bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
T stage and venous invasion are crucial prognostic factors for long-term survival of patients with remnant gastric cancer: A cohort study
Authors: Matsuo Kentaro , Lee Sang-Woong , Tanaka Ryo , Imai Yoshiro , Honda Kotaro , Taniguchi Kohei , Tomiyama Hideki , Uchiyama Kazuhisa
Published: June 2021

Background

The incidence of remnant gastric cancer (RGC) after distal gastrectomy is 1–5%. However, as the survival rate of patients with gastric cancer improves due to early detection and treatment, more patients may develop RGC. There is no consensus on the surgical and postoperative management of RGC, and the clinicopathological characteristics correlated with the long-term outcomes remain unclear. Therefore, we have investigated the clinicopathological factors associated with the long-term outcomes of RGC.
Methods

We included 65 consecutive patients who underwent gastrectomy for RGC from January 2000 to December 2015 at the Osaka Medical College, Japan. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to create survival curves, and differences in survival were compared between the groups (clinical factors, pathological factors, and surgical factors) using the log-rank test. Multivariate analyses using the Cox proportional hazard model were used to identify factors associated with long-term survival.
Results

There were no significant differences in the survival based on clinical factors (age, body mass index, and diabetes mellitus) or the type of remnant gastrectomy. There were significant differences in the survival based on pathological factors and surgical characteristics (intraoperative blood loss and operation time). Multivariate analysis revealed that the T stage (hazard ratio, 4.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.005–22.014; p = 0.049) and venous invasion (hazard ratio 3.047; 95% CI, 1.008–9.214; p = 0.048) were significant independent risk factors for long-term survival in patients who underwent radical resection for RGC.
Conclusions

T stage and venous invasion are important prognostic factors of long-term survival after remnant gastrectomy for RGC and may be key to managing and identifying therapeutic strategies for improving prognosis in RGC.
Changes of plasma Aβ and t-tau along with 18F-florbetapir PET in a cohort of cognitive decline
Authors: Pan Feng-Feng , Huang Qi , Wang Ying , Wang Yi-Fan , Guan Yi-Hui , Xie Fang , Guo Qihao
Published: June 2021

Background

Blood based biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are becoming increasingly promising. Although plasma amyloid-β (Aβ) and total tau (t-tau) showed a potential ability in identifying cerebral amyloid deposition and AD. Comparisons of these plasma biomarkers along with Aβ-PET in a cohort of normal controls (NC), subjective cognitive decline (SCD), objectively-defined subtle cognitive decline (Obj-SCD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD remained lacking.
Methods

A total of 407 individuals aged from 40 to 90 years old were recruited, including 76 of NC, 77 of SCD, 61 of obj-SCD, 92 of MCI and 101 of AD. Plasma Aβ40, Aβ42 and t-tau were examined via single-molecule array (Simoa) immunoassay. A subset of 132 individuals underwent cerebral amyloid scans with 18F-florbetapir PET. Comparisons of plasma t-tau, Aβ40, Aβ42 and Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio were conducted between different diagnostic groups and cerebral Aβ burdens. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between Aβ42, Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio and 18F-florbetapir SUVR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were carried out to evaluate the capacity of plasma biomarkers in identifying high brain Aβ burden and diagnosis of AD.
Results

Plasma Aβ42 was significantly higher in SCD and obj-SCD than NC, MCI and AD. Plasma Aβ40 was significantly higher in SCD and obj-SCD than NC and AD. The lowest levels of plasma Aβ42 and Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio were found in AD. No significant difference of plasma t-tau was found among groups. Plasma Aβ42 and Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio were inversely correlated with 18F-florbetapir SUVR (r=-0.272, P = 0.003; r=-0.211, P = 0.021 respectively). Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio performed well in predicting high brain Aβ burden (area under the curve, AUC = 0.762). Plasma Aβ42 and Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio had acceptable diagnostic accuracy for AD (AUC = 0.714 and 0.706 respectively), even in Aβ-PET (+) individuals (AUC = 0.728 and 0.808 respectively).
Conclusions

Plasma Aβ40 and Aβ42 measured by Simoa immunoassay showed a significantly bidirectional trend of initially increasing from NC to SCD and obj-SCD, and then declining to MCI and AD. In addition, plasma Aβ was significantly correlated with 18F-florbetapir PET SUVR and showed potential value in predicting cerebral Aβ deposition and risk of AD.
A Clinical Observational Study on the Application of Enhanced Recovery After Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Liao Rui , Che Ping , Li Jun-Cai , Chen Jie , Yan Xiong
Published: June 2021

Background: The safety and feasibility of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) for laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) are unclear. The aim of this retrospective clinical study was to evaluate the impact of ERAS protocols for LPD.Methods: Between March 2016 and December 2018, a total of 34 consecutive patients with ERAS for LPD were prospectively enrolled and compared with 68 consecutive patients previously treated for non-ERAS after LPD during an equal time frame. The intraoperative and postoperative data were collected and comparatively analyzed. Results: The mean length of postoperative hospital stay (15.8±3.4 and 23.1±5.1 days, P<0.001) and total medical costs (¥14.3±4.8 x104 and ¥15.8±4.9 x104, P=0.017) were reduced significantly in ER group than those in non-ER group. The operation time (462.7±117.0 vs 450.9±109.8 min, P=0.627) and intraoperative blood loss (523.5±270.0 vs 537.5±241.8 mL, P=0.800) were similar in the two groups. The complications of patients with ERAS protocols were not increased (P>0.05). No difference in mortality and readmission rates was found.Conclusions: The ERAS is safe and effective in the perioperative period of LPD. It could effectively reduce the length of postoperative stay and medical costs, and does not increase the incidence of postoperative complications.
Imputation of Sensory Properties Using Deep Learning
Authors: Segall Matthew , Mahmoud Samar , Irwin Benedict , Chekmarev Dmitriy , Vyas Shyam , Kattas Jeff , Whitehead Thomas , Mansley Tamsin , Bikker Jack , Conduit Gareth
Published: June 2021

Predicting the sensory properties of compounds is challenging, due to the subjective nature of the experimental measurements, which rely on a panel of human participants and are therefore also expensive and time-consuming. We describe the application of a state-of-the-art deep learning method, Alchemite™, to the imputation of sparse physicochemical and sensory data and compare the results with conventional quantitative structure-activity relationship methods and a multi-target graph convolutional neural network. The imputation model achieved a substantially higher accuracy of prediction, with improvements in R2 between 0.26 and 0.45 over the next best method for each sensory property. We also demonstrate that robust uncertainty estimates generated by the imputation model enable the most accurate predictions to be identified and that imputation also more accurately predicts activity cliffs, where small changes in compound structure result in large changes in sensory properties. In combination, these results demonstrate that use of imputation, based on data from less-expensive, early experiments enables better selection of compounds for more costly studies, saving experimental time and resources.
Unexpected Micro-Spatial Scale Genomic Diversity of the Bloom-Forming Cyanobacterium Aphanizomenon Gracile and its Phycosphere
Authors: Halary Sebastien , Duperron Sébastien , Tiam Sandra Kim , Duval Charlotte , Dhénain Eloïse , Bernard Cécile , Marie Benjamin
Published: June 2021

Background: Genotypic diversity within cyanobacteria populations, partly driven by horizontal gene transfers, is a key factor of their colonization success, allowing them to cope with spatio-temporal fluctuations of the environmental conditions. By providing complementary functions, such as oxidative stress protection, heterotrophic bacteria composing phycospheres play also an essential role in cyanobacteria adaptation. Aphanizomenon gracile is a species of toxinogen cyanobacteria blooming worldwide with severe consequences for fresh and brackish water ecosystems. While marker heterogeneity surveys have shown that harmful cyanobacteria blooms were not clonal populations, the real extent of genetic and functional diversity within a population of freshwater cyanobacteria, including A. gracile , and their associated phycospheres remains unclear. Results: Here, comparative omics of four monoclonal strains of A. gracile isolated from a single drop of water reveals extensive heterogeneity of chemotypes and gene contents, despite constrained genome size and high similarity indices. These variations are remarkably associated with horizontal gene transfers (HGT) of biosynthetic gene clusters (BCG), and a novel siphophage infecting A. gracile displaying characteristics of temperate phages appears to participate to this genotypic diversification. In spite of high variability in heterotrophic taxa relative abundances, A. gracile phycospheres displayed an apparent functional redundancy implying biosynthesis of public goods. Conclusions: Altogether, these results suggest that a bloom would constitute a hot-spot for A. gracile genotype diversification driven by cyanophages, where losses and gains of BCGs compels cyanobacteria individuals to cooperate together and with heterotrophic bacteria in a black queen hypothesis compatible way.
New record of two isopods Alitropus Typus and Tachaea Spongillicola from riverine freshwater fishes in western India
Authors: Bhakta Dibakar , Das Basanta Kumar , Kamble Suhas Prakash , Das Sanjoy Kumar , Samanta Srikanta , Mitra Santanu
Published: June 2021

The present paper deals with the infestation of freshwater fishes Labeo boggut, Oreochromis niloticus, Systomus sarana, and Xenentodon cancila by the parasitic isopods Alitropus typus and Tachaea spongillicola in Tapti, a westward freshwater flowing river of India. It is the first record of the infestation of parasitic isopods Alitropus typus, and Tachaea spongillicola in the freshwater fishes of river Tapti with new hosts’ species Labeo boggut, Oreochromis niloticus, and Systomus sarana.
The Impact of Endogenous Estrogen Exposures on the Characteristics and Outcomes of Estrogen Receptor Positive, Early-stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Korzets Yasmin , Yariv Orly , Mutai Raz , Moore Assaf , Shochat Tzippy , yerushalmi Rinat , Goldvaser Hadar
Published: June 2021

Background: Menstrual and parity history might impact the risk for breast cancer. Data on the impact of these factors on other tumor characteristics are limited. Methods: A single center retrospective cohort study comprising all women with estrogen receptor (ER) positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative, early breast cancer whose tumors were sent to OncotypeDX analysis. The impact on tumor characteristics including Oncotype recurrence score and on outcomes was evaluated, by prespecified subgroups, including: age of menarche (<12 vs. ≥12 years), number of deliveries (0 vs. ≥1 childbirth and ≥5 childbirth vs. other), age of first delivery (≥30 years vs. younger age) and postmenopausal compared to premenopausal. The impact of age of menopause was also assessed categorically, using early (<45 years) and late age of menopause (>55 years). Results: A total of 620 women were included. After median follow-up of 10.4 years, early menopause was associated with significantly worse disease-free survival (HR=2.26, p=0.004) and overall-survival (HR=2.60, p=0.004), and multiparity was associated with significant worse disease-free survival (HR=2.16, p=0.026). These differences remain significant in multivariate analyses. Post-menopausal women were more likely to have stronger ER intensity (p=0.002) but progesterone receptor (PR) positivity was less frequent (p=0.009(. Early age of menarche was associated with PR positivity (p=0.039). No other associations were found between the evaluated subgroups and tumor characteristics. Conclusions: The impact of endogenous estrogen exposure had little effect on breast cancer characteristics of early stage, luminal disease. Early menopause and multiparity were associated with worse outcome.
Contamination Level, Source Identification and Health Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements in Drinking Water Sources of Mining and Non-mining Areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Bhatti Zahid Imran , Ishtiaq Muhammad , Khan Said Akbbar , nawab javed , Khan Sardar , Baig Shams Ali , muhammad Ihsan , Din Zia ud , Khan Asad , Ghani junaid
Published: June 2021

Accelerated mining activities have increased water contamination with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and their associated human health risk in developing countries. The current study investigated the distribution of PTEs, their potential sources and health risk assessment in both ground and surface water sources in mining and non–mining areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Water samples (n=150) were taken from selected sites and were analyzed for six PTEs (Ni, Cr, Zn, Cu, Pb and Mn). Among PTEs, Cr showed high mean concentration (497) μg L–1, followed by Zn (414) μg L–1 in mining area, while Zn showed lowest mean value (4.44) μg L–1 in non-mining areas. Elevated concentrations of Ni, Cr and moderate level of Pb in ground and surface water of Mohmand District exceeded the permissible limits set by WHO (2017). Multivariate statistical analyses showed that pollution sources of PTEs were mainly from mafic-ultramafic rocks, acid mine drainage, open dumping of mine-wastes and mine tailings. The hazard quotient (HQ) was highest for children relatively to adults, but not higher than the US-EPA limits. The hazard index (HI) for ingestions of all selected PTEs were lower than the threshold value (HIing <1), except Mohmand District which showed (HI >1) in mining areas through ingestion. Moreover, the carcinogenic risk (CR) values exceeded the threshold limits for Ni and Cr set by the US-EPA (1.0E−04 to 1.0E−06). In order to protect the drinking water sources of the study areas from more contamination, the management techniques and policy for mining operations need to be implemented.
Myocardial Work Index during Normal Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography
Authors: Leitman Marina , Balboul Yoni , Burgsdorf Oleg , Fuchs Shmuel
Published: June 2021

PurposeDobutamine stress echocardiography is an alternative method to exercise stress echocardiography for the evaluation of ischemia. Recently, the novel speckle tracking imaging derived parameter, myocardial work index, was suggested for the evaluation of cardiac performance and was evaluated during exercise stress echocardiography. In this study we analyzed the effect of dobutamine on myocardial work index variables during normal dobutamine stress echocardiography.MethodsEchocardiography examinations of patients with normal dobutamine stress echocardiography were collected and underwent off-line speckle tracking imaging analysis. Myocardial work index parameters were calculated at each dose of dobutamine and compared.Results286 patients underwent dobutamine stress echocardiography during the study period. 102 patients were excluded due to pre-existed coronary artery disease or ischemia at dobutamine stress echocardiography. 65 patients were excluded due to suboptimal image quality unsuitable for speckle tracking imaging analysis. The remaining 119 patients with normal results were included. The global work index decreased from 2393.3 to 1864.7 mmHg', p < 0.0004. Global constructive work decreased from 2681.7 to 2152.6 mmHg', p = 0.001. Global wasted work increased from 78.8 to 128.3%, p < 0.003. Global work efficacy decreased from 96.1 to 91.9%, p < 0.00001. Global strain increased from – 19.6 to -23.7%, P < 0.00001. Conclusion. Dobutamine stress echocardiography results in a decrease of all specific myocardial work index parameters even in normal subjects. Only global myocardial strain improved.
Knockdown of SERPINB2 enhances the osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway
Authors: Hang Kai , Ying Li , Bai Jinwu , Wang Yibo , Kuang Zhihui , Xue Dating , Pan Zhijun
Published: June 2021

Background Globally, bone fractures are the most common musculoskeletal trauma, and approximately 8–10% of cases that fall into the categories of delayed or non-union healing. Treatment of impaired healing in these patients not only represents a tremendous burden on healthcare systems but also increases patients’ pain and financial burdens. To date, there are no efficient pharmacological agents to accelerate the healing of bone fractures. Thus, it is necessary to find new strategies that accelerate bone healing and reduce the incidence of non-union or delayed fracture healing. Previous studies have revealed that the plasminogen activation system has been demonstrated to play an important role in bone metabolism. However, the function of SERPINB2 in the osteogenesis of hBMSCs remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects and mechanism of Apelin on osteogenic differentiation. Methods We investigated the osteogenesis effects of hBMSCs by both exogenous SERPINB2 protein and SERPINB2 silencing in vitro. Cell proliferation assay was used to assess the effect of exogenous SERPINB2 or SERPINB2 silencing on proliferation of hBMSCs. qPCR and Western blotting analysis detected the expression of target genes and proteins respectively. ALP staining was used to evaluated ALP activity and Alizarin Red staining (ARS) was used to evaluate mineral deposition. In vivo, a murie tibial fracture model was established, histological evaluation and radiographic analysis was used to confirm the therapeutic effects of SERPINB2 silencing in fracture healing. statistical significance between two groups was determined by Student’s t test, one-way ANOVA or Bonferroni’s post-hoc test according to the distribution of the tested population.Results The addition of exogenous SERPINB2 protein inhibted osteoblast differentiation of hBMSCs in vitro, while SERPINB2 gene silencing significant promote osteoblast differentiation of hBMSCs in vitro. And silence SERPINB2 gene also increased mineral deposits. Moreover, β-catenin levels were up-regulated by SERPINB2 gene depletion. And the enhancement of osteogenic differentiation induced by SERPINB2 silencing was almost inhibited by specific Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway inhibitors. In a murine tibial fracture model, local injection of SERPINB2 siRNA improved bone fracture healing. Conclusions Taken together, these findings indicate that SERPINB2 silencing promoted osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and silenced SERPINB2 in vivo effectively promotes fracture healing, suggesting that SERPINB2 may be a novel target for bone fracture healing.
Blood circulatory level of seven sirtuins in Alzheimer’s disease: Potent biomarker based on translational research
Authors: Pradhan Rashmita , Singh Abhinay Kumar , Kumar Pramod , Bajpai Swati , Pathak Mona , Chatterjee Prasun , Dwivedi Sadanand , Dey A.B. , Dey Sharmistha
Published: June 2021

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an accelerating neurodegenerative disorder. Dysfunction of mitochondria and oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of AD. Sirtuins play a role in this pathway and can be a potential marker to study neurodegenerative changes. This study evaluated serum levels of all seven sirtuins (SIRT1 – SIRT7) proteins in three study groups: AD, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), and Geriatric Control (GC) by Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) technique. Further, it was validated by the Western blot experiment. ROC analysis was performed to differentiate the study group based on the concentration of serum SIRT proteins. Out of seven sirtuins, serum SIRT1, SIRT3, and SIRT6 levels (mean ± SD) were significantly decreased in AD (1.65 ± 0.56, 3.15 ± 0.28, 3.36 ± 0.32ng/µl); compare to MCI (2.17 ± 0.39, 3.60 ± 0.51, 3.73 ± 0.48ng/µl) and GC (2.84 ± 0.47, 4.55 ± 0.48, 4.65 ± 0.55ng/µl). ROC analysis showed the cut-off value with high sensitivity and specificity for cognitive impairment (AD and MCI). The concentration declined significantly with the disease progression. No specific difference was observed in case of other SIRTS between the study groups. This study reveals an inverse relation of serum SIRT1, SIRT3, and SIRT6 concentration with AD. ROC analysis showed that these serum proteins have greater accuracy in diagnosing of AD. This is the first report of estimation of all seven serum sirtuins and the clinical relevance of SIRT3 and SIRT6 as serum protein markers for AD.
Predictors and microbiology of ventriculostomy-associated infections: A retrospective study of 216 patients
Authors: Kim Junhyung , Kim Jae Ho , Lee Woosung , Han Hyun Jin , Park Keun Young , Chung Joonho , Kim Yong Bae , Joo Jin Yang , Park Sang Kyu
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Ventriculostomy-associated infection (VAI) is a serious complication of external ventricular drainage (EVD). Infection rates and risk factors are variable in the literature due to heterogeneity of EVD procedures and management. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of VAI and its associated factors in two institutions with identical EVD procedural and management protocols.METHODS: The authors reviewed the medical records of patients older than 18 years who received EVD placements between January 2015 and December 2020 in two institutions under a single healthcare system. RESULTS: A total of 216 patients with 328 catheters was included for analysis. Twenty-three VAIs were identified, a 10.6% VAI rate. VAI was associated with a shorter duration of first EVD (9.7 days vs. 11.8 days, P = 0.018), a longer total EVD duration (28.0 days vs. 16.1 days, P < 0.001), a longer procedural time (72 minutes vs. 40 minutes, P < 0.001), catheterization at non-Kocher’s points (34.7% vs. 12.5%, P = 0.010), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak (8.7% vs. 1.6%, P = 0.030), craniotomy (87.0% vs. 61.7%, P = 0.020), and other systemic infections (30.4% vs. 9.3%, P = 0.012). On multivariate analysis, the first EVD duration (OR = 0.095, P < 0.001), total EVD duration (OR 1.128, P < 0.001), EVD placement at non-Kocher’s point (OR 4.545, P = 0.012), and other systemic infections (OR = 5.117, P = 0.024) were associated independently with VAI. There was no statistical difference in VAI rate between patients with or without prophylactic EVD exchange at 14 days (6.8% vs. 12.6%, P = 0.247).CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant systemic infection and placement of an EVD catheter at a non-Kocher’s point were independently associated with VAI. Prophylactic EVD exchange at 14 days did not lower VAI rate.
Susceptibility of African Bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to selected pyrethroid Insecticides on Cotton
Authors: Alemu Zemedkun
Published: June 2021

AbstractHelicoverpa armigera is a major threat for all cotton production areas in Ethiopia. Pests control with insecticides from a single chemistry group is common practice in most cotton farms, which may help to the development of insecticide resistance. The studies aimed to determine the susceptibility of the field population of H. armigera to pyrethroid insecticides. The experiment was carried out at Werer Agricultural Research Center under the laboratory condition using larva immersion and square dip methods. The selected insecticides were tested in seven dilutions levels. In each dilution 30 larvae of 3rd instars, H. armigera were treated in three replications along with pure water. A low level of resistance was detected for all tested locations to alphacypermethrin and a high resistance ratio to lambda-cyhalothrin and deltamethrin for Gewane and Werer populations. Aplhacypermethrin was the most toxic insecticide and its LC50 was low compared to other tested synthetic pyrethroids. Whereas, deltamethrin was the least toxic insecticide with high LC50. The LC50 value of the Goffa-Sawla population was significantly different among the populations for Werer, Upper-Awash, and Gewane in both bioassay methods. The study concluded that Helicoverpa armigera might have resistant to deltamethrin in Werer and Gewane populations. Further studies on the monitoring of resistance are recommended.
Features of ground inflow testing in the areas of double porosity aquifer development
Authors: Auzinaa L. I. , Lankin Yu. K.
Published: June 2021

The purpose of the study is optimization of geological exploration at the groundwater deposits of the upper hydrodynamic zone formed in the fault-block structure conditions in Eastern Siberia. The authors analyze the structural and tectonic features of the areas under investigation, the results of areal geophysics studies, exploration drilling and the use of the author's methodology in carrying out of the ground inflow testing. The objects of research are groundwater deposits located in various tectonic structures of Eastern Siberia. The analysis of field study results involving researches of groundwater deposits located in various tectonic structures of Eastern Siberia made it possible to identify the double porosity in the aquifers of free water exchange in the region, which is due to the stresses arising during the inland Baikal rift system formation. As a result, the optimization of geological exploration work, methodology and processing methods of ground inflow testing in the areas of fault-block structures development were introduced on the basis of the features of structural-tectonic and hydrogeological conditions.
Polyarene analysis-based identification of natural and technogenic processes in underground hydrosphere
Authors: Khaustov A. P. , Redina M. M.
Published: June 2021

The purpose of the study is to analyze the possibility to identify the pollution genesis of the underground hydrosphere based on the data on polyarenes as geochemical markers. Their marker role is due to their toxicity, persistence and confinement to specific pollution sources and natural and technogenic processes. The main research method is the analysis of indicator ratios of polyarenes. The object of research is groundwater from different regions of the world, which are polluted by natural and anthropogenic polyarenes. The main directions of domestic and foreign researches as well as the problems of their implementation are shown. The use of indicator ratios enabled successful identification of pyro- and petrogenically polluted samples of groundwater also the examples of the study of polyarenes as geochemical markers were demonstrated. The polyarenes are shown to be an effective indicator of the pollution genesis in the underground hydrosphere. However, their analysis requires the use of modern methods of sampling, sample preparation and extraction, which significantly complicates research in practice.
TASARIM HUKUKUNDA BİLGİLENMİŞ KULLANICI KAVRAMI
Authors: KOŞER Nihal
Published: June 2021

Bir tasarımın 6769 sayılı Sınai Mülkiyet Kanunu kapsamında öngörülen hukuki korumadan yararlanabilmesi, yeni ve ayırt edici nitelikte olmasına bağlıdır. Bu niteliklere sahip bir tasarımın kazandığı korumanın kapsamı da yine sahip olduğu ayırt edici nitelikle doğru orantılı olarak belirlenmektedir. Her iki halde de ayırt edicilik değerlendirmesi; bilgilenmiş kullanıcı görüşü esas alınarak gerçekleştirilmektedir. Diğer bir deyişle, tasarım hukukuna ilişkin uyuşmazlıkların çoğunun ayırt edicilik ile bağlantılı olması karşısında bunların çözümünde belirleyici konumda bulunan kişinin; bilgilenmiş kullanıcı olduğu söylenebilecektir. Buna karşın 6769 sayılı Sınai Mülkiyet Kanunu veya buna kaynak Avrupa Birliği hukuku düzenlemelerinde bilgilenmiş kullanıcı kavramının kapsam ve içeriğine ilişkin bir herhangi bir hüküm bulunmamaktadır. Çalışma kapsamında öncelikle bilgilenmiş kullanıcı kavramının ortaya çıkışı, işlevi ve konu olduğu hukuki düzenlemeler ele alınmıştır. Ardından unsurlar değerlendirilmiş ve doktrin ile uygulamada yapılan tanımlar çerçevesinde, bir tanım ortaya konulmuştur. Son olarak bilgilenmiş kullanıcının temel özellikleri açıklanmış ve bunların yorumunda ölçüt olarak kullanılan “ortalama tüketici” ve “uzman” kavramlarından farkları inceleme konusu yapılmıştır.
Sustainability reporting: An overview of the recent development
Authors: Meutia Inten , Yaacob Zulnaidi , F. Kartasari Shelly
Published: June 2021

This study aims to provide an extensive overview of the current state of sustainability reporting through the review studies on sustainability reports (SR) in the accounting literature for the period 2015–2020. A structured literature review (SLR) methodology is used to investigate how the SR literature develops and focuses. The study uses keywords such as “sustainability report” and “sustainability reporting” to identify studies that are relevant to a given topic. A total of 44 published studies were found. This study identifies the main directions of SR research in the 2015–2020 period and discusses several important aspects of research, namely methodology, research methods, and the theory used. To enrich the results, this study defines the scope, country of research, topics and sectors studied. The study provides insight into future SR research used by researchers to develop SR research. Several things are proposed that can be used as a guide for future SR research, such as sustainability in SMEs and the public sector. Ensuring sustainability is one of the research topics that can be a direction for researchers in the future. Theories such as contingency and source credibility can be an alternative to explaining the reality of sustainability reporting.
Prior credit assessment of long-term SME projects with non-standard cash flows
Authors: Onikiienko Serhii , Polishchuk Yevheniia , Ivashchenko Alla , Kornyliuk Anna , Demchyshak Nazar
Published: June 2021

Over the past three decades, the relative bank loan demand has changed due to the arising small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Therefore, banks in their operations face the problem of processing an ever-increasing number of loan applications. The aim of this paper is to develop an auxiliary approach to assessing the prior creditworthiness of long-term SME projects with nonstandard cash flows.This study reveals how the principles of value-based management can be incorporated into the process of borrower’s creditworthiness assessment to improve the process of screening loan applications. For this, the internal rate of return was used as a criterion for loan granting decision at the initial stage of loan underwriting.An algorithm for the preliminary evaluation of loan applications is proposed and is based on the principle of maximizing the shareholder value of banks. This algorithm helps to define the credit terms taking into consideration the distribution of positive cash flows throughout the project’s expected economic life, calculate the possible real effective interest rate concerning the borrower’s nonstandard cash flow schedule, make a rough analysis on the economic efficiency of lending and state the necessary criterion to initiate the procedure of loan underwriting for the projects with nonstandard cash flow schedules. The proposed estimation algorithm stemming from the IRR-approach for the cash flow analysis can also be initially used by a borrower as a tool for credit solvency self-testing via screening of periods with corresponding cash flows that can be used for loan servicing.
Effect of Social Stories Designed and Presented by Pre-Service Teachers on Social Skills Acquisition of Children with Autism
Authors: AKGÜN-GİRAY Dilay , ERGENEKON Yasemin
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Social stories (SS) are among evidence-based practices that are known to be effective in support of behavioral and educational needs of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is very important for teachers to present evidence-based practices with high application reliability for children with ASD to reach their target skills. This study aimed to examine the effect of SS that were designed and presented by pre-service teachers (PST) on target social skill (sharing toys, saying hello, and forming a line) acquisition, maintenance, and generalization of preschool children with ASD.Method: The study was conducted with a multiple probe design across dyads, and content analysis was used for the assessment of social validity data obtained in the study. Two different groups participated in the present study. The first group included children with ASD and the second group included PST who attended teaching practice courses.Results: Study results demonstrated that PST achieved the skill of accurately authoring and applying the SS after the provided training, while children with ASD acquired the target social skills, maintained and generalized these social skills. Social validity data showed that the study was considered positively both by PST and the parents of participating children with ASD.Discussion: PST wrote social stories correctly and applied with high treatment integrity. Children with ASD quickly acquired, maintained and generalized target social skills. The PST’s writing and implementation of SS with high application reliability is consistent with the research findings in the literature.
Exposure assessment of treated greywater reused for irrigation
Authors: Potivichayanon Siraporn , Sittitoon Nalin , Vinnerås Björn
Published: June 2021

The aim of the study was to assess the risk of exposure of treated greywater reused for irrigation. It consisted of untreated and treated greywater quality analysis and heavy metal exposure assessment. After treatment with a local conventional stabilization pond, parameters such as BOD, COD, Zn, and Pb dropped to 35.63, 9.95, 0.011, and 0.001 mg/L, respectively. Total coliform and fecal coliform decreased to 23,417 and 5,666 MPN/100 mL, respectively. These results showed almost all detected contaminants in treated greywater were minimized and did not exceed Thailand's standard and World Health Organization guidelines. After that, treated greywater was reused for irrigation. There were three vegetable plots: treated greywater, tap water with fertilizer, and tap water. There were seven edible plants, four leafy and three fruiting vegetables, cultivated in each plot. Zn, Pb, Cd, Cu, and Hg were detected depending on the kind of plant; for example, the maximum concentration was found in leafy vegetables. However, the concentrations of contaminants did not exceed the Codex standard for contaminants and toxins in foods and Thailand's standard. Risk characterization showed no risk with a hazard quotient far less than 1. Therefore, treated greywater reuse could be considered to promote sustainable water management in the community.
The Rising Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and How it is Dealt
with: A Review of Current and Potential Phosphate Binders (PB)
Authors: Gosik Robert , Danel Krzysztof
Published: June 2021

:

It is estimated that by 2040, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) will be the 5th main cause of
global deaths. It has been suggested that hyperphosphatemia is among the main factors leading to the
increased risk of death. This review focuses on potential and currently used Phosphate Binders (PB).
Aluminum hydroxide is presently not recommended due to potential aluminum toxicity. Calciumcontaining
phosphate binders (CCPB) can cause calcium overload, resulting in hypercalcemia and an
increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Magnesium and calcium complexes were suggested to be as
effective as sevelamer in the reduction of serum phosphate, with the potential to slow down the process
of calcification. However, limited studies have been conducted in this area. Although sevelamer
seemed to have a positive influence on cardiovascular calcification and arterial stiffness, its influence
on mortality was unclear. Sevelamer crystal accumulation in the Gastrointestinal tract (GI) can cause
gastrointestinal bleeding. Lanthanum carbonate seemed to lower all-cause mortality and reduce the
chance of hypercalcemia, even though a deposit in the GI tract was observed. Colestilan, like sevelamer,
reduced LDL cholesterol. Sucroferric oxyhydroxide had a lower pill burden than other PBs and
it seemed to reduce serum FGF-23. Ferric citrate improved parameters that are related to anemia but
can cause iron overload. Bixalomer appeared to have fewer gastrointestinal side effects than sevelamer.
Nano-lanthanum hydroxide and SBR759 may have an interesting future as PBs. In conclusion, the
development of new PBs should also take into consideration their potential to function as protection
modifiers.
Zn(OAc)2•2H2O-Catalyzed Betti Base Synthesis under Solvent-free Conditions
Authors: Alam M. Mujahid , Bollikolla Hari B. , Varala Ravi
Published: June 2021

:

Zn(OAc)2•2H2O-catalyzed one-pot multicomponent reaction of Betti bases using β-
naphthol, aldehydes, and amines, under neat conditions in moderate to excellent yields (68-
96%) is reported in this study. This synthetic protocol offers several advantages, such as operational
simplicity, shorter reaction period, high yields, and easy work-up procedures.
Comparative Genomic and Network Analysis of nNOS by Using Different Bioinformatics Approaches
Authors: Arora Nymphaea , Prashar Vikash , Arora Tania , Singh Randeep , Mishra Anshul , Godara Priya , Banerjee Arpita , Sharma Arti , Parkash Jyoti
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

Nitric Oxide (NO) is a diatomic free radical gaseous molecule that is formed
from L-arginine through NOS (Nitric oxide synthase) catalyzed reaction. NO controls vascular tone
(hence blood pressure), insulin secretion, airway tone, and peristalsis, and is involved in angiogenesis
(growth of new blood vessels) and development of the nervous system. In the CNS, NO is an important
messenger molecule, which is involved in various major functions in the brain. NOS has been
classified into three isoforms, including nNOS (neuronal NOS), eNOS (endothelial NOS) and iNOS
(inducible NOS). NOS1 is localized on chromosome 12 consisting of 1434 amino acids and 161 KDa
molecular weight. nNOS is involved in synaptic transmission, regulating the tone of smooth muscles
and penile erection. We studied NOS1 gene and protein network analysis through in silico techniques
as human nNOS sequence was fetched from GenBank and its homologous sequences were retrieved
through BLAST search. Moreover, the results of this study exploit the role of NOS1 in various pathways,
which provide ways to regulate it in various neurodegenerative diseases.

Background:

Previous research has revealed the role of Nitric Oxide (NO) formed from L-arginine
through NOS (Nitric Oxide Synthase) as physiological inter/intra-cellular messenger in central as well
as peripheral nervous systems. The diverse functions of NOS include insulin secretion, airway tone,
vascular tone regulation, and in brain, it is involved in differentiation, development, synaptic plasticity
and neurosecretion.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to unravel the role of neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase (nNOS)
in different pathways and its involvement as therapeutic target in various neurodegenerative disorders
that can surely provide ways to regulate its activity in different aspects.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, we employed various bioinformatics tools and databases initiating
the study by fetching the neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase (nNOS) sequence (GenBank) to find its homologous
sequences(BLAST) and then exploring its physical properties and post translational modifications,
enhancing the research by network analysis (STRING), leading to its functional enrichment (Panther).

Results:

The results positively support the hypothesis of its role in various pathways related to neurodegeneration
and its interacting partners are the probable therapeutic targets of various neurodegenerative
diseases focusing on specifically multi-target analysis.

Conclusion:

This study considered evolutionary trend of physical, chemical and biological properties
of NOS1 through different phyla. The neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase (nNOS), being one of the three
isoforms of NOS (Nitric Oxide Synthase), is found to be involved in more pathways than just forming
Nitric Oxide. This research provides the base for further neurological research.
Implications of Adult Use Cannabis Legalization for Adolescent Use, Perceptions, Health, and Consequences
Authors: Elliott Mark D. , Adinoff Bryon
Published: June 2021

Background:

Adult-use cannabis legalization is being increasingly embraced by various jurisdictions in the United States (US) and internationally. As adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the negative consequences of cannabis, it is essential to ensure that the effects of adult-use legalization are minimized.

Objectives:

This review aimed to synthesize the extant literature exploring the impact of adult-use legalization on adolescents and provide recommendations for future action. We focused on the following domains: 1) prevalence of use, 2) high-frequency use, 3) perceived harm, 4) perceived availability, 5) modes of use, 6) potency, 7) mental health and medical outcomes, and 8) legal consequences.

Methods:

Narrative review is focused on adult-use legalization in the US.

Results:

Adolescent cannabis use prevalence in US legal (as well as illegal) states has remained essentially stable since the advent of adult-use legalization. Criminal penalties for adolescents have not decreased in legal states and maybe increasing; out-of-school suspensions for cannabis use may also be increasing. It is uncertain whether reported decreases in national rates of perceived harm and availability and increases in cannabis frequency and potency of use in adolescents differ between legal and illegal states. The impact of legalization on adolescent health outcomes remains uncertain.

Conclusion:

At this early stage of adult-use legalization, we recommend that jurisdictions implement real-time, detailed monitoring to assess adolescent outcomes. In addition, both criminal penalties and out-of-school suspensions for cannabis infractions should be minimized.
Limits of local self-government in the provision of “personal” social service in Slovakia
Authors:   Department of Social Studies, Faculty of Public Administration, Pavol Jozef Šafárik Univerzity, Košice, Slovakia, Lachytová Lenka , Smolnická Monika ,   Department of Social Studies, Faculty of Public Administration, Pavol Jozef Šafárik Univerzity, Košice, Slovakia
Published: June 2021

Social services provide a person with intervention and care from society. By activating a person through the use of social services, an individual reintegrates into social functioning, where he finds his natural place and thus, through his actions, the society keeps developing. Conceptually and competently, local self-government has suitable conditions for its citizens to provide social services that respond to their needs, as well as taking into account how the citizens' needs are concretized and what the demand for them is. Here, however, there is a need for research and analysis of demand, which the municipality should carry out in search of the types and forms of social services that it wants to effectively provide for the citizen. The aim of the article is to determine; what are the limits of municipal self-government in providing "personal social services" in Slovakia. The research was focused on identifying the most common problems and the demand for social services in relation to municipalities. In the 5 author's questionnaires, we focused on the hierarchy of the number of problems expressed, which most often led to the municipal self-government-the executive body of the municipality, the mayor. On the hierarchy of the most common problems, sets of questions and items were compiled for their solution by the municipal self-government. The results showed that mayors are limited by law in the provision of social services, but are not able to provide social services for the category of unemployed in terms of citizen activation.
Rating Hospital Performance in China: Review of Publicly Available Measures and Development of a Ranking System (Preprint)
Authors: Dong Shengjie , Millar Ross , Shi Chenshu , Dong Minye , Xiao Yuyin , Shen Jie , Li Guohong
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

In China, significant emphasis and investment in health care reform since 2009 has brought with it increasing scrutiny of its public hospitals. Calls for greater accountability in the quality of hospital care have led to increasing attention toward performance measurement and the development of hospital ratings. Despite such interest, there has yet to be a comprehensive analysis of what performance information is publicly available to understand the performance of hospitals in China.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to review the publicly available performance information about hospitals in China to assess options for ranking hospital performance.

METHODS

A review was undertaken to identify performance measures based on publicly available data. Following several rounds of expert consultation regarding the utility of these measures, we clustered the available options into three key areas: research and development, academic reputation, and quality and safety. Following the identification and clustering of the available performance measures, we set out to translate these into a practical performance ranking system to assess variation in hospital performance.

RESULTS

A new hospital ranking system termed the China Hospital Development Index (CHDI) is thus presented. Furthermore, we used CHDI for ranking well-known tertiary hospitals in China.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite notable limitations, our assessment of available measures and the development of a new ranking system break new ground in understanding hospital performance in China. In doing so, CHDI has the potential to contribute to wider discussions and debates about assessing hospital performance across global health care systems.
The Role of Models in the Discovery of the Nucleus: Ernest Rutherford and his School
Authors: Durlo Andrea
Published: June 2021

Ernest Rutherford is remembered as the scientist who proposed a planetary atomic model that would overcome the atomic structure of the early 20th century, proposed by J.J. Thomson, and based on a volume of positive charge within which the negative charge was considered to be uniformly distributed. Reading Rutherford’s original paper published in 1911—allows us to compare the models of these two physicists and discuss the concept of the model itself.
Effect of Citrus Fiber Addition on Quality Attributes of Fully Cooked Deli-Style Turkey Breast
Authors: Powell McKenna J. , Sebranek Joseph G. , Prusa Kenneth J. , Tarté Rodrigo
Published: June 2021

The effects of citrus fiber on the color, texture, lipid oxidation, and sensory characteristics of fully cooked deli-style turkey breast during storage (3°C) were studied. Four treatments were evaluated: control, 0.25% citrus fiber, 0.50% citrus fiber, and 0.105% sodium tripolyphosphate. The study was independently replicated 3 times. Proximate analysis and pH were measured once, and color (Hunter L, a, b), lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances), texture (Texture Profile Analysis hardness, resilience, cohesiveness, springiness, and chewiness), and sensory parameters (turkey aroma, texture, moistness, turkey flavor, off-flavor, and color) were measured at regular intervals on vacuum-packaged samples throughout an 84-d storage period. Aside from Texture Profile Analysis resiliency and sensory moistness lower in the 0.105% sodium tripolyphosphate group, all experimental treatments resulted in product with equivalent quality attributes to the control. At the levels tested in this specific application (high moisture, low fat), the citrus fiber evaluated did not affect the product’s quality attributes in a measurable way.