bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
КУЛЬТУРНІ ТА ПСИХОЛОГІЧНІ ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ЗАСТОСУВАННЯ ЧОРНОГО ГУМОРУ В ПОЛІТИЧНІЙ РЕКЛАМІ
Authors: Bukach Valerii M. , Okul Illia I.
Published: March 2020

З’ясовано, що чорний гумор у політичній рекламі застосовується для того, щоб вплинути на емоції виборців, коли йдеться про неприємні, часом абсурдні, «жахливі» речі, або щоб привернути сенсаційну увагу електорату до повідомлення. Обстоюється думка, що, обираючи стратегію політичної реклами з використанням чорного гумору, необхідно враховувати етнокультурну, демографічну, соціально-політичну специфіку регіону, в якому балотується політик, а також актуальні суспільні тенденції та ситуативні чинники. Представлено результати емпіричного пілотного дослідження особливостей сприймання чорного гумору в політичній рекламі студентами ЗВО віком від 18 до 23 років, що народились і живуть в Україні. Респонденти мали зробити вибір між чотирма типами рекламних політичних повідомлень: 1) абсурдне («жахливе») рішення суспільної проблеми подається за допомогою чорного гумору 2) абсурдне («жахливе») рішення подається напряму, без використання чорного гумору; 3) пропонується конвенційне рішення суспільної проблеми без використання чорного гумору; 4) абсурдне («жахливе») рішення, подане за допомогою чорного гумору, спростовується як неприйнятне або неоптимальне. Виявлено, що респонденти віддають перевагу негумористичним повідомленням, де політичні рішення, як абсурдні, так і конвенційні, формулюються прямо і буквально. На основі опитувальника Кеттелла виокремлено особистісні чинники прихильності до чорного гумору в політичній рекламі – чутливість (шкала I) і тривожність (шкала О). Показано, що респонденти, котрі обирають як гумористичні, так і серйозні політичні гасла, мають вищі показники чутливості, а ті зних, які частіше обирають прямо сформульовані абсурдні («жахливі») рішення, мають вищі показники тривожності. Зауважено також, що жінки частіше, ніж чоловіки, обирають гумористичні гасла, натомість чоловіки частіше, ніж жінки, віддають перевагу викладеним прямо, без гумористичної обробки абсурдним («жахливим») рішенням. Результати емпіричного дослідження можна застосовувати з метою створення таргетованої політичної реклами для українських студентів віком від 18 до 23 років.
Association between HbA1c and functional outcome of new onset ischemic stroke in Diabetic patients
Authors: Sina Hashmi , Ullah AKM Anwar , Dey Subash Kanti , Hossain Md Amir , Ahmed Sharif Uddin , Hossain Md Shahadat , Arifuzzaman Md , Siddique Abu Raihan , Hossain Mohammad Zakir , Hasan Md Rashedul , Azad Khan Abul Kalam
Published: March 2020

Background: Abnormal glucose metabolism is an independent risk factor for poor outcome following acute ischemic stroke.

Objective: To evaluate the association between high HbA1c level and poor functional outcome in new onset ischemic stroke patient with diabetes mellitus.

Method: This Cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Neurology, BSMMU, Dhaka, from February 2013 to September 2014 on 50 patients with first attack of ischemic stroke with DM. modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and HbA1c were measured on 14th day of the stroke. During this period other important relevant investigations were also recorded.

Result: Majority of the patients (40.0%) were in age group 51-60 years. The mean age was 58.9 ± 9.6 years with a range from 30 to 75 years. Males were 52.0% and females were 48.0%. Male to female ratio was 1.08:1. It was observed that more than one third (36.0%) patients were current smoker, 9(18.0%) were former smoker and 23(46.0%) were non smoker. Majority of the 29(58.0%) patients had hypertension. Mean systolic BP was found 129 ±16 mmHg with a range from 90 to 160 mmHg. The mean diastolic BP was found 81±11 mmHg with a range from 60 to 100 mmHg. HbA1c has significant positive correlation with modified ranking scale on 14th day of stroke [r= 0.504 (p<0.001)].

Conclusion: As per study result it can be concluded that increase level of HbA1c is associated with higher level of mRS.

J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 27, No.1, April, 2018, Page 5-8
Result of Total Hip Replacement (THR) in Arthritis of Hip at DMCH) in the Year 2017
Authors: Hossain Md Mobarak , Alam Quazi Shahidul , Parvej Masud , Rahman Md Ashfaqur , Hossain Akhter , Saha Haridas
Published: March 2020

Introduction: In arthritic condition like osteoarthritis or rheumatoidarthritis, the hip joint becomes very much painful. Patient can hardly walk or even stand up in advance condition. But total hip replacement can give them new hope to live(1). Medication can relieve the symptom variably but THR can be the ultimate solution for these type of patients.

Materials & Methods: We have operated total sevenpatients in the year, 2017 at DMCH. All have painful hip with advance stages of arthritis. Both cemented and non-cemented THR done for them according to their clinical condition. Early mobilization with the help of walker started for them as soon as the pain permits.

Results: Results were evaluated by Harris Hip Score. All the patients were found clinically improved. Outcome measured with Harris Hip Score was excellent in 4 cases, good in 2 cases and fair in 1 case.

Conclusion: THR is now a days a gold standard of practice throughout the world with published journal. We have started this practice in Bangladesh too and this time at DMCH in a large scale. Results are yet to be decided as at least 1 year follow up is required to find out how they do in our local community.

J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 27, No.1, April, 2018, Page 14-16
A Study of Histomorphology of Ovarian Neoplasms
Authors: Haque Enamul , Huq Naila , Yusuf Abdullah , Khanam Shahana , Rahman Kazi Monisur
Published: March 2020

Background: Ovarian malignancy is one of the most common causes of cancer deaths in females in Bangladesh. Due to poor early symptoms and lack of screening protocol, it is detected later in the clinical course of the disease. It is also one of the most treatable tumors because majorities are sensitive to chemo-radiation. An accurate histology is often a critical factor in achieving optimum treatment response.

Objective: To study the frequency and histological patterns of neoplastic ovarian lesions.

Methodology: A retrospective cross sectional study was done. We analyzed the data compiled from ovarian lesions biopsied and reported in a private diagnostic center from January 2008 to December 2015.

Results: Out of 231 ovarian specimens only 66 were neoplastic lesions, while the rest were nonneoplastic cysts. The age range was 9 to 65 years with a mean of 36.58 ±10.45. 73 percent (48) were benign, 6.01 percent (4) were borderline and 21.21 percent (14) were malignant. Surface epithelial tumors were the most common ovarian neoplasm (n=48; 72.73%) followed by germ cell tumor (n=14; 21.21%) and sex cord stromal tumor (n=4; 6.01%). Serous cystadenoma was the commonest benign tumor (23) followed by dermoid cyst (11), and mucinous cystadenoma (10). Only 4 borderline malignant tumors were found; 03 of which were mucinous and 01 serous. The number of malignant tumor was 18. Malignant mucinous neoplasm was the commonest, in both invasive carcinoma (05) and borderline group (03).

Conclusion: Benign ovarian neoplasm was more common than malignant ones. Surface epithelial tumor was the frequent group followed by germ cell tumor. Serous cystadenoma was most common among benign tumors whereas mucinous cystadenocarcinoma was the commonest malignant tumor.

J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 27, No.1, April, 2018, Page 25-28
Early Puerperal Complications - A Prospective Clinical Study on Caesarean Deliveries
Authors: Akhter Tahamina , Ghani Tabassum , Paul Subinoy Krishna , Noorjahan - , Begum Afrina , Rahman Tashrifa , Sarkar Mandira
Published: March 2020

Introduction : when a healthy pregnant woman with no obstetric or medical risk factors goes into spontaneous labour, she should anticipate a normal delivery. But still 580, 000 women in the world die from pregnancy and childbirth each year.1 Lack of attention to postpartum care in developing countries is neglected tragedy and requires immediate attention. This study evaluates the incidence of complications of early puerperium and also focuses the specific types of complications and to detect the risk factors associated with these complications.

Aims and objectives : Main aim of the study is to evaluate the common complications in early puerperium with special attention to identify the risk factors.

Materials and method : This study was carried out in Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Sir Sallimullah Medical College Hospital within the period of March ’2004 to August’ 2004. Two hundred patients were selected for this study who were delivered by caesarean section in these two institutions and complications occurring within 7 days excluding first 24 hours. Patients delivered outside the hospital and with known medical diseases were excluded from this study. Detailed history taking and appropriate clinical examination and specific investigations were done for diagnosis of complications. All relevant informations was noted in prescribed data sheet and results were tabulated and statistical analysis was done.

Results : Among 200 cases only 44(22%) cases had early puerperal morbidity.Most of the patients who suffered complications underwent caesarean section for obstructed labour and fetal distress who had trial at home. Many of the patients suffered from wound infection and endometritis (40.9%). Among patients, age group -<20 years suffered from wound infection(53.8%) and endometritis(45.8%) were common in age group 21-30 years. VVF was common in patients in age <20 years.Endometritis (42.2%) was maximum in women with parity 1-3 and wound infection (50%) in women with parity 4-6. Some of the patients had more than one early puerperal morbidity. Maximum number of poor class suffered from wound infection (42.4%).Early puerperal morbidity was more prevalent in women with duration of labour <18 hours and Premature rupture of membrane had relationship with endometritis (15.9%), wound infection (13.6%) and UTI (11.4%).

Conclusion : Incidence of early puerperal morbidities is still quite high (22%) and many patients experiences more than one problem at a time.Long term sequelae of early puerperal infectious morbidity should not be neglected as this may interfere quality of life of a woman.

J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 27, No.1, April, 2018, Page 68-71
Evaluation of Intravenous Iron Therapy Response to Manage Anemia in Pregnancy
Authors: Saha Joysree , Quader Md Abdul , Islam Ferdousi , Prasad Indrajit , Khanom Kamil Ara , Siddique Sohana , Akter Sumaya , Talukder Debesh Chandra , Saha Haridas , Shamnaz Tasrina
Published: March 2020

Background: Iron deficiency anaemia is a common problem in antenatal patient especially in primigravida in developing world. The study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous iron sucrose in antenatal primigravida anaemic cases.

Aims and Objectives: The study was conducted to evaluate the response of intravenous iron therapy in anaemic antenatal primigravida patients. The rise of hemoglobin level was predicted after therapy.

Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was done in the antenatal clinic of Popular Medical College Hospital from January 2016 to December 2016. Primigravida women of e” 18 years with iron deficiency anaemia were included in this study. Pretreatment hemoglobin level was measured. After total dose of calculated iron, intravenous iron sucrose was infused to achieve the target hemoglobin. After completion of therapy hemoglobin was measured 2 weeks and 4 weeks after last dose of iron treatment. Mean, percentage, Chi-square test was done and P value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Among the 63 primigravida anaemic patients mean age of the study subjects were 23.98 years with mean gestational age were 23.54 weeks. Their pretreatment hemoglobin level was 5.42 gm/dl. After total dose infusion of iron sucrose, the mean rise of hemoglobin after 2 weeks was 8.87 gm/dl and after 4 weeks was 10.87 gm/dl respectively. This findings were statistically significant (P<0.001). Attainment of target hemoglobin at the range of 9.1-11.0 gm/ dl was 50.79% and 65.08% after 2 weeks and 4 weeks respectively.

Conclusion: Parenteral iron therapy in the form of iron sucrose proved to be better choice to correct iron deficiency anaemia in primigravida anaemic patients

J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 27, No.1, April, 2018, Page 79-82
Evaluation of Post-operative Complications following Thyroid Surgery
Authors: Talukder Debesh Chandra , Sarker Satinath Chandra , Ahasan Syed Ali , Haque Muhammad Mozammal , Arefin Mostafa Kamal , Musabbir Nadira , Rahman Chowdhury Md Mushfiqur
Published: March 2020

Objectives: This study evaluates the incidence, Frequency and risk factors of complications in patients submitted to thyroidectomy for various benign and malignant lesion and to corroborate the results in relation to the extent of surgery in a Tertiary level hospital.

Study design : An analytical study of 100 consecutive patients who underwent thyroidectomy for benign and malignant thyroid lesion.

Material s and methods: The study was carried out at Department of ENT and Head-Neck surgery in Dhaka Medical College Hospital over a period of 1.5 years from January 2017 to June 2018. Data were collected from 100 patients who underwent thyroidectomies for various thyroid diseases at this center.

Results: There were 80 females (80%) and 20 males (20%) with female-to-male ratio of 4:1, and The age range of the patients were 15 to 80 years, the mean age was 39.29 years. Preoperative diagnosis of benign and malignant pathologies was made in 86% and 14% cases respectively. Most common pathological diagnosis was colloid goiter 46%,nodular of cases, whereas papillary carcinoma accounting for 11% was the commonest malignant lesion .The types of thyroid operations done were as follows (Table-II). The commonest operation performed was hemithyroidectomy (45%). The overall postoperative complication rate was 17%.Temporary and permanent RLNI occurred in 3% and 2% respectively. The less common complications were wound hematoma, seroma formation, and superior laryngeal nerve injury. There was no mortality observed in this study.

Conclusion: In conclusion, extent of resection, surgical technique and thyroid pathologic condition had a greater impact on the rates of postoperative complications. By developing understanding of the anatomy and the ways to prevent each complication, the surgeon can minimize each patient’s risk and can handle complications expediently and avoid worse consequence.

J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 27, No.2, October, 2018, Page 108-113
Potential effects of omega-3 fatty acids on high density lipoprotein cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol in middle aged patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Habib Tamanna Binte , Akhter Qazi Shamima , Yeasmin Nahid , Imam Hasan , Chowdhury Forhad Uddin Hasan , Hossain Mohammad Zaid , Mirdha Md Sohel , Islam Md Khademul , Rabbani Safia Binte , Alam Md Mahbubul
Published: March 2020

Background: The one of the most common metabolic disorder that remains worldwide is Diabetes mellitus. Dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acid may confer a protective effect against diabetes, improves high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and reduce low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels.

Objective: To observe the effect of supplementation of omega-3 fatty acid on HDL and LDL levels in type 2 DM.

Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted from January 2017 to December 2017. A total numbers of 52 diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients of both sexes were selected with age ranging from 40 to 50 years. Among them, 27 type 2 diabetic patients with supplementation of omega 3 fatty acid (2g/day) for 12 weeks was considered as study group. Another 25 type 2 diabetic patients without supplementation of omega 3 fatty acid were considered as control group for comparison. The study subjects were selected from Outpatient Department of Endocrinology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka and personal contact from Dhaka city on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The research work was carried out after obtaining ethical clearance from concerned departments, Research Review Committee and Ethical Review Committee of Dhaka medical college, Dhaka. The study parameters serum HDL was estimated by enzymatic colorimetric method in auto-analyzer and serum low density lipoprotein was calculated by using Friedwald formula in Department of Laboratory Medicine, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka. The parameters were studied 2 times in study and control groups i.e. at the beginning of study (base line) and after 12 weeks of study period. Data were collected in pre-designed structured questionnaire from the researcher by herself. For statistical analysis, Paired Student’s ‘t’ test and Unpaired Student’s ‘t’ test were performed as applicable using SPSS for windows version 16.0.

Results: In this study High density lipoprotein cholesterol that is good cholesterol increased and low density lipoprotein cholesterol was decreased in diabetic patients after supplementation with omega-3 fatty acid in comparison to that of their baseline value. Again, after 12 weeks, high density lipoprotein was higher and low density lipoprotein cholesterol was lower in diabetic patients after supplementation with omega-3 fatty acid in comparison to control group.

Conclusion: After analyzing the results of the study, it can be concluded that omega-3 fatty acid can improve HDL and lowers LDL levels in diabetic patients may be helpful to minimize the complications of type-2 diabetes mellitus.

J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 27, No.2, October, 2018, Page 190-194
Study On Serum Magnesium, Calcium And Iron In Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Children
Authors: Shahjadi Shorifa , Khan Arif Salam , Ahmed Mesbah Uddin , Karim Mahmuda , Parvin Shahana , Siddiqi Umme Raihan , Afroz Sharmin , Mahruba Syeda Nusrat
Published: March 2020

Background: Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder and one of the major cause of lifelong disability. Magnesium, calcium and iron are important minerals of biological system. Hypomagnesaemia, hypocalcaemia and iron deficiency has been found to be associated with abnormal metabolic functions resulting in autistic spectrum disorder.

Hypothesis: Serum magnesium, calcium and iron levels are lower in ASD children than healthy control.

Objective: To measure serum magnesium, calcium and iron in ASDchildren and to compare them with healthy control.

Method: This observational type of analytical study with case-control design was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbag, Dhaka from March 2014–January 2016. For this study, 80 children aged 3-10 years were randomly selected, among which 40 were apparently healthy and 40 were diagnosed as ASD. The study group was selected from the Parents’ Forum (Mohakhali DOHS, Dhaka) for ASD children and the control group was selected from some regular schools. 5ml venous blood was collected from both groups for analysis of fasting serum magnesium, calcium and iron. Fasting magnesium, calcium and iron were estimated in all children by standard laboratory method. Independent sample‘t’ test and proportion (Z) test were used for statistical analysis. P value Â0.05 was accepted as significant.

Result: The mean serum magnesium, calcium and iron were significantly lower (pÂ0.001) in cases as compared to controls. The frequency of hypomagnesaemia, hypocalcaemia and iron deficiency were significantly higher in early diagnosed ASD children, which was 7 (17.5%), 22 (55%) and 5 (12.5%) out of 40 ASD children respectively.The mean values of all the biochemical variables in normal children were within normal ranges.

Conclusion: The results indicate that hypomagnesaemia, hypocalcaemia and iron deficiency are common in ASD children.

J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 27, No.2, October, 2018, Page 199-204
Association between hypertension and the severity of new onset ischemic stroke in Diabetic patients
Authors: Sina Hashmi , Mustary Tamanna , Ahmed Kazi Gias Uddin , Chowdhury Ahmed Hossain , Saha Kanol , Arifuzzaman Mohammad , Siddique Abu Raihan , Alam Lftikher , Dhali Sabbir Ahmed , Ahmed Sharif Uddin
Published: March 2020

Objective: To evaluate the association between hypertension and the severity of new onset ischemic stroke patient with diabetes mellitus.

Method: This Cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Neurology, BSMMU, Dhaka, from February 2013 to September 2014 on 50 patients with first attack of ischemic stroke with DM. mRS was measured on 14th day of the stroke. During this period other important relevant investigations were also recorded.

Result: In this study, out of 50 patients, 40.0% were in age group 51-60 years and the mean age of the patients was 58.9 ± 9.6 years with a range from 30 to 75 years. Males were 52.0% and females were 48.0%. Male to female ratio was 1.08:1. It was observed that more than one third (36.0%) patients were current smoker, 9(18.0%) were former smoker and 23(46.0%) were non smoker. More than half of the patients had hypertension (58.0%). Mean systolic BP was 129 ±16 mmHg with a range from 90 to 160 mmHg and the mean diastolic BP was 81±11 mmHg with a range from 60 to 100 mmHg. No association was found between hypertension with severity of new onset ischemic stroke in Diabetic patients.

Conclusion: As per study result it can be concluded that there is no association between hypertension and the severity of new onset ischemic stroke in Diabetic patients.

J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 28, No.1, April, 2019, Page 7-10
Broad Ligament Pregnancy: A Rare Case Repor
Authors: Siddiqui Maruf , Ghafoor Nusrat , Naznine Fahmida , Abdullah Rusmila Shamim , Chowdhury T A
Published: March 2020

Broad ligament pregnancy is a rare obstetric condition. Its diagnosis is quite difficult and management is challenging. Here we report a case of a 26 years old primi gravida conceived following laparoscopy and ovulation induction. Diagnosis of the broad ligament pregnancy was done by a transvaginal ultrasound at her 9 weeks and was proceded with laparoscopy followed by laparotomy. A right broad ligament pregnancy was found and the sac with fetus was removed. Laparoscopy was converted into a laparotomy as there was an uncontrollable bleeding from the broad ligament. Here we present a case of this extreme rare type of broad ligament pregnancy.

J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 28, No.1, April, 2019, Page 123-125
PLANA MEMORA : DEKONTEKSTUALISASI WUJUD KARYA SENI RUPA
Authors: Rahim Muhamad Ali , Amiarsa Chandra Ghaisani
Published: March 2020

Dilatarbelakangi gagasan 'perayaan' memudarnya eksklusifitas seni menuju ke pola kontinuitas penciptaan, penelitian ini diiringi proses penciptaan dan menghasilkan karya seni rupa berjudul “Plana Memora” yang dirancang dalam rangka merespon fenomena pergeseran wacana estetika kontemporer. Tujuan konseptualnya adalah manifestasi letak spirit personalitas yang spesifik-otentik atas karya seni rupa pascamodernisme; dalam kesederhanaan visualisasi bisa jadi ditemukan unsur filosofi karya yang memerlukan upaya untuk memahami 'kedalamannya'. Tujuan praktisnya adalah tawaran pola teknik penciptaan karya yang tidak konvensional, dan visualisasinya menjadi alternatif wujud karya seni rupa dua-dimensi. Wujud Plana Memora berupa tulisan tangan dengan menggunakan bolpoin pada sepotong kertas, tak ubahnya sebuah catatan singkat, dibuat dengan maksud memberi peringatan sederhana dan cepat akan rencana kegiatan harian. Dasar pemikirannya adalah bahwa karya seni rupa pascamodernisme mencirikan adanya kedekatan yang lazim dan intens dengan keseharian kreatornya. Hal ini menguatkan bahwa karya seni rupa dua-dimensi tidak lagi (melulu) tentang ilustrasi, representasi alam nyata/ alam mimpi, imajinasi atau berakhir pada komposisi cipratan warna, yang secara eksplisit sekedar menunjukkan kepiawaian tangan belaka. Studi literatur sebagai sumber data dan eksplorasi karya dilakukan sebagai metode dalam penelitian dan penciptaan ini. Dalam rangka mendukung representasi kekaryaan seni rupa kontemporer, penciptaan ini menghasilkan rancangan karya sebagai manifestasi dekontekstualisasi wujud karya seni rupa. Karya ini bukan ilustrasi konvensional.  Karya ini mengusung konsep kontinuitas gejala dirinya sendiri yang meskipun bisa jadi mirip dokumentasi, namun merupakan karya (rencana) hari ini dan masa depan.
PVA and PCL nanofibers are suitable for tissue covering and regeneration
Authors: Beznoska J. , Uhlík J. , Kestlerová A. , Královič M. , Divín R. , Fedačko J. , Beneš J. , Beneš M. , Vocetková K. , Sovková V. , Nečas A. , Nečasová A. , Holešovský J. , Amler E.
Published: March 2020

The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new therapeutic approach to skin defects resulting from split thickness grafting. Within the study, nanofiber-based dressings fabricated using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) were used, with different mass density. The study was performed in 1 female minipig. Nine defects (approx. 4x4 cm) were made in the superficial skin layer. The tested materials were applied to the squared skin defect and covered by a Jelonet paraffin gauze, sutured in the corners of the defects. The animal was monitored daily during the healing process (21 days). On day 5, 12, and 27, the healing of the wound was evaluated, and a biopsy was performed for further histologic testing. At the end of the study (on day 27 after the procedure), the animal was euthanized, and a standard pathologic evaluation was performed. We can conclude that the nanofiber scaffold which was well tolerated, could be used as a smart skin cover which could be functionalized with another bioactive substances directly on the surgeon table, among potential bioactive substances belong platelet derivatives, antibiotics, etc.
Behavioral Abnormalities in Knockout and Humanized Tau Mice
Authors: Gonçalves Rafaella Araujo , Wijesekara Nadeeja , Fraser Paul E. , De Felice Fernanda G.
Published: March 2020

Microtubule-associated protein tau assists in stabilizing microtubules and has been particularly implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Given the importance of tau to AD pathogenesis and therapies, it is important to understand non-classic physiological functions for this protein inside and outside the central nervous system (CNS). Our group has previously shown that tau ablation triggers glucose intolerance and pancreatic dysfunction in mice, suggesting that tau plays a role in peripheral metabolic regulation. Little is known about the role of tau in anxiety. Moreover, inconsistent results have been generated regarding the effects of tau deletion in memory. Here, we characterize systemic insulin resistance, anxiety-related behavior and memory in 15 to 20 weeks old Wild-Type (WT), Tau knockout (TauKO) and a distinct hTau mouse model consisting of tau knockout expressing the longest isoform (2N4R) of a non-mutant WT human Tau protein under the prion promoter (hTau). Our findings demonstrate that tau deletion leads to anxiety-related behavior, impaired contextual and cued fear memory. The presence of a human Tau transgene did not ameliorate the phenotypes observed in animals lacking the mouse tau protein and it elicited impairments in learning, memory, and peripheral insulin sensitivity. Our results suggest that tau protein plays a role in memory and anxiety-related behavior. Our findings also indicate that previously unrecognized functions for tau protein may be a complicating factor in using animal models on the TauKO background. Understanding the link between tau pathophysiology and cognitive and metabolic alterations is of great importance to establish the complete contribution of tau protein to AD pathogenesis.
New Regulations on Medical Devices in Europe: Are They an Opportunity for Growth?
Authors: Maresova Petra , Hajek Ladislav , Krejcar Ondrej , Storek Michael , Kuca Kamil
Published: March 2020

Increasing demand for modern treatments and significant profit margins are strong incentives for investors and producers. However, the production and use of medical devices is subject to a number of laws, regulations, strict standards, and certification processes. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to analyze patent activity based on the example of the selected country (Czech Republic), compare it with selected foreign countries, and discuss the development of this industry in the context of new medical device regulation (MDR) implementation. The paper is based on the theoretical concept of the relationship between regulation and innovation. The main challenge in the implementation of the new medical device regulations lies in the area of innovation. This is because most innovative research in the medical device sector is undertaken by small to medium enterprises (SMEs) rather than by large companies. SMEs are more vulnerable than big companies when it comes to development because the accompanying administrative costs can be so high that it may force the company to leave the market. Given that the main reason for the existence of economic regulations are various forms of market failure, which occurs when market mechanisms do not lead to results that benefit society, any attempts to redress this situation should naturally lead to greater benefits for society and hence benefits for the given industry as well.
Slow-Release Fertilizer Improves the Growth, Quality, and Nutrient Utilization of Wintering Chinese Chives (Allium tuberosum Rottler ex Spreng.)
Authors: Wang Cheng , Lv Jian , Coulter Jeffrey A. , Xie Jianming , Yu Jihua , Li Jing , Zhang Jing , Tang Chaonan , Niu Tianhang , Gan Yantai
Published: March 2020

Excessive application of fertilizers leads to the loss of a high amount of nutrients and low fertilizer utilization, which severely restricts crop productivity. Establishing better fertilizer usage practices can mitigate the adverse effects of excessive fertilizer use in agricultural practices. This study determined the effects of slow-release fertilizers on the growth; quality; root and nitrate reductase activity; accumulation; distribution of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in roots, stems, and leaves; and NPK utilization of winter Chinese chives (Allium tuberosum Rottler ex Spreng.) in multi-layer covered plastic greenhouses. Treatments were conventional fertilization (CF, NPK: 1369.5 kg ha−1), conventional fertilization with slow-release fertilizer (SRF, NPK: 1369.5 kg ha−1), reduced fertilization with slow-release fertilizers (SRFR, NPK: 942.0 kg ha−1), and no fertilizer arranged in a completely randomized design with three replicates. The SRFR treatment increased Chinese chives yield and economic profitability by 37% and 47%, respectively, compared to the CF treatment. Similarly, nitrate reductase activity, root activity, soluble sugar, soluble protein, and flavonoid contents in the Chinese chives were increased by 40%, 12%, 16%, 6%, and 18%, respectively, in SRFR than CF. In addition to these, we observed a significant reduction in the surplus of N (42%) and P (58%) in soil under SRFR compared to CF. Nutrient uptake and nutrient use efficiency were also greater in SRFR than in CF. The results indicate that the adoption of SRFR can be an efficient approach to enhance quality and productivity of Chinese chives compared to CF under a multi-layer covered plastic greenhouse system.
Aboveground Carbon Storage in Coffee Agroecosystems: The Case of the Central Region of the State of Veracruz in Mexico
Authors: Ortiz-Ceballos Gustavo Celestino , Vargas-Mendoza Mónica , Ortiz-Ceballos Angel Isauro , Mendoza Briseño Martín , Ortiz-Hernández Gustavo
Published: March 2020

This study quantifies the aboveground C storage of coffee agroecosystems (AESs) present in the Xalapa–Coatepec region of the state of Veracruz, one of the most important coffee producing regions in Mexico. We identified and determined the spatial distribution of five different types of coffee AESs. Then, through the point-centered quarter method, we measured canopy coverage, total height, diameter at breast height and density of tree species at 160 randomly selected sampling sites. Using allometric models, we estimated the aboveground biomass and the stored aboveground C by tree species and type of AES; and finally, we scaled up our results at the regional level. We found out that the coffee AESs with the greatest and the lowest potential for storing aboveground C are coffee (Co) + talltrees (tree stratum mainly composed of species taller than 15 m) and Co + AcaciaInga (tree stratum mainly composed by Acacia pennatula), with a carbon density as 73.27 Mg C ha − 1 and 38.47 Mg C ha − 1 respectively. The 91.2% of the total aboveground C in the studied region is stored by two coffee AES types: Co + talltrees and Co + Inga (tree stratum composed by Inga sp.). The aboveground C storage potential of all five coffee AESs in the central region of Veracruz is 2.43 million Mg C with an average carbon density of 55.12 Mg C ha − 1 . These results assert that coffee AESs should be considered important C sinks that contribute to the adaptation and mitigation of climate change.
Adaptation of One-Flowered Vetch (Vicia articulata Hornem.) to Mediterranean Rain Fed Conditions
Authors: Rubiales Diego , Flores Fernando
Published: March 2020

One-flower vetch (Vicia articulata) was widely cultivated in the Mediterranean Basin in the past but is currently underutilized. Valuable germplasm collections are stored in genebanks, which are poorly characterized. In an attempt to explore adaptation of landraces we performed a multi-environment field testing, showing the availability of valuable resources for crop development, with average yield across environments ranging from 651 to 1102 kg/ha. Environmental factors and significant Genotype-by-Environment (G*E) interaction hampers selection of superior genotypes. Heritability-Adjusted Genotype plus Genotype-by-Environment interaction (HA-GGE) biplot performed here allowed to focus on the G and G*E interaction components relevant to cultivar evaluation. Landraces Va-38 and Va-85 were identified as the highest yielding landraces, being also the most stable over the environments. Two additional groups of landraces with relatively high yield were also identified but showing little stability across environments, with landraces Va-91 and Va-103 performing better in Córdoba, whereas Va-1, Va-2 and Va-66, did in Escacena. Córdoba appeared as a useful environment for selection, being representative, discriminant, and reproducible. Differences in precocity among landraces had little effect on yield in any of the studied environments. Temperature was the climatic factor most influential on yield as shown by Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) analysis. High temperatures after flowering being the most limiting factor for yield. Increased radiation during and after flowering were beneficial, with rain having little effect.
Changes in Assimilation Area and Chlorophyll Content of Very Early Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Cultivars as Influenced by Biostimulants
Authors: Wadas Wanda , Dziugieł Tomasz
Published: March 2020

This paper analyses the effects of foliar application of the seaweed extracts Bio-algeen S90 (Ascophyllum nodosum) and Kelpak SL (Ecklonia maxima), as well as the humic and fulvic acids ini HumiPlant (leonardite extract), on the assimilation area and chlorophyll content of very early potato cultivars (‘Denar’, ‘Lord’, Miłek’). The field experiment was carried out in central-eastern Poland over three growing seasons, using Luvisol. The biostimulants were applied according to the manufacturers’ recommendations. The use of biostimulants resulted in enlargement of the assimilation area, but had no effect on the specific leaf area (SLA) or chlorophyll content (Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) value). The assimilation area was larger, on average, by 0.0505 m2 and leaf area index (LAI) was higher by 0.30 compared with the plants from the control group without a biostimulant. The SLA and SPAD depend on the cultivar and weather conditions, or nitrogen and magnesium content in soil, to a greater extent. The biostimulants enhanced abiotic stress tolerance and increased marketable tuber yield (diameter above 30 mm) 75 days after planting (the end of June), on average by 2.15 t·ha−1. Bio-algeen S90 and Keplak SL produced better results in a warm and very wet growing season, whereas HumiPlant produced better results in a year with lower air temperature and with drought periods during potato growth. No correlations were found between the tuber yield and assimilation area or between the tuber yield and SPAD value, although a significant negative correlation was found between the tuber yield and SLA.
Perceptions of Prominent Animal Welfare and Veterinary Care Organizations in the United States
Authors: Ortez Mario , Bir Courtney , Widmar Nicole Olynk , Wolf Christopher A.
Published: March 2020

U.S. residents’ perceptions of the impact of prominent animal welfare and veterinary care organizations on pet animal well-being and health care may not be linked to the organization’s stated mission and effectiveness in advancing it, but to the level of recognition people have for the groups. An online survey of 1000 U.S. residents was used to understand the perceived impact of organizations with self-stated dedication to pet animal well-being. Using a Likert-scale, respondents ranked 13 prominent organizations as having a low to high impact on pet animal well-being and health care. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) had the highest perceived average impact, while People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) had the lowest. A best–worst scaling (BWS) choice experiment was conducted with 7 of the initial 13 organizations to elicit relative rankings by forcing tradeoffs by respondents. Consistent with the Likert-scale results, the ASPCA was ranked as the most impactful organization. The ASPCA’s perceived impact on pet animal well-being and health care may be linked to their high level of recognition among respondents, as this was the organization that respondents most frequently reported having seen/heard stories related to animal well-being and health care.
Splenic Gene Expression Signatures in Slow-Growing Chickens Stimulated in Ovo with Galactooligosaccharides and Challenged with Heat
Authors: Pietrzak Elzbieta , Dunislawska Aleksandra , Siwek Maria , Zampiga Marco , Sirri Federico , Meluzzi Adele , Tavaniello Siria , Maiorano Giuseppe , Slawinska Anna
Published: March 2020

Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) that are delivered in ovo improve intestinal microbiota composition and mitigate the negative effects of heat stress in broiler chickens. Hubbard hybrids are slow-growing chickens with a high resistance to heat. In this paper, we determined the impact of GOS delivered in ovo on slow-growing chickens that are challenged with heat. The experiment was a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design. On day 12 of incubation, GOS (3.5 mg/egg) was delivered into the egg (n = 300). Controls (C) were mock-injected with physiological saline (n = 300). After hatching, the GOS and C groups were split into thermal groups: thermoneutral (TN) and heat stress (HS). HS (30 °C) lasted for 14 days (days 36–50 post-hatching). The spleen (n = 8) was sampled after acute (8.5 h) and chronic (14 days) HS. The gene expression of immune-related (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p40, and IL-17) and stress-related genes (HSP25, HSP90AA1, BAG3, CAT, and SOD) was detected with RT-qPCR. Chronic HS up-regulated the expression of the genes: IL-10, IL-12p40, SOD (p < 0.05), and CAT (p < 0.01). GOS delivered in ovo down-regulated IL-4 (acute p < 0.001; chronic p < 0.01), IL-12p40, CAT and SOD (chronic p < 0.05). The obtained results suggest that slow-growing hybrids are resistant to acute heat and tolerant to chronic heat, which can be supported with in ovo GOS administration.
Insights into Acinetobacter baumannii: A Review of Microbiological, Virulence, and Resistance Traits in a Threatening Nosocomial Pathogen
Authors: Ayoub Moubareck Carole , Hammoudi Halat Dalal
Published: March 2020

Being a multidrug-resistant and an invasive pathogen, Acinetobacter baumannii is one of the major causes of nosocomial infections in the current healthcare system. It has been recognized as an agent of pneumonia, septicemia, meningitis, urinary tract and wound infections, and is associated with high mortality. Pathogenesis in A. baumannii infections is an outcome of multiple virulence factors, including porins, capsules, and cell wall lipopolysaccharide, enzymes, biofilm production, motility, and iron-acquisition systems, among others. Such virulence factors help the organism to resist stressful environmental conditions and enable development of severe infections. Parallel to increased prevalence of infections caused by A. baumannii, challenging and diverse resistance mechanisms in this pathogen are well recognized, with major classes of antibiotics becoming minimally effective. Through a wide array of antibiotic-hydrolyzing enzymes, efflux pump changes, impermeability, and antibiotic target mutations, A. baumannii models a unique ability to maintain a multidrug-resistant phenotype, further complicating treatment. Understanding mechanisms behind diseases, virulence, and resistance acquisition are central to infectious disease knowledge about A. baumannii. The aims of this review are to highlight infections and disease-producing factors in A. baumannii and to touch base on mechanisms of resistance to various antibiotic classes.
The Role of Selected Bioactive Compounds in the Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Grodzicki Wojciech , Dziendzikowska Katarzyna
Published: March 2020

Neurodegeneration is a feature of many debilitating, incurable age-dependent diseases that affect the nervous system and represent a major threat to the health of elderly persons. Because of the ongoing process of aging experienced by modern societies, the increasing prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is becoming a global public health concern. A major cause of age-related dementia is Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Currently, there are no effective therapies to slow, stop, or reverse the progression of this disease. However, many studies have suggested that modification of lifestyle factors, such as the introduction of an appropriate diet, can delay or prevent the onset of this disorder. Diet is currently considered to be a crucial factor in controlling health and protecting oneself against oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, and thus against chronic degenerative diseases. A large number of bioactive food compounds may influence the pathological mechanisms underlying AD. Among them, phenolic compounds, omega-3 fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins, isothiocyanates, and carotenoids seem to be promising. They act not only as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents, but also as active modulators of the pathological molecular mechanisms that play a role in AD development, including the formation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles, the main hallmarks of AD pathology. In vivo animal model studies as well as clinical and epidemiological research suggest that nutritional intervention has a positive effect on the health of older people and may prevent age-related cognitive decline, especially when the diet contains more than one bioactive nutrient. The Mediterranean diet and in particular its combination with Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, which is called the MIND diet, are nutritional patterns based on many products rich in bioactive compounds that appear to be the most effective in preventing neurodegeneration. The present review gathers evidence that supports the neuroprotective effect of bioactive substances.
Effect of Dipeptidyl-Peptidase 4 Inhibitors on Circulating Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Bigagli Elisabetta , Luceri Cristina , Dicembrini Ilaria , Tatti Lorenzo , Scavone Francesca , Giovannelli Lisa , Mannucci Edoardo , Lodovici Maura
Published: March 2020

Pre-clinical studies suggested potential cardiovascular benefits of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i), however, clinical trials showed neither beneficial nor detrimental effects in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We examined the effects of DPP4i on several circulating oxidative stress markers in a cohort of 32 T2DM patients (21 males and 11 post-menopausal females), who were already on routine antidiabetic treatment. Propensity score matching was used to adjust demographic and clinical characteristics between patients who received and who did not receive DPP4i. Whole-blood reactive oxygen species (ROS), plasma advanced glycation end products (AGEs), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), carbonyl residues, as well as ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and leukocyte DNA oxidative damage (Fpg sites), were evaluated. With the exception of Fpg sites, that showed a borderline increase in DPP4i users compared to non-users (p = 0.0507), none of the biomarkers measured was affected by DPP4i treatment. An inverse correlation between estimated glomerular filtration rate and AGEs (p < 0.0001) and Fpg sites (p < 0.05) was also observed. This study does not show any major effect of DPP4i on oxidative stress, assessed by several circulating biomarkers of oxidative damage, in propensity score-matched cohorts of T2DM patients.
Potential Antidepressant Effects of Scutellaria baicalensis, Hericium erinaceus and Rhodiola rosea
Authors: Limanaqi Fiona , Biagioni Francesca , Busceti Carla Letizia , Polzella Maico , Fabrizi Cinzia , Fornai Francesco
Published: March 2020

Recent studies focused on the pharmacology and feasibility of herbal compounds as a potential strategy to target a variety of human diseases ranging from metabolic to brain disorders. Accordingly, bioactive ingredients which are found within a variety of herbal compounds are reported to produce both neuroprotective and psychotropic activities which may help to combat mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances and cognitive alterations. In the present manuscript, we focus on three herbs which appear effective in mitigating anxiety or depression with favourable risk-benefit profiles, namely Scutellaria baicalensis (S. baicalensis), Hericium erinaceus (H. erinaceus) and Rhodiola rosea (R. rosea). These three traditional folk medicinal herbs target the main biochemical events that are implicated in mental disorders, mimicking, to some extent, the mechanisms of action of conventional antidepressants and mood stabilizers with a wide margin of tolerability. In detail, they rescue alterations in neurotransmitter and neuro-endocrine systems, stimulate neurogenesis and the synthesis of neurotrophic factors, and they counteract oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation. Albeit the encouraging results that emerge from both experimental and clinical evidence, further studies are needed to confirm and better understand the mental-health promoting, and specifically, the antidepressant effects of these herbs.