bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The prevalence and risk factors of sarcopenia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ai Yaqin , Xu Ruoxin , Liu Lingping
Published: September 2021

Background

Sarcopenia was a frequent chronic complication in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and previous evidence showed conflicting results regarding the prevalence and risk factors of sarcopenia in T2DM. In the current study, we aimed at systematically exploring the prevalence and risk factors of sarcopenia in patients with T2DM.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched to identify observational studies which investigated the prevalence and risk factors of sarcopenia in patients with T2DM. The quality of individual included studies was evaluated using The Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Pooled effects regarding prevalence and associated factors were calculated using random-effects models. The potential publication bias was assessed via funnel plot and Egger test.

Results

Twenty-eight studies involving 16,800 patients were included in our meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with T2DM was 18% (95% CI 0.15–0.22; I2 = 97.4%). The pooled results showed that elder age (OR 4.73; 95% CI 4.30–5.19; I2 = 85.6%), male gender, chronic hyperglycemia (higher HbA1c) (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.05–2.47; I2 = 99.2%) and osteoporosis (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.05–2.47; I2 = 99.2%) was predictors for sarcopenia, whereas patients with lower BMI (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.05–2.47; I2 = 99.2%) and metformin administrations (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.05–2.47; I2 = 99.2%) were not prone to get sarcopenia. The funnel plot and statistical tests showed no obvious publication bias.

Conclusions

Sarcopenia was frequent in T2DM patients. Elder age, male gender and chronic hyperglycemia, Osteoporosis were significant risk factors for Sarcopenia. Lower BMI and metformin administrations were associated with lower risk of sarcopenia.
Consistency properties for the wavelet estimator in nonparametric regression model with dependent errors
Authors: He Qihui , Chen Mingming
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we establish thepth mean consistency, complete consistency, and the rate of complete consistency for the wavelet estimator in a nonparametric regression model withm-extended negatively dependent random errors. We show that the best rates can be nearly$O(n^{-1/3})$O(n−1/3)under some general conditions. The results obtained in the paper markedly improve and extend some corresponding ones to a much more general setting.
Nonexistence of solutions for quasilinear hyperbolic inequalities
Authors: Xiao Suping , Fang Zhong Bo
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we study the Cauchy problems for quasilinear hyperbolic inequalities with nonlocal singular source term and prove the nonexistence of global weak solutions in the homogeneous and nonhomogeneous cases by the test function method.
Monitoring cold water injections for reservoir characterization using a permanent fiber optic installation in a geothermal production well in the Southern German Molasse Basin
Authors: Schölderle Felix , Lipus Martin , Pfrang Daniela , Reinsch Thomas , Haberer Sven , Einsiedl Florian , Zosseder Kai
Published: September 2021

Fiber optic sensing has gained importance for wellbore monitoring and reservoir characterization in geothermal fields as it allows continuous, spatially highly resolved measurements. Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) and distributed temperature sensing (DTS) technologies, among others, enable monitoring of flow regimes and heat transport inside the wellbore to describe the dynamical behavior of the reservoir. The technically challenging installation of a permanent fiber optic monitoring system in a geothermal production well over the entire wellbore length was conducted for the first time at the geothermal site Schäftlarnstraße in Munich, Germany. One cable with two DAS fibers, two DTS fibers, and one fiber for a downhole fiber optic pressure/temperature gauge were clamped to ¾-in. sucker rods and installed to 3.7 km measured depth to collect data from the wellbore after drilling, during testing, and during operations. We present DTS profiles during 3 months of well shut-in and show the results of two cold water injection tests conducted to localize inflow zones in the reservoir and to test the performance of the fiber optic setup. A vertical displacement in temperature peaks of approximately 1.5 m was observed during the injection tests, presumably resulting from thermal contraction of the sucker rod–cable setup. This was verified by analyzing the strain information from the DAS records over 1 h of warm-back after cold water injection with the calculated theoretical thermal contraction of DTS of the same period. We further verified the flowmeter measurements with a gradient velocity analysis of DTS profiles during injection. Intake to the major inflow zone was estimated to 93.5% for the first injection test, respective 94.0% for the second, intake of flowmeter was calculated to 92.0% for the same zone. Those values are confirmed by analyzing DTS profiles during the warm-back period after the well was shut.
Effect of biosurfactant sophorolipids on Rhizomucor miehei lipase fermentation by Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Zhang Qianqian , Xiong Zhiyue , Sun Lei , Tian Xiwei , Tian Guiwei , Yang Yiming , Li Xu , Wang Yonghong , Chu Ju
Published: September 2021

In this study, the effect of biosurfactant sophorolipids (SLs) on Rhizomucor miehei lipase (RML) fermentation by Aspergillus oryzae was investigated. With the exogenous addition of 0.3% (w/v) SLs in the initial medium, the RML activity reached 430.0 U/mL, an increase of 25.0% compared to the control group. Subsequently, the physiological metabolic responses of A. oryzae to the addition of SLs were further explored. The results showed that though SLs had almost no effect on the RML secretion, it would affect the morphology of the cells. During the late phase of the fermentation, the proportion of middle pellets, which was generally considered as an energetic and stable state for enzyme production was increased with the addition of SLs. Simultaneously, the viscosity of fermentation broth was reduced, which facilitated the increase of oxygen transfer, thereby improving the RML production. Finally, it could be found that the addition of SLs significantly increased the contents of precursor amino acids, especially for those rank first and second of the RML composition, and it could promote the synthesis of RML.
Does quality matter in determining child care prices? Evidence from private child care provision in Turkey
Authors: Pekkurnaz Didem , Aran Meltem A. , Aktakke Nazli
Published: September 2021

Child care prices are expected to reflect the quality of provision. However, in contexts where there are high information asymmetries between the users of the services and providers, we may expect this link between quality and prices to be weaker. Turkey is selected for the study as it has a highly regulated child care sector where the costs of accreditation and initial setup are high. However, there is very little on-going supervision and no information provided to users on the quality or ranking of these services. This paper investigates the role of quality in determining private child care prices using a unique provider-level data set collected in five provinces of Turkey. Regression results show that prices are mainly driven by infrastructure quality while human resources and curriculum and materials quality scores that are more likely to have a strong bearing on child development do not have a significant impact on prices.
A culturally adapted brief intervention for post-traumatic stress disorder in people with severe mental illness in Botswana: protocol for a randomised feasibility trial
Authors: Molebatsi Keneilwe , Ng Lauren C. , Chiliza Bonginkosi
Published: September 2021

Background

Research consistently reports elevated rates of exposure to traumatic events and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in people with severe mental illness (SMI). PTSD may be adequately managed with psychotherapy; however, there is a gap when it comes to management in culturally diverse settings like Botswana. This paper describes a study protocol whose aim is to culturally adapt the BREATHE intervention, a brief psychological intervention for people living with comorbid PTSD and SMI that was developed and tested in the USA; assess the feasibility and acceptability of the adapted BREATHE intervention and explore its efficacy.

Methods

The study will be conducted in three phases using a mixed methods approach. The first phase will identify and describe the most common traumatic experiences and responses to traumatic experiences, amongst patients with SMI, and patients’ and mental health care providers’ perceptions about suitable PTSD interventions for Botswana. The second phase will entail cultural adaption of the intervention using findings from phase 1, and the third phase will be a pilot trial to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the culturally adapted intervention and explore its efficacy. Quantitative and qualitative data will be analysed using basic descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, respectively.

Discussion

Literature highlights cultural variations in the expression and management of mental illness suggesting the need for culturally adapted interventions. The findings of this feasibility study will be used to inform the design of a larger trial to assess the efficacy of an adapted brief intervention for PTSD in patients with SMI in Botswana.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov registration: NCT04426448. Date of registration: June 7, 2020.
Internal limiting membrane detachment in acute central retinal artery occlusion: a novel prognostic sign seen on OCT
Authors: Venkatesh Ramesh , Jayadev Chaitra , Sridharan Akhila , Pereira Arpitha , Reddy Nikitha Gurram , Cherry Jophy Philip , Yadav Naresh Kumar , Chhablani Jay
Published: September 2021

Background

To present a series of acute central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) cases showing internal limiting membrane detachment (ILMD) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and to describe the possible etiopathogenesis and outcomes associated with it.

Methods

Demographic and OCT features of patients with acute CRAO were analysed retrospectively. OCT parameters noted were posterior vitreous opacities, ILMD, inner retinal layer stratification, hyperreflectivity and thickening, cystoid macular edema, neurosensory detachment. Eyes were grouped into Group (1) CRAO with ILMD; Group (2) CRAO with no ILMD.

Results

A total of 28 eyes of acute CRAO who had undergone OCT scans at the time of the acute episode were identified. Out of these, ILMD was noted in 5 eyes. The study findings suggested that cases of acute CRAO with ILMD are associated with poor presenting visual acuity and have more severe signs of retinal hypoperfusion on OCT, like inner retinal thickening, inner retinal hyperreflectivity and loss of inner retinal layer stratification. Patients with ILMD have poor final visual acuity and thinning and atrophy or necrosis of the inner retinal layers.

Conclusion

ILMD can occur in acute CRAO due to total retinal artery occlusion and severe retinal hypoperfusion. The presence of ILMD on OCT can be considered a sign of poor prognosis in cases of acute CRAO.

Trial registration: Not applicable.
Compliant vascular models 3D printed with the Stratasys J750: a direct characterization of model distensibility using intravascular ultrasound
Authors: Sparks Adam J. , Smith Cody M. , Allman Ariana B. , Senko Jillian L. , Meess Karen M. , Ducharme Richard W. , Springer Michael E. , Waqas Muhammad , Siddiqui Adnan H.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate biomechanical accuracy of 3D printed anatomical vessels using a material jetting printer (J750, Stratasys, Rehovot, Israel) by measuring distensibility via intravascular ultrasound.

Materials and methods

The test samples are 3D printed tubes to simulate arterial vessels (aorta, carotid artery, and coronary artery). Each vessel type is defined by design geometry of the vessel inner diameter and wall thickness. Vessel inner diameters are aorta = 30mm, carotid = 7mm, and coronary = 3mm. Vessel wall thickness are aorta = 3mm, carotid = 1.5mm, and coronary = 1mm. Each vessel type was printed in 3 different material options. Material options are user-selected from the J750 printer software graphical user interface as blood vessel wall anatomy elements in ‘compliant’, ‘slightly compliant’, and ‘rigid’ options. Three replicates of each vessel type were printed in each of the three selected material options, for a total of 27 models. The vessels were connected to a flow loop system where pressure was monitored via a pressure wire and cross-sectional area was measured with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Distensibility was calculated by comparing the % difference in cross-sectional area vs. pulse pressure to clinical literature values. Target clinical ranges for normal and diseased population distensibility are 10.3-44 % for the aorta, 5.1-10.1 % for carotid artery, and 0.5-6 % for coronary artery.

Results

Aorta test vessels had the most clinically representative distensibility when printed in user-selected ‘compliant’ and ‘slightly compliant’ material. All aorta test vessels of ‘compliant’ material (n = 3) and 2 of 3 ‘slightly compliant’ vessels evaluated were within target range. Carotid vessels were most clinically represented in distensibility when printed in ‘compliant’ and ‘slightly compliant’ material. For carotid test vessels, 2 of 3 ‘compliant’ material samples and 1 of 3 ‘slightly compliant’ material samples were within target range. Coronary arteries were most clinically represented in distensibility when printed in ‘slightly compliant’ and ‘rigid’ material. For coronary test vessels, 1 of 3 ‘slightly compliant’ materials and 3 of 3 ‘rigid’ material samples fell within target range.

Conclusions

This study suggests that advancements in materials and 3D printing technology introduced with the J750 Digital Anatomy 3D Printer can enable anatomical models with clinically relevant distensibility.
Clinical value of baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT in soft tissue sarcomas
Authors: Reyes Marlés Rafael Hernando , Navarro Fernández José Luis , Puertas García-Sandoval José Pablo , Santonja Medina Fernando , Mohamed Salem Laroussi , Frutos Esteban Laura , Contreras Gutiérrez José Fulgencio , Castellón Sánchez María Isabel , Ruiz Merino Guadalupe , Claver Valderas María Antonia
Published: September 2021

Background

The use of 18F-FDG Positron emission tomography/Computed tomography (PET/CT) in the initial staging of many cancers is clearly established. Most soft tissue sarcoma (STS) has a high affinity for 18F-FDG, which is why 18F-FDG PET/CT has been proposed as a non-invasive method, useful in diagnosis and follow-up. The standardized uptake value values (SUV), the volume-based metabolic parameters MTV (metabolic tumor volume), and TLG (total lesion glycolysis) determine tumor viability and provide its total volume and the total activity of metabolically active tumor cells. The histological grade is the most important predictor of metastases and mortality associated with STS, and a significant relationship between the metabolic parameters of 18F-FDG PET/CT and the histological grade has been described.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on STS patients, who had histological grade according to the FNCLCC (Fédération Nationale des Centres de Lutte Contre Le Cancer) criteria, as well as a baseline PET/CT. SUV (SUVmax, SUVmean, and SUVpeak), MTV, and TLG were quantified. A T-student test was performed to establish the relationship between the metabolic biomarkers and the histological grade. Their usefulness as predictors of the histological grade was verified using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves. A survival function study was performed using the Kaplan–Meier method. To assess the prognostic utility of the metabolic biomarkers we use the Log-Rank method.

Results

The SUV values were useful to discriminate high-grade STS. We found a significant relationship between the histological grade and the SUV values. SUVmax, SUVpeak, MTV, and TLG were predictors of overall survival (OS). There were no significant differences in the OS for the SUVmean, or in the disease-free survival (DFS) for SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVpeak, MTV, and TLG.

Conclusions

The SUVmax, SUVmean, and SUVpeak values correlate with the HG and are useful to discriminate high-grade from low-grade STS. Patients with high SUVmax, SUVpeak, MTV, and TLG have a significantly lower OS.
Characterization of oral and cloacal microbial communities of wild and rehabilitated loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta)
Authors: Filek Klara , Trotta Adriana , Gračan Romana , Di Bello Antonio , Corrente Marialaura , Bosak Sunčica
Published: September 2021

Background

Microbial communities of wild animals are being increasingly investigated to provide information about the hosts’ biology and promote conservation. Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) are a keystone species in marine ecosystems and are considered vulnerable in the IUCN Red List, which led to growing efforts in sea turtle conservation by rescue centers around the world. Understanding the microbial communities of sea turtles in the wild and how affected they are by captivity, is one of the stepping stones in improving the conservation efforts. Describing oral and cloacal microbiota of wild animals could shed light on the previously unknown aspects of sea turtle holobiont biology, ecology, and contribute to best practices for husbandry conditions.

Results

We describe the oral and cloacal microbiota of Mediterranean loggerhead sea turtles by 16S rRNA gene sequencing to compare the microbial communities of wildversusturtles in, or after, rehabilitation at the Adriatic Sea rescue centers and clinics. Our results show that the oral microbiota is more sensitive to environmental shifts than the cloacal microbiota, and that it does retain a portion of microbial taxa regardless of the shift from the wild and into rehabilitation. Additionally, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes dominated oral and cloacal microbiota, while Kiritimatiellaeota were abundant in cloacal samples. Unclassified reads were abundant in the aforementioned groups, which indicates high incidence of yet undiscovered bacteria of the marine reptile microbial communities.

Conclusions

We provide the first insights into the oral microbial communities of wild and rehabilitated loggerhead sea turtles, and establish a framework for quick and non-invasive sampling of oral and cloacal microbial communities, useful for the expansion of the sample collection in wild loggerhead sea turtles. Finally, our investigation of effects of captivity on the gut-associated microbial community provides a baseline for studying the impact of husbandry conditions on turtles’ health and survival upon their return to the wild.
Inhaled corticosteroid response in smoker versus non-smoker asthmatic patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Youssif Sahar Farghly , El-Karn Atef Farouk , Sherif Mahmoud Farouk , Seddik Mohamed I. , Abdelgayed Safaa , Abdelghany Mohammed F.
Published: September 2021

Background

Asthmatic smokers are a distinct phenotype of asthma. There is a lack of specific information about the treatment of asthma in smokers. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) on asthmatic smokers and non-smokers.

Results

The present observational, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Chest Department in Assiut University Hospital, during the period from August 2018 to January 2020. Hundred and seventeen asthmatic patients (42 smokers, 30 ex-smokers, and 45 non-smokers) were assessed using an asthma control questionnaire (ACQ), spirometry, sputum cytology, and serum periostin and eotaxin-2 to compare between a patient on inhaled corticosteroid for at least 3 months and patients who do not receive any form of corticosteroid. Asthmatic smokers had poor response to ICS and had insignificant improvement as regard all parameters. However, asthmatic ex-smokers had a partial response to ICS. They had higher post-bronchodilator FEV1 in comparison to those who did not receive ICS. Asthmatic non-smokers on ICS showed the best response as they were well controlled as regard ACQ. Moreover, they had higher post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC, post-bronchodilator FEV1, and post-bronchodilator FEF25-75, and lower sputum eosinophils and neutrophils.

Conclusion

Smoking adversely affects the course and response to ICS therapy in asthma.

Trial registration

Interrelation between bronchial asthma and smoking: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03207620. Registered 27 June 2017.
Modeling viscoacoustic wave propagation using a new spatial variable-order fractional Laplacian wave equation
Authors: Mu Xinru , Huang Jianping , Wen Lei , Zhuang Subin
Published: September 2021

We have developed a new time-domain viscoacoustic wave equation for simulating wave propagation in anelastic media. The new wave equation is derived by inserting the complex-valued phase velocity described by the Kjartansson attenuation model into the frequency-wavenumber domain acoustic wave equation. Our wave equation includes one second-order temporal derivative and two spatial variable-order fractional Laplacian operators. The two fractional Laplacian operators describe the phase dispersion and amplitude attenuation effects, respectively. To facilitate the numerical solution for our wave equation, we use the arbitrary-order Taylor series expansion (TSE) to approximate the mixed-domain fractional Laplacians and achieve the decoupling of the wavenumber and the fractional order. Then, our viscoacoustic wave equation can be directly solved using the pseudospectral method. We adopt a hybrid pseudospectral/finite-difference method (HPSFDM) to stably simulate wave propagation in arbitrarily complex media. We validate the high accuracy of our approximate dispersion term and approximate the dissipation term in comparison with the accurate dispersion term and accurate dissipation term. The accuracy of the numerical solutions is evaluated by comparison with the analytical solutions in homogeneous media. Theory analysis and simulation results indicate that our viscoacoustic wave equation has higher precision than the traditional fractional viscoacoustic wave equation in describing constant- Q attenuation. For a model with Q < 10, the calculation cost for solving the new wave equation with TSE HPSFDM is lower than that for solving the traditional fractional-order wave equation with TSE HPSFDM under the high numerical simulation precision. Furthermore, we examine the accuracy of HPSFDM in heterogeneous media using several numerical examples.
Effects of material texture and packing density on the interfacial polarization of granular soils
Authors: Chen Hang , Niu Qifei
Published: September 2021

Many electrical and electromagnetic (EM) methods operate at MHz frequencies, at which the interfacial polarization occurring at the solid-liquid interface in geologic materials may dominate the electrical signals. To correctly interpret electrical/EM measurements, it is therefore critical to understand how the interfacial polarization influences the effective electrical conductivity and permittivity spectra of geologic materials. We have used pore-scale simulation to study the role of material texture and packing in interfacial polarization in water-saturated granular soils. Synthetic samples with varying material textures and packing densities are prepared with the discrete element method. The effective electrical conductivity and permittivity spectra of these samples are determined by numerically solving the Laplace equation in a representative elementary volume of the samples. The numerical results indicate that the effective permittivity of granular soils increases as the frequency decreases due to the polarizability enhancement from the interfacial polarization. The induced permittivity increment is mainly influenced by the packing state of the samples, increasing with the packing density. Material textures such as the grain shape and size distribution may also affect the permittivity increment, but their effects are less significant. The frequency characterizing the interfacial polarization (i.e., the characteristic frequency) is mainly related to the electrical contrast of the solid and water phases. The model based on the traditional differential effective medium (DEM) theory significantly underestimates the permittivity increment by a factor of more than two and overestimates the characteristic frequency by approximately 1 MHz. These inaccurate predictions are due to the fact that the electrical interactions between neighboring grains are not considered in the DEM theory. A simple empirical equation is suggested to scale up the theoretical depolarization factor of grains entering the DEM theory to account for the interaction of neighboring grains in granular soils.
Real-time analysis and forecasting of the microseismic cloud size: Physics-based models versus machine learning
Authors: Nustes Andrade Jorge , van der Baan Mirko
Published: September 2021

The spatiotemporal distribution of hydraulic fracturing microseismicity is complicated and depends on various mechanical and diffusional parameters. Hydraulic fracture modeling can aid in understanding fracture propagation and microseismicity. Nevertheless, the complex spatial and temporal interaction of several processes occurring within and around the fracture represents a challenge for developing real-time tools for microseismic prediction. Two approaches are developed to forecast the microseismic cloud size in real time. The first approach uses fracture propagation models to derive the cloud size directly from the microseismic observations. The second approach is based on a convolutional neural network (CNN) trained with the engineering parameters and past microseismic cloud size values. A rolling forecasting strategy is used to train consecutive CNN models in real time to make predictions at a specified time lag. A data augmentation technique known as double noise injection is used to ensure that the amount of training examples available to the machine-learning models at each time step is similar to or larger than the number of free parameters. The results indicate that the CNN outperforms the quality of predictions of the physics-based models but with a reduced prediction capability. The physics-based approach can predict growth at any time but ignores the engineering parameters. Conversely, physics-based methods lead to real-time insights into the fracturing regime, revealing whether microseismicity is most likely generated due to a leak-off-dominated or a storage-dominated regime. The CNN model can forecast the cloud size only at a single future time lag while using the engineering parameters and past cloud growth as input. However, this approach does not provide a physical interpretation of the fracture propagation regime. The prediction accuracy of both methodologies varies depending on the microseismic behavior. We postulate that CNN forecasts could be improved by including more physical constraints into the predictive model.
Provenance and sedimentary environment of the Ek2 shale in the Cangdong Sag, the central Bohai Bay Basin, China
Authors: Li Hongxia , Jin Fengming , Xiao Dunqing , Pu Xiugang , Jiang Wenya
Published: September 2021

The second member of the Kongdian Formation (usually abbreviated as the E k2 shale) is one of the most significant exploring targets for shale oil at the Cangdong Sag of the central Bohai Bay Basin. It consists of siliceous shale, mixed shale, and calcareous shale. To better understand why organic matter accumulated in the E k2 shale, we have analyzed major and trace elemental compositions to reconstruct the provenance and sedimentary environment. Tectonic discriminatory diagrams suggest that the tectonic setting of the parental rocks for the E k2 shale belonged to the Continental Island Arc. The distribution patterns of trace elements and rare earth elements + yttrium (REEs + Y) are close to the intermediate igneous rock. The ratios of Al2O3/TiO2 ranging from 21.41 to 27.59 with a mean value of 23.93 also demonstrate a parental rock of the intermediate igneous rock. Siliceous and mixed shales indicate K2O/Al2O3 of 0.17–0.29, chemical index of weathering of 28.79–97.79, plagioclase index of alteration of 38.24–95.57, and chemical index of alteration of 40.29–80.23. These weathering proxies denote that the E k2 shale underwent a low weathering degree in an arid climate and a high weathering degree in a semiarid climate. The V/(V + Ni) ratios and pyrite framboids indicate an anoxic sedimentary condition. The δ18O values of carbonate minerals in the E k2 shale range from −9.8‰ to 0.7‰, and they are positively correlated to the δ13C values. The Sr/Ba ratios, δ18O, and chemical mineral associations indicate that siliceous and mixed shales were deposited in a fresh to brackish anoxic water column under a semiarid climate. Whereas calcareous shale was deposited in a saline to hypersaline anoxic water column under an arid climate.
Can a bright soliton model reveal a genuine time crystal for a finite number of bosons?
Authors: Syrwid Andrzej , Kosior Arkadiusz , Sacha Krzysztof
Published: September 2021

We analyze time crystal effects in a finite system of bosons which form a bright soliton clump on the Aharonov-Bohm ring. In the large particle number limit, N → ∞, this setup corresponds to the Wilczek model, where it is known that the time crystal behavior cannot be observed in the ground state of the system because a spontaneously formed soliton does not move. Here, we show that while the spontaneous formation of a moving soliton in the ground state can occur for

, the soliton decays before it makes a single revolution along the ring and the time crystal dynamics is impossible.
Signalling pathways and transcriptional regulators orchestrating liver development and cancer
Authors: Campbell Stephanie A. , Stephan Tabea L. , Lotto Jeremy , Cullum Rebecca , Drissler Sibyl , Hoodless Pamela A.
Published: September 2021

Liver development is controlled by key signals and transcription factors that drive cell proliferation, migration, differentiation and functional maturation. In the adult liver, cell maturity can be perturbed by genetic and environmental factors that disrupt hepatic identity and function. Developmental signals and fetal genetic programmes are often dysregulated or reactivated, leading to dedifferentiation and disease. Here, we highlight signalling pathways and transcriptional regulators that drive liver cell development and primary liver cancers. We also discuss emerging models derived from pluripotent stem cells, 3D organoids and bioengineering for improved studies of signalling pathways in liver cancer and regenerative medicine.
Radiology guided antegrade GASTROSTOMY deployment of mushroom (pull type) catheters with classical and modified methods in patients with oropharyngeal, laryngeal carcinoma, and anesthesia risk
Authors: Bakdık Süleyman , Keskin Muharrem , Öncü Fatih , Koç Osman
Published: September 2021

Objective:

The aim of study is to evaluate the results of deployment of Percutaneous Radiological Gastrostomy (PRG), which is a good alternative to Surgical Gastrostomy (SG), with transoral approach in cases where Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) is contraindicated, difficult or unsuccessful, in patients with high risk of American Society of Anesthesiologists with four scores. In addition, we aimed to demonstrate the advantages of mushroom pull type catheters over push type gastrostomy catheters.

Methods:

This retrospective study included a total of 40 patients (18 females and 22 males) aged 21–92 years who underwent PRG with the antegrade transoral approach. PRG was performed by retrograde passing through the esophagus or snaring the guidewire from the stomach and taking out of the anterior abdominal wall. Patients’ demographic data, indications for PRG, procedural outcomes and complications were screened and recorded.

Results:

PRG was performed in 39 of 40 patients included in the study. Technical success rate was 97.5%. Procedure-dependent major complications such as death, aspiration, colon perforation, and deep abscess were not observed. Aspiration occurred in the first patient during the first feeding on the day after the procedure. Major complication rate was 2.5%. The total minor complication rate was 17.5% in 7 patients; parastomal leakage in 2 patients (5%), skin rash and infection in 3 (7.5%) patients, minor bleeding in 2 (5%) patients with oropharynx cancer, minimal bleeding from the gastrostomy catheter 1 week after the procedure in 1 (2.5%) patient. None of the cases had buried buffer. Tube functionality was preserved in all patients without any damage.

Conclusion:

Mushroom tip (pull type) gastrostomy catheter is a safe treatment method for patients requiring prolonged feeding because of wide diameter, endurance, long staying opening duration, less excessive dilatation and parastomal leakage, and no need for gastropexy. Lower cost and easier access are advantageous for mushroom tip pull type catheters compared to push type gastrostomy catheters in our country. The less invasive PRG is an alternative option in patients who are difficult to administer PEG, are at high anesthesia risk and cannot be sedated.

Advances in knowledge:

This article is valuable in terms of its contribution to develop an alternative radiological method for the deployment of gastrostomy tubes in medical difficult patients. This method has shortened the duration of the procedure and increased the success rate in patients with difficulty in transition from the stomach to the esophagus or with difficulty in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Mushroom tip catheters can be placed successfully by radiological methods.
Children’s Oxygen Administration Strategies And Nutrition Trial (COAST-Nutrition): a protocol for a phase II randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kiguli Sarah , Olopot-Olupot Peter , Alaroker Florence , Engoru Charles , Opoka Robert O. , Tagoola Abner , Hamaluba Mainga , Mnjalla Hellen , Mpoya Ayub , Mogaka Christabel , Nalwanga Damalie , Nabawanuka Eva , Nokes James , Nyaigoti Charles , Briend André , van Woensel Job B. M. , Grieve Richard , Sadique Zia , Williams Thomas N. , Thomas Karen , Harrison David A. , Rowan Kathryn , Maitland Kathryn
Published: September 2021

Background: To prevent poor long-term outcomes (deaths and readmissions) the integrated global action plan for pneumonia and diarrhoea recommends under the ‘Treat’ element of Protect, Prevent and Treat interventions the importance of continued feeding but gives no specific recommendations for nutritional support. Early nutritional support has been practiced in a wide variety of critically ill patients to provide vital cell substrates, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals essential for normal cell function and decreasing hypermetabolism. We hypothesise that the excess post-discharge mortality associated with pneumonia may relate to the catabolic response and muscle wasting induced by severe infection and inadequacy of the diet to aid recovery. We suggest that providing additional energy-rich, protein, fat and micronutrient ready-to-use therapeutic feeds (RUTF) to help meet additional nutritional requirements may improve outcome.

Methods: COAST-Nutrition is an open, multicentre, Phase II randomised controlled trial in children aged 6 months to 12 years hospitalised with suspected severe pneumonia (and hypoxaemia, SpO2 <92%) to establish whether supplementary feeds with RUTF given in addition to usual diet for 56-days (experimental) improves outcomes at 90-days compared to usual diet alone (control). Primary endpoint is change in mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) at 90 days and/or as a composite with 90-day mortality. Secondary outcomes include anthropometric status, mortality, readmission at days 28 and 180. The trial will be conducted in four sites in two countries (Uganda and Kenya) enrolling 840 children followed up to 180 days. Ancillary studies include cost-economic analysis, molecular characterisation of bacterial and viral pathogens, evaluation of putative biomarkers of pneumonia, assessment of muscle and fat mass and host genetic studies.  

Discussion: This study is the first step in providing an option for nutritional support following severe pneumonia and will help in the design of a large Phase III trial.

Registration: ISRCTN10829073 (6th June 2018) PACTR202106635355751 (2nd June 2021)
АРКТИЧЕСКАЯ ПОВЕСТКА ВО ВНУТРИПОЛИТИЧЕСКОМ ДИСКУРСЕ СОВРЕМЕННОЙ ГЕРМАНИИ
Authors: Popov Ivan D. , Podoplekin Andrey O.
Published: September 2021

В статье с использованием главным образом парламентских документов рассмотрены основные этапы дискуссий по арктической проблематике в ФРГ в начале XXI века. Показано, что в условиях политической системы Германии содержание её национальной арктической стратегии в 2013 и 2019 гг. отразило основные положения межпартийного и парламентского компромисса. Доктрина ФРГ в Арктике сфокусирована главным образом на темах вполне традиционных для аналогичных документов других неарктических членов ЕС и НАТО: экологическая безопасность, приоритет международного права в вопросах полярного мореплавания, ведущая роль международных институтов, жизнедеятельность коренных народов и научные исследования. При этом отмечено, что имеются предпосылки к формированию особого статуса ФРГ как субъекта политики в Арктике, в том числе в части военной безопасности. Наряду с историческим опытом и долей в мировой экономике и торговле, к таковым относятся возможности ФРГ в сфере арктических исследований, особая заинтересованность в нефтегазовых поставках из Арктики, в том числе из российского сектора, а также потенциал в качестве поставщика технологий для освоения ресурсов региона. Прагматические интересы и политика ФРГ могут рассматриваться как потенциально стабилизирующий фактор международных отношений в циркумполярных районах. Результаты исследования применимы в качестве научно-методического обоснования конкретных мероприятий в сфере российско-германских отношений в арктическом макрорегионе.
В.П. БУРЕНИН И ЕГО ЧИТАТЕЛЬ
Authors: Shabalina Nadezhda N. , Shabalina Irina G. , Shaikhlislamova Albina G.
Published: September 2021

Обоснование. В данной статье рассматривается взаимоотношения в системе читатель – критик и основные формы реализации коммуникативных связей критика и читающей публики.
Цель – рассмотреть инстанцию читателя в критике В.П. Буренина, представить взаимоотношения внутри литературной системы читатель – критик, выявить характерную модель поведения Буренина в диалоге с читателем. Для анализа выбраны фельетоны В.П. Буренина, опубликованные в разные годы в газете «Санкт-Петербургские ведомости».
Для достижения поставленной цели были применены следующие методы: историко-функциональный метод, системно-типологический метод, метод контент-анализа. В статье были проанализированы основные принципы выстраивания коммуникативных отношений критик-читатель.
В результате проведенного исследования мы пришли к выводу: доминирующий тип буренинского читателя – «читатель – «молчаливый собеседник», который эксплицитно закреплен в тексте (в языковых средствах, риторических восклицаниях, вопросах и обращениях, во вступлении и заключении, постоянном использовании местоимений «я» – «мы»); в критике Буренина ярко представлена модель поведения – манипуляция словом (тропы, синтаксические и стилистические фигуры, вербальные формулы запрета, наставления, указания, жестовая манипуляция).
Область применения результатов. Результаты работы могут быть использованы в преподавании университетских курсов по истории русской литературной критики, русской литературы рубежа 19-20 вв., при дальнейшем изучении литературно-критического наследия В.П. Буренина.
ГЕНЕТИВНЫЕ КОНСТРУКЦИИ В АНГЛИЙСКОМ ЯЗЫКЕ
Authors: Sharafutdinova Ruzilya T.
Published: September 2021

Обоснование. Актуальность исследования определяется необходимостью изучения генетивных конструкций в английском языке. Использование газетных статей позволяет нам выделить лексико-семантических варианты, выявить частотность их использования.

Цель. Данная статья посвящена функциональному анализу генетивных конструкций английского языка в средствах массовой информации. Цель исследования выявить частотность семантических групп моделей генетивных конструкций N1’s+N2 и N1+of+N2 английского языка. Основное значение генитива – это притяжательность.

Для достижения цели были использованы следующие методы: метод классификации, метод количественного анализа, метод семантического анализа. Мы рассмотрели генетивные конструкции для каждой модели в периодической печати – газетах «The Independent», «The Guardian», «The Telegraph» (за 2018/2019 годы).

Результаты. В ходе исследования был получен материал, анализ которого позволил заключить, что модель N1+of+N2 является самой частотной среди генетивных конструкций английского языка, модель N’s+N2 – менее частотной. Самыми частотными в использовании для моделей N’s+N2 и N1+of+N2 оказались семантические группы, выражающие принадлежность предмета неживому парасубъекту, принадлежность в широком смысле.

Область применения результатов. Результаты исследования послужили в вкладом в изучение генетивных конструкций английского языка в рамках средств массовой информации.
О СИНОНИМИЧЕСКИХ ЯВЛЕНИЯХ В ОХОТНИЧЬЕЙ ЛЕКСИКЕ ЭВЕНСКОГО ЯЗЫКА
Authors: Nesterova Elena V.
Published: September 2021

Цель. Целью работы является изучение синонимических явлений в охотничьей лексике эвенского языка. Исследование малоизученных в эвеноведении синонимов способствует выявлению как путей и способов развития словарного состава языка, так и лексико-семантической эволюции эвенского слова и вводит в научный оборот новый лексический материал по теме «Охота».
Метод или методология проведения работы. Основным методом исследования выступает описательный.
Результаты. Развитая терминология охоты характеризуется разнообразием синонимов в конкретном языке. В данной статье представлены некоторые синонимические ряды, а также эвфемизмы, выявленные в эвенской охотничьей лексике в результате проведенного исследования. В теме медведя зафиксированы синонимы, обозначающие половозрастные названия животного, различные действия и явления, связанные с ним.
Область применения результатов. Результаты работы могут быть применены в исследованиях по лексикологии эвенского и других тунгусо-маньчжурских языков.
Desarrollo y validación del Cuestionario de Funciones Ejecutivas en niños de 9 a 12 años
Authors: Canet-Juric Lorena , Del Valle Macarena Verónica , Gelpi-Trudo Rosario , García-Coni Ana , Zamora Eliana Vanesa , Introzzi Isabel , And´rés María Laura
Published: September 2021

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo desarrollar y validar el Cuestionario de Funciones Ejecutivas (CUFE), un cuestionario accesible para evaluar las tres principales funciones ejecutivas (memoria de trabajo, inhibición y flexibilidad cognitiva) en niños de 9 a 12 años y, así, proporcionar valores descriptivos de referencia y evidencias acerca de su confiabilidad y validez. Para ello se analizó su funcionamiento en una muestra de 269 niños argentinos de 9 a 12 años de edad, alumnos del segundo ciclo de la escuela primaria. El análisis factorial exploratorio reveló una estructura de tres factores que explicaban 49.08 % de la varianza, con cargas factoriales unidimensionales y satisfactorias. Los factores retenidos presentaron buenos índices de confiabilidad y fueron llamados: memoria de trabajo, inhibición y flexibilidad y control emocional. La memoria de trabajo se asoció con la comprensión lectora, el cálculo matemático y las calificaciones escolares de Prácticas del lenguaje y Matemática. Las restantes dos subescalas se asociaron con las calificaciones escolares de ambas asignaturas. Las dimensiones del cuestionario coinciden con los actuales modelos teóricos de funcionamiento ejecutivo. En función de las evidencias de validez y confiabilidad, el CUFE se presenta como un instrumento ecológico y valioso para la medición de las funciones ejecutivas en el contexto de la evaluación infantil.
GENEALOGIA DO ROBÔ: ANATOMIA DE UM MITO CIRCULANTE NA FICÇÃO CIENTÍFICA
Authors: Nóbrega Lívia De Pádua
Published: September 2021

O presente artigo traça o percurso de formação, transformação e deformação do mito do Golem, cujo empobrecimento simbólico, característico do processo mitogênico, faz circular nas produções culturais midiáticas sob a forma do estereótipo robô. Para tanto, recorre-se a Teoria do Imaginário, de Gilbert Durand e aos procedimentos metodológicos sistematizados por ele na Mitanálise. Adota-se como objeto empírico os seres artificiais das quatro séries que compõem a saga estadunidense Battlestar Galactica (1978 – 2010). Como principais resultados, observa-se o desgaste da representação robótica como humanoides inorgânicos, bem como, sua coexistência com androides e ginoides orgânicos, formas de vida híbridas e tendências ao que se denomina aqui como (i)materialidade. A análise da ficção e de seus personagens robóticos como superfícies de inscrição de sentidos revela dinâmicas de tensão, convergências/divergências e negociações, a fim de, problematizar nas telas novos modos de existência e subjetividade, que convocam outras formas de imaginar. Os deslocamentos nas figurações são correlatos a transformações nos significados colocados em circulação, que mobilizam o desejo de transcendência humano, simbolizado na ficção científica e em seus robôs, dentre outros valores.
Carta de Zola a Antony Valabrègue
Authors: Catharina Pedro Paulo , Martins Eduarda Araújo da Silva
Published: September 2021

Carta traduzida
FORMAÇÃO INICIAL DE PROFESSORES DE BIOLOGIA: UMA PROPOSTA DE SEQUÊNCIA DIDÁTICA SOBRE A NATUREZA DA CIÊNCIA
Authors: De Lima Filho Adalberon Moreira , Maciel Maria Delourdes
Published: September 2021

As visões sobre Natureza da Ciência, em geral, são deformadas e distorcidas devido a um modelo de ensino tradicional baseado, sobretudo, na transmissão de conhecimentos conceituais. Diante disso, objetivou-se elaborar uma Sequência Didática sobre Natureza da Ciência destinada à formação inicial de professores de Ciências Biológicas. A pesquisa é de caráter qualitativo do tipo intervenção. Participaram dela 11 estudantes do curso de Ciências Biológicas – Licenciatura. A Sequência Didática foi estruturada em: problematização inicial e organização e aplicação do conhecimento. Os instrumentos utilizados para a coleta de dados foram textos produzidos pelos alunos e observações de sala de aula. Os dados foram submetidos à técnica de análise de conteúdo. Os resultados obtidos revelaram que as atividades propostas na Sequência Didática foram adequadas, já que os alunos conseguiram compreender suas concepções prévias sobre Ciência, aspecto que proporcionou condições favoráveis para a promoção de uma mudança conceitual dos futuros professores. Além disso, evidenciamos que os participantes, com auxílio dos materiais disponibilizados, foram capazes de analisar as falas de outros docentes e identificar suas visões de Ciência. A aplicação da Sequência Didática possibilitou aos participantes uma maior abrangência da compreensão das visões distorcidas da Ciência e de suas implicações para o ensino. Ademais, atividades propostas durante a aplicação contribuíram para a tomada de consciência pelos futuros professores das complexas relações entre a Ciência, sociedade e tecnologia.