bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WITHDRAWN: A Survey on Local Transport Mode Detection on The Edge
Authors: Kamalian Mahdieh , Ferreira Paulo
Published: November 2020

We present a survey of solutions for smartphone-based transport mode detection. These are divided into local and remote approaches being the first ones addressed in this article. A local approach performs the following steps in the smartphone (and not in some far away cloud server): 1) data collection or sensing, 2) preprocessing, 3) feature extraction, and 4) classification (with a previous machine learning based training phase). Solutions are presented taking into account the above mentioned four steps, and analyzed according to the most relevant requirements (accuracy, delay taken to detect a transport mode, resources consumption, and generalization).
Notch Signaling Slows Down the Progression of Embryonic Myogenic Differentiation in Landrace
Authors: Cai Shufang , Zhu Qi , Hu Bin , Luo Xiaorong , Yuan Renqiang , Liang Feng , Duo Tianqi , Chen Keren , Chen Yaosheng , Mo Delin
Published: November 2020

BackgroundDelving into porcine embryonic myogenesis is the key to elucidating the complex regulation of breed-specific differences in growth performance and meat production. Increasing evidence proved that pigs with less meat production showed more intense embryonic myogenesis, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. ResultsIn this study, we confirmed that the differentiation process of myogenic progenitors in Lantang pig (LT, fat) was faster than that in Landrace pig (LR, lean), which resulted in more differentiated myoblasts (Pax7-/MyoD+) but less myogenic progenitors (Pax7+/MyoD-) in LT at 35 days post-conception (35dpc). Additionally, in vitro, embryonic myogenic progenitors isolated from LT showed stronger differentiation capacity with earlier expression of MyoD. Furthermore, the expression levels of genes related to Notch signaling in LR progenitor cells were significantly higher than that of LT, while there was no significant difference between the two breeds in gene expression levels of Wnt and Akt/mTOR pathway. Inhibition of Notch signaling or knockdown of Pax7 promotes myogenic differentiation of primary progenitor cells or myoblasts, while activation of Notch signaling or overexpression of Pax7 has the opposite effects.ConclusionsMyogenic differentiation is more rapid in LT than that in LR at 35dpc. Mechanically, Notch signaling facilitates maintenance of myogenic progenitor cells and antagonizes myogenic differentiation by promoting Pax7 expression but preventing MyoD expression in LR.
Evaluating the Evidence from Molecular Structure and Population Studies for Cross-Resistance to the Pyrethroids Used in Malaria Vector Control
Authors: Moyes Catherine L. , Lees Rosemary S. , Yunta Cristina , Walker Kyle J. , Hemmings Kay , Oladepo Folasade , Hancock Penelope A. , Weetman David , Paine Mark J.I. , Ismail Hanafy M.
Published: November 2020

The primary malaria control intervention in high burden countries is the deployment of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) treated with pyrethroids, alone or in combination with a second active ingredient or synergist. It is essential to understand whether the impact of pyrethroid resistance can be mitigated by switching between different pyrethroids or whether cross-resistance precludes this. Structural diversity within the pyrethroids could mean some compounds are better able to counteract the resistance mechanisms that have evolved in malaria vectors. Here we consider variation in vulnerability to the P450 enzymes that confer metabolic pyrethroid resistance in Anopheles gambiae s.l. and Anopheles funestus. We assess the relationships among pyrethroids in terms of their binding affinity to key P450s and the percent dep­letion by these P450s, in order to identify which pyrethroids diverge from the others. We then investigate whether these same pyrethroids also diverge from the others in terms of resistance in vector populations. We found that etofenprox, which lacks the common structural moiety of other pyrethroids, potentially diverges from the commonly deployed pyrethroids in terms of P450 binding affinity and resistance in malaria vector populations, but not depletion by the P450s tested. These results are supplemented by an analysis of resistance to the same pyrethroids in Aedes aegypti populations, which also found etofenprox diverges from the other pyrethroids in terms of resistance in wild populations. In addition, we found that bifenthrin, which also lacks the common structural moiety of most pyrethroids, diverges from the commonly deployed pyrethroids in terms of P450 binding affinity and depletion by P450s. However, resistance to bifenthrin in vector populations is largely untested. The prevalence of resistance to the pyrethroids α-cypermethrin, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, λ-cyhalothrin, and permethrin was correlated across malaria vector populations and switching between these compounds as a tool to mitigate against pyrethroid resistance is not advised without strong evidence supporting a true difference in resistance.
Validation and Psychometric Properties of the German Version of the Evidence Based Practice Attitudes Scale (EBPAS-36D)
Authors: Szota Katharina , Thielemann Jonathan , Christiansen Hanna , Rye Marte , Aarons Gregory A. , Barke Antonia
Published: November 2020

Background: The implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) in mental health care confers many benefits to patients, and research into factors facilitating the implementation of EBP is needed. As an important factor affecting the implementation of EBP, service providers’ attitudes towards EBP emerged. The Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS-36) is an instrument with good psychometric characteristics that measures positive and ambivalent attitudes towards EBP. However, a German version is missing. The present study therefore aims to provide a validated German translation of the EBPAS-36.Methods: The scale was translated and back-translated as recommended by standard procedures. To evaluate the psychometric properties of the translated version, German psychotherapists (N = 599) were recruited to participate in an online survey. They provided demographic and professional information, completed the EBPAS-36, the Implementation Climate Scale (ICS) and the Intention Scale for Providers (ISP). Standard item and reliability analyses and exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) in two subsamples (random split) were conducted and correlations with demographic and professional characteristics calculated.Results: The item analyses showed a mean item difficulty of pi = .64, a mean inter-item correlation of r = .18, and a mean item-total correlation of ritc = .40. The internal consistency was very good for the total score (α = .89) and ranged from adequate to very good for the subscales (.65 – .89), indicating high reliability. The original factor structure showed an acceptable model fit (RMSEA = .064 (90% CI = .059–.068); SRMR = .0922; AIC = 1400.77), confirming the 12-factor structure of the EBPAS-36. However, a second-order factor structure derived by the EFA had an even better model fit (RMSEA = .057 (90% CI = .052–.062); SRMR = .0822; AIC = 1274.56). When the EBPAS-36 was entered in a hierarchical regression model with the criterion Intention to use EBP, the EBPAS-36 contributed significantly to the prediction (Change in R2 = .28, p < .001) over and above gender, age and working in science.Conclusions: The present study confirms good psychometric properties and validity of a German version of the EBPAS-36 in a sample of psychotherapists.
Clinical severity of COVID-19 and general characteristics of Koreans
Authors: Paik Jean Kyung , Kwak Jung Hyun
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to investigate the associations between clinical severity of COVID-19 and general characteristics of the subjects using epidemiological data of 5,601 patients with confirmed COVID-19 in Korea. The subjects of this study were diagnosed with COVID-19 from January 20 to April 30, 2020. The subjects of this study acquired information on patients with confirmed COVID-19 from the Korea Disease Control & Prevention Agency, National Medical Center and the Health Information Manager in hospitals. We found that severity of COVID-19 was greater among patients aged > 60 years, with obesity, clinical symptoms, respiratory diseases, kidney disease, and other diseases (chronic liver disease, rheumatism/autoimmune disease, and dementia). Among the variables, women had reduced clinical severity of COVID-19. Therefore, people with these factors are more susceptible to COVID-19, and they require special attention.
Preoperative positive voided urine cytology predicts poor clinical outcomes in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma undergoing nephroureterectomy
Authors: Liu Wen , Wang Zhankun , Liu Shuai , Yao Yu , Liu Yong , Zhang Guiming
Published: November 2020

Background: Performance of urinary cytology is recommended as the part of a standard diagnostic workup and base surveillance regimens in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). However, the effect of positive voided urine cytology (VUC) on UTUC prognosis, compared with negative VUC, has not been fully demonstrated. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of preoperative VUC on predicting intravesical recurrence, disease recurrence, and mortality in patients with UTUC who underwent nephroureterectomy (RNU).Methods: Clinicopathological information was collected from 315 UTUC patients treated with RNU. The association between VUC and oncological outcomes was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method with log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression models. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the influence of VUC on tumor grade.Results: Preoperative positive VUC, presenting in 101 patients (32%), was significantly associated with tumor multifocality (P = 0.017) and higher tumor grade (P = 0.010). On multivariable Cox regression analyses, preoperative positive VUC was an independent prognostic factor of intravesical recurrence-free survival (RFS) (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–4.64; P = 0.035), RFS (HR = 1.80, 95% CI 1.08–2.99; P = 0.023), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) (HR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.10–3.18; P = 0.020), but not overall survival (HR = 1.32, 95% CI 0.80–2.18; P = 0.28). Logistic regression analysis revealed that VUC was related to high tumor grade in UTUC (odds ratio = 2.23, 95%CI 1.15–4.52).Conclusion: Preoperative positive VUC significantly increases the risk of intravesical recurrence in UTUC patients undergoing RNU. In addition, positive VUC is an adverse predictor of RFS and CSS, which might be due to the association between positive VUC and high tumor grade.
Giving women WOICE postpartum: Prevalence of maternal morbidity in high-risk pregnancies using the WHO-WOICE instrument
Authors: Lamus Martha Narvaez , Lozano Stephanie , MPoca Charles , Guida Jose Paulo , Parpinelli Mary Angela , Cecatti Jose Guilherme , Vidarte Maria Escobar , Say Lale , Chou Doris , Costa Maria Laura
Published: November 2020

Background: There are no accurate estimates of the prevalence of non-severe maternal morbidities. Given the lack of instruments to fully assess these morbidities, the World Health Organization (WHO) developed an instrument called WOICE. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of non-severe maternal morbidities in puerperal women and factors associated to impaired clinical, social and mental health conditions. Method: A cross-sectional study with postpartum women at a high-risk outpatient clinic in southeast Brazil, from November 2017 to December 2018. The WOICE questionnaire included three sections: the first with maternal and obstetric history, sociodemographic data, risk and environment factors, violence and sexual health; the second considers functionality and disability, general symptoms and mental health; and the third includes data on physical and laboratory tests. Data collection was supported by Tablets with REDCAP software. Initially, a descriptive analysis was performed, with general prevalence of all variables contained in the WOICE, including scales on anxiety and depression (GAD-7 and PHQ-9- altered if ≥10), functionality (WHODAS- altered when ≥37.4) and data on violence and substance use. Subsequently, an evaluation of cases with positive findings was performed, with a Poisson regression to investigate factors associated to impaired non-clinical and clinical conditions. Results: 517 women were included, majority (54.3%) multiparous, between 20 and 34 years (65.4%) and with a partner (75,6%). Over a quarter had (26.2%) preterm birth. Around a third (30.2%) reported health problems informed by the physician, although more than 80% considered having good or very good health. About 10% reported any substance use and 5.9% reported exposure to violence. Anxiety was identified in 19.8% of cases, depression in 36.9% and altered functioning in 4.4% of women. Poisson regression identified that poor overall health rating was associated to increased anxiety/depression and impaired functioning. Having a partner reduced perception of women on the presence of clinical morbidities. Conclusion: During postpartum care of a high-risk population, over one third of the considered women presented anxiety and depression; 10% reported substance use and around 6% exposure to violence. These aspects of women´s health need further evaluation and specific interventions to improve quality of care.
Accuracy of telephone triage in patients suspected of transient ischaemic attack or stroke: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Erkelens Daphne Carmen , Rutten Frans H. , Wouters Loes T. , Dolmans L. Servaas , de Groot Esther , Damoiseaux Roger A. , Zwart Dorien L.
Published: November 2020

Background: The Netherlands Triage Standard (NTS) is a widely used decision support tool for telephone triage at Dutch out-of-hours primary care services (OHS-PC), which, however, has never been validated against clinical outcomes. We aimed to determine the accuracy of the NTS urgency allocation for patients with neurological symptoms suggestive of a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or stroke, with the clinical outcomes TIA, stroke, and other (neurologic) life-threatening events (LTEs) as the reference.Method: A cross-sectional study of telephone triage recordings of patients with neurological symptoms calling the OHS-PC between 2014 and 2016.The allocated NTS urgencies were derived from the electronic medical records of the OHS-PC. The clinical outcomes were retrieved from the electronic medical records of the patients’ own general practitioners. The accuracy of a high NTS urgency allocation (medical help within three hours) was calculated in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) with the clinical outcomes TIA/stroke/other LTEs as the reference.Results: Of 1,269 patients, 635 (50.0%) received the diagnosis TIA/stroke (34.2% TIA/minor stroke, 15.8% major ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke), and 4.8% other LTEs. For TIA/stroke/other LTEs, the sensitivity and specificity of the NTS urgency allocation were 0.72 (95%CI 0.68-0.75) and 0.48 (95%CI 0.43-0.52), and the PPV and NPV were 0.62 (95%CI 0.60-0.64) and 0.58 (95%CI 0.54-0.62).Conclusions: The NTS decision support tool used in Dutch OHS-PC performed poor to moderately regarding safety (sensitivity) and efficiency (specificity) in allocating adequate urgencies to patients with and without TIA/stroke/other LTEs.
Improving the transition process to independent living for adolescents with profound intellectual disabilities. Experiences of parents and employees.
Authors: Roos Eirik , Sondenaa Erik
Published: November 2020

Background

The transition process from the family home to independent living for young adults with profound intellectual disability (PID) becomes delayed. Those families face challenges that exceed those of typical families such as higher objective and subjective burden, more frequent psychological distress and lower social support. The aim of this study was to explore the collaboration process between parents and employees and identify factors that improve the transition with less burden.

Methods

A descriptive qualitative study was undertaken with 18 persons (9 parents and 9 employees) interviewed individually and in groups. In accordance with the municipality`s guidelines, families with a child with PID should apply for housing, when the child turns 16. The purpose is to ensure interdisciplinary collaboration, information flow and coordinated services according to family’s needs. The main question in the interviews was ‘What was your experience with cooperation in the transition process, and what would you do to improve this process?’ The interviews were analysed with a thematic approach using systematic text-condensation.

Results

The parents experienced a lack of general information about the ‘housing waiting list’, level of services, and the plan for time of moving from the family home, and how to choose where and whom to live with. Parents described that they had an unsustainable burden of care during the waiting period, and a family crisis caused the allocation of an apartment in a group house. Employees shared challenges to meet families’ wishes, as there were too few group homes. They experienced good collaboration with families and said they offered respite care, due to reduce parents’ burden of care. Employees experienced that PID children developed skills, mastery and degrees of independence after completing a residency at the Folk High School.

Conclusions

To improve the transition process from family home to independent living for young adults with PID, the informants highlighted some factors to reduce the burden of care on families: 1) Systematic follow-up program for families to observe their needs at an early stage; 2) More available group houses; 3) Information about the housing priorities of the services and; 4) Educational preparation programs for families.
The surgical treatment of non metastatic melanoma in a Clinical National Melanoma Registry Study Group (CNMR): a retrospective cohort quality improvement study to reduce the morbidity rates
Authors: Vecchiato Antonella , Mocellin Simone , Fiore Paolo Del , Tosti Giulio , Ascierto Paolo Antonio , Corradin Maria Teresa , De Giorgi Vincenzo , Giudice Giuseppe , Queirolo Paola , Ferreli Caterina , Occelli Marcella , Giordano Monica , Trevisan Giusto , Mascheroni Luigi , Testori Alessandro , Spina Romina , Buja Alessandra , Cavallin Francesco , Caracò Corrado , Sommariva Antonio , Rossi Carlo Riccardo
Published: November 2020

Background: Reproducible, high-quality surgery is a key point in the management of cancer patients. Quality indicators for surgical treatment of melanoma has been presented with benchmarks but data on morbidity are still limited. This study presents the quality indicators on morbidity after surgical treatment for non-metastatic skin melanoma in an Italian registry.Methods: Data were extracted from the Central National Melanoma Registry (CNMR) promoted by the Italian Melanoma Intergroup (IMI). All surgical procedures (WE, SNLB or LFND) for non-metastatic skin melanoma between January 2011 and February 2017 were evaluated for inclusion in the study. Only centers with adequate completeness of information (>80%) were included in the study. Short-term complications (wound infection, dehiscence, skin graft failure and seroma) were investigated.Results: Wound infection rate was 1.1% (0.4% to 2.7%) in WE, 1.3% (0.7% to 2.5%) in SLNB and 4.1% (2.1% to 8.0%) in LFND. Wound dehiscence rate was 2.0% (0.8% to 5.1%) in WE, 0.9% (0.2% to 3.0%) in SLNB and 2.8% (0.9% to 8.6%) in LFND. Seroma rate was 4.2% (1.5% to 11.1%) in SLNB and 15.1% (4.6% to 39.9%) in LFND. Unreliable information was found on skin graft failure. Conclusions: Our findings contribute to available literature in setting up the recommended standards for melanoma centers, thus improving the quality of surgery offered to patients. A consensus on the core issues around surgical morbidity is needed to provide practical guidance on morbidity prevention and management.
Influence of Indications on Perinatal Outcomes After Radio frequency Ablation in Complicated Monochorionic Pregnancies: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Hongmei , Zhou Qian , Wang Xietong , Song Jia , Chen Pengzheng , Wang Yanyun , Li Lei , Li Hongyan
Published: November 2020

Background:Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is recommended to prevent potential neurological injury or intrauterine foetal death (IUFD) of the co-twin(s) in complicated monochorionic (MC) pregnancies. However, the impacts of various indications on the pregnancy outcome following RFA remain unclear. This study aimed to determine how the indications influence the perinatal outcomes in complicated MC pregnancies undergoing radiofrequency ablation.Methods:This was a retrospective cohort study performed in a single centre. All consecutive MC pregnancies treated with RFA between July 2011 and July 2019 were included. The adverse perinatal outcomes and the survival rate were analysed based on various indications. The continuous variables with and without normal distribution were compared between the groups using Student’s t-test and Mann–Whitney U test, respectively, and for categorical variables, Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used. P < 0.05 indicated a significant difference.Results:We performed 272 RFA procedures in 268 complicated MC pregnancies, including 60 selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR), 64 twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), 12 twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence (TRAPs), 66 foetal anomaly and 66 elective foetal reduction (EFR) cases. The overall survival rate of the co-twin was 201/272 (73.9%). The overall technical successful rate was determined at 201/263 (76.7%). The IUFD rate in the co-twin was 20/272 (7.4%). The TTTS group had recorded the lowest survival rate (37/64, 57. 8%), and the survival rate significantly correlated with Quintero stages (P = 0.029). Moreover, the sIUGR III subgroup had a lower survival rate compared with sIUGR II (55.6%, versus 84.3%). The subgroup of foetal anomaly of gastroschisis or exomphalos had the highest IUFD rate (4/10, 40%), followed by sIUGR III (2/9, 22.2%) and dichorionic triamniotic (DCTA) subgroup (8/46, 17.9%). In EFR group, eight IUFD cases were all coming from the DCTA subgroup and received RFA before 17 weeks.Conclusions:The perinatal outcome of RFA was correlated with the indications, with the lowest survival rate in TTTS IV and the highest IUFD incidence in abdominal wall defect followed by sIUGR III. Elective RFA after 17 weeks may prevent IUFD in DCTA pregnancies.
Assessment of sodium thiosulfate neutralizing effect on micro-hardness of dentin treated with sodium hypochlorite
Authors: Sahebi Safoora , Sobhnamayan fereshteh , Moazami Fariborz , Naseri Mohammadhasan
Published: November 2020

Background: This study aims to evaluate the ability of sodium thiosulfate (STS) to neutralize the adverse effect of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) on dentin micro-hardness.Methods: Fifty single-rooted teeth were longitudinally sectioned. The samples divided into a control and four sample groups (n = 20). All the samples were immersed in different solutions as follows, Control: Normal saline for 15 min, G1and G2: 2.5% NaOCl for 15 min, G3: 2.5% NaOCl for 15 min, followed by 5% STS for 10 min, G4: Normal saline for 15 min followed by 5% STS for 10 min. All groups except G1 incubated for one week before the test. The micro-hardness of samples was measured. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test for pairwise comparisons. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: All groups showed a significant decrease in the micro-hardness value compared with the control group. NaOCl for one week (G2) reduced the micro-hardness of dentine compared with samples, tested immediately after immersion in NaOCl (G1) (p < 0.05). NaOCl alone (G2) or treated with STS (G3) resulted in a significant decrease in micro-hardness compared with the STS group (G4) (p < 0.05).Conclusions: STS as a neutralizing agent could not prevent the dentin micro-hardness downturn caused by NaOCl.
Resolvin E1 accelerates pulp repair by regulating inflammation and stimulating dentin regeneration in dental pulp stem cells
Authors: Chen Jie , Xu Huaxing , Xia Kun , Cheng Shuhua , Zhang Qi
Published: November 2020

Background: Unresolved inflammation and tissue destruction are considered to underlie failure of dental pulp repair. As key mediators of the injury response, dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) play a critical role in pulp tissue repair and regeneration. Resolvin E1 (RvE1), a major dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty-acid metabolite, is effective in resolving inflammation and activating wound healing. However, whether RvE1 facilitates injured pulp-tissue repair and regeneration through timely resolution of inflammation and rapid mobilization of DPSCs is unknown. Therefore, we established a pulp injury model and investigated the effects of RvE1 on DPSC-mediated inflammation resolution and injured pulp repair.Methods: A pulp injury model was established using eight-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were sacrificed on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 after pulp capping with a collagen sponge immersed in PBS with RvE1 or PBS. Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining, immunohistochemistry, and immunohistofluorescence were used to evaluate the prohealing properties of RvE1. hDPSCs were incubated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce an inflammatory response, and the expression of inflammatory factors after RvE1 application was measured. Effects of RvE1 on hDPSC proliferation, chemotaxis, and odontogenic differentiation were evaluated by CCK-8 assay, transwell assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, alizarin red staining, and quantitative PCR, and possible signaling pathways were explored using western blotting.Results: In vivo, RvE1 reduced the necrosis rate of damaged pulp and preserved more vital pulp, promoted injured pulp repair and reparative dentin formation. Further, it enhanced dentin matrix protein 1 and dentin sialoprotein expression, and accelerated pulp inflammation resolution by suppressing TNF-α and IL-1β expression. RvE1 enhanced the recruitment of CD146+ and CD105+ DPSCs to the damaged molar pulp mesenchyme. Isolated primary cells exhibited the mesenchymal stem cell immunophenotype and differentiation. RvE1 promoted hDPSC proliferation and chemotaxis. RvE1 significantly attenuated pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) release and enhanced ALP activity, nodule mineralization, and especially, expression of the odontogenesis-related genes DMP1, DSPP, and BSP in LPS-stimulated DPSCs. RvE1 regulated AKT, ERK, and rS6 phosphorylation in LPS-stimulated DPSCs.Conclusions: RvE1 promotes pulp inflammation resolution and dentin regeneration and positively influences the proliferation, chemotaxis, and differentiation of LPS-stimulated hDPSCs. This response is, at least partially, dependent on AKT, ERK, and rS6-associated signaling in the inflammatory microenvironment. RvE1 has promising application potential in regenerative endodontics.
Bronchial thermoplasty reduces ventilation heterogeneity measured by multiple breath nitrogen washout
Authors: Langton David , Bennetts Kim , Thien Francis , Plummer Virginia , Noble Peter B
Published: November 2020

Background Despite demonstrated symptomatic benefit from bronchial thermoplasty (BT), the underlying pathophysiological benefits have been uncertain. The purpose of the present study was to relate clinical benefit after BT to changes in lung physiology, focusing on ventilation homogeneity assessed using multiple breath nitrogen washout (MBNW), and how this may be affected by changes in airway volume and resistance.MethodsConsecutive patients (n=21) with severe asthma scheduled for BT, were evaluated at baseline, 6 weeks and 6 months after completion of treatment. Assessments included the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ), medication usage, exacerbation frequency, spirometry, plethysmography and MBNW. Eighteen of these patients underwent detailed CT evaluation for the estimation of airway volume at baseline and then after the left lung had received BT treatment but prior to right lung treatment. Data are mean±STDEV.ResultsPatients responded to BT with an improvement in ACQ from 3.4±0.8 at baseline to 2.0±1.1 at 6 months (p<0.001). Steroid requiring exacerbations fell from 3.1±2.9 in the 6 months prior to BT to 1.4±1.7 following BT (p<0.001). Significant reductions in maintenance oral steroid dosing and short acting beta agonist use were observed.Airway volume measured by CT scanning significantly increased after treatment. The FEV1 improved from 1.34±0.65 l to 1.52±0.76 l (p=0.024). The Residual Volume fell from 2.87±0.89 l to 2.71±0.93 l (p=0.008) and Total Airway Resistance (Raw) from 10.58±6.56 to 7.64±3.74 cmH2O.s.l-1 (p=0.020). The Lung Clearance Index (LCI) was 187±63% predicted at baseline and improved after treatment from 12.7±3.3 to 11.8±2.4 (p=0.049). The improvement in LCI correlated with the improvement in Raw (r=0.463, p=0.035).Conclusion Clinical benefit after BT is accompanied by improvements in lung physiology, including normalisation of lung homogeneity that seems to be driven by airway dilation and reduced resistance.
Impact of a Smartphone-Based Health Education Intervention in Reducing the Incidence of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) During Hajj
Authors: Goni Mohammed Dauda , Naing Nyi Nyi , Hasan Habsah , Wan-Arfah Nadiah , Deris Zakuan Zainy , Arifin Wan Nor , Baaba Aisha Abubakar
Published: November 2020

Background This study was aimed at demonstrating the impact of a health education intervention on reducing the incidence of influenza-like illnesses symptoms among Malaysian's Hajj pilgrims. MethodsThis study utilizes a quasi-experimental study in the evaluation of the impact of the intervention. Participants were recruited during Hajj orientation courses organized by private Hajj companies. Participants from two separate companies were recruited into an intervention group and control group respectively. The intervention group received a Health Belief Model (HBM) based smartphone health education intervention application while the control group received a normal Hajj guide intervention smartphone application before departure to Hajj. Data on the incidence of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) were collected from participants from two Hajj companies before and after returning from Hajj. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS with descriptive analysis, and analytical tests were conducted at 5% significance level. ResultsA total of 102 pilgrims completed the study in both intervention and control groups. The incidence of the symptoms of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) was statistically significant between the intervention and control groups (p = 0.049). The change in the level of knowledge and attitude among the intervention was statistically significant (p= 0.001, p = 0.029). ConclusionIn conclusion, the health education intervention has an impact on reducing the incidence of symptoms among Hajj pilgrims.
The Concept of “Dog” in Proverbs and Phraseological Units of the Russian and Persian Languages
Authors:   University of Bojnord, Kosar Salimi Abdolmaleki , Narges Ashtiani Majdabadi Kohneh ,   West Tehran Branch of Islamic Azad University
Published: November 2020

This study examines some ways to actualize the concept of “dog” in Russian and Persian language pictures of the world, including the aspects of lexical, cultural, metaphorical and religious relevance of zoomorphism “dog” in Russian and Iranian linguistic cultures. The goal of investigation is to compare the features of the concept of “dog” in Russian and Persian language pictures of the world. Research objectives: 1) to summarize data on the representation and interpretation of the word “dog” in the explanatory dictionaries of the languages studied; 2) to analyze the images of the dog in Russian and Persian proverbs and phraseological units. The relevance of the work consists in referring to this zoomorphic concept from the standpoint of comparing and defining the principles of updating the cognitive characteristics of the concept of “dog” in proverbs and phraseologisms in Russian and Persian, examining the general and specific characteristics of this concept, as well as the views of Russian and Iranian people in relation to this animal in two linguistic cultures. Chosen proverbs and phraseological units of the Russian and Persian languages with the “dog” component are the subject of the study. The object of study is the concept of “dog” in Russian and Persian. The language material for the study was compiled from explanatory dictionaries and collections of paroemias. Each proverb and phraseological unit is subjected to careful analysis, their classification is carried out. The scientific novelty of the study is a comparative study of the concept of “dog” in two linguistic cultures: Russian and Persian. Such studies have not yet been conducted in modern linguistic literature. As a result of the analysis, both a positive and negative attitude towards dogs was noted in both linguistic cultures. On the one hand, a person endows the dog with the positive qualities of fidelity and devotion, on the other hand, with aggressiveness and low value. In two cultures ‒ Russian and Iranian ‒ there are different superstitions, beliefs and prejudices associated with this animal. The obtained research results are of applied value. They can find application in linguodidactics, in particular, when teaching Russian as a foreign language at Iranian universities, as well as in lexicology and linguocultural courses. Keywords: concept, proverb, phraseologism, linguistic culture, comparative studies, linguistic picture of the world
Linguistic Methods of Anti-Russian Propaganda ‒ a New Trend in the German Mass Media
Authors:   Saint Petersburg State University, Galina S. Mel’nik , Boris Ya. Misonzhnikov ,   Saint Petersburg State University
Published: November 2020

The article reveals the specifics of constructing the image of Russia in the German mass media. Based on the study of media discourse, the positions of Russia in the context of the global information and psychological confrontation are determined. We identify markers that determine the information policy of Germany in relation to Russia, as well as linguistic means of forming the image of the country and methods of information aggression against Russian society. On the basis of headline complexes and article leads, priority topics (buzz-topics) in the media, informational reasons for referring to them, sentiment (expressive-evaluative vocabulary), directional vector were determined. The research object are German media, such as Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), Die Welt, Bild, Der Spiegel. The lexemes ″Russia″, ″Moscow″, ″Putin″, ″Kremlin″ (and synonyms) were used as the units of analysis. Relations with Syria, the United States and NATO, Ukraine, Belarus and Turkey were popular topics in the German media during the study period (2020). The analysis of the texts showed that the mostly negative media image of Russia is represented. In foreign policy, the country is presented as an invader, a military aggressor, a murderer, an enemy, and its leader, in the interpretation of the media, is an insidious, cunning schemer, a dishonest player on the geopolitical chessboard. The portrayal of leading German newspapers portrays Russia as a peripheral state, a third world country that claims to be a world power (with nuclear weapons) and a semi-dictatorial regime. In the course of the study, we used general scientific methods of cognitive and interpretive linguistic discourse analysis. In publications, even high-quality ones, metonymy, metaphors, comparisons, epithets, hyperboles are used as components of anti-Russian rhetoric. Conclusion: there is practically no positive news about Russia, the country itself is seen as the main threat to the security of the world. This requires an adequate response, a new information policy and a correction of the country’s reputation. Keywords: information attacks, media image, , enemy image, Russia, ogenda, stylistic means, semantic, discourse
WASTEWATER TREATMENT WITH BIOCONVERSION FOR MOTOR FUEL PRODUCTION
Authors: Shamanskyi Sergii , Boichenko Sergii , Pavliukh Lesia
Published: November 2020

The object of research: the process of wastewater treatment using bioconversion for subsequent motor fuel production. Investigated problem: improving the efficiency of bioconversion process for biofuel production with simultaneous wastewater treatment by removing nitrogen and phosphorous compounds. The main scientific results: providing the possibility of biofuel production with energy and economic inefficiency. It is done by combining the process of motor biofuel production with the process of treating wastewater from biogenic elements makes it perspective for commercial use. Traditional technology for the production of motor biofuels from microalgae includes cultivation, harvesting, dehydration and drying of biomass, extraction of oils from them and subsequent production of methyl esters and glycerol. Such technology is often not economically effective. It requires significant amount of energy for carrying out all necessary processes. In addition, it requires significant expenditures of water and nutrients. The use of nutrient-rich wastewater as a culture medium for the cultivation of microalgae allows not only to reduce costs, but also to purify wastewater from nitrogen and phosphorus compounds, which makes this process economically effective. The area of practical use of the research results: Sewage and gray water treatment plants. Industrial and agricultural effluents treatment plants. Different types of enterprises, which have wastewater enriched with nitrogen and phosphorous compounds. Innovative technological product: The technology of microalgae cultivation using wastewater as a culture medium. The technology allows effectively purifying used wastewaters from nitrogen and phosphorous compounds with no waste at the end. Scope of the innovative technological product: Improved technology of motor biofuel production with simultaneous wastewater purification, which is economically effective and environmentally safe.
INTEGRATED USE OF MAGNETITE IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES
Authors: Ivanenko Olena , Radovenchyk Vyacheslav , Overchenko Tatyana , Radovenchyk Іaroslav
Published: November 2020

The object of research: magnetite obtained by using the ferritic method for the purification of iron-containing solutions. Problem to be solved: a comprehensive solution to the problem of using magnetite, obtained as a result of using the ferrite method for purifying iron-containing solutions, as a catalyst for the oxidation of carbon monoxide and its further utilization in the production of building materials. The main scientific results: it has been shown that the magnetite precipitate formed during the processing of pickling solutions by the ferrite method can be used as a cheap, affordable and effective catalyst for the oxidation of carbon monoxide from flue gases of industrial enterprises, the disposal of which after long-term use does not create problems due to its stability and inertness. Field of practical use of research results: the use of the ferrite method in the purification of pickling solutions of metallurgical enterprises provides not only an increase in the efficiency of water purification, but also leads to the introduction of waste-free technology. The decisive factor will be the use of magnetite as sludge of the use of ferrite technology to solve the problem of reducing flue gas emissions from the production of electrodes for the metallurgical industry, which include toxic carbon monoxide. Innovative technology product: waste-free technology for the processing of pickling solutions by the ferrite method with the formation of a product with magnetic and catalytic properties, further processing of which consists in using red lead iron as a pigment in the production of building materials. Scope of the innovative technology product: oxidation of carbon monoxide from industrial flue gases, followed by the use of red lead as a pigment.
STUDY OF THE INFLUENCE OF SYSTEMIC FACTORS ON THE LEVEL OF LAND USE OF THE REGIONAL NATURE RESERVE FUND
Authors: Viatkin Konstantin , Viatkin Roman
Published: November 2020

An urgent issue is the determination of the functional purpose and increasing the efficiency of using the lands of the natural reserve fund. The object of research: lands of the natural reserve fund. Investigated problem. According to the legal framework, which was used in the study, it was determined certain aspects of their functioning in the context of environmental protection measures. The processes of using the lands of the natural reserve fund should be considered as a complex process; therefore, the influence of systemic factors on the level of use of the lands of the natural reserve fund of the regions is studied. To carry out the analysis, methods of mathematical modeling were used as a mechanism for coordinating the influence of a set of indicators and determining their relationships. Main scientific results. The results of mathematical modeling have been obtained, which provide an opportunity to predict changes in the integral indicator of the level of land use of objects of the natural reserve fund of regions, depending on the relevant factors, and to offer scientifically substantiated recommendations for the development and implementation of monitoring of the formation of lands of objects of the natural reserve fund of regions. The integral indicator was developed on the basis of the analysis and assessment of a set of factors that are defined as parameters for assessing the lands of the natural reserve fund. The analysis of the adequacy of the developed mathematical models of the influence of factors on the integral indicator of the level of land use of objects of the natural reserve fund of the regions using the neural network method made it possible to confirm the completeness and reliability of the established relationships based on low values of the relative error of the test sample. The area of practical use of research results. Thus, the practical significance of the developed model for the formation of a methodology for assessing the processes of using lands of the natural reserve fund has been determined. Innovative technological product: an integral model for assessing the lands of the natural reserve fund. Scope of application of an innovative technological product. This technique makes it possible to increase the efficiency and rationalize the processes of using the lands of the natural reserve fund in order to protect them and ensure integrated functioning.
The Impact of Translation Method and Shift on Translation Quality at Bilingual Textbooks of Physics, Mathematics and History
Authors: Sipayung Kammer Tuahman
Published: November 2020

The first goal of the research was to figure out translation methods and shifts applied in translating bilingual textbooks of History, Mathematics, and Physics, Those bilingual textbooks were published by Quadra, Yramawidia, and Yudhisthira, used for grade seven in Medan. The second was to figure out the impact of translation methods and shifts which dominant on translation quality. The third was to recommend better bilingual textbooks to use based on the translation quality point of view. The research used a descriptive qualitative research method with a questionnaire, depth-interview, and observation on a pair of translation to collect the data. The data were analyzed with interactively and non-interactively. Based on the data analysis, the research finds that (1) the dominant shift on History textbook is unit shift while the dominant method is a free translation, the dominant shift on Physics is a unit shift and dominant method is a communicative translation, the dominant shift on Mathematics is structure shift and dominant method is communicative translation. The second finding is that the impact of the dominant translation shift and method on the History textbook is negative. At the same time, in Mathematics and Physics are positive. Third, the research; the researcher recommends bilingual textbooks of Mathematics and Physics to use based on translation quality point of view. The well bilingual textbooks can improve students’ language skills, while low translation quality influences bad development to students on learning the language.
Sex differences in morphofunctional changes in the immune system in Wistar rats of different age groups with experimental endotoxinemia
Authors: Kosyreva Anna M. , Makarova Olga V.
Published: November 2020

Objective. The aim was revealing gender differences in morphological and functional changes of lymphoid organs (thymus and spleen), changes of cytokine production and subpopulation composition of peripheral blood lymphocytes in Wistar rats of three age groups with endotoxemia. Materials and methods. We used male and female Wistar rats of three age groups: newborns, prepubertal and sexually mature adult rats. A day after the injection of 15 mg/kg of O26:B6 E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the volume fraction of the functional zones of the thymus and spleen, the number of AnnexinV + apoptotically dying cells in the thymus, the relative and absolute number of lymphocyte subpopulations (CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8a+, CD4+CD25+Foxp3+, CD3-CD45R+) in peripheral blood and ex vivo production of IL-2, IL-4, IFN-γ and TNF-α were estimated. Results. Sex differences in the response of the immune system after the LPS injection in different age periods are expressed differently: in the neonatal period, there is immunosuppression in females (decrease in the ex vivo production of IL-2, TNF-α and IFN-γ), and there is activation of pro-inflammatory reactions in males (increase in ex vivo production of IL-2 and TNF-α). As compared with other age periods at prepubertal age, LPS-induced immunological disorders are more pronounced, and gender differences are minimal and related only to the number of T-regulatory and B-lymphocytes. In the adults, the LPS-induced immunosuppression is most pronounced in males - they have a decrease in the production of all the cytokines studied and a decrease in the number of cytotoxic and regulatory T-lymphocytes and B-cells. Conclusion. Thus, in each of the studied age periods - newborn, prepubertal and adult, the sexual differences in the immune system reactions are expressed differently and, apparently, these differences are determined by the content of sex steroid hormones, the concentration of which varies with age.
Obukhov Plant in 1900–1916: Features of Development of Military Production
Authors:   Military Academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russian Federation, Sherba A. N. , Nikulin Yu. A. ,   Military Space Academy
Published: November 2020

At the beginning of the 20th century, domestic military industry entered a new stage of development, due to the evolution of scientific and technological progress that led to increasing complexity of weapons and military equipment. In addition, this stage was characterized by Russia’s participation in two wars: the Russian-Japanese War and First World War. All this significantly influenced the nature of development of military production: its scale grew rapidly, and diversification intensified. One of the largest centers for Russia’s military industry was St. Petersburg, where the largest factories for shipbuilding, artillery, ammunition, small arms, gunpowder, explosives, optical instruments, communications equipment, and other military products were concentrated. A special stage in this development was the First World War, during which industry was mobilized. Due to mobilization, the volume of military production in Petrograd increased significantly, and a significant number of large, medium, and small civilian enterprises were attracted to military output. A number of various institutions and organizations in Petrograd received production orders to produce certain types, ammunition and components for production of military products and, in a short time, mastered their production. This process was interrupted by the revolutionary events of 1917, during which Russia plunged into a deep political and economic crisis.