bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploration of the total-body PET/CT reconstruction protocol with ultra-low 18F-FDG activity over a wide range of patient body mass indices
Authors: Sui Xiuli , Tan Hui , Yu Haojun , Xiao Jie , Qi Chi , Cao Yanyan , Chen Shuguang , Zhang Yiqiu , Hu Pengcheng , Shi Hongcheng
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the image quality and diagnostic performance of different reconstructions over a wide range of patient body mass indices (BMIs) obtained by total-body PET/CT with ultra-low 18F-FDG activity (0.37 MBq/kg).

Methods

A total of 63 patients who underwent total-body PET/CT with ultra-low activity (0.37 MBq/kg) 18F-FDG were enrolled. Patients were grouped by their BMIs. Images were reconstructed with the following two algorithms: the ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM) algorithm (2, 3 iterations), both with time of flight (TOF) and point spread function (PSF) corrections (hereinafter referred as OSEM2, OSEM3) and HYPER Iterative algorithm (β-values of 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6) embedded TOF and PSF technologies (hereinafter referred as HYPER0.3, HYPER0.4, HYPER0.5 and HYPER0.6, respectively). Subjective image quality was assessed by two experienced nuclear medicine physicians according to the Likert quintile, including overall image quality, image noise and lesion conspicuity. The standard deviation (SD) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the liver, and maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax), peak standard uptake value (SUVpeak), tumour background ratio (T/N) and the largest diameter of lesions were quantitatively analysed by a third reader who did not participate in the subjective image assessment.

Results

Increased noise was associated with increased BMI in all reconstruction groups. Significant differences occurred in the liver SNR among BMI categories of OSEM reconstructions (P < 0.001) but no difference was seen in the HYPER Iterative reconstructions between any of the BMI categories (P > 0.05). With the increase in BMI, overall image quality and image noise scores decreased significantly in all reconstructions, but there was no statistically significant difference of lesion conspicuity. The overall image quality score of the obese group was not qualified (score = 2.7) in OSEM3, while the others were qualified. The lesion conspicuity scores were significantly higher in HYPER Iterative reconstructions and lower in OSEM2 than in OSEM3 (all P < 0.05). The values of SUVmax, SUVpeak and T/N in HYPER0.3, HYPER0.4 and HYPER0.5 were higher than those in OSEM3. In different reconstructions, there was a correlation between lesion size (median, 1.55 cm; range, 0.7–11.0 cm) and SUVpeak variation rate compared to OSEM3 (r = 0.388, − 0.515, − 0.495, − 0.464, and − 0.423, respectively, and all P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Considering the image quality and lesion analysis in 18F-FDG total-body PET/CT with ultra-low activity injection, OSEM reconstructions with 3 iterations meet the clinical requirements in patients with BMI < 30. In patients with BMI ≥ 30, it is recommended that the HYPER Iterative algorithm (β-value of 0.3–0.5) be used to ensure consistent visual image quality and quantitative assessment.
The cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) and Azuki bean beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis): major chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) production challenges on smallholder farmers in Ethiopia
Authors: Fite Tarekegn , Tefera Tadele
Published: March 2022

Background

Chickpea (Cicer arietinumL.) is one of the most principally important legume crops in Ethiopia. Its production is mainly constrained by insect pests. Dissemination of updated information on its status and addressing alternative management options are important.

Main body

This article reviews the research status of the cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) and Azuki bean beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis) in chickpea, focusing on their distributions, host range, nature of the damage, biology, and their management practices.Helicoverpa armigeraunder field conditions andC. chinensisduring storage are the most challenging insect pests of chickpea production in Ethiopia.

Conclusion

Managements of these two major insect pests are achieved through the use of cultural control, host plant resistance, botanical control, biological control, and chemical insecticides. Future research should focus on low-input IPM approaches that encompass all locally available and use of affordable insect pest management methods in Ethiopia.
The consumption of tea and coffee in Turkey and emerging new trends
Authors: Yildirim Oya , Karaca Oya Berkay
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study is to determine the tea and coffee consumption habits of individuals in Adana and İzmir and to identify how the new trends are effective in consumption patterns. Therefore, the research is based on a comparison of two cities with distinctive culinary culture. Questionnaire technique was used to collect the data. Surveys were administered to 806 people in Adana and İzmir, Turkey. The research shows that tea is preferred in Adana (63.3%), whereas participants in İzmir opt for coffee (53.4%). The ratio of tasting international regional coffees is higher in İzmir than in Adana. In both cities, black tea and Turkish coffee are among the most consumed drinks. Despite the increasing tendency of foreign beverages due to the impact of globalization, the local people kept their interest in tea and Turkish coffee drink which is a component of the national intangible cultural heritage of Turkey. It is recommended that foreign businesses should include these traditional drinks on the menu.
Role of global femoral cartilage in assessing severity of primary knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Khalil Naylan Fayez Wahba , El-sherif Sherine , El Hamid Mowaffak Moustafa Abd , Elnemr Rehab , Taleb Raghda Saad Zaghloul
Published: March 2022

Background/objective

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease marked by structural changes in the joint. Radiological evaluation can be used to assess structural changes. Pain, inflammation, and stiffness are common clinical symptoms, leading to limitations in daily activities. Ultrasound, unlike traditional radiography, allows for a direct examination of changes in soft tissues. In addition, it is sensitive in detecting osteophytes as well as identifying early OA changes in femoral cartilage associated with clinical manifestations and function.

Results

A cross- sectional study of 40 patients with primary KOA diagnosed according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. After radiographic evaluation using Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) scale and US examination assessing global femoral hyaline cartilage (GFC), osteophytes, meniscal extrusion, effusion, and Baker’s cyst of the most symptomatic knee, there was significant correlation between (K-L) grading and (GFC) ultrasonographic grading (p = < 0.001). After assessment of pain and functional disability using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scale, there was significant correlation between KL and GFC grading with age (p = < 0.001 for both), disease duration (p = < 0.001 for both) as well as WOMAC total scores (p = < 0.001 for both). GFC grading was the only independent predictor relative to other ultrasonographic variables for WOMAC total score (p = < 0.001).

Conclusions

US is a valid tool to evaluate knee joint space and is well correlated with radiographic images. KOA severity assessed by KL grading and GFC ultrasonographic grading showed good correlation with age, duration of the disease, pain intensity, and functional disability.
Support the frontliners – good initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic for healthcare workers across the world: is this what we really need?
Authors: Karaliuniene Ruta , Nagendrappa Sachin , Jatchavala Chonnakarn , Ojeahere Margaret Isioma , Ullah Irfan , Bytyçi Drita Gashi , Ogunnubi Oluseun Peter , Cherro Michele , Shalbafan Mohammadreza , Noël Camille , Gonzalez-Diaz Jairo M. , Vadivel Ramya , Pereira-Sanchez Victor , Abu Slaih Mohammad , Shoib Sheikh , de Filippis Renato
Published: March 2022

Healthcare workers have faced an unprecedented workload in overstretched health facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we describe various initiatives to support them. Psychological, financial and peer support, accommodation and meal services, proper personal protective equipment, applause and gratitude in the community, spiritual and religious life, child care and volunteering were identified. The potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic – permanent stress, burnout and other mental health problems among healthcare professionals – can be expected to grow. Continued monitoring is essential to bolster resilience among healthcare workers and prevent the possible consequences for their mental health.
Sleep quality and neurohormonal and psychophysiological accompanying factors in adolescents with depressive disorders: study protocol
Authors: Krempel Rebekka , Schleicher Daniel , Jarvers Irina , Ecker Angelika , Brunner Romuald , Kandsperger Stephanie
Published: March 2022

Background

Depressive disorders are common mental health problems during adolescence. Many adolescents with depression describe difficulties with sleeping. Findings of previous studies regarding changes in objective sleep quality in adolescents with depressive disorders are heterogeneous.

Aims

This study aims to investigate differences in objective and subjective sleep quality between adolescents with depressive disorders and healthy peers, and to evaluate if potential changes in sleep occur concurrently with changes in the release of cortisol and alpha-amylase after awakening.

Method

This non-interventional parallel study examines correlations between depressive disorders, sleep quality and release of stress hormones. Sleep quality in the past 2 weeks, severity of depressive symptoms, psychiatric comorbidities and stress response of 30 adolescents with depressive disorders and 30 healthy controls (N = 60) are assessed via questionnaires. In participants’ home environments, the objective sleep quality of seven consecutive nights is measured by sleep accelerometry. After awakening, participants answer sleep questionnaires to examine the subjective sleep quality of those nights. Furthermore, salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase are measured three times after awakening (+0 min, +30 min and +45 min after awakening).

Conclusions

Sleep is an important factor for prognosis and well-being in adolescents with depression. The results of this study can be highly valuable to integrate a more detailed examination of sleep quality and sleeping impairments in the treatment of adolescent depressive disorders.
Non-thermal effects on decay of Lorentzian Trivelpiece-Gould waves
Authors: Lee Myoung-Jae , Park In Sun , Hong Sunghoon , Chung Kyu-Sun , Jung Young-Dae
Published: March 2022

The non-thermal effects on the low-frequency ion-acoustic Trivelpiece-Gould (TG) wave are examined in a Lorentzian weakly ionized dusty plasma waveguide such as the Hanyang University Diverter Plasma Simulator-2 (DiPS-2). By using the normal mode analysis and the separation of variables, the dispersion relation and the damping modes are obtained for the low-frequency ion-acoustic TG wave in a Lorentzian weakly ionized dusty plasma waveguide. With typical conditions of DiPS-2 such as plasma density

, ion-neutral collision frequency

, electron temperature

, and ion temperature

, the following is found: 1) the magnitude of the damping rates of the low-frequency ion-acoustic TG wave in Lorentzian plasmas are always greater than those in Maxwellian plasmas; 2) the ion-acoustic TG wave for the first harmonic mode can also be existed for the shortest period of time; 3) the ion-acoustic TG wave in a smaller waveguide can be existed for a wide range of the wave number; and 4) the non-thermal character of a Lorentzian plasma enhances the anti-symmetric behavior of the damping rate for the ion-acoustic TG wave.
The Relationship Between Lipoproteins and Insulin Sensitivity in Youth With Obesity and Abnormal Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Chung Stephanie T , Katz Lorraine E Levitt , Stettler-Davis Nicolas , Shults Justine , Sherman Arthur , Ha Joon , Stefanovski Darko , Boston Ray C , Rader Daniel J , Magge Sheela N
Published: March 2022

Context

Youth with obesity and abnormal glucose tolerance have an increased risk for atherosclerosis but the relative contributions of insulin resistance and hyperglycemia to dyslipidemia and the development of subclinical atherosclerosis are unknown.

Objective

This work aims to determine the association between insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and carotid intimal thickness (cIMT) in adolescents with normal and abnormal glucose tolerance.

Methods

An observational cohort study in 155 youth: 44 obese insulin sensitive (OIS; fasting insulin ≤ 20 µM/mL, body mass index [BMI] ≥ 95th percentile), 35 obese insulin resistant (OIR; fasting insulin > 20 µM/mL, BMI ≥ 95th percentile), 34 obese abnormal glucose tolerant (AGT; BMI ≥ 95th percentile), and 42 Lean (BMI 5th-85th percentile). Lipids, lipoprotein particle size and concentration (-P), insulin sensitivity (SI an intravenous glucose test), and CMIT were compared using linear models adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, biological sex, and Tanner stage. Lipid/lipoprotein profile and CMIT were reevaluated in a subset after 2 years.

Results

Compared to OIS and Lean, OIR and AGT had elevated triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) but similar total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Among OIS, OIR, AGT, lower SI was associated with atherogenic lipids (higher triglycerides, LDL-C, non–HDL-C, and lower HDL-C) and lipoproteins (higher total LDL-P and small HDL-P, and lower large HDL-P). There was a steeper decline in the association of SI with HDL-C and large HDL-P in AGT compared with OIR and OIS. cIMT was comparable across groups and inversely correlated with SI, with no change after 2 years.

Conclusion

Among youth with obesity, insulin resistance was associated with an atherogenic lipoprotein/lipid profile and cIMT, regardless of glucose tolerance status. Insulin resistance in AGT youth was associated with a shift to smaller HDL-P compared to normoglycemic youth with obesity. Alterations in HDL-P metabolism may be early adverse manifestations of hyperglycemia in youth with obesity.
“Never Allowed for Property”: Harriet Jacobs and Layli Long Soldier before the Law
Authors: Manshel Hannah
Published: March 2022

This article reads Harriet Jacobs’s Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl (1861) alongside Layli Long Soldier’s Whereas (2017) to argue that both texts challenge the ideology of property ownership that has long been central to Black and Indigenous subjugation. By reading these texts through Cedric Robinson’s theorization of the Black Radical Tradition, which “never allowed for property,” this essay argues that both texts bring into being a world that precedes and exceeds the violence of legal regulation. Jacobs and Long Soldier both locate an alternative to law in the radical divinity of maternal care. Through Jacobs’s and Long Soldier’s discussions of holy maternal care, we can recognize the interrelation of Black and Indigenous freedom struggles in a way that’s not solely defined by shared subjugation.
Incommensurate Labors: The Work behind the Works of Harriet Jacobs and Walt Whitman
Authors: Pottroff Christy L.
Published: March 2022

In 1860, Harriet Jacobs and Walt Whitman signed nearly identical contracts with Boston-based publishers Thayer and Eldridge. This article tells the story of Jacobs’s and Whitman’s intersecting journeys to and from Thayer and Eldridge, and considers what this convergence can teach us about the antebellum book market and our scholarly evaluations of it. The first section of the article illuminates the publishing histories of Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl (1861) by Jacobs and the third edition of Leaves of Grass by Whitman (1860) from the vantage of Thayer and Eldridge, their shared publisher. Thanks to the vast economic support of Thayer and Eldridge, Whitman brought his artistic vision into the literary marketplace, but he did so at the expense of Jacobs. Thayer and Eldridge went bankrupt printing and promoting Whitman’s book, leaving Jacobs without a publisher. Jacobs, in turn, published Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by herself. The article’s second section leaves Whitman and Thayer and Eldridge behind to follow Jacobs on her postpublication book tour. Her efforts in these years—traveling from place to place, meeting with readers, and selling her books—are the reason we have Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl today.
“I Told Him to Let Me Alone, That He Hurt Me”: Black Women and Girls and the Battle over Labor and Sexual Consent in Union-Occupied Territory
Authors: Esty Kaisha
Published: March 2022

During the American Civil War, laboring African American women and girls in Union-occupied territory embarked on their own war over the use of their bodies. As fugitives, “contraband,” and refugees, displaced Black women and girls of liminal status confronted gender violence in conditions that often resembled the systemic sexual violence of slavery. As this article argues, central to this gender violence was the assumption that Black women were always willing to negotiate sex as part of their (nonsexual) labor. The introduction of wartime legislation protecting women from sexual assault was pivotal. In race-neutral terms, such legislation created a powerful avenue for refugee Black women and girls not only to seek sexual justice but also to challenge and redefine existing cultural and legal understandings of sexual consent. Analysis of testimonies to wartime sexual violence uncovers how formerly enslaved African American women and girls located their violation in relation to their sense of virtue, respectability, and sexual sovereignty. These testimonies mark a significant period of Black women's vocalization as liminal and stateless actors, prompting a reframing of histories of dissemblance, respectability, labor, and gender violence.
LONP1-mediated mitochondrial quality control safeguards metabolic shifts in heart development
Authors: Zhao Ke , Huang Xinyi , Zhao Wukui , Lu Bin , Yang Zhongzhou
Published: March 2022

The mitochondrial matrix AAA+ Lon protease (LONP1) degrades misfolded or unassembled proteins, which play a pivotal role in mitochondrial quality control. During heart development, a metabolic shift from anaerobic glycolysis to mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation takes place, which relies strongly on functional mitochondria. However, the relationship between the mitochondrial quality control machinery and metabolic shifts is elusive. Here, we interfered with mitochondrial quality control by inactivating Lonp1 in murine embryonic cardiac tissue, resulting in severely impaired heart development, leading to embryonic lethality. Mitochondrial swelling, cristae loss and abnormal protein aggregates were evident in the mitochondria of Lonp1-deficient cardiomyocytes. Accordingly, the p-eIF2α-ATF4 pathway was triggered, and nuclear translocation of ATF4 was observed. We further demonstrated that ATF4 regulates the expression of Tfam negatively while promoting that of Glut1, which was responsible for the disruption of the metabolic shift to oxidative phosphorylation. In addition, elevated levels of reactive oxygen species were observed in Lonp1-deficient cardiomyocytes. This study revealed that LONP1 safeguards metabolic shifts in the developing heart by controlling mitochondrial protein quality, suggesting that disrupted mitochondrial quality control may cause prenatal cardiomyopathy.
Novel function of the C-terminal region of the Hsp110 family member Osp94 in unfolded protein refolding
Authors: Kojima Ryoji , Takai Shinichi , Osada Hinako , Yamamoto Lina , Furukawa Misa , Gullans Steven R.
Published: March 2022

Osp94 (also known as HSPA4L or HSPH3), a member of the Hsp110/Sse1 family of heat-shock proteins, has a longer C-terminus than found in Hsc70/Hsp70 family proteins, composed of the loop region with a partial substrate-binding domain (SBD) β (L), and the SBDα and the C-terminal extension (H), but the functions of these domains are poorly understood. Here, we found that Osp94 suppressed heat-induced aggregation of luciferase (Luc). Osp94-bound heat-inactivated Luc was reactivated in the presence of rabbit reticulocyte lysate (RRL) and/or a combination of Hsc70 and Hsp40 (also known as HSPA8 and DNAJB1, respectively). Targeted deletion mutagenesis revealed that the SBDβ and H domains of Osp94 are critical for protein disaggregation and RRL-mediated refolding. Reactivation of Hsp90-bound heat-inactivated Luc was abolished in the absence of RRL but compensated for by PA28α (also known as PSME1), a proteasome activator. Interestingly, the LH domain also reactivated heat-inactivated Luc, independently of PA28α. Biotin-tag cross-linking experiments indicated that the LH domain and PA28α interact with Luc bound by Hsp90 during refolding. A chimeric protein in which the H domain was exchanged for PA28α also mediated disaggregation and reactivation of heat-inactivated Luc. These results indicate that Osp94 acts as a holdase, and that the C-terminal region plays a PA28α-like role in the refolding of unfolded proteins.
In Situ Strain Distribution Measurement of Polyphenylene Sulfide-Aluminum Injection-Molded Direct Joints Using Synchrotron Radiation Microbeam X-ray Diffraction
Authors: Kishida Yoshihiro , Kimura Hidehiko , Tsukigase Azusa , Sakakura Natsu , Yoneyama Hiroaki , Umemoto Kazuhiko
Published: March 2022

The joining of dissimilar materials such as resin and metal has been attracting attention as a means of reducing the weight of automobiles. It is necessary to ensure that the dissimilar material joints are sufficiently strong and durable over time for practical use. Additionally, it is necessary to clarify the mechanisms that produce these properties. We fabricated direct joints of glass fiber-reinforced polyphenylene sulfide (GFRP) and unreinforced pure polyphenylene sulfide (PurePPS) that were injection molded onto aluminum (Al) with nanometer-scale surface irregularities. We used synchrotron microbeam X-ray diffraction to visualize the residual strain distribution at the jointed interface in a nondestructive, micrometer-resolution manner. While the GFRP-Al joint has a lower average tensile residual strain than the PurePPS-Al joint, its strain distributions are quite different. The residual strain distribution of the GFRP-Al joint was comparable to the orientation of glass fibers. The change in the strain distribution when tensile loading was applied in the elastic region was measured, indicating that the tensile strain at the jointed interface increased for PurePPS-Al. Our in situ microbeam X-ray diffraction method helps evaluate the strain at the interface, which is related to joint reliability.
Theoretical Study of the Isotope and Homologue Effects on Nuclear Magnetic Shielding in Water and Hydrogen Sulfide Molecules
Authors: Ishii Kiriko , Shimazaki Tomomi , Tachikawa Masanori , Kita Yukiumi
Published: March 2022

The hydrogen/deuterium isotope and oxygen/sulfur homologue effects on the absolute nuclear magnetic shielding constants were theoretically analyzed for five 17O-water isotopologues and five hydrogen sulfide isotopologues. Using both ab initio calculations and anharmonic vibrational structure calculations based on vibrational quantum Monte Carlo theory, we confirmed that the changes in the atomic charges are strongly correlated with the enhancements of the absolute nuclear magnetic shielding constants.
Μελέτη της μικροβιακής χλωρίδας του αυλού της σκωληκοειδούς αποφύσεως και της περιτοναϊκής κοιλότητας σε παιδιά με οξεία σκωληκοειδίτιδα
Authors: Ζάχος Κωνσταντίνος
Published: March 2022

Η οξεία σκωληκοειδίτιδα αποτελεί τον πιο συχνό λόγο οξείας χειρουργικής κοιλίας στον παιδιατρικό πληθυσμό. Η αιτιολογία δεν είναι ξεκάθαρη και διάφοροι μικροοργανισμοί έχουν ενοχοποιηθεί από ερευνητές ως το πρωτογενές αίτιο. Επίσης, τα τελευταία χρόνια κερδίζει έδαφος η μη χειρουργική θεραπεία για τα μη επιπλεγμένα περιστατικά, και για το λόγο αυτό πολλοί ερευνητές προσπαθούν, όχι μόνο να διαγνώσουν, αλλά και να σταδιοποιήσουν τη νόσο όσο πιο έγκαιρα γίνεται. Στη διάρκεια της έρευνάς μας καταγράφηκαν τα δημογραφικά χαρακτηριστηκά, η κλινική εικόνα και οι εργαστηριακές εξετάσεις 72 παιδιατρικών ασθενών, οι οποίοι χειρουργήθηκαν για οξεία σκωληκοειδίτιδα στο νοσοκομείο μας. Υλικό από τον αυλό της σκωληκοειδούς αποφύσεως και της περιτοναϊκής κοιλότητας υποβλήθηκε σε καλλιέργεια, ενώ για τη σκωληκοειδή απόφυση διενεργήθηκε ιστοπαθολογικός έλεγχος. Στην μελέτη μας διερευνήθηκε ποιοτικά και ποσοτικά ο πληθυσμός των βακτηρίων από τον αυλό της σκωληκοειδούς αποφύσεως και του ενδοπεριτοναϊκού υγρού όλων των ασθενών, καθώς και η πιθανή σχέση τους με τη σοβαρότητα της φλεγμονής. Επιπλέον, αναζητήθηκε ένας νέος εύχρηστος τρόπος για τη σταδιοποίηση της νόσου, χωρίς να είναι απαραίτητες ακτινοσκοπικές εξετάσεις. Στο σύνολο των καλλιεργειών τα πιο συχνά βακτήρια ήταν η Escerichia. coli, η Pseudomonas aeruginosa και οι Streptococcus spp. Δεν ανευρέθηκε στατιστικά σημαντική συσχέτιση μεταξύ συγκεκριμένων μικροοργανισμών και της σοβαρότητας της οξείας σκωληκοειδίτιδας. Ωστόσο, ο συνδυασμός περισσότερων του ενός παθογόνων στις καλλιέργειες του ενδοπεριτοναϊκού υγρού, συσχετίσθηκε με την εμφάνιση επιπλεγμένης σκωληκοειδίτιδας. Για την έγκαιρη σταδιοποίηση της οξείας σκωληκοειδίτιδας, δημιουργήθηκε ένας εύχρηστος διαγνωστικός αλγόριθμος με τη βοήθεια δενδρικής παλινδρόμησης. Ο συγκεκριμένος αλγόριθμος έχει υψηλή ευαισθησία και ειδικότητα, χρησιμοποιεί στοιχεία από τον απλό κλινικοεργαστηριακό έλεγχο, χωρίς να είναι αναγκαία η χρήση ακτινοσκοπικών μέσων και θεωρείται ιδανικός για χρήση σε ιατρικά κέντρα με ένδεια εξοπλισμού υψηλής τεχνολογίας ή σε αναπτυσσόμενες χώρες.
Προσδιορισμός της ποιότητας του εσωτερικού αέρα σε μικροπεριβάλλοντα και οι επιπτώσεις αυτής στην ανθρώπινη υγεία
Authors: Νέζης Ιωάννης
Published: March 2022

Η παρούσα ερευνητική πρόταση έχει ως βασικό της στόχο την μελέτη των συγκεντρώσεων των αιωρούμενων σωματιδίων σε μικροπεριβάλλοντα (χώροι εργασίας), καθώς και την εκτίμηση των επιπτώσεων αυτών στην ανθρώπινη υγεία. Ο σύγχρονος άνθρωπος περνά ένα μεγάλο μέρος της καθημερινότητάς του στο εσωτερικό των κτιρίων. Το γεγονός αυτό σε συνδυασμό με τις κακές κτιριακές υποδομές και την παρουσία αέριων ρύπων μέσα σε αυτά, είναι δυνατόν να μειώσουν την ποιότητα ζωής του, δημιουργώντας πολλά προβλήματα υγείας, σωματικά και ψυχικά. Η παρουσία αιωρούμενων σωματιδίων στους εσωτερικούς χώρους αποτελεί αντικείμενο μείζονος ερευνητικού ενδιαφέροντος, λόγω των επιπτώσεών τους στην ανθρώπινη υγεία.Η διδακτορική αυτή διατριβή είναι πειραματικού χαρακτήρα και σκοπός της είναι η μελέτη της επίδρασης της εσωτερικής αέριας ρύπανσης στην ανθρώπινη υγεία. Στην έρευνα συμπεριλήφθηκαν άτομα που κατοικούν σε αστικές περιοχές, όπου εκτός από τα γενικά δημογραφικά χαρακτηριστικά, όπως το φύλο του ερωτηθέντα, η ηλικία, το μορφωτικό επίπεδο, κ.α. θα διερευνηθούν και οι περιβαλλοντικοί παράγοντες στους οποίους εκτίθενται και κατά πόσο αυτοί επιδεινώνουν την υγεία τους. Στη συνέχεια πραγματοποιήθηκαν μετρήσεις των αιωρούμενων σωματιδίων στους εσωτερικούς χώρους κτιρίων και περιπτέρων με την χρήση δειγματοληπτών συνεχούς καταγραφής, οι οποίοι μετρούν την μάζα των αιωρούμενων σωματιδίων που υπάρχουν στον χώρο. Συγκεκριμένα οι μετρήσεις αυτές αφορούν την καταγραφή σε πραγματικό χρόνο (real time), των αιωρούμενων σωματιδίων (PM10) και του Μαύρου Άνθρακα (BC) που υπάρχουν στους εσωτερικούς χώρους, είχαν εικοσιτετράωρη διάρκεια και διακριτότητα μεταξύ τους. Η έρευνα πραγματοποιήθηκε σε συνεργασία με το Εργαστήριο Ραδιενέργειας Περιβάλλοντος του ΕΚΕΦΕ Δημόκριτος.
Dose response relationship between D-dimer level and mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Aditianingsih Dita , Soenarto Ratna Farida , Puiantana Artheta Mutiara , Pranata Raymond , Lim Michael Anthonius , Raharja Putu Angga Risky , Birowo Ponco , Meyer Markus
Published: March 2022

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic. Coagulopathy is one of the most common complications characterized by increased D-dimer level. We aimed to investigate the dose-response relationship between elevated D-dimer level and mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Methods: This was a retrospective observational study in 259 critically ill COVID-19 patients requiring intensive care unit admission between March and December 2020. We compared the mortality rate between patients with and without elevated D-dimer. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, Fagan’s nomogram, and dose-response relationship were performed to determine the association between D-dimer level and mortality.

Results: Overall mortality rate was 40.9% (106 patients). Median D-dimer level was higher in non-survivor group (10,170 ng/mL vs 4,050 ng/mL, p=0.028). The association remained significant after multivariate logistic regression analysis (p=0.046). The optimal cut-off for D-dimer level to predict mortality from ROC curve analysis was 9,020 ng/mL (OR (odds ratio) 3.73 [95% CI (confidence interval) 1.91 – 7.28], p<0.001). D-dimer level >9,020 ng/mL confers 67% posterior probability of mortality and D-dimer level <9,020 ng/mL had 35% probability of mortality.

Conclusions: There was a non-linear dose-response relationship between D-dimer level and mortality with Pnonlinearity of 0.004. D-dimer level was associated with mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients in the non-linear dose-response relationship.
Case Report: The importance of examining colon and rectum in patients with appendiceal cancer
Authors: Reistrup Hugin , Fonnes Siv , Rosenberg Jacob , Andresen Kristoffer
Published: March 2022

Appendiceal cancer is rare and is often diagnosed incidentally in patients undergoing appendectomy for acute appendicitis. However, patients with appendiceal cancer are at increased risk of synchronous malignancy. In this case report, we present a 58-year-old man initially diagnosed with acute appendicitis after presenting to the emergency department with abdominal pain. He had an appendectomy and was discharged the following day. Unexpectedly, the postoperative histopathologic examination showed a primary adenocarcinoma in the appendix. A computed tomography scan showed rectal wall thickening and the patient was referred to colonoscopy where an experienced endoscopist found a rectal tumor during the digital rectal examination prior to the colonoscopy. The tumor was initially missed by the newly qualified doctor who examined the patient during his first admittance to hospital. The patient’s two primary cancers were treated with a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for the appendiceal cancer and a low anterior resection for the rectal cancer. This case supports the importance of a full colorectal workup in patients with appendiceal cancer. It also emphasizes the value of a thorough digital rectal examination and the need for improved focus on teaching and practice of the procedure.
A multi-parameter grading system for optimal fitting of scleral contact lenses
Authors: Kumar Preetam , Carrasquillo Karen G. , Chaudhary Simmy , Basu Sayan
Published: March 2022

Background: While scleral lens practise has improved over the years due to factors such as availability of lenses with better materials and designs as well as experience of practitioners, a lack of objectivity appears to remain in terms of assessment of scleral lens fitting. This prospective observational work aimed to achieve standardization on this front through proposing a grading system for scleral lens fitting.

Methods: After application of prosthetic replacement of ocular surface ecosystem (PROSE) devices on the participants’ eyes, four fundamental components for understanding scleral lens fitting such as central and limbal corneal clearance, mid-haptic compression, and alignment of lens edge over anterior sclera were assessed through a series of slit-lamp biomicroscopy imaging as well as with anterior segment optical coherence tomography. FitConnect® was used to modify the device parameters to simulate different grading patterns on the proposed scale. Serial imaging was done for all the different lenses to compose the grading scale.

Results: A clinically relevant grading scale was constructed that pictorially demonstrated grades for the different aspect of scleral lens fitting. The grades were conveniently scaled within three categories: “optimal”, “acceptable” and “not acceptable”.

Conclusion: The gradation of scleral lens fitting parameters would take a step towards objectifying the assessment patterns in practise. This will also help reducing the gap between a novice and an experienced practitioner in terms of understanding of scleral lens fitting.
Manipulating and measuring single atoms in the Maltese cross geometry
Authors: Bianchet Lorena C. , Alves Natalia , Zarraoa Laura , Bruno Natalia , Mitchell Morgan W.
Published: March 2022

Background: Optical microtraps at the focus of high numerical aperture (high-NA) imaging systems enable efficient collection, trapping, detection and manipulation of individual neutral atoms for quantum technology and studies of optical physics associated with super- and sub-radiant states.  The recently developed “Maltese cross” geometry (MCG) atom trap uses four in-vacuum lenses to achieve four-directional high-NA optical coupling to single trapped atoms and small atomic arrays. This article presents the first extensive characterisation of atomic behaviour in a MCG atom trap.

Methods: We employ a MCG system optimised for high coupling efficiency and characterise the resulting properties of the trap and trapped atoms.  Using current best practices, we measure occupancy, loading rate, lifetime, temperature, fluorescence anti-bunching and trap frequencies. We also use the four-directional access to implement a new method to map the spatial distribution of collection efficiency from high-NA optics:  we use the two on-trap-axis lenses to produce a 1D optical lattice, the sites of which are stochastically filled and emptied by the trap loading process. The two off-trap-axis lenses are used for imaging and single-mode collection.  Correlations of single-mode and imaging fluorescence signals are then used to map the single-mode collection efficiency.

Results: We observe trap characteristics comparable to what has been reported for single-atom traps with one- or two-lens optical systems. The collection efficiency distribution in the axial and transverse directions is directly observed to be in agreement with expected collection efficiency distribution from Gaussian beam optics.

Conclusions: The multi-directional high-NA access provided by the Maltese cross geometry enables complex manipulations and measurements not possible in geometries  with fewer  directions of  access,  and can  be  achieved  while  preserving other trap characteristics such as lifetime, temperature, and trap size.
Neurocognitive outcomes of tuberculous meningitis in a primarily HIV-positive Ugandan cohort
Authors: Quinn Carson M , Kasibante John , Namudde Alice , Bangdiwala Ananta S , Kabahubya Mable , Nakasujja Noeline , Lofgren Sarah , Elliott Alison , Boulware David R , Meya David B , Cresswell Fiona V
Published: March 2022

Background: The toll of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) in both mortality and disability is considerable, but advancements in rehabilitation have the potential to improve the functional abilities and the quality of survivors’ lives. However, the typical phenotype of neurocognitive impairment in TBM survivors remains unstudied in HIV-predominant populations in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods: We tested 36 survivors of TBM in Uganda with a comprehensive battery of neurocognitive assessments at 8 and 24 weeks after diagnosis, and compared results to a representative cohort of HIV-uninfected Ugandans.

Results: While participants had a broad range of impairments at eight weeks, there was marked improvement by 24 weeks, when a phenotype of impairment including deficits in motor functioning, verbal learning and memory, processing speed, and executive function emerged. These deficits were present despite good clinician-rated functional status. The majority (23/27, 85%) had evidence of moderate to severe depression at week 8, and at week 24 (18/24, 75%).

Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for more comprehensive neurocognitive assessment in the survivors of TBM, and further investment in and study of rehabilitation, including management of depression, to improve long-term outcomes in this population.
DEVELOPMENT OF STATE (MUNICIPAL) CONTROL AT THE REGIONAL LEVEL
Authors: Matveeva Elena E.
Published: March 2022

One of the most important conditions for the well-being of any state is the presence in its arsenal of an apparatus capable of effectively monitoring the execution of budgets at all levels and competently using available resources at the federal, regional and municipal levels.

Currently, an important and decisive issue is the definition / assessment of the effectiveness of the control and accounting bodies. At the moment, a unified approach to the procedure for assessing the effectiveness of the controlling body has not yet been developed.

Purpose. The goal is to determine and improve the methodology for the effectiveness of the control powers of various state bodies in the field of budget expenditures, to create a highly effective system that implements external state / municipal financial control, capable of tracking the movement of these finances and the expediency of their use.

Method or methodology of the work: the following methods were used in the article: analysis, synthesis of scientific information, the method of analogies, as well as statistical methods of analysis.

Results: the most methodological and informative parameters were obtained, showing some aspects of state (municipal) control.

Field of application of the results: the results obtained are advisable to be applied by the regulatory authorities exercising control over economic entities.
THE ROLE OF THE STATE IN DEVELOPING ENTREPRENERUAIL ECOSYSTEM AROUND UNIVERSITIES IN THE UK
Authors: Radko Natalya M. , Skiba Marina A.
Published: March 2022

Research relevance: During the last few decades universities have changed strategies expanding their main mission. They also shift their strategies towards generating third stream income and providing economic effect at regional and national levels as well as impacting society. Within the framework of this research authors showed how the UK government impacted universities to change their mission synchronising it with the needs of economy in order to translate the successful experience for building entrepreneurial ecosystem. To the best of our knowledge similar research have not been done before.

Research subject: the UK policy on developing entrepreneurial ecosystem via supporting research commercialisation.

Research object: role of the UK government in building entrepreneurial ecosystem around universities via supporting research commercialisation.

Research aim: systematisation and analysis of all the initiatives undertaken by UK government to encourage the development of entrepreneurship at the UK universities what might become a basis to develop recommendations for building entrepreneurial ecosystem in countries where it still underdeveloped.

Research methodology: description, analysis and synthesis, in-depth interviews, thematic analysis.

Research results: authors have systematised the initiatives undertaken by UK government to encourage the development of entrepreneurship at British universities on the stages of the emergence of entrepreneurial ecosystem. This research has analysed all the initial initiatives taken to encourage developing entrepreneurial universities. This allowed authors to develop recommendations to develop entrepreneurial ecosystem in countries where it still underdeveloped.

Research results application: research results can be utilised for the elaboration of government policy in education as well as for developing strategic documents for improving the mechanisms for research commercialisation. This research could help countries at the nascent stage of ecosystem development to leverage effectively the UK experience.
MODERN PROBLEMS OF LABOR MANAGEMENT IN THE INDUSTRY OF UTILITIES AND THE WAYS OF THEIR SOLUTION
Authors: Deryabina Elena V. , Dyakova Elena V.
Published: March 2022

The authors of the article emphasize the increase of commercial interest in labor management in the field of housing and communal services as an element of stability of socio-technical and economic development of any organizations (enterprises).

The article discloses the main problems of labor management in housing and communal services, due to the specifics of the industry, the current worn-out state of the fixed assets of the industry (housing, engineering networks and structures) and its impact on increasing the material and labor costs of operating enterprises (organizations). The problems of increasing labor intensity in the content of housing and communal services fixed assets are aggravated by the imperfect organization of labor at enterprises (organizations) of the industry, the shortage of professional managerial personnel capable of effectively managing the housing stock of microdistricts, settlements, condominimums.

The management solution of the identified problems is aimed at improving the labor management system, starting with the optimization of the labor rationing system.

Purpose: finding effective ways to solve problems of labor management at enterprises/organizations of housing and communal services of Tomsk and Tomsk region in conditions of market conditions of economy, innovative technical and technological changes.

Methodology: within the framework of this study, methods of analogy, comparison, observation, description, comparative analysis, expert, analytical and statistical were applied.

Results: the author’s approach of labor audit in housing and communal services organizations is proposed, which makes it possible to make an adequate assessment of some elements of the labor management system. A list of necessary documents for conducting an audit of the labor management system in housing and communal services organizations is proposed. The results of the audit showed that at the moment in the analyzed enterprises housing and communal services are completely absent and require the development of regulatory, methodological and organizational local documentation necessary for effective labor management.

Scope of results: the results of these studies can be applied at the industry level to ensure a unified approach and effective regulation of social and industrial relations between the employer and the employee. The author’s results are aimed at improving the labor potential and the quality of the labor force for the implementation of national projects and programs in the conditions of market economic conditions, innovative technical and technological changes.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: A MODERN WAY OF DOING BUSINESS
Authors: Abulkhanova Guzeliya A.
Published: March 2022

This article discusses current trends in the formation of corporate social responsibility of business enterprises, the reasons for the lack of activity of organizations in the field of social responsibility.

The article also defines the influence of company’s social policy on the formation of labor motivation and loyalty of company’s employees, positive image of the company, both for personnel and for the environment. Social responsibility is relevant to all types and sizes of organizations, but it has developed the most in large public and private business communities.

Russian companies have actively joined this process and the number of such companies is increasing year by year; small and medium businesses are gradually joining them. And in the current crisis companies are in conditions when charitable projects are, in fact, a “matter of honor” for the company. In turn, this approach to doing business ensures the sustainable development of companies and leads to the creation of a favorable investment and reputational image.
Relasi Media Sosial dan Pasar dalam Perubahan Nilai Publik mengenai Pengaruh Dakwah di Media Sosial terhadap Pandangan Gaya Hidup Halal
Authors: Adinegoro Kurnia Rheza Randy
Published: March 2022

Pada era ini, teknologi khususnya sistem komunikasi berkembang dengan pesat. Perkembangan tersebut banyak memberi dampak bagi kehidupan di masyarakat. Salah satunya adalah penggunaan media sosial dalam kehidupan sehari-hari. Pemanfaatan media sosial ini juga dimanfaatkan dalam usaha untuk menyebarkan ajaran agama, salah satunya dakwah agama Islam. Dengan adanya dakwah agama Islam yang dekat dan mudah diakses oleh umat Islam, hal ini akan memberi pengetahuan agama yang bermanfaat. Dari berbagai pengetahuan atau hal yang didakwahkan, salah satunya adalah pengetahuan tentang halal. Dakwah mengenai kehalalan suatu produk tersebut banyak mengubah pandangan umat muslim untuk lebih memperhatikan gaya hidup terkhusus gaya hidup halal. Gaya hidup halal adalah sebuah ciri khas yang dimiliki oleh konsumen beragama Islam. Kosumen yang beragama Islam akan menjaga barang yang dikonsumsi. Mereka akan memilih produk halal baik secara zat maupun secara mekanisme perolehannya. Oleh karena itu, pasar harus tanggap dalam merespon apa yang diminta oleh masyarakat. Pasar harus menjawab permintaan gaya hidup halal dari masyarakat, baik di sektor konsumsi maupun non konsumsi. Apa yang dimaksud halal tidak hanya dinilai dari segi syariat saja, tetapi juga harus dilihat dari perspektif nilai yang lebih umum, seperti kesehatan, keselamatan, dan kebersihan.
Carrying out a vascular occlusion practice fitness test
Authors: Davies Emma
Published: March 2022

Emma Davies details the steps that practitioners can take to ensure that they are prepared if a vascular occlusion occurs in their clinic
Las didácticas específicas en tiempos de COVID-19
Authors: Suárez Maria del Mar
Published: March 2022

Introducción a la sección monográfica.
impact of COVID-19 in an ESP course: An unforeseen adaptation to distance teaching
Authors: López-Zurita Paloma
Published: March 2022

The unexpected COVID-19 outbreak in the middle of the school year 2019-2020 and the subsequent declaration of the state of emergency by the Spanish government brought about a dramatic change in classroom structure along with digital innovation at all levels worldwide. Traditional classes inevitably needed to be shifted to an unprecedented as well as unexpected non-face-to-face model that both teachers and students had to use without prior training and which, consequently, required great effort and dedication. This article describes a case study of this adaptation process as it actually ensued in an eminently practical subject. On the other hand, it also examines the students’ perception based on an assessment survey on the methodology and activities implemented along the course. The results show the right and wrong choices made in the process, the students’ opinion about them together with potential solutions to correct the bad practices identified in the study. Finally, this article shows the extraordinary evolution of the use of new technologies in education as unforeseen one year ago.