bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the botulinum toxin injections and endoscopic pneumocardiodilation on symptoms severity and treatment outcomes among patients with primary esophageal sphincter achalasia
Authors: Kiosov A.
Published: November 2021

Achalasia is a disorder of esophageal motility, which is manifested by symptoms of dysphagia, belching undigested food, respiratory symptoms (night cough, recurrent aspiration and pneumonia), chest pain and weight loss.

Aim of the study. To determine the possibilities and clinical effectiveness of combined approaches in the treatment of cardiac achalasia using endoscopic pneumocardiodilation and injections of botulinum toxin type A "Dysport" at various stages of the disease.

Materials and methods. Injections of the drug botulinum toxin type A "Dysport" and balloon endoscopic pneumocardiodilation (EPCD) were used. The contents of the vial with botulinum toxin were diluted in 0.9% sodium chloride solution to obtain a solution containing 60 UA in 1 ml. In each of the four quadrants of the LES, 2 injections of 0.5 ml of the drug "Dysport" were made with a concentration of a solution of 30 UA in 0.5 ml at a distance of 1 cm from one another. The total dose was 250 units. The technique of isolated EPCD, was carried out with a Witzel balloon dilator, 40 mm in diameter, it required a thorough preoperative examination of the patient, including an assessment of the general condition, the presence and severity of body weight deficiency, water-electrolyte, protein, achlorhydric manifestations of the disease, as well as the propulsive ability of the esophagus through X-ray examination.

Results. The combined endoscopic method significantly improves the results of treatment of esophageal cardiac achalasia, having a direct impact on the pathogenetic mechanisms of its development. Given the effectiveness of treatment of esophageal cardiac achalasia by botulinum toxin injection and pneumocardiodilation, this method can be used in patients with comorbid pathology and high surgical risk as an alternative to laparoscopic Heller procedure (cardiomyotomy), especially in older patients. Unsatisfactory results of the combined endoscopic method of treatment of stage III-IV cardiac achalasia for up to 2 months are an indication for surgical treatment of this pathology.

Conclusions. Given the significant increase in knowledge about this nosology in recent years, there is a need for a comprehensive, evidence-based study of new promising treatments for patients, covering all aspects of the disease.
Peculiarities of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in infertile patients with clomifen-resistant form of polycystic ovarian syndrome and obesity
Authors: Kaminsky V. , Chaika V.
Published: November 2021

Medical ovulation induction with clomiphene citrate is currently the first line treatment for anovulatory women with PCOS. Clomiphene resistance (failure to ovulate after taking clomiphene) is common, occurring in approximately 15% to 40% of women with PCOS. Resistance is associated with an increased body mass index. The aim of the study was to elucidate the characteristics of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in patients with clomiphene-resistant PCOS and obesity. Material and methods. A comprehensive examination of 97 infertile patients with PCOS with obesity and clomiphene-resistant PCOS and 46 conditionally healthy normoovulatory women of control group K with 18.5 ≤ body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m2, without clinical or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism, with ovarian volume less than 9 cm3 and without previously known endocrine disease. Clinical-anamnestic, anthropometric, sonographic, immunochemical, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, colorimetric, statistical research methods are used. Results and discussion. It was found that the most characteristic features of carbohydrate metabolism disorders in clomiphene-resistant women with PCOS and obesity are increased levels of hypoglycemic index, C-peptide, glucose levels after 2 h in oral glucose tolerance test, HOMA index; and of lipid metabolism - an increase in atherogenic factor, triglycerides, total cholesterol on the background of increased production of leptin and vaspin and decreased secretion of adiponectin, omentin and visfatin.. Conclusions. Visceral obesity plays an important role in the development of insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia in infertile patients with clomiphene-resistant PCOS and obesity. This category of women in preconception training, before carrying out ovarian drilling or controlled ovarian stimulation, it is necessary to correct disorders of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.
Sickness absence during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kobuszewski Bartosz
Published: November 2021

The aim of this research was to perform comparative analysis of the publicly avaiable data of the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) on sickness absence of insured persons in Poland in 2016-2021 (before the outbreak and during the COVID-19 pandemic).

Materials and methods. The research material consisted of data from the Social Insurance Institution for the years 2016-2021 (Q1) concerning the sickness absence of the insured. Due to the publication of data in an aggregated form, quantitative analysis was performed instead of statistical analysis. The data used in the analysis included the number of insured persons, the number of people receiving sickness benefits, the number of issued medical certificates on temporary incapacity to work and the reasons for the incapacity to work.

Results and Conclusion. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, following numbers have increased compared to 2019: the number of people receiving sickness benefit in Poland (by 10%), the number of days of sickness absence (by 7%) and the number of issued medical certificates of temporary incapacity for work (by 4%). The largest increase in the number of beneficiaries, the number of days of sickness absence and the number of medical certificates was recorded in the Q4 of 2020 (respectively by 21%, 16% and 24% compared to Q4 of 2019). Due to COVID-19, 4.84 million days of sickness absence were used in 2020 – it was the tenth cause of absence.

The largest changes in the number of people receiving sickness benefit and the number of days of sickness absence can be observed in Q1 and Q4, which may result from the seasonality of COVID-19 and the subsequent wave of infections. Importantly, COVID-19 is not the only factor contributing overall increase in the number of days of sickness absence in Poland – absence due to non-communicable diseases also increased during the pandemic.
Pozytywne definicje rodziny chrześcijańskiej w magisterium papieskim po Soborze Watykańskim II jako wyzwanie dla inicjatyw duszpasterskich w Roku Rodziny Amoris Laetitia
Authors: Potoczny Mateusz Rafał
Published: November 2021

W nauczaniu Kościoła rodzina oparta na związku mężczyzny i kobiety jawi się jako duszpasterski priorytet i podstawowa rzeczywistość, której należy poświęcać szczególną uwagę. W związku z Synodem Biskupów o Rodzinie ów temat często pojawiał się w medialnych i naukowych dyskusjach. Należy jednak zauważyć, że prezentowany w nich obraz rodziny nie zawsze odnosił się do jej pozytywnego wymiaru. W debatach niejednokrotnie pojawiały się kwestie związane z kryzysem rodziny, podejmowano dyskusje dotyczące miejsca rozwodników w Kościele i ich ewentualnego dopuszczenia do komunii św., zajmowano się szeregiem niepokojących faktorów zmierzających do osłabienia czy nawet dezintegracji tej podstawowej komórki społeczeństwa. Warto jednak zauważyć, że w nauczaniu Kościoła rodzina przede wszystkim ukazywana jest jako rzeczywistość pozytywna. W niniejszym opracowaniu autor skupił się na dwóch podstawowych terminach, do których w nauce o rodzinie odwoływali się następcy św. Piotra począwszy od św. Pawła VI do Franciszka, a które znalazły swoje potwierdzenie także w adhortacji Amoris laetitia. Są to: rodzina jako podstawowa komórka społeczna oraz rodzina jako Kościół domowy.
Responsibility and Organization Science: Integrating Micro and Macro Perspectives
Authors: Aguilera Ruth V. , Waldman David A. , Siegel Donald S.
Published: November 2021

Responsibility is an important issue in organizations and society. Employees, managers, and owners can behave responsibly in the workplace and beyond. In addition, these individuals can be influenced by the propensity of the organization to behave responsibly. Organizations can pursue strategies that take into account responsibility at the product, firm, industry, and societal levels. This virtual special issue examines 19 articles published in Organization Science that consider responsibility at multiple levels of analysis. An important theme that emerges is that although some studies have crossed levels of analysis, future research would benefit from cross-level or more meso-based approaches.
Penerapan Teknologi Vacuum Seal untuk Meningkatkan Daya Tahan Produk Olahan Ikan di Sentra Ikan Bulak
Authors: Daman Aida Annisa Amin , Hendrowati Wiwiek , Saputra Ari Kurniawan , Nurahmi Latifah
Published: November 2021

Pemasaran produk erat kaitannya dengan cara pengemasan yang baik dan menarik. Satu hal yang perlu diperhatikan dalam pengemasan makanan yaitu pemilihan bahan pengemasan yang harus sesuai dengan jenis makanan itu sendiri. Permasalahan cara pengemasan ini dialami oleh pedagang ikan asap dan ikan segar di Sentra Ikan Bulak (SIB), Surabaya. Pembeli ikan di SIB terbatas hanya pada masyarakat sekitar Surabaya, sedangkan pembeli dari luar kota kurang berminat karena pengemasan ikan rawan bocor dan bau jika dibawa dalam perjalanan panjang. Sehingga teknologi pengemasan yang lebih modern dengan vacuum sealsangat diperlukan untuk mengatasi masalah tersebut. Publikasi ini melaporkan kegiatan pengabdian yang memberikan penyuluhan serta menerapkan teknologi vacuum seal kepada SIB sehingga produk olahan ikan dapat bertahan lebih lama dan penjualan ikan di SIB dapat meningkat.
Creating online participatory research spaces: insights from creative, digitally mediated research with children during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lomax Helen , Smith Kate , McEvoy Jo , Brickwood Eleanor , Jensen Kathrine , Walsh Belinda
Published: November 2021

Our article draws on research undertaken with children during the 2020–21 COVID-19 pandemic in order to consider the potential of digitally mediated participatory research for child-centred research practice. Our specific focus is on how children’s inclusion can be centred in the absence of opportunities to meet in person. We reflect on how we sought to support children’s engagement through offline and online creative activities and explore how these digitally mediated spaces can facilitate children’s inclusion, creative engagement and dialogue. We offer examples from our arts-based, digitally mediated research to consider how researchers might work remotely, yet inclusively, in contexts where children have been marginalised and their voices silenced. Our research suggests that scaffolding creative activities through bespoke digital animation and asynchronous chat can facilitate children to participate in ways of their choosing. However, to address equity of inclusion researchers must attend to the contingencies of children’s digital, material and social exclusion.
Dual-step method to manufacture a polymeric GRIN lens with a high refractive index range
Authors: Loffredo Fausta , Villani Fulvia , De Girolamo Del Mauro Anna , Sico Giuliano , Nenna Giuseppe
Published: November 2021

We introduce a new method to obtain gradient index (GRIN) lenses by dual-step process based on interdiffusion of two different polymeric solutions and gelation of the final mixture. The aim of the study was investigated as a simple process to produce a gel characterized by a continuous axial concentration gradient starting from two thermoplastic polymers [poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(acrylic acid)] having different refractive indexes. We also introduced a laser scanning system that is conveniently implemented to analyze the refractive index variation in the samples.
Automatic retinal nerve fiber bundle tracing based on large field of view polarization sensitive OCT data
Authors: Schwarzhans Florian , Desissaire Sylvia , Steiner Stefan , Pircher Michael , Hitzenberger Christoph K. , Resch Hemma , Vass Clemens , Fischer Georg
Published: November 2021

A technique to accurately estimate trajectories of retinal nerve fiber bundles (RNFB) in a large field of view (FOV) image covering 45° is described. The method utilizes stitched projections of polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) data, as well as a mathematical model of average RNFB trajectories as prior. The fully automatic process was applied to data recorded in healthy subjects and glaucoma patients and automatically detected individual RNFB trajectories are compared to manual traces.
DMD-based image-free system for real-time detection and positioning of point targets
Authors: Fu Sheng , Xing Fei , You Zheng
Published: November 2021

The detection and positioning system of point targets has critical applications in many fields. However, its spatial and temporal resolution is limited for the image-based system due to a large amount of data. In this work, an image-free system with less data and high update rate is proposed for the detection and positioning of point targets. The system uses a digital micromirror device (DMD) for light modulation and a pixel array as the light intensity detector, and the DMD is divided into multiple blocks to selectively acquire the intensity information in the region of interest. The centroid position of a point target is calculated from the intensity on the adjacent rows or columns of the micromirror. Simulation indicates that the performance of the proposed method is close to or better than that of the traditional methods. In static experiments, the centroiding accuracy of the proposed system is about 0.013 pixel. In dynamic experiments, the centroiding accuracy is better than 0.07 pixel in the condition of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) greater than 35.2 dB. Meanwhile, the built system has an update rate of 1 kHz in the range of 1024×768 pixels, and the method acquires only 8 bytes of data for one-time positioning of a point target, making it applicable to real-time detection and positioning of point targets.
The true love of materials expressed: editorial
Authors: Boltasseva Alexandra
Published: November 2021

Outgoing Editor-in-Chief, Alexandra Boltasseva, looks back over her term and forward to the Journal’s next phase.
Hybrid Integrated Photonic Platforms: feature issue introduction
Authors: Gu Tian , Kim Hyun Jung , Lin Hongtao , Lourdudoss Sebastian , Zhou Weidong
Published: November 2021

Hybrid photonic integration and interfaces allow different optical materials and components to be combined on a single platform and thus are crucial to future integrated photonic systems. This feature issue covers frontier research, technologies, and perspectives in this rapidly-evolving area and aims to address the key challenges and requirements across a broad range of photonic technologies.
Emission spectroscopy of NaYF4:Eu nanorods optically trapped by Fresnel lens fibers
Authors: Kumar Aashutosh , Asadollahbaik Asa , Kim Jeongmo , Lahlil Khalid , Thiele Simon , Herkommer Alois M. , Chormaic Síle Nic , Kim Jongwook , Gacoin Thierry , Giessen Harald , Fick Jochen
Published: November 2021

NaYF

4

:
Eu

nanorods with high aspect ratios are elaborated and optically trapped using dual fiber optical tweezers in a counterpropagating geometry. High trapping efficiency is observed using converging beams, emitted from diffractive Fresnel lenses directly 3D printed onto cleaved fiber facets. Stable nanorod trapping and alignment are reported for a fiber-to-fiber distance of 200 μm and light powers down to 10 mW. Trapping of nanorod clusters containing one to three nanorods and the coupling of nanorod motion in both axial and transverse directions are considered and discussed. The europium emission is studied by polarization-resolved spectroscopy with particular emphasis on the magnetic and electric dipole transitions. The respective

σ

and

π

orientations of the different emission lines are determined. The angles with respect to the nanorod axes of the corresponding magnetic and electric dipoles are calculated. Mono-exponential emission decay with decay time of 4–5 ms is reported. It is shown that the nanorod orientation can be determined by purely spectroscopic means.
Hybrid dedicated and distributed coding in PMd/M1 provides separation and interaction of bilateral arm signals
Authors: Dixon Tanner C. , Merrick Christina M. , Wallis Joni D. , Ivry Richard B. , Carmena Jose M.
Published: November 2021

Pronounced activity is observed in both hemispheres of the motor cortex during preparation and execution of unimanual movements. The organizational principles of bi-hemispheric signals and the functions they serve throughout motor planning remain unclear. Using an instructed-delay reaching task in monkeys, we identified two components in population responses spanning PMd and M1. A “dedicated” component, which segregated activity at the level of individual units, emerged in PMd during preparation. It was most prominent following movement when M1 became strongly engaged, and principally involved the contralateral hemisphere. In contrast to recent reports, these dedicated signals solely accounted for divergence of arm-specific neural subspaces. The other “distributed” component mixed signals for each arm within units, and the subspace containing it did not discriminate between arms at any stage. The statistics of the population response suggest two functional aspects of the cortical network: one that spans both hemispheres for supporting preparatory and ongoing processes, and another that is predominantly housed in the contralateral hemisphere and specifies unilateral output.
Towards a COVID-19 symptom triad: The importance of symptom constellations in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Authors: Melms Leander , Falk Evelyn , Schieffer Bernhard , Jerrentrup Andreas , Wagner Uwe , Matrood Sami , Schaefer Jürgen R. , Müller Tobias , Hirsch Martin
Published: November 2021

Pandemic scenarios like SARS-Cov-2 require rapid information aggregation. In the age of eHealth and data-driven medicine, publicly available symptom tracking tools offer efficient and scalable means of collecting and analyzing large amounts of data. As a result, information gains can be communicated to front-line providers. We have developed such an application in less than a month and reached more than 500 thousand users within 48 hours. The dataset contains information on basic epidemiological parameters, symptoms, risk factors and details on previous exposure to a COVID-19 patient. Exploratory Data Analysis revealed different symptoms reported by users with confirmed contacts vs. no confirmed contacts. The symptom combination of anosmia, cough and fatigue was the most important feature to differentiate the groups, while single symptoms such as anosmia, cough or fatigue alone were not sufficient. A linear regression model from the literature using the same symptom combination as features was applied on all data. Predictions matched the regional distribution of confirmed cases closely across Germany, while also indicating that the number of cases in northern federal states might be higher than officially reported. In conclusion, we report that symptom combinations anosmia, fatigue and cough are most likely to indicate an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Emergence potential of mosquito-borne arboviruses from the Florida Everglades
Authors: Fish Durland , Tesh Robert B. , Guzman Hilda , Travassos da Rosa Amelia P. A. , Balta Victoria , Underwood James , Sither Charles , Vasilakis Nikos
Published: November 2021

The Greater Everglades Region of South Florida is one of the largest natural wetlands and the only subtropical ecosystem found in the continental United States. Mosquitoes are seasonally abundant in the Everglades where several potentially pathogenic mosquito-borne arboviruses are maintained in natural transmission cycles involving vector-competent mosquitoes and reservoir-competent vertebrate hosts. The fragile nature of this ecosystem is vulnerable to many sources of environmental change, including a wetlands restoration project, climate change, invasive species and residential development. In this study, we obtained baseline data on the distribution and abundance of both mosquitos and arboviruses occurring in the southern Everglades region during the summer months of 2013, when water levels were high, and in 2014, when water levels were low. A total of 367,060 mosquitoes were collected with CO2-baited CDC light traps at 105 collection sites stratified among the major landscape features found in Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, Fakahatchee State Park Preserve and Picayune State Forest, an area already undergoing restoration. A total of 2,010 pools of taxonomically identified mosquitoes were cultured for arbovirus isolation and identification. Seven vertebrate arboviruses were isolated: Everglades virus, Tensaw virus, Shark River virus, Gumbo Limbo virus, Mahogany Hammock virus, Keystone virus, and St. Louis encephalitis virus. Except for Tensaw virus, which was absent in 2013, the remaining viruses were found to be most prevalent in hardwood hammocks and in Fakahatchee, less prevalent in mangroves and pinelands, and absent in cypress and sawgrass. In contrast, in the summer of 2014 when water levels were lower, these arboviruses were far less prevalent and only found in hardwood hammocks, but Tensaw virus was present in cypress, sawgrass, pinelands, and a recently burned site. Major environmental changes are anticipated in the Everglades, many of which will result in increased water levels. How these might lead to the emergence of arboviruses potentially pathogenic to both humans and wildlife is discussed.
The influence of sex, gender, age, and ethnicity on psychosocial factors and substance use throughout phases of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Brotto Lori A. , Chankasingh Kyle , Baaske Alexandra , Albert Arianne , Booth Amy , Kaida Angela , Smith Laurie W. , Racey Sarai , Gottschlich Anna , Murray Melanie C. M. , Sadarangani Manish , Ogilvie Gina S. , Galea Liisa
Published: November 2021

Objectives

The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has had profound physical and mental health effects on populations around the world. Limited empirical research has used a gender-based lens to evaluate the mental health impacts of the pandemic, overlooking the impact of public health measures on marginalized groups, such as women, and the gender diverse community. This study used a gender-based analysis to determine the prevalence of psychosocial symptoms and substance use (alcohol and cannabis use in particular) by age, ethnicity, income, rurality, education level, Indigenous status, and sexual orientation.

Methods

Participants in the study were recruited from previously established cohorts as a part of the COVID-19 Rapid Evidence Study of a Provincial Population-Based Cohort for Gender and Sex (RESPPONSE) study. Those who agreed to participate were asked to self-report symptoms of depression, anxiety, pandemic stress, loneliness, alcohol use, and cannabis use across five phases of the pandemic as well as retrospectively before the pandemic.

Results

For all psychosocial outcomes, there was a significant effect of time with all five phases of the pandemic being associated with more symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness relative to pre-COVID levels (p <.0001). Gender was significantly associated with all outcomes (p <.0001) with men exhibiting lower scores (i.e., fewer symptoms) than women and gender diverse participants, and women exhibiting lower scores than the gender diverse group. Other significant predictors were age (younger populations experiencing more symptoms,p <.0001), ethnicity (Chinese/Taiwanese individuals experiencing fewer symptoms,p= .005), and Indigenous status (Indigenous individuals experiencing more symptoms,p< .0001). Alcohol use and cannabis use increased relative to pre-pandemic levels, and women reported a greater increase in cannabis use than men (p< .0001).

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the need for policy makers and leaders to prioritize women, gender-diverse individuals, and young people when tailoring public health measures for future pandemics.
Behavioral and environmental determinants of acute diarrhea among under-five children from public health facilities of Siyadebirena Wayu district, north Shoa zone, Amhara regional state, Ethiopia: Unmatched case-control study
Authors: Derseh Behailu Tariku , Tafese Natnael Mulushewa , Panari Hazaratali , Bilchut Awraris Hailu , Dadi Abel Fekadu
Published: November 2021

Background

Acute diarrhea is a major public health problem in the world. Next to pneumonia, it is the leading cause of death in children under five years old. Globally, even though childhood diarrhea disease kills millions, the interaction of socio-demographic, behavioral, and environmental factors of acute diarrhea in children aged 6–59 months is not investigated yet in the current study area.

Objective

To determine behavioral and environmental predictors of acute diarrhea among under-five children from public health facilities of Siyadebirena Wayu district, North Shoa, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia, 2019.

Methods

A facility-based unmatched case-control study was conducted from March 12, 2019, to May 12, 2019. A total of 315 under-five children were included in the study (105 cases and 210 controls). A systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data were collected by a structured questionnaire and analyzed by using SPSS. To analyze the data, bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used.

Results

The study showed that average family monthly income of 12–23 USD (AOR = 6. 22; 95% CI: 1.30, 29.64), hand washing practice of mothers/ care givers with water only (AOR = 3.75; 95% CI: 1.16, 12.13), improper disposal of infant feces (AOR = 11.01; 95% CI: 3.37, 35.96), not treating drinking water at home (AOR = 9.36; 95% CI: 2.73, 32.08), children consuming left-over food stored at room temperature (AOR = 5.52; 95% CI: 1.60, 19.03) and poor knowledge of the respondents about the risk factors for diarrhea were the determinants that significantly associated with acute childhood diarrhea.

Conclusion

The potential predictors of childhood diarrhea morbidity were improper hand-washing practice, not treating drinking water at home, unsafe disposal of children’s feces, children consuming left-over food stored at room temperature, and having poor knowledge about the major risk factors for diarrhea. Thus, awareness of the community on hygiene and sanitation focusing on proper handling of human excreta, safe water handling, proper hand washing practice, and proper management of leftover food should be enhanced to prevent children from acute diarrhea diseases.
The enduring pursuit of public science at U.S. land-grant universities
Authors: Barham Bradford , Foltz Jeremy , Melo Ana Paula
Published: November 2021

Since the 1990s, universities have faced a push toward output commercialization that has been seen as a potential threat to the public science model. Much less attention has been given to the enduring nature of internal organizational features in academia and how they shape the pursuit of traditional scholarly activities. This article exploits four waves of representative, random-sample survey evidence from agricultural and life science faculty at the 52 major U.S. land-grant universities, spanning 1989-2015, to examine faculty attitudes/preferences, tenure and promotion criteria, output, and funding sources. Our findings demonstrate that faculty attitudes toward scientific research have remained remarkably stable over twenty-five years in strongly favoring intrinsic and public science goals over commercial or extrinsic goals. We also demonstrate the faculty’s positive attitudes toward science, an increased pressure to publish in top journals and secure increasingly competitive grants, as well as declining time for science. These trends suggest a reconsideration of university commercialization strategies and a recommitment of universities and their state and federal funders toward fostering public agricultural and life science research.
Comparison of pancreatic fat content measured by different methods employing MR mDixon sequence
Authors: Li Xiaoyang , Yang Qiushi , Ye Hang , Li Shuo , Wang Yuzhu , Yu Wanjiang
Published: November 2021

Objective

To compare the reliability of different methods for measuring fat content of pancreas by MR modified Dixon(mDixon) Sequence and accurately evaluate pancreatic fat in as simple a way as possible.

Methods

This is a retrospective study, 64 patients were included in this study who underwent abdominal MR scan that contained the mDixon sequence from June 2019 to May 2020(Included 7 patients with type 2 diabetes and 4 patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), they were admitted to hospital through the obesity clinic set up by endocrine department, all of them were initially diagnosed and untreated). All of the 64 patients were scanned in 3.0T MR (Philips Ingenia II) due to their condition, 10–34 slice pancreas images were obtained, which were different from each other. Three different methods of measurement were employed by two observers using Philips Intellispace Portal software: (1) All images (whole-pancreas) measurement, the whole-pancreatic fat fraction (wPFF) was calculated by software. (2) Interval slices measurement, that is half-pancreatic slices fat fraction (hPFF) measured in the same way, fat fraction obtained by the interlayer assay was calculated. (3) As usual, the fat content of pancreatic head, body and tail fat was measured respectively, and in order to improve credibility, we also measured head、 body and tail in every layer, and its average value was taken. The elapsed time of the above different measurement methods was recorded. Intra-group correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to analyze the consistency of the measured data within and between observers. T-tests and Friedman tests were applied to compare the difference ofmeasuredvalues among groups.

Results

No matter in normal person or diabetic or IGT, hPFF has shown good stability (ICChPFF = 0.988), and there was no significant difference compared with wPFF. But the average fat percentage composition of head, body and tail were significantly different from wPFF and hPFF (P < 0.01). At the same time, compared with normal person, pancreatic fat content in IGT and diabetic patients showed progressive significance(P<0.05).

Conclusion

The distribution of pancreatic fat is not uniform, the method of measuring half pancreas by interlayer data collection can reflect the fat content of the entire pancreas, this suggests that measuring 50% of the pancreas is sufficient, this method effectively saves time and effort without affecting the results, which may have a better clinical application prospect.
Validation of a novel molecular assay to the diagnostic of COVID-19 based on real time PCR with high resolution melting
Authors: Ferreira Beatriz Iandra da Silva , da Silva-Gomes Natália Lins , Coelho Wagner Luis da Costa Nunes Pimentel , da Costa Vanessa Duarte , Carneiro Vanessa Cristine de Souza , Kader Rafael Lopes , Amaro Marisa Pimentel , Villar Lívia Melo , Miyajima Fábio , Alves-Leon Soniza Vieira , de Paula Vanessa Salete , Leon Luciane Almeida Amado , Moreira Otacilio Cruz
Published: November 2021

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an unprecedented need for RT-qPCR-based molecular diagnostic testing, placing a strain on the supply chain and the availability of commercially available PCR testing kits and reagents. The effect of limited molecular diagnostics-related supplies has been felt across the globe, disproportionally impacting molecular diagnostic testing in developing countries where acquisition of supplies is limited due to availability. The increasing global demand for commercial molecular diagnostic testing kits and reagents has made standard PCR assays cost prohibitive, resulting in the development of alternative approaches to detect SARS-CoV-2 in clinical specimens, circumventing the need for commercial diagnostic testing kits while mitigating the high-demand for molecular diagnostics testing. The timely availability of the complete SARS-CoV-2 genome in the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic facilitated the rapid development and deployment of specific primers and standardized laboratory protocols for the molecular diagnosis of COVID-19. An alternative method offering a highly specific manner of detecting and genotyping pathogens within clinical specimens is based on the melting temperature differences of PCR products. This method is based on the melting temperature differences between purine and pyrimidine bases. Here, RT-qPCR assays coupled with a High Resolution Melting analysis (HRM-RTqPCR) were developed to target different regions of the SARS-CoV-2 genome (RdRp, E and N) and an internal control (human RNAse P gene). The assays were validated using synthetic sequences from the viral genome and clinical specimens (nasopharyngeal swabs, serum and saliva) of sixty-five patients with severe or moderate COVID-19 from different states within Brazil; a larger validation group than that used in the development to the commercially available TaqMan RT-qPCR assay which is considered the gold standard for COVID-19 testing. The sensitivity of the HRM-RTqPCR assays targeting the viral N, RdRp and E genes were 94.12, 98.04 and 92.16%, with 100% specificity to the 3 SARS-CoV-2 genome targets, and a diagnostic accuracy of 95.38, 98.46 and 93.85%, respectively. Thus, HRM-RTqPCR emerges as an attractive alternative and low-cost methodology for the molecular diagnosis of COVID-19 in restricted-budget laboratories.
Fusion of KATZ measure and space projection to fast probe potential lncRNA-disease associations in bipartite graphs
Authors: Zhang Yi , Chen Min , Huang Li , Xie Xiaolan , Li Xin , Jin Hong , Wang Xiaohua , Wei Hanyan
Published: November 2021

It is well known that numerous long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) closely relate to the physiological and pathological processes of human diseases and can serves as potential biomarkers. Therefore, lncRNA-disease associations that are identified by computational methods as the targeted candidates reduce the cost of biological experiments focusing on deep study furtherly. However, inaccurate construction of similarity networks and inadequate numbers of observed known lncRNA–disease associations, such inherent problems make many mature computational methods that have been developed for many years still exit some limitations. It motivates us to explore a new computational method that was fused with KATZ measure and space projection to fast probing potential lncRNA-disease associations (namely KATZSP). KATZSP is comprised of following key steps: combining all the global information with which to change Boolean network of known lncRNA–disease associations into the weighted networks; changing the similarities calculation into counting the number of walks that connect lncRNA nodes and disease nodes in bipartite graphs; obtaining the space projection scores to refine the primary prediction scores. The process to fuse KATZ measure and space projection was simplified and uncomplicated with needing only one attenuation factor. The leave-one-out cross validation (LOOCV) experimental results showed that, compared with other state-of-the-art methods (NCPLDA, LDAI-ISPS and IIRWR), KATZSP had a higher predictive accuracy shown with area-under-the-curve (AUC) value on the three datasets built, while KATZSP well worked on inferring potential associations related to new lncRNAs (or isolated diseases). The results from real cases study (such as pancreas cancer, lung cancer and colorectal cancer) further confirmed that KATZSP is capable of superior predictive ability to be applied as a guide for traditional biological experiments.
An atypical EhGEF regulates phagocytosis in Entamoeba histolytica through EhRho1
Authors: Bharadwaj Ravi , Kushwaha Tushar , Ahmad Azhar , Inampudi Krishna K. , Nozaki Tomoyoshi , Somlata
Published: November 2021

The parasiteEntamoeba histolyticais the etiological agent of amoebiasis, a major cause of morbidity and mortality due to parasitic diseases in developing countries. Phagocytosis is an essential mode of obtaining nutrition and has been associated with the virulence behaviour ofE.histolytica. Signalling pathways involved in activation of cytoskeletal dynamics required for phagocytosis remains to be elucidated in this parasite. Our group has been studying initiation of phagocytosis and formation of phagosomes inE.histolyticaand have described some of the molecules that play key roles in the process. Here we showed the involvement of non-Dbl Rho Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor, EhGEF in regulation of amoebic phagocytosis by regulating activation of EhRho1. EhGEF was found in the phagocytic cups during the progression of cups, until closure of phagosomes, but not in the phagosomes themselves. Our observation from imaging, pull down experiments and down regulating expression of different molecules suggest that EhGEF interacts with EhRho1 and it is required during initiation of phagocytosis and phagosome formation. Also, biophysical, and computational analysis reveals that EhGEF mediates GTP exchange on EhRho1 via an unconventional pathway. In conclusion, we describe a non-Dbl EhGEF of EhRho1 which is involved in endocytic processes ofE.histolytica.
Gestão de Recursos Humanos na Indústria 4.0
Authors: Teixeira Bühler Fernanda , Brugnara Mello Karolyna , Luis Braz Medeiros Jorge , Volcanoglo Biehl Luciano , Gonçalves de Faria Corrêa Ricardo
Published: November 2021

A Indústria 4.0 é o atual paradigma de desenvolvimento econômico no ponto de vista industrial. Portanto, a Indústria 4.0 deve ser implantada com plena funcionalidade, no que diz respeito a conexões entre sistemas e máquinas inteligentes, levando em consideração a Gestão de Recursos Humanos (GRH) e seus princípios: conhecimentos, habilidades e atitudes. Esta pesquisa tem o objetivo de investigar como a gestão de recursos humanos vem sendo pesquisada dentro do tema Indústria 4.0. Para tanto, foi realizada uma breve revisão bibliográfica sobre o tema na base de dados Web of Science a fim de detectar os principais avanços internacionais e nacionais na Engenharia de Produção. Descobriu-se que a Indústria 4.0 acompanha mudanças no âmbito corporativo, com o surgimento de novas áreas – que não tendem a ser alteradas pela automatização, pelo fato de as competências humanas ainda não conseguirem ser substituídas plenamente pelas máquinas – ligando-se diretamente com a vantagem competitiva de mercado pois, em se tratando de aplicações corretas, notam-se diversos avanços quanto a produção e à satisfação dos trabalhadores.
Breaking the Vicious Circle of Defeat: The Common and the Revolutionary Practice in the Pandemics
Authors: Dimitrakaki Angela
Published: November 2021

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Praktyka Teoretyczna journal, we have invited our long-lasting collaborators and comrades to reflect once again on the concept of the com-mon and it’s possible futures by posing the following questions: a) what is the most important aspect of the current struggles for the common?; b) what are the biggest challenges for the commonist politics of the future?; and c) where in the ongoing struggles do you see a potential for scaling-up and spreading organisation based on the com-mon? In her reply, Angela Dimitrakaki reflects on possible means of transition to the common as a radically different socio-economic paradigm.
Ökumenische Einsichten und Herausforderungen – Überlegungen zu neueren Texten im evangelisch-katholischen Gespräch
Authors: Schad Christian
Published: November 2021

Der Artikel formuliert Überlegungen im Anschluss an das Ergebnis der Konsultation zwischen der Gemeinschaft Evangelischer Kirchen in Europa und dem Päpstlichen Rat zur Förderung der Einheit der Christen (2018) sowie an das Votum des Ökumenischen Arbeitskreises evangelischer und katholischer Theologen (2019). Der Beitrag kommt zu dem Ergebnis, dass mehr Sichtbarkeit in der Einheit und mehr Versöhnung in der Vielfalt und Verschiedenheit das Ziel der ekklesiologischen Dialoge zwischen den evangelischen Kirchen und der römisch-katholischen Kirche sein müsse.
Microglial Correlates of Late Life Physical Activity: Relationship with Synaptic and Cognitive Aging in Older Adults
Authors: Casaletto Kaitlin B. , Lindbergh Cutter A. , VandeBunte Anna , Neuhaus John , Schneider Julie A. , Buchman Aron S. , Honer William G. , Bennett David A.
Published: November 2021

Physical activity relates to reduced dementia risk, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms are unknown. We translated animal andin vitrostudies demonstrating a causal link between physical activity and microglial homeostasis into humans. Decedents from Rush Memory and Aging Project completed actigraphy monitoring (average daily activity) and cognitive evaluation in life, and neuropathological examination at autopsy. Brain tissue was analyzed for microglial activation via immunohistochemistry (anti-human HLA-DP-DQ-DR) and morphology (% Stage I, II, or III), and synaptic protein levels (SNAP-25, synaptophysin, complexin-I, VAMP, syntaxin, synaptotagmin-1). Proportion of morphologically activated microglia (PAM) was estimated in ventromedial caudate, posterior putamen, inferior temporal (IT), and middle frontal gyrus. The 167 decedents averaged 90 years at death, two-thirds were nondemented, and 60% evidenced pathologic Alzheimer's disease (AD). Adjusting for age, sex, education, and motor performances, greater physical activity associated with lower PAM in the ventromedial caudate and IT. Relationships between physical activity and PAM in the ventromedial caudate or IT were particularly prominent in adults evidencing microinfarcts or AD pathology, respectively. Mediational analyses indicated that PAM IT mediated ∼30% of the relationships between (1) physical activity and synaptic protein in IT, and (2) physical activity and global cognition, in separate models. However, the size of the mediation depended on AD pathology ranging from >40% in adults with high AD burden, but <10% in adults with low AD burden. Lower microglial activation may be a pathway linking physical activity to age-related brain health in humans. Physical activity may promote AD-related synaptic and cognitive resilience through reduction of pro-inflammatory microglial states.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTPhysical activity relates to better cognitive aging and reduced risk of neurodegenerative disease, yet the cellular and molecular pathways linking behavior-to-brain in humans are unknown. Animal studies indicate that increasing physical activity leads to decreased microglial activation and corresponding increases in synaptogenesis and neurogenesis. We objectively monitored physical activity (accelerometer-based actigraphy) and cognitive performances in life, and quantified microglial activation and synaptic markers in brain tissue at death in older adults. These are the first data supporting microglial activation as a physiological pathway by which physical activity relates to brain heath in humans. Although more interventional work is needed, we suggest that physical activity may be a modifiable behavior leveraged to reduce pro-inflammatory microglial states in humans.
Gephyrin Interacts with the K-Cl Cotransporter KCC2 to Regulate Its Surface Expression and Function in Cortical Neurons
Authors: Al Awabdh Sana , Donneger Florian , Goutierre Marie , Séveno Martial , Vigy Oana , Weinzettl Pauline , Russeau Marion , Moutkine Imane , Lévi Sabine , Marin Philippe , Poncer Jean Christophe
Published: November 2021

The K+-Cl–cotransporter KCC2, encoded by theSlc12a5gene, is a neuron-specific chloride extruder that tunes the strength and polarity of GABAAreceptor-mediated transmission. In addition to its canonical ion transport function, KCC2 also regulates spinogenesis and excitatory synaptic function through interaction with a variety of molecular partners. KCC2 is enriched in the vicinity of both glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses, the activity of which in turn regulates its membrane stability and function. KCC2 interaction with the submembrane actin cytoskeleton via 4.1N is known to control its anchoring near glutamatergic synapses on dendritic spines. However, the molecular determinants of KCC2 clustering near GABAergic synapses remain unknown. Here, we used proteomics to identify novel KCC2 interacting proteins in the adult rat neocortex. We identified both known and novel candidate KCC2 partners, including some involved in neuronal development and synaptic transmission. These include gephyrin, the main scaffolding molecule at GABAergic synapses. Gephyrin interaction with endogenous KCC2 was confirmed by immunoprecipitation from rat neocortical extracts. We showed that gephyrin stabilizes plasmalemmal KCC2 and promotes its clustering in hippocampal neurons, mostly but not exclusively near GABAergic synapses, thereby controlling KCC2-mediated chloride extrusion. This study identifies gephyrin as a novel KCC2 anchoring molecule that regulates its membrane expression and function in cortical neurons.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTFast synaptic inhibition in the brain is mediated by chloride-permeable GABAAreceptors (GABAARs) and therefore relies on transmembrane chloride gradients. In neurons, these gradients are primarily maintained by the K/Cl cotransporter KCC2. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms controlling KCC2 expression and function is crucial to understand its physiological regulation and rescue its function in the pathology. KCC2 function depends on its membrane expression and clustering, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. We describe the interaction between KCC2 and gephyrin, the main scaffolding protein at inhibitory synapses. We show that gephyrin controls plasmalemmal KCC2 clustering and that loss of gephyrin compromises KCC2 function. Our data suggest functional units comprising GABAARs, gephyrin, and KCC2 act to regulate synaptic GABA signaling.
Factores que afectan la implementación de la educación inclusiva en Latinoamérica
Authors: Vega Gonzales Emilio Oswaldo
Published: November 2021

The implementation of inclusive education in Latin America presents many deficiencies, not only as a result of failures in educational policies, but also due to factors related to society and, especially, teachers. This review article aims to synthesize information from recent studies on the main elements that affect the work of teachers in Latin American countries for the development of inclusive education. Based on the analysis, it can be concluded that the teacher’s work to achieve a quality inclusive education in the near future can be improved with adequate training that equips them with appropriate pedagogical and technological tools for this type of teaching: community awareness activities; the participation and commitment of educational authorities to improve the work environment; and a recognition of the effort that they carry out even with the existing difficulties.
Guía para educadores perdidos en la ciudad global
Authors: Cruz Fuentes Immanuel
Published: November 2021

This essay is a metaphorical guide to help the educators of today to circulate through the global city in which we live in the 21st century. As part of the tour, the reader will be directed safely to those “zones” of the great global village in which education has been developed, allowing them to know places of interest of the current pedagogical theory, spots that they must visit to understand how virtual/digital technologies have become important; at the same time, they have displaced the physical/face-to-face experience and meeting points to share our didactic experiences. Finally, we will take a walk, in which the author will explain the shortcuts that he has discovered to mobilize in the midst of the global city, how to learn to enjoy the view of education that is presented to us, and what could be expected from the horizon that we can see for the future of teaching and learning in the 21st century.