bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
African Swine Fever Outbreak Investigation on Large Commercial Pig Farm in Serbia
Authors: Nešković Milijana , Ristić Bojan , Došenović Rade , Grubač Siniša , Petrović Tamaš , Prodanov-Radulović Jasna , Polaček Vladimir
Published: July 2021

The first confirmed case of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Serbia occurred in 2019. Since then, numerous outbreaks in domestic pigs and wild boars have been reported. Until April 2021, all the detected ASF cases were in backyard pigs. Beside backyard and smallholders farming systems as a dominant pig production system in Serbia, large commercial pig farms can also be found, located mostly in villages. In the beginning of April 2021, a large commercial farrow-to-finish pig farm in Serbia with almost 19,000 animals was affected with the ASF virus. The pig farm analysed in this paper is located in an area where ASF was confirmed earlier in both backyard and wild boars. In this study, we describe the overall epidemiological course of the ASF outbreak. Epidemiological investigation using a hypothesis-based approach was conducted in order to reconstruct the disease course until the official notification. All the available data from the farm were analysed with the aim to determine the high-risk period (HRP). Some of the key points to consider when it comes to the sources of infection and entry route of ASF are the following: contamination of the area in the immediate vicinity of the farm, risky human activities, irregularities and some omissions in the external farm biosecurity and immediate proximity of the city waste-yard where the communal waste is disposed of. It was concluded that when commercial pig farms are surrounded by villages with a large number of backyards, hence the anthropogenic factor is the key risk factor for ASF spreading.
Evaluation of arterial stiffness in systolic heart failure
Authors: Fehérvári Lajos , Szabó István Adorján , Kocsis Lóránd , Frigy Attila
Published: July 2021

Objective: Micro- and macrovascular changes can occur in heart failure, and could influence its prognosis and management. In a prospective study, we proposed the evaluation of arterial stiffness (macrovascular function) and its correlations in patients with systolic heart failure.

Methods: 40 patients (32 men, 8 women, mean age 63±2.9 years), with hemodynamically stable systolic heart failure (left ventricular ejection fraction, EF<40%) were enrolled in the study. In every patient, beyond routine explorations (ECG, cardiac and carotid ultrasound, laboratory measurements), arterial stiffness was assessed by measuring pulse wave velocity (PWV). The correlations of PWV with clinical and echo-cardiographic characteristics were studied using t-test and chi-square test (p<0.05 being considered for statistical significance).

Results: The average PWV was 8.55±2.2 m/s, and 16 patients had increased PWV (>10 m/s). We found significantly higher PWV values in patients older than 65 years (p<0.001), in patients with eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (p<0.001), hypertension (p=0.006), and increased (>1 mm) carotid intima-media thickness (p=0.016). PWV was found to be significantly lower when EF was <30% (p=0.049). Furthermore, the presence of an increased PWV was correlated significantly with age (p<0.001), and (with borderline significance) with eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and, inversely, with EF<30%.

Conclusions: Increased arterial stiffness reflected by high PWV is frequently present in patients with systolic heart failure, and is mainly correlated with general risk factors of arterial involvement. Low EF, due to low stroke volume and decreased systolic arterial wall tension can influence the values and the interpretation of PWV.
Beneficial effects of metformin on haloperidol-induced motor deficits in rats. A behavioral assessment
Authors: Jîtcă George , Gáll Zsolt , Vari Camil E , Ősz Bianca E , Tero-Vescan Amelia , Groșan Alexandra , Dogaru Maria T.
Published: July 2021

Objective: One of the most common side effects of haloperidol is the extrapyramidal syndrome, resulting from inhibition of nigrostriatal dopaminergic circuits and mitochondrial dysfunction due to structural similarities to pyridinium derivative, MPP+ that induce oxidative stress. In exchange, the use of metformin appears to enhance neurogenesis, energy metabolism, and oxidative status, so these properties can be speculated in the context of drug-induced pseudoparkinsonism by haloperidol. Methods: To assess motor coordination and activity, rodents were divided into four groups: CTR (n = 10) - animals that received distilled water, METF (n = 10) - animals that received metformin 500 mg / kgbw, HAL (n = 10) - animals that received haloperidol 2mg / kgbw, HALMETF (n = 10) - haloperidol 2mg / kgbw and metformin 500 mg / kgbw. The treatment was administered for 34 days at the same time by gastric gavage, during which time behavioral tests, rotarod (days 7, 14, 21, 28), catalepsy (day 30), open field (day 32) and novel object recognition (day 34) were performed. Results: The monitored parameters, showed significant differences between the groups of interest (HAL and HALMETF respectively), so that the administration of metformin at the beginning of treatment reduces the cataleptic behavior. The HALMETF group shows an attenuation of the motor deficit during the rotarod test and the freezing period from the Open Field test, is diminished. Conclusions: Metformin treatment has a beneficial effect in haloperidol-treated rats, demonstrated by decreased cataleptic behavior, improved motor performance and reduced haloperidol-induced anxiety behavior.
Three-dimensional technologies used for patient specific applications in orthopedics
Authors: Moldovan Flaviu , Bataga Tiberiu
Published: July 2021

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) technologies have numerous medical applications and have gained a lot of interest in medical world. After the advent of three-dimensional printing technology, and especially in last decade, orthopedic surgeons began to apply this innovative technology in almost all areas of orthopedic traumatic surgery. Objective: The aim of this paper is to give an overview of 3D technologies current usage in orthopedic surgery for patient specific applications. Methods: Two major databases PubMed and Web of Science were explored for content description and applications of 3D technologies in orthopedic surgery. It was considered papers presenting controlled studies and series of cases that include descriptions of 3D technologies compatible with applications to human medical purposes. Results: First it is presented the available three-dimensional technologies that can be used in orthopedic surgery as well as methods of integration in order to achieve the desired medical application for patient specific orthopedics. Technology starts with medical images acquisition, followed by design, numerical simulation, and printing. Then it is described the state of the art clinical applications of 3D technologies in orthopedics, by selecting the latest reported articles in medical literature. It is focused on preoperative visualization and planning, trauma, injuries, elective orthopedic surgery, guides and customized surgical instrumentation, implants, orthopedic fixators, orthoses and prostheses. Conclusion: The new 3D digital technologies are revolutionizing orthopedic clinical practices. The vast potential of 3D technologies is increasingly used in clinical practice. These technologies provide useful tools for clinical environment: accurate preoperative planning for cases of complex trauma and elective cases, personalized surgical instruments and personalized implants. There is a need to further explore the vast potential of 3D technologies in many other areas of orthopedics and to accommodate healthcare professionals with these technologies, as well as to study their effectiveness compared to conventional methods.
Innovative Local Policies in Portuguese Low-Density Rural Areas
Authors: Lopes Raul , Mota Bruno
Published: July 2021

Nowadays, the issue of rural development has a central place on the agenda of policy-makers, prompting a discussion on the instrumental and procedural options of public policies. This paper seeks to contribute to the reflection on the potentialities and limitations of promoting rural development based on innovative strategies sustained by territorial governance modalities, which entail an active involvement of local agents, especially local authorities. For this, it takes as case studies three public policy experiences led by local authorities within a Portuguese low-density region, with one of the lowest development rates among EU regions. Specifically, it aims to discuss: (a) the effectiveness of adopting innovative policies in the context of low-density rural areas; and (2) the role of territorial governance in the success of those policies. The research followed a document analysis and interviews with local development actors. The analysis suggests that peripheral rural areas are not condemned to human desertification. There is a wide spectrum of opportunities for these areas. They can bring together a strategic view of the future, and an institutional leadership capable of dynamizing an adjusted territorial governance model. This is the challenge currently facing rural development policy.
Closeness is Not Accessibility: Isolation and Depopulated Rural Areas in the Proximity of Metropolitan Urban Areas, A Case-Study in Inland Spain
Authors: Martínez Sánchez-Mateos H. S. , Ruiz Pulpón A. R.
Published: July 2021

The increase of accessibility is one of the most important strategies to achieve territorial cohesion and slow down depopulation processes in rural areas. Accessibility is a wide concept with a range of interpretations. When it comes to rural areas, usual accessibility measures introducing proximity and ease of physical connection could lead to misinterpretations and a lack of knowledge for rural areas. This study proposes an accessibility analysis based on connection and function of one of the most depopulated territories in inland Spain: the province of Guadalajara (NUTS-3) which constitutes an interesting case-study because its proximity to the Spanish capital city (Madrid) and the integration of part of the province on its dynamics and economic processes. Results show different rural accessibility levels useful for public policies and decision making on infrastructures. In addition, the accessibility model suggested can be applied in other depopulated rural areas of Europe.
Localisation of S100 Protein and Acetylated Tubulin in Sheep Pancreas
Authors: Marettová E. , Maretta M.
Published: July 2021

The pancreas plays a critical role in the control of nutritional homeostasis. It consists of two major parts, the exocrine pancreas, and the endocrine pancreas. In the present study S100 protein and acetylated α-tubulin were used to identify positive structures in both the exocrine and endocrine part of the ovine pancreas. In the exocrine part of the pancreas, a positive reaction to S100 protein was confined to centroacinar cells, intercalated, and intralobular ducts cells. In addition, the S100 protein was localized in the Schwann cells of nerve fibres. On the pancreatic islets, the S100 protein has been observed in Schwann cells of nerve axons, where they form a fine envelope that invests the islet surface. Inside the pancreatic islets, the Schwann cells positive for S100 protein envelope the endocrine cells of the islets. The difference in positivity of the S100 protein was found in relation to the endocrine cells. The relationship between endocrine cell positivity and positive exocrine duct cells was discussed. Acetylated α-tubulin (AT) was restricted to axons of the nerve fibres and was located within the connective tissue accompanying intralobular and inter-lobular ducts, and between secretory acini in close contact with secretory cells.
Field Survey on the Status of Internal Parasites in Young Calves on Farms in Eastern Slovakia
Authors: Band N. , Halán M. , Kočišová A.
Published: July 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the species composition of protozoan and helminth parasites of young calves on farms in eastern Slovakia. Faecal samples from calves were analysed using the floatation technique, McMaster Methods and stained slide method for Cryptosporidium spp. From 105 samples analysed, nine samples (8.6 %) were suspected to be positive for Cryptosporidium spp. The results gathered from this study displayed that 64.8 % of calves were infected with some species of parasite at the moment of sampling. The highest prevalence of infection was with Eimeria spp. with 56.2 % of calves infected being positive for this. OPG (oocysts per gram) values for Eimeria spp. observed in this study ranged from 100 to 75,200. The lowest prevalence was found to be from Giardia duodenalis and Trichostrongylidae family equally 0.95 %. All faecal samples had nematode egg counts below 50 EPG (eggs per gram).
Health Assessment of Internal Hygiene Control in Sauce Production
Authors: Vitkova Tsvetelina G.
Published: July 2021

Nowadays, usage of sauces as part of a meal has seen a significant increase. In their diversity as raw materials and technology of production, sauces are a potential source of health problems. During their production, primary and secondary contamination with microorganisms and other physical or chemical contaminants is possible. Ineffective internal control is a prerequisite for the emergence of health problems among consumers. The subject of the study is а sauce manufacturer. An algorithm was designed to perform the audit and for the purposes of the. The prerequisite measures were placed in separate Good Hygiene Practices (GHP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) programs and in the technological documentation for all the sauces produced, with plans, procedures, orders, instructions, lists, registers and other documents, all closely related to the specifics of production. The technological documentation was found to be in agreement with the Food Safety Management System – the HACCP-plan. The technological documentation, which is part of the prerequisite measures, corresponded to its purpose and, with slight adjustments, is a good basis for the effective functioning of the Food Safety Management System. The conclusions contain specific recommendations for revision of the Internal Control System, including correction of elements of health and hygiene importance.
Application of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Protocols in Colorectal Cancer, Complicated by Malignant Bowel Obstruction: a Review of the Literature
Authors: Dimitrov Vasil M.
Published: July 2021

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are standard in elective colorectal surgery. They lead to decreasing postoperative complications and shorten the hospital stay and the recovery period. Following these protocols is associated with better short-term results and better and disease-free survival in cases of respectable colorectal carcinomas. There is clear evidence of the beneficial effect of the protocols in reducing the rate of postoperative complications and shortening the hospital stay after elective colorectal surgery. There remains the question of whether these protocols are applicable effective in patients after emergency colorectal surgery. Over the last years, safe and effective ERAS protocols have been reported in patients with life-threatening conditions such as colorectal obstruction and intraabdominal infection.
Some of the Immunogenetics Aspects of Aging
Authors: Al Hadra Bushra N.
Published: July 2021

The human life span could be influenced by the combined effect of environment, lifestyle, and genetic factors. Twin and family studies suggest that our genes control up to 25% of the lifespan. The aging immune system undergoes age-associated changes at multiple levels, resulting in a gradual loss of its ability to protect the organism against infections, low vaccine responses, and an increased probability of developing autoimmune diseases and malignancies. The highly polymorphic HLA complex is one of the major gene candidates associated with aging due to its crucial role in developing adaptive immunity and protecting the organism. Most of the data available have so far demonstrated a positive association with healthy aging for HLA alleles/haplotypes as protective against malignancies, autoimmune diseases, and conferring better control and response to infections.

One of aging’s main manifestations is the chronic, low-grade inflammatory state observed in older people, caused by an imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. In general, it is has been agreed that longevity is related to anti-inflammatory genotype profiles. With advanced age, changes also occur in the B cell repertoire, which significantly affects the humoral immunity and leads to inadequate responses to infections and vaccines in the elderly. New genetic biomarkers associated with aging are being explored and discovered, contributing to a better understanding of the molecular processes underlying the immune dysfunction related to aging and developing strategies for rejuvenating the immune system based on immune-risk phenotypes.
Predictors for Long-Term Prognosis after Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Doneva-Basheva Krastina I. , Petrov Damyan P. , Vlaykova Tatyana I. , Tisheva Snezhana T.
Published: July 2021

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of invalidity and death in developed countries. Among them, the main cause of death is coronary artery disease. In this retrospective study, 172 patients with acute coronary syndrome (STEMI, NSTEMI, UA) are included. They had been hospitalized on an emergency basis in the Cardiology Department, Invasive Sector of Prof. Dr. St. Kirkovich Hospital in Stara Zagora, and the Cardiology Hospital -Yambol between January 2009 and February 2010. We found a significant difference in the age at acute coronary syndrome (ACS) occurrence by sex: earlier manifestation was observed in men (p=0.018). The univariant regression analysis showed that elderly age (p=0.005, OR 1.024), glomerular filtration <90 ml/h (p=0.006, OR 0.964), GRACE-score > 140 pt (p<0.001, OR 1.045), HF (Killip class ≥ II) (p=0.002, OR 15.6) and EF<40% (p=0.003, OR 1) were factors for adverse prognosis in the first, fifth and ninth year. Only GRACE-score was an independent predictor of death obtained by multivariate regression analysis in the study (p=0.002, OR 1.052). The factors influencing long-term survival adversely after ACS are age, smoking, chronic kidney disease, previously experienced myocardial infarction, diabetes mellitus, three-vessel coronary disease, and decreased systolic function of the left ventricle, and GRACE > 140 p.
Granulocytic Expression of CD11b/CD18 and Thrombotic Risk in Patients with Myeloproliferative Neoplasms
Authors: Todorieva-Todorova Doroteya K. , Kovacheva Katya S. , Tzvetkov Nikolay T. , Blazheva Svetla O. , Lukanov Tzvetan H.
Published: July 2021

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are clonal hematological conditions characterized by excessive production of one or more cell lines in the bone marrow. The blood cells produced are often hyperactive in their functions, which could lead to complications in the disorder‘s clinical course. We aimed to define the role of granulocytic CD11b/CD18 expression for the thrombotic risk in MPN patients. We investigated 110 patients with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of a myeloproliferative disease and a control group of 46 healthy volunteers. In the patient group, we found an average expression 4.59 times higher than in the control group. The highest expression was found in a subgroup of patients with polycythemia vera – 71.55% of the patients’ neutrophils. In each subgroup with essential thrombocythemia, myelofibrosis, and chronic myeloid leukemia, the patients with a history of thrombotic complication had a higher expression than the patients without such complications.
Vaginal Bacterial Profile in Pregnant Women
Authors: Petrov Anton G. , Karcheva Milena D , Marinova-Balgaranova Teodora V. , Petrova Rositsa V. , Vasileva Verena K.
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to determine the bacterial profile of vaginal samples from pregnant women and the prevalence of identified microorganisms. Materials and methods: A prospective epidemiological study was conducted on 150 pregnant women admitted to the Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Dr. G. Stranski University Hospital in Pleven. Vaginal secretion samples were collected from all the 150 women. Direct microscopy of native smears prepared by the wet mount method to detect Trichomonas vaginalis and direct microscopy of Gram-stained smears was performed. Aerobic culture studies were conducted to identify pathogenic bacteria and Sabouraud glucose agar (SGA) to detect the presence of Candida spp. Samples were also collected from 107 of the women for PCR tests for mycoplasma detection. Results: The highest relative share in the study was women aged 21 to 35 years 104 (69.33%). Of all the hospitalized and examined pregnant women, 87 (57.99%) had medical problems during the current pregnancy and postpartum complications, and 63 women (42%) gave birth without accompanying complications. In 86 (57.32%) of the women, bacteria were detected by direct microscopy of Gram-stained smears. Of these, 24 (16%) had gram-negative rods, 28 (18.66%) had gram-positive cocci. In 34 (22.66%), we found gram-negative and gram-variable pleomorphic bacteria. The aerobic culture study revealed microbiological growth in 44 (29.33%) of the women investigated. Conclusions: Studies on the profile of the vaginal microbiota in pregnant women and the spread of pathogenic microorganisms are essential for make prognoses for pregnancy outcome, evaluating the risk of developing a maternal-fetal infection, and discussing options for timely treatment.
A Rare Clinical Case of Lipoma in the Soft Tissues of the Sublingual Space: A Case Report
Authors: Kanazirska Petya G. , Hristamyan-Cilev Mery A. , Kanazirski Nikolay D.
Published: July 2021

This report presents clinical case with a histopathologically established lipoma of the sublingual space. Lipomas are benign mesenchymal neoplasms produced by adipocytes. Our search in the literature demonstrated that the development of lipomas in the sublingual space is extremely rare. In the oral cavity, it is seen in less than 5% of patients. In this paper, we describe clinical features, imaging diagnostic and histopathological features. Lipomas are characterized by slow growth and could be asymptomic, therefore diagnosis could be delayed.

This report describes and discusses the case of a 64 years-old-man with a formation, located below the left tongue, for a period of 4 years. The patient had repeatedly consulted with Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) specialists and dentists who recommended surgical treatment. During the last month of the monitoring, the formation had grown significantly and the chewing and speech function had gradually worsened.
Perception of the National Entrepreneurship Conditions – Differences Across Time and Expert Specialization
Authors: Pfeifer Sanja , Singer Slavica , Šarlija Nataša , Peterka Sunčica Oberman
Published: July 2021

Creating an external context that will have nourishing effect on the entrepreneurial activities seems to be timely, path and location dependent process. The systemic explorations of the national entrepreneurial context (environment) are still relatively underrepresented. The paper explores strengths and weaknesses of the national entrepreneurship conditions in Croatia and how stable these conditions are in the longer time frame. The aim of the study is to provide more detailed insight on the differences in perceptions among experts engaged in Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) and along the time. Findings indicate deterioration of the national entrepreneurial conditions in Croatia. Experts’ perceptions of national entrepreneurial conditions diverge between experts who have and those who do not have prior entrepreneurial experiences. The time also matters – perceptual difference in evaluating the quality of national entrepreneurship conditions is observed across 2015–2018.
Banking Market Concentration and Bank Efficiency. Evidence from Southern, Eastern and Central Europe
Authors: Kozak Sylwester , Wierzbowska Agata
Published: July 2021

The importance of the question about the relationship between concentration and efficiency lies in the fact that banks’ efficiency affects ability to extend loans and ensure financial stability of the banking sector. The study examines this relationship on the example of 150 banks operating between 2005 and 2019 in 11 EU and 8 non-EU countries from the SECE region. The value of profit efficiency was assessed with the stochastic frontier approach, and next regressed with the banking market concentration and bank specific and macroeconomic explanatory variables. The results for the entire sample as well as for domestic and foreign-owned banks indicate that concentration positively and nonlinearly impacts bank efficiency, both in EU and non-EU countries. Moreover, the size of a bank and income diversification help to improve efficiency of banks in the SECE region. The study shows that banks in SECE countries seem to follow the efficient structure hypothesis.
The National Security Strategy in the Current Environment: from DIME to a DIME-T Approach
Authors: Constantinescu Maria
Published: July 2021

The contemporary security environment is characterized by Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity (VUCA), the use of hybrid warfare and grey zone conflicts, generating the need to adapt the national security strategies to the changes demands of the environment. In this context, the instruments of national power (diplomatic, information, economic, military) should be used in an integrated manner, in order to provide a more comprehensive approach to national security. The technology has become an integral part of the life of the society, and as such it should be taken into consideration as an instrument of power and highlighted as a major component of a national security strategy. The paper proposes a DIME-T approach to national instruments of power, by analysing the complex implications of technology on all the areas of security.
The Influence of Disruptive Technologies on the Preparation of the National Economy and of the Territory for Defense
Authors: Mănescu Gabriel , Stan Sebastian-Emanuel
Published: July 2021

The paper reviews the main factors relevant to the preparation of the economy and territory for defense as well as the main developments of military applications of disruptive technologies. The brief presentation of some of these technologies, as well as the exemplification with certain data regarding their use, come to outline the need to constantly adapt defense policies to the new trends in this field.
Quantification of the Sustainable use of the Cultural Heritage in the Central Area of the Municipality of Ploieşti using the Cobachrem Model
Authors: Merciu Florentina-Cristina , Merciu George-Laurenţiu , Cercleux Loreta
Published: July 2021

Making connections between the localization of cultural heritage elements and local and regional policies for the benefit of communities, at different scales, has been one of the constant concerns of researchers and policy makers. The purpose of this study is to highlight the effects generated by cultural policy at the local, regional and central level, through investments allocated to cultural heritage in the central area of Ploieşti. The local policy aimed at building a more attractive image of Ploieşti through the renovation of the most important cultural institutions, benefiting from the funds allocated by the administration at regional and central level and European funds. The analysis of the effects produced by the investments related to the historical monuments from the central area of Ploieşti municipality was carried out through the Community-Based Cultural Heritage Resources Management (COBACHREM) model.
Study on the Evolution of Defense Expenses in Nato Member States for the Period 2010–2020. “Free Rider” behavior among Allies
Authors: Huseraş Alin , Balteş Nicolae , Pîrvuţ Valentin
Published: July 2021

This paper proposes a longitudinal study on the analysis of defense spending of NATO member states in the years 2010-2020. It also aims to identify the emergence of a possible “free-rider” behavior among alliance members. This behavior occurs when some members may be tempted to allocate a low level of defense spending. Defense spending is an important component of each state’s budget, which ensures a vital function of states, namely the national defense function. When the defense is carried out in military-type alliances, and the number of members is large, there is an increased possibility of observing a “free-rider” type behavior between the members of the alliances. To observe this behavior, we tried to identify the best evaluation indicator, which according to the literature could be “the share of defense spending in GDP.” The paper is divided into five parts as follows: the first point considers the introductory part of the paper and the setting of objectives; the second chapter describes the study database, as well as the research methodology and methods used in the study to obtain the results; in the third chapter is analyzed the literature with impact on the studied subject; in the fourth chapter the case study is carried out; and in the last chapter mentioned the conclusions of the study.
Combat UGV: The Challenge of their Implementation in Combat Units
Authors: Zahradnicek Pavel , Rak Ludek
Published: July 2021

This article deals with the issue of combat unmanned ground vehicles (UGV). The authors describe and analyse the current state of the issue. In the light of technological progress, the ambitions of selected states, and future trends, the authors define the needs for successfully implementing combat unmanned vehicles into the line-ups of combat divisions and units. They examine not only the field of application, but also the issue of education and training from a long-term perspective. The article hopes to support professional-scientific discussion on this topic and create the theoretical potential for starting the process of preparing and implementing combat UGV.
Characteristics and outcomes of patients with COVID-19 and liver injury: a retrospective analysis and a multicenter experience
Authors: Voiosu Andrei , Roman Adina , Pop Ruxandra , Boeriu Alina , Popp Cristiana , Zurac Sabina , Voiosu Theodor , Dobru Daniela , Mateescu Bogdan
Published: July 2021

Background and aims. Patients with COVID-19 frequently present abnormal elevated liver function tests of unknown clinical significance. We aimed to investigate the characteristics and factors influencing outcome in patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and liver injury on admission.

Methods. This is a retrospective observational study of patients hospitalized in two COVID units in Romania. Relevant data on clinical and laboratory parameters and medication administered during the admission were analyzed to identify predictors of a negative outcome. Patients with confirmed COVID-19 and liver function tests (LFTs) above the upper limit of normal were included in the analysis.

Results. From 1,207 patients, we identified 134 patients (11%) with abnormal LFTs during hospitalization. The majority of patients had mildly elevated levels and a predominantly cholestatic pattern of liver injury. Patients who received lopinavir/ritonavir were more likely to have increased ALAT levels (p<0.0001). Sixteen patients had pre-existing chronic liver disease, and they were more likely to suffer from severe COVID-19 (p=0.009) and have a negative outcome (p<0.001), but on multivariate analysis, only the severity of COVID-19 was predictive of death (OR 69.9; 95% CI 6.4-761.4).

Conclusions. Mild liver injury is relatively common in COVID-19 and possibly influenced by medication. Patients with chronic liver disease are at high risk for negative outcome, but the severity of the infection is the only predictor of death.
Securitization of Energy Supply within the European Integration
Authors: Borovsky Y. V. , Shishkina O. V.
Published: July 2021

The article uses the constructivist securitization concept to analyze the European Economic Community (EEC), and the European Union (EU) approaches to ensuring energy security. It seeks to establish whether the energy supply has been securitized within the European integration process and if so when it happened. The literature review does not give a definitive and comprehensive answer to this question which is essential for all the history of the EEC and the EU. The authors of this study use an extensive documentary database available on the EU websites. They established that for the EEC/EU the energy policy securitization is a long-lasting ongoing process that came into being in 1973. Within the European integration, the securitization is justified by the dependency of the member states on the imported energy resources, which is regarded through the prism of securing reliable, affordable, and (since 2000s) environmentally sustainable supply. The authors identified two waves of energy supply securitization in the EEC/EU. The first wave was triggered by the oil embargo of the OPEC Arab countries and, generally, the world oil crisis of 1973-1974. The second wave of the 2000s and 2010s was triggered by the Russian-Ukrainian gas conflicts of 2006 and 2009 and the sharp deterioration of Russian-Ukrainian relations in 2014. For both waves, the Commission was the main ‘securitizing actor’. However, during the second wave, the European Parliament, some EU countries, and even the United States made their own ‘securitizing moves’. The ‘audience’ (EEC/EU countries) expressed its opinion towards the ‘securitizing moves’ through the European Council and the Council decisions. The research conclusions can be useful for a profound scientific explanation of the EU energy policy as well as for the operationalization of the securitization concept.
A managerial approach for the coherent development of sustainable development law
Authors: De Moerloose Stephanie , Mbengue Makane Moïse
Published: July 2021

While judicial bodies have proliferated in the last fifty years in a process that has been deemed “quasi-anarchic” (Guillaume, G., 2000) creating a risk of inconsistency in their decisions which would endanger the international law system, quasi-judicial bodies such as Multilateral Development Banks' accountability mechanisms are not spared by this legal phenomenon. They have diverse proceedings and jurisdictions, operate with different sets of environmental and social safeguards, but may confront similar factual scenarios, especially in the case of co-financing. The recent Kenya Electricity Expansion Project presented before the World Bank and the European Investment Bank’s accountability mechanisms illustrates that, through a managerial approach, potentially conflicting findings can be avoided. This paper aims to show that quasi-judicial bodies can constitute a source of inspiration for the integrated development of international law.
Imparcialidad y prueba para mejor resolver en el Código Orgánico General de Procesos del Ecuador.
Authors: Izurieta Alaña Ligia Gabriela
Published: July 2021

¿La facultad discrecional otorgada a los jueces para introducir y valorar medios de prueba no aportadas por las partes al proceso podría afectar su imparcialidad? En teoría, la respuesta más acertada sería positiva, en la práctica el grado en que esa afectación es posible depende de múltiples variables. De entre ellas, en este ensayo interesa destacar dos: i)- la finalidad de la prueba en general y de la prueba para mejor resolver en particular; ii)- el proceso o procedimiento específico en que sea introducida y valorada la prueba para mejor resolver. En el Ecuador, las dos variables se encuentran previstas en el Código Orgánico General de Procesos (en lo adelante COGEP), y a partir de su regulación se analizan brevemente algunas de las causas por las cuales, la prueba para mejor resolver en el procedimiento contencioso tributario, podría conducir a rupturas frecuentes del principio de imparcialidad.
Libertad de expresión e internet: ¿deberían los jueces aplicar una doctrina de posición preferida a los casos que involucran internet?
Authors: Santos Colnago Claudio de Oliveira
Published: July 2021

Este documento pretende contribuir para obtener una respuesta a la siguiente pregunta: ¿debería el Poder Judicial aplicar una doctrina de posición preferida a los casos de libertad de expresión relacionados con internet? El rápido crecimiento que ha experimentado el internet en la última década lo convirtió en un medio de expresión esencial y plural. Este rápido progreso ha permitido que las personas accedan a internet desde casi cualquier lugar, convirtiéndose en una red de personas casi omnipresente. Naturalmente, la inserción del internet en la rutina diaria de las personas trajo consigo muchos problemas legales; uno de ellos es la definición de las eventuales limitaciones que se consideran válidas cuando se trata del ejercicio de la libertad de expresión, un derecho humano fundamental en línea. A manera de opinión personal, esta definición debe establecerse teniendo en cuenta dos estándares: a) la libertad de expresión tiene un valor intrínseco como derecho humano, según el artículo 19 de la Declaración de los Derechos Humanos de 1948 de las Naciones Unidas y b) todas las expresiones manifestadas en línea dependen directamente del código diseñado por empresas como los proveedores de servicios de internet. Por lo tanto, el documento pretende analizar cómo estos dos estándares podrían interactuar de manera que se obtenga una respuesta sobre cómo deberían interpretarse los casos de libertad de expresión en el contexto de internet.
La verdad guatemalteca: Lecciones para el caso colombiano
Authors: Pacheco Jiménez José Alejandro
Published: July 2021

Este artículo tiene como objeto evidenciar que, aunque en el marco del proceso de justicia transicional la Comisión de la Verdad desempeñe acertadamente su papel en la construcción de la verdad, si no hay voluntad política y social en el plano material, se verán enormemente afectadas las acciones de memoria histórica y la reparación integral de las víctimas, tomando como ejemplo para el caso colombiano lo acontecido en Guatemala

 

Bajo ésta premisa, se realizó una revisión del conflicto armado tanto guatemalteco como colombiano, lo cual dio lugar a una descripción de como funcionó la Comisión de la Verdad de Guatemala, permitiendo evaluar su impacto. Seguidamente, se realizó un análisis del proceso de la búsqueda de la verdad y construcción de memoria en Colombia.  De éste estudio se extrajeron aprendizajes fundamentales que permitirán que Colombia no caiga en los mismos errores de Guatemala y se logré construir una paz estable y una memoria pluralista y duradera.
Generalidades históricas y teóricas de la organización electoral y los partidos políticos en Colombia
Authors: Campos Chaux Jennifer Liliana , Gómez García Silvia Cristina
Published: July 2021

El presente artículo corresponde al primer capítulo de la investigación realizada como requisito de grado de la Maestría en derecho público de la Universidad Surcolombiana, dentro de la cual se pretende analizar las causas y consecuencias de las sanciones a candidatos, partidos y movimientos políticos por parte del Consejo Nacional Electoral en ejercicio de su función de inspección, vigilancia y control, otorgada por el artículo 265 de la Constitución Política, razón por la cual se abordará el tema, estudiando en primer término las generalidades históricas y teóricas de la organización electoral y los partidos políticos en Colombia.

 

Se inicia el estudio, a partir del concepto de partidos y movimientos políticos; su conceptualización, sus orígenes a partir de los momentos históricos más representativos, hasta su reglamentación actual.

Paralelo al nacimiento de los partidos políticos, y como parte esencial del ejercicio del poder público, en un segundo segmento, el presente artículo se encarga del estudio de la función electoral en Colombia, vista desde el órgano encargado de dicho ejercicio, el Consejo Nacional Electoral; su composición y funciones a lo largo de la historia, hasta su reconocimiento constitucional en la Carta de 1991, y las posteriores reformas de las que ha sido objeto especialmente en lo referente a las funciones a éste otorgadas.
El derecho al olvido en Colombia:
Authors: Muñoz Losada Juan Camilo
Published: July 2021

Por medio del presente artículo se busca determinar cuál es el contenido, desarrollo y alcance del derecho fundamental al olvido dentro del ordenamiento jurídico colombiano, al igual que su origen; se analiza el rol que está cumpliendo la Corte Constitucional en sus sentencias con respecto a este derecho, teniendo en cuenta que es un tema novedoso y de poca aplicación en Colombia. Se puntualizará el alcance y aporte de cada sentencia, que se desprenderá del problema jurídico o la decisión de cada una. Además, se verá cómo este derecho entra en colisión con otros de igual raigambre y en qué casos prima la aplicación del derecho al olvido.
La Gobernanza SocioComunitaria. La construcción de poder comunitario en la política pública en salud mental
Authors: Martínez Víctor
Published: July 2021

El propósito de este ensayo es reflexionar sobre el sistema de gobierno de los programas de proximidad comunitaria de la política en salud mental proponiendo el concepto de Gobernanza SocioComunitaria, entendida como un modo de conducir estos programas gestionando lo común “desde abajo” (Vega, 2019, p. 50)) mediante un dispositivo que posibilite la toma de decisiones colectivas entre los actores institucionales y comunitarios involucrados. Es un manejo de los programas que se opone a la modalidad gerencial verticalista y burocrática donde la construcción de lo común está capturada enteramente por el equipo central de gestión. Explicito los argumentos que apoyan esta tesis en tres secciones: salud mental y comunidad, la gestión del conocimiento en los programas de proximidad comunitaria, para finalizar con una descripción más detallada de la Gobernanza SocioComunitaria como modalidad de gestión de estos programas.

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The purpose of this essay is to reflect on the government system of community proximity programs in mental health public policies by submitting the concept of SocioCommunity Governance. This, understood to carry out these programs by managing the common “from below” (Vega, 2019, p. 50), through a device that enables collective decision-making among the institution and the community actors involved. This program management opposes top-down approach and bureaucratic leadership in which the construction of the common is entirely contained by the central management team. The arguments that support this thesis are explained in three sections: mental health and community, knowledge management in community proximity programs and, at last, a more detailed description of the SocioCommunity Governance as a management modality applied to these programs.
La cuestión de la identidad o la identidad en cuestión. Discusiones, acuerdos y puntos de partida
Authors: Isidro Maria Eugenia
Published: July 2021

En este artículo presentamos las discusiones que se dan en torno al polisémico concepto de identidad y establecemos los acuerdos que se convierten en puntos de partida en el marco de una investigación que tiene por objetivo comprender el proceso de construcción identitaria de los movimientos socioterritoriales. Para eso organizamos la exposición en tres partes. En primer lugar, nos adentramos en algunas discusiones que se suscitan alrededor del concepto de identidad intentando establecer algunos acuerdos que se constituyen en puntos de partida para investigar la construcción identitaria de los actores colectivos. En segundo lugar, nos detenemos a definir a la identidad colectiva y la ponemos en relación con la identidad individual. Por último, incorporamos dos categorías geográficas a las que consideramos constitutivas del proceso de identificación de los movimientos sociales: territorio y lugar.

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In this article we present the discussions that take place around the polysemic concept of identity, and we establish the agreements that become starting points within the framework of an investigation that aims to understand the process of identity construction of socio-territorial movements. For that we organize the exhibition in three parts. In the first place, we enter some discussions that arise around the concept of identity trying to establish some agreements that constitute starting points to investigate the identity construction of collective actors. Second, we stop to define collective identity and put it in relation to individual identity. Finally, we incorporate two geographical categories that we consider to be constitutive of the identification process of social movements: territory and place.
La COSACH y la crisis de la industria salitrera, un intento de estanco comercial (1927-1934)
Authors: Lizama Diego Ignacio , González Miranda Sergio
Published: July 2021

Luego de la gran crisis económica de 1929, la industria del salitre entró en un proceso de reorganización interna con tal de sobrevivir comercialmente y mantenerse como el principal sostén de la economía nacional. En ese sentido, el presente trabajo tiene como finalidad demostrar que la respuesta a ese problema fue el desarrollo de un intento de estanco con características particulares, dando origen a la Compañía de Salitres de Chile (COSACH), tal como sucedió en 1873 con el intento de estanco salitrero peruano que fue la respuesta a la crisis económica de esa década. Analizaremos las diferencias entre uno y otro proceso y explicaremos el origen y ocaso de la COSACH.
La cuestión huilliche y el Censo Indígena de 1907-1908 en Futahuillimapu (Valdivia, Chile).
Authors: Palma Mancilla Claudio
Published: July 2021

El articulo aborda las estrategias desarrolladas por capuchinos e indígenas ante la desprotección jurídica y agravios sufridos desde 1850 por los colonos. Frente a lo que denominamos cuestión huilliche, los misioneros visibilizaron agravios, promovieron el parlamento de 1907 y la realización de un censo en Futahuillimapu que agilizara la radicación y defensa de la propiedad indígena. Destacando la perspectiva documental, el texto aborda los tipos de datos y posibilidades que ofrece el censo indígena de 1907-1908 como fuente histórica fundamental para el conocimiento de patrones de poblamiento, parentesco y recursos materiales de la sociedad huilliche del siglo veinte.

Palabras claves: Huilliche, Agravios, Radicación, Censo Indígena, Valdivia.
Bienestar psicológico y discapacidad: una comparativa entre estudiantes universitarios
Authors: Alós Cívico Francisco J , Acedo Virginia I , Maldonado Herves Miguel Angel , Moreno Osella Eliana María
Published: July 2021

Introducción. La presencia de estudiantes con discapacidad en las universidades ha aumentado en los últimos años, sin embrago, aún son escasos los trabajos que estudian el bienestar psicológico en este colectivo. El objetivo de esta investigación es conocer el grado de bienestar psicológico en estudiantes universitarios con discapacidad y analizarlo de manera comparativa con una muestra de estudiantes sin discapacidad.  Método.  Se aplica un diseño ex post facto prospectivo con grupo control en una muestra de 182 estudiantes, 72 con discapacidad y 110 sin discapacidad. Se administró la adaptación española de la escala de Bienestar Psicológico de Ryff.Resultados. Ambos grupos presentan puntuaciones generales medias en la escala, sin embargo, se observan diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos tanto en la puntuación global en Bienestar Psicológico como en cuatro dimensiones de la escala: Relaciones Positivas, Autonomía, Dominio del Entornoy Crecimiento Personal.Discusión y conclusiones.  Este estudio aporta nuevos datos en un ámbito poco explorado. Se discuten aspectos clave para el desarrollo de estrategias de abordaje de dimensiones psicológicas en este colectivo y con un enfoque inclusivo en el contexto universitario.