bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deformation source revealed from leveling survey in Jigokudani valley, Tateyama volcano, Japan
Authors: Hotta Kohei , Kusumoto Shigekazu , Takahashi Hidenori , Hayakawa Yuichi S.
Published: February 2022

We modeled the vertical deformation detected from a leveling survey in Jigokudani valley, Tateyama volcano, central Japan. In Jigokudani valley, uplift of 4 cm/year was previously detected during the period from 2007 to 2010 by interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR). To confirm whether this inflation has continued to present day, we have conducted leveling surveys in Jigokudani valley since 2015. Most bench marks showed a subsidence of up to 5.6 cm during the 4-year period from October 2016 to September 2020, while a bench mark located at the center of the leveling route uniquely showed an uplift of 1.6 cm. We applied a dislocation source model to the deformation using a grid search method. A crack with a length of 650 m, a width of 425 m, a strike of N18° E and a dip of 67° is located at a depth of 50 m near the center of Jigokudani valley (Koya jigoku and the new fumarolic area) where higher activity has been observed recently. Closing of the crack of 59 cm yields a volume decrease of 163,000 m3. The closing direction of the crack is parallel to the line of old explosion craters (Mikurigaike and Midorigaike ponds) and corresponds to the current maximum compressive stress field in the region of the Hida Mountains, including Tateyama volcano. The deformation source of the previous period from 2007 to 2010 detected from InSAR was estimated to be at a depth of 50 m and a gas chamber was correspondingly found in an audio-frequency magnetotelluric (AMT) survey. The AMT survey also revealed that thermal fluid is accumulating from a magma chamber and the location of our crack is similar to uppermost part of the thermal fluid path. During the period from 2015 to 2016, the crack opened and the inflation stopped during the next 1 year period from 2016 to 2017. During the period from 2017 to 2020, the crack began closing, probably because of the increase in emissions of volcanic fluid or gas with the formation of a new crater at the western side of Jigokudani valley during the period from 2017 to 2018.

Graphical Abstract
Effective unwrapping of complicated phases by exploiting multiple interferograms: a case study of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake
Authors: Morishita Yu
Published: February 2022

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) interferometry can measure ground surface deformation with high accuracy and spatial resolution, in the form of phase change in an interferogram. The phase is observed modulo 2π (i.e., wrapped), and unwrapping is necessary to obtain the absolute amount of deformation. Although several advanced automatic unwrapping algorithms and approaches have been proposed, unwrapping errors can occur, especially in complicated phases. Manual adjustment of the integration path in the unwrapping may improve the unwrapping result. However, sometimes, it tends to be challenging even for an expert. In this report, I describe an effective unwrapping approach for complicated phases to obtain a reliable unwrapping result using multiple interferograms. A common integration path guide is created from geocoded interferograms and their phase noise coherence estimates, which reduces/eliminates the effort involved in manual adjustment and greatly reduces unwrapping errors. The remaining unwrapping errors were detected from residuals between the unwrapped phases of multiple interferograms and corrected based on isolated components. A case study was taken up in the northwest of the outer rim of the Aso caldera. Here, plenty of displacement lineaments were generated by the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, resulting in severely complicated interferometric phases to correctly unwrap by any existing approaches. Therefore, the proposed approach effectively and efficiently retrieves reliable unwrapped phases and subsequent significant interpretations of the displacement lineaments. This effective unwrapping approach may reveal complicated deformations and unrecognized mechanisms in future earthquakes or other deformation-causing geophysical phenomena.

Graphical Abstract
Review on the extraction of bioactive compounds and characterization of fruit industry by-products
Authors: Patra Abhipriya , Abdullah S. , Pradhan Rama Chandra
Published: February 2022

The by-products produced from fruit processing industries could be a potential hazard to environmental pollution. However, these by-products contain several biologically active molecules (essential fatty acid, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, coloring pigments, pectin, proteins, dietary fibers, and vitamins), which can be utilized for various applications in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and textile industries. Nevertheless, during extraction, these bioactive compounds' recovery must be maximized using proper extraction technologies, keeping both economy and environment under consideration. In addition, the characteristics of the extract obtained from those by-products depend mainly on the parameters considered during the extraction process. In this review, an overview of different technologies used to extract bioactive compounds from fruit industry by-products such as seeds and peels has been briefly discussed, along with their mechanisms, process, advantages, disadvantages, and process parameters. In addition, the characteristics of the extracted bioactive compounds have also been briefly discussed in this review.

Graphical Abstract
Statistical machine learning model for capacitor planning considering uncertainties in photovoltaic power
Authors: Fu Xueqian
Published: February 2022

New energy integration and flexible demand response make smart grid operation scenarios complex and changeable, which bring challenges to network planning. If every possible scenario is considered, the solution to the planning can become extremely time-consuming and difficult. This paper introduces statistical machine learning (SML) techniques to carry out multi-scenario based probabilistic power flow calculations and describes their application to the stochastic planning of distribution networks. The proposed SML includes linear regression, probability distribution, Markov chain, isoprobabilistic transformation, maximum likelihood estimator, stochastic response surface and center point method. Based on the above SML model, capricious weather, photovoltaic power generation, thermal load, power flow and uncertainty programming are simulated. Taking a 33-bus distribution system as an example, this paper compares the stochastic planning model based on SML with the traditional models published in the literature. The results verify that the proposed model greatly improves planning performance while meeting accuracy requirements. The case study also considers a realistic power distribution system operating under stressed conditions.
Genetic variability and characters association for yield, yield attributing traits and protein content of lentil (Lens Culinaris Medikus) genotype in Ethiopia
Authors: Takele Emebet , Mekbib Firew , Mekonnen Fikru
Published: February 2022

Background

Lentil is a multipurpose annual legume crop grown in many environments of Ethiopia and recognized as the second center of diversity in the country. However, there is limited information on genetic variation, association of yield, yield-attributing traits, and protein content of lentil in the country. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the genetic variability, traits association, direct and indirect effects of yield-related traits and protein content on seed yield of lentil genotypes.

Methods

A total of 64 lentil genotypes were evaluated for morpho-agronomic traits and protein content in an 8 × 8 simple lattice design at Debre Berhan Agricultural Research Center in 2018.

Results

The analysis of variance displayed significant differences among the genotypes for all traits indicating the existence of variability and potential for selection of the genotypes for desirable traits. High heritability and high genetic advance were observed for seed yield (96.57%, 81.32%), above-ground biomass (79.03%, 57.99%), days to 50% flowering (70.97%, 23.17%), and the number of seeds per pod (69.41%, 38.23%), respectively. High heritability and moderate genetic advance were detected in plant height (62.63%, 19.77%) and protein content (73.2%, 17.13%), respectively. A positive and significant correlations was observed in phenotypic and genotypic levels of seed yield and above-ground biomass (r = 0.90, 0.93), number of seed per pods (r = 0.79, 0.85), number of pods per plant (r = 0.52, 0.64), plant height (r = 0.49, 0.55), harvest index (r = 0.38, 0.45), secondary branches (r = 0.48, 0.56) and protein content (r = 0.24, 0.26), respectively. Above-ground biomass, harvest index, secondary branches, plant height, number of pods per plant, and protein content were exerted positive and direct effect on yield at phenotypic and genotypic level. This suggested that seed yield, above-ground biomass, harvest index, number of pods per plant, number of seed per pod, plant height, secondary branches, and protein content are the most important traits in selection of lentil improvement.

Conclusion

The study results showed that the presence of wide range of genetic variations among lentil genotypes with desirable traits in above-ground biomass, harvest index, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, plant height, seed yield, and protein content. This variation among traits could be used to develop varieties through selection and hybridization for lentil seed improvement.
Assessment of immunization procedures for foot-and-mouth disease in large-scale pig farms in China based on actual data and dynamics
Authors: Ren Huarong , Jin Zhen , Pei Xin , Li Mingtao , Wang Youming , Zhang Juan
Published: February 2022

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an acute, highly infectious and pathogenic animal disease. In recent years, with the rapid development of the swine breeding industry in China, pig farms have shown a trend of larger-scale development. Large-scale pig farms employ standardized management, a high level of automation, and a strict system. However, these farms have a large trading volume, and increased transmission intensity of FMD is noted inside the farm. At present, the main control measure against FMD is pig vaccination. However, a standard for immunization procedures is not available, and currently adopted immunization procedures have not been effectively and systematically evaluated. Taking a typical large-scale pig farm in China as the research subject and considering the breeding pattern, piggery structure, age structure and immunization procedures, an individual-based state probability model is established to evaluate the effectiveness of the immune procedure. Based on numerical simulation, it is concluded that the optimal immunization program involves primary immunization at 40 days of age and secondary immunization at 80 days of age for commercial pigs. Breeding boars and breeding sows are immunized 4 times a year, and reserve pigs are immunized at 169 and 259 days of age. According to the theoretical analysis, the average control reproduction number of individuals under the optimal immunization procedure in the farm is 0.4927. In the absence of immunization, the average is 1.7498, indicating that the epidemic cannot be controlled without immunization procedures.
Plus ça change? Switching lithium preparations
Authors: Cousins David A. , Barnes Thomas R. E. , Young Allan H. , Delgado Oriana , Paton Carol
Published: February 2022

Aims and method

A supply disruption alert in 2020, now rescinded, notified UK prescribers of the planned discontinuation of Priadel® (lithium carbonate) tablets. This service evaluation explored lithium dose and plasma levels before and after the switching of lithium brands, in order to determine the interchangeability of different brands of lithium from a pharmacokinetic perspective.

Results

Data on the treatment of 37 patients switched from Priadel® tablets were analysed. Switching to Camcolit® controlled-release tablets at the same dose did not result in meaningful differences in plasma lithium levels. Dose adjustment and known or suspected poor medication adherence were associated with greater variability in plasma lithium levels on switching brands.

Clinical implications

For comparable pre- and post-switch doses in adherent patients, the most common brands of lithium carbonate appear to produce similar plasma lithium levels. British National Formulary guidance relating to switching lithium brands may be unnecessarily complex.
Transgender children and young people: how the evidence can point the way forward
Authors: Graham Philip
Published: February 2022

The development of gender identity in children from around the age of 3 years is described. Wishes for transgender identity are distinguished from gender-atypical behaviour. Reasons for the recent rise in transgender referrals in the early teen years are discussed. The now widely used protocol developed by the Amsterdam group for assessing transgender children and young people and, where appropriate, offering them puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and sex reassignment surgery is described. Evidence for the effectiveness of this approach is considered. The competence of young people to give consent to these procedures is discussed. Finally, proposals are made for topics urgently requiring further research.
Functional Assessment of Calcium-Sensing Receptor Variants Confirms Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia
Authors: Mullin Benjamin H , Pavlos Nathan J , Brown Suzanne J , Walsh John P , McKellar Ross A , Wilson Scott G , Ward Bryan K
Published: February 2022

Context

In the clinic it is important to differentiate primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) from the more benign, inherited disorder, familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH). Since the conditions may sometimes overlap biochemically, identification of calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) gene variants causative of FHH (but not PHPT) is the most decisive diagnostic aid. When novel variants are identified, bioinformatics and functional assessment are required to establish pathogenicity.

Objective

We identified 3 novel CASR transmembrane domain missense variants, Thr699Asn, Arg701Gly, and Thr808Pro, in 3 probands provisionally diagnosed with FHH and examined the variants using bioinformatics and functional analysis.

Methods

Bioinformatics assessment utilized wANNOVAR software. For functional characterization, each variant was cloned into a mammalian expression vector; wild-type and variant receptors were transfected into HEK293 cells, and their expression and cellular localization were assessed by Western blotting and confocal immunofluorescence, respectively. Receptor activation in HEK293 cells was determined using an IP-One ELISA assay following stimulation with Ca++ ions.

Results

Bioinformatics analysis of the variants was unable to definitively assign pathogenicity. Compared with wild-type receptor, all variants demonstrated impaired expression of mature receptor reaching the cell surface and diminished activation at physiologically relevant Ca++ concentrations.

Conclusion

Three CASR missense variants identified in probands provisionally diagnosed with FHH result in receptor inactivation and are therefore likely causative of FHH. Inactivation may be due to inadequate processing/trafficking of mature receptor and/or conformational changes induced by the variants affecting receptor signaling. This study demonstrates the value of functional studies in assessing genetic variants identified in hypercalcemic patients.
Parathyroid Hormone Regulates Circulating Levels of Sclerostin and FGF23 in a Primary Hyperparathyroidism Model
Authors: Nagata Yuki , Imanishi Yasuo , Tateishi Tomomi , Miyaoka Daichi , Kurajoh Masafumi , Arnold Andrew , Emoto Masanori
Published: February 2022

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) increases fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), mediated both by protein kinase A (PKA) and Wnt signaling, and decreases expression of sclerostin, a Wnt antagonist derived from osteocytes. Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) have lower serum sclerostin levels than healthy controls, consistent with the idea of SOST downregulation by PTH. Nevertheless, the relationship between FGF23 and sclerostin in PHPT is still unclear. We examined this issue in a mouse model of PHPT. PHPT mice had increased FGF23 and decreased sclerostin expression in calvaria and in their serum concentrations compared with wild-type (WT) mice. In UMR106 osteoblasts, PTH increased Fgf23 expression and decreased Sost expression, as well as forskolin, a PKA agonist, whereas inhibition of PKA reversed the changes in Fgf23 and Sost expression, stimulated by PTH. Sclerostin treatment had no effect on Fgf23 expression, but when it was added together with PTH, it statistically significantly abrogated the increase in Fgf23 expression. By contrast, there was no statistically significant correlation between serum FGF23 and sclerostin, whereas PTH was positively and negatively correlated with serum FGF23 and sclerostin, respectively. These results indicate that the high level of PTH in PHPT mice leads to increased FGF23 and decreased sclerostin expression in serum and calvaria. A decrease of sclerostin may further augment FGF23 in vitro; however, there was no statistically significant association between circulating FGF23 and sclerostin. It is suggested that the pathogenesis of increased FGF23 expression in PHPT mice may be modified by not only sclerostin, but also other regulatory factors modulated by PTH.
The Burden of Coronavirus Disease 2019–Related Cases, Hospitalizations, and Mortality Based on Vaccination Status and Mandated Mask Use: Statewide Data From Wisconsin and Narrative Review of the Literature
Authors: Abd-Elsayed Alaa , D’Souza Ryan S.
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases continue to surge in the United States with the emergence of new variants. Statewide variability and inconsistency in implementing risk mitigation strategies are widespread, particularly in regards to enforcing mask mandates and encouraging the public to become fully vaccinated.

METHODS:

This is a cross-sectional study conducted on July 31, 2021, utilizing publicly available data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The authors abstracted data on total COVID-19–related cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in the state of Wisconsin. The primary objective was comparison of total COVID-19–related cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in vaccinated versus unvaccinated people in the state of Wisconsin over a 31-day period (July 2021). Furthermore, we also performed a narrative review of the literature on COVID-19–related outcomes based on mask use and vaccination status.

RESULTS:

In the state of Wisconsin during July 2021, total COVID-19 cases was 125.4 per 100,000 fully vaccinated people versus 369.2 per 100,000 not fully vaccinated people (odds ratio [OR] = 0.34, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33–0.35; P < .001). Total COVID-19 hospitalizations was 4.9 per 100,000 fully vaccinated people versus 18.2 per 100,000 not fully vaccinated people (OR = 0.27, 98% CI, 0.22–0.32; P < .001). Total COVID-19 deaths was 0.1 per 100,000 fully vaccinated people versus 1.1 per 100,000 not fully vaccinated people (OR = 0.09, 95% CI, 0.03–0.29; P < .001). Narrative review of the literature demonstrated high vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 infection prevention (79%–100% among fully vaccinated people), COVID-19–related hospitalization (87%–98% among fully vaccinated people), and COVID-19–related death (96.7%–98% among fully vaccinated people). Studies have also generally reported that mask use was associated with increased effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 infection ≤70%.

CONCLUSIONS:

Strict adherence to public mask use and fully vaccinated status are associated with improved COVID-19–related outcomes and can mitigate the spread, morbidity, and mortality of COVID-19. Anesthesiologists and intensivists should adhere to evidence-based guidelines in their approach and management of patients to help mitigate spread.
Association of Medicaid Expansion With Neuraxial Labor Analgesia Use in the United States: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Xiao Maggie Z. X. , Whitney Dylan , Guo Nan , Sun Eric C. , Wong Cynthia A. , Bentley Jason , Butwick Alexander J.
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND:

The Affordable Care Act has been associated with increased Medicaid coverage for childbirth among low-income US women. We hypothesized that Medicaid expansion was associated with increased use of labor neuraxial analgesia.

METHODS:

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of US women with singleton live births who underwent vaginal delivery or intrapartum cesarean delivery between 2009 and 2017. Data were sourced from births in 26 US states that used the 2003 Revised US Birth Certificate. Difference-in-difference linear probability models were used to compare changes in the prevalence of neuraxial labor analgesia in 15 expansion and 11 nonexpansion states before and after Medicaid expansion. Models were adjusted for potential maternal and obstetric confounders with standard errors clustered at the state level.

RESULTS:

The study sample included 5,703,371 births from 15 expansion states and 5,582,689 births from 11 nonexpansion states. In the preexpansion period, the overall rate of neuraxial analgesia in expansion and nonexpansion states was 73.2% vs 76.3%. Compared with the preexpansion period, the rate of neuraxial analgesia increased in the postexpansion period by 1.7% in expansion states (95% CI, 1.6–1.8) and 0.9% (95% CI, 0.9–1.0) in nonexpansion states. The adjusted difference-in-difference estimate comparing expansion and nonexpansion states was 0.47% points (95% CI, −0.63 to 1.57; P = .39).

CONCLUSIONS:

Medicaid expansion was not associated with an increase in the rate of neuraxial labor analgesia in expansion states compared to the change in nonexpansion states over the same time period. Increasing Medicaid eligibility alone may be insufficient to increase the rate of neuraxial labor analgesia.
An Overview of Commonly Used Data Sources in Observational Research in Anesthesia
Authors: Zhong Haoyan , Thor Pa , Illescas Alex , Cozowicz Crispiana , Della Valle Alejandro Gonzalez , Liu Jiabin , Memtsoudis Stavros G. , Poeran Jashvant
Published: February 2022

Anesthesia research using existing databases has drastically expanded over the last decade. The most commonly used data sources in multi-institutional observational research are administrative databases and clinical registries. These databases are powerful tools to address research questions that are difficult to answer with smaller samples or single-institution information. Given that observational database research has established itself as valuable field in anesthesiology, we systematically reviewed publications in 3 high-impact North American anesthesia journals in the past 5 years with the goal to characterize its scope. We identified a wide range of data sources used for anesthesia-related research. Research topics ranged widely spanning questions regarding optimal anesthesia type and analgesic protocols to outcomes and cost of care both on a national and a local level. Researchers should choose their data sources based on various factors such as the population encompassed by the database, ability of the data to adequately address the research question, budget, acceptable limitations, available data analytics resources, and pipeline of follow-up studies.
Health Services Research in Anesthesia: A Brief Overview of Common Methodologies
Authors: Illescas Alex , Zhong Haoyan , Cozowicz Crispiana , Gonzalez Della Valle Alejandro , Liu Jiabin , Memtsoudis Stavros G. , Poeran Jashvant
Published: February 2022

The use of large data sources such as registries and claims-based data sets to perform health services research in anesthesia has increased considerably, ultimately informing clinical decisions, supporting evaluation of policy or intervention changes, and guiding further research. These observational data sources come with limitations that must be addressed to effectively examine all aspects of health care services and generate new individual- and population-level knowledge. Several statistical methods are growing in popularity to address these limitations, with the goal of mitigating confounding and other biases. In this article, we provide a brief overview of common statistical methods used in health services research when using observational data sources, guidance on their interpretation, and examples of how they have been applied to anesthesia-related health services research. Methods described involve regression, propensity scoring, instrumental variables, difference-in-differences, interrupted time series, and machine learning.
The Triple Bottom Line and Stabilization Wedges: A Framework for Perioperative Sustainability
Authors: Choi Bong Joon James , Chen Catherine L.
Published: February 2022

We present a narrative review of environmental sustainability aimed at perioperative clinicians. The review will familiarize readers with the triple bottom line framework, which aims to align the goals of delivering high-quality patient care, promoting environmental sustainability, and improving the financial position of health care organizations. We introduce the stabilization wedges model for climate change action adopted for the perioperative setting and discuss areas in which perioperative leaders can make sustainable choices. The goal of this review is to increase awareness among perioperative physicians of the environmental impacts of surgical and anesthetic care, promote engagement with sustainability efforts as a topic of professional concern for our specialty, and inspire new research in perioperative environmental sustainability.
Gay Liberation after May '68
Authors: Hocquenghem Guy
Published: February 2022

In Gay Liberation after May ’68, first published in France in 1974 and appearing here in English for the first time, Guy Hocquenghem details the rise of the militant gay liberation movement alongside the women’s movement and other revolutionary organizing. Writing after the apparent failure and eventual selling out of the revolutionary dream of May 1968, Hocquenghem situates his theories of homosexual desire in the realm of revolutionary practice, arguing that revolutionary movements must be rethought through ideas of desire and sexuality that undo stable gender and sexual identities. Throughout, he persists in a radical vision of the world framed through a queerness that can dismantle the oppressions of capitalism and empire, the family, institutions, and, ultimately, civilization. The articles, communiques, and manifestos that compose the book give an archival glimpse at the issues queer revolutionaries faced while also speaking to today’s radical queers as they look to transform their world.
The State of Dy Incorporated in SrAl2O4 Crystals by Low-temperature Annealing and Its Photoluminescence and Afterglow Properties
Authors: Nakamura Hitomi , Akai Tomoko , Kadono Kohei
Published: February 2022

We synthesized SrAl2O4:Eu,Dy by a polymerized complex method with low-temperature annealing and investigated the effect of this annealing treatment on the state of Dy incorporated in SrAl2O4 sintered at 1080 °C. At 4%, Dy was incorporated completely in the SrAl2O4 when pre-annealed at 650 °C (3 h) followed by 750 °C (3 h). Photoluminescence and afterglow properties improved owing to pre-annealing. The results indicate that annealing at an appropriate temperature enables high doping and homogeneous Dy distribution in the crystals.
Οι μετασοσιαλιστικές οικονομίες της Νοτιοανατολικής Ευρώπης απέναντι στην πρόκληση της παγκοσμιοποίησης
Authors: Φιλιππίδης Κωνσταντίνος
Published: February 2022

Η μελέτη της παγκοσμιοποίησης είναι συνδεμένη με την ανάλυση των δεδομένων της σύγχρονης παγκόσμιας πολιτικής οικονομίας. Δεν αποτελεί μια στοιχειώδη παράθεση οικονομικών μεγεθών, αλλά μια αναζήτηση της πολιτικής και βαθύτερης κοινωνικής δομής των δεσμών που συνδέουν την λειτουργία των θεσμών ενός οργανωμένου συνόλου ανθρώπων. Η εποχή που ακολούθησε την κατάρρευση του υπαρκτού σοσιαλισμού στην Ανατολική Ευρώπη, προκάλεσε μία πρωτόγνωρη μετάβαση των άμεσα εμπλεκόμενων χωρών, ενώ παράλληλα μετέβαλε τις ισορροπίες στις χώρες του Δυτικού κόσμου, αλλά και στο σύνολο του πλανήτη. Στον χώρο αυτό κινήθηκε με αποτυπωμένα τα αποτελέσματα της μετάβασης μέχρι και σήμερα και η Νοτιοανατολική Ευρώπη με πρωταγωνιστές τις χώρες της πρώην Γιουγκοσλαβίας, την Αλβανία, τη Βουλγαρία και τη Ρουμανία. Η κοινωνική συνοχή, η εργασιακή ειρήνη, η μακροοικονομική ευημερία και η πολιτική υπόσταση των κρατών δοκιμάστηκε πολλαπλά και επηρεάστηκε η δομική σύσταση του συνόλου των θεσμών. Σε αυτό το περιβάλλον, σημαντικός παράγοντας παραμένει η Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση, που αποτελεί φορέα της παγκοσμιοποίησης και παράλληλα αποτέλεσε τον οδηγό και το παράδειγμα για την πολιτική προσαρμογή των χωρών στους κανόνες της ανοιχτής οικονομίας με σοβαρές και καίριες μεταβολές στο σύνολο της κρατικής λειτουργίας. Το σύνολο των αλληλεπιδράσεων και των μεταβολών στην Νοτιοανατολική Ευρώπη και την Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση με παρονομαστή την ευρεία έννοια της παγκοσμιοποίησης, αποτελεί ιδιαίτερο πεδίο έρευνας και αναζήτησης για τις θετικές και αρνητικές επιπτώσεις που προκλήθηκαν τις τελευταίες τρεις δεκαετίες. Σημεία καμπής η μεγάλη διεύρυνση της ΕΕ από το 2004 έως και το 2007 που περιλάμβανε τη Βουλγαρία και τη Ρουμανία αλλά και η παγκόσμια χρηματοπιστωτική κρίση με αρχή το 2008 που επαναπροσδιόρισε και οδήγησε την ΕΕ σε συντηρητικές πολιτικές.
The transcriptions of the Three Teachers: an old or a new sound?
Authors: Arvanitis Ioannis
Published: February 2022

200 years ago, the Ecumenical Patriarchate called a synod, to honour the Three Teachers, that is the three reformers of the notational system of Eastern Orthodoxy’s ecclesiastical chant tradition: Chrysanthos of Madytos, Archimandrite and subsequently Archbishop of Dyrrachium (modern day Durrës, Albania), Gregorios the Lampadarios and then Protopsaltis of the Great Church, and Chourmouzios, a music teacher, then honoured with the officium of Archivist. The synod gave an official status to their so-called New Method (hereafter abbreviated as NM) and issued an encyclical inviting all cantors to Constantinople to learn this method. 200 years later, the music-loving mood of this journal’s publishers brought us as well, to honour these men. Although mentalities and psaltic habits might have changed, we understand ourselves descendants from these three men whom we see as benefactors, and therefore we also feel the duty to honour them.
A new minimally invasive, non-excisional, surgical browlift technique with minimal scarring: a protocol for a prospective observational study
Authors: de Jongh Frank W. , Kooiman Laurens B.R. , Sanches Elijah E. , Pouwels Sjaak , Ingels Koen J.A.O. , Wehrens Kim M.E. , Tan Liang T.
Published: February 2022

Background

The aim of this study is to prospectively evaluate the new minimal invasive (MINE) browlift technique with possibly superior results and minimal visible scarring.

Methods

A prospective observational study will be performed on all available data from patients who will undergo a browlift procedure in the Haaglanden Medical Center from 1-6-2021 till 31-5-2022. Our goal is to include at least 50 patients (1 per week). Inclusion criteria are: patients with medical (i.e. brow-ptosis, facial paralysis) or cosmetic indication, patients with sufficient understanding of the Dutch or English language and willingness to participate in extra study specific follow-up moments and filling in of questionnaires. Exclusion criteria are: <18 years of age and patients with previous brow or eyelid surgery. Patients will be photographed pre- and postoperatively using the VECTRA camera. The database management software Castor will be used to store and collect the data from the questionnaire. The Medical Research Ethics Committee found this study not eligible to be submitted to the Dutch Medical Research Involving Human Subjects Acts (WMO). Written informed consent will be obtained from all patients.

Results

Outcomes measures to be evaluated include: scarring after procedure; functionality of eyebrow movement; amount of correction in brow ptosis, measured in VECTRA; longevity of procedure in months; aesthetic result as assessed by questionnaires; and adverse effects of the procedure.
A novel method for measuring sublingual temperature using conventional non-contact forehead thermometer
Authors: Mahabala Chakrapani , Dakappa Pradeepa H. , Gupta Arjun R.
Published: February 2022

Background: Sublingual temperature measurement is a quick and accurate representation of oral temperature and corresponds closely with core temperature. Sub-lingual temperature measurement using non-contact infrared thermometers has not been studied for this purpose and if accurate they would be a reliable and convenient way of recording temperature of a patient very quickly. The aim of the study was to evaluate the utility of recording sublingual temperature using an infrared non-contact thermometer and establish its accuracy by comparing the readings with tympanic thermometer recordings.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 29 patients (328 paired recordings from sublingual and tympanic sites simultaneously). Subjects were requested to keep their mouth closed for five minutes before recording the temperature. Sublingual recordings were performed for each patient at different times of the day using an infrared thermometer. The infrared thermometer was quickly brought 1cm away from the sublingual part of the tongue and the recordings were then done immediately. Readings were compared with the corresponding tympanic temperature.

Results: The non-contact sublingual temperature correlated very closely with tympanic temperature (r=0.86, p<0.001). The mean difference between the infrared sublingual and tympanic temperature was 0.21°C (standard deviation [SD]:0.48°C, 95% confidence interval [CI] of 0.16-0.27). The intra-class correlation co-efficient (ICC) between core and sublingual temperatures was 0.830 (95% CI: 0.794 to 0.861) p<0.001. The sensitivity of sublingual IR (infrared) temperature of 37.65°C was 90% and specificity was 89% for core temperature >38°C.

Conclusions: This innovative modification of using the forehead infrared thermometer to measure the sublingual temperature offers an accurate, rapid and non-contact estimation of core temperature.
Case Report: Early Neonatal EEG in Two Infants with Pallister Killian Syndrome (PKS)
Authors: Stephens Carol M , Pavel Andreea M , Mathieson Sean R , McSweeney Niamh , McNamara Brian , Moore Michael , Boylan Geraldine B
Published: February 2022

Pallister Killian Syndrome (PKS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by a mosaic tetrasomy of the short arm of chromosome 12. The syndrome is characterised by typical craniofacial dysmorphism, congenital anomalies and intellectual disability. Epilepsy is a known complication, with onset usually occurring in early childhood and characterised most commonly by spasms and myoclonic seizures. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no cases describing the early neonatal EEG in PKS and  electrographic seizures, to date. Here, we report two cases of PKS presenting in the neonatal period with distinctive EEG features and seizures.
Caenorhabditis elegans Parkin: Regulators of its abundance and role in autophagy-lysosomal dynamics
Authors: Vozdek Roman , Wang Bingying , Li Kathy H. , Pramstaller Peter P. , Hicks Andrew A. , Ma Dengke K.
Published: February 2022

Background: Parkin, which when mutated leads to early-onset Parkinson’s disease, acts as an E3 ubiquitin ligase. How Parkin is regulated for selective protein and organelle targeting is not well understood. Here, we used protein interactor and genetic screens in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) to identify new regulators of Parkin abundance and showed their impact on autophagy-lysosomal dynamics and alpha-Synuclein processing.

Methods: We generated a transgene encoding mCherry-tagged C. elegans Parkin – Parkinson’s Disease Related 1 (PDR-1). We performed protein interactor screen using Co-immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry analysis to identify putative interacting partners of PDR-1. Ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) screen and an unbiased mutagenesis screen were used to identify genes regulating PDR-1 abundance. Confocal microscopy was used for the identification of the subcellular localization of PDR-1 and alpha-Synuclein processing.

Results: We show that the mCherry::pdr-1 transgene rescues the mitochondrial phenotype of pdr-1 mutants and that the expressed PDR-1 reporter is localized in the cytosol with enriched compartmentalization in the autophagy-lysosomal system. We determined that the transgenic overexpression of the PDR-1 reporter, due to inactivated small interfering RNA (siRNA) generation pathway, disrupts autophagy-lysosomal dynamics. From the RNAi screen of putative PDR-1 interactors we found that the inactivated Adenine Nucleotide Translocator ant-1.1/hANT, or hybrid ubiquitin genes ubq-2/hUBA52 and ubl-1/hRPS27A encoding a single copy of ubiquitin fused to the ribosomal proteins L40 and S27a, respectively, induced PDR-1 abundance and affected lysosomal dynamics. In addition, we demonstrate that the abundant PDR-1 plays a role in alpha-Synuclein processing.

Conclusions: These data show that the abundant C. elegans Parkin ortholog affects the autophagy-lysosomal system together with alpha-Synuclein processing which can help in understanding the pathology in Parkin-related diseases.
Network learning and transitional change in a global project for transforming sustainability education.
Authors: Melin Martin , Lieblein Geir , Breland Tor Arvid , Francis Charles
Published: February 2022

Educational strategies globally are changing from an authoritative, top-down model to one focused on greater student and stakeholder participation and collaborative involvement in planning and implementation of educational activities. In addition to emphasis on student-centered education, strategies are evolving to encompass learning organizations and learning networks. These are essential to address the complexity and scope of tomorrow’s challenges, involving issues that could be called ’wicked problems’ not easily addressed by single disciplines nor resulting in solutions that please all the players. Such incommensurate problems make it essential to tap into all possible sources of information, to explore multiple learning strategies for solutions, and to seek answers that will be acceptable to all those impacted. Such an approach includes knowledge co-production, and methods of co-learning to reach mutually acceptable outcomes. Meaningful transitions or transformations require attention to creative network organisation, learning through practical action, cooperation and mutual respect among participants, comfortable and meaningful activities with stakeholders, agreed-upon structures and practices, agreed-upon outcomes and methods to reach them, as well as shared commitment to complete tasks and share of credit for accomplishing them. The NEXTFOOD Network is used as an example of how these goals were set, and how a transformation through their implementation is playing out. A successful transition involves ownership by all the players, meaningful and lasting changes in roles of various players and their institutions, willingness to experiment with new methods, and shared responsibility for outputs and impacts. NEXTFOOD Network partners are making concerted efforts to overcome institutional, disciplinary, and long-established barriers to this type of transformation in education, and have dealt with the unique pandemic challenges to creating a meaningful transition that will emerge as a resilient and pro-active strategy for the continual improvement of cooperative education.
Date of introduction and epidemiologic patterns of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Mogadishu, Somalia: estimates from transmission modelling of satellite-based excess mortality data in 2020
Authors: Koltai Mihaly , Warsame Abdihamid , Bashiir Farah , Freemantle Terri , Reeve Chris , Williams Chris , Jit Mark , Flasche Stefan , Davies Nicholas G. ,   CMMID COVID-19 working group, Aweis Ahmed , Ahmed Mohamed , Dalmar Abdirisak , Checchi Francesco
Published: February 2022

Background: In countries with weak surveillance systems, confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) deaths are likely to underestimate the pandemic’s death toll. Many countries also have incomplete vital registration systems, hampering excess mortality estimation. Here, we fitted a dynamic transmission model to satellite imagery data of cemeteries in Mogadishu, Somalia during 2020 to estimate the date of introduction and other epidemiologic parameters of the early spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in this low-income, crisis-affected setting.

Methods: We performed Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) fitting with an age-structured compartmental COVID-19 model to provide median estimates and credible intervals for the date of introduction, the basic reproduction number (R0) and the effect of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) up to August 2020.

Results: Under the assumption that excess deaths in Mogadishu March-August 2020 were attributable to SARS-CoV-2 infections, we arrived at median estimates of November-December 2019 for the date of introduction and low R0 estimates (1.4-1.7) reflecting the slow and early rise and long plateau of excess deaths. The date of introduction, the amount of external seeding, the infection fatality rate (IFR) and the effectiveness of NPIs are correlated parameters and not separately identifiable in a narrow range from deaths data. Nevertheless, to obtain introduction dates no earlier than November 2019 a higher population-wide IFR (≥0.7%) had to be assumed than obtained by applying age-specific IFRs from high-income countries to Somalia’s age structure.

Conclusions: Model fitting of excess mortality data across a range of plausible values of the IFR and the amount of external seeding suggests an early SARS-CoV-2 introduction event may have occurred in Somalia in November-December 2019. Transmissibility in the first epidemic wave was estimated to be lower than in European settings. Alternatively, there was another, unidentified source of sustained excess mortality in Mogadishu from March to August 2020.
RESEARCH OF CONSUMER BEHAVIOR OF PRODUCTS (WORKS, SERVICES) ON THE MARKET
Authors: PANUSHKINA A. , SHEVCHENKO E.
Published: February 2022

This article discusses in detail the aspects and essence of consumer behavior, as well as the factors influencing it. The types of consumers and their features are presented. The marketing model of consumer behavior is described in detail, and, therefore, it is concluded that marketers have the ability to use personality parameters to predict consumer behavior.
Recomendações de exercício físico após adoecimento por COVID-19: revisão de escopo
Authors: Prado Alexandre Konig Garcia , Alves Jhennifer Carolina de Almeida , Gurginski Renata Neli Moreno , Mikuni Thaymara , Zata Danieli , Albuquerque Paula Lucia Magalhães da Silva , Oliveira João Ricardo Gabriel de
Published: February 2022

Além dos efeitos agudos, o adoecimento por COVID-19 pode deixar sintomas e sequelas persistentes por um longo período. O exercício físico pode ser uma importante contramedida durante o processo de recuperação de doenças, porém pouco se sabe a respeito dos efeitos dessa prática em pessoas convalescentes da COVID-19. O presente estudo apresenta uma revisão de escopo de recomendações para a prática de exercícios físicos após adoecimento por COVID-19 (fases aguda e pós-aguda). Foi realizada uma busca eletrônica nas bases: Cochrane, PEDro, PubMed, SciELO, Sport Discus e Web of Science. A leitura do título e resumo, dos artigos na íntegra e extração dos dados foi realizada por dois revisores independentes. Foram encontradas 445 referências, sendo 16 estudos incluídos na versão final. Entre os estudos incluídos, são citados com maior frequência: 1) recomendações para maiores de 18 anos, com diferentes graus de acometimento; 2) reabilitação à distância e uso de equipamentos de proteção individual nos procedimentos de biossegurança; 3) testes de aptidão física e avaliações clínicas; 4) saturação de oxigênio e a frequência cardíaca para monitoramento da sessão; 5) programas com mais de um tipo de exercício (multicomponente), sendo os exercícios aeróbios e de força os mais indicados, e; 6) necessidade de prescrição individualizada e intervenção multiprofissional. O programa de reabilitação deve considerar as peculiaridades individuais e a gravidade da COVID-19, com prescrição centrada na melhoria geral. Baseados em estudos frágeis, a eficácia do exercício físico na reabilitação após COVID-19 não pode ser confirmada. Ensaios clínicos randomizados controlados devem ser realizados.
Validação de oficina de educação permanente em alimentação, atividade física e práticas corporais
Authors: Costa Julia De Caro , Andrade Douglas Roque , Jaime Patricia Constante
Published: February 2022

O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever o desenvolvimento e validação de conteúdo de um protocolo de oficina de educação permanente em saúde para a qualificação profissional em promoção da alimentação adequada e saudável e da atividade física e práticas corporais voltado aos profissionais atuantes na Atenção Primária à Saúde. O desenvolvimento do protocolo utilizou como referenciais teóricos o Guia Alimentar para a População Brasileira, o Guia de Atividade Física para a População Brasileira, a Prática Colaborativa Interprofissional e a Metodologia Crítico-Reflexiva (MCR); e foi definido com seis módulos presenciais, totalizando 30 horas de qualificação. O protocolo foi avaliado nos aspectos de clareza, pertinência e representatividade, em dois painéis de juízes para validação de conteúdo. Foram calculados o Índice de Validade de Conteúdo (IVC), considerando adequadas as atividades que pontuaram IVC>0,8; e o percentual de representatividade dos referenciais teóricos em cada atividade. Todas as 32 atividades do protocolo foram validadas para clareza e pertinência; e a representatividade obteve resultados condizentes com os objetivos de cada módulo. A representatividade da MCR no protocolo como um todo foi de 86,25%. As atividades da oficina foram avaliadas como adequadas ao objetivo proposto, considerando seu referencial teórico e seu público-alvo. Esta é a primeira oficina de educação permanente em saúde validada a trabalhar em formação combinada com o Guia Alimentar e o Guia de Atividade Física para a População Brasileira, e pode ser aplicada para a qualificação de profissionais da Atenção Primária à Saúde em todo Brasil.
Delivering Healthcare Through Teleconsultations: Implications for Offline Healthcare Disparity
Authors: Hwang Elina H. , Guo Xitong , Tan Yong , Dang Yuanyuan
Published: February 2022

In this study, we focus on the largely overlooked but important topic: social value created by teleconsultations. Many countries suffer from the geographic imbalance of their medical professionals: there are abundant resources in urban cities but too few in rural areas. Teleconsultations have emerged as a promising solution to reduce this disparity because they can remotely deliver healthcare without relocating medical professionals. Yet it is unclear whether teleconsultations actually mobilize healthcare to underserved areas. To answer this question, we collaborate with a large online healthcare platform and analyze its teleconsulting data together with offline healthcare and regional data. Our results indicate that teleconsultations tend to connect physicians in resourceful regions with patients in underserved areas—a desirable pattern that alleviates the geographic healthcare disparity. However, we also find that social, information, and geography frictions persist. For instance, teleconsultations are less likely to occur as regions become farther apart, and financial and information constraints limit rural patients’ access to teleconsultations. We uncover the underlying mechanisms that drive such frictions and provide recommendations to reduce the frictions that hinder teleconsultations.