Frequent Component Research Articles

Metabolic Syndrome During Pregnancy: Prevalence and Determinants Among Pregnant Women Followed-Up at the Dschang District Hospital, West Region of Cameroon.

PurposeMetabolic syndrome (MS) during pregnancy constitutes a serious threat to the mother and child health that will shortly become a major public health issue, especially in developing countries. However, in Cameroon, epidemiological data on MS during pregnancy are still scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and determinants of MS among pregnant women followed-up at the Dschang District Hospital (DDH), in the west region of Cameroon.Patients and MethodsThis study was a hospital based cross-sectional study, carried out among pregnant women followed-up at the antenatal care unit of the DDH, from September 2019 to June 2020. Participants were assessed on sociodemographic, lifestyle parameters, and dietary habits using standardized and structured questionnaires. Anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, and biochemical markers were measured using standard procedures. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed using the HNLBI/AHA definition, modified for pregnant women by Chatzi et al. A participant was recorded as having MS if presenting at least three of the following criteria: Pre-gestational BMI >30 kg/m2; triglycerides ≥150 mg/dl; HDL cholesterol <50 mg/dl; SBP ≥130/DBP ≥85 mm/Hg; and fasting blood glucose ≥100 mg/dl.ResultsSix hundred and four (604) pregnant women were included in the study. The prevalence of MS was 17.88% (95% CI: 15.03–21.14) and its most frequent individual components were low levels of HDL-cholesterol (66.23% (95% CI: 62.36–69.88)) and hypertriglyceridemia (28% (95% CI: 54.31–62.15)). Grand multiparous shows a higher risk of presenting MS (OR:3.06, 95% CI: 1.24–7.12; p = 0.011) compared to nulliparous. Pregestational BMI appears to be the best predictor of MS during pregnancy even after adjustment on age, parity, lifestyle and dietary habits (OR: 46.46, 95% CI: 15.58–138.49; p ˂ 0.0001).ConclusionThe prevalence of MS on pregnant women in the Dschang health district is 17.88% (95% CI: 15.03–21.14) and its major determinant is pre-gestational obesity. This work provides quality preliminary data for the design and improvement of prevention strategies.

Abstract P1-08-05: Expression of the human APOE4 genotype modulates Doxorubicin cardiotoxicity in mice

Abstract Background: The human apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene has three major allelic variants: APOE2, -E3 and -E4. Carriers of the E4 allele are at increased risk for Alzheimer’s and other age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Recently, APOE4 has been associated with risk for cancer-related cognitive decline following chemotherapy with Doxorubicin (DOX), a frequent component of adjuvant therapy for breast cancer. To date, the mechanisms for APOE4 neurotoxicity are unknown, but may greater vulnerability to oxidative stress. DOX also causes dose-dependent cardiotoxicity, but a role for APOE4 in heart damage has not been previously demonstrated. Objective: To determine whether APOE4 predisposes to DOX-induced damage to the myocardium. Methods: C57Bl/6 mice (5-7 mo and 14-18 mo, male and female) with human APOE3 or APOE4 homozygous knock-in (=hAPOE3 and hAPOE4, respectively) were subjected to a single IP injection of saline (Control) or DOX (10 mg/kg, or 5 weekly injections of 5 mg/kg, =DOX), and monitored between 3-45 days afterward. Left ventricular systolic function was quantitated using echocardiography (Vevo 3100) at baseline, during and at the end of each study. TUNEL assay was used to identify apoptotic cells. Collagen was imaged using Masson’s Trichrome staining. Myocardial protein and RNA were extracted from the left ventricle and was analyzed by immunoblotting, realtime PCR and RNASeq on an Illumina NexGen platform.Results: Aged female APOE4 mice had more myocardial collagen at baseline (8.93±1.23 vs. 6.06±1.44%). Baseline cardiac function were similar at baseline in the 2 mouse strains. Three days after DOX, apoptotic myocytes were more abundant in hAPOE4 vs hAPOE3 hearts (1.2 vs. 4.6 TUNEL+ cells per section, n= 5, p&amp;lt;0.05). After DOX treatment, hAPOE4 mice had greater declines in left ventricular ejection fraction (EF, 46.9 vs 62.1%, p = hAPOE4 vs hAPOE3, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Quantitative PCR, RNASeq and protein studies revealed multiple differences in the cardiac transcriptome between hAPOE3 and hAPOE4 mice both at baseline and after DOX treatment. Baseline expression of MEF2D, a key driver of the myocardial stress response, was increased in hAPOE4 vs APOE3, driven by a 3500x (p = 4.76E-17) in transcript variant 1. Robust differences were seen in expression of c-Jun, JunB, and myosin heavy chain genes Myh6 and Myh7 at baseline and following DOX treatment at day 3. Growth Arrest And DNA Damage Inducible Alpha(GADD45A) gene expression was ~2x higher in hAPOE4 mice at baseline, but was similar to hAPOE3 mice by day 14 after DOX. Protein levels of caspase-1, an essential regulator of inflammation and the innate immune response, increased with age in hAPOE3 mice. In contrast, levels of casp-1 were lower in hAPOE4 and did not increase with age (p= 0.002 for APOE4 vs APOE3 at 17 mo). Conclusions: These findings support a model in which the APOE4 allele increases vulnerability to DOX-induced cardiac damage through mechanisms that involve significant and complex alterations in the response to oxidative stress and/or damage signaling. Studies are ongoing to further elucidate transcriptional differences conferred by APOE4, to analyze substrates downstream of caspase-1 affected by APOE4, and to determine the extent to which APOE4 may contribute to DOX toxicity in patient populations. Citation Format: Guannan Wang, G. William Rebeck, Olga Rodriguez, Marc E. Lippman, Nanette H. Bishopric. Expression of the human APOE4 genotype modulates Doxorubicin cardiotoxicity in mice [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-08-05.

The South American dipnoan Metaceratodus baibianorum (Dipnoi, Ceratodontidae) from the Upper Cretaceous La Colonia Formation, Patagonia, Argentina: an approach from the histology of the tooth plates

Lungfish remains are a frequent component of the Upper Cretaceous deposits of Patagonia; they are mainly represented by tooth plates fused or not to the jaw bones. Here, we describe the histology of the tooth plates of Metaceratodus baibianorum from the La Colonia Formation, Patagonia. The present study is the first of its kind to be carried out in Argentinian dipnoans. Under the petrographic microscope, the tooth plates show two distinct arrangements of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals in the interdenteonal dentine (cross birefringent pattern and monorefringent pattern), which differ from the one present in the circumdenteonal dentine (lamellar birefringent pattern). The tissue arrangement of M. baibianorum tooth plates is more similar to that of other Mesozoic and Cenozoic species (such as neoceratodontids) than it is to that present in Paleozoic species (such as Dipterus valenciennesi). At the same time, incremental lines in vertical sections are observed. The nature of incremental lines in the interdenteonal dentine and their use in estimating the minimum age of the specimen are discussed.

Barriers and facilitators to physical activity participation in patients with head and neck cancer: a scoping review.

Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) usually experienced disfigurement, dysfunction, and psychosocial distress, leading to a decline in their quality of life. Physical activity (PA) is recommended for such patients. Despite the proven benefits of participating in PA, the compliance of patients with HNC is still poor. Hence, the factors influencing PA participation and adherence in patients with HNC need to be explored. This study aimed to (1) identify barriers and enablers of PA in adult patients living with HNC and (2) map barriers and facilitators to the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) model. Types of studies: Studies with qualitative, quantitative, and mixed designs were included in this review. The current review takes into account patients with HNC aged 18years or above. Types of interventions: This review considered all studies focusing on full-body PA. This scoping review focused on studies examining health behavior, patients' compliance, and facilitators and/or barriers to PA engagement. Five databases (Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO) were searched following the methodology for scoping reviews from inception to July 2021. The extracted data included author(s)/year of publication, country, main purpose of the study, sample size/disease site and stage, methodology and methods, type of treatment, and main findings/barriers, or facilitators. A total of 22 studies were finally selected. The top three barriers were physical-related issues, time pressures, and low motivation or interest. Most facilitators included perceived psychological, health, and social benefits and preference for the model of PA. The most frequent COM-B model components were physical capability, automatic motivation, and physical opportunity. Patients with HNC have unique facilitators and barriers to participating in PA. Interventions must leverage facilitators and limit barriers to exercise so as to increase compliance with exercise. Future studies should test the effectiveness of behavioral change measures based on the factors influencing the COM-B model.

Association between being metabolically healthy/unhealthy and metabolic syndrome in Iranian adults.

IntroductionThe prevalence of metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) varies based on different criteria. We assessed the prevalence of MHO and metabolic unhealthiness based on body mass index (BMI) and their association with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a nation-wide study.MethodsData were taken from the STEPs 2016 study, from 18,459 Iranians aged ≥25 years. Demographic, metabolic, and anthropometric data were collected. Subjects were stratified by BMI, metabolic unhealthiness, and having MetS. The latter was defined based on National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III 2004 (NCEP ATP III), was then assessed.ResultsThe prevalence of MHO and metabolic unhealthiness in obese subjects was 7.5% (about 3.6 million) and 18.3% (about 8.9 million), respectively. Most of the metabolic unhealthy individuals were female (53.5%) or urban residents (72.9%). Low physical activity was significantly and positively associated (Odds Ratio: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.04–1.35) with metabolic unhealthiness, while being a rural residence (0.83, 0.74–0.93), and having higher education (0.47, 0.39–0.58) significantly but negatively affected it. Dyslipidemia was the most frequent MetS component with a prevalence rate of 46.6% (42.1–51.1), 62.2% (60.8–63.6), 76.3% (75.1–77.5), and 83.4% (82.1–84.6) among underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese phenotypes, respectively.ConclusionBMI aside, an additional set of criteria such as metabolic markers should be taken into account to identify normal weight but metabolically unhealthy individuals. Given the highest prevalence of dyslipidemia among obese subjects, further interventions are required to raise public awareness, promote healthy lifestyles and establish lipid clinics.

Intra and Inter-Observer Reliability of the New Classification System of Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity

Category:Basic Sciences/Biologics; Hindfoot; Midfoot/ForefootIntroduction/Purpose:Over the past three decades, the historical notion that adult acquired flatfoot was attributed to posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) has been questioned. Advances in the understanding of arch stabilizers and biomechanics of the midfoot joints have led to the new concept of progressively collapsing foot deformity (PCFD). Most recently, the consensus group proposed a new classification system and recommended renaming PTTD to PCFD. The proposed PCFD classification system incorporates the latest understanding of the condition and provides a concise, standardized description of the deformity. To date, there has been no study reporting the frequency of each subclass of PCFD with various combination of deformity components and evaluating intra- and interrater reliability.Methods:This was a single-center, retrospective study conducted from prospectively collected registry data. 84 patients (92 feet) were assessed between 2014 and 2020. Classification of each patient was made utilizing clinical and radiographic findings by three independent observers. Clinical aspects of the deformity included hindfoot valgus, forefoot/midfoot abduction, forefoot varus deformity, hypermobile medial column, sinus tarsi impingement, peritalar subluxation and valgus tilting of the ankle joint.Radiographic evaluation was focused on Hindfoot valgus (A), increased talar head undercoverage, significant sinus tarsi impingement (B), increased lateral talus-first metatarsal angle, plantar gapping at first TMT/NC joints (C), significant subtalar joint subluxation/subfibular impingement with obliterated joint space (D), and ankle joint valgus tilting with or without arthritic changes (E). Intra- and interrater reliabilities were analyzed with Cohen's Kappa and Fleiss' kappa respectively.Results:Mean age was 54.4, 38% male and 62% female. Mean BMI was 33.6 kg/m2. 1ABC (21 feet, 22.8%) was most common subclass followed by 1AC (12 feet, 13%) and 1ABCD (8 feet, 8.7%). Cumulative percent of frequency of 1ABC, 1AC, and 1ABCD was 44.5%. Only a small percentage of patients had an isolated deformity. 58.7% were flexible, 5.5% were rigid, and 35.8% were combined deformities with flexible and rigid components. A was most frequent component (93.5%) followed by C in 88% and B in 71.7%. D was in 29.4% and E was the least frequently observed component in 23.9%. Moderate inter-rater reliability (Fleiss Kappa=0.561, p<0.001, 95% CI 0.528-0.594) was found. E was the most reliable between raters (91.3%) followed by A (79.4%). D was least reliable between three raters (45.7%). Very good intra-rater reliability was found (Cohen`s Kappa=0.851, P<0.001, 95% CI 0.777-0.926).Conclusion:Most cases predominantly involved hindfoot with various combinations of midfoot and forefoot deformity with/without subtalar joint involvement. This finding suggests most of PCFD exist in combined forms with various deformity components. Despite the limitation of inherent subjectivity, which may account for moderate inter-rater agreement, the new system potentially cover all possible combinations of the deformity in hindfoot, midfoot, forefoot and ankle. This provides a more comprehensive description of PCFD deformity and can guide treatment in a more systematic and individualized manner. Future studies in a larger cohort with advanced imaging are warranted to ascertain reliability and validity of this system.

Analyzing Aircraft Maintenance Findings with Natural Language Processing

Aircraft maintenance at the technical base includes both scheduled and unscheduled repairs. When performing repairs, there are detailed inspections of aircraft, which are ordered in advance by the customer. During these inspections, it is possible to detect other unsatisfactory condition of the aircraft in terms of continuing airworthiness, which needs to be corrected. These unplanned failures are findings and are entered into the maintenance organization's system, which is required to keep records of activities performed on the aircraft. Finding descriptions are created by technicians and are usually stored as unstructured text that does not allow subsequent analysis with a database of such records. The presented work performs automatic text analysis of findings using a dedicated software tool. For the purpose of the analysis, a lexicon was created, with components and failures appearing in maintenance records. The lexicon was used in automatic text analysis, where the output was a statistic of the most frequent components and failures in the stored maintenance data. This statistic can be used for maintenance planning optimization and better prediction of unscheduled repairs.

Метафорические модели фразеологических сочетаний с глаголами движения в алтайском и хакасском языках (в сравнительно-сопоставительном аспекте)

In the following article, we analyse the Altai and Khakas phraseological units based on the dead metaphor of motion. They describe a person’s state within some kind of everyday situation or environment, as well as interpersonal relations and one’s intellectual and social achievements. These units contain the following verbs of motion: tüš= ~ tüs= ‘to come down; to fall’, kir= ‘to enter’, čïq= ~ sïx= ‘to come out; to raise’. These verbs form the semantics of the phraseological units and denote the formation, beginning, or end of a person’s state or action, as well as its intensity. The verb tüš= ~ tüs= is shown to be the most frequent component; it is found in most phraseological units describing a person’s state. Kir= is chiefly found in units describing interpersonal relationships, while units with čïq= ~ sïx= are very rare. In our article, we build models and analyze these units in contrast with other Turkic and non-Turkic languages. We distinguish 7 models that can be categorized into 4 types according to their structure and semantics: ‘motion – state’, ‘motion – event’, ‘motion – interpersonal relations’, and ‘motion – achievement’. Each type excluding the last one are represented by 2 antonymous models for a number of phraseological units with antonymous verbs tüš= ~ tüs= ‘to come down; to fall’, kir= ‘to enter’ (denoting the formation of one’s state or relationship, as well as the starting point of action) and čïq= ~ sïx= ‘to come out; to raise’ (denoting the termination of state or relationship. These metaphorical models of motion found in Altai and Khakas are also typical for Russian, French, and English, where phraseological units are numerous. It is possible that such basic concepts of space and their representations via metaphors of motion are similar in various linguistic world images. In Altai and Khakas, correlations of specific phraseological units are also observed.

Influence of Weight-Bearing Computed Tomography in the New Staging System of Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity Classification

Category:Hindfoot; Midfoot/ForefootIntroduction/Purpose:The same Consensus that proposed a new nomenclature for Flatfoot, Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity (PCFD), also introduced a new classification system for the disease. The idea of staging was supplemented by the construction of a system combining deformity classes and its flexibilities, using clinical and radiographic signs. The capacity of the weight-bearing computed tomography (WBCT) in evaluating PCFD and all components of peritalar subluxation has been established. The objective of this study was to compare PCFD classifications performed utilizing clinical and conventional radiographs (CR) findings with classifications established using clinical and WBCT findings. We hypothesized that evaluations considering WBCT would significantly change PCFD classifications, portraying a different picture of the disease.Methods:This retrospective IRB-approved case-control diagnostic study evaluated 89 consecutive PCFD feet (84 patients) with different presentations of the disease. Three fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons performed chart reviews and CR evaluations, determining PCFD classifications for the studied subjects. After a two-week washout period, the sequence was randomized, and a new classification was executed using clinical data and WBCT assessment. One of the readers repeated the WBCT evaluation two weeks later for intrarater reliability purposes. Assessments included presence or absence of classes, such as hindfoot valgus (A), midfoot abduction/sinus tarsi impingement (B), medial column instability (C), subtalar joint subluxation/subfibular impingement (D) and valgus of the ankle joint (E) as well as flexibility (1) and rigidity (2) of existing deformities. Fleiss kappa was used for interrater and Cohen's kappa for intrarater agreements. Differences between studied groups were determined by distribution comparison.Results:Mean BMI and age were 54.4 (+-17.1) and 33.6 (+-7.6) respectively. Interrater reliability was found to be moderate (0.55) and intrarater to be excellent (0.98). Evaluation using CR produced 22.8% of 1ABC, 13% of 1AC, 8,7% of 1ABCD and 7% of 2EABCD as most prevalent classifications. WBCT assessment found 31.5% of 1ABC, 11.2% of 1ABCD, 10.1% of 2ABCDE and 5.6% 1ABCDE. Class A was the most frequent component in CR (93.5%) and WBCT (94.5%). Class B had a higher prevalence in WBCT (94.38%) than in CR (71.7%) as well as Classes C (89.9% and 88.0%), D (44.9% and 29.3%) and E (31.5% and 23.9%). The percentage of combined flexible (1) and rigid (2) deformities was also higher in the WBCT evaluation (39.3% compared to 35.8%).Conclusion:As the new classification proposes the combination of different PCFD components to better support clinical decisions, proper identification of the classes is mandatory for a complete diagnosis. WBCT showed a different rate of deformity recognition, which increased the incidence of all classes, especially B (midfoot abduction/sinus tarsi impingement) and D (peritalar subluxation/subfibular impingement). An excellent intrarater agreement was found, which infers reliability of patient assessment combining clinical and WBCT evaluation. The obtained information could help providers to enhance comprehension of the disease and to supply patients with the most precise individual care.

Intracranial otogenic complications in adults: new factors that influenced its onset, frequency and nature

BackgroundTo compare the clinical features of two time cohorts of patients: “pre-COVID-19” and “COVID-19”—admitted as emergency with intracranial otogenic complications, with special regard to sigmoid sinus thrombosis (CVST).MethodsRetrospective analysis of patients documentation concerning urgent procedures of intracranial otogenic complications at tertiary-referral otolaryngology department. Analysed database—pre-COVID-19 cohort (January–February 2019/2020): 1434 otological outpatient visits, 509 planned otosurgeries and 17 urgent otological procedures; COVID-19 cohort (March–April 2020/2021): 1150, 566 and 20 respectively. Overall intracranial complications: 5 and 9 respectively. Analysed outcome measures: incidence proportion of otogenic intracranial complications in relation to planned and urgent otosurgical procedures; incidence proportion of intracranial complications in relation to the total number of emergency and planned outpatient consultations and the total number of planned surgical procedures.ResultsThere were 14 intracranial complications, 5 in the pre-COVID and 9 in the COVID cohort, including 1 and 5 sigmoid sinus thrombosis, respectively. Out of them, 3 and 5 patients reported a prior history of chronic otitis media, respectively. In COVID period, CVST was more prevalent, with 2 cases (22.2%) presenting solitary CVST, and 3 cases (33.3%) CVST and a simultaneous brain abscess or meningitis. CVST was much more frequent in the COVID period (p < 0.01).ConclusionsDespite the published data which suggest that CVST is a rare event associated with COVID-19 infection, based on our experience, CVST can be expected as a frequent component of intracranial otogenic complications during COVID-19 pandemic time.Trial registration This research study was conducted retrospectively from data obtained for clinical purposes. We consulted extensively with the Bioethics Committee at Poznan University of Medical Sciences who determined that our study did not need ethical approval. An official waiver of ethical approval was granted from the Bioethics Committee at Poznan University of Medical Sciences.Graphical abstract

Rehabilitation Interventions for Gait Problems in Patients With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Scoping Review

Background and Objectives: Gait and balance disturbances are challenging conditions in patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN). The overall literary consensus is that rehabilitation interventions are effective in improving gait performance in this patient group. This review sought to highlight and assess the literature and provide a scoping review on the current knowledge gaps in the rehabilitation interventions for the gait problems of patients with DPN. Methods: An electronic databases search was done between 2001 and May 2020. Besides, a hand-search method was used for grey literature. Two experts reviewed the results and screened them based on the subject’s diagnosis with DPN and gait problems. Results: Of 87 studies obtained, nine met the inclusion criteria. The frequent components of the rehabilitation interventions included exercise therapy, dual-task intervention, and the use of assistive devices. The outcomes utilized most frequently included changes in balance and stability, muscle strength, proprioception, function, and gait parameters. Conclusion: Evidence was formed as a scoping review to guide rehabilitation for DPN patients with gait problems. Rigorous comparative studies with clearly defined interventions are needed.

BASIC MEANINGS OF THE CONCEPT “TENDERNESS” IN RUSSIAN AND SPANISH LANGUAGE PICTURES

The article is dedicated to the study of the concept “tenderness” in the Russian and Spanish language world pictures in comparison. During the study the connection between language and culture, which is reflected in the language picture of the world through the concept functioning as its unit. The focus of attention is concentrated on the emotional concept, which expresses image, evaluation and cultural significance. On the basis of the studied linguistic researches in the field of language theory the concepts “language picture of the world”, “concept” and “emotional concept” are revealed. The article is the continuation of the research of the concept “tenderness” representation in Russian and Spanish linguocultures. The analysis of the data of etymological, explanatory dictionaries, dictionaries of synonyms and antonyms has allowed to allocate semantic volume of a concept (nuclear area). To determine the content of the near-core area of the concept “tenderness” its explication in the space of the text is analyzed. The reflection of the concept in literary, fiction, journalistic, scientific, everyday texts by means of methods of the contextual analysis which purpose was to reveal new semantic features of the concept, given by the text and situation (context) is investigated. During the contextual analysis the data of the documents with the occurrence of the units “tenderness” and “tender” in the national corpus of the Russian language (1617 documents) and “ternura” in the national corpus of the Spanish language (1484 documents) were studied. Based on the study of the functioning and combinability of the unit “tenderness” in the Russian and Spanish texts, the main characteristics and components of values of the peri-nuclear area of the concept were identified. The analysis of the unit combinability made it possible to schematically display and compare its action orientation. According to the results of the contextual analysis the groups of cognitive features of the concept “tenderness” in Russian and Spanish were distinguished and compared with each other in percentage ratio. On the basis of comparison of the contents of the peri-nuclear area of the concept “tenderness” the most frequent components of meanings characterizing “tenderness” as a feeling and character of relations between people (between lovers, people, experiencing affection to each other) were revealed.

“Can we take a picture with you?” The realization of the refusal speech act with tourists by Emirati speakers

Effective communication between people from different cultures requires not only the ability to speak a common language but also an awareness of sociocultural rules and sociolinguistics features, an important one being speech acts the realization of which realization by Emirati non-native speakers of English has not been studied sufficiently. This paper investigates a particularly face-threatening speech act - refusals. It explores Emiratis comfort level and the use of the refusal speech act in communicative exchanges with unknown tourists. The data set consisted of 94 participant responses to a pre-instructional activity in an introductory linguistics class. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data sets. The key findings suggest that both male and female participants were rather comfortable conversing with a tourist couple that they had never met, but male participants reported being more at ease accepting the couples request to take a photo with the tourists at a statistically significant level. While more than half of the participants reported willingness to take the photo with the tourists, approximately 41.5% would decline such a request, with significantly more females declining the request. The most frequent components of the refusal speech act included a statement of regret, a thank-you note, and an excuse, reason, or explanation. Results also showed that linguistic devices for positive politeness purposes were used rather sparingly, and it was mainly the females who used them. Based on the results, it is helpful for visitors to the UAE to be mindful of Emiratis' sociocultural and sociolinguistic behaviors so that the nuances of communication can be understood and responses are appropriate, which can reduce the likelihood of communication breakdowns and increase the well-being of all involved in the interaction.

Intra- and Interobserver Reliability of the New Classification System of Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity.

Historical concept of flatfoot as posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) has been questioned. Recently, the consensus group published a new classification system and recommended renaming PTTD to Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity (PCFD). The new PCFD classification could be effective in providing comprehensive information on the deformity. To date, there has been no study reporting intra- and interobserver reliability and the frequency of each class in PCFD classification. This was a single-center, retrospective study conducted from prospectively collected registry data. A consecutive cohort of PCFD patients evaluated from February 2015 to October 2020 was included, consisting of 92 feet in 84 patients. Classification of each patient was made using characteristic clinical and radiographic findings by 3 independent observers. Frequencies of each class and subclass were assessed. Intraobserver and inteobserver reliabilities were analyzed with Cohen kappa and Fleiss kappa, respectively. Mean sample age was 54.4, 38% was male and 62% were female. 1ABC (25.4%) was the most common subclass, followed by 1AC (8.7%) and 1ABCD (6.9%). Only a small percentage of patients had isolated deformity. Class A was the most frequent component (89.5%), followed by C in 86.2% of the cases. Moderate interobserver reliability (Fleiss kappa = 0.561, P < .001, 95% CI 0.528-0.594) was found for overall classification. Very good intraobserver reliability was found (Cohen kappa = 0.851, P < .001, 95% CI 0.777-0.926). Almost half (49.3%) of patients had a presentation dominantly involving the hindfoot (A) with various combinations of midfoot and/or forefoot deformity (B), (C) with or without subtalar joint involvement (D). The new system may cover all possible combinations of the PCFD, providing a comprehensive description and guiding treatment in a systematic and individualized manner, but this initial study suggests an opportunity to improve overall interobserver reliability. Level III, retrospective diagnostic study.

Stress-regulated elements in Lotus spp., as a possible starting point to understand signalling networks and stress adaptation in legumes.

Although legumes are of primary economic importance for human and livestock consumption, the information regarding signalling networks during plant stress response in this group is very scarce. Lotus japonicus is a major experimental model within the Leguminosae family, whereas L. corniculatus and L. tenuis are frequent components of natural and agricultural ecosystems worldwide. These species display differences in their perception and response to diverse stresses, even at the genotype level, whereby they have been used in many studies aimed at achieving a better understanding of the plant stress-response mechanisms. However, we are far from the identification of key components of their stress-response signalling network, a previous step for implementing transgenic and editing tools to develop legume stress-resilient genotypes, with higher crop yield and quality. In this review we scope a body of literature, highlighting what is currently known on the stress-regulated signalling elements so far reported in Lotus spp. Our work includes a comprehensive review of transcription factors chaperones, redox signals and proteins of unknown function. In addition, we revised strigolactones and genes regulating phytochelatins and hormone metabolism, due to their involvement as intermediates in several physiological signalling networks. This work was intended for a broad readership in the fields of physiology, metabolism, plant nutrition, genetics and signal transduction. Our results suggest that Lotus species provide a valuable information platform for the study of specific protein-protein (PPI) interactions, as a starting point to unravel signalling networks underlying plant acclimatation to bacterial and abiotic stressors in legumes. Furthermore, some Lotus species may be a source of genes whose regulation improves stress tolerance and growth when introduced ectopically in other plant species.

BASIC MEANINGS OF THE CONCEPT “TENDERNESS” IN RUSSIAN AND SPANISH LANGUAGE PICTURES

The article is dedicated to understanding of the concept of “tenderness” in Russian and Spanish linguistic pictures of the world in comparison. During research the connection between language and culture is indicated, reflected in the linguistic picture of the world through the functioning of the concept as its unit. The focus of attention is focused on the emotional concept that expresses the image, assessment, and cultural significance. On the basis of the learnt linguistic researches in the field of language theory, the concepts of “language picture of the world”, “concept” and “emotional concept” are revealed. A comparative analysis of the data of etymological, explanatory dictionaries, as well as dictionaries of synonyms and antonyms of the Russian and Spanish languages is carried out. The obtained results are compared with the events of the domestic and foreign political life of Russia and Spain of the designated time periods (Etymology, the Middle Ages, the XVIII-XIX centuries, the XX century, the XXI century). The nuclear zone of the concept “tenderness” is being formed in the Russian and Spanish language pictures of the world. The article analyzes the content structure of the concept “tenderness” and the transformation of its components from the moment of its origin to the present day. It clearly reflects which components of the concept values appear and disappear according to the dictionaries from one epoch to another. The most frequent components of the values of the nuclear zone of the concept, common and periodic for each of the studied world pictures, are identified. In conclusion, are formed findings about the similarity and difference of changes in the concept due to the historical formation and its modern functioning in the Russian and Spanish language pictures of the world. It was revealed that in the transformation process, the concept of “tenderness” acquired the status of a deep comprehensive feeling. Nevertheless, despite the general similarity, there are also specific features for each language picture of the world, which are reflected by the analyzed language data recorded in dictionaries. It follows from this that the linguistic representation of the same concept of “tenderness” in the Russian and Spanish linguistic cultures is quite different due to the mental characteristics of each of these cultures.

CRISPR-Cas systems are widespread accessory elements across bacterial and archaeal plasmids.

Many prokaryotes encode CRISPR-Cas systems as immune protection against mobile genetic elements (MGEs), yet a number of MGEs also harbor CRISPR-Cas components. With a few exceptions, CRISPR-Cas loci encoded on MGEs are uncharted and a comprehensive analysis of their distribution, prevalence, diversity, and function is lacking. Here, we systematically investigated CRISPR-Cas loci across the largest curated collection of natural bacterial and archaeal plasmids. CRISPR-Cas loci are widely but heterogeneously distributed across plasmids and, in comparison to host chromosomes, their mean prevalence per Mbp is higher and their distribution is distinct. Furthermore, the spacer content of plasmid CRISPRs exhibits a strong targeting bias towards other plasmids, while chromosomal arrays are enriched with virus-targeting spacers. These contrasting targeting preferences highlight the genetic independence of plasmids and suggest a major role for mediating plasmid-plasmid conflicts. Altogether, CRISPR-Cas are frequent accessory components of many plasmids, which is an overlooked phenomenon that possibly facilitates their dissemination across microbiomes.

P-183: Clinical characteristics and outcomes in Multiple Myeloma patients younger than 40 years in a non-Caucasian population

<h3>Background</h3> Multiple Myeloma has a median age at diagnosis of 65 years old. The percentage of patients diagnosed under 40 years old is relatively rare (2,2%) (1, 2). Clinical characteristics about this age group of patients was studied mainly in Caucasian population and recently in a Latin-America cooperative group that included Caucasian population. However, there is no data about an only non-Caucasian population <h3>Objective</h3> To determine the clinical characteristics, response to treatment and survival. <h3>Methods</h3> We reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma diagnosed at the National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases from 2000 to 2020 in Lima, Peru. Stratification was made based of age group, year of diagnosis and eligibility for hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Tables of relative and accumulative frequency were made. <h3>Results</h3> Twenty-three patients were analyzed. The median age was 35 years old (range 25-39), and 82% were male. The most frequent monoclonal component type was IgG (60.8%) followed by Ig A and light chain MM (both 17.4%). International Score System (ISS) 3 was the most frequent with 56.5%. Median hemoglobin was 11g/dl (range 4.3-16.3). 59% had anemia. 96% had lytic lesions 70%. LDH elevated was present only in two patients (9.5%). Plasmacytomas were present in 30% of cases. 11 patients (48%) received cyclophosphamide, thalidomide and dexamethasone followed by bortezomib, thalidomide and dexamethasone (26%). The overall response rate was 78%, and complete response was 30%. Nine patients (39%) received high dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation. Only 8% received post-transplant consolidation, and 45% received maintenance therapy. After a median of 20-month follow-up (range 1-108) the median progression-free survival (PFS) was not reached. The 5-year PFS was 88.8% (95% CI, 62.07-97.09). The median overall survival (OS) was not reached, and the 5-year OS was not 81.8% (95% CI, 52.69-93.93). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Peruvian patients with multiple myeloma younger than 40 years old have some features of high-risk disease as predominance of ISS score 3 and a higher prevalence of plasmacytoma compared to studies in elderly patients. The overall response rate was high, although complete response was low. Less than half of patients underwent autologous stem cell transplantation. Both the PFS and the OS are longer than previous reported in Peruvian patients although the time of follow-up was shorter due to loss to follow-up.

DIAGNOSIS OF PLEOMORPHIC XANTHOASTROCYTOMA

Introduction. Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a rare astrocytic cancer of the central nervous system that is classified as grade II according to the WHO score. It accounts for 1% of primary brain tumors. It is mainly located in the temporal lobe and belongs to a group of tumors called long-term epilepsy associated tumors. Surgical tumor resection is the treatment of choice.&#x0D; Brief description of the state of knowledge. The non-invasive method of PXA diagnostics is neuroimaging, which is based on computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In the image, PXA presents as a solid tumor undergoing contrast enhancement, located supratentorial, with frequent peripheral cystic components.&#x0D; The characteristic histologic picture for PXA is the presence of highly pleomorphic, fusiform or round, large astrocytes with single or multiple cell nuclei. Lymphoplasmic infiltrates are visible within the tumor. The most common mutations associated with the occurrence of this cancer are mutations in the BRAF V600E gene.&#x0D; Conclusions. PXA is a very rare tumor of the central nervous system (CNS) that can recur and spread throughout the CNS. Imaging tests, i.e. CT and MRI, allow for precise imaging of the lesion, however, it is necessary to perform a histopathological examination to make a final diagnosis. The rarity of this cancer assimilates diagnostic problems. Therefore, further molecular research is needed to develop more efficient diagnostics.

Enhanced recovery after surgery programs improve short-term outcomes after liver transplantation-A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review aimed to investigate the available quality of evidence (QOE) of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) for liver transplantation (LT) on short-term outcomes, grade recommendations, and identify relevant components for ERAS protocols. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on short-term outcomes after LT when applying comprehensive ERAS protocols (>1 ERAS component) versus control groups (CRD42021210374), following the GRADE approach for grading QOE and strength of recommendations. Endpoints were morbidity, mortality, length of stay, and readmission rates after ERAS for LT. Of 858 screened articles, two randomized controlled trials, two prospective, and one retrospective cohort studies were included (2002-2020). Frequent ERAS components were early extubation and postoperative antibiotic, fluid, and nutrition management. Overall complications were reduced in ERAS versus control cohorts (OR .4 (CI .2, .7), with no significant differences in mortality and hospital readmission rates. Intensive care unit and hospital length of stay were shorter in ERAS groups (percentage decrease, 55% and 29%, respectively). QOE for individual outcomes was rated moderate to low. ERAS protocols in LT are related to improved short-term outcomes after LT (QOE; Moderate to low | Grade of Recommendation; Strong), but currently lack standardization.