bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic polymorphism of ADAM17 and decreased bilirubin levels are associated with allergic march in the Korean population
Authors: Jung Jaemee , Hwang Dahyun
Published: February 2022

Background

The “allergic march” refers to changes in the frequency and intensity of allergic diseases with age. Classically, the allergic march begins with atopic dermatitis in infancy and leads to asthma and rhinitis as it continues. There are many factors that induce the allergic march; however, TNF-α may play an important role in inducing inflammation. Therefore, the therapeutic potential of TNF alpha-targeting agents is being considered for allergic march treatment.

Methods

We performed a correlation study to determine whether genetic polymorphisms of ADAM17 and clinical serum values between allergic and normal groups affect disease development by using the cohort data of the Korean genome epidemiologic research project. Gene association study was performed using PLINK version 1.07 (http://pngu.mgh.harvard.edu/–purcell/plink) and other statistical analysis was performed using PASW Statistics (version 18.0, SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL, USA).

Results

ADAM17 (also called TNF-α converting enzyme or TACE) showed a statistically significant association with the allergic march. The 13 and 8 SNPs in ADAM17 were significantly associated with asthma and allergies, respectively. Among them, on average, SNP of rs6432011 showed the greatest statistical correlation with asthma (P = 0.00041, OR = 1.95, 95% CI 1.35–2.82) and allergies (P = 0.02918, OR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.03–1.78). The effect of SNPs in ADAM17 on transcription factor binding was confirmed using RegulomeDB. The six SNPs are located in the genomic expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) region and can affect transcription factor binding and gene expression. In clinical serum analysis, bilirubin levels were significantly decreased in the allergic group. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the low-bilirubin groups indicated a 3.22-fold increase in the prevalence of asthma compared with the high-bilirubin group.

Conclusions

The ADAM17 gene and low bilirubin levels are associated with the allergic march in the Korean population, which can provide new guidelines for managing this disease progression phenomena.
Structural and biological insights into Klebsiella pneumoniae surface polysaccharide degradation by a bacteriophage K1 lyase: implications for clinical use
Authors: Tu I-Fan , Lin Tzu-Lung , Yang Feng-Ling , Lee I-Ming , Tu Wei-Lin , Liao Jiahn-Haur , Ko Tzu-Ping , Wu Wen-Jin , Jan Jia-Tsrong , Ho Meng-Ru , Chou Ching-Yi , Wang Andrew H.-J. , Wu Chung-Yi , Wang Jin-Town , Huang Kai-Fa , Wu Shih-Hsiung
Published: February 2022

Background

K1 capsular polysaccharide (CPS)-associated Klebsiella pneumoniae is the primary cause of pyogenic liver abscesses (PLA) in Asia. Patients with PLA often have serious complications, ultimately leading to a mortality of ~ 5%. This K1 CPS has been reported as a promising target for development of glycoconjugate vaccines against K. pneumoniae infection. The pyruvylation and O-acetylation modifications on the K1 CPS are essential to the immune response induced by the CPS. To date, however, obtaining the fragments of K1 CPS that contain the pyruvylation and O-acetylation for generating glycoconjugate vaccines still remains a challenge.

Methods

We analyzed the digested CPS products with NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry to reveal a bacteriophage-derived polysaccharide depolymerase specific to K1 CPS. The biochemical and biophysical properties of the enzyme were characterized and its crystal structures containing bound CPS products were determined. We also performed site-directed mutagenesis, enzyme kinetic analysis, phage absorption and infectivity studies, and treatment of the K. pneumoniae-infected mice with the wild-type and mutant enzymes.

Results

We found a bacteriophage-derived polysaccharide lyase that depolymerizes the K1 CPS into fragments of 1–3 repeating trisaccharide units with the retention of the pyruvylation and O-acetylation, and thus the important antigenic determinants of intact K1 CPS. We also determined the 1.46-Å-resolution, product-bound crystal structure of the enzyme, revealing two distinct carbohydrate-binding sites in a trimeric β-helix architecture, which provide the first direct evidence for a second, non-catalytic, carbohydrate-binding site in bacteriophage-derived polysaccharide depolymerases. We demonstrate the tight interaction between the pyruvate moiety of K1 CPS and the enzyme in this second carbohydrate-binding site to be crucial to CPS depolymerization of the enzyme as well as phage absorption and infectivity. We also demonstrate that the enzyme is capable of protecting mice from K1 K. pneumoniae infection, even against a high challenge dose.

Conclusions

Our results provide insights into how the enzyme recognizes and depolymerizes the K1 CPS, and demonstrate the potential use of the protein not only as a therapeutic agent against K. pneumoniae, but also as a tool to prepare structurally-defined oligosaccharides for the generation of glycoconjugate vaccines against infections caused by this organism.
Epimorphic regeneration of the mouse digit tip is finite
Authors: Dolan Connor P. , Yang Tae-Jung , Zimmel Katherine , Imholt Felisha , Qureshi Osama , Falck Alyssa , Gregory Joshua , Mayes Macie , Ritchie Kayla , Koester Hannah , Daniel Benjamin , Yan Mingquan , Yu Ling , Suva Larry J. , Gaddy Dana , Dawson Lindsay A. , Muneoka Ken , Brunauer Regina
Published: February 2022

Background

Structural regeneration of amputated appendages by blastema-mediated, epimorphic regeneration is a process whose mechanisms are beginning to be employed for inducing regeneration. While epimorphic regeneration is classically studied in non-amniote vertebrates such as salamanders, mammals also possess a limited ability for epimorphic regeneration, best exemplified by the regeneration of the distal mouse digit tip. A fundamental, but still unresolved question is whether epimorphic regeneration and blastema formation is exhaustible, similar to the finite limits of stem-cell mediated tissue regeneration.

Methods

In this study, distal mouse digits were amputated, allowed to regenerate and then repeatedly amputated. To quantify the extent and patterning of the regenerated digit, the digit bone as the most prominent regenerating element in the mouse digit was followed by in vivo µCT.

Results

Analyses revealed that digit regeneration is indeed progressively attenuated, beginning after the second regeneration cycle, but that the pattern is faithfully restored until the end of the fourth regeneration cycle. Surprisingly, when unamputated digits in the vicinity of repeatedly amputated digits were themselves amputated, these new amputations also exhibited a similarly attenuated regeneration response, suggesting a systemic component to the amputation injury response.

Conclusions

In sum, these data suggest that epimorphic regeneration in mammals is finite and due to the exhaustion of the proliferation and differentiation capacity of the blastema cell source.
Alpha-synuclein seeding shows a wide heterogeneity in multiple system atrophy
Authors: Martinez-Valbuena Ivan , Visanji Naomi P. , Kim Ain , Lau Heather H. C. , So Raphaella W. L. , Alshimemeri Sohaila , Gao Andrew , Seidman Michael A. , Luquin Maria R. , Watts Joel C. , Lang Anthony E. , Kovacs Gabor G.
Published: February 2022

Background

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by variable combinations of parkinsonism, autonomic failure, cerebellar ataxia and pyramidal features. Although the distribution of synucleinopathy correlates with the predominant clinical features, the burden of pathology does not fully explain observed differences in clinical presentation and rate of disease progression. We hypothesized that the clinical heterogeneity in MSA is a consequence of variability in the seeding activity of α-synuclein both between different patients and between different brain regions.

Methods

The reliable detection of α-synuclein seeding activity derived from MSA using cell-free amplification assays remains challenging. Therefore, we conducted a systematic evaluation of 168 different reaction buffers, using an array of pH and salts, seeded with fully characterized brain homogenates from one MSA and one PD patient. We then validated the two conditions that conferred the optimal ability to discriminate between PD- and MSA-derived samples in a larger cohort of 40 neuropathologically confirmed cases, including 15 MSA. Finally, in a subset of brains, we conducted the first multi-region analysis of seeding behaviour in MSA.

Results

Using our novel buffer conditions, we show that the physicochemical factors that govern the in vitro amplification of α-synuclein can be tailored to generate strain-specific reaction buffers that can be used to reliably study the seeding capacity from MSA-derived α-synuclein. Using this novel approach, we were able to sub-categorize the 15 MSA brains into 3 groups: high, intermediate and low seeders. To further demonstrate heterogeneity in α-synuclein seeding in MSA, we conducted a comprehensive multi-regional evaluation of α-synuclein seeding in 13 different regions from 2 high seeders, 2 intermediate seeders and 2 low seeders.

Conclusions

We have identified unexpected differences in seed-competent α-synuclein across a cohort of neuropathologically comparable MSA brains. Furthermore, our work has revealed a substantial heterogeneity in seeding activity, driven by the PBS-soluble α-synuclein, between different brain regions of a given individual that goes beyond immunohistochemical observations. Our observations pave the way for future subclassification of MSA, which exceeds conventional clinical and neuropathological phenotyping and considers the structural and biochemical heterogeneity of α-synuclein present. Finally, our methods provide an experimental framework for the development of vitally needed, rapid and sensitive diagnostic assays for MSA.
Insights into the role of major bioactive dietary nutrients in lamb meat quality: a review
Authors: Álvarez-Rodríguez Javier , Urrutia Olaia , Lobón Sandra , Ripoll Guillermo , Bertolín Juan Ramón , Joy Margalida
Published: February 2022

Feed supplementation with α-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA) increases their content in muscle, ALA increases n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and decrease n-6/n-3 ratio in muscle, and LA increases rumenic acid. However, high LA supplementation may have negative effects on lambs’ lipid oxidative stability of meat. When the sources of ALA and LA are fed as fresh forage, the negative effects are counterbalanced by the presence of other bioactive compounds, as vitamin E (mainly α-tocopherol) and polyphenols, which delay the lipid oxidation in meat. There is a wide consensus on the capability of vitamin E delaying lipid oxidation on lamb meat, and its feed content should be adjusted to the length of supplementation. A high dietary inclusion of proanthocyanidins, phenolic compounds and terpenes reduce the lipid oxidation in muscle and may improve the shelf life of meat, probably as a result of a combined effect with dietary vitamin E. However, the recommended dietary inclusion levels depend on the polyphenol type and concentration and antioxidant capacity of the feedstuffs, which cannot be compared easily because no routine analytical grading methods are yet available. Unless phenolic compounds content in dietary ingredients/supplements for lambs are reported, no specific association with animal physiology responses may be established.
Estimated glomerular filtration rate in Korean patients exposed to long-term lithium maintenance therapy
Authors: Cho Yunji , Lee Dongbin , Baek Ji Hyun , Hong Kyung Sue
Published: February 2022

Background

Lithium-induced nephrotoxicity has long been debated. However, it has been rarely explored in Asian populations. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of lithium maintenance therapy on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in Korean patients diagnosed with a psychiatric illness.

Methods

This was a single-centered, retrospective study that included patients treated with lithium or comparator drug (valproate) in Samsung Seoul Medical Center between November 1994 and July 2020. Patients diagnosed with ICD codes F20-33 who had  ≥ 6 months of exposure to lithium or valproate were included. Patients had to have  ≥ 1 baseline and  ≥ 2 post-baseline eGFR data with post-baseline data having an interval of at least 30 days. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was defined as CKD stage 3 (eGFR  < 60 mL/min/1.732). To be considered as CKD, the threshold had to be met at two consecutive post-baseline measurements. Those treated with both lithium and valproate, diagnosed with CKD stages 3–5, diagnosed with a renal disease, or received kidney transplantation were excluded.

Results

A total of 766 patients were included (242 treated with lithium and 524 with valproate). Two (0.8%) in the lithium group and 8 (1.5%) in the valproate group developed CKD stage 3. None developed CKD stages 4–5. Median yearly eGFR change was − 1.3 mL/min/1.732 (IQR: − 6.8, 1.7) for the lithium group and − 1.1 mL/min/1.732 (IQR: − 4.5, 1.5) for the valproate group, showing no significant difference between the two groups (p  = 0.389). The rate of decline was more rapid for those with CKD in both groups. eGFR values of lithium and valproate groups did not show significant differences during a follow-up duration of 15 years or more. A significant negative correlation between baseline eGFR and yearly eGFR change was identified in a linear regression analysis.

Conclusions

In Korean patients, treatment with lithium did not increase the risk of developing CKD compared to treatment with valproate. Prevalence of CKD was lower than those previously reported in western populations. Low baseline eGFR showed significant correlation with changes in renal function.
The ripple effect, silence and powerlessness: hidden barriers to discussing suicide in Australian Aboriginal communities
Authors: Heard Todd R. , McGill Katherine , Skehan Jaelea , Rose Bronwyn
Published: February 2022

Background

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death for Aboriginal Australians. There is an urgent need to actively engage with Aboriginal communities to better understand these issues and to develop solutions together to prevent deaths by suicide in Aboriginal communities.

Methods

Utilising a qualitative, thematic, cross-sectional design, we conducted focus groups in three communities in the Hunter New England area in New South Wales (Australia) to explore the perceptions and views of Aboriginal participants in relation to discussing suicide.

Results

The key themes found to influence discussions about suicide in Aboriginal communities included the sense that suicide is a whole of community issue, the ripple effect of suicide deaths, silence about suicide and the impact of this silence, and being powerless to act. Participants described a reluctance to have discussions about suicide; feeling they had limited skills and confidence to have these sorts of discussions; and multiple and interrelated barriers to discussing suicide, including shame, fear and negative experiences of mental health care. Participants also described how their experiences maintained these barriers and prevented Aboriginal Australians from seeking help in suicidal crises.

Conclusion

Future initiatives should address the interrelated barriers by supporting Aboriginal people to build skills and confidence in discussing suicide and mental health and by improving access to, and the experience of, mental health care and psychosocial and community-based supports for Aboriginal Australians. We suggest trying to address any one of these factors in isolation may increase rather than decrease suicide risk in Aboriginal communities.
Narrow and wide India–Burma trough-like circulations: their different impacts on precipitation over southern China
Authors: Li Jing-Xin , Liu Ge , Wu Renguang , Ren Hong-Li , Wang Hui-Mei , Mao Xin , Wei Xin-Chen
Published: February 2022

The India–Burma troughs (IBTs) with different shapes (i.e., narrow and wide IBT-like circulations) can significantly affect winter precipitation over different regions in southern China through modulating the paths of water vapor transportation ahead of the IBTs. The effect of the wide/narrow IBT- (WIBT/NIBT-) like circulation cannot be depicted by traditional IBT indices that mainly focus on the IBT’s intensity. This study defines the WIBT and NIBT indices, which can effectively distinguish different water vapor transportation in front of the WIBT and NIBT and relevant water vapor convergence and therefore successfully reflect different distributions of winter precipitation anomalies over southern China. Further exploration reveals that a Rossby wave from the Mediterranean Sea to the Bay of Bengal (BoB) contributes to the variability of the NIBT, while the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) can modulate the variability of the WIBT by stimulating the Matsuno–Gill response. The WIBT and NIBT indices should be considered as important supplements to the traditional IBT indices, which are favorable to more detailed diagnosis and prediction of winter climate over southern China.
The role of diosgenin in crohn’s disease
Authors: Ogundepo Sunday , Chiamaka Adinnu M. , Olatinwo Mercy , Adepoju David , Aladesanmi Matthias Taiwo , Celestine Ugwu Obiora , Ali Kingsley Chijioke , Umezinwa Ogochukwu Jennifer , Olasore Janet , Alausa Abdullahi
Published: February 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic idiopathic inflammation that can grossly affect the entire gastrointestinal tract (GIT) from the mouth to the anus. Crohn’s disease is the most known type of IBD and has been the focus of attention due to its increase in prevalence worldwide. Although the etiology is yet to be elucidated, recent studies have pointed out Crohn’s disease to arise from a complex interaction between environmental influences, genetic predisposition, and altered gut microbiota, resulting in dysregulated adaptive and innate responses. The presenting hallmarks of Crohn’s disease may include weight loss, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, or chills. Treatment is usually done with many approved immunosuppressive drugs and surgery. However, a promising avenue from natural compounds is a safer therapy due to its safe natural active ingredients and the strong activity it shows in the treatment and management of diseases. Diosgenin, “a major biologically active natural steroidal sapogenin found in Chinese yam,” has been widely reported as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of various classes of disorders such as hyperlipidemia, inflammation, diabetes, cancer, infection, and immunoregulation. In this review, an analysis of literature data on diosgenin employed as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of Crohn’s disease is approached, to strengthen the scientific database and curtail the dreadful impact of Crohn’s disease.
Epizootics of entomopathogenic fungi at overwintering sites of Oebalus mexicana Sailer (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) from Western Mexico
Authors: Cortez-Madrigal Hipolito , Montores-Ramírez Joel , Cárdenas-Ochoa Cecilia , Ochoa-Echegollen Mónica
Published: February 2022

Background

Oebalus mexicanaSailer (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is an important pest of sorghum in Central-Western Mexico. In addition to damaging the grain, it is a vector of the panicle blight,Fusarium moniliforme.Oebalus mexicanahibernates at > 2200 m above sea level (masl), and its control in these sites is through entomopathogenic fungi (EPF). Their effectiveness could be misperceived as natural epizootics at hibernation sites. To characterize fungal epizootics associated with hibernating adults ofO. mexicana, during 2019 and part of 2020, a study was established in the Zináparo hill, Michoacan, Mexico. Three sampling strata were defined—two at low (2219 masl) and high levels of elevation (2351 masl), and another one at intermediate elevation (2244 masl) and soil humidity most of the year. Under the leaf litter, live arthropods and corpses with and without mycosis were recorded every 2 weeks; associated EPF were isolated and identified. Soil humidity, temperature, and RH under the litter were recorded.

Results

Six genera of fungi were identified, withBeauveriabeing the most prevalent. Mortality ofO. mexicanain the field was > 80%, with a high correlation (r = 0.85–0.97) with mortality due to fungi (> 65%). The humidity of soil and litter created a suitable environment for the development of epizootics. The highest prevalence was registered at the elevations of 2244, 2351, and 2219 masl, respectively. More than 15 families of arthropods were registered, several of them with the presence of mycosis. Their permanence as alternate hosts contributed to the persistence of the fungi. Field and laboratory evidences suggested that the frequent flights ofO. mexicanafavoured the self-dissemination of EPF. Thus, more than 37% of live individuals with inoculum and subsequent infection and death were recorded.

Conclusions

The EPF disease at overwintering sites ofO. mexicanawas enzootic, and under favourable conditions it can become epizootic. The high levels of natural control in hibernation sites suggest that additional control measures forO. mexicanaare unnecessary; on the contrary, the conservation of these sites as reservoirs of EPF is proposed for a sustainable use in the management of this and other pests.
Validation of an epilepsy management smartphone application in Pakistan
Authors: Patterson Victor , Larik Awais Bashir , Soomro Mohamed Zaman , Coates Steve
Published: February 2022

Background

There is no single way to improve epilepsy care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). An epilepsy management aid application (app) has been described, which enables a non-physician health worker (NPHW) to communicate with an epilepsy specialist using a smartphone. In this study, we aimed to assess the validity and quality of this care system in building connections between NPHWs and specialists in Pakistan and the UK.

Methods

A NPHW in Pakistan used the app on a series of referrals and sent the app-generated summary by email to a neurologist in the UK, who replied and suggested possible management. Patients were later seen in a face-to-face (FF) manner by the UK neurologist and a local neurologist, and diagnostic accuracy and quality parameters were assessed.

Results

Over 10 months, 59 patients were recruited and 33 of them were available for FF assessment. The misdiagnosis rate of the app was 6% (2 cases). Treatment advice provided by the app was judged appropriate in 32 patients (97%). In addition, 46% of the referrals were completed within 2 h and 85% within 24 h.

Conclusions

Consistent with an earlier study, this system is a safe method to provide care for patients who cannot access neurological services in person. In addition, it has advantage of timeliness compared to FF assessment and requires less specialist time, both of which are especially important during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. This system can be generalised easily, depending on the willingness of referrers and specialists to use it.
Intraoperative Hypotension and Myocardial Injury After Noncardiac Surgery in Adults With or Without Chronic Hypertension: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Cohen Barak , Rivas Eva , Yang Dongsheng , Mascha Edward J. , Ahuja Sanchit , Turan Alparslan , Sessler Daniel I.
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND:

The risk of myocardial injury progressively increases at intraoperative mean arterial pressures (MAPs) ≤65 mm Hg. Higher pressures might be required in chronically hypertensive patients. We aimed to test the hypothesis that the harm threshold is higher in patients with chronic hypertension than in normotensive patients.

METHODS:

We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort analysis of adults >45 years old who had noncardiac surgery between 2010 and 2018 and scheduled, rather than symptom-driven, postoperative troponin measurements. The MAP thresholds under which risk started to increase were compared between patients with chronic hypertension (baseline MAP ≥110 mm Hg) and normotensive patients (baseline MAP <110 mm Hg). The primary outcome was a composite of in-hospital mortality and myocardial injury within 30 days, defined by any postoperative 4th-generation troponin T measurement ≥0.03 ng/mL apparently due to cardiac ischemia. Multivariable logistic regression and moving average smoothing methods were used to evaluate confounder-adjusted associations between the composite outcome and the lowest intraoperative MAP sustained for either 5 or 10 cumulative minutes, and whether the relationship depended on baseline pressure (normotensive versus hypertensive).

RESULTS:

Among 4576 eligible surgeries, 2066 were assigned to the normotensive group with mean (standard deviation [SD]) baseline MAP of 100 (7) mm Hg, and 2510 were assigned to the hypertensive group with mean baseline MAP of 122 (10) mm Hg. The overall incidence of the composite outcome was 5.6% in normotensive and 6.0% in hypertensive patients (P = .55). The relationship between intraoperative hypotension and the composite outcome was not found to depend on baseline MAP in a multivariable mixed effects logistic regression model. Furthermore, no statistical change points were found for either baseline MAP group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Baseline blood pressure of the hypertensive patients was only moderately increased on average, and the event rate was low. Nonetheless, we were not able to demonstrate a difference in the harm threshold between normotensive and chronically hypertensive patients. Our results do not support the theory that hypertensive patients should be kept at higher intraoperative pressures than normotensive patients.
Diversity and Inclusion in Anesthesiology
Authors: Nwokolo Omonele O. , Coombs Alice A. T. , Eltzschig Holger K. , Butterworth John F.
Published: February 2022

In today’s world, departments of anesthesiology and professional organizations are rightfully expected to have racial, ethnic, and gender diversity. Diversity and inclusiveness are considered important contributors to an effective and collaborative work environment by promoting excellence in patient care, education, and research. This has been re-emphasized in the racial reckoning in the summer of 2020, and the ongoing health care disparities manifested by the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Moreover, the negative consequences of a lack of diversity and inclusion in health care have been shown to impact recruitment, retention, and the economic well-being of academic departments. In the present article, we review the current state of diversity in anesthesiology departments and professional organizations in the United States. We discuss strategies and important approaches to further enhance diversity to promote an inclusive perioperative work environment.
Age-Related Recovery of Daily Living Activity After 1-Stage Complete Corpus Callosotomy: A Retrospective Analysis of 41 Cases
Authors: Ukishiro Kazushi , Osawa Shin-ichiro , Iwasaki Masaki , Kakisaka Yosuke , Jin Kazutaka , Uematsu Mitsugu , Yamamoto Tetsuya , Tominaga Teiji , Nakasato Nobukazu
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND:

Recovery time after corpus callosotomy (CC) is known to be longer in elderly than in younger patients.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the relationship between patient age and recovery time of activities of daily living (ADL) after 1-stage complete CC.

METHODS:

This study included 41 patients (22 women; aged 13 months-34 years, median 7 years) who underwent 1-stage complete CC for medically intractable seizures with drop attacks, infantile spasms, and/or bilaterally synchronized electroencephalographic discharges between August 2009 and April 2019. The timing of restart of competence in 5 ADL categories and surgical outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS:

Patients (1) restarted speech at 2.2 ± 1.3 (mean ± 2 standard deviations; range 1-5) days, (2) restarted replying with their own name on request at 5.5 ± 8.6 (2-33) days, (3) restarted oral intake at 1.6 ± 1.7 (1-11) days, (5) discontinued intravenous feeding at 6.0 ± 3.0 (2-16) days, and (5) restarted ambulation or wheelchair movement at 5.8 ± 3.4 (2-10) days. Younger patients showed significantly (P < .0223) earlier recovery of ambulation or wheelchair movement, but no age difference was found in the other 4 ADL categories. Overall seizure freedom was achieved in 5 patients, excellent (>80%) seizure reduction in 11, good (50%-80%) seizure reduction in 5, and poor (<50%) seizure reduction in 20.

CONCLUSION:

Early ADL recovery after 1-stage complete CC is favorable in both young and adult patients. These findings, with good surgical outcomes, will encourage more positive consideration of 1-stage complete CC in both pediatric and adult patients.
Μανώλης Καλομοίρης
Authors: Δελβινιώτη Νεκταρία
Published: February 2022

Μελέτη και Αποτίμηση της Προσωπικότητας και του έργου του Μανώλη Καλομοίρη ως Προέδρου της Ενώσεως Ελλήνων Μουσουργών, Διευθυντή και Προέδρου του Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου της Εθνικής Λυρικής Σκηνής, Ακαδημαϊκού, Διευθυντή Παραρτημάτων του Εθνικού Ωδείου σε Κύπρο και Αίγυπτο και ως Ανθρώπου ειδικότερα μέσα από πληροφορίες που αντλούμε από την επιστολογραφία του για την οικογενειακή του ζωή κατά τη χρονική περίοδο 1939-1962.
E-Citizen at the Age of Covid-19. The Case of Opengov. Research and Results
Authors: Kalogiros Vasileios , Tsourela Maria
Published: February 2022

Η παρούσα έρευνα εντάσσεται στο πεδίο της ανοικτής διακυβέρνησης και εξετάζει τις περιπτώσεις του ηλεκτρονικού πολίτη και της ηλεκτρονικής δημοκρατίας την εποχή της covid-19 στην Ελλάδα. Όπως είναι γνωστό η πανδημία έχει συμβάλλει θετικά στην ψηφιοποίηση του κράτους. Η ηλεκτρονική πύλη GOV.GR δίνει τη δυνατότητα στους πολίτες να κερδίσουν χρόνο αποθηκεύοντας στον υπολογιστή τους χρήσιμα έγγραφα για την εργασία τους, την εκπαίδευση κλπ. Πολλοί είναι οι επισκέπτες του GOV.GR και ακόμα περισσότεροι χρησιμοποιούν τα έξυπνα τηλέφωνα για διασκέδαση, ενημέρωση και για κοινωνική δικτύωση. Η πύλη OPENGOV της δημόσιας ηλεκτρονικής διαβούλευσης δίνει τη δυνατότητα σε κάθε πολίτη να εκφράσει τις απόψεις του για σχέδια νόμου πριν οδηγηθούν στη Βουλή. Μετά από 12 χρόνια, είναι έτοιμοι οι πολίτες για το επόμενο βήμα…; Τα αποτελέσματα της παρούσας έρευνας δείχνουν ότι οι περισσότεροι είναι θετικοί για τη διαδικασία της δημόσιας διαβούλευσης και τη δυνατότητα που έχουν, όμως οι περισσότεροι προτιμούν να γράφουν σχόλια στα μέσα κοινωνικής δικτύωσης και όχι στους νόμους που επηρεάζουν τη ζωή τους, ενώ οι προτάσεις πολιτικής εστιάζουν στο πώς θα πρέπει να επικοινωνηθεί περισσότερο η εν λόγω πλατφόρμα.
Demographical domains and clinico-radiological characteristics of study cohorts with simultaneous multiple intracerebral hemorrhages in a tertiary neurosurgical center in Nepal: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Munakomi Sunil , Chaulagain Dipak
Published: February 2022

Background: Simultaneous multiple intra-cerebral hemorrhages (SMICHs) and its occurrences in different territories of arterial disposition has been viewed as uncommon clinical occurrences, since the pathophysiological and predisposing factors as mechanisms aren’t vividly defined.

This research primarily aims for demographic stratification and dichotomization pertaining to risk factors, etiological classifications, anatomical distributions and outcome analysis by focusing on management strategies and pertinent stroke care.

Methods: 40 patients presenting to the College of Medical Sciences, Chitwan, Nepal in the last two years were included in the study. The patients with two-or-more SMICHs with affected arterial territories with similar tomographic density based profiling were chosen as samples. Regression analysis was chosen to test three hypotheses.

Results: Among our study cohorts, cortical and cortical territory (60%) was the major anatomical patterns of involvement. A conservative approach was undertaken in nine patients (22.5%), whereas surgical intervention was needed in five others (12.5%). A total of 14(35%) patients leaving against medical advice and a further seven (17.5%) patients were referred for adjuvant oncologic care. Mortality was observed among five (12.5%) patients. Hypertension was seen as a significant variable in its pathogenesis. Male patients were more affected. Age groups comprising of 36-45years and 56-65 years were involved in 32.5% and 30% cases respectively.

Conclusion: This study proves the need for a national stroke data bank pertaining to SMICH. This will help foster effective patient education during preoperative counselling; as well as formatting a management algorithm combating them.
Testosterone level correlates significantly with luteinizing hormone to follicle-stimulating hormone ratio among women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A cross sectional study
Authors: Alhassan Samia Mohammed , Elmugadam Abdelgadir , Abubaker Nuha Eljaili , Elfadil Ghada A.
Published: February 2022

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an endocrinological problem among women in the reproductive age, is characterized by chronic ovulatory dysfunction, hyperandrogenism, and elevated luteinizing hormone: follicle stimulating hormone (LH-FSH) ratio. The goal of this study was to examine if the blood LH-FSH ratio and total testosterone (TT) levels in Sudanese women with PCOS were linked.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 300 women with confirmed PCOS based on Rotterdam criteria.  PCOS women mean (standard deviation): age 29.1(5.8) years; body mass index (BMI) 27.9±4.6 kg/m2. Each participant underwent a clinical history, physical examination, and ovaries ultrasonogram.  ASYS Expert Plus Microplate was used to quantify serum LH, FSH, and TT levels in fasting blood specimen drawn during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle of women with PCOS.

Results: More than two-thirds of the participants (71.0%) had an aberrant LH-FSH ratio (cut-off>1.0), and 58.3% had hyperandrogenemia (TT>109.5 ng/dL). Hyperandrogenemic women had significantly increased LH-FSH ratio (P= 0.000). The LH-FSH ratio and serum TT were significantly positive correlated (r= 0.329, P= 0.000). Overall, 52.0% of women with PCOS exhibited menstrual cycle irregularity, and 59.0 % had a positive family history of PCOS. On logistic regression analysis, the LH-FSH ratio (odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)): 2.308 (1.698- 3.139, P= 0.000) was found to be positively related to hyperandrogenemia independently. Furthermore, when the LH-FSH ratio is greater than one, hyperandrogenemia can be distinguished from normoandrogenemia, area under the curve (AUC) = 0.726, P= 0.000, 95% CI: (0.668-0.785) with a serum TT threshold of 109.5 ng/dL (sensitivity 70.0%, specificity 77.1%).

Conclusions: In women with PCOS, the serum LH-FSH ratio and TT have a strong relationship. Furthermore, LH-FSH ratio of greater than one can be used to distinguish between hyperandrogenic and non-hyperandrogenic PCOS women.
Effect of taurine administration on symptoms, severity, or clinical outcome of dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure in humans: a systematic review
Authors: McGurk Kathryn A. , Kasapi Melpomeni , Ware James S.
Published: February 2022

Background: Taurine, 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, is an amino acid found in animal products. Taurine is produced for human consumption as a supplement and ingredient in beverages. Supplementation is a safe, inexpensive, and effective treatment for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in domestic mammals, however it is currently unlicensed in Europe and the United States for human medical treatment. Recent genome-wide association studies of DCM have identified the locus of the taurine transporter (SLC6A6). To assess whether taurine supplementation may be a novel therapeutic option for DCM, we undertook a systematic review.

Methods: Four electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Central Register, Web of Science, Biomed Central) were searched until 11/03/21. Included studies of human participants reported measured phenotypes or symptoms for cardiomyopathy, heart failure (HF), or altered left ventricle structure or function, administering taurine in any formulation, by any method. Non-English articles were excluded. Meta-analysis was completed in R software (version 3.6.0). The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale quality assessment score (NOQAS) tool was used to assess bias.

Results: 285 articles were identified, of which eleven met our criteria for inclusion. Only one paper was deemed “high quality” using the NOQAS tool. Taurine supplementation varied across studies; by dose (500 mg to 6g per day), frequency (once to thrice daily), delivery method (tablet, capsule, drink, powder), and duration (2 to 48 weeks). Patient inclusion was all-cause HF patients with ejection fraction (EF) <50% and no study was specific to DCM. While improvements in diastolic and systolic function, exercise capacity, and haemodynamic parameters were described, only EF and stroke volume were measured in enough studies to complete a meta-analysis; the association was not significant with all-cause HF (P<0.05). No significant safety concerns were reported.

Conclusions: A formal clinical trial is needed to address whether taurine supplementation is beneficial to the approximately 1/250 individuals with DCM in the population.
A Novel Approach to the Resource Allocation for the Cell Edge Users in 5G
Authors:   Department of ECE Global Academy of Technology, Bengaluru-98, India, Sastry Anitha S. , S. Akhila
Published: February 2022

In 5G network, resource allocation for the cell edge users is the major challenge. To address this challenge, we present GFDM (Generalized Frequency Division Multiplexing) for the physical layer of 5G wireless networks is a non orthogonal waveform with circularly pulse shaped mechanism. This mechanism is also used for resource allocation. In this paper, to allocate the weights on the filter bank of GFDM for cell edge users, an optimized Deep Neural Network (DNN) is presented in this paper. To enhance the performance of the DNN, weight parameters of it are optimized using Rain Optimization Algorithm (ROA). Using this proposed ROA based DNN, weight resources are allocated to the cell edge users optimally. Simulation results shows that the performance of the proposed resource allocation outperforms the conventional resource allocation in terms of normalized cell throughput.
IP Packaging Filtering in Computer Networks Using Artificial Intelligence in the Regulatory Authority of Electronic and Communications Kosovo
Authors:   University of Kadri Zeka, Gjilan, Kosovo, Dermaku Kastriot , Hoti Liridon , Klaiqi Selami , Dermaku Hifoblina
Published: February 2022

The security of our data is one of the most important challenges, and it is one of the things we must be careful about what we display on the Internet. For the security of this data, computer and cyber networking experts use different methods to prevent these attacks, prevention is done by Firewall techniques, and then by Router where both of these cases are quite popular nowadays today, however, another innovation is that filtering can also be done through Artificial Intelligence. In this paper, research has been done on the application of Artificial Intelligence methods such as those of deep learning on IP packages through Artificial Intelligence where specifically the method of Support Vector Machine with the training of a model through a simulated input corpus, using MATLAB software. From the results of the research by Artificial Intelligence, the source address, destination address, port number, protocol and package size were used as filters. All the practical work was done in over 350 different IP addresses, where 175 IPs were used for algorithm training, as well as 175 IPs were used for testing by combining them with filtering attributes, where in the end the filtering accuracy gained is quite high (83%).
COGNITIVE AND COMMUNICATIVE POTENTIAL OF COMPLEX CONDITIONAL SENTENCES IN THE NEWSPAPER LANGUAGE
Authors: Axenova Ekaterina D. , Kuznetsova Anjelika A. , Axenova Anastasia T. , Budanova Natalia A.
Published: February 2022

The article is devoted to the study of cognitive and communicative capabilities of complex conditional sentences functioning in the language of modern mass media.

The aim of the study is to analyze the semantic and pragmatic functions of complex conditional sentences with the conjunction if, actively participating in the syntactic organization of the journalistic text.

To implement the aims and objectives of the work, contextual analysis, continuous sampling method for the selection of practical material, as well as descriptive method were used.

The results of the study. A complex conditional sentence is capable of reflecting in its semantic structure the nature of the communicative and cognitive goals of a particular text. The features of the functioning of complex conditional sentences in the texts of the newspaper are determined by the implementation of 2 main functions: messages and impacts. In informative genres, sentences are often used in which the situation of an alternative development of events is verbalized and a predictive mode is implemented. The subject of speech presents 2 versions of possible events (conditions and consequences), and both of them are equal. This is the so-called “strong alternative”. In newspaper reports, the second link of the alternative is normally presented in the form of a parallel opposed structure, which allows us to conclude about the text-forming functions of these complexes. Complex conditional sentences with deontic incentive modality are “fixed” to advertising texts. Such constructions directly appeal to the reader, affect their consciousness and behavior. The study of semantic and functional features of conditional constructions in newspaper texts has shown that complex conditional sentences as a unit of cognitive-communicative level serves as a sufficient context for identifying specific features of the sphere of communication. The modern reader is under constant communicative influence, as evidenced by the expansion of advertising texts in which complex conditional sentences with motivational modality are implemented.

The scope of the results. The results of the work can be useful in the development of lectures and seminars on linguistics, stylistics and culture of speech.
FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SLOGAN
Authors: Tashlykova Marina B. , Lemeshko Yulia R.
Published: February 2022

Substantiation of the topic. The slogan as a phenomenon of social and political communication is considered in modern science in different aspects. One of the central issues is the question of the functional specifics of units of this type. The analysis of scientific literature shows that there is neither terminological nor substantive unity in the solution of this problem.

The purpose of this work is to clarify ideas about the functional originality of slogans based on a comprehensive understanding of the existing approaches and analysis of empirical material. The corpus consists of 3300 slogan statements selected from Russian published press and electronic media for the period 2011-2020.

The methods and techniques of structural-semantic, contextual, and discursive analysis are used in the framework of the study.

The results of the study demonstrate that the slogan as a special type of text. It is characteristic of a fundamental multifunctionality due to the interaction of three vectors of political communication identified by E.I. Sheigal (orientation – integration – agonality). The construction of a strict functional typology of slogans, focused on drawing clear demarcation lines between groups, seems to contradict the very nature of these linguistic expressions. The functional qualification of individual slogans can be carried out taking into account what is in focus in each particular case and what linguistic markers are used in the utterance.

The field of application of the results is lecture and practical courses in linguistics, communication theory, impact theory.
ANALYSIS OF EXPRESSIVE LEXICAL MEANS IN FRENCH CUSTOMS DISCOURSE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Kogteva Elena V.
Published: February 2022

Background. In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, the pragmatic function of special customs publications is put forward in the first place, which consists in transmitting information about the activities of the customs in a crisis, new concepts within the framework of the crisis plan, models of perception of reality. To achieve this goal, all kinds of expressive means are used, including lexical ones.

Purpose. The article deals with the lexical means used to increase the expressiveness of information transmitted in special texts and its impact on recipients in the pandemic.

Materials and methods. The material for the research was two special issues of French customs publications: the magazine “Douane. Magazine” (No. 16), the press organ of the General Directorate of Customs and Indirect Duties of France and OMD Actualités (No. 92) (News of the World Customs Organization). The functional and semantic research method was used in the analysis of the material.

Results. The results of the study showed metaphor, including verbalized metaphor, to be one of the main lexical means of expressiveness of industry texts during the pandemic. The epithets-adjectives enhanced the effect of the significance and transcendence of passing events is characterized with a high frequency of use. The important role of the verb in increasing the expressiveness of the text and the impact on the addressee, including even neutral verbs such as répondre, is noted due to the frequency of their use in various phraseological constructions. The study revealed that the authors of the texts prefer analytical constructions as more imaginative and to some extent metaphorized.

Practical implications. The results of the study can be used in compiling a corpus of expressive vocabulary when teaching students French in the specialty “Customs”.
USE OF AUTHENTIC FILMS WITH SUBTITLES IN THE PROCESS OF LEARNING NEW VOCABULARY IN HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR (AS BASED ON THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE MATERIAL)
Authors: Fomichenko Anna S.
Published: February 2022

Background. Watching movies with subtitles is a significant tool when learning English, as it is as close as possible to the language reality. The video contains visual images and the necessary audio material, which makes the process of memorizing new vocabulary effective and easy. This work is aimed at identifying the features of using authentic films with subtitles, in particular, at acquiring and enriching the vocabulary of students.

Aim of the study. The purpose of the study is to identify the specificity of using authentic films in English with subtitles when working with students in the process of learning new vocabulary.

Methods. The research is based on the following methods: theoretical analysis of foreign sources, generalization, and systematization.

The result of the study is a confirmation of the hypothesis that watching movies in English with subtitles can be a useful tool in the process of acquiring and enriching the vocabulary of students of higher institutions, provided that their level of language proficiency is taken into account, as well as the frequency of viewing audio material.

Practical implications. The results obtained can be applied in teaching practice and used in foreign language classes in higher institutions.