bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The eukaryotic initiation factor 5A (eIF5A1), the molecule, mechanisms and recent insights into the pathophysiological roles
Authors: Tauc Michel , Cougnon Marc , Carcy Romain , Melis Nicolas , Hauet Thierry , Pellerin Luc , Blondeau Nicolas , Pisani Didier F.
Published: December 2021

Since the demonstration of its involvement in cell proliferation, the eukaryotic initiation factor 5A (eIF5A) has been studied principally in relation to the development and progression of cancers in which the isoform A2 is mainly expressed. However, an increasing number of studies report that the isoform A1, which is ubiquitously expressed in normal cells, exhibits novel molecular features that reveal its new relationships between cellular functions and organ homeostasis. At a first glance, eIF5A can be regarded, among other things, as a factor implicated in the initiation of translation. Nevertheless, at least three specificities: (1) its extreme conservation between species, including plants, throughout evolution, (2) its very special and unique post-translational modification through the activating-hypusination process, and finally (3) its close relationship with the polyamine pathway, suggest that the role of eIF5A in living beings remains to be uncovered. In fact, and beyond its involvement in facilitating the translation of proteins containing polyproline residues, eIF5A is implicated in various physiological processes including ischemic tolerance, metabolic adaptation, aging, development, and immune cell differentiation. These newly discovered physiological properties open up huge opportunities in the clinic for pathologies such as, for example, the ones in which the oxygen supply is disrupted. In this latter case, organ transplantation, myocardial infarction or stroke are concerned, and the current literature defines eIF5A as a new drug target with a high level of potential benefit for patients with these diseases or injuries. Moreover, the recent use of genomic and transcriptomic association along with metadata studies also revealed the implication of eIF5A in genetic diseases. Thus, this review provides an overview of eIF5A from its molecular mechanism of action to its physiological roles and the clinical possibilities that have been recently reported in the literature.
Patterns of ICU admissions and outcomes in patients with solid malignancies over the revolution of cancer treatment
Authors: Vigneron Clara , Charpentier Julien , Valade Sandrine , Alexandre Jérôme , Chelabi Samy , Palmieri Lola-Jade , Franck Nathalie , Laurence Valérie , Mira Jean-Paul , Jamme Matthieu , Pène Frédéric
Published: December 2021

Background

Major therapeutic advances including immunotherapy and targeted therapies have been changing the face of oncology and resulted in improved prognosis as well as in new toxic complications. The aim of this study is to appraise the trends in intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and outcomes of critically ill patients with solid malignancies. We performed a retrospective single-centre study over a 12-year period (2007–2018) including adult patients with solid malignancies requiring unplanned ICU admission. Admission patterns were classified as: (i) specific if directly related to the underlying cancer; (ii) non-specific; (iii) drug-related or procedural adverse events.

Results

1525 patients were analysed. Lung and gastro-intestinal tract accounted for the two main tumour sites. The proportion of patients with metastatic diseases increased from 48.6% in 2007–2008 to 60.2% in 2017–2018 (p = 0.004). Critical conditions were increasingly related to drug- or procedure-related adverse events, from 8.8% of ICU admissions in 2007–2008 to 16% in 2017–2018 (p = 0.01). The crude severity of critical illness at ICU admission did not change over time. The ICU survival rate was 77.4%, without any significant changes over the study period. Among the 1279 patients with complete follow-up, the 1-year survival rate was 33.2%. Independent determinants of ICU mortality were metastatic disease, cancer in progression under treatment, admission for specific complications and the extent of organ failures (invasive and non-invasive ventilation, inotropes/vasopressors, renal replacement therapy and SOFA score). One-year mortality in ICU-survivors was independently associated with lung cancer, metastatic disease, cancer in progression under treatment, admission for specific complications and decision to forgo life-sustaining therapies.

Conclusion

Advances in the management and the prognosis of solid malignancies substantially modified the ICU admission patterns of cancer patients. Despite underlying advanced and often metastatic malignancies, encouraging short-term and long-term outcomes should help changing the dismal perception of critically ill cancer patients.
Gas conditioning during helmet noninvasive ventilation: effect on comfort, gas exchange, inspiratory effort, transpulmonary pressure and patient–ventilator interaction
Authors: Bongiovanni Filippo , Grieco Domenico Luca , Anzellotti Gian Marco , Menga Luca Salvatore , Michi Teresa , Cesarano Melania , Raggi Valeria , De Bartolomeo Cecilia , Mura Benedetta , Mercurio Giovanna , D’Arrigo Sonia , Bello Giuseppe , Maviglia Riccardo , Pennisi Mariano Alberto , Antonelli Massimo
Published: December 2021

Background

There is growing interest towards the use of helmet noninvasive ventilation (NIV) for the management of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Gas conditioning through heat and moisture exchangers (HME) or heated humidifiers (HHs) is needed during facemask NIV to provide a minimum level of humidity in the inspired gas (15 mg H2O/L). The optimal gas conditioning strategy during helmet NIV remains to be established.

Methods

Twenty patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (PaO2/FiO2 < 300 mmHg) underwent consecutive 1-h periods of helmet NIV (PEEP 12 cmH2O, pressure support 12 cmH2O) with four humidification settings, applied in a random order: double-tube circuit with HHs and temperature set at 34 °C (HH34) and 37 °C (HH37); Y-piece circuit with HME; double-tube circuit with no humidification (NoH). Temperature and humidity of inhaled gas were measured through a capacitive hygrometer. Arterial blood gases, discomfort and dyspnea through visual analog scales (VAS), esophageal pressure swings (ΔPES) and simplified pressure–time product (PTPES), dynamic transpulmonary driving pressure (ΔPL) and asynchrony index were measured in each step.

Results

Median [IqR] absolute humidity, temperature and VAS discomfort were significantly lower during NoH vs. HME, HH34 and HH37: absolute humidity (mgH2O/L) 16 [12–19] vs. 28 [23–31] vs. 28 [24–31] vs. 33 [29–38],p < 0.001; temperature (°C) 29 [28–30] vs. 30 [29–31] vs. 31 [29–32] vs 32. [31–33],p < 0.001; VAS discomfort 4 [2–6] vs. 6 [2–7] vs. 7 [4–8] vs. 8 [4–10],p = 0.03. VAS discomfort increased with higher absolute humidity (p < 0.01) and temperature (p = 0.007). Higher VAS discomfort was associated with increased VAS dyspnea (p = 0.001). Arterial blood gases, respiratory rate, ΔPES, PTPESand ΔPLwere similar in all conditions. Overall asynchrony index was similar in all steps, but autotriggering rate was lower during NoH and HME (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

During 1-h sessions of helmet NIV in patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure, a double-tube circuit with no humidification allowed adequate conditioning of inspired gas, optimized comfort and improved patient–ventilator interaction. Use of HHs or HME in this setting resulted in increased discomfort due to excessive heat and humidity in the interface, which was associated with more intense dyspnea.

Trail RegistrationRegistered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02875379) on August 23rd, 2016.
Next generation earth-to-space telecommand coding and synchronization: ground system design, optimization and software implementation
Authors: Abelló Ricard , Baldi Marco , Carvalho Filipe , Chiaraluce Franco , Fernandes Ricardo , Garello Roberto , Paolini Enrico , Prata Ricardo
Published: December 2021

The Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems, followed by all national and international space agencies, has updated the Telecommand Coding and Synchronization sublayer to introduce new powerful low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes. Their large coding gains significantly improve the system performance and allow new Telecommand services and profiles with higher bit rates and volumes. In this paper, we focus on the Telecommand transmitter implementation in the Ground Station baseband segment. First, we discuss the most important blocks and we focus on the most critical one, i.e., the LDPC encoder. We present and analyze two techniques, one based on a Shift Register Adder Accumulator and the other on Winograd convolution both exploiting the block circulant nature of the LDPC matrix. We show that these techniques provide a significant complexity reduction with respect to the usual encoder mapping, thus allowing to obtain high uplink bit rates. We then discuss the choice of a proper hardware or software platform, and we show that a Central Processing Unit-based software solution is able to achieve the high bit rates requested by the new Telecommand applications. Finally, we present the results of a set of tests on the real-time software implementation of the new system, comparing the performance achievable with the different encoding options.
IRF4 expression is low in Philadelphia negative myeloproliferative neoplasms and is associated with a worse prognosis
Authors: Cumbo Cosimo , Tarantini Francesco , Anelli Luisa , Zagaria Antonella , Redavid Immacolata , Minervini Crescenzio Francesco , Coccaro Nicoletta , Tota Giuseppina , Ricco Alessandra , Parciante Elisa , Conserva Maria Rosa , Specchia Giorgina , Musto Pellegrino , Albano Francesco
Published: December 2021

Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) is involved in the pathogenesis of various hematologic malignancies. Its expression has been related to the negative regulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and the polarization of anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages, thereby altering immunosurveillance and inflammatory mechanisms. An abnormal inflammatory status in the bone marrow microenvironment of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) has recently been demonstrated; moreover, in chronic myeloid leukemia a downregulated expression of IRF4 has been found. In this context, we evaluated the IRF4 expression in 119 newly diagnosed consecutive Philadelphia negative MPNs (Ph- MPNs), showing a low expression among the MPNs phenotypes with a more significant decrease in primary myelofibrosis patients. Lower IRF4 levels were associated with JAK2 + and triple negatives cases carrying the worst prognosis. Furthermore, the IRF4 levels were related to leukemic transformation and a shorter leukemia-free survival; moreover, the risk of myelofibrosis transformation in polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia patients was more frequent in cases with lower IRF4 levels. Overall, our study demonstrates an IRF4 dysregulated expression in MPNs patients and its association with a worse prognosis. Further studies could validate these data, to improve our knowledge of the MPNs pathogenesis and confirm the IRF4 role as a new prognostic factor.
Research as an essentiality beyond one’s own competence: an interview study on frail older people's view of research
Authors: Haak Maria , Ivanoff Synneve , Barenfeld Emmelie , Berge Isak , Lood Qarin
Published: December 2021

Background

There is an increased interest to make the voices of frail older people heard in research by actively involving them in research processes. Involving frail older people in research could, however, be perceived as challenging by researchers. To actively involve frail older people in research processes in a meaningful way, the knowledge about their own views on what research is must be widened and deepened.

Methods

Individual interviews were conducted with 17 frail older men and women with former experience of participation in research studies. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis.

Results

Frail older people’s views on what research means are described through the main category;An essentiality beyond one’s own competence,which describes research as a complex process that is important for society but difficult to understand. This is described in the sub-categories;A driving force for societal development, A benefit when based on lived experience, A source of knowledge difficult to access and understand,andA respected job filled with responsibilities.

Conclusion

Different views on research from the perspective of frail older people show that research is viewed as a complex yet important phenomenon to frail older people. Research was also seen as a natural part in society. Research was viewed as difficult to access and understand. Thus, researchers must train themselves to communicate research findings to the public in an understandable way. To create common understandings through information and education, researchers might be better placed to involve frail older people in a meaningful way and thereby also have the possibility to develop good working practice and relationships with those involved.
Psychometric validation and meaningful change thresholds of the Worst Itching Intensity Numerical Rating Scale for assessing itch in patients with chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus
Authors: Vernon Margaret K. , Swett Laura L. , Speck Rebecca M. , Munera Catherine , Spencer Robert H. , Wen Warren , Menzaghi Frédérique
Published: December 2021

Background

Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) is characterized by persistent itch that often leads to substantially impaired quality of life. The Worst Itching Intensity Numerical Rating Scale (WI-NRS) is a single-item patient-reported outcome measure in which patients indicate the intensity of the worst itching they experienced over the past 24 h. Here, we evaluated the content validity and psychometric properties of the WI-NRS and confirmed the threshold of meaningful change in hemodialysis patients with moderate-to-severe CKD-aP.

Methods

Content validity interviews were conducted in 23 patients. Psychometric properties of the WI-NRS were assessed using data from one phase 2 (N = 174) and two phase 3 (N = 848) clinical trials investigating an anti-pruritic treatment. Anchor-based methods were used to confirm meaningful within-patient change score thresholds in the phase 3 trial patients and mixed-method exit interviews (N = 70) contributed further insight.

Results

Content validity interviews indicated patients considered the WI-NRS to be straightforward, comprehensive, and relevant. Test–retest reliability was strong in both trial cohorts (intraclass correlation coefficients > 0.75). Construct validity analyses indicated high correlation between the WI-NRS and other measures of itch. Anchor-based analyses showed a reduction of ≥ 3 points from baseline score represented an appropriate clinically meaningful within-patient change on the WI-NRS. In the exit interviews, all patients with a reduction ≥ 3 points considered the change meaningful.

Conclusions

The WI-NRS is a reliable, valid, and responsive measure of itch intensity for patients with moderate-to-severe CKD-aP. These results support its use to assess treatment efficacy and in clinical evaluation and management of pruritus in hemodialysis patients.
Socio demographic, clinical, and side effect profile of patients on clozapine in Kashmir, North India
Authors: Nazir Deeba , Wani Zaid Ahmad , Bukhari Fahd , Dar Shabir Ahmad , Kawoosa Yuman
Published: December 2021

Background

Clozapine is an atypical second-generation antipsychotic belonging to the family of dibenzodiazepines. There is lack of literature on clozapine from this part of the world. So, our aim was to study the socio demographic, clinical and side effect profile of patients on clozapine in Kashmir.

Results

The mean age of the study group was 32.6 ± 8.9 years with majority being males (78.4%), unmarried (78.4%), unemployed (77.2%), and belonging to nuclear families (77.2%). Almost half of them resided in urban localities (51.1%) and studied upto middle school (55.7%). Around three- fourth (75%) of the patients had diagnosis of treatment-resistant schizophrenia. The mean dose of clozapine was 338.92 ± 158.11 mgs. Sedation (76.1%), hypersalivation (69.5%), constipation (46.6%), and weight gain (34.1%) were most common side effects noted in patients. 4.5% cases developed seizures while on clozapine. 2.3% patients developed agranulocytosis while 4.5% patients developed neutropenia on clozapine. The neutropenia was more pronounced in patients of schizophrenia with suicidal tendencies with doses of more than 400 mg.

Conclusions

We have used clozapine in a wide range of indications. Our patients seem to tolerate and respond to higher doses of clozapine and the prevalence of blood dyscrasias in our study sample was much higher than the rest of India.
Molecular mechanisms of embryonic tail development in the self-fertilizing mangrove killifish Kryptolebias marmoratus
Authors: Saud Hussein A. , O'Neill Paul A. , Ono Yosuke , Verbruggen Bas , Van Aerle Ronny , Kim Jaebum , Lee Jae-Seong , Ring Brian C. , Kudoh Tetsuhiro
Published: December 2021

Using the self-fertilizing mangrove killifish, we characterized two mutants, shorttail (stl) and balltail (btl). These mutants showed abnormalities in the posterior notochord and muscle development. Taking advantage of a highly inbred isogenic strain of the species, we rapidly identified the mutated genes, noto and msgn1 in the stl and btl mutants, respectively, using a single lane of RNA sequencing without the need of a reference genome or genetic mapping techniques. Next, we confirmed a conserved morphant phenotype in medaka and demonstrate a crucial role of noto and msgn1 in cell sorting between the axial and paraxial part of the tail mesoderm. This novel system could substantially accelerate future small-scale forward-genetic screening and identification of mutations. Therefore, the mangrove killifish could be used as a complementary system alongside existing models for future molecular genetic studies.
Screening, diagnosis and genetic study of breast cancer patients in Pakistan
Authors: Majeed Ayesha Isani , Ullah Asmat , Jadoon Muniba , Ahmad Wasim , Riazuddin Sheikh
Published: December 2021

Objective: To determine the role of variants in BRCA1 gene in breast cancer development, women of Pakistani origin, diagnosed with breast cancer, were screened for variants in the BRCA1.

Methods: The present study involved screening of 5000 women for breast cancer. 302 women were diagnosed with breast cancer. Using Sanger sequencing, DNA extracted from peripheral blood of 100 patients was screened for disease causing variants in the BRCA1.

Results: Analysis of sequenced data revealed two frame shift (Gly312Trpfs*8, Ala322Glyfs*4), six missense (p.Glu362Lys, p.Lys651Arg, p.Asp693Asn, p.Pro871Leu, p.Glu1134Lys, p.Lys1183Arg), four synonymous (p.Thr327Thr, p.Ser694Ser, p.His771His, p.Gln1135Gln), and two intronic variants (g.75407T>C, g.75401_75401delT) in the patients.

Conclusion: The present investigation showed that variations in BRCA1 made substantial contribution in causing hereditary/early-onset breast cancer in Pakistani women.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.2.1059

How to cite this:Majeed AI, Ullah A, Jadoon M, Ahmad W, Riazuddin S. Screening, diagnosis and genetic study of breast cancer patients in Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(2):16-20. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.2.1059

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Magnesium Sulfate in combination with Nifedipine in the treatment of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension
Authors: Xiang Cuiping , Zhou Xuegui , Zheng Xiaoxia
Published: December 2021

Objective: To investigate the effect of magnesium sulfate combined with nifedipine in the treatment of pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome (PIHS).

Methods: Total 118 pregnant women with PIHS who were admitted to our hospital from April 2017 to June 2018 were randomly divided into control group (59 cases) and observation group (59 cases). The observation group was treated by magnesium sulfate in combination with nifedipine, while the control group was treated by magnesium sulfate. The therapeutic effect, serum leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF), Apelin level, blood pressure, blood viscosity, urinary protein, S/D and Umbilical Artery Resistance Index (UARI) were compared between the two groups.

Results: The effective rate of the observation group was 94.9%, higher than 83.1% of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The decrease level of systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the observation group was better than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The decrease of blood viscosity, urinary protein, S/D and UARI in the observation group was greater than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The improvement of serum LIF and Apelin levels in the observation group was better than that in the control group (P<0.05), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Magnesium sulfate combined with nifedipine in the treatment of PIHS has a significant effect, which can effectively control edema, blood pressure, proteinuria and protect kidney. It is worth clinical promotion.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.2.706

How to cite this:Xiang C, Zhou X, Zheng X. Magnesium Sulfate in combination with Nifedipine in the treatment of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(2):21-25. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.2.706

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
A systematic review protocol of quantitative instruments of income inequality in studies of children and adolescents
Authors: O Driscoll David , Kiely Elizabeth , O Keeffe Linda , Khashan Ali
Published: December 2021

Background: Income inequality is an important indicator of socioeconomic position which is a determinant of social, psychological, and physical health outcomes from childhood to adulthood. Different income inequality instruments (metrics) are used to investigate associations between income inequality and health outcomes (e.g. Gini coefficient, Theil Index). Income inequality instruments provide unique information on the construct of socioeconomic inequality. Albeit there is variation in studies as to the type and rationale for using a particular quantitative instrument of income inequality. The aim of this systematic review will investigate and identify the most used quantitative income inequality instrument in studies of children and adolescents

Methods: The PRISMA-P framework will be applied to identify high quality articles (PROSPERO: CRD42021259114). A search will be conducted in PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO. The search will include studies concerned with income inequality and/or socioeconomic inequality in children and adolescents. All articles will be independently reviewed, data extracted, and quality appraised by two reviewers and a third to arbitrate disputes. Articles will be initially reviewed by title and abstract using inclusion criteria. A data extraction form will be used. Three questions will be answered on the quality of the rationale for using a particular income inequality instrument and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale will be used to assess bias and quality. The primary outcome of interest is the type and frequency of quantitative income inequality instrument used and the study outcome associated with that income inequality instrument.

Conclusions: This systematic review will aim to explore and provide a summary of the different types of quantitative income inequality instruments used in studies of child and adolescent populations.  This will help to guide researchers and policy makers on the inclusion and use of income inequality metrics in future studies aimed at understanding associations with health and social outcomes in children and adolescents.
Election of senior officials of the subjects of the Russian Federation in the context of federal relations
Authors: Markov Roman
Published: December 2021

The monograph presents the results of one of the first comprehensive studies in recent years of theoretical and practical aspects of the election of senior officials of the subjects of the Russian Federation (governors, heads of republics, heads of administrations). On the basis of an interdisciplinary approach, the analysis of the current electoral legislation and the peculiarities of the conduct of individual, the most significant election campaigns of 2012-2021 was carried out, measures to improve the legal support of gubernatorial elections were proposed. It is accompanied by additional materials reflecting the parameters of the regional electoral legislation and the results of the elections of the heads of the subjects of the Russian Federation of the period under review.
The content of regulatory legal acts is presented as of November 1, 2021.
It is addressed to scientific and pedagogical workers, students of higher educational institutions, employees of state bodies, as well as to anyone interested in the problems of constitutional and electoral law and the specifics of regional political processes.
George Sudarshan: Perspectives and Legacy
Authors: Bhamathi Gopalakrishnan
Published: December 2021

George Sudarshan has been hailed as a titan in physics and as one who has made some of the most significant contributions in several areas of physics. This article is an attempt to highlight the seminal contributions he has made in physics and the significant developments that arose from his work.Quanta 2021; 10: 75–104.
Atypical forearm fractures associated with long-term bisphosphonate use: the perspective of hand surgeons
Authors: Cha Soo Min , Shin Hyun Dae , Heo Youn Moo , Park Sang Eun , Lee Seung Hoo
Published: December 2021

Bisphosphonates are widely used to treat osteoporosis, but atypical femoral fractures have emerged as a serious complication. Similar fractures of the forearm have been reported since 2010, and retrospective studies have revealed a number of details. Clinicians should remember that bisphosphonates can affect all bony structures in the body. When an atypical fracture is misdiagnosed as an ordinary fracture and treated with surgical fixation, unexpected nonunion may occur. Therefore, the authors would like to share our experiences from the perspective of hand surgeons.
Severe Hypertriglyceridaemia Leading to Factitious Hypobicarbonataemia
Authors: Roy Sasmit , Ashraf Mohammed , Kang Satbyul Sophia , Ayala Raul , Adapa Sreedhar
Published: December 2021

Anion gap metabolic acidosis is a laboratory finding commonly encountered in patients with sepsis, diabetic ketoacidosis, acute kidney injury and toxic alcohol ingestion. Serum blood chemistry assessment detects this abnormality. However, this can be falsely low in situations of high triglyceride levels due to lipid interference with measurement of the bicarbonate levels and through volume displacement by these large molecules. Arterial blood gas analysis and a lipid panel are required to confirm accurate bicarbonate levels. Clinicians handling acid-base disorders in hospitalized patients need to be aware of this spurious laboratory value to avoid unnecessary tests and to determine accurate total bicarbonate levels.
Diagnosis and surgical management of idiopathic bile duct cysts in a bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps)
Authors: Nógrádi Anna Linda , Cope Iain , Csatári Dóra , Arany-Tóth Attila , Dudás-Györki Zoltán , Vajdovich Péter , Németh Tibor , Hetyey Csaba
Published: December 2021

The case presented shows the clinical signs, diagnosis and surgical management of idiopathic bile duct cysts in a bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps). A 12-year-old female bearded dragon presented with constipation resulting from the consumption of sand. A soft mass about 4 cm wide could be palpated in the mid-coelom after the substrate passed. The animal started eating, but soon started showing signs of kyphosis. Ultrasound, radiography and computed tomography examinations revealed that the mass was a cyst 4 cm in diameter. Diagnostic laparotomy was performed and the large cyst and affected liver tissue were removed with a partial hepatectomy. Cytology of the cyst was unremarkable, but histopathological examination showed the lesions to be bile duct cysts. No sign of malignancy or inflammation could be seen.
NRC is taking a positive approach to the future
Authors: Ashurst Adrian
Published: December 2021

Adrian Ashurst, Consultant Editor of NRC, outlines an exciting future for Nursing and Residential Care.
Кореферентные структуры, используемые для представления экономических субъектов в медийном дискурсе
Authors: Ключенович Сергей
Published: December 2021

The subject of study in the article is the discourse specifics of representation of economic entities in German newspaper and magazine texts of the last two decades. The purpose of the analysis is to elucidate the factors that stimulate univerbation in connection with the generation and textual integration of co-referential structures different in genesis, structural properties, semantic characteristics and stylistic potential.

The study, conducted on the basis of a functional-communicative approach to language, relies on methods and results of studies on text linguistics considering text as a whole structural-semantic unit.

Conclusions. 1) Mentioning of a company name is accompanied by integration of the univerb indicating the relevant industry into the text. Along with a two-member chain of co-referential nominations, a three-member chain is also possible (the location of a company is mentioned). 2) Co-referential pairs of the type “company name ‒ collective designation of employees according to headquarters location” (Siemens ‒ Münchener) are characteristic, which demonstrates the lability of univerb toponym semantics. 3) The integration of a proper name into the text requires the usage of characterizing common nouns in order to prepare the reader for the perception of unique names, which is a factor motivating univerbation. 4) Synthetic compounds of the nomina agentis type (Autobauer, Stromversorger) are widely used to describe the kind of activity of an enterprise. In such cases a lexeme with the expected semantics is eliminated (Unternehmen ‘company’, Konzern ‘concern’ etc.). The reduction of the base lexeme of a compound as well as representation of the verb lexeme in the form of nomen agentis has an impact on the semantics and stylistics of the univerb.

The results of the study can be used both in research activities on problems of word-formation, semantics and in the training of business translators.
Morphology and phenology of sexuals and new distribution data on the blind Mediterranean ant Hypoponera abeillei (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)
Authors: Schifani Enrico , Scupola Antonio , Menchetti Mattia , Bazzato Erika , Espadaler Xavier
Published: December 2021

Hypoponera abeillei is the sole member of the otherwise exclusively Afrotropical abeillei group to occur in the West-Palearctic and since its first description on the basis of two Corsican workers in 1881, it remained little-known. Workers of this species are thought to entirely lack eyes, a rare trait among ants of the region, yet their lifestyle remains undocumented. On the other hand, the male caste has been described from 4 Tunisian specimens in 1921, and queens remained so far undescribed. We present an updated description of the male caste based on 45 specimens and a first description of the queen caste based on 14 specimens. The H. abeillei material we examined comes from Italy, Spain and Malta (mostly originating from coastal localities), and comprises 11 inedit distribution records, including the first findings in the islands of Mallorca, Malta and Sardinia. Moreover, we provide a first phenological overview of the species’ nuptial flights. Our data show that H. abeillei sexuals flight during the summer, mostly in August, and demonstrate that they can easily be distinguished from all the other Hypoponera species inhabiting the Mediterranean region based on their morphology. The remarkable diversity of Mediterranean Hypoponera males and queens suggest that sexuals may have a role in future attempts to understand relationships within this genus, yet the number of species in which sexual castes are documented is still extremely reduced.
Feasible strategy for simultaneously achieving excellent frequency selective characteristic and ultralight mechanical properties
Authors: Li Liyang , Jiang Wei , Wang Jiafu , Ma Hua , Qu Shaobo
Published: December 2021

Materials with both excellent frequency selective characteristic and ultralight mechanical properties are highly urgent demanded for its potential applications such as absorbing materials, artificial magnetic conductors, antenna and so on. However, although the research about materials with only excellent frequency selective characteristic or ultralight mechanical properties is advanced, in most cases, it is still a challenge that making a material possesses excellent frequency selective characteristic and ultralight mechanical properties simultaneously. So how to make the two properties achieving a high level simultaneously is a hot topic which remains to be solved. Herein, we proposed a novel and feasible strategy for achieving simultaneously excellent frequency selective characteristic and ultralight mechanical properties material. According to our strategy, the composite we designed behaviors as a FSS which can realize highly efficiency stop bands in 16.09-16.4GHz and 17.11-17.36GHz. At the same time, the composite can be regarded as an ultralight mechanical metamaterial. The relativity density of the composite can reduce to 431.99 Kg/m3, which have a distinct advantage compared with the dielectric layers that conversional FSS used. Moreover, Its elasticity modulus can reach 112.25 MPa and its bending stiffness can reach 90.54 N/mm. These performances show that although the density of the composite is reduced, the composite can still keep well mechanical properties. The strategy we proposed gives a good solution to the problem existing in the materials which desire both excellent frequency selective characteristic and ultralight mechanical properties. The composite is a designing example which can be applied in engineering. So the strategy is a guideline for researchers to achieve composite which owns both excellent frequency selective characteristic and ultralight mechanical properties.
Effects and mechanisms of In surfactant on high Al-content AlGaN grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Jia Haolin , Yang Wenxian , Zhang Xue , Zhou Xiangpeng , Qiu Haibing , Qin Hua , Lu Shulong , Bian Lifeng
Published: December 2021

High Al-content AlGaN epilayers were grown on AlN template by using indium (In) surfactant with plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PA-MBE), and deep ultraviolet emission at 235 nm was obtained at room temperature. The effects and mechanisms of In-surfactant on the crystalline quality and optical properties of AlGaN were investigated. It was found that In-surfactant could facilitate two-dimensional AlGaN growth by reducing activation barrier for Al/Ga atoms to cross steps and effectively increasing the migration rate on the growth surface, and thus improve surface morphology and decrease defect density. The photoluminescence measurements revealed that the optical properties were remarkably improved by adopting In as surfactant, and phase separation was also effectively eliminated. Furthermore, the concentration of impurities including oxygen and silicon was decreased, which is attributed to higher defects formation energy for these impurities with In-surfactant assisted epitaxy growth.
Performance enhancement of an N-polar nitride deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diode with compositionally graded p-AlGaN
Authors: Zhao Yingbo , Deng Gaoqiang , Niu Yunfei , Wang Yang , Zhang Lidong , Yu Jiaqi , Ma Haotian , Chen Xiuhua , Shi Zhifeng , Zhang Baolin , Zhang Yuantao
Published: December 2021

Highly efficient hole injection into a AlGaN quantum well is desirable in nitride deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (DUV LEDs) for high optical performance. In this work, we report the observation of enhanced hole injection in the N-polar AlGaN-based DUV LEDs with compositionally graded p-Al
x
Ga1−xN (x = 0.65–0.75) by simulation and show that the enhanced hole injection leads to the increase of the peak internal quantum efficiency (IQE) and the significant reduction of efficiency droop at high current density. This work might activate researchers to realize the efficient polarization p-type doping of N-polar AlGaN with high Al content and thus to achieve high performance DUV LEDs experimentally.
Ultra-low sample consumption consecutive-detection method for biochemical molecules based on a whispering gallery mode with a liquid crystal microdroplet
Authors: Ma Zhenyu , Xu Minxing , Zhou Sijie , Shan WenJun , Zhou Dong , Yan Yunxiang , Sun Weimin , Liu Yongjun
Published: December 2021

Ultra-low sample consumption detection has many applications in molecular biology, bioanalytical chemistry, and medical science. In this Letter, a novel, to the best of our knowledge, simple type of ultra-low sample consumption detection method based on a whispering gallery mode is proposed as a means to realize consecutive detection with a liquid crystal (LC) microdroplet for biochemical molecule detection, using deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) as a model biomarker. The sensor consists of a 105-µm-core multimode fiber fused with a hollow capillary tube, with the LC microdroplet suspended stably in the testing solution. Its application to the detection of salmon sperm DNA yielded an adjustable measurement range of 3.75–11.25 μg/ml and a sensitivity of 0.33 nm/µg/ml. The test solution required as little as 3 nl of the sample, and the limit of detection was 1.32 µg/ml, which corresponds to the effective detection of as little as 3.96 pg of DNA. This method has great potential for application in the ultra-low sample consumption detection of biochemical molecules.
The first report of the seroprevalence of antibodies against Bartonella spp. in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) from South Thailand
Authors: Boonmar Sumalee , Saengsawang Phirabhat , Mitsuwan Watcharapong , Panjai Decha , Kidsin Kamchai , Sansamur Chalutwan , Wichianrat Ittidet
Published: December 2021

Background and Aim: Bartonellosis is an emerging worldwide zoonosis caused by bacteria belonging to the genus Bartonella. Several studies have been conducted on the prevalence of Bartonella infections from animals and humans, including reports from wild and domestic ruminants. However, there has been only one report of Bartonella infection in water buffaloes from the northeastern part of Thailand. Moreover, the seroprevalence of Bartonella spp. in water buffaloes still remains unknown. This study was conducted to explore the prevalence of Bartonella spp. among water buffaloes from South Thailand using molecular and serological techniques.

Materials and Methods: A total of 312 samples (156 blood and 156 sera) of 156 water buffaloes from 29 farms in Phatthalung Province, South Thailand, were collected from January to March 2021. All samples were screened for Bartonella spp. using polymerase chain reaction and indirect immunofluorescence assay.

Results: The seroprevalence of antibodies against three Bartonella spp. was 16.03% (25/156, 95% confidence interval: 10.65-22.74%), and among 25 water buffaloes with seroprevalence, 56%, 20%, and 24% were positive for antibodies against Bartonella henselae, Bartonella vinsonii subspp. berkhoffii, and Bartonella tamiae, respectively. No significant difference was detected among seroprevalence, gender, age, and ectoparasite infestation.

Conclusion: This is the first report of the seroprevalence of antibodies against B. henselae, B. vinsonii subspp. berkhoffii, and B. tamiae in water buffaloes from South Thailand. Further studies are required on the epidemiology of Bartonella infection among water buffaloes, related personnel, and ectoparasites.
Regional Identity and Historical Memory Policy: Experience of the Altai Territory and the Altai Republic
Authors: Derendyaeva A.D. , Chernyshov Yu.G.
Published: December 2021

The article presents the results of an empirical study including an expert survey conducted in July-August, 2021 with the purpose of identifying opinions on the subject of formation of the regional identity and the historical memory policy in the Altai Territory and the Altai Republic. In total, 50 experts were interviewed representing scientific circles of various specialties (history, political science, sociology, philosophy, economics, and medicine). It is noted that the majority of respondents principally identify the following as the objective factors influencing the identity of residents: «natural potential», «national and cultural heritage», and «historical events». Experts mention the following main accents of the regional authorities in the policy of memory: «honoring» the «symbolic» figures», «establishment of local holidays and memorable dates», «formation and preservation of sites of commemoration». Using the method of content analysis, the key historical events, personalities and symbols of the regions have been determined, which are the most important according to experts. Thus, for the Altai Territory, such a role is assigned to the V.M. Shukshin, and the Big Kolyvan Vase has become the symbol of the region. According to the survey, the painter G.I. Gurkin is considered a «symbolic figure» of the Altai Republic, and the Belukha Mountain is mentioned as the key «site of commemoration». As the main recommendations of the respondents, the following is noted: «improvement of the quality of school education (regional history) », «designing an information space concerning the memorable events», and «making the strategies and practices aimed at solving the socio-economic problems of the regions». The results obtained are correlated with the existing research on this topic.
The Reading Circle in the Tomsk Province in the Second Half of the 19th — Early 20th Centuries
Authors: Nikulina I.N. , Potupchik M.N.
Published: December 2021

The article is devoted to study of the reading circle of various population groups in the Tomsk Province in the second half of the 19th — early 20th centuries. The book, as an important attribute of the spiritual realization of society, took a leading place in the system of cultural values of the era, became the most important means of human communication. A great contribution to the development of the cultural life of the Altai district was made by the technical and scientific activities among the poor. The study of book collections of exiles, their activities in opening libraries, which were based on private collections, contribute to the expansion of ideas about the nature and scope of their versatile activities. The end of the 19th — early 20th centuries is characterized in Siberia by the social activity of various segments of the population, an increase in the need of society for a printed word. Thanks to the active work of the «Society for the Promotion of the Construction of Rural Free Libraries», in the Tomsk Province, free rural libraries began to open. They completed their main task in distributing the book in the remote settlements of the Tomsk Province. In Siberia, there is a change in the traditional way of peasants in connection with the heyday of the cooperative movement, the alleged dissemination of the theoretical and practical knowledge. The cooperatives began to organize libraries. The important qualitative changes in reading preferences are gradually taking place: classical literature, specialized books and periodicals are in increasing demand.
The Political Environment of the Cities of Northern Kazakhstan at the Cusp of the 19th-20th Centuries
Authors: Sultangazy G.Zh.
Published: December 2021

Cities of the northern part of Kazakhstan at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries had played the role of administrative units for a long period; however, the gradual development of the urban environment and the integration of the cities of the national outskirts into the system of socio-economic relations of the empire led to the formation cooperation of a citizen not only in the economic aspect, but also, in the political aspects. The research attempted to analyze the processes associated with the formation of a political space in a colonial city, where representatives of the national intelligentsia were the subjects, and the emerging media and public spaces were the tools. The author insists that the political component of the city had developed in the context of the all-Russian political situation. The systemic crisis in all spheres of the state's life demanded new formats of their rights struggle. Under these conditions, the intelligentsia takes the initiative and develops its own style of struggle, expressed in the creation of newspapers, which will later become the print organs of the parties. For example, the newspaper "Kazakh" will become the official organ of the Alash party. Thus, the author argues that the formation of the political space in the colonial city is the result of the activities of the intelligentsia. The article uses the data of the regional archives of Kostanay, Petropavlovsk and NurSultan cities. One of the methods of this research was the historical and genetic one, which allows considering the problems in its development and identifying patterns. The use of the historical-comparative method revealed differences in the development of Kazakhstan historiography.
Northern Regions of Russia as Described by the Flemish Knight de Lannoy: "Non-Muscovite" Identity
Authors: Kozulin V.N.
Published: December 2021

The article deals with a unique work of Rossica, the first in Western Europe detailed description of the northern Russian regions of Novgorod and Pskov, written by an eyewitness. Memoirs of the Flemish knight, which contain this description, have been known for a long time and have been repeatedly researched. But in the context of the regional imagology of Russia they are considered for the first time. The relevance of the problem is also related to the importance of the study of francophone Rossica, which has not yet been sufficiently studied, for imagology and the history of intercultural interaction.

The memoirs are valuable because they represent the only work describing these regions even before they were part of the Muscovite principality, and thus the "non-Muscovite" identity of their population is clearly visible. Despite considerable cultural and socio-political similarities between the regions, the observer knight notes well the specificity of each of them separately.

The question is raised that the “muscovite identity” was secondary and by no means the only one in the descriptions of the “Russian character” and Russian state in European Rossica, and that the earliest sources describe just a different alternative identity, apparently especially relevant for the northern regions and closer to the European than to the “Muscovite” identity. It is also concluded that it is necessary to attract more attention to the historical experience of these regions in the teaching of history and in the formation of the historical memory of contemporary Russians.