bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteomic analysis of Caenorhabditis elegans against Salmonella Typhi toxic proteins
Authors: Mir Dilawar Ahmad , Balasubramaniam Boopathi , Bharathi Balasubramanian Chellammal Muthu , Balamurugan Krishnaswamy , VenkataKrishna Lappasi Mohanram
Published: May 2020

Background: Bacterial effector molecules are the crucial infectious agents and are sufficient to cause pathogenesis. In the present study, pathogenesis of Salmonella enteric serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) toxic proteins on the model host Caenorhabditis elegans was investigated by exploring the host regulatory proteins during infection through quantitative proteomics approach. In this regard, the host protein extract was analysed using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-GE) and differentially regulated proteins were identified using MALDI TOF/TOF/MS analysis.Results: Out of the 150 regulated proteins identified, 95 proteins were appeared to be downregulated while 55 were upregulated. Interaction network for regulated proteins was predicted using STRING tool. Most of the downregulated proteins were found to be involved in muscle contraction, locomotion, energy hydrolysis, lipid synthesis, serine/threonine kinase activity, oxidoreductase activity and protein unfolding and upregulated proteins were found to be involved in oxidative stress pathways. Hence, cellular stress generated by S. Typhi protein extract on the model host was determined using lipid peroxidation, oxidant and antioxidant assays. In addition to that the candidate proteins resulted from the host protein extract analysis were validated by Western blotting and roles of several crucial molecular players were analyzed in vivo using wild type and mutant C. elegans.Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the protein regulation in host C. elegans during S. Typhi toxic proteins exposure which highlights the significance of p38 MAPK and JNK immune pathways.
Keywords: Caenorhabditis elegans, Bacterial toxic proteins, 2D-GE, MALDI-TOF-TOF-MS, oxidative stress pathways, Western blotting, immune pathways
Knowledge and perception of COVID-19 pandemic: Before-and-after online community survey.
Authors: Nazar Wojciech , Leszkowicz Julia , Pieńkowska Agata , Brzeziński Michał , Szlagatys-Sidorkiewicz Agnieszka , Plata-Nazar Katarzyna Gabriela
Published: May 2020

Background
COVID-19 pandemic impacts many communities worldwide. In this study the Poles' knowledge about COVID-19 as well as people’s behaviours, attitudes and fears during the pandemic were assessed. Changes in these between the outset of the pandemic and the imposition of the strictest lockdown measures in Poland were investigated.
Methods
Physicians, nurses, students of medicine-oriented faculties, non-medical professionals, students of non-medicine-oriented faculties and secondary school students were surveyed by an anonymous online questionnaire two times: at the onset of the pandemic and in the second week of the strictest lockdown. Statistical analyses were performed using non-parametric tests - Chi square Persons, Kruskal-Wallis tests.
Results
In total 2618 responses were collected. At the beginning people knew that the respiratory system was attacked (97.9%); correctly identified the major symptoms of COVID-19 (95.0%) and ways to prevent infection: hand washing (99.8%), covering mouth (85.9%) and the need to call sanitary-epidemiological services if one experienced COVID-19-like symptoms (92.1%).
The biggest changes between the first and second phase of the study concerned behaviours: more people wearing facial masks (+37.5%) and staying at home (+66.1%). Respondents in the second wave of the survey were also more scared of the pandemic (+19.6%), economic crisis (+64.1%), and worried about their families (+26.5%). However, they were less afraid of the quarantine (lockdown) (-18.2%). Nurses and physicians were the most worried groups.
Conclusions
The study showed that even at the outset of the pandemic Polish population had a good initial knowledge about symptoms, transmission, and preventive behaviours regarding COVID-19. People revealed more short-term concerns, such as the worries about coping with quarantine and isolation. After a month, the knowledge and the concerns among the respondents changed. A shift towards long-term pandemic management issues was observed. Respondents reported to experience more fears concerning the pandemic in general, as well as economic and healthcare crises. Medical professionals reported higher level of fear of the pandemic than other groups included in this study. This study uses before-and-after approach which highlights the changes in people’s knowledge and perception of the COVID-19 pandemic during the pandemic’s progression.
Keywords
online survey, COVID-19, medical personel, before-and-after study
Microbial community with predictive power can be a new non-invasive substitute for clinical and pathological identification of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Shang Jin , Ren Zhigang , Li Ang , Guo Ruixue , Zhang Yiding , Ren Hongyan , Liu Chao , Zhang Weifeng , Zhang Fanliang , Ding Suying , Wang Haiyu , Xiao Jing , Zhao zhanzheng
Published: May 2020

Background

Diabetic nephropathy is characterized by increased incidence, deficient diagnostic methods and poor prognosis. New idea about altered gut microbiome associated with diagnosis and development of diabetic nephropathy remains to be verified. The major aim of our study is to relate fecal microbiome to clinically diagnosed diabetic kidney disease (DKD) or pathologically identified diabetic nephropathy (defined as DN) and further evaluate diagnosis potential of microbial markers for DKD/DN. We carried out 16S rRNA sequencing on a discovery cohort consisting of 352 patients (DKD = 120, DM = diabetes mellitus = 92, Con = healthy controls = 140) to identify microbial taxa and construct DKD classifier. Functional relevance and clinic correlation of microbiome changes were performed using PICRUSt and Spearman analysis, respectively. Independent 60 DKDs and 116 non-DKDs (DM = 46, Con = 70) were used to validate the results. The same analysis was performed on DKD pathologic subtypes (DN = 22, MN = membranous nephropathy = 22).
Results

DKD/DM samples had a distinct microbiome signature with lower alpha-diversity and significantly different microbial composition compared with Con (P < 0.001). Expansion of opportunistic pathogens (Peptostreptococcaceae_incertae_sedis, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Erysipelotrichaceae_incertae_sedis), sulphate-reducing bacteria (Desulfovibrio) and depletion of bacteria producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) (Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, Blautia and Roseburia) were major contributors to above differences. Interestingly, mucosa-associated bacteria including Akkermansia and Ruminococcus were also increased in DKD. The combination of 11 microbial markers could separate 120 DKDs from 232 non-DKDs with an area under curve (AUC) of 88.12%. Correspondingly, diagnostic power of microbial biomarkers was evaluated in a validation cohort of 60 patients and 116 non-DKDs (AUC = 79.75%). Besides DKD-related lipid and arginine metabolism, we also observed an increase of metabolism of aromatic amino acid in DM. Additionally, microbial comparison was carried out between pathologic subtypes of DKD, which could be used to distinguish DN from MN with 77.69% AUC.
Conclusion

Gut microbiome-related changes were associated with pathogenesis of DKD/DN; Microbiota-targeted markers could be an alternative test for DKD diagnosis and a non-invasive choice to differentiate DKD pathologic subtypes.
Transplacental transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Vivanti Alexandre , Vauloup-Fellous Chistelle , Prevot Sophie , Zupan Veronique , Suffee Cecile , Cao Jeremy Do , Benachi Alexandra , Luca Daniele De
Published: May 2020

SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has spread and became the first pandemics of the century. SARS-CoV-2 infection is transmitted through droplets; other transmission routes have been hypothesized but never confirmed. So far, it has been unclear whether and how SARS-CoV-2 can be vertically transmitted from the mother to the fetus. We demonstrated for the first time the transplacental transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in a neonate born to mother infected in the last trimester. The transmission has been confirmed by a comprehensive virological study: SARS-CoV-2 transmission caused neonatal viremia placental inflammation which has been demonstrated by histological examination and immunohistochemistry. The neonate presented with neurological manifestation, consistent with those described in adult patients.
Clinical features of 162 fatal cases of COVID-19: a multi-center, retrospective study
Authors: Zhou Xianlong , Ding Guoyong , Fang Qing , Guo Jun , Yang Luyu , Wang Ping , Fu Shouzhi , Li Ang , Xia Jian , Yu Jiangtao , Xia Jianyou , Ma Min , Hu Zhuanzhuan , Huang Lei , Liu Ruining , Jiang Cheng , Li Shaoping , Yu Mingxia , Xu Xizhu , Zhao Yan , Hu Quan , Xing Weijia , Zhao Zhigang
Published: May 2020

Understanding the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of fatal cases infected with SARS-CoV-2 is import to develop appropriate preventable intervention programs in hospitals. Demographic data, clinical symptoms, clinical course, co-morbidities, laboratory findings, CT scans, treatments and complications of 162 fatal cases were retrieved from electric medical records in 5 hospitals of Wuhan, China. The median age was 69.5 years old (IQR: 63.0-77.25; range: 29-96). 112 (69.1%) cases were men. Hypertension (45.1%) was the most common co-morbidity, but 59 (36.4%) cases had no co-morbidity. At admission, 131 (81.9%) cases were assessed as severe or critical. However, 39 (18.1%) were assessed as moderate. Moderate cases had a higher prevalence of hypertension and chronic lung disease comparing with severe or critical cases (P<0.05, respectively). 126 (77.8%) and 132 (81.5%) cases received antiviral treatment and glucocorticoids, respectively. 116 (71.6%) cases were admitted to ICU and 137 (85.1%) cases received mechanical ventilation. Respiratory failure or acute respiratory distress syndrome (93.2%) was the most common complication. The young cases of COVID-19, without co-morbidity and in a moderate condition at admission could develop fatal outcome. We need to be more cautious in case management of COVID-19 for preventing the fatal outcomes.
COVID-19: disease pathways and gene expression changes predict methylprednisolone can improve out- come in severe cases
Authors: Draghici Sorin , Nguyen Tuan-Minh , Sonna Larry A. , Ziraldo Cordelia , Vanciu Radu , Fadel Raef , Morrison Austin , Kenney Rachel M. , Alangaden George , Ramesh Mayur , Mor Gil
Published: May 2020

Current management efforts of COVID-19 include: early diagnosis, use of antivirals, and immune modulation. After the initial viral phase of the illness, identification of the patients developing cytokine storm syndrome is critical.1, 2 Treatment of hyper- inflammation in these patients using existing, approved therapies with proven safety profiles could address the immediate need to reduce the rising mortality.3 The identification of existing drugs that could modulate the immune response is an immediate need. Here we show that an analysis of the changes in the gene expression, path- ways and putative mechanisms between SARS-CoV2, influenza A, and respiratory syncytial virus can be used to identify FDA-approved drugs that could be repurposed to help COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms related to hyper-inflammation. An important finding is that drugs in the same class may not achieve similar effects. An independent clinical study evaluated 213 subjects, 81 (38%) and 132 (62%) in pre-and post-methylprednisolone groups, respectively. Thirty-day all-cause mortality occurred at a significantly lower rate in the post-methylprednisolone group compared to pre-methylprednisolone group (29.6% vs. 16.6%, p=0.027). Clinical results con- firmed the in silico prediction that methylprednisolone could improve outcomes in severe cases of COVID-19. These findings are important for any future pandemic regardless of the virus.
Staff Management Process Reengineering in the Context of Enhancing Disabled People’s Opportunities to Enterprises Innovative Activities
Authors: Prodius Oksana I.
Published: May 2020

The modern practice of enterprise management requires dramatic changes, which is caused by the formation of an inclusive environment, increasing the dynamism of the labor market and increasing competition. Increasingly important for the efficiency of the enterprise is the use of innovation, knowledge embodied in the intellectual product. The reasons for the need for new approaches to management are related to changes in the business itself. Increased competition leads to an increase in the search for new management methods, especially in the area of personnel management, which in the long run requires appropriate management mechanisms based on a process approach in order to respond promptly and promptly to changing market conditions, improve the management system of partnerships and relationships with suppliers, achieving rapid response to consumer demands and improving product quality. The essence of reengineering of business process of personnel management as a modern concept of increase of efficiency of activity of the enterprise is investigated in the article. Business process reengineering is designed to create competitive advantages by systematically assessing processes, addressing the changing needs of potential and existing customers and requiring additional research to find new ways to improve reengineering in accordance with the specifics of domestic enterprises, especially in the field of personnel management. It was revealed that the innovative practice of enterprise management requires fundamental changes, which is due to the socialization of the world economy, aimed at improving the well-being of people with disabilities, reducing poverty and increasing the chances of finding decent work with adequate wages. The directions of including people with disabilities to innovative activities in the context of reengineering the personnel management process as one of the most important business processes of the enterprise are proposed.

Key words: reengineering, personnel management, business process, inclusive innovation, persons with disabilities, innovative activity, enterprise.
Gender Impact on the Enterprise Performance
Authors: Lyulyov Oleksii V. , Karintseva Oleksandra I. , Yevdokymov Andrii V. , Ponomarova Hanna S. , Ivanov Oleksandr O.
Published: May 2020

The article describes the situation of gender equality in Ukraine and in the world during the last 5 years, identifies the leading countries in moving towards gender equality in various fields of life by analyzing the indicators of the Global Gender Gap Report of the World Economic Forum. These indicators include: Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, Political Empowerment, which are the part of a single index that determines the position of countries in the overall ranking. Based on the results of this analysis, Ukraine has improved value of gender equality index, although in the overall ranking of countries Ukraine has lost its position and dropped 11 ranks lower than in 2014. This means that, among all the countries surveyed by the World Economic Forum, there are countries that are moving much faster towards gender equality than Ukraine. In addition, the article includes the investigation of the gender representation among the board members of 5 enterprises of Ukraine for 2014-2017, which represent the leading sectors of the Ukrainian economy. The dynamics of changes in the level of performance of these enterprises using the return on assets (ROA) indicator is analyzed, the relationship between the leadership of the enterprises and the value of the ROA indicator is graphically presented. The obtained results do not give a clear answer about the gender impact on the enterprise performance. The reason for this is a number of factors, such as: insufficient statistical sampling of enterprises; the selected performance indicator of enterprise activities does not fully reflect the impact of the gender factor on enterprise activities; the methodology used in the work needs improvements, or it is necessary to choose a totally new approach to the analysis of the investigated issue under study. Gender representation among board members and its impact on enterprise performance should be investigated further.

Key words: gender, gender equality, enterprise board members, return on assets.
Strategic Management of the Main Elements of the Bank's Financial Strategy
Authors: Goncharenko Tatiana P.
Published: May 2020

The banking sector has typically operated in a highly competitive environment, which has increased significantly as a result of recent structural economic transformations. Such conditions require a more thorough exploration of one of the fundamental elements of a bank's strategic management, i.e its financial strategy, the proper construction and adherence of which will let it successfully adapt to existing and possible changes and ensure effective financial activities. This article systematizes the theoretical understanding of the main elements in the bank's financial strategy during strategic management, which include asset and liability management, risk management, revenue management, expenses and profit/loss. The author analyzes the history of the main object formation in the assets and liabilities management of the bank, as well as the peculiarities of financial analysis of assets and liabilities. In particular, the author studies the issue to ensure a sufficient level of bank liquidity, risk minimization and profit maximization as assets and liabilities management goals. While studying the features of revenue, expenses and profit/loss management, the main approaches and directions for their implementation are identified. As a result, the author of the article proposed to consider the bank’s financial strategy in terms of its main elements, distinguishing such components as the regulation of financial status indices and financial activity results.

Key words: strategic management, bank, financial strategy, asset and liability management, risk management, revenue, expense and profit or loss management.
Transformation of the Banking Sector in the Digital Era
Authors: Rubanov Pavlo M.
Published: May 2020

In the context of global digitization of the economy and development of alternatives to banking services, the transition to open platforms and their integration with the FinTech sector becomes relevant. The article identifies four levels of integration between banks and FinTech companies: traditional banking, digital banking, open banking and Open-X banking. At the current stage, the first three models coexist. Traditional banking includes classic banking services (loans, deposits, payments) for individuals and corporate clients, as well as investment banking. Digital banking involves the use of various channels of banking services for clients, among which the digital channel plays a significant role. The analysis of digital banking let to define its main features in terms of the financial services consumers and the bank. Open banking is based on the bank’s ability to engage non-banking intermediaries ecosystems and third parties to the banking service provision and to interact with them through such technologies as application programming interfaces (API). In the research of the оpen banking the main reasons for the cooperation of FinTech companies with banks are considered. These include inhanced visibility by partnership with an established brand, achieving economies of scale, etc. The highest level of integration of banks and FinTech companies and the future development trend of the banking sector is Open-X banking. The main features of Open-X banking include: sharing rather than sole ownership; information is a primary resource instead of tangible assets; partnerships between market actors are formed instead of developing the product independently or purchasing ready-made software solutions; focus on providing a positive customer experience from working with the bank instead of offering a specific product.

Key words: banking sector, banking services, digital banking, digitalization, FinTech, integration, open banking.
KAMU HİZMETLERİNDEN YARARLANMADA KADIN-ERKEK EŞİTLİĞİ
Authors: ALBAL Hilal
Published: May 2020

Hukuk devleti ilkesinin gereği olarak kamu hizmetinin herkese eşit bir şekilde sunulması gerekmektedir. Bu husus, Anayasa’nın 10. maddesinde yer alan “kanun önünde eşitlik” ilkesinin doğrudan yansımasıdır. Herkes, kamu hizmetinden yararlanmada ve kamu hizmetine girmede eşittir. Anayasa’nın 70. maddesinde düzenlenen “kamu hizmetine girme hakkı” konusunda, “hizmetin gerektirdiği niteliklerden başka hiçbir ayrım gözetilemeyeceği” açık bir şekilde ifade edilmiştir. Ancak bu açıklık, kamu hizmetinden yararlanma konusunda bulunmamaktadır. 1982 Anayasası’nın 10. maddesine 2004 yılında “kadınlar ve erkekler eşit haklara sahiptir. Devlet, bu eşitliğin yaşama geçmesini sağlamakla yükümlüdür. Bu maksatla alınacak tedbirler eşitlik ilkesine aykırı yorumlanamaz”. hükmü eklenmiştir. 1982 Anayasasına 2004 yılında eklenen bu fıkra ile ilk defa cinsiyet eşitliğine vurgu yapılmıştır. Pozitif düzenlemeler böyle olsa da uygulamada cinsiyet temelinde farklı durumlar gözlenmektedir; bazı kamu hizmetlerinin kadınlara "ayrı ortamlarda” olarak sunulması gibi. Örneğin, Dünyada ve ülkemizde pek çok örneği bulunan kadınlara “özel” toplu taşıma hizmetleri akıllara “eşitlik mi? ayrımcılık mı?” sorusunu getirmektedir. Çalışmamız, bu soru temelinde oluşturulmuştur. Kamu hizmetlerinden yararlanmada eşitlik ilkesi ile ilgili olarak, Türk ve Uluslararası yargı kurumları kararları, ulusal ve uluslararası hukuki belgeler ve idari uygulamalar ile konu açıklamaya çalışılmıştır.
Hypertonic seawater solution with brown algae extract Ascophillum nodosum in the treatment of acute rhinosinusitis
Authors: Gizinger О. A.
Published: May 2020

The article presents modern approaches to the modulation of cellular factors of innate immunity, oxidative stress factors when using a hypertonic seawater solution withAscophillum nodosumbrown algae extract (NaCl 15 g/l) in patients with acute rhinosinusitis.

Characteristics of the children and research methods. The authors examined 102 children aged from 5 to 8 years, with a history of more than 5 episodes of acute rhinosinusitis per year. We evaluated the quantitative and qualitative composition of neutrophilic granulocytes in washes from the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by neutrophilic granulocytes, the content of lipid peroxidation products, enzymes of the antioxidant system – superoxide dismutase and catalase in nasal washes.

Results.The authors found that the nasal spray of a hypertonic seawater solution withAscophillum nodosumbrown algae extract helps to normalize clinical picture, reduce number of relapses, restore functional and metabolic status of neutrophils of the nasal mucosa surface, restore balance of lipid peroxidation factors, antioxidant sustem enzymes – superoxide dismutase and catalase.
Mother’s age as a risk factor of birth defects
Authors: Demikova N. S. , Podolnaya M. А. , Lapina A. S.
Published: May 2020

Objective. To analyze the age structure of the mothers of children with birth defects and to assess the age-related risks of chromosomal and non-chromosomal congenital anomalies.

Material and methods. The authors analyzed the data from 23 regional registers of birth defects from 2011 to 2018. There were total 5 047 468 births during this period. The authors calculated the incidence and relative risks of chromosomal and non-chromosomal birth defects in different age groups of mothers: under 20, from 20 to 34, from 35 to 39, 40–44, and above 45 years old.

Results. The incidence of chromosomal abnormalities significantly increases with the mother’s age. The relative risk (RR) of chromosomal abnormalities in different age groups: 4,67 (95% CI 4,44–4,92) in Group 35-39, 15,00 (95% CI 14,10–15,96) in Group 40–44, and 26,49 (95% CI 21,89–32,07) in Group ≥45 as compared with the main age group of 20–34 years old. The authors also revealed the dependence of the non-chromosomal birth defects on the age of the mother: RR 1,15 (95% CI 1,08–1,23) in Group <20 years, RR 1,18 (95% CI 1,13–1,23) in Group 35–39, RR 1,35 (95% CI 1,24–1,47) in Group 40–44, and RR 2,03 (95% CI 1,47–2,79) in Group ≥ 45 years old.

Conclusion. The study demonstrates the dependence of chromosomal and non-chromosomal birth defects on the mother’s age.
The role of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in the genesis of chronic bronchi inflammation in children with bronchial asthma
Authors: Lebedenko A. A. , Semernik O. E. , Dudareva M. V. , Tyurina E. B.
Published: May 2020

Bronchial asthma as the most common respiratory tract disease is an urgent problem of modern medicine. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMР) play a significant role in the processes of inflammation maintaining and bronchi remodeling in children with bronchial asthma.

Objective:To study the role and inheritance of MMR9 in the bronchial asthma pathogenesis in children.

Characteristics of children and research methods.The authors carried out the prospective study of 54 children with bronchial asthma and 56 healthy children with the determination of the MMP-9 level in blood serum, as well as the polymorphic variant 8202A>G ofMMP9gene.

Results.Children with bronchial asthma had significantly higher content of MMP9 in the blood serum (431.76 [306.15; 612.93] ng/ml), as compared to the control group (276.05 [160.33; 397.02] ng/ml). When studying polymorphism 8202A>G ofMMP9gene in the examined patients it was found that the children with bronchial asthma had the G allele a little more often (57.5%) than A allele (42.5%). Heterozygous carriers of the MMP9 gene polymorphic variant predominate both among the patients with bronchial asthma and in the control group. When comparing the frequency of genotypes and alleles in the group of children with bronchial asthma and control group the authors revealed no statistically significant differences.

Conclusion.The disease mechanism significantly depends upon the MMR9 concentration in the serum of patients with bronchial asthma and the peculiarities of this enzyme inheritance.
Clinical and laboratory efficacy of hypoosmolar solution for oral rehydration in children with intestinal infections
Authors: Kimirilova О. G. , Kharchenko G. А.
Published: May 2020

There is a high incidence of acute intestinal infections in the Russian Federation. Children rapidly develop clinical manifestations of acute intestinal infections. The severity and outcome of the disease are largely determined by the dehydration syndrome. The article presents the results of the effectiveness of oral rehydration in 2 groups of children with acute intestinal infection from 3 months to 7 years old, treated with hypoosmolar glucose-saline solution “Gastrolit with chamomile extract” (n=215) or “Rehydron” (n=188) in the complex treatment of intestinal infections with the dehydration syndrome of I or II degree. The groups were comparable by sex, age, clinical manifestations of the disease. It was found that “Gastrolit with chamomile extract” eliminates water-electrolyte disorders, relieves metabolic acidosis and has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antispasmodic effect on the intestine and relieves symptoms of dehydration faster than “Rehydron” in children with acute intestinal infection.
Legal aspects in the infectious disease specialist’s practice
Authors: Mazankova L. N. , Ponkin I. V. , Chebotareva T. A. , Ponkina A. A
Published: May 2020

The article studies a legal status and specific legal aspects in the practice of the infectious disease specialist. The authors of the article emphasize how important it is to develop legal literacy and competence (as one of the doctor’s professional competencies) within the framework of continuing professional education programs.
Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency – a rare mitochondrial disease in a 4-year-old boy
Authors: Volgina S. Ya. , Khaliullina Ch. D. , Nikolaeva E. A. , Sayfullina R. M. , Shakirova A. R.
Published: May 2020

Pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency is a rare mitochondrial disease characterized by a wide range of neurometabolic manifestations. The disease is caused by insuffici ency of this multienzyme complex, which ensures the integration of pyruvate (the carbohydrate metabolism product) into the cellular energy metabolism. This complex deficiency is mostly caused by the mutations in the E1 alpha subunit-encoding PDHA1 (Xp22.1) gene. The article presents a clinical case of a boy with pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency. The patient was diagnosed on the basis of a combination of clinical, laboratory and instrumental data: retardation in physical and psychomotor development, diffuse muscle hypotension, lactic acidosis, neurological manifestations, thalamus signal changes (according to magnetic resonance imaging of the brain), hemizygous mutations of the 12th exon of the PDHA1 gene during exomic DNA sequencing. We observed positive dynamics against metabolic therapy. The authors emphasize the importance of the timely diagnostics and initiation of metabolic therapy. Late diagnostics causes irreversible complications and significantly worsens the quality of patient’s life
Reuni e seus impactos nas Instituições Federais de Educação Superior (IFES): uma análise da admissão de docentes de 2007 a 2017
Authors: Salles Roberto Sousa , Faernstein Eduardo , Dal Poz Mario Roberto , Bispo dos Santos Pablo Silva Machado
Published: May 2020

O artigo analisa impactos do Programa de Apoio a Planos de Reestruturação e Expansão das Universidades Federais (Reuni) na qualidade da educação superior brasileira, usando como principal indicador a admissão de docentes concursados nas Instituições Federais de Ensino Superior (IFES). Foram analisados os dados oficiais do censo da educação superior dos anos de duração do programa, traçando um paralelo com a literatura publicada sobre o tema. O estudo aborda instituições de todas as regiões do país, com um destaque a experiência da Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), a instituição de ensino superior referência no desenvolvimento das diretrizes do programa.
Filtration characteristics of garnet media before and after modification
Authors: Huifang Wu , Lingzhi Yue , Zhiyuan Wang , Jiang He , Ruoya Chen , Xiang Li
Published: May 2020

High-temperature calcination was used to modify garnet media. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) measurements, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential analysis, and a static adsorption experiment on humic acid removal were carried out to compare unmodified garnet and traditional quartz sand. Fitting adsorption isotherm of the media before and after modification was conducted to determine the adsorption type, and a dynamic filtration experiment was performed to treat micro-polluted water. Results of the characterization analysis and the static adsorption experiment revealed that, compared with the smooth surface of unmodified garnet, the surface of modified garnet media was covered with Fe2O3, which showed a rough concave-convex structure with a specific area that was 2.44 times larger than that of unmodified garnet. The removal efficiency of organic matter after modification increased from 2.5–4.5% to 51.7–63.1%, and the adsorption capacity increased 11–24 times. The adsorption type of the modified garnet media belongs to the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption mode, while that of the original media belongs to the Freundlich adsorption mode. Results of the dynamic filtration experiment revealed that the effect of modified garnet media on turbidity, CODMn, and UV254 removal was better than that of unmodified garnet and traditional quartz sand.
An Overview of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Practice in COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: ÖNER Fatih
Published: May 2020

In December 2019, unknown cause of pneumonia occurred in Wuhan, China. It was defined that the pneumonia agent in these patients was a novel strain of human coronaviruses, 'severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2' (SARS-CoV-2; first named nCoV-2019). In February 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) for the disease caused by this virus; named coronavirus disease-2019 (COrona VIrus Disase 2019; COVID-19). Evidence from China, Italy and Iran shows that otolaryngololgy specialists have a very high risk of transmission of COVID-19. These risks arises due to contact of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and exposure to patient secretions. In this article, we tried to present the risks faced by otolaryngology physicians, their common problems and solutions with the current literature for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Curcumin: A Dietary Phytochemical for Targeting the Phenotype and Function of Dendritic Cells
Authors: Rahimi Kaveh , Hassanzadeh Kambiz , Khanbabaei Hashem , Haftcheshmeh Saeed M. , Ahmadi Abbas , Izadpanah Esmael , Mohammadi Asadollah , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: May 2020

:

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most powerful antigen-presenting cells which link the innate and adaptive immune responses. Depending on the context, DCs initiate the immune responses or contribute to immune tolerance. Any disturbance in their phenotypes and functions may initiate inflammatory or autoimmune diseases. Hence, dysregulated DCs are the most attractive pharmacological target for the development of new therapies aiming at reducing their immunogenicity and at enhancing their tolerogenicity. Curcumin is the polyphenolic phytochemical component of the spice turmeric with a wide range of pharmacological activities. It acts in several ways as a modulator of DCs and converts them into tolerogenic DCs. Tolerogenic DCs possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities that regulate the immune responses in health and disease. Curcumin by blocking maturation markers, cytokines and chemokines expression, and disrupting the antigen-presenting machinery of DCs render them non- or hypo-responsive to immunostimulants. It also reduces the expression of co-stimulatory and adhesion molecules on DCs and prevents them from both migration and antigen presentation but enhances their endocytosis capacity. Hence, curcumin causes DCs-inducing regulatory T cells and dampens CD4+ T helper 1 (Th1), Th2, and Th17 polarization. Inhibition of transcription factors such as NF-κB, AP-1, MAPKs (p38, JNK, ERK) and other intracellular signaling molecules such as JAK/STAT/SOCS provide a plausible explanation for most of these observations. In this review, we summarize the potential effects of curcumin on the phenotypes and functions of DCs as the key players in orchestration, stimulation, and modulation of the immune responses.
Natural Lipids as Structural Components of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Topical Delivery
Authors: Dobreva Mirena , Stefanov Stefan , Andonova Velichka
Published: May 2020

Background:

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) are useful drug
delivery systems for dermal application. Thanks to their biocompatible and biodegradable profile, these carriers
offer many advantages such as enhanced bioavailability, low toxicity, viable drug targeting and controlled release.
SLN and NLC are composed of well-tolerated lipids, including natural fats and oils that are successfully
used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic dermal formulation.

Objective:

This article presents an overview of the benefits of selecting natural fats and oils as structural components
of SLN and NLC for topical application.

Methods:

This review is based on data published over the past 20 years about the development of stable and
nontoxic lipid nanoparticles with natural lipids. We shed light on the role of natural fats in skin restoration, as
well as on the contributed penetration and occlusive properties of SLN and NLC.

Results:

The deliberate selection of excipients (type and lipid ratio) influences the quality of the final dermal
formulation. Natural lipids show good compatibility with different active molecules and are able to create stable
lipid matrices that facilitate the biopharmaceutical properties of lipid nanoparticles. Patents involving natural fats
and oils in SLN and NLC composition are listed, yet it is important to note that the approved marketed formulations
are mainly cosmetic, not pharmaceutical, products.

Conclusion:

Natural lipids can enhance topical drug delivery by adding their ability of improving skin penetration
and hydration to the permeation and occlusion properties of SLN and NLC.
Cisplatin Changes Expression of SEMA3B in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Peszek Wojciech , Kras Piotr , Grabarek Beniamin O. , Boroń Dariusz , Oplawski Marcin
Published: May 2020

Background:

Semaphorin 3B (SEMA3B) is characterized as a strong suppressing factor of
the proliferation of cancerous cells and also by its anti-angiogenic effect. However, the knowledge on
the changes in the expression profile of SEMA3B under the influence of cisplatin in endometrial cancer
remains fragmented. The aim of this work was to note the changes in expression of SEMA3B when
under the influence of cisplatin in the endometrial cancer cell line.

Methods:

Ishikawa cell line cells were exposed to three different concentrations of cisplatin: 2.5μM;
5μM; 10μM for 12, 24 and 48 hours and were compared to cells untreated by the drug. Changes in the
expression profile of SEMA3B were determined based upon RtqPCR (mRNA) alongside the ELISA
assay (protein). The Statistica 13.0 PL program was used for statistical analysis (p<0.05).

Results:

Changes on the transcriptome level seem to be more dynamic than on the proteome level. Regardless
of the concentration given or the exposition period, the expression of semaphorin 3B was, in
fact, higher in cells exposed to cisplatin. Statistically substantial differences (p<0.05) in the expression
of SEMA3B mRNA and protein were seen for all incubation periods at the given cisplatin level when
compared to the control.

Conclusions:

Cisplatin causes a growth in the expression of SEMA3B in an endometrial cancer cell
culture, this results in the restoration in the state of cell homeostasis and shows the effectiveness of
pharmacotherapy, including a low risk of drug resistance.
Nanoparticle-based Drug Delivery Systems for Targeted Epigenetics Cancer Therapy
Authors: Chen Fengqian , Shi Yunzhen , Zhang Jinming , Liu Qi
Published: May 2020

This review summarizes the epigenetic mechanisms of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation,
histone modifications in cancer and the epigenetic modifications in cancer therapy. Due to
their undesired side effects, the use of epigenetic drugs as chemo-drugs in cancer therapies is limited.
The drug delivery system opens a door for minimizing these side effects and achieving greater therapeutic
benefits. The limitations of current epigenetic therapies in clinical cancer treatment and the advantages
of using drug delivery systems for epigenetic agents are also discussed. Combining drug delivery
systems with epigenetic therapy is a promising approach to reaching a high therapeutic index
and minimizing the side effects.
A Review on the Role of Nanosensors in Detecting Cellular miRNA Expression in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Girigoswami Koyeli , Girigoswami Agnishwar
Published: May 2020

Background:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of death across the
globe. Early diagnosis with high sensitivity can prevent CRC progression, thereby reducing the condition
of metastasis.

Objective:

The purpose of this review is (i) to discuss miRNA based biomarkers responsible for CRC,
(ii) to brief on the different methods used for the detection of miRNA in CRC, (iii) to discuss different
nanobiosensors so far found for the accurate detection of miRNAs in CRC using spectrophotometric
detection, piezoelectric detection.

Methods:

The keywords for the review like micro RNA detection in inflammation, colorectal cancer,
nanotechnology, were searched in PubMed and the relevant papers on the topics of miRNA related to
CRC, nanotechnology-based biosensors for miRNA detection were then sorted and used appropriately
for writing the review.

Results:

The review comprises a general introduction explaining the current scenario of CRC, the biomarkers
used for the detection of different cancers, especially CRC and the importance of nanotechnology
and a general scheme of a biosensor. The further subsections discuss the mechanism of CRC
progression, the role of miRNA in CRC progression and different nanotechnology-based biosensors so
far investigated for miRNA detection in other diseases, cancer and CRC. A scheme depicting miRNA
detection using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is also illustrated.

Conclusion:

This review may give insight into the different nanostructures, like AuNPs, quantum dots,
silver nanoparticles, MoS2derived nanoparticles, etc., based approaches for miRNA detection using
biosensors.
Video-feedback Interventions for Improving Interactions with Individuals with Congenital Deaf blindness: a Systematic Review
Authors: Damen Saskia , Prain Meredith , Martens Marga
Published: May 2020

Video-feedback interventions have been demonstrated to improve communication between typically developing children and their communication partners. Video-feedback approaches are also applied in interventions that aim to improve interactions and communication of people with congenital deafblindness. However, an analysis of the various applications and effectiveness of video-feedback approaches for this target group is required to guide future practice and research. This study reports on a systematic review of studies on video-feedback interventions aimed at improving social interactions with people with congenital deafblindness. The literature was analysed in terms of intervention landscape and procedure, research methodology and outcome. Results show that a variety of video-feedback interventions are being used with all age groups of people with congenital deafblindness in varied settings and with varied communication partners. The data reveal positive outcomes including increased affective involvement, more sustained interaction and shared understanding. Issues including sustainability of approaches and their effects were identified, as well as lack of detail on the video-feedback sessions. While the review revealed positive outcomes, the lack of explicit information on the video-feedback sessions and the co-occurrence of video-feedback with other interventions make it difficult to determine what factors contributed to the positive outcomes. Recommendations are made for future practice and research.
Penerapan penilaian autentik berdasarkan kurikulum 2013 dalam pembelajaran Pendidikan Pancasila dan Kewarganegaraan
Authors: Dasmalinda Dasmalinda , Hasrul Hasrul
Published: May 2020

Dalam pelaksanaan penilaian autentik seorang guru masih banyak mengalami kendala terutama dalam penyusunan instrumen dan pengklasifikasian domainnya. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis pelaksanaan penilaian autentik berdasarkan kurikulum 2013 dalam pembelajaran PPKn. Jenis penelitian ini adalah metode campuran (Mixed Methods ) dengan pendekatan Sequential Exploratory Design. Informan dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh guru PPKn SMKN 1 solok yang berjumlah 5 orang. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Teknik analisis data menggunakan reduksi data, penyajian data dan verifikasi. Hasil penelitian mengambarkan bahwa, umumnya guru SMKN 1 Solok belum menggunakan instrumen penilaian autentik untuk mengukur hasil belajar dan sikap peserta didik. Harapan penelitian ini dalam pelaksanaan penilaian autentik guru mampu melaksanakan sesuai dengan kurikulum 2013.-----In the implementation of authentic assessment, a teacher still experiences many obstacles, especially in the preparation of instruments and the classification of their domains. The purpose of this study is to analyze the implementation of authentic assessment based on the 2013 curriculum in learning PPKn. This type of research uses a mixed-method with the sequential exploratory design approach. The informants in this study were all five students of SMKN 1 Solok, with five people. Data collection techniques using observation, interviews, and documentation. Data analysis techniques using data reduction, data presentation, and verification. The results of the study illustrate that, generally, SMK 1 Solok teachers have not used authentic assessment instruments to measure student learning outcomes and attitudes. The expectation of this research in the implementation of authentic teacher assessment can carry out under the 2013 curriculum.
Pengembangan bahan ajar kewarganegaraan di Perguruan Tinggi Keagamaan Islam
Authors: Kesuma Tubagus Ali Rachman Puja , Handayana Sri , Ciciria Deri
Published: May 2020

Kewarganegaraan merupakan bagian dari mata kuliah wajib umum (MKWU) sesuai amanat konstitusi. Menghadapi ancaman tantangan hambatan dan gangguan (ATHG) negara Indonesia yang semakin kompleks, perguruan tinggi keagamaan islam sebagai bagian dari kekhasan pemerintahan Indonesia harus menunjukkan integrasi nilai-nilai keislaman, namun tetap memiliki satu kesatuan capaian pembelajaran mata kuliah dengan perguruan tinggi umum. Metode yang digunakan adalah Research and Development dengan teknik analisis data statistik deskriptif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa materi kewarganegaraan dapat diintegrasikan dengan nilai-nilai ke-Islam-an sehingga dapat menunjang perkuliahannya di Perguruan Tinggi Keagamaan Islam. Adapun materi-materi yang dapat terintegrasi antara lain Negara dan sistem pemerintahan, demokrasi, serta hak asasi manusia. Bahan ajar sebagai produk dalam penelitian ini layak digunakan dengan persentase kelayakan 89.85 %.-----Citizenship is part of the general compulsory subject (MKWU) according to the mandate of the constitution. Facing the sophisticated threat of obstacles and disturbances in Indonesian, Islamic religious tertiary institutions as part of the uniqueness of the Indonesian government must demonstrate the integration of Islamic values, but still have a unified achievement of learning outcomes with general institutions. The method used is Research and Development with descriptive statistical data analysis techniques. The results showed that the material of citizenship could be integrated with Islamic values so that it can support its lectures at Islamic Religious Colleges. The materials that can integrate include the State and the government system, democracy, and human rights. Teaching material as a product in this study is feasible to use with a percentage of eligibility of 89.85%.