bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Derivation of Generalized Einstein's Equations of Gravitation in Some Non-Inertial Reference Frames Based on the Theory of Vacuum Mechanics
Authors: Wang Xiao-Song
Published: February 2021

When solving the Einstein's equations for an isolated system of masses, V. Fock introduces harmonic reference frame and obtains an unambiguous solution. Further, he concludes that there exists a harmonic reference frame which is determined uniquely apart from a Lorentz transformation if suitable supplementary conditions are imposed. It is known that wave equations keep the same form under Lorentz transformations. Thus, we speculate that Fock's special harmonic reference frames may have provided us a clue to derive the Einstein's equations in some special class of non-inertial reference frames. Following this clue, generalized Einstein's equations in some special non-inertial reference frames are derived based on the theory of vacuum mechanics. If the field is weak and the reference frame is quasi-inertial, these generalized Einstein's equations reduce to Einstein's equations. Thus, this theory may also explain all the experiments which support the theory of general relativity. There exist some differences between this theory and the theory of general relativity.
Прямое моделирование термоакустической неустойчивости в газогенераторах по схеме «КАБАРЕ»
Authors: Афанасьев Никита Александрович , Afanasiev Nikita Aleksandrovich , Головизнин Василий Михайлович , Goloviznin Vasilii Mikhailovich , Семенов Владимир Николаевич , Semenov Vladimir Nikolaevich , Сипатов А М , Sipatov A M , Нестеров С С , Nesterov S S
Published: February 2021

Показано, что для нахождения условий возникновения термоакустической неустойчивости (вибрационного горения) в камерах сгорания газотурбинных двигателей
можно использовать бездиссипативную схему КАБАРЕ. Распространение длинных
волн в газодинамическом тракте достаточно точно описывается системой квазилинейных уравнений газовой динамики, осредненных по сечению. Численное моделирование динамики акустических возмущений и их взаимодействия с зоной горения (при наличии обратных связей) с использованием бездиссипативных разностных схем (прямого моделирования) представляет реальную альтернативу т.н. сетевым моделям низкого порядка, заменяющим акустический тракт (по аналогии с
электрическими сетями переменного тока) на последовательность четырехполюсников или шестиполюсников. К преимуществам прямого моделирования можно
отнести простоту учета геометрических факторов, нелинейных эффектов и возможность использования более реалистичных моделей горения.
В качестве примера использования прямого метода решена модельная задача о
возбуждении звуковых колебаний в трубе при наличии тепловых источников (труба Рийке). Результаты продемонстрировали высокую точность метода в определении скорости роста неустойчивых мод, сравнимую с точностью результатов, получаемых по сетевым моделям низкого порядка.
Энтропийно устойчивый разрывный метод Галеркина для двумерных уравнений Эйлера
Authors: Брагин Михаил Дмитриевич , Bragin Mikhail Dmitrievich , Криксин Юрий Анатольевич , Kriksin Yury Anatolievich , Тишкин Владимир Федорович , Tishkin Vladimir Fedorovich
Published: February 2021

Предложена двумерная версия консервативного энтропийно устойчивого разрывного метода Галеркина для уравнений Эйлера в переменных: плотность, плотность импульса и давление. Для уравнения, описывающего динамику среднего давления в конечном элементе, строится аппроксимация, консервативная по полной энергии. Специальный ограничитель наклонов обеспечивает выполнение энтропийного неравенства и двумерного аналога условий монотонности численного решения. Разработанный метод протестирован на некоторых модельных газодинамических задачах.
Pengaruh Voice Behavior pada Creative Performance dengan Stressors sebagai Variabel Pemoderasi
Authors: Sulistyo Toni , Tirtoprojo Susanto
Published: February 2021

This study attempts to determine: 1) Influence of voice behavior on creative performance. 2) The moderation role of challenge stressors on the relationship between voice behavior and creative performance. 3) The moderation role of hindrance stressors on the relationship between voice behavior in creative performance. The population of this study were employees of mass media companies in Surakarta using convenience sampling method with a population of mass media companies and a sample of 150 employees. The sampling technique in this study uses the convenience sampling method. The test in this study uses the instrument test in the form of validity test with the method of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and reliability testing with the Cronbach's Alpha method. Testing the hypothesis in this study using hierarchical regression with the help of SPSS 25.0 program. Moderation testing in this study uses the calculation of the formula Baron & Kenny (1986). The results of the research suggest that that: 1) Voice behavior had a positive and significant effect on creative performance. 2) Challenge stressors moderate the influence of voice behavior on creative performance. 3) Challenge stressors moderate the influence of voice behavior on creative performance.
Identifikasi Organisasi, Keterlibatan Kerja, dan Kepuasan Kerja
Authors: Ismail Firdausi , Istiqomah Suryandari
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study is to examine the role of work engagement, vigor, dedication, and absorption in relationship between organizational identificarion on job satisfaction as a mediating variable. This study uses 162 employees as sample. The sampling method uses quantitative method. This study object is employees bakery of ganep's, oen and sahabat in Surakarta city. This study uses Partial Least Square as its data analysis. Data processing uses Microsoft Excel 2010 and Smart PLS Version 3 for Windows. The result of this study proved that there is influence between organizational identification on job satisfaction which has 5.981 its T Statistic score, the influence of the organizational identification on work enggagement has 13.114 for its T Statistic score, the influence of the work enggagement on job satisfaction has 6.115 its T Statistic score, by using a mediation test of 5.585 The influence between organizational identification, work enggagement and Job satisfaction is significant so that Hypothesis 1 and 2 are significant. The influence of organizational identification on job satisfaction with the variables of mediation of vigor, dedication, and absorption has a value mediation test of 2,478, 4,322, 3,341. T statistic score and mediation test will be significant if the score >1,96. Five hypothesis mentioned above shows that all hypothesis in this study are significant. Therefore, a company must maintain a sense of organizational identification, work enggagement which includes vigor, dedication and absorption for each employee, because with high organizational identification, the level of employee job satisfaction will be high through mediation of work enggagement, vigor, dedication and absorption. So that employees will be as strong as possible to realize the goals and expectations of the company and better at work.
“All the World’s a Stage . . .”
Authors: Brandfonbrener Alice G
Published: February 2021

Shakespeare’s view of the world as a stage was the metaphor from which he drew drama from life, but presumably he was not concerned about real-life dangers lurking behind the arras, or elsewhere, on the actual stage. However, for many involved in our theaters, performance and
danger are all too often inseparable. In fact, the physical characteristics of the stage itself are associated with significant factors that threaten the well-being of all performing artists. A recent event in Chicago illustrated this fact, all the more dramatically because of its none-too-subtle
symbolism. During the finale of the second performance of Elton John’s new version of “Aida,” a casket containing the show’s stars, playing Aida and Ramses, was being carried aloft over the stage when it fell some 20 feet, along with its very much alive occupants. Fortunately
for everyone concerned, the injuries were relatively minimal, necessitating only a two-day hiatus in the show, to allow the actors to heal and the stage crew to identify and correct their logistical errors. Undoubtedly, this cooling off time also provided for a collective sigh of relief for
everyone in any way connected to this production. I should add that there is no evidence that this accident was in any way related to this being the first production in a totally renovated, very old theater.
Do the “Spreadability” and Finger Length of Cellists and Guitarists Change Due to Practice?
Authors: Kloeppel Renate
Published: February 2021

It is a widely held opinion among musicians that extreme joint positions increase the flexibility in the corresponding joints. There are also occasional views that extensive use of the fingers starting in childhood may lead to increased finger length. These opinions have implications
for teaching methods; however, in spite of extensive examinations of the shapes of musicians’ hands, to date there have been almost no objective findings. There have been large-scale examinations of the angle of supination of the left elbow of violinists, with the finding that primarily
genetic factors are responsible. In order to answer the question whether external factors can influence joint configurations of the hand as well as finger length, the active finger spreads and finger lengths of 210 subjects (cellists, guitarists, and control subjects) were measured. The working
hypothesis was that there would be an increase in finger spread in the left hand fingers compared with the right if the frequent extreme positions taken on the fingerboard did in fact influence finger spread. The nonmusician control group, however, would not be expected to show this difference,
or at least not to the same extent as in the musicians. Similar differences should apply to finger length, if this is influenced by long-term practicing on these instruments. A majority of the measurements of all three groups demonstrated a greater spreadability of the fingers of the left
hand than of the right. In contrast to the comparison groups, there was a significantly greater span between the left hand index and small fingers of cellists. This span was not measured in the guitarists because it does not apply in their playing as it does for cellists. In addition, the
measurements of the right-left differences in the finger lengths of the cellists when compared with the nonmusician group showed significantly longer fingers on the left than the right. This difference is probably caused by better-developed fingertips of the cellists. Further research is needed
to discern whether the spreadability could be improved through specific training programs.
Artists with Disabilities
Authors: Brandfonbrener Alice G
Published: February 2021

Although the Medical Program for Performing Artists was founded in 1985 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, since 1990 it has been a part of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC). At the time of the move I felt that this special medical environment would provide an ideal setting
for our clinic, and this feeling has been borne out by the experience of the subsequent decade. What I did not anticipate was the nonmedical impact on both my patients and myself from such an institution. Performing arts patients typically have problems that are not readily apparent to the
casual observer, albeit their significance to the artists. Furthermore, by and large their problems have minimal impact on their nonartistic lives as well as on their health in general. More typical patients seen at the Rehabilitation Institute have a wide spectrum of disabilities, which,
in contrast to the performing artist patients, have disrupted and compromised both their own lives and those of their families.
Avoiding Piano-related Injury: A Proposed Theoretical Procedure for Biomechanical Analysis of Piano Technique
Authors: Wristen Brenda G
Published: February 2021

Several biomechanical studies have been done with regard to the fingertip, hand, wrist, and upper arm in pianists. However, these studies have generally focused either on one isolated part of the anatomy, or on one specific motion. It is notable that none of the studies conducted to
date examines the execution of a technical skill at the piano, such as a scale or arpeggio, in terms of the cooperative work done by all involved parts of the anatomy. Drawing upon established quantitative data, this study took a qualitative approach in describing and analyzing the execution
of selected piano technical tasks. The procedure developed for conducting a biomechanical analysis can be readily applied in both medical and pedagogical venues with the goal of preventing injury.
The Return
Authors: Ward Tina
Published: February 2021

The author describes her return to clarinet playing after a protracted medical leave.
An Occupational Study of Physical Playing-related Injuries in College Music Students
Authors: Guptill Christine , Zaza Christine , Paul Stanley
Published: February 2021

Several studies have been conducted on the playing-related physical injuries of college music students. In this study, a client-centered, occupation-based survey was administered to music majors at a large midwestern university. The primary objectives of the study were to examine which
health professionals were consulted by this population, and to determine student satisfaction with any treatment they might have received. Secondary objectives included evaluating students’ perceptions of the need for professionals with specialized knowledge of music and musicians, and
examining the lifetime prevalence of playing-related injuries in this population. The survey response rate was 92.3% (108/117). Ninety-three respondents (87.7%) of 106 indicated that they had experienced playing-related injuries at some time in their lives. Forty-four percent of students who
reported playing-related injuries had consulted health professionals (41/93), while only 24.7% had sought treatment from health professionals. Of the 93 students who reported a playing-related injury, 41.9% (39) had consulted either an occupational therapist, a physical therapist, or an athletic
trainer, compared with 58.1% who had consulted other health care professionals listed in the questionnaire. 86.9% of the students were satisfied with the treatment they received, and those who felt better immediately after treatment were also more likely to feel better at the time of the study.
The majority of the respondents (79%) felt that musical knowledge was important in health professionals who might treat their injuries. Occupational therapy, an allied health profession that has a holistic and client-centered treatment philosophy, is discussed in relation to the treatment
of injuries in this population.
Hand Size vs the Standard Piano Keyboard
Authors: Donison Christopher
Published: February 2021

Last year at the Performing Arts Medicine Association annual symposium in Aspen, one of the topics focused on was piano performance-related injury. I was invited to attend the symposium and give a talk on the issue of hand size and keyboard size as they may relate to injury. Although
my mission to bring about the adoption of a second smaller standard size for the piano keyboard has been primarily motivated by the idea that there is great loss of potential achievement and enjoyment at the instrument for the smaller-handed pianists of the world, the idea that injury may
be a greater risk for smaller hands seemed like one more reason to promote the concept. In recollecting my experience as a full-time student in a piano performance program, instances of tendinitis and other repetitive strain injuries were practically exclusively the problem of smaller-handed
pianists (mostly female, of course), and it seemed to be generally accepted by students and teachers alike that this was a greater risk for these players. Yet this information is completely anecdotal, and to my knowledge, no conclusive experimental study had proved this to be true. It just
seemed obvious to everybody and nobody required proof.
Knowledge and Practices of Piano Teachers in Preventing Playing-related Injuries in High School Students
Authors: Redmond Margaret , Tiernan Anne M
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this descriptive study was to determine what playing-related injury prevention principles piano instructors teach their high-school-aged students. Forty-two piano instructors who are members of the Washington State Music Teachers Association completed a survey. Findings
indicated that the participants had received education in injury prevention, most frequently from their teachers or colleagues. The principles that the participants were most likely to teach their students included proper body mechanics and posture, specific playing techniques, importance
of warm-up, and choosing repertoire that was appropriate for the student’s physical abilities. Some topics varied significantly depending on the participant’s age and years of teaching experience. Most participants desired more information on playing-related injury prevention,
but appeared hesitant to provide students with information that was outside of their experience. It is recommended that health care professionals and piano instructors collaborate to provide resources for injury prevention.
Memorialization: A Learned Skill or an Inborn Talent?
Authors: Brandfonbrener Alice G
Published: February 2021

Although it is often said that we tend to forget unhappy memories, many linger on. For instance, how well I recall what was for me an agony during medical school of memorizing the TCA cycle, the brachial plexus, and the bones of the wrist! I somehow dealt with it at the time, but ask
me to repeat them now and I couldn’t begin to do it. On the other hand, it is true that I can still recall a few bars of Mozart sonatas I learned when I was even younger, but I’d fare much better sitting down and sight-reading the same previously memorized works. It has always
been frustrating for me to recognize and accept that, long before I attained my current age, memorizing was not one of my strong points, especially compared with some of my colleagues who seemingly did it with great ease and even satisfaction. Ease of memorization appears to be in part an
innate skill and, I’m sure, like other such skills, can be enhanced by training. There is also selective memory. Like many of my medical colleagues I can predictably recall a given patient’s pathology but much less readily his or her name. Lucky for us that we went into medicine
and not into politics!
Musicianship and Teaching: Positive Health Factors in Music Teachers
Authors: Fjellman-Wiklund Anncristine , Sundelin Gunnevi , Brulin Christine
Published: February 2021

Musicians at all levels of performance may experience health problems from the physical and psychosocial demands of their work. The most common complaints among musicians relate to musculoskeletal symptoms. Health problems are costly, both to the individual and to society, and may have
detrimental effects on the musician’s career. Thus, it is important to prevent health problems not only through the prevention of disorders, but also by understanding the factors that are favorable to health. The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of what music teachers
perceived to be important for their health and well-being. Data were collected in interviews with nine music teachers working at a municipality music school in Sweden. The interviews were coded and analyzed using the “grounded theory” method. To increase credibility, the study
design used triangulation in investigators, member checking, and reference group checking. “Replenishing and using up energy” was found to be the core category influencing health and well-being. The work contained both positive and negative elements. Creativity in the music and
working together with students and colleagues were perceived as sources of energy, while the goals of the organization, experienced as stressful and frustrating, used up energy. The focal point of work, whether it is pedagogical or musical, can also have an effect on how teachers perceive
their status of health, and on how they are able to find strategies to deal with the physical and psychosocial strains of work. The music teachers in this study who seemed to modify life and work best were those who had a more pedagogical approach, finding a source of energy in the interplay
between music and teaching. They perceived that they were able to influence the working situation and as a result were less frustrated and felt more content with their working environment. This may, in the long term, lead to perceived better health.
Voice, Soma, and Psyche: A Qualitative and Quantitative Study of Opera Singers
Authors: Sandgren Maria
Published: February 2021

Specific problems in the professional life of opera singers were examined in an exploratory study with both a qualitative and quantitative approach. Semi-structured interviews involved 15 opera singers who were asked to report problems related to their professional work, coping strategies,
motivational factors, and, particularly, strongly emotional singing experiences. Psychological problems were most frequent: the opera singers’ preoccupation with the risk of vocal indisposition, i.e., not being able to sing and worry about others’ opinions about their performance.
A specific habit of singers involved testing the voice (vocalizing) regularly to prove its quality and mere existence. Concern with physical problems centered on respiratory tract symptoms that could cause vocal indisposition. Psychosocial problems concerned mostly difficulties in maintaining
a family life due to travel and irregular working hours. A questionnaire was designed to collect qualitative data and sent to 36 permanently employed and 36 freelance opera singers. Response rate was 67%. Differences regarding singers’ ages, genders, and occupational situations were
examined. Significant positive correlations were found between worry about others’ opinions and a number of variables: somatic problems, testing the voice, depression, and performance anxiety.
Managing the Musculoskeletal Health of Musicians on Tour
Authors: Ackermann Bronwen
Published: February 2021

This paper outlines the experiences of a physiotherapist traveling internationally on four separate occasions with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra from 1995 to 2000. An international orchestral tour is a huge operation taking several years to plan and involving high costs. Musicians may
be changing venues and cities (or even countries) sometimes on a daily basis with very little rest. They are still expected to perform at their best, with the increased pressure of playing in prestigious world-class venues. Under these circumstances, having accompanying health staff is economical,
allows access to health care at all times, and avoids the problems of language barriers or finding suitably specialized staff to treat problems that may occur. Musculoskeletal injuries that have typically been encountered in physiotherapy consultations have predominantly been in the cervical
spine and upper limb. The nature of musculoskeletal injuries over the course of the tour alters from chronic to acute as the tour progresses. To manage and prevent these injuries, the structure of physiotherapy services necessitates careful planning and involves a wide range of skills.
Dorothy DeLay: 1917-2002
Authors: Brandfonbrener Alice G
Published: February 2021

Dorothy DeLay died on March 24, 2002, and with her passing the world lost much more than a Master Teacher of violin. She was arguably the shaper not only of current violin solo playing, but also of a significant percentage of the playing of the violin sections of most of our major orchestras.
Beyond their music, she had a profound influence on her students and on the rest of us who were lucky enough to be able to call her a friend. She was larger than life and is one of those people of influence whose passing is difficult to accept as final. It is hard to conjure up a Juilliard,
or an Aspen Music School, or the world of violin pedagogy without Dottie.
Joint Laxity and Arm Pain in a Large Clinical Sample of Musicians
Authors: Brandfonbrener Alice G
Published: February 2021

Joint laxity has long been reputed to be a risk factor for injury among instrumental musicians. The author reviewed the records of 2,387 instrumentalists seen at the Medical Program for Performing Artists from 1985 to March 2002. Of the 1,300 patients with lower-arm, wrist, and hand
pain, 57% were females and 43% were males. For the purpose of analyzing these musicians’ injuries, the author defines joint laxity as being more than 10 degrees hyper-extensibility of the metacarpophalangeal and/or proximal interphalangeal finger joints. Using this definition, an average
of 35% of the female musicians had significant laxity associated with lower-arm pain, while such laxity was evident in an average of 17% of the males. Analyzing the data with respect to individual instrument class, significant laxity associated with hand pain ranged from a high of 82% to a
low of 10% among the female musicians, and ranged between only 19% and 13% among the male musicians.
Dampak Penerapan AFCTA di Indonesia dalam Perspektif Ibnu Khaldun dan Abu Ubaid
Authors: Anggesti Nurul , Afif Mufti
Published: February 2021

This study examines the impact of the application of the ACFTA trade cooperation on the economy in Indonesia in terms of the international trade theory of Ibn Khaldun and Abu Ubaid. The methods used is mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative methods) by analyzed the impact of ACFTA on Import and exports beetwen Indonesia and China using time series data during 2005-2018 were sourced from Central Bereau of Statistics and see the relevants thingking of Abu Ubaid dan Ibnu Khaldun to the implementation of ACFTA in Indonesia. The result showed that ACFTA has bad impact on the economy of Indonesia due to the zero cost of tariff on incoming goods. So, a new policy is needed as mentioned by the thingking of Abu Ubaid and Ibnu Khaldun. By eliminating the zero tariff policy and prioritizing economic succes based on the principle of justice and benefit of Indonesia.Penelitian ini mengkaji tentang dampak penerapan kerjasama dagang ACFTA terhadap perekonomian di Indonesia ditinjau dari teori perdagangan internasional Ibnu Khaldun dan Abu Ubaid. Metode yang digunakan adalah mixed methods (metode kualitatif dan metode kuantitatif), yaitu pertama, menganalisis dampak ACFTA terhadap ekspor Impor antara Indonesia dan China dengan menggunakan data time series dari tahun 2005 – 2018 yang didapat dari Badan Pusat Statisitk dan kedua, meninjau relevansi pemikiran Abu Ubaid dan Ibnu Khaldun terhadap penerapan ACFTA di Indonesia. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa selama ini ACFTA berdampak buruk bagi perekonomian Indonesia karena adanya biaya nol tarif terhadap barang yang masuk. Sehingga dibutuhkan kebijakan baru sebagaimana yang disebutkan oleh pemikiran dua tokoh ekonom muslim (Abu Ubaid dan Ibnu Khaldun) yaitu dengan menghilangkan kebijakan nol tarif yang kemudian mengutamakan keberhasilan ekonomi berdasarkan pada asas keadilan dan kemaslahatan masyarakat Indonesia.
Penerapan Good Corporate Governance dalam Pengungkapan Islamic Social Reporting pada Bank Umum Syariah di Indonesia
Authors: Pratiwi Angrum , Darmawati Darmawati , Amaliyah Rizky
Published: February 2021

The implementation of Good Corporate Governance (GCG) should be implemented properly, in order to create a healthy banking according to sharia principles. An important part of the governance structure of the Bank is the board of commissioners, directors, and the sharia supervisory board. This study analyzes the effect of GCG disclosure consisting of the board of commissioners, board of directors and sharia supervisory board on Islamic social reporting in Islamic commercial banks in Indonesia. This type of research is associative quantitative. The research sample consisted of seven (7) Islamic commercial banks in Indonesia, with an observation period of 2014-2019. The data source comes from the annual report and GCG report of each Islamic commercial bank. Disclosure of ISR is carried out by means of a dichotomy, namely "1" if the report is disclosed and "0" if not disclosed. Data analysis using multiple linear regression. Hypothesis testing using the t test, F test, and R Square. The results showed that the variable size of the board of commissioners had no effect on the ISR disclosure. Meanwhile, the variable size of the board of directors and sharia supervisory board affects the ISR disclosure. The quality and competence of the board of directors and the sharia supervisory board determine Islamic banks in implementing good corporate governance.Penerapan Good Corporate Governance (GCG) sudah semestinya diterapkan dengan baik, agar terwujudnya perbankan yang sehat sesuai prinsip syariah. Bagian penting dalam struktur tata kelola Bank adalah komisaris, direksi, serta dewan pengawas syariah. Penelitian ini menganalisa pengaruh pengungkapan GCG yang terdiri dari dewan komisaris, dewan direksi dan dewan pengawas syariah terhadap Islamic social reporting pada bank umum syariah di Indonesia. Jenis penelitian adalah kuantitatif asosiatif. Sampel penelitian berjumlah tujuh (7) bank umum syariah di Indonesia, dengan periode pengamatan 2014-2019. Sumber data berasal dari annual report dan laporan GCG masing-masing bank umum syariah. Pengungkapan ISR dilakukan dengan cara dikotomi, yaitu “1” apabila laporan tersebut diungkapkan dan “0” apabila tidak diungkapkan. Analisis data menggunakan regresi linier berganda. Pengujian hipotesis menggunakan uji t, uji  F, dan R Square. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa variabel ukuran dewan komisaris tidak berpengaruh terhadap pengungkapan ISR. Sedangkan, variabel ukuran dewan direksi dan dewan pengawas syariah berpengaruh terhadap pengungkapan ISR. Kualitas dan kompetensi dewan direksi serta dewan pengawas syariah menentukan bank syariah dalam menerapkan tata kelola perusahaan yang baik.
Clubfeet and Constriction Band Syndrome - Case Report
Authors: Shabani Bujar , Bytyqi Dafina , Bytyqi Cen
Published: February 2021

Background: Clubfeet and constriction band syndrome is a very rare non-idiopathic condition. Treatment is often difficult and the recurrence deformity rate is high. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of Ponseti method in the treatment of congenital constriction band syndrome accompanied by clubfoot deformity and lymphedema. Case presentation: We are presenting an interesting case of bilateral clubfeet and congenital circumferential constriction band syndrome in the lower limb. Ponseti method of correcting the congenital clubfoot deformity was applied. Constriction band release is accomplished by two stages completely excising the fibrous band and multiple two-stage Z-plasties on the right calf. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the Ponseti method of gentle, systematic manipulation and weekly cast changes is an effective treatment of non idiopathic clubfoot distal to congenital amniotic constriction band.
Association of Transcranial Doppler Blood Flow Velocity Slow Waves with Delayed Cerebral Ischemia in Patients Suffering from Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Papaioannou Vasilios , Budohoski Karol , Placek Michal , Czosnyka Zofia , Smielewski Peter , Czosnyka Marek
Published: February 2021

BackgroundCerebral vasospasm (VS) and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) constitute major complications following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). A few studies have examined the relationship between different indices of cerebrovascular dynamics with the occurrence of VS. However, their potential association with the development of DCI remains elusive. In this study, we investigated the pattern of changes of different transcranial doppler (TCD)-derived indices of cerebrovascular dynamics during vasospasm in patients suffering from subarachnoid hemorrhage, dichotomized by the presence of delayed cerebral ischemia.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed using recordings from 32 SAH patients, diagnosed with VS. Patients were divided in 2 groups, depending on development of DCI. Magnitude of slow waves (SWs) of cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) was measured. Cerebral autoregulation was estimated using the moving correlation coefficient Mxa. Cerebral arterial time constant (tau) was expressed as the product of resistance and compliance. Complexity of CBFV was estimated through measurement of sample entropy (SampEn). ResultsIn the whole population (N=32), magnitude of SWs of ipsilateral to VS side CBFV was higher during vasospasm (4.15 ± 1.55 vs before: 2.86 ± 1.21 cm/sec, p < 0.001). Ipsilateral SWs of CBFV before VS had higher magnitude in DCI group ( N =19, p < 0.001) and were strongly predictive of DCI, with area under the curve (AUC) = 0.745 (p = 0.02). Vasospasm caused a non-significant shortening of ipsilateral values of tau and increase in SampEn in all patients related to pre VS measurements, as well as an insignificant increase of Mxa in DCI related to non-DCI group (N = 13).ConclusionsIn patients suffering from subarachnoid hemorrhage, TCD-detected VS was associated with higher ipsilateral CBFV SWs, related to pre-VS measurements. Higher CBFV SWs before VS were significantly predictive of delayed cerebral ischemia.
A 24-year-old female with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis: a case report
Authors: Steeman Antoine , Andriescu Ionut-Adrian , Mazairac Guy
Published: February 2021

Background: Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis is a form of autoimmune encephalitis with paraneoplastic and nonparaneoplastic origin. Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis preferentially affects children and young adults with a male/female ratio of 1/4. In case of clinical suspicion, electroencephalogram and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are useful. The diagnosis is confirmed by the detection of IgG antibodies directed against NMDA receptors. Treatment includes immunosuppression and tumour resection when indicated.Case Report: We report the case of a 24-year-old female admitted to the emergency room following the onset of acute confusion. Due to the rapid deterioration of consciousness and swallowing disorders, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit. On day 23 after presentation, MRI suggested autoimmune limbic encephalitis. Serologic and cerebrospinal fluid results were positive for anti-NMDA antibodies. After intravenous methylprednisolone therapy and plasmapheresis and a second line therapy with corticosteroid therapy and mycophenolic acid, the patient’s clinical condition gradually improved.Why should an emergency physician be aware of this? : This disease is still underdiagnosed. The possibility of Anti-NMDA encephalitis must be excluded especially for young female adults and children presenting to emergency department with acute confusion before concluding a psychiatric disease diagnosis. Neurological deterioration typically occurs 1 to 3 weeks after the onset of symptoms.
Associations of Individual and Joint Expressions of ERCC6 and ERCC8 with Clinicopathological Parameters and Prognosis of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Chen Jing , Li Liang , Sun Li-Ping , Yuan Yuan , Jing Jing-jing
Published: February 2021

BackgroundExcision repair cross-complementing group 6 and 8 (ERCC6 and ERCC8) have been implicated in ailments such as genetic disease and cancer. However, the relationship between individual and joint expressions of ERCC6/ERCC8 and clinicopathological parameters as well as prognosis of gastric cancer (GC) still remains unclear.MethodsIn this study, protein expressions of ERCC6, ERCC8 and ERCC6-ERCC8 were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) with 109 paired GC and para-cancerous normal tissue samples. IHC results and RNA-seq data extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were used to explore the clinical value of ERCC6 and ERCC8 expression in GC. We further conducted protein-protein interaction analysis, Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, gene set enrichment analysis, and gene-gene interaction analysis for the exploration of the function and regulation network of ERCC6 and ERCC8 in GC.ResultsIndividual and joint ERCC6/ERCC8 expression were significantly higher in adjacent normal mucosa compared with GC tissues. Protein expressed levels of ERCC6, ERCC8, double negative ERCC6-ERCC8 and double positive ERCC6-ERCC8 and overexpressed ERCC6 mRNA were related to better clinicopathologic parameters, while overexpressed ERCC8 mRNA suggested worse parameters. Univariate survival analysis indicated an increased OS with higher ERCC6 protein expression and ERCC8 mRNA expression, and a decreased OS with double negative ERCC6-ERCC8 expression. Bioinformatic analyses showed ERCC6 and ERCC8 were associated with nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway, and six and ten gene sets were figured out to be related with ERCC6 and ERCC8, respectively. Direct physical interactions were found between ERCC6 and ERCC8.ConclusionsIndividual and joint expressions of ERCC6/ERCC8 were associated with clinical features of GC. Expressed levels of ERCC6 and double negative ERCC6-ERCC8 protein, and ERCC8 mRNA were related to prognosis of GC. ERCC6 and ERCC8 primarily function in the NER pathway, and could regulate GC progression through the regulation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
Promotion of Osteogenesis by Sweroside via BMP-2 Related Signaling in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Authors: Choi La Yoon , Kim Mi Hye , Han Jae Min , Yang Woong Mo
Published: February 2021

Phlomis umbrosa has been traditionally used for bone diseases such as bone fracture and rheumatism in traditional Korea Medicine. Sweroside (SOS), which is one of the active compounds of P. umbrosa, has been known to promote osteoblast differentiation. In this study, ameliorative effects of SOS on osteoporosis and potential target pathway were investigated. Ovariectomized mice were administered 3 doses of SOS for 4 weeks after inducing osteoporosis. Bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) were analyzed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. SaOS-2 osteoblasts were differentiated to clarify the promoting effects of SOS on osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Osteoblastic bone-forming markers were evaluated by RT-PCR in lumbar vertebrae (LV) and mineralized SaOS-2 cells. Treatment of SOS increased BMC and BMD levels. SOS markedly attenuated the bone marrow adipocytes in the central bone cavity of the femoral shaft. SOS increased the formation of bone matrix in SaOS-2 cells. BMP-2 and RUNX2 in LV and SaOS-2 cells were up-regulated by treating with SOS. BMP-2/RUNX2-activated ALP, OPN and BSP-1 expressions were increased by SOS. In conclusion, SOS induced the formation of mineralized bone matrix by regulating BMP-2/RUNX2-mediated osteoblastic molecules. Therefore, SOS could be a therapeutic active compound of treatment for osteoporosis by producing the new bone matrix.
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage among apparently healthy University students
Authors: Olowo-okere Ahmed , Umar Maryam , Ibrahim Mus’ab , Shuaibu Adeiza Suleiman , Usman Mustapha , Sani Jamila , Larbi Zakaria Nabti , Yacouba Abdourahamane
Published: February 2021

Background: Medical and paramedical students are often exposed to MRSA colonization and infection during clinical postings. They may serve as reservoirs or vector and occasionally as victims of MRSA cross-contamination. This study was designed to determine the rate of MRSA nasal carriage among apparently healthy undergraduate medical students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto.Methods: A questionnaire was administered to collect demographic data and health history of the recruited participants. Swab sticks pre-moistened with sterile physiological saline was used to collect samples from the nasal cavities of the participants. The collected samples were processed using standard microbiological techniques. The presence of MRSA was determined using the Oxacillin resistance screening agar base test (ORSAB). The susceptibility of the MRSA isolates to commonly prescribed antibiotics was carried out using the disc diffusion method.Result: A total of 200 participants were recruited from medical and allied faculties. The participants comprise 120 clinical students and 80 pre-clinical students. The mean age of the study participants was 23.32±1.76 years. Majority of the participants were males 119 (59.5 %). Overall, 77 (38.5 %) of the study participant were found to be nasally colonised with MRSA. The carrier rate was higher among the male (61.0 %) and participants aged less than 20 years (79.2 %). Equally, higher MRSA colonisation rate was observed among the students of faculties of medicine (27.3 %) and nursing (22.1 %) and predominantly among the clinical students (53.2 %). Clinical students and students who visited the hospital more than four time in a month were 0.72 (95% CI, 0.394-1.328) and 0.61 (95% CI, 0.325-1.136) times more likely to carry MRSA, respectively. The MRSA isolates were highly resistant to all the tested antibiotics (72-100 %).Conclusion: The MRSA nasal carriage rate among medical and paramedical students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto is high. The finding of this study has important implication on public health. Thus, urgent steps should be taken to improve infection control practices in the study area.
Design of a candidate multi-epitope vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 using reverse vaccinology approach
Authors: Atapour Amir , Golestan Ali
Published: February 2021

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infection as a global epidemic that is spreading dramatically day to day. Currently, many efforts have been made against COVID-19 through the designing or developing of specific vaccine or drug, worldwide. In this study, we used the bioinformatics approach to design an effective multi-epitope vaccine against COVID-19 based on Spike (S) protein. Here, we employed in silico tools to identify potential T and B cell epitopes from S protein that have the ability to induce cellular and humoral immunity. Then, the peptide sequence of potential T, B cell epitopes and flagellin (as adjuvant molecule) were joined together by suitable linkers to construct of candidate multi-epitope vaccine (MEV). Subsequently, immunological and structural evaluations such as antigenicity, allergenicity, 3D modeling, molecular docking, fast flexibility simulations as well as in silico cloning were performed. Immunological and structural computational data showed that designed MEV potentially has proper capacity for inducing of cellular and humoral immune responses against COVID-19. Based on the preliminary results, in vitro and in vivo experiments are required for validation in the future.
Penetrating injuries in Germany – Epidemiology, management and outcome - An analysis based on the TraumaRegister DGU®
Authors: Bieler Dan , Kollig Erwin , Hackenberg Lisa , Rathjen Jan-Henrik , Lefering Rolf , Franke Axel
Published: February 2021

Background The management of penetrating wounds is a rare challenge for trauma surgeons in Germany and Central Europe as a result of the low incidence of this type of trauma. In Germany, penetrating injuries are reported to occur in 4–5% of the severely injured patients who are enrolled in the TraumaRegister DGU® (trauma registry of the German Trauma Society). They include gunshot injuries, knife stab injuries, which are far more common, and penetrating injuries of other origin, for example trauma caused by accidents. The objective of this study was to assess the epidemiology and outcome of penetrating injuries in Germany, with a particular focus on the level of care provided by the treating trauma centre to gain more understanding of this trauma mechanism and to anticipate the necessary steps in the initial treatment. Materials and methods Since 2009, the TraumaRegister DGU® has been used to assess not only whether a trauma was penetrating but also whether it was caused by gunshot or stabbing. Data were taken from the standard documentation forms that participating German hospitals completed between 2009 and 2018. Excluded were patients with a maximum abbreviated injury scale (MAIS) score of 1 with a view to obtaining a realistic idea of this injury entity, which is rare in Germany. Results From 2009 to 2018, there were 1123 patients with gunshot wounds, corresponding to a prevalence rate of 0.5%, and 4333 patients with stab wounds (1.8%), which were frequently caused by violent crime. The high proportion of intentionally self-inflicted gunshot wounds to the head resulted in a cumulative mortality rate of 41% for gunshot injuries. Stab wounds were associated with a lower mortality rate (6.8%). Every fourth to fifth patient with a gunshot or stab wound presented with haemorrhagic shock, which is a problem that is seen during both the prehospital and the inhospital phase of patient management. Of the patients with penetrating injuries, 18.3% required transfusions. This percentage was more than two times higher than that of the basic group of patients of the TraumaRegister DGU®, which consists of patients with a MAIS ≥ 3 and patients with a MAIS of 2 who died or were treated on the intensive care unit. Conclusions In Germany, gunshot and stab wounds have a low incidence and are mostly caused by violent crime or attempted suicides. Depending on the site of injury, they have a high mortality and are often associated with major haemorrhage. As a result of the low incidence of these types of trauma, further data and analyses are required in order to provide the basis for evaluating the long-term quality of the management of patients with stab or gunshot wounds.
MiRNA-mediated Changes in DNA Methylation Affect the Expression of Genes Involved in the Thickness of Pod Canopy Trait in Brassica Napus
Authors: Chen Zhiyou , Jia Ledong , Wan Yuanyuan , Ma Jinqi , Lu Kun , Qu Cunmin , Li Jiana
Published: February 2021

Background: Methylation plays an important role in regulating crop development, but little is known about how methylation regulates plant architecture in rapeseed (Brassica napus). Here, we examined how methylation affects the TPC (thickness of pod canopy) trait in rapeseed by performing genome-wide methylation analysis of two extreme TPC lines. Results: We detected significant differences in overall methylation levels between the high- and low-TPC lines in the CG, CHG, and CHH contexts in the promoters of genes in the stem apex and flower bud. In flower buds, 26 genes had significantly higher methylation levels in the high-TPC samples compared to the low-TPC samples, resulting in significantly reduced gene expression. By contrast, in the stem apex samples, the promoter regions of 22 genes were hypermethylated in the high- vs. low-TPC samples. The promoters of 19 and 21 genes had significantly reduced methylation levels in the flower bud and stem apex, respectively, of the high- vs. low-TPC samples, resulting in significantly higher expression levels. Some of these differentially expressed genes are associated with TPC-related traits, such as BnaC03g53050D (UBC32), BnaA05g26660D (CYSB), BnaA10g07880D (TCP 1), BnaAnng09670D (SMP1), BnaA09g02000D (SDH2-2), BnaC01g12960D (NRT1.8), and BnaC09g30490D (TAF15b). In addition, 14 important genes related to growth and development were differentially regulated between the two groups due to miRNA-mediated differences in methylation levels in their promoters. For example, hypermethylation in the promoter region of BnaCnng64040D (Lipase family protein) mediated by miR159a led to significantly reduced gene expression in flower buds of high-TPC vs. low-TPC lines. Conclusions: These results, together with our previously generated RNA-seq and miRNA profiling data, indicate that both methylation and miRNAs are involved in regulating the expression of genes in nitrogen-related metabolic pathways, thereby affecting the TPC trait in B. napus, providing a reference for uncovering the molecular mechanism regulating this crucial trait.