bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Practical Measure of Health Facility Efficiency: an Innovation in the Application of Routine Health Information to Determine Health Worker Productivity in Ethiopia
Authors: Hasan Md Zabir , Dinsa Girmaye D. , Berman Peter
Published: May 2021

BackgroundA simple indicator of technical efficiency, such as productivity of health workers, measured using routine health facility data, can be a practical approach that can inform initiatives to improve efficiency in low and middle-income countries. This paper presents a proof of concept of using routine information from primary healthcare (PHC) facilities to measure health workers’ productivity and its application in three regions of Ethiopia.MethodsIn four steps, we constructed a productivity measure of the health workforce of Health Centers (HCs) and demonstrated its practical application: (1) developing an analytical dataset using secondary data from health management information systems (HMIS) and human resource information system (HRIS); (2) principal component analysis and factor analysis to estimate a summary measure of output from five indicators (annual service volume of outpatient visits, family planning, first antenatal care visits, facility-based deliveries by skilled birth attendance, and children [<1 year] with three pentavalent vaccines); (3) calculating a productivity score by combining the summary measure and the total number of health workers (input); and (4) implementing regression models to identify the determinant of productivity and ranking HCs based on their adjusted productivity score. ResultsWe developed an analytical dataset of 1,128 HCs; however, significant missing values and outliers were reported in the data. The principal component and factor scores developed from the five output measures were highly consistent (correlation coefficient = 0.98). We considered the factor score as the summary measure of outputs for estimating productivity. A very weak association was observed between the summary measure of output and the total number of staff. The result also highlighted a large variability in productivity across similar health facilities in Ethiopia, represented by the significant dispersion in summary measure of output occurring at similar levels of the health workers. ConclusionsWe successfully demonstrated the analytical steps to estimate health worker productivity and its practical application using HMIS and HRIS. The methodology presented in this study can be readily applied in low and middle-income countries using widely available data – such as DHIS2 – that will allow further explorations to understand the causes of technical inefficiencies in the health system.
Short and Long-Term Outcomes of Surgical Intervention for Empyema in The Post-Fibrinolytic Era
Authors: Cain Caitlin J. , Margolis Marc , Lazar John F. , Henderson Hayley R. , Hamm Margaret E. , Malouf Stefanie C , Khaitan Puja Gaur
Published: May 2021

Background: Open window thoracostomy is indicated for patients with bronchopleural fistulae or trapped lung in the setting of empyema refractory to non-surgical interventions. We investigated the role of open window thoracostomy in the era of minimally invasive surgeries, endobronchial valves and fibrinolytic therapy.Methods: A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent open window thoracostomy at a single institution from 2010-2020 was performed. Indications for the procedure as well as operative details and morbidity and mortality were evaluated to determine patient outcomes for open window thoracostomy.Results: Eighteen patients were identified for the study. The most common indication for open window thoracostomy was post-resectional bronchopleural fistula (n=8). Patient comorbidities were quantified with the Charleston Comorbidity index (n=11 score≥5, 10-year survival ≤21%). Three (16.7%) patients died <30 days post-operatively and 12 (66%) patients were deceased by the study’s end (overall survival 24.0 ± 32.2 months). Mean number of ribs resected were 2.6 ± 1.2 (range 1-6). Patients were managed with negative pressure wound therapy (n=9) or Kerlix packing (n=9). Eleven patients (61.6%) underwent delayed closure (mean time from index surgery to closure 4.8 ± 6.7 months). Conclusions: Our study illustrates the significant comorbidities of patients undergoing open window thoracostomy, the poor outcomes therein, and pitfalls associated with this procedure. We show that negative pressure wound therapy can be utilized as potential way to obliterate the pleural space and manage an open chest in the absence of an airleak; however open window thoracostomy procedures continue to be extremely morbid.
Alkalo-Thermophilic Microbial Diversity of the Tecozautla Geyser, México
Authors: Segovia-Cruz Jesus Alberto , Souza Valeria , Mercado-Flores Yuridia , Anducho-Reyes Miguel Angel , Vargas-Hernández Genaro , Téllez-Jurado Alejandro
Published: May 2021

Microbial mats have been studied in many thermal systems; the most iconic is Yellowstone. In Mexico, the information on microbial mats is scarce and therefore novel. In this research, the thermophilic microbial composition of samples from four areas of the Tecozautla geyser, Hidalgo, Mexico, was studied: sediments (GD), salt deposits (GA), and microbial mats (GB and GC). The samples were taken at the outlet of the geyser (94 °C) and in storage pools with temperatures of 61.5-65 °C. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene amplicons was carried out, obtaining 1,425,506 readings, and was analyzed through the Quantitative Insights Into Microbial Ecology software package version 2 (qiime2). 32 phyla were identified in the four samples being the most representative for the GA sample: Armatimonadetes, Chloroflexi, Cyanobacteria, and Thermi, with abundances of 46.35, 19.18, 3.27, and 1.82 %, respectively. For the GB sample, they were Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, Spirochaetes, Thermi, and Firmicutes with abundances of 25.23, 22.04, 20.42, 12.31, 4.56, and 1.32 %, respectively. For the GC sample, abundances of 55.60, 9.85, 7.04, 7.01, and 6.15 % were observed for the phylum Chloroflexi, Armatimonadetes, Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, and Acidobacteria, respectively. Finally, for the GD sample, the most abundant phyla were Chloroflexi (36.10 %), Cyanobacteria (17.13 %), Armatimonadetes (15.59 %), Proteobacteria (5.45 %), and Nitrospirae with (3.21 %). The metabolic functionality of the microbial communities present in the samples was inferred using the 16S rRNA amplicons. This work represents the first report of the microbial communities present in the Tecozautla geyser.
Anxiety and the associated factors among admitted surgical and medical patients, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Tesfaw Getachew , Siyoum Merga , Salelew Endalamaw , Minichil Woredaw
Published: May 2021

BackgroundAnxiety is a common comorbid mental health problem with different medical illnesses and it can complicate major medical health problems. Despite its impact of physical functioning, quality of life, drug adherence, use of health service resources, good health behaviors, and increasing suicidal tendencies and mortality, it is neither diagnosed nor treated. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the prevalence of anxiety and its determinants among admitted patients for the contribution of attempting optimal care for of these patients.MethodAn institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among adult surgical and medical inpatients from May 13 to June 12, 2019. Systematic random sampling technique was used to recruit a total of 590 participants. Hospital Anxiety Scale (HAS) was used to measure anxiety symptoms. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with anxiety symptoms. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to assess the strength of the association, and variables with p-value of < 0.05 was declared as statistically significant.ResultThe mean age of the participants was 39.71 ± 14.94 (SD), ranging from 18 to 66 years. About half (51%) of the respondents were male, the overall prevalence of anxiety was 62.7% with 95% CI (58.6, 66.9). In the multivariate analysis; female sex (AOR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.31, 2.80), being single (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.33, 3.01), previous history of admission (AOR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.13, 2.57) and multiple medical diagnosis (AOR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.47) were factors significantly associated with anxiety symptoms.ConclusionIn this study, the prevalence of anxiety among medical and surgical inpatients was found to be high. Therefore, it is better to screen any risks of anxiety, and psychological assessment tests are better to be integrated into routine hospital inpatient care to prevent anxiety.
Endosomal traffic and glutamate synapse activity are increased in VPS35 D620N mutant knock-in mouse neurons, and resistant to LRRK2 kinase inhibition
Authors: Kadgien Chelsie , Kamesh Anusha , Khinda Jaskaran , Cao LiPing , Fox Jesse , Farrer Mathew J , Milnerwood Austen
Published: May 2021

Background

Vacuolar protein sorting 35 (VPS35) regulates neurotransmitter receptor recycling from endosomes. A missense mutation (D620N) in VPS35 leads to autosomal-dominant, late-onset Parkinson’s disease.
Methods

Here, we study the basic neurobiology of VPS35 and Parkinson’s disease mutation effects in the D620N knock-in mouse and the effect of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) inhibition on synaptic phenotypes. The study was conducted using a VPS35 D620N knock-in mouse that expresses VPS35 at endogenous levels. Protein levels, phosphorylation states, and binding ratios in brain lysates from knock-in mice and wild-type littermates were assayed by co-immunoprecipitation and western blot. Dendritic protein co-localization, AMPA receptor surface expression, synapse density, and glutamatergic synapse activity in primary cortical cultures from knock-in and wild-type littermates were assayed using immunocytochemistry and whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology.
Results

In brain tissue, we confirm VPS35 forms complexes with LRRK2 and AMPA-type glutamate receptor GluA1 subunits, in addition to NMDA-type glutamate receptor GluN1 subunits and D2-type dopamine receptors. Receptor and LRRK2 binding was unaltered in D620N knock-in mice, but we confirm the mutation results in reduced binding of VPS35 with WASH complex member FAM21, and increases phosphorylation of the LRRK2 kinase substrate Rab10, which is reversed by LRRK2 kinase inhibition in vivo. In cultured cortical neurons from knock-in mice, pRab10 is also increased, and reversed by LRRK2 inhibition. The mutation also results in increased endosomal recycling protein cluster density (VPS35-FAM21 co-clusters and Rab11 clusters), glutamate transmission, and GluA1 surface expression. LRRK2 kinase inhibition, which reversed Rab10 hyper-phosphorylation, did not rescue elevated glutamate release or surface GluA1 expression in knock-in neurons, but did alter AMPAR traffic in wild-type cells.
Conclusions

The results improve our understanding of the cell biology of VPS35, and the consequences of the D620N mutation in developing neuronal networks. Together the data support a chronic synaptopathy model for latent neurodegeneration, providing phenotypes and candidate pathophysiological stresses that may drive eventual transition to late-stage parkinsonism in VPS35 PD. The study demonstrates the VPS35 mutation has effects that are independent of ongoing LRRK2 kinase activity, and that LRRK2 kinase inhibition alters basal physiology of glutamate synapses in vitro.
METABOLIC PROFILING, IN SILICO DOCKING AND ANTIBACTERIAL POTENTIAL OF PHYTOCONSTITUENTS FROM Phyllanthus muellerianus LEAVES
Authors: Obuotor Tolulope , AMOS KOLAWOLE , apalowo oladayo , AKANMO Adio
Published: May 2021

Global increase in the level of antimicrobial resistance among bacterial pathogens has prompted the search for alternative treatment from medicinal plants. Phyllanthus muellerianus (PM) leaves has been used traditionally against microorganisms of medical importance, hence the need to evaluate the pharmacological pathways and mode of actions using in vitro and in silico approaches. Clinical isolates of eight (8) microorganisms associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) were obtained and identified using morphological and biochemical methods. Phyllanthus muellerianus (PM) leaves were extracted and purified by solvent partitioning. Ethyl acetate fraction of PM had the highest yield and zone diameter range from 13.5±1.00mm to 28±1.53mm. The rate of protein leakage per time interval of Staphylococcus aureus increased from 9.29 μg/ml at 0 minute to 17.43 μg/ml at 120 minutes while leakage in Candida albicans also increased from 8.57 μg/ml at 0 minute to 70.43 μg/ml at 120 minutes. GCMS fingerprints, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic studies revealed the active agent as quindoline, an azaindoles and isoteres of indoles having a binding energy of -9.1 kcal/mol. Analyses of the structural and atomic orientations of quindoline, and superimposition on ciprofloxacin, a common antibiotic revealed an interesting comparison, effecting a stronger binding affinity of Quindoline-HMG-CoA complex.
A modified SIR model for the COVID-19 epidemic in China
Authors: Wang Jia-Le , Liu Yang , Liu Xu-Sheng , Shen Ke-Ming
Published: May 2021

The analysis of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is of great importance to deeply understand the dynamics of this coronavirus spread. Based on the complexity of it, a modified susceptible-infected-removed (SIR) model is applied to analyze the time dependence of active and hospitalized cases in China. The time evolution of the virus spread in different provinces was adequately modeled. Changeable parameters among them have been obtained and turned to be not naively independent with each other. The non-extensive parameter was found to be strongly connected with the freedom of systems. Taken into the prevention and treatment of disease, more measures by the government lead to higher values of it.
Outcome of significant pericardial effusion of infectious etiology in children: An observational retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Bhatt Dheeraj Deo , Verma Ankit , Ansari Ayub , Grover Vijay
Published: May 2021

Background: Information on outcome of paediatric pericardial diseases from India is limited. Aim: To study the outcome of significant pericardial effusion of infectious etiology in children.Setting and Design: Retrospective analysis of significant pericardial effusion of infectious aetiology in children admitted to a tertiary care hospital of northern India during the last 10 yearsResults: Of the 74 patients, 71.6% (53/74) had tuberculosis, most being “probable” tubercular effusion. Pyogenic cases (17/74) usually had a pleura-pulmonary focus. Pericardial fluid adenosine deaminase and CT chest were useful diagnostic aids in tubercular effusions. Pericardiocentesis and surgery were done in 72.9 % (54/74) and 12.1% (9/74) respectively. On median follow up of 18 months, death or chronic constrictive pericarditis was seen in 2 patients each, both had tubercular effusions. Conclusions: Tuberculosis is still the commonest infectious cause of pericardial effusion in children from this part of the world. Current treatment protocol has improved the outcome of this once deadly disease.
Combined evaluation of long-lasting insecticidal nets, house screening and push-pull technology as appropriate interventions for integrated management of malaria vectors and cereal pests in Ethiopia: study protocol for household randomized controlled trial
Authors: Asale Abebe , Kassie Menale , Abro Zewdu , Enchalew Bayu , Belay Aklilu , Sangoro Peter O , Tchouassi David , Mutero Clifford M
Published: May 2021

Introduction: The combined application of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) has led to mixed results (Significant reduction vs no impact) on malaria burden. Other studies have attempted to study the combined effects of house screening (HS) and LLINs have demonstrated a reduction in indoor vector densities and malaria when the interventions are combined. In addition to malaria vectored by mosquitoes, farmers living in rural settings face challenges from crop pests, which significantly reduce agricultural productivity and negatively impact their food security. Thus, addressing the coexisting risks of malaria and crop pests could contribute to improved livelihood of communities. Design: A three armed household, cluster-randomized, controlled study will be conducted to assess the impact of HS, LLINs and PPT against clinical malaria in children than LLINs alone in Ethiopia. The unit of randomization will be the household, which include a house and its occupants. A total of 663 households will be enrolled in this study. All the households will receive the LLINs. Then other treatments will be overlaid according to the randomization sequence. Thus, 246 households will receive HS, and 250 households will receive HS and PPT before the commencement of clinical follow-up. The rest 167 houses which received LLINs only will be used as control. One child aged not more than 14 years will be enrolled from each household and followed for clinical malaria using active case detection to estimate malaria incidence for two malaria transmission seasons. Results: Episodes of clinical malaria, the prevalence of anaemia, density of malaria vector mosquitoes, sporozoite infection rate, crop infestation rate due to stem borer and fall army worm, crop yield gain, livestock productivity and cost effectiveness analysis will be the end points of this study. Socio-economic, social demographic, cost-effectiveness analysis will be conducted using qualitative and participatory methods to explore the acceptability of HS and PPT. Conclusion Documenting the combined impact of LLINs, HS and PPT on the prevalence of clinical malaria and crop pest damage will be the first of its kind and will provide deep insight and evidence base for forging collaborations between health and agriculture sectors. Trial Registration: The protocol was registered online on Date 28/05/2020 on sight www.pactr.org With registration No: PACTR202006878245287.
CREATIVE ECONOMY AS A TOOL OF INCREASING THE POTENTIAL OF THE PORCELAIN AND FAIENE INDUSTRY OF UKRAINE: PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS
Authors: Shakhova S.V. , Taraniuk L.M.
Published: May 2021

At the IV International Forum "Creative Ukraine", where the country's leadership declared the creative economy a priority of strategic development of Ukraine, it encourages the search and study of industries that meet the requirements of creativity and contribute to economic development. The purpose of this study is to analyze the activities of the porcelain and earthenware industry of Ukraine, the basis for its identification as such and its creative component - the field of manufacture of household and utility items. In this study in the implementation of the normative approach in considering the socio-economic development of the industry used the historical method, in the study of economic indicators used the method of extreme values, as well as applied general scientific methods of generalization and synthesis modern Ukraine for the period from the XVIII century to date. The indicators of the volume of production of this industry are investigated. The research of conformity of characteristics of the porcelain and faience industry to the criteria concerning branches of creative economy is carried out. The importance of the study is to identify a further range of issues that need to be researched and developed in order to find effective modern tools for the development of sectors of the national economy. In addition, at this stage in the development of the creative industry, attention to the study of the creative economy, in particular the porcelain and earthenware industry, should expose the problems facing manufacturers of creative products in order to develop effective tools to solve them. An important consequence for society should be the awareness of the significance of the very fact of the existence of such a creative industry as porcelain and earthenware. Its very existence represents the authenticity of a valuable cultural phenomenon that has been known in the world for a sufficient period of time, commands respect and indicates the significant cultural contribution that can be made to Ukraine as part of the European Community. Within the limits of the given article dependence of development of branch on public administration is considered. The direction of further research should include research on organizational and economic support for the reengineering of the porcelain and earthenware industry, taking into account the tools of the creative economy. Thus, at present, when developing the porcelain and earthenware industry as a strategic one, the article can be practically useful and socially valuable for politicians as well, in particular, in the profile newly created Ministry of Strategic Industries.
ANALYSIS OF THE BEHAVIOR MODEL OF HOUSEHOLDS BEFORE AND DURING COVID-19 IN UKRAINE
Authors: Bielova I , Diakonova I. , Pakhnenko O. , Bukhtiyarova A.
Published: May 2021

The article is devoted to the study of the problems of the household sector in Ukraine, as well as the analysis of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their current state. Crises have a significant impact on household behavior. Studies conducted by many authors have shown that the depth of the crisis in the economy and the duration of the exit from it depend on the nature of the factors that caused the crisis. From this point of view, the current crisis is unique. And not just because it has spread across the planet, but because of its reason – COVID-19, which has left economic life almost paralyzed. The article considers such indicators of the household sector in pre-crisis and crisis periods as the dynamics of household income, expenditure and savings, household activity in the banking sector (dynamics of loans and deposits), as well as macroeconomic indicators such as exchange rate dynamics, consumer price index, average wages, employment and its structure, retail turnover and others. The article pays special attention to the state of the public health system in Ukraine and the analysis of the performance of hospitals before and during the pandemic. The results of the study showed that even before the pandemic, there were several negative trends, including a decrease in the number of doctors and hospitals, lower household savings and mortgage lending. The first six months of the pandemic only deepened all the problems created by the critical state of Ukraine's economy in recent years. To date, the model of household behavior is characterized by a minimum level of consumption, lack of investment component and efforts to create the maximum buffer of security. In these conditions, the problem of efficient allocation of available limited resources becomes especially important. But the realities of targeted use of anti-coronavirus funds, incompetence in the choice of methods and tools of public administration and regulation, which often contradict each other, give reason to believe that it is necessary to develop appropriate models to coordinate the actions of different ministries, departments, government bodies. This will achieve the common goal of stabilizing the economy.
The Use of Exploratory Graph Analysis to Validate Trust in Relationships Scale
Authors: AVCU Akif
Published: May 2021

Today, various methods have been developed with a purpose to determine the number of factors underlying a construct. However, there is no definitive agreement on which techniques to be preferred to extract the underlying dimensions. To this end, Exploratory Graphical Analysis (EGA), a recently proposed method, has been compared with traditional methods and the results have revealed that the EGA is less affected from conditions like sample size and inter-dimensional correlation. Besides, it provides more stable results across different conditions. Considering the attractive opportunities it offers, this method has taken its place in the literature as a remarkable alternative to traditional methods. The EGA provides unique outputs compared to other factor extraction techniques. Considering this, interpreting the results obtained within this new and promising framework is assumed to contribute to validation studies. Based on this reality, this study aims to apply the EGA method to Trust in Relations Scale (TRS) and therefore to contribute to its validity. The investigation of TRS’s reliability and validity has already been documented, presenting research opportunities to researchers in the field of positive psychology. The results revealed that, the EGA produces dimensionality structures identical to confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). In addition, further psychometrical indicators within the framework of network analysis are provided. The findings of the study are believed to contribute to the validity of the already existing Trust in Relationships Scale.
Transformation of human capital strategies in the tourism industry under the influence of Economy 4.0
Authors: Stryzhak Olena , Akhmedova Olena , Leonenko Nelli , Lopatchenko Inna , Hrabar Nataliia
Published: May 2021

The digital transformation of society affects socio-economic relations in all spheres of life; however, the degree of this influence differs depending on countries and regions. Various industries and sectors of the economy are also affected by digitalization to one degree or another.In this context, the purpose of the paper is to determine the dependence of human capital in the tourism industry on the digitalization level of the economy.The following methods were used: data standardization, cluster analysis, analysis of variance, K means, and SWOT analysis.The panel sample includes indicators from 61 countries for 2018. The analysis revealed distinctive features that allowed allocating the countries into clusters. Cluster 1 (14 cases): countries with average Human Capital Index (HCI) and World Digital Competitiveness (WDC) values, depending on tourism. Cluster 2 (13 cases): countries with slightly above average HCI and WDC values that are less dependent on tourism. Cluster 3 (15 cases): countries with HCI and WDC values below average, not particularly dependent on tourism. Cluster 4 (1 case): outliers. Cluster 5 (18 cases): countries with above average HCI and WDC that are tourism dependent. The calculation results made it possible to identify the cluster principles. The use of the identified distinctive features in the SWOT analysis allows formulating the key elements of human capital strategies in the tourism sector for each group of countries.
Sino-US Trade Imbalance and Sino-US Economic Gap
Authors: Shi Jiandong
Published: May 2021

Since the Sino-US trade imbalance is regarded as the core content of the global economic imbalance, it has always been controversial and caused frequent bilateral trade disputes and frictions. Superficially it seems that China has gained tremendous trade benefits from China's huge surplus with the United States, which is also a significant cause for China's rapid economic growth. However, from the results of other scholars, it does not seem to be this. Actually, China is at a disadvantage in the distribution of trade benefits, which makes the economic gap between China and the United States widening. This paper aims to explain this phenomenon by judging the distribution of trade benefits from the overall impact of trade on a country's economy.
Controlling kihívások a pandémia (Covid-19) idején – újratervezés és prioritások
Authors: Szóka Károly
Published: May 2021

Az emberek (vállalatok) nem hiszik el a krízist, amíg nem látják saját szemükkel, amíg nem érzik saját bőrükön. Véleményem szerint a jelenleg zajló pandémia felgyorsította az Ipar 4.0-át, illetve ezzel összefüggésben a lehetőségek kihasználását. A mostani és a következő évek feladata, hogy ki kell használni az új technológiák és koncepciók lehetőségeit, természetesen vállalat¬ra, személyre szabva. A tanulmányban szeretném röviden bemutatni az Ipar 4.0 legfontosabb területeit, a válságkezelés szakaszait, a lehetséges eszközöket és trendeket, forgatókönyv elemzési és kezelési technikákat, és azt, hogy a vállalkozásoknak mely területekre kell kiemelt figyelmet fordítani. Valójában nem a folyamatoknak kell kiszolgálniuk a változást, hanem pont fordítva, a változás kell, segítse az üzleti folyamatokat. Kiemelt figyelmet kell fordítani a rangsorolásra, azaz, hogy milyen feladatokat, milyen időtávon belül kell megoldani, vagy éppen milyen technológiák, folyamatok kapnak prioritást. Ebben a munkában kulcsszerepe van a controllernek. A controllereknek is megváltozott, módosult a feladatköre, a fókusz kicsit áttolódott az online munkavégzés és a digitális szolgáltatások felé. A változások és a mindennapok részévé vált home office típusú munkavégzés egyszerre érintik a technológia alkalmazását és kiszolgálását, illetve a HR-t is, átalakul a munkavégzés és annak kultúrája, a digitalizáció már nem lehetőség, hanem prioritás.
Deontologia adwokata kościelnego w procesie o stwierdzenie nieważności małżeństwa
Authors: Kamiński Rafał
Published: May 2021

Artykuł prezentuje obowiązki i prawa adwokata kościelnego, który występuje w procesie o stwierdzenie nieważności małżeństwa, prowadzonym przez sąd kościelny. Omówione zostały nie tylko powinności i uprawnienia obrońcy, jakie przewiduje prawo kanoniczne, ale także sposób ich realizacji z uwzględnieniem norm etycznych, które są istotnym źródłem powinnego zachowania, a w przypadku adwokata kościelnego stanowią jego kodeks etyczny.

Osobne miejsce poświęcono kwestiom finansowym związanym z pracą adwokata oraz zasadom jakie powinny obowiązywać we wzajemnych relacjach uczestników procesu, w tym szczególnie we współpracy adwokata z sądem kościelnym.
Challenges and Perspectives in the Discovery of Dengue Virus Entry
Inhibitors
Authors: Gallo Facundo N. , Enderle Ana G. , Pardo Lucas A. , Leal Emilse S. , Bollini Mariela
Published: May 2021

Dengue virus (DENV) disease has become one of the major challenges in
public health. Currently, there is no antiviral treatment for this infection. Since human
transmission occurs via mosquitoes of the Aedes genus, most efforts have been focused
on the control of this vector. However, these control strategies have not been totally successful,
as reflected in the increasing number of DENV infections per year, becoming an
endemic disease in more than 100 countries worldwide. Consequently, the development
of a safe antiviral agent is urgently needed. In this sense, rational design approaches have
been applied in the development of antiviral compounds that inhibit one or more steps in
the viral replication cycle.
The entry of viruses into host cells is an early and specific stage of infection. Targeting either
viral components or cellular protein targets are an affordable and effective strategy
for therapeutic intervention of viral infections.
This review provides an extensive overview of the small organic molecules, peptides,
and inorganic moieties that have been tested so far as DENV entry direct-acting antiviral
agents. The latest advances based on computer-aided drug design (CADD) strategies and
traditional medicinal chemistry approaches in the design and evaluation of DENV virus
entry inhibitors will be discussed. Furthermore, physicochemical drug properties, such as
solubility, lipophilicity, stability, and current results of pre-clinical and clinical studies
will also be discussed in detail.
Molecular Mechanism of the Canonical Oncogenic lncRNA MALAT1
in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Xu Wen , Ding Mengdan , Wang Bei , Cai Yuxuan , Guo Chong , Yuan Chengfu
Published: May 2021

Background:

Experimental evidence has shown that lncRNA MALAT1 is related
to proliferation ability, invasion and migration ability, autophagy ability, and chemoresistance
in gastric cancer. Moreover, MALAT1 is related to metastasis and patient
prognosis in gastric cancer. This review aims to reveal the biological functions and specific
mechanisms of MALAT1 in gastric cancer.

Methods:

After a comprehensive and systematic search in PubMed, various molecular
mechanisms of MALAT1 in mediating gastric carcinogenesis are collated and summarized.

Results:

MALAT1-mediated gastric cancer is involved in a variety of molecular mechanisms.
For example, MALAT1 can enhance the proliferation ability of gastric cancer
cells by inhibiting the expressions of miR-122, miR-1297, miR-22-3p, miR-202, etc.
MALAT1 enhances the metastasis and invasion of gastric cancer by participating in the
EMT process, PI3-Akt and other pathways. MALAT1 enhances the proliferation and invasion
of gastric cancer by inhibiting the function of the tumor suppressor gene PCDH10.
MALAT1 can increase the autophagy ability of gastric cancer cells by inhibiting
miR-183 and increasing the level of autophagy markers. MALAT1 enhances chemical resistance
by inhibiting UPF1 and miR-30e levels.

Conclusions:

MALAT1 is tightly linked to gastric carcinogenesis through various molecular
mechanisms. Moreover, MALAT1 is also closely associated with chemoresistance
and poor prognosis in gastric cancer patients, suggesting the possibility of its use as a
clinical therapeutic target and a promising independent risk factor for predicting patient
prognosis.
Current Non-viral Gene Therapy Strategies for the Treatment of Glioblastoma
Authors: Asad Antonela Sofía , Candia Alejandro Javier Nicola , González Nazareno , Zuccato Camila Florencia , Seilicovich Adriana , Candolfi Marianela
Published: May 2021

Background:

Glioblastoma constitutes the most frequent and aggressive primary
malignant brain tumor in adults. Despite the advances in its treatment, its prognosis
remains very poor. Gene therapy has been proposed as a complementary treatment since
it may overcome the problem of the blood-brain barrier for systemic therapies, allowing
to target tumor cells and their tumor microenvironment locally, without affecting the normal
brain parenchyma. In comparison with viral vectors, non-viral vectors became an attractive
tool due to their reduced potential of biosafety risks, lower cost, higher availability,
and easy storage.

Objective:

In this article, we aimed to outline the current preclinical and clinical developments
of non-viral delivery systems for therapeutic transgene delivery in malignant gliomas.

Conclusion:

Non-viral vectors are efficient tools for gene delivery since they exhibit reduced
non-specific cytotoxicity and can go through several modifications in order to
achieve high tumor tropism and the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier to access the
tumor mass. However, further evaluations in preclinical models and clinical trials are required
in order to translate it into the neuro-oncology clinic.
Development and Application of Activity-based Fluorescent Probes for High-Throughput Screening
Authors: Li Xin , Cheng Juan
Published: May 2021

:

High-throughput screening facilitates the rapid identification of novel hit compounds;
however, it remains challenging to design effective high-throughput assays, partially
due to the difficulty of achieving sensitivity in the assay techniques. Among the
various analytical methods that are used, fluorescence-based assays dominate due to their
high sensitivity and ease of operation. Recent advances in activity-based sensing/imaging
have further expanded the availability of fluorescent probes as monitors for high-throughput
screening of result outputs. In this study, we have reviewed various activity-based fluorescent
probes used in high-throughput screening assays, with an emphasis on their
structure-related working mechanisms. Moreover, we have explored the possibility of developing
additional and better probes to boost hit identification and drug development
against various targets.
Subcellular Imaging and Diagnosis of Cancer using Engineered Nanoparticles
Authors: Nannuri Shivanand H. , Nikam Ajinkya N. , Pandey Abhijeet , Mutalik Srinivas , George Sajan D.
Published: May 2021

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The advances in the synthesis of nanoparticles with engineered properties are reported to have profound applications in oncological disease detection via optical and multimodal imaging and therapy. Among the various nanoparticle-assisted imaging techniques, engineered fluorescent nanoparticles show great promise from high contrast images and localized therapeutic applications. Of all the fluorescent nanoparticles available, the gold nanoparticles, carbon dots, and upconversion nanoparticles are emerging recently as the most promising candidates for diagnosis, treatment, and cancer monitoring. This review addresses the recent progress in engineering the properties of these emerging nanoparticles and their application for cancer diagnosis and therapy. In addition, the potential of these particles for subcellular imaging is also reviewed here.
Structure, Biological Activities and Metabolism of Flavonoid Glucuronides
Authors: Chen Min , Ren Xueyang , Sun Siqi , Wang Xiuhuan , Xu Xiao , Li Xiang , Wang Xiaoping , Li Xiao , Yan Xin , Li Ruiwen , Wang Yu , Liu Xiaoyun , Dong Ying , Fu Xueyan , She Gaimei
Published: May 2021

Background:

Flavonoid glucuronides are a kind of natural products presenting a flavone
linked directly with one or several glucuronides through O-glycoside bond. They had become of interest
in natural product research in the past decades for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacteria
activities. In particular, the compound breviscapine has a notable effect on cardiocerebrovascular
diseases. Several other compounds even have antitumor activity.

Methods:

Through searching the database and reading a large number of documents, we summarized
the related findings of flavonoid glucuronides.

Results:

We summarized 211 naturally occurring flavonoid glucuronides in 119 references with their
chemical structures, biological activities, and metabolism. A total of 220 references from 1953 to
2020 were cited in this paper according to literature databases such as CNKI, Weipu, Wanfang data,
Elsevier, Springer, Wiley, NCBI, PubMed, EmBase, etc.

Conclusion :

Flavonoid glucuronides are a class of compounds with various chemical structures and a
diverse range of biological activities. They are thought to be potential candidates for drug discovery,
but the specific study on their mechanisms is still limited until now. We hope this article can provide
references for natural product researchers and draw more attention to flavonoid glucuronides’ biological
activities and mechanisms.
The Utility of Circulating and Imaging Biomarkers Alone and in Combination in Heart Failure
Authors: Jaltotage Biyanka , Dwivedi Girish , Ooi Daryl Eng Lee , Mahadavan Gnanadevan
Published: May 2021

Clinical trials in the treatment of heart failure have relied on the use of a composite of hard clinical endpoints to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment arm. This has led to prolonged trials requiring large patient cohorts and extensive funding to reach statistical significance.
In this paper, we have explored the potential of currently available circulating and imaging biomarkers associated with heart failure as a surrogate for hard clinical end points in the clinical trials. This would be expected to result in shorter trials, smaller patient cohorts and limiting the funding required. We have subsequently theorized on combining circulating and imaging biomarkers as a surrogate for clinical endpoints such as hospitalization due to heart failure and cardiac mortality.
Determination of Endocrine Disruptor Bisphenol-A Leakage from Different
Matrices of Dental Resin-based Composite Materials
Authors: Al-Tannak Naser F. , Alzoubi Fawaz , Kareem Fatma M. , Novotny Ladislav
Published: May 2021

Background:

Bisphenol A (BPA) derivatives monomers as resins are common components
in dental restorative materials and materials used for orthodontic treatment. However, they are a source
for BP-A leakage, which can affect adult and child health as an endocrine disruptor.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the level of BPA leakage from four selected weights (0.1,
0.2, 0.3, 0.4 mg) of five different resin combinations used in dental restorative materials.

Method:

The resin combinations were cured with light for 20 seconds, kept in 1 mL of acetonitrile, and
sonicated for 30 minutes. Separation was achieved by using BEH C18 (1.7 μm, 2.1 x 100 mm) analytical
column (Waters® Acquity UPLC) and a mobile phase composed of water and acetonitrile (68:32
v/v). Moreover, Waters® Xevo G2-SQToF coupled with Waters® Acquity UPLC system with binary
Solvent Manager (I-Class) via electrospray ionization (ESI) interface was used to confirm peaks identities.

Results:

BPA was detected in all resin combinations and in all selected sample weights. However, BPA
was below the limit of quantification (LOQ) in all selected weights of the Filtek Z350 XT Universal
Restorative System. The results show that BPA is still released from selected dental resin combinations
available in the market despite the general concern about its potential adverse effects.

Conclusion:

Nevertheless, the amounts of BPA were within the acceptable levels indicated by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National
Toxicology Program and represent a very small contribution to the total BPA exposure. The use of alternative
materials such as high-viscosity glass ionomers, inorganic biomaterials, and ceramic would be
ideal and healthier for adults and children.
Progress in the Electrochemical Analysis of Flavonoids: A Scientometric Analysis in CiteSpace
Authors: Zhang Jingzhou , Zhou Zaifu , Kong Qingxin
Published: May 2021

Background:

Flavonoids are a large class of phenolic compounds, which generally refer to two benzene rings (A ring, B ring) with phenolic hydroxyl groups connected to each other through three central carbon atoms, that is, a series of C6-C3-C6 basic core compounds. Because of its potential medicinal value, the research on flavonoids has aroused great interest.

Methods:

This review aims to identify the research progress and development trends of electrochemical analysis of flavonoids. We retrieved published papers (1998–2020) from Scientific Citation Index Expanded (SCIE) database of the WoS with a topic search related to electrochemical analysis of flavonoids.

Results:

In this paper, the research progress in electrochemical analysis of flavonoids has been reviewed. Antioxidant activity of flavonoids is the hot area that attracted considerable attention because it directly affects the application of flavonoids. Different analytical methods also received attention of researchers, such as cyclic voltammetry and capillary electrophoresis. This is because advanced analysis technology can be useful for evaluating the property of flavonoids.

Conclusion:

The research progress and development trends were analyzed based on CiteSpace software of text mining and visualization. Three peaks of this research area can be found as 2004-2005, 2011-2013 and 2016-2018. Although the different countries are conducting research on electrochemical analysis of flavonoids, most of these institutions are not related to each other.
Green Corrosion Inhibitors for Coatings
Authors: Payal R.
Published: May 2021

Corrosion is emerging as a potential hazard which abolishes metals and their structures and hence become an imperative menace. It is an omnipotent and omnipresent process which is present in every environment, i.e., air, soil, water. Green chemistry is one of the notable branches of chemistry that focuses on the protection of environment and human well–being in an economically viable approach allowing dodging of toxins and reducing hazards due to corrosion. Green chemistry exploited well–known strategy namely green inhibitors to prevent, control or impede the growth of corrosion. Green inhibitors are eco–friendly, cost–effective, renewable natural products which are favourable over toxic synthetic corrosion inhibitors. Extracts of natural products contain natural products containing alkaloids, carboxylic acids, nicotine, polyphenols, quinine, terpenes, and other functional groups possessing elements like C, N, O, S, etc., prompting adsorption via forming a thin layer (coating) on the metallic surface to shield the surface and encumber corrosion. In the field of economical loop, this approach develops various potential applications in manufacturing areas other than ‘Trash to treasure’. Even though a bunch of experiments have been performed and several research articles have been in print, however, the area of green inhibitors is still demanding more investigation on this open issue. More and more interest in the area extended the research, consequentially to a large variety of tried molecules. Nevertheless, the most accepted protocols are classical and, therefore, are incompetent to completely portray the probable worth of inhibitors. Hence all above stated features should be the objective of the contemporary research so that productive analysis to emphasize the weak areas of the green inhibitors field and tackle the prospect research in the field that still requires validation.
Sağlık Çalışanlarının Sigara Bırakmaya Yönelik Desteğe Hazır Olma Durumu ve İlişkili Faktörler
Authors: SÖZER Ümmühan , OZVURMAZ Safiye , DURMAZ Seyfi
Published: May 2021

Giriş: Sağlık çalışanları tütün kontrolünde önemli role sahiptir. Bu çalışma sigara içen sağlık çalışanlarının transteoretik modele göre bulunduğu değişim aşaması ve ilişkili faktörlerin belirlenmesi amacıyla yapılmıştır. Gereç Yöntem: Çalışmamız Aydın’da bir hastanede Şubat 2019 - Ocak 2020 tarihlerinde 182 sağlık çalışanı ile gerçekleştirilmiş kesitsel bir araştırmadır. Transteoretik Model desteği ile katılımcıların bırakma desteğine hazır olma durumu belirlenmiştir. Sosyodemografik özellikler, sağlık özellikleri, sigara kullanımı detaylarının yer aldığı anket uygulanmıştır. Ki-Kare ve Student-t testleri uygulanmış ve ilişkili bulunan faktörle, yaş ve cinsiyet eklenerek çoklu değişkenli lojistik regresyon testi ile tekrar değerlendirilmiştir. Anlamlılık düzeyi p<0.05 olarak kabul edilmiştir. Bulgular: Sağlık çalışanı olan ve günlük 1-10 sigara tüketen bireylerin desteğe hazır olma olasılığı 11 ve üzeri günlük sigara tüketenlerinden 4,47 (%95 GA 1,88-10,62) kat fazla olarak saptanmıştır. Bunun yanı sıra son bir yıl içinde sigara bırakmayı denemiş olan sağlık çalışanı bireyler, bir yıldan daha uzun süre içinde denemiş olanlara göre 2,82 (%95 GA 1,17-6,79 ) kat, üç ve üzeri sayıda bırakma deneyimi olan sağlık çalışanı bireyler, 2 ve altı deneme girişimine sahip olanlara göre 2,70 (%95 GA 1,19-6,10) kat fazla desteğe hazır bulunmuştur. Sonuç: Bu çalışma, sigara kullanıcısı olan sağlık çalışanlarının sigarayı bırakmaya yönelik profesyonel yardım almalarını kolaylaştıracak bilgiler üretmiştir. Bu alana yönelik öncelik belirleme müdahale olanaklarını arttırabilecek ve halk sağlığı uygulamaları kapsamında girişimsel programların geliştirilmesine rehberlik edebilecektir.