bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of Life Is Associated With Survival in Patients With Gastric Cancer: Results From the Randomized CRITICS Trial
Authors: van Amelsfoort Romy M. , Walraven Iris , Kieffer Jacobien , Jansen Edwin P.M. , Cats Annemieke , van Grieken Nicole C.T. , Meershoek-Klein Kranenbarg Elma , Putter Hein , van Sandick Johanna W. , Sikorska Karolina , van de Velde Cornelis J.H. , Aaronson Neil K. , Verheij Marcel , _ _
Published: March 2022

Background: The evaluation of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in clinical trials has become increasingly important because it addresses the impact of treatment from the patient’s perspective. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effect of postoperative chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy (CRT) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery with extended (D2) lymphadenectomy on HRQoL in the CRITICS trial. Second, we investigated the potential prognostic value of pretreatment HRQoL on event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS). Patients and Methods: Patients in the CRITICS trial were asked to complete HRQoL questionnaires (EORTC Quality-of-Life Questionnaire-Core 30 and Quality-of-Life Questionnaire gastric cancer–specific module) at baseline, after preoperative chemotherapy, after surgery, after postoperative chemotherapy or CRT, and at 12 months follow-up. Patients with at least 1 evaluable questionnaire (645 of 788 randomized patients) were included in the HRQoL analyses. The predefined endpoints included dysphagia, pain, physical functioning, fatigue, and Quality-of-Life Questionnaire-Core 30 summary score. Linear mixed modeling was used to assess differences over time and at each time point. Associations of baseline HRQoL with EFS and OS were investigated using multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses. Results: At completion of postoperative chemo(radio)therapy, the chemotherapy group had significantly better physical functioning (P=.02; Cohen’s effect size = 0.42) and less dysphagia (P=.01; Cohen’s effect size = 0.38) compared with the CRT group. At baseline, worse social functioning (hazard ratio [HR], 2.20; 95% CI, 1.36–3.55; P=.001), nausea (HR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.39–2.56; P<.001), worse WHO performance status (HR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.13–2.13; P=.007), and histologic subtype (diffuse vs intestinal: HR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.42–2.67; P<.001; mixed vs intestinal: HR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.35–4.12; P=.003) were significantly associated with worse EFS and OS. Conclusions: In the CRITICS trial, the chemotherapy group had significantly better physical functioning and less dysphagia after postoperative treatment. HRQoL scales at baseline were significantly associated with EFS and OS.
Four-Year Disease-Free Remission in a Patient With POLE Mutation–Associated Colorectal Cancer Treated Using Anti–PD-1 Therapy
Authors: Durando Michael L. , Menghani Sanjay V. , Baumann Jessica L. , Robles Danny G. , Day Tovah A. , Vaziri Cyrus , Scott Aaron J.
Published: March 2022

The stability of the human genome depends upon a delicate balance between replication by high- and low-fidelity DNA polymerases. Aberrant replication by error-prone polymerases or loss of function of high-fidelity polymerases predisposes to genetic instability and, in turn, cancer. DNA polymerase epsilon (Pol ε) is a high-fidelity, processive polymerase that is responsible for the majority of leading strand synthesis, and mutations in Pol ε have been increasingly associated with various human malignancies. The clinical significance of Pol ε mutations, including how and whether they should influence management decisions, remains poorly understood. In this report, we describe a 24-year-old man with an aggressive stage IV high-grade, poorly differentiated colon carcinoma who experienced a dramatic response to single-agent checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy after rapidly progressing on standard chemotherapy. His response was complete and durable and has been maintained for more than 48 months. Genetic testing revealed a P286R mutation in the endonuclease domain of POLE and an elevated tumor mutational burden of 126 mutations per megabase, both of which have been previously associated with response to immunotherapy. Interestingly, tumor staining for PD-L1 was negative. This case study highlights the importance of genetic profiling of both early and late-stage cancers, the clinical significance of POLE mutations, and how the interplay between genetic instability and immune-checkpoint blockade can impact clinical decision-making.
Un text escrit per Bonsom l’any 998, en nova edició i traduït al català
Authors: Alturo Jesús , Alaix Tània
Published: March 2022

Nova edició crítica d’un text de caràcter força literari del diaca i jutge Bonsom, i traducció al català. Justificació paleogràfica i filològica de les noves lectures proposades. La personalitat literària de Bonsom en el context dels millors homines scholastici del seu temps i entorn. Identificació dels personatges protagonistes de la narració textual i de l’acció jurídica que conté el diploma estudiat.
Sobre la categoria verbal de temps en búlgar
Authors: Olivares Niqui Alfons
Published: March 2022

El sistema verbal búlgar conserva en principi l’esquema antic. La tendència que antigament operà sobre els sistemes eslaus convertint el perfet en un passat general sembla que també va actuar en búlgar, però menà a resultats diferents. Una innovació fou el valor testimonial associat als temps passats, davant del valor neutre dels no-passats. El sistema s’ha enriquit amb altres innovacions basades sobre els valors de perfet: perfets secundaris, formes narratives, mode conclusiu i formes dubitatives.
Dediquem aquest treball a trobar una representació d’aquestes formes en fórmules de relacions temporals «E rel R rel S» per tal de veure que les podem considerar «temps» perquè mostren una relació amb el centre díctic, sigui directa o sigui indirecta i més complexa.
Presentació del monogràfic «Formes didàctiques i usos retòrics en la difusió del pensament de Ramon Llull»
Authors: Rubio Josep Enric , Saiz Maria
Published: March 2022

Presentació del monogràfic «Formes didàctiques i usos retòrics en la difusió del pensament de Ramon Llull», coordinat per Josep Enric Rubio i Maria Saiz.
Els textos en noves rimades de Ramon Llull: mètrica i escriptura del vers en les còpies de Guillem Pagès
Authors: Fernàndez-Clot Anna
Published: March 2022

Aquest treball ofereix una descripció de conjunt dels fenòmens de versificació que presenten tres textos de Ramon Llull: Pecat d’Adam, l’opuscle D’oració (cinquena part de la Medicina de pecat) i l’Aplicació de l’Art general. La tria respon a un doble criteri: tots tres textos són escrits en el mateix esquema de versificació (noves rimades) i de tots tres se’n conserven còpies manuscrites fetes per un mateix copista, Guillem Pagès. L’anàlisi mètrica i estròfica dels textos permet observar els criteris de regularitat mètrica que segueix l’autor i el tipus de llicències que aplica en aquests textos. L’estudi de les còpies de Pagès, a més, posa de manifest l’atenció que presta aquest copista a la mètrica i a la representació sil·làbica del vers.
Una lectura de les «Regles introductòries a la pràctica de l’Art demostrativa» de Ramon Llull
Authors: Sari Simone
Published: March 2022

Una part no menyspreable de les poesies de Ramon Llull va ser escrita per a afavorir la memorització dels fonaments conceptuals i operatius de l’Art. L’Art és una eina intel·lectual complexa i el seu creador era partidari de l’obscuritat didàctica. L’esforç que demana a l’usuari, d’altra banda, és indissociable de la pràctica de la primera intenció, que és conèixer i estimar Déu. És per això que les poesies creades per a aprendre l’Art i practicar-la poden semblar, a primera vista, un bon exemple de trobar clus. La lectura que es proposa en aquest article intenta fer més lleu l’accés a les Regles, pensades per facilitar la pràctica de l’Art demostrativa, el manual d’ús central de l’Art lul·liana primerenca. Són dues obres estretament lligades que revelen l’interès lul·lià per la difusió del seu pensament científic en l’àmbit vernacle.
Guillem Colom-Montero, «Monzó and Contemporary Catalan Culture 1975-2018 Cultural Normalization, Postmodernism and National Politics», Cambridge, Legenda, 2021, 226 p.
Authors: Ojeda Caba Júlia
Published: March 2022

Ressenya sobre el llibre de Guillem Colom-Montero, Quim Monzó and Contemporary Catalan Cul­ture 1975-2018 Cultural Normalization, Postmodernism and National Politics, Cambridge, Legenda (Studies in Hispanic and Lusophone Cultures 45 / Modern Humanities Research Association), 2021, 226 p., ISBN: 978-1-78188-392-1.
Design of cuboidal γ/γ′ coherent microstructure and its stability in low-density Co-Ni-Al-Mo-Cr-Ti/ Nb/Ta superalloys
Authors: Lü Meng-Tian , Li Jin-Lin , Sun Jiu-Dong , Wang Zhen-Hua , Wang Qing , Dong Chuang ,   Key Laboratory of Materials Modification by Laser, Ion and Electron Beams, Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
Published: March 2022

Co-base superalloys generally have high strengths, good oxidation- and corrosion-resistances, as well as excellent creep-resistant properties at high temperatures (HTs), which are ascribed to the coherent precipitation of cuboidal γ′ phase into face-centered-cubic (FCC) γ matrix induced by co-alloying of multiple elements. However, the cuboidal γ/γ′ coherent microstructure is liable to be destabilized after a long-time aging at HTs in Co-base superalloys. In the present work, the cluster formula is used to design a series of low-density Co-base superalloys with the composition of [Al-(Co8Ni4)]((Al0.5(Ti/Nb/Ta)0.5Mo0.5)(Mo0.5Cr0.5Co0.5)) (=Co8.5Ni4Al1.5Mo1.0Cr0.5(Ti/Nb/Ta)0.5). Alloy ingots are prepared by arc melting under an argon atmosphere, and are solid-solutionized at 1300 ℃ for 15 h and then aged at 900 ℃ for up to 500 h. Microstructural characterizations and mechanical properties of these alloys in different aged states are obtained by using XRD, SEM, EPMA, TEM, and HV. It is found that all these alloys with Ti/Nb/Ta, Ti/Nb, and Ti/Ta in an equi-molar mixing have a special coherent microstructure with cuboidal γ′ phase uniformly-precipitated into the γ matrix, which is contributed to the moderate lattice misfit of γ/γ′ (0.27%–0.34%). Moreover, these cuboidal γ′ phase are coarsened slowly during aging, in which the microhardness does not vary obviously with aging time (275 HV–296 HV). Especially, the alloy with (Ti/Ta)0.5 exhibits the highest γ/γ′ microstructural stability with a slow coarsening rate after aging 500 h, and no other second phases appear near the grain boundaries. While needle and bulk particles would precipitate on grain boundaries in other alloys after 500 h-aging.
Stimulus dependence of directed information exchange between cortical layers in macaque V1
Authors: Gieselmann Marc Alwin , Thiele Alexander
Published: March 2022

Perception and cognition require the integration of feedforward sensory information with feedback signals. Using different sized stimuli, we isolate spectral signatures of feedforward and feedback signals, and their effect on communication between layers in primary visual cortex of male macaque monkeys. Small stimuli elicited gamma frequency oscillations predominantly in the superficial layers. These Granger-causally originated in upper layer 4 and lower supragranular layers. Unexpectedly, large stimuli generated strong narrow band gamma oscillatory activity across cortical layers. They Granger-causally arose in layer 5, were conveyed through layer six to superficial layers, and violated existing models of feedback spectral signatures. Equally surprising, with large stimuli, alpha band oscillatory activity arose predominantly in granular and supragranular layers and communicated in a feedforward direction. Thus, oscillations in specific frequency bands are dynamically modulated to serve feedback and feedforward communication and are not restricted to specific cortical layers in V1.
Gaming and the ‘Parergodic’ Work of Seriality in Interactive Digital Environments
Authors: Denson Shane
Published: March 2022

Twentieth-century serial figures enacted a “parergonal” logic by crossing boundaries between various media, slipping in and out of their frames, and showing them—in accordance with a Derridean logic of the parergon—to be reversible. With the rise of interactive, networked, and convergent digital media environments, these medial logics are transformed. A figure like Batman exemplifies the transition from a “parergonal” to a new “parergodic” logic; the latter term builds upon Espen Aarseth’s notion of the “ergodic” situation of gameplay—where ergodics combines the Greek ergon (work) and hodos (path), thus positing nontrivial labor as the aesthetic mode of players’ engagement with games. Ergodic media give rise to new forms of seriality that accompany, probe, and trace the developmental trajectories of the new media environment and the blurring of relations between work and play, between paid labor and the incidental work culled from our leisure and entertainment practices.
A Game on Time: The Witness and the Temporality of the Digital Image
Authors: Brown Patrick Saxton
Published: March 2022

This essay addresses the temporality of digital images through a reading of the 2016 puzzle game The Witness. Fusing Paul Ricoeur’s definition of narratives as “games with time” and Alexander Galloway’s description of the computer as “remediating the very conditions of being itself,” I describe The Witness as a game on time. The methodical pace it ties its player to, along with the environmental awareness it elicits, creates, rather than simply representing, relations of time that bespeak the accelerated, non-human temporality—the “protentions” (Yuk Hui)—of digital objects and environments. Taking the game’s embedding of a ten-minute sequence from director Andrei Tarkovsky’s film Nostalghia (1983) within its gameplay as a cue, I develop these ideas in relationship to both the phenomenology of time and the cinema of the “time image,” in particular the work of Abbas Kiarostami. For game designer Jonathan Blow, as for Kiarostami, the digital image is a fundamentally new form of temporal experience that requires new kinds of environmental awareness and care (Sorge).
“This Is a Story about Regeneration”: Understanding The Missing: J. J. Macfield and the Island of Memories
Authors: McDivitt Anne Ladyem
Published: March 2022

The Missing: J.J. Macfield and the Island of Memories (2018) is an intricate case of playing through an often grotesque and horrific game to develop empathy and understanding for the main character J.J. Macfield. The SWERY developed game involves physically dismembering the titular character to solve puzzles and move forward in her quest to locate her love interest, Emily. At first, it seems absurd and disturbing, but as the player moves through the game or reads the texts on J.J.’s phone, more of her story takes shape. There are odd moments such as a deer-headed character with a distorted voice indicating that there is a medical emergency, and they add to the sense of absurdity in a game that purposefully intends for you to harm your player character. The brutal mechanics are an integral part of J.J.’s journey and story. The game involves multiple suicides, bullying, self-harm, and ultimately, the revelation that the entire game is a narrative about a trans woman who has been in a dream while being revived by paramedics after a real-world suicide attempt. It’s a story of self-acceptance, of seeking the support of those closest to you, and by finishing game, J.J. is able to fight and conquer her self-loathing, represented by a monstrous being carrying a razorblade. J.J.’s physical pain and the body horror throughout the game represent the struggles that she has with body dysmorphia and her pain dealing with intolerance from her mother. This gameplay mechanic frames J.J.’s experiences in a way that is understandable even without her lived experience. I will argue that The Missing’s audio design and gameplay mechanics are integral to creating an empathetic playing experience. The game begins with the message, “this game was made with the belief that nobody is wrong for being what they are,” and that message is key to understanding The Missing: J.J. Macfield and the Island of Memories.
The Meaning of Playfulness: A Review of the Contemporary Definitions of the Concept across Disciplines
Authors: Masek Leland , Stenros Jaakko
Published: March 2022

‘Playfulness’ is a concept used in various disciplines. In this article, we conduct a qualitative, systematic, and interdisciplinary literature review on the term ‘playfulness’ as used in recent scholarship. The article aims to overcome the ambiguity relating to ‘playfulness’ in order to create opportunities for growth in all related fields of study. Based on 429 written works and the 184 extracted definitions of ‘playfulness’ across disciplines, we find six clusters of meaning all of which emphasise engagement. Three themes describe different methods for how engagement is structured to become a higher priority than its context. The other three themes discuss structural characteristics of contexts that are playfully engaged in. A new synthetic conceptualization is offered: Playfulness prioritizes engagement over external consequence, realness, or convention. Furthermore, the study argues that playfulness is not a ‘what’ or a ‘why,’ but a ‘how,’ a priority organizing principle.
The Playful Affordances of Picture Book Apps for Children
Authors: Järvenpää Hanna
Published: March 2022

The tradition of children’s literature has evolved side by side with the market of children’s entertainment, games, and toys. The selection of contemporary print products includes a wide variety of materially or technologically enhanced picture books. This background is rarely considered in the examination of children’s book applications that have attracted scholarly interest after the arrival of smartphones and tablets during the early 2010s.The relationship between picture book apps, mobile games, and digital playthings requires further examination that considers the specific affordances of the mobile platform. Leaning on five case studies, this article examines how picture book apps afford opportunities for a reading experience that contains features characteristic for children’s digital play. For this purpose, I adapt a specific model of close reading that focuses on the visual, auditory, tactile, and performative elements of children’s video games.On the basis of the case studies, it seems that navigating a picture book app requires balancing between different modes of action: reading, playing, and exploring. Engagement with picture book apps has different forms that resemble the features of both traditional print reading and digital play. However, further examination of children’s playful reading practices and intergenerational play is necessary from a premise that recognizes playing with a book as a valuable research topic.
Assistive technology acceptance for visually impaired individuals: a case study of students in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al Shehri Waleed , Almalki Jameel , Alshahrani Saeed M. , Alammari Abdullah , Khan Faizal , Alangari Someah
Published: March 2022

Assistive technology (AT) helps students who suffer from visual impairments to achieve their study goals; however, AT’s adoption in Saudi universities is not yet explored. This paper adopts and then extends the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to incorporate factors influencing the AT’s acceptance based on a designed survey. The survey data was analyzed using Structural Equational Modelling (SEM) with the Partial Least Squares (PLS) technique. The results showed that the factors influencing technology acceptance in this context differed from those previously found to influence acceptance in other contexts. The differences were further studied using post-interview, which shows that the differences are related to limited awareness of visual disability and AT and psychological sensitivity of disabled users in Saudi culture. Moreover, this study provides a list of recommendations for overcoming barriers that limit the acceptance of assistive techniques by Saudi students with visual disabilities. This work’s results provide recommendations for the Saudi government and administrators concerning access to assistive technology in universities and facilitate access to other technologies and other contexts.
The evolution of reproductive strategies in turtles
Authors: Jorgewich-Cohen Gabriel , Henrique Rafael S. , Dias Pedro Henrique , Sánchez-Villagra Marcelo R.
Published: March 2022

Optimal egg size theory assumes that changes in the egg and clutch are driven by selection, resulting in adjustments for the largest possible production of offspring with the highest fitness. Evidence supports the idea that large-bodied turtles tend to produce larger clutches with small and round eggs, while smaller species produce small clutches with large and elongated eggs. Our goals were to investigate whether egg and clutch size follow the predictions of egg size theory, if there are convergent reproductive strategies, and identify ecological factors that influence clutch and egg traits across all clades of living turtles. Using phylogenetic methods, we tested the covariance among reproductive traits, if they are convergent among different turtle lineages, and which ecological factors influence these traits. We found that both egg shape and size inversely correlate with clutch size, although with different evolutionary rates, following the predictions of the egg size theory. We also present compelling evidence for convergence among different turtle clades, over at least two reproductive strategies. Furthermore, climatic zone is the only ecological predictor to influence both egg size and fecundity, while diet only influences egg size. We conclude that egg and clutch traits in Testudines evolved independently several times across non-directly related clades that converged to similar reproductive strategies. Egg and clutch characteristics follow the trade-offs predicted by egg size theory and are influenced by ecological factors. Climatic zone and diet play an important role in the distribution of reproductive characteristics among turtles.
Understanding Attitude towards Gender, Sexuality, Sexual Health Needs and Information Seeking Behaviour amongst First Year Medicine Students: An Observational Study
Authors: Khatri Deepali , Shenwai Mrunal R , Mardikar Priya
Published: March 2022

Introduction: The topics related to sexual attitude and reproductive health are not commonly and openly discussed. The scarcity of having open discussions especially with parents results in lack of awareness among adolescents about contraception, sexual values, beliefs and behaviour. First year medical students are usually in their last years of adolescence. In future, they are going to communicate with their patients on sexual health matters. Hence, it becomes essential to understand their own perspective regarding this. Aim: To understand the attitude of first year medical students towards gender, sexuality, sexual health needs and their information seeking behaviour. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted, using a self-administered questionnaire.The study population comprised of 314 1st year medical students aged between 17- 20 years, at Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College and General Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India.The questionnaire included sections on communication within family and friends, personal attitude towards sexuality and gender and information seeking behaviour. Statistical analysis was done by Chi-square test using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results: Total 314 first year MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) students (135 males, 179 females, mean age=18.35 years) participated in the study. More than 90% of students were interested to be in a relationship with opposite sex, yet more than 50% of them did not want to be involved in premarital sex as it was against their religious beliefs. More number of boys (65.93%), as compared to girls (38.55%), agreed that it’s ok to have sex before marriage with proper contraceptive measures. Maintenance of virginity until marriage was important for girls (56.98%) as compared to boys (37.04%) which was statistically significant (p<0.05). Students lacked communication with their parents on the topics of sexuality. A 95.86% used ‘internet’ to seek information on sexual health matters. Sexual problems (72.61%) and genital hygiene (73.89%) were the maximally searched topics on internet. 64.33% of students were interested in attending a formal course regarding sexual/reproductive health. Conclusion: Adolescents’ attitude about sexual matters is guided by their religious beliefs. There is a dearth of communication between the adolescents and their parents on sexual health matters. Majority preferred seeking information from friends and/ or via internet which can be unreliable at times.
Recent Trends on Tilapia Cultivation and Its Major Socioeconomic Impact among Some Developing Nations: A Review
Authors: Samaddar Ayan
Published: March 2022

Tilapia cultivation has been found to be an effective tool for many developing countries for socio-economic development by addressing some important issues like food-security and employment generation. Adoption of tilapia cultivation has increased over the decades because of easy management practice and versatile farming technologies have been observed worldwide. Tilapia gain popularity because of their excellent breeding capabilities, flesh quality, high growth rate, disease resistance and survival capabilities under different farming systems and environmental conditions. Such features boosting up rapid growth of tilapia producing industries in an impactful way, by involving poor and non-poor farming communities in some of the developing countries of Asian, African and South American continents. However, some problems still exists with cultivation of different tilapia varieties; such as the inadequate availability of quality fry, deterioration in seed quality, limited technical knowledge among farming communities and poor marketing strategies especially in some of these developing countries depriving its commercial success to some extent. This review describes a present scenario regarding potentialities and difficulties of commercial adaptation of Tilapia cultivation under socio-economically constrained conditions.
Identifying Agri-Entrepreneurship Intention of Youth Engage in Agricultural Education: Referring Theory of Planned Behavior in Developing Context
Authors: Gunasinghe Mekala , Sachitra Vilani
Published: March 2022

Agricultural sector is becoming less attractive for young people, especially in educated youth, in an increasing rate, which has become a global trend.  One of the dominant factors which support the development of the youth agri-entrepreneurship intention while boosting the economy of the country is the agriculture education.  The study aims to identify the factors that influencing entrepreneurial intention of youth engage in agricultural education in Sri Lanka. The study mainly allied with the conceptual extension of the theory being proposed through the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and analyzed three main factors; perceived behavior, subjective norms, and personal attitude towards outcome, that can create effects. The scope of the study included undergraduates who were undertaking studies in the agricultural spectrum. Quantitative research approach was employed and primary data were collected utilizing a structured questionnaire. The results indicated that the agri-entrepreneurship intention among Sri Lankan university students are mostly influenced through their personal attitudes and perceived behaviors while the subjective norms have a lack of impact when compared with the studies that have been conducted in other countries. The results of the study could serve as the major guidelines to address the content that was lacking in entrepreneurial education in the agricultural spectrum. The study presents the areas through which the developments in education can be made and these can be used as the major focus areas for educators, policy makers and the students.
Mathematical Analysis of a SEIR Model with Nonlinear Incidence Rate for COVID-19 Dynamics
Authors: Alhmadi Eid
Published: March 2022

In this paper, an SEIR epidemic model with nonlinear incidence is considered. First, we formulate the model and obtain its basic properties. Then, we find the equilibrium points of the model, the disease-free and the endemic equilibrium. The stability of disease-free and endemic equilibrium is associated with the basic reproduction number R. If the basic reproduction number \(\mathcal{R}\) < 1, the disease-free equilibrium \(\mathcal{E}\) is locally as well as globally asymptotically stable. Moreover, if the basic reproduction number \(\mathcal{R}\) > 1, the disease is uniformly persistent and the unique endemic equilibrium \(\mathcal{E}\) * of the system is locally as well as globally asymptotically stable under certain conditions. Finally, the numerical results justify the analytical results.
Delta of Egypt Acute Coronary Syndrome Registry
Authors: Alzahaby Abdelrahman Mostafa , Hamdy Ehab Abd-Elwahab , Abdulla Elshedodi Sahar , Abouomar Mahmoud Abd-Elkhalek
Published: March 2022

Background: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a main reason of morbidity and mortality in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) in developed nations. It’s one of three coronary artery diseases (CAS): ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), or unstable angina (UA), non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The production of sensitive indicators of myocardial necrosis (for example, troponins) is considered a suggestive indication of myocardial cell necrosis and so meets the criteria of myocardial infarction. The goal of the registry is to assess patient features, practice pattern and outcome of ACS in this region using a registry design.

Methods: This prospective and observational registry was carried out on 1000 Patients with ACS (whatever its type) in the period of six months in cardiac centres in the region of middle delta of Egypt. The survey took place in (Tanta, Mahalla, Mansoura, Shebin-Elkom, Damanhor, Kafr-Elsheikh, Banha and Cairo).

Results: There was an insignificant difference in the primary etiology of ACS between both sexes. Women got less ACE inhibitors, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, beta-blockers, antiplatelets, statins, and nitrates, but received more digoxin, amiodarone, anticoagulants, and calcium channel blockers. There was an insignificant association in in-hospital and 1 year mortality between female and male, respectively.

Conclusions: Smoking and hypertension are significant risk factors among patients raising an alarming sign for primary and secondary inhibition for CAD. The delay in seeking medical help is related to unawareness of the public on what to do raising important questions about EMS role and public health education.
Heterogeneous Catalytic Vinylation Reaction of Cyanuric Acid with the Participation of Acetylene and Various Catalysts
Authors: Ziyadullaev A. E. , Nurmanov S. E. , Davronova N. F.
Published: March 2022

The work describes the processes of synthesis of cyanuric acid, its mono-, di-, tri-vinyl ethers in the solvent, Cact/KOH system under pressure, optimal synthesis conditions, catalyst activation, the effect of the molar ratio of the starting materials on the yield of cyanuric acid vinyl ethers, analyzed the effect of structure and the number of radicals in the structure of vinyl esters of cyanuric acid during the process, data of chromatography-mass spectroscopic analysis are presented. It is known that cyanuric acid and its halogenated derivatives are used as biologically active substances. Analysis of the results shows that cyanuric acid can kill 72% of the studied microorganisms. Replacing the hydroxyl group in the cyanuric acid molecule with a vinyl group increases the biological activity of the compound, as well as its resistance to microorganisms.
Effect of Aqueous Extract of the Aerial Parts of Leonurus cardiaca On Cisplatin-induced Hepato-renal Damage in Wistar Albino Rats
Authors: Ogbomade Wellington, Emmanuel , Nwaogwugwu Onyeike, Eugene , Peters N., , Emmanuel Dikioye , David Joshua
Published: March 2022

This study investigated the effect of aqueous extract of the aerial parts of Leonurus cardiaca on cisplatin-induced hepato-renal damage in male Wistar albino rats. Sixty male wistar albino rats weighing between 180 and 220g were used for this study. The rats were grouped into 12 groups, five rats per group. Group 1 served as normal control, group 2 received 5mg/kg weight of cisplatin, serving as negative control while group 3 received 5mg/kg b.w of cisplatin and treated with 25mg/kg weight of hydrochlorothiazide and served as positive control. Group 4-12 rats were cisplatin-induced cardiovascular damage treated with Leonurus cardiaca extract at 166, 250, and 500mg/kg for 7, 14, and 21 days. Biochemical assays were determined using standard methods and procedures. The Na+, Cl-, HCO3-, creatinine, and urea levels of kidney homogenate of group 7 treated rats with the extract at 250mg/kg b.w for 7 days were 123.05±0.01mmol/l, 1.07±0.01mmol/l, 27.27±0.01mmol/l, 13.63±0.01mmol/l, 0.68±0.02mmol/l, and 1.14±0.01mmol/l respectively and were significantly increased when compared to the negative and normal control groups. Similar increases occurred for 14 and 21 days treatments. The kidney homogenate Na+, Cl-, HCO3, creatinine, and urea of group 7 treated rats with the extract at 500mg/kg b.w for 7 days were 158.05±0.01mmol/l, 3.03±0.01mmol/l, 31.13±0.01mmol/l, 19.46±0.01mmol/l, 2.06±0.00mmol/l, and 2.03±0.01mmol/l respectively. Values were significantly increased (p<0.05) in comparison to the normal and negative control groups. Similar increases were observed for 14 and 21 days treatments. The plasma ALT, ALP, and AST activities were 187.35±0.00U/L, 98.03±0.01U/L, 185.64±40.81U/L respectively, were significantly decreased (p<0.05) in comparison to negative control treated with the extract at 250mg/kg b.w for 14 days. The plasma ALT, ALP, and AST activities of group 10 rats treated with the extract at 500mg/kg b.w for 7 days were 164.24±0.01U/L, 87.02±0.01U/L, and 183.74±0.01U/L respectively and were significantly decreased (p<0.05) in comparison to negative control. The hepato-renal curative potential of Leonurus cardiaca could be attributed in part to its ability in enhancing liver and kidney regeneration.
Efficacy and Safety of Triamcinolone Injection in Keloid
Authors: El-Said Ayad Saly , Shaker Engi Saif , Sarhan Naglaa Ibrahim , Abd rabo Fatma Abd El-Ghaffar
Published: March 2022

Background: A keloid scar is characterised by the production of type III (early) or type I (late) collagen. The goal of this study was to see how effective intralesional triamcinolone acetonide was in treating Keloids from a clinical and microscopic standpoint.

Methods: This prospective study included 40 patients diagnosed clinically and histologically with Keloid. Patients were given intralesional injection of triamcinolone (40mg / ml) and each 1 cm2 of keloid was injected by 0.3 ml of the solution for one session monthly for five subsequent sessions. Patients were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination [general and dermatological], digital photography of the lesions and tissue punch biopsies.

Results: Before treatment: Normal pigmentation occurred in 36(90.0%) and hyper pigmentation occurred in 4(10.0%). After treatment: Normal pigmentation occurred in 32(80.0%), hyper and hypo pigmentation occurred in 4(10.0%). Colour, itching, pliability and surface area were insignificantly different before and after treatment.

Conclusions: The triamcinolone injection was to be promising and long lasting for the suppression of symptoms related to keloids and hypertrophic scars.
Medico-social Aspects of Dental Care for Geriatric Patients
Authors: Musurlieva Nina , Bozhkova Tanya
Published: March 2022

Geriatric patients are a specific group because of their susceptibility to physiological, psychological, social, and health-related problems. Uncovering the modern character of a geriatric patient, the specifics of aging in a bio-psycho-social aspect, additional medical qualifications, and acquisition of competence bettering healthcare for these patients is necessary when taking into consideration the persisting tendency for demographic aging. The objective of this study is to outline the general medico-social aspects of dental care for geriatric patients. A comprehensive literature search was conducted, mainly using PubMed and Embase, which was limited to publications written in English over the past 10 years (2010–2020). Oral health is an essential topic in geriatric preventive medicine, with direct as well as indirect effects on the overall health and quality of life of the individual. Surveillance and improvement of the oral health of the elderly should be a key objective of the multidisciplinary team responsible for their care, including dentists, dental hygienists, geriatricians, and caregivers.
Effects of submerged aquatic vegetation and water quality on waterfowl abundance by foraging guild
Authors: Sibilia Carly Diane , Aguirre‐Gutiérrez Jesús , Mowbray Lauren , Malhi Yadvinder
Published: March 2022

Back Bay, Virginia, has been documented as an important foraging area for waterfowl since at least the mid‐1800s. Expansive submerged plant beds historically supported diverse assemblages of non‐breeding waterfowl; however, coastal development and other anthropogenic influences have since led to fluctuations in submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) and an associated decline in waterfowl abundance in the bay. To gain insight into the effects of environmental drivers on waterfowl foraging guilds, our study explores the effects of SAV frequency and water quality on the abundance of dabbling ducks, diving ducks and swans and geese in Back Bay.

We use 8 years of SAV, water quality, and waterfowl monitoring data collected by state and federal agencies to model the effects of salinity, turbidity, pH and percent frequency of SAV on the relative abundance of waterfowl by foraging guild in Back Bay. The appropriateness of the data and reasonability of the preliminary results were then evaluated through semi‐structured interviews with 11 local informants representing state, federal and non‐governmental organizations.

Quantitative results indicated that dabbling ducks are affected differently than other guilds by water quality and percent frequency of SAV. Thematic analysis of the interview data revealed a number of potential explanations for the model results, as well as highlighted areas of uncertainty in need of further research. In a test of face validity, participants demonstrated a significant degree of belief in turbidity, salinity and SAV as drivers of waterfowl abundance, but were not convinced by the potential effects of pH as demonstrated by the model.

This mixed methods study provides insights that could potentially influence the management and conservation of non‐breeding waterfowl populations by challenging the assumption that particular environmental conditions serve all foraging groups equally.
Impaired Interleukin‐18 Signaling in Natural Killer Cells From Patients With Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Ohya Takashi , Nishimura Kenichi , Murase Ayako , Hattori Seira , Ohara Asami , Nozawa Tomo , Hara Ryoki , Ito Shuichi
Published: March 2022

Objective

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) is characterized by fever, arthritis, rash, hepatosplenomegaly, and macrophage activation syndrome; however, its pathogenesis is still unclear. Elevated serum interleukin (IL)‐18 concentrations and decreased natural killer (NK) cell activity are characteristic of active disease; thus, we examined IL‐18 signaling in NK cells from sJIA.

Methods

We analyzed mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38 and nuclear factor κ light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB) p65 phosphorylation in NK cells after in vitro recombinant IL‐18 (rIL‐18) stimulation in 31 patients with sJIA. Associations between clinical features, serum IL‐18, and phosphorylation intensity were analyzed. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of high IL‐18 concentrations on phosphorylation in NK cells.

Results

Patients were divided according to their disease activity: systemic features (n = 8), chronic arthritis (n = 7), remission on medication (n = 10), and remission off medication (n = 6). MAPK p38 and NFκB p65 phosphorylation intensity were the highest in healthy controls, followed by remission off medication, remission on medication (vs. control; MAPK p38, P < 0.01; NFκB p65, P < 0.05), chronic arthritis (P < 0.001, P < 0.001), and systemic features (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). The systemic features group showed a complete defect in phosphorylation. Serum IL‐18 was the highest in the systemic features group followed by chronic arthritis, remission on medication (P < 0.01), remission off medication (P < 0.01), and healthy controls (P < 0.01). Phosphorylation intensity was negatively correlated with serum IL‐18 (MAPK p38, r2 = 0.42; NFκB p65, r2 = 0.54). Furthermore, healthy control NK cells were cultured with rIL‐18; impaired phosphorylation was reproduced in vitro.

Conclusion

Impaired IL‐18 signaling in NK cells correlated with disease activity in sJIA. High serum IL‐18 exposure induces impaired MAPK and NFκB phosphorylation in NK cells.
Patient choice governs N.Y. program to extend ongoing care for OUD
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: March 2022

Buffalo‐area emergency physicians' effort more than five years ago to brace for the effects of a sudden shuttering of pain clinics has evolved into an initiative across New York to connect patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) to timely medication treatment. New York MATTERS (Medication Assisted Treatment and Emergency Referrals), which features an electronic referral platform overseen by the state Department of Health, is expected to expand its reach into New York City this year and is seeking a first‐time allocation of line‐item funding in the state budget.
SAPT block grant receives first increase in 2 decades in appropriations bill
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: March 2022

The spending bill approved by the Senate on March 9 includes an increase of $50 million for the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment (SAPT) block grant, to $1.908 million, but no set‐aside for recovery. The omnibus FY 22 appropriations bill, which was expected to be voted on in the House on March 10, includes the following funding levels for some programs within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Breaking Immunosuppressive Barriers by Engineered Nanoplatforms for Turning Cold Tumor to Hot
Authors: Dong Jingwen , Huang Ying , Zhou Zhanwei , Sun Minjie
Published: March 2022

Cancer immunotherapy, mainly depending on the immune system, holds enormous potential in treating various cancers and received promising results. However, for most patients, their efficacy is greatly limited by the immunosuppressive barrier in the “cold” tumor microenvironment, resulting in a low response rate in the clinic. Thus, in recent decades, breaking the immunosuppressive barriers by engineered nanoplatforms (ENs) has proved to be a prospective strategy to solve the above issues for enhancing cancer immunotherapy. In this review, the authors summarize the characterizations of diverse immunosuppressive barriers and how ENs break them, focusing on the ENs design, potential modulation targets, and therapeutic strategies. It mainly includes: 1) converting poor immunogenicity by nano‐adjuvant, 2) alleviating tumor fibrosis by nanoscavenger, and 3) reducing immunosuppressive factors by nanoregulator. Moreover, perspectives toward future directions and challenges are presented to understand further and accelerate the clinical translation of these ENs.
Recent Developments in Upscalable Printing Techniques for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Parida Bhaskar , Singh Arjun , Kalathil Soopy Abdul Kareem , Sangaraju Sambasivam , Sundaray Madhulita , Mishra Satrujit , Liu Shengzhong (Frank) , Najar Adel
Published: March 2022

Just over a decade, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been emerged as a next‐generation photovoltaic technology due to their skyrocketing power conversion efficiency (PCE), low cost, and easy manufacturing techniques compared to Si solar cells. Several methods and procedures have been developed to fabricate high‐quality perovskite films to improve the scalability and commercialize PSCs. Recently, several printing technologies such as blade‐coating, slot‐die coating, spray coating, flexographic printing, gravure printing, screen printing, and inkjet printing have been found to be very effective in controlling film formation and improving the PCE of over 21%. This review summarizes the intensive research efforts given for these printing techniques to scale up the perovskite films as well as the hole transport layer (HTL), the electron transport layer (ETL), and electrodes for PSCs. In the end, this review presents a description of the future research scope to overcome the challenges being faced in the printing techniques for the commercialization of PSCs.
Sustainable, Flexible, and Biocompatible Enhanced Piezoelectric Chitosan Thin Film for Compliant Piezosensors for Human Health
Authors: de Marzo Gaia , Mastronardi Vincenzo M. , Algieri Luciana , Vergari Federica , Pisano Filippo , Fachechi Luca , Marras Sergio , Natta Lara , Spagnolo Barbara , Brunetti Virgilio , Rizzi Francesco , Pisanello Ferruccio , De Vittorio Massimo
Published: March 2022

The necessity to continuously and seamlessly monitor human health is calling for compliant, comfortable, and safe wearables. The employment of piezoelectric biopolymers in form of thin film perfectly matches with these needs due to their inherent flexibility, sensitivity, and biocompatibility. Among them, chitosan is a low cost, highly sustainable, and biocompatible material with a great potential for applications in compliant wearables. However, chitosan and biopolymers in general show relatively low piezoelectric coefficients and processing difficulties. Here, it is shown a facile approach to increase more than twice the piezoelectric coefficient of thin chitosan film and to process this promising biomaterial for the fabrication of the first set of thin chitosan film‐based ultrasound transducers. This work leverages the exploitation of environmental‐friendly biopolymers in the development of compliant wearable transducers and thus represents a step forward in the development of completely biodegradable, transparent, thin, and flexible piezoelectric macro‐ and microtransducers.
Access to health care and rural worker productivity
Authors: Deller Steven C.
Published: March 2022

Access to health care and worker productivity is examined using US county data with a focus on rural–urban differences. Using an embedded variable approach framework, access to health care indirectly affects worker productivity through health outcomes. The data support the central hypothesis, and the access‐productivity relationship is strongest in metro areas. Results suggest that a 1% increase in the number of physicians per 100,000 persons in the region could result in an increase in earnings per worker of between $68.21 and $81.10, depending on the measure of health. The increase for metro areas, however, is nearly 10 times higher than for nonmetro areas.