bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengaruh Sosialisasi Pajak, Pengetahuan Pajak dan Sikap Love of Money Terhadap Kepatuhan Wajib Pajak Orang Pribadi
Authors: Prena Gine Das , Putuhena Puhantania
Published: April 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui adanya pengaruh dari Sosialisasi Perpajakan, Pengetahuan Perpajakan dan Sikap Love of Money terhadap Kepatuhan Wajib Pajak Orang Pribadi pada Kantor Pelayanan Pajak Pratama Mataram Barat. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian yang mengenakan pendekatan kuantitatif dengan kuesioner sebagai alat mengumpulkan data primer dari responden. Populasi di penelitian ini  ialah wajib pajak orang pribadi yang efektif dan terdaftar yang berjumlah 131.312 sedangkan sampel yang digunakan di dalam penelitian ini berjumlah 100 responden wajib pajak orang pribadi yang terdaftar pada Kantor Pelayanan Pajak Pratama Mataram Barat dengan Teknik Accidental Sampling dimana sampel dipilih secara kebetulan dengan memperhatikan kriteria yang telah ditentukan  bagi responden wajib pajak orang pribadi. Teknik analisis data yang terdapat pada penelitian ini ialah teknik regresi linier berganda dengan menggunakan bantuan aplikasi IBM SPSS 24.0 for Windows. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan hasil yang positif signifikan pada variable bebas Sosialisasi Perpajakan dan Sikap Love of  Money. Dan hasil yang negative tidak signifikan terhadap Kepatuhan Wajib Pajak Orang Pribadi pada KPP  Pratama Mataram Barat.
Some Fish Species of Fishery Importance in Nakhchivan Part of Aras Reservoir
Authors: Karimova Sh.
Published: April 2022

The study is dedicated to the identification of fish species that have fishery importance and distributed over the Nakhichevan part of Aras water reservoir. The study was conducted between 2018 and 2021. Samples were collected by means of nets, strainers and fishing rods. Materials (samples) captured by Nakhchivan Fish Farm were also used during the study. 14 fish species with fishery importance were identified in the study area: Acipenser stellatus stellatus n. cyrensis, Rutilus rutilus subsp. caspicus, Ctenopharyngodon idella, Aspius aspius subsp. taeniatus, Luciobarbus capito, Barbus lacerta subsp. cyri, Blicca bjoerkna subsp. transcaucasica, Abramis brama subsp. orientalis, Cyprinus carpio, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Carassius auratus subsp. gibelio, Capoeta sevangi, Silurus glanis and Sander lucioperca. The article provides detailed information on 6 species with fishery importance (Aspius aspius subsp. taeniatus, Blicca bjoerkna subsp. transcaucasica, Abramis brama subsp. orientalis, Carassius auratus subsp. gibelio, Cyprinus carpio, Silurus glanis) that bear essential significance for Nakhchivan territory.
Complex Agroecological Characteristics of the Soils of Shirvan Plain
Authors: Nurieva K.
Published: April 2022

The soils of Shirvan plain occupying a large territory mainly agricultural zone of Azerbaijan — Kur-Aras lowland and having favorable soil-ecological conditions are intensively used under different agricultural plants (cotton-plant, cereals, grape and etc.). For the definition of the present condition of soil fertility, the complex agroecological characteristics of the main soils of Shirvan plain, including the study of agrophysical and agrochemical peculiarities of soils on the basis of field, fund and laboratory investigations is carried out.
Effect of Irrigation and Agrotechnical Measures on Plant Yield
Authors: Shakhmaliyeva S. , Sadygov S.
Published: April 2022

The article provides a review of the impact of irrigation norms and agrotechnical care on the cereals yield (wheat and barley) based on long-term data on the areas included in the Mugan-Salyan irrigation massif.
Environmental Assessment of Soils Under Grain in Ganja-Gazakh Region
Authors: Adygozelov P.
Published: April 2022

The main purpose of the study is to determine the norms of environmentally friendly mineral fertilizers that provide high and high-quality yields of winter rye on irrigated gray-cinnamon (chestnut) soils, and the ecology of which consists of a logical assessment. For the first time, on a sample of lands of the Samukh region, the main quality scale was compiled based on the internal properties of soils used for rye (humus, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, KLA) and their quality indicators were established: dark gray-brown (chestnut) soils — 100 points; ordinary gray-brown (chestnut) — 95 points; light gray-brown (chestnut soils) — 90 points.
The Role of Sugar Beet Pests and Entomophages in Sugar Beet Agrocenoses in Azerbaijan
Authors: Gazi S.
Published: April 2022

The studies have been taken in condition of laboratory and in suburbs in 2014–2018. The laboratory experiences have been carried out in the automatic-controlled specific thermostats and in room condition at the Applied Zoology Center of the Institute of Zoology of Azerbaijan NAS. The suburb practices were held in the specific stationary fields, in the agriculture of Imishli and Aghdash in which the sugar beets were planted. As a result of a comprehensive study carried out on stationary fields and adjacent territories, it was determined that 22 species, 18 genera, 4 families from the order Coleoptera, 5 species, 5 genera, 3 families from the order Hemiptera, 8 species, 7 genera, 3 families from the order Orthoptera, 1 species, 1 genus, 1 family from the order Diptera, 12 species, 8 genera, 4 families from the order Lepidoptera live in the beetroot agrocenosis at different times of the year and are subject to subsistence farming. Of the species found in agrocenoses, 33 are periodically observed and do not cause economic damage to farms, 11 are permanent and can cause serious damage during massive growth. Six species (Bothynoderes punctiventris, Chaetocnema concinna, Ch. breviuscula, Aphis fabae, Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa, Agrotis segetum) were permanent residents of the agrocenosis. Each year, they seriously reduce productivity. It is known that there are a part of pests having a place to diverse groups which harm plants and decrease performance in sugar beet agrocenosis. Entomophages regulate the number of pests and prevent their massive growth in sugar beet agrocenosis. Entomophages such as predator ground beetles, rove beetles, spiders and predator ticks, which are spread in sugar beet agrocenosis, are polyphages, therefore during the vegetation of plant they are nourished by pests and have important economic importance for the agrocenosis. As a result, almost all activities of the polyphage entomophages in the agrocenosis are practically valuable. Thus, they are closely involved in regulating the number of insect pests in the sugar beet fields and minimizing their harmful activities.
Foliar Fertilization Effect on Winter Wheat Grain Quality in Typical Gray Soils With Irrigated Conditions
Authors: Kamilov B. , Jabborov Sh. , Beknazarov D.
Published: April 2022

Abstract. The problem of improving the quality of winter wheat grain is urgent and at the same time relatively unresolved. In recent years, the yield of winter wheat on irrigated lands in many farms of the country is 50 cwt/ha and more. Depending on the type and variety of wheat, the protein content of the grains is 11–20% and is used for various purposes. If the protein content of wheat grains is up to 11–13%, it is used in the preparation of animal feed, up to 14–15% — bread and 17–18% — pasta. Most of the grains of winter soft wheat grown on irrigated lands of the country with a yield of 70–80 cwt/ha and above are used in the manufacture of bread and bakery products. At the same time, the quality of grain remains low, the protein content of the grain is up to 10–12%, the amount of crude gluten in it is in the range of 19–25%. The amount of this protein in the grain of winter wheat is much lower than the established norm, and the effectiveness of mineral fertilizers with foliar fertilization increases sharply, increasing the resistance of plants to sucking pests. The technological properties of the grain are dramatically improved, i. e. the protein content increases by 1.5–2.1%, gluten by 3.1–4.9%. Vitreous, its strength and bread volume increase. Nitrogen requirements of winter wheat are high throughout the growing season. In a wheat plant, 75–80% of nitrogen accumulates in the leaves and stems of the plant until the germination period. It is from this accumulated nitrogen that the bulk of the protein in the grain is formed. When the yield is high (65–70 cwt/ha), the amount of nitrogen accumulated in the leaves and stems of the plant does not ensure a sufficient amount of protein in the grain. In particular, nitrogen deficiency is observed in the formation of yield elements in winter wheat, i. e. during the period of development, flowering, flowering and milk ripening. For example, germination causes a number of difficulties in feeding through the soil due to overgrowth of the plant during flowering, low rainfall, or lack of water. On this reason, when winter wheat is harvested, there is a lack of nitrogen in the soil, which is easily absorbed by the plant. This in turn has a negative impact on wheat grain yield and quality.
Cryptosporidium Infection Seasonal Dynamic on Sheep in Azerbaijan
Authors: Badirova A.
Published: April 2022

In the article is reported seasonal infection dynamics, degree of extensiveness of infection and intensity with from primary intestinal parasites in sheep in Lankaran-Astara economic region. The results confirm the spread of cryptosporidiosis among lambs. Studies have shown that cryptosporidiosis in young animals is more severe than in older animals, older animals are chronic. A result of parasitological examinations identified on seasons of sheep of different ages dynamics of Cryptosporidium infection in sheep farms in the territory of Lankaran-Astara economic region. As the object of research were examined lambs aged 1–30 days, 2–4 months, 5–7 months and 8–12 months for seasons. Thus, the total intensity of the invasion is 32.3% in spring, 9.1% in summer, 28.3% in autumn and 17.2% in winter in Masalli region, 29.0% in spring, 7.5% in summer, 23.6% in autumn and 15.0% in winter in Lankaran region, 25.2% in spring, 5.0% in summer, 20.2% in autumn and 13.1% in winter in Astara region, 23.4% in spring, 3.2% in summer, 19.1% in autumn and 10.6% in winter in Lerik region. The studied animals intensity of invasion determined by the number of oocysts in the 20 field of view of the microscope and there were in spring 1–5 oocysts, in summer 1–2 oocysts, in autumn 1–4 oocysts, in winter 1–3 oocysts.
Study of the Pectin-based Beverage Preparation Technology from Fruits and Vegetables Grown in Azerbaijan
Authors: Aliyev Sh. , Khalilov M. , Saidov R.
Published: April 2022

An optimal variant of food used to provide the human organism with biologically active substances that is considered acceptable to every consumer is fruit and vegetable-based juice, which biological value is determined by the maximum retention of nutrients in the product during processing. As the research was related to the preparation of a pectin-rich beverage, the Palavkadu 268 variety of pumpkin, which is a melon fruit, and orange juice were used as the main components of the product. To this end, first of all, the obtained pumpkin puree was treated with enzymes, and then orange juice was added to the mass. Besides, the recipe of the product included sugar, milk powder, sourdough, and 2% liquid pectin. The finished product was made on the basis of this mixture. The effect of the types and concentrations of pectic substances on the probiotic properties of the prepared fruit and vegetable drinks was also studied. The amount of pectin in fruit juice should be taken into account when producing it because a high concentration of pectin increases the viscosity of the juice, and it becomes turbid. By regulating the amount of pectin, it is possible to increase the juice yield. The enzymes of microbial origin are the most widely used substances in the production of juice because they contribute to the expansion of the range of products and the achievement of high juice yield. As a result of our research, it can be concluded that a product with a better bifidogenic effect can be obtained when using 2% liquid pectin in the preparation of beverages.
Damage of Heart Pathogenetic Features in Young and Middle age People with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Satyvaldiev M. , Abylov K. , Abdullaeva Zh.
Published: April 2022

Research relevance: identification of pathogenetic features of heart damage in metabolic syndrome is an urgent task in connection with the prevention of risk and development of cardiovascular diseases and prevention of mortality. Research objectives: to study conditions of heart damage occurrence in metabolic syndrome and compose necessary recommendations to improve patients’ health. Research materials and methods: analysis and literature review of heart damage occurrence in metabolic syndrome in young and middle-aged people was carried out. Research results: recommendations were made to prevention of patients’ cardiovascular heart disease in metabolic syndrome. Conclusions: it was revealed that among patients, males were predominated in Osh, Nookat, Ozgon, Jalalabad and Kyzylkya regions.
Influence of Press Chamber Hypoxia on the Research Activity of Animals
Authors: Aldashukurov Y. , Tukhvatshin R.
Published: April 2022

The paper studies the features of orienting-exploratory activity in the conditions of adaptation of the body to pressure chamber hypoxia. White laboratory rats were used in the studies. Simulation of acute hypoxia was carried out in a pressure chamber. In the course of the work, it was found that acute hypoxia leads to inhibition of emotional and motor activity in animals on the 3rd day, depleting energy resources in the nerve cells of the brain of rats. It is known that in the brain, in comparison with the liver and heart, the highest rate of glycolytic reactions is observed, and therefore, within a short time interval, the concentration of lactate in the brain tissue increases significantly. In addition to the accumulation of lactic acid, there is an intensive formation of a number of under oxidized products — reduced pyridine nucleotides, an increase in the content of other organic acids of the Krebs cycle, for example, pyruvic acid. The general acidification of the intracellular environment of neurons is accompanied by a sharp decrease in the activity of cellular enzymes and a violation of their connections with the membrane. Starting from the fourth day, the excitability of neurons responsible for grooming is inhibited, the resistance of the animal organism to acute hypobaric hypoxia increases. The action of low barometric pressure (altitude 6000 meters above sea level) on the fifth and sixth day leads to hypoxic dysfunction of the higher parts of the central nervous system. Thus, the study of the features of the course of bioelectrical processes in the CNS against the background of emerging acute exogenous hypoxic conditions of various origins is of particular importance due to the need to obtain timely and objective information about the severity of functional disorders of brain structures sensitive to hypoxia, as well as to determine the level of their damage.
Simulation of a Hybrid System Consisting of a Photoelectric Solar Energy Converter and a Water-heating Device
Authors: Ismanov Yu. , Dzhamankyzov N. , Niyazov N. , Duisheev T.
Published: April 2022

Abstract. The combination of a photovoltaic solar energy converter and a collector for heating water is an efficient system. Compared to well-known water heaters, this hybrid system has a number of advantages, including smaller dimensions, lower operating temperature of the coolant, significant increasing in system efficiency, while generating electricity and heating water for heating at the same time. When compared with other systems that combine a photovoltaic module and a water heating device, this system has a simpler structure, which greatly reduces production costs and maintenance of the system. Experimental data on the operation of a hybrid system — a photoelectric converter and a water-heating device mainly took into account stationary systems, which made it possible to obtain data on the characteristics of the system over a sufficiently long period, most often for a year or more. However, this approach does not allow taking into account constantly changing factors, such as illumination, water flows, etc. This article discusses a dynamic thermal model of a hybrid system — a photoelectric converter and a water-heating device, which can be applied for practical analysis of such a hybrid system. The proposed model makes it possible to evaluate the instantaneous characteristics of a hybrid system, to determine at any time the performance of the system, the state of its components, and, ultimately, under certain conditions, to carry out a comprehensive thermal calculation of the hybrid system. Relationships that can estimate the thermal and electrical efficiency of a hybrid system are obtained.
Approaches to Dance (4): Moving, Teaching, Thinking, Writing: A Minor Excavation
Authors: Whatley Sarah
Published: April 2022

This reflective essay traces a pathway through dance, beginning with the early influences in dance training and scholarship, through to building a University dance programme and research centre. With reference to the many scholars and artists who have been so important to this journey, the essay seeks to offer a glimpse into how a career in dance research often twists and turns through teaching, practice, writing and collaboration.
Film Box Office Charts and the Metadata of Culture
Authors: Young Liam Cole
Published: April 2022

This chapter explores the emergence of Hollywood box office charts, arguing such charts offer a crucial step in the genealogy of contemporary cloud-based forms of tracking, prediction, and decision-making as found in recommendation and newsfeed algorithms. I adopt a “praxeological” approach that emphasizes where and how box office data came to be aggregated and displayed, as well as some of the motivations that led people to “datafy” the production, distribution, and reception of cinema. This approach allows us to see how box office data was put to work, how it came to reconfigure chains of decision making and resource distribution within the film industry. Box office charts and other "dafatifed" forms rarely appear in histories of culture, while accounts of contemporary data analytics typically begin only with the digital computer. My aims are thus historical and deflationary, to show how deeper histories of counting culture prefigure and anticipate today’s “big data,” and to weave practices of accounting into stories about cultural industries that can complement the usual emphasis on production and consumption.
Take (her) to the limit: what term limits can tell us about women’s successes in political office
Authors: Holman Mirya , Mahoney Anna Mitchell
Published: April 2022

A ‘good government reform,’ 15 states adopted legislative rules in 1990s that cap the maximum years that representatives can serve in a particular body. While designed to strike a blow to entrenched systems of power and to open political office up to outsiders, research shows that term limits actually reduce the time that legislators spend on constituent service and decrease the number of bills they sponsor. But do term limits equally shape all legislators’ behavior? We focus on the gendered effects of term limits. Women in legislative bodies outperform men in legislative office. We use term limits to test the effect of candidate quality compared to voter expectations by examining the effect of term limits on men’s versus women’s legislative behavior for over 6000 legislators serving in term limited states. We find more evidence of women’s higher quality than of electoral effects.
The Synergistic Effect of Tacrolimus (FK506) or Everolimus and Azoles Against Scedosporium and Lomentospora Species In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Wang Zikuo , Liu Mei , Liu Luyao , Li Linyun , Tan Lihua , Sun Yi
Published: April 2022

Scedosporium and Lomentospora infections in humans are generally chronic and stubborn. The use of azoles alone cannot usually inhibit the growth of these fungi. To further explore the combined effect of multiple drugs and potential mechanisms of action, we tested the antifungal effects of tacrolimus (FK506) and everolimus in combination with azoles in vitro and in vivo on 15 clinical strains of Scedosporium/Lomentospora species and detected the level of Rhodamine 6G, ROS activity, and apoptosis. The in vitro results showed that the combinations of tacrolimus with itraconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole showed synergistic effects on 9 strains (60%), 10 strains (73%), and 7 strains (47%), respectively, and the combinations of everolimus with itraconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole showed synergistic effects on 8 strains (53%), 8 strains (53%), and 7 strains (47%), respectively. The synergistic effects might correspond to the elevated ROS activity (the tacrolimus + itraconazole group compared to the itraconazole group, (P < 0.05)), early apoptosis (itraconazole (P < 0.05) and voriconazole (P < 0.05) combined with everolimus), and late apoptosis (the tacrolimus + itraconazole group compared to the itraconazole group, (P < 0.01); the tacrolimus + posaconazole group compared to the posaconazole group, (P < 0.05)), but not inhibition of efflux pump activity. Our in vitro results suggested that a combination of tacrolimus or everolimus and azoles have a synergistic effect against Scedosporium/Lomentospora. The synergistic mechanisms of action might be triggering excessive ROS activity and apoptosis. In vivo, the survival rate of G. mellonella (sixth instar larvae) was significantly improved by tacrolimus alone, everolimus alone, azoles alone, and tacrolimus and everolimus combined with azoles separately (P < 0.05 for the tacrolimus group; P < 0.01 for the everolimus group and the itraconazole group; P = 0.0001 for the tacrolimus and posaconazole group; P < 0.0001 for other groups except the everolimus and itraconazole group, everolimus and posaconazole group, and tacrolimus and itraconazole group). From the results, we infer that the combination of tacrolimus or everolimus with azoles has obvious synergistic effect on Scedosporium/Lomentospora, and might enhance the level of apoptosis and necrosis. However, the synergistic effects were not related to the efflux pump. In conclusion, from our in vitro and in vivo study, tacrolimus and everolimus combined with azoles may have a synergistic effect in the treatment against Scedosporium/Lomentospora, improving the drug activity of azoles and promoting a better prognosis for patients.
Cyber-Bystander Behavior Among Canadian and Iranian Youth: The Influence of Bystander Type and Relationship to the Perpetrator on Moral Responsibility
Authors: Nagar Pooja Megha , Leduc Karissa , Khalili Nadia , Talwar Victoria
Published: April 2022

The current study examines how social determinants influence the way youth from Canadian and Iranian contexts evaluate and morally disengage as bystanders of cyberbullying. While Iranian culture differs from other individualistic and collectivist cultures, Iranian youth have become just as technologically acculturated as their global peers. Despite this, less is understood about how Iranian youth respond to cyberbullying in comparison to youth from individualistic societies. Participants from Canada (N = 60) and Iran (N = 59) who were between the ages of 8-to-15 years old (N = 119, M = 11.33 years, SD = 1.63 years) read 6 cyberbullying scenarios that varied according to Bystander Relationship to Perpetrator (Acquaintance or Friend) and Bystander Response (Assists Cyberbully, Does Nothing, Defends Victim). After reading each scenario, participants were asked to evaluate the bystander's behavior. They were also asked how they would feel if they were the bystander. Similar to past research, these responses were coded on a continuous scale ranging from morally disengaged to morally responsible. Overall, Canadians were more critical of passive bystander behaviors and more supportive toward defending behaviors compared to Iranians. Iranians were more supportive of the behaviors of bystanders who were friends of perpetrators than Canadians were, and Iranians were more critical toward acquaintances of perpetrators. Significant interactions were also found between participants' country of origin, the bystander's relationship with the perpetrator and the bystander's behavior. Taken together, these findings highlight the importance of differentiating between negative judgments and moral attributions of bystander responses.
Multimodal Behavioral Cues Analysis of the Sense of Presence and Social Presence During a Social Interaction With a Virtual Patient
Authors: Ochs Magalie , Bousquet Jérémie , Pergandi Jean-Marie , Blache Philippe
Published: April 2022

User's experience evaluation is a key challenge when studying human-agent interaction. Besides user's satisfaction, this question is addressed in virtual reality through the sense ofpresenceandsocial presence, generally assessed thanks to subjective post-experience questionnaires. We propose in this article a novel approach making it possible to evaluate automatically these notions by correlating objective multimodal cues produced by users to their subjective sense of presence and social presence. This study is based on a multimodal human-agent interaction corpus collected in a task-oriented context: a virtual environment aiming at training doctors to break bad news to a patient played by a virtual agent. Based on a corpus study, we applied machine learning approaches to build a model predicting the user's sense of presence and social presence thanks to specific multimodal behavioral cues. We explore different classification algorithms and machine learning techniques (oversampling and clustering) to cope with the dimensionality of the dataset and to optimize the prediction performance. We obtain models to automatically and accurately predict the level of presence and social presence. The results highlight the relevance of a multimodal model, based both on verbal and non-verbal cues as objective measures of (social) presence. The main contribution of the article is two-fold: 1/ proposing the first presence and social prediction presence models offering a way to automatically provide a user's experience evaluation and 2/ showing the importance of multimodal information for describing these notions.
Anti-cancer Drugs Associated Atrial Fibrillation—An Analysis of Real-World Pharmacovigilance Data
Authors: Ahmad Javaria , Thurlapati Aswani , Thotamgari Sahith , Grewal Udhayvir Singh , Sheth Aakash Rajendra , Gupta Dipti , Beedupalli Kavitha , Dominic Paari
Published: April 2022

Background

Several anti-cancer drugs have been linked to new onset atrial fibrillation (AF) but the true association of these drugs with AF is unknown. The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), a publicly available pharmacovigilance mechanism provided by the FDA, collects adverse event reports from the United States and other countries, thus providing real-world data.

Objectives

To identify anti-cancer drugs associated with AF using the FAERS database.

Methods

The FAERS database was searched for all drugs reporting AF as an adverse event (AE). The top 30 anti-cancer drugs reporting AF cases were shortlisted and analyzed. Proportional reporting ratio (PRR) was used to measure disproportionality in reporting of adverse events for these drugs.

Results

When analyzed for AF as a percentage of all reported AE for a particular drug, Ibrutinib had the highest percentage (5.3%) followed distantly by venetoclax (1.6%), bortezomib (1.6%), carfilzomib (1.5%), and nilotinib (1.4%). The percentage of cardiac AE attributable to AF was also highest for ibrutinib (41.5%), followed by venetoclax (28.4%), pomalidomide (23.9%), bortezomib (18.2%), and lenalidomide (18.2%). Drugs with the highest PRR for AF included ibrutinib (5.96, 95% CI= 5.70–6.23), bortezomib (1.65, 95% CI = 1.52–1.79), venetoclax (1.65, 95% CI = 1.46–1.85), carfilzomib (1.53, 95% CI = 1.33–1.77), and nilotinib (1.46, 95% CI = 1.31–1.63).

Conclusions

While newer anti-cancer drugs have improved the prognosis in cancer patients, it is important to identify any arrhythmias they may cause early on to prevent increased morbidity and mortality. Prospective studies are needed to better understand the true incidence of new onset AF associated with anti-cancer drugs.
Blood Transfusion Predicts Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation in Acute Stanford Type A Aortic Dissection Undergoing Total Aortic Arch Replacement
Authors: Xie Qiang , Li Chengnan , Zhong Yongliang , Luo Congcong , Guo Rutao , Liu Yongmin , Zheng Jun , Ge Yipeng , Sun Lizhong , Zhu Junming
Published: April 2022

Background

This research aimed to evaluate the impacts of transfusing packed red blood cells (pRBCs), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), or platelet concentrate (PC) on postoperative mechanical ventilation time (MVT) in patients with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) undergoing after total arch replacement (TAR).

Methods

The clinical data of 384 patients with ATAAD after TAR were retrospectively collected from December 2015 to October 2017 to verify whether pRBCs, FFP, or PC transfusion volumes were associated with postoperative MVT. The logistic regression was used to assess whether blood products were risk factors for prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) in all three endpoints (PMV ≥24 h, ≥48 h, and ≥72 h).

Results

The mean age of 384 patients was 47.6 ± 10.689 years, and 301 (78.39%) patients were men. Median MVT was 29.5 (4–574) h (h), and 213 (55.47%), 136 (35.42%), and 96 (25.00%) patients had PMV ≥24 h, ≥48 h, and ≥72 h, respectively. A total of 36 (9.38%) patients did not have any blood product transfusion, the number of patients with transfusion of pRBCs, FFP, and PC were 334 (86.98%), 286 (74.48%), and 189 (49.22%), respectively. According to the multivariate logistic regression of three PMV time-endpoints, age was a risk factor [PMV ≥ 24 h odds ratio (ORPMV≥24) = 1.045, p = 0.005; ORPMV≥48 = 1.060, p = 0.002; ORPMV≥72 = 1.051, p = 0.011]. pRBC transfusion (ORPMV≥24 = 1.156, p = 0.001; ORPMV≥48 = 1.156, p < 0.001; ORPMV≥72 = 1.135, p ≤ 0.001) and PC transfusion (ORPMV≥24 = 1.366, p = 0.029; ORPMV≥48 = 1.226, p = 0.030; ORPMV≥72 = 1.229, p = 0.011) were independent risk factors for PMV. FFP had no noticeable effect on PMV [ORPMV≥48 = 0.999, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.998–1.000, p = 0.039; ORPMV≥72 = 0.999, 95% CI: 0.998–1.000, p = 0.025].

Conclusions

In patients with ATAAD after TAR, the incidence of PMV was very high. Blood products transfusion was closely related to postoperative mechanical ventilation time. pRBC and PC transfusions and age increased the incidence of PMV at all three endpoints.
Trends in Annual Incidence Rates of Newly Diagnosed Endomyocardial Fibrosis Cases at the Uganda Heart Institute: A 14-Year Review
Authors: Aliku Twalib Olega , Rwebembera Joselyn , Lubega Sulaiman , Zhang Wanzhu , Lugero Charles , Namuyonga Judith , Omagino John O. O. , Okello Emmy , Lwabi Peter Solomon
Published: April 2022

Background

First described in Uganda over seven decades ago, Endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF) is a rare form of restrictive cardiomyopathy found in the tropics. EMF occurs mainly in two phenotypes; biventricular involvement and right ventricular (RV) form. Previously endemic in several countries, there are reports suggesting that the disease is on the decline.

Objectives

To describe trends in annual incidence rates of newly diagnosed EMF cases at the Uganda Heart Institute (UHI).

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review of all newly diagnosed EMF cases at UHI from January 2007 to December 2020. Cases were divided into two groups A (2007–2013) and B (2014–2020).

Results

A total of 155 cases were diagnosed during the period (Group A, n = 124; Group B, n = 31). There were no significant differences between the two groups A and B regarding median age at diagnosis (14 vs. 12 years, p = 0.0940), gender (48.4% female vs. 35.5%, p = 0.1987), and EMF type (66.9% RV EMF vs. 71.0%, p = 0.6634), respectively. The presence of complications such as intracardiac thrombus (5.6 vs. 32.2%, p = 0.0002) and pericardial effusion (57.3% vs. 80.6, p = 0.0172) were more frequent in group B than A, respectively. Pulmonary hypertension (PHT) was predominantly seen in cases with biventricular EMF compared to those with RV EMF (26 vs. 3.8%, p = 0.0001). The number of new cases diagnosed per year remained largely stable in the period 2007–2011, ranging 14–21 per year, peaked in 2012 (26 new cases), and thereafter declined from 10 cases seen in 2013 to 1–5 cases seen per year in the period 2017–2020. Similarly, the annual incidence rates of new EMF diagnosis remained relatively stable in the period 2007–2012, ranging between 22.7 and 29.7 per 10,000 patients seen in the echo labs, and then dramatically declined after 2012 to range between 1.0 and 4.5 new cases per 10,000 patients in the period between 2017 and 2020.

Conclusion

There has been a steady decline in the number of new cases of EMF seen at the UHI. However, there were no significant differences in the gender, age at diagnosis and EMF subtype of cases during the period under review. Complication rates were more frequent in the later cohort.
The Contribution of Extracellular Vesicles From Senescent Endothelial and Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells to Vascular Calcification
Authors: Mas-Bargues Cristina , Borrás Consuelo , Alique Matilde
Published: April 2022

Vascular calcification is an irreversible pathological process associated with a loss of vascular wall function. This process occurs as a result of aging and age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular and chronic kidney diseases, and leads to comorbidities. During these age-related diseases, the endothelium accumulates senescent cells, which stimulate calcification in vascular smooth muscle cells. Currently, vascular calcification is a silent pathology, and there are no early diagnostic tools. Therefore, by the time vascular calcification is diagnosed, it is usually untreatable. Some mediators, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and extracellular vesicles, are inducers and promoters of vascular calcification. They play a crucial role during vascular generation and the progression of vascular calcification. Extracellular vesicles, mainly derived from injured endothelial cells that have acquired a senescent phenotype, contribute to calcification in a manner mostly dependent on two factors: (1) the number of extracellular vesicles released, and (2) their cargo. In this review, we present state-of-the-art knowledge on the composition and functions of extracellular vesicles involved in the generation and progression of vascular calcification.
Cardio-Oncology Rehabilitation and Telehealth: Rationale for Future Integration in Supportive Care of Cancer Survivors
Authors: Batalik Ladislav , Filakova Katerina , Radkovcova Ivana , Dosbaba Filip , Winnige Petr , Vlazna Daniela , Batalikova Katerina , Felsoci Marian , Stefanakis Marios , Liska David , Papathanasiou Jannis , Pokorna Andrea , Janikova Andrea , Rutkowski Sebastian , Pepera Garyfallia
Published: April 2022

The direct toxicity of cancer treatment threatens patients and survivors with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease or adverse functional changes with subsequent progression of cardiovascular complications. An accumulation of cardiovascular risk factors combined with an unhealthy lifestyle has recently become more common in cancer patients and survivors. It has been recommended to integrate a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation model called cardio-oncology rehabilitation to mitigate cardiovascular risk. Nevertheless, cardiac rehabilitation interventions limit barriers in low utilization, further exacerbated by the restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, it is essential to integrate alternative interventions such as telehealth, which can overcome several barriers. This literature review was designed as a framework for developing and evaluating telehealth interventions and mobile applications for comprehensive cardio-oncology rehabilitation. We identify knowledge gaps and propose strategies to facilitate the development and integration of cardio-oncology rehabilitation telehealth as an alternative approach to the standard of care for cancer patients and survivors. Despite the limited evidence, the pilot results from included studies support the feasibility and acceptability of telehealth and mobile technologies in cardio-oncology rehabilitation. This new area suggests that telehealth interventions are feasible and induce physiological and psychological benefits for cancer patients and survivors. There is an assumption that telehealth interventions and exercise may be an effective future alternative approach in supportive cancer care.
The Endothelium as a Hub for Cellular Communication in Atherogenesis: Is There Directionality to the Message?
Authors: Howe Kathryn L. , Cybulsky Myron , Fish Jason E.
Published: April 2022

Endothelial cells line every blood vessel and thereby serve as an interface between the blood and the vessel wall. They have critical functions for maintaining homeostasis and orchestrating vascular pathogenesis. Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease where cholesterol and inflammatory cells accumulate in the artery wall below the endothelial layer and ultimately form plaques that can either progress to occlude the lumen or rupture with thromboembolic consequences – common outcomes being myocardial infarction and stroke. Cellular communication lies at the core of this process. In this review, we discuss traditional (e.g., cytokines, chemokines, nitric oxide) and novel (e.g., extracellular vesicles) modes of endothelial communication with other endothelial cells as well as circulating and vessel wall cells, including monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, vascular smooth muscle cells and other immune cells, in the context of atherosclerosis. More recently, the growing appreciation of endothelial cell plasticity during atherogenesis suggests that communication strategies are not static. Here, emerging data on transcriptomics in cells during the development of atherosclerosis are considered in the context of how this might inform altered cell-cell communication. Given the unique position of the endothelium as a boundary layer that is activated in regions overlying vascular inflammation and atherosclerotic plaque, there is a potential to exploit the unique features of this group of cells to deliver therapeutics that target the cellular crosstalk at the core of atherosclerotic disease. Data are discussed supporting this concept, as well as inherent pitfalls. Finally, we briefly review the literature for other regions of the body (e.g., gut epithelium) where cells similarly exist as a boundary layer but provide discrete messages to each compartment to govern homeostasis and disease. In this light, the potential for endothelial cells to communicate in a directional manner is explored, along with the implications of this concept – from fundamental experimental design to biomarker potential and therapeutic targets.
Toward Linguistic Recognition of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Rook Laurens , Mazza Maria Chiara , Lefter Iulia , Brazier Frances
Published: April 2022

Background

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) refers to extreme, uncontrollable, and persistent worry and anxiety. The disorder is known to affect the social functioning and well-being of millions of people, but despite its prevalence and burden to society, it has proven difficult to identify unique behavioral markers. Interestingly, the worrying behavior observed in GAD is argued to stem from a verbal linguistic process. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate if GAD can be predicted from the language people use to put their anxious worries into words. Given the importance of avoidance sensitivity (a higher likelihood to respond anxiously to novel or unexpected triggers) in GAD, this study also explored if prediction accuracy increases when individual differences in behavioral avoidance and approach sensitivity are taken into account.

Method

An expressive writing exercise was used to explore whether GAD can be predicted from linguistic characteristics of written narratives. Specifically, 144 undergraduate student participants were asked to recall an anxious experience during their university life, and describe this experience in written form. Clinically validated behavioral measures for GAD and self-reported sensitivity in behavioral avoidance/inhibition (BIS) and behavioral approach (BAS), were collected. A set of classification experiments was performed to evaluate GAD predictability based on linguistic features, BIS/BAS scores, and a concatenation of the two.

Results

The classification results show that GAD can, indeed, be successfully predicted from anxiety-focused written narratives. Prediction accuracy increased when differences in BIS and BAS were included, which suggests that, under those conditions, negatively valenced emotion words and words relating to social processes could be sufficient for recognition of GAD.

Conclusions

Undergraduate students with a high GAD score can be identified based on their written recollection of an anxious experience during university life. This insight is an important first step toward development of text-based digital health applications and technologies aimed at remote screening for GAD. Future work should investigate the extent to which these results uniquely apply to university campus populations or generalize to other demographics.
Personalized Digital Health Communications to Increase COVID-19 Vaccination in Underserved Populations: A Double Diamond Approach to Behavioral Design
Authors: Ford Kelsey Lynett , West Ashley B. , Bucher Amy , Osborn Chandra Y.
Published: April 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated pre-existing health disparities. People of historically underserved communities, including racial and ethnic minority groups and people with lower incomes and educational attainments, experienced disproportionate premature mortality, access to healthcare, and vaccination acceptance and adoption. At the same time, the pandemic increased reliance on digital devices, offering a unique opportunity to leverage digital communication channels to address health inequities, particularly related to COVID-19 vaccination. We offer a real-world, systematic approach to designing personalized behavior change email and text messaging interventions that address individual barriers with evidence-based behavioral science inclusive of underserved populations. Integrating design processes such as the Double Diamond model with evidence-based behavioral science intervention development offers a unique opportunity to create equitable interventions. Further, leveraging behavior change artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities allows for both personalizing and automating that personalization to address barriers to COVID-19 vaccination at scale. The result is an intervention whose broad component library meets the needs of a diverse population and whose technology can deliver the right components for each individual.
Kernel Analyses of Volcanic Vent Distribution: How Accurate and Complete are the Objective Bandwidth Selectors?
Authors: Cañón-Tapia Edgardo
Published: April 2022

Kernel Density Estimation is a powerful tool that can be used to extract information about the underlying plumbing system in zones of distributed volcanism. Different approaches concerning the form in which this tool should be applied, however, exist on the literature. One of those approaches sustains that an unbiased selection of a parameter known as the bandwidth is preferable to other alternatives because it reduces biases on the analysis. Nevertheless, there are more than 30 different forms in which a bandwidth can be “objectively” selected, therefore questioning the meaning of “objectivity” on the selection of a method used for its calculation. Furthermore, as shown in this work, the range of allowed “objective” choices of the bandwidth is not much different from a typical range that could be selected subjectively. Consequently, instead of focusing on the question of “what is the best method?” it is shown here that a more informative approach is to focus on the questions of “what are the special values of different methods, and what are their several advantageous applicabilities?”. The benefits of this shift in approach are illustrated with application to three locations of volcanic interest that have a previously well-constrained volcanic structure.
Co-Evolution of Parallel Triple Subduction Systems in the New Guinea Region: A Systematic Numerical Study
Authors: Wang Liangliang , Dai Liming , Gong Wei , Li Sanzhong , Jiang Xiaodian , Dong Hao , Wang Di , Li Fakun , Yu Shengyao
Published: April 2022

A specific configuration of the global subduction system is the parallel triple subduction. The widely accepted example of parallel triple subduction is the New Guinea region, including a northward dip at the New Britain Trench (NBT), a southward dip at the Trobriand Trough (TT), and North Solomon Trench (NST). Questions regarding the parallel triple subduction system remain largely unexplored in terms of factors controlling its initiation, duration, and dynamics. Here, we used two-dimensional numerical models to study the dynamics mechanism of the parallel triple subduction system in the New Guinea region. Four possible regimes were achieved: 1) the double subduction model, which includes the forward subduction jumping model (FSJ) and the subduction polarity reversal model (SPR) and 2) the parallel triple subduction model, which includes the tendency to the forward jumping model (TFSJ) and the tendency to polarity reversal (TSPR). By evaluating the four regimes with actual seismic data, we suggest that the pre-existing rupture and length of ocean–continent transition (OCT) determine the formation of the TT, while the formation of the NBT may be the result of the rheological strength differences between the Solomon Island Arc (SIA) and Solomon Sea Basin (SSB); the initial length of the SSB can regulate the competitive relationship between the TT and NBT, which also determines the present-day inactive state of the TT. A longer SSB makes the TT and NBT initiated independently, while a narrower SSB will allow interaction during subduction initiation of the TT and NBT.
Combination Therapy With Semaglutide and Dapagliflozin as an Effective Approach for the Management of Type A Insulin Resistance Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Martínez-Montoro José Ignacio , Pinzón-Martín José Luis , Damas-Fuentes Miguel , Fernández-Valero Andrea , Tinahones Francisco J.
Published: April 2022

Type A insulin resistance (IR) syndrome is a very uncommon genetic disorder affecting the insulin receptor (INSR) gene, characterized by severe IR without the presence of obesity. Patients with this condition will eventually develop diabetes, presenting a variable response to insulin-sensitizers, such as metformin and thiazolidinediones, and high doses of insulin. We report for the first time the results of the use of combination therapy with a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist and a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor for the treatment of diabetes in the context of type A IR syndrome.