bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A case of neck abscess caused by rare hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae, capsular type K20 and sequence type 420.
Authors: McHardy John Alexander , Selvaganeshapillai Vathsalan , Khanna Priya , Whittington Ashley Michael , Turton Jane , Rao Guduru Gopal
Published: March 2021

BackgroundThis case report describes a neck abscess caused by a strain of Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae in a middle aged man with diabetes without a history of travel to East and South East Asia. This case report is of notable significance as Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae neck abscesses are rarely seen in the UK and are very infrequently documented in individuals who have not first travelled to the high prevalence areas of East and South East Asia.Case PresentationThis case report describes a 54 year old diabetic man who contracted a Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae neck abscess which led to the development of sepsis. Klebsiella pneumoniae was cultured from blood cultures and fluid aspirated from the abscess grew the pathogen with same antimicrobial susceptibility. Hypervirulence was demonstrated after the samples were analysed, at the Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections Reference Unit Public Health England Colindale, and found to contain the K20 (rmp)A and rmpA2 virulence genes.DiscussionHypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae is a gram-negative, encapsulated, non-motile bacillus notable for its ability to metastatically spread and cause potentially life threatening infections in otherwise healthy adults, but especially in those with diabetes. Genes responsible for the production of hyperviscous mucoid polysaccharide capsules and siderophores, such as those isolated in this case, enable the bacteria to more efficiently evade the hosts immune system and disseminate and invade surrounding and distant tissues. Data from Public Health England shows Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae are rare in the UK. A review of current literature also showed Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae almost exclusively occur in those who have traveled to East and South East Asia. ConclusionsThis case reported a rare Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae neck abscess outside of, and without travel to, East and South East Asia. This raises concerns about future, potentially life threatening, Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae infections becoming more widespread without the need for endemic travel. This concern is further exacerbated by the growing global challenge of antimicrobial resistance.
Combined dural inversion with multiple burr holes for refractory chronic subdural hematoma: A case report.
Authors: Li Tuo , zhu wei , Hao Hongying , Chen Hongguang , Zhang Jianning
Published: March 2021

Background: Chronic subdural hematoma（CSDH） is a common disease in neurosurgery department. Burr-hole drainage is the main surgical treatment. And the recurrence rate is as high as 25%.Case presentation: In this case, a male patient with CSDH in the left frontotemporal parietal region underwent two drilling and drainage operations in the local hospital, but the hematoma recurred after operations. Being unable to bearing the repeated and progressive aggravation of headache, he came to our hospital for treatment. After considering the comprehensive situation, we use a new surgical method, removal of hematoma by drilling multiple holes in the lateral skull, to cure the patient.Conclusions: we get inspirations from the therapy for moyamoya disease, combining dura mater inversion and hole burr, the scalp forms many "meat column" like structures which have powerful capability in absorption through the bone holes, so the scalp could deep into the hematoma, then the CSDH could be cured. This case Provide a new surgical method for the treatment of refractory CSDH. Key words: CSDH R ecur Bone hole Scalp Dural mater inversion
Heme-induced ferroptosis promotes human lumbar disc degeneration analyzed by MALDI-TOF MS
Authors: Shan Liang , Xu Ximing , Zhang Jing , Cai Peng , Gao Han , Lu Yingjie , Shi Jiangang , Guo Yinlong , Su Yue
Published: March 2021

BackgroundNeovasculogenesis is a characteristic of degenerative lumbar discs, which makes extruded tissues exposed to heme-iron cytotoxicity (increased oxidative stress by ferroptosis). However, the present analyses for neovascularization are very complicated, and its mechanism of action is rarely reported.MethodsMatrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was performed to analyze human degenerative lumbar discs. Then, clinical relevance was analyzed between MALDI-TOF MS results and Pfirrmann classification of degenerative discs. In order to explore the mechanism, a heme-induced ferroptosis effect was evaluated both at tissue and cell levels using high-resolution MALDI-TOF MS and molecular biology methods. ResultsThe spectra revealed that hemoglobin (Hb) and heme signals were highly increased, thus serving as biomarkers of vasculogenesis in degenerative tissues. Clinical relevance analysis demonstrated that the intensity of Hb and heme peaks was closely related to Pfirrmann classification of degenerative discs. Mechanically, increased heme catabolism and down-regulation of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) levels were detected in degenerative discs, reflecting a iron-dependent cell death or ferroptosis. Further, accuracy mass measurements confirmed that the levels of ferroptosis-related metabolites such as glutathione, arachidonic acid (AA), sphinganine, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle were significantly different between the degenerative and normal tissues, indicating the interior of degenerative tissues was a prooxidant environment. Moreover, the heme-induced ferroptosis was verified in human nucleus pulposus cells, and the underlying mechanism might be associated with the Notch pathway. ConclusionsThe neovascularization in degenerative discs may expose the tissues to high heme toxicity, which further induces the ferroptosis effect within the tissues and accelerates the degeneration progression of discs. This study is beneficial for the pathological mechanism in degenerative discs and facilitate the development of non-operative intervention for lumbar disc herniation (LDH).
Vitamin D level, lipid profile, and vitamin D receptor and transporter gene variants in sickle cell disease patients from Kurdistan of Iraq
Authors: Hama Abdalla Hussein , Shakiba Ebrahim , Rahimi Zohreh , Karimi Mehran , Mozafari Hadi , Abdulkarim Omed Adnan
Published: March 2021

Background. Sickle cell disease patients are susceptible to the development of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D through binding to vitamin receptor (VDR) exerts its function and affects gene transcription in target tissues. Also, VDR variants could affect bone mineral density. Methods. In a case-control study 101 sickle cell disease patients including 61 SS, 39 S/β-thalassemia, and 1 SD along with 110 healthy individuals from Kurdistan of Iraq were studied. The lipid profile, vitamin D level, FokI, and TaqI variants of VDR and group-specific component (GC) were detected using the standard enzymatic method, the immunodiagnostic systems limited EIA kit and PCR-RFLP methods, respectively. Results. Around 93 and 82% SS and S/β thalassemia patients, respectively had vitamin D deficiency compared to 83% healthy individuals. Severe vitamin D deficiency (<10 ng/ml) was detected in 78.7% of SS patients. Plasma levels of total cholesterol, HDL-C, and LDL-C in SCD patients were significantly lower compared to controls. Vitamin D levels were negatively correlated to TG and positively correlated to total cholesterol and HDL-C. The frequencies of the C allele of FokI were 81.7 (p=0.003), 80.2 (p=0.034), and 84.6% (p=0.011) in all SCD, SS, and SS/βthal patients, respectively compared to 69.1% in controls. However, no significant difference was detected by comparing the frequencies of VDR TaqI and GC polymorphisms between SCD patients and controls.Conclusion. In the present study we found hypocholesterolemia, high prevalence of VDR FokI C allele, and low vitamin D level among children and adults with SCD patients from Kurdistan of Iraq.
Genotyping-by-sequencing-based identification of Arabidopsis pattern recognition receptor RLP32 recognizing proteobacterial translation initiation factor IF1
Authors: Fan Li , Fröhlich Katja , Melzer Eric , Albert Isabell , Pruitt Rory , Zhang Lisha , Albert Markus , Kim Sang-Tae , Chae Eunyoung , Weigel Detlef , Gust Andrea , Nuernberger Thorsten
Published: March 2021

Pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) is a central component of plant immunity. Activation of PTI relies on the recognition of microbe-derived structures, termed patterns, through plant encoded surface-resident pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). We have identified proteobacterial translation initiation factor 1 (IF1) as an immunogenic pattern that triggers PTI in Arabidopsis thaliana and some related Brassicaceae species. Unlike most other immunogenic patterns identified, IF1 elicitor activity cannot be assigned to a small peptide epitope, suggesting that tertiary fold features are required for IF1 receptor activation. We have deployed natural variation in IF1 sensitivity to identify leucine-rich repeat (LRR) receptor-like protein 32 (RLP32) as the corresponding Arabidopsis receptor using a restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) approach. Transgenic expression of RLP32 confers IF1 sensitivity to rlp32 mutants, IF1-insensitive Arabidopsis accessions and IF1-insensitive Nicotiana benthamiana. RLP32 binds IF1 specifically and forms complexes with LRR receptor kinases SOBIR1 and BAK1 to mediate signaling. Similar to previously identified PRRs RLP32 confers resistance to Pseudomonas syringae infection, highlighting an unexpectedly complex array of bacterial pattern sensors within a single plant species.
Phenotypic correlations and path analysis between morphoagronomic and bromatological traits in corn hybrids for silage production
Authors: Crevelari Jocarla Ambrosim , Durães Nayara Norrene Lacerda , Gonçalves Gabriel Moreno Bernardo , Júnior José Arantes Ferreira , Gonçalves Vivane Mirian Lanhellas , SantAnna Camila Queiroz da Silva Sanfim de , Bendia Laila Cecília Ramos , Azevedo Flávio Henrique Vidal , Pereira Messias Gonzaga
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study was to estimate the correlation coefficients and slicing the phenotypic correlations into direct and indirect effects by path analysis between morphoagronomic and bromatological traits in corn hybrids for silage. Nineteen topcross hybrids and five controls were assessed in a randomized block design with four replications in two environments (Campos dos Goytacazes and Itaocara, RJ), in the 2013/2014 agricultural year. Phenotypic correlations and path analysis were estimated between morphoagronomic (average plant height; average first ear height; average stem diameter; ear yield with husk at silage point; grain yield at silage point; green mass yield) and bromatological (dry matter; crude protein; neutral detergent fiber; lignin; crude fat and mineral matter) traits. The highest correlation estimates were obtained between dry matter and crude protein and between dry matter and neutral detergent fiber, with magnitudes of 0.97 and 0.98, respectively. The coefficient of determination was high, indicating that the assessed components explain much of the variation in the dry matter content. Path analysis showed that traits with highest direct effect on dry matter content were the yield of green mass, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, crude fat, and mineral matter associated to high correlations of 0.96, 0.97, 0.98, 0.90, and 0.96, respectively. The results showed the possibility of obtaining significant gains through indirect selection
Effects of Azospirillum brasilense applied along with herbicides on maize
Authors: Palma María Albana Di , Cardozo Paula , Martin Soledad , Reinoso Herminda , Dardanelli Marta , Travaglia Claudia
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study was to estimate the correlation coefficients and slicing the phenotypic correlations into direct and indirect effects by path analysis between morphoagronomic and bromatological traits in corn hybrids for silage. Nineteen topcross hybrids and five controls were assessed in a randomized block design with four replications in two environments (Campos dos Goytacazes and Itaocara, RJ), in the 2013/2014 agricultural year. Phenotypic correlations and path analysis were estimated between morphoagronomic (average plant height; average first ear height; average stem diameter; ear yield with husk at silage point; grain yield at silage point; green mass yield) and bromatological (dry matter; crude protein; neutral detergent fiber; lignin; crude fat and mineral matter) traits. The highest correlation estimates were obtained between dry matter and crude protein and between dry matter and neutral detergent fiber, with magnitudes of 0.97 and 0.98, respectively. The coefficient of determination was high, indicating that the assessed components explain much of the variation in the dry matter content. Path analysis showed that traits with highest direct effect on dry matter content were the yield of green mass, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, crude fat, and mineral matter associated to high correlations of 0.96, 0.97, 0.98, 0.90, and 0.96, respectively. The results showed the possibility of obtaining significant gains through indirect selection
Si attenuates the transpiration and increases both N assimilation and root development in the tomato under N availabilities
Authors: Nogueirol Roberta Corrêa , Mello Simone da Costa , Junior João Cardoso de Souza , Arrieta Rafael Gómez , Monteiro Francisco Antonio
Published: March 2021

Nitrogen (N) is the most important nutrient in crop productivity and silicon (Si) increases the uptake of nutrients and affect the uptake of N. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Si combined with rates of N on the growth, root development, uptake of N and Si, assimilation of N, and photosynthesis of the tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum). A factorial 3 × 3 was used, with rates of Si 0 (control treatment), 1, and 3 mmol L–1, and rates of N 5 (control treatment), 15, and 25 mmol L–1 in the nutrient solution. The rates of N did not affect the dry mass production and uptake of Si. However, the application of Si improved the plant growth and accumulation of Si and N. Relating to control treatment, the rate of Si 1 mmol L–1 increases the dry mass production and accumulation of Si and N in order of 52, 37, and 54 %, respectively. Although the rate of N did not increase the plant growth, it was verified that the N 15 mmol L–1 improves the concentration and accumulation of N in the shoots, and the relative concentration of chlorophyll with values of 43.5, 67, and 14 %, respectively, compared to the control. The supply of Si under low and high availability of N improved the glutamine synthetase, but at the rate of N 25 mmol L–1, a decrease in the transpiration rate and stomatal conductance was verified. Under the high availability of N, the glutamine synthetase raised 78 % as an effect of Si 3 mmol L–1 compared to control treatment (Si 0 mmol L–1). Nevertheless, the transpiration rate and stomatal conductance decreased 49 and 52 % under that condition. The excess of N 25 mmol L–1 negatively affected the root development, but under that condition, the application of Si increased the root length, root surface, and root hood in order of 70, 40, and 77 % compared to the control treatment. Application of Si is recommended for tomato growth, especially when cultivated with high N availability. The application of silicon enhances the plant growth, root development, nutrient uptake, nitrogen assimilation, and photosynthesis of the tomato plants cultivated under rates of N. We recommend the use of Si 3 mmol L–1 and N 15 mmol L–1 for the tomato plants under the nutrient solution
Optimum plot size for field experiments in sesame
Authors: Assis Janilson Pinheiro de , Sousa Roberto Pequeno de , Linhares Paulo César Ferreira , Cardoso Eudes de Almeida , Rodrigues Walter Martins , Pereira Joaquim Odilon , Sousa Robson Pequeno de , Medeiros Aline Carla de , Silva Neurivan Vicente da , Andrade Anderson Bruno Anacleto de , Gomes Geovanna Alícia Dantas , Santos Mateus de Freitas Almeida dos , Alves Lunara de Sousa
Published: March 2021

This work aimed to determine the appropriate plot size for field experiments in sesame. We performed a complete randomized block design experiment, using 14 sesame varieties and four replicates. The plots were composed of four rows of 0.8 m long, spaced 0.6 m apart, and 0.1 m between plants. The useful plot area (0.72 m2), which was the two central rows, was divided into 12 basic units with one plant (0.06 m2) each. The measures of sesame production were taken from the useful plot area. The appropriate size of the experimental plot was estimated using the intraclass correlation coefficient method and calculated the detectable difference between treatments. The optimum plot size for evaluation of sesame seed yield was 0.18 m2 (useful area), taking into account the one-row border on the sides. Gains in experimental precision (12%) were occurred with increments in plot size up to eight basic units (0.48 m2), using five replicates and four or more varieties. The increase in the number of replicates and plot size was more efficient than the increase in varieties number to increase the experimental precision
Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in Savanah agrosystems
Authors: Filho Elias Gomes de Oliveira , Medeiros João Carlos , Rosa Jaqueline Dalla , Souza Henrique Antunes de , Deon Diana Signor , Madari Beata Emoke
Published: March 2021

In Brazil, 87% of N2O released into the atmosphere comes from agriculture, emphasizing the importance of assessing emissions in agricultural systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate N2O fluxes and emissions in agroecosystems and to identify how physical and chemical attributes of soil may affect the emissions. The study was carried out in the northeastern savannah (Cerrado), in an area under current agricultural expansion, in the municipality of Bom Jesus, State of Piauí. The treatments were composed of grain cultivation systems under no-tillage: exclusive soybean with biological nitrogen fixation (FBN), exclusive corn and corn intercropped with brachiaria. An adjacent area under native Cerrado was evaluated as reference ecosystem. N2O fluxes were monitored using manual static chambers between February 18 and April 22, 2017, covering the period from planting until the beginning of the harvest. Corn cultivation systems presented the highest N2O fluxes and the highest total emissions. Nitrogen fertilization significantly contributed to soil N2O fluxes as opposed to FBN. The soybean system and the native Cerrado had the lowest N2O emissions. Substantial amounts of N2O may be emitted during plant residue decomposition, however, it was not evaluated in this study. The concentrations of NH4+ and NO3-available in the soil were different among the cropping systems, presenting a positive correlation with N2O fluxes.
The Role of Pro-fibrotic Myofibroblasts in Systemic Sclerosis: From Origin to Therapeutic Targeting
Authors: Romano Eloisa , Rosa Irene , Fioretto Bianca Saveria , Matucci-Cerinic Marco , Manetti Mirko
Published: March 2021

:

Systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) is a complex connective tissue disorder characterized by multisystem clinical manifestations resulting from immune dysregulation/autoimmunity, vasculopathy, and, most notably, progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. In recent years, it has been observed that the main drivers of SSc-related tissue fibrosis are myofibroblasts, a type of mesenchymal cells with both the extracellular matrix-synthesizing features of fibroblasts and the cytoskeletal characteristics of contractile smooth muscle cells. The accumulation and persistent activation of pro-fibrotic myofibroblasts during SSc development and progression result in elevated mechanical stress and reduced matrix plasticity within the affected tissues and may be ascribed to a reduced susceptibility of these cells to pro-apoptotic stimuli, as well as their increased formation from tissue-resident fibroblasts or transition from different cell types. Given the crucial role of myofibroblasts in SSc pathogenesis, finding the way to inhibit myofibroblast differentiation and accumulation by targeting their formation, function, and survival may represent an effective approach to hamper the fibrotic process or even halt or reverse established fibrosis. In this review, we discuss the role of myofibroblasts in SSc-related fibrosis, with a special focus on their cellular origin and the signaling pathways implicated in their formation and persistent activation. Furthermore, we provide an overview of potential therapeutic strategies targeting myofibroblasts that may be able to counteract fibrosis in this pathological condition.
Mannosylated Solid Lipid Nanocarriers of Chrysin to Target Gastric Cancer: Optimization and Cell Line Study
Authors: Pandey Sonia S. , Shaikh Farhinbanu I. , Gupta Arti R. , Vaidya Rutvi J.
Published: March 2021

Background:

Despite significant biological effects, the clinical use of chrysin has been
restricted because of its poor oral bioavailability.

Objective:

The purpose of the present research was to investigate the targeting potential of Mannose
decorated chrysin (5,7- dihydroxyflavone) loaded solid lipid nanocarrier (MC-SLNs) for gastric
cancer.

Methods:

The Chrysin loaded SLNs (C-SLNs) were developed, optimized, characterized and further
mannosylated. The C-SLNs were developed with a high shear homogenizer, optimized with 32
full factorial designs and characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential
Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope
(SEM) and evaluated for particle size/polydispersity index, zeta-potential, entrapment efficiency,
% release and haemolytic toxicity. The ex-vivo cytotoxicity study was performed on gastric cancer
(ACG) and normal cell lines.

Results:

DSC and XRD data predict the chrysin encapsulation in the lipid core and FTIR results
confirm the mannosylation of C-SLNs. The optimized C-SLNs exhibited a narrow size distribution
with a particle size of 285.65 nm. The % Entrapment Efficiency (%EE) and % controlled release
were found to be 74.43% and 64.83%. Once C-SLNs were coated with mannose, profound change
was observed in a dependent variable - an increase in the particle size of MC-SLNs (307.1 nm) was
observed with 62.87% release and 70.8% entrapment efficiency. Further, the in vitro studies depicted
MC- SLNs to be least hemolytic than pure chrysin and C-SLNs. MC-SLNs were most cytotoxic
and were preferably taken up ACG tumor cells as evaluated against C-SLNs.

Conclusion:

These data suggested that the MC-SLNs demonstrated better biocompatibility and targeting
efficiency to treat gastric cancer.
Спектроскопическое исследование кинетики высвобождения водонерастворимого препарата гризеофульвин из ватеритных контейнеров в водной среде
Authors: Савельева М.С. , Ленгерт Е.В. , Абрамова А.М. , Штыков С.Н. , Свенская Ю.И.
Published: March 2021

The bioavailability improvement of hydrophobic drugs is one of the major problems in pharmaceutical research as required for the enhancement of their therapeutic efficacy. Encapsulation of such drugs into various micro- and nanocarriers enabling the targeted delivery represents an important strategy here. The process of the designed nanoformulation study generally includes characterization of the payload release profile in model water-based media, which provides a challenge to encapsulated hydrophobic drugs due to their poor solubility in water. Thus, modification of the existed release investigation protocols is required for reliable detection of the liberated hydrophobic drug. Here, we report an optimized multimodal spectroscopic and microscopic study of the release behaviour of griseofulvin (Gf), a water-insoluble antifungal drug, from vaterite carriers. The addition of N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF), a polar aprotic solvent, to aqueous suspensions of Gf-loaded vaterite carriers at the investigated time points right before the UV-Vis spectroscopic measurement allowed us to enhance the accuracy of the released Gf determination. Monitoring of the carrier degradation process by a combination of scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy demonstrated a good correlation between the obtained data and the payload release kinetics.
Оптическое просветление биологических тканей рядом дисахаров
Authors: Березин К.В. , Дворецкий К.Н. , Нечаев В.В. , Новоселова А.В. , Лихтер А.М. , Шагаутдинова И.Т. , Грабарчук Е.В. , Тучин В.В.
Published: March 2021

Методами классической молекулярной динамики (GROMACS), молекулярного докинга (AutoDock Vina) и квантовой химии (PM6 и DFT/B3LYP) исследовано взаимодействие пяти иммерсионных агентов на основе растворов дисахаров (сахарозы, мальтозы, лактозы, трегалозы и целлобиозы) с миметическим пептидом коллагена (GPH)3 как одним из основных компонентов биологических тканей. В результате комплексного молекулярного моделирования для этих агентов предсказаны такие параметры, как потенциал оптического просветления для кожи крысы и эффективность оптического просветления для кожи человека. Обсуждаются причины значительного различия в значениях параметров оптического просветления иммерсионных агентов, принадлежащих к одной молекулярной группе. Ключевые слова: оптическое просветление биотканей, молекулярная динамика, молекулярный докинг, квантовая химия.
Электрические и вязкоупругие параметры эритроцитов в моделях для диагностики аденоматозных полипов и стадий колоректального рака при оптической детекции клеток в неоднородном переменном электрическом поле
Authors: Кручинина М.В. , Громов А.А. , Щербакова Л.В. , Кручинина Э.В. , Генералов В.М. , Генералов К.В. , Кручинин В.Н. , Рыхлицкий С.В. , Яковина И.Н. , Яковлев М.В. , Минин О.В. , Минин И.В.
Published: March 2021

С помощью метода диэлектрофореза в неоднородном переменном электрическом поле при использовании оптической системы детекции клеток проведено исследование электрических и вязкоупругих параметров эритроцитов в частотном диапазоне от 5·104 до 1·106 MHz у 129 больных с колоректальным раком (КРР) различных стадий развития заболевания, 25 человек с аденоматозными полипами и 35 лиц группы сравнения. Показано, что величины физических характеристик эритроцитов значимо различаются как при сопоставлении групп контроля и пациентов с аденоматозными полипами и больных с ранними стадиями КРР, так и при сравнении пациентов с различными стадиями онкологического процесса между собой. Построение SHAP-графиков на основе электрических и вязкоупругих параметров эритроцитов позволило достичь 100% диагностической точности при различении пациентов с аденоматозными полипами, ранними стадиями КРР от здоровых лиц, 98.7% точности --- при дифференцировании пациентов с полипами от больных с ранними стадиями КРР, 91.9% точности --- при различении ранних и поздних стадий КРР. Полученные результаты демонстрируют высокий потенциал предложенного метода для скрининга и диагностики КРР. Ключевые слова: диэлектрофорез, эритроциты, электрические и вязкоупругие параметры, диагностика, колоректальный рак, аденоматозные полипы, SHAP-графики.
Спектральные проявления молекулярных механизмов образования наночастиц сульфида серебра методом бактериального синтеза
Authors: Пластун И.Л. , Захаров А.А. , Наумов А.А. , Жулидин П.А. , Филин П.Д.
Published: March 2021

Одним из перспективных для биофотоники и медицины материалов, используемых для диагностики и таргетной терапии онкологических заболеваний, являются наночастицы сульфида серебра. Спектральные проявления молекулярных механизмов взаимодействия белковых структур с солями металлов в ходе бактериального синтеза этих наночастиц исследованы с помощью молекулярного моделирования методами теории функционала плотности. Особенностью получения наночастиц сульфида серебра методом биосинтеза с помощью бактерий Bacillus subtilis 168 является то, что единственным белком, участвующим в процессе синтеза и адсорбирующимся на поверхности частиц, является белок флагеллин. В качестве исследуемых объектов рассматривались соли --- нитрат серебра и тиосульфат натрия, участвующие в процессе синтеза, а также нестандартная аминокислота метиллизин, входящая в состав флагеллина. Моделирование проводилось на основе расчета образующихся молекулярных структур и их ИК спектров при помощи программного комплекса Gaussian 09. В ходе анализа параметров образующихся водородных связей было обнаружено, что метиллизин образует достаточно устойчивые молекулярные комплексы с нитратом серебра и тиосульфатом натрия. Это говорит о существенной роли метиллизина в образовании биогенных наночастиц сульфида серебра и проясняет механизм его функционирования в составе флагеллина. Ключевые слова: ИК спектры, наночастицы, биосинтез, сульфид серебра, флагеллин, метиллизин, молекулярное моделирование, водородные связи, теория функционала плотности.
Исследование карбонатов и молекулярной воды в бивне мамонта из раскопок верхнепалеолитической стоянки Юдиново
Authors: Золотарев В.М. , Хлопачев Г.А.
Published: March 2021

Zolotarev V. M. Khlopachev G. A.

National Research University ITMO, St. Petersburg, Russia.
Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography of the Russian Academy of Sciences Peter the Great (Kunstkamera), St. Petersburg, Russia.

Fragments of mammoth tusk and handicrafts made from this material, discovered during excavations of the Upper Paleolithic site of Yudinovo (outskirts of the village of Yudinovo, Pogarsky District, Bryansk Region, Russia), were studied by vibrational spectroscopy. The site consists of cultural horizons of different times, 15,000-13,500 years ago. (lower) and 12,500-12,000 years ago. (upper). The influence of the burial conditions on the relative content of A1, A2 and B carbonates and molecular water in the studied samples was studied. It is shown that the samples from the upper and lower cultural horizons of the site correspond, according to the classification of carbonate distribution, to apatite crystals of the A-B CAp type. The factors influencing the spectroscopic characteristics of the samples have been established, of which the lithological and moisture characteristics of the enclosing sediments should be considered the main ones.
Teleassistance for Patients With Type 1 Diabetes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of a Pilot Study
Authors: Parise Martina , Tartaglione Linda , Cutruzzolà Antonio , Maiorino Maria Ida , Esposito Katherine , Pitocco Dario , Gnasso Agostino , Irace Concetta
Published: March 2021

Background

Telemedicine use in chronic disease management has markedly increased during health emergencies due to COVID-19. Diabetes and technologies supporting diabetes care, including glucose monitoring devices, software analyzing glucose data, and insulin delivering systems, would facilitate remote and structured disease management. Indeed, most of the currently available technologies to store and transfer web-based data to be shared with health care providers.

Objective

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we provided our patients the opportunity to manage their diabetes remotely by implementing technology. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of 2 virtual visits on glycemic control parameters among patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) during the lockdown period.

Methods

This prospective observational study included T1D patients who completed 2 virtual visits during the lockdown period. The glucose outcomes that reflected the benefits of the virtual consultation were time in range (TIR), time above range, time below range, mean daily glucose, glucose management indicator (GMI), and glycemic variability. This metric was generated using specific computer programs that automatically upload data from the devices used to monitor blood or interstitial glucose levels. If needed, we changed the ongoing treatment at the first virtual visit.

Results

Among 209 eligible patients with T1D, 166 completed 2 virtual visits, 35 failed to download glucose data, and 8 declined the visit. Among the patients not included in the study, we observed a significantly lower proportion of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) users (n=7/43, 16% vs n=155/166, 93.4% and n=9/43, 21% vs n=128/166, 77.1%, respectively; P<.001) compared to patients who completed the study. TIR significantly increased from the first (62%, SD 18%) to the second (65%, SD 16%) virtual visit (P=.02); this increase was more marked among patients using the traditional meter (n=11; baseline TIR=55%, SD 17% and follow-up TIR=66%, SD 13%; P=.01) than among those using CGM, and in those with a baseline GMI of ≥7.5% (n=46; baseline TIR=45%, SD 15% and follow-up TIR=53%, SD 18%; P<.001) than in those with a GMI of <7.5% (n=120; baseline TIR=68%, SD 15% and follow-up TIR=69%, SD 15%; P=.98). The only variable independently associated with TIR was the change of ongoing therapy. The unstandardized beta coefficient (B) and 95% CI were 5 (95% CI 0.7-8.0) (P=.02). The type of glucose monitoring device and insulin delivery systems did not influence glucometric parameters.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that the structured virtual visits help maintain and improve glycemic control in situations where in-person visits are not feasible.
Resilience, pessimism, and depression in undergraduates in Hong Kong during Covid-19: A cross-sectional online survey study (Preprint)
Authors: Sum Min Yi , Chan Sherry Kit Wa , Wong Gloria Hoi Yan
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Adolescence and young adulthood is a period of heightened risk of mental disorders onset. The Covid-19 pandemic may have impacted the daily lives and learning of students, exposing them to risks of emotional distress. Understanding factors associated with individual differences in distress can inform remedial strategies for schools.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of Covid-19 on undergraduate students’ lifestyle and learning, and explore relationship between depressive symptoms, resilience, and optimism/pessimism bias in undergraduate students in Hong Kong.

METHODS

Cross-sectional online survey of undergraduate students in a university (n=1020) before and during the third wave of Covid-19 outbreak in Hong Kong between May and August 2020. Changes in habits and family conflicts, depressive symptoms (measured using Patient Health Questionnaire-9), resilience (measured using Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale), optimism/pessimism towards Covid-19 risks, and knowledge about Covid-19 were recorded. Multivariable linear regression and mediation analyses were used to explore relationships with depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

61.7% of respondents have mild to severe depressive symptoms. The regression model found that 18.5% of the variance in depressive symptoms was explained by resilience, pessimism bias, changes in sleep, decrease in study at home, and increase in family conflict. Mediation analysis showed that resilience is indirectly related to depressive symptoms through its relationship with pessimism (ab = -0.042, CI = -0.057 to -0.013). Higher resilience was associated with lower depressive symptoms even after accounting for resilience’s indirect effect through pessimism (c’ = 0.311, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings highlight the mental health vulnerability of undergraduate students. Measures to reduce family conflict, maintain healthy daily habits, adjust optimism/pessimism bias, and enhance resilience may be useful for improving the mental wellbeing of undergraduate students during the pandemic.
PRACTICE OF YOGA IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NORTHERN INDIA: IMPLICATIONS DURING CORONAVIRUS DISEASE-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: MOR SONIA , SINGH KARAN , WANGNOO SUBHASH KUMAR , BAWA TARUNIKA , DHIKAV VIKAS , ANJUM VARISHA
Published: March 2021

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of yoga practice in patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) and to compare its acceptance among patients with chronic diseases other than DPN practicing non-yoga physical activities.

Methods: A pre-formed structured questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 98 out of 240 patients screened recruited during face to face structured interview, with a diagnosis of DPN. Data on the socio-demographics, age, duration of disease, glycemic controls (hemoglobin A1C [HBA1C] levels), and pain scores, numbness, and physical activity and other comorbid illnesses were collected.

Results: A total of 248 pre-diagnosed diabetic patients were screened; 98 study subjects (M: F=66:32) were enrolled with a mean age found to be 55.28 years. As diagnosed clinically and electrophysiologically, the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy was found to be 39.51%. The mean pain score was 3.27. Risk factors for peripheral neuropathy included male sex, advanced age, higher body mass index (%), higher HbA1C (n=67.34%), having a sedentary lifestyle (38.77%), overweight (43, 44.89%), and obesity (21, 21.42%) and <40% belong to the diabetes of duration group of more than 10 years. A total of 16, male: 9 and female: 5 (22.85%) out of 70 subjects were using yoga as physical activity in peripheral neuropathy group and of the control group (non-peripheral neuropathy group), only 8 (25%) out of 25 were doing yoga. The overall proportions were compared using Chi-square, results were non-significant with p=−0.49; Chi-square statistic −0.47.

Conclusion: This implies that those with DPN are as likely to accept yoga as a physical activity compared to patients with other chronic illnesses practicing non-yoga physical activities.
USING PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY IN ROOT CANAL SYSTEM – A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: P AJITHA
Published: March 2021

Microorganisms do play in pulpal and periapical infection. Success of endodontic treatment aims at effective eradication of bacteria from the root canal space. This, in turn, prevents further microbial recolonization. Persistent microbial colonies in the root canal lead to failure of the endodontic treatment. With the advent of photodynamic therapy (PDT), a novel invasive approach is aimed at complete disinfection of root canal with elimination of bacteria. Therefore, this paper aims to highlight the efficiency of PDT in endodontics by reviewing the literature published in journals
ORPHAN DRUG POLICY
Authors: GOEL ROSHANI
Published: March 2021

Pharmaceutical industry is crucial for mankind and contributes in some way in socio economic development of the society through jobs, community welfare, and supply chains. Indian pharmaceutical companies are one of the largest markets in the world, estimated 10% of global production and 2% of world market. The industry is has shown significant growth in infrastructure development, producing wide range of pharmaceutical products with new technical advancements. The country is famous for producing and providing pharmaceutical products at much cheaper prices than the US and EU. However, the country lacks in investment in research on rare disease or orphan drugs. This paper tries to highlight the ways in which the market in orphan drugs can grow in India with the help of international partners.

Objective: The objective of the study was to look at existing orphan drug policies and how we can aim at making it more equitable in India.

Methods: Research is completely based on secondary data from online journals and government data. The study is analytical in its approach and is descriptive in nature.

Results: Pharmaceutical companies invest less in Orphan drugs as they do not mark an assured profit with present investment.

Conclusions: To maintain the interest of Indian pharmaceutical companies it is suggested that, Indian companies should work in collaboration with countries which lead in orphan drug markets.
A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE CHROMIUM CONTENT OF THE NORMAL HUMAN PROSTATE GLAND
Authors: V ZAICHICK
Published: March 2021

The prostate gland is subject to various disorders. The etiology and pathogenesis of these diseases remain not well understood. Moreover, despite technological advancements, the differential diagnosis of prostate disorders has become progressively more complex and controversial. It was suggested that the chromium (Cr) level in prostatic tissue plays an important role in prostatic carcinogenesis and its measurement may be useful as a cancer biomarker. These suggestions promoted more detailed studies of the Cr content in the prostatic tissue of healthy subjects. The present study evaluated by systematic analysis the published data for Cr content analyzed in prostatic tissue of “normal” glands. This evaluation reviewed 1958 studies, all of which were published in the years from 1921 to 2020 and were located by searching the databases PubMed, Scopus, ELSEVIER-EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science. The articles were analyzed and “Median of Means” and “Range of Means” were used to examine heterogeneity of the measured Cr content in prostates of apparently healthy men. The objective analysis was performed on data from the 28 studies, which included 1282 subjects. It was found that the range of means of prostatic Cr content reported in the literature for “normal” gland varies widely from 0.009 mg/kg to 0.34 mg/kg with median of means 0.095 mg/kg on a wet mass basis. The level of intra-prostatic metal does not depend on age and androgen status. Finally, because of small sample size and high data heterogeneity, we recommend other primary studies be performed.
A LETTER TO THE EDITOR: VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY LEADS TO ELEVATED PTH LEVELS AND TO DECREASED BONE DENSITY
Authors: Gelbard Amos
Published: March 2021

A LETTER TO THE EDITOR
HISTORICAL CLASSIFICATION AND EFFICIENCY OF THE SUPERVISORY SYSTEM OF INTERNATIONAL LABOR ORGANIZATION
Authors: SEVGI HUSEYIN
Published: March 2021

Objective: International Labor Organization (ILO) has established some supervisory systems to check the extent to which its decisions are implemented. With these supervisory systems, the organization tries to determine to what extent its decisions are implemented by the member countries. In this context, this study aims to classify the types of ILO supervisory systems and to analyze how they work and how effective they are.

Methods: This study is based on a systematic literature review. Rather than the traditional literature review, a systematic literature review implies that efficient, systematic, and reproducible methods to identify, evaluate, and synthesize existing literature. As the basis of the literature review, ScienceDirect databases have been selected. 239 research articles and 23 book chapters were analyzed.

Results: When we examine the supervisory mechanisms in the ILO, one point should be emphasized to fully grasp the topic as a whole and to define the impact of the organization in today’s global capitalist system: ILO is an international organization with no concrete sanction power despite its many supervisory systems.

Conclusions: The main reason for the lack of sanction tools in the ILO’s control system lies in its ideological background. As a representative of the reformist ideology, the ILO aims to impose its rules on the states by “persuasion method” as required by this ideology.
COPING STRATEGIES OF CHILDREN FROM DIVORCED FAMILIES IN NORTH-WESTERN ETHIOPIA
Authors: GEDEFAW AGMASE NEGA
Published: March 2021

Objective: Since children from divorced families suffered from multi-dimensional effects of divorce and those children are more likely to be involved in different income generating activities. This study attempted to investigate the coping strategies of children from divorced families in North-Western Ethiopia.

Methods: The qualitative, specifically phenomenological research design was employed for understanding the lived experiences of children from divorced families. The data were collected from children of a divorced family and experts through in-depth interviews, focus group discussion, and key informant interviews. Then, participants of the study were selected using the snowball sampling technique. As well, the collected data analyzed and interpreted thematically to address the aforementioned objective of the study.

Results: The findings of the study reveal that children from divorced families developed a wide range of survival strategies within the face of challenges and difficulties that support their life on their own such as petty business, Shoeshine, labor activities, delinquent activities, and begging.

Conclusion: The study concluded that the problem of divorce needs appropriate attention from governmental and non-governmental organizations as well as social institutions akin to family and religion.
INSTITUTE OF REHABILITATION IN THE NATIONAL LEGISLATION (1929-2011)
Authors: Stančevski Tijana
Published: March 2021

This year, it has been nine decades since the Criminal Code of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes was put into effect on 29 January 1929. Apart from the unification of criminal laws on the entire territory of the Kingdom of SCS, where several different criminal laws had been in operation earlier, the new Code provided for the institute of rehabilitation unknown to the old criminal laws. In the aftermath of World War II, the Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia (FPRY) was based on the tenets of the republican legal system. The new legal order introduced new criminal codes which were consistent with the times and the values that the new state was protecting: the 1947 Criminal Code of the FPRY, the 1951 Criminal Code of the FPRY, and the 1976 Criminal Code of the SFRY. All these Codes included provisions on rehabilitation. Nowadays, this institute is contained in the current Criminal Code of the Republic of Serbia and in special legislative acts on rehabilitation of political convicts of 2006 and 2011. This paper aims to examine the normative framework of rehabilitation in our legal system from the historical perspective.
REVIEW OF THE INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE "SERBIA-UNITED STATES RELATIONS" AND THE MONOGRAPH “SERBIA-UNITED STATES RELATIONS"
Authors: Obradović Darko
Published: March 2021

On 11 September 2019, the Institute for National and International Security organized and hosted the International Scientific Conference "Serbia-United States Relations", which was held on the premises of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia. The conference was realized in partnership with the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia and the Archives of Vojvodina. The domestic and foreign expert public expressed great interest in attending the first (and rather unique) conference of this type, which was reflected in the total number of over 250 participants.
PROJECT: "MOBILE LEGAL CLINIC – SERVICE FOR VULNERABLE AND DISADVANTAGED GROUPS" (DECEMBER 2016 -NOVEMBER 2018)
Authors: Tošić Sanja , Božanović Nikola
Published: March 2021

The Project "Mobile Legal Clinic – service for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups" was implemented by the Club for Youth Empowerment 018 (KOM 018) from Niš in cooperation with the Faculty of Law, University of Nis, and the Association of Roma “Prokuplje” from Prokuplje, in the period from December 2016 to November 2018
HATE CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAMS
Authors: Dimovski Darko
Published: March 2021

Hate crimes have existed throughout human history. Although in recent decades many countries have criminalized this form of violent crime in their legislation, few countries pay special attention to prevention measures aimed at countering hate crimes. In this paper, the author will present the hate crime prevention programs launched in the countries that have advanced most in the creation and implementation of such prevention measures. The first two parts of the paper are dedicated to the analysis of special hate crime prevention programs focusing on the perpetrator, while the third part presents the programs focusing on the potential victims. The last part of the paper discusses the role of the media as the bearers of hate crime prevention programs.