bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The governmental health policy-development process for Syrian refugees: an embedded qualitative case studies in Lebanon and Ontario
Authors: Khalid Ahmad Firas , Lavis John N. , El-Jardali Fadi , Vanstone Meredith
Published: October 2019

Background

The unprecedented amount of resources dedicated to humanitarian aid has led many stakeholders to demand the use of reliable evidence in humanitarian aid decisions to ensure that desired impacts are achieved at acceptable costs. However, little is known about the factors that influence the use of research evidence in the policy development in humanitarian crises. We examined how research evidence was used to inform two humanitarian policies made in response to the Syrian refugee crisis.

Methods

We identified two policies as rich potential case studies to examine the use of evidence in humanitarian aid policy decision-making: Lebanon’s 2016 Health Response Strategy and Ontario’s 2016 Phase 2: Health System Action Plan, Syrian Refugees. To study each, we used an embedded qualitative case study methodology and recruited senior decision-makers, policy advisors, and healthcare providers who were involved with the development of each policy. We reviewed publicly available documents and media articles that spoke to the factors that influence the process. We used the analytic technique of explanation building to understand the factors that influence the use of research evidence in the policy-development process in crisis zones.

Results

We interviewed eight informants working in government and six in international agencies in Lebanon, and two informants working in healthcare provider organizations and two in non-governmental organizations in Ontario, for a total of 18 key informants. Based on our interviews and documentary analysis, we identified that there was limited use of research evidence and that four broad categories of factors helped to explain the policy-development process for Syrian refugees – development of health policies without significant chance for derailment from other government bodies (Lebanon) or opposition parties (Ontario) (i.e., facing no veto points), government’s engagement with key societal actors to inform the policy-development process, the values underpinning the process, and external factors significantly influencing the policy-development process.

Conclusions

This study suggests that use of research evidence in the policy-development process for Syrian refugees was subordinate to key political factors, resulting in limited influence of research evidence in the development of both the Lebanese and Ontarian policy.
Ecologies of care: mental health and psychosocial support for war-affected youth in the U.S.
Authors: Bennouna Cyril , Ocampo Maria Gandarilla , Cohen Flora , Basir Mashal , Allaf Carine , Wessells Michael , Stark Lindsay
Published: October 2019

Background

Youth resettling to the U.S. from conflict-affected countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) face countless challenges. As they cope with their experiences of armed conflict and forced migration, these girls and boys must also adjust to the language and social norms of their new society, often encountering prejudice and discrimination along the way. Previous studies indicate that schools can play a central role in facilitating this adjustment while also promoting mental health and psychosocial wellbeing. This qualitative study aims to understand the lived experiences of MENA newcomers resettled in Austin, Texas and Harrisonburg, Virginia and to assess how schools, families, and communities support their mental and psychosocial wellbeing.

Methods

We held six focus group discussions across the two cities with a total of 30 youths (13–23 years) from Iraq, Syria, and Sudan. We also conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 caregivers and 27 key informants, including teachers, administrators, service providers, and personnel from community-based organizations.

Results

Guided by Bioecological Theory, our thematic analysis identifies several means by which various actors work together to support resettled adolescents. We highlight promising efforts that seek to enhance these supports, including sheltered instruction, school-parent collaboration, peer support programming, social and emotional learning initiatives, and integrated mental health centers.

Conclusion

While this study underscores the resilience of newcomers and the value of local support systems, it also reflects the importance of investment in schools, mental health systems, and resettlement programs that can enable newcomers to achieve their full potential.
MicroRNA profiling in adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Nakata Masatoshi , Kimura Ryo , Funabiki Yasuko , Awaya Tomonari , Murai Toshiya , Hagiwara Masatoshi
Published: October 2019

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors. Owing to the difficulty of clinical diagnosis, ASD without intellectual disability (i.e., high-functioning ASD) is often overlooked. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been recently recognized as potential biomarkers of ASD as they are dysregulated in various tissues of individuals with ASD. However, it remains unclear whether miRNA expression is altered in individuals with high-functioning ASD. Here, we investigated the miRNA expression profile in peripheral blood from adults with high-functioning ASD, and age and gender-matched healthy controls. We identified miR-6126 as being robustly down-regulated in ASD and correlated with the severity of social deficits. Enrichment analysis of predicted target genes revealed potential association with neurons, synapses, and oxytocin signaling pathways. Our findings may provide insights regarding the molecular clues for recognizing high-functioning ASD.
Effect of Endometrioma cystectomy on cytokines of follicular fluid and IVF outcomes
Authors: Liang Yu , Yang Xiaokui , Lan Yonglian , Lei Lingling , Li Ying , Wang Shuyu
Published: October 2019

Background

Endometriosis patients undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatment suffer from lower success rates. The success of IVF-ET is related to the receptivity of the uterus and the quality of embryos, and it is well known a patient’s endometriosis does not impair the receptivity. Whether endometrioma should be removed surgically before IVF remains controversial. Studies have shown that endometrioma removal decreases peritoneal inflammation, but little information is available regarding the alteration in the cytokines of follicular fluid. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of endometrioma cystectomy on the outcome of IVF and the levels of intrafollicular inflammatory cytokines and to investigate correlations between cytokine concentrations and IVF outcomes.

Method

A total of 41 women with endometriosis-associated infertility undergoing IVF were recruited; 13 patients (surgery group, S group) had surgery to remove the endometrioma before enrollment, and 28 patients (non-surgery group, NS group) were untreated before IVF. The follicular fluid from a dominant follicle was collected during oocyte retrieval, and the concentrations of sixteen soluble cytokines known to be involved in ovarian function were measured.

Results

Among the soluble molecules examined in this study, chemokines and growth factors and a few are inflammatory cytokines were found in the follicular fluid of patients with endometriosis. In addition, the expression levels of chemokines, growth factors, and most inflammatory cytokines did not differ between the S and NS groups, but interleukin (IL)-18 levels were significantly lower in the NS group. However, the levels of IL-18 in the FF did not correlate with IVF cycle parameters. The implantation and clinical pregnancy rates were similar between the two groups, but the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level was lower in the S group than in the NS group.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that endometrioma surgery may potentially reduce the ovarian reserve and has little impact on the success rate of IVF. Ovarian endometriomas are not associated with cytokine profiles in FF from infertile women, and they are not likely to affect the quality of the oocyte and embryo as a result of an inflammatory mechanism.
Practical tools to identify short children born small-for-gestational-age eligible for rhGH treatment according to Italian regulation
Authors: Tornese Gianluca , Pricci Flavia , Pellegrin Maria Chiara , Villa Marika , Rotondi Daniela , Agazio Elvira , Barbi Egidio
Published: October 2019

Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) is an approved and effective treatment for short children born small for gestational age (SGA). Prevalence of children eligible for treatment as SGA is reported to be 1:1800. The latest data from the National Registry of Growth Hormone therapy (RNAOC) showed that the number of children treated with SGA indication is still small (prevalence 0.37/100,000) and these children are significantly less reported than those treated for growth hormone deficiency (GHD), although GHD prevalence is 1:4000–1:10,000. This means that many short children born SGA are still not properly identified, and therefore not treated with rhGH, or misdiagnosed as GHD. This article provides some practical tools for the identification of children eligible for rhGH treatment.
Rescue fecal microbiota transplantation for antibiotic-associated diarrhea in critically ill patients
Authors: Dai Min , Liu Yafei , Chen Wei , Buch Heena , Shan Yi , Chang Liuhui , Bai Yong , Shen Chen , Zhang Xiaoyin , Huo Yufeng , Huang Dian , Yang Zhou , Hu Zhihang , He Xuwei , Pan Junyu , Hu Lili , Pan Xinfang , Wu Xiangtao , Deng Bin , Li Zhifeng , Cui Bota , Zhang Faming
Published: October 2019

Background

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a risk factor for exacerbating the outcome of critically ill patients. Dysbiosis induced by the exposure to antibiotics reveals the potential therapeutic role of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in these patients. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the safety and potential benefit of rescue FMT for AAD in critically ill patients.

Methods

A series of critically ill patients with AAD received rescue FMT from Chinese fmtBank, from September 2015 to February 2019. Adverse events (AEs) and rescue FMT success which focused on the improvement of abdominal symptoms and post-ICU survival rate during a minimum of 12 weeks follow-up were assessed.

Results

Twenty critically ill patients with AAD underwent rescue FMT, and 18 of them were included for analysis. The mean of Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores at intensive care unit (ICU) admission was 21.7 ± 8.3 (range 11–37). Thirteen patients received FMT through nasojejunal tube, four through gastroscopy, and one through enema. Patients were treated with four (4.2 ± 2.1, range 2–9) types of antibiotics before and during the onset of AAD. 38.9% (7/18) of patients had FMT-related AEs during follow-up, including increased diarrhea frequency, abdominal pain, increased serum amylase, and fever. Eight deaths unrelated to FMT occurred during follow-up. One hundred percent (2/2) of abdominal pain, 86.7% (13/15) of diarrhea, 69.2% (9/13) of abdominal distention, and 50% (1/2) of hematochezia were improved after FMT. 44.4% (8/18) of patients recovered from abdominal symptoms without recurrence and survived for a minimum of 12 weeks after being discharged from ICU.

Conclusion

In this case series studying the use of FMT in critically ill patients with AAD, good clinical outcomes without infectious complications were observed. These findings could potentially encourage researchers to set up new clinical trials that will provide more insight into the potential benefit and safety of the procedure in the ICU.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, Number NCT03895593. Registered 29 March 2019 (retrospectively registered).
Correction to: Tracheal intubation in critically ill patients: a comprehensive systematic review of randomized trials
Authors: Cabrini Luca , Landoni Giovanni , Baiardo Redaelli Martina , Saleh Omar , Votta Carmine D. , Fominskiy Evgeny , Putzu Alessandro , de Souza Cézar Daniel Snak , Antonelli Massimo , Bellomo Rinaldo , Pelosi Paolo , Zangrillo Alberto
Published: October 2019

In the publication of this article [1], there was an error in a contributors Family Name. This has now been updated in the original article.
Accuracy assessment of fusion transcript detection via read-mapping and de novo fusion transcript assembly-based methods
Authors: Haas Brian J. , Dobin Alexander , Li Bo , Stransky Nicolas , Pochet Nathalie , Regev Aviv
Published: October 2019

Background

Accurate fusion transcript detection is essential for comprehensive characterization of cancer transcriptomes. Over the last decade, multiple bioinformatic tools have been developed to predict fusions from RNA-seq, based on either read mapping or de novo fusion transcript assembly.

Results

We benchmark 23 different methods including applications we develop, STAR-Fusion and TrinityFusion, leveraging both simulated and real RNA-seq. Overall, STAR-Fusion, Arriba, and STAR-SEQR are the most accurate and fastest for fusion detection on cancer transcriptomes.

Conclusion

The lower accuracy of de novo assembly-based methods notwithstanding, they are useful for reconstructing fusion isoforms and tumor viruses, both of which are important in cancer research.
Correction to: DNA methylation signature is prognostic of choroid plexus tumor aggressiveness
Authors: Pienkowska Malgorzata , Choufani Sanaa , Turinsky Andrei L. , Guha Tanya , Merino Diana M. , Novokmet Ana , Brudno Michael , Weksberg Rosanna , Shlien Adam , Hawkins Cynthia , Bouffet Eric , Tabori Uri , Gilbertson Richard J. , Finlay Jonathan L. , Jabado Nada , Thomas Christian , Sill Martin , Capper David , Hasselblatt Martin , Malkin David
Published: October 2019

After publication of the original article [1], authors have requested to add a ‘J’ as middle name for Richard Gilbertson. Hence, full name should be Richard J Gilbertson.
Baicalin mitigated Mycoplasma gallisepticum-induced structural damage and attenuated oxidative stress and apoptosis in chicken thymus through the Nrf2/HO-1 defence pathway
Authors: Li Jichang , Qiao Zujian , Hu Wanying , Zhang Wei , Shah Syed Waqas Ali , Ishfaq Muhammad
Published: October 2019

The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ and plays a critical role in the immune response against infectious agents. Baicalin is a naturally derived flavonoid famous for its pharmacological properties, but the preventive effects of baicalin against immune impairment remain unclear. We examined this effect in the context ofMycoplasma gallisepticum(MG) infection-induced structural damage in the chicken thymus. Histopathological examination showed that the compact arrangement of cells in the thymus was lost in the MG-infected group. Inflammatory cell infiltration and nuclear debris accumulated, and the boundary between the cortex and medulla was not clearly visible. The mRNA and protein expression of apoptosis-related genes were significantly increased in the MG-infected group compared to the control group and the baicalin group. The number of positively stained nuclei in the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay were increased in the MG-infected group. In addition, electron microscopic examination showed chromatin condensation, mitochondrial swelling and apoptotic vesicles in the MG-infected group. However, baicalin treatment significantly alleviated the oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by MG infection. Importantly, the abnormal morphology was partially ameliorated by baicalin treatment. Compared to the MG-infected group, the baicalin-treated group showed significantly reduced expression of apoptosis-related genes at both the mRNA and protein levels. Meanwhile, the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signalling pathway and downstream genes were significantly upregulated by baicalin to counteract MG-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in the thymocytes of chickens. In summary, these findings suggest that baicalin treatment efficiently attenuated oxidative stress and apoptosis by activating the Nrf2 signalling pathway and could protect the thymus from MG infection-mediated structural and functional damage.
Discontinuous generalized double-almost-periodic functions on almost-complete-closed time scales
Authors: Wang Chao , Agarwal Ravi P. , O’Regan Donal , Sakthivel Rathinasamy
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we introduce the concept of almost-complete-closed time scales (ACCTS) that allows independent variables of functions to possess almost-periodicity under translations. For this new type of time scale, a class of piecewise functions with double-almost-periodicity is proposed and studied. Based on these, concepts of weighted pseudo-double-almost-periodic functions (WPDAP) in Banach spaces and a translation-almost-closed set are introduced. Further, we prove that the function space WPDAP0affiliated to WPDAP is a translation-almost-closed set. Then, by introducing the concept of almost-uniform convergence for piecewise functions on ACCTS and using measure theory on time scales, some composition theorems of WPDAP and the completeness of the function space are proved.
Nutritional and functional properties of coloured rice varieties of South India: a review
Authors: Rathna Priya T. S. , Eliazer Nelson Ann Raeboline Lincy , Ravichandran Kavitha , Antony Usha
Published: October 2019

Rice is a major cereal food crop and staple food in most of the developing countries. India stands second in the production of rice next to China. Though almost 40,000 varieties of rice are said to exist, at present, only a few varieties are cultivated extensively, milled and polished. Even if white rice is consumed by most people around the world, some specialty rice cultivars are also grown. These include the coloured and aromatic rice varieties. The nutritional profile of the specialty rice is high when compared to the white rice varieties. The coloured rice, which usually gets its colour due to the deposition of anthocyanin pigments in the bran layer of the grain, is rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants. Rice bran, a by-product of the rice milling industry is under-utilised, is rich in dietary fibre which finds application in the development of functional foods and various other value-added products. Thus, more focus on specialty rice and its by-products will not only save it from becoming extinct but also lead a step forward towards nutrition security of the country as they are abundant in vitamins, minerals and polyphenols.
Murad vs. ISIS
Authors: cooke miriam
Published: October 2019

This article analyzes recent Iraqi texts, some authorizing and others condemning rape as a weapon of war. The focus is on Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) perpetrators of sexual violence, their Yazidi victims, and two women’s demands for reparative, restorative justice. Held in sexual slavery between 2014 and 2015, Farida Khalaf and 2018 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nadia Murad published testimonials that detail their experiences. Determined to bring ISIS rapists to justice, they narrate the formerly unspeakable crimes that ISIS militants committed against them. Adjudicated as a crime against humanity at the end of the twentieth century, rape as a weapon of war, and especially genocide, no longer slips under the radar of international attention. This study argues that the Yazidi women’s brave decision to speak out may help break the millennial silence of rape survivors.
Cellular mechanisms underlying Pax3-related neural tube defects and their prevention by folic acid
Authors: Sudiwala Sonia , Palmer Alexandra , Massa Valentina , Burns Alan J. , Dunlevy Louisa P. E. , De Castro Sandra C. P. , Savery Dawn , Leung Kit-Yi , Copp Andrew J. , Greene Nicholas D. E.
Published: October 2019

Neural tube defects (NTDs), including spina bifida and anencephaly, are among the most common birth defects worldwide but the underlying genetic and cellular causes are not well understood. Some NTDs are preventable by supplemental folic acid. However, the protective mechanism is unclear despite widespread use of folic acid supplements and implementation of food fortification in many countries. Pax3 mutant (splotch; Sp2H) mice provide a model in which NTDs are preventable by folic acid and exacerbated by maternal folate deficiency. Here, we found that cell proliferation was diminished in the dorsal neuroepithelium of mutant embryos, corresponding to the region of abolished Pax3 function. This was accompanied by premature neuronal differentiation in the prospective midbrain. Contrary to previous reports, we did not find evidence that increased apoptosis could underlie failed neural tube closure in Pax3 mutant embryos, nor did inhibition of apoptosis prevent NTDs. These findings suggest that Pax3 functions to maintain the neuroepithelium in a proliferative, undifferentiated state allowing neurulation to proceed. NTDs in Pax3 mutants were not associated with abnormal abundance of specific folates, nor prevented by formate, a one-carbon donor to folate metabolism. Supplemental folic acid restored proliferation in the cranial neuroepithelium. This effect was mediated by enhanced progression of the cell cycle from S- to G2-phase, specifically in the Pax3-mutant dorsal neuroepithelium. We propose that the cell cycle-promoting effect of folic acid compensates for loss of Pax3 and thereby prevents cranial NTDs.
Malpighian tubules of caterpillars: blending RNAseq and physiology to reveal regional functional diversity and novel epithelial ion transport control mechanisms
Authors: Kolosov Dennis , O'Donnell Michael J.
Published: October 2019

Malpighian tubules (MTs) and hindgut constitute the functional kidney of insects. MTs are outpouches of the gut and in most insects demonstrate proximodistal heterogeneity in function. In most insects, such heterogeneity is confined to ion/fluid secretion in the distal portion and ion/fluid reabsorption in the proximal portion. In contrast, MTs of larval Lepidoptera (caterpillars of butterflies and moths), are comprised of five regions that differ in their association with the gut, their structure, and ion/fluid transport function. Recent studies have shown that several regions can rapidly and reversibly switch between ion secretion and reabsorption. The current study employed RNAseq, pharmacology and electrophysiology to characterize four distinct regions of the MT in larval Trichoplusia ni. Luminal microelectrode measurements indicate changes in [K+], [Na+] and pH as fluid passes through different regions of the tubule. In addition, the regions examined differ in gene ontology enrichment, and demonstrate robust gradients in expression of ion transporters and endocrine ligand receptors. Lastly, the study provides evidence for direct involvement of voltage-gated and ligand-gated ion channels in epithelial ion transport of insect MTs.
High-Intensity Bremsstrahlung of Electron Accelerator in Photoneutron and Radioisotopes Production for Medicine
Authors: Кураченко Ю. , Kurachenko Yu. , Онищук Е. , Onischuk E. , Матусевич Е. , Matusevich E. , Коробейников В. , Korobeynikov V.
Published: October 2019

Purpose: To study the binary possibility of using the available linear electron accelerators for the neutron therapy and radioisotopes production. For both applications, calculations were performed and the results were normalized to the characteristics of the Mevex accelerator (average electron current 4 mA at a monoenergetic electron beam 35 MeV). It turns out that the production of both photoneutrons and radioisotopes is effective when using bremsstrahlung radiation generated in the giant dipole resonance of a heavy metal target.

Material and methods: The unifying problem for both applications is the task of target cooling: at beam power ~ 140 kW, half of it or more is deposited directly in the target. Therefore the liquid heavy metal was selected as a target, in order to conjoin high thermohydraulics quality with maximal productivity both bremsstrahlung radiation and photoneutrons. The targets were optimized using precise codes for radiation transport and thermohydraulics problems. The optimization was also carried out for the installations as a whole: 1) for the composition of the material and configuration of the photoneutron extraction unit for neutron capture therapy (NCT) and 2) for the scheme of bremsstrahlung generation for radioisotopes production.

Results: The photoneutron block provides an acceptable beam quality for NCT with a high neutron flux density at the output ~2·1010 cm–2s–1, which is an order of magnitude higher than the values at the output of the reactor beams that worked in the past and are currently being designed for neutron capture therapy. As for radioisotopes production, using optimal reaction channel (γ, n) 43 radioisotopes in 5 groups were received. For example, by the Mo100(γ,n)99Mo reaction the precursor 99Mo of main diagnostic nuclide 99mTc with specific activity ~6 Ci/g and total activity of the target 1.8 kCi could be produced after 1 day irradiation exposure.

Conclusion: The proposed schemes of neutron and bremsstrahlung generation and extraction have a number of obvious advantages over traditional techniques: a) the applying of the electron accelerators for neutron production is much safer and cheaper than to use conventional reactor beams; b) accelerator with the target, the beam output unit with the necessary equipment and tooling can be placed on the territory of the clinic without any problems; c) the proposed target for NCT is liquid gallium, which also serves as a coolant; it is an “environmentally friendly” material, its activation is rather low and rapidly (in ~4 days) falls to the background level.
Brachytherapy for Locally Advanced Cervix Cancer (Methodological Aspects)
Authors: Кравец О. , Kravets O. , Дубинина А. , Dubinina A. , Тарачкова Е. , Tarachkova E. , Козлов О. , Kozlov O. , Романова Е. , Romanova E.
Published: October 2019

Purpose: To increase local control of cervical tumors by developing and introducing into practice the optimization of dose distribution in the primary tumor during concomitant chemoradiation (CRT) and image-guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT) i.e. summing up the maximum dose to the tumor volume of HR-CTV> 85 Gy in the shortest possible period of time by the optimal fractionation regime, without increasing the tolerable doses to the organs of risk (bladder, rectum, sigmoid).

Material and methods: Data of the study was the of clinical observations of patients with locally advanced cervical cancer proven stage IIb–IIIb according to FIGO, treated with curative radiation therapy. After pelvic +/- para-aortic external-beam radiation therapy (2 Gy × 50 Gy with Cisplatin 40 mg/m2 weekly), they received high-dose rate intracavitary brachytherapy or in combination with interstitial component following GEC-ESTRO recommendations.

Results: We managed to achieve maximum dose to the tumor volume of HR-CTV> 85 Gy without increasing the load on the risk organs. The Clinical Contouring at the time of primary diagnosis of cervical cancer and before brachytherapy session based on clinical and diagnostic data using MRI helps to optimize the brachytherapy process, develop patient management tactics and a clear sequence of actions in a complex program of brachytherapy.

Conclusion: The presented clinical cases indicate the prospects of using an individual approach in planning the brachytherapy of patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.
Radiation Survey in the Vicinity of the Shipyards Involved in Decommissioning and Dismantlement of Nuclear Ships
Authors: Шандала Н. , Shandala N. , Исаев Д. , Isaev D. , Титов А. , Titov A. , Шлыгин В. , Shlygin V. , Бельских Ю. , Bel'skih Yu. , Старинский В. , Starinskiy V. , Старинская Р. , Starinskaya R. , Зуева М. , Zueva M. , Ильин Л. , Il'in L. , Лягинская А. , Lyaginskaya A.
Published: October 2019

Purpose: To study radiation and health physics situation in the vicinity of the shipyards “The 10th Shipyard, a Holder of Order of the Red Banner of Labor” (JSC “10 SRZ”) and “The Nerpa Shipyard” – a branch of the JSC “The Shipyard Center “Zvezdochka” (SRZ “Nerpa”) after the completion of the main stage of nuclear submarine dismantling and to assess potential effect of on-going activities to the environment and population.

Material and methods: The following methods were used in radiation survey: pedestrian gamma survey of the site using portable gamma spectrometry complexes, gamma spectrometry and radiochemistry methods to determine the activity of manmade radionuclides in samples of environmental media.

Results: Radiation and health physics studies were carried out from 2013 till 2017. It was shown that gamma dose rate within the health protection zones and supervision areas (SA) of the shipyards including the territories of the nearest cities – Snezhnogorsk and Polyarnyi – was at the level of regional values and did not exceed 0.14 µSv/h. The activities of radionuclides in soil from the surveyed sites did not exceed 23 Bq/kg for 90Sr and 100 Bq/kg for 137Cs. Concentrations of 90Sr and 137Cs in plants (mosses) at the surveyed sites did not exceed 70 and 48 Bq/kg, respectively, this is a bit higher than the background levels of the reference village of Belokamenka (1 and 20 Bq/kg, respectively, for 90Sr and 137Cs). The activity of seawater (Barents Sea) in 2016–2018 reached 60 mBq/l for 90Sr and 4 mBq/l for 137Cs, at mean values from 2 to 4 mBq/l over the period between 1990 and 2000 for the studied radionuclides. Data for 137Cs and 90Sr measured in samples of local wild plants, in particular, mushrooms, did not exceed 100 Bq/kg, this is much lower than the established permissible specific activities.

Conclusion: Considerable impact of the work on the dismantling of nuclear submarines, maintenance ships and ships with a nuclear energy installation on the radiation situation in the areas of shipyards and health effects in the population of Snezhnogorsk and Polyarnyi was not revealed. However, along the external border of the surveyed shipyards some local parts of the sites of 5500 m2 area were found, where the specific activities of 90Sr and 137Cs in soil exceeded background levels and bordered by the level of permissible specific activity for unlimited use of solid materials (137Cs – 100 Bq/kg).
Things We Do For No Reason™: Supplemental Oxygen for Patients without Hypoxemia
Authors: Moss Benjamin Joseph , Sargsyan Zaven
Published: October 2019

Inspired by the ABIM Foundation's Choosing Wisely® campaign, the “Things We Do for No Reason™” (TWDFNR) series reviews practices that have become common parts of hospital care but may provide little value to our patients. Practices reviewed in the TWDFNR series do not represent “black and white” conclusions or clinical practice standards but are meant as a starting place for research and active discussions among hospitalists and patients. We invite you to be part of that discussion.
Designing Environmental Markets for Trading Catch Shares
Authors: Bichler Martin , Ferrell Douglas , Fux Vladimir , Goeree Jacob K.
Published: October 2019

The authors describe their implementation of a market-based approach to reallocating fishing shares in New South Wales, Australia. Their solution addressed several nonstandard requirements, including the possibility of all-or-nothing offers, fair prices, and an endogenously determined subsidy.
Short stems have lower load at failure than double-wedged stems in a cadaveric cementless fracture model
Authors: Klasan Antonio , Bäumlein Martin , Dworschak Philipp , Bliemel Christopher , Neri Thomas , Schofer Markus D. , Heyse Thomas J.
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs) have a higher incidence with cementless stems. The highest incidence among various cementless stem types was observed with double-wedged stems. Short stems have been introduced as a bone-preserving alternative with a higher incidence of PFF in some studies. The purpose of this study was a direct load-to-failure comparison of a double-wedged cementless stem and a short cementless stem in a cadaveric fracture model.

Methods

Eight hips from four human cadaveric specimens (age mean 76 years (60 to 89)) and eight fourth-generation composite femurs were used. None of the cadaveric specimens had compromised quality (mean T value 0.4 (-1.0 to 5.7)). Each specimen from a pair randomly received either a double-wedged stem or a short stem. A materials testing machine was used for lateral load-to-failure test of up to a maximal load of 5000 N.

Results

Mean load at failure of the double-wedged stem was 2540 N (1845 to 2995) and 1867 N (1135 to 2345) for the short stem (p < 0.001). All specimens showed the same fracture pattern, consistent with a Vancouver B2 fracture. The double-wedged stem was able to sustain a higher load than its short-stemmed counterpart in all cases. Failure force was not correlated to the bone mineral density (p = 0.718).

Conclusion

Short stems have a significantly lower primary load at failure compared with double-wedged stems in both cadaveric and composite specimens. Surgeons should consider this biomechanical property when deciding on the use of short femoral stem. Cite this article: A. Klasan, M. Bäumlein, P. Dworschak, C. Bliemel, T. Neri, M. D. Schofer, T. J. Heyse. Short stems have lower load at failure than double-wedged stems in a cadaveric cementless fracture model. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:489–494. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.810.BJR-2019-0051.R1.
PROPRIEDADES FÍSICAS DO SOLO NO SISTEMA DE PLANTIO DIRETO E PREPARO REDUZIDO, CULTIVADO COM PLANTAS DE COBERTURA
Authors: Francziskowski Marcio André , Seidel Edleusa Pereira , Fey Emerson , Anschau Katiely Aline , Mottin Marcos Cesar
Published: October 2019

Várias são as maneiras possíveis de se trabalhar o solo para melhorar suas propriedades físicas, amenizando os efeitos prejudiciais da compactação e aumentando a capacidade e eficiência de armazenamento de água no solo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de plantas de cobertura cultivadas em plantio direto e preparo reduzido nas propriedades físicas do solo. O experimento foi conduzido na Estação Experimental da Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, em delineamento de blocos casualizados, em esquema de parcelas subdivididas, com quatro repetições. Nas parcelas principais foram alocados dois sistemas de manejo: plantio direto e preparo reduzido do solo com o uso de escarificador de hastes. As subparcelas constaram do cultivo de diferentes espécies vegetais de inverno: trigo; um mix de aveia preta com ervilha forrageira; e um mix de aveia preta com nabo forrageiro. O preparo reduzido com escarificador foi eficiente para descompactar o solo, promovendo aumento da porosidade de aeração e diminuição da densidade e resistência a penetração, mas não promoveu alterações na estabilidade dos agregados do solo. Os mix de plantas de cobertura com diferentes famílias aumentaram os macroporos na superfície do solo, mas atuaram igualmente na agregação do solo e na resistência do solo à penetração.
Implementation of logistic approaches in forming the agricultural export strategy in Ukraine
Authors: Larina Tetiana , Kravcov Andrii , Berezhnaja Natalija , Kutiya Olesya , Fenenko Kateryna
Published: October 2019

The work is aimed at analysing the state and prospects of implementing the export potential of the agrarian sector of Ukraine, the structure of which is based on the principles of transition from the abstract to the concrete. The study begins with the definition of factors that shape the export opportunities of the agrarian sector, namely: the quality of the factors of agricultural production (objects of labour, means of labour); the branch structure of agricultural production; the state of the systems of certification and quality control of export products; the diversification of markets; the access to financial resources; the level of the marketing support of export; the mechanisms of the realization of the state export policy; the state of development of agro-logistics. It has been proved that in the short term, the production components are not decisive in the processes of using and expanding the existing export potential of the national agrarian sector. In the modern conditions the state of logistics infrastructure is coming to the forefront. In the general problem of agro-logistics, the following levels are distinguished: micro-, meso-, macro-, and supranational. In each of them we have identified "the bottlenecks" of the process of building up export potential from the point of view of agro-logistics. The ways of increasing the export potential of the agrarian sector in Ukraine have been proposed. These include: the development of container transportation sphere; the creation of effective mechanisms for directing funds of united territorial communities for the development of regional logistics infrastructure; the reform of Ukrzaliznytsia (JSC “Ukrainian Railways”); the development of alternative variants of supply chains by improving the infrastructure of the automobile and river transport; the expansion of the representation of Ukraine in the world governmental and non-governmental organizations in order to protect the national trade interests; the formation of the system of training personnel capable of adapting to changing market conditions.
A Relação Natureza-Sociedade
Authors: Vargas Fábio Alves de
Published: October 2019

Os problemas emergentes de nossa sociedade contemporânea apontam para um desequilíbrio nas relações em que os homens têm desenvolvido com a natureza. Igualmente, tem demonstrado como a concepção majoritária de natureza, como recurso, em nossa civilização, tem triunfado. Considerando o comprometimento da ciência geográfica em abordar a temática ambiental, este trabalho propõe uma discussão sobre a relação natureza-sociedade e suas perspectivas, e sobre como ela tem sido entendida em sua trajetória histórica.  A atual crise na relação natureza-sociedade exige uma nova forma de pensar a estrutura do modo e dos meios de produção capitalista, o consumo exacerbado, a ciência e a tecnologia, em suma: a forma como entendemos e como nos relacionamos com a natureza. Os encaminhamentos metodológicos para a condução dessa pesquisa foram realizados por meio de uma revisão bibliográfica acerca da temática.
PREVALENCE, PATTERN AND CORRELATES OF STUDY DIFFICULTY AMONG STUDENTS OF COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES LADOKE AKINTOLA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY OSOGBO.
Authors: Falade J. , Eegunranti B. A. , Tobih J. E. , Ogundiran A. C. , Ibigbami O. , Akinsulore A. , Ogundiran O.
Published: October 2019

Introduction - Study difficulty is the inability to obtain maximum result from efforts put into studying. It can negatively affect the physical and mental stability of the student leading to increased dropout from school.

Objective - This study examined the prevalence, pattern and correlates of study difficulty among students of College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Osogbo.

Methods - Two hundred and seventy-seven students of the College were consecutively recruited. Each student filled socio-demographic questionnaire, University College London Study Questionnaire (UCLSQ), Brief COPE Questionnaire and General Health Questionnaire. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software (version 21) was used for the analysis.

Results -The mean age of the respondents was 26.3 years. The proportion of Medical, Nursing and Medical Laboratory Science students were 42.6%, 31.8% and 25.6%respectively. Most of the respondents were from married home (77.5%), monogamous setting (78.0%), parents with tertiary education and higher class of occupation. The prevalence of study difficulty among the respondents was 52.0%. Multiple linear regression analysis with stepwise method showed that respondents using less of adaptive coping strategies (p = 0,005) and presence of psychiatric morbidity (p<0.001) were independently associated with the presence of study difficulty.

Conclusion - This study has shown that psychiatric morbidity and maladaptive coping strategy use were more common among students with study difficulty. A routine mental health assessment and practical teaching of adaptive coping strategy in the citadels of learning in particular the tertiary level/medical and paramedical professions.
Overview Of Rules Governing Attribution Profits Generated From Permanent Establishment
Authors: Hamdan Mohammad Abdul-Jalil
Published: October 2019

In regard to the attribution of profits; this article concluded that there are still some uncertainties on the categorization on the taxation of the cross border businesses. Therefore, the OECD MTC has tried to harmonize the problem by employing some factual and functional evaluation of the challenges in the internal dealings. However, some countries mostly in the European Union had different methods that help in dealing with these problems. The paper on the other hand has tried to evaluate the solution in both treaty and non-treaty cases so as to achieve an amicable solution towards the same. In addition, the problem of double taxation still derives varied opinions by different commentaries by the United Nations and the OECD. The approach that has being proposed by the OECD MTC recently does not cover all the required areas of the problem. The hypothetical evaluation by the organization still faces some notable drawbacks in its implementation. The measures that have been employed so far do not uphold certainty to the individual taxpayers and businesses. Hence, the reliance of the authorities and business in these cases on documentation has been excessive. The paper establishes that the most ideal systems that would solve the current tax challenges are the one that would logically look at the inconsistencies observed in taxation. Therefore, the chapter proposes international discussions and agreements by use of a common and comparative law as the best way to achieve the desired taxation objectives. Thus, in order to protect the sovereignty of the countries and to ensure and confirm tax neutrality and fairness between source and residence countries, we are urgently in need to modify the current system of international taxation standards in accordance with new e-commercial environment. Furthermore, in pursuant to the basic principles of international tax law and to find better and essential solutions to the e-commerce issues relating to attribution of profits.
Predictability and Uncertainty in the Pleasure of Music: A Reward for Learning?
Authors: Gold Benjamin P. , Pearce Marcus T. , Mas-Herrero Ernest , Dagher Alain , Zatorre Robert J.
Published: October 2019

Music ranks among the greatest human pleasures. It consistently engages the reward system, and converging evidence implies it exploits predictions to do so. Both prediction confirmations and errors are essential for understanding one's environment, and music offers many of each as it manipulates interacting patterns across multiple timescales. Learning models suggest that a balance of these outcomes (i.e., intermediate complexity) optimizes the reduction of uncertainty to rewarding and pleasurable effect. Yet evidence of a similar pattern in music is mixed, hampered by arbitrary measures of complexity. In the present studies, we applied a well-validated information-theoretic model of auditory expectation to systematically measure two key aspects of musical complexity: predictability (operationalized as information content [IC]), and uncertainty (entropy). In Study 1, we evaluated how these properties affect musical preferences in 43 male and female participants; in Study 2, we replicated Study 1 in an independent sample of 27 people and assessed the contribution of veridical predictability by presenting the same stimuli seven times. Both studies revealed significant quadratic effects of IC and entropy on liking that outperformed linear effects, indicating reliable preferences for music of intermediate complexity. An interaction between IC and entropy further suggested preferences for more predictability during more uncertain contexts, which would facilitate uncertainty reduction. Repeating stimuli decreased liking ratings but did not disrupt the preference for intermediate complexity. Together, these findings support long-hypothesized optimal zones of predictability and uncertainty in musical pleasure with formal modeling, relating the pleasure of music listening to the intrinsic reward of learning.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAbstract pleasures, such as music, claim much of our time, energy, and money despite lacking any clear adaptive benefits like food or shelter. Yet as music manipulates patterns of melody, rhythm, and more, it proficiently exploits our expectations. Given the importance of anticipating and adapting to our ever-changing environments, making and evaluating uncertain predictions can have strong emotional effects. Accordingly, we present evidence that listeners consistently prefer music of intermediate predictive complexity, and that preferences shift toward expected musical outcomes in more uncertain contexts. These results are consistent with theories that emphasize the intrinsic reward of learning, both by updating inaccurate predictions and validating accurate ones, which is optimal in environments that present manageable predictive challenges (i.e., reducible uncertainty).
Bayesian estimation of the relative deviations between activities in the radionuclide standardization
Authors: Cacais Fabio Ludolf , Delgado José Ubiratan , Loayza Victor Manuel , Rangel Johnny Almeida
Published: October 2019

The dissemination of the activity is performed from radionuclide sources prepared in a sequence of dilutions and weighing methods. In this process, the activity of the source can be estimated statistically from the deposited mass and the activity concentration of the master solution. After preparation, the activity is obtained from absolute or relative measurement methods. However, the methods of activity determinations used may not fulfill the necessary independence of the conventional statistical approach due to the presence of possible correlations between activities that arise with the use of the same standardized sources or with the same method of quantity measurements. In this paper, Bayesian estimates for the relative deviation of activities and their uncertainty were obtained in order to evaluate the performance of the main sources’ preparation method. The estimate result (0.55 ± 0.27) % for a data set of radionuclide standardization performed between 2017 and 2018 at LNMRI, although close to zero, shows one should investigate possible effects affecting the preparation and measurement of the sources. This Bayesian estimate was validated by monte carlo simulation method.
Dosimetric evaluation of extremities in 18F-FDG PET/CT procedure using Monte Carlo Geant4 code
Authors: Pessanha Paula Rocha , De Queiroz Filho Pedro Pacheco , Santos Denison De Souza
Published: October 2019

For the dosimetric evaluation of extremities and crystalline of workers inserted in Positron Emission Tomography procedures using the 18F-FDG radiopharmaceutical, a geometric phantom of the forearm and hand with the geometric phantom ADAM was implemented in Monte Carlo Geant4 code. Equivalent Dose values were obtained in 45 different points - between dominant, non-dominant and crystalline hands - for radiopharmaceutical administration procedure, with the use of injection syringe shielding. The data obtained through the simulation were analyzed according to dose limits established by the CNEN standard NN-3.01 of 2014.