bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronic and electrochemical viral detection for point-of-care use: A systematic review
Authors: Monteil Solen , Casson Alexander J. , Jones Samuel T.
Published: September 2021

Detecting viruses, which have significant impact on health and the economy, is essential for controlling and combating viral infections. In recent years there has been a focus towards simpler and faster detection methods, specifically through the use of electronic-based detection at the point-of-care. Point-of-care sensors play a particularly important role in the detection of viruses. Tests can be performed in the field or in resource limited regions in a simple manner and short time frame, allowing for rapid treatment. Electronic based detection allows for speed and quantitative detection not otherwise possible at the point-of-care. Such approaches are largely based upon voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, field effect transistors, and similar electrical techniques. Here, we systematically review electronic and electrochemical point-of-care sensors for the detection of human viral pathogens. Using the reported limits of detection and assay times we compare approaches both by detection method and by the target analyte of interest. Compared to recent scoping and narrative reviews, this systematic review which follows established best practice for evidence synthesis adds substantial new evidence on 1) performance and 2) limitations, needed for sensor uptake in the clinical arena. 104 relevant studies were identified by conducting a search of current literature using 7 databases, only including original research articles detecting human viruses and reporting a limit of detection. Detection units were converted to nanomolars where possible in order to compare performance across devices. This approach allows us to identify field effect transistors as having the fastest median response time, and as being the most sensitive, some achieving single-molecule detection. In general, we found that antigens are the quickest targets to detect. We also observe however, that reports are highly variable in their chosen metrics of interest. We suggest that this lack of systematisation across studies may be a major bottleneck in sensor development and translation. Where appropriate, we use the findings of the systematic review to give recommendations for best reporting practice.
Epstein–Barr virus-based plasmid enables inheritable transgene expression in mouse cerebral cortex
Authors: Satake Tomoko
Published: September 2021

Continuous development of the cerebral cortex from the prenatal to postnatal period depends on neurons and glial cells, both of which are generated from neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Owing to technical limitations regarding the transfer of genes into mouse brain, the mechanisms behind the long-term development of the cerebral cortex have not been well studied. Plasmid transfection into NPCs in embryonic mouse brains byin uteroelectroporation (IUE) is a widely used technique aimed at expressing transgenes in NPCs and their recent progeny neurons. Because the plasmids in NPCs are attenuated with each cell division, the transgene is not expressed in their descendants, including glial cells. The present study shows that an Epstein–Barr virus-based plasmid (EB-oriP plasmid) is helpful for studying long-term cerebral cortex development. The use of the EB-oriP plasmid for IUE allowed transgene expression even in the descendant progeny cells of adult mouse brains. Combining the EB-oriP plasmid with the shRNA expression cassette allowed examination of the genes of interest in the continuous development of the cerebral cortex. Furthermore, preferential transgene expression was achieved in combination with cell type-specific promoter-driven transgene expression. Meanwhile, introducing the EB-oriP plasmid twice into the same individual embryos during separate embryonic development stages suggested heterogeneity of NPCs. In summary, IUE using the EB-oriP plasmid is a novel option to study the long-term development of the cerebral cortex in mice.
Detection of six soil-transmitted helminths in human stool by qPCR- a systematic workflow
Authors: Azzopardi Kristy I. , Hardy Myra , Baker Ciara , Bonnici Rhian , Llewellyn Stacey , McCarthy James S. , Traub Rebecca J. , Steer Andrew C.
Published: September 2021

Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infect up to one-quarter of the global population, with a significant associated disease burden. The main human STH are: Ancylostoma spp. and Necator americanus (hookworms); Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and Strongyloides stercoralis. The aim of this study was to establish a scalable system for stool STH multiplex quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions (qPCR). Stool samples collected in Fiji and preserved in potassium dichromate were transferred to Melbourne at ambient temperature. Samples were washed to remove potassium dichromate and DNA was extracted with the Mini-Beadbeater-24 and a column-based kit. A SYBR green qPCR to detect the vertebrate mitochondrial gene was used as a DNA extraction control. Samples were tested using a probe-based multiplex qPCR targeting A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura and S. stercoralis, and in a second multiplex reaction to detect hookworms to the species level (A. duodenale, A. ceylanicum, N. americanus). An internal amplification control in both multiplex assays was included to prevent false-negative results due to PCR inhibitors. Samples were homogenised for a single cycle of 40 seconds to release STH DNA and washed stool was stored for up to 15 weeks at -30°C without compromising DNA. Our multiplex qPCR detected multiple species of STH without reduced sensitivity compared to singleplex. qPCR data from 40 stools was validated against STH-positive stools determined by microscopy. We have developed and validated an efficient and staged system for detecting six clinically important STH affecting humans that could be easily implemented without advanced automation in any qPCR-capable laboratory.
An evaluation of a FluoroSpot assay as a diagnostic tool to determine SARS-CoV-2 specific T cell responses
Authors: Mangsbo Sara M. , Havervall Sebastian , Laurén Ida , Lindsay Robin , Jernbom Falk August , Marking Ulrika , Lord Martin , Buggert Marcus , Dönnes Pierre , Christoffersson Gustaf , Nilsson Peter , Hober Sophia , Phillipson Mia , Klingström Jonas , Thålin Charlotte
Published: September 2021

Numerous assays evaluating serological and cellular responses have been developed to characterize immune responses against SARS-CoV-2. Serological assays are both cost- and time-effective compared to cellular assays, but cellular immune responses may provide a diagnostic value to determine previous SARS-CoV-2 infection in seronegative individuals. However, potential cross-reactive T cell responses stemming from prior encounters with human coronaviruses (HCoVs) may affect assay specificity. In this study, we evaluated the specificity and sensitivity of a SARS-CoV-2 IFN-γ Release Assay (IGRA) based on the FluoroSpot method employing commercially available SARS-CoV-2-specific peptide pools, as well as an in-house designed SARS-CoV-2 peptide pool restricted to 5 amino acid stretches or less aligning with endemic HCoVs. Blood samples were obtained from healthcare workers (HCW) 5–6 months post SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) IgG and nucleocapsid (N) IgG dual seroconversion (n = 187) and HCW who had been S IgG and N IgG dual seronegative at repeated occasions, including the current sampling time point (n = 102). In addition, samples were obtained 4 to 5 months post infection from 55 polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-confirmed COVID-19 patients. Assay specificity and sensitivity were calculated with serology as a reference standard for HCW. The in-house generated peptide pool displayed a specificity of 96.1%, while the commercially available peptide pools displayed specificities of 80.4% and 85.3%, respectively. Sensitivity was higher in a cohort of previously hospitalized COVID-19 patients (96.4% and 84.0% for the commercially available peptide pools and 92.7% for the in-house generated peptide pool) compared to the HCW cohort (92.0% and 66.8% for the commercially available peptide pools and 76.0% for the in-house generated peptide pool). Based on these findings, the individual diagnostic value of T cell immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 currently appears to be limited but remain an important research tool ahead.
An environmental monitoring data sharing scheme based on attribute encryption in cloud-fog computing
Authors: Yang Xiaodong , Xi Wanting , Chen Aijia , Wang Caifen
Published: September 2021

Environmental monitoring plays a vital role in environmental protection, especially for the management and conservation of natural resources. However, environmental monitoring data is usually difficult to resist malicious attacks because it is transmitted in an open and insecure channel. In our paper, a new data sharing scheme is proposed by using attribute-based encryption, identity-based signature and cloud computing technology to meet the requirements of confidentiality, integrity, verifiability, and unforgerability of environmental monitoring data. The monitoring equipment encrypts the monitored environmental data and uploads it to the environmental cloud server. Then, monitoring users can request access to the environmental cloud server. If the monitoring user meets the access policy, the plaintext is finally obtained through the fog node decryption. Our proposal mainly uses attribute-based encryption technology to realize the privacy protection and fine-grained access control of monitoring data. The integrity and unforgeability of the monitoring data are ensured by the digital signature. In addition, outsourcing computing technology saves the computing overhead of monitoring equipment and monitoring users. The security analysis illustrates that our proposal can achieve security purposes. Finally, the performance of our proposal and related schemes is evaluated from the aspects of communication overhead and computing overhead. The results indicate that our proposal is secure and efficient in environmental monitoring.
Air pollution exposure in relation to guard duty at Tidworth Camp: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Niba Rawlings Ngwa , Ambe Akwah Emmanuela , Ngongalah Lem
Published: September 2021

Background

Air pollution is the largest environmental health risk in the United Kingdom, and an issue of concern amongst outdoor workers. Road transport is a major source producing the largest amount of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3) (as a secondary pollutant). Hundreds of vehicles enter and exit the Tidworth Camp’s main gate daily, potentially producing these pollutants. However, the air pollution exposure experienced by personnel on guard duty is unknown. This study aimed to determine and compare background NO2 and O3 levels experienced by personnel on guard duty.

Methods

Cross-sectional data was collected using a static sampling technic on randomly selected days of the week. Data analysis was done using IBM-SPSS-26 and a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The background concentration of NO2 and O3 pollutants were within recommended limits. There was no significant difference between mean morning and afternoon exposure levels for both pollutants. However, NO2 and O3 levels were significantly higher during weekdays compared to weekends (M = -0.022, SD = 0.007, t(6) = -8.672, p <0.0001 and M = -0.016, SD = 0.008, t(6) = -5.040, p = 0.002 respectively). Both pollutants showed no significant differences in exposure levels when only weekdays were compared. NO2 levels showed a weak positive correlation during weekdays (r = 0.04) and a strong positive correlation during weekends (r = 0.96). O3 levels had a positive correlation on both weekdays and weekends; however, levels on Monday showed a negative correlation (r = -0.55). Linear regression analysis showed that outside temperature was a significant predictor of O3 levels (p = 0.026).

Conclusion

Personnel on guard duty experienced higher pollution levels during weekdays compared to weekends; however, air pollution levels for both pollutants were within recommended limits. Further studies are recommended over hotter months using a personal sampling technic to measure personal air pollution exposure levels in order to minimise any health and safety risks.
Effects of wearing facemasks on the sensation of exertional dyspnea and exercise capacity in healthy subjects
Authors: Fukushi Isato , Nakamura Masatoshi , Kuwana Shun-ichi
Published: September 2021

Due to the currently ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), it is strongly recommended to wear facemasks to minimize transmission risk. Wearing a facemask may have the potential to increase dyspnea and worsen cardiopulmonary parameters during exercise; however, research-based evidence is lacking. We investigated the hypothesis that wearing facemasks affects the sensation of dyspnea, pulse rate, and percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation during exercise. Healthy adults (15 men, 9 women) underwent a progressive treadmill test under 3 conditions in randomized order: wearing a surgical facemask, cloth facemask, or no facemask. Experiment was carried out once daily under each condition, for a total of 3 days. Each subject first sat on a chair for 30 minutes, then walked on a treadmill according to a Bruce protocol that was modified by us. The experiment was discontinued when the subject’s pulse rate exceeded 174 beats/min. After discontinuation, the subject immediately sat on a chair and was allowed to rest for 10 minutes. Subjects were required to rate their levels of dyspnea perception on a numerical scale. Pulse rate and percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation were continuously monitored with a pulse oximeter. These parameters were recorded in each trial every 3 minutes after the start of the exercise; the point of discontinuation; and 5 and 10 minutes after discontinuation. The following findings were obtained. Wearing a facemask does not worsen dyspnea during light to moderate exercise but worsens dyspnea during vigorous exercise. Wearing a cloth facemask increases dyspnea more than wearing a surgical facemask during exercise and increases pulse rate during vigorous exercise, but it does not increase pulse rate during less vigorous exercise. Wearing a surgical facemask does not increase pulse rate at any load level. Lastly, wearing a facemask does not affect percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation during exercise at any load level regardless of facemask type.
Analysis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia drug sensitivity by changes in impedance via stromal cell adherence
Authors: Luong Annie , Cerignoli Fabio , Abassi Yama , Heisterkamp Nora , Abdel-Azim Hisham
Published: September 2021

The bone marrow is a frequent location of primary relapse after conventional cytotoxic drug treatment of human B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL). Because stromal cells have a major role in promoting chemotherapy resistance, they should be included to more realistically model in vitro drug treatment. Here we validated a novel application of the xCELLigence system as a continuous co-culture to assess long-term effects of drug treatment on BCP-ALL cells. We found that bone marrow OP9 stromal cells adhere to the electrodes but are progressively displaced by dividing patient-derived BCP-ALL cells, resulting in reduction of impedance over time. Death of BCP-ALL cells due to drug treatment results in re-adherence of the stromal cells to the electrodes, increasing impedance. Importantly, vincristine inhibited proliferation of sensitive BCP-ALL cells in a dose-dependent manner, correlating with increased impedance. This system was able to discriminate sensitivity of two relapsed Philadelphia chromosome (Ph) positive ALLs to four different targeted kinase inhibitors. Moreover, differences in sensitivity of two CRLF2-drivenBCP-ALL cell lines to ruxolitinib were also seen. These results show that impedance can be used as a novel approach to monitor drug treatment and sensitivity of primary BCP-ALL cells in the presence of protective microenvironmental cells.
Synthesis, Glucosylation and Polarographic Studies of Benzofused Pyrimidine Derivatives
Authors: Wanare Rajendra K. , Punatkar Yogesh V. , Jugade Ravin M.
Published: September 2021

7-Amino-3-methyl-5-(3′-aryl prop-2′-enoyl)-1,2-benzisoxazoles (2a-j) were synthesized by the
condensation of 5-acetyl-7-amino-3-methyl-1,2-benzisoxazole (1) with aldehydes. The reaction of
products 2a-j with urea produced 7-amino-3-methyl-5-(4′-aryl-2′-pyrimidin-6′-yl)-1,2-benzisoxazole
derivatives (3a-j). Glucosylation of 3a-j with 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl glucuropyranosyl bromide (TAGBr)
and tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) gives corresponding glucosylated 7-amino-(β-D-2,3,4,6-
tetra-O-acetyl glucopyranosyl)-3-methyl-5-(4′-aryl-2′-pyrimidin-6′-yl)-1,2-benzisoxazoles (4a-j).
Glucosylated compounds 4a-j on deacetylation gives target products 7-amino-(β-D-glucopyranosyl)-
3-methyl-5-(4′-aryl-2′-pyrimidin-6′-yl)-1,2-benzisoxazoles (5a-j). Glucosylation and deacetylation
reaction carried out by Knenigs-Knorr reaction. All the synthesized products were characterized by
elemental analysis, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectroscopy. The biological and electrochemical
activities of all the synthesized compounds were also examined.
Mono and Tri-cationic Imidazolium Salts: Use as Stabilizers for
Silver Nanoparticles and Anticancer Study
Authors: Rohini R. , Reddy N. Naresh , Sanjeev A. , Bhaskar S. , Reddy P. Muralidhar
Published: September 2021

In present strudy, the synthesis and characterization of monocationic 1,3-tetradecylimidazolium;
[(C14)2Im]Br and tricationic benzene centered tris-tetradecyl/hexadecyl imidazolium bromide salts; i.e.
[(C14)3C6H3Im]Br3 and [(C16)3C6H3ImBr]Br3 is reported. The stabilizer role of imidazolium salts to prepare
silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) via chemical reduction method was investigated. To understand the reaction
medium effect on the size and morphology control of AgNPs, monophasic (aqueous medium) and biphasic
(DCM/H2O) approaches were applied. The morphology control was noticed for AgNPs protected with
[(C14)3C6H3Im]Br3 (show sphere like morphology) and [(C14)2Im]Br (show dendritic structures) via
biphasic approach. A clear variation in the size and morphology of AgNPs was noticed by varying the
type of stabilizers and reaction medium. It was also observed that AgNPs were formed and stabilized
only in aqueous medium in both approaches, thus it is assumed that AgNPs surfaces were protected by
imidazolium salts with bilayer fashion. Anticancer activity of imidazolium salts was performed by
MTT assay against HeLa cancer cell lines. The result shows that cytotoxic activity of tricationic
[(C14)3C6H3Im]Br3 was more potent than that of monocationic [(C14)2Im]Br. The outcome suggests
that there is an urgent need to develop new polycationic imidazolium salts for various chemical and
medicinal applications.
Microwave Assisted Envirocat EPZ-10 Catalyzed Multi-component
Synthesis of 1-Amidoalkyl-2-naphthols
Authors: Joshi-Kulkarni Kanchan , Chhowala Tarulata , Ajalkar Balu
Published: September 2021

Microwave assisted catalytic efficiency of Envirocat EPZ-10 was explored in solvent free green synthesis
of 1-amidoalkyl-2-naphthols by the reaction of aldehyde, 2-naphthol and acetamide. The products
formed were characterized by spectroscopic methods such as NMR, IR and mass spectroscopy. The
merits of developed synthetic method are use of Envirocat EPZ-10 as eco-friendly, reusable and
heterogeneous catalysts, solvent-free reaction, shorter reaction time and easy isolation of product.
PTSA-Catalyzed One Pot Domino Synthesis of Dihydropyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine
Derivatives and their Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Bhensdadia Krishna A. , Kalavadiya Prakash L. , Lalavani Nilam H. , Baluja Shipra H.
Published: September 2021

A novel series of dihydropyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives were synthesized by multicomponent
domino cyclization via the one-pot three component reaction of 6-amino uracil, substituted aryl
aldehydes and N-methyl-1-(methylthio)-2-nitroethenamine in the presence of PTSA 10 mol% as a
catalyst. The structures of these synthesized compounds were characterized by spectral analysis. Further
the synthesized compounds screened for in vitro antimicrobial activity. Among all the compounds,
compound 4b containing flouro substitution exhibited good inhibition against the tested species.
Impact of Myelopathy Severity and Degree of Deformity on Postoperative Outcomes in Cervical Spinal Deformity Patients
Authors: Passias Peter G. , Pierce Katherine E. , Kummer Nicholas , Krol Oscar , Passfall Lara , Janjua M. Burhan , Sciubba Daniel , Ahmad Waleed , Naessig Sara , Diebo Bassel
Published: September 2021

Objective: Malalignment of the cervical spine can result in cord compression, leading to a myelopathy diagnosis. Whether deformity or myelopathy severity is stronger predictors of surgical outcomes is understudied.Methods: Surgical cervical deformity (CD) patients with baseline (BL) and up to 1-year data were included. Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score categorized BL myelopathy (mJOA = 18 excluded), with moderate myelopathy mJOA being 12 to 17 and severe myelopathy being less than 12. BL deformity severity was categorized using the mismatch between T1 slope and cervical lordosis (TS-CL), with CL being the angle between the lower endplates of C2 and C7. Moderate deformity was TS-CL less than or equal to 25° and severe deformity was greater than 25°. Categorizations were combined into 4 groups: group 1 (G1), severe myelopathy and severe deformity; group 2 (G2), severe myelopathy and moderate deformity; group 3 (G3), moderate myelopathy and moderate deformity; group 4 (G4), moderate myelopathy and severe deformity. Univariate analyses determined whether myelopathy or deformity had greater impact on outcomes.Results: One hundred twenty-eight CD patients were included (mean age, 56.5 years; 46% female; body mass index, 30.4 kg/m2) with a BL mJOA score of 12.8 ± 2.7 and mean TS-CL of 25.9° ± 16.1°. G1 consisted of 11.1% of our CD population, with 21% in G2, 34.6% in G3, and 33.3% in G4. At BL, Neck Disability Index (NDI) was greatest in G2 (p = 0.011). G4 had the lowest EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) (p < 0.001). Neurologic exam factors were greater in severe myelopathy (p < 0.050). At 1-year, severe deformity met minimum clinically important differences (MCIDs) for NDI more than moderate deformity (p = 0.002). G2 had significantly worse outcomes compared to G4 by 1-year NDI (p = 0.004), EQ-5D (p = 0.028), Numerical Rating Scale neck (p = 0.046), and MCID for NDI (p = 0.001).Conclusion: Addressing severe deformity had increased clinical weight in improving patient-reported outcomes compared to addressing severe myelopathy.
The Effect of Brace Treatment on Large Curves of 40° to 55° in Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis Who Have Avoided Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Razeghinezhad Reza , Kamyab Mojtaba , Babaee Taher , Ganjavian Mohammad Saleh , Bidari Shahrbanoo
Published: September 2021

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Milwaukee brace treatment on adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with large curves (40° to 55°) who refuse to do surgery.Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we gathered the clinical records of all adolescents with AIS with an initial curve of 40° to 55°. They had been referred to our center from December 1990 to January 2017. Although they had been advised to do surgery, they had all refused to do it. Their clinical data were recorded, such as sex, age, Risser sign, scoliosis, and kyphosis curve magnitude (at the beginning of brace treatment, weaning time, brace discontinuation, and minimum of 2 years after the treatment). Based on treatment success, the patients were divided into 2 groups: progressed and nonprogressed.Results: Sixty patients with an average initial Cobb angle of 44.93° ± 4.86° were included. The curve progressed in 57%, stabilized in 25%, and improved in 18% of the patients. In the progressed group (34 patients), 31 patients had undergone surgery. There was no significant association between the age of beginning the brace treatment and the final Cobb angle of nonprogressed group (p > 0.05). However, in-brace correction and initial Risser sign had a significant correlation with curve magnitude at the final follow-up (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Brace treatment seems to be effective in controlling the further curve progression in AIS with 40° and 55° curves. Our results can help physicians make sound decisions about the patients with larger curves who refuse to do surgery.
Influence of Lumbar Lordosis on Posterior Rod Strain in Long-Segment Construct During Biomechanical Loading: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Pereira Bernardo de Andrada , Sawa Anna G.U. , Godzik Jakub , Lehrman Jennifer N. , Uribe Juan S. , Turner Jay D. , Kelly Brian P.
Published: September 2021

Objective: The lordotic shape of the lumbar spine differs substantially between individuals. Measuring and recording strain during spinal biomechanical tests is an effective method to infer stresses on spinal implants and predict failure mechanisms. The geometry of the spine may have a significant effect on the resultant force distribution, thereby directly affecting rod strain.Methods: Seven fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens (T12-sacrum) underwent standard (7.5 Nm) nondestructive sagittal plane tests: flexion and extension. The conditions tested were intact and pedicle screws and rods (PSR) at L1-sacrum. The posterior right rod was instrumented with strain gauges between L3–4 (index level) and the L5–S1 pedicle screw. All specimens underwent lateral radiographs before testing. Lordotic angles encompassing different levels (L5–S1, L4–S1, L3–S1, L2–S1, and L1–S1) were measured and compared with rod strain. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation analyses.Results: Strong positive correlations were observed between lordosis and posterior rod strain across different conditions. The L3–S1 lordotic angle in the unloaded intact condition correlated with peak rod strain at L3–4 with PSR during flexion (R = 0.76, p = 0.04). The same angle in the unloaded PSR condition correlated with peak strain in the PSR condition during extension (R = -0.79, p = 0.04). The unloaded intact L2–S1 lordotic angle was significantly correlated with rod strain at L3–4 in the PSR condition during flexion (R = 0.85, p = 0.02) and extension (R = -0.85, p = 0.02) and with rod strain at L5–S1 in the PSR condition during flexion (R = 0.84, p = 0.04).Conclusion: Lordosis measured on intact and instrumented conditions has strong positive correlations with posterior rod strain in cadaveric testing.
A Comparative Biomechanical Analysis of Various Rod Configurations Following Anterior Column Realignment and Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy
Authors: Mumtaz Muzammil , Mendoza Justin , Vosoughi Ardalan Seyed , Unger Anthony S. , Goel Vijay K.
Published: September 2021

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the biomechanical differences of different rod configurations following anterior column realignment (ACR) and pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) for an optimal correction technique and rod configuration that would minimize the risk of rod failure.Methods: A validated spinopelvic (L1-pelvis) finite element model was used to simulate ACR at the L3–4 level. The ACR procedure was followed by dual-rod fixation, and for 4-rod constructs, either medial/lateral accessory rods (connected to primary rods) or satellite rods (directly connected to ACR level screws). The range of motion (ROM), maximum von Mises stress on the rods, and factor of safety (FOS) were calculated for the ACR models and compared to the existing literature of different PSO rod configurations.Results: All of the 4-rod ACR constructs showed a reduction in ROM and maximum von Mises stress compared to the dual-rod ACR construct. Additionally, all of the 4-rod ACR constructs showed greater percentage reduction in ROM and maximum von Mises stress compared to the PSO 4-rod configurations. The ACR satellite rod construct had the maximum stress reduction i.e., 47.3% compared to dual-rod construct and showed the highest FOS (4.76). These findings are consistent with existing literature that supports the use of satellite rods to reduce the occurrence of rod fracture.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the ACR satellite rod construct may be the most beneficial in reducing the risk of rod failure compared to all other PSO and ACR constructs.
Comparison of Antibacterial Effects of Heracleum persicum and Ziziphora tenuior L. Extracts, Calcium Hydroxide and Chlorhexidine on Enterococcus faecalis as Intracanal Medicaments in Root Canal Therapy – An In Vitro Study
Authors: Mehdipour Aida , Akbarzadeh Maryam , Kermani Somayeh , Shams Saeed , Karimi Alireza
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND Given that periapical bacterial infections are considered as one of the causes of endodontic treatment failure, and biomechanical methods may not be able to eliminate bacteria resistant to endodontic treatment, including Enterococcus faecalis; therefore, this study was conducted to compare the antibacterial effects of Golpar and Kakoti extracts with calcium hydroxide and chlorhexidine against E. faecalis. METHODS At first, Heracleum persicum (Golpar) and Ziziphora tenuior L. (Kakoti) plants were extracted by ethanol solvent using the cold maceration method and a vacuum distillation apparatus. E. faecalis ATCC 29212 was used as the standard strain in all stages of the experiment. Antibiogram, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) tests were performed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the prepared extracts. The anti-biofilm activity of the extracts was evaluated similar to MIC evaluation but with a longer incubation time and analyzed by ELISA at a wavelength of 492 nm. RESULTS The antibiogram test showed a growth inhibition zone diameter of 4 mm only for chlorhexidine. In addition, chlorhexidine exhibited the highest inhibitory and bactericidal activities in the MIC and MBC tests, respectively (MIC / MBC < 1.562 mg / mL). The MIC of Golpar, Kakoti, and Golpar + Kakoti extracts was determined to be 50 mg / mL. No significant inhibitory activity was observed for calcium hydroxide either alone or in combination with the plants' extracts. The MBC of Kakoti extract was 50 mg / mL, and the other compounds had an MBC greater than 100 mg / mL. CONCLUSIONS The present in vitro study showed that the highest inhibitory activity against E. faecalis was related to chlorhexidine; however, Golpar and Kakoti extracts at a concentration of 50 mg / mL exhibited a proper inhibitory activity compared to calcium hydroxide. Therefore, further studies are recommended to be conducted in the future. KEYWORDS Enterococcus faecalis, Ziziphora tenuior L., Heracleum persicum, Chlorhexidine, Calcium Hydroxide, Antibacterial effects.
Intraperitoneal Bladder Injury – A Conservative Approach
Authors: Thiagarajan Senthil Kumar , Reddy Gaddam Shashidhar , Udbhav K.S.N.S. , Thimmaraju Srinivasan , Jambunathan Saravanan
Published: September 2021

Iatrogenic bladder injuries with Intra-peritoneal extravasations are standardly managed surgically. However, we are presenting a case of iatrogenic intra-peritoneal bladder injury which developed after an emergency caesarean section that was managed successfully by conservative therapy. The trial of conservative approach may prove beneficial to minimize the chances of any invasive interventions in such cases. Bladder injuries are of two types namely intra-peritoneal and extra-peritoneal. Of which, extra-peritoneal is most common type.1 Bladder laceration happens during separation of bladder from uterine cervix during caesarean sections and abdominal hysterectomies.2 Usually bladder injuries are identified intra-operatively and managed on table. If diagnosis is made post-operatively, then management becomes challenging due to non-specific clinical features, exposure to radiation, sepsis due to urinary extravasation and prolonged hospital stay, psychological stress to both patient and surgeon. The clinical features suspicious of bladder injury are abdomen distension, urinary ascites, blood-stained urine, abdominal pain, paralytic ileus, fever and deranged renal parameters.3 Extra-peritoneal and intra-peritoneal bladder ruptures are treated differently. According to American Urological Association (AUA) guidelines, Intraperitoneal bladder injury needs surgical repair. There are limited case reports in literature about conservative management of small intra-peritoneal bladder lacerations. This is a case report of one such intra-peritoneal bladder injury treated with non-operative approach.
Alveolar Distraction Osteogenesis
Authors: Masurkar Deepika , Jaiswal Priyanka , Agrawal Diksha
Published: September 2021

Resorbed alveolar ridges, which can be horizontal or vertical in size, are one of the most prevalent issues addressed by dental experts. One of the therapy options for addressing the weak sections of the alveolar ridges is alveolar distraction osteogenesis. Alveolar distraction osteogenesis is a biological process that includes gradual traction between vascularized bone segments in order to generate new bone. Typically, an osteotomy is done, followed by the placement of an osteodistraction device to manage the separating process. This approach eliminates the need for bone grafts by producing the same quality and shape of bone. Distraction osteogenesis (DO) causes soft tissue to develop as new bone is formed on the deficient ridge. Because this treatment restores bone height, lengthier dental implants can be placed. In this work, we cover ride augmentation and the numerous procedures used to repair a resorbed alveolar ridge. It emphasises the relevance of alveolar distraction osteogenesis and provides a brief history of the procedure based on existing information. To summarise, distraction osteogenesis proved efficient in increasing the alveolar ridge and ensuring dental implant recovery. KEY WORDS Distraction osteogenesis, stages of distraction osteogenesis, advantages and disadvantages of distraction osteogenesis.
Social education and social work in Japan: from an education welfare theory perspective
Authors: Matsuda Yaka
Published: September 2021

This article aims to consider the position of social pedagogy in Japan in the relationship between social education and social work, by focusing on the historical development of the two. In Japan, the term social pedagogy is not as well known as it is in European countries. The term of social education is used to cover the combination of ‘social’ and ‘education/pedagogy’. Historically, social pedagogy was influenced by Japanese social education at the beginning of the 1900s, and more recently, interest in social pedagogy is increasing, with attention from some Japanese researchers in the fields of both social education and social work/social welfare. In Japan, after the Second World War, social education and social work came to be entirely separate areas due to the establishment of social education and social welfare systems. In this article the different institutional positions of modern-day social education and social work/social welfare are first clarified. Their historical development is then explored by delving into the literature that discusses how the two first diverged. Finally, how social pedagogy is positioned in the relationship between social education and social work/social welfare is considered. This will deepen the understanding of the issue from the viewpoint of education welfare theory as the research framework, a theory of Toshio Ogawa, one of the leading figures in Japanese social education research.
Economic Science and Regional Economic Development: The Russian Far East
Authors:   Economic Research Institute FEB RAS, Minakir Pavel , Renzin Oleg ,   Economic Research Institute FEB RAS
Published: September 2021

In this paper we review the interconnection between the economic colonization and development of the Russian Far East from one hand and the formation of the system economic researches in the region from the others. The authors make accent on the construction of regional economic researches’ organizing structure and coordination. The organization and development of the Economic Research Institute of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences is reviewing as an important stage of the scientific architecture for the Far Eastern region’ construction. The article is describing, that scientists and specialists of the Economic Research Institute carried out a long-term theoretical and empirical researches in analysis, modeling and forecasting of spatial processes in economic systems. The creation a new academic economic institute in the Russian Far East in the 1970-s made it possible to solve a number of major issues on the national level. First, to provide highly qualified research support for the development and implementation of large regional economic programs. Second, to develop new areas of national science, including the creation of a scientific school for the study of spatial economics. Third, to create an intellectual platform for international cooperation between researchers from the Pacific Russia and the expert community in the countries of the Asia-Pacific region. Currently, the most important area of the institute’s activities is the restoration of the regional scientific and economic infrastructure, through building the system of ‘new integration’ by combining educational and surviving academic and project organizations in the Far East on the principle of a distributed spatial network
Economic Policy Responses to COVID-19 of the Northeast Asia Countries
Authors:   Economic Research Institute FEB RAS, Izotov Dmitriy
Published: September 2021

Once at the epicenter of the original source of the coronavirus spread, the governments of China, the Republic of Korea and Japan introduced immediate administrative measures to isolate the population, which helped to effectively contain the spread of COVID-19 on their territory. The review shows that in the first half of 2020, due to policy of isolation in these Northeast Asia countries, there was a contraction of their economies. The subsequent dynamics of economic growth of the three Northeast Asia countries indicated structural differences in their economies. In the face of economic recession during a COVID-19 pandemic, the governments of Northeast Asia countries are applying stimulating economic policies, with Japan having the largest public spending with respect to its GDP, followed by the Republic of Korea and China. In China, the support for the economy is focused on fiscal policy measures, in the Republic of Korea – monetary and macro-financial policies, in Japan – a combination of policies’ various measures. In the context of a decrease in the coronavirus spread, mid-term estimates indicate that these three countries will be able to maintain positive economic growth rates while investment supporting of the green and digital technologies, including the support through the measures of economic policy. These support measures could have a short- and medium-term positive impact on the economies of the three Northeast Asia countries. However, for the purpose to localizing the pandemic in these countries large fiscal expenditures will contribute to the further growth of their public debt, thereby reducing the national savings rate, restraining the dynamics of their economic growth in the long term
Rediscovery, resurrection and lectotypification of endemic Isoetes sampathkumarnii L. N. Rao from India
Authors: Patil Sachin , Patil Satish , Patel Suresh , Rajput Kishore
Published: September 2021

An interesting species of Isoetes was collected from Jambughoda, Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat. After a review of literature and comparison of the morphological characters with type specimens, it was identified as I. sampathkumarnii L. N. Rao. It is endemic species of south India and rediscovered after a lapse of 63 years. The species shows several features that make it unique in the genus. Earlier, I. sampathkumarnii was also treated as synonym of I. coromandelina L.f. and I. sahyadrii Mahabala. However, it has an idiosyncratic velum character and spore ornamentation that makes it different from other species. Hence, the authors resurrected it as a distinct species. The original material is ambiguous hence, a lectotype of I. sampathkumarnii has been designated here.
Effect of Agrobacterium co-cultivation stage on explant response for subsequent genetic transformation in Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)
Authors: Mangena Phetole
Published: September 2021

The establishment of an efficient in vitro genetic transformation protocol in soybean depends upon an effective interaction between the explants and Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Therefore, a study was conducted at the University of Limpopo, South Africa, between September 2019 and May 2020 to evaluate explant amenability and effects of Agrobacterium co-cultivation stage on the induction of oxidative stress. This stress potentially causes lipid peroxidation, reduction of phytochemicals and chlorophyll pigments on explant tissue targeted for genetic transformation. This study, used double cotyledonary node explants infected and co-cultured with A. tumefaciens to evaluate total phenolics, antioxidant activity, lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress-induced tissue senescence during the co-cultivation stage. The results, showed that, explant co-cultivation with Agrobacterium for 2, 4 and 6 days caused reductions in the amounts of phenolic compounds, chlorophylls and antioxidant activity due to tissue senescence, high oxidative stress and malondialdehyde contents. Percentage phenolic content of all bacteria infected explants ranged between 10.3?10.6 compared to 20.9% in the control. Chlorophyll content of about 1.49?4.00 mg/ml and malondialdehyde content ranging between 1.0?5.7 mM-1g-1 were also recorded. Overall, findings suggest that the infection of explants with A. tumefaciens can induce oxidative stress and tissue senescence depending on the period of co-cultivation. However, reduced oxidative stress and senescence of explant tissues may potentially improve soybean shoot regeneration and transformation efficiency.
Sprawozdanie z IV Konferencji Szkoleniowej i VII Poznańskiego Salonu Mediacji „Ugoda mediacyjna i koszty mediacji”, Poznań, 21 października 2020 r.
Authors: Mucha Joanna
Published: September 2021

Sprawozdanie z IV Konferencji Szkoleniowej i VII Poznańskiego Salonu Mediacji „Ugoda mediacyjna i koszty mediacji”, Poznań, 21 października 2020 r. (opr. Joanna Mucha)
Tytuł profesora w postępowaniu przed Radą Doskonałości Naukowej
Authors: Wojtczak Krystyna
Published: September 2021

The Act of 20 July 2018 on Higher Education and Science is the eighth Polish normative act of statutory rank since 1920 to deal with matters concerning the title of professor, not counting separate acts and their amendments. It is also the first act based on the regulations in force before 1965 to regulate in a single act matters of higher education and science. Despite their new formulation, not all of the solutions implemented by this Act imply a full withdrawal from the regulations adopted in previous years. What is absolutely new in it, however, is the simplification of the procedure and conditions of the proceedings for conferring the title of professor through: (1) a new definition of fields of science (arts) and scientific disciplines (artistic disciplines) based, following the OECD classification, on the two-tier qualification of sciences (with some exceptions); (2) the constitution of the Council for Scientific Excellence, as a new institution, as of 1 January 2021 exclusively endowed with the right to initiate proceedings for the conferment of the title of professor (including refusal) and the subsequent process, ending with a positive or negative decision of that Council. Other solutions of this law have been subject to broader or narrower changes or have been retained in their current wording. Those of such a nature constitute answers to the following questions: (1) On whom may the title of professor be conferred, and in relation to whom, despite meeting the requirements for it, is this unacceptable, for other statutory reasons?; (2) What requirements does the legislator expect from a candidate for this academic title, and to what extent do the expectations placed on them – outstanding scientific (artistic) achievements – go beyond the framework of the previously binding standards in this regard?; (3) What determines the selection of candidates for reviewers in this procedure, and what is the procedure for selecting them?; (4) What are the conditions for a candidate’s legal protection against negative decisions by the Council for Scientific Excellence, taking into account (5) the conditions for the President of the Republic of Poland’s participation in this procedure, which have remained unchanged since 1990?
Environmental impacts of war’s social consequences. Case Study: Aleppo Governorate Syria
Authors: Papadimitriou Kyriaki , Koumoulidis Dimitrios , Papalamprou Lida , Kasimatis Christoforos , Sparangis Panagiotis , Katsenios Nikolaos , Vlachakis Dimitrios , Triantakonstantis Dimitris , Efthimiadou Aspasia
Published: September 2021

War is an anthropogenic phenomenon with devastating effects, which cause loss of human life, alongside the disastrous effects on the natural environment. The environmental impacts of armed conflicts can be either direct, arising from the act of war itself, or indirect due to the massive population displacement, infrastructure breakdown, and militarised zones. Impacts may be irreversible, affecting areas even far away from the territory of the conflict where they manifest. The environmental impacts of war create social and economic consequences that lead to greater environmental degradation by showing the interdependent relationship between the environment, society, and economy. It is imperative to address the subject in a multidisciplinary approach and implement stricter international legislation on environmental disasters during wars. This study aims to identify environmental impacts by using satellite-derived images at Aleppo Governorate, analyse them via statistics supplemented with the available information for the research region, and demonstrate the subsequent social and economic consequences by creating indices, such as the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), digital image composites and classified images, which record the extent of reduction of healthy vegetation and the extent of destruction at the city of Aleppo. Data from international organisations corroborated the findings, and hereinafter societal and economic effects were analysed. Using remote sensing alongside with geographic information systems can be a useful tool as it offers access to war zones where physical observations are usually impossible.
»Un dernier éclair de poésie sur les cercles ténébreux«
Authors: Ullrich Mareike
Published: September 2021

Riassunto

Nella novella Les Nuits d’octobre di Gérard de Nerval, una passeggiata nella Parigi notturna è attraversata da numerosi riferimenti alla Divina Commedia di Dante. Se altri hanno già interpretato tali riferimenti come satirici o come segni di una crisi personale, il presente contributo propone di leggere la passeggiata attraverso l’inferno come un’allegoria del viaggio dello scrittore verso il realismo – un progetto che viene messo alla prova nel corso del racconto, ma che si dimostra illusorio e alla fine fallisce.
Dada Dante
Authors: Kasper Judith
Published: September 2021

Riassunto

Il contributo indaga le modalità con le quali il poeta russo Ossip Mandelstam, nel suo saggio Conversazione su Dante del 1933, si avvicina alla Commedia di Dante e soprattutto alla materia di essa, cioè alla sua qualità linguistica e sonora. Il suo approccio poetico ed esaltato si rivela uno strumento filologico atipico, ricordando a tratti l’eccitazione filologica del romantico Friedrich Schlegel. Il contributo cerca di mostrare in quale misura tale approccio è particolarmente efficace per analizzare la Commedia da un punto di vista poetico, avvicinandola alla poesia dell’avanguardia dell’inizio del ventesimo secolo.