bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alexander Lobanov: The Reception of the Political in Soviet Outsider Art
Authors: Suvorova Anna
Published: January 2021

The analysis of the oeuvre of the outsider artist Alexander Lobanov (1924–2003) reveals the mechanisms of influence of Soviet visual propaganda. This article examines the total influence of ideology and visual narratives on an artist even when they seem to have been completely excluded from artistic life (in Lobanov’s case, due to his deaf mutism). The author refers to Irving Goffman’s self-presentation theory, the works on political power and its influence by Boris Groys, and the works of psychologists on the peculiarities of compensatory activity in the deaf and mute. The work is relevant as it reflects the importance of outsider artists as part of the art process. The author mostly refers to works by Lobanov in non-Russian and Russian private and institutional collections, as well visual propaganda from the Soviet period. Works by Lobanov and other Soviet outsider artists have not been studied from the perspective chosen by the article’s author. The artist’s oeuvre is examined by Élisabeth Anstett from the discourse point of view, connected with visual images from Soviet propaganda. The author of the article singles out the peculiarities of the appropriation by the outsider artist of the ideological visual narrative, the circle of borrowed images (militarism, hero, Stalin – “the father of nations”), and certain approaches (recurrence, ornamentality, and the presence of text). As a result of an artistic and formalist analysis, the author reveals specific borrowings of approaches and stylistics from the Soviet art (poster, illustration, and easel painting) of the 1930s to the mid‑1950s. Additionally, an important aspect of the study is that the author reveals the peculiar intellectualisation of compensatory mechanisms in the construction of social representation addressing the dominant images of visual Soviet propaganda. The interdisciplinary approach of the research, with certain exceptions, could be used to analyse the creative work of other Soviet outsider artists.
The World Youth Festival as a Soviet Cultural Product during the Cold War
Authors: Koivunen Pia
Published: January 2021

This article discusses Soviet cultural diplomacy from the perspective of cultural production. It analyses a Soviet-sponsored international event, the World Festival of Youth and Students, as a cultural product created within the socialist system. The first festival was held in Prague in 1947, and the tradition continued throughout the Cold War period until today. Earlier scholarship has examined the festival as a propaganda tool, a forum for cross-cultural encounters, and a battlefield of the cultural Cold War between the capitalist West and the socialist East. Much has been written about individual world youth festivals and national delegations, while the design, cultural background and fundamental ideas behind the event have been much less acknowledged. By employing the concept of mega-event and comparing the festival with iconic international events, such as World’s Fairs and the Olympic Games, it discusses the festival’s composition and evolution, its reception, and how the event found its place in a world shaped by the tensions between the two social systems. It employs materials from the main organiser of the event, the World Federation of Democratic Youth, documents from the Communist Youth League (Komsomol) and the Communist Party of the USSR, and contemporary newspapers and magazines. The author argues that the USSR developed an attractive global cultural institution, which well suited the Cold War environment but was too dependent on financial support from the socialist bloc and too tied to the political agenda of the Soviet Union to become a universally accepted institution.
Patents, Charters, and Certificates: What Preceded the Enlistment of Foreign Nationals into the Russian Service by Contract?
Authors: Ermakova Olga
Published: January 2021

This article considers the genesis of contractual relations between the Russian state and individuals, more particularly, international specialists. The author traces the similarities, interconnections, and differences between bilateral contracts with reciprocal rights and obligations and other acts totally or partially devoid of synallagmatic features (i. e. legal attributes of reciprocal agreements). The sources referred to include contracts concluded with foreign nationals, “capitulations” (“conditions of service”, which were not full contracts in terms of form yet), and various acts created in the process of recruitment or presented by foreigners during the enlistment procedure, such as patents, charters (Rus. zastupitel’nyye “intercessions”, confirming qualification, and Rus. proyezzhiye “passing” charters, etc.), and certificates (Rus. svidetel’stvovannye pasy, “certificate passes”, Rus. svidetel’stvovannye pis’ma “certificate letters”). Chronologically, the paper covers the epoch of Peter the Great, because contracts became the key form of hiring international specialists at the time, though their form was still unstable. The author reveals the characteristics of patents granted to international specialists, determines their differences from traditional “rank patents”, and shows the features that make foreigners’ patents similar to service contracts. In general, this type of source represents a rank granted by the sovereign, not a bilateral contract. At the same time, patents contain an indirect synallagmatic bond realised through structural elements about Russian obligations to foreigners (for example, concerning the amount of money to be paid). Source study analysis of the charters and certificates granted by European monarchs and presented by foreigners in the Ambassadorial Prikaz demonstrate that such acts were used by Russian administrators as examples for drawing up contracts and documents while recruiting international personnel. On the one hand, the synallagmatic bond, which usually determines the essence of a contract, was absent or insufficiently developed in some letters of grant. However, a number of texts do have features indicating the reciprocity of rights and obligations, which allows us to consider them possible prototypes of contracts. The Russian contract incorporated the properties and features of various acts of Russian and, to a greater extent, Western European origin.
A New Look at the History of the Veneration of Prince Fyodor the Black
Authors: Usachev Andrei
Published: January 2021

This review examines Prince Fyodor the Black in Russian History and Culture. Research and Texts (2019) by G. Lenhoff, an American Slavonic scholar, written with the participation of Russian scholars V. P. Efimenko and B. M. Kloss. Regarding the monograph as a very useful work on the history and literature of the Russian Middle Ages, the reviewer makes some remarks. First, it is necessary to clarify the spread of hagiographical texts in mediaeval Russia; second, it is important to consider the history of the veneration of Fyodor the Black in the context of ideological campaigns of the Russian Church and the secular authorities in the mid-sixteenth century; third, a more thorough examination of the account of Fyodor’s life written by Andrei Yuryev is required; and, finally, it is necessary to refer to some works on the hagiography of Tver and Suzdal and on manuscripts.
Students' social activity development in educational social-animation space
Authors: Kirilenko Natalya , Bessinger Yuliya
Published: January 2021

The article focuses on the social-animation space designing and functioning in the educational organization, which determines and actualizes the students' social activity in socially useful leisurely activities. The starting point is the understanding of social activity as actions aimed at changing and transforming social objects, and as a result, there is a change in the personality itself and the entire social situation. An algorithm for creating a social-animation space is presented, which includes the following stages. Stage 1: personal values actualization related to social activity among teachers-creators of the space; the axiological unity formation among them; Stage 2 – the socially useful leisurely activities organization of various types, in this organization process various types of pro-social orientation social activity are manifested and developed (altruistic, leisure, social-political, conventional, remonstrative, civil, Internet network, social and economic, educational and developmental, spiritual, subcultural, valeological and associated with the cultivation of the social values) to ensure the choice possibility based on the individual students' preferences; Stage 3: the transition of the teachers-organizers management in the social-animation educational space to
co-management with students-activists and students' self-government. The functioning of the educational social-animation space is considered in the coordinate system: normative-regulatory, perspective-orienting, activity-stimulating, communicative-informational. The article drew attention to the peculiarities of social activity development among secondary vocational educational institution students, including those in rural areas. In an experimental study, the effectiveness of the cognitive, emotional-evaluative, motivational-volitional, behavioral, and reflexive structural development components of social activity in students of the experimental group was confirmed in comparison with the control group in the created and functioning social-animation educational space by statistical substantiation means of the presence and absence of significant differences using the nonparametric test for independent U-Mann-Whitney groups and for dependent groups by the T-Wilkoson test.
Burnout Syndrome prevalence among nursing technicians of an Adult Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Alves Michelle Cardoso e Cardozo , Barilli Sofia Louise Santin , Specht Andréia Martins , Herbert Noéli Daiãm Raymundo
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT Objective: to verify Burnout Syndrome prevalence among nursing technicians of an adult Intensive Care Unit and associate prevalence with sociodemographic and clinical data. Method: a cross-sectional study carried out in an adult Intensive Care Unit of a large public hospital in southern Brazil, between March and April/2018. Prevalence was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Results: 122 nursing technicians participated (aged 39±2.5 years), 76% being women. Burnout Syndrome prevalence was 19.7% and 62.9%. There was a significant association between Burnout Syndrome and depression (p=0.004), as well as Burnout Syndrome and comorbidities (p=0.033), when less conservative criteria were adopted. Conclusion: the findings are relevant to professionals in this area and may contribute to adopting strategies to combat Burnout Syndrome.
Thirty years of the health care service for ostomy patients in Juiz de Fora and surroundings
Authors: SIRIMARCO MAURO TOLEDO , MORAES BRENO HENRIQUE XAVIER DE , OLIVEIRA DENISE RABELLO LOVISI SALES DE , OLIVEIRA ALFEU GOMES DE , SCHLINZ PATRICIA APARECIDA FONSECA
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT Objective: to establish the epidemiological profile of ostomized patients treated at the Health Care Service for Ostomy Patients in Juiz de Fora and region (SASPO/JF) and to quantify the pathologies that led to the stoma as well as the ostomy-related complications. Method: a retrospective study was carried out with the analysis of 496 medical records of patients registered at HCSOP/JF over 30 years and who remained in at the service in June 2018. The following variables were considered: age, sex, pathology that led to the stoma, type, time, location and complications of stomas. Results: 53.43% were male patients and 46.57% female. The average age was 56.24 years among men and 58.40 years among women. Eight patients had two types of ostomies simultaneously and a total of 504 ostomies were as follows: 340 colostomies (67.46%), 117 ileostomies (23.21%) and 47 urostomies (9.33%). Additionally, 47.65% of the colostomies and 76.92% of the ileostomies were temporary, while all urostomies were permanent. In 70.24% of cases, the reason for making the stoma was malignancy. There were 277 stomas with one or more complications (54.96%). Conclusions: most of the ostomized patients were over 50 years old and the main diagnosis that led to the stoma was malignancy. Ileostomies had a higher percentage of complications than colostomies and urostomies and, for all types of stomas, the most frequent complication was dermatitis.
ACERTO Project - 15 years changing perioperative care in Brazil
Authors: DE-AGUILAR-NASCIMENTO JOSÉ EDUARDO , SALOMÃO ALBERTO BICUDO , CAPOROSSI CERVANTES , DOCK-NASCIMENTO DIANA BORGES , EDER PORTARI-FILHO PEDRO , CAMPOS ANTÔNIO CARLOS LIGOCKI , IMBELLONI LUIZ EDUARDO , SILVA-JR JOÃO MANOEL , WAITZBERG DAN LINETZKY , CORREIA MARIA ISABEL TOULSON DAVISSON
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT The ACERTO project is a multimodal perioperative care protocol. Implemented in 2005, the project in the last 15 years has disseminated the idea of a modern perioperative care protocol, based on evidence and with interdisciplinary team work. Dozens of published studies, using the protocol, have shown benefits such as reduced hospital stay, postoperative complications and hospital costs. Disseminated in Brazil, the project is supported by the Brazilian College of Surgeons and the Brazilian Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, among others. This article compiles publications by the authors who belong to the CNPq research group “Acerto em Nutrição e Cirurgia”, refers to the experience of other national authors in various surgical specialties, and finally outlines the evolution of the ACERTO project in the timeline.
Para levar a sério o que os terreiros têm a nos dizer sobre saúde
Authors: Silva Rafael Afonso da , Fernandez Juan Carlos Aneiros , Silva Mercês de Fátima dos Santos , Sacardo Daniele Pompei
Published: January 2021

Resumo: Este artigo é resultado de um processo de pesquisa coletivo em torno da produção de saúde e das práticas de cuidado à saúde em comunidades de Candomblé e Batuque. A pesquisa desenvolveu-se com base em entrevistas com lideranças de algumas comunidades e em participações em atividades escolhidas por elas. Partindo de uma discussão sobre o que pode significar “levar a sério” o que emergiu desses diálogos e de algumas importantes razões para fazê-lo, este trabalho mobiliza os materiais produzidos nessa pesquisa em uma apresentação de possibilidades da “economia ontológica” de cuidados à saúde em comunidades de terreiro.
Desafios e conflitos bioéticos da covid-19: contexto da saúde global
Authors: Nohama Norton , Silva Jefferson Soares da , Simão-Silva Daiane Priscila
Published: January 2021

Resumo A pandemia desencadeada pela covid-19, imersa em muitas incertezas, suscita uma série de conflitos éticos. O objetivo deste artigo é refletir sobre esses conflitos e sobre os distintos interesses envolvidos no atual cenário. O horizonte da análise crítica é a bioética global, e o foco do estudo é o Brasil, onde os problemas de saúde decorrentes da covid-19 não têm sido abordados de forma integrada à diplomacia internacional. No país, a oposição simplista entre saúde e economia tem servido de base para decisões estratégicas e medidas de contenção do vírus. No entanto, as variáveis a se considerar são múltiplas, e é necessário um balizador ético, como a responsabilidade dos agentes políticos quanto ao desfecho de suas decisões.
Sobre a desfiguração do conceito de humano na bioética
Authors: Castro João Cardoso de , Castro Murilo Cardoso de
Published: January 2021

Resumo Este ensaio apresenta a interpretação hegemônica de “humano” na bioética e representa esse paradigma a partir do conceito de Dasein (ser-aí), de Martin Heidegger. A primeira parte do artigo discute de que maneira o “esquecimento do ser” (Seinsvergessenheit) possibilita emergir o “sujeito”, que encontra na razão e na metafísica modernas solo fértil para o predomínio do modelo dual, sujeito-objeto, em todos os fenômenos, e em específico na bioética. Buscando outro encaminhamento, na parte final do trabalho reflete-se acerca da originalidade da interpretação heideggeriana sobre a experiência humana enquanto Dasein. Pretende-se potencializar debate que possa alargar o horizonte da bioética ao desencobrir o conceito de “humano” e, com ele, toda uma gama de conceitos herdeiros”, integralmente submersos em camadas calcificadas de tradição.
Evaluation of stability of three different mini-implants, based on thread shape factor and numerical analysis of stress around mini-implants with different insertion angle, with relation to en-masse retraction force
Authors: Sana Safiya , Reddy Rekha , Talapaneni Ashok Kumar , Hussain Arshad , Bangi Sayeeda Laegue , Fatima Asma
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT Objectives: Assess the stability of three different mini-implants, based on thread shape factor (TSF), and evaluate stresses at the mini-implant site and surrounding cortical bone on application of retraction force, at two different insertion angles. Methods: Mini-implants of three different diameters (M1 - Orthoimplant, 1.8mm), (M2 - Tomas, 1.6mm) and (M3 - Vector TAS, 1.4mm) and length of 8mm were used. Using scanning electronic microscopy, the mean thread depth, pitch and relationship between the two (TSF) were calculated. The mini-implants were loaded into a synthetic bone block and the pull-out strength was tested. One way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc tests were used to compare the pull-out strength of mini-implants. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Finite element models (FEM) were constructed with insertion angulation at 90° and 60°, with retraction force of 150 g. The results were analyzed using ANSYS software. Results: Statistically significant difference was found among all the three mini-implants for thread depth and pitch (< 0.001). Statistically significant higher pull-out force value was seen for Orthoimplant. The stress distribution level in mini-implant and surrounding bone was observed to be smaller for Orthoimplant. Conclusion: Orthoimplant mini-implants have more favorable geometric characteristics among the three types, and less stress with 90°angulation.
From F to A on the New York Regents Science Exams — An Overview of the Aristo Project
Authors: Clark Peter , Etzioni Oren , Khashabi Daniel , Khot Tushar , Mishra Bhavana Dalvi , Richardson Kyle , Sabharwal Ashish , Schoenick Carissa , Tafjord Oyvind , Tandon Niket , Bhakthavatsalam Sumithra , Groeneveld Dirk , Guerquin Michal , Schmitz Michael
Published: January 2021

Artificial intelligence has achieved remarkable mastery over games such as Chess, Go, and poker, and even Jeopardy!, but the rich variety of standardized exams has remained a landmark challenge. Even as recently as 2016, the best artificial intelligence system could only achieve 59.3 percent on an eighth‐grade science exam (Schoenick et al. 2017). This article reports success on the Grade 8 New York Regents Science Exam, where, for the first time, a system scores more than ninety percent on the exam's non‐diagram, multiple‐choice questions. In addition, our Aristo system, building upon the success of recent language models, exceeded eighty‐three percent on the corresponding Grade 12 Science Exam's non‐diagram, multiple‐choice questions. The results, on unseen test questions, are robust across different test years and different variations of this kind of test. They demonstrate that modern natural language processing methods can result in mastery on this task. While not a full solution to general question answering (the questions are limited to eighth‐grade multiple‐choice science), it represents a significant milestone for the field.
Evaluation of the Relationship between Internet Addiction and the Thoracal Kyphosis Angle on Medical Faculty Students
Authors: KARACAN Keziban , ÇELİK Halit , ERDOĞAN Mehtap
Published: January 2021

AIM:
For the last 20 years, various problems caused by internet has brought attention to researchers. People who actively use the Internet can spend 40 to 80 hours per week on a computer or phone. Their sleep patterns, daily life and exercise habits change over time. These changes bring along some illnesses such as back pain, neck pain and carpal tunnel syndrome. Many of these ailments underlie postural disorders. The most common of these postural disorders is increased thoracic kyphosis. Our aim is to determine the effect of internet usage on thoracic kyphosis angle in healthy individuals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
We conducted our study in 322 (K = 152, E = 170) students who were educated at Sakarya University Medical Faculty. Internet usage questionnaire was applied to the participants to measure the level and duration of internet usage. Thoracic kyphosis angle measurement was done with Flexicurve device Statistical comparisons were made using SPSS software.
RESULTS:
In our study, the kyphosis angles of the participants varied between 21,067 degrees and 49,546 degrees. The average score of the questionnaire on internet usage was 32,508 (slightly dependent), while the average daily internet use was 200 minutes. When the questionnaire scores and kyphosis angle values were compared, the result was statistically significant (p: 0.016).
CONCLUSION:
It is important to identify and evaluate the negative effects of internet use on our posture. People should pay attention to internet usage times and body postures during use in order to protect their postures during internet use. Otherwise, there will be an increase in thoracic kyphosis angle with serious disorders in the posture.
Interreader agreement in different PI-RADS systems in multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging: A head-to-head comparison between PI-RADSv2 and v2.1
Authors: COSKUN Mehmet , HOROZ Merve , SİNCİ Kazım Ayberk , DÖNMEZ Kürşad , ULUÇ Engin
Published: January 2021

Aim
The purpose of this study is to compare PI-RADSv2 with v2.1 in terms of interreader agreement and diagnostic performance in clinically significant prostate cancer (CSCa) detection.
Materials and Methods
Two hundred-two patients who had both multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and 12 quadrant systematic biopsies were included in this retrospective study. Acquisition parameters were totally complied with proposal of PI-RADSv2 and 2.1 guidelines. mpMRIs were evaluated by two radiologists independently. Index lesion’s score was used to determine diagnostic performance of the systems. Gleason ≥ 3+4 tumors were considered CSCa. Kappa statistic was used to determine interreader agreement. Area under the curve (AUC) was calculated in detection of CSCa using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC).
Results
The numbers of cases with PI-RADSv2 and v2.1 scores from 1 to 5 were 46, 21, 13, 41, 81 and 46, 26, 9, 43, 78, by reader 1 and 51, 10, 18, 43, 80 and 51, 15, 19, 37, 80 by reader 2, respectively. There was “substantial” agreement between two readers for both scoring systems. Kappa values were 0.600 in PI-RADSv2 and 0.624 in PI-RADSv2.1. Ninety-eight (48.5%) patients had CSCa. AUC values of PI-RADSv2 and v2.1 scoring systems were 0.861 and 0.851 for reader 1, 0.873 and 0.883 for reader 2, respectively.
Conclusion
Interreader agreement was “substantial” in mpMRI and slightly improved with PI-RADSv2.1. Diagnostic performance of the two systems were almost equal.
Effects of Delayed Tooth Brushing on Enamel Surface Roughness after Home Bleaching
Authors: A Al Shamrani
Published: January 2021

Objective: Few studies have evaluated the effects of daily oral hygiene procedures on enamel surface roughness after bleaching. This study aimed to further assess the changes in enamel surface roughness after bleaching with 15% carbamide peroxide, followed by tooth brushing at three different time intervals (immediately, 1 h, and 2 h after bleaching). We hypothesized that the enamel surface roughness of the bleached teeth would not be affected by delayed tooth brushing after bleaching.
Caplacizumab: First Case of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Refractory Treated in Spain outside Clinical Trial
Authors: LM Rizo , NG Garcia , LL Gonzalez , AS Maestro , MS Mateo , JP de Oteyza , JMO Gomez
Published: January 2021

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is a thrombotic microangiopathy, caused by a deficiency of ADAMTS-13 (a desintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13). It is considered a medical emergency and its standard treatment is based on plasma exchange associated with high doses of corticosteroids. Those patients refractory to standard treatment have a high risk of morbidity-mortality. Through this clinical case, a patient refractory to all the treatments is presented. She was treated whit caplacizumab that is humanized bivalent antibody acting against the domain A1 of the von Willebrand factor and prevents interaction with the glycoprotein Ib-IX-V (GPIb-IX-X). After one year from the end of treatment, the patient remains stable and asymptomatic. Caplacizumab is a good choice in those patients who do not respond to any of the standard treatments and that can lead to a decrease in mortality in patients with refractory thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis/Cryptococcus neoformans Co-Infection in an Immunocompetent Non-HIV Patient
Authors: S Albahrani , D Al Hassan , Y Vapra , S Alsubaiae , A Shilash
Published: January 2021

Background: Tuberculosis and cryptococcosis co-infection usually occurs in immunocompromised patients with impaired cell-mediated immunity. Here, we report a case of disseminated tuberculosis with co-existing pulmonary cryptococcosis in a non-HIV patient. However, there is a history of preceding exposure to anti-tumor necrosis agents.
Ebola Vaccine Response: An Updated Review
Authors: A Sanyaolu , C Okorie , AF Abbasi , S Prakash , A Marinkovic
Published: January 2021

Several studies have reported the successful use of vaccines on the Ebola virus disease (EVD). However, outbreaks were prevalent even with vaccine trials in progress; thus, we aimed to examine the response to vaccination. The response was evaluated by reviewing articles that reported the efficacy rates of the vaccine trials and provided situation reports from recent EVD outbreaks in major West African countries and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The review findings indicated that the approved United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Ebola vaccine (rVZV-ZEBOV), as well as other investigational vaccines showed promising efficacy rates. It is also suggested that vaccination alone is not sufficient for proper prevention and treatment of EVD; therefore, it must be coupled with a multidisciplinary approach that requires proper training. These preventative measures may be the key to disrupting the next outbreak before it claims thousands of lives again.
Anastasis: Cell Survival Mechanism
Authors:   Department of Biochemistry, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, Olagunju Abolaji S. , Olorunfemi Folashade G. ,   Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria, Teibo John O. ,   Department of Biochemistry, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, Adewolu Abiodun M. ,   Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria
Published: January 2021

Equilibrium between cell survival and death is important for normal cell homeostasis and development and also for inhibiting pathologies particularly cancer. Anastasis is a natural cell recovery phenomenon that rescues cells from the brink of death or a mechanism by which cells recuperate from apoptotic lesions and return to its normal active and functioning state. Programmed cell death (apoptosis) was known to be an intrinsically irreversible cascade that commits cells to a rapid destruction. However, recent studies have demonstrated the possibility of recovering dying cells even at the late stages. Anastasis uses the usual pro-metastatic and pro-survival factors to inhibit apoptotic progression. Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) activation and its related modulators is not only linked with cellular metastasis and survivability but also widely associated with the stemness of cancer cells.
Coronavirus Disease-2019, Diabetes and Dialysis: An Internal Medicine Conundrum Proposal for a Suitable and Easy-to-Handle Prevention Protocol
Authors:   IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy, Strollo Felice , Satta Ersilia ,   Nefrocenter Research Network and Nyx Start-up, Naples, Italy, Romano Carmine ,   Nefrocenter Research Network and Nyx Start-up, Naples, Italy, Alfarone Carmelo ,   IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy and Diagest Dialysis Unit, Rome, Italy, Corte Teresa D. ,   Nefrocenter Research Network and Nyx Start-up, Naples, Italy and Campania University ‘‘Luigi Vanvitelli’’ and Nefrocenter Research Network and Nyx Start-up, Naples, Italy, Guarino Giuseppina ,   Campania University ‘‘Luigi Vanvitelli’’ and Nefrocenter Research Network and Nyx Start-up, Naples, Italy, Gentile Sandro ,   Nefrocenter Research Network and Nyx Start-up, Naples, Italy and Campania University ‘‘Luigi Vanvitelli’’ and Nefrocenter Research Network and Nyx Start-up, Naples, Italy
Published: January 2021

Background Frail populations burdened with chronic diseases can get more severe forms of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and have a higher mortality rate. Aim To test the efficacy of a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) containment protocol in patients with endstage renal disease (ESRD) diabetes mellitus (DM) requiring dialysis, who are a typical example of the above category. Methods The protocol included: (i) daily telephone COVID-19 related triage for patients and their general practitioners (GPs); (ii) social distancing; (iii) environment sanitization, including ambulances, transfer vans, medical equipment, patient/health personnel clothing, and individual protection devices; (iv) adoption of quota systems for patients allowed to the dialysis room, and increased time lags among dialysis shifts. Eight hundred twenty-five (825) patients on dialysis (315 with and 510 without DM), and 381 healthcare providers (HCPs) were monitored continuously from the start of the pandemic until the end of the lockdown. Results No HCPs were infected, while only two patients on dialysis were positive for SARS-CoV-2: one with DM, who died in intensive care, and one without DM, who recovered at home. The adopted contagion containment protocol proved to be effective for both HCPs and patients. Conclusion Therefore, we propose it as a useful model for any internal medicine or ESRD specialized units dealing with patients on dialysisoriented with or without DM.
Better Together: Evolving Social Process between Bystanders and First Responders is a Force Multiplier for Effective Emergency Response
Authors:   NIRED–Institute for Regulation of Emergency and Disaster, College of Law and Business, P. O. Box 852, Bnei Brak 511080, Israel and Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Israel, Rapaport Carmit , Ashkenazi Isaac ,   NIRED–Institute for Regulation of Emergency and Disaster, College of Law and Business, P. O. Box 852, Bnei Brak 511080, Israel and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, P. O. Box 637, Beer-Sheva, Israel
Published: January 2021

Bystanders are an integral part of an emergency scene. Their presence on site makes them the immediate potential responders, who can provide life-saving assistance as well as various rescue actions. Research has shown that bystanders are willing to and are capable of helping, especially (but not limited to) when a leader emerges, as the help is rooted in a collective action. In this article, we suggest a new framework for understanding the effectiveness of bystanders help, based on the evolving social process between bystanders and first responders. As we show, the transition from no help, at the very first moment right after the emergency has occurred, to an effective coordinated response where first responders and bystanders act together, goes through engagement of bystanders. Further, first responders should acknowledge the social organization of bystanders, utilize and leverage it in order to optimize their efforts. This framework has important insights for policy makers when managing emergency and disaster situations with limited resources.
The Potential of Amniotic Fluid-Derived Extracellular Vesicles to Treat Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection Versus Hydroxychloroquine in Human Patients
Authors:   Chief Scientific Officer, Neobiosis, LLC, 1735 Bay Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33141, USA, White Ian A.
Published: January 2021

Recently a lot of attention has been focused on fast-tracking repurposed drugs for the treatment of a novel coronavirus; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent leading to the devastating coronavirus disease-2019 (Covid-19). One of the first and most well-known examples is hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), which has been used for years as a treatment for malaria, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. HCQ was rolled out as a miracle treatment for Covid-19, which was inexpensive, effective and causing few side-effects. However, its effectiveness in treating Covid-19 has recently been questioned leaving doctors and patients confused and desperate. Here the proposed mechanisms of action of HCQ are discussed and compared with an inexpensive, safe and effective alternative, which is derived from natural, healthy amniotic fluid.
Halting Coronavirus Replication
Authors:   Department Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Novara (NO), Italy, Smith Kira
Published: January 2021

Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) inhibitors can reduce replication of many viruses with certain characteristics similar to those of coronaviruses, while the p53 protein is another important factor in the down-regulation of viral growth. Tenovin is a class of small molecules that inhibit Sirtuin 1 and 2, in addition to activating the p53 protein, by means of regulating the interactions used by coronaviruses as a self-defense mechanism. By blocking virus growth and continuous replication, with already tested antiviral medicines, the promise of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) eradication exists.
Cesarean Section Rate at Lumbini Zonal Hospital, Nepal: An Analysis Using the Robson Ten Group Classification System
Authors:   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lumbini Zonal Hospital, Butwal, Nepal, Gautam Bishnu , Acharya Shree D. ,   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lumbini Zonal Hospital, Butwal, Nepal, Sapkota Vishnu Prasad ,   Central Department of Public Health, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Maharaajgunj, Nepal, Batsal Raut B. ,   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lumbini Zonal Hospital, Butwal, Nepal, Bhattarai Laxmi ,   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lumbini Zonal Hospital, Butwal, Nepal, Jose Maria ,   Independent Research Consultant, Cape Town, South Africa, Paudel Kiran ,   Central Department of Public Health, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Maharaajgunj, Nepal
Published: January 2021

Background Caesarean section (CS) rates have increased globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of the TenGroup Robson classification as the global standard for assessing appropriateness of CS. Nepal has higher-than-global average rates of CS requiring further investigation into appropriateness. Aim This study aims to investigate the caesarean section rates at tertiary care center in Nepal and make analysis based on the group-10 classification. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out from 2016 April -2017 March in Lumbini Zonal Hospital, Butwal, Rupendehi, Nepal. 3,817 women who birth over a 12-month period were analyzed using this classification. The caesarean rate, its indications were calculated and categorized into groups according to Robson’s 10-group classification. Results Women with previous CS (Group 5) comprise the largest proportion (9.4%) of the overall 26.41% CS rate. The second largest contributor was a singleton nulliparous woman with cephalic presentation at term (6.6% of total 26.41%). Caesarean section rates in single breech pregnancies were very high (>65%). Robson’s Group 5 was the highest contributors to overall CS rate contributing 35% of all C-sections, followed by Group 2 (24%), and Group 1 (13%). Conclusion The ten-group classification helped to identify the main groups of the subjects who contribute the most to the overall caesarean section rate. This study results suggest that women with previous CS are at risk for having another CS delivery in subsequent pregnancies and therefore there is an urgent need for a dedicated vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) clinic to support this such women to ensure CS are only done when indicated. Furthermore, reducing the CS rate for nulliparous i.e. Group 1 and 2 would, in the long-term, also reduce the size of Group 5 in the future.
The Time is Now for Disruptive Innovation in Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Adherence Monitoring
Authors:   UrSure, Inc., 125 Western Ave, Allston, MA 02134, USA, Daughtridge Giffin , Kahn-Woods Elijah ,   UrSure, Inc., 125 Western Ave, Allston, MA 02134, USA, Enghuus Casper ,   UrSure, Inc., 125 Western Ave, Allston, MA 02134, USA, Hebel Shane ,   UrSure, Inc., 125 Western Ave, Allston, MA 02134, USA
Published: January 2021

Monitoring adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis is a critical component of reaching ending the human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV) epidemic goals in the US. Currently, providers still depend on “self-report” pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence, whereby providers ask their patients about their recent pill taking habits. There appears to be growing consensus across the HIV prevention community that “self-report” is an inadequate method of identifying that is in-need of additional adherence support services. In a recent survey, 97% of providers report utilizing self-reported adherence because it is convenient, but only 10% of these providers believe it is accurate. While “self-report” is convenient, evidence and testimonials from diverse stakeholders across the HIV prevention landscape indicate that there is a desire for more accurate, effective adherence monitoring methods. In this mini-review, we will briefly synthesize the emerging evidence and propose a solution to ensure all patients receive the support needed to protect them from HIV acquisition.
Current Emerging Therapy for Amyloidosis Neuropathy
Authors:   Department of Cell Biology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Q-State Bioscience, MA 02139, USA, Cheng Yung-Chih
Published: January 2021

Peripheral neuropathy is a type of neurological disorder in which patients with complex inherited neurological defects present significant phenotype in the peripheral nervous system. Hereditary amyloidogenic transthyretin (hATTR) neuropathy is typical polyneuropathy caused by single-nucleotide variants in the gene encoding transthyretin (TTR) and leads to transthyretin misfolding and systemic deposition of amyloid. One of the clinical hallmarks of hATTR neuropathy is polyneuropathy of the destruction of the somatic and autonomic peripheral nervous system, leading to loss of autonomy. Progressive amyloid accumulation also causes multi-organ dysfunction and death. There are many therapeutics that have been proposed and developed in these years. These therapies aim to reduce or eliminate hATTR from the plasma, stabilize the hATTR to prevent deposition, and dissolute the amyloid misfolding matrix. Recently, gene therapy strategy is being deployed to treat recessive genetic disorders by eliminating the expression of the mutated genes. Thus, gene-silencing approaches have been used to manage this amyloidosis neuropathy in the broad stages and produce some degree of improvement of this disease. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Inotersen (an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)) and patisiran (a small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) for the treatment of hATTR polyneuropathy to suppress hATTR expression. Inotersen, a 2’-O-methoxyethylmodified ASO, which acts by reducing the production of transthyretin, and has been demonstrated to improve the quality of life in early hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis polyneuropathy. I here focus on the RNA-targeted therapy with particular emphasis on the molecular mechanisms by which antisense oligonucleotide can be designed to modulate transthyretin RNA function for being a novel therapy for hereditary amyloidosis neuropathy.
Anti-Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor-Beta Therapy Does Not Trigger Retinal Endothelial Cell Toxicity
Authors:   Department of Ophthalmology, Hamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA, Goldsmith Zachary K. , Irvine Andrew S. ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Hamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA and AbbVie Bioresearch Center, Worcester, MA, USA, Wilson Matthew W. ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Hamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA and Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA, Morales-Tirado Vanessa M. ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Hamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA; AbbVie Bioresearch Center, Worcester, MA, USA and Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
Published: January 2021

Background Retinoblastoma (Rb) is a highly angiogenic tumor, for which anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies have shown limited success in clinical setting. Recent investigations demonstrated upregulation of ancillary axis including the plateletderived growth factor (PDGF) when VEGF is inhibited. This illustrates the need for novel therapeutics. Previous work from our lab showed inhibition of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta (PDGFR-β) by imatinibmesylate (IM), inhibited Rb cells proliferation in vitro. Novel therapies ideally are tumor-specific, leaving normal non-cancerous cells a stroma to perform their homeostatic functions. Rb treatments induce apoptosis of the retinal endothelial cells, causing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines to the microenvironment. Aims We investigated the role of the PDGFR-β in the tumor microenvironment and how inhibition of this signaling pathway, as a potential targeted therapy, impacts angiogenesis in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (hRECs), specialized neurons arborizing the retinal microvasculature. Results Our results demonstrated that inhibition of the PDGFR-β signaling pathway by IM affects the proliferation of the Rb cells, but not hRECs. PDGFR-β signaling is not required for hRECs angiogenic activity, although it reduces the percentage of VEGF-Aproducing cells. Conclusion These results illustrate a lack of functional activity PDGFR-β signaling in hRECs and points to a more tumor-specific therapeutic option. This is of critical importance as success of treatment also depends on the ability of the normal tissues to remain healthy after sensitization and/or killing of the Rb tumor.
Cross-Sectional Associations between Physical Activity and Internet Addiction among Undergraduate Students in Taiwan
Authors:   Department of Health Promotion and Health Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan, Chang Yen-Jung , Sun Jia-Ji ,   Department of Health Promotion and Health Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
Published: January 2021

Purpose Internet addiction is a major health concern among undergraduate students; however, few studies have addressed modifiable behavioral factors associated with internet addiction in the context of Taiwan. This study aimed to investigate associations between physical activity and the risk of internet addiction among undergraduate students in Taiwan. Methods In 2017, we recruited 320 undergraduate students from Northern Taiwan to participate in a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey. Physical activity was measured by the Taiwanese short-form version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, which evaluates an individual’s weekly levels of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity (VPA) and moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity (MPA). Internet addiction was measured by the Chen Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS). Results For the 320 surveyed students, the average CIAS score was 53.3, and 18.13% of participants were at risk for internet addiction (defined as CIAS score >64). The results of the multiple regression analysis indicated that a routine of at least 150 min of MPA per week was negatively associated with risk for internet addiction (β=−4.39, 95% CI=[-8.10, -0.66]). No significant associations were observed between internet addiction and 75 min of VPA or 150 min of total physical activity per week. Among the 5 dimensions of the CIAS scale, MPA was negatively associated with tolerance symptoms, time-management problems, and interpersonal and health-related problems when a routine of 150 min per week was adopted. Conclusion A routine of 150 min of MPA per week was associated with a lower risk for internet addiction. Intervention efforts aimed at reducing undergraduate students’ problematic internet use should promote recommended levels of MPA. We also recommend longitudinal research on the effects of engaging in physical activity on the risk of internet addition.
The Effect of L-Carnitine, Green Tea Extract and Lotus Leaf Extract on the Body Fat Percentage in High Energy Diet-Induced Obese Rats
Authors:   HealthTake corporation, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC, Wan-Li Chu , Wen-Chuan Lin ,   Department of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
Published: January 2021

Background Obesity has become a public health issue of global concern. Obesity is often associated with the occurrence of many diseases, and will also increase mortality; it not only affects personal health, but also increases healthcare costs, thus reducing social productivity and causing negative social and economic impacts. Therefore, ameliorating obesity is an issue worth attention and effort. The development of a natural and safe anti-obesity combination is worthy of further research. It is known that L-carnitine, green tea and lotus leaves have anti-obesity potential, but there is no research and discussion on this novel combination to improve body fat. Objective This study explored how the dietary supplement formula containing L-carnitine, green tea extract and lotus leaf extract (CGL) lowered the body fat accumulation in rats induced by high-energy diet. Design The test used 60-week-old male Sprague Dawley® white rats, which were first divided into the control group (12 rats were given normal feed) and the experimental group (48 rats were given high energy diet; HE). The HE group was further divided into H2O and CGL groups (296, 593 and 1186 mg/kg, to be designated as CGL-L, CGL-M, CGL-H respectively). The rats were first fed with feed for five-weeks, and then fed with different doses of CGL by gavage starting from the sixth-week. After nine-weeks of feeding, the rats were sacrificed to obtain their body weight, feed intake, body fat, serum biochemical indices and liver lipid measurements. Results The results show that the final body weight of HE+CGL-L (578.8±41.6 g) was significantly lower than that of HE+H2O (634.9±42.2 g), and the body fat amount of HE+CGL-L (36.6±9.8 g) was significantly lower than that of HE+H2O (49.4±13.8 g). Feed efficiency and calorie efficiency of HE+CGL-L were also significantly lower than that of HE+H2O (p<0.001). HE+CGL-M and HE+CGL-H were also able to significantly reduce the final body weight, body fat amount and serum-free fatty acid concentration (p<0.05). Conclusion CGL can significantly reduce the final body weight, body fat amount, body fat ratio, feed efficiency and calorie efficiency. CGL has the potential as a new dietary supplement for weight loss. However, the significance of these results on humans taking the supplement for prolonged periods of time is unknown and should be a focus for future investigations.