bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A detailed review of forensic facial reconstruction techniques
Authors: Kundu Arjun , Streed Michael , Galzi Paloma J , Johnson Abraham
Published: March 2021

Facial reconstruction is an effective forensic technique that can help recreate a victim’s facial appearance from the skull. It is typically used to assist law enforcement agencies to identify missing deceased persons. Reconstruction techniques are usually based on the relationship between the underlying hard tissues, such as bone structure, and soft tissues such as the facial muscles and facial features. Facial reconstruction can be a feasible alternative to identify the remains from a decomposed, mutilated, or skeletonised corpse. It is important to remember that although the outcomes are empirical in nature, the technique has been applied widely in many situations. Recent advancements in technology and computer-based techniques have increased the accuracy and validity of this forensic discipline. We consider the most commonly used facial reconstruction techniques in this paper, with a detailed description of manual 3D techniques.
An alarming rise in rape in Nepal: A 20-year review
Authors: Atreya Alok , Nepal Samata , Menezes Ritesh G , Dhital Rolina
Published: March 2021

Criminal justice in Nepal is stringent when it deals with cases of sexual offence. The law protects the victims' rights and fast tracks trials. Notwithstanding, there has been an increase in the number of reported cases recently. This study highlights the increasing number of reported rape and attempted rape cases in Nepal over the past 20 years and discusses the public health measures aimed at preventing these crimes.
Research on control effectiveness of fluidic thrust vectoring
Authors: Xue Fei , Yunsong Gu , Wang Yuchao , Qin Han
Published: March 2021

In view of the control effects of fluidic thrust vector technology for low-speed aircraft at high altitude/low density and low altitude/high density are studied. The S-A model of FLUENT software is used to simulate the flow field inside and outside the nozzle with variable control surface parameters, and the relationship between the area of control surface and the deflection effect of main flow at different altitudes is obtained. It is found that the fluidic thrust vectoring nozzle can effectively control the internal flow in the ground state and the high altitude/low density state. and the mainstream deflection angle can be continuously adjusted. The maximum deflection angle of the flow in the ground state is 21.86°, and the maximum deviation angle of the 20 km high altitude/low density state is 18.80°. The deflecting of the inner flow of the nozzle is beneficial to provide more lateral force and lateral torque for the aircraft. The high altitude/low density state is taken as an example. When the internal flow deflects 18.80°, the lateral force is 0.32 times the main thrust. For aircraft with high altitude and low density, sufficient lateral and lateral torque can make the flying aircraft more flexible, which can make up the shortcomings of the conventional rudder failure and even replace the conventional rudder surface.
Numerical analysis and experimental verification of the induced waveform characteristics for aeroengine gas path debris electrostatic sensor
Authors: Guo Jiachen , Zuo Hongfu , Jiang Heng , Zhong Zhirong , Liu Quan
Published: March 2021

This article introduces the principle of aeroengine gas path electrostatic monitoring and establishes a mathematical model of aeroengine gas path debris electrostatic sensor. In this study, we simulate particle’s movement based on the established model and perform numerical analysis of the induced charge pulse waveform. The simulation results show the quantitative relationship among particle’s charge amount, velocity, and pulse waveform’s features, and obtain the qualitative relationship between particle’s spatial position and pulse waveform’s features. A test rig is designed to verify the correctness of the mathematical model. A measurement mode based on dual-channel sensors has been proposed, and corresponding signal processing methods are used to calculate the velocity of the particle and reconstruct the charge pulse waveform from the measured voltage signal. The conclusions of this study not only avoid the shortcomings of traditional signal processing methods that directly use the measured voltage signal but also have important significance for improving the electrostatic monitoring capability.
Systemic lupus erythematosus and COVID-19 during pregnancy
Authors: Smeele Hieronymus TW , Perez-Garcia Luis F , Grimminck Koen , Schoenmakers Sam , Mulders Annemarie GMGJ , Dolhain Radboud JEM
Published: March 2021

Background: The ongoing corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having a worldwide impact. Valuable information on the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 in pregnant patients with an autoimmune disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is currently lacking. Methods: Herein, we describe the clinical presentation of 2 pregnant patients with SLE and mild symptomatic COVID-19 infection. Results: In both pregnant SLE patients, a watchful-waiting approach without initiation of treatment for COVID-19 was taken. No adverse outcomes were reported and both pregnancies resulted in healthy neonates born at term. In one patient we observed a flare in SLE disease activity, most likely attributed to discontinuing SLE treatment. Conclusion: Our report highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration between health care professionals as well as individualized treatment decisions during unprecedented periods such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. Discontinuation of immunosuppressive drugs during the acute phase of a COVID-19 infection should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Maternal treatment decisions should be in line with current recommendations for treatment of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases during COVID-19 infection and in line with treatment of COVID- 19 during pregnancy.
Implementing the African Security Regime through a ‘Multiple-Speed’ Approach: Challenges and Prospect
Authors: Fagbayibo Babatunde
Published: March 2021

The past two decade has witnessed a nuanced approach to addressing the institutional and normative responses to Africa’s unending security challenges, particularly the African Union’s mandate to create the African Standby Force (ASF). The growing infeasibility of operationalising the ASF has thus stimulated the conception of the South African initiated African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crises (ACIRC). This article places the establishment of ACIRC within the theoretical concept of flexible integration, specifically the ‘multiple-speed’ approach. This approach highlights the willingness of a group of member states to proceed with integrative measures at a much faster and deeper pace. The possibility of developing an AU framework that sets the operational parameters of this idea is at the core of this article.
Partner Selection Across the Life-Course: Age Variation in Partner Preferences in the Czech Republic
Authors: Klímová Chaloupková Jana , Topinková Renáta , Šetinová Markéta
Published: March 2021

The proportion of people seeking a partner later in life has increased in recent decades. However, studies exploring age variation in partner preferences are quite rare. We aim to fill this gap by examining the partner preferences for household care skills, financial resources, and education of unpartnered individuals aged 19–65 years ( n = 1145) who participated in speed-dating events in the Czech Republic. We hypothesized that the importance of these characteristics varies with age, and that this variance may differ for men and women. The results show that gender differences concerning these characteristics are mostly stable across age groups. The exception is the importance of household care skills, which increases for older men and decreases for older women. We found that older adults value financial resources more than younger adults, and that this increase is true for women and men. Finally, we did not find evidence that the importance of education differs with age.
Differential modulation of thermal preference after sensitization by optogenetic or pharmacological activation of heat-sensitive nociceptors
Authors: Li Jerry , Zain Maham , Bonin Robert P
Published: March 2021

Common approaches to studying mechanisms of chronic pain and sensory changes in pre-clinical animal models involve measurement of acute, reflexive withdrawal responses evoked by noxious stimuli. These methods typically do not capture more subtle changes in sensory processing nor report on the consequent behavioral changes. In addition, data collection and analysis protocols are often labour-intensive and require direct investigator interactions, potentially introducing bias. In this study, we develop and characterize a low-cost, easily assembled behavioral assay that yields self-reported temperature preference from mice that is responsive to peripheral sensitization. This system uses a partially automated and freely available analysis pipeline to streamline the data collection process and enable objective analysis. We found that after intraplantar administration of the TrpV1 agonist, capsaicin, mice preferred to stay in cooler temperatures than saline injected mice. We further observed that gabapentin, a non-opioid analgesic commonly prescribed to treat chronic pain, reversed this aversion to higher temperatures. In contrast, optogenetic activation of the central terminals of TrpV1+ primary afferents via in vivo spinal light delivery did not induce a similar change in thermal preference, indicating a possible role for peripheral nociceptor activity in the modulation of temperature preference. We conclude that this easily produced and robust sensory assay provides an alternative approach to investigate the contribution of central and peripheral mechanisms of sensory processing that does not rely on reflexive responses evoked by noxious stimuli.
Functional and radiographical results of asymmetrically reconstructed total hip arthroplasty in patients with bilateral dysplastic arthritic hips with one hip Crowe II–III and the other Crowe IV: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Shen Junmin , Sun Jingyang , Du Yinqiao , Zhang Bohan , Li Tiejian , Zhou Yonggang
Published: March 2021

Background

The study aimed to evaluate the functional and radiographical results of asymmetrically reconstructed total hip arthroplasty in patients with bilateral dysplastic arthritic hips with one hip Crowe II–III and the other hip Crowe IV.

Materials and methods

From April 2006 to April 2019, we evaluated 23 patients who had a reconstruction of one Crowe II–III hip with high hip center (HHC) and the other Crowe IV hip at the anatomical position (H group). The radiographic and clinical outcomes were compared with those of a control group of 19 patients with bilateral dysplasia who had one Crowe IV hip and the contralateral hip both reconstructed in the anatomical position (A group). Medical records and radiographs were reviewed, and a complete follow-up was conducted for all patients.

Results

The mean vertical center of rotation (V-COR) and horizontal center of rotation (H-COR) in the H group were 30.6 ± 5.8 mm and 30.0 ± 5.5 mm, respectively. In the A group, the corresponding values were 14.0 ± 4.3 mm and 23.0 ± 2.3 mm, respectively. A significant difference was found in terms of V-COR and H-COR between the two groups, and no significant difference was shown regarding the cup inclination, abductor lever arm (ALA), ALA ratio, and leg length discrepancy (LLD). Three patients of the H group and four patients of the A group exhibited LLD > 10 mm. All seven patients who had LLD > 10 mm underwent the shortening subtrochanteric osteotomy (SSTO) of the Crowe IV hip. Subgroup analysis based on the presence and absence of SSTO showed that the LLD of the SSTO group was greater than that of the non-SSTO group in both groups, but the difference was only statistically significant in the A group. At the last follow-up, the mean Harris Hip Scores significantly improved in the two groups, and there was no revision during the follow-up period. In the H group, four patients presented with a slight limp and three patients with a moderate limp, while it was six patients and one patient in the A group, respectively.

Conclusions

Asymmetrical reconstruction in patients with bilateral dysplastic arthritic hips with one hip Crowe II–III and the other Crowe IV is acceptable and comparable when compared with bilateral anatomical reconstruction.

Level of evidence

III, retrospective observational study.

Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trail Registry. ChiCTR2000033848
Somatic variants for seed and fruit set in grapevine
Authors: Costantini Laura , Moreno-Sanz Paula , Nwafor Chinedu Charles , Lorenzi Silvia , Marrano Annarita , Cristofolini Fabiana , Gottardini Elena , Raimondi Stefano , Ruffa Paola , Gribaudo Ivana , Schneider Anna , Grando Maria Stella
Published: March 2021

Background

Grapevine reproductive development has direct implications on yield. It also impacts on berry and wine quality by affecting traits like seedlessness, berry and bunch size, cluster compactness and berry skin to pulp ratio. Seasonal fluctuations in yield, fruit composition and wine attributes, which are largely driven by climatic factors, are major challenges for worldwide table grape and wine industry. Accordingly, a better understanding of reproductive processes such as gamete development, fertilization, seed and fruit set is of paramount relevance for managing yield and quality. With the aim of providing new insights into this field, we searched for clones with contrasting seed content in two germplasm collections.

Results

We identified eight variant pairs that seemingly differ only in seed-related characteristics while showing identical genotype when tested with the GrapeReSeq_Illumina_20K_SNP_chip and several microsatellites. We performed multi-year observations on seed and fruit set deriving from different pollination treatments, with special emphasis on the pair composed by Sangiovese and its seedless variant locally named Corinto Nero. The pollen of Corinto Nero failed to germinate in vitro and gave poor berry set when used to pollinate other varieties. Most berries from both open- and cross-pollinated Corinto Nero inflorescences did not contain seeds. The genetic analysis of seedlings derived from occasional Corinto Nero normal seeds revealed that the few Corinto Nero functional gametes are mostly unreduced. Moreover, three genotypes, including Sangiovese and Corinto Nero, were unexpectedly found to develop fruits without pollen contribution and occasionally showed normal-like seeds. Five missense single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified between Corinto Nero and Sangiovese from transcriptomic data.

Conclusions

Our observations allowed us to attribute a seedlessness type to some variants for which it was not documented in the literature. Interestingly, theVvAGL11mutation responsible for Sultanina stenospermocarpy was also discovered in a seedless mutant of Gouais Blanc. We suggest that Corinto Nero parthenocarpy is driven by pollen and/or embryo sac defects, and both events likely arise from meiotic anomalies. The single nucleotide polymorphisms identified between Sangiovese and Corinto Nero are suitable for testing as traceability markers for propagated material and as functional candidates for the seedless phenotype.
Enhanced home palliative care could reduce emergency department visits due to non-organic dyspnea among cancer patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hsu Hua-Shui , Wu Tai-Hsien , Lin Chin-Yu , Lin Ching-Chun , Chen Tsung-Po , Lin Wen-Yuan
Published: March 2021

Background

Dyspnea is a common trigger of emergency department visits among terminally ill and cancer patients. Frequent emergency department (ED) visits at the end of life are an indicator of poor-quality care. We examined emergency department visit rates due to dyspnea symptoms among palliative patients under enhanced home palliative care.

Methods

Our home palliative care team is responsible for patient management by palliative care specialists, residents, home care nurses, social workers, and chaplains. We enhanced home palliative care visits from 5 days a week to 7 days a week, corresponding to one to two extra visits per week based on patient needs, to develop team-based medical services and formulate standard operating procedures for dyspnea care.

Results

Our team cared for a total of 762 patients who exhibited 512 ED visits, 178 of which were due to dyspnea (mean ± SD age, 70.4 ± 13.0 years; 49.4% male). Dyspnea (27.8%) was the most common reason recorded for ED visits, followed by pain (19.0%), GI symptoms (15.7%), and fever (15.3%). The analysis of Group A versus Group B revealed that the proportion of nonfamily workers (42.9% vs. 19.4%) and family members (57.1% vs. 80.6%) acting as caregivers differed significantly (P < 0.05). Compared to the ED visits of the Group A, the risk was decreased by 30.7% in the Group B (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study proves that enhanced home palliative care with two additional days per week and formulated standard operating procedures for dyspnea could significantly reduce the rate of ED visits due to non-organic dyspnea during the last 6 months of life.
Acceptability and safety of the menstrual cups among Iranian women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gharacheh Maryam , Ranjbar Fahimeh , Hajinasab Negar , Haghani Shima
Published: March 2021

Background

Menstrual cup is one of the menstrual management products that is available throughout the world and can be effective in improving women's quality of life by empowering women in menstrual management. Although menstrual cups have recently entered the Iranian market, the use of this product is limited among women. The aim of this study was to determine the acceptability and safety of menstrual cups among Iranian women.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study conducted in 2020. Iranian women between the ages of 18 and 50 with regular menstrual periods who used the menstrual cup at least for three months were included. Participants were selected through continuous sampling, and they completed a web-based questionnaire including a demographic characteristics form as well as checklists on acceptability and safety through a link sent electronically via social media.

Results

The mean score of the overall satisfaction with the cup was 6.54 ± 0.76, and the leakage had the lowest mean score among the satisfaction items (5.25 ± 1.63). About 83% of participants reported experiencing menstrual cup leakage. Among the reported health risks, the highest mean score was for vaginal pain during removal (23.9%). Most participants (83.9%) were familiar with the cup via social networks and 98.6% recommended this product to other women.

Conclusions

The high level of acceptability and safety of the menstrual cup showed that this product is a suitable alternative for menstrual management in Iranian women. The results of the study help healthcare providers to learn more about the potential advantages and disadvantages of using cup and create trust in the menstrual cup use based on the results of local evidence-based research.
Correction to: Maternal high fat diet compromises survival and modulates lung development of offspring, and impairs lung function of dams (female mice)
Authors: Smoothy Jordan , Larcombe Alexander N. , Chivers Emily K. , Matthews Vance B. , Gorman Shelley
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Interaction of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) candidate longevity gene and particulate matter (PM2.5) on all-cause mortality: a longitudinal cohort study in China
Authors: Yao Yao , Liu Linxin , Guo Guang , Zeng Yi , Ji John S.
Published: March 2021

Background

The SIRT1 gene was associated with the lifespan in several organisms through inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways. Long-term air particulate matter (PM) is detrimental to health through the same pathways.

Methods

We used the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) to investigate whether there is a gene-environment (G × E) interaction of SIRT1 and air pollution on mortality in an older cohort in China. Among 7083 participants with a mean age of 81.1 years, we genotyped nine SIRT1 alleles for each participant and assessed PM2.5 concentration using 3-year average concentrations around each participant’s residence. We used Cox-proportional hazards models to estimate the independent and joint effects of SIRT1 polymorphisms and PM2.5 exposure on all-cause mortality, adjusting for a set of confounders.

Results

There were 2843 deaths over 42,852 person-years. The mortality hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2·5 was 1.08 (1.05–1.11); for SIRT1_391 was 0.77 (0.61, 0.98) in the recessive model after adjustment. In stratified analyses, participants carrying two SIRT1_391 minor alleles had a significantly higher HR for each 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 than those carrying zero minor alleles (1.323 (95% CI: 1.088, 1.610) vs. 1.062 (1.028, 1.096) p for interaction = 0.03). Moreover, the interaction of SIRT1 and air pollution on mortality is significant among women but not among men. We did not see significant relationships for SIRT1_366, SIRT1_773, and SIRT1_720.

Conclusion

We found a gene-environment interaction of SIRT1 and air pollution on mortality, future experimental studies are warranted to depict the mechanism observed in this study.
Preoperative C-reactive protein and other inflammatory markers as predictors of postoperative complications in patients with colorectal neoplasia
Authors: Alsaif Sufana H. , Rogers Ailín C. , Pua Priscilla , Casey Paul T. , Aherne Geoff G. , Brannigan Ann E. , Mulsow Jurgen J. , Shields Conor J. , Cahill Ronan A.
Published: March 2021

Background

Inflammatory markers are measured following colorectal surgery to detect postoperative complications. However, the association of these markers preoperatively with subsequent postoperative course has not yet been usefully studied.

Aim

The aim of this study is to assess the ability of preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) and other inflammatory marker measurements in the prediction of postoperative morbidity after elective colorectal surgery.

Methods

This is a retrospective study which catalogs 218 patients undergoing elective, potentially curative surgery for colorectal neoplasia. Preoperative laboratory results of the full blood count (FBC), C-reactive protein (CRP) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were recorded. Multivariable analysis was performed to examine preoperative variables against 30-day postoperative complications by type and grade (Clavien-Dindo (CD)), adjusting for age, sex, BMI, smoking status, medical history, open versus laparoscopic operation, and tumor characteristics.

Results

Elevated preoperative CRP (≥ 5 mg/L) was significantly predictive of all-cause mortality, with an OR of 17.0 (p < 0.001) and was the strongest factor to predict a CD morbidity grade ≥ 3 (OR 41.9, p < 0.001). Other factors predictive of CD morbidity grade ≥ 3 included smoking, elevated preoperative platelet count and elevated preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (OR 15.6, 8.6, and 6.3 respectively, all p < 0.05). CRP values above 5.5 mg/L were indicative of all-cause morbidity (AUC = 0.871), and values above 17.5 mg/L predicted severe complications (AUC = 0.934).

Conclusions

Elevated preoperative CRP predicts increased postoperative morbidity in this patient cohort. The results herein aid risk and resource stratification and encourage preoperative assessment of inflammatory propensity besides simple sepsis exclusion.
Correlation between activated clotting time monitoring and heparin concentration measurement in a patient with antiphospholipid syndrome during cardiac valve surgery: a case report
Authors: Yoshinaga Koichi , Otsuka Yuji , Furukawa Taku , Amitani Shizuka , Kimura Naoyuki , Sanui Masamitsu
Published: March 2021

Background

Anticoagulation management of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) undergoing cardiac surgery is challenging due to the prolongation of activated clotting time (ACT). Currently, no study has compared the utility of ACT monitoring using the Hemochron Jr. Signature+ and that of heparin concentration management using the Hemostasis Management System (HMS) Plus in patients with APS.

Case presentation

A 71-year-old woman with APS was scheduled to undergo an aortic valve replacement for aortic regurgitation. The ACT was measured using the Hemochron Jr. Signature+, and the heparin concentration was measured concurrently using the HMS Plus. ACT over 480 s corresponded to an adequate heparin concentration during cardiopulmonary bypass. The clinical course was uneventful, and no thrombotic or hemorrhagic complications were observed.

Conclusion

In the present patient with APS, the Hemochron Jr. Signature+ was useful as an anticoagulation management during cardiac valve surgery.
Applications of Nanoparticle-Antibody Conjugates in Immunoassays and Tumor Imaging
Authors: Lin Xinhao , O’Reilly Beringhs André , Lu Xiuling
Published: March 2021

Modern diagnostic technologies rely on both in vitro and in vivo modalities to provide a complete understanding of the clinical state of a patient. Nanoparticle-antibody conjugates have emerged as promising systems to confer increased sensitivity and accuracy for in vitro diagnostics (e.g., immunoassays). Meanwhile, in vivo applications have benefited from the targeting ability of nanoparticle-antibody conjugates, as well as payload flexibility and tailored biodistribution. This review provides an encompassing overview of nanoparticle-antibody conjugates, from chemistry to applications in medical immunoassays and tumor imaging, highlighting the underlying principles and unique features of relevant preclinical applications employing commonly used imaging modalities (e.g., optical/photoacoustics, positron-emission tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, X-ray computed tomography).
Repurposing Melt Degradation for the Evaluation of Mixed Amorphous-Crystalline Blends
Authors: Abdul-jabbar Sumayah , Wong Daniel W. , Martin Gary P. , Woodhead Brendon , Royall Paul G.
Published: March 2021

Medicine regulators require the melting points for crystalline drugs, as they are a test for chemical and physical quality. Many drugs, especially salt-forms, suffer concomitant degradation during melting; thus, it would be useful to know if the endotherm associated with melt degradation may be used for characterising the crystallinity of a powder blend. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether melt-degradation transitions can detect amorphous content in a blend of crystalline and amorphous salbutamol sulphate. Salbutamol sulphate was rendered amorphous by freeze and spray-drying and blended with crystalline drug, forming standards with a range of amorphous content. Crystalline salbutamol sulphate was observed to have a melt-degradation onset of 198.2±0.2°C, while anhydrous amorphous salbutamol sulphate prepared by either method showed similar glass transition temperatures of 119.4±0.7°C combined. Without the energy barrier provided by the ordered crystal lattice, the degradation endotherm for amorphous salbutamol sulphate occurred 50°C below the melting point, with an onset of 143.6±0.2°C. The enthalpies for this degradation transition showed no significant difference between freeze- and spray-dried samples (p>0.05). Distinct from convention, partial integration of the crystalline melt-degradation endotherm was applied to the region 193–221°C which had no contribution from the degradation of amorphous salbutamol sulphate. The linear correlation of these partial areas with amorphous content, R2=0.994, yielded limits of detection and quantification of 0.13% and 0.44% respectively, independent of drying technique. Melt-degradation transitions may be re-purposed for the measurement of amorphous content in powder blends, and they have potential for evaluating disorder more generally.
Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Cryogel Membranes Loaded with Resveratrol as Potential Active Wound Dressings
Authors: Górska Anna , Krupa Anna , Majda Dorota , Kulinowski Piotr , Kurek Mateusz , Węglarz Władysław P. , Jachowicz Renata
Published: March 2021

Hydrogel wound dressings are highly effective in the therapy of wounds. Yet, most of them do not contain any active ingredient that could accelerate healing. The aim of this study was to prepare hydrophilic active dressings loaded with an anti-inflammatory compound - trans-resveratrol (RSV) of hydrophobic properties. A special attention was paid to select such a technological strategy that could both reduce the risk of irritation at the application site and ensure the homogeneity of the final hydrogel. RSV dissolved in Labrasol was combined with an aqueous sol of poly(vinyl) alcohol (PVA), containing propylene glycol (PG) as a plasticizer. This sol was transformed into a gel under six consecutive cycles of freezing (-80 °C) and thawing (RT). White, uniform and elastic membranes were successfully produced. Their critical features, namely microstructure, mechanical properties, water uptake and RSV release were studied using SEM, DSC, MRI, texture analyser and Franz-diffusion cells. The cryogels made of 8 % of PVA showed optimal tensile strength (0.22 MPa) and elasticity (0.082 MPa). The application of MRI enabled to elucidate mass transport related phenomena in this complex system at the molecular (detection of PG, confinement effects related to pore size) as well as at the macro level (swelling). The controlled release of RSV from membranes was observed for 48 h with mean dissolution time of 18 h and dissolution efficiency of 35 %. All in all, these cryogels could be considered as a promising new active wound dressings.
The Association of TSH and Thyroid Hormones With Lymphopenia in Bacterial Sepsis and COVID-19
Authors: Grondman Inge , de Nooijer Aline H , Antonakos Nikolaos , Janssen Nico A F , Mouktaroudi Maria , Leventogiannis Konstantinos , Medici Marco , Smit Jan W A , van Herwaarden Antonius E , Joosten Leo A B , van de Veerdonk Frank L , Pickkers Peter , Kox Matthijs , Jaeger Martin , Netea Mihai G , Giamarellos-Bourboulis Evangelos J , Netea-Maier Romana T
Published: March 2021

Context

Lymphopenia is a key feature of immune dysfunction in patients with bacterial sepsis and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and is associated with poor clinical outcomes, but the cause is largely unknown. Severely ill patients may present with thyroid function abnormalities, so-called nonthyroidal illness syndrome, and several studies have linked thyrotropin (thyroid stimulating hormone, TSH) and the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T3) to homeostatic regulation and function of lymphocyte populations.

Objective

This work aimed to test the hypothesis that abnormal thyroid function correlates with lymphopenia in patients with severe infections.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of absolute lymphocyte counts, circulating TSH, T4, free T4 (FT4), T3, albumin, and inflammatory biomarkers was performed in 2 independent hospitalized study populations: bacterial sepsis (n = 224) and COVID-19 patients (n = 161). A subgroup analysis was performed in patients with severe lymphopenia and normal lymphocyte counts.

Results

Only T3 significantly correlated (ρ = 0.252) with lymphocyte counts in patients with bacterial sepsis, and lower concentrations were found in severe lymphopenic compared to nonlymphopenic patients (n = 56 per group). Severe lymphopenic COVID-19 patients (n = 17) showed significantly lower plasma concentrations of TSH, T4, FT4, and T3 compared to patients without lymphopenia (n = 18), and demonstrated significantly increased values of the inflammatory markers interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and ferritin. Remarkably, after 1 week of follow-up, the majority (12 of 15) of COVID-19 patients showed quantitative recovery of their lymphocyte numbers, whereas TSH and thyroid hormones remained mainly disturbed.

Conclusion

Abnormal thyroid function correlates with lymphopenia in patients with severe infections, like bacterial sepsis and COVID-19, but future studies need to establish whether a causal relationship is involved.
Radiomics With Ensemble Machine Learning Predicts Dopamine Agonist Response in Patients With Prolactinoma
Authors: Park Yae Won , Eom Jihwan , Kim Sooyon , Kim Hwiyoung , Ahn Sung Soo , Ku Cheol Ryong , Kim Eui Hyun , Lee Eun Jig , Kim Sun Ho , Lee Seung-Koo
Published: March 2021

Context

Early identification of the response of prolactinoma patients to dopamine agonists (DA) is crucial in treatment planning.

Objective

To develop a radiomics model using an ensemble machine learning classifier with conventional magnetic resonance images (MRIs) to predict the DA response in prolactinoma patients.

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea.

Patients

A total of 177 prolactinoma patients who underwent baseline MRI (109 DA responders and 68 DA nonresponders) were allocated to the training (n = 141) and test (n = 36) sets. Radiomic features (n = 107) were extracted from coronal T2-weighed MRIs. After feature selection, single models (random forest, light gradient boosting machine, extra-trees, quadratic discrimination analysis, and linear discrimination analysis) with oversampling methods were trained to predict the DA response. A soft voting ensemble classifier was used to achieve the final performance. The performance of the classifier was validated in the test set.

Results

The ensemble classifier showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.81 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.74–0.87] in the training set. In the test set, the ensemble classifier showed an AUC, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.81 (95% CI, 0.67-0.96), 77.8%, 78.6%, and 77.3%, respectively. The ensemble classifier achieved the highest performance among all the individual models in the test set.

Conclusions

Radiomic features may be useful biomarkers to predict the DA response in prolactinoma patients.
Thy1-Positive Spermatogonia Suppress the Proliferation of Spermatogonial Stem Cells by Extracellular Vesicles In Vitro
Authors: Lin Yu , Fang Qian , He Yue , Gong Xiaowen , Wang Yinjuan , Liang Ajuan , Wang Guishuan , Gong Shengnan , Wu Ji , Sun Fei
Published: March 2021

The self-renewal of mammalian spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) supports spermatogenesis to produce spermatozoa, and this is precisely controlled in a stem niche microenvironment in the seminiferous tubules. Although studies have revealed the role of the surrounding factors in SSCs, little is known about whether the division of SSCs is controlled by extracellular vesicles. Here, extracellular vesicles were found in the basal compartment of seminiferous tubules in mouse, rat, rabbit and human testes. In the mice, the testicular extracellular vesicles are secreted by spermatogonia and are taken up by SSCs. Further, the extracellular vesicles from thy1-positive spermatogonia were purified by anti-Thy1-coupled magnetic beads, which suppress their proliferation of SSCs but do not lead to the apoptosis in vitro.
Melatonin Inhibits Osteoclastogenesis and Bone Loss in Ovariectomized Mice by Regulating PRMT1-Mediated Signaling
Authors: Choi Joo-Hee , Jang Ah-Ra , Park Min-Jung , Kim Dong-il , Park Jong-Hwan
Published: March 2021

Melatonin, a pineal gland hormone, has been suggested to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis due to its inhibitory effect on osteoclast differentiation. We previously reported that protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) was an important mediator of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis. However, the relationship between melatonin and PRMT1 in osteoclast differentiation and estrogen deficiency–induced osteoporosis is unclear. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory mechanisms of melatonin in vitro and in vivo by focusing on PRMT1. Melatonin treatment effectively blocked RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by inhibiting PRMT1 and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) expression. RANKL-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and the phosphorylation of JNK were also suppressed by melatonin, and TRAF6 siRNA attenuated RANKL-induced p-JNK and PRMT1 production. Melatonin inhibited the transcriptional activity of NF-κB by interfering with the binding of PRMT1 and NF-κB subunit p65 in RANKL-treated bone marrow–derived macrophages. Our results also revealed that melatonin inhibits RANKL-induced PRMT1 expression through receptors-independent pathway. Thus, the anti-osteoclastogenic effect of melatonin was mediated by a cascade of inhibition of RANKL-induced TRAF6, JNK, PRMT1, and NF-κB signaling in melatonin receptors-independent pathway. In vivo, ovariectomy caused significant decreases in bone mineral density, but melatonin treatment alleviated the ovariectomized (OVX)-induced bone loss by inhibiting bone resorption. Furthermore, the expression PRMT1 and TRAP mRNA was upregulated in OVX-femurs, but effectively suppressed by melatonin injection. These findings suggest that melatonin inhibited osteoclast differentiation and estrogen deficiency–induced osteoporosis by suppressing RANKL-induced TRAF6, JNK, PRMT1, and NF-κB signaling cascades in melatonin receptors-independent pathway.
Ιστορική εξέλιξη του βατήρα αλμάτων από τον 17ο αιώνα μέχρι το τέλος του 19ου αιώνα
Authors: Καϊμακάμης Βασίλειος
Published: March 2021

Λεπτομερείς πληροφορίες για τον βατήρα αλμάτων (εικόνα και περιγραφή) έχουμε για πρώτη φορά στο βιβλίο που εξέδωσε το 1599 ο Ιταλός ακροβάτης Αρχάγγελο Τουκάρο. Από τότε, μέχρι και τις πρώτες δεκαετίες του 19ου αιώνα, χρησιμοποιούσαν  βατήρες κυρίως οι διάφοροι ακροβάτες για την εκτέλεση θεαματικών ασκήσεων. Ως γυμναστικό όργανο για άλματα στον γυμναστικό ίππο, στο μποκ και στο τραπέζιο, ο βατήρας άρχισε να χρησιμοποιείται από τον θεμελιωτή του γερμανικού γυμναστικού συστήματος (Γιάν) και τους διαδόχους του. Από τα μέσα του 19ου αιώνα και μετά άρχισαν να παρατίθενται στη βιβλιογραφία της εποχής με κάθε λεπτομέρεια διάφοροι τύποι βατήρων (μορφή, διαστάσεις, υλικό κατασκευής, ειδική χρήση). Τέτοιους βατήρες παρουσιάζουν οι Γερμανοί Λιον (1866) και  Όϊλερ, Κλούκε (1872). Ας σημειωθεί ότι την εποχή αυτή και μέχρι το τέλος του 19ου αιώνα, στα αγωνιστικά συστήματα των γυμναστικών αγωνισμάτων ο βατήρας χρησιμοποιήθηκε λιγότερο για τη διαπέραση του ίππου αλμάτων (μποκ, τραπέζιο, πλινθίο) και περισσότερο για ακροβατικά άλματα ή άλματα σε ύψος και μήκος. Στην ελληνική αθλητική βιβλιογραφία του 19ου αιώνα, παρά το γεγονός ότι γίνεται αρκετή αναφορά στο γυμναστικό ίππο, δεν υπάρχει καμία αναφορά στον βατήρα.
Analyzing the Social License to Operate in International Investment Law
Authors: Mandal Rudresh
Published: March 2021

A small segment of Investor-State Arbitration flows from the consequences of resistance by the local population (particularly, indigenous people) against the particular investment, and the concerned State cancelling permits granted earlier, precluding all future activities of the investor. This paper seeks to argue that when faced with an investment treaty dispute of this nature, arbitrators should (and indeed may be required to) reflect on the Social License to Operate (SLO) as a part of the applicable law. It aims at creating a framework within which the Social License to Operate should be conceptualized by investment tribunals in the future. The article first examines the nature of the social license to operate and then goes on to highlight its existence in relevant bodies of international law. Thereafter, the article seeks to analyze its use in past investment tribunals, such as the award laid down in Bear Creek Mining v. Peru, and uses this analysis as a springboard to construct a way forward for future applications of the concept.
Analyzing the Role of the Goods and Service Tax Network in Helping the State Preserve a Just Social Order
Authors: Sethuraman Kothandaraman
Published: March 2021

The Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) manages the Common GST Electronic Portal. The payment of money, inclusive of the Goods and Services Taxes (GSTs), is made to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in three different ways – It can first be deposited as revenue in compliance with law; it can also be deposited after collection, following notices of demand; and finally it can be deposited after recovery from defaulters, into the respective Consolidated Funds, which are mutually independent parts of central and state treasuries. GST revenues accounted for in the Consolidated Funds would have to be correct, complete and uncontested. The GSTN thereafter manages the digital facilitation of the registration, furnishing returns, computation and settlement of Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST), electronic way bill and other functions if prescribed in accordance with law. This paper examines if the functioning of the GSTN within the framework of the Constitution, would enable the State to apply the Directive Principles of State Policy, which guide governance in India, to secure and preserve a just social order.
Analysis of the Implementation of the NRC with Respect to Statelessness in Assam
Authors: Raturi Ankit
Published: March 2021

On 31st August 2019, the final version of the National Register of Citizens was published. It was meant to be a seamless solution to the so-called ‘immigration problem’ that the people of Assam have been facing for the last few decades. The demand for such a Register, therefore, dates back to the Assam Agitation. An undoubtedly sizable task, it has now drawn criticism on several grounds. The most common criticism being that it has successfully rendered 1.9 million people in Assam stateless. A stateless person is one who belongs to no particular ‘nation’ or ‘state’. This is an issue that requires urgent attention as it has resulted in the violation of human rights and deprivation of basic resources. This research paper attempts to examine whether the Register has successfully addressed the aforementioned problem. In order to do so, the researcher has examined the procedural aspects of drafting the Register and its subsequent implementation. Further, the paper explores the after effects of the implementation of such a Register, while attempting to arrive at solutions to resolve the various issues created via such an implementation.
СОВРЕМЕННОЕ РАЗВИТИЕ СЕВЕРНОГО МОРСКОГО ПУТИ И ЕГО ЗНАЧИМОСТЬ ДЛЯ ЭКОНОМИКИ РОССИИ
Authors: ROCHEVA OLGA , ZARIPOVA RIMMA , MOROZOVA IRINA
Published: March 2021

Foreign transport structures are currently interested in transit and fuel transportation in the North. However this direction doesn’t get the development due to imperfection of the normative-legal base regulating this process and insufficient state support of the mainline work. Another important obstacle is the lack of consistency of domestic norms with the standards of international maritime law and low level of shipping safety, typical of our country.
АКТУАЛЬНЫЕ ПРОБЛЕМЫ АВТОМАТИЗАЦИИ БИЗНЕС-ПРОЦЕССОВ НА ПРЕДПРИЯТИИ
Authors: ALEMASOV EVGENY , SHAKIROV ARSLAN
Published: March 2021

The article investigates current issues of process automation at the enterprise, which contribute to reducing production costs, as well as problems associated with the automation of business processes. The advantages of process automation are considered.
Psychological tolerance of cadets: analysis of assessment of its condition
Authors: Cvetkov Vyacheslav , Hrustaleva Tat'yana
Published: March 2021

The article deals with the problem of forming a tolerant consciousness. The purpose of the study is to assess the degree of expression of students ' own tolerance during the period of training in educational organizations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. The research methods used were theoretical and comparative analysis, generalization, interpretation and reinterpretation of scientific data, existing practice; empirical methods: conversation, survey, method of expert assessments. The study sample consisted of cadets and students of higher educational organizations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia (94 respondents aged 18 to 22 years, 63 men and 31 women). The problems of forming a tolerant consciousness, the structure of tolerance, the importance of tolerance in the professional activities of police officers, as well as in the process of their training and professional development are considered. The results of the study of the degree of self-tolerance among cadets of educational organizations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia are presented. It is shown that despite a fairly high level of tolerance, the main problem point for cadets is the formation and development of their active life position. An adequate level of tolerance of cadets is an indicator not only of the social maturity of the individual, but also indicates the formation of their professional self-awareness. The obtained results and conclusions are relevant for the organization of psychological work in the internal affairs bodies.
Personal factors of professional success of social work specialists
Authors: Karavanova Lyudmila , Kachaev Ruslan
Published: March 2021

The article presents an analysis of the personal factors of the success of the professional activities of social work specialists, in particular, specialists in working with the family. It is noted that the structure of social services requires the solution of a number of new tasks caused by social, information, economic, and globalization changes in our society. Social services for the family are understood as specific social activities aimed at expanding the family's ability to independently provide for their basic life needs, to promote the sustainable functioning of the family and the effective performance of families ' functions of raising and socializing children. The relevance of the empirical study of personal psychological resources of the success of social professionals is justified. In the framework of an empirical study, using the methods of expert evaluation, the method of" polar groups " by J. R. R. Tolkien. Flanagan, techniques 16-tifactorial the study of personality Cattell R., methods of diagnosis leading mechanisms of psychological protection "Index lifestyle" R. Plutchik ("Life style Index"), questionnaire of coping (coping R. Lazarus test) among the "unsuccessful" and "successful" professionals working with the family received the results: "failed" experts characterized by the use of A Factor, while for "successful" professionals a number of wider factors, Factor V, Factor E, F Factor, Factor I; it is revealed that among the adaptive mechanisms (mechanisms of psychological protection and strategies of coping with stress), the following predominate: in" unsuccessful "specialists – the mechanisms of psychological protection "regression"," substitution "and coping strategy" distancing"; in" successful "specialists – "confrontation". The expansion of scientific knowledge about the psychological factors of the success of professional activities of specialists working with the family will reduce the tension of subject-subject interaction, prevent the manifestations of various kinds of professional deformities, as well as ensure a certain level of professional health and improve the quality of life of specialists in general.