bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with perceived stress of clinical practice among associate degree nursing students in Taiwan
Authors: Wu Chia-Shan , Rong Jiin-Ru , Huang Mei-zen
Published: January 2021

BackgroundClinical placements play an important role in helping nursing students to achieve clinical competence, but these placements can be highly challenging and stressful. It has been shown that stress can be either a trigger or aggravating factor for ill-health in general, but studies have seldom differentiated the impact of general health status on perceived stress. This study examined factors associated with perceived stress of clinical practice among nursing students with a particular focus on the effect of general health status on stress.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional quantitative study conducted among 724 associate nursing degree students in Southern Taiwan. ResultsHealth status scores varied from 28-139, with an average of 68.40 (SD = 25.75). Health status was reported to be ‘good’ (scores 28-55) in 35.5% of participants, moderate (scores 56–83) in 24.6%, and poor (Scores ≧ 84) in 39.9% of participants. Perceived stress scores ranged from 0-95 points with an average score of 36.65 (SD ± 15.95). The CART analysis showed health status as the most important factor linked to perceived stress with a Normalized Importance value of 100%. Those who reported general health status (measured through GHQ-28 ) score of ≤ 34.5 perceived mild stress and those with a score of >34.5–<84.5 perceived moderate stress. A score of 84.5 was found to be the point of transition to perceptions of severe stress. When health status score was greater than 84.5, perceived stress was at a severe or extremely severe level. ConclusionsOur findings indicated health status as a potential measure to identify students who were most vulnerable to perceived stress. Given the cross-sectional design of this study and the bidirectional relationship between health and stress, more studies are needed to fully establish the predictive link between general health status and vulnerability to stress.
Effect of "motivational interviewing" and "information, motivation and behavioral skills” on choosing mode of delivery in pregnant women: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shirzad Mahboubeh , Shakibazadeh Elham , Foroushani Abbas Rahimi , Abedini Mehrandokht , Poursharifi Hamid
Published: January 2021

Background: Cesarean section is an important surgical procedure to save mothers and/or babies’ lives. Current trends show that the rate of Cesarean section is increasing dramatically over the years. The aims of this study were to compare the effects of "motivational interviewing" and "information, motivation and behavioral skills” model on choosing mode of delivery among pregnant women.Methods: In a four-armed, parallel-design randomized controlled trial, 120 women were randomly assigned to three brief interventions and one control groups. We recruited pregnant women referring to Ebnesina hospital, Tehran- Iran from 2019-2020. The intervention groups included: 1) motivational interviewing; 2) face-to-face information, motivation and behavioural skills model; and 3) information, motivation and behavioural skills model provided using a mobile application. The control group received usual antenatal care. The inclusion criteria were being literate, gestational age 24 to 32 weeks at recruitment, being able to speak Persian, having no complications in the current pregnancy, having no indications for CS, and having enough time to participate in the intervention sessions. The primary outcome of the study was mode of delivery. The secondary outcomes included women’s intentions to undergo any mode of delivery and women’s self-efficacy in choosing the mode of delivery. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, frequency and standard deviation), inferential statistics including independent t-test, paired t-test, Chi-squared and One-way ANOVA tests.Results: Following the interventions, significant differences were found in the mode of delivery (P < 0.05) and women’s self-efficacy and intention (P < 0.05). Women who had used the mobile application had more improvements in the self-efficacy and intention than the face-to-face intervention groups.Conclusions: Our study showed positive significant effects of various types of brief interventions to reduce unnecessary Cesarean section rate among the participant women. Providing the intervention using mobile application showed even better results. Our findings may contribute to a rise in normal vaginal delivery; and these simple, non-expensive, tailored to women, and culture-oriented brief interventions can be considered as appropriate strategies to reduce Cesarean section rate in local, national, and/or regional levels.
Association of meat consumption with NAFLD risk and liver-related biochemical indexes in older Chinese: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Peng Hewei , Xie Xiaoxu , Pan Xinting , Zheng Jing , Zeng Yidan , Cai Xiaoling , Hu Zhijian , Peng Xian-E
Published: January 2021

Background: Non-alcohol fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease and an unhealthy lifestyle can lead to an increased risk of NAFLD. The present study aims to evaluate the association of meat consumption with NAFLD risk and liver-related biochemical indexes in middle-aged and elderly Chinese.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in individuals who were 45 years or older and underwent a physical examination from April 2015 to August 2017 in Southeast China. To evaluate associations between meat intake and NAFLD risk, inverse probability of treatment weighting and subgroup analyses were performed with logistic regressions. Spearman’s rank correlation was carried out to examine the relationship between meat consumptions and liver-related biochemical indexes. Results: High consumptions of red meat (28.44-49.74 and >71.00 g/day) (ORadjusted=1.948; P<0.001; ORadjusted=1.714; P=0.002) was positively associated with NAFLD risk on inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis, adjusting for smoking, tea intake, weekly hours of physical activity and presence of hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes. Exposure-response relationship analysis presented that red meat intake was positively associated with NAFLD risk. Significant associations of red meat intakes with serum levels of γ-glutamyl transferase, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, total triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were found (rs=0.176; P<0.001; rs=0.128; P<0.001; rs=0.060; P=0.016; rs=0.085; P=0.001; rs=-0.074; P=0.003). Conclusions: These findings suggest that the reduction of meat consumption may decrease NAFLD risk and should warrant further investigations.
LncRNA MNX-AS1 combined with YBX1 to promote bladder cancer proliferation, migration, and invasion through activiting Wnt signaling pathway
Authors: Hu Hailong , Wu Zhouliang , Shen Chong , Da La , Zhao Gangjian , Zuo Songlin , Tian Dawei
Published: January 2021

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) govern fundamental biochemical and cellular processes. Bladder cancer is one of the most common genitourinary malignancies, and its proliferation, migration and invasion also regulated by many functional lncRNAs. In our study, we found that lncRNA MNX1-AS1 was highly-expressed in bladder cancer tissues and cell lines. Moreover, higher MNX1-AS1 expression was correlated with poor survival of MNX1-AS1 patients. Mechanistically, we showed that MNX1-AS1 could interact with YBX1 and promotes its location at the promoter region of β-catenin, then to promote transcriptional activation of β-catenin. In addition, MNX1-AS1/YBX1 could promote bladder cancer cells proliferation, migration and invasion through active Wnt/β-catenin signaling by induce β-catenin transcriptional activation. Consistently, we find a new functional lncRNA MNX1-AS1 can regulate bladder cancer cells proliferation, migration and invasion by target β-catenin transcriptional activation together with YBX1.
Ethical Analysis of Office Romance and Sexual Favoritism Policies in the #MeToo Workplace and “Cancel Culture” Era
Authors: Mujtaba Bahaudin G. , Cavico Frank J.
Published: January 2021

While most employers, managers, and employees have heard and read much about the #MeToo movement, little academic attention has been devoted to ethical analysis of office romance and sexual favoritism polices in the modern workplace. Everyone is likely to agree that romantic relationships will continue in the workplace regardless of organizational policies; nevertheless appropriate, policies should be in place to protect against any adverse legal consequences stemming from romantic relationships in the workplace; and these policies also should be promulgated and enforced in such a manner that all workplace policies and actions can be considered moral and ethical. Accordingly, in this article, we provide a thorough ethical analysis of office romance and sexual favoritism in the sensitive era of the #MeToo movement as well as the “canceled culture” era. We offer specific recommendations to management and human resources professionals on how to provide a safe and healthy work environment for all employees, how to avoid liability for sexual harassment cases as they relate to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, as well as how to ensure that the workplace is fair and just for all. We conclude that every company’s management and human resources departments should take full responsibility for ensuring that business decisions, especially those affecting the employees, are aligned with legal, moral, and, of course, ethical norms. First and foremost, appropriate policies, programs, procedures, and training are necessary to combat sexual discrimination and harassment and thus to ensure a fair, just, and functional workplace. We believe that prevention is the best means of proactively eliminating sexual harassment in the workplace. Each firm should include a clear and strong policy statement against sexual harassment and discrimination in their code of conduct expectations. The policy should have direct statement of the intolerance and prohibition of any form of sexual harassment and illegal discrimination. Each firms should also have an effective policy distribution, communication to employees and enforcement plan. Finally, retaliation must be avoided. As such, there should be assurances that complaining employees will be protected from harassment or retaliation.

Keywords: office romance, love contracts, sexual favoritism, #MeToo movement, ethical egoism, ethical relativism, utilitarianism, Kantian ethics.
Real Convergence In The European Union: “New” Versus “Old” Member States
Authors: Holobiuc Ana-Maria
Published: January 2021

The recent waves of enlargement of the European Union have created not only opportunities, but also challenges, emphasizing the complexity of the integration process and the difficulty to assure cohesion between Members. The aim of this paper is to examine real convergence in an enlarged European Union and to conduct a comparative analysis between the New (13) and the Old Members (15). In this respect, we have studied absolute and conditional convergence between 1995 and 2019, taking into consideration the level of GDP per capita. The methodological tools of the research were β-convergence based on cross-sectional and panel regressions and σ-convergence. The results of our study confirm the 2% law of convergence within the European Union between 1995 and 2019. However, the analysis of the economic performances among the New and Old Members led us to opposite results: while the catching-up speed among the New Member States reached on average 2.7%, in the Old Members we didn’t identify a statistically significant relationship between the initial income and the subsequent growth rates. In order to account for economic and social differences between the Member States, we have examined conditional convergence, illustrating the defining role of investment, trade and labor productivity in catalyzing convergence both in the New and Old Members. In contrast, the empirical study suggests that an increased level of public expenditures and over-indebtedness within the European Union threaten the catching-up process. The results of our paper can be useful for the European decision makers, illustrating the factors that might contribute to the achievement of the objective of real convergence within the European Union.

Keywords: real convergence, European Union, New Member States, β-convergence, σ-convergence.
Psychological factors influencing the formation of therapeutic cooperation in pulmonary tuberculosis patients undergoing in-patient treatment
Authors: Zolotova N. V. , Streltsov V. V. , Baranova G. V. , Kharitonova N. Yu. , Bagdasaryan T. R.
Published: January 2021

The objective of the study: the comparative study of psychological characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis patients with different levels of therapeutic cooperation during in-patient treatment.

Subjects and nethods. 318 pulmonary tuberculosis patients aged 18-60 years old were enrolled in the study; they all underwent in-patient treatment in Central Tuberculosis Research Institute in 2017-2019, of them 195 (61.3%) were women and 123 (38.7%) were men. In all patients, the level of therapeutic cooperation was studied using the specially designed questionnaire; psychological characteristics were assessed using certain psychodiagnostic methods.

Results. It was found that the proportion of patients with a high level of therapeutic cooperation (44.3% of cases) significantly prevailed versus patients with low (29.6% of cases) (Pearson χ2 = 9.4; p < 0.01) and moderate level of cooperation (26.1% of cases) (Pearson χ2 = 15.02; p < 0.001). A comparative study of the psychological characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis patients demonstrating different levels of therapeutic cooperation allowed identifying psychological prognostic parameters of therapeutic cooperation, the main of which were the severity of suspicion, negative affective states (irritability, aggressiveness), distrustful-skeptical style of interaction, confrontation with others, as well as the level of quality life, primarily the emotional and social aspects of functioning. The detected psychological differences are considered as targets of psychological work focused on the formation of appropriate therapeutic cooperation during in-patient treatment.
ANALYSIS OF MOTHER BEHAVIOR IN GIVING BASIC IMMUNIZATION AS AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF PREVENTION OF DEATH IN INFANTS
Authors:   Akademi Kebidanan Nurul Hasanah., Lestari Fika , Andriani Dina ,   STIKes Nurul Hasanah Kutacane., Arma Nuriah ,   Institut Kesehatan Helvetia., Ramini Novy ,   Institut Kesehatan Helvetia., Syahradesi Yessy ,   STIKes Nurul Hasanah Kutacane., a Yusnaini ,   STIKes Nurul Hasanah Kutacane.
Published: January 2021

Basic immunization is a means of preventing serious infections that result in death in infants. A successful immunization program can provide high immunization coverage. Basic immunization is related to maternal behavior. This study aims to analyze the behavior of mothers in providing basic immunization to infants during the Covid-19 pandemic. The design used in this research is descriptive analytic. The study population was all mothers who had babies. The sampling technique was total sampling, which means that the entire population was used as the research sample and met the inclusion criteria, namely 99 mothers. The results showed that the mothers behavior in giving basic immunization to infants in good category was 27.3%, 27.3% enough and 45.5% less. So it can be concluded that there are still mothers who have not given complete basic immunization to babies. Therefore it is important for health workers to provide counseling for married couples about basic immunization for babies. It is hoped that the support of the couple can take the right action to maintain the health of the baby.
La cooperación internacional de China en el marco de la política de “una sola China” en América Latina y el Caribe
Authors: Maggiorelli Lorenzo
Published: January 2021

Este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar las implicaciones de la "Política de Una China" y para la cooperación internacional para el desarrollo y la entrega de ayuda exterior de China y Taiwán los países de América Latina y del Caribe (ALC). Aunque desde la expulsión de Taipéi de la ONU en 1971 la mayoría de los países de ALC han reconocido a Beijing como el único gobierno legítimo de toda China, la política de “Una Sola China” sigue siendo central en ALC, ya que un poco más de la mitad (nueve sobre quince) de los países que continúan manteniendo relaciones diplomáticas con Taiwán se encuentran en esta región. En las últimas décadas, ambos países han llevado a cabo una especie de “diplomacia de la chequera” para ganar aliados a cambio de la entrega de asistencia para el desarrollo. En particular, desde 2016, Beijing ha retomado su ofensiva diplomática para el reconocimiento en ALC, logrando que Panamá, El Salvador y la República Dominicana establecieran relaciones formales con China y las rompieran con Taiwán. Mientras que para los países de la región más grandes y con más relaciones comerciales con China es conveniente establecer relaciones oficiales con China, para los países más pequeños puede ser una mejor estrategia reconocer diplomáticamente a Taiwán para beneficiarse de sus generosos programas de ayuda para el desarrollo.
Palabras clave: China; Taiwán; escuela inglesa; socialización; Cooperación internacional; desarrollo; ayuda exterior; América Latina; Caribe.
Necesidades en salud de las migrantes venezolanas en Barranquilla
Authors: Cordaro Francesca
Published: January 2021

El artículo reporta una investigación realizada en 2019 en Barranquilla. El objetivo fue analizar, mediante el método de observación participada, las respuestas de actores públicos, cooperación internacional y ONGs locales frente a la salud de las migrantes venezolanas en Barranquilla. Para corroborar el estudio, se entrevistaron a 21 mujeres venezolanas y se analizaron las implicaciones de la política migratoria colombiana para el acceso a la salud de los migrantes. El estudio destaca necesidades en materia de salud sexual y reproductiva y se presenta como un insumo para la formulación de políticas sensibles a la salud de las mujeres migrantes venezolanas.
Palabras claves: salud; mujeres venezolanas; Barranquilla; sociedad civil; política migratoria.
Rendimiento empresarial sostenible para las micro, pequeñas y medianas empresas en Colombia
Authors: Pelekais Elmar Aldrin , Ortega Carvajalino Daniela Vanessa
Published: January 2021

El presente trabajo tiene como finalidad delinear la importancia de las micro, pequeñas y medianas empresas en Colombia y describir la importancia del concepto de sostenibilidad en el rendimiento empresarial de las MIPYMES en el país, así como desarrollar los factores y las ventajas del concepto de sostenibilidad y desarrollo sostenible que influyen en la eficiencia empresarial.  Se utilizó el método descriptivo documental, recopilando información de tesis, revistas, catálogos, documentos de Internet, realizando una verificación de los documentos actualizados del tema, así como los avances en el estudio del rendimiento empresarial con una visión de desarrollo sostenible. Finalmente se concluyó la importancia que ha tenido incluir el concepto de sostenibilidad en la MIPYMES de Colombia, ya que para su implementación no se ha tenido que hacer grandes inversiones de capital, ni personal; comenzando a dar resultados en el cambio de pensamiento de la población y mejorando los rendimientos empresariales de este tipo de empresas con un nuevo sistema económico sostenible.
Palabras clave: Rentabilidad; rendimiento empresarial; sostenibilidad; micro, pequeñas y medianas empresas (mipymes); medio ambiente; desarrollo sostenible.
Las entidades públicas en Colombia y los procesos de cooperación internacional: un análisis comparado de las experiencias del servicio nacional de aprendizaje (SENA)
Authors: Senior Garcia Rubeny Rocio , Cera Victor
Published: January 2021

El presente artículo analiza los principales procesos internos y externos en pro de esta actividad de cooperación, que se desarrollan en las entidades estatales en Colombia. Para ello se toma el caso del centro de formación para el trabajo SENA a partir del análisis comparado de sus experiencias en Cooperación Internacional con sus pares SENAI en Brasil a nivel Sur-Sur y MOSHAW en Israel, a nivel Norte-Sur. Los hallazgos evidencian resultados positivos en la transferencia de conocimientos y experiencias en doble vía, receptor y donante, lo que puede ser replicable en una mayor dimensión en el SENA e incluso en otros tipos de entidades pública demostrando la fortaleza de la institución como oferente y receptor de cooperación en Colombia.
Palabras Claves: Cooperación Internacional; Cooperación Norte-Sur; Cooperación Sur-Sur; SENA; organización gubernamental.
Editando en medio de la pandemia
Authors: Blanco-Rangel Ibelis , Guerrero Blanco Nahomy
Published: January 2021

En marzo de 2020, el director de la Organización Mundial declaró ante la comunidad internacional que nos encontramos ante un escenario de pandemia, caracterizada por una neumonía de etiología desconocida que apareció en Wuhan-China a finales de 2019,  (Cheng, V. C. C, et al., 2020, Citado citado por Koury y Hirschhaut, 2020) por tanto, estamos frente a la emergencia sanitaria más significativa del siglo XXI.
Esta situación hizo que nuestra mirada diera un giro, comenzáramos a cuestionar las esferas social y política tanto nacional como internacional, así como la económica. Por ello, esta edición presenta estudios realizados antes de la pandemia.
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors in the treatment of dyslipidemia
Authors: Shikaleva A. A. , Maximov M. L. , Kiseleva N. M.
Published: January 2021

Dyslipidemia makes a substantial contribution to the mortality as one of the leading pathogenetic factors for cardiovascular diseases. The nature and degree of the effect on the blood lipid spectrum may vary in the lipid-lowering drugs from different groups. Recently, a new class of PCSK9 inhibitors has been developed, which activity is associated with a protein involved in the low-density lipoprotein receptor control. In clinical practice, this group is represented by monoclonal antibody drugs evolocumab and alirocumab. The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors are promising drugs to be used in the combination lipid-lowering therapy, which, given the results of clinical trials, can be recommended at this point on a third-priority basis after statins and ezetimibe. However, it is vital to indicate that these drugs have a sufficient safety profile, which makes it possible to prescribe these drugs in a triple combination adding it to the two first-line drugs regimen which patients had been given before. It is obvious that further study of PCSK9 will expand the range of their use for the treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia up to indications in cases where statins are limited and a more pronounced lipid-lowering effect is required to achieve target cholesterol levels.
The content of adipokines in women with hypothyroidism and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Verbovoy A. F. , Lomonova T. V.
Published: January 2021

Introduction. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypothyroidism are the most common endocrine pathologies. These diseases are associated with atherogenic dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and overweight.

Aim. Тo assess the relationship between adipokines and hormone-metabolic parameters in women with hypothyroidism, type 2 diabetes mellitus and their combination.

Materials and methods. We examined 119 women aged 45 to 74 years: 42 women with primary hypothyroidism, 38 women with type 2 diabetes and 39 women with a combination of type 2 diabetes and hypothyroidism. All patients underwent an anthropometric examination, studied the indicators of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, the content of adiponectin, leptin and resistin.

Results. In women with type 2 diabetes and its combination with hypothyroidism, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance were revealed. In all groups, an increase in total cholesterol, triglycerides, atherogenic coefficient was found. The examined women with a combination of hypothyroidism and type 2 diabetes mellitus had a decreased level of adiponectin and an increased level of leptin. In patients with hypothyroidism and patients with type 2 diabetes, a decrease in adiponectin levels and an increase in leptin and resistin were revealed.

Discussion. The most pronounced hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance were found in the group of patients with a combination of hypothyroidism and type 2 diabetes. At the same time, the combination of type 2 diabetes and hypothyroidism in the examined women, according to our data, did not aggravate lipid metabolism disorders. Against the background of visceral obesity in women with a combination of diseases, hypoadiponectinemia and hyperleptinemia were most pronounced. In this group, the level of resistin was positively correlated with the level of insulin and the index of insulin resistance.

Conclusion. In women with hypothyroidism, type 2 diabetes and their combination, atherogenic dyslipidemia, hyperleptinemia, and hypoadiponectinemia were established. Hypoadiponectinemia and hyperleptinemia are involved in the development of atherogenic dyslipidemia in women with primary hypothyroidism.
Features of the health status of women with genital prolapse
Authors: Teleeva G. I. , Tselkovich L. S. , Balter R. B. , Ivanova T. V. , Ibragimova A. R. , Ryabov A. Yu.
Published: January 2021

Introduction. In recent years, more and more attention has been paid to the issues of genital prolapse. This is largely due to the increase in women life expectancy and the need to provide them with a decent quality of life, as prolapse is quite often accompanied by dysfunction of the pelvic organs. In recent years, there has been an increasing amount of literature on undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia (UCTD). However, most of these studies consider therapeutic or vertebro-neurological problems, while the high prevalence rates of this pathology call for additional research on the pathogenetic mechanisms of the effect of UCTD on pelvic organ prolapse, which will allow us to decide on the choice of subsequent treatment.

The purpose and objectives. Asess the effect of undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia (UCTD) on the formation of disorders of the somatic, gynecological and reproductive health status in women with genital prolapse.

Materials and methods. To achieve this goal, we examined 204 women with genital prolapse in the POP-Q classification of stage 2–3, of which 97 were diagnosed with UCTD (the main group), and the remaining 107 patients made up the comparison group.

Results. To evaluate the influence of UCTD on the formation of somatic, gynecological and reproductive health disorders in women with genital prolapse. We analyzed anamnestic indications for somatic, gynecological and reproductive pathology of women, as well as assessed the current state of health of patients with genital prolapse. It was found that it is UCTD that determines the development of a particular form of gynecological pathology and affects the formation of genital prolapse.

Conclusion. UCTD manifests as various forms of somatic and gynecological health disorders throughout the life of women with genital prolapse.
Back pain
Authors: Pizova N. V.
Published: January 2021

Low back pain is a major cause of disability worldwide. Data on the prevalence of low back pain are presented. Information on the pathogenesis of pain is given. The temporal characteristics of pain are presented. Risk factors and triggers for episodes of low back pain are reviewed. The most common causes of specific and non-specific low back pain are described. Non-specific low back pain is more common, as no specific pathological-anatomical cause can be identified. Specific pain includes nociceptive and neuropathic pain. In order to make a correct diagnosis in a patient with low back pain, a thorough medical history must be taken, which usually provides important information in identifying the cause of the pain syndrome. The warning signs (‘red flags’) for specific causes of low back pain requiring urgent treatment and specific psychosocial factors contributing to chronic pain (‘yellow flags’) are considered separately. ‘Red flags’ include conditions such as suspected traumatic injury, tumour, infection or radiculopathy and cauda equina syndrome. «Yellow flags» include individual cognitive, emotional and behavioural factors that contribute to the development of chronic pain. The main aim of pharmacotherapy for low back pain is to enable patients to continue or resume their normal daily activities. The main recommended approaches in the treatment of acute and chronic low back pain are presented. The main non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the oral drug treatment of non-specific low back pain are described, with evidence-based doses. Special attention is given to the role of diclofenac in the treatment of pain. The authors present the results of systematic reviews that analyse the available data on the efficacy and safety of topical transdermal dosage forms that contain NSAIDs.
Topical decongestants in otorhinolaryngologist practice
Authors: Krivopalov A. A. , Shamkina P. A.
Published: January 2021

The problem of long-term and uncontrolled use of decongestants remains one of the most relevant problems of modern otorhinolaryngology. To date vasoconstrictors are the most actively used drugs for the treatment of acute and chronic rhinitis, as well as other diseases accompanied by nasal congestion. Most of the topical decongestants are selective α2-adrenergic agonists that act on postsynaptic α2-adrenergic receptors, which perform the main function in the implementation of sympathetic stimuli in the nasal cavity. Sympathomimetic drugs in addition to the main vasoconstrictor effect also have their own anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Topical decongestants are included in the treatment guidelines for acute and chronic rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, allergic rhinitis, acute and chronic otitis media, eustachitis. The recommended duration of decongestants is usually limited to 5–7 days. Longer use of this drug class can lead to paresis of the nasal mucosa vessels or an allergic reaction, to the development of rhinitis medicamentosa. Side effects that occur with the use of topical decongestants are divided into 2 groups: local symptoms and general toxic reactions. However, with strict adherence to the recommended dosing regimen of topical decongestants, to the method of use and to the duration of use, undesirable side effects are rare. The group of vasoconstrictor drugs received a new development as a result of the combination of decongestants with other drugs, which lead to the reducing local side effects and the elimination of not only nasal congestion, but also other symptoms of the common cold.
Possibilities of chronic brain ischemia manifestations correction in outpatient practice
Authors: Shavlovskaya O. A. , Shavlovskiy N. I. , Yukhnovskaya Yu. D.
Published: January 2021

Cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the main causes of mortality and permanent disability in patients. Chronic brain ischemia (CBI) is a slowly progressive dysfunction of the brain with gradually increasing defects in its functioning, which is accompanied by energy deficiency. Early use of energy correctors, one of the representatives of which is ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate (EMHPS), is recommended to preserve the viability of nervous tissue in patients with CBI. A number of experimental, clinical, and randomized studies have shown that medicinal preparation (MP) containing EMHPS improve brain metabolism and blood supply, improve microcirculation, and reduce platelet aggregation. The main mechanisms of action are: antioxidant and membranotropic effects, the ability to reduce glutamate excitotoxicity, modulate the functioning of receptors and membrane-bound enzymes, restore neurotransmitter balance, and increase the energy status of the cell. The liberal MP EMHPS included in the standards of medical care for patients with stroke, angina pectoris, acute myocardial infarction. The presented data from the results of numerous studies and our own observation indicate that it is possible to correct cognitive, motor, coordination, and adaptive capabilities while taking EMGPS. Used for today the scheme of appointment of EMHPS in patients with CBI: starting from 500 mg once a day intravenously (i/v) in drip for 14 days, followed by a transition to oral reception (o/r) at a dose of 250 mg 3 times a day, a course of 60 days.
Legal Understanding of the Institution of Indemnity
Authors: Sevostyanova Angelina
Published: January 2021

Indemnity is considered in three aspects: the philosophy of law, the principles of civil law, and the legislative establishment in the Civil Code of the Russian Federation. This study focuses on this ambiguous institution that was introduced on June 1, 2015, in order to maintain the practice of parties applying contractual terms that are not part of the counterparty's mandatory program. The article analyzes the controversial issues of the need to introduce the institution of indemnity, for instance, the decision to narrow its scope of application in comparison with the Anglo-Saxon law countries. The scope of application of indemnity is limited by its subject composition. Legal entities with a complex corporate structure are especially interested in this institution: the higher their risks connected with reputation, foreign economy, market conditions, strategy, etc., the greater the need for establishing indemnity. The present research does not cover all scientific publications on this subject, as most of them demonstrate a critical view of the fact that the institute of indemnity was borrowed from the English law. Similarly, the paper does not describe the indemnity formation process in the contract law of England, as scientific literature on this matter is abundant. This work is aimed at analyzing the causes of legislative establishment, identifying problems in the practice of application, and forming models of effective legal understanding of indemnity.
Is The Requirement Of ‘Boots On The Ground’ Necessary Anymore For An Occupation?
Authors: Gül Yunus Emre
Published: January 2021

The challenges posed by modern warfare oblige us to reinterpret traditional concepts in order to offer better protection to civilians, and to prevent states to deny their responsibilities. Therefore, the requirement of ‘boots on the ground’ should not be accepted as the only way to exercise the authority of occupying power since it becomes the exception rather than the rule today. At this point, it is significant to focus on which functions are under the effective control of foreign power and impose duties related to these functions in order to prevent legal gaps with respect to the protection of civilians that is the very purpose of International Humanitarian Law.
Recent Advances in Small-Molecule HIV-1 Integrase Inhibitors
Authors: Zhang Chao , Xie Qian , Wan Chi Cheong , Jin Zhe , Hu Chun
Published: January 2021

HIV-1 integrase catalyzed the insertion of viral DNA into the genome of human
cells in the process of retrotranscription. Integrase is an attractive target for HIV-1
treatment due to the lack of its homologue in human cells and its vital role in HIV-1 replication.
Although major progress in the development of HIV-1 integrase inhibitors has
been made, some thorny problems, such as drug resistance, led to the further study of
HIV-1 integrase inhibitors. This review briefly discussed the structure, function, and
mechanism of catalysis of HIV-1 integrase and made a different conclusion for recent advances
in small-molecule inhibitors of HIV-1 integrase.
An Updated Review of Various Medicinal Applications of p-Co umaric Acid: From Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties to Effects on Cell Cycle and Proliferation
Authors: Abazari Mohammad Foad , Nasiri Navid , Karizi Shohreh Zare , Nejati Fatemeh , Haghi-Aminjan Hamed , Norouzi Sara , Piri Peyman , Estakhr Leila , Faradonbeh Davood Rabiei , Kohandani Mina , Daliri Karim , Sanadgol Nima , Askari Hassan
Published: January 2021

P-Coumaric acid (p-CA) is a hydroxycinnamic acid, an organic compound that is a hydroxyl
derivative of cinnamic acid. P-CA is the most abundant isomer in nature and can be found in a wide
variety of edible plants such as fungi, peanuts, navy beans, tomatoes, carrots, basil, and garlic. Recently,
the therapeutic properties of p-CA have received a great deal of attention from scientific society.
Here, we described the medicinal effects of p-CA on various pathological conditions. This review was
performed via evaluating PubMed reported studies from January 2010 to January 2020. Also, reference
lists were checked to find additional studies. All intermediation or complementarity of animal
models, case-control and cohort studies, in vitro studies, and controlled trials (CTs) on p-CA were
acceptable. However plant extract studies without indication of main active substances were excluded
due to the considerable diversities and heterogeneities. According to recent evidence regarding the
beneficial effects of p-CA, numerous diseases such as nephropathies, cardiovascular diseases, neuroinflammatory
diseases, liver diseases, cancers, and some metabolic disorders could potentially be controlled
by this natural herb. Interestingly, autophagy is a novel molecular mechanism involved in the
crosstalk between classic effects of p-CA and introduces alternative therapeutic pathways for this
compound. Much work remains in clarifying the main therapeutic properties among the various p-CA
effects; these will be the subject of forthcoming work, resulting in presenting further mechanism of
action.
A Comparison of Neurocognitive Decline in Older Adults in Same-Sex and Opposite-Sex Relationships
Authors: Manca Riccardo , Venneri Annalena
Published: January 2021

Background:

Individuals from sexual minorities experience health inequalities that have
detrimental impacts on their health, especially in the elderly, by exacerbating care needs and symptoms
of chronic conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Neurocognitive decline due to AD in the sexual
minority population remains under-investigated. However, being in a relationship may mitigate the
risk of experiencing cognitive impairment.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate whether cognitive decline and brain atrophy may
differ in people from sexual minorities.

Methods:

Clinical data for this study were selected from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center’s
Uniform Data Set and structural MRI data collected across 14 Alzheimer’s Disease Centers.
Eighty participants including 20 patients with AD and 20 healthy controls (HC) in same-sex relationships
were identified and matched to groups of participants (20 AD and 20 HC) in opposite-sex relationships.
The effects of diagnosis and relationship were investigated on all measures.

Results:

No diagnosis-by-relationship interactions were found on any variable. However, post hoc
analyses revealed that the opposite-sex group had grey matter atrophy mainly in medio-temporal areas.
In the same-sex group, atrophy also extended to pre-frontal and cingulate areas. The severity of neuropsychiatric
symptoms correlated with volume of pre-frontal and insular/temporal areas only in the
same-sex group.

Conclusion:

Neurocognitive decline due to AD may express similarly across individuals, independently
of relationship type, thus suggesting a protective role of relational status. However, the same-sex
group appeared to be more likely to experience at least one neuropsychiatric symptom and to have
atrophy extending to fronto-limbic areas.
Curcumin Reverts the Protein Differential Expression in the Liver of the
Diabetic Obese db/db Mice
Authors: Pérez-Vázquez Victoriano , Silva-Gaona Oscar Gerardo , Guzmán-Flores Juan Manuel , Hernández-Ortiz Magdalena , Vargas-Ortiz Katya , Ramírez-Emiliano Joel , Encarnación-Guevara Sergio
Published: January 2021

Background:

In type 2 diabetic mouse liver, hyperglycemia, and insulin modify gene expression. Curcumin is a
powerful antioxidant and antidiabetic agent that regulates the gene expression of different signaling pathways through
various transcription factors. Therefore, we hypothesized that curcumin modifies the protein expression profile in the liver
of diabetic db/db mice.

Objective:

To determine the effects of curcumin on the liver protein profile of diabetic db/db mice.

Methods:

db/db and wild type (WT) male mice were allocated in four groups, and they were fed for eight weeks. Three WT
and three diabetic db/db mice received a standard diet (SD; WT and db/db groups, respectively); three WT and three
diabetic db/db mice received a SD supplemented with 0.75 % (w/w) curcumin (WT+C and db/db+C groups, respectively).
Liver proteins were separated by 2D electrophoresis. Differential protein expression analysis was performed on
ImageMaster 2D Platinum software, and selected proteins were identified by MALDI-TOF-MS and subjected to enrichment
analysis using STRING and DAVID databases.

Results:

Thirty-six proteins with differential expression due to the diabetic background and curcumin treatment were found;
these proteins participate in the metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. Interestingly, the altered expression of
seven proteins was prevented in the liver of the diabetic mice that received curcumin.

Conclusions:

Among all differentially expressed proteins, curcumin reverted the altered expression of seven proteins. Thus,
although it was observed that curcumin did not affect the biochemical parameters, it does modify the expression of some
liver proteins in diabetic mice.
Concomitant Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia and Ankylosing Spondylitis: Relation to Clinical Features and Plasma Pentraxin -3 Level
Authors: Baraka Eman , Balata Mona , Ahmed Shereen , El-Blbehisy Mona , Elattar Enas
Published: January 2021

Background:

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic systemic inflammatory rheumatic
disease that specifically affects the spine and sacroiliac joint. AS diagnosis is often delayed in
the clinical practice and this delay may cause the patients to miss the chance of early treatment. Fibromyalgia
(FM) is a frequently encountered clinical syndrome, fibromyalgianess is a term used
when patients who are diagnosed with inflammatory arthropathies meet the criteria for FM syndrome
as shown in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjogren syndrome,
and AS.

Objectives:

We aimed primarily to assess the frequency of concomitant diagnosis of FM syndrome
in AS patients and study its impact on clinical disease aspects. Secondary, our aim extended as a
preliminary pilot study to assess the Plasma Pentraxin-3(PTX-3) as a potential marker for the diagnosis
of FM syndrome in AS patients.

Methods:

Plasma PTX-3 in 61 AS patients was compared to 60 matched controls. FM was diagnosed
by FM Rapid Screening Tool.

Bath AS disease activity index (BASDAI) and AS disease assessment score using C- reactive protein
(ASDAS-CRP), Bath AS functional impairment index (BASFI), Bath AS metrology index
(BASMI), AS quality of life (ASQoL) scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Bath AS Radiology
Index (BASRI) were assessed.

Results:

The patients were categorized into two groups according to the concomitant diagnosis of
FM syndrome. Group I included 14 (22.9%) AS patients who fulfilled the clinical diagnosis of FM
syndrome. Group II included 47 (77.1%) AS patients without FM syndrome. AS patients with FM
(Group I) had significantly(p<0.001) increased an average of ages, disease duration, diagnostic delay
of AS, switching of bDMARDs, morning stiffness duration, ASDAS-CRP, BASFI, ASQoL
score, BASDAI (p=0.008), and BDI score (p=0.005) compared to AS patients without FM (Group
II). PTX-3 levels were significantly (p<0.001) higher in Group I (p<0.001) (median, 0.23; IQR,
0.15-0.41 ng/ml) than Group II (median, 0.13; IQR, 0.035-0.21ng/ml) which showed no significant
differences (p>0.05) compared to the controls. PTX-3 levels had significant positive correlations
(p<0.05) with disease duration, BASFI, and ASQOl. Age, female sex, switch of biologic, ASDAS -
CRP, and PTX-3 were significant predictors of FM in AS patients.

Conclusion:

These results indicate that concomitant FM is a significant problem in patients with
AS and its presence is associated with higher disease activity, impaired function as well as an overall
negative impact on QoL. Easy scanning of suspicious cases of FM with FiRST questionnaire
can be done in daily practice. PTX-3 is more or less accurate as the clinical features to improve the
diagnostic certainty of FM in the presence of AS with a proven sensitivity of 62.3%, a specificity
of 90%, a positive predictive value of 82.75%, and a negative predictive value of 73.9%.
The Appearance of Middle Meningeal Artery Fistulae After Willis Covered Stent for Traumatic Carotid-cavernous Fistulae: Two Case Reports
Authors: Wang Ting , Richard Seidu A. , Zhang Changwei , Xie Xiaodong , Wang Chaohua
Published: January 2021

Introduction:

Carotid cavernous fistulae (CCF) are rare, and they occur when there is
a communication between the internal carotid artery (ICA) and cavernous sinus. These lesions are
associated with blunt or penetrating traumatic injuries of the carotid arteries. We present the first
cases of cavernous dural arteriovenous fistulae (cDAVF) in the middle meningeal artery (MMA) after
the treatment of direct CCF in the ICA with Willis-covered stents (WCSs).

Case Presentations:

Our patients comprised 22 and 50-year-old males with histories of head injuries
months before admission at our facility. In both patients above, cerebral angiography revealed
fistulae in the right ICA and left ICA, respectively. They were treated with WCSs via the
trans-artery endovascular route. In both cases, the treatments were not in the way attempted via the
MMA. Subsequently, they developed cDAVF in the middle meningeal artery (MMA), which were
treated with Onyx Liquid Embolic System (Onyx HD-500) (Covidien / ev3 Neurovascular) and
conservatively, respectively.

Conclusion:

These are the first cases in whom WCSs for the management of direct CCF resulted
in cDAVF at the MMA. The WCSs inside the ICA could have resulted in the cDAVF via unknown
mechanisms but not iatrogenic.
The First Case Report of Kabuki Syndrome from the National Iranian Registry of Primary Immunodeficiencies
Authors: Safarirad Molood , Ganji Ali Abbaszadeh , Fekrvand Saba , Yazdani Reza , Motlagh Ahmad Vosughi , Abolhassani Hassan , Aghamohammadi Asghar
Published: January 2021

:

Kabuki syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly/mental retardation syndrome characterized by intellectual disability, developmental delay, short stature, facial dysmorphic features including ectropion of the lateral third of the lower eyelids and long palpebral fissures, and prominent finger pads. Pathogenic variants of KMT2D (MLL2) and KDM6A are found to be the major causes of Kabuki syndrome. Here, we report the first Iranian case with Kabuki syndrome with an IQ of 79, two episodes of viral pneumonia and distinctive facial features, prominent ears and persistent fetal fingertip pads. These characteristics raised our suspicion for performing whole-exome sequencing (WES), which revealed 2 heterozygous pathogenic missense variants in the KMT2D gene: c.C10024T in exon 34 leading to p.R3342C and c.G15005A in exon 48 leading to p.R5002Q. Hence, the definitive diagnosis of Kabuki syndrome was made based on molecular findings along with the intellectual disability and characteristic facial features.