bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term outcome of tibial plateau leveling osteotomy using an antimicrobial silver-based coated plate in dogs
Authors: Pagès Geoffrey , Hammer Meike , Grand Jean-Guillaume , Irubetagoyena Iban
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To evaluate long-term outcome using the BioMedtrix™ TPLO Curve®plate in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease (CrCLd) treated by tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO).

Study design

Retrospective case study.

Animals

Dogs (n = 323, 337 stifles).

Methods

Medical records were searched for dogs presented with CrCLd and treated by TPLO with the BioMedtrix™ TPLO Curve®plate for 3.5 mm screws between March 2018 and December 2020. Tibial plateau angles (TPA) were measured on preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up radiographs. Changes in TPA between postoperative and follow-up radiographs (ModTPA) were calculated. Radiographic bone healing was scored. Complications were evaluated. Surgical site infections (SSI) were compared to a control group of dogs treated with the Synthes™ TPLO plate between January and December 2017. Owners of both groups were contacted by telephone at least 1 year postoperatively.

Results

The BioMedtrix™ group was composed of 237 dogs (248 stifles), the control group was composed of 86 dogs (89 stifles). In the BioMedtrix™ group, radiographic follow-up was performed at a median of 48 days. Average ModTPA was 1.2°. Bone healing was graded as complete, good, poor, and none in 18%, 62%, 20%, and 0%, respectively. At a median of 786 days postoperatively, minor and major postoperative complications were observed in 6 (2.4%) and 32 (12.9%) cases in this group, respectively. During the first year following the surgery, 23 (9.3%) and 12 (13.5%) cases suffered a SSI, of which 12 (4.8%) and 7 (7.9%) had their implant explanted in the BioMedtrix™ group and the control group, respectively. There was no significant difference between groups for SSI and implant explantations (p = 0.31 and p = 0.29, respectively).

Conclusion

The BioMedtrix™ TPLO Curve®plate provided a reliable fixation system for osteotomy healing after TPLO. Bone healing and long-term complication rates were similar to previous studies using other implants. SSI rates were similar between the BioMedtrix™ group and the control group. The antimicrobial HyProtect®coating of the plate did not reduce SSI in this study.

Clinical significance

The BioMedtrix™ TPLO Curve®plate can be safely used for TPLO. The value of the antimicrobial HyProtect®coating of the plate may be questioned, as SSI rate was not lower in this study compared to the control group or previous reports.
Boosting k-means clustering with symbiotic organisms search for automatic clustering problems
Authors: Ikotun Abiodun M. , Ezugwu Absalom E.
Published: August 2022

Kmeans clustering algorithm is an iterative unsupervised learning algorithm that tries to partition the given dataset into k pre-defined distinct non-overlapping clusters where each data point belongs to only one group. However, its performance is affected by its sensitivity to the initial cluster centroids with the possibility of convergence into local optimum and specification of cluster number as the input parameter. Recently, the hybridization of metaheuristics algorithms with the K-Means algorithm has been explored to address these problems and effectively improve the algorithm’s performance. Nonetheless, most metaheuristics algorithms require rigorous parameter tunning to achieve an optimum result. This paper proposes a hybrid clustering method that combines the well-known symbiotic organisms search algorithm with K-Means using the SOS as a global search metaheuristic for generating the optimum initial cluster centroids for the K-Means. The SOS algorithm is more of a parameter-free metaheuristic with excellent search quality that only requires initialising a single control parameter. The performance of the proposed algorithm is investigated by comparing it with the classical SOS, classical K-means and other existing hybrids clustering algorithms on eleven (11) UCI Machine Learning Repository datasets and one artificial dataset. The results from the extensive computational experimentation show improved performance of the hybrid SOSK-Means for solving automatic clustering compared to the standard K-Means, symbiotic organisms search clustering methods and other hybrid clustering approaches.
Effectiveness of a service design training program to improve clinical nurses’ compassion and problem-solving in Korea
Authors: Jang Keum-Seong , Lee Mikyoung , Park Hyunyoung , Chung Kyung-Hee , Baek Myeong , Kweon Young-Ran , Kim Yun-Hee
Published: August 2022

Service design is an innovative tool used to improve the quality of patient experience, therefore, making it necessary for nurses to be able to implement it. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a training program for patient experience-based nursing service design (PEN-SD) on clinical nurses’ compassion and problem-solving ability. This study employed a mixed-methods design: a one-group, pretest-posttest design was used as the quantitative approach, and structured interviews were used as the qualitative approach. The participants were 21 nurses recruited from a university hospital in Korea. A PEN-SD training program was conducted from September 1 to October 6, 2018. After the training program, the participants’ compassion significantly improved (p= .025) but there was no significant difference in their problem-solving ability (p= .313). In the structured interviews, majority of the participants (n= 17) felt that they were able to consider problems from the patient’s perspective. They also reported being able to identify solutions to problems through careful observation (n= 5). The PEN-SD training program was effective in improving compassion among nurses.
SARS-CoV-2 reliably detected in frozen saliva samples stored up to one year
Authors: Frediani Jennifer K. , McLendon Kaleb B. , Westbrook Adrianna , Gillespie Scott E. , Wood Anna , Baugh Tyler J. , O’Sick William , Roback John D. , Lam Wilbur A. , Levy Joshua M.
Published: August 2022

Viability of saliva samples stored for longer than 28 days has not been reported in the literature. The COVID-19 pandemic has spawned new research evaluating various sample types, thus large biobanks have been started. Residual saliva samples from university student surveillance testing were retested on SalivaDirect and compared with original RT-PCR (cycle threshold values) and quantitative antigen values for each month in storage. We conclude that saliva samples stored at -80°C are still viable in detecting SARS-CoV-2 after 12 months of storage, establishing the validity of these samples for future testing.
Chromosome number, sex determination, and meiotic chromosome behavior in the praying mantid Hierodula membranacea
Authors: Paliulis Leocadia V. , Stowe Emily L. , Hashemi Leila , Pedraza-Aguado Noemi , Striese Cynthia , Tulok Silke , Müller-Reichert Thomas , Fabig Gunar
Published: August 2022

Praying mantids are important models for studying a wide range of chromosome behaviors, yet few species of mantids have been characterized chromosomally. Here we show that the praying mantid Hierodula membranacea has a chromosome number of 2n = 27, and X1X1X2X2 (female): X1X2Y (male) sex determination. In male meiosis I, the X1, X2, and Y chromosomes of H. membranacea form a sex trivalent, with the Y chromosome associating with one spindle pole and the X1 and X2 chromosomes facing the opposite spindle pole. While it is possible that such a sex trivalent could experience different spindle forces on each side of the trivalent, in H. membranacea the sex trivalent aligns at the spindle equator with all of the autosomes, and then the sex chromosomes separate in anaphase I simultaneously with the autosomes. With this observation, H. membranacea can be used as a model system to study the balance of forces acting on a trivalent during meiosis I and analyze the functional importance of chromosome alignment in metaphase as a preparatory step for subsequent correct chromosome segregation.
Ventilatory efficiency is superior to peak oxygen uptake for prediction of lung resection cardiovascular complications
Authors: Mazur Andrej , Brat Kristian , Homolka Pavel , Merta Zdenek , Svoboda Michal , Bratova Monika , Sramek Vladimir , Olson Lyle J. , Cundrle Ivan
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Ventilatory efficiency (VE/VCO2 slope) has been shown superior to peak oxygen consumption (VO2) for prediction of post-operative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing thoracotomy. VE/VCO2 slope is determined by ventilatory drive and ventilation/perfusion mismatch whereas VO2 is related to cardiac output and arteriovenous oxygen difference. We hypothesized pre-operative VO2 predicts post-operative cardiovascular complications in patients undergoing lung resection.

Methods

Lung resection candidates from a published study were evaluated by post-hoc analysis. All of the patients underwent preoperative cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Post-operative cardiovascular complications were assessed during the first 30 post-operative days or hospital stay. One-way analysis of variance or the Kruskal–Wallis test, and multivariate logistic regression were used for statistical analysis and data summarized as median (IQR).

Results

Of 353 subjects, 30 (9%) developed pulmonary complications only (excluded from further analysis), while 78 subjects (22%) developed cardiovascular complications and were divided into two groups for analysis: cardiovascular only (n = 49) and cardiovascular with pulmonary complications (n = 29). Compared to patients without complications (n = 245), peak VO2 was significantly lower in the cardiovascular with pulmonary complications group [19.9 ml/kg/min (16.5–25) vs. 16.3 ml/kg/min (15–20.3); P<0.01] but not in the cardiovascular only complications group [19.9 ml/kg/min (16.5–25) vs 19.0 ml/kg/min (16–23.1); P = 0.18]. In contrast, VE/VCO2 slope was significantly higher in both cardiovascular only [29 (25–33) vs. 31 (27–37); P = 0.05] and cardiovascular with pulmonary complication groups [29 (25–33) vs. 37 (34–42); P<0.01)]. Logistic regression analysis showed VE/VCO2 slope [OR = 1.06; 95%CI (1.01–1.11); P = 0.01; AUC = 0.74], but not peak VO2 to be independently associated with post-operative cardiovascular complications.

Conclusion

VE/VCO2 slope is superior to peak VO2 for prediction of post-operative cardiovascular complications in lung resection candidates.
Effect of once-weekly dulaglutide on renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Kim Sungmin , An Jung Nam , Song Young Rim , Kim Sung Gyun , Lee Hyung Seok , Cho AJin , Kim Jwa-Kyung
Published: August 2022

Background

Dulaglutide is associated with improved cardiovascular and kidney outcomes and can be a good therapeutic option for patients with type 2 diabetes with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this study, the effects of dulaglutide on glucose-lowering efficacy and changes in renal function were analyzed.

Methods

This retrospective study involved 197 patients with type 2 diabetes with mild-to-severe CKD treated with dulaglutide for at least 3 months between January 2017 and December 2020 at two tertiary hospitals in Korea. Changes in the creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and HbA1c were compared before and after the use of dulaglutide in each patient.

Results

The number of patients and mean eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m2) in CKD 2, 3a, 3b, and 4 were 94 (75.0 ± 8.5), 46 (54.8 ± 6.3), 31 (38.8 ± 4.4), and 26 (22.5 ± 5.4), respectively. Mean HbA1c level and body mass index (BMI) at the initiation of dulaglutide were 8.9% ± 1.4% and 29.1 ± 3.6 kg/m2, the median duration of the use of dulaglutide was 16 months. The use of dulaglutide was associated with a mean decrease in HbA1c by 0.9% ± 1.5% and the glucose-lowering efficacy was similar across all stages of CKD. Also, it was associated with a reduced decline in the eGFR; the mean eGFR change after the use of dulaglutide was –0.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year, whereas it was –2.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 before use (paired t-test, P = 0.003). The difference was more pronounced in patients with an eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Subgroup analysis showed that the renal protective effect was better in patients with proteinuria, age ≤ 65 years, and HbA1c < 9.0%, but showed no association with BMI.

Conclusions

The use of dulaglutide provided adequate glycemic control irrespective of CKD stage and was associated with a reduced decline in the eGFR in the CKD population.
Species-specific identification of donkey-hide gelatin and its adulterants using marker peptides
Authors: Zhang Jinju , Wu Menghua , Ma Zhiguo , Zhang Ying , Cao Hui
Published: August 2022

Donkey-hide gelatin is an important traditional Chinese medicine made from donkey skin. Despite decades of effort, identifying the animal materials (donkeys, horses, cattle and pigs) in donkey-hide gelatin remains challenging. In our study, we aimed to identify marker peptides of donkey-hide gelatin and its adulterants and develop a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method to identify them. Theoretical marker peptides of four animals (donkeys, horses, cattle and pigs) were predicted and verified by proteomic experiments, and 12 species-specific marker peptides from donkey-hide gelatin and its adulterants were identified. One marker peptide for each gelatin was selected to develop the liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method. The applicability of the method was evaluated by investigating homemade mixed gelatin samples and commercial donkey-hide gelatin products. Using the liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method, the addition of cattle-hide gelatin and pig-hide gelatin to donkey-hide gelatin could be detected at a level of 0.1%. Horse-hide gelatin was detected when added at a level of 0.5%. Among 18 batches of donkey-hide gelatin products, nine were identified as authentic, and eight of the remaining samples were suspected to be adulterated with horse materials. These results provide both a practical method to control the quality of donkey-hide gelatin and a good reference for quality evaluations of other medicinal materials and foods containing protein components.
Importance of lymph node ratio in HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer patients treated with surgery and adjuvant treatment
Authors: Choi Kyu Hye , Song Jin Ho , Hong Ji Hyun , Lee Youn Soo , Kang Jin Hyoung , Sun Dong-Il , Kim Min-Sik , Kim Yeon-Sil
Published: August 2022

Objectives

The pathologic nodal stage of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) patients is classified according to the number of lymph nodes (LNs), as revised in 2018. Previous studies showed that the LN ratio (LNR) could be also a significant prognostic factor in head and neck cancer, but there are few studies on the LNR in HPV-related [HPV(+)] OPC. The aim of the present study was to analyze the predictive value of the LNR for survival and recurrence in HPV(+) OPC patients.

Materials and methods

HPV(+) OPC patients treated with surgery with or without postoperative radiotherapy from January 2000 to March 2019 were evaluated. The patients were divided into two sets of three groups, according to LN numbers based on pathologic nodal stages, and LNRs by a cutoff value of 0.05. The medical records were reviewed, and the overall survival (OS), disease-free survival, locoregional recurrence, and distant metastasis incidence were analyzed.

Results

Ninty patients were included and the median follow-up period was 38.2 months. There were no significant differences in OS in the LN number groups. However, there was a significant difference in OS in the LNR groups (P = 0.010). The incidence of distant metastasis in the LNR groups was significantly different (P = 0.005).

Conclusion

The LNR in HPV(+) OPC patients may be a more useful tool to predict survival and distant metastasis than the LN number. Additional research and consensus on surgical pathology are needed before applying the LNR to adjuvant treatment decisions and pathologic nodal staging.
Examining the effects of note-taking styles on college students’ learning achievement and cognitive load
Authors: Shi Yinghui , Yang Huiyun , Yang Zongkai , Liu Wei , Wu Di , Yang Harrison Hao
Published: August 2022

This study investigated the effects of note-taking styles on college students’ learning achievement and cognitive load in a 6-week lecture-based computer network course. Forty-two students were randomly assigned into one of three groups, which consisted of collaborative note-taking, laptop note-taking, and traditional longhand note-taking. The results showed that students in the collaborative note-taking group did better on learning achievement and cognitive load than students in the other two groups. Particularly, students in the collaborative note-taking group had a significantly higher rate of learning achievement and a significantly lower level of extraneous load than students in the longhand note-taking group.
Implications for practice or policy:

College students can improve their learning achievement more effectively through collaborative note-taking style than individual note-taking style.
College students can reduce extraneous load and improve germane load levels through collaborative note-taking.
Instructors and administrators should encourage college students to take more collaborative notes during classroom instruction.
Tilla Lindemanna songi transmedialne
Authors: Kosek Jakub
Published: August 2022

W artykule podjęto próbę ukazania solowej działalności artystycznej Tilla Lindemanna jako przedsięwzięcia o charakterze multi- i transmedialnym. Songi niemieckiego wokalisty i autora tekstów funkcjonujące w ideologicznych i podmiotowych dyskursach to narracje, które nierzadko rozwijane są twórczo na przestrzeni rozmaitych platform medialnych między innymi w ikonografii okładkowej, wideoklipach czy nawet w krótkometrażowych filmach. Premierom albumów i utworów towarzyszą często kreatywne akcje promocyjne. Songi rozpatrywano zatem w artykule jako narracje o charakterze transmedialnym (M.-L. Ryan), podlegające kulturowej logice konwergencji medialnej (H. Jenkins) i cyrkulujące w przestrzeniach różnych scen muzycznych (K. Kahn-Harris).
A novel point-of-care device accurately measures thyrotropin in whole blood, capillary blood and serum
Authors: Kahaly George J. , Lotz Johannes , Walder Sara , Hammad Cara , Krämer Rebecca , Frommer Lara , König Jochem , Wolf Jan , Gottwald-Hostalek Ulrike , Urgatz Bogumila , Lackner Karl J.
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Point-of-care (POC) measurement of thyrotropin (TSH) may facilitate prompt diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction. We evaluated the analytical performance of a new POC TSH assay (Wondfo).

Methods

TSH measurements were made from 730 consecutive, unselected subjects in an outpatient setting, using Wondfo in whole blood, capillary blood and serum or automated reference equipment (serum only).

Results

TSH measurements were user-independent. Total intra-and inter-assay variation (CV%) was 12.1 and 16.2%, respectively. Total CV% was 10.6–22.6% and 14.5–21.6% in serum and whole blood, respectively. Linearity was very good. Recovery rate was 97–127%. Prolongation of incubation time increased TSH results of 12% (13%) and 33% (35%) after 2 and 5 additional minutes in serum (blood), respectively. When measured simultaneously in two Wondfo devices, the slope of the regression line was 1.03 (serum) and 1.02 (blood), with Spearman’s correlation of 0.99 for both. TSH measurements between Wondfo and reference correlated strongly (r=0.93–0.96), though TSH measurements were lower with Wondfo (slopes of plots of measurements made using the two devices were 0.94 [serum vs. serum]; 0.83 [whole blood vs. serum] and 0.64 [capillary blood vs. serum]). Depending on sample material, TSH in capillary blood was lower vs. whole blood (slope: 0.82) and for whole blood vs. serum (Wondfo and reference method; slope: 0.69 and 0.83). Total haemolysis, but not elevated bilirubin or lipemia, disrupted TSH measurement.

Conclusions

The Wondfo system was straightforward to use without need for specialist technicians and demonstrated analytic performance suitable for clinical use for the diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction.
Corrosion polarization and passivation behavior of selected stainless steel alloys and Ti6Al4V titanium in elevated temperature acid-chloride electrolytes
Authors: Loto Roland Tolulope
Published: August 2022

The corrosion polarization behavior of 439ll ferritic (439ll), 316L austenitic (316L), and NO7208 nickel-chromium-aluminum-iron (NO7208) stainless steels, and Ti6Al4V titanium (Ti6Al4V) alloys was studied in 4 M H2SO4+ 5% NaCl solution at 35 and 70°C. Corrosion rate (CR) of the alloys were generally higher at 70°C. NO7208 and 439ll alloy exhibited higher resistance to general corrosion at 35°C (0.067 and 0.050 mm/year) while Ti6Al4V was the most reactive (0.506 mm/year). Passivation behavior was evident on the plots of NO7208 and Ti6Al4V alloys. NO7208 pitted at 1.04 V with passivation range of 0.17 V. Metastable pitting occurred at 0.02 V and ceased at 0.19 V. Pitting was absent from the polarization plot of Ti6Al4V though it exhibited metastable pitting at −0.39 V and passivated at −0.21 V. At 70°C, NO7208 alloy exhibited the lowestCR(0.392 mm/year), while Ti6Al4V was the most reactive at 21.868 mm/year.CRof the alloys increased by 97.63%, 91.18%, 82.83%, and 97.69% at 70°C. Corrosion potential of the alloys shifted cathodically at 35 and 70°C signifying dominant cathodic processes. Ti6Al4V exhibited passivation behavior at 70°C with no pitting evidence. Open circuit potential measurement showed that Ti6Al4V was the most electronegative and NO7208 alloy was the most electropositive due to the significant growth of its protective oxide. Grain boundary corrosion was visible on 439ll and 316L at 35°C and total surface deterioration at 70°C. Pseudo corrosion pits were visible on NO7208 and Ti6Al4V alloy at 35°C. At 70°C, total surface degradation was visible on Ti6Al4V and grain boundary corrosion on NO7208.
Effect of atmosphere on oxidation behavior of novel high Mn steel bearing Cr during heat treatment
Authors: Wang Yong , Liu Yu , Li Guangqiang , Zhu Chengyi , Cao Yuxin
Published: August 2022

The oxidation behavior of novel high Mn steel bearing Cr under atmospheres with varying air content was explored by means of thermogravimetric analysis. The results show that the curve of oxidation weight gain with time obeys the parabolic rate law in the temperature range of 900–1200 °C under 25–100 vol.% Air–Ar atmosphere. The atmosphere plays an important role in oxide scale structure and oxidation weight gain, especially at 900 °C and 1000 °C. Under pure air, the oxidation weight gain at 900 °C is more than that at 1000 °C after 25 min holding. This is because the inner oxide scale mainly consisting of Cr oxide at 1000 °C is thicker than that at 900 °C, which hinders the mass transfer. As air content decreases to 50 %, a similar phenomenon occurs after 65 min holding. However, under 25 % Air–75 % Ar atmosphere, the oxidation weight gain at 900 °C is always less than that at 1000 °C during 90 min holding due to the decrease of air content. An Mn-depleted zone resulting from selective oxidation of Mn is formed in the steel matrix epidermis, leading to the subsurface phase transformation (γ-Fe→α-Fe). The atmosphere with lower oxygen content contributes to alleviating surface oxidation during heat treatment.
An analysis of nursing and medical students’ attitudes towards and knowledge of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)
Authors: Abdalrahim Asem , ALBashtawy Mohammed , Alkhawaldeh Abdullah , Al-amer Rasmieh M. , Bani Salameh Ahmad , ALBashtawy Sa’d , Abu Khait Abdallah , ALBashtawy Zaid
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Little is known about how Jordanian undergraduate medical and nursing students perceive Alzheimer’s disease (AD) care. This study aimed to investigate nursing and medical students’ AD knowledge, attitudes, and associated factors with their knowledge to inform reforms to multidisciplinary AD education undergraduate programs in Jordan.

Methods

Cross-sectional research was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire. Students’ knowledge was measured using the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) and attitudes were measured using the Dementia Care Attitude Scale (DCAS). The survey was completed by 423 nursing and medical students.

Results

The overall mean score on the ADKS for students’ AD knowledge was 17.50 (SD=3.08) out of 30 and the DCAS for students’ attitudes toward AD was 26.76 (SD=6.19) out of 40.

Conclusions

Medical students had a higher level of AD knowledge and a lower level of positive attitude than nursing students (p<0.05).
Synergistic material extrusion 3D-printing using core–shell filaments containing polycarbonate-based material with different glass transition temperatures and viscosities
Authors: Peng Fang , Vogt Bryan D. , Cakmak Miko
Published: August 2022

The application of 3D printing of thermoplastics by Material Extrusion (MatEx) has commonly been limited by their poor mechanical strength that results from voids and weak interfaces between printed layers. Here, we demonstrate that core–shell structured filaments made of polycarbonate-based thermoplastics can achieve synergistic improvement in their interfacial bonding from the combination of high-glass transition temperature (T
g)/high-viscosity core and low-T
g/low-viscosity shell. Tensile strength along the printing direction was enhanced with the core–shell filaments. Layer-interfacial bonding strength as determined by Izod impact tests of the 3D printed parts is significantly improved by using filaments either with only a core–shell T
g mismatch or both T
g/viscosity core–shell mismatch. The mechanical behavior can be rationalized in terms of improved inter-layer molecule diffusion by a low T
g/viscosity shell, better printability at higher temperature due to the core with higher melt strength, and better bulk mechanical strength of high-viscosity/T
g core.
Crystal structure of bis((N-methyl-2-oxyethyl)amine)-bis(μ
2-N,N,N-tris(2-oxoethyl)amine)-bis(isopropoxy)-bis(μ
3-oxo)tetratitanium(IV)– isopropanol (1/2), C34H76N4O16Ti4
Authors: Youzhu Yu , Hui Wang , Leilei Li , Yuhua Guo , Qianqian Fu , Jingtao Dai
Published: August 2022

C34H76N4O16Ti4, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 10.0452(6) Å, b = 16.9053(8) Å, c = 14.6374(8) Å, β = 108.029(6)°, V = 2363.6(2) Å3, Z = 2, R

gt
(F) = 0.0678, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.2126, T = 293(2) K.
Dispersion of copper phthalocyanine pigment nanoparticles by eco-friendly ethoxylated cardanol in aqueous solution
Authors: Yang Jiang , Gao Xiaoyan , Liu Hailing
Published: August 2022

The environmentally friendly surfactant ethoxylated cardanol (EC) was investigated for dispersing copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) pigment nanoparticles into aqueous solution. The stability of the dispersion was investigated using UV-Vis spectra. The particle size was measured by optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The surface of the nanoparticles was characterised by measurements of the zeta potential and wettability. The coating application was investigated by incorporating CuPc blue pigment into resin and inorganic filler, and the colour strength of the coating film was compared. The results show that the EC can effectively wet and disperse the CuPc particles. The stabilisation of the particles is achieved by a steric mechanism in which the hydrophobic chains of the surfactant are adsorbed onto the surfaces of the CuPc nanoparticles and the ethylene oxide chains are dispersed in the aqueous phase. At EC concentrations greater than 0.1%, the CuPc nanoparticles appear to deagglomerate. The colour strength of CuPc nanoparticles present as dispersed pigment in resin can be increased in the presence of the EC surfactant.
A MVMD–MMFE algorithm and its application in the flow patterns identification of horizontal oil–water two-phase flow
Authors: Qin Jiangfan , Fan Chunling , Zhang Chuntang , Zheng Caixia
Published: August 2022

Aiming to extract the main information features of fluid multivariate conductance signals and identify the flow patterns under different flow velocities, we present a multichannel time series analysis algorithm based on the multivariate variational mode decomposition (MVMD) and multivariate multiscale fuzzy entropy (MMFE). Firstly, by simulating a multichannel complex signal and performing a series of sensitivity experiments within various noise intensities, we prove the feasibility of the MVMD in chaotic time series. Then, we employ the MVMD to decompose multivariate conductance signals into the intrinsic mode function (IMF) and calculate the MMFE of the IMFs for different flow patterns. Meanwhile, the multivariate empirical mode decomposition (MEMD) is also applied on the comparison of signal decomposition. Finally, we discuss the classification consequence under different mode valueskto realize the optimal decomposition. The experimental results show that the MVMD–MMFE algorithm can extract the main information of fluid multichannel signals and distinguish three horizontal oil–water flow patterns effectively, which provides an idea for studying the nonlinear characteristics of the chaotic system.
bESC from cloned embryos do not retain transcriptomic or epigenetic memory from somatic donor cells
Authors: Navarro M , Halstead M M , Rincon Gonzalo , Mutto A A , Ross P J
Published: August 2022

In brief

Epigenetic reprogramming after mammalian somatic cell nuclear transfer is often incomplete, resulting in low efficiency of cloning. However, gene expression and histone modification analysis indicated high similarities in transcriptome and epigenomes of bovine embryonic stem cells from in vitro fertilized and somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos.

Embryonic stem cells (ESC) indefinitely maintain the pluripotent state of the blastocyst epiblast. Stem cells are invaluable for studying development and lineage commitment, and in livestock, they constitute a useful tool for genomic improvement and in vitro breeding programs. Although these cells have been recently derived from bovine blastocysts, a detailed characterization of their molecular state is lacking. Here, we apply cutting-edge technologies to analyze the transcriptomic and epigenomic landscape of bovine ESC (bESC) obtained from in vitro fertilized (IVF) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos. bESC were efficiently derived from SCNT and IVF embryos and expressed pluripotency markers while retaining genome stability. Transcriptome analysis revealed that only 46 genes were differentially expressed between IVF- and SCNT-derived bESC, which did not reflect significant deviation in cellular function. Interrogating histone 3 lysine 4 trimethylation, histone 3 lysine 9 trimethylation, and histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation with cleavage under targets and tagmentation, we found that the epigenomes of both bESC groups were virtually indistinguishable. Minor epigenetic differences were randomly distributed throughout the genome and were not associated with differentially expressed or developmentally important genes. Finally, the categorization of genomic regions according to their combined histone mark signal demonstrated that all bESC shared the same epigenomic signatures, especially at gene promoters. Overall, we conclude that bESC derived from SCNT and IVF embryos are transcriptomically and epigenetically analogous, allowing for the production of an unlimited source of pluripotent cells from high genetic merit organisms without resorting to transgene-based techniques.
Factoid vs Fake: Identification and Analysis Models
Authors:   Volgograd State Technical University, Prom Natalya
Published: August 2022

The relevance of the study is due to the problem of inaccurate information identification in the media space. The legislative acts designed to solve this problem do not offer terms for this kind of messages, and current methods of linguistic examination do not provide tools for distinguishing inaccurate messages with different intentional bases. A review of approaches to qualifying inaccurate information in media linguistics and in the field of forensic linguistics has been conducted. Fact-forming principles have been highlighted; they allow the creator of a distorted fact to make deceit invisible and effective, which results in the interiorization of this fact in the minds of mass audience. Inaccurate messages that distort reality are proposed to be divided into two groups, namely, factoids and fakes. The former are socially dangerous plausible information that claims to be a real fact. The latter are messages that suggest entertaining and playful understanding and do not pose a threat of harm to human life. Models of linguistic analysis of factoids performing a manipulative function and fakes aimed at entertaining the audience have been developed. Particular attention is paid to the criteria for distinguishing fakes and factoids; an example of inaccurate information, demonstrating signs of both pragmatic types for a manipulation purpose, was considered.
Internet Memes as a Relevant Format of Political Communication in Germany (The Case of the Thematic Group “Olaf Scholz”)
Authors:   Volgograd State University, Rebrina Larisa , Shamne Nikolay ,   Volgograd State University
Published: August 2022

The article presents the study of the semantic and functional characteristics of political Internet memes of the thematic group "Olaf Scholz" in 2020–2022 in Germany. The main parameters for characteristics of memes include place and date, types of addressing, origin and initiator, object and subject of ironic-critical interpretation, the level of inclusion in culture, replicated components, functioning specifics of the precedent phenomenon, interaction paths between visual and verbal, patterns of meaning generation, means of creating comic effect, resulting impact, field structure, genre varieties. Most memes about O. Scholz spontaneously originated within the German linguaculture, reflect the reaction to a specific event, and are addressed to a part of society that is informed about the current national political agenda. The object of criticism unite both characteristics of a politician and his actions. The main subjects of criticism include incompetence, bad reputation, denial of the obvious, insufficient attention to national interests, low performance. Memes appeal mainly to actual precedent phenomena. The background of the precedent phenomenon rarely plays a significant role in generating meaning. The visual component is mostly subject to replication. The visual arrangement imminently contains the image of O. Scholz, optionally bearing symbols of certain actions / events / values, other people with stereotyped relationships, spatial objects as signs of properties attributed to the leader. Consonance-and-complementary relations prevail in coordination among visual and verbal representations. The main sources of the comic effect embody dissonance of the verbal and visual components, transfer of the case of the everyday sphere to the political one; visual accentuation of the elements of the verbal component; identification of the object of criticism with a comic character. Relevant genre varieties of memes about O. Scholz are macros, advice and demotivational memes, and IM parodies. A meme has a field organization, including a constant core formed by a visual template and the generalized meaning.
Linguacultural Determination of German Scientific Linguistic Discourse in the Genre “Scientific Article”
Authors:   Volgograd State University, Novikova Elina
Published: August 2022

The research focuses on the relevant linguistic problem of scientific texts genre organization analysis aimed at identification of their common and distinctive features in different languages, and specifics of their linguistic means determination. The article represents the peculiarities of research paper carried out in the frameworks of German scientific discourse by a native German speaker and a non-native one. The research material is comprised of the German-language scientific articles on linguistics published in the collection of scientific works of an international conference. Three categories of scientific articles underwent the analysis: the article written by a native German speaker; the article written by a non-native German speaker; the co-authored article by native and non-native German speakers. The text array of the considered discourse has been studied in order to identify structural and verbal peculiarities of the text of scientific article, written by the representatives of different linguacultures – a native or a non-native speaker. Similarities and differences in dictum and modus components, thematic affiliation, research paradigm are established. The communicative purpose, the image of the author and the addressee, the elements of formal organization of the scientific text are determined. The most frequent verbal means, which indicate discursive parameters of a scientific article, are revealed. The analysis showed significant divergences in the use of linguistic means. The author argues that the articles of non-native German speakers demonstrate grammatical and genre interference of their native language: the author of a scientific publication in a foreign language applies linguistic means peculiar to the language system of the native language and adjusts their use to the genre conventions of the native language. It signifies linguacultural determination of scientific discourse and holds out prospects for further studies.
Interactional Metadiscourse Markers in Scientific Texts (Based on Research Articles Written by Native and Non-Native Speakers)
Authors:   Volgograd State University, Ahmadi Leila
Published: August 2022

The present research investigated textual representations of writer-reader interaction in academic writing. The focus of the study was on the use of metadiscourse markers, i.e., stance and engagement markers, in applied linguistics research articles (RAs) published in English and Persian, the former written by Persian and English-speaking researchers, and the latter by Persian-speaking researchers. A cross-cultural analysis of RAs revealed similarities and differences in how academic writers express their stance and interact with their readers. Among the stance markers, hedging devices were found to be more frequently used in English RAs for expressing the authors' position, regardless of their native language. Persian RAs, on the other hand, predominantly used attitude markers for that purpose. In terms of the engagement markers, directives were the most prominent linguistic features employed by the writers in their native language. However, they were significantly less frequent in English RAs written by Iranian scholars. Compared to native English writers, Iranian writers showed a slightly stronger tendency to use reader pronouns and personal asides in their native language. This study reinforces the impact of the writers' linguistic and contextual awareness of the first- and second-language academic discourse conventions on the establishment of a successful writer-reader interaction and effective communication of arguments in academic writing.
Implicit Speech Aggression in the Texts of the Contemporary British Mass Media
Authors:   Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Maevskiy Vladimir
Published: August 2022

Speech aggression, which is actively used in modern media discourse, is becoming one of the tools for influencing the target audience in "information wars": the world-famous mass media use a form of implicit speech aggression to manipulate public opinion globally. Research methods include frame analysis, qualitative and quantitative content analysis, and discourse analysis with the subsequent revelation of implicit speech aggression. The research material was 150 articles on foreign and domestic policy issues, which were published in 2019–2020 in the periodicals "The Times", "The Guardian" and "The Observer". The article considers the frequency of speech aggression used in the texts of the British mass media as a means of implicit influence on the readership. According to the results of the study, there are trends in the use of implicatures that potentially express verbal aggression. These implicatures are shown to appear mainly in conflictogenic texts, which contain the materials with varying degree of hostility – from insult to verbal extremism. Such frames as "COVID-19 policy", "Post-Brexit relations with EU", "Sanctions against the political regime in Russia" are noted to prevail in the publications. The most frequent means of implicit verbal aggression realization in the leading British mass media are false accusation, sarcasm, metaphor, mockery, reproach, irony, and threat.
Autism and Down syndrome: early identification and diagnosis
Authors: Diniz Natália Lisce Fioravante , Parlato-Oliveira Erika , Pimenta Priscila Gonçalves Ayres , Araújo Liubiana Arantes de , Valadares Eugênia Ribeiro
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT Background: The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Down syndrome (DS) is underestimated because it is necessary to understand which aspects of the behavioral phenotype are related to DS and which are related to ASD. Objective: To conduct a systematic review of the literature on early identification and diagnosis of ASD in patients with DS. Data source: The VHL, MEDLINE, Cochrane, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science and Embase databases were searched and data were evaluated using PRISMA. Data synthesis: Out of 1,729 articles evaluated, 15 were selected. Although well studied, identification of ASD in DS can be difficult because of the need to understand which aspects of the behavioral phenotype are related to Down syndrome and which to autism. In this review, the prevalence of ASD was found to range from 12% to 41%. Early identification of autism risk in individuals with Down syndrome is still poorly studied, even though there are screening instruments for infants. Several instruments for diagnosing autism in individuals with Down syndrome were found, but a developmental approach is fundamental for making a clear diagnosis. Conclusions: Screening procedures are important for detecting early signs of autism risk in the first year of life. Careful evaluation methods are needed to establish the diagnosis, which include choosing appropriate tools for evaluation of development and cognition, and analysis of qualitative aspects of social interaction, among others. It has been indicated in the literature that early detection and timely accurate diagnosis, in association with an intervention, may benefit development, quality of life and social inclusion.
Cancer patients in Palliative Care: occurrences related to venipuncture and hypodermoclysis
Authors: Bolela Fabiana , Lima Roberta de , Souza Ana Carolina de , Moreira Michele Rocha , Lago Ana Julia de Oliveira , Simino Giovana Paula Rezende , Araújo Jakeline Silva de
Published: August 2022

Abstract Objective: to identify the occurrences related to peripheral venipuncture and hypodermoclysis among patients hospitalized in a general hospital and in an exclusive hospital institution for the care of patients in palliative cancer care. Method: an observational, descriptive and multicenter study. The consecutive and non-probabilistic sample consisted of 160 cancer patients hospitalized in Palliative Care. The outcome variable corresponded to the occurrences and complications related to each type of puncture. A questionnaire containing the sociodemographic and clinical variables and a structured script for monitoring and daily evaluation of the puncture were used. Descriptive statistics were employed for data analysis. Results: the occurrences related to venipuncture at a general hospital were blood soiling at catheter insertion (17.4%) and expired use period (15.8%), while at a specific service for the care of patients under palliative care they were expired use period (32%) followed by infiltration (18.9%). As for hypodermoclysis, there were two subcutaneous punctures with phlogistic signs (1.0%) at the general hospital and a hematoma at the catheter insertion site (0.5%). At the specific service for the care of patients under palliative care there were three subcutaneous punctures with phlogistic signs (5.7%). Conclusion: the number of occurrences related to peripheral venipuncture was higher than those related to hypodermoclysis.
Efectividad de las intervenciones contra la violencia laboral que sufren los profesionales de la salud y de apoyo: metanálisis
Authors: Okubo Caroline Vieira Cláudio , Martins Júlia Trevisan , Malaquias Tatiana da Silva Melo , Galdino Maria José Quina , Haddad Maria do Carmo Fernandez Lourenço , Cardelli Alexandrina Aparecida Maciel , Silveira Renata Cristina de Campos Pereira
Published: August 2022

Resumen Objetivo: evaluar la efectividad de las intervenciones dirigidas a prevenir y reducir la violencia laboral que sufren los profesionales de la salud y de apoyo. Método: revisión sistemática con metanálisis realizada en ocho bases de datos y en la literatura gris. El riesgo de sesgo se evaluó mediante herramientas Cochrane y la certeza de la evidencia mediante el Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. El análisis se realizó de forma descriptiva y por metanálisis, e incluyó la evaluación de la heterogeneidad. Resultados: fueron elegibles 11 estudios aleatorios y cuasialeatorios, de los cuales seis estudios (54,5%) implementaron habilidades individuales, cuatro multienfoque (36,4%) y uno (9,1%) acciones gubernamentales. Cuatro estudios (36,4%) tuvieron un efecto positivo y significativo en la reducción de la violencia. El riesgo de sesgo se clasificó como alto o incierto. El metanálisis se realizó con dos estudios que evaluaron la capacidad individual (grupo de intervención) versus la capacidad individual (grupo de comparación), pero no se encontró evidencia científica (IC del 95 %: -0,41 a 0,25, p = 0,64) para el resultado prevención/reducción de la violencia. Conclusión: esta revisión no obtuvo alta evidencia sobre la prevención o reducción de la violencia laboral. El número reducido de ensayos aleatorios, la falta de estudios con bajo riesgo de sesgo y la alta consistencia pueden haber sido factores que dificultaron la recomendación de intervenciones efectivas.
Optimization of antibacterial activity of new poly(vinyl alcohol)–gum arabic–MgO nanoparticles bionanocomposite
Authors: Mobarakeh Mohammad Salmani , Moghadam Ayoub
Published: August 2022

Untreated dental caries is an important challenge in human life. In this work, the authors synthesized a new poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)–gum arabic (GA)–magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticle bionanocomposite and evaluated its antibacterial properties against Streptococcus mutans biofilm in vitro. For optimization of variables to obtain the maximum antibacterial properties, the L9 orthogonal array of the Taguchi method was used for the design of extraction conditions. The nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The FESEM images of the nanocomposite show that the nanoparticles are entirely surrounded with polymer chains of the matrix and nanoparticles are deposited on its walls; thus, a layered nanocomposite is formed. The sheet width and size ranges of the nanocomposite were determined to be between 30 and 40 and 20 and 90 nm, respectively. The results showed that the nanocomposite synthesized under conditions of 1 mg/ml PVA, 3 mg/ml GA and 6 mg/ml magnesium oxide (experiment 3) had the strongest antibacterial activity against the S. mutans bacteria’s biofilm. Under these optimal conditions, the bacterial survival rate was the lowest at 0.21 colony-forming units (CFU)/ml and the activity of S. mutans bacteria could be inhibited at a rate of 0.09 CFU/ml.