bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Le cadre d'usage des outils d'aide à la décision
Authors: Di Bianco Soazig , Compagnone Claude , Thareau Bertille
Published: September 2022

Cet article analyse la prise en charge par les coopératives de la critique environnementale au moyen d’outils numériques et la façon dont leur cadre d’usage se construit avec les technico-commerciaux (TC) et les agriculteurs. À partir du cas d’une coopérative, il montre comment son engagement dans une forme réduite d’agroécologie se traduit par le développement d’outils d’aide à la décision pour aider l’activité de prescription des TC. Cependant, les agriculteurs s’approprient ces OAD et cadrent également l’activité des TC. L’article décrit l’inertie des pratiques et du rapport entre ces deux acteurs dans la construction d’un cadre d’usage commun des OAD et de plusieurs variantes, et interroge le rôle d’intermédiation des TC dans sa stabilisation et ses déclinaisons.
Consolidation d’une paysannerie émiettée…
Authors: Hooge Roma , Landy Frédéric , Noûs Camille , Ruiz Laurent
Published: September 2022

Alors que la superficie moyenne des exploitations en Inde ne cesse de diminuer, il y a dans notre zone d’étude (Karnataka) des exploitations d’assez grande taille et avec une forte productivité de la terre : les estates. S’agit-il de l’embryon d’une « consolidation » de l’agriculture, voire de « firmes agricoles » ? Après avoir présenté l’environnement régional et la petite paysannerie locale, l’article définit les estates, fondées en général sur une agroforesterie irriguée et appartenant à des étrangers à la région. Leurs bilans au niveau hydrique et de l’emploi sont négatifs et on peut même parler d’un accaparement (relatif) de la terre et de l’eau. Le développement de ces estates ne peut donc être considéré comme une solution durable aux problèmes structurels des campagnes indiennes.
Infusing Mindfulness for Social Justice
Authors: Rashkova Yanina , Moi Ludovica , Cabiddu Francesca
Published: September 2022

Social justice represents an indispensable part of sustainable development. This chapter investigates how the concept of mindfulness may bring higher social justice propensity among employees. By conducting an integrative literature review, this study provides a framework that identifies the mindfulness mechanisms and social justice implications across three individual domains (cognitive, behavioral, and emotive), which comprehensively contribute to developing the social justice propensity of employees. Practical implications and future research agenda are presented to sustain further exploration of the topic.
Study of the Impact of Ionic Liquid on the Reactive Compatibilization of the NBR/EVASH/PP Vulcanized Thermoplatic Elastomer Using the Click Chemistry Technique by Thiol-Ene
Authors: dos Santos Danielle Ferreira , Simão Renata Antoun
Published: September 2022

The dynamic vulcanization technique is a process of crosslinking an elastomer during mixing with a molten state thermoplastic, resulting in a new class of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs): vulcanized thermoplastics (TPVs). This technique obtains materials with rubber behavior at room temperature, but processed as plastics at high temperatures, especially by extrusion and injection. The advantage of using the process of obtaining thermoplastic elastomers is that traditional elastomers require several steps in their processing. From an environmental point of view, vulcanized thermoplastics are interesting, since these materials keep their properties practically unchanged with direct recycling, without the need for any treatments. The objective of this work was to develop a new system of reactive compatibilization for the PP/NBR mixture, by means of the click chemistry technique by the reaction of the thiol-ene type, using as a compatibilizing agent the addition of EVASH (Poli (ethylene-co-alcoholicvinyl)-co-mercapto-vinyl acetate), resulting from the chemical modification of EVA (poly (acrylonitrile-co-butadiene)) with mercaptan groups by transesterification. The ionic liquid acted as a catalyst, optimizing the transesterification reaction of EVA, to obtain EVASH with a greater presence of -SH to EVA, obtaining more rigid systems due to the click thiol-ene bond.
A direct comparison between five lung-US and chest-CT-scans in a patient infected by SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Poli Valentina , Spinelli Stefano , Toscano Manuela , Vitale Francesca , Ranalli Alessandro , Tonerini Michele , Romei Chiara , De Liperi Annalisa , Barbieri Greta
Published: September 2022

The gold standard for SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia diagnosis is chest Computed Tomography (CT), but Lung Ultrasound (LUS) is also useful in differential diagnosis and in-hospital monitoring of patients with infection by new Coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID- 19). We present a case of a young man who was infected with SARS-CoV-2 pneumoniae and underwent five steps of chest imaging, including LUS aeration scorings and chest CT scans. Each decrease or increase in LUS scoring could accurately predict CT scan changes.
COVID-19 in sub-intensive care unit: An italian single-center experience along the three epidemic waves
Authors: Vallelonga Fabrizio , Diella Francesco Arcangelo , Converso Marcella , De Filippi Giovanna , Bosco Francesca , Panero Francesco , Aprà Franco , Elia Fabrizio
Published: September 2022

The goal was to characterize COVID-19 patients who needed treatment in Sub-Intensive Care Units (SICUs) for hypoxemic respiratory failure, describe their six-month mortality, and identify clinical and laboratory characteristics that were associated with death. Data from 216 consecutive patients admitted to the COVIDSICU of Turin’s San Giovanni Bosco Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. A total of 216 patients (24.5% of whom were female) were enrolled. The average age was 63±11.9 years. In the three waves, the six-month mortality rate was 32.8%, 35.1%, and 26.6%, respectively (p=0.52). The mortality rate was significantly higher in intubated patients compared to those not requiring intubation (60.8% versus 29.9%, p<0.01). On admission, deceased patients were older (69±7.7 versus 60.2±12.6 y.o., p<0.01), with a higher prevalence of dyslipidemia, coronary artery disease, chronic heart failure, and higher serum creatinine. However, only age was predictive of death at multivariate analysis (OR 5.29, p<0.01), with 63 years old as the best cut-point. At six months, mortality in COVID patients managed in a SICU is around 30%. Age is a significant negative prognostic factor, with 63 years of age being the best predicting cut-off.
Fever and acute urticaria in a young male patient
Authors: Borio Giorgia , Farolfi Federica
Published: September 2022

A 23-year-old man presented to our emergency department with a new onset of low-grade fever associated with diffuse itching urticarial rash localized to his trunk and upper limbs. He denied respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. Peripheral oxygen saturation was 98% at room ambient. His past medical history was unremarkable, and he was not taking any medications. No history of allergies was reported. He denied traveling abroad, contact with animals, ingesting raw meat or fish, or taking medicine. Laboratory results showed leukopenia with lymphocytopenia and normal C-reactive protein value. Eosinophils were normal. Hepatic and renal tests were all within the normal range. He was vaccinated with 3 doses of Comirnaty vaccine with no adverse reactions. Lung ultrasound showed A pattern without pleural effusion. The patient was discharged with oral steroids (prednisone 25 mg for three days with a progressive reduction in 10 days) and oral antihistamine (bilastine 10 mg daily for 10 days), and acetaminophen 1 gr if fever above 37.5°C, with complete resolution of the rash without sequelae in 10 days.
Thoracic endometriosis presenting as hemopneumothorax
Authors: El Haj Chehade Ahel , Nasir Ahmad Basil , Peterson Jo Elle G. , Ramseyer Timothy , Bhardwaj Himanshu
Published: September 2022

Thoracic endometriosis is very rare. Usually, the thorax is the most frequent affected site outside the pelvis. Common symptoms include chest pain, dyspnea, and hemoptysis. Common manifestations include pneumothorax, hemothorax, and pulmonary or pleural nodules. In addition, symptoms and manifestations can be “catamenial” happening a few days after menstruation onset. This disease can be debilitating, causing a significant impact on the quality of life of young women. We present a case of a young female who was referred to our hospital with recurrent right-sided pleural effusions and pneumothoraces. Pleural fluid drainage was consistent with hemothorax. Transvaginal ultrasound showed mild intraperitoneal fluid in the Cul-de-Sac. Due to concerns for thoracic endometriosis, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed confirming the diagnosis by pathology. Therapeutic pleurectomy with diaphragmatic repair and pleurodesis was performed. The patient was started on medroxyprogesterone acetate injections two weeks after with great clinical response.
The level of knowledge about rheumatic diseases in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alenzi Fahidah , Al-Sheikh Haifa , Alnasser Manal , Adwani Maha Al , Aldhuwayhi Raghad , Algenaim Eatedal , Abowadaan Maha
Published: September 2022

Introduction:

Joint inflammation, which causes pain and swelling, is common in rheumatic diseases. In Saudi Arabia, large multicenter studies on the prevalence of rheumatic diseases and the common beliefs about these diseases are lacking. Our study aimed to investigate the false beliefs about rheumatic diseases in Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was carried out in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 2019 to January 2020, to assess the understanding and misconceptions of rheumatic disorders in the study population. The statistical analysis was performed using the Fisher's exact test and the Chi-squared test, and binary logistic regression was employed for dichotomous variables.

Results:

Five hundred and eleven respondents were recruited in the study, with a mean age of 26.9 years; 76.9% of respondents were female. 89.4% of the respondents were Saudi nationals; 75.2%, 20.3%, and 4.5% of respondents had bachelor's, prebachelor's, and master's degrees, respectively. The most frequently reported rheumatic disease was rheumatoid arthritis (66%), followed by myositis (13.3%). Most of the respondents (77%) in this study were aware of rheumatic diseases.

Conclusion:

Most of the respondents were aware of rheumatic diseases. However, a more exhaustive multicentric survey with a wider population-based survey is needed to provide substantial data and help rheumatologists overcome patients' misconceptions and improve outcomes.

The following core competencies are addressed in this article:

Medical knowledge, Patient care, Systems-based practice, Practice-based learning and improvement.
Comparison of undergraduate dental students' academic performance using structured and unstructured oral examinations
Authors: Lakshminarayan Nagesh , Usha G. V.
Published: September 2022

Introduction:

Assessment plays a central role in formal education. Unstructured oral examinations are the status quo in dental education in India but have some drawbacks, including a lack of inter-rater reliability. It is not known whether structured oral examinations provide different scores nor how they will be accepted by students or examiners.

Materials and Methods:

A sample of 20 students were randomly selected from a group of third-year BDS students who had scored 65% and above in the 2nd year university examination in Bapuji Dental College and Hospital. They were exposed to a total of 4 h of lecture and problem-solving sessions on dental ethics. Four raters (teaching faculty), having similar academic experience and designation, were selected and they were trained to conduct structured oral examinations according to a format, especially designed for the same purpose. Half the students underwent structured examination followed by unstructured examination while half the students underwent unstructured examination followed by structured examination. Paired t-test was applied to find out the statistical difference between structured and unstructured oral examination formats.

Results:

The students obtained a mean score of 13.35 ± 3.8 out of a total score of 20 in the unstructured oral examination when compared to a mean score of 14 ± 3.76 in the structured oral examination. The difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.69). The acceptance trended favorable for structure examination but was not statistically significant. The structured examination had higher inter-rater reliability than the unstructured examination.

Conclusion:

The results showed good reliability and repeatability of the structured oral examination format with an inter-rater reliability of 0.82. Structured viva voce was not found to improve the performance of students when compared to unstructured viva voce.

The following core competencies are addressed in this article:

Practice-based learning and improvement, Patient care and procedural skills, Systems-based practice, Medical knowledge, Interpersonal and communication skills, and Professionalism.
Intra-Articular Lidocaine versus Procedural Sedation for Shoulder Dislocation Reduction
Authors: Zitek Tony , Koneri Nicholas , Georges Nikkitta , Slane Matthew
Published: September 2022

Introduction:

Two common ways of providing anesthesia for shoulder dislocation reductions in the emergency department (ED) are intra-articular lidocaine (IAL) injections and procedural sedation (PS). We sought to compare PS with propofol or etomidate to IAL for shoulder dislocation reductions in the ED.

Methods:

This was an open-label, randomized controlled trial of patients aged 18–70 years with anterior shoulder dislocations who presented to a single ED. We randomized patients to either PS or IAL for their shoulder dislocation reduction. The primary outcome measure was ED length of stay (LOS). Secondarily, we assessed patient satisfaction and the number of attempts required for successful reduction.

Results:

We identified 60 patients who met the criteria for enrollment, and were able to enroll 43. We randomized 23 patients to IAL and 20 to PS. In the IAL group, the mean ED LOS was 133 min as compared to 124 min for the PS group (difference 9 min [95% confidence interval (CI)-22–41], P = 0.54). Patients in the IAL group required an average of 1.9 reduction attempts as compared to 1.2 in the PS group (difference of 0.7 [95% CI 0.2–1.2]). The mean patient satisfaction scores were similar at 9.7 and 9.8 for the IAL and PS groups, respectively.

Conclusions:

This study lacked a sufficient sample size to detect small differences but found no statistically significant difference in mean ED LOS or patient satisfaction for patients who received IAL as compared to PS. Patients in the PS group required fewer attempts for successful reduction.
Polypharmacy and Potential Drug–Drug Interactions in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Al-Ghazaly Zakaria M. , Jassim Nizar Abdul Latif
Published: September 2022

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease with protean manifestations. It is characterized by symmetric polyarticular inflammation, which can lead to progressive joint damage. As a result, RA is associated with substantial functional disability, morbidity, and accelerated mortality, which pose an enormous and growing societal burden. Polypharmacy is a major public health concern, which is growing worldwide. Polypharmacy is associated with adverse outcomes including mortality, falls, adverse drug reactions, increased length of stay in hospital and readmission to hospital soon after discharge.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to quantify polypharmacy in a group of patients with RA, its relationship with patients’ characteristics and to assess the risk of potential undesirable interactions between medications used for managing RA and those used for chronic and non-chronic diseases.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Rheumatology Unit during the period from December 2019 to December 2020. A total of 188 adult patients, previously diagnosed with RA according to the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/ European League against Rheumatism rheumatoid arthritis classification criteria, were included in the study. Data were collected using a pre-constructed data collection sheet. Questionnaires included demographic and clinical data of the patients. In this study, polypharmacy was defined as the association of five or more medications, regardless of the duration. Drug interactions were identified by use of the Medscape’s drug interaction checker® database.

Results:

Among 188 RA patients in this study, polypharmacy was found in 71.8% of the patients and there were 331 potential drug–drug interactions (1.77 ± 2.52 DDIs/patient). Most of the potential drug–drug interactions were related to the use of methotrexate, with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs being the major representative of these drug–drug interactions with methotrexate.

Conclusion:

High prevalence of polypharmacy was found in RA patients. Positive correlation between polypharmacy and patient’s age, disease activity and the presence of other comorbid conditions. Polypharmacy was associated with increased incidence of potential drug–drug interactions in RA patients. Methotrexate was involved in most drug–drug interactions.
Impact of Adapted Physical Activity on Blood Pressure and Hypertension Control in the Militaries of Kinshasa Garrison, Democratic Republic of Congo: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kabanda Gilbert Kurhenga , Nkodila Aliocha Natuhoyila , Masudi Gustave Mundu , Beya Felix Espoir Batena , Ngasa Nicaise Ngasa Kiana , Mety Rawell Masey , Buila Nathan Bimbi , Kayembe Jean-Marie Ntumba , Longo Benjamin Mbenza , M’Buyamba-Kabangu Jean-René
Published: September 2022

Context and objective. Major handicap for operational conditioning of troops, hypertension requires innovative approaches for its prevention and management. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of adapted physical activity (APA) on BP level of sedentary soldiers from Kinshasa garrison and the rate of hypertension control in those with high BP. Methods. Open, parallel randomized controlled trial carried out at Camp Lt-Colonel Kokolo (CVEC) from June 2016 to October 2017) in sedentary soldiers (57.6 %, hypertensives) allocated for 8 weeks to APA (n=119) or control (n=110). The randomization procedure used permuted blocks of four consecutive participants. The outcomes were baseline-adjusted betweengroup difference in BP level (all participants), in rate of BP control among hypertensives. Results. At the last available visit in 226 participants (119 vs 107), the baseline-adjusted BP difference between active and control group by intentionto- treat was 5.1 (95 % CI 1.2 -10.8)/3.0 (0.1-6.9) mmHg lower in the active group. The effect of APA was also significant across pre-specified categories of participants based on age, officers’ rank, and hypertension status. Among 129 analyzed drug treated hypertensives (68 vs 61), the rate of BP control remained unchanged in the control group (43.8 to 44.3%) but increased (43.5% to 85.3 %) in the active group yielding a baseline-adjusted between group difference of 40.7 (32.2; 49.2) %. The probability to achieve hypertension control was greater (HR: 3.38 [95% CI: 1.48- 4.84] in the active group. PP analysis of 122 soldiers (80 vs 42) with data at all scheduled visits yielded confirmatory results for BP reduction and for hypertension control by APA. The changes in BP were positively correlated with concomitant reductions in heart rate. Conclusion. Exercise training induced a significant BP reduction in sedentary militaries and improved the control rate among those with drug treated hypertension.
The anthem as site for marketing Higher Education Institutions in Ghana
Authors: Opoku Gabriel
Published: September 2022

The global trend for at least the last three decades has been that Higher Education Institutions have had to place themselves within the framework of free market economies. One central principle of free market economies is the re-envisioning of Higher Education Institutions as offering products and services to ‘consumers’ and ‘clients. An implication of this current wisdom is that HEIs have had to turn to discourses of marketisation through existing HE genres to sell the products and services that they have. This paper examines the globality of this trend from two perspectives, one being the extent to which marketisation has become a primary concern in terms of how HEIs see themselves in the specific context of Ghana; and the other is the extent to which discourses of marketisation have colonised HE genres such as anthems. Employing Martin and White’s Appraisal theory as a framework, the study investigates the anthem as a site for marketing higher education institutions in Ghana by focusing on two traditional universities of Ghana, using the anthems of the University of Ghana and the University of Cape Coast as cases. The analysis reveals that great care and intentionality are invested into the creation of the anthems because they are viewed as a rhetorical apparatus for selling institutions. The choice and use of attitudinal lexis with inscribed and upscaled positive attitudes about the universities, their infrastructure, human capital, services, and reputation are negotiated through a monoglossic stance to stimulate the interest of the audience, positively influence their perceptions about the university, align them with their values, and win their loyalty. An implication of this study is that, although current scholarship suggests strongly that marketisation in HE is a relatively recent phenomenon, it has been at the centre of the genre of higher education institutional anthems in the context of Ghana for a far longer time. The study therefore provides evidence that challenges the current thinking about the extent to which marketisation has been a concern of HEIs.
Language and liberty
Authors: Obeng Samuel Gyasi
Published: September 2022

Linguists consider language, the most important tool of human existence, as first and foremost, a cognitive experience actualized through speech. Liberty, a principal concept, has since the beginning of the renaissance attracted the attention of philosophers, jurists, political scientists, ethicists, media scholars, among others, as an indispensable facet of human life in the areas of governance and the constitution of order, peoplehood, and societal value systems. Following the philosophical traditions of Sir Isaiah Berlin and drawing on African (Akan) axioms, the paper presents a theory relating to the entwining between language and liberty by elucidating how one indexes the other in a political process and practice, judicial process, in the foundation of people’s social and moral value systems, as a healthcare construct, and in free speech. Also explicated is the fact that actors’ effective use of language (linguistic and discourse-pragmatic tools) ensures success in the fight for liberty. Finally, the theory calls for liberty to be rooted in a nation’s laws, politics, philosophical traditions, value systems, healthcare practice, and the construction and enactment of free speech in order to make the fight for it (liberty) a reality.
Assessment of Carbon Dioxide Storage Capacity of Selected Aquifers in ‘J’ Field, West Africa
Authors: Raji W. O. , Bello S. O. , Adeoye T. O.
Published: September 2022

combination of seismic data and petrophysical logs from five wells acquired in ‘J’ Field, Niger Delta, Nigeria, have been analyzed to assess the carbon dioxide (CO2) storage potential of some saline aquifers in ‘J’ field. The study aims to evaluate the volume of CO2 that can be potentially stored in the aquifers and the risk of CO2 leakages in the storage. The sand aquifers were correlated across the five wells to evaluate their thicknesses and lateral extent. Porosity, permeability, formation water resistivity, and net sand thickness were estimated in the different wells. The Horizons corresponding to the top of the aquifers was mapped, and time and depth structured maps were generated for structural analysis and volumetric estimations. The risk of CO2 leakages through sealing layers (cap rocks) was evaluated in terms of caprock integrity and pore pressure sealing mechanism. Results of the study showed that four aquifers, namely, L20, N30, M40, and P50, are laterally extensive across the five wells and have thicknesses that range from 14 to 352 m. The individual CO2 storage capacity of L20, M30, N40, and P50 was estimated to be 6.97×1010, 1.48×1010, 7.78×109 and 1.49×1010 tons, respectively. The combined aquifer storage capacity was estimated to be 1.07×1011 tons. The sealing layers have low risk of CO2 leakages. The study concluded that the aquifers have good potential for CO2 storage and low risk of leakages. The study ranked L20 as the best among the four aquifers.
Immunohistochemical Expression of Ki-67, cytokeratin-18 and BCL-2 in Wistar rats testes treated with Rauwolfia vomitoria, Chlorpromazine and Co-administration of Reserpine, Ascorbate and Zinc
Authors: Adeleke O.S. , Oyewopo A.O. , Falana B.A. , Akinyemi B.R. , Dare B.J. , Adegoke A.A. , Ibiam V. , Adeyemi B.S. , Ilesanmi D.O.
Published: September 2022

Aim: The expression of Ki-67, cytokeratin-18, and BCL-2 proteins in Wistar rats testes was studied using Rauwolfia vomitoria RV extract, Chlorpromazine (CPZ), and combination of Reserpine, Ascorbate, and Zinc (RAZ).Methods: Forty-five eight weeks old male Wistar rats (170-190 g) were selected into nine groups of five rats each. Group A was the control group, animals in groups B and C received 10 and 20 mg/kg of chlorpromazine respectively, animals in groups D and E received 2.5 and 5 mg/kg of reserpine respectively, animals in groups F and G received 150 and 300 mg/kg of RV leaf extract respectively while groups H and I animals received (2.5:5:100) mg/kg and (5:10:200) mg/kg of combination of RAZ respectively. All compounds were administered orally for 56 days.Results: Chlorpromazine and reserpine treated rats showed weak immunoreactivity to ki-67 and strong positive immunoreactivity to cytokeratin and BCL-2 proteins while RVand combination of RAZ treated rats showed weak positive immunoreactivity to cytokeratin and BCL-2 and strong immunoreactivity to ki-67. Furthermore, slight significant increase in germ cell proliferation index was seen in RV and RAZ treated groups when compared with CPZ and RES treated groups while significant decrease in germ cell apoptotic index and immature sertoli cell index were seen in RV and RAZ treated groups when compared with CPZ and RES treated groups.Conclusion: This research revealed the reproductive toxicity of synthetic antipsychotic drugs (CPZ and RES) and also unveiled the fertility potential of antipsychotic herb (RV) extract alongside RAZ by reducing the reproductive toxicity that is commonly associated with antipsychotic drugs.
Risk factors for venous thromboembolism at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
Authors: Aworanti O.W. , Adeoye O.A. , Ogundeji S.P. , Nwanji I.D. , Anyanwu-Yeiya C.C. , Fasola F.A. , Olaniyi J.A.
Published: September 2022

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) possesses a significant public health challenge as it is responsible for high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Risk factors play a major role in its pathogenesis. VTE risk factors identification and thromboprophylaxis will reduce the burden of disease and its treatment cost. The study aimed to review the pattern of presentation, and identify risk factors in VTE patients at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.Methods: This is a retrospective study of the hospital records of 98 confirmed VTE patients managed at UCH, Ibadan over 18 months. Demographic data and risk factors documented in the case-note were retrieved. Microsoft excel version 2013 and SPSS version 23 were employed for the statistical analysis.Results: Ninety-eight patients were studied with M: F of 1:1.6. The age range was between 15 and 87 years with a mean age of 52±17years. Seventy-one patients (72%) had DVT. Immobilization was the most frequently identified risk factor, followed by a prior diagnosis of malignancy (15.4%).Conclusion: This study further confirms immobilization as the most identifiable risk. Others include malignancies and iatrogenic causes by femoral canulation.
Effectiveness and safety of combined use of tranexamic acid and Xiyu dressing in chloasma therapy, and its effect on recurrence in patients
Authors: Chen Xiaojian , Wu Lei , Wu Jian , Cai Meihong
Published: September 2022

Purpose: To determine the effectiveness and safety of combined use of tranexamic acid (TA) and Xiyu dressing in chloasma patients.

Methods: Ninety female patients with moderate-to-severe melasma who were admitted to the Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (February 2020 - February 2021), were equally divided into 3 groups: A, B and C. Patients in group A were orally treated with TA, those in group B received oral TA and Xiyu dressing, while those in group C received Xiyu dressing only. Treatment effectiveness, Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) score, whole blood viscosity (WBV) and disease recurrence rate were assessed.

Results: General patient profile was comparable amongst the 3 groups (p > 0.05). Objective treatment effectiveness was higher in group B than in group A, and higher in group A than in group C (p < 0.05). At weeks 8, 16 and 20, the order of Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) scores was: C > A > B, with lower scores in group B than in group A, and lower in group A than in group C (p < 0.05). The whole blood viscosity (WBV) was highest in group B, while group C had the lowest WBV (p < 0.05). No notable differences occurred in disease recurrence rate amongst the 3 groups. Onset time of cure was shorter in group A than in group C, but was longer in group A than in group B (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Treatment with TA and Xiyu dressing is more effective when combined than when using either of them alone; furthermore, disease recurrence rate is lowest with the combination therapy. Therefore, the combined therapy has potentials for use in the management of chloasma, but further clinical trials are required prior to application in clinical practice
Effect of combined use of L carnitine and hemodialysis on clinical efficacy and quality of life of uremic patients
Authors: Liu Huanhuan , Zhang Ren
Published: September 2022

Purpose: To investigate the clinical efficacy of combined use of L-carnitine and hemodialysis in the treatment of uremic patients, and its effect on their quality of life.

Methods: A total of 160 uremic patients who were admitted to Lujiang County People's Hospital from November 2018 to August 2020 were selected and divided equally into dialysis group (hemodialysis), and combined group (L-carnitine + hemodialysis). Some clinical indices and parameters, including safety profile, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+, and plasma protein levels were evaluated for both study groups.

Results: Patients treated with L-carnitine + hemodialysis in the combined group resulted in significantly higher clinical treatment effectiveness than those in the dialysis group (p < 0.05). However, safety profiles were comparable in the two groups (p > 0.05). No significant difference in NIHSS score between the two groups before treatment, but L-carnitine + hemodialysis led to a better NIHSS score than in the dialysis group after treatment (p < 0.05). However, there were better levels of CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ in the combined group than in the dialysis group (p < 0.05). Similarly, although pre-treatment plasma protein levels in the two groups were comparable, there were significantly lower plasma protein levels in the combined group than in the dialysis group post-treatment (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The combination of L-carnitine and hemodialysis in the treatment of uremia patients improves the clinical management of the patients, enhances their quality of life, and shows good safety profile. However, further clinical trials should be carried out prior to the application of the combined treatment in clinical practice.
Tectorigenin ameliorates myocardial cell injury caused by hypoxia/reoxygenation by inhibiting autophagy via activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway
Authors: Wu Jijun , Zhou Yingli , Guo Ming , Yang Jie , Wu Feifei , Wang Jialin
Published: September 2022

Purpose: To investigate the protective role of tectorigenin in myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion.

Methods: Myocardial cells (H9c2) were treated with different concentrations of tectorigenin and exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation. Cell viability and apoptosis were determined by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) and TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling) staining, respectively. Oxidative stress and inflammation were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while autophagy and the underlying mechanisms of action were evaluated by Western blot.

Results: Tectorigenin enhanced the proliferative activity of H9c2 under hypoxia/reoxygenation conditions, and significantly reduced the apoptotic activity (p < 0.001) through decrease in Bax and increase in Bcl-2. Tectorigenin also significantly up-regulated SOD (superoxide dismutase) and GSH (glutathione) levels (p < 0.01), and down-regulated MDA (malondialdehyde) and MPO (myeloperoxidase) in hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced H9c2. TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α), IL(interleukin)-1β, and IL-6 levels were also inhibited by tectorigenin by down-regulating p-p65. Hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced increase in p62 and decrease in Beclin-1 and LC3-II/LC3-I were reversed by tectorigenin. Protein expressions of p-mTOR, p-AKT, and p-PI3K in hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced H9c2 were elevated by tectorigenin.

Conclusion: Tectorigenin exerts anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-autophagic effects on hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced H9c2 through the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, thus suggesting that it is a potential agent for the management of myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion.
Patchouli alcohol suppresses inflammation and autophagy, and reduces osteoclast formation in periodontitis via regulation of ERK and NF κB signaling pathways
Authors: Fei Fei , Zhang Changqing
Published: September 2022

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of patchouli alcohol (PA) on periodontitis and reveal its possible mechanism.

Methods: Primary human periodontal membrane cells (PDLC) were isolated and treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to establish a periodontitis model. The MTT, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence assay were used to determine the effect of PA on cell viability and apoptosis in PDLC exposed to LPS. The inflammation status and osteoclast formation were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and TRAP staining. Immunoblot assays were performed to analyze the effect of LPS on ERK and NF-κB pathways.

Results: Patchouli alcohol (PA) improved LPS-induced PDLC growth arrest (p < 0.001). In addition, PA relieved LPS - induced autophagy of PDLCs (p < 0.001). Further data confirmed that PA inhibited lPS-induced inflammation of PDLCs. In addition, PA reduced osteoclast formation, and suppressed inflammation and autophagy, and also reduced osteoclast formation by regulating ERK and NF-κB pathways.

Conclusion: Patchouli alcohol inhibits inflammation and autophagy, and decreases osteoclast formation in periodontitis via the regulation of ERK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Thus, this compound has potentials for development for the treatment of periodontitis; however, in vivo studies should first be undertaken.
A Lower Bound of the Number of Rewrite Rules Obtained by Homological Methods
Authors: Ikebuchi Mirai
Published: September 2022

It is well-known that some equational theories such as groups or boolean
algebras can be defined by fewer equational axioms than the original axioms.
However, it is not easy to determine if a given set of axioms is the smallest
or not. Malbos and Mimram investigated a general method to find a lower bound
of the cardinality of the set of equational axioms (or rewrite rules) that is
equivalent to a given equational theory (or term rewriting systems), using
homological algebra. Their method is an analog of Squier's homology theory on
string rewriting systems. In this paper, we develop the homology theory for
term rewriting systems more and provide a better lower bound under a stronger
notion of equivalence than their equivalence. The author also implemented a
program to compute the lower bounds, and experimented with 64 complete TRSs.
Hemşirelikte Deneysel Araştırmalarda Süreç Değerlendirme
Authors: ÖZDEMİR KOYU Hazal , KILIÇARSLAN TÖRÜNER Ebru
Published: September 2022

Süreç değerlendirme, bir girişimin uygulanmasını en üst düzeye çıkarmak amacıyla; uygulanan girişimin başarılı ve geliştirilmesi gereken yönlerini etkileyen mekanizmaların, süreçlerin ve uygulama stratejilerinin geliştirilmesine katkı sağlayan bir değerlendirmedir. Süreç değerlendirme, girişimin tüm yönlerini, girişimi etkileyen etki mekanizmalarını ve girişimin bağlamını inceleyerek hemşirelik alanındaki çok boyutlu müdahalelerin yeterli doğruluk, doz ve kalitede sunulmasını sağlamaktadır. Böylece, hemşirelik araştırmalarında uygulanan girişimlerin etkinliği süreç değerlendirme kullanılarak değerlendirilebilir. Son yıllarda hemşirelik alanında iyi tasarlanmış, sonuç değerlendirme çalışmaları olarak da bilinen, deneysel araştırmalar literatürde yer almasına rağmen süreç değerlendirmeye yönelik çalışmaların sınırlı olduğu görülmektedir. Bu derleme, süreç değerlendirme kavramı, süreç değerlendirmenin temel bileşenleri, aşamalarına yönelik bakış açısı kazandırmak ve hemşirelik araştırmalarında süreç değerlendirmenin önemini vurgulamak amacıyla planlanmıştır.
Using of the language factor in modern conflicts of various levels
Authors: Vydaichuk Tetiana , Rusachenko Natalia , Lakhno Nataliia , Moskalchuk Hanna , Nesterenko Tetiana
Published: September 2022

Language is the basis of a nation's cultural identity. The language is formed over the years, absorbing traditions, national identity, reflecting the peculiarities of everyday life, culture, crafts, traditions, and religion. The history of the people is clearly reflected in linguistic features. As a result of geopolitical processes, some languages of the world become more widespread or are considered languages of international communication, such as English, while other languages die out, turning into languages that are almost not used, and their use among peoples is artificially supported thanks to special cultural programs. The article analyzes the real causes of conflicts based on the use of language and analyzes the current geopolitical situation. To confirm the hypotheses put forward in the article, the results of the conducted sociological survey and its interpretation with the projection of the results for the formation of geopolitical development trends based on the use of language issues in geopolitical positioning are given.
Features of the applying the information and communication technologies in the conditions of distance master’s training of choir and orchestra conductors
Authors: Shumska Lyudmyla , Shumskyi Mykola , Savchuk Galyna , Puchko-Kolesnyk Yuliia , Velychko Nelia , Chincheva Larisa
Published: September 2022

The purpose of the academic paper, based on the results of the analysis of the viewpoints of scientists regarding the selection and application of information and communication technologies in the conditions of distance education of choir and orchestra conductors and the study of practical aspects of the master’s training of specialists in choral and orchestral conducting, lies in revealing and identifying the main features of the professional training of this type of specialists. Methodology. In the process of conducting the research, an analytical and bibliographic method has been used to study the scientific literature on the issues of distance master’s training of choir and orchestra conductors, as well as a questionnaire to conduct a survey of choral and orchestral conductors. Results. Based on the results of the research conducted, the features of the choice and application of information and communication technologies in the conditions of distance master’s training of choir and orchestra conductors have been analysed, and basic information has been prepared on the effectiveness of using various information.
Artistic and aesthetic senior preschool age сhild development: Organizational and management block
Authors: Zhytnik Tetiana , Liapunova Valentyna , Varina Hanna , Kobylnik Liliia
Published: September 2022

The timeliness of the problem is caused by the contradiction between need for artistic and aesthetic development of the child, who has a desire to learn, be creatively realized and insufficient organizational and methodological support in art schools. The purpose of research work is determining the stages of artistic and aesthetic development of older preschool children in primary art school. The research methodology consisted of the research works by Greene S., Hill M., Green B., Hall E., Turner C., Zyazyun I., Zlatyeva A., Otich O., Padalka H., Rudnytska O., McLeod N., Wright D., McCall K., Fujii M., Muzyka O., Lopatiuk Y., Belinska T., Belozerskaya A., Shvets I., Legkostup P., Kopylkovska I., Tikhomirova T. Results. The following actions are necessary for the successful implementation of the basic provisions of the modern art school: content and methodological blocks substantiation; logical and consistent definition and implementation of artistic and aesthetic development of senior preschool age child complex stages; providing organizational and managerial, control and evaluation units.
The application of communicative linguistics in the study of foreign languages (an example of the english language)
Authors: Kosharna Natalia , Ordynska Ilona , Hlushkovetska Nataliia , Nehrych Nataliia , Lysenko Tetiana
Published: September 2022

The present research examines a set of methods and approaches concerning using modern linguistic innovations in teaching English as a foreign language. Communicative linguistics is among the priority directions in this field. The purpose of the research lies in establishing the efficiency of using a communicative approach for learning English in the framework of university education; the attitude of Ukrainian students to the communicative method, the involvement of the possibilities of communicative linguistics in mastering English is determined. The methodology of the research is complex, based on the pedagogical experiment. Descriptive method, synthesis and analysis have been used to determine the theoretical fundamentals of the research. Statistical methods have been used to measure the achievements and attitudes of the experiment participants. The main hypothesis lies in the fact that the methods and tools of communicative linguistics facilitate and speed up the process of mastering English. The results of the research have shown that despite a number of difficulties, the participants of the experiment approve the introduction of a communicative approach in learning English; their academic results and communication skills have increased. Moving forward, there should be experimental research involving linguistic innovations in the practice of learning foreign languages.
Periodontal disease and systemic health: An update for medical practitioners
Authors: Kalhan Ashish Chetan , Wong Mun Loke , Allen Finbarr , Gao Xiaoli
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Chronic periodontal disease is a highly prevalent dental condition affecting tooth-supporting tissues. Scientific evidence is accumulating on links between periodontal disease and various systemic conditions. This narrative review provides a holistic yet succinct overview that would assist medical practitioners to deliver integrated care for better clinical outcomes.
Method: Scientific evidence on associations between periodontal disease and systemic conditions was synthesised and critically appraised. Key findings of latest prospective cohort studies, randomised clinical trials, and meta-analysis were closely assessed and compiled.
Results: A bidirectional relationship has been established, indicating that diabetes and periodontal disease are closely linked and amplify one another, if not successfully controlled. Existing evidence also supports the associations of periodontal disease with cardiovascular diseases and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Successful treatment of periodontal disease and dental prophylaxis has been shown to improve clinical outcomes in these systemic conditions. Other systemic conditions associated with periodontal disease include respiratory diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic kidney disease. Although the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated, it is generally accepted that the inflammatory burden of chronic periodontal disease has an important systemic impact.
Conclusion: Oral-systemic links are multifaceted and complex. While evidence linking periodontal disease with a variety of systemic conditions is still emerging, the nature of the relationship is becoming clearer. The updated understanding of these associations warrants the attention of medical experts and policymakers for a concerted effort to develop a patient-centric, integrated model for the treatment of comorbid dental and medical conditions.

Keywords: Cardiovascular diseases, dentistry, diabetes, oral health, periodontal diseases, systemic diseases
Evaluation of Nutritional, Phytochemicals, Microbiological and Sensory Properties of Cookies Enriched with Cocoa Bean Shells
Authors:   Value Addition Research Department, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria. P.M.B.5244, Ibadan, Nigeria, Mujidat Adenike Olalekan-Adeniran,
Published: September 2022

: Cocoa bean shells (CBS) are wastes generated by cocoa processing industries despite its high nutritional properties. Production of cookies enriched with CBS in order to evaluate the effects of its addition on the processed snack food was studied. Cookies were prepared with multipurpose flour, butter, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk and varying quantities of CBS (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10g). The preparation of the cookies was done according to the normal method of cookies production. Nutritional, minerals, phytochemicals, microbiological and sensory evaluations were performed on the processed snack food to determine the contribution of the CBS in enhancement of these properties. Results of chemicals, minerals, phytochemicals and sensory analysis indicates increase in protein, fat, fiber and ash whereas moisture and carbohydrate content decreases as the quantity of the enricher increases. All the parameters determined for minerals and the phytochemicals also increase with increased addition of the CBS. The result of sensory analysis showed that all the samples were rated highly but for the sample with highest addition of CBS which had darker colour and aftertaste due to the deep brown colour of CBS. Microbial examination of the cookies indicated that total bacteria counts were low for all the sample (1.7×102-3.1×103) and no enteric bacteria was detected. The study shows that the cookies enriched with cocoa bean present a profile of mould in different percentages. There is however, an allowance of 1.0×104 cfu/g for yeasts and moulds for baked products to cookies belong.