bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
N-Myc and STAT Interactor is a Novel Biomarker of Severity in Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Wanying , Zhou Hui , Cen Mengyuan , Ouyang Wei , Chen Jie , Xia Lexin , Lin Xiuhui , Liu Jinliang , He Teng , Xu Feng
Published: March 2021

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is among the deadliest infectious diseases. Severe CAP progresses rapidly and has a high mortality rate which requires early detection. N-myc and STAT interactor (NMI) is a novel biomarker involved in inflammatory diseases. Methods: Prospective observational analysis of patients with CAP. The NMI levels in serum of 394 CAP patients on admission were measured to assess the ability of NMI to assess clinical outcomes. The NMI levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of 37 CAP patients were also tested to identify severe and non-severe group.Results: The serum NMI levels in CAP patients with poor clinical outcomes were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than those without outcomes. The AUC of NMI to predict mortality was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.86-0.96), and that to predict ICU admission was 0.92 (95% CI: 0.88-0.97), significantly higher than that of other biomarkers such as PCT and CRP. The AUC of the new score systems (N-PSI and N-CURB65) to predict outcomes were significantly higher than the original score systems. Furthermore, the AUC of NMI in BALF was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.86-1.00) for predicting severe CAP. Conclusions: NMI is a novel effective biomarker for predicting CAP severity.
Structure and germicidal property of a novel guanidine organomercury complex
Authors: Liu E , Jia Aiquan , Wu Simeng , Zhang Qianfeng , Jian Fangfang
Published: March 2021

A novel guanidine organomercury complex 1, [HgCl(DNP)]·CH5N3·CH3CN 1 (DNP = 2,4- dinitrophenol), has been synthesized. Each mercury(II) atom is tricoordinated to one chlorine atom, one carbon atom of the benzene ring, and one oxygen atom from 2, 4-dinitrophenol. The coordination arrangement around the mercury atom is Y-shaped. This is the first structural report on an organomercury derivative of 2, 4-dinitrophenol and guanidine. The distance of Hg-Cl between the two Hg ions groups is 3.272 Å, which indicates the presence of weak Hg···Cl interactions. Secondary bonds make complex 1 form 3D interspersed network structure, which is 2D [HgCl(DNP)CH5N3]n plane and 1D solvent [(CH3CN)2]∞ broadband. The antibacterial activity of 1 were studied. It shows complex 1 has very good bactericidal activity, and is also a potential antimicrobial agents.
Phenotypic variability and genetic characteristics of PRRT2-associated paroxysmal movement disorders in 13 Chinese families
Authors: Wu Lulu , Yang Xinyu , Wang Xiaocui , Yu Shuang , Yang Bin
Published: March 2021

PRRT2-associated paroxysmal movement disorders (PRRT2-PxMDs) include paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesias (PKD), benign familial infantile epilepsy (BFIE), infantile convulsions and choreoathetosis (ICCA), episodic ataxia (EA), paroxysmal nonkinesiasgenic dyskinesias (PNKD), and, in addition, other childhood-onset movement disorders and different types of seizures may be caused by PRRT2 mutations, suggesting that the understanding of the spectrum of PRRT2-PxMDs is still evolving. We collected and analyzed retrospectively the clinical of children diagnosed with paroxysmal movement disorders by the Department of Neurology of Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital from January 2015 to June 2020. The genetic tests were performed in the probands and their family members. Thirteen children and their family members, 30 in total, were tested. Twenty six patients and 4 (13.34%) carriers from 13 families were identified, 14 (46.67%) were diagnosed with BIE, 7 (23.33%) with PKD, 2 (6.67%) with ICCA, 1 (3.33%) with epilepsy (focal), 1 (3.33%) with infantile spasm (IS), and 1 (3.33%)was diagnosed with PKD and PNKD, Eight different variants were identified in 13 families, and NM_145239.2:c.640-641insC was found in 4 families while recurrent mutation c.649dupC was not found. Three novel mutation, c.884G > C, c.865G > C, and c.-65-1G > C were identified in this study. This study confirmed that there is no clear genotype-phenotype correlation in patients with PRRT2-PxMDs, in addition, the clinical findings show variable phenotype within families, including the families affected due to the newly identified pathogenic variants in this study.
COVID-19 Antibody Testing of Patients Admitted to the ICU by a Novel, Point-of-Care Assay, and the Relationship to Survival
Authors: Casswell Stacey , Eriksson Ann-Katrin , Moberg Lena , Lipcsey Miklos , Hultström Michael , Frithiof Robert , Marshall Fiona , Venge Per
Published: March 2021

Diagnosing persons infected by COVID-19 is key to the control of the pandemic. It has, however, become increasingly important to identify those who have had the infection by measurement of circulating antibodies against Sars-COV-2 of the IgM and IgG type. In this report we show the development of a rapid and sensitive point-of-care assay for the measurement of IgG antibodies against the two spike proteins, S1 and S2, of the Sars-COV-2 virus.MethodThe AgPlus electrochemical technology was applied and the S1 and S2 proteins were biotinylated and immobilized onto streptavidin coated magnetic particles as the capture component of the assay. The IgG antibodies bound to the particles were detected by anti-human IgG and the signal expressed as nC (nano Coulomb). Assay time was <10 min.ResultsPlasma (n=211) from 117 SARS-Cov-2 PCR positive patients and from 78 persons with samples taken before the COVID-19 pandemic were analysed. The sensitivity and specificity of the assay were 91.9% and 100%, respectively. The assay was highly correlated to a predicate and FDA-approved IgG antibody ELISA (r=0.81). The IgG response was significantly lower in patients who died during their ICU stay.ConclusionsA poor IgG response after a COVID-19 infection is a serious risk factor as to death. A sensitive, rapid and accurate IgG antibody POC assay should be useful in the daily management and evaluation of COVID-19 infected patients.
Effect of Anesthesia on The Outcome of High-Grade Glioma Patients Undergoing Supratentorial Resection: Study Protocol for A Randomized Controlled Trial 
Authors: Wang Dexiang , Dong Jia , Zeng Min , Liu Xiaoyuan , Yan Xiang , Li Ruowen , Li Shu , Peng Yuming , Han Ruquan
Published: March 2021

Background High-grade glioma (HGG) is the most malignant brain tumor with poor outcome. Whether anesthetic methods have impact on the outcome of these patients is still unknown. Retrospective study has found that there is no difference between two anesthesia methods on the overall survival (OS), however, intravenous anesthesia with propofol might be beneficial in subgroup patients of KPS<80. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the results.Methods This is a single-centered, randomized controlled, parallel group trial. 196 patients with primary HGG for tumor resection will be randomly assigned to receive either the intravenous anesthesia with propofol or inhalation anesthesia with sevoflurane. The primary outcome is the OS within 18 months. Secondary outcomes include progression-free survival (PFS), the numerical rating scale (NRS) of pain intensity and sleep quality, the postoperative encephaloedema volume, complications, the length and cost effectiveness of hospital stay of the patients.Discussion This is a randomized controlled trial to compare the effect of intravenous or inhalation anesthesia maintenance on the outcome of supratentorial HGG patients.The results will help to optimizing the anesthesia methods in these patients.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT02756312). Registered on 27 April 2020 https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/
Primary cardiac CD5-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma:A case report and review of literature
Authors: Wang Zhaoming , Yang Hanjin , Gao Qiqi , Yang Xu
Published: March 2021

Background：Primary cardiac CD5 positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (CD5+ DLBCL) is a rare subtype of DLBCL with many diagnostic challenges. The case is reported, along with a review of several characteristics of the disease. Case presentation：We described a 64-year-old female who presented with a 12-month history of cough, and a mass in the right atrium observed on imaging studies that extended into the right ventricle. Conclusions：CD5+ DLBCL was confirmed finally by pathological examination of the cardiac biopsy. The patient responded well to the modified R-CHOP regime. The poor prognosis factors include CD5 positive, non-GCB immunophenotype, myc, bcl-2 and bcl-6 gene rearrangements etc. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment play a key role on improving the prognosis of primary cardiac CD5+ DLBCL.
WITHDRAWN: Sensitivity Assessment of Wilms tumor gene (WT1) expression in Glioblastoma Using qPCR and Immunohistochemistry and its association with IDH1 mutation, and recurrence interval 
Authors: Kurdi Maher , Butt Nadeem Shafique , Baeesa Saleh , Kuerban Abudukadeer , Maghrabi Yazid , Bardeesi Anas , Saeedi Rothaina , Alghamdi Badrah , Lary Ahmed I. , Mohammed Fawaz
Published: March 2021

Background
The Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) gene has recently been shown to play a role in gliomagenesis, making it a potential immunotherapy target in glioblastomas. We aimed to investigate the most sensitive method to detect WT1 expression in glioblastoma and explore relationship between WT1 expression and isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) mutation.
Methods
Clinical and biological data were collected from 44 patients with totally resected glioblastomas, treated with adjuvant therapies, in the period between 2015 and 2019. WT1 protein expression was assessed in all cases using IHC while its gene expression was assessed in 13 clustered samples using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). IDH1 mutation was assessed using immunohistochemistry (IHC). McNemar test was used to compare the sensitivity between IHC and RT-qPCR for WT1 gene expression detection. Kaplan Meier curves were used to compare the distribution of recurrence-free interval (RFI) between IDH1 and WT1 expression groups.
Results
The mean age was 54-years, with a male to female ratio 1.45. IDH1-wildtype was found in 26 cases (59.1%) and the remining 18 cases (40.9%) were IDH1-mutant. Through IHC, WT1 was overexpressed in 32 cases (72.7%), partially expressed in 9 cases (20.5%) and not expressed in only three cases (6.8%). For the 13 cases tested by qPCR, 6 cases showed WT1 gene up-regulation and 7 cases showed WT1 down-regulation. There was no significant difference in WT1 expression among cases with different RNA concentrations regardless the testing method (P-value < 0.05). However, the difference between IHC and qPCR revealed 83% sensitivity, 28.5% specificity and 53% accuracy. IDH1-mutant cases with WT1 overexpression showed significant difference in recurrence interval (P-value < 0.048). This significance was not seen among IDH1-mutant cases with WT1 partial or no expression (P-value = 0.56). There was also no significant difference in recurrence interval among IDH1-wildtype cases with WT1 partial or overexpression (P-value = 0.83).
Conclusions
Parallel testing for WT1 expression using IHC and qPCR is not reliable. However, IHC provides more accurate results than does qPCR, which runs on fragmented tissue with indeterminant RNA concentrations. Moreover, IDH1-mutant glioblastomas with WT1 overexpression are associated with slow recurrence interval particularly if temozolomide with additional chemotherapies are used.
Analysis of Genetic Variability in the Caprine Class II MHC CLA DRB3.2(Cahi DRB3.2) gene locus of the Sangamneri goat breed of India
Authors: Behl Jyotsna Dhingra , Ahlawat Sonika , Sharma Rekha , Behl Rahul , Verma N.K. , Sharma Arjava
Published: March 2021

The objective of this study was to assess the genetic variability present across the Class II MHC DRB 3.2 gene locus in the Sangamneri goat breed of India. Sixty three single nucleotide variations were observed in CLA-DRB3.2 gene of eleven Sangamneri animals. Sixteen haplotypes with Haplotype diversity of 0.974 were found. Besides the snp(s) having two alleles, both triple and tetra allelic single nucleotide variations were present. Thus, the Class II DRB 3.2 gene of the Sangamneri goat breed animals (CLA-DRB3.2/ Cahi DRB3.2) was exhibiting a very high degree of genetic polymorphism. Of the sixty three single nucleotide variations, fifty variations were non-synonymous i.e. they resulted in a change in the corresponding amino acid encoded by the triplet codon in which they were existing. Both conservative and non-conservative amino acid changes were observed to occur. Rich diversity of the DRB3.2 gene reflected well on the ability of the Sangamneri animals to survive in the harsh climatic condition(s), exposed to all kinds of pathogen(s) existing in the environment.
Families driven drug development and clinical trials: a pilot study in Dravet Syndrome to delineate what really matters
Authors: Teng Théo , Barco Tommaso Lo , Marie Elodie , Hallet Anne-Sophie , Brambilla Isabella , Flege Silke , D'Onofrio Gianluca , Chemaly Nicole , Kuchenbuch Mathieu , Nabbout Rima
Published: March 2021

Background

Dravet syndrome (DS) is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Patients rapidly develop drug resistant seizures but patients with DS develop non-seizures disorders that are often age related. We aimed to identify the caregivers’ opinion on the outcome measures that matters in clinical trials in individuals with DS and their correlation with the age of the individual with DS.
Methods

We conducted a prospective international study with convenience sample based on a 11-closed questions survey developed with three European patients’ advocacy groups (PAG) for DS (France, Italy and Germany). The items were about seizures and daily life outcomes that a clinical trial should target according to family opinion. Items were scored from 1 (not important at all) to 5 (highly important). Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate country (ANOVA and khi2 tests) and age effect (Spearman's ρ).
Results

Hundred and fifty-three caregivers answered the survey (68%: France, 28%: Germany and 24%: Italy; affected individuals’ characteristics: 86 males, age: 11.4 [25th -75th percentile:7-20.4] years). Demographic characteristics were not significantly different between countries. Families ranked as important almost all the items proposed. However, most of the items related to daily life had the highest rank in all 3 countries compared to items about seizures (p = 0.02). Positive correlation between age and age at diagnosis (ρ = 0.26, p = 0.02) and negative correlations between age and targeting seizure duration and between age (ρ =-0.25, p = 0.005) and targeting the need of referral to hospital (ρ =-0.26, p = 0.005) were identified.
Conclusions

This study emphasized the DS families’ expectations from therapies beyond seizure efficacy. These data can help to adapt patients-centered outcome measures in future clinical and real-life trials in DS.
Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Tear Secretion and Tear Film Stability in Dry Eye Patients
Authors: Sun Chao , Chen Xiaofan , Huang Yanming , Zou Huan , Fan Wei , Yang Mei , Yuan Rongdi
Published: March 2021

Background: To study the effects of aerobic exercise (AE) on tear secretion and tear film stability in dry eye patients.Methods: Firstly we observed Schirmer Ⅰ test and 6 tear compositions detected by ELISA in 34 eyes of dry eye patients and 34 eyes of normal subjects before and after AE. Then we observed 30 eyes of dry eye patients and 30 eyes of normal subjects before and after AE, the evaluated variables included tear meniscus height (TMH), first and average non-invasive tear breakup time (F-NITBUT and A-NITBUT), lipid layer thickness (LLT), number of incomplete and complete blinks, partial blink rate (PBR) and visual acuity.Results: In dry eye group, compared with baseline, Schirmer Ⅰ test at 0 minutes after AE increased significantly (P < 0.001), F-NITBUT and A-NITBUT at every time point after AE prolonged significantly (P < 0.001, P = 0.007, P = 0.036; P < 0.001, P = 0.001, P = 0.044), number of incomplete blinks and PBR at 10 minutes after AE decreased significantly (P < 0.001; P < 0.001) while number of complete blinks increased significantly (P < 0.001), visual acuity at 10 and 20 minutes after AE improved significantly (P = 0.017, P = 0.021). The overall oxidative stress marker 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine at 0 minutes after AE decreased significantly compared with baseline (P = 0.040).Conclusion: AE promotes tear secretion and improves tear film stability in dry eye patients. AE may be a potential treatment for dry eye.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000038673. Registered 27 September 2020, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=57282
Necessity requires no decision: carbon source-dependent pattern of antimicrobial activity and gene expression in Pseudomonas donghuensis P482
Authors: Matuszewska Marta , Maciag Tomasz , Rajewska Magdalena , Wierzbicka Aldona , Jafra Sylwia
Published: March 2021

Pseudomonas donghuensis P482 is a tomato rhizosphere isolate with the ability to inhibit growth of bacterial and fungal plant pathogens. Herein, we analysed the impact of the carbon source on the antibacterial activity of P482 and expression of the selected genes of three genomic regions in the P482 genome. These regions are involved in the synthesis of pyoverdine, 7‑hydroxytropolone (7-HT) and an unknown compound (“cluster 17”) and are responsible for antimicrobial activity of P482. We showed that the P482 mutants, defective in these regions, show variations and contrasting patterns of growth inhibition of the target pathogen under given nutritional conditions (with glucose or glycerol as a carbon source). We also selected and validated the reference genes for gene expression studies in P. donghuensis P482. Amongst ten candidate genes, we found gyrB, rpoD and mrdA the most stably expressed. Using selected reference genes in RT-qPCR, we assessed the expression of the genes of interest under minimal medium conditions with glucose or glycerol as carbon sources. Glycerol was shown to negatively affect the expression of genes necessary for 7-HT synthesis. The significance of this finding in the light of the role of nutrient (carbon) availability in biological plant protection is discussed.
Impact of Prescriptionauditing and Intervention of Infectious Diseases Specialist on The Use of Antimicrobials in Intensive Care Units
Authors: Silva Ravena Melo Ribeiro da , Câmara Ana Cláudia de Brito , Koga Ellen Karla Chaves Vieira , Lobo Iza Maria Fraga , Silva Wellington Barros da
Published: March 2021

Background: Antimicrobials are among the most prescribed drugs in ICUs, where the use of these drugs is approximately 10 times greater than that of other wards. Even so, it is observed that between 30 to 60% of antimicrobial prescriptions performed in these units are unnecessary or inadequate. Thus, surveillance of antimicrobial prescription is a first and essential step to identify potential overuse or misuse, which could be the target of interventions for antimicrobial administration.Methods: This is an observational, analytical, and prospective study conducted in two adult intensive care units (ICU 1 = surgical and ICU 2 = clinic), with 27 beds each. The study period was divided into pre-intervention (January to June 2019) and post-intervention (July to December 2019).Results: Overall, in the pre- and post-intervention period, 91.4% and 90.0%, respectively, of patients received at least one antimicrobial agent. The most frequently prescribed antimicrobial classes were carbapenems (PRE = 26.0% vs POST = 24.9%; p = 0.245) followed by glycopeptides (PRE = 21.0% vs POST = 18.6%; p = 0.056). Overall, there was a significant reduction in the duration of therapy (PRE = 727 LOT / 1000pd vs POST = 680 LOT / 1000pd; p = 0.028). The highest rates regarding the time of use of antimicrobials were observed for carbapenems, followed by glycopeptides, with significant reductions in the time of exposure of glycopeptides and polymyxin B, and significant increases for penicillins, and tigecycline.Conclusions: In general, the intervention of infectious diseases specialistsin intensive care units had a limited impact on the results evaluated. This may be due to the short period analyzed. Therefore, it is important to monitor the impact of these changes in the long term, drawing a more accurate assessment of the effectiveness of an intervention, with the implementation of active feedback.
Necrosis Binding of Ac-Lys0(IRDye800CW)-Tyr3-octreotate: Pros and Cons of Using Cyanine-labeled Small Molecules
Authors: Stroet Marcus Cornelis Maria , Dijkstra Bianca M. , Dulfer Sebastiaan E. , Kruijff Schelto , Dunnen Wilfred F.A. den , Kruyt Frank A.E. , Groen Rob J.M. , Seimbille Yann , Panth Kranthi M. , Mezzanotte Laura , Lowik Clemens W.G.M. , Jong Marion de
Published: March 2021

Background

There is a growing body of nuclear contrast agents that are repurposed for fluorescence guided surgery. New contrast agents are obtained by substituting the radioactive tag with, or adding a fluorescent cyanine to the molecular structure. This enables intra-operative fluorescent detection of cancerous tissue, leading to more complete tumor resection. However, these fluorescent cyanines can have a remarkable influence on pharmacokinetics and tumor uptake. Here we demonstrate the effect of cyanine-mediated dead cell binding of Ac-Lys0(IRDye800CW)-Tyr3-octreotate (800CW-TATE) and how this can be used as an advantage for the purpose of fluorescence guided surgery. We exposed cultured U2OS cells (alive or dead, with or without SSTR2-expression) and frozen human tumor tissue sections of NCI-H69 (SSTR2 positive) and CH-157MN (SSTR2 negative) to 800CW-TATE. We then injected 800CW-TATE into NCI-H69-tumor-bearing mice. Blocking experiment were included with DOTA0-Tyr3-octreotate (DOTA-TATE). Paraffin sections of the resected tumors were imaged for near infrared fluorescence and cell death staining was performed.
Results

Binding of 800CW-TATE could be blocked with DOTA-TATE and was absent in SSTR2 negative cells. However, strong binding was observed to dead cells, which could not be blocked with DOTA-TATE and was also present in dead SSTR2 negative cells. No SSTR2-mediated binding was observed in frozen sections, possibly due to disruption of the cells in the process of sectioning the tissue before exposure to the contrast agent. DOTA-TATE blocking resulted in incomplete reduction of 61.5 ± 5.8% fluorescence uptake by the tumors in the mice. Paraffin sections revealed that fluorescence uptake persisted in necrotic regions upon blocking.
Conclusion

This study shows that labeling peptides with cyanines can result in dead cell binding. This does not hamper the ultimate purpose of fluorescence guided surgery, as necrotic tissue appears in most solid tumors. Hence, the necrosis binding can increase the overall tumor uptake. Moreover, necrotic tissue should be removed as much as possible: it cannot be salvaged, causes inflammation, and is tumorigenic. However, when performing binding experiments to cells with disrupted membrane integrity, which is routinely done with nuclear probes, this dead cell binding can resemble non-specific binding. This study will benefit development fluorescent contrast agents.
Role of seed bank in aboveground vegetation regeneration signal ecosystem transition from arid grassland to shrubland with decreasing soil moisture
Authors: Zhao Yunpeng , Du Guozhen , Qi Wei , An Hang , Wang Lipei , Luo Shuaiwei , Ma Beibei , Ma Miaojun
Published: March 2021

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the role of seed bank during ecosystem transitions from arid grassland to shrubland. Methods We explored the aboveground vegetation, seed bank and soil environmental factors at 29 sites along a moisture gradient that served as a space-for-time substitution in the Qaidam Basin on the Tibetan Plateau to test whether changes seed bank composition or changes in the ability of the seed bank to restore aboveground vegetation could lead to ecosystem transition. Results We found that the composition of the aboveground vegetation presented nonlinear changes with decreased soil moisture and showed an inflection point in the threshold zone on the spatial scale of ecosystem transition from arid grassland to shrubland; however, an inflection point was not observed for the seed bank. Surprisingly, an inflection point of the similarity between the aboveground vegetation and seed bank also emerged at this threshold zone (ecosystem transition from arid grassland and shrubland). Conclusions Our results suggest that the transition from arid grassland to shrub ecosystem is not caused by changes of the seed bank composition but by the inhibition of the seed bank's restorability to aboveground vegetation. Future work on changes in vegetation composition and species diversity with ecosystem transitions should consider the belowground seed bank.
Tensile properties of the FFF-processed thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomer
Authors: Arifvianto Budi , Iman Teguh Nur , Prayoga Benidiktus Tulung , Dharmastiti Rini , Salim Urip Agus , Mahardika Muslim , Suyitno Suyitno
Published: March 2021

Fused filament fabrication (FFF) has become one of the most popular, practical, and low-cost additive manufacturing techniques for fabricating geometrically-complex thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomer. However, there are still some uncertainties concerning the relationship between several operating parameters applied in this technique and the mechanical properties of the processed material. In this research, the influences of extruder temperature and raster orientation on the mechanical properties of the FFF-processed TPU elastomer were studied. A series of uniaxial tensile tests was carried out to determine tensile strength, strain, and elastic modulus of TPU elastomer that had been printed with various extruder temperatures, i.e., 190–230 °C, and raster angles, i.e., 0–90°. Thermal and chemical characterizations were also conducted to support the analysis in this research. The results obviously showed the ductile and elastic characteristics of the FFF-processed TPU, with specific tensile strength and strain that could reach up to 39 MPa and 600%, respectively. The failure mechanisms operating on the FFF-processed TPU and the result of stress analysis by using the developed Mohr’s circle are also discussed in this paper. In conclusion, the extrusion temperature of 200 °C and raster angle of 0° could be preferred to be applied in the FFF process to achieve high strength and ductile TPU elastomer.
Epidemiological Factors Associated With Hbv Infection And Uptake Of Hbv Testing In South West Region Of Cameroon: What Can Be Done To Scale Up Hbv Testing In Our Setting?
Authors: Meriki Henry Dilonga , Tufon Kukwah Anthony , Georges Teuwafeu Denis , Tony Nyeke James , Kwenti Tebit Emmanuel , Bolimo Ayah Flora , Yolande Fokam Djike Puepi , Itoe Iyah Rebecca , Beltine Tsamul , Cyrille Nkouonlack , Nkuo-Akenji Theresa , Anong Damian Nota
Published: March 2021

Background

HBV infection affects millions of people globally and this can be partly attributed to its high degree of transmissibility. This study was aimed at identifying some prevailing epidemiological factors associated with HBV infection and uptake of HBV testing in South West region of Cameroon.
Methods

This was a hospital-based case-control study which enrolled HBV infected participants and “healthy” controls ≥ 18 years old. Venous blood collected from participants was used to conduct HBV panel test. Data on demographic and behavioral risk factors as well as reasons for doing the HBV test for the first time were collected using a questionnaire.
Results

A total of 424 participants were enrolled (212 “healthy” controls and 212 HBV infected cases). Male sex (odds ratio [OR] = 2.08, p = 0.010), ≤ secondary education level (OR = 4.83, p < 0.001), low income level (OR = 3.79, p < 0.001), rural settlement (OR = 2.17, p = 0.031), history of sexually transmitted infections (STI) (OR = 4.24, p < 0.001) and ignorance of sex partners HBsAg status (OR = 2.70, p = 0.003) all had an independent and significant association with HBV infection. Top 3 reasons for doing HBsAg test were free screening (40.3%), Blood donation (15.0%) and administrative requirements (14.9%). Seven (1.7%) participants got tested for the first time after symptoms were identified by a doctor.
Conclusion

Male sex, low income level, ≤ secondary education level, rural settlement, history of STI and ignorance of sex partners HBsAg status were significantly associated with HBV infection. Free screening, blood donation and administrative requirements were the most common reasons for doing HBsAg test. Uptake of HBsAg testing and early detection can be improved if more sensitization and free/opportunistic screenings are carried out. A significant drop in the cost of the test could encourage more people to get tested as well.
Community Leaders’ Perspectives on Barriers and Facilitating Factors to Kangaroo Mother Care in Mangochi, Malawi: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Mathias Christina Tiyankhulenji , Mianda Solange , Ginindza Themba Goffrey
Published: March 2021

Background

Low-and middle-income countries widely utilize Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) to care for the Low-Birth Weight Infants (LBWIs). Worldwide, LBWIs is the leading cause of neonatal and child mortality. In Malawi, the government and the notable non-governmental organizations coordinate and collaborate in implementing KMC interventions to reduce neonatal deaths due to LBWIs’ complications. The incorporation of the community leaders’ (CLs) views on KMC access and utilization is optimal in the effective KMC implementation. Therefore, this study aimed to assess CLs perspectives on barriers and facilitating factors to KMC utilization by parents of low birth weight infants (PLBWIs) in Mangochi District, Malawi.
Methods

The study used purposive and simple random sampling to identify twelve CLs (N = 12) who participated in the two focused group (n = 6) discussions (FGD) conducted in April 2018 in Mangochi district. A structured FGD guide used to obtain the CLs’ perspectives on barriers and facilitating factors to KMC access and utilization by PLBWIs. Thematic content analysis used to analyse the findings.
Results

Four major themes and sub-themes were established from the study. These included Access (availability of KMC providers, place of delivery, strengthen referral systems, cost, health seeking behaviour, women empowerment and quality of obstetric care), Buy-in (KMC knowledge, causes of LBWIs birth, advantages/outcomes of KMC, attitude towards LBWI and KMC, stigma towards mother with a LBWI and preference of LBWI care), Medical issues (safety and maternal health) and traditional/cultural norms (social obligation and gender roles).
Conclusions

Despite the identified facilitating and barriers to KMC utilization, the CLs indirectly supported PLBWIs access to KMC by their influential and participatory role in the Malawi National Safe Motherhood approaches, which facilitated women deliver by the skilled birth attendants and utilized KMC. As such, incorporating the CLs in KMC implementation through KMC capacity building and strengthening linkage of local government structures to health local government structures may enhance KMC access and utilization by the community, through the CLs’ influential role in the communities’ uptake of health services. In a way strengthening the Malawi National Community Health Strategy 2017–2022 approaches.
Multidisciplinary telephone conferences about medication therapy after discharge of older inpatients: A feasibility study
Authors: Ravn-Nielsen Lene Vestergaard , Burghle Alaa , Christensen Palle Mark , Coric Faruk , Graabæk Trine , Henriksen Jolene Pilegaard , Karlsdóttir Fjóla , Rosholm Jens-Ulrik , Pottegård Anton
Published: March 2021

Background Studies have shown poor post-discharge implementation of changes made to patients’ medication during admission by the general practitioner. Objective To assess the feasibility of conducting telephone conferences to deliver information about changes in older patients’ medications from the hospital to the general practitioners. Setting Danish routine healthcare setting including patients admitted to departments of Geriatric medicine at Odense University Hospital and Svendborg Hospital. Method Telephone conferences between pharmacists, geriatricians, and general practitioners were based on a review of the patient’s medication therapy during hospital stay. Older polypharmacy patients were eligible for inclusion. To explore perspectives on the feasibility of telephone conferences, interviews were conducted with pharmacists, geriatricians and general practitioners. Interviews were analyzed using systematic text condensation.Main outcome measure The proportion of telephone conferences conducted. Results A total of 113 patients were included. Medication summaries were sent to the general practitioner for 82 patients (75%), thus eligible for telephone conferences. A total of 40 (49%) telephone conferences were conducted. The main reasons for conferences not being conducted were general practitioners not wanting to participate or not returning the calls from the pharmacists. The themes from the qualitative analysis were: Project operations, the telephone conference and cross-sectorial collaboration.The participating general practitioners, pharmacists and geriatricians expressed varied benefit from the conferences and agreed that telephone conferences were relevant and useful for complex patients. Conclusion Telephone conferences between geriatricians, general practitioners and pharmacists were only possible for half of the patients and seemingly mainly relevant for complex patients.
Analytical solutions of the transmissibility of the SARS-CoV-2 in three interactive populations
Authors: Isea Raúl
Published: March 2021

This paper resolves analytically a mathematical model that reproduces the transmission of Covid-19 in three interactive populations, i.e. from the initial source of contagion associated with the bat population, subsequently transmitted to unknown host (usually associate with pangolins). The host were sent and distributed to Seafood Market in Wuhan (defined reservoir), and finally infected to the human population. The model is based on a system of ten differential equations reproducing all the possible infection scenarios among all of them, that is: (1) there is no infection in any of the three populations, (2) only the population of bats is infected, (3) only the pangolins, (4) only the human people. Later, combinations between them, this is: (5) both the bat and pangolin populations, (6) bats and humans, (7) pangolins and humans, and finally, (8) all the previous populations. In each scenario, I deduced the critical points as well as the eigenvalues that indicate the equilibrium conditions. Finally, it is demonstrated the validity of the model with the data corresponding to the second wave of infections in Australia
Analysis of Banking System Functioning and Influence of Uncertainty Factors on Strategic Management of Bank Finances
Authors: Onopriienko Yu.Yu. , Obod O.M.
Published: March 2021

The article analyzes the banking system of Ukraine in times of crisis and highlights the current state of its functioning. It is noted that the banking crisis played an important role, as a result of which there were a number of problems, namely at the level of management of individual banks, the reason for vulnerability to crisis phenomena was, first of all, the inefficiency of strategic management, which resulted in a high-risk profile of most of them in conditions of insufficient capital coverage of these risks. It is determined that the effectiveness of strategic management of bank finances of Ukraine depends to a large extent on factors at micro (the bank is affected by the external set of economic relations in the field of finance, represented by the subjects, the interaction with them creates uncertainty), macro (political, social, etc.) and mega-levels (such as the unstable state of the global economy, changes in the trends of monetary regulation, etc.) that have high degree of uncertainty. The dynamics of the main indicators of the banking system is studied and analyzed, in particular the number of banks included in the State Register of Banks, banks with a banking license, banks with foreign capital and banks with 100% foreign capital; asset structure; volume of toxic loans (the presence of large amounts on the balance sheets of banks' toxic assets, as well as the possible deterioration of loan servicing by borrowers due to rising macroeconomic, social and political instability negatively affects the quality of strategic financial management, as it significantly increases uncertainty in management decisions), and financial results of the banking system of Ukraine. It is determined that the operational environment of banks' functioning has a number of uncertainties that further influence the bank's finances and the effectiveness of their management.
Small and Medium Entrepreneurship: Ukrainian and World Experience
Authors: Tymoshyk D.D. , Hrytsenko L.L. , Kovalev Ya.S.
Published: March 2021

The article considers the concept of small and medium enterprises in the process of economic thought formation. The task of the work is to determine and analyze the state of small and medium business in Ukraine and abroad. For this, the definitions of foreign and national scholars are outlined and their own understanding of the term is formulated. A comparative and quantitative analysis of enterprises was conducted on the basis of data collected by the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, and a positive increase in enterprises for the period 2014-2018 was revealed. In addition, the main approaches to the division of enterprises into types according to different classification criteria due to the Ukrainian economic system and the standards of the European Union, which fundamentally differ from the division system in the United States, are studied. At the same time, the indicators of small and medium-sized enterprises of the USA and European countries are considered, that allows us to say that the largest percentage of the contribution to GDP belongs to the small and medium-sized enterprise sector. The described features of SMEs in comparison with other types of enterprises determine the importance of SMEs as a stable and self-sufficient sector of the economy which requires support from government regulation. The urgency of research on the topic of SMEs is primarily dictated by the need to summarize the previously studied layers of this topic, the emergence of new reforms and Ukraine’s desire to improve the economic system and bring it to the world level. Economic development depends not only on internal policy principles, but also on external factors influencing the state of the world economy. The beginning of 2020 made the leaders of the world community think about the principles of maintaining economic indicators during the trigger caused by the coronavirus pandemic and the collapse of oil prices, and therefore it is natural to implement programs to support small and medium enterprises during the global recession.
Functional Process Decomposition as a Method of Management of Energy Product Lifecycle
Authors: Pryymenko S.A. , Burla O.A.
Published: March 2021

To achieve greater management efficiency of any system, it is necessary to create the overall effectiveness of all its components. Taking into account the fact that the anthropogenic load on the environment and the magnitude of environmental and economic costs of the first stage of the lifecycle of the energy product depend on the cause and effect relationships at (i-n) stages, one should mention the ecologically oriented management system of the energy product lifecycle. An ecologically oriented management system of the energy product lifecycle is a management system that ensures environmental safety at each stage by coordinating the production and environmental functions and processes of energy entities. The process of environmental management, which is considered to be a process associated with compromises between socioeconomic and environmental needs of society in terms of limited resources, should include the objectively existing interaction between society and nature, features of modern social development, causation and environmental and economic contradictions. For example, from the standpoint of economic feasibility, this task resolves itself into such a level of environmental costs that would cause minimal environmental and economic losses.
Approaches to Resolving Environmental and Economic Conflicts between Water User Enterprises and their Stakeholders
Authors: Matsenko O.M. , Torba I.V. , Kovaleva A.V.
Published: March 2021

The article is devoted to resolving conflicts between water user enterprises and their stakeholders, arising mainly due to pollution of limited water resources by wastewater. The study's primary purpose is to analyze the causes and types of conflicts between water user enterprises and their stakeholders and ways to resolve them. The systematization of scientific research and approaches to solving the problem of conflicts in water use led to the conclusion that this issue is poorly researched and needs additional consideration. The work's relevance is determined by the need to study the shortcomings in the existing system of state water resources management, particularly when resolving conflicts arising between water user enterprises and their stakeholders. With the signing of the Association Agreement with the EU, Ukraine has undertaken to implement water resources management's basin principle. However, the involvement of stakeholders in water resources management according to the basic principle has been insufficiently implemented, in particular, their economic, social and environmental interests are ignored. There are conflicts between water user enterprises and their stakeholders when using common water bodies and coastal areas. To resolve this kind of conflicts, it is proposed to use water-saving mechanisms, in particular, the transition to the reclamation of water resources. In the long term, this will allow to reduce the cost of water used for household needs and reduce the anthropogenic load on the general water body for water use. To predict the optimal variant of resolving conflicts between water users and their stakeholders, it is proposed to use game theory. The study results can be used by local authorities, heads of water user enterprises, scientists, and other stakeholders in the field of water use.
The Economic Instruments for the Development of the Renewable Energy Sector in the EU and Ukraine
Authors: Piven V.S.
Published: March 2021

The research reveals the theoretical and practical aspects of the green energy sector. The article compares the level of development of the green energy sector in the European Union and Ukraine. Different indicators, including the share of energy from renewable sources in Ukraine, the interaction between the level of GDP per capita and the share of renewable energy in the EU and Ukraine, and the structure of the renewable energy resources of Ukraine and the EU are taken into account. The article discussed the role of financial and non-financial tools for the development of the green energy sector in the EU countries. The research states that the countries can be divided into three groups, where group A involves countries with a highly developed green energy sector, group B – member-states with progress in the transition to alternative sources of energy, and group C – countries with weak or no progress in the development of renewable energy sector. The research explains the impact of economic prosperity in developed countries on the renewable energy sector. It investigates that there is a very small positive correlation between the independent variable and the dependent variable. In general, it demonstrates that there is no correlation between the economic condition of very developed countries and the level of their green energy efficiency. The article suggests policy-making changes for the stable development of green energy in both the EU and Ukraine. Revision of existing government's medium and long term plans and adapting them to current circumstances, the gradual reduction of subsidies and reform of energy pricing, the regulatory focus on energy efficiency, the attraction of private investments through the use of domestic and donor investments are determined as important actions for stable development of green energy sector.
Socio-Economic Analysis of the Economic Structure of the Vozdvizhensk Labor Community
Authors: Avdasov V.M.
Published: March 2021

The article deals with the history of the creation, existence and liquidation of the Vozdvizhensk labour brotherhood. The history of land tenure, the functioning of enterprises, the organization of production, economic and technological achievements, activities in revolutionary times, and the fraternity's liquidation are analyzed. The conditions of life and management in the brotherhood are shown. The factors (economic, technical, technological, organizational, social) that could serve as sources of brotherhood's economic success are analyzed. Shown are the material assets (including breeding and seed funds, as well as tools), which formed the basis of the brotherhood's production factors. Special attention is paid to economic relations and organizational foundations in the brotherhood. The research subject is also the conditions of the brotherhood's management during the 1917 revolution and the civil war. The article examines the transformations that the brothers' social and economic life underwent in the 1920s, including the repressions they were subjected to by the Soviet regime.
Economic Security Threat Modelling of a Commercial Bank in a Globalized Economy
Authors: Dymchenko О.V. , Rudachenko О.О. , Gazzola P.
Published: March 2021

In the paper, one develops a set of models for diagnosing threats to the economic security of a commercial bank, which allows improving the quality of decisions forming and making on managing the safe functioning and development of the bank. The bank's economic security research system has been developed, it includes 3 main blocks: research information space creation; assessment and analysis of the security of a commercial bank; generalization, and formation of decisions on the economic security of a commercial bank. The research made it possible to draw an inference of a theoretical, methodological, and applied nature that reflects the solution of the tasks set following the purpose of the study. A set of models has been built with modern tools of economic and mathematical modelling to improve the quality of decisions made to manage the bank's security and reduce the risks of threats. A model for calculating the bank's economic security indicator has been developed, which includes the following main stages: the construction of a structural scheme taking into account the rules of the theory of banking functioning security, then the terms and their membership functions are set for each input and output variable of the fuzzy inference system under consideration. Results of the response surface for the model are shown in the figure on the graphs of the dependence of the bank's economic security indicator on various input components. The paper requires that it is convenient to diagnose the state of economic security of a bank using fuzzy logic, this allows getting a clear quantitative representation of economic security state of the bank, as the indicators used for diagnostics may be indistinct and approximate and this a priori cannot give an adequate result when accurately calculated.