bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of nanosize zinc oxide through aqueous sol–gel route in polyol medium
Authors: Zahra Samreen , Bukhari Hamim , Qaisar Saboora , Sheikh Asma , Amin Athar
Published: November 2022

Background

This study is aimed to synthesize nanosize zinc oxide by acid catalyzed sol–gel process using zinc nitrate hexahydrate as precursor, aqueous isopropanol as solvent and glycerin for making polyol system. The polyol mediated procedure was employed in combination with calcination induced synthesis of nanoparticles of numerous sizes obtained with the variation in calcination temperature from 500 to 900 ℃. The crystal structure of the prepared samples was characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). Infrared spectroscopy (IR) was used to identify the surface hydroxyl groups. Thermal stability was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry-thermogravimetric analysis (DSC-TGA) whereas field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was used to study the surface morphology of nanoparticles.

Results

Results revealed the formation of hexagonal wurtzite structure of irregular shaped nanoparticles having size ranging from 50–100 nm. However, the particles combined to form agglomerates of 200–400 nm with the rise in calcination temperature.

Conclusions

These results indicate that nanosize zinc oxide can be synthesized successfully by a simple process comprising of glycerin as a low-cost, non-toxic and eco-friendly polyol followed by calcination at ambient temperatures.
Synthesis, in silico studies and biological screening of (E)-2-(3-(substitutedstyryl)-5-(substitutedphenyl)-4,5-dihydropyrazol-1-yl)benzo[d]thiazole derivatives as an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Kumar Vijay , Singh Vikramjeet , Thakral Samridhi
Published: November 2022

A new series of (E)-2-(3-(substitutedstyryl)-5-(substitutedphenyl)-4,5-dihydropyrazol-1-yl)benzo[d]thiazole derivatives was synthesized and the chemical structures of synthesized compounds were deduced by IR and NMR spectral tools. These compounds were synthesized via aldol condensation reaction of substituted benzaldehydes and acetone in alkaline ethanolic solution and their in vitro anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities were investigated. All the synthesized compounds displayed anti-oxidant potential with IC50values ranging from 0.13 to 8.43 µmol/ml. The compoundZ13exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity with IC50value of 0.03 µmol/ml compared with the standard ibuprofen, which showed IC50value of 0.11 µmol/ml. On the other hand, most of the compounds had a certain antibacterial potential particularly againstP. aeruginosaand among these derivatives, compoundZ2exhibited the highest potential againstP. aeruginosawith MIC value of 0.0069 µmol/ml. The analysis of docking results demonstrated the binding affinity and hydrogen bond, electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions of all the synthesized compounds with their respective targets. In silico ADMET studies were carried out for the synthesized compounds and most of the compounds exhibited good ADMET profile.
Economic impact of self-administered subcutaneous versus clinic-administered intravenous immunoglobulin G therapy in Alberta, Canada: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Ritchie Bruce , Martins Karen J. B. , Tran Dat T. , Blain Heather , Richer Lawrence , Klarenbach Scott W.
Published: November 2022

Background

Self-administered subcutaneous immunoglobulin G (SCIg) reduces nursing time and eliminates the need for treatment at ambulatory care clinics, as compared with clinic-based intravenously administered IgG (IVIg), and are therapeutically equivalent. Estimating the economic impact of self-administered SCIg versus clinic-administered IVIg therapy may guide treatment recommendations.

Methods

A retrospective population-based cohort study using administrative data from Alberta was performed; those treated with IgG between April 1, 2012 and March 31, 2019 were included. Costs for medical laboratory staff and nursing time, as well as ambulatory care visits were considered. Univariate generalized linear model regression with gamma distribution and log link was used to compare cost ($CDN 2020) between SCIg and IVIg administration. Stratified analysis by age (≥ 18-years; < 18-years) was performed.

Results

Among 7,890 (6,148 adults; 1,742 children) individuals who received IgG, the average administration cost per patient-year of self-administered SCIg was $5,386 (95% confidence interval [CI] $5,039, $5,734) lower than clinic-administered IVIg; per patient-year cost of self-administered SCIg was $817 (95% CI $723, $912) versus $6,204 (95% CI $6,100, $6,308) for clinic-administered IVIg. The per patient-year cost of self-administered SCIg was $5,931 (95% CI $5,543, $6,319) lower among adults and $3,177 (95% CI $2,473, $3,882) lower among children compared with clinic-administered IVIg. An estimated $31.0 million (95% CI $29.0, $33.0) in cost savings to the health system would be realised if 80% of individuals switched from clinic-administered IVIg to self-administered SCIg.

Conclusions

Self-administered SCIg is substantially less costly from a health care payer perspective in Canada. Within this type of health system, switching to self-administered SCIg has the potential to reduce overall health care costs, lessen nursing burden, and may increase clinic-based capacity for others.
Extraction of raspberry ketone from red raspberry and its intervention in the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Ma Yongqiang , Xiu Weiye , Wang Xin , Yang Qiuhui
Published: November 2022

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by diffused hepatocyte bullous fat in the liver, which is not caused by alcohol or drugs like amiodarone and tamoxifen. Presently, no drug is approved for NAFLD treatment. Therefore, it’s important to extract effective components from natural plants to alleviate NAFLD. In this study, we extracted and purified raspberry ketone, a natural phenolic compound from red raspberry (Rubus ideaus L.) by an ultrasonic-assisted ethanol extraction method. The structure of red raspberry ketone (RRK) was determined using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and the purity of RRK was found as 80.06 ± 1.19%. After 28 days of intragastric administration of RRK, the bodyweight of NAFLD model rats decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Besides, the levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and total triglyceride (TG) decreased and the content of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum increased drastically. Moreover, the level of liver damage indicators (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase) and the levels of glucose, insulin, free-fatty acid, tumor necrotic factor-α in the liver decreased distinctly. The levels of TG and malondialdehyde in the liver decreased, whereas the levels of superoxide dismutase, total glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase drastically increased. We also found that RRK reduced the uneven size of liver cells and blurred boundaries of hepatic lobules, and alleviated hepatic steatosis and inflammation caused by NAFLD. We inferred that RRK could relieve NAFLD progression by regulating glucose and lipid metabolism and alleviating oxidative stress in vivo. This study sheds new light on the use of RRK as a functional food for NAFLD prevention.
Helical versus static approaches to delivering tomotherapy to the junctional target for patients taller than 135 cm undergoing total body irradiation
Authors: Köksal Mümtaz , Baumert Jonathan , Schoroth Felix , Müdder Thomas , Scafa Davide , Koch David , Leitzen Christina , Sarria Gustavo R. , Schmeel Leonard C. , Giordano Frank A.
Published: November 2022

Background

Helical TomoTherapy® is widely used for total body irradiation as a component of conditioning regimens before allogeneic bone-marrow transplantation. However, this technique limits the maximum length of a planning target volume to 135 cm. Therefore, patients taller than 135 cm require two planning computed tomography scans and treatment plans. The junctional target between these two treatment plans is thus a critical region for treatment planning and delivery. Here, we compare radiation coverage of the junctional target between helical and static approaches to treatment planning and delivery to determine which approach allows high quality irradiation planning and provides more robustness against patient movement.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 10 patients who underwent total body irradiation using a static four-field box planning approach and nine patients who underwent total body irradiation using a helical planning approach. All patients were taller than 135 cm. The junctional target volume was divided into 10 slices of 1 cm thickness (JT1–JT10) for analysis. Dosimetric parameters and dose-volume histograms were compared to assess the quality of coverage of the junctional target between the helical and static planning approaches.

Results

The D50 for the total junctional target was slightly higher than the prescribed dose for both helical and static approaches, with a mean of 108.12% for the helical group and 107.81% for the static group. The mean D95 was 98.44% ± 4.19% for the helical group and 96.20% ± 4.59% for the static group. The mean homogeneity index covering the entire junctional target volume was 1.20 ± 0.04 for the helical group and 1.21 ± 0.05 for the static group. The mean homogeneity index ranged from 1.08 ± 0.01 in JT1 to 1.22 ± 0.06 in JT6 for the helical group and from 1.06 ± 0.02 in JT1 to 1.19 ± 0.05 in JT6 for the static group. There were no significant differences in parameters between helical and static groups. However, the static approach provided robustness against up to 30 mm of lateral movement of the patient.

Conclusions

As long as TBI using helical TomoTherapy® is limited to a maximum length of 135 cm, the junctional target must be addressed during treatment planning. Our analysis shows that the static four-field box approach is viable and offers higher robustness against lateral movement of the patient than the helical approach.
A comparison of the effect of Swedish massage with and without chamomile oil on labor outcomes and maternal satisfaction of the childbirth process: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Eskandari Fatemeh , Mousavi Parvaneh , Valiani Mahboubeh , Ghanbari Saeed , Iravani Mina
Published: November 2022

Purpose of study

Massage is widely used as a traditional technique during labor and delivery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Swedish massage with and without chamomile oil on delivery outcomes.

Methods

The present study was a randomized clinical trial on 154 primiparous pregnant women who were selected by random sampling method and divided into 3 groups: massage with chamomile oil (n = 53), massage without chamomile oil (n = 51), and control group (n = 50). Data collection tools included demographic and delivery information questionnaire, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), maternal satisfaction with delivery scale, and Partograph form. In the two intervention groups, Swedish massage techniques (i.e., Effleurage, Petrissage, Vibration, and Superficial stroke) were performed with and without the use of chamomile oil since the active phase of labor (5 cm dilatation), while the control group received only routine labor care during labor.

Results

Swedish massage with chamomile oil significantly reduced the labor pain score, reduced the length of active phase and the second stage of labor, and increased the score of maternal satisfaction with the labor process (P < 0.001). In addition, there was a significant relationship between the type of study groups and the type of delivery (P < 0.043).

Conclusion

The results of the study showed that using Swedish massage techniques with or without chamomile oil can improve labor outcomes. Swedish massage using chamomile oil was associated with better results compared to the same massage without using chamomile oil.

Clinical trial codeIRCT20200513047430N1.
Reuse of e-learning personalization components
Authors: Ghallabi Sameh , Essalmi Fathi , Jemni Mohamed , Kinshuk
Published: November 2022

Personalized learning systems use several components in order to create courses adapted to the learners’characteristics. Current emphasis on the reduction of costs of development of new resources has motivated the reuse of the e-learning personalization components in the creation of new components. Several systems have been proposed in the literature. Each system implements a specific approach and includes a set of software components. However, many of these components are not easily reusable. This paper proposes an architecture, which aims to improve the representation of learning components in a reusable and interoperable way. As a result, these components could be integrated easily for the creation of personalized learning courses. This architecture consists of five main packages: learner model, adaptation model, reuse facilities, learner interface and pedagogical knowledge. An experiment is conducted to validate the proposed architecture. The obtained results illustrate the optimal composition of e-learning personalization components through an example.
Knowledge gaps and research priorities in adult veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a scoping review
Authors: Raasveld Senta Jorinde , Volleman Carolien , Combes Alain , Broman Lars Mikael , Taccone Fabio Silvio , Peters Elma , ten Berg Sanne , van den Brom Charissa E. , Thiele Holger , Lorusso Roberto , Henriques José P. S. , Vlaar Alexander P. J.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This scoping review aims to identify and describe knowledge gaps and research priorities in veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO).

Methods

An expert panel was recruited consisting of eight international experts from different backgrounds. First, a list of priority topics was made. Second, the panel developed structured questions using population, intervention, comparison and outcomes (PICO) format. All PICOs were scored and prioritized. For every selected PICO, a structured literature search was performed.

Results

After an initial list of 49 topics, eight were scored as high-priority. For most of these selected topics, current literature is limited to observational studies, mainly consisting of retrospective cohorts. Only for ECPR and anticoagulation, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been performed or are ongoing. Per topic, a summary of the literature is stated including recommendations for further research.

Conclusions

This scoping review identifies and presents an overview of knowledge gaps and research priorities in VA-ECMO. Current literature is mostly limited to observational studies, although with increasing attention for this patient population, more RCTs are finishing or ongoing. Translational research, from preclinical trials to high-quality or randomized controlled trials, is important to improve the standard practices in this critically ill patient population.

Take-home message

This scoping review identifies and presents an overview of research gaps and priorities in VA-ECMO. Translational research, from preclinical trials to high-quality or randomized controlled trials, is important to improve the standard practices in this critically ill patient population.
Immediate versus delayed implant placement in the esthetic zone: a prospective 3D volumetric assessment of peri-implant tissue stability
Authors: Parvini Puria , Müller Katharina Melissa , Cafferata Emilio A. , Schwarz Frank , Obreja Karina
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the volumetric stability of peri-implant soft and hard tissue prospectively, this study compared immediate versus delayed implants placed in the anterior esthetic region.

Methods

This non-randomized controlled clinical study included 25 patients, who received an immediate (type 1) or a delayed (type 4) implant placement for the replacement of a single anterior tooth. The anterior maxillae were intraorally scanned at three timepoints: before surgery (S0), 6 months (S1), and 12 months (S2) after surgery. A specific region of interest (ROI), divided into marginal and apical regions, was determined and superimposed for volumetric changes analysis. At 6 and 12 months, the probing depth (PD), bleeding/suppuration on probing (BOP/SUP), modified plaque index (PI), keratinized mucosa (KM) width, mucosal recession (MR), and implant stability (PTV) by means of periotest were recorded.

Results

Between S0–S2, tissue surrounding immediate implants was reduced in 0.37 ± 0.31 mm, whereas delayed implants gained 0.84 ± 0.57 mm mean tissue volume. Peri-implant tissue loss at type 1 implants occurred primarily in the marginal section of the ROI (0.42 ± 0.31 mm), whereas tissue gain at type 4 implants occurred mainly in the apical section (0.83 ± 0.51 mm). These values were significantly different between both groups for the entire ROI (p = 0.0452) and the marginal region (p = 0.0274). In addition, the mean buccal KM width around type 1 implants was significantly wider in comparison with the type 4 implants group after 12 months (p = 0.046). There were no significant differences between groups regarding PD, BOP/SUP, or PTV.

Conclusions

The results suggest that type 1 implants placed in the esthetic region experience more tissue loss than type 4 implants, thus marginal tissue remodeling should be considered for planning immediate implants placement in the anterior maxillae.

Graphical Abstract
Functional outcome of surgical management of low mid-grade lumbar spondylolisthesis when considering the sagittal balance parameters preoperatively: a prospective study
Authors: Elmorsy Sameh Elmorsy Hassan , Abulnasr Hazem Abdelsattar , Hassan Yousry , Samra Magdy , Eissa Ehab Mohamed
Published: November 2022

Background

Prospective study objectives. A sagittal balance is a good tool to improve the functional outcome of spine spondylolisthesis surgeries, primarily noted that it has a good impact in deformity surgery and then applied to every spine surgery and the aim of this study is to evaluate its functional outcome when considered in preoperative planning for non-dysplastic low- and mid-grade spondylolisthesis surgeries.

Method

Forty patients diagnosed as low- or mid-grade non-dysplastic spondylolisthesis had undergone surgery at Cairo University after failed medical treatment had been evaluated preoperatively by measuring the sagittal balance parameters which include SVA, spinopelvic angles, lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, sacral slope, and pelvic incidence and then measure it along a follow-up period of 1 year postoperatively started from February 2018 and correlate it with functional outcome using Oswestry score (ODI)and VAS. Correction of parameters has been estimated preoperatively by manual estimation and Surgimap application then applied during the operation.

Results

All patients were treated by surgical treatment through posterior transpedicular screw fixation with conventional or reduction screws and fusion ± TLIF cages. The mean of lumbar lordosis and mean spinopelvic angles were increased in a statistically significant manner. Pelvis tilt was decreased in a statistically insignificant manner. The mean of pelvic incidence was not changed and statistically insignificant, and this is matching the fact that pelvic incidence is a constant parameter. The sacral slope was increased in a statistically insignificant manner.

Final results showed that 37 had a statistically significant improvement in their ODI >20% at the last visit. Three patients had a poor clinical outcome with ODI scorFinal results showed that 37 had a statistically significant improvement in their ODI >20% at the last visit. Three patients had a poor clinical outcome with ODI score of >20% improvement, and we noticed that the level of pathology was at the level of L4L5, SVA was positive and worsen postoperatively, and also, it is accompanied by decreased lumbar lordosis. Change in ODI means statistically significant improvement when considering sagittal parameters preoperation and during operation.

Conclusion

Sagittal balance parameters should be considered in the surgical management of low-grade spondylolisthesis cases to improve their functional outcome.
Sociocultural adaptation, translation and pre-testing of the Kannada version of Vanderbilt Head and Neck Symptom Survey 2.0
Authors: Johnson Naina , Varghese Janet Jaison , Sharan Krishna , Aithal Venkataraja U. , Murphy Barbara
Published: November 2022

Background

Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients often undergo radiation therapy as part of their treatment. However, radiation therapy can have many side effects, including oral toxicities. Evaluating these toxicities is often considered a challenging task for practicing clinicians due to the lack of assessment tools. The objective of this study is to culturally adapt, translate and validate the Vanderbilt Head and Neck Symptom Survey (VHNSS), an instrument designed to assess oral toxicities and changes in oral functioning in HNC patients receiving radiation therapy.

Methods

The VHNSS 2.0 was first culturally adapted and translated, following which 36 HNC patients undergoing radiation therapy were identified through the incidental sampling method. The translated version of VHNSS 2.0 was then administered to these patients. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and Mc Donald’s Omega. Test–retest reliability was also analyzed.

Results

Items of the translated version of VHNSS 2.0 showed good content validity. The omega values yielded higher reliability coefficients than the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Test–retest reliability was found to be 0.8, indicating good reliability.

Conclusions

Results of this study suggest that the translated Kannada version of the VHNSS 2.0 is linguistically equivalent to the original version. Hence, this tool can be considered a valid and reliable patient-reported tool to evaluate oral symptomatology in HNC patients speaking the Kannada language.
Editing of the rice importin gene IMPα1b results in sequestration of TAL effectors from plant cell nuclei
Authors: Peng Jinfeng , Nie Jingyuan , Chen Xiaochen , Zhang Liyuan , Yao Xiaohui , Li Ping , Shi Huicong , Song Congfeng , Dong Hansong
Published: November 2022

Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) produced by plant pathogenic bacteria mainly belonging to the genus Xanthomonas cause plant diseases through activation of host susceptibility genes in plant cell nuclei. How TALEs enter plant cell nuclei was not clear until recent studies about PthXo1 and TALI, two TALEs produced by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) and X. oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc), the rice (Oryza sativa) pathogens that cause bacterial blight and bacterial leaf streak, respectively. Here, we report that rice importin IMPα1b serves as a nuclear transport receptor in rice plants to facilitate the nuclear import of PthXo1 and TALI from Xoo and Xoc, respectively. While wild-type (WT) rice plants support the nuclear import of PthXo1 and TALI, nuclear trafficking is defective in OsIMPα1b loss-of-function mutants generated by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)–CRISPR-associated 9 (Cas9)-based gene editing. In the edited plants infected by Xoo, OsIMPα1b sequesters PthXo1 from the nucleus, the PthXo1-targeted rice susceptibility gene is no longer activated, and bacterial virulence and blight disease are alleviated as a result. In the edited plants infected by Xoc, OsIMPα1b sequesters TALI from the nucleus, the role of TALI in suppressing rice defense responses is nullified, and rice defense responses are in turn activated to inhibit bacterial virulence and alleviate bacterial leaf streak severity.
Molecular characterization of gut microbiome in weaning pigs supplemented with multi-strain probiotics using metagenomic, culturomic, and metabolomic approaches
Authors: Lee Woong Ji , Ryu Sangdon , Kang An Na , Song Minho , Shin Minhye , Oh Sangnam , Kim Younghoon
Published: November 2022

Background

Probiotics have been reported to exhibit positive effects on host health, including improved intestinal barrier function, preventing pathogenic infection, and promoting nutrient digestion efficiency. These internal changes are reflected to the fecal microbiota composition and, bacterial metabolites production. In accordance, the application of probiotics has been broadened to industrial animals, including swine, which makes people to pursue better knowledge of the correlation between changes in the fecal microbiota and metabolites. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of multi-strain probiotics (MSP) supplementation to piglets utilizing multiomics analytical approaches including metagenomics, culturomics, and metabolomics.

Results

Six-week-old piglets were supplemented with MSP composed of Lactobacillus isolated from the feces of healthy piglets. To examine the effect of MSP supplement, piglets of the same age were selected and divided into two groups; one with MSP supplement (MSP group) and the other one without MSP supplement (Control group). MSP feeding altered the composition of the fecal microbiota, as demonstrated by metagenomics analysis. The abundance of commensal Lactobacillus was increased by 2.39%, while Clostridium was decreased, which revealed the similar pattern to the culturomic approach. Next, we investigated the microbial metabolite profiles, specifically SCFAs using HPLC–MS/MS and others using GC–MS, respectively. MSP supplement elevated the abundance of amino acids, including valine, isoleucine and proline as well as the concentration of acetic acid. According to the correlation analyses, these alterations were found out to be crucial in energy synthesizing metabolism, such as branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism and coenzyme A biosynthesis. Furthermore, we isolated commensal Lactobacillus strains enriched by MSP supplement, and analyzed the metabolites and evaluated the functional improvement, related to tight junction from intestinal porcine enterocyte cell line (IPEC-J2).

Conclusions

In conclusion, MSP administration to piglets altered their fecal microbiota, by enriching commensal Lactobacillus strains. This change contributed amino acid, acetic acid, and BCAA concentrations to be increased, and energy metabolism pathway was also increased at in vivo and in vitro. These changes produced by MSP supplement suggests the correlation between the various physiological energy metabolism functions induced by health-promoting Lactobacillus and the growth performance of piglets.
Investigating the interaction between neuropsychiatry features and daily activities on social function in patients with Parkinson's disease with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Chen Yi-Ru , Tan Chun-Hsiang , Su Hui-Chen , Chien Chung-Yao , Sung Pi-Shan , Lin Tien-Yu , Lee Tsung-Lin , Yu Rwei-Ling
Published: November 2022

Background

Social functioning is crucial for daily living and is an essential indicator of dementia in patients with Parkinson's disease. The pattern of social functioning in patients with Parkinson's disease without dementia (i.e. those who are cognitively intact or have mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI)) and its determinants are unclear.

Aims

In exploring the heterogeneity of social functioning among patients with Parkinson's disease-associated dementia, we determined the optimal cut-off score of the Parkinson's Disease Social Functioning Scale (PDSFS) for patients with PD-MCI, and the variables influencing patients’ social functioning.

Method

A total of 302 participants underwent the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and PDSFS; 120 patients with Parkinson's disease completed the measurements (MMSE, Activities of Daily Living Scale and Neuropsychiatric Inventory). Group comparisons, receiver operating characteristic curves, Spearman correlation and multiple and hierarchical regression analyses were conducted.

Results

The PD-MCI group scored the lowest on the PDSFS (F = 10.10, P < 0.001). The PDSFS cut-off score was 53 (area under the curve 0.700, sensitivity 0.800, specificity 0.534). The MMSE (β = 0.293, P = 0.002), Activities of Daily Living Scale (β = 0.189, P = 0.028) and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (β = −0.216, P = 0.005) scores predicted the PDSFS score. Further, there was an interaction effect between the Activities of Daily Living Scale and Neuropsychiatric Inventory scores on the PDSFS score (β = 0.305, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

We determined a PDSFS cut-off score for detecting PD-MCI and found that patients with PD-MCI have social dysfunction. Future research should focus on the effects of neuropsychiatry symptoms and activities of daily living on social functioning, and tailor the intervention programme for patients with Parkinson's disease.
Case-control Investigation of Previously Undiagnosed Diabetes in the Critically Ill
Authors: Krinsley James S , Roberts Gregory , Brownlee Michael , Schwartz Michael , Preiser Jean-Charles , Rule Peter , Wang Yu , Bahgat Joseph , Umpierrez Guillermo E , Hirsch Irl B
Published: November 2022

Context

The outcome of patients requiring intensive care can be influenced by the presence of previously undiagnosed diabetes (undiagDM).

Objective

This work aimed to define the clinical characteristics, glucose control metrics, and outcomes of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with undiagDM, and compare these to patients with known DM (DM).

Methods

This case-control investigation compared undiagDM (glycated hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] ≥ 6.5%, no history of diabetes) to patients with DM. Glycemic ratio (GR) was calculated as the quotient of mean ICU blood glucose (BG) and estimated preadmission glycemia, based on HbA1c ([28.7 × HbA1c] – 46.7 mg/dL). GR was analyzed by bands: less than 0.7, 0.7 to less than or equal to 0.9, 0.9 to less than 1.1, and greater than or equal to 1.1. Risk-adjusted mortality was represented by the Observed:Expected mortality ratio (OEMR), calculated as the quotient of observed mortality and mortality predicted by the severity of illness (APACHE IV prediction of mortality).

Results

Of 5567 patients 294 (5.3%) were undiagDM. UndiagDM had lower ICU mean BG (P < .0001) and coefficient of variation (P < .0001) but similar rates of hypoglycemia (P = .08). Mortality and risk-adjusted mortality were similar in patients with GR less than 1.1 comparing undiagDM and DM. However, for patients with GR greater than or equal to 1.1, mortality (38.5% vs 10.3% [P = .0072]) and risk-adjusted mortality (OEMR 1.18 vs 0.52 [P < .0001]) were higher in undiagDM than in DM.

Conclusion

These data suggest that DM patients may develop tolerance to hyperglycemia that occurs during critical illness, a protective mechanism not observed in undiagDM, for whom hyperglycemia remains strongly associated with higher risk of mortality. These results may shed light on the natural history of diabetes.
GIAO NMR Calculation-Driven Stereochemical Assignment of Marine Macrolide Natural Products: Assessment of the Performance of DP4 and DP4+ Analyses and Assignment of the Relative Configuration of Leptolyngbyalide A–C/Oscillariolide Macrolactone
Authors: Murata Keisuke , Mori Hirotoshi , Fuwa Haruhiko
Published: November 2022

The stereochemical assignment of marine macrolide natural products by quantum chemical calculations is often hampered by the generation of an intractable number of conformers in molecular mechanics conformation searches. In this study, we assessed in detail the application of GIAO NMR chemical shift calculation and DP4-type statistical analyses to the stereochemical assignment of two marine macrolide natural products, whose relative configurations had been incorrectly assigned in the originally proposed structures. We also examined how DP4+ probability was affected by cumulative Boltzmann population level of molecular mechanics-derived conformers. Finally, GIAO NMR chemical shift calculation/DP4-type statistical analysis was applied to leptolyngbyalide A–C/oscillariolide macrolactone, whose relative configuration has not been assigned so far.
Κοινωνική οικονομία στην Ελλάδα
Authors: Θωμάκης Ζαφείριος
Published: November 2022

Η παρούσα Διδακτορική Διατριβή, σκοπό έχει να διερευνήσει και να μελετήσει, όχι μόνο με οικονομικά αλλά και με κοινωνικά κριτήρια, το πεδίο της Κοινωνικής Οικονομίας και τις προαναφερθείσες πρωτοβουλίες που αναδεικνύονται μέσα από τη δράση ατόμων ή ομάδων. Συγκεκριμένα μελετήθηκε ο τομέας της Κοινωνικής Οικονομίας, η ανάπτυξή του τα χρόνια της κρίσης, αλλά και η αντοχή που επέδειξε μέσα σ ένα δύσκολο οικονομικό περιβάλλον. Επίσης μελετήθηκε και ο Πρωτογενής τομέας, ο οποίος αποτελεί πυλώνα ανάπτυξης και οικονομικής σταθερότητας για κάθε κράτος. Η μελέτη των Κοινωνικών Επιχειρήσεων και των Αγροτικών Συνεταιρισμών, και ιδιαίτερα η διερεύνηση του αποθέματος του κοινωνικού κεφαλαίου που διαθέτουν, αποτελεί ένα σημαντικό εύρημα, που μπορεί να δώσει απαντήσεις αναφορικά με τη μελλοντική πορεία και ανάπτυξη των φορέων προς ένα νέο επιχειρηματικό και κοινωνικό περιβάλλον που διαμορφώνεται σε εθνικό και διεθνές επίπεδο. Η εκτενής βιβλιογραφική ανασκόπηση, δείχνει ότι υπάρχει δυναμική στο υπό εξέταση πεδίο. Η μελέτη και ανάλυση της έννοιας του κοινωνικού κεφαλαίου και η συμβολή του στην ενδυνάμωση και ανάπτυξη των δυο μορφών φορέων είναι σημαντική. Για τη διερεύνηση των ερευνητικών ερωτημάτων, χρησιμοποιήθηκαν δύο δομημένα ερωτηματολόγια, καθώς και δεδομένα από έρευνα του Ευρωβαρόμετρου. Τα αποτελέσματα από την ποιοτική και ποσοτική ανάλυση, αναδεικνύουν σημαντικά ευρήματα, και φαίνεται η σημασία που έχει το κοινωνικό κεφάλαιο στις δύο μορφές επιχειρήσεων και καταγράφονται προβλήματα σε ζητήματα συνεργασίας, επικοινωνίας κτλ, τόσο στο περιβάλλον εντός όσο και στο περιβάλλον εκτός των φορέων.
Case Report: Zen meditation-integrated CBT normalized the impaired brain function of a chronic low back pain patient—from the findings of brain blood flow SPECT imaging
Authors: Honda Tetsumi
Published: November 2022

Background: Mindfulness meditation for chronic pain is popular globally, but evidence of its efficacy is limited. Moreover, there are no established methods on the objective evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions for chronic pain. In this study, a chronic low back pain patient was treated with traditional Japanese Buddhism meditation-integrated cognitive behavioral therapy and the pre- and post-intervention brain single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images were compared.

Case: A 45-year-old man was experiencing continuous back pain after a vehicular accident and experienced insufficient improvement after drug treatment. The patient underwent a 3-month outpatient mindfulness meditation-integrated cognitive behavioral therapy program executed by a multidisciplinary team: physician visits (once a week for 30 min), multidisciplinary medical and meditation education (Zen breath counting meditation and mantra), physiotherapy interventions (twice weekly), occupational therapy interventions (twice weekly), psychiatric occupational therapy interventions (twice weekly), and nutritional interventions (twice weekly). After treatment, the patient reported a decrease in subjective pain overall, based on whether or not a pain attack occurred. Brain SPECT imaging revealed an improvement in excess blood flow from the right temporoparietal junction to the inferior parietal lobe.

Conclusions: These findings indicate that Zen meditation is an effective intervention method for chronic pain and SPECT is a useful tool for measuring its effectiveness.
Green taxes as ecosystem conservation: an analysis of the industrial sector's view in Peru
Authors: Ibarra Fretell Walter Gregorio , GRIJALVA SALAZAR ROSARIO VIOLETA
Published: November 2022

Background: Environmental problems are becoming more recurrent nowadays, which is why many countries have acted on the matter, through different forms, laws and taxes that can contribute and reduce the polluting impact of companies at the time of manufacturing their products. One of the reforms has been environmental taxes, which are not only aimed at raising money, but also at taking corrective action on the behavior of companies that damage both the environment and the health of the population.

The research is intended to finding out the opinion and interest of managers of different companies in the industrial sector on environmental taxes, also known as green taxes, and whether they consider it necessary to add green taxes to the current tax system.

Method: For data collection of the research, 120 managers of small and medium-sized enterprises in the industrial sector were questioned about whether green taxes could have an influence on ecosystem conservation and several other questions.

Results: 63.3% of the managers surveyed agree that the application of an environmental tax is necessary.

Conclusion: It is concluded that managers are in favor of green taxes and  approve that  such taxes should be given as part of ecosystem conservation and environmental protection for all businesses, and that they promote businesses that do not generate any side effects or transformations to the environmental balance, thus improving the quality of life of residents.
Invasive Streptococcus agalactiae ST283 infection after fish consumption in two sisters, Lao PDR
Authors: Luangraj Manophab , Hiestand Jasmin , Rasphone Othila , Chen Swaine L. , Davong Viengmon , Barkham Timothy , Simpson Andrew J.H. , Dance David A.B. , Keoluangkhot Valy
Published: November 2022

Background: Streptococcus agalactiae is a normal commensal of the human gastro-intestinal and female genital tracts. It causes serious disease in neonates and pregnant women, as well as non-pregnant adults. Food-borne outbreaks have also been described. A link between invasive Group B streptococcus (GBS) infection in humans caused by S. agalactiae serotype III-4, sequence type 283 (ST283) and the consumption of raw fresh-water fish was first described in Singapore in 2015.

Case presentation: We report the simultaneous occurrence of acute fever and myalgia in two sisters who were visiting Laos. Both were found to have invasive GBS ST283 infection, confirmed by blood culture. Infection was temporally linked to fish consumption. They responded well to intravenous antibiotics within 48 hours.

Conclusions: Food-borne transmission of Streptococcus agalactiae is an important and under-recognised source of serious human disease throughout Southeast Asia and possibly beyond.
‘Five minutes earlier, you were giving hope’: Reflections from interviews with doctors conducting assessments for South Africa’s childhood disability Care Dependency Grant
Authors: Trafford Zara , Swartz Leslie
Published: November 2022

Background: In South Africa, medical doctors functionally decide whether a primary caregiver can access state-funded social assistance cash transfers (‘social grants’) for the care of their disabled child. In this paper, we unpack the subjective experiences of one group of doctors in the country’s Western Cape province who are involved in conducting assessments for the care dependency grant, designed to support the cost of disabled children’s specific needs.

Methods: Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with five paediatric doctors who practice at three Cape Town public sector hospitals and regularly conduct assessments for the care dependency grant. Analysis was thematic and used deductive coding.

Results: The doctors we interviewed were aware that care dependency grants were probably shared among household members but felt this was acceptable, as it contributed to the child’s wellbeing. Doctors seemed to be applying nuanced, individualised assessments but often felt the need to simplify the documentation of these assessments, sometimes even bending the rules, to ensure access. Doctors’ primary allegiance in these processes appeared to be to their patients. They identified more with their care responsibilities than their bureaucratic gate-keeping role but nonetheless felt the weight of their responsibility for decision-making, in the context of extremely strained public resources and a lack of guidance from the government’s social assistance implementation agency.

Conclusions: The hyperlocal practices and approaches that doctors described allows for perception of the messier – but also more accurate – details of the system that is actually in place. Doctors’ narratives also reflect long-standing inattention to the ‘trickle down’ of guidelines to frontline implementers of disability-related grants. This cadre is a valuable but under-utilised source of evidence and information about the real-world functioning of disability-related grants administration and they should be actively included in implementation planning.
ТРАНСГУМАНИСТИЧЕСКАЯ ИНТЕПРЕТАЦИЯ ПСИ ФАКТОРА НА ПРИМЕРЕ НАУЧНОЙ ФАНТАСТИКИ Д. БРОДЕРИКА
Authors: Khvastunova Yulia V.
Published: November 2022

В статье рассматривается видение трансгуманистических идей в творчестве современного австралийского романиста и футуриста Дэмиана Бродерика, как одновременная реализация двух тенденций: влияние киберпанка на формирование идеологии трансгуманизма и влияние трансгуманизма на видение будущего человечества. В работе применяется метод анализа документов, элементы компаративистского и системного методов. Анализируется оценка трансгуманистической политики в отношении радикальных технологий со стороны писателей футуристов на примере суждений писателя и ученого Д. Бродерика. Романист активно включает трансгуманистические теории в свои произведения, цитирует идеологов и проводит идею оптимистической реализации сценария трансгуманистического прогрессивного будущего. Д. Бродерик демонстрирует уверенность в гуманной направленности трансгуманистической программы, а также пытается доказать полезность вовлечения науки в анализ пси-факторов и возможную конвергенцию со сферой паранормальных явлений.
INTEGRATIVE PARADIGM IN FOREIGN STUDIES OF THE LIBRARY PHENOMENON
Authors: Bobrysheva Aleksandra V.
Published: November 2022

The article undertakes an analysis of different foreign publications that were never previously adduced in domestic scientific thought, which reflect an integrative approach to the study of modern library phenomenon. The integrative paradigm is presented by theoretical investigations in the conditions of digitalization of modern sociocultural space. It suggests solving of problems during understanding of essential transformations of library. It is emphasized that the full manifestation of library phenomenon is possible only in conditions of balance between traditional mechanisms of interaction with the society. Therefore the idea of functional integration and migration into the digital area is considered as an exclusive basis for interpretation of the essence of modern library, as it doesn’t reflect the diversity of its practices, which correspond social demands. It is identified that unification of different approaches allows realisation of the multidisciplinary theoretical investigation of library phenomenon, the peculiarities of it’s simultaneous presence in real life and virtual environment, complete analysis of it’s special part in new sociocultural and informational space.
Hyperuricemia as a component of metabolic syndrome and a risk factor for comorbid conditions
Authors: Karabaeva F. , Belyaeva Elena
Published: November 2022

A sufficient number of scientific papers have been accumulated on the association of hyperuricemia with cardiovascular diseases and their consequences (stroke and myocardial infarction), metabolic syndrome, arterial hypertension, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, lipid metabolism disorders, atrial fibrillation. The association of GU with an increased risk of mortality is shown. Pathogenetic connections between the components of the metabolic syndrome have been established.
Tożsamość vs uniformizacja (współczesna literatura rosyjska – studium dwóch przypadków)
Authors: Duda Katarzyna
Published: November 2022

IDENTITY VS UNIFORMIZATION (CONTEMPORARY RUSSIAN LITERATURE – STUDY OF TWO CASES)

The aim of the following article is to consider expressions such as “identity” and “uniformization” which are often used in Russian philosophy as well as in contemporary Russian fiction. Two well-known novels translated into Polish language: “Medea and her Children” by Ludmyla Ulitzkha and “Duchless. A Story about Unreal Man” by Sergiey Minayev were chosen as examples. The first of them takesplace in the 1970’s, whereas the second one is set in the present day. In both cases identity is considered in the context of human relationships and the attitude to other people and at the same time to culture and tradition. Identity is usually based on certain determinants. These are: faith in God, the respect for different confessions, proximity to the nature, care for preservation of heritage including memory about the past and native language. Medea follows this hierarchy of values in her life. The identity of an anonymous hero of Minayev’s book was destroyed by globalizing processes, uniformization, boredom and by addiction to the Internet.
Economic and Institutional Urban Resilience to COVID-19: Case of Poland
Authors: Dulak Michał , Kucharczuk Jakub , Wałachowski Karol
Published: November 2022

This article aims to investigate the institutional and economical resilience of Polish cities with poviat rights to COVID-19 between spring 2020 and autumn 2020. Institutional resilience was researched using surveys among crisis management units and economic resilience with K-means clustering method and stepwise regression. Cities demonstrated a large recovery potential in the areas which lay directly under their supervision. Problems arose in the areas coordinated by central government, i.e. access to respirators, or hospital beds. The size of the city and large number of medium-sized companies were the factors of city’s immunity. Tourist cities turned out to be less resilient.
Contemporary Anarchism as an Alternative to the Dominant Narrative about the Western World
Authors: Malendowicz Paweł
Published: November 2022

The subject of this article is anarchism interpreted as a form of opposition and an alternative to the dominant narrative about the contemporary Western world. The aim of the article is to indicate the areas that shape the dominant narrative about the world and the methods and arguments used by anarchists in attempts to disrupt this narrative by creating their own narrative. The author formulated a hypothesis according to which European anarchism defined the idea of freedom in opposition to the concept of freedom inherent in liberal democracy and consumerism, redefined democracy, criticized the tendencies inherent in modern politics, such as European integration and militarism, as well as the spread of economic patterns inherent in neoliberalism and materialistic and consumerist attitudes of modern societies. The method used to verify this hypothesis is an aspectual analysis carried out in the context of the above mentioned problems on the basis of program documents, propaganda texts and journalism of the contemporary anarchist movement in Europe.
Transient unilateral weakness: is it a transient ischaemic attack?
Authors: Southey Charles C , Birns Jonathan , Sommerville Peter , Bhalla Ajay
Published: November 2022

Transient ischaemic attack is an emergency medical condition that causes brief negative focal neurological symptoms such as unilateral weakness. The symptoms herald a high risk of stroke and hence require urgent assessment. The challenge lies in the brevity and compendium of associated symptoms that can ‘mimic’ a plethora of other conditions. The result is a high rate of referrals to transient ischaemic attack clinics for these stroke mimics. This article highlights the diagnostic challenges in transient ischaemic attack with relevance to unilateral weakness.