bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clean air actions in China, PM2.5 exposure, and household medical expenditures: A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Xue Tao , Zhu Tong , Peng Wei , Guan Tianjia , Zhang Shiqiu , Zheng Yixuan , Geng Guannan , Zhang Qiang
Published: January 2021

Background

Exposure to air pollution, a leading contributor to the global burden of disease, can cause economic losses. Driven by clean air policies, the air quality in China, one of the most polluted countries, has improved rapidly since 2013. This has enabled a unique, quasi-experiment to assess the economic impact of air pollution empirically.

Methods and findings

Using a series of nation-scale longitudinal surveys in 2011, 2013, and 2015, we first examined the questionnaire-based medical expenditure changes before and after the policy intervention for air pollution. Using a state-of-the-art estimator of the historical concentration of particulate matters with diameter less than 2.5 μm (particulate matter (PM)2.5), we further quantified the association between household medical expenditure and PM2.5 using mixed-effect models of the repeated measurements from 26,511 households in 126 cities. Regression models suggest a robust linear association between reduced PM2.5 and saved medical expenditures, since the association did not vary significantly across models with different covariate adjustments, subregions, or subpopulations. Each 10 μg/m3 reduction in PM2.5 was associated with a saving of 251.6 (95% CI: 30.8, 472.3; p-value = 0.026) Yuan in per capita annual medical expenditure. However, due to limitations in data quality (e.g., self-reported expenditures), and imperfect control for unmeasured confounders or impact from concurrent healthcare reform in China, the causality underlying our findings should be further confirmed or refuted.

Conclusion

In this study, we observed that compared with the PM2.5 reduction in 2013, the PM2.5 reduction in 2017 was associated with a saving of 552 (95% CI: 68, 1036) Yuan / (person × year), or approximately 736 billion Yuan (equivalent to 111 billion US dollar) per year nationally, which is equivalent to approximately 1% of the national gross domestic product of China.
Dual RNAseq analyses at soma and germline levels reveal evolutionary innovations in the elephantiasis-agent Brugia malayi, and adaptation of its Wolbachia endosymbionts
Authors: Chevignon Germain , Foray Vincent , Pérez-Jiménez Mercedes Maria , Libro Silvia , Chung Matthew , Foster Jeremy M. , Landmann Frédéric
Published: January 2021

Brugia malayiis a human filarial nematode responsible for elephantiasis, a debilitating condition that is part of a broader spectrum of diseases called filariasis, including lymphatic filariasis and river blindness. Almost all filarial nematode species infecting humans live in mutualism withWolbachiaendosymbionts, present in somatic hypodermal tissues but also in the female germline which ensures their vertical transmission to the nematode progeny. These α-proteobacteria potentially provision their host with essential metabolites and protect the parasite against the vertebrate immune response. In the absence ofWolbachia wBm,B.malayifemales become sterile, and the filarial nematode lifespan is greatly reduced. In order to better comprehend this symbiosis, we investigated the adaptation ofwBmto the host nematode soma and germline, and we characterized these cellular environments to highlight their specificities. Dual RNAseq experiments were performed at the tissue-specific and ovarian developmental stage levels, reaching the resolution of the germline mitotic proliferation and meiotic differentiation stages. We found that mostwBmgenes, including putative effectors, are not differentially regulated between infected tissues. However, twowBmgenes involved in stress responses are upregulated in the hypodermal chords compared to the germline, indicating that this somatic tissue represents a harsh environment to whichwBmhave adapted. A comparison of theB.malayiandC.elegansgermline transcriptomes reveals a poor conservation of genes involved in the production of oocytes, with the filarial germline proliferative zone relying on a majority of genes absent fromC.elegans. The first orthology map of theB.malayigenome presented here, together with tissue-specific expression enrichment analyses, indicate that the early steps of oogenesis are a developmental process involving genes specific to filarial nematodes, that likely result from evolutionary innovations supporting the filarial parasitic lifestyle.
Factors of choking under pressure in musicians
Authors: Furuya Shinichi , Ishimaru Reiko , Nagata Noriko
Published: January 2021

Under pressure, motor actions, such as those required in public speech, surgery, or musical performance, can be compromised, even when these have been well-trained. The latter is often referred to as 'choking' under pressure. Although multifaceted problems mediate such performance failure in anxiogenic situations, such as compromised motor dexterity and cognitive disruption, the fundamental set of abnormalities characterizing choking under pressure and how these abnormalities are related have not been elucidated. Here, we attempted, first, to classify behavioural, psychological, and physiological abnormalities associated with choking under pressure in musicians and, second, to identify their relationship based on datasets derived from a questionnaire with 258 pianist respondents. Explorative factor analysis demonstrated eight functional abnormalities related to the musicians' choking, such as attention to the audience, erroneous motor actions, perceptual confusion, and failure of memory recall, which however did not include exaggerated attention to the performance. This suggests distraction of attention away from skill execution, which may underlie the spoiled performance under pressure. A structural equation analysis further inferred causal relationships among them. For instance, while failure of memory recall was influenced by passive behaviours manifesting under pressure, erroneous motor actions during performance were influenced by feeling rushed and a loss of body control. In addition, some specific personal traits, such as neuroticism, public self-consciousness, and a lack of confidence, were associated with the extent to which pressure brought about these abnormalities. These findings suggest that distinct psycho-behavioural abnormalities and personal traits underlie the detrimental effects of pressure on musical performance.
Investigating Neolithic caprine husbandry in the Central Pyrenees: Insights from a multi-proxy study at Els Trocs cave (Bisaurri, Spain)
Authors: Tejedor-Rodríguez Cristina , Moreno-García Marta , Tornero Carlos , Hoffmann Alizé , García-Martínez de Lagrán Íñigo , Arcusa-Magallón Héctor , Garrido-Pena Rafael , Royo-Guillén José Ignacio , Díaz-Navarro Sonia , Peña-Chocarro Leonor , Alt Kurt. W. , Rojo-Guerra Manuel
Published: January 2021

Sheep remains constitute the main archaeozoological evidence for the presence of Early Neolithic human groups in the highlands of the Southern Pyrenees but understanding the role of herding activities in the Neolithisation process of this mountain ecosystem calls for the analysis of large and well-dated faunal assemblages. Cova de Els Trocs (Bisaurri, Huesca, Spain), a cave located at 1564 m a.s.l on the southern slopes of the Central Pyrenees, is an excellent case study since it was seasonally occupied throughout the Neolithic (ca. 5312–2913 cal. BC) and more than 4000 caprine remains were recovered inside. The multi-proxy analytical approach here presented has allowed us to offer new data elaborating on vertical mobility practices and herd management dynamics as has not been attempted up until now within Neolithic high-mountain sites in the Iberian Peninsula. For the first time, δ18O and δ13C stable isotope analyses offer direct evidence on both the regular practice of altitudinal movements of sheep flocks and the extended breeding season of sheep. Autumn births are recorded from the second half of the fifth millennium cal. BC onwards. Age-at-death distributions illustrate the progressive decline in caprine perinatal mortality together with the rising survival rate of individuals older than six months of age and the larger frequency of adults. This trend alongside the ‘off-season’ lambing signal at the implementation of husbandry techniques over time, probably aiming to increase the size of the flocks and their productivity. Palaeoparasitological analyses of sediment samples document also the growing reliance on herding activities of the human groups visiting the Els Trocs cave throughout the Neolithic sequence. In sum, our work provides substantial arguments to conclude that the advanced herding management skills of the Early Neolithic communities arriving in Iberia facilitated the anthropisation process of the subalpine areas of the Central Pyrenees.
Micro-incision vitrectomy surgery for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachments with posterior vitreous detachments in elderly patients: Preoperative characteristics and surgical outcomes
Authors: Yamashita Kazuya , Sakakura Saki , Ofuji Yoshiko , Sato Maho , Nagamoto Takashi , Kubono Hirohisa , Kawamura Mari , Suzuki Kotaro
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To assess the preoperative characteristics and surgical outcomes of using micro-incision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) to treat RRD with posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) in an older and a younger patient group.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 407 eyes from 397 patients with primary RRD with PVD who were consecutively treated in our hospital from February 2016 to February 2020. PVD was diagnosed clinically by the presence of a Weiss ring, or was diagnosed morphologically via optical coherence tomography and subsequently confirmed during surgery. The main outcome measures were preoperative RRD characteristics, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and postoperative complications.

Results

Data were analysed from 55 eyes in the elderly group (age 70 and older), and 352 eyes in the young group (age 69 and younger). There was no significant inter-group difference in the initial reattachment rate. Preoperative characteristics indicated that elderly patients had a significantly lower rate of phakic eyes, shorter mean axial length, lower lattice incidence, and longer time spans from onset to surgery. There were no significant between-group differences in the incidence of the following complications: fibrin formation, intraocular pressure elevation, epi-retinal membrane on the macula, intraocular lens optic capture, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and vitreous haemorrhage. While the elderly patients had significant postoperative improvements in BCVA, these improvements were significantly lower than those of the younger patients.

Conclusions

This study highlighted the characteristics and surgical outcomes of MIVS in elderly patients with RRD. Although the time from onset to surgery was longer, MIVS still can be performed safely to improve older patients’ postoperative BCVA.
Optimal periodic closure for minimizing risk in emerging disease outbreaks
Authors: Hindes Jason , Bianco Simone , Schwartz Ira B.
Published: January 2021

Without vaccines and treatments, societies must rely on non-pharmaceutical intervention strategies to control the spread of emerging diseases such as COVID-19. Though complete lockdown is epidemiologically effective, because it eliminates infectious contacts, it comes with significant costs. Several recent studies have suggested that a plausible compromise strategy for minimizing epidemic risk is periodic closure, in which populations oscillate between wide-spread social restrictions and relaxation. However, no underlying theory has been proposed to predict and explain optimal closure periods as a function of epidemiological and social parameters. In this work we develop such an analytical theory for SEIR-like model diseases, showing how characteristic closure periods emerge that minimize the total outbreak, and increase predictably with the reproductive number and incubation periods of a disease– as long as both are within predictable limits. Using our approach we demonstrate a sweet-spot effect in which optimal periodic closure is maximally effective for diseases with similar incubation and recovery periods. Our results compare well to numerical simulations, including in COVID-19 models where infectivity and recovery show significant variation.
Differentiating axonal loss and demyelination in chronic MS lesions: A novel approach using single streamline diffusivity analysis
Authors: Klistorner Samuel , Barnett Michael H. , Wasserthal Jakob , Yiannikas Con , Barton Joshua , Parratt John , You Yuyi , Graham Stuart L. , Klistorner Alexander
Published: January 2021

We describe a new single-streamline based approach to analyse diffusivity within chronic MS lesions. We used the proposed method to examine diffusivity profiles in 30 patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis and observed a significant increase of both RD and AD within the lesion core (0.38+/-0.09 μm2/ms and 0.30+/-0.12 μm2/ms respectively, p<0.0001 for both) that gradually and symmetrically diminished away from the lesion. T1-hypointensity derived axonal loss correlated highly with ΔAD (r = 0.82, p<0.0001), but moderately with ΔRD (r = 0.60, p<0.0001). Furthermore, the trendline of the ΔAD vs axonal loss intersected both axes at zero indicating close agreement between two measures in assessing the degree of axonal loss. Conversely, the trendline of the ΔRD function demonstrated a high positive value at the zero level of axonal loss, suggesting that even lesions with preserved axonal content exhibit a significant increase of RD. There was also a significant negative correlation between the level of preferential RD increase (ΔRD-ΔAD) in the lesion core and the degree of axonal damage (r = -0.62, p<0.001), indicating that ΔRD dominates in cases with milder axonal loss. Modelling diffusivity changes in the core of chronic MS lesions based on the direct proportionality of ΔAD with axonal loss and the proposed dual nature of ΔRD yielded results that were strikingly similar to the experimental data. Evaluation of lesions in a sizable cohort of MS patients using the proposed method supports the use of ΔAD as a marker of axonal loss; and the notion that demyelination and axonal loss independently contribute to the increase of RD in chronic MS lesions. The work highlights the importance of selecting appropriate patient cohorts for clinical trials of pro-remyelinating and neuroprotective therapeutics.
Powerline right-of-way management and flower-visiting insects: How vegetation management can promote pollinator diversity
Authors: Russo Laura , Stout Hannah , Roberts Dana , Ross Bradley D. , Mahan Carolyn G.
Published: January 2021

Loss in the availability of early successional habitat is a threat to pollinator populations. Given that powerline rights-of-way (ROW) must be managed to maintain early successional habitat, preventing vegetation from interfering with electrical lines, they have the potential to provide conservation benefits for wild pollinators. Moreover, it is possible to provide conservation benefits with no additional cost to land managers. We surveyed flower-visiting insects over two years in different vegetation management treatments in a long-term research ROW to determine which best promoted pollinator abundance and species richness. We found that the ROW had stabilized in an early successional state soon after its establishment and that this early successional state could be maintained with low levels of periodic maintenance. We collected a high diversity of flower-visiting insects (126 bee species and 179 non-bee morphospecies) in six ROW plots. Higher levels of herbicide application had a negative effect on bee species richness, but low levels of herbicide application were compatible with a high abundance and species richness of flower-visiting insects, including several rare species. Moreover, this effect was seen only in the bee community, and not in non-bee flower-visiting insects. Our results suggest further research into the conservation value of ROW for pollinators is warranted. We demonstrate that there is substantial potential for pollinator conservation in ROW, compatible with low-cost vegetation management.
Teaching sensory science to practitioners can change what we eat
Authors: Damsbo-Svendsen Marie , Menadeva Karpantschof Bat-El , Bom Frøst Michael
Published: January 2021

How can we create large-scale changes in our society that lead to more sustainable food consumption? One certain contributor to change is to ensure that the products and meals available in supermarkets, cafeterias, schools, hospitals and restaurants are sustainable while at the same time evoke pleasure, as pleasure is decisive for food choice. There is a need for culinary practitioners to prepare delicious meals based on sustainable ingredients, which require less resources to produce (such as vegetables, algae, legumes, grains, seeds and nuts), and also to use new ingredients (such as production side-streams or insects). However, these ingredients are not necessarily delicious due to, e.g., their bitterness. They may also evoke disgust or be socially unacceptable to eat. Thus, future culinary practitioners need knowledge of how to make these products acceptable and delicious in meals. Sensory science provides a valuable toolbox for evaluating foods, and thus contributes to finding ways to both change sensory properties of foods and improve their deliciousness. Therefore, knowledge about this can contribute to important know-how in culinary arts educations. However, in the current culinary arts educations in Denmark, not much training and education in how to taste and how to carry out sensory evaluation of food is implemented. Taste for Life and the University of Copenhagen have worked with input from vocational teachers on developing teaching materials about sensory science for culinary arts educations. In this opinion article we present the ideas behind the programme and discuss the potential of the material. We hope and expect that it will contribute with knowledge about how to increase deliciousness through a course dedicated to sensory science as part of a culinary arts education.
Dojrzałość empatii wpływa na jakość solidarności
Authors: Radzińska Jowita
Published: January 2021

Dojrzałość empatii wpływa na jakość solidarności, ponieważ warunkuje standardy komunikacji i współpracy. Zarówno emocje, jak i empatia posiadają ugruntowaną pozycje w refleksji moralnej, a interdyscyplinarne spojrzenie na związek empatii i solidarności może pełniej ujawnić ich zależność. Wokół roli i znaczenia empatii toczą się spory, które stosunkowo łatwo można rozstrzygnąć odwołując się do refleksji filozoficznej. Szansę na zrozumienie, w jaki sposób solidarność jest postrzegana i/lub doświadczana daje metoda socjologii moralności Marii Ossowskiej. Szczególnie ciekawym polem badawczym jest pandemia koronawirusa, która stała się akceleratorem społecznych działań i procesów, jak w soczewce ujawniając kompetencje, ale i słabości solidarnościowych postaw.
«На других надейся, а сама не плошай». Прагматический индивидуализм как дискурсивная стратегия нормализации биографий молодых представительниц среднего класса
Authors: Чернова Жанна Владимировна , Шпаковская Лариса Леонидовна
Published: January 2021

Статья посвящена тому, как молодые женщины образованного городского среднего класса дискурсивно оформляют свой жизненный проект. Авторы анализируют категории и дискурсы, которые используют молодые представительницы образованного городского среднего класса для обоснования своих выборов в сфере семьи и работы. В статье также рассматривается, каким образом они интерпретируют социальную поддержку государства как одного из источников своего благополучия.
Авторы показывают, что молодые женщины образованного городского среднего класса в процессе биографического интервью проводят дискурсивную работу по нормализации своих жизненных историй, приводя их в соответствие с культурными представлениями о приличии (respectability), характерными для среднего класса и его стиля жизни. Это способ производства себя как субъекта, включающий эмоциональную работу по приведению своих чувств и говорения о них в соответствие с конвенционально заданными культурными и классовыми представлениями о приличии.
Эмпирическим материалом выступили биографические интервью с женщинами — представительницами трех поколений (N = 45). В фокусе анализа были интервью с молодыми женщинами в возрасте до 35 лет, имеющими детей. В качестве дополнительной информации использовались публикации тематических форумов и групп в социальных сетях, посвященные материнству.
На основе анализа интервью авторы описывают дискурс прагматического индивидуализма — личного решения на основе компетентного рационального выбора. Дискурс представляет собой объяснительные модели различных жизненных выборов, совершаемых молодыми женщинами. Идея поиска себя и стремления самореализоваться в различных сферах жизни выступает одним из лейтмотивов этого дискурса, что требует от индивида постоянного развития личностных и профессиональных компетенций. В статье показано, как работает дискурс прагматического индивидуализма в нарративах молодых женщин о своих стратегиях в сфере занятости, семьи и получения государственной помощи.
Пути российской инфодемии: от WhatsApp до Следственного комитета
Authors: Архипова Александра Сергеевна , Радченко Дарья Александровна , Козлова Ирина Владимировна , Пейгин Борис Сергеевич , Гаврилова Мария Владимировна , Петров Никита Викторович
Published: January 2021

С января 2020 г. авторы статьи в составе научной группы «Мониторинг актуального фольклора» изучали в России особенности инфодемии — волны слухов, псевдомедицинских советов, конспирологии и отрицания опасности, связанных с эпидемией COVID-19. Цель исследования заключалась в характеристике структуры и путей распространения инфодемии, а для ее реализации были составлены две базы данных: (1) отобранные с помощью сервиса «Медиалогия» тексты из российских социальных сетей (167 сюжетов) и (2) случаи уголовного и административного преследования граждан за распространение «недостоверной информации» (слухов) о самом коронавирусе и мерах борьбы с ним (203 случая).
На основе количественного и качественного анализа полученного материала авторы, во-первых, описали, как «устроена» инфодемия, какие сюжеты наиболее популярны и почему; во-вторых, проанализировали, что влияет на появление «волн» инфодемии; в-третьих, установили, какие тексты из циркулирующих по неформальным каналам коммуникации опасны в медицинском смысле, а какие — признаны «опасными» в судах.
Благодарность. Статья подготовлена в рамках выполнения научно-исследовательской работы государственного задания РАНХиГС.
Исследовательская группа выражает сердечную благодарность Марии Шклярук и Михаилу Бенюхису, без помощи которых работа над статьей не была бы возможной, нашим коллегам Аглае Старостиной, Анне Кирзюк, Сергею Белянину, Иосифу Зислину за помощь в работе над статьей, проекту «ОВД-Инфо» и правозащитной группе «Агора» за предоставление результатов своих мониторингов, Илье Ферапонтову, редактору N+1, за представление площадки для оперативных публикаций, а также всем нашим корреспондентам, которые, не жалея усилий и времени, находили и присылали нам все новые и новые примеры слухов и фейков.
Generációk és az infokommunikációs eszközök használata egy általános iskolában végzett mikrokutatás tükrében
Authors: Szarvasné Tompa Zsuzsanna
Published: January 2021

Napjaink társadalomtudományi kutatásainak egyik fontos témája az információs és kommunikációs technológiák (a továbbiakban: IKT) használatában mutatkozó generációs különbségek. Életünk minden területét behálózza az internet, és a hozzá kapcsolódó eszközök használata. A digitális oktatásra való átállás fontossága, ezáltal az IKT-eszközök használata felerősödött a COVID–19 járvány okozta helyzetben. Tanulmányomban ismertetek néhány, az IKT-eszközök használatához kapcsolódó fogalmat, illetve bemutatom egy általános iskolában végzett kérdőíves vizsgálatom fontosabb eredményeit.
ECMO/CRRT Combined Support in the Treatment of Critically Ill SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia Patients
Authors: Zou Hai , Li Shengqing
Published: January 2021

Objective: To explore the experience with and complications of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) combined with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) for treatment of critically ill patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia.

Methods: The data on critically ill COVID-19 patients who received ECMO/CRRT at Tongji Hospital, which is affiliated with Huazhong University of Science and Technology, in February and March 2020 were collected and analyzed. All three patients were male, and the mean age was 50.6 years (range 44–58 years). The indications for ECMO in critically ill SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia patients at our center were severe acute respiratory distress syndrome with Pao2/Fio2 below 100 mmHg under an effective protective pulmonary ventilation strategy and inflammatory storm accompanied by acute kidney injury. One patient, with severe heart failure, was selected for venoarterial ECMO, and the other two patients were selected for venovenous ECMO.

Results: In the three patients who received ECMO combined with bedside CRRT, the mean duration was 9.7 days (range 7–13 days). Four complications occurred during ECMO/CRRT, especially thrombocytopenia. Laboratory testing showed increased counts of leukocytes and lymphocytes and decreased levels of inflammatory factors. Lung CT was suggestive of significantly absorbed and reduced lesions and interstitial fibrosis.

Conclusions: The survival rate of patients with cardiopulmonary failure treated with ECMO/CRRT in whom conventional treatment failed in this group was 100%, which indicates that combined treatment with ECMO and CRRT is an important treatment technique.
Middle Lobe Syndrome Associated with Bronchial Anthracofibrosis
Authors: Gonlugur Ugur , Gonlugur Tanseli , Ozer Sule
Published: January 2021

Bronchial anthracofibrosis has been defined as airway narrowing associated with dark pigmentation on bronchoscopy without an appropriate history of pneumoconiosis or smoking. We present a case of a 67-year-old, non-smoking female patient who was referred to our clinic for two years of persistent cough. Spirometry was within normal limits. Radiological evaluation showed right middle lobe atelectasis and positron emission tomography-positive mediastinal lymph nodes. Bronchoscopy revealed black airway discoloration and distortions. In conclusion, we propose monthly radiological controls before an invasive procedure in such cases if a strong suspicion of malignancy/tuberculosis is not present.
Physical Factors in Age-Related Physical Performance Decline in Older Adults at Lembaga Lansia Indonesia, West Java Branch
Authors: Vitriana  , Defi Irma Ruslina
Published: January 2021

The aging process is associated with increased body fat and decreased muscle mass and strength in older adults. This condition is frequently associated with loss of mobility and functions. This study aimed to explore the relationship between physical performance and handgrip strength, body composition, and anthropometry in community-dwelling older adults living in Bandung, West Java Province, Indonesia. A cross-sectional study was performed from December 2015 to June 2016 on community-dwelling older adults above 60 years old who were the members of the West Java Branch of Lembaga Lansia Indonesia, Indonesia, with the ability to walk without an assistive device and to perform hand grip properly as an additional inclusion criterion. Subjects were excluded if they experienced severe cardiorespiratory or vascular abnormalities, used artificial implants, underwent hormone therapy, and had any disease that would affect the accuracy of the variable measurement. A total of 106 subjects (60-85 years old) participated in this study. A significant negative correlation between total body fat and physical performance and a positive correlation between handgrip strength to physical performance were observed among subjects. However, no correlation was found between the anthropometric measurement and physical performance. The total body fat percentage, muscle mass index, and handgrip strength correlate significantly to the physical performance in older adults and may be used as a good indicator to preserve physical function and quality of life in the elderly.
Correlation Between HbA1c and Albuminuria in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Merlin Jesika , Pusparini
Published: January 2021

In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (Type 2 DM), glycemic control plays an essential role in reducing macro- and microvascular complications. The earliest marker for diabetic nephropathy is the presence of albuminuria. Meanwhile, HbA1c has been recognized as a marker of glycemic control in the blood. This study aimed to identify the correlation between HbA1c and albuminuria in type 2 DM. This was a cross-sectional study involving 100 patients with type 2 DM aged 40–70 years visiting Dr. Soetomo Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia. Secondary data from medical records of type 2 DM patients undergoing HbA1c and albuminuria examinations from January to December 2015 were used. The mean age of subjects was 55.4 ±8.7 years, with the majority (55%) being of female gender. The mean HbA1c concentration was 9.8±2.4%. Most subjects (83%) had an HbA1c level of ≥7 %. Albuminuria was found in the majority of the subjects (78%), where 33% of them had positive 1 albuminuria. The Spearman correlation test showed a positive strong significant correlation between HbA1c and albuminuria, with r=0.865 and p<0.001. Thus, it can be concluded that there is a significant correlation between HbA1c and albuminuria in type 2 DM.
Pica, Autism, and Other Disabilities
Authors: Fields Victoria L. , Soke Gnakub N. , Reynolds Ann , Tian Lin H. , Wiggins Lisa , Maenner Matthew , DiGuiseppi Carolyn , Kral Tanja V.E. , Hightshoe Kristina , Schieve Laura A.
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Pica, the repeated ingestion of nonfood items, can be life-threatening. Although case reports describe pica in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or intellectual disability (ID), there has been little systematic study of pica prevalence. We assessed pica in children 30 to 68 months of age (median = 55.4 months) with and without ASD.

METHODS:

Our sample from the Study to Explore Early Development, a multisite case-control study, included children with ASD (n = 1426), children with other developmental disabilities (DDs) (n = 1735), and general population-based controls (POPs) (n = 1578). We subdivided the ASD group according to whether children had ID and the DD group according to whether they had ID and/or some ASD characteristics. Standardized developmental assessments and/or questionnaires were used to define final study groups, subgroups, and pica. We examined pica prevalence in each group and compared ASD and DD groups and subgroups to the POP group using prevalence ratios adjusted for sociodemographic factors.

RESULTS:

Compared with the prevalence of pica among POPs (3.5%), pica was higher in children with ASD (23.2%) and DD (8.4%), and in the following subgroups: ASD with ID (28.1%), ASD without ID (14.0%), DD with ID (9.7%), DD with ASD characteristics (12.0%), and DD with both ID and ASD characteristics (26.3%); however, pica prevalence was not elevated in children with DD with neither ID nor ASD characteristics (3.2%). Between-group differences remained after adjustment (adjusted prevalence ratio range 1.9–8.0, all P <.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

Pica may be common in young children with ASD, ASD characteristics, and ID. These findings inform the specialized health care needs of these children.
Morphological features of endo- and myometrium in patients with uterine leiomyoma and infertility
Authors:   SI «Institute of pediatrics, obstetrics and ginecology named academic Elena. M. Lukyanova NAMS of Ukraine», Flaksenberg M.A. ,   National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsia, Ukraine
Published: January 2021

The objective: determination of morphofunctional features of leiomatous nodes and endometrium in women with uterine leiomyoma and infertility to restore reproductive function and prevent recurrence of the underlying disease. Materials and methods. In order to restore reproductive function and prevent recurrence of the underlying disease, morphofunctional features of leiomatous nodes and endometrium in women with uterine leiomyoma and infertility were determined. Thirty samples of leiomyomatous nodes and endometrium were examined, among which 15 were obtained from women with multiple uterine leiomyoma and infertility and 15 samples from women with uterine leiomyoma with isolated uterine leiomyoma. During the study, a general-histological method was used for staining with hematoxylin-eosin and picrofuxin by van Gizon, as well as immunohistochemical methods. Histological examination of the endometrium was performed according to conventional protocol, taking into account the day of the menstrual cycle and R.W. Noyes criteria. Results. In the morphological examination of leiomyomatous nodes in the vast majority of cases the presence of uterine leiomyomas of simple and cell types or their combination was established. In women with multiple uterine leiomyoma, simple-type leiomyoma (53.3%) was predominant, and in patients with isolated leiomyoma the signs of cellular uterine leiomyoma (66.7%) were more frequently found. In 80.0% of women with uterine leiomyoma revealed pathology of the endometrium, such as glandular and glandular-fibrous polyps, simple and complex atypical endometrial hyperplasia, which confirms the theory about the only pathogenetic mechanisms of the emergence of hyperplastic processes of female organs. In 66.7% of women with multiple leiomyomas, signs of chronic endometritis have been found, which exacerbates the pathological process and can have a negative impact on the reproductive function, such as secretory endometrial transformation and impaired blastocyst implantation, and explains a much higher percentage of infertility in the group. Conclusion. In women with impaired reproductive function, patients with uterine leiomyoma, it is necessary to conduct a study of the receptivity of the reproductive organs, namely - the endometrium and leiomatous nodes. This will make it possible to use one or another method of treatment in order to restore reproductive function and prevent recurrence of the underlying disease. Keywords: infertility, uterine leiomyoma, endometrium, receptive apparatus.
Kyiv Perinatal Center: Let pregnancy become motherhood
Authors:   Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine, Zahorodnya O.S. , Bila V.V. ,   Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine,   Perinatal center of Kyiv, Yarotska Y.O. ,   Perinatal center of Kyiv, Klyushanova O.I. ,   A-UPO «Art Therapeutic Association», Kyiv, Akimova O.V. ,   Perinatal center of Kyiv
Published: January 2021

The article presents the experience of the project on physical and psychological recovery of families after reproductive losses. The concept of fetal loss syndrome was chosen as a principle of the project, which provides both common pathogenetic mechanisms of early and late miscarriage, spontaneous and induced premature birth, which lead to neonatal death, and similar mechanisms of psychological experience of reproductive loss due to the lack of formed connection between parents and child. The main etiological factors of miscarriage, the principles of their diagnosis and the applied algorithm of treatment are considered. In particular, a detailed description of the role of progesterone deficiency in the mechanisms of miscarriage and severe obstetric complications is given, the debatability of the effectiveness of unjustified prescribing of exogenous progesterone, both from a molecular and epidemiological point of view. Attention is paid to thrombophilias of various origins, which is currently one of the recognized factors of miscarriage. The results of the project are presented, which include more than 20 meetings held in 3 years, as a result of which 20 couples were planned to have the next pregnancy and its observation. All 20 cases were completed in the Perinatal Center by timely delivery with the birth of a living healthy child, so all pregnancies became maternity. Keywords: Kyiv Perinatal Center, miscarriage, reproductive losses, pregnancy, thrombophilia, progesterone deficiency, psychology.
Hemoglobin Level Decrease after Open Heart Surgery in a Tertiary Hospital in Indonesia
Authors: Nifulea Anabella , Widianto Reza Sudjud , Nusjirwan Rama
Published: January 2021

Background: Open heart surgery is usually performed by connecting the heart to a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) machine. The use of the CPB machine may decrease the hemoglobin level and a very low hemoglobin levelcould cause seriouscomplications.This study aimed to explore the decrease in hemoglobin level after open heart surgery. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective descriptive study was conducted on medical records of patients underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and heart valve surgery in a tertiary hospital in Indonesia in 2018. The total sampling method was deployed to all medical records of patients underwent CABG surgery (n=25) and patients underwent heart valve surgery (n=3). Results: The decrease in hemoglobin level among young-adult female patients after heart valve surgery was 6.8 g/dl. The average decrease in mid-adult male and female patients after CABG surgery were 6 g/dl and 5.8 g/dl, respectively, and, after the heart valve surgery, the levels were 8.5 g/dl and 5.4 g/dl, respectively. The average decrease in Hb level among late-adult male and female patients after CABG surgery was 6.1 g/dl and 5.4 g/dl, respectively. Conclusion: Hemoglobin level decreases after an open heart surgery. Therefore, observation on the hemoglobin level to prevent complications and to facilitate early treatment is necessary.
Differences in Bleeding Episodes in Severe Hemophilia A Based on Nutritional Status
Authors: Simamora Wenny , Susanah Susi , Oehadian Amaylia
Published: January 2021

Background: Hemophilia A is a congenital bleeding disorder caused by the deficiency of coagulation factor VIII and is characterized by joint bleeding, especially in weight-bearing joints. An excess weight may cause bleeding in hemophilia due to increased joint tension. This study aimed to determine the differences in bleeding episodes between severe hemophilia A patients with and without excess weight. Method: A comparative observational analytic study was conducted in March-November 2019 using a cross-sectional design. Subjects were patients with severe hemophilia A registered in the Indonesian Hemophilia Society Association in West Java and had had severe hemophilia A for at least two years old with complete data on date of birth, height, weight, and bleeding intensity. Subjects were divided into groups with excess weight (excess weight) and without excess weight (non-excess weight). Nutritional status in adults was determined based on age-specific percentile BMI. Bleeding episodes were determined as frequency of bleeding in one year. The Mann-Whitney statistical test was used to observe the difference between groups. Result: Of 226 severe hemophilia A patients registered, only 155 patients were included. Of these, 121 patients did not have excess weight and 34 had excess weight. The median bleeding episodes of in the non-excess weight and excess weight groups were 24(1-48) and 24(8-48), respectively (p=0.761). Conclusion: There is no difference in bleeding episodes Between severe hemophilia A patients with excess weight and without excess weight. However, good nutrition education needs to be provided to these patients since excess weight may increase bleeding in joints.
Development and Validation of Korea Mental Health Needs Screening Scale for Children with Developmental Disabilities(KMS-CDD)
Authors:   The Korean Society of Special Education, Park Seung Hee , Park Jiyeon , Hwang Jeongha
Published: January 2021

The purposes of this study are to develop the KMS-CDD and to determine whether it is a reliable and valid measure. The survey was developed based on a thorough review of the literature and a series of feedbacks via focus group interviews (FGIs) from different groups (parents, teachers, psychiatrist). A cross-sectional study of children and adolescents aged 7-20 years was utilized. The data were collected from within 40 special schools from different levels (elementary, middle, and high schools) across the nation. The sample included a total of 1,352, which represent male (n=867, 64.1%), autistic spectrum disorder (n=416, 30.8%), and intellectual disabilities (n=908, 67.1%). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was utilized in order to assess the psychometric properties of the developed scale. Descriptive statistics were analyzed by SPSS 23.0 and CFA was done by Mplus 7.2. FIML was employed to handle missing data. The CFA results indicated an overall acceptable fit of the model. The final model for the four factors showed fit indices with χ2(507) = 3324.898, p < 0.001, CFI = 0.826, TLI = 0.807, RMSEA = 0.064 (90% CI: 0.062-0.066), SRMR = 0.068. The findings from this study suggest that the KMS-CDD represents a viable measurement tool for screening the mental health needs for children with developmental disabilities (intellectual disabilities and autistic spectrum disorder, etc.). No other scale has attempted to measure the mental health needs for children with developmental disabilities in Korea. The KMS-CDD may provide more options for teachers and psychiatrists who are seeking a screening tool for children with mental health needs in schools and communities. So far, the issue of comorbidity has not yet been studied as needed in Korea, especially in the part of the population that has cognitive limitations. The development and validation of this first screening scale for dual diagnosis, in the individuals with developmental disabilities, will help pave the way for early identification and further ongoing treatment for those who have both developmental disabilities and mental health needs.
Economic impact of bridge functionality loss from a resilience perspective: Queensferry Crossing, UK
Authors: Smith Alec W. , Argyroudis Sotirios A. , Winter Mike G. , Mitoulis Stergios A.
Published: January 2021

Understanding the resilience of transport networks is critical for efficient asset management. This paper takes an innovative approach to studying the operability of the Queensferry Crossing (QFC), UK, including cost–benefit aspects. A key driver for the QFC was to increase the resilience of the A90/M90 link by reducing weather-related closures. The first weather-related closure of the QFC was in February 2020, when ice formed on the superstructure cables and fell on the carriageway and vehicles, creating a safety risk for bridge users. The bridge was closed for 41 h and, in this paper, the estimated monetary losses are compared with those of past Forth Road Bridge (FRB) closures. The costs of potential mitigation measures are then assessed in the context of closure costs, thus improving the resilience of the QFC. Although the QFC has only been open for 3 years, it is already apparent that it is significantly more resilient than the largely replaced FRB, whether this is considered as the number, duration or costs of closures and that this will be substantially improved by the planned use of the FRB during future closures of the QFC. Investment in mitigation measures is a potentially cost-effective solution although the form of any suitable ice prevention or removal system is, as yet, far from clear.
Pseudo Metabolic Acidosis in the Setting of Hypertriglyceridemia: A Case Report
Authors:   University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA, Bali Atul , Naik Roopa ,   Centra Southside Community Hospital, 800 Oak St, Farmville, VA 23901, USA
Published: January 2021

Low serum bicarbonate, with or without an elevated anion gap, can indicate metabolic acidosis. High anion gap metabolic acidosis is due to the unmeasured anions. Hypertriglyceridemia can also be associated with spuriously low serum bicarbonate levels due to lab interference. We present a 44-year-old woman who presented with anion gap metabolic acidosis in the presence of severe hypertriglyceridemia
Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors and Cardiovascular Disease: Lessons and the Future
Authors:   Department of Cardiology, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, COM-WR, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Kinsara Abdulhalim J. A. , Al Qubbany Atif ,   Department of Cardiology, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, COM-WR, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Alkashkar Wail ,   Department of Cardiology, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, COM-WR, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Published: January 2021

Diabetes mellitus (DM), an epidemic non-communicable disease, is associated with macro- and micro-vascular complications which may result in sudden cardiac death at a young age. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2-I) emerged as a new therapeutic option for managing DM with cardiovascular complications as well as diabetic patients with multiple risk factors. Three drugs in this class significantly reduced cardiovascular mortality and heart failure events, in both type 2 diabetes mellitus and non-diabetic patients with a reduced ejection fraction, to prevent heart failure-related hospitalisation. Evidence of kidney protection was another major advantage provided in more than one study. We reviewed recent SGLT2-I related literature and discuss the benefits beyond the cardiac system.
Awareness of Ototoxicity among Medical Doctors in Assam
Authors:   Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, Amity Medical School, Amity University Gurgaon, Haryana, India, Bora Writisha , Sanju Himanshu K. ,   Department of ENT, Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, Shri Jagdamba Charitable Eye Hospital, Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, India, Kumar Vijay ,   Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, Amity Medical School, Amity University Gurgaon, Haryana, India, Borah Prasanta ,   Old MLA Hostel Medical Unit, Guwahati, Assam, India, Jain Tushar ,   Department of ENT, Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, Shri Jagdamba Charitable Eye Hospital, Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, India
Published: January 2021

Introduction Previous literature has reported ill-effect of ototoxic drug on hearing and balance. Present study investigated awareness among medical doctors for the same. Method A total of 55-medical doctors of multiple specialties from Assam, India participated in the present study. A total of 14 questions with Likert Scale based scoring pattern were framed and validated for the present study. Results Outcome of the present study showed high awareness percentage about side effect ototoxic drugs was obtained, which was a satisfying outcome. Conclusion While low audiological referral and consultation awareness was identified as an area of concern.
Effectiveness of Identafi® in Evaluation of Precancerous Oral Lesions
Authors:   Department of ENT, Eskisehir City Hospital, Eskisehir, Turkey, Fidan Vural , Koyuncu Handan ,   Department of ENT, Yunus Emre Government Hospital, Eskisehir, Turkey, Sakalar Emine ,   Department of ENT, Yunus Emre Government Hospital, Eskisehir, Turkey, Turfan Bengisu ,   Near East Unıversıty, Nicosia, Cyprus
Published: January 2021

Aim To examine the role of the Identafi® device in early diagnosis of the nature of oral lesions. Results Buccal mucosal lesions that diagnosed Kreatosis were the most seem lesion in oral area. Conclusion It has been observed that the indentative device provides convenience to the physician in the early diagnosis of precancerous oral lesions and some tissue formations that may be overlooked can be reached.