bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic and legal aspects of the innovative activity of enterprises in the context of the digital economy
Authors: Markova Olga Vladimirovna , Yevgenievna Listopad Ekaterina , Shelygov Aleksandr Vladimirovich , Fedorov Alexander Grigorievich , Kiselevich Igor Valentinovich
Published: June 2021

The article deals with the economic and legal aspects of the innovative activity of enterprises in the context of the digital economy. The authors have established that the innovative activity of enterprises includes also the development of artificial intelligence and robotics and that in the current conditions when creating and using artificial intelligence technologies, the issue of ensuring national security in the digital environment becomes extremely important. In this case, the strategic goal of ensuring information security is to protect the vital interests of the individual and society against internal and external threats associated with the application of information technologies for various purposes contrary to civil law. It is proved that innovations will increase the investment attractiveness of the business, maintain a balance of creative freedom and internal control measures, self-regulation in the field of digital technologies, and develop a unified legal framework in the economic space.
Assessment of organic matter temporal dynamics in the klyazma basin using remote sensing and qgis trends.earth
Authors: Trifonova Tatiana A. , Mishchenko Natalia V. , Shutov Pavel S.
Published: June 2021

The article addresses the dynamics of biological processes in various landscapes within a holistic natural geosystem—a catchment area. The Klyazma river (the fourth order tributary to the Volga) was selected as the object of study. The natural complex of the Klyazma river basin is a combination of different landscapes, each marked by a diverse composition of geomorphological and soil-vegetation structures. The study is based on remote sensing data and the Trends.Earth Land Degradation Monitoring Project (Land Cover Dataset, European Space Agency 2015, 300 m spatial resolution) implemented using the open-source Quantum GIS 2.18. Four landscape provinces and eight site were identified in the studied catchment area according to the geomorphological structure and the soil and vegetation cover. The ecosystem parameters Gross Primary Productivity, Net Primary Productivity, and Ecosystem Respiration were measured in the identified sites. In different landscapes the biological processes, characterizing the organic matter dynamics in the form of plant production and organic matter accumulation, differ in both rate and intensity, and variously respond to the changes in climate parameters and land use. The river basin, as a holistic ecosystem, showed sufficient stability of the dynamic processes. This suggests that holistic natural ecosystems, such as catchment areas, have internal compensatory mechanisms that maintain the development stability over long period of time, while irrational land use remains the main damaging factor.
Study on Generation and Development of Social Prediction System
Authors: Wu Shuying
Published: June 2021

Prediction means predicting future scientifically which has a great relationship with human beings. Based on the development history of prediction system, this paper discusses establishment of modern prediction system and its importance in leadership structure, especially when national prediction system has become a major factor of national security among modern prediction systems. It’s just because each country has built a gradually improved prediction system that international political relation could form and stay stabilized. Modern prediction system is now steering to the tendency of controlling the whole social system. In modern society, all the decisions made by institutions depend more and more on prediction and the reform of social system is the soul of predicting the new paradigm of institutional behaviors.
Use of Refusal Strategies among Saudi EFL Students: An Investigative Study
Authors: Qadi Ahmad Hatim
Published: June 2021

The current study seeks to probe the use of refusal strategies and their frequency among Saudi EFL students of Bachelor of Science (BS) at Moon University (pseudonym), Saudi Arabia. Through a convenient sampling procedure, 20 students were selected, and Discourse Completion Test (DCT) was administered. This test comprised 12 situations eliciting refusals to suggestions, requests, offers, and invitations. Their answers were then coded using the refusal strategies categories laid down by Beebe, Takahashi & Uliss-Weltz (1990) and were analyzed via content analysis. Each participant’s refusal strategy for each speech act was analyzed using descriptive statistics, to discover exact frequency counts. The results indicated that the indirect refusal strategies were adopted by Saudi EFL students with greater frequency than the direct strategies even though Saudi culture is characteristically inclined towards directness resulting in numerous face-threatening acts. The results demonstrated the tendency towards the use of adjuncts by EFL students which to some extent indicated the cultural grooming of interlocutors. Moreover, lack of pragma-linguistic competence was reflected in flawed and ambiguous syntactic structures which impacted the clarity of meaning. The findings also suggested that in this globalized world where cross-cultural communication is unavoidable, the teaching of English should be geared towards the development of both pragma-linguistic and socio-pragmatic competence among EFL students.
The database of energy and operational characteristics of public buildings: development prospects for the purposes of state energy efficiency policy
Authors: Sityuk Antonina
Published: June 2021

This paper presents the database of energy and operational characteristics of public
buildings as an effective information and technical tool for implementation of the policy
of energy efficient modernization of buildings.
Based on the results of the state pilot project of creating government buildings
and district state administration buildings database, the article presents a list of potential
users of the database in case of its scaling to the national level including other types
of buildings. The author identifies the desired structural elements of the buildings
database, suggesting the relevant sources of information. Based on the relevant foreign
experience, the strategic prospects of the buildings database development are outlined,
the principles of its maintenance are presented.
The multiplier effect of the national buildings database implementation and further
directions of research are determined.
Experiences of Burnout Syndrome and the Process of Recovery : A Qualitative Analysis of Narratives Published in Autobiographies
Authors: Krantz Jaana , Eriksson Madelen , Salzmann-Erikson Martin
Published: June 2021

Burnout syndrome limits work capacity and the ability to manage a social and family life. Such limitations may lead to alienation from oneself and can result in frustration and anger. The recovery process may include a search for quick fixes from professionals but responsibility is in the hands of the ill with support from professionals, family, and work. Learning about limitations, the need to rest and accepting illness, are vital in the recovery process, but they are also associated with feelings of shame and blaming oneself for causing one’s own burnout by neglecting bodily signals. Objective: Burnout syndrome affects the individual as a whole because it involves emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a low sense of personal accomplishment. Research into burnout syndrome has predominantly focused on treatment outcomes measured using quantitative methods. The existing qualitative research has deepened theoretical insights from a lifeworld perspective, although, methodologically speaking, previous qualitative studies have been restricted to interviews. The qualitative interview method is somewhat limited. Hence, the objective of the present study was to analyze how autobiographers narrate their experiences of burnout syndrome and to describe their recovery process. Design: An inductive qualitative approach with a descriptive design was used to gain insights into the authors’ experience of burnout and recovery process, as expressed in writing. Setting/Subjects: The data comprised six autobiographies written by authors from Sweden. Results: The results are presented in three categories: 1) descriptions of estrangement from one’s own body, 2) descriptions of how the phenomenon is manifested in everyday life, and 3) descriptions of recovery processes.Conclusion: Burnout syndrome intersects both work life and family life and reveals the individual as a whole, integrated being. It is vital for healthcare professionals to adopt a person-centered approach that sees the individual as an integrated whole, consisting of body, mind, and soul.
Mental Disorders in Patients at Geriatrician Attendance : Basic Variants and Influence on Social Functioning (The Experience in Russia)
Authors: Neznanov Nikolay Grigorievich , Kruglov Lev Savvich , Serpov Vladimir Yuryevich , Atayev Ismayil Hikmat , Kiseleva Inna Valentinovna , Chesnokov Aleksey Aleksandrovich
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Data exists showing a significant prevalence of mental disorders in the growing elderly population, but indices have a fairly wide range. This study’s aim was to analyze the frequency and variants of such disorders of the elderly in geriatrician attendance and their influence on social functioning. Material and methods: Of newly-admitted geriatrician patients, 37.2% were found to have deviations at the time of screening (Geriatric Depression Scale, Zung anxiety scale, MMSE and the clock drawing test). Of these 32 patients (24 women) were 69.5±4.4 years old and had somatic illnesses, mainly cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The detailed assessment included the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire, the Clinical Global Assessment, and the Global Assessment of Functioning scales. Statistics were based on Student-s criterion (taking into account the normal distribution of the sample data). Results and their discussion: Fully 93.7% of the disorders met the International Classification of Diseases (10th edition) criteria for adaptation disorder, organic anxiety disorder, recurrent depressive disorder with a moderate depressive episode. Two patients had dementia with confusion (delirium). The significant ranking of the anxiety-depressive disorders can be explained by their prevalence in the elderly population as a whole, the close relationship of such disorders with somatic pathology, and in dementia and psychotic cases, more frequent visits to psychiatrists. About a third of the patients manifested signs of impaired functioning, dependent on the presence of family (t = 2.9; p < 0.05) and their relationships within the family (the complex ones excluded indices above 70 points of GAF). Conclusions: More than a third of newly-admitted geriatric patients have mental disorders, mostly those on the anxiety-depressive depressive spectrum. Biological factors and psychosocial influences are both present represented as their reasons. Social functioning may suffer and highly depends on microsocial environments.
Swirling Flows Characteristics in a Cylinder Under Effect of Buoyancy
Authors: FEKHAR Mustafa , SACI Rachid , GATIGNOL Renée
Published: June 2021

Thermal buoyancy, induced by injection or by differential heating of a tiny rod is explored to control breakdown in the core of a helical flow driven by the lid rotation of a cylinder. Three main parameters are required to characterize numerically the flow behavior; namely, the rotational Reynolds number Re, the cavity aspect ratio and the Richardson number Ri. Warm injection/rod, Ri > 0, is shown to prevent on-axis flow stagnation while breakdown enhancement is evidenced when Ri < 0. Results revealed that a bubble vortex evolves into a ring type structure which may remain robust, as observed in prior related experiments or, in contrast, disappear over a given range of parameters (Λh, Re, Ri > 0). Besides, the emergence of such a toroidal mode was not found to occur under thermal stratification induced by a differentially heated rod. Moreover, three state diagrams were established which provide detailed flow characteristics under the distinct and combined effects of buoyancy strength, viscous effects and cavity aspect ratio.
Investigation of Complex Structural Designing of Mobile Facilities for Shipbuilding in Lithuanian Sea Region
Authors: ASTRAUSKAS Tadas , SAMOFALOV Michail
Published: June 2021

In the paper, it is proposed to cover by a mobile moving facility the shipyard open site, in Klaipeda, Lithuania (the EU). The facility of 40 m span consists of transversal frames, which are arranged by the step of 6.0 m, and a system of braces. Two types of steel frames have been considered: trussed and continuous. The actions are specified according to the design codes (Eurocode 3) and climatological data. In dynamic analysis, the longitudinal direction is defined for an inertia action, simulating braking. For calculating, a special algorithm of three stages has been prepared. At the first stage, three calculation schemes of one transversal frame were created. For the proposed schemes of the mobile moving facility, the calculation of only a transversal frame is effective in the preliminary determination of the cross-sectional areas and of the total structural weight. At the second stage, the frames were joined by braces. A preliminary comparison of the calculation results of the models was carried out after the first and second stages of the analysis. At the third stage, the dynamic analysis was performed and the influence of the dynamic impact was estimated. Finally, we compared the calculation results of three different FEM models and chose the most appropriate one. To sum up the investigations, conclusions and recommendations are presented.
Políticas Internacionais de Saúde na Era Vargas: o Serviço Especial de Saúde Pública, 1942-1960
Authors: Campos André Luiz Vieira de
Published: June 2021

A obra analisa o Sesp enquanto agência responsável pela institucionalização das políticas públicas de saúde no Brasil. Para tanto, divide-se em três partes: a primeira conta com dois capítulos e fala sobre a origem do Sesp no contexto das relações internacionais entre Brasil e EUA e da Segunda Guerra Mundial; a segunda divide-se em quatro capítulos que dissertam sobre o controle da malária nas bases americanas no Brasil (Belém, Recife e Natal), a política sanitária exercida na Amazônia (por conta das migrações para o esforço de guerra na colheita da borracha), no Vale do Rio Doce e nas regiões produtoras de mica em Minas Gerais; e a última, com três capítulos, expõe as estratégias de sobrevivência e transformações do Sesp no pós-guerra, seu papel na administração sanitária e colaboração na expansão do poder público na década de 50.
Not That Kind of Big Men
Authors: Chen Frederick Shih-Chung
Published: June 2021

Lukas Nickel’s article “The First Emperor and Sculpture in China” in the Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies (2013) has drawn significant attention to the issue of Hellenistic influence on the making of the terracotta warriors excavated from the mausoleum of the First Emperor of China. In the perspective of textual evidence, Nickel attaches much importance to the connection between the Chinese report of the twelve da ren 大人 (“Big Men”) in Lintao 臨洮 in the Hanshu and the account of the construction of “altars” to the twelve Olympian gods by Alexander the Great at the easternmost point of his expedition to India in the Bibliotheca Historica. This coincidence suggests to Nickel that the twelve Big Men are a possible reference to large sculptural figures erected on the western border of the empire. This article aims to question this interpretation of the twelve da ren as sculptures in the Hanshu. A twofold examination of the textual and other historical sources will make clear that the twelve Big Men were mentioned not as huge statues but as exceptionally tall visitors, an exemplary omen related to human illness manifested in physical abnormality.
Surgical Management of Supracondylar Fractures of the Humerus in Children by Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Pinning with Kirschnner Wires-A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Babu Chavan Pramod , Shankara K , Lakshmeesha T
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Supracondylar Humerus Fracture (SCHF) is frequently encountered in paediatric age group and constitutes nearly three fourth of all upper extremity fractures. Most commonly used technique for surgical treatment in the displaced SCHF in children is closed reduction and stabilisation with percutaneous pins. Aim: To find out the outcome and safety of percutaneous pinning techniques in terms of functional and radiological outcome and to note the associated complications with this method of fixation. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, conducted on patients admitted to Department of Orthopaedics, Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences, Hassan, between January 2017 to December 2019. Thirty paediatric cases were retrospectively reviewed. These were admitted with a supracondylar fracture and had reported to the hospital over a three-year period. All fractures were treated with closed reduction and fixation with percutaneus K-wire followed by immobilisation in above elbow slab for three weeks. K-wires were removed at three weeks and mobilisation with physiotherapy was advised. Outcome was measured by Flynn’s Criteria. The results were analyzed as per appropriate descriptive statistical tests. Results: The mean age of the patients was 7.4 years (range 3-15years). Males outnumbered females. Total 22 (73.3%) patients had left-sided fracture and 8 (26.6%) had fracture on right side. Fracture union was seen in all the patients at a mean interval of 4.2 weeks (range 3-5 weeks), in a follow up of 12 weeks. Most (90%) of the injuries were the result of trauma, including fall. 70% of the fractures were Gartland Type III supracondylar fracture. Cross K- wire fixation was done in 21 patients and lateral-only pin in 9 patients. Among the 21 patients, who had type III fracture, 4 of them were fixed with 2 Lateral K- wire pinning and 17 of them with crossed K-wire pinning configuration. The commonest post-operative complication observed was a superficial pin tract infection, seen in 4 (13.3%) patients. Outcome according to the Flynn’s criteria 25 patients (83.3%) had excellent result, 3 (10%) patients had good result, 1 (3.3%) had fair result and 1 (3.3%) patient had poor functional result. Conclusion: The present study concludes that close reduction and percutaneous k-wire pinning techniques give a favorable outcome in displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children, without any serious complications.
Prenatal Invasive Procedures during the Peak of COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Singh Chanchal , Shahnaz Gazala , Thakur Seema
Published: June 2021

The current Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had an immense adverse effect on provision of routine healthcare services including maternity care. Prenatal invasive procedures are amongst the most affected due to their availability at limited centres, reallocation of health resources, restricted mobility of individuals and the perceived ‘semi-elective’ nature of these procedures. However, these are essential procedures, even life-saving in cases of fetal anaemia, and time-sensitive especially considering the upper limit of legal age of medical termination of pregnancy in India. Data on COVID-19 is currently limited and the risk of vertical transmission is unknown. We present our experience of prenatal invasive procedure during April 2020 and May 2021, the peak months of COVID-19 and stringent lockdown.
Biochemical and Organoleptic Assessment of Asian Stinging Catfish (Heteropnuestes fossilis) in Two Storage Conditions
Authors: Salma Umme , Suraiya Sharmin , Isra Lilatul , Haq Monjurul
Published: June 2021

The proximate composition, rigor-index, organoleptic quality, and pH of Asian stinging catfish stored at iced condition (SIC) and stored at ambient temperature (SAT) were studied. Rigor mortis for both ice and ambient temperature started immediately after death and the rigor-index was maximum 82.35 % and 63.42% at 4 hrs and 8 hrs storage in SIC and SAT, respectively. Fish SIC showed a remarkably extended maximum rigor-index period of 14 hrs and 2 hrs in fish SIC and SAT, respectively. Fish SIC showed post-rigor period for upto 30 hrs, it was shorter in fish SAT for 18 hrs, though in both storage the rigor-index of the fish did not ceased completely. The moisture, protein, lipid, and ash content of fresh, SIC and SAT fish were 77.30%, 75.57%, and 78.81%, 15.04%, 15.34%, and 14.42%, 6.10%, 6.30%, and 3.47%, 1.99%, 2.67%, and 2.95%, respectively. The initial pH of fresh fish muscle was 6.89 which decreased to 6.32 and 6.12 after 18 hrs in fish SIC and SAT, respectively. The organoleptic quality assessment was in acceptable condition up to 12 days in fish SIC whereas a very short period of 10 hrs at fish SAT. Considering the findings of present study, it is highly recommended to store Asian stinging catfish at iced condition for maintaining shelf-life and quality.
Qualitative Risk Analysis of the Transmission of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 through Manure Trade in Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Cyril Tokpa , Lydie Acapovi-Yao Geneviève , Vessaly Kallo , Lendzele Sevidzem Silas , Serge Bakou
Published: June 2021

The contamination with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses occurs via the digestive tract following the ingestion of water or food contaminated with droppings of asymptomatic carriers or sick birds. Regarding the local practice of the use of poultry manure as an agricultural fertilizer, this study focuses on the risk of spread of the HPAI through the manure trade pathway in Côte d'Ivoire. For this purpose, epidemiological data and 96 poultry droppings samples were collected from 18 farms. The droppings samples were tested using the real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The qualitative risk assessment (QRA) took into account event patterns by integrating all the pathways involved in the spread of HPAI. From the diagnostic test, all the 96 samples tested negative. Further investigations revealed that 74% of the Agnibilékrou farms experienced HPAI outbreaks in the past two years. The main risk factors identified were the movement of people, animals and fomites from one infected area to another. Additionally, the duration of storage of droppings and the distance between stockpiles and farms were potential risk factors. The QRA identified two levels of risk: moderate to high (60%) and low to negligible (40%). The estimated high risk occurs when the dropping is fresh and is low after an optimal period of storage. It is therefore necessary to make storage systematic and mandatory as a measure of treatment before the adoption of other complex measures such as composting and industrial processing.
The Use of Custom URL for E-Messages, Tweets and Posts against E-Social Platforms Based on Time Complexity Retardation
Authors: Uprit Vivek
Published: June 2021

On the leaning of the widespread adaptation of web services such as social networking sites (like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.) and E-mail have become regular work. We approach these sites to gather or share information worldwide in the form of messages (like tweets, posts, blogs, etc.) and also in other formats such as pictures, audio, and video. In the modern era of Technology where the audience is widely connected with e-platform, these social networking sites are also used to organize e-campaign to favor or counteraction in different contention such as political review, social issue, environmental dispute, worldwide controversy, trolling etc. using the method of Folksonomy [1]. We are participating in such trolling, controversy, and campaign or expedition by using posting a message, tweet, micro-blog, etc. In particular, to join all we are doing is post a tweet or micro-blog that has the precise word or phrase because it appears within the Trends list, like a hashtag. But the trending keywords changed in the short-term and any hashtag gets popularity worldwide shortly. We demonstrate the custom-URL to join e-campaign which is wrapped in shortened-URL for easy to understand and gets excessive results to trend any Tag or Hashtag in a span of time. We improve the results for the community, groups and as well as for the individual audience to gets the best consequence for trending keywords.
Preclinical Appraisal of Hematinic Potential of Mandura Bhasma for Treating Anemia
Authors: Khobragade Deepak S. , Potbhare Mrunali S. , Pimpale Awdhut , Wankhede Sagar B. , Tempe Chandrashekhar R.
Published: June 2021

Aims: To evaluate hematinic potential of mandura bhasma.

Study Design: Experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study: Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Wardha, Maharashtra, India. 6 Months.

Methodology: The anti-anaemic potential of Mandura bhasma in Wistar rats was investigated. Anaemia was induced in rats with phenyl hydrazine hydrochloride at a dose of 10        mg kg-1 body weight by oral administration. Anaemia was treated with mandura bhasma administered in three different doses based on body weight.

Results: In vivo investigation showed that though the dose of 6mg kg-1 body weight of mandura bhasm produced only a minimal antianaemic (hematinic) effect, oral daily dose of 11 mg kg-1 body weight and 22mg kg-1 body weight a produced a significant (P < 0.05) antianaemic effect when compared to standard drug ferrous sulphate indicating dose dependent activity.

Conclusions: The results indicate that Mandura Bhasm have very potential dose dependant hematinic activity and can be a safe and effective drug for treating anemia.
Impact of errors in spot size and spot position in robustly optimized pencil beam scanning proton‐based stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) lung plans
Authors: Rana Suresh , Rosenfeld Anatoly B.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the current study was threefold: (a) investigate the impact of the variations (errors) in spot sizes in robustly optimized pencil beam scanning (PBS) proton‐based stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) lung plans, (b) evaluate the impact of spot sizes and position errors simultaneously, and (c) assess the overall effect of spot size and position errors occurring simultaneously in conjunction with either setup or range errors.

Methods

In this retrospective study, computed tomography (CT) data set of five lung patients was selected. Treatment plans were regenerated for a total dose of 5000 cGy(RBE) in 5 fractions using a single‐field optimization (SFO) technique. Monte Carlo was used for the plan optimization and final dose calculations. Nominal plans were normalized such that 99% of the clinical target volume (CTV) received the prescription dose. The analysis was divided into three groups. Group 1: The increasing and decreasing spot sizes were evaluated for ±10%, ±15%, and ±20% errors. Group 2: Errors in spot size and spot positions were evaluated simultaneously (spot size: ±10%; spot position: ±1 and ±2 mm). Group 3: Simulated plans from Group 2 were evaluated for the setup (±5 mm) and range (±3.5%) errors.

Results

Group 1: For the spot size errors of ±10%, the average reduction in D99% for −10% and +10% errors was 0.7% and 1.1%, respectively. For −15% and +15% spot size errors, the average reduction in D99% was 1.4% and 1.9%, respectively. The average reduction in D99% was 2.1% for −20% error and 2.8% for +20% error. The hot spot evaluation showed that, for the same magnitude of error, the decreasing spot sizes resulted in a positive difference (hotter plan) when compared with the increasing spot sizes. Group 2: For a 10% increase in spot size in conjunction with a −1 mm (+1 mm) shift in spot position, the average reduction in D99% was 1.5% (1.8%). For a 10% decrease in spot size in conjunction with a −1 mm (+1 mm) shift in spot position, the reduction in D99% was 0.8% (0.9%). For the spot size errors of ±10% and spot position errors of ±2 mm, the average reduction in D99% was 2.4%. Group 3: Based on the results from 160 plans (4 plans for spot size [±10%] and position [±1 mm] errors × 8 scenarios × 5 patients), the average D99% was 4748 cGy(RBE) with the average reduction of 5.0%. The isocentric shift in the superior–inferior direction yielded the least homogenous dose distributions inside the target volume.

Conclusion

The increasing spot sizes resulted in decreased target coverage and dose homogeneity. Similarly, the decreasing spot sizes led to a loss of target coverage, overdosage, and degradation of dose homogeneity. The addition of spot size and position errors to plan robustness parameters (setup and range uncertainties) increased the target coverage loss and decreased the dose homogeneity.
Patterns of Community Violence Exposure among African American Adolescents Living in Low‐Resourced Urban Neighborhoods
Authors: Whipple Christopher R. , Robinson Willie LaVome , Jason Leonard A. , Kaynak Övgü , Harris Chelsea W. , Grisamore Simone P. , Troyka Melinda N.
Published: June 2021

African American adolescents living in neighborhoods with concentrated economic disadvantage are disproportionately exposed to community violence. This study builds upon previous research and examines patterns, severity, and chronicity of violence exposure, within a sample of African American adolescents living in low‐resourced, urban neighborhoods (n = 327). The influence of both individual‐ and contextual‐level factors on community violence exposure (CVE) is examined. Data were collected across four time points at 6‐month intervals. Latent transition analysis identified three patterns of CVE at each time point: low witnessing and low victimization (LW‐LV), high witnessing and low victimization (HW‐LV), and high witnessing and high victimization (HW‐HV), as well as transitions between each class. Although a stable LW‐LV class membership over time was the most prevalent pattern, most adolescents experienced some change in exposure. Nearly one‐third of the participants were classified in the HW‐HV group at some point in time. Analyses on individual‐ and contextual‐level factors revealed that more depressive symptoms, community problems (e.g., drugs, graffiti, noise), or community resources (e.g., schools, parks, recreational facilities) were associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing high levels of violent victimization. Implications for intervention and prevention of CVE are discussed.
The effect of coincidental SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on pre‐operative cardiopulmonary exercise testing
Authors: Whitfield C. , Adamson M. , Davies R.
Published: June 2021

This case report demonstrates the significant impact active infection with SARS‐CoV‐2 can have on functional capacity evaluated by cardiopulmonary exercise testing, even in minimally symptomatic individuals. A 75‐year‐old man underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing before a right hemicolectomy; SARS‐CoV‐2 was incidentally diagnosed following his test. The patient underwent a period of isolation and recovery before a second pre‐operative cardiopulmonary exercise test 6 weeks later. His resting pulmonary function tests did not vary between tests but his peak work, anaerobic threshold, oxygen pulse, pulse oximetry nadir, ventilation perfusion matching and heart rate response to exercise all improved significantly after this recovery period. These are unique results that add to the existing knowledge of the pathophysiology and management of SARS‐CoV‐2 in the peri‐operative setting. While our patient demonstrated dramatic improvement in his functional capacity following 6 weeks of recovery, he remained in a high‐risk group for surgery according to our local guidelines. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing has a valuable role in individualised risk assessment and shared decision‐making in complex, urgent surgical cases where the benefits of delaying surgery to recover from SARS‐CoV‐2 infection should be balanced against the potential risks.
Allelic losses and gains during translocations of a high conservation value fish, Coregonus lavaretus
Authors: Præbel Kim , Bean Colin W. , Dodd Jennifer A. , Etheridge Elizabeth C. , Gowans Andrew R.D. , Knudsen Rune , Lyle Alexander A. , Maitland Peter S. , Winfield Ian J. , Adams Colin E.
Published: June 2021

The use of translocations to establish new or ‘refuge’ populations for species with high conservation value is controversial but widely used in conservation management. One of the risks of this approach is that an establishing population does not adequately capture the genetic diversity of the donor gene pool. This effect, rarely examined, is tested here.

In this study the genetic consequences of two conservation translocations after five generations (16 years) of the European whitefish, Coregonus lavaretus, were quantified. Both translocations were made using almost the same genetic groups and thus represent a partly replicated natural study.

Analysis of 12 informative microsatellites showed that expected heterozygosity, the mean number of alleles per locus and allelic richness did not differ between donor and translocated populations. There was also no loss of heterozygosity in the translocated populations, nor deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium expectations, nor signs of linkage disequilibrium.

All populations were genetically differentiated but pairwise FST values were low, indicating that the magnitude of divergence was small.

There was no evidence of inbreeding but there were significant differences in private allelic richness between donor and translocated populations. Of 50 alleles found in the donor population, 16% of the rarer alleles were lost in one translocated population and 8% in the other.

Allele loss without a reduction in heterozygosity strongly points to stochastic drift effects having occurred following translocation. The evidence indicates that alleles that were not detected in the donor population have arisen de novo in the translocated populations.

It is concluded that conservation translocations comprising even a modest number of propagules can successfully capture a high proportion of genetic variation of the host population, and that reduced genetic variation in the translocated population may be mitigated by the emergence of new variation over short time periods.
Shallow and ploughed settlement sites in forested environment: Opportunities to multilevel prospection (an example of a prehistoric site in eastern Lithuania)
Authors: Simniškytė Andra , Selskienė Aušra , Vaičiūnienė Jūratė , Pakštas Vidas
Published: June 2021

This article presents the results of geochemical survey performed at one of the shallow and ploughed prehistoric settlement sites in eastern Lithuania. The goal of the survey was to delineate the territory of the prehistoric settlement based on a multilevel survey, and geochemical patterns were analysed relative to the stratigraphy of the site. This research explores how particular aspects of the built environment might be visible in layer‐specific data sets produced by soil coring and a range of different geochemical analyses and how the results from different levels correspond to each other and relate to test excavation results. The study also has value in adding to the discussion of the geochemical properties that could be indicative of prehistoric human activity in Lithuanian sites and how they contribute to understandings of the site's overall size and structural arrangement. The results have demonstrated the lack of consistent correspondence between layer‐specific geochemical data sets and calls into question the validity of single‐level surveys for ploughed sites. Distinct anthropogenic sediments do not always reproduce the expected elevation of the allegedly anthropogenic geochemical markers. A thick cultural layer could represent the traces of post‐deposition in secondary zones rather than primary occupied parts of the settlement. Conversely, the number of geochemical properties indicative of human occupation may survive in their original position in different strata even if the cultural layer is very fragmentary or not preserved.
Pharmacokinetic and metabolism study of ginsenoside Rb2 in rat by liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Wan , Ha Li , Li Xinyuan , Zheng Weiwan , Yang Encheng
Published: June 2021

In this study, a simple and rapid ultra‐fast liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was established and validated to determine ginsenosides Rb2 in rat plasma. Acetonitrile‐mediated protein precipitant was applied to the sample preparation. Chromatographic separation was carried out on an Acquity UPLC HSS T3 column (100 × 2.1 mm, 1.8 μm). The analytes were monitored using multiple reactions monitoring mode with precursor‐to‐product ion transitions at m/z 1077.4–945.3 and m/z 799.8 → 637.8 for ginsenoside Rb2 and internal standard, respectively. The mobile phase was composed of 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution and acetonitrile. The assay showed excellent linearity over the concentration range of 2–1,000 ng/ml, with correlation coefficient >0.995. The method was further validated for selectivity, precision, accuracy, recovery, and stability according to the US Food and Drug Administration guidelines. The validated method was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic and bioavailability studies of ginsenoside Rb2 in rat plasma. Based on the pharmacokinetic results, ginsenoside Rb2 showed slow clearance and low oral bioavailability (0.15%). In addition, the metabolites of ginsenoside Rb2 in rat urine and feces were characterized according to their accurate masses and fragment ions. The proposed metabolic pathway was deglycosylation.
Crizotinib‐associated renal cyst development may be associated with prolonged progression‐free survival in patients with ALK‐positive non‐small‐cell lung cancer: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Wiest Nathaniel E. , Tzou Katherine S. , Olson Matthew T. , Herchko Steven M. , Bajalia Essa M. , Thiel David D. , Lou Yanyan , Zhao Yujie , Manochakian Rami
Published: June 2021

Non‐small cell lung cancer patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase or c‐ros oncogene 1 mutations who are treated with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor crizotinib rarely develop crizotinib‐associated renal cysts (CARCs). Here, we present a case report and review of the literature supporting the hypothesis that CARCs may correlate positively with progression‐free survival.
A gelatinous veil inside the abdomen of a pancreatic cancer patient. What lies beneath it?
Authors: Vailas Michail , Benetatos Nikolaos , Maroulis Ioannis , Kaplanis Charalampos , Drakos Nikolaos , Mulita Francesk , Sotiropoulou Maria , Germanos Stylianos
Published: June 2021

Chylous ascites following pancreatic surgery results from surgical damage to the cisterna chyli or tributaries, with an incidence in pancreatic surgery of 1.8%‐11%. Usually, conservative treatment is effective.
Successful management of fetal atrial flutter at term pregnancy with postnatal electrocardioversion
Authors: Igbokwe Nnadozie , Ibrahim Aisha F. , Mutalab Samy , Cleland Oonagh
Published: June 2021

Fetal atrial flutter is a lethal tachyarrhythmia with a 10% mortality rate. Diagnosis is made with echocardiography, and management should be multidisciplinary with obstetricians, fetal cardiologists, and specialist neonatologists.
Assessment of Drugs Approved by Public Knowledge‐Based Applications (Kouchi‐shinsei) During the Last Two Decades in Japan
Authors: Maeda Hideki , Fukuda Yuka , Uchida Marika
Published: June 2021

Public knowledge‐based application (“Kouchi‐shinsei” in Japanese) is unique to Japan, implemented to eliminate the off‐label use of unapproved indications, dosages, and administrations because of drug lag. The guidance for public knowledge‐based application was issued in 1999. This study comprehensively investigated the trends of items approved by public knowledge‐based application in Japan during the last 2 decades. Prescription drugs approved from January 2000 to December 2019 were surveyed. In Japan, 1,855 drugs were approved within the target survey period. Among them, 219 (11.8%) were approved by public knowledge‐based application. Considering the changes in the number of items approved by public knowledge‐based application over the years, the number of items approved in 2000 was 7, reaching a maximum of 34 items in 2011, and decreased after that, 8 items were approved in 2019. The regulatory characteristics of drugs approved by public knowledge‐based application and those of other drugs were compared. By public knowledge‐based application, more anticancer and pediatric drugs were approved (P < 0.001), and only one drug for orphan diseases was approved (P < 0.001). In addition, the review time of public knowledge‐based applications was significantly shorter than that of normal applications regardless of time point. The approval system using public knowledge‐based application began in 2000, following issuance of the “Guidance for off‐label use of prescription drugs.” Furthermore, the approved items were mostly drugs for cancer, infectious diseases, and pediatric drugs. We anticipate the promotion of public knowledge‐based application to accommodate the approval of drugs for orphan diseases.
Computational systems‐biology approaches for modeling gene networks driving epithelial–mesenchymal transitions
Authors: Katebi Ataur , Ramirez Daniel , Lu Mingyang
Published: June 2021

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important biological process through which epithelial cells undergo phenotypic transitions to mesenchymal cells by losing cell–cell adhesion and gaining migratory properties that cells use in embryogenesis, wound healing, and cancer metastasis. An important research topic is to identify the underlying gene regulatory networks (GRNs) governing the decision making of EMT and develop predictive models based on the GRNs. The advent of recent genomic technology, such as single‐cell RNA sequencing, has opened new opportunities to improve our understanding about the dynamical controls of EMT. In this article, we review three major types of computational and mathematical approaches and methods for inferring and modeling GRNs driving EMT. We emphasize (1) the bottom‐up approaches, where GRNs are constructed through literature search; (2) the top‐down approaches, where GRNs are derived from genome‐wide sequencing data; (3) the combined top‐down and bottom‐up approaches, where EMT GRNs are constructed and simulated by integrating bioinformatics and mathematical modeling. We discuss the methodologies and applications of each approach and the available resources for these studies.
Humus microhabitat affects distributions of soil fungi and bacteria in a temperate mountain forest
Authors: Wang Nan , Fu Qiang , Zhou Ziyu , Shao Yizhen , Wang Jing , Li Wang , Ye Yongzhong , Chen Yun , Yuan Zhiliang
Published: June 2021

Humus layer has an important effect on the diversity and spatial distribution of microbes. However, the role of partitioning of humus layer microhabitats for soil microbial diversity has been poorly documented. In this study, 120 soil samples were collected from a 5‐ha forest dynamic monitoring sample plot in a deciduous broad‐leaved forest. Clustering analysis was used to delineate microhabitats by humus layer. We explored diversity and community composition of soil fungi and bacteria using Illumina sequencing of the ITS rRNA gene and 16S rRNA gene region on the MiSeq platform. We investigated the diversity, species composition, and the microhabitat preferences of fungi and bacteria and then analyzed the effects of environmental factors on soil fungi and bacteria. Our results showed that the diversity, species composition, and the indicator species of the fungal and bacterial community varied among different humus layer microhabitats. In network analysis, the specialization indexes showed that 16.20%/22.30% of the fungal/bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) had the characteristics of distribution specialization for humus layer microhabitats. Mantel test showed that the main environmental drivers of fungi and bacteria were not consistent among the four microhabitats. Our findings indicated that the distribution of soil microbes among humus layer microhabitats is not random, but specialized. We furthermore found that there were differences in the relationship between soil microbes and environment among microhabitats defined by humus layer. Together, these findings suggest the importance of partitioning of humus layer microhabitats in maintaining local diversity in a soil microbial community.
Aerobic exercise, cardiorespiratory fitness, and the human hippocampus
Authors: Aghjayan Sarah L. , Lesnovskaya Alina , Esteban‐Cornejo Irene , Peven Jamie C. , Stillman Chelsea M. , Erickson Kirk I.
Published: June 2021

The hippocampus is particularly susceptible to neurodegeneration. Physical activity, specifically increasing cardiorespiratory fitness via aerobic exercise, shows promise as a potential method for mitigating hippocampal decline in humans. Numerous studies have now investigated associations between the structure and function of the hippocampus and engagement in physical activity. Still, there remains continued debate and confusion about the relationship between physical activity and the human hippocampus. In this review, we describe the current state of the physical activity and exercise literature as it pertains to the structure and function of the human hippocampus, focusing on four magnetic resonance imaging measures: volume, diffusion tensor imaging, resting‐state functional connectivity, and perfusion. We conclude that, despite significant heterogeneity in study methods, populations of interest, and scope, there are consistent positive findings, suggesting a promising role for physical activity in promoting hippocampal structure and function throughout the lifespan.
Mantle cell lymphoma—Advances in molecular biology, prognostication and treatment approaches
Authors: Silkenstedt Elisabeth , Dreyling Martin
Published: June 2021

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is clinically characterized by its heterogenous behavior with courses ranging from indolent cases that do not require therapy for years to highly aggressive MCL with very limited prognosis. A better understanding of the complex biology of MCL has already led to the approval of several innovative agents, expanding the landscape of MCL therapies and improving therapeutic options especially for refractory or relapsed disease. Nevertheless, to further optimize MCL treatment, early identification of individual risk profile and risk‐adapted, patient‐tailored choice of therapeutic strategy needs to be prospectively incorporated in clinical patient management. This review highlights recent advances in deciphering the molecular background of MCL, the definition of prognostically relevant factors and the identification of potential druggable targets and summarizes current treatment recommendations for primary and relapsed/refractory MCL including novel targeted therapies.