bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Propofol Alleviates Neuropathic Pain in CCI Rat Model via the miR-140-3p/JAG1/Notch Signaling Pathway
Authors: Cheng Fang , Qin Wei , Yang Ai-xing , Yan Feng-feng , chen Yu , Ma Jian-Xin
Published: April 2021

As a renowned anesthetic, propofol exerts excellent analgesic function in nerve injury. However, the underlying mechanism of propofol on neuropathic pain (NP) remains unknown. The research aims to analyze propofol’s analgesia mechanism to alleviate NP in CCI rats. The chronic constriction injury (CCI) of sciatic nerve was used to established NP rat models. CCI rats were treated with propofol and its paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PMWT) and paw withdraw thermal latency (PWTL) were measured. The expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-10 were detected. CCI rats with propofol treatment were injected with antagomiR-140-3p. After the targeting relationship between miR-140-3p and JAG1 was checked, JAG1 expression was detected. Propofol-treated CCI rats were further injected with Ad-JAG1. Finally, the levels of JAG1 and Notch pathway-related proteins were detected. As a result, propofol could alleviate NP, including thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical pain threshold, and ameliorate neuroinflammation. Mechanically, propofol enhanced the level of miR-140-3p in CCI rats. JAG1 was a direct target of miR-140-3p. The downregulation of miR-140-3p or upregulation of JAG1 could reduce the protective effect of propofol against NP. Propofol inhibited activation of Notch signaling via miR-140-3p/JAG1. Overall, Propofol could inhibit the neuroinflammation and Notch signaling pathway via miR-140-3p/JAG1 to alleviate NP.
Optimizing Stereotactic Radiosurgery in Patients With Recurrent or Residual Craniopharyngiomas
Authors: Ogino Akiyoshi , Niranjan Ajay , Kano  , Flickinger John C. , Lunsford Lawrence Dade
Published: April 2021

PurposeStereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is an important management strategy for residual and recurrent Craniopharyngiomas. The current study evaluated the factors which affected tumor control and complications in craniopharyngioma SRS.MethodsThis study includes 53 consecutive patients who underwent single-session SRS for recurrent or residual craniopharyngiomas. The median age was 41 years with 28 male and 25 females. The median tumor volume was 0.63 cm3 and median margin dose was 12 Gy (range, 9-25 Gy).ResultsThe overall 3-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates were 97.8%, 92.7% and 88.5%. The overall 3-, 5-, and 10-year tumor control rates were 81.0%, 72.1%, and 53.4%. In univariate analysis, >3 mm distance from optic structures (p=0.002), only solid or cystic tumor type (p=0.037), and >12 Gy to ≥85% of the tumor (p<0.001) were significantly associated with improved tumor control. In multivariate analysis, only solid or cystic tumor type, (p=0.034), and >85% of the tumor receiving >12 Gy (p=0.004) were significantly associated with better tumor control. When >85% of the tumor received >12 Gy the tumor control rates at 3-, 5-, and 10-year were 100%, 93.3%, and 93.3%. Higher conformity index was not associated with better tumor control.ConclusionsThe tumor control rates after recurrent or residual craniopharyngiomas SRS were improved by ensuring that at least 85% of the tumor received >12 Gy even when the distance between the tumor and the optic system is <3 mm. This concept refutes the conformity theory that a high conformity index is a critical feature of effective SRS.
Safety And Usefulness of 3D-printed Coplanar Puncture Template Assisted CT- guided Percutaneous Core Needle Biopsy of Small (≤20mm) Pulmonary Nodules: 3 Years of Experience
Authors: Wang Hansheng , Chen Xiao , Ren Tao , Chen Peipei , Luo Guoshi , Wang Xiao , Wei Na , Tang Yijun , Wang Meifang
Published: April 2021

Background and Objective: Computed tomography guided percutaneous lung biopsy is a commonly used method for clarifying the nature of pulmonary nodules. However, due to the existence of breathing movement, the lungs have greater mobility, and biopsy of small pulmonary nodules is difficult. In recent years, 3D-printed coplanar templates are gradually used in percutaneous biopsy of small pulmonary nodules. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the application value of 3D-printed coplanar puncture template assisted computed tomography guided percutaneous core needle biopsy of small (≤20mm) pulmonary nodules. Method: From January 2018 to January 2021 in Taihe Hospital, 210 hospitalized patients with pulmonary nodules underwent percutaneous core needle biopsy for histopathology/cytopathology diagnosis and were included in the study. All patients were allocated into two groups, patients in Free-hand group underwent percutaneous core needle biopsy without 3D-printed coplanar templates, and patients in 3D-PCT group underwent percutaneous core needle biopsy with 3D-printed coplanar templates. The number of needle adjustments, number of CT scans, surgical time-consuming, diagnostic accuracy, and incidence of complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. Rapid on site evaluation was routinely used for guiding specimens’ triage. Approval for this trial was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Taihe hospital. Result: The number of needle adjustments (1.41±0.63 vs. 2.23±0.85), the number of CT scans (3.63±0.73 vs. 4.25±0.81) and the incidence of pneumothorax (9.6% vs. 21.1%) during the procedure were significantly lower in the observation group than the control group (P< 0.05), whereas there were no significant differences in the diagnostic accuracy (95.2% vs. 94.3%) and incidence of pulmonary hemorrhage (65.4% vs. 62.3%) between the two groups (P> 0.05), however, the surgical time-consuming in 3D-PCT group is significantly more than Free-hand group.Conclusions: These findings indicated that the 3D-printed coplanar puncture template combined with CT guided percutaneous biopsy can relatively fix the target lesion, reduce the number of needle adjustments and number of CT scans, reduce iatrogenic radiation, and reduce the incidence of complications, especially pneumothorax.
A Recurrent Wavelet based Brain Emotional Learning Network Controller for Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Zhang Juncheng , Chao Fei , Zeng Hualin , Lin Chih-Min , Yang Longzhi
Published: April 2021

Conventional control systems often suffer from the co-existence of non-linearity and uncertainty. This paper proposes a novel brain emotional neural network to support addressing such challenges. The proposed network integrates a wavelet neural network into a conventional brain emotional learning network. This is further enhanced by the introduction of a recurrent structure to employ the two networks as the two channels of the brain emotional learning network. The proposed network therefore combines the advantages of the wavelet function, the recurrent mechanism, and the brain emotional learning system, for optimal performance on nonlinear problems under uncertain environments. The proposed network works with a bounding compensator to mimic an ideal controller, and the parameters are updated based on the laws derived from the Lyapunov stability analysis theory. The proposed system was applied to two uncertain nonlinear systems, including a Duffing-Homes chaotic system and a simulated 3-DOF spherical joint robot. The experiments demonstrated that the proposed system outperformed other popular neural-network-based control systems, indicating the superiority of the proposed system.
Growth Performance of Arsi, Borana, Harar and HF-Crossbred Bulls Finished under Similar Feeding Condition
Authors: Abdurehman Ahmedin , Mummed Yesihak Yusuf , Kurtu Mohammed Yusuf , Temesgen Melese , O’Quinn Travis Gene
Published: April 2021

The study was conducted to evaluate the fattening performance of Arsi, Borana, Harar and HF-Crossbred bulls finished under similar feeding condition at the beef farm in Haramaya University. A total of 24 bulls with age categories of 2-3 and 4-5 years were used in the complete block design for the experiment. Total mixed ration was provided at 3% of their BW during experimental periods. The average daily weight gain of the four breeds range from 0.49 to 0.71 kg. Feed conversion efficiency also ranges from 0.11 – 0.15. Simple linear regression models were used to explore the relationship between live body weight change and change in BCS as well as seven linear body measurements for all age groups. An average change for a unite of body condition score was equivalent to 20.3, 20.61, 22.42 and 27.78kg for Borana, Arsi, Harar and HF-crossbred bulls respectively. BCS was significantly (P<0.01) influenced by breeds. There was a significant (P<0.05) breed by age interaction effect on the initial body condition score of the four breeds. There was a significant and positive strong association between change in BW and BCS. There was a significant and strong correlation between change in BW and change in Total topline, neck length, heart girth, flank circumference and rump length having correlation coefficient ranges (r = 0.57 to 0.97). Higher (P<0.01) net profit of 7,380.47 ETB per head was recorded by Borana bulls followed by Harar bulls, Arsi and HF Crossbred with net profit of 5,406.86, 5193.29 and 3,384.98 ETB per head respectively.
Editorial Office BMC Biology The Origin and Evolution of a Two-Component System of Paralogous Genes Encoding the Centromeric Histone CENH3 in Cereals
Authors: Elisafenko Evgeny , Evtushenko Elena , Vershinin Alexander
Published: April 2021

Background: The cereal family Poaceae is one of the largest and most diverse angiosperm families. The central component of centromere specification and function is the centromere-specific histone H3 (CENH3). Some cereal species (maize, rice) have one copy of the CENH3 gene, while some (wheat, barley, rye) have two. We applied a homology-based approach to sequenced cereal genomes, in order to finally trace the mutual evolution of the structure of the CENH3 genes and the nearby regions in various tribes. Results: We have established that the syntenic group or the CENH3 locus with the CENH3 gene and the boundaries defined by the Cdpk2 and bZip genes first appeared around 50 Mya in a common ancestor of the subfamilies Bambusoideae, Oryzoideae and Pooideae. This locus came to Pooideae with one copy of CENH3 in the most ancient tribes Nardeae and Meliceae. The βCENH3 gene as a part of the locus appeared in the tribes Stipeae and Brachypodieae around 35-40 Mya. The duplication was accompanied by changes in the exon-intron structure. Purifying selection acts mostly on αCENH3s, while βCENH3s form more heterogeneous structures, in which clade-specific amino acid motifs are present. In barley species, the βCENH3 gene assumed an inverted orientation relative to αCENH3 and the Cdpk2 gene was substituted with Cbp3c. As the evolutionary and breeding processes went on, the locus was growing in size due to an increasing distance between αCENH3 and βCENH3 because of a massive insertion of the main LTR-containing retrotransposon superfamilies, gypsy and copia, without any evolutionary preference on either of them. A comparison of the molecular structure of the locus in the A, B and D subgenomes of the hexaploid wheat T. aestivum showed that invasion by mobile elements and concomitant rearrangements took place in an independent way even in evolutionarily close species. Conclusions: The CENH3 duplication in cereals was accompanied by changes in the exon-intron structure of the βCENH3 paralog, which it was not in other plant taxa. The observed general tendency towards the expansion of the CENH3 locus reveals an amazing diversity of ways in which different species implement the scenario described in this paper.
Elevation of Systemic Defense in Potato Against Alternaria Solani by a Consortium of Compatible Trichoderma Spp.
Authors: Kumar Sumit , Chandra Ram , Behera Lopamudra , Keswani Chetan , Sansinenea Estibaliz
Published: April 2021

The crop loss due to phytopathogens is a serious problem affecting the entire world. To avoid economic losses due to phytopathogens synthetic chemicals have been used for years generating serious concerns about the human health and environment. Today the use of beneficial microorganisms to treat phytopathogens is gaining attention. In this way, Trichoderma spp. has been used for combating plant diseases and inducing defense response in plants. With this idea in mind, in this study we evaluate the effectiveness of Trichoderma viride and T. harzianum as single as well as in combination for elevating the defense response and growth promotion activities in potato challenged with Alternaria solani. The mycelial inhibition of A. solani by T. viride and T. harzianum was recorded and compared with control. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation revealed the collapsed hyphae and sunken conidia of A. solani due to antagonistic activity of T. viride and T. harzianum. Induction of defense enzymes including TPC, PAL, SOD and total protein content was increased in Trichoderma spp, treated plants as compared with pathogen inoculated plants. HPLC analysis demonstrated higher production in phenolic compounds during combined application of Trichoderma spp. treated potato plants in the response of A. solani infection. Moreover, treatment with Trichoderma spp. consortium showed significant growth promotion in potato plants comparing with the control.
Blended Learning: The New Normal Teaching - Learning Pedagogy Post COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Saboowala Rabiya , Mishra Pooja Manghirmalani
Published: April 2021

The pandemic of COVID-19 has been declared a Public Health Emergency and is of International concern. In the 21st century, everyone is a global citizen. Keeping in mind that the teachers are powerful agents of change and caregivers for the next generation of scientists and doctors, their professional needs cannot be compromised due to the uncertainties that will occur post-pandemic. Sustaining safe school operations or reopening schools after a closure requires many considerations. Similarly, the professional growth of teachers of all types of educational institutions also needs reconsideration. The present situation (of the year 2020) in the world demands teachers and educators to adopt blended learning teaching practices. These practices will not just be for teaching but also for learning. There are several digital educational resources, such as the SWAYAM MOOCs and NPTEL courses are available for the teachers. Along with, many premium global institutions are conducting skill development webinars, short term courses, etc to train and better equip teachers with e-learning tools and technologies. The present study addresses the attitude of 313 teachers towards blended learning approach and its six dimensions viz. learning flexibility, online learning, study management, technology, classroom learning and online interaction as a strategy to meet their professional needs post COVID 19 pandemic era. The present study investigated the attitude of male and female teachers towards blended learning and its dimensions. Also, the study aimed to find the difference in attitude of teachers teaching in English medium institutes and those teaching in institutes having other languages like Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, etc as their medium of instruction. The results indicated that the attitude of male teachers is greater than that of female teachers with respect to online learning. Also, teachers teaching in English medium institutes have a positive attitude towards Learning Flexibility dimension of blended learning when compared to those teaching in institutes having other medium of instruction. There is a need for a paradigm shift in the education system to create and enable technology dependent learning environments post COVID-19 pandemic which will help in maintaining safety and enhance learning experiences not just for students but for teachers' professional growth.
Compounding Impacts of Hazard Exposures on Mental Health in Houston, TX
Authors: Sansom Garett , Thompson Courtney , Sansom Lindsay , Fawkes Leanne , Boerlin Elizabeth
Published: April 2021

Purpose
Natural and anthropogenic hazards are increasingly becoming commonplace due to climate change and population pressures. The state of Texas is particularly vulnerable to these hazards and is ranked first in the United States due to the immense variety and frequency of large-scale events. While much research has looked at the immediate impacts these incidents have on mental health, little research has addressed the effects of compounding and repeated exposure to hazards.
Methods
This cross-sectional study (N = 1,224) collected survey data from a representative sample within the Houston Metropolitan Statistical Area. Utilizing the 12 item Short Form Health Survey version 2 a general composite score assessing mental health was compared against the type and frequency of hazard exposures.
Results
Findings revealed an observed reduction in mental health scores as participants had repeated exposures to major disasters. Further, the only significant result (P < 0.001) in dictating a reduced mental health scores was repeat exposure to hazards even after adjusting for demographic data and socioeconomic variables.
Conclusion
This research reveals the long-term mental impact hazard exposures can have and underscores the need for target public health interventions and engaged community efforts.
The value of deep learning-based computer aided diagnostic system in improving diagnostic performance of rib fractures in acute blunt trauma
Authors: Tan Hui , Xu Hui , Yu Nan , Yu Yong , Duan Haifeng , Fan Qiuju , Tian Zhanyu
Published: April 2021

Purpose
To evaluate the value of a deep learning-based computer-aided diagnostic system (DL-CAD) in improving the diagnostic performance of acute rib fractures in patients with chest trauma.
Methods
CT images of 214 patients with acute blunt chest trauma were retrospectively analyzed by two interns and two attending radiologists independently firstly and then with the assistance of a DL-CAD one month later, in a blinded and randomized manner. The consensus diagnosis of fib fracture by another two senior thoracic radiologists was regarded as reference standard. The rib fracture diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, diagnostic confidence and mean reading time with and without DL-CAD were calculated and compared.
Results
There were 680 rib fracture lesions confirmed as reference standard among all patients. The diagnostic sensitivity and positive predictive value of interns were significantly improved from (68.82%, 84.50%) to (91.76%, 93.17%) with the assistance of DL-CAD, respectively. Diagnostic sensitivity and positive predictive value of interns assisted by DL-CAD were comparative to those of attendings aided by DL-CAD (94.56%, 86.47%) or not aided (95.67%, 93.83%), respectively. In addition, when radiologists were assisted by DL-CAD, the mean reading time was significantly reduced and diagnostic confidence was significantly enhanced.
Conclusions
DL-CAD improves the diagnostic performance of acute rib fracture in chest trauma patients, which increases the diagnostic confidence, sensitivity and positive predictive value for radiologists. DC-CAD can advance the diagnostic consistency of radiologists with different experiences.
Down-regulation of SOCS6: An Unfavorable Prognostic Factor for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Proven by Survival Analysis
Authors: Ouyang Jun , An Tailai , Wang Yan , Lu Xiaofang , Zhang Yawei , Wang Xiaokun , Zhang Xinhua , Zhang Changhua
Published: April 2021

Background: Multiple studies reporting that down-regulation of SOCS6 plays vital roles in promoting progression of many tumors have been published. The present study was performed to identify whether SOCS6 was an biomarker significantly associated with prognosis of patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Methods: Immunohistochemical staining was accomplished to evaluate the expression levels of SOCS6 among GIST patients. The impacts of SOCS6 expression on overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) of GIST patients were assessed by Cox proportional hazard regression model analysis and Kaplan-Meier curve analysis. Results: It was demonstrated that the expression level of SOCS6 was significantly associated with tumor size (P=0.001). Then according to Kaplan-Meier curve analysis, low expression of SOCS6 was significantly correlated with worse OS and RFS of GIST patients. Ultimately, it was revealed by Cox proportional regression model analysis that low expression of SOCS6 was an independent predictive factor for OS and RFS. Conclusion: Low expression of SOCS6 was an independent prognostic factor for GIST, suggesting its potential as a novel biomarker predicting survival of GIST patients.
Green Synthesis ZnO/TiO2 for High Recyclability Rapid Sunlight Photodegradation Textile Dyes Applications
Authors: Rusman Erviani , Heryanto Heryanto , Fahri Ahmad Nurul , Mutmainna Inayatul , Tahir Dahlang
Published: April 2021

Composite ZnO/TiO2 have been successfully synthesized by green synthesis method with various calcination temperature 500oC, 600oC, 700oC, and 800oC (TiO2 concentrations: 2.5 g and 5 g) for photocatalyst application. In this study, Calopogonium mucunoides leaf extract was used as reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesized composites were characterized by using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and UV-Visible spectroscopy. The XRD spectra shows the hexagonal phase with wurtzite structure of ZnO and anatase for TiO2. The best degradation performance is 98.26% (only 10 min) for ZnO/TiO2 (5 g) with calcination temperature is 800oC. This is due to the highest distance between two optical phonon mode Δ(LO-TO) and lowest attenuating and propagating constant. The composite ZnO/TiO2 shows high potentials photodegradation of organic dyes with the high stable recyclability up to 5 cycles (> 95%) only for every 15 minutes. High potentials for applicability with the concept environmentally friendly principles and stability for circular chemistry, and efficiency of use the energy and chemicals.
Determinants of Antenatal Care Service Satisfaction among Women in Ethiopia: A systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Seyoum Kenbon
Published: April 2021

Background: Antenatal care service satisfaction is a measure of the degree to which a woman seeking care is happy with the antenatal care service provided to her. It is important to increase woman utilization of antenatal care service and to improve maternal health. Thus, the aim of this study is to identify factors that determine antenatal care service satisfaction in Ethiopia.Method: PubMed, Hinari, and Google Scholar were systematically searched for eligible studies. The author also conducted gray literature search (e.g., in Google) and hand searched the reference lists of all included studies. All articles reported in the English language irrespective of their duration of publication were included. The Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) critical appraisal tools were used to assess the quality of included articles. The Cochrane Q-statistics and I2 tests were used to assess heterogeneity among included studies. Publication bias was assessed using Egger’s tests. Results: Of the 274 articles identified through systematic search of literatures, 13 studies fulfilling inclusion criteria were included in this meta-analysis. First antenatal care visit (AOR = 0.62 and 95% CI: 0.40, 0.96), women waited <60 min (AOR: 1.87 and 95% CI: 1.40-2.50), women whose privacy was maintained (AOR: 3.91 and 95% CI: 1.97-7.77), women treated respectfully (AOR: 5.07 and 95% CI: 2.34-10.96), and unplanned pregnancies (AOR = 0.28 and 95% CI: 0.10-0.77) were significantly associated with antenatal care service satisfaction.Conclusion: The study assessed determinants of antenatal care service satisfaction in Ethiopia. First antenatal care visit, waiting time (<60 min) to see care provider, maintenance of privacy, respectful treatment, and pregnancy unplanned were found to be determinants of antenatal care service satisfaction. Counselling a woman to comply with minimum required antenatal care visit and compassionate and respectful maternity care will increase maternal satisfaction with antenatal care service.
Perceived diet and lifestyle changes during confinement for Covid-19 pandemic in Mexico: ESCAN-COVID19Mx Survey
Authors: Martínez-Vázquez Sophia Eugenia , Ceballos-Rasgado Marena , Posada-Velázquez Rafael , Hunot-Alexander Claudia , Nava-González Edna J , Ramírez-Silva Claudia Ivonne , Aguilar-López Daisy Karina , Quiroz-Olguín Gabriela , López-Jara Beatriz , Cruz Ana Cristina Delgado de la , Huescas-Juárez Sol , Silva-Olvera Mónica Del Rosario , Kaufer-Horwitz Martha
Published: April 2021

Background: Confinement measures that were put in place in Mexico to reduce the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus can affect individual’s lifestyle and well-being; Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess perceived changes in diet quality, emotional eating, physical activity and lifestyle, in a group of Mexican adults before and during the COVID-19 confinement. Methods: 8289 adults answered an online questionnaire between April and May 2020. Data about diet quality, emotional eating, physical activity and sociodemographic characteristics, weight and height were collected. Before and after confinement differences by sociodemographic characteristics were assessed with Wilcoxon, Anova and linear regression analyses. Results: Most participants were women (80%) between 18 and 38 years old (70%), with a low degree of marginalization (82.8%) and a high educational level (84.2%); 53.1% had a normal weight and 31.4% were overweight. Half (46.8%) of the participants perceived a change in the quality of their diet. Lifestyle changes were present among some of the participants, 6.1% stopped smoking, 12.1% stopped consuming alcohol, 53.3% sleep later, 9% became more sedentary, and increased their screen (43%), sitting and lying down time (81.6%). Conclusion: Mexicans staying at home during the COVID-19 confinement, that completed the ESCAN-COVID19Mx Survey, perceived positive changes in the quality of their diet, and smoking and alcohol consumption, but negative changes in the level of physical activity and quality of sleep.
Identification of Key Periods of Temperature Influence on ‘Sirora’ Pistachio Nut Quality
Authors: Zhang Jianlu , Ranford Trevor
Published: April 2021

The methodology of r contour mapping was used in this study of ‘Sirora’ pistachio (Pistacia vera) to establish whether there are any significant relationships between fruit quality characteristics in commercial pistachio production and air temperature in the year before the harvest of the crop as measured at a nearby meteorological station. The work was done near Mildura in Australia. Blank nut percentages were found to be reduced by lower minimum temperatures in mid to late August (southern hemisphere). The percentage of narrow-split nuts was decreased by higher maximum temperatures across almost the whole growing season. Damaged-shell nuts were reduced by higher average daily minimum temperatures between 26 Nov. and 3 Feb. The technique of r contour mapping is shown to have potential as a way to provide early warning of possible quality problems before harvest and as a means of generating hypotheses for future physiological studies
The MOSE Machine: An anthropological approach to the building of a flood safeguard project in the Venetian Lagoon
Authors: Vianello Rita
Published: April 2021

This article reconstructs and analyses the reactions and perceptions of fishers and inhabitants of the Venetian Lagoon regarding flood events, ecosystem fragility and the safeguard project named MOSE, which seems to be perceived by residents as a greater risk than floods. Throughout the complex development of the MOSE project, which has involved protracted legislative and technical phases, public opinion has been largely ignored, local knowledge neglected in favour of technical agendas and environmental impact has been largely overlooked. Fishers have begun to describe the Lagoon as a ‘sick’ and rapidly changing organism. These reports will be the starting point for investigating the fishers’ interpretations of the environmental changes they observe during their daily fishing trips. The cause of these changes is mostly attributed to the MOSE’S invasive anthropogenic intervention. The lack of ethical, affective and environmental considerations in the long history of the project has also led to opposition that has involved a conflict between local and technical knowledge.
Assemblages in the Venetian Lagoon: Humans, water and multiple historical flows
Authors: Porzionato Monica
Published: April 2021

Since the dawn of its existence, and at times thanks to ambitious interventions, Venice and its lagoon have needed to be constantly protected from the various ways in which water has reclaimed its existence. This article asserts that the ways in which Venice approached the watery world imply a tendency to relate to the natural environment as if it was something humans ought to separate themselves from, rather than something towards which they could harmoniously relate. As a result of this mindset, the natural changes which made humans interventions necessary are most often phrased as events abruptly sprouted into being, and less as obvious consequences of pre-existing ecological alterations of the islands’ ecosystem throughout the centuries. In order to read these events differently, this article adopts assemblage theory as delineated in the work of Manuel DeLanda (2006], 2016), according to which history comprises a multiplicity of flows, each belonging to a specific social reality. As such, this article auspicates a way to read ecological alterations of the Venetian lagoon beyond the mere actions of humans and to see, instead, socio-natural changes as the result of intricate relations between heterogenous agents and forces.
An Island for Everyone: Poveglia as contested public space in the Venetian Lagoon
Authors: Cavallo Federica , Visentin Francesco
Published: April 2021

This article focuses on the story of the proposed privatisation of Poveglia, a small uninhabited island in the Venetian Lagoon. In March 2014 the Italian State Property Office announced that a 99-year lease on Poveglia would be offered for sale in an online auction. The reaction of some citizens led to the formation of the association Poveglia per Tutti (Poveglia for Everyone), whose activists and supporters wanted the island to be preserved as a public space and blocked the acquisition. The article firstly frames Poveglia in the processes that are particular to the small islands of the Venetian Lagoon, from abandonment to tourism-related ‘land grabbing’, and then contextualises the story of this minor island in a more general discussion regarding broader ‘right to the island’ narratives and practices with reference to some other European cases. Finally, the article presents the results of a an ethnographically informed analysis of the association Poveglia per Tutti to discuss the capacity and potentialities of some small islands - as separate, limited, and identifiable spaces - to be part of territorialisation processes dealing with active citizenship, resistance to tourist monoculture and the usability of public space. In this way, Poveglia becomes a synecdoche for the whole of Venice and its lagoon, ‘condensing’, at the same time, local and global dynamics.
Life without iron defi ciency
Authors:   Remedium, Prozherina Yuliya , Shirokova Irina ,   Remedium
Published: April 2021

Iron deficiency is the most common pathology worldwide. It can be fully compensated by using iron-containing supplements, which now achieve a strong position in Russia [1].
Cost-Benefit Analysis during Lockdown and Health Belief Model (HBM) of COVID-19 Pandemic in Ogun State, South-Western Nigeria
Authors: Bashir-Ud-Deen Oni, Olawale
Published: April 2021

Due to unprecedented threat to the economy and the quality of life caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this study focused on cost-benefit analysis during the lockdown of COVID-19 and the health belief model of COVID-19 pandemic in Ogun State, Nigeria. A total of 2400 copies of the questionnaire were administered to solicit information from the respondents using systematic random sampling technique on the targeted population while 2363 copies were retrieved and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings of the study revealed that the lockdown had negative impacts on health, economic, and social impacts. Results showed that 50.7% of the respondents spent no time going to the market and/or work during COVID-19, and this made 81.9% of them unable to gain extra gain during the lockdown as they were completely restricted for activities. The lockdown had impacts on socioeconomic activities as the prices of consumable goods increased due to the low supply. 71.8% of the respondents indicated that the government did not provide palliative measures for the households. The results further showed that everyone could be infected with COVID-19 as 86.0% of respondents indicated. 48% revealed that COVID-19 drugs were unavailable and prayers from religious leaders could not cure COVID-19. Besides, 65.5% were able to follow the basic measures put in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the study area. This study concluded that necessary things should be put in place to ease the affairs of the populace before any other lockdown measure is made.
Emergency Contraceptives for the Prevention of Unwanted Pregnancy among the Youth in Tamale – Perspective of the Clergy
Authors: abdulai Abdul-malik,
Published: April 2021

Adolescent females are prone to unintended pregnancies due to the sporadic and impromptu sexual intercourse. Under such circumstances, they are unable to negotiate for safer sex. Emergency contraceptives is vital in the prevention of unintended pregnancies in such situations, but religious communities are perceived to resist modern contrasceptive. This study sought to assess the perspective of the Islamic clergy on the use EC for the prevention of pregnancy among young the people in the Tamale metropolis of the Northern Region of Ghana. A qualitative cross-sectional approach was used for this study. An in-depth interview was conducted involving a total of three clerics, one from each religious sect of the study area to assess their knowledge of EC and perspective on its use among the youth. 2 out of the 3 clerics demonstrated good knowledge of EC, including situations in which it is used and the correct time for use. They were unanimous in the use of family planning methods for birth control but indicated that it is the sole preserve of the married. They contended that the hormonal forms including EC are forbidden in Islam but in situations of forced sex; they had no objection to its use. Overall EC knowledge and awareness level among the clerics was high but strongly opposed the use of it for pregnancy prevention in general but raised no objection to its use in situations of forced sex or incest since they opined it is no fault of the victim under such circumstances.
Effectiveness of Mobile Phone Reminders in Improving Adherence and Treatment Outcomes of Patients on Art in Adamawa State, Nigeria: A Ramdomized Controlled Trail
Authors: Suru Kabiru Usman
Published: April 2021

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) is very imperative in achieving successful treatment outcome and decreased risk of HIV transmission to uninfected people. This is a randomized controlled trial study conducted in Adamawa State, Nigeria. 244 patients were randomized to intervention or control group. Data obtained from the study was analyzed using SPSS Version 21. Frequencies distributions, descriptive statistics were presented, Inferential statistics such as Pearson Chi square, McNemar’s test, Paired T test, correlation and repeated measures ANOVA were used to measure the strength of associations and relationships between the various variables and probability of statistically significant level set < 0.05 at 95% Confidence interval. The response rates in the intervention and control groups were 99% and 96.7% at 3 months; 97.5% and 92.6% at 6 months, respectively. Individual socio-demographic characteristics were not found to be associated with adherence levels in this study. At six months follow up the proportion of the respondents who had good adherence (>95%) was higher (89.1%) and statistically significant (p= 0.001) in the intervention group compared to control group (63.1%) and (p= 0.617). A significantly higher frequency in missed clinic appointments (7.98 vs 1.68) (p=0.024) was noticed in the control group, and a statistically significant increase in the proportion of participants who reported an increase in weight (p=0.001), CD4 cells counts (p=0.001) and decrease in the presence of tuberculosis and other opportunistic infections were observed among patients in the intervention group.
TRATAMENTO ENDODÔNTICO E RESTAURADOR PÓS FRATURA DE CANINO EM IRARA (Eira barbara Linnaeus, 1758) – RELATO DE CASO
Authors: Souza Marcos Vinícius de , Botelho Núbia Estéfane Gomes , Silva Júnior Paulo Gabriel Pereira da , Vidal Maria Larissa Bitencourt , Batista Maycon José
Published: April 2021

A irara (Eira barbara) é animal onívoro da família dos mustelídeos. É a única espécie do gênero Eira. As iraras habitam florestas tropicais da América Central e América do Sul. A irara é também conhecida no Brasil pelos nomes de papa-mel. Por se tratar de um mustelídeo que faz parte de coleções em cativeiro, por isso esta espécie apresenta grande ocorrência de doenças da cavidade oral devido a traumas e doença periodontal. As lesões traumáticas geralmente ocorrem em decorrência de captura e/ou contenção física, comportamentos agressivos ou comportamentos de morder grades ou outros elementos dos recintos. Este artigo relata a realização de endodontia em um macho cativo adulto de irara, submetida a anestesia dissociativa pela associação de tiletamina, zolazepam, detomidina e atropina, em doses calculadas por meio de extrapolação alométrica interespecífica.
LIMITAÇÕES CAUSADAS PELAS DIMENSÕES DE TUBETES SOBRE O CRESCIMENTO E QUALIDADE DE MUDAS CLONAIS DE CAFEEIRO CONILON
Authors: Verdin Filho Abraão Carlos , Borghi Edinei José Armani , Fornaciari Gabriel , Colodetti Tafarel Victor , Rodrigues Wagner Nunes , Comerio Marcone , Posse Sheila Cristina Prucoli
Published: April 2021

O plantio de mudas com alto padrão de qualidade é um dos pontos chaves para o sucesso da cafeicultura. O objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar as limitações causadas pelas dimensões dos tubetes plásticos, em altura e diâmetro, sobre o crescimento e a qualidade de mudas clonais de cafeeiro Conilon. O experimento foi conduzido em viveiro de produção de mudas na Fazenda Experimental de Marilândia (Instituto Capixaba de Pesquisa, Assistência Técnica e Extensão Rural – Incaper). O experimento seguiu um esquema fatorial 2×4, combinando duas alturas (18 e 22 cm) e quatro diâmetros (25, 32, 50 e 75 mm) de tubetes plásticos, totalizando 8 tratamentos que foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições. Para a multiplicação assexuada, foi utilizada a técnica de estaquia, coletando-se secções medianas de ramos ortotrópicos de brotações de plantas matrizes. Após o preparo das estacas, as mesmas foram plantadas nos tubetes de diferentes dimensões. Características de crescimento, produção de biomassa, fotossíntese e qualidade das mudas foram avaliadas aos 165 dias após a estaquia. Observou-se que as limitações das dimensões dos tubetes, em altura e em diâmetro, causaram perdas no crescimento, na produção de biomassa e na qualidade das mudas de cafeeiro Conilon, chegando a causar perdas de até 82,3% na área foliar total, 74,2% na matéria seca total e 28,6% no índice de qualidade. Pode-se concluir que as dimensões dos tubetes podem influenciar o desenvolvimento das mudas, tanto a altura quanto o diâmetro dos tubetes apresentam efeitos significativos. Parece haver um efeito mais limitador causado pela diminuição do diâmetro do tubete do que pela diminuição da sua altura, considerando o intervalo amostrado para ambos os fatores.
Sytuacja prawna pracowników powyżej pięćdziesiątego roku życia
Authors: Dębska Monika Magdalena , Dębski Maciej
Published: April 2021

Non-discrimination of treatment – also on the grounds of age – is a fundamental rule of Polish labour legislation. That rule is expressed in art. 32(2) of the Polish Constitution, art. 1 of Directive 2000/78/EC and art. 113 of the Polish Labour Code. According to art. 6 of Directive 2000/78/EC, art. 183b § 2 of the Polish Labour Code and ECJ case law, exceptions from that rule are permissible if they are justified by a legitimate aim and if the means of achieving that aim are appropriate and necessary. These exceptions include the legitimacy of termination of employment relationships with workers for the sole reason of their reaching the age of retirement. Indeed, such termination can be justified by employment policy. On the other hand, by virtue of art. 39 of the Labour Code, during four years prior to reaching retirement age workers benefit from the so-called protection period, which – with some exceptions – prohibits termination of their employment contracts or work and pay agreements. On October 17th, 2008, the Polish government adopted a program named Solidarity of generations – action for Increasing Occupational activity of Persons aged 50+, within which professional development training and apprenticeship programs were opened to people aged 50 and over, and legislation was introduced to promote their employment.
Forma dekretu poszczególnego w kanonicznym porządku prawnym (kan. 51 KPK)
Authors: DZIERŻON GINTER
Published: April 2021

W zaprezentowanym opracowaniu autor dokonał szczegółowej interpretacji kan. 51 KPK. Przedmiotem jego zainteresowania stały się dwa wątki: kwestia pisemności dekretu oraz problem motywacji tego aktu. Z przeprowadzonych analiz wynika, iż konieczność wydania dekretu w formie pisemnej nie jest oczywistością. Dyspozycja bowiem kan. 51 KPK nie spełnia kryterium określonego w kan. 10 KPK dotyczącego ustaw unieważniających i uniezdalniających. Autor wykazał, iż w kanonicznym porządku prawnym występują regulacje dotyczące pisemności aktów, które spełniają warunki określone w kan. 10 KPK. Taka technika legislacyjna została zastosowana w kan.  474 KPK, zgodnie z którym akta kurii diecezjalnej, aby uzyskać skuteczność prawną do ważności powinny być podpisane przez ordynariusza. W opinii Autora, forma pisemna aktu jest gwarantem pewności i bezpieczeństwa aktów administracyjnych, a także jest konieczna dla celów dowodowych.Obiektem uwagi Autora stał się również problem motywacji dekretu. Stoi on na stanowisku, iż punktu widzenia praktyki administracyjnej najbardziej stosowne byłoby przyjęcie rozwiązania, aby każdy wydawany dekret zawierałby motywację. Tym sposobem bowiem adresat aktu poznałby zarówno racje prawne, jak i faktyczne podjętej decyzji.Wykazał on, iż niewypełnienie wymogu co do motywacji nie skutkuje nieważnością dekretu, ale wiąże się z jego nielegalnością, ponieważ zapis kan. 51 KPK nie spełnia warunków, o których mowa w kan. 10 KPK.
Odnowa duszpasterska w diecezji włocławskiej w świetle uchwał synodów biskupa Stanisława Karnkowskiego z 1568 i 1579 roku
Authors: GRĘŹLIKOWSKI JANUSZ
Published: April 2021

Wielki i potrzebny dar reformy i odnowy duszpasterskiej nakreślony przez Sobór Trydencki został gorliwie i owocnie podjęty przez biskupa Stanisława Karnkowskiego i to z wielkim rozmachem na dwóch synodach diecezjalnych, odbytych w 1568 i 1579 r. Osadzone mocno w dekretach soborowych oraz statutach prowincjonalnych uchwały synodów normowały wiele sektorów życia duszpasterskiego ówczesnej diecezji kujawsko-pomorskiej, uaktywniając samych duszpasterzy, jak i angażując religijnie i moralnie wiernych świeckich. Ten wybitny ustawodawca, reformator, wyrosły i uformowany w atmosferze Tridentinum, zwolennik odnowy trydenckiej Kościoła i jego struktur duszpasterskich, zdawał sobie sprawę, że odnowa duszpasterstwa i naprawa życia religijno-moralnego musi znaleźć swój początek w reformie duchowieństwa, zachowaniu karności i dyscypliny kościelnej oraz w życiu i postępowaniu duchownych zgodnym z duchem powołania kapłańskiego.Odnowie duszpasterstwa służyły też podejmowane wysiłki zmierzające do usprawnienia organizacji dekanatów oraz ożywienie działalności dziekanów, m.in. w zakresie kontroli duszpasterstwa, przypominania proboszczom ich powinności w zakresie poznawania parafian, opieki nad chorymi i ubogimi, zarządzenia odnoszące się do obrony wiary katolickiej zagrożonej reformacją, regulacje odnoszące się do nauczania prawd wiary, nauczania katechetycznego, sprawowania i przyjmowania sakramentów, kultu Bożego i spraw liturgicznych. To wszystko miało służyć posoborowej odnowie duszpasterstwa w Kościele włocławskim.Swoje zaprogramowane działania uzdrawiające i reformujące duszpasterstwo w diecezji realizował nie tylko poprzez działalność synodalną, ale wspierał je poprzez wydane przez siebie Napomnienia oraz Admonitiones – agendę liturgiczną, które służyły ujednoliceniu liturgii i były pomocą dla duszpasterzy, nie tylko w diecezji kujawsko-pomorskiej. Analiza jego działalności ustawodawczej i duszpasterskiej upoważnia do stwierdzenia, że budował w diecezji nowe struktury życia religijnego, duszpasterskiego i kościelnego na bazie programu wytyczonego przez Sobór Trydencki. Stąd należał do najwybitniejszych biskupów polskich tamtego okresu. Zasłynął jako oddany reformator Kościoła katolickiego, obrońca wiary, krzewiciel oświaty, reformator obyczajów duchowieństwa i wiernych świeckich, a przede wszystkim jako wybitny i doświadczony prawnik ustawodawstwa synodalnego w Polsce oraz reformator duszpasterstwa.
Biomedical Applications of Bacterial Cellulose based Composite Hydrogels
Authors: Liu Wei , Du Haishun , Zheng Ting , Si Chuanling
Published: April 2021

Background:

Bacterial cellulose (BC) and its derivatives are a rich source of
renewable natural ingredients, which are of great significance for biomedical and medical
applications but have not yet been fully exploited. BC is a high-purity, biocompatible,
and versatile biomaterial that can be used alone or in combination with other ingredients
such as polymers and nanoparticles to provide different structural organization and function.
This review briefly introduces the research status of BC hydrogels, focusing on the
preparation of BC-based composite hydrogels and their applications in the field of
biomedicine, particularly the wound dressings, tissue engineering scaffolds, and drug delivery.

Methods:

By reviewing the most recent literature on this subject, we summarized recent
advances in the preparation of BC-based composite hydrogels and their advances in
biomedical applications, including wound dressings, tissue engineering, and drug delivery.

Results:

BC composite hydrogels have broadened the field of application of BC and developed
a variety of BC-based biomaterials with excellent properties. BC-based hydrogels
have good biocompatibility and broad application prospects in the biomedical field.

Conclusion:

BC-based composite hydrogels with the advantages of 3D structure, nontoxicity,
high purity, and good biocompatibility, have great prospects in the development
of sustainable and multifunctional biomaterials for biomedical applications.