bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Z-RNA biology: a central role in the innate immune response?
Authors: Nichols Parker J. , Krall Jeffrey B. , Henen Morkos A. , Vögeli Beat , Vicens Quentin
Published: January 2023

Z-RNA is a higher-energy, left-handed conformation of RNA, whose function has remained elusive. A growing body of work alludes to regulatory roles for Z-RNA in the immune response. Here, we review how Z-RNA features present in cellular RNAs—especially containing retroelements—could be recognized by a family of winged helix proteins, with an impact on host defense. We also discuss how mutations to specific Z-contacting amino acids disrupt their ability to stabilize Z-RNA, resulting in functional losses. We end by highlighting knowledge gaps in the field, which, if addressed, would significantly advance this active area of research.
A Study on the Retouching Materials for Oil Paintings : Using Restoration Colors
Authors: Choi Hee Jin , Kang Dai Ill
Published: January 2023

In this study, the Restoration color of three manufacturers (Companies A, B, and C) used for retouching are selected, and the differences in paint properties based on the resin type used by each manufacturer as the medium are compared. The results indicate that the paint produced by each manufacturer differs in terms of the ingredients, color development characteristics, durability, and reversibility. The paint by Company A (binder: mastic resin) shows the best reversibility; however, it exhibits significant discoloration and numerous cracks after deterioration, as well as chalking in some colors. The paint by Company B (binder: acrylic resin) is superior to those of other manufacturers in terms of discoloration and cracking, although its reversibility is unsatisfactory. The paint by Company C (binder: aldehyde resin) shows significant discoloration, and small holes are observed on the sample surface after deterioration. The results are consistent with the deterioration characteristics of the resin used as the medium; additionally, the restoration color differs in terms of durability and reversibility depending on the resin used as the medium. It is expected that the above results can be used not only as essential reference data when selecting materials for retouching, but also to predict problems that may appear in the restoration part of the work using Restoration color and to come up with management measures.
Expression of modified enhanced green fluorescent polyarginine protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae INVSc1
Authors: Tandio Saputro Shania Safera , Wahyunita Khayu , Nurhasanah Astutiati , Nugraha Yudhi , Faizal Irvan , Pambudi Sabar , Pramono Andri Pramesyanti
Published: January 2023

Background: The enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene is a reporter gene that can be used to optimize protein isolation procedures and the functional working of a transduction protein. EGFP, with the addition of eleven arginine residues, has been engineered to functionally improve the protein transduction process, which can later be used for cell reprogramming like induced pluripotent stem cells. The addition of six histidine amino acid residues at its C-terminal is intended for the protein isolation process using the His-tag antibody.

Methods: The study aimed to investigate the optimization of the EGFP polyarginine protein expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae in sufficient quantities for the protein isolation stage. This study also analyzed EGFP expression without polyarginine to analyze the polyarginine addition effect on expression processes. Protein expression was qualitatively measured by looking at expression fluorescence and protein levels of EGFP and EGFP - PolyR proteins.

Results: Bands on Western Blots with 6×His-tag monoclonal antibody (primary antibody) and Goat anti-mouse IgG HRP (secondary antibody) showed the EGFP polyarginine and EGFP proteins were expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae INVSc1 at relatively low levels. The lyticase incubation time modification and administration of 3-5 kDa microfilter to concentrate increased the yield of isolated protein.

Conclusions: The sufficient amount of protein isolation in S. cerevisiae can be achieved by using lyticase and sonicators combination for the lysis process.
The patent landscape in the field of stem cell therapy: closing the gap between research and clinic
Authors: Hernández-Melchor Dinorah , López-Bayghen Esther , Padilla-Viveros América
Published: January 2023

Stem cell technology is a powerful tool ready to respond to the needs of modern medicine that is experiencing rapid technological development. Given its potential in therapeutic applications, intellectual property rights (IPR) as a protection resource of knowledge are a relevant topic. Patent eligibility of stem cells has been controversial as restrictions to access the fundamental technologies open a gap between research and clinic. Therefore, we depicted the current patent landscape in the field to discuss if this approach moves forward in closing this breach by examining patent activity over the last decade from a transdisciplinary perspective. Stem cell therapeutic applications is an area of continuous growth where patent filing through the PCT is the preferred strategy. Patenting activity is concentrated in the USA, European Union, and Australia; this accumulation in a few key players leads to governance, regulation, and inequality concerns. To boost wealthiness and welfare in society - stem cell therapies' ultimate goal - while at post-pandemic recovery, critical elements in the field of IPR rise to overcome current limitations: to promote bridge builders able to connect the research and business worlds, regulatory updates, novel financing models, new vehicles (startups, spinouts, and spin-offs), and alternative figures of intellectual property.
USERS’ ENGAGEMENT IN BANKING ACTIVITIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA: A STUDY WITH REFERENCE TO FACEBOOK
Authors: Mani R. , Thiyagarajan S. , Azhaguraja N. , Janakiraman S.
Published: January 2023

This study was conducted to assess the users’ (customers’) engagement in Indian commercial banks on social media through customer reactions (likes, comments and shares) to the banking activities (banks’ Facebook page posts) on Facebook. The data was collected through Facebook for a period of five and half years (June 2016 to December 2021). This paper also found the presence of Indian commercial banks on various social media platforms. The results show that most of the commercial banks are present in popular social media platforms and all the banks are present on Facebook as well. With respect to users’ engagement in social media, private sector banks have more engaged users, especially in ICICI bank in comparison to public sector banks even though there are more public sector banks’ activities.
KAZAKHSTAN AND ITS INVESTMENT DEVELOPMENT PATH
Authors: Zhubikenov Adil
Published: January 2023

Historically, it turned out that the state cannot successfully develop without integration into the global economy. Although such integration is often associated with risks and high costs, these short-term factors overlap with long-term benefits. Foreign direct investment (FDI) is a criterion for this integration, and over the past 30 years, policies in developing countries have been increasingly focused on attracting them. This article attempts to explore the theory of investment development path (IDP according to Dunnings’s theory) of Kazakhstan which economy was considered as transitional, and its key component, the net external investment position, the starting point for data analysis is the beginning of Kazakhstan’s transition to the market system in 1991. The objective of the article is to identify at which stage Kazakhstan is situated. Many studies have been conducted among Western scientists and so far, not a single one among Kazakh scientists. The research was conducted empirically with data mainly from periodic reports published by the United Nations Confederation for Trade and Development (UNCTAD) entitled World Investment Report and studies by the National Bank of Kazakhstan. During the research, the author found out that Kazakhstan is in the second stage of its investment development path. The outcome of the research can be used in the work of state ministries of departments and in the teaching of economic disciplines on investment activities.
Determinants of using online shopping in European Union countries
Authors: Huterska Agnieszka , Huterski Robert
Published: January 2023

Motivation: Online shopping has gained increased economic importance as a result of restrictions on brick-and-mortar purchases due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Notwithstanding the natural partial return of consumers to direct purchases with the lifting of restrictions by the authorities, interest in online shopping does not return to pre-pandemic levels.
Aim: The aim of the article is to verify the influence of various factors on the propensity to use online shopping in the European Union countries in the period 2010–2021. Due to the temporal and geographical scope of data, the panel method was used in the research.
Results: The research on the determinants of online shopping, carried out by the authors, showed the statistical significance of all eight dependent variables affecting the share of people who shop online in the societies of the European Union countries. The increase in the use of online shopping is influenced by both the quality of Internet connections, the general frequency of Internet use, readiness to search the Internet for information about goods and services and the use of Internet banking. This regularity also occurs in the case of the share of older people in society, the share of people with at least the second level of education, the share of people employed in science and technology, and the level of GDP per capita.
SPOŁECZNA KRUCJATA MIŁOŚCI FORMUŁUJĄCA CZŁOWIEKA, RODZINĘ I NARÓD W MYŚLI KARDYNAŁA STEFANA WYSZYŃSKIEGO
Authors: Bujewska Monika
Published: January 2023

Społeczna Krucjata Miłości formułuje człowieka, rodzinę i naród. Kardynał Stefan Wyszyński zabiegał o ład i porządek narodu. Uważał, że wszystko w dużej mierze zależne jest od budowania podstaw w rodzinie. Połączenie rodziny i narodu przyczynia się do wzrostu wiary oraz do budowania tożsamości i prawidłowości w rodzinie. W ujęciu Prymasa naród jest rodziną rodzin, o którą trzeba dbać. W personalizm człowieka wpisuje się wartość pracy, która podnosi sprawność fizyczną oraz intelektualną, a także pozytywnie wpływa na rozwój osobowy człowieka. Przeżywane doświadczenia w pracy dają mądrość życiową, która wzywa do cnoty nieskwapliwości. Sumienność, pilność oraz cichość – na te cechy szczególnie zwracał uwagę myśliciel. Zadaniem człowieka jest nieustanne dążenie do przezwyciężania siebie i swoich słabości. Należy na nowo odkryć swoją ludzką tożsamość i zastanowić się nad programem godnego człowieka.
OCZEKIWANIA PRZEMIAN SŁUŻEBNOŚCI KOŚCIOŁA
Authors: Dziuba Andrzej
Published: January 2023

Przekazane Apostołom zadanie „Idźcie więc i nauczajcie wszystkie narody…” (Mt 28,19) zostaje umocnione darem Ducha Świętego (por. Dz 2,1-12). Nowa wspólnota, kształtująca się wokół Apostołów staje się widocznym Kościołem. Jednak, dla mocy świadectwa, potrzebny jest Kościół ewangeliczny. Także współczesny świat potrzebuje ludzi Chrystusowych, cichych i pokornego serca, ludzi sumienia, gotowych odważnie świadczyć dzieła miłosierdzia. To jarzmo nie jest trudne dla tych, którzy naśladując Jezusa są łagodni i pokornego serca. Tylko chrześcijanie umocnieni Duchem Świętym są gotowi do daru z siebie i budowania wolności, pokoju i miłości. Jednak tylko sakrament pokuty i Eucharystia dają siłę do walki z grzechem w życiu osobistym i społecznym. W Kościele nie może zabraknąć przemiany wszystkich chrześcijan, i to niezależnie od ich orientacji teologicznych oraz proweniencji kościelnych. Pojednanie trzeba zawsze odnieść do siebie i swego postępowania oraz wyborów moralnych. W sakramencie pokuty następuje pojednanie z miłosiernym Ojcem oraz ludźmi, jako bracia i siostry. Eucharystia uświęca i gromadzi w jedną rodzinę, zapraszając na ucztę w pielgrzymim Domu Ojca. Jednym ze znamion negacji Ewangelii jest dramatyczny brak jedności Kościoła. Pielgrzymując w świecie Kościół staje także wobec zadania ewangelizacji polityki. Nie mniej wyzwaniem pozostaje budowanie wolności i suwerenności. Wszystko to winno być nacechowane troską o człowieka, w życiu indywidualnym oraz społecznym. W dziele przemiany świata Kościół winien być nacechowany służebnością wobec nauki i kultury.
UWAGI DO SALVE REGINA JANA KASPROWICZA
Authors: Jakiel Edward
Published: January 2023

Przedstawiam tu dwie, dotąd niepodjęte w kasprowiczologii, istotne uwagi na temat utworu Salve Regina, zestawiając ze sobą dwa zagadnienia łączące ten hymn Kasprowicza z liturgią rzymską i obrzędowością. Wątki tematyczne i strukturalne, jakie w tym utworze odczytuję, ponad wszelką wątpliwość mają rodowód liturgiczno-obrzędowy. Najwyraźniej związek tego hymnu poety z utworem religijnym o tym samym tytule wyraża się w ujęciu czasu. Tak jak w liturgii mszalnej i liturgii pogrzebowej, ale też tak jak w pobożności klasztornej i pia exercitia hymn ten wiąże się z doświadczeniem krańcowym. Śpiewany lub recytowany na koniec mszy, na koniec pogrzebu, na koniec dnia – jest i w tym utworze Kasprowicza ściśle związany z końcem ziemskiego życia człowieka. Dlatego mamy tu do czynienia z rodzajem anaklezy liturgicznej, a przede wszystkim anamnezy wydarzeń biblijnych z ich liturgicznym kontekstem zorientowanym soteriologicznie.
LUDWIKA KULCZYCKIEGO WIZJA SOCJALISTYCZNEGO PAŃSTWA PRZYSZŁOŚCI
Authors: Koprowski Piotr
Published: January 2023

W artykule przybliżono Ludwika Kulczyckiego wizję socjalistycznego państwa przyszłości, pochodzącą z przełomu XIX i XX stulecia. Wizja autorstwa socjologa, publicysty, członka Polskiej Partii Socjalistycznej nie obfituje w szczegółowe analizy i rozwiązania. Uczony na przełomie XIX i XX wieku nie twierdził, że koncepcja przyszłości Europy, oparta na fundamencie socjalizmu, bez wątpienia zostanie zrealizowana w praktyce społeczno-politycznej. Nawet jeśli – w jego ocenie – jawiła się ona jako postępowa, to wcale nie znaczy, iż musi się „przydarzyć” mieszkańcom starego kontynentu. Kulczycki, mimo iż nie odrzucił rewolucyjnej drogi walki o nowy ład, preferował bezkrwawy i pokojowy sposób przejścia do socjalistycznego systemu organizacji państwa i społeczeństwa. Państwo przyszłości powinno określać normy życia zbiorowego, utrzymywać ład społeczny i porządek w produkcji. W życiu przyszłych, cywilizowanych społeczeństw Europy miało być instytucją niezbędną, podobnie jak określone normy prawno-konstytucyjne.
MŁODZIEŻ A DUCHOWOŚĆ?
Authors: Oleksowicz Michał
Published: January 2023

W ostatnim czasie uwagę wielu komentatorów życia społecznego przykuły opublikowane przez CBOS badania dotyczące religijności Polaków w latach 1992–2021. Jak wynika z tych badań, odnotowano trend wskazujący na spadek poziomu wiary religijnej i praktyk religijnych. Najgwałtowniejszy spadek zanotowano w liczbie praktykujących osób w przedziale wiekowym 18–24 lata. W kontekście wspomnianych przemian polski czytelnik otrzymuje do rąk monografię ks. Stanisława Suwińskiego pt. „Duchowość młodzieży w perspektywie ewangelizacji” (Bernardinum, Pelplin 2021), w której autor podejmuje refleksję nad duchowością młodzieży, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem perspektywy ewangelizacji w polskim kontekście kulturowym. Zarówno interdyscyplinarność jak i swoista pragmatyczność tej książki zachęcają, zważywszy na kontekst przemian religijności w Polsce, do dalszych refleksji nad zaproponowanym przez autora przedmiotem badań. W artykule jest analizowany związek duchowości z religijnością młodzieży w świetle monografii ks. Suwińskiego oraz innych badań dotyczących tego zagadnienia. Kwestia przemian religijności w Polsce jest ukazana w perspektywie danych statystycznych dotyczących wybranych krajów europejskich, a także zostaje uwypuklone znaczenie technologicznej rewolucji dla kształtowania współczesnego człowieka i jego sposobu funkcjonowania. W tak zarysowanym kontekście pytanie o duchowość młodzieży staje się przyczynkiem do refleksji nie tylko nad religijnością młodzieży, ale też nad przemianami chrześcijańskiej religijności jako takiej. Zaproponowana filozoficzna interpretacja religijności i jej przemian w perspektywie wcześniej omówionych zjawisk społecznych, może stać się argumentem na rzecz tezy o niezmiennej „żywotności religii”.
CZŁOWIEK I TOŻSAMOŚĆ NARODOWA POZA GRANICAMI KRAJU. DZIEJE ARCHIWUM POLSKIEGO HOSPICJUM I KOŚCIOŁA ŚW. STANISŁAWA W RZYMIE W PERSPEKTYWIE DALSZYCH BADAŃ
Authors: Skrabski Józef , Sumieniewski Cezary , Kochańczyk-Bonińska Karolina
Published: January 2023

Artykuł prezentuje dotychczasowe prace inwentaryzacyjne, digitalizacyjne oraz naukowo-badawcze podjęte w Archiwum i Hospicjum św. Stanisława w Rzymie oraz zarysowuje dalsze perspektywy w zakresie ochrony, inwentaryzacji, udostępniania archiwaliów oraz możliwości badawcze związane z zasobami Archiwum, biorąc pod uwagę specyfikę zgromadzonych zbiorów i ich znaczenie dla rekonstrukcji losów poszczególnych osób, rodzin oraz historii organizacji i środowisk polonijnych rozsianych po całym świecie. To z kolei ma istotne znaczenie dla budowania tożsamości narodowej Polaków zamieszkałych poza granicami kraju.
POTRZEBA DOCENIENIA „GENIUSZU KOBIETY”
Authors: Suwiński Stanisław , Tokarz Emilia
Published: January 2023

Pod pojęciem „geniusz” rozumie się najwyższy stopień zdolności umysłowych człowieka lub wyjątkowe uzdolnienia w jakimś kierunku. W związku z tym, geniuszem nazywa się również człowieka obdarzonego niezwykłą zdolnością twórczą lub wyjątkowo utalentowanego w jakiejś dziedzinie. W odniesieniu do kobiety „geniusz” oznacza jej wrodzoną zdolność do miłowania i bycia miłowaną. Wokół tego koncentruje się problem badawczy artykułu tak, aby w obliczu powojennego niedoceniania „geniuszu kobiet” wydobyć na światło dzienne potrzebę ponownego docenienia tego wyjątkowego daru, a zostanie to ukazane w oparciu o źródła biblijne i nauczanie Jana Pawła II, który nadał też temu określeniu „żywotności”. Potrzeba docenienia roli kobiety w życiu społecznym, politycznym, kulturalnym, a zwłaszcza religijnym jest wciąż aktualnym zagadnieniem wielu dyskusji. Wśród różnych form zaangażowania kobiet na uwagę zasługuje właśnie płaszczyzna religijna. Dlatego w ostatnim punkcie artykułu zostaną ukazane niektóre wzorce „geniuszu kobiet”, które z motywów religijnych pozostały bezżenne w życiu konsekrowanym lub świadomie wybrały samotność.
La situación de las trabajadoras transfronterizas durante más de dos años de cierre fronterizo en Ceuta.
Authors: Arnet Rodríguez Alejandro
Published: January 2023

En la presente comunicación se pretende abordar la realidad vivida durante un periodo de casi ochocientos días de cierre fronterizo (desde el 13 de marzo de 2020 al 17 de mayo de 2022) en un colectivo tan peculiar en la ciudad de Ceuta como es el de las trabajadoras transfronterizas, empleadas de hogar y de nacionalidad marroquí. Cuestiones, como la normativa específica de extranjería, así como la regulación social básica sectorial de un colectivo tan singular, desde el inicio de su regulación hasta su actual vigencia. Perspectivas diferentes como la de la propia Administración (Seguridad Social y Extranjería), así como de las trabajadoras afectadas han sido recogidas igualmente en el presente documento, en los precisos momentos de la reapertura de la frontera y consecuente restauración paulatina del tránsito entre ambos países.
El alcance de la acción protectora de la Seguridad Social española para los marroquíes en situación legal e ilegal en territorio nacional.
Authors: García-Giralda Casas Carlos
Published: January 2023

Las relaciones de España, como miembro de la Unión Europea, con otros países extra comunitarios, en especial con Marruecos, determinan una serie de especialidades en la aplicación de nuestro Sistema de la Seguridad Social que tienen diversa amplitud dependiendo de la condición de residente legal o ilegal en España de los ciudadanos extra comunitarios, en nuestro caso, de los ciudadanos marroquíes, lo que implica que ostenten una serie de derechos en relación a las prestaciones que se incluyen dentro de la acción protectora del Sistema Público de la Seguridad Social que tienen distinta intensidad en uno y otro supuesto de residencia legal o ilegal, aunque en determinadas prestaciones, como las de asistencia sanitaria, nos encontremos ante casi una plena equiparación de situaciones prestacionales, en todo caso, resulta trascendental concretar el derecho de cada sujeto beneficiario y el alcance del derecho en el momento de tener que ejercitarlo.
Igualdad de trato y compatibilidad de pensiones de incapacidad conforme a la doctrina del TJUE.
Authors: Téllez Valle Virgilio
Published: January 2023

La finalidad del presente trabajo es analizar la reciente sentencia del TJUE de 30/6/22 (asunto C-625/20) en la que sea analiza, una vez más, el acomodo del sistema de pensiones español a la regulación europea en materia de igualdad de trato entre hombres y mujeres. En este caso, desde el particular ámbito de la normativa nacional que impide a los trabajadores percibir simultáneamente dos pensiones de incapacidad permanente total cuando corresponden al mismo régimen de seguridad social, mientras que permite tal acumulación cuando dichas pensiones corresponden a distintos regímenes.
Report from the Northern Ireland Heart Failure Nurse Forum's educational meeting
Authors: Donnelly Edith , Cousins Carolyn , McGrady Claire , McMullan Emma
Published: January 2023

This year, the Northern Ireland Heart Failure Nurse Forum relaunched with the aim of supporting, developing and promoting the essential role of heart failure specialist nurses in Northern Ireland. One of their first priorities was to host an educational meeting for their members, colleagues working in cardiac rehabilitation and cardiology nurses. This report summarises the content of the day, highlighting some topical issues in 2022.
Highlighting the latest research: December 2022
Authors: Palmer Sarah Jane
Published: January 2023

Sarah Jane Palmer presents a selection of recently published articles of interest to nurses working in cardiovascular nursing. The aim of this roundup is to provide a brief overview of the research papers selected. A full reference is provided for those who wish to look at the research in further detail
Breastfeeding and medication for long-term conditions
Authors: Jones Wendy
Published: January 2023

As the number of women with chronic conditions increases, so does the number of women who will be breastfeeding while taking medication. General practice nurses have a key role to play in identifiying these patients, as they may not always volunteer this information. When prescribing to breastfeeding women it is important to be aware that some of the drug that she takes is likely to pass to the baby via breastmilk. Prescibers need to be aware of sources they can use to find more information on this topic, so that they can help patients to make informed decisions and keep the mother and baby dyad at the centre of the consultation.
Is vitamin D supplementation of potential benefit for community-living people with Alzheimer's disease?
Authors: Karaoglan Mehmet , Voegeli David
Published: January 2023

Background

Vitamin D is associated not only with effects on calcium and bone metabolisms but also with many chronic diseases. Low vitamin D levels in patients with Alzheimer's disease have been widely reported in the literature.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to critically review the potential benefit of vitamin D supplementation in individuals with Alzheimer's disease living in the community. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library for papers published 2011–2018.

Results

Seven papers were selected, consisting of one clinical trial, five cohort studies and one systematic review. Studies showed an association only between vitamin D deficiency and lower attention in older people. None of the reviewed studies provided evidence of a positive impact of vitamin D supplementation on cognitive function in older people with Alzheimer's disease.

Conclusion

There was no evidence that vitamin D supplementation has a direct benefit for Alzheimer's disease. The review synthesised the existing body of knowledge and concluded that optimum levels of vitamin D (neither too low nor too high) do appear to have positive effects on patient outcomes and quality of life. It is still unclear why vitamin D intake is inadequate as people age. Further research is needed to clarify vitamin-D-related aspects of Alzheimer's disease.
Hypothalamic Revascularization and Rejuvenation
Authors: Rafael Hernando , Valadez María Teresa
Published: January 2023

Background: Since 1990 and to date, four therapeutic methods have been used against aging. All of them, to increase the plasma growth hormone levels. 
Material and Method: We choose 38 patients to analyse the postoperative rejuvenation. Previously, all of them have been received omental transplantation on the optic chiasma, the carotid bifurcation and the anterior perforated space. Patients with stroke in 14 cases, Alzheimer´s disease (AD) in 23 and Huntington´s disease (HD) in 1. The clinical data of rejuvenation were obtained by observation, videotape and photography. 
Results: Neurological improvement in patients with stroke, AD and HD were better during the first weeks after surgery than in the following months or years. Besides this, between 1 to 4 months after surgery, 32 patients (84.21%) showed rejuvenation and in the rest, there were not changes. These 6 last patients presented dilation of the third ventricle. 
Conclusions: These results indicate that the primary cause of aging is of ischemic origin, in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Because, in contrast to this, its revascularization by means of omental tissue produce rejuvenation. Therefore, our surgical method improve the function of the residual arcuate nucleus and adjacent zones.
Dementia and Mental Health and Economy of Primary Caregivers: A Case Study
Authors: Adhikari Harasankar
Published: January 2023

Dementia is rapidly a growing challenge for elderly population throughout the globe. Caring for loved one with dementia is a burden and very much stressful for primary caregivers (family members) who are under the home care. It is a serious issue for family which is in lack economic resource. This study examines mental health and economy of a lower middle class family of slum colony of Kolkata metro city of India where has no separate shelter for elderly one and family’s financial condition is in thick and thin position. Elderly mother was about 76 years old. The family had been managing dementia for last 5 years. The study assessed that family members were depressed and their anxiety as well as depression had crossed the limit. Their mental health had been reflected in their daily life and interactional level had been worse affected. So, they were almost isolated from their neighbour. On the other hand, male of this family, only earner (daily wage labour) was unable to go outside for job. This study suggested that government should take effective policy for dementia care and a support to the family with dementia is needed.
Efficiency of 0.01% Dexamethasone Solution in Comprehensive Therapy of Dry Eye Disease
Authors: Vladimir Brzheskiy , Vladimir Popov , Irina Kalinina , Natalia Kalinina
Published: January 2023

Introduction: At present anti-inflammatory therapy of patients with dry eye disease is based mainly on glucocorticoids' instillations. In spite of the fact that dexamethasone in officinal dosage (0.1%) has a marked local anti-inflammatory effect, its wide use is limited by the presence of a destructive process in the cornea. Taking this into account, the authors developed a drug containing 0.01% dexamethasone phosphate in combinations with 6% polyvinylpyrolidone and 1.5-5.5% dextrose solution.
Objective: To study the impact of the developed medication on the inflammatory process dynamics in the tissues of the eye surface in patients with dry eye disease of various etiology.
Materials and Methods: The material of this study was based on the results of the examination and treatment of 25 volunteers (50 eyes) with corneal-conjunctival xerosis developed on the background of 7 cases of meibomian blepharitis (14 eyes), 8 cases of perimenopause (16 eyes), and 10 cases of Sjögren's syndrome (20 eyes).
All patients used the developed medication in the form of eye drops 3-4 times daily on the background of tear replacement therapy. Prior to the therapy and on day 28 of the study the following parameters were assessed, lower tear meniscus index, precorneal tear film production, stability and osmolarity, staining of eye surface epithelium with sodium fluoresce in solution, as well as bengal rose and lissamine green. The quantity of cytokines was determined in the tear fluid and blood plasma with ELISA method: interleukins-1β, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 17A, interleukin 1 receptor antagonist, TNF α, interferons α and γ. Besides, all the subjects were asked to fill in a questionnaire to evaluate subjective signs of the ocular surface epithelium xerosis or Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI).
Results: By day 28 of the study statistically valid increase of the tear meniscus index, precorneal tear film stability, main and total tear production and decrease of tear film osmolarity were observed. Besides, the staining degree of the ocular surface epithelium with bengal rose and lissamine green (van Bijsterv?ld scale) and with sodium fluoresce in (Oxford scale) decreased. Also, the positive dynamics of the objective parameters of the ocular surface epithelium is confirmed by the subjects' patients evaluation of their quality of life.
Conclusion: The results of the study performed prove the high clinical efficiency of the developed medication that has a marked local anti-inflammatory effect in the therapy of dry eye disease of various etiology.
Long-Term Results of Excimer Laser Surface Ablation with Smoothing for High Myopia
Authors: Vinciguerra Paolo , Torres Ingrid , Sergio Adriana , Legrottaglie Emanuela F. , Camesasca Fabrizio I.
Published: January 2023

Purpose: To evaluate long-term refractive, aberrometric and anatomical results of surface ablation plus corneal PTK-style smoothing for myopia greater than –7.00 D.
Methods: One-hundred-and-fourteen eyes of 69 patients (mean age: 37.7 ± 8.3 years) underwent PRK with the NIDEK EC-5000 excimer laser (NIDEK Co. Ltd., Gamagori, Japan) using multiple optical zones ranging in diameter from 4.89 mm to 7.0 mm, and transition zones (TZ) that were at least 3 mm wider than the optical zones (OZ). A cross-cylinder technique was used for treating astigmatism greater than 0.50 D. All eyes underwent a phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) smoothing technique using masking fluid. The Student’s t-test was used to determine a statistically significant change after surgery. A p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Preoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was 0.88 ± 0.16 with –9.53 ± 1.18 D cycloplegic spherical equivalent (SE). Preoperative corneal pachymetry was 560.4 ± 30.1 µ. Three years after surgery uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 0.79 ± 0.26, CDVA was 0.92 ± 0.19 with –0.56 ± 0.90 D SE. Mean corneal haze was highest 1 month after surgery (0.58 ± 0.35), then progressively decreased to 0.11 ± 0.32 by 3 months postoperatively. Following year one, refraction and corneal curvature remained stable. There were no cases of keractasia to date. There was no hyperopic induction due to PTK. Two eyes required retreatment due to undercorrection. Total wavefront error did not change significantly, while astigmatism decreased and coma increased (both with p< 0.001).
Conclusion: Surface ablation for the treatment of high myopia using PTK smoothing with a masking fluid was safe and effective. Wide optical and transition zones prevented induction of spherical aberration and the incorporation of the smoothing technique created a regular corneal surface with regular healing and trace to no haze after surgery.
Efficacy with Autologous Conjunctival Implant Associated with Phototherapeutic Keratectomy (PTK) in the Treatment of the Pterygium
Authors: Fiorini P.F. , Mularoni A. , Di Silvestre L. q , Inferrera L. , Aragona P. , Meduri A.
Published: January 2023

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of new formula of the PTK calculated with the head-limbus-distance (=height) and limbal base length of the pterygium and ablation thickness on the anterior corneal curvature and visual acuity, associated with autologous conjuntival implant in patients with primary (Group A)and secondary(Group B) pterygium.
Setting: This study was developed in the Department of Ophthalmology, Maggiore Hospital of Bologna.
Design: Prospective non randomized study was conducted in 18 eyes of 18 subjects (9 eyes primary and 9 eyes with recurrent pterygium) operated with a dedicated PTK program.
Methods: All patients signed informed consent before the start of the research. BCVA (Best Corrected Visual Acuity), mean refractive error (ME) and topographic astigmatism and recurrence of pterygium was followed. Mean follow up was 18.67 ± 6.13 months Min: 12 Max: 24 months.
Results: Mean post-operative BCVA increased at 3-24 months compared with pre-op BCVA (p= 0.003). Mean post-op BCVA improved independent of the optical zone involvement in the pre-op (p= 0.845).
Mean Pre-op astigmatism (Group A): was: 0,97 ± 2,7 (MIN: -2,8 Max: +5). Mean pre-op Astigmatism (Group B) :-0,33 ± 1,98 (MIN: -3 Max:+4). Astigmatism reduction in the group A: 0 D; Group B: -0,1D ± 0,74D MIN: -1 Max: +1. No statistically difference at 24 months from two groups in BCVA (p=0,59), Sf ( P=0,7), ME(p=0,7), astigmatism ( p=0,96) ANOVA. Recurrence of pterygium was: 0%.
Conclusions: The dedicated programme of PTK was shown to be safe and effective for the treatment of the pterygium. BCVA can be improved by providing a smooth corneal surface in cases of optical zone involvement.
Biochemical, Immunological, DNA and Histopathological Changes Caused by Cannabis Sativa in the Rat
Authors: Abdel-Salam Omar M.E. , Youness Eman R. , Shaffee Nermeen
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of repeated administration of Cannabis sativa extract on some biochemical, immunological parameters, on DNA damage and on brain and liver histology in the rat. Rats received either saline or Cannabis sativa at 5, 10 or 20 mg/kg (expressed as ?9-tetrahydrocannabinol), intraperitoneally daily for 30 days. Cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total proteins, glucose were determined in serum. DNA fragmentation was measured in the liver. The level of DNA damage of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was evaluated by alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay). Brain and liver histopathology and caspase-3 immunohistochemistry were performed. Cannabis treatment resulted in increased cholesterol (41.2% by 20 mg/kg cannabis) and triglycerides (17.8-31.8% by 10-20 mg/kg cannabis). HDL-C decreased by 21.9-38.4% while LDL-C increased by 14.7-174.7% by 10-20 mg/kg cannabis. Total proteins were unaltered but glucose increased by 34.2-53.3% by 10-20 mg/kg of cannabis. CD4 increased by 16.6-19.5% by 10-20 mg/kg cannabis. Liver DNA fragmentation increased by 16.7% after cannabis at 20 mg/kg. The comet percentage of PBMCs was higher after 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg cannabis (7.0 ± 0.36, 9.0 ± 0.92 and 21.0 ± 0.97) than that in saline control group (5 ± 0.36). Cannabis caused dark neurons, decreased size of nuclei, cellular infiltration and increased caspase-3 immunoreactivity. In the liver, cannabis treatment was associated with fibrosis, vacuolar degeneration, cellular infiltration in the portal area, dilatation of portal vein and positive reaction to caspase-3 antibody. These effects of cannabis were dose-dependent.
Effect of Type II Diabetes Mellitus on the 8th Cranial Nerve: A Prospective Study
Authors: Viswanatha B. , Priyadarshini V. , Vijayashree M.S. , Rasika R. , Krishna Nisha
Published: January 2023

Objective: To establish the effect of type II diabetes mellitus on the 8th cranial nerve and to analyse the association of degree of hearing loss with the factors such as duration of diabetes, age and gender of the subject and glycaemic control. Study Design: Prospective comparative type of study conducted on 100 cases and 100 age and gender matched controls. Results: Hearing loss was more prevalent and of a higher degree among the diabetics as compared to the non-diabetics. The hearing loss was significantly more among males and in those with higher post prandial blood sugar levels.
The Diagnosis and Management of Vasovagal Syncope in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Zou Runmei , Wang Shuo , Wang Cheng
Published: January 2023

Vasovagal syncope is the most common cause of syncope in pediatric patients. The present study is aim to provide a comprehensive literature review of the latest advances in the diagnosis and treatment of vasovagal syncope in children. Diagnosis of vasovagal syncope is based on clinical history. For patients with suspected VVS but lack of confident diagnosis after initial assessment, head-up tilt test is helpful. There are four options for treatment of vasovagal syncope: conservative therapy, pharmacologic therapy, pacemaker therapy, and catheter ablation of ganglionated plexi. Conservative therapy (health education, avoidance of triggers, salts and water intake, physical countermeasures and orthostatic training) is recommended for patients with occasional syncope. Pharmacological therapy should be considered for patients with recurrent syncope or for whom conservative therapy has failed. Patients with the predominantly cardioinhibitory response, associated with repeated injury, limited prodromes, and documented asystole may benefit from cardiac pacing. Catheter ablation of ganglionated plexi is a new strategy, its efficacy and safety in pediatric patients should be verified by randomized controlled trials.
Cancer and Associated Recent Findings on Metastasis
Authors: Beeram Eswari
Published: January 2023

Background: Cancer is one of the disease with up rised constant mutations and difficult to cure due to metastatic tumors and cell- cell communications between the tumors and the cell through stromal microenvironment and cell signaling.

Discussion: Integrin α11β1 acts as a stromal receptor and remodifies collagen through communication between the stroma and collagen related genes contributing majorly to metastasis in NSCLC. Extracellular matrix protein-1, Osteopontin and Osteonectin are the secreted proteins which are differentially expressed based on the metastatic phenotype. Thrombospondin-1 is responsible for migratory property of the wild cells by promoting intravasation and hyperplasia in many cancers like prostate cancer. Hemopexin and Ferritin light chain (FTL) are the proteins majorly expressed in cancer cell cytoplasm and stromal fibroblasts and contribute to metastasis through secretions mediated by extracellular vesicles.

Conclusion: Other proteins like TWIST, BRCA-1, BRCA-2, cell adhesion proteins, MMPs, Tetraspanin can contribute to metastasis in cancer through promoting either cell migration, Extravasation, Hyperplasia or Angiogenesis facilitating the secondary tumor formation in distant organs.
Growing Skull Defect in an Infant with a Rare Combination of a Foramen Parietale Permagna and an Atretic Cephalocele
Authors: Ratliff Miriam , Unterberg Andreas , Bächli Heidi
Published: January 2023

Here we present a case of a 2-month-old child with an atretic encephalocele and large persistent parietal foramina. The course was unusual in that the parietal foramina significantly increased in size over a relatively short time.
At the age of three months the child required surgery because of the increasing skull defect. During surgery the cause of the growing skull defect was revealed as a medial atretic encephalocele with enlarged parietal foramina.
Large parietal foramina are a rare clinical entity with a prevalence ranging from 1:15.000 to 1:25.000. The skull defect is usually identified on physical examination and confirmed radio graphically.
We assume that the mechanism underlying the growing bone defect is identical to that of a growing skull fracture. To our knowledge this is the only reported case of an infant with a growing skull defect requiring surgery due to an atretic encephalocele protruding through a growing parietal foramina.
Mortality Associated Factors in VLBW Preterm Newborns between 2002-2011 in a Peruvian Hospital
Authors: Gutiérrez M. E. , Matzumura G. , Olivos D. , Loza C. , Rivera F. , Webb V.
Published: January 2023

Objective: Describe the trend in mortality and identify risk factors for diminished survival in preterm very low birth infants (VLBW) born at the Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia (HNCH) between 2002 and 2011.
Methods: Retrospective cohort that includes 549 VLBW babies born at the HNCH registered on a database created for a multicentric network between 2002 and 2011. The chi-square test was used to determine associated factors with mortality (p<0.05). Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier curves with primary outcome being death during hospital stay. Log rank test and Wilcoxon test were then applied to these curves. A multivariate analysis using the Cox Model was performed.
Results: Overall mortality rate was 40.80%, 60.71% of which was attributed to early mortality and 39.29% to late mortality. Associated factors were gestational age (HR: 0.85; IC 95%: 0.18-0.90; p<0.0001), prenatal steroids (HR: 1.46; IC 95% 1.09-1.95; p< 0.011), neonatal resuscitation (HR: 1.50; IC 95% 1.06-2.13; p<0.021), early sepsis (HR: 1.52; IC 95%: 1.01-2.28; p<0.043), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (HR: 8.47; IC 95%: 3.50-20.46; p<0.0001) and CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) (HR: 0.25; IC 95%: 0.18-0.34; p<0.0001). Factors associated with neonatal survival were gestational age, neonatal resuscitation, early sepsis, RDS and CPAP.
Conclusion: Mortality in VLBW infants has declined considerably in this Peruvian hospital in the 2002-2011 period. The risk factor with the highest association to mortality in this population was RDS.
A Systematic Review of Gastrointestinal Manifestations in Children Presenting with COVID-19
Authors: Salvatore Silvia , Agosti Massimo , Arrigo Serena , Stracuzzi Marta , Dilillo Dario , Folgori Laura , Giacchero Roberta , Giacomet Vania , Longoni Emma , Meini Antonella , Marseglia Gian Luigi , Plebani Alessandro , Ruffolo Alessandro Ferdinando , Barcellini Lucia , Zuccotti Gianvincenzo
Published: January 2023

SARS-CoV-2 infection commonly presents with mild to severe respiratory symptoms and possibly other organs involvement. Gastrointestinal manifestations have been frequently documented in adult patients whilst their occurrence in children is uncertain. This study aimed to perform a Systematic Review of gastrointestinal symptoms in children with Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and to compare these clinical findings with those reported in a cohort of Italian children in the early phase of pandemic.
Methods: Literature search was conducted using the Cochrane Library and MEDLINE (via Pubmed) databases from 1st December 2019 to 28th April 2020, according to the PRISMA guidelines. The following search terms were inserted: “Coronavirus” OR “COVID-19” OR “SARS-CoV-2” AND “gastrointestinal” or “diarrhea”. Only papers including children (0-18 years) and gastrointestinal symptoms were considered as eligible. Data records of children living in Lombardy, Italy, with infection of SARS-CoV-2 diagnosed by rRT-PCR on pharyngeal swabs, from 1st March to 28th April were also collected, analyzed and compared.
Results: The Systematic Review showed that only a minority of studies assessed gastrointestinal symptoms in children. However, diarrhea accounted for 0-50%, vomit 5-67% and abdominal pain 5.8-33.3% of infected children and gastrointestinal symptoms may represent the sole feature of COVID-19. Gastrointestinal symptoms were reported in 51/116 (44%) Italian children with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Poor feeding was present in 23.3% of children, diarrhea (median duration 2.3 days, range 1-5 days) in 22.4%, vomit in 10.4% and abdominal pain in 6.9% of cases. Respiratory symptoms were reported in 35.3% of children with gastrointestinal symptoms that represented the first clinical manifestation of COVID-19 in 25% of all patients.
Conclusions: We found that gastrointestinal symptoms are common in children with COVID-19 and, in some cases, they may represent the first and the sole clinical manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Health care professionals must be aware of the frequent gastrointestinal involvement in children to assure an accurate diagnosis and therapeutic management. The correct identification of children with COVID-19 is also crucial to adopt preventive measures and to limit the transmission of the virus.
Severe Tooth Decay and Erosion Regarding Cariogenic Habits: A Rampant Caries Case Report
Authors: Tezel Huseyin , Atalayin Cigdem , Kemaloglu Hande , Cinarcik Serhat
Published: January 2023

Sugars and soft drinks have cariogenic potential concerning their acidogenic structure. High consumption of these cariogenic food and drinks for prolonged time may result in dental erosion and severe tooth decay. The aim of this report is to present a patient who had rampant caries and aesthetic problems resulting from his cariogenic habits. A 22-year-old man referred to our clinic with rampant caries. The patient who was stressed and anxious had also aesthetic concerns. Although he had no systemic-health problems, his oral hygiene was extremely poor. The diagnosis was severe tooth decay, multiple erosive lesions at different stages and concomitant gingivitis. The anamnesis revealed the history of consuming ~4-5 L cola and ~30-40 pieces of peppermint every day during the past 4 years. The patient also reported that he had nausea reflex and constantly chewed mentholated gum to inhibit his discomfort. The full-mouth rehabilitation was achieved with a multidisciplinary approach within the limitation of the patient cooperation. In the case of high intake of acidogenic food and drinks that caused severe tooth decay, the treatment procedures experienced were challenging. Thus, patient education/motivation and counselling on cariogenic habits were considered in multidisciplinary treatment planning for the prosperous prognosis of the case.
The Comparison of Diagnostic Measurements Using Two Different Three-Dimensional Digital Orthodontic Model Software Systems
Authors: Nalçaci Ruhi , Aydin Burcu , Çokakoglu Serpil , Biçakçi Ali Altug , Orhan Hikmet
Published: January 2023

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the reliability and accuracy of diagnostic measurements performed using two different three-dimensional (3D) digital orthodontic model software systems.
Materials and Methods: The dental casts of 20 patients with permanent dentition were selected and scanned with an orthodontic 3D scanner (3Shape R700, Copenhagen, Denmark). Two different digital model software programs, Orthomodel (v.1.01, Orthomodel Inc., Istanbul, Turkey) and O3DM (v.2.0, O3DM Thunoegade, Aarhus C, Denmark) were used for diagnostic measurements including tooth width, Bolton discrepancies, intermolar and intercanine distances. A total of 34 measurements were calculated on each digital model. All measurements were repeated by the same observer over 10 randomly selected dental casts at least two weeks later for intraobserver reliability. Results were analyzed statistically. The paired samples t-test was used to compare the differences between the measurements obtained with both softwares. The intraobserver reliability was determined using Cronbach’s alpha test.
Results: Cronbach’s alpha value indicated a very high level of reliability for all measurements. Orthomodel and O3DM software programs showed significant differences in the mesiodistal widths of some teeth and the sum of maxillary 6 teeth widths (p<0.05), but not in the Bolton ratios and transverse arch width measurements.
Conclusions: Both digital model softwares demonstrated clinically acceptable measurements despite of the differences in some measurements essential for diagnosis and treatment planning.