bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estrone Is a Strong Predictor of Circulating Estradiol in Women Age 70 Years and Older
Authors: Davis Susan R , Martinez-Garcia Alejandra , Robinson Penelope J , Handelsman David J , Desai Reena , Wolfe Rory , Bell Robin J ,   ASPREE Investigator Group
Published: July 2020

Importance

After menopause, estradiol (E2) is predominately an intracrine hormone circulating in very low serum concentrations.

Objective

The objective of this work is to examine determinants of E2 concentrations in women beyond age 70 years.

Design and Setting

A cross-sectional, community-based study was conducted.

Participants

A total of 5325 women participated, with a mean age of 75.1 years (± 4.2 years) and not using any sex steroid, antiandrogen/estrogen, glucocorticoid, or antiglycemic therapy.

Main Outcome Measures

Sex steroids were measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Values below the limit of detection (LOD; E2 11 pmol/L [3 pg/mL] were assigned a value of LOD/√2 to estimate total E2.

Results

E2 and estrone (E1) were below the LOD in 66.1% and 0.9% of women, respectively. The median (interdecile ranges) for E1 and detectable E2 were 181.2 pmol/L (range, 88.7-347.6 pmol/L) and 22.0 pmol/L (range, 11.0-58.7 pmol/L). Women with undetectable E2 vs detectable E2 were older (median age 74.1 years vs 73.8, P = .02), leaner (median body mass index [BMI] 26.8 kg/m2 vs 28.5, P < .001), and had lower E1, testosterone and DHEA concentrations (P < .001). A linear regression model, including age, BMI, E1, and testosterone, explained 20.9% of the variation in total E2, but explained only an additional 1.2% of variation over E1 alone. E1 and testosterone made significant contributions (r2 = 0.162, P < .001) in a model for the subset of women with detectable E2.

Conclusions

Our findings support E1 as a principal circulating estrogen and demonstrate a robust association between E1 and E2 concentrations in postmenopausal women. Taken together with prior evidence for associations between E1 and health outcomes, E1 should be included in studies examining associations between estrogen levels and health outcomes in postmenopausal women.
Low Bone Mineral Density in Early Pubertal Transgender/Gender Diverse Youth: Findings From the Trans Youth Care Study
Authors: Lee Janet Y , Finlayson Courtney , Olson-Kennedy Johanna , Garofalo Robert , Chan Yee-Ming , Glidden David V , Rosenthal Stephen M
Published: July 2020

Context

Transgender youth may initiate GnRH agonists (GnRHa) to suppress puberty, a critical period for bone-mass accrual. Low bone mineral density (BMD) has been reported in late-pubertal transgender girls before gender-affirming therapy, but little is known about BMD in early-pubertal transgender youth.

Objective

To describe BMD in early-pubertal transgender youth.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis of the prospective, observational, longitudinal Trans Youth Care Study cohort.

Setting

Four multidisciplinary academic pediatric gender centers in the United States.

Participants

Early-pubertal transgender youth initiating GnRHa.

Main Outcome Measures

Areal and volumetric BMD Z-scores.

Results

Designated males at birth (DMAB) had below-average BMD Z-scores when compared with male reference standards, and designated females at birth (DFAB) had below-average BMD Z-scores when compared with female reference standards except at hip sites. At least 1 BMD Z-score was < -2 in 30% of DMAB and 13% of DFAB. Youth with low BMD scored lower on the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children than youth with normal BMD, 2.32 ± 0.71 vs. 2.76 ± 0.61 (P = 0.01). There were no significant deficiencies in vitamin D, but dietary calcium intake was suboptimal in all youth.

Conclusions

In early-pubertal transgender youth, BMD was lower than reference standards for sex designated at birth. This lower BMD may be explained, in part, by suboptimal calcium intake and decreased physical activity–potential targets for intervention. Our results suggest a potential need for assessment of BMD in prepubertal gender-diverse youth and continued monitoring of BMD throughout the pubertal period of gender-affirming therapy.
The Impact of SARS-Cov-2 Virus Infection on the Endocrine System
Authors: Somasundaram Noel Pratheepan , Ranathunga Ishara , Ratnasamy Vithiya , Wijewickrama Piyumi Sachindra Alwis , Dissanayake Harsha Anuruddhika , Yogendranathan Nilukshana , Gamage Kavinga Kalhari Kobawaka , de Silva Nipun Lakshitha , Sumanatilleke Manilka , Katulanda Prasad , Grossman Ashley Barry
Published: July 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has spread across the globe rapidly causing an unprecedented pandemic. Because of the novelty of the disease, the possible impact on the endocrine system is not clear. To compile a mini-review describing possible endocrine consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection, we performed a literature survey using the key words Covid-19, Coronavirus, SARS CoV-1, SARS Cov-2, Endocrine, and related terms in medical databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and MedARXiv from the year 2000. Additional references were identified through manual screening of bibliographies and via citations in the selected articles. The literature review is current until April 28, 2020. In light of the literature, we discuss SARS-CoV-2 and explore the endocrine consequences based on the experience with structurally-similar SARS-CoV-1. Studies from the SARS -CoV-1 epidemic have reported variable changes in the endocrine organs. SARS-CoV-2 attaches to the ACE2 system in the pancreas causing perturbation of insulin production resulting in hyperglycemic emergencies. In patients with preexisting endocrine disorders who develop COVID-19, several factors warrant management decisions. Hydrocortisone dose adjustments are required in patients with adrenal insufficiency. Identification and management of critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency is crucial. Patients with Cushing syndrome may have poorer outcomes because of the associated immunodeficiency and coagulopathy. Vitamin D deficiency appears to be associated with increased susceptibility or severity to SARS-CoV-2 infection, and replacement may improve outcomes. Robust strategies required for the optimal management of endocrinopathies in COVID-19 are discussed extensively in this mini-review.
A Rare Case of Recurrent Pituitary Collision Tumors
Authors: Shakally Almoutaz , Tahara Naoyuki , Clark Brent , Tummala Ramachandra , Caicedo-Granados Emiro , Kawakami Yasuhiko , Araki Takako
Published: July 2020

Pituitary collision tumors are sporadically reported and rare. We present a case of pituitary collision tumors with nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) and craniopharyngioma. In order to look for any common activated pathway, we examined WNT/β-CATENIN signaling activation, known to be involved in tumorigenesis in both craniopharyngioma and NFPA. We found nuclear accumulation of β-CATENIN protein and expression of LEF1 protein, markers of active β-CATENIN signaling in the craniopharyngioma but not in the pituitary adenomas. In our case, the NFPA is invasive macroadenoma, which is a frequently identified type of pituitary adenoma in collision tumor cases. Recurrence of this tumor was first observed after 8 years of follow-up. Based on this case, we suggest that pituitary collision tumors require long-term follow-up.
Homosexualizing “Boys Love” in China
Authors: Tian Xi
Published: July 2020

Originating in Japan, “boys love” (BL) manga and fiction that focus on romantic or homoerotic male-male relationships are considered by most of their writers, readers, and scholars to be primarily by women and for women and are purposely differentiated from gay fiction and manga by both commentators and practitioners. However, BL's increasing interweaving with homosexuality and sexual minorities in China requires scholars to reread and redefine BL practice in its Chinese context. This article discusses some of the recent transformations of the BL genre in China, examines the significant role female practitioners have played in indigenizing BL, and ultimately points to the trend of consciously writing and reading BL through a homosexual lens. By reflexively constructing “gayness” in BL works, these practices have also created a peer-led educational space on nonnormative sexuality and gender identity. The author also examines how BL “poaches” official and mainstream cultures, resulting in their considering BL the primary fictional vehicle of homosexuality. She therefore suggests that the trend of conflating BL with homosexuality and the deliberate homosexualization of BL in both texts and real life have ultimately extended the cultural identity of BL, as well as its political meaning, and in practice have created a porous culture that welcomes gender diversity and helps increase the visibility of the gay community, revealing a significant social and cultural shift that cannot be ignored or reversed.
Embracing human genetics: a primer for developmental biologists
Authors: Leslie Elizabeth J.
Published: July 2020

Understanding the etiology of congenital disorders requires interdisciplinary research and close collaborations between clinicians, geneticists and developmental biologists. The pace of gene discovery has quickened due to advances in sequencing technology, resulting in a wealth of publicly available sequence data but also a gap between gene discovery and crucial mechanistic insights provided by studies in model systems. In this Spotlight, I highlight the opportunities for developmental biologists to engage with human geneticists and genetic resources to advance the study of congenital disorders.
Vesicular and uncoated Rab1-dependent cargo carriers facilitate ER to Golgi transport
Authors: Westrate L. M. , Hoyer M. J. , Nash M. J. , Voeltz G. K.
Published: July 2020

Secretory cargo is recognized, concentrated and trafficked from ER exit sites (ERES) to the Golgi. Cargo export from the ER begins when a series of highly conserved COPII coat proteins accumulate at the ER and regulate the formation of cargo loaded, COPII vesicles. In animal cells, capturing live de novo cargo trafficking past this point is challenging; it has been difficult to discriminate whether cargo is trafficked to the Golgi in a COPII coated vesicle. Here, we utilized a recently developed live cell, cargo export system that can be synchronously released from ERES to illustrate de novo trafficking in animal cells. We find that components of the COPII coat remain associated with the ERES, while cargo is extruded into COPII uncoated, non-ER associated, Rab1-dependent carriers. Our data suggest that in animal cells COPII coat components remain stably associated with the ER at exit sites to generate a specialized compartment, but once cargo is sorted and organized, Rab1 labels these export carriers and facilitates efficient forward trafficking.
Experimental toolbox for quantitative evaluation of clathrin-mediated endocytosis in the plant model Arabidopsis
Authors: Johnson Alexander , Gnyliukh Nataliia , Kaufmann Walter A. , Narasimhan Madhumitha , Vert Grégory , Bednarek Sebastian Y. , Friml Jiří
Published: July 2020

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is a crucial cellular process implicated in many aspects of plant growth, development, intra- and intercellular signaling, nutrient uptake and pathogen defense. Despite these significant roles, little is known about the precise molecular details of how CME functions in planta. To facilitate the direct quantitative study of plant CME, we review current routinely used methods and present refined, standardized quantitative imaging protocols that allow the detailed characterization of CME at multiple scales in plant tissues. These protocols include: (1) an efficient electron microscopy protocol for the imaging of Arabidopsis CME vesicles in situ, thus providing a method for the detailed characterization of the ultrastructure of clathrin-coated vesicles; (2) a detailed protocol and analysis for quantitative live-cell fluorescence microscopy to precisely examine the temporal interplay of endocytosis components during single CME events; (3) a semi-automated analysis to allow the quantitative characterization of global internalization of cargos in whole plant tissues; and (4) an overview and validation of useful genetic and pharmacological tools to interrogate the molecular mechanisms and function of CME in intact plant samples.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Tolerance of aquifer stoneflies to repeated hypoxia exposure and oxygen dynamics in an alluvial aquifer
Authors: Malison Rachel L. , DelVecchia Amanda G. , Woods H. Arthur , Hand Brian K. , Luikart Gordon , Stanford Jack A.
Published: July 2020

Aquatic insects cope with hypoxia and anoxia using a variety of behavioral and physiological responses. Most stoneflies (Plecoptera) occur in highly oxygenated surface waters, but some species live underground in alluvial aquifers containing heterogeneous oxygen concentrations. Aquifer stoneflies appear to be supported by methane-derived food resources, which they may exploit using anoxia-resistant behaviors. We documented dissolved oxygen dynamics and collected stoneflies over five years in floodplain wells of the Flathead River, Montana. Hypoxia regularly occurred in two wells, and nymphs of Paraperla frontalis were collected during hypoxic periods. We measured mass-specific metabolic rates (MSMR) at different oxygen concentrations (12, 8, 6, 4, 2, 0.5 mg/L, and during recovery) for 111 stonefly nymphs to determine whether aquifer and benthic taxa differed in hypoxia tolerance. Metabolic rates of aquifer taxa were similar across oxygen concentrations spanning 12 to 2 mg/L (P>0.437), but rates of benthic taxa dropped significantly with declining oxygen (P<0.0001; 2.9× lower at 2 vs. 12 mg/L). Aquifer taxa tolerated short-term repeated exposure to extreme hypoxia surprisingly well (100% survival), but repeated longer-term (> 12 hours) exposures resulted in lower survival (38-91%) and lower metabolic rates during recovery. Our work suggests that aquifer stoneflies have evolved a remarkable set of behavioral and physiological adaptations that allow them to exploit the unique food resources available in hypoxic zones. These adaptations help explain how large-bodied consumers might thrive in the underground aquifers of diverse and productive river floodplains.
Voxel based evaluation of sequential radiotherapy treatment plans with different dose fractionation schemes
Authors: Singh Gaganpreet , Kamal Rose , Thaper Deepak , Oinam Arun Singh , Handa Bhumika , Kumar Vivek , Kumar Narendra
Published: July 2020

Objective:

This study presents a methodology for voxel-based evaluation of two phase sequential radiotherapy treatment plans having conventional dose scheme in the first phase and subsequent hypofractionation dose scheme in the second phase based upon different priority [planning target volume (PTV), clinical target volume (CTV) and organs at risk (OAR)] of display modes.

Methods:

A case of carcinoma prostate was selected for demonstration. Varian Eclipse treatment planning system (TPS) was used for contouring and planning. In the first phase, a dose of 52 Gy in 26 fractions to the PTV and in the second phase, a dose of 19.5 Gy in 3 fractions to the PTV Boost was planned on the same CT data set. Both the plans (Phase 1 and Phase 2) were exported and processed using “Voxel-based radiobiology display (VRb) tool”. Plan Sum for Biologically effective dose (BED)-Cube and equivalent dose of 2Gy (EQD2)-Cube was reconstructed using a combination of linear quadratic (LQ) and linear quadratic-linear (LQ-L) radiobiological models. Tumor control probability (TCP) and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) for different target volumes and organs were also calculated using EQD2-volume histograms of the Plan Sum.

Results:

An in-house graphical user interface (GUI) is developed to present the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the multiphase treatment plans with different display modes and dose regimens. The voxel based TCP obtained for the combined target volume was 90.56%. NTCP for the bladder and rectum was calculated from the Plan Sum histograms and found to be 0.33% and ~0.0% respectively.

Conclusion:

The proposed methodology using the VRb tool offers superior plan evaluation for multiphase sequential radiotherapy treatment plans over the existing methods.

Advances in knowledge:

PTV, CTV and OAR priority based display modes in VRb tool offers better understanding of radiobiological evaluation of sequential radiotherapy treatment plans.
Congenital intrahepatic aorto-portal fistula presenting with cardiac failure
Authors: Pathanki Adithya , Sharif Khalid , McCafferty Ian , Hartley Jane , McGuirk Simon
Published: July 2020

Congenital intrahepatic arterio-portal fistulae (cIAPF) are rare, high-flow vascular malformations that usually present with portal hypertension. They almost never cause heart failure, unless there is associated congenital heart disease or the ductus venosus in patent.

We present an unusual case of IAPF in an 11-day-old boy, who presented with features of cardiac failure associated with increased N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP). The IAPF arose directly from the aorta, separated from the hepatic artery and divided to separately supply both left and right portal veins. The ductus venosus was occluded. The IAPF was treated with embolization of the aorto-portal fistula, accessed through a direct percutaneous puncture of the fistula. Embolization was associated with an immediate clinical improvement and a rapid and sustained normalization of the NT pro-BNP level. A similar re-presentation was noted and treated with repeat embolization. The child is well on follow-up.

To our knowledge, this is the first case of cIAPF, which was presented with cardiac failure when the ductus venosus has closed and has been treated successfully with direct, percutaneous transhepatic embolization of the fistula, twice. Serial clinical follow-up and ultrasonographical examinations have proven to be an effective strategy to detect recurrent fistulae.
Mediated World and Attention Crisis: Unhappy Consciousness a Hundred Years Ago
Authors: Lepsoo Tanel
Published: July 2020

The atmosphere of the 1920s in many ways resembles that of today. The accelerated technological development and the loss of previously stable points of reference led to the emergence of literary characters who were suffering from an identity crisis and delved into themselves, characters who could not adjust to a dominant value system that fell short of their standards but whose intellectual acumen did not allow them to resort to mere nostalgia for the past. Philippe Chardin, inspired by Hegel, has named them characters with an “unhappy consciousness”. This article focuses on the work of Estonian writer Reed Morn, specifically one of her novellas. It argues that aesthetic experience and spatial distance from the homeland may allow a character with an unhappy consciousness to find a positive solution that could be described as an ecology of attention. Such an approach can also be productive in today’s hypermedia age.
I. V. Arnold’s Theory of Foregrounding and Its Application to Text Analysis
Authors: Meniailo Vera
Published: July 2020

The theory of foregrounding, developed by St. Petersburg scholar Irina Vladimirovna Arnold in the middle of the 20th century, was rather revolutionary for its time as it aimed to establish connection between formal levels of the language and textual meanings that allowed the reader to decode the author’s message. Arnold identifies four principal elements of foregrounding that disclose conceptual textual meaning: the strong position of a text, repetitions on different levels of language, the convergence of stylistic devices and defeated expectancy. The professor states that these elements of the text are always intentional and, thus, give a key to understanding the author’s message and position. This theory, being universal and easy to apply, has been widely used by Russian scholars working in the domain of textual linguistics and stylistics until nowadays. Such an approach increases the objectivity of the scientific findings in this area and enriches the overall text analysis with extra details and more meanings disclosed. The paper gives an overview of the theory of foregrounding, emphasizing the role it plays in text analysis and stylistics of decoding, and illustrates its principles with examples of practical analysis of the text conducted by the author of the paper.
DIGITAL GENERATION CONSIDIRATIONS IN EDUCATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
Authors: Mitrofanova Elena , Grishaeva S.
Published: July 2020

The values of the virtual world form the specific behavior of the digital generation in the process of getting education and building a career. The article discusses the socio-cultural characteristics of the digital generation, which begins to play an increasingly prominent role in the labor market, and, therefore, deserves close study in the context of effective personnel management and the implementation of professional education. These features are identified as a result of a secondary analysis of data from Russian and foreign studies, a survey (in the form of a questionnaire) of youth representatives and expert interviews. Value orientations of the digital generation that were identified, affect its behavior in the process of obtaining education and professional self-realization, as well as methodologically justified tools for using the sociocultural features of the digital generation both in constructing a new digital educational process and in choosing methods for managing this category of personnel in a company.
QUALITY OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND CAREER OF HR MANAGERS (IN THE ASSESSMENT OF GRADUATES)
Authors: Chernyak T.
Published: July 2020

The article discusses the current problems of assessing the quality of professional training of HR managers from the perspective of graduates of the HR direction working in this area.For ten years the author of the article has been assessing the quality of training university graduates as deputy vice rector for organizing practice, employment and promoting employment of graduates.

The results of annual studies of satisfaction with the quality of education of all participants in the educational process: students; employers and graduates of the university were an indispensable indicator in the preparation and conduct of accreditation of the university, it has repeatedly reported at conferences and published. The accumulated experience allowed us to conduct annual monitoring studies on the problem of satisfaction with the quality of professional training of graduates of the Department of Personnel Management of the Siberian Institute of Management, a branch of the RANEPA.

The article provides only some generalized results of the author's studies in 2017 - 2019 on assessing the quality of professional training and career of specialists from the position of graduates of the department. The author conducts a brief analysis of theoretical foreign and domestic sources to study the problems of assessing the quality of education and training of specialists; considers the problems of development of criteria for assessing the quality of training, external and internal assessment, and the inclusion of certain assessment objects in the assessment, relevant to universities.

The practical focus of the article allows us to see both the positive aspects in the training of future specialists in the field of personnel management, and some omissions, which will improve the quality and applied nature of training, taking into account the identified needs of graduates oriented to the demands of the labor market.
LABOR MARKET: TODAY AND TOMORROW
Authors: Anikeeva L. , Mitrofanova Aleksandra
Published: July 2020

The article discusses issues related to both the current state of the labor market in Russia and in the future. The characteristic of the main components of the labor market is given: the number of people employed in the economy, the number of actively seeking work, the number of unemployed. The ratio of the number of laidoffs and the number of employees hired is considered. Reasons for dismissal of employees are revealed. Particular attention is paid to the consideration of employment conditions: full and part-time. A specific place is devoted to labor migration issues. The number of labor migrants with a work permit and working under patent conditions is disclosed. The problems of illegal labor migration are considered. The problems of unemployment, including those related to raising the retirement age, are highlighted. A view of the changing situation on the labor market in connection with the digitalization of the economy is proposed. Emphasis is placed on the need to train relevant specialists who will be most in demand in the future labor market. In addition, measures are proposed for employers in attracting highly qualified specialists.
FEATURES OF TRANSFERRING THE ORGANIZATION'S PERSONNEL TO REMOTE WORK
Authors: Ashurbekov R. , Valyaeva E.
Published: July 2020

This article provides a step-by-step plan for transferring an organization's staff to remote work. Due to the epidemiological situation in the country, this problem is now urgent for many employers. The article deals with the main problems that both an employee and an employer may face in the process of changing the work mode. The paper discusses the advantages and costs of transferring employees to remote work for the employer and for the employee. One of the basic problems solved in this article are the proposed solutions to reduce employee anxiety as a result of switching to remote mode of operation and options for monitoring remote employees. The paper also provides technical solutions for organizing the transfer of employees to work outside the office.
ANALYSIS OF ELECTRONIC HR RECORDS MANAGEMENT IN STATE INSTITUTIONS (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE STATE COMMITTEE ON PRICE POLICY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SAKHA (YAKUTIA))
Authors: Kovlekov Ivan , Nesterovich M.
Published: July 2020

In modern conditions, the traditional manual manner of working with documents in business is replaced gradually by the most rational methods of conducting digital office using a personal computer. Nowadays in the software market there is a wide enough choice of various programs for personnel records management at the company. However, the best properly choice often has difficulties connected with the juridical status of the real consumer of the software, the purpose of its activities, computer literacy of workers and the current experience of using a particular software package. The relevance of the problem is due to the fact that the state character of the work and the specific legal framework of the state institution differ significantly from the one of doing business by commercial (private) enterprises, on which are mainly focused the majority of the human resources software applications. The situation of the issue of electronic personnel records management in state institutions was analyzed on the pat-tern of experience with personnel documentation established in the State Committee on Price Policy of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). The main aspects of the paperless office work was studied, covering a variety of procedures and routine works with documents, as well as the software itself for dealing with documents of the personnel database of the institution. The article presents the results of studying indicators of electronic document administration and comparative analysis of options for professional personnel management programs. It was noted that at the moment the level of electronic personnel records management in the state institution does not yet fully meet the requirements of modern digital personnel documents management. It was concluded that the destination of further improving the activity of the state institution and raising work on personnel records administration and HR management to a higher level could be solved only if the digital document system for personnel records and accounting will be applied with an operatively updated package of legislative and regulatory framework.
Artificial Intelligence as a Source of Political Thinking
Authors: Bykov I.
Published: July 2020

The aim of this work is to study the state of current research in the field of politics and AI. Our research question is about the possibility of using artificial intelligence in order to run political judgments. The main problem of researching artificial intelligence deals with the value-based biases of judgments about the present and the future of these technologies. The article uses the meta-analysis method, which in recent years has become quite widespread in the specialized literature. The article provides an overview of the most cited publications in the Scopus database with the keywords “Artificial Intelligence” and “Politics”. In total, the study has included 76 articles and reports that were indexed by the database over the past 20 years. It is concluded that in recent years there has been a trend towards an increase in the number of publications on the problems of artificial intelligence and politics. However, most of them are only indirectly related to the central problems of political science. The study of the topic of artificial intelligence most closely adjoins the study of the problems of big data and political communication in social networks.
Artificial Intelligence in Politics, Media and Public Administration: Reflections on the Thematic Portfolio
Authors: Fedorchenko Sergey
Published: July 2020

The issue «Artificial Intelligence in the Sphere of Politics, Media Space and Public Administration» was conceived after updating the topic of artificial intelligence in the socio-political and value sphere at several scientific events organized by the Department of History, Political Science and Law of Moscow Region State University: Scientific and Public Forum «Values and artificial intelligence» (10.11.2019) and the round table «Ethics and artificial intelligence» (04.16.2019). This issue includes works devoted to the issues of the practice of artificial intelligence in public administration, public policy and other fields. The authors also touched on the nuances of scientific discourse and futorology. The compiler of the issue is Candidate of Political Sciences, associate professor Fedorchenko Sergey Nikolaevich. Artificial intelligence technologies are a pretty debatable topic. Artificial intelligence technologies are a pretty debatable topic. Currently, political leaders, scientists and members of the public are actively discussing the problems of artificial intelligence related to the following aspects: new opportunities for political communication; media policy, mediation of the political sphere; axiological policy; social networks, bots; government departments; opportunities and limitations of new technologies in political analysis; the importance of intelligent systems for democracy and democratic procedures; threats of cyber autocracy; legitimacy of the political regime and national security; political values, political propaganda, frames, political myths, stereotypes, «soft power», «smart power»; digital diplomacy; the risks of media manipulation, information wars, the formation of a political agenda; experience of using intelligent systems in the organization of high-quality communication between society and the state. The theme of the issue is extremely relevant for modern academic political science. artificial intelligence, digitalization, political science, scientific discourse, futorology, state, democracy, manipulation, political communications. The issue is aimed at specialists, political scientists, graduate students and all those who are interested in this difficult issue in an interdisciplinary manner.
The use of crotalaria as possible indirect agent to control Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Schneider Barbara Clara , Meneghetti Adriana Maria , Lange Denise
Published: July 2020

Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae) is a vector of arboviruses associated with dengue, chikungunya, zika and yellow fever. Based on empirical knowledge, plants belonging to genus Crotalaria (Fabaceae) attract dragonflies, which are the main natural predator to A. aegypti and help controlling populations of this mosquito. The aim of the present study is to investigate (i) whether Crotalaria is a food source for A. aegypti and (ii) whether Crotalaria attracts predators to this mosquito, mainly dragonflies. The study was carried out from January to March 2018 in two Crotalaria spectabilis Roth (Fabaceae) cultivation fields, which covered 100 m2 (each) in Missal County, Paraná State, Brazil. Samples of all arthropods foraging on C. spectabilis were collected. Observations in situ were carried out to investigate whether A. aegypti individuals visit C. spectabilis flowers. In total, 14,967 arthropods were recorded foraging on C. spectabilis (288 in cultivation field 1 and 14,679 in cultivation field 2). Dragonflies and damselflies were recorded foraging on C. spectabilis crops, but no A. aegypti individual was recorded in active collections and observations in situ. These results indicate that C. spectabilis works as food source and/or place used by several arthropods to find preys. The incidence of dragonflies and damselflies flying in C. spectabilis monocultures indicates that these plants attract dragonflies, as well as that Crotalaria can help indirectly controlling A. aegypti populations.
'Unwholesome Reversions': Contagion as Dramaturgy in The Dutch Courtesan
Authors: Lior Noam
Published: July 2020

Karen Britland argues that The Dutch Courtesan uses contagion not only in its literal invocation of disease but also as a conceptual framework. The proximity of episodes invites an audience to read across plots so that seemingly separate threads become metaphorically cross-contaminated, providing tacit counter-narratives and refutations. This paper examines some of the conceptual contaminations presented by the play, moving from its consideration of venereal disease and human migration to the ways in which the emotional pain inflicted on its more liminal characters – Beatrice and Mulligrub – can be read as contaminating the positive narratives put forth by Freevill and Cocledemoy.
How Marston Read His Merchant: Ruled Women and Structures of Circulation in The Dutch Courtesan
Authors: Andrews Meghan
Published: July 2020

This essay argues that The Merchant of Venice was highly influential on John Marston’s The Dutch Courtesan, guiding the changes Marston made to his source text. Marston extends Merchant’s critiques of nascent capitalism and is especially critical of the commodifying male sexuality embodied by Freevill and influenced by the characterizations of Portia and Bassanio. Recognizing Courtesan’s debts to Merchant also enables a better understanding of how Marston’s move to the Children of the Queen’s Revels affected his dramaturgy. By showing how Freevill self-consciously and inauthentically performs the role of a romance hero, Marston participates in the company’s characteristic ironizing of romance.
Editorial
Authors: Gough Melinda J. , Kelly Erin E.
Published: July 2020

The editorial for issue 23.1 discusses the context for this special issue on John Marston's The Dutch Courtesan, guest edited by Helen Ostovich.
Entering a Golden Age of Sustained Superiority: Entrepreneurial Creation or Discovery?
Authors: Henderson Andrew D. , Graebner Melissa E.
Published: July 2020

To better understand the origins of sustained superior firm performance, we consider processes of entrepreneurial creation and discovery. Discovering new opportunities requires speed and flexibility, and although many discoveries are easy to implement, this makes them easy to imitate. By comparison, creation is more complex, iterative, and cumulative, making these opportunities slower to implement yet harder to copy. In formal simulation modeling and analyses of the U.S. Compustat population from 1966 to 2015, we found a bimodal pattern of entry into golden eras of sustained superiority. One peak consisted of an initial spike as firms went public, and evidence suggests this was driven by entrepreneurial discovery. The other peak involved a long-term inverted U-shaped trajectory that reached its high point about 17 years later. Evidence suggests this was driven by entrepreneurial creation, which first enabled then later constrained durable superiority. Our results have implications for research on sustained superiority, entrepreneurial opportunities, and strategic renewal.
Mentoring initiative to retain community-based registered nurses in palliative care
Authors: Johnston Siobhan , Heneghan Paula , Daniels Pauline
Published: July 2020

Retaining registered nurses (RNs) in post during their first year of employment is a problem for the Marie Curie Home Nursing Service. This article describes an initiative undertaken by Marie Curie Northern Ireland's (NI) Regional Nursing Service's manager in conjunction with clinical management and RNs to develop a peer-mentoring programme that would support newly appointed RNs during their first 3 months and strengthen the possibility that they would remain in post. A scoping exercise of key stakeholders clarified that peer mentoring could address the sense of remoteness and isolation that newly appointed nurses expressed as lone workers. RNs taking on a peer-mentoring role received additional remuneration during the 3-month period. Through the initiative, the stakeholders recognised that the peer-mentoring programme should be simple, responsive to the needs of the newly appointed nurses and provide the necessary support and guidance when required.
Multidrug chemotherapy causes early radiological signs of loosening in distal femoral replacements
Authors: Mumith Aadil , Coathup Melanie , Edwards Thomas C , Gikas Panos , Aston Will , Blunn Gordon
Published: July 2020

Aims

Limb salvage in bone tumour patients replaces the bone with massive segmental prostheses where achieving bone integration at the shoulder of the implant through extracortical bone growth has been shown to prevent loosening. This study investigates the effect of multidrug chemotherapy on extracortical bone growth and early radiological signs of aseptic loosening in patients with massive distal femoral prostheses.

Methods

A retrospective radiological analysis was performed on adult patients with distal femoral arthroplasties. In all, 16 patients were included in the chemotherapy group with 18 patients in the non-chemotherapy control group. Annual radiographs were analyzed for three years postoperatively. Dimensions of the bony pedicle, osseointegration of the hydroxyapatite (HA) collar surface, bone resorption at the implant shoulder, and radiolucent line (RLL) formation around the cemented component were analyzed.

Results

A greater RLL score (p = 0.041) was observed at three years postoperatively, with those receiving chemotherapy showing greater radiological loosening compared with those not receiving chemotherapy. Chemotherapy patients experience osteolysis at the shoulder of the ingrowth collar over time (p < 0.001) compared with non-chemotherapy patients where osteolysis was not observed. A greater median percentage integration of the collar surface was observed in the non-chemotherapy group (8.6%, interquartile range (IQR) 0.0% to 37.9%; p = 0.021) at three years. Bone growth around the collar was observed in both groups, and no statistical difference in amount of extracortical bony bridging was seen.

Conclusion

Multidrug chemotherapy affects the osseointegration of ingrowth collars and accelerates signs of radiological loosening. This may increase the risk of aseptic loosening in patients with massive segmental implants used to treat bone cancer. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(7):333–340.
A case series of eight scoliosis patients undergone pedicle screw placement with freehand technique: study for safety and accuracy
Authors: Irianto Komang Agung , Tumbelaka Marquee Kenny
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND Pedicle screws and rods are routinely inserted in the vertebrae thoracic to lumbar in scoliosis reconstruction surgery to gain deformity correction and fusion. Intraoperative imaging is often needed to ensure accuracy, but surgical time will be longer and there will be more radiation exposure. Meanwhile, freehand technique is accepted as safe. This study was aimed to evaluate the accuracy of screw insertion in the freehand technique used in adolescent scoliosis surgery.

METHODS This case series evaluated a total of 127 pedicle screws inserted using the freehand technique in 8 out of 28 adolescent scoliosis patients from 2011 to 2016 whom agreed for computed tomography (CT) scan follow-up from 2011 to 2016 in Dr. Seotomo Hospital, Surabaya. The accuracy and safety of the freehand technique were evaluated postoperatively in each patient using a CT scan. A successful screw was considered accurate if it was within the vertebral body and inside the safety zone within the limit of 2–4 mm to the medial or lateral side of the vertebral body.

RESULTS Of the 127 screws inserted, 106 (83.5%) were accurately placed, and 110 (86.6%) were within the safe zone. According to the level of the spine, in the upper and middle thoracic spine, the inserted screws were accurate in 69.4% and 74.9% within the safety zone, whereas in the lower thoracic and lumbar spine, 94.0% and 95.0% within the safety zone.

CONCLUSIONS The freehand technique in scoliosis reconstructive surgery performed by experienced surgeons is accurate and safe.
Erratum: The use of high-resolution melting techniques for mutation screening of diseases caused by trinucleotide repeats expansion, with emphasis on the  AR  gene
Authors: Juniarto Achmad Zulfa , Ariani Mahayu Dewi , Harumsari Stefani , Listyasari Nurin Aisyiyah , Hardian  , Utari Agustini , Faradz Sultana Muhammad Hussein
Published: July 2020

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.13181/mji.v28i2.3008]
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio for predictor of in-hospital mortality in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a meta-analysis
Authors: Mikhael Rodry , Hindoro Evan , Taner Sharleen , Lukito Antonia Anna
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is the most life-threatening condition of acute coronary syndrome that carries a poor prognosis of in-hospital mortality. Multiple scoring systems have been developed to predict in-hospital mortality and other cardiovascular events. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is hardly used as a predictor of in-hospital mortality. This study was aimed to determine the predictive value of NLR concerning in-hospital mortality in STEMI patients.

METHODS Literature search and pooled analysis related to studies on MEDLINE/PubMed, EBSCO, Science Direct, Cochrane, and ProQuest were retrieved. Inclusion criteria were met if they were cohort studies, the subjects were STEMI patient, contained pretreatment NLR cut-off, and considered in-hospital mortality, which is defined as cardiac or all-cause mortality. Quality assessment was conducted using Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Review Manager version 5.3 (The Nordic Cochrane Centre, Copenhagen) was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS We found 12 studies with a total of 7,251 STEMI subjects with median NLR cut-off value of 5.6. Elevated NLR on admission carries a high risk of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR] = 3.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.46–3.67). A slightly higher risk of all-cause mortality (OR = 2.74, 95% CI = 1.99–3.77) was observed compared with cardiac-related mortality (OR = 3.20, 95% CI = 2.47–4.14). No significant heterogeneity was observed between these studies (p = 0.46, I2 = 0%).

CONCLUSIONS Elevated NLR predicts a higher in-hospital mortality rate of STEMI patients.
Causes of mortality in a neonatal intensive care unit in Iran: one year data
Authors: Azami Milad , Jasemi Shamim , Khalifpur Yosef , Badfar Gholamreza
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND Neonatal mortality rate is a major health index. Approximately, 65% of all deaths in the first year of life occur during this 4-week period. The present study was conducted to investigate the mortality rates and causes of death in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Ahvaz, Iran in a year. 

METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted in the NICU of Sina Hospital in Ahvaz. Medical records were studied, and data from 1,040 newborns admitted to the NICU within one year (March 2016 to March 2017) were collected following a checklist. Of these newborns, 123 died, and their relevant data were collected. Data were analyzed using SPSS, version 20 (SPSS Inc., USA). 

RESULTS The mortality rate was 11.82% (123 cases) out of 1,040 newborns admitted to NICU. Most of the newborns (48.8%) died on days 1–7. The causes of death were respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (34.1%), asphyxia (25.2%), anomalies (10.6%), sepsis (7.3%), intracerebral hemorrhage (8.1%), pulmonary hemorrhage (7.3%), and other causes (6.4%), such as hydrops, severe pneumothorax, severe renal failure, and others. 

CONCLUSIONS The mortality rate in the NICU of this center was similar to that in other Iranian provinces. The most common causes of NICU mortality included prematurity and its complications, such as asphyxia and RDS. Thus, a strategic plan for reducing preterm delivery and asphyxia are necessary.
MLH1 and MSH2 mismatch repair protein profile using immunohistochemistry in Nepalese colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Bhattarai Matrika , Wan Juhari Wan Khairunnisa , Lama Raju , Pun Chin Bahadur , Yusof Wardah , Wan Abdul Rahman Wan Faiziah , Zakaria Andee Dzulkarnaen , Ahmad Amin Noordin Khairul Bariah , R. Shrestha Tilak , Zilfalil Bin Alwi
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, or Lynch syndrome, caused by germline mutations or genetic defects in mismatch repair (MMR) genes (MLH1, MSH2, PMS2, MSH6, and epithelial cellular adhesion molecule), is an autosomal dominant condition accounting for 2–5% of all colorectal carcinomas (CRCs). Reports on MMR loss in many populations are available; however, there are no reports on the frequency of MMR protein expression in Nepalese cohorts. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the expression profiles of MLH1 and MSH2 protein by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in Nepalese CRC patients.

METHODS This retrospective study used archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks from 43 Nepalese CRC patients. IHC staining was performed using MLH1 and MSH2 antibodies. IHC scoring analysis was assessed using semiquantitative scoring.

RESULTS Of the 43 CRC patients, 8 (18.6%) showed loss of staining for MLH1 antibody, 5 (11.6%) showed loss of staining for MSH2 antibody, and 4 (9.3%) showed loss of staining for both MLH1 and MSH2 antibodies.

CONCLUSIONS IHC is a potential screening method of determining the MMR expression profile of Nepalese CRC patients. IHC can be performed in local clinical laboratories to find MMR protein defects in selected cases prior to expensive molecular tests.