bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selected Issues of Increasing the Fire Effectiveness of Combat Vehicles
Authors: Bazela Rafał
Published: October 2020

The research paper reviews selected issues associated with the current state of the armoured (tanks) and infantry fighting vehicle technology, with particular emphasis on the operating effectiveness of elongated sub-calibre projectiles fired from tank guns, which enable full perforation of ca. 500 mm thick armour steel plates. Their efficiency is comparable with the impact of shaped heads with armour steel penetration capabilities, and amounts from 6 to 8 calibres – warhead diameters. Furthermore, the paper discusses a numerical analysis, which shows the velocities of elongated projectiles (of tungsten matrix sinters) required to achieve a determined armour steel penetration depth. In addition, it also presents the performance characteristics of two 100 mm calibre shaped warheads, with copper inserts and apex angles of 51º and 60º.
The influence of high and low doses of acrylamide on porcine erythropoiesis
Authors: Snarska Anna , Palus Katarzyna , Wysocka Dominika , Rytel Liliana
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Due to the widespread occurrence of acrylamide in the environment, its likely carcinogen status, and the suitability of the pig model as a human analogue, the authors decided to evaluate the impact of high and low doses of this compound on the processes of erythropoiesis in swine bone marrow.

Material and Methods

The experiment was carried out on Danish Landrace pigs at the age of eight weeks and body weight about 20 kg. The animals were divided into three equal groups consisting of five pigs in each. Control animals received empty gelatin capsules (placebos). Animals from the first experimental group received a low dose of acrylamide of 0.5 μg/kg b.w./day (> 99% purity; Sigma-Aldrich, Poland), and animals from the second experimental group received a dose 10 times higher. Placebos and acrylamide capsules were administered with feed every morning for 28 days. After anaesthetisation of the animals, bone marrow from the femur was collected into tubes without an anticoagulant on days 0 and 28. After drying and staining, bone marrow smears were subjected to detailed cytological evaluation using a light microscope.

Results

This study showed that high and low doses of acrylamide affected the process of porcine erythropoiesis. The cytotoxic effect of acrylamide on this process was demonstrated in a change of the polychromatic erythroblasts/normochromatic erythroblasts ratio.

Conclusion

Both doses of acrylamide caused a decrease in the number of ortho- and polychromatic erythroblasts.
Die Semantik von ‚Heimat‘ in Zeitschriften/Literatur des späten 19. Jahrhunderts
Authors: Pethes Nicolas
Published: October 2020

Der Beitrag fragt, auf welche Weise das Konzept von ‚Heimat‘ in der zweiten Hälfte des 19. Jahrhunderts im zeitgenössischen Massenmedium der Zeitschrift etabliert und ausgestaltet wird. Im Rahmen des universellen Anspruchs von Rundschau- und Familienblättern kann der lokal fokussierte Heimatdiskurs als zentrierendes Element für die Miszellaneität periodischer Formate identifiziert werden. Er erlaubt es auf diese Weise auch, nach der Funktion der in diesen Zeitschriften veröffentlichten literarischen Texte zu fragen. Ein Vergleich von Adalbert Stifters kanonisierten Nachkommenschaften mit der heute vergessenen Erzählung Der Schütz’ von der Pertisau von Herman Schmid, dem Herausgeber des Heimgarten, zeigt dabei, dass ‚Heimat‘ nicht nur auf geographische und kulturelle, sondern auch auf genealogische Komplexe bezogen wird und der zugehörige Diskurs in Gestalt von Stifters Kontrafaktur des Szenarios bei Schütz auch auf ironische Zuspitzungen hinauslaufen kann – eine Tendenz, die sich allerdings nur erschließt, wenn man Literatur im Kontext ihres Erstpublikationsorts wiederliest.
Wahrnehmungshygiene und Baumpuderrausch. Kleine amazonische Sinneslehre (Lévi-Strauss, Restany, Viveiros de Castro, Kohn, Oloixarac)
Authors: Heyne Elisabeth
Published: October 2020

Der amazonische Regenwald gilt traditionell als Heimat von Sinnestäuschungen. Als das radikal Fremde hält er die selten gewordene Erfahrung bereit, sich als Mensch angesichts einer Fülle von ‚Umwelt‘ in der Unterzahl zu fühlen. Der Beitrag untersucht vor diesem Hintergrund zwei Paradigmen amazonischer Wahrnehmungslehren. Dient er im 20. Jahrhundert als Erfahrungsort für einen letzten Rest „integraler Natürlichkeit“ (Pierre Restany) und bietet eine im Verschwinden begriffene Heimat für den „chronisch heimatlosen“ Europäer (Lévi-Strauss, Frans Krajcberg), scheint er dagegen im 21. Jahrhundert die dringend benötigten Wahrnehmungsmodi für die Verstrickungen zwischen Mensch, Umwelt, Tier, Pflanze und Technik im Anthropozän zu liefern (Eduardo Kohn, Eduardo Viveiros de Castro). Anhand des Romans Constelaciones oscuras (2015; dt. Kryptozän, 2016) der argentinischen Autorin Pola Oloixarac lassen sich die verschiedenen Funktionalisierungen und Imaginationen des Amazonaswaldes als Wahrnehmungsschule nachvollziehen. Zugleich ist der literarische Text mehr als nur fiktionale Verhandlung divergenter Amazonasreferenzen: Er greift indigene Perspektivverschiebungen auf, verkehrt Positiv- in Negativformen und denkt zu Ende, was aktuelle Amazonasethnographien mit Begriffen von Multinaturalismus, Schamanismus und Perspektivismus entwerfen. Da er nicht davor zurückschreckt, die letzte Konsequenz einer „anthropology beyond the human“ zu ziehen, den Menschen als fremdgesteuerten Wirt einer symbiotischen Verbindung zu betrachten, lässt sich an ihm eine Wahrnehmungslehre für die Verstrickungen des Anthropozäns ableiten.
Development and quality assessment of honey nut drink
Authors: Saeid Abu , Rahman Md. Atikur , Utsob Md. Rohit Hasan , Hosen Md. Uzzal , Islam Md. Morshedul , Islam Md. Saiful , Halder Bishwajit
Published: October 2020

The objective of this study was to standardize the formulation of honey nut drink, to assess the quality parameters like pH, brix, acidity, brix acid ratio and sensory characteristics of formulated honey nut drink under 12 days of storage at ambient temperature (32±2°C). The pH values varied from 3.5 to 3.9 during storage. The brix found in three different products ranged from 7 to 13%. The acidity possesses during the entire storage period between 0.16 to 0.32%. The brix acid ratio higher found in product 2 (59.99) and lower in product 3 (35.0) under storage. The sensory profile of three different formulation was evaluated in terms of color, flavor, taste and overall acceptability. Among the three-products formulation product 1 retained better quality followed by product 3 and product 2 considering pH, brix and acidity percentage although after increasing time of storage their value also increased. The sensory profile of product 3 found in much better score followed by the product 1 and product 2 which are significantly different (p≤0.05). In conclusion, both formulation of product 1 and product 3 could be produced in commercial purpose.
Success of teamwork: diagnosis and personalized treatment of advanced rectal carcinoma - case presentation
Authors: Zoltán Fülöp Zsolt , Tivadar Bara , Kálmán Sárdi , Patricia Simu , Emőke Drágus , Linda Fülöp Réka , János Jung
Published: October 2020

Background

Finding the appropriate treatment for advanced rectal cancer patients represents a challenge for surgeons. Determining the right diagnosis and the proper treatment requires multidisciplinary collaboration. Our aim is to present a case with advanced stage rectum cancer, who received successful multidisciplinary treatment.

Material and method

A prospective multidisciplinary research is being conducted at our Department from 2018 within which patients with malignant rectal cancer are examined. Patients’ treatment is realized by the same multidisciplinary team. The patient’s preoperative investigations included MRI and a lymph node map designated by radiologists.

Results

In case of a 60-year-old patient the preoperative MRI showed a stenotic formation in the middle level of the rectum that penetrated the seminal vesicle. During surgery, we found a 10x10 cm stenotic, perforated rectal cancer, which penetrated the bladder, seminal vesicle, prostate and sacrum, respectively a metastatic lesion in the livers 8th segment. During surgery R2 recto-sigmoid resection was performed with colostomy. The patient was mobilized on the first postoperative day and bowel movements were regained on the second day. The patient left the hospital on the eighth postoperative day.

Conclusions

Adequate treatment of patients with advanced rectal cancer can be achieved only through multidisciplinary co-operation. Preoperative radiological examinations are mandatory. A map representing the positive colorectal lymph nodes, implemented by the radiologists, can significantly help the surgeons and pathologists.
Genomics and informatics The story of a „love marriage”
Authors: András Falus
Published: October 2020

The rapid development of molecular biology over the past seventy years led to the molecular understanding of the structure and function of hereditary material in the living world. Through the processing of the gigantic amount of data obtained as a result of technological advances and the exploration of different mechanisms of action, information technology has become an indispensable part of genomic research. This article addresses the background of the genomic and bioinformatics revolution, its application areas, and the perspective of personalized medicine.
The morphological response of the heart and spleen following acute myocardial infarction-induced sterile inflammation: a clinicopathological study
Authors: Iuliu Harsa Mihai , Nándor Bányai-Kovács , Emőke Horváth
Published: October 2020

Introduction

as an outcome of sterile inflammation-inducing acute ischemic processes, many splenic cells enter the circulatory system and migrate into the lesion, defending tissues against the spread of ischemia or enhancing necrosis.

Objective

investigating the therapeutic effect of splenic morphological response to sterile inflammation-inducing myocardial infarction.

Material and method

We examined the weight and structure of the heart and spleen of 106 patients deceased due to acute myocardial infarction. These data were correlated with demographic (personal) and epidemiological data, and disease history. After morphological investigation of archived myocardial and splenic tissue samples, the acute ischemia-induced structural alterations of splenic samples were quantified using a digital morphometric method. Results were evaluated in comparison to the myocardial ischemia coefficient. Changes in distribution of ischemia-induced cell types were characterized by defining the immunological phenotypes of macrophages (M1 vs. M2). Spleen samples from patients without history of ischemia were used as controls.

Results

The modification of the spleen weight was associated with an increase in peripheral blood leucocyte levels. Our morphological analysis proved a positive correlation between the ischemia coefficient and the decrease of spleen weight. Structural analysis of splenic tissue revealed the collapse of red pulp sinusoids, a significant size decrease of the white pulp marginal zone (p<0.05), and depleted follicles with irregular margins without any distinct germinative centers. Concurrently, with the proliferation of granulocytes, the increase of M1 macrophages was observed in the myocardium, and a higher M1/M2 ratio was detected in the marginal zone of splenic follicles.

Conclusion

On the background of acute ischemia, time critically determines the dynamic structural changes of the spleen. Along with reducing the marginal zone, immunomodulation targeting its cellular composition will be a putative therapeutic approach in the future.
Formulation and study of nebivolol containing orodispersable tablets
Authors: Emőke Rédai , Csilla Péter , Béla Kovács , Adriana Ciurba , Nicoleta Todoran , Paula Antonoaeae , Robert-Alexandru Vlad , Emese Sipos
Published: October 2020

In case of chronic diseases patient compliance to long-term treatment is of utmost importance. Patient compliance is generally higher for pharmaceutical forms dispersing in the oral cavity. One classic example for long-term therapy is hypertension. The aim of this study is to obtain nebivolol hydrochloride containing orally disintegrating tablets. As manufacturing technology, direct compression was chosen and rapid disintegration was aimed to be achieved using superdisintegrants. Various formulae have been developed, containing Kollidon and Polyplasdone in different concentrations, and the obtained dry powder mixtures were studied for their rheological properties. Afterwards these mixtures were compressed to obtain tablets. Active ingredient was embedded in the formulations with the shortest disintegration times (15 and 18 seconds) and the obtained tablets were studied for disintegration time, mechanical resistance, drug content and dissolution. Our results show that the pharmaceutical formulations containing Kollidon CL 5% or Polyplasdone XL 3% fulfill the requirements of orally disintegrating tablets, having a disintegration time under 3 minutes, proper mechanical resistance (greater than 80N) and the dissolution of the active ingredient is greater than 80% in 30 minutes.
The influence of genetic variability in IL1B and MIR146A on the risk of pleural plaques and malignant mesothelioma
Authors: Piber Petra , Vavpetic Neza , Goricar Katja , Dolzan Vita , Kovac Viljem , Franko Alenka
Published: October 2020

Background

Asbestos exposure is associated with the development of pleural plaques as well as malignant mesothelioma (MM). Asbestos fibres activate macrophages, leading to the release of inflammatory mediators including interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β). The expression of IL-1β may be influenced by genetic variability of IL1B gene or regulatory microRNAs (miRNAs). This study investigated the effect of polymorphisms in IL1B and MIR146A genes on the risk of developing pleural plaques and MM.

Subjects and methods

In total, 394 patients with pleural plaques, 277 patients with MM, and 175 healthy control subjects were genotyped for IL1B and MIR146A polymorphisms. Logistic regression was used in statistical analysis.

Results

We found no association between MIR146A and IL1B genotypes, and the risk of pleural plaques. MIR146A rs2910164 was significantly associated with a decreased risk of MM (OR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.13–0.73, p = 0.008). Carriers of two polymorphic alleles had a lower risk of developing MM, even after adjustment for gender and age (OR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.14–0.85, p = 0.020). Among patients with known asbestos exposure, carriers of at least one polymorphic IL1B rs1143623 allele also had a lower risk of MM in multivariable analysis (OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.28–0.92, p = 0.025). The interaction between IL1B rs1143623 and IL1B rs1071676 was significantly associated with an increased risk of MM (p = 0.050).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that genetic variability of inflammatory mediator IL-1β could contribute to the risk of developing MM, but not pleural plaques.
Treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma in children and adolescent from four low health expenditures average rates countries
Authors: Mazic Maja Cesen , Bonevski Aleksandra , Mikeskova Martina , Mihut Emilia , Bisogno Gianni , Jazbec Janez
Published: October 2020

Background

Survival of children with cancer in Eastern and Central Europe is 10–20% lower than in high income European countries. We evaluated outcome of children and adolescents with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) in Slovenia, Croatia, Slovakia and in Romania.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively analysed event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) for all patients treated in Slovenia and Croatia. Slovakia included patients from two centers, representing half of expected cases. Romania included patients from single institution, representing only 10% of expected patients. Joint database for analysis was established.

Results

One hundred seventy-eight children and adolescent with RMS diagnosed from January 2000 to December 2015 were included. Mean patient age at diagnosis was 7.7 years, one third was older than 10 years. Twenty-five percent had alveolar histology and 72% unfavorable location. Higher than expected proportion of patients had nodal involvement (24%) or metastatic disease (27%). All patients received systemic chemotherapy, 57% had radiotherapy and 63% surgery as local control. Kaplan- Meier estimates for 5-year EFS and OS were 50.7% and 59.6%, respectively. Five-year OS for patients with localised disease was 72% compared to 24% for metastatic disease.

Conclusions

Children with RMS treated in Eastern and Central Europe have inferior outcome compared to their counterparts treated in high income European countries. Active participation of low health expenditures average rates (LHEAR) countries in international clinical trials may improve outcome of paediatric oncology patients.
Association between serum interleukin (IL)-12 level and severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Authors: Darmadi Darmadi , Ruslie Riska Habriel
Published: October 2020

What is new? Serum IL-12 level is associated with NAFLD severity. Elevation in serum IL-12 level is in line with more severe NAFLD based on BARD score and NAFLD fibrosis score. Positive correlation is observed between serum IL-12 level and BARD score.

Introduction. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common liver diseases worldwide. Lipid accumulation in the liver triggers inflammation and leads to NAFLD. Prolonged inflammation will worsen the disease progression. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-12, plays a role in the inflammatory process. This study aimed to determine the association between IL-12 and NAFLD severity.

Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and July 2019 in Haji Adam Malik Hospital Medan, Indonesia. Subjects were patients aged 18 years or older diagnosed with NAFLD based on ultrasound. Exclusion criteria were excessive alcohol consumption, other primary liver diseases, malignancies, and cardio-metabolic disturbances. Serum IL-12 level was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The severity of NAFLD was assessed using the BARD score and NAFLD fibrosis score.

Results. A total of 100 subjects were enrolled with male predominant. The mean age of subjects was 54.97 ± 8.85 years, and the most frequent comorbidity was obesity. Most subjects had mild to moderate disease progression. Serum IL-12 level was higher in more severe NAFLD based on ultrasound grading (P < 0.001), BARD score (P = 0.003), and NAFLD fibrosis score (P = 0.005). A positive correlation was observed between serum IL-12 level and BARD score (P < 0.001) with sufficient accuracy (AUC = 0.691, P = 0.014).

Conclusion. Serum IL-12 level was associated with the severity of NAFLD. Higher serum IL-12 level was observed in more severe NAFLD progression.
Laboratory Test Methods for Assessing the Abrasivity of Rocks and Soils in Geotechnology and Mining Applications
Authors: Janc B. , Jovičić V. , Vukelić Ž.
Published: October 2020

In geotechnology and mining, tools and equipment interact with aggressive geological material, causing the wear of these components. For this reason, it is important to determine the rate of abrasivity of individual geological materials, depending on the type of interaction with the tool. Various abrasivity tests have been developed in laboratories. Some of them are general, while others are special. What they all have in common is that they attempt to determine the abrasivity of rocks or soils in relation to the wear of the test specimens. This article gives an overview of the laboratory test methods for assessing the abrasivity of geological materials, which are useful in the field of geotechnology and mining engineering. General and special abrasivity tests are presented in detail. The aim of the article is to present existing laboratory tests to assess the abrasivity of rocks and soils, based on which further investigations of wear can be considered as part of a comprehensive approach to this tribological problem. Understanding of the wear mechanisms is the basis for the development of wear-resistant tools and models for predicting the tool life.
Peripheral Nerve Block Versus Spinal Anesthesia for Total Knee Replacement in Elderly Patients
Authors: Vukotic Milovan , Vukotic Aleksandra , Bascarevic Zoran , Videnovic Nebojsa
Published: October 2020

Spinal anesthesia and peripheral nerve block anesthesia are used in total knee replacement. The aim of the study was to examine whether peripheral nerve block anesthesia would provide a more stable hemodynamic profile and analgesic effect in elderly patients undergoing total knee replacement, as compared to spinal anesthesia. This is a single-center case-control trial, with patients from our prospectively followed registry. The patients were divided into two groups, those with peripheral nerve block anesthesia and spinal anesthesia. Propensity score analysis was performed in 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome was analgesia with total analgesic effect and the secondary outcome was intraoperative hemodynamic status. The patients in peripheral nerve block anesthesia group had a longer length of analgesia (606.19±219.35 vs 359.48±106.82, P<0.01) and pain scores during 24h and 48h after the surgery were lower in the same group of patients (3.21±1.74 vs 5.02±2.23, P=0.037; 3.03±1.57 vs 5.67±2.51, P=0.028). Spinal anesthesia group had a larger number of patients with significant hypotension (3.84% vs 15.38%, P=0.01), as well as a larger number of patients who received vasopressors (0% vs 9.61%, P<0.01). Both anesthesia methods demonstrated sufficient analgesic efficacy in total knee replacement, although there was less pain severity and longer analgesic effect of peripheral nerve block anesthesia in patients who were 60 years old or older. Spinal anesthesia showed a significantly higher degree of hypotension than in those patients receivingperipheral nerve block anesthesia.
Sterility Testing of Platelets Concentrate Within Quality Control: Experiences and Opportunities to Extend the Application
Authors: Gojkov Dragana , Borovcanin Nemanja , Vucetic Dusan
Published: October 2020

Despite numerous measures, bacterial sepsis associated with the transfusion remains a major threat. The incidence of septic events induced by platelets transfusion is approximately 10 times higher than with transfused red blood cells due to their storage temperature. This caused new Standard that implements the methods for the detection and reduction of bacteria in the platelet concentrates (PC). The aim is to consider the possibility of wider application of this tests in order to extend the shelf-life of PC. Sterility testing of PC is done once or twice per month using BacT/Alert BPA and BacT/Alert BPN bottles. If positive, all products from the initial unit were tested to confirm or deny the status. During six years period, 67236 PC units were made and 872 of them were tested. Only two were found initially positive. After testing the other products from the same initial unit, results were negative so, final results proclaimed false positive. Pretransfusion bacterial detection is an important potential method for reducing the risk of bacteriemia and transfusion-associated septic reactions. In addition to routine measures, Mirasol PRT pathogen inactivation system, could be included. This allows certain amount of PC to be inactivated during the first 32 hours. Untreated PC units would be stored in standard conditions and for given time (three days) potentially present bacteria would reach a detectable level. This way the quantity of samples for sterility testing could be reduced, taking only 2 ml of each of four units of PC. Samples would be planted at the same vial-aerobic bottle, which would also, double the capacity in BacT/Alert 3D automated system.
Screening strategy modification based on personalized breast cancer risk stratification and its implementation in the national guidelines – pilot study
Authors: Krajc Mateja , Gareth Evans D , Blatnik Ana , Lokar Katarina , Žagar Tina , Tomšič Sonja , Žgajnar Janez , Zadnik Vesna
Published: October 2020

Background

One of the most consistent models for estimating personalized breast cancer (BC) risk is the Tyrer-Cuzick algorithm that is incorporated into the International Breast Cancer Intervention Study (IBIS) software. Our main objective was to provide criteria for the classification of the Slovenian population, which has BC incidence below the European average, into risk groups, and to evaluate the integration of the criteria in Slovenian guidelines. Our main focus was on women age <50 with higher BC risk, since no organized BC screening is available for these women.

Methods

Slovenian age-specific BC risks were incorporated into IBIS software and threshold values of risk categories were determined. Risk categories were assigned according to the individual’s ten-year risk for women aged 40 and older, and lifetime risk for women between 20 and 39. To test the software, we compared screening strategies with the use vs. no use of IBIS.

Results

Of the 197 women included in the study IBIS assigned 75.1% to the BC risk group, and the rest to the moderately increased risk. Without IBIS 80 women were offered mammographic and 33 ultrasound screening. In contrast, 28 instead of 80 would have been offered mammographic screening and there would have been no referrals for ultrasound if IBIS had been used.

Conclusions

The Slovenian IBIS has been developed, tested and suggested for personalized breast cancer risk assessment. The implementation of the software with the consideration of Slovenian risk thresholds enables a more accurate and nationally unified assessment.
Measles outbreak in a Roma community in the Eastern region of Slovakia, May to October 2018
Authors: Hudečková Henrieta , Stašková Janka , Mikas Ján , Mečochová Adriana , Staroňová Edita , Polčičová Alexandra , Baška Tibor , Novák Martin , Malinovská Nora , Zibolenová Jana , Švihrová Viera , Nováková Elena , Štefkovičová Mária
Published: October 2020

Background

Despite the effective National Immunization Programme of Slovakia, some population groups are incompletely vaccinated or unvaccinated. We aimed to describe the measles outbreak spread in Eastern Slovakia between May and October 2018, affecting the Roma communities in relation to the existing immunity gaps.

Methods

We defined a group of persons living in socially closed communities with low vaccination coverage.

Results

Of 439 measles cases (median age: 10 years), 264 (60.1%) were vaccinated, 137 (31.2%) received two doses and 127 (28.9%) one dose of measles vaccines, 155 (35.3%) were unvaccinated and 20 (4.6%) had an unknown vaccination status. Samples from 102 patients (with two-dose vaccination status) were additionally tested for antibodies against rubella and mumps. Of 102 cases, 68 (66.7%) cases had a positive IgM and 23 (22.5 %) IgG antibodies against measles. For rubella, only 20 (19.6%) cases had seropositive IgG levels, for mumps higher positivity was detected in 60 persons (58.8%). We could detect only a small percentage with positive serology results of rubella IgG antibodies across all age groups. We have assumed that rubella antibodies had to be produced following the vaccination. Their absence in the cases with two doses of MMR suggests that these vaccines could not have been administrated despite the fact that this data was included in the medical records. Sequential analysis of two samples showed measles genotype B3.

Conclusion

This outbreak can outline the existence of a vulnerable group of the Roma. Low vaccinate coverage represents a serious public health threat.
Training family doctors and primary care nurses in evidence-based prevention, screening and management of cardiovascular risks in Western Ukraine: A longitudinal study
Authors: Shushman Ivanna , Kolesnyk Pavlo , Schonmann Yochai , Harris Michael , Frese Thomas
Published: October 2020

Introduction

The Ukrainian primary healthcare programme of preventive and screening recommendations has not been evidence-based. The traditional system of continuous medical education in Ukraine places participants in the role of passive listeners. This study explored the effects of an interactive training course on evidence-based prevention and screening of cardiovascular risks, on changes in Ukrainian family doctors’ (FDs) and primary care nurses’ (PCNs) knowledge and readiness to change practice over time.

Methods

Three hundred and seven FDs and PCNs participated in the study. Changes in participants’ knowledge were assessed with 20 multiple choice questions, and their readiness to change practice with a five-item questionnaire. These were administered before, immediately after, three and twelve months after training.

Results

The mean pre-course knowledge score was 6.1 (SD 1.8) out of 20, increasing to 14.9 (SD 2.3) immediately afterwards (p<0.001). Three months later it was 10.2 (SD 3.2) and at one year it was 10.4 (SD 3.3), both of which were significantly higher than the pre-training level (p<0.005). The percentage of participants that were highly motivated to change their practice increased from 18.4% before the training to 62.3% immediately afterwards (p<0.001). Three months later, this fell to 40.4%. At 12 months it further reduced to 27.4%, but was still significantly higher than the baseline level (p<0.001).

Conclusions

The interactive training was effective in increasing both participants’ knowledge and their readiness to change their clinical practice. The impact of the training diminished over time, but was still evident a year later.
Medical and pedagogical training of population for actions in emergency situations
Authors: Chvyakin Vladimir Alekseevich
Published: October 2020

The subject of this research is the system of measures for scientific substantiation of medical and pedagogical training of population for actions in emergency situations. The author examines such aspects of the topic as the scientific substantiation of measures of medical and pedagogical training of population aimed at the development of rational behavior in emergency situations. Attention is focused on the need for elaboration of questions for ensuring active and appropriate behavior of people affected in order to preserve their own lives and health. Readiness of the person depends on their ability to prepare for rational actions under the aggravated external circumstances. Research methodology leans on the determination theory of medicine, which serves as a platform for studying multiple vectors of emergency medicine. The scientific novelty of this work consists in substantiation of the medical-pedagogical approach as the basis of a complex of preventive measures for increasing capacity of life support in the context of factors of extreme determination. Such training is complies with methodology of rendering medical assistance to the population in the conditions of emergency situations; and is a part of such measures as conduct of special tactical trainings (preparation of equipment and gear; simulation of the flow of suffered and injured, skill training on rendering aid; examination of reliability of the shelter, effective interaction with different services, etc).
Research of the possibility of application of the means of efficient client data management in a credit organization for the purpose of fulfilling regulatory requirements
Authors: Bashkova Elizaveta Pavlovna , Dzengelevskii Andrei Evgen'evich
Published: October 2020

This article is dedicated to the problem of effective use by credit organization of the own client data due to their heterogeneity. The object of this research is the client data of a credit organization. The subject is the possibility of application of the means of efficient client data management in a credit organization for the purpose of fulfilling regulatory requirements  The main goal of this work consists in the analysis and formulation of recommendations with regards to modification of client data model, as well as improvement of quality of client data by means of data management based on the DAMA-DMBOK body of knowledge in the context of the key areas of data management. The article reviews the key areas of data management and the methods of application of rules and recommendations of each of them to the data management process of the credit organization. The relevance of this article is substantiated by legislative requirements pertaining to monitoring of services provided for private and legal entities from the sanctioned territory. The scientific novelty consists in application of data management knowledge to the relevant issue on the need for automatic determination of territorial affiliation of the client in order to comply with the requirements of normative legal acts. The research methods are content analysis, structural analysis, and modeling. The main conclusions consist in recommendations for modification client data model of the bank, namely methods and principles for expanding the data model using standardized data parameters, which significantly improves the quality of data. The implementation of such recommendations would allow a financial organization to reduce the risks associated with payment of fines and revoke of licenses due to noncompliance with the regulatory requirements.
Evolution of the images of Ob Ugrians in ethnographic illustrated publications of the late XVIII – early XIX centuries
Authors: Galyamov Artur Amirovich
Published: October 2020

The subject of this research is representation of the images of Ob Ugrians in ethnographic illustrated publications of the late XVIII – early XIX centuries. The author examines the works of H. Rotht, J. B. Le Prince, H. G. Geissler as the visual and historical-ethnographic sources. The article touches upon the general historical, artistic and intellectual contexts of the second half of the XVIII – early XIX centuries, reflecting the dominant representations of the contemporaries on life and culture of Ob Ugrians. The approach proposed by Y. Slezkin that allows viewing the Ob Ugrians “with the eyes of Russians” is favored by the author. In analyzing the visual form of works, the author leant on the iconological method. The novelty of this research is defined by the relevance of studying visual representation of Ob Ugrians in the illustrated publications of the late XVIII – early XIX centuries based on the example of gravures by Roth, Le Prince, and Geissler. This topic is yet insufficiently studied from the perspective of existence of the corresponding historical-ethnographic research, as well as analysis of the artistic for of the works. The task for reconstruction of representations of the artists themselves on life and culture of Ob Ugrians is also relevant. These views were formed within the framework of particular theoretical models, concepts, historical-ethnographic ideas of that time, and were a reflection of the dominant aesthetic canons and artistic conventions, which ultimately outlined the general “portrait” of Ob Ugrians.
The formation of worldview of the doctors of traditional medicine in China, Mongolia, and Russia
Authors: Dashieva Subad Bal'zhinimaevna , Rinchinova Oyuuna Sanzhimitupovna , Tsyrenova Nomin' Dondokovna
Published: October 2020

The subject of this research is the current state of the system of traditional medical system in China, Mongolia and Russia. The object of this research is the role of a doctor in development of the traditional medicine (Tibetan) in China, Mongolia and Russia. The authors conduct comparative analysis between the degree of integratedness of the doctor of traditional medicine into the general medical and scientific-educational environment of one or another country, and degree of their demand in practical health care. Special attention is given to the sources of biographical records on the doctors of Tibetan medicine in Old Mongolian and Chinese languages, as well as to the problem of the impact of sociocultural and normative legal environment upon personal becoming of the doctor of traditional medicine. The main conclusions consist in determination of commonality of religious beliefs and the method of acquisition of knowledge on Tibetan medicine in the context of Buddhist philosophy, as well as the fact that traditional Tibetan medicine is interrelated with Buddhism, in which the system of the so-called “direct transfer” of knowledge from the teacher to a student has sacred and fundamental meaning in becoming of the healer monk. The authors' special contribution to the research is defined by introduction into the scientific discourse of previously unpublished records on the doctors of Tibetan medicine in China, Mongolia and Russia. The novelty consists in conducting the analysis of factors that unite the doctors of Tibetan medicine in China, Mongolia and Russia, as well as in reveling the commonality of religious beliefs and method of acquisition of knowledge of Tibetan medicine in the context of Buddhist philosophy.
Precious square footage: housing and living conditions of the employees of the Ural Automotive Plant during the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945)
Authors: P'yankov Stepan Aleksandrovich
Published: October 2020

The subject of this research is the housing and living conditions of the employees of the Ural Automotive Plant named after J. V. Stalin, established during the Great Patriotic War as a result of evacuation of one of the largest enterprises of Soviet automobile industry – Moscow Vehicle Plant named after J. V. Stalin. The article analyzes the process of accommodation of evacuated employees in the Ural rear, as well as describes ways of resolving their housing by the plant. Methodological framework consists of the generally accepted methods of historical science. The descriptive method allowed characterize the living situation of the employees of automotive plant. The historical-genetic method allowed tracing the changes in housing and living conditions of the employees of Ural Automotive Plant during the Great Patriotic War, as well as reconstructing the course of residential construction. The relevance of this work is substantiated by the detailed reconstruction of the mechanisms of functionality of defense economy on the example of a large industrial enterprise. Based on the report documentation and protocols of political party association of the plant, the article demonstrates the process of building factory housing, as well as the course and results of individual residential construction. The article reviews the conditions of living in dormitories. The conducted research explicates that the existing system of government and party administration managed to resolve the problems of evacuation and accommodation of the employees of the vehicle plant; and the active participation of political party association of the factory allowed addressing most urgent issues of the factory employees, and consolidating their efforts for solution of the socially important tasks.
Determining the utility of peer-assisted learning to enhance clinical skills at the bedside in a Postgraduate Homoeopathic Institute
Authors: Jain Bipin Sohanraj
Published: October 2020

Objectives:

Despite considerable clinical material in hospitals, students often cannot hone their bedside skills; these skills need continuous practice and input from teachers and medical officers (MOs). Making such inputs frequently available to students in busy wards and casualties is very demanding. We, therefore, conducted this study to explore the utility of peer-assisted learning (PAL) as an alternative to enhance students’ clinical skills at the bedside in a Postgraduate Homoeopathic Institute. This study was conducted at a 100-bedded Homoeopathic PG institute hospital with a 24-h emergency ward where various clinical conditions and emergency cases are treated. The objectives of the study were to study the role of PAL in enhancing clinical skills in terms of receiving the patient, history taking, clinical examination, and developing collaborative and constructive practices at the bedside and exploring the role of PAL in developing a conducive atmosphere of learning and to enhance sensitivity to peers.

Materials and Methods:

An orientation session and checklist were created after input from MOs and through a pilot study of 25 Part one senior. The students were educated regarding the concept and were asked to take up one case every week to observe and discuss each other’s clinical skills for 12 weeks with the help of a checklist. A retrospective pre-questionnaire was used to analyze the enhancement of clinical bedside skills. The MO analyzed these using the same questionnaire and collectively analyzed student performance at the end of 12 weeks.

Results:

Student responses were evaluated statistically using the Wilcoxon matched pairs signed-rank test (P ≤ 0.05). The results revealed a significant change in history-taking attitude, history-taking skills and knowledge, examination skills, investigation correlations, interpersonal relationships, and learning atmosphere.

Conclusion:

The process of PAL enables student physicians to improve their clinical knowledge, skills, and attitude along with interpersonal relations. This process also enables collaborative and constructive learning and improves students’ sensitivities, allowing them to learn from each other.
Studying the evolution of miasm in autism spectrum disorders: A case series
Authors: Nikumbh Sunita Bhanudas
Published: October 2020

Objectives:

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder, is one of the several developmental disorders observed in children. The current prevalence of ASD among those under 18 years of age is 0.09 and 0.11 in an urban and rural area, respectively. Being a developmental disorder, it starts showing signs in the first 3 years of life and is present for the rest of the individual’s life. Studies have identified genetic predominance and a disturbed mental state in the mother during pregnancy in the genesis of disease. Modern medicinal interventions target only some specific and uncontrolled behaviours in ASD children; hence, the management is focused mainly on self-sustenance with integrated care with the help of ancillary therapies. Homoeopathically, these factors carry considerable importance as they contribute to the fundamental or miasmatic load, based on which the totality is formulated to select homeopathic simillimum. This paper studies the miasm in ASD cases treated in the Child Psychiatry OPD at Dr. M. L. Dhawale Memorial Homoeopathic Institute, Palghar (2015–2018) by studying miasmatic load in detail.

Materials and Methods:

ASD cases diagnosed according to ICD-10 criteria were studied in detail with evolutionary data collected from parents in terms of current complaints and illnesses (past, personal and family) in both families and were analysed for miasmatic load. The fundamental and dominant miasm derived from the disease expressions and history of family illnesses. Homoeopathic simillimum selected based on the predominant miasm/s along with the totality erected as per the available characteristic expressions in the cases.

Results:

Administration of simillimum healed the patient at the constitutional and miasmatic level and resulted insignificant improvement in the characteristic expressions in the patients. Timely identification and intervention yield a quicker response.

Conclusion:

Selecting homoeopathic remedies that cover the miasmatic background yields good results in children with ASD.
Evaluating The Effect of pH of Dentin Bonding Agents on Dentin in Relation to the Push-Out Bond Strength of Composites in Class I Cavities in-vitro
Authors: Sofia Ganai  , S. Vijay Singh  , Saurabh Gupta  , Poonam Bogra
Published: October 2020

INTRODUCTION: Today, the popularity of amalgam as restorative material has decreased due to poor esthetic characteristics and mercury contamination with composite resin materials becoming a choice among the both dentists and patients. AIM: The objective of this in-vitro study was to evaluate the effect of pH of dentin bonding agents (Adper Easy Bond and Xeno V) on dentin in relation to push out bond strength of composite restored with Filtek bulk fill posterior restorative composites.MATERIALS AND METHOD: Sixty caries free human molars with no cracks or previous restorations were used for investigation. Standard box-type Class-I Cavities of 3.5 mm x 3.5 mm and depth of 4 mm were prepared on the occlusal surface of the molars. Teeth were randomly divided into 2 groups namely Group A, Group B of 30 teeth each, according to the dentin adhesives applied i.e Adper Easy bond and Xeno V. Two bonding agents with different pH were selected for the study. One was Adper Easy Bond with Ultra mild pH of 2.7. Other was Xeno V Self etch with strong pH of <1.3. Push-out test was performed by placing specimens within a centralizing ring to ensure a centered application of the load, resting on another ring, with a central hole slightly larger than the restoration diameter. The test was performed with a universal Testing Machine to express bond strength in mega pascals (MPa), load value in Newton (N). After testing the push-out bond strength, the samples were analyzed under a stereomicroscope.RESULTS: Adper Easy bond with an ultra mild pH 2.7 is better as compared to Xeno V Self etch with strong pH of <1.3.The most common mode of failure observed with Adper was mixed fracture and cohesive dentin fracture, while in Xeno V, adhesive failure between resin and dentin and cohesive resin fracture was observed. The mean maximum force was significantly more among Adper compared to Xeno V.CONCLUSION: Comparison of dentin bonding agents in this in vitro study revealed that the push out bond strength of Adper Easy performed better than Xeno V.
Comparison between conventional tube method and gel card technique for blood crossmatching: A study in a tertiary care center of north India
Authors: Ragini Singh  , Prachi Garg  , Anoop Kumar  , Sucheta  , Meenal Babra
Published: October 2020

The cross-matching of blood can be performed by various methods like saline tube method and gel card technique. Saline tube method is most commonly used in blood banks, whereas the latest method used is Gel card technique for cross-matching. Both techniques have their advantages and disadvantages. The main aim of this study was the comparison of gel card and conventional tube test for sensitivity and specificity, time and efficacy. This prospective study was done at the Department of Blood Transfusion, BPS GMC Khanpur Kalan, Sonipat, Haryana. A total of 500 samples collected at the Department of Blood Transfusion, were cross-matched using conventional tube method (spin tube method) with and without using AHG and Gel card Method. 497 (99.4%) samples were compatible, and 3 (0.6%) samples were incompatible with Gel card method, but by test tube method 492 (98.4%) samples were consistent, and 05(1.6%) were false positive (FP). Incompatibility of those 05 samples (FP) disappeared after incubation with AHG reagent at 37°C saline tube method. The sensitivity and specificity of both gel card method and saline tube method with AHG methods is 100% whereas the specificity of saline tube method without AHG is 98.9%. The average time taken by Gel card method was 20-30 minutes for a single compatibility test whereas in conventional spin tube method with the use of AHG (IAT) average time required was 90 minutes and without AHG it was 45-60minutes. The sensitivity and specificity of the spin tube method and the gel card method are comparable to each other. But the gel card method is easy to perform, rapid, reliable procedure and results can be recorded. In contrast, spin saline tube method is more time consuming, and results cannot be preserved. Thus gel card technique can be preferred over the spin tube method.