bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical Digitally Guided Planning for the Mini-Screw Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE) and Suture Perforation: MARPE Guide
Authors: Barros André Cristiane , de Paula Machado Pasqua Bruno , Rino Neto José , Dupart Nascimento Fábio
Published: October 2021

The surgical planning digitally guided for the mini-screw assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) technique consists of a three-dimensional positioning of MARPE and its mini-implants by a nasomaxillary anatomic evaluation. This technique also includes the simulation of the perforation areas on the midpalatal and transpalatal sutures. This type of planning is performed by superimposing the patients’ files (STL and DICOM). Correct positioning without colliding with the lateral tissues of the palate and the bicortical positioning of each mini-implant are important components of the case study. The MARPE device permits individualization of the height of the mini-implant rings in each region. To avoid incorrect insertion of the drill, the location of the midpalatal and transpalatal sutures was determined using digital planning. A positioning that avoids contact with important structures, such as the nasopalatine canal, while permitting bicortical drilling of the sutures is recommended. Then, a guide that reproduces MARPE positioning and another guide that reproduces the perforations are fabricated, providing exact reproducibility as performed virtually.
Potential of Escherichia coli Probiotics for Improved Health and Disease Management
Authors: Gattupalli Nareshkumar , Gattupalli Archana
Published: October 2021

Although natural gut microbiota contains Escherichia coli as a commensal, this bacterium, along with other members of the Enterobacteriaceae family, are usually known for their pathogenic potential. Interestingly, E. coli colonizes first and remains all through life, and in fact, some strains possess beneficial properties such as antibacterial colicin secretion. Among the beneficial strains, E. coli Nissle, isolated in 1917, has been the most extensively explored strain. Adaptability to survive under diverse conditions coupled with facile genetic manipulations enabled the design of E. coli strains with properties to deliver antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor molecules. Moreover, genetically modified E. coli strains secreting enzymes for converting sucrose and fructose into insulin and mannitol, respectively, were very effective in preventing the onset of metabolic disease by acting as synbiotics. Thus, E. coli is emerging as a very potent probiotic platform for developing strains with the potential of controlling many metabolic and multifactorial diseases, including cancer.
An Overview of the Biochemical and Histopathological Effects of Insecticides
Authors: Ahmet Deveci Haci , Nur Gökhan , Deveci Ayla , Kaya Inan , Mavioglu Kaya Müge , Kükürt Abdulsamed , Gelen Volkan , Faruk Başer Ömer , Karapehlivan Mahmut
Published: October 2021

The number of studies on insecticides, which constitute an important class of pesticides, is increasing day by day. These chemicals used in the fight against pests in the field of agriculture; It is also used to fight mosquitoes and insects in homes, gardens and rural areas. Excessive use of insecticides has adversely affected many beneficial organisms besides target organisms. As a result of the negative effects of insecticides on non-target organisms, the normal balance of nature has been disturbed and this has led to the decline of some living species in the world. In many studies from the past to the present, it has been shown that these insecticides have negative effects on the environment, human and animal health. Some of these chemicals, which have many benefits in the fight against agricultural pests, have been banned due to their harmful effects on non-target organisms as a result of excessive use. Today, however, these chemicals are still used intensively against agricultural pests, threatening non-target organisms and human health. For this reason, in this book chapter we have prepared, the negative effects of insecticides on living things are examined by reviewing biochemical and histopathological studies.
Conceptualizing Drug Addiction and Chronic Pain through a Biopsychosocial Framework to Improve Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: S. Harmon Zachary , N. Welch Emily , L. Ruby Christina
Published: October 2021

The recent surge in opioid-related deaths has brought poor pain management practices to the forefront of our nation’s collective consciousness. However, improving treatments for chronic pain, substance use disorders (SUD), and comorbid expression of both requires a better understanding of the pathophysiology involved in their development. In this chapter, the authors present the argument that chronic pain and SUD can be conceptualized similarly from a biopsychosocial perspective to inform a better approach to treatment. The authors describe the common neurobehavioral mechanisms of SUD and chronic pain, then discuss the efficacy of several psychotherapeutic methods employed to combat chronic pain, addiction, and related disorders. Such methods may contribute to positive health outcomes in managing chronic pain and curbing drug addiction by reducing the role of opioid analgesics for long-term pain management.
Physiological Bases of Electric Stimulation as a New Approach to Glaucoma IOP Control
Authors: Nino-de-Rivera Luis , Cervera Diego , Castillo-Juarez Paola
Published: October 2021

This Chapter focuses in the electrophysiological bases to support Trans Palpebral Electrical Stimulation TPES as a new alternative to control Intraocular Pressure IOP. Primary open Angle Glaucoma POAG is described in our approach as a dysfunction of the membrane potential of TM cells due to the dysfunction of the Maxi potassium depended Calcium Channels BKCa2+ of the Trabecular Mesh TM. We review through the paper the main contributions about Trabecular mesh dysfunction related with Voltage dependent ionic channels. We also present in this paper new results in controlling intra ocular pressure IOP during one year of trans palpebral Electric stimulation in patients with Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).
Phenolic Compounds in Tea: Phytochemical, Biological, and Therapeutic Applications
Authors: V. Vastrad Jyoti , Badanayak Pratikhya , Goudar Giridhar
Published: October 2021

Phenolic compounds are one of the major and most complex groups of phytochemicals found among plant kingdom. Structurally they comprise of aromatic ring along with one or more hydroxyl groups. Based on the structure they are divided into subgroups such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, lignans, quinones, stilbenes and carotenoids. Plant polyphenols are gaining popularity as a result of their potent antioxidant properties and notable effects in the prevention of oxidative stress-related diseases. Extraction, identification and characterisation of phenolic compounds from various plant sources has become a major area of health and medical research in the recent years. The major bioactive compounds responsible for tea’s health benefits are thought to be phenolics. Catechin derivatives make up the majority of the phenolic compounds found in tea, and though flavonols and phenolic acids are also present in smaller amounts. The bioactivity of the compounds has been linked to a lower risk of serious illnesses like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disease. This chapter covers phenolic extraction, purification, analysis and quantification, as well as their antioxidant properties in different varieties of tea leaves.
Computer-Aided Pharmacoepidemiology in Drug Use and Safety: Examining the Intersection between Data Science and Medicines Research
Authors: Chikowe Ibrahim , Peter Mwakilama Elias
Published: October 2021

Pharmacoepidemiology is a relatively new area of study that focuses on research aimed at producing data about drugs’ usage and safety in well-defined populations. Its significant impact on patient safety has translated into improving health care systems worldwide, where it has been widely adopted. This field has developed to an extent that policy and guidelines makers have started using its evidence alongside that produced from randomised controlled clinical trials. Although this significant improvement has been partly attributed to the adoption of statistics and computer-aided models into the way pharmacoepidemiology studies are designed and conducted, certain gaps still exist. This chapter reports some of the significant developments made, along with the gaps observed so far, in the adoption of statistics and computing into pharmacoepidemiology research. The goal is to highlight efforts that have led to the new pharmacoepidemiology developments, while examining the intersection between data science and pharmacology through research narrative reviews of computer-aided pharmacology. The chapter shows the significant number of initiatives that have been applied/adopted to improve pharmacoepidemiology research. Nonetheless, further developments in integrating pharmacoepidemiology with computers and statistics are needed in order to enhance the research agenda.
Role of Nanoparticles in Abiotic Stress
Authors: Tariq Mohd. , Choudhary Shipra , Singh Harjeet , Asif Siddiqui Mohd. , Kumar Hirdesh , Amir Asad , Kapoor Neelesh
Published: October 2021

Nanotechnology is currently seeking much attention of researchers because of their wide applications in diverse sectors including agriculture. The influence of nanoparticles on physiological state of plants at the different levels of their organization, beginning from molecular, has been studied at various plants. It is known that nanoparticles in different concentrations can impact both positive and negative biological effects. Nanomaterials confer profound uses for sustainable crop production, reducing loss of nutrients, suppression of diseases and thereby enhancing the yields. Concerning the role of nanomaterials in alleviating the damage of plant abiotic stresses or in inhibiting plant growth and its toxicity, further studies are essential under different levels including plant molecular and cellular levels. A wide variety of research has been conducted to study plant responses to waterlogging stress that include various disciplines like molecular, biochemical, and physiological, anatomical and morphological examinations. Nano technological implications for curbing water-logged conditions recently came into limelight and have drawn much attention in the last few years. Nanotechnology is defined as the systems and processes which operate at a scale of 100 nm or less. Nanotechnology has many applications in the field of agriculture. There are majority of nano-materials which are known for its plant growth promoting effects. Nanoparticles have unique physiochemical properties such as high reactivity, particle morphology, and large surface area. They also boost the plant metabolism.
Casting Techniques: An Alternative for Producing Parts with Recycled Al in the Gravity Die Casting Process
Authors: Carlos Jr. Narducci
Published: October 2021

This work applied the grain refinement technique by heterogeneous nucleation and precipitation hardening to investigate the effect of size and morphology of β-Fe particles on Al-Si alloys\' mechanical behavior Fe-critical, inoculated via Nb+B and heat-treated. The samples for the microstructural analyses were produced according to the standard mold, Test Procedure-1 (TP-1) and, analyzed by optical microscope with polarised light and filter plate and differential interference contrast (DIC) and by X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (XRD SEM) with EDS detector analyzer. The specimens for the mechanical tests were cast in a metal mold according to ASTM B108. The combined effect of manipulating the studied alloy Al10Si1Fe0.35Mg resulted in reduced and spheroidized β-Fe precipitates with improved mechanical properties in the material. Properties are similar to those achieved by commercially used alloys with engineering applications in structural and safety parts.
Low Occurrence of Virulence Determinants in Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus from Clinical Samples in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Adeyemi Folasade Muibat , Yusuf Nana-Aishat , Adeboye Rashidat Ronke , Oyedara Omotayo Opemipo
Published: October 2021

Background: The virulence factors of enterococci play a major role in the pathogenicity of enterococcal strains. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate virulence factors and detect selected virulence and resistance genes in vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) from clinical samples from southwest Nigeria. Methods: The VRE isolates (n = 85) recovered from clinical samples were characterized using conventional microbiology techniques, and molecular identification was made with ddlE primers. Phenotypic screening for five virulence determinants and detection of virulence and resistance genes using a polymerase chain reaction were carried out. Results: Phenotypic identification revealed 61 Enterococcus faecium and 24 Enterococcus faecalis. All the isolates hydrolyzed bile. Moreover, 88.2% of the isolates produced biofilm; however, 72.9% of the isolates produced gelatinase enzyme. Altogether, six isolates (7%) produced all five virulence factors. The least virulence factor expressed by the two species E. faecium and E. faecalis was DNase at 21.3% and 29.2% followed by cytolysin at 27.9% and 41.7%, respectively. Only 25 isolates (29.4%), including 23 E. faecium (37.7%) and only 2 (8.3%) E. faecalis isolates, revealed bands with molecular identification. Additionally, VRE isolates showed bands for asa1 (16%); only one isolate (4%) each isolate had the hyl gene and vanB gene, respectively. Conclusions: The absence of vanA and low detection of vanB resistance genes suggest the possible presence of other van types and emphasizes the need for further investigations on the incidence of other van genes using molecular screening methods in enterococci isolates in Nigeria for surveillance purposes. Moreover, the low occurrence of virulence genes implies that there might be other mediators of pathogenicity involved in Enterococcus virulence traits.
Reading Western Esotericism: George Gurdjieff and His “Cunning” Esotericism
Authors: Maltabarova Makhabbad ,   Academic Publishing
Published: October 2021

Studies of western esotericism in the twentieth century proposed a certain number of characteristics as fundamental and universal to esotericism. This article first reviews Antoine Faivre’s intrinsic and extrinsic characteristics and Wouter J. Hanegraaff’s typology of esotericism, constituting the so-called empirical historical method. Next, it considers the case of George Ivanovich Gurdjieff (c. 1866–1949), a prominent Russian-speaking spiritual teacher who developed his own method of personal perfection and whose place in the history of western esoteric thought is not indisputable. Through a discussion of some main points of Gurdjieff’s teachings and the ways he dealt with esoteric subjects, it is suggested that Faivre’s and Hanegraaff’s material can partly be applicable to his system. It finally argues that this uncertainty can be explained by specifics of Gurdjieff’s teachings, which should be considered as crucial in formulating his esotericism, as well as by limitations of the above-mentioned approach.
Introducing the Multi-Dimensional Injustice Framework: a case study in climate-related health risks
Authors: Fibieger Byskov Morten , Hyams Keith , Oyebode Oyinlola
Published: October 2021

Recent years have seen a shift in focus from research that asks how adaptation to climate change can be achieved, to research that asks how fair and equitable adaptation to climate change can be achieved, reflecting a broader turn in the climate literature towards pathways for just transitions in the face of the climate crisis. This paper introduces the Multi-Dimensional Injustice Framework (MDIF) as a normative framework for understanding, articulating, and tackling issues of justice and fairness in complex development challenges such as climate adaptation. The MDIF provides a set of indicators to identify distributive and procedural injustices that can be utilised within development and adaptation policy and planning. The paper further demonstrates how the MDIF can be applied in practice using a case study of climate-related health risks in the informal settlements of Lusaka, Zambia.
Resiliencia y satisfacción vital durante la pandemia por COVID-19 en España: su relación con variables emocionales y sociodemográficas
Authors: López de la Llave Lourdes
Published: October 2021

La preocupación por el impacto psicológico que pueda tener la pandemia de COVID19 se refleja en el creciente número de investigaciones realizadas. El objetivo de este estudio fue medir el nivel de resiliencia y de satisfacción con la vida en una muestra de población adulta (n = 572) y conocer aquellas variables que pueden estar relacionadas con la capacidad de afrontamiento y con el bienestar subjetivo. Los resultados indican que las medidas de depresión se relacionan negativamente con la resiliencia (r = -.404) y con la satisfacción con la vida (r = -.427), y las de ansiedad, también negativamente, con la resiliencia (r = -.308) y con la satisfacción con la vida (r = -.426). Los ANOVA muestran diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p < .01) entre resiliencia y satisfacción vital, con las variables relaciones sociales, tiempo de ocio y expectativas sobre el impacto futuro de la pandemia. Estos resultados pueden ayudarnos en el diseño e implementación de intervenciones que promuevan el bienestar.
Inteligencia emocional y calidad de vida en período de aislamiento social, preventivo y obligatorio durante la pandemia por COVID-19
Authors: Pallotto Natalia Jimena , De Grandis María C. , Gago-Galvagno Lucas G.
Published: October 2021

Se propuso describir los niveles de las variables inteligencia emocional (IE) y calidad de vida (CV) en sujetos afectados por el contexto del aislamiento social, preventivo y obligatorio en Argentina a raíz de la pandemia por COVID-19, evaluar si existen relaciones significativas entre ellas y analizar si presentan diferencias en función de variables sociodemográficas. Se trabajó con una muestra conformada por 923 personas de géneros femenino y masculino, mayores de 18 años, de población general. Para el relevamiento de datos se utilizó un cuestionario sociodemográfico confeccionado ad hoc, la Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS-24) —una escala para evaluar la inteligencia emocional percibida— y el Multicultural Quality of Life Index (MQLI), o índice multicultural de calidad de vida. La muestra fue contactada virtualmente entre el 29 de marzo y el 6 de julio de 2020. Los resultados arrojaron que la correlación entre las variables IE y CV fue significativa. Las dimensiones de dichas variables presentaron una fuerza de relación débil entre sí, exceptuando atención emocional, que correlacionó con una fuerza de vínculo fuerte con plenitud espiritual y apoyo social-emocional, y moderadamente con funcionamiento interpersonal. Los niveles de la variable CV se describen como buenos para la mayoría de los sujetos de la muestra. Los niveles de IE se describen como adecuados para ambos géneros en casi todas las subescalas exceptuando la dimensión claridad emocional, resultando poca para el masculino y adecuada para el femenino. Respecto al vínculo de IE y CV en función de variables sociodemográficas, se obtuvieron diferencias significativas entre grupos; y el grupo etario 71-80 años, quienes no consumen sustancias psicoactivas suscriptas por un profesional y los que poseen una red de contención recreativa obtuvieron mayores puntuaciones. En conclusión, si bien se encontraron asociaciones, los resultados sugieren la necesidad de estudios longitudinales que contemplen las diferentes fases de la cuarentena
Intervención psicológica online en un caso de sintomatología fóbica infantil desde la Terapia de Juego Cognitivo Conductual durante el confinamiento por COVID-19
Authors: Oltra Alicia , Salamanca Paloma , Veras Sandra Helena , Sierra-García Purificación
Published: October 2021

Este artículo presenta la intervención terapéutica en un caso de fobia infantil, abordado en el dispositivo de Atención a Emergencia por el estado de alerta sanitaria por Covid-19 en el Servicio de Psicología Aplicada de la Facultad de Psicología de la UNED. Se trata de un niño varón de 5 años de edad, que presenta miedo a salir de casa y a fenómenos meteorológicos, tras la etapa de confinamiento. La intervención terapéutica fue diseñada desde la Terapia de Juego Cognitivo Conductual. Los objetivos principales de la intervención fueron: la disminución de la respuesta de ansiedad en el niño ante las actividades realizadas fuera de la vivienda y ante situaciones meteorológicas desfavorables, así como generalización progresiva de dichas actividades tanto fuera del hogar como en situaciones meteorológicas adversas. Los resultados objetivos propuestos fueron conseguidos a lo largo de 6 sesiones de 1 hora de duración con frecuencia semanal, en formato online, y mantenidos después de un seguimiento de tres meses.
Por uma ética da alteridade em tempos de pandemia
Authors: Vargas Jackson Luís Santos de , Ferraro José Luís Schifino
Published: October 2021

O presente ensaio aborda a pandemia do SARS-Cov-2, causador da Covid-19, e o pensamento contraditório em relação as medidas de isolamento social adotadas pelos governos estaduais no Brasil à luz da filosofia de Emmanuel Levinas.  Nesse sentido, o trabalho objetiva trazer outra mirada sobre essa crise, destacando a ética da alteridade como filosofia primeira para o enfrentamento da crise sanitária. No episódio analisado observou-se que a busca por interesses próprios não considera os do outro, não atentando para cuidados relacionados à sua integridade física e mental. O argumento econômico aparece como elemento central para a quebra do isolamento horizontal sobrepondo-se às vidas. A normalização das mortes como resultado da análise de riscos que não considera a condição humana, produzindo a falsa impressão de que a verticalidade do isolamento seria suficiente para a gestão da crise. Nesse sentido, enfatizamos a necessidade de uma percepção de mundo a partir da ética da alteridade que evidencia e enfatiza a responsabilidade do mesmo com o outro e, principalmente, a necessária preservação da vida como prioridade, acima de quaisquer interesses possíveis.
Telemedicine in Oncology and Reimbursement Policy During COVID-19 and Beyond
Authors: Kircher Sheetal M. , Mulcahy Mary , Kalyan Aparna , Weldon Christine B. , Trosman Julia R. , Benson Al B.
Published: October 2021

The first confirmed case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the United States was reported on January 20, 2020. As of September 17, 2020, there were more than 6.6 million confirmed cases and 196,277 deaths. Limited data are available on outcomes of immunocompromised patients, but early published reports from China indicate that those with cancer have a 3.5 times higher risk of ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, or death than those without cancer. Because of the uncertain behavior of COVID-19, it has become imperative for practices to limit exposure to vulnerable patients. Telemedicine has been one of the cornerstones of caring for patients with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review provides an overview of reimbursement policy by public and private payers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, describes implications in cancer care, and offers considerations for future reimbursement policy.
Clinical Outcomes With Abemaciclib After Prior CDK4/6 Inhibitor Progression in Breast Cancer: A Multicenter Experience
Authors: Wander Seth A. , Han Hyo S. , Zangardi Mark L. , Niemierko Andrzej , Mariotti Veronica , Kim Leslie S.L. , Xi Jing , Pandey Apurva , Dunne Siobhan , Nasrazadani Azadeh , Kambadakone Avinash , Stein Casey , Lloyd Maxwell R. , Yuen Megan , Spring Laura M. , Juric Dejan , Kuter Irene , Sanidas Ioannis , Moy Beverly , Mulvey Therese , Vidula Neelima , Dyson Nicholas J. , Ellisen Leif W. , Isakoff Steven , Wagle Nikhil , Brufsky Adam , Kalinsky Kevin , Ma Cynthia X. , O’Shaughnessy Joyce , Bardia Aditya
Published: October 2021

Background: Inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6i) are widely used as first-line therapy for hormone receptor–positive metastatic breast cancer (HR+ MBC). Although abemaciclib monotherapy is also FDA-approved for treatment of disease progression on endocrine therapy, there is limited insight into the clinical activity of abemaciclib after progression on prior CDK4/6i. Patients and Methods: We identified patients with HR+ MBC from 6 cancer centers in the United States who received abemaciclib after disease progression on prior CDK4/6i, and abstracted clinical features, outcomes, toxicity, and predictive biomarkers. Results: In the multicenter cohort, abemaciclib was well tolerated after a prior course of CDK4/6i (palbociclib)-based therapy; a minority of patients discontinued abemaciclib because of toxicity without progression (9.2%). After progression on palbociclib, most patients (71.3%) received nonsequential therapy with abemaciclib (with ≥1 intervening non-CDK4/6i regimens), with most receiving abemaciclib with an antiestrogen agent (fulvestrant, 47.1%; aromatase inhibitor, 27.6%), and the remainder receiving abemaciclib monotherapy (19.5%). Median progression-free survival for abemaciclib in this population was 5.3 months and median overall survival was 17.2 months, notably similar to results obtained in the MONARCH-1 study of abemaciclib monotherapy in heavily pretreated HR+/HER2-negative CDK4/6i-naïve patients. A total of 36.8% of patients received abemaciclib for ≥6 months. There was no relationship between the duration of clinical benefit while on palbociclib and the subsequent duration of treatment with abemaciclib. RB1, ERBB2, and CCNE1 alterations were noted among patients with rapid progression on abemaciclib. Conclusions: A subset of patients with HR+ MBC continue to derive clinical benefit from abemaciclib after progression on prior palbociclib. These results highlight the need for future studies to confirm molecular predictors of cross-resistance to CDK4/6i therapy and to better characterize the utility of abemaciclib after disease progression on prior CDK4/6i.
Comparing Patient-Controlled Analgesia Versus Non-PCA Hydromorphone Titration for Severe Cancer Pain: A Randomized Phase III Trial
Authors: Lin Rongbo , Lin Sunzhi , Feng Shuitu , Wu Qingyi , Fu Jianqian , Wang Fang , Li Hui , Li Xiaofeng , Zhang Gaowang , Yao Yongzhi , Xin Min , Lai Tianyang , Lv Xia , Chen Yigui , Yang Shangwang , Lin Yubiao , Hong Lixia , Cai Zhenyu , Wang Jianfeng , Lin Gen , Lin Shaowei , Zhao Shen , Zhu Jinfeng , Huang Cheng
Published: October 2021

Background: Opioid titration is necessary to achieve rapid, safe pain relief. Medication can be administered via patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) or by a healthcare provider (non-PCA). We evaluated the efficacy of intravenous PCA versus non-PCA hydromorphone titration for severe cancer pain (≥7 at rest on the 11-point numeric rating scale [NRS]). Patients and Methods: Patients with severe cancer pain were randomized 1:1 to PCA or non-PCA titration, stratified by opioid-tolerant or opioid-naïve status. The PCA pump was set to no continuous dose, with a hydromorphone bolus dose 10% to 20% of the total previous 24-hour equianalgesic (for opioid-tolerant patients) or 0.5 mg (for opioid-naïve patients). For the non-PCA group, the initial hydromorphone bolus dose was identical to that in the PCA group, with the subsequent dose increased by 50% to 100% (for NRS unchanged or increased) or repeated at the current dose (for NRS 4–6). Hydromorphone delivery was initiated every 15 minutes (for NRS ≥4) or as needed (for NRS ≤3). The primary endpoint was time to successful titration (TST; time from first hydromorphone dose to first occurrence of NRS ≤3 in 2 consecutive 15-minute intervals). Results: Among 214 patients (PCA, n=106; non-PCA, n=108), median TSTs (95% CI) were 0.50 hours (0.25–0.50) and 0.79 hours (0.50–1.42) for the PCA and non-PCA groups, respectively (hazard ratio [HR], 1.64; 95% CI, 1.23–2.17; P=.001). TSTs in opioid-tolerant patients were 0.50 hours (0.25–0.75) and 1.00 hours (0.50–2.00) for the PCA and non-PCA groups, respectively (HR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.32–2.78; P=.003); in opioid-naive patients, TST was not significantly different for the PCA versus non-PCA groups (HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 0.88–2.04; P=.162). Pain score (median NRS; interquartile range) over 24 hours was significantly lower in the PCA group (2.80; 2.15–3.22) than in the non-PCA group (3.00; 2.47–3.53; P=.020). PCA administration produces significantly higher patient satisfaction with pain control than non-PCA administration (P<.001). Conclusions: Intravenous hydromorphone titration for severe cancer pain was achieved more effectively with PCA than with non-PCA administration.
Potential Cost-Effectiveness of Risk-Based Pancreatic Cancer Screening in Patients With New-Onset Diabetes
Authors: Schwartz Naomi R.M. , Matrisian Lynn M. , Shrader Eva E. , Feng Ziding , Chari Suresh , Roth Joshua A.
Published: October 2021

Background: There are no established methods for pancreatic cancer (PAC) screening, but the NCI and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) are investigating risk-based screening strategies in patients with new-onset diabetes (NOD), a group with elevated PAC risk. Preliminary estimates of the cost-effectiveness of these strategies can provide insights about potential value and inform supplemental data collection. Using data from the Enriching New-Onset Diabetes for Pancreatic Cancer (END-PAC) risk model validation study, we assessed the potential value of CT screening for PAC in those determined to be at elevated risk, as is being done in a planned PanCAN Early Detection Initiative trial. Methods: We created an integrated decision tree and Markov state-transition model to assess the cost-effectiveness of PAC screening in patients aged ≥50 years with NOD using CT imaging versus no screening. PAC prevalence, sensitivity, and specificity were derived from the END-PAC validation study. PAC stage distribution in the no-screening strategy and PAC survival were derived from the SEER program. Background mortality for patients with diabetes, screening and cancer care expenditure, and health state utilities were derived from the literature. Life-years (LYs), quality-adjusted LYs (QALYs), and costs were tracked over a lifetime horizon and discounted at 3% per year. Results are presented in 2020 US dollars, and we took a limited US healthcare perspective. Results: In the base case, screening resulted in 0.0055 more LYs, 0.0045 more QALYs, and $293 in additional expenditures for a cost per QALY gained of $65,076. In probabilistic analyses, screening resulted in a cost per QALY gained of <$50,000 and <$100,000 in 34% and 99% of simulations, respectively. In the threshold analysis, >25% of screen-detected PAC cases needed to be resectable for the cost per QALY gained with screening to be <$100,000. Conclusions: We found that risk-based PAC screening in patients with NOD is likely to be cost-effective in the United States if even a modest fraction (>25%) of screen-detected patients with PAC are resectable. Future studies should reassess the value of this intervention once clinical trial data become available.
Receipt of Screening Mammography by Insured Women Diagnosed With Breast Cancer and Impact on Outcomes
Authors: Lawson Marissa B. , Lee Christoph I. , Hippe Daniel S. , Chennupati Shasank , Fedorenko Catherine R. , Malone Kathleen E. , Ramsey Scott D. , Lee Janie M.
Published: October 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine factors associated with receipt of screening mammography by insured women before breast cancer diagnosis, and subsequent outcomes. Patients and Methods: Using claims data from commercial and federal payers linked to a regional SEER registry, we identified women diagnosed with breast cancer from 2007 to 2017 and determined receipt of screening mammography within 1 year before diagnosis. We obtained patient and tumor characteristics from the SEER registry and assigned each woman a socioeconomic deprivation score based on residential address. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations of patient and tumor characteristics with late-stage disease and nonreceipt of mammography. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to identify predictors of subsequent mortality. Results: Among 7,047 women, 69% (n=4,853) received screening mammography before breast cancer diagnosis. Compared with women who received mammography, those with no mammography had a higher proportion of late-stage disease (34% vs 10%) and higher 5-year mortality (18% vs 6%). In multivariable modeling, late-stage disease was most associated with nonreceipt of mammography (odds ratio [OR], 4.35; 95% CI, 3.80–4.98). The Cox model indicated that nonreceipt of mammography predicted increased risk of mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 2.00; 95% CI, 1.64–2.43), independent of late-stage disease at diagnosis (HR, 5.00; 95% CI, 4.10–6.10), Charlson comorbidity index score ≥1 (HR, 2.75; 95% CI, 2.26–3.34), and negative estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor status (HR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.67–2.61). Nonreceipt of mammography was associated with younger age (40–49 vs 50–59 years; OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.45–1.96) and increased socioeconomic deprivation (OR, 1.05 per decile increase; 95% CI, 1.03–1.07). Conclusions: In a cohort of insured women diagnosed with breast cancer, nonreceipt of screening mammography was significantly associated with late-stage disease and mortality, suggesting that interventions to further increase uptake of screening mammography may improve breast cancer outcomes.
O galego-português, matriz do mundo lingüístico luso-brasileiro
Authors: Henríquez Salido Maria do Carmo
Published: October 2021

O período inicial desta breve história da língua galega e o reintegracionismo lingüístico começa com umhas observaçons de umha «Carta» de Martim Sarmiento (1695-1771), precursor da filologia galega, e finaliza em 2019, ano em que a Real Academia Galega (RAG), toma o acordo de dedicar-lhe o «Dia das Letras Galegas» ao polígrafo ferrolano Ricardo Carvalho Calero (Ferrol 1910 - Santiago de Compostela 1990). Elaboram-se apenas umhas ideias sobre o século XIX e primeira metade do XX; mais informaçom aparece sobre a segunda metade do século passado e primeiras décadas do XXI.
Montserrat Corretger & Oriol Teixell (eds.), «Literatura catalana contemporània: patrimoni i identitat», Barcelona, Institut d’Estudis Catalans / Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 2019, 251 p. // Josep Camps Arbós & Maria Dasca (eds.), «La narrativa catalana al segle XXI, balanç crític», Barcelona, Institut d’Estudis Catalans, 2019, 139 p.
Authors: Hernàndez i Garcia Xavier
Published: October 2021

Ressenyes sobre els llibres següents:
Montserrat Corretger & Oriol Teixell (eds.), Literatura catalana contemporània: patrimoni i identitat, Barcelona, Institut d’Estudis Catalans / Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 2019, 251 p., ISBN: 978-84-9965-456-0.
Josep Camps Arbós & Maria Dasca (eds.), La narrativa catalana al segle xxi, balanç crític, Barcelona, Institut d’Estudis Catalans, 2019, 139 p., ISBN: 978-84-9965-464-5.
GENETIC DIVERSITY STUDIES OF LATVIAN VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS L. POPULATIONS FOR IN SITU CONSERVATION
Authors: GAILĪTE Agnese , GAILE Anita , RUŅĢIS Dainis
Published: October 2021

Plants and berries of bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) are traditionally used in many nations as a local medicine as well as edible plants. They are an important feed source for wild animals and birds. In situ conservation is an important component for the conservation of crop wild relatives (CWR) and wild harvested plants (WHP). Research on population structure and genetic diversity is important and is required for the development and implementation of in situ conservation strategies as well as being useful for ecosystem services management. The aim of this study was to test EST-SSR markers for bilberry genotyping and determine genetic diversity in different forest types – Vacciniosa, Myrtillosa, Hylocomiosa as well as compare populations from various regions of Latvia. Our results indicated that there was a small genetic differentiation between bilberries grown in different forest types (0-2%); most of the variation was found within individuals. Analysing populations in different regions of Latvia, 5% of the genetic variation was found among populations. Analysis using the STRUCTURE software package showed that there were no isolated populations or distinct groups. There was a positive correlation between geographic and genetic distances, indicating that the analysed populations differentiation can be explained by isolation-by-distance, without additional dispersal barriers.
ALTERNATIVE PECTIN PRODUCTION METHODS AND SOURCES
Authors: GÜZEL Melih , TEKTAŞ TAŞAN Nedra , AKPINAR Özlem
Published: October 2021

Pectin is a polysaccharide, found in the cell wall of high plants that imparts flexibility and mechanical strength to plants by interacting with other cell wall elements. It is widely used in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, as thickener, texturizing, emulsifying, stabilizing and gelling agent. The most commonly used method for pectin production is the acid extraction method. Due to the low extraction efficiency with limited yield, many methods have been developed such as enzyme, microwave and ultrasound-assisted extractions and subcritical water extraction. Pectin is commercially produced from mainly citrus peels followed by apple pomace, sunflower head and sugar beet pulps and the properties of the pectin depend on the source that are isolated from. Finding alternative sources methods are necessary that can compete with the production cost and properties of the commercial pectin sources. In this study, alternative pectin production methods, pectin sources and possibilities for the industrial use of the pectin produced with them were reviewed.
The development of state audit (control) based on the principles of the Moscow Declaration adopted at INTOSAI
Authors: Lapina Marina Afanas'evna , Gurinovich Aleksandr Georgievich , Kazantsev Dmitrii Andreevich
Published: October 2021

This article carries out the conceptual analysis of development trends in control and oversight activity of the supreme audit institutions (supreme financial control bodies), which contributes to achieving the goals of sustainable development until 2030. The research leans on fundamental analysis of the principles of the Moscow Declaration endorsed by INTOSAI. The subject of this research is the financial-legal aspects of transformation of the status of control and audit bodies that exercise external financial control aimed at maintaining sustainable economic development of the society through implementation of principles of audit of budget funds. The article employs the method of dialectical scientific knowledge, which is based on the set of private and general scientific method, including formal-logical that interprets the norms and principles contained in the international declarations of the supreme audit institutions. The authors offer the classification of principles depending on the key vectors in the development of state audit (control) and contained explicitly in the vectors of development. Conflicts of principles established in the Mexican and Moscow INTOSAI Declarations are determined. The scientific novelty lies in substantiation of formation of the new special legal status of the supreme financial control bodies that not only verify legitimacy, effectiveness, and feasibility of budget expenditures, but are an external and independent strategic assistant to the government and executive authorities as well.  The authors conclude on the institutional change in the status of supreme financial control bodies.
Electronic structure and stability of two-dimensional bimetallic ferromagnetic semiconductor CrMoI6
Authors: Huang Yu-Hao , Zhang Gui-Tao , Wang Ru-Qian , Chen Qian , Wang Jin-Lan ,   School of Physics, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
Published: October 2021

Two-dimensional magnetic semiconductors have received extensive attention due to their combination of magnetism, semi-conductivity and special two-dimensional structures, which also provide a new idea and platform for developing the nanometer spintronic and optoelectronic devices and also for conducting the related basic theoretical research. However, in addition to the common problems of two-dimensional magnetic semiconductor materials, such as volume manufacturing and environmental stability, the two-dimensional magnetic semiconductor materials have the unique difficulty, i.e. low Curie temperature, which makes it difficult to maintain ferromagnetic coupling at higher temperature. For example, the Curie temperature of the existing CrI3 monolayer is lower than 45 K, while that of the Cr2Ge2Te6 double-layer is only 20 K, which is far lower than the room temperature. Therefore, how to improve the Curie temperature of two-dimensional magnetic semiconductor materials through various approaches is one of the important issues that need to be resolved in this field of research. Based on the first-principles calculations, the exchange energies of a series of two-dimensional bimetallic iodides CrTMI6 (TM denotes transition metal elements in fourth and fifth rows) constructed from the lattice of CrI3 monolayer are preliminarily calculated and screened. Structures are fully relaxed until the force and the energy are converged to 0.01 eV/Å and 10–6 eV, respectively, and the ferromagnetic CrMoI6 monolayer is selected. Further calculations show that the band structure of the CrMoI6 monolayer exhibits ideal semiconductor characteristics with a band gap of about 1.7 eV. At the same time, theoretical calculations with considering the spin-orbit coupling show that the CrMoI6 monolayer has a considerable magnetic anisotropy (741.3 μeV/TM), and its easy axis is perpendicular to the two-dimensional plane. Monte Carlo simulation based on the Heisenberg model predicts that the Curie temperature of CrMoI6 monolayer reaches 92 K, which is about twice that of the CrI3 monolayer. The molecular dynamics and phonon spectrum calculations also prove that it has both thermal and kinetic stability. In addition, under the condition of applying compressive and tensile strain, its ferromagnetic coupling shows strong stability. This kind of magnetic transition metal halide which can be synthesized by alloying will further expand the family of two-dimensional magnetic materials and their applications in the field of spintronic devices.
The Demonstration Society
Authors: Rosental Claude
Published: October 2021

Today, as in the past, public demonstrations are not only tools to prove, persuade, and promote, but also fundamental forms of social interaction and exchange.

YouTube demos of makeup products by famous influencers, demonstrations of strength during street protests, demonstrations of military might in North Korea: public demonstrations are omnipresent in social life. Yet they are often perceived as isolated events, unworthy of systematic examination. In The Demonstration Society, Claude Rosental explores the underlying dynamics of what he calls a “demonstration society.” He shows how, both in today's world and historically, public demonstrations constitute not only tools to prove, persuade, and promote, but fundamental forms of interaction and exchange, and, in some cases, attempts to lead the world.

Rosental compares demos with other forms of public demonstrations, drawing out both their peculiarities and common features. He analyzes the processes through which demonstrations are conceived and carried out, as well as the skills of their producers. He also compares contemporary demos with historical demonstrations including theaters of machines in the Renaissance, public demonstrations of natural philosophy in the seventeenth century, and demonstrations of the magic lantern in the nineteenth century. Above and beyond the entertainment they sometimes provide, demonstrations are experienced as intense moments that broadly involve alliances, material and symbolic goods, and, more generally, the future of individuals and collectives. Rosental elucidates the many ways in which we live today, as in the past, in a society of demonstration.
A survey on server-based electronic identification and signature schemes to improve eIDAS: with a new proposal for Turkey
Authors: Erdogan Ozgun , Saran Nurdan Ayse
Published: October 2021

The design, development, and implementation of e-Government applications aim to improve the quality of daily life and facilitate the mobility of citizens by reducing the constraints imposed by existing borders. This study examines previous research in the literature on electronic identification (eID) credentials technologies and the projects carried out in Europe. This study focuses especially on server-based e-signing methods. In the light of these reviews, the applicability of a server-based mobile electronic signature model without disrupting local initiatives has been examined as a case study. As an exemplary case, Turkey’s eID structure is examined from a technical and legal perspective. When creating the proposed server-based eID model, it was especially inspired by Austria’s server-based approach in use. In this process, the suitability of the existing structure with the server-based e-signing method was examined. In addition, some suggestions were made to eliminate the problems that may prevent the use of the proposed server-based e-signing method. This study revealed that a server-based electronic signature approach would develop a more user-friendly and flexible solution in identity management. It was concluded that using a server-based signature approach would help achieve international standards for cross-border online identification methods.
A docked mutation phenocopies dumpy oblique alleles via altered vesicle trafficking
Authors: Kandasamy Suresh , Couto Kiley , Thackeray Justin
Published: October 2021

The Drosophila extracellular matrix protein Dumpy (Dpy) is one of the largest proteins encoded by any animal. One class of dpy mutations produces a characteristic shortening of the wing blade known as oblique (dpyo), due to altered tension in the developing wing. We describe here the characterization of docked (doc), a gene originally named because of an allele producing a truncated wing. We show that doc corresponds to the gene model CG5484, which encodes a homolog of the yeast protein Yif1 and plays a key role in ER to Golgi vesicle transport. Genetic analysis is consistent with a similar role for Doc in vesicle trafficking: docked alleles interact not only with genes encoding the COPII core proteins sec23 and sec13, but also with the SNARE proteins synaptobrevin and syntaxin. Further, we demonstrate that the strong similarity between the doc1 and dpyo wing phenotypes reflects a functional connection between the two genes; we found that various dpy alleles are sensitive to changes in dosage of genes encoding other vesicle transport components such as sec13 and sar1. Doc’s effects on trafficking are not limited to Dpy; for example, reduced doc dosage disturbed Notch pathway signaling during wing blade and vein development. These results suggest a model in which the oblique wing phenotype in doc1 results from reduced transport of wild-type Dumpy protein; by extension, an additional implication is that the dpyo alleles can themselves be explained as hypomorphs.
Availability of Dental Benefits Within Medicare Advantage Plans by Enrollment and County
Authors: Simon Lisa , Vujicic Marko , Nasseh Kamyar
Published: December 2024

This study explores the benefit characteristics of Medicare Advantage dental plans by US county and the number of beneficiaries enrolled in plans with a comprehensive dental benefit.