bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liver Fibrosis Indices Associated with Substantial Hematoma Expansion in Chinese Patients with Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Wang Huan , Wu Jiongxing , Yang Xue , Liu Junfeng , Tao Wendan , Hao Zilong , Wu Bo , Liu Ming , Zhang Shihong , Wang Deren
Published: July 2021

Background: Whether liver fibrosis is associated with increased risk for substantial hematoma expansion (HE) after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is still uncertain. We evaluated the association between various liver fibrosis indices and substantial HE in a Chinese population with primary ICH.Methods: Primary ICH patients admitted to West China Hospital within 24 hours of onset between January 2015 and June 2018 were consecutively enrolled. Six liver fibrosis indices were calculated, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST)-platelet ratio index (APRI), AST/alanine aminotransferase ratio-platelet ratio index (AARPRI), fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), modified fibrosis-4 (mFIB-4), fibrosis quotient (FibroQ) and Forns index. Substantial HE was defined as an increase of more than 33% or 6 mL from baseline ICH volume. The association of each fibrosis index with substantial HE was analyzed using binary logistic regression. Results: Of 436 patients enrolled, about 85% showed largely normal results on standard hepatic assays and coagulation parameters. Substantial HE occurred in 115 (26.4%) patients. After adjustment, AARPRI (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.00-1.57) and FIB-4 (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.02-1.30) were independently associated with substantial HE in ICH patients within 24h of onset, respectively. In ICH patients within 6h of onset, each of the following indices was independently associated with substantial HE: APRI (OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.30-5,34), AARPRI (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.09-2.22), FIB-4 (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.08-1.69), mFIB-4 (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01-1.18), FibroQ (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.00-1.16) and Forns index (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.10-1.69). Conclusions: Liver fibrosis indices are independently associated with higher risk of substantial HE in Chinese patients with primary ICH, which suggesting that subclinical liver fibrosis could be routinely assessed in such patients to identify those at high risk of substantial HE.
Controls on the Effect of Impact Scraping on High-position and Long-runout Landslides
Authors: Gao Yang , Yin Yueping , Li Bin , Gao Haoyuan , Li Zhuang
Published: July 2021

Landslides in mountainous areas act as an important control on morphological landscape evolution and represent a major natural hazard. The dynamic characteristics of a landslide directly relate to the distance it traveled and the scale of the resulting disaster. Based on extensive field investigations, we explored the effect of impact scraping on high-position landslides. During a rapid landslide, impact scraping amplifies the volume of the landslide and the size of the area affected by the landslide. Without acknowledging this effect, it is easy to underestimate the risk presented by a given potential landslide. In this study, we investigate the impact scraping of landslides that travel for significant distances both vertically (high-position) and horizontally (long-runout). There are four developmental stages of high-position, long-runout landslides: high-position shearing, gravitational acceleration, impact scraping, and debris deposition. Impact scraping amplifies the scale of the disaster by drastically increasing the volume of the landslide debris. After accounting for the effect of impact scraping, the total volume of the landslide exhibits a strong correlation with its travel distance. Additionally, the material properties of the erodible layer influence the landslide mobility. High-position and long-runout landslides have multiple scraping modes, including the embedding and excavation mode, the entrainment mode, the pushing and sliding mode, and the impact and splashing mode. In this study, we aim to provide insight that will improve the disaster modeling and risk assessment of high-position landslides, as well as to offer theoretical support for high-position and long-runout landslide dynamics research, disaster prevention and mitigation, and first responder rescue operation planning.
Predictors of life satisfaction and healthy aging in Brunei: A gender comparative study
Authors: Rahman Hanif Abdul , Tengah Armah , Yusof Yusnani Mohd , Slesman Ly , Hoon Chang-Yau , Abdul-Mumin Khadizah H.
Published: July 2021

Objective

Research on aging has received considerable attention in medicine, public health and social sciences in recent decades. This study aimed to investigate predictors of life satisfaction and healthy aging with focus on gender differences among elderly population in Brunei.
Methods

Cross-sectional study on elderly population aged 50 to 75, recruited by proportionate sampling. Multivariate linear regression analysis stratified by gender, was applied.
Results

45.6% of the variance explaining life satisfaction of elderly women were strongly associated with self-perceived health, social relationship, and education level. For elderly men, 26.3% of the variance of life satisfaction was predicted by physical functioning or disability, and social relationship. Musculoskeletal discomfort, and mental and emotional issues were significantly higher in elderly women.
Conclusions

This report benefits policymakers and related stakeholders for care of elderly by maintaining or further promoting social interactions, active engaging elderly in health maintenance, and physical and mental functioning.
kinCSM: using graph-based signatures to predict small molecule CDK2 kinase inhibitors
Authors: Zhou Yunzhuo , Al-Jarf Raghad , Alavi Azadeh , Nguyen Thanh Binh , Rodrigues Carlos H. M. , Pires Douglas E. V. , Ascher David B.
Published: July 2021

Protein phosphorylation acts as an essential on/off switch in many cellular signalling pathways, regulating protein function. This has led to ongoing interest in targeting kinases for therapeutic intervention. Computer-aided drug discovery has been proven a useful and cost-effective approach for facilitating prioritisation and enrichment of screening libraries. Limited effort, however, has been devoted to developing and tailoring in silico tools to assist the development of kinase inhibitors and providing relevant insights on what makes potent inhibitors. To fill this gap, here we developed kinCSM, an integrative computational tool capable of accurately identifying potent cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) inhibitors, quantitatively predicting CDK2 ligand-kinase inhibition constants (pKi) and classify inhibition modes without kinase information. kinCSM predictive models were built using supervised learning and leveraged the concept of graph-based signatures to capture both physicochemical properties and geometry properties of small molecules. CDK2 inhibitors were accurately identified with Matthew’s Correlation Coefficients of up to 0.74, and inhibition constants predicted with Pearson’s correlation of up to 0.76, both with consistent performances of 0.66 and 0.68 on non-redundant blind tests, respectively. kinCSM was also able to identify the potential type of inhibition for a given molecule, achieving Matthew’s Correlation Coefficient of up to 0.80 on cross-validation and 0.73 on blind test. Analysing the molecular composition of kinase inhibitors revealed enriched chemical fragments in potent CDK2 inhibitors and different types of inhibitors, which provides insights into the molecular mechanisms behind ligand-kinase interactions. We believe kinCSM will be an invaluable tool to guide future kinase drug discovery. To aid the fast and accurate screening of potent CDK2 kinase inhibitors, we made kinCSM freely available online at http://biosig.unimelb.edu.au/kin_csm/.
Is the Deep-Learning Technique a Completely Alternative for the Hydrological Model?: A Case Study on Hyeongsan River Basin, Korea
Authors: Kwak Jaewon , Han Heechan , Kim Soojun , Kim Hung Soo
Published: July 2021

It is no doubt that the reliable runoff simulation for proper water resources management is essential. In the past, the runoff was generally modeled from hydrologic models that analyze the rainfall-runoff relationship of the basin. However, since techniques have developed rapidly, it has been attempted to apply especially deep-learning technique for hydrological studies as an alternative to the hydrologic model. The objective of the study is to examine whether the deep-learning technique can completely replace the hydrologic model and show how to improve the performance of runoff simulation using deep-learning technique. The runoff in the Hyeongsan River basin, South Korea from 2013 to 2020 were simulated using two models, 1) Long Short-Term Memory model that is a deep learning technique widely used in the hydrological study and 2) TANK model, and then we compared the runoff modeling results from both models. The results suggested that it is hard to completely replace the hydrological model with the deep-learning technique due to its simulating behavior and discussed how to improve the reliability of runoff simulation results. Also, a method to improve the efficiency of runoff simulation through a hybrid model which is a combination of two approaches, deep-learning technique and hydrologic model was presented.
Effect of Al2O3 Coatings on Microstructural and Optoelectronic Properties of Porous Si/ SnO2 Composites.
Authors: ghrib mondher , GHRIB Basma , Slama Sonia Sonia Ben , Dimassi Wisem , Gaidi Mounir , Ouertani Rachid , ezzaouia Hatem
Published: July 2021

In this work, Al2O3 coating effect on morphology, structure and optoelectronic properties of Si/SnO2/Al2O3 porous matrix composites (PMCs) were investigated. A three-staked thin layers deposited on a ⟨100⟩ oriented silicon substrate made these composites. First, porous silicon layers were achieved by electrochemical etching method. Then Al2O3 and SnO2 layers were successively deposited by physical and chemical vapor deposition, respectively. Morphological and micro-structural properties of the as prepared composites were evaluated by Scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Results proved that Al2O3 concentration alters notably the porosity of the PMCs.Variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) revealed a high correlation between the optical constants (n, k) and the PMC microstructure. Impedance spectroscopy revealed a semiconductor-metallic transition at high frequency in the temperature range between 340 to 410°C.
Optimal Time-point of Response Assessment for Predicting Survival Is Associated With Tumor Burden in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Receiving Repeated Transarterial Chemoembolization
Authors: Xia Dongdong , Wang Qiuhe , Bai Wei , Wang Enxin , Wang Zhexuan , Mu Wei , Sun Junhui , Huang Ming , Yin Guowen , Li Hailiang , Zhao Hui , Zhang Chunqing , Li Jing , Wu Jianbing , Zhu Xiaoli , Yang Shufa , Pan Xingnan , Li Jiaping , Li Zixiang , Xu Guohui , Shi Haibin , Zhanf Hui , Zhanf Yuelin , Ding Rong , Yu Hui , Zheng Lin , Yang Xiaohu , Wang Guangchuan , You Nan , Feng Long , Zhang Shuai , Huang Wukui , Xu Tao , Fan Wenzhe , Li Xueda , Yang Xuegang , Zhou Weizhong , Li Xiaomei , Luo Bohan , Lv Yong , Li Kai , Guo Wengang , Yin Zhanxin , Fan Daiming , Xia Jielai , Han Guohong
Published: July 2021

BackgroundObjective response rate (ORR) under mRECIST criteria after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been identified as a surrogate endpoint of overall survival (OS). However, its optimal time-point remains controversial and may be influenced by tumor burden. We aim to investigate the surrogacy of initial/best ORR in relation to tumor burden. MethodsA total of 1549 eligible treatment-naïve patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), Child-Pugh score ≤7, and performance status score ≤1 undergoing TACE between January 2010 and May 2016 from 17 academic hospitals were retrospectively analyzed. ResultsBoth initial and best ORRs interacted with tumor burden defined as our previously proposed “six-and-twelve” criteria. Both initial and best ORRs could equivalently predict and correlated with OS in low (adjusted HR: 2.55 and 2.95, respectively, both P<0.001; R=0.84, P=0.035 and R=0.97, P=0.002, respectively) and intermediate tumor burden strata (adjusted HR: 1.81 and 2.22, respectively, both P<0.001; R=0.74, P=0.023, and R=0.9, P=0.002, respectively). For high strata, only best ORR exhibited qualified prognostic value (adjusted HR: 2.61, P<0.001) with a satisfying correlation (R=0.70, P=0.035), whereas initial ORR was not statistically significant (adjusted HR: 1.08 P=0.357; R=0.22, P=0.54). ConclusionsORR after TACE as a surrogate of OS is closely associated with tumor burden. For patients with low/intermediate tumor burden, initial ORR should be preferred over best ORR in its early availability upon similar sensitivity; whereas for patients with high tumor burden, best ORR has optimal sensitivity. Timing of OR assessment should be tailored according to tumor burden in future clinical trials and practice.
Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Infection Control Among Undergraduate Dental Students At B.P.Koirala Institute of Health Sciences
Authors: Acharya Pujan , Baral Ratna , Shrestha Sajeev , Baral Dharanidhar
Published: July 2021

Background

In academic institutes, dental students are not only involved in academic activities, but also in the management of patients’ care. This calls for inculcation of adequate knowledge and positive attitude among them so that a good clinical practice is implemented in the dental setting, thereby creating a safe working environment for students as well as patients. Thus, the study was conducted to assess knowledge and attitude regarding infection control among undergraduate dental students of B.P.Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal.
Methods and materials:

An online descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at BPKIHS from February till March 2021. Undergraduate students from third year, fourth year and internship were included in the study. A self-administered questionnaire comprised of demographic, knowledge and attitude regarding infection control was used to collect the data via a Google form. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze the data. The p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant at 95% confidence interval.
Result

A total of 136 undergraduate dental students participated out of which 65.0% were females and 35.0% were males. Out of the total participants, 78.7% were found to have adequate knowledge while 74.3% participants showed ‘positive’ attitude. Mean age of the participants with adequate knowledge was significantly higher than participants with inadequate knowledge (p = 0.047). The difference in knowledge among participants was statistically significant (p = 0.001) in academic years. The majority (90.4%) of interns showed adequate knowledge followed by fourth year (83.7%) and third year (58.7%) students. The difference in attitude, was also statistically significant (p = 0.011) in academic years, but it was mostly (90.4%) of positive attitude in fourth year participants followed by third year (68.3%) and Interns (65.4 %).
Conclusion

The present study reports adequate knowledge and positive attitude regarding infection control among undergraduate dental students in BPKIHS. Further studies are encouraged to be conducted among students from different academic institutes all over the country to ascertain their level of attitude and knowledge regarding infection control in dental care services.
Validation of the Spanish Version of the Goodman Score in Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Brañes Julian , Barahona Maximiliano , Carvajal Sebastian , Wulf Rodrigo , Barrientos Cristian
Published: July 2021

Purpose Currently, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are the standard instruments used to compare arthroplasty results. Goodman et al. recently published a well-constructed scale with excellent psychometric properties that can be quickly administered. The main objective of our study was to translate, culturally adapt, and validate a Spanish version of the Goodman questionnaire in patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA). MethodsThe original Goodman scale was translated into Spanish and cross-culturally adapted. Then, the data from this version were tested for psychometric quality. We designed a cross-sectional study for data collection. This study enrolled 2 institutions. Patients who underwent hip replacement due to primary osteoarthritis secondary to dysplasia between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2019 were included. A total of 153 patients were contacted twice to record the Goodman and Oxford hip scales (OHS) to assess the validity of the questionnaire. Reliability was tested using the Cronbach’s alpha, Concordance using 3 test: intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), and the Bradley-Blackwood F test. The spearman correlation was used to asses correltion between the OHS and the Spanish-adapted Goodman scale. ResultsThe overall satisfaction after THA was reported to be "very satisfied" by 137 patients (75%), and only 14 patients reported some degree of dissatisfaction (6%). The improvement in quality of life was reported to be "more than I ever dreamed possible" by 41% patients. Cronbach’s alpha was acceptable, reaching a coefficient of 0.95 (95% confidence interval, 0.82–1). No statistical difference (t-test, p = 0.55) was found in the original version, with great internal validity. Test re-test concordance was optimal among the 3 tests used. A moderate correlation was found between the OHS and the Spanish-adapted Goodman scale.ConclusionThe Spanish version of the Goodman questionnaire in THA is a reliable, consistent, and feasible scale to evaluate patient satisfaction and improvement in the quality of life in Spanish speakers.
A Novel Method of Seizure Onset Zone Localization by Serial Tc-99m ECD Brain Perfusion SPECT Clearance Patterns
Authors: Sukprakun Chanan , Limotai Chusak , Khamwan Kitiwat , Pasawang Panya , Tepmongkol Supatporn
Published: July 2021

In this prospective study, we postulate that there is a difference between clearance of [99mTc]Tc- ethyl cysteinate dimer (ECD) in the seizure onset zone (SOZ) and other brain areas and thus SOZ localization by clearance patterns might become a potential novel method for SOZ localization in epilepsy. The parametric images of brain ECD clearance were generated by linear regression model analysis from serial brain SPECT scans from 30 minutes to 240 minutes after ECD injection (7-times point) in 7 patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and 3 normal volunteers. Clearance patterns of the SOZ confirmed by good surgical outcome or consensus with other investigations were analyzed quantitatively and semi-quantitatively by visual grading (slower or faster washout than contralateral brain regions). The average [99mTc]Tc-ECD clearance rates of SOZs were + 1.08 % ± 2.57 %/hr (wash in), -7.02 % ± 2.56 %/hr (washout), and − 5.37% ± 1.71 %/hr (washout) in ictal, aura and interictal states, respectively. Paired t-tests between the SOZ and contralateral regions showed statistically significant difference (p = 0.039 in interictal state). Clearance patterns that can define the SOZs were 1) wash in and slow washout on ictal slope, 2) fast washout on aura slope and interictal slope with 100% (6/6), 100% (2/2) and 75% (6/8) localization using ictal, aura, and interictal slope maps, respectively. Our study provided the evidence that clearance pattern methods are potential additive diagnostic tools for SOZ localization when routine one-time point SPECT are unable to define the SOZ.
Transanal Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis for Ulcerative Colitis - A Retrospective Single-Center Study Regarding Anastomotic Leakage and Episodes of Pouchitis in the Long-Term
Authors: Lask Aina , Biebl Matthias , Dittrich Luca , Fischer Andreas , Adler Andreas , Tacke Frank , Aigner Felix , Schmuck Rosa , Chopra Sascha , Knoop Michael , Pratschke Johann , Gül-Klein Safak
Published: July 2021

Introduction:Colectomy with transanal ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (taIPAA) is a surgical technique that can be used to treat benign colorectal disease. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is the most frequent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and although pharmacological therapy has improved, colectomy rates reach up to 15%. Objective of this study was to determine anastomotic leakage (AL) rates and treatment after taIPAA as well as short- and long-term pouch function. Patients and Methods:Data from a prospectively collected database of all patients undergoing taIPAA in our center between March 2015 and August 2019 was analyzed retrospectively. Patients with indications other than UC or with adjuvant chemotherapy following colectomy for colorectal carcinoma were excluded. Results:Of 23 patients undergoing taIPAA in our center 20 patients met the inclusion criteria, with a median age of 36 years at the time of pouch formation. Overall prevalence of AL was 10% with one early (11 days after operation) and one late AL (19 months after operation). In both patients pouches could be preserved with a multimodal approach based on endosponge therapy. Data on short-term pouch function could be obtained in 11 (55.8%) patients and was satisfactory in all cases. In the long-term we observed a pouchitis rate of 57.9% and a pouch failure rate of 5.3%.Conclusion:In our study, taIPAA surgery is a safe procedure and results in good patient outcome. The rate of AL is comparable to transabdominal IPAA. In order to fully evaluate the risks and benefits of taIPAA further studies with larger cohorts of patients are required.
Hyperacute Incidental Late Myocardial Enhancement in Ischemic Stroke using Chest Spectral CT: Relationship with Etiology
Authors: Rodriguez-Granillo Gastón A , Cirio Juan J. , Ciardi Celina , Caballero Maria L. , Fontana Lucia A. , Buezas Mariano D. , Diluca Pablo , Lylyk Pedro
Published: July 2021

PurposeHyperacute cardiac imaging of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), though desirable, is impractical. Using delayed-enhancement, low-dose, non-gated, chest spectral computed tomography scans (DESCT), we explored the prevalence and patterns of incidental myocardial late iodine enhancement (LIE) and embolic sources, and the relationship with stroke etiology. MethodsSince July 2020, DESCT was performed after cerebrovascular CT angiography (CTA) among patients with suspected AIS undergoing CT using a dual-layer spectral scanner, without additional contrast administration. Images were analyzed using monoenergetic reconstructions and iodine density maps, and the myocardial extracellular volume fraction (ECV, %) was calculated. ResultsEighty consecutive patients with AIS were included. DESCT identified a cardiac thrombi in 6 patients (7.5%), and a complex aortic plaque in 4 (5%) cases; reclassifying 5 embolic strokes of uncertain source (28% of ESUS) to cardioembolic (CE, n=3) and non-CE (n=2) etiologies. LIE, most commonly ischemic (82%), was identified in 38 (48%) patients. We did not identify significant relationships between AIS etiology and the presence, pattern, and extension of LIE (p>0.05); ECV (p=0.56), severe aortic (p=0.25) or valvular (p=0.26) disease, or the extent of coronary calcification (p=0.39). Patients with evidence of major cardiovascular DESCT findings had higher rate rates of all-cause death at 90 days (42% vs. 19%, p=0.037). ConclusionIn this study, hyperacute cardiac imaging of AIS with DESCT identified a high prevalence of incidental cardiac disease predominantly involving LIE of ischemic etiology and mostly not related to the stroke etiology.
Experience of Intravenous Sedation Increases Incidence of Caries in Patients With Dental Anxiety
Authors: Kawasaki Hanako , Tanoue Naomi , Ayuse Terumi , Kurata Shinji , Okayasu Ichiro , Ayuse Takao
Published: July 2021

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the factors that influence the decayed, missing due to caries, and filled teeth (DMFT) index of patients with dental anxiety during dental treatment discontinuation.Materials and MethodsA total of 110 patients who complained of fear and anxiety toward dental treatments and who re-visited following treatment discontinuation were enrolled in the study. Patient and dental data considered to be related to caries were digitally collected from medical and dental records. The decayed (D), missing (M), and filled (F) scores, and the DMFT index before and after discontinuation were compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and the influential factors were evaluated using the Poisson and multiple regression analyses.ResultsThe D score and DMFT index increased significantly during the discontinuation period, and the F score decreased. There was no significant change in the M score. The change in the D score was influenced by the pre-discontinuation D score and the number of experiences of intravenous sedation, and the change in the F score was affected by the duration of treatment discontinuation, the DMFT index before discontinuation, and the number of experiences of intravenous sedation. The increase in the DMFT index was affected by the experience of intravenous sedation, the D and M scores, and the DMFT index before discontinuation.ConclusionDiscontinuation of dental treatment was proven to increase the incidence of caries in patients with dental anxiety.Clinical Relevance: Avoiding treatment discontinuation is crucial, particularly in patients treated using intravenous sedation.
Real-time Co-site Optical Microscopy Study on the Morphological Changes of the Dentine’s Surface after Citric Acid and Sodium Hypochlorite. A Single-tooth Model.
Authors: Wilkoński Wojciech , Jamróz-Wilkońska Lidia , Zapotoczny Szczepan , Opiła Janusz , Giardino Luciano
Published: July 2021

BackgroundTo this day, the mechanisms of action and the effects of sodium hypochlorite and chelating agents during the smear layer removal, remain unclear. The study aimed to analyze the dentine's surface treated with 40% citric acid and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite according to two irrigation protocols. Materials and MethodsThe study employed a computer-controlled Nikon Eclipse LV100 optical microscope. Ten roots split longitudinally with canals prepared mechanically using the MTwo system to a size of 40/04 were observed. The root halves were divided into two study groups, one half in each of the groups. According to two irrigation protocols, the dentine's surface was irrigated with 40% citric acid and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, separated with water. Dentine surface was observed in a fixed place and photographed in 500x magnification after each irrigation stage. The obtained images were then analyzed using computer software (NIS-Elements AR, GIMP-2.6, ImageJ 1.45s). ResultsVarious speed of removal of the smear layer and varied morphological changes of the dentine's surface were observed in both examined groups. Double irrigation of the dentine with citric acid for 30 seconds resulted in complete removal of the smear layer, and double irrigation for 60 seconds resulted in increased mean diameter of the dentine tubules (degradation of the dentine's surface).Conclusions Double alternating irrigation with citric acid and sodium hypochlorite for 30 seconds yielded satisfactory results, while double irrigation for 60 seconds resulted in increased mean diameter of the dentine tubules. A real time assessment of the dentine’s surface changes after both tested solutions can improve understanding of the phenomena that occur during the irrigation and as a result it might help to improve clinical outcomes in root canal treatment.
COVID-VU an ENT UK National Survey of Flexible Nasendoscopy in the Upper Aerodigestive Tract Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Loizidou Avgi , Tatla Taranjit Singh , Harvey Ian , Aibibula Miriayi , Roe Justin , Sethi Neeraj , Schilder Anne GM
Published: July 2021

BackgroundFlexible nasendoscopy (FNE) is an invaluable multi-disciplinary tool for upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) examination. During the COVID-19 pandemic concerns were raised that FNE had the potential of generating aerosols resulting in human cross-contamination when performed on SARS-COV2 carriers. In the UK, and other European countries, national guidelines were issued restricting FNE to essential cases. We surveyed ENT UK members and Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) members to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (first peak) on FNE practice in the UK.MethodsAn observational internet-based survey constructed in accordance to the CHERRIES checklist and setup in SurveyMonkeyof FNE practice amongst UK-based ENT surgeons and speech and language therapists in community clinics, the outpatient department, inpatient wards, ICU, emergency department and operating theatres (through the NHS and private sector) prior to, during and following the first COVID-19 wave in the UK. Results 314 responses collected (24% response rate), 82% from ENT clinicians, 17% from SLTs and 1% from other allied healthcare professionals. Overall, there has been a large reduction in the volume and indications for FNE during the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic with limited recovery by mid-August 2020. Cancer and airway assessments were impacted less. A wide range of FNE protocols influenced by local factors are reported, varying in endoscope preference, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and sterilization methods. Where dedicated Aerosol Generating Procedure (AGP) rooms were unavailable, clinicians resorted to window opening and variable room “down-time” between patients. Endoscope preference reflected availability and user familiarity, ENT trainees favoring the use of single-use video endoscopes. ConclusionDespite national guidance, local practice of FNE remains interrupted and highly variable in the UK. A collaborative inter-disciplinary approach is required to re-introduce FNE safely in volume across healthcare settings, re-establishing timely endoscopic diagnosis and pre-pandemic levels of patient care.
The Toxic Effect of Cu and CuO Nanoparticles on Euplotes Aediculatus
Authors: Zhao Xiaohuan , Gong Zhiwei , Pérez Edgar , Gao Xilei , Wang Yiwen , Fan Xinpeng , Ni Bing
Published: July 2021

Toxicology tests were carried out by choosing Cu nanoparticles (CuNPs) and CuO nanoparticles (CuONPs) as experimental materials and Euplotes aediculatus as the experimental organism. To investigate the toxicity effect and mechanism of two NPs on E. aediculatus, we determined antioxidant enzyme activity and observed morphologic changes using optical and electron microscopes, combined with the Fourier infrared spectrum technique. The results showed that the 24 h-LC50 of CuNPs and CuONPs was 0.46 µg/L and 1.24×103 µg/L. The movement ability of cells was decreased and surface cilia gradually shed with CuNPs and CuONPs at 24 h-LC50. In addition, the cell body swelled and finally ruptured. There were varying extents of damage to the nucleus and mitochondria. With CuNPs, disappearance of nucleoli and condensation of chromatin were observed, while the mitochondria were wrinkled in an irregular shape and cristae were partially fractured. With CuONPs, changes of nucleus were not obvious, and the mitochondria were merely irregular. While neither CuNPs nor CuONPs had major effect on the ultrastructure of the membrane, some functional groups were oxidized with CuNPs, e.g. PO2-, C-O-C, δ(COH) of carbohydrates. The 24 h-EC50, 48 h-EC50 and 72 h-EC50 of CuNPs on E. aediculatus were 2.10×10-3 µg/L, 7.92×10-4 µg/L and 2.77×10-4 µg/L. The EC50 of CuONPs in same period was 7.20 µg/L, 0.86 µg/L and 0.19 µg/L. The above concentration of CuNPs and CuONPs could increase the activities of SOD, CAT and GPx, which were dose-dependent. The above results indicate that CuNPs and CuONPs inhibited reproduction and caused death. CuNPs were more toxic to E. aediculatus and more destructive to cell structure. Oxidative stress and destruction to cell structures may be toxic mechanisms. The E. aediculatus was more sensitive to CuNPs or CuONPs, and the value of 24 h-LC50 was much lower than other organisms, so it can be recommended as an indicator for early monitoring in freshwater environment.
Are children on track with their routine immunisation schedule in a fragile and protracted conflict state of South Sudan?
Authors: Idris Israel Oluwaseyidayo , Tapkigen Janet , Kabutaulaka Germaine , Ayeni Gabriel Omoniyi , Ayomoh Francis Ifeanyi , Obwoya Justin Geno
Published: July 2021

Objectives The objective of this study was to assess if children aged 0-23 months in a conflict-affected state of South Sudan were on track with their immunisation schedule and to identify predisposing factors that affected this study population from being on track with their routine immunisation schedule. Design Community-based cross-sectional study using a semi-structured questionnaire. The binary outcome of interest was defined as being on or off track with routine vaccination schedule. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyse for the association between the predisposing factors surveyed and being off track with one’s routine immunisation schedule. Setting Rural communities in four counties (Rumbek Centre, Rumbek North, Rumbek East and Wulu) of the Western Lakes state in South Sudan during January 10, 2020 to June 10, 2020.Participants We surveyed 428 children aged 0-23 months and their mothers/caregivers who lived in either of the four counties in the Western Lakes State. Participants were selected using random ballot sampling. Results More than three-quarters of the children surveyed (75.5%) were off track with their vaccination schedule. Children with an immunisation card had 71% reduced odds of being off track with their immunisation (AOR=0.29; 95% CI 0.10 – 0.83, p-value=0.021) compared to children without immunisation cards. Children who reside near health facilities and do not require transportation to facilities had 87% reduced odds of being off track with their immunisation compared to those who lived far and required transport to facilities. Giving an adequate immunisation notice before conducting immunisation outreach visits to communities was also associated with reduced odds (AOR=0.27; 95% CI 0.09 – 0.78. p-value=0.016) of children being off track with their immunisation.Conclusion This study revealed that most children were off track with their vaccination schedule in South Sudan, which is not only influenced by maternal characteristics but mainly by community- and state-level immunisation service delivery mechanisms. Interventions to improve child immunisation uptake should put these contextual characteristics into high health agenda consideration.
Business Process Management: Human Potential and Digital Skills
Authors: Ivanova Valentina V.
Published: July 2021

he acceleration of digitalization of business processes necessitates the study of a person’s role in the new business environment. The importance of human potential, digital information technology and digital skills of a person in ensuring effective management of business processes, in particular in making management decisions is considered in the article. It is demonstrated that the active use of human potential for this can help save time to obtain a ready-made solution. It is substantiated that such management can be ensured due to the priority of the human potential formation towards development of human mental abilities, creative thinking, and an increase in knowledge compared to mastering skills, including the digital ones. Current trends in the importance of skills in the human resources training are considered, and the opposite of the level of development of human intelligence to digital skills is revealed. It is established that the development of human thinking is an urgent problem and should have priority in the human potential formation, in particular in the knowledge part. A model of the formation and use of human potential for decision-making is offered, which demonstrates its impact on improving the quality of business process management due to the main role of a person in the decision-making process. The digital skills of employees are defined as a supporting component in the management of business processes, as they provide only an opportunity to implement and use digital information technologies, and the ability to think creatively is the key to the formation of innovative ideas and effective management decisions. Digital skills cannot be a priority in the personnel formation; therefore, it is advisable to give preference already at the selection stage to the candidate who is potentially inclined to self-development, learning, and acquiring new knowledge. A set of measures is offered to improve the formation of a set of personnel skills.
Development of the Theory of Cost Management of Stakeholders of the Enterprise in Foreign Tesearches
Authors: Pererva Petro G. , Kobeleva Tetiana I. , Kocenko Oleksandra P. , Kobelev Valerii M. , Matrosova Viktoriya O.
Published: July 2021

Thes article proves that the actual direction of effective enterprise management is the use of network management concept of production and commercial activities, which is based on the theory of stakeholders. This area of research is widely discussed in foreign economic publications, where a significant number of innovative developments and proposals have already accumulated. Research, generalization and use of foreign experience in the field of stakeholder theory are extremely important for domestic industrial enterprises.
The purpose of the study is to study the methods of substantiation of theoretical and methodological approaches and practical recommendations for managing relations with stakeholders on the basis of a cost approach, identification and grouping of stakeholders of industrial enterprises taking into account their interests. Achieving this goal is carried out using a conceptual approach to the formation of total value, which includes the value of the industrial enterprise and the value of its stakeholders, who jointly create the overall contribution of this economic entity in achieving society as a whole. The proposed approach differs positively from the conceptual provisions available in the theory of stakeholders and can be based on the theoretical provisions of managing the relationship of an industrial enterprise with its stakeholders on the basis of a cost approach.
The implementation of the proposed approach allows an industrial enterprise to rank stakeholders by value, analyze the dynamics of the structure and parameters of flows of material and financial resources of the enterprise and its stakeholders.
Economic Assessment of Ecological and Social Functions of Forest Resources in the System of Sustainable Spatial Forestry
Authors: Mishenin Yevhen V. , Yarova Inessa Ye. , Zolochevskyi Viktor V. , Nazarenko Mariia L. , Bohomolova Kateryna V.
Published: July 2021

The article substantiates the theoretical and methodological approaches to determining the economic assessment of ecological and social functions (services) of forest resources in relation to the timber valuation, as well as the main directions for its use in the context of sustainable spatial forestry. A variant classification of forest resources functions is proposed, the peculiarity of which is as follows: forest resources are considered in the format of forest resource space and forest management space; forest resources are presented in relation to their diverse productivity, which determines the volume of forest ecosystem services flow. From these perspectives the coefficient system of economic value of ecological and social functions (ecosystem services) of forest resources in annual measure concerning rent estimation of a wood stock is expanded. In the system format the directions of economic estimation use of ecological and social functions of forest resources are formed as follows: information-analytical and ecological-economic mechanism of forest management in sustainable forestry system.
Information and analytical direction includes the following components: forest management; state cadastre and forest accounting; forest monitoring; forest inventory; scientific forestry and ecological component. Within the environmental and economic mechanism of forest management in the system of sustainable spatial forestry development it is offered to use economic assessment of ecological and social functions (ecosystem services) in the following directions: planning, designing, programming, exploitation and reproduction of forest resources; payment for the forest resources use on a multi – purpose basis; pricing for ecosystem forest products and services; evaluation of forestry effectiveness; assessment of economic losses in the system of ecological and economic responsibility; capitalization of forest resources; forest certification.
Radical transformations of organic solvents under sub- and supercritical conditions
Authors: Evstaf‘ev S. N. , Fomina E. S. , Tiguntceva N. P. , Shashkina S. S.
Published: July 2021

A comparative study of chemical transformations of ethanol, acetone and dimethyl carbonate was performed in a temperature range from 200 to 300 °C. These compounds are widely used as solvents for processing vegetable raw materials. Therefore, knowing their behaviour in a reaction medium is necessary to understand the mechanism of sub- and supercritical extraction of the vegetable raw materials and the role of solvents in this processуы. It was established that the investigated compounds under certain conditions function as a source of free radicals; thus, they can contribute to the radical decomposition of the major components in plant biomass. The Schwarz toluene method was used to detect free radicals in reaction media. It is shown that radical breakdown of bonds in the acetone and dimethyl carbonate molecules occurs already at a temperature of 200 °C, and in ethanol - only under supercritical conditions at temperatures over 250 °C. Alkylation is the main reaction occurring during the thermal treatment of toluene and solvents mixtures, which leads to a high yield of various alkylbenzenes for all investigated xylene solvents. In a temperature range from 200 to 250 °С, acetone has the highest alkylating capability and ethanol - the lowest one. At temperatures above 250 °С, the alkylating capability of solvents is similar, with a slight prevalence of that of dimethyl carbonate. Unlike other solvents, acetone participates in nucleophilic addition reactions along with radical transformations under process conditions. The products obtained as a result of these reactions at temperatures above 250 °C are predominant. The main ones are the products of the aldol and crotonic condensation of acetone. Based on the results of a study, the pathways of the radical decomposition of solvents molecules and the formation of products of thermal treatment were proposed.
Microcalorimetric investigation of amylopectin branching and the content of amylose in potato starches
Authors: Matveev Yu. I. , Averyanova E. V.
Published: July 2021

Hydroxyethylated starches are of particular interest for applications in infusion therapy because of their high volemic effect. The duration of this effect depends on the circulation time of the drug in the blood, i.e., the volume of circulating blood increases with an increase in the concentration, molecular weight and degree of polymer substitution. It is known that hydroxyethylated starches have a wide range of molecular weight and degree of substitution. This allows their solutions to circulate for a long time (up to 10 hours) in the bloodstream without leakage of the active substance into the interstitium of vital organs. The dependence of the melting point of the crystalline starch lamella on the number of glucose residues can be described using the modified Fox - Loshaek ratio, which takes into account the degree of branching of amylopectin molecules and the content of amylose in starch. We proposed an analytical expression for the evaluation of the degree of branching of amylopectin from potato starch based on microcalorimetric data. The proposed methodology allows the genotypes of potatoes with the highest degree of amylopectin branching and a minimum quantity of amylose in starch to be selected. Starches of such potato varieties can be used in the blood plasma substitutes production - hydroxyethylated starches that have good pharmacodynamic properties. Within the developed approach, it is possible to determine the effect of the degree of substitution on the thermodynamic properties of the studied starches through a change in the melting temperature of the lamella, Tm, hence estimating the main pharmacodynamic parameters of substituted starches.
Characterization of polysaccharides from Eremurus hissaricus roots by FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: Ashurov A. I. , Dzhonmurodov A. S. , Usmanova S. R. , Kholov Sh. E. , Muhidinov Z. M.
Published: July 2021

The structure of water'soluble gluco' and galactomannans (GlcMan and GalMan) isolated from the roots of several Eremurus'related plant species has been studied previously. This article characterizes polysaccharides and other extraction products from the root tubers of Eremurus hissaricus by Fourier' transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy using an attenuated total reflectance (ATR) accessory. Polysaccharide samples were purified from protein substances with the Sevage method and discoloured through a polyamide column. In the FTIR spectra, the main peaks attributed to asymmetric and symmetric stretching vibrations of CH2 of the pyranose ring (for GluMan - 2886, 1373, 1244 cm-1; for GalGluMan - 2923, 1370, 1238 cm-1) were enhanced by purification after removing bound protein impurities. The KnownitAll and IR-Pal 2 software applications were used to examine the spectra of a sample of purified GalGluMan in the studied polysaccharides. The results show that the intensity of the absorption maximum decreased at 1732 cm-1. At the same time, at 1552.92 cm-1, a new band appeared that refers to the valence vibrations of carboxyl (CO) or nitroso (NO) groups in the purified polysaccharide. This band appeared as a result of the Maillard reaction between the protein and the reducing end of the polysaccharide unit. The intensity of the bands in the 1238-1244 cm-1 region also decreased in the purified samples, which may be due to the elimination of a small fraction of protein. The use of FTIR spectroscopy allows the process of purifying watersoluble GluMan and acid-soluble polysaccharide of GalGluMan from acrylamide impurities to be characterized timely and accurately. Additionally, this method allows a comparative estimation of functional groups in polysaccharides of the root tubers of E. hissaricus.