bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of the creatinine-albumin ratio in acute pancreatitis debridement
Authors: ZHAO Zhifeng , YU Yeping , XIE Rongli , YANG Kaige , XU Dan , LI Li , LIN Jiayun , ZHENG Lei , ZHANG Chihao , XU Xin , CHEN Ying , XU Zhiwei , CHEN Erzhen , LUO Meng , Fei Jian
Published: December 2020

Background Increases in the levels of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and creatinine (Cr) and decreases in those of albumin (Alb) are commonly observed in acute pancreatitis (AP). We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the Cr/Alb and CRP/Alb ratios in the prediction of surgical treatment effect in AP patients.Methods This study retrospectively analyzed clinical data obtained from 140 AP patients who underwent debridement from January 2008 to November 2018 in Shanghai Ruijin Hospital. The Cr/Alb and CRP/Alb ratios at admission and before surgery were assessed in the analysis of clinical statistics, prediction of prognoses, and logistic regression analysis.Results The admission Cr/Alb had the best predictive value of the four ratios. This value was significantly higher in patients with re-operation and those who died (P < 0.05) and was correlated with the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score, admission CRP/Alb, preoperative Cr/Alb, and post-operative complications. The admission Cr/Alb could predict the risk of AP-related re-operation and mortality with sensitivities, specificities and areas under the curve of 86.3%, 61.7% and 0.824, and 73.4%, 81.3% and 0.794, respectively. At a cut-off value of 3.43, admission Cr/Alb values were indicative of a worse clinical state, including impaired laboratory test values, APACHE II scores, rates of post-operative complications and re-operation, and mortality (P < 0.05). In the logistic regression analysis, admission Cr/Alb values were independently related to the APACHE II score, post-operative renal failure, and mortality.Conclusion Cr/Alb is a novel but promising, easy-to-measure, reproducible, non-invasive prognostic score for the prediction of the effect of debridement in AP patients.
Developing a complex intervention to support pregnant women with mild to moderate anxiety: application of the Medical Research Council framework
Authors: Evans Kerry , Spiby Helen , Morrell Jane C
Published: December 2020

Background: To design and develop an intervention to support women with symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety in pregnancy.Methods: The development followed the MRC framework for complex interventions, utilising psychological theory, review level evidence and professional and public involvement. Two systematic reviews were completed which helped identify potentially beneficial intervention components. The theory underpinning the components was explored to consider the potential benefit for women with mild to moderate anxiety symptoms in pregnancy. Methods of delivering the intervention within maternity services were explored. The intervention comprised: group discussions, one to one support and assisted self-help resources. Midwives were identified as ideally placed to facilitate the intervention supported by midwifery support workers. A bespoke training package was provided by subject experts to prepare the facilitators.Results: The absence of established interventions and a paucity of evidence based approaches for pregnant women with symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety indicated the need for a rigorous and systematic approach to the intervention design. This approach led to the development of an intervention feasible for implementation in maternity care systems tailored to the needs of pregnant women. The involvement of a multi-professional advisory team and active engagement of service users helped to consider the acceptability of the intervention for women and the feasibility of delivering the intervention in the context of maternity care.Conclusion: The MRC Framework provided useful overarching guidance to develop a midwife facilitated intervention for women with symptoms of anxiety in pregnancy. The framework assisted the development of a robust rationale for each intervention component and considered the processes of evaluation and implementation into maternity care systems.
Converting Habits of Antibiotic Use for Respiratory Tract Infections in German Primary Care (Change-3) - Process evaluation of a complex intervention
Authors: Poß-Doering Regina , Kuehn Lukas , Kamradt Martina , Glassen Katharina , Thomas Fleischhauer , Kaufmann-Kolle Petra , Koeppen Martina , Wollny Anja , Altiner Attila , Wensing Michel
Published: December 2020

Background: Antimicrobial resistance remains a global challenge. In Germany, the national health agenda supports measures that enhance the appropriate, guideline-oriented use of antibiotics. The study “Converting Habits of Antibiotic Use for Respiratory Tract Infections in German Primary Care (CHANGE-3)” aimed at a sustainable reduction of antimicrobial resistance through converting patterns of prescribing practice and use of antibiotics and an increase in health literacy in primary care patients, practice teams, and in the general public. Embedded in a cluster-randomized trial of a multifaceted implementation program, a process evaluation focused on the uptake of program components to assess the fidelity of the implementation program in the CHANGE-3 study and to understand utilization of its educational components.Methods: A mix of qualitative and quantitative methods was used. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with General Practitioners, Medical Assistants, patients treated for respiratory tract infection and outreach visitors who had carried out individual outreach visits. A two-wave written survey (T1: 5 months after start, T2: 16 months after start) was conducted in general practitioners and medical assistants. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic framework analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze survey data.Results: Uptake of intervention components was heterogenous. Across all components, the uptake reported by General Practitioners varied from 20% to 88% at T1 and 31% to 63% at T2. Medical Assistants reported uptake from 22% to 70% at T1 and 6% to 69% at T2. Paper-based components could by and large be integrated in daily practice (64% to 90% in T1; 41% to 93% in T2), but uptake of digital components was low. A one-time outreach visit provided thematic information and feedback regarding actual prescribing, but due to time constraints were received with reluctance by practice teams. Patients were largely unaware of program components, but assumed that information and education could promote health literacy regarding antibiotics use. Conclusions: The process evaluation contributed to understanding the applicability of the delivered educational components with regards to the appropriate use of antibiotics. Future research efforts need to identify the best mode of delivery to reach the targeted population.Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN15061174. Registered 13 July 2018 – Retrospectively registered, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN15061174
Do Cognitive Performance and Physical Function Differ between Individuals with Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome and those with Mild Cognitive Impairment?
Authors: Cheng Fang-Yu , Chang Yuanmay , Cheng Shih-Jung , Shaw Jin-Siang , Lee Chuo-Yu , Chen Pei-Hao
Published: December 2020

Background Motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) is defined by slow gait speed combined with subjective cognitive complaint. MCR is a predementia syndrome, similar to mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, there is currently no study comparing the differences in cognitive performance and physical function between these two types of cognitive impairment. Thus, the aim of this study is to compare cognitive performance and physical function in individuals with MCR versus MCI. Methods A total of 77 participants, free of dementia, were recruited from the neurological outpatient clinic of a medical center in Taiwan. Participants were separated into two groups, MCR (n=33) and MCI (n=44) groups, based on definition criteria from previous studies. The priority was to assign a diagnosis of MCR first, followed by MCI. Hence, “pure” MCI had no overlap with MCR syndrome. Cognitive performance, including executive function, attention, working memory, episode memory, visuospatial function, and language, were measured. Physical functions such as activities in daily living, the Tinetti Assessment Scale, and the Timed Up and Go test were also measured. Results Executive function, attention, working memory, episodic memory and language were all significantly lower in the MCR group than the MCI group. Abilities related to physical function, including those measured by the Tinetti Assessment Scale and the Timed Up and Go test, were significantly lower in the MCR group than the MCI group. Conclusions We noted that cognitive performance and physical function were lower in MCR individuals than MCI but without MCR syndrome. However, the conclusions were based on the enrollment procedure of participants prioritizes the MCR syndrome. Because of the overlap of MCR and MCI, future studies should use different enrollment strategies to further clarify the status of these two populations.
Evaluating the Effects of Electronic Health Records System Adoption on the Performance of Malaysian Health Care Providers
Authors: Salleh Mohd Idzwan Mohd , Abdullah Rosni , Zakaria Nasriah
Published: December 2020

Background: The Ministry of Health of Malaysia has invested significant resources to implement an electronic health record (EHR) system to ensure the full automation of hospitals for coordinated care delivery. Thus, evaluating whether the system has been effectively utilized is necessary, particularly regarding how it predicts the work performance of health care providers. Methods: Convenience sampling was employed for data collection in three government hospitals for seven months. A standardized efficacy survey for EHR systems was administered to primary health care providers (specialists, medical officers, and nurses) as they participated in medical education programs. Empirical data were assessed by employing partial least squares-structural equation modeling for hypothesis testing.Results: The results demonstrated that knowledge quality had the highest score for predicting performance and had a large effect size, whereas system compatibility was the strongest component of system quality. The findings indicated that EHR systems supported the clinical tasks and workflows of care providers, which increased system quality, whereas increased quality of knowledge improved user performance. Conclusion: Given these findings, knowledge quality and effective use should be incorporated into the evaluation of EHR system efficacy in health institutions. Data mining features can be integrated into current systems for easily and systematically generating health populations and disease trend analysis, improving clinical knowledge of care providers and aiding in maintaining their productivity. The validated survey instrument can be further tested with empirical surveys in other public and private hospitals with different interoperable EHR systems.
Pregnancy and childbirth during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland: qualitative evidence from expert interviews.
Authors: Pustułka Paula , Buler Marta
Published: December 2020

Background: The COVID-19 outbreak has significantly altered the provisions and shape of medical services for expecting mothers worldwide. In Poland, the country where pregnancy and childbirth are subject to comparably greater medicalization, those shifts are particularly tangible. This study aimed at capturing how maternal health professionals tackle care over pregnant and birthing women during a pandemic, highlighting possible long-term implications for the expecting and new mothers. Methods: This is a qualitative study which addresses the themes around the emerging implications of the viral outbreak. Semi-structured expert interviews were conducted with 46 individuals working in either medical or adjacent sectors connected with reproductive medicine. In this analysis, 7 digital experts were excluded as observers rather than field practitioners. Among 38 interviews, 5 have been conducted with OB-GYNs, 13 with midwives, 6 with doulas, 14 broadly-conceived category of maternal support experts. The recorded data were input into thematic grids and meticulously transcribed prior to being subject to an inductive, thematic analysis. Results: The findings revealed that the context of the heightened medicalization of pregnancy and hospital care during birth in Poland, resulted in strong restrictions and immediate fall back to a clinical care model. The majority claimed that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the implications of the decades of Polish maternal health recommendations contradicting the WHO regulations. Professionals’ anxieties concern limited access to services assisting women during pregnancies. While those linked to hospitals pointed out physiological risks, other maternal support experts drew attention to the effects of stress and uncertainty on maternal mental health. Conclusions: Experts face various challenges when providing care to pregnant and birthing women in Poland. They underscore both the information chaos surrounding recommendations and procedures, and see the pandemic as a moment of reflection, mostly being vocal in their critiques of the over-medicalized Polish care model. The interviewed maternal health experts believe that the pandemic will have multifaceted consequences that are being exacerbated by a sudden cessation of extensive degree of medicalization during pregnancy, and a fallback to alienation during intervention-focused hospital deliveries.
Development of the Hausa version of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale: Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation in mixed urban and rural patients with chronic low back pain
Authors: Ibrahim Aminu A. , Akindele Mukadas O. , Kaka Bashir , Mukhtar Naziru B.
Published: December 2020

Background: Catastrophizing has been recognized as an important contributor to chronicity in individuals with chronic pain syndromes including low back pain (LBP). The Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) is perhaps the most widely used questionnaire to evaluate the degree of pain catastrophizing. However, its use is limited in Hausa-speaking countries due to the lack of a validated translated version.Objective: To translate and cross-culturally adapt the PCS into Hausa (Hausa-PCS) and evaluate its psychometric properties in mixed urban and rural patients with chronic LBP.Methods: The original PCS was translated and cross-culturally adapted into Hausa in accordance with established guidelines. To evaluate its psychometric properties, a consecutive sample of 200 patients with chronic LBP was recruited from urban and rural Nigerian hospitals. Validity was evaluated by exploring content validity, factorial structure (confirmatory factor analysis [CFA]), construct validity (Spearman’s rho) and known-groups validity. Reliability was evaluated by calculating internal consistency (Cronbach’s α), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable change (MDC) and limits of agreement with 95% confidence interval (LOA95%).Results: The Hausa-PCS was comprehensible with good content validity. The CFA confirmed a 3-factor structure similar to the original English version. The concurrent validity was supported as 83% (5/6) of the a priori hypotheses were confirmed. Known-groups comparison showed that the questionnaire was unable to differentiate between male and female or urban and rural patients (p > 0.05). Internal consistency and ICC were adequate for the Hausa-PCS total score (α = 0.84; ICC = 0.90) and the subscale helplessness (α = 0.78; ICC = 0.89) but for the subscales rumination (α = 0.69; ICC = 0.68) and magnification (α = 0.41; ICC = 0.43). The LOA95% for the Hausa-PCS total score was between –8.10 and +9.75, with SEM and MDC of 3.47 and 9.62 respectively. Conclusion: The Hausa-PCS was successfully developed and psychometrically adequate in terms of factorial structure, construct validity, internal consistency and test-retest reliability when applied in mixed urban and rural patients with chronic LBP. However, the internal consistency and reliability coefficients (ICC) for the individual subscales are questionable. Thus, we support the use of the total score when evaluating pain catastrophizing for clinical or research purposes.
Impact of four-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography on target localization for gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma radiotherapy: reducing planning target volume
Authors: Shimohigashi Yoshinobu , Toya Ryo , Saito Tetsuo , Kono Yumiko , Doi Yasuhiro , Fukugawa Yoshiyuki , Watakabe Takahiro , Matsumoto Tadashi , Kai Yudai , Maruyama Masato , Oya Natsuo
Published: December 2020

Background: Radiotherapy of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma should be delivered to the entire stomach with planning target volume (PTV) that accounts for variations in stomach volume, respiratory movement, and patient set-up error. In this study, we evaluated whether the use of four-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography (4D-CBCT) reduces the PTV. Methods: Eight patients underwent radiotherapy with 15 fractions of gastric MALT lymphoma using 4D-CBCT. PTV structures of 5–30 mm margins (5 mm intervals) from the clinical target volume (CTV) delineated based on the 4D-CT images (CTV-4D) were generated. For the target localization, we performed matching based on skin marking (skin matching), bone anatomy (bone matching), and stomach anatomy (4D soft-tissue matching) based on registration between planning CT and 4D-CBCT images from 10 phases. For each patient, we calculated the covering ratio (CR) of the stomach with variable PTV structures, based on the 4D-CBCT images, with a total of 150 phases [CR (%) = (number of covering phases / 150 phases) × 100], for three target localization methods. We compared the CR values of the different target localization methods and defined the PTV with an average CR of ≥ 95 % for all patients. Results: The average CR for all patients increased from 17.9 % to 100 %, 19.6 % to 99.8 %, and 33.8 % to 100 %, in the skin, bone, and 4D soft-tissue matchings, respectively, as the PTV structures increased from 5 to 30 mm. The CR obtained by 4D soft-tissue matching was superior to that obtained by skin (P = 0.013) and bone matching (P = 0.008) for a PTV structure of 15 mm margin. The PTV required an additional margin of 20 mm (average CR: 95.2 %), 25 mm (average CR: 99.1 %), and 15 mm (average CR: 98.0 %) to CTV-4D for the skin, bone, and 4D soft-tissue matchings, respectively. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the use of 4D-CBCT reduces the PTV when applying 4D soft-tissue matching, compared to skin and bone matchings. Additionally, bone matching does not reduce the PTV as compared with traditional skin matching.
Delirium is associated with high mortality in older adult patients with acute decompensated heart failure
Authors: Pak Misun , Hara Masahiko , Miura Shoko , Furuya Motohide , Tamaki Masatake , Okada Taiji , Watanabe Nobuhide , Endo Akihiro , Tanabe Kazuaki
Published: December 2020

Background: Delirium is associated with high mortality after cardiac surgery. However, evidence on the epidemiology of delirium in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is limited. This study aimed to assess the incidence and prognostic impact of delirium in patients with ADHF.Methods: This single-center prospective observational study enrolled 132 consecutive patients with ADHF. We utilized the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition and classified the patients into two groups according to the presence or absence of delirium. The primary endpoint was 90-day all-cause mortality. The prognostic impact and risk factors of delirium were evaluated using multivariable Cox and logistic regression analyses, respectively. Results: The median patient age was 83 (interquartile range, 75–87) years. Approximately 51.5% were men. Delirium occurred in 36 (27.3%) patients, and hyperactive delirium was the most frequent type (86.1%). The 90-day all-cause mortality was higher in the patients with delirium than in those without (21.6% versus 3.9%, log-rank p=0.002). Delirium was associated with higher mortality with an adjusted hazard ratio of 6.8 (95% confidence interval, 1.1–42.6, p=0.042). The risk factors associated with delirium included advanced age, male sex, higher clinical frailty scale score, and dementia.Conclusions: Delirium was associated with a higher 90-day all-cause mortality in the older adult patients with ADHF. Hyperactive delirium was the most common subtype.
Effects of Whole Body Vibration exercise on Lumbar-Abdominal Muscles Activation for patients with chronic low back pain
Authors: dong yulin , wang huifang , Zhu Yan , Chen Binlin , Zheng Yili , liu xiaochen , qiao jun , wang xueqiang
Published: December 2020

Background: Whole body vibration (WBV) training as an intervention method can cure chronic low back pain (CLBP). Different WBV parameters exert different effects on lumbar-abdominal muscle performance. Currently, there is a lack of study researched the influence of WBV training on patients with CLBP by lumbar–abdominal muscle activity. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate how WBV and exercise and their interactions influence lumbar-abdominal muscle activity in patients with CLBP.Methods: a group of ambulatory patients with chronic low back pain. Muscle activities of the multifidus (MF), erector spinae (ES), abdominal oblique externus muscle (AOE) and the rectus abdominis muscle (RA) were measured by surface electromyography, whereas participants performed 4 different exercises (single bridge, plank, side stay and V crunch) during three whole body vibration conditions and a no-vibration condition in a single experimental session. Results: Compared with the same exercises without whole body vibration, muscle activity increased when whole body vibration was added to the exercises. MF；the WBV frequency (P=0.002,) and exercise (P<0.001) presented significant effects on the root mean square of MF, whereas exercise * frequency (P=0.044) also resulted in significant interaction effects. ES: the significant differences were detected at WBV frequency (P<0.001), exercise (P<0.001), the interaction effect of exercise and frequency (P=0.225) was no significant. RA: the significant difference was detected at WBV frequency (P=0.018), the effect of exercise (P=0.590) and the exercise * frequency interaction (P=0.572) were no significant. AOE: the significant difference was detected at WBV frequency (P<0.001), the effect of exercise (P=0.152) and the exercise * frequency interaction (P=0.380) were no significant.Conclusion: Adding whole body vibration to exercise could increase muscle activation of lumbar–abdominal muscle in patients with CLBP. The optimum frequency for lumbar–abdominal muscles is 15 Hz. The best exercises include plank for multifidus and erector spinae, V crunch for rectus abdominis and single bridge for abdominal oblique externus.
Two novel QTLs for harvest index contribute to high yield production in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Saito Hiroki , Fukuta Y. , Obara Mitsuhiro , Tomita Asami , Ishimaru Tsutomu , Sasaki Kazuhiro , Fujita Daisuke , Kobayashi Nobuya
Published: December 2020

Background Harvest index (HI) is a measure of the biological success of forming harvestable products. However, our understanding of the genetic basis of HI in rice (Oryza sativa L.) is limited, because it is a complex trait consisting of various yield-related traits and physiological attributes. YTH183 is a high yielding line with large panicles and high HI derived from a cross between the Indica Group variety IR 64 and the NPT line IR 69093-41-2-3-2 (YP5).Results Here, we detected two novel QTLs for HI, designated qHI5.1 on chromosome 5 and qHI8.1 on chromosome 8 by using 155 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from the cross between IR 64 and YTH183. The YTH183 allele at qHI5.1 contributed to wide grain, resulting in heavy grain weight and panicle weight, and was consistently effective under the different environmental conditions of subtropical (Ishigaki) and temperate (Tsukuba) regions. Genetic polymorphism revealed that qHI5.1 was identical to GSE5/GW5, which is known to control the grain weight. On the other hand, although qHI8.1 functioned additively with qHI5.1 for higher HI, it did not show any significant effect on grain or panicle weight. In addition, its effects on HI were shown only in the first seasons at Ishigaki but not at Tsukuba or in the second season at Ishigaki. Conclusion Our results indicate that qHI5.1 controls the grain size, regardless of whether environmental conditions are of subtropical or temperate regions, while qHI8.1 might be involved in controlling the physiological processes of source ability or the translocation of photosynthesis products from vegetative organs to grains depending on environmental conditions during the maturing stage. These QTLs will be useful genetic resources for future breeding programs to break through the ceiling of maximum yield in Indica Group varieties.
The continuing evolution of community-associated MRSA ST93-IV in Australia
Authors: Pang Stanley , Daley Denise A , Sahibzada Shafi , Mowlaboccus Shakeel , Stegger Marc , Coombs Geoffrey W
Published: December 2020

Background The global emergence of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) has seen the dominance of specific clones in different regions around the world with the PVL-positive ST93-IV as the predominant CA-MRSA clone in Australia. In this study we applied a genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach on a collection of Australian ST93-IV MRSA genomes to identify genetic traits that may have assisted the ongoing transmission of ST93-IV in Australia. We also compared the genomes of ST93-IV bacteraemia and non-bacteraemia isolates to identify potential virulence factors associated with bacteraemia.Results Based on single nucleotide polymorphism phylogenetics we identified two distinct ST93-IV clades circulating concurrently in Australia. One of the clades contained isolates primarily isolated in the northern regions of Australia whilst isolates in the second clade were distributed across the country. Analyses of the ST93-IV genome plasticity over a 15-year period (2002-2017) revealed an observed gain in accessory genes amongst the clone’s population. The GWAS analysis on the bacteraemia isolates identified two genes that have also previously been associated to this kind of infection. Conclusions The emergence of a ST93-IV clade containing additional virulence genes may explain the high prevalence of ST93-IV infections amongst the indigenous population living in the northern regions of Australia. In summary, this study has shown ST93-IV is evolving with multiple additional genes possibly contributing to its dominance in the Australian community.
Parathyroid carcinoma with sarcomatoid differentiation: A case report and literature review
Authors: Hu Liang , Xie Xiaojun
Published: December 2020

Background: Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) is a rare thyroid tumor. PC with sarcomatoid differentiation(PCSD) is even rarer and its exact etiology remains unclear. We here report a case of PCSD, and present the clinicopathological features and pathological diagnosis and review the literature.Case presentation: A 71-year-old man presented with a mass of 4.5 cm × 3.5 cm in the right neck. The tumor was composed of nest-like transparent cells, and the septum had heterotypic rhabdoid cells with sarcomatoid differentiation. Immunophenotype was as follows: myogenic differentiation 1(MyoD1), myogenin and desmin were positive; clear cells were positive for chromogranin A(CGA), synaptophysin(Syn) and GATA-3; and Ki-67 proliferation index was 40%. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry were performed. The patient was diagnosed with PCSD, and died 6 months after surgery.Conclusions: PCSD is a rare type of primary parathyroid tumor with high malignancy and poor prognosis. Definitive diagnosis should be based on histopathological morphology and immunophenotype, and surgical treatment should be performed as soon as possible.
Clay Toys of Early Modern Childhood (on the Materials of Poltava City)
Authors: Kotenko Viktoriia V. , Puholovok Yurii O.
Published: December 2020

The article deals with a group of ceramic toys originating from the archaeological excavations of Poltava city of the Early Modern period. The results of researches of urban centers in Ukraine show interesting material, which differs depending on the region, social and economic development, and other things. The things, which related to the world of childhood in the Hetmanate, are very important. Such finds represented mainly by clay toys. They are dividing into several categories.

The compiling of the source base for this article began in the 1990s, when excavations within modern Poltava became systematic. Also there is considered the fact, that the collection of clay toys from Poltava is large, compared to other cities of Early Modern Europe.

Archaeological materials have created a foundation for the study of various aspects of everyday life of citizens, including children. In Early Modern times, clay toys represented mainly by figures of animals (including birds), people, and small copies of household vessels. Most of them belong to the miniature dishes, which were represented mainly by pots-“monetary”. There are also bowls, jugs, mugs, and lids. Such products repeated mainly all forms of traditional ceramics, differing only in size. Miniature pottery probably reflected some part of the “adult” life of the Early Modern time. Musical instruments represent another group of clay toys. These were mostly zoomorphic whistles, which differed in technique and sound. The third category of toys includes anthropomorphic ceramic figurines, among which the image of a lady («bárynia») or a rider predominates. They can be used in children’s figurative play.
There is a suggestion that toys helped the younger generation to get some skills in using household items or future social roles. Therefore, archaeological researches made it possible to shed some light on the life of the citizens of Early Modern Poltava.

Keywords: Early Modern times, Hetmanate, Poltava, clay toy, miniature vessel, whistle, ceramic figurine.
The Unknown Document on the Struggle of the Soviet Power Bodies Against the OUN of the Melnykivskyi Direction on the Chernivtsi Region (16 May 1947)
Authors: Ilnytskyi Vasyl I. , Kantor Nataliya J.
Published: December 2020

The article publishes and analyzes the document – a memo on the agency work on exposing and eliminating the underground of the OUN of the Melnykivskyi direction on the territory of Chernivtsi region (May 16, 1947) (Sectoral State Archive of the Security Service of Ukraine, f. 13: a collection of printed editions of the KGB of the USSR, case 372, vol. 62, pp. 253-262), which is an important document both for the history of the confrontation of the Soviet repressive-punitive system with the Ukrainian liberation movement and for the history of the OUN (m). According to the information potential, the published document is quite large. It reveals the peculiarities of the agency work of Soviet law enforcement agencies on the methods of detection and liquidation of the Melnikyvskyi underground in the Chernivtsi region. The document gives a brief history of the formation and operation of the OUN (m) during 1940 – 1946, lists the persons arrested. At the same time, it is noted that to May 16, 1947, 286 were under suspicion of belonging to the OUN (m), and the categories of cases these persons were mentioned (26 agent cases, 4 case forms, 8 preliminary agent developments, 248 list accounting). It also gives a brief overview of the agent cases (“Trizubivtsi”, “Musejnyky”, “Nedobyti”), case forms, preliminary agent developments that are under the jurisdiction of UMDB of Chernivtsi region. The published excerpts from the secretarial cases show the extent of the search work of the Soviet security forces and the complete possession of their information. The information was collected and updated periodically about underground people not only in the USSR but also abroad.
The article shows that the Soviet security forces played a central role in work with the agency in the complex of anti-nationalist measures. However, despite the mass pressure, the use of brutal methods of combating the repressive-punitive bodies against the Ukrainian liberation movement, the underground continued to operate in the Carpathian region of the OUN and enjoyed widespread public support.
In addition, the development of the OUN (m) was shown as a separate direction for the work of Soviet security agencies. Although the latter did not have a broad network of operating centers in Western Ukraine, its former members were considered potentially dangerous to the Soviet administration, and thus went into development. At the same time, the development and identification of melnykivtsi continued not only in Ukraine but also abroad.

Keywords: OUN (m), agency, Chernivtsi region, repressive and punitive bodies.
Not Only Foreign Affairs: U.S. Department of State’ Cultural Policy During Cold War
Authors: Klynina Tetiana S.
Published: December 2020

The article is devoted to the consideration of the existing activities of the US Department of State in matters of cultural policy. Attention is focused on the works of foreign and domestic researchers who devoted their work to the consideration of the essence of the cultural policy of the state, which is often called cultural or public diplomacy or soft power. It is indicated that these directions in the USA are carried out by the structural unit of the State Department – the Bureau of Education and Culture, and the history of its formation is described. The active period of cultural diplomacy in the USA falls at the end of World War II and the beginning of the ideological confrontation between the USA and the USSR, known as the Cold War. One of the active tools for cultural diplomacy has been the dissemination of television and radio broadcasting around the world. No less actively used exchange programs and visits of citizens of other countries, which were designed to promote mutual understanding, international, educational, and cultural exchange, as well as the development of leadership qualities of its participants. It is pointed out that US cultural diplomacy has reached its peak by incorporating jazz, culture, and literature into its arsenal.

Keywords: USA, cultural diplomacy, Department of State, American literature, television and radio companies.
Antistatic and Thermal Properties of Poly(Lactic Acid)/Polypropylene/Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites
Authors: Chow Wen Shyang , Lim Yuan Ting
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of carbon nanotubes (CNT) on the antistatic and thermal properties of poly(lactic acid)/polypropylene/carbon nanotubes (PLA/PP/CNT) nanocomposites. PLA/PP (blend ratio = 60:40) containing CNT (loading 1.0 to 2.5 phr) was melt-compounded followed by compression moulding. The antistatic properties of PLA/PP/CNT nanocomposites achieved at 2.5 phr CNT loading. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results indicated that the thermal stability of PLA/PP/ CNT nanocomposite was higher than PLA/PP blend. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) results demonstrated that CNT reduced the cold crystallisation temperature of PLA, while increased the crystallisation temperature of PP, which evidenced the nucleatingability of CNT in the PLA/PP blends.
Agregando valor por meio da gestão de compras:
Authors: Oliveira dos Santos Juliara , Carpes Aletéia de Moura , Rigui Trindade Nathália , Nunes Piveta Maíra
Published: December 2020

No âmbito empresarial, agregar valor é concentrar todos os esforços necessários para que a organização desempenhe com eficiência suas atividades e alcance seus objetivos. Neste sentido, o objetivo desse estudo é investigar de que forma as microempresas do setor de vestuário agregam valor por meio da gestão de compras. Este estudo é considerado uma pesquisa qualitativa e de natureza exploratória, realizado por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, a partir do modelo proposto por Caczmareki (2008). Foram realizadas entrevistas com 5 lojistas de microempresas de Júlio de Castilhos-RS. Dentre os principais resultados, destaca-se que a forma como a gestão de compras é gerenciada pelas microempresas, quando administrada de forma eficiente torna-se uma atividade essencial para o sucesso nos negócios, verificou-se também impasses no processo de compras em relação a prazos de fornecedores, previsões de demanda, concorrência e administração de estoques.
A evolução da segurança no trabalho aplicada na manutenção industrial 4.0
Authors: Freitas Carlos Alberto de , Real Silva Adriano , Silva de Aguiar Diogo , Manoel da Silva Marcio , Da Silva Cardoso Aline , Reis Martins Deocleciano , Santos de Arruda Antonio Carlos
Published: December 2020

Esse estudo tem o objetivo de relacionar o surgimento da indústria 4.0 e o impacto desta revolução no contexto da segurança do trabalho dentro da manutenção industrial, por meio de pesquisas foi possível observar que os dois temas constituem uma conexão. A ideia principal da Indústria 4.0 é de facilitar e ampliar a comunicação entre máquinas, sistemas e ativos, possibilitando até um monitoramento remoto de equipamento, isso foi considerado um marco na indústria pelas inovações tecnológicas nos campos de automação, controle e tecnologia da informação. Com a chegada da Indústria 4.0, a manutenção de ativos passou ter a possibilidade de antecipar a detecção de problemas, podendo ser chamada de manutenção prescritiva, isso é possível devido às tecnologias aplicadas no processo e alinhadas com um bom Planejamento e Controle de Manutenção (PCM).Em relação à segurança do trabalho, os equipamentos só podem ser instalados ou modificados se atenderem os requisitos mínimos, conforme normas vigentes, com itens obrigatórios de segurança, interfaces de segurança de acordo com a NR 12 e NR10 no quesito de um dispositivo elétrico eletrônico.
ALFABETIZAÇÃO MIDIÁTICA EM PERSPECTIVA MULTIDISCIPLINAR NA EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL PARA FORMAÇÃO CIDADÃ: UM OLHAR SOBRE AS PANDEMIAS DO CONSUMO INFANTIL E DA COVID-19
Authors: Coelho Diego Henrique Damasceno , Correa Camila Braga , Ribeiro Flavio Almeida , Mendes Andreia Almeida , Altino Filho Humberto Vinício
Published: December 2020

A expansão dos meios de comunicação, a ubiquidade promovida pela conectividade em dispositivos tecnológicos e o acesso à informação, por via das mídias, representam novas formas de linguagem e de expressão no século XXI. Deste modo, a alfabetização midiática desponta como área da pedagogia e da didática capaz de habilitar os indivíduos para lidar com a mídia com confiança, autodeterminação, criatividade e criticidade, transpondo a mera operação de dispositivos, mas podendo ser aprendida da mesma maneira que as técnicas culturais clássicas de leitura, escrita e aritmética, tendo por objetivo final a educação para a mídia, a qual já pode ser iniciada como parte da educação nos primeiros estágios escolares e que per se, uma modalidade pluripotente e capaz de colaborar com a educação à distância, sobretudo em contextos disruptivos ao modelo tradicional educativo, tal como durante a pandemia do COVID-19. Assim, a presente pesquisa foi preparada e desenvolvida, utilizando o método quantitativo, com o escopo de aprofundamento a respeito da aprendizagem midiática, traçando a historiografia da mesma, apresentando os seus conceitos fundamentais e observando as experiências em perspectiva comparada, quando produzidas em outros países, bem como demonstrando a sua usabilidade como possível mecanismo integrante do processo de alfabetização de crianças, na grade curricular brasileira, face à necessidade de promover a Educação através de abordagens mais contextualizadas ao meio digital, como forma de promoção da autonomia cidadã de aprendizagem com a utilização de ferramentas eletrônicas e Tecnologias da Informação e da Comunicação.
Preparación para la maternidad: un compromiso de amor
Authors: Vásquez Munive Mirith , Romero Cárdenas Ángela
Published: December 2020

La maternidad es un compromiso permanente, irrenunciable y que entraña un compromiso de amor hacia cada hijo. Indudablemente la maternidad transcurre en un ambiente de desenvolvimiento natural, que requiere poca intervención; sin embargo, el mundo moderno impone retos que han convertido la maternidad y la parentalidad en un escenario exigente, que requiere intervenciones precisas. El libro desarrolla tópicos educativos de interés para afrontar las necesidades especiales del binomio madre-hijo, propone ejercicios que fortalecen la musculatura en preparación para el exigente trabajo de parto e ilustra prácticas estratégicas destinadas a mantener una musculatura pélvica tónica y sana. Aborda, asimismo, el estrés gestacional con sesiones de relajación, reflexología podal y aromaterapia. Propone, finalmente, instructivos talleres de estimulación antenatal.
Obesidade: uma abordagem da perspectiva da cultura corporal em escolas
Authors: Vidal Rafael Gemin , Ostrufka Bruno Cesar de Oliveira
Published: December 2020

The present study aims to make a bibliographical survey about the guidelines that conduct the classes of Physical Education at school, making specific notes on the parameters related to body culture, health care and risk of obesity. Knowing that obesity rates have increased in Brazil, pointing out the biological and cultural factors as the main causes, it is important to structure the concepts of body culture from childhood, and it is the role of scholar Physical Education to introduce habits that can help the state in controlling the growth of diseases related to excess body weight, thus increasing the population's expectation and quality of life. It is concluded that the parameters that govern the approaches in physical education classes treat superficially the corporal culture in the school environment.
Lactococcus lactis and Resveratrol Decrease Body Weight and Increase Benefic Gastrointestinal Microbiota in Mice
Authors: Mendes Keila Lopes , de Farias Lelis Deborah , Athayde Souza Letícia Antunes , Brito Ronize Viviane Jorge , Andrade Mariléia Chaves , Nobre Sérgio Avelino Mota , Guimarães André Luiz Sena , Batista de Paula Alfredo Maurício , de Lima Juliana Pinto , Hilzendeger Aline M. , Santos Sérgio Henrique Sousa
Published: December 2020

Background::

The microbiome is now known for its important role in whole-body homeostasis.
A dysbiosis of the normal microbiota is correlated with metabolic disorders. In this sense,
the search for compounds able to modulate the microbiome is needed. Resveratrol, a natural compound
found in grapes seems to be a promising candidate.

Objective::

In this study, our motivation was to evaluate the effects of the association between
Resveratrol and Lactococcus lactis, a probiotic, on the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiota
and body weight of mice.

Methods::

Twenty female mice were divided into 4 groups: (1) standard diet, (2) standard diet plus
Lactococcus lactis, (3) standard diet plus resveratrol, and (4) standard diet plus Lactococcus lactis
and resveratrol. At the end of the treatment period, samples of blood, mucus, stomach, and small
and large intestines were collected for analysis. Total levels of Immunoglobulin A and Immunoglobulin
E, Lac+ and Lac- bacteria and Lactobacillus were measured.

Results::

The main results indicate that the association between resveratrol and probiotics was able
to decrease mice body weight, as compared to the other groups, in addition to decrease the number
of Lac- bacteria and increasing the number of Lac+ bacteria. The levels of secretory IgA were also
decreased, compared to the animals treated with only probiotics or resveratrol.

Conclusion::

We observed potential synergism between Resveratrol and Lactococcus lactis mainly
in modulating the stomach and intestinal microbiota.
Fagonia indica; A Review on Chemical Constituents, Traditional Uses and Pharmacological Activities
Authors: Ali Kashif , Khan Haroon
Published: December 2020

The family Zygophyllaceae has almost 22 genera and more than 250 species. Fagonia is an important
genus of the family Zygophyllaceae. This genus comprises abundant species, which grows in different
phytogeographical regions of the world. These species grow in different environmental conditions. Fagonia indica
belongs to Zygophyllaceae. It is commonly known as Dhamasa, Dhamana, Sachi booti and Shoka’a and is
found in deserts of Asia and Africa. The species of this family are of very high importance. This article is a review
based on different studies regarding occurrence, phytochemistry, traditional uses, biochemical constituents
and therapeutic uses of F. indica. The available literature review provided a base for this review. The presence
of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, glycosides, pectin and alkaloids was confirmed by different researchers. F. indica
is a very important medicinal plant because it has different therapeutic and traditional uses such as antidiabetic,
anticancer, anti leishmanial, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, laxative, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective
and antioxidant effects. Further in vitro and in vivo studies should be carried out to find the exact mechanisms
of actions for better scientific evidence.
The Novel Antipsychotic Drug Cariprazine and Cognition Enhancing Drugs: Indications for their Use as the Add-on Therapy in Schizophrenia
Authors: Werner Felix-Martin , Coveñas Rafael
Published: December 2020

Background:

Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are treated with antipsychotic drugs. Some
patients show treatment-resistant forms of psychotic disorders, and in this case, they can be treated with clozapine.
Based on the previous reviews on novel antipsychotic drugs, it is important to know whether the add-on
therapy with the new drugs can ameliorate the positive and negative schizophrenic scale (PANSS) total score.

Objective:

The aim of this review is to suggest an appropriate treatment for patients with treatment-resistant
forms of psychotic disorders. A combination of the currently available antipsychotic drugs with novel antipsychotic
or modulating drugs might improve negative schizophrenic symptoms and cognitive function and thereby
social functioning and quality of life.

Results:

The mechanisms of action, the therapeutic effects, and the pharmacokinetic profiles of novel antipsychotic
drugs such as cariprazine, brexipiprazole, and lumateperone have been updated. Published case reports of
patients with treatment-resistant psychoses have also been discussed in this study. These patients were treated
only with clozapine, as a result of which a high PANSS total score was observed. Only the add-on therapy with
cariprazine improved the score, and above all, the negative schizophrenic symptoms and cognitive functions
were improved. For the ensurance of a constant antipsychotic drug concentration, long-acting injectable antipsychotic
drugs might be a choice for the maintenance therapy in schizophrenia. New modulating drugs, such
as receptor positive allosteric modulators (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor; subtype 5 of the metabotropic glutamatergic
receptor) and encenicline, an alpha7 nicotinic cholinergic receptor agonist, have been investigated in
preclinical and clinical trials.

Conclusion:

In clinical trials, patients with treatment-resistant forms of psychosis should be examined to know
whether combination therapy with clozapine and a novel antipsychotic drug can ameliorate the PANSS total
score. In schizophrenia, long-acting injectable antipsychotic drugs are safe and tolerable maintenance therapy.
In further clinical studies, it should be investigated whether patients with treatment-resistant forms of psychoses
can improve negative schizophrenic symptoms and cognitive functions by the add-on therapy with cognitionenhancing
drugs.