bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social distancing causally impacts the spread of SARS-CoV-2: a U.S. nationwide event study
Authors: Gagnon Louis , Gagnon Stephanie , Lloyd Jessica
Published: October 2022

We assess the causal impact of social distancing on the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the U.S. using the quasi-natural experimental setting created by the spontaneous relaxation of social distancing behavior brought on by the protests that erupted across the nation following George Floyd’s tragic death on May 25, 2020. Using a difference-in-difference specification and a balanced sample covering the [− 30, 30] day event window centered on the onset of protests, we document an increase of 1.34 cases per day, per 100,000 population, in the SARS-CoV-2 incidence rate in protest counties, relative to their propensity score matching non-protest counterparts. This represents a 26.8% increase in the incidence rate relative to the week preceding the protests. We find that the treatment effect only manifests itself after the onset of the protests and our placebo tests rule out the possibility that our findings are attributable to chance. Our research informs policy makers and provides insights regarding the usefulness of social distancing as an intervention to minimize the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
The role of education level on changes in endorsement of medication treatment and perceived public stigma towards psychosis in Hong Kong: comparison of three population-based surveys between 2009 and 2018
Authors: Sum Min Yi , Chan Sherry Kit Wa , Suen Yi Nam , Cheung Charlton , Hui Christy Lai Ming , Chang Wing Chung , Lee Edwin Ho Ming , Chen Eric Yu Hai
Published: October 2022

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the changes in perceived public stigma (PPS) towards psychosis, and endorsement of medication treatment between 2009 to 2018 in the Hong Kong Chinese population.The role of education level on the changes in PPS and endorsement of medication treatment for psychosis was also examined.

Methods

Telephone survey of the general population was conducted in 2009, 2014, and 2018. PPS was assessed using the revised Link’s Perceived Discrimination-Devaluation Scale. Endorsement of medication was measured using an item asking if individuals with psychosis requires medication to manage their symptoms. Education level was separated into three categories (primary, secondary, and tertiary) for analysis. Factorial analysis of covariance was used to examine the main effects of survey year, education and endorsement of medication on stigma, and the interaction between survey year and education level, and survey year and endorsement of medication on PPS.

Results

1016, 1018, and 1514 respondents completed the surveys in 2009, 2014, and 2018, respectively. PPS was found to be stable across the three public surveys. Endorsement of medication treatment was associated with higher PPS. An interaction effect between survey year and education level onPPS was observed. PPS was significantly lower and fewer respondents endorsed medication treatment in 2018 in the tertiary education group than in previous years.

Conclusion

Current findings suggest that a targeted approach may be required for different education groups when developing anti-stigma public campaigns. Inclusion of other aspects of knowledge about psychosis may also be useful in reduction of PPS.
Reproductive and endocrine effects of artemisinin, piperaquine, and artemisinin-piperaquine combination in rats
Authors: Li Xiaobo , Yuan Yueming , Chen Yingyi , Ru Li , Yuan Zheng , Xu Zhiyong , Xu Qin , Song Jianping , Li Guoming , Deng Changsheng
Published: October 2022

Background:

The WHO recommends artemisinin-based combination regimens for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. One such combination is artemisinin-piperaquine tablets (ATQ). ATQ has outstanding advantages in anti-malarial, such as good efficacy, fewer side effects, easy promotion and application in deprived regions. However, the data about the reproductive and endocrine toxicity of ATQ remains insufficient. Thus, we assessed the potential effects of ATQ and its individual components artemisinin (ART) and piperaquine (PQ) on the reproductive and endocrine systems in Wistar rats.

Methods:

The unfertilized female rats were intragastric administrated with ATQ (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg), PQ (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg), ART (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg), or water (control) for 14 days, respectively. The estrous cycle and serum levels of estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), prostaglandin (PG), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) were determined. The weights of the kidney, adrenal gland, uterus, and ovaries were measured. The histopathological examinations of the adrenal gland, ovary, uterus, and mammary gland were performed.

Results:

Compared with the control group, there were no significant differences in the examined items of female rats in the ART groups, including general observation, estrous cycle, hormonal level, organ weight, and histopathological examination. The estrous cycle of female rats was disrupted within 4–7 days after ATQ or PQ administration, and then in a persistent dioestrus phase. At the end of administration, ATQ and PQ at three doses induced decreased PG, increased ACTH, increased adrenal weight and size, and pathological lesions in the adrenal gland and ovary, including vasodilation and hyperemia in the adrenal cortex and medulla as well as hyperplasia and vacuolar degeneration, ovarian corpus luteum surface hyperemia, numerous but small corpus luteum, and disordered follicle development. But the serum levels of E2, FSH, LH, and PRL did not change obviously. These adverse effects in ATQ or PQ treated rats could not completely disappear after 21 days of recovery.

Conclusion:

Based on the results of this study, ART had no obvious reproductive and endocrine effects on female rats, while ATQ and PQ caused adrenal hyperplasia, increased ACTH, decreased PG, blocked estrus, corpus luteum surface hyperemia, and disrupted follicle development in female rats. These events suggest that ATQ and PQ may interfere with the female reproductive and endocrine systems, potentially reducing fertility.
Fatty liver index as a predictor for incident type 2 diabetes in community-dwelling adults: longitudinal findings over 12 years
Authors: Seo In-Ho , Lee Hye Sun , Lee Yong-Jae
Published: October 2022

Background

Diagnosing fatty liver and identifying disease status are important for fatty liver related-diseases prevention. The fatty liver index (FLI), which can be easily available in clinical practice, can be very useful for managing fatty liver and preventing related diseases.

No large-scale and long-term follow-up prospective studies have investigated the relationship between FLI and incident type 2 diabetes (T2DM) independent of baseline insulin resistance status. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association between FLI and incident T2DM and to determine whether FLI could be used as an indicator of T2DM using a large-sample, community-based Korean cohort over 12 years.

Methods

Among the 10,030 total participants, 7,777 (3,676 men and 4,101 women) without diabetes were selected from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES). FLI grade, which ranged from 0 to 100, was categorized into three groups: low, FLI (< 30); intermediate, FLI (30–59); and high, FLI (≥ 60). The hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incident T2DM were calculated using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models after adjusting for potentially confounding variables.

Results

In total, 1,490 individuals (19.2%) developed T2DM during follow-up. Compared to the reference FLI (< 30), the HRs of incident T2DM for the FLI (30–59), and FLI (≥ 60) increased after adjusting for potentially confounding variables, including the HOMA-IR marker.

Conclusions

FLI grade at baseline could be a future indicator of T2DM even when prior glucose or insulin (HOMA-IR) levels are normal.
A review on the role of LINC00467 in the carcinogenesis
Authors: Ghafouri-Fard Soudeh , Khoshbakht Tayyebeh , Hussen Bashdar Mahmud , Taheri Mohammad , Hajiesmaeili Mohammadreza
Published: October 2022

LINC00467 is an example of long intergenic non-coding RNAs whose roles in human disorders are being identified. This gene coding LINC00467 is located on chromosome 1: 211,382,736 − 211,435,570 forward strand. This lncRNA has been firstly recognized through a microarray-based lncRNA profiling as an N-Myc target in neuroblastoma cells. Further studies have shown up-regulation of LINC00467 in different cancer including those originated from brain, gastrointestinal tract, lung and breast. It acts as a molecular sponge for miR-339, miR-138-5p, miR-107, miR-133b, miR-451a, miR-485-5p, miR-7-5p, miR-485-5p, miR-339-3p, miR-200a, miR-1285-3p, miR-299-5p, miR-509-3p, miR-18a-5p, miR-9-5p and miR-20b-5p. LINC00467 can regulate activity of NF-κB, STAT1, Wnt/b-catenin, Akt and ERK1/2 signaling pathways. Accumulating evidence indicates oncogenic role of LINC00467. The current review article aims at providing an overview of LINC00467 in the carcinogenesis.
Virulence, phenotype and genotype characteristics of invasive group B Streptococcus isolates obtained from Swedish pregnant women and neonates
Authors: Huebner Emily M. , Gudjónsdóttir Margrét Johansson , Dacanay Matthew B. , Nguyen Shayla , Brokaw Alyssa , Sharma Kavita , Elfvin Anders , Hentz Elisabet , Rivera Ysabella Raceli , Burd Nicole , Shivakumar Megana , Coler Brahm , Li Miranda , Li Amanda , Munson Jeff , Orvis Austyn , Coleman Michelle , Jacobsson Bo , Rajagopal Lakshmi , Adams Waldorf Kristina M.
Published: October 2022

Group B streptococci (GBS) are bacteria that can cause preterm birth and invasive neonatal disease. Heterogeneous expression of virulence factors enables GBS to exist as both commensal bacteria and to become highly invasive. A molecular epidemiological study comparing GBS bacterial traits, genotype and host characteristics may indicate whether it is possible to predict the risk of perinatal invasive GBS disease and more accurately target intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis. A total of 229 invasive GBS isolates from Swedish pregnant women or neonates were assessed for virulence and phenotypic traits: hemolysis zone, hemolytic pigment (Granada agar), Streptococcus B Carrot Broth (SBCB) assay, CAMP factor, and hyaluronidase activity. Genes regulating hemolytic pigment synthesis (covR/covS, abx1, stk1, stp1) were sequenced. Of the virulence factors and phenotypes assessed, a Granada pigment or SBCB score ≥ 2 captured more than 90% of EOD isolates with excellent inter-rater reliability. High enzyme activity of hyaluronidase was observed in 16% (36/229) of the invasive GBS isolates and notably, in one case of stillbirth. Hyaluronidase activity was also significantly higher in GBS isolates obtained from pregnant/postpartum individuals versus the stillbirth or neonatal invasive isolates (p < 0.001). Sequencing analysis found that abx1 (g.T106I), stk1 (g.T211N), stp1 (g.K469R) and covS (g.V343M) variants were present significantly more often in the higher (Granada pigment score ≥ 2) versus lower pigmented isolates (p < 0.001, each variant). Among the 203 higher Granada pigment scoring isolates, 22 (10.8%) isolates had 3 of the four sequence variants and 10 (4.9%) had 2 of the four sequence variants. Although heterogeneity in GBS virulence factor expression was observed, the vast majority were more highly pigmented and contained several common sequence variants in genes regulating pigment synthesis. High activity of hyaluronidase may increase risk for stillbirth and invasive disease in pregnant or postpartum individuals. Our findings suggest that testing for GBS pigmentation and hyaluronidase may, albeit imperfectly, identify pregnant people at risk for invasive disease and represent a step towards a personalized medical approach for the administration of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis.
FOXD1-dependent RalA-ANXA2-Src complex promotes CTC formation in breast cancer
Authors: Long Yufei , Chong Tuotuo , Lyu Xiaoming , Chen Lujia , Luo Xiaomin , Faleti Oluwasijibomi Damola , Deng Simin , Wang Fei , He Mingliang , Qian Zhipeng , Zhao Hongli , Zhou Wenyan , Guo Xia , Chen Ceshi , Li Xin
Published: October 2022

Background

Early metastasis is a key factor contributing to poor breast cancer (BC) prognosis. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are regarded as the precursor cells of metastasis, which are ultimately responsible for the main cause of death in BC. However, to date molecular mechanisms underlying CTC formation in BC have been insufficiently defined.

Methods

RNA-seq was carried out in primary tissues from early-stage BC patients (with CTCs≥5 and CTCs = 0, respectively) and the validation study was conducted in untreated 80 BC patients. Multiple in vitro and in vivo models were used in functional studies. Luciferase reporter, ChIP-seq, CUT&Tag-seq, and GST-pulldown, etc. were utilized in mechanistic studies. CTCs were counted by the CanPatrol™ CTC classification system or LiquidBiospy™ microfluidic chips. ERK1/2 inhibitor SCH772984 was applied to in vivo treatment.

Results

Highly expressed FOXD1 of primary BC tissues was observed to be significantly associated with increased CTCs in BC patients, particularly in early BC patients. Overexpressing FOXD1 enhanced the migration capability of BC cells, CTC formation and BC metastasis, via facilitating epithelial-mesenchymal transition of tumor cells. Mechanistically, FOXD1 was discovered to induce RalA expression by directly bound to RalA promotor. Then, RalA formed a complex with ANXA2 and Src, promoting the interaction between ANXA2 and Src, thus increasing the phosphorylation (Tyr23) of ANXA2. Inhibiting RalA-GTP form attenuated the interaction between ANXA2 and Src. This cascade culminated in the activation of ERK1/2 signal that enhanced metastatic ability of BC cells. In addition, in vivo treatment with SCH772984, a specific inhibitor of ERK1/2, was used to dramatically inhibit the CTC formation and BC metastasis.

Conclusion

Here, we report a FOXD1-dependent RalA-ANXA2-Src complex that promotes CTC formation via activating ERK1/2 signal in BC. FOXD1 may serve as a prognostic factor in evaluation of BC metastasis risks. This signaling cascade is druggable and effective for overcoming CTC formation from the early stages of BC.
Politicizing the future: on lithium exploration in Portugal
Authors: Araújo Emília , Bento Sofia , Silva Marcia
Published: October 2022

This text explores the meaning of the expression “mined future,” which has been used by local populations who oppose lithium production in Northern Portugal. We argue that the expression encapsulates the existence of a conflict for the “ownership” of future, unfolding a battle of visions of the future between local populations and governments. The local population sees the exploitation of lithium as a takeover of future. In contrast, the governments justify the project by promising a sociotechnical future in convergence with European green energy rhetoric. This article follows a grounded theory approach. It relies on information collected about the lithium exploration in Portugal, mainly through journalistic pieces and opinion articles disseminated between 2019 and 2020. In particular, the paper proposes that political action that involves large sociotechnical ventures with the potential of contamination needs to consider the local collective perceptions of the future.
A rare case of the scaphocephalic skull of an adult male
Authors: Ahmadpour Shahriar , Foghi Khadijeh
Published: October 2022

Background

Scaphocephaly is a craniofacial anomaly where the skull is disproportionately long and narrow. Premature closure of the sagittal suture is thought to be at the core of the etiopathology for scaphocephaly.

Case presentation

The skull is a well-preserved skull found in an antiquated graveyard at Parkand village Daregaz, Iran, with no visible signs of surgical manipulation. The craniofacial indices were measured. The maximum cranial length was 200 mm, and the measured length of nasion-bregma was 140mm, whereas most of the measurements were less than the normal scaphocephalic indices. Another morphological finding was the flattening of the frontal bone.

Conclusions

The cranial vault morphometry and morphology of the presented case fit the scalp. In addition to the characteristics of scaphocephaly, the presented skull was of a rare trait, frontal flattening, which has not been reported before.
Global seaweed farming and processing in the past 20 years
Authors: Zhang Lizhu , Liao Wei , Huang Yajun , Wen Yuxi , Chu Yaoyao , Zhao Chao
Published: October 2022

Seaweed has emerged as one of the most promising resources due to its remarkable adaptability, short development period, and resource sustainability. It is an effective breakthrough to alleviate future resource crises. Algal resources have reached a high stage of growth in the past years due to the increased output and demand for seaweed worldwide. Several aspects global seaweed farming production and processing over the last 20 years are reviewed, such as the latest situation and approaches of seaweed farming. Research progress and production trend of various seaweed application are discussed. Besides, the challenges faced by seaweed farming and processing are also analyzed, and the related countermeasures are proposed, which can provide advice for seaweed farming and processing. The primary products, extraction and application, or waste utilization of seaweed would bring greater benefits with the continuous development and improvement of applications in various fields.

Graphical Abstract
Exploring the acceptability of a brief online theory-based intervention to prevent and reduce self-harm: a theoretically framed qualitative study
Authors: Keyworth Chris , Quinlivan Leah , Leather Jessica Z. , Armitage Christopher J.
Published: October 2022

Background

The volitional help sheet for self-harm equips people with the means of responding automatically to triggers for self-harm with coping strategies. Improving acceptability may be crucial to increasing effectiveness and reach. The Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA) was developed to guide the assessment of intervention acceptability, but to date, no studies have applied the TFA to understand acceptability of interventions for self-harm.

Aims

To apply the TFA to (a) explore people's experiences of a brief intervention to reduce repeat self-harm; and (b) understand the most prominent aspects of intervention acceptability, to make recommendations for intervention refinements and successful implementation.

Method

Sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with people who had previously self-harmed. The TFA informed a framework analysis in which findings were mapped onto the TFA.

Results

Four TFA domains were identified that were associated with acceptability of the volitional help sheet for self-harm: affective attitude, burden, intervention coherence and perceived effectiveness. People were generally positive about using the volitional help sheet (affective attitude), understood the volitional help sheet and how it worked (intervention coherence), highlighted engagement as a motivating factor in using the volitional help sheet (perceived burden) and described how the volitional help sheet could be implemented by healthcare professionals (perceived effectiveness).

Conclusions

Further modifications could still be made, but it is hoped that this intervention provides a useful tool for individuals to construct their own personalised implementation intentions, and as part of longer-term support for preventing self-harm as delivered by healthcare professionals.
Transforming access to care for serious mental disorders in slums (the TRANSFORM Project): rationale, design and protocol
Authors: Singh Swaran P. , Jilka Sagar , Abdulmalik Jibril , Bouliotis Georgios , Chadda Rakesh , Egbokhare Olayinka , Huque Rumana , Hundt Gillian Lewando , Iyer Srividya , Jegede Obafemi , Khera Neeru , Lilford Richard , Madan Jason , Omigbodun Akinyinka , Omigbodun Olayinka , Raja Tasneem , Read Ursula M. , Siddiqi Bulbul Ashraf , Sood Mamta , Soron Tanjir Rashid , Ahmed Helal Uddin
Published: October 2022

This paper introduces the TRANSFORM project, which aims to improve access to mental health services for people with serious and enduring mental disorders (SMDs – psychotic disorders and severe mood disorders, often with co-occurring substance misuse) living in urban slums in Dhaka (Bangladesh) and Ibadan (Nigeria). People living in slum communities have high rates of SMDs, limited access to mental health services and conditions of chronic hardship. Help is commonly sought from faith-based and traditional healers, but people with SMDs require medical treatment, support and follow-up. This multicentre, international mental health mixed-methods research project will (a) conduct community-based ethnographic assessment using participatory methods to explore community understandings of SMDs and help-seeking; (b) explore the role of traditional and faith-based healing for SMDs, from the perspectives of people with SMDs, caregivers, community members, healers, community health workers (CHWs) and health professionals; (c) co-design, with CHWs and healers, training packages for screening, early detection and referral to mental health services; and (d) implement and evaluate the training packages for clinical and cost-effectiveness in improving access to treatment for those with SMDs. TRANSFORM will develop and test a sustainable intervention that can be integrated into existing clinical care and inform priorities for healthcare providers and policy makers.
Assessing the relationship between maternal risk for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and functional connectivity in their biological toddlers
Authors: Kerr-German Anastasia , White Stuart F. , Santosa Hendrik , Buss Aaron T. , Doucet Gaelle E.
Published: October 2022

Background

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with increased risk for poor educational attainment and compromised social integration. Currently, clinical diagnosis rarely occurs before school-age, despite behavioral signs of ADHD in very early childhood. There is no known brain biomarker for ADHD risk in children ages 2–3 years-old.

Methods

The current study aimed to investigate the functional connectivity (FC) associated with ADHD risk in 70 children aged 2.5 and 3.5 years via functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in bilateral frontal and parietal cortices; regions involved in attentional and goal-directed cognition. Children were instructed to passively watch videos for approximately 5 min. Risk for ADHD in each child was assessed via maternal symptoms of ADHD, and brain data was evaluated for FC.

Results

Higher risk for maternal ADHD was associated with lower FC in a left-sided parieto-frontal network. Further, the interaction between sex and risk for ADHD was significant, where FC reduction in a widespread bilateral parieto-frontal network was associated with higher risk in male, but not female, participants.

Conclusions

These findings suggest functional organization differences in the parietal–frontal network in toddlers at risk for ADHD; potentially advancing the understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying the development of ADHD.
Risk Modeling to Reduce Monitoring of an Autoantibody-Positive Population to Prevent DKA at Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis
Authors: O’Rourke Colin , Ylescupidez Alyssa , Bahnson Henry T , Bender Christine , Speake Cate , Lord Sandra , Greenbaum Carla J
Published: October 2022

Context

The presence of islet autoimmunity identifies individuals likely to progress to clinical type 1 diabetes (T1D). In clinical research studies, autoantibody screening followed by regular metabolic monitoring every 6 months reduces incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis.

Objective

We hypothesized that DKA reduction can be achieved on a population basis with a reduced frequency of metabolic monitoring visits. We reasoned that prolonged time between the development of T1D and the time of clinical diagnosis (“undiagnosed time”) would more commonly result in DKA and thus that limiting undiagnosed time would decrease DKA.

Methods

An analysis was conducted of data from TrialNet's Pathway to Prevention (PTP), a cross-sectional longitudinal study that identifies and follows at-risk relatives of people with T1D. PTP is a population-based study enrolling across multiple countries. A total of 6193 autoantibody (AAB)-positive individuals participated in PTP from March 2004 to April 2019. We developed models of progression to clinical diagnosis for pediatric and adult populations with single or multiple AAB, and summarized results using estimated hazard rate. An optimal monitoring visit schedule was determined for each model to achieve a minimum average level of undiagnosed time for each population.

Results

Halving the number of monitoring visits usually conducted in research studies is likely to substantially lower the population incidence of DKA at diagnosis of T1D.

Conclusion

Our study has clinical implications for the metabolic monitoring of at-risk individuals. Fewer monitoring visits would reduce the clinical burden, suggesting a path toward transitioning monitoring beyond the research setting.
Classic and Follicular Variant of Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: 2 Different Phenotypes Beyond Tumor Size
Authors: Sparano Clotilde , Rotondi Mario , Verdiani Valentina , Brunori Paolo , Castiglione Francesca , Bartoli Caterina , Perigli Giuliano , Badii Benedetta , Vezzosi Vania , Simontacchi Gabriele , Livi Lorenzo , Antonuzzo Lorenzo , Maggi Mario , Petrone Luisa
Published: October 2022

Context

Despite the wide revision of current guidelines, the management of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (mPTC) still has to be decided case by case. There is conflicting evidence about the role of more frequent histological subtypes, and no data about potential differences at presentation.

Objective

Our aim was to compare the phenotype of the 2 most frequent mPTC variants, namely, classical papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (mPTCc) and the follicular variant of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (mFVPTC) .

Methods

Retrospective observational study, from January 2008 to December 2017 of a consecutive series of patients with mPTCc and mFVPTC. All cases were classified according to the 2015 American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk classification. Clinical and preclinical features of mPTCc and mFVPTC at diagnosis were collected. The comparison was also performed according to the incidental/nonincidental diagnosis and differences were verified by binary logistic analysis.

Results

In total, 235 patients were eligible for the analysis (125 and 110 mPTCc and mFVPTC, respectively). Compared with mPTCc, mFVPTCs were more often incidental and significantly smaller (4 vs 7 mm) (P < .001 all), possibly influenced by the higher rate of incidental detection. mFVPTC and incidental (P < .001 both) tumors were significantly more often allocated within the low-risk class. A logistic regression model, with ATA risk class as the dependent variable, showed that both mFVPTC (OR 0.465 [0.235-0.922]; P = .028]) and incidental diagnosis (OR 0.074 [0.036-0.163]; P < .001) independently predicted ATA risk stratification.

Conclusion

mFVPTC shows some differences in diagnostic presentation compared with mPTCc, and seems to retain a significant number of favorable features, including a prevalent onset as incidental diagnosis.
Prone Transpsoas Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Degenerative Lumbar Spine Disease: Case Series With an Operative Video Using Fluoroscopy-Based Instrument Tracking Guidance
Authors: Soliman Mohamed A. R. , Ruggiero Nicco , Aguirre Alexander O. , Kuo Cathleen C. , Khawar Wasiq I. , Khan Asham , Jowdy Patrick K. , Starling Robert V. , Mullin Jeffrey P. , Pollina John
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND:

Lateral lumbar interbody fusion has inherent limitations, such as the necessity to reposition the patient. To overcome this limitation, the prone transpsoas (PTP) approach for lateral lumbar interbody fusion has been developed.

OBJECTIVE:

To report clinical and radiographic outcome measures of a series of patients who underwent PTP at our hospital.

METHODS:

A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify patients who underwent PTP for degenerative lumbar spine disease between September 2019 and August 2021. A thorough analysis of clinical and radiographic outcome measures for these patients was conducted.

RESULTS:

Our search resulted in the identification of 15 consecutive patients. Four patients were operated using the assistance of fluoroscopy-based instrument tracking. Overall, the mean follow-up duration was 11.9 ± 7.9 months. Radiographically, the PTP approach resulted in significant postoperative improvement of lumbar lordosis (P = .03) and pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis (P < .005). No significant difference was found postoperatively in other regional sagittal alignment parameters, including pelvic tilt, sacral slope, or pelvic incidence. Clinically, the patients' Oswestry Disability Indices (P = .002) and Short Form Survey-12 Physical Scores improved significantly (P = .01). The estimated mean blood loss for patients who underwent the PTP procedure was 137.7 ± 96.4 mL, the mean operative time was 212.5 ± 77.1 minutes, and the mean hospital stay was 2.7 ± 1.4 days. One patient each had superficial wound infection, transient paralytic ileus, transient pulmonary embolism, transient urinary retention, or required revision lumbar surgery.

CONCLUSION:

This study demonstrates that the PTP approach is associated with significant improvement in radiographic and clinical outcomes.
Percutaneous Balloon Compression for Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia Assisted by O-Arm O2-Based Navigation: Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: D'Ercole Manuela , Izzo Alessandro , Silvestri Martina , Olivi Alessandro , Tufo Tommaso
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND:

Percutaneous cannulation of foramen ovale (FO) for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia, classically performed according to empirical landmarks and under fluoroscopic guide, may be difficult, time-consuming, and burdened with vascular or neurological complications related to close anatomic relationships.

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate cannulation of FO for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia assisted by O-Arm O2-based navigation, to assess safety and accuracy.

METHODS:

Nineteen patients underwent percutaneous balloon compression of Gasserian ganglion assisted by navigation provided by O-Arm O2 and StealthStation. Clinical outcomes according to Barrow Neurological Institute Pain Score, time of recurrence, side effects, and complications, as well as technical aspects as time of the procedure and number of tracks were investigated and evaluated. Obtained data were compared with current literature in a systematic review.

RESULTS:

The median time for procedure was 46 minutes; cannulation of the FO was performed in a median of 3 minutes and 47 seconds, in a single track in 16 patients, while 3 cases required a further O-Arm acquisition to check the needle position. No complications were observed. Onset of facial hypoesthesia was recorded in 10 patients and dysesthesia in 5. Although at a median follow-up of 12.7 months 7 patients had recurrence after an average pain-free period of 7.3 months, all but 2 patients had improvement in pain score.

CONCLUSION:

Advantages powered by navigation should be addressed in accuracy, lower complication rate, and success of cannulation even in case of previous treatments or anatomic variations, rather than in effective reduction of surgical time.
The thermoregulatory function of the vasomotion system in healthy and clinical populations
Authors: Τσουτσουμπή Λυδία
Published: October 2022

Ο σκοπός της παρούσας διπλωματικής εργασίας είναι να επεκτείνει την τρέχουσα κατανόηση του ανθρώπινου αγγειοκινητικού συστήματος. Το αγγειοκινητικό σύστημα είναι ένα περίπλοκο δίκτυο κυττάρων, ιστών και οργάνων που εξαρτάται από την πολύπλοκη αλληλεπίδραση πολλών παραγόντων. Η πολυπλοκότητα της αγγειοκίνησης έχει περιορίσει την ικανότητά μας να παρατηρούμε πλήρως αυτό το φαινόμενο και επομένως έχει περιορίσει την κατανόησή μας, ειδικά όσον αφορά το αντίκτυπο διαφορετικών παραγόντων. Η παρούσα διατριβή εστιάζει στην επίδραση των ακόλουθων παραγόντων στην αγγειοκίνηση: περιβαλλοντικοί παράγοντες, ηλικία, ανθρωπομετρικά χαρακτηριστικά, φυσική κατάσταση, φύλο και ένταση άσκησης. Από αυτή την άποψη, πραγματοποιήσαμε μια σειρά από διαφορετικούς τύπους μελετών (επιδημιολογική μελέτη, μελέτη εγκλεισμού, τυχαιοποιημένες ελεγχόμενες μελέτες και δευτερογενή ανάλυση δεδομένων) στην Ελλάδα, τη Σλοβενία και τον Καναδά. Διεξήχθη επίσης συστηματική ανασκόπηση βιβλιογραφίας σε χιλιάδες άτομα που λάμβαναν διαφορετικούς φαρμακολογικούς παράγοντες και εκτέθηκαν σε διαφορετικές περιβαλλοντικές συνθήκες. Συνοψίζοντας, η παρούσα διατριβή παρουσιάζει ότι το αυξημένο θερμικό στρες μπορεί να επηρεάσει τη δερματική αγγειοκίνηση και το καρδιαγγειακό στρες, οδηγώντας σε αυξημένη νοσηρότητα ή/και θνησιμότητα και κακή ποιότητα ζωής. Διερευνά επίσης το αντίκτυπο της αυξημένης θερμικής καταπόνησης στους διαφορετικούς πληθυσμούς, με βάση τους προαναφερθέντες παράγοντες. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, βρήκαμε ότι άτομα ηλικίας άνω των 70 ετών είναι πιο πιθανό να πεθάνουν από κυκλοφορικά αίτια όταν η θερμοκρασία περιβάλλοντος είναι κάτω ή πάνω από 6–39 °C. Σε ακραίες συνθήκες όπως ο καύσωνας, το καρδιαγγειακό στρες των εργαζομένων στον εργασιακό τους χώρο αυξάνεται και θα πρέπει να παρακολουθείται. Από την άλλη πλευρά, κατά τη βύθιση των άκρων σε κρύο νερό, τα άτομα με κακώσεις του νωτιαίου μυελού παρουσιάζουν μεγαλύτερη μείωση στη θερμοκρασία του σώματός τους. Όσον αφορά την επίδραση του φύλου, οι γυναίκεςβιώνουν περισσότερο καρδιαγγειακό στρες όταν τα άκρα τους εκτίθενται σε χαμηλές θερμοκρασίες. Τέλος, είναι σημαντικό να σημειωθεί ότι η εξέταση της λειτουργίας του ενδοθηλίου πρέπει να γίνεται υπό θερμοουδέτερες συνθήκες, ενώ η θερμοκρασία του σώματος του ασθενούς θα πρέπει να είναι σε φυσιολογικά επίπεδα (36,5-37,5°C) για να ληφθούν ακριβή και έγκυρα αποτελέσματα.
The genome sequence of the orange-tip butterfly, Anthocharis cardamines (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Ebdon Sam , Bisschop Gertjan , Lohse Konrad , Saccheri Ilik , Davies James ,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: October 2022

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Anthocharis cardamines (the orange-tip; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Pieridae). The genome sequence is 360 megabases in span. The majority (99.74%) of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, with the W and Z sex chromosomes assembled. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl has identified 12,477 protein coding genes.
Immernet As a Natural Environment for the Development of Immersive Technological and Vocational Training
Authors: Shishov Sergey , Kal'ney V. , Popey-ool Saida , Ryahimova E.
Published: October 2022

The modern environment surrounding a young person is multidimensional and contains a significant number of attractive factors that make it difficult to focus on educational technologies. This negatively affects the effectiveness of training. Therefore, it is important to minimize such distracting phenomena in the learning process. The solution of these problems, according to the authors, lies in the development of immersive learning, which uses an artificial environment. This minimizes distracting phenomena, activates motivation through increased involvement in the learning process, and provides stimulating visualization. The article is devoted to the presentation of the results of the analysis of definitions, the role and connections of the components of immersive technological and vocational training, including the "immernet" as a natural environment for the development of immersive learning. It is shown that today the time factor is becoming relevant not only for specific individuals, but also for enterprises and for the state. The rapid pace of technological development leads to the fact that most formal training programs become obsolete almost immediately after its launch. The programs are poorly modifiable and the students studying on them do not acquire the skills of adaptability and mobility. This is due to the fact that software developers do not always take into account the interests of production or business, that is, they are not sensitive to the learning processes at the enterprise. In other words, the "traditional formal education system" does not meet the urgent needs of today's graduates. Most courses are organized not by tasks, but by topics. Therefore, many students are not able to solve rapidly changing production tasks. The content of the subjects around the topic gives an additional load, which in many cases is unjustified. In a 3D learning system, information in specific situational contexts is more important than outside of any problem or practice of action. As a result, many teachers began to identify a set of strict practical procedures in the content of formal training, allowing students to adapt to production processes at specific workplaces.
How the Individual's Choice of Coping Behavior Strategy is Influenced by the Agentic Activity Type
Authors: Ryabikina Z. , Petros'yan S. , Gubanova N.
Published: October 2022

With reference to the ideas of the dialogic (M. Buber), structural-dynamic (B.D. Parygin) and subjective-existentialistic (Z.I. Ryabikina) concepts, basing the research methodology on the principles of synergetics, we have developed the agentic-dynamic approach to personality studies, where emphasis is made on the role of personality positioning systems in the agency development processes.

The development of the personality positioning systems self-organization follows four vector lines: Infantile, Aggressive, Sabotaging, Mighty. We have proposed to use the term “agentic activity type” for such ways of personality positioning self-organization, since these systems predetermine the typical nature and direction of the agent’s activity.

The study became possible by virtue of the development of the Model of the Dispositional Structure of Agentic Activity and creation of the Personality’s Agentic Activity Profile inventory based on this model. The inventory tests the agentic activity profile as an individual dynamic system formation. The factorization of the data allows to identify sets of personality positions as pervasive organizing principles, or types. As system formations, the agentic activity types should be manifested in various personality characteristics, including the characteristics of coping behavior.

The article presents the results of an empirical study of the correlation between the agentic activity types identified via factorization of the data obtained using the author's “Personality’s Agentic Activity (PAA) Profile” inventory and the scales of Lazarus’s WCQ (Ways of Coping Questionnaire). Regression models have been built, allowing to predict the coping behavior of an individual both specifically, that is, for selected personality positions, and globally, for an agentic activity type. It has been shown that the Infantile, Aggressive and Sabotaging types tend to choose coping strategies within an instinctive-protective paradigm: escape-avoidance, confrontation, distancing. The mighty type tends to use rational coping strategies aimed at practical resolution of the conflict and transformation of the situation, i.e. positive reassessment and decision planning. Notice has been given to similarity of the holistic styles of coping behavior of the Infantile, Aggressive and Sabotaging types with the styles of coping with basal anxiety according to K. Horney.

The obtained results allow to consider the personality positioning systems of an agent as a source that forms “mature” or “immature” coping behavior.
On the problem of using information and communication technologies in the aesthetic education of students
Authors: Rabadanova R. , Artemyeva S. , Kotovchihina N.
Published: October 2022

The article deals with the problem of aesthetic education of the younger generation. The authors present an analysis of the psychological and pedagogical literature of domestic and foreign scientists dealing with the issues of aesthetic education of children. The organization of the educational process of primary school students and the development of their aesthetic worldview in modern socio-cultural conditions is impossible without the use of information and communication technologies (ICT).

The article describes in detail the process of the formative stage of the experiment of aesthetic education of primary school students in the conditions of a pandemic and acceleration of the process of transformation of the educational system using digital technologies. The possibility of effective use of information and communication technologies for conducting extracurricular educational activities in the process of forming an aesthetic intelligence of younger schoolchildren is substantiated.

As an effective means of ICT to solve the stated problem, the article identifies a virtual tour. In this study, the authors consider the classification of virtual excursions, the features of the use of some of its varieties in the educational process during distance learning.
Key factors involved in the feeding and eating disorders among schizophrenic patients and non-clinical controls
Authors: Khosravi Mohsen
Published: October 2022

Aim of the study

Factors associated with comorbidity of schizophrenia and feeding and eating disorders (FEDs) need to be precisely investigated due to their endocrine and cardiometabolic complications. Therefore, the present study was performed aiming to examine the prevalence of FEDs and its involved key factors among schizophrenic patients and non-clinical controls

Subject or material and methods

In this cross-sectional correlational study, a total of 268 Iranian participants (including 134 schizophrenic patients and 134 non-clinical controls) were selected through the convenient sampling method from people living in Zahedan, Iran. They were assessed using demographic information form, Eating Attitudes Test-26 Item (EAT-26), and Structured Clinical Interviews for DSM-5: Research Version.

Results

The findings of this study showed that almost one third of schizophrenic patients had FEDs that this prevalence was about 2.5 times that in non-clinical controls (32.1% vs. 12.7%, p<0.001). in schizophrenic patients, the results of regression analysis also revealed that higher scores of EAT-26 were associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression, and body mass index (BMI), Type 2 diabetes, tobacco smoking, earlier stages of disease, more severe psychotic symptoms, and taking atypical antipsychotics (R2=0.93, p˂0.001). Contrarily, no relationship was observed between the EAT-26 scores and both gender and different phases of schizophrenia.

Discussion

Clinicians need to assess the risk of FEDs during the entire course of schizophrenia, particularly in its earlier stages.

Conclusions

It is necessary to address the role of key factors, such as anxiety, depression, BMI, Type 2 diabetes, tobacco smoking, severity of psychosis, category of antipsychotic medications in the modeling of eating pathology among schizophrenic patients.
Diversidade edáfica de besouros (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) em área de pasto no Cerrado de Minas Gerais
Authors: Carvalho Jeicilene Barros , Duarte Jaymess Roberth , Souza Júlia Silva Vieira de , Jacques Gabriel de Castro
Published: October 2022

O objetivo desta pesquisa é realizar o levantamento da diversidade edáfica de besouros presentes em uma área de pastagem utilizada pelo setor pecuário do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Minas Gerais – Campus Bambuí. Foram coletados 165 indivíduos de 14 espécies de besouros, sendo sete espécies pertencentes à família Melolonthidae, seis à família Scarabaeidae e uma à família Hybosoridae. A espécie mais abundante foi Labarrus pseudolividus (Balthasar) (Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae). A presença de espécies de besouros copronecrófagos já conhecidos como importantes na remoção, aeração, dessecação e desestruturação de massas fecais e a facilitação de acesso de inimigos naturais de endo e ectoparasitas de bovinos na pastagem estudada do IFMG - Campus Bambuí são indicadores positivos para a criação de bovinos nessa área. Além disso, a presença de espécies de besouros paracoprídeos, que criam túneis para enterrar as fezes, auxiliam na aeração e adubação do solo.
Życie i twórczość Platona Kosteckiego jako wyzwanie biograficzne i źródłoznawcze
Authors: Świątek Adam
Published: October 2022

THE LIFE AND WORKS OF PLATON KOSTECKI AS BIOGRAPHICAL AND SOURCE STUDIES CHALLENGE

The text considers difficulties which arise when writing a biographical work about Platon Kostecki (1832-1908), Lviv poet and journalist of the Ruthenian origins, multi-annual editor of “Gazeta Narodowa” and other Polish and Ruthenian newspapers. The publication discusses, among others, the problem of his identity, impossibility of recognition of all Kostecki’s texts published in the press (because of the lack of given authorship), and finally the lack of the sufficient number of sources allowing to prepare a comprehensive and complete biographical narration. Such a situation results especially from loss of the home archive of Kostecki, whose fragmentary history the author tried to reconstruct in this text. As a result, the biographer of Kostecki must accept the challenge of finding a golden mean between studying the facts from the life of his hero and views of this person visible in the press and literary works. For years, Kostecki was the most recognisable figure of gente Rutheni, natione Poloni among literary and artistic Galician elites, as well as the creator of vision concerning the independent Republic of Three Nations. These facts encourage to conduct deep studies on Kostecki’s biography and influence of his works. The biography of Kostecki can allow to better understand identity changes which appeared in the Polish-Ruthenian society of Galicia in the 19th century, and to answer the question why in the first half of the 20th century an ultimate disunity between Poles and Ukrainians arose in the area commonly inhabited.
Zofia Romanowiczówna (1842-1935) – lwowska pamiętnikarka i działaczka społeczna
Authors: Świetlik Katarzyna
Published: October 2022

ZOFIA ROMANOWICZÓWNA (1842-1935) – LVIV DIARIST AND SOCIAL ACTIVIST 

Zofia Romanowiczówna is usually presented as a participant in the January Uprising, a teacher, and also a member of Lviv women’s associations. Undoubtedly, the aforementioned activities cannot be ignored, however no one can forget that she was primarily a human being, driven by feelings, a human being with all her weaknesses, but also with her advantages. Since both professional and patriotic activity was only an addition to her rich inner life, the image of which she outlined in her diary, which was kept throughout almost all of her long life. Zofia Romanowiczówna, as well as her further fates, perfectly illustrate the path that the emancipated women of the time had to go through –from a certain kind of stagnation to a conscious struggle for herself, as a woman and a human being, capable of self-maintenance without the need of the support by a man. This article is only an attempt to present the figure of a Lviv woman, her motivation, and it also emphasizes her activity in the social and patriotic field.