bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breast cancer in Western Africa: A pilot molecular analysis of BRCA genes in early- onset breast cancer patients in Burkina Faso
Authors: Biancolella Michela , Ouedraogo Nabonswindé Lamoussa Marie , Zongo Nayi , Zohoncon Théodora Mahoukèdè , Testa Barbara , Rizzacasa Barbara , Latini Andrea , Conte Chiara , Compaore Tégwindé Rebeca , Ouedraogo Charlemagne Marie Rayang-Newendé , Traore Si Simon , Simpore Jacques , Novelli Giuseppe
Published: July 2021

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, after cervical cancer, among women in Africa. Even if the epidemiological data are now aligned with those relating to industrialized countries, the knowledge concerning breast cancer in Africa, in particularly in Western Africa still lack clinical data, medical treatments, and the evaluation of genetic and non-genetic factors implicated in the etiology of the disease.The early onset and the aggressiveness of diagnosed breast cancers in patients of African ancestry strongly suggest that the genetic risk factor may play an important role but up to date very few studies have been done concerning the impact of germ line mutations in breast cancer in Africa, with a negative impact on prevention, awareness and patient management.We have performed by Next Generation sequencing (NGS) the analysis of all coding regions and the exon-intron junctions of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, the two most important genes in hereditary breast cancer, in fifty-one women from Burkina Faso with early onset of breast cancer and or without a family history.Results: We identified six different pathogenic mutations (3 in BRCA1, 3 in BRCA2), two of which have been found to be recurrent , in 8 unrelated women.In addition, we identified, in 4 other patients, two variants of uncertain clinical significance (VUS) and two variants never previously described in literature, although one of which is present in the dbSNP database.Conclusions: The present study is the first in which the entire coding sequence of BRCA genes have been analyzed by Next Generation Sequencing in Burkinabe young women with breast cancer. Our data support the importance of genetic risk factors in the etiology of breast cancer in this population and suggests the necessity to improve the genetic cancer risk assessment. Furthermore, the identification of the most frequent mutations of BRCA1 and BRCA2 in the population of Burkina Faso will allow the development of an inexpensive genetic test for the identification of subjects at high genetic cancer risk, which could be used to design personalized therapeutic protocols.
The Retreated Tendency of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Zuo Zhengkang
Published: July 2021

Background: The novel virus (COVID-19) pandemic threats the global most since the World War II yet difficult to design effective policy to respond it because widely utilized models only support to predict the future tendency within a narrow time-window. Besides, existing pandemic metrics are sensitive to the detecting policy ( p <0.001), which make them hard to reveal the real infection phenomena, because the fluctuation of these metric values may be an outcome of a suddenly changed detecting policy instead of real infection increase or decrease. Methods: We developed a Benchmark, Amendment and Validation model (BAVM) to make the above complex phenomena clearer, and combined with the hypothesis of potential periodicity of COVID-19 to devote jointly the retreated prediction of pandemic within a broad time-window. Onward, we utilized 113 countries’ epidemic data from January 21, 2020 to August 31, 2020 and detecting policies to carry out our methodology, then validated the results through statistical tests involving chi -square test, one t-test and independent t test. Results: Results exhibit the 4-month of potential periodicity between two adjacent peaks of pandemic ( t =–1.56, p =12.4%). Besides, whether or not the peak emergence has no effect on COVID-19 dynamic trajectory, but the time to firstly peak affects. Meanwhile, uprising the quarantine rate exhibits the earlier expedition towards the first peak emergence (9.7% vs. 6.2%, p =4.1%). On the contrary, the delay of first peak increased the infection rate (0.6% vs. 0.3%, p =1.5%) but also the discharge rate (65% vs. 74%, p =3.8%). Moreover, the indication of the retreated tendency of COVID-19 pandemic is that the next peak should emerge but in fact vanished after one periodicity. Otherwise, the pandemic enters into the next worse phase, typical of high mortality (5% vs. 3.4%, p =5.3%) and low discharge rate (65.8% vs. 74.1%, p =4.2%). Conclusion: To recognize the retreated tendency of this pandemic is quite significant for either the global or the local policy-making, especially in the regular epidemic prevention, control measures and work resumption.
Retinal Nerve Fibre Layer and Ophthalmic Artery Blood Parameters in Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome and Pseudoexfoliative Glaucoma
Authors: Koç Hacı , Kaya Faruk , İpeksoy Ümit
Published: July 2021

PurposeThis study investigates the relationship between ophthalmic artery blood flow parameters and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in eyes with pseudoexfoliation. MethodsThree comparisons were made in this study. In the first, eyes without glaucoma with pseudoexfoliation in any of the eyes were compared with the control group. In the second, eyes with pseudoexfoliation and without glaucoma were compared with those with pseudoexfoliation and glaucoma. In the third, cases with glaucoma and pseudoexfoliation were compared with the control group. Ophthalmic artery colour Doppler imaging measurements were performed in all patients. Also, peripapillary RNFL analysis was performed. ResultsA statistically significant difference was found between the total RNFL measurements according to group (p = 0.012; p < 0.05). From the paired comparisons, the total RNFL measurements from the control group were higher than the group without glaucoma (p = 0.010). No statistically significant difference was found between the total RNFL measurements of the other groups (p > 0.05). In the pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PXG) group, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between total RNLF and Peak systolic velocity (PSV) (r = -0.743; p < 0.01). There was also a statistically significant negative correlation between total RNLF and End diastolic velocity (EDV) (r = -0.691; p < 0.01). There was no significant relationship between total RNLF and resistive index (RI) measurements (p > 0.05). ConclusionPseudoexfoliation syndrome(PXS) caused a decrease in the PSV and EDV values of ophthalmic artery blood flow parameters. Again, PXS caused a decrease in total RNFL, RNFL S, RNFL I and RNFL T thickness values.
Maternal Age and Maternal Environment Affect Egg Composition, Yolk Testosterone, Offspring Growth and Behaviour in Laying Hens
Authors: Widowski Tina M. , Cooley Leanne , Hendriksen Simone , Peixoto Mariana R.L.V.
Published: July 2021

Maternal effects have been reported to alter offspring phenotype in laying hens. In this study, we investigated the effects of maternal environment and maternal age on egg traits and offspring development and behaviour. For this, we ran two experiments. First (E1), commercial hybrid hens were reared either in aviary or barren brooding cages, then housed in aviary, conventional cages or furnished (enriched) cages, thus forming different maternal housing treatments. Hens from each treatment were inseminated at three ages, and measures of egg composition, yolk testosterone concentration and offspring’s development, anxiety and fearfulness were assessed. In experiment 2 (E2), maternal age effects on offspring's growth and behaviour were further investigated using fertile eggs from commercial breeder flocks at three ages. Results from E1 showed that maternal age affected the majority of measures including egg composition, yolk testosterone, offspring growth, anxiety and fearfulness. Maternal rearing and housing affected fewer measures but included egg characteristics, offspring weight and behaviour. Effects of maternal age were not replicated in E2, possibly due to higher tolerance to maternal effects in commercial breeders. Overall, our research confirms that maternal environment and maternal age affect the offspring of laying hens in a variety of ways. These effects may be mediated by the natural decrease in egg yolk testosterone concentration over time.
Recycling of the Diamond-wire Saw Powder by Ni-catalyzed Nitridation to Prepare Si3N4
Authors: Xu Hongli , Jin Xing , Zhou Xuetong , Du Xinghong , Xing Pengfei , Zhuang Yanxin
Published: July 2021

In this paper, the acceleration of nickel (Ni) in the direct nitridation process of the diamond-wire saw powder (DWSP) was investigated. The DWSP doped with Ni additives were nitrided at different temperatures. To study the mechanism of accelerated nitridation, the thermodynamics of Si-O-N-Ni was analyzed by FactSage 7.2 and single-crystal silicon blocks were also nitrided instead of the DWSP. The results revealed that Ni decreased the nitridation temperature at which the DWSP began to gain significant weight and exhibited an excellent accelerating effect on the nitridation of the DWSP. At 1300℃, the DWSP containing 2.0 wt.% Ni additives had been completely nitrided within 2 h, whereas the DWSP without Ni additives had not been nitrided yet. Based on the equivalent substitution experiment, it could be conducted that the presence of Ni additives accelerated the nitridation and promoted the formation of the α-Si3N4 nanorods through facilitating the generation of the SiO(g) and destructing the silica film on the surface of silicon at lower temperature. Meanwhile, Ni additives also played an important part in the growth of α-Si3N4 nanorods by forming liquid Ni-Si alloy in the product.
Long Non-coding RNA PVT1 Promotes Chondrocyte Extracellular Matrix Degradation by Acting as a Sponge for miR-140 in IL-1β-stimulated Chondrocytes
Authors: Yao Nan , Peng Sha , Wu Huai , Liu Wengang , Cai Dake , Huang Dane
Published: July 2021

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease, and chondrocyte extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation is one vital pathological feature of OA. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), a new kind of gene regulator, plays an important role in pathogenesis of many diseases like OA. Recent studies have confirmed that lncRNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) expression was up-regulated in OA patients; however, its effect on ECM degradation remained unknown. Methods: Cartilage tissue samples were obtained from 6 OA patients admitted by Guangdong Second Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital. Chondrocytes were isolated and cultured from the collected cartilage tissue. Plasmid construction, RNA interference, Cell transfection, Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and Pull-down assay were carried out during the research.Results: In this study, PVT1 expression was significantly increased in chondrocytes stimulated by interleukin-1β (IL-1β). In addition, inhibition of PVT1 significantly down-regulated the increased expressions of ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif-5 (ADAMTS-5) and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) induced by IL-1β. Further investigation revealed that PVT1 was an endogenous sponge RNA, which directly bound to miR-140 and inhibited miR-140 expression. Conclusion: To sum up, this study showed that PVT1 promoted expressions of ADAMTS-5 and MMP-13 as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-140 in OA, which eventually led to aggravation of ECM degradation, thus providing a new and promising strategy for the treatment of OA.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Anterior Urethral Strictures in China: An Internet-Based Survey
Authors: Hou Changhao , Gu Yubo , Yuan Wei , Wang Zeyu , Lin Jiahao , Fu Qiang , Song Lujie
Published: July 2021

Background
To investigate the current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to anterior urethral strictures of Chinese urologists and to compare with developed countries and the American Urologic Association guidelines.
Methods
Anonymous questionnaires were distributed to members of Official Wechat Account of urology from March 19, 2020 to April 10, 2020. Descriptive and multiple correspondence analysis were used to analyze the data.
Results
A total of 1276 online questionnaires were received. The response rate was 21.7% (1276/5878). The most common diagnostic methods for anterior urethral stricture were urethrography (90.7%) and urethrocystoscopy (85.4%), while urethral dilation (92.3%) and internal urethrotomy (60.1%) were the main therapeutic procedures. End-to-end urethroplasty (45.2%) was the most common open surgery, followed by skin flap urethroplasty (14.9%) and free graft urethroplasty (12.4%). 76.2% of urologists used urethroplasty only after the failure of minimally invasive surgery (reconstructive ladder treatment strategy). Furthermore, there were significant differences in age (P < 0.01), practice role (P < 0.01), hospital location (P < 0.01), treatment strategy (P < 0.01), management (P < 0.01), and number of urethroplasties (P < 0.01) between urologists who had attended training or not. Middle-aged or elderly urologists who had attended trainings, had senior practice roles, and who utilized a reconstructive ladder treatment approach were most likely to perform urethroplasties.
Conclusions
Anterior urethral stricture treatment in China is still dominated by minimally invasive surgery, with most urologists using the reconstructive ladder treatment strategy. In general, the overall diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for anterior urethral strictures were similar between China and developed countries, with some deviations from the American Urologic Association guidelines.
The Impact of Policy and COVID-19 Prevention Strategies in China: A Qualitative Study
Authors: huang fei fei , Chen wei-ti , sun wen xiu , zhang lin , lu hongzhou
Published: July 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Risk Factors and Blood Pressure Control Targets Associated With the Clinical Outcome of Elderly COVID-19 Patients With Hypertension: a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Li Ting , Wang Maomao , Wang Yifei , Zhang Pei , Wang Yang , Zeng Jing , Wang Laixing , Li Chunlin , Gong Yanping
Published: July 2021

Background: COVID-19 is a global pandemic, especially among the elderly. Our study aimed to explore the risk factors and identify the blood pressure control targets associated with the clinical outcome of elderly COVID-19 patients with hypertension. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, elderly COVID-19 patients who were admitted to Wuhan Huoshenshan Hospital from February 8 to 17, 2020 was included. Demographic, medical history, clinical data, and laboratory test data were collected from medical records. The adverse clinical outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) admission and death. Difference between hypertension and non-hypertension groups were compared. Hypertension group were further divided into 3 subgroups according to their maximum blood pressures. Kaplan–Meier (K–M) method was used to find the differences both between hyperntesion and non-hypertension groups, and among the 3 hypertension subgroups. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model were used to find risk factors.Results: All 133 elderly COVID-19 patients (79 patients with hypertension) were included. (1) Univariate analysis between hypertension and non-hypertension patients showed most laboratory tests were significantly (P < 0.05, or P < 0.01), particularly in adverse clinical outcomes (32.91% vs 7.41% at 30 days, P < 0.05). (2) Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models confirmed hypertension (HR 3.202, 95% CI:1.164 - 8.807) were the most important independent risk factors of outcomes in elderly patients, as well as low lymphocyte count, while the statistical difference of other values diminished. (3) Hypertension group were further divided into 3 subgroups according to their maximum blood pressures. K-M analysis showed maximum systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥160mmHg subgroup (P < 0.01) and maximum blood pressure (DBP) ≥90mmHg subgroup (P < 0.05) experienced more adverse outcomes than others. (4) Multivariate Cox-proportional hazard model confirmed that maximum SBP≥160mmHg and maximum DBP ≥90mmHg were risk factors (HR 8.279, 95% CI: 1.346, 50.914; HR 5.080, 95% CI: 1.606,16.071; respectively). Conclusions: Hypertension is the most important independent risk factor of adverse outcomes in elderly COVID-19 patients, controlling the maximum blood pressure levels under 160/90 mmHg will decrease large part risks of adverse outcomes, the first week are key treatment period for patient prognosis.
Dual-ligated Metal Organic Framework as Novel Multifunctional Nanovehicle for Targeted Drug Delivery for Hepatic Cancer Treatment
Authors: Fytory Mostafa , Arafa Kholoud K. , Rouby Waleed El , Farghali Ahmed , Abdel-Hafiez Mahmoud , El-Sherbiny Ibrahim M.
Published: July 2021

In the last decade, nanosized metal organic frameworks (NMOFs) have gained an increasing applicability as multifunctional nanocarriers for drug delivery in cancer therapy. However, only a limited number of platforms have been reported that can serve as an effective targeted drug delivery system (DDSs). Herein, we report rational design and construction of doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded nanoscale Zr (IV)-based NMOF (NH2-UiO-66) decorated with active tumor targeting moieties; folic acid (FA), lactobionic acid (LA), glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), and dual ligands of LA and GA, as efficient multifunctional DDSs for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy. The success of modification was exhaustively validated by various structural, thermal and microscopic techniques. Biocompatibility studies indicated the safety of pristine NH2-UiO-66 against HSF cells whereas DOX-loaded dual-ligated NMOF was found to possess superior cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells which was further confirmed by flow cytometry. Moreover, fluorescence microscopy was used for monitoring cellular uptake in comparison to the non-ligated and mono-ligated NMOF. Additionally, the newly developed dual-ligated NMOF depicted a pH-responsiveness towards the DOX release. These findings open new avenues in designing various NMOF-based DDSs that actively target hepatic cancer to achieve precise therapy.
Marker-3D Measurement Versus Traditional Radiograph Measurement in the Treatment of Tibiofibular Fracture Using Taylor Spatial Frame
Authors: Liu Qixin , Liu Yanshi , Li Hong , Fu Xuefei , Zhang Xingpeng , Liu Sida , Zhang Jinli , Zhang Tao
Published: July 2021

Background: The Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) has been widely used for tibiofibular fractures. However, traditional radiograph measurement method is complicated and the reduction accuracy is not high enough for correcting residual deformities. We proposed the marker-3D measurement method to solve these problems. This study aimed to compare the reduction accuracy of the traditional radiograph measurement method and the marker-3D measurement method in tibiofibular fracture treated with TSF.Methods: From January 2016 to June 2019, A retrospective analysis was performed based on the patients with tibiofibular fracture treated with TSF in our department. 41 patients were qualified for this study, including 21 patients in the marker-3D measurement group (experimental group) and 20 patients in the traditional radiograph measurement group (control group). In the experimental group, CT scan was performed for 3D reconstruction with 6 markers installed on the TSF, to determine the adjusting plan. In the control group, the anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs were performed for the deformity parameters. X-rays were taken to measure the residual deformities after correction.Results: All patients reached functional reduction. The residual displacement deformity (RDD) in AP radiograph was 0.5 (0, 1.72) mm in experimental group and 1.74 (0.43, 3.67) mm in control group. The residual angle deformity (RAD) in AP radiograph was 0 (0, 1.25) ° in experimental group and 1.25 (0.62, 1.95) °in control group. As to the Lateral radiograph, the RDD was 0 (0, 1.22) mm in experimental group and 2.02 (0, 3.74) mm in control group. The RAD was 0 (0, 0) ° in experimental group and 1.42 (0, 1.93) ° in control group. Significant differences in all above comparisons were found between the groups (AP radiograph RDD: P = 0.024, RAD: P = 0.020; Lateral radiograph RDD: P = 0.016, RAD: P = 0.004). Conclusions: Both groups achieved satisfactory fracture reduction. However, the residual deformities in the experimental group were significantly smaller. This study proved that the marker-3D measurement method could further improve the reduction accuracy.
Biomimetic nanoparticles enabled by cascade cell membrane coating for direct cross-priming of T cells
Authors: Chen Fangjie , Wang Lu , Liu Jinyao
Published: July 2021

Despite the activation of T lymphocytes by antigen-presenting cells is responsible for eliciting antigen-specific immune responses, their crosstalking suffers from temporospatial limitations and endogenous influencing factors, which restrict the generation of a strong antitumor immunity. Here, we describe the manipulation of cross-priming of T cells using biomimetic nanoparticles (BNs) enabled by cascade cell membrane coating. BNs are resulted from coating nanoparticulate substrates with cell membranes extracted from dendritic cells (DCs) that are pre-pulsed with cancer cell membrane-coated nanoparticles. With a DC membrane that presents an array of cancer cell membrane antigen epitopes, BNs inherit intrinsic membrane function of DCs. Strikingly, BNs can directly cross-prime T cells and provoke robust yet antigen-specific antitumor responses in multiple mouse models. Combination with clinical anti-programmed death-1 antibodies demonstrates a practical way of BNs to achieve desirable tumor regression and survival rate. This work spotlights the impact of nanoparticles on direct cross-priming of T cells and supports a unique yet modulate platform for boosting an effective adaptive immunity for immunotherapy.
Development of Low Cost Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Platform
Authors: Hassanein Osama , Sreenatha G. , Aboobacker S. , Ali Shaaban
Published: July 2021

This paper presents the development of a low-cost autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). For research, industrial and military underwater applications, AUVs are generally used, which modeling, system identification and control of these vehicles pose serious challenges due to the vehicles’ complex, inherently nonlinear, and time-varying dynamics. Here, the AUV is considered to have 6-DOF for the development of the electrical, electronics, power distribution, sensors, and actuators. A low-cost IMU is used along with other reasonably low-cost detectors, such as a magnetometer and a water pressure sensor for depth evaluation. This study addresses the configuration and selection of the onboard instruments required to collect data using a processing unit (PC104) based on-board data logger to record complete manoeuvring data obtained from various sensors and process it based on the experiment. Real-time validations using Hardware-in-Loop (HIL) simulations are carried out. HIL simulations help to simulate the behavior of the developed model for surge, pitch and yaw movement, and also it makes clear that the used identification methods are feasible for real time control. Real time experiments are carried out with the developed 6-DOF instrumented AUV platform in various conditions and environments to validate its dynamics identification with adaptive controller and the results are presented for surge, the control of pitch, and yaw. The results revealed that the adaptive controller can effectively control the developed AUV and show its robust properties in the real world.
Divergent Destinies: The English Royal Colony of Tangier and the Island Settlement of Bombay, c. 1662-85
Authors: Teggin Edward
Published: July 2021

This article examines the progression of the two colonies which came to the English crown as a result of the Anglo-Portuguese marriage treaty of 1661, Tangier and Bombay. The years 1662-85 act as the border for this study, taking in the entire duration of Tangier’s existence as an English crown colony and Bombay’s emergence as a settlement of the East India Company. Whilst English Tangier was a noted failure in colonial terms, the long-term development of Bombay proved to be a major success for the British in the subcontinent. Whilst this study will examine these divergent fortunes in social, economic and military terms, questions will also be posed as to the role which royal and chartered trading company patronage played in the success of these two settlements. This in turn will feed into the ongoing debate surrounding global approaches to colonial expansion and empire, as well as demonstrate the benefits and limitations of royal patronage in colonial development.
Antropomorfizam danas – sudbina Protagorina impulsa
Authors: Guć Josip
Published: July 2021

U radu propitujem ulogu antropomorfističkog mišljenja danas, prvenstveno
u bioetici. U ovom je pogledu osobito znakovita zabrana antropomorfizma
u znanosti koja je donedavno važila gotovo kao aksiom. Prvi se dio rada
osvrće na opravdanost i posljedice te zabrane, pri čemu se osobito služim uvidima Hansa Jonasa. Drugi dio pokušava pružiti odgovore na pitanje opravdanosti antropomorfizma u bioetici, pri čemu se ispituje povezanost antropomorfizma i antropocentrizma. Potonji se često drži jednom od temeljnih pretpostavki u značajnoj mjeri aktualne ekološke apokalipse. Igrajući se metaforama, temeljno se pitanje rada može postaviti na sljedeći način: proizlazi li antropomorfizam iz »srca tame«
koje je izrodilo »apokalipsu danas«?
Teleologija i evolucija – Aristotel i Hans Jonas u kontekstu ekološke etike
Authors: Marinović Saša
Published: July 2021

Aristotel je istraživanja pomoću empirijske metode interpretirao obimno se koristeći metafizičkim konceptima. Neki autori smatraju da je njegova
metafizički intonirana filozofija biologije spojiva s modernom teorijom
evolucije te s nekim od bitnih tema ekološke etike. Pokušat ćemo pokazati kako je tumačenje supstancijalne cjeline, pod vidom pojma potencijalnosti, Aristotelov doprinos raspravama ekoetičkog holizma. Nadalje, prikazat ćemo kako Hans Jonas pronalazi i mogućnost vrednovanja
individualne organske supstancije u Aristotelovim djelima, a koje nisu samo predstavnici ljudske vrste. Hans Jonas pledira za reviziju moderne teorije evolucije koja bi, združena s nekim Aristotelovim metafizičkim elementima, mogla izbjeći redukcionizam kojemu je bila izložena nakon Descartesa.
Objektno orijentirana ontologija igre
Authors: Vigato Matija
Published: July 2021

U ovom se radu objektno orijentirana ontologija (OOO) pokušava primijeniti na igru. Prvo se iz anti-redukcionističkog pristupa OOO-a daje osvrt na neka dosadašnja tumačenja igre u filozofiji i znanosti. Potom se, zbog konceptualne sličnosti umjetnosti i igre, konzultira već postojeća OOO umjetnosti. Na temelju radova iz discipline interakcije čovjeka i računala, teatralne interpretacije metafore Grahama Harmana te
tumačenja igre Eugena Finka, koji je vidi kao mješavinu bitka i privida, igra se u konačnici analizira kao (1) spekulativno »Ja«, (2) tenzija realnog objekta i senzualnih kvaliteta te (3) međuodnos elemenata četverostrukog objekta. U potrazi za poveznicom igre s umjetnošću i filozofijom, metaforom i teatralnošću, uočava se traganje kao odgovor na susret s mješavinom privida i bitka.
Assessing statistical link between FinTech PEST environment and achievement of SDGs
Authors: Pauliukevičienė Gintarė , Stankevičienė Jelena
Published: July 2021

Implementation of SDGs is the unified goal of 193 UN Member States. FinTech plays a crucial role in achieving it. Therefore, the development of FinTech must be facilitated through proper policy-making and public finance, creating beneficial PEST conditions. However, the interaction of the FinTech PEST environment and achievement of SDGs is a topic that has not yet been addressed. The purpose of this study is to assess the link between these two indicators using statistical methods, indicate SDGs having the strongest link to FinTech PEST environment, and explain the interface to facilitate its useful application within government and financial regulations, as well as administration of the state and municipal financial entities. The results show that the economic and investment potential of Northern Europe is caused by the most favorable PEST environment for FinTech sector development, and demonstrate the existence of a statistical link between FinTech PEST environment and SDG4, SDG8, SDG9, SDG16. There is a clear trend – the more favorable the FinTech PEST environment, the better the achievement of SDGs, the better results of Sustainable Finance indicators, and the higher the Sustainable Finance typology assigned to the country. These results suggest that the goals, targets, and indicators of SDG4, SDG8, SDG9, and SDG16 contribute to the formation of a favorable environment and are conductive to the sustainable development of the FinTech industry in a country. Therefore, sustainability in the development of FinTech industry and finance, and the achievement of SDGs, is a circular process of three interacting factors.
A comparative framework to impact assessment of objective function structure and supply/demand scenario on hydropower operation
Authors: Gholami Negar , Kaboli Hesam Seyed
Published: July 2021

The structure of objective functions in the reservoir optimization problem indicates the type of attitude to operation. This paper presents an analytical framework to improve the structure of the objective function by comparing six various forms of single-objective and bi-objective problems. Problems 1 and 2 were defined to compare two perspectives of operation, water supply versus energy generation. Problem 3 was also designed to examine the effect of the intra-annual electricity demand, which was ignored in problem 2. Comparison of problems 4 and 5 shows the simultaneous effect of realistic water and electricity demand scenarios on finding an optimal Pareto front. Problem 6 considers a supply policy in which maximum hydropower generation in peak months is the main strategy to reduce socioeconomic tensions. These problems were analyzed for a period of 72 months in the operation of the Dez reservoir in the southwest of Iran. The results of comparisons showed that the average annual water supply in problem 1 is 334 Mm3 higher than in problem 2, while the mean annual hydropower generation in problem 2 compared with problem 1 increases by 58.9 GWh. Hydropower generation in problem 2 compared with problem 3 experiences a 31.8% decrease in the peak period and a 111% increase in the non-peak months, which can impose significant problems on the National Electricity Network. The Pareto front for problem 5 is better than for problem 4 at all points, meaning that the demand coefficient improves the Pareto front. The solutions of problem 6 can result in efficient meeting of water and electricity demand in critical periods and greatly improve practical planning.
Acitretin Loaded Nanocarrier Gel: Formulation and Exploration of In-vitro Release Kinetics
Authors: Kapoor Anupriya , sethi Nikunj , Verma Navneet
Published: July 2021

Background:

The present study intended to design and evaluate Acitretin (ACT) loaded
Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) for the management of psoriasis through topical application.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the skin and is characterized by irritation, red flaky
patches over different parts of the body. ACT is an analog of vitamin A that is used for the management
of psoriasis via the oral route. The prime demerit associated with oral route delivery of a drug
is the teratogenic effect associated with the active molecule and side effects like dry mouth, runny
nose, hair loss, taste changes, chapped lips, etc. that are the major contributing factors of reduced
patient compliance.

Objective:

The objective of the present research work was to develop a topical formulation of
ACT. Developing topical formulation for the same can result in enhanced patient compliance and
can be worth compared to the marketed oral formulation of the drug.

Methods:

ACT loaded NLCs were prepared by hot homogenization method using oleic acid as a
liquid lipid and stearic acid as a solid lipid in a 7:3 ratio along with the combination of a non-ionic
surfactant (Tween 80) and an anionic surfactant (sodium lauryl sulphate).

Results:

In several optimization experiments, formulation F3 was found to be most appropriate for
formulating gel. Morphological information obtained from SEM reinforced the formation of particles
with nearly spherical morphology. The optimized formulation had a mean diameter of 363 nm,
as founded by Zetasizer. XRD studies affirmed that the formulation exhibits amorphous nature,
which is an essential character of NLC. An optimized formulation was further incorporated in the
gel by using Carbopol 940P as a gelling agent. In vitro release studies indicated 96.85 ± 2% release
in 8 hours with Korsmeyer- Peppas model release kinetics. The observed n value1.391 for drug release
for F3G2 bespeak Super case II transport may be the result of sorption of the drug from the
surface of NLC that is controlled by stress-induced relaxation which occurs at the boundary of the
swollen shell.

Conclusion:

In vitro characterization of ACT (Acitretin) loaded NLC supports the objective that NLC can serve as a potential carrier for topical delivery of ACT and can also reduce oral toxicity associated with drug after stringent evaluation in the near future.
A Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Triple-blind Study to Determine the Effect of Farlong Ginseng Plus® NotoGinseng Extract on Cholesterol and Blood Pressure
Authors: Evans Malkanthi , Lewis Erin D. , Crowley David C. , Zeng Andy , Struve Jing , Guthrie Najla
Published: July 2021

Objective:

This randomized, placebo-controlled, triple-blind study examined the efficacy
of 12 weeks of Farlong NotoGinsengTM (FNG) supplementation on LDL-C and blood pressure
(BP) in otherwise healthy participants (n=95) with normal to mild hypertension and hypercholesterolemia.

Methods:

Lipid profile, BP, and endothelial vasodilation parameters were assessed at baseline and
weeks 4, 8 and 12. Safety was assessed at screening and at end of the study. The Therapeutic
Lifestyle Change (TLC) diet was followed during a 4-week run-in and throughout.

Results:

Participants on FNG had a 4.33% reduction in LDL-C at week 8 (p=0.045) and a 1.80%
improvement in HDL-C at week 12. Those on placebo had a non-significant 1.37% HDL-C reduction
at both weeks 8 and 12. The FNG group showed a 0.94% reduction in systolic (SBP) and a
0.16% reduction in diastolic BP (DBP) at week 12. The placebo group had 0.5% and 1.24% increases
in SBP and DBP, respectively. A total of 17.5% of participants supplemented with FNG had improvements
in all three CVD risk factors (LDL-C, HDL-C, and SBP) compared to 5.0% of those
on placebo (p=0.040). A greater proportion of participants with borderline high baseline LDL-C
had reductions in their CVD risk factors (p=0.037) with FNG. However, participants in the placebo
group with similar LDL-C characteristics did not have improvements in either their BP or lipid profile.

Conclusion:

FNG was well-tolerated and may have a positive influence on reducing CVD risk by
improving BP and lipid profile. Left unaddressed, those with CVD risk factors may progress to a
more hypertensive and hypercholesterolemic state.
Os forais medievais do burgo velho do Porto. Rutura ou continuidade
Authors: Costa Paulo Jorge Sousa
Published: July 2021

The medieval foraisof Gaia and Vila Nova, from 1255 and 1288, respectively, were assigned to the same locality, the “Burgo Velho do Porto”. Theseforaisare the only ones of royal origin attributed to a vast territory located between the Ave river, in the north, and the Mondego river, in the south. A profusely populated and “seignorized” territory. The pertinence of the analysis of these two acts is to understand in what political context they were carried out. What objective did D. Afonso III and D. Dinis have when they granted them? Are they two complementary documents and substitutes for each other or different foundational acts? What powers were confronted in that territory that led those two monarchs to intervene? Our analysis is not about the local political organization or the socioeconomic characterization of the community. But to observe what impact these contracts had as an instrument of the royal affirmation policy in the medieval world
O Porto visto pelo Doutor João de Barros em meados do século XVI
Authors: Lencart Joana
Published: July 2021

In the middle of the 16thcentury, Doutor João de Barros wrote Geographia d'Entre Douro e Minho e Tras-os-Montes,a book that represented an important geographic and chorographic account of those regions, with interesting details that include not only urban and architectural descriptions, but also elements related to economic activities, social relationships, devotions,and legends, among many others. The city of Porto stands out for the detailed descriptionin this book, recently republished. The analysis ofother contemporarysources and recent historiographic studies will enlighten us about the historical rigor of this 16thcentury account
Emigração e rede familiar. Os Mello e Souza-de Abragão ao Brasil oitocentista
Authors: Alves Jorge Fernandes , Santos Maria José Moutinho
Published: July 2021

The text starts from the concept of family network to frame the migratory movement and the installation of a male part of a large family from Abragão, Penafiel, in Brazil, following the previous migration of a cognate branch.In the middle of the19th century, we found several elements of the Mello e Sousa family establishedin the trade of Rio de Janeiro, with close connections at an early stage and later autonomous routes. We seek to follow the backing of these emigrants, signaling family support and commercial transactions on the most relevant individual life histories
Sobre as causas do atraso científico em Portugal - Uma digressão histórica
Authors: Bernardo Luís Miguel
Published: July 2021

O atraso científico que se verificou em Portugal desde o século XVII é um facto quase unanimemente reconhecido. Para o explicar, muitos pensadores e analistas, nacionais e estrangeiros, sugeriram as mais variadas causas reais ou imaginárias. Algumas estão ligadas a atributos pessoais, de caráter endógeno ou exógeno; outras a condicionalismos geopolíticos ou a fatores económico-financeiros. Duvidou-se da capacidade intelectual e do engenho dos portugueses; depreciou-se a sua aptidão para o trabalho, perseverança e reflexão; inventaram-se desconformidades entre atividades dependentes da emoção e da razão. Houve quem opinasse, sabiamente, que o atraso se devia ao desinteresse votado à ciência pelos portugueses e seus governantes, o que justificava a iliteracia científica generalizada, a pouca importância atribuída ao saber e o pouco investimento nacional na investigação científica. Da leitura deste livro, que aborda detalhadamente todos estes temas, facilmente se conclui que o atraso científico em Portugal não se deveu a causas inevitáveis ou a um singular e fatal destino, mas apenas a circunstâncias desfavoráveis que poderiam ter sido alteradas pela vontade dos portugueses. Se o progresso económico-social é um objetivo nacional, é indispensável que se reconheça a importância fundamental da ciência e se atribua à investigação científica o justo lugar que deve ocupar entre as infraestruturas nacionais mais reconhecidas e valorizadas.
Personalized Visual Mapping Assistive Technology to Improve Functional Ability in Persons With Dementia: Feasibility Cohort Study
Authors: Kelleher Jessica , Zola Stuart , Cui Xiangqin , Chen Shiyu , Gerber Caroline , Parker Monica Willis , Davis Crystal , Law Sidney , Golden Matthew , Vaughan Camille P
Published: July 2021

Background

Mobile health (mHealth) apps using novel visual mapping assistive technology can allow users to develop personalized maps that aid people living with cognitive impairment in the recall of steps needed to independently complete activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, toileting, and dressing.

Objective

This study aims to determine the feasibility and preliminary impact of an mHealth assistive technology app providing guidance to aid individuals living with cognitive impairment in the recall of steps to independently complete ADLs.

Methods

A total of 14 Veterans (mean age 65 SD 9.5 years; 14/14, 100% male; 10/14, 71.4% Black) and 8 non-Veterans (mean age 78, SD 10.3 years; 5/8, 62.5% male; 8/8, 100% Black) were recruited and enrolled from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and non-VA cognitive care clinics. A visual mapping software program, MapHabit, was used to generate a series of personalized visual map templates focused on ADLs created within the MapHabit app. The visual maps were accessed through a tablet device. A 19-item exit questionnaire was administered to the participants to assess perceived improvement in their functional ability after using the MapHabit system for 3 months.

Results

A total of 13 (93%) VA clinic participants and 8 (100%) non-VA clinic participants completed the 3-month study. Baseline cognitive testing indicated impaired to significantly impaired cognitive function. After 3 months of using the MapHabit system, VA clinic participants reported perceived improvement in social engagement (P=.01) and performance of ADLs (P=.05) compared to the baseline, whereas non-VA clinic participants reported improvements in the performance of ADLs (P=.02), mood (P=.04), social engagement (P=.02), and memory (P=.02). All study participants reported they would recommend the MapHabit system to a colleague, and 85% (11/14) of VA and 100% (8/8) of non-VA clinic participants reported a willingness to participate in a future study.

Conclusions

Older VA and non-VA clinic participants with cognitive impairment were willing to use an mHealth app to assist with the completion of ADLs, and they reported positive preliminary effects. A larger study is warranted to assess the efficacy in the setting of a randomized controlled trial.
Feminism Is Still Relevant in Australia
Authors: Mina Hao
Published: July 2021

Feminist movements had been pervasive in the 20th century. It helped women to earn civil rights globally, welcomed by most civilized citizens. Then in the 21st century, it seems to have no reason to exist since there are no apparently observable and unpleasant unequal treatments towards women. Feminism, hence, is regarded as a word of the past by some people. Nevertheless, it is not the fact. By studying the situation in Australia, women in this nation have become the study object. Working opportunities in politics and business have been counted, combined with the study of relevant government policies towards different gender. The male’s changing attitude towards female in gender role has also exposed the socialization process in Australia. Through close scrutiny, it is found that feminism is still very much relevant in Australia.
A Pharmacognostic review of Liquorice: Pharmacological actions, Current uses and Future prospects
Authors: Patel Veer Jashvantbhai , Khetani Manish Mahebub
Published: July 2021

Herbs used as medicines are one of the widely adopted treatment alternatives which is in effect since ancient times. Herbal drugs are of great importance to the population because of its ease of availability and the relief of having no side effects. Majority of the herbal drugs are possessed to have more than one pharmacological effect. One such classic example of well-known herbal drug is Liquorice which is commonly known as Sweet Wood or Mulethi. Liquorice is available in dried root or rhizome form and it is widely used as natural sweetener, expectorant and as a hepato-protectant. The herb is widely grown in Baluchistan, Spain and in certain parts of Himalayan region of India. There are various active chemical compounds of Liquorice which include saponins and flavonoids. The pharmacological actions of this drug are attributed to its major active chemical compound named Glycyrrhizin. Liquorice is also found to have specific anti-viral activity against certain viral cells. The current article focusses on the pharmacognostic review of Liquorice and its uses. The multiple pharmacological effects of this drug and the future prospects of using Liquorice in developing formulations have been discussed in detail.
Regulatory aspects for competitive Generic Therapies in USA
Authors: Patel Himani , Dhulia Iva , Dobariya Umesh , Pardeshi Nidhi , Katariya Yogesh
Published: July 2021

The FDA Reauthorization Act (FDARA) of 2017 lets generic companies ask for expedited review and 180-day exclusivity for a Competitive Generic Therapies (CGT)-designated product. (1)

FDA guidance for industry on Competitive Generic Therapies (CGT) provides keen information for generic drug manufacturers who want to develop a drug with inadequate generic competition. This guideline is specially published for generic players. If you are a generic manufacturer or sponsor, this will

Explain the process and criteria to request and designate a drug as a CGT.

Information on the actions FDA may take to expedite the development and review of ANDAs designated as CGT.

Implementation of 180-day exclusivity period for certain first approved applicants that submit ANDAs for CGTs. (1)
Interview Questions on ANDA filing
Authors: Gupta Rajkumar
Published: July 2021

This guidance document provides prominent facts on ANDA filings in FAQ format. It covers aspects like drafting, submission, review, approval of ANDA in question answer format. It is an excellent database for those seeking appointment in large pharmaceutical companies.
Overview on Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) based biowaiver requirements in African countries
Authors: Sagar Nidhi , Dhulia Iva , Patel Himani , Dobariya Umesh , Sarvaiya Sandip
Published: July 2021

Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS)-based biowaiver are meant to reduce the need for establishing in vivo bioequivalence in situations where in vitro data may be considered to provide a reasonable estimate of the relative in vivo performance of two products.

The BCS is a scientific approach designed to predict medicinal absorption based on the aqueous solubility and intestinal absorptive characteristics of the Pharmaceutical product. To ensure interchangeability, the multisource product must be therapeutically equivalent to the comparator product. Types of in vivo equivalence studies include comparative pharmacokinetic studies, comparative pharmacodynamic studies and comparative clinical studies.

This article briefly explains the BCS based biowaiver requirements in six major African countries i.e. Zimbabwe, South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Botswana and Tanzania which facilitates regulatory medicine approval process when the dossier (application) is approved based on evidence of equivalence other than In vivo studies.
Current regulations for Herbal Medicines in India
Authors: Singh Saloni , Shukla Vikesh Kumar
Published: July 2021

India is a major source of herbal plants and medicines. There are substantial numbers of plants and herbs which are used as medicines and people prefer them due to fewer side effects. In India, herbal medicines are regulated by AYUSH, CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organization), AND D&C Act 1940 & 1945(amendment). About 8000 herbal medicines have been organized in AYUSH systems in INDIA. This article is about how herbal products are regulated in India.