bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ ПРИБЛИЖЕННОГО РЕШЕНИЯ НЕКОТОРЫХ КЛАССОВ ПОВЕРХНОСТНЫХ ИНТЕГРАЛЬНЫХ УРАВНЕНИЙ ПЕРВОГО РОДА
Authors:   Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University (Baku, Azerbaijan), Халилов Э. Г.
Published: March 2022

A sequence is constructed that converges to an exact solution of a hypersingular integral equation of the first kind of the external Neumann boundary value problem for the Helmholtz equation, which is the boundary value of the solution of the external Neumann boundary value problem on the boundary of the domain. In addition, a sequence is constructed that converges to an exact solution of a weakly singular integral equation of the first kind of the external Dirichlet boundary value problem for the Helmholtz equation, which is the boundary value of the normal derivative of the solution of the external Dirichlet boundary value problem on the boundary of the domain.
The culturally valued domains in talent studies in Iran: experts views
Authors: AKBARİ ZARDKHANEH Saeed , MEHDİPOUR MARALANİ Farnaz , FATHABADİ Jalil , SHAHSAVARİ Majid
Published: March 2022

Talent and giftedness is one of the cultural concepts to identify a person who is eminent in one or numerous domains that society highly regards. So, finding the culturally valued domains in talent studies is a priority, and this has led to the development of measures used in gifted assessment and educational programs in each society. This study aimed to investigate the culturally valued domains in Iran. In this regard, fourteen interviews with educational and psychological experts were carried out. Purposive and snowballing samplings were used, and the participants took part in an unstructured interview. An unstructured interview is an interview with a comprehensive and open question in which the interviewee can lead the conversation. Usually, in an unstructured interview, the interviewer listens and reflects more than speaks. In this study, the experts were asked to describe their idea regards the culturally valued domains in Iran. For analysing data, open, axial, and selective codings of grounded theory were used. Finally, eleven culturally valued domains for identifying talented and gifted students were introduced by the experts. These domains included: Logical and Mathematical, Science(Academic), Artistic, Leadership, Literacy, Technology, Spatial, Athletic, Social Relationship, Existential, Spiritual and religious and Entrepreneur. This research suggests that these domains should be considered for use in Iran in talent and giftedness studies. Identifying talented students in Iran, which is an Islamic country and culturally different from westerns countries, also considering developmental and educational programs for the identified students could play a significant role in talented studies literature. Furthermore, researching culturally valued domains in other Islamic countries is highly recommended.
Detection of recombinant and endogenous LPPR3 by western blot v2
Authors: not provided cristina.kroon
Published: March 2022

This is a protocol for detection of overexpressed and endogenous LPPR3 from N1E-115 cells and primary hippocampal neurons.
Integrated Extraction for Cells v1
Authors: Sanchez Juan
Published: March 2022

This liquid-liquid extraction for cells enables thesimultaneous generation of lipidomics and metabolomics samples for HILIC and C18 chromatography.
[RETRACTED] Max Keto Gummies - Is Maximum Keto Gummies Works? v1
Authors: not provided maxketogummiesworks
Published: March 2022

[RETRACTED]

Max Keto Gummies - Is Maximum Keto Gummies Works?
The Comparison of the Adaptation of Public and Private School Teachers to Distance Education during the COVID19 Pandemic
Authors: Koç Mehmet Hilmi , Fidan Tuncer
Published: March 2022

This phenomenological study aims to reveal the adaptation of public and private school teachers in Turkey to distance education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Purposeful sampling was used to form a study group. The study group consisted of 30 teachers working in Istanbul. A semi-structured interview form was prepared to collect data and interviews were conducted through phone calls or online meetings. The collected data were analyzed by phenomenological analysis. According to the findings, private school teachers were found to try more to acquire alternative skills and competencies and receive online vocational training to adapt to the novel situation and school administrators’ performance demands. Participants from public schools did not get enough feedback from their students and parents about the courses they taught and were largely deprived of the support of their colleagues. For them, adaptation to distance education turned into a process carried out with individual efforts. Studies can be conducted in this direction with a view to investigating the relationship between environmental uncertainty, job security and career adaptation based on the findings of this research.
Yüksek Frekans Anahtarlamalı Faz Kontrollü DC-AC İnvertör
Authors: ELMAS Bahadır , ALAGÖZ İzzet
Published: March 2022

Teknoloji ve malzeme bilimindeki gelişmelere paralel olarak artan güç-boyut oranı ile özellikle ağırlığın önemli olduğu ulaşım araçları ve cihaz teknolojilerinde küçük boyutlu kesintisiz güç kaynağı ve yüksek frekans transformatörlerine olan talep artış göstermektedir. Bu çalışmada, yüksek frekans anahtarlamalı faz kontrollü DC-AC invertörler ve yüksek frekans transformatörleri incelenmiştir. Devredeki, transformatörünün primer ve sekonderinde birer çift anahtar bulunur. Gerilim transfer oranı, iki çift anahtar arasındaki faz farkı ile kontrol edilir. Anahtarlama frekansı yükseltilerek transformatör küçültülmüştür. Böylece sistemin hacmi ve ağırlığı azaltılmıştır. Benzer çalışmalardaki akım ve gerilim sıçramaları daha hızlı elamanlar ve opto-coupler kullanılarak azaltılmış, snubber devreleri kullanılarak bu sıçramalar minimuma çekilmiştir. Bu yapıdaki DC-AC invertörler ve yüksek frekans transformatörleri özellikle küçük boyutlu kesintisiz güç kaynağı yapımı için uygundur. Uygulamada gerçekleştirilen devre 110 W’lık bir DC-AC dönüştürücü olup çıkış gerilimi 220 V, verimi %93’dür. Uygulama devresinde kullanılan yüksek frekans transformatörü, sac levha çekirdekli transformatöre göre fiziksel boyutu 1/7, ağırlığı 1/10’dur. Devrenin güç kaynağı, sürüş devreleri, anahtarlar, fanlar ve filtreler dikkate alındığında, fiziksel boyutu 1/5, ağırlığı 2/3 oranında azaltılmıştır.
Morphological, Anatomical and Palynological Features of Alyssum strigosum s. l. (Brassicaceae)
Authors: ŞİRİN Emrah , YILMAZ ÇITAK Burcu , ERTUĞRUL Kuddisi
Published: March 2022

Alyssum strigosum Banks & Sol. subsp. strigosum and A. strigosum Banks & Sol. subsp. cedrorum (Schott & Kotschy) Dudley, which are two subspecies of Alyssum strigosum with their morphological, anatomical, palynological traits, were presented in detail with this study. The anatomical analysis has been carried out using handmade sections. The transverse sections of roots showed that two subspecies have similar anatomical characters as with primer structure. The sections of stem were reflected the typical dicotyledonous stem anatomical structure and were determined that species have oval shaped cortex parenchyma. The vascular bundles in stem were arranged in one row both examined species. The mesophyll type was detected as equifacial. The examined species have monad, isopolar, prolate and tricolpate pollen grains. For two examined species, exine sculpture were observed as reticulate. As a conclusion, the characteristics of anatomical and palynological in Alyssum strigosum have been showed the supporting the separation of subspecies.
Importance of Tacit Knowledge in Geoscience Brought to the Surface through Artistic Methods
Authors: Manley Nicole A. L.
Published: March 2022

This study of scientists’ reactions to the experience of an art exhibition, researches Polyani’s (2009) tacit knowing, a knowledge that we cannot easily express into words, and Deleuze and Guattari’s (1987) striated and smooth spaces, with striated being a channelled and restricted way of thinking compared to smooth as free flowing and creative. To research these concepts, a psycho-social method—the Visual Matrix (VM)—is used as a research method. Two groups of geoscientists were brought together to first view Waterways, an art exhibition, and then participate in a VM. The research concludes that the scientists were able to express tacit knowledge elicited through the experience of Waterways, enabling them to think differently about their work and form new understandings about the natural environment in relationship to themselves and society. For artists, the VM can be an effective tool when working with scientists and the public. The study argues the importance of bringing tacit knowledge to the surface, allowing greater possibility of combining scientific and artistic approaches.
Shapeshifting and Boundary Crossings of Socially Engaged Art
Authors: Bourgault Rebecca
Published: March 2022

Socially engaged art practices are understood to borrow from and overlap with several disciplinary territories, crossing over into contexts that, in the process of engaging in civic work and everyday actions, obscure their identity as art and aesthetic practices. The article examines the complications that result from co-existing in various ontological sets of properties, through the presentation of a socially engaged project rooted simultaneously in art, social work, education, and ethnography, and where the author acts and performs as an artist, scholar, and facilitator. Participants in the project embody multiple identities which are dependent on changing perspectives and conditions. Arguing for a relevant ethical orientation to research adapted to the transdisciplinary positions of such community-based projects, the inquiry further interrogates the wrangle between the expectations that symbolic capital is typically accrued to artists engaged in these practices and the inconspicuous agency of quiet activism that offers potent alternative forms of resistance.
An Inspirited Artistic Co-Inquiry with Raw Energy
Authors: St. Georges Darlene , Bickel Barbara
Published: March 2022

This is the first article of an in-process, creation-centred research project exploring raw energy through the authors’ distinctive and complementary inquiry practices of creation-centred research (St. Georges, 2020, in press) and spontaneous creation-making (Bickel, 2020; Bickel & Fisher, 1993). Raw energy, as conceived, is experienced as spirit-in-motion in a process of manifestation—of making the invisible visible—and is rooted in an intra)inter-relational aesthetic. This creation-centred inquiry is a relational and animated approach to creating, inquiry, learning, unlearning, and teaching. It resists the colonial lens by virtue of exploring inner subjective space, relinquishing colloquial aesthetic constraints, and enveloping a sacred space in which to restore, heal, and decolonize the imagination. Led by breath)spirit, touch, intuition, experiential and conversational exchanges, and compassionate relationships, creative lifeforce is activated to forge new ways of knowing—moving toward the extraordinary. This article engages with theoretical and explanatory text, visual and poetic storying, and interactive breath that invites the reader into this inquiring journey.
Puppets Know Best
Authors: Levesque Lauren Michelle , Rozuel Cecile
Published: March 2022

This article addresses the struggle of crafting a recognized professional scholarly identity, and reflects on the significance of puppets to interrupt this struggle, assert one’s voice, and creatively occupy one’s space. Our interdisciplinary contribution aims to extend conversations on the realities of academic life that are often muted or diluted such as anxiety, self-doubt, weariness and failure, with implications for creative research practices. We engage the aforementioned realities through a mix of creative and whimsical writing styles (e.g., human-puppet dialogues; poetry; reflection), leveraging insights from the Jungian psychological approach to archetypal symbol and the imagination as well as transformative arts-based approaches involving storytelling, voice, and liminal space. After exploring our own experiences carving out space as creative and reflective scholar-practitioners, we discuss two examples where puppets disrupted the status quo of particular academic settings and provided opportunities for different, more spontaneous forms of engagement with the self and with others.
Red Lake Breccia
Authors: Johnstone Sandra
Published: March 2022

Through this work I engaged the geological process of brecciation as a metaphor in an arts-integrated critical analysis of an event that changed the trajectory of my career and initiated the transformation of my relationship with geoscientific knowledge and professional practice. I integrated personal stories from my time as an exploration geologist in Red Lake, ON, and reflections on my current role as a post-secondary geoscience educator, to specifically situate myself within this inquiry. I used mixed-media acrylic painting to analyze information and experiences across sometimes dissonant paradigms. Though common in educational research, arts-integrated practices are still extremely rare for research focused on post-secondary technoscientific training. This work provides an opportunity to think differently. It is a first step toward making visible, and challenging, some of the hidden lessons and omissions in geoscience education that have insulated geoscientists from the effects of their knowledge production.
Effectiveness of pulse dose methyl prednisolone in management of COVID 19: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.
Authors: Mohanty Rashmi Ranjan , Biswa Mohan Padhy  , Meher Bikash Ranjan
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

Till date, only systemic corticosteroids have demonstrated definite mortality benefit in management of COVID 19 in various studies. Still certain questions regarding the appropriate dose, duration and timing of corticosteroids remain unanswered. For this reason, the study was planned to determine the efficacy and safety of the pulse dose methyl prednisolone in management of COVID 19 from the publicly available evidence.

Methods:

PubMed, the Cochrane library, ClinicalTrials.gov and medRxiv were searched for articles reporting the use of pulse dose methyl prednisolone in COVID 19 from inception till 31st May, 2021. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for estimation of pooled effect by using random effect model and heterogeneity was checked by using I2 statistics.

Results:

Twelve studies (11 observational and 1 RCT) were included in the systematic review. A total of 3110 patients from 9 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Though the use of pulse dose methyl prednisolone demonstrated statistically significant mortality benefit in comparison to usual care (OR=0.71, 95% CI: 0.51 to 0.97, [P=0.03]), (I2= 21%) with calculated Number needed to treat (NNT) of 23.5, there was no statistically significant difference between the use of pulse dose and low dose corticosteroid (OR=0.66, 95% CI: 0.44 to 1.01, [(P=0.05]), (I2= 25%) and the NNT is 23.5. Incidence of adverse events were similar across all the groups. The grade of evidence for primary outcome was of moderate certainty.

Conclusion:

This meta-analysis concurs with the previous reports regarding the use of corticosteroid in COVID 19 in comparison to usual care. However, for both the primary and secondary outcome, the study did not find any statistically significant difference between the use of pulse dose methyl prednisolone and low dose corticosteroid to treat COVID 19 patients
Protective properties of Rydingia persica in reproductive complications induced by diabetes in male rats: An experimental study
Authors: Ostovan Fereshteh , Gol Ali , Javadi Abdolreza
Published: March 2022

Background: In Iranian traditional medicine, Rydingia persica (R.P) is commonly used to treat diabetes mellitus (DM).
Objective: We assessed the protective effects of R.P against testis and epididymis oxidative stress and the hormonal changes induced by DM.
Materials and Methods: Forty male Wistar rats (12 wk old) weighing 230-270 gr were divided into five groups (n = 8/each): 1. Control (C); 2. diabetic (D); 3. diabetic + R.P200 (D+R200); 4. diabetic + R.P400 (D+R400); and 5. diabetic + R.P600 (D+R600). Groups C and D received 2 ml of normal saline orally daily for two wk and groups D+R200, D+R400, and D+R600 received 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight of R.P powder, respectively, orally daily for two wk. DM was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin at 60 mg/kg body weight. We assessed malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, hydrogen peroxide, and glutathione in both the testis and epididymis and also the histological changes of the testis.
Results: Diabetic rats showed a significantly increased and decreased level of oxidant and antioxidant factors, respectively, and a significantly lower level of serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone than the control group. In the histological study of the testis, deteriorations were observed. Treatment with R.P reversed these changes toward the state of the control group with the highest effectiveness shown by group D+R600.
Conclusion: The data obtained suggest that R.P powder has antioxidant effects on testis and epididymis tissues in diabetic rats and that it improves histological testicular structure in diabetics. It can also correct testosterone and luteinizing hormone changes induced by DM.
Key words: Diabetes mellitus, Rydingia persica, Oxidative stress, Reproductive, Testosterone.
The relationship between postnatal hypoglycemia and umbilical artery Doppler ultrasonography in neonates with intrauterine growth restriction: A longitudinal follow-up study
Authors: Sadat Tabatabaie Razieh , Dehghan Naeime , Mojibian Mahdieh , Hosein Lookzadeh Mohamad , Namiranian Nasim , Javaheri Atiyeh , Hajisafari Mojgan
Published: March 2022

Background: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) refers to fetuses with an estimated ultrasonography weight below the 10% percentile. Hypoglycemia is a major concern in neonates with IUGR.
Objective: To investigate the relationship between umbilical artery (UA) Doppler ultrasonography and neonate hypoglycemia and IUGR.
Materials and Methods: This was a longitudinal follow-up study consisting of 114 neonates (gestational age of 28-40 wk) born with IUGR in the third trimester of pregnancy at Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Yazd, Iran between May 2016 and October 2017. The neonates were assigned into three subgroups of normal UA Doppler, absent end-diastolic flow (EDF) in UA Doppler, and reverse EDF in UA Doppler. The blood glucose of the neonates was checked one, two, three, six, 12, 24 and 48 hr after birth, and the neonates were placed in the hypoglycemia or euglycemia groups according to guidelines.
Results: Out of the 114 neonates included in the study, 75 (65.8%) had normal UA Doppler, 29 (25.4%) had absent EDF in UA Doppler, and 10 (8.8%) had reverse EDF in UA Doppler. There was a significant difference in the mean blood glucose in the first hr between the normal UA Doppler group and the reverse EDF in UA Doppler group (p < 0.01).
Conclusion: Postnatal hypoglycemia in neonates with IUGR is associated with the result of UA Doppler ultrasonography during pregnancy.
Key words: Growth restriction, Hypoglycemia, Ultrasonography Doppler, Umbilical artery.
Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of practitioners supporting cancer patients in fertility preservation in DKI Jakarta: A crosssectional study
Authors: Kemal Harzif Achmad , Surya Raymond , Muharam Raden , Pratama Gita , Putri Meutia Alfa
Published: March 2022

Background: More than 135,000 people aged under 45 yr are diagnosed with cancer annually in Indonesia. Good detection and management of cancer increase the quality of life.
Objective: To determine the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of practitioners supporting cancer patients in fertility preservation.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 18 type D government hospitals and Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, in Jakarta, Indonesia, between January 2018 and August 2019. This study involved practitioners providing care to cancer patients. Data were described descriptively.
Results: Most of the general practitioners, specialists, and subspecialists who participated in this study were aged 26-30 yr (65.4%), 31-35 yr (70.4%), and 31-40 yr (53.0%), respectively. The fertility treatment most known by general practitioners was in vitro fertilization with embryo cryopreservation (12.1%); for specialists it was sperm cryopreservation (24.5%). Meanwhile, subspecialists knew most about in vitro fertilization with embryo cryopreservation and sperm cryopreservation using a GnRH agonist (such as leuprolide injection) pre-cancer treatment (13%). A positive attitude towards fertility preservation as an important priority for cancer patients was shown in 72.0% of general practitioners, 73.3% of specialists, and 100% of subspecialists. General practitioners mostly referred patients to fertility specialists (44.4%). Many specialists (54.9%) and subspecialists (67%) discussed the possible impact of the patient’s condition and / or treatment on fertility.
Conclusion: The knowledge of and practices related to fertility preservation differed among general practitioners, specialists, and subspecialists. However, positive attitudes among them were similar.
Key words: Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Doctor, Fertility preservation.
Letter to the Editor: Zearalenone, an abandoned mycoestrogen toxin, and its possible role in human infertility
Authors: Ali Jafari-Nodoushan Abbas
Published: March 2022

This is a Letter to the Editor and does not have an abstract. Please download the PDF or view the article HTML.
Determination of the diffusion coefficient in sodium chloride solution at different concentrations
Authors: Siqueira Antonio Marcos de Oliveira , Chaves Gabriel Luz , Tanure Joyce de Souza , Dutra Luana Ventura , Souza Nathan Barros de , Vianna Thomás Corrêa
Published: March 2022

Phenomena of diffusion are present in several industrial phenomena and therefore need to be properly studied and understood. The study of liquid-liquid diffusion allows to perfect and model several industrial systems. The development of instruments capable of doing this study allows to create methodologies for the development of students of the most diverse engineering. This work employed the study of the diffusion phenomena in a diffusion cell constructed by the authors themselves based on materials found in laboratories, trying to calculate the diffusion coefficient of a solution of sodium chloride in water through the variation of conductivity. The diffusion coefficients obtained presented values in the same order of magnitude in relation to the experimental values reported by other authors and with low experimental error.
Incorporación de hijos de migrantes sur-sur en Argentina: intersecciones de género, generaciones y trabajo
Authors: Sebastián Gómez Pablo , Iglesias Maximilano
Published: March 2022

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar los patrones generales de incorporación laboral de los hijos de migrantes sur-sur en Argentina. En primer lugar, detallamos las características de la incorporación laboral de los migrantes y sus hijos en comparación con la población nativa y sus hijos. En segundo lugar, mediante la aplicación de técnicas de aprendizaje automático no supervisado analizamos las formas de la incorporación de los migrantes sur-sur y sus hijos en los diferentes segmentos laborales de la sociedad argentina. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren una incorporación estructurada por los vectores de género y generaciones en diferentes segmentos laborales. Las generaciones más jóvenes (hijas e hijos tanto de población nativa como migrante) se incorporan en los segmentos más precarios y esta incorporación interactúa con el género. Las mujeres hijas de hogares migrantes se insertan mayoritariamente en los segmentos más bajos de la estructura laboral en tanto que en el otro extremo los hombres nativos se incorporan en los segmentos más altos de la estructura laboral.
Correlation between Interleukin-1β serum level with severity of airway obstruction in Exacerbation Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Authors: Budi Mulya Nurfajar , Ilyas Muhamad , Arief Erwin , Djaharuddin Irawaty , Nurisyah Siti , Putrawan Harry Akza
Published: March 2022

Introduction: To observe the relation between Interleukin-1β with exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Methods:  This study was designed for a cross-sectional study. 65 acute exacerbation COPD patients were selected. The serum level of Interleukin-1β was recorded. Results:  Most of the subjects are men (95,4%), moderate smokers (41,5%), normal BMI (61,5%), more than 60 years old (73,8%), have more than 2 exacerbations in a year (67%), severe airway obstruction (41,5%) and mostly in group D (80%). The mean level of Interleukin-1β was 1.63 pg/ml range from 0,009-17,62 pg/ml. Kruskal Wallis analysis test noticed significant differentiation mean serum level of Interleukin-1β in several groups of GOLD. p<0,05. There was no correlation between serum level of IL-1β with the severity of airway obstruction (GOLD) p>0.05. Conclusions: there was no correlation between the severity of airway obstruction with serum level of IL-1β in acute exacerbation of COPD. there was a vicious trend of increasing IL-1β serum level according to the severity of airway obstruction mainly seen in GOLD 2, GOLD 3, and GOLD 4.
Correlation of Rhinomanometry Measurement and True Lateral Radiography towards the Degree of Upper Airway Obstruction in Patients with Adenoid Hypertrophy
Authors: Mayasari Nanda , Rahardjo Sutji Pratiwi , Kadir Abdul , Perkasa Muhammad Fajar , Punagi Abdul Qadar
Published: March 2022

Background: Adenoid hypertrophy is one of the most common disorders in children which may lead to upper airway obstruction. Various modalities to measure airway obstruction in patients with adenoid hypertrophy, including true lateral radiographs, nasoendoscopy, and rhinomanometry are available; however, the results from different studies are still controversial. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the results of rhinomanometry and the true lateral radiographs to the degree of upper airway obstruction in patients with adenoid hypertrophy. Methods: This cross-sectional study included a total of 33 patients with adenoid hypertrophy aged 5-18 years using a purposive sampling technique. Patients diagnosed with adenoid hypertrophy were subjected to a true lateral examination using lateral neck radiographs to measure the degree of airway obstruction. Subsequently, an active anterior rhinomanometry was performed by measuring resistance and nasal airflow and then measuring the degree of airway obstruction. Data analysis was done using Chi-Square test. Results: The rhinomanometric nasal resistance in the inspiratory phase was 0.4159 ± 0.15201 Pa/cm3/s and 0.3694 ± 0.13717 Pa/cm3/s in the expiration phase. The results showed a significant relationship between the true lateral radiographs and both nasal inspiratory (p=0.005) and expiratory resistance (p=0.004). Similarly, the relationship between the true lateral radiographs and nasal airflow on both inspiratory and expiratory rhinomanometry was significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: Rhinomanometric measurements can be used as an additional objective examination in assessing the degree of upper airway obstruction in patients with adenoid hypertrophy prior to surgery.
Healthcare Providers’ Perspective on Barriers to Patient Safety Incident Reporting in Lusaka District
Authors:   The Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI), department of Epidemic Preparedness and Response (EPR), Lusaka -Zambia, Yali Gabriel B. , Nzala Selestine H. ,   The University of Zambia (UNZA), School of Public HealthRidgeway Campus, off Nationalist Road, Lusaka -Zambia
Published: March 2022

Background: Many studies from a number of different nations around the world have consistently demonstrated unacceptably high rates of medical injury and preventable deaths. However, research shows that patient safety from developing countries is still infrequent and that frontline healthcare practitioners have concerns about patient safety which are yet to be looked at. Therefore, this study aimed at exploring concerns related to safety of patients receiving clinical care.Methods: In-depth, face to face interviews with 33 frontline healthcare practitioners and managers were conducted. The sample was collected at two largest hospitals in Lusaka, one offering mental health and the other one acute health services. Results: The findings were broadly categorized into staff-related and institutional-related challenges. Most incidents committed by them were going unreported. Challenges in maintaining patient safety were also attributed to lack of guidelines, standardized reporting system, patient overcrowding, poor hospital building design and staff shortages. These make it challenging in maintaining patient safety measures.Conclusion: In as much as patient safety is one of the priority areas in most healthcare systems of developing countries, incident reporting is not being done across the board. A number of factors are acting as barriers. There is a lot more that need to be done in order to improve the safety of patients in most developing countries and thus, with the current trend, patient safety incidents will continue harming patients receiving clinical care as long as these barriers exist.
Role of Oxysterols in the Activation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome as a
Potential Pharmacological Approach in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Martins Gabriela L. , Ferreira Cláudia N. , Palotás András , Rocha Natália P. , Reis Helton J.
Published: March 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most prevalent form of dementia, is a complex clinical
condition with multifactorial origin posing a major burden to health care systems across the world.
Even though the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the disease are still unclear, both central
and peripheral inflammation has been implicated in the process. Piling evidence shows that the
nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome
is activated in AD. As dyslipidemia is a risk factor for dementia, and cholesterol can
also activate the inflammasome, a possible link between lipid levels and the NLRP3 inflammasome
has been proposed in Alzheimer's. It is also speculated that not only cholesterol but also its metabolites,
the oxysterols, may be involved in AD pathology. In this context, mounting data suggest that
NLRP3 inflammasome activity can be modulated by different peripheral nuclear receptors, including
liver-X receptors, which present oxysterols as endogenous ligands. In light of this, the current
review explores whether the activation of NLRP3 by nuclear receptors, mediated by oxysterols, may
also be involved in AD and could serve as a potential pharmacological avenue in dementia.
Naked Mole-Rat Cortex Maintains Reactive Oxygen Species Homeostasis
During In Vitro Hypoxia or Ischemia and Reperfusion
Authors: Eaton Liam , Wang Tina , Roy Maria , Pamenter Matthew E.
Published: March 2022

Neuronal injury during acute hypoxia, ischemia, and following reperfusion are partially
attributable to oxidative damage caused by deleterious fluctuations of reactive oxygen species
(ROS). In particular, mitochondrial superoxide (O2•-) production is believed to upsurge during lowoxygen
conditions and also following reperfusion, before being dismutated to H2O2 and released into
the cell. However, disruptions of redox homeostasis may be beneficially attenuated in the brain of
hypoxia-tolerant species, such as the naked mole-rat (NMR, Heterocephalus glaber). As such, we
hypothesized that ROS homeostasis is better maintained in the brain of NMRs during severe hypoxic/
ischemic insults and following reperfusion. We predicted that NMR brain would not exhibit substantial
fluctuations in ROS during hypoxia or reoxygenation, unlike previous reports from hypoxiaintolerant
mouse brain. To test this hypothesis, we measured cortical ROS flux using corrected total
cell fluorescence measurements from live brain slices loaded with the MitoSOX red superoxide (O2•-)
indicator or chloromethyl 2’,7’-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (CM-H2-DCFDA; which fluoresces
with whole-cell hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production) during various low-oxygen treatments,
exogenous oxidative stress, and reperfusion. We found that NMR cortex maintained ROS
homeostasis during low-oxygen conditions, while mouse cortex exhibited a ~40% increase and a
~30% decrease in mitochondrial O2•- and cellular H2O2 production, respectively. Mitochondrial ROS
homeostasis in NMRs was only disrupted following sodium cyanide application, which was similarly
observed in mice. Our results suggest that NMRs have evolved strategies to maintain ROS homeostasis
during acute bouts of hypoxia and reoxygenation, potentially as an adaptation to life in an
intermittently hypoxic environment.
Class A and C GPCR Dimers in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Moreira Irina S. , Caniceiro Ana B. , Bueschbell Beatriz , Schiedel Anke C.
Published: March 2022

Neurodegenerative diseases affect over 30 million people worldwide with an ascending
trend. Most individuals suffering from these irreversible brain damages belong to the elderly population,
with onset between 50 and 60 years. Although the pathophysiology of such diseases is partially
known, it remains unclear upon which point a disease turns degenerative. Moreover, current
therapeutics can treat some of the symptoms but often have severe side effects and become less effective
in long-term treatment. For many neurodegenerative diseases, the involvement of G proteincoupled
receptors (GPCRs), which are key players of neuronal transmission and plasticity, has become
clearer and holds great promise in elucidating their biological mechanism. With this review,
we introduce and summarize class A and class C GPCRs, known to form heterodimers or oligomers
to increase their signalling repertoire. Additionally, the examples discussed here were shown to display
relevant alterations in brain signalling and had already been associated with the pathophysiology
of certain neurodegenerative diseases. Lastly, we classified the heterodimers into two categories
of crosstalk, positive or negative, for which there is known evidence.
Inhibition of Caspase 3 and Caspase 9 Mediated Apoptosis: A Multimodal
Therapeutic Target in Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Unnisa Aziz , Greig Nigel H. , Kamal Mohammad Amjad
Published: March 2022

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the significant causes of death and
morbidity, and it is hence a focus of translational research. Apoptosis plays an essential part
in the pathophysiology of TBI, and its inhibition may help overcome TBI’s negative
consequences and improve functional recovery. Whereas physiological neuronal death is
necessary for appropriate embryologic development and adult cell turnover, it can also
drive neurodegeneration. Caspases are principal mediators of cell death due to apoptosis
and are critical to the required cleavage of intracellular proteins of cells committed to die.
Caspase-3 is the major executioner Caspase of apoptosis and is regulated by a range of
cellular components during physiological and pathological conditions. Activation of
Caspase-3 causes proteolyzation of DNA repair proteins, cytoskeletal proteins, and the
inhibitor of Caspase-activated DNase (ICAD) during programmed cell death, resulting in
morphological alterations and DNA damage that define apoptosis. Caspase-9 is an
additional crucial part of the intrinsic pathway, activated in response to several stimuli.
Caspases can be altered post-translationally or by modulatory elements interacting with the
zymogenic or active form of a Caspase, preventing their activation and activity. The
necessity of Caspase-9 and -3 in diverse apoptotic situations suggests that mammalian cells
have at least four distinct apoptotic pathways. Continued investigation of these processes is
anticipated to disclose new Caspase regulatory mechanisms with consequences far beyond
apoptotic cell death control. The present review discusses various Caspase-dependent
apoptotic pathways and the treatment strategies to inhibit the Caspases potentially.
EFFECT OF CHOLECALCIFEROL AND ITS COMBINATION WITH METFORMIN ON THE LIPID AND CARBOHYDRATE STATUS IN WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME
Authors: Arkhypkina Tetyana , Bondarenko Volodymyr , Lyubimovа Lidiia
Published: March 2022

Objective. To investigate the effect of therapy with cholecalciferol, metformin and their combination to indicator of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance (IR).
Materials and methods. 60 women with PCOS and IR, 30 healthy women similar in age and body weight were examined. Patients were divided into 3 groups: 20 women receiving cholecalciferol at 4000 IU daily; 20 women receiving metformin at 850 mg twice a day; 20 patients taking metformin at 850 mg twice a day and cholecalciferol at 4000 IU daily. Vitamin D, glucose, immunoreactive insulin (IRI), HOMA-IR index, total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), oral glucose tolerance test before and after 12 weeks of therapy were determined.
Results. Therapy with cholecalciferol was accompanied by increasing (P < 0.001) in concentrations of vitamin D (158.9 ± 4.7)%, reducing the levels of IRI (P < 0.02), the HOMA-IR indexes (P < 0.001), total cholesterol (P < 0.01) and LDL (P < 0.05), but did not had a significant effect on anthropometric parameters, glucose, TG, and HDL levels. Therapy with metformin was accompanied by decreasing body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.01), basal levels of IRI (24.6 ± 0.4)% (P < 0.001), HOMA-IR index (27.9 ± 0.4)% (P < 0.001), glycemic responses to an oral glucose load (P < 0.001), TG (P < 0.02) and increasing levels of HDL (P < 0.05). No negative dynamics of vitamin D levels was observed. Combination therapy was accompanied by increasing in concentration of vitamin D (P < 0.001), significant decreasing of BMI (P < 0.001), waist-to-hip ratio (P < 0.05), glycemic responses to an oral glucose load (P < 0.001), levels of IRI (P < 0.001) and HOMA-IR indexes (P < 0.001), more significant decreasing in total cholesterol (P < 0.001), TG (P < 0.001), LDL (P < 0.001) and increasing in HDL (P < 0.001).
Conclusion. It is expedient to use a combination of cholecalciferol with metformin in the complex of therapeutic measures aimed at the correction of metabolic disorders in women with PCOS.
ПЕРЕВАГИ БЕЗПЕРЕРВНОГО МОНІТОРИНГУ ГЛІКЕМІЇ ДЛЯ ОПТИМІЗАЦІЇ ГЛІКЕМІЧНОГО КОНТРОЛЯ ЦУКРОВОГО ДІАБЕТУ 1 ТИПУ У ДІТЕЙ ТА ПІДЛІТКІВ
Authors: Большова Олена , Самсон Оксана , Лукашук Ірина , Спринчук Наталя , Маліновська Тетяна , Музь Наталія , Пахомова Вікторія , Вишневська Ольга , Кваченюк Дмитро
Published: March 2022

Проведено порівняння глікемічного контролю у дітей та підлітків з цукровим діабетом 1 типу (ЦД1) на помповій інсулінотерапії (ПІТ) та багаторазових ін’єкцій інсуліну (БІІ) з урахуванням проведення безперервного моніторингу глікемії (БМГ). 193 дітей з ЦД1 були розподілені на 3 групи: І група – на ПІТ з БМГ (n=32); ІІ група – на БІІ з БМГ (n=75); ІІІ група – на БІІ з самоконтролем глюкози 4-8 разів на добу, без БМГ (n=86). В І групі показник глікованого гемоглобіну (HbA1с) складав 6,9±0,19 % (Р (І - ІІІ)<0,001), в ІІ групі − 7,1±0,14 % (Р (ІІ-ІІІ)<0,001) та в ІІІ групі − 8,7±0,43 %. В І та ІІ групі рівень HbA1с максимально наближався до цільової глікемії. Висновки: Глікемічний контроль цукрового діабету 1 типу залежить від застосування комплексу методів моніторингу глікемії з оцінкою варіабельності глікемії і не залежить від способу інсулінотерапії (ПІТ чи БІІ). Дітям і підліткам з цукровим діабетом 1 типу доцільно проводити безперервний моніторинг глікемії незалежно від тривалості хвороби та способу інсулінотерапії.
OPTIONS OF CORRECTING INSULIN RESISTANCE AND PROINFLAMMATORY CYTOKINE LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS
Authors: Kobrynska Olena , Didushko Oksana
Published: March 2022

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of empagliflozin on insulin resistance, leptin and proinflammatory cytokine levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Materials and methods. 100 patients with type 2 diabetes with normal weight, overweight and obesity of various degrees were examined. Anthropometric indicators were taken. Levels of leptin, IL-6, CRP in blood serum were determined, HOMA index was calculated.
Results. Insulin resistance in all groups of patients was associated with abdominal obesity, hyperleptinemia (r = 0.505, p < 0.05), (r = 0.846, p < 0.05), (r = 0.886, p < 0.05), (r = 0.736, p < 0.05) in patients from Group I-IV. Patients of all examined groups have shown a significant increase in IL-6 levels, compared with the control group (p < 0.05), but the level of IL-6 in patients from Group II, III and IV have been significantly higher than those from Group I (p < 0.05) and the control group (p < 0.05) and has increased along with the weight gain. Similarly, the highest indices of CRP levels have been found in patients from Group IV which proves a high pro-inflammatory activity in these patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity. After a 6-month course of treatment patients taking empagliflozin, regardless of BMI, have shown significantly decreased levels of both IL-6 (p < 0.05), and CRP (p < 0.05). Levels of leptin (p < 0.05) and HOMA index (p < 0.05) were significantly reduced in obese patients, too.
Conclusions. As a result of the study, it has been established that the use of empagliflozin in the dose of 10 mg per day for 6 months has had a significant effect on anthropometric parameters and markers of insulin resistance (HOMA index, leptin) in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity. A significant decrease in the levels of IL-6 and CRP under the influence of empagliflozin, regardless of the patient’s weight has been revealed.
ДЕЯКІ АСПЕКТИ ФОРМУВАННЯ ІНСУЛІНОРЕЗИСТЕНТНОСТІ ПРИ ХРОНІЧНОМУ ОБСТРУКТИВНОМУ ЗАХВОРЮВАННІ ЛЕГЕНЬ
Authors: Вантюх Наталія , Лемко Ольга
Published: March 2022

Актуальність: Хронічне обструктивне захворювання легень (ХОЗЛ) характеризується поєднанням прогресуючого ураження бронхо-легеневої системи з системними ефектами та формуванням коморбідної патології.
Мета: дослідити ймовірні аспекти формування інсулінорезистентності (ІР) у хворих на хронічне обструктивне захворювання легень шляхом комплексної оцінки залежності рівня показників вуглеводного обміну від параметрів функції зовнішнього дихання (ФЗД), інтенсивності клінічних проявів (на основі СOPD Assessment Test — САТ), активності запального процесу та ступеню кардіоваскулярного ризику (КВР).
Матеріали та методи. Проаналізовані дані 73 хворих на ХОЗЛ ІІ-ІІІ ступенів важкості у фазі ремісії. Наявність ІР діагностували за показниками глюкози, інсуліну, індексу НОМА-IR та С-пептиду.
Результати. У хворих на ХОЗЛ нормальний рівень глюкози натще забезпечується суттєвим зростанням, порівняно з контролем, продукції інсуліну (р < 0,001), підтвердженням чого є збільшення індексу НОМА-IR (у 2,8 рази) та С-пептиду у (2,1 рази). У більшості хворих на ХОЗЛ має місце ІР, наявна навіть при помірних порушеннях ФЗД. При аналізі змін вуглеводного обміну у взаємозв’язку з величиною САТ та активністю запалення встановлено, що навіть у пацієнтів зі стабільним перебігом хвороби
(САТ<10 балів) спостерігається достовірне збільшення рівню С-пептиду, хоча рівні глюкози, інсуліну
та індекс НОМА-IR суттєво не змінюються. При САТ ≥ 10 балів всі досліджувані показники достовірно зростають. Аналіз показників вуглеводного обміну залежно від ступеню КВР показав, що навіть при низькому ризику, незважаючи на нормальний рівень глюкози натще, має місце достовірне зростання інсуліну, індексу НОМА-IR та С-пептиду. За високого КВР дані зміни посилюються.
Висновки. У хворих на хронічне обструктивне захворювання легень спостерігається розвиток інсулінорезистентності навіть при помірній бронхообструкції і низькому кардіоваскулярному ризику з наростанням цих проявів відповідно до тяжкості клінічного перебігу за СOPD Assessment Test. Ці зміни є одним із провідних факторів вторинного ураження судин з розвитком коморбідної патології серцево-судинної системи, що значно ускладнює перебіг хвороби.
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ПОКАЗНИКІВ ОБМІНУ СЕЧОВОЇ КИСЛОТИ У ЧОЛОВІКІВ І ЖІНОК З ЦУКРОВИМ ДІАБЕТОМ 2 ТИПУ В ЗАЛЕЖНОСТІ ВІД ФЕНОТИПУ
Authors: Прибила Ольга , Зінич Олеся , Кушнарьова Наталія , Ковальчук Алла , Корпачев Вадим , Шупрович Анжела , Шишкань-Шишова Катерина
Published: March 2022

Порушення обміну сечової кислоти (СК) останнім часом розглядають як одне з поліметаболічних порушень, характерних для цукрового діабету (ЦД) 2 типу та метаболічного синдрому (МС). Показано, що дисметаболізм СК асоціюється з патофізіологічними фенотипами, що супроводжуються загальним та/або вісцеральним ожирінням і високим кардіоренальним ризиком. При цьому не завжди має місце гіперурикемія, однак дослідження екскреції уратів із сечею може виявити гіперпродукцію та гіперекскрецію СК. Метою нашої роботи було встановити особливості композиції тіла та метаболічного фенотипу (МФ), зокрема рівня урикемії, інсулінемії, показників ліпідного спектру сироватки крові у пацієнтів із ЦД 2 типу в залежності від статі, ступеня ожиріння та вмісту абдомінального жиру.
Матеріали та методи. Обстежено 47 пацієнтів із ЦД 2 типу (25 чоловіків та 22 жінки), віком від 30 до 82 років. Пацієнтів (окремо чоловіків і жінок) було розділено на підгрупи: без ожиріння (ІМТ < 30 кг/м2) та з ожирінням (ІМТ > 30 кг/м2). Визначали антропометричні параметри та композицію тіла (% загального жиру та води, рівень абдомінального жиру, сегментарний розподіл жирової та м’язової маси методом біоелектричного імпедансу), СК у сироватці крові та в добовій сечі, розраховували кліренс СК, фракційну екскрецію СК у відношенні до креатиніну, активність гіпоксантингуанінфосфорибозилтрансферази (ГГФРТ), а також показники вуглеводного обміну (глікемію натще, HbA1c, інсулін) та ліпідного спектру сироватки крові.
Результати. У пацієнтів з ожирінням, порівняно з особами без ожиріння, на тлі вищого рівня інсуліну та HOMA-IR, зафіксовано більші показники вісцерального жиру, вмісту загального жиру, кісткової маси, жирової маси корпусу. Середній рівень урикемії в обох підгрупах як жінок, так і чоловіків, знаходився в межах статевої норми, незважаючи на підвищену або наближену до верхньої межі норми добову продукцію СК. У підгрупі чоловіків із фенотипом ожиріння, у порівнянні з особами без ожиріння, виявлено підвищення рівня урикемії та тригліцеридів, що може бути пов’язано з впливом виявлених у цій групі анаболічних чинників, що активують процеси біосинтезу пуринів та жирних кислот de novo. У жінок з ожирінням, порівняно з підгрупою без ожиріння, виявлені достовірно вищі значення кліренсу СК та фракційної екскреції уратів, що, не виключено, дозволяє підтримувати нормальний рівень урикемії.
Висновок. Дослідження показників обміну сечової кислоти та ліпідного спектру в чоловіків і жінок із ЦД 2 типу в залежності від ступеня ожиріння дозволило виявити різницю механізмів, що викликають порушення пуринового і ліпідного обміну та характеру накопичення жиру, пов’язані зі змінами анаболічно-катаболічного балансу, зокрема рівня інсуліну та активності анаболічного шляху реутилізації пуринів.