scholarly journals Hamster models of COVID-19 pneumonia reviewed: How human can they be?

2021 ◽  
pp. 030098582110571
Author(s):  
Achim D. Gruber ◽  
Theresa C. Firsching ◽  
Jakob Trimpert ◽  
Kristina Dietert

The dramatic global consequences of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic soon fueled quests for a suitable model that would facilitate the development and testing of therapies and vaccines. In contrast to other rodents, hamsters are naturally susceptible to infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and the Syrian hamster ( Mesocricetus auratus) rapidly developed into a popular model. It recapitulates many characteristic features as seen in patients with a moderate, self-limiting course of the disease such as specific patterns of respiratory tract inflammation, vascular endothelialitis, and age dependence. Among 4 other hamster species examined, the Roborovski dwarf hamster ( Phodopus roborovskii) more closely mimics the disease in highly susceptible patients with frequent lethal outcome, including devastating diffuse alveolar damage and coagulopathy. Thus, different hamster species are available to mimic different courses of the wide spectrum of COVID-19 manifestations in humans. On the other hand, fewer diagnostic tools and information on immune functions and molecular pathways are available than in mice, which limits mechanistic studies and inference to humans in several aspects. Still, under pandemic conditions with high pressure on progress in both basic and clinically oriented research, the Syrian hamster has turned into the leading non-transgenic model at an unprecedented pace, currently used in innumerable studies that all aim to combat the impact of the virus with its new variants of concern. As in other models, its strength rests upon a solid understanding of its similarities to and differences from the human disease, which we review here.

2015 ◽  
Vol 54 (03) ◽  
pp. 94-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. B. Musholt ◽  
T. J. Musholt

SummaryAim: Thyroid nodules > 1 cm are observed in about 12% of unselected adult employees aged 18–65 years screened by ultrasound scan (40). While intensive ultrasound screening leads to early detection of thyroid diseases, the determination of benign or malignant behaviour remains uncertain and may trigger anxieties in many patients and their physicians. A considerable number of thyroid resections are consecutively performed due to suspicion of malignancy in the detected nodes. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) has been recommended for the assessment of thyroid nodules to facilitate detection of thyroid carcinomas but also to rule out malignancy and thereby avoid unnecessary thyroid resections. However, cytology results are dependent on experience of the respective cytologist and unfortunately inconclusive in many cases. Methods: Molecular genetic markers are already used nowadays to enhance sensitivity and specificity of FNAB cytology in some centers in Germany. The most clinically relevant molecular genetic markers as pre-operative diagnostic tools and the clinical implications for the intraoperative and postoperative management were reviewed. Results: Molecular genetic markers predominantly focus on the preoperative detection of thyroid malignancies rather than the exclusion of thyroid carcinomas. While some centers routinely assess FNABs, other centers concentrate on FNABs with cytology results of follicular neoplasia or suspicion of thyroid carcinoma. Predominantly mutations of BRAF, RET/PTC, RAS, and PAX8/PPARγ or expression of miRNAs are analyzed. However, only the detection of BRAF mutations predicts the presence of (papillary) thyroid malignancy with almost 98% probability, indicating necessity of oncologic thyroid resections irrespective of the cytology result. Other genetic alterations are associated with thyroid malignancy with varying frequency and achieve less impact on the clinical management. Conclusion: Molecular genetic analysis of FNABs is increasingly performed in Germany. Standardization, quality controls, and validation of various methods need to be implemented in the near future to be able to compare the results. With increasing knowledge about the impact of genetic alterations on the prognosis of thyroid carcinomas, recommendations have to be defined that may lead to individually optimized treatment strategies.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 800-821
Author(s):  
E.V. Popov ◽  
K.A. Semyachkov

Subject. The article addresses economic relations that are formed in various areas of economic application of digital platforms. The target of the research is the modern economy of digital platforms across different economic activities. Objectives. The aim is to systematize principles for share economy formation in the context of the digital society development. Methods. We employ general scientific methods of research. Results. The study shows that the development of digital platforms is one of the most important trends in the development of the modern economy. We classified certain characteristic features of modern digital platforms, analyzed principles for their creation. The paper emphasizes that the network effects achieved through the use of digital platforms are an important factor in the development of the share economy. The network effect describes the impact of the number of the platform users on the value created for each of them. The paper also considers differences in the organization of traditional economy companies and companies that are based on the digital platform model, reveals specifics of changes in socio-economic systems caused by the development of digital platforms, systematizes principles of the sharing economy formation in the context of the digital society development. Conclusions. The analyzed principles for sharing economy development on the basis of digital platforms can be applied to create models for the purpose of forecasting the transformation of economic activity in the post-industrial society.


Electronics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 701
Author(s):  
Yanchu Li ◽  
Qingqing Ding ◽  
Keyue Li ◽  
Stanimir Valtchev ◽  
Shufang Li ◽  
...  

It is inevitable that high-intensity, wide-spectrum electromagnetic emissions are generated by the power electronic equipment of the Extra High Voltage (EHV) power converter station. The surveillance flight of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) is thus, situated in a complex electromagnetic environment. The ubiquitous electromagnetic interference demands higher electromagnetic protection requirements from the UAV construction and operation. This article is related to the UAVs patrol inspections of the power line in the vicinity of the EHV converter station. The article analyzes the electromagnetic interference characteristics of the converter station equipment in the surrounding space and the impact of the electromagnetic emission on the communication circuits of the UAV. The anti-electromagnetic interference countermeasures strive to eliminate or reduce the threats of electromagnetic emissions on the UAV’s hardware and its communication network.


Author(s):  
Leonardo Cesanelli ◽  
Berta Ylaitė ◽  
Giuseppe Messina ◽  
Daniele Zangla ◽  
Stefania Cataldi ◽  
...  

High-level young athletes need to face a wide spectrum of stressors on their journey to élite categories. The aims of the present study are (i) to evaluate session rate of perceived exertion (sRPE) at different training impulse (TRIMP) categories and the correlations between these two variables and, (ii) evaluate the correlations between sRPE, fluid loss, and carbohydrate consumption during exercise. Data on Edward’s TRIMP, sRPE, body mass loss pre- and post- exercise (∆), and carbohydrate consumption (CHO/h) during exercise have been acquired from eight male junior cyclists during a competitive season. One-way ANOVA and correlation analysis with linear regression have been performed on acquired data. sRPE resulted in a significant difference in the three TRIMP categories (p < 0.001). sRPE resulted in being very largely positively associated with TRIMP values (p < 0.001; R = 0.71). ∆ as well as CHO/h was largely negatively related with sRPE in all TRIMP categories (p < 0.001). The results confirmed the role of fluid balance and carbohydrate consumption on the perception of fatigue and fatigue accumulation dynamics independently from the training load. Young athletes’ training load monitoring and nutritional-hydration support represent important aspects in athlete’s exercise-induced fatigue management.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 1143
Author(s):  
Simona Halúsková ◽  
Roman Herzig ◽  
Dagmar Krajíčková ◽  
Abduljabar Hamza ◽  
Antonín Krajina ◽  
...  

Anterior circulation stroke (ACS) is associated with typical symptoms, while posterior circulation stroke (PCS) may cause a wide spectrum of less specific symptoms. We aim to assess the correlation between the initial presentation of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) symptoms and the treatment timeline. Using a retrospective, observational, single-center study, the set consists of 809 AIS patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and/or endovascular treatment (EVT). We investigate the impact of baseline clinical AIS symptoms and the affected vascular territory on recanalization times in patients treated with IVT only and EVT (±IVT). Regarding the IVT-only group, increasing the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on admission and speech difficulties are associated with shorter (by 1.59 ± 0.76 min per every one-point increase; p = 0.036, and by 24.56 ± 8.42 min; p = 0.004, respectively) and nausea/vomiting with longer (by 43.72 ± 13.13 min; p = 0.001) onset-to-needle times, and vertigo with longer (by 8.58 ± 3.84 min; p = 0.026) door-to-needle times (DNT). Regarding the EVT (±IVT) group, coma is associated with longer (by 22.68 ± 6.05 min; p = 0.0002) DNT, anterior circulation stroke with shorter (by 47.32 ± 16.89 min; p = 0.005) onset-to-groin time, and drooping of the mouth corner with shorter (by 20.79 ± 6.02 min; p = 0.0006) door-to-groin time. Our results demonstrate that treatment is initiated later in strokes with less specific symptoms than in strokes with typical symptoms.


2005 ◽  
Vol 21 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 787-823
Author(s):  
Claude Samson

This paper deals with the exclusive sale contract or solus agreement. Its first part identifies some characteristic features of this type of agreement, which quite often is not only aimed at regulating the exercise of trade, but also serves as a technique of market organization and economic power concentration. The impact of the increasing currency of such commercial practices on the free market justifies consideration of the various forms of control that can be exercised by public authorities in order to preserve free competition. Control can be achieved through the judiciary applying concepts such as public order in civil law or public policy at common law. However, in view of the courts' reluctance to interfere with such instances of private economic power and their indifference towards the economic inequities inherent in such agreements for the distributor, legislative intervention has become necessary to protect the free market. Thus the Combines Investigation Act was amended in 1976 to allow regulation of commercial practices such as refusal to deal, consignment selling, exclusive dealing, market restriction and tied selling.


2021 ◽  
Vol 88 (3) ◽  
pp. 525-568
Author(s):  
Johann Strauss

This article examines the functions and the significance of picture postcards during World War I, with particular reference to the war in the Ottoman Lands and the Balkans, or involving the Turkish Army in Galicia. After the principal types of Kriegspostkarten – sentimental, humorous, propaganda, and artistic postcards (Künstlerpostkarten) – have been presented, the different theatres of war (Balkans, Galicia, Middle East) and their characteristic features as they are reflected on postcards are dealt with. The piece also includes aspects such as the influence of Orientalism, the problem of fake views, and the significance and the impact of photographic postcards, portraits, and photo cards. The role of postcards in book illustrations is demonstrated using a typical example (F. C. Endres, Die Türkei (1916)). The specific features of a collection of postcards left by a German soldier who served in Turkey, Syria, and Iraq during World War I will be presented at the end of this article.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 282-298
Author(s):  
D.G. FILCHENKO ◽  
E.A. EVTUKHOVICH

The article analyzes the provisions of the arbitration procedural legislation and the practice of its application on a different pre-trial dispute settlement procedure established by the contract. A different pre-trial procedure is considered as an alternative to the general claim procedure for resolving disputes. The characteristic features of a different pre-trial order have been revealed. The authors summarized the practice of arbitration courts, highlighting other demanded pre-trial dispute settlement procedures. In particular, examples of atypical other methods of dispute settlement are provided. Separately, the issue of the admissibility of the cancellation of the general claim procedure for the settlement of disputes by the agreement was considered. An independent subject of the authors’ analysis was mediation as a pre-trial dispute settlement procedure. The work also focuses on the impact of a different pre-trial dispute settlement procedure on the course of the limitation period. The article discusses the provisions of the Resolution of the Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation of 22 June 2021 No. 18 “On Some Issues of Pre-Trial Settlement of Disputes Considered in Civil and Arbitration Proceedings”. Some of the recommendations of the Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation received critical assessment. The authors note the existing contradictions in the legislation and possible ways to overcome them, formulate individual conclusions as a result of studying the materials of the practice of arbitration courts.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. s243-s261
Author(s):  
Nataliia Semenyshena ◽  
Nadiya Khorunzhak ◽  
Inna Lazaryshyna ◽  
Oleksandr Yurchenko ◽  
Yuliia Ostapenko

The aim of the study is to establish the presence of a causal relationship between the historical development of the accounting system (its modification) with management revolutions, identification of new characteristic features and accounting functions arising from changes in management approaches and requirements for accounting information for management purposes. Achieving the goal of the study involves identifying opportunities for further improving the accounting system based on the experience of its genesis under the influence of managerial revolutions. The methodological basis of the study is the dialectical method of cognition. The use of the historical method allowed to establish the logical dependence of the evolution of accounting on the requirements of the management system. Analytical and systematic methods were used to identify and form descriptions of the relationship of the accounting system in budgetary institutions with the processes of management system transformation and management revolutions. The impact of managerial revolutions on the accounting system in Ukraine and their consequences are established on the basis of an empirical generalization of historical archival and literary descriptions, as well as a critical analysis of the regulatory regulation of accounting, its norms and practices. The existence of a direct influence of managerial revolutions on the content, requirements, principles and methods of accounting is justified. The above result is based on the results of the analysis of the historical content of accounting, its evidence (accounting documents), as well as the assessment of the functions of the persons who carried out the accounting. The study of works on the history of accounting made it possible to assess the genesis of the introduction of the institutional approach and accounting as the basis for its transformational changes aimed at strengthening compliance with management needs. The study showed that accounting is changing under the influence of transformations in management, changes in its requests, determined by the existing needs of management. 


2018 ◽  
Vol 114 (3/4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Camilla Adelle ◽  
Nico Elema ◽  
Ereck Chakauya ◽  
David Benson

Attempts to improve the policy environment have led to a growing pressure on governments in Africa to embark on policymaking that is more evidence based and considers a wide spectrum of scientific and indigenous knowledge. Local – or ‘homegrown’ – research networks on the continent can help strengthen the role of scientific knowledge in policymaking by increasing the capacity of researchers and by enhancing the visibility and communication of the research produced. While a large number of regional and sub-regional research networks have sprung up in Africa, the mere existence of networks does not guarantee their success. In reality, the impact of research networks on the science–policy interface depends on how well the networks operate in practice. We present a framework for evaluating the effectiveness of research networks in a way that is comparable across networks. The evaluation framework was used to evaluate two sub-regional research networks: the NEPAD Southern African Networks of Water Centres of Excellence (SANWACTE) and the NEPAD Southern African Network for Biosciences (SANBio). The evaluation revealed some shared constraints limiting the effectiveness of both networks, including uneven regional representation, asymmetry between network members, and difficulties in securing sufficient, diverse and sustainable resources. Further research into network design and funding models is suggested in order to enhance the role of these networks in providing locally appropriate knowledge for policymaking on the continent.


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