bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
«JOURNEY» TO KUZKINO: A HISTORY OF THE CHILDREN OF RUSSIAN EMIGRANTS FROM YUGOSLAVIA REMOVED TO THE USSR AFTER THE WORLD WAR II
Authors: Ablazhey N. N.
Published: September 2019

The article is devoted to the history of repatriation of the children of Russian emigrants from Yugoslavia, who were removed to the USSR from the German city of Annaberg by the decision of the government of December 19, 1945 and located in the orphanage № 25 in the village of Kuzkino, Kuibyshev region. Among the repatriated, there was a group of former students of the Kharkov Girl Institute and its director M.A. Neklyudova, a graduate of the Smolny Institute. The removal of children to the USSR caused a collective protest from a group of Russian emigrants who were in the camp for displaced persons of the American occupation zone in Austria, who claimed their parental rights.
Based on the materials from the Office of the Commissioner for Repatriation of the USSR Council of Ministers, the author reconstructs the circumstances of the childrens repatriation, their living conditions in the orphanage and arrangements for preparing their removal to Austria for transfer to the parents Russian emigrants that was done with the mediation of the American side.
HISTORICAL AND LEGAL ASPECTS OF INTRODUCTION OF VOLOST ZEMSTVO BY THE INTERIM GOVERNMENT
Authors: Matveev M. N. , Turganova O. V.
Published: September 2019

The reform of zemstvo self-government held in 1917 by the government was meant to construct the inner basis of the state organism, covering the local life Russia having tied it into the whole. Introduction of volost (area division in Tzarist Russia) zemstvo (country council) was one of the most important zemstvo reforms in 1917. This was driven by several factors justified by the authors of the article.
Firstly, introduction of volost zemstvo self-government was one of the most prepared and long-waited reforms for which country councils were fighting from the beginning of the XIX century. Secondly, the reform included into the system of local power multi-million peasant Russia through volost meetings and municipal councils. Thirdly, with the introduction of the lower level of zemstvo structure there appeared a well-developed and complete system of self-government covering the state life from volost till the All-Russia Zemstvo Union. Fourthly, elections to the Constituent Assemly depended on the elections to volost zemstvo as they were kind of a rehearsal and a new experience of All-Russia elections. In the long run, the creating of volost zemstvo was the basis of all other zemstvo reforms of the interim government. The fate of the democratic organs in the country depended on the success of the reforms.
Taking into account the fact that bythe time of February Revolutionthe preparation for volost zemstvo introduction in Russia has been developing for a decade, the law on volost zemstvo was the first in the reform package of the the interim government. The introduction of volost zemstvo was considered by society not as a revolution in the system of power, but as the logical conclusion of an effectively functioning structure of local self-government.
READINESS OF A UNIVERSITY TEACHER TO KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT
Authors: Kalmykova D. A. , Solovova N. V.
Published: September 2019

The article deals with the problem of readiness of a university teacher for knowledge management in conditions of formation of a cognitive university. The modern process of development of the information society is continuously associated with the changing role of knowledge, which is a separately created public good and a separate resource. The development of knowledge economy transforms the conditions for the functioning of a higher school, orienting it to the training of graduates who would have an individual set of necessary competences on a multi- and metadisciplinary basis. The urgency of the problem is determined by new educational conditions that give the teacher the functions of a mentor, coach, consultant and manager-organizer of the educational process, which is identical to the process of knowledge management.
In the course of changing the role of a teacher in an educational organization of higher education, his scientific activity acquires special significance. The authors presented the specificity of scientific activities of a university teacher in the context of the development of a fourth-generation university, revealed the concept of a university teacher's readiness to manage knowledge.
The main research methods are the analysis and synthesis of scientific information, research results in the areas of knowledge management in educational institutions of higher education and teachers professional activities; generalization and systematization of scientific facts and provisions.
Based on the principle of identification, to determine the structure of a university teacher's readiness for knowledge management, the types of scientific activity are correlated with the main stages of knowledge life cycle management and his official duties.
As a result of the research, the authors proposed a knowledge management readiness structure that integrates value-motivational, instrumental-digital, research, appraisal-analytical, interactive-communication and academic-entrepreneurial components.
RISKS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES INTO EDUCATION
Authors: Strekalova N. B.
Published: September 2019

The article deals with the historical background of transition from informatization of education to its digitalization: from the stage of fragmentary application of information technologies in the educational process, the consolidation of tasks solved with their help, the development of e-learning, equipping universities with e-IOS and the use of its resources in educational activities to the stage of introduction of new digital technologies in the educational process. Theoretical analysis revealed the essence of the term digitalization, established a list of significant digital technologies for the development of society (cloud, cognitive, big data technologies and the Internet of things), defined and systematized list of key digital competencies of modern specialists (skills of working with digital technologies, the ability to diverse and effective online communication, analytical skills, critical and flexible thinking, multitasking skills, integrated work in interprofessional teams). Empirical data of the pilot study confirmed the need for the formation of digital competencies, changes in the content of training, equipping teachers with relevant knowledge, skills, competencies. Along with positive aspects of digitalization of education, the article presents possible negative changes in this area (loss of basic cognitive competencies, reduction of the general level of training, reduction of the need for an intellectual specialist, departure from the fundamental, redistribution of the functions of administration of universities and teachers, high requirements for the psychological qualities of the teacher, reduction of personal contacts, the growth of conflicts, leakage of talented youth and teachers abroad, reduction of the contingent of higher education, loss of the status of domestic higher education, reducing the number of students). The task of ensuring the quality of digital education and ways the actual pedagogical research (the digital model of the teacher; technology of development of digital educational content, methods of evaluation of its quality with ergonomic, health, psychological and pedagogical requirements; methods of monitoring of progress and the formation of educational outcomes in terms of the transfer of learning process to the global network; means of ensuring the quality of training, prevention of possible risks of its reduction) are actualized.
POST-CRIMINAL IMPACT IN RELATION TO WITNESSES AS THE GROUND OF SECURITY MEASURES APPLICATION: METHODS, CONSEQUENCES AND WAYS OF OVERCOMING
Authors: Svechnikovа E. I.
Published: September 2019

The article deals with a phenomenon of post-criminal impact which acts as the ground of security measures application in relation to witnesses, according to Part 3 Article 11 of the Russian Criminal Procedure Code (CPC). The author analyses thoroughly the characteristics of post-criminal impact, examines the definition, features, types and forms of threats spoken to the persons assisted to the justice. This article reveals different problems of application of legal rule in Part 3 Article 11 of CPC, studies its content, uncovers its disadvantages and suggests necessary amendments in criminal procedure law. The author raises the question of possible introduction of criminal responsibility for stalking of witnesses because of their assistance to justice, gives a positive example of foreign experience of introduction a separate crime stalking in criminal legislation and supports this position with several arguments. With in the article the author substantiates her position using vast theoretical material, the data of questionnaire survey of practitioners, specialised on preliminary investigation and trial proceedings, as soon as cites the specific examples of post-criminal impact from judicial practice.
ON THE EVIDENTIARY VALUE OF THE DETENTION PROTOCOL
Authors: Tarasov А. А.
Published: September 2019

The novelty of the article is due to the non-standard perspective of the analysis of the problem of determining the procedural nature of the detention of a suspect and the possibility or impossibility of referring him to the number of investigative actions to collect evidence. The author proposes to abstract from the dispute on the possibility of considering detention as an investigative action and assess the evidentiary value of the Protocol of detention of the suspect as a result of this procedural action. In this context, the features of the use of this Protocol in the descriptive and motivational parts of the final procedural decisions of the preliminary investigation and court sentences are of interest. The purpose of this analysis is to obtain additional arguments in favor of the thesis that in most cases the detention of a suspect is obtained such information about the legally significant circumstances of the criminal case, which can not be obtained in the production of any other procedural actions. These data shall be recorded in the Protocol of detention. The task was to identify the real value of the detention Protocol to establish the circumstances to be proved in a criminal case, to analyze the requirements of the current law to the content of the detention Protocol in order to ensure its information saturation, to identify the reserves of normative regulation and practice of drawing up detention protocols to ensure the role in proving that it could play. The article uses the methods of system analysis and synthesis, comparative legal and historical methods. The study shows that detention of a suspect due to the forms of fixing its progress and results Protocol of detention is a unique method of fastening the materials of the criminal case information that cannot be obtained by any other procedural means. In conclusion, measures are proposed to improve the practice of detaining a suspect and drawing up his report.
SUBJECT COMPOSITION OF RELATIONS ARISING WHEN USING GENOME INFORMATION
Authors: Kryukova E. S.
Published: September 2019

The article deals with the problems of determining the subject composition of legal relations arising from genomic information. It is emphasized that the basic act in this area is the law on personal data, containing general provisions on the subject composition, its legal status and operations in which it is involved. The author concludes that in the absence of special regulation it will be necessary to operate with the general terminology and proceed from the status of participants in relations arising about genomic information enshrined in the law on personal data. The indirect use of genomic information is analyzed, in particular, within the framework of the information base functioning. The author raises the question of the need to give genomic information a special status within the framework of the law on personal data, which would allow to introduce a uniform terminology in relation to the subjects of relations arising from its use.
PROBLEMS OF LEGISLATIVE REGULATION AND PRACTICE OF SPECIAL MILITARY CRIMINAL PUNISHMENTS’ APPLICATION
Authors: Zakomoldin R. V.
Published: September 2019

The article discusses the problems of legislative regulation and the practice of using special military types of criminal punishment under the current military criminal legislation of the Russian Federation. Close attention is paid to such types of military criminal penalties as deprivation of military ranks, restrictions on military service, detention in a disciplinary military unit and arrest with detention in the guardhouse. Proposals for amendments and additions to the existing military criminal legislation as well as to the practice of its application have been formulated. The initiative to exclude from the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation of special military types of criminal punishment has been criticized.
FROM THE LEGITIMATE INTEREST OF THE TAXPAYER TO THE SUBJECTIVE RIGHT: GENESIS AND EVOLUTION
Authors: Yadrikhinskiy S. A.
Published: September 2019

The subject of the study is a little-studied in the theory of tax law issue related to the evolution of the taxpayer's permits. The study analyzes the process of transformation of legitimate interest into the subjective right of the taxpayer. On the basis of a retrospective analysis of tax legislation systematized knowledge of the dialectic of this transformation. The article considers the actual basis of the transition of the taxpayer's legitimate interest to the prompt return of value added tax (VAT) to the subjective right to apply the application procedure for VAT refund. The author substantiates the idea that the main objective reason for the transformation is the complexity of social and economic relations. It is concluded that the consequence of formalization of legitimate interest in subjective law is the acquisition of a more stable legal status and the transition to a qualitatively new, more secure level of permission. As a feature of the newly transformed law, its normative saturation is noted both in the content and in the details of its implementation.
CATEGORY «LEGAL PROCESS» AS A DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONCEPT «LEGAL RELATIONSHIP» IN THE CONTEXT OF RECURSIVE PARADIGM IN THE LEGAL REGULATION
Authors: Spirin M. Yu. , Kuznechenkov A. A.
Published: September 2019

In this article authors consider the possibility of developing the concept of legal relationship in the context of the recursive paradigm in the legal regulation, which was the result of an attempt to synthesize the general theory of law and the theory of formal systems. Synthesis of theories was carried out on the basis of the analysis of the sphere of legal regulation using the concept of recursion. The result of this study was the category of legal process which is a consequence of the development of relationship concept in the modern general theory of law. It is suggested that use of the category of legal process will allow more fully and accurately describe the modern procedure of legal regulation. A number of concepts have been defined, the application of which within the framework of the legal process will contribute to the solution of tasks aimed at a qualitative increase in the volume and in the degree of accuracy of the legal regulation. The authors present for discussion the questions, the solution of which will contribute to the creation of theoretical basis for immersion of modern law in the virtual space.
THE IMPLEMENTATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF PRODUCTIVE WAQF IN INDONESIA: CASE AT MALANG ISLAMIC HOSPITAL
Authors: Qurrata Vika Annisa , Narmaditya Bagus Shandy , Seprillina Linda , Hussain Nor Ermawati Binti
Published: September 2019

Purpose of the study: This study intended to analysis the implementation and development of productive waqf in Malang, Indonesia. In addition, it addressed to understand the operational management of productive waqf Islamic hospital in Malang.

Methodology: The research applied a qualitative method in order to comprehensively understand the existing phenomenon. The qualitative data analysis model used in this research followed the process of data reduction, display data, and verification by Miles & Huberman (1984). Purposively, the sample of the research was in an Islamic hospital in Malang considering various relevant reasons. The data were collected through focus group discussion between stakeholders including waqf recipient (Mauquf’Alaih), waqf management (Nazhir) and researches.

Main Findings: The findings showed that the implementation of productive waqf has shown favorable outcomes in attaining local community’s needs that lead to the economic welfare of communities. The management model of productive a waqf is divided into a certain considered portion for business development, Mauquf’Alaih, and Nazhir.

Applications of this study: In its development, productive waqf management should consider potential factors such as human resources and community awareness.

Novelty/Originality of this study: The research provides insight into the nature of the productive waqf model as an attempt to enhance economic welfare.
Original educational computer program "Trauma" and its application in education of paramedic students — preliminary results
Authors: Trzepizur Magdalena , Statowski Wojciech , Myrcik Dariusz , Makarska Joanna , Syrkiewicz-Świtała Magdalena
Published: September 2019

Education through simulation is becoming increasingly popular in medical academic environment. This is the best teaching method enabling the creation of real situations in risk-free conditions. Decision-making games can be successfully used in the educational process of future medical staff. The aim of the work was to create a didactic computer program "Trauma", analyze its impact on students' knowledge on the direction of medical rescue and evaluate the attractiveness of classes conducted with the use of this method. The results show that the use of the "Trauma" program in didactics has allowed for the improvement of the level of knowledge and skills of students taking part in the study in the field of trauma patients’ treatment. In the assessment of students, the classes during which the program was used were interesting. The vast majority of respondents would like to participate in such classes again.
SEDIMENTOLOGY AND CARBON ISOTOPE (δ13C) STRATIGRAPHY OF SILURIAN–DEVONIAN BOUNDARY INTERVAL STRATA, APPALACHIAN BASIN (PENNSYLVANIA, USA)
Authors: HESS ANYA V. , TROP JEFFREY M.
Published: September 2019

Silurian–Devonian boundary interval strata deposited during the expansion of land plants record a major perturbation of the carbon cycle, the global Klonk Event, one of the largest carbon isotope excursions during the Phanerozoic. In the Appalachian Basin, these marine strata record the regional buildup to the Acadian Orogeny. This study reports new sedimentologic, paleontologic, ichnologic, and carbon isotope data from an exceptional quarry exposure in central Pennsylvania, USA, a historically understudied area between better-documented outcrops >500 km away to the southwest (West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland) and northeast (New York). Facies spanning the continuous 113-m thick outcrop are dominantly carbonate and fine-grained siliciclastic strata interpreted as being deposited in supratidal through subtidal environments, including oxygen-limited environments below storm wave base. They record parts of three transgressive-regressive cycles, in the (1) upper Silurian Tonoloway Formation, (2) upper Silurian–Lower Devonian Keyser Formation through lower Mandata Member of the Old Port Formation, and (3) Lower Devonian Mandata through Ridgeley Members of the Old Port Formation. Micrite matrix δ13Ccarb analyses exhibit a large, positive δ13Ccarb excursion (>5‰ amplitude). Outcrops of this interval in the Appalachian Basin occur in two belts, between which correlation has been historically challenging. The regional correlation presented herein is based on carbon-isotope trends and is more consistent with published conodont biostratigraphy and volcanic ash ages, an improvement over published correlations based on lithostratigraphy. Transgressive-regressive trends at the central Pennsylvania study site are not consistent with regional trends, indicating that local controls (tectonics, sediment supply) rather than global (eustasy) dominated depositional patterns in the Silurian–Devonian boundary interval in the Appalachian Basin.
Effect of Pressure on Vapor/Oil Gravity Drainage in Fractured Reservoirs
Authors: Tang Brandon , Anand Neha , Nguyen Bradley , Sie Chao-yu , Verlaan Marco , Castellanos Orlando , Nguyen Quoc P.
Published: September 2019

This fundamental research is part of a larger study in determining the capability of a solvent process, referred to as vapor/oil gravity drainage (VOGD), for enhancing gravity drainage of viscous oil in fractured reservoirs by the injection of solvent. The solvent can be designed to traverse the reservoir mostly in its vapor phase at the reservoir temperature and pressure. Heated solvent vapor can also be used to facilitate the propagation of solvent vapor in low-temperature reservoirs, taking advantage of both thermal- and solvent-recovery processes. The experimental setup and corresponding acquired data were previously introduced by the authors in Anand et al. (2018), in which the effects of temperature, solvent-injection rate, and solvent type [n-butane and dichloromethane (DCM)] were investigated. Results from Anand et al. (2018) indicated encouraging high oil rates and ultimate recoveries; results also demonstrated that the oil rates and recovery were affected by diffusion and dispersion (in the form of intrinsic gas rate), asphaltene precipitation, and capillary pressure. The intent of our present work is to further study the mechanisms behind VOGD—in particular, those related to operating pressure and solvent-vapor/oil capillary pressure. The results from this work show that the ultimate recovery and oil rate are positively correlated to the operating pressure; experiments conducted at 50 and 75% saturation pressure (Psat) yielded lower ultimate oil recoveries, ranging from 33 to 68% of original oil in place (OOIP), compared with the experiments conducted at 90% Psat (recovery of 70% OOIP). Moreover, n-butane performed better than DCM, and lower asphaltene precipitation was seen at lower Psat. The main drivers for these observations were found to be lower solvent solubility and larger capillary pressure values at lower values of Psat.
Stability Improvement of Carbon Dioxide Foam Using Nanoparticles and Viscoelastic Surfactants for Enhanced-Oil-Recovery Applications
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed Farid , Nasr-El-Din Hisham A.
Published: September 2019

Foam enhanced oil recovery (EOR) was introduced to improve the sweep efficiency but avoid the formation damage caused by polymers. Foam stability diminishes in environments with harsh salinity and high temperature, and when in contact with crude oil. The present study examines using mixtures of nanoparticles and viscoelastic surfactant (VES) to improve foam mobility for EOR applications.

This paper examines the stability of carbon dioxide (CO2) foam when using alpha olefin sulfonate (AOS) as a foaming agent and the change in the mobility-reduction factor (MRF) for different foam systems that contain nanoparticles and VES. To achieve this objective, foam stability for different systems was measured at 77 and 150°F using a high-pressure view chamber. Interfacial-tension (IFT) measurements (in mN/m) combined with microscopic analysis were conducted to determine the effect of crude oil on different foam systems. Single- and dual-coreflood experiments were conducted using Berea Sandstone and Boise Sandstone cores at 150°F. CO2 foam was injected with 80% quality in tertiary-recovery mode. The oil recovery and the pressure drop across the core were measured for different foam systems.

Adding silica (SiO2) nanoparticles (0.1 wt%) of 140-nm size and viscoelastic cocamidopropyl betaine surfactant (0.4 wt%) to the AOS (0.5 wt%) solution improved both foam stability and MRF. In contact with crude oil, unstable oil-in-water emulsion formed inside the foam lamella, which decreased foam stability. A weak foam was formed for AOS solution, but foam stability increased by adding nanoparticles and VES. In the case of AOS solutions, the IFT measurements revealed positive values for the spreading and the bridging coefficients. Hence, the crude oil spread over the gas/water interface, and lamella films were unstable because of the bridging of oil droplets. Oil recovery from the conventional waterflooding was 48% of the original oil in place (OOIP). From the coreflood experiments, AOS foam was not able to enhance oil recovery. The tertiary-oil-recovery factor increased by 9 and 14% of the residual oil after the waterflooding stage by adding nanoparticles and VES to the foam system, respectively. The dual-coreflood experiments showed poor sweep efficiency during waterflooding. The addition of nanoparticles and VES to AOS foam increased oil recovery from the low-permeability cores by 26% of OOIP.
Predicting the need for supportive services after discharged from hospital: a systematic review
Authors: Kobewka Daniel , Mulpuru Sunita , Chassé Michaël , Thavorn Kednapa , Lavallée Luke , English Shane , Neilipovitz Benjamin , Neilipovitz Jonathan , Forster Alan , McIsaac Daniel
Published: September 2019

Background
To identify models and variables that predict the need for supportive services after discharge from acute care hospital.
Methods
We performed a systematic review searching the MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and COCHRANE databases from inception to May 1 st 2017.
We selected studies that derived and validated a prediction model for the need for supportive services after hospital discharge for patients admitted non-electively to a medical ward. We extracted cohort characteristics, model characteristics and variables screened and included in final predictive models. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in prognostic studies tool.
Results
Our search identified 3362 unique references. Full text review identified 6 models. All studies had moderate or high risk of bias. Models had good discrimination in derivation (c-statistics >0.75) and validation (c-statistics >0.70) cohorts. There was high quality evidence that age, impaired physical function, disabilities in performing activities of daily living, and frailty predict the need for supportive services after discharge. Stroke was the only unique diagnosis with at least moderate evidence of an independent effect on the outcome. No models were externally validated, and all were at moderate of higher risk of bias.
Conclusions
The ability to perform self-care and the presence of informal care-givers in the home environment are the most direct determinants of the need for support services after hospital discharge.
Trial Registration : This review was registered with PROSPERO #CRD42016037144
Acupoint transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in hospitalized copd patients with severe dyspnoea: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Fernández Carles , Vilaró Jordi
Published: September 2019

Background Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is a major cause of hospital admissions and dyspnoea is its main symptom. Some studies have concluded that a new modality of acupuncture called Acupuncture transcutaneous nerve stimulation (acuTENS) could reduce dyspnoea in COPD patients by increasing beta-endorphin levels, however those trials have mainly been conducted on patients with stable condition. This study aims to determinate if the administration of acuTENS can reduce dyspnoea in patients hospitalized for AECOPD. Methods A multicentric randomized control trial with patient- and assessor-blinded will be conducted. A sample of 60 patients will be randomised to receive 45 minutes of either real acuTENS or sham acuTENS treatment once a day during 5 consecutive days. The trial will be conducted at the “Hospital del Mar” of Barcelona (Spain) and the “Hospital Sant Joan de Déu de Manresa” in Manresa (Spain). The Borg scale at baseline, and day 1 to 5 will be the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes will be the duration of the hospitalization, quantity of drugs administrated, expiratory peck flow adverse effects and mortality and readmissions at 3 months. Discussion AcuTENS is non-pharmacological, non-invasive and cheap intervention. This trial will help to understand acuTENS potential role in the treatment of AECOPD.
A five year retrospective analysis of common intestinal parasites at Poly Health Center, Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Ayelgn Meseret , Worku Ligabaw , Ferede Getachew , Wondimeneh Yitayih
Published: September 2019

Objective: Intestinal parasites are present throughout the world in varying degrees of prevalence due to many factors. The aim of this study was to determine the five year trend prevalence of intestinal prevalence among patients who had been suspected for intestinal parasite infections. A retrospective study was conducted from 2009 to 2013 at Poly Health Center Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia. Samples were examined using direct saline wet mount methods. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20 software and P-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The results were presented in tables and graphs.
Results : during the study period, a total of 13,329 stool samples were requested for intestinal parasite diagnose and 5510 (41.3%) laboratory confirmed cases were reported with a fluctuating trend. Ten different parasites were reported in each year with Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (16.8%) being the predominant parasite followed by Giardia lamblia (11.4%) and Ascaris lumbricoides ( 6.7%). Both males (49%) and females (51%) were equally affected (P=0.14). Intestinal parasite was reported in all age groups in the area but the highest and the lowest prevalence were reported in age groups of 20-29 years and 40-49 years, respectively (26.5% vs 6.4%) (P < 0.001).
Plasma volume expansion across healthy pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies
Authors: Aguree Sixtus , Gernand Alison D.
Published: September 2019

Background: Plasma volume expansion is an important physiologic change across gestation. High or low expansion has been related to adverse pregnancy outcomes, yet there is a limited understanding of normal/healthy plasma volume expansion. We aimed to evaluate the pattern of plasma volume expansion across healthy pregnancies from longitudinal studies. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify original studies that measured plasma volume in singleton pregnancies of healthy women. Specifically, we included studies that measured plasma volume at least two times across gestation and one time before or after pregnancy in the same women. PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, CINAHL, and clinicaltrials.gov databases were searched from the beginning of each database to February 2019. We combined data across studies using a random effects model. Results: Ten observational studies with a total of 347 pregnancies were eligible. Plasma volume increased by 6% (95% CI 3-9) in the first trimester compared to the non-pregnant state. In the second trimester, plasma volume was increased by 18% (95% CI 12-24) in gestational weeks 14-20 and 29% (95% CI 21-36) in weeks 21-27 above the nonpregnant state. In the third trimester, plasma volume was increased by 42% (95% CI 38-46) in weeks 28-34 and 48% (95% CI 44-51) in weeks 35-38. The highest rate of increase occurred in the first half of the second trimester. Included studies were rated from moderate to high quality; 7 out of 10 studies were conducted over 30 years ago. Conclusions: In healthy pregnancies, plasma volume begins to expand in the first trimester, has the steepest rate of increase in the second trimester, and peaks late in the third trimester. The patterns observed from these studies may not reflect the current population, partly due to the changes in BMI over the last several decades. Additional longitudinal studies are needed to better characterize the range of normal plasma volume expansion across maternal characteristics.
Multilevel modelling of factors associated with Caesarean Section in Ethiopia: Community Based Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Azene Abebaw Gedef , Aragaw Abiba Mihret , Gedefaw Mihretie
Published: September 2019

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify socio-demographic and health related factors associated with caesarean section in Ethiopia.
Results: A total of 256 mothers undergoing to CS among 7193 delivery. Average maternal age of a participant was 29.26 years and 80% of mothers having two and more children. A woman delivered in private institution was 30% (AOR=1.29; 95% CI: 1.25, 1.32) more likely undergoing CS as compared to home delivery. Factors associated with CS were higher education level (AOR= 1.09, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.12), preceding birth interval (AOR= 1.01; 95% CI: 1.00. 1.03), multiple pregnancy (AOR=1.11; 95% CI 1.08, 1.15), multiple parity (AOR=0.98; 95% CI:0.97, 0.99), large size the child (AOR=1.01; 95% CI: 1.001, 1.02), richest households (AOR = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.97, 0.99), rural residence (AOR = 0.98 95% CI:0.96, 0.99) and Addis Ababa (AOR=1.06; 95% CI: 1.04,1.09). As a conclusion and recommendation, the prevalence of CS higher in private institutions and Addis Ababa, so professionals should apply CS alone medical indication.
Sentinel surveillance of child maltreatment cases presenting to Canadian emergency departments
Authors: Campeau Aimée , Tonmyr Lil , Gulbransen Erik , Hébert Martine , McFaull Steven , Skinner Robin
Published: September 2019

Background: The Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting Prevention Program (CHIRPP) is a sentinel surveillance program that collects and analyzes data on injuries and poisonings of people presenting to emergency departments (EDs) at 11 pediatric and eight general hospitals (currently) across Canada. To date, CHIRPP is an understudied source of child maltreatment (CM) surveillance data. This study: (1) describes CM cases identified in the CHIRPP database between1997/98 to 2010/11; (2) assesses the level of CM case capture over the 14-year period and; (3) uses content analysis to identify additional information captured in text fields. Methods: We reviewed cases of children under 16 whose injuries were reported as resulting from CM from 1997/98 to 2010/11. A time trend analysis of cases to assess capture was conducted and content analysis was applied to develop a codebook to assess information from text fields in CHIRPP. The frequency of types of CM and other variables identified from text fields were calculated. Finally, the frequency of types of CM were presented by age and gender. Results: A total of 2 200 CM cases were identified. There was a significant decrease in the capture of CM cases between 1999 and 2005. Physical abuse was the most prevalent type (57%), followed by sexual assault (31%), unspecified maltreatment (7%), injury as the result of exposure to family violence (3%) and neglect (2%). Text fields provided additional information including perpetrator characteristics, the use of drugs and/or alcohol during the injury event, information regarding the involvement of non-health care professionals, whether maltreatment occurred during a visitation period with a parent and, whether the child was removed from their home. Conclusions: The findings from this initial study indicate that CHIRPP could be a complimentary source of CM data. As an injury surveillance system, physical abuse and sexual assault were better captured than other types of CM. Text field data provided unique information on a number of additional details surrounding the injury event, including risk factors.
Elevated levels of serum urokinase plasminogen activator predict poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma after resection
Authors: Tsai Ming-Chao , Yen Yi-Hao , Chang Kuo-Chin , Hung Chao-Hung , Chen Chien-Hung , Lin Ming-Tsung , Hu Tsung-Hui
Published: September 2019

Background Urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) is an extracellular matrix-degrading protease that is involved in the invasiveness and progression of cancer. There is good evidence that uPA expression is a clinically relevant biomarker in some solid tumors, but its role in hepatocellulcar carcinoma (HCC) is uncertain. We evaluated the prognostic value of serum uPA before surgery in HCC patients receiving curative resection.Methods Serum uPA levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 282 HCC patients who received complete liver resections at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Overall survival (OS) curves were constructed using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. A Cox proportional -hazards regression model was used to identify independent prognostic factors. The median follow-up time was 52 months.Results Patients with higher pretreatment serum uPA (≥1 ng/ml) had significantly shorter OS (p = 0.002). Patients with liver cirrhosis, hypoalbuminemia, and thrombocytopenia were significantly more likely to present with elevated uPA levels. Multivariate Cox regression analyses indicated that high pretreatment serum uPA [hazard ratio (HR), 1.848, p = 0.006], vascular invasion (HR, 2.940, p <0.001), and pathology stage III/IV (HR, 3.517, p<0.001) were independent prognostic factors for OS. In further stratified analyses, the combination of serum uPA and AFP had more capacity to predict OS.Conclusions We conclude that uPA is a clinically relevant biomarker in HCC patients receiving curative resection, with higher expression of uPA being associated with higher mortality. This also highlights the potential utility of uPA as a therapeutic target for improved treatment strategies.
PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression in the tumor microenvironment including peritumoral tissue in primary central nervous system lymphoma
Authors: Furuse Motomasa , Kuwabara Hiroko , Ikeda Naokado , Hattori Yasuhiko , Ichikawa Tomotsugu , Kagawa Naoki , Kikuta Kenichiro , Tamai Sho , Nakada Mitsutoshi , Wakabayashi Toshihiko , Wanibuchi Masahiko , Kuroiwa Toshihiko , Hirose Yoshinobu , Miyatake Shin-Ichi
Published: September 2019

Background: The prevalence of PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression on tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating immune cells in primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) remains unclear. In the present study, we analyzed needle biopsy and craniotomy specimens of patients with PCNSL to compare the PD-L1 and PD-L2 levels in the tumor and surrounding (peritumoral) tissue. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the cases of 70 patients histologically diagnosed with PCNSL (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma). Immunohistochemistry for CD20, CD68, PD-L1, and PD-L2 was performed. The PD-L1 and PD-L2 expressions were semi-quantitatively assessed in tumor and peritumoral tissue. Results: The tumor cells expressed little or no PD-L1 and PD-L2, but macrophages expressed PD-L1 and PD-L2 in most of the patients. The PD-L1 expression score was significantly higher in peritumoral macrophages (1.81; 95%CI: 1.52–2.10) than intratumoral macrophages (1.45; 95%CI: 1.26–1.65) (p=0.0456). The mean PD-L2 expression score was significantly higher in peritumoral macrophages (2.07; 95%CI: 1.81–2.33) than intratumoral macrophages (1.52; 95%CI: 1.35–1.70) (p=0.0002). The macrophage expressions of PD-L1 and PD-L2 were significantly correlated in both tumor tissue (p=0.0179) and peritumoral tissue (p=0.020). Neither PD-L1 nor PD-L2 expression was correlated between intratumoral and peritumoral macrophages (PD-L1, p=0.9198; PD-L2, p=0.0659). PD-L1 expression on peritumoral macrophages tended to be associated with a poor Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center score (p=0.0553). Conclusions: Macrophages in intratumoral and especially peritumoral tissue expressed high levels of PD-L1 and PD-L2 and may play an important role in the immune escape mechanism in PCNSL.
Metabolic consequences of perioperative oral carbohydrates in breast cancer patients: An explorative study
Authors: Lende Tone Hoel , Austdal Marie , Bathen Tone Frost , Varhaugvik Anne Elin , Skaland Ivar , Gudlaugsson Einar , Egeland Nina , Lunde Siri , Akslen Lars , Jonsdottir Kristin , Janssen Emiel , Søiland Håvard , Baak Jan
Published: September 2019

Background: The metabolic consequences of preoperative carbohydrate load in breast cancer patients are not known. The present study investigated the systemic and tumor metabolic changes after preoperative per-oral carbohydrate load and their influence on tumor characteristics and survival. Design: Explorative study. Setting: University hospital with primary and secondary care functions in south-west Norway.Interventions and Outcome Measures: Serum and tumor tissue were sampled from a population-based cohort of 60 patients with operable breast cancer who were randomized to either per-oral carbohydrate load (preOp™; n=25) or standard pre-operative fasting (n=35) before surgery. Magnetic resonance (MR) metabolomics was performed on serum samples from all patients and high-resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) MR analysis on 13 tumor samples available from the fasting group and 16 tumor samples from the carbohydrate group. Results: Fourteen of 28 metabolites were differently expressed between fasting and carbohydrate groups. Partial least squares discriminant analysis showed a significant difference in the metabolic profile between the fasting and carbohydrate groups, compatible with the endocrine effects of insulin (i.e., increased serum-lactate and pyruvate and decreased ketone bodies and amino acids in the carbohydrate group). Among ER-positive tumors (n=18), glutathione was significantly elevated in the carbohydrate group compared to the fasting group (p=0.002), with a positive correlation between preoperative S-insulin levels and the glutathione content in tumors (r=0.680; p=0.002). In all tumors (n=29), glutamate was increased in tumors with high proliferation (t-test; p=0.009), independent of intervention group. Patients with ER-positive / T2 tumors and high tumor glutathione (≥1.09), high S-lactate (≥56.9), and high S-pyruvate (≥12.5) had inferior clinical outcomes regarding relapse-free survival, breast cancer-specific survival, and overall survival. Moreover, Integrated Pathway Analysis (IPA) in serum revealed activation of five major anabolic metabolic networks contributing to proliferation and growth. Conclusions: Preoperative carbohydrate load increases systemic levels of lactate and pyruvate and tumor levels of glutathione and glutamate in ER-positive patients. These biological changes may contribute to the inferior clinical outcomes observed in luminal T2 breast cancer patients. Registration of trial: CliniTrials.gov; NCT03886389. Retrospectively registered March 22, 2019. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03886389?cond=Breast+cancer+diet&rank=1
Exploring and analysing single cell multi-omics data with VDJView
Authors: Samir Jerome , Rizzetto Simone , Gupta Money , Luciani Fabio
Published: September 2019

Background Single cell RNA sequencing provides unprecedented opportunity to simultaneously explore the transcriptomic and immune receptor diversity of T and B cells. However, there are limited tools available that simultaneously analyse large multi-omics datasets integrated with metadata such as patient and clinical information.Results We developed VDJView, which permits the simultaneous or independent analysis and visualisation of gene expression, immune receptors, and clinical metadata of both T and B cells. This tool is implemented as an easy-to-use R shiny web-application, which integrates numerous gene expression and TCR analysis tools, and accepts data from plate-based sorted or high-throughput single cell platforms. We utilised VDJView to analyse several 10X scRNA-seq datasets, including a recent dataset of 150,000 CD8+ T cells with available gene expression, TCR sequences, quantification of 15 surface proteins, and 44 antigen specificities (across viruses, cancer, and self-antigens). We performed quality control, filtering of tetramer non-specific cells, clustering, random sampling and hypothesis testing to discover antigen specific gene signatures which were associated with immune cell differentiation states and clonal expansion across the pathogen specific T cells. We also analysed 563 single cells (plate-based sorted) obtained from 11 subjects, revealing clonally expanded T and B cells across primary cancer tissues and metastatic lymph-node. These immune cells clustered with distinct gene signatures according to the breast cancer molecular subtype. VDJView has been tested in lab meetings and peer-to-peer discussions, showing effective data generation and discussion without the need to consult bioinformaticians.Conclusions VDJView enables researchers without profound bioinformatics skills to analyse immune scRNA-seq data, integrating and visualising this with clonality and metadata profiles, thus accelerating the process of hypothesis testing, data interpretation and discovery of cellular heterogeneity. VDJView is freely available at https://bitbucket.org/kirbyvisp/vdjview .
Application of Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification combined with colorimetric and lateral flow dipstick visualization as the potential point-of-care testing for diphtheria
Authors: Zasada Aleksandra Anna , Wiatrzyk Aldona , Czajka Urszula , Brodzik Klaudia , Formińska Kamila , Mosiej Ewa , Prygiel Marta , Krysztopa-Grzybowska Katarzyna , Wdowiak Karol
Published: September 2019

Background Diphtheria outbreaks occurred in endemic areas and imported and indigenous cases are reported in UE/EEA. Because of the high infectiveness and severity of the disease, early and accurate diagnosis of each suspected case is essential for the treatment and management of the case and close contacts. The aim of the study was to establish simple and rapid testing methods based on Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) assay for the detection of Corynebacterium diphtheriae and differentiation between toxigenic and non-toxigenic strains.Methods Corynebacterium diphtheriae and Corynebacterium ulcerans isolates from the National Institute of Public Health-National Institute of Hygiene collection were used for the development of LAMP assay for the diagnosis of diphtheria and nontoxigenic C. diphtheriae infections. Various colorimetric methods for visualization of results were investigated. Sensitivity and specificity of the assay were examined using a collection of DNA samples from various gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.Results The LAMP assay for tox and dtxR genes was developed. The sensitivity and specificity of the assay were calculated as 100%. The detection limit was estimated as 1.42 pg/µl concentration of DNA template when the reaction was conducted for 60 min. However, the detection limit was lowered 10 times for every 10 minutes of reduction in the time of incubation during the reaction. Positive results were successfully detected colorimetrically using hydroxynaphthol blue, calcein, QuantiFluor, and lateral flow Milenia HybriDetect dipsticks.Conclusion The assay developed in the study might be applied for point-of-care testing of diphtheria and other C. diphtheriae infections. It is highly sensitive, specific, inexpensive, easy to use, and suitable for low-resource settings.