bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis Of The Relevance Of Fiscal Decentralization In Ensuring Country Investment Attractiveness
Authors: Molotok Ihor
Published: August 2020

Over the last three decades, fiscal decentralization reform has become widespread in the world as one of the most effective tools for ensuring the efficient functioning of the public and local finances, as it involves the transfer of powers from central to local or regional levels of government under the principle of subsidiarity and more effective allocation of budgetary funds. However, despite the fact that the reform of fiscal decentralization is mainly aimed at a qualitative transformation of the functioning of the budgetary system, it is crucial to take into account the consequences and interrelations of this process with other components of economic policy and their target parameters when developing the concept and algorithm for its implementation. Thus, in particular, many empirical studies confirm the impact of fiscal federalism on country economic growth. However, it is also essential to identify the impact of reform on the parameters of the country investment attractiveness. In the article, empirical studies on the impact of decentralization on the country’s and region’s investment attractiveness indicators were analyzed. The analysis results revealed that this issue has not become widespread in the scientific literature, and the existing research does not allow a clear conclusion about the nature of the impact of decentralization on the parameters of investment activity. The paper provides panel data regression analysis in order to identify the impact of revenue and (cost) expenditure decentralization on net inflow of foreign direct investment, gross capital formation and business network density for a sample of 12 unitary European countries (Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, and Ukraine) for 2008-2018. According to the modeling results, it was found that the level of expenditure decentralization has a positive effect on the net inflow of foreign direct investment and business network density, negative – on the volume of gross capital formation. In contrast, revenue decentralization has no statistically significant effect on any of the performance parameters.

Keywords: expenditure (cost) decentralization, revenue decentralization, investment attractiveness, investment activity, regression analysis.
PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT: KEY POLICY INSTRUMENTS IN CHINA
Authors: Honcharenko Daria
Published: August 2020

The article provides an overview of programs, plans, tools of scientific and technological, innovation and industrial policy aimed at creating and producing new drugs in China; it is substantiated that the Chinese government uses an integrated approach in the implementation of mechanisms to protect and strengthen the pharmaceutical industry. It is demonstrated that the Chinese government provides business support in the form of subsidies, tax incentives, the creation of special zones for the development of high-tech industries, and helps to attract foreign direct investment in contract manufacturing and research and development, accompanied by technology transfer; through the public procurement system, a program for the development of endogenous innovations is implemented through the provision of price preferences, and advanced foreign technologies are involved. State support contributed to an increase in the level of localization of production and an increase in the number of jobs, an increase in the added value of production and the competitiveness of the pharmaceutical industry, the formation of scientific and technical competencies and the development of technologies, the creation of objects of intellectual property rights. The Chinese model of investment and innovative development, relying on the use of external technological, production, human resources, has made it possible to form a high-tech pharmaceutical sector capable of producing endogenous innovations. Given the objectives of the policy documents, Chinese enterprises are encouraged to invest in other countries in the interests of the development of Chinese pharmaceuticals.
EVALUATION OF THE FEASIBILITY OF IMPLEMENTING INNOVATIVE ENERGY EFFICIENT TECHNOLOGIES ON THE WAY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGION
Authors: Bilous Liliia
Published: August 2020

Innovative energy efficient technologies are the driving force behind the economic development of the region. The feasibility of introducing such technologies is determined by the degree of innovative development of this region. Today there are a large number of models that substantiate certain indicators used to calculate the integral indicator of an innovative energy-efficient focus. The dynamics of the development of an administrative unit depends on the ability to create favorable conditions for the dissemination and use of innovations, the intensification of scientific and innovative activities. The article also uses the concept of "innovative orientation" rather than "innovative development". The innovation orientation is considered as the degree of intensity and timeliness of the implementation of certain actions by economic entities aimed at innovative development. To calculate the indicator of innovative orientation, the method of integral assessment of innovative orientation is used, which makes it possible to: determine a large number of indicators; explore individual sectors of society; not to analyze generally accepted economic indicators that are not sectoral known in the research subjects, and to determine the energy-efficient focus at the expense of the selected indices of the focus of innovative potential. As part of the study, primary indicators are collected from 14 administrative units of the Kharkiv region. At the next stage of the study, indicators of innovative orientation are determined. In accordance with the principles of conducting research and identifying innovative potential, the indicators are formed in 5 groups. The ranking of integral indicators of innovative energy-efficient orientation is carried out, which makes it possible to reasonably and purposefully give recommendations on energy savings in the studied subjects in accordance with the rank of this index.
CLINICAL EVALUATION OF DIRECT PHOTOCOMPOSITIONAL DENTAL RESTORATION IN DIFFERENT CONDITIONS OF LIGHT POLYMERIZATION OF ADHESIVE SYSTEM
Authors: Udod Oleksandr , Borysenko Olena
Published: August 2020

Photocomposite materials and adhesive systems are used for direct tooth restoration, among which 5th generation systems are most often used. To ensure curing, they are exposed to the light flux of the dental photopolymerizer, but the requirements and conditions of such exposure are insufficiently studied.

The aim – clinical evaluation of direct photocomposite restorations of teeth performed using an adhesive system, the curing of which was carried out in different light conditions.

Materials and methods. 185 people aged from 19 to 44 years were examined, in which 185 lateral teeth with carious cavities of the 1st class according to Black for medium and deep caries were restored by direct method from nanophotocomposite material. In patients of group 1 during the restoration of 62 teeth the polymerization of the adhesive system of the 5th generation was performed with a light flux of constant intensity 1500 mW/cm², in patients of group 2 were restored 60 teeth with polymerization of the same adhesive system with light flux by "soft start" with a final intensity of 1500 mW/cm², 63 teeth in persons of group 3 were restored with a gradual light effect of 1500 mW/cm² on the adhesive system at the bottom and each of the cavity walls using an additional device. The state of recovery was examined after 12 and 24 months.

Results. Within 12 months, the largest total number of disorders according to the clinical criteria "marginal adhesion", "marginal staining", "postoperative sensitivity" and "secondary caries" was found in patients of agroups 1 and 2, violations were found in 10 and 13 restorations, respectively (16.1±4.9 % and 21.7±5.8 % of the number of restorations in each group). In persons of group 3, disorders were identified in 3 restored teeth (4.8±2.6 %), which is statistically significant (p<0.05) better. After 24 months, statistically significant (p<0.05) the best indicators were again in patients of group 3, violations were found only in 4 restorations (6.7±3.2 % of them in this period). The worst was the state of recovery in persons of group 2, they had disorders in 20 restorations (42.6±10.4 %), in patients of group 1 – in 16 restorations (30.8±8.0 %).

Conclusions. Direct restoration of teeth from nanophotocomposite material, performed using the 5th generation adhesive system under the condition of its gradual polymerization at the bottom and each of the walls of the carious cavity of сlass 1 according to Black, showed high clinical efficiency, which in 12 and 24 months amounted to, respectively, 93.7±3.4 % and 88.9±3.5 %.
DOES THE TERM OF DEFINITIVE OSTEOSYNTHESIS OF MULTIPLE LONG BONE FRACTURES OF LOWER EXTREMITIES IMPACT ON TREATMENT OUTCOMES IN POLYTRAUMA PATIENTS
Authors: Burianov Olexandr , Dubrov Sergii , Omelchenko Taras , Lianskorunskyi Volodymyr , Lykhodii Viktor , Vakulych Myroslav
Published: August 2020

The aim: to determine the timing impact of definitive multiple long bone fracture osteosynthesis of lower extremities on complications development, duration of Mechanical Ventilation (MV), Length of Stay in Intensive Care Unit (LOS-ICU), Hospital length of Stay (H-LOS) in patients with polytrauma treated according to Damage Control Orthopedics (DCO).

Materials and methods: a prospective controlled non-randomized trial in parallel groups conducted in polytrauma department of Kyiv City Clinical Hospital No. 17 from February 2016 to January 2020, which included 107 adult patients with polytrauma, multiple long bone fractures of lower extremities, one of which femur treated according to DCO.

The patients were divided into two groups: Group I included 51 patients who underwent definitive osteosynthesis of long bone fractures of lower extremities after patient condition stabilization ≥24 hours ≤5 days; Group II included 56 patients who underwent definitive osteosynthesis of long bone fractures of lower extremities during the period >5 days after injury.

Results: there were no statistically significant differences between Group I and Group II patients in demographics, injury mechanism, trauma severity and general patient condition. Group I patients who underwent osteosynthesis from 2nd to 5th days after injury had lower pneumonia incidence, compared to Group II patients (17.6 % vs. 26.8 %, p=0.047), shorter MV duration (9.3±6.9 vs. 14.9±9.1, p=0.048), ICU-LOS (13.5±8.3 vs. 19.1±11.0, p=0.037), and H-LOS (30.3±13.9 vs. 38.9±15.5, p=0.046).

Conclusion: performing definitive multiple fracture osteosynthesis of lower extremity long bones after polytrauma patient stabilization from 2nd to 5th days after injury allowed to reduce the frequency of pneumonia, shorten the duration of MV, LOS-ICU and H-LOS, compared with its implementation after 5th days
JUSTIFICATION OF SELECTION OF MEANS AND METHODS OF THE ORAL CAVITY HYGIENE IN CHILDREN WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS
Authors: Nazaryan Rosana , Tkachenko Maryna , Piontkovska Oksana
Published: August 2020

Cystic fibrosis (CF) promotes the development of gingivitis in children. The high prevalence and early manifestation of gingivitis is due to a combination of many factors. The pathogenic mechanisms of cystic fibrosis lead to disruption of normal physiological processes in the oral cavity, in particular, to a decrease in the level of salivation, to an increase in the viscosity of saliva, to a suppression of local immunity. Therefore, poor oral hygiene contributes to oral diseases. The aim of the study was to determine the level of oral hygiene in children with CF as one of the reasons for the development of gingivitis, and to select dental hygiene products that active towards factors that affect plaque. Material and methods. A total of 24 children with CF in the Ukrainian population participated in the study. The hygienic index OHI-S (J. C. Green, J. R. Wermillion, 1964) was calculated. The data were analyzed using Student’s criterions. The analysis was performed with a confidence level of 95 %. Results. The level of hygiene of the oral cavity was unsatisfactory among patients (OHI-S=2.19±0.11). Hygiene methods and dental hygiene products, to taking into account the manifestation of the pathogenesis of somatic disease, were selected. A follow-up study after 3 months revealed a significant positive trend in indicators of oral hygiene. Conclusions. This study has shown the low level of oral hygiene in children with CF. Hygienic education and motivation of these patients could help them achieve a higher level of oral health knowledge and are important starting points for the treatment and prevention of gingivitis. There was a significant improvement of the oral hygiene level after training children and after the proper selection of hygiene products. The dentists should use means and methods that have not contraindicate in patients of this category. It is recommended to monitore the hygiene indices to establish the effectiveness of the measures and necessity for individually therapy correction.
Reasons for conducting preimplantation genetic diagnosis: choosing
the optimal model of legal regulation
Authors: M.A. Borodina , N.A. Altinnik , S.S. Zenin et all
Published: August 2020

Objectives. The aim of this study is to find the most optimal model for providing access to preimplantation
genetic diagnosis (PGD) based on generalization and study for existing foreign experience using countries that
widely practice this type of diagnosis and have significant clinical experience and have passed the time-tested
regulatory framework.
Material. The legal acts and doctrinal sources of Austria, Belgium, Great Britain, Germany, Israel, Canada,
France, Switzerland, and Japan are studied. Methods used: general philosophical, general scientific, private
scientific, special (structural-legal, comparative-legal, formal-legal).
Results. The advantages and disadvantages of each of the models of legal regulation of PGD (the medical
model, the high-risk model and the model of non-interference) are evaluated, the conclusion is substantiated
that it is advisable to build on the combination of these to determine the legal grounds for conducting PGD in
the Russian Federation.
Conclusions. It has been established that it is advisable to introduce elements of the medical model through
the legal definition of lists of monogenic diseases and chromosomal abnormalities that are the basis for PGD,
which will eliminate legal uncertainties in understanding and regulating this procedure and provide access
to this type of diagnosis within the framework of IVF programs financed from funds Compulsory medical
insurance. The implementation of elements of a high-risk model is proposed in conjunction with mechanisms
for authorizing PGD for special cases, including the assessment of additional risks in the presence of a major
serious genetic disease or indications for determining the risks of aneuploidy. It has been argued that a variable
assessment of the conditions for conducting PGD should be provided normatively and include the possibility
of proactively authorizing this type of diagnosis at the expense of patients for gene mutations with a relatively
low risk of transmission, diseases with incomplete penetrance, and treatable genetic diseases (including, for
example, cancer breast and ovarian cancer, some cardiogenetic disorders), etc.
Prevalence of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in treated wastewater: a comparison with nosocomial infection surveillance
Authors: Urase Taro , Okazaki Mitsuhiro , Tsutsui Hirofumi
Published: August 2020

The increasing prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is a worldwide health threat. Monitoring of these resistant bacteria in the environment can provide regional prevalence reflecting both healthy and infected populations, although the quantitative monitoring of those resistant bacteria, especially CRE, is difficult due to their low proportion in the total Enterobacteriaceae population and the possible interference by autochthonous species with intrinsic resistance. In this study, these resistant bacteria in treated wastewater were quantified at 12 different treatment plants. The proportions of cefotaxime-resistant and ESBL-producing E. coli in the total E. coli population in the chlorinated effluents in Tokyo were 5.7 and 5.3%, respectively. The estimated proportion of CRE was 0.007% with the constituting species of Klebsiella spp. and Enterobacter spp., although the conditions during the first incubation may have affected the estimation even after the correction by the proportion of resistant population in the isolates. The observed resistant proportions in this study were lower than those in the surveillance on nosocomial infection not only for inpatients but also for outpatients, and higher than those in the veterinary monitoring.
Potential of anaerobic co-digestion in improving the environmental quality of agro-textile wastewater sludge
Authors: Tapsoba Jean G. , Komakech Hans C. , Ouma Johnson Odera
Published: August 2020

Sludge from textile effluent treatment plants (ETP) remains a challenge for many industries due to inefficient and limited waste management strategies. This study explores the potential of using anaerobic digestion (AD) to improve the environmental quality of textile ETP sludge. The AD of ETP sludge is affected by the low C/N ratio (3.7), heavy metal content, and toxicity. To improve the process, co-digestion of ETP sludge with different substrates (sewage sludge, cow dung, and sawdust) under mesophilic conditions (37 °C), followed by a thermochemical pretreatment was assessed. The results showed that anaerobic co-digestion of the textile sludge with the co-substrates is effective in reducing pollution load. It was found that organic matters degraded during the 30-day AD process. The chemical oxygen demand and biological oxygen demand reduction was in the range of 33.1–88.5% and 48.1–67.1%, respectively. Also, heavy metal (cadmium, lead, iron, and, mercury) concentration was slightly reduced after digestion. Maximal biogas yield was achieved from co-digestion of textile sludge and sewage sludge at a mixing ratio of 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3, and methane content was respectively 87.9%, 68.9%, and 69.5% of the gas composition. The results from this study show that co-digestion will not only reduce the environmental pollution and health risks from the textile industry but also recover useful energy.
AVALIAÇÃO CLÍNICA E RADIOGRÁFICA DE INTRUSÃO DENTÁRIA NA DENTIÇÃO DECÍDUA: RELATO DE CASO
Authors: Saturnino Corrêa Isabelle , Bastos Leite Rafaella , Gomes da Silva Gabriel , Holanda Alves de Souza Júlio , Campos Pinheiro Juliana , Freitas de Morais Everton
Published: August 2020

Introdução: Os traumatismos dentários são mais comuns na dentição decídua, resultando no deslocamento dentário, os dentes mais afetados, são os incisivos centrais superiores, sendo a luxação intrusiva a mais comum. Objetivo: abordar a ocorrência de um traumatismo dentário do tipo intrusivo, na dentição decídua, descrevendo aspectos relacionados ao diagnóstico, tratamento e proservação da unidade dentária. Relato de caso: Paciente, quatro anos de idade, gênero feminino, apresentou traumatismo dentário condizente com o diagnóstico de luxação intrusiva, foi estabelecido um tratamento conservador, preservando o elemento dentário no arco até que ocorresse a esfoliação do mesmo. No presente caso, obteve-se um bom prognóstico, visto que foi percebida a reerupção do elemento dentário no período de dois meses. Conclusões: O conhecimento das técnicas de manipulação dos traumatismos dento-alveolares e dos tecidos moles é imprescindível para a realização de um tratamento adequado dessas condições. Desta maneira, é importante o cirurgião-dentista ter habilidades no manejo da criança para um correto diagnóstico, estabelecendo um adequado tratamento, para melhor prognostico da unidade dentária.
AVALIAÇÃO DO RISCO PARA DESENVOLVIMENTO DE DIABETES MELLITUS TIPO 2 EM ESTUDANTES UNIVERSITÁRIOS
Authors: Viana Câmara Sonia Aparecida , Salomão Barbosa Taieny , Olivon Vânia Cláudia , Pereira Fernandes Ana Lucia , Viana Câmara Juliana
Published: August 2020

Introdução: Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 é uma doença crônica, silenciosa, caracterizada por hiperglicemia causada pela produção insuficiente, ou resistência a ação da insulina.  No Brasil, em 2017, diagnosticou 12,5 milhões de pessoas com diabetes mellitus, com uma prevalência de 8 a 9%, ocupando o quinto lugar no mundo.  Diante da transição nutricional, várias pesquisas tem demonstrado prevalência desta patologia em crianças, adolescentes e jovens. Objetivo: Identificar o risco de desenvolver Diabetes mellitus tipo 2 nos estudantes do curso de Biomedicina, da Faculdade Unigran Capital, Campo Grande, MS.  Método: Trata-se de um Estudo Epidemiológico Descritivo Quantitativo Transversal, com uma amostra de 132 estudantes, através da aplicação de um questionário, determinação de glicemia capilar, coleta do peso, altura, cintura abdominal, e aferição da pressão arterial. Resultados: Foi identificado fatores de riscos importantes nos estudantes de biomedicina: obesidade, sedentarismo, hipertensão, consumo de dieta não saudável e a predisposição genética.  Os homens apresentaram mais fatores dos que as mulheres, as faixas etárias mais jovens de 18-20 anos encontravam-se mais sedentários e mais obesos, e, as faixas etárias mais velhas apresentaram hipertensão e consumo de dieta não saudável. Conclusão: Há necessidade de promover medidas de prevenção: consumo de dieta saudável e prática de atividade física entre os estudantes, para evitar o desenvolvimento desta patologia.

 

Palavras-chave: Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2; Universitários; Fatores de Risco.
THE REFORM STRATEGY OF NATIONAL FINANCE: DEVELOPMENT DIRECTIONS IN BELARUS
Authors: KIREEVA Elena F.
Published: August 2020

The article considers the problem of reforming national finances at the present stage of economic development, taking into account the features of the functioning of the national economy and fiscal threats. The purpose of this work is to determine the strategy for reforming the fiscal system and substantiate the main directions of its development. The relevance of the study is due to an integrated approach to the formation of fiscal policy, including both its main components: tax, budget, debt policies, and the need to improve the mechanism to ensure their effectiveness. To implement this mechanism, it is necessary to use both innovative methods of planning and forecasting fiscal flows, and to modernize the legal framework that strengthens the foundations of managerial decisions in the field of finance.
Based on the goal, a comparative assessment of the forecast and actual scenarios of the development of fiscal relations in the republic was carried out, the most acute points of fiscal policy formation were analyzed: social payments, tax administration, budget financing, debt obligations, information support for the movement of financial flows.
Based on the results of the research conducted in the article, conclusions and suggestions are made regarding all areas of improving fiscal policy as the basis for ensuring an effective national financial management strategy.
Priority measures have been identified to reduce the negative impact of risks on the stability of the fiscal system. Instruments of regulatory impacts on negative economic and social trends are determined by the choice of areas of strategic management and the mechanism of their organizational support.
Scientific novelty lies in the substantiation of a set of elements of fiscal policy as the basis for developing a strategy for managing national finances that takes into account the increase in the social and economic efficiency of using the financial resources of the state.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC INTERACTION OF LOCAL FOOD PRODUCERS AND CONSUMERS IN THE ONLINE SPACE
Authors: KHUDYAKOVA Marina V. , OVCHINNIKOVA Daria S.
Published: August 2020

The relevance of the study is due to the continuing contradictions between producers and other participants in the supply chain in the food market, the presence of barriers to entry for small entrepreneurs. The demand for local producers’ products by final user and the information technologies prevalence contribute to the emergence of new forms of interaction between market exchange participants and product distribution systems. The purpose of the article: to identify the features of interaction between local food producers and consumers, based on the use of online technologies. Neoinstitutional, structural-functional, and environmental approaches to market analysis are used as the theoretical basis of the research. The results of contemporary research describing new forms of contact “seller — buyer”, aimed at local production, and their characteristic distribution systems, including the use of information technologies, are used. The theoretical concepts of eco-habitus and “smart lifestyle” was relied on for describing the behavior of buyers of local products. The article presents the results of an empirical study aimed at studying the motives, means and forms local food consumers and producers interaction in the online space. The key motives for market exchange choosing on the part of the consumer and producer in the online space are highlighted. The methods of searching for a local producer not entering organized markets are considered; both participants of simple market operations use information services, social networks and messengers for these purposes. The importance of eco-friendly consumption is noted, which is characterized by social responsibility formed in connection with living in a specific location and significance of local production support. The scientific novelty of the work concludes in the categorical scheme development that reflects the local food products producers and consumers interaction, this is also of practical significance in the context of the supply chain transformation in the information society and support for small businesses.
CONSTITUTIONAL LEGAL VALUES: CONCEPT, TYPES, AND HIERARCHY
Authors: AVDEEV Dmitry A.
Published: August 2020

Constitutional values are fundamental factors in determining the vector of development of the domestic state and law. Analyzing the law enforcement practice, as well as the interpretative activity of constitutional justice bodies, primarily the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation, it is possible to trace which values in the event of legal conflicts receive priority over others. This, in turn, allows most researchers to talk about the hierarchy of constitutional values. What constitutes constitutional values and what should be considered as such is highly controversial in the legal literature. In this article, the author considers constitutional values, analyzes their legal nature and place among other legal values. It offers an author’s vision of understanding constitutional values and their difference from constitutional principles and other provisions of a constitutional nature. It is proposed that the constitutional values include legal freedom, property relations, public order and state security. Constitutional values should not be confused with other provisions of the Constitution of the Russian Federation. The author analyzes the opinions expressed regarding the classification and hierarchy of constitutional values. The problems of their institutionalization at present in the Russian Federation are substantiated, as well as some possible ways of overcoming their speedy implementation in contemporary social reality are expressed. It is concluded that the implementation of constitutional values entirely depends not only on social and economic conditions, but also on the system of public authorities created in the state whose activities should contribute to the realization of individual legal freedom, protection of various forms of ownership, ensuring public law and order and state security. The research methodology is based on the dialectical method, which made it possible to identify the features of constitutional-legal values and their place in the system of socially significant values of public order. The use of the comparative (comparative legal) method contributed to the determination of the properties of those values that may be called constitutional, and to find differences from other legal values. With the help of historical and prognostic methods, the invariability of constitutional and legal values was substantiated and proved regardless of the historical development of the state and law, which indicates their universal (general) nature.
Natural Anti-inflammatory Compounds as Drug Candidates in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Mir Reyaz Hassan , Shah Abdul Jalil , Mohi-ud-din Roohi , Pottoo Faheem Hyder , Dar Mohd. Akbar , Jachak Sanjay M. , Masoodi Mubashir Hussain
Published: August 2020

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative brain disorder characterized
by memory impairment, dementia, and oxidative stress in elderly people. Currently, only
a few drugs are available in the market with various adverse effects. Therefore, to develop
new drugs with protective action against the disease, research is turning to the identification of
plant products as a remedy. Natural compounds with anti-inflammatory activity could be good
candidates for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Phytochemicals, including Curcumin,
Resveratrol, Quercetin, Huperzine-A, Rosmarinic acid, genistein, obovatol, and Oxyresvertarol,
were reported molecules for the treatment of AD. Several alkaloids, such as galantamine,
oridonin, glaucocalyxin B, tetrandrine, berberine and anatabine, have been shown
anti-inflammatory effects in AD models in vitro as well as in-vivo. In conclusion, natural
products from plants represent interesting candidates for the treatment of AD. This review
highlights the potential of specific compounds from natural products along with their synthetic
derivatives to counteract AD in the CNS.
Biosensors and Bioanalytical Devices based on Magnetic Particles: A Review
Authors: Pohanka Miroslav
Published: August 2020

Magnetic particles play an important role in current technology, and this field of technology extends to a broader progression. The term magnetic particles typically cover the paramagnetic particles and super-paramagnetic particles. Various materials like iron oxide are common, but other materials are available as well; a survey of such materials has been included in this work. They can serve for technological purposes like separation and isolation of chemical products or toxic waste, their use in the diagnosis of pathologies, drug delivery and other similar applications. In this review, biosensors, bioanalytical devices and bioassays, have been discussed. Materials for magnetic particles preparation, methods of assay, biosensors and bioassays working in stationary as well as flow-through arrangements are described here. A survey of actual literature has been provided as well.
Discovery and Investigation of 1-[4-(2-Aminoethoxy)Phenylcarbonyl]- 3,5-Bis-(Benzylidene)-4-Piperidones as Candidate Antineoplastic Agents: Our Last 15 Years Study
Authors: Hossain Mohammad , Enci Carlos E. , Dimmock Jonathan R. , Das Umashankar
Published: August 2020

This review outlines the discovery and development of a novel series of 1-[4-2-
aminoethoxy)phenylcarbonyl]-3,5-bis-(benzylidene)-4-piperidones (5-8) as potential drug candidates
over the last 15 years in our laboratory. Many of these compounds demonstrate excellent cytotoxic
properties and are often more potent than contemporary anticancer drugs. Two highly important features
of many of these molecules are first, the greater tumour-selective toxicity and second, the ability of these
molecules to act as modulators of multi-drug resistance. The modes of action of some of the potent
compounds are by apoptosis induction, generation of reactive oxygen species, activation of certain
caspases and affecting mitochondrial functions. These molecules also display promising antimalarial and
antimycobacterial properties. In a short term toxicity study, these molecules are well tolerated in mice.
Structure-activity relationships and a drug delivery system along with pharmacokinetic studies and
metabolic stability of these compounds, have been presented. The positive characteristics associated
with the series (5-8) warrant their further evaluations as candidate antineoplastic drug candidates.
Stem Cell Therapy Offers a Possible Safe and Promising Alternative Approach for Treating Vitiligo: A Review
Authors: Esquivel Diana , Mishra Rangnath , Srivastava Anand
Published: August 2020

Background:

Normal skin pigmentation pattern is an extremely important component of the appearance
of a person, as it can be a significant factor in the social context of any person. A condition known as vitiligo
is caused by the death of melanocytes leading to pigmentation loss in the skin. This affects all races across the
globe and sometimes leads to social avoidance as in some communities, it is stigmatized. Although there are
different pathobiological processes suspected because of the different underlying causes of vitiligo, autoimmunity
and oxidative stress are suspected to be the most probable ones.

Objective:

In this review, we present an overview of the underlying mechanisms causing and developing the
disease. Also, some of the most successful treatments along with the clinical applications of Mesenchymal Stem
Cells (MSCs) as a comprehensive approach for treating this condition will be covered.

Results:

Autoreactive CD8+ T-cells are the primary suspect considered to be responsible for the destruction of
melanocytes. Therefore, topical use of autoimmune inhibitors including those derived from MSCs, thanks to their
immune-modulatory properties, have been reported to be successful in the promotion of repigmentation. MSCs
can suppress the proliferation of CD8+T via the NKG2D pathway while inducing T-cell apoptosis. The use of
pharmacological agents for reducing cellular oxidative stress with the help of topical application of antioxidants
and growth factors also have been in use. Intravenous administration of MSCs has been shown to regulate the
level of reactive oxidative species (ROS) in a mice model. Growth factors derived from platelet-rich-plasma
(PRP) or from MSCs caused rapid tissue regeneration.

Conclusions:

Finally, MSC therapy also has been shown to stimulate the mobilization of healthy melanocytes,
leading to successful repigmentation of skin lesions in vitiligo patients.
Palmatine Inhibits Up-Regulation of GRP78 and CALR Protein in an STZ-Induced Diabetic Rat Model
Authors: Okechukwu Patrick N. , Ekeuku Sophia O. , Chan Hor K. , Eluri Kalpana , Froemming Gabriele R.A.
Published: August 2020

Background:

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is characterized by hyperglycemia (high blood glucose
levels) which is due to the destruction of insulin-producing β-cells in the islets of Langerhans in
the pancreas. It is associated with oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress. The plant alkaloid Palmatine
has been previously reported to possess antidiabetic and antioxidant properties as well as other
protective properties against kidney and liver tissue damage.

Objective:

Here, we investigated the ability of Palmatine to reduce the up-regulation of chaperone proteins
Glucose Regulatory Protein 78 (GRP78), and Calreticulin (CALR) protein in a Streptozotocin
(STZ)-induced diabetic rat model.

Methods:

Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes in Sprague Dawley rats treated with 2mg/kg of Palmatine
for 12 weeks after the elevation of plasma glucose levels above 11mmol/L post-STZ administration.
Proteins were extracted from the pancreas after treatment and Two-Dimensional gel electrophoresis
(2-DE), PDQuest 2-D analysis software genomic solutions and mass spectrometer were used
to analyze differentially expressed protein. Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS), Multidimensional Protein
Identification Technology (MudPIT) was used for protein identification.

Results:

There was an up-regulation of the expression of chaperone proteins CALR and GRP78 and
down-regulation of the expression of antioxidant and protection proteins peroxidoxin 4 (Prdx4), protein
disulfide isomerase (PDIA2/3), Glutathione-S-Transferase (GSTs), and Serum Albumin (ALB) in
non-diabetic rats. Palmatine treatment down-regulated the expression of chaperone proteins CALR and
GRP78 and up-regulated the expression of Prdx4, PDIA2/3, GST, and ALB.

Conclusion:

Palmatine may have activated antioxidant proteins, which protected the cells against reactive
oxygen species and endoplasmic stress. The result is in consonance with our previous report on
Palmatine.
A Healthy Gut for a Healthy Brain: Preclinical, Clinical and Regulatory Aspects
Authors: Petrella Carla , Farioli-Vecchioli Stefano , Cisale Giusy Ylenia , Strimpakos Georgios , Borg John Joseph , Ceccanti Mauro , Fiore Marco , Monteleone Giovanni , Nisticò Robert
Published: August 2020

:

A large body of research has shown the presence of a complex pathway of communications
between the gut and the brain. It is now recognized that, through this pathway, the microbiota
can influence brain homeostasis and plasticity under normal and pathological conditions.

:

This review aims at providing an overview of preclinical and clinical pieces of evidence supporting
the possible role of gut-brain axis modulation in physiological aging, in a neurodevelopmental disorder,
the autism spectrum disorders and in a substance abuse disorder, the alcohol addiction.

:

Since the normalization of gut flora can prevent changes in the behavior, we postulate that the gutbrain
axis might represent a possible target for pharmacological and dietary strategies aimed at improving
not only intestinal but also mental health. The present review also reports some regulatory
considerations regarding the use of probiotics, illustrating the most debated issues about the possibility
of considering probiotics not only as a food supplement but also as a “full” medicinal product.
Study of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Adolescents: Association between Intake of Vitamins A and E and Lipid Profile
Authors: de Carvalho Luiza M.F. , de Sousa Carvalho Layonne , de Sousa Claudiane B. , Beserra Jessica B. , da Paz Suzana M.R.S. , dos Santos Marize M.
Published: August 2020

Background:

The diet of Brazilian adolescents is characterized by high intake of fats
and sugars and low consumption of antioxidant micronutrients, particularly vitamins A and E. In
addition to dietary inadequacies, a significant number of these adolescents present changes in plasma
lipoproteins, which may be caused by environmental and lifestyle factors.

Objective:

To investigate the association between inadequate intake of vitamins A and E and
changes in plasma lipoprotein concentrations in Brazilian adolescents.

Methods:

Cross-sectional, descriptive, multicenter, school-based, nationwide study with 37,023
Brazilian adolescents aged 12 to 17 years were included. Data on sociodemographic characteristics,
vitamin A and E intake, and lipid and anthropometric profile were collected. The Student’s
t-test was used to compare means and a logistic regression to verify associations; analyses were
conducted in the STATA software version 14.0. The study was approved by the Ethics Committees
of the participating institutions and all participants signed an Assent Form.

Results:

The average vitamin A intake was higher among boys, but consumption below recommendation
was found in both sexes. Inadequate intake of vitamins A and E was associated with a higher
risk of low HDL-c levels in male and public school adolescents. Low vitamin E intake was associated
with a higher risk of hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia in Brazilian adolescents.

Conclusion:

This study showed a high prevalence of inadequate intake of vitamins A and E among
Brazilian adolescents and data suggesting associations between low intake of these micronutrients
and changes in plasma lipoprotein concentrations in this public.
The Potential Applications of Moringa oleifera Leaves in Functional Herbal Beverages: A Review of its Nutritional, Medicinal, and Toxicity Profiles
Authors: Bailey-Shaw Yvonne , Rodney Shawntae , Golding Channtal , Foster Shadae , Randle Melaine , Watson Charah
Published: August 2020

:

In recent times, Moringa oleifera Lam. has become one of the most sought after therapeutic
cure-all plants in tropical and subtropical zones, including Jamaica. Anecdotally, the most
popular choice of Moringa consumption locally is in the form of functional herbal beverages, such
as teas and juices, prepared from the leaves of the plant. However, there is little or no scientific evidence
to validate the efficacy and or safety of such beverages.

:

An extensive search of scientific literature published over the last decade (2010-2020) related to
the nutritional, medicinal, and toxicological profiles of Moringa oleifera was, therefore conducted
with special emphasis on literature related to the dried leaves and aqueous leaf extracts thereof.
Google Scholar, Science Direct, and PubMed databases were the main search tools employed. Articles
that referred to varieties of Moringa, other than oleifera, were excluded from the searches, as
were articles that referred to subject matters outside of nutrition, medicinal properties, and toxicity.
All peer-reviewed journal articles, and other online articles, which referred to the subject matters of
interest were critically read and included in the review.

:

This review is a compilation of evidence-based literature, indicating the outstanding nutritive value,
high therapeutic potential, and the relatively non-toxic properties of the dried leaves and aqueous
leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera. Prospects for their application in the development of safe and
efficacious functional herbal beverages are indicated.
Menopausal Remediation and Quality of Life (QoL) Improvement: Insights and Perspectives
Authors: Mohapatra Sradhanjali , Iqbal Zeenat , Ahmad Sayeed , Kohli Kanchan , Farooq Uzma , Padhi Santwana , Kabir Mariya , Panda Ayash K.
Published: August 2020

Cessation of menstruation, widely known as menopause is a significant transition period in
women’s life. It leads to the arrest of fertility and creates a depletion of the hormones causing physical,
mental, sexual, and social problems which lead to a serious decline in their quality of life. The onset of
menopause induces certain sudden changes, while others appear in a phasic manner, henceforth demanding
an adequate understanding of its progression, adverse impact on life, and exploration of any
remedial measures thereof. Menopause, despite being a natural occurrence, brings in significant
changes to women’s life, almost sometimes leading to severe debilitation. However, it is still not attended
and remains an ignored health issue that warrants the immediate attention of researchers, practitioners,
and health policymakers. The present review is an attempt to draw attention towards these
women-centric health issues and diligently explores the causes, symptoms and also describes the various
procedures for the management of menopausal and postmenopausal syndromes. The review tries to
summarise the currently available pharmaceutical interventions and also dwells into herbal and complementary
remedies which could ameliorate and provide respite from the etiolating menopausal symptoms.
Differential Modulation of Autophagy Contributes to the Protective Effects of Resveratrol and Co-Enzyme Q10 in Photoaged Mice
Authors: Mostafa Dalia K. , Omar Shaimaa I. , Abdellatif Amany A. , Sorour Osama A. , Nayel Omnia A. , Abod Al Obaidi Marwa R.
Published: August 2020

Background:

In photoaging, the accumulation of ultraviolet (UV)-induced oxidative damage
leads to the characteristic hallmarks of aging. Here arises the importance of autophagy as a
cellular degradation process that cleans the cells of defective or aged organelles and macromolecules,
thus maintaining cellular homeostasis. In spite of this, the exact impact of autophagy in
photoaging is still elusive.

Objective:

To evaluate the protective effects of resveratrol and/or co-enzyme-Q10 against the
UVA-induced alterations and to explore the role of autophagy in their proposed benefits.

Methods:

Sixty female mice were randomly divided into normal control, untreated UVA-exposed, resveratrol (50mg/kg),
co-enzyme-Q10 (100mg/kg), and resveratrol/co-enzyme-Q10-treated UVA-exposed groups. Clinical signs of photoaging
were evaluated using a modified grading score and the pinch test. Skin malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione were
assessed as markers of oxidative stress. Tissues were examined for histopathological signs of photodamage, and
autophagic changes were determined by immunohistochemical detection of LC3 and P62 in the different cells of the skin.

Results:

UVA-exposure increased the oxidative stress with subsequent epidermal and dermal injury.
This was associated with the stimulation of autophagy in the keratinocytes and inhibition of
autophagic flux in the fibroblasts and infiltrating macrophages. Both drugs corrected the impaired
pinch test, macro–and microscopic changes, and exhibited distinct staining patterns with anti-LC3
and P62 in the different cell types denoting autophagic modulation.

Conclusion:

Changes in autophagic flux are strongly implicated in photoaging associated skin damage and the differential
modulation of autophagy by resveratrol and to a lesser extent by Co-enzyme-Q10 is partially involved in their therapeutic
benefits.
The Role of microRNAs in Gliomas – Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Katsila Theodora , Kardamakis Dimitrios
Published: August 2020

Background:

Malignant gliomas constitute a complex disease phenotype that demands optimum decisionmaking. Despite being the most common type of primary brain tumors, gliomas are highly heterogeneous when their
pathophysiology and response to treatment are considered. Such inter-individual variability also renders differential and
early diagnosis extremely difficult. Recent evidence highlight that the gene-environment interplay becomes of
fundamental importance in oncogenesis and progression of gliomas.

Objective:

To unmask key features of the gliomas disease phenotype and map the inter-individual variability of patients,
we explore genotype-to-phenotype associations. Emphasis is put on microRNAs as they regulate gene expression, have
been implicated in the pathogenesis of gliomas and may serve as theranostics, empowering non-invasive strategies
(circulating free or in exosomes).

Method:

We mined text and omic datasets (as of 2019) and conducted a mixed-method content analysis. A novel
framework was developed to meet the aims of our analysis, interrogating data in terms of content and context. We relied
on literature data from PubMed/Medline and Scopus, as they are considered the largest abstract and citation databases of
peer-reviewed literature. To avoid selection biases, both publicly available and private texts have been assessed. Both
percent agreement and Cohen’s kappa statistic have been calculated to avoid biases by SAS macro MAGREE with
multicategorical ratings.

Results:

Gliomas serve as a paradigm for multifaceted datasets, despite data sparsity and scarcity. miRNAs and miRNAbased therapeutics are ready for prime time. Exosomal miRNAs empower non-invasive strategies, surpassing circulating
free miRNAs, when accuracy and precision are considered.

Conclusion:

miRNAs holds promise as theranostics.