bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Die Benennung und Bestimmung der Räume im südlichen Repräsentativteil des Geschosses des zweiten „Hochmeisterpalastes“ auf der Marienburg im Mittelalter im Lichte der Schriftquellen
Authors: Jóźwiak Sławomir , Trupinda Janusz
Published: November 2021

Nomenclature and intended use of the rooms of the southern (representative) part of the upper floor of the “palace” of Grand Masters in the Marienburg Castle in the Middle Ages on the basis of written sources
 
The analyses carried out in this article concerning the southern part of  the upper floor of the new (second) “palace” of the Teutonic Order’s superiors in the late Middle Ages allow to formulate several important conclusions. First of all, the building certainly existed before 11 September 1392, but it cannot be ruled out that it was erected at the beginning of the 1370s. In the fifteenth-century sources, its entire southern representative part (looking from the so-called Low and High Halls) along with five rooms of different sizes located there, were referred to as the “Summer (or, less often, Winter) chamber (gemach)”.
This name comes from the most characteristic interiors located there: the “Summer Refectory” / “Great Summer Hall” in the western part and the Winter Refectory in the central part. The thorough analysis of medieval written sources carried out in this article allows for the formulation of the thesis that the chamber located in the easternmost part of the southern part of the “palace”, supported by two columns, should be  identified as the “Minor Summer Hall” (aula minor estivalis), which was recorded in the transumpt of 14 May 1456. Thus, all the suggestions concerning this interior and its supposed intended use in the discussed period, hitherto put forward by the researchers who have so far formulated their conclusions in isolation from the written accounts of the period, should be rejected.
This name comes from the most characteristic interiors located there: the "Summer Refectory" / "Great Summer Hall" in the western part and the Winter Refectory in the central part. The thorough analysis of medieval written sources carried out in this article allowed for the formulation of the thesis that the chamber located in the easternmost part of the southern part of the "palace", supported by two columns, should be  identified as the "Minor Summer Hall" (aula minor estivalis), which was recorded in the transumpt of 14 May 1456. Thus, all the suggestions concerning this interior and its supposed intended use in the discussed period,  hitherto put forward by the researchers who have so far formulated their conclusions in isolation from the written accounts of the period, should be rejected.
Ślady dołkowe na obszarze Polski - katalog
Authors: Pauch Seweryn
Published: November 2021

Prezentowany tekst jest zestawieniem miejscowości z obszaru całej Polski, w których znajdują się świątynie posiadające na swych elewacjach ślady dołkowe. Celem niniejszego tekstu jest wskazanie rozległości występowania tak charakterystycznego zjawiska, które pozostaje niejednoznacznie rozpoznane w swej genezie. Przedstawiony katalog pozwala też prześledzić zmiany zachodzące w ilości śladów zinwentaryzowanych przez kolejnych badaczy, co wskazuje jednoznacznie na zanikanie przedmiotowych otworów.
In the Midst of Hiring: Pathways of Anticipated and Accidental Job Evolution During Hiring
Authors: Cohen Lisa E. , Mahabadi Sara
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we examine the evolution of jobs in the midst of the hiring process: how jobs change between the decision to bring in someone to do a body of work and hiring someone. We analyze data from interviews, observations, and documents about start-up hiring and find that, during hiring, tasks are added and removed from jobs; jobs are abandoned, replaced, and moved; and hiring processes are relaunched. We describe two pathways that this evolution takes: the pathway of anticipated evolution, shaped by the unknown nature of the jobs being filled, and the pathway of accidental evolution, shaped by unanticipated factors surrounding jobs. Although the pathways lead to many of the same immediate consequences, there are differences in the longer-term consequences. Across the pathways, many jobs continue to evolve. On the pathway of anticipated evolution, many job incumbents leave within a year and are not replaced. On the pathway of accidental evolution, the longer-term consequences for job incumbents, structures, and organizations range from stability in structures and incumbents to ongoing conflict and incumbent departure. Not surprisingly, most evolving jobs are new to their organizations, but contrary to common conceptions, job evolution is not the product of managers who lack experience or use lax hiring practices. Our observations provide evidence of the emergent nature of jobs, hiring, and organizations.
Latest clinical research
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: November 2021

Mark Greener summarises the latest studies relevant to primary care nurses
Nurse and midwife prescribing: principles, values and beliefs
Authors: Robertson Deborah
Published: November 2021

Deborah Robertson provides an overview of recently published articles that may be of interest to non-medical prescribers. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided
Efficacy, Safety And Patient Satisfaction Of A Simple Combination Of Readily Available Medications (Shiv-mix) For Perioperative Analgesia, Hemodynamic Stability And Postoperative Recovery Profile: Case Series And Narrative On Opioid Free Anaesthesia (OFA) In Spine Surgeries
Authors: Khan Imran Ahmed , Singh Shiv Kumar
Published: November 2021

Opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) is an emerging technique, is a boon especially for limited resource settings(LRS) where opioids availability is limited for perioperative pain management. The current study presents use of a combination of easily available medication as part of multimodal analgesia. These medications are easily available to any physician and our experience demonstrates that in addition to providing satisfactory analgesia, use of this combination also provides better hemodynamic stability and excellent post-operative recovery.
Combined femoral and sciatic nerve block with Levobupivacaine in Brugada syndrome patient: A case report
Authors: Tavoletti Diego , Rosanò Elisabetta , Cerutti Elisabetta , Pecora Luca
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Brugada syndrome is a rare arrhythmic disorder associated to ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death. General recommendations in Brugada syndrome patient are focused on avoiding increases in vagal tone and precipitating agents such as electrolyte disorders, hypo/hyperthermia and drugs. Anesthetic management in Brugada syndrome patient has been described in many case reports, however it is still unknown which anesthesia is the safest. Local anesthetic may have a theoretical arrhythmogenic risk, but currently there is no clear evidence and their risk is still debated. Peripheral nerve block avoids autonomic nervous system changes that occur with other anesthetic techniques and it is associated to a lower level in the plasma concentration of the local anesthetic compared with neuraxial anesthesia.
Case Report: We report a case of a 38-year-old man patient with Brugada syndrome who underwent urgent orthopedic surgery which was managed with a combined femoral and sciatic nerve blocks using levobupivacaine without any complications.
Conclusions: Peripheral nerve block with levobupivacaine provided good analgesia, hemodynamic and cardiac stability in Brugada syndrome patient.
Keywords: Brugada syndrome, Anesthesia, Levobupivacaine, Peripheral nerve block, Regional anesthesia
Social Representation of Non-Academic Work in Mexico in the Light of Cultural Artefacts
Authors: Clement Ute , Fuentes Paola García , Gold Stefan , Hunink Claudia , Raesfeld Lydia
Published: November 2021

Context: Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has attracted increasing interest in recent years due to its potential to address productivity and equity challenges, such as better employment prospects, as outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite the potential of such programmes, the enrolment rate in vocational training at upper secondary level in Mexico is 38.2%, i.e. below the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) average of 45.7%. This raises the question of possible reasons for the low enrolment rate. Approach: Based on the assumption that attitudes towards non-academic work are culturally anchored in Mexican society, which also shapes the educational and career aspirations of younger generations, the project named Cultural Practice of Non-academic Work in Mexico (KuPraMex), funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), investigates social representations of non-academic work in Mexico. This is done through the analysis of artefacts such as films, murals, etc., as these are part of the tangible culture of a society. As materialised products of human activities or cultural practices, artefacts can be understood as objectifications of social relations and conditions. Therefore, in this context, it is assumed that through the analysis of cultural artefacts, a deeper understanding of how non-academic work is thought, felt, and valued in Mexican society will emerge.Findings: It has been found that the topic on non-academic work is often associated with informality. Moreover, the representations and narratives in cultural artefacts often show that non-academic work, apart from office work, is physically challenging but cognitively undemanding. In terms of access to a company, social networks seem to have enormous relevance. Hierarchies seem rigid and opportunities for promotion limited. However, narratives with more positive attributions regarding non-academic work can also be identified, which state that young people experience a habitus transformation through work. Conclusion: Nevertheless, non-academic work in Mexico seems to lack prestige, which may affect young people's educational and career aspirations and choices. This could mean that those who can afford it prefer to pursue a career in tertiary education rather than opt for a TVET programme. At the macro level, the mentioned lack of prestige could hamper attempts to offer such programmes.
Polarization-controlled chirped guided-mode resonance filter incorporating a hybrid splay–twist liquid crystal
Authors: Chang Li-Min , Yin Chuan Ci , Guo Duan-Yi , Huang Chia-Wei , Lin Tsung-Hsien , Wang Chun-Ta , Hung Yung-Jr
Published: November 2021

This work develops a tunable chirped guided-mode resonant (GMR) filter that has a hybrid splay–twist (HST) liquid crystal as a cladding layer. The GMR filter is a color reflector that strongly reflects light at the resonance wavelength, and its chirped grating structure supports tuning of the resonance peak over a wavelength range of over 50 nm. The HST-LC configuration serves as an achromatic polarization rotator that can rotate the axis of polarization of linearly polarized light by providing effective twist angles in the LC layer under an applied voltage. The HST-LC is used to change the direction of the polarization axis of the light that is reflected by the GMR filter; continuous angles of rotation of

∼

90

∘

are achieved and the linear polarization is retained under applied voltages. The proposed filter enables an ultrabroadband polarization rotation and still maintains a high degree of linear polarization, which allows more degrees of freedom in spectral and polarization controls.
Blurring kernel extraction and super-resolution image reconstruction based on style generative adersarial networks
Authors: Wei YangJie , Hou WeiHan
Published: November 2021

The point spread function (PSF) is the main index used to evaluate the imaging resolution and further improve the quality of an optical image. Its measurement is significant for system development and pattern recognition. However, the precision of current measurement methods is low owing to a complicated modelling process, the pairing of various camera parameters, and disturbances by external factors. In this paper, we propose a method to extract blurring kernels and reconstruct super-resolution images based on style generative adversarial networks (StyleGANs). First, an improved StyleGAN model is introduced and an ideal blurry image generation model based on StyleGAN is trained to obtain a series of ideal Gaussian light-source images with a regular Airy disk; as the intensity distribution in the Airy disk is closer to its theoretical distribution. Second, the blurring kernels are extracted at different depth positions from the generated Gaussian light-source images to replace the PSF. This allows the evaluation of the blurry property of the optical system and effectively avoids the enrolment of noise in parameter identification or curve fitting in PSF representation. Finally, both the blurring kernels are used to deblur the blurry images of the Gaussian light source with a single wavelength and the blurry images of microbeads under visual light illumination at different depths based on the learnable convolutional half-quadratic splitting and convolutional preconditioned Richardson (LCHQS-CPCR) model. Compared to other image deblurring methods, our proposed method achieves high-resolution image reconstruction with blurring kernels from the generated optical images of the Gaussian light source.
Conical third harmonic generation from volume nanogratings induced by filamentation of femtosecond pulses in transparent bulk materials
Authors: Grigutis Robertas , Jukna Vytautas , Navickas Marius , Tamošauskas Gintaras , Staliunas Kestutis , Dubietis Audrius
Published: November 2021

We report on observations of conical third harmonic emission that emerges during supercontinuum generation produced by self-focusing and filamentation of high (20-200 kHz) repetition rate 180 fs, 1035 nm pulses from an amplified Yb:KGW laser in various nonlinear crystals and glasses: YAG, sapphire, YLF, LiF, CaF2, MgF2, LiSAF, fused silica and BK-7 glass. We show that conical third harmonic generation is a phase-matched four-wave mixing process, where noncollinear phase matching is achieved by means of reciprocal lattice vector, inversely proportional to the period of nanograting, which is inscribed by femtosecond filament in the volume of nonlinear material. The existence of a particular period required to phase match conical third harmonic generation was indirectly verified by investigations of periodicity features of high and low spatial frequency laser-induced periodic surface structures, in which matter is reorganized in a similar fashion.
Above pile-up fluorescence microscopy with a 32 Mc/s single-channel time-resolved SPAD system
Authors: Farina Serena , Labanca Ivan , Acconcia Giulia , Ghezzi Alberto , Farina Andrea , D’Andrea Cosimo , Rech Ivan
Published: November 2021

One of the major drawbacks of time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) is generally represented by pile-up distortion, which strongly bounds the maximum acquisition speed to a few percent of the laser excitation rate. Based on a previous theoretical analysis, recently we presented the first, to the best of our knowledge, low-distortion and high-speed TCSPC system capable of overcoming the pile-up limitation by perfectly matching the single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) dead time to the laser period. In this work, we validate the proposed system in a standard fluorescence measurement by comparing experimental data with the reference theoretical framework. As a result, a count rate of 32 Mc/s was achieved with a single-channel system still observing a negligible lifetime distortion.
A cloud-based toolbox for the versatile environmental annotation of biodiversity data
Authors: Li Richard , Ranipeta Ajay , Wilshire John , Malczyk Jeremy , Duong Michelle , Guralnick Robert , Wilson Adam , Jetz Walter
Published: November 2021

A vast range of research applications in biodiversity sciences requires integrating primary species, genetic, or ecosystem data with other environmental data. This integration requires a consideration of the spatial and temporal scale appropriate for the data and processes in question. But a versatile and scale flexible environmental annotation of biodiversity data remains constrained by technical hurdles. Existing tools have streamlined the intersection of occurrence records with gridded environmental data but have remained limited in their ability to address a range of spatial and temporal grains, especially for large datasets. We present the Spatiotemporal Observation Annotation Tool (STOAT), a cloud-based toolbox for flexible biodiversity–environment annotations. STOAT is optimized for large biodiversity datasets and allows user-specified spatial and temporal resolution and buffering in support of environmental characterizations that account for the uncertainty and scale of data and of relevant processes. The tool offers these services for a growing set of near global, remotely sensed, or modeled environmental data, including Landsat, MODIS, EarthEnv, and CHELSA. STOAT includes a user-friendly, web-based dashboard that provides tools for annotation task management and result visualization, linked to Map of Life, and a dedicated R package (rstoat) for programmatic access. We demonstrate STOAT functionality with several examples that illustrate phenological variation and spatial and temporal scale dependence of environmental characteristics of birds at a continental scale. We expect STOAT to facilitate broader exploration and assessment of the scale dependence of observations and processes in ecology.
Distinct effectiveness in containing COVID-19 epidemic: Comparative analysis of two cities in China by mathematical modeling
Authors: Ji Yunpeng , Li Pengfei , Zheng Qinyue , Ma Zhongren , Pan Qiuwei
Published: November 2021

For better preparing future epidemic/pandemic, important lessons can be learned from how different parts of China responded to the early COVID-19 epidemic. In this study, we comparatively analyzed the effectiveness and investigated the mechanistic insight of two highly representative cities of China in containing this epidemic by mathematical modeling. Epidemiological data of Wuhan and Wenzhou was collected from local health commission, media reports and scientific literature. We used a deterministic, compartmental SEIR model to simulate the epidemic. Specific control measures were integrated into the model, and the model was calibrated to the recorded number of hospitalized cases. In the epicenter Wuhan, the estimated number of unisolated or unidentified cases approached 5000 before the date of city closure. By implementing quarantine, a 40% reduction of within-population contact was achieved initially, and continuously increased up to 70%. The expansion of emergency units has finally reduced the mean duration from disease onset to hospital admission from 10 to 3.2 days. In contrast, Wenzhou is characterized as an emerging region with large number of primarily imported cases. Quick response effectively reduced the duration from onset to hospital admission from 20 to 6 days. This resulted in reduction of R values from initial 2.3 to 1.6, then to 1.1. A 40% reduction of contact through within-population quarantine further decreased R values until below 1 (0.5; 95% CI: 0.4–0.65). Quarantine contributes to 37% and reduction of duration from onset to hospital admission accounts for 63% to the effectiveness in Wenzhou. In Wuhan, these two strategies contribute to 54% and 46%, respectively. Thus, control measures combining reduction of duration from disease onset to hospital admission and within-population quarantine are effective for both epicenters and settings primarily with imported cases.
Trends in handwashing behaviours for COVID-19 prevention: Longitudinal evidence from online surveys in 10 sub-Saharan African countries
Authors: Olapeju Bolanle , Hendrickson Zoé Mistrale , Rosen Joseph G. , Shattuck Dominick , Storey J. Douglas , Krenn Susan , Shaivitz Marla , Serlemitsos Elizabeth , Tseng Tuo-Yen , Tsang Samantha W. , Rimal Rajiv N. , Babalola Stella
Published: November 2021

Handwashing is essential for respiratory virus prevention, but uptake of handwashing in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic remains under-explored. This study examines trends in and determinants of handwashing practices for COVID-19 prevention in 10 countries in West, East, and Southern Africa. Data are derived from an online global Facebook survey assessing COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and practices, fielded in July (Round 1) and November 2020 (Round 2). Adults ≥18 years (N = 29,964) were asked if they practiced handwashing with soap and water in the past week to prevent COVID-19. Design-corrected F-statistics compared knowledge and practice of handwashing, at country and regional levels, between survey rounds. A country-level fixed-effects logistic regression model then identified socio-demographic and ideational correlates of handwashing at Round 2. Most participants were >30 years-old, men, post-secondary educated, and urban residents. Between survey rounds, handwashing prevalence declined significantly across regions and in each country, from a 14% decline (Δ84%–70%) in Tanzania to a 3% decline (Δ92%–89%) in South Africa. Handwashing was higher among participants aged >30 years (Adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] = 1.25, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.15–1.35) and with post-secondary education (aOR = 1.62, 95%CI: 1.49–1.77) but lower among men (aOR = 0.71, 95%CI: 0.64–0.78). Ideational factors associated with handwashing included perceived effectiveness of handwashing (aOR = 2.17, 95%CI: 2.00–2.36), knowing someone diagnosed with COVID-19 (aOR = 1.28, 95%CI: 1.18–1.40), and perceived importance of personal action for COVID-19 prevention (aOR = 2.93; 95%CI: 2.60–3.31). Adjusting for socio-demographic and ideational factors, country-level marginal probabilities of handwashing ranged from 67% in Tanzania to 91% in South Africa in Round 2. COVID-19 prevention messages should stress the importance of handwashing, coupled with mask use and physical distancing, for mitigating respiratory disease transmission. Behaviour change communications should be sensitive to resource heterogeneities in African countries, which shape opportunities for sustainable handwashing behaviours.
Mongooses (Urva auropunctata) as reservoir hosts of Leptospira species in the United States Virgin Islands, 2019–2020
Authors: Cranford Hannah M. , Browne A. Springer , LeCount Karen , Anderson Tammy , Hamond Camila , Schlater Linda , Stuber Tod , Burke-France Valicia J. , Taylor Marissa , Harrison Cosme J. , Matias Katia Y. , Medley Alexandra , Rossow John , Wiese Nicholas , Jankelunas Leanne , de Wilde Leah , Mehalick Michelle , Blanchard Gerard L. , Garcia Keith R. , McKinley Alan S. , Lombard Claudia D. , Angeli Nicole F. , Horner David , Kelley Thomas , Worthington David J. , Valiulis Jennifer , Bradford Bethany , Berentsen Are , Salzer Johanna S. , Galloway Renee , Schafer Ilana J. , Bisgard Kristine , Roth Joseph , Ellis Brett R. , Ellis Esther M. , Nally Jarlath E.
Published: November 2021

During 2019–2020, the Virgin Islands Department of Health investigated potential animal reservoirs of Leptospira spp., the bacteria that cause leptospirosis. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated Leptospira spp. exposure and carriage in the small Indian mongoose (Urva auropunctata, syn: Herpestes auropunctatus), an invasive animal species. This study was conducted across the three main islands of the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), which are St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. We used the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), fluorescent antibody test (FAT), real-time polymerase chain reaction (lipl32 rt-PCR), and bacterial culture to evaluate serum and kidney specimens and compared the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of these laboratory methods. Mongooses (n = 274) were live-trapped at 31 field sites in ten regions across USVI and humanely euthanized for Leptospira spp. testing. Bacterial isolates were sequenced and evaluated for species and phylogenetic analysis using the ppk gene. Anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies were detected in 34% (87/256) of mongooses. Reactions were observed with the following serogroups: Sejroe, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Pyrogenes, Mini, Cynopteri, Australis, Hebdomadis, Autumnalis, Mankarso, Pomona, and Ballum. Of the kidney specimens examined, 5.8% (16/270) were FAT-positive, 10% (27/274) were culture-positive, and 12.4% (34/274) were positive by rt-PCR. Of the Leptospira spp. isolated from mongooses, 25 were L. borgpetersenii, one was L. interrogans, and one was L. kirschneri. Positive predictive values of FAT and rt-PCR testing for predicting successful isolation of Leptospira by culture were 88% and 65%, respectively. The isolation and identification of Leptospira spp. in mongooses highlights the potential role of mongooses as a wildlife reservoir of leptospirosis; mongooses could be a source of Leptospira spp. infections for other wildlife, domestic animals, and humans.
Prevalence and correlates of pregnancy self-testing among pregnant women attending antenatal care in western Kenya
Authors: Nganga Nina , Dettinger Julia , Kinuthia John , Baeten Jared , John-Stewart Grace , Gómez Laurén , Marwa Mary , Ochieng Ben , Pintye Jillian , Mugwanya Kenneth , Mugambi Melissa
Published: November 2021

In sub-Saharan Africa little is known about how often women use pregnancy self-tests or characteristics of these women despite evidence that pregnancy self-testing is associated with early antenatal care (ANC) initiation. Understanding the characteristics of women who use pregnancy self-tests can facilitate more targeted efforts to improve pregnancy testing experiences and entry into the ANC pathway. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among pregnant women enrolling in a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) implementation study to determine the prevalence and factors associated with pregnancy self-testing among women in western Kenya. Overall, in our study population, 17% of women obtained a pregnancy self-test from a pharmacy. Pregnancy test use was higher among employed women, women with secondary and college-level educated partners, and women who spent 30 minutes or less traveling to the maternal and child health (MCH) clinic. The most reported reasons for non-use of pregnancy self-tests included not thinking it was necessary, lack of knowledge, and money to pay for the test. Future research should focus on understanding the knowledge and attitudes of women toward pregnancy self-testing as well as developing community-based models to improve access to pregnancy testing and ANC.
Quercetin exhibits potent antioxidant activity, restores motor and non-motor deficits induced by rotenone toxicity
Authors: Madiha Syeda , Batool Zehra , Tabassum Saiqa , Liaquat Laraib , Sadir Sadia , Shahzad Sidrah , Naqvi Fizza , Saleem Sadia , Yousuf Sarwat , Nawaz Amber , Ahmad Saara , Sajid Irfan , Afzal Asia , Haider Saida
Published: November 2021

The rotenone-induced animal model of Parkinson’s disease (PD) has been used to investigate the pathogenesis of PD. Oxidative stress is one of the main contributors of neurodegeneration in PD. Flavonoids have the potential to modulate neuronal function and combat various neurodegenerative diseases. The pre- and post-supplementation of quercetin (50 mg/kg, p.o) was done in rats injected with rotenone (1.5 mg/kg, s.c). After the treatment, behavioral activities were monitored for motor activity, depression-like behavior, and cognitive changes. Rats were decapitated after behavioral analysis and the brain samples were dissected out for neurochemical and biochemical estimation. Results showed that supplementation of quercetin significantly (p<0.01) restored rotenone-induced motor and non-motor deficits (depression and cognitive impairments), enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities (p<0.01), and attenuated neurotransmitter alterations (p<0.01). It is suggested that quercetin supplementation improves neurotransmitter levels by mitigating oxidative stress via increasing antioxidant enzyme activity and hence improves motor activity, cognitive functions, and reduces depressive behavior. The results of the present study showed that quercetin pre-supplementation produced more significant results as compared to post-supplementation. These findings show that quercetin can be a potential therapeutic agent to reduce the risk and progression of PD.
Energetics contribution during no-gi Brazilian jiu jitsu sparring and its association with regional body composition
Authors: Pessôa Filho Dalton Müller , Sancassani Andrei , da Cruz Siqueira Leandro Oliveira , Massini Danilo Alexandre , Almeida Santos Luiz Gustavo , Neiva Cassiano Merussi , DiMenna Fred J.
Published: November 2021

We used measurements of metabolic perturbation obtained after sparring to estimate energetics contribution during no-gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Ten advanced grapplers performed two six-minute sparring bouts separated by 24 hours. Kinetics of recovery rate of oxygen uptake was modelled and post-combat-sparring blood-lactate concentration measured to estimate oxygen equivalents for phospholytic and glycolytic components of anaerobic energetics, respectively. Linear regression was used to estimate end-combat-sparring rate of oxygen uptake. Regional and whole-body composition were assessed using dual X-ray absorptiometry with associations between these measurements and energy turnover explored using Pearson’s correlation coefficient (significance, P < 0.05). Estimated oxygen equivalents for phospholytic and glycolytic contributions to anaerobic metabolism were 16.9 ± 8.4 (~28%) and 44.6 ± 13.5 (~72%) mL∙kg-1, respectively. Estimated end-exercise rate of oxygen uptake was 44.2 ± 7.0 mL∙kg-1∙min-1. Trunk lean mass was positively correlated with both total anaerobic and glycolytic-specific energetics (total, R = 0.645, p = 0.044; glycolytic, R = 0.692, p = 0.027) and negatively correlated with end-exercise rate of oxygen uptake (R = -0.650, p = 0.042). There were no correlations for any measurement of body composition and phospholytic-specific energetics. Six minutes of no-gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu sparring involves high relative contribution from the glycolytic component to total anaerobic energy provision and the link between this energetics profile and trunk lean mass is consistent with the predominance of ground-based combat that is unique for this combat sport. Training programs for Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners should be designed with consideration given to these specific energetics characteristics.
Development and validation of a self-reported questionnaire to assess occupational balance in parents of preterm infants
Authors: Dür Mona , Röschel Anna , Oberleitner-Leeb Christiane , Herrmanns Verena , Pichler-Stachl Elisabeth , Mattner Barbara , Pernter Silvia-Desiree , Wald Martin , Urlesberger Berndt , Kurz Herbert , Frischer Thomas , Zwiauer Karl , Berger Angelika
Published: November 2021

Background

Parents’ meaningful activities (occupations) and occupational balance are relevant to neonatal care. Valid and reliable self-reported measurement instruments are needed to assess parents’ occupational balance and to evaluate occupational balance interventions in neonatal care. The aims of this study were to develop a self-reported questionnaire on occupational balance in informal caregivers (OBI-Care) and to examine its measurement properties including construct validity and internal consistency.

Methods and findings

A mixed method multicenter study design was employed. Items of the OBI-Care were created with parents of preterm infants based on qualitative research methods. Measurement properties were analyzed with quantitative data of parents of preterm infants. Construct validity was assessed by determining dimensionality, overall and item fit to a Rasch model, differential item functioning and threshold ordering. Internal consistency was examined by determining inter-item and item-total correlations, Cronbach’s alpha and Rasch’s person separation index. Fourteen parents participated in item creation. Measurement properties were explored in data of 304 parents. Twenty-two items, summarized in three subscales were compiled to the OBI-Care. Items showed an overall fit and except one item, an item fit to the Rasch model. There was no evidence of differential item functioning and all items displayed ordered thresholds. Each subscale had good values of person separation indices and Cronbach’s alpha.

Conclusions

The OBI-Care demonstrates construct validity and internal consistency and is thus a suitable measurement instrument to assess occupational balance of parents of preterm infants in neonatal care. OBI-Care is generic and can be applied in various health care settings.
Serum and aqueous humor adiponectin levels correlate with diabetic retinopathy development and progression
Authors: Yang Hyun Seung , Choi Young Je , Han Hee Yong , Kim Hak Su , Park So Hyun , Lee Kyung Sub , Lim Sang Hwa , Heo Doo Jin , Choi Sangkyung
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To compare adiponectin (APN) levels in the serum and aqueous humor (AH) and evaluate their association with the development/progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Methods

Diabetic patients with (group 3; n = 59) and without (group 2; n = 39) DR and age- and sex-matched normal subjects (group 1; n = 35) were compared. Duration of diabetes, body mass index, serum HbA1c, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), APN, pentraxin 3 (PTX3), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and APN were measured and analyzed.

Results

One hundred and thirty-three participants were included. Compared to patients without diabetes, diabetic patients with DR had significantly elevated average serum APN levels (5.99±3.89 μg/ml versus 3.51±1.44 μg/ml, P = 0.002) and average AH APN levels (10.94±11.74 ng/ml versus 3.65±3.33 ng/ml, P<0.001). Serum APN was significantly correlated with AH APN (R = 0.512, P<0.001) and AH VEGF (R = 0.202, P = 0.020). The log serum APN was significantly correlated with intraocular cytokines, including log APN, log VEGF, log ICAM, log leptin, log PTX3, log PDGF, angiopoietin, C-reactive protein, and interleukins (IL)-5 and IL-10 (P<0.001, P = 0.020, P<0.001, P<0.001, P = 0.001, P<0.001, P = 0.008, P = 0.009, P<0.001, and P = 0.046, respectively). Log serum VEGF showed a significant correlation only with log AH VEGF (P = 0.001). Multivariate logistic analysis was performed to evaluate the association of DR progression and cytokine concentrations; log Serum APN and log AH APN showed good correlation with the DR progression in each model.

Conclusions

AH APN levels correlated well with DR development and progression. Serum APN could be a better marker for estimating intraocular cytokines, including both intraocular APN and VEGF concentrations in clinical field, than serum VEGF in DR patients.
Clinical manifestations, associated risk factors and treatment outcomes of Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA): Experiences from a tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Akram Waqas , Ejaz Muhammad Bilal , Mallhi Tauqeer Hussain , Syed Sulaiman Syed Azhar bin , Khan Amer Hayat
Published: November 2021

Background

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) has a wide spectrum of illnesses depending on the progression of the disease and comorbid conditions. However, there is an inadequacy of investigations regarding clinical, laboratory, risk factor and prognostic data on CPA. The current study is aimed to consider the clinical manifestations, risk factors and outcomes of CPA.

Methodology

Retrospective records of all patients with a confirmed diagnosis of CPA who sought treatment at Gulab Devi Chest Hospital Lahore, Pakistan from January 2017 to December 2019 were evaluated. Data regarding demographics, clinical manifestations, comorbidities, radiographic and microbiological findings, length of hospital stay (LOS) and intensive care unit (ICU) admission was collected and analyzed to identify the factors associated with mortality. The independent factors associated with mortality were also identified by appropriate analyses.

Results

A total of 218 CPA patients were included in this study. The mean age was 45.75 ± 6.26 years. Of these, 160 (73.4%) were male, and 65 (29.8%) had diabetes. The mean LOS was 18.5 ± 10.9 days. The most common type of CPA was simple aspergilloma (56%) followed by chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis (CCPA) (31.2%). About one half of the patients had a history of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and treatment response rates were low in patients with active TB. The overall mortality rate was 27.1%. ICU admission was required for 78 (35.8%) patients. Diabetes mellitus (DM), hematological malignancies and chronic kidney disease (CKD) were the common underlying conditions predicting a poor outcome. Mean LOS, hematological malignancies, consolidation and ICU admission were identified as the independent factors leading to mortality.

Conclusions

CPA had a significant association with TB in the majority of cases. Treatment response rates in cases with active TB were comparatively low. Cases with high mean LOS, hematological malignancies, consolidation, ICU admission, CKD and DM experienced poor outcomes. High mean LOS, hematological malignancies, consolidation and ICU stay were identified as independent risk factors for mortality. Future large prospective studies, involving aspergillus specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody testing, are required for a better understanding of CPA in Pakistan.
On the asymptotic behavior of the average geodesic distance L and the compactness CB of simple connected undirected graphs whose order approaches infinity
Authors: Lokot Tatiana , Abramov Olga , Mehler Alexander
Published: November 2021

The average geodesic distance L Newman (2003) and the compactness CB Botafogo (1992) are important graph indices in applications of complex network theory to real-world problems. Here, for simple connected undirected graphs G of order n, we study the behavior of L(G) and CB(G), subject to the condition that their order |V(G)| approaches infinity. We prove that the limit of L(G)/n and CB(G) lies within the interval [0;1/3] and [2/3;1], respectively. Moreover, for any not necessarily rational number β ∈ [0;1/3] (α ∈ [2/3;1]) we show how to construct the sequence of graphs {G}, |V(G)| = n → ∞, for which the limit of L(G)/n (CB(G)) is exactly β (α) (Theorems 1 and 2). Based on these results, our work points to novel classification possibilities of graphs at the node level as well as to the information-theoretic classification of the structural complexity of graph indices.
Chronic diseases associated with increased likelihood of hospitalization and mortality in 68,913 COVID-19 confirmed cases in Spain: A population-based cohort study
Authors: Gimeno-Miguel Antonio , Bliek-Bueno Kevin , Poblador-Plou Beatriz , Carmona-Pírez Jonás , Poncel-Falcó Antonio , González-Rubio Francisca , Ioakeim-Skoufa Ignatios , Pico-Soler Victoria , Aza-Pascual-Salcedo Mercedes , Prados-Torres Alexandra , Gimeno-Feliu Luis Andrés ,   on behalf of the PRECOVID Group
Published: November 2021

Background

Clinical outcomes among COVID-19 patients vary greatly with age and underlying comorbidities. We aimed to determine the demographic and clinical factors, particularly baseline chronic conditions, associated with an increased risk of severity in COVID-19 patients from a population-based perspective and using data from electronic health records (EHR).

Methods

Retrospective, observational study in an open cohort analyzing all 68,913 individuals (mean age 44.4 years, 53.2% women) with SARS-CoV-2 infection between 15 June and 19 December 2020 using exhaustive electronic health registries. Patients were followed for 30 days from inclusion or until the date of death within that period. We performed multivariate logistic regression to analyze the association between each chronic disease and severe infection, based on hospitalization and all-cause mortality.

Results

5885 (8.5%) individuals showed severe infection and old age was the most influencing factor. Congestive heart failure (odds ratio -OR- men: 1.28, OR women: 1.39), diabetes (1.37, 1.24), chronic renal failure (1.31, 1.22) and obesity (1.21, 1.26) increased the likelihood of severe infection in both sexes. Chronic skin ulcers (1.32), acute cerebrovascular disease (1.34), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (1.21), urinary incontinence (1.17) and neoplasms (1.26) in men, and infertility (1.87), obstructive sleep apnea (1.43), hepatic steatosis (1.43), rheumatoid arthritis (1.39) and menstrual disorders (1.18) in women were also associated with more severe outcomes.

Conclusions

Age and specific cardiovascular and metabolic diseases increased the risk of severe SARS-CoV-2 infections in men and women, whereas the effects of certain comorbidities are sex specific. Future studies in different settings are encouraged to analyze which profiles of chronic patients are at higher risk of poor prognosis and should therefore be the targets of prevention and shielding strategies.
A 6-CpG validated methylation risk score model for metabolic syndrome: The HyperGEN and GOLDN studies
Authors: Hidalgo Bertha A. , Minniefield Bre , Patki Amit , Tanner Rikki , Bagheri Minoo , Tiwari Hemant K. , Arnett Donna K. , Irvin Marguerite Ryan
Published: November 2021

There has been great interest in genetic risk prediction using risk scores in recent years, however, the utility of scores developed in European populations and later applied to non-European populations has not been successful. The goal of this study was to create a methylation risk score (MRS) for metabolic syndrome (MetS), demonstrating the utility of MRS across race groups using cross-sectional data from the Hypertension Genetic Epidemiology Network (HyperGEN, N = 614 African Americans (AA)) and the Genetics of Lipid Lowering Drugs and Diet Network (GOLDN, N = 995 European Americans (EA)). To demonstrate this, we first selected cytosine-guanine dinucleotides (CpG) sites measured on Illumina Methyl450 arrays previously reported to be significantly associated with MetS and/or component conditions in more than one race/ethnic group (CPT1A cg00574958, PHOSPHO1 cg02650017, ABCG1 cg06500161, SREBF1 cg11024682, SOCS3 cg18181703, TXNIP cg19693031). Second, we calculated the parameter estimates for the 6 CpGs in the HyperGEN data (AA) and used the beta estimates as weights to construct a MRS in HyperGEN (AA), which was validated in GOLDN (EA). We performed association analyses using logistic mixed models to test the association between the MRS and MetS, adjusting for covariates. Results showed the MRS was significantly associated with MetS in both populations. In summary, a MRS for MetS was a strong predictor for the condition across two race groups, suggesting MRS may be useful to examine metabolic disease risk or related complications across race/ethnic groups.
Management practices and their relation to success of Polish SMEs: The empirical verification
Authors: Łobos Krzysztof , Wojciech Magdalena
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to identify management practices that are characteristic for SMEs that achieve market success measured by their business performance in last their years of their operation analyze the relationships between management practices applied in small and medium-sized enterprises and their success measured by their business performance drawing on the data from 2710 SMEs operating on the Polish market.

Approach/Methodology/Design

A cluster analysis was used to distinguish homogenous SME groups in view of their management practices. We examined differences between groups in terms of their business performance. The HINoV algorithm allowed six variables to be selected out of 32 management practices chosen initially for testing, with these variables providing the basis for grouping. Modal values and medians were calculated for 17 business performance measures in the three clusters produced. The subsequent analysis of those findings was focused on capturing significant differences.

Findings

In the group of 2710 Polish SMEs, it was possible to verify that there existed an association between management practices in the field of modern HRM, computer systems supporting management and the company’s economic performance, as measured by an increase in net revenue and number of customers over the last three years. In clusters where the above mentioned practices were appreciated, modal and median values of the increase reported in net revenue and number of customers were significantly higher.

Practical implications

The research has shown that at a time marked by a shortage of highly skilled personnel one should pay particular attention to building an integrated and committed team of workers and to employee empowerment. The research has also shown that SME managers monitor only a fraction of basic business performance measures, which may prove to be a major risk to SMEs.

Originality/Value

Previous studies have been largely conducted in a fragmentary manner, i.e. they were concerned with the relationships between the application of some practices (strategic management, BPR, entrepreneurial orientation, monitoring, etc.) and selected business effectiveness measures. In this paper, the research covered SME management practices from a variety of areas which were then compared with the entrepreneurs’ assessment as to whether the company’s economic condition changed over the last three years. It is also the first attempt in post-socialist economies to identify those SME management practices that are related to better economic results.
Atypical lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of COVID-19 patients: A prognostic factor for the clinical course of COVID-19
Authors: Sugihara Jun , Shibata Sho , Doi Masafumi , Shimmura Takuya , Inoue Shinichiro , Matsumoto Osamu , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Makino Ayaka , Miyazaki Yasunari
Published: November 2021

Background

Clinical observations have shown that there is a relationship between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and atypical lymphocytes in the peripheral blood; however, knowledge about the time course of the changes in atypical lymphocytes and the association with the clinical course of COVID-19 is limited.

Objective

Our purposes were to investigate the dynamics of atypical lymphocytes in COVID-19 patients and to estimate their clinical significance for diagnosis and monitoring disease course.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively identified 98 inpatients in a general ward at Kashiwa Municipal Hospital from May 1st, 2020, to October 31st, 2020. We extracted data on patient demographics, symptoms, comorbidities, blood test results, radiographic findings, treatment after admission and clinical course. We compared clinical findings between patients with and without atypical lymphocytes, investigated the behavior of atypical lymphocytes throughout the clinical course of COVID-19, and determined the relationships among the development of pneumonia, the use of supplemental oxygen and the presence of atypical lymphocytes.

Results

Patients with atypical lymphocytes had a significantly higher prevalence of pneumonia (80.4% vs. 42.6%, p < 0.0001) and the use of supplemental oxygen (25.5% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.0042). The median time to the appearance of atypical lymphocytes after disease onset was eight days, and atypical lymphocytes were observed in 16/98 (16.3%) patients at the first visit. Atypical lymphocytes appeared after the confirmation of lung infiltrates in 31/41 (75.6%) patients. Of the 13 oxygen-treated patients with atypical lymphocytes, approximately two-thirds had a stable or improved clinical course after the appearance of atypical lymphocytes.

Conclusion

Atypical lymphocytes frequently appeared in the peripheral blood of COVID-19 patients one week after disease onset. Patients with atypical lymphocytes were more likely to have pneumonia and to need supplemental oxygen; however, two-thirds of them showed clinical improvement after the appearance of atypical lymphocytes.