bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Re-assessing the notion(s) of craft standardization through diversity statistics: A pilot study on Late Chalcolithic pottery from Arslantepe in Eastern Anatolia
Authors: Fragnoli Pamela
Published: January 2021

This paper proposes a new range of diversity indexes applicable to ceramic petrographic and geochemical data and potentially to any archaeological data of both metric and non-metric nature in order to assess the degree of craft standardization. The case study is the Late Chalcolithic pottery from Arslantepe in eastern Anatolia, ideal to test the standardization hypothesis, i.e. the assumed correspondence between craft standardization and increased rates of production, which in turn correlate with economic specialization. The results suggest that the procurement and processing of raw materials are more sensible indicators of standardization than vessel shape variability. Higher standardization is connected with the scale of production rather than with the use of the wheel or its rotational speed. The socio-economic centralization marks a process of labor division within the operational sequence and, more generally, a shift from communal to more segregated potting practices. As a result, the variability of both technical procedures and end products increases. In contrast univocal trends towards standardization can be found in coeval contexts from northern Mesopotamia, where the incipient urbanization served to create bonds between vessel makers, favoring the transmission of models and practices regardless of the centralized power.
Characteristics and predicting factors of Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) among healthcare providers in a developing country
Authors: El-Sokkary Rehab H. , El-Kholy Amani , Mohy Eldin Sally , Khater Walaa Shawky , Gad Doaa Mostafa , Bahgat Shereen , Negm Essam Edin M. , El Kholy Jehan Ali , Mowafy Sherif , Mahmoud Eman , Mortada Eman M.
Published: January 2021

A limited number of publications have identified risk factors for Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) among Healthcare Providers (HCPs). We aimed to assess the clinical and epidemiological characteristics and the predicting factors related to COVID-19 among HCPs in Egypt. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among HCPs via an online questionnaire. Out of 440 responses, a total of 385 complete responses were analyzed. The responders’ mean age was 37.5±9.4 years, 215 (55.8%) of the participants were males. They included 77 (20%) confirmed COVID-19 cases; most of them had mild (58.6%) or moderate symptoms (30%), and (9.1%) were asymptomatic. Almost all sustained infection while on duty (97.4%). The sources of infection were either infected patients (39%), colleagues (22.1%), household contacts (5.2%) or uncertain (33.8%). The sources were symptomatic in only 62.3% of cases. Asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic sources accounted for 37.7% of the cases. Exposure occurred during healthcare provision in 66.3% of the cases. The presence of co-morbidities (OR = 2.53, CI 1.47–4.38, P = 0.001), working more than 8 hours per day in isolation hospital (OR = 3.09, CI 1.02–9.35, P = 0.046), training on hand hygiene (OR = 2.31, CI 1.05–5.08, P = 0.038) and adherence to IPC measures (OR = 2.11, CI 1.16–3.81, P = 0.014) were the significant predictors of COVID-19. In conclusion, COVID-19 occurred in 20% of responders. Silent spread from asymptomatic or presymptomatic patients, and infected colleagues in hospital settings is an alarming sign. Proactive infection prevention and control measures are highly encouraged on both strategic and operational levels. Reconsideration of surveillance strategy and work-related regulations in healthcare settings are warranted.
In vivo antagonistic role of the Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 regulatory proteins Tax and HBZ
Authors: Akkouche Abdou , Moodad Sara , Hleihel Rita , Skayneh Hala , Chambeyron Séverine , El Hajj Hiba , Bazarbachi Ali
Published: January 2021

Adult T cell leukemia (ATL) is an aggressive malignancy secondary to chronic infection by the human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection. Two viral proteins, Tax and HBZ, play central roles in ATL leukemogenesis. Tax expression transforms T cells in vitro and induces ATL-like disease in mice. Tax also induces a rough eye phenotype and increases hemocyte count in Drosophila melanogaster, indicative of transformation. Among multiple functions, Tax modulates the expression of the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a methyltransferase of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2), leading to H3K27me3-dependent reprogramming of around half of cellular genes. HBZ is a negative regulator of Tax-mediated viral transcription. HBZ effects on epigenetic signatures are underexplored. Here, we established an hbz transgenic fly model, and demonstrated that, unlike Tax, which induces NF-κB activation and enhanced PRC2 activity creating an activation loop, HBZ neither induces transformation nor NF-κB activation in vivo. However, overexpression of Tax or HBZ increases the PRC2 activity and both proteins directly interact with PRC2 complex core components. Importantly, overexpression of HBZ in tax transgenic flies prevents Tax-induced NF-κB or PRC2 activation and totally rescues Tax-induced transformation and senescence. Our results establish the in vivo antagonistic effect of HBZ on Tax-induced transformation and cellular effects. This study helps understanding long-term HTLV-1 persistence and cellular transformation and opens perspectives for new therapeutic strategies targeting the epigenetic machinery in ATL.
The role of the written press during the Spanish transition to democracy
Authors: Reig Cruañes José , Perales-García Cristina
Published: January 2021

This study describes the relations between the press and political power, during the Spanish transition to democracy in the late 1970s, focusing on discursive relations between political actors with power or challenging power and the media which interpreted their developments. It analyses how the main media, in the discourse of their news stories and editorials, framed events to construct a ‘reality’ for the public, aiding or impeding the construction of a democratic public sphere. The study is based on an analysis of journalistic discourse in ABC, La Vanguardia, El País (daily newspapers) and Triunfo (a weekly political magazine) in their coverage of key events in the period between the death of Franco (November 1975) and the approval of the Basque and Catalan statutes (November 1979).
Frida Stewart in Spain: Administering humanitarian aid during the Spanish Civil War
Authors: Palfreeman Linda , Arrizabalaga Jon
Published: January 2021

When a failed military coup provoked civil war in Spain in July 1936, the Spanish government made a worldwide plea for assistance. More than 2500 British men answered the call, taking up arms in defence of the democratically-elected Republican government. While this show of international solidarity has been widely documented, much less attention has been given to the massive response made by British women. Thousands of women organized nationwide campaigns to send aid to Spain. One of these women was Frida Stewart (1910–96), a young musician with a strong social conscience. As is the case with so many other women, Frida’s recollections, her memoir and correspondence, upon which the following essay is closely based, constitute a valuable historical resource for the analysis of women’s experiences during the war and give voice to those whose stories have previously gone unheard.
‘A Banca ao Serviço do Povo’: Política e Economia durante o PREC (1974-75), Ricardo Noronha (2018)
Authors: Santos João Pedro
Published: January 2021

Review of: ‘A Banca ao Serviço do Povo’: Política e Economia durante o PREC (1974-75), Ricardo Noronha (2018)

Lisboa: Imprensa de História Contemporânea, 357 pp.,

ISBN 978-9-89983-888-8, e-book, Open Access
Agency theory problems behind the fall of shopping centers
Authors: Reikli Melinda
Published: January 2021

The present article assesses agency theory related problems contributing to the fall of shopping centers. The negative effects of the financial and economic downturn started in 2008 were accentuated in emerging markets like Romania. Several shopping centers were closed or sold through bankruptcy proceedings or forced execution. These failed shopping centers, 10 in number, were selected in order to assess agency theory problems contributing to the failure of shopping centers; as research method qualitative multiple cases-studies is used. Results suggest, that in all of the cases the risk adverse behavior of the External Investor- Principal, lead to risk sharing problems and subsequently to the fall of the shopping centers. In some of the cases Moral Hazard (lack of Developer-Agent’s know-how and experience) as well as Adverse Selection problems could be identified. The novelty of the topic for the shopping center industry and the empirical evidences confer a significant academic and practical value to the present article.
Burden of Future Liver Abnormalities in Patients With Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy
Authors: Monrose Erica , Bui Anthony , Rosenbluth Emma , Dickstein Daniel , Acheampong Derrick , Sigel Keith , Ferrara Lauren , Kushner Tatyana
Published: January 2021

INTRODUCTION:

There are limited data on the incidence, predictors, and time to future liver abnormalities in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP).

METHODS:

Single-center retrospective study of pregnant women with and without ICP who delivered from 2005 to 2009 evaluating incidence and time to future liver abnormalities. Women returning for care with liver function tests at a minimum of 6 months postpartum were included. Liver disease diagnoses and liver functions test abnormalities were compared. Time to development of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) >25 U/L, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) >140 U/L, and diagnosis of liver disease (through imaging or clinical evaluation) were compared between women with and without ICP using Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox regression models.

RESULTS:

A total of 255 women with ICP and 131 age-matched control subjects with delivery during the same period were identified. Subjects in both groups were similar in follow-up time, age at pregnancy, prepregnancy body mass index, and ethnicity (≥75% were Hispanic in both groups). On univariate analyses, ICP was associated with increased incidence of ALT >25 U/L P < 0.01 ALP >140 U/L (P < 0.01) and liver disease (P = 0.03). Adjusting for metabolic factors, ICP diagnosis was associated with risk of future liver abnormalities: postpartum ALT >25 U/L (hazard ratio [HR] 1.9, P < 0.01), ALP >140 U/L (HR 3.4, P < 0.01), and liver disease (HR 1.5, P = 0.05).

DISCUSSION:

In our cohort of urban women, ICP diagnosis predicted risk of future liver disease and abnormal liver tests. Women with pregnancies complicated by ICP may benefit from surveillance for postpartum liver abnormalities.

JOURNAL/ajgast/04.03/00000434-202103000-00025/inline-graphic1/v/2023-07-18T070745Z/r/image-tiff
Trials of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Lack Strategies to Ensure Appropriate Gastroprotection
Authors: Kurlander Jacob E. , Barnes Geoffrey D. , Sukul Devraj , Helminski Danielle , Kokaly Alex N. , Platt Kevin , Gurm Hitinder , Saini Sameer D.
Published: January 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Gastrointestinal bleeding is a morbid complication of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). We evaluated the extent to which contemporary trials of DAPT included steps to ensure appropriate use of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) gastroprotection and reported rates of PPI use.

METHODS:

A methodological review of randomized trials comparing varying durations of DAPT after percutaneous coronary intervention.

RESULTS:

Among 21 trials, none incorporated protocol procedures or guidance for prescribing PPIs. Five reported rates of PPI use (range 25.6–69.1%).

DISCUSSION:

PPI gastroprotection is overlooked in major trials of DAPT. Appropriate use of PPI gastroprotection represents an important opportunity to improve patient safety.
Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement for Treating Native Mitral Valve Disease: Current Status
Authors: Chen Yan , Hu Junjie , Wu Shunqiang , Zhang San , Wu Kaiqin , Wang Wenli , Zhou Yongxin
Published: January 2021

Transcatheter mitral valve replacement is increasingly being used as a treatment for high-risk patients who have native mitral valve disease; however, no comprehensive studies on its effectiveness have been reported. We therefore searched the literature for reports on patients with native mitral valve disease who underwent transcatheter access treatment.

We found 40 reports, published from September 2013 through April 2017, that described the cases of 66 patients (mean age, 71 ± 12 yr; 30 women; 30 patients with mitral stenosis, 34 with mitral regurgitation, and 2 mixed) who underwent transcatheter mitral valve replacement. We documented their baseline clinical characteristics, comorbidities, diagnostic imaging results, procedural details, and postprocedural results.

Access was transapical in 41 patients and transseptal in 25. The 30-day survival rate was 82.5%. The technical success rate (83.3% overall) was slightly but not significantly better in patients who had mitral regurgitation than in those who had mitral stenosis. Transapical access procedures resulted in fewer valve-in-valve implantations than did transseptal access procedures (P=0.026).

These current results indicate that transcatheter mitral valve replacement is feasible in treating native mitral disease. The slightly higher technical success rate in patients who had mitral regurgitation suggests that a valve with a specific anchoring system is needed when treating mitral stenosis. Our findings indicate that transapical access is more reliable than transseptal access and that securely anchoring the valve is still challenging in transseptal access.
MitraClip to Treat Severe Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation During Impella CP Support in a 70-Year-Old Woman
Authors: Ashraf Said , Ando Tomo , Blank Nimrod , Munir Ahmad , Schreiber Theodore
Published: January 2021

Acute mitral regurgitation is a life-threatening complication of acute myocardial infarction. We present the case of a 70-year-old woman who had acute myocardial infarction complicated by severe mitral regurgitation and cardiogenic shock. Although current guidelines recommend mitral valve surgery for such patients, surgery often carries prohibitive risk of morbidity and mortality. Thus, in certain patients, percutaneous repair may be the only viable treatment option. In this case, we used a 3-step percutaneous approach involving coronary artery revascularization with a drug-eluting stent in the left circumflex coronary artery, mechanical circulatory support with an Impella CP pump for cardiogenic shock, and mitral valve repair with the MitraClip system for severe mitral regurgitation. After successful intervention, our patient regained hemodynamic stability and showed clinical improvement at one-month follow-up.
Late Bacterial Endocarditis in an Intravenous Drug User With an Amplatzer Septal Occluder
Authors: La Sala Michael S. , Zohourian Hajir , McKeown Joseph , Snyder Samuel
Published: January 2021

Infective endocarditis of a fully endothelialized cardiac prosthesis, and especially the late presentation of endocarditis, challenges our current understanding of device-related complications. Late bacterial endocarditis associated with the Amplatzer Septal Occluder, a device frequently used to close atrial septal defects, has been documented only rarely. We report the case of an intravenous drug user who had late infective endocarditis associated with his Amplatzer Septal Occluder, secondary to methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia nearly 14 years after device insertion. The patient recovered after surgical excision and débridement of the vegetative mass, which may be the first time that a surgical approach has been taken to treat this condition. This report corroborates the need for late screening of high-risk patients who have septal occluder devices.
Safety and Outcomes of Transcatheter Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Children With Pulmonary Artery Hypertension
Authors: Salavitabar Arash , Krishnan Usha S. , Turner Mariel E. , Vincent Julie A. , Torres Alejandro J. , Crystal Matthew A.
Published: January 2021

To investigate whether transcatheter device closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is safe in children with pulmonary artery hypertension, we retrospectively analyzed our experience with 33 patients who underwent the procedure from January 2000 through August 2015.

Pulmonary artery hypertension was defined as a pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI) >3 WU · m2. All 33 children (median age, 14.5 mo; median weight, 8.1 kg) underwent successful closure device implantation and were followed up for a median of 17.2 months (interquartile range [IQR], 1.0–63.4 mo). During catheterization, the median PVRI was 4.1 WU · m2 (IQR, 3.6–5.3 WU · m2), and the median mean pulmonary artery pressure was 38.0 mmHg (IQR, 25.5–46.0 mmHg). Premature birth was associated with pulmonary vasodilator therapy at time of PDA closure ( P=0.001) but not with baseline PVRI (P=0.986). Three patients (9.1%) had device-related complications (one immediate embolization and 2 malpositions). Two of these complications involved embolization coils. Baseline pulmonary vasodilator therapy before closure was significantly associated with intensive care unit admission after closure (10/12 [83.3%] with baseline therapy vs 3/21 [14.3%] without; P <0.001). Of 11 patients receiving pulmonary vasodilators before closure and having a device in place long-term, 8 (72.7%) were weaned after closure (median, 24.0 mo [IQR, 11.0–25.0 mo]).

We conclude that transcatheter PDA closure can be performed safely in many children with pulmonary artery hypertension and improve symptoms, particularly in patients born prematurely. Risk factors for adverse outcomes are multifactorial, including coil use and disease severity. Multicenter studies in larger patient populations are warranted.
Weightlifting: An Applied Method of Technical Analysis
Authors: Chavda Shyam , Hill Mark , Martin Stuart , Swisher Anna , Haff G. Gregory , Turner Anthony N.
Published: January 2021

Weightlifting is a highly technical sport that is governed by interactions of phases to optimize the load lifted. Given the technicality of the snatch and the clean and jerk, understanding key stable components to identify errors and better prescribe relevant exercises are warranted. The aim of this article is to present an applied method of analysis for coaches that considers the biomechanical underpinnings of optimal technique through stable interactions of the kinetics and kinematics of the lifter and barbell at key phases of the lift. This article will also look to discuss variable components that may differentiate between athletes and therefore provide a foundation in what to identify when coaching weightlifting to optimize load lifted while allowing for individual variances.
Das Protestlied „Le déserteur“ von Boris Vian: Wahrnehmung und Aneignung in Frankreich und in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland der 1960er Jahre
Authors: Williams Maude
Published: January 2021

There is hardly any other politically committed chanson from France which received as much response worldwide as “Le déserteur” by Boris Vian. “Le déserteur” was censored by French public radio and caused great unrest during the already heated period of the Indochinese and Algerian wars of independence. With the pacifist Easter March movement in Germany and a few years later with the increasing protest against the Vietnam War, the war resister became a symbol of various political struggles that allied a generation. From a transnational perspective, this essay examines the reception and appropriation of this subversive protest song that conveyed war resistance and disobedience.
Limbic Neuropeptidergic Modulators of Emotion and Their Therapeutic Potential for Anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Marvar Paul J. , Andero Raül , Hurlemann Rene , Lago Tiffany R. , Zelikowsky Moriel , Dabrowska Joanna
Published: January 2021

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by hypervigilance, increased reactivity to unpredictable versus predictable threat signals, deficits in fear extinction, and an inability to discriminate between threat and safety. First-line pharmacotherapies for psychiatric disorders have limited therapeutic efficacy in PTSD. However, recent studies have advanced our understanding of the roles of several limbic neuropeptides in the regulation of defensive behaviors and in the neural processes that are disrupted in PTSD. For example, preclinical studies have shown that blockers of tachykinin pathways, such as the Tac2 pathway, attenuate fear memory consolidation in mice and thus might have unique potential as early post-trauma interventions to prevent PTSD development. Targeting this pathway might also be beneficial in regulating other symptoms of PTSD, including trauma-induced aggressive behavior. In addition, preclinical and clinical studies have shown the important role of angiotensin receptors in fear extinction and the promise of using angiotensin II receptor blockade to reduce PTSD symptom severity. Additional preclinical studies have demonstrated that the oxytocin receptors foster accurate fear discrimination by facilitating fear responses to predictable versus unpredictable threats. Complementary human imaging studies demonstrate unique neural targets of intranasal oxytocin and compare its efficacy with well-established anxiolytic treatments. Finally, promising data from human subjects have demonstrated that a selective vasopressin 1A receptor antagonist reduces anxiety induced by unpredictable threats. This review highlights these novel promising targets for the treatment of unique core elements of PTSD pathophysiology.
FARKLI YÖNTEMLERLE ACILIĞI GİDERİLMİŞ LÜPEN UNU VE DİRENÇLİ NİŞASTA İÇEREN EKMEKLERİN KALİTE ÖZELLİKLERİ ÜZERİNE VİTAL GLUTEN VE EMÜLGATÖRÜN ETKİSİ
Authors: YAVER Elif , BİLGİÇLİ Nermin
Published: January 2021

Bu çalışmada; ekmeğin besinsel özelliklerini geliştirmek için ekmek üretiminde kullanılan buğday unu, farklı metotlarla (geleneksel ve ultrason uygulamalı) acılığı giderilmiş lüpenden elde edilen un (%10) ve tip4 dirençli nişasta (DN-%10) ile yer değiştirilmiştir. Ekmeğin kalite özelliklerini geliştirmek amacıyla vital gluten ve/veya sodyum stearol-2-laktilat (SSL) ilavesi yapılarak, katkı maddelerinin ekmek kalitesi üzerine etkileri belirlenmiştir. Ekmek formülasyonuna lüpen unu+DN ilave edilmesiyle azalan hacim ve spesifik hacim değerleri, katkı maddelerinin kullanımı ile yükselmiştir. Ultrason uygulamasıyla acılığı giderilmiş lüpen unu kullanımı; geleneksel yöntemle acılığı giderilmiş lüpen unu içeren ekmeklere göre daha yüksek hacim ve spesifik hacim ile daha düşük sıkılık ve sertlik değerleri sağlamıştır. Vital gluten+SSL kombinasyonu ile üretilen ekmeklerin sertlik, elastikiyet, koheziflik ve esneklik değerleri istatistiki açıdan buğday unu ekmeğine benzer bulunmuştur (P >0.05). Ekmek örneklerinin genel beğeni puanları %10 lüpen unu+%10 DN kullanımı ile azalmış, vital gluten ve vital guten+SSL ilavesi genel beğeni puanlarının buğday unu ekmeğine yakın olmasını sağlamıştır.
Монашество как форма трансляции религии в эпоху гонений на Церковь в 1960-1970-х гг. (по материалам Центральной России)
Authors:   Общецерковная аспирантура им. св. Кирилла и Мефодия, Россия, Сазонов Дмитрий
Published: January 2021

The article, based on the mentioned sources, discusses the role of monastics who were forced to switch to the parish ministry in the conditions of persecution. Despite the absence of legal monasteries, many churches and Bishop’s houses formed monastic communities. The monks became guides of faith and performed the functions that they previously performed in monasteries. In the case of these communities having a legal status was not required. Many of them, despite their illegal status, were centers of faith, catechism, and charity. The study found that thanks to monastic communities and their illegal status, it was possible to transmit the foundations of the faith and intact Church tradition until the 1990s.
Priest’s wife, matushka, presbytera czy popadija… a może khouria? Problematyka doboru angielskich odpowiedników haseł Słownika polskiej terminologii prawosławnej
Authors:   Uniwersytet w Białymstoku, Katedra Teologii Prawosławnej, Polska, Misijuk Włodzimierz
Published: January 2021

The article provides an analysis of vast and diverse Orthodox terminology in English in the context of attempts to gather, arrange, systematize and define Orthodox terminology in Polish language. Although majority of contemporary Orthodox theological writings is published in English, the Orthodox religious terminology in the language is not uniform and systematized yet. Accessible dictionaries contain only small part of the vast terminology and phraseology. The article describes sources and rules of selection of English equivalents to Orthodox terms presented in the Dictionary of Polish Orthodox Terminology.
Ostańce i miejskie legendy – losy pozostałości po prawosławnej katedrze p.w. Aleksandra Newskiego w Warszawie
Authors:   Chrześcijańska Akademia Teologiczna w Warszawie, Polska, Golimont Andrzej
Published: January 2021

In June 2020, 100 years have passed since the actual start of the demolition of the Orthodox cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky in Warsaw. The largest Orthodox temple in Poland has been open to the faithful for 3 years only. However, it has become legendary like no other, because of its “second life” – the fate of the cathedral’s equipment and usage of materials obtained during its demolition. The author describes ambiguous history of the fate of movable equipment and elements of decor of the temple, presenting examples of it further usage. Referring to the example of an iconostasis from an Orthodox church in Krzemień in Belarus, author shows the emerging “urban legends” regarding the use of equipment from the capital’s cathedral.
Троице-Сергиев монастырь: вклады русских государей
Authors:   Храм Живоначальной Троицы, Москва, Россия, Ярема Ростислав
Published: January 2021

This article reveals the contribution of the Kingdom to the Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra through the prism of personal relations between the Orthodox Church and the highest state authorities, and thus reveals the role of the Emperors and the Church in the history of Russian art, as well as in the preservation of Russian national culture and identity. Russian monarchs’ pilgrimage and contribution to the monastery of St. Sergius of Radonezh is considered an important factor in strengthening ties between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Monarchy, as well as the entire Russian society, supporting its national idea. Russian art was formed in the spiritual paradigm of Christianity, immediately after the adoption of the unified faith (unity of faith) up to the seventeenth century. The analysis of gifts and contributions, as well as their artistic value, allows to conclude that the contributions of the sovereigns constitute the summit of achievements of modern Russian art culture. From this point of view, the Church, in particular the Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra, against the background of known political upheavals in the country in the twentieth century, became the keeper of an invaluable cultural and artistic treasury and spiritual core of Great Russia, showing not only a model of serving the Orthodoxy, its people and country, but also a saving perspective for the Russian State of historical survival in the new epoch.
Admission Values of Plasma Biomarkers Predict the Short-Term Outcomes in Acute Aortic Dissection
Authors: Xie Nan , Zhang Wei , Li Hong , Zhou Jing , Yang Xinyi , Zou Liqun , Wan Zhi
Published: January 2021

Background and aims: Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is an emergency disease with high misdiagnosis rate and mortality. The aim of the present study is to explore the impact of blood-related biomarkers, specifically D-dimer, on in-hospital outcomes of patients with AAD.
Materials and methods: A total of 345 patients in our hospital from December 2013 to April 2017 were included. The cutoff value for D-dimer and LDL-C were set as 5.9mg/l and 1.45 mg/l, respectively. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify the independently prognostic predictors.
Results: The results showed that patients with type A AAD had higher risk of in-hospital mortality compared with those with type B disease. Moreover, results revealed the type A AAD (OR 6.382, 95%CI: 2.423 to 16.812), D-dimer (OR 2.160, 95%CI: 1.072 to 4.350), and LDL-C (OR 0.373, 95%CI: 0.148 to 0.940) were independently associated with in-hospital mortality. Subgroup analysis suggested that D-dimer (OR 2.295, 95%CI: 1.140 to 4.622) was an independently prognostic factor in type A AAD.
Conclusion: In summary, D-dimer ≥5.9 mg/L and type A AAD were independently associated with in-hospital mortality in AAD patients. Moreover, subgroup analysis proved that the elevated D-dimer was related to poor prognosis in type A AAD.
Degradation and polymerization of black liquor lignin using Bacillus sp. isolated from a pulp mill
Authors: Sapapporn Nipatcharaporn , Chaijamrus Sirilux , Chatdumrong Wassana , Tochampa
Published: January 2021

A strain of Bacillus bacteria, which was able to increase the molecular weight (M) of black liquor (BL) lignin through polymerization, enabling the subsequent industrial use of lignin, was isolated and characterized. This study is believed to be the first time that actual bacteria cells, rather than pure laccase, have been used to polymerize BL lignin. Black liquor is a toxic waste product from the pulp and paper industry that contains lignin. However, the M of lignin is too low for commercial use. The bacteria performed two processes. First, the bacteria produced laccase, which degraded lignin into low M aromatic compounds (LMWACs). Second, the laccase transformed the LMWACs into quinone intermediates, which polymerized and became high M lignin. Five bacterial strains were isolated from a pulp mill, and the best strain was selected. The optimum growing conditions and BL concentration were determined. The optimum growth conditions when using pure lignin were 1 g/L lignin, 5 g/L urea, and 35 °C. When using BL instead of pure lignin, the optimum concentration was 2% BL (v/v). This information could help develop effective industrial utilization of BL lignin.
Optimization and modelling of Cd(II) removal from aqueous solution with composite adsorbent prepared from Alternanthera philoxeroides biochar and bentonite by response surface methodology
Authors: Jing Yande , Wang Xuan , Wang Dan , Yang Qianqian
Published: January 2021

The current study aimed to optimize Cd(II) removal from aqueous solutions by a composite adsorbent (BCB) prepared from Alternanthera philoxeroides (AP) biochar (BC) and bentonite (BE) using response surface methodology (RSM). The results showed that the loading of BE did not significantly change the microstructure of BC but increased the number of functional groups. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that precipitation was the primary mechanism of Cd(II) adsorption. The adsorption behavior for Cd(II) fitted the Freundlich model. The pH, adsorbent dosage, and initial Cd(II) concentration were the main influencing factors affecting Cd(II) adsorption. There were significant interactions between pH and adsorbent dosage, adsorbent dosage, and initial concentration. The optimum adsorption conditions for Cd(II) with the maximum adsorption level of 89.4% were: 6.55 pH, 0.04 g adsorbent dosage, and 68.7 mg∙L-1 initial concentration. Overall, the BCB exhibited great potential as an efficient sorbent for the Cd(II) removal from aqueous solutions.
Сurrent situation on determination of critical value of heat flow density
Authors:   Institute of Public Administration and Research in Civil Protection, Nizhnyk V.V. , Borysova A.S. ,   Institute of Public Administration and Research in Civil Protection
Published: January 2021

The physical process of energy transfer in the form of a certain amount of heat from a body with a higher temperature to a body with a lower temperature until the onset of thermodynamic equilibrium is a continuous process and is present in many areas of human activity. Determining the surface heat flux density makes it possible to measure and control the thermal processes of almost any object made of different materials, as well as substances in order to assess their condition. Based on a theoretical review, the article analyzes the current state to determine the critical value of the surface heat flux density depending on environmental conditions. Based on statistics and arrays of fire cards, it was concluded that every fourth fire in Ukraine can spread to adjacent buildings and structures, process equipment and natural ecosystems by spreading thermal energy with subsequent ignition. The authors consider the concept of heat flux and the concept of heat flux density, as well as define the essence of the concept of critical surface heat flux density as characteristics of heat flux. Scientists conducted a detailed analysis of literature sources, regulations and other sources of information related to this topic. Based on the research, the authors analyzed and found that the value of the surface heat flux density significantly depends on environmental conditions, namely the introduction of finely divided water into the space where the heat process and wind exposure. The authors found that to assess the value of the critical surface heat flux density, it is advisable to use the sign of flame combustion of substances and materials for the criterion base. However, to date there is no statistical base of critical values of surface heat flux density for various substances and materials, in particular those that can be used in the decoration of buildings and technological installations. The article analyzes modern approaches to determining the parameters of heat flux, as well as identifies some differences in these approaches, which allowed to formulate the purpose and relevance of further research, and identifies the main tasks to be achieved to achieve this goal.
Experimental method of evaluation of performance easily disposable construction
Authors:   Institute of Public Administration and Research in Civil Defense, Nizhnyk V.V. , Nikulin O.F. ,   Institute of Public Administration and Research in Civil Defense, Pozdeev S.V. ,   Cherkasy Institute of Fire Safety named after the Heroes of Chernobyl of the National University of Civil Defense of Ukraine, Dobriak D.O. ,   Institute of Public Administration and Research in Civil Defense, Moroz O.I. ,   Institute of Public Administration and Research in Civil Defense, Kodrik A.I. ,   Institute of Public Administration and Research in Civil Defense
Published: January 2021

This article presents the current state of affairs in cases of explosions in Ukraine and preventive measures to protect against them. The relevance of studies on the substantiation of the methodology for calculating the parameters of easily disposable structures for explosive and fire hazardous premises has been determined. The analysis of domestic and foreign regulatory documents for the design and installation of window openings in buildings for various purposes is carried out. The permissible values of the overpressure of the explosion, which does not cause significant damage to building structures and is safe for people, are considered. The subject of the study is the effect of the amount of gas on the design parameters of the research stand for the experimental evaluation of easily disposable structures. The purpose of this work is to substantiate the design and the main technical parameters of the research stand for assessing the performance of easily sisposable structures. The essence of the proposed research method is to create an excess pressure from the explosion of a mixture of propane-butane with air in the working volume and to study the effect of this excess pressure of the explosion on a prototype of an easily disposable structure. An experimental stand for studying the processes of the influence of the magnitude of the overpressure of an explosion in a confined space on the design parameters of easily disposable structures is simple in design, provides an imitation of a part of a building (structure) fragment and makes it possible to study the possibility of using certain building materials with different geometric parameters as easily disposable structures, which, in turn, allows the researcher to obtain more reliable data for analysis. The existing experimental methods for evaluating the parameters of easily disposable structures are analyzed. The dimensions of the research stand and the parameters of its enclosing structures, the critical values of the overpressure of the explosion, which the stand should create, and the minimum amount of gas, the combustion of which will provide the necessary overpressure of the explosion in the stand, are substantiated. A fundamentally new stand for the experimental evaluation of the parameters of easily disposable structures, a program and experimental research methodology have been developed.
The improved methodology for calculating elements for fastening suspended pipes at installing explosion-proof bulkheads
Authors:   Institute of Geotechnical Mechanics named by N. Poljakov of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Мinieiev S.P. , Maltseva V.Ye. ,   Institute of Geotechnical Mechanics named by N. Poljakov of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Belikov I.B. ,   SPMSS of Ukraine, Ignashov I.А. ,   SPMSS of Ukraine, Samopalenko P.M. ,   SPMSS of Ukraine, Lisnyak S.S. ,   SPMSS of Ukraine, Kirdan A.Yu. ,   SPMSS of Ukraine
Published: January 2021

The authors reviewed and improved the methodology for calculating fastening elements of the suspended pipes in the explosion-proof bulkhead, when it is exposed to a shock wave, with taking into account influence of angles of the fastening element inclination relatively to the vertical and horizontal planes of the roadway. For determining forces in the fastening elements of the suspension with accounting influence of angles of vertical and horizontal working planes, and for choosing a suspended pipe fastening bearing the greatest load, three types of the suspended pipe fastening were considered for mounting explosion-proof bulkheads in the belt road 2, longwall №10, of the private joint-stock company “Pokrovskoye”. A scheme is proposed for calculating the suspended pipe elements to be fastened to the structural elements of the arch support. By applying an analytical method based on the laws and regulations of theoretical mechanics, a coefficient k formula is given, which takes into account angles of the elements fastening relatively to the horizontal and vertical planes with the view of obtaining more accurate calculation of the forces acting in the elements of the suspended pipes fastened to the elements of arch support and choosing proper diameters for them in the existing normative documents. In the article, three schemes of the suspended pipe fastening are considered. An actual load on the suspended pipe fastening elements are calculated with accounting coefficient k, and discontinuity of the fastening elements are calculated for the three types of the suspended pipe fastening and their chosen sections. The proposed types of fastening of suspended pipes in the explosion-proof bulkheads and their calculation will allow the head of an accident liquidation service to choose the type most suitable for practical implementation in specific circumstances and, therefore, to improve safety of miners. On the basis of the considered types of suspended pipes fastening to the structural elements of the arch support and calculation of the occurred reactionary efforts caused by the shock wave, the authors of the article recommend to fasten suspended pipes by six chains because this type is more reliable and requires essentially less labor content when making the fastening elements for the suspended pipe by using combine or conveyor chains available at the mine.
Features of exogenous development of Trichuris globulosa (Nematoda, Trichuridae)
Authors: Yevstafieva V. O. , Melnychuk V. V. , Kanivets N. S. , Dmitrenko N. I. , Karysheva L. P. , Filonenko S. V.
Published: January 2021

Parasitic nematodes of the genus Trichuris Röderer, 1761 are hematophagous helminths, capable of parasitizing many different hosts including humans. The domestic and wild ruminants are hosts of several Trichuris species, with Trichuris globulosa (Linstow, 1901) one of the most prevalent parasites found in cattle. The exogenous stages of the helminth’s life cycle develop in the outer environment, and their activity and survival depend on the abiotic factors. Thus the aim of the work was to determine the influence of temperature on the rate and success of development of infectious eggs of T. globulosa in laboratory culture considering their morphological and metric changes. The results of experimental studies showed that the embryogenesis of T. globulosa eggs, cultured in laboratory conditions and obtained from gonads of female nematodes, occurs in six stages regardless of the temperature regime. At the same time, the rate of transition from one stage to another, the term for the formation of infectious eggs and their viability directly depends on the temperature of the external environment. At the optimal temperature for the development of T. globulosa eggs, 25 °C, 76.3% of eggs reached the mobile larva stage. A decrease in temperature to 20 °C and an increase to 30° C led to an increase in the egg mortality of up to 26% and 32%, respectively, and the viability of eggs decreased. Under such temperature conditions, 74% and 68% of eggs of Trichuris reached the mobile larva stage. With an increase in the culture temperature, the time of embryogenesis decreased and amounted to 56 days at 20 °C, 48 days at 25 °C, and 32 days at 30 °C. Depending on the temperature regime, the zygote stage lasted from the release of eggs from the gonads of female nematodes to 12 days, the stage of blastomere formation from 4 to 12 days, the stage of the bean-shaped embryo from 8 to 24 days, the stage of the tadpole embryo from 16 to 36 days, the stage of larval formation lasted from 16 to 48 days, the stage of mobile larva from days 20 to 56. The formation of the infectious T. globulosa egg from a non-infectious one is shown in an experiment to include the metric changes confirmed by metric indicators. Mature eggs with a mobile larva are shorter and wider, with shorter and narrower plugs and a thinner shell than eggs at the zygote stage. The obtained research results on the influence of temperature on the exogenous development of Trichuris globulosa will make it possible to predict the epizootic situation of trichurosis in animal husbandry, as well as take timely measures to arrest the embryonic stages of nematode development in the external environment.
Covid-19 with Pre-Existing Neurological Disease
Authors: Butt Maliha , Shirke Saloni , Jeyakumar Rishan , Echeverria Roberto , Platero-Portillo Tania , Hange Namrata , Wadagale Atul , Sama Srikar , Dominari Asimina , Banu Fahima , Singh-Makkar Sarbjot , Malanyaon Freda Q. , Llocclla-Delgado Sussan , Jeyakumar Roshan , Khan Asma , Arif Uroosa , Varri Pranavi , Shetty Adarsh , Patel Pooja , Sanchez-Gonzales Marcos
Published: January 2021

Objective: COVID-19 has varying impact on different groups of people based on age, gender, race and comorbidities. Although the implications of COVID-19 on chronic pulmonary and cardiovascular disease have been extensively studied, the impact on neurological disease remains unclear. We attempt to identify the outcome and challenges of COVID-19 in patients with chronic neurological conditions.

 

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 studies and 11,011 patients to compare composite poor outcome and mortality between patients with and without neurological comorbidities. We also analyzed the different clinical presentations and outcome of COVID-19 in different neurological conditions.  

 

Results: We found a markedly higher incidence of composite poor outcome (Odds Ratio: 5.57, 95% CI: 3.81-8.12, P = 0.02) and a higher mortality (Odds Ratio: 6.47, 95% CI: 3.94 - 10.63, P = 0.008) among patients with pre-existing neurological disease, and no significantly different outcomes between patients with cerebrovascular disease and dementia. Linear Meta-regression analysis revealed that the impact of chronic neurological disease on COVID-19 was independent of chronic cardiovascular disease (P=0.406), hypertension (P=0.458), diabetes mellitus (P=0.512), COPD (P=0.281), and advanced age (p=0.066).

 

Conclusion: Patients with chronic neurological disease seem to develop moderate/severe COVID-19 more frequently, and have an increased mortality rate, independent of other comorbidities. They also show atypical clinical presentation in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Advanced age, cognitive dysfunction, immunosuppression, and respiratory muscle weakness might be responsible for the adverse COVID-19 outcomes in these patients.
Health, United States, 2019
Authors:   National Center for Health Statistics (U.S.), Gindi Renee
Published: January 2021

Health, United States, 2019 is the 43rd report on the health status of the nation and is submitted by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to the President and the Congress of the United States in compliance with Section 308 of the Public Health Service Act. This report was compiled by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Health, United States series presents an annual overview of national trends in key health indicators. The 2019 report presents trends and current information on selected measures of morbidity, mortality, health care utilization and access, health risk factors, prevention, health insurance, and personal health care expenditures in a 20-figure chartbook. The Health, United States, 2019 Chartbook is supplemented by several other products including Trend Tables, an At-a-Glance table, and Appendixes available for download on the Health, United States website at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/hus/ index.htm. The Health, United States, 2019 Chartbook contains 20 figures and 20 tables on health and health care in the United States. Examining trends in health informs the development, implementation, and evaluation of health policies and programs. The first section (Figures 1–13) focuses on health status and determinants: life expectancy, infant mortality, selected causes of death, overdose deaths, suicide, maternal mortality, teen births, preterm births, use of tobacco products, asthma, hypertension, heart disease and cancer, and functional limitations. The second section (Figures 14–15) presents trends in health care utilization: use of mammography and colorectal tests and unmet medical needs. The third section (Figures 16–17) focuses on health care resources: availability of physicians and dentists. The fourth section (Figures 18–20) describes trends in personal health care expenditures, health insurance coverage, and supplemental insurance coverage among Medicare beneficiaries. The Highlights section summarizes major findings from the Chartbook. Suggested citation: National Center for Health Statistics. Health, United States, 2019. Hyattsville, MD. 2021.