bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A strong effect of individual compliance with mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis on sustained clearance of soil-transmitted helminth infections
Authors: Campillo Jérémy T. , Awaca-Uvon Naomi P. , Tambwe Jean-Paul , Kuyangisa-Simuna Godefroy , Vlaminck Johnny , Weil Gary J. , Boussinesq Michel , Chesnais Cédric B. , Pion Sébastien D. S.
Published: June 2021

Background

The impact of semiannual mass drug administration (MDA) with albendazole (ALB; 400 mg) alone on lymphatic filariasis (LF) and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections was assessed during two trials conducted from 2012 to 2018 in the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The collected data were analyzed to evaluate the effect of compliance with ALB treatment on STH infections.

Methods

STH infections were diagnosed with duplicate Kato-Katz thick smears and the results are reported as eggs per gram of stool. All subjects with at least two STH infection assessments were included in the analyses. We used parametric survival models to assess the influence of compliance with ALB treatment on the probability of (i) achieving sustained clearance of an STH infection, and (ii) acquiring an STH infection during the follow-up.

Results

Out of 2658 subjects included in the trials, data on 202 participants (701 person-years; PY) with hookworm infection, 211 (651 PY) with Ascaris lumbricoides infection and 270 (1013 PY) with Trichuris trichiura infection were available to calculate the probability of achieving sustained clearance of infection. The effect of ALB was dose related for all three STH. For hookworm, the time required for sustained clearance was longer (4.3 years, P < 0.001) for participants who took zero doses per year and shorter (3.4 years, P = 0.112) for participants who took two doses per year compared to those who took one dose per year (3.7 years). For Ascaris, the time required to obtain sustained clearance followed the same pattern: 6.1 years (P < 0.001) and 3.2 years (P = 0.004) vs 3.6 years for, zero, two and one dose per year, respectively. For Trichuris, less time was required for sustained clearance (4.2 years, P < 0.001) for fully compliant participants, i.e. those who took two doses per year, than for those who only took one dose per year (5.0 years). ALB was more effective in achieving sustained clearance of STH infection in subjects with light baseline infection intensities compared to those with higher egg counts.

Conclusion

Our results illustrate the importance of MDA compliance at the level of the individual with respect to the STH benefit provided by semiannual ALB MDA, which is used for the elimination of LF in Central Africa.

Graphical Abstract
Realistic boundary conditions in SimVascular through inlet catheter modeling
Authors: Taebi Amirtahà , Berk Selin , Roncali Emilie
Published: June 2021

Objective

This study aims at developing a pipeline that provides the capability to include the catheter effect in the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of the cardiovascular system and other human vascular flows carried out with the open-source software SimVascular. This tool is particularly useful for CFD simulation of interventional radiology procedures such as tumor embolization where estimation of a therapeutic agent distribution is of interest.

Results

A pipeline is developed that generates boundary condition files which can be used in SimVascular CFD simulations. The boundary condition files are modified such that they simulate the effect of catheter presence on the flow field downstream of the inlet. Using this pipeline, the catheter flow, velocity profile, radius, wall thickness, and deviation from the vessel center can be defined. Since our method relies on the manipulation of the boundary condition that is imposed on the inlet, it is sensitive to the mesh density. The finer the mesh is (especially around the catheter wall), the more accurate the velocity estimations are. In this study, we also utilized this pipeline to qualitatively investigate the effect of catheter presence on the flow field in a truncated right hepatic arterial tree of a liver cancer patient.
Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 different variants and related morbidity and mortality: a systematic review
Authors: SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Mirzapour Pegah , Dadras Omid , Pashaei Zahra , Karimi Amirali , MohsseniPour Mehrzad , Soleymanzadeh Mahdi , Barzegary Alireza , Afsahi Amir Masoud , Vahedi Farzin , Shamsabadi Ahmadreza , Behnezhad Farzane , Saeidi Solmaz , Mehraeen Esmaeil , Shayesteh Jahanfar
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Coronavirus Disease-2019 (SARS-CoV-2) started its devastating trajectory into a global pandemic in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Ever since, several variants of SARS-CoV-2 have been identified. In the present review, we aimed to characterize the different variants of SARS-CoV-2 and explore the related morbidity and mortality.

Methods

A systematic review including the current evidence related to different variants of SARS-CoV-2 and the related morbidity and mortality was conducted through a systematic search utilizing the keywords in the online databases including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct; we retrieved all related papers and reports published in English from December 2019 to September 2020.

Results

A review of identified articles has shown three main genomic variants, including type A, type B, and type C. we also identified three clades including S, V, and G. Studies have demonstrated that the C14408T and A23403G alterations in the Nsp12 and S proteins are the most prominent alterations in the world, leading to life-threatening mutations.The spike D614G amino acid change has become the most common variant since December 2019. From missense mutations found from Gujarat SARS-CoV-2 genomes, C28854T, deleterious mutation in the nucleocapsid (N) gene was significantly associated with patients' mortality. The other significant deleterious variant (G25563T) is found in patients located in Orf3a and has a potential role in viral pathogenesis.

Conclusion

Overall, researchers identified several SARS-CoV-2 variants changing clinical manifestations and increasing the transmissibility, morbidity, and mortality of COVID-19. This should be considered in current practice and interventions to combat the pandemic and prevent related morbidity and mortality.
Associations of cerebrospinal fluid amyloidogenic nanoplaques with cytokines in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Aksnes Mari , Aass Hans Christian D. , Tiiman Ann , Edwin Trine Holt , Terenius Lars , Bogdanović Nenad , Vukojević Vladana , Knapskog Anne-Brita
Published: June 2021

Background

The aggregation of amyloid β (Aβ) is central in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recently it has been shown that specifically, larger, Thioflavin T-binding Aβ aggregates are associated with increased neuroinflammation and cytokine release. This study was aimed to quantify fibrillary amyloid aggregates, so-called nanoplaques, and investigate their relationship with cytokines in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Methods

CSF was collected from 111 patients assessed for cognitive complaints at the Oslo University Hospital Memory Clinic. The patients were grouped based on their amyloid status. The CSF nanoplaque concentration was quantified with the Thioflavin T-fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (ThT-FCS) assay. The levels of nine cytokines (eotaxin-1, granulocyte stimulating factor, interleukin [IL]-6, IL-7, IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, gamma-induced protein 10, macrophage inflammatory protein [MIP]-1α, and MIP-1β) were quantified with a magnetic bead-based multiplex assay and read on a Luminex IS 200 instrument.

Results

There were 49 amyloid-negative and 62 amyloid-positive patients in the cohort; none of the cytokines differed significantly between the amyloid groups. The increased nanoplaque levels were associated with levels of MIP-1β below the lower limit of quantification, and with decreased levels of MIP-1α and IL-8. The associations remained significant when adjusted for age, sex, cognitive function, apolipoprotein ε4 status and CSF core biomarker levels.

Conclusion

The cytokine levels were not associated with amyloid status in this cohort. The nanoplaque levels were negatively associated with MIP-1β, MIP-1α and IL-8, which is in line with recent findings suggesting that the upregulation of some cytokine markers has a protective role and is negatively associated with AD progression.
Dental implant placement with inferior alveolar nerve repositioning in severely resorbed mandibles: a retrospective multicenter study of implant success and survival rates, and lower lip sensory disturbances
Authors: Deryabin George , Grybauskas Simonas
Published: June 2021

Background

The purpose of this study was to analyze medium-to-long-term implant success and survival rates, and lower lip sensory disturbance after placement of dental implants with simultaneous inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) repositioning.

Methods

Fifteen patients (3 men, 12 women) treated in two centers were included in this retrospective study. The ages of the participants ranged from 19 to 68. A total of 48 dental implants were placed in 23 posterior mandibular segments simultaneously with IAN transposition or lateralization. The residual bone above the IAN ranged from 0.5 to 7.0 mm. Crestal bone changes were measured using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Disturbance of the IAN was evaluated subjectively using a modified questionnaire.

Results

The healing process was uneventful in fourteen patients. In one patient, spontaneous fracture of the operated mandible occurred on tenth day after the surgery. The implant in the fracture line was removed at the time of open reduction and fixation. One more implant was lost after 5 years of loading. Therefore, the overall dental implant survival rate was 95.8%, whereas all implants in function were judged as successful after a follow-up period of 1 to 10 years. Transient neurosensory disturbances (ND) were observed in all patients who underwent IAN lateralization and IAN transposition. At follow-up times of 3 years, 5 years, and 10 years, weak hypoesthesia remained in two subjects treated with IAN transposition. None of the patients developed neuropathic pain after the procedure.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, we conclude that reconstruction of severely resorbed mandibles with dental implants in conjunction with IAN repositioning is an effective and reliable technique. Although neurosensory disturbances are the most common complication after surgery, they tend to resolve over time. Advanced surgical skills are required to perform this technique.
Exploring biometric identification in FinTech applications based on the modified TAM
Authors: Wang Jen Sheng
Published: June 2021

In recent years, biometric technologies have been widely embedded in mobile devices; these technologies were originally employed to enhance the security of mobile devices. With the rise of financial technology (FinTech), which uses mobile devices and applications as promotional platforms, biometrics has the important role of strengthening the identification of such applications for security. However, users still have privacy and trust concerns about biometrics. Previous studies have demonstrated that the technology acceptance model (TAM) can rigorously explain and predict user acceptance of new technologies. This study therefore modifies the TAM as a basic research architecture. Based on a literature review, we add two new variables, namely, “perceived privacy” and “perceived trust,” to extend the traditional TAM to examine user acceptance of biometric identification in FinTech applications. First, we apply the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to evaluate the defined objects and relevant criteria of the research framework. Second, we use the AHP results in the scenario analysis to explore biometric identification methods that correspond to objects and criteria. The results indicate that face and voice recognition are the two most preferred identification methods in FinTech applications. In addition, there are significant changes in the results of the perceived trust and perceived privacy dominant scenarios.
In silico binding affinity analysis of microplastic compounds on PET hydrolase enzyme target of Ideonella sakaiensis
Authors: Duru Chidi Edbert , Duru Ijeoma Akunna , Enyoh Christian Ebere
Published: June 2021

Background

The world today is faced with the humongous challenge of removing the numerous plastic wastes in our environment. Efforts in the removal or remediation of these materials from the ecosystem are presently at the budding stage. Some researchers have shown that certain bacterial enzymes have the ability to hydrolyze and further degrade these plastic compounds. In this study, the ability of PET hydrolase enzyme to hydrolyze polyvinylchloride, polyurethane, polymethyl methacrylate, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, and polycarbonate was investigated in silico.

Results

The binding affinity values of polycarbonate (− 5.7 kcal/mol) and polyethylene terephthalate (− 5.2 kcal/mol) on the enzyme targets were the highest and showed that they are likely to be efficiently hydrolyzed by this bacteria in the environment. The binding affinity of polyvinylchloride was the lowest (− 2.2 kcal/mol) and suggested that it would show resistance to hydrolysis by the PET hydrolase enzyme.

Conclusion

The findings from this study showed that PET hydrolase enzyme from Ideonella sakaiensis could be efficient in the hydrolysis of plastic wastes composed mainly of polycarbonate and polyethylene terephthalate.
Assessment of the antibacterial effect of Khaya senegalensis on some Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Dougnon Victorien , Hounsa Edna , Koudokpon Hornel , Agbodjento Eric , Afaton Anny , Sintondji Kevin , Klotoe Jean Robert , Segbo Julien , Baba-Moussa Lamine
Published: June 2021

Background

The matter of antimicrobial resistance evokes the urgency to explore alternatives to the antibiotics traditionally used for microbial infections. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of action of the antibacterial effect of Khaya senegalensis liable for bacterial strains responsible for diarrheal infections.

Results

The data collected indicate that the bacterial strains tested (Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Shigella spp. and Salmonella spp.) were sensitive to the extracts of Khaya senegalensis (Desr.) A.Juss. (aqueous and hydro-ethanol) to varying degrees. The hydro-ethanolic extract was active on all strains with a MIC of 25 mg/mL coupled with a bactericidal effect. The aqueous extract was only active on the Salmonella spp. strain. Membrane permeability test data show that Khaya senegalensis extracts affect the bacterial strains tested by attacking the stability of their outer membrane. This potential indicated by the high percentage of membrane destabilization of the bacteria is significantly (p < 0.05) better than that of cefixime used as a reference.

Conclusion

This study revealed that Khaya senegalensis destroys Gram-bacteria by attacking the stability of their cytoplasmic membrane. These data provide for the first time the mode of action of Khaya senegalensis extracts concerning their antibacterial activity.
Photosynthetic characteristics of cotton are enhanced by altering the timing of mulch film removal
Authors: ZHANG Zhanqin , ZHANG Li , TIAN Haiyan , NIU Yuan , YANG Xiangkun
Published: June 2021

Background

The photosynthetic parameters of cotton plants may be modified by the timing of film removal during their growing period. This study was undertaken during 2015–2017 in Xinjiang, China, to determine to what extent the film mulching removal time, 1 and 10 days before the first irrigation and 1 day before the second irrigation after seedling emergence, influenced cotton’s photosynthetic characteristics. The control group (CK) was film-mulched throughout the growth stages.

Results

The results suggested the following: (1) Removing mulching-film within 50 days since seedling emergence had adverse effects on soil temperature and moisture. (2) Film-removal before the first or second irrigation after emergence improved the net photosynthetic rate in cotton’s later flowering stage and its transpiration rate in mid and later flowering stages while enhancing the actual electron transport rate (ETR) and maximum electron transfer rate (ETRmax) between cotton photosystems I and II. (3) Film-removal treatment also increased cotton plants’ tolerance to high irradiation after emergence, the trend was more pronounced in the early flowering stage in wetter years. (4) Leaf area index (LAI) of cotton was reduced in the film-removal treatment for which the least accumulation of dry matter occurred in a drought year (i.e., 2015). (5) Film removal caused a yield decrease in the dry year (2015), and the earlier the film was removed, the more seriously the yield decreased. Removing mulching film before the second irrigation could increase the yield of XLZ42 in the rainy year (2016) and the normal rainfall year (2017). Early film removal can increase the yield of XLZ45 in the rainy year (2016).

Conclusions

Collectively, our study’s experimental results indicate that applying mulch film removal at an appropriate, targeted time after seedling emergence had no adverse effects on soil moisture and temperature, and improved the photosynthetic performance of cotton, thus increased cotton yield and fiber quality, but no significant difference was reached.
A unique case of black choledocholithiasis: a video-based case review in the Pancreato-Biliary Division–Endoscopy Unit of National Liver Institute (NLI)
Authors: Alhaddad Omkolsoum , Elsabaawy Maha , Hendy Olfat , Kamal Ahmed , Elshazly Helmy
Published: June 2021

Background

Black gall stones are consistently described in relation to haem turnover and hemolytic disorders. Black gall stones are also a frequent presentation in cirrhotic patients, principally due to hemolysis-related hypersplenism.

Case presentation

Herein, we present a case of an average built 83-year-old lady who was suffering from biliary-type abdominal episodes of pain. Neither clinical nor laboratory evidence of overt biliary obstruction, cholangitis, or pancreatitis was detected. Sonographic examination revealed the presence of calcular gall bladder with many small stones, dilated common bile duct (CBD), and biliary radicles, along with homogenous average-sized liver, average-sized spleen with normal echogenicity and no focal lesions. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) was performed with wide papillotomy which was surprisingly followed by a drift of innumerable intensely black small stones.

Conclusion

In aged population, absence of the full-blown clinical syndrome in relation to complicated CBD stones should not exclude endoscopic intervention.
Teaching Undergraduates to Communicate Science, Cultivate Mentoring Relationships, and Navigate Science Culture
Authors: Wrighting Diedra M. , Dombach Jamie , Walker Mike , Cook Jenene , Duncan Marlina , Ruiz Gisselle Velez , Colón-Carmona Adán , Birren Bruce
Published: June 2021

To promote persistence in STEM, a course implemented for undergraduate researchers teaches in an integrated manner the skills for: 1) scientific communication; 2) maximizing the effectiveness of research mentoring relationships; and 3) navigating scientific culture and its interactions with multiple social identities.
Cervical Cancer Treatment in HIV-Positive Patients: A Survey of Treatment Practices in India
Authors: Mohanty Samarpita , Gurram Lavanya , Chopra Supriya , Mahantshetty Umesh , Grover Surbhi
Published: June 2021

PURPOSE

Chemoradiation remains a challenge in women living with HIV (WLWH) and cervical cancer primarily because of concerns regarding immune status. With limited literature available to help guide the management of these patients, clinical practices among oncologists are variable across India. Hence, we conducted a survey among radiation oncologists in India to assess the patterns of current practices of treating cervical cancer with chemoradiation in WLWH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A questionnaire consisting of 12 questions related to the treatment of cervical cancer in WLWH was distributed to radiation oncologists at two national conferences in India.

RESULTS

The questionnaire was distributed to 105 radiation oncologists, and 90 (85.7%) responses were received. 95.5% of respondents reported that patients with advanced cervical cancer constituted the majority of their practice. Chemoradiation was reported as the most common modality of planned treatment. Ninety-four percentage of respondents reported that they referred patients to an antiretroviral therapy clinic before starting definitive treatment. The majority of respondents (68%) do not plan for concurrent chemotherapy if CD4 counts were < 200 cells/mm3. As many as 50% of respondents reported that they would only start antiretroviral therapy when CD4 counts drop. Poor social support (37.6%), concurrent infections during treatment (28.2%), acute toxicities (21.2%), and poor nutrition (13%) were cited as the most common reasons for treatment interruption in cervical cancer patients with HIV.

CONCLUSION

This survey highlights the prevalent inconsistencies in treatment protocols employed by radiation oncologists in India for the management of locally advanced cervical cancer in WLWH. It also reflects the need for social and nutritional support to help improve compliance and thereby improve outcomes in these patients.
Fat Cell Size: Measurement Methods, Pathophysiological Origins, and Relationships With Metabolic Dysregulations
Authors: Ye Run Zhou , Richard Gabriel , Gévry Nicolas , Tchernof André , Carpentier André C
Published: June 2021

The obesity pandemic increasingly causes morbidity and mortality from type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and many other chronic diseases. Fat cell size (FCS) predicts numerous obesity-related complications such as lipid dysmetabolism, ectopic fat accumulation, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disorders. Nevertheless, the scarcity of systematic literature reviews on this subject is compounded by the use of different methods by which FCS measurements are determined and reported. In this paper, we provide a systematic review of the current literature on the relationship between adipocyte hypertrophy and obesity-related glucose and lipid dysmetabolism, ectopic fat accumulation, and cardiovascular disorders. We also review the numerous mechanistic origins of adipocyte hypertrophy and its relationship with metabolic dysregulation, including changes in adipogenesis, cell senescence, collagen deposition, systemic inflammation, adipokine secretion, and energy balance. To quantify the effect of different FCS measurement methods, we performed statistical analyses across published data while controlling for body mass index, age, and sex.
Η θέση των μη κρατικών δικαίων στο συγκριτικό δίκαιο
Authors: Μώρου Θεοδώρα
Published: June 2021

Σχεδόν όλοι οι κλάδοι του δικαίου της Δύσης έχουν υιοθετήσει την θεώρηση του δικαίου ως αποκλειστικού δημιουργήματος του κράτους. Ένας από τους κλάδους δικαίου που λάμβαναν επί σειρά ετών ως αυτονόητη την συγκεκριμένη θεώρηση του δικαίου ήταν και το Συγκριτικό δίκαιο. Υπό την επιρροή της, το Συγκριτικό δίκαιο περιορίστηκε στην σύγκριση μόνο κανόνων των κρατικών δικαίων και απέκλεισε από το πεδίο της σύγκρισης μη κρατικές δικαιικές εκφράσεις. Εάν γίνει δεκτό, όπως υποστηρίζεται, ότι το πεδίο έρευνας του Συγκριτικού δικαίου είναι εγγενώς απεριόριστο, δεν υπάρχει ίσως καμία αμφιβολία ότι η στάση του αυτή αποτελούσε έναν αυτοπεριορισμό του. Κρίσιμος κρίνεται ένας επαναπροσδιορισμός του ρόλου του. Σκοπός της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής είναι να αποκαταστήσει στην θέση τους τις αποκλεισμένες μέχρι πρότινος δικαιικές εκφράσεις στο Συγκριτικό δίκαιο αφού πρώτα αναζητήσει τους τρόπους με τους οποίους ο κλάδος οδηγήθηκε σε αυτόν του τον αυτοπεριορισμό. Σημαντικό ρόλο στον αυτοπεριορισμό του Συγκριτικού δικαίου έπαιξε το θεωρητικό πλαίσιο γύρω από το οποίο ήταν δομημένο. Στην πρώτη ενότητα του πρώτου μέρους, η οποία τιτλοφορείται «Ορθόδοξο Συγκριτικό Δίκαιο» συγκεντρώνονται κάποιες θεωρητικές επιλογές του Συγκριτικού δικαίου, οι οποίες θεωρείται ότι συνέβαλαν στον αποκλεισμό των μη κρατικών δικαίων από το πεδίο της σύγκρισης. Ενώ, στην δεύτερη ενότητα, η οποία τιτλοφορείται «Νομαδικό Συγκριτικό Δίκαιο» επιδιώκεται η διαμόρφωση ενός νέου θεωρητικού πλαισίου, η αξιοποίηση του οποίου θεωρείται ότι θα μπορούσε να συμβάλει στην αποκατάσταση της θέσης των μη κρατικών δικαίων κατά τις συγκρίσεις δικαίων. Στο δεύτερο και τρίτο μέρος της διδακτορικής διατριβής εξετάζονται από μια ιστορική οπτική δυο περιπτώσεις μη κρατικών δικαίων, οι οποίες ήταν επί μακρόν εξαιρεμένες από τις συγκρίσεις δικαίων: τα αφρικανικά αυτόχθονα δίκαια και το ινδουιστικό δίκαιο. Κρίσιμη χρονική περίοδος και στις δύο υπό εξέταση περιπτώσεις ήταν εκείνη της αποικιοκρατίας, καθώς οι παρεμβάσεις που επισυνέβησαν εκείνη την περίοδο στα δίκαια αυτά έπαιξαν καθοριστικό ρόλο στην μετέπειτα πορεία τους. Αυτός είναι και ο λόγος που η ανάλυσή τους είναι δομημένη γύρω από αυτό το ιστορικό γεγονός. Πιο συγκεκριμένα εξετάζονται: τα χαρακτηριστικά γνωρίσματα αυτών πριν από την περίοδο της αποικιοκρατίας, οι αλλαγές που επήλθαν σε αυτά κατά την διάρκεια της αποικιοκρατίας και οι σημερινές εκδηλώσεις αυτών των δικαίων από την ανεξαρτητοποίηση των αφρικανικών κρατών και της Ινδίας και έπειτα. Είναι σημαντικό να σημειωθεί ότι η φράση «μη κρατικά δίκαια» είναι εξαιρετικά ευρεία. Εκτός από τα μη κρατικά δίκαια που εντοπίζονται εντός του κράτους, περιλαμβάνει και τα μη κρατικά δίκαια εκτός αυτού –υπερεθνική νομοθεσία (Διεθνείς Συνθήκες, νομοθεσία Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης), πρότυποι νόμοι (UNCITRAL, κανόνες ICC), κανόνες: lex mercatoria, lex maritima, lex petrolea, lex sportiva. Διευκρινίζεται ότι αντικείμενο της εν λόγω διατριβής αποτελούν μόνο τα εντός του κράτους μη κρατικά δίκαια.
Η ανάλυση DNA στο ελληνικό και ευρωπαϊκό δικονομικό δίκαιο
Authors: Ορφανός Σάββας
Published: June 2021

H παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή ασχολείται εις βάθος με τh δογματική προβληματική της «Ανάλυσης DNA στο ελληνικό και ευρωπαϊκό δικονομικό δίκαιο». Έτσι, πρωταρχικός στόχος του συγκεκριμένου βιβλίου είναι η κατανόηση της επιστημονικής έννοιας του DNA, της σημασίας της Ανάλυσης DNA για το σύνολο της ποινικής διαδικασίας, η κριτική προσέγγιση σημαντικών πτυχών που σχετίζονται με την Ανάλυση DNA στο Ελληνικό και Ευρωπαϊκό Δικονομικό Δίκαιο, η σύγκριση μεταξύ του Ελληνικού Ποινικού Δικονομικού Δικαίου και των διαφορετικών νομικών συστημάτων όσον αφορά αυτό το πεδίο, και η εξαγωγή ορισμένων γενικότερων συμπερασμάτων σχετικά με αυτό το πολύ σημαντικό ζήτημα, αλλά και άλλα σημαντικά προβλήματα εξετάζονται λεπτομερώς σε αυτό το βιβλίο. Επιπλέον, εντοπίζονται θεμελιώδη νομολογιακά και θεωρητικά ζητήματα, τα οποία αφορούν πρωτίστως τις προϋποθέσεις διεξαγωγής της ανάλυσης DNA, τους σοβαρούς κινδύνους που ελλοχεύουν για τα θεμελιώδη δικαιώματα και τις ατομικές ελευθερίες, αλλά και πολλά άλλα κρίσιμα ζητήματα.
Σύνθεση νανοδομημένων πολυπεπτιδικών υλικών βασισμένα στην πολυ(κυστεΐνη) και την πολυ(ιστιδίνη) για τον εγκλωβισμό και αποδέσμευση αντικαρκινικών φαρμάκων
Authors: Σταυρουλάκη Δήμητρα
Published: June 2021

Στην παρούσα Διδακτορική Διατριβή παρουσιάζεται η σύνθεση μίας σειράς υβριδικών πολυπεπτιδικών συμπολυμερών βασισμένα στην πολυ(ιστιδίνη) και την πολυ(κυστεΐνη), του γενικού τύπου PEO-b-P(Cys)-b-P(His). Η σύνθεσή τους πραγματοποιήθηκε μέσω πολυμερισμού διάνοιξης δακτυλίου των αντίστοιχων προστατευμένων Ν-καρβοξυ ανυδριτών (μονομερή), με χρήση αμινο-τελικού πολυ(αιθυλενοξειδίου) (mPEO-NH2) ως μακροαπαρχητή. Για τη σύνθεση των Ν-καρβοξυ ανυδριτών των α-αμινοξέων, τον καθαρισμό των διαλυτών, αλλά και για τη λήψη καλά καθορισμένων πολυμερών, χρησιμοποιήθηκαν τεχνικές υψηλού κενού, εξασφαλίζοντας υψηλή καθαρότητα στο σύστημα. Η επιτυχής σύνθεση των πολυμερών επιβεβαιώθηκε με τις τεχνικές της Χρωματογραφίας αποκλεισμού μεγεθών (SEC), του Πυρηνικού μαγνητικού συντονισμού πρωτονίου (1Η-NMR) και της Φασματοσκοπίας υπερύθρου (FT-IR). Επιπλέον, μελετήθηκε η εξάρτηση της δευτεροταγούς δομής των πολυπεπτιδίων από το pH και τη θερμοκρασία με την τεχνική του Κυκλικού διχρωϊσμού (CD). Οι τεχνικές της Δυναμικής (DLS), της Στατικής (SLS) σκέδασης φωτός, και της Ηλεκτρονικής μικροσκοπίας διαπερατότητας (TEM) χρησιμοποιήθηκαν, προκειμένου να μελετηθεί η ικανότητα αυτοοργάνωσης και το μέγεθος των συντιθέμενων νανοσωματιδίων, ενώ το επιφανειακό τους φορτίο προσδιορίστηκε με την τεχνική του ζ-δυναμικού. Επιπροσθέτως, αποδείχθηκε ότι τα πολυπεπτιδικά πολυμερή του τύπου PEO-b-P(Cys)-b-P(His) έχουν την ικανότητα να αυτοοργανώνονται σε υδατικά διαλύματα και να σχηματίζουν μικυλλιακές δομές, από υδρόφιλο κέλυφος πολυ(αιθυλενοξειδίου) και υδρόφοβο pH-, και οξειδοαναγωγικώς αποκρινόμενο πυρήνα πολυ(κυστεΐνης) και πολυ(ιστιδίνης). Τέλος, τα υβριδικά πολυπεπτιδικά συμπολυμερή της παρούσας Διατριβής μπορούν να εγκλωβίζουν και να αποδεσμεύουν το αντικαρκινικό φάρμακο της δοξορουβικίνης, με ένα στοχευμένο και ελεγχόμενο τρόπο, σε συνθήκες καρκινικού ιστού, όπως αποκάλυψαν in vitro μελέτες αποδέσμευσης σε κύτταρα καρκίνου του μαστού.
Επίδραση του στρες στην έκβαση της υποβοηθούμενης αναπαραγωγής και συσχέτισή του με βιοχημικούς και ορμονικούς δείκτες και μεταβολές στο καρδιαγγειακό και αυτόνομο νευρικό σύστημα
Authors: Τρικοίλης Νικόλαος
Published: June 2021

Επίδραση του άγχους στην έκβαση της υποβοηθούμενης αναπαραγωγής και συσχέτισή του με βιοχημικούς και ορμονικούς δείκτες και με μεταβολές στο καρδιαγγειακό και αυτόνομο νευρικό σύστημα. Στο παρελθόν το άγχος, αν και αποτέλεσε αντικείμενο αντιπαράθεσης σε ένα βαθμό, γενικά θεωρήθηκε ότι ασκεί αρνητικές επιπτώσεις στα ποσοστά εγκυμοσύνης σε γυναίκες που υποβάλλονται σε θεραπείες υποβοηθούμενης αναπαραγωγής. Μια αντίληψη ωστόσο, που τελεί υπό αυξανόμενη αμφισβήτηση στα τελευταία χρόνια. Σκοπός της μελέτης αυτής παρατήρησης (οbservational case-control study) υπήρξε η αξιολόγηση των επιπέδων άγχους σε υπογόνιμες γυναίκες που υποβλήθηκαν σε θεραπεία υποβοηθούμενης αναπαραγωγής με τη μέθοδο της Εξωσωματικής Γονιμοποίησης (in vitro fertilization-IVF) ή ενδοκυτταροπλασματικής έγχυσης σπερματοζωαρίων (intracytoplasmic sperm injection-ICSI), σε σχέση με την έκβαση των θεραπευτικών αυτών μεθόδων (έγκυες, μη έγκυες). Τόπος διεξαγωγής της μελέτης ήταν η μονάδα υποβοηθούμενης Αναπαραγωγής στο Ιατρικό Διαβαλκανικό Θεσσαλονίκης διασυνδεόμενη (affiliated) με αντίστοιχη Πανεπιστημιακή (Μονάδα Ιατρικά Υποβοηθούμενης Aναπαραγωγής, Α’ Πανεπιστημιακή Κλινική Μαιευτικής και Γυναικολογίας-Νοσοκομείο Παπαγεωργίου). Υπογόνιμες γυναίκες (n=109) ηλικίας 25 - 45 ετών, που υποβλήθηκαν στην πρώτη προσπάθεια IVF/ICSI θεραπείας και οι οποίες διαχωρίστηκαν σε δύο ομάδες σύμφωνα με το αποτέλεσμα: Ομάδα Α (n=49, έγγυες/Ε) και ομάδα Β (n=60, μη έγγυες/ΜΕ). Τα επίπεδα άγχους προσδιορίστηκαν βάσει του Ερωτηματολογίου Spielberger Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), τροποποιημένο κατά Marteau και Begger 271 την ημέρα της ωοληψίας (ΩΟ) και την ημέρα της εμβρυομεταφοράς (EΜ). Ταυτόχρονα με τις παραπάνω αιμοληψίες, προσδιορίστηκαν τα επίπεδα ‘βιοδεικτών’ του stress (stress biomarkers): κορτιζόλη, αδρεναλίνη, νοραδρεναλίνη, αμυλάση και προλακτίνη).Αποτελέσματα: Η πλειοψηφία των γυναικών και στις δύο ομάδες έδειξαν αυξημένα αλλά στατιστικά παρεμφερή επίπεδα άγχους τόσο στην ημέρα της ωοληψίας όσο και στην ημέρα της εμβρυομεταφοράς (p=0.183 και p=0.760, αντίστοιχα). Οι ‘βιο-δείκτες’ άγχους (stress) που προσδιορίστηκαν την ημέρα της ωοληψίας και της εμβρυομεταφοράς δεν διέφεραν μεταξύ των δύο ομάδων Α και Β. Παρά το γεγονός ότι γυναίκες που υποβάλλονται σε θεραπεία IVF/ICSI ανεξαρτήτως αποτελέσματος γενικά εκδηλώνουν ήπιο μέχρι μέτριου βαθμού άγχος, αυτό δεν φαίνεται να επηρεάζει άμεσα το τελικό αποτέλεσμα όσον αφορά τα ποσοστά κύησης.
Quality of life of patients with terminal stage of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Babenko Z. V.
Published: June 2021

WHO defines quality of life (QL) as "an individual's perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns". Health related QL is an evaluation of QL and its relationship with health. The aim. To analyse quality of life components in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), stage V. For this 68 CKD (stage V) patients have been under examination. By assessing physical activity, performance, clinical and laboratory data, an objective assessment of QL have been made. The patient's subjective perception of his illness and social adaptation makes it possible to determine with great accuracy the measures necessary for the medical and social rehabilitation of patients on program and peritoneal dialysis. Conclusion. In the terminal stage of CKD, the patients’ QL and its individual components deteriorate significantly. According to general health, physical, mental well-being, social functioning, the lowest assessment of QL was found in patients of the hemodialysis group.
Endocrine status of adolescent girls with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and obesity
Authors: Chaykivska E. F.
Published: June 2021

Along with the increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity, diseases associated with unhealthy morbid obesity, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), are also on the rise. How NAFLD affects the hormonal profile in adolescent girls has not been studied enough. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the features of the endocrine status of adolescent girls with NAFLD and obesity. Material and methods. From 2010 to 2020, 300 patients aged 12–17 years were monitored, including 120 patients with NAFLD and metabolically unhealthy obesity and 180 conditionally somatically healthy girls with normal sexual development with normal body weight. Clinical examination, biochemical assessment of the functional state of the liver and its morphostructure were performed. Determination of the level of peripheral blood serum hormones was performed by immunochemical method with chemiluminescent detection. Results. Endocrine status of girls with NAFLD and obesity was characterized by an increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) - 9.89 ± 0.18 vs. 5.13 ± 0.08 μIU / ml (p<0.01); follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) - 5.50 ± 0.16 vs. 5.40 ± 0.07 μIU / ml (p<0.01); the ratio of LH / FSH - 1.91 ± 0.05 vs. 0.98 ± 0.02 (p<0.01); prolactin - 327.73 ± 7.15 vs. 282.93 ± 8.36 μIU / ml (p<0.01); thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) - 3.36 ± 0.07 vs. 2.15 ± 0.05 μIU / ml (p<0.01); decrease in estradiol level - 124.15 ± 2.39 vs. 437.45 ± 9.59 pmol / ml (p<0.01); progesterone - 1.49 ± 0.09 vs. 2.78 ± 0.08 nmol / ml (p<0.01); increase in the level of free testosterone - 1.96 ± 0.10 vs. 1.16 ± 0.04 nmol / l (p <0.01); free triiodothyronine - 4.41 ± 0.12 vs. 5.46 ± 0.07 pmol / l (p<0.01); free thyroxine - 14.61 ± 0.41 vs. 18.55 ± 0.20 pmol / l (p<0.01). Conclusions. Endocrine status of girls with NAFLD and unhealthy morbid obesity during puberty is characterized by increased secretion of gonadotropins, prolactin and TSH, decreased levels of estradiol, progesterone, thyroid hormones against the background of a moderate increase of androgens, insulin and insulin resistance.
Complex psychotherapeutic and psycho-social assistance for schizophrenia patients
Authors: Lozan I. Yu.
Published: June 2021

Schizophrenia is a global health burden with a high economic cost to health systems and an independent risk factor for decreased quality of life. The objective: to develop comprehensive measures of psychotherapy and psychosocial rehabilitation taking into account the gender characteristics of paranoid schizophrenia patients, and evaluate their effectiveness. Methods: analysis of theoretical heritage, socio-demographic, clinical and psychopathological. Results: The system of psychotherapeutic interventions included individual and group work. At the outpatient stage a program directed to restore adaptive skills: household, social, communication was used. In the process of social skills training the principles of social learning were used. At the stage of active therapy normalization of behavior, elimination of psychomotor arousal, reduction of psychotic symptoms severity; partial resumption of criticism was the ultimate aim. At the stage of stabilizing antipsychotic therapy - reverse development of residual productive symptoms and reduction of negative, affective and cognitive symptoms, increasing of social adaptation; at the stage of supportive (preventive) antipsychotic therapy - maintaining the optimal level of social functioning of the patient. Conclusion: The use of complex measures of psychotherapy and psychosocial rehabilitation developed allowed to level psychotic manifestations and form a stable remission, reduce maladaptive manifestations in psycho-emotional and cognitive spheres, improve social functioning of a patient and his family.
Intracardiac hemodynemics, fibroblast growth factor-2 and oxyproline levels with mitral valve prolapse in combination with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Nikolenko Olena , Korzh Oleksii
Published: June 2021

The purpose. The aim of the study was a comparative analysis of basic echocardiographic parameters, fibroblast growth factor-2 and free and peptide-bounding oxyproline indicators in young patients with mitral valve prolapse, type 1 diabetes mellitus and the combination of both indications.Materials and methods. 93 patients between 19 and 33 years old with either mitral valve prolapse, type 1 diabetes and the combination of both indications were examined.  There are 24 people with diagnosed mitral valve prolapse, 33 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and mitral valve prolapse and 36 patients with the monomorbid type 1 diabetes mellitus. The establishment of the diagnosis of mitral valve prolapse implemented by echocardiographic criteria L. Freed et al. (2002). The concentration of fibroblast growth factor-2 in blood plasma was determined by the enzyme immunoassay using a Quantikine reagent kit (Human FGF basic Immunoassay), manufactured by R&D Systems, Inc. (USA) and expressed in pg/ml. Free and peptide-bounding oxyproline as the markers of connective tissue metabolism were determined by the method of P. N. Sharaev and expressed in µmol/L.Results. In patients with mitral valve prolapse and ype 1 diabetes mellitus, the higher values of l left ventricular posterior wall thickness and intraventricular septum have been revealed in comparison with the groups of patients with monomorbid mitral valve prolapse and ype 1 diabetes mellitus. Fibroblast growth factor-2 was higher in group with combination of both indications, where it was [23.7 ± 0.25] pg/ml compared to the control group [14.20 ± 0.22] pg/ml (p <0.01). There was also a significant difference in the levels of fibroblast growth factor-2 between group with either mitral valve prolapse [15.33 ±0.24] pg/ml and combination of mitral valve prolapse and type 1 diabetes [23.71 ±0.25] pg/ml (p<0.01). The level of peptide-bound oxyproline, just as the level of free oxyproline, significantly increased in patients with comorbid pathology, compared to the control group: [16.06 ±1.54] µmol/l versus [8.7 ±0.81] µmol/l (p<0.01) respectively. Conclusions. The most significant differences in the indices of intracardiac hemodynamics, fibroblast growth factor-2 and free and peptide-bounding oxyproline compared with control were observed in patients with combination of mitral valve prolapse and type 1 diabetes, which may indicate the influence of diabetic metabolic processes on further structural changes in the mitral valve.
Legal factors of employment of seafarers
Authors: Pidpala Iryna
Published: June 2021

The article is devoted to the study of legal regulation of the employment of sailors.  Employment is an independent procedure that implies a job acceptance and includes a certain number of actions as a candidate for the post and shipowner. Installed, the specificity of marine hiring requires special conditions and regulation of labor relations, including the norms of domestic legislation and international.  Depending on the position, a certain number of qualified documents that have been checking are established.  Feature when taking a sailor to work Captain's coordination.
Peculiarities of the condition of vascular platelic hemostasis in diabetic retinopathy and diabetic nephropathy in rats
Authors: Hrytsan I. I. , Savytskyi I. V. , Preys N. I. , Sarakhan V. M. , Moiseieva G. , Yermuraki P.
Published: June 2021

The article presents experimental data on the study of changes in vascular platelet hemostasis in rats with experimental DR and DN on the background of type 2 diabetes. It is established that microcirculatory complications of type 2 diabetes are characterized by a decrease in platelet count, increased aggregation capacity. In the study of induced platelet aggregation, the polarity of the results of the study was proved, which indicates the dependence of complications on the functional state of vascular platelet hemostasis, primarily due to stimulated, depleted platelets and the corresponding number of intact platelets. More pronounced changes in vascular-platelet hemostasis on the background of type 2 diabetes in rats with DN compared with the group of animals that reproduced DR.
Mechanism of influence of molecular hydrogen on the function of the proximal tubule of the nephron in irritatable bowel syndrome
Authors: Rohovyi Yurii , Tsitrin Volf , Bilooka Yula , Arkchipova Ludmila , Bilookiy Vyacheslav
Published: June 2021

Aim. To find out a pathophysiological protective role of influence ofmolecular hydrogen on a functional condition of a proximal tubule of kidneys at an irritable bowel syndrome.Materials and methods. 60 patients with irritable bowel syndrome were examined. Men - 18, women - 42 aged from 28 to 62 years.Of which: with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation were - 28 patients, irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea - 32. The control group consisted of 25 almost healthy patients. General clinical (Likert scale), functional (proximal reabsorption of sodium ions in the kidneys), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(concentration of cytokines in blood plasma: tumor necrosis factor-a, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6), microbiological (рopulation levels of anaerobic B. Bifidum, B. lactis in lg CFO/g in the lumen of the colon), biochemical (the total, enzymatic fibrinolytic activity of urine) research methods were used.All patients received molecular hydrogen in the form of an aqueous solution in the amount of 1 liter per day in four doses of 250 ml for 7 days with a concentration of H2 1.0 - 1.2 ppm and redox potential from -250 to -350 mV, which was obtained using a generator of a new generation of antioxidant solution saturatedwith hydrogen Blue Water 900 (Korea), mode 1. Statistical data processing was performed using computer programs "Statgrafics"and "Exel 7.0".Results and discussion. The protective effect of molecular hydrogen improves the functional state of the proximal renal tubule in irritable bowel syndrome due to its high permeability and selective antioxidant activity against hydroxyl radical and peroxynitrite, which contributes to the rupture of large and small vicious circles in the combined pathological process.
Quality of life of civilian persons with adaptation disorders who have experienced psycho-social stress under the conditions of military conflict
Authors: Likholetov Y. O.
Published: June 2021

The objective: to conduct a comparative analysis of the quality of life of civilians who have experienced psychosocial stress in a military conflict, and justify the differentiation of therapeutic approaches in providing specialized medical care. Materials and methods. Clinical, psychopathological and psychodiagnostic methods were used. Three groups were formed. They included 109 persons experienced psychosocial stress during military conflict. The first group (G1) consisted of fallen servicemen wives (n=6); group 2 (G2) included mothers, fathers and wives of unaffected combatants who returned to peaceful life (n=71); 32 internally displaced persons (12 men and 20 women) were included to group 3 (G3). The survey was conducted in accordance with the principles of bioethics and deontology. Results. All the persons were diagnosed with mental disorders of the F43.2 cluster - adaptive disorders. It has been revealed that the lowest scores in most spheres of life, both individual and integrated, had IDPs. Low scores of IDPs may show both a conscious and an unconscious desire to draw attention to their psychological and social problems, as this group is the least socially protected and receives the least social support from the state. The attitude of society to this group is also ambiguous, in contrast to the attitude to combatants and their family’s members. This can have a significant impact on the self-esteem of QLI primarily related to social functioning. QLI in all areas did not differ significantly between relatives of the fallen and  relatives of unaffected combatants, which gives grounds to consider them as the same in QLI characteristics. The ratio of QLI in different areas in these groups was different, which indicates the complexity and multifactorial impact of different factors on the assessment of QLI in combatants’ relatives and IDPs. The features identified should be taken into account when developing treatment-and-rehabilitation and preventive measures for these contingents.
Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of some compounds for purulent wounds treatment
Authors: Mishyna Marina M. , Burov Andrey N. , Vekshyn Vitaliy A. , Grabovetskaya Evgeniya R.
Published: June 2021

Results of in vitro studies of antimicrobial compounds effect on clinical strains Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, causing purulent inflammation of open wounds are considered in the article. Activity of the compounds was determined according to the inhibition of the microorganisms growth by means of agar well diffusion method.  Nisin and silver nitrate are shown to exhibit antimicrobial properties, while such classical antiseptics as ectericide and colloidal silver were inactive.
Role of the neuroendocrine complex in immunotropic effects of nitrogenous metabolites in rats
Authors: Kuchma Igor , Gozhenko Anatoliy , Flyunt Igor-Severyn , Ruzhylo Sofiya , Kovalchuk Galyna , Zukow Walery , Popovych Igor
Published: June 2021

Background. We have previously shown that nitrogenous metabolites have immunomodulatory effects, both suppressor and enhancing, both in healthy rats and in humans exposed to pathogenic influences. The immunomodulatory effect of bilirubin is probably mediated through aryl hydrocarbon receptors, and uric acid through TL- and adenosine receptors of immune cells. The question of mediators of the immunomodulatory action of urea and creatinine remains open. We hypothesized the mediating role of mediators of the autonomic nervous system and adaptive hormones. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationships between the parameters of nitrogenous metabolites and the parameters of the autonomic nervous and endocrine systems, on the one hand, and between neuroendocrine and immune parameters - on the other hand. Material and methods. Experiment was performed on 60 healthy female Wistar rats. The plasma levels and urinary excretion of the nitrogenous metabolites, HRV and endocrine (corticosterone, triiodothyronine and testosterone plasma levels, calcitonin, parathyroid and mineralocorticoid activities, the thickness of glomerular, fascicular, reticular and medullar zones of adrenals) parameters as well as parameters of immunity were determined. Results. According to the results of canonical correlation analysis, the modulating effects of nitrogenous metabolites on neuroendocrine parameters are quite pronounced and almost identical in terms of bilirubin (R=0,603), creatinine (R=0,602), uric acid (R=0,599) and urea (R=0,586). Taken together, nitrogenous metabolites determine neuroendocrine parameters by 71,5% (R=0,845; χ2(84)=179; p<10-6). Triiodothyronine, fascicular and medullar areas of the adrenal glands, vagal tone and calcitonin activity were the most susceptible to nitrogenous metabolites. In turn, neuroendocrine parameters determine the parameters of immunity, subject to exposure to nitrogenous metabolites, by 95,8% (R=0,979; χ2(264)=405; p<10-6). Conclusion. Previously identified immunomodulatory effects of nitrogenous metabolites are realized, perhaps, through the factors of the autonomic nervous and endocrine systems.