bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lessons learned from implementation of a national hotline for Ebola virus disease emergency preparedness in South Sudan
Authors: Lopez Velma K. , Shetty Sharmila , Kouch Angelo Thon , Khol Matthew Tut , Lako Richard , Bili Alexandre , Ayuen Anyang David , Jukudu Agnes , Kug Ajak Ater , Mayen Atem David , Nyawel Emmanuel , Berta Kibebu , Olu Olushayo , Clarke Kevin , Bunga Sudhir
Published: April 2021

Background

The world’s second largest Ebola outbreak occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo from 2018 to 2020. At the time, risk of cross-border spread into South Sudan was very high. Thus, the South Sudan Ministry of Health scaled up Ebola preparedness activities in August 2018, including implementation of a 24-h, toll-free Ebola virus disease (EVD) hotline. The primary purpose was the hotline was to receive EVD alerts and the secondary goal was to provide evidence-based EVD messages to the public.

Methods

To assess whether the hotline augmented Ebola preparedness activities in a protracted humanitarian emergency context, we reviewed 22 weeks of call logs from January to June 2019. Counts and percentages were calculated for all available data.

Results

The hotline received 2114 calls during the analysis period, and an additional 1835 missed calls were documented. Callers used the hotline throughout 24-h of the day and were most often men and individuals living in Jubek state, where the national capital is located. The leading reasons for calling were to learn more about EVD (68%) or to report clinical signs or symptoms (16%). Common EVD-related questions included EVD signs and symptoms, transmission, and prevention. Only one call was documented as an EVD alert, and there was no documentation of reported symptoms or whether the person met the EVD case definition.

Conclusions

Basic surveillance information was not collected from callers. To trigger effective outbreak investigation from hotline calls, the hotline should capture who is reporting and from where, symptoms and travel history, and whether this information should be further investigated. Electronic data capture will enhance data quality and availability of information for review. Additionally, the magnitude of missed calls presents a major challenge. When calls are answered, there is potential to provide health communication, so risk communication needs should be considered. However, prior to hotline implementation, governments should critically assess whether their hotline would yield actionable data and if other data sources for surveillance or community concerns are available.
Machine learning and statistical approaches for classification of risk of coronary artery disease using plasma cytokines
Authors: Saharan Seema Singh , Nagar Pankaj , Creasy Kate Townsend , Stock Eveline O. , Feng James , Malloy Mary J. , Kane John P.
Published: April 2021

Background

As per the 2017 WHO fact sheet, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the primary cause of death in the world, and accounts for 31% of total fatalities. The unprecedented 17.6 million deaths caused by CAD in 2016 underscores the urgent need to facilitate proactive and accelerated pre-emptive diagnosis. The innovative and emerging Machine Learning (ML) techniques can be leveraged to facilitate early detection of CAD which is a crucial factor in saving lives. The standard techniques like angiography, that provide reliable evidence are invasive and typically expensive and risky. In contrast, ML model generated diagnosis is non-invasive, fast, accurate and affordable. Therefore, ML algorithms can be used as a supplement or precursor to the conventional methods. This research demonstrates the implementation and comparative analysis of K Nearest Neighbor (k-NN) and Random Forest ML algorithms to achieve a targeted “At Risk” CAD classification using an emerging set of 35 cytokine biomarkers that are strongly indicative predictive variables that can be potential targets for therapy. To ensure better generalizability, mechanisms such as data balancing, repeated k-fold cross validation for hyperparameter tuning, were integrated within the models. To determine the separability efficacy of “At Risk” CAD versus Control achieved by the models, Area under Receiver Operating Characteristic (AUROC) metric is used which discriminates the classes by exhibiting tradeoff between the false positive and true positive rates.

Results

A total of 2 classifiers were developed, both built using 35 cytokine predictive features. The best AUROC score of .99 with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) (.982,.999) was achieved by the Random Forest classifier using 35 cytokine biomarkers. The second-best AUROC score of .954 with a 95% Confidence Interval (.929,.979) was achieved by the k-NN model using 35 cytokines. Ap-value of less than 7.481e-10 obtained by an independent t-test validated that Random Forest classifier was significantly better than the k-NN classifier with regards to the AUROC score.

Presently, as large-scale efforts are gaining momentum to enable early, fast, reliable, affordable, and accessible detection of individuals at risk for CAD, the application of powerful ML algorithms can be leveraged as a supplement to conventional methods such as angiography. Early detection can be further improved by incorporating 65 novel and sensitive cytokine biomarkers. Investigation of the emerging role of cytokines in CAD can materially enhance the detection of risk and the discovery of mechanisms of disease that can lead to new therapeutic modalities.
Clinical characteristics of children infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Italy
Authors: De Jacobis Isabella Tarissi , Vona Rosa , Cittadini Camilla , Marchesi Alessandra , Cursi Laura , Gambardella Lucrezia , Villani Alberto , Straface Elisabetta
Published: April 2021

Background

Since December 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) emerged in Wuhan and spread rapidly worldwide. Despite the high number of people affected, data on clinical features and prognostic factors in children and adolescents are limited. We propose a retrospective study aimed to evaluate clinical characteristics of children infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Italy.

Methods

A pediatric population admitted with COVID-19 to Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital of Rome (Italy) in the period from the end of February to July 2020 has been studied. Medical history, comorbidities, symptoms and laboratory findings were obtained from patients’ electronic medical records.

Results

In 66 patients (35 males and 31 females) we found that: i) fever and cough were the dominant symptoms, while vomit and convulsions were rare symptoms; and ii) all ages of childhood were susceptible to COVID-19. Furthermore, we found that, compared to females, males with COVID-19, although not significantly, had higher values of inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and ESR. Conversely, we found that COVID-19 positive females were older than males and required more days of hospitalization. Both males and females COVID-19 positives had procalcitonin values within the normal range and D-Dimer values slightly higher than the normal range. With regard to this latter marker, the value measured in females, although not significant, was higher than that measured in males. Interestingly, the presence of leukopenia was found in both sexes.

Conclusions

Compared to the adults we found that COVID-19 infection in children is a non-severe inflammatory disease in both males and females. In any case, many detailed studies should be conducted.
Mechanisms of enhancer action: the known and the unknown
Authors: Panigrahi Anil , O’Malley Bert W.
Published: April 2021

Differential gene expression mechanisms ensure cellular differentiation and plasticity to shape ontogenetic and phylogenetic diversity of cell types. A key regulator of differential gene expression programs are the enhancers, the gene-distalcis-regulatory sequences that govern spatiotemporal and quantitative expression dynamics of target genes. Enhancers are widely believed to physically contact the target promoters to effect transcriptional activation. However, our understanding of the full complement of regulatory proteins and the definitive mechanics of enhancer action is incomplete. Here, we review recent findings to present some emerging concepts on enhancer action and also outline a set of outstanding questions.
Publisher Correction: MTSplice predicts effects of genetic variants on tissue-specific splicing
Authors: Cheng Jun , Çelik Muhammed Hasan , Kundaje Anshul , Gagneur Julien
Published: April 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Risk of gout among Taiwanese adults with ALDH-2 rs671 polymorphism according to BMI and alcohol intake
Authors: Liu Yu-Ruey , Tantoh Disline Manli , Lin Chuan-Chao , Hsiao Chih-Hsuan , Liaw Yung-Po
Published: April 2021

Background

Gout stems from both modifiable and genetic sources. We evaluated the risk of gout among Taiwanese adults with aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) rs671 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) according to body mass index (BMI) and alcohol drinking.

Methods

We obtained information of 9253 individuals having no personal history of cancer from the Taiwan Biobank (2008–2016) and estimated the association between gout and independent variables (e.g., rs671, BMI, and alcohol drinking) using multiple logistic regression.

Results

Alcohol drinking and abnormal BMI were associated with a higher risk of gout whereas the rs671 GA+AA genotype was associated with a lower risk. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were 1.297 and 1.098–1.532 for alcohol drinking, 1.550 and 1.368–1.755 for abnormal BMI, and 0.887 and 0.800–0.984 for GA+AA. The interaction between BMI and alcohol on gout was significant for GG (p-value = 0.0102) and GA+AA (p-value = 0.0175). When we stratified genotypes by BMI, alcohol drinking was significantly associated with gout only among individuals with a normal BMI (OR; 95% CI = 1.533; 1.036–2.269 for GG and 2.109; 1.202–3.699 for GA+AA). Concerning the combination of BMI and alcohol drinking among participants stratified by genotypes (reference, GG genotype, normal BMI, and no alcohol drinking), the risk of gout was significantly higher in the following categories: GG, normal BMI, and alcohol drinking (OR, 95% CI = 1.929, 1.385–2.688); GG, abnormal BMI, and no alcohol drinking (OR, 95% CI, = 1.721, 1.442–2.052); GG, abnormal BMI, and alcohol drinking (OR, 95% CI = 1.941, 1.501–2.511); GA+AA, normal BMI, and alcohol drinking (OR, 95% CI = 1.971, 1.167–3.327); GA+AA, abnormal BMI, and no alcohol drinking (OR, 95% CI = 1.498, 1.256–1.586); and GA+AA, abnormal BMI, and alcohol drinking (OR, 95% CI = 1.545, 1.088–2.194).

Conclusions

Alcohol and abnormal BMI were associated with a higher risk of gout, whereas the rs671 GA+AA genotype was associated with a lower risk. Noteworthy, BMI and alcohol had a significant interaction on gout risk. Stratified analyses revealed that alcohol drinking especially among normal-weight individuals might elevate the risk of gout irrespective of the genotype.
Snail mucus from the mantle and foot of two land snails, Lissachatina fulica and Hemiplecta distincta, exhibits different protein profile and biological activity
Authors: Noothuan Nattaphop , Apitanyasai Kantamas , Panha Somsak , Tassanakajon Anchalee
Published: April 2021

Objective

Snails secrete different types of mucus that serve several functions, and are increasingly being exploited for medical and cosmetic applications. In this study, we explored the protein pattern and compared the biological properties of the mucus secreted from the mantle collar and foot of two snail species,Lissachatina fulicaandHemiplecta distincta.

Result

Protein profile showed a different pattern between the two species and between the two secretory parts. The mantle-specific protein bands were further characterized and among them was an antibacterial protein, achacin. Accordingly, the mucus from the mantle exhibited the higher antibacterial activity than that from the foot in both snail species. The mucus fromH. distincta, first reported here, also showed antibacterial properties, but with a lower activity compared to that forL. fulica. Snail mucus also exhibited anti-tyrosinase activity and antioxidant activity but with no significant difference between the foot and mantle mucus. These results indicate some different protein compositions and biological activities of snail slime from the mantle and foot, which might be associated with their specific functions in the animal and are useful for medical applications.
Identification of DNA methylation markers for early detection of CRC indicates a role for nervous system-related genes in CRC
Authors: Rademakers Glenn , Massen Maartje , Koch Alexander , Draht Muriel X. , Buekers Nikkie , Wouters Kim A. D. , Vaes Nathalie , De Meyer Tim , Carvalho Beatriz , Meijer Gerrit A. , Herman James G. , Smits Kim M. , van Engeland Manon , Melotte Veerle
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Colonoscopy and the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) are currently the most widely used screening modalities for colorectal cancer (CRC), however, both with their own limitations. Here we aim to identify and validate stool-based DNA methylation markers for the early detection of CRC and investigate the biological pathways prone to DNA methylation.

Methods

DNA methylation marker discovery was performed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) colon adenocarcinoma data set consisting of normal and primary colon adenocarcinoma tissue. The performance of the five best candidate markers and a previously identified marker, NDRG4, was evaluated on tissues and whole stool samples of healthy subjects and CRC patients using quantitative MSP assays. The results were compared and combined with FIT data. Finally, pathway and gene ontology enrichment analyses were performed using ToppFun, GOrilla and clusterProfiler.

Results

GDNF, HAND2, SLC35F3, SNAP91 and SORCS1 were ranked as the best performing markers. Gene combinations of all five markers, NDRG4 and FIT were evaluated to establish the biomarker panel with the highest diagnostic potential, resulting in the identification of GDNF/SNAP91/NDRG4/FIT as the best performing marker panel. Pathway and gene ontology enrichment analyses revealed that genes associated with the nervous system were enriched in the set of best performing CRC-specific biomarkers.

Conclusion

In silico discovery analysis using TCGA-derived data yielded a novel DNA-methylation-based assay for the early detection of CRC, potentially improving current screening modalities. Additionally, nervous system-related pathways were enriched in the identified genes, indicating an epigenetic regulation of neuronal genes in CRC.
QSAR-Co-X: an open source toolkit for multitarget QSAR modelling
Authors: Halder Amit Kumar , Dias Soeiro Cordeiro M. Natália
Published: April 2021

Quantitative structure activity relationships (QSAR) modelling is a well-known computational tool, often used in a wide variety of applications. Yet one of the major drawbacks of conventional QSAR modelling is that models are set up based on a limited number of experimental and/or theoretical conditions. To overcome this, the so-called multitasking or multitarget QSAR (mt-QSAR) approaches have emerged as new computational tools able to integrate diverse chemical and biological data into a single model equation, thus extending and improving the reliability of this type of modelling. We have developed QSAR-Co-X, an open source python–based toolkit (available to download at https://github.com/ncordeirfcup/QSAR-Co-X) for supporting mt-QSAR modelling following the Box-Jenkins moving average approach. The new toolkit embodies several functionalities for dataset selection and curation plus computation of descriptors, for setting up linear and non-linear models, as well as for a comprehensive results analysis. The workflow within this toolkit is guided by a cohort of multiple statistical parameters and graphical outputs onwards assessing both the predictivity and the robustness of the derived mt-QSAR models. To monitor and demonstrate the functionalities of the designed toolkit, four case-studies pertaining to previously reported datasets are examined here. We believe that this new toolkit, along with our previously launched QSAR-Co code, will significantly contribute to make mt-QSAR modelling widely and routinely applicable.
Undergraduate STEM Majors on and off the Pre-Med/Health Track: A STEM Identity Perspective
Authors: Dou Remy , Cian Heidi , Espinosa-Suarez Valentina
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study was to explore the STEM identity of undergraduate STEM majors pursuing medical or health graduate education (i.e., pre-med/health students). It was found that pre-med/health students were more likely to identify as STEM people and perceive that their teachers recognize them as STEM people than their non-pre-med/health peers.
Consensus for Treatment of Metastatic Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer: Report From the First Global Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference for Developing Countries (PCCCDC)
Authors: Maluf Fernando Cotait , Pereira Felipe Moraes Toledo , Serrano Uson Pedro Luiz , Bastos Diogo Assed , Rodrigues da Rosa Diogo Augusto , Wiermann Evanius Garcia , Schutz Fábio A. , Kater Fábio Roberto , de Oliveira Fernando Nunes Galvão , Marques Monteiro Fernando Sabino , de Pádua Fernando Vidigal , Orlandi Francisco Javier , de Almeida Saito Helena Paes , Ayadi Mouna , Boghikian Pamela Salman , Kopp Ray Manneh , de Carvalho Ricardo Saraiva , de Fogace Rodrigo Nogueira , de Araújo Cavallero Sandro Roberto , Aguiar Sergio , Souza Vinicius Carreira , Sommer Silke Gillessen
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE

International guideline recommendations may not always be extrapolated to developing countries where access to resources is limited. In metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC), there have been successful drug and imaging advancements that were addressed in the Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference for Developing Countries for best-practice and limited-resource scenarios.

METHODS

A total of 24 out of 300 questions addressed staging, treatment, and follow-up for patients with mCSPC both in best-practice settings and resource-limited settings. Responses were compiled and presented in percentage of clinicians supporting each response. Questions had 4-8 options for response.

RESULTS

Recommendations for staging in mCSPC were split but there was consensus that chest x-ray, abdominal and pelvic computed tomography, and bone scan should be used where resources are limited. In both de novo and relapsed low-volume mCSPC, orchiectomy alone in limited resources was favored and in relapsed high-volume disease, androgen deprivation therapy plus docetaxel in limited resources and androgen deprivation therapy plus abiraterone in high-resource settings were consensus. A 3-weekly regimen of docetaxel was consensus among voters. When using abiraterone, a regimen of 1,000 mg plus prednisone 5 mg/d is optimal, but in limited-resource settings, half the panel agreed that abiraterone 250 mg with fatty foods plus prednisone 5 mg/d is acceptable. The panel recommended against the use of osteoclast-targeted therapy to prevent osseous complications. There was consensus that monitoring of patients undergoing systemic treatment should only be conducted in case of prostate-specific antigen elevation or progression-suggestive symptoms.

CONCLUSION

The treatment recommendations for most topics addressed differed between the best-practice setting and resource-limited setting, accentuating the need for high-quality evidence that contemplates the effect of limited resources on the management of mCSPC.
TU-22M SOVIET LONG-RANGE SUPERSONIC MISSILE-BOMBER
Authors: Podoprelov Pavel , Knapp Nikolay , Muratov Khomidzhon , Kolmykov Dmitry , Ledenev Roman , Skorodumov Pavel
Published: April 2021

THE ELECTRONIC TEXTBOOK IS INTENDED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE ON THE BASIS OF EDUCATIONAL TEXTS USING AUTHENTIC AUDIO MATERIALS ON THE MILITARY SPECIALTY, IMPROVING THE SKILLS OF CONDUCTING CONVERSATIONS ON PROFESSIONALLY-ORIENTED TOPICS. THE ELECTRONIC TEXTBOOK CONTRIBUTES TO THE REPETITION AND SYSTEMATIZATION OF THE STUDIED LEXICAL AND GRAMMATICAL MATERIAL, THE FORMATION OF CADETS ' BASIC SKILLS OF WORKING WITH TEXTS OF THE MILITARY SPECIALTY, AS WELL AS SPEAKING SKILLS BASED ON THE INTRODUCED LEXICAL MATERIAL.
Supporting Employment and Improving the Efficiency of the Labor Market to Ensure Productivity Growth in the Tula Region
Authors: Bykova M. , Savina Irina , Shishkin Andrey
Published: April 2021

The paper provides a retrospective analysis of the relevance of the productivity issue. Various approaches to the possibility of increasing this indicator at the regional level based on the identification of various factors are considered. An analysis of projects devoted to increasing labor productivity in the Tula region and contributing to supporting employment was carried out. The need to use employment indicators as factors affecting productivity is justified. An analysis of the relationship between regional and state policies in support of employment in the region and the main indicators of the unemployment rate was carried out. On the example of the Tula region, the need for sectoral analyses in order to identify advanced industries at the regional level is justified. Optimization of programs at both regional and federal levels is proposed, taking into account the needs of advanced industries in the field of training.
Interaction of Medium and Small Business Structures of the Region with Large Companies As a Form of Survival in Difficult Economic Conditions
Authors: Mahmudova Muhabbat
Published: April 2021

Based on the analysis of the practice of interaction of business structures of medium and small formats with large companies operating in the Tyumen region market, the most popular and effective options for cooperation that allow the region's business sector to overcome bankruptcy and financial difficulties are identified.
Identifying Promising Industries in Syria to Attract FDI
Authors: Savah Luzhayn
Published: April 2021

The paper is devoted to identifying promising sectors of the Syrian economy in order to attract foreign direct investment. In order to determine the attractive sectors of the Syrian economy, the statistical indicators of the state's exports were studied: in the pre-war and modern period of time. As a result of the analysis, it was concluded which sectors of the economy were the most resistant to the effects of negative factors. According to the results of the study, a conclusion is made about the prospects for the development of agriculture and the food industry in Syria (including statistics of foreign investors ' investments in these areas). The assessment of the state of the leading sectors of the Syrian economy (mining, tourism) is carried out, the advantages and disadvantages of investments in these areas are described. Based on the results of comparing the prospects of the industries, recommendations were made for foreign investors to choose the direction of investment.
Prospects for the Growth of Labor Productivity in the Transition to Postindustrial Technological Paradigms
Authors: Basovskiy Leonid
Published: April 2021

The purpose of the work was to determine the value of labor productivity pro-vided by the fourth, fifth and sixth technological modes. Based on the modeling of Kondratyev's cycles and technological structures in the economic dynamics of devel-oped countries, econometric estimates of labor productivity obtained. It has been estab-lished that during the transition from the fourth to the fifth technological order, the growth of labor productivity in developed countries is ensured from 2.0 to 8.0 times, an average of 4.8 times. In the transition from the fourth to the sixth technological order, the growth of labor productivity in developed countries is ensured from 6 to 17 times, an average of 10.1 times. In the transition from the fifth to the sixth order, the techno-logical order provides an increase in the forgiveness of labor from 1.5 to 3.2 times, on average 2.4 times. In the Russian economy, in the short term, with the transition to the fifth technological order, one can expect productivity growth from 2 to 8 times com-pared to the beginning of the 2000s. In the long term, in the Russian economy during the transition to the sixth technological order, one can expect productivity growth from 6 to 17 times compared to the beginning of the 2000s.
Fatima pictures and testimonials: in-depth analysis
Authors: Dalleur Philippe
Published: April 2021

Using photographs and testimonials, we will analyze details of the “miracle of the spinning sun” on October 13, 1917, at solar noon near Fatima. The phenomenon predicted ahead of time, occurred as the clouds cleared on what began as a rainy day. Various explanations have been presented but do not stand up to a comparative analysis of eyewitnesses (up to 35 km away), weather data, and photographs. This article aims to bring clarity to this event through the analysis of certified photographs and testimonies comparing them to official meteorological and astronomical data. Our study confirms key points of the testimonials while focusing on objective data. The shadows and reflections reveal two soft light sources emerging from a rather dark background: one seen as a “pale sun”, and another overhead, fuzzy and as softly bright. The latter, likely being caused by a clear cloud, blurred the shadows of the weak “sun”. Strangely, the portions of clothing exposed to this “sun” dried quickly. This warm source, uncannily moonlike, was also able to cast distinct shadows on sloping surfaces and under objects. Eventually, these shadows will help us to estimate the height of the “sun” at ~30°, lower than the expected 42°. Therefore, the directly observed source could not have been the sun, and most probably not any physiological, psychological, or meteorological effect.
Scientific Snterpretations of Learning Motor Actions of Preschool Children
Authors:   Private Enterprise Comprehensive School ", Bykov Ivan ,   Maibuttia",   of I-III degrees (Odesa)
Published: April 2021

The article analyzes the views of domestic and foreign scientists on important aspects of learning motor actions of preschool children. Preschoolers’ movement movements are characterized as a complex educational process, during which children under the guidance of an educator acquire the necessary motor experience. The task of higher education institutions is presented as the training of a highly qualified educator who will perform professional duties at the appropriate level in the process of teaching motor actions to preschool children. The essence and content of the concepts «activity», «motor activity», «motor action» are revealed. It is determined that the necessary qualitative characteristic of motor action, the formation of which is aimed at the educational activities of the educator, is the technique of its implementation. The main types of motor skills are skills acquired during various physical exercises, including basic movements (walking, running, jumping, throwing, climbing). Conclusions. 1. Teaching preschoolers movements is a complex educational process, during which children under the guidance of an educator gain the necessary motor experience. 2. Priority is given to the activity of an educator who plans, organizes and practically carries out the teaching of educational material. 3. An important task of higher education institutions is to train a highly qualified educator who will perform professional duties at the appropriate level in the process of teaching motor actions to preschool children.
Organization of Group Work in the Conditions of PEI: Theoretical Aspect
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Shkarupa Yelyzaveta
Published: April 2021

The article is devoted to the problem of studying the organizing of circle work in the conditions of a preschool educational institution. The author disclosed the essence of the concepts "circle", "circle work ". The importance of the task of developing the creative potential of children is indicated, what exactly requires improving the system of circle work, organizing it taking into account inclinations, abilities, creativity of children. It is proved that the circle work in a PEI is an effective form of children's organization of activities and represents an integral part of the educational process. It has been established that circles are organized in the conditions of a PEI for children with theoretical or practical material for detailed study of interesting information of activity content, disclosure of their inclinations and inclinations, talents and giftedness, meeting the needs of preschoolers in needs practical self-determination.
Socialization of Personality as a Scientific Problem
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Chernysh Oleh
Published: April 2021

The article analyzes the problem of socialization of the individual in philosophical, psychological, pedagogical and socio-pedagogical research. The historical basis of the development of the theory of socialization is revealed, the subject-object and subject-subject approach in socialization is characterized. Representatives of the subject-object consider socialization as a process of human adaptation to society, which forms each of its members in accordance with its inherent culture. Proponents of the subject-subject approach note that a person participates in the process of socialization and not only adapts to society, but also influences his life circumstances and himself, during which both the individual and society develop. The study describes three main areas of study of the socialization process: socio-philosophical, socio-psychological and socio-pedagogical. The main characteristics of the socialization process are analyzed: factors, stages, mechanisms, types, means, agents, institutions. Particular attention is paid to the study of aberrational socialization, which scientists interpret as negative, false, distorted, distorted. The author concludes that the theory of socialization is open and mobile, constantly supplemented and changed along with the variability of the world and society, under the influence of external (social) and internal (individual psychological) factors.
Social Security Policy and Activities of Social Services of Ukraine
Authors:   SHEE ", Plisko Yevhen ,   Donbas State Pedagogical University", Tsokalo Violetta ,   SHEE "Donbas State Pedagogical University"
Published: April 2021

The article analyzes the activities of the social protection system and social services of Ukraine. The concept of «social protection» is defined, the classification of the social protection system according to the models of social policy of other countries (Austria, England, Germany, USA, France, Japan) is given. The only principle of social protection according to the given models is formulated – joint action of a complex of measures which are directed on increase of well-being and quality of life of the population (economic, household, social). The socially-oriented policy of Ukraine, which is aimed at overcoming poverty, introduction of social insurance and targeted assistance, solving problems related to unemployment, is indicated. It was found that the basic state social standard in the field of income is the subsistence level. The social service is defined as a multifunctional state executive body that acts as a guarantor in ensuring the stability of the functioning of the system of social protection and social security of socially vulnerable groups. It is established that social services are an organizational form of social work, because they implement the practice of social security. Ensure orderly communication and interaction of all social work bodies (departments and social services). The organizational structure of the social security system is an orderly connection and interaction of all bodies of social work (departments and social services), which provide general conditions for rational organization and normal functioning of the support system for individuals, groups of communities at risk of social risk. The leading direction in social security is to support a person who finds himself in a difficult life situation at the minimum (not lower) social and household level – the provision of cash benefits, social benefits, benefits, subsidies and more.
Incontinence-associated dermatitis: who is affected?
Authors: Pather Priscilla , Doubrovsky Anna , Jack Leanne , Coyer Fiona
Published: April 2021

Objective:

Intensive care unit (ICU) patients possess multiple risk factors for developing loss of skin integrity, particularly incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD). IAD is an inflammatory skin condition resulting from repeated and prolonged contact with urine, faeces or both. This study aimed to measure the incidence and clinical characteristics of adult ICU patients with IAD.

Method:

This was a prospective observational study conducted over three months in an adult ICU. Included patients were ≥18 years who experienced faecal incontinence during their intensive care admission. Patients were excluded if they had an ileostomy or colostomy, had IAD on admission, or were continent of urine and faeces. Skin inspections were performed every second day on all recruited patients by trained research nurses. Other data were collected from patient medical records.

Results:

A total of 37 patients took part in the study. Incidence of IAD was 35.1%; 13 patients who had incontinence developed IAD. The mean time to onset of IAD was 3.69 days, median 3 days (SD: 1.8, range: 2–8 days). Of the 13 patients who developed IAD, 12 (92.3%) patients were initially assessed as having category 1 IAD and one (7.7%) patient was initially assessed with category 2 IAD. Of the patients with category 1 IAD, one patient (7.7%) progressed to category 2 IAD severity.

Conclusion:

A larger sample is recommended to fully explore ICU patient characteristics and IAD development. The incidence of IAD in ICU patients was high at 35%, indicating this condition requires due consideration in ICU patients.
In vitro modelling of disease-induced changes in the diabetic wound fibroblast
Authors: Sorooshian Parviz , Metcalfe Anthony D , Lali Ferdinand V
Published: April 2021

Objective:

Fibroblasts have been shown to play an increasingly important role within diabetic wounds. While several in vitro models of diabetic wound fibroblasts have been reported, none replicate the natural progression of the disease over time, recapitulating the acquisition of the diseased phenotype. Therefore, this study aimed to establish an in vitro model of the diabetic wound fibroblast through sustained exposure of healthy dermal fibroblasts to hyperglycaemia.

Method:

Primary human fibroblasts were isolated from discarded healthy skin tissue and were either exposed to normoglycaemic (control 5.5mM glucose) media or hyperglycaemic (25mM glucose) media for four weeks. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to measure the expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines.

Results:

In the hyperglycaemia model, stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1 expression remained consistently downregulated across all four weeks (p<0.01), while monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 (p<0.001), interleukin (IL)-8 (p=0.847) and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1) (p=0.872) were initially downregulated at one week followed by subsequent upregulation between 2–4 weeks.

Conclusion:

This hyperglycaemia model may serve as a useful tool to characterise pathological changes in the diabetic wound fibroblast and help identify candidate therapeutic targets, such as SDF-1, that may reverse the pathology.
Follow-up of pressure ulcer treatment with photodynamic therapy, low level laser therapy and cellulose membrane
Authors: Rosa Luciano Pereira , Silva Francine Cristina da , Luz Suzete Carvalho Landulfo , Vieira Regiane Lima , Tanajura Beatriz Rocha , Silva Gusmão Alana Gonçalves da , de Oliveira Janeide Muritiba , Jesus Nascimento Fabiana de , dos Santos Nathalia Aparecida Campanário , Inada Natália Mayumi , Blanco Kate Cristina , Carbinatto Fernanda Mansano , Bagnato Vanderlei Salvador
Published: April 2021

Objective:

A pressure ulcer (PU) is an area of tissue trauma caused by continuous and prolonged pressure, often associated with hospitalised patients immobilised due to neurological problems, negatively affecting their quality of life, and burdening the public budget. The aim of this study was to report the follow-up, for 45 weeks, of three patients with neurological lesions due to trauma who subsequently developed PUs, and who were treated with a combination of photodynamic therapy (PDT), low level laser therapy (LLLT) and cellulose membrane (CM).

Method:

PDT was mediated by the photosensitiser curcumin on a 1.5% emulsion base. Blue LED light at 450 nm was delivered continuously for 12 minutes at an irradiance of 30mW/cm2 and total energy delivered to the tissue was 22J/cm2. LLLT was performed with 660 nm laser, punctuated and continuous, twice a week with parameters: spot size 0.04cm2, power of 40mW, 10 seconds per point, fluence of 10J/cm2 and irradiance of 1000mW/cm2.

Results:

All PUs had a significant reduction (range: 95.2–100%) of their area after 45 weeks of follow-up and two PUs had complete healing at 20 weeks and 30 weeks. All of the PUs showed a reduction in contamination with the PDT treatments in different proportions.

Conclusion:

From the results obtained, we conclude that the combination of PDT, LLLT and CM is a promising treatment for PU healing.
Evaluation of effectiveness of a new treatment method for healing infected wounds: an animal model
Authors: Basov Alexandr A , Fedosov Sergey R , Malyshko Vadim V , Elkina Anna A , Lyasota Oxana M , Dzhimak Stepan S
Published: April 2021

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness of a new treatment method in healing superficial infected wounds compared with surgical debridement with chlorhexidine solution.

Method:

In this animal model, two wounds were created on the back of 10 male adult rabbits. Wounds treated by Method 1 were debrided using 0.02% chlorhexidine aqueous solution and an antibiotic topical ointment. Wounds treated by Method 2 wounds were treated using a newly developed device which enabled visual monitoring of the wound as it was treated with various pharmacological solutions (including antiseptic, antiseptic oxidant and an osmotically active agent) specifically formulated for each wound healing stage. Wound area size (using digital planimetry) and time taken to clean the wound were recorded, and biopsies were taken, at the beginning of the study and at various timepoints throughout.

Result:

It was observed that both wound cleaning and wound healing were accelerated by treatment with method 2 compared with method 1 (by 43.8% and 36.7%, respectively). There were also a significantly smaller number of complications in these wounds [p=0.0044] due to the positive ratios of neutrophils and fibroblasts in the wound cavities (from the third to the fourteenth day after wound modelling).

Conclusion:

Wounds treated with the new device in method 2 had a shorter wound healing time than wounds treated with a traditional method. The automated influx–outflow of solutions removed any fragments of necrotic tissue from the wound surface. Wounds were able to be monitored without the need to remove dressings. The transparent, airtight film, which allowed for wound monitoring without the need to remove dressings, meant that suturing was not required. This resulted in no complications in the wounds treated by this new method.
Comparison of topical honey and povidone iodine-based dressings for wound healing: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Fujie , Chen Zongnan , Su Feng , Zhang Taijuan
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

In this review and meta-analysis, we analyse the evidence to compare the efficacy of honey and povidone iodine-based dressings on the outcome of wound healing.

Method:

A systematic literature search was performed using PRISMA guidelines in academic databases including MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase and CENTRAL. A meta-analysis was carried out to assess the effect of honey and povidone iodine-based dressings on mean healing duration, mean hospital stay duration and visual analogue scale (VAS) score of pain.

Results:

From the search, 12 manuscripts with a total of 1236 participants (mean age: 40.7±11.7 years) were included. The honey-based dressings demonstrated a medium-to-large effect in reduction of mean healing duration (Hedge's g: –0.81), length of hospital stay (–3.1) and VAS score (–1.2) as compared with the povidone iodine-based dressings. We present evidence (level 1b) in favour of using honey for improvement of wound recovery as compared with povidone iodine.

Conclusion:

This review and meta-analysis demonstrate beneficial effects of honey-based dressings over povidone iodine-based dressings for wound recovery.
Constructed Wetlands for Water Quality Improvement: A Synthesis on Nutrient Reduction from Agricultural Effluents
Authors: Messer Tiffany L. , Moore Trisha L, , Nelson Natalie , Ahiablame Laurent , Bean Eban Z. , Boles Chelsie , Cook Sonja L. , Hall Steven G. , McMaine John , Schlea Derek
Published: April 2021

Abstract.

Excess nutrients from agricultural settings contribute to surface water and groundwater impairment. Constructed wetlands have been widely used for water quality protection in various agricultural systems. We used a synthesis approach to document the performance of constructed wetlands for nutrient removal from a range of landscapes and geographic regions with the following objectives: (1) review the current use of constructed wetlands in agricultural applications, (2) summarize the nutrient removal efficiency of constructed wetlands, and (3) identify the geographic usage and costs associated with constructed wetlands. We reviewed over 130 publications and reports to characterize nutrient removal performance for the following types of agricultural effluents: cropland surface and subsurface drainage, and wastewater from livestock production, greenhouse, aquaculture, and hydroponic systems. Data from the reviewed studies indicate that constructed wetlands are efficient in protecting water quality in agricultural production settings. However, differences in constructed wetland characteristics reported by the studies suggest that standards are needed to ensure nutrient removal goals are met based on wetland design. Researchers should consider including basic performance parameters for constructed wetlands in published reports, including influent and effluent concentrations, hydraulic retention time, hydraulic loading rate, watershed to treatment wetland ratios, and plant species and relative cover. Future studies are needed to explore cost-benefit analyses to assess the feasibility and potential promotion of wetland incentive programs in various geographic regions and watershed nonpoint-source pollution goals for using these systems in agricultural settings. Keywords: Agricultural wastewater, Agricultural water quality, Aquaculture, Cropland runoff, Greenhouse, Hydroponic, Livestock, Review, Subsurface, Treatment wetland.
Effectiveness of Denitrifying Bioreactors on Water Pollutant Reduction from Agricultural Areas
Authors: Christianson Laura E. , Cooke Richard A. , Hay Christopher H. , Helmers Matthew J. , Feyereisen Gary W. , Ranaivoson Andry Z. , McMaine John T. , McDaniel Rachel , Rosen Timothy R. , Pluer William T. , Schipper Louis A. , Dougherty Hannah , Robinson Rhianna J. , Layden Ian A. , Irvine-Brown Stuart M. , Manca Fabio , Dhaese Kris , Nelissen Victoria , von Ahnen Mathis
Published: April 2021

Highlights

Denitrifying woodchip bioreactors treat nitrate-N in a variety of applications and geographies.

This review focuses on subsurface drainage bioreactors and bed-style designs (including in-ditch).

Monitoring and reporting recommendations are provided to advance bioreactor science and engineering.

Abstract. Denitrifying bioreactors enhance the natural process of denitrification in a practical way to treat nitrate-nitrogen (N) in a variety of N-laden water matrices. The design and construction of bioreactors for treatment of subsurface drainage in the U.S. is guided by USDA-NRCS Conservation Practice Standard 605. This review consolidates the state of the science for denitrifying bioreactors using case studies from across the globe with an emphasis on full-size bioreactor nitrate-N removal and cost-effectiveness. The focus is on bed-style bioreactors (including in-ditch modifications), although there is mention of denitrifying walls, which broaden the applicability of bioreactor technology in some areas. Subsurface drainage denitrifying bioreactors have been assessed as removing 20% to 40% of annual nitrate-N loss in the Midwest, and an evaluation across the peer-reviewed literature published over the past three years showed that bioreactors around the world have been generally consistent with that (N load reduction median: 46%; mean ±SD: 40% ±26%; n = 15). Reported N removal rates were on the order of 5.1 g N m-3 d-1 (median; mean ±SD: 7.2 ±9.6 g N m-3 d-1; n = 27). Subsurface drainage bioreactor installation costs have ranged from less than $5,000 to $27,000, with estimated cost efficiencies ranging from less than $2.50 kg-1 N year-1 to roughly $20 kg-1 N year-1 (although they can be as high as $48 kg-1 N year-1). A suggested monitoring setup is described primarily for the context of conservation practitioners and watershed groups for assessing annual nitrate-N load removal performance of subsurface drainage denitrifying bioreactors. Recommended minimum reporting measures for assessing and comparing annual N removal performance include: bioreactor dimensions and installation date; fill media size, porosity, and type; nitrate-N concentrations and water temperatures; bioreactor flow treatment details; basic drainage system and bioreactor design characteristics; and N removal rate and efficiency. Keywords: Groundwater, Nitrate, Nonpoint-source pollution, Subsurface drainage, Tile.