bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BIOSECURITY AND GOOD BEEKEEPING PRACTICES IN BEEKEEPING
Authors: Borum Ayşe Ebru
Published: October 2022

Biosecurity measures in beekeeping (BMBs) include measures taken to prevent the spread of diseases by minimizing the movement of microorganisms and pests in the apiary, preventing diseases and pests in the environment from reaching the apiary or reducing their effects. Biosafety principles aim to prevent infectious factors from entering the apiaries and spreading by humans, bees, feed, and technological systems in order to prevent them from adversely affecting bee health or honey quality. Good beekeeping practices (GBP) prevent or minimize the entry of important bee diseases and pests into the apiary and the spread between colonies and apiaries. Prevents negative effects on bee health, honey safety, honey quality, and production efficiency. BMBs can be effective if GBPs are implemented. In this study, it is aimed to provide information about bee health, protection from bee diseases, preventing the spread of diseases and pests among other colonies and apiaries in the same apiary, biosecurity and good beekeeping practices necessary to obtain quality and reliable bee products.
Методичні рекомендації з мікробіологічного супроводу дітей з муковісцидозом
Authors: Степанський Д. О. , Іщенко О. В. , Кошова І. П.
Published: October 2022

Методичні рекомендації укладені з урахуванням існуючого досвіду надання медичної допомоги дітям хворим на муковісцидоз і присвячені мікробіологічним аспектам – забір та транспортування біологічного матеріалу, особливостей бактеріологічного дослідження та тестування отриманих культур на чутливість до антибіотиків. Окремо розглянуті питання попередження інфікування патобіонтами асоційованими з муковісцидозом. Методичні рекомендації призначені на допомогу лікарям загальної практики та пульмонологам, що надають допомогу пацієнтам з муковісцидозом, а також працівникам бактеріологічних лабораторій, що працюють з таким біологічним матеріалом.
What do university students think about the metaverse?
Authors: ÖZDEMİR Adem , VURAL Mustafa , SÜLEYMANOĞULLARI Mesut , BAYRAKTAR Gökhan
Published: October 2022

Metaverse is a new concept which is frequently discussed in many fields such as health, art, sports, entertainment, education, trade, and marketing. The scope and actuality of this concept, which expresses a new digital world beyond the universe, necessitated this study. In this study; gender, age, duration of social media usage and levels of metaverse knowledge, awareness and attitude of university students have been tried to be analyzed statistically in terms of variables such as playing digital games, using e-commerce, communicating with other individuals in virtual channels and the availability of crypto money. The survey model, one of the quantitative research methods, was preferred in the study. Independent Sample T Test and Pearson Correlation tests were used to analyze data with a normal distribution. The universe of the research includes students studying at Ağrı İbrahim Çeçen University in the 2021-2022 academic year, and the sample of the research includes 271 students (122 females and 149 males), studying in different departments of the same university. Apart from the personal information form, the 'Metaverse Scale’ developed by Süleymanoğulları et al. was chosen as a data collection tool. According to the results, male participants' metaverse knowledge, attitude, and awareness levels are higher than females in the sub-dimensions of digitalization and lifestyle. While a positive and weak relationship was found between the participants’ average daily social media usage time and the technology sub-dimension average score, the analysis results indicate that the levels of the participants who engage in e-commerce in the technology, digitalization, and lifestyle sub-dimensions are higher than the others. Finally, it has been found that the metaverse knowledge, attitude and awareness levels of the students with crypto money in the sub-dimensions of technology, digitalization and lifestyle are higher than those in the other group. According to the results of this study, it can be said that the metaverse attitudes, awareness and knowledge levels of the university students who constitute the research sample group differ depending on sociocultural and socioeconomic factors.
The potential association of musculoskeletal pain with presenteeism and work engagement among intensive care unit nurses: a cross-sectional study
Authors: BALTA Selin , ALAGÜNEY Mehmet Erdem
Published: October 2022

Aim: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated musculoskeletal pain among intensive care nurses are important, as these factors may be related to presenteeism and work engagement. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential association of musculoskeletal pain with presenteeism and work engagement among intensive care nurses.

Material and Method: This descriptive study was carried out with members of the Turkish Society of Critical Care Nurses. All the participants completed a questionnaire, which included questions about general demographic data and occupational musculoskeletal exposures (Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA] Ergonomic Assessment Checklist). To measure pain, work engagement and presenteeism, the following instruments were used: The Brief Pain Inventory Short Form (BPI SF), Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-17) and Stanford Presenteeism Scale-6 (SPS-6). This study was performed in 2021, and the questionnaire was distributed via email to the database of Turkish Society of Critical Care Nurses.

Results: Our study was completed with 153 intensive care unit nurses. Among the study population, 76.5% (n=117) of the nurses had chronic musculoskeletal pain, 80% of whom had exposure to lifting heavy weights. There was a weak negative correlation between pain and work engagement, as shown by the BPI SF pain interference subscale and the vigour subscale of the UWES-17 (p=0.04, r=-.166). There was also a weak negative correlation between pain and presenteeism according to the BPI SF pain interference subscale and SPS-6 (p=0.04, r=-.193). There was no statistically significant association between workplace ergonomic exposures, presenteeism, work engagement and the presence of chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Conclusion: Neither chronic musculoskeletal system pain nor pain intensity was significantly correlated with work engagement, occupational musculoskeletal exposures or presenteeism. However, musculoskeletal pain-related effects on daily activities of living had a negative impact on work engagement (vigour) and presenteeism.
Evaluation of occupational exposure reasons and experiences of nursing students
Authors: TOPÇU Sevcan , EMLEK SERT Zuhal
Published: October 2022

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the occupational exposure reasons and experiences of nursing students.

Material and Method: The qualitative research design was used. The participants were selected using the purposive sampling method. The 20 nursing students included in this study. The data was collected at face-to-face interviews conducted during September 2019 and February 2020.

Results: The mean age of nursing students was 21.65±0.91. The majority (85%) of nursing students were women, and 15% were men (n=3). From the interviews, six key themes were identified regarding the nursing students’ experiences of occupational exposure in the last six months: lack of knowledge, inadequate experience, theoretical and practical training loads, inadequate resources, lack of warning and information, and carelessness.

Conclusion: The one of the most important reasons for exposure to occupational hazards is lack of knowledge. Nursing Schools should ensure that nursing students are adequately trained in occupational hazards before their clinical placements.
The outcome of single-visit nonsurgical retreatment and patients’ perception of retreatment: a retrospective cohort study with 1-year follow-up
Authors: ÖZBAY Yağız
Published: October 2022

Aim: To evaluate the outcome of single visit nonsurgical retreatment by clinical examination and PAI (Periapical Index) and, patients’ feedback regarding the nonsurgical retreatment after 1 year.

Material and Method: 115 patients who previously had nonsurgical retreatment were recalled after 1 year and after dropouts, 84 patients were examined clinically and radiographical examinations were completed pre-and postoperatively using Periapical Index. Patients were also asked if they would still choose nonsurgical retreatment for teeth with previously failed root canal treatment.

Results: The healing rate after 1 year was 88%. The tooth type did not influence the outcome (p=0.756). While the failure rate was lower in males (3.3%) than in females (16.7%), gender did not affect the outcome (p=0.088). 97.6% of patients had a positive approach to nonsurgical retreatment. There was a statistically significant relationship between treatment outcome and patients' feedback (p=0.013). There is a statistically significant positive correlation between postoperative VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) pain score and postoperative PAI score (p=0.002).

Conclusion: Single-visit nonsurgical retreatment is a viable option for teeth where certain periapical diseases such as symptomatic apical abscess are excluded. Patients, who experienced successful nonsurgical retreatment, are eager to preserve their tooth with failed primary root canal treatment when nonsurgical retreatment option is available.
The diagnostic value of complete blood parameters in determining the severity of community-acquired pneumonia in children
Authors: GÜVEN Deniz , KIŞLAL Fatih Mehmet
Published: October 2022

Aim: In children, community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) has a high mortality and morbidity rate. Platelet, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, red cell distributions width (RDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distributions width (PDW), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) have all been suggested as markers of systemic infection and inflammation. Several research, however, have centered on the clinical significance of blood parameters in pediatric CAP. We aim to determine the diagnostic value of complete blood parameters for CAP and to look into their relationship to disease severity.

Material and Method: A retrospective, the cross-sectional study enrolled children aged 3 months to 18 years who were diagnosed with CAP at Ankara Atatürk Sanatorium Training and Research Hospital's pediatrics clinics between January 2018 and June 2021, as well as age-matched healthy children. CAP case definition was made according to the CAP case definition defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). Patients were evaluated according to the criteria of WHO and British Thoracic Society 2011 guidelines as severe and mild CAP.

Results: 400 CAP and 400 control patients were included in the study. The mean age of the CAP group was 2.40±3.20 years and the control group was 2.38±3.17 years. Eosinophil, hemoglobin, MPV, PDW and PLR values of the CAP group was statistically significantly lower; leukocytes, lymphocyte, monocyte, neutrophil, basophil, platelet, RDW, and NLR levels of the CAP group were higher than the control group (p
Comparison between closed reduction plaster casting and percutaneous Kirschner wire pinning in the management of distal radius fractures in patients aged 65 years and older
Authors: KARADENİZ Selami , YURTBAY Alparslan , ÖZTÜRK Özkan , ERSOY Ahmet , ÇALIŞAL Emre , PİŞKİN Ahmet
Published: October 2022

Aim: Closed reduction plaster casting (CRPC) and percutaneous pinning (CRPP) remain an important treatment modalities for extra-articular distal radius fractures especially in elderly patients. These two treatment methods have advantages and disadvantages compared to each other. The ideal treatment of extra-articular distal radius fractures is still debatable. We aimed to retrospectively evaluate the clinical and radiological results after CRPC and CRPP for the treatment of distal radius fractures in the patient population over 65 years of age.

Material and Method: Between 1 January 2015 and 1 January 2019, patients older than 65 years of age who presented with extra-articular noncomminuted distal radius fractures were retrospectively evaluated. 95 patients diagnosed with distal radius fracture were separated into 2 groups, who were administered the following: CRPC (n:51), CRPP (n:44). We compared the characteristics of the patients, the mechanisms of injury, fracture types and treatment methods, pre-reduction and post-reduction radiological parameters and clinical functions for the two groups. Volar tilt, radial inclination, ulnar variance, and radial length were compared. Clinical results were also compared.

Results: The mean follow-up period was 19.8 months (range, 12-29 months; SD=11.0) in the CRPC group and 18.6 months (range, 12-26 months; SD=10.9) in the CRPP group. Mean range of motion and grip strength were maintained in both treatment groups at one-year follow-up. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the scores evaluating the daily activity, pain and mental status of the patients after the treatment (p>0.05). There are no statistically significant differences between fixation with CRPC and CRPP in terms of clinical and radiological results (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Closed reduction plaster casting and closed reduction percutaneous pinning are equally effective in the treatment of extra-articular distal radius fractures in the elderly.
A radiological and clinical overview of the effects of COVID-19 on the male reproductive system: micro V Doppler, spermiogram and international erectile function form survey results
Authors: ARSLAN Fatma Zeynep , HACIBEY İbrahim , KARAGÜLLE Mehmet , KAYA Gül Gizem , KÖREZ Muslu Kazım
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Micro V Doppler is a different technique from the conventional Doppler US method, which reveals the small vessel structure developed in recent years. We planned to reveal whether there are significant difference between spermiogram test, scrotal US, Micro V Doppler and international erectile function form questionnaire results between patients who had recently COVID-19 and the control group.

Material and Method: Our study included 45 patients who had recently had COVID-19 infection, and 45 control patients. Spermiogram test, scrotal US, Micro V Doppler and erectile dysfunction score, orgasmic function score, sexual desire score, sexual satisfaction score, and general satisfaction scores were evaluated for our patients and control groups included in our study.

Results: On scrotal US, there was no sequelae in the parenchyma in all patients (n=45, 100%) who had experienced COVID-19. When the spermiogram tests of the control group and our patients with COVID-19 infection were compared, the presence of oligozoospermia, leukocytospermia and other abnormal positive findings was similar between the two groups (p>0.005). Micro V Doppler findings of the control group and our patients who did not have COVID-19 infection were similar. Sexual Desire and sexual satisfaction scores of patients with COVID-19 were significantly lower than the control group without COVID-19 infection (p
An automated diabetic retinopathy disorders detection model based on pretrained MobileNetv2 and nested patch division using fundus images
Authors: YILDIRIM Hakan , ÇELİKER Ülkü , GÜNGÖR KOBAT Sabiha , DOGAN Sengul , BAYĞIN Mehmet , YAMAN Orhan , TUNCER Türker , ERDAĞ Murat
Published: October 2022

Aim: Fundus images are very important to diagnose some ophthalmologic disorders. Hence, fundus images have become a very important data source for machine-learning society. Our primary goal is to propose a new automated disorder classification model for diabetic retinopathy (DR) using the strength of deep learning. In this model, our proposed model suggests a treatment technique using fundus images.
Material and Method: In this research, a new dataset was acquired and this dataset contains 1365 Fundus Fluorescein Angiography images with five classes. To detect these disorders automatically, we proposed a transfer learning-based feature engineering model. This feature engineering model uses pretrained MobileNetv2 and nested patch division to extract deep and exemplar features. The neighborhood component analysis (NCA) feature selection function has been applied to choose the top features. k nearest neighbors (kNN) classification function has been used to get results and we used 10-fold cross-validation (CV) to validate the results.
Results: The proposed MobileNetv2 and nested patch-based image classification model attained 87.40% classification accuracy on the collected dataset.
Conclusions: The calculated 87.40% classification accuracy for five classes has been demonstrated high classification accuracy of the proposed deep feature engineering model
Tooth Loss Induces Memory Impairment and Glial Activation in Young Wild-Type Mice
Authors: Taslima Ferdous , Abdelhamid Mona , Zhou Chunyu , Chen Yuxin , Jung Cha-Gyun , Michikawa Makoto
Published: October 2022

Background:

Tooth loss is closely associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Previously, we reported that tooth loss induced memory impairment in amyloid precursor protein knock-in mice by decreasing neuronal activity and synaptic protein levels and increasing glial activation, neuroinflammation, and pyramidal neuronal cell loss without altering amyloid-β levels in the hippocampus. However, the effects of tooth loss in young wild-type mice have not been explored yet.

Objective:

We investigated the effects of tooth loss on memory impairment, neuronal activity, synaptic protein levels, glial activation, and pyramidal neuronal cell loss in young wild-type mice.

Methods:

Two-month-old wild-type mice were randomly divided into control and tooth loss groups. In the tooth loss group, maxillary molar teeth on both sides were extracted, whereas no teeth were extracted in the control group. Two months after tooth extraction, we performed a novel object recognition test to evaluate memory function. Glial activation, neuronal activity, synaptic protein levels, and the number of pyramidal neurons were evaluated using immunofluorescence staining, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting.

Results:

The tooth loss group exhibited memory impairment and decreased neuronal activity and the levels of synaptic proteins in both the hippocampus and cortex. Moreover, tooth loss increased the activation of phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), and glial activation and reduced the number of pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus.

Conclusion:

Tooth loss in the young wild-type mice will attenuate neuronal activity, decrease synaptic protein levels, and induce pyramidal neuronal loss, and eventually lead to memory impairment.
Sex Modifies the Associations of APOE ɛ4 with Neuropsychiatric Symptom Burden in Both At-Risk and Clinical Cohorts of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Dissanayake Andrew S. ,   for the PACt-MD Study Group, Tan Yu Bin , Bowie Christopher R. , Butters Meryl A. , Flint Alastair J. , Gallagher Damien , Golas Angela C. , Herrmann Nathan , Ismail Zahinoor , Kennedy James L. , Kumar Sanjeev , Lanctot Krista L. , Mah Linda , Mulsant Benoit H. , Pollock Bruce G. , Rajji Tarek K. , Tau Michael , Maraj Anika , Churchill Nathan W. , Tsuang Debby , Schweizer Tom A. , Munoz David G. , Fischer Corinne E.
Published: October 2022

Background: Recent work suggests that APOE ɛ4/4 females with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are more susceptible to developing neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS). Objective: To examine the interaction of sex and APOE ɛ4 status on NPS burden using two independent cohorts: 1) patients at risk for AD with mild cognitive impairment and/or major depressive disorder (n = 252) and 2) patients with probable AD (n = 7,261). Methods: Regression models examined the interactive effects of sex and APOE ɛ4 on the number of NPS experienced and NPS Severity. APOE ɛ3/4 and APOE ɛ4/4 were pooled in the at-risk cohort due to the sample size. Results: In the at-risk cohort, there was a significant sex*APOE ɛ4 interaction (p = 0.007) such that the association of APOE ɛ4 with NPS was greater in females than in males (incident rate ratio (IRR) = 2.0). APOE ɛ4/4 females had the most NPS (mean = 1.9) and the highest severity scores (mean = 3.5) of any subgroup. In the clinical cohort, APOE ɛ4/4 females had significantly more NPS (IRR = 1.1, p = 0.001, mean = 3.1) and higher severity scores (b = 0.31, p = 0.015, mean = 3.7) than APOE ɛ3/3 females (meanNPS = 2.9, meanSeverity = 3.3). No association was found in males. Conclusion: Our study suggests that sex modifies the association of APOE ɛ4 on NPS burden. APOE ɛ4/4 females may be particularly susceptible to increased NPS burden among individuals with AD and among individuals at risk for AD. Further investigation into the mechanisms behind these associations are needed.
Identifying racial disparities in care for children with spastic cerebral palsy: A single center study
Authors: Daunter Alecia K. , Pruente Jessica , Bowman Angeline , Whitney Daniel G.
Published: October 2022

PURPOSE: Existing evidence identifies racial and ethnic disparities impacting the prevalence and severity of cerebral palsy (CP). There is a paucity of literature examining the impact on associated treatment. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, an institutional database search identified outpatient encounters for pediatric patients with spastic CP. Additional filters were used to determine treatments received. For each treatment, the proportion of African American (AA) patients receiving treatment was compared to the proportion of Caucasian (C) patients receiving the same treatment. RESULTS: 3,686 children with spastic CP were seen in outpatient clinics associated with an academic tertiary hospital over a 21-year period. There was no significant difference between the proportion of any treatment compared to the entire sample for AA or C patients. CONCLUSION: In this sample, there was no significant evidence of a racial disparity for AA patients receiving treatments for spasticity. This data is limited by several factors. Further research is needed to determine whether pediatric patients with disabilities are receiving equitable care. Clinicians should consider systematically monitoring their practices to identify areas of bias or inequity in accessing care.
Reliability of the Wii Balance Board for measurement of steady state balance in children aged 6–9 years
Authors: Juneja Hemant , Frandsen Christian , Nielsen Nina Odgaard , Larsen Kim , Praestegaard Jeanette
Published: October 2022

PURPOSE: The Wii Balance Board (WBB) can be used for assessment of steady state balance (SSB), but its reliability has not been studied in children aged 6–9 years. This study aimed to determine the test-retest reliability of the WBB for measuring SSB in this population. A secondary aim was to determine the minimum detectable change (MDC) and standard error of measurement (SEM) of the WBB in children aged 6–9 years. METHODS: 52 children between 6–9 years of age participated. “One leg stand balance” was used to assess center of pressure velocity (COPV) and center of pressure area (COPA) on three occasions by the same tester. Two tests were conducted on the same day (Day 1) and the third test was performed on another day (Day 2), with a period of 5–13 days between the two test days. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC 3,1), SEMs, and MDC were calculated. RESULTS: Intra-day test-retest reliability of COPA was found to be good (ICC3,1 =0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.75, 0.92) and that of COPV was also found to be good (ICC3,1 =0.87; 95% CI: 0.77, 0.92). Inter-day test-retest reliability was found to be good for COPA (ICC3,1 = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.75, 0.93) and COPV (ICC3,1 = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.81, 0.94). SEM for COPA in intra-day testing was 18.90 mm2 (15.78%), and in inter-day testing it was 16.44 mm2 (13.61%). SEM for COPV in intra-day testing was 1.12 mm/s (7.6%), and in inter-day testing it was 1.01 mm/s (6.9%). MDC for COPA in intra-day testing was 52.41mm2 (42.75%), and in inter-day testing was 45.58 mm2 (35.75%). MDC for COPV in intra-day testing was 3.11 mm/s (21.2%), and in inter-day testing it was 2.80 mm/s (18.9%). CONCLUSION: The WBB has good test-retest reliability for assessing SSB of children between 6-9 years. COPA measurements appear to be less sensitive to clinical changes in SSB when compared to COPV. Assessment of validity of the WBB in this age group is recommended before it can be considered as a potential balance assessment tool in children.
Combining quota and probability sub-sampling within enumeration areas to produce more reliable estimates
Authors: Coelho Isabela Bertolini , Pitta Marcelo Trindade , do Nascimento Silva Pedro Luis
Published: October 2022

Traditional surveys face increasing challenges due to rising non-response rates and the diminishing resources available to survey organizations. A recently proposed solution involves the combination of non-probability sample surveys (often cheaper) with probability sample surveys (more expensive), using the latter as a reference to weight the former. Considering a special case in which a single survey was designed and carried out by simultaneously using the two sampling approaches within a single field operation, this paper compared the use of quasi-randomization and sample matching methods to assign weights to the non-probability part of the sample. The quasi-randomization method provided the closest point estimates and smaller standard errors (on average) when compared to the benchmark estimates.
Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor enhances efficacy of nimustine rendezvousing with temozolomide plus irradiation in patients with glioblastoma
Authors: Yang Dong-Yi , Cheng Xue , Bu Xing-Yao , Yan Zhao-Yue , Qu Ming-Qi , Zhao Yue-Wu , Kong Ling-Fei , Wang Yao-Wei , Luo Jian-Chao
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma is the most common and most aggressive type of primary brain tumor. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of intranasal granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) administration combined with chemoradiotherapy in patients with glioblastoma who underwent surgery. METHODS: Ninety-two patients were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (n= 46), who received radiotherapy with adjuvant local delivery of nimustine hydrochloride (ACNU) and systemic administration of temozolomide, and an intervention group (n= 46), who received intranasal GM-CSF prior to each cycle of adjuvant chemotherapy in addition to the treatment of the control group. Karnofsky performance status (KPS) scores, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse effects were calculated and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the intervention group had longer PFS (7.8 vs. 6.9 months, P= 0.016) and OS (19.2 vs. 17.1 months, P= 0.045, without adjustment for interim analyses). The KPS scores were also higher in the intervention group than in the control group after 6 months (84.35 ± 8.86 vs. 80.65 ± 7.72; t= 4.552, P= 0.036). Furthermore, the patients in the intervention group had lower incidence of neutropenia and thrombocytopenia (8.7% vs. 29.5%, P= 0.012; 8.7% vs. 18.2%, P= 0.186). Other adverse events were similar in both groups, and most adverse events were grade I/II and resolved spontaneously. CONCLUSION: Intranasal GM-CSF enhances the efficacy of the local ACNU administration combined with oral temozolomide chemotherapy. The survival and performance status were significantly improved in patients with glioblastoma after surgery. Additionally, the GM-CSF therapy was able to reduce the occurrence of chemotherapy-related neutropenia and thrombocytopenia.
Association of COVID-19 patient’s condition with fasting blood glucose and body mass index: A retrospective study
Authors: Song Li-Gang , Bai Su-Rong , Hui Deng-Hua , Ding Li-Ping , Sun Lu
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic broke out in 2019 and rapidly spread across the globe. Most of the severe and dead cases are middle-aged and elderly patients with chronic systemic diseases. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the association between fasting blood glucose (FPG) and body mass index (BMI) levels in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) under different conditions. METHODS: Experimental-related information (age, gender, BMI, and FPG on the second day of admission) from 86 COVID-19 cases (47 males and 39 females) with an average age of (39 ± 17) years was collected in April and November 2020. These cases were divided into three groups according to the most severe classification of each case determined by the clinical early warning indicators of severe-critically illness, the degree of progression, and the treatment plan shown in the diagnosis and treatment plan of COVID-19 pneumonia. Statistical models were used to analyze the differences in the levels of FPG and BMI, age, and gender among the three groups. RESULTS: 1. Experimental group: 21 patients with asymptomatic or and mild symptoms (group A), 45 patients with common non-progression (group B), and 20 patients with common progression and severe symptoms (group C). 2. The age differences among the three groups were statistically significant and elderly patients had a higher risk of severe disease (t= 4.1404, 3.3933, 9.2123, P= 0.0001, 0.0012, 0.0000). There was a higher proportion of females than males in the normal progression and severe disease cases (χ2= 5.512, P= 0.019). 3. The level of FPG was significantly higher in group C than in group A (t= 3.1655, P= 0.0030) and B (t= 2.0212, P= 0.0475). The number of diabetes or IFG in group C was significantly higher than in group A (χ2= 5.979, P= 0.014) and group B (χ2= 6.088, P= 0.014). 4. BMI was significantly higher in group C than in groups A (t= 3.8839, P= 0.0004) and B (t= 3.8188, P= 0.0003). The number of overweight or obese patients in group C was significantly higher than in groups A (χ2= 8.838, P= 0.003) and B (χ2= 10.794, P= 0.001). 5. Patients’ age, gender, and FPG were independent risk factors for COVID-19 disease progression (β= 0.380, 0.191, 0.186; P= 0.000, 0.034, 0.045). CONCLUSION: The levels of FPG and BMI were significantly increased in the population with common progressive and severe COVID-19. FPG and age are independent risk factors for the progression of COVID-19.
Application of an adjustable medical foot support pillow to prevent foot drop in patients with stroke
Authors: Shu Yan , Li Ling , Shu Fanglian , Wei Yanhong , Zhang Li , Zhou You
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND: Foot drop is one of the most common complications after stroke. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the role of an adjustable medical foot support pillow in preventing foot drop and improving the lower limb function of patients after stroke. METHODS: A total of 88 patients with strokes admitted to our hospital from September 2019 to September 2020 were selected and categorised into the control (n= 44) and intervention groups (n= 44) using a random number table. The control group received routine rehabilitation nursing, while the intervention group adopted a self-made adjustable medical foot support pillow based on routine rehabilitation nursing. After four weeks, the simplified Fugl Meyer Assessment (FMA) and the modified activities of daily living (ADL) scales were used to measure the ankle range of motion of the lower limbs. The lower limb motor function, ADL, and ankle mobility before and after treatment, as well as the incidence of foot ptosis, were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: After the procedure, the intervention group was superior to the control group in the FMA score of the lower extremities, ADL score, and ankle joint mobility in the lower limbs, indicating statistically significant differences (P< 0.05). The incidence rate of foot drop was lower in the intervention group than in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: The adjustable medical foot support pillow can prevent foot drop in patients after stroke, improve lower limb function, provide a favourable basis for walking training, and improve the ADL of patients.
When did post-truth begin? From climate change denial to war-mongering nationalism
Authors: Conversi Daniele
Published: October 2022

This article argues that the media structure created by the framework of climate denial in the 2000s was foundational in the subsequent SYSTEMATIC use and DIFFUSION of FAKE NEWS and ‘post-truth’, culminating around the Copenhagen agreement in 2009. The article therefore places the negation of climate change at the roots of the persisting appeal of fake news. 

The shell-shocking discovery that fake news travels much further, and faster, than real news (Vosoughi, Roy et al. 2018) has thus deeper social, political, economic, health, medical, and life-changing implications than everything else that has been said about these fields taken together: All societies are based on TRUST and the circulation of reliable information. If systematic misinformation prevails, societies tend to break down at various levels, from the individual to the national and the supranational. 

On the other hand, few have speculated on how the phenomenon was shaped by nationalist ideology, even though it was clearly identified as originating from far-right agendas. 

I therefore argue that two variables must be jointly investigated to explain the appearance of nebulous post-truth politics: the denial of climate change and state-led nationalism, the former supported by the latter. 

Thus, the origin of post-truth needs to be connected to the campaign of misinformation initiated with climate change denial around the Copenhagen accord — and, earlier in the USA. 

This approach brings us nearer to finding a series of solutions for rebuilding public trust: if trust in science is not promptly re-established, then the very basis of modern societies can easily collapse bringing down with them everyone else.
Floatinghearts: Nymphoides spp.
Authors: Markovich Ian J. , Sigmon Joseph W. , Gettys Lyn A.
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this publication is to teach interested readers how to identify and distinguish among species of floatinghearts in Florida. Written by Ian J. Markovich, Joseph W. Sigmon, and Lyn A. Gettys, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, October 2022.
Orchid Pollination Biology
Authors: Ray Haleigh , Vendrame Wagner
Published: October 2022

Orchids and their pollinators have developed fascinating co-adaptations that promote orchid pollination. This 6-page fact sheet details the various and often strange ways that orchids attract pollinators. The kinds of insects and animals that pollinate orchids and orchids’ reproductive anatomies and processes are also covered. Written by Haleigh Ray and Wagner Vendrame, and published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, June 2015.

ENH1260/EP521: Orchid Pollination Biology (ufl.edu)
An update on Florida’s Artificial Reefs: recent deployments and trends
Authors: Camp Edward V. , Chong Lisa , Collins Angela B. , Abeels Holly , Mille Keith , Sipos Michael , Hall-Scharf Brittany , Jackson Scott , Krueger Shelly , Blanco Victor
Published: October 2022

Popular marine habitat enhancements, artificial reefs can benefit sea life and humans. Floridians visit them every year to fish, dive, snorkel, or boat around. The number of artificial reefs is growing around Florida, but their function and impact are difficult to describe because artificial reefs change over time as they become encrusted with fouling organisms or altered by storms and shifting sands. As reefs change, expectations shift, and advances in research and monitoring allow us to learn more about them. This publication provides an update of Florida’s recent artificial reef activities. It focuses on new deployments, designs, and monitoring objectives from 2015 to 2021. It should help management agencies and outreach and education professionals understand recent trends in priorities. Fishing and diving clubs, monitoring programs, local artificial reef planners and coordinators, and other stakeholders can discover and share information learned across counties.
Artificial Reefs in Florida 101: Effects on Fishers (and Divers))—Part 3 of an Artificial Reef Series
Authors: Chong Lisa , Collins Angela B. , Abeels Holly , Braswell Anna , Zangroniz Ana , Ropicki Andrew , Jackson Scott , Camp Edward V.
Published: October 2022

Increasingly, coastal managers are placing artificial reefs in marine waters. These long-lasting habitat alterations have measurable effects on fish, fishers, divers, fisheries, and marine social ecological systems. Understanding how artificial reefs function is necessary to make good decisions about future artificial reefs. Scientific research on many aspects of artificial reefs is not always summarized and explained. In response to this need, we designed a 4-part series called Artificial Reefs 101. This publication, part 3 of the Artificial Reefs series, explains how artificial reefs affect fishers and divers. It will help the interested public understand more about the ecological effects of artificial reefs and provide detailed information to stakeholders including management agencies, local governments, artificial reef manufacturers, and Extension agents, to allow for better-informed decisions about building and managing artificial reefs.
Citrus Red Mite (Panonychus citri): A Pest of Citrus Crops
Authors: Demard Emilie , Qureshi Jawwad A.
Published: October 2022

Panonychus citri is a phytophagous mite of economic importance in open citrus orchards and a major pest in Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS), a new undercover production system tested in Florida. Immatures and adults feed on citrus leaves, fruits, and green twigs resulting in mesophyll collapse, shoot dieback, and fruit drop. In Florida, P. citri occurs throughout the year but is most abundant in spring or early summer and autumn or early winter. Although chemical sprays like Abamectin or Fenbutatin oxide provide some control of P. citri, resistance has been reported in different regions of the world. Several predatory insects and mites have been shown to attack the mite and could be potential natural enemies to use in biological control programs.
African Honey Bee: What You Need to Know
Authors: Hall H. Glenn , Zettel-Nalen Catherine , Ellis James D.
Published: October 2022

African honey bees entered the United States in the early 1990s and have since spread throughout the Southwest and Southeast, including parts of Florida. Compared to European bees, African bees are highly aggressive when disturbed and are more likely to sting humans and animals.  This revised 6-page fact sheet covers the history and distribution of African honey bees in the Americas and explains how beekeepers and residents can manage their interactions with these bees. Written by H. Glenn Hall, Catherine Zettel-Nalen, and James D. Ellis, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, December 2014.
Türk İşaret Dili Öğretiminde İkinci Dilin (D2) Ötesinde İkinci Modalitenin (M2) Göz Ardı Edilmesi
Authors: MAKAROĞLU Bahtiyar
Published: October 2022

Aynı kanaldaki bir dili öğretme ile D1’den farklı kanaldaki bir dil öğretme konusu farklı öğretim yaklaşımları ve stratejileri içermektedir. Öte yandan, artan kurs sayısına rağmen yetersiz kuramsal ve deneysel bilgi nedeniyle işiten bireylere D2 olarak TİD öğretiminin eğitsel standartlarında birçok önemli problem bulunmaktadır. Ayrıca kanun yapıcıların, görsel-uzamsal modaliteye ve TİD’in dilbilgisine ilişkin bilgilerinin sınırlı olmasından dolayı henüz sürdürülebilir bir dil edinim planı sağlanamamıştır. Eleştirel türdeki bu makale, TİD eğitimindeki müfredat tasarımı, öğretmen nitelikleri, edinim planlaması gibi farklı görünümlerdeki uygulamaları gözden geçirmekte ve iki farklı temel soru sormaktadır: (i) İşiten bireylere D2 olarak TİD öğretimi geleneksel olarak nasıl gerçekleşmektedir? ve (ii) modaliteye özgü gereksinimleri sağlamak amacıyla D2 kursları nasıl tasarlanmaktadır? Elde edilen sonuçlar, kullanılan TİD müfredatlarının (MEB, 2011a; 2011b; 2021) Türkçe’nin dilbilgisel ve sözlüksel özelliklerinin temel şekilde uyarlanması olduğunu ve dolayısıyla, bu “konuşma-temelli” yaklaşımın işiten D2 öğrencilerine, TİD kullanarak herhangi bir etkileşime girme ve iletişim kurma olanağı sunmadığını göstermektedir.
Readdressing the Painting Programme of the Church of St. Barbara in the Göreme Valley, Cappadocia
Authors: KARACA H. Ceylan
Published: October 2022

The article focuses on the Church of St. Barbara in the Göreme Valley in Nevşehir, Cappadocia. Today the church is within the borders of the Göreme Open Air Museum which is a cluster of many churches, refectories and additional units. The church is unique with its architectural plan and elaborate nonfigurative elements in red ochre. Painted panels of a secondary phase do not cover up this red paint decoration but they are on the already-vacant parts of the naos. Remarkably, almost all motifs differ from each other in detail or in form. Furthermore, certain compartments of the building are reserved for certain motifs. Thus, it becomes clear that ruddled motifs and compositions can be named as parts of a ‘red ochre painting programme’ in which they are hierarchically arranged in the naos and each of them gain their specifical meaning thanks to the detailing. Such a programme must have been comprehended by the first users and accepted and vindicated by the painters of the second layer. The only church exactly similar to the Church of St. Barbara in its plan type is the Çarıklı Church in close proximity in the same museum. It is interesting that the churches exactly similar in architecture but totally dissimilar in painting programme are coexistent in the Göreme enclave on whose institutional organization so little is known. Still, that the panel paintings did not cover up the detailed red paint decoration indicates that the ruddled programme was approved or appreciated by the hierarchical order of the Göreme enclave. This study intends to examine the nonfigurative repertoire of the region, the architectural plan of the church and intends to shortly evaluate iconoclast and iconophile way of thought on figural imagery. By doing this, the study aims to comment on the meaning the church had in the Göreme circuit, and to hypothesize on the congregation who used the church.
Propagação de Tachia grandiflora por Estaquia de Galhos
Authors: Pohlit A. M. , Silva A. F. , Sampaio P. T. B.
Published: October 2022

A propagação da espécie Tachia grandiflora Maguire & Weaver foi ensaiada, pela observação do efeito de diferentes concentrações do ácido indolbutírico (AIB) sobre o enraizamento de estacas. Foram utilizadas 5 concentrações de AIB (0, 50, 100, 200 e 400 ppm) em estacas de 7 cm de comprimento, distribuídas por blocos ao acaso, com 5 repetições, cada uma delas composta de 5 estacas, em condição de viveiro, com areia lavada como substrato. A maior sobrevivência observada (80 %) foi para o tratamento com 400 ppm de AIB, não foi possível definir a influência do hormônio sobre a propagação. A propagação de T. grandiflora por estaquia no viveiro e in situ foi demonstrada com uma média de 75 % de sobrevivência, comprovando o potencial deste método para aumentar as quantidades disponíveis dessa espécie relativamente rara.
The Effect of the Labor and Capital Components on the Production of the Agricultural Sector in Jordan Using the Cobb-Douglas Production Function
Authors: Thiabat Dr. Adnan Abdelkarim , Al-Nawafah Dr.  Salameh S. , D. Almarshad Dr.  Mohammad Nassar , al-Qaryouti Mosa Qasim
Published: October 2022

The goal of mixing the four production elements: land, capital, labor, and organization is to achieve the most significant production at the lowest cost [1]; it can be said that work and capital are among the essential elements in the production process. Therefore, combining these two elements is one of the most critical decisions that determine productivity, especially in the Cobb-Douglas function; the agricultural sector is one of the most productive sectors in each country. The percentage of its participation in the local product varies from country to country. Still, the strategic importance in this sector is due to the verified food security. The agricultural sector in Jordan is less involved in local production, but it is the sector that is witnessing growth in all stages of the study; although this sector is suffering from marginalization, it still produces. The study focused on the intensity of the production elements and the yield stage in increasing or decrease reliability. The researchers reached some results: the agricultural sector in Jordan suffers from sluggish employment and persuasive unemployment, and the agricultural sector in Jordan is in decline. Therefore, they recommended restructuring workers in the agricultural sector and taking careful employment studies.
Simultaneous acoustic and photoacoustic microfluidic flow cytometry for label-free analysis
Authors: Gnyawali Vaskar , Strohm Eric M. , Wang Jun-Zhi , Tsai Scott , Kolios Michael
Published: October 2022

We developed a label-free microfluidic acoustic flow cytometer (AFC) based on interleaved detection of ultrasound backscatter and photoacoustic waves from individual cells and particles flowing through a microfluidic channel. The AFC uses ultra-high frequency ultrasound, which has a center frequency of 375 MHz, corresponding to a wavelength of 4 μm, and a nanosecondpulsed laser, to detect individual cells. We validate the AFC by using it to count different color polystyrene microparticles and comparing the results to data from fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). We also identify and count red and white blood cells in a blood sample using the AFC, and observe an excellent agreement with results obtained from FACS. This new label-free, non-destructive technique enables rapid and multi-parametric studies of individual cells of a large heterogeneous population using parameters such as ultrasound backscatter, optical absorption, and physical properties, for cell counting and sizing in biomedical and diagnostics applications.
Synthesizing, Studying Molecular Docking, Characterizing, and Preliminary Evaluating Anti-Bacterial Effects of Derivatives of Serotonin Contain Imidazolidine Ring
Authors: Marwa Abdullah Saleh  , Karima Fadhil Ali  , Basma M. Abd Razik
Published: October 2022

This study included synthesis of new serotonin derivatives in which imidazolidine rings are present in their structures. The final imidazolidine derivatives compounds were synthesized by reaction of synthesized

 

Schiff bases derivatives of serotonin with the glycine (NH2-CH2COOH) in presence of tetrahydrofuran (THF) as a solvent. The imidazolidine derivatives were identified by physical characteristics, FT-IR spectroscopy and 1H- NMR spectroscopy. Biological activities against two Gram negative (Klebsiella and E. coli) and two Gram positive (Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria were also distinguished. All the synthesized compounds III(a-d) exhibit moderate activities on four types of bacteria comparing with the activity of standard drug (Trimethoprim) but the highest activities of these compounds occur on Streptococcus pyogenes and their least activities occur on E. coli. The synthesized compounds were studied for the molecular docking to know the interaction and affinity of binding between them and bacteria