bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lobbying in the European Union and Interinstitutional Agreement on a Mandatory Transparency Register for Lobbyists
Authors:   University of Bialystok, Pierewoj Justyna
Published: May 2022

The article presents the effects of an attempt to ascertain to what extent the Interinstitutional Agreement on a mandatory transparency register affects the phenomenon of lobbying in the European Union (EU). In order to examine the issue, the concept and essence of lobbying in the EU were introduced. Legal regulations concerning EU lobbying were also identified. A further portion of the article analyses the Interinstitutional Agreement of 20 May 2021 between the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union, and the European Commission on a mandatory transparency register (IAMTR) in relation to the previously binding Agreement between the Parliament and the European Commission on the transparency register for organisations and self-employed individuals in EU Policy-making and Policy implementation (ATR). The article uses the formal-dogmatic method. As a result of the analysis, it was concluded that the Interinstitutional Agreement on a mandatory transparency register contains numerous exclusions, both subjective and objective, to registration in the Transparency Register. One positive aspect is the application of the IAMTR to the EU Council also.
Interest Representation Preconditions in Illiberal Poland and Hungary
Authors:   University of Opole, Riedel Rafał , Szyszkowska Emilia
Published: May 2022

Poland and Hungary have been widely recognised as countries affected by illiberalism. This has undoubtedly created a challenging environment for interest groups; groups which are a touchstone for the quality of democratic processes. In this article, we aim to understand how preconditions for interest representation have changed due to illiberal drift through the eyes of interest groups operating in these two selected post-communist countries. In order to examine their perception of opportunity structures, interaction infrastructure as well as the level of political coordination under the new circumstances, we rely on quantitative research in the form of a survey carried out among interest group representatives. Our results indicate that the political systems of Poland and Hungary are still a mix of pluralist and corporatist features, however, the Polish political opportunity structures are still more open to input from civic society and interest groups have stronger positions compared to the situation in Hungary.
The Hurdles to Obtaining European Funds by Polish Benefi ciaries – Quantitative Research
Authors:   University of Warsaw, Dubel Przemysław
Published: May 2022

The main objective for writing this article is to present the barriers to accessing EU funds at the stage of preparing an application for funding, as well as the barriers to executing project activities. The research objective, question, and problem as well as the statistical description of the research group and the measurement instruments have been highlighted in the article. The author attempts to answer the following questions: what are the main barriers/hurdles encountered by Polish benefi ciaries of EU funds allocated under national and regional operational programmes; which of the identified barriers to accessing EU funds is perceived as the most hindering in the process of executing EU projects; and how is the impact of EU funds on regional development assessed from the perspective of those people executing projects and taking part in projects fi nanced with EU funds? The following barriers can be enumerated as the most significant: the withholding of subsequent funding tranches while maintaining the obligation to pursue project execution, the highly bureaucratic application process for a subsidy, the bureaucratic system of post-project accounting, and the long deadlines for transferring subsequent tranches of funding. An analysis of the findings confi rms that the benefi ciaries of EU funds primarily fear losing fi nancial liquidity. Receiving a subsidy in the form of a refi nancing of the incurred costs requires, on the one hand, efficient project management,and, on the other, a well-functioning institutional system that should support project recipients in their investment endeavours.
The Post-Communist State Era and Its Impact on Sovereignty: A Case Study of Kosovo
Authors:   Department of Research in the Parliament of Kosovo, Salihu Salihe
Published: May 2022

Many theoretical perspectives have touched on the concept of sovereignty, but the need for more sovereignty-based discussion in relation to the postcommunist era still exists. The question of sovereignty and its survival in the post-communist era touches on some general features such as the attributes, signs, properties, and conditions of the concept of sovereignty that have evolved. In the case of Kosovo, the issue of sovereignty can be linked to two distinct features, namely democracy and human rights. For Kosovo to be a sovereign state, it had a mandatory prerequisite to fulfil these two features. These features implied the fulfi lment of two criteria, in the forms of legality and legitimacy and, in reality, these two criteria stem from the will of the people. This refl ection shows that sovereignty in the post-communist era had to be in line with respect for human rights as a feature of the principles of democracy. However, the transition from the communist system to democracy was not an easy one. In this regard, Kosovo has come a long way in achieving sovereignty and managed to be declared a sovereign state in 2008. The conditioning of Kosovo’s sovereignty by the above criteria represents the influence of the post-communist era, and its earlier form differs from the prevailing form of absolute sovereignty as it existed, for example, in the former federations of Russia and Yugoslavia. Kosovo’s sovereignty is reflected in accordance with the will of the majority of over ninety-five percent of the country’s population. Moreover, in Kosovo, minorities have privileges, such as positive discrimination and the special right that constitutional changes on vital issues pertaining to those minorities cannot be made without their vote. However, in the post-communist era, it was not possible to democratise all sovereign states. Some states focused on the power and manner of expanding power in their respective territories and fought for the recognition of reconfigured sovereignty at the expense of justice and rights. Therefore, since the post-communist period, the defi nition, content, and character of sovereignty has been in debate, with a new dimension of respect for human rights as a major talking point and as an essential mark of the principle of democracy.
Методика визначення сценаріїв розвитку держави на довгострокову перспективу
Authors: Биченков В. , Павліковський A. , Левчук О. , Бутенко М.
Published: May 2022

Удосконалений метод сценарного прогнозування вирішує наступні завдання: визначення ступеня впливу держав, коаліцій держав на розвиток подій в регіоні; формування опорного сценарію, який надає можливість отримати інформацію про деформацію в часі можливостей держав щодо впливу на події в регіоні; врахування впливу важливих сфер функціонування держави на оцінку слабопрогнозованих важливих чинників; визначення конфігурації області припустимих сценаріїв, яка дозволяє враховувати певну сукупність комбінованих сценаріїв, які не запропоновані експертами в явному вигляді.

Метою будь-якої держави – є сталий розвиток в сферах своєї діяльності: економічній, політичній, демографічній, технологічній, тощо. Успішність вирішення завдання сталого розвитку держави залежить від вірності обрання вектору свого розвитку, вміння передбачити вплив позитивних та негативних факторів, під впливом яких буде перебувати країна, здатність заздалегідь підготувати адекватні сили і засоби для вирішення завдань під час розвитку ймовірних сценаріїв на свою користь. Для вирішення поставленого завдання керівництвом держави опановується досвід, який використовують провідні країни світу. Мова йде про оборонне планування на основі спроможностей, на основі якого формується низка довгострокових нормативних документів щодо перспектив розвитку країни в умовах оточуючого середовища. Це такі документи, як Стратегія національної безпеки України, галузеві стратегії (наприклад, в Міністерстві оборони України – розробляється Стратегія воєнної безпеки України). Для якісного розроблення означених документів проводиться комплексний огляд сектору безпеки і оборони, складовою якого є оборонний огляд. Оборонний огляд на основному етапі свого проведення містить чотири фази: оцінку стану та перспектив розвитку безпекового середовища; огляд спроможностей за їх функціональними групами та планування сил; планування ресурсів; формування перспективної моделі Збройних Сил та інших складових сил оборони й їх структури.
Підхід до оцінювання безпекового середовища в сучасних умовах ведення збройної боротьби
Authors: Богданович В. , Ільяшов O. , Комаров В. , Олексіюк В.
Published: May 2022

Однією з особливостей розвитку безпекового середовища на початку ХХІ століття є перенесення акцентів у збройних конфліктах на асиметричне застосування військової сили. Усе частіше акцент методів протиборства зміщується у бік комплексного використання політичних, економічних, інформаційно-психологічних, гуманітарних та інших невійськових заходів, що принципово змінює характер збройної боротьби та ставить більш високі вимоги до системи забезпечення воєнної безпеки.

За таких умов важливим для національної безпеки є питання своєчасного виявлення викликів і загроз воєнній безпеці держави, яке здійснюється за результатами аналізу безпекового середовища, а також оцінювання їх характеру, рівня, масштабу та прогнозування можливого збитку у разі їх реалізації.

У статті викладені результати досліджень щодо оцінювання безпекового середовища в сучасних умовах ведення збройної боротьби. Запропонований підхід є практичною реалізацією методики оцінювання безпекового середовища. В його основу покладено Модель застосування військової сили проти України. Вона побудована як система координат з відповідними вісями, на яких відображені: Модель гібридної війни РФ (за етапами виникнення, нарощування і реалізації воєнної загрози для нашої держави), ознакове поле та сфери прояву моніторингових ознак.

Використання розробленої Моделі застосування військової сили проти України, як практичної реалізації методики оцінювання зовнішнього безпекового середовища, дає змогу: виявляти ознаки підготовки до застосування військової сили проти України з боку іноземних країн (воєнно-політичних блоків) у прихованій та відкритій формах у всіх сферах на основі проявлення відповідних моніторингових ознак; у поточному режимі оцінювати рівень воєнної загрози; відстежувати глобальні та локальні процеси, тенденції розвитку обстановки в окремих регіонах та у світі в цілому; виявляти явища і чинники, які ускладнюють або роблять неможливою реалізацію національних інтересів у певних сферах національної безпеки держави; прогнозувати сценарії реалізації виявлених викликів та загроз.
Методичний підхід до оцінювання спроможностей міжвидового угруповання військ під час планування реформування (розвитку) Збройних Сил України
Authors: Загорка O. , Загорка I. , Фучко А.
Published: May 2022

Основна мета реформування (розвитку) Збройних Сил полягає у забезпеченні створення угруповання військ, здатного виконувати завдання щодо відбиття нападу противника. Ураховуючи досвід оборонного планування у країнах-членах НАТО, в Україні впроваджується оборонне планування на основі спроможностей. Здатність угруповання військ виконувати завдання визначається його спроможностями, які при оборонному плануванні потрібно оцінювати за сценаріями бойових дій для різних варіантів складу угруповання військ.

При оцінюванні спроможностей угруповання військ використовується системний підхід, який передбачає декомпозицію угруповання військ на окремі системи відповідно до функціональних груп спроможностей, що прийняті у Збройних Силах (ЗС). Основною ‑вважається система ураження військ і об’єктів противника, решта систем (підготовки угруповання військ, розвідки, управління тощо) виконують завдання щодо забезпечення функціонування основної системи.

Спроможності міжвидового угруповання військ запропоновано характеризувати єдиними для видів ЗС і родів військ показниками ефективності бойових дій, а саме показниками, що характеризують втрати угруповань військ, видів ЗС і родів військ в операції (під час ведення бойових дій). Оцінювання втрат угруповань військ сторін здійснюється за етапами сценаріїв бойових дій. Для цього застосовуються методики оцінювання ефективності бойових дій з’єднань, частин, підрозділів родів військ видів ЗС. При визначенні втрат протидіючих угруповань військ ураховуються бойові потенціали об’єктів ураження та їх важливість. Показники ефективності бойових дій угруповань військ за операцією (бойові дії) визначаються шляхом підсумовування втрат, які оцінюються за етапами сценаріїв.

Наведений методичний підхід доцільно використати для розроблення методики оцінювання спроможностей угруповання військ при оборонному плануванні.
Installation of AutoDELFIA: A new addition in Bangladesh for the Screening of Congenital Hypothyroidism in Newborn Babies
Authors: Biswasarma Sanchoy Chandra , Islam Md Ariful , Ul Azim Mohammad Anwar , Uddin Md Jashim , Mehdi Hasan , Mia Md Shohag , Mamun Mustafa , Kabir Md Alamgir , Khatun Sakera , Hossain Md Nahid , Jabin Zeenat , Begum Fatima , Nahar Nurun , Hasan Mizanul , Hossain Jamiul
Published: May 2022

Newborn Screening for the diagnosis of Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH) was first started in Bangladesh in 1999 by the Immunoradiometric assay (IRMA). Dissociation enhanced lanthanide fluorescent immunoassay (DELFIA) was started in 1986 due to its superior sensitivity, speed, and non-radioactive methodology. Auto DELFIA 1235 automatic immunoassay system was introduced in the In vitro Division of National Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences (NINMAS) under the ADP Project “Screening of Congenital Hypothyroidism in Newborn Babies (Phase 2)”. It is an automatic system that can minimize the pipetting error. In this experiment, dried blood spots (DBS) were punched into an antibody-coated microtitration well with an automated Panthera Puncher and analyzed by AutoDELFIA. Six different standards of 0.8, 10.3, 24.5, 49.3, 93.2, 239μU/mL were used and the calibration curve was drawn by using these standards. Standard error and Standard deviation were found 12.4 and 30.5. Limit of detection (LOD) and Limit of Quantification (LOQ) of X variables were 0.16 and 0.47. The average of the percent recovery was 96.7. The R2 value of the calibration curve was 0.9985. The accuracy of the standard samples was 96.7 ±10.6. For this assay two Quality Control (QC) of 16.39 μU/mL and 63.09, μU/mL were used. All of the measured values from the calibration curve were close to ±1 standard deviation. All these findings indicate appropriateness of Auto DELFIA System for the CH screening from dried blood spots in the newborn screening laboratory of the In vitro division of NINMAS.
Bangladesh J. Nuclear Med. 23(1&2): 15-20, 2020
Estimation of Internal Radiation Doses for Occupational Workers Due to 131I Radionuclide by Using MONDAL Software
Authors: Raka Shamsun Nahar , Begum Ferdoushi , Mollah Abdus Sattar
Published: May 2022

Radioactive iodine (131I) is most commonly used radionuclide in nuclear medicine field for diagnosis and therapy purposes. 131I is used in treatment of thyrotoxicosis & thyroid cancer. While administrating patients, occupational workers tends to get exposed to radioactivity. Thus an evaluation of worker effective dose is required to maintain it within 20 mSv/y limit according to ICRP. To assist the evaluation, thyroid radioactivity monitoring program has been chosen for the measurement of effective doses of occupational workers of 131I radionuclide. A software MONDAL-3 has been used to calculate the radionuclide intake, distribution, retention & other biokinetic behavior of the radionuclide. From MONDAL-3 excretion rate at measurement day, activity of intake, effective dose, excretion curves for 131I radionuclide are obtained by using pre measured thyroid activity data of real life occupational worker. By using retention curves, tissue equivalent dose and effective doses upto 50 years have been calculated. The average effective dose of all workers is found to be within regulatory dose limit set by ICRP.
Bangladesh J. Nuclear Med. 23(1&2): 40-45, 2020
Horst Opaschowski: Pedagogia da vida com tempo livre e a (des)politização do lazer
Authors: Ferreira Francisco Renato Silva , Ifadireó Miguel Melo , Bitu Vanessa de Carvalho Nilo , Barreto Laís Karla da Silva , Ramos Luciano de Oliveira , Teixeira Marlene Menezes de Souza , Calou Alyne Andrelyna Lima Rocha , Calou Christiano Siebra Felício , Machado Tiago Silveira
Published: May 2022

Um dos maiores problemas da sociedade contemporânea globalizada é a necessidade de positivar o tempo privado e pessoal com foco na saúde mental e física, ressignificando para além da teoria, os termos tempo livre, ócio, lazer e recreação. Diante desse contexto, o presente artigo busca preencher lacunas existentes sobre os estudos da pedagogia do tempo livre alemã, ao mesmo tempo suscitando o debate dessa temática no contexto da educação no Brasil. Esse ensaio consiste em uma revisão sistemática de literatura de cunho histórico-descritivo, fundamentada em trabalhos de Horst Opaschowski e complementada por teóricos contemporâneos como: Gerhard Schulze, Reinhold Popp, Wolfgang Nahrstedt, Heinz-Hermann Krüger e Winfried Marotzki, Theo Dietrich e Michael Weegen. Ao final, discute-se o perigo da despolitização da vida com tempo livre na sociedade atual.
Levantamento bibliográfico das principais cardiopatias congênitas associadas à Síndrome de Down no Brasil
Authors: Corrêa Bruna Frascino Bressan , Vidal Luiz Eduardo do Carmo , Pereira Priscilla Aparecida Tartari , Torrieri Erico
Published: May 2022

Esta pesquisa apresenta-se como um estudo do tipo revisão bibliográfica integrativa tendo como principal objetivo compreender as principais cardiopatias congênitas em pacientes portadores de Síndrome de Down e apontar novas atualizações mediante o assunto. A Síndrome de Down (SD) é uma condição genética que pode levar a graves incapacidades físicas e cognitivas. Atualmente, a maioria dos portadores da doença não possuem maiores dificuldades no cotidiano e levam uma vida relativamente normal em decorrência do avanço e suporte da medicina. Entretanto, há doenças que são mais prevalentes na SD quando comparado à população no geral. Com isso, é de grande importância pontuarmos quais são essas doenças e como elas interferem no dia a dia para que seja proporcionado a esses pacientes melhores condições de vida e saúde. A doença cardíaca congênita é a comorbidade associada mais prevalente à Síndrome de Down, sendo o defeito do septo atrioventricular (AVSD) a malformação mais encontrada. Essa alteração é causada em decorrência do impedimento de fusão dos coxins endocárdicos embrionários. Outras malformações encontradas em menos prevalência são comunicação interatrial (CIA), comunicação interventricular (VCI) e Tetralogia de Fallot. A mortalidade hospitalar foi significativamente menor nas populações submetidas a intervenção cardíaca nas cardiopatias com menores proporções de parada cardíaca e menor necessidade de ECMO durante a hospitalização. A prevalência das cardiopatias em pacientes portadores de Síndrome de Down é notória, porém, é crucial novas buscas para compreender melhor sua etiologia.
Eventos adversos pós-vacinação em crianças menores de 06 Anos no Amapá: uma análise descritiva
Authors: Pires Marcelo Gladson , Santos Wanda Pereira Goes dos , Cardoso Rosilene Ferreira
Published: May 2022

Introdução: A imunização é uma estratégia de saúde eficaz, especialmente em crianças, sendo adotada pelo sistema de saúde brasileiro. Com o aumento na vacinação, amplia-se a possibilidade de eventos adversos pós-vacinação (EAPV), sendo de notificação obrigatória no Brasil, quando grave ou houver óbito. Objetivo: analisar os EAPV notificados no SI-EAPV, no Estado do Amapá, em crianças menores de 06 anos, entre os anos 2015 e 2017. Metodologia: pesquisa exploratória, descritiva, quantitativa e comparativa dos EAPV recorrendo aos dados do SI-EAPV, entre 01/01/2015 e 31/12/2017. Resultados: Constatou-se 04 casos notificados, sendo 50% EANG, 25% EAG e 25% não tiveram relação com a imunização. A vacina mais relacionada aos EAPV foi a Pentavalente. Observou-se a idade média de 07 meses para os casos notificados. Febre foi o único sinal/sintoma referido em todos os casos. Conclusão: Os quantitativos de EAPV notificados em sistema no Estado são inferiores aos percebidos em outras regiões, observando-se subnotificação.
Principais afecções que motivaram internações em usuários de crack atendidos em um centro de atenção psicossocial álcool e outras drogas
Authors: Oliveira Eliany Nazaré , Viana Lorenna Saraiva , Aragão Heliandra  Linhares , Aragão Joyce Mazza Nunes , Moreira Roberta Magda Martins , Ferreira Isabelly Oliveira , Muniz Lidiane Monte Lima , Costa João Breno Cavalcante , Andrade João Bosco Rodrigues de , Furtado Juliana Solon
Published: May 2022

Este artigo teve por objetivo identificar as principais afecções que motivaram a internação de usuários de crack acompanhados em um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Álcool e Outras Drogas. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório-descritivo, documental e retrospectivo, realizado mediante consulta aos prontuários de 213 usuários de crack em tratamento em um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial para Álcool e Drogas. Foram realizadas análise descritiva e inferencial dos dados. Os resultados apontam que a maioria dos usuários de crack eram do sexo masculino, solteiros e com baixa escolaridade. Dentre as principais afecções que motivaram as internações no centro acima mencionado, destacam-se síndrome de abstinência, doenças respiratórias, crises convulsivas e infecções sexualmente transmissíveis. Os motivos das internações dos usuários de crack devem ser investigados com profundidade para melhor assistência a esta população. O cuidado integral inclui ações de prevenção dos agravos de comorbidades clínicas, para diminuir as internações e elevar a qualidade de vida dos usuários de crack.
Contextualising the Ongoing ‘Southern Cameroons’ Crisis within the Framework of the Right to Self-Determination
Authors: Ashukem Jean-Claude N.
Published: May 2022

Incontestably the right to self-determination is useful in ascertaining which entities have and are entitled to the privileges of statehood and territorial control. Yet certain fundamental questions require clarification, questions such as: what are the special characteristics of some minority groups and what is there about their quests for independence that would justify their being permitted to secede; when and under what circumstances does the right to external self-determination accrue; what is the role of the great power theory in the framework of self-determination and to what extent does the role of the great powers promote or hinder claims for self-determination. This article answers these thought-provoking questions by situating the ongoing Southern Cameroon crisis in the context of the right to self-determination. It provides an analysis of self-determination in relevant international and African regional human rights instruments and distils standards to determine the legitimacy and legality of Southern Cameroon's quest for self-government. It argues that Southern Cameroons meet the standards for self-determination and deserves autonomy and statehood, and that any peaceful resolution of the crisis should hinge on the respect and implementation of Southern Cameroons' right to self-determination.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Financial Inclusion Agenda and the Efficacy of Security Interest over Movable Assets: The Case of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria
Authors: Smith Imran O.
Published: May 2022

Access to credit facility by the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the developing countries remains a mirage without a functional, inclusive and efficient system of credit and security. The realisation of the sustainable development goals for rapid growth and economic development in those countries depends on a viable and effective financial inclusion agenda as encapsulated in one of the targets of Goal Number 9 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As an enabler of many of the developmental goals of the UN, the financial inclusion agenda provides the link with sustainable development. This article interrogates how security over movable assets will meet the reasonable expectations of the MSMEs in Nigeria and actualise consistent funding of growing businesses.
Sub-national Involvement in Nigeria's Foreign Relations Law: An Appraisal of the Heterodoxy between Theory and Practice
Authors: Omiunu Ohiocheoya , Aniyie Ifeanyichukwu Azuka
Published: May 2022

Nations, in their interaction with the international system, usually have in place a legal regime governing the external exercise of the powers of the state. This regime Curtis Bradley describes as the foreign relations law (FRL) architecture of a state. In a conventional FRL system, plenary powers for the conduct of international relations reside with the central government. For countries operating a federal system of government, the centripetal and centrifugal dynamics inherent in this system of government pose a serious challenge to this orthodoxy. More so, catalysed by globalisation, subnational governments (SNGs) in federal systems are increasingly affecting the reception and operation of international norms and acting as ‘paradiplomatic’ actors in the foreign relations sphere. This emergent trend has led to a growing body of scholarship that considers individual and comparative case studies across different jurisdictions. Focusing on Nigeria as a case study, this article evaluates recent empirical evidence that shows an increase in external interactions by Nigeria's SNGs in the FDI sector since 1999. The article argues that these external interactions by Nigeria's SNGs are a deviation from the conventional constitutional configuration of Nigeria's FRL setup wherein plenary powers for foreign relations have been allocated to the Federal Government (FG).
The Power of South African Courts to Order Scientific Tests to Determine the Paternity of a Child: Highlighting the Existing Gaps
Authors: Matlala Rorisang , Agbor Avitus A.
Published: May 2022

Legislative reticence on the issue of compelling an unwilling or uncooperative parent and child to submit themselves for scientific test to determine the paternity of a child has sparked plenty of controversial approaches by the judiciary of South Africa: the designated authority as upper guardian of all children in the Republic. While the notion of ‘best interest of the child’ is factored in when making this determination, some courts have held that they lack such a power to make an order of that nature. Others have entertained the view that it might not be in the best interest of the child, especially when it is likely that the results of the test may prove that the alleged father is not the biological father and financial obligations may cease in this regard. In the view of another high court, discovery of the truth is also in the best interest of the child and as such the court may order such scientific tests as may be necessary. This article explores the legislative silence on the issue of ordering scientific tests. It examines the different cases in which various high courts took a different reasoning, at the end of which inconsistencies, controversies and uncertainties became the unfortunate outcome. In order to resolve this legal puzzle, especially at a time when the integrity of mothers seems to be questionable, and considering the huge financial implication it may have on those who have to pay financial support for children, the high courts may need to provide more consistency in their approach to the issue of ordering parents and children to undertake scientific tests to establish paternity. In addition, legislative reform may be needed to lay this dilemma to eternal rest.
STUDY OF NEW BREEDING HYBRIDS OF ALFALFA
Authors: Lomov Mikhail , Piskovatsky Yuri
Published: May 2022

Alfalfa is the most valuable legume crop, which has fodder, agrotechnical, meliorative and phytosanitary significance. The problem of increasing protein production as the main source of increasing the productivity and efficiency of agricultural animal husbandry is of vital importance all over the world. In animal husbandry, there is a significant shortage of protein in feed, which reduces the quality of the products obtained and reduces its profitability. A successful solution to this valuable problem is possible on the basis of a rapid increase in the production of high-protein plants. In the Non-Chernozem zone, such a crop is alfalfa. As a perennial crop, it is distinguished by longevity, high yield, and nutritional value of feed. For agricultural production in this region of the country, alfalfa varieties are needed that are resistant to mowing in the early stages of development, when plants have high forage qualities; with high competitive ability; well-leafy, hardy and resistant. In this regard, scientific experiments were conducted in breeding and control nurseries. In the breeding nursery, mainly simple and complex hybrids of yellow and variable alfalfa were studied. As a result of the research, promising samples were selected that wintered well in the conditions of the Non-Chernozem zone of Russia. In terms of seed productivity, the M-2 sample stood out on average over two years of scientific research.
Progress of Transposon Vector System for Production of Recombinant Therapeutic Proteins in Mammalian Cells
Authors: Wei Mian , Mi Chun-Liu , Jing Chang-Qin , Wang Tian-Yun
Published: May 2022

In recent years, mammalian cells have become the primary host cells for the production of recombinant therapeutic proteins (RTPs). Despite that the expression of RTPs in mammalian cells can be improved by directly optimizing or engineering the expression vectors, it is still influenced by the low stability and efficiency of gene integration. Transposons are mobile genetic elements that can be inserted and cleaved within the genome and can change their inserting position. The transposon vector system can be applied to establish a stable pool of cells with high efficiency in RTPs production through facilitating the integration of gene of interest into transcriptionally active sites under screening pressure. Here, the structure and optimization of transposon vector system and its application in expressing RTPs at high level in mammalian cells are reviewed.
Chitosan-Based Biomaterial Scaffolds for the Repair of Infected Bone Defects
Authors: Tian Yuhang , Wu Danhua , Wu Dankai , Cui Yutao , Ren Guangkai , Wang Yanbing , Wang Jincheng , Peng Chuangang
Published: May 2022

The treatment of infected bone defects includes infection control and repair of the bone defect. The development of biomaterials with anti-infection and osteogenic ability provides a promising strategy for the repair of infected bone defects. Owing to its antibacterial properties, chitosan (an emerging natural polymer) has been widely studied in bone tissue engineering. Moreover, it has been shown that chitosan promotes the adhesion and proliferation of osteoblast-related cells, and can serve as an ideal carrier for bone-promoting substances. In this review, the specific molecular mechanisms underlying the antibacterial effects of chitosan and its ability to promote bone repair are discussed. Furthermore, the properties of several kinds of functionalized chitosan are analyzed and compared with those of pure chitosan. The latest research on the combination of chitosan with different types of functionalized materials and biomolecules for the treatment of infected bone defects is also summarized. Finally, the current shortcomings of chitosan-based biomaterials for the treatment of infected bone defects and future research directions are discussed. This review provides a theoretical basis and advanced design strategies for the use of chitosan-based biomaterials in the treatment of infected bone defects.
Responses to Heat Stress Within an Unplanned Settlement in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Adegun Olumuyiwa Bayode , Mbuya Elinorata Celestine , Njavike Emmanuel
Published: May 2022

Addressing the fallouts of a +1.5°C world is one of the key challenges for urban management in African cities. This article reports a work dealing with climate adaptation in informal urban settlements, with focus on responses to heat stress among the urban poor. The study involved a survey of 405 residents in Keko Machungwa —an unplanned neighborhood in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. We found that the most popular behavioral responses are taking a shower, wearing light clothing,. drinking cold drinks, and opening doors and windows. The rarest forms of responses are swimming and contributing to savings group. Heat-related health problems experienced by the residents were also identified. Enhancing human responses to heat stress will involve improvement in basic services and infrastructure, awareness, and education among the residents.
Non-invasive Maternal Hemodynamic Assessment to Classify High-Risk Pregnancies Complicated by Fetal Growth Restriction
Authors: Ornaghi Sara , Caricati Andrea , Di Martino Daniela Denis , Mossa Martina , Di Nicola Sara , Invernizzi Francesca , Zullino Sara , Clemenza Sara , Barbati Valentina , Tinè Gabriele , Mecacci Federico , Ferrazzi Enrico , Vergani Patrizia
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To verify whether the use of the temporal criterion of 32 weeks’ gestation is effective in identifying maternal hemodynamic differences between early- and late-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR), and to test the statistical performance of a classificatory algorithm for FGR.

Materials and methods

A prospective multicenter study conducted at three centers over 17 months. Singleton pregnant women with a diagnosis of FGR based on the international Delphi survey consensus at ≥ 20 weeks of gestation were included. FGR was classified as early-onset if diagnosed <32 weeks’ gestation and as late-onset if ≥32 weeks. Hemodynamic assessment was performed by USCOM-1A at the time of FGR diagnosis. Comparisons between early- and late-onset FGR among the entire study cohort, FGR associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP-FGR), and isolated FGR (i-FGR) were performed. In addition, HDP-FGR cases were compared to i-FGR, regardless of the temporal cut-off of 32 weeks’ gestation. Finally, a classificatory analysis based on the Random Forest model was performed to identify significant variables with the ability to differentiate FGR phenotypes.

Results

During the study period, 146 pregnant women fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In 44 cases, FGR was not confirmed at birth, thus limiting the final study population to 102 patients. In 49 (48.1%) women, FGR was associated to HDP. Fifty-nine (57.8%) cases were classified as early-onset. Comparison of the maternal hemodynamics between early- and late-onset FGR did not show any difference. Similarly, non-significant findings were observed in sensitivity analyses performed for HDP-FGR and for i-FGR. In turn, comparison between pregnant women with FGR and hypertension and women with i-FGR, independently of the gestational age at FGR diagnosis, revealed substantial differences, with the former showing higher vascular peripheral resistances and lower cardiac output, among other significant parameters. The classificatory analysis identified both phenotypic and hemodynamic variables as relevant in distinguishing HDP-FGR from i-FGR (p=0.009).

Conclusions

Our data show that HDP, rather than gestational age at FGR diagnosis, allows to appreciate specific maternal hemodynamic patterns and to accurately distinguish two different FGR phenotypes. In addition, maternal hemodynamics, alongside phenotypic characteristics, play a central role in classifying these high-risk pregnancies.
Disrupting Mechanisms that Regulate Genomic Repeat Elements to Combat Cancer and Drug Resistance
Authors: Kermi Chames , Lau Lena , Asadi Shahmirzadi Azar , Classon Marie
Published: May 2022

Despite advancements in understanding cancer pathogenesis and the development of many effective therapeutic agents, resistance to drug treatment remains a widespread challenge that substantially limits curative outcomes. The historical focus on genetic evolution under drug “pressure” as a key driver of resistance has uncovered numerous mechanisms of therapeutic value, especially with respect to acquired resistance. However, recent discoveries have also revealed a potential role for an ancient evolutionary balance between endogenous “viral” elements in the human genome and diverse factors involved in their restriction in tumor evolution and drug resistance. It has long been appreciated that the stability of genomic repeats such as telomeres and centromeres affect tumor fitness, but recent findings suggest that de-regulation of other repetitive genome elements, including retrotransposons, might also be exploited as cancer therapy. This review aims to present an overview of these recent findings.
Polycomb Repressive Complexes: Shaping Pancreatic Beta-Cell Destiny in Development and Metabolic Disease
Authors: Varghese Sneha S. , Dhawan Sangeeta
Published: May 2022

Pancreatic beta-cells secrete the hormone insulin, which is essential for the regulation of systemic glucose homeostasis. Insufficiency of insulin due to loss of functional beta-cells results in diabetes. Epigenetic mechanisms orchestrate the stage-specific transcriptional programs that guide the differentiation, functional maturation, growth, and adaptation of beta-cells in response to growth and metabolic signals throughout life. Primary among these mechanisms is regulation by the Polycomb Repressive Complexes (PRC) that direct gene-expression via histone modifications. PRC dependent histone modifications are pliable and provide a degree of epigenetic plasticity to cellular processes. Their modulation dictates the spatio-temporal control of gene-expression patterns underlying beta-cell homeostasis. Emerging evidence shows that dysregulation of PRC-dependent epigenetic control is also a hallmark of beta-cell failure in diabetes. This minireview focuses on the multifaceted contributions of PRC modules in the specification and maintenance of terminally differentiated beta-cell phenotype, as well as beta-cell growth and adaptation. We discuss the interaction of PRC regulation with different signaling pathways and mechanisms that control functional beta-cell mass. We also highlight recent advances in our understanding of the epigenetic regulation of beta-cell homeostasis through the lens of beta-cell pathologies, namely diabetes and insulinomas, and the translational relevance of these findings. Using high-resolution epigenetic profiling and epigenetic engineering, future work is likely to elucidate the PRC regulome in beta-cell adaptation versus failure in response to metabolic challenges and identify opportunities for therapeutic interventions.
Synergistic Fluoride Adsorption by Composite Adsorbents Synthesized From Different Types of Materials—A Review
Authors: Wei Yifei , Wang Li , Li Hanbing , Yan Wei , Feng Jiangtao
Published: May 2022

The reduction of fluoride concentrations in water is one of many concerns. Adsorption is the most widely used technology for fluoride removal and the center to development of adsorption technology is the improvement of adsorbents. This review classifies the typical fluoride removal adsorbents into four types: metal oxides/hydroxides, biopolymers, carbon-based, and other adsorbents. The exploitation of new materials and the synthesis of composite materials are two ways of developing new adsorbents. In comparison to the discovery of novel adsorbents for fluoride adsorption, research into the composite synthesis of different types of conventional adsorbents has proliferated in recent years. The traditional adsorbents used the earliest, metal oxides, can act as active centers in a wide range of applications for modifying and compounding with other types of adsorbents. This study emphasizes reviewing the research on fluoride removal by composite adsorbents synthesized from different types of metal-modified materials. Seven factors were compared in terms of material characterization, initial fluoride concentration, adsorbent dose, pH, temperature, reaction time, and maximum adsorption capacity. The modification of composite adsorbents is facile and the synergistic effect of the different types of adsorbents significantly improves fluoride adsorption capacity. Metal composite adsorbents are synthesized by facile coprecipitation, hydrothermal, or impregnation modification methods. The adsorption mechanisms involve electrostatic attraction, ion exchange, complexation, and hydrogen bonding. The fluoride adsorption capacity of composite adsorbents has generally improved, indicating that most modifications are successful and have application prospects. However, to achieve significant breakthroughs in practical applications, numerous issues such as cost, separation/regeneration performance, and safety still need to be considered.
Attenuation of Yersinia pestis fyuA Mutants Caused by Iron Uptake Inhibition and Decreased Survivability in Macrophages
Authors: Chen Yulu , Song Kai , Chen Xin , Li Ye , Lv Ruichen , Zhang Qingwen , Cui Yujun , Bi Yujing , Han Yanping , Tan Yafang , Du Zongmin , Yang Ruifu , Qi Zhizhen , Song Yajun
Published: May 2022

Yersinia pestis is the etiological agent of plague, a deadly infectious disease that has caused millions of deaths throughout history. Obtaining iron from the host is very important for bacterial pathogenicity. Y. pestis possesses many iron uptake systems. Yersiniabactin (Ybt) plays a major role in iron uptake in vivo and in vitro, and in virulence toward mice as well. FyuA, a β-barrel TonB-dependent outer membrane protein, serves as the receptor for Ybt. In this study, we examined the role of the fyuA gene in Y. pestis virulence using different challenging ways and explored the underlying mechanisms. The BALB/c mouse infection assay showed that the virulence of the mutant strains (ΔfyuA and ΔfyuAGCAdel) was lower when compared with that of the wild-type (WT) strain 201. Furthermore, the attenuation of virulence of the mutant strains via subcutaneous and intraperitoneal challenges was far greater than that via intravenous injection. Iron supplementation restored lethality during subcutaneous challenge with the two mutants. Thus, we speculated that the attenuated virulence of the mutant strains toward the mice may be caused by dysfunctional iron uptake. Moreover, ΔfyuA and ΔfyuAGCAdel strains exhibited lower survival rates in murine RAW264.7 macrophages, which might be another reason for the attenuation. We further explored the transcriptomic differences between the WT and mutant strains at different temperatures and found that the expressions of genes related to Ybt synthesis and its regulation were significantly downregulated in the mutant strains. This finding indicates that fyuA might exert a regulatory effect on Ybt. Additionally, the expressions of the components of the type III secretion system were unexpectedly upregulated in the mutants, which is inconsistent with the conventional view that the upregulation of the virulence genes enhances the virulence of the pathogens.
Endothelial NOX4 Oxidase Negatively Regulates Inflammation and Improves Morbidity During Influenza A Virus Lung Infection in Mice
Authors: Hendricks Keshia S. , To Eunice E. , Luong Raymond , Liong Felicia , Erlich Jonathan R. , Shah Ajay M. , Liong Stella , O’Leary John J. , Brooks Doug A. , Vlahos Ross , Selemidis Stavros
Published: May 2022

Endosomal NOX2 oxidase-dependent ROS production promotes influenza pathogenicity, but the role ofNOX4oxidase, which is highly expressed in the lung endothelium, is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to determine if endothelialNOX4expression can influence viral pathologyin vivo, using a mouse model of influenza infection. WT and transgenic endothelialNOX4overexpressing mice (NOX4TG) were infected intranasally with the Hong Kong H3N2 X-31 influenza A virus (104PFU; HK x-31) or PBS control. Mice were culled at either 3 or 7 days post-infection to analyse: airway inflammation by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell counts;NOX4, as well as inflammatory cytokine and chemokine gene expression by QPCR; and ROS production by an L-012-enhanced chemiluminescence assay. Influenza A virus infection of WT mice resulted in a significant reduction in lungNOX4mRNA at day 3, which persisted until day 7, when compared to uninfected mice. Influenza A virus infection ofNOX4TG mice resulted in significantly less weight loss than that of WT mice at 3-days post infection. Viral titres were decreased in infectedNOX4TG mice compared to the infected WT mice, at both 3- and 7-days post infection and there was significantly less lung alveolitis, peri-bronchial inflammation and neutrophil infiltration. The oxidative burst from BALF inflammatory cells extracted from infected NOX4 TG mice was significantly less than that in the WT mice. Expression of macrophage and neutrophil chemoattractants CXCL10, CCL3, CXCL1 and CXCL2 in the lung tissue were significantly lower in NOX4 TG mice compared to the WT mice at 3-days post infection. We conclude that endothelialNOX4oxidase is protective against influenza morbidity and is a potential target for limiting influenza A virus-induced lung inflammation.
Case Report: Treatment Planning Study to Demonstrate Feasibility of Transthoracic Ultrasound Guidance to Facilitate Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation With Protons
Authors: Perrin Rosalind , Maguire Patrick , Garonna Adriano , Weidlich Georg , Bulling Shelley , Fargier-Voiron Marie , De Marco Cedric , Rossi Eleonora , Ciocca Mario , Vitolo Viviana , Mirandola Alfredo
Published: May 2022

Background

Cardiac arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia, are disruptions in the normal cardiac function that originate from problems in the electrical conduction of signals inside the heart. Recently, a non-invasive treatment option based on external photon or proton beam irradiation has been used to ablate the arrhythmogenic structures. Especially in proton therapy, based on its steep dose gradient, it is crucial to monitor the motion of the heart in order to ensure that the radiation dose is delivered to the correct location. Transthoracic ultrasound imaging has the potential to provide guidance during this treatment delivery. However, it has to be noted that the presence of an ultrasound probe on the chest of the patient introduces constraints on usable beam angles for both protons and photon treatments. This case report investigates the possibility to generate a clinically acceptable proton treatment plan while the ultrasound probe is present on the chest of the patient.

Case

A treatment plan study was performed based on a 4D cardiac-gated computed tomography scan of a 55 year-old male patient suffering from refractory ventricular tachycardia who underwent cardiac radioablation. A proton therapy treatment plan was generated for the actual treatment target in presence of an ultrasound probe on the chest of this patient. The clinical acceptability of the generated plan was confirmed by evaluating standard target dose-volume metrics, dose to organs-at-risk and target dose conformity and homogeneity.

Conclusion

The generation of a clinically acceptable proton therapy treatment plan for cardiac radioablation of ventricular tachycardia could be performed in the presence of an ultrasound probe on the chest of the patient. These results establish a basis and justification for continued research and product development for ultrasound-guided cardiac radioablation.