bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
White Lie of Persuasive Communication
Authors: Bergum Jaime
Published: August 2021

The following is a personal manifesto of the state of 21st-century rhetoric. Rhetoric is so intrinsically bound into all aspects of life and all communication environments that it appears inevitable to communicate by using some form of rhetoric. Though, the ethical nature of rhetoric comes into question when we consider the ways rhetoric might be used for good and for evil. This article explores the ethical state of rhetoric today — what it should or shouldn't be, where rhetoric went right and where rhetoric may have gone wrong, and if the current rhetorical state is our reality, our dream, or our nightmare. First, by establishing rhetoric as a persuasive communication strategy that can be easily learned and both innocently and connivingly used, this article then explores if or how rhetoric can be used in "right" and/or "wrong" ways, and what this means for the present and future state of rhetoric. 
 
This article was written as an end of term paper in a classical and modern rhetoric course.
Management of Hydatid Cyst of the Spleen. A Case Report
Authors: Becherki Yakoubi
Published: August 2021

Echinococcosis (hydatid disease) primarily affects the liver; however, secondary involvement due to hematogenous dissemination may be seen in almost any anatomic location. Isolated hydatid disease of the spleen is rare (1, 2). It is caused by the larval form of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus, E. multilocularis, E. vogeli, or E. oligarthrus. E. granulosus is the most common organism involved, with dogsEchinoccocus granulosus; splenic hydatid; Laparotomy as the definitive host and sheep as an intermediate host. Human beings exposed to certain stages of the life cycle of the organism are also an intermediate host. Human hydatid disease can involve the liver (55%–70%), lung (18%–35%), spleen, kidney, peritoneal cavity, skin and muscles (<2%) and rarely the remaining parts of the body.
Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine On 2019-Ncov: Two Case Reports
Authors: Jiang Dan , Zheng ZZ , Ma NN , Li L
Published: August 2021

Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)–infected pneumonia (NCIP) is a new viral illness initially identified in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019. According to the daily report on the epidemic situation of nCoV issued by the National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People’s Republic of China on 14 February 2020: 2019-nCoV is highly infectious, causing extremely high incidence of NCIP throughout Wuhan, and has spread swiftly to 34 provinces within China and 24 other countries around the world between January and February 2020
Acute Kidney Injury in Children: Etiologies and Results
Authors: Atmane Seba
Published: August 2021

The aim of the study is to show the etiologies and the follow-up of our AKI cases. This was conducted in our hospital, between 2015 and 2018. During this period we included 26 children with AKI (64% femals) with a median age of 7 years (range 40 days to 15 years). In the majority of the cases revealed by digestive signs and that related to the etiology of AKI (Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome post diarrhea). In our study, 44% of the patients have thrombocytopenia associated with AKI. The etiology of AKI is : Nephropathy glomerular in 37% hemolytic and uremic syndrom in 54% and obstructive nephropathy in 9%. Patients survived in 92 % of the cases and 58% of them have recovered normal kidney function, 7% of death. Peritoneal dialysis is the most commonly used emergency treatment for AKI in children at a frequency of 37%., hemodialysis was used less.
Urinary tract infection of rare pathogen Raoultella planticola
Authors: Bullock Taylor
Published: August 2021

Raoultella planticola is a gram-negative bacillus that is rarely associated with clinical infections. We present a patient with recurrent urinary tract infections and glioblastoma multiforme that grew Raoultella planticola with urine culture. Of the 32 documented cases to date (only 8 of them in the United States), this is one of the few cases where the Raoultella planticola infection was a UTI in a patient with recurrent cystitis [1, 2]. The patient was successfully treated with cephalexin and nitrofurantoin.
Inevitable aging and the resultant mental disorders In developing countries: a sociological appraisal
Authors: Taghi Sheykhi Mohammad
Published: August 2021

Aging is inevitably associated with a large number of body functions including the mental health. In addition to that, heart function, emotions, moods etc. could be mentioned as the results of gradual aging. Such conditions are usually accompanied with increase in medications consumption and decline in quality of life. Though usually medical sciences study mental health conditions, sociology also needs to be applied to appraise the "cause and effect" of mental health. As life expectancy is globally increasing, more and more people are subject to mental disorders, Alzheimer's disorders, dementia, depression and many more, as the effects of aging extensively impact mental health. Therefore, under the conditions of rapid aging, geriatrics needs to be strengthened and improved as much as possible to safeguard mental health. However, structural changes in terms of biological, physical, psychological and chemical reactions which inevitably occur with aging, need prevention and appropriate medication, and other investments in long term, and if not, other vulnerabilities will inevitably appear.
The Discovery of Preproinsulin in 1975
Authors: Weber Hans
Published: August 2021

Exactly 100 years ago insulin was discovered - What a lifesaving peptide! Banting and Macleod received the Nobel Prize in 1923. Since then proinsulin was found and then in 1975 preproinsulin was discovered by this author. The rather interesting story as to how this peptide was found is revealed here. Why so many decades later is also told.
STATISTICAL SUBSTANTIATION OF SNOW LOAD STANDARDS ON BUILDING STRUCTURES
Authors:   National University «Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic», Pichugin S.F.
Published: August 2021

Ensuring the reliability and safety of buildings and structures largely depends on a proper understanding of nature and quantitative description and rationing of loads on building structures, including snow loads. These loads on structures have a very complex physical nature and changeable nature, requiring knowledge of thermodynamic processes in the atmosphere and soil, physical properties of snow, methods of meteorological observations and climatological description of the terrain, variability of loads, the nature of snow deposition on buildings and structures. Such features are to some extent reflected in the sections of design standards of building structures that contain standards for snow load. Most parameters of snow load norms are probabilistic in nature and require the use of statistical methods to justify them. These methods are constantly changing and evolving along with the regular review of building design codes. Analysis of the evolution of domestic snow load codes together with their statistical substantiation is an urgent task. Materials on snow load have been published in various scientific and technical journals, collections of articles, conference proceedings. Access to these publications is difficult, and published reviews of the development of snow load rationing are incomplete and do not include the results of research over the past 15 – 20 years. The article contains a systematic review of publications in leading scientific and technical journals on the problem of snow load over the 80-year period from the 40s of the twentieth century to the present. The main attention is paid to the analysis of tendencies of development of designing codes concerning changes of territorial zoning and design coefficients, appointment of normative and design values of snow load and involvement in it of experimental statistical data. There is a high scientific level of domestic code DBN B.1.2-2006 "Loads and loadings", which have a modern probabilistic basis and are associated with the codes of Eurocode. Scientific results that can be included in subsequent editions of snow load standards are highlighted.
CALCULATION OF INTERMEDIATE SUPPORTING PARTS OF INSEPARABLE PERFORATED BEAMS IN THE SOFTWARE COMPLEX «LIRA»
Authors:   National University of Water and Environmental Engineering (Rivne), Romaniuk V.V. , Supruniuk V.V. ,   National University of Water and Environmental Engineering (Rivne), Bezniuk L.I. ,   National University of Water and Environmental Engineering (Rivne)
Published: August 2021

Due to the simplicity of design and manufacture, as well as reliability during operation, beams are one of the most common elements used in industrial, civil and public construction. The most rational cross-section of metal beams are rolled I-beams with inclined or parallel inner faces of the shelves, the predominant use of which is due to the value of the core distance, which is twice as much the same value for a rectangular section and almost three times for a round section. This figure is even higher for perforated profiles obtained from conventional rolling beams, which allow you to compose sections with increased values of moments of inertia and moments of resistance without increasing material consumptions. For inseparable beams, an additional significant factor influencing on their bearing capacity, is the structural design of the intermediate support part. The aim of these researches is to study the stress-strain state of inseparable perforated beams of I-beam profile of different heights in areas near the intermediate support, the design of which is made without a transverse stiffening rib placed on the axis of the support, and with unwelded holes to the left and right of the support under the action of evenly distributed load in the software complex "Lira". The objectives of the study are to establish the actual values of stresses and strains in the characteristic cross sections of the inseparable perforated I-beam, which occur on the intermediate support, and perform a comparative analysis of numerical studies obtained in the software complex "Lira" for intermediate support node beams of different heights for actions of different magnitudes of loads. The analysis of the obtained diagrams of normal stresses was carried out, which showed that for the proposed design of the support part of the beam, the cross-sections with holes directly to the left and right of the support are calculated. The conclusion about necessity of carrying out further experimental-theoretical researches of various types of support parts of beams for the purpose of development of a complex technique of their calculation and recommendations on definition of rational scope of application of each of them is formulated.
THE DETERMINATION OF THE RESIDUAL LIFE OF BUILDING STEEL STRUCTURES BY THE RELIABILITY INDEX INDICATORS
Authors:   Donbas National Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Kolesnichenko S.V. , Selyutyn Y.V. ,   Donbas National Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Obolonkov D.F. ,   Donbas National Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Karapanov O.S. ,   Donbas National Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture
Published: August 2021

In order to assess the operational safety of steel constructions, the paper analyzes the principles of calculating the safety of structural steel constructions with consideration for the reliability index β at all phases of constructions operation and the design fundamentals of the reliability index β for both new constructions (at the design stage) and structural steel constructions in the conditions of the long-term operation. The task of safety and reliability calculations, first of all, consists in assigning normalized safety parameter values, i.e. normalizing the reliability index, the value of which should be strictly related to the consequence classes (CC), which are determining for setting the reliability coefficients for further calculations while designing the constructions. The article considers the calculation values β of the reliability index for constructions operated beyond the time limit for operation, with accumulated defects and damages. To improve the mechanism for calculating the reliability index value for the constructions operated beyond the maximum operating limit, with accumulated defects and damages, several tasks were set to determine such values β of the reliability index below which the construction is no longer considered to be operational and to define the reliability index values β for possible performance of renovation works (reconstruction, refurbishment) to strengthen and extend the remaining structural lifetime. Thus, emphasizing all of the aforementioned, the main conclusions to the article should be specified: at the stage of solving the issue of calculating the reliability index for structures being operated over the projected service life, with damages and initial defects accumulated during the operation period, it is required to perform their review and determine two main criteria for solving the issue of determining the reliability index, namely: to set such values of the reliability index below which the structure will be no longer operational, to define and set such values of the reliability index at which it is possible to carry out renovation works on steel structures, their reconstruction or repair. Considering the possibility of changing the reliability index compared to a new structure, given that the residual service life may be shorter than the design one, taking into account the economic factors and factors of probability of losing a person’s life, setting of such reliability index values is necessary for further possibility of the service life extension of a structure and determination of its residual life.
MAIN DIRECTIONS OF MODERN DEVELOPMENT OF STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS FOR BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
Authors:   Kyiv National University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, S.І. Bilyk , А.S. Bilyk ,   Kyiv National University of Civil Engineering and Architecture
Published: August 2021

The development of technologies for the manufacture and design of steel structures, together with the development of computer technologies, makes it possible to increase productivity in the building industry. The analysis and generalization of such factors made it possible to identify the main trends and directions of the creation and improvement of metal structures, taking into account the automation of their manufacturing processes and the use of BIM technologies. The highlighted tendencies make it possible to show both new directions for the development of scientific research and directions for the development of practical methodologies for determining the regularities of the stress-strain state of structural systems using steel. Among the main trends, the following are highlighted: digitalization of the metal construction industry; automation and robotization of the manufacturing and assembling processes; science intensity of design and production processes; greening production, evaluating design solutions from the standpoint of environmental safety; complex optimization of design solutions. The authors highlight the next important tasks and prospects for the development of the creation of effective metal structures: the creation and use of high-strength steels C960 and more, the improvement of automated and robotic welding processes for ultra-high-strength steels with various metal thicknesses; development and improvement of the theory of calculation of thin-walled and composite structures, determination of the actual resource of metal structures after long-term operation; introduction into the practice of creating new structures of rational and optimal design approaches with the requirements of long-term operation and life cycle, including progressive collapse, reduction in the cost of fire and anti-corrosion covers for steel structures; improvement of building codes and rules for the design of metal structures; implementation of leading foreign standards and experience; training of modern professional engineers and technicians; development of experimental and theoretical studies of full-scale samples of structures on the basis of creating high-precision information models of structural systems.
KNEE JOINT OF THREE-HINGED GLUED TIMBER PORTAL FRAME EXECUTED AS JOINT ON GLUED-IN RODS
Authors:   Brest State Technical University, Naichuk А.Ya.
Published: August 2021

In the modern construction of buildings and structures there are many constructive solutions for connecting the rafter with the column of wooden three-hinged portal frames. One of these constructive solutions is the use of knee joints executed as joint on glued-in rods. Despite the accumulated experience in the construction of buildings using timber structures with joints on glued-in rods, there are still urgent tasks to improve the technology of their manufacture and calculation models. The purpose of this work was to conduct experimental and theoretical studies of the knee joint executed as joint on glued-in rods to determine the stress-strain state of the timber in the connection region. To develop of proposals for improving knee joint executed as joint on glued-in rods. The study of the stress-strain state of the knee joint was carried out by solving a plane problem of the theory of elasticity using a software package based on the finite element method. In the software package used, procedures are implemented to take into account the anisotropy of the mechanical properties of wood, the violation of contact between the surfaces of the elements connected in the knee joint. Experimental studies were carried out by the method of static loading of a prototype of a knee joint made in full size, which in its geometric parameters and material properties corresponded to the CE model. As a result of the conducted studies, it was found that in the stretched zone of the knee joint, the glued rods of the rafter and the column are characterized by a significant uneven distribution of forces, in addition, the rods are subjected to compression, tension and bending. The most loaded are the rods located at the maximum distance from the joint of the rafter and the column. The distribution of forces in the rods of the compressed zone is close to uniform. The stress distribution along the length of the inclined rods of the embedded parts is characterized by a large unevenness. Based on the analysis of the stress-strain state of the knee joint of the frame, a new design solution is proposed in terms of the number of glued-in rods and their spacing.
Treatment outcomes of 1-stage clipping of multiple unruptured intracranial aneurysms via keyhole approaches
Authors: Hong Noah , Cho Won-Sang , Pang Chang Hwan , Choi Young Hoon , Bae Jin Woo , Ha Eun Jin , Lee Sung Ho , Kim Kang Min , Kang Hyun-Seung , Kim Jeong Eun
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVE

Complete exclusion of multiple unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) in one session of intervention may be ideal. However, such situations are not always feasible in terms of treatment modalities and outcomes. The authors aimed to analyze their experience with 1-stage clipping of multiple UIAs.

METHODS

Medical records between March 2013 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed, and 111 1-stage keyhole approaches in 110 patients with 261 multiple UIAs were ultimately included in this study. Clinical and radiological outcomes were analyzed, as well as postoperative complications up to 1 month after the surgery and their risk factors.

RESULTS

Keyhole approaches included unilateral supraorbital in 87 operations (78.4%), bilateral supraorbital in 12 (10.8%), and others in 12. The mean operative duration was 169.6 minutes (range 80–490 minutes). The highest numbers of aneurysms clipped at once were 2 (73.9%) and 3 (18.9%). Complete exclusion and residual neck of the clipped aneurysms were achieved in 89.3% and 7.3%, respectively. There was no significant difference between pre- and postoperative 1-month neurological states (p = 0.14). The permanent morbidity rate was 1.8% (n = 2), and there were no deaths. Postoperative transient neurological deterioration (TND) with no radiological and electrophysiological abnormalities occurred in 8 operations (7.2%). Hypertension was the only significant risk factor for postoperative TND (adjusted odds ratio 17.03, 95% confidence interval 1.99–2232.24, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

One-stage clipping of multiple UIAs via keyhole approaches showed satisfactory treatment outcomes with a low permanent morbidity. Patients with chronic hypertension had a high risk of postoperative TND.
Arteriovenous malformations in the optic apparatus: systematic literature review and report of four cases
Authors: Srinivasan Visish M. , Tarapore Phiroz E. , Koester Stefan W. , Catapano Joshua S. , Rutledge Caleb , Raygor Kunal P. , Lawton Michael T.
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVE

Rare arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the optic apparatus account for < 1% of all AVMs. The authors conducted a systematic review of the literature for cases of optic apparatus AVMs and present 4 cases from their institution. The literature is summarized to describe preoperative characteristics, surgical technique, and treatment outcomes for these lesions.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of the English-language literature was performed in accordance with established Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to identify all published cases of AVM in the optic apparatus in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases. The authors also searched their prospective institutional database of vascular malformations for such cases. Data regarding the clinical and radiological presentation, visual acuity, visual fields, extent of resection, and postoperative outcomes were gathered.

RESULTS

Nine patients in the literature and 4 patients in the authors’ single-surgeon series who fit the inclusion criteria were identified. The median age at presentation was 29 years (range 8–39 years). Among these patients, 11 presented with visual disturbance, 9 with headache, and 1 with multiple prior subarachnoid hemorrhages; the AVM in 1 case was found incidentally. Four patients described prior symptoms of headache or visual disturbance consistent with sentinel events. Visual acuity was decreased from baseline in 10 patients, and 11 patients had visual field defects on formal visual field testing. The most common visual field defect was temporal hemianopia, found in one or both eyes in 7 patients. The optic chiasm was affected in 10 patients, the hypothalamus in 2 patients, the optic nerve (unilaterally) in 8 patients, and the optic tract in 2 patients. Six patients underwent gross-total resection; 6 patients underwent subtotal resection; and 1 patient underwent craniotomy, but no resection was attempted. Postoperatively, 9 of the patients had improved visual function, 1 had no change, and 3 had worse visual acuity. Eight patients demonstrated improved visual fields, 1 had no change, and 4 had narrowed fields.

CONCLUSIONS

AVMs of the optic apparatus are rare lesions. Although they reside in a highly eloquent region, surgical outcomes are generally good; the majority of patients will see improvement in their visual function postoperatively. Microsurgical technique is critical to the successful removal of these lesions, and preservation of function sometimes requires subtotal resection of the lesion.
Volumetric growth rates of untreated cavernous sinus meningiomas
Authors: Benjamin Carolina Gesteira , Schnurman Zane , Ashayeri Kimberly , Kazi Eman , Mullen Reed , Gurewitz Jason , Golfinos John G. , Sen Chandranath , Placantonakis Dimitris G. , Pacione Donato , Kondziolka Douglas
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVE

Meningiomas that arise primarily within the cavernous sinus are often believed to be more indolent in their growth pattern. Despite this perceived growth pattern, disabling symptoms can arise even with small tumors. While research has been done on cavernous sinus meningiomas (CSMs) and their treatment, very little is known about their natural growth rates. With a better understanding of the growth rate of CSM, patient treatment and guidance can be can optimized and individualized. The goal of this study was to determine volumetric growth rates of untreated CSMs.

METHODS

Thirty-seven patients with 166 MR images obtained between May 2004 and September 2019 were reviewed, with a range of 2–13 MR images per patient (average of 4.5 MR images per patient). These scans were obtained over an average follow-up period of 45.9 months (median 33.8, range 2.8–136.9 months). All imaging prior to any intervention was included in this analysis. Volumetric measurements were performed and assessed over time.

RESULTS

The estimated volumetric growth rate was 23.3% per year (95% CI 10.2%–38.0%, p < 0.001), which is equivalent to an estimated volume doubling time (VDT) of 3.3 years (95% CI 2.1–7.1 years). There was no significant relationship between growth rate and patient age (p = 0.09) or between growth rate and patient sex (p = 0.78). The median absolute growth rate was 41% with a range of −1% to 1793%. With a definition of “growth” as an increase of greater than 20% during the observed period, 65% of tumors demonstrated growth within their observation interval. Growth rates for each tumor were calculated and tumors were segmented based on growth rate. Of 37 patients, 22% (8) demonstrated no growth (< 5% annual growth, equivalent to a VDT > 13.9 years), 32% (12) were designated as slow growth (annual growth rate 5%–20%, VDT 3.5–13.9 years), 38% (14) were found to have medium growth (annual growth rate 20%–100%, VDT 0.7–3.5 years), and 8% were considered fast growing (annual growth rate > 100%, VDT < 0.7 years).

CONCLUSIONS

This study evaluated CSM volumetric growth rates. A deeper understanding of the natural history of untreated CSMs allows for better counseling and management of patients.
Hearing loss and volumetric growth rate in untreated vestibular schwannoma
Authors: Gurewitz Jason , Schnurman Zane , Nakamura Aya , Navarro Ralph E. , Patel Dev N. , McMenomey Sean O. , Roland J. Thomas , Golfinos John G. , Kondziolka Douglas
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the authors aimed to clarify the relationship between hearing loss and tumor volumetric growth rates in patients with untreated vestibular schwannoma (VS).

METHODS

Records of 128 treatment-naive patients diagnosed with unilateral VS between 2012 and 2018 with serial audiometric assessment and MRI were reviewed. Tumor growth rates were determined from initial and final tumor volumes, with a median follow-up of 24.3 months (IQR 8.5–48.8 months). Hearing changes were based on pure tone averages, speech discrimination scores, and American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery hearing class. Primary outcomes were the loss of class A hearing and loss of serviceable hearing, estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and with associations estimated from Cox proportional hazards models and reported as hazard ratios.

RESULTS

Larger initial tumor size was associated with an increased risk of losing class A (HR 1.5 for a 1-cm3 increase; p = 0.047) and serviceable (HR 1.3; p < 0.001) hearing. Additionally, increasing volumetric tumor growth rate was associated with elevated risk of loss of class A hearing (HR 1.2 for increase of 100% per year; p = 0.031) and serviceable hearing (HR 1.2; p = 0.014). Hazard ratios increased linearly with increasing growth rates, without any evident threshold growth rate that resulted in a large, sudden increased risk of hearing loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Larger initial tumor size and faster tumor growth rates were associated with an elevated risk of loss of class A and serviceable hearing.
A subset of arachnoid granulations in humans drain to the venous circulation via intradural lymphatic vascular channels
Authors: Yağmurlu Kaan , Sokolowski Jennifer , Soldozy Sauson , Norat Pedro , Çırak Musa , Tvrdik Petr , Shaffrey Mark E. , Kalani M. Yashar S.
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVE

The discovery of dural lymphatics has spurred interest in the mechanisms of drainage of interstitial fluid from the CNS, the anatomical components involved in clearance of macromolecules from the brain, mechanisms of entry and exit of immune components, and how these pathways may be involved in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer metastasis. In this study the authors describe connections between a subset of arachnoid granulations (AGs) and the venous circulation via intradural vascular channels (IVCs), which stain positively with established lymphatic markers. The authors postulate that the AGs may serve as a component of the human brain’s lymphatic system.

METHODS

AGs and IVCs were examined by high-resolution dissection under stereoscope bilaterally in 8 fresh and formalin-fixed human cadaveric heads. The superior sagittal sinus (SSS) and adjacent dura mater were immunostained with antibodies against Lyve-1 (lymphatic marker), podoplanin (lymphatic marker), CD45 (panhematopoietic marker), and DAPI (nuclear marker).

RESULTS

AGs can be classified as intradural or interdural, depending on their location and site of drainage. Interdural AGs are distinct from the dura, adhere to arachnoid membranes, and occasionally open directly in the inferolateral wall or floor of the SSS, although some cross the infradural folds of the dura’s inner layer to meet with intradural AGs and IVCs. Intradural AGs are located within the leaflets of the dura. The total number of openings from the AGs, lateral lacunae, and cortical veins into the SSS was 45 ± 5.62 per head. On average each cadaveric head contained 6 ± 1.30 intradural AGs. Some intradural AGs do not directly open into the SSS and use IVCs to connect to the venous circulation. Using immunostaining methods, the authors demonstrate that these tubular channels stain positively with vascular and lymphatic markers (Lyve-1, podoplanin).

CONCLUSIONS

AGs consist of two subtypes with differing modes of drainage into the SSS. A subset of AGs located intradurally use tubular channels, which stain positively with vascular and lymphatic markers to connect to the venous lacunae and ultimately to the SSS. The present study suggests that AGs may function as a component of brain lymphatics. This finding has important clinical implications for cancer metastasis to and from the CNS and may shed light on mechanisms of altered clearance of macromolecules in the setting of neurodegenerative diseases.
Segmentation of aneurysm wall enhancement in evolving unruptured intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Hashimoto Yukishige , Matsushige Toshinori , Kawano Reo , Shimonaga Koji , Yoshiyama Michitsura , Takahashi Hiroki , Kaneko Mayumi , Ono Chiaki , Sakamoto Shigeyuki
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVE

Morphological changes in unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) are an imaging marker of aneurysm instability. Recent studies have indicated the ability of MR vessel wall imaging (VWI) to stratify unstable UIAs based on a correlation with histopathological aneurysm wall inflammation. In the present study the authors investigated the relationships between aneurysm growth patterns and the segmentation of aneurysm wall enhancement (AWE) in VWI.

METHODS

A total of 120 aneurysms with serial angiography from a follow-up period of at least 2 years (mean 65 months, range 24–215 months) were assessed by VWI. Two readers independently evaluated the patterns of morphological changes (stable, whole sac expansion, and secondary aneurysm formation) and the segmentation of AWE (no, focal, and circumferential AWE). The contrast enhancement ratio of the aneurysm wall versus the pituitary stalk (CRstalk) was calculated for the quantitative assessment of AWE. Statistical analyses were performed to investigate the relationships between AWE patterns and patient baseline profiles, aneurysm characteristics, and morphological modifications.

RESULTS

Forty-one of 120 UIAs (34%) exhibited aneurysm growth (whole sac expansion in 19 and secondary aneurysm formation in 22). AWE was detected in 35 of 120 UIAs (focal AWE in 25 and circumferential AWE in 10). The maximum diameter of, irregularities in, and morphological modifications in aneurysms were associated with the segmentation of AWE. Focal AWE correlated with secondary aneurysm formation, and circumferential AWE correlated with whole sac expansion. In focal AWE, CRstalk was significantly higher in secondary aneurysm formation than in stable UIAs. UIAs without AWE (categorized as no AWE) correlated with aneurysm stability.

CONCLUSIONS

The segmentation of AWE was associated with aneurysm growth scenarios and may provide a novel insight into the evaluation of unstable UIAs.
Intracranial pressure dynamics and cerebral vasomotor reactivity in community-acquired bacterial meningitis during neurointensive care
Authors: Svedung Wettervik Teodor , Howells Timothy , Ljunghill Hedberg Anna , Lewén Anders , Enblad Per
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVE

Community-acquired bacterial meningitis (CABM) is a severe condition associated with high mortality. In this study the first aim was to evaluate the incidence of intracranial pressure (ICP) insults and disturbances in cerebral vasomotor reactivity and the second aim was to evaluate the management and clinical outcome of CABM patients treated in the neurointensive care unit (NICU).

METHODS

CABM patients who were treated in the NICU of Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden, during 2008–2020 were included in the study. Data on demographics, admission variables, treatment, ICP dynamics, vasomotor reactivity, and short-term clinical outcome were evaluated in these patients.

RESULTS

Of 97 CABM patients, 81 (84%) received ICP monitoring, of whom 22% had ICP > 20 mm Hg during 5% or more of the monitoring time on day 1, which decreased to 9% on day 3. For those patients with ICP monitoring, 46% required CSF drainage, but last-tier ICP treatment, including thiopental (4%) and decompressive craniectomy (1%), was rare. Cerebral vasomotor reactivity was disturbed, with a mean pressure reactivity index (PRx) above 0.2 in 45% of the patients on day 1, and remained high for the first 3 days. In total, 81 (84%) patients had a favorable outcome (Glasgow Coma Scale motor score [GCS M] 6) at discharge, 9 (9%) patients had an unfavorable outcome (GCS M < 6) at discharge, and 7 (7%) patients died in the NICU. Those with favorable outcome had significantly better cerebral vasomotor reactivity (lower PRx) than the two other outcome groups (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Intracranial hypertension was frequent following severe CABM and CSF drainage was often sufficient to control ICP. Cerebral vasomotor reactivity was commonly disturbed and associated with poor outcome. Clinical outcome was slightly better than in earlier studies.
Modern English Historiography of the Communist International: A General Overview
Authors: Suzdaltsev Ilya
Published: August 2021

The article is devoted to the analysis of the 21st-century English-language historiography of the Communist International. Contemporary historians are showing increasing interest in the study of this international organization. Three available conceptual approaches to this topic (“traditionalist”, “revisionist”, and “post-revisionist”) are considered and characterized, the works of historians from Great Britain, the USA, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand are analyzed. The article demonstrates an increase in research interest in the Communist International. In a fairly large volume of studies, there are monographs and articles devoted to the organization both directly (the historiography of the Comintern, the activities of its sections around the world, etc.) and indirectly, i.e., to related issues such as the history of communism, in particular, and the left forces, in general, international relations of Soviet Russia, the communist movement in individual countries, etc. These studies touch on the period of the Comintern's activity from 1920 to the end of the 1930s, including several controversial issues: the impact on the policy of the national communist parties of the “The Twenty-one Conditions”, united front tactics, Bolshevization, Stalinization, and the Popular Front. The author believes that most of the studies (especially those published in the first decade of the 21st century) are based on studies published long before the 2000s, however, archival materials are being used in increasing volumes, which makes modern research more objective. This gives grounds for a conclusion about the revision of the historiographic tradition of the Comintern that existed in the 20th century: new approaches (“revisionist” and “post-revisionist”) entailed a change in emphasis and a revision of some established points of view. Authors adhering to these approaches rely mainly on modern literature (including Russian) and a wide source base represented by materials from both national archives and the Russian State Archives of Social-Political History.
Anarchists of the Netherlands and the Anti-Colonial Movement in Indonesia
Authors: Damier Vadim
Published: August 2021

The desire to weaken the colonial state prompted anti-colonial movements to seek an alliance with opposition forces in the metropolitan countries, including with left-wing social and political movements. The anarchists of the Netherlands since 1904 have opposed colonial rule in the Netherlands India (modern Indonesia). Without creating their own organizations in the colony, they strove to establish close contacts with representatives of the Indonesian national movement, first of all, with Indonesian students who studied in the metropolis. In 1927, the anarchists managed to establish cooperation with the leaders of the organization “Perhimpoenan Indonesia”, which brought together students from Indonesia in the Netherlands. The interaction took place in the form of solidarity campaigns, the struggle against repression and the sending of troops to the colony, as well as in the process of cooperation within the League against imperialism. However, true to their anti-authoritarian, anti-militaristic and pacifist doctrines, the Dutch anarchists refused to support the idea of creating an independent Indonesian state. This, along with pragmatic considerations (the desire to gain support from more politically influential forces) prompted the Indonesians to focus more on cooperation with the Dutch communists and socialists. After members of the Indonesian Communist Party came to the leadership of “Perhimpoenan Indonesia” in 1931, regular co-operation with the anarchists was gradually phased out. However, Dutch anarchists continued to express solidarity with the struggle against colonial rule and protested against the repression of the Indonesian national movement. After the proclamation of Indonesia's independence in 1945 and the beginning of the Dutch military intervention against the former colony, the anarchists of the Netherlands, together with other radical left-wing organizations and groups, tried to organize protests against the sending of armed forces by the Netherlands state to Indonesia. The Dutch anarchists failed to gain significant influence among Indonesians, although the leaders of the New Republic, despite their political differences, maintained contacts with some of their old anarchist acquaintances.
Long-term aerobic exercise training in type two diabetic patients alters the expression of miRNA-223 and its corresponding target, the P2RY12 receptor, attenuating platelet function
Authors: Taghizadeh Mahmoudreza , Kargarfard Mehdi , Braune Steffen , Jung Friedrich , Naderi Mahmood
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND: Type two diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients are prone to develop atherothrombotic events due to platelet hyper-reactivity stemming from platelet miRNA-223 down-regulation and over-expression of its corresponding target, P2RY12. OBJECTIVE: The study sought to determine the effects of long-term aerobic training on the expression levels of miRNA-223 and P2RY12 mRNA, and platelet function in T2DM patients. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with T2DM (age, 60.0±2.8 yrs.) were selected and randomly divided into two groups: aerobic exercise training (AET, n = 12) and control (CON, n = 12). The AET protocol was performed with moderate intensity for 12 weeks, while patients in the CON group followed their usual routine. Weight, body mass index (BMI), peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), lipid profile, fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), platelet miRNA-223 and P2RY12 expression were measured before and after the period. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in body weight, BMI, VO2peak, FBG, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR, after 12 weeks of AET (P < 0.01). Platelet aggregation decreased significantly after 12 weeks in the AET group compared with the CON (P < 0.001) group. Platelets’ miRNA-223 and P2RY12 were significantly up- and down-regulated after AET in comparison with the CON group (P < 0.05), respectively. Moreover, the relative expression of miRNA-223 and P2RY12 significantly correlated with FBG changes following the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that long-term moderate-intensity aerobic training might be effective for reducing the occurrence of atherothrombotic events leading to premature death in T2DM patients through the modulation of miRNA-223, P2RY12 receptor expression, and platelet function.
The Role of Thyroid Function in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ge Feifei , Zhu Donglin , Tian Minjie , Shi Jingping
Published: August 2021

The thyroid gland is crucial for the regulation of metabolism, growth, and development of various tissues, organs, systems, including the central nervous system. Recent studies have implicated the role of thyroid dysfunction in the etiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), while AD leads to a significant increase in the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction. In this review, we have analyzed the role of thyroid function in the pathophysiology of AD as well as its biomarkers. The present review aims to provide encouraging targets for early screening of AD risk factors and intervention strategies.
UDSNB 3.0 Neuropsychological Test Norms in Older Adults from a Diverse Community: Results from the Einstein Aging Study (EAS)
Authors: Wang Cuiling , Katz Mindy J. , Chang Katherine H. , Qin Jiyue , Lipton Richard B. , Zwerling Jessica L. , Sliwinski Martin J. , Derby Carol A. , Rabin Laura A.
Published: August 2021

Background: The Uniform Data Set, Version 3 Neuropsychological Battery (UDSNB3.0), from the database of the University of Washington’s National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC), is widely used to characterize cognitive performance in clinical and research settings; however, norms for underrepresented community-based samples are scarce. Objective: We compared UDSNB 3.0 test scores between the Einstein Aging Study (EAS), composed of racially/ethnically diverse, community-dwelling older adults aged≥70 and the NACC, and report normative data from the EAS. Methods: Analyses included 225 cognitively normal EAS participants and comparable data from 5,031 NACC database participants. Linear regression models compared performance between the samples, adjusting for demographics (sex, age, education, race/ethnicity), depressive symptoms, and whether English was the first language. Linear regression models to examine demographic factors including age, sex, education and race/ethnicity as predictors for the neuropsychological tests were applied in EAS and NACC separately and were used to create a demographically adjusted z-score calculator. Results: Cognitive performance across all domains was worse in the EAS than in the NACC, adjusting for age, sex, education, race/ethnicity, and depression, and the differences remained in visuo-construction, visuospatial memory, confrontation naming, visual attention/processing speed, and executive functioning after further adjusting for whether English was the first language. In both samples, non-Hispanic Whites outperformed non-Hispanic Blacks and more education was associated with better cognitive performance. Conclusion: Differences observed in demographic, clinical, and cognitive characteristics between the community-based EAS sample and the nationwide NACC sample suggest that separate normative data that more accurately reflect non-clinic, community-based populations should be established.
Neural Correlates of Mild Behavioral Impairment: A Functional Brain Connectivity Study Using Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Matsuoka Teruyuki , Ueno Daisuke , Ismail Zahinoor , Rubinstein Ellen , Uchida Hiroyuki , Mimura Masaru , Narumoto Jin
Published: August 2021

Background: Mild behavioral impairment (MBI) is associated with accelerated cognitive decline and greater risk of dementia. However, the neural correlates of MBI have not been completely elucidated. Objective: The study aimed to investigate the correlation between cognitively normal participants and participants with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Methods: The study included 30 cognitively normal participants and 13 participants with aMCI (20 men and 23 women; mean age, 76.9 years). The MBI was assessed using the MBI checklist (MBI-C). Region of interest (ROI)-to-ROI analysis was performed to examine the correlation between MBI-C scores and functional connectivity (FC) of the default mode network, salience network, and frontoparietal control network (FPCN). Age, Mini-Mental State Examination score, sex, and education were used as covariates. A p-value of 0.05, with false discovery rate correction, was considered significant. Results: A negative correlation was observed between the MBI-C total score and FC of the left posterior parietal cortex with the right middle frontal gyrus. A similar result was obtained for the MBI-C affective dysregulation domain score. Conclusion: FPCN dysfunction was detected as a neural correlate of MBI, especially in the affective dysregulation domain. This dysfunction may be associated with cognitive impairment in MBI and conversion of MBI to dementia; however, further longitudinal data are needed to examine this relationship.
Implementation Barriers: A TASKS Framework
Authors: Yang Jiami , Yang Lin , Quan Hude , Zeng Yong
Published: August 2021

Implementation is ubiquitous. The identification of barriers to implementation is critical for achieving implementation success. This paper introduces and discusses a deductive theory-based framework, TASKS, to guide the identification of implementation barriers. The TASKS framework deals with the relationships between a Task and the task implementer’s Affect, Skills, and Knowledge, based on the inversed U-shaped mental Stress-mental effort relation. The TASKS framework classifies implementation barriers into four categories: 1) emotion barriers, 2) logic barriers, 3) knowledge barriers, and 4) resources barriers. The TASKS framework detects barriers to implementation following three steps, 1) identifying the ideal TASKS components, 2) modelling the implementer's mental capability, and 3) detecting barriers to implementation. The TASKS framework can be applied to a wide range of disciplines for effective and efficient task implementation.