bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unconventional monetary policy and credit market activity
Authors: Medina Guirado Juan Carlos
Published: March 2022

Desde la recesión financiera del 2007-2009 y hasta el día de hoy, los principales bancos centrales han utilizado a instrumentos de política no tradicionales para estimular la actividad económica. Un ejemplo muy característico fue la expansión de sus hojas de balance a través de la compra de títulos de deuda gubernamental de largo plazo. En este artículo analizo el efecto de esta herramienta “no convencional” en los mercados de crédito y lo comparo con aquel de instrumentos convencionales tales como las operaciones de mercado abierto. Nuestros resultados sugieren que las compras de títulos de deuda gubernamental de largo plazo estimulan la actividad en los mercados de crédito y reducen los costos de financiamiento tanto privado como público sólo cuando existe un régimen con tasas de interés bajas y deuda fiscal limitada. De otra manera, esta política incrementa el costo del servicio a la deuda, lo que resulta en una contracción del crédito. Por otro lado, las operaciones de mercado abierto facilitan la disponibilidad de crédito pero afectan negativamente la compartición del riesgo en la economía.
The Relationship Between Religiosity and Morality of Junior High School Students
Authors: Karimah Inna Lailil , Dewanti Ririn
Published: March 2022

Indonesia dikenal sebagai negara yang mempunyai adat istiadat yang menjunjung tinggi terutama pada moralitas atau etika dalam berperilaku.  Seiring perkembangan zaman terutama pada zaman generasi milenial yang menjadikan menurunnya moral pada siswa. Terutama pada perkembangan anak dikalangan remaja saat ini. Banyak kemungkinn moralitas terhadap anak menjadi rendah. Rumusan masalah dalam penelitian ini adalah adakah hubungan antara religiusitas dengan moralitas remaja SMP Muhammadiyah 2 Taman.
Interpreting the nature of the Aulet and Adons diapirs from sedimentologic and stratigraphic analysis of flanking minibasin strata, Spanish Pyrenees, Catalunya, Spain
Authors: Gannaway Dalton C. Evelyn , Giles Katherine A. , Muñoz Josep Anton , Rowan Mark G.
Published: March 2022

The Aulet and Adons diapirs are exposures of Triassic Keuper evaporites in the Ribagorça Basin in the south-central Pyrenees. The diapirs have been alternatively interpreted from mapped structural relationships as either passive salt diapirs or extensional salt rollers. Correspondingly, the associated diapir-flanking minibasins have been interpreted as either salt-withdrawal or extensional-rollover minibasins, respectively. New field mapping, stratigraphic sections, petrographic analysis, correlation diagrams, and drone photography characterize the depositional facies and stratal architecture of the flanking Sopeira, Sant Gervàs, and Faiada minibasins (upper Albian to lower Santonian synrift to postrift strata), which in turn, constrains the origin and evolution of each salt body and associated minibasins.

Each minibasin displays unique facies patterns and stratal thicknesses that reflect depositional systems evolving in response to spatially and temporally variable extension, salt evacuation, and passive diapirism during the Pyrenean rift and postrift phases. The Sopeira minibasin developed in the late Albian with significant localized subsidence, but it remains inconclusive if the bounding Aulet diapir originated as a passive diapir or a salt roller. The Llastarri fault zone, previously interpreted as a salt weld, separates the Sopeira minibasin from the primarily extensional Sant Gervàs minibasin, and is reinterpreted here as a remnant salt ridge, as it lacks evidence for passive diapirism. The Sant Gervàs minibasin remained relatively uplifted until the middle to late Cenomanian, along with the Faiada minibasin. Evidence for passive diapirism in the Faiada minibasin, including diapir-derived detritus and composite halokinetic sequences, indicate salt evacuation into the bounding Adons passive diapir.

Integration of detailed sedimentologic and stratigraphic analyses with interpretations of basin formation and structural development provides better resolution of the earlier phases of gravity-driven extension and loading-driven salt movement of the Aulet and Adons diapirs; these insights help constrain structural interpretations and reconstructions of Pyrenean shortening and megaflap development in the Ribagorça Basin. Sedimentological and stratigraphic evidence for or against passive diapirism need to be integrated into structural interpretations, especially when precursor salt structures are obscured by subsequent contraction. This well constrained basin framework demonstrates the effects of inherited extensional structures and passive diapirism on Pyrenean shortening and megaflap rotation.
Perspektivwechsel
Authors: Winderlich Kirsten , Johns Stefanie
Published: March 2022

Der Beitrag widmet sich Potenzialen medialer und ästhetischer Bildung im Kontext der Klimakrise. Im Zentrum steht das Kunstwerk Earth Speakr von Olafur Eliasson, durch das Prozesse medialer Bildung digitaler Kinder- und Jugendöffentlichkeit befragt sowie anhand raum- und zeitbezogener Möglichkeiten diskutiert und veranschaulicht werden. Mittels einer phänomenologischen ‹Blickverschiebung› erfolgt eine Analyse der medialen Schichten im Gebrauch der App sowie deren Verortung im Kontext digitaler Kultur. Neben den medialen Spezifika der audio-visuellen Botschaften, die Momente der Gemeinschaftsbildung thematisieren, werden die Nahtstellen digitaler Kinder- und Jugendöffentlichkeit beleuchtet.
Short-term efficacy and toxicity of total neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with resectable gastric cancer
Authors: Avgustinovich A. V. , Afanasyev S. G. , Dobrodeev A. Yu. , Volkov M. Yu. , Kostromitsky D. N. , Spirina L. V. , Cheremisina O. V.
Published: March 2022

Background. Currently, perioperative chemotherapy is the standard treatment option for resectable gastric cancer (GC ) at stages higher than T1. Preoperative chemotherapy was shown do not adversely affect the course of the postoperative period in gastric cancer patients. However, approximately 60 % of radically operated patients complete adjuvant chemotherapy. In this regard, the problem arises of postponing all courses of chemotherapy for operable gastric cancer to the preoperative period.

The purpose of the study was to analyze short-term efficacy and toxicity of total neoadjuvant chemotherapy with FLOT regimen in patients with resectable gastric cancer.

Material and Methods. Since 2020, the Research Cancer Institute of Tomsk National Research Medical Center has been conducting a pilot study, which included 25 patients with resectable gastric cancer (T2–4N0–2M0) who received 8 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with FLOT regimen followed by radical surgery (gastrectomy or distal subtotal resection of the stomach).

Results. Preoperative chemotherapy was completed in 25 (100 %) patients. Side effects that occurred during chemotherapy did not require cancellation or interruption of treatment and reduction in the initial dose of drugs. The most common adverse events were emetogenic reactions (92 %), peripheral neuropathy (60 %), and neutropenia (48 %). All patients had no greater than grade II toxicity, which was reversed with standard maintenance therapy. Radical surgeries were performed 6 weeks after completion of chemotherapy cycle 8. There were no significant postoperative complications (grade III or higher according to the Clavien–Dindo scale) and deaths. The histological examination revealed pathological response of TG R2–3 grade in 21 (84%) patients. Downstaging in both T and N categories was found in 13 (52%) patients.

Conclusion. Eight cycles of total neoadjuvant chemotherapy for resectable gastric cancer demonstrates high efficacy, moderate toxicity, and do not adversely affect the course of the perioperative period.
Mutation in the kras gene as a predictor of the effectiveness of immunotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Laktionov K. K. , Kazakov A. M. , Sarantseva K. A. , Scherbo D. S. , Koval A. P.
Published: March 2022

The purpose of the study: to conduct a systematic literature review on the effectiveness and feasibility of using information on the presence of KRAS gene mutations (in different codons), TP 53 (KP), ST K11/LKB1 (KL), and KEAP mutations and the association of KRAS m with PD -L1 status in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC ) as a predictor of the effectiveness of immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Material and Methods. The review includes data from randomized clinical trials and meta-analyses on the predictive value of KRAS mutation status for response to immunotherapy in patients with NSCLC over the past 10 years.

Results. The presence of KRAS mutations in NSCLC patients could be a predictive factor for their response to immunotherapy, as several studies have demonstrated benefit from immunotherapy in these patients. The combination of KRAS mutation with TP 53 (KP) co-mutation predicts a better response to immunotherapy, while a combination with ST K11/LKB1 (KL) and KEAP 1 predicts a worse response (reduced response rate and overall and disease-free survival). In PD -L1-positive patients, the presence of KRAS mutation is associated with a better prognosis after treatment with immunotherapy. Moreover, the presence of KRAS mutation is associated with a worse response to first-line and subsequent-line chemotherapy, thus indicating a more promising use of immunotherapy in these patients.

Conclusion. Identification of TP 53 (KP), ST K11/LKB1 (KL), and KEAP 1 co-mutations and the presence of KRAS mutation in addition to determination PD -L expression enable selection of patients who will obtain the greatest benefit from immunotherapy. In addition, the ability to determine KRAS mutation and co-mutation status using a liquid biopsy (with acceptable specificity and sensitivity) makes it possible to use this method for determining sensitivity to immunotherapy when it is not possible to obtain tumor sample (to determine PD 1-L1 expression).
The use of biocompatible composite scaffolds in oncology
Authors: Kit O. I. , Maksimov A. Yu. , Novikova I. A. , Goncharova A. S. , Lukbanova E. A. , Sitkovskaya A. O. , Volovik V. G. , Chapek S. V.
Published: March 2022

Modern tissue engineering approaches are aimed at developing scaffolds that contribute to the development of the whole variety of intercellular interactions that imitate those in a real object.

The purpose of the study was to collect and summarize the data on the creation and use of three-dimensional cellular matrices.

Material and Methods. A systematic literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Medline, Cyber Leninka and Elibrary databases. Out of the 315 articles searched, 38 were selected for this review.

Results. A review of studies devoted to the development of three-dimensional composite structures (scaffolds) and their application in the field of cellular technologies was carried out. Methods for the manufacture of biocompatible structures using both natural biomaterials and synthetic ones, including various hydrogels and titanium alloys, were considered, and some physical and chemical characteristics were also discussed. The review discussed possible applications of 3D composite structures in oncology as one of the possible tools for expanding the fundamental understanding of the patterns of development of the malignant process, but also for use in the development of effective methods of treatment and the search for new drugs. The prospects for the use of scaffolds in the field of experimental oncology, namely in the creation of various types of tumor models, were outlined.

Conclusion. Currently, three-dimensional culture systems are replacing two-dimensional models. Advances in this direction are associated with the creation and development of various variants of cell matrices that contribute to the solution of a number of applied problems in the field of creating three-dimensional tumor models in vitro and in vivo, therapy of malignant tumors and restorative medicine.
Impact of obesity on the oncological and surgical outcomes of thigh soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Hamdy O. , Atallah Kh. , Ros M. H. , Metwally I. H.
Published: March 2022

Background. Malignant soft tissue tumors are a heterogeneous group with variable prognosis and with a tendency to recurrence and distant spread, mainly to the lungs. Also, obesity is a known risk factor for many diseases and cancers and is currently a global problem. While the thigh is one of the main fat deposition areas, it is one of the commonest sites for the incidence of soft tissue sarcoma. We tried to illustrate the impact of obesity on the outcomes of thigh soft tissue sarcoma patients.

Material and Methods. We retrospectively recruited data of extremity sarcomas treated at our hospital from January 2008 to January 2020. The epidemiological and clinical data of all the included patients was analyzed, then the surgical and oncological outcomes between obese and non-obese patients were compared (defining obesity as BMI more than 30). We hypothesized that fat deposition in the thigh in obese patients may delay the diagnosis of soft tissue sarcoma, lead to the discovery of the masses at a larger size and stage, and hence may affect the disease-free survival and the overall survival.

Results. Obese patients had significantly larger size tumors (median: 14.7 vs 9.9 cm) and as such significantly higher T stage. Another significant finding was that the mean diameter of liposarcoma tumours was 15.1 cm, while that of non-liposarcomas was 11.3 cm (p-value=0.023). Also, although they did not have a higher prevalence of distant metastasis at initial diagnosis, their metastasis tends to be isolated in the lung. Postoperative complications occurred more frequently in obese patients in comparison to nonobese patients (p-value=0.025). Neither overall nor disease-free survivals were different among both groups, although obese patients tend to have shorter DFS.

Conclusion. Obesity added complexity to the diagnosis and treatment of extremity sarcoma, but seems not to affect survival.
HORIZONTES PARA PENSAR O CONCEITO DE CORPO
Authors: Oliveira Mayllon , Gomes Suely , Pereira Deyvisson
Published: March 2022

Esse ensaio busca fazer uma epistemologia do corpo. Entendendo que um conceito é sempre uma multiplicidade (DELEUZE; GUATARRI, 1992), há que se pensar, no nosso tempo, o corpo a partir daquilo que lhe atravessa física e teoricamente. Dessa feita, parte-se para pensar o horizonte possível em que o corpo, o marco zero no mundo (FOUCAULT, 2013), pode se constituir teoricamente, considerando os atravessamentos provocado pelas produções do poder (FOUCAULT, 1979); pela raça, um simulacro da superfície (MBEMBE, 2014); pelas invocações performativas do sexo (PRECIADO, 2014; BUTLER, 2017) e o contexto farmacopornográfico em que ele está imerso (PRECIADO, 2018). O que se conclui é que o corpo é um diagrama de linhas de forças que estão sempre em correlações.
INDIVÍDUO-MARCA
Authors: Antoniaci Tuzzo Simone , Fernandes Braga Claudomilson
Published: March 2022

Este trabalho é fruto das pesquisas continuadas do Laboratório de Leitura Crítica da Mídia, que se dedica a estudar a comunicação e a mediação, ou seja, os meios de comunicação e o seu impacto no receptor, mas também o impacto na mídia a partir do comportamento do receptor, sobretudo em uma sociedade cujo papel de recepção se mistura com o de produtor de conteúdo. Assim, pensar em uma sociedade que ao produzir conteúdo e ao querer fazer parte da mídia, ao querer aparecer como ser midiático e midiatizado, muitas vezes possui uma séria dificuldade de se expor de maneira “natural”, fazendo com que a imagem exposta não seja próxima à identidade. Dessa forma a interrelação discursiva entre identidade-imagem e os processos identitários se fazem presentes nessa reflexão do corpo e o cotidiano. Os estudos têm bases teóricas, mas também reflexões sobre discursos de celebridades midiáticas que expõem essa dificuldade de ser o que é. Este trabalho também apresenta uma reflexão das ideias de Clarice Lispector e Caetano Veloso, como produtores de arte em forma de crítica/reflexão daquilo que vivemos na sociedade atual. Além disso, pensar em cada ser humano como gestor de sua própria marca pessoal que é criada na tensão entre o ser, a sociedade, os atos de pertença e a comunicação, que aqui chamaremos de indivíduo-marca.
Próby Abrahama
Authors: Kaczorowska Katarzyna
Published: March 2022

Niniejszy artykuł służy krótkiemu przeglądowi żydowskich źródeł rabinicznych w odniesieniu do Patriarchy Abrahama oraz jego doświadczeń życiowych, postrzeganych w judaizmie jako ciąg prób i testów. Od II wieku p.n.e. żydowscy autorzy uznawali szereg zdarzeń w życiu Abrahama za serię prób, stopniowo coraz bardziej wymagających i coraz trudniejszych. Poprzez te próby Bóg wypróbowywał Abrahama i jego wiarę w celu upewnienia się, że wybór Patriarchy był słuszny.. Abraham został im poddany w celu uświadomienia wszystkim, że był godny stać się założycielem narodu, oddanym służbie Bogu i wykonaniu misji powierzonej temu narodowi z Bożej woli. Zgodnie z rabiniczną tradycją ofiarowanie Izaaka było tylko jedną z wielu prób. Niniejszy artykuł, w oparciu o kilka wybranych, reprezentatywnych rabinicznych dzieł i komentarzy, przedstawi bliżej koncepcję tych prób oraz różnice, jakie można wskazać w źródłach w zakresie ich identyfikacji i kolejności.
Pituitary Stalk Interruption Syndrome in a Newborn with Encephalopathy: A Case Report
Authors: Jose Mary J. , Leijser Lara M. , Pauranik Anvita , Amin Harish
Published: March 2022

Background:

Pituitary Stalk Interruption Syndrome is a rare midline brain anomaly involving the pituitary gland that leads to a variable degree of pituitary
hypofunction with a classic neuroimaging finding of the ectopic posterior pituitary, thin or absent pituitary stalk, and anterior pituitary hypoplasia.

Case Presentation:

We present the case of a term newborn who developed encephalopathy and respiratory distress during the neonatal period and was later diagnosed
with Pituitary Stalk Interruption Syndrome.

Conclusion:

Genetic defects have been identified in 5% of cases, and at times there are associated extra pituitary malformations. In spite of being a welldescribed syndrome, a detailed description of its neonatal presentation and course is lacking in the literature.
Exosomal MiR-29a in Cardiomyocytes Induced by Angiotensin II Regulates
Cardiac Microvascular Endothelial Cell Proliferation, Migration and
Angiogenesis by Targeting VEGFA
Authors: Wang Yan , Shi Bei , Li Guangzhao , Qiu Zhimei , Li Chaofu , Zhao Ranzun , Zhang Yu , Shen Changyin , Liu Weiwei , Long Xianping , Zhuang Shaowei
Published: March 2022

Background:

Exosomes released from cardiomyocytes (CMs) potentially play an important
role in angiogenesis through microRNA (miR) delivery. Studies have reported an important role for
miR-29a in regulating angiogenesis and pathological myocardial hypertrophy. However, whether CMderived
exosomal miR-29a is involved in regulating cardiac microvascular endothelial cell (CMEC)
homeostasis during myocardial hypertrophy has not been determined.

Methods:

Angiotensin II (Ang II) was used to induce CM hypertrophy, and ultracentrifugation was
then used to extract exosomes from a CM-conditioned medium. CMECs were cocultured with a conditioned
medium in the presence or absence of exosomes derived from CMs (Nor-exos) or exosomes
derived from angiotensin II-induced CMs (Ang II-exos). Moreover, a rescue experiment was performed
using CMs or CMECs infected with miR-29a mimics or inhibitors. Tube formation assays,
Transwell assays, and 5-ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays were then performed to determine the
changes in CMECs treated with exosomes. The miR-29a expression was measured by qRT-PCR, and
Western blotting and flow cytometry assays were performed to evaluate the proliferation of CMECs.

Results:

The results showed that Ang II-induced exosomal miR-29a inhibited the angiogenic ability,
migratory function, and proliferation of CMECs. Subsequently, the downstream target gene of miR-
29a, namely, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA), was detected by qRT-PCR and Western
blotting, and the results verified that miR-29a targeted the inhibition of the VEGFA expression to subsequently
inhibit the angiogenic ability of CMECs.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that exosomes derived from Ang II-induced CMs are involved in regulating
CMCE proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis by targeting VEGFA through the transfer of
miR-29a to CMECs.
Edible Coatings to Enhance Shelf Life of Fruits and Vegetables:
A Mini-Review
Authors: Banu Azeez Thahira , Murugan Aswini , Lakshmi Duraikkannu Shanthana
Published: March 2022

Recently, edible coatings or films have gained significant importance in fruit and vegetable
preservation. This review summarises edible coatings, the classification of coating materials,
formulation procedures, and the benefits of active edible coating. Studies reported that edible coating
or films from natural resources benefit the consumer as well as the environment. In general,
edible coatings or films are a combination of polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, and plasticizers,
used to enhance the functional properties and the general quality parameters of fruits and vegetables,
such as texture, colour, acidity, total soluble solids, thus preventing their browning and oxidation.
Casting (wet process) and extrusion (dry process) are two prominent methods used to fabricate
edible thin films. General techniques for applying edible coatings are dipping, spraying, coating,
panning, using a fluidized bed, and film wrapping. Active edible coatings or films are developed
with herbal extracts to improve the functional properties, i.e., antioxidant and antimicrobial.
Therefore, based on the literature review, future research exploration will focus on underutilized
edible natural resources, along with some natural edible plasticizers used to improve the postharvest
quality of fruits and vegetables without affecting their nutritional, organoleptic, and sensory
attributes. The primary objective of the present review was to summarize the different types of
edible coatings with an infusion of herbal extracts and their application on fruits and vegetables.
Synthesis and In vitro Evaluation of Hydrazonomethyl-Quinolin–8–ol and Pyrazol–3–yl-Quinolin–8–ol Derivatives for Antimicrobial and Antimalarial Potential
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Shah Purvi , Tripathi Siddharth K. , Khan Shabana I. , Singh Inder Pal
Published: March 2022

Background:

Quinoline is a well-established nucleus displaying various biological activities. Quinolin-8-ol-containing compounds are reported for antimicrobial as well as antimalarial activity. Hydrazone- and pyrazole-containing compounds are also reported for antimicrobial activity. In this work, we have synthesized hydrazonomethyl-quinolin–8–ol and pyrazol–3–yl-quinolin–8–ol derivatives retaining quinolin-8-ol along with hydrazone/pyrazole pharmacophores.

Objective:

The objective of this work was to synthesise and evaluate in vitro hydrazonomethylquinolin– 8–ol and pyrazol–3–yl-quinolin–8–ol derivatives for antifungal, antibacterial and antimalarial activity.

Method:

Designed and synthesized hydrazonomethyl-quinolin–8–ol and pyrazol–3–yl-quinolin–8– ol derivatives were evaluated for antifungal (against Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus and Cryptococcus neoformans), antibacterial (against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Escherichia Coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsillae pneumoniae) as well as antimalarial (against Plasmodium falciparum D6 and W2 strains) activity.

Result:

Hydrazonomethyl-quinolin–8–ol (15.1-15.28) and pyrazol–3–yl-quinolin–8–ol derivatives (16.1-16.21 and 20.1-20.18) were synthesized in good to moderate yield. One-pot synthesis of pyrazol– 3–yl-quinolin–8–ol derivatives (16.1-16.21 and 20.1-20.18) was achieved. Compounds 15.3, 15.6, 15.7, 15.9-15.14, 15.16-15.19, 15.22 and 15.24 were found more potent compared to reference standard fluconazole (IC50 = 3.20 μM) against C. albicans with IC50 value less than 3 μM. Compounds 15.1, 15.2, 15.21 and 15.23 showed almost similar activity to reference standard fluconazole against C. albicans. Compounds 15.1-15.3, 15.9-15.12, 15.14-15.17, and 15.21-15.23 also showed good activity against fluconazole-resistant strain A. fumigatus with IC50 value less than 3 μM. Compounds 15.2-15.4, 15.7, 15.9, 15.17, 15.20 showed good antimalarial activity against P. falciparum D6 as well as P. falciparum W2 with IC50 values of 1.84, 1.83, 1.56, 1.49, 1.45, 1.97, 1.68 μM and 1.86, 1.40, 1.19, 1.71, 1.16, 1.34, 1.61 μM, respectively. 5-Pyrazol–3–yl-quinolin–8–ol derivatives, such as 16.3, 16.5, 16.11, 16.13, 16.19, 16.20, also showed antimalarial activity against P. falciparum D6 and W2 strains with IC50 values of 2.23, 2.16, 2.99, 2.99, 2.73, 2.12 μM and 2.91, 3.60, 4.61, 2.71, 2.31, 2.66 μM, respectively.

Conclusion:

Most of the 5-hydrazonomethyl-quinolin–8–ol derivatives showed good antifungal activity against C. albicans, A. fumigatus and C. neoformans. Most of the 5-hydrazonomethylquinolin– 8–ol derivatives were found more potent than reference standard fluconazole. These derivatives may be considered as leads for further development of antifungal agents.
Comparative Study of Antibacterial Activity of Different ZnO
Nanoparticles, Nanoflowers, and Nanoflakes
Authors: Alshraiedeh Nid'a H. , Alzoubi Karem H. , Ammar Omar F. , Masadeh Majed M. , Al-Fandi Mohamed G. , Oweis Rami J. , Alsharedeh Rawan H. , Alabed Rama A. , Hayajneh Rawan H.
Published: March 2022

Aim:

In this study, the antibacterial activity of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures of different
shapes, including nanoparticles, nanoflowers, and nanoflakes, was evaluated.

Methods:

The optical and morphological properties of the synthesized nanostructures were characterized
by double-beam ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Energy
Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Microdilution
method was conducted, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was calculated to compare the
antibacterial activity of the morphologically different nanostructures.

Results:

The SEM showed that ZnO-NPs were spherical in shape with a size of 100 nm. The EDX
spectrum also showed that the synthesized ZnO-NPs were mainly composed of zinc, with the minimum
contaminants being carbon and oxygen. The XRD analysis confirmed that the nature of the
synthesized materials was ZnO with an average grain size of 3 nm to 21 nm. The greatest antibacterial
activity of ZnO nanoparticles was against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and for ZnO nanoflakes,
against Escherichia coli.

Conclusion:

The study demonstrated that the antibacterial activity of nano-ZnO is shape-dependent.
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) Treatment for Hospitalized Patients with
COVID- 19
Authors: Tsanovska Hristina , Simova Iana , Genov Vladislav , Kundurzhiev Todor , Krasnaliev Jordan , Kornovski Vladimir , Dimitrov Nikolai , Vekov Toni
Published: March 2022

Objective:

Studies have indicated that hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) exerts antiviral effects
against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. However, trials regarding its effects on patients are very controversial.
This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of (HCQ) in the treatment of hospitalized patients with
COVID-19.

Methods:

We prospectively enrolled 260 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in Heart and Brain Center
of Excellence- Pleven, Bulgaria, for the period from November 6 to December 28, 2020. This study
is not randomized, which we compensated for with Propensity Score Matching. Patients in the HCQ
group were given HCQ 200 mg 3 times a day (600mg daily) for the duration of their hospitalization
plus conventional treatment, while those in the control group were given conventional treatment only.
The primary endpoints were transferred to the intensive care unit, needed for mechanical ventilation,
and in-hospital death.

Results:

Of the 260 COVID-19 patients, 178 (68.5%) were male and the mean age was of 63.78 ±
12.45 years, with the most prevalent comorbidity hypertension (68.5%). We had two subgroups: treated
with HCQ and conventional treatment (128 patients) and treated with conventional treatment only
(132 patients). In the primary analysis, patients in the HCQ group presented with fewer comorbidities
and were younger than the group without HCQ. Patients treated with HCQ demonstrated a significant
benefit in the primary endpoints compared to those without HCQ, namely, transferred to ICU – 20
(20,8%) vs. 41 (36.9%), p=0.011, need for mechanical ventilation 13 (13.4%) vs. 33 (28.2%), p=0.009
and in-hospital death 14 (10.9%) vs. 35 (26.5%), p=0,001, respectively. We repeated this analysis with
PSM, where 70 matched pairs were identified. Regarding the primary endpoints, we found again a
statistically significant difference between the groups. Comparing transferring to ICU, better outcomes
were presented in the HCQ group: 8 (17.4%) vs. 27 (44.3%), with p= 0.003. Besides, a smaller proportion
of the patients needed mechanical ventilation: 6 (12.8%), compared to the control group, 23
(35.4%), p= 0.007. Notably, patients from the HCQ group died during hospitalization: 8 (11.4%) in
comparison with 19 (27.1%) from the control group, p= 0.018.

Conclusion:

Patients treated with HCQ demonstrated a significant benefit in the primary endpoints in
our study, namely, transfer to the intensive care unit, need for mechanical ventilation, and in-hospital
death. HCQ improves prognosis in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.
Phytochemical and Chemotaxonomic Investigations on Coussapoa Microcarpa
(Cecropieae, Urticaceae)
Authors: Braga Gonçalves Fernanda Manhães , Sousa Adriana Lima de , Mathias Marcelo da Silva , Silva Maciel Jéssica da , Oliveira Rodrigo Rodrigues de
Published: March 2022

Background:

The Coussapoa genus (Urticaceae, tribe Cecropiae) contains 50 species mainly distributed throughout the Neotropical Region. Although some genera belonging to the Cecropiae tribe have been well-assessed, the chemical profile of Coussapoa members has not yet been investigated.

Objective:

In this context, the aim of the present study was to characterize phenolic substances present in a methanol extract obtained from Coussapoa microcarpa leaves employing UPLC-DAD-ESI-MS analyses

Methods:

Several condensed tannins (epi-afzelechin-epi-catechin, B-type and C-type procyanidins), flavan-3-ols ((+) -catechin and (-) - epicatechin), phenolic acid (O-caffeoylquinic acid) and C-glycosyl flavones (orientin, isoorientin, vitexin, isovitexin, isoorientin-2″-O-rhamnoside,vitexin-2″-O-hexoside, vitexin-2″-O-xyloside and isovitexin-2″-O-xyloside) were identified.

Results:

The determined chemical profile observed for C. microcarpa exhibits chemo-taxonomic significance compared to other neotropical genera.

Conclusion:

Structural variability of the identified secondary metabolites is of significant value for chemosystematic studies concerning the Coussapoa genus and the Cecropiae tribe, both still unexplored regarding their chemodiversity.
Postoperatieve anorexie en ileus bij het konijn: een praktijkonderzoek bij electieve chirurgie
Authors: Hartings E. , Hermans K. , Moeremans I. , Dewulf J.
Published: March 2022

Anorexie en ileus zijn frequent voorkomende postoperatieve complicaties bij konijnen en zijn potentieel fataal. Risicofactoren, zoals stress en pijn, moeten zoveel mogelijk beperkt of vermeden worden. Om risicofactoren rondom het anesthesieprotocol bij orchidectomie en ovario(hyster)- ectomie (OV(H)X) beter in beeld te brengen, werd een enquête rondgestuurd naar dierenartsen in België en Nederland. Uit de 209 ingevulde enquêtes bleek het type operatie (orchidectomie versus OV(H)X) een significante invloed te hebben. Er werden nog twee andere significante verschillen opgemerkt: er was minder vaak ileus bij OV(H)X waarbij butorfanol werd gebruikt en er was vaker anorexie bij OV(H)X waarbij een antidotum werd toegediend. Dit moet echter met de nodige voorzichtigheid geïnterpreteerd worden, aangezien andere studiegerelateerde factoren hierbij een rol gespeeld kunnen hebben. Het is hierbij vermeldenswaardig dat bij het gebruik van buprenorfine – een opioïde waarover in de literatuur tegenstrijdige resultaten te vinden zijn betreffende het al dan niet induceren van gastro-intestinale stase bij konijnen – in de voorliggende studie niet significant vaker ileus werd opgemerkt. 
Succesvolle behandeling van een open os incisivumfractuur van de bovenkaak met een compressieplaat met vergrendelde schroeven in combinatie met intraorale cerclage bij een paard
Authors: Leps A. , Haardt H. , Vanderperren K. , Vlaminck L. , Martens A.
Published: March 2022

Een zeven jaar oude warmbloedmerrie werd aangeboden met bilaterale epistaxis, zwelling ter hoogte van de bovenkaak en deviatie van de neus en bovenlip. Bij klinisch en computertomografisch onderzoek werd een volledige, schuine, open en verplaatste fractuur van het os incisivum van de bovenkaak vastgesteld. De breuk werd tijdelijk gereduceerd door met een cerclagedraad de snijtanden van de boven- en onderkaak aan elkaar te verbinden. Aansluitend werd de fractuur gefixeerd met een 3,5 smalle compressieplaat met vergrendelde schroeven aangebracht op het dorsolaterale aspect van het os incisivum in combinatie met orale cerclage. De intraorale cerclage werd twaalf weken na de operatie verwijderd, terwijl de plaat in situ bleef. De postoperatieve complicaties waren beperkt en bestonden uit voorbijgaande n. facialisverlamming en lokale zwelling. Op de röntgenfoto’s acht weken na de operatie was er een goede vordering van de heling te zien. Negen maanden na de operatie kon de merrie opnieuw normaal functioneren en was het cosmetisch resultaat uitstekend. 
Vraag & Antwoord
Authors: Marynissen S. , Malik M. , Maes D. , Stammeleer L.
Published: March 2022

- Intestinaal microbioom/dysbiose-index bij chronische darmproblemen bij kleine huisdieren
- Effect of anemia on performance and immune response in piglets
- Behandeling van FIP bij katten
Digital Life Coaching During Stem Cell Transplantation: Development and Usability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Banerjee Rahul , Huang Chiung-Yu , Dunn Lisa , Knoche Jennifer , Ryan Chloe , Brassil Kelly , Jackson Lindsey , Patel Dhiren , Lo Mimi , Arora Shagun , Wong Sandy W , Wolf Jeffrey , Martin III Thomas , Dhruva Anand , Shah Nina
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

For patients with multiple myeloma receiving high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT), acute life disruptions and symptom burden may lead to worsened quality of life (QOL) and increased emotional distress. Digital life coaching (DLC), whereby trained coaches deliver personalized well-being–related support via phone calls and SMS text messaging, has been shown to improve QOL among SCT survivors. However, DLC has not been investigated during the acute peri-SCT period, which is generally characterized by symptomatic exacerbations and 2-week hospitalizations.

OBJECTIVE

We launched a single-arm pilot study to investigate the feasibility of patient engagement with DLC during this intensive period.

METHODS

We approached English-speaking adult patients with multiple myeloma undergoing autologous SCT at our center. Enrolled patients received 16 weeks of virtual access to a life coach beginning on day −5 before SCT. Coaches used structured frameworks to help patients identify and overcome personal barriers to well-being. Patients chose the coaching topics and preferred communication styles. Our primary endpoint was ongoing DLC engagement, defined as bidirectional conversations occurring at least once every 4 weeks during the study period. Secondary endpoints were electronic patient-reported outcome assessments of QOL, distress, and sleep disturbances.

RESULTS

Of the 20 patients who were screened, 17 (85%) chose to enroll and 15 (75%) underwent SCT as planned. Of these 15 patients (median age 65 years, range 50-81 years), 11 (73%) demonstrated ongoing DLC engagement. The median frequency of bidirectional conversations during the 3-month study period was once every 6.2 days (range 3.9-28 days). During index hospitalizations with median lengths of stay of 16 days (range 14-31 days), the median frequency of conversations was once every 5.3 days (range 2.7-15 days). Electronic patient-reported outcome assessments (94% adherence) demonstrated an expected QOL nadir during the second week after SCT. The prevalence of elevated distress was highest immediately before and after SCT, with 69% of patients exhibiting elevated distress on day −5 and on day +2.

CONCLUSIONS

DLC may be feasible for older patients during intensive hospital-based cancer treatments such as autologous SCT for multiple myeloma. The limitations of our study include small sample size, selection bias among enrolled patients, and heterogeneity in DLC use. Based on the positive results of this pilot study, a larger phase 2 randomized study of DLC during SCT is underway to investigate the efficacy of DLC with regard to patient well-being.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04432818; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04432818.
Construction of Path Analysis Model on Risk Factors of Social Isolation in Older People (Preprint)
Authors: Li Weitong , Yin Haiyan , Wang Qing , Song Yulei , Tu Wenjing , Wang Lulu , Liang Yongqi , Xu Guihua , Bai Yamei
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

With the gradual acceleration of population aging, social isolation in older people has increasingly become a hot topic of social concern. The reduction of valid social participation will cause older people to weaken their sense of belonging to the community and social acquisition, negatively impact on the older people’s quality of life. The study is aimed to explore the main risk factors affecting the social isolation of older people, so as to provide a solid scientific basis for improving the health behavior of older people in China.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the present study is twofold: (i) to describe the prevalence of social isolation and (ii) to identify risk factors that predict social isolation amongst older people living in the community in China. Our study will provide a scientific basis for reducing social isolation and improving the health behavior of older people.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2267 community residents over 60 years old from 4 cites in Jiangsu Province, China. Perceived social support scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Comprehensive Ability of Older People Assessment Scale and other influencing factors scale were used to investigate the current situation. Social isolation was measured with the Lubben Social Network Scale. Demographic data were evaluated using descriptive statistical analyses and relationships among study variables were determined to use a path analysis. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 and AMOS version 26 using T-test, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), logistic regression analyses, and path analysis method. The test level was set at alpha = 0.05, and the difference was statistically significant at p value < 0.05.

RESULTS

The results of the model test analysis indicated that the hypothesized paths were supported by data from our samples and demonstrated significance on the path coefficients (p < 0.05). Risk factors in the three dimensions of social risk, economic risk and cultural risk have an impact on the social isolation of older people in the community through direct and indirect pathways, and also indirectly through the partially mediated role of depression. Overall, our hypothesized model was retained, indicating empirical support and adequate model’s fit indices for the theoretical model.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings demonstrated the predictive role of risk factors of social isolation in older people. In the future, we should focus on developing interventions by uniting many forces such as society, family and older people themselves to reduce social isolation among this vulnerable population and improve the quality of life of older people and promote healthy aging.
Several Properties Viscosities and Densities of Ethanolamine - water systems at 25ºC
Authors:   Department of Chemistry, Govt. Indira Gandhi Home Science Girls P G College, Shahdol (India), ANSARI MAHZBEEN , RANGWALA JUZER ALI ,   Department of Chemistry, Govt. Arts and Commerce College, Kannod (India)
Published: March 2022

Precise Viscosities and Densities for Ethanolamine-water mixtures containing 15, 30, 50, 60, 70, 80 % by weight have been determined at 25ºC where possible the data are compared with previously reported values. The use of mixed solvents enables the variation in properties such as dielectric constant and Viscosity and therefore, the ion-ion and ion-solvent interactions can be better studied.
An overview on Metal doped / Supported Ceria Catalysts: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications
Authors:   Departmment of Chemistry Federal University, Gusau, Along Zaria-Sokoto Road, P.M.B 1001, Gusau, Zamfara State (Nigeria), N.A SANI , A HARUNA. ,   Departmment of Chemistry Federal University, Gusau, Along Zaria-Sokoto Road, P.M.B 1001, Gusau, Zamfara State (Nigeria), A SALISU ,   Departmment of Chemistry Federal University, Gusau, Along Zaria-Sokoto Road, P.M.B 1001, Gusau, Zamfara State (Nigeria)
Published: March 2022

Design of viable catalysts that exhibits high catalytic activity and stability, as well as resistance against deactivation could be achieved by selecting the right active metal and support, understanding their structure, synergy or the metal support interaction and by employing the right preparation technique. Numerous studies and reviews have dealt with various aspects of CeO2 based catalysts, with the sole target of understanding its activity in various reactions such as dry and steam reforming of methane. Good metal dispersion on CeO2 surface is explained to be the reason for the promising activity of this systems. This review focuses on the synthesis, characterization and application of some CeO2 doped/supported catalysts in hydrogen production by dry and steam reforming of methane, and other reactions. Various synthetic methods for the preparation of the metal doped/supported CeO2 catalysts were introduced with a focus on how to effectively produce stable and efficient catalysts. Subsequently, some advanced characterization techniques were presented to precisely probe the metal and CeO2 at the atomic level, which is critical in investigating the structure of the catalysts.
СПОСОБЫ ТЕСТИРОВАНИЯ ЗАЩИТЫ ОТ ВЫДАВЛИВАНИЯ ОПТИЧЕСКИХ ВОЛОКОН В МУФТЫ НА ПОДВЕСНЫХ ВОЛС
Authors: Алехин Н. , Дашков М. , Нижгородов А. , Попов Б. , Попов В.
Published: March 2022

Представлена разработанная в ПГУТИ методика испытаний способов защиты от выдавливания оптических волокон в кассету муфты, включающая испытания под давлением, а также климатические испытания. Описывается способ тестирования защиты от выдавливания оптического волокна из оптического модуля путем контроля изменения потерь в волокнах в муфте.
РАДИОСВЯЗЬ ДЛЯ АРКТИКИ
Authors: Слодкевич Е.
Published: March 2022

Обосновывается целесообразность использования в условиях Арктики простой и доступной коротковолновой радиосвязи. Рассказывается о приложении "КВ-пейджер".
Управление точностью металлорежущих станков. Структурно-параметрические методы. Часть 1
Authors: Кузнецов А.П.
Published: March 2022

Обоснована классификация моделей точности металлорежущих станков на три группы, характеризующиеся количеством и видом входящих составляющих, а также достигаемым результатом. Предложена схема выбора системы снижения, коррекции, компенсации и управления точностью станка, с учетом двух классов систем управления точностью.
Перспективы применения режима квазипластичности для обработки актуальных высокотехнологичных изделий из твердых хрупких материалов
Authors: Панкратов А.А.
Published: March 2022

Рассмотрены различные аспекты применения алмазных материалов для производства инновационных высокотехнологичных продуктов и изделий для приборостроительной, атомной, авиационно-­космической и других отраслей промышленности. С целью повышения эффективности обработки твердых хрупких материалов предложено создание устройства или оснастки к действующим серийным шлифовальным станкам, воспроизводящим элементы квазипластичной обработки.
Влияние добавок мультиграфена на свойства изделий, спеченных из порошков нержавеющей и инструментальной стали
Authors: Ерёмин С.А. , Аникин В.Н. , Рябцев А.Д. , Явтушенко П.М. , Колесникова А.М. , Бобрышева Е.Е. , Руденко Д.В.
Published: March 2022

По результатам исследования влияния добавки мультиграфена на свой­ства изделий спеченных из порошков нержавеющей и инструментальной сталей методом горячего прессования показано, что добавки мультиграфена повышают твердость на 10% и снижают пористость на 16%. Наличие мультиграфена активирует процесс залечивания крупной пористости за счет эффекта критического смачивания.
BANKS' CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) DISCLOSURE AND THEIR ROLE IN THE BETTERMENT OF SOCIETY IN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA
Authors: Trpeska Marina , Tocev Todor , Dionisijev Ivan , Malcev Bojan
Published: March 2022

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is of great importance for companies and other stakeholders, which obliges the companies to establish a way of management that will simultaneously take care of the environmental, social, and ethical aspects of factors. If corporate responsibility is the guiding factor for companies, they can easily gain a competitive advantage over others. This paper researches how the banks in the Republic of North Macedonia report on CSR and in what report format CSR data is published. The research is based on the method of content analysis and statistical analysis to determine whether the size and profit of banks affect the CSR Reporting. The sample included in the research is 14 banks that the National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia has granted a license to operate. The results of this research show that the size of banks has a positive effect on CSR reporting, while on the other hand, profit does not affect it.
MOVING FROM NON-FINANCIAL TO SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING: ANALYZING THE EU COMMISSION’S PROPOSAL FOR A CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING DIRECTIVE (CSRD)
Authors: Baumüller Josef , Grbenic Stefan O.
Published: March 2022

Non-financial reporting as established through the NFRD (2014/95/EU) has become a core element of the EU Commission’s ambitions to transform the European economy towards more sustainability. To address the increased criticism which meets the current reporting requirements, the EU Commission initiated the development of a new set of European Sustainability Reporting Standards, followed by issuing the proposal for a new directive to supersede the NFRD. This paper analyzed these proposals in the light of previous findings from academia and corporate practice, contributing to an ex-ante impact assessment. As a result, it shows that improving completeness, comparability and reliability are the two main goals of the EU Commission. However, many of the new proposed requirements are excessive and raise fundamental questions concerning acceptable levels of administrative burden for companies as well as necessary conceptual fundaments for a reporting framework.
Smart Aquarium using IoT
Authors: Shaikh Farees Ahmed Zahid , Bhaskarwar Utkaarsh
Published: March 2022

Abstract: In modern days, many people have fish as their pets at home. The fishes have been fed by the aquarist in the aquarium tanks which demands a proper setup for maintenance. The problems faced are changes in water quality, feeding the fish, maintaining the temperature, controlling the lights, and difficulty checking the conditions of an aquarium manually. Therefore, it's necessary to monitor the physical parameters closely and enhance the water condition. So, this project proposes a system that is equipped with sensors to be operated in real-time. It performs temperature monitoring, water pH level detection, turbidity detection, and fish feeding. An IoT-based system is implemented to monitor and deliver the status of the aquarium to the user's web application. Thus, intelligent aquarium management has been implemented with a temperature sensor, pH sensor, and turbidity sensor so that the fish is neither over nor underfed and thereby reducing the manual effort required in the maintenance of the aquarium. Keywords: IoT (Internet of Things)