bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ГОСТРІ ПОРУШЕННЯ МОЗКОВОГО КРОВООБІГУ У ХВОРИХ НА COVID-19
Authors: Муратова Т. М. , Храмцов Д. М. , Ворохта Ю. М. , Вікаренко М. С. , Добуш І. В. , Козлова Г. Г. , Андрющенко Є. О. , Сазонов В. М. , Фащенко В. А.
Published: September 2021

У грудні 2019 року з міста Ухань (провінція Хубей, Китай) надійшли перші повідомлення про COVID-19 – захворювання, спричинене новим тяжким гострим респіраторним синдромом коронавірусної етіології (SARS-CoV-2). З цього часу ця хвороба стала світовою пандемією. На сьогоднішній день загинуло понад 2,8 мільйона осіб (ВООЗ, 2021). Вірус SARS-CoV-2 став сьомим відомим варіантом коронавірусу, патогенним для людини.

Метою огляду була оцінка впливу інфекції SARS-CoV-2 на поширеність ГПМК у країнах світу.

Матеріал і методи. Ретроспективне дослідження проведене за матеріалами міжнародних баз даних (CDC, ВООЗ), а також реєстрів ГПМК (SITS, resQ, DAP, GSR, SSR, LASE). Проведене зіставлення інкременту захворюваності на SARS-CoV-2 та ГПМК у динаміці з моменту виявлення перших випадків COVID-19. Статистичну обробку проводили за допомогою програмного забезпечення Statistica 13.0 (TIBCO Inc., США).

Результати. Частота ГПМК у світі корелює з поширеністю SARS-CoV-2. На ранніх стадіях пандемії COVID-19 відбувалося меншення захворюваності на ГПМК у розвинутих країнах. Існуючі міжнародні реєстри ГПМК відображають збереження цієї тенденції.

Висновки. 1. Пандемія COVID-19 пов᾽язана із глобальним зменшенням звернення за спеціалізованою медичною допомогою при ГПМК, що впливає на загальну кількість госпіталізацій та число процедур механічної тромбектомії. 2. Незважаючи на географічні розбіжності, це зменшення обсягу спостерігалося незалежно від тягаря госпіталізації COVID-19 та обсягів госпіталізації хворих з ГПМК у допандемічний період.
POTENTIAL USE OF SULFORAPHANE AS A NEUROPROTECTOR
Authors: Tsiumpala S. A. , Starchevska K. M. , Lushchak V. I.
Published: September 2021

Introduction. Under normal conditions, oxidative stress and proinflammatory processes are tightly controlled. However, during neuroinflammation and overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), homeostasis is disrup­ted, which may lead to development of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. Inflammatory processes may result in neurodegenerative disorders. Sulforaphane is an isothiocyanate compound which has potential for treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Its therapeutic potential is based on the ability to activate transcription of genes, that regulate protective cellular mechanisms. The importance of stu­dying sulforaphane as a neuroprotector is based on the fact, that dementias are the seventh leading cause of death glo­bally and actively progress due to aging of human population. In this review, the anti-inflammatory effects of sulforaphane in the brain and its use as a potential neuroprotector in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases are discussed.
The aim of the study – to review available literature sources on the potential use of sulforaphane to prevent or mitigate neuroinflammation.
Conclusions. Economic and technological development of mankind and the improvement of the general qua­lity of life leads to prolongation of human life. But, achievements of longevity give new challenges to humanity. In young age and early adulthood, the organisms can relatively easily maintain homeostasis, then in old age intensification of oxidative stress and inflammatory processes can lead to the development of dementias and mental disorders. What should we do now to save clear mind in old age? In this review, sulforaphane is considered to be a potential neuroprotector. Biologically active supplements and drugs containing sulforaphane can weaken up inflammatory processes in the brain and in the body in general, and therefore they can be used for prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Transformações no mundo do trabalho e estratégias de controle do capital sobre o trabalhador
Authors: Sousa Izamara Nunes , Franco de Sá Cinara Barbosa
Published: September 2021

O presente artigo tem como objetivo pontuar algumas transformações no mundo do trabalho e suas implicações para a classe trabalhadora. Ressalta algumas das principais formas de “gestão” do trabalhador utilizadas atualmente que na verdade representam mecanismos estratégicos de controle sobre o trabalho e extração da mais-valia.
Trajetória intelectual: contribuições na perspectiva bourdieusiana
Authors: Oliveira Natália Cristina de , Castro Netto David Antonio , Vieira Andreza da Silva
Published: September 2021

O objetivo deste artigo é discutir possibilidades de interpretações teóricas na construção de trajetórias intelectuais. Nossas considerações caminham em duas linhas. Explanamos, antes, a necessidade de compreensão acerca das acepções teóricas do – assim chamado – “nascimento dos intelectuais”. Na sequência, nos referimos, mais precisamente, às articulações conceituais desenvolvidas pelo sociólogo Pierre Bourdieu. Utilizamos, ao longo desta análise, conceitos que podem ser levados em consideração a fim de apoiar a construção de trajetórias intelectuais; sendo, principalmente, habitus, campo e capital com o intuito de envolver e analisar ações intelectuais, bem como seus impactos na esfera social.
Native Aortic Valve Disease Progression and Bioprosthetic Valve Degeneration in Patients With Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Kwiecinski Jacek , Tzolos Evangelos , Cartlidge Timothy R.G. , Fletcher Alexander , Doris Mhairi K. , Bing Rong , Tarkin Jason M. , Seidman Michael A. , Gulsin Gaurav S. , Cruden Nicholas L. , Barton Anna K. , Uren Neal G. , Williams Michelle C. , van Beek Edwin J.R. , Leipsic Jonathon , Dey Damini , Makkar Raj R. , Slomka Piotr J. , Rudd James H.F. , Newby David E. , Sellers Stephanie L. , Berman Daniel S. , Dweck Marc R.
Published: August 2021

Background:

Major uncertainties remain regarding disease activity within the retained native aortic valve, and regarding bioprosthetic valve durability, after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We aimed to assess native aortic valve disease activity and bioprosthetic valve durability in patients with TAVI in comparison with subjects with bioprosthetic surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR).

Methods:

In a multicenter cross-sectional observational cohort study, patients with TAVI or bioprosthetic SAVR underwent baseline echocardiography, computed tomography angiography, and
18
F-sodium fluoride (
18
F-NaF) positron emission tomography. Participants (n=47) were imaged once with
18
F-NaF positron emission tomography/computed tomography either at 1 month (n=9, 19%), 2 years (n=22, 47%), or 5 years (16, 34%) after valve implantation. Patients subsequently underwent serial echocardiography to assess for changes in valve hemodynamic performance (change in peak aortic velocity) and evidence of structural valve dysfunction. Comparisons were made with matched patients with bioprosthetic SAVR (n=51) who had undergone the same imaging protocol.

Results:

In patients with TAVI, native aortic valves demonstrated
18
F-NaF uptake around the outside of the bioprostheses that showed a modest correlation with the time from TAVI (
r
=0.36,
P
=0.023).
18
F-NaF uptake in the bioprosthetic leaflets was comparable between the SAVR and TAVI groups (target-to-background ratio, 1.3 [1.2–1.7] versus 1.3 [1.2–1.5], respectively;
P
=0.27). The frequencies of imaging evidence of bioprosthetic valve degeneration at baseline were similar on echocardiography (6% versus 8%, respectively;
P
=0.78), computed tomography (15% versus 14%, respectively;
P
=0.87), and positron emission tomography (15% versus 29%, respectively;
P
=0.09). Baseline
18
F-NaF uptake was associated with a subsequent change in peak aortic velocity for both TAVI (
r
=0.7,
P
<0.001) and SAVR (
r
=0.7,
P
<0.001). On multivariable analysis,
18
F-NaF uptake was the only predictor of peak velocity progression (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions:

In patients with TAVI, native aortic valves demonstrate evidence of ongoing active disease. Across imaging modalities, TAVI degeneration is of similar magnitude to bioprosthetic SAVR, suggesting comparable midterm durability.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02304276.
Explaining Evolutionary Agent-Based Models via Principled Simplification
Authors: Barnes Chloe M. , Ghouri Abida , Lewis Peter R.
Published: September 2021

Understanding how evolutionary agents behave in complex environments is a challenging problem. Agents can be faced with complex fitness landscapes derived from multi-stage tasks, interaction with others, and limited environmental feedback. Agents that evolve to overcome these can sometimes access greater fitness, as a result of factors such as cooperation and tool use. However, it is often difficult to explain why evolutionary agents behave in certain ways, and what specific elements of the environment or task may influence the ability of evolution to find goal-achieving behaviours; even seemingly simple environments or tasks may contain features that affect agent evolution in unexpected ways. We explore principled simplification of evolutionary agent-based models, as a possible route to aiding their explainability. Using the River Crossing Task (RCT) as a case study, we draw on analysis in the Minimal River Crossing (RC-) Task testbed, which was designed to simplify the original task while keeping its key features. Using this method, we present new analysis concerning when agents evolve to successfully complete the RCT. We demonstrate that the RC- environment can be used to understand the effect that a cost to movement has on agent evolution, and that these findings can be generalised back to the original RCT. Then, we present new insight into the use of principled simplification in understanding evolutionary agents. We find evidence that behaviour dependent on features that survive simplification, such as problem structure, are amenable to prediction; while predicting behaviour dependent on features that are typically reduced in simplification, such as scale, can be invalid.
Problem-Solving Benefits of Down-Sampled Lexicase Selection
Authors: Helmuth Thomas , Spector Lee
Published: September 2021

In genetic programming, an evolutionary method for producing computer programs that solve specified computational problems, parent selection is ordinarily based on aggregate measures of performance across an entire training set. Lexicase selection, by contrast, selects on the basis of performance on random sequences of training cases; this has been shown to enhance problem-solving power in many circumstances. Lexicase selection can also be seen as better reflecting biological evolution, by modeling sequences of challenges that organisms face over their lifetimes. Recent work has demonstrated that the advantages of lexicase selection can be amplified by down-sampling, meaning that only a random subsample of the training cases is used each generation. This can be seen as modeling the fact that individual organisms encounter only subsets of the possible environments and that environments change over time. Here we provide the most extensive benchmarking of down-sampled lexicase selection to date, showing that its benefits hold up to increased scrutiny. The reasons that down-sampling helps, however, are not yet fully understood. Hypotheses include that down-sampling allows for more generations to be processed with the same budget of program evaluations; that the variation of training data across generations acts as a changing environment, encouraging adaptation; or that it reduces overfitting, leading to more general solutions. We systematically evaluate these hypotheses, finding evidence against all three, and instead draw the conclusion that down-sampled lexicase selection's main benefit stems from the fact that it allows the evolutionary process to examine more individuals within the same computational budget, even though each individual is examined less completely.
Completion of the Infeasible Actions of Others: Goal Inference by Dynamical Invariant
Authors: Torii Takuma , Hidaka Shohei
Published: September 2021

To help another person, we need to infer his or her goal and intention and then perform the action that he or she was unable to perform to meet the intended goal. In this study, we investigate a computational mechanism for inferring someone's intention and goal from that person's incomplete action to enable the action to be completed on his or her behalf. As a minimal and idealized motor control task of this type, we analyzed single-link pendulum control tasks by manipulating the underlying goals. By analyzing behaviors generated by multiple types of these tasks, we found that a type of fractal dimension of movements is characteristic of the difference in the underlying motor controllers, which reflect the difference in the underlying goals. To test whether an incomplete action can be completed using this property of the action trajectory, we demonstrated that the simulated pendulum controller can perform an action in the direction of the underlying goal by using the fractal dimension as a criterion for similarity in movements.
Invoking International Environmental Norms Through Treaty Interpretation
Authors: Brown Rebecca
Published: August 2021

This article analyses the way in which international tribunals considering treaty- based disputes incorporate extraneous environmental principles through the use of interpretative mechanisms. Increasingly prominent in the international sphere, this approach allows States bringing claims under historical treaties to adopt and enforce contemporary understandings of environmental obligations. This article pursues an extensive survey of cases exhibiting this process, focusing on the interpretative techniques used; the extent to which the tribunals allowed for environmental arguments; and the basis, and use, of environmental norms. These results facilitate a comparative analysis, which concludes that tribunals’ choices regarding each of these features ultimately depends on the underlying treaty’s relationship with intertemporal law. This article thus provides a guide as to how States may effectively enforce environmental obligations, even absent explicit environmental enforcement mechanisms.
Procedural Developments at the International Court of Justice
Authors: Bordin Fernando Lusa
Published: August 2021

The present column covers procedural developments at the International Court of Justice for the period 1 February 2019 to 31 March 2021. Those developments comprise jurisdiction ratione materiae under compromissory clauses; procedural preconditions in compromissory clauses; expert opinions; admissibility challenges based on abuse of process and the “clean hands” doctrine; conditions for the indication of provisional measures; and the Court’s discretion to give advisory opinions in cases where a request overlaps with a dispute between States.
Herpetological results of Francisco Newton’s Zoological Expedition to Angola (1903–1906): a taxonomic revision and new records of a forgotten collection
Authors: SANTOS BRUNA S. , MARQUES MARIANA P. , BAUER AARON M. , CERÍACO LUIS M. P.
Published: September 2021

Francisco Newton’s zoological expedition to Angola undertaken between 1903 and 1906 is one of the least studied of the naturalist’s life. Only three major papers regarding the herpetofauna collected in this expedition have been published, and a significant part of the specimens remains unstudied since the 1900’s. Here we review the extant herpetological specimens of this expedition, present an updated taxonomic revision, and provide new insights on their taxonomic status. The extant collection is constituted by 329 specimens (155 amphibians and 174 reptiles), corresponding to 73 species, 39 genera and 22 families, and it is presently housed in the Museu de História Natural e da Ciência da Universidade do Porto (MHNC-UP).
Widening Socioeconomic Disparities in Pain and Physical Function Among Americans Are Linked with Growing Obesity
Authors: Glei Dana A. , Stokes Andrew C. , Weinstein Maxine
Published: August 2021

Objectives: We investigate whether obesity accounts for widening socioeconomic disparities in pain. Methods: Based on nationally representative samples of Americans aged 25–74 in 1995–1996 and 2011–2014, we use logistic regression to model period change in headaches, backaches, and joint aches as well as physical limitations and to determine whether those changes vary by a multidimensional measure of socioeconomic status. Results: Prevalence of backaches, joint aches, physical limitations, and obesity increased between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s, particularly among more disadvantaged Americans. Socioeconomic disparities in frequent backaches, frequent joint pain, and physical limitations more than doubled over this period. We estimate that obesity and health conditions may account for nearly a quarter of the widening disparity in frequent backaches and about half of the widening disparity in frequent joint pain and physical limitations. Discussion: Widening disparities in backaches, joint pain, and physical limitations have coincided with growing obesity.
Erssonite, CaMg7Fe3+2(OH)18(SO4)2⋅12H2O, a new hydrotalcite-supergroup mineral from Långban, Sweden
Authors: Zhitova Elena S. , Chukanov Nikita V. , Jonsson Erik , Pekov Igor V. , Belakovskiy Dmitry I. , Vigasina Marina F. , Zubkova Natalia V. , Van Konstantin V. , Britvin Sergey N.
Published: September 2021

The new wermlandite-group mineral erssonite, ideally CaMg7Fe3+2(OH)18(SO4)2⋅12H2O (or [Mg7Fe3+2(OH)18][Ca(SO4)2]⋅12H2O), was discovered in a late-stage, low-temperature assemblage in cavities of a magnetite-bearing dolomitic rock from the Långban deposit, Värmland county, Bergslagen ore province, Sweden. The associated minerals are dolomite, calcite, members of the magnetite–magnesioferrite solid-solution series, phlogopite, chrysotile, pyroaurite and norbergite. Erssonite has a vitreous lustre and forms colourless, platy hexagonal crystals flattened on [0001], up to 0.5 mm across and up to 10 μm thick, occurring mainly as aggregates in cavities of dolomitic rock. Erssonite is malleable; separate crystals are flexible and non-elastic, with a perfect, mica-like cleavage on {0001}. The calculated density is equal to 2.02 g⋅cm–3. Raman spectroscopy shows the presence of typical bands for S–O bonds attributed to intercalated SO42– anions and structural OH– anions together with the absence of C–O bonds, attributed to carbonate anions. The chemical composition is (wt.%, electron microprobe, H2O content is calculated from structure data): MgO 28.67, CaO 2.76, Al2O3 0.23, Cr2O3 0.23, Fe2O3 16.00, SiO2 0.48, SO3 14.80, H2O 35.58, total 98.75. The empirical formula based on 38 O atoms is H41.48Ca0.52Mg7.47Fe3+2.11Al0.05Cr0.03S1.94Si0.08O38. The ideal formula is CaMg7Fe3+2(OH)18(SO4)2⋅12H2O or {Mg7Fe3+2(OH)18}{[Ca(H2O)6](SO4)2(H2O)6}. The crystal structure was determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction data and refined to R = 0.093. Erssonite is trigonal, P$\bar{3}$c1, with a = 9.3550(6), c = 22.5462(14) Å, V = 1708.8(2) Å3 and Z = 2. The strongest lines of the powder X-ray diffraction pattern [d, Å (I, %)(hkl)] are: 11.22 (90)(002), 5.63 (64)(004), 4.670 (100)(110, 104, 014), 2.626 (64)(032, 302), 2.435 (66)(034, 304) and 1.951 (45)(038, 308). The mineral is named in honour of the Swedish amateur mineralogist Dr. Anders Ersson (b. 1971).
A novel homozygous variant of the thrombomodulin gene causes a hereditary bleeding disorder
Authors: Osada Makoto , Maruyama Keiko , Kokame Koichi , Denda Ryunosuke , Yamazaki Kohei , Kunieda Hisako , Hirao Maki , Madoiwa Seiji , Okumura Nobuo , Murata Mitsuru , Ikeda Yasuo , Watanabe Kentaro , Tsukada Yuiko , Kikuchi Takahide
Published: September 2021

We report a 19-year-old Vietnamese woman who experienced several life-threatening bleeding events, including ovarian hemorrhage. Blood analysis revealed a decreased fibrinogen level with markedly elevated fibrinogen/fibrin degradation products and D-dimer levels. Despite hemostatic surgery and administration of several medications, such as nafamostat mesylate, tranexamic acid, and unfractionated heparin, the coagulation abnormalities were not corrected, and the patient experienced repeated hemorrhagic events. We found that administration of recombinant human thrombomodulin (rhTM) remarkably improved the patient’s pathophysiology. Screening and sequencing of the TM gene (THBD) revealed a previously unreported homozygous variation: c.793T>A (p.Cys265Ser). Notably, the Cys265 residue forms 1 of 3 disulfide bonds in the epidermal growth factor (EGF)–like domain 1 of TM. Transient expression experiments using COS-1 cells demonstrated markedly reduced expression of TM-Cys265Ser on the plasma membrane relative to wild-type TM. The TM-Cys265Ser mutant was intracellularly degraded, probably because of EGF-like domain 1 misfolding. The reduced expression of TM on the endothelial cell membrane may be responsible for the disseminated intravascular-coagulation–like symptoms observed in the patient. In summary, we identified a novel TM variant, c.793T>A (p.Cys265Ser). Patients homozygous for this variant may present with severe bleeding events; rhTM should be considered a possible treatment option for these patients.
Single- and double-hit events in genes encoding immune targets before and after T cell–engaging antibody therapy in MM
Authors: Truger Marietta S. , Duell Johannes , Zhou Xiang , Heimeshoff Larissa , Ruckdeschel Anna , John Mara , Riedel Angela , Hüper Sebastian , Peter Jessica , Walter Wencke , Haertle Larissa , Meggendorfer Manja , Topp Max S. , Rosenwald Andreas , Da Via Matteo Claudio , Bolli Niccolo , Weinhold Niels , Einsele Hermann , Haferlach Claudia , Kortüm K. Martin , Rasche Leo
Published: September 2021

T cell–engaging immunotherapies exert unprecedented single-agent activity in multiple myeloma (MM), thereby putting a yet unexplored selective pressure on the clonal architecture. In this study, we report on homozygous BCMA (TNFRSF17) gene deletion after BCMA-targeting T cell–redirecting bispecific antibody therapy in a heavily pretreated MM patient. Loss of BCMA protein expression persisted over subsequent relapses, with no response to treatment with anti-BCMA antibody drug conjugate. In light of the multiple alternative targets that are emerging in addition to BCMA, we extended our analyses to delineate a more complete picture of genetic alterations that may have an impact on immunotherapy targets in MM. We performed whole-genome sequencing and RNA sequencing in 100 MM patients (50 were newly diagnosed; 50 were relapsed/refractory) and identified a significant proportion of patients with aberrations in genes encoding immunotherapy targets; GPRC5D ranked first with 15% heterozygous deletions, followed by CD38 (10%), SDC1 (5%), and TNFRSF17 (4%). Notably, these heterozygous deletions did not lower the expression levels of respective genes, but they may represent a first hit that drives the acquisition of homozygous deletions and subsequent antigen-loss relapse upon targeted immunotherapy. In summary, we show preexisting vulnerability in genes encoding immunotargets before and homozygous deletions after T cell–engaging immunotherapy.
Effect of lumbopelvic control on landing mechanics and lower extremity muscles’ activities in female professional athletes: implications for injury prevention
Authors: Fadaei Dehcheshmeh Paria , Gandomi Farzaneh , Maffulli Nicola
Published: August 2021

Background

Lumbopelvic control (LPC) has recently been associated with function, kinesiology, and load distribution on the limb. However, poor LPC has not been studied as a risk factor for lower limb injury in sports requiring frequent jump landings. The present study investigated the effects of LPC on landing mechanics and lower limb muscle activity in professional athletes engaged in sport requiring frequent landing.

Methods

This study was conducted on 34 professional female athletes aged 18.29 ± 3.29 years with the height and body mass of 173.5 ± 7.23 cm and 66.79 ± 13.37 kg, respectively. The landing error scoring system (LESS) and ImageJ software were used to assess landing mechanics. Wireless electromyography was also used to record the activity of the gluteus medius (GMed), rectus femoris, and semitendinosus. Lumbopelvic control was evaluated using the knee lift abdominal test, bent knee fall-out, active straight leg raising, and the PRONE test using a pressure biofeedback unit. Based on the LPC tests results, the participants were divided into two groups of proper LPC (n = 17) and poor LPC (n = 17).

Results

There were significant differences between the groups with proper and poor LPC in terms of the LESS test scores (P = 0.0001), lateral trunk flexion (P = 0.0001), knee abduction (P = 0.0001), knee flexion (P = 0.001), trunk flexion (P = 0.01), and GMed muscle activity (P = 0.03). There were no significant differences in the activity of the rectus femoris and semitendinosus muscles, and ankle dorsiflexion (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Poor lumbopelvic control affects the kinematics and activity of the lower limb muscles, and may be a risk factor for lower limb injuries, especially of the knee.
Discovering the evolution of Jacques-Louis David’s portrait of Antoine-Laurent and Marie-Anne Pierrette Paulze Lavoisier
Authors: Centeno Silvia A. , Mahon Dorothy , Carò Federico , Pullins David
Published: August 2021

Jacques-Louis David’s (1748–1825) iconic portrait of Antoine Laurent Lavoisier (1743–1794) and Marie-Anne Lavoisier (Marie-Anne Pierrette Paulze, 1758–1836) has come to epitomize a modern couple born of the Enlightenment. An analytical approach that combined macro-X-ray fluorescence with the examination and microanalysis of samples by Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry to investigate imprecise indications of changes to the composition observed by microscopy and infrared refectography allowed the visualization of a hidden composition with a high level of detail. The results revealed that the first version depicted not the progressive, scientific-minded couple that we see today, but their other identity, that of wealthy tax collectors and fashionable luxury consumers. The first version and the changes to the composition are placed in the context of David’s mastery of the oil painting technique by examining how he concealed colorful features in the first composition by using paint mixtures that allowed for maximum coverage with thin paint layers. The limitations of the analytical techniques used are also discussed. To our knowledge, this is the first in-depth technical study of a painting by J.-L. David.
An experimental study on the effects of the cortical thickness and bone density on initial mechanical anchorage of different Straumann® implant designs
Authors: Emmert Marie , Gülses Aydin , Behrens Eleonore , Karayürek Fatih , Acil Yahya , Wiltfang Jörg , Spille Johannes Heinrich
Published: August 2021

Background

The aim of the current study was to comparatively assess the primary stability of different Straumann® implant designs (BLX, Straumann Tapered Effect, Bone Level Tapered, and Standard Plus) via resonance frequency analysis by using an implant insertion model in freshly slaughtered bovine ribs with and without cortical bone. Tapered Effect (4.1 × 10 mm), Bone Level Tapered (4.1 × 10 mm), Standard Plus (4.1 × 10 mm), and BLX (4.0 × 10 mm) implants were inserted into the distal epiphysis on the longitudinal axis of the freshly slaughtered bovine ribs. As a control, implants with the same sizes were inserted into the proximal diaphysis. The stability of the implants was examined with resonance frequency analysis.

Results

BLX and Tapered Effect implants showed higher implant stability quotient values in both study and control groups. All implant systems showed a significant decrease of mechanical anchorage in the study group. BLX and Bone Level Tapered designs had a significantly lower loss of mechanical anchorage in the lack of cortical bone.

Conclusion

Both Tapered Effect and BLX designs could ensure sufficient initial stability; however, BLX implants could be an appropriate option in the lack of cortical bone and poor bone quality at the implant recipient site.

Clinical relevance

BLX is a novel implant system, which could be especially beneficial in the presence of spongious bone type at posterior maxillae.
The economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Sri Lankan migrants in Qatar
Authors: Ekanayake Anoji , Amirthalingam Kopalapillai
Published: August 2021

The spread of Covid-19 in Qatar and the pandemic-led economic slump in the country have substantial financial implications for Sri Lankan migrant workers in Qatar and the Sri Lankan economy as a whole, as Qatar has been one of the primary destinations among Sri Lankan migrants in recent years. Based on 12 in-depth interviews and an online survey of 101 Sri Lankan workers in Qatar, this paper assesses the pandemic’s financial implications on three groups of Sri Lankan migrants; the highly-skilled, skilled and semi-skilled. Using a mixed-method analysis, the paper identifies that pay-cuts have been the most common financial issue across all skill levels, with nearly half of respondents reporting deductions from their salaries. The research also identifies that while all three groups of migrants have used various coping mechanisms to mitigate the pandemic’s financial impact, highly-skilled migrants have been more successful in weathering the storm than others due to their accumulated savings. Though compared to the early months of the pandemic, the financial stability of most Sri Lankans in Qatar had improved by September 2020 with the easing of restrictions imposed to contain the spread of Covid-19, it might not necessarily transfer into stability in remittances to Sri Lanka, as an increasing number of Sri Lankan migrant workers in Qatar are considering a permanent return home.
Emergency remote teaching in higher education: mapping the first global online semester
Authors: Bond Melissa , Bedenlier Svenja , Marín Victoria I. , Händel Marion
Published: August 2021

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic that spread globally in 2020, higher education courses were subsequently offered in fully remote, online formats. A plethora of primary studies began investigating a range of topics exploring teaching and learning in higher education, particularly during the initial semester. In order to provide an overview and initial understanding of this emerging research field, a systematic mapping review was conducted that collates and describes the characteristics of 282 primary empirical studies. Findings reveal that research was carried out mostly descriptively and cross-sectionally, focusing predominantly on undergraduate students and their perceptions of teaching and learning during the pandemic. Studies originate from a broad range of countries, are overwhelmingly published open access, and largely focused on the fields ofHealth & WelfareandNatural Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics. Educational technology used for emergency remote teaching are most oftensynchronous collaborative tools, used in combination withtext-based tools. The findings are discussed against pre-pandemic research on educational technology use in higher education teaching and learning, and perspectives for further research are provided.
Cardiovascular disease risk calculators to reflect the subclinical atherosclerosis of coronary artery in rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot study
Authors: Kim Se Hee , Lee Sang-Heon , Kim Hae-Rim , Min Hong Ki
Published: August 2021

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score quantifies the severity of atherosclerosis. We estimated CVD risk using several methods and compared these with the CAC score to identify the most suitable CVD risk calculator in RA patients.

Methods

We recruited RA patients, and the 10-year CVD risk was assessed using various tools, viz. Framingham risk score, Systemic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE), Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) risk estimator plus, QRISK3, Expanded Risk Score in Rheumatoid Arthritis (ERS-RA), and Reynolds risk score. Computed tomography was used to determine the CAC score of each patient. Correlation analysis and linear regression analysis between the CAC score and CVD risk score was performed.

Results

In total, 54 RA patients were enrolled. ERS-RA showed the highest correlation coefficient (r = 0.430, P = 0.001). In multivariate linear regression analysis, ERS-RA (β = 10.01, 95% confidence interval 3.78–16.23) showed a positive association with the CAC score in RA patients.

Conclusions

The ERS-RA method was highly correlated with the CAC score in RA patients. Therefore, the application of the ERS-RA method may be suitable for predicting subclinical atherosclerosis and CVD risk in RA patients.
In vitro antagonistic activity of Trichoderma harzianum and T. viride strains compared to carbendazim fungicide against the fungal phytopathogens of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench
Authors: Yassin Mohamed Taha , Mostafa Ashraf Abdel-Fattah , Al-Askar Abdulaziz Abdulrahman
Published: August 2021

Background

High losses of sorghum crops due to fungal diseases, such as grain mold and stalk rot, are economically harmful and cause increased use of environmentally damaging chemical fungicides, which also are detrimental to human health. Hence, finding safe and effective ways to manage fungal diseases of sorghum is urgently needed.

Results

In the present study, the antagonistic activities of Trichoderma viride and T. harzianum against different pathogenic fungal strains were evaluated in vitro using a dual culture assay. Furthermore, the anti-mycotic activity of Trichoderma spp. culture filtrates was evaluated against different fungal strains using a food poisoning technique. Additionally, the antifungal activities of ethyl acetate extracts of T. viride and T. harzianum against different pathogens were evaluated using a disk diffusion method. As indicated by the dual culture assay, T. harzianum suppressed 66.8, 69.5, 68.7, 54.6, 84.12, and 71.39% of the mycelial growth of Curvularia lunata, Exserohilum rostratum, Fusarium chlamydosporum, F. incarnatum, F. proliferatum, and Macrophomina phaseolina, respectively. T. viride was more effective for controlling the growth of these pathogens, inhibiting 81.0, 89.0, 63.0, 70.7, 84.4, and 71.8% of mycelial growth, respectively. Both E. rostratum and M. phaseolina showed resistance to carbendazim fungicide at all tested concentrations, whereas the fungicidal concentrations of carbendazim against C. lunata, F. chlamydosporum, and F. incarnatum strains were 2.50, 1.50, and 2.00 ppm, respectively. Furthermore, F. proliferatum was sensitive to carbendazim fungicide at all tested concentrations. Antifungal assays of the ethyl acetate extracts of T. viride and T. harzianum indicated the potent activity of these extracts against fungal phytopathogens with different susceptibility patterns. F. chlamydosporum was the most sensitive to the extracts of T. viride and T. harzianum with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0 mg/disk, respectively.

Conclusion

The potent suppression of sorghum phytopathogens by T. viride and T. harzianum makes them potential sources of safe and effective natural fungicides compared to carbendazim fungicide.
Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Insulin Sensitivity and Secretion in Prediabetes
Authors: Rasouli Neda , Brodsky Irwin G , Chatterjee Ranee , Kim Sun H , Pratley Richard E , Staten Myrlene A , Pittas Anastassios G ,   D2d Research Group, Pittas Anastassios G , Brodsky Irwin , Ceglia Lisa , Chadha Chhavi , Chatterjee Ranee , Dawson-Hughes Bess , Desouza Cyrus , Dolor Rowena , Foreyt John , Ghazi Adline , Hsia Daniel S , Johnson Karen C , Kashyap Sangeeta R , Kim Sun H , LeBlanc Erin S , Lewis Michael R , Liao Emilia , Malozowski Saul , Neff Lisa M , O’Neil Patrick , Park Jean , Peters Anne , Phillips Lawrence S , Pratley Richard , Raskin Philip , Rasouli Neda , Robbins David , Rosen Clifford , Reboussin Dave , Aroda Vanita R , Ware James H , Sheehan Patricia , Staten Myrlene A , Knowler William C
Published: September 2021

Context

Vitamin D regulates glucose homeostasis pathways, but effects of vitamin D supplementation on β-cell function remain unclear.

Objective

To investigate the effects of vitamin D3 supplementation on insulin sensitivity and β-cell function.

Methods

This is a prespecified secondary analysis of the Vitamin D and Type 2 Diabetes study. Overweight/obese adults at high risk for type 2 diabetes (prediabetes) were randomly treated with vitamin D3 4000 IU or matching placebo daily for 24 months.

Main Outcome

Disposition index (DI), as an estimate of β-cell function, was calculated as the product of Homeostasis Model Assessment 2 indices derived from C-peptide values (HOMA2%Scpep) and C-peptide response during the first 30 minutes of a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

Results

Mean age was 60.5 ± 9.8 years and body mass index was 31.9 ± 4.4 kg/m2. Mean serum 25(OH)D level increased from 27.9 ± 10.3 ng/mL at baseline to 54.9 ng/mL at 2 years in the vitamin D group and was unchanged (28.5 ± 10.0 ng/mL) in the placebo group. The baseline DI predicted incident diabetes independent of the intervention. In the entire cohort, there were no significant differences in changes in DI, HOMA2%Scpep, or C-peptide response between the 2 groups. Among participants with baseline 25(OH)D level <12 ng/mL, the mean percent differences for DI between the vitamin D and placebo groups was 8.5 (95% CI, 0.2-16.8).

Conclusions

Supplementation with vitamin D3 for 24 months did not improve an OGTT-derived index of β-cell function in people with prediabetes not selected based on baseline vitamin D status; however, there was benefit among those with very low baseline vitamin D status.
Rogationtide Perambulation as Performative Law
Authors: Ingram Jill P.
Published: September 2021

This article draws on performance theory to examine perambulation practices in late medieval and early modern England. Rogation was originally a devotional celebration that also entailed a ritual walking of parish boundaries to define communities as legal and administrative units. Perambulators sometimes seized upon the occasion to draw attention to a culture of obligation that had been neglected. This essay looks at two such moments—the 1381 Revolt of St. Albans, when the commons rose against the abbot in the form of a perambulation, and a 1520–21 property dispute at South Kyme, Lincolnshire at Ashby Heath. In these instances, perambulators used the occasion of the public recognition of property boundaries as an opportunity to stage a complaint in an act of “performative law.” The complainants asserted their rights and liberties by means of a theatrical form that invited participants and spectators to assent in specific legal claims to the land in dispute.
FAM209 associates with DPY19L2, and is required for sperm acrosome biogenesis and fertility in mice
Authors: Castaneda Julio M. , Shimada Keisuke , Satouh Yuhkoh , Yu Zhifeng , Devlin Darius J. , Ikawa Masahito , Matzuk Martin M.
Published: September 2021

Infertility afflicts up to 15% of couples globally each year with men a contributing factor in 50% of these cases. Globozoospermia is a rare condition found in infertile men, which is characterized by defective acrosome biogenesis leading to the production of round-headed sperm. Here, we report that family with sequence similarity 209 (Fam209) is required for acrosome biogenesis in mouse sperm. FAM209 is a small transmembrane protein conserved among mammals. Loss of Fam209 results in fertility defects that are secondary to abnormalities in acrosome biogenesis during spermiogenesis, reminiscent of globozoospermia. Analysis of the FAM209 proteome identified DPY19L2, whose human orthologue is involved in the majority of globozoospermia cases. Although mutations in human and mouse Dpy19l2 have been shown to cause globozoospermia, no in vivo interacting partners of DPY19L2 have been identified until now. FAM209 colocalizes with DPY19L2 at the inner nuclear membrane to maintain the developing acrosome. Here, we identified FAM209 as the first interacting partner of DPY19L2, and the second protein that is essential for acrosome biogenesis that localizes to the inner nuclear membrane.
SARS-CoV-2 Proteins Microarray by Photoimmobilization for Serodiagnosis of the Antibodies
Authors: Kashiwagi Hiroharu , Morishima Nobuhiro , Obuse Sei , Isoshima Takashi , Akimoto Jun , Ito Yoshihiro
Published: September 2021

An automated microarray diagnostic system for SARS-CoV-2 protein-specific antibodies was developed using photoimmobilized viral proteins. Photoimmobilization strategy was used to immobilize proteins by crosslinking reactions of photoreactive polymers. Aqueous solutions of proteins were spotted on a polymer-coated plate and dried in air. Then, the proteins were immobilized via irradiation with an ultraviolet lamp. Virus-specific IgG and IgM in the serum were automatically assayed using the microarray plate. After the serum was added on the microarray plate, peroxidase-conjugated anti-human-IgG or -IgM antibody was added, and the chemical luminescence intensity was detected using a sensitive charge-coupled device camera. The developed microarray assay showed higher sensitivity than the conventional immune chromatography. Additionally, compared with conventional microarray using nitrocellulose slide, the developed microarray format was useful for rapid assay formats in serodiagnosis of viral infectious diseases and assessment of immune status for clinical applications.
Representaciones de estudiantes de educación secundaria sobre la división celular mitótica: una experiencia con realidad aumentada
Authors: López-Cortés Francisco , Ravanal Moreno Eduardo , Palmas-Rojas Claudio , Merino Rubilar Cristian
Published: September 2021

El artículo presenta una secuencia de enseñanza y aprendizaje sobre la división celular mitótica para estudiantes de educación secundaria, la cual contiene como apoyo tecnológico una aplicación móvil de realidad aumentada (RA). El objetivo fue promover la visualización del proceso de la división mitótica y con ello promover explicaciones más robustas y complejas evaluadas mediante una clave de niveles de representaciones externas. Las actividades propuestas tuvieron por objeto que los participantes fueran capaces de describir, relacionar, explicar e interpretar las diferentes fases de la división celular mitótica. La metodología correspondió a un diseño pre-experimental. Los datos recolectados (n= 162) corresponden a las producciones de los estudiantes (dibujos), que forman parte de las actividades de la secuencia, los cuales fueron comparados con una matriz de niveles de representación. Los resultados indican que, las producciones elaboradas por los participantes transitan desde representaciones iniciales que se corresponden con una descripción icónica del proceso hacia representaciones que contienen una mayor carga semántica y semiótica.
Agente conversacional virtual: la inteligencia artificial para el aprendizaje autónomo
Authors: Artiles Rodríguez Josué , Guerra Santana Mónica , Aguiar Perera Victoria , Rodríguez Pulido Josefa
Published: September 2021

El presente artículo de investigación profundiza sobre las posibilidades de los agentes virtuales conversacionales como herramienta para tutorizar trabajos del alumnado universitario. Se utilizó una metodología cuantitativa con diseño descriptivo, correlacional y diferencial, para evaluar su usabilidad del agente conversacional en una muestra de 303 estudiantes universitarios. Para ello, se diseñó y evaluó un agente conversacional virtual para apoyar las tutorías de Trabajos de Fin de Grado con la Escala SUS (System Usability Scale). Los resultados indican que la escala posee una satisfactoria calidad métrica y una buena bondad del modelo, aspectos que se constatan en la estructura empírica y en la consistencia interna favorables del cuestionario. Los datos también muestran que existen diferencias significativas (IC 99,95%) en las variables género, grado, nivel de conocimiento y el grado de uso de chatbots. Se completó con el registro de uso real del agente, en un plazo de seis meses, por 589 estudiantes de tres titulaciones diferentes, contestando a 3025 preguntas en seis meses. En conclusión, los resultados permiten establecer criterios explicativos sobre el uso de chatbots. Es necesario seguir profundizando en este tipo de herramientas para el seguimiento y evaluación del alumnado.
La participación en actividades deportivas en Colombia: enfoque empírico desde la economía, 2008-2015
Authors: Espinosa Espinosa Aaron , Palma Martos Luis , Heredia Carroza Jesús , Rodríguez Puello Gabriel
Published: September 2021

El deporte es una actividad esencial para promover la calidad de vida y un notorio movilizador de recursos económicos. Esta investigación identifica y analiza los determinantes de la decisión de participar en actividades deportivas en las cinco ciudades principales de Colombia durante el periodo 2008-2015. A partir de una base de microdatos de hogares se estiman modelos tipo probit aplicados a un pseudo-panel: uno para actividades físicas y deportivas, y otro, para espectadores. Las variables tradicionales como ingreso y tiempo de ocio, y en especial, factores estructurales como género, estratificación, pobreza y capital social explican las amplias brechas de acceso en las principales urbes colombianas.
Katyusha Acceleration for Convex Finite-Sum Compositional Optimization
Authors: Xu Yibo , Xu Yangyang
Published: September 2021

Structured optimization problems arise in many applications. To efficiently solve these problems, it is important to leverage the structure information in the algorithmic design. This paper focuses on convex problems with a finite-sum compositional structure. Finite-sum problems appear as the sample average approximation of a stochastic optimization problem and also arise in machine learning with a huge amount of training data. One popularly used numerical approach for finite-sum problems is the stochastic gradient method (SGM). However, the additional compositional structure prohibits easy access to unbiased stochastic approximation of the gradient, so directly applying the SGM to a finite-sum compositional optimization problem (COP) is often inefficient. We design new algorithms for solving strongly convex and also convex two-level finite-sum COPs. Our design incorporates the Katyusha acceleration technique and adopts the mini-batch sampling from both outer-level and inner-level finite-sum. We first analyze the algorithm for strongly convex finite-sum COPs. Similar to a few existing works, we obtain linear convergence rate in terms of the expected objective error; from the convergence rate result, we then establish complexity results of the algorithm to produce an ε-solution. Our complexity results have the same dependence on the number of component functions as existing works. However, because of the use of Katyusha acceleration, our results have better dependence on the condition number κ and improve to [Formula: see text] from the best-known [Formula: see text]. Finally, we analyze the algorithm for convex finite-sum COPs, which uses as a subroutine the algorithm for strongly convex finite-sum COPs. Again, we obtain better complexity results than existing works in terms of the dependence on ε, improving to [Formula: see text] from the best-known [Formula: see text].