bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grupos vulnerables y margen de apreciación nacional
Authors: Gajardo Falcón Jaime
Published: April 2021

Desde la sentencia de la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos (Corte IDH) en el “caso de las personas dominicanas y haitianas con República Dominicana” se ha venido discutiendo con mayor intensidad si la Corte IDH debiera comenzar a utilizar la doctrina del margen de apreciación en el espacio interamericano. En esta dirección escriben autores que discuten sobre la autoridad y legitimidad de la Corte IDH –y de los tribunales internacionales en general– para resolver casos díficiles y condenar a los Estados por vulneración a los derechos humanos contemplados en la Convención Americana de Derechos Humanos (CADH) o en el respectivo tratado internacional. Otros autores abogan por la incorporación de la doctrina del margen de apreciación por parte de la Corte IDH como una forma de articular de mejor forma la comunidad política interamericana. Luego de revisar las posiciones doctrinal al respecto sostendré que la utilización de la doctrina del margen de apreciación en los casos de tipo multicultural puede implicar la invisibilización de las tensiones existentes al interior de las comunidades nacionales, donde muchas veces la cultura y prácticas de las minorías señaladas es menospreciada por la cultura mayoritaria o hegemónica. Este es el caso de la población indígena y migrante en el contexto américano, por lo que la utilización de la doctrina del margen de apreciación en este tipo de casos puede implicar que los tribunales internacionales convaliden la vulneración de los derechos humanos de las minorías al interior de los Estados. En ese sentido, el trabajo argumentará que una aplicación limitada del margen nacional de apreciación en casos multiculturales de grupos vulnerables permite a los tribunales regionales de derechos humanos proteger a las minorías étnicas, religiosas y culturales contra la constatada discriminación interna o contra la violación de los derechos convencionales.
Content of Professionally Oriented Teaching Foreign Languages to Students of Non-Linguistic Specialities at a Higher Educational Establishment in Conditions of Globalization
Authors:   V. I. Vernadsky Taurida National University, Goncharova Inna
Published: April 2021

The article deals with the analysis of the content of professionally oriented teaching of foreign languages to students of non-linguistic specialities at higher educational establishments. It has been proved the content of teaching a foreign language includes the following: the spheres of communicative activity, topics and situations, linguistic acts and language material which take into account the professional development of students; language material (phonetic, lexical, grammatical and orphographic), the rules of its formation and habits of its operating; a complex of special (speech) skills which characterize the level of practical acquisition of a foreign language as a means of communication including inter-cultural situations; the system of knowledge of the national and cultural peculiarities of foreign countries. A foreign language in this context serves a means of improvement of the professional competence and individual and professional development of students and it is a necessary condition of their successful professional activity. The main aim of professionally oriented teaching of foreign languages in conditions of globalization is to ensure an active acquisition of a foreign language by students of non-linguistic specialities as a means of formation and formulation of thoughts in the sphere of an everyday communication and in the sphere of a corresponding speciality.
Future Primary School Teachers Training for the Implementation of «Daily 3» Technology
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Dudnik Oksana
Published: April 2021

The article deals with the conceptual provisions of innovative pedagogical technology of teaching mathematics to primary school students «Daily 3», which considers students' interest in mathematics, developing their skills of independence, ability to work in a team and communicate by engaging in various activities. Theoretical principles of conducting mathematics independently, mathematics with a friend and mathematics writing are revealed. The generalized algorithm of conducting «Daily 3» is given and the structure of such lesson is presented. Factors that prevent the full implementation of the technology «Daily 3» in Ukrainian primary schools are analyzed. The optimal way of future primary school teachers training for realization of this technology is offered. It consists in considering within the discipline «Methods of teaching the educational field of mathematics» its elements, and while studying the discipline of free choice «Methods of teaching mathematics: technological approach» detailed disclosure of didactic and methodological foundations of mathematics independently, mathematics with a friend and mathematics in writing.
Binary Science Classes as an Integration Form of Training Future Officers
Authors:   National Academy of the National Guard of Ukraine, Zub Olena , Taimasov Yurii ,   Main Directorate of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Kharkiv Region, Turchynov Artem ,   National Academy of the National Guard of Ukraine, Alfimova Liudmyla ,   National Academy of the National Guard of Ukraine, Palchik Oksana ,   MI "Kharkiv Humanitarian and Pedagogical Academy" of Kharkiv Regional Council
Published: April 2021

The article explains the role of binary classes as a form of integration knowledge in the process of studying science while training future officers of the National Guard of Ukraine. It has been established that the main advantage of binary classes is that professional knowledge of future specialists is formed in a complex, while studying disciplines in a segmentary way does not give an idea of an integral phenomenon, splitting it into fragments. The form of conducting a binary lesson is exciting and non-standard. The use of different types of activities in the classroom enables the participants of educational process to keep attention, which confirms a developmental effect of learning. Binary classes increase the potential of participants in educational process, lead to defining and understanding cause-and-effect relationships, developing logic, thinking, and communication skills. Binary classes provide an opportunity for creative self-realization for both lecturers and military students as well as contribute to forming professional competencies of military students. It is noted that combining all disciplines results in losing their uniqueness. Therefore, binary classes must be organized from time to time so that military students get an understanding of the relationship between disciplines and the fact that knowledge acquired at one discipline facilitates understanding of the processes that are studied at other disciplines.
Formation of Professional Subjectivity of Future Specialists of Oriental Languages as a Psychological and Pedagogical Problem
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Ovcharenko Olena
Published: April 2021

The article analyzes the scientific approaches to the study of the development of personality subjectivity and highlights the psychological and pedagogical foundations of the formation of professional subjectivity of future specialists in oriental languages in the context of globalization. The essential features of personality subjectivity as an indicator of the formation of professional subjectivity in the pedagogical process are established. The main stages of pedagogical formation of professional subjectivity during university studies, features of this process for future specialists of oriental languages, crises of development of each period and mental growths that arise in case of successful overcoming of difficulties are outlined. Prospects for further development are seen in the creation and implementation of methods for the formation of professional subjectivity in the pedagogical process based on a dialectical approach to such categories as subjectivity, subject, personality and individuality.
Blended Learning as a form of Effective Organization of Professional Training of Future Social Workers / Social Pedagogues
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Yurkiv Yaroslava
Published: April 2021

The article reveals some of the most important aspects of the organization of blended learning on the example of training future social workers / social pedagogues. Describes the experience of using Moodle, Microsoft Teams and Zoom in blended learning. There are such aspects as the possibility and features of conducting online lectures and practical classes. The article reveals in detail the technical capabilities of Moodle, Microsoft Teams and Zoom, which were used by teachers and students majoring in 231 "Social Work. Social pedagogy. Practical Psychology ”at the Taras Shevchenko Luhansk National University during the period of self-isolation. The presented material allows us to conclude that, despite the urgency and generality of the introduction of blended learning during the pandemic, its organization was well thought out and allowed to effectively organize the educational process.
The Problem of the Formation of Value-Sense Orientations of Future Preschool Educators in Pedagogical Theory and Practice
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Bader Svitlana
Published: April 2021

The article is devoted to the study of the problem of the formation of value-sense orientations of future kindergarten educators in pedagogical theory and practice. The essence of the leading values, which should be inherent in future teachers in general and future kindergarten educators, in particular, within the framework of various approaches, namely: historical and cultural, competence-based, integrated, has been determined. It was determined that from the point of view of the historical and cultural approach, classical teachers attributed a number of general cultural values to the most important values of the educator (Person, goodness, beauty, love, tenderness, sincerity, justice, truth, etc.). Representatives of the competence-based approach to the leading values of the educator include those that characterize him as a professional educator (love for children, justice, tolerance, responsibility, flexibility, creativity, self-development, self-education). Within the framework of the integrated approach, which the author adheres to, the personality of the future educator is considered holistically, and the values that should be inherent in him are interpreted as a complex of universal, professional and individual life values.
Diseño y validación de un instrumento para la Evaluación de la Satisfacción de los Estudiantes de Prácticas en Educación (ESEPE)
Authors: Ruiz-Gutiérrez Borja , Basilotta Gómez-Pablos Verónica , González Elices Patricia
Published: April 2021

INTRODUCCIÓN. El Prácticum es una materia fundamental que ofrece al estudiante la posibilidad de experimentar en contextos y situaciones reales, a la vez que reflexiona y pone en práctica el conocimiento adquirido en otras asignaturas de la titulación. La valoración del Prácticum se vuelve fundamental para mejorar la calidad de este, siendo primordial la evaluación de las experiencias y percepciones de los estudiantes durante este periodo. En este contexto, resulta necesario contar con instrumentos válidos y fiables que permitan asegurar que la evaluación que se hace de las prácticas es la adecuada y logren incrementar la calidad educativa de las mismas. El objetivo de este trabajo es, precisamente, construir y validar un cuestionario para evaluar la satisfacción de los estudiantes en la asignatura de Prácticum de las titulaciones de educación. MÉTODO. Se presentan los resultados del proceso de validación de contenido en el que han participado 12 expertos, tanto del ámbito escolar como universitario; y del estudio piloto en el que han participado 97 estudiantes de los Grados de Magisterio de Educación Infantil, Grado en Magisterio de Educación Primaria, Máster Universitario en Formación del Profesorado de Educación Secundaria y Máster en Psicopedagogía de la Universidad a Distancia de Madrid. RESULTADOS. Los resultados obtenidos informan de una elevada validez de contenido (relevancia=82% y claridad=85%) y fiabilidad (α de Cronbach=0.95). A su vez, la validez de constructo explicada en el análisis factorial exploratorio muestra una calidad métrica adecuada. Se han obtenido dos factores que han explicado el 79.04% de la varianza total. DISCUSIÓN. Estos resultados permiten confiar en la validez del cuestionario y en el objeto de medida. Dicho instrumento puede servir de base para la evaluación de la formación práctica en otros centros.
Rethinking the fundamentals and practices of intercultural education in era of insecurity
Authors: Musaio Marisa
Published: April 2021

INTRODUCTION. In a globalized and multicultural world, one is increasingly challenged by encounters and relationships with the other. Intercultural pedagogy develops its reflections around these problems, while continuously updating its meanings and purposes. METHOD. Starting from a reinterpretation of the pedagogical foundations of the relationship between identity and otherness, this contribution proposes to outline the role and purpose of an intercultural pedagogy in relation to the framework of insecurity that characterizes multicultural society today. RESULTS. The interplay between the theoretical analysis of intercultural pedagogy and the various manifestations of risk, especially as regards the condition of vulnerability experienced by refugees and migrants, allows us to outline new educational goals for an authentic relationship with others. DISCUSSION. As a result of the above observations, the need for a continuous interpretation of intercultural education in relation to the constantly changing scenarios emerges. In addition, the training of educational and pedagogical professionals that make use of intercultural mediation to prevent conflict and upgrade living conditions and encourage a better education for the new wave of immigrants becomes crucial.
A new transoral modality for the treatment of lingual thyroglossal duct cyst with suspension laryngoscopy by plasma coblation
Authors: Gao K , Gao K , Han J , Zhou X , Luan D , Xie F , Li Y , Yue Z
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Lingual thyroglossal duct cysts (LTGDC) are a rare kind of thyroglossal duct cyst. However, Sistrunk surgery is not very suitable for this type of cyst. This study aimed to explore the efficacy of transoral excision of LTGDC by plasma coblation.

Methods

The present study reviewed 11 patients, comprising seven males and four females, who had been diagnosed with LTGDC preoperatively by computed tomography (CT) and fibre-optic electronic laryngoscopy. Of those patients, two had recurrence after surgery of epiglottic cysts. All these patients underwent transoral excision by plasma coblation. Then, we collected preoperative data of the patients, observed the effect of surgery, and analysed factors relevant to LTGDC, including the estimated bleeding amount, postoperative hospitalisation, complications and recurrence rates.

Results

The connection between LTGDC and hyoid was tapered on sagittal images of CT, which was vital evidence for the diagnosis of LTGDC. Surgery was performed successfully for all 11 patients, and all recovered without complication. There was no evidence of recurrence after surgery, during follow up for 3–43 months.

Conclusions

Transoral surgery for LTGDC can be performed successfully by plasma coblation, which is an effective and safe surgical treatment. Fibre-optic electronic laryngoscopy and CT are essential to the diagnosis of LTGDC in order to avoid missing detection and misdiagnosis.
Magnetic resonance imaging demonstration of an unusual triplication anomaly of the inferior vena cava
Authors: Ayyildiz V , Ogul H
Published: April 2021

Knowing congenital anomalies of the inferior vena cava is of clinical importance for radiological interventional procedures and retroperitoneal surgery. We present magnetic resonance imaging of the coincidence of fenestrated right and left inferior vena cava anomalies in a 78-year-old woman. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging is an important imaging technique that is preferred in evaluating vascular structures in this locality.
Sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma mimicking chronic invasive fungal disease of paranasal sinuses
Authors: Sakci Z , Aydin F , Ceylan O , Ogul H
Published: April 2021

Sinonasal teratoid carcinosarcoma or teratocarcinoma is an extremely rare aggressive tumour. It usually arises in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. In this study, the authors described magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography findings from a patient with sinonasal teratocarcinoma. Computed tomography of the sinonasal teratoid carcinosarcoma can mimic paranasal fungal infections. Magnetic resonance imaging is a very useful tool for making a differential diagnosis between the sinonasal teratoid carcinosarcoma and paranasal sinusitis.
A huge ureteric stone in a functionally, metabolically and anatomically normal kidney: an alliance of rarity
Authors: Chaudhary K , Devana SK , Tyagi S , Sharma AP
Published: April 2021

Urinary stones are a common health problem, necessitating frequent outpatient visits and hospital admissions. Ureteric stones demand special attention, given their propensity for upstream hydroureteronephrosis and loss of renal function. They are usually predisposed by diverse anatomical, functional or metabolic abnormalities of the urinary tract and have an early symptomatic presentation. We report an exceptional clinical presentation of a huge ureteric stone yet functional renal moiety with no obvious anatomical or metabolic predilection for urolithiasis, and its minimally invasive management in a young woman. We emphasise that swift salvaging of the renal function is of utmost importance in these cases. Open exploration can be avoided in favour of laparoscopic ureterolithotomy with better cosmesis and early recovery.
Partial repigmentation of a vitiliginous nipple areolar complex following therapeutic mammoplasty
Authors: Wyeth E , Wen J , Oni G
Published: April 2021

We discuss the unusual repigmentation of a vitiliginous region of a nipple areolar complex following a therapeutic mammoplasty. We consider the autoimmune mechanisms behind the pathogenesis of vitiligo and their potential interplay with the immunological pathways involved in this patient’s breast cancer and ultimately in the postoperative recovery period. This case highlights the potential interconnecting thread of immunological disruptions, which may provide a springboard for further discussion around the treatment for vitiligo. It also provides a useful point of note when counselling darker skin patients around scarring when undergoing surgical interventions.
El papel del secreto en el concepto de arte de María Zambrano
Authors: Caballero Rodríguez Beatriz
Published: April 2021

El propósito de este artículo es abordar la presencia del arte en María Zambrano en cuanto que uno de los pilares fundamentales de su pensamiento acerca de la razón poética. Se prestará una especial atención al papel que desempeña en este contexto el concepto de secreto. Para ello, resultará útil comparar el tratamiento zambraniano del arte con la posición heideggeriana al respecto, al menos como punto de partida, ya que entre ambos pensadores se dan también importantes divergencias que este trabajo pondrá asimismo de manifiesto.
Vulnerabilidad y violencia en el «Prologue» de Simone Weil
Authors: Otón Josep
Published: April 2021

Al marchar hacia el exilio, la filósofa Simone Weil escribió un texto enigmático, Prologue, que pone de manifiesto dos cuestiones: la importancia de la vulnerabilidad en su vida y en su obra (cuestión que teorizó a través del concepto «desdicha») y el clima de violencia de esa época (que define con la idea de «fuerza»). La búsqueda de la verdad contribuye a esclarecer la relación entre vulnerabilidad y violencia.
Resonancias schneidereanas en Zambrano: música, alma, método
Authors: Gálvez Silva Gabriel
Published: April 2021

Nuestro trabajo intenta verificar y relevar las huellas de Marius Schneider en Zambrano. Está organizado en tres episodios: una sinopsis de las ideas fundamentales del musicólogo, un examen de sus relaciones con el problema del «saber sobre el alma» y, finalmente, una revisión de los aportes de Schneider a la propuesta metodológica zambraniana.
Metáforas musicales en la filosofía de María Zambrano: el ritmo
Authors: Martínez González Francisco
Published: April 2021

La filosofía de María Zambrano está plagada de referencias a la música. El oído como sentido predilecto para el ejercicio del análisis, la música como objeto de reflexión en sí misma (en abstracto o a través de ciertos compositores y obras), como materialización de la naturaleza laberíntica del tiempo, como paradigma de la naturaleza fluente de la psique, como fuente de metáforas por excelencia. Es en este último sentido en el que términos como «acorde», «armonía», «timbre» o «disonancia» aparecen con mucha frecuencia en sus escritos, vinculados con una pluralidad de campos e intereses, desde la teoría política hasta la fenomenología de la forma-sueño, desde la epistemología hasta la crítica literaria. De todos los conceptos de resonancia musical que pueblan el imaginario zambraniano, sin embargo, el de ritmo es sin duda el que ocupa el lugar de mayor centralidad en su ontología.
Las voces de la música en María Zambrano
Authors: Pardo Salgado Carmen
Published: April 2021

Partiendo de la afirmación de que la música es el arte más inhumano, este texto procede en tres tiempos. Primero, al hilo de Aristóteles y Zambrano, plantea la bifurcación entre la voz del logos y las voces de la música. Segundo, a partir de la música como voz surgida del infierno, propone la distinción entre el arte inhumano y el arte deshumanizado. Finalmente, atendiendo a la génesis de la obra de arte en Zambrano y Blanchot, acude a las voces de Orfeo para mostrar que, a pesar de los silencios de Zambrano respecto a la revisión del mito en la música del siglo xx, obras como Le voile d’Orphée de Pierre Henry enseñan otros modos de encarar los infiernos de la vida.
Expresión poético-vital: el encuentro entre Unamuno y Zambrano en la poesía
Authors: Rodríguez Inda Natàlia
Published: April 2021

El presente artículo investiga de qué modo tanto para María Zambrano como para Miguel de Unamuno el lenguaje que proporciona la lógica de la racionalidad moderna resulta insuficiente para captar y aprehender la existencia y su problemática. Ambos pensadores comprenden en este sentido que es la palabra poética la que permite un mayor acercamiento a lo que la existencia tiene de resistente a la conceptualización con que ha operado la filosofía sistemática, de la que también ambos recelan. Este artículo se propone ahondar en la defensa de esa palabra como vehículo de un pensamiento distinto, capaz de hacerse cargo de lo que la filosofía olvidó, la vida en su devenir.
Nostalgia hacia la tierra: estética, emoción e historia en María Zambrano
Authors: Varón González Carlos
Published: April 2021

María Zambrano utiliza el arte de vanguardia para diagnosticar algunos de los problemas que acucian su tiempo. Una de las claves de su diagnóstico es afectiva: la nostalgia. Antes que como reacción individual, la nostalgia debe entenderse aquí como parte de una cadena metaemocional que moviliza otras emociones e incentiva prácticas estéticas, sociales y afectivas más allá de la soberanía. Estas ideas destacan en un conocido ensayo puertorriqueño y nos ayudan a ver, a pesar de sus fallas, la productividad de su idea de nostalgia, que muestra cómo la historia determina la estética, y la estética, la historia.
Por una educación geográfica en tiempos de pandemia
Authors: Martínez Medina Ramón
Published: April 2021

Editorial número 9.
Substàncies complexes, canvis d'estat i llindar de comprensió del model matèria a 2n d'ESO
Authors: López Simó Víctor , Garrido-Espeja Anna
Published: April 2021

Esta investigación pretende estudiar la influencia de dos unidades didácticas orientadas a la construcción del modelo materia, implementadas en la asignatura de Física y Química de 2º de ESO en un instituto público de Cataluña. La primera aborda los cambios de estado entre sólido, líquido y gas, y la segunda, la diferencia entre sustancia pura y mezcla. Las dos unidades siguen una estructura basada en el ciclo de modelización, donde los estudiantes expresan, evalúan, revisan y aplican sus modelos mentales sobre la estructura interna de la materia. Recogemos las explicaciones de 49 estudiantes en dos momentos del proceso de aprendizaje sobre qué cambio de estado se produce cuando se seca el barro y la pintura, y analizamos si superan el umbral de comprensión del modelo materia. Los resultados muestran una influencia positiva en aquellos estudiantes con un nivel medio de competencia científica, al tiempo que no se observa influencia en los que tienen un nivel bajo de competencia científica. En relación con estos resultados, discutimos el papel de las actividades de modelización como estrategia didáctica y señalamos algunas implicaciones para mejorar el proceso de aprendizaje del alumnado.
Global assessment of forest quality for threatened terrestrial vertebrate species in need of conservation translocation programs
Authors: Roberts Jessica L. , Cooper W. Justin , Luther David
Published: April 2021

Conservation actions such as habitat protection, restoration, and translocations are critical actions in preventing further extinctions of threatened species. We used the 152 threatened species on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Red List with conservation translocations as a recommended conservation action to access the habitat quality of these species’ ranges. We determined where multi-species conservation translocation and forest restoration efforts can be concentrated. To determine the habitat quality of species’ ranges, we assessed forest cover, forest restoration potential, protected area status, and invasive species concerns. Forty-four percent (67 species) of species with translocations recommended have part of their range in a protected area, existing forest cover, and currently no invasive species risk. However, the majority (85 species) currently need habitat management (63 species), invasive species control (71 species), or protection (34 species). We also identified key differences between species recommended for reintroductions (115 species) and benign introductions (37 species), such as the percentage of a species’ range within a protected area, in which reintroductions (median = 7.4%) had more than benign introductions (median = 0.9%). Mauritius, central Africa, eastern Australia and Himalaya regions each have areas with range overlap of three or more species recommended for translocations and forest restoration potential. For those species with CT programs in place, mean forest cover was 32% and restoration potential was 16%, suggesting potential minimum habitat requirements for initial releases. Results provide a global perspective on reintroduction and translocation needs of threatened species with evidenced-based information on habitat quality, i.e. forest restoration potential, forest cover, protected areas, and invasive species control, to aid conservation translocation scientists and ultimately improve the success of such projects.
Implementation of a COVID-19 surveillance programme for healthcare workers in a teaching hospital in an upper-middle-income country
Authors: Wan Kim Sui , Tok Peter Seah Keng , Yoga Ratnam Kishwen Kanna , Aziz Nuraini , Isahak Marzuki , Ahmad Zaki Rafdzah , Nik Farid Nik Daliana , Hairi Noran Naqiah , Rampal Sanjay , Ng Chiu-Wan , Samsudin Mohd Fauzy , Venugopal Vinura , Asyraf Mohammad , Damanhuri Narisa Hatun , Doraimuthu Sanpagavalli , Arumugam Catherine Thamarai , Marthammuthu Thaneswaran , Nawawi Fathhullah Azmie , Baharudin Faiz , Chong Diane Woei Quan , Jayaraj Vivek Jason , Magarita Venna , Ponnampalavanar Sasheela , Hasnan Nazirah , Kamarulzaman Adeeba , Said Mas Ayu
Published: April 2021

Introduction

The reporting of Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) mortality among healthcare workers highlights their vulnerability in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Some low- and middle-income countries have highlighted the challenges with COVID-19 testing, such as inadequate capacity, untrained laboratory personnel, and inadequate funding. This article describes the components and implementation of a healthcare worker surveillance programme in a designated COVID-19 teaching hospital in Malaysia. In addition, the distribution and characteristics of healthcare workers placed under surveillance are described.

Material and methods

A COVID-19 healthcare worker surveillance programme was implemented in University Malaya Medical Centre. The programme involved four teams: contact tracing, risk assessment, surveillance and outbreak investigation. Daily symptom surveillance was conducted over fourteen days for healthcare workers who were assessed to have low-, moderate- and high-risk of contracting COVID-19. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted for data collected over 24 weeks, from the 6thof March 2020 to the 20thof August 2020.

Results

A total of 1,174 healthcare workers were placed under surveillance. The majority were females (71.6%), aged between 25 and 34 years old (64.7%), were nursing staff (46.9%) and had no comorbidities (88.8%). A total of 70.9% were categorised as low-risk, 25.7% were moderate-risk, and 3.4% were at high risk of contracting COVID-19. One-third (35.2%) were symptomatic, with the sore throat (23.6%), cough (19.8%) and fever (5.0%) being the most commonly reported symptoms. A total of 17 healthcare workers tested positive for COVID-19, with a prevalence of 0.3% among all the healthcare workers. Risk category and presence of symptoms were associated with a positive COVID-19 test (p<0.001). Fever (p<0.001), cough (p = 0.003), shortness of breath (p = 0.015) and sore throat (p = 0.002) were associated with case positivity.

Conclusion

COVID-19 symptom surveillance and risk-based assessment have merits to be included in a healthcare worker surveillance programme to safeguard the health of the workforce.
Modeling the impact of public response on the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario
Authors: Eastman Brydon , Meaney Cameron , Przedborski Michelle , Kohandel Mohammad
Published: April 2021

The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 is thought to have originated in Wuhan, China in late 2019 and has since spread quickly around the world. To date, the virus has infected tens of millions of people worldwide, compelling governments to implement strict policies to counteract community spread. Federal, provincial, and municipal governments have employed various public health policies, including social distancing, mandatory mask wearing, and the closure of schools and businesses. However, the implementation of these policies can be difficult and costly, making it imperative that both policy makers and the citizenry understand their potential benefits and the risks of non-compliance. In this work, a mathematical model is developed to study the impact of social behaviour on the course of the pandemic in the province of Ontario. The approach is based upon a standard SEIRD model with a variable transmission rate that depends on the behaviour of the population. The model parameters, which characterize the disease dynamics, are estimated from Ontario COVID-19 epidemiological data using machine learning techniques. A key result of the model, following from the variable transmission rate, is the prediction of the occurrence of a second wave using the most current infection data and disease-specific traits. The qualitative behaviour of different future transmission-reduction strategies is examined, and the time-varying reproduction number is analyzed using existing epidemiological data and future projections. Importantly, the effective reproduction number, and thus the course of the pandemic, is found to be sensitive to the adherence to public health policies, illustrating the need for vigilance as the economy continues to reopen.
Cryopreservation of human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells and astrocytes in suspension and monolayers
Authors: Marquez-Curtis Leah A. , Bokenfohr Reid , McGann Locksley E. , Elliott Janet A. W.
Published: April 2021

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) keeps pathogens and toxins out of the brain but also impedes the entry of pharmaceuticals. Human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (hCMECs) and astrocytes are the main functional cell components of the BBB. Although available commercially as cryopreserved cells in suspension, improvements in their cryopreservation and distribution as cryopreserved monolayers could enhance BBB in vitro studies. Here, we examined the response to slow cooling and storage in liquid nitrogen of immortalized hCMEC/D3 cells and human primary astrocytes in suspension and in monolayers. HCMEC/D3 cells in suspension cryopreserved in 5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 95% fetal bovine serum or in 5% DMSO and 6% hydroxyethyl starch (HES) showed post-thaw membrane integrities above 90%, similar to unfrozen control. Cryopreservation did not affect the time-dependent ability of hCMEC/D3 cells to form tubes on Matrigel. Primary astrocytes in suspension cryopreserved in the presence of 5% DMSO and 6% HES had improved viability over those cryopreserved in 10% DMSO. Monolayers of single cultures or co-cultures of hCMEC/D3 cells and astrocytes on fibronectin-coated Rinzl coverslips retained membrane integrities and metabolic function, after freezing in 5% DMSO, 6% HES, and 2% chondroitin sulfate, that were comparable to those of unfrozen controls even after overnight incubation. Rinzl is better than glass or Thermanox as an underlying solid substrate for cryopreserving hCMEC/D3 monolayers. Cryopreserved hCMEC/D3 monolayers expressed the junction proteins ZO-1 and claudin-5 similar to their unfrozen counterparts. Hence, we describe improved cryopreservation protocols for hCMEC/D3 cells and astrocytes in suspension, and a novel protocol for the cryopreservation of monolayers of hCMEC/D3 cells and astrocytes as single cultures or co-cultures that could expand their distribution for research on disease modeling, drug screening, and targeted therapy pertaining to the BBB.
Quantitative assessment of the lumbar intervertebral disc via T2 shows excellent long-term reliability
Authors: Belavy Daniel L. , Owen Patrick J. , Armbrecht Gabriele , Bansmann Martin , Zange Jochen , Ling Yuan , Pohle-Fröhlich Regina , Felsenberg Dieter
Published: April 2021

Methodologies for the quantitative assessment of the spine tissues, in particular the intervertebral disc (IVD), have not been well established in terms of long-term reliability. This is required for designing prospective studies.1H water T2in the IVD (“T2”) has attained wider use in assessment of the lumbar intervertebral discs via magnetic resonance imaging. The reliability of IVD T2measurements are yet to be established. IVD T2was assessed nine times at regular intervals over 368 days on six anatomical slices centred at the lumbar spine using a spin-echo multi-echo sequence in 12 men. To assess repeatability, intra-class correlation co-efficients (ICCs), standard error of the measurement, minimal detectable difference and co-efficients of variation (CVs) were calculated along with their 95% confidence intervals. Bland-Altman analysis was also performed. ICCs were above 0.93, with the exception of nuclear T2at L5/S1, where the ICC was 0.88. CVs of the central-slice nucleus sub-region ranged from 4.3% (average of all levels) to 10.1% for L5/S1 and between 2.2% to 3.2% for whole IVD T2(1.8% for the average of all levels). Averaging between vertebral levels improved reliability. Reliability of measurements was least at L5/S1. ICCs of degenerated IVDs were lower. Test-retest reliability was excellent for whole IVD and good to excellent for IVD subregions. The findings help to establish the long-term repeatability of lumbar IVD T2for the implementation of prospective studies and determination of significant changes within individuals.
Random intercept and linear mixed models including heteroscedasticity in a logarithmic scale: Correction terms and prediction in the original scale
Authors: Ramírez-Aldana Ricardo , Naranjo Lizbeth
Published: April 2021

Random intercept models are linear mixed models (LMM) including error and intercept random effects. Sometimes heteroscedasticity is included and the response variable is transformed into a logarithmic scale, while inference is required in the original scale; thus, the response variable has a log-normal distribution. Hence, correction terms should be included to predict the response in the original scale. These terms multiply the exponentiated predicted response variable, which subestimates the real values. We derive the correction terms, simulations and real data about the income of elderly are presented to show the importance of using them to obtain more accurate predictions. Generalizations for any LMM are also presented.
The prevalence, severity and chronicity of abuse towards older men: Insights from a multinational European survey
Authors: Melchiorre Maria Gabriella , Di Rosa Mirko , Macassa Gloria , Eslami Bahareh , Torres-Gonzales Francisco , Stankunas Mindaugas , Lindert Jutta , Ioannidi-Kapolou Elisabeth , Barros Henrique , Lamura Giovanni , J. F. Soares Joaquim
Published: April 2021

Background

Elder abuse is a growing public health question among policy makers and practitioners in many countries. Research findings usually indicate women as victims, whereas male elder abuse still remains under-detected and under-reported. We aimed to investigate the prevalence, severity and chronicity of abuse (psychological, physical, physical injury, sexual, and financial) against older men, and to scrutinize factors (e.g. demographics) associated with high chronicity of any abuse.

Methods

Randomly selected older men (n = 1908) aged 60–84 years from seven European cities (Ancona, Athens, Granada, Kaunas, Stuttgart, Porto, Stockholm) were interviewed in 2009 via a cross-sectional study concerning abuse exposure during the past 12 months.

Results

Findings suggested that prevalence of abuse towards older men varied between 0.3% (sexual) and 20.3% (psychological), with severe acts between 0.2% (sexual) and 8.2% (psychological). On the whole, higher chronicity values were for injury, followed by psychological, financial, physical, and sexual abuse. Being from Sweden, experiencing anxiety and having a spouse/cohabitant/woman as perpetrator were associated with a greater “risk” for high chronicity of any abuse. For men, severity and chronicity of abuse were in some cases relatively high.

Conclusions

Abuse towards older men, in the light of severe and repeated acts occurring, should be a source of concern for family, caring staff, social work practice and policy makers, in order to develop together adequate prevention and treatment strategies.
MiR-30a and miR-200c differentiate cholangiocarcinomas from gastrointestinal cancer liver metastases
Authors: Park Jun Won , Jeong Jong Min , Cho Kye Soo , Cho Soo Young , Cheon Jae Hee , Choi Dong Ho , Park Sang Jae , Kim Hark Kyun
Published: April 2021

Prior studies have demonstrated the utility of microRNA assays for predicting some cancer tissue origins, but these assays need to be further optimized for predicting the tissue origins of adenocarcinomas of the liver. We performed microRNA profiling on 195 frozen primary tumor samples using 14 types of tumors that were either adenocarcinomas or differentiated from adenocarcinomas. The 1-nearest neighbor method predicted tissue-of-origin in 33 samples of a test set, with an accuracy of 93.9% at feature selection p values ranging from 10−4 to 10−10. According to binary decision tree analyses, the overexpression of miR-30a and the underexpression of miR-200 family members (miR-200c and miR-141) differentiated intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas from extrahepatic adenocarcinomas. When binary decision tree analyses were performed using the test set, the prediction accuracy was 84.8%. The overexpression of miR-30a and the reduced expressions of miR-200c, miR-141, and miR-425 could distinguish intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas from liver metastases from the gastrointestinal tract.
COVID-19: Short term prediction model using daily incidence data
Authors: Zhao Hongwei , Merchant Naveed N. , McNulty Alyssa , Radcliff Tiffany A. , Cote Murray J. , Fischer Rebecca S. B. , Sang Huiyan , Ory Marcia G.
Published: April 2021

Background

Prediction of the dynamics of new SARS-CoV-2 infections during the current COVID-19 pandemic is critical for public health planning of efficient health care allocation and monitoring the effects of policy interventions. We describe a new approach that forecasts the number of incident cases in the near future given past occurrences using only a small number of assumptions.

Methods

Our approach to forecasting future COVID-19 cases involves 1) modeling the observed incidence cases using a Poisson distribution for the daily incidence number, and a gamma distribution for the series interval; 2) estimating the effective reproduction number assuming its value stays constant during a short time interval; and 3) drawing future incidence cases from their posterior distributions, assuming that the current transmission rate will stay the same, or change by a certain degree.

Results

We apply our method to predicting the number of new COVID-19 cases in a single state in the U.S. and for a subset of counties within the state to demonstrate the utility of this method at varying scales of prediction. Our method produces reasonably accurate results when the effective reproduction number is distributed similarly in the future as in the past. Large deviations from the predicted results can imply that a change in policy or some other factors have occurred that have dramatically altered the disease transmission over time.

Conclusion

We presented a modelling approach that we believe can be easily adopted by others, and immediately useful for local or state planning.
Morphology, Topography and Clinical Significance of Primary Nutrient Foramina in Tibia
Authors: R.S. Suja , Alikunju Mini , Oommen Aswathy Maria , R Sreekumar , Sukumaran Sheena Kalyani , Kaleeluvilayil Ragbavannair Chandra Mohan Nair , Varghese Lincy , Thampi Swapna
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND Nutrient foramina are seen in the shaft of long bones. They vary in number, size and their position on the surface of bones. It transmits the nutrient artery which is the main source of blood supply to the long bones. We intend to study the location, number, type and direction of primary nutrient foramina (PNF) on the shaft of tibia. METHODS The descriptive study was done using 120 tibiae (right-66, left-54) from Department of Anatomy, Govt. Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. Length of each bone and distance of the nutrient foramen from the upper end of tibia was measured using osteometric board. The location of the primary nutrient foramina on the surface of tibia, the direction of the nutrient canal and the presence of secondary nutrient foramina were noted. RESULTS Single primary nutrient foramina were located on the posterior surface of 113 tibiae. 4 tibiae showed PNF and secondary nutrient foramina (SNF). No nutrient foramina were observed in 3 tibiae. CONCLUSIONS The precise knowledge and topography of PNF of tibia will help orthopaedic surgeons in minimising damage to vasculature of tibia during various surgical procedures. KEY WORDS Tibia, Nutrient Foramen, Nutrient Artery
Validity of Index of Orthodontic Treatment Complexity in Assessing Complexity of Treatment among the Malocclusion Groups
Authors: Vishnu Sriman , Subranmanian Saravanakumar , Anbarasu Prema , Nagappan Nagappan , P.R. Annamalai , Annamalai Indra
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND To provide efficient and well-planned orthodontic treatment orthodontists must be able to assess the type of malocclusion and the complexity involved in its treatment. Hence, the purpose of this study was to validate index of orthodontic treatment complexity (IOTC) as a reliable index to assess the treatment complexity in treating different malocclusion groups. METHODS A retrospective study with sample of 120 pairs of orthodontic study model consisting of treated and untreated cases, were collected and equally divided into class I, class II including both division 1 and division 2 and class III malocclusions based on Angles system of classification of malocclusion. Study casts were scored according to criteria given by the index of orthodontic treatment complexity and the degree of complexity is established for each of the malocclusion groups and the occlusal traits. RESULTS The Spearman correlation coefficients test shows that occlusal traits like overjet, centreline discrepancy, molar correction, overbite, crowding, posterior cross bite, alone significantly correlated with degree of complexity. Multiple regression analysis and one way ANOVA tests were performed for the three types of malocclusion and the test showed that in individual classes of malocclusion, the predictor variable (occlusal traits) significantly predicts the degree of complexity in class I and class II malocclusion cases, but not in class III. CONCLUSIONS Overjet, centreline discrepancy, molar correction, overbite, crowding, posterior cross bite correlated with degree of complexity. IOTC forecasts the degree of complexity in class I and class II malocclusion cases, but not in class III. KEY WORDS IOTC, Malocclusion, Occlusal Traits
Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy of Three Different Rotary Retreatment Systems with Manual Instrumentation in Removing Gutta-Percha from Root Canals – An In Vitro Study
Authors: Muraleedhar Aparna V. , Satish Sarvapelli Venkata , Patil Ashwini M. , Kovvuru Suresh Kumar , Patil Snehalatha
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND The primary goal of endodontic retreatment is to take out the root filling completely to ensure that the canal is completely cleaned. Gutta percha removal using hand instruments is a time-consuming procedure and tedious for the operator. Therefore, various nickel titanium instruments have been introduced for the effective retrieval of gutta percha. This study was done to compare the efficacy of three different rotary systems compared with manual instrumentation for gutta percha removal during retreatment. METHODS Forty-eight single rooted premolars were prepared and obturated using gutta percha and AH Plus sealer using lateral compaction technique. Samples were randomly divided into four groups of 12 specimens each. Group 1 was retreated with Hedstrom Files (H-Files), group 2 was retreated with pro taper universal retreatment files (PTUR), group 3 with R-Endo retreatment files and group 4 with Neoendo retreatment files. Time taken for the retreatment was recorded for each tooth using a stopwatch. The samples were sectioned longitudinally and observed under a stereomicroscope. Digital images were taken and analysed using digital image analysing software. The data was statistically analysed using Kruskal-Wallis and Post-hoc Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS The Neoendo group showed significantly lower amount of residual material compared to PTUR, R-Endo and the H-Files (P = 0.00). The maximum residual material was observed in the H file group. The time taken for gutta percha removal was least for the Neoendo group followed by PTUR, R-Endo and H-Files. CONCLUSIONS None of the instruments were able to remove the filling material completely. Gutta percha removal using Neoendo and protaper universal retreatment files were faster and more efficient compared to REndo and H files. KEY WORDS Endodontic Retreatment, Protaper Universal Retreatment Files, R-Endo, Neoendo, HFiles