bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative study between the effect of dexmedetomidine and lidocaine infusion in lumbar fixation on hemodynamics, fentanyl requirements, and postoperative analgesia
Authors: Mohammed Nayera S. , Habib Mariam K. , Abbas Essam A. , Mahmoud Sahar M. , Ramadan Ibraheem A.
Published: November 2020

Background

Spinal surgery is associated with high incidence of severe postoperative pain difficult to easy control. Appropriate treatment modalities decreased the postoperative morbidity, increased patient satisfaction, allowed early mobility, and decreased hospital costs. Lidocaine was used as intravenous additives to control intraoperative pain and decrease postoperative pain. As lidocaine, dexmedetomidine infusion associated with lower postoperative pain scores decreased the opioid consumption and its related adverse events. The aim of this double blind randomized prospective comparative study was to compare the efficacy of intraoperative dexmedetomidine versus lidocaine infusion on hemodynamics, fentanyl requirements, and postoperative analgesia among 66 patients subjected to lumbar fixation surgery and randomized into group D which received dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg infusion over 10 min as a loading dose then 0.3–0.5 μg/kg/h after induction of anesthesia as maintenance dose and group X which received lidocaine 0.3–0.5 mg/kg/h after induction of anesthesia.

Results

At 10, 15, 30, and 60 min, the mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate significantly decreased in group D compared to group X, and there was significantly higher total dose of intraoperative analgesic for fentanyl in group X than group D. There was significantly higher numeric rating scale in group X compared to group D at 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 h postoperative with significant early request of the first analgesia, higher incidence of analgesic needs, and higher dose of postoperative analgesia paracetamol, voltaren, or pethidine in group X compared to group D.

Conclusions

The intraoperative use of dexmedetomidine IV infusion was an alternative mode to decrease the demands of analgesia following spine surgery.
Experiential learning with virtual reality: animal handling training
Authors: Tang Florence Mei Kuen , Lee Ray Mau Fung , Szeto Roy Hok Lai , Cheung Justin Chak Ting , Ngan Olivia Miu Yung
Published: November 2020

Training in handling laboratory animals is fundamentally imperative to the responsible use of animals in research. Animal welfare topic is underdeveloped in the tertiary education, where instruction is majorly delivered in the format of lecture and group discussion only. Students with limited exposure to the laboratory were inattentive to animal welfare and uncertain how ethics intertwine with science. This paper describes a multi-disciplinary experience in developing and implementing virtual reality (VR) simulation to enhance contextual learning of using animal models in research with digital technology in biomedical science teaching at higher education. The in-house developed courseware consists of student-centred stimulations designed with game elements implemented at the tutorial session. At the first game level, the setting situates at in the preparation room that requires learners to apply the laboratory safety knowledge to wear personal protective equipment. At the second game level, the environment situates at the restricted experimental room to perform hands-on injections on mice. If the learner fails to pick up appropriate safety equipment at the first level, the learner is prohibited from entering the next level. During the simulation, the learner’s interaction is also displayed to the monitor that supports parallel teaching to the larger class. At the debriefing, 3Rs principles were reinforced as a sample framework for performing humane animal research. We illustrate how the hybrid uses of VR technology with gamification, together with didactic pedagogy, offers promise in enforcing working knowledge into better task performance, specifically research skills training. Our experience and students’ feedback show using immersive VR for educational purposes to encourage the learner applying conceptual knowledge in the simulated laboratory setting. Further application of VR in science for vocational training or higher education is feasible to engage students or stakeholders from various disciplines.
An in silico LLPS perturbation approach in the design of a novel SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain inhibitor
Authors: Durojaye Olanrewaju Ayodeji , Sedzro Divine Mensah , Mushiana Talifhani , Uzoeto Henrietta Onyinye , Cosmas Samuel , Ajima Judith Nnedimkpa , Ibiang Glory Omini
Published: November 2020

The reversible process where a homogenous fluid de-mixes into two distinctively separate liquid phases is referred to as LLPS (Liquid-liquid phase separation). The resulting liquid is made up of one dilute phase and one condensed phase. An increasing number of studies have shown that the liquid-liquid phase separation is an important principle that underlies intracellular organization in biological systems, forming liquid condensates without a membrane envelope, otherwise known as MLOs (membraneless organelles). Such organelles include the P bodies, nucleolus and stress granules. Moreover, the regulation of many other biological processes such as signal transduction, chromatin rearrangement and RNA metabolism have been linked to the liquid-liquid phase separation.
Anisotropic elastic finite-difference modeling of sources and receivers on Lebedev grids
Authors: Koene Erik F. M. , Robertsson Johan O. A. , Andersson Fredrik
Published: November 2020

The Lebedev grid finite-difference (FD) method allows modeling of anisotropic elastic-wave propagation. On Lebedev grids, erroneous point-source excitations can create spurious (nonphysical) waves. The only known remedy for such artifacts in the literature is the Lisitsa-Vishnevsky method. This method uses a distributed array to create point sources and point receivers on the FD grid. However, the Lisitsa-Vishnevsky method does not fully eliminate spurious artifacts. A novel approach is found in the FD-consistent point source, which suppresses spurious artifacts entirely. The method requires no array recording to create point receivers. The advantage of this method over the Lisitsa-Vishnevsky method is determined with two anisotropic modeling examples.
Understanding internet gaming addiction in clinical practice
Authors: Gupta Devika , Bennett-Li Lydia , Velleman Richard , George Sanju , Nadkarni Abhijit
Published: November 2020

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is a condition in which the individual is preoccupied with playing online video games and unable to regulate this behaviour, resulting in adverse physical and psychological consequences. Although there is some debate about whether IGD is an addiction or a coping mechanism, global evidence indicates that the condition is increasing in prevalence with recent advances in technology and its higher penetration into routine life. Male children and adolescents located in East Asian countries are at higher risk than others in the world. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression and anxiety are typically associated with IGD. Given the continuing ambiguity regarding the diagnosis and screening tools for the disorder, it has become all the more relevant for mental health practitioners and academics to attend to this condition and develop evidence-based treatments. This review summarises both the existing evidence for the disorder and the debates that surround it.
The effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for major depressive disorder: evidence from routine outcome monitoring data
Authors: Geurts Dirk E.M. , Compen Felix R. , Van Beek Marleen H.C.T. , Speckens Anne E.M.
Published: November 2020

Background

Meta-analyses show efficacy of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in terms of relapse prevention and depressive symptom reduction in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). However, most studies have been conducted in controlled research settings.

Aims

We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of MBCT in patients with MDD presenting in real-world clinical practice. Moreover, we assessed whether guideline recommendations for MBCT allocation in regard to recurrence and remission status of MDD hold in clinical practice.

Method

This study assessed a naturalistic cohort of patients with (recurrent) MDD, either current or in remission (n = 765), who received MBCT in a university hospital out-patient clinic in The Netherlands. Outcome measures were self-reported depressive symptoms, worry, mindfulness skills and self-compassion. Predictors were MDD recurrence and remission status, and clinical and sociodemographic variables. Outcome and predictor analyses were conducted with linear regression.

Results

MBCT adherence was high (94%). Patients with a lower level of education had a higher chance of non-adherence. Attending more sessions positively influenced improvement in depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms significantly reduced from pre- to post-MBCT (Δ mean = 7.7, 95%CI = 7.0–8.5, Cohen's d = 0.75). Improvement of depressive symptoms was independent from MDD recurrence and remission status. Unemployed patients showed less favourable outcomes. Worry, mindfulness skills and self-compassion all significantly improved. These improvements were related to changes in depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Previous efficacy results in controlled research settings are maintained in clinical practice. Results illustrate that MBCT is effective in routine clinical practice for patients suffering from MDD, irrespective of MDD recurrence and remission status.
High-sensitive C-reactive protein and homocysteine levels in patients with newly diagnosed bipolar disorder, their first-degree relatives, and healthy control persons—Results from a clinical study
Authors: Nielsen Marc Østergaard , Petersen Nanna Aagaard , Coello Klara , Stanislaus Sharleny , Melbye Sigurd A. , Kjærstad Hanne Lie , Sletved Kimie Stefanie Ormstrup , Frikke-Schmidt Ruth , McIntyre Roger S. , Vinberg Maj , Kessing Lars Vedel
Published: November 2020

Background

Changes in inflammatory and metabolic markers are implicated in the pathogenesis in both the development and progression of bipolar disorder (BD). Notwithstanding, these markers have not been investigated in newly diagnosed BD.

Methods

We compared high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and homocysteine (Hcy) levels in 372 patients with newly diagnosed BD, 106 unaffected first-degree relatives (URs), and 201 healthy control persons (HCs). Within the patient group, we also investigated possible associations between hs-CRP and Hcy, respectively, with illness-related characteristics and psychotropic medication.

Results

No statistically significant differences in Hcy and hs-CRP levels were found when comparing BD and URs with HCs. Similarly, there were no differences when comparing only patients in remission or patients with affective symptoms, respectively, with HCs. Hcy levels were found to be 11.9% (95% CI: 1.030–1.219) higher in patients with BD when compared with their URs (p = 0.008), when adjusting for folate and cobalamin status, age, sex, and self-reported activity levels. Hcy levels were significantly associated with folate, cobalamin, gender, and age in all models (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our results do not support hs-CRP or Hcy as markers in newly diagnosed BD.
Role of Imprinting Disorders in Short Children Born SGA and Silver-Russell Syndrome Spectrum
Authors: Fuke Tomoko , Nakamura Akie , Inoue Takanobu , Kawashima Sayaka , Hara Kaori Isono , Matsubara Keiko , Sano Shinichiro , Yamazawa Kazuki , Fukami Maki , Ogata Tsutomu , Kagami Masayo
Published: November 2020

Background

(Epi)genetic disorders associated with small-for-gestational-age with short stature (SGA-SS) include imprinting disorders (IDs). Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) is a representative ID in SGA-SS and has heterogenous (epi)genetic causes.

Subjects and Methods

To clarify the contribution of IDs to SGA-SS and the molecular and phenotypic spectrum of SRS, we recruited 269 patients with SGA-SS, consisting of 103 and 166 patients referred to us for genetic testing for SGA-SS and SRS, respectively. After excluding 20 patients with structural abnormalities detected by comparative genomic hybridization analysis using catalog array, 249 patients were classified into 3 subgroups based on the Netchine-Harbison clinical scoring system (NH-CSS), SRS diagnostic criteria. We screened various IDs by methylation analysis for differentially methylated regions (DMRs) related to known IDs. We also performed clinical analysis.

Results

These 249 patients with SGA-SS were classified into the “SRS-compatible group” (n = 148), the “non-SRS with normocephaly or relative macrocephaly at birth group” (non-SRS group) (n = 94), or the “non-SRS with relative microcephaly at birth group” (non-SRS with microcephaly group) (n = 7). The 44.6% of patients in the “SRS-compatible group,” 21.3% of patients in the “non-SRS group,” and 14.3% in the “non-SRS with microcephaly group” had various IDs. Loss of methylation of the H19/IGF2:intergenic-DMR and uniparental disomy chromosome 7, being major genetic causes of SRS, was detected in 30.4% of patients in the “SRS-compatible group” and in 13.8% of patients in the “non-SRS group.”

Conclusion

We clarified the contribution of IDs as (epi)genetic causes of SGA-SS and the molecular and phenotypic spectrum of SRS. Various IDs constitute underlying factors for SGA-SS, including SRS.
Dual GIP and GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Tirzepatide Improves Beta-cell Function and Insulin Sensitivity in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Thomas Melissa K , Nikooienejad Amir , Bray Ross , Cui Xuewei , Wilson Jonathan , Duffin Kevin , Milicevic Zvonko , Haupt Axel , Robins Deborah A
Published: November 2020

Context

Novel dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (RA) tirzepatide demonstrated substantially greater glucose control and weight loss (WL) compared with selective GLP-1RA dulaglutide.

Objective

Explore mechanisms of glucose control by tirzepatide.

Design

Post hoc analyses of fasting biomarkers and multiple linear regression analysis.

Setting

Forty-seven sites in 4 countries.

Patients or other Participants

Three hundred and sixteen subjects with type 2 diabetes.

Interventions

Tirzepatide (1, 5, 10, 15 mg), dulaglutide (1.5 mg), placebo.

Main Outcome Measures

Analyze biomarkers of beta-cell function and insulin resistance (IR) and evaluate WL contributions to IR improvements at 26 weeks.

Results

Homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) 2-B significantly increased with dulaglutide and tirzepatide 5, 10, and 15 mg compared with placebo (P ≤ .02). Proinsulin/insulin and proinsulin/C-peptide ratios significantly decreased with tirzepatide 10 and 15 mg compared with placebo and dulaglutide (P ≤ .007). Tirzepatide 10 and 15 mg significantly decreased fasting insulin (P ≤ .033) and tirzepatide 10 mg significantly decreased HOMA2-IR (P = .004) compared with placebo and dulaglutide. Markers of improved insulin sensitivity (IS) adiponectin, IGFBP-1, and IGFBP-2 significantly increased by 1 or more doses of tirzepatide (P < .05). To determine whether improvements in IR were directly attributable to WL, multiple linear regression analysis with potential confounding variables age, sex, metformin, triglycerides, and glycated hemoglobin A1c was conducted. WL significantly (P ≤ .028) explained only 13% and 21% of improvement in HOMA2-IR with tirzepatide 10 and 15 mg, respectively.

Conclusions

Tirzepatide improved markers of IS and beta-cell function to a greater extent than dulaglutide. IS effects of tirzepatide were only partly attributable to WL, suggesting dual receptor agonism confers distinct mechanisms of glycemic control.
Palliative and Supportive Care in Neuro-oncology
Authors: Forst Deborah A.
Published: November 2020

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article reviews the supportive care needs of patients with primary brain tumors and their caregivers, outlines the management of selected common symptoms of patients with brain tumors, and describes challenges and opportunities in providing palliative care for this population.

RECENT FINDINGS

Patients with primary malignant brain tumors generally have a poor prognosis and experience progressive neurologic decline and significant physical and psychological symptoms. Management of these symptoms, including fatigue, mood disorders, and the manifestations of cerebral edema, can be challenging. Caregivers for these patients have high rates of psychological distress and report significant caregiving burden. Although the benefit of early palliative care for patients with other advanced solid tumors is well established, our understanding of the role of palliative care in neuro-oncology is incomplete, and thus palliative care and hospice services remain underutilized.

Patients with brain tumors and their caregivers have significant supportive care needs, which often differ from the needs of patients with cancers outside of the nervous system. Clinicians face challenges associated with managing patients’ symptoms and adequately facilitating prognostic understanding and decision making. Palliative care and hospice services may offer important benefits for this population.
Nonmalignant Brain Tumors
Authors: Lukas Rimas V. , Mrugala Maciej M.
Published: November 2020

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article describes the diagnosis and management of meningioma, pituitary adenoma, craniopharyngioma, and glioneuronal tumors.

RECENT FINDINGS

Both meningiomas and pituitary adenomas are common brain tumors. In many cases, these lesions are found incidentally on imaging when patients are being evaluated for a variety of symptoms and signs. While nonmalignant, these tumors are occasionally associated with significant morbidity due to location and resulting secondary symptoms. Rarely, these tumors can also transform into malignant variants. Surgical techniques allow for more complete resections with minimal complications. Significant progress is being made in understanding the molecular biology of meningioma, which may result in wider availability of targeted therapies, especially for patients who are not candidates for other therapeutic modalities. Medical therapies for secretory pituitary adenomas continue to evolve. Craniopharyngiomas are nonmalignant tumors associated with significant morbidity due to their location. Molecular subtypes exist and may respond to targeted agents. Glioneuronal tumors are low-grade neoplasms potentially cured by gross total resection; however, residual and recurrent disease may require additional therapy. Recent studies have identified potentially targetable molecular alterations in more than half of cases.

Meningiomas and pituitary adenomas are frequently encountered in neurologic practice, and familiarity with their presentation and management is essential for a practicing neurologist. Craniopharyngiomas, meningiomas, and glioneuronal tumors are characterized by a high frequency of potentially actionable genetic alterations, and targeted therapies may eventually supplement surgical therapy of these nonmalignant tumors.
Masturbatory Ecologies
Authors: Chow Jeremy
Published: November 2020

This essay considers how environmentalism can be interwoven with discourses of sexuality and the ways in which sexuality can participate in environmental justice movements. By thinking with provocative, erotic media that highlight environmental degradation, it marries investigations of ecological crisis at the hands of deforestation and porn studies with two aims. First, it highlights the fraught relationship a pornographic video aggregator like Pornhub might share with feminist and queer epistemologies. Second, it emphasizes the ecosexual nature of environmental justice by way of Pornhub’s Give America Wood initiative (2014) and the documentary Goodbye Gauley Mountain: An Ecosexual Love Story (2014). While Goodbye Gauley Mountain and Pornhub are incommensurate in many ways, together they demonstrate how masturbatory ecologies enable a relationship with the environment that can be both active, as in the film’s offering, and passive, as with Pornhub’s, and thus constitute a “perverted” environmental justice through the experience and demonstration of sexuality. A perverted environmental justice envisions a broader framework that recognizes the potential to actively and passively participate in environmental social justice while also enfolding the environment into sexual arrangements. “Masturbatory ecologies” thus signifies a self-gratifying mode of environmentalism that harnesses the self, the body, and the erotic to foster positive environmental world building in apocalyptic times.
Wages for Face-Work
Authors: Greer Erin
Published: November 2020

The episode “Nosedive” from the Netflix series Black Mirror (dir. Joe Wright, Netflix, UK, 2016) provides a dystopian version of a popular narrative about digital culture, according to which the ascent of social media marks the “feminization of the Internet,” its transformation from an open wilderness of hackers to a domesticated web of social performance and consumerism. This essay draws forward an argument implicit in “Nosedive”: social media use is a specific form of labor that Marxist feminists have taught us to call reproductive, the un- or underpaid labor sustaining domestic and social life (and thus also the global economy), which is compelled through normative idealizations that erase its status as labor. Reading the episode and the contemporary social media economy in dialogue with the Marxist feminist Wages for Housework movement, the essay argues that individual social media users’ unpaid digital labor—creating, sharing, and responding to content—sustains the platforms that extract their data as “surplus value.” It further draws on sociologist Erving Goffman’s account of “face-work” in order to clarify the way in which a person’s digital identity is produced in collaboration with others through ceaseless labors of interactive self-maintenance. This analysis foregrounds the limitations of Black Mirror’s political vision and reveals the political and theoretical resources provided by a materialist feminist critique of the tech economy.
Head and neck manifestations of granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Cleary Jon O. , Sivarasan Nishanth , Burd Christian , Connor Steve E. J.
Published: November 2020

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a rare autoimmune condition which causes respiratory tract granulomas, small to medium vessel vasculitis and renal disease. Head and neck manifestations are some of the most common presentations of the condition, with a significant proportion of patients experiencing sinonasal disease alone. The recognition of suggestive imaging findings, in combination with clinical history and serology, aids the diagnosis and appropriate treatment. This pictorial review describes and illustrates the head and neck imaging features of granulomatosis with polyangiitis, highlighting the range of CT and MRI findings of upper aerodigestive tract, orbital and skull-base disease. Recognition of the radiological appearances is of importance, since clinical presentations may be non-specific and limited disease may have negative serology. Imaging features may overlap with other pathologies so important differential diagnoses will be considered, and these are particularly relevant in the context of treatment resistance.
Basics of time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) and applications in breast imaging
Authors: Choudhery Sadia , Hanson Amber L , Stellmaker Jessica A , Ness Jaysen , Chida Linda , Conners Amy Lynn
Published: November 2020

Time-drive activity-based costing (TDABC) is a practical way of calculating costs, decreasing waste, and improving efficiency. Although TDABC has been utilized in other service industries for years, it has only recently gained attention in healthcare. In this review article, we define the basic concepts and steps of TDABC and provide examples for applications in breast imaging.
Nowe gatunki we florze mchów Wigierskiego Parku Narodowego
Authors: Staniszek-Kik Monika , Górski Piotr , Fałtynowicz Wiesław , Fałtynowicz Hanna , Halama Marek , Kowalewska Agnieszka , Patejuk Katarzyna , Pencakowski Bartosz , Piegdoń Amelia , Romański Maciej
Published: November 2020

In the years 2017–2019 bryological investigations were carried out in the Wigierski National Park. As a result, five moss species new to this area have been found – Dicranoweisia cirrata, Homomallium incurvatum, Orthotrichum pulchellum, Serpoleskea subtilis and Zygodon rupestris. The paper provides information about their localities and habitats.
Play attention! Therapeutic aspects to play in delirium prevention and management
Authors: Lynn Michaela , Goulden Bethan , Parmar Meera , Knopp Paul , Yeung Michael , Giles Ian , Davies Chloe , Espinosa Anadel , Davis Daniel
Published: November 2020

It is recognised that delirium is common among older adult inpatients and correlated with negative outcomes. The gold standard care for delirium management is achieved using multicomponent interventions. Which components work best is not yet well defined. During the COVID-19 outbreak, a paediatric ward was repurposed to treat adult patients. Paediatric nurses and play specialists remained on the ward. It was observed that the paediatric ward aesthetic and the team’s dedicated approach to cognitive stimulation and sleep promotion improved well-being among older adult patients. We propose that elements of paediatric care, primarily deployment of a play specialist, could be incorporated into a multicomponent intervention for delirium prevention and management.
CURRENT STATE AND PROBLEMS OF DEVELOPMENT OF THE TECHNICAL BASIS OF AGRICULTURE
Authors: Mukhametgaliev Farit , Sadrieva Fidaniya , Amirova Elmira , Gubanova Elena , Zakharova Galina
Published: November 2020

Agriculture is the central link in the agro-industrial complex, an important source of income and an instrument for ensuring the country's food security. In modern research works, the fundamentals of the development of the technical base of the agricultural economy sector have not been practically revealed. Issues related to the formation and functioning of the agricultural machinery market remain unresolved. In this regard, the search for solutions to the problem of complex mechanization of agriculture is becoming especially relevant in modern conditions. The scientific novelty of the work is to justify the need to improve technical equipment and practical recommendations for the development of the innovative base of agriculture. Provisions that determine the scientific novelty of the study are: to identify the main trends in the changes in the elements of the material and technical base of agriculture in the Republic of Tatarstan and to reveal the necessary modernization and innovative development of the technical base. The practical potential of the research results is to increase the economic efficiency of the technical base of agriculture in the republic. Theoretical and practical results of the study can be recommended for use in the formation of programs for the development of technical equipment of the republican agrarian sector, planning of agricultural production, economic analysis of the economic activity of agricultural enterprises and organizations. Not only the development of the agro-industrial complex as a whole, but also the improvement of the quality of life of the population and its provision with food products depend on the efficiency of using the technical base. The most important agricultural sector in our country is crop production, which produces about 60% of this type of product. The priority area for agricultural development is stable technical support for business development. The solution to this problem largely depends on the use of structural elements of the technical base, on the conditions of its operation and reproduction, on susceptibility to various innovations and on high adaptability to a changing external environment.
POLYMORPHISM OF PARAOXONASE-1 GENE (PON1) AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH ECONOMIC TRAITS OF HOLSTEIN CATTLE
Authors: Safina Natal'ya , Shakirov Shamil' , Gaynutdinova El'za , Fattahova Ziliya
Published: November 2020

The purpose of the research was to study the polymorphism of the paraoxonase-1 gene with the replacement of A with G in the promoter region, as well as to evaluate the growth, milk productivity and reproductive ability of Holstein heifers with different genotypes on this gene. The work was performed in 2018–2019 in the Republic of Tatarstan on 148 first-calf cows. Genotyping was conducted by PCR-RFLP in Bsc4I locus of PON1 gene. The studied population was polymorphic, the genetic balance was not disturbed. The distribution of alleles and genotypes was as follows: A – 0.564 and G – 0.436; AA – 31.8 % (48 animals), GA – 49.3 % (75 animals), GG – 18.9 % (28 animals). Animals with GA genotype of PON1 gene were not significantly better in terms of growth dynamics (kg) in control weighing from 6 to 18 months and of daily gain (g) in 6-18 months period. The cows from the same group were statistically significantly superior to heifers with AA and GG in terms of reproductive ability: fertility index of Dohi (56.2), calving interval (395.7 days), service period (122 days), and were distinguished by the early age of the first successful insemination (17.1 months). It was found that first-calf heifers with the GG genotype were better in milk yield per 305 days of lactation (7339.6 kg), milk fat yield (291.1 kg) and milk protein yield (254.6 kg). The identified associations of PON1 gene polymorphism can be used for the selection of parental pairs for targeted breeding to improve economically useful signs of Holstein cattle
Ignacy Krasicki po arabsku
Authors: Siwiec Paweł
Published: November 2020

Ignacy Krasicki in Arabic. A critical analysis of K. Załuski’s translation In 1860, count Karol Załuski (1834 1919) published a booklet containing his Arabic translations of four fables by the leading Polish Enlightment Age poet Ignacy Krasicki, as well as Polish translations of four Arabic Lokman’s fables. Thus, for the first time in history, pieces of Polish literature were translated into Arabic by a Polish orientalist. Cast into oblivion for almost a century, the booklet was eventually discovered and briefly described by the Polish orientalist Jan Reychman in the mid twentieth century. This paper is an analysis of Załuski’s translation as well as a more detailed description of the booklet itself.
Traduction – lieu d’élimination et de subversion : manipule‑t‑on le discours de l’identité culturelle dans les textes littéraires des minorités ?
Authors: Żuchelkowska Alicja
Published: November 2020

Translation- place of elimination and subversion. Manipulation of identity discourse in peripheral literatures?

The main goal of this paper is to present the phenomenon of literary and cultural manipulation in minority literature. Having based my communication on examples taken from French‑Canadian and Acadian literature (New Brunswick), I would like to demonstrate that translation methods and strategies are linked to translator’s evaluative attitude towards a given minority culture which is structured by dominant culture tendencies and prerogatives.
Problematyka przekładu dawnej literatury ustnej Mexików i Majów
Authors: Szoblik Katarzyna
Published: November 2020

Some aspects of the 15th‑18th century native American texts translation The artistic verbal expression of the native inhabitants of the pre‑Hispanic Mesoamerica presented great variety of forms, among which there could be distinguished, for example, solemn speeches, ritual songs and even very complex performances, that could be compared to some forms of the European theatre. Most of these pieces were destroyed with the conquest and colonization of America. Some of them, however, survived, mainly thanks to the effort that some missionaries and their indigenous students made to register parts of the native oral tradition in the alphabetic writing. The present article presents chosen problems related with the translation of this kind of texts, one of the most important difficulties being a huge distance in time and space that separates the source and the target cultures.
BULGARIA'S REAL CONVERGENCE IN THE CONTEXT OF POTENTIAL EMU MEMBERSHIP
Authors: Bilyanski Valentin , Kirova Silviya
Published: November 2020

Since the entry of Bulgaria into the European Union, the country's full membership in the Economic and Monetary Union has become one of the national economic policy goals. In the recent period Bulgaria fulfils all the nominal convergence criteria, except for the criterion on exchange rate stability as long as the country does not participate in the ERM II mechanism (although Bulgaria has a currency board arrangement in place since 1997 and the Bulgarian currency is pegged to the euro). Despite that, Bulgaria remains the EU member with the lowest level of GDP per capita and lowest productivity and income levels. In June 2018 the Bulgarian authorities submitted a letter of intent to the EU policy makers to join the ERM II mechanism and the banking union. In July 2020 the mutual agreement to include the Bulgarian lev in the ERM II mechanism and Bulgaria to join the banking union was achieved. In the context of the future full EMU membership it is important to assess the evolution and the state of Bulgaria's real convergence. This paper looks at the Bulgaria's real convergence, understood as the convergence of GDP per capita, labour productivity and convergence of price levels. We use the Beta and Sigma convergence methods and explore the convergence in the 1999-2018 period. We also compare Bulgaria's real convergence to the real convergence of other CEE countries that are EU members (Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia), part of which have already accepted the euro and the other part are still outside of the euroarea. We also try to explain the economic reasoning behind the EMU accession path of Bulgaria. The results of the survey show that Bulgaria lags behind in its convergence process from other CEE countries, but at the same time we believe that the benefits of the euroarea membership outweigh the possible negative consequences.
IDENTIFICATION OF THE STAGE OF PURCHASE BEHAVIOUR RELATED TO FACIAL BIOMETRIC TECHNOLOGY AMONG BUSINESSES IN SLOVAKIA
Authors: Budinský Michal , Petrovičová Janka
Published: November 2020

The implementation of new technologies among businesses is a common practice, in order to keep their market position and to enhance their performance. As the world changes further, high-tech innovations and applications take place. Notably, biometric technologies and the scope of their usage is a recently discussed topic as they represent a huge potential for the improvement of business processes in distinctive areas. Their implementation in businesses generates valuable information about customers and allows businesses to more precisely fulfill their needs and requirements. Related to this, questions about business interest and preparedness for these technologies is in place. The main aim of this paper is to identify the stage of purchase behavior of the investigated businesses operating in Slovakia related to facial biometric technology. Specifically, we focused our attention on the identification of businesses in reference to a particular stage of the AIDA model and further devoted to the description of business from individual stages.
THE CONSOLIDATION OF FOREST TERRITORIES AS A TOOL TO IMPROVE THEIR MANAGEMENT
Authors: Neykov Nikolay , Antov Petar , Dobrichov Ilko , Halalisan Aureliu , Kitchoukov Emil
Published: November 2020

Land consolidation in forest areas is a problem that has been prevalent in Bulgaria in recent years. This is a problem in all forests where ownership is distributed between the State, municipalities and private owners. Timber harvesting and exportation is much easier and cheaper when access is easier. This article summarizes the main directions of forest land consolidation, highlighting the leading understanding in scientific research to date. The purpose of the study is to provide some basic steps related to forest territory consolidation that allow to determine its economic effectiveness. The current paper is the first step in developing an optimization model to support the forestry units in Bulgaria and in other countries which have undertaken such a difficult task.
NANOCHROMIUM CITRATE: ANTIHYPERGLYCEMIC AND PANCREATOPROTECTIVE ACTION AGAINST UNDERLYING DEXAMETHASONE-INDUCED DIABETES MELLITUS
Authors: Sadohurska Kateryna , Kosuba Rayisa , Muzyka Nataliia , Greshko Iuliia , Basaraba Roksolana Basaraba
Published: November 2020

INTRODUCTION: The Ukrainian State Scientific-Research Institute of Nanobiotechnology and Resources Saving has received nanochromium citrate (NCC), a new chrome compound, by means of the electric pulse aquananotechnology method.

 

OBJECTIVES: to determine nanochromium citrate efficacy with experimental dexamethasone-induced diabetes through the results of antihyperglycemic activity and its effect on the pancreatic histological structure.

 

METHODS: diabetes mellitus was simulated by dexamethasone administration on 18-month male rats. The morphological structure of the pancreas was examined in comparison with metformin. Examination of the pancreas morphological structure considered the amount, distribution and size of the pancreatic islets and their cellular shape.

 

RESULTS: on the 14th day of simulated diabetes mellitus the preventitive -therapeutic indication of nanochromium citrate promoted a decrease of glycemia level twice. The administration of nanochromium citrate with underlying diabetes mellitus is not inferior to metformin and its protective effect on the pancreas morphological structure exceeds the effect of metformin.

 

CONCLUSION: nanochromium citrate of experimental dexamethasone-induced diabetes mellitus in rats decreases the glycemia level twice which does not differ reliably from the effect of metformin antihyperglycemic. The cytoprotective effect of nanochromium citrate produced on the histological structure of the pancreas is found to exceed metformin action.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE INITIAL POSTPARTUM/ POSTNATAL HOUR AND SKIN-TO-SKIN CONTACT – A TIME FOR CHANGE IN BULGARIA.
Authors: Serbezova Ivanichka , Lyutakova Daniela
Published: November 2020

INTRODUCTION: This paper explores the practices surrounding skin-to-skin contact of mother and child immediately after birth within Bulgarian maternity wards and describes women`s experiences. It takes into consideration the research of Bulgarian experts in breastfeeding and contemporary recommendations for postnatal care worldwide.
Obstetric practices in local maternity wards are reviewed and evidenced by the research findings. The results put into perspective the different experiences that Bulgarian mothers have in local wards, and the authors explore these women`s attitudes towards the routine implementation of skin-to-skin contact in postnatal care.
The paper also outlines setbacks for introducing the practice in Bulgarian maternity wards due to the lack of midwife-led care and the importance of specialized care in optimizing health and a better understanding of skin-to-skin care.
OBJECTIVES: Purposes of this research are: (1) to explore women’s knowledge about skin-to-skin benefits, including their past experiences with the practice, and (2) to assess their own personal motivation and willingness to engage in the practice themselves.
METHODS: The methodology applied includes an online-based anonymous survey that aims to explore parents’ current levels of knowledge and gather their viewpoints regarding the practice. The research has been conducted on social media channels between the 26th of January 2020 and the 26th of February 2020 and includes women from varying local parent support groups: both respondents from a focus group, the area of Ruse, Bulgaria, and respondents from other major Bulgarian cities. The research findings are illustrated herein, and the authors discuss attitudes, as evidenced by the respondents’ opinions, expressed through the survey.
RESULTS: A total of 771 cases are included, which come from both groups. The research demonstrates common practices in local hospital wards are inconsistent with WHO recommendations and evidence-based medicine. Skin-to-skin care is practically a non-existent practice within immediate postnatal care, with most mothers separated from their baby during this crucial first hour(s). Almost all the women surveyed are willing to engage in, and embrace, skin-to-skin practices to be introduced as part of the routine within local maternity wards.
CONCLUSION: Midwives’ numbers in hospitals are dwindling, and women identify this is a worrying trend for the success of skin-to-skin bonding for new mothers. Evidence-based medical research and parental opinion compel us to rethink current postnatal practices, and therefore it is logical to suggest sustainable and realistic strategies for promoting and implementation of effective guidelines.
PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF ENDEMIC SPECIES HELLEBORUS CAUCASICUS, HELLEBORUS ABCHASICUS AND FICARIA POPOVII SPREAD IN SOUTHERN COLCHIS
Authors: Beridze Medea , Kalandia Aleko , Japaridze Indira , Vanidze Maia , Varshanidze Natela , Turmanidze Nazi , Dolidze Ketevan , Diasamidze Inga , Jakeli Eteri
Published: November 2020

There are 176 endemic plants spread in southern Colchis, of which 45  can be used for some medical treatments. The bioecology and detailed phytochemical content of some medicinal plant populations have not  been studied so far.

The research objectiveis to study the phytochemical content of endemic species of Helleborus caucasicus, Helleborus abchasicus and Ficaria popovii spread in southern Colchis.

The research method for the phytochemical content included separation analysis, whichwas performed byusing UPLC-MS (Waters Acquity QDa detector).

Three Steroidal glycosideswere isolated from the MeOH extract of the plants of Helleborus caucasicus and Helleborus abchasicus: Hellebrigenin-D-glucose, 20 – Hydroxyecdysone and Hydroxyecdysone – 3 glucoside. Two saponins (Hederagenin 3-O -α-L-arabino pyranoside, Hederagenin28-O-[α-L-rhamno-pyranosyl(1→4)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)]β-D-lucopyranoside) and four flavonoids (kaempferol 3-O-β-ᴅ- (6ʺ-α-ʟ-rhamnopyranosyl)-glucopyranoside (nicotiflorin), apigenin 8-C-β-ᴅ-glucopyranoside (vitexin), luteolin 8-C-β-ᴅ-glucopyranoside (orientin), quercetin 3-O-rutinoside) were  isolated from the tubers and flowers of Ficaria Popovii.

Three Steroidal glycosides and Hydroxyecdysone -3 glucoside were isolated from the MeOH extract of Helleborus caucasicus.In addition, two saponins and four flavonoids were isolated from the tubers and leaves of FicariaPopovii.
ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE USE OF MOBILE HEALTH APPLICATIONS IN BULGARIA
Authors: Kilova Kristina , Bakova Desislava , Yaneva Antonia , Mihaylova Vanina
Published: November 2020

Background: The increasing use of mobile phones has offered an opportunity to improve the quality of health services, secure the accessibility of healthcare systems for a larger population and support patients in effective management of their health/chronic conditions.

Main Goal: The primary focus of the study in hand is to explore the different attitudes towards the use of mHealth in Bulgaria and to examine the extensive use of mobile health applications for the supervision, prevention and containment of various socially relevant diseases, including the promotion of healthy lifestyles.

Materials and methods: An online survey was conducted in the period between July 2019 and February 2020. Amongst the 976 people that were interviewed, 591 (60.6%) were females and 385 (39.4%) were males. The mean age of the respondents was 43.25 ± 0.755. A unique questionnaire was prepared for the collection of information regarding the usage of mobile health applications. Statistical analyses were carried out with the help of IBM SPSS Statistics, version 23. MS Excel 2016 was used for the graphical representation of the results.

Results: 89% of the participants possessed a mobile phone and an approximate 84% of them used mHealth applications. Besides this, the results suggested a considerable statistical difference in the respondents’ attitudes, in terms of their gender, where the deviation was in favour of female respondents. Additionally, findings revealed another statistical difference on the basis of their age and level of education. Furthermore, a huge majority claimed that they generally used these types of applications for monitoring their blood pressure or pulse.

Conclusion: The outcome of the study was that a significant number of respondents were already using or tended to use smartphones and various applications, including health ones. We expect that the results of this study will provide evidence of the essentiality of mobile health applications to be developed in Bulgaria. This is crucial for patients as this technology has the potential to open up several new possibilities for treatments and observations of diverse socially significant diseases.
ANALYSIS OF MATHEMATICAL RELATIONS FOR CALCULATION OF EXPLOSION WAVE OVERPRESSURE
Authors: Jankura Richard , Zvaková Zuzana , Boroš Martin
Published: November 2020

The explosion of an explosive system causes primary and secondary effects on people and objects near its site. The most devastating is the pressure effect of the explosion, especially the overpressure. Individual parameters of pressure wave (overpressure size, duration impulse) can be determined by mathematical or virtual modeling or can also be measured under real conditions.

The authors focused on the parameters of the positive phase of the shock wave propagating from the source of the explosion towards the object. The article covers the description and analysis of selected mathematical relations, which are used to determine the magnitude of the explosion overpressure. The results are based on selected formulas. The source of the explosion referred in the study is an explosive system containing a reference explosive trinitrotoluene (TNT). TNT is a military explosive that is used as a reference explosive in technical standards dedicated to the certification of explosion-proof elements, and at the same time, a TNT equivalent is known to allow the mass of an explosive charge to be recalculated.

The results obtained by mathematical modeling according to individual approaches have been compared and the possibilities of using computational models in the area of security management and education of security managers have been identified. The results of the study confirm that prediction of pressure wave parameters at different distances and weights can assist security managers in creating attack scenarios and designing a suitable object protection system.
DEVELOPMENT OF A POSTPROCESSOR FOR TURNING CENTER AND MULTI-TASK MACHINE WITH MULTI-CHANNEL CNC SYSTEMS
Authors: Kaldashev Tsvetan
Published: November 2020

This article discusses the possibility of developing a postprocessor for turning center with 2 turrets and a multi-channel CNC system with NC program format characteristic of machine Mazak Integrex I series. Typical for these CNCs is the usage of two support programs - one for each turret. The CAD / CAM system PTC Creo is used to solve the problem, where tool transitions are developed for machining the workpieces. The postprocessor is software that translates the CL Data file i.e. turns it into a NC program with preparatory, technological, and supplementary commands to control the machine. G-POST, which is integrated into the PTC Creo CAD / CAM system, is used to develop the post-processor. To solve the problem, a specialized programming language FIL (Factory Interface Language) is used which, with its features and capabilities to work with files in ASCII code, achieves the ultimate goal - NC program in format characteristics suitable for machines Mazak Integrex I series.