bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cariogenic and erosive potential of liquid oral pediatric medicines of long-term use for children: an in vitro analysis
Authors: Al-Batayneh Ola B. , Al-Bataina Ala'a B. , Khader Yousef S. , Owais Arwa I.
Published: April 2020

Background

Liquid oral pediatric medicines (LOPM) contain sucrose and glucose and can have a low pH; their chronic administration may increase the risk for dental caries and erosion in children. The aim of this study was to determine sucrose and glucose concentrations, and pH of LOPMs of long-term use by children.
Methods

A cross sectional survey was conducted among 95/381 pharmacies to assess the most commonly prescribed LOPM by pharmacists in North Jordan, yielding 42 medicines which were analyzed for sucrose and glucose concentrations (mg/g) using HPLC-RID, and pH measurement using pH-meter CP-505. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 19.0. Differences were considered significant at P ≤ 0.05.
Results

The lowest and highest sucrose concentrations were for Ramlac® (0.9%) from the gastrointestinal medicines and Varolex® (79.5%) from the nutritional medicines, respectively. The lowest and highest glucose concentrations were for Adol® (0.0%) from the central nervous medicines and Pediavit-D® (81.1%) from the nutritional medicines, respectively. The pH ranged from 3.2 for Varolex® from the nutritional medicines to 10.0 for Zithromax® from the antibiotics medicines.
Conclusions

Some of the LOPMs studied had high sucrose or glucose concentrations (or both) and low pH which could increase their potential of causing dental caries and erosion when ingested frequently and chronically.
Prognostic factors associating with depression score in male patients; Inflammation, oxidative stress and serum copper and zinc: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ghayour-Mobarhan Majid , Darroudi Susan , Tayefi Batool , Khalili Narjes , Darroudi Haniyeh , Esmaily Habibollah , Abolbashari Samaneh , Ferns Gordon A. , Mohammadpour Amir Hooshang
Published: April 2020

BackgroundThe prevalence of depression increased about 18% during a 10-year period between 2005 and 2015. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between serum zinc and copper, PAB, SOD and hsCRP in men with depression.MethodsIn this study, 3768 men, were recruited as part of MASHAD study. Demographic, anthropometric and metabolic data measured and recorded for all subjects. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used for assessing depression in all participants. Serum zinc and copper concentration, hs-CRP, PAB (Pro-oxidant- Antioxidant Balance), and SOD (Superoxide dismutase) were measured in all subjects.Results:The mean level of copper in males with depression is significantly lower than normal males (p < 0.05); despite the lower level of zinc in depressed subjects, this was not significant (p > 0.05). The median of hs-CRP and mean of PAB were significantly higher in depressed subjects (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the odds ratio (OR) for an association of serum zinc, copper, hs-CRP, SOD and PAB with depression in males. The subjects with a serum copper < 80 µg/dl (Q1) had a 1.337 (1.13–1.582) higher chance of depression and the chance of depression increased 1.021(1.013–1.029) with elevating 1 mg/l of serum hs-CRP. 1.021(1.013–1.029). These data remained the same after adjustment for each other’s. Furthermore, our results strongly suggested that hs-CRP and copper were the independent risk factors for depression in male patients.Conclusion:Inflammation and copper status, not zinc concentration, are two factors that may play a role in depression in male patients.
Using the modified Ponseti method to treat complex clubfoot: early results
Authors: Bozkurt Celal , Sipahioğlu Serkan , Sarıkaya Baran , Altay Mehmet Akif , Çetin Baki Volkan
Published: April 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
Genome sequencing survey and identification of SSR of Lycium ruthenicum
Authors: Zhang Defang
Published: April 2020

Background

Lycium ruthenicum had high economic and ecological role in western China due to the high content of active substances and tolerance to drought and salinity stress. But its genomic information was lack, which seriously affected the next breeding and forestation. We surveyed the genomic size and developed SSRs of L. ruthenicum based on the next generation sequencing technology to lay a theoretical foundation for next genomic research in this study.
Results

Totally 451,721,828 bp raw data were generated, 4,596,439 scaffolds were obtained after assembly. The estimated genome size of L. ruthenicum was 3,249.33 Mb, the heterozygosity rate was 1.13%, and repeat rate was 73.13%. Totally 958,619 SSRs were identified. The average SSRs density were 163.95 SSRs/Mb, the dinucleotide repeat motif accounted for larger proportion in all motifs, the AT/AT, AC/GT and AG/CT are dominant repeat motifs in L. ruthenicum genome.
Conclusion

These results could lay a foundation for next genome sequencing. And SSR data could alarge the molecular resources for L. ruthenicum and relatives, such as genetic mapping, QTL and population genetic study.
Relationship between nutritional biomarkers and occlusal status in gastric cancer patients using the Eichner Index: A cross sectional study
Authors: Abe Atsushi , Ito Yu , Hayashi Hiroki , Ishihama Takanori , Umemura Eri , Tsunoda Akari
Published: April 2020

Background

Systemic inflammatory responses and nutritional status are useful prognostic factors in patients with gastric cancer. Because oral hypofunction is a cause of undernutrition, we cross-sectionally investigated whether some nutritional biomarkers were affected by occlusal supporting zone status.
Methods

The study included 114 patients (85 men and 29 women) diagnosed with gastric cancer at Nagoya Ekisaikai Hospital between September 2014 and March 2019. Gastric cancer stage, body mass index (BMI), albumin levels, total lymphocyte counts, cholesterol levels, and C-reactive protein levels were evaluated in preoperative blood tests. Four kinds of nutritional biomarkers were evaluated; they are the Glasgow prognostic score (GPS), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), prognostic nutrition index (PNI), and controlling nutritional status (CONUT). Oral conditions were assessed by determining the number of remaining teeth, occlusal supporting status based on the Eichner classification. Patients were assigned into three groups per their occlusal status, and mean values were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test.
Results

The mean age and BMI were 72.2 ± 8.5 (50–89) years and 22.0 ± 3.6 (14.8–33.4), respectively. There were here were 42, 39, 23, and 10 stages I, II, III, and IV patients, respectively. The mean number of remaining teeth was 18.1 ± 9.5 teeth. According to the Eichner classification, there were 45, 42, and 27 patients in groups A, B, and C, respectively. There were significant differences in the GPS and NLR values, and CONUT frequencies between groups A and C (P = 0.033, P = 0.00097, P = 0.04, respectively) (Mann-Whitney U test). PNI values were lower in Group C with poor occlusal support zones than in Group A with stable occlusal support zones.
Conclusions

Reductions in occlusal supporting zones were associated with undernutrition. Notably, patients in Eichner Class C with few occlusal supporting zones had poor GPS, PNI, and CONUT values, and were found to be undernourished. Thus, patients with markedly reduced occlusal contacts are often undernourished and have advanced systemic inflammation, which may affect prognosis. Patients in the Eichner Class C group need interventions to improve nutritional status such as dietary counseling due to potential nutritional deficits experienced by this group of patients.
Kinetics of the major coal seam in typical coal mining areas of Southern Junggar coalfield, Xinjiang, China
Authors: Shen Li , Zeng Qiang
Published: April 2020

In the present study, the authors collected coal samples from the Wudong (WD), Dahuangshan (DHS), and Sikeshu (SKS) coal mines in the Southern Junggar coalfield. The collected coal was ground into particle sizes of 0.25–0.38 mm, 0.15–0.18 mm, 0.109–0.12 mm, 0.08–0.096 mm, and <0.075 mm. The experimental data was acquired using diverse methods, such as in situ infrared spectroscopic analysis, temperature-programmed oxidation, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results show that the number of oxygen-containing functional groups increased with the decline in particle size, indicating that a smaller particle size may facilitate oxidation reactions and spontaneous coal combustion. On the basis of the analysis of the elements of coal samples, it can be concluded that the proportion of oxygen elements of coal samples in three mining areas is: WD＞SKS＞SHS. The oxygen consumption rate of the DHS and WD coal samples increased exponentially when the temperature increased; the rate of SKS coal samples initially rose significantly and then decreased. The gas generation rates for the different gases indicated that temperatures of 90 ℃ or 130 ℃ could accelerate the oxidation reaction. The pollutants produced by the oxidation of the SKS coal samples were higher than those by DHS and WD. For all particle diameters, the T3 for the SKS samples is smaller than that for WD and DHS, indicating that the SKS coal sample will combust more readily. With the decrease in particle size, the activation energy showed an increase in low-temperature oxidation stage. While the activation energy of the WD and SKS samples decreased in high temperature stage, that of the DHS increased before decreasing. A lower of activation energy means that the coal will have a higher risk of spontaneous combustion. Based on the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curve, SKS coal sample has the highest exothermic heat, the DHS has the second, and WD has the least. With a higher exothermic heat, the coal sample will more readily ignite.
Analysis of clinical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infected cases: a retrospective study of medical records
Authors: Zhang Han , Lu Lian , Hu Wei , Zhang Jian , Zhu Wei , He Qiqiang , Sun Chengcao , Li De-Jia
Published: April 2020

Objectives In order to identify the clinical characteristics of patients with Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and find out the characteristic effects of 2019 New Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection on changes in clinical and laboratory data. Patients and methods From January 22 to February 13, 2020, we enrolled consecutive patients with acute respiratory tract symptoms admitted to a hospital (Ezhou, Hubei, China). For different data types t-test, the variables associated with the diagnosis of COVID-19 were compared by chi-square test and u-test, the statistically significant variables (P-value<0.05) were selected into the final logistic regression model. Results 62 (77.5%) confirmed cases and 18 (22.5%) negative cases were confirmed by SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test. Epidemiological investigation and statistical analysis were carried out on the clinical and laboratory data of all suspected cases of COVID-19, the specific indicators were found, and the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 were described. Compared with the patients with negative nucleic acid test, the patients with positive nucleic acid test showed shorter time of onset of symptoms, higher plasma CO2 level, lower eosinophil ratio, lower platelet count and hematocrit, lower serum sodium level, higher serum creatinine, higher blood urea and plasma albumin levels (all P<0.05). Conclusions we argue that the SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause multiple organ damage to the heart, liver, kidney and bone marrow other than lung injury.
IL-1α regulates osteogenic differentiation and osteoclastic activity of dental follicle cells via JNK and p38 MAPK pathways
Authors: meng mingmei , Chen Yandi , Chen Xinlei , Zhang Qiong , Guo Weihua , Zhou Xuedong , Zou Jing
Published: April 2020

Background

The expression of interleukin-1α (IL-1α) is increased in tooth with periapical lesion and the eruption of the permanent successor is accelerated in the presence of an infected deciduous tooth with abscess formation. Dental follicle (DF) plays a central role in tooth eruption through regulating alveolar bone resorption and formation. However, whether the increased IL-1α can disturb functions of DF and influence tooth eruption remains unknown. Herein, we studied the effect and possible mechanism of IL-1α on osteogenic differentiation, osteoclastic activity and matrix remodeling of the DF cells (DFCs).
Methods

Rat DFCs were treated with IL-1α. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot were performed to analyze the expressions of osteogenesis, osteoclast formation and matrix remodeling related genes and proteins. DFC–bone marrow cell co-cultures, osteogenic differentiation and transwell matrigel invasion assay were used to determine the effect of IL-1α on DFCs further. Phosphorylation of JNK, ERK, p65 and p38 were evaluated in the IL-1α-treated group. Specific inhibitors of signal pathways were added to confirm their roles in this process.
Results

IL-1α decreased the expression of osteogenesis-related genes and proteins, and increased the expression of MMP9 and ratios of RANKL/OPG. DFCs cultured with IL-1α showed weaker osteogenic capacity, higher osteoclastogenic and invasive ability. Moreover, phosphorylation of JNK and p38 were up-regulated and pretreatment with specific inhibitors reversed the effect of IL-1α on DFCs.
Conclusions

IL-1α suppresses osteogenic differentiation, promotes osteoclastogenic ability and matrix remodeling of DFCs by activating JNK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways.
Lived Experiences of Divorced Women: Psychosocial Effects in Robe Town Oromia, South Eastern, Ethiopia
Authors: Damota Mulugeta Deribe , Gebretsadik Ashebir Demeke , Nigatu Meseret Mulugeta
Published: April 2020

Divorce is the legal dissolution of a socially and legally recognized marital relationship that alters the obligations and privileges of the two persons involved. Hence, the main objective of this study was to assess the lived experience of divorced women in Bale Robe town. Purposive sampling was used to select sampling Kebeles since all Kebeles are assuming to be having a similar attribute in the case of divorce experience. The target populations were selected purposively and snowballing sampling techniques. To get the relevant data for this study the data has employed a qualitative, in-depth interview method with the combination of focused group discussion. The researcher used 12 divorced women for an in-depth interview, six divorced women for focused group discussion and six key informants for an in-depth interview. Thematic qualitative analysis technique has been employed by applying a rigorous data analysis procedure. As the result indicated Divorced women experience different psychological problems like anger, grief, feeling of lonely, regret and husband denying biological child. Also, the study revealed that divorce exposed them to social, familial, financial and emotional challenges. Therefore, government, non-governmental organization and social workers should play an important role in family counseling services, increasing public awareness about the social environment and marriage stability.
Evaluation of Magnesium, Vitamin D, Calcium, and Metformin Supplements on Cardiometabolic Variables in Infertile Women Diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Randomized, Controlled, Clinical Trial
Authors: Aliabad Roghayeh Anvari , Gharakhani Mohsen , Farimani Marzie
Published: April 2020

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is known as an important etiology of ovulation failure which probably is related to resistance to insulin and other possible related metabolic states. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of supplements such as calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium on cardiometabolic risk factors of infertile PCOS patients. Methods This randomized trial was registrered at Iranian Registry of Clinical Trial (reference code: IRCT2013110615307N1). First, bio-demographic data were gathered and complete physical examinations were performed, for all cases. After meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 106 individuals were randomized into the metformin and vitamin D/calcium (37 patients), metformin and magnesium (34 patients), and metformin (35 patients) groups. After 12 weeks, cardiometabolic parameters including blood pressure, fasting blood sugar (FBS), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG), and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) were compared among the mentioned groups. In order to compare treatment groups per protocol analysis was performed. All data were analyzed by SPSS and any p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The results showed no significant difference in age, infertility duration, frequency of metabolic syndrome, and the cause and duration of infertility among the groups. Also, no statistically significant difference was found between patients diagnosed with (N=12, 35%) and without metabolic syndrome. Many of the metabolic factors (body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), FBS, LDL, and cholesterol) were decreased significantly in all groups after the treatments (p<0.001). However, this difference was not statistically significant for HDL, DHEA-S, TG, and testosterone for either of the groups. The mean changes of HDL, testosterone, and LDL were statistically different among the groups (P-values= 0.005, 0.004, and 0.008 for group 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Also, in the metformin and magnesium group, the positive changes of some laboratory parameters were more than the other groups; however, this difference was not statistically significant in most cases. Also, BMI and BP in metformin and magnesium group were more reduced, however, the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion It seems that treatment with metformin and magnesium may have benefits for patients with PCOS but further clinical trials are necessary.
Evaluating the Knowledge and Awareness of Women’s about the Nexus between Reproductive Health Problems and Gender Based Violence in North Western Ethiopia
Authors: Bayu EYAYU Kasseye , tegegne Solomon Anteneh , Mhretie Alemeneh Getaneh
Published: April 2020

Background: Sexual and reproductive health is the base of peoples living. However, many reproductive health questions are left unanswered. Hence, this study intends to assess women’s awareness and knowledge of reproductive health problems as a result of violence in North Western Ethiopia.Methods: To attain the objective of this study, mixed research approach with cross sectional concurrent research design was employed. Survey questionnaires, interviewees, focus group discussion and document reviews were the data collection instruments used. The collected data was analyzed by descriptive statistics. The target of this study was ten (10) randomly selected districts with 415 women (women in reproductive age) being the unit of analysis.Results: The result demonstrated that, 40% of respondents have an awareness of GBV and its effects on reproductive health, while 60 % are unaware of the importance of the relationship. It also show (55.9 %) of the respondents reported they are aware RH problem can be due to violence, while 44.1 % of as they were unaware. Concerning this awareness, (40.5%) are aware of the problem of headaches, whereas (29.6%) are aware of functional limitation and disability. Considering, psychological/mental health problems, 39 % are aware of the problem of depression and anxiety, while 35.7 % of the respondents reported awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder. Regarding awareness and perception of the sexual and RH problems, (36.1 %) of the respondents reported they have awareness about STI and HIV/AIDS, while 19.8 % have no awareness. The study also showed that unwanted pregnancy, fetal injuries and cervical cancer problems reported by 31.3%, 25.5% and 25.3% respondents respectively. From the study findings, a significant number of respondents are aware of physical health problems rather than psychological and sexual RH problems. This implies even though women are aware of RH problems, they have little awareness that GBV causes RH problems.Conclusion: The findings inferred a majority of the respondents reported no awareness about the types of gender based violence which leads to reproductive health problems. Therefore, the health care sector needs to make significant impact by publicizing and addressing violence against women to reduce RH problems.
Middle-aged Lebanese women interpretation of sexual difficulties: A qualitative inquiry
Authors: Azar Mathilde , Bradbury-Jones Caroline , Kroll Thilo
Published: April 2020

Background : The study explores women’s perception and experience of sexual difficulties and how they are shaped by the male-centred sexual interactions and social norms. The study is part of a work programme guided by a qualitative research design to provide a comprehensive understanding of women’s sexuality. The need to address the subject was triggered by the high prevalence of female sexual problems that are defined based on the standards of sexual function and dysfunction. The multidimensional nature of these problems could not be limited to one single definition. Yet, there is a scarcity of research that reflects on women’s subjective views on sexual difficulties. This is particularly crucial at the middle-age where women undergo hormonal and psychosocial changes that may affect their sexual life. Methods : Using in-depth individual and focus groups interviews, 52 Lebanese women aged 40-55 years discussed their thoughts, feelings and behaviours concerning sexual difficulties. In respect to ethical principles, women were recruited purposefully from clinical and non-clinical settings to get maximum sampling variation that provided rich information and deep understanding of the subject. Recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed in reference to the framework analysis. Many strategies were adopted to ensure rigour. Results : Women’s narratives led to four themes that provided a comprehensive understanding of sexual difficulties. These are women’s inability to communicate sexual desires and concerns; male-related sexual difficulties; marital conflicts; and sexual difficulties as context bound. Women’s sexual difficulties are driven by double standards and inhibiting sexual socialization in addition to relational and psychosocial burdens. Conclusion : The study makes a unique contribution in voicing women’s views and concerns as sexuality is underreported and poorly researched in Lebanon. It shed light on many aspects of female sexual difficulties that are multifaceted and contextually bound. Findings have implications on education, clinical practice and research. It is particularly important to provide Lebanese women with a culturally sensitive professional assistance, empower them to recognise their sexual-self and get their needs met. More qualitative research about women’s sexual difficulties is warranted to enrich the body of knowledge and promote women’s sexual health and overall wellbeing.
Time correlation between serial RT-PCR results and serial chest CT imaging and serial CT changes of Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Pneumonia: 155 cases study from China
Authors: Gu Jinfeng , Yang Li , Li Tao , Liu Ye , Zhang Jing , Ning Kejia , Su Dajian
Published: April 2020

Objective: To determine the CT role in the early detection of COVID-19 infection and serial CT changes in disease course in the patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods: From January 21 to February 18, 2020, all the patients who were suspected of novel coronavirus infection and verified by RT-PCR test were retrospectively enrolled in our study. All the patients underwent serial RT-PCR tests and serial CT imaging. The time correlation between serial RT-PCR results (negative conversion to positive, positive to negative) and serial CT imaging was investigated, and serial CT changes were evaluated. Results: One hundred and fifty-five patients with confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia were evaluated. The time of chest CT detection of COVID-19 pneumonia was 2.61 days earlier than RT-PCR test (p=0.000). The time of lung CT improvement was significantly shorter than that of RT-PCR conversion to negative (p=0.000). Three stages were identified from the onset of the initial symptoms: Stage 1 (0-3 days); Stage 2 (4-7 days); and stage 3 (8-14 days and later). Ground glass opacity (GGO) was predominant on stage 1, then consolidation and crazy paving sign were dramatically increased on stage 2. On stage 3, fibrotic lesion was growing largely. There was significant difference for the main CT features (p=0.000), the number of involved lobes (p=0.001), and lesion distribution ( p=0.000) among different stages. Conclusion: Chest CT was earlier to detect COVID-19 pneumonia compared to RT-PCR results and monitor disease course. Combined imaging features with epidemiology history and clinical information could facilitate early diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia.
Radiation resistance of novel SARS-CoV-2: A Monte Carlo investigation on characterization and determination of gamma-ray attenuation properties
Authors: Tekin H.O. , Kara U. , Issa Shams A.M. , Inanc Ibrahim , Kilicoglu O. , Elshami Wiam , Aslan Ismail , Susoy G. , Kurt Ahmet Arif , Konuk Muhsin , Ayseli Mehmet Turan
Published: April 2020

In late December 2019, the new viral pneumonia outbreak was first detected in Wuhan, the largest metropolitan area in China's Hubei province. The 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic is an ongoing pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome-2 (SARS-CoV-2), was named as Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by World Health Organization (WHO). It is well known that radiation can cause mutations in bacteria and viruses. Therefore, characterization of the radiation resistance and interaction properties of viruses provides the opportunity in terms of risk assessment and future aspects. In this study, 3 types of viruses (SARS-CoV-CAS Number 587886-51-9, Influenza-CAS Number 141368-69-6 and SARS-CoV-2 GlycoProtein 6VSB.) were modeled with the Monte Carlo simulation method (MCNPX version 2.6.0). The vital radiation attenuation properties such as linear attenuation coefficients, energy absorption buildup factors (EABF), exposure buildup factors (EBF), relative dose distributions (RDD) were examined using advanced simulation methods. Moreover, the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 is modelled from the structures in the Protein Data Bank. As a result of the study, we could say that the most radiation resistance was observed in SARS-CoV when compared with Influenza and Covid-19. It could be one of the reasons for SARS-CoV’s resistance to mutation from its outbreak time. On the other hand, Covid-19 is more resistant to radiation than Influenza. Therefore it could be expected that Covid-19 would have the similar behaviors against ionizing radiation as Influenza has.
HISTOLOGICAL FEATURES OF CHROMOPHOBE RENAL CELL CARCINOMA
Authors: Baranovska V. V. , Romanenko A. M. , Zakhartseva L. M.
Published: April 2020

Introduction. Renal neoplasms are a common disease. Differential diagnostics of different tumor subtypes for prognosis and treatment is necessary given that some of them, like renal cell oncocytomas, are benign, and others, like chromophobe renal cell carcinomas, are malignant. Unfortunately, the histological similarity between these tumors makes accurate diagnostics difficult. In some cases, additional diagnostic methods such as immunohistochemistry should be used. The aim of our study is to analyze the histological characteristics of chromophobe renal cell carcinomas and renal oncocytomas, in order to specify their pathognomonic features, allowing for the confirmation of the diagnosis.

Materials and methods. We used data from histories of disease and histological postoperative material of 198 patients with chromophobe renal cell carcinoma and renal oncocytoma. After the diagnosis was confirmed, we described the histological features of the tumors and calculated their relative prevalence amongst the renal oncocytoma and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma tissues. To conclude, we identified the histological features that are more likely to be present in the case of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma.

Conclusions. Chromophobe renal cell carcinomas are present in 31 % of our samples. Tumors are more prevalent in patients in their sixth and seventh decade. Most chromophobe renal cell carcinomas are unilateral.

Chromophobe renal cell carcinomas have a polymorphic histological structure. The classic variant of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma is more common than the eosinophilic one. A mixed variant of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma is present in a minority of cases. The most common features of ChRCC are solid and alveolar growth patterns, clear and reticular cytoplasm, raisinoid nuclei.

After comparing the relative prevalence of various histological features in renal oncocytomas to those present in chromophobe renal cell carcinomas, we are able to ascertain that chromophobe renal cell carcinomas tend to exhibit the following features significantly more often than renal oncocytomas: differing nuclear size, raisinoid nuclei, reticular cytoplasm, clear cytoplasm.

The particular features mentioned in the preceding paragraph, can be present on a small subset of the tumor tissue, and are thus, often missed during analysis, which can lead to misdiagnosis. In order to mitigate this risk, we recommend analyzing a big sample of tumor tissue and using additive methods such as immunohistochemistry with biomarkers CD 10 (56C6), CD 68 (KP1), Cytokeratin 7 (OV-TL 12/30), CD117/c-kit, Vimentin (Vim3B4), S-100 (4C4.9).
SOME ASPECTS OF MANAGEMENT OF HIV-INFECTED PATIENTS WITH PATHOLOGY OF DIGESTIVE SYSTEM IN CONTEXT OF FAMILY MEDICINE PRACTICE
Authors: Golubovska O. A. , Vysotskyi V. I.
Published: April 2020

Introduction. In the current situation of the HIV-infection epidemic, every 100-th citizen of Ukraine aged between 15 and 49 is infected with HIV. It is one of the highest rates among countries in the European Region. The issue of retaining HIV-positive patients in the medical surveillance system and support for adherence to ART treatment are becoming particularly relevant. At the same time, the comorbidity of HIV-infection with digestive system lesion is one of the main elements of pathological changes, both in the progression of HIV infection and in the occurrence of various complications leading to interruptions or failure to receive continuous antiretroviral therapy (ART).

The purpose of the study is to examine the features of the digestive system lesions of HIV-infected patients and their impact on the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy.

Materials and methods. The study was conducted on randomly selected 215 HIV-infected patients in compliance with the bioethical and scientific standards, in accordance with industry standards and clinical guidelines approved by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.

Results and Discussion. Patients were divided into two comparison groups: the main group (MG) had 158 (73.5%) of HIV-infected persons with pathology of the digestive system, the controlled group (СG) had 57 (26.5%) of HIV-infected patients with no signs of gastric lesions of the gastrointestinal tract. Among the lesions of the digestive system in HIV-infected patients, hepatitis of viral and/or toxic genesis, chronic inflammatory diseases of the esophagus and gastroduodenal zone, chronic pancreatitis and cholecystitis were most often observed. In 61.4%, the pathology of the digestive tract was combined. When evaluating the efficacy of ART, no statistical difference was found between MG and CG in the frequency of the virologic response and the level of viral load at the beginning of the study and at 6 months of follow-up. However, MG patients had a worse immunologic response compared to CG, they were significantly more likely to switch the initial ART regimen, have breaks in treatment and development of adverse reactions. Patients treated for comorbid digestive system disorders had ART replacements less frequently and after 6 months of treatment they had an average level of CD4 + lymphocytes, which corresponded to the normal value.

Conclusions. A significant majority of the examined patients with HIV-infection had digestive system lesions (73.5%). HIV-infected patients with digestive system pathology had more treatment interruptions, switch of ART regimens, and a worse immunological response, compared with the controlled group. Untreated diseases of the digestive system could be predictors of an increased break rate of ART, switch of treatment regimens, and decreased treatment efficacy. The introduction of an integrated, patient-oriented approach to the management of these nosologies in family medicine practice is proposed.
LEVELS OF SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE MARKERS IN PATIENTS WITH PULMONARY HYPERTENSION AND COPD
Authors: Fushtey I. M. , Nikolaieva K. L. , Sid’ E. V.
Published: April 2020

Introduction. The prevalence of COPD worldwide is about 7.6 %, and it is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in today society. Today, much information has been obtained about the pathogenetic mechanisms of COPD development. However, more and more studies have recently shown that COPD patients have an increase in proinflammatory mediators that contribute to the development of systemic subclinical inflammation; this is due to the involvement of inflammatory cells from the bloodstream in the process, and the development of a systemic inflammatory response. An urgent medical and social problem of our time is the development of pulmonary hypertension in patients with COPD. The processes of inflammation and remodeling of the vascular wall are inseparable; they complement each other, leading to the formation of a clinical picture of pulmonary hypertension.

The aim of the study. To determine the levels of markers of systemic inflammatory response among patients with pulmonary hypertension on the background of COPD.

Materials and methods. The results of the study are based on data from a comprehensive survey of 170 patients aged 40 to 65 years with COPD, 123 of which had pulmonary hypertension and 47 ones had no PH.

Obtained results. The level of hs-CRP in the group of PH patients with COPD was 10.46 [6.24; 15.30] mg/l and was significantly higher, both against the value of 7.30 [6.22; 9.18] mg/l in the group of COPD patients without PH (p < 0.05), and in comparison with the group of healthy individuals, where this indicator was 1.08 [0.96; 1.41] mg/l, (p < 0.05). The increase in IL-6 levels was significantly higher by 57% in the group of PH patients with COPD compared to the value of 5.67 [4.44; 6.98] PG/ml, (p < 0.05) in the group of COPD without PH and amounted to 8.90 [7.76; 9.93] PG/ml, and a 7.4-fold increase in the value of 1.20 [0.95; 1.57] PG/ml in the group of healthy individuals, (p < 0.05). The median level of IL-10 was significantly higher in the group of healthy individuals by 11.2 % and 10 % compared to the groups of patients with PH on the background of COPD and COPD without PH, respectively, and was 5.35 [4.97; 6.86] PG/ml, (p < 0.05). In the groups of patients with PH on the background of COPD and COPD without PH, there was a significant increase in this indicator by 8.8 and 6 times compared to the level of 0.21 [0.20; 0.25] in the group of healthy individuals, (p < 0.05). Comparing subgroups of patients depending on the type of COPD exacerbation, the level of hs-CRP, IL-6 and the ratio of IL-6/IL-10 levels were significantly higher in the subgroup with infectious type of exacerbation compared to the subgroup of non-infectious type of COPD exacerbation, (p < 0.05).
ASSESSMENT OF THE OPINION OF INTERNS ON PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES IN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM REFORM
Authors: Sichkoriz O. Ye.
Published: April 2020

An integral part of the reform of the health care system of Ukraine is the change in medical education, which particularly implies a qualitative change in postgraduate education.

The aim of the study is to form recommendations for improving the system of postgraduate medical education in the context of general health care reform.

The study is aimed at examining aspects of the activities of interns who have completed their internship training. The main method of collecting socio-psychological information was the survey method in the form of standardized (formalized) interviews. 399 individuals took part in the survey.

According to the results of the research, it is found that in general physicians who have completed internship training face such problems of personal character and life goals as a certain living and psychological instability, desire for professional growth, awareness of their strengths and weaknesses in professional skills. The results of the survey indicate that, according to interns, health care facilities only slightly meet the modern requirements. It concerns both the material and technical base and the organization of work of a medical establishment.

The analysis of the responses also indicates that the administration of a health care institution does not take into account the specifics of working with young specialists, their insufficient involvement in the treatment of patients in the medical establishment: interviewing patients, physical examination of patients, appointment of diagnostic methods, involvement in decision making, primary examination of patients, clinical examination of patients in hospitals.

It should be noted that the staff of medical establishments are characterized by a sufficiently high degree of goodwill. The vast majority of respondents indicated a low level of conflict in health care institutions.

Of particular note is the general tendency to reduce the prestige of the medical profession in the Ukrainian society. This indicates the need to develop measures aimed at forming a positive public opinion on the importance and usefulness of the profession of a physician in society.
Innovations in Tourism Marketing: Sharing Economy Platform
Authors: Kljucnikov Aleksandr , Civelek Mehmet , Krajcík Vladimír , Kmeco Lubomír
Published: April 2020

This research summarizes the arguments and counterarguments within the scientific discussion on the issue of potential tax evasions and increased rental rates that one of innovative home-sharing platforms might causes. The study aims to find possible tax evasion that each property and each host can cause by considering creative activities in tourism marketing and a sharing economy platform, Airbnb in Prague. Besides, the authors identified the potential problems in the rental accommodation market. Systematization literary sources and approaches for solving the problem of sharing economy platforms indicate that although these platforms benefit for some economic, social and environmental issues, they pose some troubles in various markets. Regarding methodological tools of the research method, this paper used a web scraping technique to gain data from the Airbnb website. The authors analysed 13918 accommodations that were rented by 6768 Airbnb users between April 2016 and March 2017. In the study, the authors used the Microsoft Excel 2016 program and a model created by researchers to make calculations. The paper presented the results of an empirical analysis showing that in case the sensitive regulation of the number of nights will apply the potential tax incomes will lower only on 0.98% when considering accommodations and on 6.40% when considering users. In this case, 16832 rental units will appear in the long-term housing market. Moreover, tax evasion becomes more when considering each dwelling instead of each host because some users rented more than one rental accommodation. The research also empirically confirms and theoretically proves that that extended limits for overnight stays yield benefits for costs, supply and demand of rental housing. Those findings can be useful for governments, academicians that are interested in tourism marketing, firms in the accommodation industry that look for new marketing innovations and short or long-term housing market participants such as lessor and lessees.
Keywords: accommodation, tourism, marketing, Airbnb, innovation, home-sharing, Prague, sharing economy, taxation.
Management of Innovation Development in the Slovak Republic: Critical Evaluation of the Investment Aid System
Authors: Hvolkova Lenka , Klement Ladislav
Published: April 2020

Since 2002, the Slovak government have been using the system of investment aid for enterprises. However, the economy of the Slovak Republic characterized by differences among regions. Therefore, in March 2018, the Slovak government modified the system of investment aid to mitigate the differences among the regions. The main aim of the paper is to examine whether investment aid in Slovakia has served its purpose and was channelled to disadvantaged Slovak areas. The objects of the research are particular investment projects supported by the state investment aid in the observed period. The subjects of study are the selected forms of investment aid provided in the Slovak republic. The paper analyses the amount and structure of the provided investment aid in the Slovak Republic during the period 2002–2018. The secondary data on business entities, which received investment aid was obtained from the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic. An additional source of information is data from the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic about the rate of unemployment and GDP per capita in the Slovak regions. Descriptive statistics and comparison analyse the obtained data to evaluate the total provided investment aid.The authors work with three research questions. The first concerned the uniformity of investment aid provision during the years 2002-2018. The second focused on verifying the proportionality of the covered costs to the newly created jobs. Finally, the authors test the primary mission of investment aid, reducing regional disparities (based on the allocation of investment aid to regions of the Slovak Republic). There were identified evident differences in the total amount of provided investment aid in particular years. The analysis confirms that the costs for one newly created job in particular Slovak regions were quite different. There were regions where the subsidies for one new job were three times higher than in others. During the analysed period, the majority (56%) of investments were realised in regions with a lower rate of unemployment compared to the average price in Slovakia. The aid in these regions was achieved, with 75 % of the total amount of investment aid. The results of the analysis confirm that investment aid in Slovakia is still not focused on the support of less developed regions. Keywords: investment aid, Slovak Republic, state support, regions, unemployment rate.
The Impact of Product Category Lifecycle and Marketing Capabilities on New Product Performance: the Mediating Role of Marketing Program Planning and Launch Proficiency
Authors: Florea Dorian-Laurentiu , Munteanu Claudiu-Catalin , Cruz Dora-Carmen Galvez , Capatina Gabriela
Published: April 2020

Theory underlines the role of new product development for company survival and success. However, the success rates of new products launches are always at underwhelming levels. Practical wisdom shows that new product performance is the outcome of both controllable, internal factors and external, uncontrollable factors. The authors contrast the role of product category lifecycle as an external factor and of marketing capabilities as an internal factor, to find the balance between these two determinants. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to compare the impact of both types of factors on launch proficiency and further product growth. We apply PLS-SEM on a sample of 213 Mexican firms to test a theoretical model grounded on resource-advantage theory and strategic choice theory. Results show that both determinants are significant, but marketing capabilities exert a much stronger influence on new product performance. The relationship between marketing capabilities and unique product performance is mediated by marketing program planning. In contrast, the relationship between product category lifecycle and new product performance is mediated by launch proficiency. In this context, marketing program planning efficiency represents the mid-term and long-term quality of strategic marketing. At the same time, the overall launch proficiency reflects the short-term ability of the company to launch new products. From the perspective of strategic choice theory, the results of our study reinforce the importance of a successful launch for the short-term and mid-term new product performance. Besides, our empirical research finds that product category lifecycle strengthens the positive relationship between marketing program planning and unique product performance. This makes marketing program planning more critical for new product performance as the product category matures. From a managerial standpoint, our findings dismiss the uncontrollable market forces as the main reason for new product failures. We show that new product failures are most often caused by the marketing manager’s inability to devise an appropriate marketing plan. The paper also contributes to the literature of resource-advantage theory by providing compelling evidence regarding the foremost importance of marketing capabilities for new product success. Our findings also emphasize the essential role of launch proficiency in further product success, as it is difficult to recover from an early product failure. In practical terms, managers are advised not to postpone new product launches under the «bad timing» argument.

Keywords
launch proficiency, marketing capabilities, marketing program planning, new product performance, product lifecycle.
Engagement Marketing: the Innovative Perspective to Enhance the Viewer’s Loyalty in Social Media and Blogging E-Commerce Websites
Authors: Sadiq Waqas , Abdullah Ibrahim , Kashif Aslam , Zulfiqar Salman
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of three dimensions of Blog service innovation (system operation, social technology & diversification) on website viewers' online loyalty through the intervening effect of two aspects of online relationship quality (trust & satisfaction) in the context of social media and blogging websites. A sample of 251 social media and blogging sites users responded to a structured questionnaire adapted from existing literature. First, confirmatory factor analysis was carried out, and then data were analysed through structural equation modelling using the bootstrap methodology in AMOS 24. The findings indicated that two innovations (system operations & diversification) indirectly affect the website viewers' online loyalty through both Trust and Satisfaction. In contrast, Social Technology related innovation affects website viewers' online loyalty only through Trust. Further, none of those mentioned above innovations has a direct relationship with the website viewers' online loyalty. This paper explains the loyalty pattern of social media and blogging website users following the changes in services provided by organizations in their websites, which is explicitly mediated through online relationship quality factors. From a managerial perspective, the study does only provides the vital information on user's behaviour in relationship to the innovations in services introduced by organizations in their websites but also reveals that it can help them to minimize their cost and maximize their profits through value creation to the target audience. This paper is first of its kind to investigate the relationship between different dimensions of blog service innovations and website viewers' online loyalty mediated through two dimensions of online relationship quality. Although different studies focused on the enhancement of online loyalty factors through trust and satisfaction, no study was afforded to the blog service innovation perspective which includes innovations related to System operations, Social technology and Diversification especially in the context of social media and blogging website users.

Keywords
service innovation, social media, blogging, online relationship quality, trust, satisfaction, online loyalty, e-loyalty.