bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on risk factors of ischemic cerebrovascular disease in postmenopausal women based on the social-ecological model
Authors: Yang Chun-Jun , Wang Dong-Mei , Wang Tong , Song Ying
Published: July 2022

Objective

Based on the social-ecological model, this study aimed to comprehensively explore factors affecting the risk of ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICVD) in postmenopausal women to provide theoretical bases for further prevention and intervention for postmenopausal women.

Methods

Postmenopausal women who underwent medical examinations in one health-checkup agency in Tianjin from May 2015 to October 2015 were enrolled in this study. The ICVD 10-year Risk Assesment Form developed by the research team of the National "Tenth Five-Year Plan" research project was used to assess the factors affecting the risk of ICVD. Based on the social-ecological model, multiple types of scales, including physical activities, depression, Type D personality, social supports, and environment score, were used to comprehensively explore the factors associated with ICVD in postmenopausal women.

Results

300 valid questionnaires were obtained, with an effective rate of 92.0%. The subjects aged 44–74 years, with the average age of 62.06 ± 7.09 years. Among them, 58.67% of the subjects only obtained high-school diploma, 32.67% obtained college or university diploma, 90.33% were retirees, 95.33% were married, 92.33% experienced the natural menopause, 93.33% lived in urban or suburban areas, and 1.00% had a history of breast cancer. Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that monthly income (¥), parity, exposure to second-hand or third-hand smoke, easy access to healthy food, physical activities, depression, Type D personality, social support and environmental factors were associated with the risk of ICVD in postmenopausal women (P < 0.05). Among them, easy access to healthy food (OR = 0.242), social support (OR = 0.861) and environmental factors (OR = 0.866) were protective factors from ICVD. OR < 1 indicates that the exposure factor is negatively correlated with the disease, and the exposure factor has a protective effect on preventing the occurrence of the disease. Parity (OR = 3.795), exposure to second-hand or third-hand smoke (OR = 2.886), depression (OR = 1.193), and Type D personality (OR = 1.148) were risk factors of ICVD. OR > 1 means that the exposure factor is positively correlated with the disease, and the exposure factor increases the risk of disease occurrence.

Conclusions

For postmenopausal women, in the future, in addition to prevention and management of the conventional risks, the conditions of their mentality and social support should be paid attention to, at the same time, and if they can, try to choose a good community environment to live in, which could better reduce the incidence and mortality of ICVD in postmenopausal women.
Testing planetary urbanisation: Siberia’s trans-scalar spatial regime of oil production
Authors: Salgueiro Barrio Roi , O’Shea Conor
Published: July 2022

This paper analyses the extended urbanization of oil production in Siberia in order to test Neil Brenner and Christian Schmid’s theory of planetary urbanization. According to these authors, the intensification of the urban process triggered by the consolidation of global neoliberalism since the early 1990s, has transformed the planet into a situation of total urbanization. In their view, this planetary condition can be measured by the incorporation of former remote wilderness such as the Amazon, the oceans, the deserts or Siberia within urban circuits of production (which they label under the notion of extended urbanization). In this article we test if Brenner and Schmid’s hypothesis applies to the Siberian case. With that goal, we develop a diachronic historic and cartographic analysis which shows first the incorporation of Siberia to the Russian Empire, second the consolidation of East Asia-Russia commercial circuits, and third the conceptualization of Siberia as primarily an area for resource extraction. Such analysis leads us to define three historic spatial regimes for the whole Siberia, the last of which we study in relation to the notion of planetary urbanization. Our study compares the geographies of oil production in the region first during the Soviet period, and then, following Brenner and Schmid’s chronology, after the 1990s. The article concludes that the latter phase certainly implies an unprecedented intensification of extended urbanization and the incorporation of Siberia into trans-scalar global circuits of production. Finally, in order to analyse the relation between this process and the consolidation of neoliberalism we develop a synchronic study and mapping of the operations of two oil companies: a public one, NOC ROSNEFT, and a private one, LUKOIL. We conclude that both are similarly invested in creating the trans-scalar geographies of uneven development that characterize neoliberalism.
Is a new generation of mycotoxin clay adsorbents safe in a pig’s diet?
Authors: Horky Pavel , Nevrkla Pavel , Kopec Tomas , Bano Iqra , Skoric Misa , Skladanka Jiri , Skalickova Sylvie
Published: July 2022

Background

Bentonites, as a clay mineral, serve in pig farms as adsorbents of toxic substances. They are mainly used to reduce the negative impact of mycotoxins to maintain the performance and health status of animals. The new genotypes of pigs are highly sensitive to a range of antinutrients, including mycotoxins. Currently, attention is focused on more effective adsorbents of mycotoxins with a higher adsorption capacity. Such materials are in great demand among feed manufacturers. However, there is a concern that these new materials may also adsorb too many essential nutrients and decrease animal performance. The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the effect of the new generation of purified bentonites on the efficiency and health status of the pigs.

Results

Forty-eight slaughtered pigs with an average weight of 31.2 ± 2.6 kg were included in the experiment. The pigs were divided into two groups (2 × 24 pigs). Pigs were slaughtered at an average weight of 66.3 ± 5.2. The first group had a diet without clay (control—C). The second group (treatment—T) was fed a diet with a clay additive (purified bentonite) of 1.5 kg/t. Animals were fed the experimental diet for 35 days. In group T, a higher daily weight gain (by 4.8%) and feed intake (by 2.9%) was observed while the feed conversion decreased by 1.9%. There were no significant differences between the groups of pigs during observation in the evaluation of hematological, biochemical parameters of the blood. Morpho-pathological analysis of the jejunum showed similar signs of moderate lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate in the mucosa in the groups C and T, contained similar number of goblet cells.

Conclusion

Taken together, the addition of the new generation of bentonite clays did not negatively influence the health status and the performance of pigs.
Prevalence and fluoroquinolone resistance of Campylobacter spp. isolated from beef cattle in Japan
Authors: Sasaki Yoshimasa , Asakura Hiroshi , Asai Tetsuo
Published: July 2022

Beef is a source of human Campylobacter infections. Antimicrobial treatment is needed when patients are immunocompromised or have other comorbidities. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter spp. in beef cattle in Japan. Rectal swab samples were collected from 164 beef cattle at an abattoir between March 2021 and August 2021, and Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 94 (57.3%) cattle. C. jejuni and C. coli were isolated from 68 and 26 cattle, respectively. For Campylobacter jejuni, the resistant rates against ampicillin, tetracycline and ciprofloxacin were 20.6, 75.0 and 64.7%, respectively. For C. coli, the resistant rates against ampicillin, tetracycline and ciprofloxacin were 53.8, 76.9 and 88.5%, respectively. No Campylobacter isolates were resistant to erythromycin. By multilocus sequence typing, C. jejuni and C. coli isolates were classified into 22 and 2 sequence types (STs). The top three STs of C. jejuni were ST806 (12 isolates), ST21 (nine isolates), and ST459 (eight isolates). The most frequent ST of C. coli was ST1068 (23 isolates). The results suggest that Campylobacter spp. are prevalent in the gastrointestinal tract of beef cattle slaughtered at abattoirs. Furthermore, the administration of erythromycin is effective against human campylobacteriosis caused by beef consumption. Monitoring the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter spp. in beef cattle could be useful for managing the risk of human campylobacteriosis.
Regulatory T Cell Proportion and Phenotype Are Altered in Women Using Oral Contraception
Authors: Moldenhauer Lachlan M , Jin Min , Wilson Jasmine J , Green Ella S , Sharkey David J , Salkeld Mark D , Bristow Thomas C , Hull M Louise , Dekker Gustaaf A , Robertson Sarah A
Published: July 2022

Regulatory T (Treg) cells are a specialized CD4+ T cell subpopulation that are essential for immune homeostasis, immune tolerance, and protection against autoimmunity. There is evidence that sex-steroid hormones estrogen and progesterone modulate Treg cell abundance and phenotype in women. Since natural oscillations in these hormones are modified by hormonal contraceptives, we examined whether oral contraception (OC) use impacts Treg cells and related T cell populations. T cells were analyzed by multiparameter flow cytometry in peripheral blood collected across the menstrual cycle from healthy women either using OC or without hormonal contraception and from age-matched men. Compared to naturally cycling women, women using OC had fewer Treg cells and an altered Treg cell phenotype. Notably, Treg cells exhibiting a strongly suppressive phenotype, defined by high FOXP3, CD25, Helios, HLADR, CTLA4, and Ki67, comprised a lower proportion of total Treg cells, particularly in the early- and mid-cycle phases. The changes were moderate compared to more substantial differences in Treg cells between women and men, wherein women had fewer Treg cells—especially of the effector memory Treg cell subset—associated with more T helper type 1 (Th1) cells and CD8+ T cells and lower Treg:Th1 cell and Treg:CD8+ T cell ratios than men. These findings imply that OC can modulate the number and phenotype of peripheral blood Treg cells and raise the possibility that Treg cells contribute to the physiological changes and altered disease susceptibility linked with OC use.
Notch signaling determines cell-fate specification of the two main types of vomeronasal neurons of rodents
Authors: Katreddi Raghu Ram , Taroc Ed Zandro M. , Hicks Sawyer M. , Lin Jennifer M. , Liu Shuting , Xiang Mengqing , Forni Paolo E.
Published: July 2022

The ability of terrestrial vertebrates to find food and mating partners, and to avoid predators, relies on the detection of chemosensory information. Semiochemicals responsible for social and sexual behaviors are detected by chemosensory neurons of the vomeronasal organ (VNO), which transmits information to the accessory olfactory bulb. The vomeronasal sensory epithelium of most mammalian species contains a uniform vomeronasal system; however, rodents and marsupials have developed a more complex binary vomeronasal system, containing vomeronasal sensory neurons (VSNs) expressing receptors of either the V1R or V2R family. In rodents, V1R/apical and V2R/basal VSNs originate from a common pool of progenitors. Using single cell RNA-sequencing, we identified differential expression of Notch1 receptor and Dll4 ligand between the neuronal precursors at the VSN differentiation dichotomy. Our experiments show that Notch signaling is required for effective differentiation of V2R/basal VSNs. In fact, Notch1 loss of function in neuronal progenitors diverts them to the V1R/apical fate, whereas Notch1 gain of function redirects precursors to V2R/basal. Our results indicate that Notch signaling plays a pivotal role in triggering the binary differentiation dichotomy in the VNO of rodents.
Enhancement of Superfine Bacterial Nanocellulose Production in Coconut Water at High Temperature by the Adapted Strains of Komagataeibacter oboediens MSKU 3
Authors:   Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand, Sukkasem Tanawan ,   Biology Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, Phetchabun Rajabhat University, Phetchabun 67000, Thailand, Tippayasak Uraiwan ,   Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand, Taweecheep Pornchanok ,   Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand, Chonudomkul Duenrut ,   Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand, Theeragool Gunjana ,   Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Published: July 2022

A cost-effective strategy for superfine bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) production was successfully developed by the low-nutrient adaptive mutation. Two adapted strains, RC30-15 and RC37-23 were obtained from revertant strain R37-9 of Komagataeibacter oboediens MSKU 3 by a repetitive static cultivation at 30°C and 37°C, respectively. The repetitive cultivation was carried out in coconut water (CW) containing 1% acetic acid and 2% ethanol (CW1A2E), CW1A2E containing 0.5% sucrose (CW1A2E0.5S) and CW1A2E0.5S containing 0.5% ammonium sulfate (CW1A2E0.5S0.5N) for 30 passages (210 days). Strain R37-9 produced relatively low amount of superfine BNC of 0.71, 0.88 and 0.82 g/L dry weight after 7 days static cultivation at 37°C in CW1A2E, CW1A2E0.5S and CW1A2E0.5S0.5N, respectively. Two adapted strains exhibited higher BNC producing ability in coconut water than strain R37-9. Strains RC30-15 and RC37-23 produced the highest BNC yields of 3.63 and 8.22 g/L dry weight in CW1A2E0.5S and CW1A2E0.5S0.5N under static cultivation at 30°C and 37°C, respectively. SEM images of the nanofibrils produced from strain RC37-23 showed the finer nanocellulose fibrils and narrower range (24±0.47-34±0.81 nm) of fibril width compared with other strains. Furthermore, the density, moisture content and porosity of nanocellulose fibrils produced from strain RC37-23 in CW1A2E0.5S0.5N medium at 37°C exhibited the highest density (0.86±0.02 g/cm3) and moisture content (12.51±1.87 %). BNC from strain RC37-23 grown in CW1A2E0.5S0.5N medium at 37°C also possessed the lowest porosity (42.59±1.70%). It could be concluded that low-nutrient adapted strain at 37°C, strain RC37-23, produced not only the highest amount of BNC but also the better physicochemical properties of nanocellulose fibrils.
Optimization of Sliding Wear Parameters for Copper Surface Composites Reinforced with AlCoCrCuFe HEA
Authors:   Mechanical Engineering, Dhaanish Ahmed Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, Soundararajan Seenivasan , Muthukutti Gopal Pudhupalayam ,   Centre for Material Science, Mechanical Engineering, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, shanmugam Nandhakumar ,   Mechanical Engineering, Dr. NGP Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, Kumarasamy Soorya Prakash ,   Mechanical Engineering, Anna University Regional Campus, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
Published: July 2022

The present research pacts with fabrication of Cu – HEA surface MMC through solid state Friction Stir process (FSP) and analysis of wear characteristics. AlCoCrCuFe HEA with higher hardness values vacillated up in the level of 770HV is selected as reinforcement. The wear test is performed for 16 parameter combinations based on Taguchi method with the aid of Pin-on-Disc apparatus. The input parameters considered are HEA percentage, applied load, sliding velocity and distance whereas wear rate and coeffi cient of friction are chosen as response. WR signifi cantly decreases with HEA additions and increases with increase in load, sliding velocity and sliding distance. The consequence of HEA addition on CoF during dry sliding wear test is contradictory to its effect over WR. ANOVA results confi rmed the signifi cant effect of reinforced HEA over wear characteristics of copper composite. TOPSIS methodology is followed to fi nd the best possible parameter combination that yields better wear rate and coeffi cient of friction.
Optimization of GABA Production and Partial gad Gene Identifi cation of Potential Probiotic Levilactobacillus brevis F064A Isolated from Thai Fermented Sausage
Authors:   Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand, Kanklai Jirapat ,   Graduate School, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand, Thongwai Narumol ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand,   Research Center in Bioresources for Agriculture, Industry and Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand, Rungsirivanich Patthanasak ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand,   Graduate School, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand, Tragoolpua Yingmanee ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand,   Research Center in Bioresources for Agriculture, Industry and Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand, Pekkoh Jeeraporn ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
Published: July 2022

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter, can be produced by lactic acid bacteria. Levilactobacillus brevis F064A, a high potential probiotic, is capable of producing GABA. To elucidate its glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) enzyme responsible for GABA production, partial gad genes were examined. It was found that both partial gadA and gadB genes were existing in L. brevis F064A genomes. Some infl uencing effects on GABA production by Levilactobacillus brevis F064A were determined. The highest GABA production of 4.18 ± 0.07 mg/mL was achieved with the optimal conditions of initial media pH of 5.5, 2% (w/v) of glucose, 2% (w/v) of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and 48 h at 37°C of incubation. Pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP) had no effect on its GABA production. At 48 h of incubation, the viable cells were increased as well as the culture pH. Moreover, the optimum conditions based on the response surface methodology (RSM) model were pH of 5.26, 2.71% (w/v) of glucose and 2.96% (w/v) of MSG yielded 4.53 ± 0.08 mg/mL GABA content (p < 0.05). Additionally, total lactic acid of 10.30 ± 0.91 mg/mL was also produced. Promisingly, L. brevis F064A is a good candidate for GABA production and for functional food development in the future.
Prática odontológica durante a pandemia da Covid -19 e suas novas diretrizes de biossegurança: Uma revisão de escopo
Authors: Lins da Costa Tiago Eduardo , Duarte Farias Gabrieli , Rolim Nunes Vitória Régia , Laureano Dalle Piagge Carmem Silvia , Batista Mélo Cláudia
Published: July 2022

INTRODUÇÃO: A pandemia da COVID-19, em 2020, trouxe para a Odontologia uma readequação, devido ao surgimento de novos protocolos que buscam tratar o paciente diminuindo o risco de contaminação direta ou cruzada. OBJETIVO: Este trabalho tem como objetivo as medidas de biossegurança adotadas na prática odontológica, para conter a disseminação do vírus da COVID-19 no ambiente odontológico. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Trata-se de uma Revisão de Escopo, com a seguinte pergunta norteadora: “Quais são as novas diretrizes de biossegurança na prática odontológica durante a COVID-19?”. Foram realizadas buscas nas bases de dados LILACS (Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde), Scopus, Web of Science e PubMed via Medline, levando em consideração publicações entre os anos de 2020 e 2021. Foram encontrados 922 estudos, sendo selecionados 40 para leitura na íntegra, resultando em 7 artigos para compor a amostra. RESULTADOS: Dentre as medidas de biossegurança mais prevalentes adotadas durante o período pandêmico no atendimento odontológico, destacam-se a triagem pré-clínica virtual, uso de equipamentos de proteção individual com maior nível de segurança, filtragem do ar após os procedimentos ou renovação do ar com abertura de portas e janelas, maior intervalo de tempo entre os atendimentos clínicos, paramentação e desparamentação seguindo rigorosamente os protocolos e realização de consultas remotas. CONCLUSÃO: Diante desse contexto, conclui-se que as recomendações sobre biossegurança na Odontologia após o surgimento da COVID-19 foram readequadas e implementadas antes, durante e após os procedimentos, como forma de conter a contaminação cruzada.
Pooling Regional Energy between China, Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, and Russia
Authors: Altaf Moaz
Published: July 2022

This paper assesses the energy requirements and potential of China, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, and Turkey in the context of the geostrategic locations of these countries. It notes that the demand, potential, andactual supply of energy in these countries make a viable prospect for a framework, whereby these countries pool their energy together for the benefit of each country. While there are certain initiatives already in place, there is potential for more bilateral or regional energy-sharing initiatives. The current and proposed frameworks of energy-sharing have laid an infrastructure of pipelines or communication corridors. Based on these factors, the paper proposes an energy corridor between these countries, titled ‘Golden Ring Energy Corridor’ (GREC). This corridor will connect the ‘golden ring countries’ to enable energy trade through pipeline, land, and sea routes among these states. A strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis of the proposed corridor takes account of the various internal and external factors that have the potential to contribute positively or negatively towards the completion and viability of this corridor. Some countermeasures have also been suggested so that the implementation of this corridor can be realized.
An Evolutionary Analysis of the Development of the One North Innovation District in Singapore
Authors: Wong Poh Kam
Published: July 2022

First conceptualised in Singapore’s first National Technology Plan in 1991, the idea of creating a new integrated R&D and innovation hub in Singapore languished until it was incorporated into a broader Technopreneurship 21 (T21) strategy announced in 1998, and was officially launched in late 2001. In the 20 years since, the innovation district has made significant development progress, but not quite in the manner as presented in a number of prior studies  that have adopted a “top-down rational planning” narrative. Taking an evolutionary view, we argue that the actual development of One-North was significantly shaped by a number of critical actors as well as external environmental factors, and its evolutionary trajectory deviated from its original plan. Our evolutionary narrative provides insights on the role of champions in large scale innovation projects, and the need to integrate physical space development within a comprehensive innovation ecosystem development strategy.
Dual-wavelength switching in InGaN quantum dot micro-cavity light-emitting diodes
Authors: Mei Yang , Chen Yan-hui , Ying Lei-ying , Tian Ai-qin , Weng Guo-en , Hao Long , Liu Jian-ping , Zhang Bao-ping
Published: July 2022

Dual-wavelength switchable emission has been demonstrated in InGaN quantum dot (QD) micro-cavity light-emitting diodes (MCLEDs). By simply modulating the injected current levels, the output of the device can be dynamically tuned between the two distinct cavity modes at 498.5 and 541.7 nm, exhibiting deterministic mode switching in the green spectral range. Owing to the microcavity effect, high spectral purity with a narrow linewidth of 0.21 nm was obtained. According to the experimental and theoretical results, it can be concluded that the dual-wavelength switching for the investigated MCLEDs is ascribed to the broad and tunable gain of a thin InGaN QD active region, together with the mode selection and enhancement effect of the cavity. To provide additional guidelines for controllable dual-wavelength switchable operation in nitride-based light-emitting devices, detailed design and fabrication strategies are discussed. This work presents an effective method to achieve mode switching for practical applications such as multi-wavelength optical recording, frequency mixing, flip-flop and optical switches.
Temperature-dependent photoluminescence of anatase Li-doped TiO2 nanoparticles [Invited]
Authors: Vázquez-López Antonio , Cremades Ana , Maestre David
Published: July 2022

TiO2 is currently one of the most employed material in photocatalysis and optoelectronic applications. By doping with different elements, tailored luminescent and optoelectronic properties can be obtained, which further enhances its applicability. The achievement of deeper knowledge and control on the recombination processes via light-metal doping engineering promises a wider use in optoelectronic applications. In this work, the luminescent properties of undoped and Li-doped anatase TiO2 nanoparticles obtained by hydrolysis process are studied, by means of photoluminescence (PL) measurements from 10 K to room-temperature. TiO2 presents a wide emission which covers the visible range, while Li-doping quenches the emission on the low visible region. By terms of time-resolved luminescence (TR-PL), lifetime of the recombination processes can be obtained, in which a decrease on lifetime values can be observed for the doped samples.
In the shadows: Phenomenological choreographic writing
Authors: Heimonen Kirsi , Rouhiainen Leena
Published: July 2022

This article introduces a piece of choreographic writing. It likewise discusses the kind of site-specific choreographic process of opening up to what in everyday life is not apparent and left in the shadows that generated the writing. The objective of the choreographic process was to allow the impact of the bodily sense of being in contact with an urban location to permeate the authors’ activities in writing. To support this intention, they generated a phenomenologically informed performative score of experimental writing that aims at appreciating the vitality of the sensuous. The first part of the submission presents the actual choreographic writing as an evocative piece of choreography that can be read independently of the second part. This latter part contains an exploration into conceptions about choreography and writing. Here, the article draws specifically on Jean-Luc Nancy’s insights to articulate the kind of phenomenological approach the authors engaged in. It aims at establishing their artistic process as a phenomenologically oriented method in expanded choreography and argues that the writing they generated exscribes their encounter with the Hakaniemi bank in Helsinki on a late December day. It likewise details the significance the body bears on their take on choreographic writing and points towards the manner in which this writing contains traces of the inexpressible and non-thinkable.
L’espace vide: Phénoménologie et chorégraphie, Elsa Ballanfat (2021)
Authors: Basselier Laetitia
Published: July 2022

Review of: L’espace vide: Phénoménologie et chorégraphie, Elsa Ballanfat (2021)

Bucharest: Zeta Books, 459 pp.,

ISBN 978-6-06967-132-4, p/bk, €24.00
Utazási szándékot befolyásoló tényezők konfliktusövezetekben található desztinációkban – Törökország példája
Authors: Agárdi Irma , Bayramov Elimdar
Published: July 2022

A cikk célja, hogy Törökország példáján keresztül vizsgálja meg, milyen tényezők hatnak az utazási szándékra a konfliktusövezetekben található desztinációkban. Online kérdőíves megkérdezést végeztünk törökországi utazást tervezők körében. Az 1420 főből álló mintát strukturális egyenletek módszerével elemeztük. A kutatás kimutatta, hogy az észlelt kockázat negatív hatással van az utazás iránti attitűdre, míg az utazás fölött észlelt kontroll és a desztinációs imázs növeli az utazási szándékot. A szubjektív normák mind az utazás iránti attitűdöt, mind az utazás fölött észlelt kontrollt pozitív irányban befolyásolják. A kutatási eredmények egyrészt hozzájárulnak az utazási magatartás megértéséhez a konfliktusövezezetekben található desztinációk esetében, másrészt segítik a piaci szereplőket, hogy megakadályozzák a turizmus visszaesését.
Turisztikai információgyűjtés és élménymegosztás a közösségi média korában
Authors: Iványi Tamás
Published: July 2022

Szakirodalomban gyakran hivatkozott források bemutatásával a tanulmány arra világít rá, hogy a közösségi média egyre intenzívebb használatának köszönhetően, illetve az utóbbi években az online turisztikai közvetítő, ár- és ajánlat-összehasonlító keresők segítségével, hogyan kapcsolódik össze a turisztikai fogyasztói folyamatban az utazási döntést és az utazást megelőző szakasz az utazást követő szakasszal. A szakirodalom számos modellt ismer a fogyasztói magatartás, illetve a közösségimédia-használat marketing szempontú elemzésére. Az irodalmi áttekintés célja többek között az, hogy ezen modellek turisztikai célú utazásokra való adaptálásának lehetőségeire is rávilágítson, valamint, hogy kiindulópontot nyújtson a turisztikai folyamatokat kutatók és a turizmus területén működő vállalkozások, TDM szervezetek számára az élménymegosztás és a fogyasztók által létrehozott tartalmak jobb megismeréséhez.
The moisture distribution in wall-to-floor thermal bridges and its influence on mould growth
Authors: Xue Yucong , Fan Yifan , Ge Jian
Published: July 2022

Moisture in the building envelopes increase the energy consumption of buildings and induce mould growth, which may be amplified within the area of thermal bridges due to their different hygrothermal properties and complex structures. In this study, we aimed to (1) reveal the moisture distribution in the typical thermal bridge (i.e., wall-to-floor thermal bridge, WFTB) and its surrounding area, and (2) investigate the mould growth in the building envelope that includes both WFTB and the main part of the wall,
in a humid and hot summer cold winter region of China (Hangzhou City). The transient numerical simulations that lasted for five years were performed to model the moisture distribution. Simulated results indicate that the moisture distribution presents significant seasonal and spatial differences due to the WFTB. The areas where moisture accumulates have a higher risk of mould growth. The thermal insulation layer laid on the exterior surface of WFTB can reduce the overall humidity while uneven moisture distribution, which may promote mould growth and water vapour condensation.
NOVOS MEDICAMENTOS PARA A HEPATITE C: CARACTERIZAÇÃO DOS USUÁRIOS E RESULTADOS TERAPÊUTICOS
Authors: Cardoso Amanda dos Santos Teles , Costa Patrícia dos Santos , Dias Valdinéa Santos , Da Silva Cinara Vasconcelos , Cazedey Edith Cristina Laignier
Published: July 2022

Segundo a Organização Mundial da Saúde, mais de 170 milhões de pessoas estão infectadas com o vírus da hepatite C (HCV). Os fármacos antivirais de ação direta revolucionaram o tratamento da hepatite C. A avaliação do perfil destes novos tratamentos pode fornecer informações relativas à sua efetividade. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar o perfil clínico e descrever os aspectos epidemiológicos e demográficos de portadores do HCV tratados com sofosbuvir, daclatasvir, simeprevir e ribavirina, atendidos por Plano de Assistência à Saúde Suplementar do Estado da Bahia (PLANSERV), em 2015 e 2016. O desenho deste estudo foi observacional transversal e descritivo com análise de dados secundários obtidos por meio do banco de dados do PLANSERV. O perfil epidemiológico do estudo esteve alinhado com outros trabalhos da literatura, exceto pela predominância do sexo feminino (58%) com faixa etária de 60 anos ou mais. O perfil clínico demonstrou que os resultados terapêuticos com os novos fármacos foram positivos. A maioria dos pacientes finalizou o tratamento (64%), ainda que com grau de fibrose avançada, em 12 semanas e com baixo índice de reações adversas. De maneira geral, este trabalho indicou que o tratamento foi bem tolerado entre os portadores de hepatite C, fortalecendo a segurança no uso destes medicamentos e a necessidade de formas que ampliem o acesso à terapia.
Perampanel as First Add-On Therapy in Patients with Focal-Onset Seizures in the FAME Trial: Post hoc Analyses of Efficacy and Safety Related to Maintenance Dose and Background Antiepileptic Drug Therapy
Authors: Kim Ji Hyun , Kim Dong Wook , Lee Sang Kun , Seo Dae-Won , Lee Ji Woong , Kim Min Young , Lee Sang Ahm
Published: July 2022

Background and Purpose: FAME (Fycompa® as first Add-on to Monotherapy in patients with Epilepsy; NCT02726074), a previously reported single-arm, phase IV study, showed that perampanel improved seizure control as first add-on to failed anti-seizure medication (ASM) monotherapy in 85 South Korean patients aged ≥12 years with focal-onset seizures (FOS) with/without focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures. We present results of three post hoc analyses of FAME that further assessed the efficacy and safety of perampanel.Methods: Patients were stratified by low- (4, 6 mg/day) versus high- (8, 10, 12 mg/day) dose maintenance perampanel, perampanel added to first- versus second-line ASM monotherapy, and concomitant background ASM monotherapy and perampanel dose. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with a ≥50% reduction in total seizure frequency during the 24-week maintenance period. Safety was assessed by the descriptive incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs).Results: In post hoc analyses, 50% responder rates were significantly higher for low- versus high-dose maintenance perampanel (88.6% vs. 40.0%; p<0.001) and when added to first- versus second-line ASM monotherapy (83.5% vs. 33.3%; p=0.013). By concomitant background ASM and perampanel maintenance dose, 50% responder rates were 100% for perampanel 4 mg/day added to carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, lamotrigine, or valproic acid, and 85% when added to levetiracetam. Add-on perampanel improved 75% and seizure-free responder rates, and median percent changes from baseline seizure frequency per 28 days. Perampanel was well tolerated when added to ASM monotherapy, with dizziness being the most common TEAE.Conclusions: Post hoc analyses of FAME provide supportive data for the use of perampanel as an effective and well-tolerated first add-on treatment to a broad spectrum of ASM monotherapies in patients with FOS.
Successful Treatment of Patient with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome with Combination of Levetiracetam, Lamotrigine and Valproate after Failure of Corpus Callosotomy
Authors: Farzi Mohammad Amin
Published: July 2022

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a pharmacoresistant epileptic encephalopathy. Herein reported is a case of LGS that combination therapy with levetiracetam, lamotrigine and valproate culminated in control of all seizure types and resolution of epileptic discharges in electroencephalography. This case indicates that logical combination therapy may provide seizure control and improvement of electroencephalographic pattern in patients with LGS even in cases at which epileptic surgery fails.
Certain topics in ellipsometric data modeling with splines: a review of recent developments
Authors: Likhachev Dmitriy V.
Published: July 2022

Dielectric function representation by a variety of polynomial spline functions provides a consistent and efficient method for accurate modeling of the material optical properties in the context of spectroscopic ellipsometry data interpretation. Splines as an elegant and purely mathematical way for such modeling task were introduced about three decades ago. In the following years the use of splines in the area of ellipsometric data analysis became widely utilized. The goal of this review is to provide a self-contained presentation on the current status of the dielectric function modeling by splines for advanced industrial ellipsometry users but, hopefully, it can be useful for some scholarly users as well. It is also intended to promote more extended recognition of the spline-based modeling among optical metrology professionals. Here, a brief description of different ways, – ordinary polynomials, piecewise polynomials (splines), and B(asis)-spline functions, – is presented to parameterize an arbitrary function which can be used as an analytic representation of the dielectric-function curves. A number of particular polynomial-based models for the optical functions of materials and how they may be used in applications are also discussed. Particular attention is paid to different concepts of the efficient and optimal spline construction.
Derivation of sex and age-specific reference intervals for clinical chemistry analytes in healthy Ghanaian adults
Authors: Bawua Serwaa Akoto , Ichihara Kiyoshi , Keatley Rosemary , Arko-Mensah John , Ayeh-Kumi Patrick F. , Erasmus Rajiv , Fobil Julius
Published: July 2022

Objectvies

This study is aimed at establishing reference intervals (RIs) of 40 chemistry and immunochemistry analytes for Ghanaian adults based on internationally harmonized protocol by IFCC Committee on Reference Intervals and Decision Limits (C-RIDL).

Methods

A total of 501 healthy volunteers aged ≥18 years were recruited from the northern and southern regions of Ghana. Blood samples were analyzed with Beckman-Coulter AU480 and Centaur-XP/Siemen auto-analyzers. Sources of variations of reference values (RVs) were evaluated by multiple regression analysis (MRA). The need for partitioning RVs by sex and age was guided by the SD ratio (SDR). The RI for each analyte was derived using parametric method with application of the latent abnormal values exclusion (LAVE) method.

Results

Using SDR≥0.4 as threshold, RVs were partitioned by sex for most enzymes, creatinine, uric acid (UA), bilirubin, immunoglobulin-M. MRA revealed age and body mass index (BMI) as major source of variations of many analytes. LAVE lowered the upper limits of RIs for alanine/aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transaminase and lipids. Exclusion of individuals with BMI≥30 further lowered the RIs for lipids and CRP. After standardization based on value-assigned serum panel provided by C-RIDL, Ghanaian RIs were found higher for creatine kinase, amylase, and lower for albumin and urea compared to other collaborating countries.

Conclusions

The LAVE effect on many clinical chemistry RIs supports the need for the secondary exclusion for reliable derivation of RIs. The differences in Ghanaian RIs compared to other countries underscore the importance of country specific-RIs for improved clinical decision making.
‘Penelope test’: a practical instrument for checking appropriateness of laboratory tests
Authors: Caruso Simone , Szoke Dominika , Panteghini Mauro
Published: July 2022

In medical laboratories, the appropriateness challenge directly revolves around the laboratory test and its proper selection, data analysis, and result reporting. However, laboratories have also a role in the appropriate management of those phases of total testing process (TTP) that traditionally are not under their direct control. So that, the laboratory obligation to act along the entire TTP is now widely accepted in order to achieve better care management. Because of the large number of variables involved in the overall TTP structure, it is difficult to monitor appropriateness in real time. However, it is possible to retrospectively reconstruct the body of the clinical process involved in the management of a specific laboratory test to track key passages that may be defective or incomplete in terms of appropriateness. Here we proposed an appropriateness check-list scheme along the TTP chain to be potentially applied to any laboratory test. This scheme consists of a series of questions that healthcare professionals should answer to achieve laboratory test appropriateness. In the system, even a single lacking answer may compromise the integrity of all appropriateness evaluation process as the inability to answer may involve a significant deviation from the optimal trajectory, which compromise the test appropriateness and the quality of subsequent steps. Using two examples of the check-list application, we showed that the proposed instrument may offer an objective help to avoid inappropriate use of laboratory tests in an integrated way involving both laboratory professionals and user clinicians.
Distance learning: an interdisciplinary experiment on Rayleigh scattering
Authors: Pérez-Vallejo Hortensia Natalia , Contreras-Ruiz Marco Antonio , Ibanez Jorge G.
Published: July 2022

As a result of social distancing measures in response to the Covid-Sars 2 pandemic, our school sent chemistry kits to the students’ homes for remote experimentation. This allowed the performance of ∼25 experiments per person in each of the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters in an elective chemistry course. Students were requested to design some experiments of their own and then have the entire group reproduce them. One such experiment consisted of the anodic indirect electrogeneration of colloidal sulfur by solution acidification to produce thiosulfate disproportionation. This was evidenced by the well-known Rayleigh scattering phenomenon. Here, the trajectory and polarization state of light are modified by its interaction with a medium containing particles of smaller diameter than the wavelengths of incident light. If white light interacts with this medium, the smaller wavelengths (e.g., blue, violet) are radially scattered while the longer wavelengths (e.g., orange, red) pass through the suspension. Such scattering is responsible for beautiful sunsets and blue skies and is produced here by an indirect electrochemical process that generates colloidal sulfur. Students evidence the scattering of light shone from simple cell phone flashlights. The entire procedure is performed in a 2-h class session. Key student outcomes are presented.
Finiteness of meromorphic mappings from a complete Kähler manifold into a projective space
Authors: Thoan Pham Duc , Tuyen Nguyen Dang , Vangty Noulorvang
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this paper is to prove the finiteness theorems for meromorphic mappings of a complete connected Kähler manifold into a projective space sharing few hyperplanes in subgeneral position without counting multiplicity, where all zeros with multiplicities more than a certain number are omitted.
Our results are extensions and generalizations of some recent ones.
A green approach in the biological base oil process
Authors: Tran Thi Hong , Diem-Do Quy , Huynh Quyen , Phan Minh Tan
Published: July 2022

This article presents a green approach in the biological base oil synthesis from catfish fat by-product using the hydrodynamic cavitation technique. The effects of parameters on the yield of reaction were investigated. The application of the cavitation technique has improved the process efficiency significantly. The catfish polyester oil yield reached at high value (94.6%) at the inlet pressure of 60 psi, the molar ratio of acetic anhydride/epoxy of 1.25/1, 85°C, and only 10 min, and also under these reaction conditions, magnetic stirring technique could only give the limited yield of catfish oil polyester of 12%. The results of Fourier transform infrared resonance, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and 13C NMR analyses and characteristic properties of materials and products have demonstrated that the chemical structure of polyester catfish oil was triglyceride chains containing saturated alkyl R chains and branched by methyl ester functional groups and the polyester catfish oil has met the quality standards of SN150 and SN500 mineral base oils. It could be said that the biological base oil process from catfish fat by-products under the assistance of cavitation techniques would develop sustainably.
Continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve by eliciting the laryngeal adductor reflex (LAR-CIONM)
Authors: Sinclair Catherine F. , Tellez Maria J.
Published: July 2022

The laryngeal adductor reflex (LAR) is a life-sustaining airway protective mechanism that serves to shield the lower airways from inhaled foreign bodies. Over the past half century, the LAR has been extensively investigated and its dysfunction has been linked to far-ranging pathologies, from dysphagia to sudden infant death syndrome. Over the past 6 years, specific electromyographic waves in the LAR response have been used to devise a methodology for monitoring the vagus and recurrently laryngeal nerves during surgical procedures. This methodology involves continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring of the laryngeal adductor reflex and isthus termed ‘LAR-CIONM’. In this review paper, the physiology of the LAR will be summarized as it relates to LAR-CIONM and the technique of LAR-CIONM will be described. Applications of this technique and published outcomes of LAR-CIONM will be highlighted.
Design considerations for representing systems biology information with the Systems Biology Graphical Notation
Authors: Schreiber Falk , Czauderna Tobias
Published: July 2022

Visual representations are commonly used to explore, analyse, and communicate information and knowledge in systems biology and beyond. Such visualisations not only need to be accurate but should also be aesthetically pleasing and informative. Using the example of the Systems Biology Graphical Notation (SBGN) we will investigate design considerations for graphically presenting information from systems biology, in particular regarding the use of glyphs for types of information, the style of graph layout for network representation, and the concept of bricks for visual network creation.
Effect of supplementation with 5,000 IU of vitamin D on the glycemic profile of women with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Camarena Pulido Eva Elizabet , Mora González Salvador , Corona Gutiérrez América Aime , Robledo Aceves Mireya , Basso Barba Paola , Salgado Leyva Yunuen
Published: July 2022

Objectives

The frequency of GDM and vitamin D insufficiency in Mexico is high. Vitamin D supplementation in GDM patients has shown favorable but non-homogeneous results regarding improvement of glycemic profile. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of supplementing with 5,000 IU of vitamin D on the glycemic profile of women with GDM.

Methods

A randomized clinical trial was conducted on women with GDM who received 5,000 IU of vitamin D (n=27) or a placebo (n=27) for eight weeks. Changes in vitamin D levels and metabolic parameters before and after the intervention were analyzed.

Results

Vitamin D vs. placebo: 25-OHD (32 vs. 26 ng/mL, p=0.006), HbA1c (6.0 vs. 6.1%, p=0.29), glucose (99 vs. 87 mg/dL, p=0.29), insulin (14 vs. 13 µIU/mL, p=0.79), HOMA-IR (3.6 vs. 2.6, p=0.55), QUICKI (0.31 vs. 0.33, p=0.55).

Conclusions

Supplementation with 5,000 IU of vitamin D for eight weeks had no significant effect on the glycemic profile.
Crystal structure of 1,1′-(1,2-ethanediyl)bis(pyridin-1-ium) bis(1,2-dicyanoethene-1,2-dithiolato-κ2
S:S)zinc(II), C20H14N6ZnS4
Authors: Liu Xue-Guo , Chen Wan-Yao
Published: July 2022

C20H14N6ZnS4, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 8.5063(13) Å, b = 12.3254(19) Å, c = 21.843(3) Å, β = 96.550(2)°, V = 2275.1(6) Å3, Z = 4, R

gt
(F) = 0.0288, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.0751, T = 293(2) K.