bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perspectives of Clients and Providers on Factors Influencing Medication Assisted Treatment Uptake Among People Who Use Drugs in Indonesia, Ukraine and Vietnam: HPTN 074 Study
Authors: Kiriazova Tetiana , Go Vivian F. , Hershow Rebecca B. , Hamilton Erica L. , Sarasvita Riza , Bui Quynh , Lancaster Kathryn E. , Dumchev Kostyantyn , Hoffman Irving F. , Miller William C. , Latkin Carl A.
Published: July 2020

Background: Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an effective method of addiction treatment and HIV prevention. However, globally, people who inject drugs (PWID) have insufficient MAT uptake. To expand MAT access and uptake, policy-makers, program-developers and health care providers should be aware of barriers to and facilitators of MAT uptake among PWID. Methods: As a part of the HPTN 074 study, which assessed the feasibility of an intervention to facilitate HIV treatment and MAT in PWID living with HIV in Indonesia, Ukraine, and Vietnam, we conducted in-depth interviews with 37 HIV-positive PWID and 25 health care providers to explore barriers to and facilitators of MAT uptake. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated into English, and coded in NVivo for analysis. We developed matrices to identify emergent themes and patterns. Results: Despite some reported country-specific factors, PWID and health care providers at all geographic locations reported similar barriers to MAT initiation, such as complicated procedures to initiate MAT, problematic clinic access, lack of information on MAT, misconceptions about methadone, financial burden, and stigma towards PWID. However, while PWID reported fear of drug interaction (MAT and antiretroviral therapy), providers perceived that PWID prioritized drug use over caring for their health and hence were less motivated to take up ART and MAT. Motivation for a life change and social support were reported to be facilitators.Conclusion: These results highlight a need for support for PWID to initiate and retain in drug treatment. To expand MAT in all three countries, it is necessary to facilitate access and ensure low-threshold, financially affordable MAT programs for PWID, accompanied with supporting interventions. PWID attitudes and beliefs about MAT indicate the need for informational campaigns to counter misinformation and stigma associated with addiction and MAT (especially methadone).
Colchicine Reduces Lung Injury in Experimental Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Dupuis Jocelyn , Sirois Martin G. , Rhéaume Eric , Nguyen Quang T. , Clavet-Lanthier Marie-Élaine , Brand Geneviève , Mihalache-Avram Téodora , Théberge-Julien Gabriel , Charpentier Daniel , Rhainds David , Neagoe Paul-Éduard , Tardif Jean-Claude
Published: July 2020

The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by intense dysregulated inflammation leading to lung injury and respiratory failure. We studied the effects of colchicine pre-treatment on oleic acid-induced ARDS in rats. Colchicine reduced histological lung injury by 61%, reduced lung edema, and markedly improved blood oxygenation by increasing PaO2/FiO2 from 66 ± 13 mmHg (mean ± SEM) to 246 ± 45 mmHg. Lung neutrophil recruitment was reduced by colchicine with evidence for reduced neutrophils activation, as assessed by flow cytometry. This study strongly supports the clinical development of colchicine, a widely available low-cost drug, for the prevention of ARDS in conditions causing acute lung injury.
Increased expression of hypoxia-induced factor 1α mRNA and its related genes in myeloid blood cells from critically ill COVID-19 patients
Authors: Taniguchi-Ponciano Keiko , Vadillo Eduardo , Mayani Héctor , Gonzales-Bonilla César Raúl , Torres Javier , Majluf Abraham , Flores-Padilla Guillermo , Wacher-Rodarte Niels , Galan Juan Carlos , Ferat-Osorio Eduardo , Blanco-Favela Francisco , Lopez-Macias Constantino , Ferreira-Hermosillo Aldo , Ramirez-Renteria Claudia , Peña-Martínez Eduardo , Silva-Román Gloria , Vela-Patiño Sandra , Mata-Lozano Carlos , Carvente-Garcia Roberto , Basurto-Acevedo Lourdes , Saucedo Renata , Piña-Sanchez Patricia , Chavez-Gonzalez María Antonieta , Marrero-Rodríguez Daniel , Mercado Moisés
Published: July 2020

Since its emergence, in December 2019, COVID-19 has resulted in more than 12 million people infected and has killed more than 570000. Hypoxemia has been identified as one of the main clinical manifestations of this disease, especially in severe cases. We have previously reported that in critically ill COVID-19 patients there is a shift towards an immature myeloid profile in peripheral blood cells, including band neutrophils, immature monocytes, metamyelocytes, monocyte-macrophages, monocytoid precursors, and promyelocytes-myelocytes, which, together with mature monocytes and segmented neutrophils, comprise the vast majority of blood cells in these patients. Such an immature myeloid profile may be the result of a physiological response known as emergency myelopoiesis. In the present study, we performed scRNAseq from leukocytes from five critically ill COVID-19 patients and characterized the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor1α (HIF1α) mRNA and its transcriptionally regulated genes. HIF1α is a master transcription factor involved in the cellular response to hypoxia. We herein report that these cellular subsets express high levels of HIF1α mRNA and several of their transcriptional targets, including those related to inflammation, such as CXCL8, CXCR1, CXCR2, and CXCR4; those potentially involved in virus sensing, such as TLR2 and TLR4; and those related to metabolism, such as SLC2A3, PFKFB3, PGK1, GAPDH and SOD2. The up-regulation and participation of HIF1α in relevant events such as inflammation, immunometabolism, and TLR make it a potential molecular marker for COVID-19 severity and, interestingly, could represent a potential target for molecular therapy.
Analysis Of Candidate Genes Expected To Be Essential For Melanoma Surviving
Authors: Krivosheeva Irina , Filatova Alexandra , Skoblov Mikhail
Published: July 2020

BackgroundNew approach for treating cancer is to influence on vital genes for tumors. A number of attempts have led to discovery candidate genes that are mean to be essential for surviving of tumor cells of different types. In this work, we tried to analyze genes that were previously found to be essential for melanoma surviving. We performed transient siRNA-mediated knockdown of UNC45A, STK11IP, RHPN2 and ZNFX1 in melanoma cell line A375. After that, we checked cell viability, proliferation and migrating rate in vitro.MethodsFor knockdown of the genes we used siRNA mediated interference. To deliver siRNA in cells we used transfection by Metafectene PRO. Cell viability and proliferation assessed by MTT assay. Cell migration was assessed by wound healing assay. Knockdown of genes was evaluated via RT-qPCR analysis.ResultsOur results indicate that knockdown of the genes leads to no statistically significant changes in cell survival according to viability assay. However, mobility assay shows that knockdown of each of the target genes accelerates the speed of cells migrating.ConclusionOur results do not confirm the hypothesis. Possible explaining of such controversial results could be in insufficient bioinformatical analysis or in need of multiplex knockdown of the genes.
Effects of Virtual Reality Training on Occupational Performance and Self-efficacy of Patients With Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Long Yi , Ouyang Rangge , Zhang Jiaqi
Published: July 2020

Background
—Virtual reality (VR) has been broadly applied in post-stroke rehabilitation. However, studies on occupational performance and self-efficacy as primary outcomes of stroke rehabilitation using VR are lacking. Thus, this study aims to investigate the effects of VR training on occupational performance and self-efficacy in patients with stroke.
Methods
—This was an assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Sixty participants with first-ever stroke (< 1-year onset) underwent rehabilitation in a single acute hospital. Participants were randomly assigned to either the VR group (n = 30) or control group (n = 30). Both groups received dose-matched conventional rehabilitation (i.e., 45 min, five times per week over 3 weeks). The VR group received additional 45-min VR training for five weekdays over 3 weeks. The primary outcome measures were the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure and Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire. Secondary outcome measures included Modified Barthel Index, Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity, and Functional Test for the Hemiplegic Upper Extremity. The assessment was conducted at baseline and after the 3-week intervention.
Results
—A total of 52 participants (86.7%) completed the trial. Significant between-group differences in Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (P = 0.043) and Modified Barthel Index (P = 0.030) were found; however, no significant between-group differences in Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity, and Functional Test for the Hemiplegic Upper Extremity were noted. No serious adverse reactions related to the program were reported.
Conclusions
—Additional VR training could help improve the self-efficacy and activities of daily living of patients with stroke; however, it was not superior to conventional training in the improvement of upper limb functions, occupational performance, and satisfaction. Nevertheless, VR could be integrated into conventional rehabilitation programs to enhance self-efficacy of patients after stroke.
Trial Registration
- This study was successfully registered under the title “Effects of virtual reality training on occupational performance and self-efficacy of patients with stroke” on October 13 2019 and could be located in http://www.chictr.org with the study identifier ChiCTR1900026550.
Prospective GERiatric Observational (ProGERO) Study: Cohort Design and Preliminary Results
Authors: Saraiva Marcos Daniel , Rangel Luís Fernando , Cunha Julia Lusis Lassance , Rotta Thereza Cristina Ariza , Douradinho Christian , Khazaal Eugênia Jatene Bou , Aliberti Márlon Juliano Romero , Avelino-Silva Thiago Junqueira , Apolinario Daniel , Suemoto Claudia Kimie , Jacob-Filho Wilson
Published: July 2020

Background: The demographic changes in Brazil as a result of population aging is one of the fastest in the world. The far-reaching new challenges that come with a large older population are particularly disquieting in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Longitudinal studies must be completed in LMICs to investigate the social and biological determinants of aging and the consequences of such demographic changes in their context. Therefore, we designed the Prospective GERiatric Observational (ProGERO) study, a longitudinal study of older adults in Brazil, to collect data both on healthy aging and chronic diseases, and investigate characteristics associated with adverse outcomes in this population. Methods: The ProGERO study takes place in a geriatric outpatient clinic in the largest academic medical center in Latin America. We performed baseline health examinations in 2017 and will complete subsequent in-person visits every three years when new participants will also be recruited. We will use periodic telephone interviews to collect information on the outcomes of interest between in-person visits. The baseline evaluation included data on demographics, medical history, physical examination, and comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA; including multimorbidity, medications, social support, functional status, cognition, depressive symptoms, nutritional status, pain assessment, frailty, gait speed, handgrip strength, and chair-stands test). We used a previously validated CGA-based model to rank participants according to mortality risk (low, medium, high). Our selected outcomes were falls, disability, health services utilization (emergency room visits and hospital admissions), institutionalization, and death. We will follow participants for at least ten years.Results: We included 1,336 participants with a mean age of 82±8 years old. Overall, 70% were women, 31% were frail, and 43% had a Charlson comorbidity index score ≥3. According to our CGA-based model, the incidence of death in one year varied significantly across categories (low-risk=0.6%; medium-risk=7.4%; high-risk=17.5%; P<0.001).Conclusion: The ProGERO study will provide detailed clinical data and explore the late-life trajectories of community-dwelling older patients during a follow-up period of at least 10 years. Moreover, the study will substantially contribute to new information on the predictors of healthy and pathological aging in older adults from LMICs.
Cognitive Functioning in Deaf Children Using Cochlear Implants
Authors: Almomani Fidaa , Garadat Soha , Alqudah Safa , Almomani Murad O , Kassab Manal , Hamadneh Shereen , Rauterkus Grant , Gans Richard
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND: Cognitive abilities like language, memory, reasoning, visualization, and perceptual functioning shape human action and are considered critical to the successful interaction with the environment. Alternatively, hearing loss can disrupt a child’s ability to communicate, and negatively impact cognitive development. Cochlear implants (CI) restore auditory input thereby supporting communication and may enhance cognitive performance. This study compares general cognitive development after cochlear implantation in two groups of children implanted earlier (age:4-6 years, N=22) and later (7-9 years, N=16) to the development of randomly selected normal hearing peers (N=48).DESIGN: Visualization, reasoning, memory, and attention were assessed using the Leiter-R scale at baseline (before implantation), and 8 months and 16 months post implantation for children with and without hearing loss RESULTS: Over the 16-month period, the cognitive improvement of 4-6 year old deaf children was greater than that of their normal hearing peers on all scales except for attention, while the improvement of 7-9 year olds was less major than that of their normal hearing peers on all scales. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that CI not only enhances communication skills but may improve cognitive functioning in deaf children. However, the extent of this improvement was dependent on age at intervention; current results demonstrated that the children received CI at young ages had better cognitive improvements.
A Hawkes process model for the propagation of COVID-19: simple analytical results
Authors: Escobar Juan Valentin
Published: July 2020

We present a model for the COVID-19 epidemic that offers analytical expressions for the newly registered and latent cases. This model is based on an epidemic branching process with latency that is greatly simplified when the bare memory kernel is given by an exponential function as observed in this pandemic. We expose the futility of the concept of “reaching the peak” of the epidemic as long as the number of latent cases is not depleted. Our model offers the possibility of laying out different scenarios for the evolution of the epidemic in different countries based on the most recent observations and in terms of only two constants obtained from clinical trials. Furthermore, by analyzing the number of registered new deaths, our model suggests that the recent surge in new COVID-19 cases in the USA is a consequence of an increase in testing, but only up to the second week of June of 2020.
A neonate born to mother with COVID-19 during Pregnancy & HELLP syndrome: A possible vertical transmission
Authors: Mohakud Nirmal kumar , KrishnaYerru Hari , Rajguru Monalisha , Saxena Shlok , Kollu Srinitya , Sharma Natasha , Naik Sushree Samiksha
Published: July 2020

COVID-19 infection in newborn is uncommon, and there is doubt regarding vertical transmission of COVID-19 from an infected mother. We report a preterm neonate born to a mother with HELLP syndrome and COVID-19 pneumonia, who was COVID-19 positive (RT-PCR of tracheal aspirate) at 12 hours of age.
WITHDRAWN: Early Outbreak Analysis of COVID-19 Epidemic: China and Global Health Perspectives
Authors: Dey Samrat Kumar , Rahman Md. Mahbubur , Siddiqi Umme Raihan , Howlader Arpita
Published: July 2020

Purpose: Globally, there is an obvious concern about the fact that the evolving 2019-nCoV coronavirus is a worldwide public health threat. The appearance in China at the end of 2019 of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2; previously provisionally labeled as 2019 novel coronavirus or 2019-nCoV) disease (COVID-19) caused a major global outbreak and right now is a major community health issue. As of 8 March 2020, World Health Organization (WHO) data showed that more than 105 500 confirmed cases were reported in over 100 countries/regions, with > 75% of cases being detected in China and >24% of cases detected globally. COVID-19 outbreak is evolving so rapidly; therefore, the available epidemiological data are essential to direct strategies for situational awareness and intervention. Methods: This article will present a visual exploratory data analysis (V-EDA) approach to collect and analyze COVID-19 data on epidemiological outbreaks. Various open data sources on the outbreak of COVID-19 provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Health Commission (NHC), Johns Hopkins University Interactive Dashboard and DXY.cn have been used in this research.Results: Therefore, an Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) with visualizations has been designed and developed in order to understand the number of different cases reported (confirmed, death, and recovered) in different provinces of China and outside of China between 22 January 2020 to 4 March 2020. Various open data sources on the outbreak of COVID-19 provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Health Commission (NHC), Johns Hopkins University Interactive Dashboard and DXY.cn have been used in this research. Conclusion: In all, this is extremely important to promptly spread information to understand the risks of this pandemic and begin containment activities.
Prenatal muitimodal radiological diagnosis of hypoplasia unilateralis
of the cerebellum: description of the 3 cases and literatury review
Authors: M.N. Korlyakova , D.V. Voronin , A.D. Halikov et all
Published: July 2020

Three cases of prenatal diagnosis of unilateral cerebellum hypoplasia, using ultrasound and magnetic
resonance imaging methods is presented. The pattern and prevalence of brain changes during unilateral cerebellum
hypoplasia should be refined by magnetic resonance imaging method.
Assessment of fetal ribs at first trimester of gestation
Authors: O.L. Galkina
Published: July 2020

Experience of prenatal volume ultrasound diagnosis of ribs anomalies at first trimester of gestation is presented.
The case of prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of fibular hemimelia, type I
associated with oligodactyly of the foot in the second trimester of gestation
Authors: I.N. Daminov
Published: July 2020

A case of prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of fibular hemimelia, type I associated with oligodactyly of the foot
at 22 weeks of gestation is presented. Ultrasound examination at 22 weeks of gestation revealed hypoplasia of the
left fibula and the foot oligodactyly. After prenatal counseling, the patient opted for termination of pregnancy.
During external examination of the abortus asymmetry of the lower extremities due to shortening of the left
lower leg and oligodactyly of the left foot were noted, those confirmed prenatal ultrasound data.
Obtaining adsorbents from acid and acid-thermal activation of bentonite for chlorothalonil pesticide removal
Authors: Boudouara Nadia , Marouf Réda , Schott Jacques
Published: July 2020

Bentonite samples collected from M'Zila of Mostaganem (Algeria) were treated in first protocol with sulfuric acid at concentrations 1, 3 and 6N. The second protocol concerns the acid attack of bentonite combined with thermal treatment at temperatures of 100 and 200 °C. The obtained adsorbents were characterized by different analyses techniques such as chemical composition, X-ray diffraction (XRD), specific surface area and pHPZC. The modified bentonites were used for removal of Chlorothalonil (Chl) from aqueous solution. The adsorption behavior of the pesticide was studied under different experimental conditions of pH, contact time, concentration of Chl and temperature of solution. The adsorption of Chl followed pseudo-second order kinetics and was described by the Freundlich equation. Thermodynamic study revealed that Chl adsorption was endothermic and physical in nature.
Influences of deficit irrigation on soil water content distribution and spring wheat growth in Hetao Irrigation District, Inner Mongolia of China
Authors: Zhou Ling
Published: July 2020

In order to develop a water-saving irrigation system for spring wheat, field experiments were conducted on the deficit irrigation of spring wheat in Hetao Irrigation District, Inner Mongolia. Through measurement of soil moisture content, the spring wheat growth and yield index, the influences of deficit irrigation on soil moisture distribution and spring wheat growth were studied. Results showed that, in the soil layers 0–100 cm below the ground, the soil moisture content under full irrigation at 100% ETc (ETc denotes actual water demanded by crops) and that under deficit irrigation at 80% ETc increased with the increase of soil layer depth; specifically, soil moisture under deficit irrigation at 60% ETc was mainly distributed in the subsurface layer (20–40 cm) and the middle layer (40–60 cm). The spring wheat yield was not greatly influenced by the deficit irrigation at 80% ETc, showing a decrease of merely 5–13% compared with that under full irrigation, while deficit irrigation at 60% ETc had greater impact on the growth and yield of spring wheat, cutting the yield by 10–37% in comparison with that under full irrigation. In the study area, the deficit irrigation treatment at 80% ETc was adopted, wherein the irrigation norm in the growth period was 288 mm. This irrigation system had little adverse impact on spring wheat growth and yield, and therefore, water-saving irrigation could be realized.
Granice ingerencji turystyki surwiwalowej w tereny przyrodnicze o różnym reżimie ochronnym
Authors: Płoskonka Przemysław , Adamski Paweł , Ciapała Szymon
Published: July 2020

Surwiwal jako forma turystyki i rekreacji wymaga dostępu do zasobów przyrodniczych, w tym tych o wysokim stopniu naturalności. Obszary te ze względu na walory przyrodnicze i funkcje środowiskowe podlegają różnym reżimom ochronny. W artykule dokonano analizy obowiązujących regulacji prawnych oraz oceniono wpływ poszczególnych rodzajów zajęć z surwiwalu na obszary przyrodnicze. W konkluzji stwierdza się, że regulacje prawne stanowią istotny czynnik warunkujący możliwość uprawiania surwiwalu na terenie Polski, podejmowanie tej formy aktywności musi odbywać się przy ścisłej współpracy z właścicielami oraz zarządzającymi terenów, zaś stopień ingerencji w środowisko naturalne jest uzależniony od tematyki zajęć oraz czasu ich trwania.
Las i przemysł – układ symbiozy?
Authors: Falencka-Jabłońska Małgorzata
Published: July 2020

Artykuł stanowi podsumowanie ponad 40-letnich wyników ocen i analiz wybranych komponentów biocenoz leśnych i ich skali adaptacji do kumulacji zanieczyszczeń przemysłowych oraz narastającej antropopresji. Problematykę tą przedstawiono na przykładzie oddziaływania na środowisko leśne Puszczy Kozienickiej Elektrowni „Kozienice” (największej w Polsce a od roku i w Europie opalanej węglem kamiennym). Te długoterminowe badania podjęto przed uruchomieniem elektrowni na stałych powierzchniach doświadczalnych IBL i nadal trwa ich kontynuacja, co stanowi ewenement nie tylko w skali naszego kontynentu. Drugi przykład analiz to oceny wieloletniego oddziaływania na ekosystemy leśne Huty Cynku „Miasteczko Śląskie” w Górnośląskim Okręgu Przemysłowym. Na wybranych komponentach biocenoz leśnych omówiono zróżnicowanie zmian różnorodności biologicznej na tle charakterystyk tła zanieczyszczeń oraz wdrażania proekologicznych technologii w dziedzinie ochrony środowiska.
Wpływ działalności antropogenicznej na obecną strukturę genetyczną populacji drzew leśnych
Authors: Nowakowska Justyna Anna
Published: July 2020

Działalność człowieka od zawsze miała wpływ na skład gatunkowy i strukturę genetyczną gatunków tworzących ekosystem leśny. Wyniki badań DNA potwierdzają wpływ obecnej i przeszłej gospodarki leśnej na obecny poziom zmienności genetycznej populacji drzew leśnych. Analiza molekularna pozwala określić pokrewieństwo genetyczne gatunków drzew leśnych, umożliwia badanie przepływu genów między pokoleniami, oraz odzwierciedla historię polodowcowej migracji gatunków z refugiów południowej Europy do Polski. Dzięki markerom DNA można precyzyjnie odróżnić mieszańce gatunkowe np. modrzewia japońskiego i europejskiego. Porównanie profili DNA kradzionego drzewa z pniakiem pozostawionym w lesie, dostarcza mocnych dowodów w sprawach dotyczących nielegalnego handlu drewnem. Genetyczna transformacja genomu drzew pozwala uzyskać drewno o zmienionej strukturze lignin, oraz zwiększoną asymilację CO2 w liściach. Modyfikacje genetyczne zmierzają też w kierunku wzmocnionej odporności hodowanych gatunków drzew na patogeny grzybowe lub szkodniki owadzie oraz na środki ochrony roślin na plantacjach drzew szybkorosnących GMO.
Threats and the active protection of birds in a riverbed: postulates for the strategy of the preservation of the middle Vistula River avifauna
Authors: Bukaciński Dariusz , Bukacińska Monika , Buczyński Arkadiusz
Published: July 2020

Over the past 34 years, threats to Charadriiform birds inhabiting islands in the Vistula riverbed, mainly gulls, terns and plovers, have changed considerably. While in 1985-1994 the main risks for their breeding were found to be flood waters, predation by the hooded crow Corvus corone cornix and the Eurasian magpie Pica pica, as well as, locally, uncontrolled livestock grazing, in 2005-2014 they were primarily predation pressure from the American mink Neovision vision and the red fox Vulpes vulpes and massive outbreaks of black flies Simuliidae. These threats led to a reproductive outcome of nearly zero and increased the mortality of adults in their breeding areas. As a result, there was a sharp decline in numbers of the majority of gull, tern and plover species nesting there. In 2015-2018, apart from mammalian predation, key threats included the pressure of feral cats and dogs and the growing presence of people on the islands. In a situation that may lead to the extinction of first the mew gull, Larus canus, and later other species of birds, in 2005-2006, we began the active protection of endangered species on the middle Vistula River islands. This effort included (a) reducing the number of American minks and red foxes, (b) neutralising the presence of predators and livestock at the nesting sites with electric fences and the use of incubators and dummy eggs and (c) restoration of the nesting habitat, as well as, in the case of mew gulls, (d) increasing the genetic diversity within colonies. The most important demand is the conducting of the active protective measures in a comprehensive way and continuously for at least five years (until 2023), optimally throughout the decade (2019--2028). In addition, it will be also necessary to carry out wildlife monitoring in this area. The other important task for the coming years will be to oppose plans for extensive engineering in the middle section of the river, which will irreversibly destroy this unique ecosystem.
Does the vicinity of the Black-Headed Gull colony (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) increase the breeding success of the Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) on the islands of the middle Vistula?
Authors: Bukackiński Dariusz , Bukacińska Monika , Grabowska Milena
Published: July 2020

We conducted our study in the Common Tern colony (STH) located on an island in the middle Vistula River course, at the height of the city of Dęblin (km 393–394 of the waterway), in 2017. Our goal was to investigate some aspects of the biology and reproductive ecology of this species. Due to the fact that STH breeds both in single-species as well as in two- or multi-species colonies, in associations with Little Terns (Sternula albifrons), Black-Headed Gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) (LAR) and/or Mew Gulls (Larus canus), we wanted to investigate whether the neighborhood of other species (in this case LAR) affected hatching success and chick survival in STH. Our results clearly show that the presence of breeding terns in the neighborhood of the LAR colony was not accidental and/or caused by the lack of space on the island and/or the possibility of nesting elsewhere. The height of nesting site, type of nesting habitat, clutch size, mean egg volume and mean egg mass of these STH pairs did not differ significantly from those that formed a single species colony, on the same island but several hundred meters away. However, STH nests in the neighborhood of the LAR colony were established much earlier and both the hatching success and chick survival of STH during the early-chick stage were twice as high. Thus, we can conclude that the LAR colony could provide an effective protection against predation of crows, magpies and gulls, dangers which accounted for the vast majority of STH nest failures in the year of our study.
Czy żywność ekologiczna rzeczywiście jest najlepsza?
Authors: Góralczyk Katarzyna
Published: July 2020

W świetle wzrastającej świadomości o zanieczyszczeniu środowiska i w konsekwencji jego niekorzystnego wpływu na codzienne życia człowieka pojawiła się moda na poszukiwanie żywności o jak najlepszej jakości. Dlatego ważne jest, aby wiedza konsumentów na temat produkcji żywności była jak najlepsza. Żywność konwencjonalna powszechnie uważana jest za mniej wartościową lub wręcz niebezpieczną ze względu na obecność rożnych substancji chemicznych. Z kolei żywność ekologiczna traktowana jest jako ta zdrowsza i bardziej wartościowa. Natomiast z licznych badań naukowych wynika, że nie ma znaczących różnic między żywnością ekologiczną i konwencjonalną, zarówno pod względem obecności zanieczyszczeń jak i wartości odżywczych.
Idea zrównoważonego rozwoju jako idea rozwoju harmonijnego
Authors: Tomanek Roman
Published: July 2020

Zrównoważony rozwój zarówno sam termin, jak i tak określane działania społeczne występuje w rożnych obszarach związanych z ochroną środowiska. Sam termin przyjmuje rożne znaczenia w zależności od obszarów jego zastosowania. Oprócz dość ścisłych znaczeń, jakie odnajdujemy w nauce, dokumentach państwowych i międzynarodowych oraz gospodarce, w potocznym użyciu jest często modnym hasłem i etykietą. Celem niniejszego artykułu jest analiza terminu i idei zrównoważonego rozwoju oraz jego statusu epistemicznego celem uchwycenia jego istotnego sensu. Pomocne w tej analizie będą dwie kantowskie kategorie: idei regulatywnej oraz praktycznego postulatu. Pozwolą one następnie odwołać się do idei harmonii, przez co idea zrównoważonego rozwoju okaże się ideą rozwoju harmonijnego.
Uwarunkowania środowiskowe procesów budowy i eksploatacji elektrowni wiatrowych „Podborze” w okolicach Ostrowi Mazowieckiej
Authors: Brzózka Milena
Published: July 2020

W artykule przedstawione zostaną wybrane zagadnienia związane z budową i eksploatacją elektrowni wiatrowych. Punktem odniesienia będzie planowana elektrownia „Podborze” w okolicach Ostrowi Mazowieckiej. Wskazane zostaną potencjalne zasięgi i skutki oddziaływania planowanej inwestycji. Ostatnim elementem będzie wskazanie sposobów na działania profilaktyczne i przeciwdziałanie negatywnym skutkom.
Właściwe rozumienie człowieka podstawą zrównoważonego rozwoju – antropologia encykliki Laudato Si’
Authors: Meller Jacek
Published: July 2020

Fundamentalną przyczyną współczesnego kryzysu ekologicznego jest sposób, w jaki ludzkość rozumie swoje miejsce w świecie i relacje do niego. Od początku nowożytności zdaje się tu panować „antropocentryzm” dający człowiekowi prawo do nieograniczonego zaspokajania swych potrzeb kosztem środowiska. Koncepcja ta, wzmocniona nowożytnymi poglądami na rolę nauki, wolność jednostki i prawa ekonomii, pozwoliła uzasadnić rabunkową gospodarkę prowadzącą do zniszczenia nie tylko środowiska naturalnego, lecz także środowiska społecznego człowieka, wielu pozbawiając dostępu do podstawowych środków potrzebnych do życia. Papież Franciszek w encyklice Laudato si’ nie nawołuje jednak do porzucenia antropocentryzmu jako takiego: obecny w kulturze Zachodu nazywa „wypaczonym” i wzywa do powrotu do jego właściwego, biblijnego rozumienia. W nim człowiek, podobny do Boga, ma na Jego wzór opiekować i troszczyć się o całe stworzenie.
Nakłady na innowacje ekologiczne w krajach Unii Europejskiej w latach 2010‒2018
Authors: Pakulska Jolanta
Published: July 2020

Innowacje ekologiczne są we współczesnej gospodarce ważnym czynnikiem wzrostu gospodarczego. Z tego powodu Unia Europejska kładzie duży nacisk na analizę poziomu ekoinnowacyjności gospodarek krajów członkowskich. Instrumentem wykorzystywanym do tego celu jest Eco-Innovation Scoreboard, który ilustruje, jak bardzo poziom innowacji ekologicznych w krajach członkowskich różni się od średniej UE, wskazując przy tym mocne i słabe strony każdego z państw. W obliczu narastających problemów środowiskowych stale rośnie rola przedsięwzięć minimalizujących negatywny wpływ działalności gospodarczej na środowisko. Istotną rolę w tym procesie ogrywają właśnie ekoinnowacje. Celem artykułu jest analiza zróżnicowania nakładów na innowacje ekologiczne w krajach UE, jak też analiza wskaźników cząstkowych składających się na wskaźnik nakładów. Nakłady na ekoinnowacje mają za zadanie wspierać ekoinnowacje i obejmują zarówno aspekty finansowe, jak też ludzkie. Brane są tutaj pod uwagę działania na rzecz ekoinnowacji w różnego rodzaju organizacjach, m.in. w przedsiębiorstwach i instytucjach badawczych. W analizie nakładów na ekoinnowacje uwzględnia się wielkość rządowych wydatków na środowiskowe i energetyczne B+R, liczbę pracowników i badaczy B+R oraz wielkość zielonych inwestycji. W opracowaniu zastosowano metodę opisową, analizę dynamiki zmian w czasie wskaźników oraz metody statystyczne pozwalające ocenić zróżnicowanie wskaźników pomiędzy poszczególnymi krajami członkowskimi.
An Overview of Algorithms and Associated Applications for Single Cell RNA-Seq Data Imputation
Authors: Basharat Zarrin , Majeed Sania , Saleem Humaira , Khan Ishtiaq Ahmad , Yasmin Azra
Published: July 2020

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Single cell RNA-Seq technology enables assessment of RNA expression in individual cells. This makes it popular in experimental biology for gleaning specifications of novel cell types as well as inferring heterogeneity. Experimental
data conventionally contains zero counts or dropout events for many single cell transcripts. Such missing data hampers the
accurate analysis using standard workflows, designed for massive RNA-Seq datasets. Imputation for single cell datasets is
done to infer the missing values. This was traditionally done with ad-hoc code but later customized pipelines, workflows
and specialized softwares appeared for the purpose. This made it easy to benchmark and cluster things in an organized manner. In this review, we have assembled a catalog of available RNA-Seq single cell imputation algorithms/workflows and associated softwares for the scientific community performing single-cell RNA-Seq data analysis. Continued development of
imputation methods, especially using deep learning approaches would be necessary for eradicating associated pitfalls and
addressing challenges associated with future large scale and heterogeneous datasets.
Gene Therapy, A Novel Therapeutic Tool for Neurological Disorders: Current Progress, Challenges and Future Prospective
Authors: Iqubal Ashif , Iqubal Mohammad Kashif , Khan Aamir , Ali Javed , Baboota Sanjula , Haque Syed Ehtaishamul
Published: July 2020

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Neurological disorders are one of the major threat for health care system as they put enormous
socioeconomic burden. All aged populations are susceptible to one or other neurological problems
with symptoms of neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration and cognitive dysfunction. At present,
available pharmacotherapeutics are insufficient to treat these diseased conditions and in most cases,
they provide only palliative effect. It was also found that the molecular etiology of neurological disorders
is directly linked with the alteration in genetic makeup, which can be inherited or triggered by the
injury, environmental toxins and by some existing disease. Therefore, to take care of this situation,
gene therapy has emerged as an advanced modality that claims to permanently cure the disease by deletion,
silencing or edition of faulty genes and by insertion of healthier genes. In this modality, vectors
(viral and non-viral) are used to deliver targeted gene into a specific region of the brain via various
routes. At present, gene therapy has shown positive outcomes in complex neurological disorders, such
as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington disease, Multiple sclerosis, Amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis and in lysosomal storage disease. However, there are some limitations such as immunogenic
reactions non-specificity of viral vectors and a lack of effective biomarkers to understand the efficacy
of therapy. Considerable progress has been made to improve vector design, gene selection and
targeted delivery. This review article deals with the current status of gene therapy in neurological disorders
along with its clinical relevance, challenges and future prospective.
Glycemic Variability, Oxidative Stress, and Impact on Complications Related to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Valente Tatiana , Arbex Alberto K.
Published: July 2020

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Chronic hyperglycemia is an established risk factor for the development of complications in
both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but glycemic variability has emerged as a possible independent risk factor
for diabetes complications, possibly through oxidative stress. In this review, methods to access glycemic
variability and oxidative stress, as well as their correlations, are discussed. Non-pharmacological
and pharmacological strategies are also debated to achieve better glycemic control, not only by HbA1c
target but also with reduced glycemic fluctuations, possibly minimizing the risk of diabetes complications.
The JPJDF has Synergistic Effect with Fluoropyrimidine in the Maintenance Therapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Fu Xiaoling , Zhang Yanbo , Chang Lisheng , Hui Dengcheng , Jia Ru , Liu Ningning , Zhang Huayue , Han Gang , Han Zhifen , Li Yuan , Liu Hui , Zhu Huirong , Li Qi
Published: July 2020

Background:

Maintenance chemotherapeutic regimen with low toxicity is needed for
metastatic colorectal cancer. A recent patent has been issued on the spleen-strengthening and detoxification
prescription (JPJDF), a traditional Chinese herbal medicinal formula with anti-angiogenesis
effect. The clinical effect of JPJDF on the maintenance treatment of advanced colorectal cancer
has not been evaluated.

Objective:

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of JPJDF in combination with
fluoropyrimidine compared to fluoropyrimidine alone as maintenance therapy for metastatic colorectal
cancer.

Methods:

We applied a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, single center clinical study design.
A total of 137 patients with advanced colorectal cancer were recruited. Patients received either
Fluoropyrimidine (Flu-treated group, n = 68), or Fluoropyrimidine plus JPJDF (Flu-F-treated
group, n = 69) as maintenance treatment after 6-cycle of FOLFOX4 or FOLFORI induction treatment.
The primary endpoints were Progression-Free Survival (PFS) and Overall Survival (OS).
The secondary endpoints were safety, Performance Status (PS) score and other symptoms.

Results:

The endpoint of disease progression was observed in 91.7% of patients. The PFS was 5.0
months and 3.0 months in the Flu-F-treated and Flu-treated groups, respectively. The OS was 15.0
months and 9.0 months in the Flu-F-treated and Flu-treated groups, respectively. Some common
symptoms, such as hypodynamia, anepithymia, dizziness and tinnitus and shortness of breath, were
improved in the Flu-F-treated group. There was no significant difference in the common adverse reactions
between the two groups.

Conclusion:

JPJDF and fluoropyrimidine have synergistic effect in the maintenance treatment of
mCRC.
ANTI-DUALISM IN THE DISCOURSE ON THE ANTHROPOCENE
Authors: Sylla Bernhard
Published: July 2020

18 years after its introduction into scientific vocabulary, a vast discourse on the Anthropocene has settled in very heterogeneous scientific areas, from Biology and Geology to the Arts and Humanities, including Philosophy itself. Despite its multidisciplinarity, there seems to be a common presupposition in this discourse that often becomes a demand: to abandon a false dualism allegedly responsible for the lack of answers to the challenges that the new anthropocenic age poses to us. Anti-dualism seems to be a common denominator, widely shared by the most diverse authors of the Anthropocene discourse, but what is meant by ‘dualism’ seems extremely heterogeneous to me, embracing ontological, epistemological, and political dimensions, and sometimes mixing them. Whatever the combated dualism – nature and culture, social system and terrestrial system, Man and Earth, biosphere and noosphere, subject and object, observer and observed, natural sciences and human sciences, etc. – the golden key to unravelling and developing a different way of thinking and being capable of facing the environmental challenges of the present would be by overcoming these dualisms, that is, in a perspective that can account for the intersection and overlap of the hitherto opposed elements and which presupposes, in the end, their assimilation. How both imbrication and assimilation can or should be thought of, however, can vary greatly from one author to another. Based on these assumptions, I will focus on two criticisms of anti-dualism put forward by Andrew Feenberg and Gernot Böhme. Both critics chose the theories of Haraway and Latour – authors who are today among the most cited philosophers of the Anthropocene – as distinct exponents of anti-dualism. I will argue that criticism of anti-dualism is pertinent and necessary, but that the alternatives proposed by Feenberg and Böhme are not convincing.
A bacia hidrográfica do Lago Paranoá como Geopatrimônio fundante de Brasília, Brasil: unidade de paisagem referência de cultura e sustentabilidade geográfica
Authors: Oliveira Tony Marcelo Gomes de , Steinke Valdir Adilson
Published: July 2020

A Bacia Hidrográfica do Lago Paranoá de Brasília localizada inteiramente na região central do Distrito Federal-Brasil, no domínio do Planalto, sob as zonas de chapadas e abundante hidrografia, condicionantes para acomodar o projeto urbano inovador de Lucio Costa para a capital. Entende-se a bacia como patrimônio geomorfológico por sua relevância ambiental generosa e condicionante para a formação da moderna Brasília. Como questão, partimos: pode, a bacia ser legitimada como paisagem original e matriz, por representar o ambiente geossistêmico complexo e exemplar para a formação da cidade? Como método, buscou-se revisão bibliográfica, comparativo de mapas e imagens em tempos distintos e da imprescindível pesquisa de campo para melhor referendar nosso objetivo em reconhecer a Bacia do Lago Paranoá como paisagem original e base física de relevância fundante para a formação cultural urbana e ambiental da capital tombada do Brasil.
Developing a platform for a culture of honest inquiry and the academic construction of knowledge in first-year students
Authors: Craig Robert , Dalton David
Published: July 2020

Academic misconduct is a concern in tertiary institutes globally with some perceiving it as endemic. Amongst the issues raised by this practice are serious ethical considerations and impacts on learning. If students are not doing their own work, what is actually being learned? The reasons why students plagiarise are therefore a legitimate area of study and may not be as straightforward as they first appear. This research was conducted at the Petroleum Institute (PI), an engineering university and research institute in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The main objective of the research was to gather data which would highlight the perceptions first-year students have concerning the proportion and frequency of cheating among their peers. There was also interest in discovering what students considered to be the main reasons for such behaviour. Findings show that at the start of the undergraduate programme, three quarters to four fifths of the students viewed copying as serious or very serious. However, after only one semester this percentage had dropped considerably for some areas. Frequency of cheating also varied from the first to the second semester. The data established that there is a clear problem and indicates a need for change. In the context of the Communications Department, to which the researchers belong, courses were already in place within which issues of plagiarism and copying were minimal.

This paper presents the full findings of the investigation and describes an enquirybased approach adopted by the PI Communications Department in 2006 to lay the foundations for developing honest inquiry and the academic construction of knowledge. The approach aims to facilitate student engagement, ownership and buyin and has had a mitigating effect on copying and plagiarism. Recommendations are suggested for general changes across the curriculum, based on the experiences of the above mentioned programme.
Towards consistent penalty decisions for breaches of academic regulations in one UK university
Authors: Carroll Jude , Appleton Jon
Published: July 2020

This paper investigates the extent to which policies and procedures designed to achieve fair, consistent treatment of student plagiarism are effective in one UK university. The

case study uses a model more frequently linked to reliability in assessment decisions to inspect penalty decisions and consider ways of achieving greater consistency. The study

notes activities that are important in achieving greater consistency such as sharing assumptions and information between decision makers, introducing specialist officers, and

restricting penalty choice. The authors describe a tariff system for choosing appropriate penalties and evaluate its potential for future monitoring of decisions. Areas for continued attention are identified in the case study, because fully consistent treatment cannot yet be demonstrated.
Does educational integrity mean teaching students NOT to 'use their own words'?
Authors: McGowan Ursula
Published: July 2020

In the face of increasing evidence of plagiarism in higher education the maintenance of educational integrity relies on the capacity of universities to strengthen their systems for consistent detection of and penalties for deliberate

plagiarism, cheating and other fraudulent practices. However, there is a danger that the resolve to do so may be weakened if these systems become overloaded by the detection of a high incidence of unintentional plagiarism. The focus of

this paper is on international students for whom English is an additional language (EAL) and whose plagiarism is most easily recognised, as many set out on their degree courses with no experience in a Western academic environment, an unsteady command of English grammar and a relatively limited range of

vocabulary. The advice to 'use their own words' in order to avoid accidental plagiarism may be more confusing than helpful for them. This paper proposes that far from trapping students in their existing repertoire of words, the teaching,

assessment and feedback advice provided within university courses should explicitly support their students' development of the formal language that is valued in academic writing. It is suggested that the basis for doing so is an understanding of the essential differences between informal, spoken language

and the more formal style required in written assignments. An educational approach that successfully removes innocent plagiarists from the disciplinary system could become a means for assuring a university's educational integrity.

Keywords: plagiarism, 'own words', spoken and written language, re-usable language, international students, English as an Additional Language (EAL).