bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of refractive errors and risk factors for myopia among schoolchildren of Almaty, Kazakhstan: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Mukazhanova Ainagul , Aldasheva Neilya , Iskakbayeva Juldyz , Bakhytbek Raushan , Ualiyeva Aliya , Baigonova Kaini , Ongarbaeva Damet , Vinnikov Denis
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Very little is known about the prevalence of refractive errors among children in Kazakhstan. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of refractive errors and risk factors of myopia among schoolchildren in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Methods

In the cross-sectional study of 2293 secondary school students (age 6–16), we examined cycloplegic autorefraction and offered a questionnaire in three age groups: 1stgrade (N = 769), 5thgrade (N = 768) and 9thgrade (N = 756). The questionnaire covered main risk factors such as parental myopia, screen time, time outdoors, sports activities, near work, gender, grade, and school shift. Adjusted logistic regression analysis was applied to test the association of risk factors with myopia.

Results

The mean spherical equivalent (SER) was -0.54 ± 1.51 diopters (D). The overall prevalence of refractive errors was 31.6% (95% confidence interval (CI) 29.7; 33.5); myopia 28.3% (95% CI 26.5; 30.1); hyperopia 3.4% (95% CI 2.7–4.1) and astigmatism 2.8% (95% CI 2.1; 3.5). In the multivariate adjusted regression analysis, higher class level (5thgrade (odds ratio (OR) 1.78; 95% CI 1.26; 2.52) and 9thgrade (OR 3.34; 95% CI 2.31; 4.82)) were associated with myopia, whereas outdoors activity more than 2 hours a day (OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.46; 0.89) and sports (OR 0.70; 95% CI 0.52; 0.93) were associated with a lower incidence of myopia.

Conclusions

Myopia is a leading refractive error in schoolchildren in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Myopia prevention measures, including more time outdoors, should guide public health interventions in this population.
Potential role of conventional and speckle-tracking echocardiography in the screening of structural and functional cardiac abnormalities in elderly individuals: Baseline echocardiographic findings from the LOOP study
Authors: Olsen Flemming Javier , Diederichsen Søren Zöga , Jørgensen Peter Godsk , Jensen Magnus T. , Dahl Anders , Landler Nino Emmanuel , Graff Claus , Brandes Axel , Krieger Derk , Haugan Ketil , Køber Lars , Højberg Søren , Svendsen Jesper Hastrup , Biering-Sørensen Tor
Published: June 2022

Background

Elderly individuals occupy an increasing part of the general population. Conventional and speckle-tracking transthoracic echocardiography may help guide risk stratification in these individuals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential utility of conventional and speckle-tracking echocardiography in the screening of cardiac abnormalities in the elderly population.

Methods

Two cohorts of elderly individuals (sample size: 1441 and 944) were analyzed, who were part of a randomized controlled clinical trial (LOOP study) and of an observational study (Copenhagen City Heart Study), recruiting participants from the general population >70 years of age with cardiovascular risk factors (arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, or prior stroke) and sinus rhythm. Participants underwent a comprehensive transthoracic echocardiographic examination, including myocardial speckle tracking. Cardiac abnormalities were defined according to the ASE/EACVI guidelines.

Results

Structural cardiac abnormalities such as left ventricular (LV) remodeling, mitral annular calcification (MAC), and aortic valve sclerosis (with or without stenosis) were highly prevalent in the LOOP study (40%, 39%, and 27%, respectively). Moreover, a high prevalence of functional cardiac alterations such as LV diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), abnormal LV longitudinal systolic strain (GLS), and abnormal left atrial (LA) reservoir strain was present in the LOOP study (27%, 18%, and 9%, respectively). Likewise, the rate of LVDD, abnormal GLS, and abnormal LA reservoir strain was comparable in the validation sample from the Copenhagen City Heart Study. In line with these findings, subjects with LV remodeling, MAC, and aortic valve changes had a higher prevalence of LVDD, abnormal GLS, and abnormal LA reservoir strain than those without structural cardiac alterations.

Conclusion

The findings of this study highlight the potential clinical utility of conventional and speckle-tracking echocardiography in the screening of structural and functional cardiac abnormalities in the elderly population. Further studies are warranted to determine the prognostic relevance of these findings.
Sleep disturbance after acute coronary syndrome: A longitudinal study over 12 months
Authors: von Känel Roland , Meister-Langraf Rebecca E. , Zuccarella-Hackl Claudia , Schiebler Sarah L. F. , Znoj Hansjörg , Pazhenkottil Aju P. , Schmid Jean-Paul , Barth Jürgen , Schnyder Ulrich , Princip Mary
Published: June 2022

Background

Sleep disturbance has been associated with poor prognosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This study examined the course of sleep disturbance and associated factors in patients with ACS who were followed for one year.

Methods

Study participants were 180 patients (mean age 59.6 years, 81.7% men) with ACS admitted to a tertiary hospital to undergo acute coronary intervention. Sleep disturbance was interviewer-assessed at admission (n = 180), at 3 months (n = 146), and at 12 months (n = 101) using the Jenkins Sleep Scale (JSS)-4, with a total of 414 assessments over one year. Random linear mixed regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between sociodemographic factors, cardiac diseases severity, perceived distress during ACS, comorbidities, medication, health behaviors, and sleep disturbance over time.

Results

At admission, 3 months, and 12 months, 56.7%, 49.3%, and 49.5% of patients, respectively, scored above the mean value for sleep disturbance in the general population (JSS-4 score ≥5). There was a significant decrease in continuous JSS-4 scores over time [estimate (SE) = -0.211 (0.074), p = 0.005]. Female sex [0.526 (0.206), p = 0.012], greater fear of dying [0.074 (0.026), p = 0.004], helplessness during ACS [0.062 (0.029), p = 0.034], and a history of depression [0.422 (0.171), p = 0.015] were independently associated with higher JSS-4 scores over time.

Conclusion

Despite a decrease from admission to 3 months, sleep disturbance is prevalent in the first year after ACS. Female sex, depression history, and distress during ACS identify patients at increased risk of developing persistent sleep disturbance and may inform interventions to prevent sleep disturbance.
International ring trial to validate a new method for testing the antimicrobial efficacy of domestic laundry products
Authors: Monleón-Getino Toni , Cavalleri Michele
Published: June 2022

Due to greater environmental awareness, domestic laundry habits are changing, and antimicrobial control by chemical methods has become an essential factor to compensate for the use of lower temperatures during washing machine cycles. Disinfectants added to laundry detergents are a preventive strategy to reduce the transmission of bacteria, fungi, and viruses in the home, correct aesthetic damage (e.g., spotting, discolouration, and staining), and control the microbial contamination that leads to malodour. In Europe, disinfectants are regulated by the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (No. 528/2012), which stipulates that antimicrobial efficacy must be evaluated according to standardized methods. Current European standards for laundry sanitization only apply to clinical settings (EN 16616: 2015) and are restricted to the main wash cycle. Therefore, there is a gap in the EU standards regarding the testing of product efficacy in household laundering. With the aim of addressing this gap, an international ring trial was organized to evaluate the robustness of a new method (prEN 17658) designed to test the efficacy of antimicrobial laundry products in a domestic setting. The seven participating laboratories were equipped with 5 different laboratory-scale devices to simulate the washing process, and they evaluated 7 microbial parameters for 2 experimental conditions and 3 levels of active substance. The analysis of data according to ISO 5725–2 and ISO 13528 demonstrated that the method was robust. All reproducibility standard deviation values were between 0.00 and 1.40 and the relative standard deviation indicates satisfactory reproducibility. Values of logarithmic reduction ranged from less than 2 log10 for tests with water to more than 5 log10 when disinfectants were added. The evidence generated by the ring trial was presented in a proposal for a standardized method under CEN/TC 216, in which the SOP used in the ring trial is referred to as the prEN 17658 phase 2 step 2 test method covering chemothermal textile disinfection in domestic settings.
The risks of RELN polymorphisms and its expression in the development of otosclerosis
Authors: Priyadarshi Saurabh , Hansdah Kirtal , Singh Neha , Bouzid Amal , Ray Chinmay Sundar , Panda Khirod Chandra , Biswal Narayan Chandra , Desai Ashim , Choudhury Jyotish Chandra , Tekari Adel , Masmoudi Saber , Ramchander Puppala Venkat
Published: June 2022

Otosclerosis (OTSC) is the primary form of conductive hearing loss characterized by abnormal bone remodelling within the otic capsule of the human middle ear. A genetic association of theRELNSNP rs3914132 with OTSC has been identified in European population. Previously, we showed a trend towards association of this polymorphism with OTSC and identified a rare variant rs74503667 in a familial case. Here, we genotyped these variants in an Indian cohort composed of 254 OTSC cases and 262 controls. We detected a significant association of rs3914132 with OTSC (OR = 0.569, 95%CI = 0.386–0.838, p = 0.0041). To confirm this finding, we completed a meta-analysis which revealed a significant association of the rs3914132 polymorphism with OTSC (Z = 6.707, p<0.0001) across different ethnic populations. Linkage analysis found the evidence of linkage atRELNlocus (LOD score 2.1059) in the OTSC family which has shown the transmission of rare variant rs74503667 in the affected individuals. To understand the role of RELN and its receptors in the development of OTSC, we went further to perform a functional analysis of RELN/reelin. Here we detected a reducedRELN(p = 0.0068) andVLDLR(p = 0.0348) mRNA levels in the otosclerotic stapes tissues. Furthermore, a reduced reelin protein expression by immunohistochemistry was confirmed in the otosclerotic tissues. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays for rs3914132 and rs74503667 variants revealed an altered binding of transcription factors in the mutated sequences which indicates the regulatory role of these variations in theRELNgene regulation. Subsequently, we showed by scanning electron microscopy a change in stapes bone morphology of otosclerotic patients. In conclusion, this study evidenced that the rare variation rs74503667 and the common polymorphism rs3914132 in theRELNgene and its reduced expressions that were associated with OTSC.
PRMT5 epigenetically regulates the E3 ubiquitin ligase ITCH to influence lipid accumulation during mycobacterial infection
Authors: Borbora Salik Miskat , Rajmani Raju S. , Balaji Kithiganahalli Narayanaswamy
Published: June 2022

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), triggers enhanced accumulation of lipids to generate foamy macrophages (FMs). This process has been often attributed to the surge in the expression of lipid influx genes with a concomitant decrease in those involved in lipid efflux. Here, we define an Mtb-orchestrated modulation of the ubiquitination of lipid accumulation markers to enhance lipid accretion during infection. We find that Mtb infection represses the expression of the E3 ubiquitin ligase, ITCH, resulting in the sustenance of key lipid accrual molecules viz. ADRP and CD36, that are otherwise targeted by ITCH for proteasomal degradation. In line, overexpressing ITCH in Mtb-infected cells was found to suppress Mtb-induced lipid accumulation. Molecular analyses including loss-of-function and ChIP assays demonstrated a role for the concerted action of the transcription factor YY1 and the arginine methyl transferase PRMT5 in restricting the expression of Itch gene by conferring repressive symmetrical H4R3me2 marks on its promoter. Consequently, siRNA-mediated depletion of YY1 or PRMT5 rescued ITCH expression, thereby compromising the levels of Mtb-induced ADRP and CD36 and limiting FM formation during infection. Accumulation of lipids within the host has been implicated as a pro-mycobacterial process that aids in pathogen persistence and dormancy. In line, we found that perturbation of PRMT5 enzyme activity resulted in compromised lipid levels and reduced mycobacterial survival in mouse peritoneal macrophages (ex vivo) and in a therapeutic mouse model of TB infection (in vivo). These findings provide new insights into the role of PRMT5 and YY1 in augmenting mycobacterial pathogenesis. Thus, we posit that our observations could help design novel adjunct therapies and combinatorial drug regimen for effective anti-TB strategies.
Secretory glycoprotein NS1 plays a crucial role in the particle formation of flaviviruses
Authors: Tamura Tomokazu , Torii Shiho , Kajiwara Kentaro , Anzai Itsuki , Fujioka Yoichiro , Noda Kisho , Taguwa Shuhei , Morioka Yuhei , Suzuki Rigel , Fauzyah Yuzy , Ono Chikako , Ohba Yusuke , Okada Masato , Fukuhara Takasuke , Matsuura Yoshiharu
Published: June 2022

Flaviviruses, which are globally distributed and cause a spectrum of potentially severe illnesses, pose a major threat to public health. Although Flaviviridae viruses, including flaviviruses, possess similar genome structures, only the flaviviruses encode the non-structural protein NS1, which resides in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and is secreted from cells after oligomerization. The ER-resident NS1 is known to be involved in viral genome replication, but the essential roles of secretory NS1 in the virus life cycle are not fully understood. Here we characterized the roles of secretory NS1 in the particle formation of flaviviruses. We first identified an amino acid residue essential for the NS1 secretion but not for viral genome replication by using protein-protein interaction network analyses and mutagenesis scanning. By using the recombinant flaviviruses carrying the identified NS1 mutation, we clarified that the mutant flaviviruses employed viral genome replication. We then constructed a recombinant NS1 with the identified mutation and demonstrated by physicochemical assays that the mutant NS1 was unable to form a proper oligomer or associate with liposomes. Finally, we showed that the functions of NS1 that were lost by the identified mutation could be compensated for by the in trans-expression of Erns of pestiviruses and host exchangeable apolipoproteins, which participate in the infectious particle formation of pestiviruses and hepaciviruses in the family Flaviviridae, respectively. Collectively, our study suggests that secretory NS1 plays a role in the particle formation of flaviviruses through its interaction with the lipid membrane.
SAFA facilitates chromatin opening of immune genes through interacting with anti-viral host RNAs
Authors: Cao Lili , Luo Yujie , Guo Xuefei , Liu Shengde , Li Siji , Li Junhong , Zhang Zeming , Zhao Yingchi , Zhang Qiao , Gao Feng , Ji Xiong , Gao Xiang , Li Yunfei , You Fuping
Published: June 2022

Regulation of chromatin structure and accessibility determines the transcription activities of genes, which endows the host with function-specific patterns of gene expression. Upon viral infection, the innate immune responses provide the first line of defense, allowing rapid production of variegated antiviral cytokines. Knowledge on how chromatin accessibility is regulated during host defense against viral infection remains limited. Our previous work found that the nuclear matrix protein SAFA surveilled viral RNA and regulated antiviral immune genes expression. However, how SAFA regulates the specific induction of antiviral immune genes remains unknown. Here, through integration of RNA-seq, ATAC-seq and ChIP-seq assays, we found that the depletion of SAFA specifically decreased the chromatin accessibility, activation and expression of virus induced genes. And mutation assays suggested that the RNA-binding ability of SAFA was essential for its function in regulating antiviral chromatin accessibility. RIP-seq results showed that SAFA exclusively bound with antiviral related RNAs following viral infection. Further, we combined the CRISPR-Cas13d mediated RNA knockdown system with ATAC-qPCR, and demonstrated that the binding between SAFA and according antiviral RNAs specifically mediated the openness of the corresponding chromatin and following robust transcription of antiviral genes. Moreover, knockdown of these associated RNAs dampened the accessibility of related genes in an extranuclear signaling pathway dependent manner. Interestingly, VSV infection cleaved SAFA protein at the C-terminus which deprived its RNA binding ability for immune evasion. Thus, our results demonstrated that SAFA and the interacting RNA products collaborated and remodeled chromatin accessibility to facilitate antiviral innate immune responses.
Profiling online gamers and probing their preferences and motivations: An empirical study of an online role-playing game
Authors: Chu Chau , Halme Merja , Merikivi Jani , Penttinen Esko
Published: June 2022

Greater understanding of gamers’ preferences (what it is in the game that they value) and motivations (why they play the game) provides cues for game developers’ better response to consumer desires and drives. Complementing insights from literature that identifies a wide variety of antecedents to both preferences and motivations, the article addresses the relationship between the two by reporting on an empirical study in the context of online role-playing. In the study, analysis of gamer preferences revealed five gamer clusters (storyline-lovers, aesthetics-lovers, socializers, achievers and local-story-lovers), which together reflect three key gamer motivations (achievement related, social and immersion based). In a key finding, immersion emerged as an overarching motivator, spanning all the clusters and different in nature from the other two motivating factors. Also, distinguishing between local- and global-storyline-lovers may have important implications. Thirdly, the authors make a methodological contribution connected with the design of best–worst scaling, thereby informing managerial insights and providing avenues for further research.
‘It’s the brightness of the idea’: Talking comics with Brendan McCarthy
Authors: Klaehn Jeffery
Published: June 2022

Visionary British artist and designer Brendan McCarthy is internationally known for his singularly unique approach to art and craft. His comics debut, Sometime Stories, was published in 1977, and he went on to publish work with Vanguard Illustrated, Strange Days, 2000 AD, and Vertigo. He was part of the famous ‘British Invasion’ of the comics industry in the 1980s, which actually led to the creation of DC Vertigo and created new pathways for comics to gain wider influence within both Hollywood and the broader pop culture. With writer Peter Milligan, he co-created Freakwave, Strange Days, Paradax!, Rogan Gosh and Skin, and he painted covers for Milligan’s Shade the Changing Man DC Vertigo series. A pioneer in the field of computer animation, he created visuals for the 90s computer animated TV series ReBoot, which preceded Pixar and Dreamworks, and he contributed to a wide range of TV series, feature films, animation, and commercials during his more than two decades spent working in Hollywood. He co-wrote and was a designer on the feature film Mad Max: Fury Road (2015). His more recent comics work includes Dream Gang, published with Dark Horse, and The Zaucer of Zilk (with writer Al Ewing and colourist Len O’Grady) for 2000 AD. This interview explores key dimensions of his career in comics, British comics and the ‘British Invasion’ of the 1980s, Paradax!, and the influence and inspiration of David Bowie.
Disrupción audiovisual en publicidad. Estereotipo versus transgresión. Nuevos paradigmas.
Authors: Palencia-Lefler Ors Manuel
Published: June 2022

La publicidad disruptiva busca un nuevo paradigma para sorprender, basado en parámetros audiovisuales no convencionales, utilizando metáforas sonoras que tratan de aportar originalidad y acercar el mensaje al target del producto. Este estudio exploratorio cuestiona los límites y la efectividad de disrumpir, preguntando directamente a distintos públicos en tres experimentos conjuntos. Los resultados sorprenden ya que el espíritu transgresor que se le supone al individuo contemporáneo no está tan evolucionado como el que se respira en festivales y certámenes audiovisuales. En cualquier caso, esta investigación busca contribuir a una mejor comprensión de la disrupción audiovisual publicitaria, organizando un extenso y vasto corpus de antecedentes teóricos sobre el tema y probando empíricamente una hipótesis al respecto.
The University as Troublemaker
Authors: Fulford Amanda
Published: June 2022

This paper begins by considering the claims that in many ways, the university sector is in trouble, and that there are a variety of potential reasons for this state of affairs. Drawing on the etymological insights of the word ‘trouble’, the paper suggests that we can situate the university very differently: we can see it not as an institution in trouble, but rather as a place that troubles and that agitates the mind. It is a troublemaker. It argues that the university is – ipso facto – a place for the agitation and troubling of minds in three distinct ways. First, drawing on the American philosopher, Stanley Cavell’s, idea of passionate utterance, it considers the place of the lecture, and explores how in the encounter of this pedagogical form, the university is a troublemaker. Second, in drawing on Cavell’s ideas of invitation to dialogue, the paper offers a thick account of the civic university, and by doing this, shows how the university is a political troublemaker. Third, it draws on John Williams’ evocative (1965) novel, Stoner, to demonstrate how – through the relationships between lecturer and student – the university can be seen as personal troublemaker. The paper concludes by outlining two influential accounts of the way that academics and students can survive and flourish in the university given the pressures that are increasingly evident in the sector. It shows how these are both problematic, and that hope for the university – and for re-imagining its purpose as troublemaker – can be found in the very ordinariness of the ways in which we talk together.
El problema de la responsabilidad social de la Universidad
Authors: Vallaeys François , Álvarez Rodríguez Juliana
Published: June 2022

En la era de la insostenibilidad planetaria, es necesario gestionar los impactos colectivos. Esto se llama responsabilidad social, que obliga a aprender a visualizar la organización desde su entorno para cambiar sus rutinas. Se trata de un desafío educativo mayor que según Dewey, constituye el desafío político de la democracia, como comunidad capaz de gestionar sus propios problemas sociales y ambientales. La Responsabilidad Social Universitaria (RSU) es crucial para el éxito democrático colectivo, pero sigue embrionaria, porque poderosos frenos impiden el cambio institucional de la universidad: no hay presión social externa para que la universidad sea socialmente responsable; y desde dentro, el diseño ensilado de las especialidades, el aislamiento del docente y los criterios de calidad enajenados dificultan la permeabilidad institucional de la RSU. El nacimiento de la problemática de la RSU se inscribe entonces no sólo dentro del debate secular sobre el rol social de la universidad, sino también dentro del debate más general del comportamiento que debe adoptar cualquier organización (pública o privada, con o sin fines de lucro) ante las exigencias de gestionar el riesgo global de insostenibilidad planetaria de la humanidad, riesgo que apela a una macroética internacional y trans-institucional. La RSU es también una teoría de la educación, pero no tanto la de las personas, sino de la organización misma.
BRAZILIAN FRANCHISE STARTUPS AND THE COVID-19 CRISIS: ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND ADAPTION CAPABILITIES
Authors: DERMONDE MATHEUS , FISCHER BRUNO BRANDÃO
Published: June 2022

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to understand how franchise startups have been facing the crisis caused by COVID-19, with greater emphasis on the effects of the franchising decision on the survival of this type of business during the crisis period.

Design/methodology/approach – This is a qualitative research, conducted through multiple-case studies on four Brazilian startups that operate through franchised units. Data were collected through online interviews with founders and managers of the franchisee, complemented with information obtained from the companies' websites/social media and articles published in business magazines. The technique of content analysis was used.

Findings – We found that franchise startups can operate through conventional franchises or micro-franchises. In both cases, we found no reduction in the agility or flexibility of these businesses. Thus, within a crisis context, resilience allows the franchisor to gain greater advantages from its franchisees, if it opts for the conventional franchise model.

Originality – This research addresses the intersection between two business models: startups and franchises. It contributes to the understanding of both areas, as well as the effects of a business model in a crisis context.

Limitations/implications – This is a study conducted with a small number of cases within a similar context. The main implications of this research are the formulation of a set of propositions about the startup franchising process and the effects of a crisis for companies that adopt this operating model, and a descriptive diagram of this process.
Bacopa as Crude Extracts Improve Outcomes in Spinal Cord Injuries in Rodent
Authors: Rohit Kumar Sarda  , Mingma Sherpa  , Rohan Sinha
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

Spinal cord injury is a major cause of disability with most treatment modalities still in open question. Some alternative medicine treatments are moving into preclinical trials worldwide. Brahmi is used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine for centuries. Traditionally used as a brain tonic to enhance memory, learning and concentration, and in some previous work shows neural regeneration in hippocampal cells. This study was done to look at the role of one of these neuroprotective plant products in spinal cord injury based on the hypothesis that if neural stem cells differentiate with more dendrites in vitro, it may do the same in vivo with clinical benefit.

METHODS

Controlled spinal cord injury in form of hemisection was done in rodents that were housed in the animal house of Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, followed by administration dose of bacopa. The comparative study was done by looking at the improvement in hind limb movement by known study methods which were modified for our study.

RESULTS

The result of rodents shows a more rapid recovery through catwalk and IBB scoring treated with crude bacopa than control one. The histological evaluation was also looked after sacrificing the rodent at the end of the study which corroborates the functional findings of improvement in neural regeneration in the spinal cord.

CONCLUSIONS

Bacopa crude extracts seem to be beneficial in spinal cord injury. Evaluation of different bacopasides to find which component of the crude product is beneficial.
Bond Strength of CAD/CAM Ceramic by Various Modern Resin Cements in Multilayer Technique
Authors: Rafat Sasany  , Goknil Ergun-Kunt
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the study was to assess bond strength of various modern resin cements based on CAD-CAM ceramic in multilayer technique.

METHODS

CAD-CAM blocks specimens, IPS e.max ZirCAD (core, n=60) and IPS e max CAD (veneer, n=60) were fabricated. All specimens were divided into 3 groups (n=20). By multilayer technique, zirconia core and veneer were cemented with 3 different cements, RelyX U200 (MR), Panavia V5 (MP), and Multilink N (MM]. Ageing was performed for (5-55°C, 5000). The shear bond strength test was performed with a universal test unit. The data were analyzed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey signiﬁcant difference test (alpha =0.05).

RESULTS

The SBS differed substantially depending on the resin cement used. Group MP had the highest bond strength (P < .001) and lower MM. No significant differences were found between the groups MR and MM.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant differences were found in the shear bond strength of the veneer luted to zirconia base in multilayer technique using self-adhesive and conventional cement. The bond strength depended on the combination of ceramic and cement. The Panavia V5 had the highest bond strength.
Diabetes Mellitus and Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in Cirrhosis - Association or Coincidence?
Authors: Mohanachandran Ramesh , Vasudevan Satheesh Arakkathara , Kunjachan George Thomas
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is frequent, clinically significant and infection associated with frequent complications in cirrhotic patients. Diabetes mellitus (DM) and cirrhosis are prone to infections, increased incidence of infections in combined scenarios need further evaluation. Type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients with liver cirrhosis is five times higher than in the general population. Some studies showed that in patients with liver cirrhosis, DM has been associated with a higher risk for hepatic decompensation, encephalopathy, kidney injury and higher overall mortality. But other studies showed no increase in the incidence of SBP in the diabetic patient with cirrhosis. There is no data regarding the frequency of SBP, a comparison of SBP among diabetics and non-diabetics is available in this region of South India. The objectives of the study were to determine the average frequency of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) among patients with diabetes mellitus and non-diabetic mellitus in cirrhosis and compare the frequency of SBP in diabetics and non-diabetics with cirrhosis. METHODS This is a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Gastroenterology, Pushpagiri Institute of medical sciences and research centre, Thiruvalla, from January 2017 to January 2019. The study included consecutive 104 patients out of 194 patients (26 missed for follow up and 64 were repeated admissions). All were in regular follow up (at least once in 12 months), irrespective of antibiotic prophylaxis. Those who missed follow up for more than 12 months were excluded from the study. All variables were ordinal or nominal, statistical calculation was done by using percentages and proportions, chi-square test was used for calculation of the significance in comparison of frequency SBP between diabetics and non-diabetics and p-value < 0.05 taken as significant. RESULTS The study included 104 SBP patients after the exclusion, in which 64 patients were diagnosed with DM as per the guidelines. The overall prevalence of DM and non DM among SBP patients in the present study was found to be 61.5 % and 38.5 % respectively. In diabetic patients, 20 patients had SBP once, 40 patients had two times and 4 patients had 3 times during the study period. It contributed around 31 % with once, 62 % with twice and 6 % with thrice SBP during the study period. The average frequency of SBP and variants was found to be 1.7 (diabetic-1.81, Nondiabetic-1.4) during the study period of 2 years. Comparison of frequency of SBP in diabetics and non-diabetics, p-value was found to be 0.003. CONCLUSIONS Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis frequency is significantly increased in diabetic patients in comparison with non-diabetics in cirrhosis. KEY WORDS SBP: Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis, DM: Diabetes Mellitus, Cirrhosis.
Efficiency of Cadexomer Iodine in Healing of Chronic Leg Ulcer in View of Size and Volume
Authors: Madasu Anvesh , Tote Darshana , Yashwant Lamture
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND An ulcer is a break in the skin or mucous membrane with loss of surface tissue, disintegration and necrosis of epithelial tissue, and often infection. Chronic ulcers are ulcers present for more than 6 weeks and do not show the tendency of normal healing and require intervention for the healing process. There are several studies regarding wound treatment with topical applications and dressings that evaluate change in the bacterial bioburden and healing of the wound. In this study, we wanted to emphasize the in-vivo effect of cadexomer iodine antibacterial dressing on chronic non-healing ulcers. METHODS In this study, we have taken 20 patients with chronic non-healing ulcers of various types and used cadexomer iodine dressing for 6 weeks. We have compared the surface area and volume of the ulcer in the 4th and 6th weeks. RESULTS Over the study period, there was a median reduction of 10.66 ± 7.00 cm2 of the wound surface area. There were no patients who completely healed their ulcer over the 6 week study period. This was accompanied by a median reduction of volume of the ulcer 19.82 ± 27.50. CONCLUSIONS There is a decrease in the surface area and volume of the chronic leg ulcer which helps in the preparation of the wound bed. The use of cadexomer iodine is a costeffective method for treating chronic wounds in rural India. KEY WORDS Biofilm, Venous Ulcer, Diabetes, Dressing
Rehabilitation of Edentulous Mandible with Endosseous Implant Supported Fixed Prosthesis - A Case Report
Authors: Bilichodmath Shivaprasad , Janardhanan Nimmi
Published: June 2022

Treatment of the edentulous dental arches with endosseous implant supported fixed prosthesis has gain popularity in dentistry. It has many advantages compared to a removable denture, including increased patient satisfaction, improved speech, aesthetics, function and confidence. Correct diagnosis and accurate implant planning lead to successful complete arch implant rehabilitation and hence, provide the patient with desirable aesthetic and functional outcomes. Edentulism can lead to complications in aesthetic, functional and psychological aspects of an individual. In earlier days, conventional complete denture prosthesis served as the sole line of treatment option for such cases. Nevertheless, most of the patients using conventional removable denture finds it difficult in adapting to their prosthesis due to psychological issues. Now a days, implant supported prosthesis give them an opportunity to lead a normal healthy life fulfilling their functional and aesthetic requirements.[1] One of the well documented treatment modalities in implant dentistry for patients with edentulous arches is the fixed implant rehabilitation with an implantsupported complete dental prosthesis. Beyond four decades of clinical experience emphasize the effectiveness of this technique.[2]
Choroidal Metastasis as First Presenting Sign of Renal Cell Carcinoma without Evidence of Primary Tumour - A Case Report
Authors: Mohd Feendi Bin Mohd Fauzi Yap  , Othmaliza Othman  , Rona Asnida Nasaruddin
Published: June 2022

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a rare malignancy characterized by a variety of clinical features. It represents approximately 3 % of all adult malignancies and ranks 13th in frequency of all carcinomas.[1,2] RCC has been documented to metastasize to every organ in the body although metastasis to the eye and orbit is uncommon. Metastases may present decades after the removal of the primary disease. However, it is uncommon for patients who present with ocular metastasis before primary RCC is identified. We report a rare and unique case of metastatic renal cell carcinoma presenting as a choroidal mass despite no evidence of a primary tumour.

We present a case of a 65-year-old Chinese man who had sought treatment for a right-sided painful blind eye for 2 years which progressively worsened over time. His vision was poor since the age of 15 years and he was unsure of the cause. Initially, he was treated for the painful blind eye secondary to glaucoma and went for evisceration. Intraoperatively, we noticed that his vitreous cavity was filled with hard fibrotic mass. Histopathological examination was reported as right eye metastatic renal cell carcinoma with clear cell variant. Further investigation was done and he underwent exenteration in view of right optic nerve bulkiness which was also related to renal cell carcinoma. Interestingly, no tumour marker was positive and computed tomography (CT) thorax, abdomen and pelvis did not reveal any primary tumour. He did not complain of any adverse urinary symptoms and there were no signs and symptoms to suggest a concurrent renal pathology.

We report a rare and unique case of metastatic renal cell carcinoma presenting as a choroidal mass as the first presenting sign without evidence of primary tumour. Differential diagnosis of metastases must be considered in patients who present with an ocular mass, despite being asymptomatic of any primary malignancy. This is to ensure that this condition is promptly identified and treatment initiated as soon as possible. By highlighting this case, we seek to bring awareness to this condition and hopefully improve on its current dismal prognosis by early diagnosis.
Efficacy of Haemorrhoidectomy with Internal Sphincterotomy in Case of Hemorrhoids
Authors: Palraj Karuppasamy , S. Fareed Ul Hameed
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND The role of internal sphincterotomy along with haemorrhoidectomy in reducing the pain among the cases with haemorrhoids is still a debate among most surgeons. Hence this study was conducted to compare the efficacy of haemorrhoidectomy with or without internal sphincterotomy in reducing the postoperative pain among the patients with haemorrhoids. METHODS A hospital-based prospective comparative study was conducted among the patients with haemorrhoids undergoing surgical intervention for the same in the Department of General Surgery in Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Melmaruvathur, from January 2021 to June 2021. A total of a hundred and twenty cases with haemorrhoids were included in the study. Patients in group A (N=60) underwent haemorrhoidectomy alone and group B (N=60) underwent haemorrhoidectomy along with internal sphincterectomy. Data entry was done using Microsoft excel and data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17. RESULTS In the present study, mean pain scores on the first three postoperative days and the duration required to resume the normal activities was found to be low in the group that underwent haemorrhoidectomy with internal sphincterectomy compared to the group that underwent haemorrhoidectomy alone. Duration of surgical procedure and the complications were found to be similar in both haemorrhoidectomy with internal sphincterectomy group and haemorrhoidectomy alone, group. CONCLUSIONS Haemorrhoidectomy with lateral internal sphincterotomy was better in terms of less pain but the complications were similar in both groups. KEY WORDS Haemorrhoidectomy, Internal Sphincterotomy, Pain, Haemorrhoids.
Continuing Medical Education Questions: June 2022
Authors: Goldberg Aaron S.
Published: June 2022

Article Title: Green Tea Extract to Prevent Colorectal Adenomas, Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Continuing Medical Education Questions: June 2022
Authors: Asombang Akwi W.
Published: June 2022

Article Title: Diagnosis and Management of Cancer Risk in the Gastrointestinal Hamartomatous Polyposis Syndromes: Recommendations From the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer
Differences in Development and Diet of Stunting and Non-Stunting Children in the Rowosari Health Center Work Area, Semarang, Indonesia
Authors: Latuihamallo Avionita , Margawati Ani , Mexitalia Maria , Ediati Annastasia , Syauqy Ahmad
Published: June 2022

Background: Stunting in children aged 36-59 months is caused by the intake of energy and protein below the average RDA recommendation. This low consumption has an impact on different growth and development disorders.Objectives: This study aimed to determine the differences in the development and diet of stunted and non-stunted children aged 36-59 months.Materials and Methods: This was an observational study with a cross-sectional approach, which was carried out at the work area of the Rowosari Health Center. The sample population consisted of 67 children aged 36-59 months, which were selected using the simple random sampling technique. The characteristics of the subjects and mothers were then collected using a questionnaire. Meanwhile, data on the diet and child development were obtained with the 24-hour recall method and Developmental Pre-Screening Questionnaire (KPSP), respectively.Results: The results showed that there were differences in the development as well as energy and protein adequacy level of stunted and non-stunted children with a p-value <0.05.Conclusion: There were several deviant developments in non-stunted toddlers due to the lack of nutritional intake, stimulation, interaction with the environment as well as the low knowledge of mothers about child care patterns.
Cauchy-Riemann ̄∂-equations with some applications
Authors: Xiao Jie , Yuan Cheng
Published: June 2022

This paper shows that given 0 < p < 3 and a complex Borel measure µ on the unit disk 𝔻 the inhomogeneous Cauchy-Riemann ̄∂-equation

∂

z
¯

u

(
z
)

=

d
μ

(
z
)

(

2
π
i

)

-
1

d

z
¯

∧
d
z

{\partial _{\bar z}}u\left( z \right) = {{d\mu \left( z \right)} \over {{{\left( {2\pi i} \right)}^{ - 1}}d\bar z \wedge dz}}

− a complex Gauss curvature of the weighted disk (𝔻, µ) ᗄ z ∈ 𝔻,

has a distributional solution (initially defined on ̄𝔻 = 𝔻 ∪ 𝕋) u ∈ ℒ2,

p
(𝕋) (formed of: (i) Morrey’s space M
2,0<

p

<1(𝕋); (ii) John-Nirenberg’s space BMO(𝕋) = 𝒧2,1(𝕋); (iii) Hölder-Lipschitz’s space C

C

0
<

p
-
1

2

<
1

{C^{0 < {{p - 1} \over 2} < 1}}

(𝕋)), if and only if

𝔻
¯

∋
z
↦

∫
𝔻

(

1
-
z

w
¯

)

-
1

d

μ
¯

(
w
)

\mathbb{D} z \mapsto \int\limits_\mathbb{D} {{{\left( {1 - z\bar w} \right)}^{ - 1}}d\bar \mu } \left( w \right)

belongs to the analytic Campanato space ϱ𝒜
p
(𝔻),

thereby not only extending Carleson’s corona & Wolff’s ideal theorems to the algebra M ϱ𝒜
p
(𝔻) of all analytic pointwise multiplications of ϱ𝒜
p
(𝔻), but quadratically generalizing Brownawell’s result on Hilbert’s Nullstellensatz for the analytic polynomial class 𝒫(ℂ).
Dispatchable power supply from beam down solar point concentrator coupled to thermal energy storage and a Stirling engine
Authors: Boretti Alberto , al Maaitah Ayman
Published: June 2022

A high concentration high-temperature beam down solar point concentrator is proposed, coupled to thermal energy storage and a Stirling engine to deliver fully dispatchable electricity over 24 h. Full 24 h operation at nominal power is permitted during the month of maximum solar energy collection while in the month of minimum solar energy collection, the full power production is limited to 17.06 h. The monthly average capacity factors oscillate between 71 and 100%, with an average of 87.5%. Thanks to an electric heater for the heat storage fluid, the system can accept excess electricity from the grid to compensate for the loss of the solar energy collected every other month versus the solar energy collected during the best summer month, to operate at rated power 24 h a day in every day of the year. In this case, the capacity factor can reach 100% every month. By further increasing the size of the thermal energy storage and the power of the engine, the electric thermal energy storage capability of the system can be enhanced, increasing the amount of electricity otherwise wasted that could be collected from the grid to be then returned when needed.
Does the ontological proof of God’s existence really contain all the probative force of the cosmological argument? The early criticisms of Kant’s thesis by Flatt, Abel and Eberhard
Authors: Rovira Rogelio
Published: June 2022

Shortly after the appearance of the Critique of Pure Reason, Kant’s claim that the ontological proof of God’s existence contains all the probative force of the cosmological argument was discussed at great length by J. F. Flatt, J. F. v. Abel and J. A. Eberhard. These early criticisms do not seem to have received the attention they deserve, even though they are extremely relevant, cogent, and difficult to dispute. Regardless of whether their assumptions are accepted, these objections point out certain obscurities and flaws in Kant’s argument, casting doubt, from a logical standpoint, on the success of the main Kantian criticism of the cosmological proof.
Achtung in Kant and Smith
Authors: Walschots Michael
Published: June 2022

This paper argues that Kant’s concept of ‘respect’ (Achtung) for the moral law has roots in Adam Smith’s concept of ‘regard’ for the general rules of conduct, which was translated as Achtung in the first German translation of the Theory of Moral Sentiments. After illustrating that Kant’s technical understanding of respect appeared relatively late in his intellectual development, I argue that Kant’s concept of respect and Smith’s concept of regard share a basic similarity: they are both a single complex phenomenon with two core aspects, namely an attitude and a feeling. I then suggest that the concept of regard offered Kant a way to deal a problem concerning moral motivation that he was trying to solve at the time he likely first read Smith. I conclude by drawing some implications from the account I have offered for our understanding of Kant’s relation to Smith more generally.
Der „erste Satz“ in Grundlegung I
Authors: Steigleder Klaus
Published: June 2022

In this article, I try to show that the question of what the “first proposition” in Groundwork I is can be answered by textual evidence. At the end of paragraph 15 of GMS I, Kant recapitulates the “first proposition”. It is: “Eine Handlung aus Pflicht sondert den Einfluss der Neigung ganz ab.“ (“An action from duty puts aside entirely the influence of inclination.”). It is also shown that this “proposition” summarizes an important result of Kant’s argument in the preceding paragraphs 8–13 and is presupposed by the “second proposition” and by Kant’s whole argument in the paragraphs 14 and 15, which he recapitulates in the last sentence of paragraph 15.
Synthesis and structure of a zinc(II) coordination polymer assembled with 5-(3-carboxybenzyloxy)isophthalic acid and 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane
Authors: Chang Xin-Hong
Published: June 2022

A zinc(II) coordination polymer [Zn(cyip)(bpe)]
n

(1), (cyipH2 = 5-(3-carboxybenzyloxy)-isophthalic acid, bpe = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane), has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Its structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and further characterized by elemental analysis and IR spectra. Complex 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group I2/a. In 1, the [cyip]2– ligand bridges the Zn(II) cations to form infinite chains, which are connected through O–H···O hydrogen bonds into layers in the form of 2-fold interpenetrated nets.
Political problems of modern Austria
Authors:   Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences, Schweitzer Vladimir ,   Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences,   Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: June 2022

The monograph covers the events of the political history of Austria at the end of the XX – first two decades of the XXI century. The structures of national institutions of legislative and executive power, the activities of political parties of various kinds – conservatives, Social Democrats, nationalists, «greens» – are analyzed in detail. The assessment of the most significant political figures of the beginning of the XXI century is given. The role and place of Austria's membership in the EU for the formation of its domestic and foreign policy are considered. The author states the crisis state of the national political model, its dependence on a number of external and internal factors.