bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demographic well-being of Russian regions. National Demographic Report-2021
Authors:   Institute for Demographic Research of FCTAS RAS, Moscow, Russian Federation, Rostovskaya Tamara K. , Shabunova Alexandra A. ,   Vologda Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: December 2021

Демографическое самочувствие регионов России. Национальный демографический доклад-2021 подготовлен научным коллективом Института демографических исследований ФНИСЦ РАН, Вологодским научным центром РАН, Башкирским филиалом ФНИСЦ РАН, Волгоградским государственным университетом, в рамках реализации гранта РНФ «Демографическое поведение населения в контексте национальной безопасности России», с участием научных работников Центра семьи и демографии Академии наук Республики Татарстан, а также ведущих ученых Ставропольского края, Ивановской, Нижегородской, Свердловской областей. Доклад адресован государственным служащим, научным сотрудникам, преподавателям университетов, аспирантам и студентам.
Impact des caractéristiques du troupeau et des pratiques d’élevage sur les performances de reproduction des vaches laitières dans le Nord-Est algérien
Authors: Haou Abir , Miroud Kamel , Gherissi Djallel Eddine
Published: December 2021

L’étude a porté sur les effets des caractéristiques du troupeau (race, taille, parité et zone d’étude) et des pratiques d’élevage (chaleurs induites/naturelles, pratique du flushing ou non, et durée du tarissement) sur les taux de fécondité et de fertilité de 721 vaches laitières (VL) des races Montbéliarde (n = 379) et Prim’Holstein (n = 342) réparties sur 23 troupeaux, nées et mises à la reproduction en Algérie. Les paramètres de fécondité ont révélé un intervalle entre le vêlage et les premières chaleurs de 86,8 ± 48 jours, entre le vêlage et la première insémination artificielle (IA) de 108 ± 80,4 jours, entre la première IA et l’IA fécondante de 42,9 ± 85,2 jours, entre le vêlage et l’insémination fécondante de 152 ± 116 jours, et entre vêlages de 427 ± 122,8 jours. Un taux de réussite moyen en première IA de 54,8 % (VL) et 38,8 ± 20 % (troupeau), un index de fertilité apparent de 1,83, et 19,3 % de VL inséminées trois fois et plus (dans 16,2 ± 11 des troupeaux) ont été enregistrés. La fécondité plus que la fertilité était loin des objectifs. La race n’a eu aucun effet significatif sur la fertilité (p > 0,05), mais les performances de reproduction ont varié significativement (p < 0,05) en fonction de la taille du troupeau, de la parité, de la région d’étude, des chaleurs induites ou naturelles, et de la pratique ou non du flushing. La fécondité était plus faible chez les animaux dont la durée du tarissement dépassait 60 jours (p < 0,05). Une mise à la reproduction tardive au-delà de 80 jours post-partum a été le paramètre qui a affecté le plus les performances de reproduction des VL dans la zone d’étude.
Pelaksanaan QA dan QC untuk Efektivitas dan Keamanan Brakhihterapi Intrakaviter
Authors: Suharmono Bambang Haris
Published: December 2021

Dalam dunia kesehatan, radiologi mempunyai peran penting untuk mendiagnosis dan mengobati suatu penyakit serta mempelajari radiasi, terutama di bidang radiodiagnostik dan radioterapi yang bertujuan untuk penyembuhan dari penyakit ganas yang sangat mematikan yaitu kanker. Brachytherapy memberikan pengobatan yang lebih tepat dan mengurangi kerusakan di daerah jaringan yang sehat di sekitar tumor.  Telah banyak kasus tumor maupun kanker yang sembuh dengan metode brachytherapy ini mulai dari kanker serviks, kanker mulut rahim, hingga kanker lidah. Tujuan jurnal ini diharapkan akan membantu dalam memahami aspek fisis dan aspek klinis. sehingga diketahui bahwa Quality Assurance (Penilaian kualitas) adalah seluruh rencana dan tindakan sistematis yang penting sedangkan Quality control (kontrol kualitas) adalah sistem yang digunakan untuk mempertahankan tingkat kualitas.
Comprehensive Management of Congenital Cataract in Dizygotic Twin Babies
Authors: Hapsari Windya Tri , Wahyuni Indri , Loebis Rozalina
Published: December 2021

Introduction: One of the leading causes of infant blindness is cataract. The prevalence of congenital cataract has been estimated in the range between 1 and 15 per 10.000 children globally. Congenital cataract in twin babies is a rare case. This case will report the outcome of comprehensive management of congenital cataract in dizygotic twin babies. Case presentation: Eight months old dizygotic twin babies came to our clinic with the primary complaint of whitish appearance in the pupil of both eyes since birth. They were born aterm with cesarean delivery. The birth weight was 2.700 g and 3.100 g respectively. They were the fourth and fifth children in the family. There was no family history of congenital cataract. The visual acuity of both eyes was positive response to light stimuli. The cataract was bilateral and dense on both babies. Fundus reflex and TORCH examinations were negative. Ultrasonography (USG) of the retina was normal on both babies. Conclusions: Isolated congenital cataract in twin babies is an unusual condition that should be treated comprehensively. Congenital cataract may cause deprivation amblyopia, refractive amblyopia, and permanent vision impairment. Early diagnosis and quick treatment, such as surgical timing and visual rehabilitation, are critical to perform successful management. Comprehensive care is required to monitor the visual result of cataract surgery.
RESEARCH ON THE ADJUSTMENT OF CROATIAN TOURIST OFFER TO JAPANESE TOURISTS EXPECTATIONS
Authors: Sucic Mirela
Published: December 2021

: A fundamental problem of Croatian tourism is insufficient quality level leading to seasonality, insufficient capacity utilisation and (non) profitability. Today, when tourist markets are turbulent, it is important to know a tourist, their wishes, expectation and outdo these. In order for the tourist to be satisfied, it is crucial to meet all segments of their expectations. Though an important aspect of tourist product or offer quality, insufficiently mentioned in Croatia is the respect of the culture the tourist comes from. Croatia is opening to new non-traditional markets it needs to adjust to. In order to remain competitive and continuously increase product and service quality, even the most unusual tourists’ requests should be met. Quality implies attitude: never say no to a client. This paper presents the results of researching readiness of Croatian tourist offer to meet specific Japanese tourists’ requests.
INTANGIBLES AS FUTURE VALUE CREATORS: THE CASE OF THE HOTEL INDUSTRY
Authors: Jerman Mateja , Kavčić Slavka , Kavčić Bogdan
Published: December 2021

The paper aims to provide evidence about the significance of intangibles in the hotel industry. The research investigates their importance for Croatian, Slovenian and Austrian hotel industry in the period 2004–2008. The results prove that despite their growing significance, accentuated by recent research, there is no presence of major growth related to intangible assets in the hotel industry. More detailed analysis further demonstrates that the hotel industry does not operate with a major share of intangibles in comparison with the largest domestic companies. Additional results point to the fact that larger companies possess a greater extent of intangibles in comparison with smaller companies. Therefore further research approaches could analyze the reasons that lead to these results and possible solutions that could stimulate the awareness of intangibles as a source of competitive advantages.
MEASUREMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL∗
Authors: Sundac Dragomir , Fatur Krmpotić Irena
Published: December 2021

Modern companies work in the conditions of so called New economy, where the knowledge becomes the basic economic resource. Traditional resources as land, capital and labour are determined by diminishing returns; knowledge instead is connected with increasing returns. Knowledge that can be used in the company for creating value represents the intellectual capital. By measuring intellectual capital, company can manage it. This paper shows concise overview of used methods for measuring intellectual capital. Authors measured intellectual capital in four companies in Croatia using Calculated Intangible Value (CIV) as a method. Results of measuring intellectual capital are complemented with traditional financial ratios. However, intellectual capital statement gives real outlook in competitive advantage of certain company. Every modern company should measure its intellectual capital value and report it as a supplement to traditional balance sheets.
Optimal weights for bidirectional ray tracing with photon maps while mixing 3 strategies
Authors: Ershov Sergey Valentinovich , Kopylov Mikhail Sergeevich , Voloboy Alexey Gennadievich
Published: December 2021

Bidirectional stochastic ray tracing with photon maps is a powerful method but suffers from noise. It can be reduced by the Multiple Importance Sampling which combines results of different “strategies”. The “optimal weights” minimize the noise functional thus providing the best quality of the results. In the paper we derive and solve the system of integral equations that determine the optimal weights. It has several qualitative differences from the previously investigated case of mixing two strategies, but further increase of their number beyond 3 retains the qualitative features of the system. It can be solved in a closed form i.e. as an algebraic formula that include several integrals of the known functions that can be calculated in ray tracing.
Morphological pattern of endometrial pathology during postmenopause
Authors:   M.V.Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Ivanova N.V. , Shamarakova M.V. ,   Center for Family Planning and Reproduction, Moscow, Russian Federation, Panina O.B. ,   M.V.Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Gribova M.R. ,   S.S.Yudin City Clinical Hospital, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: December 2021

Objective. To study the morphological pattern of endometrial pathology in the menopausal women considering clinical symptoms and duration of the menopausal period. Patients and methods. 1032 women in the postmenopause were observed. Clinical data, the results of ultrasound and pathomorphological examination were studied. All patients were divided into the following groups: group 1 consisted of patients with menopausal duration for 1–5 years; group 2 – for 6–10 years; group 3 – for 10–20 years; group 4 – for more than 20 years. Results. Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) was registered in 39% of patients from group 1, in 13% of patients both from group 2 and group 3, and in 7% of patients from group 4. Endometrial thickening according to the ultrasound results was observed in 39% of patients from group 1, in 58% of patients from group 2, in 53% of patients both from group 3 and group 4. The combination of AUB and increased endometrial thickness was found in 27% of patients from group 1, in 29% from group 2, in 34% from group 3, and in 40% from group 4. Functional changes in the endometrium represented by the regenerating endometrium, proliferative endometrium, and endometrial hyperplasia were found in 31% of patients from group 1 and in 4% of patients from group 2. The incidence of endometrial carcinoma increased with the increasing duration of the menopause and was 7% in group 1, 12% in group 2, 24% in group 3, and 30% in group 4. Conclusion. The leading cause of AUB in women during the first 5 years of the menopause is functional change in the endometrium. Patients with menopausal duration of more than 10 years and the presence of AUB constitute a risk group of developing endometrial carcinoma. Key words: abnormal uterine bleeding, menopause, endometrial carcinoma
Fetal growth restriction: unresolved issues of risk stratification, early diagnosis, and obstetric management
Authors:   Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russian Federation, Podzolkova N.M. , Denisova Yu.V. ,   Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russian Federation, Skvortsova M.Yu. ,   Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russian Federation, Denisova T.V. ,   Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russian Federation, Shovgenova D.S. ,   Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: December 2021

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) refers to pregnancy complications associated with an increased risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality and is defined in the Russian-language literature as the fetal size and weight retardation in relation to the norm for a given gestational age, and in the English-language literature – as the inability of the fetus to realize its genetically determined growth potential. FGR is the cause of 43% of stillbirths of unspecified etiology, and some cases remain undiagnosed even in high-risk populations due to the lack of universal diagnostic standards for this pathology. The review presents a critical analysis of the existing definitions of FGR, the latest data on risk factors, an assessment of diagnostic methods for its early and late forms, the prospects of using biomarkers and instrumental methods of examination in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes, and an algorithm for the management of pregnancy complicated by FGR. For a more complete coverage of the literature and deeper understanding of the nosology, attention is focused on FGR that is not accompanied by preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders, which occur in about 30% of cases. Key words: placental insufficiency, fetometry, percentile, pulsatility index, fetal growth restriction For citation: Podzolkova N.M., Denisova Yu.V., Skvortsova M.Yu., Denisova T.V., Shovgenova D.S. Fetal growth restriction: unresolved issues of risk stratification, early diagnosis, and obstetric management. Vopr. ginekol. akus. perinatol. (Gynecology, Obstetrics and Perinatology). 2021; 20(5): 76–86. (In Russian). DOI: 10.20953/1726-1678-2021-5-76-86
Las pinturas murales de la capilla de las Ánimas de la iglesia de San Juan Bautista de Málaga y su correspondencia con una obra genovesa
Authors: Lara Garcés Alfredo
Published: December 2021

Aún ocultas y a la espera de su pertinente restauración, las pinturas murales halladas en las paredes del camarín de la capilla de las Ánimas de la iglesia de San Juan Bautista de la ciudad de Málaga, conforman uno de los escasos ejemplos conservados en la urbe de ornamentación pictórica de carácter ilusionista en el interior de un templo. Pese a su estado actual, las catas realizadas han permitido descifrar someramente su composición a modo de pórtico abierto a un paisaje natural en el que emergen algunos edificios históricos. El estudio comparativo de estos elementos con la semejante decoración de la capilla genovesa del palacio Tobia Pallavicino supone la apertura de nuevas vías de investigación en torno al origen de las pinturas malagueñas y su correspondencia con las del monumento ligur.
Temperature Effects on Unconfined Compressive Strength of Clay Soils: Experimental and Constitutive Study
Authors: Mohammadi Fariborz , Maghsoodi Soheib , Cheshomi Akbar , Rajabi Ali Mohammad
Published: December 2021

Unconfined compressive strength (Su) is one of the soil engineering parameters used in geotechnical designs. Due to the temperature changes caused by some human activities, it is important to study the changes in Su at different temperatures. For this purpose, kaolin, illite and montmorillonite clays with a liquid limit (LL) of 47, 80 and 119 respectively, were tested in a temperature-controlled cell in temperature range of 20 to 60 ℃. The results showed that the pore water pressure is a function of temperature and by heating, pore water pressure in the samples increased. In all three types of clay, the Su decreased linearly with increasing temperature. The reduction of Su in kaolin is more than illite and in illite is more than montmorillonite. The reason for this reduction, might be due the difference in the mineralogy of the clays. The results of unconfined compressive tests at different temperatures were simulated using hypoplastic model.
Articles Signifying Renogram Processing Practices-A Systematic Review
Authors: Gokhale Pradnya , Patil Babasaheb Rajaram
Published: December 2021

The renography represents time activity process detected when one measures the activity in the kidneys after the dose injection of radiolabeled radio tracer(e.g.99mTc- DTPA,99mTc-MAG3). Interpretation of this renal scan helps to diagnose whether the drainage function from the kidney is normal or abnormal. This renal tracer’s data is processed by mathematical models and data processing techniques like Rutland-Patlak and deconvolution methods to produce renograph. This research study is carried out to review previously published research articles incorporating various methods, their applications and image processing algorithms as well as techniques that were applied to process renal radiotracer’s transit time data. This review includes various types, advantages, gaps and possible scopes for existing renogram data processing techniques. After analysis process of 142 articles it is found that, maximum of the articles are associated with renal scan’s processing methods that are limited to renal patient’s related disease categories and having absence of quantifiable measurement and study of parenchymal radio tracer’s transit time counted from renal cortex to renal pelvis path while limited numbers of articles are purely related to applied algorithms for detecting obstruction level qualitatively.
Mirroring Emotions: Patients' Versus Caregivers' Perceptions of Sexual Experience in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Landi Giovanni , Monaco Maria Rita Lo , Stasio Enrico Di , Ricciardi Diego , Solito Marcella , Petracca Martina , Fusco Domenico , Rota Elisabetta , Salerno Andrea , Pagano Francesco , Liperoti Rosa , Bentivoglio Anna Rita , Siveri Maria Caterina
Published: December 2021

Background and aims:
The need for intimacy and sexual expression is an essential dimension of quality of life. As patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) have to cope with essential changes in their global and sexual functioning, achieving a satisfying intimate and sexual relationship can be challenging. Sexual experience is a complex process that involves a dyadic relationship. In this study, we aimed to characterize the sexual experience of patients with Parkinson's disease and patients' vs caregivers' perceptions.
Methods
Twenty-seven PD patients and their caregivers were asked to complete the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) anonymously. They were instructed to refer to their sexual behavior over the past year and to consider behavioral changes that lasted for at least four consecutive weeks.
Results
Our data suggest that when considering sexual perceptions in PD, there is often agreement of judgment between patients and their partners. Overall, they have a rather good sex life, especially in the early stage of the disease, with similar behavior shown by men and women.
Conclusions
The effect of PD on the sexual and couple relationship challenges healthcare professionals to focus on the needs of both partners and to plan specific interventions in such a way as to prevent the deterioration of the couples' sexual wellbeing.
Identification of a Saltol-independent Salinity Tolerance Polymorphism in Rice Mekong Delta Landraces and Characterization of a Promising Line, Doc Phung
Authors: Tam Nguyen Thanh , Dwiyanti Maria Stefanie , Sakaguchi Shuntaro , Koide Yohei , Dung Le Viet , Watanabe Toshihiro , Kishima Yuji
Published: December 2021

The Mekong Delta River in Vietnam is facing salinity intrusion caused by climate change and sea-level rise that is severely affecting rice cultivation. Here, we evaluated salinity responses of 97 rice accessions (79 landraces and 18 improved accessions) from the Mekong Delta population by adding 100 mM NaCl to the nutrient solution for up to 20 days. We observed a wide distribution in salinity tolerance/sensitivity, with two major peaks across the 97 accessions when using the standard evaluation system (SES) developed by the International Rice Research Institute. SES scores revealed strong negative correlations (ranging from –0.68 to –0.83) with other phenotypic indices, such as shoot elongation length, root elongation length, shoot dry weight, and root dry weight. Mineral concentrations of Na+ in roots, stems, and leaves and Ca2+ in roots and stems were positively correlated with SES scores, suggesting that tolerant accessions lower their cation exchange capacity (CEC) in the root cell wall. The salinity tolerance of Mekong Delta accessions was independent from the previously described salinity tolerance–related locus Saltol, which encodes an HKT1-type transporter in the salinity-tolerant cultivars Nona Bokra and Pokkali. Indeed, genome-wide association studies (GWASs) using SES scores and shoot dry weight ratios of the 79 accessions as traits identified a single common peak located on chromosome 1. This SNP did not form a linkage group with other nearby SNPs and mapped to the 3′ untranslated region of gene LOC_Os01g32830, over 6.5 Mb away from the Saltol locus. LOC_Os01g32830 encodes chloroplast glycolate/glycerate translocator 1 (OsPLGG1), which is responsible for photorespiration and growth. SES and shoot dry weight ratios differed significantly between the two possible haplotypes at the causal SNP. Through these analyses, we characterize Doc Phung, one of the most salt-tolerant varieties in the Mekong Delta population and a promising new genetic resource.
The Effect of the Baduanjin Exercise on the Covid-19-Related Anxiety, Psychological Well-being and Lower Back Pain of College Students During the Pandemic
Authors: Li Keqiang , Walczak-Kozłowska Tamara , Lipowski Mariusz , Li Jianye , Krokosz Daniel , Fan Hongying
Published: December 2021

Background

Baduanjin exercise is recognized as having a beneficial effect on both physical and mental health. However, studies lacked consideration of its potential advantageous outcomes during the coronavirus pandemic. This study aimed to examine the effect of Baduanjin exercise on the COVID-19-related anxiety, psychological well-being, and the lower back pain of college students during the coronavirus pandemic in China.
Methods

Participants consisted of 387 people, ranging in age from 20 to 30 years (M = 23.55; SD = 3.13), and were randomly divided into two groups: 195 participated in the 12-week Baduanjin exercise program, and 192 learned health knowledge during this time. Subsequently, the two groups were analyzed and compared in terms of an intervention effect on the COVID-19-related anxiety, psychological well-being, and lower back pain.
Results

The intervention effect on the Baduanjin exercise group was remarkably better than that of the control group (p < 0.05). With the intervention of the Baduanjin exercise, the COVID-19-related anxiety score decreased from 5.22±0.45 to 5.07±0.27. The total psychological well-being score increased from 70.11±8.65 to 84.12±7.38, and the prevalence of low back pain decreased from 22.45±1.67 to 18.35±1.05 among college students.
Conclusion

During the pandemic, the Baduanjin exercise contributes to the reduction of the perceived anxiety related to the COVID-19, decreases the prevalence of the lower back pain, and improves the psychological well-being of college students.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Visceral Adiposity Index in Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yi Xianhao , Zhu Shaihong , Zhu Liyong
Published: December 2021

Background: Many studies have shown that visceral adiposity index (VAI) is valuable in the diagnosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but the accuracy of VAI in the diagnosis of NAFLD is not consistent. we aimed to assess the VAI as a predictor of NAFLD. Methods: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and other databases were searched to collect all the documents that meet the inclusion criteria, The retrieval period is from the establishment of the database to September 2021. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the quadas-2 tool. The heterogeneity among the studies was analyzed by the Cochran-Q test and I2 test, and the appropriate model was selected according to the heterogeneity. The diagnostic efficacy of VAI was evaluated by meta-analysis and a Fagan diagram was drawn to evaluate the diagnostic ability of VAI.Results: A total of 9 studies were included. The overall quality of the included studies was good. Meta-analysis showed that the combined sensitivity (Sen combined) of VAI in the diagnosis of NAFLD was 0.70 [95% CI (0.69-0.71)], the combined specificity (Spe combined) was 0.67 [95% CI (0.67-0.68)], PLR combined was 2.08 [95% CI (1.87-2.31)], NLP combined was 0.39 [95% CI (0.34-0.44)], and DOR combined was 5.81 [95% CI (4.73-7.14)]. The corresponding AUC was 0.79 [95% CI (0.75-0.82)]. Meta-regression analysis showed that the gold index was a potential source of heterogeneity (P < 0.05). The Fagan diagram shows that the precision of NAFLD diagnosis is 70% when the pre-test probability is set to 50% and then supplemented by VAI.Conclusion: VAI has a certain value in the diagnosis of NAFLD and may be helpful in the early detection of NAFLD, but it still needed a large number of prospective studies to support this.
UVRAG-Knockdown Regulates Mitochondrial Autophagy in Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia Cells by Targeting BNIP3L
Authors: Liu ChaoYong , Ma YanMin , Zhang XiaoQin , Liu Yang , Yin XiaoCheng
Published: December 2021

Objective: To explore whether UVRAG regulates mitochondrial autophagy via BNIP3L in K562 cellsMaterial and methods: We designed various assays to verify the relation between UVRAG and BNIP3L, we estabilished a mitochondrial autophagy model of K562 cells by CCCP, a mitochondrial autophagy inducer, and regulated the expression of UVRAG by cells transfection. Then we detected the expression of the BINP3L and autophagy-related proteins LC3-II/LC3-Ⅰ and P62 by Western blot. The changes of ROS, mitochondrial mass, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were detected by flow cytometry technology.Results: We found that CCCP could induce K562 cells mitochondrial autophagy, along with the change of MMP, mitochondrial mass and accumulation of ROS, also our experiment proved that UVRAG-Knockdown could reverse this phenomenon. Investigating the pathway of mitochondrial autophagy revealed UVRAG knockdown was accompanied by a decrease in BNIP3L and LC3 expression, a increase in P62 during mitochondrial autophagy. Conclusion: In our study, the results suggested that UVRAG may regulate mitochondrial autophagy of K562 cells via targeting BINP3L, which may be a potential target for the treatment of CML.
Geospatial Analysis of Road Traffic Accidents and Emergency Response Optimization in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Yunus Sulaiman , Abdulkarim Ishaq A.
Published: December 2021

BackgroundIncrease in occurrence of road traffic accidents in Kano metropolis have resulted into continuous loss of lives, injuries and increased people’s exposure to risk. This study examined road traffic accidents emergency response within Kano metropolis with a view to enhancing its efficiency through establishing communication and synergy between Emergency Healthcare Facilities (EHCF), ambulances and accident hotspots. MethodsGPS surveying was conducted to obtain the location and attributes of the major EHCF, accident hotspots along the junctions of the highways and the 2 existing ambulances at Kano State Fire Service and Federal Road Safety Corp head offices (KSFS and FRSC). Road traffic data (vector format) was digitized from Worldview 3 satellite image (2018, 30cm spatial resolution) from which two major road classes were identified (highways and minor roads) along with their speed limits of 50km/hr and 30km/hr respectively. Time distances were determined based on length and speed limits. Nearest Neighbor and Network analysis (closest facility, shortest route and location-allocation) analyses were conducted. ResultsThe result revealed a variation in the distribution patterns of EHCH, ambulances and accident spots. Closest ambulance facility analysis shows that it takes the FRSC ambulance about 9.41 minutes to reach to accident spot 18 (Maiduguri Road, after NNPC), and 7.52 minutes to travel to AKTH as the closest EHCF. On the other hand, it takes the same ambulance about 3 times the time taken to spot 18 and 4 times the time taken to AKTH to reach to Court road incident spot (spot 16) and IRPH as the closest EHCF. This signifies greater chances of death of almost all victims across the metropolis due to inability to provide CPS within the first 4 minutes before reaching to the hospital. However, in case of Pediatric emergencies, the analysis of closest EHCF from accident spots revealed that it takes less than one minute to travel from accident spots 13, 14 and 15 to IRPH as the closest Pediatric EHCF. Equally, similar time is taken to travel from incident spots 20 and 23 to Sir Sunusi and MMS hospitals respectively. Location-allocation analysis identified eight new locations based on maximum of 4 minutes impedance cutoff from all directions towards the incidents spots. ConclusionIt is concluded that the prevailing road traffic accident emergency response system within the metropolis is inefficient. Therefore, more ambulances should be strategically positioned to fasten emergency response.
The Austrian Osteopathic Practitioners Estimates and RAtes (OPERA): a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Dun Patrick L.S. van , Arcuri Lorenzo , Verbeeck Johan , Esteves Jorge E. , Cerritelli Francesco
Published: December 2021

Background: Since the previous survey of the osteopathic profession in Austria was almost a decade ago, an update was necessary. The Osteopathic Practitioners Estimates and RAtes (OPERA) project was developed as a Europe-based survey, whereby an updated profile of the profession not only provides new data for Austria, but also allows for a clear comparison with other European countries. Methods: A voluntary, online-based, closed-ended survey was distributed across Austria in the period between April and August 2020. The original English OPERA-questionnaire, composed of 52 questions in seven sections, was formally translated in German and adapted to the Austrian situation. Recruitment was performed through social-media and an e-based campaign.Results: The survey was completed by 338 individuals, of which 239 (71%) were female, and the median age was 40-49 years. Almost all respondents had preliminary healthcare training, mainly in physiotherapy (72%). The majority of respondents were self-employed (88%) and working as sole practitioners (54%). The median number of consultations per week was 21-25 and the majority of respondents scheduled 46-60 minutes for each consultation (69%). The most commonly used diagnostic techniques were: palpation of position/structure, palpation of tenderness and visual inspection. The most commonly used treatment techniques were cranial, visceral and articulatory/mobilisation techniques. The majority of patients estimated by respondents consulted an osteopath for musculoskeletal complaints mainly localised in the lumbar and cervical region. Although the majority of respondents experience a strong osteopathic identity, only a small proportion (17%) advertise themselves exclusively as osteopaths. Conclusions: This study represents the first published document to determine the characteristics of the osteopathic practitioners in Austria using large, national data. It provides new information on where, how, and by whom osteopathic care is delivered. The information provided may contribute to the evidence used by stakeholders and policy makers for the future regulation of the profession in Austria.
α-Mangostin Inhibits LPS-Induced Bone Resorption by Restricting Osteoclastogenesis Via NF-κB and MAPK Signaling
Authors: Zhang Wenkan , Jiang guangyao , zhou xiaozhong , huang leyi , meng jiahong , he bin , qi yiying
Published: December 2021

Background: Excessive activation of osteoclasts is an important cause of imbalance in bone remodeling, which further leads to pathological bone destruction. This is a clear feature of many osteolytic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and osteolysis around the prosthesis. Based on the fact that many natural compounds have therapeutic potential for treating these diseases by suppressing osteoclast formation and function, we proved that α-mangostin, a natural compound isolated from mango, might be a promising choice. α-mangostin was described had anti‐inflammatory, anticancer and cardioprotective effects. Methods: We evaluated the therapeutic effect of α-mangostin in the process of osteoclast formation and bone resorption. The receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) induces the formation of osteoclasts in vitro, and the potential pathways of α-mangostin to inhibit the differentiation and function of osteoclasts were explored. A mouse model of LPS‐induced calvarial osteolysis was establish. Subsequently, micro-CT, histology, etc. were used to evaluate the effect of α-mangostin in preventing inflammatory osteolysis.Results: In our study, we found that α-mangostin could inhibit RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and reduced osteoclast‐related gene expression in vitro. Besides, F-actin ring immunofluorescence and resorption pit assay indicated that α-mangostin can also destroy the function of osteoclast. Furthermore, α-mangostin achieved these effects by disrupting the activation of NF-κB/MAPKs signaling pathways. In vivo, our data revealed that α-mangostin could protect mouse calvarial from osteolysis. Conclusions: Together, our study demonstrates that α-mangostin exhibit the ability of inhibiting steoclastogenesis both in vitro and in vivo, and may be a potential option for treating osteoclast‐related diseases.
PPARg Dysfunction in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex Mediates High-Fat Diet-Induced Depression
Authors: Fu Cong-Cong , Zhang Xin-Yi , Xu Liu , Huang Hui-Xian , Xu Shuang , Wu Qiao-Qi , Wang Zhen , Gu Xi , Lin Li-Fang , Lin Song , Fang Ying-Ying , Cao Xiong , Wang Xue-Min
Published: December 2021

ObjectiveEpidemiological studies suggest a bidirectional association between depression and obesity; however, the biological mechanisms that link the development of depression to a metabolic disorder remain unclear. Even though nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonists show anti-depressive effect, and high-fat diet-(HFD)-induced PPARγ dysfunction is involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders, the neuronal PPARg has never been studied in HFD-induced depression. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effect of neuronal PPARγ on depressive-like behaviors in HFD-induced obese mice. MethodsWe fed male C57BL/6J mice with HFD to generate obese mice and conducted a series of behavioral tests to assess the effects of HFD feeding on depression. We generated neuron-specific PPARγ knockout mice (NKO) to determine whether neuronal PPARg deficiency was correlated with depressive-like behaviors. To further prove whether PPARγ in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) neurons is involved in depressive-like behaviors, we applied AAV- CaMKIIa-Cre approach to specifically knockout PPARγ in the mPFC neurons of LoxP mice and used AAV-syn-PPARγ vectors to overexpress PPARγ in the mPFC neurons of NKO mice. ResultsWe observed a low mPFC PPARγ level and an increase in depressive-like behaviors in the HFD-fed mice. Moreover, neuronal-specific PPARγ deficiency in mice induced depressive-like behaviors, which could be abolished by imipramine. Furthermore, overexpressing PPARg in the mPFC reversed the depressive-like behaviors in HFD-fed mice as well as in neuronal-specific PPARγ knockout mice. ConclusionsThese results implicate that dysregulation of neuronal PPARγ in the mPFC may contribute to an increased risk for depression in obese populations.
Failed induction of labour and associated factors among women delivered in Jigjiga University Sheik Hassan Yabare Referral Hospital: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mebratu Andualem , Assefa Dawit Getachew , Zeleke Eden Dagnachew , Molla Wondwosen , Mengistu Nebiyu , Woldesenbet Tigist Tekle , Aynalem Amdehiwot , Sefa Ahmedin , Mellesse Dawit
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Induction of labour is one component of comprehensive obstetrics care services that is increasing employed in modern day obstetrics to decrease the risk of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. However, it has been strongly associated with poor maternal and perinatal outcomes. Therefore, his study was aimed to assess the magnitude of failed induction of labour and associated factors among mothers delivered at Jigjiga University Sheik Hassan Yabare referral Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia from June 1 to June 30, 2021.Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study was carried out among 364 women’s delivered at Jigjiga University Sheik Hassan Yabare Referral Hospital from 2018 to 2021. A checklist was used to collect the data from the women’s chart. To isolate independent predictors related to failed induction of labour, multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.Result: Our study participants were 364 women’s. The magnitude of failed induction of labour was 36.8% (95% CI: 31.8, 42.0). Age of the mother (<30 years) (AOR= 3.2; CI: 1.78, 5.75), rural residency (AOR=2.28; CI:1.29, 4.01), being primi-para (AOR= 2.76; CI: 1.55, 4.91), gestational age less than 37 or greater than 42 year (AOR= 2.65; CI: 1.44, 4.89) , multiple ton of pregnancy (AOR= 2.36; CI: 1.01, 5.55), premature rapture of membrane (AOR= 4.88; CI: 2.33, 10.21), pregnancy induced hypertension (AOR= 5.11; CI: 2.67, 9.79), and bishop score less than six (AOR= 1.95; CI: 1.15, 3.32) were significantly associated with failed induction of labour.Conclusion: The magnitude of failed induction of labour among mothers undergoing labor induction was relatively high in the study settings compared with previous studies in the country. Failed induction of labour was significantly associated with age of the mother (<30 years), rural residency, being primi-para, gestational age less than 37 or greater than 42 years, multiple ton of pregnancy, premature rapture of membrane, pregnancy induced hypertension, and bishop score less than six.
The Characteristics of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome to Inform Occupational Therapy Practice During the Post-Intensive Care Period: A Systematic Scoping Review.
Authors: Heiniger Zoe , Brandis Susan
Published: December 2021

Background: As the demand for intensive care treatment increases, so too does the number of people surviving critical illness. Since 2010, the term “post-intensive care syndrome” has been used to describe the constellation of new or worsening physical, cognitive, and psychological impairments that persist after intensive care discharge. This review aimed determine the characteristics of PICS present during the first year following discharge from the ICU to inform occupational therapists working with this population during the post-intensive care period. Methods: A systematic scoping review has been conducted according to the PRISMA-ScR Checklist. Seven key databases were searched from inception to 2020. A single reviewer screened available literature against eligibility criteria then cross-checked by a second reviewer. Data were abstracted from relevant publications and results were narratively synthesised through application of a biopsychosocial model.Results: Twenty-five studies were identified for inclusion. Characteristics were categorised as biological, psychological, or social and contextual. Overarching outcomes were also considered. Results demonstrated that characteristics were complex and interwoven between domains. Results were grouped into four key themes: 1) An increased worldwide demand for intensive care, 2) ADL performance, 3) HRQOL, and 4) Consideration of social and contextual characteristics. No studies were found to detail the role of occupational therapists working with post-intensive care survivors.Conclusions: The complex and interwoven nature of post-intensive care syndrome highlights the need to consider a holistic rehabilitation approach. Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, occupational therapists have the potential to play an increased role during the post-intensive care period to reduce the global healthcare burden and improve patient outcomes. Future research is needed to determine the best model of care to support occupational therapists working with survivors of critical illness.Trial Registration: NA
Radiotherapy Combined with Raltitrexed and Irinotecan for Treating Unresectable Recurrent Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Li Xinghui , Shen Jinwen , Xia Fan , Zhu Ji
Published: December 2021

Background:Locally recurrent colorectal cancer is often associated with considerable morbidity and poor quality of life. Moreover, surgical resection is frequently not viable because of tumor fixation in the pelvis. This study aimed to evaluate the effects and safety of intensity-modulated radiotherapy when administered concurrently with raltitrexed and irinotecan to patients with unresectable recurrent colorectal cancer.Methods:Eligible patients had unresectable pelvic recurrence of colorectal cancer, UGT1A1 genotype *1*1 or *1*28, and were refractory to, or intolerant of, chemotherapy with fluoropyrimidine and oxaliplatin. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) was delivered to the pelvis with a total dose of 50–60 Gy in 25–30 fractions, concurrently with irinotecan (200 mg/m2 on days 1 and 22) and raltitrexed (3 mg/m2 on days 1 and 22). After completion of radiation treatment, patients underwent surgery or continued the same regimen of chemotherapy and were assessed by a multidisciplinary team. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate, evaluated using RECIST version 1.1. Secondary endpoints were disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), local progression-free survival (LPFS), and safety. Clinical and imaging evaluations were scheduled every month during treatment.Results:Between January 1, 2019, and July 14, 2020, 30 patients were enrolled in this study at the Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center. All patients completed radiotherapy with a median number of 5 chemotherapy cycles (range, 2–10). Twelve patients (40%) experienced an objective response, including two complete responses and ten partial responses. Seventeen patients exhibited stable disease, leading to a DCR of 96.7%. With a median follow-up of 13 (range, 4–25) months, progression was observed in 20 patients (11 loco-regional failures, 11 distant metastases, and 5 deaths). The median PFS was 13 (95% confidence interval [CI], 9–18) months; the median LPFS was 15 (95% CI, 14 to not reached) months. The incidence of grade 3 or 4 adverse events was 26.7%. The most common grade 3 or 4 adverse event was neutropenia (13.3%).Conclusions:IMRT with concurrent raltitrexed and irinotecan exhibited encouraging efficacy with an acceptable toxicity profile in patients with unresectable recurrent colorectal cancer.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04499586, registered on July 31, 2020 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04499586.
The Effect of Necroptosis-related Gene Signature on the Progression, Prognosis, and Immune Microenvironment of Low-grade Glioma
Authors: Zeng Kuo , Zhang Guo , Huang Wei , Zhang Jianping , Chen Zhibiao
Published: December 2021

BackgroundDespite the incorporation of various clinical and molecular criteria in the diagnosis and prognosis prediction of low-grade glioma, individual variation and risk stratification have not been completely explored. Necroptosis is considered closely related to different types of cancers, including low-grade gliomas. In this study, we obtained the necroptosis genes from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes website, extracted necroptosis genes from The Cancer Genome Atlas, and established a necroptosis-related gene signature (NECSig) through hazard analyses. Then we established a prognostic risk model consisting of four NECSig (BID, H2AFY2, MAPK9, and TNFRSF10B).ResultBased on the model, the high-risk group is significantly associated with poorer overall survival. The accuracy of this model is further supported by the receiver operating characteristic curve. Then, we constructed a prognostic nomogram combining NECSig and clinical features, which shows good predictive power for stratification of survival risk. We discovered variations in the kind of immune infiltration, immune cells, and functions between the high-risk and low-risk groups using this risk model. We also showed that drug therapy is more sensitive in high-risk populations.ConclusionThe results revealed a prognostic indicator of NECSig, which may provide information for immunological research and treatment of low-grade gliomas.
Reducing Virus Transmission from Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems of Urban Subways
Authors: Nazari Ata , Hong Jiarong , Taghizadeh-Hesary Farzad , Taghizadeh-Hesary Farhad
Published: December 2021

Transmission via virus-carrying aerosols inside enclosed spaces is an important transmission mode for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), as supported by growing evidence. The urban subway is one of the most commonly used enclosed spaces. The subway is a utilitarian and low-cost transit system in today’s society. However, studies are yet to demonstrate patterns of viral transmission in subway heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. To fill this gap, we performed a computational investigation of the airflow (and the associated aerosol transmission) in an urban subway cabin equipped with an HVAC system. We employed a transport equation for aerosol concentration, which was added to the basic buoyant solver to resolve aerosol transmission inside the subway cabin. This was achieved by considering the thermal, turbulence, and induced ventilation flow effects. Using the aerosol encounter probability over sampling lines crossing the passenger breathing zones, we can detect the highest infection risk zones inside the urban subway under different settings. We proposed a novel HVAC system that can impede aerosol spread, both vertically and horizontally, inside the cabin. In the conventional model, the maximum aerosol encounter probability from an infected individual breathing near the fresh-air ducts was equal to 15%. This decreased to 0.36% in the proposed HVAC model. Overall, using the proposed HVAC system for urban subways decreased the mean value of the aerosol encounter probability by approximately 79% compared to that for the conventional system.