bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of Scots pine, European beech and pedunculate oak grown from sowing on soil with different compaction levels
Authors: Banach Jacek , Kormanek Mariusz , Jaźwiński Jakub
Published: April 2021

In this study, we explore the effect of soil compaction on the growth of seedlings of Scots pine Pinus sylvestris L., European beech Fagus sylvatica L. and pedunculate oak Quercus robur L. On the experimental plots, ground contact pressures ranging from 0 to 250 kPa was applied on the soil. The applied pressure resulted in an increase in soil compaction between 1.02 to 1.19 g cm–3, which reflected pressures exerted by the undercarriage of vehicles used in logging. We then measured the seedlings as well as the dry weight of the roots and the above-ground parts. Using this data, we calculated the following quality indicators for each seedling: SQ – sturdiness quotient, S/R – shoot to root dry mass, DQI – Dickson quality index. For pedunculate oak, the SQ value significantly improved with increasing soil compaction, whereas no differences in the other two indicators were observed. In case of the European beech, the best value of SQ and DQI were observed at a soil density of 1.11 g cm–3, whilst no significant difference for the S/R coefficient could be found. Completely different results were obtained for Scots pine. The most favorable growth was observed when no pressure was applied. However, the SQ and S/R ratios even exceeded the values commonly considered acceptable. Our results therefore indicate that the values of seedling quality indicators are indeed influenced by soil compaction. At a soil compaction of 1.11 g cm–3, the share of seedlings with the SQ value below the critical level was the highest, but a similar relationship could not be confirmed for the other indicators. The response of the seedlings to compaction is likely to be species specific.
Demographic Factors Influencing the Rabies Antibody Prevalence of Dogs in Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
Authors: Kolawole G. O. , Umoh J. U. , Kia S. N. , Dzikwi A.
Published: April 2021

Canine rabies is enzootic in Nigeria occurring in all parts of the country. Rabies has been reported in Niger state neighbouring the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the movement of rabid dogs between the neighbour states is possible. Hence, a study to determine the immune status of dogs in Abuja to rabies was necessary. A cross sectional study was carried out to assess the rabies antibody titre of owned dogs and the rabies knowledge, attitude and practices of the dog owners. Serum samples from 276 dogs were collected and a structured questionnaire administered to each dog owner using a personal interview method. Associations between the demographic variables, protection titres and knowledge attitude and practice (KAP) were assessed using χ2 analysis. Sera samples were analysed to measure for rabies antibodies using an indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Out of the 276 dogs sampled, 229 (83 %) had a certified antirabies vaccination record. All vaccinated dogs had antibody titre against rabies greater than 0.6 EU.ml–1. The dog owners had a mean knowledge score of 63.54 ± 23.82 %, mean attitude score of 81.45 ± 20.37 % and the mean practice score was 91.3 ± 21.39 %. There was a significant association between the vaccination status of the dogs and categorized knowledge score (P < 0.05), attitude score (P < 0.05) and practice score (P < 0.05). A large proportion of the dogs (47.4 %) owned by residents of satellite towns were not vaccinated against rabies. Hence mass vaccination of dogs in these suburban settlements is strongly recommended
Analysis of Sister Chromatid Exchanges and Proliferation of Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes Exposed to Epoxiconazole
Authors: Michalková R. , Šiviková K. , Galdíková M.
Published: April 2021

The potential genotoxic/cytotoxic effect of epoxiconazole was evaluated by means of sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) following the 24 and 48 h in vitro exposure of human peripheral blood lymphocytes to epoxiconazole at concentrations of: 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 μg. ml–1. Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), used as an epoxiconazole solvent, was used as a negative control and mitomycine (MMC) as a positive control. After the 24-hour exposure, we failed to observe a significant increase in SCE frequencies in comparison with the negative control, however, the concentrations of 10—100 μg.ml–1 caused a significant decrease in the proliferation index (PI; P < 0.001). Also, the 48-hour exposure produced no significant alterations in the SCE frequencies in comparison with the control. At epoxiconazole concentrations ranging from 10 to 50 μg.ml–1 we recorded a moderate to strong, dose-dependent inhibition of PI (P < 0.05; P < 0.01; P < 0.001), while at the highest dose (100 μg.ml–1) the reduction in PI compared to the control was less pronounced (P < 0.05). The reduction in PI at the concentration range of 10—100 μg.ml–1 depended on the number of cells in the M1, M2 and M3 phases of the cell cycle per total number of 100 evaluated metaphases. Our results indicated a significant cytotoxic or cytostatic effect on human peripheral blood lymphocytes.
Holocene OSL Chronology of Flu-Lacustrine Sediments in Yangtze River Basin, Wuhan Area, China
Authors: Wei Chuanyi , Zhang Huasong , Li Chang’an , Zhang Yufen , Li Yawei , Jia Mingming , Li Guoqing , Leng Yonghui
Published: April 2021

Wuhan area located middle Yangtze River Basin, is dominated by East Asian Monsoon. Widely developed Holocene flu-lacustrine sediments are ideal materials for the reconstruction of paleoclimate change and geo-environment evolution, for which the chronology is a key issue. In this study, 20 luminescence dating samples were collected from a flu-lacustrine sequence and the reliability of the quartz OSL dating to these samples were checked by using luminescence characteristics of dose recovery test and thermos transfer test. Our results indicate that different grain size fraction of 4∼11 μm, 38∼63 μm, and 90∼125 μm were well-bleached before burial. Dating results show that all these ages range from 0.8 ± 0.1 to 7. 9 ± 0.7 ka between 4.25 and 38.55 m, and most of them follow the stratigraphic sequence and other climatic recorder within the normal range of error. Disordered OSL ages may be caused by complicated transport-deposit processes. As a consequence, OSL dating method of SAR-SGC protocol could provide a significant chronology for Holocene flu-lacustrine sediment in large river depo-system.
Memes and education: opportunities, approaches and perspectives
Authors: Dongqiang Xie , De Serio Ludovico , Malakhov Alexander , Matys Olga
Published: April 2021

This article presents the results of an international research of using Internet-memes in education process. The writing team set out to explore the reasons and ways of using Internet memes in education in different language spaces – English, Italian, Russian and Chinese. To achieve this goal, a number of tasks were formulated, including:

1. to study the linguistic factor of the use of memes in the educational process,

2. to classify the ways of using memes depending on the purpose,

3. to analyze the content of memes in the liberal, ideological, as well as in the field of exact sciences.

The first part of the research made by Alexander Malakhov (PFUR) reveals the basic concepts associated with Internet memes. The second one written by Olga Matys (PFUR) is about using memes in a sphere of Russian liberal education in journalism. The third part of the research made by Ludovico De Serio (University of Genoa) presents an analysis using memes during studying math. The last but not the least part of this article made by Xie Dongqiang (PFUR) and reveals the aspects of an ideological studying using memes. This research was carried out using such scientific methods as analysis, comparison, description. In the course of the study, the authors used the work of such researchers as Susan Blackmore, G. Bini, M. Montagnani, Anna Zagoruyko, Maria Efremova, etc. Also there was used the content of sources such as VK publics “Memology: from antiquity to the present day” and “30 seconds before my expultion”, GeoGebra, www.padlet.com, etc.
Impact of the covid-19 crisis on global financial imbalances
Authors: Fetiniuc Valentina , Luchian Ivan
Published: April 2021

Following the synthesis of theories related to the mechanisms of international financial crises, authors Kovalev and Paseko developed the Model of global imbalance synergy, which substantiates the idea of generating economic and financial crisis situations globally by manifesting the chain of different imbalances. The model starts from global monetary and demographic imbalances, which determine the imbalances between real and financial sector of global economy, as well as real and market values of transnational companies. Together they all lead to imbalances in the distribution of global wealth in industrially developed and developing countries, as well as imbalance between consumption and income in industrially developed countries. Studies in this area have demonstrated the viability and usefulness of this model. The current situation tends to make some clarifications in this model. First of all, it is about the onset of a pro-cyclical economic crisis in 2018, against the background of which in 2020 an economic crisis of a pandemic nature began. Secondly, the latter tends to exacerbate global imbalances, which may ultimately trigger a global financial crisis. The situation is exacerbated by global trade conflicts with negative consequences, continued currency clashes and inflated financial bubbles. This situation requires urgent remedial actions at the global level.
Culture, health and well-being sit in places. Impact of COVID-19 on the African Society: geo-anthropological perspectives
Authors: Varani Nicoletta , Siri Anna , Bernardini Enrico
Published: April 2021

Through an interdisciplinary contribution, the authors intend to propose an updated framework of the progress of the COVID-19 pandemic on the African continent and some critical reflections on various geopolitical and geo-anthropological aspects concerning the new vulnerabilities associated with the pandemic crisis in Africa and the importance of culture and its effects on well-being and health.

The pandemic seems to have hit the African continent much less severely than the rest of the world, with a mortality index (2,4%) lower than the global one (3,5%). The spread of the virus in this geographical area is largely underestimated because health care facilities do not have the tracking power that rich countries have, several factors show how Africa is managing to counter the impact of the pandemic. One reason could be the intervention of the immune capacity of a population exposed in the recent past to numerous other infections that could have stimulated greater protection, both in terms of innate and acquired immunity. The dispersion of the rural population, which represents the majority of the African population (43%), could act as a geographical barrier to the virus. It is a complex picture where there are feelings of distrust between the institutions and the population on the management of the pandemic and the circulation of an excessive amount of data that creates confusion. In the African context, the need to understand the relationship between culture and health becomes fundamental. If the role of cultural values is underestimated, the positive potential of culture as a critical element for maintaining and improving health is negated. According to the World Health Organization, traditional medicine is the cornerstone of health care or its complement in the countries where community membership is most deeply rooted. In Africa, the World Health Organisation estimates that 85% of the population uses it because it is more widespread and accessible than traditional healing systems.

Only one form of contagion travels faster than a virus. And that’s fear. Dan Brown
Anti-HIV activity of some natural phenolics
Authors: El-Ansari Mohamed Amin , Ibrahim Lamyaa Fawzy , Sharaf Mohamed
Published: April 2021

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is an immunosuppressive disease caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The urgent need for searching novel anti-HIV/AIDS medicines is a global concern. So far, a lot of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) have been analyzed to select those that could assist in the prevention and/or amelioration of the disease. Among biologically active compounds present in these plants, one of the most promising group are phenolics. The purpose of this article was to report anti-HIV activity of selected phenolic compounds of plant origin.
Ballota nigra L. – an overview of pharmacological effects and traditional uses
Authors: Przerwa Filip , Kukowka Arnold , Uzar Izabela
Published: April 2021

Ballota nigra, also known as black horehound is a common medical herb used in folk medicine around the world. First reported mentions of its medical properties and use goes as far as the 13th century. The use of black horehound depends on regions and countries. It is used mostly to treat e.g. mild sleep disorders, nervousness, upset stomach, wound healing. It can be used as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiprotozoal, antifungal drug. Moreover, it has been reported as a potential cancer drug. This extensive usage is particularly interesting for us. The aim of this review is to present available data on B. nigra pharmacological effects and known traditional uses gathered from a wide range of scientific articles published in 1997–2020.
The Space-time of Physics: a Kinetic Space
Authors: Néda Zoltán
Published: April 2021

In his article “The Space-time of Physics: a Kinetic Space” Zoltán Néda reveals why is there a lot of confusion concerning the space-time of modern physics. These concepts are used routinely, but if we dig in deeply, finally we have to recognize that usually our knowledge is rather superficial and limited. The logic on which space and time is constructed in physics is an interesting and enlightening story, in which light plays an import role. The space-time of physics is tailored on light, it is built by using the propagation properties of light rays. In such view, it is a kinetic space. The author presents the logic of this construction in a concise and non-technical manner, so that readers without any mathematical background can also enjoy it.
Drums of Doubt: On the Rhythmical Origins of Poetic and Scientific Exploration
Authors: Dobrescu Caius
Published: April 2021

In his article “Drums of Doubt: On the Rhythmical Origins of Poetic and Scientific Exploration” Caius Dobrescu argues that even though the sciences and arts of doubt have never been connected to the notion of rhythm, doubt is a form of energy, and more specifically, a form of vibration. It implies an exploratory movement that constantly expands and recoils in a space essentially experienced as uncharted territory. Poetry acquires cognitive attributes through oscillatory rhythmic patterns that are explorative and adaptive. In order to test this hypothesis, the essay focuses on the nature and functioning of free verse. This modern prosodic mutation brings about a dovetailing of the rhythmic spectrum, but also, and more significantly, a change in the very manner of understanding and experiencing rhythm. Oscillatory rhythms are broadly associable with entrainment indexes that point to the adaptation of inner physiological and behavioral rhythms to oscillatory environment stimuli. Free verse emerges from the experience of regaining an original explorative, adaptive, and orientation-oriented condition of consciousness.
Changing the Rhythm of Design Capitalism and the Total Aestheticization of the World
Authors: Szentpéteri Márton
Published: April 2021

In his article “Changing the Rhythm of Design Capitalism and the Total Aestheticization of the World” Márton Szentpéteri intends to highlight the most important stages of the accelerating total aestheticization of the world resulting at the contemporary period of neoliberal design culture. In the age of design capitalism, the hegemony of consumption culture is being constantly maintained by a culture industry substantially expressed by and embodied in design. The paper claims that the eminent reason of the crisis of democracy today is rooted in the global society of the designed spectacle with its one-dimensional citizens loosing almost all abilities to recognize and consequently defend their rights and to decrease their alienation from real needs, responsibilities and sensibilities. Democracy is fading due to neoliberal globalization – especially in the case of the commercialization of the public sector. However, the particular role of design in this process has hitherto been neglected or underestimated. Against the trend of fading democracy, different sorts of design activism experimenting with disobedient objects and strategies of critical design point towards a much-awaited rebirth of art in terms of its compensatory power against damages of our lifeworld generated by the modernization process with globalisation in the lead. These endeavours are in harmony with the return of art in terms of emergency aesthetics. This rebirth can also be reinforced by the defence of the values of liberal learning being so much threatened amid a global higher education crisis, and especially by understanding design education in the frameworks of liberal learning rather than vocational training.
Embracing Noise and Error
Authors: Bálint Bálint L.
Published: April 2021

In his article “Embracing Noise and Error”, Bálint L. Bálint argues that human society is going through a profound change as mathematical models are used to predict human behavior both on a personal level and on the level of the entire society. An inherent component of mathematical models is the concept of error or noise, which describes the level of unpredictability of a system by the specific mathematical model. The author reveals the educational origin of the abstract world that can be described by pure mathematics and can be considered an ideal world without errors. While the human perception of the world is different from the abstractions we were taught, the mathematical models need to integrate the error factor to deal with the unpredictability of reality. While scientific thinking developed the statistic-probabilistic model to define the limits of predictability, here we present that in a flow of time driven by entropy, stochastic variability is an in-built characteristic of the material world and represents ultimately the singularity of each individual moment in time and the chance for our freedom of choice.
Will to Language, Culture, and Power. Dániel Berzsenyi and his Martial Poetry
Authors: Vaderna Gábor
Published: April 2021

In his article “Will to Language, Culture, and Power” Gábor Vaderna investigates different discourses of violence in early 19th-century Hungary. According to Norbert Elias, violence has not disappeared from modern society but the individual has transferred the institution, opportunity, and protocols of violence to the state. There are also aesthetic consequences of this process. The question is whether institutionalized violence was a tool of power to stabilize modern societies or rather it was in fact a threat to aesthetic beauty. From the analysis of a poem by the Hungarian poet, Dániel Berzsenyi (1776–1832), written in wartime, Vaderna concludes that the Central European noble classes perceived a tension between the eternal virtue and real history. The exercise of power, the possession of violence and the nation-building potential of culture were closely intertwined in their political language.
Practices of Colonization in Regional Literary Histories
Authors: Vincze Ferenc
Published: April 2021

The discourses on 20th century Eastern European regional literatures are predominantly determined by the use of terminology and interrelationships of national and ethnic literatures, which originated in social and state organizational embeddedness. Besides, the majority–minority relation is significantly present in the discourse on these literatures, with this relation representing a – sometimes implicit, sometimes explicit – approach of colonization. If ethnic (or minority) literatures are not only examined as opposed to national (or majority) literatures, it might occur that ethnic literatures themselves often resorted to practices of colonization when describing the literary context. This paper aims at examining the processes of literary history writing of German and Hungarian literatures from Romania, and by looking at them from a transnational perspective, identifying the in-between space where the mutually oppressive spatial practices are eliminated.
The Sovietization of Creative Writing in Romania. The Role of the Mihai Eminescu School of Literature and Literary Criticism (1950–1955)
Authors: Balázs Imre József
Published: April 2021

Within the paradigm of socialist realism, one of the means of introducing new models of producing literature in Romania and other neighbouring countries was the Soviet idea and practice of literary training. In the Romanian context, the Mihai Eminescu School of Literature and Literary Criticism from Bucharest was intended to produce the new, young generation of writers that would articulate the new system of values. Reports about the School show that the social origin of the students was carefully monitorized, and ethnic diversity also played a role in the process of the sovietization of the whole Romanian literary field. The personal level of experiencing the cultural and political practice of the School shows the possibilities and also the limitations of the project. The paper examines the history of the School through official party documents and also personal accounts, in order to analyze the particular strategies and also the difficulties of adapting certain Soviet institutional models within the Romanian context.
Reinventing Linguistic Ethnographic Fieldwork During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Fazakas Noémi , Barabás Blanka
Published: April 2021

Our paper discusses the methodological implications of an ethnographic linguistic research project in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. Starting from pertinent definitions of linguistic ethnography and interpretations of the field, we offer a demonstration of the process in which this particular participatory research project was faced with the fact that the field became unavailable and inaccessible for the non-local participants. We argue that moving the research online in this case does not mean a shift to “virtual ethnography” (Hine) or “digital ethnography” (Varis), but provides an example for the research site as an emerging construct which adds to the complexities of ethnographic research.
Transfer of Dry-Land Resistance Training Modalities to Swimming Performance
Authors: Sadowski Jerzy , Mastalerz Andrzej , Gromisz Wilhelm
Published: April 2021

A great number of studies focusing on the effects of dry-land resistance training interventions on swimming performance remain inconclusive. It is suggested that transferability of dry-land strength gains to swimming performance appear when dry-land resistance training programs are swim-specific. The main aim of this study was to compare the effects of specific dry-land resistance training on an ergometer with traditional dry-land exercises, and to determine how much of the resistance training effects were transferred to specific swimming conditions. The study included a group of 26 youth competitive male swimmers (age 15.7 ± 0.5 years, height 174.6 ± 6.6 cm, weight 68.4 ± 8.2 kg, training experience 5.8±0.7 years) of regional level. They were randomly allocated to one of two groups: experimental (E) and control (T). Both groups were involved in a 12-week dry-land resistance training concentrated on increasing muscular strength and power output of the upper limbs. Group E used a specialized ergometer (JBA – Zbigniew Staniak), while group T performed traditional resistance exercises. The program consisted of 10 sets of 30 s of exercise with 30 s rest intervals between each set. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA with Tukey HSD post hoc comparisons was used to determine if any significant differences existed between training groups across pretest and posttest conditions. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. Dry-land resistance training modalities were the only differences in training between both groups. Our findings show that rates of transfer are much higher in group E than in group T, which resulted in a significant increase in swimming velocity (by 4.32%, p<0.001; ES=1.23, and 2.78%, p<0.003, ES=0.31, respectively).
The Relative Age Effect at the Ice Hockey World Championships (IHWC) in the years 2015–2017
Authors: Nykodým Jiří , Bozděch Michal , Agricola Adrián , Zháněl Jiří
Published: April 2021

The relative age effect (RAE) theory is based on the premise that athletes born in the first months of the calendar year have a significant probability of a higher level of physiological, morphological and psychological abilities compared to later-born athletes. The aim of our study was to verify the influence of the RAE on adult ice hockey players, specifically Ice Hockey World Championships’ (IHWC) participants in the years 2015−2017 (n = 1,200). Based on the chi-squared (χ2) analysis, the influence of the RAE during the 2015−2017 period could not be rejected for all observed players (χ2 = 54.6, p < 0.01, w = 0.21) or for all the players for particular years (2015, 2016, and 2017; p < 0.01). During the monitored period (2015−2017), the RAE could not be rejected for any player’s position (forward, defender, or goaltender). Based on the effect size analysis (Cohen’s w), the strongest RAE was observed among goaltenders (w = 0.31), then forwards (w = 0.24) and finally defenders (w = 0.15). The assessment of player’s positions in particular years showed statistical significance for goaltenders only in 2015 (χ2 = 11.3, p < 0.05). With regard to forwards, significance was confirmed for 2015 (χ2 = 8.5, p < 0.05), 2016 (χ2 = 15.2, p < 0.01) and 2017 (χ2 = 14.3, p < 0.01). Therefore, the presence of the RAE could not be rejected for all these cases. The results of the research show that members of national teams in the years 2015−2017 were players who were chronologically older, which is consistent with the results of other authors addressing the RAE.
Human Trafficking Analyzed as a Crime Against Humanity
Authors: Tolar Autumn D.
Published: April 2021

The global legal landscape recognizes the seriousness of human trafficking crimes yet many cases remain unheard. Current classifications of this crime along with jurisdictional requites for the International Criminal Courts are preventing adjudication of trafficking in persons when there is a factor of transnationality. I argue that the solution to positioning human trafficking into the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Courts is to analyze its rise to the level of a crime against humanity. Until this point, there has not been a human trafficking case well suited to make this argument to thoroughly demonstrate all the elements required to be classified as a crime against humanity. I argue that not only does the cross examination of human trafficking, under the Trafficking Protocol and the enumerated acts of Article 7(1) of the Rome Statute, meet the elements of a crime against humanity, but that the recent human trafficking situation of the Rohingya people in Myanmar further demonstrates its potential application and necessity. Classifying human trafficking as a crime against humanity would put these cases in the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Courts which would give previously domestically neglected cases an opportunity to be prosecuted and potentially deter the growing human trafficking epidemic.
Form of Arbitration Agreement in a Comparative Perspective
Authors: Ryšavý Lukáš
Published: April 2021

The arbitration agreement is one of the basic pillars and conditions of arbitration, without which arbitration cannot take place. In addition to the content requirements, it must be concluded in the required form in accordance with the relevant regulations. This article deals with the form of an arbitration agreement and on the example of various legal orders it shows the possibilities that can be encountered in the issue of formal requirements on an arbitration agreement. The comparative approach is intended to underline the importance of arbitration in international context and the importance of uniform, or at least similar, regulation from the point of view of legal certainty, for example. Despite the partial differences, it can be positively stated that the legal systems strive for a balance between informality and excessive formalism, and respect (also for practice) important principles important such as potius valeat actus quam pereat or the autonomy of the parties.
The Conflict between the Principles of the National Identity of Member States and Values of European Union Such as Rule of Law, Respect for Human Rights and Liberal Democracy – Case Study of Hungary
Authors: Suyunova Kumush
Published: April 2021

Human rights are indivisible. The EU holds resolute tone against the challenges of universal human rights. As an adequate method of governance the EU acknowledges the rule of law that encompasses transparent and reliable legal system, an independent judiciary, prevention of arbitrary executive power; legal egalitarianism and respect for rights and freedoms of individuals. The concept of democracy determines the values behind the governance of a country. Thus, the EU’s vision of democracy comprises several principles: political equality, representative and participative democracy, which include fair elections, separation of power, effective checks and balances. However, despite the EU’s efforts to promote human rights, rule of law and democracy, some member States are still lagging behind the overall positive achievement. Hungary, who pick up illiberal democracy over established European values, has become the focus of attention.
Securing Human Right to Water through Public Procurement in Slovakia
Authors: Máčaj Adam
Published: April 2021

The paper aims firstly to assess the deficiencies in access to drinking water that are present in Slovakia. Recently, the country was condemned for various violations in ensuring access to drinking water for all, whether by third parties, but also national institutions and international organizations. Drawing upon the identified failures and violations, the actions undertaken to remedy the situation are analysed, especially in order to establish whether Slovakia dispenses with its obligations under the human right to water and addresses the identified problems satisfactorily. Finally, the process of public procurement in providing drinking water is considered, having regard to its role in promptness and efficiency of addressing the unsatisfactory situation which makes Slovakia open to severe criticism from international human rights bodies.
Weight Loss Ten Years After Bariatric Surgery: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Stoyanov Toni I. , Cascales-Sanchez Pedro , Ivanov Kaloyan T. , Martinez-Moreno Agustina , Usero-Rebollo Servando , Tonchev Pencho T. , Garcia-Blazquez Emilio
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Bariatric surgery has amply demonstrated its benefit in the treatment of morbidly obese patients. After surgery, there is a progressive and significant decrease in weight in a high percentage of patients. Most comorbidities resolve, improving quality of life and increasing life expectancy.

Methods and Objective: The literature review is based on a 10-year or longer follow-up of patients who underwent various bariatric surgery procedures. The long-term weight loss results and the clinical impact were evaluated.

Results: The applied surgical techniques, including Rouxen-Y gastric Bypass (RYBG), Biliopancreatic Diversion, Scopinaro type (BPD), and Duodenal Switch (DS), have contributed to achieving very satisfactory long-term and sustainable weight loss results. According to the reviewed literature, the percentage of excessive BMI Loss (%EBMIL) for the various techniques was 67.9%, 70.7%, and 71.5% for RYGB, BPD, and DS, respectively. Patients undergoing BGYR have lost much more weight than non-surgical patients and can maintain long-term weight loss, reaching a Percentage of Excessive Weight Loss (%EWL) as high as 56.4% in 10 years. Patients who underwent Adjustable Gastric Band (AGB) presented with a %EWL of 45.9% in 10 years, but with very high re-operation rate range (8-78%). There are few studies in the literature on Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, reporting weight loss results over ten years. According to the study carried out by Arman G. A., Himpens J., et al. isolated Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LGS) produced a satisfactory weight loss over ten years, reachingEBMIL of 62.5%. Amending LSG with a new surgical design with malabsorbtive component (in 25% of patients) increased the weight loss, achieving %EBMIL of 81.7%.The Vertical Band Gastroplasty technique resulted in EWL of 38.1 ± 28.8%, as shown by a mean follow-up of 17.3 years, with a high rate of re-operations and conversions.
Clinical Outcomes After Standard Discectomy and Microdiscectomy for Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Single-Center Study
Authors: Ovcharov Mladen E.
Published: April 2021

Unsatisfactory results from lumbar disc herniation (LDH) conservative treatment suggest referral of patients for neurosurgical treatment. The time required for such a decision is considered to be about 4-6 weeks. In most cases, surgery quickly relieves pain symptoms, all along with the restoration of patient functions. The optimal surgical technique for LDH is theoretically controversial. We consider two discectomy methods as quite effective in our clinic: standard open discectomy (SD) and microdiscectomy (MD). Many retrospective studies have demonstrated the superiority of one of these techniques. Most studies describe microdiscectomy as a golden standard for surgical treatment of symptomatic disc herniation. We focused on the clinical aspects and correlations in the surgical treatment of LDH, as presented in the literature.

The patients we present were divided by type of surgical procedure (SD or MD), and other parameters: sex, age, duration of symptoms, blood loss, duration of the operation, reoperation rate, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). We used chi-square tests (ANOVA analysis) and directional measures to determine statistically significant data. Five hundred eighty-nine single-level lumbar discectomies were performed for five years (2012-2017), and all the patients presented with classical signs of the condition, i.e., vertebral and radicular syndromes. SD was performed on 498 patients, and MD – on 91 patients. Analyses of the parameters mean VAS values of lumbar and leg pain postoperatively, and within one month after surgery demonstrated statistically significant differences between standard and microdiscectomy (p<0.05). LDH surgical techniques have become more and more sophisticated over the last 40 years, but without substantial improvement in the functional and clinical results. Appropriate patient selection is a crucial factor for the postoperative outcome. Neurosurgeons should fully master the chosen technique for satisfactory postoperative results.
Acute Appendicitis Remains a Great Mimicker – The Pitfalls in the Differential Diagnosis and Tactics - A Case Report
Authors: Popivanov Georgi I. , Konaktchieva Marina N. , Vasilev Vladimir V. , Kjossev Kirien Ts. , Penkov Marin B. , Penchev Dimitar K. , Vaseva Virsavia S. , Mutafchyiski Ventsislav M.
Published: April 2021

Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most common non-traumatic abdominal emergency. Despite the improved knowledge, experience, and technological advance, its diagnosis remains a challenge. Herein we report an example of a difficult diagnosis of acute appendicitis and comment on the possible pitfalls in the differential diagnosis and surgical tactics. We present the case of a 41-year-old man who had been admitted to another hospital with an initial diagnosis of acute appendicitis and changed to Crohn’s disease (CD). Because of a pelvic abscess, percutaneous drainage had been performed. Thrombosis of the right femoral vein had been diagnosed and treated accordingly. In an improved condition, he was referred for elective operation with a final diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumour based on cytology. At laparotomy, the appendix was found densely adherent to the right external iliac vein with a well-demarcated tumour (1 cm) at the base. Appendectomy with partial resection of the caecum with a linear stapler was performed. The histological examination revealed acute to chronic appendicitis with lymphoid follicle hyperplasia at the base. The case illustrates the necessity for broad differential diagnosis in AA and the possibility of severe vascular complications in complicated AA. Taking a detailed history and CT are of paramount importance for an accurate preoperative diagnosis, especially of CD. All emergency surgeons should also be familiar with the scenario of unexpected findings at laparotomy, especially with the management of CD and the algorithms for treatment of appendiceal malignancies. The mini-invasive drainage of right iliac fossa abscess allows for optimizing the patient’s condition and may help to avoid unnecessary extensive resections.
Beneficial Influence of Agomelatine Treatment on Behavioral Impairments in AΒ-Induced Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ilieva Kalina St. , Tchekalarova Jana D. , Atanasova Milena A. , Petrova Lidiya P.
Published: April 2021

An increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) exists in patients with a history of depression. In the present study, we demonstrated that chronic agomelatine intraperitoneal treatment, at a dose of 40 mg/ kg for 21 days, starting one month after inducing AD by intracerebroventricular injection of amyloid-beta (Aβ) corrected anhedonia, decreased anxiety, and showed a potential to mitigate working memory errors during the last session in a radial arm maze. Altogether, our findings suggest that chronic agomelatine administration treatment could alleviate the burden of AD and may be considered a promising therapeutic approach to some adverse symptoms caused by the disease.
Evaluation of Patient Exposure After an Emergency Warm-Up of the CT X-Ray Tube
Authors: Kostova-Lefterova Desislava Z. , Ivanova Desislava P. , Simeonov Filip N. , Zagorska Anna R. , Genova Kameliya Z. , Ilieva Petya K.
Published: April 2021

A survey was performed to evaluate patient exposure after a procedure for the CT X-ray tube’s emergency warm-up, with the patient positioned on the table within the CT gantry. Three CT units, situated in three different University hospitals, were included in the survey. The evaluation was performed with AGFA personal monitoring films to visualize the results and discuss them with the radiographers who operate the systems. Additional measurements were performed with the RaySafe X2 system to demonstrate the presence of exposure. The air kerma resulting from implementing the warm-up protocol was evaluated to be higher than 112 μGy, 409 μGy, and 807 μGy for each of the CT units. Those values were underestimated because of the dosimetry equipment used and the methodology. A discussion between medical staff, engineers, and medical physicist was initiated. The practice with unnecessary patient exposure was terminated.
Prevention and Treatment of Potentially Problematic Acute Wounds to Achieve Full Recovery by Using Platelet-Rich Plasma: Research Results
Authors: Sokolov Tsvetan V.
Published: April 2021

The study presents the outcomes from platelet-rich plasma (PRP) application in treating acute and potentially problematic skin wounds from 2009 to 2016. Fifty-six hospitalized patients with acute skin wounds were divided into two groups: an experimental group of 30 patients treated with platelet-rich plasma and 26 controls with similar wounds, treated by conventional methods. After platelet-rich plasma treatment of 30 acute and potentially problematic wounds in the Experimental Group patients, 29 (96.7%) of the wounds healed for 16 weeks on average. After applying conventional treatment with surgical wound debridement, of the 26 acute, potentially problematic wounds in the controls, only 2 (7.6%) healed. Since acute and potentially problematic wounds are very likely to become chronic and difficult to heal, we recommend PRP application as a preventive treatment in patients at risk.
Accuracy of Phosphorylated Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-1 in Predicting Preterm Labour
Authors: Gyokova Elitsa H. , Popov Yordan D. , Ivanova-Yoncheva Yoana G. , Dimitrova Kamelia K. , Dekova Klaudia I.
Published: April 2021

Preterm birth is the most common cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The routine method for predicting premature birth is the measurement of the cervical length. However, to make a better and more precise prognosis, the cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) was widely inspected through many studies. Its content is used nowadays as a diagnostic method for different conditions. One of the clinical biomarkers used to predict preterm labour in the CVF is the phosphorylated insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (pIGFBP-1). This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of pIGFBP-1 as a predictor of preterm labour when used with cervical biometrics.

A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on pregnant patients, divided into groups: Group A included participants at risk for premature labour, and Group B -women with an uncomplicated pregnancy. All patients underwent a test for pIGFBP-1, followed by a transvaginal measurement of the cervical length.

A total of 32 patients were recruited for the study. Their pregnancy outcomes were followed up. In the group of symptomatic patients, the results were positive in 8 patients, and despite the intensive tocolytic therapy given, 5 of them gave preterm birth within 14 days. There were two patients with a cervical length of less than 10 mm. They both had positive results for pIGFBP-1 and gave spontaneous preterm birth within a few hours. The predictive value of pIGFBP-1 in cases with negative results was high.

The leading cause for fetal morbidity and mortality in the twenty-first century remains premature delivery. Many investigations are currently carried out, aiming to facilitate preterm labor prediction and quickly estimate a pregnant woman’s ability to carry to time. The patients at highest risk are detected by measuring the cervical length. Newly searched clinical biomarkers such as fetal fibronectin found in the CVF might help predict preterm birth in time.
A Case Report of a Woman with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Misdiagnosed as Having Bipolar Affective Disorder
Authors: Iakimova Rossitza K. , Stoimenova-Popova Maya Y. , Chumpalova Petranka G. , Pandova Milena S. , Stoyanova Maria B.
Published: April 2021

Frequent mood changes are found in premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) as well as in bipolar affective disorder (BAD). The differential diagnosis is difficult because both conditions share some other common symptoms.

We present a case study of a woman with premenstrual dysphoric disorder misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder. As a result, the patient was prescribed lithium and remained symptomatic for a prolonged period. She recovered only after initiation of treatment with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, which is the treatment of choice in the management of PMDD.

In such cases, the importance of affective symptoms evaluation is underscored in the context of the menstrual cycle, as well as in recognizing them for the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Mortality Rate and Predictors among Patients with COVID-19 Related Acute Respiratory Failure Requiring Mechanical Ventilation: A Retrospective Single Centre Study
Authors: Terwangne Christophe de , Sorgente Antonio , Tortora Redente , Cheung Diana , Duprez Frederic , Place Sammy , Lechien Jerome R. , Capulzini Lucio , Cubber Michael De , Saussez Sven , Taccone Fabio Silvio , Mashayekhi Shahram
Published: April 2021

Aim

The objective of the study was to assess mortality rates in COVID-19 patients suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who also requiring mechanical ventilation. The predictors of mortality in this cohort were analysed, and the clinical characteristics recorded.

Material and method

A single centre retrospective study was conducted on all COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit of the Epicura Hospital Center, Province of Hainaut, Belgium, between March 1st and April 30th 2020.

Results

Forty-nine patients were included in the study of which thirty-four were male, and fifteen were female. The mean (SD) age was 68.8 (10.6) and 69.5 (12.6) for males and females, respectively. The median time to death after the onset of symptoms was eighteen days. The median time to death, after hospital admission was nine days. By the end of the thirty days follow-up, twenty-seven patients (55%) had died, and twenty–two (45%) had survived. Non-survivors, as compared to those who survived, were similar in gender, prescribed medications, COVID-19 symptoms, with similar laboratory test results. They were significantly older (p = 0.007), with a higher co-morbidity burden (p = 0.026) and underwent significantly less tra-cheostomy (p < 0.001). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, no parameter significantly predicted mortality.

Conclusions

This study reported a mortality rate of 55% in critically ill COVID-19 patients with ARDS who also required mechanical ventilation. The results corroborate previous findings that older and more comorbid patients represent the population at most risk of a poor outcome in this setting.
An Incident of a Massive Pulmonary Embolism following Acute Aortic Dissection. A Case Report
Authors: Fernandes Sofia , Rodrigues Mariana , Barreiros Catarina , Côrte-Real Hugo , Ferreira Ricardo , Nobre Ângelo
Published: April 2021

Acute aortic dissection and acute pulmonary embolism are two life-threatening emergencies. The presented case is of an 81-year-old man who has been diagnosed with an acute Stanford type A aortic dissection and referred to a tertiary hospital for surgical treatment. After a successful aortic repair and an overall favourable postoperative recovery, he was diagnosed with cervical and upper extremity deep vein thrombosis and was anticoagulated accordingly. He later presented with massive bilateral pulmonary embolism.
A Rebalancing Framework for Classification of Imbalanced Medical Appointment No-show Data
Authors: Krishnan Ulagapriya , Sangar Pushpa
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to improve the classification performance when the data is imbalanced by applying different sampling techniques available in Machine Learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The medical appointment no-show dataset is imbalanced, and when classification algorithms are applied directly to the dataset, it is biased towards the majority class, ignoring the minority class. To avoid this issue, multiple sampling techniques such as Random Over Sampling (ROS), Random Under Sampling (RUS), Synthetic Minority Oversampling TEchnique (SMOTE), ADAptive SYNthetic Sampling (ADASYN), Edited Nearest Neighbor (ENN), and Condensed Nearest Neighbor (CNN) are applied in order to make the dataset balanced. The performance is assessed by the Decision Tree classifier with the listed sampling techniques and the best performance is identified.

Findings

This study focuses on the comparison of the performance metrics of various sampling methods widely used. It is revealed that, compared to other techniques, the Recall is high when ENN is applied CNN and ADASYN have performed equally well on the Imbalanced data.

Research limitations

The testing was carried out with limited dataset and needs to be tested with a larger dataset.

Practical implications

This framework will be useful whenever the data is imbalanced in real world scenarios, which ultimately improves the performance.

Originality/value

This paper uses the rebalancing framework on medical appointment no-show dataset to predict the no-shows and removes the bias towards minority class.