bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Purification and Characterization of Thermostable α-Amylase from Soil Bacterium Bacillus sp.
Authors: Enez Barış
Published: October 2021

Background:

Amylases are used in several industrial and biotechnological sectors, including those producing textiles, detergents, paper and bakery products.

Objective:

This study aimed to purify an industrially important α-amylase from Bacillus sp. For this purpose, a single and rapid α-amylase purification was performed using the starch affinity method.

Methods:

Characterization of the purified enzyme was determined by investigating temperature, pH stability, detergents, and metal ions.

Results:

The purification coefficient of 29.8-fold with a yield of 9.2% was found. The molecular weight of the purified α-amylase was determined to be 53 kDa by SDS-PAGE, and thermostability was confirmed with 100% activity at 30ºC and 40ºC after 1 h. The purified enzyme was stable over a wide range of pH values, with optimum activity at pH 6.0, 7.0 and 8.0 after 2 h. The study also investigated the effects of the metal ions and detergents on the purified amylase and found that Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions were the activators of the enzyme, while Zn2+, Co2+ and Na+ ions decreased the activity. Furthermore, Hg2+ indicated complete inhibition of amylase activity. The detergents Triton X-100 and Tween 20 increased the α-amylase activity, while sodium dodecyl sulfate inhibited the activity.

Conclusion:

The purified α-amylase obtained from Bacillus sp. is considered to be environmentally friendly, can be processed in a short time, and has a low cost.
The Neurotensinergic System: A Target for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Sánchez Manuel Lisardo , Coveñas Rafael
Published: October 2021

Background:

The scientific interest regarding the involvement of peptides in
cancer has increased in the last few years. In tumor cells, the overexpression of peptides
and their receptors is known, and new therapeutic targets for the treatment of cancer have
been suggested. The overexpression of the neurotensinergic system has been associated
with poor prognosis, tumor size, higher tumor aggressiveness, increased relapse risk, and
worse sensitivity to chemotherapy agents.

Objective:

The aim of this review is to update the findings regarding the involvement of
the neurotensinergic system in cancer to suggest anticancer therapeutic strategies targeting
this system. The neurotensin (NT) precursor, NT and its receptors (NTR), and the involvement
of the neurotensinergic system in lung, breast, prostate, gastric, colon, liver,
and pancreatic cancers, glioblastoma, neuroendocrine tumors, and B-cell leukemia will be
mentioned and discussed as well as the signaling pathways mediated by NT. Some research
lines to be developed in the future will be suggested, such as molecules regulating
the expression of the NT precursor, the influence of the diet in the development of tumors,
molecules and signaling pathways activated by NT, and antitumor therapeutic strategies
targeting the neurotensinergic system.

Conclusion:

NT, via the NTR, exerts oncogenic (tumor cell proliferation, invasion, migration,
angiogenesis) and antiapoptotic effects, whereas NTR antagonists inhibit these
effects. NTR expression can be used as a diagnostic tool/therapeutic target, and the administration
of NTR antagonists as antitumor drugs could be a therapeutic strategy to treat
tumors overexpressing NTR.
A Systematic Review of Potential Immunotherapies Targeting
PRAME in Retinoid Resistant Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders
and Oral Cancer
Authors: Dwivedi Ruby , Mehrotra Divya , Chandra Shaleen , Pandey Rahul
Published: October 2021

Backgound and Objective:

Early chemoprevention in Oral Potentially Malignant
Disorders (OPMDs) and Oral Cancer (OC) has been extensively researched in order to
mitigate the malignant transformation and progression of the lesion. Many agents have been
attempted, but their cost inefficacy and inadequate outcomes posed a major hindrance in
their successful adoption. Retinoid Based Therapy (RBT) though a cheap and effective
treatment option, could not achieve much clinical usage because of variable responsiveness
in clinical outcomes. Such clinical response variability may be attributed to the repression of
retinoid receptors by Preferentially Expressed Antigen of Melanoma (PRAME) protein
molecule. Therefore, in order to make RBT successful, targeting PRAME by various
immunotherapies is an exciting area of research investigation. This review provides an insight
into the various immunotherapeutic strategies targeting PRAME and their usefulness in
retinoid-resistant OPMD and OC.

Method of data collection:

An exhaustive internet-based literature search following PRISMA
(Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines was
carried out in PUBMED and Google SCHOLAR database using terms ‘Anti-PRAME’ OR
‘PRAME Immunotherapy’ OR ‘PRAME Vaccines’ AND ‘Cancer’ AND ‘Retinoid resistance’.
Only articles in the English language with at least 1 citation, published in a journal with impact
factor ≥ 1, having relevance to the context and availability of full text were considered.

Results:

After an initial search, 342 articles were yielded on the basis of inclusion criteria
and, by reading the abstract and availability of full text, a total of 124 articles were selected.
Further reading the full texts and considering articles from the references of the selected
articles, a total of 65 articles were finally included in the review.

Conclusion:

Our analysis of the literature suggests that PRAME screening in OC and
OPMDs prior to RBT should be done. In PRAME positive cases, approaches like PRAME
based immunotherapy in the form of Cancer vaccine therapy [Acellular PRAME vaccine,
PRAME pulsed Dendritic Cells (DC)]; Adoptive T Cell therapy/T Cell Receptor-T Cell therapy,
Antibody therapy/Chimeric Antigen Receptor-T Cell therapy along with Presented antigen
modulation Therapies employing histone deacetylase inhibitors and demethylation agents
seem plausible. In the future, a combination therapy employing either PRAME vaccines or
antibodies or Adoptive T cell Therapy and ATRA could be used in retinoid resistant OC and
OPMDs.
Does the Interaction of KIR and HLA Affect the Development of
Non-Infectious Uveitis?
Authors: Nakamura Jutaro , Takeuchi Masaki , Ota Masao , Mizuki Nobuhisa , Ohno Shigeaki
Published: October 2021

:

Immune tolerance is established in the eye to prevent permanent blindness
associated with destructive damage to the cornea and retina caused by immune cell
infiltration; hence, the immune responses and subsequent inflammations are strongly
suppressed. While non-infectious uveitis develops from a disruption of immune tolerance
in the eye, its onset is a result of accumulating etiologic factors, including genetic
predisposition, environmental factors, and aging. Many non-infectious uveitis cases are
genetically predisposed to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) as the most substantial
disease susceptibility region. HLA class I molecules are critical for natural killer (NK)
cells to distinguish between self and non-self. The killer cell Ig-like receptor (KIR) family
is one of the essential components of these receptors. Evidence has accumulated that
NK cells are involved in innate and acquired immunity by interacting with other
immunocompetent cells to develop several autoimmune diseases. This review
summarizes the possible role of KIR in the development of non-infectious uveitis.
Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting; is it Still Relevant?
Authors: Ofoegbu Chima K.P. , Manganyi Rodgers M.
Published: October 2021

:

Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (OPCAB) experienced a resurgence in the
1980s -2000s and developed steadily with improvement of the instrumentation and techniques.
However questions about graft patency and long-term survival of OPCAB patients still exist. This
review attempts to explore the current relevance of OPCAB.
COVID-19 Vaccinations: Summary Guidance for Cancer Patients in 28
Languages: Breaking Barriers to Cancer Patient Information
Authors: Mauri Davide , Kamposioras Konstantinos , Tsali Lampriani , Dambrosio Mario , De Bari Berardino , Hindi Nadia , Salembier Carl , Nixon Joanna , Dimitrios Tzachanis , Alongi Flippo , Hameed Hassan , Valachis Antonios , Papadimitriou Konstantinos , Corradini Stefanie , Popovic Lazar , Kopecky Jindrich , Rodriguez Andres , Antunac Katarina , Yi Junlin , Lovey Jozsef , Strojan Primoz , Saraireh Haytham , Røtterud Ranveig , Chojnacka Marzanna , Olalla Santa Cruz , Chilingirova Natalia , De Mello Ramon Andrade , Amaral Giovanna Araujo , Arbabi Farsid , Vidra Radu , Rapushi Erjeta , Takeuchi Dan , Christopoulos Chirstos , Ivanova Irina , Djan Igor , Petricevic Branka , Cellini Francesco , Mihaylova Iglika , Plavetic Natalija Dedic , Kuhar Cvetka Grašič , Takeuchi Elena , Kountourakis Pantelis , Ntellas Panagiotis , Gazouli Ioanna , Gkoura Stefania , Yuce Salih , ER Özlem , Yasmina Chait , Kumaran Gireesh , Spahiu Orges , Yusuf Aasim , Gono Paulina , Apostolidis Kathi , Tolia Maria
Published: October 2021

Background:

Covid-19 vaccination has started in the majority of the countries at the
global level. Cancer patients are at high risk for infection, serious illness, and death from
COVID-19 and need vaccination guidance and support.
Guidance availability in the English language only is a major limit for recommendations’ delivery
and their application in the world’s population and generates information inequalities across the different
populations.

Methods:

Most of the available COVID-19 vaccination guidance for cancer patients was screened
and scrutinized by the European Cancer Patients Coalition (ECPC) and an international oncology
panel of 52 physicians from 33 countries.

Results:

A summary guidance was developed and provided in 28 languages in order to reach more
than 70 percent of the global population.

Conclusion:

Language barrier and e-guidance availability in the native language are the most important
barriers when communicating with patients. E-guidance availability in various native languages
should be considered a major priority by international medical and health organizations that
are communicating with patients at the global level.
Structure of Water: Acid-Base and Buffers; Hydrogen Bonding
Authors: Rai Nivedita , Saikia Shilpa , Yadav Meera , Yadav Hardeo Singh
Published: October 2021

Water, being a universal solvent, makes up to 70% of the weight of living
organisms. The amphoteric nature of water is explained by Lewis and Bronsted acidbase theory. Hydrogen bonding is crucial in many chemical processes. It is accountable
for having water's unique solvent capabilityand also for hydrophobic effect. This
chapter discusses in detail the hydrogen bonding between neighbouring water
molecules and theirrole in physical and chemical changes in the water molecule. It also
discusses the relationship between pressure and temperature in water via a phase
diagram.
Enzymes (Biocatalyst)
Authors: Yadav Nagendra  Nath , Pareek Archana , Yadav Kamlesh  Singh
Published: October 2021

In this chapter, brief accounts for the classification, nomenclature, and
physiochemical nature of enzymes have been discussed. This chapter also deals with
the action mechanism of an enzyme, enzyme kinetics, and factor affecting enzyme
activity. A brief discussion about coenzymes, cofactors, and their role in biological
systems has been addressed in this chapter.
Hormones
Authors: Yadav Nagendra Nath , Pareek Archana
Published: October 2021

This chapter includes an introduction, classification, and type of hormones, as well as their biological functions. This chapter also gives a brief discussion about the structure, properties, and regulatory action of hormones. Various plant hormones and their functions have been discussed in this chapter.
ON THE ISSUE OF MEASURES FOR THE PREVENTION OF JUVENILE PENITENTIARY CRIMES
Authors:   N.G. Abramova Pskov branch of the Academy of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia, Abramova N.G. , Gusarov E.A. ,   E.A. Gusarov Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia for the Pskov Region
Published: October 2021

In this article, through the analysis of scientific literature and departmental statistics over the past five years, attention is drawn to the most discussed problematic aspects of the prevention of penitentiary crimes in places of deprivation of liberty in general, in particular, committed on the territory of educational colonies, which caused the relevance of the chosen topic. It is proved that along with the use of operational search measures in the prevention of penitentiary crimes of minors committed on the territory of educational colonies, effective to resort to the practice of using psychological and pedagogical measures. The complex of measures under consideration will increase the chances of obtaining a positive result of prevention, both individual and collective. The article presents some positive experience of a number of educational colonies with the justification of its role in the prevention of crimes and offenses of the inmates of the colonies
SPECIFICITY OF THE CRIMINAL LEGAL RESPONSE TO THE OFFENSIVE BEHAVIOR OF PERSONS SERVING A PUNISHMENT IN THE FORM OF FORCED WORK
Authors:   N.A. Gorshkova Vladimir Law Institute of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia, Gorshkova N.A. , Zezyulina T.A. ,   T.A. Zezyulina Central Scientific and Technical Laboratory of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia, Tarakanov I.A. ,   I.A. Tarakanov Vladimir Law Institute of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia
Published: October 2021

The article is devoted to the consideration of the specifics of the criminal-legal response to the offending behavior of persons serving sentences in the form of forced labor. The authors analyze the state of discipline and law and order in correctional centers and sections of correctional institutions functioning as correctional centers, legal regulation of coercive measures applied to convicts who commit crimes and other offenses during the period of serving their sentence. As a result of the study, it is concluded that the current regulatory framework for the criminal-legal response to the offending behavior of persons serving sentences in the form of forced labor and the practice of its application, allow for an individualized and differentiated approach to the responsibility of such persons, which does not exclude the need for further research of this type of punishment in order to improve it.
TOPICAL PROBLEMS OF ACTIVITIES OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS BODIES
Authors:   A.Sh. Gadzhiev Dagestan State University, Gadzhiev A.Sh.
Published: October 2021

The relevance of the issues studied in this article is due to the importance of the policy pursued in the Russian Federation in connection with the provision of State, public, environmental and other types of security by employees of internal affairs bodies. This article is devoted to the study of problematic aspects of the organization and activities of internal affairs bodies, in particular, related to the procedure for the formation of internal affairs bodies, with a solution to the problem of the effectiveness of the activities of internal affairs bodies, including at the level of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. Among these issues are problems in the implementation of state programs and strategic planning of the activities of bodies and units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, problems arising in the analytical activities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, problems and prospects for the activities of the State traffic inspectorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia on the prevention of road safety, etc. The article analyzes the problems of organizing the activities of internal affairs bodies in this area, developed and proposed measures to overcome controversial aspects of the activities
SPECIFICS OF CIVIL AND LABOR RELATIONS BETWEEN THE GENERAL DIRECTOR AND THE BUSINESS COMPANY Part 1
Authors:   E.B. Abakumova Institute of philosophy and law SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation, Abakumova E.B. ,   Novosibirsk military Institute of the national guard of the Russian Federation named after General of the army I. K. Yakovlev
Published: October 2021

The article is devoted to the study of the nature of legal relations between a business company and a person who performs the functions of a sole executive body. The author adheres to the point of view that there are two types of legal relations between the general director and the business company: corporate, concerning the participation of the sole executive body in the management of the business company, and labor, concerning the performance of its labor duties as a manager. The paper proves the fallacy of the statement about the nonproliferation of labor legislation on the relationship between the business company and the general director, who is the sole participant of the LLC, and justifies the legality of the conclusion of an employment contract in this case.
An analysis of patients with chronic kidney disease newly referred to a specialized renal service in Sudan
Authors: Shigidi Mazin , Ebrahim Sahar , Karrar Wieam
Published: October 2021

Background: Limited data are available regarding the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) outside the specialized nephrology services in Sudan. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Dr Salma Centre for Kidney Diseases (DSCKD) in Khartoum, Sudan. We aimed to determine the timing and reasons for referral of patients to specialized nephrology services and to evaluate the management of CKD at primary care level. Newly referred adult patients with CKD were recruited between July and September 2018. Information was extracted from the referral notes, from follow-up records at DSCKD and via direct interview of patients. Data analysis was performed using SPSS. Results: A total of 244 patients were studied. Their mean age was 55 ± 13 years and 210 (86%) were on regular follow-up at primary care level. Hypertensive kidney disease and diabetic nephropathy were the leading causes of CKD. Most patients (78%) were timeously referred with CKD stage 3 or 4. Referrals were mostly due to elevated creatinine levels (35%), non-resolving nephrotic syndrome (27%) and upon patients’ request (28%). Most patients (60%) did not require significant m odifications to their ma nagement; 25 pa tients (1 1%) were late referrals and scheduled for urgent dialysis. Conclusions: The current study reflects a good level of awareness regarding the management of CKD at primary care level and appropriate timing of referrals in most cases.
Transcatheter Intracerebral Laser Photobiomodulation Therapy for Treatment of the Consequences of Ischemic Stroke with Distal Atherosclerotic Lesion
Authors:   Clinic of Cardiovascular Diseases named after Most Holy John Tobolsky, Moscow, Russia, Maksimovich Ivan V.
Published: October 2021

The present research is dedicated to the application of intracerebral laser PBMT for the treatment of the consequences of ischemic stroke. The effectiveness of intracerebral laser PBMT is compared to that of the conservative therapy methods. Recent studies have demonstrated a high potential of laser technology PBMT in the treatment of various ischemic lesions of the brain. A total of 836 patients who had experienced ischemic strokes of different degrees of severity in the period ranging from 6 months to 6 years prior to the treatment were included in the research. The age of these patients ranged between 29 and 81 years (average age: 74.9 years). There were 593 men (70.93%) and 243 women (29.07%). The patients were divided into two groups - the Test Group and the Control Group. The Test Group comprised 511 (61.12%) patients with distal lesions of the intracerebral arteries. These patients underwent transcatheter intracerebral laser PBMT. The Control Group comprised 325 (38.88%) patients with similar distal lesions of the intracerebral arteries. These patients, however, received the conservative treatment. The Test Group patients exhibited good clinical results in 259 (87.21%) cases after small focal strokes, in 94 (60.26%) cases after medium focal strokes, and in 12 (20.69%) cases after macro-focal strokes. The Test Group patients exhibited satisfactory clinical results in 33 (11.11%) cases after small focal strokes, - in 39 (25.00%) cases after medium focal strokes, and- in 22 (37.93%) cases after macro-focal strokes. In the Control Group, 51 (21.07%) patients exhibited good clinical results after small focal strokes, while none of the patients exhibited good results after medium focal strokes and macro-focal strokes. In the Control Group, satisfactory clinical results were exhibited by 60 (24.79%) patients after small focal strokes and 8 (19.05%) patients after medium focal strokes, while none of the patients exhibited satisfactory results after macro-focal strokes. Transcatheter intracerebral laser PBMT is an effective, pathogenetically substantiated method for the treatment of the consequences of ischemic stroke. This method enables the restoration of daily-life activities and cognitive and mental functions, thereby enabling the patients to be fully active in their lives again.
Laser Watch—New Generation 2021: Modern Integrative Photomedicine Equipment for Photobiomodulation
Authors:   Research Unit for Complementary and Integrative Laser Medicine, Research Unit of Biomedical Engineering in Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Research Center Graz, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria, Litscher Gerhard
Published: October 2021

In the recent past, laser therapy has made immense progress as it is known to change microcirculation, modulate vegetative parameters, and stimulate mitochondrial activity in the human body. This editorial briefly describes a new laser watch prototype (generation 2021), which can be used to perform continuous and simultaneous blood irradiation at the radial and/or ulnar artery of the wrist with different wavelengths of laser light. In a preliminary measurement, the increase in regional oxygen saturation at the crook of the elbow during laser light stimulation with the watch was observed using near-infrared spectroscopy. Apart from this, laser stimulation applied via a newly designed laser watch can modulate biological parameters (photobiomodulation). However, presently, the possible long-term effects are not known, as there are no studies on this topic available to date.
The Effects of the ManageHF4Life Mobile App on Patients With Chronic Heart Failure: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Dorsch Michael P , Farris Karen B , Rowell Brigid E , Hummel Scott L , Koelling Todd M
Published: October 2021

Background

The successful management of heart failure (HF) involves guideline-based medical therapy as well as self-management behavior. As a result, the management of HF is moving toward a proactive real-time technological model of assisting patients with monitoring and self-management.

Objective

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the efficacy of enhanced self-management via a mobile app intervention on health-related quality of life, self-management, and HF readmissions.

Methods

A single-center randomized controlled trial was performed. Participants older than 45 years and admitted for acute decompensated HF or recently discharged in the past 4 weeks were included. The intervention group (“app group”) used a mobile app, and the intervention prompted daily self-monitoring and promoted self-management. The control group (“no-app group”) received usual care. The primary outcome was the change in Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) score from baseline to 6 and 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes were the Self-Care Heart Failure Index (SCHFI) questionnaire score and recurrent HF admissions.

Results

A total of 83 participants were enrolled and completed all baseline assessments. Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups except for the prevalence of ischemic HF. The app group had a reduced MLHFQ at 6 weeks (mean 37.5, SD 3.5 vs mean 48.2, SD 3.7; P=.04) but not at 12 weeks (mean 44.2, SD 4 vs mean 45.9, SD 4; P=.78), compared to the no-app group. There was no effect of the app on the SCHFI at 6 or 12 weeks. The time to first HF readmission was not statistically different between the app group and the no-app group (app group 11/42, 26% vs no-app group 12/41, 29%; hazard ratio 0.89, 95% CI 0.39-2.02; P=.78) over 12 weeks.

Conclusions

The adaptive mobile app intervention, which focused on promoting self-monitoring and self-management, improved the MLHFQ at 6 weeks but did not sustain its effects at 12 weeks. No effect was seen on HF self-management measured by self-report. Further research is needed to enhance engagement in the app for a longer period and to determine if the app can reduce HF readmissions in a larger study.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03149510; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03149510
Going Viral: Researching Safely on Social Media
Authors: Vallury Kari Dee , Baird Barbara , Miller Emma , Ward Paul
Published: October 2021

Safety issues for researchers conducting and disseminating research on social media have been inadequately addressed in institutional policies and practice globally, despite posing significant challenges to research staff and student well-being. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and given the myriad of advantages that web-based platforms offer researchers over traditional recruitment, data collection, and research dissemination methods, developing a comprehensive understanding of and guidance on the safe and effective conduct of research in web-based spaces has never been more pertinent. In this paper, we share our experience of using social media to recruit participants for a study on abortion stigma in Australia, which brought into focus the personal, professional, and institutional risks associated with conducting web-based research that goes viral. The lead researcher (KV), a postgraduate student, experienced a barrage of harassment on and beyond social media. The supportive yet uncoordinated institutional response highlighted gaps in practice, guidance, and policy relating to social media research ethics, researcher safety and well-being, planning for and managing web-based and offline risk, and coordinated organizational responses to adverse events. We call for and provide suggestions to inform the development of training, guidelines, and policies that address practical and ethical aspects of using social media for research, mental and physical health and safety risks and management, and the development of coordinated and evidence-based institutional- and individual-level responses to cyberbullying and harassment. Furthermore, we argue the case for the urgent development of this comprehensive guidance around researcher safety on the web, which would help to ensure that universities have the capacity to maximize the potential of social media for research while better supporting the well-being of their staff and students.
Examining Tweet Content and Engagement of Users With Tweets About Hikikomori in Japanese: Mixed Methods Study of Social Withdrawal
Authors: Pereira-Sanchez Victor , Alvarez-Mon Miguel Angel , Horinouchi Toru , Kawagishi Ryo , Tan Marcus P J , Hooker Elizabeth R , Alvarez-Mon Melchor , Teo Alan R
Published: October 2021

Background

Hikikomori is a form of severe social withdrawal that is particularly prevalent in Japan. Social media posts offer insight into public perceptions of mental health conditions and may also inform strategies to identify, engage, and support hard-to-reach patient populations such as individuals affected by hikikomori.

Objective

In this study, we seek to identify the types of content on Twitter related to hikikomori in the Japanese language and to assess Twitter users’ engagement with that content.

Methods

We conducted a mixed methods analysis of a random sample of 4940 Japanese tweets from February to August 2018 using a hashtag (#hikikomori). Qualitative content analysis included examination of the text of each tweet, development of a codebook, and categorization of tweets into relevant codes. For quantitative analysis (n=4859 tweets), we used bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models, adjusted for multiple comparisons, and estimated the predicted probabilities of tweets receiving engagement (likes or retweets).

Results

Our content analysis identified 9 codes relevant to tweets about hikikomori: personal anecdotes, social support, marketing, advice, stigma, educational opportunities, refuge (ibasho), employment opportunities, and medicine and science. Tweets about personal anecdotes were the most common (present in 2747/4859, 56.53% of the tweets), followed by social support (902/4859, 18.56%) and marketing (624/4859, 12.84%). In the adjusted models, tweets coded as stigma had a lower predicted probability of likes (−33 percentage points, 95% CI −42 to −23 percentage points; P<.001) and retweets (−11 percentage points, 95% CI −18 to −4 percentage points; P<.001), personal anecdotes had a lower predicted probability of retweets (−8 percentage points, 95% CI −14 to −3 percentage points; P=.002), marketing had a lower predicted probability of likes (−13 percentage points, 95% CI −21 to −6 percentage points; P<.001), and social support had a higher predicted probability of retweets (+15 percentage points, 95% CI 6-24 percentage points; P=.001), compared with all tweets without each of these codes.

Conclusions

Japanese tweets about hikikomori reflect a unique array of topics, many of which have not been identified in prior research and vary in their likelihood of receiving engagement. Tweets often contain personal stories of hikikomori, suggesting the potential to identify individuals with hikikomori through Twitter.
Characterizing Vaping Industry Political Influence and Mobilization on Facebook: Social Network Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Haupt Michael Robert , Xu Qing , Yang Joshua , Cai Mingxiang , Mackey Tim K
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

In response to recent policy efforts to regulate tobacco and vaping products, the vaping industry has been aggressive in mobilizing opposition by using a network of manufacturers, trade associations, and tobacco user communities, and by appealing to the general public. One strategy the alternative tobacco industry uses to mobilize political action is coordinating on social media platforms, such as the social networking site Facebook. However, few studies have specifically assessed how platforms such as Facebook are used to influence public sentiment and attitudes towards tobacco control policy.

OBJECTIVE

This study used social network analysis to examine how the alternative tobacco industry uses Facebook to mobilize online users to influence tobacco control policy outcomes with a focus on the state of California.

METHODS

Data were collected from local and national alternative tobacco Facebook groups that had affiliations with activities in the state of California. Network ties were constructed based on users’ reactions to posts (eg, “like” and “love”) and comments to characterize political mobilization networks.

RESULTS

Findings show that alternative tobacco industry employees were more likely to engage within these networks and that these employees were also more likely to be influential members (ie, be more active) in the network. Comparisons between subnetworks show that communication within the local alternative tobacco advocacy group network was less dense and more centralized in contrast to a national advocacy group that had overall higher levels of engagement among members. A timeline analysis found that a higher number of influential posts that disseminated widely across networks occurred during e-cigarette–related legislative events, suggesting strategic online engagement and increased mobilization of online activity for the purposes of influencing policy outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from this study provide important insights into how tobacco industry–related advocacy groups leverage the Facebook platform to mobilize their online constituents in an effort to influence public perceptions and coordinate to defeat tobacco control efforts at the local, state, and federal level. Study results reveal one part of a vast network of socially enabled alternative tobacco industry actors and constituents that use Facebook as a mobilization point to support goals of the alternative tobacco industry.
How Reflective Automated e-Coaching Can Help Employees Improve Their Capacity for Resilience: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Lentferink Aniek , Oldenhuis Hilbrand , Velthuijsen Hugo , van Gemert-Pijnen Lisette
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

An eHealth tool that coaches employees through the process of reflection has the potential to support employees with moderate levels of stress to increase their capacity for resilience. Most eHealth tools that include self-tracking summarize the collected data for the users. However, users need to gain a deeper understanding of the data and decide upon the next step to take through self-reflection.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to examine the perceived effectiveness of the guidance offered by an automated e-Coach during employees’ self-reflection process in gaining insights into their situation and on their perceived stress and resilience capacities and the usefulness of the design elements of the e-Coach during this process.

METHODS

Of the 28 participants, 14 (50%) completed the 6-week BringBalance program that allowed participants to perform reflection via four phases: identification, strategy generation, experimentation, and evaluation. Data collection consisted of log data, ecological momentary assessment (EMA) questionnaires for reflection provided by the e-Coach, in-depth interviews, and a pre- and posttest survey (including the Brief Resilience Scale and the Perceived Stress Scale). The posttest survey also asked about the utility of the elements of the e-Coach for reflection. A mixed methods approach was followed.

RESULTS

Pre- and posttest scores on perceived stress and resilience were not much different among completers (no statistical test performed). The automated e-Coach did enable users to gain an understanding of factors that influenced their stress levels and capacity for resilience (identification phase) and to learn the principles of useful strategies to improve their capacity for resilience (strategy generation phase). Design elements of the e-Coach reduced the reflection process into smaller steps to re-evaluate situations and helped them to observe a trend (identification phase). However, users experienced difficulties integrating the chosen strategies into their daily life (experimentation phase). Moreover, the identified events related to stress and resilience were too specific through the guidance offered by the e-Coach (identification phase), and the events did not recur, which consequently left users unable to sufficiently practice (strategy generation phase), experiment (experimentation phase), and evaluate (evaluation phase) the techniques during meaningful events.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants were able to perform self-reflection under the guidance of the automated e-Coach, which often led toward gaining new insights. To improve the reflection process, more guidance should be offered by the e-Coach that would aid employees to identify events that recur in daily life. Future research could study the effects of the suggested improvements on the quality of reflection via an automated e-Coach.
Poisoning from tellurium and its toxic compounds in industry
Authors: Aleksiichuk О.Yu. , Tkachishin V.S. , Kondratyuk V.Ye. , Arustamyan О.M. , Dumka I.V.
Published: October 2021

Tellurium has been primarily used in the steel industry for the past 40 years. This material is used for the manufacture of solar cells, lasers, photoresistors, and counters of radioactive radiation. Cadmium tellurium batteries are the second most popular solar technology. Another important application of tellurium is in the manufacture of thermoelectric generators. In the metallurgical industry, tellurium is used as an additive to metals and alloys. Tellurium and its compounds enter the body mainly through the respiratory system, as well as through the mouth and skin. Penetration into the body through the respiratory tract causes nausea, bronchitis, and pneumonia. The tellurium compounds are restored to elementary tellurium or amenable to methylation (methyl telluride has a characteristic garlic odor; it is less toxic than tellurium) in the body. Tellurium is excreted through the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. Methyl telluride is excreted from the body partially with exhaled air and with sweat. For the diagnosis of acute heavy metal poisoning, blood is mainly used. The use of updated algorithm-criteria for assessing the severity of clinical manifestations of systemic organ toxicity of poisons provides an appropriate level of diagnosis of disorders of vital body functions. Treatment of such patients should include antidote and symptomatic therapy depending on the severity of clinical manifestations. To prevent the development of telluric intoxication, first of all, it is necessary to apply maximum sealing and automation of production processes. It is also necessary to introduce ventilation in production facilities and to carry out preliminary and periodic medical examinations of workers without fail. The use of personal protective equipment is also required.
Physiology of magnesium metabolism and the use of magnesium in intensive care (part 2)
Authors: Kursov S.V. , Nikonov V.V. , Biletskyi O.V. , Feskov O.E. , Skoroplit S.M.
Published: October 2021

In the second part of the review, aspects of changes in magnesium metabolism under conditions of severe stress, mechanisms of anti-stress protection of the body with the participation of magnesium, features of magnesium participation in water-electrolyte metabolism at the cellular level, the anti-inflammatory effect of magnesium and the role of magnesium in the processes of detoxification of the body in acute poisoning with certain poisons are consi-dered. The main mechanisms of the body’s magnesium defence are to suppress the mechanisms of oxidative stress by limiting the production of stress hormones, the intake of ionized calcium and sodium into cells with a decrease in the severity of transmineralization and sodium retention in the body, suppressing the action of factors that initiate the development of inflammation and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, in blocking and protecting glutamate receptors. Magnesium therapy can help keep effective energy production in the body in critical conditions by maintaining the functioning of the Na+/K+-ATPase, the work of the Na+/H+-exchanger, helping reduce the severity of cellular acidosis. The mechanisms of functioning and the prescription of the sodium-magnesium antiporter are discussed. Hypertonic solutions of magnesium sulfate are being injected at a high rate to create the effect of rapid low-volume fluid resuscitation, thereby eliminating the dangerous effects of severe hyperchloremia and hypernatremia that occur when using hypertonic sodium chloride solutions. In toxico-logy, magnesium preparations are used to protect the body when exposed to heavy metals, organophosphorus compounds. They also help reduce the severity of oxidative stress caused by heavy metals, inhibit excess production of endogenous carbon monoxide, and limit free radical damage in its pathological effect. During detoxification, magnesium prevents depletion of the antioxidant system by helping maintain sufficient levels of glutathione and other antioxidants in cells.
Invasive treatment of chronic vertebral pain
Authors: Grigoriev S.V.
Published: October 2021

Background. The need to find new effective treatments for chronic pain today is beyond doubt. Pain resistant to nonsteroidal analgesics and gabapentin stimulates the introduction of invasive treatments for chronic pain. Materials and methods. The efficacy of the combination of diclofenac and gabapentin with epidural administration of dexamethasone 8 mg and epidural neurolysis of 30% ethyl alcohol in 1% lidocaine solution was compared. Results. The combination of diclofenac and gabapentin, as well as the use of epidural glucocorticoids, has not shown sufficient efficacy. After the use of glucocorticoids, a long-term assessment on the visual analog scale was at the level of 3.5 points, which corresponded to the results of a one-time neurolysis. At 2 injections of the neurolytic mixture or more, the score on the visual analog scale was lower by 1.5 points compared to the results of glucocorticoid administration. After the 3rd stage of neurolysis, the lack of need for analgesics to correct vertebral pain is accompanied by a reliable absence of conversions to other methods of analgesia. Conclusions. The safety and efficacy of three-time epidural neurolysis with 30% ethyl alcohol in 1% lidocaine solution allow recommending this procedure to patients with chronic resistant vertebrogenic pain, especially in case of low efficacy and poor tolerability of nonsteroidal analgesics.
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children аssociated with COVID-19
Authors: Gorelkin I.I. , Kapusta V.N. , Buinyi I.A. , Bachtina E.V. , Zhmychova S.A.
Published: October 2021

Coronavirus disease is severe in the elderly and in people with chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancers. It is generally accepted that in children, COVID-19 is much milder, and often is even asymptomatic. But there are some children who, against the background of the coronavirus infection, developed multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). Its pathophysiology is not fully understood. There are several hypotheses about the mechanisms of MIS-C development. It is assumed that the syndrome develops due to an excessive immune response to the virus. Having some similar mechanisms with Kawasaki disease, macrophage activation syndrome, the development of MIS-C still has significant diffe-rences. Multiple organ damage occurs due to systemic inflammation, hypoxia, tissue ischemia. As a result, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome develops. Clinical manifestations are specific and reflect changes in all body systems. Laboratory studies revealed an increase in inflammatory markers, transaminases, creatinine, urea, coagulation disturbances. Treatment of multisystem inflammatory syndrome includes immunomodulatory and glucocorticoid therapies. Antibiotics, anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents are also administered, and in case of renal failure symptoms — dialysis replacement therapy. The article describes cases of successful treatment of children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-19, which show that MIS-C can mask a large number of diseases. Attention should be paid to the need for hospitalization of such patients into a unit with the possibility of hemodialysis, to the different approaches to treatment, the importance of renal replacement therapy. If the above requirements are met, it is possible to achieve a complete recovery of patients.
Features of nutrition in women with arterial hypertension and abdominal obesity
Authors: Koval S.M. , Rieznik L.A. , Starchenko T.G. , Penkova M.Yu. , Miloslavsky D.K. , Mysnychenko O.V.
Published: October 2021

Background. Currently, there is a significant increase in the percentage of women with arterial hypertension (AH) and abdominal obesity (AO), which is largely due to violations of the healthy eating norms. Therefore, the problem of studying the nutritional characteristics of women with AH in combination with AO requires further research. The study was aimed to investigate the nutritional characteristics of female patients (residents of Ukraine) with arterial hypertension and abdominal obesity. Materials and methods. We examined 75 female patients (residents of Ukraine) with AH stage II, 2–3 degrees, aged from 40 to 59 years (40 women with AO (I–II degrees) and 35 women with normal body weight (NBW). All patients underwent a routine examination. The peculiarities of the nutrition of the patients were analyzed using the questionnaire “Diary of daily nutrition”. The data obtained were analyzed using the SPSS 19 computer program for Windows XP. Results. In the group of women with AH and AO, in the vast majority of individuals (73–100 %), the diet did not meet the recommendations of a healthy diet. In the group of women with AH and NBW, the dietary pattern did not meet the recommendations of a healthy diet only in one-third of the individuals. The daily diet of women with AH and AO differed from that of women with AH and NBW by a significantly higher energy value of food, a higher frequency of meals in the evening, a higher intake of fats (including saturated fatty acids and trans-unsaturated fatty acids), carbohydrates (especially monosaccharides), and less dietary fiber intake. In both groups of women, the habit of adding salt to food was revealed, but only in the third of the individuals. Conclusions. Significant violations of the healthy eating norms were found in women with AH, which were much more pronounced in women with AO that must be taken into account when developing optimal schemes for correcting the diet in these patients.
Primary hypothyroidism as a predictor of the hypogonadism development
Authors: Pasyechko N.V. , Krytskyi T.Y. , Kadubets S.V. , Naumova U.V. , Naumova L.V.
Published: October 2021

Background. Human lifestyle significantly affects human health and reproductive functions. The presence of hypothyroidism negatively impacts the health, activity, and reproductive status. This study was aimed to assess hormonal status, metabolic and anthropometric parameters in men of active reproductive age with primary hypothyroidism. Materials and methods. Totally 60 males with primary hypothyroidism were included in the study. Acomparative analysis of hormonal, anthropometric, and metabolic parameters in 60 men with hypothyroidism (basic group) and 25 men without hypothyroidism and other chronic somatic diseases (control group) was performed. The mean age of the subjects was 42.4±2.7 years. Results. It has been established that hypothyroidism was accompanied by an increase in serum concentrations of cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in comparison with control group (25 men without hypothyroidism) indicating metabolic disturbance. The data shows the significant effect of hypothyroidism on testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) serum concentration but not on luteinizing hormone, estradiol levels. Patients with hypothyroidism had lower circulating testosterone and higher FSH level in comparison with the controls. The reproductive hormone changes in men with hypothyroidism can result in deleterious effects on sexual functions including erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, and alteration in spermatogenesis. Conclusions. In men with hypothyroidism, changes in hormonal status have been found, which manifested in a decrease in testosterone and an increase in the blood level of follicle-stimulating hormone. The effect of hypothyroidism on the blood level of other hormones (luteinizing, estradiol, cortisol) has not been established. Hypothyroidism in men is accompanied by changes in lipid metabolism (increased levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol).