bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Keyboard: An R Package Suite for Early Phase Dose-finding Designs
Authors: Sun Hongying , Li Chen , Cheng Cheng , Li Tang , Pan Haitao
Published: April 2021

Background: Phase I and/or I/II oncology trials are conducted to find the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and/or optimal biological dose (OBD) of a new drug or
treatment. In these trials, for cytotoxic agents, the primary aim of the single-agent or drug-combination is to find the MTD with a certain target toxicity rate, while for the cytostatic agents, a more appropriate target is the OBD, which is often defined by consideration of toxicity and efficacy simultaneously. However, there still lacks accessible software packages to achieve both yet.
Results: Objective of this work is to develop a software package that can provide tools for both MTD- and OBD-finding trials, which implements the Keyboard design for single-agent MTD-finding trials by Yan et al., the Keyboard design for drug-combination MTD-finding trials by Pan et al., and phase I/II OBD-finding method by Li et al., in a single R package, called Keyboard. For each of the designs, the Keyboard package provides corresponding functions that begins with get.boundary( . . . ) to determine the optimal dose escalation and de-escalation boundaries, that begins with select.mtd( . . . ) to select the MTD when the trial is completed, that begins with select.obd( . . . ) to select the OBD at the end of a trial, and that begins with get.oc( . . . ) to generate the operating characteristics.
Conclusions: The developed Keyboard R package provides convenient tools for designing, conducting and analyzing single-agent, drug-combination and phase I/II dose-finding trials, which supports Bayesian designs of innovative dose-finding studies.
World’s Emotional Response to Pandemic: Sentiment Analysis of Twitter Data During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Esfahani Mahdi Abolfazli , Esfahani Messiah Abolfazli , Wang Han
Published: April 2021

The 2019 novel coronavirus disease, shortly named COVID-19, has dramatically changed people’s daily life and a new type of life has been forced on people, called new normal life. While the new normal life helped get COVID-19 growth under control, the side effects are still preserved in the societies, such as stress and fear. The existence of anxiety for an extended period results in various illnesses such as trigeminal neuralgia, and if the period gets much longer, it will increase the suicide rate. Once the number of COVID-19 cases spikes in a country, the government imposes strict policies such as complete luck down and quarantine orders, which helps control the disease’s spread significantly. However, it substantially increases people’s stress and fear. Hence, understanding the people’s emotional response to pandemics over time is essential and needs to be considered for analyzing the possibility of increasing restrictions and being alarmed once easing restrictions is required. Artificial Intelligence can help countries analyze people’s emotional responses in different states and recommend governments on the appropriate level of measurement control rules to prevent disease spread and keep people well psychologically. This paper aims to study people’s emotional responses to the COVID-19 pandemic by performing a sentiment analysis on social media. Twitter, which is a popular social media, is considered in this research to perform analysis. The results show a significant drop in people’s positiveness during 2020, in which COVID-19 spiked, compared to 2019.
One-year review of COVID-19 in the Arab world
Authors: Alwahaibi Nasar , Maskari Muna Al , Dhahli Buthaina Al , Issaei Halima Al , Al-Jaaidi Samiya , Bahlani Shadia Al
Published: April 2021

Aim: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has infected almost every country worldwide, including all 22 Arab countries. We have been following the COVID-19 pandemic in all Arab countries since it started. In this review, we aimed to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 in the Arab world for twelve months and to compare these findings with other most affected countries. Methods: World Health Organization, Worldometer and Ministries of Health websites were used to search for COVID-19 data in all Arab countries. The period was from February 2020 to February 2021. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 23. Results: The median age in all Arab countries was 26.25. As of March 01, 2021, the total confirmed cases of COVID-19 in all Arab countries were 4,259,756. Iraq, Morocco, Jordan, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia (SA) have the highest reported cases with, 695,489, 483,766, 391,090, 390,453 and 377,383, respectively. The total number of deaths were 72,950 cases and were dominant in Iraq, followed by Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and SA with 13,406, 10736, 8637, 8022 and 6494, respectively. In comparison with the topmost affected countries, the data obtained from COVID-19 confirmed cases showed that Arab countries are ranked fourth after USA, India, and Brazil. In terms of total deaths per million, Arab countries come in the second last, before India, with only 165 cases. Conclusion: The number of confirmed and death cases among all Arab countries trigger vital worries about morbidity and mortality of COVID-19, respectively. However, younger population in the Arab world may contribute to the less death cases of COVID-19 in comparison with the topmost affected countries.
WITHDRAWN: Effects of Parathyroid Hormone-Related Peptide Fragments on Neovascularization after Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Zhang Hao , Xia Guangwei , Qin Yahong , Wu Dan , Zhao Pei , Gao Yang
Published: April 2021

Purpose Restoration of blood supply to infarction area plays an extremely important role in the prognosis of myocardial infarction (MI). Consequently, the effects of various fragments of parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) on the peri-infarction neovascularization and cardiac function after MI were studied.Methods Wild-type mice were used to construct a MI model. Together with the sham operation group (sham group), the mice were divided into four groups with 11 animals in each group. Four groups of mice were injected with saline (sham group and MI group), PTHrP (1-84) and PTHrP (87-139) subcutaneously into the abdomen at a dose of 80ug/kg, once a day for 28 days. After 4 weeks, cardiac color Doppler ultrasound examination was performed to evaluate the cardiac function, and the heart tissues of mice in each group were taken for immunohistochemical experiments.Results Compared with the sham group, the heart function of the MI group mice was significantly decreased. After treatment with PTHrP (87-139) , the heart function was significantly improved, while PTHrP (1-84) further reduced the heart function. Masson staining results showed that PTHrP (87-139) significantly reduced the peri-infarction myocardial fibrosis after MI, while PTHrP (1-84) aggravated the degree of myocardial fibrosis. In addition, PTHrP (87-139) significantly increased the peri-infarction microvessel density (MVD) after MI, and the expressions of various relevant vascular factors, while PTHrP (1-84) exerted the opposite effect. Conclusion PTHrP (87-139) promoted angiogenesis in the peripheral area of MI and improved cardiac function, while PTHrP (1-84) exerted the opposite effect.
Hyphomicrobium album sp. nov., isolated from mountain soil and emended description of genus Hyphomicrobium
Authors: Xu Qing , Zhang Yuxiao , Wang Xing , Wang Gejiao
Published: April 2021

A soil bacterium, designated XQ2T, was isolated from Lang Mountain in Hunan province, P. R. China. The strain is Gram-stain-negative, facultative anaerobic, and the cells are motile, rod-shaped. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain XQ2T shared the highest similarities with Hyphomicrobium sulfonivorans S1T (97.1%), Pedomicrobium manganicum ACM 3038T (95.9%) and Hyphomicrobium aestuarii DSM 1564T (95.4%) and grouped with H. sulfonivorans S1T. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) values and the DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain XQ2T and H. sulfonivorans S1T were 86.6% and 55.4 % respectively. Strain XQ2T had a genome size of 3.91 Mb and the average G+C content was 65.1%. The major fatty acids (> 5%) were C18:1ω6c, C18:1ω7c, C19:0 cyclo ω8c, C16:0 and C18:0. The major respiratory quinone was Q-9 (82.8%) and the minor one was Q-8 (17.2%). The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, unidentified phospholipid and two unidentified lipids. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic characteristics, strain XQ2T represents a novel species of the genus Hyphomicrobium, for which the name Hyphomicrobium album sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is XQ2T (= KCTC 82378T = CCTCC AB 2020178T). The emended description of genus Hyphomicrobium is also described.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Migraine: Evidence From Mendelian Randomization Analysis in the UK Biobank
Authors: Chen Jie , Chen Xuejie , Xie Ying , Sun Yuhao , Wang Xiaoyan , Hesketh Therese
Published: April 2021

Background: IBS and Migraine are two diseases featuring high prevalence. Previous studies have suggested a relationship between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and migraine, although the causal association remains unclear. We sought to explore the causal association between IBS and migraine, and to prove the importance of migraine prevention in IBS patients.Methods: This study used a two-sample Mendelian-randomization analysis to explore the association of IBS with migraine. Genetic association with migraine were acquired from the UK Biobank (UKB) genetic databases (cases: 1,072; controls: 360,122). We performed estimation using Inverse Variance Weighting (IVW), along with Maximum Likelihood, MR-RAPS, MR-Egger and Weighted Median for sensitivity analysis. Considering possible bias, we also conducted polymorphism, heterogeneity, and directional analysis.Results: The IVW estimation genetically predicted the causal association between IBS and migraine (OR=1.09, 95%CI 1.01 to 1.17, p=0.03). Neither statistical horizontal pleiotropy (MR Egger p=0.42; MR-PRESSO p=0.78) nor possible heterogeneity (IVW Q = 26.15, p=0.80) was found. Reverse causation was also not detected (p steiger<0.01).Conclusion: Mendelian randomization analysis supported a positive-going causal association of IBS with migraine, providing enlightenment for disease prevention and control.
Smartphone app-based interventions to support smoking cessation in smokers with mental health conditions: A systematic review
Authors: Chen Jinsong , Chu Joanna Ting Wai , Marsh Samantha , Bullen Chris
Published: April 2021

Background: Despite decades of global tobacco control efforts, tobacco smoking remains a leading cause of preventable disease, death and inequality. Smoking is particularly common in people with mental health conditions. Smartphone apps have been developed as an accessible and affordable tool to support smokers with mental health conditions to quit smoking. However, limited data exists regarding the extent to which these apps are underpinned by evidence from research. Methods: We searched for apps designed to assist smokers with mental health conditions to quit smoking, in two ways: one, from the scientific literature, and two, directly from app stores. For the apps found in app store searches, we determined the extent to which they drew on theories or empirical research evidence for their design, their features, and claims of effectiveness. We assessed and compared usage and rating scores for all apps.Results: The literature search identified eight articles with five apps that were developed based on theories or empirical research evidence. Only two of these apps were available from an app store. Conversely, among the 22 apps found in the major app stores, only nine (41%) were built using theories or research evidence. All apps identified from app stores achieved far larger user numbers (minimum download rate = 1,000 times) and higher user rating scores (average 4.7 out of 5.0) than the apps identified in the literature search (user rating scores average 3.75). Conclusions: In general, smokers with mental health conditions are poorly served by available smoking cessation apps. Most apps developed using theories or empirical evidence are poorly used and have limited longevity. Researchers should plan for ongoing support of research-based apps, beyond the life of the research project. Developers should work in collaboration with researchers to build apps that combine theory and evidence with more engaging end-user design features.
Study on the Mechanism of Liuwei Dihuang Pill s Formula in Treating Parkinson's Disease Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Lin Dongtao , Zeng Yudan , Tang Deyu , Cai Yongming
Published: April 2021

Background: Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease in middle-aged and elderly people. Liuwei Dihuang Pill (LWDH Pills) has good effect on Parkinson's disease but the mechanism of action is not clear. Network pharmacology is the result of integrating the basic theories and research methods of medicine, biology, computer science, bioinformatics and other disciplines, which can systematically and comprehensively reflect the mechanism of drug intervention in disease network.Methods: Obtained the main components and targets of herbs in LWDH Pills through Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) database, and screen the active components of traditional Chinese medicine according to ADME; The PD-related targets were obtained from Gencards, OMIM, TTD, DRUGBANK databases. Used Jvenn to take the intersection of targets of LWDH Pills and PD-related targets, use the String platform to analyze protein interactions, construct a PPI network and explore potential protein functional modules in the network. The Metascape platform was used to performe KEGG pathway and GO Function enrichment analysis. Finally, the Cytoscape software was used to construct the drug-components-target network.Results: After screening and de-weighting, 210 effective active ingredients of LWDH Pills, 204 drug targets, 4333 diabetic nephropathy disease targets, and 162 drug-disease targets were obtained by the intersection of Jvenn. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that these targets are involved in neuron death, G protein-coupled amine receptor activity, reactive oxygen species metabolic process, membrane raft, MAPK signaling pathway, cellular senescence and other biological processes. Drug-components-target shows that the hub components of Liuwei Dihuang Pills were quercetin, Stigmasterol, kaempferol, and beta-sitosterolConclusion: LWDH Pill has the characteristics of multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway for the treatment of PD. The hub components may be quercetin, Stigmasterol, kaempferol, and beta-sitosterol, and may be through pairing hub targets such as AKT1, VEGFA, IL6, etc. to regulate Neuron death, G protein-coupled amine receptor activity, reactive oxygen species metabolic process, membrane raft, MAPK signaling pathway, cellular senescence to play a role in the treatment of PD
Low dose naltrexone for the treatment of fibromyalgia: Protocol for a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Bruun Karin Due , Amris Kirstine , Vaegter Henrik Bjarke , Blichfeldt-Eckhardt Morten Rune , Holsgaard-Larsen Anders , Christensen Robin , Toft Palle
Published: April 2021

Background Low dose naltrexone (LDN) is used widely as off-label treatment for pain despite limited evidence for its effectiveness. A few small trials with high risk of bias have investigated the effect of LDN on pain associated with fibromyalgia in women, but larger and more methodologically robust studies are needed. The primary aim of this randomized controlled trial is to investigate if 12 weeks of LDN treatment is superior to placebo in reducing the average pain intensity during the last seven days in women with fibromyalgia.Methods A single-center, permuted block randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial will be performed in Denmark. Randomization comprises 100 women aged 18–64 years and diagnosed with fibromyalgia who will be treated with either LDN or placebo for 12 weeks including a four-week titration phase. The primary outcome is change in average pain intensity (during the last seven days) from baseline to 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes are other fibromyalgia-related symptoms, i.e. tenderness, fatigue, sleep disturbance, stiffness, memory problems, depression, anxiety and measures of global assessment, physical function, impact of fibromyalgia, pain distribution, and health-related quality of life. Intention-to-treat analysis will be performed, and the number of responders with a more than 15%, 30%, and 50% improvement of pain after 12 weeks will be calculated for the LDN and placebo groups. Exploratory outcomes include measures of pain sensitivity, muscle performance, and biomarkers.Discussion This study will contribute with high-level evidence on the efficacy of low dose naltrexone for the treatment of pain in women with fibromyalgia. Secondary outcomes include both disease-specific and generic components investigating whether LDN influences other symptoms than pain. Explorative outcomes are included to provide greater insight into the mechanism of action of LDN and possibly a better understanding of the underlying pathology in fibromyalgia.Trial registration: EudraCT number 2019-000702-30 (registered on 2019-07-12). ClincalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04270877 (registered on 2020-02-17).
Aspirin as secondary prevention in colorectal cancer liver metastasis (ASAC trial): Study protocol for a multicentre randomized placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Yaqub Sheraz , Bjørnbeth Bjørn Atle , Angelsen Jon-Helge , Fristrup Claus Wilki , Grønbech Jon Erik , Hemmingsson Oskar , Isaksson Bengt , Juel Ingebjørg Soterud , Larsen Peter Nørgaard , Lindell Gert , Mortensen Frank Viborg , Mortensen Kim Erlend , Rizell Magnus , Sandström Per , Sandvik Oddvar Mathias , Sparrelid Ernesto , Taflin Helena , Taskén Kjetil
Published: April 2021

Background: Colorectal cancer is one the most common cancers in the western world with increasing incidence. Approximately 50% of the patients develop liver metastases. Resection of liver metastases is treatment of choice although almost half of the resected patients get recurrence in the liver.Methods: The ASAC trial is a Scandinavian, multi-centre, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study to determine whether adjuvant treatment with low-dose Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)) can improve disease-free survival in patients treated for colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM). Up to 800 patients operated for CRCLM will be randomized to Arm#1 ASA 160 mg once daily or Arm#2 Placebo, for a period of 3 years or until disease recurrence. The patients will be recruited at all major hepatobiliary surgical units in Norway, Sweden and Denmark and have follow-up according to standard of care and the National Guidelines.Discussion: The ASAC trial will be the first clinical interventional trial to assess the potential beneficial role of ASA in recurrence of CRCLM and survival. ASA is an inexpensive, well tolerated, and easily accessible drug that will be highly potential as adjuvant drug in secondary prevention of CRCLM if the study shows a beneficial effect. We will also determine the effect of ASA as adjuvant treatment on Health-Related Quality of Life and the cost-effectiveness.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03326791. Registered 31 October 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03326791?term=asac&draw=2&rank=1
Effect of opposing needling on motor cortex excitability in healthy participants and in patients with post-stroke hemiplegia: Study protocol for a single-blind, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Xu Mindong , Zi Yinyu , Wu Jianlu , Xu Nenggui , Lu Liming , Liu Jiahui , Yu Yanling , Mo Haofeng , Wen Weifeng , Tang Xiaorong , Fan Wenjuan , Zhang Yu , Liu Churong , Yi Wei , Wang Lin
Published: April 2021

Background: Opposing needling has obvious curative effect in the treatment of poststroke hemiplegia, however, the mechanism of the opposing needling in the treatment of poststroke hemiplegia is still not clear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of opposing needling on the excitability of primary motor cortex(M1) of healthy subjects and patients with poststroke hemiplegia, which may provide insight into the mechanisms of opposing needling in treating poststroke hemiplegia.Methods: This will be a single-blind, randomised, sham-controlled trial in which 80 healthy participants and 40 patients with post-stroke hemiplegia will be recruited. Healthy participants will be randomised 1:1:1:1 to the 2-Hz, 50-Hz, 100-Hz, and sham electroacupuncture groups. Patients with post-stroke hemiplegia will be randomised 1:1 to the opposing needling or conventional treatment groups. The M1 will be located in both groups by using neuroimaging-based navigation. The stimulator coil of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) will be moved over the left and right M1 in order to identify the TMS hotspot, followed by recording of motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) and resting motor thresholds (RMTs) of the thenar muscles induced by TMS before and after electroacupuncture or sham electroacupuncture. The primary outcome measure will be the percent change in the RMT of the thenar muscles at baseline and after the intervention. The secondary outcome measures will be the amplitude (μV) and latency (ms) of the MEP of the thenar muscles at baseline and after the intervention.Discussion: The aim of this trial is to explore the effect of opposing needling on the excitability of M1of healthy subjects and patients with poststroke hemiplegia.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900028138, Registered on 13 December 2019.
Protocol for GET FIT Prostate: A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Group Exercise Training for Fall Prevention and Functional Improvements During and After Treatment for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Winters-Stone Kerri , Li Fuzhong , Horak Fay , Dieckmann Nathan , Hung Arthur , Amling Christopher , Beer Tomasz M
Published: April 2021

BackgroundMany prostate cancer survivors are treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), but these therapies may increase frailty, worsen physical functioning, and increase fall risk. While exercise may counter functional declines associated with ADT, no studies have tested whether and which type of exercise may reduce falls and frailty. The purpose of this trial is to compare the relative efficacy of strength training versus tai ji quan training against each other and to a stretching control group on falls, frailty and physical functioning in men expose to ADT for prostate cancer.MethodsProstate cancer survivors treated with ADT (N = 360) who have fallen in the past year or are at risk of a fall based on validated risk factors will be recruited to participate in this single-blind, parallel group, randomized trial. Participants will be randomized to one of three supervised, group training programs: i) strength training, ii) tai ji quan training, or iii) stretching (control), that train 3x/week for 6 months. Outcomes are assessed at baseline, 3 (mid-intervention), 6 (immediately post-intervention) and 12 (follow-up) months. The primary outcome is falls assessed by monthly self-report. Secondary outcomes include the following: Frailty (low lean body mass (by bioelectrical impedance analysis), exhaustion (by SF-36 vitality scale), low activity (by CHAMPS physical activity survey), slowness (by 4 m usual walk speed), and weakness (by chair stand time)); Objective and subjective measures of physical function will also be collected. Negative binomial regression models will be used to assess differences in falls between groups, while mixed-effects modeling will be used to compare the relative efficacy of training group on secondary outcomes.DiscussionExercise represents a non-pharmacologic approach to mitigate the problem of falls experienced among men treated with ADT. By engaging in appropriate exercise men may be able to avoid or delay falls, frailty and disability associated with their cancer treatment. Findings of the trial are expected to inform clinical practice about how exercise could be prescribed as part of cancer care for prostate cancer survivors prescribed ADT.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03741335. Registered November 18, 2018. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03741335
Micro cutting force model of micro-jet induced by cavitation collapse in the ultrasonic field at micro-nano scale
Authors: Ye Linzheng , Zhu Xijing , He Yan
Published: April 2021

The micro-jet is the main mechanism of cavitation on materials. More and more ultrasonic cavitation assisted machining uses the micro-jet effect in the industrial field. In this paper, the micro-jet impact is considered as the micro cutting process. To deeply analyze the micro cutting mechanism of micro-jet, the size effect of materials was considered, and the micro cutting force model of micro-jet was established and solved based on the spherical indentation test theory and the strain gradient plasticity theory. The results showed that the micro cutting force and impact pressure of micro-jet with size effect are larger than those without size effect, and the micro cutting force of single micro-jet is within 2.35 N. The micro cutting force of micro-jet increases exponentially with the increase of pit radius, but only slightly increases with the increase of pit depth. When the size effect is considered or not, the impact pressure of micro-jet is 1616-2922 MPa or 1615-1980 MPa, respectively. The increase ratio of micro cutting force with size effect is , which can directly reflect the strength of size effect. The size effect is more obvious when the pit size is smaller, and the maximum increase ratio is 47.54%.The increase ratio increases nonlinearly with the decrease of pit radius and increases with the increase of pit depth. It has a strong correlation with pit radius and pit depth. This paper can provide a new theoretical viewpoint and support for the quantitative description of cavitation effect in ultrasonic assisted machining.
The ecological implications of interplant drought cuing
Authors: Novoplansky Ariel , Falik Omer , Mauda Shachar , Kersting Lennart
Published: April 2021

Plants are able to perceive, integrate and respond to multiple signals and cues informative of imminent threats and opportunities. Here we studied the ecological implications of interplant drought cuing by subjecting unstressed target plants to short periods of root cuing from neighbors that were either stressed or unstressed by drought. Our findings show for the first time that cues emitted from the roots of drought-inflicted plants could elicit greater survival in neighboring plants under a subsequent drought, yet at the expense of lowered performance under benign conditions. Interestingly, these adaptations and costs could be similarly elicited in immediate neighbors via direct cuing and in more distant neighbors via relayed-cuing. Further investigation into the mechanism of interplant drought cuing implicated abscisic acid (ABA) as the exogenous vector based on three lines of evidence- a) drought cuing was greatly reduced in ABA-deficient plants such as Wilty mutant plants or fluridone-treated plants, b) metabolomic analysis demonstrated that the roots of both drought-stressed plants and their unstressed neighbors exuded significantly more ABA than their uncued controls, c) Both direct and relayed cuing from ABA-treated neighbors increased the survival and performance of unstressed target plants under a subsequent drought, and inflicted performance costs on target plants that grew under benign conditions. were not subjected to a subsequent drought. Our findings suggest that interplant root communication of drought cues could have novel implications for plant interactions, survival and performance under both natural and agricultural settings, calling for its further investigation under field conditions.
Assistance of the psychologist expert in the justice bodies to protect minors in Kosovo
Authors: Maloku Elda , Jasarevic Osman , Maloku Ahmet
Published: April 2021

This paper reviews the assistance of a psychologist expert in the justice bodies to protect minors in Kosovo. Research data on the study of normative acts (laws and international acts) regarding the role of the expert psychologist have been analyzed since from September 1999 until 2019. The purpose of this study is to assess the role of an expert psychologist, conforming to national and international legal norms in the protection of minors at the police, prosecution and court organs, where the analysis of these legal norms has been used over the years. In the case of looking at the protection of minors the expert psychologist is involved in all stages of criminal and civil proceedings before the competent authorities. The results show that the role of the psychologist expert in justice bodies in Kosovo is based on national and international law, but in this highly sensitive work Kosovo psychologist experts must have their own association to represent their requests as good as possible to the competent authorities and for the delegation of the name of the expert psychologist at the request of the judge. Moreover, it has been found that until now the determination of the expert psychologist hired has been made with the will of the judge. This paper contributes to existing scientific literature, especially in the fields of criminology, victimology and forensic psychology. Moreover, this paper is likely to contribute to the work of the Association of Psychological Experts, the Victims' Association and in the work of various minors’ protection associations
The danube river as an activation factor of the ethnopedagogical component of general cultural competence of bachelors in natural sciences
Authors: Gramatyk Nadiia
Published: April 2021

In accordance with the European parameters of professional training of the new formation of educators, it is mandatory to emphasize the problem of forming in the future teacher the basic competencies of modern human, including an ethnocultural one. The value of this format of professional training is the focus of competence-oriented content of education on the formation of life and worldview of the future teacher, as well as his/her professional self-development. Ethnopedagogical component of training of future bachelors of natural sciences is of particular importance in the implementation of the concept of specialized training in high school and is one of the indicators of professional readiness to implement the multicomponent component of the content of modern natural education. Ethnopedagogy as a component of modern pedagogical science is a powerful resource for the formation of general cultural competence of the future teacher, which reflects a certain level of his/her professional readiness for teaching in the context of interaction of natural and social environments, to emphasize semantic and ideological aspects, to highlight the dominance of new values.
The characteristic of economically important traits of dairy cows depending on type of body constitution
Authors: Stavetska Ruslana , Dynko Yurii
Published: April 2021

This study focuses on research of economically important traits of Ukrainian black-and-white dairy cows with different types of body constitution. The aim of the study was to differentiate dairy cows into constitution types and to identify the best types in terms of growth, exterior, milk productivity and reproductive capacity. The cows were differentiated into low-, mid- and high-capacity types of body constitution. Depending on their type the features of growth, exterior, milk productivity and reproduction capacity of primiparous have been studied. It has been established, that the intensity of growth of heifers from birth to 18 months depended on the type of their body constitution. Higher live weight, absolute and average daily gains were characteristic of heifers with low-capacity body constitution. Their live weight at the age of 18 months on average was 388.5 kg, it was on 30.9 kg and 60.3 kg (Р < 0.01) more than live weight of mid- and high-capacity heifers. The advantages of low-capacity heifers in average daily gain during the growing period were 60 g and 117 g, respectively. The results of the exterior evaluation have shown that primiparous with the high-capacity type of body constitution had greater size and larger measurements primarily of the chest and barrel (Р < 0.05–0.001).The higher values of linear evaluation were also observed in cows with the high-capacity type, which were characterized by well-developed chest, wide rump, desired rear view of rear legs, firm udder attachment and strong central ligament. The power of influence of the type of body constitution on linear type traits ranged from 0.5 % (rear teat placement) to 46.2 % (chest width). Higher milk productivity was a characteristic of mid-capacity cows (an advantage of 305-d milk yield – 340–662 kg, milk fat yield – 9.0–21.0 kg, milk protein yield – 9.8–19.8 kg).The best results of reproduction capacity have been observed in cows with the high-capacity type of body constitution (calving percentage – 87.5 %)
Low-molecular components of colostrum as a regulator of the organism redox-system and biological antidote
Authors: Ivanov Ievgen , Kozheshkurt Valentyn , Bozhkov Anatoly , Goltvjansky Anatolii , Katrich Victor , Sidorov Vadim , Gromovoy Taras
Published: April 2021

The protein composition in the diapason of molecular masses from 4800 to 9500 Dа has been studied in colostrum, taken from different cows, and manifested the expressed biological activity. For this aim, an influence of low-molecular components of colostrum on some physiological parameters (change of body mass and temperature) at intoxication of animals (Wistar rats) by blue stone has been studied. An influence of colostrum low-molecular components on parameters of the organism redox-system (content of hyperperoxides of lipids and activity of glutathione peroxidase) in the blood serum of animals has been studied. For determining integral characteristics of colostrum components, electric conductivity of skim colostrum and one of colostrum with low-molecular proteins (less than 10 000 Dа), taken from different cows, were used. The aim of this work is to study interconnections of an influence of colostrum low-molecular proteins on models of organism intoxication by cooper ions.

It is demonstrated, that the colostrum composition includes 25–35 different proteins with a molecular mass from 4800 to 9500 Dа. The number and ratio between protein fractions depend on individual physiological-biochemical characteristics of producers. It has been revealed, that there is no direct dependence between the protein content in a measuring cell (2 mg/ml, 4 mg/ml and 10 mg/ml) with skim colostrum and electric conductivity change, and this dependence is different for skim colostrum, taken from different cows. Individual differences are manifested both at electric conductivity change and by the content of colostrum low-molecular proteins in a measuring cell. It is demonstrated, that colostrum low-molecular components can eliminate the toxic effect of blue stone on the organism, which mechanisms are connected with a balance shift in the system “prooxidants↔antioxidants” towards antioxidants. The electric conductivity of colostrum components may be used as an express-method for evaluating biologically active substances of colostrum
Assay of Bacillus cereus Emetic toxin produced in orange squash
Authors: Singh Sunita , Lad Prachi
Published: April 2021

The contamination of squash by B. cereus, an enterotoxin producer, was found to range between 7.5×104  and 1.8×104 CFU/g in orange squash (during storage), that is hazardous. Orange squash is widely produced and consumed in India, but has a low rating of 3 on the scale of 10 (on feedback), mostly due to high sugars, not preferred these days. It can be preserved for >9 months due to added sugars and preservatives. During processing squash, if juice is not quickly cooled and/or squash is kept for long at temperatures <48 °C after processing, it can be a source of food poisoning. Reason, a large number of toxins can be produced by B. cereus. B. cereus strains, isolated from squash, produce heat stable toxin. Vacuolar assay confirmed them as emetic toxins, produced in squash. The toxin behaved like an ionophore in assay using mitochondria, extracted from liver cells of chicken with potassium ions in buffer. The toxicity of toxin by assay was 3200 IU/ng (BC IV strain) and 800 IU/ng (BC X strain). By the vacuolar expansions of mitochondria in assay, toxins of B. cereus demonstrated a toxic effect, in the range of 20.93 to 60.94 % by BC IV toxin and 43.28 to 45.02 % by BC X toxin, on the 3rd day growth of B. cereus in squash and toxin extraction for assay. It was also possible to produce antibodies against the B. cereus whole cell and toxin of BC IV, as an attempt to detect B. cereus contaminations in foods, by Ouchterlony’s immune-diffusion test
Evaluation of microbiological and physical parameters of water from dental clinics in a brazilian university
Authors: Souza Fábio Barbosa , Malta Fernanda Pimentel , De Souza Brandão Manoela Valadares , Silva Anna Cecília Farias , Ribas Beatriz Ribeiro , Souza Lima Gláucia Manoella
Published: April 2021

Introduction and objective: Contamination of the water used in health care units can induce adverse individual and collective consequences. The objective of this study was to evaluate the water quality in dental clinics of a dentistry program of a university in Brazil, calculating the total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms, heterotrophic bacteria and pH. Materials and methods: In each clinic, water samples were collected for analysis at different points: external cistern, clinic faucet, dental chair tank and triple syringe. After sample collection, analysis was performed: the presence of total coliforms and thermotolerant coliforms was determined by chromogenic substrate technique, the presence or absence of Escherichia coli by fluorescence in ultraviolet light, the count of heterotrophic bacteria through the number of colonies and the determination of pH. Results: In all studied sites, the presence of total coliforms, Escherichia coli and thermotolerant coliforms was observed in at least 26% of the samples. In relation to CFU / ml, all mean values were much higher than the maximum established by legislation (500 CFU / ml). It was verified a statistically significant difference was found in the external cistern and tap when compared to the chair tank and triple syringe (p < 0.05). All pH samples were within the standards. Conclusion: The global analysis showed that 100% of the samples were inadequate, which classified the water potability as nonstandard in regard to the current Brazilian legislation.
Vascular leiomyoma affecting the lip: report of a case and an updated analysis of the 78 cases reported in the literature
Authors: Martins Pereira Erika , Alverne Lawall Silva Melaine Mont' , Bastos Joana Joana Albuquerque , De Sá Raisa Sales
Published: April 2021

Vascular Leiomyoma (VL) is a benign soft tissue tumor rarely observed in oral tissues. The aim of this paper is to present a new case of vascular leiomyoma of the lip (VLL), describing its clinical, microscopical, and immunohistochemical features, and review the literature on the tumor. A 27-year-old woman presented with a small painful lesion on lower lip mucosa. Excisional biopsy revealed a well-circumscribed, encapsulated mass formed by small and fusiform cells. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed intense and diffuse expression of smooth muscle actin (SMA) within the tumor cells and CD34 immunoreactivity of the endothelial cells lining the vascular spaces, indicating the presence of blood vessels. A final diagnosis of VLL was established. No signs of recurrence were observed after five years of follow-up. Although VLL is a rare lesion, it must be considered in the differential diagnosis of nodular lesions on lower and upper lips.
Diferencias en la morfología ósea entre el lado desplazado y contralateral en pacientes con asimetría facial: Estudio 3D-TC
Authors: López-Buitrago Diego Fernando
Published: April 2021

Introducción y objetivo: Las asimetrías faciales son un motivo de consulta estética y funcional frecuente (35%) en la consulta de cirugía maxilo-facial. Describir las variaciones morfológicas óseas craneofaciales en pacientes con asimetría facial. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, en 53 pa­cientes (23 hombres, 30 mujeres) con asimetría facial. Mediante tomografía axial computarizada y reconstrucción 3D se describieron las características anatómicas del lado largo que expone la asimetría y del lado contralateral (lado corto hacia donde se desvía la mandíbula), en los planos frontal y sagital. Resultados: Se identificaron cinco categorías de asimetría facial: Elongación hemimandibular, (EH, n = 26; 49%) Hiperplasia hemimandibular (n = 4; 7.5%), Prognatismo mandibular asimétrico (PMA, n = 14; 25,4%), Asimetría de cavidad glenoidea, (n = 2; 3.8%) y laterognatismo funcional (n = 7; 13,2%). En 64.1% de los casos la desviación mandibular era del lado izquierdo. En el plano frontal se observó mayor distancia desde el plano medio sagital a los puntos malar, yugal y gonion en el lado contralateral (p<0.05). En el plano sagital, el ancho de la rama mandibular era mayor en el lado desplazado (p<0.05) y la longitud del cuerpo mandibular era mayor en el lado contralateral (p<0.001). en las asimetrías más prevalentes (EH y PMA), la presencia de una desviación de la sínfisis > 5.1mm da mayor probabilidad de EH [OR: 4.05, IC95%: 1.02-16.0]. Conclusión: Los pacientes con asimetría facial presentaron diferencias morfológicas craneofaciales en los planos frontal y sagital, que ayudan a identificar las diferentes enti­dades que causan esta alteración.
Potential risk of BPA and phthalates in commercial water bottles: a minireview
Authors: da Silva Costa Rouse , Sainara Maia Fernandes Tatiana , de Sousa Almeida Edmilson , Tomé Oliveira Juliene , Carvalho Guedes Jhonyson Arruda , Julião Zocolo Guilherme , Wagner de Sousa Francisco , do Nascimento Ronaldo Ferreira
Published: April 2021

The global water bottling market grows annually. Today, to ensure consumer safety, it is important to verify the possible migration of compounds from bottles into the water contained in them. Potential health risks due to the prevalence of bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates (PAEs) exposure through water bottle consumption have become an important issue. BPA, benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) can cause adverse effects on human health. Papers of literature published in English, with BPA, BBP, DBP and DEHP detections during 2017, by 2019 by liquid chromatography and gas chromatography analysis methods were searched. The highest concentrations of BPA, BBP, DBP and DEHP in all the bottled waters studied were found to be 5.7, 12.11, 82.8 and 64.0 μg/L, respectively. DBP was the most compound detected and the main contributor by bottled water consumption with 23.7% of the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI). Based on the risk assessment, BPA, BBP, DBP and DEHP in commercial water bottles do not pose a serious concern for humans. The average estrogen equivalent level revealed that BPA, BBP, DBP and DEHP in bottled waters may induce adverse estrogenic effects on human health.
Autophagy & Phagocytosis in Neurological Disorders and their Possible Cross-talk
Authors: Li Gaigai , Sherchan Prativa , Tang Zhouping , Tang Jiping
Published: April 2021

Autophagy and phagocytosis are two important endogenous lysosomal dependent clearing
systems in the organism. In some neurological disorders, excessive autophagy or dysfunctional
phagocytosis has been shown to contribute to brain injury. Recent studies have revealed that there
are underlying interactions between these two processes. However, different studies show inconsistent
results for the contribution of autophagy to the phagocytic process in diverse phagocytes and
relatively little is known about the link between them especially in the brain. It is critical to understand
the role that autophagy plays in phagocytic process in order to promote the clearance of endogenous
and exogenous detrimental materials. In this review, we highlight the studies focusing on
phagocytosis and autophagy occurring in the brain and summarizing the possible regulatory roles of
autophagy in the process of phagocytosis. Balancing the roles of autophagy and phagocytosis may
be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of some neurological diseases in the future.
In Vitro, In Vivo and Ex Vivo Models for Peripheral Nerve Injury and
Regeneration
Authors: Li Andrew , Pereira Clifford , Hill Elise Eleanor , Vukcevich Olivia , Wang Aijun
Published: April 2021

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Peripheral Nerve Injuries (PNI) frequently occur secondary to traumatic injuries. Recovery
from these injuries can be expectedly poor, especially in proximal injuries. In order to study and
improve peripheral nerve regeneration, scientists rely on peripheral nerve models to identify and test
therapeutic interventions. In this review, we discuss the best described and most commonly used peripheral
nerve models that scientists have and continue to use to study peripheral nerve physiology
and function.
C-Phycocyanin-derived Phycocyanobilin as a Potential Nutraceutical Approach for Major Neurodegenerative Disorders and COVID-19- induced Damage to the Nervous System
Authors: Pentón-Rol Giselle , Marín-Prida Javier , McCarty Mark F.
Published: April 2021

The edible cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis and its chief biliprotein C-Phycocyanin
have shown protective activity in animal models of diverse human health diseases, often reflecting
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The beneficial effects of C-Phycocyanin seem likely to
be primarily attributable to its covalently attached chromophore Phycocyanobilin (PCB). Within
cells, biliverdin is generated from free heme and it is subsequently reduced to bilirubin. Although
bilirubin can function as an oxidant scavenger, its potent antioxidant activity reflects its ability to
inactivate some isoforms of NADPH oxidase. Free bilirubin can also function as an agonist for the
aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR); this may explain its ability to promote protective Treg activity in
cellular and rodent models of inflammatory disease. AhR agonists also promote transcription of the
gene coding for Nrf-2, and hence can up-regulate phase 2 induction of antioxidant enzymes, such as
HO-1. Hence, it is proposed that C-Phycocyanin/PCB chiefly exert their protective effects via inhibition
of NADPH oxidase activity, as well as by AhR agonism that both induces Treg activity and
up-regulates phase 2 induction. This simple model may explain their potent antioxidant/antiinflammatory
effects. Additionally, PCB might mimic biliverdin in activating anti-inflammatory
signaling mediated by biliverdin reductase. This essay reviews recent research in which CPhycocyanin
and/or PCB, administered orally, parenterally, or intranasally, have achieved marked
protective effects in rodent and cell culture models of Ischemic Stroke and Multiple Sclerosis, and
suggests that these agents may likewise be protective for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease,
and in COVID-19 and its neurological complications.