bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alcohol consumption and the risk of gastric intestinal metaplasia in a U.S. Veterans population
Authors: Holmes Hudson M. , Jove Andre G. , Tan Mimi C. , El-Serag Hashem B. , Thrift Aaron P.
Published: November 2021

Background

Chronic alcohol use is a risk factor for non-cardia gastric adenocarcinoma. However, it is less well understood whether alcohol use is a risk factor for premalignant mucosal changes, namely gastric intestinal metaplasia. We examined the association between various parameters of alcohol use and risk of gastric intestinal metaplasia.

Methods

We used data from 2084 participants (including 403 with gastric intestinal metaplasia) recruited between February 2008-August 2013 into a cross-sectional study at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Houston, Texas. All participants underwent a study upper endoscopy with systematic gastric mapping biopsies. Cases had intestinal metaplasia on any non-cardia gastric biopsy. Participants self-reported lifetime history of alcohol consumption, along with other lifestyle risk factors, through a study survey. We calculated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for categories of average alcohol consumption using multivariable logistic regression, and restricted cubic spline regression to explore the potential shape of a dose-response relationship.

Results

Compared to lifelong non-drinkers, individuals who consumed on average ≥28 drinks per week had no elevated risk for gastric intestinal metaplasia (adjusted OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 0.74–2.19). Based on a spline regression curve and its 95% CI, there was also no demonstrable association between cumulative lifetime alcohol consumption and risk of gastric intestinal metaplasia. Similarly, we found no association between beverage type (beer, wine, liquor/spirits) and risk for gastric intestinal metaplasia.

Conclusions

Neither amount of alcohol consumed nor specific beverage type was associated with risk of gastric intestinal metaplasia.
A qualitative assessment of factors affecting nursing home caregiving staff experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Snyder Rachel L. , Anderson Laura E. , White Katelyn A. , Tavitian Stephanie , Fike Lucy V. , Jones Heather N. , Jacobs-Slifka Kara M. , Stone Nimalie D. , Sinkowitz-Cochran Ronda L.
Published: November 2021

Background

A large portion of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the United States have occurred in nursing homes; however, current literature including the frontline perspective of staff working in nursing homes is limited. The objective of this qualitative assessment was to better understand what individual and facility level factors may have contributed to the impact of COVID-19 on Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Environmental Services (EVS) staff working in nursing homes.

Methods

Based on a simple random sample from the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN), 7,520 facilities were emailed invitations requesting one CNA and/or one EVS staff member for participation in a voluntary focus group over Zoom. Facility characteristics were obtained via NHSN and publicly available sources; participant demographics were collected via SurveyMonkey during registration and polling during focus groups. Qualitative information was coded using NVIVO and Excel.

Results

Throughout April 2021, 23 focus groups including 110 participants from 84 facilities were conducted homogenous by participant role. Staffing problems were a recurring theme reported. Participants often cited the toll the pandemic took on their emotional well-being, describing increased stress, responsibilities, and time needed to complete their jobs. The lack of consistent and systematic guidance resulting in frequently changing infection prevention protocols was also reported across focus groups.

Conclusions

Addressing concerns of low wages and lack of financial incentives may have the potential to attract and retain employees to help alleviate nursing home staff shortages. Additionally, access to mental health resources could help nursing home staff cope with the emotional burden of the COVID-19 pandemic. These frontline staff members provided invaluable insight and should be included in improvement efforts to support nursing homes recovering from the impact of COVID-19 as well as future pandemic planning.
Inflammatory cytokines, placental pathology, and neurological outcomes in infants born to preterm preeclamptic mothers
Authors: Sotiros Alexandra , Thornhill Dianne , Post Miriam D. , Winn Virginia D. , Armstrong Jennifer
Published: November 2021

Preeclampsia is both a vascular and inflammatory disorder. Since the placenta is a conduit for fetal development, preeclampsia should be a presumed cause of adverse infant outcomes. Yet, the relationship of placental pathology, inflammation and neurological outcomes after preeclampsia are understudied. We prospectively examined a cohort of maternal-infant dyads with preeclampsia for maternal inflammatory cytokines at time of preeclampsia diagnosis and delivery, and fetal cord blood cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α). Placentas were analyzed for inflammatory and vascular pathologies. Neurodevelopmental assessment of infants utilizing the Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure (PSOM) was conducted at 6-month corrected gestational age. Eighty-one maternal-newborn dyads were examined. Worse neurological outcomes were not associated with elevated maternal / fetal cytokines. Early preterm birth (gestational age ≤ 32 weeks) was associated with worse neurological outcomes at 6-months regardless of maternal/ fetal cytokine levels, placental pathology, or cranial ultrasound findings (OR 1.70, [1.16–2.48], p = 0.006). When correcting for gestational age, elevated IL-6 approached significance as a predictor for worse developmental outcome (OR 1.025 [0.985–1.066], p = 0.221). Pathological evidence of maternal malperfusion and worse outcomes were noted in early preterm, although our sample size was small. Our study did not demonstrate an obvious association of inflammation and placental pathology in preeclampsia and adverse neurodevelopmental outcome at 6-month corrected age but does suggest maternal malperfusion at earlier gestational age may be a risk factor for worse outcome.
A conserved guided entry of tail-anchored pathway is involved in the trafficking of a subset of membrane proteins in Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Kumar Tarkeshwar , Maitra Satarupa , Rahman Abdur , Bhattacharjee Souvik
Published: November 2021

Tail-anchored (TA) proteins are defined by the absence of N-terminus signal sequence and the presence of a single transmembrane domain (TMD) proximal to their C-terminus. They play fundamental roles in cellular processes including vesicular trafficking, protein translocation and quality control. Some of the TA proteins are post-translationally integrated by the Guided Entry of TA (GET) pathway to the cellular membranes; with their N-terminus oriented towards the cytosol and C-terminus facing the organellar lumen. The TA repertoire and the GET machinery have been extensively characterized in the yeast and mammalian systems, however, they remain elusive in the human malaria parasitePlasmodium falciparum. In this study, we bioinformatically predicted a total of 63 TA proteins in theP.falciparumproteome and revealed the association of a subset with theP.falciparumhomolog of Get3 (PfGet3). In addition, our proximity labelling studies either definitively identified or shortlisted the other eligible GET constituents, and ourin vitroassociation studies validated associations between PfGet3 and the corresponding homologs of Get4 and Get2 inP.falciparum. Collectively, this study reveals the presence of proteins with hallmark TA signatures and the involvement of evolutionary conserved GET trafficking pathway for their targeted delivery within the parasite.
The gammaherpesvirus 68 viral cyclin facilitates expression of LANA
Authors: Niemeyer Brian F. , Sanford Bridget , Gibson Joy E. , Berger Jennifer N. , Oko Lauren M. , Medina Eva , Clambey Eric T. , van Dyk Linda F.
Published: November 2021

Gammaherpesviruses establish life-long infections within their host and have been shown to be the causative agents of devastating malignancies. Chronic infection within the host is mediated through cycles of transcriptionally quiescent stages of latency with periods of reactivation into detectable lytic and productive infection. The mechanisms that regulate reactivation from latency remain poorly understood. Previously, we defined a critical role for the viral cyclin in promoting reactivation from latency. Disruption of the viral cyclin had no impact on the frequency of cells containing viral genome during latency, yet it remains unclear whether the viral cyclin influences latently infected cells in a qualitative manner. To define the impact of the viral cyclin on properties of latent infection, we utilized a viral cyclin deficient variant expressing a LANA-beta-lactamase fusion protein (LANA::βla), to enumerate both the cellular distribution and frequency of LANA gene expression. Disruption of the viral cyclin did not affect the cellular distribution of latently infected cells, but did result in a significant decrease in the frequency of cells that expressed LANA::βla across multiple tissues and in both immunocompetent and immunodeficient hosts. Strikingly, whereas the cyclin-deficient virus had a reactivation defect in bulk culture, sort purified cyclin-deficient LANA::βla expressing cells were fully capable of reactivation. These data emphasize that the γHV68 latent reservoir is comprised of at least two distinct stages of infection characterized by differential LANA expression, and that a primary function of the viral cyclin is to promote LANA expression during latency, a state associated with ex vivo reactivation competence.
The differentiation state of the Schwann cell progenitor drives phenotypic variation between two contagious cancers
Authors: Owen Rachel S. , Ramarathinam Sri H. , Bailey Alistair , Gastaldello Annalisa , Hussey Kathryn , Skipp Paul J. , Purcell Anthony W. , Siddle Hannah V.
Published: November 2021

Contagious cancers are a rare pathogenic phenomenon in which cancer cells gain the ability to spread between genetically distinct hosts. Nine examples have been identified across marine bivalves, dogs and Tasmanian devils, but the Tasmanian devil is the only mammalian species known to have given rise to two distinct lineages of contagious cancer, termed Devil Facial Tumour 1 (DFT1) and 2 (DFT2). Remarkably, DFT1 and DFT2 arose independently from the same cell type, a Schwann cell, and while their ultra-structural features are highly similar they exhibit variation in their mutational signatures and infection dynamics. As such, DFT1 and DFT2 provide a unique framework for investigating how a common progenitor cell can give rise to distinct contagious cancers. Using a proteomics approach, we show that DFT1 and DFT2 are derived from Schwann cells in different differentiation states, with DFT2 carrying a molecular signature of a less well differentiated Schwann cell. Under inflammatory signals DFT1 and DFT2 have different gene expression profiles, most notably involving Schwann cell markers of differentiation, reflecting the influence of their distinct origins. Further, DFT2 cells express immune cell markers typically expressed during nerve repair, consistent with an ability to manipulate their extracellular environment, facilitating the cell’s ability to transmit between individuals. The emergence of two contagious cancers in the Tasmanian devil suggests that the inherent plasticity of Schwann cells confers a vulnerability to the formation of contagious cancers.
Fertility of nationals and foreigners in Spain, Italy, and Greece during and after the economic recession and refugee crisis
Authors: Kotzamanis Byron
Published: November 2021

This article provides an overview of trends in fertility of foreign and national women in Greece, Spain, and Italy during the last decade and before the Covid pandemic. It focuses on the fertility of foreigners and compares this with that of ‘nationals’. The main analysis focuses on a period marked, firstly, by the economic recession and stagnation, and then by the recent wave of the ‘refugee crisis’. Foreigner fertility in the three south Mediterranean countries differs significantly from that of nationals, with the former having higher fertility rates and lower mean age at childbearing. However, although foreigners make a large contribution to births, their impact on period fertility (total fertility rate or TFR) is limited. At the same time, although the fertility of both groups decreased during the first years of the recession, foreigner TFRs fell faster in both absolute and relative terms in Italy and Greece. However, after 2014, the foreigner period fertility among the three countries differs as a relative stabilisation is observed in Spain and Italy, while indicators rise in Greece. This divergence is due to the various composition changes in the settled after-2014 foreigners in the three countries and the strong recovery of foreigner births in Greece (as fertility in Greece was much more affected by the recession).
LONGITUDINAL TRAJECTORIES OF CLINICAL DECLINE IN AMYLOID POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE POPULATIONS
Authors: Trzepacz P.T. , Hochstetler H. , Wang S. , Yu P. , Case M. , Henley D.B. , Degenhardt E. , Leoutsakos J.-M. , Lyketsos C.G.
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND: Brain beta-amyloid status portends different trajectories of clinical decline. OBJECTIVE: Determine trajectories and predictive baseline variable(s). DESIGN: Longitudinal, up to 24 months. SETTING: ADNI sites. PARTICIPANTS: Healthy control (n=325), early and late mild cognitive impairment (n=279; n=372), and Alzheimer’s dementia (n=216) subjects from ADNI-1/GO/2. MEASUREMENTS: Baseline amyloid status was based on first available CSF Aβ1-42 or, [11C]PiB or [18F]florbetapir (FBP) PET. Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog13) and Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) were co-analyzed using Growth Mixture Modeling (GMM) to define latent class trajectories for each amyloid group. Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis determined which variables best predicted trajectory class membership using a number of variables available to clinicians. RESULTS: GMMs found two trajectory classes (C1, C2) each for amyloid-positive (P; n=722) and negative (N; n=470) groups. Most (90%) in the negative group were C2N with mildly impaired baseline ADAS-Cog13, normal FAQ and nonprogression; 10% were C1N with moderately impaired baseline FAQ and ADAS-Cog13 and trajectory of moderately worsening scores on the FAQ. C1P (26%) had more impaired baseline FAQ and ADAS-Cog13 than C2P (74%) and a steeper declining trajectory. CART yielded 4 decision nodes (FAQ <10.5, FAQ <6.5, MMSE ≥26.5, age <75.5) in positive and 1 node (FAQ <6.5) in negative groups, with 91.4% and 92.8% accuracy for class assignments, respectively. CONSLUSIONS: The trajectory pattern of greater decline in amyloid positive subjects was predicted by greater baseline impairment of cognition and function. While most amyloid-negative subjects had nonprogression irrespective of their diagnosis, a subgroup declined similarly to the gradually declining amyloid-positive group. CART predicted likely trajectory class, with known amyloid status, using variables accessible in a clinical setting, but needs replication.
VANUTIDE CRIDIFICAR (ACC-001) AND QS-21 ADJUVANT IN INDIVIDUALS WITH EARLY ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: AMYLOID IMAGING POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY AND SAFETY RESULTS FROM A PHASE 2 STUDY
Authors: van Dyck C.H. , Sadowsky C. , Le Prince Leterme G. , Booth K. , Peng Y. , Marek K. , Ketter N. , Liu E. , Wyman B.T. , Jackson N. , Slomkowski M. , Ryan J. M.
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUNDd: ACC-001 is an investigational therapeutic vaccine designed to elicit antibodies against the N-terminal peptide 1-7 of the amyloid-beta peptide, believed to be important in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate safety, immunogenicity, impact on brain amyloid, and other exploratory endpoints in participants receiving ACC-001. DESIGN: Randomized, phase 2, interventional study. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov ID NCT01227564. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals with early Alzheimer’s disease (Mini-Mental State Examination scores ≥25, a global Clinical Dementia Rating of 0.5, and evidence of elevated baseline brain amyloid burden). Intervention: Participants were randomized to ACC-001 3 µg or 10 µg with QS-21 adjuvant (50 µg), or placebo. MEASUREMENTS: The primary endpoint was change in brain amyloid burden by 18F-florbetapir positron emission tomography in composite cortical standard uptake value ratio. RESULTS: A total of 63 participants were randomized and 51 completed the study. At week 104, no significant differences were observed in 18F-florbetapir positron emission tomography composite cortical standard uptake value ratio between either ACC-001 dose compared with placebo. In both ACC-001 + QS-21 treatment groups, following the initial immunization, the anti-amyloid-beta geometric mean titers increased after each subsequent vaccination and then declined, with less apparent decline after the later compared with earlier immunizations. The majority of treatment-emergent adverse events in the ACC-001 + QS-21 groups were injection site reactions, which occurred at a greater rate in active treatment groups than in the placebo group. No amyloid-related imaging abnormalities of edema or effusion were reported. CONCLUSION: No statistically significant differences were observed between groups in the change from baseline brain amyloid burden despite apparently robust systemically measured anti-amyloid-beta antibody response at both dose levels. Insufficient antibody titers, poor quality immune response, short duration of treatment, or small sample size may have resulted in these findings. The safety and tolerability profile was acceptable.
REGISTRIES AND COHORTS TO ACCELERATE EARLY PHASE ALZHEIMER’S TRIALS. A REPORT FROM THE E.U./U.S. CLINICAL TRIALS IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE TASK FORCE
Authors: Aisen P. , Touchon J. , Andrieu S. , Boada M. , Doody R. , Nosheny R.L. , Langbaum J.B. , Schneider L. , Hendrix S. , Wilcock G. , Molinuevo J.L. , Ritchie C. , Ousset P.-J. , Cummings J. , Sperling R. , DeKosky S.T. , Lovestone S. , Hampel H. , Petersen R. , Legrand V. , Egan M. , Randolph C. , Salloway S. , Weiner M. , Vellas B.
Published: November 2021

The EU/US/CTAD Task Force, an international collaboration of AD investigators from industry and academia, met in Barcelona, Spain, on November 4th, 2015, to explore existing and planned patient registries and other clinical trial infrastructure meant to expedite recruitment of large numbers of participants into clinical trials and improve their productivity. The Task Force identified a number of approaches currently being tested around the world, including the use of predictive algorithms to identify individuals likely to have prodromal or preclinical AD, the establishment of clinical trial networks to streamline trials, and reforming the informed consent process to make it less burdensome to both investigators and trial participants. Multi-national systems such as the European Prevention of Alzheimer’s Dementia (EPAD) and the Global Alzheimer’s Platform (GAP) offer value for sponsors, trial sites, and patients by optimizing efforts to find effective disease-modifying and symptomatic treatments.
Non-Existent “Bi”omes : Attitudes and Binegativity against Bisexual People in India
Authors: Kurade Palomi
Published: November 2021

3 years ago the same-sex law was decriminalized in India which has brought about an increase in the LGBTQIA+ community’s visibility. Today, around 9% of India’s population identifies as bisexual (Ipsos, 2021). Bisexuality is the sexuality of any person who identifies themselves to be sexually attracted to people of any gender including binary, non-binary and agender individuals. There has been some research to understand the lesbian/gay and transgender population in India, but there’s a dearth of literature studying the various factors influencing the lives of bisexual population of India. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine the attitudes and binegativity against bisexual people by cisgender and heterosexual (cis-het) high school (9-12th grade) students from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai. This study will follow a cross-sectional exploratory design using a multiple stage cluster sampling. The Attitudes Regarding Bisexuality Scale (Mohr & Rochlen, 1999) and the Gender Specific Binegativity Scale (Mullik & Wright, 2002) would be administered to the students using an online survey platform. The findings would provide a better understanding of the bisexual population in India and present implications at the policy level to prevent discrimination against the bisexual community.
Guillan-Barré Syndrome after First Vaccination Dose against COVID-19: Case Report
Authors: Čenščák Daniel , Ungermann Leoš , Štětkářová Ivana , Ehler Edvard
Published: November 2021

A number of neurological complications have been reported after the administration of flu vaccine, including Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), especially after vaccination against swine flu. Only facial nerve neuropathy has thus far been reported after vaccination against COVID-19. More recently, there was a case of an elderly woman with GBS. In our report, we describe a case of a 42-year-old, previously almost healthy male who developed sensory symptoms 14 days after the first dose of Pfizer vaccine. One week later, the patient developed right facial nerve palsy and lower limb weakness and was no longer able to walk. Albuminocytological dissociation was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid, and there were inflammatory radicular changes in MRI scans of the lumbosacral spine. EMG indicated significant demyelinating polyradiculoneuritis and no antibodies against gangliosides were demonstrated. A 5-day course of immunoglobulins at a dose of 2 g/kg lead to a significant improvement and the patient was soon able to walk. In conclusion, we report a case of Guillan-Barré syndrome after COVID-19 vaccine in a young patient with a rapid diagnosis and prompt administration of immunoglobulins.
A Review on the diversity of Melon
Authors: Lija M , Beevy S S
Published: November 2021

The species Cucumis melo L. (melon) is a polymorphic taxon encompassing many botanical and horticultural varieties. Melon fruits exhibit substantial variability in their form, shape, skin characters, flesh color, flesh thickness, sweetness, seed cavity, seed size, etc., which reflects in the market value of melon. This existing diversity in melon germplasm leads botanists to propose different classifications at the specific and infraspecific levels. The majority of classifications are based on morphological and molecular characteristics. Morphologic traits such as flower and fruit characteristics (sex expression, fruit size and shape, fruit skin color, pH, flesh color, taste, aroma, sugar composition, seed size, and shape) were used in the past centuries for melon diversity analysis. Later on, scientists correlate these phenotypic and biochemical traits (Total Soluble Solids, Ascorbic acid content, Titratable acidity, etc.) with genotypic variability by molecular tools. Molecular tools generally used for melon diversity analysis are RAPD, RFLP, AFLP, SSR markers, and Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP). This article emphasizes the progress of studies in the species Cucumis melo L. and its varieties since 1753. Particular attention has been paid to collect data regarding different horticultural groups of the species, and a recent infraspecific classification of the species has also been outlined. Even though the modern molecular techniques provide new insight to melon classification still there is an existing disparity in these classifications, which could be visible to the scientific world.
Phytotherapy for Peptic-ulcer: An overview on important Indian herbal plants having flavonoid as antiulcer activity.
Authors: Mazumder Avijit , Yadav Bharti , Sharma Harender
Published: November 2021

Peptic ulcers are described by erosions of the gastrointestinal mucosa that can reach the muscular layer. Peptic ulcers are a widespread health condition that affects millions of individuals and has a high recurrence rate. “No gastric acid, no peptic ulcer” is a flawed assumption. Excessive gastric acid secretion is only one factor in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer disease. Their etiology is multifactorial and develops when the balance of offensive and protective components is disrupted. Its treatment faces great difficulties due to the limited effectiveness and severe side effects of the currently available drugs. Natural products such as herbal plants and their isolated compounds have been widely used in experimental models of peptic ulcers. Flavonoids strengthened defensive factors had cytoprotective and rehabilitative actions. Flavonoids are among the molecules of greatest interest in biological assays due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties. The present study is a literature review of herbal plants having flavonoid that have been reported to show peptic ulcer activity in experimental models using the divergent mechanism of action.
An outbreak of COVID-19 associated with a fitness centre in Saskatchewan: Lessons for prevention
Authors: Anderson Maureen , Chhetri Ashok , Halyk Edith , Lang Amanda , McDonald Ryan , Kryzanowski Julie , Minion Jessica , Trecker Molly
Published: November 2021

Background: An outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) occurred in Saskatchewan from September 12 to October 20, 2020. The index event, attendance at a local gym, seeded six additional clusters/outbreaks in multiple settings. These included a high school, a hospital, three workplaces (A, B and C) and several households. The overall cluster comprised 63 cases, 27 gym members and an additional 36 second, third and fourth generation cases. Methods: All outbreak-related, laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 were included in the analysis. Local public health authorities interviewed all cases and contacts and conducted environmental investigations of the fitness facility. We used descriptive epidemiological methods to understand transmission dynamics of the gym-associated cluster using case investigation, contact investigation and laboratory data, including whole genome sequencing. Results: Sequencing data confirmed the unique lineage of cluster-related cases (n=32 sequenced; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2] lineage B.1.1.72). In addition to gym attendance, infectious cases attended high school and were involved in other activities. Despite ongoing transmission in the fitness facility, no secondary cases were identified in the high school where four student belonging to the cluster attended class during their infectious period. Conclusion: We describe an outbreak of COVID-19 where the index case(s) attended a fitness facility, and further spread occurred for 38 days despite active-case finding and isolation of positive cases over this period. Due to gym attendance over time, short-term closing and cleaning may not interrupt chains of transmission. Targeted, preventive public health action in fitness facilities may be warranted. Control measures worked to limit in-school acquisition.
Stanisław Dedio (1890-1945), poznański filolog klasyczny, wychowawca młodzieży i społecznik
Authors: Słapek Dariusz
Published: November 2021

Jerzy Starnawski asserted the existence of the so-called “third generation of modern histori- ans of literature or, more broadly, “modern Polish representatives of the humanities with substan- tial merit in various fields.” He added that he referred to the generation born in the last decades of the nineteenth century, who then attended higher schools in the early twentieth century and be- came professionally active in the interwar years. Starnawski’s argument did not rely on meticulous prosopographic analyses and, apart from that, it was almost exclusively concerned with the scholarly achievement of the individuals he mentioned. This paper aims to verify Starnawski’s opinion based on a case study, i.e. the biography of Stanisław Dedio, a little known figure in the annals of the Polish humanities. The author argues that if Dedio did belong to the aforementioned “third generation of the modern representatives of the humanities”, then an immanent trait of the generation – besides scientific achievement – was deeply patriotic social and political activism, which peaked in the diffi- cult period of building the Second Republic of Poland.
Towards online repurchase intention: A non-probabilistic approach to unpack its antecedents in Pécs
Authors: Pobee Frederick
Published: November 2021

THE AIMS OF THE PAPER

This research explores the determining factors of online repurchase of online shoppers in Hungary, focusing on Pécs.

METHODOLOGY

The non-probabilistic sampling technique (convenience sampling) was used to collect cross-sectional data from online shoppers in the city of Pécs. Data was collected from 412 online shoppers. In addition, SmartPLS – Structural equation modeling software was used to investigate the relationships of the hypothesized variables.

MOST IMPORTANT RESULTS

The research findings suggest that information quality, systems quality, and service quality significantly affect user satisfaction. Consequently, user satisfaction was found to influence consumer repurchase intention significantly.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The findings present some practical implications for e-vendors and online business web designers. The significant influence of system quality on user satisfaction implies that e-vendors e-commerce web designers should provide quality website features that are reliable, user-friendly, has quick response time, and are available on a 24/7 basis. Also, to ensure user satisfaction and repurchase, e-vendors must give their consumers a satisfying online experience by providing the necessary support in real-time. Disputes from online transactions should be solved as quickly as they arise to the delight of consumers.
A pénzügyi, biztosítási tevékenység nemzetgazdasági ág értékesítőinek ágazatok közötti átjárhatóságvizsgálata
Authors: Juhász István
Published: November 2021

A TANULMÁNY CÉLJA

A tanulmány alapvető célja, hogy bebizonyítsa a pénzügyi, biztosítási tevékenység nemzetgazdasági ágban dolgozó értékesítők egy 1000 fős mintáján végzett vizsgálata alapján a bank, a biztosítás, a lakástakarékpénztár és a pénzügyi tanácsadás ágazataiban dolgozó értékesítők személyisége a Kaliforniai Pszichológiai Kérdőív rövidített verziójának eredményei alapján eltér egymástól (H1 hipotézis).

ALKALMAZOTT MÓDSZERTAN

A vizsgálat alanyai a jelenleg pénzügyi területen, azon belül is értékesítői munkakörben dolgozó munkavállalók közül azok, akik elsősorban a bankokban, biztosítóknál, lakástakarékpénztárakban, pénzügyi tanácsadóknál tevékenykednek. A vizsgálati alanyok on-line az internet segítségével töltötték ki a kérdőíveket. A mintavétel a nem véletlen mintavételi eljárások közül, a hólabda-mintavételi eljárás révén történt. A begyűjtött adatok elemzése és kiértékelése az SPSS program segítségével zajlott, melynek használata során az adatokon diszkriminanciaelemzés került lefuttatásra.

LEGFONTOSABB EREDMÉNYEK

A vizsgált, pénzügyi területen dolgozó üzletkötők mintáján végzett diszkriminanciaelemzés során kapott diszkriminanciafüggvények a véletlennél nagyobb valószínűséggel képesek előre jelezni, hogy az egyes üzletkötők melyik ágazatban dolgoznak. A vizsgálati eredmények tükrében azonban nincs olyan jelentős eltérés a pénzügyi, biztosítási tevékenység nemzetgazdasági ág egyes ágazataiban foglalkoztatott üzletkötőinek – a Kaliforniai Pszichológiai Kérdőív rövidített verziójával történt felmérés eredményei alapján feltérképezett – személyisége között, mely megakadályozná, hogy azok más ágazatokban is alkalmazásra kerüljenek.

GYAKORLATI JAVASLATOK

A kutatási eredmények alapján javaslom, hogy a pénzügyi területen tevékenykedő értékesítők kiválasztásában részt vevő HR vezetők, kiválasztási szakemberek, vállalati döntéshozók fontolják meg, hogy a pénzügyi, biztosítási tevékenység nemzetgazdasági ág egy másik ágazatában már bizonyított üzletkötőt felvegyenek és alkalmazzanak vállalatuknál (amennyiben más kiválasztási kritériumoknak is megfelel), mivel a kérdőívben elért eredmények alapján nincs számottevő különbség az egyes ágazatok üzletkötőinek személyisége között.
Visual Motion and Decision-Making in Dyslexia: Reduced Accumulation of Sensory Evidence and Related Neural Dynamics
Authors: Manning Catherine , Hassall Cameron D. , Hunt Laurence T. , Norcia Anthony M. , Wagenmakers Eric-Jan , Snowling Margaret J. , Scerif Gaia , Evans Nathan J.
Published: November 2021

Children with and without dyslexia differ in their behavioral responses to visual information, particularly when required to pool dynamic signals over space and time. Importantly, multiple processes contribute to behavioral responses. Here we investigated which processing stages are affected in children with dyslexia when performing visual motion processing tasks, by combining two methods that are sensitive to the dynamic processes leading to responses. We used a diffusion model which decomposes response time and accuracy into distinct cognitive constructs, and high-density EEG. Fifty children with dyslexia (24 male) and 50 typically developing children (28 male) 6-14 years of age judged the direction of motion as quickly and accurately as possible in two global motion tasks (motion coherence and direction integration), which varied in their requirements for noise exclusion. Following our preregistered analyses, we fitted hierarchical Bayesian diffusion models to the data, blinded to group membership. Unblinding revealed reduced evidence accumulation in children with dyslexia compared with typical children for both tasks. Additionally, we identified a response-locked EEG component which was maximal over centro-parietal electrodes which indicated a neural correlate of reduced drift rate in dyslexia in the motion coherence task, thereby linking brain and behavior. We suggest that children with dyslexia tend to be slower to extract sensory evidence from global motion displays, regardless of whether noise exclusion is required, thus furthering our understanding of atypical perceptual decision-making processes in dyslexia.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTReduced sensitivity to visual information has been reported in dyslexia, with a lively debate about whether these differences causally contribute to reading difficulties. In this large preregistered study with a blind modeling approach, we combine state-of-the art methods in both computational modeling and EEG analysis to pinpoint the stages of processing that are atypical in children with dyslexia in two visual motion tasks that vary in their requirement for noise exclusion. We find reduced evidence accumulation in children with dyslexia across both tasks, and identify a neural marker, allowing us to link brain and behavior. We show that children with dyslexia exhibit general difficulties with extracting sensory evidence from global motion displays, not just in tasks that require noise exclusion.
Prolactin-regulated Pbk is involved in pregnancy-induced β-cell proliferation in mice
Authors: Cao Yan , Feng Zijie , He Xin , Zhang Xuyao , Xing Bowen , Wu Yuan , Hojnacki Taylor , Katona Bryson W , Ma Jian , Zhan Xiaorong , Hua Xianxin
Published: November 2021

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition of diabetes with onset or first recognition in pregnancy. Its incidence is increasing, and GDM deleteriously affects both mother and the fetus during and even after pregnancy. Previous studies in mice have shown that during pregnancy, β-cell proliferation increases in the middle and late stages of pregnancy and returns to normal levels after delivery. Hormones, such as prolactin, estradiol, and progesterone as well as protein kinases, play important roles in regulating gestation-mediated β-cell proliferation; however, the regulatory relationship between them is uncertain. We previously found that protein kinase Pbk was crucial for basal proliferation of mouse islet cells. Herein we show that Pbk is upregulated during pregnancy in mice and Pbk kinase activity is required for enhanced β- cell proliferation during pregnancy. Notably, knock-in (KI) of a kinase-inactivating Pbk mutation leads to impaired glucose tolerance and reduction of β-cell proliferation and islet mass in mice during pregnancy. Prolactin upregulates the expression of Pbk, but the upregulation is diminished by knockdown of the prolactin receptor and by the inhibitors of JAK and STAT5, which mediate prolactin receptor signaling, in β-cells. Treatment of β-cells with prolactin increases STAT5 binding to the Pbk locus, as well as the recruitment of RNA polymerase II, resulting in increased Pbk transcription. These results demonstrate that Pbk is upregulated during pregnancy, at least partly by prolactin-induced and STAT5-mediated enhancement of gene transcription, and Pbk is essential for pregnancy-induced β-cell proliferation, increase in islet mass, and maintenance of normal blood glucose during pregnancy in preclinical models. These findings provide new insights into the interplay between hormones and protein kinases that ultimately prevent the development of GDM.
Kharkiv University and the Shumlyansky brothers
Authors:   V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Belozоrov I.V. , Rogozhin B.A. ,   Kharkiv Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education
Published: November 2021

A comparative study of the biography of outstanding doctors and scientists brothers Alexander and Pavel Shumlyansky is presented. It is shown that they made a significant contribution to the development and improvement of higher medical education in the Russian Empire at the turn of the XVIII — XIX centuries. Their activities contributed to the transition from the training of doctors in hospital schools to the academic educational process, which created the basis for the formation of university schools. Oleksandr Shumlyansky developed, and Pavel took part in the implementation of the system of university higher medical education, becoming the first dean of the medical faculty of Kharkiv University.
Kharkiv medical society: flipping through the pages of history (to the 160th anniversary of the formation of the society).
Authors:   GI ", Miloslavsky D.K. ,   L.T. Malaya Therapy National Institute of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine"
Published: November 2021

The historical medical essay highlights the activities of Kharkiv healthcare institutions before and after the establishment of the Kharkiv Medical Society in 1861, provides data about its founders and outstanding personalities and the luminaries of the therapeutic school, with associated the activities of the society, its Presidents, focuses on the current stage of the Kharkiv Medical Society, its hospital foundation and buildings, publishing activities of the society
History of organization of the department of hygiene, medical police, medical geography and statistics at Kyiv university.
Authors:   Odesa National Medical University, Vasyliev K.K. , Vasyliev Y.V. ,   Sumy State University
Published: November 2021

The work identifies the main stages of organizing the Department of Hygiene, Medical Police, Medical Geography and Statistics at the University of St. Vladimir in Kiev. In 1863, the issue of creating the Department was discussed at the meetings of the Faculty of Medicine and the University council. In 1865, the permission was given to organize the Department from 1867. In 1869—1871 V.A. Subbotin was trained by foreign specialists. In 1871 he was elected assistant professor at the named Department. This year can be considered the year of creation of the Department. Finally, in 1872 V.A. Subbotin became a professor.
Excess Fruit Juice Consumption by Preschool-aged Children Is Associated With Short Stature and Obesity
Authors: Dennison Barbara A. , Rockwell Helen L. , Baker Sharon L.
Published: November 2021

Background. In a referral population of young children, excessive fruit juice consumption has been reported to be a contributing factor in nonorganic failure to thrive.

Objective. To evaluate, in a population-based sample of healthy children, fruit juice consumption and its effects on growth parameters during early childhood.

Design. Cross-sectional study.

Setting. General primary care health center in upstate New York.

Participants. One hundred sixteen 2-year-old children and one hundred seven 5-year-old children, who were scheduled for a nonacute visit, and their primary care taker/parent were recruited over a 2-year period.

Measurements. For 168 children (ninety-four 2-year-old children and seventy-four 5-year-old children), mean dietary intake was calculated from 7 days of written dietary records, entered, and analyzed using the Minnesota Nutrition Data System. Height was measured using a Harpenden Stadiometer. Weight was measured using a standard balance beam scale.

Results. The 2-year-old and 5-year-old children consumed, on average, 5.9 and 5.0 fl oz/day of fruit juice and 9.8 and 11.0 fl oz/day of milk, respectively. Nineteen children (11%) consumed ≥12 fl oz/day of juice. Forty-two percent of children consuming ≥12 fl oz/day of juice had short stature (height less than 20th sex-specific percentile for age) vs 14% of children drinking less than 12 fl oz/day of juice. Obesity was more common among children drinking ≥12 fl oz/day of juice compared with those drinking less juice: 53% vs 32% had a body mass index ≥75th age- and sex-specific percentile; 32% vs 9% had a body mass index ≥90th age- and sex-specific percentile; and 32% vs 5% had a ponderal index ≥90th age-specific percentile. After adjustment for maternal height, child age, child sex, and child age-sex interaction, children consuming ≥12 fl oz/day of juice, compared with those drinking less than 12 fl oz/day of juice, were shorter (86.5 vs 89.3 cm and 106.5 vs 111.2 cm for the 2-year-old and 5-year-old children, respectively) and more overweight (body mass index = 17.2 vs 16.3 kg/m2 and ponderal index = 18.4 vs 16.8 kg/m3).

Conclusions. Consumption of ≥12 fl oz/day of fruit juice by young children was associated with short stature and with obesity. Parents and care takers should limit young children's consumption of fruit juice to less than 12 fl oz/day.
DESIGN OF ANTENNAS FOR HYBRID FSO/RF TRANSMISSION SYSTEM
Authors:   Department of Electronics and Multimedia Communications, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, Technical University of Košice, Letná 9, 042 00 Košice, Slovak Republic, LAPČÁK Maroš , OVSENÍK Ľuboš , ORAVEC Jakub , ZDRAVECKÝ Norbert
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this publication is to create and correctly analyse a secondary RF line for a hybrid FSO/RF system. Since we want to ensure almost 100% functionality, the design of a secondary RF line is very important. In our case, we have chosen two types of antennas. First, it was a helical antenna that achieves a high level of efficiency and much smaller dimensions compared to horn antennas. The second type was just a horn antenna. Its advantages are high efficiency, high gain, and narrow width of radiation angle. However, large disadvantages are dimensions and the price of these antennas. However, in both cases, we can say that these antennas are suitable for deployment to our hybrid FSO/RF system.
Advancing a generalized method for solving problems of continuum mechanics as applied to the Cartesian coordinate system
Authors: Chigirinsky Valeriy , Naumenko Olena
Published: November 2021

Solving the problem of continuum mechanics has revealed the defining generalizations using the function argument method. The aim of this study was to devise new approaches to solving problems of continuum mechanics using defining generalizations in the Cartesian coordinate system.
Additional functions, or the argument of the coordinates function of the deformation site, are introduced into consideration. The carriers of the proposed function arguments should be basic dependences that satisfy the boundary or edge conditions, as well as functions that simplify solving the problem in a general form.
However, there are unresolved issues related to how not the solutions themselves should be determined but the conditions for their existence. Such generalized approaches make it possible to predict the result for new applied problems, expand the possibilities of solving them in order to meet a variety of boundary and edge conditions.
The proposed approach makes it possible to define a series of function arguments, each of which can be a condition of uniqueness for a specific applied problem. Such generalizations concern determining not the specific functions but the conditions of their existence. From these positions, the flat problem was solved in the most detailed way, was tested, and compared with the studies reported by other authors.
Based on the result obtained, a mathematical model of the flat applied problem of the theory of elasticity with complex boundary conditions was built. Expressions that are presented in coordinateless form are convenient for analysis while providing a computationally convenient context. The influence of the beam shape factor on the distribution of stresses in transition zones with different intensity of their attenuation has been shown.
By bringing the solution to a particular result, the classical solutions have been obtained, which confirms its reliability. The mathematical substantiation of Saint-Venant's principle has been constructed in relation to the bending of a beam under variable asymmetric loading
New Zealand physiotherapists’ and general practitioners’ treatment knowledge and referral decisions for knee osteoarthritis: A vignette-based study
Authors: O'Brien Daniel , Siegert Richard J. , Bassett Sandra , Baldwin Jennifer N. , Wright-St Clair Valerie
Published: November 2021

Physiotherapists’ and general practitioners’ (GPs) treatment knowledge affects the management of people with knee osteoarthritis (OA), but little is known about the OA referral decisions and treatment knowledge of these clinicians in New Zealand. Data were collected from New Zealand registered physiotherapists and GPs (n = 272) using an online vignette-based questionnaire. Approximately two-thirds (63%, n = 172) of participants stated they would likely refer the hypothetical patient with knee OA to another profession. Participants indicated they would refer the woman between the two professions (73%, n = 57 GPs would refer to a physiotherapist; 47%, n = 92 physiotherapists would refer to a GP). However, few participants indicated they would refer the woman to other health professionals (such as 19%, n = 52 would refer to a dietitian). The majority of participants reported they would recommend education (98%, n = 267), therapeutic exercises (92%, n = 251) and weight-loss advice (87%, n = 237) as treatments for knee OA. These results indicate that first-line knee OA treatment knowledge of New Zealand GPs and physiotherapists are generally in keeping within international guidelines. However, promoting interprofessional collaboration with other health professions, such as dietetics, and providing education regarding treatments not recommended for OA is needed to meet all first-line treatment recommendations.