied and undertheorized is affective computing's social life, where interested parties contest and collude on its deployment. This essay traces how such portable technologies as sentiment analysis and “like” buttons wound up redefining collective action in China, which partly explains the conservative turn observed in Chinese online cultures since the mid-2010s. It unpacks affective computing's ambient politics — the fraught processes whereby social actors aggressively repackage, reinterpret, and remediate these technologies to fit their agendas, changing social standards for denoting emotions along the way. This essay calls to reorient critical analysis of affective computing away from its design epistemics to its ambient politics and, in parallel, to shift the focus from interiorized subjects to conditions of collective existence.
Labor law: national and international dimension
Authors: Golovina Svetlana , Lyutov Nikita , Berezhnov Andrey , Voytkovskaya Ilona , Voroncov Dmitriy , Gerasimova Elena , Dolzhenkova Yuliya , Kostyan Irina , Kurennoy Aleksandr
Published: March 2022

The second volume of the collective monograph "Labor Law: National and International Dimension", prepared by leading experts on
Russian and international labor law, as well as on labor economics, is devoted to special problems of modern labor law.
The first section of this volume examines the problems of transformation of labor relations, the development of Russian labor law at the turn of the XX-XXI centuries,
the growth of differentiation of labor law, issues related to the digitalization of labor. The second section is devoted to the problems of regulation of atypical
forms of employment, including new forms - remote work, work through online platforms, etc. The third section deals with the actual problems
of individual institutions of labor law in modern conditions: occupational safety and health, labor disputes, labor inspection and collective labor law. Most of the issues are investigated from the standpoint of Russian national labor law, international labor standards, using comparative legal analysis, as well as an intersectoral approach to legal research.
For practitioners and researchers in the field of labor law, international law, economics and sociology of labor, as well as students, postgraduates
and anyone interested in this issue.
Features of the historical and pedagogical foundations of patriotic education of law enforcement officers in Russia
Authors: Mangasarova Ludmila
Published: March 2022

Based on the analysis of scientific literature, the article defines the historical and pedagogical foundations of patriotic education of employees of the internal affairs bodies, characteristic of different periods of the formation of the Russian state. Various approaches to understanding the essence of patriotic education, its goals, objectives and content are presented. The author's interpretation of the genesis of patriotic education of employees of internal affairs bodies is proposed, characterizing qualitative changes in the patriotic-oriented educational process. Such pedagogical approaches, methods, pedagogical conditions have been identified, which, on the one hand, most correspond to modern ideas about the self-realization of the subject in the educational process, on the other hand, ensure the effectiveness of patriotic education of employees of internal affairs bodies. Analyzing various approaches to understanding the essence of patriotic education, two levels of its interpretation are identified: personal and social (the level of public consciousness). At the personal level, patriotism is considered as a stable and integrative human trait that combines three components: the result of free self-determination of the individual; the orientation of attitudes, behavior of the subject, his activities and worldview; a socio-moral imperative expressed through connections with other personal qualities formed by other types of education. In the course of the historical and pedagogical analysis, productive ideas have been identified that should be taken into account in the construction of modern concepts of patriotic education of employees of internal affairs bodies.
Bioremediation of Petroleum Contamination: A Short Review
Authors: Khan Saimah , Tripathi Ayush Kumar , Srivastava Rohan , Saleem Mohd Saad , Yeremenko Sergiy , Sydorenko Volodymyr
Published: March 2022

The pros and cons of using the bioremediation method for the removal of petroleum pollutants are discussed in this review article. Other methods along with bioremediation have been used to remediate petroleum hydrocarbon contaminants in the past. Bioremediation is cheap and efficient method than any other because major constituents of the crude oils are biodegradable. Despite the fact that, as compared to physicochemical strategies, longer periods are normally required, complete pollutant degradation can be achieved, and no further containment of the contaminated matrix is required. According to hydrocarbon present in the contaminants different strategies and organism are used for the bioremediation.

Common strategies include controlling environmental factors such as oxygen availability, hydrocarbon solubility, nutrient balance and managing hydrocarbon degrading bacteria by eliminating the rate limiting factors that may slow down the bioremediation rate. Microorganism dynamics during bioremediation is most important for understanding how they respond, adapt and remediate pollution. However, bioremediation can be considered one of the best technologies to deal with petroleum product contaminants.
“El cañito de la red llega, lo que no llega es el agua”. Hacia una ecología política del agua en el Chaco salteño, Argentina
Authors: Schmidt Mariana Andrea
Published: March 2022

En Argentina, la región chaqueña es un vasto espacio geográfico atravesado por grandes cuer­pos de agua e implicado en procesos de expansión de fronteras extractivas con gran impacto ambiental y social. A partir de los aportes de la ecología política del agua y la justicia hídrica, el artículo se propone incorporar la perspectiva hídrica a reflexiones precedentes en la provincia de Salta. La estrategia metodológica se sustenta en la recolección y análisis de fuentes secunda­rias, junto con la realización de entrevistas en profundidad. Se distinguen dos escenarios que plantean dilemas y desafíos en torno a la gestión de los recursos hídricos: por un lado, el acceso al agua y su distribución, y por el otro, la escasez y/o exceso hídrico. En ambos casos, interesa analizar cómo se distribuyen las cargas ambientales y explorar la emergencia de conflictos y controversias respecto de causas y soluciones posibles.
An alternative way to conceptualise aspects of modern nursing
Authors: Foster Sam
Published: March 2022

Sam Foster, Chief Nurse, Oxford University Hospitals, describes a different approach to considering the many components of work undertaken by nurses that could help to reduce workforce pressures
Relationship between resilience and health-related quality of life among patients with a permanent colostomy
Authors: El-Rahman Mohamed Mona Abed , El-Ata Amal Bakr Abo , Elezaby Hanan Hassan
Published: March 2022

Background:

The assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and resilience are important aspects of colorectal cancer care, as well as an indicator of patients' health status. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between resilience and HRQoL among patients with a permanent colostomy.

Method:

A cross-sectional descriptive correlational design employing the City of Hope Quality of Life Ostomy Questionnaire and the Resilience Scale was adopted. A purposive sample population was recruited.

Results:

The study enrolled 158 colostomy patients. Half the participants (50.6%) were female and the mean age was 58.20 years [standard deviation (SD)=8.70]. Colostomy patients had a mean HRQoL score of 129.61 (SD)=98 (interquartile range: 109–148), with a spiritual domain that was lower than any other HRQoL domain. The Resilience Scale mean score was 106 (interquartile range: 82–126).

Conclusion:

This study observed a general low score on the HRQoL Questionnaire and this was reflected in the Resilience Scale score of this group of patients with a colostomy.
A new approach with a novel silicone adhesive stoma bag: a clinical study on peristomal skin and quality of life
Authors: Belfield-Cockings Karen
Published: March 2022

The care of peristomal skin is a major challenge for people living with a stoma, as well as stoma care nurses. Peristomal skin complications include medical adhesive-related skin injuries/skin stripping, moisture-associated skin damage and contact dermatitis. There is also a limited choice of hydrocolloid adhesive stoma bags. This article reports on the introduction of Genii™, a new stoma bag that sticks with a unique breathable silicone adhesive. The study investigated the experiences of 61 colostomates over a 6-week period, examining the effect on their peristomal skin and their quality of life, in terms of sleep, self-image, social confidence and exercise, and overall product performance. The majority of study participants reported a positive experience when using the stoma bag.
Individual cells generate their own self-reinforcing contact guidance cues through local matrix fiber remodeling
Authors: Pamonag Michael , Hinson Abigail , Burton Elisha J. , Jafari Nojan , Sales Dominic , Babcock Sarah , Basha Rozlan , Hu Xiaofeng , Kubow Kristopher E.
Published: March 2022

Directed cell migration arises from cells following a microenvironmental gradient (e.g. of a chemokine) or polarizing feature (e.g. a linear structure). However cells not only follow, but in many cases, also generate directionality cues by modifying their microenvironment. This bi-directional relationship is seen in the alignment of extracellular matrix (ECM) fibers ahead of invading cell masses. The forces generated by many migrating cells cause fiber alignment, which in turn promotes further migration in the direction of fiber alignment via contact guidance and durotaxis. While this positive-feedback relationship has been widely described for cells invading en masse, single cells are also able to align ECM fibers, as well as respond to contact guidance and durotaxis cues, and should therefore exhibit the same relationship. In this study, we directly tested this hypothesis by studying the migration persistence of individual HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells migrating in photocrosslinked collagen matrices with limited remodeling potential. Our results demonstrate that this positive-feedback relationship is indeed a fundamental aspect of cell migration in fibrillar environments. We observed that the cells’ inability to align and condense fibers resulted in a decrease in persistence relative to cells in native collagen matrices and even relative to isotropic (glass) substrates. Further experiments involving 2D collagen and electrospun polymer scaffolds suggest that substrates composed of rigid, randomly oriented fibers reduce cells’ ability to follow another directionality cue by forcing them to meander to follow the available adhesive area (i.e. fibers). Finally, our results demonstrate that the bi-directional relationship between cell remodeling and migration is not a “dimensionality” effect, but a fundamental effect of fibrous substrate structure.
Step-to-step variability indicates disruption to balance control when linking the arms and legs during treadmill walking
Authors: Vega Daisey , Huang Helen J. , Arellano Christopher J.
Published: March 2022

We recently discovered that a rope-pulley system that mechanically coupling the arms, legs and treadmill during walking can assist with forward propulsion in healthy subjects, leading to significant reductions in metabolic cost. However, walking balance may have been compromised, which could hinder the potential use of this device for gait rehabilitation. We performed a secondary analysis by quantifying average step width, step length, and step time, and used their variability to reflect simple metrics of walking balance (n = 8). We predicted an increased variability in at least one of these metrics when using the device, which would indicate disruptions to walking balance. When walking with the device, subjects increased their average step width (p < 0.05), but variability in step width and step length remained similar (p’s > 0.05). However, the effect size for step length variability when compared to that of mechanical perturbation experiments suggest a minimal to moderate disruption in balance (Rosenthal ES = 0.385). The most notable decrement in walking balance was an increase in step time variability (p < 0.05; Cohen’s d = 1.286). Its effect size reveals a moderate disruption when compared to the effect sizes observed in those with balance deficits (effect sizes ranged between 0.486 to 1.509). Overall, we conclude that healthy subjects experienced minimal to moderate disruptions in walking balance when using with this device. These data indicate that in future clinical experiments, it will be important to not only consider the mechanical and metabolic effects of using such a device but also its potential to disrupt walking balance, which may be exacerbated in patients with poor balance control.
Effect of PCSK9 inhibition with evolocumab on lipoprotein subfractions in familial dysbetalipoproteinemia (type III hyperlipidemia)
Authors: Waldmann Elisa , Wu Liya , Busygina Kristina , Altenhofer Julia , Henze Kerstin , Folwaczny Alexander , Parhofer Klaus G.
Published: March 2022

Background and aims

Familial dysbetalipoproteinemia (FDBL) is a rare inborn lipid disorder characterized by the formation of abnormal triglyceride- and cholesterol-rich lipoproteins (remnant particles). Patients with FDBL have a high risk for atherosclerotic disease. The effect of PCSK9 inhibition on lipoproteins and its subfractions has not been evaluated in FDBL.

Methods

Three patients (65±7 years, 23±3 kg/m2, 2 females) with FDBL (diagnosed by isoelectrofocusing) and atherosclerosis (coronary and/or cerebro-vascular and/or peripheral arterial disease) resistant or intolerant to statin and fibrate therapy received evolocumab (140mg every 14 days). In addition to a fasting lipid profile (preparative ultracentrifugation), apoB and cholesterol concentrations were determined in 15 lipoprotein-subfractions (density gradient ultracentrifugation; d 1.006–1.21g/ml) before and after 12 weeks of evolocumab treatment. Patients with LDL-hypercholesterolemia (n = 8, 56±8 years, 31±7 kg/m2) and mixed hyperlipidemia (n = 5, 68±12 years, 30±1 kg/m2) also receiving evolocumab for 12 weeks were used for comparison.

Results

All patients tolerated PCSK9 inhibition well. PCSK9 inhibitors reduced cholesterol (29–37%), non-HDL-cholesterol (36–50%) and apoB (40–52%) in all patient groups including FDBL. In FDBL, PCSK9 inhibition reduced VLDL-cholesterol and the concentration of apoB containing lipoproteins throughout the whole density spectrum (VLDL, IDL, remnants, LDL). Lipoprotein(a) was decreased in all patient groups to a similar extent.

Conclusions

This indicates that the dominant fraction of apoB-containing lipoproteins is reduced with PCSK9 inhibition, i.e. LDL in hypercholesterolemia and mixed hyperlipidemia, and cholesterol-rich VLDL, remnants and LDL in FDBL. PCSK9 inhibition may be a treatment option in patients with FDBL resistant or intolerant to statin and/or fibrate therapy.
The horror of the woman flower: Fetish and florals in the work of Richard Quinn
Authors: Hall Suzanna
Published: March 2022

Since the start of his career, British fashion designer Richard Quinn has juxtaposed highly fetishistic imagery with bourgeois floral prints in his runway presentations. The interplay of Quinn’s masks, latex and whips with his choice of bold and bright florals is informed by the various and complex symbolic associations with flowers, which communicates both a delicate femininity and sexual danger. At the core of this is the idea of the hybridized image of the woman-as-flower, who embodies a beguiling combination of exaggerated feminine beauty and uncanny horror. To contextualize why Quinn’s fetish-chic fashion is so impactful, this article explores the fashionable representations of the ‘woman-flower’ through history and how Quinn co-opts imagery of bondage, discipline and sado-masochism (BDSM), and fetishwear to evoke the complex associations found within floral symbolism, its links to eroticism and sexuality, and how this is enacted on the runway within the discourses of plant horror and the monstrous-feminine.
Instrução e Corrupção Moral pela Literatura
Authors: Pereira Mariana Almeida
Published: March 2022

Pretende-se auscultar a possibilidade de instrução moral pela literatura. Defender-se-á que a arte narrativa é capaz de instruir moralmente pois 1) proporciona um tipo de conhecimento não-proposicional que permite o acesso a novas perspetivas, e 2) é capaz de cultivar e refinar os valores e as práticas morais dos leitores, através do engajamento emocional. Tentar-se-á mostrar que o poder inverso — o poder de corromper moralmente — não se verifica (ou não se verifica tão facilmente): apelar-se-á à resistência imaginativa humana que parece impedir que o Homem exporte perspetivas morais que violentam o seu próprio posicionamento axiológico.
A munkahelyi flow-állapotot elősegítő vezetői képességek elemzése a komoly játék eszközével
Authors: Buzády Zoltán , Wimmer Ágnes , Csesznák Anita , Szentesi Péter
Published: March 2022

A szerzők tanulmányukban a vezetés emberi tényezőivel foglalkoznak, Csíkszentmihályi Mihály flow-elméletéhez (1997) kapcsolódóan a munkahelyi flow-állapotot elősegítő vezetéshez szükséges készségeket és ezek összefüggéseit vizsgálják. Rámutatnak arra, hogy a játékosítás és a komoly játékok fontos szerepet tölthetnek be a modern vezetőképzésben: az érintettek valósághű virtuális döntési szituációkon keresztül tapasztalatokat szerezhetnek készségeikről, döntéseik hatásáról, egyben fejleszthetik versenyképességet biztosító vezetői képességeiket. A kutatás újdonsága, hogy a flow-elmélet és a vezetői készségek közötti kapcsolatot a komoly játék eszközével létrehozott, kiterjedt adatbázison vizsgálja: a FLIGBY® („Flow is Good Business For You”), a flow-alapú vezetői készségek mérésére és fejlesztésére kidolgozott komoly játék közel egy évtizedre visszatekintő adatai adják empirikus elemzésük alapját. Többszáz magyar megfigyelés alapján, a vezetői készségek közti kapcsolatok statisztikai elemzésével megvizsgálják, hogy a munkahelyi flow-t elősegítő négy fő készséget (a stratégiai gondolkodásmód, a visszacsatolás, az egyéni erősségek felismerése, valamint a kihívások és a készségek közti egyensúly megteremtésének készsége) milyen további vezetői képességek támogatják leginkább.
Instituições públicas de formação da juventude campinense (1950-1960): democratização ou elitização?
Authors: Rodrigues Melânia Mendonça , Lima Niédja Maria Ferreira de , Silva Vívia de Melo
Published: March 2022

Tratando de duas instituições públicas de ensino secundário de Campina Grande-PB, o Colégio Estadual da Prata (1953) e a Escola Normal Estadual (1960), o artigo   discute o prestígio social das duas instituições, destacando as solenidades de inauguração dos prédios e o alunado de cada uma delas, nas respectivas primeiras décadas de funcionamento. Os achados provêm de matérias veiculadas em jornais do estado, bem como das fichas individuais dos alunos, disponíveis nos arquivos das instituições. A cobertura jornalística e a dimensão política das solenidades de inauguração dos prédios constituem forte indício do prestígio social do Colégio Estadual e da Escola Normal. Já o seu alunado foi constituído de jovens (rapazes e moças) oriundos de família tradicionais da elite campinense e regiões circunvizinhas. Tais achados permitem considerar que a trajetória das instituições, no período aqui analisado, evidencia a tensão entre elitização e democratização do ensino secundário campinense, nas décadas de 1950-1960.
A experiência de produzir fontes orais para a História das Instituições Escolares
Authors: Santos Sônia Maria dos , Marra Marisa Francisca Galdeano
Published: March 2022

Como metodologia de pesquisa, a História Oral se projetou no ramo da história das instituições escolares, seja como guia da pesquisa, seja como forma complementar. Em parte, permite produzir fontes para realidades cujos registros materiais inexistem ou não foram encontrados. Essa metodologia orientou a pesquisa subjacente ao estudo a que este se filia; ou seja, uma dissertação de mestrado sobre uma escola confessional, o Externato Santa Teresinha. Essa metodologia não só ajudou a estruturar e desdobrar a pesquisa, como também ampliar o escopo das fontes. Nesse sentido, este texto relata a experiência de produzir fontes segundo a História Oral para tal pesquisa, por meio de entrevista a cinco colaboradores que participaram da história daquela instituição de ensino. A expectativa é que este relato possa ser pertinente e importante à reflexão sobre problemas que permeiam a produção de fontes orais e que inspire outros a usar a História Oral.
Aplicação do método da varredura para redução dos custos logísticos em uma empresa de comércio de hortifrúti
Authors: Rossini Guilherme Mendes , Pereira Tábata Fernandes
Published: March 2022

O setor de logística possui grande importância quando se tratada competitividade de uma empresa em mercados cada vez mais acirrados, especialmente quando trata-se de produtos alimentícios, cuja qualidade é diretamente impactada pelos cuidados no transporte. Visando reduzir o tempo das entregas e também os custos relacionados ao deslocamento destes produtos, deve-se aperfeiçoar o planejamento logístico para se adaptarao cenário atual de maneira eficiente. O método da varredura é uma ferramenta para roteirização de veículos que propõe melhores caminhos e sequências para aprimorar a utilização dos recursos disponíveis e reduzir as distâncias percorridas pela frota. O presente artigo tem como objetivo aplicar este método para solucionar o Problema de Roteirização de Veículos (PRV) de uma empresa de comércio de hortifrútis, através de uma pesquisa-ação orientada pelo problema. Ao final de sua aplicação, foi possível avaliar uma redução de 17,3% na distância percorrida pela frota e de 24% nos custos mensais de transporte, confirmando a viabilidade de sua aplicação, além da possibilidade de replicação do modelo para os outros segmentos da empresa de forma ágil e eficiente.