bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research of the images of standard Lithuanian in an area of the standard language: the case of Kaunas district gymnasium
Authors: Geržotaitė Laura
Published: March 2021

The present study explores the images of standard Lithuanian of young people at a gymnasium located in the area of the standard language. The data were obtained from a questionnaire based on the methodological principles of perceptual dialectology. The image of the standard language in the consciousness of the respondents emerges from the analysis of the questionnaire data: the frequency of linguistic codes, the mental maps of the standard language areas, and associations of the standard language. The analysis of the data shows that the gymnasium students tend to distance themselves from the regional linguistic code. The respondents’ disassociation from the local variety and their stronger preference for the code of the standard language is probably related to their sense of language security in the area of the linguistic homeland (including that of the standard language). The mental maps show that the young people associate the standard Lithuanian with the larger or smaller area of central Lithuania, which includes cities (Kaunas, Vilnius), adjacent non-dialect areas (Jonava, Kaišiadorys), and one or two dialect zones; it nearly overlaps the area of the standard language delineated in the second decade of the twenty-first century. Vilnius is the part of this image – probably of its status of the capital city and a significant social, cultural, and urban centre of attraction. The gymnasium students think that speakers of the standard language are city dwellers first and foremost, while the mental connection between the code of standard language and education occurs less often. Such views might have emerged due to the location of the city – hence that of the respondents’ linguistic homeland. Identifying the standard language user as an ordinary person or a Lithuanian could most likely be explained by the fact that the standard language is not only a national language to the young people: it is also an equivalent of their linguistic code. The gymnasium students do not associate the standard language with linguistic norms (the correct use of language). The consistency of the young generation’s attitudes (both those visualised on the maps and verbalised in the questionnaire answers) suggests the high value of the variety spoken in the area they associate with the standard language. The results of the study provide insights into the functioning, vitality, and continuity of the standard language in this area.
Right to health: the clinical examination of the judicialization of public health in the face of mistanasia
Authors: dos Santos Ingrid Nascimento , Mazzaro Conchy Matheus Mychael
Published: March 2021

The present work has as its study the analysis of public policies, regarding access to the right to public health, as well as the difficulties, the neglect of the provision and the length of the concession. The difficult way for doctors to exercise their profession, excessive shifts, lack of specialists, medicines and beds, lack of fair remuneration and various problems; the analysis of the judicialization of public health and the institutes that medicine calls: Euthanasia, Orthothanasia, Dysthanasia and Mistanasia. The methodology used was the tool: bibliographic. At the end of this article, there will be an examination of the studies analysed, and the effectiveness of the judicialization of public health.
New localities of Bambusina borreri (Ralfs) Cleve (Charophyta), a species from the Red Data Book of Ukraine
Authors:   M.G. Kholodny Institute of Botany, NAS of Ukraine, 2 Tereschenkivska Str., Kyiv 01601, Ukraine, V.Yu. Berezovska , Burova O.V. ,   M.G. Kholodny Institute of Botany, NAS of Ukraine, 2 Tereschenkivska Str., Kyiv 01601, Ukraine, Raida O.V. ,   M.G. Kholodny Institute of Botany, NAS of Ukraine, 2 Tereschenkivska Str., Kyiv 01601, Ukraine
Published: March 2021

he article presents information about new finds of desmid Bambusina borreri (= B. brebissonii Kütz. ex Kütz.) in Ukraine and analysis of its distribution in the country. Peculiar features of the genus are cylindrical or barrel-shaped cells arranged in slightly twisted non-mucous filaments. Bambusina borreri is cosmopolitan with a disjunctive rangeж its distribution is limited by pH and trophic level of water bodies. Environmental selectivity determines its low frequency of occurrence. The species was included in the third edition of the Red Data Book of Ukraine. The authors first discovered B. borreri in the swamp protected by the Chornolisky Landscape Reserve of National Importance (Kirovohrad Region, Ukraine).In the Maliovanka Regional Landscape Park (Khmelnytsky Region, Ukraine) this species was confirmed to inhabit Rusalchyne Lake and first found in three more lakes. In all cases B. borreri occurred in typical habitats: oligotrophic reservoirs with low pH. A list of locations and a map of the distribution of B. borreri in Ukraine has been compiled. Among 22 localities cited for this species five sites are currently dissappeared. Most of the B. borreri localities are situated in the Pripyat-Desna Algofloristic Subprovince and only two belong to the Middle Dnieper and Carpathian-Danube algofloristic subprovinces; this is due to ecological preferences of the species. It is important to note that 10 of the 17 still existing habitats of B. borreri are located within the objects of the Nature Preservation Fund of Ukraine, which is an important aspect of its conservation.
Potential of the biodegradability and characteristics of bio-plastic from microalgae residues
Authors:   Faculty of Bioengineering and Technology, University Malaysia Kelantan, Jeli Campus, Jeli 17600, Kelantan, Malaysia, Wong Y.C. , Roma D.N. ,   Faculty of Bioengineering and Technology, University Malaysia Kelantan, Jeli Campus, Jeli 17600, Kelantan, Malaysia
Published: March 2021

Petroleum-based plastic has been widely used in many industries. However, it takes hundreds of years to degrade and causes widespread pollution to our environment. These problems led to the invention of bioplastics, which were comprised of natural biopolymers made from starch. The production of bioplastics from food-based starches such as tapioca and corn created competition between food and bioplastic production industries. Hence, this research study focuses on producing bioplastic from microalgae residue, which is a non-food based raw material that uses four different types of plasticizers: glycerol, sorbitol, glutaraldehyde and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Microalgae species for identification were obtained from the fish pond at the University Malaysia of Kelantan, before cultivating the species for 14 days. The microalgae residues were extracted through the centrifugation process. Three species were identified under the light microscope, Chlorella sp., Scenedesmus sp. and Monoraphidium sp. The production of bioplastic involved a manual stirring method using a hotplate magnetic stirrer, followed by drying the bioplastic in an oven at 60 oC. Results obtained showed that sorbitol and glycerol from microalgae are suitable to be used as a plasticizer for the production of bioplastic, however glutaraldehyde and PEG are not suitable. Bioplastics that used PEG and glutaraldehyde became cracked and brittle after the drying process. The characterization of bioplastics includes universal tensile testing machines, Fourier-transform infrared analysis and biodegradability tests being processed//undertaken on glycerol-based and sorbitol based bioplastic. Characterization of bioplastics proved that both glycerol and sorbitol have high potential for applications in daily human life. Bioplastics which used sorbitol as a plasticizer could be used in can be applied the production of plastic goods such as toys and household items due to its good resistance toward stress and minimal flexibility. Meanwhile bioplastics which used glycerol as a plasticizer could be applied to the production of plastic bags and plastic food wrap due to its elastic and flexible nature.
Epipelic cyanobacterial diversity in Pinang River basin, Malaysia, revealed by 16S-based metagenomic approach
Authors:   School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia, Nur Fadzliana A.R. , Wan Maznah W.O. ,   School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia,   Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia,   River Engineering and Urban Drainage Research Centre, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia, Nor S.A.M. ,   School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia, Foong Choon Pin ,   School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia, Luo Wei ,   SOA Key Laboratory for Polar Science, Polar Research Institute of China, Shanghai 200136, China
Published: March 2021

Cyanobacteria are the most widespread group of photosynthetic prokaryotes. They are primary producers in a wide variety of habitats and are able to thrive in harsh environments, including polluted waters; therefore, this study was conducted to explore the cyanobacterial populations inhabiting river tributaries with different levels of pollution. Sediment samples (epipelon) were collected from selected tributaries of the Pinang River basin. Air Terjun (T1) and Air Itam rivers (T2) represent the upper streams of Pinang River basin, while Dondang (T3) and Jelutong rivers (T4) are located at in the middle of the river basin. The Pinang River (T5) is located near the estuary and is subjected to saline water intrusion during high tides. Cyanobacterial community was determined by identifying the taxa via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequence data. 16S rRNA gene amplicons generated from collected samples were sequenced using illumina Miseq, with the targeted V3 and V4 regions yielding approximately 1 mln reads per sample. Synechococcus, Phormidium, Arthronema and Leptolyngbya were found in all samples. Shannon-Weiner diversity index was highest (H’ = 1.867) at the clean upstream station (T1), while the moderately polluted stream (T3) recorded the lowest diversity (H’ = 0.399), and relatively polluted stations (T4 and T5) recorded fairly high values of H’. This study provides insights into the cyanobacterial community structure in Pinang River basin via cultivation-independent techniques using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequence. Occurrence of some morphospecies at specific locations showed that the cyanobacterial communities are quite distinct and have specific ecological demands. Some species which were ubiquitous might be able to tolerate varied environmental conditions.
Re-Examining Factors that Affect Delta Smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) Entrainment at the State Water Project and Central Valley Project in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta
Authors: Grimaldo Lenny , Smith William , Nobriga Matthew
Published: March 2021

Managing endangered species is challenging when increased rarity leads to an inability to detect their responses to environmental conditions. In the San Francisco Estuary, the state and federally listed Delta Smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) has declined to record low numbers, elevating concern over entrainment at the State Water Project (SWP) and Central Valley Project (CVP) water export facilities. The objective of this study was to: (1) revisit previous work on factors that affect adult Delta Smelt collected at the SWP and CVP fish collection facilities using updated conceptual models and a new statistical approach; and (2) to determine factors that affect salvage at time-scales of interest to management. Boosted Regression Tree (BRT) models were applied to salvage data at the SWP and CVP, aggregated into two response categories: a “first flush” response that represented daily salvage from the start of the entrainment window to the 50% midpoint of observed salvage, and a “seasonal” response that included daily salvage from the entire entrainment window. Precipitation, sub-adult abundance, Yolo Bypass flow, and exports best explained first flush salvage at both the SWP and CVP. The seasonal models included a similar set of influential variables, but the relative influence of precipitation was lower compared to the first flush models., Yolo Bypass flow was more influential for seasonal salvage at the SWP, compared to the CVP; Old and Middle River flow was more influential for seasonal salvage at the CVP. Although the rank of variable importance that explains salvage differed slightly between first flush and seasonal time-scales, this study suggests that salvage is most influenced by hydrodynamics, water quality, and population abundance. The application of BRT models to predict salvage is limited, because salvage has been low since federal protections were implemented in 2008. Forecast models that integrate real-time variables with fish behavior models may improve Delta Smelt management.
MASSIVE OPEN ONLINE COURSES – A MODERN FORM OF DISTANCE EDUCATION
Authors: Kiryakova Gabriela
Published: March 2021

Distance education has proven its advantages over time as a form of learning that overcomes geographical and time barriers. Massive Open Online Courses are a modern form of distance education that creates prerequisites for life-long learning. The purpose of the current work is to investigate the nature, distinctive features and models of Massive Open Online Courses. The main elements of the courses, which are provided to learners through learning platforms, are systematized.
High richness, new occurrences, and threatened species in a savanna grassland remnant in the largest Brazilian metropolis
Authors: Camargo Keller Victor , Lopes Pereira-Silva Erico Fernando , Hardt Elisa
Published: March 2021

Parque Estadual do Juquery is the largest protected remnant of savanna grassland in the metropolitan region of São Paulo (MRSP). We conducted a floristic inventory and created a photographic record of the angiosperm flora of the savanna formations in this area and compared it with those of other Cerrado sites using Jaccard’s similarity index. We present a list with 366 species, distributed in 58 botanical families. Asteraceae and Poaceae were the families with the highest species richness. Eighty-six new occurrences were recorded in the park. According to the São Paulo state Red List, 14 species are threatened by extinction, of which four are presumably extinct. Most species are herbaceous (36.0%) and sub-shrub plants (26.5%). No floristic similarity was observed with other savanna formations in the countryside of the state of São Paulo. Our results emphasize the importance of the Parque Estadual do Juquery for the conservation of savanna grassland formations in the MRSP and the protection of locally endangered species.
The analysis of abdominal delivery cases at labor activity anomalies
Authors:   Shupyk National Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Kуiv, Ukraine, Vdovichenko Yu.P. , Goncharuk N.P. ,   Kyiv City Maternity Hospital No.1, Ukraine, Gurzhenko E.Yu. ,   Shupyk National Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Kуiv, Ukraine
Published: March 2021

The objective: analysis of the frequency of cesarean sections, their structure according to the indications from the mother; study of the dynamics of the frequency of cesarean sections in case of abnormalities of labor activity (ALA) as indications for operative delivery on the basis of Kyiv City Maternity Hospital No. 1 for 2001-2011. Patients and methods. During the study, the frequency of cesarean sections in general, the frequency of urgent cesarean sections, the structure of cesarean sections according to the indications from the mother's side, the frequency of cesarean sections in ALA were studied and analyzed, and the dynamics of the cesarean section rate in ARP as well as one of the main indications with Mother's side. The history of the delivery of labor was used, which culminated in the abdominal route. Results. An increase in the level of cesarean sections was noted. The number of urgent cesarean sections is gradually decreasing. There has been a significant reduction in the incidence of cesarean sections in anomalies of labor, which are not amenable to drug treatment. Conclusion. The professional management of births, adequate justified use of medicines, the use of modern medical means in practice, an objective assessment of the obstetrical situation, cardiotocoagraphic support, timely and adequate use of epidural analgesia positively influenced the increase in the number of deliveries through the natural birth canal, which is a priority in the professional activity of the obstetrician-gynecologist. Key words: caesarian section, anomalies of labor activity.
Prevention of complications of vaginal hysterectomy
Authors:   Shupyk National Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Kуiv, Ukraine, Golyanovsky O.V. , Gubar I.A. ,   Vyshgorod Central District Hospital, Ukraine, Kulchytsky D.V. ,   Vyshgorod Central District Hospital, Ukraine
Published: March 2021

The article presents data on the improved technique of vaginal hysterectomy (GE) with the use of medications and technical support in case of genital prolapse. The objective: was to determine the clinical effectiveness of preventive measures, the improved technique of vaginal GE in case of complete loss of the uterus with the use of drugs and technical support. Patients and methods. The main group included 21 women with total uterine prolapse, who underwent vaginal GE without uterine appendages according to the procedure we improved, and in the control group – 17 women, who underwent vaginal GE with a standard procedure. In the two groups after the vaginal GE, anterior and posterior colpoperineoraphy was performed with levatoroplasty. Results. We have improved the technique of conducting vaginal GE with the use of medications (hydroparreparation of the solution with 0.4 mg of terlipressin) and technical support (use of the radiofrequency scalpel and argon-plasma tissue coagulation), according to our study, significantly reduces the likelihood of intraoperative complications and improves postoperative period with respect to reparative Processes and a decrease in the frequency of hemorrhagic and pyoinflammatory diseases after surgery Skogen intervention. Conclusion. The clinical study determined the effectiveness of a comprehensive surgical technique for the complete loss of the uterus and prevention of possible complications of surgical intervention. Key words: vaginal hysterectomy, colpo-perineorrhaphy, levatoroplasty, synthetic analogue of vasopressin, argon-plasma coagulation of tissues.
The glycemic profile of blood in people with diabetes mellitus, subjected to minimally invasive treatment of ureterolithiasis
Authors:   Shupyk National Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Kуiv, Ukraine, Vozianov S.O. , Gurzhenko A.Yu. ,   Shupyk National Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: March 2021

The objective: to study the state of the glycemic profile in patients with ureterolithiasis and concomitant diabetes mellitus (DM) who underwent various methods of minimally invasive surgical treatment. Patients and methods. The study involved 204 people, 130 (63.7%) men and 74 (36.3%) women, the average age – 34.6±5.5 years. Subjects were divided into VI clinical groups: I – persons with diabetes and ureterolithiasis, who underwent TUСL and CS therapy per os (n=57); II – persons with DM and ureterolithiasis, who underwent TUСL without HS therapy (n=44); III – persons with DM and ureterolithiasis who were treated with ECU without HS therapy (n=32); IV – persons with ureterolithiasis without diabetes who underwent TUСL without HS therapy (n=41); V (control 1) – of the person with diabetes, who had an independent passage of stones from the ureter (n=18); VI (control 2) – healthy volunteers, with no signs of pathology (n=12). The diagnosis of ureterolithiasis was verified using clinico-anamnestic, laboratory and instrumental methods of investigation, according to the MHP protocols, before and after the disintegration of the stones by the method of transurethral contact lithotripsy (TUСL) and ESWL. Results. Elevated levels of HbA1c indicated chronic hyperglycemia for a long time, with the presence of violations of carbohydrate homeostasis and the need for its correction before and during surgery for ureterolithiasis. At this minimally invasive treatment of ureterolithiasis, the presence of an operational injury factor, with manifestations of permanent obstruction in the upper urinary tract (ESWL operation) did not contribute to a decrease in glucose levels in plasma and urine, unlike states with rapid elimination of acute calculous process (TUCL operation). Conclusion. Assistance to patients with diabetes mellitus, which is planned surgical treatment, allows to improve the condition of patients in the postoperative period and reduce the risk of postoperative сomplications. Key words: ureterolithiasis, diabetes mellitus, glycosylated hemoglobin, glucosuria, minimally invasive methods of lithotripsy.
Electromyographic monitoring of the effectiveness of complex treatment of patients with hyperactive bladder and hypokinetic tone detrusora and combined neurogenic pathology of the distal colon
Authors:   SI Institute of Urology of the NAMS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Chabanov P.V.
Published: March 2021

The objective: was to increase the effectiveness of treatment of patients with a hyperactive bladder and hypokinetic tone of detrusor (muscle – urine ejector) and combined neurogenic pathology of the distal colon. Materials and methods. Complex diagnostics and conservative treatment of patients with hyperactive bladder and hypokinetic tone of detrusor and combined pathology of the distal colon were performed in 36 (53%) women and 32 (47%) men. The average age of women was 43.4±2.1 years, men – 39.8± .9 years. The duration of the disease in women was 19.7±1.5 months, in men – 22.4±1.8 months. Efficacy was assessed by electromyography. Results. It has been established that electromyography reflects the functional state of the urinary tract and distal parts of the colon at their combined pathology. Conservative treatment of patients of this category with the help of stimulation by electro stimulation was effective. Conclusion. Complex conservative treatment of patients with a hyperactive bladder and hypotonic tonus detrusor and combined pathology of the distal colon is effective, which is confirmed by electromyographic control according to the results of treatment. Key words: neurogenic disorders of urination, detrusor, electromyography.
Reducing pain in certain forms of obstetric pathology: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Сlinical lecture)
Authors:   Kharkiv Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Ukraine, Nazarenko L.
Published: March 2021

The article discusses the pathogenetic basis for the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSPVP) in obstetric practice for the treatment of pain syndrome in women with threatened abortion and pathological preliminary period. Provided with modern views on the mechanisms of analgesic clinical efficacy, side effects NSPVP. Provides information about the place of NSPVP during pregnancy, the risks to the fetus, the positive aspects in the conduct of women at risk of preterm birth, the pathological preliminary period. Key words: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, pain, premature birth, preliminary period.
Crohn’s disease complicated with a bladder-fistula – a case report
Authors:   Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, Rzeszow, Poland, Pasternak Grzegorz , Bartusik-Aebisher Dorota ,   Department of Biochemistry and General Chemistry, Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, Rzeszow, Poland, Aebisher David ,   Department of Photomedicine and Physical Chemistry, Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, Rzeszow, Poland, Filip Rafał ,   Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, Rzeszow, Poland
Published: March 2021

Introduction. Entero-bladder fistula (fistula entero-vesicalis) is a pathological connection between the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract and the bladder. Entero-bladder fistulas are not a common condition. The main reason for the formation of entero- bladder fistulas are intestinal diseases occurring within the intestinal loop adjacent to the bladder resulting in the formation of an abnormal channel, the connection between the above structures Aim. The aim is to present the causes of the fistulas can be divided into congenital and acquired (intestinal infection, cancer, Crohn’s disease, resulting from trauma and iatrogenic). Clinical manifestations of the biliary-bullous fistulae may be from the digestive or urinary tract. The most characteristic ailments are pneumaturia, fecuria, urge to urinate, frequent urination, lower abdominal pain, hematuria, urinary tract infection. Description of the case. The article discusses the case of a patient with Leśniowski-Crohn disease complicated with a bladder- fistula. The treatment of entero-bladder fistulas is primarily surgical, it consists in resection of the fistula together with resection of the affected intestine and bladder wall fragment. Conclusion. The test confirming the presence of an entero-bladder fistula is a test with oral administration of poppies, although it happens that the test result may be negative, especially in the case of a bladder-follicular fistula. Among the tests useful in the diagnosis of entero-bladder fistula include abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, endoscopic tests (colonoscopy or cystoscopy).
An aggressive locoregional orbital rhabdomyosarcoma and Li Fraumeni syndrome
Authors:   Department of Radiology, University of Health Sciences, Prof Dr Cemil Tascıoglu City Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey, Erok Berrin , Kıbıcı Kenan ,   Department of Neurosurgery, Altınbas University School of Medicine Bahcelievler Medical Park Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
Published: March 2021

Introduction. Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common pediatric soft tissue sarcoma with 10 % of the cases occuring in the orbit. Patients often present with a rapidly developing proptosis and globe displacement. Aim. We aimed to present a very rare presentation of orbital RMS, with a giant exophytic orbital mass, a very rare presentation occuring in more advanced cases. Description of the case. A 3-year old girl presented to our hospital with a rapidly enlarging tissue like ulcerative mass. Her past medical history was remarkable with the diagnosis of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and treatment with chemoradiotherapy at the age of 15 months. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), there was a giant heterogenously enhancing mass filling the right orbit and extending to the intracranial region. Li Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) was considered due to her sister death from neuroblastoma at an early age. Cytogenetic analysis revealed mutations of p53 gene, which supported our consideration. Conclusion. RMS is a highly malignant tumor which usually occurs sporadiacally. However, some rare syndromes are associated with increased incidence of RMS, such as LFS.
The expression of CD44, CD90 and CD133 in response to cisplatin in hepatocellular cancer cells
Authors:   Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Maltepe University, Istanbul, Turkey, Donmez Cakıl Yaprak ,   Cancer and Stem Cell Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Maltepe University, Istanbul, Turkey, Ozunal Zeynep Gunes ,   Cancer and Stem Cell Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Maltepe University, Istanbul, Turkey,   Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Maltepe University, Istanbul, Turkey, Kayalı Damla Gokceoglu ,   Cancer and Stem Cell Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Maltepe University, Istanbul, Turkey, Aktas Ranan Gulhan ,   Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Maltepe University, Istanbul, Turkey,   Cancer and Stem Cell Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Maltepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
Published: March 2021

Introduction. Cancer is a leading cause of mortality. Hepatocellular cancer is one of the malignancies associated with poor outcome and resistance to pharmacotherapy. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) contribute to resistance to therapy and hence lead to the treatment failure of tumors. Aim. This study aims to explore the expression of CSCs in response to cisplatin treatment in HepG2 hepatocellular cancer cell line. Material and methods. Cell proliferation test, CCK-8, was used to evaluate the cell proliferation following cisplatin treatment for 72 hours. The expressions of CSC markers CD44, CD90, and CD133 were assessed by flow cytometric analysis. Results. The results showed a dose-dependent decrease in cell proliferation and increased expression of CSC markers CD44 and CD90 in response to cisplatin. Conclusion. Understanding the roles of CSC markers may point to new targets and therapeutic strategies to predict and overcome cisplatin resistance.
Analysis of the bacterial biofilm formation in different models of the in vitro culture
Authors:   Chair and Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland, Bogut Agnieszka , Magryś Agnieszka ,   Chair and Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
Published: March 2021

Introduction. Microtiter plate assay (MPA) remains one of workhorses of in vitro biofilm research but it requires optimization of experimental conditions to fulfill the biofilm formation requirements of different bacterial pathogens. Aim. The aim was to determine the effect of TSB and RPMI1640 culture media and selected culture variables (O2 vs. 5% CO2, extended incubation time) on the biofilm production by bacteria commonly involved in biofilm-related infections: Enterococcus faecalis (EF), Escherichia coli (EC), Staphylococcus aureus (SA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP). Material and methods. The investigation was performed using the MPA with crystal violet. Results. Statistically significant (p<0.05) increase in biofilm production between 24h and 72h time points was observed for EF (TSB o2, RPMIo2 and RPMIco2), EC (TSBo2), SA (TSBo2, TSBco2), KP (TSBo2, TSBco2), PA (RPMIco2, TSBco2). The TSB caused a significantly greater stimulation of biofilm production compared to RPM1640. It outcompeted RPMI1640 irrespective of the atmospheric conditions for SA and KP and under aerobic conditions for EF. Conclusion. Although the TSB provided the most optimal conditions for biofilm production, the process was influenced by the strain type, atmospheric conditions and period of cultivation which limits the ability to design a single universal model of the in vitro biofilm investigation.
Socio-economic status, iron deficiency anemia and COVID-19 disease burden – an appraisal
Authors:   Department of Anthropology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India, Ghosh Kusum , Chatterjee Diptendu ,   Department of Anthropology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India, Ghosh Roy Abhisikta ,   Anthropological Survey of India, Central Region, India, Bandyopadhyay Arup Ratan ,   Department of Anthropology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
Published: March 2021

Introduction. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-2, possesses varying degrees of susceptibility and lethality worldwide and WHO declared this as a pandemic of this century. Aim. In this background, the aim of this present narrative is to provide a complementary overview of how low iron stores and mild anemia offers protection from infectious diseases like COVID-19 by restricting the viral replication and also to suggest some potential adjuvant therapeutic interventions. Material and methods. Therefore, we performed a literature search reviewing pertinent articles and documents. PubMed, Google Scholar, Chemrxiv, MedRxiv, BioRxiv, Preprints and ResearchGate were investigated. Analysis of the literature. Recent studies reported drastic systemic events taking place that contribute to the severe clinical outcomes such as decreased hemoglobin indicating anemia, hypoxia, altered iron metabolism, hypercoagulability, oxidative stress, cytokine storm, hyper-ferritinemia and thus Multi Organ Failure, reportedly hailed as the hallmark of the COVID-19 hyper- inflammatory state. Interestingly it is globally observed that, countries with higher Socio-economic status (SES) have considerably lower prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) but higher Case Fatality Rate (CFR) rate due to COVID-19 while, low SES countries characterized by the higher prevalence of IDA, are less affected to COVID-19 infection and found to have less CFR, which is almost half to that of the higher SES counterpart. Conclusion. Present review presumed that,low iron stores and mild anemia may play a beneficial role in some cases by offering protection from infectious diseases as low iron restricts the viral replication.Thus, suggested iron chelation or iron sequestration as an alternative beneficial adjuvant in treating COVID-19 infection.
Membrane lipids under norm and pathology
Authors:   National Research Mordovia State University, Saransk, Republic of Mordovia, Russia, Marzoog Basheer Abdullah , Vlasova Tatyana Ivanovna ,   National Research Mordovia State University, Saransk, Republic of Mordovia, Russia
Published: March 2021

Introduction. Lipid is an essential component of the cell and its organelles membrane. The uniqueness and selectivity of lipids to specific functions and asymmetry of lipid distribution in the organelle’s membrane give the cell ability of being highly qualified and specified. Aim. The paper provides a comprehensive review of membrane lipids in different tissues and organelles of the cell in norm and disease. Material and methods. The paper analyzed the present literature data on membrane lipids behavior in physiology and pathology. Analysis of the literature. The major structural and functional lipids of the cell membrane are phosphatidylcholine > phosphatidylethanolamine. The absence/deficiency or augmentation of a specific type of lipid results in serious defects and usually life-threatening with a permanent disability. The observations discussed here suggest, the lipid peroxidation severity depends on the membrane lipid composition of the cell. Some tissue cells can handle lipoperoxidation and protect themselves from the peroxidation damaging products better, while other cells cannot compensate. Therefore, some organs are highly sensitive to peroxidation and irreversible changes occur rapidly. Conclusion. To sum up, the understanding of lipid’s role in norm and disease is clinically crucial to evaluate a novel therapeutic target to treat many metabolic disorders such as metabolic syndrome and some lysosomal storage disorders via targeting specific new signaling pathways, lipid molecules, and enzymes.
Germline Pathogenic Variants Identified by Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing of Susceptibility Genes in Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma
Authors: Yalcintepe Sinem , Gurkan Hakan , Korkmaz Fatma Nur , Demir Selma , Atli Engin , Eker Damla , Sezginer Guler Hazal , Zhuri Drenusha , Atli Emine Ikbal , Salt Semra Ayturk , Sahin Mustafa , Guldiken Sibel
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate germline variant frequencies of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma targeted susceptibility genes with next-generation sequencing method. Germline DNA from 75 cases were evaluated with targeted next-generation sequencing on an Illumina NextSeq550 instrument. KIF1B, RET, SDHB, SDHD, TMEM127, and VHL genes were included in the study, and Sanger sequencing was used for verifying the variants. The pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants were in the VHL, RET, SDHB, and SDHD genes, and the diagnosis rate was 24% in this study. Three different novel pathogenic variants were determined in five cases. This is the first study from Turkey, evaluating germline susceptibility genes of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma with a detection rate of 24% and three novel variants. All patients with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma need clinical genetic testing with expanded targeted gene panels for higher diagnosis rates.
Ictus isquémico como complicación de la meningitis por Criptococosis: reporte de un caso
Authors: Guio Rodríguez Jennifer Katherine , Vargas Rodríguez Ledmar Jovanny , Pérez Gómez Dania  Fabiola , Rozo Ortíz Edwar Jassir , Barón Barón Javier Orlando
Published: March 2021

Introducción: La criptococosis es una micosis sistémica causada por el complejo Cryptococcus neoformans y Cryptococcus gattii, capaces de generar accidentes cerebrovasculares (ACV). Caso clínico: Varón de 53 años asistió por cuadro clínico de 1 semana de evolución consistente con picos febriles no cuantificados asociados a deposiciones diarreicas con moco y sangre, episodios eméticos de contenido lientérico, astenia, y sensación vertiginosa. Se ordenó hemocultivos más punción lumbar con aislamiento de Cryptococcus neoformans. Más tarde, presentó episodio de focalización neurológica, por lo que se tomaron imágenes cerebrales que sugerían evento isquémico hacia la sustancia blanca yuxtaventricular adyacente a la rodilla del cuerpo calloso del lado derecho. Discusión: El ACV isquémico es un hallazgo ignorado en pacientes con Criptococosis meníngea. Es una complicación de la fase aguda y su mecanismo puede estar relacionado por una vasculitis infecciosa. Las enfermedades infecciosas del SNC son diagnóstico diferencial de ACV que se presentan con fiebre.
Investigation of stress in a pothole in the Bushveld Complex: A case study
Authors: Watson B.P. , Hoffmann D. , Roberts D.P.
Published: March 2021

Potholes on the Merensky and UG2 reefs in the Bushveld Complex occur as near-circular to elliptical depressions or slumps on the reef horizon, normally presenting as severe disruptions which prevent economic extraction. Within the pothole, the reef and other strata may either be attenuated, absent, or highly deformed, this being the result of the overlying hangingwall strata having slumped down. The hypotheses for pothole formation involve several mechanisms, including downward erosion, upward fluid movement, or synmagmatic deformation. When potholes are exposed in mine workings, significant fracturing is often observed. This fracturing is particularly evident in anorthosite rock types. Stress measurements were conducted in a pothole on the Merensky Reef to determine if the fracturing was due to high stress conditions. The paper describes the measurement results and numerical modelling that was done to determine the influence of depth and mining on the stress condition at the site. The results show that high stresses do exist in at least some potholes, and that current formation theories do not adequately explain the measured stresses. In support of understanding the high local stress associated with the pothole, the study explored several rock engineering modelling processes to validate the conditions of the study site and enclosing excavations. A better understanding of the stress conditions in potholes with additional data could lead to more appropriate support design and avoidance of potential rockbursts in these structures.
The influence of stemming practice on ground vibration and air blast
Authors: Mpofu M. , Ngobese S. , Maphalala B , Roberts D. , Khan S.
Published: March 2021

This paper details an assessment of stemming practices at a South African opencast coal mine and their influence on ground vibration and air blast. Quantitative and qualitative analysis methods were used for the study. The parameters assessed for the quantitative analyses included stemming length, stemming material type, blast-hole depth, burden, and spacing. Pre-blast data from the mine was analysed to determine the deviation between actual and mine design stemming parameters. Mine design stemming length was also compared to the rule-of-thumb stemming lengths. Peak particle velocity (ground vibration) and air blast data from seismograph stations around the mine was analysed to determine the correlation between stemming length and excessive ground vibration and air blast. The qualitative analysis involved observations of blasting procedures at the mine to determine compliance with mine procedures. Some level of non-compliance of actual stemming parameters to design stemming parameters was found, which initially suggested that non-compliance may have contributed to excessive air blast. However, further analysis of the seismograph results indicated no direct correlation between stemming length and excessive air blast and ground vibration. Since stemming parameters are interrelated, it is crucial that all blasting procedures, including stemming, are executed in accordance with best practice, and recorded accurately. There is a need for digital systems for capturing on-bench blasting parameters, as the currently used manual data recording and reporting systems are inefficient and prone to error. Improvements to blast designs are possible through efficient and accurate data recording and reporting systems.
Exploratory development of a rotary offset crusher
Authors: Nghipulile T , Bwalya M. , Moys M. , Simonsen H.
Published: March 2021

The quest for efficiency in comminution is an ongoing concern as comminution usually constitutes a major cost component in the metal production industry. Such improvements can be made by circuit optimization or development of more efficient equipment. A novel crusher, known as the rotary offset crusher (ROC), promises to deliver in this space. The ROC was invented in 2002 by Michael Hunt, Henry Simonsen, and Ian Sinclair, but failed to garner enough support to progress to production. The original design concept was recently rekindled, and a laboratory version of the crusher has been built and commissioned at the University of the Witwatersrand. The crusher is simple in design, with two cylindrical discs that are parallel to each other, and, as the name implies, there is an offset between the vertical axes of the discs. The top disc has a conical section on its lower face, and this creates a crushing zone between the opposite faces of the two spinning discs. Centrifugal motion transports particles through the crushing zone. Batch experiments have been conducted with quartz at various crusher settings (discs offset, rotational speed, and vertical exit gap) for various feed size distributions. The indications so far suggest that the disc speed is a key factor affecting the performance. Size reduction ratios as high as 11 were recorded from experiments with quartz at a speed of 830 r/min.
Estrategias de afrontamiento y bienestar psicológico en estudiantes del nivel secundario
Authors: Gutierrez Flores Ninet , Veliz Llaja Yanní Sherly , Quinteros Zúñiga Dámaris Susana
Published: March 2021

El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar la relación entre las estrategias de afrontamiento y bienestar psicológico en estudiantes del nivel secundario de una institución particular de Lima Sur. Se empleó el muestreo no probabilístico y la muestra estuvo conformada por 216 adolescentes, de ambos sexos cuyas edades oscilaron entre 12 y 17 años. El diseño es no experimental, de corte transversal y alcance correlacional. Se utilizó la Escala de Afrontamiento para adolescentes (ACS) elaborado por Frydenberg y Lewis (1993) y la Escala de Bienestar Psicológico de Ryff, elaborado por Ryff (1989). Los resultados obtenidos muestran que existe correlación entre el bienestar psicológico y las estrategias de afrontamiento: concentrarse en resolver el problema (chi=43.448a, p=.000), esforzarse y tener éxito (chi=46.797a, p=.000), fijarse en lo positivo (chi=47.263a, p=.000), buscar apoyo espiritual (chi=22.360a, p=.004), buscar ayuda profesional (chi=22.360a, p=.004), preocuparse (chi=26.931a, p=.000), falta de afrontamiento (chi=30.789a, p=.000), reducción de la tensión (chi=43.297a, p=.000), reservarlo para sí (chi=26.614a, p=.001) y autoinculparse (chi=39.270a, p=.000).
Un estudio sobre dependencia emocional y estrategias de afrontamiento en mujeres víctimas de violencia doméstica
Authors: Neira García Maribel , Mejía Vásquez Raquel Marilú , Daniel Josué Farfán Rodriguez
Published: March 2021

La presente investigación tuvo con objetivo determinar la relación entre la dependencia emocional y las estrategias de afrontamiento en mujeres víctimas de la violencia de su pareja y habitantes de la comunidad de Huaycán. El diseño de la investigación fue no experimental de corte trasversal y de alcance correlacional. Los instrumentos que se utilizaron fueron el Cuestionario Dependencia Emocional (CDE) creado por Leary en 1997 y validado por Lemos y Londoño (2006), el Inventario de Estrategias de Afrontamiento (CSI), elaborado por Lazarus y Folkman en 1981, validado por Cano, Rodríguez y Gracia en 2007. La muestra estuvo conformada por 90 mujeres. Se encontró que la dependencia emocional no se relaciona con las estrategias de afrontamiento. Sin embargo, se encontró relación significativa entre dependencia emocional y las dimensiones reestructuración cognitiva (rho -,307 p< 0.05), expresión emocional (rho= ,270 p>0.05) y pensamiento desiderativo (rho =,343 p< 0.05). Se concluye que, a mayor dependencia emocional en las mujeres, menor será la capacidad de reestructurar o percibir que se está vivenciando un problema. Por otro lado, se encontró que a mayor dependencia emocional en la mujer, mayor serán las reacciones emocionales y las dificultades para cambiar los pensamientos que producen malestar.
Adicción a redes sociales y ciberbullying en los adolescentes
Authors: Chiza-Lozano Doris , Vásquez-Mendoza Devora , Ramírez Vega Celina
Published: March 2021

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar si existe relación significativa entre adicción a redes sociales y ciberbullying en los adolescentes que estudian en la Asociación Educativa Adventista Andina Central. Sigue los lineamientos de un diseño no experimental de corte transversal y de tipo correlacional. Participaron del estudio 326 adolescentes del nivel secundario de ambos sexos entre 12 y 17 años de edad. Para la medición de las variables, se utilizaron; el Cuestionario de Adicción a Redes Sociales (ARS) construida por Escurra y Salas (2014) y el European Ciberbullying Intervention Project Questionnaire (ECIPQ), ambos instrumentos son válidos y confiables de acuerdo a los mismos. Por otro lado, los datos fueron procesados, realizándose análisis descriptivos y de correlación. Se encontró que la adicción a redes sociales y el ciberbullying se relacionan significativamente (r = .381**, p = 0.00). Es decir, los participantes que tienen un mayor nivel de adicción a redes sociales a su vez presentan mayores indicadores de desarrollar ciberbullying.
Programa “Pukllaspa Ñawinchani” y su eficacia para mejorar la comprensión de lectura de los estudiantes de cuarto grado de Educación Primaria
Authors: Chipana Hurtado Nataly
Published: March 2021

El objetivo de la presente investigación fue determinar la eficacia del Programa: “Pukllaspa Ñawinchani” para mejorar la comprensión de lectura de los estudiantes de cuarto grado de Educación Primaria de la I.E.P. Nº 38542/Mx-P. de San Rafael, Socos, Huamanga, Ayacucho, 2017. Se usó el diseño pre-experimental, con enfoque cuantitativo. La muestra estuvo conformada por un total de 9 participantes. El recojo de la información fue efectuada a través de un instrumento “Guía de análisis de textos” (pre prueba – post prueba), validado por expertos y para el análisis estadístico se utilizó el programa Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), versión 24.0 y la hoja de cálculo Excel. Los resultados obtenidos en la prueba “T”de student demostraron que existen diferencias significativas (p<0,05), entre la aplicación del programa y la comprensión de lectura, dado que, en la pre prueba, el 55,6% de los estudiantes se encontraban en el nivel inicio, y el 44,4% en proceso; no obstante, este resultado cambió después de la aplicación del Programa “Pukllaspa Ñawinchani”, porque en la post prueba el 22,2% se ubicó en el nivel proceso, el 77,8% en el nivel logro y ninguno en el nivel inicio. Lo que es una clara evidencia del valor instructivo del programa aplicado, en aspectos de mejoramiento de la comprensión de lectura.