bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Las dimensiones del 'Iudex' en el pensamiento y en la actividad episcopal de Agustín
Authors: Raikas Kauko ,   Order of Augustinian Recollects
Published: July 2021

The article addresses two specific areas on the topic of the iudex in Augustine, namely: his thought and his episcopal activity. First, the article deals with the roots of the concept of iudex in the Greek and Latin legal tradition. Later the idea of iudex is approached within the New Testament, particularly in the Pauline writings. Next, the theological and eschatological dimension of iudex in Saint Augustine is presented, highlighting the common use that the Bishop of Hippo makes of the term iudex, underlining words such as Iudicium, or legal situations such as the iudex qui litem suam fecit, or the decision of the iudex, considered from a theological and legal point of view. In this theological dimension, the aspect of God as universal and cosmological iudex is not excluded. Subsequently, the Donatist dispute is analyzed from a legal perspective, highlighting the ecclesiastical law of the state, discussing the epp. 133, 151 and 134, stressing in the latter the legal value of the word necessitas. The importance of the episcopal intercessio is also underlined, analyzing epp. 152 and 153, as well as the terms of reus, supplicium and supplicatio, within the framework of the Pelagian polemic. The article also considers the issue of compelle intrare, in epp. 93, 173, as well as in the s. 112. The correspondence of Saint Augustine with Boniface and Dulcitius (ep. 185, De correctione donatistarum), ep. 204 is analyzed in this same context, as well as some texts from c. Gaud. The dimension of the iudex in the Pelagian controversy is also addressed, discussing particularly texts from Gest. Pel. and c. Iul. imp., highlighting in this last work the legal vocabulary, particularly the words that refer to the iudex. The epìscopalis Audientia is also addressed, presenting the imperial laws that framed it, both those of Constantine, as well as those of Honorius and Arcadius, to later stress the actions that Saint Augustine performed as a judge. As an example of the performance of Saint Augustine as judge, ep. 7 * is discussed, highlighting the actions of the Bishop of Hippo as a judge in matters related to property, as well as Saint Augustine’s knowledge of the legal terms and procedures, presenting the example of ep. 8*, and his technical use of terms such as actio in rem, uindicatio, causa, among others. Finally, ep. 24* is discussed, where the knowledge that Saint Augustine had of the ius uetus and of the ius nouum is revealed.
January 6 and Its Aftermath
Authors: Lewis Paul ,   The Polanyi Society
Published: July 2021

In response to the events of January 6 and the second impeachment trial, which made clear the fragility of democracy in the USA, several scholars whose work has appeared in this journal comment on one or more of the following questions: (1) What causes, epistemic and/or social, might Polanyi see as contributing to the incivility, rancor, and division that now characterize American politics? (2) What would Polanyi say about the events of January 6, as well as the events leading up to it? (3) What remedies might Polanyi suggest for rehabilitating our experiment in democracy?
The Roots of Tacit Knowledge: Intuitive and Personal Judgment in Polanyi’s Early Writings (1939-1946)
Authors: Tartaro Alessio ,   The Polanyi Society
Published: July 2021

Polanyi says that the concept of tacit knowledge is “necessarily fraught with the roots that it embodies” (TD, xviii). This paper demonstrates that these roots can be seen in Polanyi’s early writings between 1939 and 1946. In particular, the concepts of “intuitive judgment” and “personal judgment” have some peculiar features that flow subsequently into the idea of tacit knowledge. In this regard, they can be considered ancestors of Polanyi’s best-known concept. In the present paper, I propose a historical reconstruction of the two concepts. In particular, I focus on the problems from which they stem, namely Polanyi’s criticism of research planning and his account on the functioning of science and its institutional and social arrangement. Besides this historical reconstruction, I draw a comparison between the concept of tacit knowledge and its early predecessors.
Compressive strength of green concrete with low cement and high filler content
Authors: Radović Andrija , Marinković Snežana , Savić Aleksandar
Published: July 2021

It is estimated that by the end of the current decade, about 26% of clinker will be replaced by suitable alternative materials, among which limestone filler probably has the greatest potential due to its wide availability and relatively low price. Although codes allow as much as 35% of clinker to be replaced by limestone filler, the amounts used in practice are far lower and average only 6-7% globally. In order to use the great potential of fillers, it is necessary to know the key parameters that affect the properties of green concrete with low cement and high filler content in fresh and hardened states. Therefore, thorough literature review was conducted, followed by design of 18 concrete mixtures, in order to analyze the effects of the percentage of cement replacement, water-cement ratio, but also the particle size of the applied filler. The results of experimental research show that at the same w/c ratio there is an increase in compressive strength with increasing percentage of cement replacement and that it is possible to make medium-strength concrete with significantly reduced amount of cement 180 kg/m3 compared to traditional concrete. Thus, economic benefits can be achieved, but also the negative impact of the concrete industry on the environment can be reduced. Unfortunately, the workability of such mixtures can be impaired to the extent that their practical application is prevented, so it is necessary to take further steps to solve this problem.
Microbiological indoor air quality in faculty's rooms: Risks on students' health
Authors: Stefanović Olgica , Radosavljević Jelena , Kosanić Marijana
Published: July 2021

This study deals with a quantitative and qualitative analysis of indoor airborne microbiota and estimation of microbiological quality of indoor air in faculty's rooms during the summer semester of 2017/18 school year. The concentration of bacteria was significantly higher than the concentration of fungi. The species that belong to human skin microbiota or of environmental origin were identified. According to indoor air quality breakpoints, low to medium/high level of bacterial and fungal air contaminations was noticed.
Seasonal dynamics of epilithic diatom community from the Vrla River (Southeastern Serbia)
Authors: Jakovljević Olga , Popović Slađana , Živić Ivana , Stojanović Katarina , Krizmanić Jelena
Published: July 2021

Seasonal analysis of epilithic diatom community from the Vrla River was performed in four seasons a year (six times) at six sampling sites. Between the second (VR2) and the third sampling site (VR3) was located a trout fish farm. The highest number of diatom taxa was recorded in spring (149) and the lowest in autumn (93). The number of taxa that were found to be dominant during all four seasons was twenty-four. The relationship between 45 the best-fitted diatom taxa, which showed conspicuous seasonal dynamics, and seasons in which these taxa were recorded was illustrated using canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). The large number of taxa was identified in all four seasons or in winter period only. Few taxa were present only in spring and summer.
New records and remarks on earthworms of the Vojvodina Province (Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae, Criodrilidae)
Authors: Sekulić Jovana , Stojanović-Petrović Mirjana , Trakić Tanja , Popović Filip
Published: July 2021

The aim of this paper is to present the results of the recent collecting earthworms, with new localities and new habitats in Vojvodina Province. The sporadic field investigation was carried out during 2013-2020. In this paper we report new records of Criodrilus lacuum Hoffmeister, 1845 (family Criodrilidae) proved to be new species for the fauna of Vojvodina Province. Also, information on the taxonomic status of individual species was provided. Fifteen earthworm species and subspecies from family Lumbricidae have been registered. Six taxa were found to be synonymous with nominal species, so that the number decreases to 31 species, from 10 genera. Our data demonstrate clearly that the earthworm fauna of the Vojvodina Province is relatively poor, monotonous and that the impact of intensification of agricultural practices effect on loss of soil biodiversity.
Out of the box: Southwards and Eastwards notes on a new geography of criticism
Authors: Figueira Jorge
Published: July 2021

Viewed from the 'Southern Europe', the theoretical/critical debate in the Anglo-Saxon world, in particular the ongoing debate at the American universities is perplexing. It is a world of opulence and loftiness, not in this case on the level of material wealth, but intellectual wealth. If we understand that the omnipresence of 'critical theory' has an inhibitive effect on a sensory relationship with architecture, and that dichotomies such as critical/projective are schematic, the truth is that we need to leave behind atavisms that diminish the approach in 'Southern Europe': the local against the global; the space against the images; the young against the old. Theory and criticism have much to gain from allowing themselves to be provoked by the unknown. I would like to concretize these ideas by revisiting two recent experiences: to the South, Cape Verde, and to the East, Macau. They are border situations of wealth and material prosperity in Macau; and of poverty and obstruction in Cape Verde. How are these territories read and criticized? The architecture we find there is outside the history based on the MoMA. In China one hears the echo of echoes, increasingly. In Africa, one can hear the distant resonance of those echoes. Where are we beyond 'post-criticism'.
Architecture 'talks back': On the (im)possibilities of designing a critical architectural project
Authors: Avermaete Tom
Published: July 2021

Claims on critical positions in architecture are common ground in contemporary practice and reflection. This article probes into the critical capacity of the architectural project by returning to the notion of 'typological criticism' that Manfredo Tafuri introduced, as well as to the concept of the 'semi-autonomy' of architecture as theoretized by Louis Althusser. The article argues that the criticality of the architectural project resides in its mediation between autonomous and heteronomous aspects and proceeds through the entity of the architectural type.
West(ern urbanism): A part of social fantasy space
Authors: Kušić Aleksandar
Published: July 2021

New Belgrade represents one of the most intensively built and criticized settlements of the socialist Yugoslavia. Its contemporary criticism is shaped, like most of Serbian architectural historiography, by a belief in the clear distinction between selfness and otherness, contemporariness and out-datedness. The question of a contemporary approach is set, within this discourse, as a matter of the ability or will to see clearly the development of the Other, in whose reflection one's own development (through the elimination or acquisition of inner Otherness) can flourish. This paper is dedicated to the exposure of the essential limitation of these distinctions. By pointing to the way that the West and western urbanism were envisioned within three moments of New Belgrade socialist history, this paper tends to point out that these visions are nothing more but parts of a wider Lacanian social fantasy space, i.e. that the realism of their gaze is based on the possibility of a placement within the fantasy space of the current or desired social order.
From pluralism to populism: Architectural criticism in times of the Internet
Authors: Lootsma Bart
Published: July 2021

Architecture has changed from a discipline in service of the larger part of the population through public housing, public buildings, public spaces, urban planning and design to a particular and already in itself disparate niche market of the real estate business that has more to do with the media industry than with public tasks. Architectural criticism has become part of this media industry as well. Thus, Postmodern architecture could flourish as the bastard child of political and cultural populist strategies. Today, architectural criticism finds itself in a deep crisis due to new developments in publishing and it's financing. This also affects Critical Theory. With its background of ideas rooted in Marxism and Enlightenment, Critical Theory seems to have great difficulty with not only the speed of new developments and the unpredictability of their directions, but also with the increasingly dominant irrational but powerful aspects of marketing and propaganda in which it's voice seems no longer heard beyond the walls of the academic ghetto.
The role of master-builder in development of traditional Ohrid house
Authors: Tomovska Radmila , Radivojević Ana
Published: July 2021

Master-builder of traditional Ohrid house had important role for the origin and development of some particular elements of construction and finalisation, which are typical solutions that create a specific expression of the Ohrid residential architecture. Formation and development of the traditional Ohrid house, as a regional variant of the Ottoman type of urban house, with specific indigenous characteristics that are specifically related to the spatial plan and the structural details, was created by master-builders of Ohrid, Struga and Debar. Their contribution in the stylistic unification of the Ottoman residential architecture, as well as in finding innovative and specific solutions, is very significant.
Disappearance of the traditional architecture: The key study of Stara Planina villages
Authors: Ljubenov Gorica , Roter-Blagojević Mirjana
Published: July 2021

This paper is focused on the disappearance of the traditional architecture in the Stara Planina villages, in the Pirot area, at the Eastern border of Serbia. The paper gives authentic examples of traditional rural architecture with emblematic traditional elements and methods of construction, which have been gradually disappearing over time due to abandonment of the villages. Reasons leading to the villages withering away and the decay of architecture in that mountain area are predominantly enormous migrations of the village population to the cities as a result of socio-economic changes and poverty of the region. The abandonment of the villages leaves in its wake a sparse ageing population, housing units and other structures in the state of decay and ruin. In the past, the area was well-known as a source of native, self-taught, builders called dunđeri, organized in the groups of 10-15 people, tajva, famous and respected on the territories of Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia. Nowadays their descendants work and live in urban areas, and as a consequence, the villages have not preserved their traditional building skills.
Extension of the basic Global Health Security (GHS) index: Health system security indicator
Authors: Živković Živan , Panić Marija
Published: July 2021

The paper discusses the extension of the Global Health Security (GHS) index with new non-medical predictors: Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita as a basic indicator of economic growth, Corruption Perception Index (CPI) and Democracy Index (DI) as significant indicators of social relations. This extension of the GHS index provides a more reliable model for predicting the ability of a country's health system to provide an adequate response in a pandemic crisis when human health is seriously endangered. Evaluation of the results of the extension of the GHS index by additional non-medical predictors was performed using multiple linear regression analysis (MLRA), both for the basic and for the extended model. The obtained values of the coefficient of determination (R2) indicate that the extended GHS model shows the same high level of fitting as the basic model, which confirms the justification of its extension. The research was conducted on the basis of available data for 42 European countries.
Correlation of human development and economic growth of the national economy
Authors: Đorđević Vladimir , Cvetković Milica , Momčilović Aleksandar
Published: July 2021

The area that causes great attention of economic science is the issue of growth and development. The impact of human resources on economic growth is of great importance. Human capital is the driver of the economic growth of any national economy, on the other hand, the state is the driver of education of its population. An important driver of development is education, i.e. investing in the education system, which further drives other macroeconomic variables. Both theory and practice are increasingly dealing with the issue of human capital, as important components and factors of the overall economic development of the national economy. Investments in education result in an increase in economic growth, this increase allows for greater investment in future education. Long-term economic growth determines the standard of living, which directly affects human development. The Human Development Index sublimates several parameters in itself and at the same time shows correlations between the economy, quality of life, and level of education in the country. The paper aims to point out the importance of human capital in economic science and practice through the paradigm of the concept of human development, following the trends of HDI in the Republic of Serbia and the surrounding countries.
Insurance as a loan agreement for managing risk in corporate lending
Authors: Đekić Marija , Ristanović Vladimir
Published: July 2021

Credit risk management is one of the most important banking operations, both in developed and developing countries. In addition to numerous methods and techniques, banks decide to conclude special credit agreements when granting loans to economic entities. The special provisions of such an agreement provide additional assurance to the lender that it will not incur losses when borrowing funds. In these loan agreements, insurance plays a significant role, whether it is corporate or bank borrowing. In this paper, the subject of consideration is the role of insurance as a loan agreement in corporate lending primarily by banks. The aim of this paper is to describe the importance and role of insurance in the process of corporate lending, point out the benefits of the existence of provisions related to insurance in the loan agreement for both lender and borrower, and provide a brief overview of the use of insurance as a method of credit risk management, referring to the use of this type of agreement in Serbia as well.
Irregularities in conducting the list of assets and liabilities
Authors: Jakovljević Nemanja
Published: July 2021

Irregularities that may occur during the preparation and conduct of the inventory of assets and liabilities may have serious and multiple implications for the entity's financial statements and its results of operations. This is conditioned by the fact that the inventory as a part of the pre-closing postings represents the basis for reducing the bookkeeping to the actual situation. The census can determine the existence of undocumented economic changes, for which at the time of their occurrence there was no adequate document to confirm their existence and their value impact on the operations of the entities. Improper conduct of the census can be sampled by intentional actions aimed at presenting incorrect facts in an attempt to present a better business result in the financial statements than it really is, which would benefit one stakeholder to the detriment of other stakeholders. For these reasons, it is important to understand the irregularities that occur during the census in order to prevent and disable their occurrence in practice.
Paederus dermatitis: Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of 104 new cases collected at the University Hospital of Conakry, Guinea
Authors: Tounkara Thierno Mamadou , Diane Boh Fanta , Keita Moussa , Soumah Mohamed Maciré , Kante Mamadou Diouldé , Keita Fatimata , Diallo Aissatou Bobo , Toure Mariame , Bah Mariama Bobo , Cisse Mohamed
Published: July 2021

Background: Paederus dermatitis is a vesicant contact dermatitis. At the end of the winter period of 2020, we recorded a surge in the number of consultations for paederus. The aim of this work was to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the epidemic of paederus dermatitis observed in Conakry in 2020. Material and Methods: Single-center, descriptive study with prospective recruitment of all cases of paederosis clinically diagnosed at the Dermatology department of the University Hospital of Conakry, between October 04 and December 26, 2020. The diagnosis of pederosis was based on a combination of anamnestic and clinical arguments. For each patient, the socio-demographic, clinical and therapeutic data were specified. Results: A total of 104 patients, including 54 (52%) women and 50 (48%) men, were collected. The mean age was 28 years with extremes of 2 and 73 years. The majority of patients (59.6%) were unaware of the condition. They lived in houses lit by fluorescent bulbs in 86.5% of cases. The peak of consultation was observed in the 46th week of the year. Eighty-three (79.8%) patients consulted within the first week after the onset of symptoms. The majority of patients (52.9%) used self-medication before the consultation. Of the patients, 50 (48.1%) had burning skin lesions, painful in 46 (44.2%). Pruritus was noted in 39 (37.5%) patients. The lesions were dominated by erythema with a linear aspect in 55 (52.9%) patients, vesicles in 20 (19.2%) and bullae in 8 (7.7%) patients. In 30 (28.8%) patients there was a single lesion, in 34 (32.7%) patients there was a double lesion, in 18 (17.3%) patients there was a triple lesion and in 22 (21.2%) patients there were more than three lesions. The majority of lesions (66.3%) were located on the exposed areas. Conclusion: Paederus dermatitis is a major problem in our context and may present itself as a real epidemic. A better information focused on preventive measures could contribute to the reduction of the prevalence of the disease in the population.
H Syndrome: Two new morrocan cases
Authors: Marmech Cyrine , El Fetouaki Fatima Zahra , Barakat Abdelhamid , Skalli Hayat , Chiheb Soumiya
Published: July 2021

H Syndrome is a rare genodermatosis of autosomal recessive inheritance characterised by the presence of cutaneous and systemic manifestations. This syndrome is due to a mutation in the SLC9A3 gene encoding the hENTt3 transport protein. Still little known and rare, its diagnosis is difficult. Nearly 100 cases of H syndrome have been described, the majority of which were from Arab countries. The possible occurrence of other undiagnosed or misdiagnosed cases of syndrome H is highly probable due to the common features shared with other syndromes. We report two new cases of H syndrome from Morocco. One of them presents a unique association with celiac disease which has not been previously reported. The dermatologist’s main goal is to diagnose the condition and enable appropriate follow-up and genetic counselling.
Leukocytoclastic vasculitis associated with multiple myeloma: A case report
Authors: Keita Fatimata , Diatta Boubacar Ahy , Fall Seynabou , Djiba Boundia , Niasse Moustapha , Diallo Moussa
Published: July 2021

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis is a rare cutaneous manifestation in multiple myeloma and only twenty cases have been described to date. We report an unusual case with kappa IgA multiple myeloma in a 63 years old woman presented with leukocytoclastic vasculitis type of digital necrosis and leg ulcer. The vasculitis seems to be paraneoplastic as skin lesions regressed following multiple myeloma treatment.
Governance Quality, Entrepreneurship and Economic Growth
Authors: Khyareh Mohsen Mohammadi , Amini Hadi
Published: July 2021

Governance is a factor that affects new entrepreneurial activities and economic growth. However, the effectiveness of governance will vary depending on a country’s development level and entrepreneurial motivation. The main goal of this study is to use global entrepreneurship monitor (GEM) data and to apply a three-stage least squares (3SLS) regression to investigate the impact of six governance indicators on the entrepreneurship-growth nexus in 64 countries during 2010-2018. In addition, this paper describes whether the impact of governance indicators varies according to the country’s development stage. The results show that entrepreneurship and governance indicators have a significant impact on economic growth. However, depending on the development stage of the country, major differences can arise regarding the degree and nature of this relationship among countries. Specifically, the results show that entrepreneurship can promote economic growth in innovation-driven countries, but it cannot promote economic growth in factor- and efficiency-driven countries. In particular, the results show that opportunitydriven entrepreneurship (ODE) is only positively correlated with the economic growth of innovation-driven countries. In contrast, necessity-driven entrepreneurship (NDE) is negatively correlated with the economic growth of factor- and efficiency-driven countries. In addition, the survey results show that governance quality indicators contribute to entrepreneurial activities in the three groups of countries examined. This research contributes to the literature from a theoretical perspective (the use of good governance as an intermediary between entrepreneurship and growth) and a practical perspective (providing insights to improve the quality of governance to promote entrepreneurship and economic growth).
The Study of Entrepreneurial Intentions and Entrepreneurial Competencies of Business vs. Non-Business Students
Authors: Zdolsek Draksler Tanja , Sirec Karin
Published: July 2021

Entrepreneurship contributes to economic growth and job creation and thus to competitiveness. Nevertheless, the question remains of how to stimulate entrepreneurial activity, especially in the case of youth as a disadvantaged group. The key to entrepreneurial activity is entrepreneurial competencies and entrepreneurial intentions. Young people can acquire and develop both through entrepreneurship education. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of entrepreneurship education on entrepreneurial intentions and entrepreneurial competencies of university students in Slovenia from a socio-psychological perspective. A conceptual research model based on Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the competency approach was developed, also applying the assumption that entrepreneurial competencies influence entrepreneurial intentions. The applied research methodology was a quasi-experiment. The research sample of 837 students consisted of an experimental group (involved in entrepreneurship education) and a control group (not involved in entrepreneurship education) examined by a pretest and a post-test. Various statistical analyses were used to determine correlation, comparison, and dependency. Although it was confirmed that the conceptual research model is appropriate and that some of the factors studied do influence entrepreneurial intentions, we could not find a higher level of entrepreneurial intentions or entrepreneurial competencies by students involved in entrepreneurship education. Nevertheless, the conceptual research model has statistically confirmed that the TPB and entrepreneurial competencies are linked. It was also revealed that entrepreneurial competencies partly influence entrepreneurial intentions. This study forms a basis for further research in the field of entrepreneurship education, entrepreneurial intentions and entrepreneurial competencies.
Description of three species of ophioplinthacids, including a new species, from a deep seamount in the Northwest Pacific Ocean
Authors: Chen Wanying , Na Jieying , Zhang Dongsheng
Published: July 2021

Five specimens of brittle star were collected from a deep-sea seamount in the Northwest Pacific, and identified into three species. One which is new to science, Ophioplinthaca grandisquama n. sp., can be easily distinguished from its congeners by the distinctly elongated and stout tentacle scales, stout and long disc spines, capitate with typically elongate to flaring head bearing numerous distinct thorns, radial shields roughly triangular and contiguous distally. One specimen was identified as Ophioplinthaca semele (Clark, 1949), which had been reported in Hawaii seamounts, is a new record of this species in the Northwest Pacific. The remaining specimen was an unknown species of Ophioplinthaca, with some different characteristics from other species of Ophioplinthaca. However, we, herein, prefer not to attach a name to this specimen until more morphological characteristics are available. The finding of this new species and two new records further enriches the distribution of Ophioplinthaca in the seamount of Northwest Pacific, providing useful information for marine protection in the cobalt-rich area.
Interaction between occupational physical burdens and low job control on musculoskeletal pain: Analysis of the 5th Korean Working Environment Survey
Authors: Lee Jongin , Kim Hyoung-Ryoul , Lee Dong-Wook , Kang Mo-Yeol
Published: July 2021

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the interactive impacts between occupational physical burdens and psychological job demand or control on musculoskeletal pain (MSP) using nationally representative data for Korean workers.

Methods

Using 5th Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS), we explored the interaction between occupational physical burdens and levels of psychological job demand or control on risk of MSP in 49 572 eligible participants. For quantitative evaluation of the interaction, relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) was calculated.

Results

In a group with low job control and at least one occupational physical burden, odds ratio (OR) for neck and upper extremity pain was 2.44 (95% CI, 2.24-2.66) compared with a group with high job control and no physical burden (a reference group: lowest risk), which was the highest value among the four groups, and the RERI was 0.35 (95% CI, 0.19-0.51). Similarly, OR for lower extremity pain was 2.15 (95% CI, 1.95-2.37) and RERI was 0.26 (95% CI, 0.07-0.45). However, the RERI was not significant in the case of psychological job demand.

Conclusion

This study revealed significant interactions between occupational physical burdens and low job control on MSP.
Evaluation of the correlation between dosimetric, geometric, and technical parameters of radiosurgery planning for multiple brain metastases
Authors: de Camargo André Vinícius , Cao Minsong , da Silva Diego da Cunha Silveira Alves , de Araújo Raphael Leonardo Cunha
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the correlation between dosimetric, geometric, and technical parameters for radiosurgery planning of multiple brain metastasis treatments treated with a linear accelerator with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) technique.

Materials and methods

Data were collected retrospectively from 55 patients who underwent radiosurgery in a single institution from August 2017 to February 2020. Patients presented 4–21 brain metastases were treated with a single fraction with doses between 18 and 20 Gy. Dosimetric variables were collected including V5Gy, V8Gy, V10Gy, V12Gy, V14Gy, conformity index (CI), heterogeneity index (HI), maximum dose (Dmax), and the CI_R50. Geometric variables including the number of lesions, target volumes, the smallest target volume, the largest target volume, and the distance between the isocenter and the most distant lesion (DIL) and technical variables such as the numbers of total arcs, noncoplanar arcs, and isocenters were collected for analysis.

Results

The number of lesions had a moderate positive correlation with V5Gy, V8Gy, V10Gy, V12Gy, V14Gy, HI, Dmax, and with the number of total arcs. The target volumes had a positive medium–high correlation with V5Gy, V8Gy, V10Gy, V12Gy, V14Gy, and moderate positive correlation with HI, Dmax, number of arcs and noncoplanar arcs. The CI and CI_R50 had a negative correlation with all volumes related to the target: the target volumes, the smallest, and the largest lesion. A positive correlation was observed between the distance of the isocenter and the most DIL with V5Gy, V8Gy, V10Gy, V12Gy, V14Gy, HI, Dmax, and the number of isocenters.

Conclusion

It was found that the number of lesions and the target volumes are good predictors of dosimetric indexes of plan evaluation and that the distance between the isocenter and the most DIL harms them.
Juvenile Fibromyalgia in Patients With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Utility of the Pain and Symptom Assessment Tool
Authors: Tesher Melissa S. , Graham Thomas B. , Ting Tracy , Kashikar‐Zuck Susmita , Lynch Niccola , Wroblewski Kristen , Weiss Jennifer E.
Published: July 2021

Objective

To evaluate the proportion of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) who met criteria for comorbid juvenile fibromyalgia (FM) using the Pain and Symptom Assessment Tool (PSAT), and to identify clinical and demographic differences among JIA patients with and without juvenile FM.

Methods

Patients ages 11–17 years with JIA were recruited from 4 North American pediatric rheumatology centers. Each patient completed the PSAT. Additional clinical and disease activity measures included pain visual analog scale, patient global assessment of disease activity (PtGA) and physician global assessment of disease activity (PhGA), the Functional Disability Inventory (FDI), and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale in children.

Results

Of 129 patients, 11 met criteria for juvenile FM. FDI scores were markedly higher in patients who tested positive for juvenile FM, with a mean of 24.8 compared to 6.9 in patients without juvenile FM (P < 0.001). Pain catastrophizing scores were also significantly higher, by ~14 points, in patients with juvenile FM. There was a significant tendency for patients to give higher disease activity scores than physicians, which was more marked among patients with juvenile FM. In patients with juvenile FM, PtGA scores exceeded PhGA scores by a mean of 3.7, compared to a mean of 0.7 among patients without juvenile FM (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

A minority of JIA patients (8.5%) met criteria for juvenile FM. This group demonstrated markedly more functional impairment. PtGA scores were strikingly higher than PhGA scores among patients with JIA who met juvenile FM criteria, suggesting that providers might consider a more expansive approach to chronic pain and non‐musculoskeletal symptom assessment and treatment in JIA patients.
Perceptions and Challenges Experienced by African Physicians When Prescribing Methotrexate for Rheumatic Disease: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Hitchon Carol A. , Mody Girsh M. , Feldman Candace H. , Lau Yan , Shi Steven , Meltzer Michele , Scuccimarri Rosie , Weinblatt Michael E. , Colmegna Ines
Published: July 2021

Objective

Guidelines for methotrexate (MTX) use in rheumatic disease may not be feasible for physicians practicing in the least developed countries. We aimed to understand the experiences of MTX prescribers relating to MTX use for rheumatic disease in African countries to inform the development of culturally and geographically appropriate recommendations.

Methods

African physicians who self‐identified as MTX prescribers from countries classified as having a low versus a medium or high Human Development Index (L‐HDI versus MH‐HDI) participated in semistructured interviews between August 2016 and September 2017. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded thematically, and stratified by HDI.

Results

Physicians (23 rheumatologists; six internists) from 29 African countries were interviewed (15 L‐HDI; 14 MH‐HDI). Identified barriers to MTX use included inconsistent MTX supply (reported by 87% L‐HDI versus 43% MH‐HDI), compounded by financial restrictions (reported by 93% L‐HDI versus 64% MH‐HDI), patient hesitancy based partly on cultural beliefs and societal roles (reported by 71%), few prescribers (reported by 33%), prevalent infections (especially viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, and human immunodeficiency virus), and both availability and cost of monitoring tests. MTX pretreatment evaluation and starting and maximal doses were similar between L‐HDI countries and MH‐HDI countries.

Conclusion

The challenges of treating rheumatic disease in African countries include unreliable drug availability and cost, limited subspecialists, and patient beliefs. Adapting recommendations for MTX use in the context of prevalent endemic infections; ensuring safe but feasible MTX monitoring strategies, enhanced access to stable drug supply, and specialized rheumatology care; and improving patient education are key to reducing the burden of rheumatic diseases in L‐HDI countries.
Nutrition Information Resources Used by People With Systemic Sclerosis and Perceived Advantages and Disadvantages: A Nominal Group Technique Study
Authors: Østbø Nora , Jimenez Elizabeth Y. , Harb Sami , Bourgeault Angelica , Carrier Marie‐Eve , Thombs Brett D. ,   the Scleroderma Patient‐Centered Intervention Network (SPIN) Diet and Nutrition Education Patient Advisory Team
Published: July 2021

Objective

Where people with systemic sclerosis (SSc) (or scleroderma) obtain diet and nutrition information to manage their disease is not known. Objectives were to identify 1) resources used by people with SSc for nutrition and diet information and 2) perceived advantages and disadvantages of resources.

Methods

We conducted nominal group technique (NGT) sessions in which people with SSc reported nutrition and diet information resources they have used and perceived advantages and disadvantages of accessing and using resources. Participants indicated whether they had tried each resource. They rated helpfulness and importance of possible advantages and disadvantages. Items elicited across sessions were merged to eliminate overlap.

Results

We conducted four NGT sessions (three English language, one French language; 15 total participants) and identified 33 unique information resources, 147 resource‐specific advantages, and 118 resource‐specific disadvantages. Resource categories included health care providers, alternative and complementary practitioners, websites and other media platforms, events, and print materials. The most common themes for advantages and disadvantages included quality and individualization of information and accessibility of resources in terms of cost, location, and comprehensibility. Information provided by medical professionals was regarded as most credible and can be obtained through books, articles, and websites if individual consultation is not easily accessible. Web‐based information was considered highly accessible, although of variable credibility. In‐person events may be an important source of health information for people with SSc.

Conclusion

People with SSc obtain nutrition and diet information from multiple resources. They seek credible and accessible resources that provide SSc‐specific and individualized information.
Quantifying the Compressive Force of 3D Cardiac Tissues via Calculating the Volumetric Deformation of Built‐In Elastic Gelatin Microspheres
Authors: He Chuanjiang , Wei Xinwei , Liang Tao , Liu Mengxue , Jiang Deming , Zhuang Liujing , Wang Ping
Published: July 2021

Quantifying cardiac contractile force is of paramount important in studying mechanical heart failure and screening therapeutic drugs. However, most existing methods can only measure the in‐plane component of twitch force of cardiomyocytes, such that mismatching the centripetal compressive stress of heart beating in physiology. Here, a non‐destructive method is developed for quantifying the compressive stress and mapping the distribution of the local stress within the 3D cardiac tissues. In detail, elastic gelatin microspheres labeled with fluorescence beads are fabricated by microfluidic chips with high throughput, and they serve as built‐in pressure sensors which are wrapped by cardiomyocytes in 3D tissues. The deformation of microspheres and the displacements of fluorescent beads induced by the contraction of cardiomyocytes are demonstrated to characterize the amount and distribution of the centripetal compressive stress. Further, the method shows a potent capability to locally quantify contractile force variation of 3D cardiac tissues, which is induced by agonist (norepinephrine) and inhibitor (blebbistatin). On the whole, the method significantly improves the 3D measurement of mechanical force in vitro and provides a solution for locally quantifying the compressive stress within engineered cardiac tissues.
Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell‐Derived Neural Progenitor Cells Produce Distinct Neural 3D In Vitro Models Depending on Alginate/Gellan Gum/Laminin Hydrogel Blend Properties
Authors: Kapr Julia , Petersilie Laura , Distler Thomas , Lauria Ines , Bendt Farina , Sauter Clemens M. , Boccaccini Aldo R. , Rose Christine R. , Fritsche Ellen
Published: July 2021

Stable and predictive neural cell culture models are a necessary premise for many research fields. However, conventional 2D models lack 3D cell‐material/‐cell interactions and hence do not reflect the complexity of the in vivo situation properly. Here two alginate/gellan gum/laminin (ALG/GG/LAM) hydrogel blends are presented for the fabrication of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)‐based 3D neural models. For hydrogel embedding, hiPSC‐derived neural progenitor cells (hiNPCs) are used either directly or after 3D neural pre‐differentiation. It is shown that stiffness and stress relaxation of the gel blends, as well as the cell differentiation strategy influence 3D model development. The embedded hiNPCs differentiate into neurons and astrocytes within the gel blends and display spontaneous intracellular calcium signals. Two fit‐for‐purpose models valuable for i) applications requiring a high degree of complexity, but less throughput, such as disease modeling and long‐term exposure studies and ii) higher throughput applications, such as acute exposures or substance screenings are proposed. Due to their wide range of applications, adjustability, and printing capabilities, the ALG/GG/LAM based 3D neural models are of great potential for 3D neural modeling in the future.
Extracellular Vesicles as an Advanced Delivery Biomaterial for Precision Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Ruan Shaobo , Greenberg Zachary , Pan Xiaoshu , Zhuang Pei , Erwin Nina , He Mei
Published: July 2021

In recent years, cancer immunotherapy has been observed in numerous preclinical and clinical studies for showing benefits. However, due to the unpredictable outcomes and low response rates, novel targeting delivery approaches and modulators are needed for being effective to more broader patient populations and cancer types. Compared to synthetic biomaterials, extracellular vesicles (EVs) specifically open a new avenue for improving the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy by offering targeted and site‐specific immunity modulation. In this review, the molecular understanding of EV cargos and surface receptors, which underpin cell targeting specificity and precisely modulating immunogenicity, are discussed. Unique properties of EVs are reviewed in terms of their surface markers, intravesicular contents, intrinsic immunity modulatory functions, and pharmacodynamic behavior in vivo with tumor tissue models, highlighting key indications of improved precision cancer immunotherapy. Novel molecular engineered strategies for reprogramming and directing cancer immunotherapeutics, and their unique challenges are also discussed to illuminate EV's future potential as a cancer immunotherapeutic biomaterial.
Weaving Enzymes with Polymeric Shells for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Li Meng , Blum Nicholas Thomas , Wu Jiayingzi , Lin Jing , Huang Peng
Published: July 2021

Enzyme therapeutics have received increasing attention due to their high biological specificity, outstanding catalytic efficiency, and impressive therapeutic outcomes. Protecting and delivering enzymes into target cells while retaining enzyme catalytic efficiency is a big challenge. Wrapping of enzymes with rational designed polymer shells, rather than trapping them into large nanoparticles such as liposomes, have been widely explored because they can protect the folded state of the enzyme and make post‐functionalization easier. In this review, the methods for wrapping up enzymes with protective polymer shells are mainly focused on. It is aimed to provide a toolbox for the rational design of polymeric enzymes by introducing methods for the preparation of polymeric enzymes including physical adsorption and chemical conjugation with specific examples of these conjugates/hybrid applications. Finally, a conclusion is drawn and key points are emphasized.
All Solid‐State Flexible Electrochromic‐Organic Light‐Emitting Diode Devices on Single‐Plastic Substrate for See‐Through Display Technologies
Authors: Cossari Pierluigi , Pugliese Marco , Gigli Giuseppe , Maiorano Vincenzo
Published: July 2021

The development of solid‐state electrochromics (EC) represents an emerging challenge towards effective integration with other optoelectronic units, such as the EC‐organic light‐emitting diode devices (EC‐OLEDs). By a simultaneous or independent control of optical contrast (EC function) and OLED emission upon electrical activation, these fascinating systems are capable of adaptively modulating solar radiation and display lighting. Here, we report a flexible ECOLED on a single‐plastic substrate demonstrating how the rational design of a highly efficient and durable solid‐state EC cell enables an increase of overall performances and the integration with OLED on larger area and flexible substrate. The resulting device shows high transparency and optical contrast (ΔT650nm = 60%), with lower operating voltages (0.5–3 V), faster coloring/bleaching switching times (5–10 s), and enhanced stability (1000 switching cycles) if compared to similar systems. The OLED unit reveals a luminance of 1000 cd m−2 (at 10 mA cm−2) and a current efficiency of about 10 cd A−1, making it suitable for both display and lighting applications. These results can represent a novelty in the field of next‐generation smart windows and transparent displays, including all technologies based on see‐through OLED displays, electronic devices for augmented reality, lighting panels and smart glasses.
Magnetically Driven Non‐Contact Transfer Printing Based on a Bi‐Stable Elastomeric Stamp
Authors: Li Chenglong , Luo Hongyu , Song Jizhou
Published: July 2021

Transfer printing that enables the heterogeneous integration of a variety of materials in desired 2D or 3D layouts is essential for developing existing and envisioned systems such as flexible electronics, stretchable electronics, and micro LED displays. Here, a simple yet robust magnetically driven non‐contact transfer printing technique based on a bi‐stable elastomeric stamp is reported. This stamp features adhesive blocks, a magnetic‐response film with a buckled configuration and a cavity. The magnetic‐response film can be controlled with a rapid snap‐through under a magnetic field to switch interfacial adhesion from strong state for reliable pick‐up to weak state for easy printing, which allows the printing of inks onto arbitrary receivers. Experimental, numerical, and theoretical studies reveal the fundamental aspects of design and operation of the stamp to enable a highly efficient non‐contract transfer printing technique. Demonstrations of this concept in transfer printing of Si platelets, papers, pearl cottons, glass slides, and porous acrylic plates onto various challenging non‐adhesive receivers (e.g., cleanroom wiper, cloth, leather, glass, or paper) illustrate its robust capabilities in manipulation of objects with a wide range of materials and its great potential for deterministic assembly, thereby creating engineering opportunities in applications requiring the heterogeneous integration of diverse materials.