bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting patients with false negative SARS-CoV-2 testing at hospital admission: A retrospective multi-center study
Authors: Ghazi Lama , Simonov Michael , Mansour Sherry G. , Moledina Dennis G. , Greenberg Jason H. , Yamamoto Yu , Biswas Aditya , Wilson F. Perry
Published: May 2021

Importance

False negative SARS-CoV-2 tests can lead to spread of infection in the inpatient setting to other patients and healthcare workers. However, the population of patients with COVID who are admitted with false negative testing is unstudied.

Objective

To characterize and develop a model to predict true SARS-CoV-2 infection among patients who initially test negative for COVID by PCR.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Five hospitals within the Yale New Haven Health System between 3/10/2020 and 9/1/2020.

Participants

Adult patients who received diagnostic testing for SARS-CoV-2 virus within the first 96 hours of hospitalization.

Exposure

We developed a logistic regression model from readily available electronic health record data to predict SARS-CoV-2 positivity in patients who were positive for COVID and those who were negative and never retested.

Main outcomes and measures

This model was applied to patients testing negative for SARS-CoV-2 who were retested within the first 96 hours of hospitalization. We evaluated the ability of the model to discriminate between patients who would subsequently retest negative and those who would subsequently retest positive.

Results

We included 31,459 hospitalized adult patients; 2,666 of these patients tested positive for COVID and 3,511 initially tested negative for COVID and were retested. Of the patients who were retested, 61 (1.7%) had a subsequent positive COVID test. The model showed that higher age, vital sign abnormalities, and lower white blood cell count served as strong predictors for COVID positivity in these patients. The model had moderate performance to predict which patients would retest positive with a test set area under the receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) of 0.76 (95% CI 0.70–0.83). Using a cutpoint for our risk prediction model at the 90th percentile for probability, we were able to capture 35/61 (57%) of the patients who would retest positive. This cutpoint amounts to a number-needed-to-retest range between 15 and 77 patients.

Conclusion and relevance

We show that a pragmatic model can predict which patients should be retested for COVID. Further research is required to determine if this risk model can be applied prospectively in hospitalized patients to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infections.
The influence on oxidative stress markers, inflammatory factors and intestinal injury-related molecules in Wahui pigeon induced by lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Wang Fei , Liu Jin , Hu Xiaofen , Zhong Youbao , Wen Feng , Tang Xiaoen , Yang Shanshan , Zhong Shengwei , Zhou Zuohong , Yuan Xu , Li Yong
Published: May 2021

Introduction

The intestinal structure is the foundation for various activities and functions in poultry. An important question concerns the changes in the intestinal status under endotoxin stimulation. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of intestinal injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in Wahui pigeons.

Methods

Thirty-six 28-day-old healthy Wahui pigeons were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group was injected with LPS (100 μg/kg) once per day for five days, and the control group was treated with the same amount of sterile saline. Blood and the ileum were collected from pigeons on the first, third, and fifth days of the experiment and used for oxidative stress assessment, inflammatory factor detection, histopathological examination, and positive cell localization. In addition, intestinal injury indices and mRNA expression levels (tight junction proteins, inflammatory cytokines, and factors related to autophagy and apoptosis) were evaluated.

Results

Villi in the ileum were shorter in the LPS group than in the control group, and D-lactic acid levels in the serum were significantly increased. Glutathione and catalase levels significantly decreased, but the malondialdehyde content in the serum increased. TNF-α and IL-10 were detected at higher levels in the serum, with stronger positive signals and higher mRNA expression levels, in the LPS group than in the control group. In addition, the levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, and HMGB1 in the inflammatory signaling pathway were also upregulated. Finally, the mRNA expression of Claudin3, Occludin, and ZO-1 was significantly decreased; however, that of Beclin1 and Atg5 was increased in the LPS group.

Conclusion

Ileal pathological changes and oxidative stress were caused by LPS challenge; it is proposed that this triggering regulates the inflammatory response, causing excessive autophagy and apoptosis, promoting intestinal permeability, and leading to intestinal injury in Wahui pigeons.
Detection of mind wandering using EEG: Within and across individuals
Authors: Dong Henry W. , Mills Caitlin , Knight Robert T. , Kam Julia W. Y.
Published: May 2021

Mind wandering is often characterized by attention oriented away from an external task towards our internal, self-generated thoughts. This universal phenomenon has been linked to numerous disruptive functional outcomes, including performance errors and negative affect. Despite its prevalence and impact, studies to date have yet to identify robust behavioral signatures, making unobtrusive, yet reliable detection of mind wandering a difficult but important task for future applications. Here we examined whether electrophysiological measures can be used in machine learning models to accurately predict mind wandering states. We recorded scalp EEG from participants as they performed an auditory target detection task and self-reported whether they were on task or mind wandering. We successfully classified attention states both within (person-dependent) and across (person-independent) individuals using event-related potential (ERP) measures. Non-linear and linear machine learning models detected mind wandering above-chance within subjects: support vector machine (AUC = 0.715) and logistic regression (AUC = 0.635). Importantly, these models also generalized across subjects: support vector machine (AUC = 0.613) and logistic regression (AUC = 0.609), suggesting we can reliably predict a given individual’s attention state based on ERP patterns observed in the group. This study is the first to demonstrate that machine learning models can generalize to “never-seen-before” individuals using electrophysiological measures, highlighting their potential for real-time prediction of covert attention states.
Clinical profile and factors associated with COVID-19 in Yaounde, Cameroon: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Fouda Mbarga Nicole , Epee Emilienne , Mbarga Marcel , Ouamba Patrick , Nanda Herwin , Nkengni Aristide , Guekeme Joseph , Eyong Justin , Tossoukpe Sylvie , Noumedem Sosso Sauvia , Ngono Ngono Engelbert , Ntsama Lazare Mbala , Bonyomo Landry , Tchatchoua Patrick , Vogue Noel , Metomb Steve , Ale Franck , Ousman Moussa , Job Dorian , Moussi Charlotte , Tamakloe Modeste , Haberer Jessica E. , Ndeso Atanga Sylvester , Halle-Ekane Gregory , Boum Yap
Published: May 2021

Background

A year after the COVID-19 pandemic started, there are still few scientific reports on COVID-19 in Africa. This study explores the clinical profiles and factors associated with COVID-19 in Cameroon.

Materials and methods

In this prospective cohort study, we followed patients admitted for suspicion of COVID-19 at Djoungolo Hospital between 01st April and 31st July 2020. Patients were categorised by age groups and disease severity: mild (symptomatic without clinical signs of pneumonia), moderate (with clinical signs of pneumonia without respiratory distress) and severe cases (clinical signs of pneumonia and respiratory distress not requiring invasive ventilation). Demographic information and clinical features were summarised. Multivariable analysis was performed to predict risk.

Findings

A total of 313 patients were admitted during the study period; 259 were confirmed cases of COVID-19 by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Among the confirmed cases, the male group aged 40 to 49 years (13.9%) was predominant. Disease severity ranged from mild (26.2%; n = 68) to moderate (59%; n = 153) to severe (14.7%; n = 38); the case fatality rate was 1% (n = 4). Dysgusia (46%; n = 119) and hyposmia/anosmia (37.8%; n = 98) were common features of COVID-19. Nearly one-third of patients had comorbidities (29%; n = 53), of which hypertension was the most common (18.9%; n = 49). Participation in mass gatherings (Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.37; P = 0.03) and dysgusia (OR = 2.09, P = 0.02) were predictive of diagnosis of COVID-19. Age groups 60 to 69 (OR = 7.41; P = 0.0001), 50 to 59 (OR = 4.09; P = 0.03), 40 to 49 (OR = 4.54; P = 0.01), male gender (OR = 2.53; P = 0.04), diabetes (OR = 4.05; P = 0.01), HIV infection (OR = 5.57; P = 0.03), lung disease (OR = 6.29; P = 0.01), dyspnoea (OR = 3.70; P = 0.008) and fatigue (OR = 3.35; P = 0.02) significantly predicted COVID-19 severity.

Conclusions

Most COVID-19 cases in this study were benign with low fatality. Age (40–70), male gender, HIV infection, lung disease, dyspnoea and fatigue are associated with severe COVID-19. Such findings may guide public health decision-making.
Retinal oxygen saturation changes progressively over time in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Hardarson Sveinn Hakon , Stefánsson Einar , Bek Toke
Published: May 2021

Purpose

According to cross-sectional studies, oxygen saturation is elevated in retinal vessels in diabetic patients. We evaluated how retinal oxygenation (metabolic marker), vessel diameters and retinopathy grade (structural markers) change over time in diabetic patients.

Design

Prospective cohort study following screening in a hospital setting.

Methods

Retinal oximetry images were acquired in 214 patients with the Oxymap T1 oximeter. Imaging was repeated after a median of 3.0 years (range 0.76–6.8 years). Oxygen saturation and vessel diameters were measured in the right eye. Semiquantitative grading of retinopathy according to international guidelines and red lesion count were performed on fundus photographs.

Results

Retinopathy grade according to the international semiquantitative grading system was unchanged. Arteriolar saturation increased by 0.75±0.15 percentage points per year of follow-up (p<0.0001). Venular saturation increased by 1.74±0.26 percentage points per year (p<0.0001) and arteriovenous difference decreased by 0.99±0.20 percentage points per year (p<0.0001). Arteriolar diameters decreased by 2.7±8.5μm (p<0.0001) between visits and venular diameters decreased by 2.4±9.1μm (p = 0.0002). Median increase in red lesion count between visits was 2 lesions (range -128 to 212 lesions, p<0.0001). The change in red lesion count and change in diameters did not correlate with the length of follow-up (p>0.44).

Conclusions

Oxygen saturation in larger retinal vessels can increase and arteriovenous difference can decrease over time in diabetic patients without any observable changes in retinopathy grade. The results suggest that changes in retinal oxygen saturation may precede progression of diabetic retinopathy or that oxygen saturation is more sensitive to disease progression than retinopathy grade.
Escepticismo ante las reglas y pedigree democrático de la dificultad contramayoritaria
Authors: Reyes Molina Sebastián
Published: May 2021

La dificultad contramayoritaria es una de las principales críticas al control judicial de constitucionalidad de las leyes. Esta crítica es analizada desde la teoría del derecho a la luz de la distinción disposición/norma. El argumento central de este artículo es el siguiente: cuando el control de constitucionalidad tiene como efecto declarar inaplicable una ley a un caso concreto, el argumento de la dificultad contramayoritaria no es aplicable.
Sobre la legitimidad del estándar de prueba en el proceso penal
Authors: Céspedes Tomás Agustín
Published: May 2021

En el presente trabajo se pretende realizar una defensa liberal de los estándares de prueba exigentes utilizados para el dictado de sentencias condenatorias en los procesos criminales. Se realiza una crítica a la posición utilitarista en la materia sostenida por Larry Laudan y se sostiene, siguiendo a Ronald Dworkin, que para ser legítimos, los estándares de prueba deben otorgar la importancia debida al riesgo del daño moral que podríamos causarle a un inocente al condenarlo erróneamente, como así también realizar una ponderación coherente de la magnitud del daño moral que la comunidad política le asigna a casos análogos. Por último, se analizan las implicancias que la postura defendida tiene en el ámbito del derecho constitucional en general, y del ordenamiento jurídico argentino en particular.
Autonomía moral, autonomía personal y derechos humanos en Carlos Nino
Authors: Iosa Juan
Published: May 2021

Trabajo la relación entre autonomía moral (AM) y autonomía personal (AP), aquí con foco en Ética y Derechos Humanos de Carlos Nino. Reconstruyo primero su comprensión, luego la evalúo críticamente. Para él la segunda es una subclase de la primera: la AM referiría a todos los deberes morales, la AP sólo a los autorreferentes. A su vez entiende que la AM es un presupuesto ineludible del discurso moral mientras que la AP es un principio de moralidad social. Pero entonces o bien la AM es un principio de moralidad social o bien la AP es un presupuesto de la práctica del discurso moral. Una tercera opción es concebir la AM como aislando sólo un conjunto de principios válidos entre los que se encontraría el de AP. Muestro la inviabilidad de estas propuestas. Por último presento el modo a mi juicio adecuado de concebir la relación en cuestión.
Urbanización, crecimiento y expectativas del planeamiento urbanístico en las áreas urbanas intermedias españolas (1981-2018)
Authors: Bellet Sanfeliu Carme , Andrés López Gonzalo
Published: May 2021

En los últimos cuarenta años, en las ciudades se ha producido una acusada fase de crecimiento y expansión, culminada con el “boom” inmobiliario de la denominada “década prodigiosa” del urbanismo español (1997-2007). En este proceso, las áreas urbanas articuladas por ciudades medias han protagonizado los crecimientos relativos más notables del sistema urbano en España, muy por encima de lo que realmente representan en población, parque de viviendas y superficie urbanizada. Como consecuencia de ello, estas ciudades han modificado su estructura tradicionalmente compacta y relativamente densa, generándose nuevas formas definidas por la fragmentación y el intensivo consumo de suelo en las periferias. Se ha consolidado así un modelo de ciudad diseñado por un planeamiento urbanístico convertido en instrumento para proyectar en el territorio las dinámicas del crecimiento económico. Desde el año 2008 se ha abierto un claro proceso de ralentización de esta expansión, lo que invita a considerar un cambio de ciclo y, en consecuencia, la generación de un nuevo modelo de ciudad más racional y sostenible. Sin embargo, el análisis del planeamiento general vigente en estas ciudades obliga a reconsiderar esta hipótesis, ya que las expectativas de crecimiento continúan siendo muy elevadas y el modelo urbano sigue centrado en la extensión y la propuesta de grandes sectores de nuevo suelo urbanizable.
Students' transitions into initial teacher education: Understanding barriers and enablers through an ecological lens barriers and enablers through an ecological lens
Authors:   University of Waikato, New Zealand, Amundsen Diana , Ballam Nadine ,   University of Waikato, New Zealand, McChesney Katrina ,   University of Waikato, New Zealand
Published: May 2021

This paper presents a small-scale qualitative investigation which explored early first-year transition experiences of pre-service teacher students.The study took place in one university in Aotearoa New Zealand,involving24 students and three co-researchers from a Faculty of Education. Perceptions of students’ transition experiences were gathered through an essay task six weeks into the first semester; data were analysed using Bronfenbrenner’s (1979) ecological theory to identify barriers and enablers related to students’ transition experiences in various contexts. Diverse transitions accounts of ‘becoming a pre-service teacher student’ were analysed as being complex and intertwined with historical, social, cultural and political elements.These findings have implications for providers and educators of pre-service teacher programmes.Purposeful application of Bronfenbrenner’s theory to identify, name and understand how various transition barriers and enablers impact wellbeing and resilience could open up a more visible, shared and understood transition experience.
Monitoramento bacteriológico da água de um poço artesiano localizado na zona urbana da cidade de Remígio-PB
Authors: Silva Aldeni Barbosa da , Brito Janaina Moreira de , Silva Filho Edmilson Dantas da
Published: May 2021

Esse trabalho teve o objetivo de realizar um monitoramento bacteriológico da água de um poço artesiano localizado na zona urbana da cidade de Remígio-PB. O estudo foi desenvolvido com amostras de água coletadas num poço artesiano localizado na zona urbana da cidade de Remígio-PB. As amostras de água foram coletadas diretamente do poço artesiano, em garrafas de vidro (500 ml) com boca larga, protegidas com papel laminado, previamente esterilizadas em autoclave a 121 oC, por 30 minutos, e foram encaminhadas para o Laboratório do Centro de Formação Profissional do Instituto Albano Franco de Tecnologia de Couro e de Calçado (CTCC) em Campina Grande. Os parâmetros analisados foram: coliformes totais, coliformes termotolerantes, Escherichi coli e Bactérias Heterotróficas. Observou-se que as amostras analisadas apresentaram quantidade de coliformes totais, coliformes termotolerantes e bactérias heterotróficas totalmente fora dos limites estabelecidos pela portaria vigente. Não se detectou a presença de E. coli. Conclui-se que todas as amostras estão em desacordo com as recomendações estipuladas pela Portaria do Ministério da Saúde de nº 5, de 28 de setembro de 2017, pois apresentaram coliformes totais, coliformes termotolerantes e Bactérias heterotróficas, necessitando, portanto, de melhorias significativas no que se refere a proteção da fonte e de tratamento prévio antes de serem fornecidas para consumo humano.
Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding Associated With Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Use
Authors: Dantas Eduardo , Coelho Mariana , Sequeira Cristiana , Santos Inês , Martins Cláudio , Cardoso Cláudia , Freire Ricardo , Oliveira Ana Paula
Published: May 2021

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (kayexalate) is a cation-exchange resin widely used in the management of hyperkalemia. Gastrointestinal adverse events are uncommon; symptoms are nonspecific, and mucosal injury can range from mild ulceration to bowel perforation. An 81-year-old man was admitted because of decompensation of cirrhosis with acute kidney injury and hyperkalemia, treated with sodium polystyrene sulfonate. During admission, he presented multiple episodes of hematochezia, accompanied by tachycardia and hemoglobin drop. Colonoscopy revealed colonic ulceration, and histopathological findings were compatible with ulceration due to kayexalate injury. Despite rare, the widespread use of sodium polystyrene sulfonate puts a large population at risk of serious complications related to its use.
Acute Kidney Injury Presenting as Hepatorenal Syndrome in the Setting of Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir Treatment for Hepatitis C
Authors: Fansiwala Kush , Saltiel Jason , Poles Michael
Published: May 2021

A 65-year-old man with chronic hepatitis C virus and hepatocellular carcinoma, after surgical resection and chemotherapy, was started on a regimen of glecaprevir and pibrentasavir for treatment of his hepatitis C virus. Ten days later, he developed hepatotoxicity with subsequent progression to hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). On discontinuation of glecaprevir/pibrentasavir and initiation of HRS treatment, he had improvement in his renal and hepatic function. Although there have been recent safety concerns surrounding hepatocellular injury secondary to glecaprevir/pibrentasavir, this is the first case report of HRS secondary to severe hepatotoxicity induced by glecaprevir/pibrentasavir.
Two Major Economic Crises in the Early Twenty-First Century and their Impact on Central Bank Independence
Authors: Dabrowski Marek
Published: May 2021

Two major economic crises in the early twenty-first century have had a serious impact on monetary policy and CB independence. Disruption in financial intermediation and associated deflationary pressures caused by the global financial crisis of 2007–2009 and European financial crisis of 2010–2015 pushed central banks (CBs) in major currency areas towards adoption of unconventional monetary policy measures, including large-scale purchase of government bonds (quantitative easing). The same approach has been taken by CBs in response to the COVID-19 crisis in 2020 even if the characteristics of this crisis differ from the previous one. As a result of both crises, CBs have become major holders of government bonds and de facto – main creditors of governments. Against rapidly deteriorating fiscal balances, CBs have become hostages of fiscal policies, which compromises their independence. Risks to the CB independence also come from their additional mandates (beyond price stability) and populist political pressures.
Investigations of polyethylene of raised temperature resistance service performance using autoclave test under sour medium conditions
Authors: Qi Guoquan , Yan Hongxia , Qi Dongtao , Li Houbu , Kong Lushi , Ding Han
Published: May 2021

The chapter deals with the performance evaluation of the polyethylene of raised temperature resistance (PE-RT) and polyethylene (PE) using autoclave test under sour oil and gas medium conditions. The analyses of performance changes showed that PE-RT has good media resistance at 60°C. As the temperature increases, its mechanical properties decrease, accompanied by an increase in weight. Comparative analyses showed that no matter what temperature conditions are, PE-RT media resistance is better than PE80. The better media resistance of PE-RT depends on its higher degree of branching. Short branches are distributed between the crystals to form a connection between the crystals, thereby improving its heat resistance and stress under high-temperature conditions. PE-RT forms an excellent three-dimensional network structure through copolymerization, ensuring that it has better media resistance than PE80. However, the mechanical performance will be attenuated due to the high service temperature.
Tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 is a potent kallikrein-related protease 12 inhibitor
Authors: Lavergne Marion , Guillon-Munos Audrey , Lenga Ma Bonda Woodys , Attucci Sylvie , Kryza Thomas , Barascu Aurélia , Moreau Thierry , Petit-Courty Agnès , Sizaret Damien , Courty Yves , Iochmann Sophie , Reverdiau Pascale
Published: May 2021

The protease activities are tightly regulated by inhibitors and dysregulation contribute to pathological processes such as cancer and inflammatory disorders. Tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 (TFPI-2) is a serine proteases inhibitor, that mainly inhibits plasmin. This protease activated matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and degraded extracellular matrix. Other serine proteases are implicated in these mechanisms like kallikreins (KLKs). In this study, we identified for the first time that TFPI-2 is a potent inhibitor of KLK5 and 12. Computer modeling showed that the first Kunitz domain of TFPI-2 could interact with residues of KLK12 near the catalytic triad. Furthermore, like plasmin, KLK12 was able to activate proMMP-1 and -3, with no effect on proMMP-9. Thus, the inhibition of KLK12 by TFPI-2 greatly reduced the cascade activation of these MMPs and the cleavage of cysteine-rich 61, a matrix signaling protein. Moreover, when TFPI-2 bound to extracellular matrix, its classical localisation, the KLK12 inhibition was retained. Finally, TFPI-2 was downregulated in human non-small-cell lung tumour tissue as compared with non-affected lung tissue. These data suggest that TFPI-2 is a potent inhibitor of KLK12 and could regulate matrix remodeling and cancer progression mediated by KLK12.
Effects of sintering temperature on the microstructural properties of Al2O3–Y2O3 powder mixtures
Authors: Abalı Serkan , Kılınç Songül
Published: May 2021

In this study, YAlO3 (YAP) was produced at low temperatures by a powder sintering process. Al2O3–Y2O3 powder mixtures were subjected to heat treatment at different temperatures. The relationship between the sintering temperature and the emergence of new phases was investigated via X-ray diffraction, and supported by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The crystallization of the monoclinic yttrium aluminum oxide (Y4Al2O9) occurred at 1 000 °C, whereas the yttrium aluminum perovskite (YAlO3) crystallization occurred at 1 100°C. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis showed yttrium content in the sample containing Al2O3–YAlO3 powder sintered at 1100 °C, associated with the YAlO3 phase formed at this temperature. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface analysis showed a significant decrease in the pore volume of the sample sintered at 1 100°C.
Reporting the magnetic profile of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles at different temperatures
Authors: Ud Din Israf , Saeed Tooba , Ahmad Zahoor , Alharthi Abdulrahman I. , Alotaibi Mshari A. , Naeem Abdul
Published: May 2021

Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CFNs) were synthesized using cobalt nitrate hexahydrate and ferric nitrate nonahydrate through a wet chemical method. Various characterization techniques were used to confirm the synthesis of CFNs. The thermal stability, structure, morphology and crystallinity of the synthesized CFNs were determined by thermogravimetric analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results show that the synthesized nanoparticles are stable and crystalline with fine homogenized structure. Vibrating sample magnetometry was used to determine the magnetic properties of the synthesized material. The coercivity was noted to be decreased and the hysteresis loop gradually flattens as the temperature increases toward the Curie temperature.
Mizaj assessment in multiple sclerosis patients based on Persian Medicine
Authors: Abbasian Reza , Mojahedi Morteza , Alizadeh Mostafa , Khafri Soraya , Ansaripour Mohammad , Moosavyzadeh Abdolali , Kamali Mohammadali , Babaeian Mahmoud , Sourtiji Hossein , Shaygannejad Vahid , Kerdarian Hossein , Rezaeizadeh Hossein
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Increased incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) calls for supporting complementary therapies in this field. Persian Medicine (PM) specialists present various assumptions to help patients through Mizaj (temperament) modification, but its confirmation requires scientific evidence. This study aimed at identifying the Mizaj of MS patients, and comparing it with their Mizaj before the onset of the disease, and with that of healthy people.

Methods

Forty-two MS and fifty-four healthy subjects participated in the study as case and control groups. General and brain Mizaj in patients were identified by five PM specialists before and after the onset of the disease. Mojahedi Mizaj Questionnaire (MMQ) was completed by the two groups. The validity of MMQ was assessed using Mizaj diagnosis by PM specialists as the gold standard. t-test, McNemar-Bowker, Wilcoxon, and Chi-square (χ2) tests were used to compare the Mizaj of patients before and after the onset of the disease, and between the two groups (p<0.05).

Results

The sensitivity and specificity of MMQ for Hotness (75, 81%) and Coldness (75, 65%) were acceptable. There were no significant differences between patients and healthy subjects in terms of general Mizaj. But general and brain Mizaj of patients after developing MS inclined to coldness and dryness, although merely inclination of general Mizaj to coldness was significant (p=0.03).

Conclusions

According to our results, the Mizaj of MS patients has an inclination toward coldness and dryness; Also, MMQ can be used as a validated scale for identifying the Mizaj of MS patients in future studies.
Developmental effects of early-life stress on dopamine D2 receptor and proteins involved in noncanonical D2 dopamine receptor signaling pathway in the prefrontal cortex of male rats
Authors: Mahmoodkhani Maryam , Ghasemi Maedeh , Derafshpour Leila , Amini Mohammad , Mehranfard Nasrin
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Dopamine neurotransmission is implicated in multiple neuropsychiatric disorders, most strikingly in Parkinson’s disease, bipolar disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and schizophrenia. In addition to canonical pathway, D2-receptor (D2R) exerts some of its biological actions through regulating the activity of Akt and GSK3, which in turn were found to be altered in several psychiatric illnesses. The present study examined the impacts of maternal separation, an early-life stress model which has been associated with disturbed neurodevelopment and appearance of many psychiatric disorders, on developmental changes in dopamine concentration and the expression of D2Rs, Akt and GSK-3β in the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC; a key target of stress) in adolescent and young adult male rats.

Methods

Maternal separation was performed 3 h per day from postnatal days 2 to 11. The PFC protein and dopamine contents were determined using western blotting analysis and Eliza, respectively.

Results

Results indicated long-term increases in the prefrontal dopamine levels in stressed adolescent and young adult male rats, accompanied by significant downregulation of D2R as well as upregulation of p-Akt and GSK-3β contents in stressed adolescence compared to controls, with all protein levels that returned to control values in stressed adult rats.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that early-life stress differentially modulates prefrontal D2R/Akt/GSK-3β levels during development. Since adolescence period is susceptible to the onset of specific mental illnesses, disruption of noncanonical components of D2R signaling during this critical period may have an important role in programming neurobehavioral phenotypes in adulthood and manipulations influencing Akt/GSK-3β pathway may improve the expression of specific dopamine-related behaviors and the effects of dopaminergic drugs.
Enhanced second-harmonic generation in monolayer MoS2 on suspended metallic nanostructures by plasmonic resonances
Authors: Leng Qing , Su Huanhuan , Liu Jianqiang , Zhou Lin , Qin Kang , Wang Qianjin , Fu Junqi , Wu Shan , Zhang Xuejin
Published: May 2021

Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) possess large second-order nonlinear responses due to the broken inversion symmetry, which can extend their intriguing applications in nonlinear nanophotonics and optoelectronics. However, the atomic thickness of monolayer TMDs severely decreases the interaction length with free light with respect to bulk materials, leading to rather low second-harmonic generation (SHG) conversion efficiency. Here, we demonstrate a hybrid structure consisting of a monolayer MoS2 on a suspended perforated silver film, on which the SHG signal emitted from the monolayer MoS2 is enhanced by more than three orders of magnitude at room temperature. The pronounced SHG enhancement is attributed to the distinct electric field amplification nearby the nanoholes, which is induced by the symmetric surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) existing in the ultrathin suspended silver grating. Our results reported here may establish the substrate-free engineering of nonlinear optical effects via plasmonic nanostructures on demand.
A three-dimensional Eu(III) framework in the crystal structure of dimethylaminium poly[dimethylformamide-κ1
N)bis(μ4-terephthalato-κ4
O:O′:O′′:O′′′)europium(III)] monohydrate, C21H25EuN2O10
Authors: Song Wenqi , Zhu Yanfang , Miao Zong-Cheng
Published: May 2021

C21H25EuN2O10, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 14.1635(8) Å, b = 12.1381(6) Å, c = 14.4528(7) Å, β = 104.361(2)°, V = 2407.1(2) Å3, Z = 4, Rgt
(F) = 0.0304, wRref
(F
2) = 0.0893, T = 296 K.
Synthesis and crystal structure of (1E,2E)-3-(anthracen-9-yl)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one oxime, C24H19NO2
Authors: Usman Rabia , Khan Arshad , Al-Hazmi Ghaferah H. , Refat Moamen S. , He Nongyue
Published: May 2021

C24H19NO2, triclinic,

P

1
‾

$P‾{1}$

(no. 2), a = 8.3580(17) Å, b = 10.220(2) Å, c = 11.227(2) Å, α = 85.25(3), β = 81.35(3), γ = 88.72(3), V = 944.8(3) Å3, Z = 2, R

gt
(F) = 0.0873, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.1988, T = 293 K.
Reconsidering the Pitted Ware chronology
Authors: Iversen Rune , Philippsen Bente , Persson Per
Published: May 2021

The Pitted Ware culture continues to attract attention from scholars. Being chronologically situated in the Neolithic, the Pitted Ware phenomenon breaks with our traditional view on cultural and social evolution by representing a return to, or continuation of, an otherwise abandoned hunter-gatherer lifestyle. One of the key issues for trying to understand the Pitted Ware Culture is its chronology – when and where did this phenomenon emerge for the first time, how did it spread and when and why did it end? In order to clarify these issues this paper presents the hitherto largest sample of new as well as old recalibrated and error corrected radiocarbon dates from Pitted Ware sites all over Scandinavia. From more than 900 radiocarbon dates, we are able to look through the many obstacles that often hamper the interpretation of the limited numbers of individual dates obtained from single sites. Furthermore, we are able to present a model showing a rapid spread of the “Pitted Ware Culture” or “Pitted Ware phenomenon” from a supposed origin in central eastern Sweden (c. 3400 cal BC) to vast, mostly coastal, areas on the Scandinavian Peninsula and northeastern Denmark. The rapid spread can be explained by Pitted Ware engagement in far-reaching flint exchange networks. The end of the Pitted Ware phenomenon (c. 2200 cal BC) can be seen as a consequence of the agricultural intensification and expansion northwards during the Late Neolithic.
The Diachrony of Pronouns of Address in 20th-century European Portuguese
Authors: Lara-Bermejo Víctor , Bruno Guilherme Ana Rita
Published: May 2021

The system of pronouns of address in Portuguese is known for its complexity. Although many investigations (mainly case studies) on Brazilian Portuguese have been carried out to this respect, there is lack of in-depth studies about the European variety. In this article, we aim to provide the history of the system of pronouns of address in European Portuguese throughout the 20th century, by analyzing dialect data pertaining to three sociolinguistic corpora. The results highlight that the 20th century meant a time with profound changes in Portugal’s society, since it represents a stage in which European Portuguese established a new paradigm that favoured standard responses and pragmatic solidarity. However, this variety is still inclined to pragmatic distance, for the data reveal that it has also come up with new strategies to maintain deference as the unmarked politeness strategy.
Projecting regions of North Atlantic right whale, Eubalaena glacialis, habitat suitability in the Gulf of Maine for the year 2050
Authors: Ross Camille H. , Pendleton Daniel E. , Tupper Benjamin , Brickman David , Zani Monica A. , Mayo Charles A. , Record Nicholas R.
Published: May 2021

North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) are critically endangered, and recent changes in distribution patterns have been a major management challenge. Understanding the role that environmental conditions play in habitat suitability helps to determine the regions in need of monitoring or protection for conservation of the species, particularly as climate change shifts suitable habitat. This study used three species distribution modeling algorithms, together with historical whale abundance data (1993–2009) and environmental covariate data, to build monthly ensemble models of past E. glacialis habitat suitability in the Gulf of Maine. The model was projected onto the year 2050 for a range of climate scenarios. Specifically, the distribution of the species was modeled using generalized additive models, boosted regression trees, and artificial neural networks, with environmental covariates that included sea surface temperature, bottom water temperature, bathymetry, a modeled Calanus finmarchicus habitat index, and chlorophyll. Year-2050 projections used downscaled climate anomaly fields from Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5 and 8.5. The relative contribution of each covariate changed seasonally, with an increase in the importance of bottom temperature and C. finmarchicus in the summer, when model performance was highest. A negative correlation was observed between model performance and sea surface temperature contribution. The 2050 projections indicated decreased habitat suitability across the Gulf of Maine in the period from July through October, with the exception of narrow bands along the Scotian Shelf. The results suggest that regions outside of the current areas of conservation focus may become increasingly important habitats for E. glacialis under future climate scenarios.
Practical Aspects of Distance learning in Graphic Disciplines at a Technical University During the Pandemic Period
Authors:   Sayano-Shushenskaya – branch of Siberian Federal University, Ertskina Elena Borisovna , Oreshcova Svetlana Petrovna ,   Sayano-Shushenskaya – branch of Siberian Federal University
Published: May 2021

The article deals with the most important aspects to organize distance learning on the base of the Sayano-Shushenskaya branch of the Siberian Federal University, the experience of using MOODLE digital platform is described. Such a platform the possibility and peculiarities to conduct online lectures and practical classes, coursework, examinations of graphic disciplines are considered. The purpose of this article is to analyze the problems and effectiveness of distance learning in the study of graphic disciplines of students of the Sayano-Shushenskaya branch of SFU in the period of the coronavirus pandemic. Research methodology and methods. When performing and testing graphical works in a remote format, there were certain difficulties, which required the leadership of the university to change the curriculum, where the study of ACAD must be moved earlier in the term from the third semester to the second and combined with a parallel study of engineering graphics. Results of the study. The organization. and introduction of distance learning in the pandemic period allows to analyze adequately the possibilities of working in MOODLE platform just with graphical documents, on such disciplines as “Engineering Graphics”, “Technical Mechanics”, “Machine Parts”. To build the learning process in such a way as to prepare students to perform complex engineering tasks, such as course design. To increase motivation and information component in the study of graphic disciplines. The temporal order of studying the disciplines is determines and the study of the AutoCAD graphic program exactly in the period of engineering graphics learning is provided. The conclusion it is concluded that, the successful learning of graphic disciplines in distance learning will contribute to the mastery of AutoCAD by students at the initial stage, to perform individual graphic tasks and check the correctness of their solutions.
Regards to the Information Literacy Formation of the National Guard Troops Personnel
Authors:   Perm Military Institute of National Guard Troops, Streltsov Roman Vyacheslavovich , Zolnikov Igor Valerevich ,   Perm Military Institute of National Guard Troops, Ermolaev Sergey Yurievich ,   Perm Military Institute of National Guard Troops, Melnikov Evgeny Ivanovich ,   Perm Military Institute of National Guard Troops
Published: May 2021

The main tasks in the field of information security organization are: creating a departmental segment and ensuring the required level of information security; improvement of regulatory legal acts and methodological documents of the National Guard Troops; ensuring the required level of information security when fulfilling tasks assigned to the National Guard Troops; development of an information security system and ensuring the provision of public services. The paper reveals the direct relations between information literacy and information security. Information security and information literacy are the two concepts that complement each other. It is impossible to imagine ensuring of information security without the information literacy of a military man. Issues related to the formation of information literacy of the National Guard Troops personnel of the Russian Federation are considered. The analysis of literary sources confirming the significance of the considered issue in the world community is performed. The main tasks for the formation of information literacy among military personnel are presented. The aim of the study is to search for scientific and methodological approaches to the organization of information literacy among military personnel. The purpose of the article military personnel is not only the ability to find the necessary information at various resources, the ability to use information technologies in service and professional activities, but also the ability to navigate in changing technologies taking into account the great pace of their development and increase the volume of information.
Target therapies plus somatostatin analogs in NETs: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Pusceddu Sara , Facciorusso Antonio , Giacomelli Luca , Prinzi Natalie , Corti Francesca , Niger Monica , Milione Massimo , Coppa Jorgelina , Cascella Tommaso , Pulice Iolanda , Biamonte Lavinia , Papa Simonetta , Di Bartolomeo Maria , Shah Aashni , Sacco Rodolfo , de Braud Filippo
Published: May 2021

Although combination therapy is not recommended in patients with gastro–entero–pancreatic (GEP) neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), this strategy is widely used in clinical practice. This network meta-analysis of randomized trials evaluates targeted therapies and somatostatin analogues in GEP-advanced NETs, either alone or in combination, comparing the efficacy of different, single or combined treatment strategies in terms of progression-free survival (PFS). Interventions were grouped as analogs, everolimus, everolimus plus SSAs, sunitinib and placebo. In a secondary analysis, we also assessed the efficacy of individual-specific pharmacological treatments vs placebo or each other. From 83 studies identified, 8 randomized controlled trials were selected, with a total of 1849 patients with either functioning or non-functioning NETs. The analysis confirmed the superiority of all treatments over placebo (HR ranging from 0.34, 95% CI: 0.24–0.37 with the combination of everolimus plus SSAs to 0.42, 0.31–0.57 with the analogs; moderate quality of evidence). On ranking analysis, the combination of everolimus plus SSA (P score = 0.86) and then everolimus alone (P score = 0.65) ranked highest in increasing PFS. On comparative evaluation of different interventions, pasireotide (P score = 0.96) and everolimus + octreotide (P score = 0.82) ranked as the best pharmacological treatment options. Our findings support the use of combination therapy in the treatment of functioning and non-functioning GEP NETs. The role of pasireotide should be explored in selected subgroups of patients. Lastly, the combination of everolimus and octreotide appears promising and should be more widely considered in clinical practice.
Coronary Artery–Left Ventricular Fistula with Giant Right Coronary Aneurysm: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Diao Wenjie , Shi Chao , Liu Ge , Liu Xuegang
Published: May 2021

Right coronary artery–left ventricular (RCA–LV) fistula with associated giant right coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) is an extremely rare cardiac condition. This case study presents a patient with a large left ventricle (LV) and a giant right CAA with a maximal inner diameter of approximately 56.6 mm and an inner diameter of approximately 22 mm at its communication with the left ventricle. The patient underwent surgical management, involving suturing of the proximal end of the CAA and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). RCA–LV fistula with a giant right CAA may involve serious complications, such as thrombosis, rupture, and heart failure. Therefore, it is necessary to establish effective management strategies for this condition. Although this case is not unique, it serves as an illustrative example of the implementation of a classic surgical treatment method.
The Observation Protocol for Academic Literacies: Conceptual Framework and Validation Report
Authors: Lavadenz Magaly , Armas Elvira
Published: May 2021

The Observation Protocol for Academic Literacies (OPAL) conceptual framework and validation report describes the development of the OPAL instrument and the results of the validation study that confirms OPAL as a research-based tool to measure classroom practices for ELs. The OPAL development began in 2006 as a research-based behavioral observation tool that measures teacher practices and classroom interactions from a sociocultural language acquisition perspective. It utilizes a six-point Likert- scale (1-Low – 6-High) to rate instruction across four domains and 18 indicators: 1) Rigorous and Relevant Curriculum, 2) Connections, 3) Comprehensibility, and 4) Interactions. The instrument allows for anecdotal notes to be taken during the observations. This report is organized into two sections: 1) the conceptual framework–including the underlying sociocultural perspectives and effective teaching practices for ELs with the description of the four domains; and 2) the technical report describing the validation study–including phases of development, content validity, construct validity, and data analysis and results. Key highlights from this report position the OPAL as a valid and reliable measure of instructional practices that can support teachers of ELs in refining the content and language development of ELs given that the OPAL: • standardizes the description of research-based practices for ELs • has content validity for measuring the optimal classroom conditions that bolster EL’s academic achievement • has construct validity for each of the four domains as measured by confirmatory factor analysis • is proven to be a reliable tool as measured by the Cronbach’s Alpha The final chapter of the report provides recommendations for the OPAL for professional development and for examining teaching and learning for school reform and for conducting research that leads to improvement of EL outcomes. Further research to establish the predictive validity of the OPAL is also implied.
How to manage careers in Slovak small and medium-sized wood-processing enterprises
Authors: Hitka Miloš , Ližbetinová Lenka , Schmidtová Jarmila , Balážová Žaneta , Lorincová Silvia , Štarchoň Peter , Kucharčíková Alžbeta , Sedliačiková Mariana
Published: May 2021

Current approaches to human resource management are focused on the sustainable development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Career strategies of employees are its integral part. The aim of this paper is to determine the changes in professional priorities of employees in small and medium-sized wood-processing enterprises in the area of motivation relating to career aspiration throughout the course of life. The research outcomes show significant correlation between age, gender, and motivation factors relating to career aspiration. Slovak women working in SMEs prefer motivation factors relating to finances, mutual relationships, work, and career aspiration. Motivation factors selected by men are almost the same. In terms of age, motivation factors relating to career aspiration are preferred mainly by women aged 30 to 40 years old. Mentioned factors become less important for respondents of older age groups. Men working in SMEs prefer the motivation factors relating to career aspiration at the age of 30 and subsequently they become less important as well. Following the outcomes of this research, managers of SMEs should motivate career-oriented employees especially according to their needs. In the long-term perspectives, managers can encourage employees to stay focused on their careers.