bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the Factors Affecting Sovereign Credit Rating of Gulf Cooperation Council Countries
Authors: AlKulaib Yaser A. , AlAli Musaed S.
Published: December 2020

Despite the controversy surrounding the credibility of credit rating agencies’ rating systems, these agencies' ratings still play a crucial role in determining the premium paid by governments on their bonds. As a result, obtaining a high sovereign credit rating would lower borrowing costs and more demand for their bonds. In order to do so, policymakers should be aware of the factors that mostly affect the sovereign credit rating of their countries. While there are many factors credit rating agencies consider when assigning a sovereign credit rating for any country, this study aims to identify the factors that mostly affect Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries’ sovereign credit ratings assigned by the biggest three credit rating agencies, Standard and Poor’s (S&P), Moody’s, and Fitch. This study is based on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) data 2012–2018. Results obtained from this research show that interest rate, government debt to GDP ratio, GDP per capita, and the labeling of the country as developed or developing country was the variables that mostly affect the S&P rating. GDP per capita and government debt to GDP were the factors that most influenced Moody’s scores. In contrast, GDP, interest rate, transparency score, government debt to GDP, and GDP per capita were the factors that most affect Fitch's credit rating scores. The results also revealed that in 2018, Kuwait was the most overrated country, while Oman was the most underrated country.
Providing Young Families With Housing in Russia: Financial, Economical, Administrative, and Regulatory Aspects
Authors: Eremeeva Ekaterina Alexandrovna , Volkova Natalia Vasilievna , Khalilova Tatiana Viktorovna
Published: December 2020

This article considers methods of state support of young families in Russia and Russian regions. In current socio-economic conditions, young families' support can be viewed as a useful course of state policy. Providing housing to young families allows young adults not only to solve their social, economic, and psychological issues but also creates a background for young families for active participation in societal, economic development, and demographic state policy. Logics of the research is based on that young family support is executed in Russia on federal and regional management levels as part of youth and housing policy. In the article, regulatory, administrative, and financial aspects have been reviewed as in the frame of youth and housing policies. During their studies, methods were used, such as comparison study, compilatory analysis of documents, software, and analysis and evaluation of financial and statistical data based on algebraic calculations. Judging on the results of the study conclusion was carried out on how well young families support is organised on federal and regional levels, how effective were the measures taken for society. In conclusion, suggestions were made on how to better young families' support when acquiring housing. Their usage will allow to structure of young families' aid, make it more expedient and of current interest.
Target Capital Structure of Egyptian Listed Firms: Importance of Growth and Risk Factors
Authors: Dawood Aly Saad Mohamed , Otaify Mahmoud
Published: December 2020

This paper investigates the determinants and adjustment speed to the target capital structure of the Egyptian Listed firms over the period of 2009 – 2018. We use panel regression analysis to examine role of growth factors as well as risk factors in explaining the dynamics of target leverage. The main findings of the growth factors model (GFM) reveal that political risk, profitability and stock market return are negatively affect the target leverage of Egyptian firms. In contrast, investment opportunities, non-debt tax shield, firm size have significant positive effect on the target leverage. On the other hand, the results of risk factors model (RFM) indicate that political risk, size and profitability lose their significant effects for the account of firm risk, stock return, investment and asset tangibility. The business risk captures the effect of political risk on the target leverage. Interestingly, both the investment opportunities and the non-debt tax shield preserve their positive effects and thereby they are considered as the most important firm-specific determinants of the target leverage. We find no significant effects of the economic growth, macroeconomic risk and stock market volatility on the target leverage in Egypt. Regarding the adjustment speed and in the presence of growth (risk) factors, the Egyptian firms take 2.7 (4.4) years to adjust their current leverage toward the target leverage.
Heisenberg spin chains with additional isotropic three-site exchange interactions
Authors: Ivanov N.B.
Published: December 2020

The J1-J3 Heisenberg spin models with nearest-neighbor (J1) and additional isotropic three-site (J3) spin interactions remain relatively less explored, although such types of competing exchange terms can naturally emerge from different sources, including the strong-coupling expansion of the multiorbital Hubbard model. Below we present a short survey of the recently published research in this field, the emphasis being on the characteristics of the variety of quantum phases supported by a few generic uniform- and alternating-spin J1-J3 Heisenberg chains. For the reason that the positive (J3>0) three-site couplings tend towards the formation of local quantum dimers, the J1-J3 spin models typically experience some spontaneous dimerization upon increasing J3. Actually, it occurred that the established dimer phases in spin-S J1-J3 Heisenberg chains (S>1/2) serve as complete analogues of the famous gapped Majumdar-Ghosh dimer phase in the spin-1/2 Heisenberg chain with next-nearest-neighbor couplings. The same dimerizations have been observed in the alternating-spin (S,σ) J1-J3 chains (S>σ), provided that the cell spin S+σ= integer, whereas for half-integer cell spin, the local dimer formation produces gapless spin-liquid ground states. The alternating-spin J1-J3 chains also provide some typical examples of spin models supporting the so-called non-Lieb-Mattis magnetic phases.
Influence of effective microorganisms on soil biogenicity parameters in the rhizosphere of different soybean genotypes and soybean yield
Authors: Abduladin Eltreki , Cvijanović Gorica , Đukić Vojin , Đurić Nenad , Miladinov Zlatica , Cvijanović Marija , Mussa Abduladin
Published: December 2020

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of applying effective microorganisms (EM) on the basic microbiological parameters of soil and soybean yield biological value. The research was conducted in the period 2016-2018. Factor A are the years 2016-2018, factor B are soybean genotypes Galina, Sava, Rubin, and factor C application of EM: variant 1 was control, variant 2 was EM in soil 20 lha-1 and foliar treatment in the stage of plant development from three to four trefoils and budding stage, 5 lha-1, variant 3 was NPK fertilizer (8:15:15), 300 kgha-1, and variant 4 was a combination of variant 2 and variant 3. During full flowering, the basic parameters of soil biogenicity were determined by the total number of microorganisms (TNB) and the number of azotobacter (AZT) and grain yield at the end of the growing period. The examined factors had a statistically significant influence on the examined parameters. Soil biogenicity parameters in variant 4 EM + NPK were statistically significantly (p<0.01) higher than control and variant 3. Variant 2 affected a higher number of p<0.01 compared to control, while compared to other variants significance was p<0.05 (factor B). The highest number of all examined parameters was in the rhizosphere of Rubin genotype (factor C). Variant 2 with EM increased in yield of 13.29% compared to the control which was at the level (p<0.05) and with the application of EM + NPK variant 4 the yield was higher by 15.95% which was at the level (p<0.01) of significance.
Hommage to an agent before international courts and tribunals: Professor dr. Slavko Stojković
Authors: Stanivuković Maja , Đajić Sanja
Published: December 2020

This paper pays tribute to life and work of professor Dr. Slavko Stojković, a diplomat and state agent of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. It is divided into five parts - introduction, short biography and three fields of his work - representation in international arbitral and judicial proceedings, where he made his principal achievements, diplomacy, and finally, legal writing, in which he also left a mark. The part on representation briefly mentions the cases Losinger (1935) and Pajzs, Csaky, Esterhazy (1935) before the Permanent Court of International Justice in which he acted as the state agent of Yugoslavia, the pathological arbitration S.E.E.E. v. Yugoslavia in which he was involved in various ways, and his role as the state agent of Yugoslavia before the German-Yugoslav and Hungaro-Yugoslav Mixed Arbitral Tribunals. Reference is made to sources that cover these cases in more detail. His diplomatic activity includes participation in the sessions of the League of Nations, and in particular his role in advocating the adoption of the Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of Terrorism (1937), as well as his participation in negotiating with the Halyard Mission (1944) and with the French Government (1950). Among his legal writings, the most remarkable are his doctoral thesis De l'autorité de la sentence arbitrale en droit international public obtained at the Sorbonne in 1924 under the presidency of Antoine Pillet, and often cited even in modern times, his article on Mixed Arbitral Tribunals (1931) published in French, and his article on the "Possibility of Existence of International Arbitration Independent of National Laws" (1966) anticipating the appearance of investment arbitration. The authors conclude that Dr. Slavko Stojković was one of the most eminent lawyers of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and the forefather of arbitration law in Yugoslavia and Serbia.
Children with special needs in the dental office
Authors: Jeremić Marko , Ćirić Predrag , Marković Dejan , Vuković Ana
Published: December 2020

People with disabilities may experience negative relation between their own personal potentials compared to environmental expectations and potentials of healthy peers in terms of functional participation and activity limitations. Therefore, they usually need an individualized dental treatment plan. Dentists have an important role in maintaining and improving oral health in this vulnerable group. Having in mind the United Nation's Declaration on Human Rights, patients with disabilities have human rights to achieve equal health outcomes as their healthy peers. Therefore, all preventive, prophylactic, and therapeutic interventions need to be carefully planned. In addition to precise medical history, the dentist should also have basic psychological knowledge to adjust the approach to patient's needs. Improving the oral health of patients with disabilities involves a primary, secondary, or tertiary level of oral health care, depending on patient's abilities and needs. The team work and a multidisciplinary approach, with the cooperation of experts of different profiles and specialties, is the only approach that gives satisfactory results.
Majocchi's granuloma of the vulva: A case report
Authors: Bjekić Milan , Pecarski Danijela
Published: December 2020

Introduction/Aim: Majocchi's granuloma is an infrequent deep-seated fungal infection where pathogen invades hair follicles, entering the dermal and subcutaneous tissue, thus forming granulomatous dermal and/or hypodermal changes. There are two clinical types: the first one is common in healthy individuals characterized by superficial perifollicular papular infection, and the second is followed by the deep subcutaneous nodules usually reported among immunocompromised hosts. This infection is usually caused by Trichophyton rubrum. The aim of this paper is to show the rare localization of this disease in the area of the vulva. Case report: We present a 20-year-old immunocompetent woman with multiple papules, nodules, and pustules on the hairy part of the vulva. Potassium hydroxide preparations of skin scrapings were negative and culture performed on Sabouraud glucose agar revealed Trichophyton rubrum. The patient was treated with the oral systemic antifungal therapy for four weeks and all lesions resolved. Conclusion: Majocchi's granuloma should not be overlooked in patients with papular and nodular lesions in the vulvar region.
Epidemiological characteristics and trends of birth movements in Serbia
Authors: Radovanović Snežana , Maričić Milena , Radivojević Slađana , Stanojlović Predrag , Simović-Šiljković Divna , Mujković Marija , Gazdić Mirjana
Published: December 2020

Introduction/Aim: In recent decades, declines in fertility rates have been reported in almost every country in the world. The aim of the research is the analysis of epidemiological characteristics and childbirth trends in Serbia in the period 2007-2016. Methods: The study was designed as a retrospective, descriptive, epidemiological study. The research data were collected from the Health Statistical Yearbooks of the Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Serbia "Dr Milan Jovanovic Batut" in the period 2007-2016. Total fertility rates, stillbirth rates, birth rates, infant mortality rates, and preterm birth rates were used for the analysis of data, while the linear trend and regression analysis were used to analyze the trend. Results: Average rate of general fertility in Serbia in the period 2007-2016 was 1.5 children per woman. In the period 2007-2016, 660,069 births were registered in Serbia with a total of 671,715 children born, of which 4,054 were stillborn (0.6%). Two thirds (66.1%) of stillborn children were born prematurely. The number of premature births increased with maternal age. Of 667,661 live births in maternity hospitals, 924 newborns died (0.1%). In the observed period, a continuous trend of decreasing number of births was registered (y = 68,427-439.99x, R2 = 0.628), as well as the number of live births (y = 69,084-421.44x, R2 = 0.591). The trend of still birth rates showed a slight decrease (y = 6,138-0,012x, R2 = 0,016), as well as the trend of infant mortality rates (y = 1,882-50,091x, R2 = 0,683), but there came to an increase in the trend of the general fertility rate (y = 39.481 + 0.242x, R2 = 0.544). The average general fertility rate for the ten-year period was 41.1 live births per 1000 women of the fertile period and ranged from 38.2‰ to 41.7‰. The largest increase in the fertility rate was registered in the age group 40-44 years from 3.8‰ in 2007 to 9.9‰ in 2016 (2.6 times more), and then in the age group 30-39 years with 43.2‰ in 2007 to 63.0 ‰ in 2016 (1.4 times more). There came to a decline in the fertility rate at the age of 20-29 from 80.4‰ in 2007 to 72.2 ‰ in 2016. The highest rates of stillbirth were registered in the oldest group of 45-49 years (23.3 ‰), and the lowest in persons younger than 15 years (0.7‰). Conclusion: Birth revitalization policies must engage all levels of society to build awareness and moral responsibility for fertility.
Natural hazards on sections of the main water pipeline in Central Yakutia caused by thermokarst occurrences
Authors: Sal'va Andrei Mikhailovich
Published: December 2020

The object of this research is the thermokarst occurrences, namely polygonal microrelief and frost cracking, which are the causes of natural hazards for the main water pipeline. The article demonstrates displacements, gaps and cracks in the pipes and fixtures of water mains, caused by thermokarst occurrences; satellite images indicate areal zoning of polygon microrelief. Thermokarst occurrences are detected by satellite images and publicly available on the website https://www.yandex.ru/maps/; the methods of field observation and photosurveying were applied,  the engineering-geological information and library material were processed. The method of areal zoning of the territory of activation of polygonal microrelief is based on the satellite images. The study was conducted by means of field observation on the key sections of the main water pipeline, as well as by processing of archival data acquired from engineering surveys of previous years. The obtained materials allow determining the current geocryological situation of the territory of the water pipeline and spread of negative cryogenic processes and phenomena. Based on the satellite images was described the method od areal zoning of the territory of polygonal microrelief and cracking, earlier proposed by the author. As a result of research, it can be concluded that frost-breaking cracks are the cause of stress-strain state of the water pipeline, and satellite images show the spread of areal zoning of polygonal microrelief and cracking.
Marzo es marzo es marzo es marzo
Authors: Pérez López María Ángeles
Published: December 2020

Escribía Gertrude Stein un conjunto de textos en los que se desnuda la apariencia de los significados. Y digo bien, apariencia de los significados, porque el lenguaje es siempre un modo de acceso a lo real (sea lo que sea lo real, sea lo que sea el lenguaje) que no logra entrar en la médula misma de vivir. De ahí que una y otra vez, cada generación se vea impelida a escribirse, a preguntarse, a decirse (y desdecirse) ante la imposibilidad de agotar el terreno de sombras en el que caminamos.
El aire y la piedra
Authors: Masiello Francine
Published: December 2020

Me la paso observando las calles vacías durante la cuarentena de 2020: los negocios cerrados, las hojas de los periódicos volando por las veredas sin que nadie las recoja; las ratas que están de fiesta y corren con total libertad. Es cierto que estas son las dueñas de las vías ahora que los humanos se han ido. Pero, hacer acto de presencia de este concierto en gris mayor no provoca la alegría. De hecho, la caminata es incómoda; se respira la soledad. Apuro la vuelta a mi casa donde prendo la televisión a la espera del teleperiodista que me cuente los desastres del día: el número de muertos, el número de contagiados, el número de colegios que van a cerrar sus puertas para el inicio del año escolar. El presidente (a quien me niego a nombrar) repite por televisión que todos estamos bien, que Estados Unidos es el mejor país del mundo y que todo está bajo control; odio la monotonía de su voz, su mal humor, su falta de ética, su infatigable estupidez. No veo la hora en que se vaya. Cuento los días que le quedan hasta las elecciones de noviembre. Así yo también disfruto, a mi manera, de cierta fe en los números; en este caso, son el tamaño de mi esperanza.
The Persuit of Happiness: notas desde el epicentro de la pandemia
Authors: Prieto Andrés
Published: December 2020

Algunos meses atrás, fabriqué una mesa. Me tomé el tiempo de lijar todas las imperfecciones, redondear las esquinas y vitrificar la superficie. Una vez acabada, la llevé a mi habitación. Vivo en una casa vieja en uno de los barrios tradicionales de Denver. En sus más de cien años, esta casa ha tenido varias remodelaciones que la han dejado con algunos espacios peculiares. Uno de ellos es un recoveco largo y angosto que da a una pequeña ventana en mi habitación. Es lo suficientemente alto como para que yo pueda estar de pie ahí dentro, pero no mucho más; tendrá quizás dos metros de largo. Por años no supe qué hacer con él, hasta que decidí transformarlo en un rincón de escritura. A la mesa le añadí un pequeño librero y una lámpara. El lugar era acogedor y, más importante aún, uno de los pocos rincones en casa donde no había conexión a Internet. Sin embargo, hago clases en una ciudad cercana, y entre obligaciones familiares y laborales, escasamente pasé un día en mi nuevo escritorio. Hasta que llegó la pandemia
Dar cara: de miradas, cuerpos y pedagogía en tiempos de confinamiento
Authors: Rabanal Gatica Dámaso Andrés
Published: December 2020

“Dar cara”, esa fue la expresión que algunxs de mis estudiantes expresaron al inicio de este año académico, cuando las emergentes versiones de la peste tiraban los tentáculos por el mundo y nos confinamos —quienes pudimos— en una cuarentena autoimpuesta, con luces de neón que decían #QuédateEnCasa. Curiosa expresión, pensé, considerando que la mayoría de las personas precisamente no puede hacerlo y han tenido que convocar al ingenio para escribir sus propias notas de inmunización imaginada.
Presentación
Authors: Areco Macarena , Schoennenbeck Sebastián
Published: December 2020

Los primeros días de octubre de 2019 —entre el 1 y el 4— en la Facultad de Letras de la Pontificia Universidad Católica se realizó el Vigésimo Segundo Congreso Internacional de la Sociedad Chilena de Estudios Literarios, SOCHEL, Cartografías e imaginarios de la literatura chilena: espacios, temporalidades y sujetos. El encuentro –que convocó a aproximadamente 150 participantes y que fue organizado por la directiva de la institución, la Facultad y el Centro UC de Estudios de Literatura Chilena (CELICH)–, fue especialmente relevante, pues conmemoró el hito de los cuarenta años de existencia de esta sociedad. Asimismo, le permitió a la Facultad continuar el vínculo que desde ya hace muchos años mantenía con la agrupación. Así, en 2004, el XIII Congreso de la SOCHEL se llevó a cabo también en nuestra universidad. Por otra parte, varios de nuestros profesores son miembros de la organización, entre ellos Rodrigo Cánovas, Magda Sepúlveda y Rubí Carreño.
Mordacidad e inocencia: Papelucho como documento de las clases medias en Chile (1947-1974)
Authors: Candina Polomer Azun
Published: December 2020

El artículo analiza la serie de novelas cortas Papelucho, de la autora Esther Huneeus, como documento histórico que da cuenta de una mirada crítica sobre los cambios y transformaciones de la sociedad chilena durante el siglo XX, y particularmente de las contradicciones y tensiones de las clases medias en formación durante la segunda mitad del siglo.
The Healing Waters of Srebrenica in the Function of the Development of Tourism, Agriculture and Economy
Authors: Ramić Edin , Salkić Ensar , Salkić Besim
Published: December 2020

Srebrenica, this small town in the northeastern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has been described for centuries as a picturesque place, rich in healing waters, ores, and diverse cultural heritage. Today, Srebrenica is a symbol of suffering and suffering, but also of missed opportunities for the renewal of life and economy in this area.

In the work we present, we deal with potentials that can renew life in the Srebrenica area. Thanks to its unique and very abundant natural resources, Srebrenica has been inhabited since ancient times, presumably since the Illyrians. Guber mineral water was used as a medicine for the treatment of skin diseases even before the arrival of the Romans in this area. The first written traces of mineral springs near Srebrenica were made by the Turkish travel writer Evlija Čelebija in the 17th century, traveling through BiH, and the Austro-Hungarians bottled the mineral water of the Spa "Guber" and sold it throughout the monarchy ("Guber-voda"). Mineral water has been bottled and exported since 1887. In 1886, the first scientific research of mineral springs was carried out in the area of the municipality of Srebrenica, when Viennese researchers recorded the existence of 48 mineral springs. Special attention of the Austro-Hungarian researcher prof. Dr. Ernes Ludwig was attracted by water from the source of the Velikog or Crni Guber, whose analysis was an excellent combination of minerals for the treatment of anemia.

In 1956, the Federal Ministry of Health of the SFRY and the Federal Institute of Medicines Commissions from Belgrade declared Crni Guber water a medicine. Thus, Crni Guber water is the only water that has been declared a medicine in the former Yugoslavia.

In the pre-war period, the total annual income of Banja Guber ranged from 1,200,000 to 1,500,000 US dollars. The company operated successfully until the last war in which, due to the war, there was a complete or partial destruction of certain facilities.

The aim of this paper is to determine the potential impact of Srebrenica medicinal water resources on the development of tourism, agriculture and economy.

Development of health tourism, increase of accommodation capacities, integration of agricultural producers and other activities enables rural development. By increasing the number of newly employed workers, household budgets, but also the overall economic development of Srebrenica, water could renew life in this area again.
Management of Advanced Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients with the Administration of Renadyl Capsule: A Single Center Pilot Study in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Tanjina , Guhathakurta Sampurna , Chowdhury Akibul Islam , Munni Fahmida Karim , Rashid Harun Ur- , Arefin Shakib , Akhtaruzzaman M. , Habib Mohammad Asadul
Published: December 2020

Background: Chronic kidney diseases become a public health concern as the rate of this diseases is increasing. Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the changes in key biomarkers in Bangladeshi CKD stages IV and V patients by using Renadyl capsule.

Study Design: Open label randomized placebo controlled clinical trial.

Methods: Data were collected from patients with CKD stage IV and V in 2017, in an out-patient setting in Kidney Foundation Hospital and Research Institute, Bangladesh. Patient’s information, medical history and clinical data were also collected. Health condition of the patients was collected by using SF-36 QOL questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23.0.

Results: Administration of Renadyl capsule improved the clinical and biochemical data of the patients. Renadyl administration improved the filtration rate, kidney size, creatinine level, heart rate and liver function. Patient’s physical and mental health was also improved.

Conclusion: Renadyl administration appeared to be safe among chronic kidney patients with improved kidney function. However, more clinical trials are suggested to determine the efficacy and effects of Renadyl.
Dermal Effects of Chemical Exposures
Authors: Allnutt Katherine J. , Nixon Rosemary L.
Published: December 2020

Occupational skin disease is one of the most common work‐related illnesses. It includes a number of disorders, which may be caused by chemical, biological, or physical agents. The skin is the largest organ of the body and performs a number of functions vital for survival. The effect of dermal exposure to chemicals is a growing concern with increasing numbers of chemicals being used across many industries. Exposure may occur via a number of routes. This may lead to acute and chronic disease through direct dermal effects, immune‐mediated dermal effects, and systemic effects. Contact dermatitis is the most common occupational skin disease and results from skin contact with allergens or irritants. Other occupational skin diseases resulting from chemical exposure include skin cancer, pigmentary disorders, acne, and folliculitis. Accurate and timely assessment and management of disease is important to optimize health outcomes and work capacity. Understanding of hazardous chemicals and factors influencing dermal exposure can direct preventive measures which may include substituting materials, using personal protective equipment appropriately, improving personal and occupational hygiene, reducing exposure through engineering controls, and educating to raise awareness. These strategies aim to minimize the impact of occupational skin disease.
Sensor
Authors: Zamora Misti L. , Zuidema Christopher , Koehler Kirsten
Published: December 2020

Sensors, components of direct‐reading instruments that provide high temporal resolution information on physical and chemical agents, are becoming increasingly common for industrial hygiene practice. Sensors can be included in a wide variety of instruments, ranging in cost from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars. Users of sensors must have a clear understanding of the principles of operation and biases of each sensor to evaluate if it is fit for the purpose under the desired conditions, and to ensure data are interpreted with maximum reliability. This chapter describes the principles of operation, advantages, and disadvantages of commonly used particulate matter, gas, and physical agent sensors, with a focus on low‐cost technologies. The chapter concludes with a description of opportunities for sensors in industrial hygiene practice. Although there are limitations with the use of sensors for compliance monitoring, sensors provide an opportunity to better capture the spatial and temporal variability of agents and to identify effective control strategies.
Using patient‐specific bolus for pencil beam scanning proton treatment of periorbital disease
Authors: Kang Minglei , Hasan Shaakir , Press Robert H. , Yu Francis , Abdo Mashal , Xiong Weijun , Choi Jehee I. , Simone Charles B. , Lin Haibo
Published: December 2020

Purpose

A unique mantle cell lymphoma case with bilateral periorbital disease unresponsive to chemotherapy and with dosimetry not conducive to electron therapy was treated with pencil beam scanning (PBS) proton therapy. This patient presented treatment planning challenges due to the thin target, immediately adjacent organs at risk (OAR), and nonconformal orbital surface anatomy. Therefore, we developed a patient‐specific bolus and hypothesized that it would provide superior setup robustness, dose uniformity and dose conformity.

Materials/Methods

A blue‐wax patient‐specific bolus was generated from the patient's face contour to conform to his face and eliminate air gaps. A relative stopping power ratio (RSP) of 0.972 was measured for the blue‐wax, and the HUs were overridden accordingly in the treatment planning system (TPS). Orthogonal kV images were used for bony alignment and then to ensure positioning of the bolus through fiducial markers attached to the bolus and their contours in TPS. Daily CBCT was used to confirm the position of the bolus in relation to the patient's surface. Dosimetric characteristics were compared between (a) nonbolus, (b) conventional gel bolus and (c) patient‐specific bolus plans. An in‐house developed workflow for assessment of daily treatment dose based on CBCT images was used to evaluate inter‐fraction dose accumulation.

Results

The patient was treated to 24 cobalt gray equivalent (CGE) in 2 CGE daily fractions to the bilateral periorbital skin, constraining at least 50% of each lacrimal gland to under 20 Gy. The bolus increased proton beam range by adding 2–3 energy layers of different fields to help achieve better dose uniformity and adequate dose coverage. In contrast to the plan with conventional gel bolus, dose uniformity was significantly improved with patient‐specific bolus. The global maximum dose was reduced by 7% (from 116% to 109%). The max and mean doses were reduced by 6.0% and 7.7%, respectively, for bilateral retinas, and 3.0% and 13.9% for bilateral lacrimal glands. The max dose of the lens was reduced by 2.1%. The rigid shape, along with lightweight, and smooth fit to the patient face was well tolerated and reported as “very comfortable” by the patient. The daily position accuracy of the bolus was within 1 mm based on IGRT marker alignment. The daily dose accumulation indicates that the target coverage and OAR doses were highly consistent with the planning intention.

Conclusion

Our patient‐specific blue‐wax bolus significantly increased dose uniformity, reduced OAR doses, and maintained consistent setup accuracy compared to conventional bolus. Quality PBS proton treatment for periorbital tumors and similar challenging thin and shallow targets can be achieved using such patient‐specific bolus with robustness on both setup and dosimetry.
Progress in the risk assessment of hydroxychloroquine in frail elderly people
Authors: Castagna Alberto , Ruotolo Giovanni , Manzo Ciro
Published: December 2020

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an antimalarial drug also known to have anti‐inflammatory and antiviral effects. The antiviral action of HCQ has been a point of interest for many researchers because of its mechanism of action and the potential use it could have during the current COVID‐19 pandemic. However, HCQ can cause QT interval prolongation. The current therapies used in COVID‐19 are changing as the pandemic develops. The aim of this article is to promote a validated risk score for QT prolongation in multidimensional assessment of COVID‐19 patients, especially in elderly and polypathological patients.
Ciliopathies: Coloring outside of the lines
Authors: Strong Alanna , Li Dong , Mentch Frank , Bedoukian Emma , Hartung Erum A. , Meyers Kevin , Skraban Cara , Wen Jessica , Medne Livija , Glessner Joseph , Watson Deborah , Krantz Ian , Hakonarson Hakon
Published: December 2020

Ciliopathy syndromes are a diverse spectrum of disease characterized by a combination of cystic kidney disease, hepatobiliary disease, retinopathy, skeletal dysplasia, developmental delay, and brain malformations. Though generally divided into distinct disease categories based on the pattern of system involvement, ciliopathy syndromes are known to display certain phenotypic overlap. We performed next‐generation sequencing panel testing, clinical exome sequencing, and research‐based exome sequencing reanalysis on patients with suspected ciliopathy syndromes with additional features. We identified biallelic pathogenic variants in BBS1 in a child with features of cranioectodermal dysplasia, and biallelic variants in BBS12 in a child with the clinical stigmata of Bardet‐Biedl syndrome, but also with anal atresia. We additionally identified biallelic pathogenic variants in WDR35 and DYNC2H1 in children with predominant liver disease and ductal plate malformation without skeletal dysplasia. Our study highlights the phenotypic and genetic diversity of ciliopathy syndromes, the importance of considering ciliopathy syndromes as a disease‐spectrum and screening for all associated complications in all patients, and describes exclusive extra‐skeletal manifestations in two classical skeletal dysplasia syndromes.
Typical achondroplasia secondary to a unique insertional variant of FGFR3 with in vitro demonstration of its effect on FGFR3 function
Authors: Meyer April N. , Modaff Peggy , Wang Clark G. , Wohler Elizabeth , Sobreira Nara L. , Donoghue Daniel J. , Pauli Richard M.
Published: December 2020

We describe an individual in whom clinical and radiographic features are typical for achondroplasia, but in whom the common variants of FGFR3 that result in achondroplasia are absent. Whole exome sequencing demonstrated a novel, de novo 6 base pair tandem duplication in FGFR3 that results in the insertion of Ser‐Phe after position Leu324. in vitro studies showed that this variant results in aberrant dimerization, excessive spontaneous phosphorylation of FGFR3 dimers and excessive, ligand‐independent tyrosine kinase activity. Together, these data suggest that this variant leads to constitutive disulfide bond‐mediated dimerization, and that this, surprisingly, occurs to an extent similar to the neonatal lethal thanatophoric dysplasia type I Ser249Cys variant.
Residential movements of top predators in Chile’s most isolated marine protected area: Implications for the conservation of the Galapagos shark, Carcharhinus galapagensis, and the yellowtail amberjack, Seriola lalandi
Authors: Morales Naití A. , Heidemeyer Maike , Bauer Robert , Hernández Sebastian , Acuña Enzo , van Gennip Simon Jan , Friedlander Alan M. , Gaymer Carlos F.
Published: December 2020

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are becoming a widely used tool for the conservation of biodiversity and for fishery management; however, most of these areas are designed without prior knowledge of the basic ecological aspects of the species that they are trying to protect.

This study investigated the movement of two top predators: the Galapagos shark, Carcharhinus galapagensis, and the yellowtail amberjack, Seriola lalandi, in and around the Motu Motiro Hiva Marine Park (MMHMP) using MiniPAT satellite tags to determine the effectiveness of this MPA for the protection of these species.

The Galapagos sharks (n = 4) spent most of their tag deployment periods inside the MMHMP. However, high intraspecific variability was observed in their movement dynamics. Daily individual maximum movements ranged from 17 to 58 km and the maximum distance from Salas y Gómez Island, the only emergent island within the MMHMP, ranged from 31 to 139 km.

The maximum linear distance travelled for a female juvenile Galapagos shark (152 cm total length) was 236 km, which is greater than the maximum distance previously documented for juveniles of this species (<50 km).

For the yellowtail amberjack (n = 1), 91% of the satellite geolocations were within the MMHMP, with a maximum daily distance travelled of 6 km. The maximum distance travelled between points was 111 km and the maximum distance from Salas y Gómez Island was 62 km.

All archival tagged fish spent most of their time at depths of <50 m and never left the epipelagic zone. Daytime versus night‐time differences were pronounced in all individuals but showed high interindividual variability.

This study provides a baseline on the movement of these two top predators in the MMHMP and provides valuable insights for the creation of MPAs in the region and elsewhere.
A new cytokine‐based dynamic stratification during induction is highly predictive of survivals in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Peterlin Pierre , Gaschet Joelle , Guillaume Thierry , Garnier Alice , Eveillard Marion , Le Bourgeois Amandine , Cherel Michel , Debord Camille , Le Bris Yannick , Theisen Olivier , Godon Catherine , Mahé Béatrice , Dubruille Viviane , Wuilleme Soraya , Touzeau Cyrille , Gastinne Thomas , Blin Nicolas , Lok Anne , Tessoulin Benoît , Le Gouill Steven , Moreau Philippe , Béné Marie‐C , Chevallier Patrice
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to assess the potential impact of the kinetics of serum levels of seven cytokines during induction in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Indeed, the role of cytokines, in the pathophysiology and response to therapy of AML patients, remains under investigation. Here, we report on the impact of peripheral levels of two cytokines, the Fms‐like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FL) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), evaluated during first‐line intensive induction. A new risk stratification can be proposed, which supersedes the ELN 2017 classification to predict survivals in AML patients by examining the kinetic profile of these cytokines during the induction phase. It segregates three groups of, respectively, high‐risk, characterized by a stagnation of low FL levels, intermediate risk, with dynamic increasing FL levels and high IL‐6 at day 22, and favorable risk with increasing FL levels but low IL‐6 at day 22.
Phytochemicals from the Leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus and their 11β‐HSD1 Enzyme Inhibitory Effects
Authors: Yan Huan , Li Xiang , Ni Wei , Zhao Qing , Leng Ying , Liu Hai‐Yang
Published: December 2020

Two new dammarane‐type triterpenoid saponins, 3β‐(α‐l‐arabinopyranosyloxy)‐24,25‐dihydroxydammar‐20‐en‐12α‐yl 6‐deoxy‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside (1) and (24R)‐3β‐[(4‐O‐acetyl‐α‐l‐arabinopyranosyl)oxy]‐25‐hydroxy‐20,24‐epoxydammaran‐12β‐yl 6‐deoxy‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside (2), and fourteen known triterpenoids were isolated from the 70 % MeOH extract of the leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus. Their structures were established based on analyses of spectroscopic data. All compounds were tested for their inhibitory activities against the 11β‐HSD1 enzyme. Hederagenin (13) exhibited moderate inhibitory effect for mouse 11β‐HSD1 with an IC50 value of 0.16±0.04 μM.
Modelling and boundary optimal control design of hybrid column flotation
Authors: Azhin Maryam , Popli Khushaal , Prasad Vinay
Published: December 2020

A three‐phase continuous hybrid flotation column that seeks to obtain the benefits of both mechanical cells and flotation columns is modelled as the interconnection of a CSTR representing the well‐mixed zone and two plug‐flow reactors (PFR) representing pulp and froth zones. The plant model accounts for the micro‐scale processes such as bubble‐particle collision and attachment and the appearance and breakage of bubbles. This complex distributed parameter system (DPS) is described by sets of nonlinear coupled conservation counter‐current hyperbolic partial differential equations (PDEs) and one set of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The dynamic conservation law‐based model for the continuous hybrid flotation column including well‐stirred, pulp (bubbly), and froth zones, is utilized in an optimal model‐based controller design. This linear quadratic regulator (LQR)‐based controller accounts for optimality, stability, and performance. The controller design utilizes a linear model obtained by linearization at operating steady states of interest. A full‐state optimal feedback control law is designed and controller performance has been demonstrated through a numerical simulation of physically meaningful and relevant plant operating conditions. The LQR‐based optimal controller outperforms proportional‐integral (PI)‐based control by more than an order of magnitude in terms of a return to steady state after a perturbation in the initial condition.
Association of muscular fitness with rehospitalization for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Lee Chan Joo , Ryu Ho Youl , Chun Kyeong‐Hyeon , Oh Jaewon , Park Sungha , Lee Sang‐Hak , Kang Seok‐Min
Published: December 2020

Background

Limited information is available regarding the prognostic potential of muscular fitness parameters in heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Hypothesis

We aimed to investigate the predictive potential of knee extensor muscle strength and power on rehospitalization and evaluate the correlation between exercise capacity and muscular fitness in patients newly diagnosed with HFrEF.

Methods

Ninety nine patients hospitalized with a new diagnosis of HF were recruited (64 men; aged 58.7 years [standard deviation (SD), 13.2 years]; 32.3% ischemic; ejection fraction, 28% [SD, 8%]). The inclusion criteria were left ventricular ejection fraction <40% and sufficient clinical stability to undergo exercise testing. Aerobic exercise capacity was measured with cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Knee extensor maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and muscle power (MP) were measured using the Baltimore therapeutic equipment system. The clinical outcome was HF rehospitalization.

Results

Over a mean follow‐up period of 1709 ± 502 days, 39 patients were rehospitalized due to HF exacerbation. HF rehospitalization was more probable for patients with diabetes and lower oxygen uptake at peak exercise (peak VO2), knee extensor MVIC, and MP. The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed significantly different cumulative HF rehospitalization rates according to the tertiles of peak VO2 (P = 0.005) and MP (P = 0.002). Multivariable Cox proportional hazard model showed that the lowest tertiles of peak VO2 (hazard ratio (HR), 6.26; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.93–20.27); and MP (HR, 5.29; 95% CI, 1.05–26.53) were associated with HF rehospitalization. Knee extensor muscle power was an independent predictor for rehospitalization in patients with HFrEF.

Conclusion

Knee extensor muscle power was an independent predictor for rehospitalization in patients with HFrEF.
Sleep‐wake characteristics in a mouse model of severe traumatic brain injury: Relation to posttraumatic epilepsy
Authors: Konduru Sai Sruthi , Wallace Eli P. , Pfammatter Jesse A. , Rodrigues Paulo V. , Jones Mathew V. , Maganti Rama K.
Published: December 2020

Study objectives

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in sequelae that include posttraumatic epilepsy (PTE) and sleep‐wake disturbances. Here, we sought to determine whether sleep characteristics could predict development of PTE in a model of severe TBI.

Methods

Following controlled cortical impact (CCI) or sham injury (craniotomy only), CD‐1 mice were implanted with epidural electroencephalography (EEG) and nuchal electromyography (EMG) electrodes. Acute (1st week) and chronic (months 1, 2, or 3) 1‐week‐long video‐EEG recordings were performed after the injury to examine epileptiform activity. High‐amplitude interictal events were extracted from EEG using an automated method. After scoring sleep‐wake patterns, sleep spindles and EEG delta power were derived from nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep epochs. Brain CTs (computerized tomography) were performed in sham and CCI cohorts to quantify the brain lesions. We then employed a no craniotomy (NC) control to perform 1‐week‐long EEG recordings at week 1 and month 1 after surgery.

Results

Posttraumatic seizures were seen in the CCI group only, whereas interictal epileptiform activity was seen in CCI or sham. Sleep‐wake disruptions consisted of shorter wake or NREM bout lengths and shorter duration or lower power for spindles in CCI and sham. NREM EEG delta power increased in CCI and sham groups compared with NC though the CCI group with posttraumatic seizures had lower power at a chronic time point compared with those without. Follow‐up brain CTs showed a small lesion in the sham injury group suggesting a milder form of TBI that may account for their interictal activity and sleep changes.

Significance

In our TBI model, tracking changes in NREM delta power distinguishes between CCI acutely and animals that will eventually develop PTE, but further work is necessary to identify sleep biomarkers of PTE. Employing NC controls together with sham controls should be considered in future TBI studies.
Effects of Cattaneo–Christov heat flux analysis on heat and mass transport of Casson nanoliquid past an accelerating penetrable plate with thermal radiation and Soret–Dufour mechanism
Authors: Reddy Karnati Veera , Reddy Gurrampati Venkata Ramana , Krishna Yaragani Hari
Published: December 2020

In this analysis, the effect of Catteneo–Christov model on heat alongside mass transport magnetohydrodynamics of a Casson nanoliquid with thermal radiation and Soret–Dufour mechanism is considered. The fluid flow is considered through porous media as the thermophysical attributes such as viscosity along with thermal conductivity are considered to be constant. Suitable similarity transformations were employed on the governing coupled flow equation to yield total differential equations (ODE). An accurate and newly developed spectral method called spectral homotopy analysis method (SHAM) was employed to provide solution to the simplified equations. The numerical method of homotopy analysis method (HAM) is SHAM. SHAM portrays the division of nonlinear equations into linear as well as nonlinear parts. The findings in this study show that an increment in the Casson parameter is seen to elevate the velocity plot at the wall and lessen the velocity far away from the plate. An increase in the Brownian motion and thermophoresis term is observed to speed up the local skin friction coefficient.