bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gamma Rays Induced Modification in Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)
Authors: Aarya Suveda , Kumar Pawan , Bhatia Mamta , Kumar Sanjeev , Sharma Jyotsna , Siddhartha
Published: June 2021

Modifications taking place in ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) films due to gamma ray radiation-induced and investigated in correlation with the applied doses. Films were irradiated in a vacuum at room temperature by a 1.25 MeV Co60 a source with doses ranging from 0 to 300 kGg. The optical, chemical, structural, and surface morphological properties of the irradiated and unirradiated UHMWPE films were investigated by UV-Visible, FTIR, XRD, and SEM, respectively. The band gap

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g

decreases with increasing radiation dose and coloration effects have been seen at higher doses. FTIR spectra show an oscillatory behavior in the transmittance intensities without affecting in their peak positions. Number of small absorption peaks can be seen clearly which may be due to the cross-linking of the polymeric chain. No significant change in crystalline peak has been found in the X-ray diffraction pattern indicating the structural stability of the polymer. The morphology of the smooth topography of the polymer samples to change rougher one polymeric sample shows the formation of microvoids on the surface of the polymeric materials with the increase of the doses from 0 to 300 kGy.
Metastatic Malignant Paraganglioma Presenting as a Neck Mass Treated with Radiolabeled Somatostatin Analog
Authors: Jehangir Waqas , Karabachev Alexander , Tsao Jackie , Anker Christopher J. , Garapati Sree Susmitha , Kikut Janusz K. , Rehman Hibba Tul
Published: June 2021

Paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors that arise from chromaffin-containing tissue. Surgical resection and/or radiation are used for locoregional disease, and reduction of tumor burden with systemic therapy is reserved for metastatic disease. Iobenguane I-131, somatostatin analog (octreotide), and Sunitinib are noncytotoxic options for treatment, while cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and dacarbazine (CVD) and temozolomide are often used as initial chemotherapy options as studies have shown that they offer some tumor response. However, there are no randomized clinical trials demonstrating prolonged survival with the use of chemotherapeutics in metastatic cases. Investigation of alternative therapies that provide survival benefit is thus necessary. We present a case of a 69-year-old female with metastatic malignant paraganglioma presenting as a left parapharyngeal neck mass, which metastasized after surgery, requiring radiation therapy for bony metastasis who was treated with a radioisotope somatostatin analog for disease progression.
Experimental Study on Shear Behavior and Failure Mechanism of Bolted Heterogeneous Rock Joints under Different Anchorage Conditions
Authors: Cheng Xianzhen , Luan Hengjie , Jiang Yujing , Zhang Sunhao , Jia Chuanyang
Published: June 2021

Despite their frequent natural occurrence and engineering encounter, heterogeneous rock joints (rock joints with different lithological characters on both sides of the joint surface) have been studied much less systematically. To study the shear behavior and failure mechanism of bolted heterogeneous rock joints, laboratory tests were performed on the heterogeneous rock joints having different joint roughness coefficients (JRC) under different anchorage conditions. The results indicate that shear strength increases with the increase of JRC, showing exponential growth. Under the same roughness, the shear strengths of rock joints from large to small are fully grouted, end anchorage, and without anchorage. The mechanical characteristics of the bolt and joint are poorly matched under the end anchorage condition, which is easy to cause these two to be broken one by one. Under fully grouted, the extrusion force caused by the rock bolt will diffuse around the anchorage agent and will not cause partial continuous damage. The surface damage of heterogeneous rock joints increases with the increase of JRC and presents obvious heterogeneous characteristics. The shear dislocation between the blocks under shear load results in the interaction between the bolt and surrounding media. Under the action of shear force, the bolt body produced both axial and transverse deformation, which leads to breakage of anchorage agent and rock mass. Rock bolt has a significant impact on the shear behavior of the anchorage system, and the damage of the rock bolt to rock mass should be considered in rock engineering reinforcement design.
Where You Sit is Where You Stand: Table Arrangement Battles in Middle East Peace Conferences
Authors: Singer Joel
Published: June 2021

This article analyzes one procedural prenegotiation issue that may seem minor in comparison to the substantive questions at hand, but can become consequential regarding its impact on the negotiation and its outcome. How the negotiating table is configured and where the parties will sit is the focus of our analysis. We examine how these questions were addressed in advance of key Vietnam and Middle East peace talks. The study assesses various strategies that were employed effectively to blur potential visual manifestations of symbolic and precedential advantage by one side.
DNA-barcode and endophallus morphology delimit congruent species in a systematic revision of the oxyporine rove beetles of Russia (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Oxyporinae)
Authors: Tokareva Alexandra S. , Konstantinov Fedor V. , Brunke Adam J. , Solodovnikov Alexey
Published: June 2021

Rigorous species delimitation is a challenge in biology and systematics in particular. In insects, male genitalia traditionally, and the barcoding region of the CO1 gene recently, are the main markers to identify species, even though a standalone use of CO1 for that is often criticized. In our systematic revision of the mycophagous and in other ways peculiar oxyporine rove beetles of Russia, the legacy alpha-taxonomy could not be improved by traditional investigation of genitalia as they are unusually character-poor in this group. Using phylogenetic inference and ancestral state reconstruction, we demonstrate that CO1 and endophallus are useful markers for species delimitation in Oxyporus. We also show that many morphological traits previously used for species delimitation in Oxyporus are in fact highly variable and thus inconsistent. We hypothesize that in Oxyporus diversification of the endophallic structures is driven by intense intra- and inter-species interactions of multiple individuals co-occurring in narrow spaces inside fungal bodies during mating. Our results encourage broader use of both markers, especially easy-to-generate dna barcodes, for the desired alpha-taxonomical work in Oxyporinae globally. The revision revealed 10 species of Oxyporus in the fauna of the Russian Federation; eliminated erroneous species records; established two new synonyms, Oxyporus (Oxyporus) basicornis Cameron, 1930 = O. (O.) aequicollis Bernhauer, 1935, syn.nov. = O. (O.) parvus Lee et al., 2020, syn. nov.; and raised the hypothesis that O. (O.) aokii Dvořák, 1956, O. (O.) basiventris Jarrige, 1948 and O. (O.) kobayashii Hayashi, 2015 are conspecific with O. (O.) maxillosus Fabricius, 1793. Lectotypes are designated for O. (O.) basicornis Cameron, 1930, O. (O.) germanus Sharp, 1889, O. (O.) niger Sharp, 1889, and O. (O.) triangulus Sharp, 1889. Comprehensive taxonomic treatment and an identification key are provided for all species.
The Hyalella species flock of Lake Titicaca (Crustacea: Amphipoda): perspectives and drawbacks of dna-based identification
Authors: Jaume Damià , Zapelloni Francesco , Pons Joan , Juan Carlos , Jurado-Rivera José A.
Published: June 2021

Lake Titicaca, in the High Andes of Perú and Bolivia, harbours the world’s third most speciose ancient-lake amphipod radiation on record. A minimum of nineteen species of Hyalella derived from at least five independent colonization episodes concentrate in this high altitude water body, although the actual species number present has not yet been established and could be much higher. Herein, we take advantage of the description of three new species (H. krolli, H. gonzalezi, and H. hirsuta) and the re-description of other two (H. solida and H. nefrens) to assess the feasibility of adopting a dna-based identification approach to resolve the magnitude of this highly speciose amphipod assemblage. A Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of the evolutionary relationships among South American Hyalella cox1 haplotypes, including those of four out of the five species dealt with herein, shows a great disagreement between taxonomic units delimited under morphological and genetic data, hampering species identification exclusively based on cox1 dna barcode sequences.
Exploring effective information use in an insurance workplace
Authors: Inskip Charles , Donaldson Sophia
Published: June 2021

As employability has become a more visible graduate attribute, it is becoming recognised that a better understanding of information practices in work may enable a smoother transition from university to employment. This paper discusses the current state of workplace information literacy and presents the findings of research into staff experiences of information use in a City insurance firm. A framework previously developed out of phenomenographic research into nursing is employed to draw parallels and highlight differences between insurance workplace and university student terminology. Context-specific hierarchical statements using the language of the participants are developed from coded interview texts. These statements, which are drawn together in illustrative personae, provide a rich and detailed view of the participants’ experience of effective information use. It is suggested that a better understanding of language use in communities of practice would facilitate transition both between and within the communities.
Promoting excellence of monographs in taxonomy
Authors: ZHANG ZHI-QIANG
Published: June 2021

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Integrative taxonomy reveals a new but common Neotropical treefrog, hidden under the name Boana xerophylla
Authors: ESCALONA MOISÉS , MARCA ENRIQUE LA , CASTELLANOS MICHELLE , FOUQUET ANTOINE , CRAWFORD ANDREW J. , ROJAS-RUNJAIC FERNANDO J.M. , GIARETTA ARIOVALDO A. , SEÑARIS J. CELSA , CASTROVIEJO-FISHER SANTIAGO
Published: June 2021

Boana xerophylla is a common treefrog widely distributed in northern Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela. A recent study found molecular, acoustic, and morphometric differences between the populations located on opposite sides of the Orinoco River. Here, we carry out an updated molecular phylogenetic analysis, including new samples from all the countries along the distribution area, and analyzed additional call recordings from Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela. Our phylogenetic inference reveals three geographically restricted lineages: one in the eastern Guiana Shield (corresponding to B. xerophylla sensu stricto), another in the western Guiana Shield, and a third one north of the Orinoco River. Morphological and acoustic data agree with the differentiation between the populations north of the Orinoco River and the eastern Guiana Shield despite the low genetic p-distances observed (16S rRNA: 0.7–2.2 %). We argue that the populations north of the Orinoco River correspond to a new species, sister of B. xerophylla. We name and describe Boana platanera sp. nov. from the southern versant of the Cordillera de Mérida (08º48’26’’ N, 70º30’46’’ W, WGS 84; 947 m asl), Venezuela, and refer all the populations north of the Orinoco River currently identified as B. xerophylla to this species. The new species can be readily diagnosed from B. xerophylla (characters of the latter in parentheses) by a pale orange-yellow or light brown dorsal coloration (dark brown to green), palpebral membrane with dark pigments (pigments absent); pericloacal region dark brown (cream), advertisement call with shorter first note length than B. xerophylla. This study represents an empirical example regarding false negatives behind genetic thresholds for species discovery, appraising the use of integrative taxonomic approaches.
A new species of the scale insect genus Newsteadia Green (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Ortheziidae) from China
Authors: ZHENG XINYI , XING JICHUN
Published: June 2021

Members of the scale insect family Ortheziidae (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Coccomorpha) occur all over the world but these small, delicate insects are difficult to find. The largest genus in the Ortheziidae is Newsteadia Green. Previous studies have recorded four species of Newsteadia in China. This study describes and illustrates the adult female, male, prepupal male, and first-, second- and third-instar nymphs of a fifth species, Newsteadia fanjingensis sp. n., from Guizhou Province, China, collected above 2000 m altitude under thick moss on the bark of Acer sp. Identification keys are provided to the adult females of Newsteadia species known in China, and the adult males known worldwide.
Report of a new genus Arboramima belonging to tribe Diestramimini, with a new species A. cattusis from Guangxi, China (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae: Aemodogryllinae)
Authors: ZONG JING-SONG , QIN YAN-YAN , LI KAI , HE ZHU-QING
Published: June 2021

A new genus (Arboramima Zong, Qin & He gen. nov.) with a new species (Arboramima cattusis Zong, Qin & He sp. nov.) is reported from Guangxi, China. The morphology of the new genus and species are provided. Samples of Aemodogryllinae species were selected for the reconstruction of phylogenetic tree based on mitochondrial COI fragment. The results supported the validation of the new genus. The type specimens are deposited in Museum of Biology, East China Normal University (ECNU).
Synthesis and Kinetic Analysis of «-MnO2 Nanowires for Supercapacitor Electrode
Authors: Li Jiaojiao , Li Wenyao , Huang Liping , Ma Caiyu , Liu Jingjing , Zhou Qingbo , He Guanjie , Ji Tao
Published: June 2021

As the electrode material of supercapacitor, MnO2 materials have attracted extensive concern and its electrochemical performance has been continuously optimized, but the kinetic analysis is rarely discussed. Herein, a-MnO2 nanowires with a uniform morphology were
synthesized by hydrothermal method, which exhibits proven electrochemical property like outstanding circulation stability, demonstrated rate performance and high specific capacitance. In addition, diffusion-controlled Faradaic procedure and surface capacitance action were calculated and analyzed
in detail.
NiCo2O4 Nanosheets for High Performances Formaldehyde Gas Sensing Performances
Authors: Zhang Haihui , Ullah Nabi , Abbas Mudassar , Naeem Sumaira , Nadeem Ahmad Mirza , Hussain Shahid , Akhtar Naseem , Ahmad Awais , Sufyan Javed Muhammad , Riaz Omar
Published: June 2021

The advancements in gas sensors application with maximum performances in selectivity, response, accuracy in resistance measurements and inexpensive fabrication cost has led researcher to develop and new outstand nanomaterials for environmental safety. In this study, we followed a simple
hydrothermal route to synthesize ultrathin NiCo2O4 nanosheets used in gas sensing applications. The wide surface area of nanosheets provides plenty of surface area for the adsorption of HCHO gas molecules. The nanostructures are testified using XRD, XPS, SEM and TEM,
respectively. The nanosheets are tested for diverse gases at assorted effective temperature ranges, and shows high response and selectivity towards formaldehyde gas. The outstanding gas-sensing properties of ultrathin NiCo2O4 nanosheets based sensor make it a potential
candidate in industrial applications.
Portable HEPA Purifiers to Eliminate Airborne SARS‐CoV‐2: A Systematic Review
Authors: Liu David T. , Phillips Katie M. , Speth Marlene M. , Besser Gerold , Mueller Christian A. , Sedaghat Ahmad R.
Published: June 2021

Objective

Current epidemiologic predictions of COVID‐19 suggest that SARS‐CoV‐2 mitigation strategies must be implemented long‐term. In‐office aerosol‐generating procedures pose a risk to staff and patients while necessitating examination room shutdown to allow aerosol decontamination by indwelling ventilation. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on portable high‐efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifiers’ effectiveness in eliminating airborne SARS‐CoV‐2 from indoor environments.

Data Sources

Medline, Embase, Cochrane Databases, and the World Health Organization’s COVID‐19 Global Literature on Coronavirus Disease.

Review Methods

Data sources were systematically searched for original English‐language published studies indexed up to January 14, 2021 per the following search strategy: (“HEPA” OR “High‐efficiency” OR “High‐efficiency particulate air” OR “Efficiency particulate” OR “Purifier” OR “Filter” OR “Cleaner” OR “Filtration”) AND (“COVID” OR “COVID‐19” OR “SARS‐CoV‐2” OR “Coronavirus”). Additional relevant studies were identified by searching the reference lists of included articles.

Results

Eleven published studies have evaluated the effectiveness of portable HEPA purifiers in eliminating airborne SARS‐CoV‐2 with relevantly sized surrogate particles. Ten studies evaluated aerosols and submicron particles similar in size to SARS‐CoV‐2 virions. In all studies, portable HEPA purifiers were able to significantly reduce airborne SARS‐CoV‐2‐surrogate particles. The addition of portable HEPA purifiers augmented other decontamination strategies such as ventilation.

Conclusion

Experimental studies provide evidence for portable HEPA purifiers’ potential to eliminate airborne SARS‐CoV‐2 and augment primary decontamination strategies such as ventilation. Based on filtration rates, additional air exchanges provided by portable HEPA purifiers may be calculated and room shutdown times potentially reduced after aerosol‐generating procedures.
Comparison of natural durability of wood by stake tests followed by survival analysis
Authors: Momohara Ikuo , Sakai Haruko , Kurisaki Hiroshi , Ohmura Wakako , Kakutani Toshikazu , Sekizawa Tokio , Imamura Yuji
Published: June 2021

The conventional stake test is widely used to evaluate wood durability. The test monitors the deterioration level observed on stakes partially inserted into the ground. The test results are conventionally expressed as the relationship between the mean deterioration level and exposure periods. Durability is compared between the stake groups based on the test results; however, there is no scientific basis for the comparison. To include a scientific basis to the conventional stake test, we applied survival analysis to it. Four stake groups were subjected to deterioration at three sites for 7 years. The deterioration levels were monitored according to the conventional procedure, and survival analysis was applied to the monitored data. The Kaplan–Meier curves plotting the survival probabilities against the exposure periods indicated that the durability of the test stakes of Japanese cedar heartwood is higher than those of Japanese cedar sapwood. However, it was also demonstrated that the durability ratio between Japanese cedar heartwood and sapwood was strongly dependent on the test sites. It was also revealed that the durability of the heartwood portion did not differ significantly among Japanese cedar, Japanese cypress, and Japanese larch. These results were verified using the modified Gehan–Wilcoxon test.
Structural insights into acyl-ACP selective recognition by the Aeromonas hydrophila AHL synthase AhyI
Authors: Jin Lei , Bao Jingjiao , Chen Yu , Yang Wenge , Du Wenyi
Published: June 2021

Background

Aeromonas hydrophila is a gram-negative bacterium and the major causative agent of the fish disease motile aeromonad septicemia (MAS). It uses N-acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) quorum sensing signals to coordinate biofilm formation, motility, and virulence gene expression. The AHL signaling pathway is therefore considered to be a therapeutic target against pathogenic A. hydrophila infection. In A. hydrophila, AHL autoinducers biosynthesis are specifically catalyzed by an ACP-dependent AHL synthase AhyI using the precursors SAM and acyl-ACP. Our previously reported AhyI was heterologously expressed in E. coli, which showed the production characteristics of medium-long chain AHLs. This contradicted the prevailing understanding that AhyI was only a short-chain C4/C6-HSL synthase.

Results

In this study, six linear acyl-ACP proteins with C-terminal his-tags were synthesized in Vibrio harveyi AasS using fatty acids and E. coli produced active holo-ACP proteins, and in vitro biosynthetic assays of six AHL molecules and kinetic studies of recombinant AhyI with a panel of four linear acyl-ACPs were performed. UPLC-MS/MS analyses indicated that AhyI can synthesize short-, medium- and long-chain AHLs from SAM and corresponding linear acyl-ACP substrates. Kinetic parameters measured using a DCPIP colorimetric assay, showed that there was a notable decrease in catalytic efficiency with acyl-chain lengths above C6, and hyperbolic or sigmoidal responses in rate curves were observed for varying acyl-donor substrates. Primary sequence alignment of the six representative AHL synthases offers insights into the structural basis for their specific acyl substrate preference. To further understand the acyl chain length preference of AhyI for linear acyl-ACP, we performed a structural comparison of three ACP-dependent LuxI homologs (TofI, BmaI1 and AhyI) and identified three key hydrophobic residues (I67, F125 and L157) which confer AhyI to selectively recognize native C4/C6-ACP substrates. These predictions were further supported by a computational Ala mutation assay.

Conclusions

In this study, we have redefined AhyI as a multiple short- to long-chain AHL synthase which uses C4/C6-ACP as native acyl substrates and longer acyl-ACPs (C8 ~ C14) as non-native ones. We also theorized that the key residues in AhyI would likely drive acyl-ACP selective recognition.
A new integrated behavioural intervention for knee osteoarthritis: development and pilot study
Authors: Preece Stephen J. , Brookes Nathan , Williams Anita E. , Jones Richard K. , Starbuck Chelsea , Jones Anthony , Walsh Nicola E.
Published: June 2021

Background

Exercise-based approaches have been a cornerstone of physiotherapy management of knee osteoarthritis for many years. However, clinical effects are considered small to modest and the need for continued adherence identified as a barrier to clinical efficacy. While exercise-based approaches focus on muscle strengthening, biomechanical research has identified that people with knee osteoarthritis over activate their muscles during functional tasks. Therefore, we aimed to create a new behavioural intervention, which integrated psychologically informed practice with biofeedback training to reduce muscle overactivity, and which was suitable for delivery by a physiotherapist.

Methods

Through literature review, we created a framework linking theory from pain science with emerging biomechanical concepts related to overactivity of the knee muscles. Using recognised behaviour change theory, we then mapped a set of intervention components which were iteratively developed through ongoing testing and consultation with patients and physiotherapists.

Results

The underlying framework incorporated ideas related to central sensitisation, motor responses to pain and also focused on the idea that increased knee muscle overactivity could result from postural compensation. Building on these ideas, we created an intervention with five components: making sense of pain, general relaxation, postural deconstruction, responding differently to pain and functional muscle retraining. The intervention incorporated a range of animated instructional videos to communicate concepts related to pain and biomechanical theory and also used EMG biofeedback to facilitate visualization of muscle patterns. User feedback was positive with patients describing the intervention as enabling them to “create a new normal” and to be “in control of their own treatment.” Furthermore, large reductions in pain were observed from 11 patients who received a prototype version of the intervention.

Conclusion

We have created a new intervention for knee osteoarthritis, designed to empower individuals with capability and motivation to change muscle activation patterns and beliefs associated with pain. We refer to this intervention as Cognitive Muscular Therapy. Preliminary feedback and clinical indications are positive, motivating future large-scale trials to understand potential efficacy. It is possible that this new approach could bring about improvements in the pain associated with knee osteoarthritis without the need for continued adherence to muscle strengthening programmes.

Trial registration

ISRCTN51913166 (Registered 24-02-2020, Retrospectively registered).
Transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery for uterosacral ligament suspension: pilot study of 35 cases of severe pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Lu Zhiying , Chen Yisong , Wang Xiaojuan , Li Junwei , Hua Keqin , Hu Changdong
Published: June 2021

Background

To describe the short-term outcomes of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) for uterosacral ligament suspension (USLS) in patients with severe prolapse.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of patients with severe prolapse (≥ stage 3) who underwent vNOTES for USLS between May 2019 and July 2020. The Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) score, Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire short form (PISQ-12) and Pelvic Floor Inventory-20 (PFDI-20) were used to evaluate physical prolapse and quality of life before and after vNOTES for USLS.

Results

A total of 35 patients were included. The mean operative duration was 111.7 ± 39.4 min. The mean blood loss was 67.9 ± 35.8 ml. Statistically significant differences were observed between before and after vNOTES USLS in Aa (+ 0.6 ± 1.7 versus − 2.9 ± 0.2), Ba (+ 1.9 ± 2.2 versus − 2.9 ± 0.3), C (+ 1.5 ± 2.2 versus − 6.9 ± 0.9), Ap (− 1.4 ± 1.0 versus − 3.0 ± 0.1) and Bp (− 1.1 ± 1.4 versus − 2.9 ± 0.1) (P < 0.05 for all). The mean pre- and postoperative PFDI-20 score was 19.9 ± 6.7 and 3.2 ± 5.4, respectively, and the mean pre- and postoperative PISQ-12 score was 24.8 ± 2.3 and 38.3 ± 4.1, respectively (P < 0.05 for both). During 1–13 months of follow-up, there were no cases of severe complications or recurrence.

Conclusions

vNOTES for USLS may be a feasible technique to manage severe prolapse, with promising short-term efficacy and safety. Larger studies with more patients and longer follow-up periods should be performed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety profile of vNOTES for USLS.
The association of quality of life and personality characteristics with adolescent metabolic syndrome: a cohort study
Authors: Liang Xiaohua , Zhang Peng , Luo Shunqing , Zhang Guifang , Tang Xian , Liu Lingjuan
Published: June 2021

Background

An increased prevalence of adolescent metabolic syndrome (MS) is associated with adulthood cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to explore the potential relationship of quality of life (QoL) and personality traits with adolescent MS.

Methods

A total of 1961 participants from Chongqing with an average age of 11.68 years old from a cohort study established in 2014 and followed up through 2019 were included. QoL information, Eysenck’s personality questionnaire and MS components were collected.

Results

A higher QoL domain score of physical activity ability (PAA) was a protective factor for both MS and MS score (all P < 0.01), which was mainly negatively correlated with the MS components of central obesity, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and triglyceride levels, as well as positively correlated with high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level. The total QoL score was negatively correlated with triglyceride levels and positively correlated with DBP (all P < 0.01). High extraversion personality score was a protective factor against adolescent MS (P = 0.04) and MS score (P < 0.05), which were mainly negatively correlated with the MS components of waist circumference, systolic blood pressure and TGs, and positively correlated with HDL-C (all P ≤ 0.01).

Conclusions

QoL score and extraversion personality score were independent protective factors against both MS prevalence and MS score, suggesting that community intervention to improve the QoL and psychological health of children are essential.
Effect of intra-arrest trans-nasal evaporative cooling in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a pooled individual participant data analysis
Authors: Taccone Fabio Silvio , Hollenberg Jacob , Forsberg Sune , Truhlar Anatolij , Jonsson Martin , Annoni Filippo , Gryth Dan , Ringh Mattias , Cuny Jerome , Busch Hans-Jörg , Vincent Jean-Louis , Svensson Leif , Nordberg Per ,   PRINCE, Castren Maaret , Eichwede Frank , Mols Pierre , Schwab Tilmann , Vergnion Michel , Storm Christian , Pesenti Antonio , Pachl Jan , Guerisse Fabien , Elste Thomas , Roessler Markus , Fritz Harald , Durnez Pieterjan ,   PRINCESS investigators, Goldstein Patrick , Vermeersch Nick , Higuet Adeline , Jiménes Francisco Carmona , Ortiz Fernando Rosell , Williams Julia , Desruelles Didier , Creteur Jacques , Dillenbeck Emelie , Busche Caroline , Konrad David , Peterson Johan
Published: June 2021

Background

Randomized trials have shown that trans-nasal evaporative cooling initiated during CPR (i.e. intra-arrest) effectively lower core body temperature in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients. However, these trials may have been underpowered to detect significant differences in neurologic outcome, especially in patients with initial shockable rhythm.

Methods

We conducted a post hoc pooled analysis of individual data from two randomized trials including 851 patients who eventually received the allocated intervention and with available outcome (“as-treated” analysis). Primary outcome was survival with favourable neurological outcome at hospital discharge (Cerebral Performance Category [CPC] of 1–2) according to the initial rhythm (shockable vs. non-shockable). Secondary outcomes included complete neurological recovery (CPC 1) at hospital discharge.

Results

Among the 325 patients with initial shockable rhythms, favourable neurological outcome was observed in 54/158 (34.2%) patients in the intervention and 40/167 (24.0%) in the control group (RR 1.43 [confidence intervals, CIs 1.01–2.02]). Complete neurological recovery was observed in 40/158 (25.3%) in the intervention and 27/167 (16.2%) in the control group (RR 1.57 [CIs 1.01–2.42]). Among the 526 patients with initial non-shockable rhythms, favourable neurological outcome was in 10/259 (3.8%) in the intervention and 13/267 (4.9%) in the control group (RR 0.88 [CIs 0.52–1.29]; p = 0.67); survival and complete neurological recovery were also similar between groups. No significant benefit was observed for the intervention in the entire population.

Conclusions

In this pooled analysis of individual data, intra-arrest cooling was associated with a significant increase in favourable neurological outcome in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients with initial shockable rhythms. Future studies are needed to confirm the potential benefits of this intervention in this subgroup of patients.
Frequency and risk factors for hydroxychloroquine retinopathy among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Abdelbaky Mohammed Salah Eldin , El Mamoun Tarek Ahmad , Mabrouk Fatma Ibrahim , Hassan Rasha Mohamad
Published: June 2021

Background

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an antimalarial drug, recently used in COVID-19 treatment. Also it is considered over many years the cornerstone in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in adults and children. The incidence of retinal affection and retinal toxicity from hydroxychloroquine is rare, but even after the HCQ is stopped, loss of vision may not be reversible and may continue to progress. Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) is one of the screening methods recommended by AAO used for the diagnosis of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy. Our aim is to detect early HCQ-induced retinopathy among SLE patients and the risk factors for its development by using fundus autofluorescence.

Results

In the present study, 11.3% of the studied patients had significant visual field changes upon testing. Of those, 6.3% had abnormal fundus autofluorescence. We found a significant statistical relation between hydroxychloroquine retinopathy and the duration and cumulative dose of hydroxychloroquine therapy (p value = 0.003) and decreased best-corrected visual acuity of both eyes (p value = 0.000). There was no relationship between HCQ retinopathy detected by fundus autofluorescence and daily dose of HCQ/kg, age, sex, and SLEDAI score.

Conclusion

Frequency of SLE patients who had confirmed HCQ-induced retinopathy was 6.3%. Hydroxychloroquine could be safely used in all SLE patients regardless of age, sex, and SLE activity. Routine ophthalmological assessment is recommended for SLE patients who received HCQ especially for those who received HCQ longer than 7 years. Fundus autofluorescence is a modern objective tool which is specific for the early detection of HCQ retinopathy.
Design and Implementation of a Tool to Assess Students’ Understanding of Metabolic Pathways Dynamics and Regulation
Authors: Villafañe Sachel M. , Minderhout Vicky , Heyen Bruce J. , Lewis Jennifer E. , Manley Andrew , Murray Tracey A. , Tienson-Tseng Heather , Loertscher Jennifer
Published: June 2021

This article describes a biochemistry educator community-driven effort to design and implement a course-based instrument to assess undergraduate students’ understanding of metabolic pathway dynamics and regulation.
Neoliberalism's Frankenstein: Authoritarian Freedom in Twenty-First Century “Democracies”
Authors: Brown Wendy
Published: June 2021

What peculiar form of freedom is cultivated and promised in right-wing political formations today? How does “illiberal democracy” sew together libertarianism and authoritarianism? How is the radical disinhibition and aggressiveness contained in these formations reconciled with their claim to cultivate traditional values and restore order? This paper reflects on the complex recent histories—of neoliberalism, of nihilism, and of what Marcuse termed “repressive desublimation”—that generate the force and legitimacy of this novel development in Euro-Atlantic political life.
Εφαρμογή της εξισορροπημένης προσέγγισης στη διδασκαλία της γλώσσας στην Α΄τάξη του δημοτικού σχολείου
Authors: Δαλακλή Χρυσάνθη
Published: June 2021

Τα τελευταία χρόνια η έρευνα στο πεδίο του γραμματισμού στη διεθνή βιβλιογραφία, οδήγησε στον επαναπροσδιορισμό τόσο του περιεχομένου του όρου, όσο και των μεθόδων διδασκαλίας της γλώσσας στο δημοτικό σχολείο, με αποτέλεσμα τη δημοσίευση εργασιών με αξιόλογες προτάσεις. Ωστόσο, σε αντίθεση με τη διεθνή βιβλιογραφία, οι προτάσεις για τη διδασκαλία της γλώσσας στην α΄ τάξη του δημοτικού σχολείου στο ελληνικό εκπαιδευτικό σύστημα, αποτελούν ένα μικρό μέρος, αφού εδώ και δεκαετίες εξακολουθεί να είναι κυρίαρχη μία συγκεκριμένη μέθοδος, η αναλυτικο-συνθετική, εξαιτίας της παγιωμένης αντίληψης ότι η διδασκαλία των γραμμάτων και της ικανότητας αποκωδικοποίησης είναι ο βασικός στόχος της διδασκαλίας. Η εξισορροπημένη προσέγγιση (Balanced), αποτελεί μια αξιόλογη πρόταση, η οποία χρησιμοποιείται όλο και περισσότερο τα τελευταία χρόνια στη διδασκαλία της γλώσσας σε Αναλυτικά Προγράμματα τόσο των ΗΠΑ, όσο και των ευρωπαϊκών χωρών. Σκοπός της παρούσας έρευνας, ήταν η αξιολόγηση της εφαρμογής της εξισορροπημένης προσέγγισης, στη διδασκαλία του γλωσσικού μαθήματος στην α΄ τάξη του δημοτικού σχολείου, προκειμένου να αποτιμηθεί η δυνατότητα εφαρμογής της στο ελληνικό εκπαιδευτικό σύστημα. Η έρευνα πραγματοποιήθηκε ακολουθώντας τη μεθοδολογία της έρευνας δράσης, μέσω μιας πορείας συνεχών επάλληλων κύκλων, κατά την οποία, κάθε κύκλος οδηγεί στον επόμενο, με βάση τον επαναπροσδιορισμό του σχεδιασμού, μέσα από το πρίσμα της αυτοκριτικής και του αναστοχασμού. Ο σχεδιασμός βασίστηκε στις προηγούμενες γνώσεις, τα ενδιαφέροντα και τις ανάγκες των παιδιών, με σεβασμό στο κοινωνικοπολιτισμικό τους υπόβαθρο. Όλα τα κείμενα οργανώθηκαν στο πλαίσιο θεματικών ενοτήτων με διαθεματική προσέγγιση της γνώσης και έμφαση ταυτόχρονα, σε όλα τα επίπεδα της γλώσσας, τόσο του προφορικού όσο και του γραπτού λόγου. Μέσα στο πλαίσιο αυτό, η διδασκαλία περιλάμβανε στρατηγικές και δεξιότητες με συστηματικό τρόπο, πάντοτε όμως βασισμένες στην αρχή όλο-μέρος-όλο, με χρήση αυθεντικών κειμένων πλήρους νοήματος, μέσα σε ποικίλα πλαίσια επικοινωνίας. Τέλος, η οργάνωση της τάξης βασίστηκε στη λειτουργία ομάδων, με στόχο τη συνεργασία και την αλληλεπίδραση. Τα αποτελέσματα της παρούσας έρευνας, επιβεβαιώνουν τη θέση που εκφράζεται στη βιβλιογραφία, ότι η εξισορροπημένη προσέγγιση, μπορεί να εφαρμοστεί στη διδασκαλία της α΄ τάξης του δημοτικού σχολείου και να συνεισφέρει θετικά στην κατάκτηση του γραμματισμού σε πολλαπλά επίπεδα ταυτόχρονα, συμπεριλαμβανομένων των γραφοφωνημικών αντιστοιχιών και της ικανότητας αποκωδικοποίησης. Ωστόσο, η διδασκαλία δεν σταματά στις ικανότητες αυτές, αλλά περιλαμβάνει ταυτόχρονα και την ανάπτυξη ικανοτήτων κατανόησης και παραγωγής κειμένων γραπτών και προφορικών, καθώς βασική επιδίωξη αποτελεί ο στόχος της ανταπόκρισης σε ανάγκες τόσο παρόντος όσο και του μέλλοντος.
Evaluation of osteosarcopenia treatment effectiveness in postmenopausal women
Authors: Ignatiev A. M. , Turchin N. I. , Ermolenko T. A. , Kichmarenko O. D.
Published: June 2021

The aim: To assess the effectiveness of osteosarcopenia treatment with the use of systemic analysis methods. The results (criteria) developed allow to compare different methods of treatment effectiveness. The use of the multifunctional apparatus "Huber" in combination with osteotropic therapy (denosumab + Vit D metabolites) contributes to increase of musculoskeletal system functional capabilities: muscle strength, stability, coordination of movements. Besides it reduces functional limitations, promotes more effective treatment of structural and functional changes in bone tissue, increases bone tissue mineral density.
Quatitative morphological analysis of the venous bed of the common bile duct in postresection portal hypertension
Authors: Monastyrska N. Ya.
Published: June 2021

Introduction. Removal of the left and right lateral lobes of the liver in white rats leads to postresection portal hypertension, which is characterized by dilation and plethora of the hepatic portal vein, mesenteric veins, esophageal and gastric veins, veins of the anterior abdominal wall, splenomegaly, ascites.Objective of the research: to study the features of structural reorganization of the venous bed of the common bile duct in postresection portal hypertension morphometrically.Materials of the research and their discussion. The venous bed of the common bile duct was studied by morphometric methods in 32 laboratory white male rats, which were divided into 2 groups: 1-st group included 15 intact animals, 2-nd - 17 rats with postresection portal hypertension, which was modeled by removal of the left and right hepatic lobes. One month after the start of the experiment, rats were euthanized by bloodletting under conditions of thiopental anesthesia. Histological micropreparations were made from the common bile duct, on which the venous bed was mophometrically studied, the outer and inner diameters of veins, wall thickness, height of endotheliocytes, diameter of their nuclei, nuclear-cytoplasmic ratios in these cells, relative volume of damaged endothelial cells were measured. Quantitative indicators were processed statistically.Results of the research and their discussion. Morphometrically it was found  that in postresection portal hypertension the outer and inner diameters of veins of the common bile duct markedly increased, their wall is thinned, the height of endothelial cells, the diameters of their nuclei decreased, the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratios in endotheliocytes were disturbed, the relative volume of damaged endothelial cells increased.Conclusions. Resection of the left and right lateral lobes of the liver in white rats leads to postresection portal hypertension and pronounced remodeling of the venous bed of the common bile duct, which was characterized by increase of outer and inner diameters of veins, thinning of their wall, decrease of height of endotheliocytes and diameters of their nuclei, violation of nuclear-cytoplasmic ratios in endothelial cells, increase of relative volume of damaged endothelial cells.
Immunotropic effects of so-called slag metabolites (creatinine, urea, uric acid and bilirubin) at rats
Authors: Popovych Igor , Gozhenko Anatoliy , Kuchma Igor , Zukow Walery , Bilas Volodymyra , Koval’chuk Galyna , Ivasivka Anzhela
Published: June 2021

Background. The study of the effect of end products of protein and nucleic acid metabolism on the immune system is of interest not only theoretical but also practical in line with the problems of urotoxins and hemodialysis. In previous studies, we found significant links between uricemia and uricosuria, on the one hand, and immune parameters, on the other hand. In this study, the spectrum of nitrogenous metabolites was expanded due to creatinine, urea and bilirubin. Material and methods. Experiment was performed on 60 healthy female Wistar rats. The plasma level and urinary excretion of the nitrogenous metabolites were determined. Immune status was assessed by thymocytogram, splenocytogram, blood leukocytogram and immunocytogram, as well as phagocytosis of blood neutrophils and monocytes. Results. Both negative and positive metabolic-immune correlations were revealed. Calculation of multiple correlation coefficients between individual metabolite parameters and constellations of immune parameters revealed the maximum immunotropic effect of uricosuria (R=0,637). This is followed by excretion of urea (R=0,617) and creatinine (R=0,606), bilirubinemia (R=0,589), creatinineemia (R=0,567), uricemia (R=0,566) and plasma urea level (R=0,500). The canonical correlation between the constellation of nitrogenous metabolites, on the one hand, and the parameters of immunity, on the other hand, was very strong: R=0,921; χ2(154)=282; p<10-6. Conclusion. Nitrogen metabolites exhibit significant immunotropic activity, both suppressor and enhancing.
Experience of Magnesium and L-Carnitine Combine Use for Correction of Structural and Functional Heart Changes in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with End-Stage Kidney Disease
Authors: Susla Oleksandr , Litovkina Zoriana , Yakubyshyna Inna
Published: June 2021

Introduction and purpose: It is important today to develop new pathogenetic strategies to reduce cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetic patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of combine use of magnesium aspartate and L-Carnitine on character of heart changes in dynamics of complex treatment of the patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Material and methods: 42 type 2 diabetic ESKD patients were included in this prospective cohort study (male/female, 26/16; age, 59.5±0.7 years; HD duration, 31.2±4.6 months; diabetes mellitus duration, 174,6±7,8 months). The patients were divided into two groups: the 1st (main) group (n=22) was treated by combination of magnesium aspartate (0.5 g/day orally) by three 2-months’ courses/year and L-carnitine (1 g/day parenterally after each HD session) throughout the year; the 2nd (comparison) group (n=20) was only on the basic therapy. The observation time was 12 months. A complete echocardiography and ultrasound scanning of common carotid arteries (CCA) were performed. Results: During follow up period we found the reduction of the left atrium (p=0.008) and left ventricle (LV) diameters (p=0.004), decrease of LV mass index for 17,1% (p=0.005) and prevalence of pseudonormal and restrictive types of LV diastolic dysfunction for 53.3% (p=0.026), increase of the LV ejection fraction for 5.4% (p=0.004), and decrease the mean pulmonary artery pressure for 13% (p=0.009) in the main group. The annual incidence of both mitral and aortic valve calcification in the 2nd group was 10%, in the 1st group – 0%. After 12 months of treatment, increase of the CCA intima-media thickness (p=0.23) was recorded in the comparison group only. Conclusions: The combine use of magnesium and L-carnitine as part of a 12-month complex therapy provides an effective reduction ofLV hypertrophy, improves its systolic and diastolic function, reduces pulmonary hypertension, and prevents the progression of cardiac valve calcification and atherosclerotic damage.
Organization of preventive medical care for the patients with the diseases of the circulatory system (according to sociological survey)
Authors: Ivanyuk A. V.
Published: June 2021

Today, when the value of health itself as a category is growing, and at the same time rapidly increase society's costs for social protection, preservation, strengthening, maintenance and restoration of health, the importance of prevention as a universal, affordable and effective way will increase many times. The objective: according to the data of sociological survey to study the state and organization of preventive medical care for the patients with circulatory system diseases. Materials and methods. In 2020 on the basis of specially developed questionnaire sociological survey of 829 patients with the diseases of circulatory  system was made. All the patients referred to out-patients clinics of Kiev region. The results obtained were statistically processed. Results. Sociological survey results highlighted a number of organizational problems in preventive medical care, low level of dispensary observation, preventive activity and awareness and knowledge of the patients in prophylaxis of circulatory system diseases, prevalence of harmful habits and set out priorities, forms and problems for hygienic information of the patients under examination. Conclusions. The survey made allowed establish that preventive medical care for the patients with circulatory system diseases should be improved.