bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring unequal distribution of pandemic severity across census years, variants of concern and interventions
Authors: Nguyen Quang Dang , Chang Sheryl L. , Jamerlan Christina M. , Prokopenko Mikhail
Published: October 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic stressed public health systems worldwide due to emergence of several highly transmissible variants of concern. Diverse and complex intervention policies deployed over the last years have shown varied effectiveness in controlling the pandemic. However, a systematic analysis and modelling of the combined effects of different viral lineages and complex intervention policies remains a challenge due to the lack of suitable measures of pandemic inequality and nonlinear effects.

Methods

Using large-scale agent-based modelling and a high-resolution computational simulation matching census-based demographics of Australia, we carried out a systematic comparative analysis of several COVID-19 pandemic scenarios. The scenarios covered two most recent Australian census years (2016 and 2021), three variants of concern (ancestral, Delta and Omicron), and five representative intervention policies. We introduced pandemic Lorenz curves measuring an unequal distribution of the pandemic severity across local areas. We also quantified pandemic biomodality, distinguishing between urban and regional waves, and measured bifurcations in the effectiveness of interventions.

Results

We quantified nonlinear effects of population heterogeneity on the pandemic severity, highlighting that (i) the population growth amplifies pandemic peaks, (ii) the changes in population size amplify the peak incidence more than the changes in density, and (iii) the pandemic severity is distributed unequally across local areas. We also examined and delineated the effects of urbanisation on the incidence bimodality, distinguishing between urban and regional pandemic waves. Finally, we quantified and examined the impact of school closures, complemented by partial interventions, and identified the conditions when inclusion of school closures may decisively control the transmission.

Conclusions

Public health response to long-lasting pandemics must be frequently reviewed and adapted to demographic changes. To control recurrent waves, mass-vaccination rollouts need to be complemented by partial NPIs. Healthcare and vaccination resources need to be prioritised towards the localities and regions with high population growth and/or high density.
Surgical treatment of left ventricular aneurysm in patients with prior myocardial infarction in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA): a cohort study
Authors: Song Yangwu , Xu Fei , Feng Wei
Published: October 2023

Background

There is a paucity of studies examining the treatment of patients with prior myocardial infarction in the absence of obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) and with a concomitant left ventricular aneurysm. Our study aims to illustrate the clinical characteristics and report the mid-term surgical outcomes in this distinct entity.

Methods

Ten patients with MINOCA and left ventricular aneurysm were investigated. The MINOCA was diagnosed according to Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association. The indication for left ventricular reconstruction was as follows: clear evidence of both an aneurysmal and akinetic left ventricle with a history of myocardial infarction accompanied by heart failure symptoms, angina, or ventricular arrhythmias. Major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), including death, myocardial infarction, stroke was considered the primary endpoints.

Results

The median follow-up for the whole study population was 64.5 months. Seven MINOCA patients developed a left ventricular aneurysm within 4 years and three MINOCA patients were found to have a concomitant left aneurysm at the first admission. Before surgery, no patients were prescribed angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Statins, dual antiplatelet therapy, and β-blockers were prescribed in 2, 5, and 5 patients, respectively. After surgery, no MACCE occurred in the follow-up. There was a significant increase in ejection fraction (EF) in the follow-up (p = 0.0009).

Conclusions

Close monitoring and standard medical treatment are required before a left ventricular aneurysm occurs in MINOCA patients. Left ventricular reconstruction remains a viable option for MINOCA patients with left ventricular aneurysms and mid-term outcomes were satisfying in this distinct entity.
Course of an unplanned and unexpected pregnancy in a 39 year-old patient with Complex bladder extrophy: a case report
Authors: Schrey-Petersen Susanne , Lacher Martin , Stepan Holger
Published: October 2023

Background

With improved operative techniques pregnancy rates have been rising in patients with anomalies of the extrophy-epispadias-complex, including also female patients with bladder extrophy. Specific risks around pregnancy need to be addressed sufficiently beforehand.

Case presentation

An unplanned pregnancy was detected at 34 weeks in a 39-year old White female patient with former complex bladder extrophy. Decades after her operation she had not received any follow-up medical care and believed to be unable to conceive due to her anomaly. Thus no contraceptive matters were taken. The patient had lived in a stable relationship with regular sexual intercourse for many years. Until 34 weeks the pregnancy was uncomplicated, but then uterine prolapse and signs of beginning pre-eclampsia appeared, and a healthy girl was born with cesarean section.

Conclusion

As patients with bladder extrophy and other anomalies from the extrophy-epispadias-complex reach adolescence/adulthood, they need continuous medical follow-up and transition of care to adult surgery and gynecology in order to address specific aspects of sexual health, reproduction, contraception, and also cancer screening. In the presented case lack of transition of care resulted in an unplanned and complicated pregnancy.
The Effects of Import Competition on Unionization
Authors: Ahlquist John S. , Downey Mitch
Published: October 2023

We study direct and indirect effects of Chinese import competition on union membership in the United States, 1990–2014. Import competition in manufacturing induced a modest decline in unionization within manufacturing industries. The magnitude is small because unionized manufacturers competed in higher-quality product segments. Manufacturers in right-to-work states experienced more direct competition with low-quality Chinese imports. Outside of manufacturing, however, import competition causes an important increase in union membership, as less educated women shift away from retail and toward jobs in health care and education where unions are stronger. We calculate that Chinese imports prevented 26 percent of the union density decline that would have otherwise occurred. (JEL F14, F16, J16, J51, L60, P33)
Moved to Poverty? A Legacy of the Apartheid Experiment in South Africa
Authors: Carrillo Bladimir , Charris Carlos , Iglesias Wilman
Published: October 2023

During the South African apartheid, Black people were forced to move to homelands during the 1960s and 1970s, resulting in one of history’s largest segregation policy experiments. We examine how and why relocation to the homelands affected human capital attainment. Exploiting the staggered timing of homeland establishment in a cross-cohort identification strategy, we find that moving to the home-lands during childhood significantly reduces educational attainment, labor earnings, and employment rates in adulthood. The data suggest an important role for place effects. Moving to the homelands in childhood implies greater exposure to poorer neighborhoods, and it disproportionally reduces human capital attainment. (JEL I26, J15, J24, J31, N37, O15, R23)
Mechanism design, social choice and equilibrium computation in restricted domains
Authors: Πατσιλινάκος Παναγιώτης
Published: October 2023

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή μελετάει αποδοτικά αλγοριθμικά πλαίσια για περιβάλλοντα στα οποία η πληροφορία δεν είναι άμεσα διαθέσιμη. Πιο συγκεκριμένα μελετάει περιορισμούς στην πρόσβαση στην πληροφορία από τρεις διαφορετικές γωνίες: (1) Η πληροφορία είναι προσωπική (και ιδιωτική) σε στρατηγικούς παίκτες και χρειάζεται να αποκαλυφθεί στον αλγόριθμο μέσα από κατάλληλα σχεδιασμένα κίνητρα: Αυτή η περιοχή συνήθως αναφέρεται ως «αλγοριθμικός σχεδιασμός μηχανισμών». Η έρευνα στα πλαίσια της διατριβής επικεντρώνεται στην αντιμετώπιση ισχυρών αρνητικών αποτελεσμάτων περιορίζοντας την ανάλυση σε «φυσιολογικά» υποσύνολα στιγμιότυπων του προβλήματος, μια πρακτική από την περιοχή της ανάλυσης πέραν της χειρότερης περίπτωσης στη θεωρία αλγορίθμων. Συγκεκριμένα, αναλύεται η προσεγγισιμότητα του προβλήματος χωροθέτησης εγκαταστάσεων από φιλαλήθεις μηχανισμούς. (2) Η επικοινωνία είναι ακριβή: Μελετώντας αυτόν τον περιορισμό σε περιβάλλοντα με στρατηγικούς παίκτες αποδεικνύεται ότι απλοί μηχανισμοί για κλασσικά προβλήματα μπορούν να υλοποιηθούν με ασυμπτωτικά βέλτιστη πολυπλοκότητα επικοινωνίας (ανάμεσα στον μηχανισμό και τους παίκτες). (3) Η πληροφορία που χρησιμοποιείται από τον μηχανισμό είναι περιορισμένη: η διατριβή εστιάζει στην παραμόρφωση στο πρόβλημα της ψηφοφορίας, που είναι η έννοια που ποσοτικοποιεί την επίπτωση της πρόσβασης σε περιορισμένη πληροφορία στην κοινωνική ωφέλεια του αποτελέσματος ενός αλγορίθμου (σε όρους προσέγγισης της βέλτιστης λύσης). Εδώ μελετώνται και οι επιπτώσεις διάφορων μορφών περιορισμένης πληροφορίας στην μετρική παραμόρφωση αλλά και η παραμόρφωση ενός πολύ διαδεδομένου μηχανισμού, του STV, σε σχέση με την διαστασιμότητα του σχετικού μετρικού χώρου. Επιπλέον, στα πλαίσια της διατριβής διερευνάται η κλασική πτυχή της αλγοριθμικής θεωρίας παιγνίων που αφορά την πολυπλοκότητα υπολογισμού αμιγών ισορροπιών. Μελετάται το πρόβλημα αυτό στο πλαίσιο των βεβαρυμμένων παιγνίων συμφόρησης με γραμμικές συναρτήσεις καθυστέρησης, και παρουσιάζεται ένας αποδοτικός αλγόριθμος για τον υπολογισμό προσεγγιστικών ισορροπιών σε μια ενδιαφέρουσα κλάση των Max-Cut παιγνίων.
Uric acid, neuroendocrine-immune complex and metabolism: relationships
Authors: Popovych Igor , Bombushkar Igor , Żukow Xawery , Kovalchuk Halyna
Published: October 2023

Background. During the implementation of the project "Physiological activity of uric acid", our group discovered four variants of the combination of levels of uricemia and uricosuria in patients with chronic pyelonephritis in the remission phase, which are accompanied by characteristic constellations of parameters of the central and autonomic nervous, endocrine, and immune systems, as well as the exchange of nitrogenous metabolites and electrolytes, the levels of which correlate with uricemia and/or uricosuria. The aim of this study is to clarify the relationship between parameters of uric acid exchange and neuroendocrine-immune complex as well as other metabolites. Materials and methods. Under an observations were 34 males (23-70 years) and 10 females (33-76 years) with chronic pyelonephritis in the phase of remission. The main object of the study was serum and urine levels of uric acid. Other metabolic, endocrine and immune parameters were determined in the same blood and urine samples. In addition, EEG and HRV was recorded almost synchronously. Results. Among all registered parameters, 28 were identified as characteristic of the four variants of uric acid metabolism. The discriminant model includes, in addition to uricosuria and uricemia by definition, 10 neuroendocrine, 5 immune, and 6 metabolic parameters, as well as bacteriuria, Bifidobacteria of feces, entropy of immunocytogram and Popovych’s leukocytogram strain index. According to the results of the canonical correlation analysis, it was established that balneotherapy-induced concomitant changes in uricosuria and uricemia positively determine changes in, first, the PSD of the theta-rhythm in the T3 locus and beta-rhythm in the O2 locus aa well as HRV-markers of vagal tone and sympatho-vagal balance; secondly – diuresis and excretion of urea, magnesium, sodium, phosphates, calcium, potassium and chloride, as well as calciumemia and magnesiumemia; thirdly – serum IgG and CIC. Instead, changes in cortisolemia and testosteroneemia as well as TNF-alpha and the intensity of Staph. aureus phagocytosis are subject to negative determination. In general, the rate of uric acid determination of the dynamics of the listed parameters of the body is 96%. Conclusion. The uric acid molecule, as a structural analog of methylxanthines and adenosine, exerts effects on neurons, endocrinocytes, and immunocytes, presumably through their adenosine receptors, and the metabolic effects of uric acid are the consequences of its neuro-endocrine effects.
Duygu Düzenleme ve Mesleki Kaygı: Okul Öncesi Öğretmen Adaylarını Değerlendirme
Authors: YILMAZ Hilal
Published: October 2023

Okul öncesi öğretmen adaylarının çeşitli kişilik özelliklerinin mesleki kaygıları ile ilişkili olduğu bilinmektedir. Bu özelliklerden biri de duygu düzenleme becerileridir. Bu çalışmanın amacı, okul öncesi öğretmen adaylarının duygu düzenleme becerileri ve mesleki kaygıları arasındaki ilişkiyi incelemektir. Bu bağlamda okul öncesi öğretmen adaylarının duygu düzenleme becerileri ve mesleki kaygılarının demografik bilgilerine göre herhangi bir değişiklik gösterip göstermediği sorusuna cevap aranmıştır. Çalışma nicel araştırma yöntemlerinden ilişkisel tarama modelinde desenlenmiştir. Araştırmanın örneklemini İstanbul’da bulunan iki devlet üniversitesinde Okul Öncesi Öğretmenliği bölümünde öğrenim görmekte olan 296 lisans öğrencisi oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmanın sonuçları şunlardır: Öğretmen adaylarının duygu düzenleme becerileri gizleme alt boyutu puanlarının orta, yeniden değerlendirme alt boyutu puanlarının yüksek düzeyde olduğu gözlenmiştir. Mesleki kaygı puanlarının ise orta düzeyde olduğu bulunmuştur. Öğretmen adaylarının duygu düzenleme becerileri ve mesleki kaygılarının cinsiyet ve KPSS’ye hazırlanma durumuna göre; mesleki kaygılarının kaçıncı sınıfta olduklarına göre anlamlı şekilde farklılaştığı ortaya çıkmıştır. Duygu düzenleme becerileri ile mesleki kaygı arasında anlamlı bir ilişkinin olduğu belirlenmiştir. Sonuç olarak öğretmen adaylarının duygu düzenleme becerileri arttıkça mesleki kaygılarının azaldığı söylenebilir.
Synthesis and Spectroscopy Characterizations of Some New Bis 1,3-thiazolidin-4-ones Derived from 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde Substrate
Authors: Haji* Rojin Biro , Ali Maher Khalid , Mohammed Shireen Rashid
Published: October 2023

Over three major convenient steps, a series of some novel Bis-Schiff bases, and Bis 1,3-thiazolidin-4-one derivatives have been synthesized: Firstly, the etherification process through the reaction of the 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde substrate with o-, m-, and p-chlorobenzylchlorides under mild circumstances. Secondly, the condensation reaction between 4-((chlorobenzyl)oxy)benzaldehyde compounds with a number of aromatic diamines in an acidic environment produces the required Bis-Schiff intermediates. Finally, the practical cyclization step was finished by synthesizing the required Bis 1,3-thiazolidin-4-one products with 79-97% yields through refluxing reaction in benzene with thioglycolic acid.
Study of Corrosion Resistant Property of Benzoxazine Synthesised from Euginol with N-Butylamine and Copolymerised with Polyurethane on Mild Steel
Authors: Kannaiyan Jayanthi , Mani Sivaraju
Published: October 2023

In this work, we have synthesized a new eugenol based benzoxazine monomer from eugenol, paraformaldehyde and n-butyl amine. The synthesized monomer was characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, UV-Visible and FT-IR spectroscopy. The monomer was then co-polymerized with isocyanate hardener on the surface of the mild steel with three different composition. After that it was cured in a muffle furnace to get poly(benzoxazine-urethane). The copolymer’s characterized by UV and FT-IR spectroscopic techniques. The anti-corrosive property of the co-polymer was investigated using polarization and EIS techniques against 3.5% NaCl solution. For additional support for this work, DFT studies also carried out for monomer and its copolymer. Water absorption and gel absorption studies were also done to add evidences for the hydrophobicity of the monomer and the copolymers.
Effect of oral health on depression: an analysis of the 2021 Korea Community Health Survey
Authors: Shin Ae-Ri
Published: October 2023

Objectives: This study aimed to identify factors related to oral health and depression in Korean adults and contribute to the development of a mental health program to improve depression through oral health management. Methods: Data was obtained from the 2021 Korean Community Health Survey. The chi-square test was used to determine the differences in depression experience relative to general participant characteristics and their oral health. To determine the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval, multiple logistic regression analysis was used. All statistical analyses were performed using the SAS software (version 9.4). Results: The results suggest that depression may be influenced by gender, age, household generation, drinking habits, subjective health level, moderate to high exercise, breakfast, high blood pressure, diabetes, subjective oral health level, chewing discomfort, and tooth brushing. An increasing level of depression was associated with decreasing subjective oral health level (1.34 times), uncomfortable chewing (3.08 times), and frequency of toothbrushing after lunch or before going to bed (1.23 times and 1.58 times, respectively). Conclusions: Our study confirmed a close relationship between oral health and mental health. In developing health programs for improving depression, appropriate oral health care should be considered.
Criminal law protection of the child against parental trolling
Authors: Kamińska-Nawrot Aneta Zofia
Published: October 2023

Cel pracy

Celem niniejszego artykułu jest analiza wybranych instrumentów prawnych, mających za zadanie ochronę dziecka przed nowym zjawiskiem zwanym parental trollingiem, które polega ono na rozpowszechnianiu przez rodziców w mediach społecznościowych kompromitujących ich dziecko zdjęć i filmów celem zyskania popularności, a także zwalczanie tego zjawiska poprzez jego penalizację.

Materiał i metody

W niniejszej publikacji przeprowadzono analizę piśmiennictwa, orzecznictwa, aktów prawnych, w tym w szczególności przepisów kodeksu karnego, regulujących poszczególne czyny zabronione, które mogą mieć zastosowanie wobec rodzica (ów) stosującego wobec swojego dziecka cyberprzemoc w postaci parental trollingu.

Wyniki

Przeprowadzona analiza potwierdza, iż ustawodawca nie uregulował wprost zachowania parental trollingu. Taki stan rzeczy może powodować trudności w ocenie karnej tego zachowania, dlatego konieczne są zmiany legislacyjne w tym zakresie.

Wnioski

Wnioski de lege ferenda w zakresie rozbudowania ustawowych znamion przestępstwa dotyczącego utrwalania i rozpowszechniania wizerunku dziecka (nie tylko nagiego) oraz wprowadzenie typu kwalifikowanego przewidującego surowszą karę w sytuacji targnięcia się dziecka na własne życie.
Contemporary challenges of the information society
Authors: Grądzki Waldemar
Published: October 2023

Cel pracy

Celem pracy jest analiza zachodzących, w sposób niezwykle dynamiczny, zmian w postrzeganiu społeczeństwa informacyjnego. Z jednej strony mamy do czynienia z olbrzymim postępem technicznym i technologicznym, który spowodowany jest automatyzacją i robotyzacją w kontekście IV rewolucji przemysłowej (Przemysł 4.0), a z drugiej gwałtownym rozwojem komunikacji interpersonalnej i korporacyjnej, w dobie społeczeństwa opartego na wiedzy, wykorzystującego różnorodne źródła informacji epoki konektywizmu.

Materiał i metody

Zastosowaną metodę pogłębionej analizy źródeł informacji, poprzez analizę porównawczą publikacji polskich i zagranicznych autorów, a także analizę wystąpień i publikacji na Kongresie Obywatelskim z 2022 r. Pomocniczo wykorzystano publikowane materiały i akty prawne Komisji Europejskiej.

Wyniki

Dokonana analiza porównawcza różnych źródeł informacji wykazała, że rozwój społeczeństwa informacyjnego odbywa się na wielu płaszczyznach, przy czym kierunki tego dynamicznego rozwoju dotyczą głównie wykorzystania nowych zastosowań technologii teleinformatycznych, a także znaczący rozwój wykorzystania rozwiązań z zakresu wirtualnej i rozszerzonej rzeczywistości oraz elementów sztucznej inteligencji i Internetu Rzeczy.

Wnioski

Na pytanie: dokąd zmierzamy, realizując idee społeczeństwa opartego na wiedzy, starało się już odpowiedzieć wielu autorów. Raporty Banku Światowego i IBM wskazują, że w wyniku gwałtownych przemian gospodarczych , najprawdopodobniej nastąpi: rozwój różnych form komunikacji werbalnej i wizyjnej pomiędzy pracownikami, pracownikami i maszynami (robotami humanoidalnymi i przemysłowymi - automatami), a także zastępowanie dotychczasowych form komunikacji międzyludzkiej poprzez komunikację z wirtualnymi avatarami pracowników.
Morphophysiology, biochemical, and yielding characteristics of Chinese cabbage due to formulation and concentration of nutrient solution in hydroponic culture
Authors: Siahaan Ferlist Rio , Tampubolon Koko , Pardede Erika
Published: October 2023

Hydroponic solution from agricultural organic waste can be used as an alternative to chemical solutions and strongly increases the growth and yield of Chinese cabbage plants. This study was to obtain formulations, concentrations, and their interactions that have the potential to increase the agronomic, physiological, biochemical, and yielding characteristics of Chinese cabbage in hydroponic culture. This study was conducted from September to November 2022 using a randomized block design with two factors and three replications. The first factor was the formulation of organic nutrient solutions (F1= banana peels+bean sprouts+eggshells; F2= banana humps+onion peels+bean sprouts+moringa leaves; F3= moringa leaves+onion peels+bean sprouts; F4=AB mix as a comparison). The second factor was the concentrations (600; 900; 1,200; 1,500 ppm). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and proceeded with the Duncan at P<0.05. The results showed that formulations F3 and F2 significantly increased Mg and chlorophyll b levels while formulation F1 increased nitrate and flavonoids. The concentrations ranged from 1,200 to 1,500 ppm showed the highest yield and shoot fresh weight were 2.86 kg m-2 year-1 and 30.70 g. The F3C4 interaction was highly recommended to increase the yield of Chinese cabbage by 2.68 kg m-2 year-1 compared to the other liquid organic fertilizers and it could be used as a substitute for using liquid chemical fertilizers in hydroponic culture.
High-speed X-ray radiography for experiments in impact dynamics using high-power X-ray tube, cesium iodine scintillator and laboratory optical camera
Authors: Šleichrt Jan , Falta Jan , Fíla Tomáš
Published: October 2023

X-ray radiography and computed tomography have become well-established methods for investigation of internal structure of objects and for defectoscopy. Recently, the methods have even been used for in-situ analysis of materials under mechanical loading. Although the techniques would be very suitable for analysis during dynamic events, their application is constrained by typical achievable frame rates. Therefore, fast imaging is usually limited to facilities providing sufficient flux like particle accelerators. In this paper, we test imaging performance of a laboratory-based setup with a high-power X-ray tube, a scintillation panel, and an optical camera. Fast-rotating object and typical specimens for impact testing are irradiated with different power settings and quality of captured images is evaluated and analyzed. It is found out that the system can be successfully used for imaging at several hundred frames per second allowing for inspection of slow impact dynamics experiments.
Embodying Dynamical Systems in Music Performance
Authors: Nijs Luc , Bremmer Melissa , van der Schyff Dylan , Schiavio Andrea
Published: October 2023

The present contribution introduces a theoretical framework to explore music performance from a perspective inspired by the conceptual resources of two orientations known as Dynamical System Theory and Embodied Cognitive Science. We discursively elaborate on how music performance might be conceived of as a complex, multi-component system that deals with evolving patterns of stability and instability, and examine how a combination of cognitive, motor, and affective skills stands at the heart of the performer’s capacity to optimize their performance. In doing so, we consider how musicians often generate different interpretative “hypotheses” with little or no pre-planning and use their body to selectively navigate the range of possibilities such hypotheses entail. In conclusion, the relevance of this perspective is discussed in relation to current research in music performance and music education to outline continuities and differences between the two domains.
Covid-19 with Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus: Based on Two Cases in Diponegoro National Hospital
Authors: Retnoningrum Dwi , Pramudo Setyo Gundi , Nugroho Taufik Eko , Qolby Qonita Nur
Published: October 2023

Background: Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has become pandemic in the world with a board spectrum of clinical presentation. Secondary infection of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) affects morbidity and mortality in patients with COVID-19.Case: We reported two COVID-19 patients with MRSA hospitalized in intensive care unit (ICU) of Diponegoro National Hospital. The first patient was 61-year-old woman that was referred from another hospital with confirmed COVID-19 infection and acute respiratory distress syndrome and had been intubated. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension were known as comorbid. On day 4 of treatment in ICU, blood culture results showed MRSA infection and antibiotic therapy was replaced with Vancomycin. The patient had clinical improvement and was discharge from the hospital on the 36th day of treatment. The second one was 51-year-old woman admitted with probable COVID-19, type II Diabetes Mellitus and hypertension. On day 9th the patient was transferred to ICU because of respiratory failure, blood culture on day 15th show a result of MRSA and antibiotic therapy was replaced with vancomycin. She declined intubation procedures and died on day 20.Discussion: Antibiotic resistance has become one of the important things in infection management in the world. Multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDR) cause treatment failure which increases the risk of death and cost. MRSA has become one of the most important MDR bacteria during the last decade causing severe infections in health facilities. Complications of bacterial infection in COVID-19, especially bacteremia increases the severity and mortality of severe patients.Conclusion: Coinfection of MRSA in COVID-19 patients can affect the clinical outcome. One of important risk factor is history or prolonged hospitalized. Other factors are comorbidity of the patient and appropriate therapy is needed to reduce mortality in Intensive Care Unit.
Tatalaksana Badai Tiroid dan Aritmia di ICU: Serial Kasus
Authors: Nathalia Jessica , Chandra Jane Josephine , Vania Debby , Hutagalung Albert Frido
Published: October 2023

Latar belakang: Badai tiroid atau krisis hipertiroid merupakan komplikasi hipertiroidisme akut yang mengancam jiwa dan sebagai presentasi dari tirotoksikosis yang berlebihan. Gejala badai tiroid yang paling parah yang mungkin terjadi berupa aritmia atrium dan/atau ventrikel, gagal jantung, dan/atau henti jantung.Kasus: Pada ketiga kasus, terdapat gambaran klinis serta gangguan irama jantung yang berbeda berupa atrial fibrilasi (AF) dan supraventrikuler takikardi (SVT) yang berhubungan dengan hipertiroidisme. Terdapat kegawatdaruratan badai tiroid yang dapat mengancam nyawa sehingga diperlukan perawatan yang intensif pada ketiga pasien tersebut. Selama perawatan di intensive care unit (ICU), ketiga pasien mendapatkan terapi standar berupa antitiroid dan obat antiaritmia golongan beta bloker dan golongan glikosida digitalis.Diskusi: Peningkatan hormon tiroid memiliki peran untuk menyebabkan AF dan SVT. Setelah dilakukan tatalaksana sesuai dengan Japan Guideline Thyroid Storm (2016), terdapat perbaikan pada kasus 2 dan 3. Namun, pada kasus 1 tetap didapatkan SVT persisten dengan badai tiroid yang tidak terkontrol.Kesimpulan: Gambaran klinis badai tiroid bervariasi, mulai dari disfungsi sistem termoregulasi, gangguan gastrointestinal dan hati, gangguan sistem saraf pusat, dan gangguan irama jantung. Pada ketiga kasus ini, gambaran klinis dari hipertiroidisme akut dan badai tiroid berbeda-beda. Namun, terdapat kegawatdaruratan yang sama yang dapat mengancam nyawa sehingga diperlukan perawatan yang intensif pada ketiga pasien tersebut.
Proteomic Interactome of C. elegans Mediator Complex Subunit 28 (MDT-28) Reveals Predominant Association with a Restricted Set of Core Mediator Subunits and an Affinity to Additional Structural and Enzymatic Proteins
Authors: Yilma P. , Kostrouchová M. , Talacko P. , Kostrouchová V. , Kostrouch D. , Novák P. , Kostrouchová Marta
Published: October 2023

Transcription factors exert their regulatory potential on RNA polymerase II machinery through a multiprotein complex called Mediator complex or Mediator. The Mediator complex integrates regulatory signals from cell regulatory cascades with the regulation by transcription factors. The Mediator complex consists of 25 subunits in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and 30 or more subunits in multicellular eukaryotes. Mediator subunit 28 (MED28), along with MED30, MED23, MED25 and MED26, belong to presumably evolutionarily new subunits that seem to be absent in unicellular eukaryotes and are likely to have evolved together with multicellularity and cell differentiation. Previously, we have shown that an originally uncharacterized predicted gene, F28F8.5, is the true MED28 orthologue in Caenorhabditis elegans (mdt-28) and showed that it is involved in a spectrum of developmental processes. Here, we studied the proteomic interactome of MDT-28 edited as GFP::MDT-28 using Crispr/Cas9 technology or MDT-28::GFP expressed from extrachromosomal arrays in transgenic C. elegans exploiting the GFPTRAP system and mass spectrometry. The results show that MDT-28 associates with the Head module subunits MDT-6, MDT-8, MDT-11, MDT-17, MDT- 20, MDT-22, and MDT-30 and the Middle module subunit MDT-14. The analyses also identified additional proteins as preferential MDT-28 interactants, including chromatin-organizing proteins, structural proteins and enzymes. The results provide evidence for MDT-28 engagement in the Mediator Head module and support the possibility of physical (direct or indirect) interaction of MDT-28 with additional proteins, reflecting the transcription-regulating potential of primarily structural and enzymatic proteins at the level of the Mediator complex.
Voluntary assisted dying and euthanasia’s perpetual pendulum in Australia
Authors: Wagner Anne
Published: October 2023

This paper delves into the intricate relationship between euthanasia and the perpetual pendulum concept, which challenges conventional linear understandings of time and legal principles. Examining euthanasia through the perpetual pendulum concept, inspired by Deleuze and Guattari’s rhizome theory, underscores that the acceptance or prohibition of euthanasia is deeply intertwined with evolving societal values and conceptual frameworks. It advocates for adaptable legal interpretations and an acknowledgment of the relative nature of time, allowing for the reevaluation and reinterpretation of legal principles in response to changing perspectives. The legal landscape of euthanasia in Australia, with varying state laws and potential conflicts with federal statutes, serves as a compelling case study. It emphasizes the ongoing need for discussion, adaptation, and ethical introspection to balance individual autonomy with broader legal and ethical considerations in the context of end-of-life care.
On duality principles and related convex dual formulations suitable for local and global non-convex variational optimization
Authors: Botelho Fabio Silva
Published: October 2023

This article develops duality principles, a related convex dual formulation and primal dual formulations suitable for the local and global optimization of non convex primal formulations for a large class of models in physics and engineering. The results are based on standard tools of functional analysis, calculus of variations and duality theory. In particular, we develop applications to a Ginzburg–Landau type equation. Other applications include primal dual variational formulations for a Burger’s type equation and a Navier–Stokes system. We emphasize the novelty here is that the first dual variational formulation developed is convex for a primal formulation which is originally non-convex. Finally, we also highlight the primal dual variational formulations presented have a large region of convexity around any of their critical points.
The Rise of Learning Pods: Civil Society’s Expanding Role in K-12 Education in the United States
Authors: Andersson Fredrik O. , Willems Jurgen
Published: October 2023

This research note illuminates the ascent of so-called “learning pods”, a concept and phenomenon with close connections to civil society that rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic. We begin by characterizing and positioning learning pods in the diverse U.S. K-12 educational landscape. Next, participation in, and intent to form/join, learning pods are depicted by reporting on secondary data from a population poll among a national sample of U.S. adults since the start of the 2020 academic school year to December 2021. The second half of the research note discusses how learning pods can help garner useful insights to existing nonprofit research and theory.
AAP Pediatric Coding Newsletter
™ November 2023 Quiz (Online Exclusive)
Authors:   American Academy of Pediatrics
Published: October 2023

Quiz for AAPC Continuing Education Units
Discovering Process Models from Event Logs of Multi-Agent Systems Using Event Relations
Authors: Sherstyugina Anastasiya , Nesterov Roman
Published: October 2023

The structure of a process model directly discovered from an event log of a multi-agent system often does not reflect the behavior of individual agents and their interactions. We suggest analyzing the relations between events in an event log to localize actions executed by different agents and involved in their asynchronous interaction. Then, a process model of a multi-agent system is composed from individual agent models between which we add channels to model the asynchronous message exchange. We consider agent interaction within the acyclic and cyclic behavior of different agents. We develop an algorithm that supports the analysis of event relations between different interacting agents and study its correctness. Experimental results demonstrate the overall improvement in the quality of process models discovered by the proposed approach in comparison to monolithic models discovered directly from event logs of multiagent systems.
REDoS Detection in “Domino” Regular Expressions by Ambiguity Analysis
Authors: Nepeivoda Antonina Nikolaevna , Belikova Yulia Andreevna , Shevchenko Kirill Konstantinovich , Teriukha Mikhail Romanovich , Knyazihin Danila Pavlovich , Delman Aleksandr Dmitrievich , Terentyeva Anna Sergeevna
Published: October 2023

The Regular Expression Denial of Service (REDoS) problem refers to a time explosion caused by the high computational complexity of matching a string against a regex pattern. This issue is prevalent in popular regex engines, such as PYTHON, JAVASCRIPT, and C++. In this paper, we examine several existing open-source tools for detecting REDoS and identify a class of regexes that can create REDoS situations in popular regex engines but are not detected by these tools. To address this gap, we propose a new approach based on ambiguity analysis, which combines a strong star-normal form test with an analysis of the transformation monoids of Glushkov automata orbits. Our experiments demonstrate that our implementation outperforms the existing tools on regexes with polynomial matching complexity and complex subexpression overlap structures.
Risk factors for obstetric and perinatal complications after COVID-19
Authors:   Shupyk National Healthcare University of Ukraine, Kyiv, Savchuk R.M. , Vorobey L.I. ,   Shupyk National Healthcare University of Ukraine, Kyiv, Kolomiichenko T.V. ,   Shupyk National Healthcare University of Ukraine, Kyiv
Published: October 2023

Purpose - to identify risk factors for obstetric and perinatal complications after COVID-19. Materials and methods. 21 patients with severe course of COVID-19 (the Group 1) and 126 pregnant women with moderate severity of the disease - the Group 2 were comprehensively examined. The odds ratio (OR) was calculated with a 95% confidence interval (CI), significance level - p<0.05. Results. A high level of inflammation markers demonstrated the highest OR values: the 1st, the 3rd, the 5th place - increased procalcitonin (OR=48.4; 95% CI: 13.5-173.0), interleukin-6 (OR=39.1; 95% CI: 4.3-355.8), C-reactive protein (OR=8.5; 95% CI: 2.6-27.8), which in SARS-CoV-2 indicate a severe course of the disease. The indicator “difficulty of breathing” (OR=8.5; 95% CI: 2.6-27.8), which clearly reflects the severity of the disease in coronavirus disease, was in the 2nd place. The 4th in the indicator “increase in D-dimer to 10,000 ng/ml and above” (OR=13.2; 95% CI: 1.1-152.3), which indicates a high risk of thrombosis. The level of OR is also significantly high in the indicators “III-IV degree obesity” (OR=8.0; 95% CI: 2.3-28.0), “increased aspartate aminotransferase” (OR=6.9; 95% CI 2.4-20.1), “vitamin D deficiency” (OR=5.0; 95% CI: 1.4-17.7). Conclusions. The pathogenetic mechanisms of the development of perinatal complications in SARS-CoV-2 include: a high level of inflammatory processes mediated by the severity of the course of the disease, a violation of the immune system (hyperreaction - “cytokine storm”), prothrombotic changes in the hemostasis system, vitamin D deficiency, obesity and an increase in transaminases. The study was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was adopted by the Local Ethics Committee of the institution specified in the work. Informed consent from women was obtained for the study. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.
Malformations of embryos and fetuses: world experience
Authors:   Poltava State Medical University, Ukraine, Ketova O.M.
Published: October 2023

Purpose - to investigate the causes, prevalence, variability and diagnosis of abortion for medical reasons in different countries of the world over the last 5 years according to scientific literature sources. The article presents the analyzed literary data for different countries of the world, regarding the prevalence, detectability, variability, possible identified causes and consequences of abnormalities in the development of embryos and fetuses. According to the analyzed data of many literary sources, chromosomal abnormalities are the most frequent cause of sporadic miscarriages, which are found in 50-70% of first-trimester miscarriages and in 5-10% of all pregnancies in the world. The number of newborns with developmental disabilities in the world ranges from 2% to 8% and depends on the state of social development of the country. Moreover, in the countries of Europe and the USA, chromosomal abnormalities are found in the first place (56.2-52.6%), in the second place - anomalies of the central nervous system (11.8-13.4%), while in the countries of South Africa, in the first place on at this stage, anomalies of the musculoskeletal system appear (39%). In Asian countries, pathologies of the cardiovascular system are most often detected among all pathologies of embryo development (30.7%). Methods of diagnosis, prevention, treatment and termination of pregnancy are the same for all continents, but the problem is their availability in different countries. No conflict of interests was declared by the author.
Nonspecific aortoarteritis (Takayasu’s disease): a clinical case in pediatric practice
Authors:   Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Ukraine, Dutchak H.M. , Synoverska O.B. ,   Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Ukraine, Alekseeva Yu.I. ,   Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Ukraine, Tsaruk O.Y. ,   LLC Medical Center Doctor Tsaruk, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine, Kuzenko O.V. ,   Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Ukraine
Published: October 2023

The article presents modern data on a relatively rare and life-threatening disease - non-specific aortoarteritis (Takayasu's disease) and its features in childhood. This disease belongs to the group of systemic vasculitis, which is based on non-specific non-infectious inflammation of the aorta and its branches, which leads to deformation of the vascular lumen and secondary tissue ischemia. Damage to vital organs in this disease leads to the development of severe complications and the risk of sudden death. Purpose - to cite a case of Takayasu's disease from our own practice, taking into account the rarity of the disease, lack of awareness and clinical vigilance of pediatricians and family doctors regarding this pathology. A clinical case of non-specific aortoarteritis in a 17-year-old patient who was examined and treated at the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Children's Hospital was considered. Features of clinical symptoms, laboratory biomarkers, methods of visualization the level of lesions of main vessels are given. Information on methods of treatment of this patient according to the updated recommendations of the European Antirheumatic League (EULAR, 2018) is provided. Conclusions. Nonspecific aortoarteritis is a rare, difficult to diagnose and insufficiently studied autoimmune disease. Late diagnosis significantly increases the risk of a child's sudden death. Modern non-invasive imaging methods are crucial for making a diagnosis, assessing the extent of the disease and choosing treatment tactics. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The informed consent of the child's parents and the patient was obtained for the description of the clinical case. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.
Risk factors for placenta previa among pregnant women of Kyiv, Ukraine: a retrospective cohort study
Authors:   Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine, Berestovyi V.O. ,   Kyiv City Maternity Hospital No.5, Ukraine, Zelinska O.V. ,   Kyiv City Maternity Hospital No.5, Ukraine, Gerevich N.V. ,   Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine,   Kyiv City Maternity Hospital No.5, Ukraine, Govsieiev D.O. ,   Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine,   Kyiv City Maternity Hospital No.5, Ukraine
Published: October 2023

Placenta previa is a significant obstetric problem with elevated morbidity and mortality rates for both mother and fetus. The risks associated with placenta previa underscore the necessity for comprehensive treatment and timely intervention to mitigate adverse outcomes. Purpose - to conduct a retrospective analysis of the impact of obstetric-gynecological factors on the prediction of placenta previa occurrence and its influence on perinatal outcomes. Materials and methods. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on cases of placenta previa between 2018 and 2022. The study included 22491 deliveries, of which 65 (0.29%) cases were registered as placenta previa. Data from delivery records of 374 patients without placenta previa were used for comparison. The following variables were evaluated for all patients: maternal age, characteristics of the menstrual cycle, gravidity, parity, history of cesarean sections, gestational age at delivery, method of delivery, blood loss during delivery, length of postpartum hospitalization, birth weight, gender of the newborn, Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes. Gynecological intervention histories, including curettage/hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, and cervical treatment, as well as obstetric pathologies, such as cesarean section, ectopic pregnancy, instrumental abortions, missed pregnancies, and assisted reproductive technologies in the last pregnancy, were examined. Results. Multifactorial analysis revealed four significant risk factors. The risk of placenta previa was found to increase with advanced maternal age (p<0.001), OR=1.14 (95% CI 1.07-1.20), and the presence of previous cesarean sections (p<0.001), OR=5.51 (95% CI 2.73-11.1), while a history of previous deliveries reduced the risk (p<0.001), OR=0.24 (95% CI 0.15-0.40). Instrumental abortions increased the risk of placenta previa (p=0.001), OR=2.14 (95% CI 1.20-3.81). Newborns in the placenta previa group had lower Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes and lower birth weight. Conclusions. The obtained results emphasize the importance of considering risk factors in assessing placenta previa occurrence during antenatal monitoring and can contribute to improving obstetric and perinatal care for women. However, the morphological and functional basis of placenta previa remains unknown and requires further study. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of participating institution. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patient with DOCK8 deficiency: Ukrainian experience
Authors:   European Medical School, International European University, Kyiv, Ukraine, Hilfanova A.M. , Zabara D.V. ,   SI Institute of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology named after academician O.M. Lukyanova of the NAMS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Lysytsya O.V. ,   National Pediatric Specialized Hospital «OKHMATDYT», Kyiv, Ukraine, Volkova A.V. ,   National Pediatric Specialized Hospital «OKHMATDYT», Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: October 2023

Dedicator of Cytokinesis 8 (DOCK8) deficiency is a combined immunodeficiency that exemplifies the broad clinical features of primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs), extending beyond recurrent infections including atopy, autoimmunity, and cancer. Purpose - to describe the natural course of hyper-IgE syndrome (HIES) disease in an 8-year-old boy and his path to diagnosis, as well as our first local history of conservative treatment for 6 months. In particular, we describe the effectiveness of omalizumab, and the application of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with follow-up. Clinical case. The 8-year-old boy presented with severe eczema and an involvement of the whole surface of the body. Infectious syndrome manifested from the age of 4 months in a form of recurrent respiratory infections. Over the next few years, the child suffered from life-threatening infections with high serum IgE (>3000 IU/ml). The examination revealed a cushingoid constitution, flat-valgus feet, and dysmorphic features. Therefore, HIES was suspected. Genetic studies have confirmed the diagnosis by detecting a pathogenic homozygous mutation in the DOCK8 gene (Deletion Exons 2-46). We decided to use a humanized monoclonal anti-IgE antibody (off-label) to control the skin syndrome rather than systemic steroids. A significant improvement in skin condition, a decrease in eosinophils, and IgE were observed. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation of hematopoietic cells (HSCT) derived from peripheral blood of an human leukocyte antigen (HLA) - identical sibling donor was performed. The donor had a pathogenic mutation identical to the recipient in the DOCK8 gene but in a heterozygous state. Our data and treatment approach may be clinically useful as a diagnostic and treatment approach to HIES. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.
Luigino BRUNI, Lógica carismática, Madrid: CTEA, 2022, 124 pp., 12 x 19, ISBN 978-84-1772857-1.
Authors: Buch Lucas
Published: October 2023

Book Review