bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypertension and coronary artery ectasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis study
Authors: Bahremand Mostafa , Zereshki Ehsan , Matin Behzad Karami , Rezaei Mansour , Omrani Hamidreza
Published: July 2021

Background

Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is characterized by the enlargement of a coronary artery to 1.5 times or more than other non-ectasia parts of the vessel. It is important to investigate the association of different factors and CAE because there are controversial results between available studies. We perform this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of hypertension (HTN) on CAE.

Methods

To find the potentially relevant records, the electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed, and Science Direct were searched on 25 July 2019 by two of the authors independently. In the present study, the pooled odds ratio (OR) accompanied by 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by a random-effects model. Heterogeneity presented with the I2index. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis by the Jackknife approach was performed.

Results

Forty studies with 3,263 cases and 7,784 controls that investigated the association between HTN and CAE were included. The pooled unadjusted OR of CAE in subjects with HTN in comparison by subjects without HTN was estimated 1.44 (95 % CI, 1.24 to 1.68) with moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 41 %, Cochran’s QP = 0.004). There was no evidence of publication bias in the analysis of HTN and CAE with Egger’s test (P = 0.171), Begg’s test (P = 0.179). Nine articles reported the adjusted effect of HTN on CAE by 624 cases and 628 controls. The findings indicated the overall adjusted OR was 1.03 (95 % CI, 0.80 to 1.25) with high heterogeneity (I2 = 58.5 %, Cochran’s QP = 0.013).

Conclusions

We found that when the vessel was in normal condition, HTN was not very effective in increasing the chance of CAE and only increased the CAE chance by 3 %. This is an important issue and a warning to people who have multiple risk factors together. More studies need to be performed to further establish these associations by reported adjusted effects.
Enhanced mosquitocidal efficacy of pyrethroid insecticides by nanometric emulsion preparation towards Culex pipiens larvae with biochemical and molecular docking studies
Authors: Taktak Nehad E. M. , Badawy Mohamed E. I. , Awad Osama M. , Abou El-Ela Nadia E. , Abdallah Salwa M.
Published: July 2021

Background

The growing threat of vector-borne diseases and environmental pollution with conventional pesticides has led to the search for nanotechnology applications to prepare alternative products.

Methods

In the current study, four pyrethroid insecticides include alpha-cypermethrin, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, and permethrin were incorporated into stable nanoemulsions. The optimization of nanoemulsions is designed based on the active ingredient, solvent, surfactant, sonication time, sonication cycle, and sonication energy by factorial analysis. The nanoscale emulsions’ droplet size and morphology were measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. The toxicity of nanoemulsions against Culex pipiens larvae was evaluated and compared with the technical and commercial formulations. The in vitro assay of adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase), carboxylesterase (CaE), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were also investigated. Furthermore, molecular docking was examined to assess the binding interactions between the tested pyrethroids and the target enzymes. Also, an ecotoxicological assessment of potential effects of the tested products on the freshwater alga Raphidocelis subcapitata was determined according to OECD and EPA methods. The emulsifible concentration (EC50) and NOEC (no observed effect concentration) values were estimated for each insecticide and graded according to the GHS to determine the risk profile in aquatic life.

Results

The mean droplet diameter and zeta potential of the prepared pyrethroid nanoemulsions were found to be in the range of 72.00–172.00 nm and − 0.539 to − 15.40 mV, respectively. All insecticides’ nanoemulsions showed significantly high toxicity (1.5–2-fold) against C. pipiens larvae compared to the technical and EC. The biochemical activity data proved that all products significantly inhibited ATPase. However, GST and CaE were significantly activated. Docking results proved that the pyrethroids exhibited a higher binding affinity with CaE and GST than ATPase. The docking scores ranged from − 4.33 to − 10.01 kcal/mol. Further, the biosafety studies of the nanopesticides in comparison with the active ingredient and commercial EC were carried out against the freshwater alga R. subcapitata and the mosquitocidal concentration of nanopesticides was found to be non-toxic.

Conclusion

The mosquitocidal efficacy of nano-pyrethroids formulated in a greener approach could become an alternative to using conventional pesticide application in an environmentally friendly manner.
Heat development at the knife roller during leather shaving
Authors: Witt Tilman , Mondschein Anke , Majschak Jens-Peter , Meyer Michael
Published: July 2021

Leather, which is regularly tanned from whole hides of up to 5 m2, needs a constant thickness over the entire surface in order to be processed into high-quality consumer goods such as shoes, furniture and car interiors. Precise adjustment of the thickness is achieved by shaving. On an industrial scale, rotating knife rollers are used to remove chips from the flesh side of semi-finished leathers whereby adjusting the specified thickness and generating a smooth surface. Care must be taken to prevent the temperature from rising above the denaturation temperature of the leather during shaving in order to avoid any loss of quality. Beside this, temperature rise is always a sign of friction showing avoidable energy expenditure. In order to localize the source of friction during shaving, actual temperature development at the roller knife is studied. Different measuring methods are used to evaluate the temperature increase at the blade roll of the shaving machine. The finite element method is used to thermally simulate the process. Measured temperatures, the geometry of the blade roll and process data are taken into account for modelling the temperature development close to the blade edge. The obtained results enhance the understanding of temperature generating processes during machine operation and allow conclusions about potential improvements in the design of the machine and blades.

Graphical abstract
Collagen peptide provides Streptomyces coelicolor CGMCC 4.7172 with abundant precursors for enhancing undecylprodigiosin production
Authors: Li Xia , Li Meifeng , Guo Junling , Liu Xian , Liao Xuepin , Shi Bi
Published: July 2021

Effective and ecofriendly converting biomass to chemicals is important for sustainable engineering based on the foreseeable shortage of fossil resources. Undecylprodigiosin (UP) is a promising antibiotic, but the direct feeding of pure precursor amino acids makes it costly for large-scale production. Here, collagen peptide (CP), a renewable animal-derived biomass contains abundant precursor amino acids of UP. CP can act as carbon and nitrogen source for the growth of Streptomyces coelicolor CGMCC 4.7172. The plant biomasses including soybean meal, wheat bran, and malt extract were unsuitable for UP prodution. However, 365.40 µg/L UP was detected after 24 h in the media containing CP, and its highest concentration reached 1198.01 µg/L. UP was also detected in the media containing meat hydrolysates of domestic animals, but its initial production time was delayed, and final concentration was lower than that in the medium containing CP only. Compared the fermentation performances of CP and other proteins, CP has a special superiority for UP production. These results revealed that UP biosynthesis may be dependent on amino acid availability of substrates and CP is beneficial for UP production because of its specific amino acid composition.

Graphical abstract
Breast involvement of hematological malignancies: imaging and clinical findings
Authors: Durhan Gamze , Demirkazık Figen
Published: July 2021

Background

Breast involvement of hematological malignancies is a very rare entity. Accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate treatment. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical and radiological findings of hematological malignancy breast involvement and to describe possible pitfalls in diagnosis.

Results

The images of 20 patients with breast involvement of hematological malignancies were retrospectively evaluated on ultrasonography, mammography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the findings were reported. Bilaterality was seen only in cases with secondary involvement, and there was no marked difference between primary and secondary breast involvement of hematological malignancies. All patients underwent ultrasonography examination. According to ultrasonography, breast masses were most frequently irregular in shape (11/20, 55%) with non-circumscribed margins (11/20, 55%). Posterior acoustic enhancement was noted in 14 cases (70%). Posterior shadowing was not observed in any of the patients. Mammography was available in 10 patients. Microcalcification was not observed in any patient on mammography. MRI was available in four patients. Hyperintensity in T2-weighted images, type 2 or type 3 dynamic curve, and diffusion restriction were observed in all cases.

Conclusions

Hematological malignancies may mimic both benign breast lesions and breast carcinoma. Familiarity with the radiological features of hematological malignancies can help accurate diagnosis.
A compressed data approach for image-domain least-squares migration
Authors: Tuvi Ram , Zhao Zeyu , Sen Mrinal Kanti
Published: July 2021

We consider the problem of image-domain least-squares migration (LSM) based on efficiently constructing the Hessian matrix with sparse beam data. Specifically, we use the ultra-wide-band phase space beam summation method, in which beams are used as local basis functions to represent scattered data collected at the surface. The beam domain data are sparse. One can identify seismic events with significant contributions so that only beams with nonnegligible amplitudes need to be used to image the subsurface. In addition, due to the beams’ spectral localization, only beams that pass near an imaging point need to be taken into account. These two properties reduce the computational complexity of computing the Hessian matrix — an essential ingredient for LSM. As a result, we can efficiently construct the Hessian matrix based on analyzing the sparse beam domain data.
The ethnic density effect in psychosis: a systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis
Authors: Baker Sophie J. , Jackson Mike , Jongsma Hannah , Saville Christopher W. N.
Published: July 2021

Background

An ‘ethnic’ or ‘group’ density effect in psychosis has been observed, whereby the risk of psychosis in minority group individuals is inversely related to neighbourhood-level proportions of others belonging to the same group. However, there is conflicting evidence over whether this effect differs between minority groups and limited investigation into other moderators.

Aims

To conduct a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of the group density effect in psychosis and examine moderators.

Method

Four databases were systematically searched. A narrative review was conducted and a three-level meta-analysis was performed. The potential moderating effect of crudely and specifically defined minority groups was assessed. Country, time, area size and whether studies used clinical or non-clinical outcomes were also tested as moderators.

Results

Thirty-two studies were included in the narrative review and ten in the meta-analysis. A 10 percentage-point decrease in own-group density was associated with a 20% increase in psychosis risk (OR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.09−1.32,P< 0.001). This was moderated by crudely defined minority groups (F6,68= 6.86,P< 0.001), with the strongest associations observed in Black populations, followed by a White Other sample. Greater heterogeneity was observed when specific minority groups were assessed (F25,49= 7.26,P< 0.001).

Conclusions

This is the first review to provide meta-analytic evidence that the risk of psychosis posed by lower own-group density varies across minority groups, with the strongest associations observed in Black individuals. Heterogeneity in effect sizes may reflect distinctive social experiences of specific minority groups. Potential mechanisms are discussed, along with the implications of findings and suggestions for future research.
Machine Learning Radiomics Model for Early Identification of Small-Cell Lung Cancer on Computed Tomography Scans
Authors: Shah Rajesh P. , Selby Heather M. , Mukherjee Pritam , Verma Shefali , Xie Peiyi , Xu Qinmei , Das Millie , Malik Sachin , Gevaert Olivier , Napel Sandy
Published: July 2021

PURPOSE

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the deadliest form of lung cancer, partly because of its short doubling time. Delays in imaging identification and diagnosis of nodules create a risk for stage migration. The purpose of our study was to determine if a machine learning radiomics model can detect SCLC on computed tomography (CT) among all nodules at least 1 cm in size.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Computed tomography scans from a single institution were selected and resampled to 1 × 1 × 1 mm. Studies were divided into SCLC and other scans comprising benign, adenocarcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma that were segregated into group A (noncontrast scans) and group B (contrast-enhanced scans). Four machine learning classification models, support vector classifier, random forest (RF), XGBoost, and logistic regression, were used to generate radiomic models using 59 quantitative first-order and texture Imaging Biomarker Standardization Initiative compliant PyRadiomics features, which were found to be robust between two segmenters with minimum Redundancy Maximum Relevance feature selection within each leave-one-out-cross-validation to avoid overfitting. The performance was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. A final model was created using the RF classifier and aggregate minimum Redundancy Maximum Relevance to determine feature importance.

RESULTS

A total of 103 studies were included in the analysis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for RF, support vector classifier, XGBoost, and logistic regression was 0.81, 0.77, 0.84, and 0.84 in group A, and 0.88, 0.87, 0.85, and 0.81 in group B, respectively. Nine radiomic features in group A and 14 radiomic features in group B were predictive of SCLC. Six radiomic features overlapped between groups A and B.

CONCLUSION

A machine learning radiomics model may help differentiate SCLC from other lung lesions.
Dysregulation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis due to Energy Deficit
Authors: Grossmann Mathis , Wittert Gary A
Published: July 2021

Context

Although gonadal axis dysregulation from energy deficit is well recognized in women, the effects of energy deficit on the male gonadal axis have received much less attention.

Evidence acquisition

To identify relevant articles, we conducted PubMed searches from inception to May 2021.

Evidence synthesis

Case series and mechanistic studies demonstrate that energy deficit (both acutely over days or chronically over months) either from inadequate energy intake and/or excessive energy expenditure can lower serum testosterone concentration as a result of hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis dysregulation in men. The extent to which this has clinical consequences that can be disentangled from the effects of nutritional insufficiency, concomitant endocrine dysregulation (eg, adrenal and thyroid axis), and coexisting comorbidities (eg, depression and substance abuse) is uncertain. HPT axis dysfunction is primarily the result of loss of GnRH pulsatility resulting from a failure of leptin to induce kisspeptin signaling. The roles of neuroendocrine consequences of depression, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation, proinflammatory cytokines, Ghrelin, and genetic susceptibility remain unclear. In contrast to hypogonadism from organic pathology of the HPT axis, energy deficit-associated HPT dysregulation is functional, and generally reversible by restoring energy balance.

Conclusions

The clinical management of such men should aim to restore adequate nutrition and achieve and maintain a healthy body weight. Psychosocial comorbidities must be identified and addressed. There is no evidence that testosterone treatment is beneficial. Many knowledge gaps regarding epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment remain and we highlight several areas that require future research.
Ventromedial Nucleus of the Hypothalamus Neurons Under the Magnifying Glass
Authors: Khodai Tansi , Luckman Simon M
Published: July 2021

The ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH) is a complex brain structure that is integral to many neuroendocrine functions, including glucose regulation, thermogenesis, and appetitive, social, and sexual behaviors. As such, it is of little surprise that the nucleus is under intensive investigation to decipher the mechanisms which underlie these diverse roles. Developments in genetic and investigative tools, for example the targeting of steroidogenic factor-1-expressing neurons, have allowed us to take a closer look at the VMH, its connections, and how it affects competing behaviors. In the current review, we aim to integrate recent findings into the literature and contemplate the conclusions that can be drawn.
Maroon Choreography
Authors: ife fahima
Published: July 2021

In Maroon Choreography fahima ife speculates on the long (im)material, ecological, and aesthetic afterlives of black fugitivity. In three long-form poems and a lyrical essay, they examine black fugitivity as an ongoing phenomenon we know little about beyond what history tells us. As both poet and scholar, ife unsettles the history and idea of black fugitivity, troubling senses of historic knowing while moving inside the continuing afterlives of those people who disappeared themselves into rural spaces beyond the reach of slavery. At the same time, they interrogate how writing itself can be a fugitive practice and a means to find a way out of ongoing containment, indebtedness, surveillance, and ecological ruin. Offering a philosophical performance in black study, ife prompts us to consider how we—in our study, in our mutual refusal, in our belatedness, in our habitual assemblage—linger beside the unknown.

Duke University Press Scholars of Color First Book Award recipient
Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Use in Sports, Health, and Society
Authors: BHASIN SHALENDER , HATFIELD DISA L. , HOFFMAN JAY R. , KRAEMER WILLIAM J. , LABOTZ MICHELE , PHILLIPS STUART M. , RATAMESS NICHOLAS A.
Published: July 2021

This consensus statement is an update of the 1987 American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) position stand on the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS). Substantial data have been collected since the previous position stand, and AAS use patterns have changed significantly. The ACSM acknowledges that lawful and ethical therapeutic use of AAS is now an accepted mainstream treatment for several clinical disorders; however, there is increased recognition that AAS are commonly used illicitly to enhance performance and appearance in several segments of the population, including competitive athletes. The illicit use of AAS by competitive athletes is contrary to the rules and ethics of many sport governing bodies. Thus, the ACSM deplores the illicit use of AAS for athletic and recreational purposes. This consensus statement provides a brief history of AAS use, an update on the science of how we now understand AAS to be working metabolically/biochemically, potential side effects, the prevalence of use among athletes, and the use of AAS in clinical scenarios.
Anthropometric, Physiological, and Performance Developments in Cross-country Skiers
Authors: JONES THOMAS W. , LINDBLOM HAMPUS P. , KARLSSON ØYVIND , ANDERSSON ERIK P. , MCGAWLEY KERRY
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to describe changes in laboratory-assessed anthropometric and physiological characteristics, training volumes, and competitive performance in national development-team cross-country skiers over a 25-month period, and to analyze whether changes in competitive performance could be predicted by changes in laboratory-assessed qualities and training volumes.

Methods

Data collected over 25 months from 30 national development-team cross-country skiers (14 women, 16 men; age, 18–23 yr) were analyzed retrospectively using multivariate statistics. Anthropometric and physiological characteristics were assessed via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and incremental roller-ski treadmill tests, respectively. Total training volumes and distributions of low- and high-intensity training were analyzed from online training diaries, and competitive performance was determined by International Ski Federation (FIS) distance and sprint points.

Results

Whole- and upper-body lean mass increased in the full cohort of skiers (n = 30; both P < 0.05), whereas lower-body lean mass, whole-body fat mass, speed and oxygen uptake (V˙O2) at a blood lactate concentration (BLa) of 2 and 4 mmol·L−1, as well as time-trial completion time, power output, and peak V˙O2, improved in the women only (all P < 0.05). Valid predictive models were identified for female skiers’ best FIS distance points (R
2 = 0.81/Q
2 = 0.51) and changes in FIS distance points (R
2 = 0.83/Q
2 = 0.54), with body mass, fat mass, lean mass, V˙O2peak, and speed at a BLa of 4 mmol·L−1 identified as consistently important variables for projection.

Conclusions

The valid prediction of competitive performance was achieved for women only in distance events. This study suggests that improvements in body composition and aerobic capacity may be more beneficial for elite female development-level skiers than for their male counterparts. These results have implications for athlete selection and performance development.
Qualitative Components of Dyspnea during Incremental Exercise across the COPD Continuum
Authors: PHILLIPS DEVIN B. , NEDER J. ALBERTO , ELBEHAIRY AMANY F. , MILNE KATHRYN M. , JAMES MATTHEW D. , VINCENT SANDRA G. , DAY ANDREW G. , DE-TORRES JUAN P. , WEBB KATHERINE A. , O’DONNELL DENIS E. ,   on behalf of the Canadian Respiratory Research Network
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Evaluation of the intensity and quality of activity-related dyspnea is potentially useful in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The present study sought to examine associations between qualitative dyspnea descriptors, dyspnea intensity ratings, dynamic respiratory mechanics, and exercise capacity during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in COPD and healthy controls.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 261 patients with mild-to-very severe COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 s, 62 ± 25%pred) and 94 age-matched controls (forced expiratory volume in 1 s, 114 ± 14%pred) completed an incremental cycle CPET to determine peak oxygen uptake (V˙O2peak). Throughout exercise, expired gases, operating lung volumes, and dyspnea intensity were assessed. At peak exercise, dyspnea quality was assessed using a modified 15-item questionnaire.

Results

Logistic regression analysis revealed that among 15 dyspnea descriptors, only those alluding to the cluster “unsatisfied inspiration” were consistently associated with an increased likelihood for both critical inspiratory mechanical constraint (end-inspiratory lung volume/total lung capacity ratio ≥0.9) during exercise and reduced exercise capacity (V˙O2peak < lower limit of normal) in COPD (odds ratio (95% confidence interval), 3.26 (1.40–7.60) and 3.04 (1.24–7.45), respectively; both, P < 0.05). Thus, patients reporting “unsatisfied inspiration” (n = 177 (68%)) had an increased relative frequency of critical inspiratory mechanical constraint and low exercise capacity compared with those who did not select this descriptor, regardless of COPD severity or peak dyspnea intensity scores.

Conclusions

In patients with COPD, regardless of disease severity, reporting descriptors in the unsatisfied inspiration cluster complemented traditional assessments of dyspnea during CPET and helped identify patients with critical mechanical abnormalities germane to exercise intolerance.
ɑ-Lactalbumin Improves Sleep and Recovery after Simulated Evening Competition in Female Athletes
Authors: MILES KATHLEEN H. , CLARK BRAD , FOWLER PETER M. , GRATWICKE MADELEINE J. , MARTIN KRISTY , WELVAERT MARIJKE , MILLER JOANNA , PUMPA KATE L.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of α-lactalbumin (A-LAC) supplementation for improving sleep and performance recovery after simulated evening competition in female athletes.

Methods

Sixteen trained women (mean ± SD: age, 27 ± 7 yr; mass, 62 ± 10 kg; stature, 167 ± 8 cm) participated in this randomized double-blind three-arm crossover study. Participants completed a simulated evening competition before consuming either an A-LAC whey protein, whey protein placebo (PLA), or water control (CON) beverage. Sleep was monitored via polysomnography, and participants completed a series of physical, cognitive, and perceptual assessments before, and 14 and 24 h after simulated competition.

Results

Non–rapid eye movement stage 2 sleep increased after competition in A-LAC (pre, 199 ± 44 min; post, 212 ± 37 min) but decreased in CON (pre, 228 ± 43 min; post, 195 ± 40 min) and PLA (pre, 224 ± 25 min; post, 211 ± 35 min; P = 0.012). In addition, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 distance improved over time in A-LAC (baseline, 664 ± 332 m; 14 h post, 667 ± 326 m; 24 h post, 781 ± 427 m) compared with CON (baseline, 741 ± 366 m; 14 h post, 648 ± 351 m; 24 h post, 720 ± 407 m) and PLA (baseline, 763 ± 394 m; 14 h post, 636 ± 366 m; 24 h post, 720 ± 396 m; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The findings indicate that A-LAC supplementation may be useful for retaining some sleep characteristics after evening competition, leading to improved physical performance in female athletes.
The evidence for interventions in early childhood allergy prevention – towards a living systematic review: protocol
Authors: Matterne Uwe , Tischer Christina , Wang Jiancong , Knüttel Helge , Genuneit Jon , Perkin Michael , Apfelbacher Christian
Published: July 2021

Background: Research in early childhood allergy prevention (ECAP) is flourishing and new intervention strategies have proven to be promising. Due to the dynamic nature of ECAP, gaps between what is known and how guidelines inform practice are likely. A living systematic review (LSR) can narrow this gap by incorporating new evidence as it becomes available. No efficacy comparisons across various ECAP interventions for similar outcomes have been carried out. Networks of randomised clinical trials can be evaluated in the context of a network meta-analysis (NMA). We aim to establish a LSR on the efficacy and safety of any intervention investigated in randomised controlled trials (RCT) to prevent the occurrence of allergic sensitisation (AS), symptoms or diagnoses of allergic diseases in infancy and early childhood (0-3 years).

Methods: A baseline SR will synthesise the evidence from existing SRs of RCTs as well as RCTs not yet considered in these. After completion of the baseline SR we propose to conduct a LSR. Using this methodology, we aim to undertake constant evidence surveillance, three-monthly search updates, and review updates every three months, should new evidence emerge.

Conclusions: The ECAP evidence landscape has undergone dramatic transformations and this process is likely to continue. As a response to this, a LSR offers the potential to allow more timely synthesis of new evidence as it emerges. Long gaps between updates of SRs makes it harder for guidelines and recommendations to be up to date. Users of information, such as parents, may be confused if they encounter new evidence that is not part of a trusted guideline. A LSR approach allows us to continuously search the literature and update the evidence-base of existing ECAP interventions resulting in a decreased timespan from evidence accrual to informing clinical practice.
Case Report: Reinfection of COVID-19, with second infection less severe
Authors: Alsalih Nawar Jasim , Saeed Zeayd Fadhil , Thwiny Hazim Talib , Al-Yasari Ali Mosa Rashid , Alnassar Ahmed Waleed Dheyab , Hobkirk James P. , Alsaadawi Mohenned A.
Published: July 2021

There is concern that an individual may contract COVID-19 twice, either as a result of being a viral carrier that was not entirely cleared from the body in the first instance or as a result of reinfection. The recurrent infection may be qRT-PCR positive, which must be distinguished from post-COVID-19 symptoms that are qRT-PCR negative. Although it is known that recovered patients of viral diseases can be immune for the next infection, recurrent infections of COVID-19 have been recorded in Brazilian healthcare workers. We report a case of recurrent COVID-19 infection in a 34-year-old man working in the Gynecology and Children Hospital in Al-Muthanna Province, south of Iraq. The patient suffered from a sharp and noticeable rise in the body temperature at 39 ºC and cough on the 16th of July 2020. Then, the patient was symptomized with another course of COVID-19 on the 27th of August 2020, which was contracted from the patient’s workmate. Nose swab PCR test and CT scan were performed to confirm the second infection. The clinical signs of repeated infection with coronavirus were obviously less than the first infection of the same patient. It is clear that the first infection symptoms of COVID-19 are more severe than the signs of recurrent disease.
PEGS: An efficient tool for gene set enrichment within defined sets of genomic intervals
Authors: Briggs Peter , Hunter A. Louise , Yang Shen-hsi , Sharrocks Andrew D. , Iqbal Mudassar
Published: July 2021

Many biological studies of transcriptional control mechanisms produce lists of genes and non-coding genomic intervals from corresponding gene expression and epigenomic assays. In higher organisms, such as eukaryotes, genes may be regulated by distal elements, with these elements lying 10s–100s of kilobases away from a gene transcription start site. To gain insight into these distal regulatory mechanisms, it is important to determine comparative enrichment of genes of interest in relation to genomic regions of interest, and to be able to do so at a range of distances. Existing bioinformatics tools can annotate genomic regions to nearest known genes, or look for transcription factor binding sites in relation to gene transcription start sites. Here, we present PEGS (Peak set Enrichment in Gene Sets). This tool efficiently provides an exploratory analysis by calculating enrichment of multiple gene sets, associated with multiple non-coding elements (peak sets), at multiple genomic distances, and within topologically associated domains. We apply PEGS to gene sets derived from gene expression studies, and genomic intervals from corresponding ChIP-seq and ATAC-seq experiments to derive biologically meaningful results. We also demonstrate an extended application to tissue-specific gene sets and publicly available GWAS data, to find enrichment of sleep trait associated SNPs in relation to tissue-specific gene expression profiles.
Automated identification of borrowings in multilingual wordlists
Authors: List Johann-Mattis , Forkel Robert
Published: July 2021

Although lexical borrowing is an important aspect of language evolution, there have been few attempts to automate the identification of borrowings in lexical datasets. Moreover, none of the solutions which have been proposed so far identify borrowings across multiple languages. This study proposes a new method for the task and tests it on a newly compiled large comparative dataset of 48 South-East Asian languages. The method yields very promising results, while it is conceptually straightforward and easy to apply. This makes the approach a perfect candidate for computer-assisted exploratory studies on lexical borrowing in contact areas.
Perspectives on public health interventions in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand
Authors: Pan-ngum Wirichada , Poomchaichote Tassawan , Peerawaranun Pimnara , Kulpijit Natinee , Osterrieder Anne , Waithira Naomi , Mukaka Mavuto , Naemiratch Bhensri , Chanviriyavuth Rita , Asarath Supa-at , Ruangkajorn Supanat , Kannika Noppadon , Cheah Phaik Yeong
Published: July 2021

Background: Any government needs to react quickly to a pandemic and make decisions on healthcare interventions locally and internationally with little information regarding the perceptions of people and the reactions they may receive during the implementation of restrictions.

Methods: We report an anonymous online survey in Thailand conducted in May 2020 to assess public perceptions of three interventions in the Thai context: isolation, quarantine and social distancing. A total of 1,020 participants, of whom 52% were women, responded to the survey.

Results: Loss of income was the main concern among respondents (>80% for all provinces in Thailand). Traditional media and social media were important channels for communication during the pandemic. A total of 92% of respondents reported that they changed their social behaviour even before the implementation of government policy with 94% reporting they performed social distancing, 97% reported using personal protective equipment such as masks and 95% reported using sanitizer products.

Conclusions: This study showed a high level of compliance from individuals with government enforced or voluntarily controls such as quarantine, isolation and social distancing in Thailand. The findings from this study can be used to inform future government measures to control the pandemic and to shape communication strategies.
Opportunities for the use of routinely collected data for the generation of large randomized evidence in Colombia
Authors: Garcia Luna Jonny Alejandro , López-Medina Eduardo , Maldonado-Vargas Norman Danilo , Smith Adrian D.
Published: July 2021

Randomized clinical trials are the cornerstone design for the evaluation of the safety and efficacy of health interventions. Furthermore, morbidity and mortality rates could be reduced if evidence of better interventions is sought and used to inform medical practice. However, only small to moderate, yet worthwhile, effects can be expected from such interventions. Therefore, moderate random error and moderate biases must be avoided during the design, conduct and analysis of trials. Routinely collected data, such as vital statistics, hospital episode statistics and surveillance data, could be used to enhance recruitment and follow-up a large number of patients, reducing both random error and moderate biases. Here, we discuss the opportunities and challenges for the use of these data for clinical studies in Colombia.
Ionizing radiation in the hydrosphere. Introduction to radiobiology and radioecology of hydrobionts
Authors: Kulepanov Vladimir
Published: July 2021

The textbook contains information about the history of the discovery and study of ionizing radiation, about the development and formation of radiobiology and radioecology. The characteristics of ionizing radiation, radiation dose units and activity are given. The effect of ionizing radiation on biological systems is described. Modern problems of radioecology are considered.
Compiled taking into account the current curriculum for the specialty "Life safety in the technosphere", it includes the main provisions of radiobiology and radioecology.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is intended for independent work of students, bachelors and postgraduates, it can also be used as additional material at lectures and methodological material at seminars on the courses "Ecology "and"Marine Ecology".
War and peace in a hybrid dimension
Authors: Ternovaya Lyudmila
Published: July 2021

The monograph is devoted to the analysis of the current topic of hybrid war, in which the thin red lines separating it from peaceful life can both turn into an impenetrable iron curtain, and become a bright and attractive advertisement for another country and culture, forcing you to immerse yourself in another world, and not perceive it as a rival. Neither international law, nor the tools for identifying all the figures of international relations involved in resolving issues of war and peace, nor culture can correct the mutual distortions of hybrid war and hybrid peace. And yet, it is possible to find such facts that help to remove hybrid layers and reach the true interests, goals and means of those geopolitical actors who benefit from such a complex hybrid game of war and peace.
It is intended for specialists in the field of international relations, history, culture. It will also arouse the interest of a wide range of readers.
Alternatives
Authors: Borzyh Stanislav
Published: July 2021

The monograph is devoted to what the world could be in its alternative manifestations. The five central chapters consistently consider the Universe, life, culture, mind and civilization that are different, but not opposite to ours: the first examines the question of the probability of the presence of such phenomena, and the last describes the expected future that awaits them and all of us. A special approach is used, which does not consist in manipulating known elements and their settings, but in postulating, if possible, completely different components of being and the principles of their action compared to those familiar to us, thanks to which an unusual picture of a parallel landscape emerges, unlike anything else. The work represents the emergence of this genre as such, and not as an auxiliary or additional, its reading does not require special training.
It is addressed to a wide audience.
Personnel management in Russia: from the ego to the ecosystem
Authors: Durakova Irina , Mitrofanova Aleksandra , Rahmanova Tat'yana , Mayer Ekaterina , Holyavka Marina , Gerr Ol'ga , Vavilova Asya , Pugach Svetlana , Razumova Tat'yana , Shatalova Nina , Grigorov Ivan , Dolzhenkova Yuliya , Sapozhnikova Natal'ya
Published: July 2021

The monograph contains the results of research concerning, firstly, the ecosystem as a response to the challenges of the XXI century. Secondly, the problems of labor longevity and success in organizations that form an ecosystem approach to working with personnel, including through the use in practice of biomedical factors, socio-economic conditions, nagging as a "soft power" to push older workers to productive work. Thirdly, the realities and problems of combining work and private life, studied from several positions. Among them: the formation of corporate policy, corporate interest, professional orientation; the actual balance of "work — private life", as well as the optimization of labor behavior through the formation of a sense of self-esteem in the workplace, the management of employees ' experience. Fourth, systematization of the results of the health management study, taking into account the experience gained during the coronavirus pandemic — occupational safety management, health promotion in the organization, including the situation of self-isolation. Fifth, the concept of compliance in the personnel management system.
For students, undergraduates, postgraduates, doctoral students, researchers studying or conducting research in the field of personnel management, as well as the teaching staff of universities and employers.
Constitutional (State) law of foreign countries
Authors: Osavelyuk Aleksey , Nevinskiy Valeriy , Kononov Kirill , Budagova Aliya , Dudko Igor' , Kuteynikov Dmitriy
Published: July 2021

The textbook summarizes the main features of the constitutional (State) law of foreign countries (General part) and the basics of the constitutional (state) law of individual countries — the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States of America, the French Republic, the Federal Republic of Germany and the People's Republic of China (Special Part).
For undergraduate students in the direction of "Jurisprudence".
Medios de comunicación como agentes activos del conflicto: el caso de la Covid-19.
Authors: Gómez Martínez Diana , Castrechini Trotta Ángela A.
Published: July 2021

La situación en la que se enmarca la actualidad está altamente condicionada por los efectos de la Covid-19. Debido a las consecuencias acarreadas por la epidemia y siendo los medios de comunicación masivos las entidades con mayor capacidad de difusión, la investigación que aquí se presenta se centra en analizar la cobertura mediática de las noticias relacionadas con la Covid-19. Para ello, se han escogido los diarios más leídos en la ciudad de Barcelona en la semana del 8 al 14 de febrero del 2020. El análisis pretende observar de manera sistemática, si estas notas de prensa han hecho un uso excesivo del miedo, la alarma o el belicismo como ya indican investigaciones previas, lo cual, derivaría en un fomento de la conflictividad entre los diferentes agentes sociales. Para ello, se ha utilizado la teoría del framing y así averiguar cómo se encuadra la muestra de noticias. Además, se ha utilizado el programa Atlas.ti para realizar un análisis cualitativo. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que el frame con más presencia fue el de “interés humano”, seguido por los frames de “atribución de responsabilidades” y “económico”. Los encuadres que tuvieron menor presencia fueron el de “moralidad” y el de “conflicto”. No obstante, en el análisis cualitativo, se observó un alto uso de recursos narrativos basados en la alarma, el miedo y el lenguaje bélico. Es probable que la tendencia observada se pueda explicar por el momento temporal en que se recogió la muestra de noticias, es decir, antes del primer estado de alarma
Da colonialidade à decolonialidade: delineando possibilidades para a transformação das relações étnico-raciais e de gênero por meio dos saberes escolares
Authors: De Sousa Mariana Alves , Barbosa Maria Valéria
Published: July 2021

O artigo visa problematizar a eurocentrização dos saberes escolares, a partir da contextualização da colonialidade como padrão de poder instituído pela modernidade. Pretende-se apresentar algumas contribuições da pedagogia decolonial para a positivação das relações étnico-raciais e de gênero no ambiente escolar, para além da racionalidade eurocêntrica que lhes é imposta pelo poder hegemônico. A partir da metodologia de pesquisa qualitativa bibliográfica, objetiva-se evidenciar que, embora a sociedade capitalista moderna/colonial esteja permeada pelas contradições entre o estabelecimento de políticas públicas e educacionais e as dificuldades para aplicabilidade das mesmas, os saberes decoloniais e as possíveis confluências se aproximam do propósito político e pedagógico de edificação de uma educação efetivamente democrática.
ENSINO DE GRAMÁTICA E METALINGUAGEM: UMA REVISÃO DE QUESTÕES FUNDAMENTAIS À PERSPECTIVA DA METACOGNIÇÃO / Grammar teaching and metalanguage: a review of the fundamental issues to a metacognitive perspective
Authors: Lessa Adriana Tavares Mauricio , Soares Marcelo De Melo
Published: July 2021

Este artigo tem como objetivo geral revisar questões fundamentais ao ensino de gramática na perspectiva da metacognição. Os objetivos específicos são: (1) debater os desafios principais para o ensino de gramática na perspectiva da metacognição; (2) esclarecer a diferença entre as duas principais concepções de metalinguagem e (3) definir atividades metalinguísticas, de modo a delimitar os processos cognitivos envolvidos nas práticas pedagógicas de ensino de língua. Para tanto, primeiramente, abordamos os pontos de divergência entre professores quanto ao ensino de gramática, no Brasil e em outros países; o desafio de se associar tal ensino às práticas de linguagem dos estudantes, considerando-os sujeitos-aprendizes de forma situada e as questões que devem guiar um programa de investigação para melhoria do ensino de gramática. Depois, apresentamos as duas principais concepções de metalinguagem: na perspectiva descritiva, associada à linguagem gramatical para descrever as línguas, e na perspectiva cognitivista, associada às operações cognitivas sobre a linguagem. Para isso, revisamos os conceitos de metalíngua, função metalinguística, atividades linguísticas e epilinguísticas, contrastando Franchi (2006) e Gombert (1992), a fim de reconhecer a concepção de linguagem subjacente a essas noções. Por fim, de modo a delimitar os processos cognitivos envolvidos nas práticas pedagógicas de ensino de língua, definimos atividade metalinguística como a prática de levar a atenção às atividades epilinguísticas e verbalizar sobre tais processos cognitivos a partir do reconhecimento da língua escrita como sistema notacional. Com base nisso, pontuamos impactos principais da perspectiva da metacognição sobre o trabalho do professor no ensino de gramática voltado para as práticas de leitura e escrita.
“Não sei se você entende, as coisas estão ai e a gente não consegue ver, não é não consegue ver, não consegue é entender”
Authors: Albuquerque Gregorio Galvão de
Published: July 2021

O presente texto tem como objetivo apresentar a problemática da padronização da produção e dos modos de ver as imagens na sociedade contemporânea. Como forma de demonstração dessa padronização será apresentado resultados da aplicação, em sala de aula, da “dinâmica da imagem contemporânea”, com imagens divididas entre propagandas e pinturas. Os resultados obtidos com a aplicação da dinâmica são significados padronizados em grande parte das imagens de propaganda e um grande número de significados nas imagens de pintura. Esses resultados permitiram exemplificar e problematizar as leituras (padronizadas ou não) das imagens e seu papel social. Os resultados comprovam que os modos de ver imagens de propagandas possuem, geralmente, seus significados previamente construídos, enquanto as pinturas, os significados são revelados no momento de ver as imagens.
Luta antirracista na educação infantil em tempos de pandemia: o que as táticas docentes revelam?
Authors: Pereira Daise Santos , Pereira Marcia Guerra , Pereira Alana Alves , Paixão Maria Cecília Ribeiro
Published: July 2021

A opção pela continuidade do ano letivo de 2020, na forma remota emergencial no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, resultou de deliberação político-administrativa exclusiva das instâncias de governo, cuja aplicação não foi acompanhada de um debate amplo e participativo na sociedade e, em particular, entre os profissionais de ensino, responsáveis pelos discentes e comunidade acadêmica. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar táticas usadas por professores da educação infantil para uma educação antirracista, em meio às inadequações das instituições, realidades locais e as limitações de atendimento mínimo dos objetivos previstos na legislação brasileira relativos a cada nível de ensino. Tais astúcias dos praticantes do cotidiano são apontadas como decisivas, no sentido de evitar que a acentuada desigualdade social no interior da sociedade seja agravada pelas precárias condições de inclusão digital presentes nos lares brasileiros. Como demonstração do resultado da pesquisa, alicerçada em narrativas de docentes atuantes na educação infantil do município de Magé e interpretadas por meio da combinação dos conceitos de Boaventura de Souza Santos, Michel de Certeau e de Paulo Freire, são apresentadas três experiências do emprego de táticas que subvertem às funções atribuídas ao ensino remoto pelos gestores educacionais.
Live-Lançamento de livro do Prof. Dr. Roberto Sidnei Macedo
Authors: Amaral Mirian Maia do
Published: July 2021

Essa resenha versa sobre a live de lançamento do livro “A pesquisa como heurística, ato de currículo e formação universitária: experiências transingulares com o método em ciências da educação”. Campinas, SP: Pontes Editores, 2020, de autoria de Roberto Macedo, na qual o autor discute a pesquisa universitária, pautada num rigor outro e plural,e  transversalizada por compreensões curriculares, inspirações heurísticas e implicação formacional, baseadas em suas experiências, consolidadas no Grupo de pesquisa Formacce, e inspiradas no método etnográfico.