bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors that influenced access and utilisation of sexual and reproductive health services among Ugandan youths during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown: An online cross-sectional survey
Authors: Mambo Simon Binezero , Sikakulya Franck K. , Ssebuufu Robinson , Mulumba Yusuf , Wasswa Henry , Thompson Kelly , Rusatira Jean Christophe , Bhondoekhan Fiona , Kamyuka Louis K. , Akib Surat Olabisi , Kirimuhuzya Claude , Nakawesi Jane , Kyamanywa Patrick
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has caused a wide range of disruptions in health care access in many low and middle income countries. The aim of this study was to explore factors that influenced access and utilisation of sexual and reproductive health services among Ugandan youths during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. MethodsThis was an online cross-sectional study carried out from April 2020 to May 2020 in Uganda. An online questionnaire was used and participants aged 18years to 30 years were recruited using the snowballing approach. The statistical analysis was done using STATA version 14.2.Results Out of 724 participants, 203 (28%) reported not having information and/or education concerning sexual and reproductive health (SRH). About a quarter of the participants (26.9%, n=195) reported not having access to testing and treatment services of sexually transmitted infections during the lockdown. Lack of transport means was the commonest (68.7%) limiting factor to accessing SRH services during the lockdown followed by the long distance from home to SRH facilities (55.2%), high cost of services (42.2%) and curfew conditions (39.1%). Sexually transmitted infections were the commonest (40.4%) problems related to SRH during the lockdown followed by unwanted pregnancy (32.4%) and sexual abuse (32.4%). Limiting factors were more prevalent among the co-habiting youths [CPR: 1.3 (1.13-1.49) and APR:1.2 (1.06-1.41)] followed by unemployed [CPR: 1.3 (1.09 - 1.53) and APR:1.2 (1 - 1.42)] and non-salaried [APR:1.2 (1- 1.42)] than other participants. The bivariate and multivariate regression analyses indicate that problems were more prevalent among the co-habiting youths [CPR: 2.7 (1.88 - 3.74) and APR: 2.3 (1.6 - 3.29)] followed by the unemployed [CPR: 2 (1.27 - 3.2) and APR: 1.6 (1.03 - 2.64)] than in other categories. ConclusionThe findings of this study show that Ugandan youths had limited access to SRH information and services during the COVID-19 lockdown. Cohabiting and unemployed youths were the most affected by problems related to SRH. Lack of transport means and high cost of services were the major limiting factors to access SRH services among the youths. The findings call for concerted efforts from the Government and other stakeholders to incorporate SRH among the priority services when designing responses to any outbreak crisis.
Quality of life and treatment satisfaction with pharmacological interventions in Chinese adults with chronic pain due to osteoarthritis  
Authors: Xue Qingyun , Long Huibin , Lin Jianhao , Du Dongping , Zhou Jin , Chen Jinwei , Li Shu , Zhang Yan Lei , Cheng Yan , Ma Xiao , Zhang Zhiyi
Published: January 2021

Background: Aim of this multicenter, observational, cross-sectional study was to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and treatment satisfaction of current medications in Chinese knee OA patients. Methods: Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQM-1.4), and HRQoL (EQ-5D-5L) were assessed in total of 601 OA of knee patients. Impact on QoL (EQ-5D-5L) and treatment satisfaction (TSQM-1.4) by BPI-Severity score (<4 and ≥4) were presented using mean standard deviations (SDs) and were compared using a t-test. For each of self-assessed health EQ-5D-5L and TSQM, a linear regression model was used to estimate the regression coefficient along with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) for BPI-Severity. Results: Mean score of EQ-5D-5L of patients with BPI-Severity ≥4 was significantly lower than those with BPI-Severity <4. All the scores of TSQM in 4 dimensions were lower in patients with BPI-Severity ≥4 than in those with BPI-Severity <4. Both HRQoL scores and TSQM scores showed a statistically significant decreasing trend with increasing BPI-Severity pain score. Conclusion: Chronic knee OA pain has a significant impact on patients’ HRQoL. More severe patients with OA were less satisfied with current treatments. Trial registration (Clinical Trials identifier): Not applicable
Aqueous alteration without initial water: Possibility of organic-induced hydration of anhydrous silicates in meteorite parent bodies
Authors: Hirakawa Naoki , Kebukawa Yoko , Furukawa Yoshihiro , Kondo Masashi , Nakano Hideyuki , Kobayashi Kensei
Published: January 2021

Early evolution of Solar System small bodies proceeded through interactions of mineral and water. Melting of water ice accreted with mineral particles to the parent body results in the formation of secondary minerals, the so-called aqueous alteration. Formation of phyllosilicates from anhydrous silicates is a typical alteration effect recorded in primitive meteorites. In addition to mineral and water, organic matter could have been also a significant component in meteorite parent bodies. However, the role of organic matter in the alteration of silicates is not well understood. We conducted a heating experiment of anhydrous silicate (olivine) with a mixture of organic compounds which simulated primordial organic matter in the Solar System. Dissolution and precipitation features were confirmed on the olivine surface after heating at 300 °C for 10 days, and proto-phyllosilicates were formed in the precipitation area. Magnesite was also detected as concomitant mineral phase. These minerals could be the evidence of aqueous alteration and carbonation of olivine induced by water generated through decomposition of the organic compounds with hydroxy groups. Our result showed that the in-situ formation of hydrated silicates through a mineral-organic interaction without the initial presence of water. It further implies that formation of phyllosilicates on the olivine surface in contact with organic matter can occur in meteorite parent bodies which formed inside the H2O snow line but accreted with organic matter, initially without water. Water formed through decomposition of organic matter could be one candidate for hydrous silicate formation, for example in ordinary chondrites from S-type asteroids inside the H2O snow line. Although the origin of water in ordinary chondrites is under debate, water generation from organic matter may also explain the D-rich water in ordinary chondrites because primordial organic matter is known to be D-rich.
Predictive factors for the medical hospitalisation of patients who visited the emergency department with suicide attempt
Authors: Kim Hye Jin , Lee Duk Hee
Published: January 2021

Background Suicide is a significant public health problem. Individuals are estimated to make up to 20 suicide attempts before suicide. The emergency department (ED) is the first location where individuals are brought after a suicide attempt. This study investigated the factors related to delays in the medical hospitalisation of patients who attempted suicide and aimed to provide criteria for hospitalisation decisions by physicians. Methods This study included patients who had deliberately self-harmed (age ≥19 years) and presented at the EDs of two tertiary teaching hospitals between March 2017 and April 2020. Those for whom relevant demographic and clinical information were unavailable and those admitted to the psychiatric wards were excluded. Results This study included 414 patients in the hospitalisation group and 1,346 in the discharged group. The mean patient age was 50.3 ± 20.0 years and 40.7 ± 17.0 years in the hospitalised and discharged groups (p <0.001), respectively. The mean ED length of stay (LOS) was 4.2 ± 12.3 and 11.4 ± 18.8 h in the hospitalised and discharged groups, respectively. In the hospitalised group, the odds ratio and confidence interval for aged 35~64 (2.222, 1.343–3.678), aged over 65 (2.788, 1.416-5.492), sex -male (2.041, 1.302–3.119), and consciousness (1.840, 1.253–2.466). The Risk-Rescue Ratio Scale (RRRS) was (1.298, 1.255–1.343). A receiver operating characteristics analysis of RRRS for the decision to hospitalise patients who attempted suicide showed a cut-off value of 42, with sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve being 85.7%, 85.5%, and 0.924, respectively.Conclusion The level of consciousness and the RRRS of patients who attempted suicide can be the factors to decide medical hospitalisation and reduce ED LOS and crowding.
Explaining Factors Affecting Help-Seeking Behaviors in Women with Urinary Incontinence: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Fakari Fahimeh Rashidi , Hajian Sepideh , Darvish Soodabeh , Majd Hamid Alavi
Published: January 2021

Background: Urinary incontinence is widely accepted to be among the most important issues in the global health system. However, only a limited number of women are referred for treatment because different factors complicate help-seeking behaviors. The aim of this study was to explain the factors affecting help-seeking behaviors in women suffering from urinary incontinence.Methods: This study was a qualitative study using the conventional content analysis approach. The study was conducted from December 2018 and August 2019 in Tehran, Iran. The participants were 34 women with urinary incontinence selected using a purposive sampling method. The content analysis approach was based on the Graneheim and Lundman method, and qualitative data management software was used for analysis. Results: Data analysis illustrates two themes; " facilitator " and " inhibitor "; the categories "not perceiving disease", "shame", " negative support of important others", and "non-optimal health care system" were among the inhibitors and the categories " reduced quality of life " and " positive support of important others" were found to be facilitators of help-seeking behaviors.Conclusions: The findings of the present study highlight the need for understanding the underlying facilitators and inhibitors of help-seeking behaviors in women with urinary incontinence. We suggest that healthcare providers consider an open dialogue with patients and consider their subjective beliefs and life context during routine visits to facilitate early diagnosis of the disease and ultimately lead to an improvement in the woman's quality of life.
The Activity of Daily Living (ADL) subgroups and Health impairment among Chinese elderly:A Latent Profile Analysis
Authors: Zhang Yangchang , Xiong Yang , Yu Qiuhua , Shen Shisi , Chen Li , Lei Xun
Published: January 2021

Background: Disability in aged people became one of the major challenges in China due to the acceleration of population aging. Nevertheless, there were limited methods to appropriately discriminate the degree of combined basic activity of daily living (BADL) and instrumental activity of daily living (IADL). The present study explored an empirical typology of the activity of daily living (ADL) and its association with health status among the elderly in China.Methods: Data throughout the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) was retrieved and Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted to identify the subgroups of ADL for included elderly subjects. Multinomial regression was performed to detect the effect of identified characteristics with ADL subgroups, and the restricted cubic spine was drawn to show the changes in the relationship between age-specific ADL disability and BMI.Results: The overall participants (n=8108) were divided into three ADL classes by LPA - ‘no BADL limitation-no IADL limitation’ (Class one, n=6062, 75%), ‘no BADL limitation- IADL impairment’ (Class two, n=1526, 19%), and ‘BADL impairment- IADL impairment’ (Class three, n=520, 6%). Compared with the participants in Class one, the oldest-old, living without spouse, lacking of exercise, short in social activities, having experience of falls, having comorbidity of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, decreased cognitive function, depression symptom were highly associated with Class two and Class three. Additionally, malnutrition and asthma were associated with combined BADL/IADL impairment (Class three), while illiteracy was only associated with IADL impairment (Class two). Furthermore, a statistically significant U-shape association was detected between age and BADL/IADL disability (Class three vs. Class two) as well as BMI and BADL/IADL disability (Class three vs. Class one). The elderly aged 80-90 with IADL impairment were less likely to evolve into combined BADL/IADL impairment, and the elderly who were underweight or obese may have higher risk of combined BADL/IADL impairment.Conclusion: A novel functional assessment was explored based on LPA, by which elderly people could be classified into three distinct classes of combined BADL/IADL. The predictors identified with particular IADL/BADL classes could draw early attention to the onset of functional disability and enlighten targeted interventions to address consequent problems of aged people.
Ocular abnormalities in a large patient cohort with Retinitis Pigmentosa in Western China
Authors: Tan Lian , Long Yanling , Li Ziyang , Ying Xi , Ren Jiayun , Sun Cheng , Meng Xiaohong , Li Shiying
Published: January 2021

Background To report the prevalence of ocular abnormalities and investigate visual acuity in a large cohort of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients in Western China.Methods The medical records and ophthalmic examination reports of 2127 eyes of 1065 RP patients at one eye hospital were retrospectively reviewed to determined the prevalence of ocular abnormalities and the relationship between best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and macular abnormalities.Results Nyctalopia (58.2%) and blurred vision (27.1%) were the leading reasons for RP patients to request an ophthalmic examination. BCVA measurements in the better eyes at first clinical presentation showed that 304 patients (28.5%) were categorised as blind and 220 patients (20.7%) as low vision. The most common ocular abnormalities were macular abnormalities (59.7%) and cataracts (43.1%). The macular abnormalities included epiretinal membranes (51.1%), cystoid macular edema (18.4%), vitreomacular traction syndrome (2.4%), macular holes (2.3%) and choroidal neovascular membranes (0.05%). Glaucoma was found in 35 eyes (1.6%). The proportions of epiretinal membranes (p=0.001) and macular holes (p=0.008) increased significantly with age. Cystoid macular edema was significantly associated with poorer visual acuity in RP patients with clear lens (p=0.002).Conclusion Cataracts and macular abnormalities are common in RP patients. Of the macular abnormalities, cystoid macular edema may have a negative effect on BCVA in RP patients with clear lens. Therefore, optical coherence tomography screening in RP patients is highly recommended for early detection and treatment of maculopathy.
THE PREVALENCE OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME AMONG PRIMARY HEALTH CARE DOCTORS IN MAKKAH AL-MUKARRAMAH, SAUDI ARABIA
Authors:   Family Medicine Resident, MBBS., Yaseen Sabbagh Fatimah , Adel Khoj Haitham ,   Emergency resident, MBBS., Mohammed Alwafi Osama ,   SBFM, ABFM, JBCM, MPH, CPH.
Published: January 2021

Background:Irritable Bowel Syndrome is found to be more common among health care workers. There are no studies yet that focuses on this issue among primary health care doctors in Makkah AL-Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia and the definite factors affecting IBS are not yet established. Aim of Study: To measure the prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome among primary health care doctors in Makkah AL-Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia and to determine associated factors. Methodology:The study follows a cross-sectional study design, 140 physicians attending primary health care doctors in Makkah AL-Mukarramah were interviewed. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. It included socio-demographic variables and the variables used in Rome IV criteria. Results: Irritable Bowel Syndrome is found to be common among primary health care doctors in Makkah Al-Mukarramah. The factors that were significantly associated with IBS among participants are social status, social relationships, having first degree relatives with IBS, increased nervousness and pressure at work, change in mood, and loss of interest. Conclusion:The prevalence of IBS (29.7%) among primary health care doctors in Makkah Al-Mukarramahwas quite high compared to other similar studies. The most significant predictor among the said factors was having increased nervousness and pressure at work. Therefore, doctors should be screened routinely for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Also, these findings will help in the development of a more reliable assessment tool for IBS and its appropriate treatment.
THE INFLUENCE OF FINANCIAL PLANNING ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HOUSEHOLD INCOME AND LEVEL OF SAVING IN TANZANIA
Authors:   Department of Management Science, Makerere University Business School, Kampala, Uganda., Tibesigwa Warren , Kaberuka Will ,   Department of Management Science, Makerere University Business School, Kampala, Uganda., Ayebare Joanina ,   Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Makerere University Business School,Kampala, Uganda., Ndeshiuta Morris Ally ,   PhD student, Department of General Management, University of Dar es Salaam Business School, Dar es Salaam,Tanzania.
Published: January 2021

There are many studies on the relationship between household income and saving though very little is known about the influence of financial planning on the relationship between household income and saving.This paper examined the moderating effect of financial planning on the relationship between household income and saving in Tanzania.Based on cross-sectional secondary data (Finscope data,2017) that was collected using multistage sampling from 9457 respondents, descriptive, correlation, regression and moderation effect were performed to analyze the data.The findings indicate that household income and interaction effects have a positive relationship with level of saving. Finally, regression results show that household income and financial planning have a positive significant effect on household saving levels and that financial planning has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between household income and level of saving. From these study results,it is recommended that the government of Tanzania through the ministry of community development, gender and children in should introduce financial awareness programs to the communities in order for the people to realize the need of financial planning and hence improve their saving.Further more the government throughthe ministry of education and vocational training should introduce financial awareness in the school curriculum so that citizens learn how to plan for financial matters at early stages.
IRON AND MANGANESE IN GROUNDWATER AND THEIR IMPACT ON STRUCTURES:CASE OF A FEW LOCALITIES IN THE TAHOUA REGION (NIGER)
Authors:   Laboratoire Materiaux-Eauxet Environnement Universite Abdou Moumouni de Niamey: BP 10662 Niamey (Niger)., Imrana Chaibou Ousmane Mamane , Salam Manzola Abdou ,   Laboratoire Materiaux-Eauxet Environnement Universite Abdou Moumouni de Niamey: BP 10662 Niamey (Niger)., Razak Moumouni Wage Abdoul ,   Laboratoire Materiaux-Eauxet Environnement Universite Abdou Moumouni de Niamey: BP 10662 Niamey (Niger).
Published: January 2021

In Niger, some localities in the Tahoua region, groundwater is the main source of drinking water for the population. However, these waters are very loaded with Fe (II) and Mn (II), respectively exceeding the standard set by the WHO (0.3 mg / L and 0.1 mg / L). When these waters are in contact with the oxygen in the air, this degrades their aesthetic and organoleptic quality, but also that of structures and pipes. The objective of this study is to take stock of the presence of iron and manganese in water and their impact on the structures, which may justify the need for the creation of a treatment unit for their removal. Sampling was carried out at the level of the four localities. The pH was measured at the sites, total iron and manganese (II) are measured in the laboratory by colorimetry using a DR3900. The results show that in all the boreholes sampled, the concentration of total Fe varies from 1.231 mg / L to 6.295 mg / L, and that of Mn (II) from 0 mg / L to 0.97 mg / L. All of the structures and pipes that carry this water are completely damaged or blocked by a ferric deposit, identified by the DRX as a very poorly crystallized 2-Line ferrihydrite.
The Values of Local Wisdom of Minangkabau Culture in a Baralek Gadang Traditional Wedding
Authors: Ramanta Helzi , Samsuri Samsuri
Published: January 2021

The research aimed to (1) describe the traditional Minangkabau Baralek Gadang marriage; (2) analyze the procedures for the Minangkabau traditional wedding ceremony Baralek Gadang; (3) analyze the values of local wisdom in the traditional Minangkabau wedding Baralek Gadang. The research method applied was qualitative research, which was a literature study. Sources of data were books, journals, and internet sites related to the selected topic. The research data source consisted of books and journals about local wisdom of the Minangkabau culture in the customary marriage of Baralek Gadang. Data collection was carried out using documentation techniques, looking for data about things or variables in the form of notes, books, papers or articles, and journals. The data analysis technique used in the research was the content analysis method. The results show that (1) customary marriage in the Minangkabau community is identical with the existence of traditional ceremonies, which have many unique things and some rules that must be obeyed both based on customary provisions and Islamic teachings. The traditional wedding procession in Minangkabau custom has several conditions that must be carried out before getting married. (2) The procedures for the traditional Minangkabau Baralek Gadang wedding ceremony include the preparation for the wedding, the implementation of the wedding, and the implementation after the wedding ceremony. (3) The values of local wisdom contained in Minangkabau Baralek Gadang customary marriages include religious values, social values, knowledge values, language values, and artistic values.
The Inheritance of Saronen Instrument in Sumenep, Madura
Authors: Ruastiti Ni Made , Vebrian Rino Ega , Sariada I Ketut
Published: January 2021

The research aimed to discuss the position and function of the saronen instrument in Sumenep, Madura. Saronen, as one of the cultural heritage of the Madurese people, was still preserved. The research questions were: (1) what was the position of the saronen instrument in the culture of the Madurese people? (2) How was the strategy for the inheritance of the instrument carried out by the people of Sumenep, Madura? The research was conducted using qualitative methods. The data collection process was carried out through observation, literature study, and interviews with ten informants. Data analysis was carried out in a descriptive qualitative manner using semiotic theory and structural-functional theory. The results show (1) the saronen instrument has an important position in the culture of the Madurese people, including Madurese ethnic identity, as a public relations media, and the branding of Sumenep as a tourist destination in East Java. The saronen instrument, which is originally used as a da'wah medium, has now developed as a musical accompaniment to the activities of the sapi sono and karapan sapi contest and entertainment medium for the Madurese people in celebratory events and government events. (2) The inheritance strategy of the saronen instrument is carried out by the indigenous people through a vertical system, namely an inheritance system through a genetic mechanism passed down from time to time across generations and a horizontal system, namely inheritance through institutions, including educational institutions such as schools and art studios.
Validity and Reliability of Resilience Scale for Islamic Boarding School Students
Authors: Hayatini Destiana Rizki , Dimyati Dimyati
Published: January 2021

The research aimed to examine the content validity and resilience scale reliability that was developed based on the theory of Reivich and Shatte. The measuring instrument consisted of 32 items which resulted from a modification of the instruments made by Reivich and Shatte. The instrument had seven aspects of resilience, namely emotion regulation, impulse control, optimism, causal analysis, empathy, self-efficacy, and reaching out. The research sample amounted to 150 respondents consisting of Islamic Boarding School students in Purworejo, Central Java, boys and girls aged 11-18 years. The items in the measuring instruments were analyzed using the Gregory formula with the help of Ms. Excel program; then, the Cronbach Alpha formula was analyzed using the SPSS program. Based on the analysis of content validity with two experts’ judgments and the validity index of 1, it means that the instrument’s validity is very high. As for the reliability test results, the value of Cronbach’s Alpha item resilience scale is 0,753. This shows that the resilience scale item has good reliability. Based on these data, resilience instruments can be said to be valid and reliable to measure the resilience of Islamic Boarding School students.
Представление российских учителей о доброте и ее проявлениях в педагогической деятельности
Authors: Лейбина Анна В. , Понс Франциско , Семенов Юрий И.
Published: January 2021

Introduction. In recent years, the research on kindness as a character trait has become a subject of increasing interest. The development of kindness in students is inextricably related to the study of kindness in teachers. However, there is the lack of critical attention paid to pedagogical kindness; the phenomenon of kindness has not been studied previously in Russia. This study aims to examine Russian teachers’ perceptions of kindness, its manifestations, and its importance for educational activities.
Methods. The study participants (302 teachers) filled out an online questionnaire to define the concept of kindness, the way it manifests itself in educational activities, the importance of pedagogical kindness, and its impact on students, and also provided information on their gender, age, religiosity, presence and number of children, teaching experience, and the age group of students they work with. To process qualitative data, open coding and axial coding were used; multinomial logistic regression was used to identify associations between teachers’ perceptions of kindness and kind actions and sociodemographic variables.
Results. The authors (a) identified five thematic categories in the definition of kindness: personal states and qualities, openness to others, understanding of others, external and internal actions and behaviors and (b) proposed a classification for pedagogically kind actions, according to their manifestations during skills and knowledge acquisition, educational activities accompanying educational process, and kindness outside school. No differences were found between teachers’ perceptions of kindness and kind actions and their sociodemographic characteristics. The teachers recognize the importance of pedagogical kindness and its positive impact on students.
Discussion. Kindness is not equivalent to helping behavior. However, kindness usually manifests itself in behavior. Therefore, activity theory should be used as a framework for a further study of pedagogical kindness.
Апробация методики «Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development – Third Edition»
Authors: Павлова Полина А. , Бакушкина Надежда И. , Сулейманова Екатерина В. , Павлова Надежда В. , Лаврова Мария А. , Туктарева Инна В. , Чегодаев Дмитрий А. , Львова Ольга А. , Максимов Дмитрий М.
Published: January 2021

Introduction. There is currently no universal comprehensive measurement tool for the assessment of children development in the Russian Federation (RF). The Bayley-III scales developed by American researchers are widely used as such a tool. Numerous research groups recognize the need to modify the original scales before using them in a new linguistic and socio-cultural environment.
Methods. The authors (a) translated the original Bayley-III manual into Russian, (b) tested the tool by assessing cognitive, language, and motor development of 163 Russian children aged 2–11 months, and (c) made an indirect comparison of the mean scale scores of neuropsychological development and those obtained from the original American sample of children using Student’s t-test.
Results. The modified version of the Bayley-III manual has been successfully tested in the RF. The indices of language and motor development of the children examined in this study did not statistically differ from the original American data (10 points). Higher scores were obtained for the cognitive scale (10.7 versus 10; p = 0.003). However, this effect was not very pronounced (Cohen’s d = 0.25).
Discussion. The indices of neuropsychological development of Russian children fully comply with the original Bayley-III norms, which opens up new possibilities for its use in the RF. Slightly higher scores of the cognitive scale among Russian children do not generally affect the compliance with the original tool, since the difference was not significant. The results of this study can be extrapolated to full-term Caucasian children aged 2–11 months, whose parents have at least secondary education and average level of earnings. The widespread use of Bayley-III requires its further adaptation in larger and more representative samples of children from different regions of the RF with the additional assessment of social-emotional development as well as adaptive behavior.
Asymmetric Dimethylarginine: a Key Player in the Pathophysiology of Endothelial Dysfunction, Vascular Inflammation and Atherosclerosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Authors: Mangoni Arduino A. , Tommasi Sara , Sotgia Salvatore , Zinellu Angelo , Paliogiannis Panagiotis , Piga Matteo , Cauli Alberto , Pintus Gianfranco , Carru Ciriaco , Erre Gian L.
Published: January 2021

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic and disabling autoimmune condition that is characterized
by articular and extra-articular manifestations and a pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidant state, suffer from
premature atherosclerosis and excessive cardiovascular disease burden. A key step in the pathogenesis of
atherosclerosis is impaired synthesis of the endogenous messenger nitric oxide (NO) by endothelial cells which,
in turn, alters local homeostatic mechanisms and favors vascular damage and plaque deposition. While the exact
mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction in RA remain to be established, there is good evidence that RA patients
have relatively high circulating concentrations of the methylated arginine asymmetric dimethylarginine
(ADMA), a potent endogenous inhibitor of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS). This review discusses the biological
and pathophysiological role of ADMA, the interplay between ADMA, inflammation and oxidative stress,
and the available evidence on the adverse impact of ADMA on endothelial function and atherosclerosis and potential
ADMA-lowering therapies in RA patients.
Bioinformatics-Based Characterization of Proteins Related to SARS-CoV-
2 Using the Polarity Index Method® (PIM®) and Intrinsic Disorder Predisposition
Authors: Polanco Carlos , Uversky Vladimir N. , Dayhoff Guy W. , Huberman Alberto , Buhse Thomas , Márquez Manlio F. , Vargas-Alarcón Gilberto , Castañón-González Jorge Alberto , Andrés Leire , Dı́az-González Juan Luciano , González-Bañales Karina
Published: January 2021

Background:

The global outbreak of the 2019 novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) caused by the infection with the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which appeared in China at the end of
2019, signifies a major public health issue at the current time.

Objective:

The objective of the present study is to characterize the physicochemical properties of the SARS-CoV-2 proteins at a residues level, and to generate a “bioinformatics fingerprint” in the form of a “PIM® profile” created for each
sequence utilizing the Polarity Index Method® (PIM®), suitable for the identification of these proteins.

Methods:

Two different bioinformatics approaches were used to analyze sequence characteristics of these proteins at
the residues level, an in-house bioinformatics system PIM®, and a set of the commonly used algorithms for the predic-tion of protein intrinsic disorder predisposition, such as PONDR® VLXT, PONDR® VL3, PONDR® VSL2, PONDR®
FIT, IUPred_short and IUPred_long. The PIM® profile was generated for four SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins and
compared with the corresponding profiles of the SARS-CoV-2 non-structural proteins, SARS-CoV-2 putative proteins,
SARS-CoV proteins, MERS-CoV proteins, sets of bacterial, fungal, and viral proteins, cell-penetrating peptides, and a
set of intrinsically disordered proteins. We also searched for the UniProt proteins with PIM® profiles similar to those of
SARS-CoV-2 structural, non-structural, and putative proteins.

Results:

We show that SARS-CoV-2 structural, non-structural, and putative proteins are characterized by a unique
PIM® profile. A total of 1736 proteins were identified from the 562,253 “reviewed” proteins from the UniProt database,
whose PIM® profile was similar to that of the SARS-CoV-2 structural, non-structural, and putative proteins.

Conclusion:

The PIM® profile represents an important characteristic that might be useful for the identification of proteins similar to SARS-CoV-2 proteins.
The Differential Diagnostic Value of the Callosal Angle and Evans Index in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Liu Mengqi , Zhang Jing , Zong Linxiong , Fan Wenping , Wang Botao , Chen Zhiye
Published: January 2021

Background:

Callosal Angle (CA) and Evans Index (EI) are considered as imaging biomarkers
to diagnose normal-pressure hydrocephalus using traditional MR measurement methods.

Objective:

The current study was aimed to evaluate the differential diagnostic value of CA and EI in the mild cognitive
impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Methods:

Five-hundred and two subjects were selected from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging
Initiative (ADNI) database, which included 168 Normal Controls (NC), 233 MCI and 101 AD
patients. The structural MR images were interactively applied with multiplanar reconstruction to
measure the CA and EI.

Results:

CA presented no significant difference among NC, MCI and AD groups (H value = 3.848,
P value = 0.146), and EI demonstrated higher value in MCI and AD groups than that in NC groups
(P = 0.000 and 0.001, respectively). MCI group had significant larger EI (0.29±0.04) than
(0.27±0.03) NC group in 70-75 years old sub-groups. ROC showed that the area under the curve
was 0.704±0.045 for NC-MCI in 70-75 years old groups. The correlation analysis indicated that EI
was significantly negatively related to MMSE scores of MCI patients (r = -0.131, P = 0.046).

Conclusion:

EI might serve as a screening imaging biomarker for MCI in 70-75 years old, and show limited differential
value for the diagnosis of AD. CA could present no diagnostic value for MCI and AD in the current study.
Efervescências musicais e noturnidades no Beco das Artes
Authors: Fernandes Cíntia Sanmartin , Herschmann Micael
Published: January 2021

In the most liquid environments that characterize nightlife and parties, we generally live in a slower and more marked time: on the one hand, by relevant, varied and often intense sensitive experiences; and, on the other hand, for expectations of more freedom and social interaction between the actors. This article sought to problematize the direct and indirect repercussions - not only socioeconomic, but especially in the imagination of the city - of the nightly cultural experiences that take place at the festive events held at Beco das Artes (in the city center of Rio de Janeiro), which it presents itself as an open territory for serendipities, capable of mobilizing an expressive segment of actors who gravitate towards a musical production associated with the local alternative scene (and who, in general, participate in the current street culture in Rio). In view of the objectives outlined, our investigation is not only based on the theoretical-methodological procedures of the Sociology of Senses (and of the Imaginary) founded by Georg Simmel, but also employs cartographic methodological strategies (in the process of carrying out fieldwork and monitoring the dynamics aggregation of actors in the territories) inspired by the Actor-Network Theory, noted in Bruno Latour's seminal work.
Desafios da Divulgação do Património Arte Nova em Portugal
Authors: Carlos Filipe Serra
Published: January 2021

As soon as it was replaced by new architecture practice and decoration design taste, Art Nouveau fell into the limbo of past fashions, becoming so depreciated that many works of art were destroyed. Like the international movement that rescued Art Nouveau, in Portugal its reappreciation begun with the first Art History studies made since the 50’s and became stronger after the listing of Art Nouveau buildings started in the 70’s. Since, Art Nouveau has come a long way that allowed it to escape the academic and official institutes instances and that gave this heritage the opportunity to become known by a wider public. In this chapter, we aim to portray how diffusion and promotion of Art Nouveau related heritage has been done. Listing the initiatives that have been implemented as well as which entities were decisive in those processes are among this portrayal’s main aspects. The relevance of knowing this evolution lies on the contribution it brings to the comprehension of how Art Nouveau is appreciated in Portugal nowadays by both responsible entities and society. It also allows identifying some lingering misconceptions about Art Nouveau, thus underlining the importance of its promotion and, also, of improving the Art Nouveau knowledge.
O Problema da Educação Nacional
Authors: Teixeira Herig Margarida
Published: January 2021

Educação é, no entendimento completo do têrmo, desenvolvimento harmônico do homem, capaz de torná-lo fisica, intelectual, espiritual e moralmente apto a integrar-se na vida como fôrça positiva do progresso. Educação é, pois, cultura e treinamento, conhecimento da vida, compreensão da natureza humana, conceituação verdadeira de si mesmo.
Acknowlegement to Reviewers of OBM Genetics in 2020
Authors:   LIDSEN Publishing Inc., 2000 Auburn Drive, One Chagrin Highlands, Suite 200, Beachwood, OH, USA, LIDSEN Publishing Inc. OBM Genetics Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

The editors of OBM Genetics would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2020. We greatly appreciate the contribution of expert reviewers, which is crucial to the journal's editorial process. We aim to recognize reviewer contributions through several mechanisms, of which the annual publication of reviewer names is one. Reviewers receive a voucher entitling them to a discount on their next LIDSEN publication and can download a certificate of recognition directly from our submission system. Additionally, reviewers can sign up to the service Publons (https://publons.com) to receive recognition. Of course, in these initiatives we are careful not to compromise reviewer confidentiality. Many reviewers see their work as a voluntary and often unseen part of their role as researchers. We are grateful to the time reviewers donate to our journals and the contribution they make.
Relax into Yoga for Seniors: An Evidence-Informed Update for Enhancing Yoga Practice Benefits by Reducing Risk in a Uniquely Vulnerable Age Group
Authors:   Duke Integrative Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA, Krucoff Carol , Carson Kimberly , Krucoff Mitchell
Published: January 2021

Teaching yoga to seniors is often considered an entry-level job for a yoga instructor since older adults are unlikely to attempt complicated, “advanced” postures. Unfortunately, this ill-informed attitude puts the most vulnerable students with the least-trained instructors who may unknowingly put their students at risk. Even experienced yoga instructors often do not understand the vulnerabilities of older adults, and many commonly taught yoga poses may present risks for seniors. This could explain why participants aged 65 and older have a greater rate of injury from practicing yoga when compared with other age groups. This article discusses the safety principles central to the Integrative Yoga for Seniors program. Offered since 2007 at Duke Integrative Medicine, this professional training for yoga instructors is designed to help yoga teachers enhance the benefits of yoga for their older adult students by learning how to work safely with the increasing number of seniors coming to yoga classes. Drawing on specific Principles of Practice that we developed to integrate the knowledge gained from Western medicine with yogic teachings, we offer our evidence-informed Relax into Yoga Safety Recommendations to help reduce risk and thus enhance effectiveness when teaching yoga to older adult beginners. We highlight two areas that pose the greatest risk of compromise to older adult students: cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
Acknowlegement to Reviewers of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine in 2020
Authors:   LIDSEN Publishing Inc., 2000 Auburn Drive, One Chagrin Highlands, Suite 200, Beachwood, OH, USA, LIDSEN Publishing Inc. OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

The editors of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2020. We greatly appreciate the contribution of expert reviewers, which is crucial to the journal's editorial process. We aim to recognize reviewer contributions through several mechanisms, of which the annual publication of reviewer names is one. Reviewers receive a voucher entitling them to a discount on their next LIDSEN publication and can download a certificate of recognition directly from our submission system. Additionally, reviewers can sign up to the service Publons (https://publons.com) to receive recognition. Of course, in these initiatives we are careful not to compromise reviewer confidentiality. Many reviewers see their work as a voluntary and often unseen part of their role as researchers. We are grateful to the time reviewers donate to our journals and the contribution they make.
Acknowlegement to Reviewers of Recent Progress in Materials in 2020
Authors:   LIDSEN Publishing Inc., 2000 Auburn Drive, One Chagrin Highlands, Suite 200, Beachwood, OH, USA, LIDSEN Publishing Inc. Recent Progress in Materials Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

The editors of Recent Progress in Materials would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2020. We greatly appreciate the contribution of expert reviewers, which is crucial to the journal's editorial process. We aim to recognize reviewer contributions through several mechanisms, of which the annual publication of reviewer names is one. Reviewers receive a voucher entitling them to a discount on their next LIDSEN publication and can download a certificate of recognition directly from our submission system. Additionally, reviewers can sign up to the service Publons (https://publons.com) to receive recognition. Of course, in these initiatives we are careful not to compromise reviewer confidentiality. Many reviewers see their work as a voluntary and often unseen part of their role as researchers. We are grateful to the time reviewers donate to our journals and the contribution they make.
Gaining Insights Into the Estimation of the Circadian Rhythms of Social Activity in Older Adults From Their Telephone Call Activity With Statistical Learning: Observational Study
Authors: Aubourg Timothée , Demongeot Jacques , Vuillerme Nicolas
Published: January 2021

Background

Understanding the social mechanisms of the circadian rhythms of activity represents a major issue in better managing the mechanisms of age-related diseases occurring over time in the elderly population. The automated analysis of call detail records (CDRs) provided by modern phone technologies can help meet such an objective. At this stage, however, whether and how the circadian rhythms of telephone call activity can be automatically and properly modeled in the elderly population remains to be established.

Objective

Our goal for this study is to address whether and how the circadian rhythms of social activity observed through telephone calls could be automatically modeled in older adults.

Methods

We analyzed a 12-month data set of outgoing telephone CDRs of 26 adults older than 65 years of age. We designed a statistical learning modeling approach adapted for exploratory analysis. First, Gaussian mixture models (GMMs) were calculated to automatically model each participant’s circadian rhythm of telephone call activity. Second, k-means clustering was used for grouping participants into distinct groups depending on the characteristics of their personal GMMs.

Results

The results showed the existence of specific structures of telephone call activity in the daily social activity of older adults. At the individual level, GMMs allowed the identification of personal habits, such as morningness-eveningness for making calls. At the population level, k-means clustering allowed the structuring of these individual habits into specific morningness or eveningness clusters.

Conclusions

These findings support the potential of phone technologies and statistical learning approaches to automatically provide personalized and precise information on the social rhythms of telephone call activity of older individuals. Futures studies could integrate such digital insights with other sources of data to complete assessments of the circadian rhythms of activity in elderly populations.