bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peculiarities of intrauterine pathological processes in women of the postmenopauseal period
Authors: Polishchuk Tetiana , Vdovichenko Serhii , Lubkovska Oleksandra , Ledin Dmytro
Published: May 2021

Aim of the research is studying the pecularities of the endometrium pathological processes in postmenopausal women on the basis of the hysteroscopy data evaluation, as well as conduction of histopathological and immunochemical studies.

Materials and methods. To study the pecularities of intrauterine pathological processes, 100 postmenopausal women were selected and studied. All women underwent hysteroscopy with separate diagnostic scraping of the uterine cavity. Also, 10 samples of glandular-fibrous endometrial polyps (GFEP) in women of reproductive age and 9 samples of such pathology in the postmenopausal period were studied by immunohistochemical method, using 6 primary specific monoclonal antibodies.

Results. The results showed that in 64 (64 %) postmenopausal women pathological changes of the endometrium were presented with GFEP, and in 2 patients (2 %) endometrial adenocarcinoma was found. It was also determined that the nuclei of epithelial and stromal cells of GFEP in postmenopausal women are characterized by lower expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors, compared with women with such formations in the reproductive age. In addition, it was found that in postmenopausal women the expression of the apoptosis inhibitor bcl-2 and aromatase P450 in the epithelial and stromal cells of GFEP was more expressed, and the expression of the Bах antigen, on the contrary, was significantly lower than in women of reproductive age.

Conclusions. Fundamental molecular-biological differences of GFEP in postmenopausal women compared with women of reproductive age were revealed. It was found that in postmenopausal women there is a significantly lower dependence of such polyps on the effects of estrogen and progesterone. In addition, the data indicate an increased risk of neoplastic transformation in such women.
ABO and Rh(D) blood typing on the PK 7200 with ready-to-use kits
Authors: Moncharmont P. , Plantier A. , Chirat V. , Rigal D.
Published: May 2021

The performance of ready-to-use kits was evaluated on the PK 7200 blood grouping system. The Olymp Group (kit 1) and Olymp Group II (kit 2) containing anti-A, -B, -AB, and -D reagents were tested for first and second determinations of A, B, and D antigens. More than 500 RBC samples, including several variant ABO and D phenotypes, were evaluated for specificity, repeatability, reproducibility, and sensitivity. Specificity was tested with well-characterized reagent RBCs. Repeatability was established by at least 12 assays per run with three reagent RBCs, and reproducibility was established on one run per day for 5 days. No discrepancy was observed in ABO and D determinations with either kit. In repeatability, three discrepancies were found with group A and B RBCs with kit 1. In reproducibility, no discrepancies were observed. The kit 1 anti-A reagent detected A3 but not Ax RBCs and anti-AB detected both. A B3 RBC was detected by both kits. Among eight weak D phenotypes, six were positive with kit 1. With kit 2, only one of five weak D phenotypes was detected.
Immunohematology 2003;19:54–56.
Assessment of the relative number of copies of the gene encoding human neutrophil antigen-2a (HNA-2a), CD177, and a homologous pseudogene by quantitative real-time PCR
Authors: Dittmar K. , Lim J-B. , Caruccio L. , Bettinotti M. , Stroncek D.
Published: May 2021

Human neutrophil antigen-2a (HNA-2a; NB1) is located on the 58–64 kD NB1 glycoprotein (GP) and is encoded by the gene CD177. Searches of human genome databases have revealed that a pseudogene highly homologous to exons 4–9 of CD177 is located adjacent to CD177 on chromosome 19. The purpose of this study was to document the presence of the pseudogene and determine whether the polymorphic expression of NB1 GP is due to CD177 gene deletions and duplications. Genomic DNA was isolated from leukocytes of 12 subjects. The number of copies of exon 2 of CD177, an exon that is unique to this gene, and the number of copies of exon 9, an exon that is found in both CD177 and the pseudogene, was assessed with quantitative real-time PCR. The ratio of the number of copies of sequences homologous to CD177 exon 9 to the number of copies of exon 2 was 1.5 or greater in 7 of the 12 subjects, suggesting that both CD177 and the homologous pseudogene were present. The ratio of exon 9 to exon 2 in the other 5 subjects ranged from 1 to 1.25, suggesting that the pseudogene was not present in these subjects. However, results of assays were variable and we could not exclude the possibility that all subjects carried the pseudogene. These studies confirmed the presence of the pseudogene homologous to CD177, but quantitative real-time PCR was not precise enough to detect CD177 duplications or deletions.
Anti-Mta associated with three cases of hemolytic disease of the newborn
Authors: Cheung C.C. , Challis D. , Fisher G. , Russell S.J. , Davis A. , Bruce H. , Watt J. , Chong B.H.
Published: May 2021

The Mta antigen is a low-frequency red blood cell (RBC) surface antigen and is an established antigen of the MNSs blood group system. There has been one report of anti-Mta–induced hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) in the literature to date. We describe a family in which three children were affected by neonatal anemia. The clinical and hematologic findings were consistent with HDN, despite repeatedly negative direct antiglobulin tests (DAT) on cord RBCs. Serologic investigations showed that the mother’s serum contained anti-Mta. The father and all three children phenotyped as Mta+, while the mother was Mta–. Adsorption and elution experiments gave results which suggested that anti-Mta may be implicated in recurrent HDN in this family.
Immunohematology 2002;18:37–39.
Screening for RBC antibodies— what should we expect from antibody detection RBCs
Authors: Garratty G.
Published: May 2021

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration mandates that red blood cells (RBCs) for antibody detection possess the following antigens: C, D, E, c, e, M, N, S, s, P1,Lea,Leb,K,k,Fya,Fyb,Jka, and Jkb. Although not required, it is generally agreed that homozygosity for C,D,E,c,e,Fya,and Jka is also preferable.There is no requirement for low-frequency antigens to be present.However, manufacturers of antibody detection RBCs receive requests for these RBCs to possess Cw,Kpa,and Wra.There are no data to support the considerable expense and effort involved in providing RBCs that possess low-frequency antigens such as Cw, Kpa, and Wra. The risk of clinically-significant hemolytic transfusion reactions occurring when such antibodies are not detected because antibody detection RBCs lack such antigens is about 1 in 500,000 to 1 in 1 million transfusions.
Immunohematology 2002;18:71–77.
A quick and simple method for phenotyping IgG-sensitized red blood cells
Authors: Sererat T.S. , Eidt D. V , Dutched A.
Published: May 2021

Positive (IgG) direct antiglobulin test (DAT) reactivity ranging from weakly positive to 2+ can be eliminated using a simple “blocking” technique with anti-IgG. This method can be used for antigen typing DAT-positive red blood cells that require the antiglobulin technique.
Immunohematology 2000;16:154–156.
ASSESSMENT ON KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF PATIENTS IN HOSPITAL TAPAH REGARDING DISPOSAL OF UNUSED AND EXPIRED MEDICINES
Authors: ABDUL KADIR NUR FEAZIRA , NUR SYAMIMI NUR SYAMIMI , BALAKRISHNAN MALA , WAN ZAIDI WAN NURSYAHIRAH , CHEE FAI SUI
Published: May 2021

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than half of dispensed medications were inappropriately prescribed, which causes a build-up of unused medications and increasing medication disposal. The aim of this study is to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and current practice of patients in Hospital Tapah, Perak, Malaysia towards this issue. A cross-sectional study was conducted by using a self- administered questionnaire adapted from Su Lan et al. (2018). Patients aged more than 17 years old who visited outpatient pharmacy and who admitted into medical ward; the caregivers of children who admitted into paediatric ward, Hospital Tapah were enrolled in this study, selected through convenience sampling. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine significant association between independent and dependent parameters. The significance level was set at p < 0.1. Total of 344 valid questionnaires were returned in which 34.9% (n = 120) men and 65.1% (n = 224) women participated. The majority of the participants has general knowledge of the correct way of disposing medicines. Although 57.3% of the participants have heard about ‘Return Your Medicines Programme’ (RMP) implemented by the Ministry of Health Malaysia, only 38.1% returned their unused or expired medication to the nearby hospital/clinic. Most of them were found to have a positive attitude regarding this issue, nevertheless only 24.7% practiced a proper medication disposal. The utilisation of RMP could be improved by increasing the awareness of safe medication disposal, as significant association has been found between the level of knowledge and attitude with current disposal practice of patients in Hospital Tapah.
DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF REVERSE PHASE-HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY ASSAY METHOD FOR ESTIMATION OF FENOFIBRATE IN TABLET DOSAGE FORM PREPARED USING CRYSTALLO-CO-AGGLOMERATES OF THE DRUG
Authors: GANDHI SANTOSH , BHALEKAR MANGESH , MUTHA RAVINA
Published: May 2021

The aim of the present study was to develop a simple isocratic reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method and validate for the determination of fenofibrate in tablet dosage forms. RP-HPLC method was developed using Hi Q Sil C18 (250 cm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) and mobile phase comprising 1 mM ammonium acetate buffer: Acetonitrile (10:90 v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The detection was carried out at 290 nm. The retention time was found to be 6.15 ± 0.03 min. Validation of the method was performed for precision, accuracy, linearity, robustness, specificity and sensitivity to conform to the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. The data of linear regression analysis indicated a good linear response in the concentration range of 5 μg/mL–30 μg/mL with correlation co-efficient (R2) of 0.997. The developed method was found to be simple, sensitive, accurate and repeatable for assay of tablets of fenofibrate prepared using crystallo-co-agglomerates of the drug.
QUALITY AND COST SAVING OF USING PATIENT’S OWN MEDICINES IN MULTIDISCIPLINARY WARD OF HOSPITAL SUNGAI BAKAP, PULAU PINANG, MALAYSIA
Authors: ABDUL MAJID @ HASSAN NURZAHAN , A/P SUBRAMANIAM KUGANESSWARI , AZMAN AMIRAH , SHARMA KIREN , SHAARANI NOORSUHADA , JALAUDDIN NOR AZRENA SUHAIDA , SHIH CHIE TEH
Published: May 2021

Patient's Own Medicines (POMs) are medicines that were prescribed by the doctor or bought by patient and had been brought to hospital for treatment in ward. Patients were advised to bring POMs for better continuation of treatment. The objectives of this study were to assess the quality of POMs and determine the cost saving of POMs in multidisciplinary wards of Hospital Sungai Bakap (HSB). A prospective observational study was conducted from 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2019. The participation involved all patients admitted to the multidisciplinary wards that brought their own medicines during the study period. The quality of the medications was assessed by clinical pharmacists prior to be used as POMs. The criteria includes the name of medicine, strength, date of supplied, name and address of original supplier, physical appearance, colour, expiration date, batch number, date of opening for insulin and its storage. Data were collected using data collection form and were analysed using Microsoft Excel. As for the results, from the total patients that brought POMs, 136 (61%) were from male ward and 88 (39%) from female ward. Most of the patients that brought POMs were from middle age group, 60–69 years old (28.6%). However, when compared to the total number of admission, patient from age group 70–79 years old has the highest percentage of patients that brought POMs (8.85%). In terms of quality, clinical pharmacists found a total of 1,022 medications that have the quality required to be considered and were used as POMs. The total cost of savings was RM4,961.90. In conclusion, a standard checklist of quality criteria to assess POMs can be developed and used in each hospital settings to ensure more systematic assessment of POMs brought by patients. Awareness campaigns on POMs should be promoted to increase more awareness among patient and health care providers.
CLINICAL RESPONSE OF A BRAND OF ARTEMETHER- LUMEFANTRINE IN CHILDREN BELOW FIVE YEARS OLD
Authors: ARUTE JOHN EDJOPHE , ODILI VALENTINE UCHE , AGBAMU EMMANUEL , OJIEABU WINIFRED AITALEGBE
Published: May 2021

Malaria is a major health concern in children aged less than five years old, globally. In Nigeria, it was estimated that 300,000 children die annually from malaria. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the clinical response of a brand of arthemether-lumefantrine (AL) for clearing parasitaemia in children aged less than five years old. This was a prospective study of the clinical and parasitological responses to the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) malaria using a popular dispersible brand of AL 20/120 mg. A hundred participants within 6–59 months with P. falciparum malaria were enrolled in the study and participants who could not complete the follow-ups were excluded. The drug was administered to participants following same dosage regimen on days 0, 1, 2 and followed-up on days 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 in which the participants were assessed clinically and parasitologically. Data was analysed using MS-Excel 2010 and SPSS version 18. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess clinical outcomes. The study showed that 73 participants completed the 28 days follow-up while 27 participants were lost to follow-up. Clinical outcome revealed no early treatment failure (ETF), one late clinical failure (LCF), 10 parasitological failures and 62 adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPF). Clinical response was 84.9%, cumulative success and failure rate was 93.6% and 6.4%, respectively, on day 28. The clinical response of AL was efficacious. The failure rate of 6.4% could likely be as a result of reinfection within the period of follow-up.
Optimization and efficacy studies of Laccase immobilized on Zein-Polyvinyl pyrrolidone nano fibrous membrane in decolorization of Acid Red 1
Authors: Ranimol G. , Paul Chinju , Sunkar Swetha
Published: May 2021

Azo dyes are widely used in textile industries. A significant portion of these recalcitrant dyes are being discharged to the natural waters. Due to their low biodegradability they pose serious pollution problems if untreated. In this work, decolourization studies of Acid Red 1 (AR1) by laccase enzyme immobilized onto zein–polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) composite nanofiber is done. The nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. pH and temperature profiles of immobilized enzyme were found to be broader than its free counterpart. The Km value was found to be 0.243 mM for free laccase and 0.958 mM for immobilized laccase. Similarly, Vmax for the free enzyme was 3.572 U/mg compared to 2.48 U/mg of immobilized laccase. The relative activity of immobilized laccase was 64.91% after storage for 30 days at room temperature while it was 28.64% for free laccase. The temperature and pH for AR 1 decolorization were optimized and was found to be 60 °C and 5, respectively. Also, decolorization percentage was found to be 91.67% for immobilized laccase and 72.03% of free laccase in the presence of natural mediators like vanillin. From phytotoxicity studies it was found that the germination rate, shoot and root length was increased compared to untreated dye. Therefore, zein–PVP nanofiber immobilized laccase could be an ideal candidate for the textile dye decolorization.
Sequestration of p-nitrophenol from liquid phase by poly(acrylonitrile-co-acrylic acid) containing thioamide group
Authors: Soo J. W. , Abdullah L. C. , Jamil S. N. A. M. , Adeyi A. A.
Published: May 2021

In this paper, the adsorptive performance of synthesized thiourea (TU) modified poly(acrylonitrile-co-acrylic acid) (TU-P(AN-co-AA)) polymeric adsorbent for capturing p-nitrophenol (PNP) from aqueous solution was investigated. TU-P(AN-co-AA) was synthesized via the redox polymerization method with acrylonitrile (AN) and acrylic acid (AA) as the monomers, then modified chemically with thiourea (TU). Characterization analysis with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental microanalysis for CHNS, zeta potential measurement, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface analysis and thermal analyses were carried out to determine the morphology and physico-chemical properties of the synthesized polymer. The characterization results indicated successful surface modification of polymer with TU. The performance of TU-P(AN-co-AA) for the removal of PNP was investigated under various experimental parameters (adsorbent dosage, initial adsorbate concentration, contact time and temperature). The results demonstrated that the Freundlich isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetic model best described the equilibrium and kinetic data, respectively. Thermodynamic studies showed that the uptake of PNP by TU-P(AN-co-AA) was spontaneous and exothermic in nature. The results of the regeneration studies suggested that the TU-P(AN-co-AA) polymer is a reusable adsorbent with great potential for removing PNP from wastewater.
Biomarkers and Tools for Predicting Alzheimer’s Disease in the Preclinical
Stage
Authors: Li Tao-Ran , Yang Qin , Hu Xiaochen , Han Ying
Published: May 2021

:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the only leading cause of death for which no disease-modifying
therapy is currently available. Over the past decade, a string of disappointing clinical trial results has
forced us to shift our focus to the preclinical stage of AD, which represents the most promising therapeutic
window. However, the accurate diagnosis of preclinical AD requires the presence of brain β-
amyloid deposition determined by cerebrospinal fluid or amyloid-positron emission tomography, significantly
limiting routine screening and diagnosis in non-tertiary hospital settings. Thus, an easily
accessible marker or tool with high sensitivity and specificity is highly needed. Recently, it has been
discovered that individuals in the late stage of preclinical AD may not be truly “asymptomatic” in that
they may have already developed subtle or subjective cognitive decline. In addition, advances in bloodderived
biomarker studies have also allowed the detection of pathologic changes in preclinical AD.
Exosomes, as cell-to-cell communication messengers, can reflect the functional changes of their source
cell. Methodological advances have made it possible to extract brain-derived exosomes from peripheral
blood, making exosomes an emerging biomarker carrier and liquid biopsy tool for preclinical AD. The
eye and its associated structures have rich sensory-motor innervation. In this regard, studies have indicated
that they may also provide reliable markers. Here, our report covers the current state of
knowledge of neuropsychological and eye tests as screening tools for preclinical AD and assesses the
value of blood and brain-derived exosomes as carriers of biomarkers in conjunction with the current
diagnostic paradigm.
Whether Erythropoietin can be a Neuroprotective Agent against Premature
Brain Injury: Cellular Mechanisms and Clinical Efficacy
Authors: Shi Yuan , Ma Xueling
Published: May 2021

:

Preterm infants are at high risk of brain injury. With more understanding of the preterm
brain injury's pathogenesis, neuroscientists are looking for more effective methods to prevent and
treat it, among which erythropoietin (Epo) is considered as a prime candidate. This review tries to
clarify the possible mechanisms of Epo in preterm neuroprotection and summarize updated evidence
considering Epo as a pharmacological neuroprotective strategy in animal models and clinical
trials. To date, various animal models have validated that Epo is an anti-apoptotic, antiinflammatory,
anti-oxidant, anti-excitotoxic, neurogenetic, erythropoietic, angiogenetic, and neurotrophic
agent, thus preventing preterm brain injury. However, although the scientific rationale and
preclinical data for Epo's neuroprotective effect are promising, when translated to bedside, the results
vary in different studies, especially in its long-term efficacy. Based on existing evidence, it is
still too early to recommend Epo as the standard treatment for preterm brain injury.
sFRP1 Expression Regulates Wnt Signaling in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia K562 Cells
Authors: Pehlivan Melek , Caliskan Ceyda , Yuce Zeynep , Sercan Hakki O.
Published: May 2021

Background:

Wnt signaling cascades play important roles in cell fate decisions and their deregulation
has been documented in many diseases, including malignant tumors and leukemia. One mechanism of aberrant
Wnt signaling is the silencing of Wnt inhibitors through epigenetic mechanisms. The sFRPs are one of the most
studied Wnt inhibitors; and the sFRP1 loss is known in many hematological malignancies. Therefore, we aimed
to compare the expression of Wnt related genes in the presence and absence of sFRP1 in a chronic myeloid
leukemia (CML) cell line.

Objective:

It is important to understand how sFRP1 and sFRP1 perform their effects on CML to design new
agents and strategies for resistant and advanced forms of CML.

Materials and Methods:

We used K562 cells, which normally do not express sFRP1 and its sFRP1 expressing
subclone K562s. Total RNA was isolated from K562 and K562s cell lines and converted to cDNA. PCR Array
experiments were performed using Human Wnt Signaling Pathway Plus RT2 Profiler™ kit. Wnt signaling pathway
activation was studied by western blot for downstream signaling targets.

Results:

The WNT3, LRP6, PRICKLE1 and BTRC expressions were significantly decreased in the presence of
sFRP1; while WNT5B increased. The sFRP1 expression inhibited stabilization of total β-catenin protein and
downstream effector phosphorylation of noncanonical Wnt/PCP signaling; whereas Ca2+/PKC signaling remained
active.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that sFRP1 could be a promising therapeutic anticancer agent. Defining these
pathway interactions is crucial for designing new agents resistant and advanced forms of CML.
Effect of Harvesting Time, Curing and Storage Methods on Storability of Garlic Bulbs
Authors: Desta Bizuayehu , Woldetsadik Kebede , M. Ali Wassu
Published: May 2021

Background:

Farmers are forced to store garlic bulbs for a long period due to occasional excess production or to save bulb seeds for next season planting, but the bulbs often lose their viability and vigour due to sprouting ahead of planting time.

Objective:

The research was conducted to evaluate the effects of three harvest stages (60, 80, and 100% top fall), two curing levels (non-cured and cured bulbs), and three storage methods (floor, shelf, and net bag) on storability of garlic variety ‘Tseday’ at Haramaya University, and Tony farm (Dire Dawa) during 2014-15.

Methods:

The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications at both sites.

Results:

Significant variations in the storability of bulbs were evident due to harvest stages, curing, and storage methods. Harvesting of garlic bulbs at 100% top fall considerably increased bulb yield by about 16.74% and 8.75% compared to 60 and 80% top fall, respectively. Cured bulbs showed lower fresh bulb yield as compared to non-cured bulbs. Harvesting at 80% top fall, curing and storing bulbs on a shelf or in a net bag showed reduced weight and diameter loss of bulbs as compared to the other treatments. Bulbs harvested at 80% top fall and cured had significantly higher dry matter content than the rest. The highest sprouting percentage was recorded for 60% top fall harvested and non-cured bulbs, while the least was observed in 80% top fall harvested and cured bulbs.

Conclusion:

The result of this study has shown that harvesting at 80% top fall, curing, and storing bulbs on a shelf or in a net bag leads to a good yield and postharvest quality and effective storability of garlic bulbs under ambient storage conditions.
Gene Polymorphism of XRCC1 in Systemic Lupus Erythematous
Authors: Zaki Maysaa El Sayed , Abdelsalam Mostafa , Bassiouni Sherine A. R. A. K , Osman Asmaa
Published: May 2021

Introduction:

There are debates about the role of the X-ray repair cross-complementation group 1 (XRCC1) Arg399Gln gene in the pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

Methods:

The study was a case-control study carried out on 100 recently diagnosed SLE patients compared to 100 control subjects. The study of XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism was performed by a polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism.

Results and Discussion:

A higher frequency of ‘G’ allele in SLE (38.5%) versus control (32%) was noticed; however, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.174). Besides, a slightly higher frequency of G/G genotype was found in SLE (22%) vs. control (12%); again, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.157). A statistically significantly higher proportion of arthritis, serositis, and thrombocytopenia was observed in the A/A genotype (p = 0.010, 0.032, and 0.036, respectively). Furthermore, we noticed a statistically significant lower hemoglobin level in G/G genotype (p = 0.027). Otherwise, there was no statistically significant difference between the three genotypes regarding other parameters: photosensitivity, malar rash, oral ulceration, ANA, anti-dsDNA antibody, anemia, leucopenia, neurologic manifestations, and all lab parameters except hemoglobin level. Similar results were reported previously.

According to genotype, in the study of Clinical and laboratory parameters in SLE patients, a statistically significantly higher proportion of arthritis, serositis, and thrombocytopenia was observed in the A/A genotype (p =0 .01, 0.032, and 0.036 respectively). Furthermore, we noticed a statistically significant lower hemoglobin level in G/G genotype (p = 0.027). These findings suggest a pathogenic connection between the seriousness of the defective DNA repair and the autoimmune severity; such connection is consistent with that found in several murine models. Additionally, negative regulation of the genes encoding the proteins involved in the NER pathway in SLE patients, specifically and XPC, has been found previously.

Conclusion:

The present study highlights the higher insignificant increase of G allele and GG genotype of XRCC1 399 gene in patients with SLE compared to healthy control. This increase was significantly associated with anemia in patients, which may reflect the aggravation of environmental risk factors to SLE associated with the reduced repair of DNA. Further longitudinal studies are required to validate the present findings.
Performance, Phyto-nutritional and Bio-active substances of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annum) in response to Soil Applied Organic and Inorganic Sources of N Fertilizers
Authors: Aboyeji Christopher M. , Dunsin Oluwagbenga , Ajayi Opeyemi A. , Agbaje Gideon O. , Adekiya Aruna O. , Adebiyi Ojo T. Vincent , Olayanju Adeniyi T. , Olofintoye Temidayo A. J.
Published: May 2021

Background:

Soil health is an important factor for producing a higher yield and obtaining good quality products. Nitrogen fertilizer is one of the most important and valuable agricultural inputs for increasing crop production.

Objective:

Experiments were conducted in 2017 and 2018 in the cropping seasons to determine the performance and nutritional qualities of sweet pepper in response to organic and inorganic sources of N fertilizers.

Methods:

Ten kilograms (10 kg) capacity black polythene bags were filled with topsoil and were arranged randomly on the field. Treatment combination included: - 0 NPK + 0 PM (T1), 40 NPK + 0 PM (T2), 32 NPK + 8 PM (T3), 24 NPK + 16 PM (T4), 0 NPK + 40 PM (T5), 8 NPK + 32 PM (T6), 16 NPK + 24 PM (T7) and 20 NPK + 20 PM (T8). Experiments were laid out in a completely randomized design and were replicated four times. Vegetative, flowering, and quality parameters were collected and analyzed using the GenStat Discovery, 2014 statistical analysis software. Separation of means was determined by the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a probability level of 5%.

Results:

Results indicated that high rates of an organic source of N fertilizer produced higher values for vegetative and yield parameters, which was similar to the sole application of inorganic fertilizer. There was no significant effect of the sole application and combined organic and inorganic sources of N fertilizer on heavy metals and nitrates accumulation, but their effects were able to increase the values for nitrites above the recommended limits as suggested by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives.

Conclusion:

Our results showed that 20 NPK + 20 PM is the best treatment without any health implications in the study area, which also improved the yield and, therefore, can be considered economical.
The Egyptian Validation Study of the Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA) and its Utility in Predicting Depression
Authors: Khalaf Mustafa A. , Al-Said Taghreed T.
Published: May 2021

Aims:

The present study aims at validating the RSA and examining its incremental validity as a predictor of depression as measured by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).

Methods:

150 healthy participants completed the RSA, Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). After ensuring the psychometric properties of the RSA, SOC, and BDI, 220 Egyptian students were recruited from Minia University to fill in the RSA and BDI in order to assess the potential capacity of the RSA to predict depression.

Results:

Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the 5-factor structure model fitted well and the goodness of fit indices were within the acceptable limits. Construct validity was shown by a positive correlation between the RSA and the SOC, and a negative correlation with the BDI. The RSA and its subscales significantly predicted the BDI even when accounting for age and gender.

Conclusion:

The RSA is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring resilience in the Egyptian sample and it could be useful for measurement and intervention. The findings highlight the incremental validity of the RSA as a good predictor of depression.
Health Expenditure Difference according to Individual Copayment in National Health Insurance System
Authors: Kim Ki C. , Kwon Soon C.
Published: May 2021

Background:

South Korea adopt a mandatory national health care system covering all citizens and consisting of the National Health Insurance System (NHIS) and Medical Aid Program (MAP), which cover individuals of non-low and low Socioeconomic Status (SES), respectively.

Objective:

We investigated and compared the medical expenses per claim in South Korea for SES individuals, to predict health care expenditure and provide fundamental data regarding care for individuals with limited finances.

Methods:

The inpatient data on NHIS and MAP beneficiaries were derived from the National Health Insurance Statistical Annual Report of South Korea from 2011 to 2015. Medical expenses per claim for the NHIS and MAP were investigated by gender and age, and the ratio of expenses per claim under MAP to that under NHIS was calculated.

Results:

The ratio from 2011 to 2015 was consistently larger than 1 and increased at an inconsistent rate with each consecutive age group until 30-39 years, and decreased thereafter (Males: 1.09-3.47, Females: 1.07-1.95).

Conclusion:

The results of this study indicated that higher medical expenditures and longer durations of claim in the low SES group may become obstacles to developing a sustainable health care system. The government should induce social activities of working-age low-SES people to reduce the burden on the government and help them lead a healthy life.
The Negative Impacts of COVID-19 Containment Measures on South African Families - Overview and Recommendations
Authors: Adebiyi Babatope O. , Roman Nicolette V. , Chinyakata Rachel , Balogun Tolulope V.
Published: May 2021

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported various pneumonia cases (‘Coronavirus Disease 2019’ [COVID-19]) on 31 December 2019 in Wuhan City, China, which has spread to many countries, including South Africa. In response to this, the President of South Africa declared a state of national disaster on 15th March 2020, followed by introducing various COVID-19 containment measures to minimize the spread of the virus. This paper examines the negative impacts that COVID-19 containment measures may have had on the family as a unit of society and furthermore provides recommendations to mitigate the impacts of these measures. It can be concluded that COVID-19 containment measures, specifically the lockdown restrictions, would yield both short-term and long-term impacts on proper family functioning. Several families in South Africa have been impacted financially due to the closure of business which led to the temporary/ permanent unemployment of some breadwinners in the families. This also has had a cascading impact on the food security of families and their ability to afford other basic necessities. Distress as a result of financial challenges or failure to provide for the family alongside spending much time locked down together as a family has also led to violence in the family. This was further exacerbated by the fact that the victims were stuck with the abusers and some could not report or find help due to the restricted movements. Furthermore, since most institutions predominantly moved learning online, results indicated that the lockdown restrictions affected the ability of some individuals especially those from poor families to access formal education during the period due to the lack of digital devices and internet facilities. In order to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 containment measures on the family, there is a need for collaborative efforts at intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, community and policy levels using the ecological framework.
Dziewice konsekrowane w relacji do Kościoła partykularnego
Authors:   Wyższe Seminarium Duchowne w Radomiu, Adamczyk Jerzy
Published: May 2021

One of the essential characteristics of the order of virgins is the strong spiritual and canonical bond with the Particular Church and the bishop. The aim of the article is to present the issue of consecrated virgins in relation to the Particular Church in the canon and liturgical aspect. Its first part presents the place of the order of consecrated virgins in the Particular Church. The second part outlines the relationship of the diocesan bishop with consecrated virgins, while the third part is devoted to the service of consecrated virgins for the Diocese. The article ends with a summary and bibliography.
Spór o filozofię chrześcijańską w polskiej prasie katolickiej lat pięćdziesiątych i sześćdziesiątych XX wieku
Authors:   Uniwersytet Śląski, Tyl Mirosław
Published: May 2021

The objective of the article is to outline the debates on the concept of Christian philosophy that took place in the Polish Catholic press at the end of the 1950s and throughout the 1960s, cove- ring issues related to the role of philosophy in shaping and formation of believers, or to theoretical matters. Over the years, the discussions became more mature. The dispute over Christian philosophy was primarily a dispute with Thomism, which was accused of being closed and focused on its her- metic internal issues, as well as its integralism towards contemporary philosophy and science. The opportunity for the first debates was created by the meeting of philosophers organised by the Club of Catholic Intelligentsia (KIK) in Warsaw in 1960. The second round began with A. Siemianowski's text in Więź, published in 1963, and the third resulted from J. Tischner's philosophical publications in the second half of the 1960s. These discussions anticipated J. Tischner's dispute with existential Thomism, which took place in the 1970s.
Młodość czasem marzeń i wyborów. Refleksje w świetle posynodalnej adhortacji apostolskiej „Christus vivit”
Authors:   Uniwersytet Kardynała Stefana Wyszyńskiego w Warszawie, Chrobak Stanisław
Published: May 2021

As Pope Francis asserts, youth cannot be a period of suspension; on the contrary, it is the age of decision, which is precisely the essence of its charm and its greatest challenge. Young age is the time for commitment, creativity and proactive development of one's biography. Thus, building the young must be the subject of authentic concern, while a reflection on young age will not only help those who are currently achieving or experiencing that age, but also to anyone willing to maintain their young spirit forever. In this context, presentation of images that reveal the very essence of young age, encompassing a particular idea of a human being, a concept of the world and a hierarchy of values, demonstrates the originality and uniqueness of the enthusiasm expressed by a young person pursu- ing their dreams and choices. The Pope emphasizes that the features typical of a young heart include readiness to transform, an ability to rise and to accept the lessons of life.
Using Electronic Health Records to Mitigate Workplace Burnout Among Clinicians During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Field Study in Iran
Authors: Esmaeilzadeh Pouyan , Mirzaei Tala
Published: May 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic spread worldwide in 2020. Notably, in the countries dealing with massive casualties, clinicians have worked in new conditions characterized by a heavy workload and a high risk of being infected. The issue of clinician burnout during the pandemic has attracted considerable attention in health care research. Electronic health records (EHRs) provide health care workers with several features to meet a health system’s clinical needs.

Objective

We aim to examine how the use of EHR features affects the burnout of clinicians working in hospitals that have special wards for confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Methods

Using an online survey, we collected data from 368 physicians, physician assistants, and nurses working in six hospitals that have implemented EHRs in the city of Tehran in Iran. We used logistic regression to assess the association between burnout and awareness of EHR features, EHR system usability, concerns about COVID-19, technology solutions, hospital technology interventions, hospital preparedness, and professional efficacy adjusted for demographic and practice characteristics.

Results

The primary outcome of our study was self-reported burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the 368 respondents, 36% (n=134) reported having at least one symptom of burnout. Participants indicated that the leading cause of EHR-related stress is inadequate training for using technology (n=159, 43%), followed by having less face-to-face time with patients (n=140, 38%). Positive perceptions about the EHR’s ease of use were associated with lower odds of burnout symptoms. More interventions, such as clear communication of regulations; transparency in policies, expectations, and goals regarding the use of technology in the clinical workflow; and hospital preparedness to cope with the challenges of the pandemic, were associated with lower odds of burnout.

Conclusions

The use of EHR applications, hospital pandemic preparation programs, and transparent technology-related policies and procedures throughout the epidemic can be substantial mitigators of technology-based stress and clinician burnout. Hospitals will then be better positioned to devise or modify technology-related policies and procedures to support physicians’ and nurses’ well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Training programs, transparency in communications of regulations, and developing a clear channel for informing clinicians of changes in policies may help reduce burnout symptoms among physicians and nurses during a pandemic. Providing easily accessible mentorship through teleconsultation and 24-hour available information technology support may also help to mitigate the odds of burnout.
Evaluation of the Influence of In Situ Stress on the Stability of Mine Pit Walls: A Case Study of Songwe Mine
Authors: Moses Dyson , Shimada Hideki , Sasaoka Takashi , Hamanaka Akihiro , M Dintwe Tumelo K. , Onyango Joan A. , Thae Oo Cho
Published: May 2021

The investigation of the influence of in situ stress in Open Pit Mine (OPM) projects has not been accorded a deserved attention despite being a fundamental concern in the design of underground excavations. Hence, its long-term potential adverse impacts on pit slope performance are overly undermined. Nevertheless, in mines located in tectonically active settings with a potential high horizontal stress regime like the Songwe mine, the impact could be considerable. Thus, Using FLAC3D 5.0 software, based on Finite Difference Method (FDM) code, we assessed the role of stress regimes as a potential triggering factor for slope instability in Songwe mine. The results of the evaluated shearing contours and quantified strain rate and displacement values reveal that high horizontal stress can reduce the stability performance of the pit-wall in spite of the minimal change in Factor of Safety (FoS). Since mining projects have a long life span, it would be recommendable to consider “in situ stress-stability analyses” for OPM operations that would be planned to extend to greater depths and those located in tectonically active regions.
Access to medicines in the Brazilian Unified Health System’s primary health care: assessment of a public policy
Authors: Barbosa Mariana M , Moreira Thais A , Nascimento Renata CRM , Nascimento Mariana MG , Acurcio Francisco A , Godman Brian , Guerra Augusto A , Alvares-Teodoro Juliana
Published: May 2021

In 2008, the Programa Rede Farmácia de Minas (RFM, literally translated: ‘Minas Gerais Pharmacy Network’ program) was created as a strategy to expand access to medicines.
Aim:
Measure access to medicines in public pharmacies through comparison between municipalities that joined or not the RFM.
Materials & methods:
Cross-sectional, evaluative study, gathering information from a representative sample of the municipalities in Minas Gerais between July 2014 and May 2015. The Poisson regression results were obtained by calculating the prevalence ratios.
Results:
Adequate access to medicines in Minas Gerais was 69.9%, being 75.8% in municipalities with and 69.2% without the RFM. The municipalities with the RFM showed statistically higher percentages in the Availability, Adequacy/Accommodation, and Acceptability dimensions.
Conclusion:
RFM appears an efficient strategy for promoting access to medicines.
Development of Beef Volatile Flavor Compounds in Response to Varied Oven Temperature and Degree of Doneness
Authors: Mallick Sayani , Woerner Dale R. , de Mancilha Franco Talita , Miller Mark F. , Legako Jerrad F.
Published: May 2021

Beef volatile flavor compound (VFC) development at the center, mid, and surface layers of cooked steaks was evaluated through 18 cookery treatment combinations consisting of oven cooking temperature (OT; 177°C, 246°C, and 343°C) and final internal steak temperature (IT; 57°C, 63°C, 68°C, 74°C, 79°C, and 85°C). In total, 72 VFC were measured representing the Maillard reaction and lipid degradation. Five VFC were impacted by a three-way interaction of OT × IT × layer (P ≤ 0.030). Two VFC were impacted by a two-way interaction of OT × IT (P ≤ 0.010). Sixteen VFC were impacted by a two-way interaction of OT × layer (P ≤ 0.050). Sixteen VFC were impacted by a two-way interaction of IT × layer (P ≤ 0.050). Twenty VFC were impacted by the main effect of layer (P ≤ 0.010). Eight VFC were impacted by the main effect of IT (P ≤ 0.050). Maillard compounds were formed primarily at steak surfaces, with a general increase in content with greater final IT, and OT to a lesser extent. Lipid-derived compounds were diverse. Methyl esters and aldehydes had lower contents at steak surfaces and were primarily found within the inner portions of steaks. Conversely, certain alcohols and ketones were more prominent at steak surfaces. Development of compounds among layers was also consistently influenced by IT and OT. It may be concluded that flavor-contributing compounds vary among cooked beef steaks at different depths and cookery temperatures. As a result, OT and final IT may be utilized to mediate the final volatile compound composition.
A proposal for a theory of constraints-based framework in sales and operations planning
Authors: Rota I. S. , De Souza F. B.
Published: May 2021

Research indicates that there is a lack of studies of the application of the concepts and assumptions, their effects, contributions and limitations for long-term planning of the theory of constraints (TOC). In this sense, the purpose of this paper is to understand how TOC can support long-term decision making, especially in the context of sales and operations planning (S&OP) processes. With the intention of identifying proposals which explore TOC application for long-term planning, especially integrating TOC in S&OP processes, a literature review was carried out. Using the findings and the authors' subsequent analysis, a conceptual framework, and a workbook to support decision-making processes within this framework, is proposed. It was possible to identify concepts and methods specific to TOC applications in long-term planning, such as capacity buffer, the concept of red line and the sales and capacity profiles, as well as important differences between the conventional S&OP process and the approach proposed here.
Recovery of copper through concentration processes from ashes produced by WEEE pyrolysis
Authors: Arias N. Rojas , Arias S.F. Rojas , Rivera L. A. Medrano , Oliveros M. E. Mendoza
Published: May 2021

The process of recovering metals from electronic waste has become an important topic in recent years. In this work, the recovery of electrolytic copper from the ashes produced during the pyrolysis process of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) was sought. Three gravimetric separation equipment were used: Wilfley table, JIG screen, and mechanical screen. This last method was used with and without previous grinding processes. The ashes were initially characterized by XRD to determine the phases present. The initial concentration of the ashes was carried out by physicochemical classification. The results obtained show that the JIG sieve separation processes obtained the best performance, reaching a percentage of about 87% of recovery of the metal present within the WEEE ashes during 16 minutes. The application of a vertical gravimetric separation system on material samples with a fairly wide density difference allowed an optimal separation system for the metallic material and the produced ash. On the other hand, the application of screens in the recovery of the metal obtains values much lower than those obtained by JIG sieve.