bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resuming Training in High-Level Athletes After Mild COVID-19 Infection: A Multicenter Prospective Study (ASCCOVID-19)
Authors: Chevalier Laurent , Cochet Hubert , Mahida Saagar , S Sylvain Blanchard , Benard Antoine , Cariou Tanguy , Sridi-Cheniti Soumaya , Benhenda Samy , Doutreleau Stéphane , Cade Stéphane , Guerard Sylvain , Guy Jean-Michel , Trimoulet Pascale , Picard Stéphane , Dusfour Bernard , Pouzet Aurelie , Roseng Stéphanie , Franchi Marco , Jaïs Pierre , Pellegrin Isabelle ,   ASCCOVID Investigators, Chevalier Laurent , Pellegrin Isabelle , Babeau Michel , Bensaïd Akram , Bernard Jeremy , Blanchard Sylvain , Chadourne Cédric , Claisse Patrick , Cubillé Victor , Dindart Jean-Michel , Franchi Marco , Goguillot Sophie , Humetz Ludovic , Izard Philippe , Laffourcade Benjamin , Lemahieu Bernard , Monnot Damien , Poirier Cédric , Pouget Philippe , Rebeyrol Jean-Louis , Rubio Elliot , Vela Carlos , Vincent Quentin
Published: June 2022

Background

There is a paucity of data on cardiovascular sequelae of asymptomatic/mildly symptomatic SARS-Cov-2 infections (COVID).

Objectives

The aim of this prospective study was to characterize the cardiovascular sequelae of asymptomatic/mildly symptomatic COVID-19 among high/elite-level athletes.

Methods

950 athletes (779 professional French National Rugby League (F-NRL) players; 171 student athletes) were included. SARS-Cov-2 testing was performed at inclusion, and F-NRL athletes were intensely followed-up for incident COVID-19. Athletes underwent ECG and biomarker profiling (D-Dimer, troponin, C-reactive protein). COVID(+) athletes underwent additional exercise testing, echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR).

Results

285/950 athletes (30.0%) had mild/asymptomatic COVID-19 [79 (8.3%) at inclusion (COVID(+)prevalent); 206 (28.3%) during follow-up (COVID(+)incident)]. 2.6% COVID(+) athletes had abnormal ECGs, while 0.4% had an abnormal echocardiogram. During stress testing (following 7-day rest), COVID(+) athletes had a functional capacity of 12.8 ± 2.7 METS with only stress-induced premature ventricular ectopy in 10 (4.3%). Prevalence of CMR scar was comparable between COVID(+) athletes and controls [COVID(+) vs. COVID(−); 1/102 (1.0%) vs 1/28 (3.6%)]. During 289 ± 56 days follow-up, one athlete had ventricular tachycardia, with no obvious link with a SARS-CoV-2 infection. The proportion with troponin I and CRP values above the upper-limit threshold was comparable between pre- and post-infection (5.9% vs 5.9%, and 5.6% vs 8.7%, respectively). The proportion with D-Dimer values above the upper-limit threshold increased when comparing pre- and post-infection (7.9% vs 17.3%, P = 0.01).

Conclusion

The absence of cardiac sequelae in pauci/asymptomatic COVID(+) athletes is reassuring and argues against the need for systematic cardiac assessment prior to resumption of training (clinicaltrials.gov; NCT04936503).
Intermittent white noise exposure is associated with rat cochleae damage and changes in the gene expression
Authors: Hotkani Maryam Mirzaei , Esmaeilpoor Mohammad Reza Monazzam , Khadem Monireh , Garmaroudi Amir Abbasi , Inanloorahatloo Kolsoum
Published: June 2022

Background

Noise, a physical factor in most work environments, has many effects on human health. Exposure to excessive noise can modify the expression of associated genes with NIHL. The aim of this study to elucidate changes in expression of GJB2 and SLC26A4 after exposure to intense noise which are the most frequent causing genes to apparent autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss.

Methods

In this experimental and case–control study, 17 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into exposure groups (n = 12) and without exposure (n = 5). First group was exposed to noise (90–120 dB, 70 Hz–16 kHz, 8 h/day) for 3–6 days. Cochlear biopsies performed 1 h and 1 week post-exposure, relative gene expression levels were calculated using $${2}^{-\Delta \Delta Ct}$$

2

-
Δ
Δ
C
t

. From each group, one ear was stained by hematoxylin and eosin method for histopathological survey. Real-time PCR technique took place, and gene expression data were normalized by GAPDH gene. One-way ANOVA test was performed with a significance level of 0.05 by GraphPad prism software.

Results

Both GJB2 and SLC26A4 in all groups were down-regulated after exposure compared to their controls. Fold changes in the highest times were related to 1 week after 6 days of exposure, 0.052 and 0.015, respectively. Serious damages occurred in different parts of cochlea, and they were more severe after 6 days and 1-week later.

Conclusion

It is expected that if the hearing threshold tests be performed before/after exposure and considering longer post-exposure times, subsequently, the expression of these genes does not return to basal level, and irrecoverable damage to the cochlea, progressive and irreversible ARNSHL will be expected.
Comparison between early and late mortalities due to severe sepsis in a pediatric intensive care unit: five-years-experience
Authors: Zaher Salah Rafik , Elgohary Dina Adel , Antonios Manal A. M.
Published: June 2022

Background

The majority of children who die of sepsis suffer from refractory shock and/or multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, with many deaths occurring within the initial 48–72 h of treatment.

Methods

A retrospective observational study of deceased patients due to severe sepsis over 5 years, from the 1st of August 2015 to the end of July 2020, that were admitted in a pediatric intensive care unit.

Results

Over 5-year duration of the study, the trend of cases with severe sepsis increased from 26.4% in 2015 to 40.7% in 2020. Meanwhile, the trend of mortality among this category of patients dropped from 66.7% in 2015 to 33.9% in 2020. From the studied 163 deceased patients, results showed predominance of Klebsiella pneumoniae of the extended resistance pattern in bronchoalveolar lavage and blood cultures, and it came second to Candida in urine cultures. Pandrug-resistant organism was recorded in 8.59% (n = 14 patients). Patients with bacteremia, acidosis, high pediatric index of mortality (PIM-2), and pediatric logistic organ dysfunction (PELOD) scores were statistically related to early fatality fate.

Conclusion

High mortality was associated with the increasing spread of resistant organisms especially Klebsiella pneumoniae. Patients with bacteremia, acidosis, and high PIM-2 and PELOD scores probably will need immediate, vigorous, and intense care in order to save their lives.
An Audit to optimize antibiotics use in neonatal septicemia
Authors: Usman Ayesha , Khan Maria Zamurad , Khan Maimoona Zamurad , Hussain Abdullah
Published: June 2022

Objectives: To assess appropriate antibiotics use in neonatal sepsis and to highlight the need for developing an Antibiotic stewardship program at local levels.

Methods: A clinical audit was conducted in the neonatal ward of the tertiary care hospital of Lahore for one year from May 2019 to May 2020. Reports of blood culture and drugs susceptibility were gathered from the microbiology department, and clinical records were evaluated about the choice of the antimicrobials, dosage, frequency, and clinical prognosis. The statistics were applied using SPSS software.

Results: Eighty five neonates with the mean age of five days were treated in tertiary care hospital for septicemia. Every patient received more than one antibiotic empirically. The most prescribed drug combination (90.6%) was Cefotaxime and Amikacin. Optimum antibiotics dose was prescribed in only 70.2% of cases. Blood isolates showed gram-negative bacilli in 69 (81.2%) cases, gram positive cocci in 14 (16.5%) cases, two (2.3%) culture susceptibility reports showed growth of candida. Gram negative organisms were most susceptible to Imipenem (54%), Piperacillin-Tazobactam (48%) and Gentamicin (48%). Gram-positive organisms showed the most susceptibility to Vancomycin (100%), Amikacin (92%), and Co-amoxiclav (85%). Meropenem (39%), Linezolid (28%), and Vancomycin (27%) were the most commonly given alternate antibiotics. All the patients (n=10, 11.8%) whose culture sensitivity reporting showed susceptibility to empirical therapy survived.

Conclusion: Due to poor availability of latest data about local antibacterial resistance pattern and lack of knowledge among pediatricians about latest antibiotic prescribing protocols, many inconsistencies were noted in the use of antibiotics in neonatal sepsis which resulted in a poor outcome hence, reflecting in international key health indicators (neonatal mortality rate) of country. Concerning the change in the resistance pattern of microorganisms to antimicrobials, it is high time to collect local data about antibacterial susceptibility and develop an antibiotic stewardship program to stop inappropriate use of antibiotics.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.6.5073

How to cite this:Usman A, Khan MZ, Khan MZ, Hussain A. Audit to optimize antibiotics use in neonatal septicemia. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(6):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.6.5073

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Impact of COVID pandemic upon radiological services in a tertiary care hospital - A clinical audit
Authors: Masood Laiba , Gul Salma , Saeed Rohama , Bano Suraya
Published: June 2022

Background and Objectives: Radiology emerged as one of the frontline clinical services in the COVID-19 pandemic. This audit study aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the radiological services in a tertiary care hospital in terms of workload and case mix.

Methods: We compared the overall workload of the radiology department between March 2019 to December 2020, emphasizing the number of CTs and Chest radiographs performed during the pandemic. The first period starting when the first confirmed case presented to our hospital and the second control period in the same months in 2019. The imaging parameters included the total number of CTs, MRIs, Ultrasounds, Radiographs, CTs from the emergency room (ER), OPD, IPD, CT chest performed for COVID-19 and other emergency indications. All parameters were calculated by taking average each month in both study periods.

Results: An overall decrease was observed in the number of all primary imaging modalities during the pandemic, with ultrasound showing a maximum reduction in numbers (36.5%) followed by radiographs (29.6%) and MRIs (13.8%) compared to 2019. However, total CTs showed a minimal decrease of 1.6% with a significant leap in HRCTs performed reaching up to 80.5%.

Conclusion: COVID-19 and resultant movement restrictions, although they did lead to a reduction in overall radiology work volume, were compensated by an increase in the number of studies performed through emergency and for management of COVID-19 infection.

Abbreviations:COVID-19= Coronavirus disease 2019, CT = Computed Tomography, HRCT = High resolution CT, MRI = Magnetic Resonance Imaging, USG = Ultrasound, CXR = Chest Radiograph, RIS = Radiology Information system, ER = Emergency Department, IPD = In patient Department, OPD = Outpatient Department.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.6.5272

How to cite this:Masood L, Gul S, Bano S, Saeed R. Impact of COVID pandemic upon radiological services in a tertiary care hospital - A clinical audit. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(6):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.6.5272

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Analysis of diagnostic characteristics and clinical related factors of 70 patients with atelectasis by painless bronchoscopy
Authors: Li Qiang , Sun Jun , Shuai Xuefen , Ren Junqing , Chen Xuedong
Published: June 2022

Objectives: To analyze the diagnostic characteristics and clinical related factors of patients with atelectasis by painless electronic bronchoscopy.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 70 patients with atelectasis admitted to Xuancheng People’s Hospital from April 2019 to June 2021. The clinical data of the patients and the diagnosis characteristics under painless electronic bronchoscope were analyzed, and the clinical related factors were investigated.

Results: Seventy patients with atelectasis underwent pathological examination and bacteriological examination after painless electronic bronchoscopy, including 16 cases (22.86%) of inflammation, 11 cases (15.71%) of tuberculosis, 36 cases (51.43%) of tumor, one case (1.43%) of inflammatory polyp, one case (1.43%) of congenital dysplasia, two cases (2.86%) of foreign body inhalation, and three cases (4.29%) of other symptoms. Male patients with atelectasis showed most cauliflower-like tumors and mucosal swelling under electronic bronchoscopy (P<0.05), while female patients showed scar occlusion/stenosis at most (P<0.05). Middle-aged and elderly patients under electronic bronchoscopy showed most cauliflower-like tumors, scar stenosis/occlusion and mucosal swelling cavity, while young patients mainly showed necrosis and purulent secretions. Heavy smokers were most likely to have cauliflower-like tumors, while non-smokers were predominantly with scar stenosis/occlusion.

Conclusions: Painless electronic bronchoscopy is of great value in the clinical diagnosis of patients with atelectasis, and it is likely to further clarify the etiology of atelectasis. Age, sex, and quantity of smoking may be clinical factors associated with atelectasis.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.6.5273

How to cite this:Li Q, Sun J, Shuai X, Ren J, Chen X. Analysis of diagnostic characteristics and clinical related factors of 70 patients with atelectasis by painless bronchoscopy. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(6):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.6.5273

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
The correlation between second-hand tobacco smoke exposure and biofilm formation in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Standyło Arkadiusz , Obuchowska Aleksandra , Mielnik-Niedzielska Grażyna
Published: June 2022

Introduction and purpose

Tobacco smoke is a major health concern globally. Due to tobacco epidemic, approximately 8 million people died as a result of cigarette smoking in 2020 alone, where 1.2 million were caused by non-smokers inhaling second-hand smoke. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammatory condition that has a significant health and  economic impact worldwide. Despite its great burden on the health-care system and patients' quality of life, the variety of therapy options for CRS is currently limited. Tobacco-induced biofilm formation may contribute to the refractory nature of many respiratory diseases reported in smokers and second-hand smokers, due to increased resistance to antibiotics. The aim of this study is to present that exposure to household passive smoking may induce the formation of nasal biofilms.

Brief description of the state of knowledge

            Chronic bacterial infections involving biofilms have recently been recognised as a factor in CRS pathogenesis. The presence of biofilms on the mucosa of CRS patients is associated with more severe pre-operative disease, persistent postoperative symptoms, ongoing mucosal inflammation, and infections following endoscopic sinus surgery. Tobacco smoke and CRS have been associated because of the immunosuppressive and irritating effects of tobacco smoke on sinonasal epithelial cells. Smoking uptake and cessation have been shown to affect microbial communities, with smokers having not just distinct microbial communities, but also a higher frequency of possible pathogens in those communities.

Summary

            Biofilms may play a significant role in the development of chronic rhinosinusitis. The impact of tobacco smoke on biofilm development could have major implications not only for CRS but also for other respiratory infections.
Product Design Under Multinomial Logit Choices: Optimization of Quality and Prices in an Evolving Product Line
Authors: Li Hongmin , Webster Scott , Yu Gwangjae
Published: June 2022

Problem definition: We study a product-line design problem in which customer choice among multiple products is given by a multinomial logit (MNL) model. A firm determines product quality and prices in an evolving product line to maximize profit. In particular, given the prices and quality of products that already exist in a product line, the firm optimizes prices and/or quality of the new products. Academic/practical relevance: We extend the literature on discrete choice models to include the interaction between product quality and product price and consider two variations of the problem, each mirroring a relevant decision setting found in practice: Variation i is a price-optimization problem in which the firm determines prices of the new products given the quality. Variation ii is a joint price and quality optimization of the new products. Methodology: We apply convex optimization techniques and analyze properties of optimal solutions. Results: We establish concavity of the profit function under price optimization and present tractable solution approaches for the joint quality–price optimization. For each problem variation, we characterize the optimal solution and develop efficient algorithms. We show that the interaction of price and quality is central not only to reconciling the divergence of the existing literature’s equal-markup price prediction from differentiated markups observed in practice, but also for explaining differentiated quality measures across products; this empirically observed strategy can now be quantified and optimized with the model developed in this paper. In addition, we show that the presence of existing products tends to drive the firm to offer new products with both higher quality and prices because of the price–quality interaction. Managerial implications: Findings of this paper offer not only managerial guidelines, but also tools for decision support because of the wide empirical applicability of the MNL model. An important managerial implication is that the lack of realism in the linear utility of the MNL model can be addressed by including price–quality interaction, which is central to understanding the quality and price decision in product-line design. The interaction rationalizes the matching of high markup with high quality and justifies differentiated offering of new products in the presence of existing products.
COVID-19 Diagnosis Using DWT And (2D)(2D)PCA From Chest X-Ray Image
Authors: yadav kanchan
Published: June 2022

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease, one that especially reaches into your respiratory tract, which includes your lungs.COVID-19 can cause a range of breathing problem, from mild to critical. Older adults and people who have other health conditions likeheart disease,cancer and diabetesmay have more serious symptoms.About 80% of people who have COVID-19 get Mild to moderate symptoms. You may have a drycough or a sore throat Some people have pneumonia, a lung infection in which the alveoli are inflamed.About 14% of COVID-19 cases are severe, with an infection that affects both lungs. As the swelling gets worse, your lungs fill with fluid and debris.You might also have more serious pneumonia. The air sacs fill withmucus, fluid, and other cells that are trying to fight the infection. This can make it harder for your body to take in oxygen. You may havetrouble breathingor feel short of breath. You may also breathe faster.If your doctor takes a CT scan of your chest, the opaque spots in your lungs look like they start to connect to each other.Approximation lungs Image (ALI) with Principal Component Analysis (2D)
2PCA (Two-Directional Two Dimension Principal Component Analysis) are applied for feature extraction, and SVM is used for classification. The experiments are conducted on a number of well-known face image databases taken in controlled (FERET, FEI, AR, and Extreme infection) as well as uncontrolled environment (LFW). The experimental analysis shows that the proposed approaches give an acceptable classification rate with reduced feature size.
Conformations and Currents Make the Nerve Signal
Authors: Eisenberg Robert , Catacuzzeno Luigi , Franciolini Fabio
Published: June 2022

Little is known about how conformation changes of proteins control biological function. How do the locations reveal themselves as measurable physical properties of the protein?One place these questions can be (mostly) answered is in the proteins that form the voltage activated channels of nerve.

We calculate conformation currentin Na
Vand K
V channels in response to a step of voltage. Changing isoleucine of K
V channels to threonine of Na
V channels speeds responses to voltage, andallows the separation of opening of Na
V and K
V channels needed to create nerve signals.

The polarization mechanism we propose is both logically
sufficient and logically
necessary to account for the difference in speed and the structural movements of voltage sensors. It is
sufficient because we reproduce properties of gating current under a realistic range of conditions.It is
necessary because the movement of chargeswe calculate

must
produce the currents we calculate given the universal and exact nature of the Maxwell equations that link charge and current. Our conclusions arise fromthe universal and exact conservation of total current implied by the Maxwell equations.

Of course, evolution is not logical. It often provides redundant mechanismsbeyond the necessary and sufficient. These mechanisms may provide properties not glimpsed here. These mechanisms may also control the speed of gating and give the gating system biologically and evolutionarily useful properties unknown to us.
Intentions to Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine Among University Students
Authors: Shelton Ryan , Gorham Natalie , Owen Kaleigh , Eisenstat Elise
Published: June 2022

Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is an infectious respiratory disease that has caused a global pandemic beginning in March of 2020 (CDC, 2020). Without a known cure for this new illness, major events have been canceled or rescheduled to avoid mass exposure. This includes college universities moving their classes to an online format, drastically impacting the students' learning experience. Without a vaccine or control of the virus, there is no foreseeable future with in-person classes or college events. With COVID-19 having such a large impact on college campuses in 2020, this study explored variables that impact college students' intentions to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as multiple on-going clinical trials exist to develop a vaccination. This study examined the variables of political party affiliation, interest in universal healthcare, receiving the flu shot last year, perceived susceptibility, and tobacco use. Data collection occurred by an online survey sent to all students in a James Madison University (JMU) Health Research Methods class. Analysis of survey results indicated a relationship existed between COVID-19 vaccine intentions and the variables of political party affiliation and receiving the flu shot last year. From this analysis, it was concluded that those who are registered as Democratic or liberal and those who received a flu shot are more likely to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Results from this study are vital for public health officials to target the college population in order to achieve herd immunity for COVID-19 once a vaccine becomes available.
Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (ICBT) as an effective treatment alternative to tinnitus management
Authors: Tay Kei Wee
Published: June 2022

Introduction- Tinnitus is a type of chronic hearing disorderoften described as ringing in the ears. With the global pandemic in 2020, a shift was observed to telemedicine. Cost-effectiveness aside, Internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT) has gained popularity as a convenient and accessible alternative to face-to-face treatments. However, its usage has yet to gain traction in Indonesia.

Objectives- To determine the effectiveness of ICBT and its possibility to be used as a feasible audiologist-guided intervention tool. This study is targeted at existing tinnitus patients who have yet to receive any form of intervention previously.

Method- Thirty-six patients were chosen from the existing pool of patients diagnosed with tinnitus by Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) practitioners. Their baseline tinnitus perception and QOL measures were determined using the Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire (TRQ), the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI), and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). These patients were subjected to ICBT. A post-intervention measurement was taken at the 3-months and 6-months mark respectively.

This Randomized Control Trial (RCT) seeks to determine the effectiveness of ICBT in improving the overall QOL of patients and to find out how effective ICBT is in alleviating tinnitus-associated distresses.

Results & Conclusion- The effectiveness of ICBT was established in this study in alleviating tinnitus-related distress in patients and contributing to overall improvement of patient QOL and other negative tinnitus-related effects. The results were consistent throughout the 6 months of this study. Results suggest that patients experienced greater relief from tinnitus-linked comorbidities and better QOL improvement vis-à-vis the baseline results.
Pengembangan Mobile Apps Android sebagai Media Pembelajaran Matematika Berbasis Pendekatan Kontekstual untuk Memfasilitasi Pemahaman Konsep
Authors: Futri Basya Yuhan , Faqih Rifa’i Aulia , Arfinanti Nurul
Published: June 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan mengembangkan mobile apps android yang berkualitas sebagai media pembelajaran matematika berbasis pendekatan kontekstual untuk memfasilitasi pemahaman konsep. Mobile apps ini berisikan materi Fungsi Komposisi yang disajikan sesuai aspek pendekatan kontekstual untuk memfasilitasi pemahaman konsep. Kriteria ketercapaian kualitas adalah valid dan praktis. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada bulan Oktober 2016 hingga Februari 2017. Penelitian ini diujicobakan di SMA Negeri 7 Yogyakarta kepada 24 siswa. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian pengembangan (Research and Development) dengan menggunakan prosedur pengembangan software SDLC model waterfall. Tahapan waterfall meliputi analisis masalah, desain produk, coding, serta testing. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah berupa mobile apps android yang digunakan sebagai media pembelajaran matematika diluar pembelajaran. Mobile apps ini telah melalui tahap pengujian, yaitu pengujian alpha dan pengujian beta. Hasil pengujian alpha yang  dilakukan oleh 3 orang ahli materi memperoleh persentase rata-rata 91% (Sangat Baik) serta 3 orang ahli media dengan memperoleh persentase rata-rata 86% (Sangat Baik) sehingga dikatakan valid. Hasil pengujian beta yang dilakukan oleh siswa memperoleh persentase 74% (Setuju) sehingga dikatakan praktis. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa mobile apps android telah layak digunakan sebagai media pembelajaran matematika berbasis pendekatan kontekstual untuk memfasilitasi pemahaman konsep.
Extensions of Gronwall-Bellman type integral inequalities with two independent variables
Authors: Xie Yihuai , Li Yueyang , Liu Zhenhai
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we establish several kinds of integral inequalities in two independent variables, which improve well-known versions of Gronwall-Bellman inequalities and extend them to fractional integral form. By using these inequalities, we can provide explicit bounds on unknown functions. The integral inequalities play an important role in the qualitative theory of differential and integral equations and partial differential equations.
Changing Civic Spaces in the Light of Authoritarian Elements of Politics and the Covid Crisis – The Case of Austria
Authors: Simsa Ruth
Published: June 2022

The paper analyzes changing civic spaces in Austrian civil society. Different levels of authoritarian politics in different phases of the last 8 years – the recent phase intertwined with the Covid-19 crisis – are analysed in terms of their impact on civil society frameworks. Empirically, the paper draws on three studies completed in 2014, 2019 and 2021. The results shed light on the complex interplay between civil society and the government. Specifically, they show the steps towards authoritarian governing of early state autocrats related to civil society, in particular the often-unspectacular elements that together form a clear pattern of civil society capture and changing civic spaces. Further, they show both the vulnerability of civil society regarding framework conditions – e.g. posed by the pandemic – and politics but also its strategies of resilience.
İçsel pazarlamanın yaratıcı çalışan performansı üzerindeki etkisinde narsist liderliğin rolü
Authors: KAYNAK İnan , AKILLIBAŞ Erman , ÇİÇEK Berat
Published: June 2022

Bu çalışmanın amacı, içsel pazarlama uygulamalarının yaratıcı çalışan performansına etkisini ve bu etkileşimde narsist liderliğin rolünü araştırmaktır. Bu kapsamda içsel pazarlama uygulamaların yoğun bir şeklide uygulandığı otel, restoran ve cafe (HORECA) çalışanlarıyla anket çalışması gerçekleştirilmiştir. Analiz sonuçlarına göre içsel pazarlama uygulamalarının yaratıcı çalışan performansını pozitif yönde etkilediği, içsel pazarlama uygulamalarının narsist liderlik üzerinde negatif yönlü bir etkisinin olduğu ve narsist liderliğin ise yaratıcı çalışan performansını negatif yönde etkilediği bulgularına ulaşılmıştır. Ayrıca narsist liderliğin içsel pazarlama ile yaratıcı çalışan performansı arasında kısmi aracılık rolü olduğu bulgusuna ulaşılmıştır.
Identification of internal dynamics of Türkiye’s furniture industry in the context of lean manufacturing integration maturity
Authors: ANGIN Naile , TAŞDEMİR Çağatay
Published: June 2022

This study's objective was to investigate lean manufacturing knowledge, awareness, and integration maturity in one of Türkiye's most significant furniture manufacturer clusters and discover the extent of tapped and untapped potential offered by lean manufacturing for the furniture industry. This study developed a survey-based data collection methodology consisting of five sections with different features. Seventy-five small to large enterprises were invited to participate in the study. Out of seventy-five, twenty-seven furniture manufacturers participated in the study. The study revealed that lean manufacturing awareness and integration maturity vary significantly. This variation could prove lean manufacturing is still far from becoming a mainstream modern management technique for members of the furniture manufacturing cluster in Bursa, Türkiye. According to 92.59% of the study participants, reducing manufacturing costs is the most common internal motivation that either triggered or has the potential to trigger lean manufacturing integration. Moreover, the amount of investment required (66.67%) to deploy lean manufacturing is the primary barrier encountered by the organizations, followed by a lack of training opportunities for workers with a percentage of 62.96%. This study was expected to serve as a valuable resource for academics and professionals intrigued by the extent of the relationship between lean manufacturing and Turkish furniture industry members.
Destinasyon imajı, bütüncül imaj ve kişisel normatif inançların yeniden ziyaret etme niyeti üzerindeki etkisi: Siirt ili örneği
Authors: GÜN Serkan , KILIÇ Gül Damla
Published: June 2022

Bu araştırmada Siirt ilini ziyaret eden turistler açısından destinasyon imajı, bütüncül imaj ve kişisel normatif inançların Siirt destinasyonunu yeniden ziyaret etme niyeti üzerindeki etkisi incelenmiştir. Bu doğrultuda destinasyon kavramı, destinasyon imajı, bütüncül imaj, kişisel normatif inançlar, yeniden ziyaret etme niyeti ve Siirt iliyle ilgili literatür taraması yapılmıştır. Siirt destinasyonuna ziyarette bulunan 228 yerel turistle anket uygulaması yapılmıştır. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre; destinasyon imajını meydana getiren algısal imaj, duygusal imaj ve davranışsal imaj ile bütüncül imaj ve kişisel normatif inançların Siirt destinasyonunu yeniden ziyaret etme niyeti üzerinde anlamlı etkiye sahip olduğu bulgusu elde edilmiştir.
Inverse problem with two unknown time-dependent functions for $2b$-order differential equation with fractional derivative
Authors: Lopushansky A.O. , Lopushanska H.P.
Published: June 2022

We study the inverse problem for a differential equation of order $2b$ with a Riemann-Liouville fractional derivative over time and given Schwartz-type distributions in the right-hand sides of the equation and the initial condition. The generalized (time-continuous in a certain sense) solution $u$ of the Cauchy problem for such an equation, the time-dependent continuous young coefficient and a part of a source in the equation are unknown.

In addition, we give the time-continuous values $\Phi_j(t)$ of desired generalized solution $u$ of the problem on a fixed test functions $\varphi_j(x)$, $x\in \mathbb R^n$, namely $(u(\cdot,t),\varphi_j(\cdot))=\Phi_j(t)$, $t\in [0,T]$, $j=1,2$.

We find sufficient conditions for the uniqueness of the generalized solution of the inverse problem throughout the layer $Q:=\mathbb R^n\times [0,T]$ and the existence of a solution in some layer $\mathbb R^n\times [0,T_0]$, $T_0\in (0,T]$.
Recurrent submandibular fistula after Sunitinib treatment in a patient with renal cell carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Golu Mihai Vlad , Paşcanu Ionela , Petrovan Cecilia , Cosarca Adina , Temistocle Bereczki Despina , Ormenisan Alina
Published: June 2022

Sunitinib is commonly used in the treatment of patients with renal cell carcinoma and is associated with serious side-effects. We present the first report of a recurrent submandibular fistula in a patient treated with sunitinib. A 68-year-old man was referred to our clinic for a cutaneous fistula situated on the right side of his lower jaw. The patient had been diagnosed with bone metastases from a renal carcinoma 2 years ago and had received a single 4 mg dose of zoledronic acid and subsequent treatment with sunitinib 37.5 mg once daily for the past 4 weeks. The patient was treated surgically by a perilesional incision and primary closure with sutures, advised on meticulous oral hygiene and was kept on an antimicrobial agent in the form of clindamycin. After reinitiating his oncological treatment with sunitinib the cutaneous fistula re-appeared and bone abnormalities were also detected on his X-ray. After 18 months a contralateral cutaneous fistula was observed along with a spontaneous avulsion of the patient’s left molar. Repeat surgical treatment and sequestrectomy was performed with the subsequent histopathological examination revealing a suspicion of osteonecrosis of the jaw and an associated Actinomyces infection.
Cervicogenic visual dysfunction: an understanding of its pathomechanism
Authors: Leung Kingsley King Yi , Chu Eric Chun-Pu , Chin Wui Ling , Mok Sharon Tze Kwan , Chin Esther Wui San
Published: June 2022

Atypical symptoms of cervical spondylosis include headache, nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, blurred vision, tinnitus, hypomnesia, and palpitations. Successful treatment of these atypical symptoms has been achieved after conservative non-invasive and surgical spinal treatments, although the role of these interventions in mitigating atypical symptoms of cervical spondylosis is unclear. Our study introduces and elaborates on the visual dysfunction caused by cervical spondylosis. Although there are reports in the literature that spinal manipulation and surgery can improve visual dysfunction, the correlation has remained unclear and controversial. The article reviews the latest research to identify the possible mechanisms of visual dysfunction caused by cervical spine diseases.
Túnel carpiano con anestesia local versus WALANT
Authors: Gallucci Gerardo , Rosa Yanina , Brandariz Rodrigo , Cerrutti Walter , Tanoira Ignacio
Published: June 2022

Objetivo: Las cirugías con WALANT han ganado gran popularidad hoy en día. La ventaja principal que ofrece esta técnica es la de prescindir del torniquete y así eliminar las molestias que este genera. Nuestra hipótesis es que la descompresión del túnel carpiano con anestesia local y manguito neumático, realizada por un cirujano experimentado, en un tiempo quirúrgico corto, permite obtener similares resultados que con la cirugía con WALANT.
Materiales y Métodos: Se diseñó un estudio de cohortes prospectivo comparativo clínico. Se incluyeron 23 pacientes (30 manos) con síndrome del túnel carpiano. Se asignó a los pacientes en forma aleatorizada, a 2 grupos: grupo 1, operados con anestesia local y grupo 2, operados con WALANT. Se realizó un análisis estadístico.
Resultados: Todas las variables mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas respecto a los valores preoperatorios para los dos grupos. Respecto a la relación entre los dos grupos, los resultados funcionales de dolor y grado de satisfacción posoperatorios no mostraron diferencias con significancia estadística.
Conclusiones: En nuestro estudio, la descompresión del túnel carpiano con anestesia local y torniquete y la realizada con WALANT arrojaron similares resultados. En cirujanos con experiencia posiblemente la anestesia local con torniquete sea suficiente para realizar el procedimiento, y así evitar las bajas, pero complejas complicaciones de la epinefrina.
Expresión de proteínas inducibles por frío en la médula espinal de rata sometida a hipotermia sistémica
Authors: Sarotto Aníbal José , Rey-Funes Manuel , Dorfman Verónica Berta , Contartese Daniela , Larráyoz Ignacio M. , Martínez Alfredo , Toscanini María Agustina , Loidl César Fabián
Published: June 2022

Introducción: La lesión traumática de la médula espinal es la principal causa de discapacidad motora en el mundo, y representa una prioridad para la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se estudió, a nivel estructural y bioquímico, el efecto de la hipotermia sobre la expresión de la CIRBP (proteína activada por frío) en el asta anterior de la médula de ratas Sprague-Dawley albinas macho de 60 días, planteándola como terapéutica posible.

Materiales y Métodos: Se dividió a 24 ratas en dos grupos: normotermia a 24 °C (n = 6) e hipotermia a 8 °C (n = 18), durante 180 min, sacrificadas a las 12, 24 y 48 h después del tratamiento. Se utilizó Western blot e inmunohistoquímica para la CIRBP.

Resultados: Se observó un aumento progresivo de la expresión de la CIRBP de 12 a 48 h en las motoneuronas del asta anterior. Los valores fueron estadísticamente significativos entre los grupos de 24 h y 48 h comparados con los de los controles.

Conclusiones: Este modelo experimental resultó eficaz, accesible y económico para generar hipotermia sistémica y abre un abanico de estrategias terapéuticas. El aumento en la expresión de las proteínas inducibles por frío en la médula espinal de ratas permite, por primera vez, estudiar el beneficio que aporta la hipotermia a nivel molecular, lo que resulta de suma importancia para estudios de terapéuticas en las lesiones medulares.
Ecografía para prevenir lesiones del nervio sural en la reparación del tendón de Aquiles. Estudio cadavérico
Authors: Castorina Damián , Urlacher Matías , Fernández Sofía , Villalba Santiago , Vargas Jorge , Mazzoni Agustina , Skerly Enzo , Cardahi Federico
Published: June 2022

Introducción: Las técnicas mínimamente invasivas son las preferidas para tratar las roturas agudas del tendón de Aquiles. Representan una opción para evitar las complicaciones tegumentarias, y la lesión del nervio sural es uno de sus principales problemas. El objetivo de este estudio fue comprobar la utilidad de la ecografía para prevenir la lesión del nervio sural durante la reparación del tendón de Aquiles con técnicas percutáneas. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio en 12 piezas cadavéricas. Se recreó una lesión en el tendón de Aquiles 5 cm proximales de su inserción distal. En uno de los miembros del cadáver, se identificó el nervio sural o su vena satélite mediante ecografía. Se reparó el nervio sural por vía percutánea con dos agujas proximales y dos agujas distales a la lesión, y se representó el recorrido del nervio sural. En el miembro contralateral, no se identificó el nervio sural mediante ecografía. Se efectuó la reparación percutánea de las lesiones mediante la técnica de Ma y Griffith. Resultados: En el grupo ecográfico, no se identificaron lesiones del nervio sural. En el grupo de control, se observaron dos lesiones del nervio sural (p = 0,6). En todos los casos, la identificación del nervio sural mediante ecografía fue correcta. Conclusión: La asistencia ecográfica en el tratamiento percutáneo de las lesiones del tendón de Aquiles es un método eficaz y confiable para evitar las lesiones del nervio sural.
Theoretical Research of the Potato Harvester Lifting Plowshare to Reduce Yield Losses and Soil Erosion
Authors: Gadzhiev Parviz I. , Shestakova Elena V. , Ramazanova Gyulbike G.
Published: June 2022

Introduction. The potato harvester operation quality depends not only on the design features, but also on the method for harvesting of potatoes. Cultivation of potatoes involves the implementation of a set of measures aimed at improving and preserving the quality of commercial products when harvesting of potatoes. In this regard, to reduce yield losses and prevent wind erosion of soil, a unit and method for harvesting of potatoes is proposed. To reduce the number of clods commensurate with the size of tubers, there are installed ripper tines ahead of the potato harvester tool. The aim of the work is to conduct a theoretical research of the tool of the potato harvester to reduce yield losses and soil erosion. Materials and Methods. The lifting plowshare operation has been analyzed. Its angle to the horizon determines the least displacement of the lifting plowshare, the minimum resistance to the soil layer movement and optimal height of lifting soil mass. The optimal value of the plowshare inclination angle has been determined taking into account the condition that the back pressure of the soil layer should be minimal. Results. There has been proposed a mathematical dependence for determining the optimal value of the angle of plowshare inclination, which determines the minimum value of the soil layer back pressure acting along the plowshare. As a result of the research, there have been plotted graphical dependences of the optimal value of the plowshare inclination angle on the coefficient of soil friction on the plowshare and dependences of the height of a soil layer lifting with the plowshare on the inclination angle optimal value at a fixed plowshare length. Discussion and Conclusion. In carrying out the theoretical research of the potato harvester plowshare, the soil type and coefficient of a soil layer friction on the plowshare were taken into account. There has been determined the optimal angle of plowshare inclination to provide optimal breaking down of soil with minimum soil bulldozing, thus ensuring reduction in yield losses.
Molecular Systematics, Species Concepts, and Myrmecophytism in Cecropia (Cecropieae: Urticaceae): Insights from Restriction-Site Associated DNA
Authors: Treiber Erin L. , Zalamea Paul-Camilo , Torres María Fernanda , Madriñán Santiago , Weiblen George D.
Published: June 2022

Abstract— Cecropia is a group of fast-growing pioneer trees that are important in forest regeneration and a common ant-plant mutualism in the Neotropics. To investigate the evolution of mutualism between Cecropia and associated ants, a phylogenetic framework
is necessary. Cecropia species are difficult to distinguish morphologically and conventional genetic markers are insufficiently variable to resolve the phylogenetic relationships among species. Our study aimed to compare the phylogenetic utility of restriction site associated DNA (RAD)
sequencing to prior work based on commonly sequenced gene regions. RAD sequence data resolved and supported species-level relationships better than previous studies. We identified a deeply divergent non-myrmecophytic clade including C. sciadophylla and African Musanga. Results
from geographically widespread and morphologically heterogenous C. obtusifolia and C. angustifolia suggest that current synonymy has lumped phylogenetically divergent lineages. Reconstruction of ant associations on the highly supported Cecropia phylogeny inferred equal
probability of the ancestor of Cecropia being myrmecophytic or not. More intensive genetic study is needed to refine species concepts in Cecropia.
Molecular Phylogenetics and Trait Evolution in Stigmatodon (Bromeliaceae, Tillandsioideae), an Endemic Genus to Brazilian Rocky Outcrops
Authors: Couto Dayvid Rodrigues , Kessous Igor Musauer , Neves Beatriz , Paixão-Souza Bruno , Faria Christian Gomes , Barfuss Michael H. J. , Salgueiro Fabiano , Sá-Haiad Bárbara de , Costa Andrea Ferreira da
Published: June 2022

Abstract— The genus Stigmatodon occurs in vertical and bare granite slopes, typical of the inselbergs of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Here, we present the first broad phylogenetic analysis focused on Stigmatodon, sampling a total of 83 terminals, including
16 of the 20 species of the genus and the morphologically similar species of Vriesea. We conducted a phylogenetic analysis using two plastid markers (matK and rps16-trnK) and the nuclear gene PHYC to infer phylogenetic relationships and reconstruct ancestral states
for ecological and morphological characters. Our results suggest the monophyly of Stigmatodon as originally circumscribed is only possible with the inclusion of morphologically and ecologically similar Vriesea species. In addition, the morphological and anatomical traits led
us to propose a new circumscription for the genus, combining eight species of Vriesea to Stigmatodon as S. andaraiensis, S. freicanecanus, S. lancifolius, S. limae, S. oliganthus, S. pseudoliganthus,
S. vellozicolus, and S. zonatus. The stomata positioned above the ordinary epidermal cells, the adaxial water-storage parenchyma with axially elongated cells, the stamens positioned in two groups of three on each side of the corolla, and the tubo-laciniate stigma
are exclusive to Stigmatodon in its new circumscription. These new morphological and phylogenetic results constitute a relevant contribution to the taxonomy and evolution of Bromeliaceae, one of the most diverse and ecologically important families of flowering plants of the Neotropics.