bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long term evaluation of corneal graft survival after lamellar Keratoplasty without limbal stem cell transplantation in patients with delayed-onset mustard gas keratopathy.
Authors: Bagheri Shiva , Daryabari Seyed-Hashem , Aghamollaei Hossein , Jadidi Khosrow
Published: November 2020

Background: Iran is one of the biggest chemical warfare victims in the world and mustard gas keratopathy is a common complication in this rare injury. in recent years, finding an effective and uncomplicated corneal transplantation method has been a concern for ophthalmologists. In this study, we report the results of lamellar Keratoplasty (LK) without limbal stem cell transplantation in patients with delayed-onset mustard gas keratopathy (DMGK). Methods: Thirty-one eyes of 22 veterans with DMGK who underwent conventional LK were included. The presence of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) was proven clinically and so by impression cytology. The results were evaluated with respect to Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), refractive error (RE), corneal clarity and corneal graft survival rates.Results: The mean age of patients at the time of surgery was 52.93±5.8 years and the mean follow-up duration was 36.25±20.65 months. The mean preoperative BSCVA was 1.67±0.32 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution unit (Log MAR), which significantly improved and reached 0.32±0.22 Log MAR after surgery. The mean preoperative spherical equivalent RE was 2.47±1.17 diopters which increased to 3.5±1.08 diopters after complete suture removal. Epithelial graft rejection occurred in 9.67% of eyes (3/31) and was treated successfully with topical eye drops. at the end of follow-up period, no signs of graft rejection were found but two eyes had mild central corneal opacity. Conclusions: According to the results of this study, LK without LSC transplantation, can be successful in patients with DMGK, because of partial rather than complete LSCD.
Imaging of stem cell therapy in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in sheep and its relationship with histopathology
Authors: Chaleshtori Sirous Sadeghian , Dezfouli Mohammad Reza Mokhber , Abbasi Javad , Fakhr Massoumeh Jabbari , Vajhi Alireza , Esmaeilnejad Mohammad Reza , Mohajeri Saeed Farzad
Published: November 2020

Methods: 10 healthy sheep were separated as the control (PBS) and treatment(BM-MSCs). The BM-samples were aspirated in the treatment group and isolation and expansion of BM-MSCs were achieved. 24h after ARDS-induction by E.coli LPS (400 µg/kg), 5×107 BM-MSCs and 1 ml PBS were intrapulmonary infused in the treatment and control groups, respectively. The total lung volume and the Hounsfield unit by CT-scan and the cardiac parameters by echocardiography were calculated before of ARDS (time -24) and cells/PBS infusion time(time 0) and then for 6,12,24,48,72,168h after cells/PBS infusion. At the end, the sheep were sacrificed and the hearts and lungs were macroscopically and microscopically checked.Results: The results showed the total lung volume and the Hounsfield unit increased at time 0, but BM-MSCs declined their amount, so that the changes were significant at 168h compared with time 0 and comparisons between the two-groups represented the significant difference at 72h and 168h. The cardiac parameters did not changes significantly in the two-groups at different times but the comparison between them demonstrated significant difference in LVPWs, IVSs,IVSd,%FS,RVOTVmax,LA(d1) and AO(d2) at 168 h, LVIDs,ESV and %EF at 72h and 168h and LVPWd at 72h. Also, the histopathology findings indicated decline of inflammatory reactions, edema, hemorrhage and hyperemia in the respiratory system and no observation of damage to the heart compared with the control-group. Conclusions: The results determined BM-MSCs in ARDS decrease edema and inflammation of the lungs and increase the alveoli air volume and prevent damage to heart function.
Headache in the emergency department in Chongqing Province, China: A multicentre study
Authors: Li Qin , Ye Tao , Ma Jingxi , Yuan Dongli , Peng Xuemei , Cai Min , Xi Zhengwei , Zhang Yujiao , Liu Qinlin , Tan Ge
Published: November 2020

Background: To investigate the present situation of emergency headache in many general hospitals in Chongqing Province, China.Methods: From January 1 to December 31, 2017, we studied patients who complained of headaches as the main symptom in the emergency department of 17 general hospitals in Chongqing Province. Each patient with a headache was interviewed and the medical history was collected by administering a questionnaire. The diagnosis of headache is based on the third edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3 beta). Results: In 2017, 16434 patients complained of headache in 17 general hospitals in Chongqing, accounting for 2.3% of all emergency patients. Eight thousand one male patients (48.7%) and 8433 female patients (51.3%) experienced a headache. The average age was (41.8 ± 13.2) years, and the course of disease was 3 hours to 15.2 years. Regarding the initial diagnosis, 7299 patients (44.4%) were diagnosed secondary headache, 5076 (30.9%) were diagnosed with primary headache and 4059 (24.865%) could not be diagnosed. The hospitalization rates for these patients were 60.3%, 12.2%, and 41.5%, respectively. Migraine is still the most common type of primary headache. Conclusions: This study shows that the misdiagnosis rate and missed diagnosis rate of patients with an emergency headache are high, and the emergency department still performs overtesting and hospitalizations.
Implementation and Sustainability of an Enhanced Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program in a single centre
Authors: Braak Kim van der , Wald Joshua , Tansey Catherine , Paes Thais , Sedeno Maria , Selzler Anne-Marie , Stickland Michael , Bourbeau Jean , Janaudis-Ferreira Tania
Published: November 2020

Background: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has major benefits for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The availability of PR in Canada is low. To facilitate implementation, a standardized and enhanced PR Program has been developed with a self-management education intervention that has been validated and shown to be effective. The objectives of our study were to assess the implementation of this program into a single site; determine the sustainability 18 months after implementation; and to identify the satisfaction with, facilitators of and barriers to implementation and sustainability of the program as perceived by patients with COPD and HCPs. Methods: We conducted a prospective pre-post study which consisted of two phases: 1) the implementation phase (first six months after implementation) and 2) the sustainability phase (18 months after implementation). Guided by the RE-AIM framework, outcomes including: Reach (number of patients enrolled and demographics), Effectiveness (Change in patient outcomes), Adoption (HCPs’ characteristics), Implementation (Program fidelity) and Maintenance (Patient outcomes at 3-month follow-up). Results: Reach: Twenty-six patients were included for both phases (two different samples). Effectiveness: Clinically important improvements in patient outcomes were found for functional exercise capacity, knowledge, functional status and self-efficacy in both phases of the study. Adoption: All HCPs involved in PR (N=8) agreed to participate and used the program in both phases of the study. Implementation: Fidelity for the group education sessions ranged from 76-95% in the implementation phase and from 82-88% in the sustainability phase. Maintenance (implementation phase): Clinical important improvements at 3-month follow-up were found in knowledge, self-efficacy for exercise and walking. Patients and HCPs were highly satisfied with the program. Lack of time was reported as the most common barrier and having longstanding procedures as the most common facilitator by HCPs to implementation and sustainability of the program. Conclusions: The enhanced PR program was accepted by the patients and HCPs and could be reliably implemented and maintained at a single expert center. The program provided clinical benefits for patients in terms of functional capacity, knowledge and self-efficacy for walking. These findings will guide planning for wide scale dissemination and implementation of the program.
Anti-echinococcal effect of verapamil involving regulating calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ response in vitro and in a murine infection model
Authors: Gao Hai-Jun , Sun Xu-Dong , Luo Yan-Ping , Pang Hua-Sheng , Ma Xing-Ming , Zhang Ting , Jing Tao , Hu Wei , Shen Yu-Juan , Cao Jian-Ping
Published: November 2020

Background: Echinococcosis caused by the larval stage of cestode of the genus Echinococcus is a parasitic zoonosis, imposing serious threat on the health of humans and animals globally. Albendazole is the drug of choice for treatment of echinococcosis, but it is difficult to meet the clinical challenge in chemotherapy due to its low curative rate and severe side effects. Hence, novel anti-parasitic targets and effective treatment alternatives are urgently needed. Previous study has showed that verapamil can suppress the growth of Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus) larva, but the mechanism remains unclear. The aim of the present study is to gain insight into the anti-echinococcal effect of verapamil on Echinococcus with particular focus on the regulatory role of verapamil to calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ (Ca2+/CaM-CamK Ⅱ) in infected mice.Methods: The anti-echinococcal effect of verapamil on E. granulosus protoscolex (PSCx) in vitro and Echinococcus multilocularis (E. multilocularis) metacestodes in infected mice were assessed. The morphological alteration of Echinococcus spp. induced by verapamil was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the changes of calcium content in both parasite and mice sera and livers were measured by SEM-energy dispersive spectrometer, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and alizarin red staining accordingly. Additionally, the changes on the protein and mRNA levels of CaM and CamK Ⅱ in infected mice, and on the mRNA levels of CamK Ⅱ in E. granulosus PSCx after treatment of verapamil were evaluated by immunohistochemistry or/and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).Results: In vitro, E. granulosus PSCx could be killed by verapamil at 0.5 μg/mL or more within 8 days. Under these conditions, the ultrastructure of PSCx was damaged and accompanied with obvious calcium loss and down-regulation of CamK Ⅱ mRNA. In vivo, the weight and the calcium content of E. multilocularis metacestodes from the mice were reduced after treatment with verapamil at 40 mg/kg, meanwhile, an elevation of calcium content in the serum and liver of infected mice was observed. In addition, down-regulation of both the over-expressed CaM and CamK Ⅱ proteins and mRNAs in the liver of mice infected with E. multilocularis metacestodes were found after treatment of verapamil.Conclusions: Verapamil exerted a parasiticidal activity on Echinococcus both in vitro and in vivo through down-regulation of Ca2+/CaM-CamK Ⅱ that was over-activated by parasitic infection. It has been speculated that the Ca2+/CaM-CamK Ⅱ can be a novel drug-target and verapamil is shown to be a potential anti-echinococcal drug for controlling echinococcosis in the future.
Satisfaction with nursing care and its related factors in patient with COVID-19
Authors: Parizad Naser , Goli Rasoul , Arad Mansour , Baghaie Rahim , Habibzadeh Hossein
Published: November 2020

Background: Patients’ satisfaction is a fundamental factor in the quality of nursing care. The emergence of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the highly contagious virus can affect nursing care by increasing the number of care-seekers. This study aimed to determine the patients’ satisfaction and related factors in patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in Taleghani Hospital, Urmia-Iran, in 2020.Methods: This descriptive correlational study was conducted on 196 patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in Taleghani Hospital, Urmia. Purposive convenient sampling was used to recruit participants. Study participants completed Patient Satisfaction Instrument (PSI) and demographics questionnaires. Data were analyzed with SPSS software version 25.0.Results: The majority of patients (68.9%) were moderately satisfied with nursing care. Based on Pearson Correlation Analysis, only residential status had a significant inverse relationship with satisfaction level in patients with COVID-19 (r = -0.0238, P=0.001).Conclusion: The patients’ satisfaction with nursing care was mostly at a moderate level. Thus, there is a need to educate health personnel and nurses in particular and motivate them to have active participation in achieving patients’ satisfaction with COVID-19. Notably, only the institutes that take patients’ satisfaction as a top priority can succeed in a competitive market of health services.
Subjective experience of time in dementia with Lewy bodies during COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Torboli Dylan , Mioni Giovanna , Bussé Cinzia , Cagnin Annachiara , Vallesi Antonino
Published: November 2020

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by cognitive, behavioral and motor symptoms and has a more challenging clinical management and poorer prognosis respect to other forms of dementia. The experience of lockdown leads to negative psychological outcomes for fragile people such as elderly with dementia, particularly for DLB, causing a worsening of cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms. An individual’s feeling of time passage is strongly related to her cognitive and emotional state. We therefore assessed the subjective experience of the passage of time for present and past time intervals (Subjective Time Questionnaire, STQ) during the lockdown due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in 23 patients with DLB (18 of which were re-tested in a post-lockdown period) and compared their experience with that of 21 caregivers with similar age and 46 younger university students. Patients showed a significantly slower perception of time and also reported feeling less time pressure. We argue that these alterations might be related to the distinctive features of DLB and their exacerbation recorded by the patients’ caregivers during the period of lockdown, though our results show that the patients’ experience of time passage in a post-lockdown period remained similarly slow. Overall, we show an impairment of the subjective perception of time passage in DLB tested during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Predictive model for COVID 19 curve - An evolutionary approach
Authors: Rangarajan Srikanth , Poranki Srikanth , Sammakia Bahgat
Published: November 2020

In this manuscript we propose a novel method that models the evolution, spread and transmission of COVID 19 pandemic. The proposed model is inspired partly from the evolutionary based state of the art genetic algorithm. The rate of virus evolution, spread and transmission of the COVID 19 and its associated recovery and death rate are modeled using the principle inspired from evolutionary algorithm. Furthermore, the interaction within a community and interaction outside the community is modeled. Using this model, the maximum healthcare threshold is fixed as a constraint. Our evolutionary based model distinguishes between individuals in the population depending on the severity of their symptoms/infection based on the fitness value of the individuals. There is a need to differentiate between virus infected diagnosed (Self isolated) and virus infected non-diagnosed (Highly interacting) sub populations/group. In this study the model results does not compare the number outcomes with any actual real time data based curves. However, the results from the model demonstrates that a strict lockdown, social-distancing measures in conjunction with more number of testing and contact tracing is required to flatten the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic curve. A reproductive number of 2.4 during the initial spread of virus is predicted from the model for the randomly considered population. The proposed model has the potential to be further fine-tuned and matched accurately against real time data.
Apolipoprotein C1 stimulates the malignant process of renal cell carcinoma via the Wnt3a signaling 
Authors: jiang hao , Tang Jing-Yuan , Xue Dong , Chen Yi-Meng , Wu Ting-Chun , Zhuang Qian-Feng , He Xiao-Zhou
Published: November 2020

Background Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a clinically common tumor in the urinary system, showing an upward trend of both incidence and mortality. Apolipoprotein C1 (APOC1) has been identified as a vital regulator in tumor progression. This study aims to uncover the biological function of APOC1 in RCC process and the underlying mechanism. MethodsDifferential levels of APOC1 in RCC samples and normal tissues in a downloaded TCGA profile and clinical samples collected in our center were detected by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). The prognostic value of APOC1 in RCC was assessed by depicting Kaplan-Meier survival curves. After intervening APOC1 level by transfection of sh-APOC1 or oe-APOC1, changes in phenotypes of RCC cells were examined through CCK-8, colony formation, Transwell assay and flow cytometry. Subsequently, protein levels of EMT-related genes influenced by APOC1 were determined by Western blot. The involvement of the Wnt3a signaling in APOC1-regulated malignant process of RCC was then examined through a series of rescue experiments. Finally, a RCC xenograft model was generated in nude mice , aiming to further clarify the in vivo function of APOC1 in RCC process.ResultsAPOC1 was upregulated in RCC samples. Notably, its level was correlated to overall survival of RCC patients, displaying a certain prognostic value. APOC1 was able to stimulate proliferative, migratory and invasive abilities in RCC cells. The Wnt3a signaling was identified to be involved in APOC1-mediated RCC process. Notably, Wnt3a was able to reverse the regulatory effects of APOC1 on RCC cell phenotypes. In vivo knockdown of APOC1 in xenografted nude mice slowed down the growth of RCC.ConclusionsAPOC1 stimulates the malignant process of RCC via targeting the Wnt3a signaling.
Gender differences in self-harm and drinking behaviors among high school students in Beijing, China
Authors: Li Chai-Quan , ZHANG Jing-Shu , MA Shang , Ruo-Ran LV , DUAN Jia-Li , LUO Dong-Mei , YAN Xiao-Jin , MA Ning , SONG Yi
Published: November 2020

BackgroundSelf-harm and drinking were both serious problems in adolescents and many studies presented evidence of their association. However, gender differences in this association was seldom deeply discussed. Our study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence of self-harm and explore its association with drinking behaviors by gender and investigate the extent to which the gender differences exist in the association between self-harm and drinking.MethodsA total of 32,362 students in grades 7 to 12 were anonymously surveyed and included in our study using two-stage, stratified probability proportion sampling in Beijing, China. Self-harm, drinking behaviors and other basic information were obtained from anonymous questionnaire. Demographic variables, self-harm as well as drinking behaviors were analyzed with Chi-square test and Gamma test between genders and the gender differences in this association was analyzed by log-binomial regression. ResultsThe total prevalence of self-harm was 13.7% with no significant gender difference (B=0.352, P=0.553). The prevalence of self-harm decreased with age in girls (G=-0.163, P<0.001). Self-harm was associated with drinking behaviors in both boys and girls. The Log-binomial regression demonstrated that girls in 16-19 years were at lower risk of self-harm than girls in 12-15 years while this association was weaker in boys (1.493 vs 1.128). The higher OR for self-harm was found among girls with early drinking experiences compared with boys (2.565 vs 1.863). Girls who ever drunk (2.211 vs 1.636), were currently drinking (3.400 vs 2.122) and binged drinking (6.357 vs 3.924) were of greater risk for self-harm than boys. ConclusionSelf-harm has significant positive association with drinking among high school students and girls with drinking behaviors were at higher risk of suffering self-harm. Identifying adolescents’ drinking behaviors is of vital importance to self-harm prevention and special attention should be focused on younger girls.
Cost-utility analysis of pralatrexate for relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma based on a case-matched historical control study along with single arm clinical trial
Authors: Park Seonyoung , Kim Ah-Young , Cho Hyeonseok , Baik Deborah , Lee Hankil , Cho Sunghwa , Kang hye-young
Published: November 2020

Background: Patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (R/R PTCL) treated with pralatrexate have previously shown superior overall survival (OS) compared to those who underwent conventional chemotherapy (CC, 15.4 vs. 4.07 months). We conducted an economic evaluation of pralatrexate from a societal perspective in Korea based on data from the PROPEL phase II study.Methods: Using a Markov model with a weekly cycle, we simulated the experience of patients with R/R PTCL receiving pralatrexate or CC for 15 years. The model consists of five health states; initial treatment, treatment pause, subsequent treatment, stem cell transplantation (SCT) success, and death. Comparative effectiveness was based on PROPEL phase II single-arm study and its matched historical control analysis. Costs included drug, drug administration, monitoring, adverse event management, and SCT costs. Results: The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of the base case was $39,153 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. The results of one-way sensitivity analysis ranged from $33,949 to $51,846 per QALY gained, which remained within an implicit willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of anticancer drugs in Korea. Conclusions: Pralatrexate is a cost-effective intervention with improved OS and incremental costs within the WTP limit. Pralatrexate could function as a new therapeutic option for patients suffering from life-threatening R/R PTCL.
The damage and tolerance mechanisms of Phaffia rhodozyma mutant strain MK19 grown at 28 °C
Authors: Miao Lili , Chi Shuang , Hou Ting-Ting , Liu Zhi-Pei , Li Ying
Published: November 2020

Background: Phaffia rhodozyma has many desirable properties for astaxanthin production, including rapid heterotrophic metabolism and high cell densities in fermenter culture. The low optimal temperature range (17-21 °C) for cell growth and astaxanthin synthesis in this species presents an obstacle to efficient industrial-scale astaxanthin production. The inhibition mechanism of cell growth at > 21 °C in P. rhodozyma have not been investigated.Results: MK19, a mutant P. rhodozyma strain grows well at moderate temperatures, its cell growth was also inhibited at 28 °C, but such inhibition was mitigated, and low biomass 6 g/L was obtained after 100 h culture. Transcriptome analysis indicated that low biomass at 28 °C resulted from strong suppression of DNA and RNA synthesis in MK19. Growth inhibition at 28 °C was due to cell membrane damage with a characteristic of low mRNA content of fatty acid (f.a.) pathway transcripts (acc, fas1, fas2), and consequent low f.a. content. Thinning of cell wall and low mannose content (leading to loss of cell wall integrity) also contributed to reduced cell growth at 28 °C in MK19. Levels of astaxanthin and ergosterol, two end-products of isoprenoid biosynthesis (a shunt pathway of f.a. biosynthesis), reached 2000 μg/g and 7500 μg/g respectively; ~2-fold higher than levels at 21 or 25 °C. Abundance of ergosterol, an important cell membrane component, compensated for lack of f.a., making possible the biomass production of 6 g/L for MK19 at 28 °C.Conclusion: Inhibition of growth of P. rhodozyma at 28 °C results from blocking of DNA, RNA, f.a., and cell wall biosynthesis. In MK19, abundant ergosterol made possible biomass production 6 g/L at 28 °C. Significant accumulation of astaxanthin and ergosterol indicated an active MVA pathway in MK19 at 28 °C. Strengthening of the MVA pathway can be a feasible metabolic engineering approach for enhancement of astaxanthin synthesis in P. rhodozyma. The present findings provide useful mechanistic insights regarding adaptation of P. rhodozyma to 28 °C, and improved understanding of feasible metabolic engineering techniques for industrial scale astaxanthin production by this economically important yeast species.
Uncertainty Intervals to Quantify and Communicate Polling Estimates
Authors: Steelman Brandon
Published: November 2020

The accuracy of predictive models is constrained by the underlying data. It can be challenging for those who did not develop a predictive model to objectively determine whether the uncertainty of the underlying data is consistent with the claimed probability estimates. Here we distinguish two complementary sources of uncertainty: the resolution of the measurement method and the statistical variation of repeated measurements. Although election polls were widely criticized following the 2016 US Presidential Election, state-level polls correctly predicted the outcome for individual states, but only when the statistical confidence interval lay outside the method-specific uncertainty interval. When confidence intervals overlapped with the uncertainty interval, the results were uncertain: both candidates won some of the uncertain state-level contests. Some elections will be too close to call. Estimating the amount of uncertainty in the data alerts data modelers to overly confident predictions and helps improve the way we explain uncertainty.
Delivery of MMP-12 siRNA with a Nanocarrier Improves the Homeostasis of the Small Intestine and Metabolic Dysfunction in High-Fat Diet Feeding-Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Song Mingming , Zhang Shiyao , Tao Zixuan , Shi Yujie , Xiong Yonghong , Zhang Wenxiang , Li Jianning , Liu Chang , Chen Siyu
Published: November 2020

The changes of small intestinal homeostasis have been recognized to contribute essentially to the obese development. However, the core small intestinal regulator which mediates overnutrient impacts on the homeostasis of the small intestines remains elusive. Here, we identify the MMP-12 as such a responsive factor in mouse small intestines. Taking advantages of the nano delivery system, we demonstrate that small intestine-specific MMP-12 knockdown alleviates high-fat diet feeding-induced metabolic disorders and improves intestinal homeostasis in mice, including a significant decrease in lipid transportation, bile acid reabsorption, and inflammation. In parallel, the small intestinal integrity is recovered and the gut microbiota composition is reversed towards that under normal diet feeding. Mechanistically, MMP-12, differing from its traditional elastolytic function, acts as a transcriptional factor to activate Fabp4 transcription through epigenetic modification. In translational medicine, clinical applications of our nanosystem and therapeutic interventions targeting MMP-12 will benefit patients with obesity and associated diseases.
Bioinspired dual mode temporal communication via
digital programmable phase change materials
Authors: Deng Shihong , Huang Limei , Wu Jingjun , Pan Pengju , Zhao Qian , Xie Tao
Published: November 2020

Switchable optical properties are essential for numerous technologies including communication, anticounterfeiting, camouflage, and imaging/sensing. Typically, the switching is enabled by applying external stimulation such as UV light for fluorescence detection. In contrast, ground squirrels utilize spontaneous live infrared emission for fencing off predators as a unique way of communication. Inspired by this, we demonstrate live evolution of both optical and thermal images for temporal communication in which time is the encoded information. Our system is based on a digital light cured polymeric phase change material for which the crystallization kinetics can be controlled in a pixelated manner. Consequently, live evolution in optical transparency during the crystallization process enables temporal optical communication. Additionally, by harnessing the dynamic evolution of the thermal enthalpy, multiple sets of time specific information can be reversibly retrieved as self-evolving infrared thermal images. The versatility of our dual mode temporal system expands the scope for secured communication, with potential implications for many other areas.
Die Conditio Humana im digitalen Zeitalter
Authors: Schmölz Alexander
Published: November 2020

In den bestehenden Debatten und dem Wiener Manifest des digitalen Humanismus bleibt trotz der klaren und zukunftsweisenden Normativität vielfach offen, in welcher Denkrichtung der digitale Humanismus verortet ist und ob sich hinter diesem Begriff eine ein Paradigma und eine bestimmte Lehre vom Menschen verbirgt? Daraus folgen gegebenenfalls divergierende Grundorientierungen zum digitalen Humanismus und es ist offen, ob ein gemeinsames Narrativ des digitalen Humanismus notwendig ist oder gerade die Pluralität einen postmodernen digitalen Humanismus konstituiert? Diesen Fragen geht der hier vorgelegte Artikel nach, versucht eine Zuwendung zu zentralen Studien zum Humanismus und sucht damit eine Grundlegung und Verortung des digitalen Humanismus und dessen Wiener Manifest zu schaffen. Dazu werden in einem ersten Schritt die inneren Grundlagen des Humanismus dargelegt. Die grundlegende Frage nach der Conditio Humana und die grundlegende Methodologie des Humanismus werden in Abgrenzung zu anti-humanistischen Strömungen herausgearbeitet. In einem zweiten Schritt werden bestehende Grundlagen des digitalen Humanismus benannt. Zentrales Ergebnis ist, dass die Erfindung der Conditio Humana als rationales Denken und logisches Operieren zur Entmythologisierung der Natur eine Errungenschaft der Aufklärung war. Die Conditio Humana im digitalen Humanismus jedoch in Relation zur Maschine verändert wird, denn das Rationale am Denken und das logische Operieren wird der Maschine zugeschrieben. Kreativität und individuelles Sprechvermögen im digitalen Raum sind zwei neue Conditio Humana im digitalen Humanismus. Der postmoderne Mensch wird damit von der berechenbaren Rationalität entlastet ohne in die Mythologie zurückzufallen. Im Fazit werden Konsequenzen der Neuerfindung der Conditio Humana angedeutet und zentrale Problem- und Fragestellungen für eine wünschenswerte Zukunft des digitalen Humanismus identifiziert.
Kreative Bearbeitung politischer Information auf TikTok
Authors: Ackermann Judith , Dewitz Leyla
Published: November 2020

Der vorliegende Artikel befasst sich mit politischer Information auf der Mikro-Video-Plattform TikTok ausgehend von dem Hashtag #ww3, welches im Januar 2020 im Zusammenhang mit einem vermeintlichen Ausbruch eines 3. Weltkriegs grosse Popularität erhielt, nachdem US-Präsident Donald Trump einem von den USA geführten Drohnenangriff zugestimmt hatte, bei dem Irans General Qassem Soleimani getötet wurde. Auf Basis von 1373 entsprechend verschlagworteten Videos inklusive Captions wird multimethodisch analysiert, inwiefern Nutzende die unterschiedlichen kommunikativen Ebenen, die das Netzwerk bereit hält, verwenden, um – ausgehend von einem konkreten Thema – persönliche Bezüge, Gedanken und Einstellungen zu diesem zu verhandeln. Die quantitative Auswertung zeigt, dass der Wunsch nach Viralität und Sichtbarkeit zwar einen hohen Stellenwert für Nutzende auf TikTok hat, Videos und Captions aber auch intensiv genutzt werden, um sich mit politischen Themen und Fragestellungen auseinanderzusetzen. Auf welche Weise dies geschieht, wird im Rahmen des qualitativen, inhaltsanalytischen Teils der Studie betrachtet. Als gestalterische Mittel zur kreativen Bearbeitung politischer Information lassen sich dabei u.a. die Transformation bzw. der Plot-Twist in der Narration der Videos sehen, die semantische Klärung durch Text-Insertierungen, der Wunsch, eine primäre Lesart für das eigene Video vorzuschlagen und die ironische Überhöhung zur Distanzierung von eigenem Content oder emotionalen Triggern.
RELEASING HORMONE AND VITAMIN EFFICIENCY IN THE TREATMENT OF OBSTETRIC AND GYNECOLOGICAL PATHOLOGIES IN BREEDING SOWS
Authors: Chekan Alex , Khilko Sergey
Published: November 2020

Reproduction is a crucial issue at the present stage in the pig husbandry development. Infertility of breeding sows leads to excessive use of feed, increased costs associated with failed inseminations, insufficient breed and early culling of sows. Aim of the research. Study of infertility types and prevention of postpartum diseases in sows in order to develop methods to control them. Methods. A two-stage experiment was carried out in 2019–2020 at the LLC "Ryasnyanske" farm in Sumy region, Ukraine. The first stage involved development of a method for prevention and control of infertility in sows. The second stage focused on the method of postpartum pathology prevention. Results. The conducted research established that surfagon and vitamins manifested the highest efficiency in case of alimentary infertility as they increased fertilization by 20.8 %. In terms of symptomatic infertility, the best results were achieved through a combined use of surfagon and gonadotropic hormone for both primary and multiple fertilization of sows, especially considering extremely low values ​​in the control group - 15 % and 6.5 % of piglets, respectively. Aminazine proved to be the most effective remedy for immune infertility, the obtained results were 17.2 % higher than in the control group. Surfagon at a dose of 5 ml together with estrofan twice a day fully prevented inflammatory postpartum pathologies in sows. Conclusions. Pathologies of the reproductive organs in sows are widespread at pork-producing farms. Individual use of surfagon was justified for treatment of alimentary, symptomatic and immune infertility of sows and prevention of postpartum pathologies. A combined use of tissue therapy and biologically active drugs proved to be the most effective. The treatment regimens described above reduce infertility and prevent postpartum pathologies in sows.
PROTO-HORMONES LEVELS OF ADIPOSE TISSUE, INTERLEUKIN-6 AND INDICATORS OF DETOXIFYING FUNCTION OF THE LIVER IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION AND OBESITY COMBINED WITH NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE
Authors: Bochar Olesia
Published: November 2020

The research estimates the state of liver detoxifying function and analyzes the changes in the levels of leptin, adiponectin and interleukin-6 in patients with arterial hypertension in combination with obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Aim. The aim of the study is to evaluate levels of proto-hormones adipose tissue, interleukin-6 and indicators of detoxifying function of the liver in patients with hypertension and obesity combined with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Materials and methods. The study involved patients with arterial hypertension combined with obesity and NAFLD. All patients underwent anthropometric, general clinical, laboratory (blood lipid profile) and instrumental diagnostics (electrocardiography, echocardiography, ultrasonography, 13C-metacetin breath test, ELISA (adiponectin, leptin, IL-6). The patients’ height and weight were measured, the body mass index was calculated according to standard formulas. Results. Patients with arterial hypertension combined with obesity and NAFLD at the stage of steatohepatitis showed an increase in the levels of leptin and IL-6 and a decrease in the level of adiponectin. This group also revealed a moderate decrease in liver detoxifying function, as indicated by the results of 13C- MBT due to a 46.7 % decrease in the metabolic rate and a decrease in cumulative doses of CUM40 by 40 % and CUM120 by 46.8 %, respectively. Conclusions. The elevated levels of leptin and IL-6 and lowered adiponectin levels can be used to determine the degree of activity of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and predict the course of NAFLD in combination with hypertension and obesity. An increased level of leptin and IL-6 and a low level of adiponectin in patients with such a comorbid pathology lead to an increase in the left ventricular myocardial mass index and aggravate the course of arterial hypertension.
THE EFFICACY OF INTRATHECAL DEXAMETHASONE TO PREVENT EARLY COMPLICATIONS OF SPINAL ANAESTHESIA FOR ELECTIVE CAESAREAN SECTION
Authors: Pyasetska Nataliya
Published: November 2020

Spinal anaesthesia is commonly used for elective caesarean section. But it has some disadvantages and complications in intra- and postoperative period. The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy of intrathecal or intravenous dexamethasone to prevent some early complications of spinal anaesthesia such as arterial hypotonia, nausea, vomiting, bradycardia, shivering etc. Material and methods: there were examined 154 healthy, not obese women, ASA I–II, 18–36 years old, 36–40 weeks of gestation, undergoing elective caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. All patients were divided into three equal groups for randomized, prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The women of each group received intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5 % 10 mg. Group B (n=51) additionally received intrathecal 1 ml of normal saline=placebo; Group BD (n=52) additionally received 4 mg (1 ml) intrathecal dexamethasone, and Group D (n=51) received 8 mg intravenous dexamethasone directly after spinal puncture. The patients were evaluated for blood pressure, heart rate, nausea, vomiting, shivering or other complications during intra- or postoperative period (24 h). The complications that required medicines correction were recorded and cured. Results: the addition of intrathecal dexamethasone in Group BD vs Group B significantly decreased frequency and manifestations of arterial hypotonia and nausea (Pearson's χ2 =0.486 and χ2=0.479, p<0.05) in intra- and postoperative period after the spinal anaesthesia in elective caesarean section. Intrathecal dexamethasone in Group BD vs Group B significantly reduced shivering (Pearson's χ2=0.316, p<0.05) in intra- and postoperative period, and significantly didn`t impact on vomiting and bradycardia. Conclusions: the addition of 4 mg intrathecal dexamethasone as an adjuvant for spinal anaesthesia can significantly decrease frequency and manifestations of arterial hypotonia and nausea, reduce shivering during perioperative period. The addition of 8 mg intravenous dexamethasone has not the same quality.
Morphological and geochemical features of zircon from intrusive rocks of El Sela area, Eastern Desert, Egypt
Authors:   Nuclear Materials Authority, GHONEIM Mohamed Mahmoud Fathy , PANOVA Elena Gennad’evna ,   Saint Petersburg State University, GAWAD Ahmed El Sayed ABDEL ,   Nuclear Materials Authority, YANSON Svetlana Yur’evna ,   Saint Petersburg State University
Published: November 2020

The intrusive rocks in El Sela area can be arranged from the oldest to the youngest into: two-mica granite and postgranitic dikes which include microgranite, dolerite and bostonite dikes. Zircon is the most abundant accessory mineral. Zircon morphology and geochemical features are good indicators for evolution of rocks. The aim of the work is to determine the morphology, internal structure and chemical composition of zircon to identify the difference of zircon in various intrusive rocks. Results show that morphologically, zircon in the two-mica granite is euhedral coarse- grained with zonation. It is represented by crystals up to 125 µm and corresponds to S10 and P2. Zircon in post-granitic dikes exhibit irregular forms. Geochemically, zircon crystals have higher ZrO2 values in the core whereas HfO2 , UO2 , ThO2 increase at the peripheries of zoned crystals of the two-mica granite. Zircon of two-mica granite contains high HfO2 , UO2 , ThO2 and CaO contents but low Sc2 O3 content. HfO2 is not detected in zircon of microgranite. TiO2 in zircon of two-mica granite and bostonite dikes is under detection limits. REEs are not recorded in zircon of the studied intrusive rocks
Assessment of countries’ international investment activity in the context of ensuring economic security
Authors: Zakharova Olha , Bezzubchenko Olga , Mityushkina Khrystyna , Nikolenko Tamara
Published: November 2020

For the vast majority of countries, creating a favorable investment environment, which determines the possibility of attracting foreign capital, is a prerequisite for economic growth, addressing issues of national interests and a sufficient level of economic security. The presented article aims to assess the development of international investment activities to ensure countries’ investment security as components of economic security. Using multidimensional evaluation methods, construction of complex indicators, methods of statistical grouping, measurement of stochastic relationships, the integrated level of investment security of Central and Eastern European countries is determined. The assessment results showed that such countries as Estonia, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Poland, Hungary, and Romania have the highest level of investment security and are among the countries that have strengthened their investment security positions over the period. The countries’ evaluation shows that 46% of the countries surveyed were classified as countries with a safe level of investment development. According to the results of correlation analysis, it was determined that the Investment Security Index is more correlated with the state of the investment climate of the country; in the group of Central and Eastern European countries, there is a close correlation with the level of investment attractiveness, which means that for these countries, macroeconomic stability and stable dynamics of socio-economic growth are the factors determining investment opportunities. The obtained results should be considered to identify the basic risks of the investment environment.
Foot mycosis: how to help active patients
Authors: Sakaniya L. R. , Korsunskaya I. M.
Published: November 2020

Mycotic infections of the feet are common fungal infections in our time. According to some reports, about 10% of the world's population suffer from these infections. Men suffer from foot mycosis more often than others. Foot mycosis can manifest itself in three clinical forms: interdigital, plantar and vesiculopapular. Foot mycosis is often combined with onychomycosis or becomes a risk factor for its development. Many diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, vascular diseases, obesity are risk factors for foot mycosis. But what is important is that young and middle-aged people who lead an active lifestyle are at risk. It has long been established that public places such as gyms, swimming pools, baths and saunas are a source of mycotic infections. The internal climatic environment of footwear also has a significant impact on the development of foot mycosis. Closed shoes with high internal temperature and humidity create ideal conditions for dermatophyte growth. That is why people who prefer closed, even cloth shoes, or office workers, who are forced to constantly wear closed shoes, often suffer from foot mycosis and other fungal infections.The main problem in the treatment of foot mycoses is adherence to the prescribed treatment. In our practice, mycotic lesions are more common in people who lead an active lifestyle and are unable to adhere to a long course of therapy. Indeed, the treatment of mycosis often involves a two-week application of some topical antifungal agent. It is optimal to prescribe a single application of terbinafine film forming solution to such patients. This drug ensures the clinical effectiveness of therapy as it keeps antifungi-cidal activity for 13 days from the date of application and high adherence to treatment.
Therapeutic possibilities of topical corticosteroids in modern clinical practice
Authors: Belousova T. A. , Kail M. V.
Published: November 2020

Over the past decade, dermatological practice has seen an increase in the number of patients suffering from skin and subcutaneous tissue diseases. Annually, 6.4-6.9 million new cases of this group of diseases are registered, which encourages the constant search for new drugs and the continuous improvement of methods and schemes of application of proven drugs. Topical corticosteroids, despite more than 65 years of history of use in the treatment of patients with steroid-sensitive dermatoses, have not lost their relevance. At present, they have no therapeutic alternative in terms of speed of onset and anti-inflammatory activity, so they are essential in the treatment of many skin pathologies. One of the trends in modern pharmacology is not so much the production of new active molecules of TCS or their modifications, as the creation of new pharmacological forms of known molecules - micronized, nanonized, which give the drug the most important property -increased bioavailability. This advanced technology is actively used in the production of domestic topical drugs of Akriderm lines, which make a major contribution to the program of import substitution and drug availability for the population. The optimal combination of ingredients of the foundation of these drugs complements and potentiates the therapeutic effect of steroid. For more than 30 years in clinical practice, a combination of 0.05% betamethasone dipropionate, 0.1% gentamicin sulfate and 1% clotrimazole (Triderm, Akriderm GK) is used. Many years of positive clinical experience of dermatologists using this fixed combination proves the validity of its use in many clinical situations when bacterial and fungal infection is involved. An open randomized comparative study conducted by Russian dermatologists on the efficacy and safety of Akriderm GK (cream) and Triderm (cream) in the complex treatment of eczema showed similar profiles of high clinical efficacy and safety of both drugs.
Diffuse hair loss in women: causes and therapeutic approach
Authors: Melnichenko O. O. , Piruzyan A. L. , Korsunskaya I. M.
Published: November 2020

Throughout human history, women have paid great attention to the beauty of their hair, and modern women are no exception. About 63% of young American women use different nutritional supplements to prevent hair loss. Diffuse hair loss is quite common in women and can occur against the background of various events: pregnancy, pre- and post-menopause, chronic diseases, etc. The most common is telogen effluvium (TE), which begins 2-3 months after the trigger event. Usually, TE process stops on its own, but can also become chronic. For many women, pregnancy and associated psycho-emotional stress become the triggering event, and in 75% of cases hair loss can become chronic.In fact, TE is a violation of the hair growth cycle. First of all, it is necessary to exclude the trigger factor from the patient's life and only then to start normalizing the hair growth cycle and improve the quality of hair follicle nutrition. The most effective topical remedy for the treatment of diffuse hair loss is minoxidil. The reasons for its clinical effectiveness have not been fully studied, but it is known that it prolongs the hair growth phase. Unfortunately, after cancellation of the drug, hair loss is often renewed. Avoiding these effects is possible with a comprehensive approach to therapy. Inclusion of additional components in the therapy scheme, such as vitamin and mineral complexes, growth stimulants, specialized care products, allows to maintain and improve the results of treatment with minoxidil.