bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
And yet, migration, population growth or mortality are not balanced among Cantabrian brown bear subpopulations. Reply to Blanco et al (2020)
Authors: Ferreira Eduardo , Gregório Inês , Barros Tânia , Pando Doriana , Morante Joaquín , Barbosa Ana , Hartasánchez Roberto , Fonseca Carlos
Published: October 2021

In a recent paper, we presented new evidence and provided new insights on the status of Cantabrian brown bear subpopulations, relevant for this species conservation. Namely, we revealed the likely phylogeographic relation between eastern Cantabrian subpopulation and the historical Pyrenean population. We have also detected an asymmetric flow of alleles and individuals from the eastern to the western subpopulation, including seven first-generation male migrants. Based on our results and on those of previous studies, we called the attention to the fact that Eastern Cantabrian brown bears might be taking advantage of increased connectivity to avoid higher human pressure and direct persecution in the areas occupied by the eastern Cantabrian subpopulation. In reply, Blanco et al (2020) [11] have criticized our ecological interpretation of the data presented in our paper. Namely, Blanco and co-authors criticize: (1) the use of the exodus concept in the title and discussion of the paper; (2) the apparent contradiction with source-sink theory; (3) the apparent overlooking of historical demographic data on Cantabrian brown bear and the use of the expression of population decline when referring to eastern subpopulation. Rather than contradicting the long and growing body of knowledge on the two brown bear subpopulations, the results presented in our paper allow a new perspective on the causes of the distinct pace of population growth of the two brown bear subpopulations in the last decades. Here, we reply to the criticisms by: clarifying our ecological interpretation of the results; refocusing the discussion on how the new genetic data suggest that currently, the flow of individuals and alleles is stronger westward, and how it may be linked to direct persecution and killing of brown bears. We provide detailed data on brown bear mortality in the Cantabrian Mountains and show that neither migration, gene flow, population increase nor mortality are balanced among the two subpopulations.
Lifestyle behaviors trend and their relationship with fear level of COVID-19: Cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alothman Shaima A. , Alghannam Abdullah F. , Almasud Alaa A. , Altalhi Arwa S. , Al-Hazzaa Hazzaa M.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

COVID-19 pandemic cautionary measures have affected the daily life of people around the globe. Further, understanding the complete lifestyle behaviors profile can help healthcare providers in designing effective interventions and assessing overall health impact on risk of disease development. Thus, this study aims to assess the complete spectrum of lifestyle behaviors (physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, distress, social support, dietary habits, and smoking) prevalence and its association with fear of COVID-19 in people living in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

Self-administered survey consisted of seven sections was used to collect data on fear of COVID-19 using Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), physical activity and sedentary behavior using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), psychosocial distress using Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10), social support using the MOS social support survey, and dietary habits using a short version of food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The online survey was distributed via social media platforms during lockdown period of COVID-19 pandemic (May–June 2020). Each section consisted of validated questionnaire examining one of aforementioned lifestyle behaviors. Associations were analyzed using multiple linear regression.

Results

A total of 669 individuals attempted to complete the online survey, 554 participants completed at least 2 sections of the survey (82.8%), and 41.3% (n = 276) completed the whole online survey. The majority of the sample were female (83%), not smokers (86.5%), had sufficient sleep duration (7.5 hrs ± 2.1), and only indicated mild level of distress (21.4 ± 8.9); they also reported high level of sedentary behavior (7.7 hrs ± 4.5), poor sleep quality (5.4 ± 2.4), were not engaged in healthy eating habits, and moderate level of perceived social support (62.0% ± 27). Only physical activity results indicated that about half of the sample were engaged in moderate to vigorous level of physical activity (54.3%). Further, being female (β = 0.12; 95% CI: 0.45, 2.94) and married (β = 0.13; 95% CI: 0.3, 2.63) were associated with fear of COVID-19 level (β = 0.21; 95% IC: 0.05, 0.19) with a confidence interval level of 95%. In addition, distress was associated with fear.

Conclusion

The trend of lifestyle behaviors measured during lockdown period changed from previously published rates. Future research needs to establish the short-term and long-term effect of lifestyle behaviors complete profile on physical and mental health.
Effect of the presence of an aquarium in the waiting area on the stress, anxiety and mood of adult dental patients: A controlled clinical trial
Authors: Lundberg Andrea , Srinivasan Murali
Published: October 2021

Background

Interaction with fish is known to reduce stress and anxiety in humans.

Objective

This trial evaluated the effect of an aquarium present in a geriatric dental clinic waiting-area (WA) on blood pressure (BP), heart-rate (HR), anxiety, and mood of waiting patients.

Methods

Participants were recruited into three groups: control (CG): WA without aquarium; partially-stocked aquarium (PSA): aquarium without fish; fully-stocked aquarium (FSA): aquarium with fish. BP and HR of the participants were recorded upon arrival and after 20-minutes of waiting, along with anxiety [State trait anxiety inventory (STAI-6)] and mood [Feeling scale (FS), Felt arousal scale (FAS)] scores. A purpose-built questionnaire evaluated the subjective assessment of the participants’ experience in the WA. ANOVA with repeated measures and nonparametric tests were used for statistical analysis (p<0.05).

Results

392 patients (mean age: 65.07±16.9y) completed this trial. There was an effect of time on the BP [systolic: F(1, 120) = 44.82, p<0.001; diastolic: F(1, 120) = 25.10, p<0.001] and HR [F(1, 120) = 40.94, p<0.001]. No effect of groups on BP [systolic: F(1, 120) = 1.01, p = 0.32; diastolic: F(1, 120) = 0.01, p = 0.92] was revealed, but a decrease of HR [F(1, 120) = 21.59, p<0.001]. No effect of time*group on BP [systolic: F(1, 120) = 0.89, p = 0.35; diastolic: F(1, 120) = 0.31, p = 0.58], or HR [F(1, 120) = 1.04, p-0.31]. WA groups had no effects on the participants’ anxiety [H(2) = 2.76, p = 0.25], or mood [FS: H(2) = 2.28, p = 0.32; FAS: H(2) = 1.54, p = 0.46]. Patients rated FSA higher than others [H(2) = 20.98, p<0.001).

Conclusions

There was no influence of the presence of an aquarium on the patients’ blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety, or mood.
Efficient spline regression for neural spiking data
Authors: Sarmashghi Mehrad , Jadhav Shantanu P. , Eden Uri
Published: October 2021

Point process generalized linear models (GLMs) provide a powerful tool for characterizing the coding properties of neural populations. Spline basis functions are often used in point process GLMs, when the relationship between the spiking and driving signals are nonlinear, but common choices for the structure of these spline bases often lead to loss of statistical power and numerical instability when the signals that influence spiking are bounded above or below. In particular, history dependent spike train models often suffer these issues at times immediately following a previous spike. This can make inferences related to refractoriness and bursting activity more challenging. Here, we propose a modified set of spline basis functions that assumes a flat derivative at the endpoints and show that this limits the uncertainty and numerical issues associated with cardinal splines. We illustrate the application of this modified basis to the problem of simultaneously estimating the place field and history dependent properties of a set of neurons from the CA1 region of rat hippocampus, and compare it with the other commonly used basis functions. We have made code available in MATLAB to implement spike train regression using these modified basis functions.
Comparison of diagnostic methods and analysis of socio-demographic factors associated with Trichomonas vaginalis infection in Sri Lanka
Authors: Herath Sayuri , Balendran Thivya , Herath Akila , Iddawela Devika , Wickramasinghe Susiji
Published: October 2021

Background

Trichomonas vaginalis infection is underreported due to nonspecific clinical presentation and the nonavailability of sensitive laboratory diagnostic tests at the clinical setup. Hence, this study was designed to compare the sensitivity and specificity of microscopy and culture methods with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The socio-demographic factors associated with the infection were explored.

Methods

The study was carried out at the National Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome Control Programme in Colombo and Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome Control Programme in Kandy. Samples were collected from a total of 385 patients including, 272 females (70.7%) and 113 males (29.3%), and tested using microscopy (wet mount and Giemsa staining), culture, and PCR. Genus-specific primer set (TFR1/TFR2) that amplifies 5.8S rRNA and species-specific primer sets (TV16Sf-2/TV16Sr-2 and TVK3/7) that amplifies 18S rRNA and repetitive DNA, respectively, were used. Patient’s socio-demographic and sexual behaviour data were obtained using a standard interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed with R statistical software Version 3.6.3.

Results

The overall prevalence of trichomoniasis was 4.4% (17/385). Of these, six (1.6%) were positive for microscopic examination, 7 (1.8%) were positive for culture, and 13 (3.4%) for TVK3/7, 15 (3.9%) for TV16Sf/r, and TFR1/2 17 (4.4%) were positive for PCR. Sensitivities of PCR using TFR1/2, TV16Sf/r, and TVK3/7 primer sets were 100%, 88.20%, and 76.50%, respectively, against the expanded gold standard. Trichomoniasis was associated with age above 36 (p = 0.033), not using condoms in last three months (p = 0.016), multiple sex partners (p = 0.001), reason for attendance (p = 0.027), symptomatic nature (p = 0.015), and the presence of other sexually transmitted diseases (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

The study highlighted that age over 36 years, multiple sex partners, not using condoms, reason for attendance, symptomatic nature, and having other sexually transmitted diseases can increase the risk of acquiring trichomoniasis. Furthermore, this study confirmed PCR as highly sensitive and specific diagnostic test for the diagnosis of trichomoniasis in comparison to microscopy and culture methods.
Efficacy of epetraborole against Mycobacterium abscessus is increased with norvaline
Authors: Sullivan Jaryd R. , Lupien Andréanne , Kalthoff Elias , Hamela Claire , Taylor Lorne , Munro Kim A. , Schmeing T. Martin , Kremer Laurent , Behr Marcel A.
Published: October 2021

Mycobacterium abscessusis the most common rapidly growing non-tuberculous mycobacteria to cause pulmonary disease in patients with impaired lung function such as cystic fibrosis.M.abscessusdisplays high intrinsic resistance to common antibiotics and inducible resistance to macrolides like clarithromycin. As such,M.abscessusis clinically resistant to the entire regimen of front-lineM.tuberculosisdrugs, and treatment with antibiotics that do inhibitM.abscessusin the lab results in cure rates of 50% or less. Here, we identified epetraborole (EPT) from the MMV pandemic response box as an inhibitor against the essential protein leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LeuRS) inM.abscessus. EPT protected zebrafish from lethalM.abscessusinfection and did not induce self-resistance nor against clarithromycin. Contrary to most antimycobacterials, the whole-cell activity of EPT was greater againstM.abscessusthanM.tuberculosis, but crystallographic and equilibrium binding data showed that EPT binds LeuRSMabsand LeuRSMtbwith similar residues and dissociation constants. Since EPT-resistantM.abscessusmutants lost LeuRS editing activity, these mutants became susceptible to misaminoacylation with leucine mimics like the non-proteinogenic amino acid norvaline. Proteomic analysis revealed that whenM.abscessusLeuRS mutants were fed norvaline, leucine residues in proteins were replaced by norvaline, inducing the unfolded protein response with temporal changes in expression of GroEL chaperonins and Clp proteases. This supports ourin vitrodata that supplementation of media with norvaline reduced the emergence of EPT mutants in bothM.abscessusandM.tuberculosis. Furthermore, the combination of EPT and norvaline had improvedin vivoefficacy compared to EPT in a murine model ofM.abscessusinfection. Our results emphasize the effectiveness of EPT against the clinically relevant cystic fibrosis pathogenM.abscessus, and these findings also suggest norvaline adjunct therapy with EPT could be beneficial forM.abscessusand other mycobacterial infections like tuberculosis.
Evaluating design vouchers in Scotland and the implications for design support in the United Kingdom and Europe
Authors: Whicher Anna , Swiatek Piotr , Gaynor Lee
Published: October 2021

In the decade 2010–19, design featured in 21 of the 28 European Union member states’ innovation policies according to the Bureau of European Design Associations. As we embark on a new decade, it appears that design’s influence within innovation policy and programmes may be waning. What does the design support landscape look like for the United Kingdom in a post-Brexit and post-COVID world? What lessons can be drawn from an evaluation of design vouchers in Scotland for the United Kingdom as a whole and possibly the rest of Europe? This article draws on the experience of User Factor – an EU-funded project on the future of design support in Europe through five knowledge exchange workshops with eight business support organizations as well as a design-led evaluation of the impact of ‘By Design’ vouchers in Scotland among participating companies. In the United Kingdom, the design support landscape is fragmented – design is part of the remit of all the devolved nations’ business support programmes; however, this landscape is complex for small companies to navigate. In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, design support programmes are currently EU-funded, so it is unclear what programmes will look like after Brexit. ‘By Design’ is a light-touch grant for Scottish companies to access up to £5000 to work with design agencies. Over five years, 618 companies received the grant. The evaluation revealed that design is a relatively low-cost way for companies to innovate as 64 per cent of companies reported bringing a new product or service to market and 27 per cent entered new markets. Furthermore, after the grant, 83 per cent of companies continued to work with a design agency going on to invest £26,000 on average. This demonstrates that a small government grant of up to £5000 can stimulate a fivefold increase in investment. In 2020, design was back on the EU policy agenda as a driver of circular economy and the ‘New European Bauhaus’. Based on the evaluation of the Scottish design vouchers and knowledge exchange between the User Factor partners, we draw out a series of insights and implications for design support in the United Kingdom and across Europe.
Contribution to the floras of Lipetsk and Voronezh Regions (new vascular plant records from Usmansky pine forest)
Authors: Starodubtseva Elena A.
Published: October 2021

The materials presented in the article supplement the information of “Flora of the middle zone of the European part of Russia” (Maevskiy, 2014) for the floras of Voronezh and Lipetsk Regions. The materials were collected in the period 2007–2020 on the protected areas of Usmansky Bor: in the Voronezhsky State Reserve, its protected zone and in the Federal Preserve “Voronezhsky”. The flora of the Lipetsk Region is supplemented by 9 species: Alchemilla argutiserrata, Aronia mitschurinii, Carex remota, C. tomentosa, Centaurea majorovii, Cotoneaster lucidus, Hieracium sylvularum, Scirpoides holoschoenus, Symphoricarpos albus. The data on 11 new taxa are given for the Voronezh Region flora: Cotoneaster lucidus, Crataegus ucrainica, Hieracium sylvularum, Nymphaea × marliacea, Phytolacca acinosa, Philadelphus latifolius, P. serotina, Spiraea chamaedryfolia, Thuja occidentalis, Veronica polita, Wolffia globosa. The article reports on new finds of Carex bohemica and Prunus cerasifera, species that were previously noted in the region, but not included in “Flora ...” (Maevskiy, 2014). Among the 20 marked species, 11 taxa are alien ornamental plants and fruit trees and shrubs noted outside of cultivation areas. Leaving the places of cultivation by alien plants and naturalization in natural communities is a modern problem of protected areas in the European part of Russia.
Arbeit und Geschlecht. Strukturelle und normative Grundlagen von Technisierungsprozessen in der Pflege
Authors: Rudolph Clarissa
Published: October 2021

Clarissa Rudolph beschäftigt sich in dem Beitrag mit den Folgen der Vergeschlechtlichung und Ökonomisierung der Pflege für die Technisierung der Pflege. Pflege und Pflegearbeit ist eng verwoben mit den Geschlechterverhältnissen und Entstehungskontexten bezahlter Pflegearbeit. Daraus resultieren vergeschlechtlichte Arbeitsbedingungen und Einkommensverhältnisse, die sich durch die Ökonomisierungsprozesse im deutschen Gesundheitswesen manifestiert haben. Dieses Verständnis von Pflege führt dazu, dass sich Pflege beziehungsweise Pflegende selbst insbesondere durch ihre personenbezogenen Tätigkeiten charakterisieren und auszeichnen. Eine Technisierung der Pflege erscheint dann als Angriff auf das Spezifische der Tätigkeiten und auf die Vorstellung von 'guter Pflege'. Dies kann zu einer sichtbaren Distanz zur Technisierung und Digitalisierung in der Pflege führen.
Datenschutz und digitale Ethik
Authors: Swoboda Walter , Fotteler Marina , Örtl Michael , Holl Felix , Schmieder Martin , Buchner Elmar
Published: October 2021

Swoboda, Fotteler, Örtl, Holl, Schmieder und Buchner widmen sich in dem Beitrag der Frage, welche grundsätzlichen Anforderungen bezüglich des Datenschutzes und der digitalen Ethik an digitale Technik für gutes Alter gestellt werden müssen. Dabei gehen sie auch darauf ein, wieso Digitalisierung im pflegerischen Bereich notwendig ist und welche Vorgehensweise dabei besonders sinnvoll ist. Gesetzliche Grundlagen werden dabei genauso betrachtet wie neuere Methoden der Verschlüsselung und Anonymisierung. Besonderes Augenmerk richten sie an die Durchführbarkeit der gegebenen Vorschläge und ihre Umsetzung.
Anforderungen an die Evaluation von altersgerechten Assistenztechnologien aus gesundheitsökonomischer Sicht
Authors: Mähs Mareike
Published: October 2021

Mareike Mähs legt in ihrem Beitrag mögliche Vorgehensweisen sowie Anforderungen zur Evaluation von altersgerechten Assistenztechnologien dar. Mit dem Einsatz von altersgerechten Assistenztechnologien sind unterschiedliche Potenziale und Nutzen, jedoch auch Aufwendungen, Kosten und Risiken verbunden. Um die Potenziale und Risiken sowie die Nutzen und Kosten dieser Technologien abzuschätzen, sind methodisch hochwertige Evaluationsstudien nötig. Die Methodik der gesundheitsökonomischen Evaluationen kann angewendet werden, um Kosten-Nutzen-Abwägungen bezüglich der Technologie und geeigneten Alternativen durchzuführen. Diesbezüglich sind eine Reihe von Anforderungen zu beachten, wie z. B. der Einbezug der Personen, die die Technologie nutzen, die Anwendung eines Methodenmixes und die Evaluation der langfristigen Folgen.
Method for Directing Collaborative Study Guide Construction by Undergraduate Student Groups
Authors: Petrunich-Rutherford Maureen Lynn
Published: October 2021

Students often request study guides; however, the impact of study guides on student learning is mixed. Here, some evidence on student study guide usage and collaborative learning is briefly reviewed. This information helped to shape the development of a collaborative activity where student groups create their own study guide questions based on the chapter learning outcomes. Requiring students to collaborate and create their own study guides may encourage a higher engagement with and deeper processing of the course content.
Student Perceptions of Great Teaching
Authors: Bledsoe Robert S. , Richardson Deborah South , Kalle Ashley
Published: October 2021

What behaviors do students consider as representative of exemplary teaching? Do those representations vary by context? This study evaluates 176 student nominations for a teaching award that asked nominators to articulate specific acts by individual instructors that exemplify “great teaching.” Through an iterative process, our content analysis identified 10 themes, which generally represent socioemotional connection, behaviors relevant to student learning, and instructor characteristics. We also identified two themes—the instructor as a model and as someone whose efforts exceed expectations—that do not appear frequently in existing literature. The quantitative analysis revealed that frequency of themes differed for instructors from traditional liberal arts and sciences disciplines and those from professional programs in the health sciences.
Questioning CRAAP
Authors: Lowe M. Sara , Macy Katharine V. , Murphy Emily , Kani Justin
Published: October 2021

Librarians and instructors see college students struggle with evaluating information and wonder how to best teach source evaluation in a one-time course integrated library research session to ensure understanding and improve student performance. This research compared multiple sections of first-year students over two semesters taught two evaluation methods: the CRAAP method, and the six journalistic question words. Results indicate that students taught to evaluate information using the six question words produced better end-of-semester papers. Results of the pre-, post-, and end-of-semester quizzes were less conclusive, but do highlight some of the challenges first-year students face when determining credibility. Results have the potential to inform instructional practice.
Pygmalion in the ’hood
Authors: Socas John
Published: October 2021

Self-presenting effectively at job interviews presents significant challenges for students at urban community colleges, especially those identified as low-income Black and Latinx. Current practices provide minimal support, if any, for enhancing the self-presentation of these students at job interviews. Too often, instead, students simply do not perform well, fail to achieve their job objectives, and remain marginalized by society. This article describes the experiences of urban community college students involved in an innovative effort to enhance their performance in job interviews. This innovative approach features identity work and highlights the value of role play and improvisation in a range of dramatic activities. It utilizes insights gained from research into Freirian conscientization, critical pedagogy, and critical race theories as well as participatory action research (PAR) methodology. This study highlights the eloquent voices and dramatic concerns of the students involved in two vignettes, “Acting White” and “Acting Phony,” expressing the plight of these students. Providing insights for teachers, the article reviews identity work to facilitate successful self-presentation conducted by a wide range of educators dealing with similar challenges involving racial and ethnic minorities. Concluding observations are presented and future debate and research is encouraged.
The Impact of Financial Liberalization on the Value of the Bank: An Applied Study on Private Iraqi Banks for the Period 2011-2017
Authors: Al-Anezi Dr. Wisam H. Ali , mohammed Mushtaq T.
Published: October 2021

These aim to measure the impact of financial liberalization on the bank’s value for a sample of Iraqi banks listed on the financial market for the period (2011-2017). Quarterly data was used for a sample consisting of 20 banks to form a dashboard with a total of 560 views per variable. In return, five were used. Variables: (credit growth rate and deposit growth rate) are independent variables that express financial liberalization, (traded value, market value and book value) as dependent variables that express the bank’s accounting and market value, and by using the Panel Least Squares model, it was concluded that financial liberalization has an effect Positive for the value of the bank, and the study recommends that the monetary authorities implement more liberalization accompanied by the use of more stringent supervision tools.
The Corona Pandemic and its Effects on the Creativity Level of Students at Diyala University: A Study Applied to Students of the Faculty of Administration and Economics
Authors: Karam Dr. Kareem Saihood , Hemeed Mariam Muhaibis , Oleiwi Shaymma Gabbar
Published: October 2021

Corona crisis adds a lot of new challenges and dangerous to all areas of life including the Education and teaching sector. In many countries, especially the third world countries, reports issued by UNESCO, the World Bank, and international and regional organizations confirm that the education sector in these countries suffers from many crises and structural, financial and administrative problems. Consequently, radical reforms and new strategies must be adopted in order to bring it out of its crises, solve its problems, and rehabilitate it to face the complex challenges of the era. From this standpoint, our current study examines the role and effect of the Corona pandemic on the level of creativity of Diyala University students. By studying the correlation relationship and determine the test of the degree of moral influence between the variables of the study. The current study includes four topics. The first topic focuses on the approved methodology. As for the second topic, it focuses on the theoretical aspects of the study variables, then the third topic focuses on the applied and practical aspects of proving the validity and honesty of the hypotheses. Finally, the fourth topic focuses on the most important conclusions and recommendations recommended by the researchers. The study is applied in practice at the University of Diyala and some of its colleges. The study reaches a set of conclusions, the most important of them is the existence of a significant and significant relationship between creativity and minimizing the negative effects of the Corona pandemic, as well as between knowing and identifying obstacles and working to address them relating to the Corona pandemic. As well as the existence of a relationship between the effects of the moral significance of the creativity variable and the effects of the Corona pandemic in the research organization. The study recommends a set of recommendations that must be taken in order to maintain a high level of creativity among university students. Among the most prominent of those recommendations. Universities should adopt a policy of raising student morale by increasing the level of trust between them and the students and not focusing on the negative aspects of performance and raising the morale of students, in addition to providing the necessary financial allocations for the advancement of the creative level. Opening horizons for scientific cooperation between all universities.
Patrzenie jako źródło cierpień (z rzymskich dziejów pewnego motywu literackiego)
Authors: Pigoń Jakub
Published: October 2021

The paper examines a number of Roman literary texts (by Ennius, Cicero, Vergil, Ovid, Seneca the Younger, Lucan, Tacitus, Jerome, etc.) in which viewing is connected with mental or emotional suffering. Usually, the emphasis is laid on a character’s viewing of some dramatic events – a close relative’s death, for example – and on his or her emotional response to what is being seen. In some works, especially in consolatory contexts, someone’s premature death is presented as advantageous because the dead person is now spared the necessity of viewing misfortunes which the living have to witness. Also, people may be compelled (e.g. by an emperor) to watch evil things; in such a situation they are usually viewers and objects of viewing at the same time, since their gestures and facial expression are carefully observed.
Funkcja moralizatorska sentencji Appiusza
Authors: Stankiewicz Lucyna
Published: October 2021

The article talks about the aphorisms of Appius (Appius Claudius Caecus, c. 360 BCE – 275 BCE), the first individualized figure in Latin literature. The author introduces the reader to the motifs of the aphorisms and at the same time proposes a translation of these verses.
Hippokratesa z Chios kwadratura księżyczków
Authors: Wesoły Marian A.
Published: October 2021

I dedicate this article, in Memoriam, to Professor Sylwester Dworacki, my first guide in Greek texts, with whom I later had the distinguished privilege to frequently discuss diverse issues in philological exegesis. The little-known figure of Hippocrates of Chios has recently attracted strong interest of several scholars, though mainly by historians of mathematics. Aristotle mentioned critically his quadrature of the circle by means of segments or by means of lunules. Aristotle’s commentator Simplicius, citing Eudemus of Rhodos, quoted a longer paraphrase of Hippocrates’ arguments regarding the quadrature of the lunules. Appropriately selected parts from these arguments are given here in Greek, along with their faithful Polish translation. One should carefully understand the critical stance of Aristotle, who in his particular way understood quadrature as the finding of the geometrical mean and, therefore, accused Hippocrates of using false diagrams.
Szalony protagonista Eurypidesowego „Orestesa” w komentarzach scholiastów
Authors: Czerwińska Jadwiga , Chiżyńska Katarzyna
Published: October 2021

Madness is a constant motif in ancient literature. It was often used by playwrights, including the three greatest tragedians of the Classical Greece: Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides. One of the most interesting plays dealing with issues of madness is Euripidean Orestes. This play has received numerous commentaries written by scholiasts, who described all aspects of the state of mania. The article is devoted to the analysis of madness and the corpus of texts are scholia describing Orestes’ disease. Commentaries allow us to establish a definition of mania, show its sources and describe its various physical and mental symptoms. The material presented in the article shows how interesting the phenomenon of madness was for the scholiasts.
PREGNANCY RELATED PLASMA PROTEIN–A AND PREMATURE BIRTH
Authors: Todorov Iv. , Tododrov N. , Angelova M. , Peeva K.
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Children born prematurely are at higher risk of mortality, morbidity, and impaired motor and cognitive development in childhood than prematurely born babies.
Aim: To establish the relationship between the corresponding levels of pregnancy-related plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and the frequency of premature birth.
Materials and methods: The study is prospective. The data was collected through monitoring patients through a questionnaire and sonographic examination at 11-13 gestational weeks. The study excluded all known risk factors for preterm birth, such as previous preterm births, pregnant women with gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, hypertension, placenta previa, hydramnion, multiple pregnancies, smoking, structural and chromosomal abnormalities of the fetus and planned preterm birth. The data from the measured values of PAPP-A and the frequency of premature birth in 636 pregnant women were analyzed.
Conclusions: PAPP-A levels are a statistically significant factor for preterm birth. It is expected with a 95% probability in the population with PAPP-A values below 0,515 that the cases with premature birth will be from 7 to 14 times more.
Pregnant women with PAPP-A level less than 10th per cent are significantly associated with an increased risk of preterm birth.
BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF SILYMARIN AGAINST NEPHROTOXICITY CAUSED BY SOME CHEMICALS
Authors: Ivanov V. , Slavova V. , Georgieva D. , Petrova-Tacheva V. , Tolekova A.
Published: October 2021

Silybum marianum (L) Gaertn (Carduusmarianus L., Asteraceae) seeds have been used as a traditional remedy for liver and gallbladder diseases, and has been especially valued for its properties against hepatitis and cirrhosis for centuries. Publications on its beneficial effects in the treatment of diabetes, on its radio-protective effects, and properties against chemical weapons intoxication have proliferated in the medical literature over the last few years. Silymarin is used as a chemoprotective and anticancer agent. It also has protective properties against the toxic effects of some drugs used in oncology, as well as antibiotics, which was the topic of the first part of our review on the nephroprotective effects of Silymarin. The purpose of this publication is to summarise the results of our research into the effects of Silymarin for reducing the toxic damage caused by chemical agents like fungi toxins, organic solvents, heavy metals, etc.
CURRENT KNOWLEDGE ON THE PATHOGENIC MECHANISMS OF HENOCH-SCHOENLEIN PURPURA IN CHILDREN
Authors: Vasileva A. , Chakarov Iv. , Chakarova P.
Published: October 2021

The Schӧnlein-Henoch vasculitis is an IgA-mediated inflammation of small vessels. The main clinical manifestation is palpable purpura without thrombocytopenia, manifested by bilateral symmetrical distribution on both lower limbs, abdominal pain, often accompanied by blood in the stools, hematuria with / or without proteinuria.
Historically, the disease has been known since 1832. In Bulgaria, although that later Henoch-Schӧnlein purpura (HSP) aroused scientific interest, several publications focused on the pathogenic nature, clinical variations, and potential complications of the disease, as well as options for therapeutic intervention.
Modern knowledge about the etiology and pathogenesis of the disease has given new light, respectively a basis for early diagnosis, reduction of complications and recurrences, as well as the avoidance of polypragmatism.
It turned out that in HSP there are genetic factors and new aspects, binding until now accepted concept that there are no changes in the coagulation system. The role of factor XIII, as a prognostic indicator of the severity of clinical manifestations and von Willebrand factor (vWF), as a reliable index of the degree of vascular wall damage, has been demonstrated. Plasma imbalance in the Th1 / Th2 ratio was also found and a percentage of NK cells, respectively their immune function, were reduced.
This new knowledge about the pathogenic nature of HSP is the basis for a change in the concept of therapeutic behavior, which is aimed at the severity of the clinical course, and not only at the treatment of the disease, which is itself symptomatic.
A descriptive study of COVID-19 at a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Mittal Amit , Singh Manoj Kumar , Kumar Rajeev , Mandsorwale Deepti
Published: October 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (abbreviated “COVID-19”) is an emerging respiratory disease that is caused by a novel coronavirus and was first detected in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. The cases of COVID-19 infection since then were showing increasing trend in all over the world.

The aim: to study the epidemiological distribution and determinants of COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: it is a descriptive study carried out at a tertiary care hospital of India. The population comprised of patients admitted in the hospital. Sample size comprised of all the subjects admitted in the hospital with established COVID 19 +ve cases. The duration of study was April 2020 to June 2020. The study was approved by the Institutional Ethical committee and Informed consent was obtained from each subject before the conduct of the study. Data collection was done by a pre-structured questionnaire. Data entry and analysis was done using SPSS version 20 software.

Results: out of total 38 COVID-19 +ve cases, 95 % were male and 5 % female ant the maximum numbers of cases ranges between 36–40 years of age group with the median age of 32 years.53 % of cases were Muslim and 47 % Hindu by religion. The median duration of stay in hospital of all COVID-19 +ve cases was11 day that on further differentiation with co-morbidity was 15 days and 11.5 without any co-morbidity. The median duration taken between 1st sample taken and report provided was 2 days, between 2nd sample taken and report provided 1 day and between 1st and 2nd sample taken was 11 days.

Conclusions: present study concluded that middle age persons were affected in majority which may be due to more exposure to public places. Co-morbidities are strong predictors of requirement for admission and duration of stay at hospital
Study of levels of readiness of future specialists of physical culture for health preservation of students
Authors: Dzhurinsky Petr
Published: October 2021

It has been established, that the training of future physical culture specialists for health preservation of students in the context of the development of education in Ukraine is characterized by active innovative shifts, associated with the formation of the content of new higher education, in connection with which its purpose is expanding and changing. Health preservation and health-preserving technologies constitute one of the most promising educational systems.

It has been determined, that today the development of a comprehensive program of a higher educational institution is urgent, which would allow solving problems of creating conditions, conducive to preservation and strengthening of health; introduction of a methodology, principles and methods of health-preserving education, software and hardware tools for monitoring, shaping, developing and maintaining the health of participants in the educational process; control over the observance of legislative and regulatory legal acts, regulating the activities of an educational institution on the issues of health preservation.

 It is believed, that health-preserving activity of physical culture specialists is a set of actions, operations and procedures that functionally and technologically ensure the achievement of a result in maintaining and strengthening health. We understand health-preserving activity as a professional property, which expresses the degree of assimilation of social experience in the field of ensuring education and health of students by means of physical culture by a future specialist, as well as the ability to use this experience in professional activity. The most significant structural components of the readiness of future physical culture specialists for health preservation of students have been revealed, namely: motivational and creative components. The levels of the readiness of the subjects for the motivational, cognitive, activity, creative and organizational and educational aspects have been determined
The study of oxidative stress indicators in rats with a simulated acute hepatitis and correction with a thick extract from reishi mushrooms
Authors: Herasymets Iryna , Fira Liudmila , Medvid Igor
Published: October 2021

The aim. To study the effect of a dry extract from reishi mushrooms on the activity of lipoperoxidation and oxidative modification of proteins under the conditions of a simulated paracetamol hepatitis in rats.

Materials and methods. The study was performed on white male rats. The animals were divided into 10 groups, each included 6 animals. Acute hepatitis was simulated by the intragastric administration of paracetamol in the dose of 1250 mg/kg once per day (for 2 days). Correction of the pathology induced was performed with a dry extract of reishi mushrooms in the dose of 100 mg/kg of the body weight. The reference drug “Silybor” was administered in the dose of 20 mg/kg of the animal body weight. On Day 3, 7 and 10 from the beginning of the lesion, rats were euthanized using sodium barbamyl. The liver homogenate and blood serum were used for the studies. The activity of free radical oxidation processes under the conditions of acute toxic hepatitis and after the introduction of corrective factors was assessed by superoxide dismutase, catalase activity, the content of TBA-AP and OMP products.

Results and discussion. The development of acute paracetamol hepatitis in rats and damage of hepatocyte membranes are indicated by an increase in the content of TBA-active products, products of oxidative modification of neutral and basic proteins in the serum and liver of animals. Simultaneously, a decrease in the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase was observed. After correction of the pathology induced with a dry extract of reishi mushrooms a significant increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, a decrease in the content of lipid peroxidation products and oxidative modification of proteins in the serum and liver of the affected animals were observed.

Conclusions. It has been experimentally proven that the use of dry extract of Reishi mushrooms in paracetamol hepatitis in rats caused a significant decrease in catalase and superoxide dismutase activity, a decrease in TBA-AP, neutral and basic 2,4-DNPH in the serum and liver of animals. The results of the research indicate an effective impact of reishi mushrooms dry extract on the normalization of lipoperoxidation, oxidative modification of proteins and antioxidant protection
Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a priority group representative of bacteria with multiple antibiotic resistance
Authors: Vashchyk Yevheniia , Morozenko Dmytro , Seliukova Nataliia , Zakhariev Andriy , Dotsenko Roman , Zemlianskyi Andrii , Shapovalova Olga , Dotsenko Ekaterina
Published: October 2021

The aim: the aim of the research is an analytical review of the scientific literature on Рseudomonas aeruginosa as a priority group representative of bacteria with multiple antibiotics resistance.

Materials and methods. The research was conducted by the method of scientific literature open source analysis: PubMed, Elsevier, electronic resources of the National Library named after V. I. Vernadsky and others.

Results. The problem of antibiotic resistance is rightly called the “apocalypse of the XXI century”.

P. aeruginosa bacteria are characterized by a very high natural ability to form resistant forms to antimicrobial drugs due to the formation of specific resistance genes, the ability to resist the entry of antibiotics into the cell or remove antibiotics from the cell, and form biofilms.

A characteristic feature of the epidemic and epizootic processes of P. aeruginosa, as an opportunistic ubiquitous microorganism is host-pathogenic interaction - the interaction of the pathogen with the host organism. The peculiarity of this bacterium is opportunism and long-term persistence in the body of the host and in the environment.

The global trend towards the spread of antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria, including P. aeruginosa, underscores the need to develop comprehensive response strategies targeting all sectors of health.

Conclusions. Bacteria P. aeruginosa is classified in 1th Critical Group of the WHO list of resistant to antibiotics "priority pathogens". Among the main reasons that contribute to the emergence of resistance are irrational antibiotic therapy in both humans and animals, and the use of antibiotics as growth stimulants in animal husbandry.

While more R&D is vital, alone, it cannot solve the problem. To address resistance, there must also be better prevention of infections and appropriate use of existing antibiotics in humans and animals, as well as rational use of any new antibiotics that are developed in future.

New methods of combating antibiotic resistance and antibacterial substances, alternatives to antibiotics (biofilm-destroying drugs, antimicrobial peptides (AMP), bacteriophages, nanopreparations, etc.) can make a positive contribution to overcoming the multiple drug resistance of gram-negatives
Construction of DNA ladder for determination of small size DNA fragments
Authors: Lan Vo Thi Thuong , Thi Thanh Le
Published: October 2021

DNA marker is commonly used to determine the size of DNA fragments by electrophoresis in routine molecular biology laboratories. In this study, we report a new procedure to prepare recombinant plasmids pSY-60 which was partially digested by one restriction enzyme for generating DNA markers of 7 fragments from 60 to 420 bp. The procedure included a synthesis of 60 bp DNA fragment with EcoRI sites at both ends using PCR extension, self-ligation of the 60 bp fragments and subcloning the ligated product into plasmid, generating recombinant pSY-60. Once being cloned, 500 ng of 420 bp fragment purified from 100 µL PCR product was incompletely digested by EcoRI, sufficiently producing to 50 acrylamide gels. Our procedure for production of DNA markers could be simple, time saving and inexpensive in comparison with current ones widely used in most laboratories.
Isolation and selection of bacteria inhibiting Streptococcus agalactiae causing dark-body disease on snakeskin gourami fish (Trichogaster pectoralis)
Authors: Anh Hong Le Thi , Minh Ngoc Pham Thi , Khanh Duong , Tuan Vo Van , Hoang Dung Nguyen
Published: October 2021

Streptococcus agalactiae is one of the microbial pathogens causing the dark-body disease on snakeskin gourami fish (Trichogaster pectoralis) that affects the growth and quality of fish. This research aimed to isolate and select bacteria inhibiting S. agalactiae which are able to use for controling pathogenic bacteria instead of antibiotics. Fourteen bacteria strains were isolated and screened from healthy fishes, sediment and water samples at fish ponds in Dong Thap province. Among these strains, L7 strain showed the highest inhibition ability with the clear zone diameter was 9,3 mm. The results of the 16S rRNA sequence analysis indicated that the L7 strain belonged to Bacillus subtilis. The experiment to evaluate the inhibition capacity and fish disease control of selected B. subtilis in experimental conditions was conducted by challenging fish with S. agalactiae. Fishes in the control treatment was infected with S. agalactiae at 106 CFU/mL had survival rate 41,7%. The experimental treatments NT1, NT2, NT3 which were treated with B. subtilis at concentrations of 105 CFU/mL, 106 CFU/mL, and 107 CFU/mL gave higher survival rates compared with the non-treated control, with the rates of 60%, 76,7%, and 81,7%, respectively. These results revealed that the isolated B. subtilis is potential used in control dark-body disease on snakeskin gourami fish.