bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of prevalence, clinical characteristics, co-existence, and geographic variations of traditional Chinese medicine diagnostic patterns via latent tree analysis-based differentiation rules among functional dyspepsia patients
Authors: Ho Leonard , Xu Yulong , Zhang Nevin L. , Ho Fai Fai , Wu Irene X. Y. , Chen Shuijiao , Liu Xiaowei , Wong Charlene H. L. , Ching Jessica Y. L. , Cheong Pui Kuan , Yeung Wing Fai , Wu Justin C. Y. , Chung Vincent C. H.
Published: August 2022

Background

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment strategies are guided by pattern differentiation, as documented in the eleventh edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). However, no standards for pattern differentiation are proposed to ensure inter-rater agreement. Without standardisation, research on associations between TCM diagnostic patterns, clinical features, and geographical characteristics is also not feasible. This diagnostic cross-sectional study aimed to (i) establish the pattern differentiation rules of functional dyspepsia (FD) using latent tree analysis (LTA); (ii) compare the prevalence of diagnostic patterns in Hong Kong and Hunan; (iii) discover the co-existence of diagnostic patterns; and (iv) reveal the associations between diagnostic patterns and FD common comorbidities.

Methods

A total of 250 and 150 participants with FD consecutively sampled in Hong Kong and Hunan, respectively, completed a questionnaire on TCM clinical features. LTA was performed to reveal TCM diagnostic patterns of FD and derive relevant pattern differentiation rules. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to quantify correlations between different diagnostic patterns and between diagnostic patterns and clinical and geographical variables.

Results

At least one TCM diagnostic pattern was differentiated in 70.7%, 73.6%, and 64.0% of the participants in the overall (n = 400), Hong Kong (n = 250), and Hunan (n = 150) samples, respectively, using the eight pattern differentiation rules derived. 52.7% to 59.6% of the participants were diagnosed with two or more diagnostic patterns. Cold-heat complex (59.8%) and spleen-stomach dampness-heat (77.1%) were the most prevalent diagnostic patterns in Hong Kong and Hunan, respectively. Spleen-stomach deficiency cold was highly likely to co-exist with spleen-stomach qi deficiency (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 53.23; 95% confidence interval (CI): 21.77 to 130.16). Participants with severe anxiety tended to have liver qi invading the stomach (AOR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.33).

Conclusions

Future updates of the ICD, textbooks, and guidelines should emphasise the importance of clinical and geographical variations in TCM diagnosis. Location-specific pattern differentiation rules should be derived from local data using LTA. In future, patients’ pattern differentiation results, local prevalence of TCM diagnostic patterns, and corresponding TCM treatment choices should be accessible to practitioners on online clinical decision support systems to streamline service delivery.
Control of Line Complications with KiteLock (CLiCK) in the critical care unit: study protocol for a multi-center, cluster-randomized, double-blinded, crossover trial investigating the effect of a novel locking fluid on central line complications in the critical care population
Authors: Ornowska Marlena , Wong Hubert , Ouyang Yongdong , Mitra Anish , White Aaron , Willems Sue , Wittmann Jessica , Reynolds Steven
Published: August 2022

Background

Insertion of a central venous access device (CVAD) allows clinicians to easily access the circulation of a patient to administer life-saving interventions. Due to their invasive nature, CVADs are prone to complications such as bacterial biofilm production and colonization, catheter-related bloodstream infection, occlusion, and catheter-related venous thrombosis. A CVAD is among the most common interventions for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), exposing this vulnerable population to the risk of nosocomial infection and catheter occlusion. The current standard of care involves the use of normal saline as a catheter locking solution for central venous catheters (CVCs) and peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) lines, and a citrate lock for hemodialysis catheters. Saline offers little prophylactic measures against catheter complications. Four percent of tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) fluid (marketed as KiteLock Sterile Locking Solution™) is non-antibiotic, possesses antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, and anti-coagulant properties, and is approved by Health Canada as a catheter locking solution. As such, it may be a superior CVAD locking solution than the present standard of care lock in the ICU patient population.

Methods

Our team proposes to fill this knowledge gap by performing a multi-center, cluster-randomized, crossover trial evaluating the impact of 4% tetrasodium EDTA on a primary composite outcome of the incidence rate of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), catheter occlusion leading to removal, and use of alteplase to resolve catheter occlusion compared to the standard of care. The study will be performed at five critical care units.

Discussion

If successful, the results of this study can serve as evidence for a shift of standard of care practices to include EDTA locking fluid in routine CVAD locking procedures. Completion of this study has the potential to improve CVAD standard of care to become safer for patients, as well as provides an opportunity to decrease strain on healthcare budgets related to treating preventable CVAD complications. Success and subsequent implementation of this intervention in the ICU may also be extrapolated to other patient populations with heavy CVAD use including hemodialysis, oncology, parenteral nutrition, and pediatric patient populations. On a global scale, eradicating biofilm produced by antibiotic-resistant bacteria may serve to lessen the threat of “superbugs” and contribute to international initiatives supporting the termination of antibiotic overuse.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04548713, registered on September 9th, 2020.
Predicting habitat suitability for Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes persulcatus ticks in Finland
Authors: Uusitalo Ruut , Siljander Mika , Lindén Andreas , Sormunen Jani J. , Aalto Juha , Hendrickx Guy , Kallio Eva , Vajda Andrea , Gregow Hilppa , Henttonen Heikki , Marsboom Cedric , Korhonen Essi M. , Sironen Tarja , Pellikka Petri , Vapalahti Olli
Published: August 2022

Background

Ticks are responsible for transmitting several notable pathogens worldwide. Finland lies in a zone where two human-biting tick species co-occur:IxodesricinusandIxodespersulcatus. Tick densities have increased in boreal regions worldwide during past decades, and tick-borne pathogens have been identified as one of the major threats to public health in the face of climate change.

Methods

We used species distribution modelling techniques to predict the distributions ofI.ricinusandI.persulcatus,using aggregated historical data from 2014 to 2020 and new tick occurrence data from 2021. By aiming to fill the gaps in tick occurrence data, we created a new sampling strategy across Finland. We also screened for tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) andBorreliafrom the newly collected ticks. Climate, land use and vegetation data, and population densities of the tick hosts were used in various combinations on four data sets to estimate tick species’ distributions across mainland Finland with a 1-km resolution.

Results

In the 2021 survey, 89 new locations were sampled of which 25 new presences and 63 absences were found forI.ricinusand one new presence and 88 absences forI.persulcatus. A total of 502 ticks were collected and analysed; no ticks were positive for TBEV, while 56 (47%) of the 120 pools, including adult, nymph, and larva pools, were positive forBorrelia(minimum infection rate 11.2%, respectively). Our prediction results demonstrate that two combined predictor data sets based on ensemble mean models yielded the highest predictive accuracy for bothI.ricinus(AUC = 0.91, 0.94) andI.persulcatus(AUC = 0.93, 0.96). The suitable habitats forI.ricinuswere determined by higher relative humidity, air temperature, precipitation sum, and middle-infrared reflectance levels and higher densities of white-tailed deer, European hare, and red fox. ForI.persulcatus, locations with greater precipitation and air temperature and higher white-tailed deer, roe deer, and mountain hare densities were associated with higher occurrence probabilities. Suitable habitats forI.ricinusranged from southern Finland up to Central Ostrobothnia and North Karelia, excluding areas in Ostrobothnia and Pirkanmaa. ForI.persulcatus, suitable areas were located along the western coast from Ostrobothnia to southern Lapland, in North Karelia, North Savo, Kainuu, and areas in Pirkanmaa and Päijät-Häme.

Conclusions

This is the first study conducted in Finland that estimates potential tick species distributions using environmental and host data. Our results can be utilized in vector control strategies, as supporting material in recommendations issued by public health authorities, and as predictor data for modelling the risk for tick-borne diseases.
Locality sensitive hashing-aware fruit fly optimization algorithm and its application in edge server placement
Authors: Cao Qian , Liu Bo , Jin Ying
Published: August 2022

As is well known that the global optimization ability of the Fruit fly Optimization Algorithm (FOA)is weak because it is easy to fall into local optimum. In this paper, a Fruit Fly Optimization Algorithm based on Locality Sensitive Hashing-aware (LSHFOA)was proposed. The locality sensitive hashing mechanism to optimize the generation mechanism for swarm population individuals was used, which can improve the individual diversity of the population. Meanwhile, when the fruit fly population falls into the local optimum, the locality sensitive hashing mechanism was adopted to change the population location, which is used for jumping out of local optimal limits. To verify the performance of LSHFOA, it was compared with FOA and its improvement algorithms CFOA, and IFFO with 8 representative benchmark functions. A large number of experimental results showed that LSHFOA has a faster convergence speed and higher precision of optimization for function optimization, especially in high-dimensional multi-peak functions. In addition to the theoretical evaluation, we also evaluate its performance in a real-world scenario. Generally, an edge computing environment, as an extension of cloud computing, can allow the users to access the network in a low-latency manner. In this way, to capture the high-speed convergence advantage, this paper makes the first attempt to tackle a classic research problem in the edge computing environment, i.e., the edge server placement problem. The experimental results show that the new algorithm has an excellent application effect.
The Mineralocorticoid Receptor Functions as a Key Glucose Regulator in the Skeletal Muscle of Zebrafish
Authors: Faught Erin , Vijayan Mathilakath M
Published: August 2022

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are essential for maintaining energy homeostasis as part of the adaptive stress response. Most work to date has characterized the metabolic role of GCs via the activation of the glucocorticoid receptor (nr3c1; GR), which is activated under high GC conditions. However, GCs also bind to the mineralocorticoid receptor (nr3c2; MR), a high-affinity corticosteroid receptor active under basal GC conditions. Despite the expression of MR in skeletal muscles, almost nothing is known about its physiological role. Here we tested the hypothesis that the MR promotes anabolic processes during resting cortisol levels and curtails the catabolic actions of the GR during high (stressed) levels of cortisol. To determine the effect of MR, a zebrafish line with a ubiquitous MR knockout (MRca402/ca402) was utilized. The GR was activated in the same group by chronically treating fish with exogenous cortisol. In the muscle, MR primarily promoted nutrient storage, and restricted energy substrate mobilization under resting conditions, whereas GR activation resulted in increased nutrient utilization. Interestingly, MR loss improved GR-driven metabolic flexibility, suggesting that the activation state of these receptors is a key determinant of skeletal muscle ability to switch fuel sources. To determine if the anabolism-promoting nature of MR was due to an interaction with insulin, fish were co-injected with insulin and the fluorescent glucose analogue 2-NBDG. A loss of MR abolished insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in the skeletal muscle. Taken together, we postulate that MR acts as a key modulator of glucose metabolism in the musculature during basal and stress conditions.
Human stem cell models to study placode development, function and pathology
Authors: Conti Eleonora , Harschnitz Oliver
Published: August 2022

Placodes are embryonic structures originating from the rostral ectoderm that give rise to highly diverse organs and tissues, comprising the anterior pituitary gland, paired sense organs and cranial sensory ganglia. Their development, including the underlying gene regulatory networks and signalling pathways, have been for the most part characterised in animal models. In this Review, we describe how placode development can be recapitulated by the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells towards placode progenitors and their derivatives, highlighting the value of this highly scalable platform as an optimal in vitro tool to study the development of human placodes, and identify human-specific mechanisms in their development, function and pathology.
Hypoxia-Induced CD36 Expression in Gastric Cancer Cells Promotes Peritoneal Metastasis via Fatty Acid Uptake
Authors: Aoki Tatsuya , Kinoshita Jun , Munesue Seiichi , Hamabe-Horiike Toshihide , Yamaguchi Takahisa , Nakamura Yusuke , Okamoto Koichi , Moriyama Hideki , Nakamura Keishi , Harada Shinichi , Yamamoto Yasuhiko , Inaki Noriyuki , Fushida Sachio
Published: August 2022

Background

The lipid scavenger receptor cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) has been shown to have a pro-metastatic function in several cancers. Adipose tissue, a favorable site for peritoneal metastasis (PM) from gastric cancer (GC), promotes this process by providing free fatty acids (FFAs); however, the role of CD36 in PM progression from GC remains to be elucidated.

Materials and Methods

We evaluated CD36 expression in the GC cells under various conditions. CD36 overexpressing (CD36OE) MKN45 cells were prepared and their migration and invasive properties were assessed. A PM mouse model was used to investigate the biological effects of palmitic acid (PA) and CD36. Furthermore, we examined the clinical role of CD36 expression in 82 human PM samples by immunohistochemical staining.

Results

Hypoxia markedly increased CD36 expression in GC cells. In normoxia, only CD36OE MKN45 cells treated with PA showed an increase in migration and invasion abilities. An increased expression of active Rac1 and Cdc42 was observed, which decreased following etomoxir treatment. Conversely, hypoxia increased those capacities of both vector and CD36OE MKN45 cells. In a mouse model transplanted with CD36OE MKN45 cells, more peritoneal tumors were observed in the high-fat diet group than those in the normal diet group. In clinical samples, 80% of PM lesions expressed CD36, consistent with hypoxic regions, indicating a significant association with prognosis.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that a hypoxia in the peritoneal cavity induces CD36 expression in GC cells, which contributes to PM through the uptake of FFAs.
Sural nerve: imaging anatomy and pathology
Authors: Jackson Logan Joseph , Serhal Muhamad , Omar Imran M , Garg Ankur , Michalek Julia , Serhal Ali
Published: August 2022

High resolution ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance (MR) neurography are both imaging modalities that are commonly used for assessing peripheral nerves including the sural nerve (SN). The SN is a cutaneous sensory nerve which innervates the lateral ankle and foot to the base of the fifth metatarsal. It is formed by contributing nerves from the tibial and common peroneal nerves with six patterns and multiple subtypes described in literature. In addition to the SN being a cutaneous sensory nerve, the superficial location enables the nerve to be easily biopsied and harvested for a nerve graft, as well as increasing the susceptibility to traumatic injury. As with any peripheral nerves, pathologies such as peripheral nerve sheath tumors and neuropathies can also affect the SN. By utilizing a high frequency probe in US and high-resolution MR neurography, the SN can be easily identified even with the multiple variations given the standard distal course. US and MRI are also useful in determining pathology of the SN given the specific image findings that are seen with peripheral nerves. In this review, we evaluate the normal imaging anatomy of the SN and discuss common pathologies identified on imaging.
GOVERNMENT EFFECTIVENESS, CORRUPTION, AND DECISION-MAKING IN STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISES
Authors: Pereira Lopes Júnior Elias , Façanha Câmara Samuel , Roberto Pinto Francisco
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this study is to identify if there is a difference in decision making behavior of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) when exposed to different scenarios of corruption and government effectiveness. The research used the difference-in-differences technique with  96,114 observations of companies from 31 countries. The results obtained in this study exposed the differences in the behavior of SOEs when facing different scenarios, as proposed in the analytical framework. Thus, it is possible to say that SOEs located in countries of high levels of corruption may work differently, considering the levels of government effectiveness. In environments of high effectiveness, SOEs increase long-term expenditures, spending more and building a context where it is more difficult to perceive the diversion of funds. Issues of government effectiveness and corruption have been addressed, however, little attention has been paid to cross-country comparisons considering the effectiveness of governments and levels of corruption.
Clinical profile of children with posterior urethral valve at Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Yamin Rabia , Moorani Khemchand , Shaikh Mehmood , Yamin Sidra
Published: August 2022

Background & Objective: Posterior Urethral Valves (PUV) are common cause of congenital obstructive uropathy in boys and may be associated with urinary tract infection(UTI) and chronic kidney disease(CKD) if not managed timely. The objective of our study was to determine the clinical profile of children with PUV.

Methods: This is a descriptive case series comprising of 30 children aged 1-5 years, diagnosed and managed as PUV over six months, conducted at the Department of Pediatric Nephrology, National Institute of Child Health, Karachi. Patients were followed for 12 weeks and the outcome was assessed in terms of recovery, UTI, urinary incontinence and CKD. Descriptive statics were used for data analysis.

Results: Thirty cases of PUV were managed during study period. Clinical presentations were poor urinary stream (83%), fever (73%), signs and symptom suggesting UTI (96.6%), pallor (73.3%), acute kidney injury (37%)and urinary retention (13%). UTI was confirmed in 73.3 % and E.Coli was the most common pathogen. Ultrasonography showed bilateral hydronephrosis/hydroureter in 80% and micturating cystourethrogram demonstrated vesicoureteral reflux in 86.66% cases. All patients received intravenous hydration (97%), urinary decompression, and antibiotics. Meropenem was the most commonly used. Packed cell transfusion and peritoneal dialysis was done in 73.33% and 13.3% respectively. Cystoscopic valve fulguration was done in 86.66% and vesicostomy in 13.3%. On short-term follow-up, 60% recovered,16.66% experienced UTI and remained incontinent whereas 23.33% had CKD.

Conclusion: Our study showed a high frequency of UTI and AKI. E. coli was most common pathogen. Despite valve fulgration, significant patients had CKD.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.7.5823

How to cite this:Yamin R, Moorani K, Shaikh M, Yamin S. Clinical profile of children with posterior urethral valve at Tertiary Care Center. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(7):1821-1826. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.7.5823

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.
Προειδοποιήσεις έναρξης των μειώσεων forbush της έντασης της κοσμικής ακτινοβολίας με δεδομένα μετρητών νετρονίων και δορυφόρων
Authors: Λίγγρη Δήμητρα
Published: August 2022

Σωμάτια πολύ υψηλών ενεργειών που καταφθάνουν στη Γη από πηγές εκτός της ηλιόσφαιρας αποτελούν την κοσμική ακτινοβολία. Ένα από τα σημαντικότερα επεισόδια του Γεωδιαστημικού Περιβάλλοντος είναι οι μειώσεις Forbush της έντασης της κοσμικής ακτινοβολίας που είναι απότομες μειώσεις της, με διάρκεια από μερικές μέχρι δέκα ημέρες. Συνδέονται με αιφνίδιες μεταβολές συνθηκών του Διαστημικού Καιρού, που στη συνέχεια επηρεάζουν και τις ανθρώπινες δραστηριότητες. Αντικείμενο της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής ήταν η μελέτη των χαρακτηριστικών των μειώσεων Forbush της έντασης της κοσμικής ακτινοβολίας που είτε ήταν συνδεδεμένες με μια αιφνίδια έναρξη μαγνητικής καταιγίδας (Sudden Storm Commencement – SSC), είτε οφείλονταν σε ταχέως κινούμενες ροές ηλιακού ανέμου και των αντίστοιχων ηλιακών και διαπλανητικών παραμέτρων και η διερεύνηση εμφάνισης προειδοποιητικών σημάτων, πριν από την έναρξή τους. Είναι σημαντικό ότι για πρώτη φορά εντοπίστηκαν προειδοποιήσεις και στην περίπτωση των μειώσεων Forbush που δεν συνδέονται με κρουστικά κύματα. Δεδομένα έντασης κοσμικής ακτινοβολίας, από το έτος 1969 ως το έτος 2019, αντλήθηκαν από την βάση FEID που περιλαμβάνει περίπου 7000 επεισόδια, σε συνδυασμό με τα αντίστοιχα δεδομένα των ηλιακών και διαπλανητικών παραμέτρων όπως αυτά έχουν καταγραφεί από τους δορυφόρους. Δύο τεχνικές, η Global Survey Method και η Ring of Stations Method βοήθησαν αφ΄ενός στον προσδιορισμό των υπό μελέτη επεισοδίων και αφετέρου στην μελέτη της ύπαρξης ή όχι προειδοποιητικών σημάτων. Ένα μεγάλο ποσοστό των μειώσεων αυτών εμφανίζουν προειδοποιητικά σήματα, δηλαδή προ-αυξήσεις και/ή προ-μειώσεις της κοσμικής ακτινοβολίας, με το είδος των σημάτων αυτών να εξαρτάται από τις διαπλανητικές συνθήκες και όχι μόνο από την εμφάνιση ή όχι SSC πριν την έναρξη της εκάστοτε μείωσης.
Permafrost: A Frozen Minefield in the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Nikitaki Chadoula Evangelia , Moustou Areti
Published: August 2022

Some of the world’s biggest countries have areas covered by permafrost, among them Russia, the United States, Canada and China. Permafrost, the soil that was once considered permanently frozen, has been thawing fast while releasing carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. This paper explains what permafrost is and analyses the impact of its subsidence. Official reports from governments and prestigious international organisations were examined along with resources from scientific journals. Notably global warming is amplified, economy is at risk by infrastructure failure and human health is endangered by the hidden diseases inside permafrost. Furthermore, this paper, apart from identifying the significance of the problem, provides possible solutions to counter permafrost thawing and ensure the safety of the people. Suggestions are being proposed, among them, the establishment and funding of permafrost scientific networks and permafrost insurance for the directly affected people.
Barriers to EU mobility: Facilitating mobility of workers in the EU
Authors: Shkembi Anxhela
Published: August 2022

Free movement of workers within the European Union is the second fundamental principle of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and one of the four freedoms enjoyed by the European citizens. Its main objective is to enhance the living standard of each individual but also of European society in general. However, even though the free movement of European workers provides citizens with plenty of opportunities, mobility rates are particularly low. By all the EU citizens of working age in 2020, only 3.3% resided in an EU country apart from that of their own citizenship in accordance with Eurostat. Under those circumstances, a few policy ideas are provided in order to boost the mobility of EU workers:

Access to extended and more valid information

More effective response by the Commission when it comes to the breach of the Directive

More effective management of petitions

Reinforcement of SOLVIT

Adaptation of national legislation to the Directive

Removal of unnecessary hurdles

New framework of cooperation between member states

The scope of this policy paper is to delve deeper into the factors that hinder the movement of European citizens and to provide some policy ideas which could facilitate this procedure.
Η Μέθοδος Ευρωπαϊκής Ολοκλήρωσης Μετά την Κρίση Χρέους στην Ευρωζώνη 2010-2017: Προβλήματα και Προοπτικές
Authors: Αλεξόπουλος Νεκτάριος
Published: August 2022

Το παρόν άρθρο αναδεικνύει συγκεκριμένες προοπτικές για την ευρωπαϊκή ολοκλήρωση χρησιμοποιώντας θεωρητικές προσεγγίσεις και απόψεις για την διαδικασία της ενοποίησης υπό το πρίσμα της εμπειρίας της διαχείρισης της κρίσης χρέους της Ευρωζώνης την περίοδο 2010-2017. Πραγματοποιείται μια προσπάθεια σύνδεσης της ευρύτερης πολιτικής και θεωρητικής συζήτησης αναφορικά με το ζήτημα αυτό, την πορεία της ευρωπαϊκής ενοποίησης, καθώς και των σχετιζόμενων ζητημάτων νομιμοποίησης. Η εν λόγω προσπάθεια διασύνδεσης της συζήτησης από τη μια πλευρά, των ληπτών απόφασης στο πεδίο της πολιτικής και από την άλλη, των θεωρητικών της ευρωπαϊκή ολοκλήρωσης, επιχειρεί να διαμορφώσει ένα σκαρίφημα για την προοπτική, τα υφιστάμενα προβλήματα και τις ευκαιρίες ως προς την ευρωπαϊκή ολοκλήρωση.
Οι Πολιτικές του Παγκόσμιου Οργανισμού Υγείας για την Αντιμετώπιση Πανδημιών και Επικίνδυνων Επιδημιών
Authors: Τζαγκαράκης Στυλιανός Ιωάννης , Δούκη Σταματίνα
Published: August 2022

Οι πανδημίες συνιστούν σημαντικές απειλές για την ανθρώπινη ζωή και εκδηλώνονται καθ’ όλη τη διάρκεια της ανθρώπινης ιστορίας. Θα πρέπει να καταστεί σαφές ότι ο όρος επιδημία αναφέρεται στις εξάρσεις ασθενειών που εμφανίζονται σε έναν ανθρώπινο πληθυσμό μια δεδομένη χρονική περίοδο, σε βαθμό μεγαλύτερο του αναμενόμενου. Μπορεί να περιορίζεται γεωγραφικά σε ένα τόπο ή μια ολόκληρη χώρα. Στην περίπτωση που η επιδημία εξαπλωθεί και εκτός των γεωγραφικών ορίων μιας χώρας, ορίζεται ως πανδημία. Στη συγκεκριμένη μελέτη θα πραγματοποιηθεί εστίαση στη συμβολή του Παγκόσμιου Οργανισμού Υγείας στην πρόληψη και αντιμετώπιση μεγάλων πανδημικών κρίσεων. Θα πραγματοποιηθεί εστίαση στη διαχείριση πανδημικών κρίσεων ή κινδύνων και συγκεκριμένα στους HIV, χολέρα (στη Γιουγκοσλαβία τη δεκαετία του 1970), SARS-CoV, H1N1, Ebola και SARS-CoV2.
Relationships between plasma levels of main adaptogene hormones and EEG & HRV parameters at human with dysadaptation
Authors: Korda Mykhaylo , Gozhenko Anatoliy , Fihura Oksana , Popovych Dariya , Żukow Xawery , Popovych Igor
Published: August 2022

Background. The immunoneuroendocrinology became the foundation of the Truskavetsian Scientific School of Balneology. The focus of research was on the relationships between EEG and HRV parameters, EEG&HRV and leukocytogram, phagocytosis, cellular and humoral immunity as well as between changes in these parameters under the influence of adaptogenic factors Truskavets’ spa. The purpose of this study is relationships between plasma levels of major adaptogene hormones and EEG&HRV parameters at human with dysadaptation. Materials and Methods. The object of observation were 10 women 33-76 y and 10 men 37-67 y without a clinical diagnosis, but with the deviations from the norm in a number of parameters of the neuro-endocrine-immune complex as a manifestation of dysadaptation. Parameters of EEG and HRV as well as hormones levels before and after a one-week course of drinking of Naftussya bioactive water registered. Results. Using the method of canonical correlation analysis, it was found that the level of triiodothyronine is determined by the constellation of 17 EEGs and 4 HRVs parameters by 87,5%. The rate of determination of the cortisol level by 14 EEGs and 3 HRVs parameters is 83,7%, and aldosterone by the other 14 EEGs and 3 HRVs parameters is 80,0%. Neuromodulation of testosterone and calcitonin levels is characterized by sexual dimorphism. With the same coefficients of determination (92,4%), the regression model for testosteroneemia in women included 15 EEGs parameters and no HRV parameters, instead testosteroneemia in men is modulated by other 11 EEGs parameters and one HRV parameter. The level of calcitonin in women is determined by 86,2% by the constellation of 9 EEGs and 2 HRVs parameters, while in men by 83,5% by the other 5 EEGs and 4 HRVs parameters. Conclusion. Plasma levels of the main adaptation hormones are accompanied by specific patterns of EEG and HRV parameters.
Symbols of Contemporary Culture
Authors: Banaś Monika , Wiącek Elżbieta
Published: August 2022

A discourse on symbol constituting the content of this book has been presented in various cultural and temporal contexts. In particular articles we find different axionormative dimensions, where objects, actions, pictrues, buildings, material and non-material artefacts get symbolic meanings. All the essays addressing different cultural traditions and historical backgrounds stress the immanent, everlasting feature of symbol, namely, "pointing beyond itself" to something that is unquantifable and mysterious. By this transcendent process we may get closer or even touch spaces, times, thoughts and feelings of previous generations, which makes us conscious actors and agents of the human past, present and even future. This extraordinary competence, however, cannot be practiced when one remains ignorant to symbolic phenomena. Reading these collected essays, we are provided with a relevant general notion that the postmodern human, depending so much on technology and science, still remains in need of symbols.
Ich – Andere – Dritte: Von Personaler zu Transkultureller Alterität
Authors: Keller Thomas
Published: August 2022

In my paper, I align the dynamics of philosophical and sociological theory leading from egology to tertiariness with my own Franco-German life story. The step from I to Thou in dialogism and personalism is still overdone in recent theories of the third. Simmel’s interactionist tertiary figures (divorce judge, tertius gaudens, the foreigner) reveal their ambivalence between familiarity and treason in a transcultural contact. My own mediating roles, such as messenger and spokesman (thus personas), stand for others, they require someone to open the door. They are tied with neutral alterity when they de- and re-contextualize things, and with corporeal alterity inasmuch as accent establishes foreignness in the long run.
Does Concealing Gender Identity Help Women Win the Competition? An Empirical Investigation into Online Video Games
Authors: Chen Xinlei (Jack) , Zeng Xiaohua , Zhang Cheng
Published: August 2022

This paper examines how gender stereotypes affect gender equality by exploring the two-dimensional gender identities in online video games.
Highlighting the latest research: August 2022
Authors: Palmer Sarah Jane
Published: August 2022

Sarah Jane Palmer presents a selection of recently published articles of interest to nurses working in cardiovascular nursing. The aim of this roundup is to provide a brief overview of the research papers selected. A full reference is provided for those who wish to look at the research in further detail.
A midwifery team's journey implementing and sustaining continuity of care
Authors: Thorpe Dede , Neiman Sara , White Jay , Pezaro Sally
Published: August 2022

The continuity of carer model of care for midwifery is set to roll out exponentially. However, setting up and sustaining midwifery teams primed to deliver this model is a new process for many healthcare professionals. In this article, a case study is presented of a continuity of carer team set up in London to enhance the quality of midwifery care. Reflections on the associated challenges, learning, recommendations and sustainability are shared to assist others embarking on similar journeys. During its first 2 years, the team was able to achieve high levels of continuity and were able to consistently meet set targets. Quality improvement strategies were embedded throughout. Challenges, including data collection techniques and poor communication, were also explored. Improved communication, safe staffing levels, continuous evaluation, shared learning and co-creation will be essential in future quality improvement activities in this area.
Implementing collaborative learning in practice in a London maternity ward
Authors: Markowski Marianne , Yearley Carole , Bower Heather , Hayford Wilhelmina , Rugge Ethel , Chatterley-Stettler Susanne
Published: August 2022

A collaborative learning in practice pilot study in a maternity unit in a London Trust has been carried out. Collaborative learning in practice is a model for supervising students where they work in small groups under the guidance of a practice supervisor. The pilot found that the model is a possible approach to increasing placement capacity that provides an equally enriching, if not improved, learning experience. Improvements were seen in peer support, confidence and responsibility, teamwork skills, new learning opportunities and being better prepared for practice after graduation. Reflecting on the experience of implementing the first cycle of the pilot, this article provides guidance to healthcare education providers for implementing the model in practice placements. The guidance offers a modified model, establishing key personnel as collaborative learning in practice champions and providing adequate preparation for students, staff and the environment.
Protecting mental health and wellbeing in dentistry
Authors: Khwaja Mahrukh
Published: August 2022

Dentist Dr Mahrukh Khwaja saw what a toxic culture in dentistry looks likes when she worked as a dental nurse. Here, she talks about why she's championing open discussions to make positive change.

Aim

To gain an understanding of how good communication aids wellbeing, happiness and productivity in the dental workplace

Objectives

To identify ways of creating a working environment of trust To evaluate the impact of stress, burnout and long hours amid a cost of living crisis and understand the importance of evidence of efficacy regarding toolkits available to help dental professionals To identify methods in which practice teams can help to prevent and/or support the wellbeing of dental nurses
Fighting bioaccumulation: creating safer dentistry for all
Authors: Davies Simon
Published: August 2022

Simon Davies considers how biodegradable and more eco-friendly products have minimal environmental impact.
30-60-90 days - the first three months in practice
Authors: O'Neill Hayley
Published: August 2022

Hayley O'Neill discusses the start of a trainee's journey in dentistry.
A dream job
Authors: Martin Emile
Published: August 2022

Dental Nursing talks to Emile Martin about her journey to date and how strong support can make all the difference to a career.
Singing the praises of the IPC lead
Authors: Carter Stephanie
Published: August 2022

Excellent infection prevention and control is a vital component to the success of any practice Stephanie Carter assesses what is now required of this highly valued role in light of Covid-19.
Effects of early rehabilitation on motor function, dyspnoea intensity, respiratory muscle performance and handgrip strength in patients with COVID-19: an observational study
Authors: Polastri Massimiliano , Carbonara Paolo , Prediletto Irene , Gardini Aldo , Venturoli Francesca , Tagariello Federico , Neri Lucia , Carpano Marco , Pacilli Angela Maria Grazia , Nava Stefano
Published: August 2022

Background/Aims

Although an increasing volume of research is emerging, rehabilitative treatment of patients with COVID-19 still continues to be a matter of great importance that must be explored further. The purpose of the present study was to describe the effects of inpatient rehabilitation in acute patients treated in a sub-intensive hospital setting during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted based on the prospectively collected data of 192 patients with COVID-19 undergoing a physiotherapeutic regimen during their hospitalisation. Patients were admitted because of COVID-19-related pneumonia from the periods of 25 March–12 June 2020 and 2 November 2020–9 June 2021. This study investigated dyspnoea intensity using the modified Borg scale, motor function through the 1-minute sit-to-stand test, and daily walked distance. In a subset of 57 patients, handgrip strength and respiratory muscle function was also evaluated. Measurements were taken at baseline and discharge.

Results

Patients were classified according to the severity of their ratio of arterial oxygen partial pressure to fractional inspired oxygen (mean 225 ± 82 mmHg). At discharge to home or to another hospital facility, patients performed a mean of 12 repetitions (1-minute sit-to-stand test); dyspnoea intensity was 1.4 (modified Borg scale), and they were able to walk a mean distance of 266.7 metres. The mean handgrip strength of the dominant hand was 29.3 kg, the maximal inspiratory pressure was 43.5 cmH2O, and the maximal expiratory pressure was 59.1 cmH2O. Overall, significant differences before and after treatment were detected for all clinical variables. Dyspnoea improved by 0.7 points; walked distance by 200 metres; the number of repetitions at the 1-minute sit-to-stand test by 5.6; the handgrip strength by 1.2 kg (right hand) and 1.7 kg (left hand); maximal inspiratory pressure by 7.7 cmH2O; and maximal expiratory pressure by 9.5 cmH2O.

Conclusions

Patients obtained significant improvements in functional capacity, dyspnoea perception, handgrip strength and respiratory muscle function. In addition, the treatment was feasible and well tolerated by patients, and no adverse related events were observed in a sub-intensive care setting.
Localization in Cellular and Heterogeneous Networks for 5G and Beyond: A Review
Authors: Ivanov Antoni , Koshnicharova Desislava , Tonchev Krasimir , Poulkov Vladimir
Published: August 2022

Localization in modern and future wireless networks has been established as an important field of research work due to the requirements of location-based applications and services with variety of accuracy requirements. These are driven by the strong heterogeneity in terms of processing power, size and range of the nodes in beyond Fifth Generation (5G) telecommunications. Thus, localization methods in cellular and heterogeneous networks (Het-Nets) diversify in their application scenario (terrestrial and based on aerial platforms) and bands (licensed and unlicensed). They are categorized, according to the methodology used to perform the positioning, into three groups – fingerprinting (learning-based location estimation), trilateration and triangulation (distance or angular based), and hybrid (combining two geometric features of the received signals) methods. For each category, a summary of the methods’ design features and achieved accuracy is presented in tabular form. On the basis of the review, directions for future research are outlined, that will facilitate the further advancements in the design and application of localization methods for wireless communications.
METAIS TRAÇOS EM TECIDOS DE ESPÉCIES DE PEIXE DA APA DO PRATIGI, BAHIA, BRASIL
Authors: Da Silva Anna Carolina de Freitas Santos
Published: August 2022

Os ecossistemas aquáticos costeiros são suscetíveis às diversas fontes de contaminação, como efluentes de atividades industriais e de sistemas urbanos de tratamento pouco desenvolvidos, ou liberação dos resíduos de fertilizantes e pesticidas utilizados ematividades agrícolas (Silva et al., 2015; Rumisha et al., 2017).
TEAPET: Um Pet Digital Voltado para Portadores do Transtorno do Espectro Autista
Authors: Oliveira Gomes Victória
Published: August 2022

O Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA) representa um disturbio neurológico definido do ́ponto de vista comportamental, que apresenta multiplas etiologias e é caracterizado por diferentes níveis de gravidade. Indivíduos com autismo apresentam padroes restritos e repetitivos de comportamento, interesses ou atividades, alem de déficits de comunicação e interação social, os quaissão notados em múltiplos contextos (Association et al., 2013).
INFERNO: AS FACES DA VIOLÊNCIA E AS IMAGENS URBANAS NO ROMANCE DE PATRÍCIA MELO
Authors: Santos dos Reis Sthefany
Published: August 2022

A literatura contemporânea visa tematizar os problemas sociais e estudar a fundo as questões urbanas como meio de entender a sociedade em que vivemos. Segundo Oliveira & Marcier (2006), a tematização da favela sempre foi viva no meio popular, principalmente por meio de canções que “para além da afirmação dos laços de pertencimento ao lugar, reflete a especificidade de uma história marcada por conflitos, preconceitos e estigmas, resistência e vitalidade”.
DILEMAS ÉTICOS VIVENCIADOS PELO ENFERMEIRO NO CUIDADO PERIOPERATÓRIO
Authors: Melo Cerqueira Ayla
Published: August 2022

A ética tem relação com os seres humanos e não deve ser vista como algo abstrato, mas como instrumento primordial, agregado de valores e princípios fundamentais para que, perante a sociedade, os seres humanos comportem-se de maneira cordial e pacífica (MEDEIROS; SILVA, 2016) principalmente, os enfermeiros em sua prática.
PERCEPÇÃO DE FUNCIONÁRIOS DE APOIO DA MATERNIDADE SOBRE O ACOLHIMENTO À MULHER EM TRABALHO DE PARTO
Authors: Santa Clara de Freitas Jeane
Published: August 2022

A atenção no trabalho de parto e parto é uma das vertentes das ações de cuidado à saúde da mulher no ciclo gravídico-puerperal, que precisa de um olhar atento das profissões de saúde, em especial da Enfermagem, que acompanha mulher, feto/recém-nascido e família desde o planejamento familiar até o pós-parto.
AVALIANDO PRODUTOS DE ORIGEM ANIMAL DA AGRICULTURA FAMILIAR
Authors: Queiroz de Oliveira Edvan Lucas
Published: August 2022

Os municípios que compõem o Território de Identidade Portal do Sertão têm entre seus sistemas produtivos de animais, representados pela meliponicultura, caprino, ovinocultura, bovinocultura, avicultura, suinocultura, aquicultura (BAHIA, 2017).
UM MAPEAMENTO SISTEMATICO SOBRE CATÁLOGOS DE ANOMALIAS DE CÓDIGO UTILIZADOS EM ESTUDOS EMPIRICOS NA ENGENHARIA DE SOFTWARE.
Authors: Gomes da Silva Ivanildo
Published: August 2022

Muitas ferramentas, processos, metodologias e afirmam melhorar ou avaliar a qualidade dos softwares. Entretanto há muitos desafios a serem superados no desenvolvimento de software. Fowler (1999), Beck (2001), contribuíram de forma significativa catalogando diversos problemas de código que foi denominado por eles como “maus cheiros” (Bad Smeel), além disso eles catalogaram possíveis soluções para tratar cheiros de código.
HIDRÓLISE DA BIOMASSA POR ENZIMAS EXRACELULARES PRODUZIDAS POR LEVEDURAS EM MEIOS FERMENTATIVOS SUBMERSOS
Authors: Luna Farias Tainá Dandara
Published: August 2022

A Antártica é uma região polar e de difícil permanência. Todavia, o Brasil tem interesse em investir recursos humanos e financeiros com a finalidade de angariar conhecimento e tecnologia.
Stimulated polariton scattering in an Yb laser pumped lithium niobate based continuous-wave singly resonant optical parametric oscillator
Authors: Sahoo Rashmi Rekha , Shukla Mukesh Kumar , Das Ritwick
Published: August 2022

The effective refractive index of a dielectric medium modifies in the infrared spectral band due to a significant contribution from the vibrational modes by virtue of the presence of heavy ions. The coupling between electromagnetic (EM) modes and transverse optical (TO) vibrational modes is the underlying principle behind such a modification. This interaction manifests through the generation of polariton modes that can be observed in the Raman spectrum. However, they do not coincide with the peaks associated with the Raman scattering process. In the present work, we show that the polariton modes can be excited in a lithium niobate based continuous-wave singly resonant optical parametric oscillator (SRO) pumped by a single-frequency, near-infrared Yb-doped fiber laser. The stimulated polariton scattering process is triggered by a strong interaction between the mid-infrared resonant SRO signal beam and TO phonon modes of a lithium niobate crystal, which leads to generation of Stokes mode(s). Such mode(s) can be observed as side peak(s) in the SRO signal spectrum. The generated low energy polariton mode exhibits a dominant EM character, and this provides a plausible route to generate narrow linewidth far-infrared (FIR) or terahertz radiation by utilizing the high intra-cavity signal power in the SRO. In addition, the off-axis FIR generation process assists in reducing the thermal load on the lithium niobate crystal at high pump powers.
Optimization of a leaky plasmonic metal–insulator–metal nanopillar array for low concentration biosensing applications
Authors: Nandi Dipanjan , Islam Md. Zahurul , Gupta Manisha
Published: August 2022

The research focuses on optimization of a leaky metal–insulator–metal (MIM) nanopillar array design for the detection of sub-100 nm viruses. Here we have explored different MIM nanopillar and array geometries along with the insulator layer material to tune the plasmonic field leakage. For the optimized design, we observe a sensitivity of the surface refractive index change of

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. Using 100 nm diameter polystyrene particles, a sensitivity of 17.66 nm/decade was achieved with a detection limit of one particle. The optimized structures thus demonstrate a homogeneous surface sensitivity over a large active sensing area for sub-100 nm virus detection.
Ultrafast pulse propagation in graphene-comprising nanophotonic waveguides considering nonperturbative electrodynamic nonlinearity
Authors: Pitilakis Alexandros , Kriezis Emmanouil E.
Published: August 2022

We outline a comprehensive model for ultrafast optical pulse propagation along nonlinear graphene-comprising integrated photonic waveguides. An electrodynamic graphene hot-electron model (GHEM) is used to capture the temporal dynamics and intertwined absorptive and refractive nonlinearity to explore a strongly nonperturbative photoconductivity regime that transcends third-order phenomena. We propose a formalism to abstract the 2D material-related modal properties of the waveguides in the static/continuous-wave regime that can also be plugged into a generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) framework. Our model of optical pulse propagation consists of a coupled NLSE along with the nonlinear equation system of the GHEM. We demonstrate pulsed applications pertinent to integrated photonic components, namely, improvement of the extinction ratio (ER) of a nonreturn-to-zero (NRZ)-modulated bitstream, pulse shaping, spectral broadening, and optical-shock formation leading to pulse breaking and soliton formation. Our NLSE-GHEM extracts graphene nonlinearity from fundamental physics without resorting to phenomenological correction terms or fitted parameters, shows good agreement with recent experiments, and can potentially be used in the study of high-power on-chip applications such as pulsed lasers and frequency combs.