bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation of Ultrasound Thyroid Imaging Reporting And Data System With Histopathology Findings Among Patients In Uganda
Authors: Isse Hamdi Mohamed , Lukande Robert , Sereke Senai Goitom , Odubu Fualal Jane , Nassanga Rita , Bugeza Samuel
Published: January 2022

Background: Ultrasonography (US) is a noninvasive modality for the initial assessment of thyroid nodules. Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) has demonstrated good performance in differentiating malignant thyroid nodules. However, the combination of TI-RADS categories and cytology had not been studied extensively. The study aims at correlating TI-RADS with cytology among patients referred for US-guided fine-needle none aspiration (FNNA) cytology at Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH).Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study that recruited 132 patients with thyroid nodules. Spearman’s correlation was used to establish a relationship between TI-RADS and FNA cytology findings. The diagnostic accuracy of TI-RADS was assessed using sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, positive and negative likelihood ratios.Results: Of 132 study participants 90% (n=117) were females and the mean age of 41±13. One hundred sixty-one thyroid nodules were analyzed. More than half of the thyroid nodules (54.7%, n=87) were solid or almost solid, 96.9% (n=154) were shaped wider than tall, with 57.2% (n=91) having smooth margins while 83.7% (n=133) were hyperechoic or isoechoic and 88.7% (n=141) had none or large comet-tail artifact. TR3 was the commonest at 42.9% (n=69). The proportion of malignancy for TR4 and TR5 were 73.3% and 85.7% respectively. The correlation between ACR TI-RADS and the Bethesda system of thyroid classification scores was r=0.577. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, positive and negative likelihood ratios of ACR TI-RADS were 90.9%, 98.5%, 90%, 99.3%, 62.3, and 0.1 respectively.Conclusion: We found that ACR TI-RADS classification is an appropriate and non-invasive method for assessing thyroid nodules in routine practice. It can safely reduce the number of unnecessary FNNA in a significant proportion of benign thyroid lesions. Thyroid nodules classified as TR3 should be followed routinely. ACR TI-RADS should be standardized as the screening tool in resource-limited areas.
The effect of DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors on cardiorenal outcomes: a network meta- analysis of 23 CVOTs
Authors: Giugliano Dario , Longo Miriam , Signoriello Simona , Maiorino Maria Ida , Solerte Bruno , Chiodini Paolo , Esposito Katherine
Published: January 2022

Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) and sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors reduce cardiorenal outcomes. We performed a network meta-analysis to compare the effect on cardiorenal outcomes among GLP-1 RAs, SGLT-2 inhibitors and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors.Methods: We searched the PUBMED, Embase and Cochrane databases for relevant studies published up until 10 December 2021. Cardiovascular and renal outcome trials reporting outcomes on GLP-1RA, SGLT-2 inhibitors and DPP-4 inhibitors in patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus were included. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE); other outcomes were cardiovascular and total death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), nonfatal stroke, hospitalization for heart failure (HHF), and renal outcome. Results: Twenty-three trials enrolling a total number of 181,143 participants were included. DPP-4 inhibitors did not lower the risk of any cardiorenal outcome when compared with placebo and were associated with higher risks of MACE, HHF, and renal outcome when compared with the other two drug classes. SGLT-2 inhibitors significantly reduced cardiovascular (RR = 0.88) and total (RR = 0.87) death, as compared with DPP-4 inhibitors, while GLP-1 RA reduced total death only (RR = 0.87). The comparison between GLP-1RA and SGLT-2 inhibitors showed no difference in their risks of MACE, nonfatal MI, nonfatal stroke, CV and total death; SGLT-2 inhibitors were superior to GLP-1RA in reducing the risk of HHF and the renal outcome (24% and 22% lower risk, respectively). Only GLP-1RA reduced the risk of nonfatal stroke (RR = 0.84), as compared with placebo. There was no head-to-head trial directly comparing these antidiabetic drug classes.Conclusions: SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1RA are superior to DPP-4 inhibitors in reducing the risk of most cardiorenal outcomes; SGLT-2 inhibitors are superior to GLP-1RA in reducing the risk of HHF and renal events; GLP-1RA only reduced the risk of nonfatal stroke. Both SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1RA should be the preferred treatment for type 2 diabetes and cardiorenal diseases.
Effects of persistent water-table level drawdown on fine-root biomass and production in different site types of a boreal forested peatland
Authors: Lampela Maija , Minkkinen Kari , Straková Petra , Bhuiyan Rabbil , He Wei , Mäkiranta Päivi , Ojanen Paavo , Penttilä Timo , Laiho Raija
Published: January 2022

Purpose
In peatlands, fine-root biomass (FRB) and production (FRP) and their depth distribution and plant functional type (PFT) composition are poorly known. We studied the effects of persistent water-table level drawdown on these characteristics in four forested boreal peatland site types that varied in soil nutrient and WTL regimes, ground vegetation and tree stand characteristics.
Methods
FRB was estimated by separating and visually identifying roots from soil cores extending down to 50-cm depth. FRP was estimated using ingrowth cores covering the same depth and the separated roots were identified using infrared spectroscopy.
Results
In both FRB and FRP, the differences between undrained and drained sites were small. In FRB, the clearest differences were seen in the originally wettest site, oligotrophic tall-sedge pine fen, and in the most-nutrient-rich site, herb-rich spruce swamp: in the pine fen FRB was smaller, and in the spruce swamp greater in the drained than in the undrained site. FRP was generally higher in nutrient-poor, pine-dominated sites. The depth distribution of FRB was more superficial than that of FRP, except for the most nutrient-rich spruce swamp. Tree and shrub roots dominated both FRB and FRP, except for the undrained pine fen, where graminoids and forbs dominated. Even there, these PFTs were replaced by trees and shrubs at the drained site.
Conclusion
Fine-root biomass and production vary widely both within and among different types of boreal forested peatlands. Lowering of WTL large enough to support greater-volume tree stands affects FRB and FRP relatively little.
Alterations of serine racemase expression determine proliferation and differentiation of neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Zhang He , Lu Jinfang , Shang Huiping , Chen Juan , Lin Zhengxiu , Liu Yimei , Wang Xianwei , Song Liping , Jiang Xue , Jiang Haiyan , Shi Jiandong , Yan Dongsheng , Wu Shengzhou
Published: January 2022

Genetic deletion of serine racemase(SR) causes development disability of neuronal dendrites whereas increased expression of SR is found in differentiated cells in culture. These observations suggest roles of SR in cell proliferation and differentiation. Very recently,we have characterized increased SR expression when a neuroblastoma cell line,N2A,undergoes differentiation. However,whether and how the expression levels of SR determine cell destiny remains unclear. We herein indicated that valproic acid(VPA) or all-trans retinoic acid induced N2A differentiation which was mitigated by knockdown of SR. Knockdown of SR increased N2A proliferation,promoted cell cycle entry,and modulated expression of cell cycle-related proteins in N2A cells. Tumor formation in nude mice was used to further examine the effect of SR expression on cell destiny. N2A cells stably expressing scramble shRNA(Srrwt-N2A) or Srr shRNA (Srrkd-N2A) were subcutaneously injected into nude mice,respectively. The tumors growing from Srrwt-N2A,significantly mitigated by intraperitoneal injection of VPA,were smaller than the tumors growing from Srrkd-N2A which were not affected by VPA. With R2 program,the levels of SR expression were predicted to be positively correlated with survival probability in neuroblastoma patients. This study unveils that alteration of SR modulated proliferation and differentiation of neuroblastoma cells and the mechanism. The results further suggest that induction of SR expression is a novel strategy to treat neuroblastoma.
Chromosomes Identification Based Differential Evolution (CIDE): A New Bio-inspired Variant for Network Intrusion Detection
Authors: Nayer Md. , Pandey Subhash Chandra
Published: January 2022

Chromosomes identification is of the paramount importance. The centromeric location of chromosomes is used to classify different species. Plethora of research has already been done in the domain of Bio-inspired computation. However, a Bio-inspired variant of Differential Evolution (DE) is still not designed. In this work attempt has been made for this pursuit and a new variant named as “Chromosomes Identification based Differential Evolution (CIDE)” has been proposed. This technique is used to extract the knowledge from the databases and it constructs effective and reliable decision rules for the purpose of classification. Further, the testing accuracies of proposed CIDE technique has been compared with nearest neighbour classifier (1-NN) optimized by various existing variants of differential evolution and 1-R classifier using six-real datasets, mainly from medical field. The experimental analysis reveals the fact that proposed technique is superior to 1-NN and 1-R classifier. Over and above, Friedman test has also been conducted to validate the superiority of proposed CIDE technique. Moreover, the proposed CIDE algorithm is also tested on KDDCup’99 dataset and different parameters such as classification accuracy, false alarm rate and precision are computed.
Microplastic Exposure Across Trophic Levels: Effects on the Host-microbiota of Freshwater Organisms
Authors: Varg Javier Edo , Outomuro David , Kunce Warren , Kuehrer Lukas , Svanbäck Richard , Johansson Frank
Published: January 2022

Background: Microplastics are a pervasive pollutant widespread in the sea and freshwater from anthropogenic sources, and together with the presence of pesticides, they can have physical and chemical effects on aquatic organisms and on their microbiota. Few studies have explored the combined effects of microplastics and pesticides on the host-microbiome, and more importantly, the effects across multiple trophic levels. In this work, we studied the effects of exposure to microplastics and the pesticide deltamethrin on the diversity and abundance of the host-microbiome across a three-level food chain: daphnids-damselfly-dragonflies. Daphnids were the only organism exposed to 1µm microplastic beads, and they were fed to damselfly larvae. Those damselfly larvae were exposed to deltamethrin and then fed to the dragonfly larvae. The microbiotas of the daphnids, damselflies, and dragonflies were analyzed. Results: Our results suggest that the exposure to microplastics and deltamethrin had negative carry-over effects on the diversity and abundance of the microbiome across the three trophic levels. Moreover, the exposure to deltamethrin on the damselflies negatively affected their survival rate in the presence of the dragonfly predator, but no such effects were found on damselflies exposed to only microplastics. Conclusions: Our study highlights the importance of evaluating ecotoxicological effects at the community level. Importantly, the indirect exposure to microplastics and pesticides through diet can potentially have bottom-up effects on the trophic webs.
Degradation of Chlortetracycline Hydrochloride by Peroxymonosulfate Activation on Natural Manganese Sand Through Response Surface Methodology
Authors: He Bo , Yang Ying , Liu Bingrui , Zhao Zixuan , Shang Jiangwei , Cheng Xiuwen
Published: January 2022

This study studies the degradation of chlortetracycline hydrochloride（CTC）by activated peroxymonosulfate (PMS) with natural manganese sand（NMS）. Meanwhile, the NMS was characterized and analyzed by isothermal nitrogen adsorption (BET), X-ray energy spectroscopy (EDS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). It can be induced that NMS material may contain C, O, Al, Si, Fe, Mn, K, and the proportion of each is 6%, 9%, 13%, 34%, 27%, 5%, 6%. Critical parameters, including initial pH value, catalyst dosage and PMS amount, were optimized through response surface methodology. Results indicated that 81.65% of CTC could be degraded under the optimized conditions of PMS amount 2.02g/L, the NMS dosage 0.29g/L and pH 3.87. Also, it shows that NMS is the most powerful of each factor on the degradation efficiency. We proposed the degradation pathways of CTC from the liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer (LC-MS) results. Therefore, NMS could be applied as an efficient activator of peroxymonosulfate to purify the water and wastewater.
DDoS Detection and Prevention of Attacks on M-Health Sensitive Data: A novel approach
Authors: Ray Soumya , mishra kamtanath , Dutta Sandip
Published: January 2022

In today's world m-Health (also termed as Mobile Health) is an integral part of the healthcare industry. M-health uses various kinds of mobile devices such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants, tablets, laptops, and wireless-based arrangements to collect and transfer run-time medical data between patients and healthcare institutions. The entire process of the m-healthcare system is dependent on a cloud system. As a result of services provided through the cloud platform, it is observed that network equipment is likely prone to different types of attacks in the system. The most extensively used of these attacks are Distributed Denial of Services (DDoS) attack which can halt the network service instantly and prevent the accessing of sensitive data. The attack can destroy the privacy and security of the data by injecting wrong information into it. The most crucial way in the battle against DDoS attacks is the fast detection and taking apart of network traffic. In this research work, four layers of m-healthcare architecture and the specific reasons for DDoS attacks in the system architecture are explained properly. A novel DDoS detection algorithm is proposed for the early detection of the attack in the system. The DDoS preventive algorithms are designed efficiently to restrict the access of attackers in the system. Further, the effect of the different types of DDoS attacks with their preventive approaches experimented in the cloud-based simulation environment. The maximum success and average success of the attacker concerning time are also analyzed as a part of the research paper.
A Multiplex Conversion of a Historical Cinema
Authors: Cascardi Alessio , Verre Salvatore , Sportillo Alessandra , Giorgio Gaetano
Published: January 2022

The cultural Heritage building is a valuable trace of the past social life for a city. One peculiar typology of building is the theatre or, more recently, the cinema. Within this indoor space, the community of people actively live an emotional feeling over the time causing memories linked to not only the show itself, but also to the place. Furthermore, cinemas are often located in city centers where buildings are historical-oriented form the architectural point of view and for this reason an added-value needs to be recognized. Nowadays, the introduction of pay-TVs has dramatically compromised the cinema business and so-making the turnout of clients more limited. In addition, the recent COVID-19 pandemic situation has further and severally damaged the economy linked to cinema. In this scenario, the modernization and the improvement of old cinemas is becoming an interesting topic in the field of civil engineering. In fact, the new technologies make the experience more comfortable and enthusiastic because of the modern video and audio tools. On the other hand, the expectation of the clients is full-filled when the cinema is able to provide a large choice of views; which means arranging many projection rooms. In order to empathize this aspect, the structural strengthening for a multiplex conversion of an historical cinema is herein reported. The structure required a seismic joint (separating the masonry to the reinforced concrete structural bodies) and a deep strengthening of a very long span beam due to a relevant overloading (in seismic loads combination) caused by the new architectonical project. The numerical simulations demonstrated the validity of different bending strengthening systems (i.e. FRP-plate and Beton Plaquè) in terms of both load bearing capacity and maximum deflection. This overview is a part of a larger study in the way of a global structural interventions which will also involve the masonry members.
RESOURCE PROJECTS IN THE ECONOMY OF THE JEWISH AUTONOMOUS REGION: EVALUATION OF EFFECTS BASED ON APPROACHES OF COGNITIVE MODELING
Authors:   Economic Research Institute FEB RAS, Faiman A.
Published: January 2022

The author has researched the most promising options for the implementation of resource projects in the Jewish Autonomous Region and their impact on the economy of the region. Scenarios for the development of resource projects from export of raw materials to various stages of redistribution on the territory of the region are considered. The author proves and practically realizes the application of the cognitive modeling technique to assess the impact of possible scenarios of resource development on the region’s economy. Based on model calculations, quantitative estimates of the effects of resource and related projects are obtained, taking into account scenario conditions. The estimates obtained made it possible to catch the influence of internal and external factors in the development of the region on the basis of the available deposits of mineral resources. Based on the results of the study, the author, firstly, practically implements an approach based on cognitive modeling to assess various scenarios of resource development in the region. The possibilities and specificity of the application of this type of models for the task of predicting the dynamics of the socio-economic system of the region under the influence of various factors are shown. Secondly, the calculated estimates proved the assumption that the only direct effects of the development of natural resources are insufficient to achieve sustainably high rates of economic development in the Jewish Autonomous Region. The most attractive estimates of the growth of the regional economy were calculated for scenarios in which the production of processed products of extracted raw materials is set as the basic direction for the development of resource projects. Thirdly, the apparatus of cognitive modeling made it possible to identify and quantify the role of environmental factors (institutional, economic and geopolitical), which can become both stimulators and barriers to the implementation of various resource scenarios for the development of the Jewish Autonomous Region
EXPERIMENTAL MODELING OF A PLUME FORMING IN AN INCLINED FLAT CRUSTAL LAYER OF A SUBDUCTING OCEANIC PLATE
Authors:   V. S. Sobolev Institute of Geology and Мinerаlоgу SB RAS, Kirdyashkin A. , Kirdyashkin A. ,   V. S. Sobolev Institute of Geology and Мinerаlоgу SB RAS, Gladkov I. ,   V. S. Sobolev Institute of Geology and Мinerаlоgу SB RAS, Distanov V. ,   V. S. Sobolev Institute of Geology and Мinerаlоgу SB RAS, Borodin A. ,   V. S. Sobolev Institute of Geology and Мinerаlоgу SB RAS
Published: January 2022

The results of experimental studies of the thermal and hydrodynamic structure of the plume conduit melted out in a flat inclined layer above a local heat source are presented. For different thermal powers on the plume base, the evolution of the plume conduit structure and the plume breakthrough on the surface are presented. It was found that for heater power N = 5.6 W and N = 6.4 W and relative power Ka = 1.18, the plume does not reach the surface of the inclined layer. For N = 7.9 W (Ka = 1.42) and N = 8.9 W (Ka = 1.53), the plume reaches the surface, and the first plume cell (plume head) has a mushroom shape. Depending on the value of the Ka criterion (relative thermal power), the upper cell structure and the regime of plume breakthrough on the surface change. There is an ascending flow at the upper bounding surface of the inclined layer and a descending flow along the rest of the perimeter of the plume conduit. Longitudinal roll flows are also observed. The roll axes are oriented in the direction of the ascending flow. The roll flows transfer heat from the ascending flow to the descending one and hence reduce the unstable stratification existing in the layer. Due to these flows, the turbulent viscosity of the melt increases, which also reduces unstable stratification. In the conduit portion, where the rolls are weak, unstable stratification is additionally compensated by the plume conduit widening. Laboratory experiments have shown that the regime of plume breakthrough on the surface of an inclined flat layer depends on the Ka criterion, and this dependence differs from that of plume breakthrough on the surface in an unbroken solid massif
Digitale Lerntherapie
Authors: Maurer Jenny , Hilkenmeier Johanna , Becker Angelika , Daseking Monika
Published: January 2022

Das schulische Leben und Lernen von Kindern und Jugendlichen hat sich in Deutschland seit März 2020 aufgrund der Corona-Pandemie über einen längeren Zeitraum stark verändert. Ebenso konnte durch die Kontaktbeschränkungen Lerntherapie nicht wie gewohnt stattfinden. In der Lerntherapie werden Kinder und Jugendliche, die Schwierigkeiten im Erwerb von Lesen, Schreiben und/oder Rechnen haben, unterstützt. Ziel dieser Studie ist es herauszufinden, wie Lerntherapie seit Beginn der Corona-Pandemie stattfand und wie dabei die Medienkompetenz sowie die lerntherapeutische Kompetenz auf Distanz von Lerntherapeutinnen und -therapeuten eingeschätzt wurde. Die bundesweite Studie wurde zwischen Juni und November 2020 mittels einer Online-Umfrage durchgeführt. Es nahmen 69 Lerntherapeutinnen und -therapeuten teil (weiblich = 60; 87 %; Alter: M = 50.18; SD = 8.76). Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Zahl der geförderten Schülerinnen und Schüler seit dem Beginn der Pandemie niedriger ist als davor. Ein grosser Teil der Schülerinnen und Schüler wurde zwischenzeitlich ausschliesslich auf Distanz gefördert. Fast alle Lerntherapeutinnen und -therapeuten können Arbeitsblätter und Präsentationen digital herstellen, jedoch werden digitale diagnostische Werkzeuge kaum oder gar nicht genutzt. Ebenso möchte nur die Hälfte der Befragten Lerntherapie auf Distanz auch in Zukunft einsetzen. Weiterhin konnten Zusammenhänge zwischen der Medien- und lerntherapeutischen Kompetenz auf Distanz festgestellt werden. In diesem Bereich ist weitere Forschung notwendig und sollte weitere Faktoren bei Lerntherapeutinnen und -therapeuten, Schülerinnen und Schülern sowie Eltern berücksichtigen.
Perspectives of new journalism in Ukraine. Polemical Notes
Authors: Vasilenko Mikita
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this academic work is to investigate the dissemination of the methods of new journalism in Ukraine. It has been determined that reporting is developing slowly in the national media, while reporting materials per se are rare. We have analyzed the causes of this phenomenon and suggested some possible ways of optimizing such a situation. We have outlined the possibilities of mastering the basics of new journalism by domestic reporters. Emphasis is placed on the need to study both the theoretical and practical legacy of Tom Wolfe, an American reporter, and theorist of new journalism. The initial attempts to apply the techniques of new journalism in the national media have been demonstrated by specific examples of national print and online publications.
Particularities of Visual Metaphors in Advertising Campaigns About Ecological Problems
Authors: Antonova Olha , Sokolov Maksym
Published: January 2022

The article is dedicated to the peculiarities of visual metaphors usage in the design of foreign public service announcement campaigns about ecological problems. The specifics of graphic and expressive means of public service announcements against the destruction of forest resources is analysed, typical types of visual metaphors used in public service announcement materials in campaigns of WWF and other world public organizations about this topic are distinguished. It was found that the main implementation element of authors’ communicative strategy in public service announcement materials is the graphic part of advertising, which is based on a metaphorical understanding of reality, and the text serves as an explanatory addition to it. Visual content can be largely outspoken, cruel, and appealing to guilt and fear, which ensures the impact of the suggestive influence of public service announcement products and serves as a factor of effectiveness for a public service announcement campaign about this problem.
Marketing Practices For Dairy Products From Small-Scale Farms, Case: Region Of Tiziouzou – Algeria
Authors: Bouchetara Mehdi , Mokhtari Lyna , Lazreg Messaoud , Zerouti Messaoud , Iraten Sabrina , Elmokretar Lamia
Published: January 2022

The objective of our work is to identify the different marketing practices and to characterize the organizational constraints that hinder the productivity and profitability of small-scale livestock farms in the mountainous region of Fréha and Sidi-Naman, located in the region of Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria. Due to its high milk production potential, the targeted region was selected as a study area. The importance of our work lies in the determination of the key factors, which prevent small-scale milk producers from carrying out their livestock activities successfully. A quantitative questionnaire survey was conducted with 30 farmers. This study was complemented by interviews with livestock professionals. A documentary search of the literature and empirical studies was conducted, as well as site visits. The results show that there are several factors that impact on the normal course of productive activities of small-scale livestock farmers. The results show that there are several factors impacting on the normal production activities of small-scale farmers, such as: food and socio-cultural factors that are a constraint on milk production; distribution, which is strongly impacted by covid-19; lack of communication about products; and poorly organized marketing channels, especially in relation to goat farming, which accounts for 43% of our sample. We suggest that small breeders follow training courses on breeding methods and good practices, and improve hygiene and sterilization conditions on the farms, and strengthen the health control systems at the farm level. The contribution of the Algerian state for the regularization of the prices of animal products. To practice a good communication around the products processed by the small breeders to increase the marketing and sensitize the consumers to consume natural products. Exploit various other resources such as sheep milk by improving the dairy breeds of the region of Ouled Djellal. Orient goat farms towards intensive operations, and promote dairy breeds such as the Spanish Murciana and the French Saanen.
Sterile neutrinos as dark matter candidates
Authors: Kopp Joachim
Published: January 2022

In these brief lecture notes, we introduce sterile neutrinos as dark matter candidates.
We discuss in particular their production via oscillations, their radiative decay,
as well as possible observational signatures and constraints.
Factors affecting non-performing loans in commercial banks of selected West African countries
Authors: Sthembiso Msomi Thabiso
Published: January 2022

This paper examines the macro-economic and bank-specific factors affecting non-performing loans in commercial banks. Using 47 listed commercial banks from six countries, namely 19 banks from Nigeria, 14 banks from Benin, 3 banks from Burkina Faso, 3 banks from Gambia, 3 banks from Guinea, and 5 banks from Liberia for the period 2008 to 2019, fixed and random effect model was used. The Hausman test favored the selection of fixed effect model, and it was found from the estimation that the liquidity ratio, capital adequacy ratio and inflation rate significantly affect non-performing loans. As a result, it is advised that banks depend not only on their ability to achieve the capital adequacy ratio, but also guarantee that loans are thoroughly scrutinized before being issued to beneficiaries. Bank managers should guarantee that banking staff is not simply awarding loans to secure their jobs by accumulating deposits from consumers at the price of the bank’s long-term stake. In addition, the economies of West Africa should keep their inflation rates low so that repayment of loans on time is cheap and realistic.
AcknowledgmentI would like to appreciate Fezile Nonjabulo Gcwabaza for love and support throughout this research project.
ASPECTOS QUÍMICOS DA BIOMINERALIZAÇÃO ÓSSEA
Authors: Cruz Marcos , Ferreira Claudio , Nogueira Lucas , Andrilli Luiz , Santos Ana , Macedo Jeferson , Veschi Ekeveliny , Favarin Bruno , Sebinelli Heitor , Bolean Mayte , Ramos Ana , Ciancaglini Pietro
Published: January 2022

THE CHEMISTRY BEHIND BONE BIOMINERALIZATION. The bone formation process is an example of how both time and nature acted harmonically to pave the path for life as we know. The unique association between calcium phosphate (CaP) and collagen in a single building block, gave rise to one of the most remarkable biomaterials that we know. Our aim in this revision is to provide a brief glance at the different organization levels of the bone tissue, by describing the main their main features. We start with a brief discussion regarding the thermodynamic conditions for mineral formation and how living organisms surpass them. Then we present collagen, the major organic component of bone, in the light of its hierarchical organization as well as its association to CaP crystals. The mechanisms that control both mineral formation and the association with the organic phase are further presented, in whichcells and other components of the extracellular matrix, such as matrix vesicles and noncollagenous proteins, become agents of bone construction. Finally, we underline the difficulty of studying the complex process of bone mineralization and present liposomes, proteoliposomes, and Langmuir monolayers as biomimetic approaches to this end.
Enhanced Catalytic Performance of Strontium-Doped Lanthanum Manganites by the Presence of Molybdenum Oxides for Electro-Reduction of Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Xavier Ludmila , Ebambi Thérèse , Diniz Renata , Lins Vanessa , Montoro Luciano , Matencio Tulio
Published: January 2022

In this work, two catalysts, lanthanum manganite strontium-doped perovskite without (LSM) and with (LSMMO) mixed molybdenum oxides, were synthesized by the sol-gel route and deposited by immersion in carbon cloth substrates. Their performance as cathodes in the hydrogen peroxide reduction reaction (HPRR) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was investigated through cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, the electrocatalytic efficiency of these electrodes in the HPRR was analyzed in KOH and H2O2 medium at 298 K. The performance of the cathodes, in a single compartment, using a nickel plate as an anode was also investigated. The results showed that for the reduction reactions, electrodes developed with LSMMO have more significant catalytic activity than LSM after polarization, resulting in 32% higher current densities, lower electrical resistance after polarization, and a 21% increase in power density.
SCORE ESTIMATE OF COVID-19 RISKS AS PER SOCIO-HYGIENIC AND BEHAVIORAL INDICATORS
Authors: Isiutina-Fedotkova T.S. , Kazieva D.Yu. , Sukhov V.A. , Mitrokhin O.V. ,   I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, bldg. 2, 8 Trubetskaya Str., Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
Published: January 2022

Epidemiologic situation remains a serious concern all over the world due to the coronavirus infection spread. It is vital to adhere to measure of non-specific COVID-19 prevention. According to literature data, the highest risks of the infection spread occur in public transport, retail outlets where foods and nonfoods are sold, medical organizations, and chemists’ shops. Our research objects were socio-hygienic and behavioral indicators that were risk factors of the coronavirus infection. Our research aim was to substantiate a score estimate of the COVID-19 contagion risk based on socio-hygienic and behavioral indicators. Questioning was applied to determine frequency of visiting public places and adherence to basic measurements of non-specific COVID-19 prevention; overall, 400 respondents took part in it. A questionnaire was developed by experts of the De-partment of General Hygiene at Sechenov University and contained questions aimed at revealing informative signs (risk factors) of the coronavirus infection spread. Cluster analysis was applied to group respondents’ questions and to identify informative signs for further development of a scale showing risk categories. Factor analysis in a form of principal component analysis was applied to questions that had the highest number of statistically significant indicators of Spearman’s correlation coefficient. We developed a procedure for assessing risks of COVID-19 contagion according to socio-hygienic and behavioral in-dicators and substantiated risk categories. The most significant risk factors were indicators related to mandatory mask wearing when visiting specific social objects (risk objects); when taking trips by various means of public transport and duration of such trips; keeping social distance when visiting social objects. We performed score estimate of risk categories regarding COVID-19 contagion.
Establishing indicators for assessing non-carcinogenic risks under chronic inhalation expo-sure to benzene and average annual mpc for benzene as per health risk criteria
Authors:   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya Str., Perm, 614045, Russian Federation, Shur P.Z. , Zaitseva N.V. ,   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya Str., Perm, 614045, Russian Federation, Khasanova A.A. ,   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya Str., Perm, 614045, Russian Federation, Chetverkina К.V. ,   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya Str., Perm, 614045, Russian Federation,   Perm State Medical University named after Academician E.A. Wagner, 26 Petropavlovskaya Str., Perm, 614000, Russian Federation, Ukhabov V.М. ,   Perm State Medical University named after Academician E.A. Wagner, 26 Petropavlovskaya Str., Perm, 614000, Russian Federation
Published: January 2022

Recently multiple new toxicological and epidemiologic data on negative effects produced by chemicals have become available; given that, it is necessary to improve quantitative criteria applied in health risk assessment. It is advisable to revise previously established reference concentrations and to make more precise lists of organs and systems affected by a chemical in concentrations which are either equal to reference one or exceed it. Our research aim was to establish a reference concentration for benzene and additional quantitative indicators of its effects (additional reference concentrations) on specific organs and systems under chronic inhalation exposure; another aim was to determine average annual MPC verified as per permissible lifetime carcinogenic risk using evolution models. The research allowed recommending 0.005 mg/m3 to be used as a reference concentration under chronic inhalation exposure to benzene; a decrease in quantity of B-lymphocytes was recommended as a critical effect since this decrease might produce negative effects on the blood and immune system. Additional reference concen-trations for benzene were fixed at 0.007 mg/m3 for the liver as a critical organ and 0.012 mg/mg3 for violated process of organism development as a critical effect. They can be used as additional indicators for assessing non-carcinogenic health risks under chronic inhalation exposure to benzene in its elevated concentrations. Our research results were used to substantiate average annual MPC for benzene in ambient air; its recommended value was 0.005 mg/m3 since it provided safety (absence of impermis-sible (unacceptable) lifetime health risk), probable carcinogenic effects taken into account.
Hygienic assessment of population health risk under exposure to chemicals that penetrate drinking water from household water mixers
Authors:   The Orenburg State Medical University, 6 Sovetskaya Str., Orenburg, 460000, Russian Federation, Boev V.M. , Georgi I.V. ,   Bathroom Manufacturers and Vendors Association, bldg. 4, lit. A, 56 Pulkovskoe shosse, St. Petersburg, 196140, Russian Federation, Kryazhev D.A. ,   The Orenburg State Medical University, 6 Sovetskaya Str., Orenburg, 460000, Russian Federation, Kryazhevа Е.A. ,   The Orenburg State Medical University, 6 Sovetskaya Str., Orenburg, 460000, Russian Federation
Published: January 2022

At present a truly vital task is to evaluate possible changes in the structure and properties of drinking water occurring in the process of delivering it to end customers. Our research aim was to perform hygienic assessment of health risks caused by consumption of drinking water with changed chemical structure influenced by domestic faucets made from zinc alloys. Hygienic assessment of drinking water was performed to test its conformity with the requirements fixed in the Sanitary Rules and Standards SanPiN 1.2.3685-21 “Hygienic standards and requirements to providing safety and (or) harmlessness of environmental factors for people”. Water samples were aged in new household water mixers with their cases made from ZAM zinc alloy (a zinc alloy doped with aluminum, magnesium, and copper) at pH6 and pH9 in accordance with the State Standard GOST 34771-2021 “Sanitary-technical water mixing and distributing accessories. Testing procedures”. Health risks for children and adults and population risks were assessed for situations involving oral and cutaneous introduction according to the Guide R 2.1.10.1920-04 Human Health Risk Assessment from Environmental Chemicals. We established that water samples aged in household water mixers contained authentically elevated concentrations of metals included into ZAM alloy, namely copper, nickel, lead, and zinc, both at pH = 6 and pH = 9. We also detected enhanced organoleptic properties: color grew by 2–2.3 times and turbidity by 2.3–5 times. Carcinogenic risks caused by consuming water with changed properties turned out to be unacceptable both for children and adults. We also established that calculated hazard index for the blood system didn’t conform to hygienic requirements; calculated hazard indices for the central nervous system, liver, hormonal and reproductive systems were statistically significantly higher when people consumed drinking water with changed properties. We also calculated population carcinogenic risks for the whole population in the Russian Federation based on the maximum possible exposure to drinking water with changes in its chemical properties due to household water mixers. The total population risks amounted to approximately 131 thousand cases. Our research indicates it is necessary to develop preven-tion activities with a carefully planned monitoring system and control over quality and use of domestic faucets.
Neuroinflammation: The Role of Anthocyanins as Neuroprotectants
Authors: Banji Otilia J.F. , Banji David , Makeen Hafiz A. , Alqahtani Saad S. , Alshahrani Saeed
Published: January 2022

Neuroinflammation is a trigger for several neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Exposure to noxious external stimuli induces homeostatic disturbances resulting in morphological changes in microglia, their activation, and elaboration of pro-inflammatory mediators. This leads to neuroinflammation with the progressive loss of neurons. Nutraceuticals such as anthocyanins are a class of brightly colored bioactive compounds present in fruits and vegetables with purported health benefits. They interfere with the activation of several signaling cascades that have a prominent role in preventing neuroinflammation. More importantly, anthocyanins can cross the blood-brain barrier and are safe. Hence, the current review focuses on the bioavailability of anthocyanins, clinical and in vitro evidence on their role in impeding the activation of transcription factors, modulating the immune milieu within the central nervous system, preventing the activation of microglia, and averting neuroinflammation.
Potential Therapeutic Application of Local Anesthetics in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Jin Zhaosheng , Zhang William , Liu Hengrui , Ding Arianna , Lin Yongjian , Wu Shao-Xiong , Lin Jun
Published: January 2022

Local anesthetics are voltage-gated sodium channel blockers primarily administered locally
or to the innervating nerves for anesthetic or analgesic purposes. In vitro studies have found
direct effects of local anesthetics on cancer cells, such as impact on cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis,
migration, invasion, and chemosensitivity, by multiple mechanisms. So far, in vivo evidence
regarding the effect of local anesthetics on cancer cell lines is relatively lacking. Local and regional
anesthesia administration has been reported to reduce postoperative pain and opioid use in cancer
treatment. Additionally, regional anesthesia may reduce the perioperative stress response. However,
the clinical therapeutic application of local anesthetics in cancer remains exploratory. In this review,
we will discuss the direct and indirect effects of local anesthetics on cancer cells, and discuss
the current evidence related to the use of local anesthetics in the treatment of cancer.
Organoantimony (III) Derivative Induces Necroptosis in Human Breast Cancer MDA-MB-231 Cells
Authors: Liu Yong-ping , Lei Jian , Yin Ming-Ming , Chen Yi
Published: January 2022

Aim:

This study aimed to investigate the anticancer effect and the underlying mechanisms of organoantimony
(III) fluoride on MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells.

Methods:

Five cancer and one normal cell line were treated with an organoantimony (III) compound 6-cyclohexyl-12-
fluoro-5,6,7,12-tetrahydrodibenzo[c,f][1,5]azastibocine (denoted as C4). The cell viability was detected by MTT assay.
Induction of cell death was determined by Hoechst 33342/PI staining and Annexin-V/PI staining. The effect of C4 on
the necroptotic relative protein was determined by Western blot analysis.

Results:

Among the five cancer cell lines, C4 decreased the viability of MDA-MB-231, MCF-7 and A2780/cisR, and
showed less toxicity on normal human embryonic kidney cells. In breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231, the C4 treatment
induced necrotic cell death as well as LDH release in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Moreover, C4 could
increase the expression of phosphorylated RIPK3 and MLKL proteins. Overall, the C4 treatment resulted in the reduction
of mitochondrial transmembrane potential and accumulation of ROS in MDA-MB-231 cells.

Conclusion:

C4-induced necroptosis could be ascribed to glutathione depletion and ROS elevation in MDA-MB-231
cells. Our findings illustrate C4 to be a potential necroptosis inducer for breast cancer treatment.
An Updated Review of Epigenetic-Related Mechanisms and their Contribution
to Multiple Sclerosis Disease
Authors: Safaralizadeh Reza , Eslahi Maedeh , Nematbakhsh Negin , Dastmalchi Narges , Teimourian Shahram
Published: January 2022

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a multifactorial, neurodegenerative, and inflammatory demyelination
disease with incomplete remyelination in the CNS. It would be more informative to reveal
the underlying molecular mechanisms of MS. Molecular mechanisms involving epigenetic
changes play a pivotal role in this disease. Epigenetic changes impact gene expression without altering
the underlying DNA sequence. The main epigenetic modifications that play a key role in the
regulation of gene expression principally include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA-
associated post-transcriptional gene silencing. In this review, we summarize the dynamics
of epigenetic changes and their relation to environmental risk factors in MS pathogenesis. Studies
suggest that epigenetic changes have a role in the development of MS and environmental risk factors,
such as vitamin D, smoking, and Epstein-Barr virus infection seem to influence the development
and susceptibility to MS. Investigating epigenetic and environmental factors can provide new
opportunities for the molecular basis of the diseases, which shows complicated pathogenesis. Epigenetic
research has the potential to complete our understanding of MS initiation and progression. Increased
understanding of MS molecular pathways leads to new insights into potential MS therapies.
However, there is a need for in vivo evaluation of the role of epigenetic factors in MS therapy.
It would be more valuable to indicate the role of various epigenetic factors in MS.
Neurological Disorders in an Elderly Cohort Experienced Past Stressful
Events: A Retrospective-prospective Study
Authors: Domínguez Raúl O. , Marschoff Enrique R. , Oudkerk Liliana M. , de la Ossa Angulo Luis E. , Pérez Susana Villamizar , Bianchi Graciela A. , Repetto Marisa G. , Serra Jorge A.
Published: January 2022

Objective:

Psychological stress may be a risk factor for dementia, but the association
between exposure to stressful life events and the development of cognitive dysfunction has not
been conclusively demonstrated. We hypothesize that if a stressful event has an impact on the subjects,
its effects would be different in the three diseases.

Background:

This study aims to assess the effects of stressful events in senior patients who later developed
ischemic stroke, Alzheimer's, or Parkinson's disease.

Material and Methods:

Together with demographic variables (age, sex, race, socioeconomic and
cultural levels), five types of past stressful events, such as death or serious illness of close relatives,
job dismissal, change of financial status, retirement, and change of residence, were recorded in
1024 patients with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and ischemic stroke. Time-todiagnosis
(months from the event to the first symptoms: retrospective study) and evolution time
(years of follow-up of each patient: prospective study) were recorded. The variance and nonparametric
methods were analyzed to the variables time-to-diagnosis and evolution time to analyze
differences between these diseases.

Results:

The demographic variables, such as age, sex, race, economic and cultural levels, were found
to be statistically non-significant; differences in the economic level were significant (P<0.05). Significant
differences (P<0.001) were found in the mean time-to-diagnosis between diseases (Alzheimer’s
disease>Parkinson’s disease >Stroke), and minor differences (P<0.05) in evolution time.

Conclusion:

Differences in time-to-diagnosis between the diseases indicate that the stressful effect
of having experienced the death or serious illness of a close relative has an impact on their emergence.
The measurement of time-to-diagnosis and evolution time proves useful in detecting differences
between diseases.