bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Welfare states as lifecycle redistribution machines: Decomposing the roles of age and socio-economic status shows that European tax-and-benefit systems primarily redistribute across age groups
Authors: Vanhuysse Pieter , Medgyesi Marton , Gal Robert I.
Published: August 2021

Social scientists identify two core functions of modern welfare states as redistribution across (a) socio-economic status groups (Robin Hood) and (b) ‘the lifecycle’ (the piggy bank). But what is the relative importance of these functions? The answer has been elusive, as the piggy bank is metaphorical. The intra-personal time-travel of resources it implies is based on non-quid-pro-quotransfers. In practice, ‘lifecycle redistribution’ must operate through inter-age-group resource reallocation in cross-section. Since at any time different birth cohorts live together, ‘resource-productive’ working-aged people are taxed to finance consumption of ‘resource-dependent’ younger and older people. In a novel decomposition analysis, we study thejointdistribution of socio-economic status, age, and respectively (a) all cash and in-kind transfers (‘benefits’), (b) financing contributions (‘taxes’), and (c) resulting ‘net benefits,’ on a sample of over 400,000 Europeans from 22 EU countries. European welfare states, often maligned as ineffective Robin Hood vehicles riddled with Matthew effects, are better characterized as inter-age redistribution machines performing a more important second task rather well: lifecycle consumption smoothing. Social policies serve multiple goals in Europe, but empirically they are neither primarily nor solely responsible for poverty relief and inequality reduction.
Identifying the determinants of COVID-19 preventative behaviors and vaccine intentions among South Carolina residents
Authors: Travis Justin , Harris Scott , Fadel Tina , Webb Ginny
Published: August 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has presented a global pandemic in 2020 and 2021, and has therefore spurred a flurry of research, whether related directly to the disease and its treatment or regarding its spread, containment, and effect on everyday lives. In particular, two pressing streams of research have investigated antecedents to COVID-19 preventative behaviors and vaccination intentions. This nascent research has led to many interesting and practically important findings, however, there remains many segmented, compartmentalized studies that address topics that, while certainly generative and meaningful, may not provide a full lens to possible antecedents. The current study takes an interdisciplinary approach that investigates commonly studied variables from biology and public health, political science, and psychology as they relate to COVID-19 preventative behaviors and vaccine intentions in a stratified sample of South Carolina residents (N= 1695). Results from correlations and multiple regression substantiated the findings of many previous studies, however, it was found that, when controlling for shared variance among predictors via relative weights analysis, COVID-19 knowledge, trust in science, age, and Trump approval were the strongest predictors of preventative behaviors. Alternatively, trust in science, gender, age, and conservatism were the strongest predictors of vaccine intentions. Understanding the variables that contribute to the practice of preventative behaviors and vaccine intentions can be used by public health officials to better target and tailor their educational campaign in the community.
Health and social behaviour through pandemic phases in Switzerland: Regional time-trends of the COVID-19 Social Monitor panel study
Authors: Moser André , von Wyl Viktor , Höglinger Marc
Published: August 2021

Background

Switzerland has a liberal implementation of Coronavirus mitigation measures compared to other European countries. Since March 2020, measures have been evolving and include a mixture of central and federalistic mitigation strategies across three culturally diverse language regions. The present study investigates a hypothesised heterogeneity in health, social behavior and adherence to mitigation measures across the language regions by studying pre-specified interaction effects. Our findings aim to support the communication of regionally targeted mitigation strategies and to provide evidence to address longterm population-health consequences of the pandemic by accounting for different pandemic contexts and cultural aspects.

Methods

We use data from from the COVID-19 Social Monitor, a longitudinal population-based online survey. We define five mitigation periods between March 2020 and May 2021. We use unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models to investigate a hypothesized interaction effect between mitigation periods and language regions on selected study outcomes covering the domains of general health and quality of life, mental health, loneliness/isolation, physical activity, health care use and adherence to mitigation measures.

Results

We analyze 2,163 (64%) participants from the German/Romansh-speaking part of Switzerland, 713 (21%) from the French-speaking part and 505 (15%) from the Italian-speaking part. We found evidence for an interaction effect between mitigation periods and language regions for adherence to mitigation measures, but not for other study outcomes (social behavior, health). The presence of poor quality of life, lack of energy, no physical activity, health care use, and the adherence to mitigation measures changed similarly over mitigation periods in all language regions.

Discussion

As the pandemic unfolded in Switzerland, also health and social behavior changed between March 2020 to May 2021. Changes in adherence to mitigation measures differ between language regions and reflect the COVID-19 incidence patterns in the investigated mitigation periods, with higher adherence in regions with previously higher incidence. Targeted communcation of mitigation measures and policy making should include cultural, geographical and socioeconomic aspects to address yet unknown long-term population health consequences caused by the pandemic.
Comparative study on the changes of bacterial species and severity of antimicrobial resistance during 13 years
Authors: Zhang Huili , Zhou Kairui , He Xinglong , Yuan Xin
Published: August 2021

Background

With the widespread use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, the problem of bacterial resistance has become a global crisis. To monitor bacterial resistance in our hospital, the distribution of specimens, the detection of pathogens and their drug resistance from July 2005 to June 2007 (13 years ago) and July 2018 to June 2020 were compared and analyzed.

Methods

Ordinary specimens (such as sputum, urine, feces, and secretion) were inoculated in blood AGAR media, MacConkey medium, chocolate medium, double SS medium and selective culture medium. Blood, cerebrospinal fluid, pleural effusion, joint cavity effusion and other sterile body fluid samples were inoculated in aerobic and anaerobic blood culture flasks. Automatic microbial identification, drug sensitivity analysis and mass spectrometry analysis were used to determine their drug sensitivity.

Results

Compared with the results obtained 13 years ago, the number of specimens submitted for inspection in the past two years has increased significantly, exhibiting a growth rate of 283%. The changes in the pathogen species were obvious. Gram-positive cocci were the dominant bacteria 13 years ago, and Gram-negative bacilli were the dominant bacteria in the past two years. In addition, the resistance of several major Gram-negative bacilli to piperacillin/tazobactam, cefoperazone/sulbactam, meropenem and imipenem all showed an increasing trend.

Conclusion

The variety of pathogenic bacteria in our hospital has changed significantly in the past two years compared with that 13 years ago, and the clinical isolates of Gram-negative bacilli have increased significantly compared with Gram-positive cocci. In the clinical treatment of anti-infective diseases, antimicrobial agents should be selected according to the bacterial distribution characteristics and drug resistance in each hospital.
The influence of vermicomposting on photosynthetic activity and productivity of maize (Zea mays L.) crop under semi-arid climate
Authors: Younas Muhammad , Zou Huasong , Laraib Tasmia , Abbas Waseem , Akhtar Muhammad Waqar , Aslam Muhammad Naveed , Amrao Luqman , Hayat Shoukat , Abdul Hamid Tariq , Hameed Akhtar , Ayaz Kachelo Ghalib , Elseehy Mona M. , El-Shehawi Ahmed M. , Zuan Ali Tan Kee , Li Yunzhou , Arif Muhammad
Published: August 2021

Food production and waste recycling are the two major issues faced globally with rapidly increasing population. Recycling organic wastes to crop amendments could be a possible solution to these issues. Earthworms transfer organic waste to compost, which is used to grow crops and increase crop productivity. This study assessed the impact of vermicompost produced from the residues of six desert plant species, i.e., (Ziziphus mauritiana, Aerva javanica, Calligonum comosum, Sacchrum benghalens, Calligonum polygonoides and Prosopis cineraria) combined with farmyard manure (5 t ha-1) on growth, yield and photosynthetic activity of maize crop. Earthworm species Eisenia fetida (Savigny, 1826) was used to prepare vermicomposting of all tested plant species. The desert species were collected from natural habitats, chopped, dried, mixed with FYM and then earthworms were released to prepare the vermicompost. The earthworms were excluded twenty days after release and resultant was considered as compost and used in the experiment. Results revealed that application of P. cineraria vermicompost resulted in the highest plant height (75.33 cm), stem diameter (22.66 mm), cob length (17.66 cm), number of grains/cob (374.67), 1000-grain weight (260.41 g) and grains yield (3.20 t/ha). Application of P. cineraria vermicompost resulted in the highest uptake of macronutrients, i.e., N (91.01%), P (22.07%), K (80.41%), micronutrients, i.e., Fe (19.07 ppm), Zn (40.05 ppm), and phenolic contents (150). Application of P. cineraria vermicompost also resulted in the highest quantum photosynthetic yield (0.42 mole C/mole of photon), chlorophyll florescence (355.18 moles of photon m-2s-1) and electron transport rate (310.18 micro mole m-2s-1). It is concluded that vermicomposting has the potential to improve growth and yield of maize crop. Particularly, application of vermicompost obtained from P. cineraria can be used to improve the growth and yield of maize crop. Nonetheless, field trials are necessary for a wide scale recommendation.
Ventilator output splitting interface ‘ACRA’: Description and evaluation in lung simulators and in an experimental ARDS animal model
Authors: Otero Pablo E. , Tarragona Lisa , Zaccagnini Andrea S. , Verdier Natali , Ceballos Martin R. , Gogniat Emiliano , Cabaleiro Juan M. , D’Adamo Juan , Duriez Thomas , Eijo Pedro Garcia , Artana Guillermo
Published: August 2021

The current COVID-19 pandemic has led the world to an unprecedented global shortage of ventilators, and its sharing has been proposed as an alternative to meet the surge. This study outlines the performance of a preformed novel interface called ’ACRA’, designed to split ventilator outflow into two breathing systems. The ’ACRA’ interface was built using medical use approved components. It consists of four unidirectional valves, two adjustable flow-restrictor valves placed on the inspiratory limbs of each unit, and one adjustable PEEP valve placed on the expiratory limb of the unit that would require a greater PEEP. The interface was interposed between a ventilator and two lung units (phase I), two breathing simulators (phase II) and two live pigs with heterogeneous lung conditions (phase III). The interface and ventilator adjustments tested the ability to regulate individual pressures and the resulting tidal volumes. Data were analyzed using Friedman and Wilcoxon tests test (p < 0.05). Ventilator outflow splitting, independent pressure adjustments and individual tidal volume monitoring were feasible in all phases. In all experimental measurements, dual ventilation allowed for individual and tight adjustments of the pressure, and thus volume delivered to each paired lung unit without affecting the other unit’s ventilation—all the modifications performed on the ventilator equally affected both paired lung units. Although only suggested during a dire crisis, this experiment supports dual ventilation as an alternative worth to be considered.
Does social trust stimulate university technology transfer? Evidence from China
Authors: Wu Ying , Huang Wen , Deng Li
Published: August 2021

This paper examines the effect of social trust on university technology transfer. A large sample of Chinese universities from the 2007–2017 period was used. We find that social trust facilitates university technology transfer. The finding remain valid after a series of robustness. The mechanism test shows that social trust facilitates university technology transfer by improving the level of university-industry cooperative innovation. Our study suggests that social trust is an important factor that affects university technology transfer.
Inflammatory pathways amongst people living with HIV in Malawi differ according to socioeconomic status
Authors: Kelly Christine , Tinago Willard , Alber Dagmar , Hunter Patricia , Luckhurst Natasha , Connolly Jake , Arrigoni Francesca , Garcia Abner Alejandro , Kamn’gona Raphael , Sheha Irene , Chammudzi Mishek , Jambo Kondwani , Mallewa Jane , Rapala Alicja , Mallon Patrick W. G. , Mwandumba Henry , Klein Nigel , Khoo Saye
Published: August 2021

Background

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increased amongst people living with HIV (PLWH) and are driven by persistent immune activation. The role of socioeconomic status (SES) in immune activation amongst PLWH is unknown, especially in low-income sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where such impacts may be particularly severe.

Methods

We recruited Malawian adults with CD4<100 cells/ul two weeks after starting ART in the REALITY trial (NCT01825031), as well as volunteers without HIV infection. Clinical assessment, socioeconomic evaluation, blood draw for immune activation markers and carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) were carried out at 2- and 42-weeks post-ART initiation. Socioeconomic risk factors for immune activation and arterial stiffness were assessed using linear regression models.

Results

Of 279 PLWH, the median (IQR) age was 36 (31–43) years and 122 (44%) were female. Activated CD8 T-cells increased from 70% amongst those with no education to 88% amongst those with a tertiary education (p = 0.002); and from 71% amongst those earning less than 10 USD/month to 87% amongst those earning between 100–150 USD/month (p = 0.0001). Arterial stiffness was also associated with higher SES (car ownership p = 0.003, television ownership p = 0.012 and electricity access p = 0.029). Conversely, intermediate monocytes were higher amongst those with no education compared to a tertiary education (12.6% versus 7.3%; p = 0.01) and trended towards being higher amongst those earning less than 10 USD/month compared to 100–150 USD/month (10.5% versus 8.0%; p = 0.08). Water kiosk use showed a protective association against T cell activation (p = 0.007), as well as endothelial damage (MIP1β, sICAM1 and sVCAM1 p = 0.047, 0.026 and 0.031 respectively).

Conclusions

Socioeconomic risk factors for persistent inflammation amongst PLWH in SSA differ depending on the type of inflammatory pathway. Understanding these pathways and their socioeconomic drivers will help identify those at risk and target interventions for NCDs. Future studies assessing drivers of inflammation in HIV should include an SES assessment.
Link-based influence maximization in networks of health promotion professionals
Authors: Oostenbroek Maurits H. W. , van der Leij Marco J. , Meertens Quinten A. , Diks Cees G. H. , Wortelboer Heleen M.
Published: August 2021

The influence maximization problem (IMP) as classically formulated is based on the strong assumption that “chosen” nodes always adopt the new product. In this paper we propose a new influence maximization problem, referred to as the “Link-based Influence Maximization Problem” (LIM), which differs from IMP in that the decision variable of the spreader has changed from choosing an optimal seed to selecting an optimal node to influence in order to maximize the spread. Based on our proof that LIM is NP-hard with a monotonic increasing and submodular target function, we propose a greedy algorithm, GLIM, for optimizing LIM and use numerical simulation to explore the performance in terms of spread and computation time in different network types. The results indicate that the performance of LIM varies across network types. We illustrate LIM by applying it in the context of a Dutch national health promotion program for prevention of youth obesity within a network of Dutch schools. GLIM is seen to outperform the other methods in all network types at the cost of a higher computation time. These results suggests that GLIM may be utilized to increase the effectiveness of health promotion programs.
Differential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on laboratory reporting of norovirus and Campylobacter in England: A modelling approach
Authors: Ondrikova Nikola , Clough Helen E. , Douglas Amy , Iturriza-Gomara Miren , Larkin Lesley , Vivancos Roberto , Harris John P. , Cunliffe Nigel A.
Published: August 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted surveillance activities for multiple pathogens. Since March 2020, there was a decline in the number of reports of norovirus andCampylobacterrecorded by England’s national laboratory surveillance system. The aim is to estimate and compare the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on norovirus andCampylobactersurveillance data in England.

Methods

We utilised two quasi-experimental approaches based on a generalised linear model for sequential count data. The first approach estimates overall impact and the second approach focuses on the impact of specific elements of the pandemic response (COVID-19 diagnostic testing and control measures). The following time series (27, 2015–43, 2020) were used: weekly laboratory-confirmed norovirus andCampylobacterreports, air temperature, conducted Sars-CoV-2 tests and Index of COVID-19 control measures stringency.

Results

The period of Sars-CoV-2 emergence and subsequent sustained transmission was associated with persistent reductions in norovirus laboratory reports (p = 0.001), whereas the reductions were more pronounced during pandemic emergence and later recovered forCampylobacter(p = 0.075). The total estimated reduction was 47% - 79% for norovirus (12–43, 2020). The total reduction varied by time forCampylobacter, e.g. 19% - 33% in April, 1% - 7% in August.

Conclusion

Laboratory reporting of norovirus was more adversely impacted thanCampylobacterby the COVID-19 pandemic. This may be partially explained by a comparatively stronger effect of behavioural interventions on norovirus transmission and a relatively greater reduction in norovirus testing capacity. Our study underlines the differential impact a pandemic may have on surveillance of gastrointestinal infectious diseases.
Coordinated action of multiple transporters in the acquisition of essential cationic amino acids by the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Fairweather Stephen J. , Rajendran Esther , Blume Martin , Javed Kiran , Steinhöfel Birte , McConville Malcolm J. , Kirk Kiaran , Bröer Stefan , van Dooren Giel G.
Published: August 2021

Intracellular parasites of the phylum Apicomplexa are dependent on the scavenging of essential amino acids from their hosts. We previously identified a large family of apicomplexan-specific plasma membrane-localized amino acid transporters, the ApiATs, and showed that the Toxoplasma gondii transporter TgApiAT1 functions in the selective uptake of arginine. TgApiAT1 is essential for parasite virulence, but dispensable for parasite growth in medium containing high concentrations of arginine, indicating the presence of at least one other arginine transporter. Here we identify TgApiAT6-1 as the second arginine transporter. Using a combination of parasite assays and heterologous characterisation of TgApiAT6-1 in Xenopus laevis oocytes, we demonstrate that TgApiAT6-1 is a general cationic amino acid transporter that mediates both the high-affinity uptake of lysine and the low-affinity uptake of arginine. TgApiAT6-1 is the primary lysine transporter in the disease-causing tachyzoite stage of T. gondii and is essential for parasite proliferation. We demonstrate that the uptake of cationic amino acids by TgApiAT6-1 is ‘trans-stimulated’ by cationic and neutral amino acids and is likely promoted by an inwardly negative membrane potential. These findings demonstrate that T. gondii has evolved overlapping transport mechanisms for the uptake of essential cationic amino acids, and we draw together our findings into a comprehensive model that highlights the finely-tuned, regulated processes that mediate cationic amino acid scavenging by these intracellular parasites.
Antibacterial activity of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmannii) essential oil against extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing bacteria
Authors: Ginting Elgio Venanda , Retnaningrum Endah , Widiasih Dyah Ayu
Published: August 2021

Background and Aim: Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) is an enzyme produced by the family of Enterobacteriaceae, especially Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, which can hydrolyze β-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillins, cephalosporins, cephamycin, and carbapenem. ESBL-producing bacteria are widely distributed from farms to slaughterhouses until food products originating from animals are available in the market, which plays an important role as a pathway for the exposure and transmission of ESBL-producing bacteria from food products of animal origin to humans. This study aimed to determine the antibacterial activity of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) and Cinnamomum verum (cinnamon) essential oils against strains resistant to ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates.

Materials and Methods: The antibacterial activity of clove and cinnamon essential oils was tested against three strains of tested bacteria using the disk diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of clove and cinnamon essential oils was determined using the broth microdilution method. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was determined using the MIC. Morphological changes on each tested bacteria were observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results: Both essential oils exhibited inhibitory effects toward all test organisms, indicated by inhibition zones around the disk. The MIC values of clove essential oil were 0.078% (v/v) for all tested bacteria, whereas the MICs of cinnamon essential oil ranged from 0.039% (v/v) to 0.156% (v/v) for all tested bacteria. MBC values of clove and cinnamon essential oils ranged from 0.078% (v/v) to 0.156% (v/v) for all tested bacteria. There were morphological changes in each tested bacterial cell that was observed through SEM. Each tested bacteria treated with clove and cinnamon essential oils showed shrinkage and cells lysis.

Conclusion: It was concluded that clove and cinnamon essential oils have emerged as effective antibacterial agents by showing high antibacterial activity against ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates, as evidenced by the inhibition zone diameter and MIC value.
Indoor Air Pollution and Its Effects on Health of Women in Rural Population of Karnataka - A Community Based Survey
Authors: Padmanabha Usha Rani S. , Rajesh Lavanya , Nagarajaiah Puneeth , Rajappa Maheswaran
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND Indoor air pollution is responsible for more than 1.5 million deaths and 2.7 % of the global burden of disease as per WHO report. Globally, more than three billion people depend on solid fuels including biomass and coal. Nearly 4 million people die prematurely from illnesses attributed to household air pollution from inefficient cooking practices using polluting stoves paired with solid fuels and kerosene. As a customary involvement in cooking; women are obliged to breathe the air polluted with biomass fuels and tend to experience the largest exposures and health burdens. Hence this study was done to assess the determinants of indoor air pollution (IAP) and its health impact among women residing in rural areas of Bengaluru. METHODS A community based cross sectional study was conducted among household women residing in rural population of Bengaluru over a period of 4 months. Based on prevalence rate of sources for indoor air pollution being 49 % from the earlier studies the estimated sample was 500. Household women were interviewed by simple random sampling technique. RESULTS The mean age of the participants was 46.9 + 15yrs. where 42.4 % belonged to 40 - 59 yrs. of age group. In majority of households, 84.4 % used LPG as a cooking fuel. Type of fuel, second-hand smoking, smoke from the neighbourhood and use of mosquito repellents were found to be sources while poor housekeeping, inadequate ventilation, and lack of smoke outlet in kitchen were contributing factors for IAP. Irritation in eyes, cough, difficulty in breathing, running nose and chronic respiratory diseases were the perceived symptoms due to IAP. CONCLUSIONS Majority of households in the current study were exposed to IAP due to passive smoking, smoke from the neighbourhood and use of mosquito repellents while improper ventilation, absence of smoke outlet and humid conditions accentuated it. Community awareness program and cost effective interventions is the need of the hour. KEY WORDS Indoor Air Pollution, Rural Population, Women's Health
The Effect of Two Calcium Silicate Materials on the Fracture Strength of Simulated Immature Teeth during Regenerative Endodontic Treatment
Authors: Edrees Hadeel Y. , Siddiqui Amna Y. , Almousa Murtadha M. , Ajaj Reem A. , Alshouibi Ehab N. , Alothmani Osama S.
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND Necrotic immature permanent teeth undergoing Regenerative Endodontic Treatment (RET) are subjected to functional forces that might lead to their fracture before achieving apical closure. This study compared the fracture strength of simulated immature teeth treated with RET that were subjected to cyclic loading. METHODS Thirty human anterior teeth were randomly assigned into three groups (Group I: control, groups II and III: prepared to simulate immature teeth then subjected to RET with EndoSequence Root Repair Material (ESRRM) and white Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (WMTA) used as coronal barriers, respectively). All specimens were mounted on customized mold and subjected to cyclic loading until fracture or to a maximum of 165,000 cycles. The number of endured cycles and the maximum load applied at failure were recorded. Chi-square analysis was done to compare the frequency of fracture while One - Way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s Post Hoc test were done to compare means for the number of endured cycles and the maximum load applied to failure. RESULTS There was no significant difference between the three groups regarding the frequency of fracture (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference between the mean number of cycles endured or force at failure between group I and II or groups II and III (P > 0.05). However, group III endured significantly less force (P= 0.008) and significantly lower number of cycles (P = 0.014) compared to group I. CONCLUSIONS Within the limitation of this study, there was no significant difference between ESRRM and WMTA regarding their reinforcement of teeth treated with RET. KEY WORDS EndoSequence Root Repair Material, Fracture Strength, Immature Teeth, Mineral Trioxide Aggregate, Regeneration
Is Elevated Lipase in Covid-19 Patients Due to Acute Pancreatitis? - A Study from Punjab, India
Authors: Garg Shreya , Garg Sushil , Kansal Anju , Kansal Afreen
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) many patients have presented with a variety of other symptoms along with primary respiratory symptoms. The increased reporting of these extra-pulmonary symptoms has made it necessary for the clinicians to establish a proper cause and relation between coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and extra-pulmonary symptoms. This study was undertaken to assess if the cause of elevated lipase levels in Covid-19 patients was due to acute pancreatitis. METHODS A retrospective observational study was performed at a local critical care ICU facility in Bathinda, India (MediWin Hospital, Bathinda, Punjab). RT - PCR, Rapid antigen test, CT scans were done to establish the Covid-19 status. Clinical signs and symptoms, CT scans were used to confirm the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. MRI was preferred in patients with deranged renal function test. RESULTS Lipase test was done in 62 patients and the levels were found elevated in 52 patients. 40 patients were found to have symptoms of the spectrum of acute pancreatitis. 10 patients had symptoms along with signs of1 severe inflammatory response syndrome. Imaging was advised in these 10 patients with1 moderate to severe presentation of acute pancreatitis. 9 patients were advised CT scans which had no significant findings. 1 patient with deranged renal function test was advised2 MRI scan which showed mildly diffusely bulky pancreas. Mild peripancreatic fat stranding and fluid collection, suggestive of acute interstitial pancreatitis. It was associated with poor outcomes and lead to the patient’s death eventually. CONCLUSIONS Hyperlipasemia led to acute pancreatitis in 1 (1.6 %) patient. It was associated with poor outcome and caused eventual death of the patient. The prospects of a Covid-19 patient developing Hyperlipasemia due to acute pancreatitis were found to be statistically insignificant. KEY WORDS Coronavirus, Hyperlipasemia, Pancreatitis, Lipase, RT - PCR, Rapid Antigen Test.
Comparison of the Effect of Virtual Education and Group-Based Education on Anthropometric Indices in Overweight and Obese Healthcare Women - An Educational Intervention Study
Authors: Siabani Soraya , Zare Farahnaz , Ashtarian Hossein , Darbandi Mitra , Rezaei Mansour , Mostafai Roghayeh , Khezel Mehdi
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND Obesity is the main cause or the facilitator of many physical and psychological diseases worldwide, specifically in developing countries including Iran.(1,2) It is estimated that worldwide about 3% of total health expenditure is spent annually on the treatment of obesity related disorders.(3) We wanted to compare the efficacy of two methods of education including virtual education through Telegram messages and group discussion, on anthropometric indices in health care service providers suffering from overweight or obesity in Kermanshah. METHODS This three-arm randomized control trail (RCT) was conducted on 102 overweight/obese female healthcare providers in Kermanshah. Using Excel RAND function, the eligible participants were randomly allocated into three groups; two intervention groups- Telegram message, and group discussion - and one control group. Anthropometric indices including height, weight, waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC) were measured using standard instruments. Data was analysed with SPSS16 using Independent and Paired t-test, Chi-square, and ANOVA. The significance level was considered as p≤0.05. RESULTS Participants’ mean age was 41.9 ± 6.3 years. Mean of BMI was 29.8±3.8 Kg/m2. The mean of weight, BMI and HC of the three groups were not significantly different before intervention; however, the mean of the changes for all three variables in the intervention groups were significantly different (p<.001). CONCLUSIONS Telegram and group discussion were effective on anthropometric indices of healthcare providers; however, comparing the mean change of variables in two intervention groups showed that Telegram method was more effective than group discussion in Weight, BMI, WC, and HC reduction (p<0.05). KEY WORDS Anthropometric Indices, Health Education, Health Personnel, Obesity
Occlusal Cant and Its Challenges – A Review
Authors: Talla Renuka Rao
Published: August 2021

Asymmetries can be considered as a huge challenge for an orthodontist because of the complex mechanics and uncertainty in stability of treatment outcomes. Multifactorial nature of the asymmetry due to wide range has complicated the classification and determination of the cases. The aetiology can be classified as hereditary and environmental factors. The occlusal cant in patients can be evaluated by frontal photographs, lateral cephalograms, clinical assessment and a threedimensional imaging methods. Photographs can be used as one of the methods to evaluate the asymmetries of the soft tissue and also the cant of lips. In recent times with the aid of computers and different software’s like power point or keynote the use of reference lines with the software, facilitates in the analysis of the smile and the occlusal plane. The management of occlusal cant includes different treatment alternatives like orthognathic surgery, orthodontic therapy, or a combination treatment of both orthognathic surgery and orthodontic therapy. The surgical approach depends upon the awareness of the patient with the severity of cant and aesthetic problems as well as the jaw discrepancy in both vertical and sagittal directions. Orthognathic surgery creates an overall skeletal as well as soft tissue improvement including the lips. In cases with OC in anterior segment and deep - bite malocclusion a combination treatment is required. To reduce the anterior vertical height and to achieve more stable results intrusion of molars is considered using skeletal anchorage. The skeletal anchorage (miniscrews or miniplates) can be used for the correction of the cant in maxillary segment and the surgical treatment for correction of the asymmetry of the face like sagittal split osteotomy, ramus osteotomy etc. can be carried out. To achieve satisfactory outcome the clinician must examine and find the etiological factors and proper treatment planning has to be carried out based on the type of occlusal cant such that the outcome shows aesthetic smile along with good facial symmetry. KEY WORDS Occlusal Cant, Facial Asymmetry, Skeletal Asymmetry, Cant.
An Unusual Presentation of Peripheral Ossifying Fibroma in an Elderly Male - A Case Report
Authors: Shahira Shahira , Thomas Biju , Ramesh Amitha , Shenoy Santhosh , Vamsi Anegundi Raghavendra
Published: August 2021

Peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) is a reactive process of the gingiva that develops due to irritation or minor trauma. Females are more affected than males suggesting a hormonal influence. This case report describes a case of peripheral ossifying fibroma in a 48-year-old male patient in 33, 34 regions in contrast to its common occurrence in young females. Histopathological examination is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice to prevent recurrence. One year follow up of the case showed no signs of recurrence. Gingival overgrowth is a common feature of the various types of gingival disease in the oral cavity. Gingival diseases and conditions can be due to genetic disorder, specific infections, inflammatory and immune conditions and lesions, reactive processes, neoplasms, endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases, traumatic lesions and gingival pigmentation.1 Reactive processes are non-neoplastic nodular swellings that develop in response to local irritation or minor trauma. The term epulis is exophytic processes confined to the gingiva.2 Kfir et al. classified epulides into fibrous epulis, peripheral ossifying fibroma, pyogenic granuloma (vascular epulis), peripheral giant cell granuloma (or central).3 Ossifying fibromas in the oral cavity can be classified into central and peripheral type. The central type expands from the medullary cavity of the bone, arising from the endosteum or the periodontal ligament (PDL) adjacent to the root apex. Peripheral type arises from the soft tissues overlying the alveolar process which is contiguous with the periodontal ligament. 4 This article presents a case of POF in a male patient.
Magyarországi bankfúziók és a bankszektor jövője
Authors: Lublóy Ágnes
Published: August 2021

A szerző tanulmányában a magyarországi bankfúziókkal, a bankfúziók okával és a várható jövőbeli bankpiaci folyamatok elemzésével foglalkozik. E folyamatok nyomán kialakult versenyhelyzetnek igazi nyertesei a banki ügyfelek lehetnek, hisz mindinkább hasonló infrastruktúrájú bankok versengenek a kegyeikért. A méretstruktúra kiegyenlítettebbé válásához minden bizonnyal a jelenlévő piaci szereplők fúziói és felvásárlásai is hozzájárulnak. A szerző egyfajta vízióként egy kettős struktúrájú magyar bankszektort valószínűsít, ahol mintegy tíz nagybank mellett számos, szűk piaci szegmensre szakosodott pénzügyi intézmény lesz majd megtalálható.
Versenyképesség az autóipari ellátási láncban - alapvető képességek az egyes beszállító típusok esetében
Authors: Jenei István
Published: August 2021

Jelen tanulmány szorosan kapcsolódik Gelei - Nagy (2004) munkájához , amelyben a hazai autóipari ellátási láncok esetén vizsgálják a beszállító-megrendelő kapcsolatokban jelentkező vevői értéket, illetve annak összetevőit. Ebben az írásban a szerző arra vállalkozik, hogy a Géléi - Nagy (2004) által bemutatott elméleti keretet felhasználva, valós vállalati példákon keresztül keresse az összefüggést a vállalatok alapvető képessége és a vevőik számára nyújtott értékek között. Ez a munka nem öncélú, hiszen a vevők számára teremtett érték jelentősen meghatározza a vállalat versenyképességét, azon keresztül pedig működésének eredményességét.
Az üzleti kapcsolatok értékelése
Authors: Wimmer Ágnes
Published: August 2021

A cikk az üzleti teljesítménymérés és teljesítménymenedzsment szemszögéből vizsgálja az üzleti kapcsolatokat. Hogyan befolyásolhatják az üzleti kapcsolatok az üzleti teljesítményt? Milyen információkra van szükségünk az üzleti kapcsolatok értékeléséhez, fejlesztéséhez, menedzseléséhez? Hogyan támogatják mindezen tevékenységeket a teljesítménymérés és teljesítménymenedzsment rendelkezésre álló megközelítései és módszerei?
Evaluation of operational performance as a means for deciding about intermodal passenger transport improvements in urban environments
Authors: Ribeiro Neto Luiz Guimarães , Maia Maria Leonor Alves
Published: August 2021

Regarding intermodal urban transport systems for passengers, there is no recognized standard for performance analysis. Detecting the weaknesses of such systems can allow managers to carry out more assertive, corrective actions and make them more attractive to users. The main objective of this article is to propose a model for evaluating the performance of intermodal travel for passengers in urban environments. The exploratory factor analysis was the method used to evaluate and classify the variables that constitute the proposed standard. The results show that the factors related to travel time, infrastructure and available information are the most important characteristics for the interviewed public. The operational performance analysis carried out in the Metropolitan Region of Recife, state of Pernambuco, Brazil, reveals the difficulties faced by the citizens while making an intermodal trip, which may be contributing to a reduction in the number of users of the passenger transport system.
The impact and effectiveness of the general public wearing masks to reduce the spread of pandemics in the UK: a multidisciplinary comparison of single-use masks versus reusable face masks
Authors: Allison Ayşe Lisa , Ambrose-Dempster Esther , Bawn Maria , Arredondo Miguel Casas , Chau Charnett , Chandler Kimberley , Dobrijevic Dragana , Aparasi Teresa Domenech , Hailes Helen C. , Lettieri Paola , Liu Chao , Medda Francesca , Michie Susan , Miodownik Mark , Munro Beth , Purkiss Danielle , Ward John M.
Published: August 2021

During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the UK government mandated the use of face masks in various public settings and recommended the use of reusable masks to combat shortages of medically graded single-use masks in healthcare. To assist decision-making on the choice of masks for future pandemics, where shortages may not be a contributing factor, the University College London (UCL) Plastic Waste Innovation Hub has carried out a multidisciplinary comparison between single-use and reusable masks based on their anatomy, standalone effectiveness, behavioural considerations, environmental impact and costs. Although current single-use masks have a higher standalone effectiveness against bacteria and viruses, studies show that reusable masks have adequate performance in slowing infection rates of respiratory viruses. Material flow analysis (MFA), life cycle assessment (LCA) and cost comparison show that reusable masks have a lower environmental and economic impact than single-use masks. If every person in the UK uses one single-use mask each day for a year, it will create a total of 124,000 tonnes of waste, 66,000 tonnes of which would be unrecyclable contaminated plastic waste (the masks), with the rest being the recyclable packaging typically used for transportation and distribution of masks. Using reusable masks creates >85% less waste, generates 3.5 times lower impact on climate change and incurs 3.7 times lower costs. Further behavioural research is necessary to understand the extent and current practices of mask use; and how these practices affect mask effectiveness in reducing infection rates. Wearing single-use masks may be preferred over reusable masks due to perceptions of increased hygiene and convenience. Understanding behaviour towards the regular machine-washing of reusable masks for their effective reuse is key to maximise their public health benefits and minimise environmental and economic costs.
Parathyroid hormone-independent hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria of a patient with nephrolithiasis and nephrocalcinosis and impaired vitamin D metabolism due to a defect in the CYP24A1 gene
Authors: Rozhinskaya L. Ya. , Pushkareva A. S. , Mamedova E. O. , Bogdanov V. P. , Zakharova V. V. , Ioutsi V. A. , Belaya Zh. E. , Melnichenko G. A.
Published: August 2021

Hypercalcemia associated with impaired vitamin D metabolism is a rare autosomal recessive disorder. The mechanism of this pathology is the impairment of inactivation of active metabolites of vitamin D because of mutations in the CYP24A1 gene, which leads to an increase of calcium absorption and the development of hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, nephrocalcinosis and nephrolithiasis. The phenotype of the disease ranges from severe forms which are diagnosed in early infancy (severe hypercalcemia associated with dehydration, vomiting, nephrocalcinosis, and sometimes death) to milder forms, that often are diagnosed in adulthood and manifested with recurrent nephrolithiasis and nephrocalcinosis. Differential diagnosis is carried out with the most common causes of hypercalcemia: primary hyperparathyroidism and malignant neoplasms. To diagnose, the determination of vitamin D metabolites and genetic research are used. As a treatment for mild forms, it is recommended to limit dairy products, to keep a drinking regimen, to refuse taking vitamin D and calcium preparations, and use of sunscreens. The article presents a clinical case of parathyroid hormone-independent hypercalcemia due to mutation of the CYP24A1 gene of a 20-year-old patient suffering from nephrolithiasis and nephrocalcinosis since the age of 16 with a confirmed violation of vitamin D metabolism.
Population Aging and the Demand for Private Health Insurance in China
Authors: Zheng Lili
Published: August 2021

This study examines the potential impact of aging on the demand for private health insurance (PHI) in China. Using the provincial data for 2000–2018, we find that a 1-percent increase in each proportion of the elderly population and old-age dependency ratio increases the PHI demand by 4.8 and 5.2%, respectively. A one-percent increase in the child dependency ratio decreases the PHI demand by 1.5%. We employ an instrumental variable approach; the findings support that the proportion of the elderly individuals in the total population, old-age dependency ratio, child dependency ratio, and urban green area significantly affect the PHI demand. The rolling estimate indicates that aging has a significant positive effect on the PHI demand over a rolling window of a fixed sample size. Additionally, by controlling for province and year fixed effects, we find that aging is positively associated with the PHI demand in China.
Rufinamide (RUF) suppresses inflammation and maintains the integrity of the blood–brain barrier during kainic acid-induced brain damage
Authors: Yu Huaxu , He Bin , Han Xu , Yan Ting
Published: August 2021

Rufinamide (RUF) is a structurally unique anti-epileptic drug, but its protective mechanism against brain injury remains unclear. In the present study, we validated how the RUF protected mice with kainic acid (KA)-induced neuronal damage. To achieve that, a mouse epilepsy model was established by KA intraperitoneal injection. After Nissl staining, although there was a significant reduction in Nissl bodies in mice treated with KA, 40, 80, and 120 mg/kg, RUF significantly reduced KA-induced neuronal damage, in a dose-dependent manner. Among them, 120 mg/kg RUF was most pronounced. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blot analysis showed that RUF inhibited the IBA-1 overexpression caused by KA to block microglia cell overactivation. Further, RUF treatment partially reversed neuroinflammatory cytokine (IL-1β, TNFα, HMGB1, and NLRP3) overexpression in mRNA and protein levels in KA mice. Moreover, although KA stimulation inhibited the expression of tight junctions, RUF treatment significantly upregulated expression of tight junction proteins (occludin and claudin 5) in both mRNA and protein levels in the brain tissues of KA mice. RUF inhibited the overactivation of microglia, suppressed the neuroinflammatory response, and reduced the destruction of blood–brain barrier, thereby alleviating the excitatory nerve damage of the KA-mice.
3D-printed porous scaffold promotes osteogenic differentiation of hADMSCs
Authors: He Xuebin , Ao Huafei , Qiao Ying , Li Zhengwen
Published: August 2021

Objective

To explore the role of a three-dimensional (3D)-printed porous titanium alloy scaffold (3D scaffold) in the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADMSCs) and the underlying mechanism.

Methods

hADMSCs were divided into control and 3D scaffold groups. The osteogenic differentiation of hADMSCs and expression of osteogenic makers were estimated. Based on the information from published articles, five candidate circular RNAs were selected, and among them, hsa_circ_0019142 showed the most promising results. Finally, control group cells were overexpressed or silenced with the hsa_circ_0019142. Then, Alizarin red S (ARS) staining, calcium content analysis and estimation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), and collagen-1 (COL1) were performed to evaluate the role of hsa_circ_0019142 on osteogenic differentiation.

Results

Osteogenic differentiation of the hADMSCs was significantly higher in the 3D scaffold group than in the control group, as evidenced by ARS staining, increased calcium concentration, and elevated expression of above four osteogenic factors. qPCR revealed that the expression of hsa_circ_0019142 was significantly higher in the 3D scaffold group. Overexpression of hsa_circ_0019142 promoted the osteogenic differentiation of hADMSCs, while knockdown of hsa_circ_0019142 caused the opposite results.

Conclusion

The 3D-printed scaffold promoted osteogenic differentiation of hADMSCs by upregulating hsa_circ_0019142.