bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lost in space? Refugee Entrepreneurship and Cultural Diversity in Spatial Contexts
Authors: Hartmann Carina , Philipp Ralf
Published: September 2022

In the past decade, refugee entrepreneurship has received unprecedented political and public attention worldwide and especially in Germany. Due to the circumstances of the forced migration and asylum procedure, refugee entrepreneurs are socially disembedded in both: the co-ethnic community and in the local community, in comparison to other immigrant entrepreneurs or native entrepreneurs. Since asylum seekers are allocated to their residence independent of their will, it is crucial to assess how their socio-spatial embeddedness determines refugee entrepreneurial propensity. We depart from the abstract concept of mixed embeddedness and concretize spatial embeddedness in urban, semi-urban and rural environments. By building on the knowledge spillover theory of entrepreneurship (KSTE), we include embeddedness in cultural diversity in our research model, too. The econometric analyses of the German Microcensus suggest, first, that refugees are especially prone to entrepreneurship. Second, intercultural embeddedness has the strongest significant positive correlation with refugee entrepreneurial propensity, compared to other immigrants and native-born. However, when including interaction effects of cultural diversity in different spaces, the positive relationship of ethnic diversity and refugee entrepreneurship holds only true in semi-urban spaces. This provides clues that refugee entrepreneurs in rural or urban environments access resources and opportunities through alternative social capital.
New integrated molecular approaches for investigating lake settlements in north-western Europe
Authors: Brown Antony G. , Fonville Thierry , van Hardenbroek Maarten , Cavers Graeme , Crone Anne , McCormick Finbar , Murray Emily , Mackay Helen , Whitehouse Nicki J. , Henderson Andrew C.G. , Barratt Phil , Davies Kim , Head Katie , Langdon Peter , Alsos Inger G. , Pirrie Duncan
Published: September 2022

Lake settlements, particularly crannogs, pose several contradictions—visible yet inaccessible, widespread yet geographically restricted, persistent yet vulnerable. To further our understanding, we developed the integrated use of palaeolimnological (scanning XRF, pollen, spores, diatoms, chironomids, Cladocera, microcharcoal, biogenic silica, SEM-EDS, stable-isotopes) and biomolecular (faecal stanols, bile acids, sedaDNA) analyses of crannog cores in south-west Scotland and Ireland. Both can be effective methods sets for revealing occupation chronologies and identifying on-crannog activities and practices. Strong results from sedaDNA and lipid biomarker analyses demonstrate probable on-site animal slaughter, food storage and possible feasting, suggesting multi-period, elite site associations, and the storage and protection of valuable resources.
Closure to “Discussion of ‘Determining Soil Plasticity Utilizing Manafi Method and Apparatus’ by M. S. G. Manafi, A. Deng, A. Taheri, M. B. Jaksa, and N. HB”
Authors: Manafi Masoud S. G. , Deng An , Taheri Abbas , Jaksa Mark B. , HB Nagaraj
Published: September 2022

This article concludes the Discussion on the Geotechnical Testing Journal, GTJ-2022-0093, with three objectives: (1) clarifying the meaning of “consistency” and “toughness,” (2) elaborating the combined qualitative and quantitative approach, and (3) justifying the practicality of the Manafi method for a wide range of fine-grained soils regardless of their soil type.
Decreased Dorsomedial Striatum Direct Pathway Neuronal Activity Is Required for Learned Motor Coordination
Authors: Cataldi Stefano , Lacefield Clay , Shashaank N , Kumar Gautam , Boumhaouad Siham , Sulzer David
Published: September 2022

It has been suggested that the dorsomedial striatum (DMS) is engaged in the early stages of motor learning for goal-directed actions, whereas at later stages, control is transferred to the dorsolateral striatum (DLS), a process that enables learned motor actions to become a skill or habit. It is not known whether these striatal regions are simultaneously active while the expertise is acquired. To address this question, we developed a mouse “Treadmill Training Task” that tracks changes in mouse locomotor coordination during running practice and simultaneously provides a means to measure local neuronal activity using photometry. To measure change in motor coordination over treadmill practice sessions, we used DeepLabCut (DLC) and custom-built code to analyze body position and paw movements. By evaluating improvements in motor coordination during training with simultaneous neuronal calcium activity in the striatum, we found that DMS direct pathway neurons exhibited decreased activity as the mouse gained proficiency at running. In contrast, direct pathway activity in the DLS was similar throughout training. Pharmacological blockade of D1 dopamine receptors in these subregions during task performance demonstrated that dopamine neurotransmission in the direct pathway activity is necessary for efficient motor coordination learning. These results provide new tools to measure changes in fine motor skills with simultaneous recordings of brain activity and reveal fundamental features of the neuronal substrates of motor learning.
Simple and Efficient 3D-Printed Superfusion Chamber for Electrophysiological and Neuroimaging RecordingsIn Vivo
Authors: Suchkov Dmitrii , Shumkova Viktoria , Sitdikova Violetta , Minlebaev Marat
Published: September 2022

In vitroandin vivoexperimentation in the central nervous system are effective approaches to study its functioning. Manipulationsin vitroare characterized by easy experimental control and stable experimental conditions. However, transferring these advantages toin vivoresearch remains technically and ethically challenging, preventing many research teams from acquiring critical recordings in their animal models. In order to transfer the benefits ofin vitroexperimentation toin vivoexperimentation, we developed a suite of 3D-printed tools (a superfusion chamber with an independent brain presser and animal stand). Using the immature rat barrel cortex as a model, we show that our set of tools (further “superfusion preparation”) provides stable conditions for electrophysiological and neuroimaging recordings in the neonatal rat neocortexin vivo. Highly correlated intracellular and extracellular activity was recorded during spontaneous and evoked cortical activity, supporting the possibility of simultaneous long-lasting electrophysiological recordings from a single cortical columnin vivo. The optical intrinsic signal of evoked cortical responses was also recorded from the skull-free neocortex, suggesting the effective combination of the superfusion preparation with neuroimaging approaches. Modulation of immature activity by epicortical application of pharmacological agents via superfusion equally supports the use of the superfused cortex preparation in pharmacological screening. In addition to high efficiency (in affordability, reliability, and ease of usein vivo), the 3D-printed set of tools developed should reduce animal use, supporting the 3Rs principle (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) of ethical use of animals.
Next Generation Sequencing genomic analysis of bacteria from soils of the sites with naturally-occurring summer truffle (Tuber aestivum Vittad.)
Authors: Siebyła Marta , Hilszczańska Dorota Hilszczanska
Published: September 2022

The rhizosphere is the region of soil in which the highest densities of fungi and bacteria occur. In this study, an attempt was made to assess the distribution of bacterial species in soil where the summer truffle Tuber aestivum Vittad. bears fruit in selected stands in Poland. In order to determine the bacterial metagenome, the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) method was applied. Differences occurred in the bacterial species composition at the cluster level between soils in which summer truffle fruiting was recorded and control soils. In particular, differences in the percentage of Firmicutes bacteria were noted with an average frequency of 3.9% in truffle soil compared to 96.1% in the control soil. It was estimated that two bacterial species, namely Lysobacter antibioticus and Ensifer adhaerens had a positive effect on the occurrence of T. aestivum. Our research increased the knowledge of particular groups of bacteria accompanying truffles and their potential impact on the formation of fruiting bodies in T. aestivum.
Simulated annealing in feature selection approach for modeling aboveground carbon stock at the transition between Brazilian Savanna and Atlantic Forest biomes
Authors: Araújo Laís Almeida , Leite e Lopes Isáira , Oliveira Rafael Menali , Silva Sérgio Henrique Godinho , Jarochinski e Silva Carolina Souza , Gomide Lucas Rezende
Published: September 2022

Forest ecosystems are important in the carbon storage process. Thus, the objective was to investigate the effectiveness of the Simulated Annealing meta-heuristic analysis for selecting variables to maximize the accuracy of the aboveground carbon prediction at the tree level. We used data from uneven-aged forests located in the Rio Grande Basin - Minas Gerais, Brazil, where 227 trees had their carbon stock measured. The classic Spurr linear model, stepwise linear regression and pan-tropical coverage, Random Forest (RF), and the hybrid SARF method (Simulated Annealing and Random Forest) were used to estimate the carbon stock from the selection of variables for the different compartments of the tree (total, stem, branch, and leaf). The SARF consisted of the metaheuristic to select the variables to be used in the RF. These methods were evaluated by the root mean square error (RMSE), coefficient of determination (R²), and residual graph. As a result, the pan-tropical equation demonstrated superior performance than the Spurr model due to its greater homogeneity of residues. The stepwise technique reduced the number of variables and the error of the estimates, mainly for the validation set. SARF showed better adjustments than RF, as it reduced in on average 99.2% of the number of variables and 9% of the error of estimates considering all compartments. In general, variables such as volume, basic wood density, canopy projection area, diameter at 0%, diameter at breast height, height, and latitude contributed strongly to the carbon independent of the tree compartment. Among the methods, SARF is an alternative to the traditional method, as it can extract accurate information from a large data set.
Concentrations of three rare elements in the hydrological cycle and soil of a mountainous fir forest
Authors: Michopoulos Panagiotis , Kostakis Marios , Bourletsikas Athanassios , Kaoukis Kostas , Pasias Ioannis , Grigoratos Theodoros , Thomaidis Nikolaos , Samara Constantini
Published: September 2022

In this work, the concentrations of three rare trace elements, antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), and vanadium (V) were determined in the hydrological cycle and soil of a mountain fir forest. The three elements were significantly enriched in throughfall compared to the bulk deposition. Dry deposits, either in particles or vapor form, are probably the cause of this. It was found that for the enrichment of rain with Sb and Se long range transport played a more important role compared to V. The latter had a significant relation with marine derived ions, a rather unexpected finding. Apart from dry deposition coming from long distances, all elements were enriched with continental material. The concentrations of the three elements in soils were close to the average values reported in literature. In addition, their concentrations in the streamflow water were far below the tolerable drinking water limits set up by the World Health Organization and national authorities.
Preparation of bamboo leaf hydrosols by the steam-distillation extraction process
Authors: Liu Ya , Meng Dehao , Li Linzhu , Zhang Xinyu , Hu Jianzhong , Lv Zhaolin
Published: September 2022

The best extraction characteristics and optimal parameters for the steam-distillation extraction of bamboo leaf hydrosols were investigated to provide a data foundation for the subsequent study of bamboo leaf hydrosols and their industrial applications. The colligation score (CS) of the bamboo leaf hydrosols antioxidant activity (based on its DPPH free radical scavenging ability and total antioxidant capacity) was used as an evaluation index. The extraction time, crushing degree, and solid-to-liquid ratio were selected as the extraction parameters and response surface methodology was used to optimize the extraction process. The CS and sensory evaluation were used to determine the best distilled volume of bamboo leaf hydrosols. The results showed that the prepared bamboo leaf hydrosols had a high CS of 0.9967 (the DPPH free radical scavenging capacity was 0.052 mg/mL Vc equivalent, and the total antioxidant capacity was 0.2771 mg/mL Trolox equivalent) when the bamboo leaf crushing degree was 10 mesh, the solid-to-liquid ratio was 1:25, and the extraction time was 6 h. When the distilled volume was one-quarter of the total aqueous extract volume, the bamboo leaf hydrosols were highly active, colorless, and had a pleasantly aromatic odor.
Legal Status of the Prosecutor’s Office in Ukraine
Authors: Lapkin Andrii
Published: September 2022

The scientific article is devoted to the study of the legal status of the Prosecutor’s Office in Ukraine in the context of the development of judicial reform.The historical development of the Prosecutor’s Office during the independence of Ukraine, which was carried out by transforming from the Soviet model of “supervision service” to the model of the “prosecution service” established in Europe, is analyzed.The problems of determining the place of prosecutor’s office in the system of division of state power of Ukraine are investigated. The understanding of the prosecutor’s office as adjacent to the judicial authority of the legal institute is substantiated.The purpose and objectives of the prosecutor’s office, as well as the system of its functions, are described. The problems of functional appointment of the prosecutor’s office, as well as regulation of its functions are revealed.The system of prosecutor’s office is defined and its elements are characterized. The main links of the prosecutor’s office, as well as the division of prosecutors into territorial and specialized ones are investigated.
Criminological Activity of Forensic Science Institutions: the Concept of Implementation in Ukraine
Authors: Filipenko Nataliia , Spitsyna Hanna
Published: September 2022

The article analyzes the conceptual principles, opinions and ideas for understanding the essence of forensic science private theory, namely: forensic prevention concept is considered. The empirical prerequisites for the emergence and development of forensic research have been investigated: accumulation of empirical facts in the theory of forensic science and other sciences, manifestation of integration processes. Theoretical and applied foundations of expert prevention private theory are formulated.
Religious Tourism on the Example of Nation Pilgrim Places in Slovakia (Patronages of the Virgin Mary)
Authors: Judák Viliam , Petrikovičová Lucia , Akimjak Amantius
Published: September 2022

Aim. Pilgrimage thus belongs to the oldest non-economic forms of migration and is a phenomenon that has intertwined throughout the history of religions. The aim of the article is to emphasize the important position of religious tourism as one of its forms. Based on the deep-rooted tradition of wandering in Slovakia, characterize important places of pilgrimage of national and perhaps partly international significance.
Method. Terrain reconnaissance together with analysis of archival and parish documents.
Results. Numerous Marian temples and chapels testify to the Marian veneration in Slovakia. Of the 5925 known patronages of churches and chapels (even those that have disappeared) in Slovakia, 1762 are dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Of these Marian patrons, 329 are consecrated by the Seven Sorrows of Our Virgin Mary. The result of field research is an analysis of six pilgrimage sites of national importance in Slovakia.
Conclusion. Slovakia is a strongly Christian country with a tradition of wandering, as evidenced by many local and regional pilgrimage sites. Pilgrimage sites are understood as contact points that God has marked, they are the intersections where the ways of God meet the ways of people. There are mostly Marian pilgrimage sites in Slovakia and six of them (Marianka, Staré Hory, Levoča, Šaštín, Nitra, Ľutina) are of national importance.
Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders in childhood
Authors:   2nd Department of Paediatrics, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland, Chudoba Anna
Published: September 2022

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders are a group of chronic inflammatory conditions characterised by the presence of eosinophilic infiltrates in the gastrointestinal wall. These disorders include eosinophilic esophagitis, eosinophilic gastritis, eosinophilic gastroenteritis, eosinophilic enteritis, and eosinophilic colitis. Their incidence is increasing, with eosinophilic esophagitis known to be the most common form. The etiopathogenesis of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders is not fully understood, and most likely associated with an abnormal immune response to food and/or inhalant allergen. They are often accompanied by allergies. Clinical symptoms, especially in the youngest children, are non-specific and depend on the gastrointestinal segment involved. These are most often feeding difficulties and regurgitation in infants, and heartburn, chest pain, dysphagia and food bite impaction in adolescents and adults. Except for eosinophilic esophagitis, there are no uniform diagnostic or therapeutic guidelines for eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders. Diagnosis is challenging and it is based on the coexistence of clinical, endoscopic and histopathological symptoms and the exclusion of secondary causes of gastrointestinal eosinophilic infiltration. Treatment involves the use of proton pump inhibitors, an elimination diet, or glucocorticoid therapy. Endoscopic or surgical treatment may be necessary in some cases. Clinical remission does not correlate with histopathological remission, therefore monitoring of therapeutic effects requires multiple endoscopies with histopathological assessment of specimens. The aim of this paper was to present the current data on the incidence, diagnosis and treatment of eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases in children.
Molar incisor hypomineralisation – aetiological factors and clinical manifestation
Authors:   Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Zabrze, Poland. Head of the Department: Associate Professor Lidia Postek-Stefańska, MD, PhD, Ilczuk-Rypuła Danuta , Dybek Anna ,   Student Scientific Association at the Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Zabrze, Poland. Supervisor: Danuta Ilczuk-Rypuła, MD, PhD, Terlecki Wojciech ,   Student Scientific Association at the Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Zabrze, Poland. Supervisor: Danuta Ilczuk-Rypuła, MD, PhD, Bulanda Sylwia ,   Student Scientific Association at the Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Zabrze, Poland. Supervisor: Danuta Ilczuk-Rypuła, MD, PhD, Pietraszewska Daria ,   Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Zabrze, Poland. Head of the Department: Associate Professor Lidia Postek-Stefańska, MD, PhD, Postek-Stefańska Lidia ,   Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Zabrze, Poland. Head of the Department: Associate Professor Lidia Postek-Stefańska, MD, PhD
Published: September 2022

Molar incisor hypomineralisation is described as enamel hypomineralisation of systemic origin involving the first permanent molars. It is also often associated with damage to permanent incisors, which undoubtedly have an important function during developmental age. It is estimated that permanent incisors are involved in approximately 30% of patients with molar incisor hypomineralisation. Early diagnosis of molar incisor hypomineralisation, implementation of appropriate treatment and knowledge of the factors that may contribute to this disorder can reduce the risk of loss of the affected teeth. The aetiology of the disorder has not been fully established. Many studies have shown correlations between molar incisor hypomineralisation and a particular aetiological factor. Research is underway to narrow down this area of consideration, as the aetiology identified to date is very extensive and multifactorial. Both genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors influence the onset of molar incisor hypomineralisation. In the large latter group, a particular role in the aetiology of the disorder is attributed to maternal viral infections during pregnancy, as well as chronic maternal diseases such as hypertension or diabetes, maternal use of certain medications during pregnancy, perinatal complications and diseases of early childhood. Many studies indicate that genetic factors and endocrine disturbances are the most important predisposing factors for molar incisor hypomineralisation. This paper discusses the diagnostic challenges and the most likely aetiological factors of molar incisor hypomineralisation investigated to date.
10 years of myocarditis in children – a single-centre retrospective study
Authors:   Department of Paediatric Cardiology and General Paediatrics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland, Jarecka Monika , Kamińska Halszka ,   Department of Paediatric Cardiology and General Paediatrics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland, Werner Bożena ,   Department of Paediatric Cardiology and General Paediatrics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Myocarditis in children still poses diagnostic difficulties. Aim of the paper: Assessment of the course of myocarditis in children. Materials and methods: Retrospective study (2009–2019) included 81 patients with myocarditis with analysis of the clinical course, biomarker levels, electrocardiogram, echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging. Results: The most frequently reported symptom of myocarditis was chest pain in 73 (90%) patients. In 66 (81.5%) patients, the serum troponin I concentration was above the norm (the sensitivity 81.5%), the mean 12,539 ± 11,394 ng/L. In 24 out of 25, the concentration of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide was above the limit (mean of 866 ± 976 pg/mL). 71 patients had an abnormal electrocardiogram (sensitivity 88%). In echocardiography, 23 (28%) patients had left ventricular ejection fraction below normal limit, the mean 64.5 ± 7.1%. In the subgroup of patients treated with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, an improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction and end-diastolic dimension was observed. In the subgroup of overweight and obese subjects, 93.3% of patients showed abnormalities in control cardiac magnetic resonance after 6 months, including 33.3% with signs of active inflammation. 60% patients in the subgroup with a body mass index <20 kg/m2 had normal cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Conclusion: Myocarditis course in adolescents is usually mild. In the overweight and obese patients the occurrence of the disease is more frequent and myocardial abnormalities last longer. The use of an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor improves the left ventricular systolic function and the end-diastolic dimension of the left ventricle in patients with myocarditis.
Cervical metastasis masquerading as Kimura disease in a patient with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors:   Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar Seremban, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, Meor Abdul Malik Muhammad Fawwaz , Saniasiaya Jeyasakthy ,   Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Jalan Universiti, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mohamad Irfan ,   Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Pusat Pengajian Sains Perubatan, Kampus Kesihatan, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia, Abdul Gani Norhaslinda ,   Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar Seremban, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Published: September 2022

Aim: To highlight the challenges involved in the diagnosis and management of synchronous tumours. A synchronous head and neck lesion brings the attending physician into a quandary, as there is no gold standard for managing such patients. Failure to respond to treatment should provoke physicians into considering other possible diagnoses, as often a secondary lesion may be the hidden culprit. Case report: Herein, we present a case of a synchronous cervical mass: Kimura disease and nasopharyngeal carcinoma in a 48-year-old woman. She was initially treated for Kimura disease based on fine-needle aspiration cytology evidence, and later found out to have a synchronous malignancy in the fossa of Rosenmüller. Failure of Kimura disease to respond to steroid treatment led to a repeated examination, which resulted in the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The patient was treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Conclusion: Kimura disease, a rare benign head and neck tumour, is treated successfully with steroids. Persistent swelling coupled with treatment failure should alert physicians to repeat patient assessment, as improper disease management leads to severe complications.
ANALISIS RASIO KEUANGAN: MENGUKUR KESEHATAN KINERJA KEUANGAN PERUSAHAAN PT. PINDAD PERSERO PERIODE 2019-2020
Authors: Sukma Widia Fitri Aulia , Ruhenda Ruhenda
Published: September 2022

Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk menganalisis kinerja keuangan PT. Pindad (Persero) selama periode 2019 hingga 2020 untuk melihat kemampuan perusahaan menggunakan rasio keuangan dan laporan perusahaan. Penelitian ini menggunakan data primer dan sekunder dengan memanfaatkan laporan keuangan dan laporan perusahaan. Alat analisis yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah menggunakan teknik analisa data bertolak-ukur Surat Keputusan (SK) Menteri BUMN No.(KEP-100/MBU/2002). Metode analisis yang digunakan penulis adalah analisis deskriptif. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa kinerja keuangan PT. Pindad (Persero) selama periode penelitian mengalami hasil yang fluktuatif. Berdasarkan (KEP-100/MBU/2002) menunjukkan hasil yang fluktuatif selama 2 tahun. Pada tahun 2019, dengan total skor 45,65, dari hal tersebut perusahaan dinilai Kurang Sehat (BBB) dalam aspek keuangannya. Di tahun 2020, PT Pindad (Persero) mengalami penurunan hingga perolehan dengan total skor 27,80, di tahun ini perusahaan tetap berada pada tingkat kesehatan keuangan yang Tidak Sehat dengan kategori (CCC).
Associations of changes in lipid metabolism parameters and the severity of COVID-19 infection in Novosibirsk residents
Authors: Karaseva A. A. , Evdokimova N. E. , Stryukova E. V. , Khudyakova A. D. , Logvinenko I. I.
Published: September 2022

Aim. To study the associations of changes in lipid metabolism parameters and the severity of a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Material and methods. This cross-sectional study included 270 patients aged 26-84 years (mean age, 53,09±13,22 years) who had COVID-19 within prior two months, which were divided into 3 groups: mild (1, n=128), moderate (2, n=128) and severe (3, n=14) COVID-19. Patients were assessed for body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). In addition, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) was calculated. Statistical processing was performed using the SPSS software package (version 13.0).

Results. Patients with severe COVID-19 had significantly higher levels of TG and AIP compared with patients with moderate and mild course. BMI and WC were significantly higher in patients in groups 2 and 3 compared with patients in group 1. In women, BMI and AIP levels were significantly higher in the severe COVID-19 group compared to groups 1 and 2. HDL-C levels were lower in patients with severe COVID-19 compared to those with moderate disease. WHR was higher among men in group 3 compared with group 1.

Conclusion. Patients with severe COVID-19 have higher BMI, WC, AIP, TG levels, and lower HD-C levels. The relative odds for severe COVID-19 are associated with increased WC, AIP, TG, and lower HDL-C.
Atherosclerosis and trimethylamine-N-oxide — the gut microbiota potential
Authors: Grigorieva I. N.
Published: September 2022

Gut dysbiosis contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. Firmicutes contain a trimethylamine-producing gene cluster. The aim was to analyze potential role of trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), gut microbiota metabolite, in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and novel therapeutic approaches to reduce TMAO. Some researchers consider TMAO not a mediator but a marker of cardiovascular disease because they have not confirmed associations between elevated TMAO levels, dyslipidemia, C-reactive protein, endotoxin, and cardiovascular mortality. But most studies recognize TMAO as an independent risk factor for serious cardiovascular events. TMAO inhibits reverse cholesterol transport, enhances foam cell formation and platelet hyperreactivity. The adverse effects of TMAO were positively correlated with gut enterotype III. Therapeutic effects on TMAO in atherosclerosis (probiotics, polyphenols, including resveratrol, berberine, trimethylamine lyase inhibitors, phospholipase D inhibitors, reducing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, enriching potentially beneficial genera Akkermansia, Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, Roseburia) are attractive for a preventive strategy.
Survival prognosis in individuals with a high spatial QRS-T angle
Authors: Muromtseva G. A. , Yarovaya E. B. , Kutsenko V. A. , Aidu E. A. , Kapustina A. V. , Trunov V. G. , Balanova Yu. A. , Efanov A. Yu. , Shalnova S. A.
Published: September 2022

Aim. To evaluate medium-term survival without irreversible and fatal cardiovascular events in individuals with a high spatial QRS-T angle (sQRS-Ta) from a regional Russian sample.

Material and methods. We analyzed 1394 electrocardiographic records from a random regional sample of men (30%) and women aged 25-64, which were included in the ESSE-RF1 study. Women were on average 5 years older than men, but there was no difference in mean age in the 45-64 groups. The follow-up period lasted 7 year; 26 irreversible events (cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or stroke) and 63 composite endpoints (CEs) (irreversible event or heart failure progression or revascularization) were identified. Irreversible events and composite endpoint in men were noted more often than in women as follows: 3,7% vs 1,1% (p=0,003) and 6,9% vs 3,6% (p=0,01), respectively. sQRS-Ta was estimated as the angle between the integral QRS and T vectors in the orthogonal leads. Survival was assessed by Kaplan-Meier curves using a log-rank test. Differences were considered significant at p≤0,05.

 Results. Sex groups did not differ in mean sQRS-Ta. sQRS-Ta ≥90o was considered to be increased. The divergence of survival curves by the end of follow-up period in men with increased sQRS-Ta relative to men with sQRS-Ta <900 was greater than in women as follows: 0,88 vs 0,96 for CE (p=0,0026) and 0,93 vs 0,96 for irreversible events (p=0,009); in women — 0,94 vs 0,98 for CE only (p=0,0016). Initial event and CE in men with increased sQRS-Ta occurred earlier than those with normal sQRS-Ta and then in women with increased sQRS-Ta. There were no differences in the frequency of sQRS-Ta increase among 45-64-year-old men and women, but irreversible events in men with increased sQRS-Ta occurred 5 times more often than in women. According to two-stage logistic regression, the probability of irreversible event in men is 4,35 times higher than in women (p=0,0002). After adjusting for sex, in individuals with increased sQRS-Ta, it is 2,75 times higher than in individuals with sQRS-Ta <90o (p=0,015).

Conclusion. In men with increased sQRS-Ta (≥90o), survival without irreversible and fatal cardiovascular events was worse, and life expectancy was shorter than in men with normal sQRS-Ta or women with increased sQRS-Ta. The prognosis of irreversible events was significantly affected by male sex and sQRS-Ta increase.
Effectiveness of mindfulness-based therapy, stress reduction in hypertension and prehypertension: a systematic review
Authors: Nozdrachev D. I. , Solovieva M. N. , Zamyatin K. A.
Published: September 2022

Aim. To collect and analyze currently available clinical studies on the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for lowering blood pressure in individuals with normal, high normal blood pressure and hypertension.

Material and methods. The systematic review was prepared according to the PRISMA algorithm with minor modifications. The search algorithm included articles in Russian and English, indexed in the Pubmed/MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases. The study included studies on the impact of mindfulness interventions on blood pressure levels in individuals aged ≥18 years with an established diagnosis of hypertension, with normal (120-129/80-84 mm Hg) and high normal office blood pressure (130-139/85-89 mm Hg).

Results. A total of 4785 publications were identified and included in the study, of which, after a multistage sampling, including screening of articles, 6 studies were included in a qualitative systematic review.

Conclusion. Qualitative synthesis of the results of clinical studies revealed that the evidence currently available indicates a possible positive effect of mindfulness interventions on blood pressure levels in individuals with normal, high normal blood pressure and hypertension. However, further studies with larger samples and measurement of more primary and secondary endpoints are required.
Assessment of the quality of mobile applications for smoking cessation and its potential for the modification of psychosocial and behavioral risk factors for cardiovascular disease
Authors: Zamyatin K. A. , Nozdrachev D. I. , Kakadzhikova D. G. , Golovanova U. V. , Varaksin G. A.
Published: September 2022

Aim. To analyze the functionality and characteristics of quit smoking applications available to Russian-speaking users using validated scales for its evaluation.

Material and methods. Applications were searched in the App Store and Google Play, and a specialized MARS scale was used to evaluate applications. A total of 598 applications were found, of which 54 applications met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study.

Results. It was found that 54% of applications use short- and medium-term goals as methods and techniques to increase the likelihood of quitting tobacco, while 31% of applications use various educational materials in order to form a negative attitude towards smoking. In addition, 22% of applications use cognitive and behavioral techniques of cognitive behavioral therapy. A negative moderate correlation was established between the application user rating and MARS score (r=-0,32).

Conclusion. The Russian-language anti-smoking mobile applications included in this study demonstrated satisfactory quality on average. A significant number of applications use proven effective cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. At the same time, mobile applications in healthcare has shortcomings, especially in terms of compliance with guidelines, and needs to be further improved.
Influence on the autonomic cardiovascular system regulation in the treatment of hypertension, arrhythmias and heart failure
Authors: Shlyakhto E. V. , Konradi A. O. , Zvartau N. E. , Nedogoda S. V. , Lopatin Yu. M. , Sitnikova M. Yu. , Mikhailov E. N. , Baranova E. I. , Galyavich A. S. , Duplyakov D. V. , Salasyuk A. S. , Galagudza M. M.
Published: September 2022

Cardiovascular diseases are widespread and are the leading death cause in most countries, despite the creation and improvement of strategies to reduce cardiovascular risk. A significant role in the development and evolution of cardiovascular diseases belongs to sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity, and therefore the methods of effecting it are relevant for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular pathology. The article discusses modern approaches to interventional and conservative regulation of the autonomic nervous system and neuromodulation in the prevention and treatment of hypertension, heart failure, tachyarrhythmias, as well as reflects a conjoint expert judgment on these issues.
Surface Modifications of Commercial Dental Implant Systems: An Overview
Authors: Sivaswamy Vinay , Bahl Vidushi
Published: September 2022

The aim of this review was to perform a comprehensive overview of evidence pertaining to the influence of various surface modifications on the surface roughness, bone implant contact, and the success and complication rates of the implants. Modified sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched (SLA) implants (SLActive implants) have a higher implant stability quotient compared with conventional SLA implants. Also, when compared between the implant surfaces from various manufacturers, Biomet 3i Nanotite implants were shown to have a relatively higher implant stability quotient compared to Straumann implants as well as the Biomet Osseotite implants. Only one study reports the insertion torque values as obtained by the various implant surfaces, with the findings being statistically similar for all the types, and a higher mean value for Biomet 3i Nanotite implants. Among SLA and SLActive surfaces, the latter was found to have a lower marginal bone loss, and among Astratech implants, the marginal bone loss levels were similar for Osseospeed and Tioblast surfaces. When Osseospeed, TiUnite and SLActive surfaces were compared, Osseospeed was found to have the minimum bone loss while TiUnite was found to have the highest. The bone implant contact percentages are similar and satisfactory for most of the implant surface modifications that are available currently. Upon assessing the recent literature on the survival rates for implants with various surface modifications, it was found that among Nobel Biocare implants, the survival rate was higher for TiUnite implants, compared with the turned surfaces. Surprisingly, among the Straumann implant surfaces, the survival rates were found to be higher for the SLA implants when compared to the modified SLA implants. Only one of the included studies evaluated the survival rate for Astratech implant surfaces and found a 100% survival rate for both the Osseospeed and Tioblast surface implants. Therefore, major advancements have been made in developing novel surfaces of dental implants. The numerous innovations set the stage for rehabilitating patients with high success and predictable survival rates even in challenging conditions.
Towards reconstructing Africa: Recuperation and responsibility in Ayi Kwei Armah’s The Healers
Authors: Asaah Augustine , Zou Tao
Published: September 2022

A product of Africa’s pre-colonial and colonial history, Ayi Kwei Armah’s fifth novel, The Healers (1978), is steeped in an African communalistic worldview and the functional conception of art. In this article we examine the multiple dimensions to recuperation within the context of the reconstruction of Africa, the continental search for utopia, and the responsibility that this places on Africans. Using Armah’s communitarian perspectives on health as a guide, we identify six interlocking subsets of recuperation as healing, re-creation, renascence, repossession, recall, and Sankofa (return). Informed by Molefi Kete Asante’s construct of agency and Armah’s communalistic injunctions to readers, we establish that permeating each of these building blocks is the responsibility of Africans to operationalize the reconstruction of Africa, the leitmotif of the novel. As helpers, visionaries, and custodians of vital traditional knowledge and skills, the healers facilitate the sharing of information on Africa’s past and future against the background of British colonial domination. We also show that Armah deliberately gives the novel this polysemic title to transcend the spatial, cultural, and epistemic limitations imposed on the continent by the colonial order. We conclude that the social orientation and creative configuration of health in the work are consistent with the diverse and intermingling meanings of recuperation.
Doing Research at Online and Offline Intersections: Bringing Together Digital and Mobile Methodologies
Authors: Kaufmann Katja , Palmberger Monika
Published: September 2022

This thematic issue is an interdisciplinary exchange of methodological, practical, and ethical issues linked to conducting research across online and offline spaces in times of mobile technologies. It includes a wide range of disciplines, geographical locations, methodological approaches, and designs. The seven articles in this thematic issue are organized around three distinctive potential entry points: (a) researching across online and offline spaces with ethnographic, multisited, nonmedia-centric approaches; (b) making use of mobile media for researching across online and offline spaces; (c) researching emerging technologies built across online and offline spaces. All authors make their research processes transparent and share not only the methodical challenges and ethical dilemmas they faced, but also the opportunities that arose and methodological ways forward.
A Study on the Effect of Union Membershipand Union Commitment on Welfare Attitudesof Workers in Social Welfare Institutions
Authors:   Research Institute For Life And Culture Sogang University, Park Youngmin , Moon JinYoung
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study is to explore how participation in social welfare institutions in the labor union affects the welfare attitudes. Also, the effect of union commitment of union members among workers on the welfare attitude was analyzed.
A self-written survey was conducted on 165 union members and 185 non-union members at social welfare institutions located in the metropolitan area. Technical statistics were analyzed, and differences in welfare attitudes between each group were investigated. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted to analyze the effect of union membership and union commitment of workers in social welfare institutions on welfare attitudes. As a result of the analysis, it was found that workers' participation in the union and union commitment had a significant effect on welfare attitudes.
This study is significant in that it added empirical study to the welfare attitude study of social workers, which has been lacking in quantity. It is also meaningful to study the relationship between union membership and welfare attitudes, union commitment and welfare attitudes, which has not been attempted in Korea.
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with bile duct tumour thrombus: a case for complete resection
Authors: Kamal Harshit , Singh Malika , Riyaz Mohammad , Mudadla Rohith , Devakumar Murugesan S. , Satyanesan Jeswanth
Published: September 2022

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), which is ordinarily a very invasive tumor and often takes a rapid and fatal course, sometimes shows macroscopic intra bile duct extension. We present a case of a 45-year-old Indian gentleman who presented with jaundice. Further evaluation with contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abdomen revealed mass lesion in segment 4 of liver with extension into the bile duct. A formal left hepatectomy with gall bladder and bile duct tumour thrombus extraction with bile duct excision followed by a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy was performed. Intra bile duct growth of ICC may reflect indolent biological behavior and thus warrants an aggressive surgical approach, which appears to give a good prognosis.
Role of conjunctival ultraviolet autoﬂuorescence device, as an indicator of ocular ultraviolet radiation exposure in pterygium and pinguecula among outdoor workers in Southern India
Authors: Kumar Ishwarya S. , Sundar Jaganathan S. , Asokan Rashima , Ramasubramanyan Sharada
Published: September 2022

Background: Objective of the study was to evaluate conjunctival ultraviolet autoﬂuorescence (CUVAF) device, as an indicator of ocular ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure in pterygium and pinguecula among outdoor workers.Methods: Subjects above 21 years of age engaged in outdoor work were enrolled based on inclusion criteria. A standardized questionnaire was administered to assess the lifetime UV exposure and erythemal UV dose were noted from the tropospheric emission monitoring internet service (TEMIS). Autofluorescence photographs of the nasal and temporal conjunctiva were taken using CUVAF tool and were assessed for presence of damage with exposure to UV radiation. Logistic regression was done to estimate the risk.Results: A total of 229 participants, among them 205 (89.5%) were males and 24 (10.4%) were females. This included 75 (32.7%) with pterygium in one or both eyes, 69 (30.3%) with pinguecula and 85 (37.1%) normal. Median conjunctival damage in pterygium was 45.3 mm2 (IQR 35.1), in pinguecula was 17.9 mm2 (IQR 16.0) and in normal was 11.1 mm2 (IQR 25.2) demonstrating significant difference between the groups (p<0.001). The conjunctival damage was positively associated with pterygium OR: 1.12 (95% CI: 1.05-1.71, p<0.001) and pinguecula OR: 1.10 (95% CI: 1.07-1.49, p=0.01). Rural location, literacy status were the significant risk factors for development of pterygium with odds of 2.97 (95% CI: 1.46-6.05, p=0.003) and 4.84 (95% CI: 1.86-12.73, p=0.001) respectively.Conclusions: Increasing conjunctival damage was found to be associated with prevalent pterygium.
Risk factors for perinatal mortality in India: a systematic review of observational studies
Authors: Misra Aroonima , Menon Geetha , Sinha Anju Pradhan , Singh Shivani , Rao M. Vishnu Vardhana , Sharma Saurabh
Published: September 2022

Perinatal mortality (PM) is a major public health problem in India and multiple maternal and foetal risk factors have been attributed to high perinatal mortality. This review aimed to systematically summarize the epidemiological literature on maternal and fetal risk factors for PM including those for still birth, intrauterine deaths; early neonatal mortality; early neonatal deaths in India. This systematic review was compliant with preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We searched for peer-reviewed articles from three electronic bibliographic databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar published between 1 January 2000 and 31 March 2019 that reported the risk factors of perinatal mortality in India. Observational studies (cross sectional, case-control and COHORT Studies). Eighteen articles were included in this review. The major risk factors identified for perinatal mortality in India were maternal age, parity, higher birth order and maternal anemia. Complications during pregnancy like ante partum hemorrhage, preeclampsia, obstructed labor, preterm labor and fetal factors like gestational age and low birth weight were documented as risk factors for perinatal deaths. Strengthening national health programs and targeted interventions for both antenatal and institutional care is required to bring down perinatal deaths in India.