bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A feasibility study of objective outcome measures used in clinical trials of freezing of gait
Authors: Revuelta Gonzalo J. , Embry Aaron , Elm Jordan J. , Jenkins Shonna , Lee Philip , Kautz Steve
Published: July 2022

Background

Freezing of gait (FOG) is notoriously difficult to quantify, which has led to the use of multiple markers as outcomes for clinical trials. The instrumented timed up and go (TUG) and the many parameters that can be derived from it are commonly used as objective markers of FOG severity in clinical trials; however, it is unknown if they represent actual FOG severity.

Objective

To determine the specificity and responsiveness of objective surrogate markers of FOG severity commonly utilized in FOG studies.

Methods

Study design: We compared the specificity and responsiveness of commonly used markers in FOG clinical trials. Markers compared included velocity, step/stride length, step/stride length variability, TUG, and turn duration. Data was collected in four conditions (ON and OFF dopaminergic drugs, with and without a dual task). Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) was administered in the ON and OFF states.

Results

Thirty-three subjects were recruited (17 PD subjects without FOG (PD-control) and 16 subjects with PD and dopa-responsive FOG PD-FOG). The UPDRS motor scores were 24.9 for the PD-control group in the ON state, 24.8 for the FOG group in the ON state, and 42.4 for the FOG group in the OFF state. Significant mean differences between the ON and OFF conditions were observed with all surrogate markers (p < 0.01). However, only dual task turn duration and step variability showed trends toward significance when comparing PD-control and ON-FOG (p = 0.08). Test–retest reliability was high (ICC > 0.90) for all markers except standard deviations. Step length variability was the only marker to show an area under the ROC curve analysis > 0.70 comparing ON-FOG vs. PD-control.

Conclusions

Multiple candidate surrogate markers for FOG severity showed responsiveness to levodopa challenge; however, most were not specific for FOG severity.
Accuracy of guide wire placement for femoral neck stabilization using 3D printed drill guides
Authors: Roytman Gregory R. , Ramji Alim F. , Beitler Brian , Yoo Brad , Leslie Michael P. , Baumgaertner Michael , Tommasini Steven , Wiznia Daniel H.
Published: July 2022

Background

The goal of stabilization of the femoral neck is to limit morbidity and mortality from fracture. Of three potential methods of fixation, (three percutaneous screws, the Synthes Femoral Neck System, and a dynamic hip screw), each requires guide wire positioning of the implant(s) in the femoral neck and head. Consistent and accurate positioning of these systems is paramount to reduce surgical times, stabilize fractures effectively, and reduce complications. To help expedite surgery and achieve ideal implant positioning in the geriatric population, we have developed and validated a surgical planning methodology using 3D modelling and printing technology.

Methods

Using image processing software, 3D surgical models were generated placing guide wires in a virtual model of an osteoporotic proximal femur sawbone. Three unique drill guides were created to achieve the optimal position for implant placement for each of the three different implant systems, and the guides were 3D printed. Subsequently, a trauma fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon used the 3D printed guides to position 2.8 mm diameter drill bit tipped guide wires into five osteoporotic sawbones for each of the three systems (fifteen sawbones total). Computed Tomography (CT) scans were then taken of each of the sawbones with the implants in place. 3D model renderings of the CT scans were created using image processing techniques and the displacement and angular deviations at guide wire entry to the optimal sawbone model were measured.

Results

Across all three percutaneous screw guide wires, the average displacement was 3.19 ± 0.12 mm and the average angular deviation was 4.10 ± 0.17o. The Femoral Neck System guide wires had an average displacement of 1.59 ± 0.18 mm and average angular deviation of 2.81 ± 0.64o. The Dynamic Hip Screw had an average displacement of 1.03 ± 0.19 mm and average angular deviation of 2.59 ± 0.39o.

Conclusion

The use of custom 3D printed drill guides to assist with the positioning of guide wires proved to be accurate for each of the three types of surgical strategies. Guides which are used to place more than 1 guide wire may have lower positional accuracy, as the guide may shift during multiple wire insertions. We believe that personalized point of care drill guides provide an accurate intraoperative method for positioning implants into the femoral neck.
Which surgeon demographic factors influence postoperative complication rates after total knee arthroplasty at U.S. News and World Report top-ranked orthopedic hospitals?
Authors: Gordon Adam M. , Horn Andrew R. , Diamond Keith B. , Ng Mitchell K. , Magruder Matthew L. , Erez Orry
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Complication rates are used to evaluate surgical quality-of-care and determine health care reimbursements. The U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) hospital rankings are a highly-referenced source for top hospitals. The objective of this study was to determine the surgeon demographics of those practicing at USNWR Top Ranked Orthopedic Hospitals and if any influence complication rates after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

The 2009–2013 USNWR ‘Orthopedic’ hospital rankings were identified. A database of TKA surgeons with postoperative complication rates was compiled utilizing publicly available data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (2009–2013). Using an internet search algorithm, demographic data were collected for each surgeon and consisted of: fellowship training, years in practice, age, gender, practice setting, medical degree type, residency reputation, case volume, and geographic region of hospital. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between surgeon demographics and postoperative complication rates. A P value of < 0.008 was considered significant.

Results

From 2009 to 2013, 660 orthopedic surgeons performed TKA at 80 different USNWR Top-Ranked Hospitals. Mean TKA case volume was 172 (Range, 20–1323) and age of surgeon was 50.8 (Range, 32–77). A total of 372 (56.8%) completed an orthopedic surgery fellowship. Mean adjusted 30-day complication rate was 2.24% (Range, 1.2–4.5%). After adjustment, factors associated with increased complication rates were surgeon age ≤ 42 (OR 3.15; P = 0.007) and lower case volume (≤ 100 cases) (OR 2.52; P < 0.0001). Gender, hospital geographic region, completion of a fellowship, medical degree type, and residency reputation were not significant factors.

Discussion

Complication rates of total knee arthroplasty surgeons may be utilized by patients and hospitals to gauge quality of care. Certain surgeon factors may influence complication rates of surgeons performing TKA at USNWR Top Ranked Orthopedic Hospitals.

Study Type

Level III, retrospective observational study.
Generation of muscle progenitors from human-induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Elmadbouh Ibrahim
Published: July 2022

Background

Small molecules have a role in the differentiation of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into different cell linages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differentiation of hiPSCs into cardiac or skeletal myogenic progenitors with a single small molecule.

Methods

hiPSCs were treated with three different small molecules such as Isoxazole-9, Danazol and Givinostat in serum-free medium for 7 days. Cell viability, qRT-PCR, western blots, and immunostaining were assessed after treatment of hiPSCs with small molecules.

Results

Higher hiPSC viability was observed in hiPSCs treated with Isoxazole-9 (25 µM), Danazol (25 µM) and Givinostat (150 nM) versus control (P < 0.05). Givinostat had dual effect by generating both skeletal and cardiac progenitor cells versus Isoxazole-9 and Danazol after 7 days. Givinostat treatment induced upregulation of skeletal myogenic genes and their protein expression levels on day 4 and further increased on day 8 (P < 0.05) versus control. Furthermore,positive stained cells for Pax3, Myf5, MyoD1, dystrophin, desmin, myogenin, and β-catenin at 1 month. Givinostat increased upregulation of cardiac gene expression levels versus control after day 4 (P < 0.05), with positive stained cells for Nkx2.5, GATA4, TnT, TnI, connexin 43 and α-sarcomeric actinin at 1 month.

Conclusions

Pretreatment of hiPSCs with Givinostat represents a viable strategy for producing both cardiac/skeletal myogenic progenitors in vitro for cell therapies against myocardial infarction and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Improved method for surgical induction of chronic hypertension in mice
Authors: Skaria Tom , Aboouf Mostafa A. , Vogel Johannes
Published: July 2022

Chronic hypertension can be induced in mice by one-kidney one-clip (1K1C) or two-kidney one-clip surgery, transgenic overexpression of angiotensinogen and renin, administration of deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt, supplying Nitro-L-arginine methyl-ester in the drinking water and Angiotensin-II infusion. Although each model has its own pros and cons, selection of a model that mimics human hypertensive disease accurately is essential to ensure rigor and reproducibility in hypertension research. 1K1C mice represent an efficient, budget-friendly, and translationally capable model; however, their use in preclinical research has remained largely hindered due to concerns about potential technical complexity and lack of reported information regarding procedure-related mortality rates. Here, we describe in detail an improved version of the 1K1C surgery in mice that has zero intraoperative mortality and excellent survival rates in a long-term setting and permits the development of stable chronic hypertension and its target organ complications. Key to this outcome is unilateral nephrectomy 1 week after renal artery clipping to decelerate the blood pressure (BP) increase, which allows the organism to adapt better to the BP rise. The technical and animal welfare improvements presented here may promote the acceptance of the 1K1C model.
Bioinspired Total Synthesis and Structure-Activity Relationship Studies on Aplaminal
Authors: Ohyoshi Takayuki , Zhao Yiwen , Akemoto Kei , Ishihara Takuma , Taniguchi Ayaka , Zhang Menghua , Kigoshi Hideo
Published: July 2022

The total synthesis of aplaminal having a unique triazabicyclo[3.2.1]octane skeleton was accomplished using biomimetic oxidative cyclization as a key reaction. This total synthesis enabled us to prepare aplaminal analogs with a variety of substituents at the para-position in the aromatic ring. We found that an electron-donating group at the para-position enhances cytotoxicity and a hydrogen bond donor at the para-position is suitable for cytotoxicity.
Λοιμώξεις χειρουργικού πεδίου στην επείγουσα χειρουργική
Authors: Παπαδόπουλος Αριστείδης
Published: July 2022

Οι λοιμώξεις χειρουργικού πεδίου (ΛΧΠ) σχετίζονται με αυξημένη νοσηρότητα και θνητότητα και εμφανίζονται συχνότερα σε επείγουσες (μη προγραμματισμένες) χειρουργικές επεμβάσεις παρά σε τακτικές. Συνεπώς, η αναγνώριση των ασθενών που πρόκειται να υποβληθούν σε επείγουσα χειρουργική επέμβαση και είναι υψηλού κινδύνου για εμφάνιση ΛΧΠ, μπορεί να οδηγήσει σε ομαλότερη μετεγχειρητική πορεία, με μειωμένη νοσηρότητα και θνητότητα. Ο σκοπός της μελέτης μας είναι να καθορίσει την επίπτωση των ΛΧΠ στις επείγουσες χειρουργικές επεμβάσεις, καθώς και τους παράγοντες κινδύνου για την ανάπτυξη τους. Ασθενείς και Μέθοδος: Για τη μελέτη αυτή συγκεντρώθηκαν και αναλύθηκαν προοπτικά, δεδομένα από ασθενείς που υπεβλήθησαν σε επείγουσες χειρουργικές επεμβάσεις σε ένα διάστημα 5 ετών, στο κέντρο μας. Αποτελέσματα: Στη μελέτη συμπεριλήφθησαν 838 ασθενείς που υπεβλήθησαν σε επείγουσα χειρουργική επέμβαση κατά το διάστημα αυτό. Η μέση ηλικία αυτών ήταν τα 58 έτη (IQR 25-71) και οι 368 (44%) ήταν γυναίκες. Οι 157 (18,7%) ασθενείς ανέπτυξαν ΛΧΠ. Tο πιο συχνό παθογόνο που απομονώθηκε ήταν το E.Coli (54%), ακολουθούμενο από τον Staphylococcus Aureus (40,1%) και τον Enterococcus spp (21,6%). H θνητότητα στις 30 ημέρες στους ασθενείς που εμφάνισαν ΛΧΠ ήταν 14,6%, έναντι 6,8% στους ασθενείς που δεν εμφάνισαν ΛΧΠ. Η πολυπαραγοντική ανάλυση έδειξε ότι η κατηγορία του χειρουργικού τραύματος κατά CDC, το American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score, η βαρύτητα της χειρουργικής επέμβασης και διάρκεια της χειρουργικής επέμβασης μεγαλύτερη από 90 λεπτά αποτελούν ανεξάρτητους παράγοντες κινδύνου για την εμφάνιση ΛΧΠ. Συμπεράσματα: Η αναγνώριση των τροποποιήσιμων παραγόντων κινδύνου για την εμφάνιση ΛΧΠ είναι επιτακτική, αφού μπορεί να επηρεάσει δραστικά την μετεγχειρητική πορεία. Τροποποίηση της μετεγχειρητικής φροντίδας και εντατικότερη παρακολούθηση των ασθενών που έχουν παράγοντες κινδύνου για την ανάπτυξη ΛΧΠ, μπορεί να οδηγήσει σε μείωση της νοσηρότητας και θνητότητας των.
Η εξέλιξη των διεθνών εκπαιδευτικών προγραμμάτων φυσικής αγωγής και η δια βίου άθληση ως κυρίαρχος στόχος
Authors: Κυριαζή Κυριακή
Published: July 2022

Πολλές αναφορές εντοπίζονται στη διεθνή βιβλιογραφία με ιδιαίτερη έμφαση στη «Διά Βίου Άθληση», ως μακροχρόνια βιωματική διαδικασία, αλλά και πολυπαραγοντική οικονομική και κοινωνική επένδυση. Η ανά χείρας μελέτη έχει σαν βασικό στόχο τη διερεύνηση του ρόλου της Φυσικής Αγωγής, στα ελληνικά και διεθνή εκπαιδευτικά προγράμματα και αναμένεται να ενισχύσει την ακαδημαϊκή κατανόηση των παραγόντων που συνετέλεσαν στη μετεξέλιξη του στόχου από «φυσική αγωγή για την υγεία» σε «διά βίου άσκηση για υγεία». Αρχικά παρουσιάζεται ο ρόλος της Γυμναστικής-Φυσικής Αγωγής στην αρχαιότητα, άμα τη εμφανίσει της, η επιλεκτική καταγραφή των θέσεων των κορυφαίων φιλοσόφων και η επισήμανση των βασικών διαφορών μεταξύ των σημαντικότερων συστημάτων της κάθε εποχής. Η μελέτη των Ευρωπαϊκών συστημάτων στον χώρο της Φυσικής Αγωγής -με επικρατέστερα το Γερμανικό και το Σουηδικό- τον 18ο και 19ο αιώνα, αποκαλύπτει περίτρανα ότι το πνεύμα της ελληνικής παιδείας αποτέλεσε εκπαιδευτικό πρότυπο για τις μεγάλες Ευρωπαϊκές χώρες. Αναφέροντας τους σημαντικούς σταθμούς στην ιστορία της Φυσικής Αγωγής, φτάνουμε μέχρι το 1899 και τη θέσπιση του σημαντικότερου νόμου στην ιστορία του ελληνικού αθλητισμού.Ο Ευρωπαϊκός Χάρτης Αθλητισμού και η Λευκή Βίβλος για τον Αθλητισμό δημιούργησαν μια ενιαία αθλητική πολιτική και πολλές έρευνες αποδεικνύουν τη σημασία της σωματικής άσκησης για την ποιότητα ζωής και τον προϋπολογισμό της υγείας. Η παρούσα μελέτη παρουσιάζει σε Εθνικό και Ευρωπαϊκό επίπεδο τον διά βίου στόχο της Αθλητικής στρατηγικής πολιτικής και μελετά τέλος την περίπτωση της Αμερικής με μια νέα διδακτική προσέγγιση, με συγκεκριμένα προγράμματα σπουδών και με βασική προϋπόθεση για έναν διά βίου υγιεινό τρόπο ζωής, τη συμμετοχή, κυρίως, σε προγράμματα εκπαίδευσης φυσικής κατάστασης.Εν κατακλείδι, τα κράτη μέλη της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης δεν φαίνεται να έχουν εναρμονιστεί όσον αφορά τους βασικούς στόχους της Φυσικής Αγωγής και τις βασικές αρχές της Λευκής Βίβλου για τον Αθλητισμό. Συγκεκριμένα για την Ελλάδα, κρίνεται απαραίτητος ένας αναδιαρθρωμένος και εκσυγχρονισμένος στρατηγικός σχεδιασμός των Αναλυτικών Προγραμμάτων.
Evidence for yeast artificial synthesis in SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV-1 genomic sequences
Authors: Lisewski Andreas Martin
Published: July 2022

Background: Knowledge about the origin of SARS-CoV-2 is necessary for both a biological and epidemiological understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence suggests that a proximal evolutionary ancestor of SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the bat coronavirus family. However, as further evidence for a direct zoonosis remains limited, alternative modes of SARS-CoV-2 biogenesis should also be considered.   

Results: Here we show that the genomes of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV-1 significantly diverge from other SARS-like coronaviruses through short chromosomal sequences from the yeast S. cerevisiae at focal positions that are known to be critical for host cell invasion, virus replication, and host immune response. For SARS-CoV-1, we identify two sites: one at the start of the RNA dependent RNA polymerase gene, and the other at the start of the spike protein’s receptor binding domain; for SARS-CoV-2, one at the start of the viral replicase domain, and the other toward the end of the spike gene past its domain junction. At this junction, we detect a highly specific stretch of yeast origin covering the critical furin cleavage site insert PRRA, which has not been seen in other lineage b betacoronaviruses. As yeast is not a natural host for this virus family, we propose an artificial synthesis model for viral constructs in yeast cells based on co-transformation of virus DNA plasmids carrying yeast selectable genetic markers followed by intra-chromosomal homologous recombination through gene conversion. Highly differential yeast sequence patterns congruent with chromosomes harboring specific auxotrophic markers further support yeast artificial synthesis.

Conclusions: These results provide evidence that the genomes of SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 contain sequence information that points to their artificial synthesis in genetically modified yeast cells. Our data specifically allow the identification of the yeast S. cerevisiae as a potential recombination donor for the critical furin cleavage site in SARS-CoV-2.
Positional weight matrices have sufficient prediction power for analysis of noncoding variants
Authors: Boytsov Alexandr , Abramov Sergey , Makeev Vsevolod J. , Kulakovskiy Ivan V.
Published: July 2022

The position weight matrix, also called the position-specific scoring matrix, is the commonly accepted model to quantify the specificity of transcription factor binding to DNA. Position weight matrices are used in thousands of projects and software tools in regulatory genomics, including computational prediction of the regulatory impact of single-nucleotide variants. Yet, recently Yan et al. reported that "the position weight matrices of most transcription factors lack sufficient predictive power" if applied to the analysis of regulatory variants studied with a newly developed experimental method, SNP-SELEX. Here, we re-analyze the rich experimental dataset obtained by Yan et al. and show that appropriately selected position weight matrices in fact can adequately quantify transcription factor binding to alternative alleles.
Morphological inflectional rules for Karelian Proper verbs
Authors: Krizhanovskaya Natalia , Novak Irina , Krizhanovsky Andrew , Pellinen Nataliya
Published: July 2022

A methodology for the development and implementation of inflectional rules for verbs in Karelian Proper is presented. The materials for this study were lemmas and word forms from the Open corpus of Veps and Karelian languages (VepKar) and the electronic version of the Karelian language Dictionary. The system of rules for automatic verb inflection for the Karelian Proper supradialect is of both practical and theoretical scientific interest. The new rules have already enabled entering 141 000 Karelian Proper word forms in the VepKar dictionary. The new program for word form generation has significantly reduced the time for adding the full inflectional paradigm of any Karelian Proper verb to the VepKar dictionary. One only needs to fill in several template parameters instead of 125 word forms.

Kokkuvõte. Natalia Krizhanovskaya, Irina Novak, Andrew Krizhanovsky, Nataliya Pellinen: Morfoloogilised muutereeglid päriskarjala verbide jaoks. Artiklis esitletakse metodoloogiat, mida kasutati muutereeglite väljatöötamisel ja rakendamisel päriskarjala verbide jaoks. Materjali moodustasid vepsa ja karjala keele avatud korpusest (VepKar) ning karjala keele sõnaraamatu elektroonilisest versioonist kogutud lemmad ja sõnavormid. Esmakordselt arendati välja reeglite süsteem päriskarjala verbivormide automaatseks genereerimiseks. See on teaduslikult huvipakkuv nii praktilise kui ka teoreetilise poole pealt. Uued reeglid on juba võimaldanud lisada 141 000 päriskarjala sõnavormi VepKar sõnaraamatusse. Uus sõnavormide genereerimise programm on oluliselt vähendanud aega, mis kulub täieliku muuteparadigma lisamisele mingi päriskarjala verbi juurde Vepkar sõnaraamatus. 125 sõnavormi asemel on selleks üksnes vaja täita mallid mõningate parameetritega.
Articulatory properties of Estonian palatalization by Russian L1 speakers
Authors: Malmi Anton , Lippus Pärtel , Meister Einar
Published: July 2022

We studied the articulatory and temporal properties of Estonian palatalization by Russian L1 Estonian L2 speakers and compared the results to Estonian native speakers. The tongue movement of 24 Russian L1 and 21 Estonian L1 speakers were recorded with an electromagnetic articulograph. The speakers articulated phonologically contrastive word pairs and i-stemmed nouns where the final consonant was palatalized. Previous research has shown that palatalization is generally realized by raising the tongue dorsum towards the hard palate. Consequently, the tongue becomes more anterior and wider. This rising of the tongue also lengthens the duration of the segments. The results showed that Russian L1 speakers’ tongue dorsum was higher and more anterior when palatalizing consonants and the subsequent vowels. Compared to native speakers, their tongue was retracted and lower. Russian L1 speakers’ duration of palatalized consonants and the vowels that preceded them were significantly shorter than in the control group. They did not use duration to differentiate palatalization in word pairs as native speakers do.

Kokkuvõte. Anton Malmi, Pärtel Lippus, Einar Meister: Vene emakeelega kõnelejate Eesti palatalisatsiooni artikulatoorsed ja temporaalsed tunnused. Artiklis uuritakse, kuidas vene emakeelega kõnelejad hääldavad eesti keele palatalisatsiooni. Varasemad uurimused on näidanud, et konsonanti palataliseeritakse keeleselja tõstmisega kõva suulae poole. Sellega kaasneb ka eespoolsem keele asend ja laiem keele jaotus suulaes ning hääliku pikem kestus. Uurimismaterjal koosnes sõnadest, kus palatalisatsioon eristas tähendust ja i-tüvelistest nimisõnadest, mis lõppesid pika palataliseeritud konsonandiga. Testsõnu sisaldavaid lauseid salvestasime elektromagnetartikulograafiga. Katses osales 24 vene emakeelega ja 21 eesti emakeelega kõnelejat. Tulemused näitasid, et vene emakeelega kõnelejate keel oli palataliseerimisele omaselt kõrgemal ja eespoolsem. Eestlastega võrreldes oli nende keel aga madalamal ja tagapoolsem. Vene emakeelega kõnelejad ei kasutanud palatalisatsioonipaarides kestust eristava tunnusena nagu emakeelsed kõnelejad seda teevad. Nende vokaalid ja konsonandid olid palatalsatsioonipaarides ja i-tüvelistes nimisõnades lühemad kui emakeelsetel kõnelejatel.
THE NEW SCRAMBLE FOR AFRICA’S OIL: IMPLICATION FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Authors: Ezenekwe Uju Regina , NKAMNEBE ANAYO , Uzonwanne Maria Chinecherem , NZERIBE GERALDINE EJIAKA , Madichie Chekwube Vitus
Published: July 2022

Purpose: The new scramble for Africa is marked by an influx of direct investment for the extraction and exploitation of the region’s natural resources, which has undoubtedly boosted the expansion of African commodities such as oil and minerals, as well as promoting rapid economic growth in several countries in the continent. Regrettably, Africa’s labour has been largely ignored, as most oil and mineral investments are capital-intensive and are likely to displace labour in local production, while also jeopardizing the continent’s job prospects. The study looked at the impact of FDI in the oil sector on labour employment in ten oil-rich African countries from 1995 to 2018 as part of its investigation into the new scramble and labour in Africa.
Methodology/approach: The study used the Instrumental Variable (IV) regression in the context of the system Generalized Method of Moment (SGMM) estimator, based on dynamic panel modelling.
Findings: The findings suggest that foreign investments in the oil sector have a positive, but not significant, impact on African labour employment. This suggests that during the review period, foreign investment in the oil sector did not result in a considerable increase in productive job opportunities in the oil-rich African countries. This study established that the new scramble for Africa in the shape of foreign investments in the oil sector did not result in job creation in the region.
Originality/value: First, there is sparse literature on oil sector FDI-employment relations in Africa and this study extends literature by employing 10 oil-rich African nations. Second, unlike prior studies, this study applied advanced econometric techniques to account for the problems of unobserved heterogeneity specific to individual countries, cross-sectional dependence, serial correlation and endogeneity issues which are common in panel data regression. Third, this study will assist policymakers in the region to develop policies that will maximize the gains from the oil sector in Africa.
POLISH-AMERICAN ALLIANCE DURING THE PRESIDENCY OF DONALD TRUMP IN THE PERSPECTIVE OF OFFENSIVE BANDWAGONING
Authors: Jureńczyk Łukasz
Published: July 2022

The aim of the paper is to analyze and evaluate the Polish-American alliance during the presidency of Donald Trump in the perspective of the concept of offensive bandwagoning. In Poland, the United States is invariably perceived as the main external guarantor of security. For this reason, Poland's security policy is clearly pro-American. The Polish authorities from the Law and Justice party and the US administration of President Donald Trump were brought together by many factors, including ideological closeness, disputes with Western European political elites, relativizing the principles of the rule of law and democracy, and a similar view of the geopolitics of Central and Eastern Europe. I argue that in recent years the Polish-American alliance was deepened, but at the same time the asymmetry in relations between the states increased. Even more than usual, symptoms of clientelism were noticeable in Poland's security policy towards the US, which was a consequence of the implementation of the offensive bandwagoning concept. I also argue that the tightening of Polish-American alliance was detrimental to the cohesion and solidarity in NATO and the EU, which was against the basic interests of Poland's security. During the research, the method of text source analysis was used. The research could support decision-makers in developing the basic principles of Poland's security policy towards the United States.
SYMBOLS MATTER: IMPERIAL DIPLOMACY IN POSTWAR JAPAN
Authors: Żakowski Karol , Łagnowska Sylwia
Published: July 2022

This article analyzes the significance of imperial diplomacy in postwar Japan. While the emperor performed many formal duties, he played only a symbolic role in decision-making process and was usually separated from politics. Nevertheless, the symbolic importance of the emperor was periodically used by politicians to promote friendly relations with other countries. The main aim of the article is to examine to what extent Japanese decision-makers took advantage of the emperor in diplomacy through drafting his speeches, arranging his appointments with foreign statespersons, and planning his visits abroad to realize their own foreign policy goals. Relying on institutional and legal analysis as well as short case studies, the authors argue that while the emperor was used in foreign policy, the reverence towards the emperor made such initiatives particularly controversial. The article tries to fill the gap in research on imperial diplomacy, which has been dominated by biographical studies on individual emperors.
PUBLIC AID AS AN EFFICIENT TOOL FOR DEVELOPING THE RAIL SECTOR IN EU MEMBER STATES
Authors: Postula Marta , Jarecki Stefan , Jaworski Krzysztof
Published: July 2022

Rail transport is paramount for the functioning of a sustainable and efficient transport system. EU policy identifying significant role of rail translates into a strong financial support allocated to the transport sector both in the form of services funding and of infrastructure investments. In the study conducted, the impact of public support for rail transport was analyzed in reference to several indicators describing the condition of that sector. The analysis covered an assessment of the impact of public support granted based on PSO – Public Service Obligation, and of the support for infrastructure investments. The results reveal a great variability of the outcome across countries. Countries which provide stronger support for infrastructure investments are characterized, as a rule, by better performance. In the Authors’ opinion, strengthening the support for infrastructure investments at the expense of support granted as part of PSO should be the path for rail funding policy redefinition.
El consejero: el ethos del cuidado en la niñez en el discurso publicitario audiovisual argentino (2017-2019).
Authors: Vallejos Mariangeles
Published: July 2022

El presente trabajo, enmarcado en el Análisis del Discurso, identifica y caracteriza el ethos del cuidado en la niñez que emerge en un corpus de anuncios publicitarios audiovisuales que circularon por la televisión de aire en Argentina durante 2017 y 2019. Reconoce la construcción de un ethos del consejero por parte del discurso publicitario que interviene con recomendaciones a la hora del cuidado en la niñez. Vemos que, desde los anuncios publicitarios, se aconseja mediante ejemplos, jerarquizaciones y construyendo escenas ficcionales donde las opciones que toman los personajes son la deseable o esperable. A este posicionamiento de consejero, a su vez, se le puede reconocer ciertos desplazamientos de sentidos donde el cuidado pasa a ser una acción más que los personajes realizan dentro de la complejidad del cotidiano.
Herpes Virüs İlişkili Tekrarlayan Eritema Multiforme Olgularımızda Valasiklovir Profilaksisi Kullanımı
Authors: ALİM AYDIN Selma , METBULUT Azize Pınar , DİBEK MISIRLIOĞLU Emine , METİN Ayşe
Published: July 2022

Eritema multiforme (EM) tipik hedef lezyonlarıyla simetrik eritematöz döküntü ile karakterize, immün aracılı bir durumdur. İlaçlar, enfeksiyonlar, immünolojik durumlar ve gıda katkı maddeleri etiyolojik nedenler arasındadır, ancak Herpes simplex virus enfeksiyonu en yaygın olanıdır.
Herpes labialis enfeksiyonu ilişkili üç rekürren EM olgusu sunuyoruz. Hepsi herpes labialis döküntüsünden yaklaşık bir hafta sonra ortaya çıkan tipik hedef lezyonlarla başvurdu. Her hastanın farklı sıklıkta tekrarlayan benzer atakları vardı. Her üç hastaya da önce oral valasiklovir tedavisi, ardından günlük 500 mg dozda 6 ay profilaktik valasiklovir tedavisi uygulandı.
Herpes virüs enfeksiyonu ile tetiklenen otoreaktif T hücrelerinin, Herpes ilişkili EM (HAEM) patogenezinde önemli bir rol oynadığı ileri sürülmüştür. Tekrarlayan HAEM’in birinci basamak tedavisinde, antiviral tedaviler genellikle güvenlidir ve pediyatrik ve genel popülasyonlarda iyi tolere edilir. EM döküntüsünün şiddetini ve süresini azaltmak için oral asiklovir ya da valasiklovir tedavisinin erken uygulanması önerilir. Altı ay süreyle verilen profilaktik oral asiklovir veya valasiklovir, tekrarlayan HAEM ataklarını kontrol etmede etkili olabilir. HSV enfeksiyonu ve HAEM tekrarlayabilir ancak profilaktik tedavi bu epizotların sıklığını ve şiddetini azaltabilir.
Microstructure, Tensile, and Fractography Analysis of Al2016 and Al2618 Age Hardened Aluminium Alloys
Authors:   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Government College of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu 641013, India, Ravanan Arivumani ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, KIT-KalaignarKarunanidhi Institute of Technology, Tamilnadu 641402, India, P Ilamathi ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Government College of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu 641013, India, K Balamurugan ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Government College of Engineering, Erode, Tamilnadu 638316, India
Published: July 2022

This experimental project is dealt with two high-strength aluminium alloys, termed Al2016, Al2618. Objective of this research is to contribute to a good clarifi cation on microstructural and tensile properties of distinct grades of Al2016 and Al2618 alloys to be used in the aerospace fi eld as skin materials. These two different grades of twin-rolled aerospace metallic materials were received for investigation after those were subjected to two different conditions of heat treatment processes namely artifi cially aging and overaging. Those four specially processed alloys are specifi ed as Al2016-T6510, Al2016-T7510, Al2618-T6510, and Al2618-T7510 based on the treatment. This article discusses the physical characteristics and tensile behavior of those alloys through the outcome of light microscopy test and tensile tests. Particle size variations and origination of grains play a major role in mechanical behavior. When comparing the various tensile properties of radial longitudinal and transversely oriented specimens of all specifi ed graded alloys possess almost a similar tensile behavior between each grade. Broken specimens of tensile tests were employed for investigating the fractographic conditions through scanning electron microscopy. As result, ductile ruptures were commonly registered in all the grades of materials whereas the evidence for intergranular fracture was found in Al2016-T6; and a transgranular fracture was noti ced in Al2016-T6. Amongst all the grades, a greater number of intergranular compounds were found in the Al2618-T6 alloy. T6 and T7 conditioned alloys of both grades revealed that the denseness of precipitation increases due to overaging, which in turn ends in declination of ductility. In general, other attributes of such T7 conditioned aluminium alloys have contributed well to elevated temperature applications especially, in stress corrosion cracking resistance.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Sulfamoyl Carboxamide Derivatives from Sulfur-containing α-Amino acids
Authors:   Department of Chemical Sciences, Rhema University Nigeria, Aba, Abia State, Nigeria, Egbujor Melford C. , Okoro Uchechukwu C. ,   Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria, Egu Attah S. ,   Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Kogi, Nigeria, Okonkwo Vivian, I. ,   Department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria, Okafor Sunday N. ,   Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria., Emeruwa Chigbundu N. ,   Department of Chemical Sciences, Rhema University Nigeria, Aba, Abia State, Nigeria, Egwuatu Pius I. ,   Department of Microbiology, Renaissance University, Ugbawka, Enugu State., Umeh Odera R. ,   Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Eziafakaego Mercy I. ,   Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Amasiatu Ifeanyi S. ,   Department of Biochemistry, Renaissance University, Ugbawka, Enugu State., Nwobodo David C. ,   Department of Microbiology, Renaissance University, Ugbawka, Enugu State.
Published: July 2022

acids and sulfonyl chloride. The characterization of the compounds was done using FTIR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and elemental analysis. Their antioxidant, antimalarial, antimicrobial activities and molecular docking were evaluated. Compounds 5h (MIC, 0.3, 0.5, 0.3 and 0.4 mg/mL) was the most potent antibacterial agent against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Salmonella typhi, compounds 5a (MIC, 0.7 mg/mL) and 5g (MIC, 0.7m g/mL) were most potent against Pseudomonas aeruginosa while compound 5e (MIC, 0.5 and 0.8 mg/mL) had the best in vitro antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. Compound 5d (1C50 = 1.128 μg/mL) displayed an antioxidant activity comparable with ascorbic acid (1C50 = 1.000 μg/mL) and compound 5e (4, 14, 4%) effected the most signifi cant reduction in the percentage malaria parasitaemia comparable with artemeter lumefantrin (5, 4, 4%) after 5 days of treatment of the mice. From the molecular docking results, compound 5c had a strong molecular interaction with the appropriate drug target, Escherichia coli DNA gyrase complexed with 1-ethyl-3-[8-methyl-5-(2-methyl-pyridin-4-yl) isoquinolin-3-yl]urea (PDB code: 5MMN). The title compounds displayed signifi cant antimicrobial, antioxidant and antimalarial activities.
A Model for Pharmaceutical Proteins Production from Arabidopsis Suspension Culture
Authors:   Center of Biomolecular Structure Function and Application, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand, Boonyanan Pasama , Imsoonthornruksa Sumeth ,   Center of Biomolecular Structure Function and Application, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand, Seifert Georg ,   Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Science, Vienna, 1190, Austria, Cairns Mariena Ketudat ,   Center of Biomolecular Structure Function and Application, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand
Published: July 2022

Pharmaceutical proteins production in plant suspension culture has been of interest due to the ease of manipulation, low cost and low allergenic reaction in humans. In this work, the constitutive double CaMV 35S promoter and the abiotic stress-responsive promoter of the Rd29a locus were compared to produce Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) used as a model for secreted protein in Arabidopsis thaliana suspension culture. Induction of Rd29a inducible promoter by plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) was also studied. A signal sequence (SS) of a 33 kDa rice protein was added to the constructs to promote secretion. The secretion of GFP into the extracellular spaces of the transgenic seedling was detected under confocal microscope. The fl uorescence intensity of GFP in the suspension culture was measured by fl uorometry. A temporal maximum expression of GFP was observed from the CaMV 35S promoter on day 18. This model can be used as an example to produce pharmaceutical proteins in suspension culture in the future.
Uso dos derivados da Cannabis sativa para o tratamento de linfomas: o que se conhece até o presente momento?
Authors: Silva Taynara Maris da , Oliveira Lara Luiza Freitas de , Costa Anna Carolina de Moura , Almeida Joaquim Maurício Duarte , Chequer Farah Maria Drumond
Published: July 2022

Introdução: A Cannabis sativa é uma planta de grande interesse medicinal devido seus diversos constituintes com propriedades farmacológicas, sendo os principais o canabidiol (CBD) e o Δ9-tetrahidrocanabidiol (Δ9-THC). Uma série de estudos relatam o potencial dos fitocanabinoides para diversas doenças, incluindo o câncer, sendo os linfomas cânceres que afetam, principalmente, as células de defesa do organismo. Objetivos: Analisar o que há de evidências científicas a respeito do potencial antitumoral dos fitocanabinoides contra os linfomas. Materiais e Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, utilizando artigos indexados nas bases de dados: PubMed, BVS, SciELO, Periódicos CAPES e Science Direct, através dos descritores em inglês: “Cannabis”, “cannabidiol”, “lymphoma” e “apoptosis”, e português: “Cannabis”, “canabidiol”, “linfoma” e “apoptose”, combinados aos operadores booleanos AND e OR, publicados até agosto de 2021. Resultados: Foram encontrados seis estudos, sendo estes, realizados in vivo, in vitro, ex vivo, ou ensaio clínico. O fitocanabinoide mais estudado foi o CBD e todos os estudos selecionados analisaram apenas linfomas não Hodgkin. Todos os ensaios demonstraram a efetividade do uso dos fitocanabinoides no tratamento de linfomas não Hodgkin, sendo o efeito antitumoral demonstrado através da indução de apoptose, citotoxicidade, antiproliferação, e no ensaio clínico por redirecionamento das células malignas para órgãos secundários. Conclusões: A maioria dos resultados obtidos são provindos de pesquisas in vitro ou com animais, sendo detectada uma carência de estudos clínicos, além disso, são necessários mais estudos em relação aos mecanismos envolvidos na ação dos fitocanabinoides contra linfomas e outros cânceres, visto que ainda são pouco conhecidos.
O desenvolvimento de vacinas contra COVID-19 no primeiro ano da pandemia: um estudo narrativo
Authors: Balzan de Oliveira Amanda Stéfani , Andolfatto Daniel , Ferraz Lucimare
Published: July 2022

Introdução: em dezembro de 2019 uma nova doença surgiu em Wuhan (China) e em 11 de março de 2020 o mundo passou a presenciar o início de uma pandemia que, para muitos, não deveria ser temida; no entanto, com a rápida disseminação de um vírus totalmente desconhecido o foco das entidades de saúde passou a ser na área da Pesquisa e Inovação, visando a produção de uma vacina eficaz contra a COVID-19. Objetivos: apresentar as vacinas em desenvolvimento, além da sua testagem e distribuição, durante o primeiro ano de pandemia, a fim de entender o caminho traçado no combate ao Coronavírus, bem como o aumento da produção científica acerca dessa Emergência. Materiais e Métodos: o presente manuscrito se baseia num estudo de mapeamento narrativo sobre as vacinas para a COVID19 no período de 11 de março de 2020 a 10 de março de 2021. Resultados: no primeiro ano de pandemia já foi possível o desenvolvimento de mais de uma vacina, as quais passaram a ser comercializadas numa escala mundial; no Brasil, a vacinação teve seu início em 18 de janeiro de 2021, tendo a ANVISA aprovado o uso emergencial da CoronaVac, AZD1222 e COMIRNATY. Conclusão: diante do exposto, o estudo acerca do desenvolvimento, testagem e distribuição das vacinas contra a COVID-19 durante o primeiro ano de pandemia é essencial para entender o caminho traçado no combate à essa doença.
Cuidados paliativos para o paciente oncológico: impacto psicológico no familiar cuidador Cuidados paliativos e o impacto psicológico no familiar
Authors: Barreto da Silva Patricia , Fernandes dos Santos Mariana , Dos Santos Valentim Nirã
Published: July 2022

Introdução: Os cuidados paliativos são uma abordagem diferenciada especialmente quando indicados para quadros oncológicos quando não há possibilidade de remissão da doença. Este tratamento quando iniciado precocemente visa a melhor qualidade de vida do paciente, por meio do alívio da dor e sintomas da doença, beneficiando também seus familiares. Objetivo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar os impactos psicológicos em familiar diante do diagnóstico e do tratamento em cuidados paliativos do paciente oncológico. Material e Método: Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa com desenho de caso único, com uma participante de 50 anos, cuidadora do pai, durante os cuidados paliativos em sua residência. O instrumento utilizado foram duas entrevistas semiestruturadas com intervenção suportiva. Resultados: A partir da análise de resultados, observou-se que a participante decidiu se tornar cuidadora responsável pelo seu pai, demonstrando impacto emocional e físico intensos e questionamento sobre sua fé, sendo necessário adaptar-se e ressignificar sua vida diante desta experiência. Conclusão: Concluiu-se que, houve impacto psicológico na participante a partir da vivência das mudanças causadas pelo adoecimento do pai e a adaptação ao cuidado com ele, com sentimentos de medo e ansiedade diante da expectativa da morte, e após a falecimento, a entrevistada mostrou ambivalência afetiva relacionada à perda e à necessidade de readaptar sua rotina, sendo este um processo gradual do luto.
Ventilação não invasiva na insuficiência respiratória aguda no pós-operatório de esofagectomia em pacientes com câncer de esôfago:
Authors: Montenegro Andrea Karla Soares , Braz Júnior Donat , Campos e Silva Alana Cristina , Dantas Diego
Published: July 2022

Introdução: Apesar dos avanços no manejo pós-operatório, complicações respiratórias podem ocorrer após a esofagectomia. Uma das estratégias utilizadas para minimizar essas complicações é Ventilação Não Invasiva (VNI). Objetivo: reunir as evidências sobre o uso da VNI na insuficiência respiratória aguda/ síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo no pós-operatório de esofagectomia em pacientes com câncer de esôfago. Materiais e Métodos: pesquisa realizada nas bases eletrônicas PUBMED, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), LILACS, SCIELO no período de agosto a outubro de 2021. Resultados: Dos 20 estudos selecionados, dois foram incluídos na revisão. Um estudo mostrou que a aplicação da ventilação não invasiva na Insuficiência Respiratória Aguda (IRA) no pós-operatório de esofagectomia foi associada a uma menor taxa de reintubação, menor frequência de síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo e uma redução na permanência na UTI. Também houve melhora nas trocas gasosas. O outro estudo analisou a ventilação não invasiva aplicada como intervenção de primeira linha para Síndrome do Desconforto Respiratório Agudo (SDRA) após esofagectomia para câncer de esôfago e mostrou que evitou intubação em 48,4% dos pacientes. As diferenças na PaO2 / FiO2 após 24 h de VNI e a presença de complicações relacionadas à cirurgia foram altamente significativas. Conclusão: A VNI parece ser benéfica o tratamento da IRA/SDRA em pós-operatórios de cirurgias abdominais altas. No entanto, para pós-operatórios de esofagectomia, se faz necessário ampliar os estudos nessa área, para que a VNI seja utilizada com mais segurança e eficácia, trazendo benefícios para a recuperação precoce dos pacientes, minimizando as complicações pulmonares pós-operatórias.
The Ann Arbor SPARK - Network Intelligence as a driver for the emergence of a next generation science and technology park
Authors: Tataj Daria , Krutko Paul Louis , Bellavista Joan
Published: July 2022

In this article, we review the evolution of the phenomenon known as science and technology parks (STPs) as an instrument designed to spur innovation and entrepreneurship at the level of a regional ecosystem. We develop a concept of the next generation of STP, or STP 2.0, as a network of co-located entrepreneurial firms and as a vital node in the value creation networks in a region. We build our definition based on diverse value creation networks such as examples in Triple Helix and Knowledge Triangle. We analyse the human and social factors related to the effectiveness of utilising networks for innovation towards diverse goals in the paradigm theorised as Network Intelligence Framework, Then, we describe the creation and evolution of Ann Arbor Spark as an example of SPT 2.0 focusing on its organisational design as a community platform, its culture of networking across the silos of research and industry and specific projects designed to accelerate time from labs to markets in the post-industrial region of the Rust Belt Michigan in the US. We end the article with a list of conclusions that can inform the design of new and the transformation of existing STPs designed and managed primarily as a real estate investment under the false assumption that the pure co-location of entrepreneurial agents in a physical location spurs innovation and entrepreneurship.
On the naming of innovation districts
Authors: Giglio Hirtenkauf Alessandra , Gurses Kerem , Thomas Llewellyn D W
Published: July 2022

Name plays a fundamental role in defining and differentiating a company within a category. In this paper we identify how the leaders of 7 innovation districts (22@Barcelona, Ann Arbor Spark, EECi, Porto Digital, Ruta N – Medellín, SK-Skolkovo and TusPark) understand the construction of the names of their innovation districts. We take an inductive approach utilizing two types of data: exploring the innovation district directors' understanding through direct semi-structured interviews and analyzing secondary data consisting of website and brochures. We show how innovation district leaders use more than one classification name for their organization and that these names either tend towards a more strategic or institutional posture. We contribute by extending existing naming theory to include innovation districts, a complex organization composed by actors of the Triple Helix. We also contribute by providing managerial guidance to assist in understanding the importance of the role of their organization's name in long-term positioning.