bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic Versus Open Appendicectomy for Treatment of Acute Appendicitis
Authors: Ali Mohammad , Jahan Kazi Lsrat
Published: February 2020

Laparoscopic appendicectomy is not yet considered the "gold standard" in the treatment of acuteappendicitis because of its higher operative time, intra-abdominal abscess risk, and costscompared to open appendicectomy. On the other hand laparoscopic appendicectomy is associatedwith fewer post operative complications, shorter hospital stay, and nearly similar operative time,intra-abdominal abscess rate, and total costs, compared with open appendicectomy. With increasein the experience of the surgeon in laparoscopic skills pit falls will be much lower. Therefore, laparoscopicappendectomy can be recommended as preferred approach in acute appendicitis

Journal of Surgical Sciences (2016) Vol. 20 (1) : 24-25
Expression of Kl67 In ER+ PR+ HER2- & ERr- PRr- HER2- Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Md Hasanuzzaman - , Lslam Md Johirul , Hossain AZM Mostaque , Md Rassell - , Rahman Md Mafizur , Rahman Mohammad Zillur , Haque Md Ashraf Ul
Published: February 2020

Background: Carcinoma of the breast is one of the most common malignancies in women worldwide.

Objective: The current study was conducted to evaluate the role of Ki-67 as a prognosticmarker in two definite groups of breast cancer patients (ER+ve, PR+ve, HER-ve& triple negative)in Bangladesh perspective.

Methods: Sixty nine female breast cancer patients operated at the surgical oncology departmentof National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital were selected by non-probabilitysampling method and operated specimens were sent for immunohistochemical study of theER, PR, Her2/neu receptors and Ki-67 protein analysis. Statistical analysis was conductedusing SPSS version 17 for Windows software. P-value 0.05 or less was considered as significant.

Result: The mean age of the patients was 46.96 years with SD of± 13.13 years. Histopathologyreports revealed that 94.2% (65/69) were suffering from duct cell carcinoma (DCC) whilelobular varieties were found in 2 cases. Majority of the patients with ER+, PR+ and Ki-67 +vestatus were between 36-50 years of age. But for Her2/neu positive cases most of patientswere above 50 years of age. In Luminal A category cancer patients 69.7% showed positiveKi-67 expression but in case of triple negative cases this percentage was 87.5%. However, thisdifference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Scores based upon staining of ER, PR, Her2/neu and Ki-67 collectively known asIHC4 which can be used as prognostic markers in breast cancer patients.

Journal of Surgical Sciences (2016) Vol. 20 (2) :37-41
Case Report Adrenal Myelolipoma
Authors: Md Ashaduzzaman Abu Taher , Khalil M lbrhim , Jarnaf ABM
Published: February 2020

Adrenal myelolipoma is a rare tumor that is benign in nature, usually asymptomatic, unilateraland nonsecreting, With the widespread use of imaging modalities such as ultrasonographythe incidental detection of these tumors are increasing in frequency. We report acase of adrenal myelolipoma in a 45-year-old female who presented with pain in the rightupper abdomen, headache and hypertension. Myelolipoma as an incidental diagnosismight keep in mind and evaluate accordingly to validated protocol because of surgicalemergencies such as spontaneous retroperitoneal hemorrhage.

Journal of Surgical Sciences (2016) Vol. 20 (2) :59-61
Evaluation of the Use of POSSUM and P-POSSUM Score as a Tool for Prediction of Surgical Outcome
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Saif , Mondal Samiron Kumar , Roy Sharmistha , Khan Masrur Akbar , Alam ABM Khurshid , Bashar Abul , Murshed Mahbub
Published: February 2020

Background: There are many scoring systems that predict the risk of mortality with varyingdegrees of accuracy. The ideal scoring system for surgical outcome should be quick andeasy to use and should be applicable to all general surgical procedures. POSSUM(Physiological and Operative Severity Score for enumeration of Mortality and Morbidity) andP-POSSUM (Portsmouth POSSUM) are the most appropriate scoring systems currentlyavailable in general surgery to predict thirty days mortality and morbidity.

Objective: The study was done to assess the value of POSSUM in predicting the morbidityrate and the value of P-POSSUM in predicting the mortality rate in general surgical patientsof our country.

Methods: Aprospective study was performed in 120 general surgical patient. The risks ofmorbidity and mortality were calculated by using the POSSUM equation for morbidity andthe P-POSSUM equation for mortality in each patient. The predicted risks were comparedwith the observed risks of morbidity and mortality for 30 days after surgery and statisticallyanalysed.

Results: The difference in p value of predicted risk of morbidity by POSSUM equation andobserved morbidity; calculated by chi square test(x2 =1.36, d.f=4,p=0.24,0/P ratio was1.18); which was not statistically significant. The predicted mortality by P-POSSUM equationand observed mortality; calculated by Fisher's exact test(p=1) was not found statisticallysignificant. The Pearson correlation has shown significant correlation at the 0.01 level (2tailed) for the observed and predicted mortality and morbidity(r=O. 701).ROC analysesshowed both POSSUM and P-POSSUM scores to be good predictors of 30-day morbidity andmortality with area under the curve values (AUC) of 0.887 and 0.991 respectively.

ConclusionPOSSUM and P-POSSUM can be used as a valid tool for using risk prediction of morbidityand mortality in our set up.

Journal of Surgical Sciences (2017) Vol. 21 (1) :11-14
Breast Surgery under Thoracic Epidural Analgesia
Authors: Bashar Md Abul , Ali Mohammad , Jahan Kazi lsrat , Rahman Zahidur , Murshed Mahbub
Published: February 2020

Background: Operations on breast are routinely performed under general anesthesia. Avariety of local and regional techniques have been described for breast surgery with thegoal of reducing the complications associated with general anaesthesia.

Objective: To assess the feasibility of thoracic epidural anaesthesia as sole anesthetictechnique for breast surgery.

Methods: This study was conducted on 32 cooperative female patients of age group42-55 year. T5-T6 or T4-T5 space was used for insertion of epidural catheter. lnjLidocaine 2% 12 ml was injected through the catheter as anaesthetic agent. lnj Tramadol50- 100 mg used epidurally for postoperative relief till 48 hours postoperatively.Demographic characteristics of the study population, any coexisting disease, type ofsurgery performed, duration of surgery, degree of intraoperative analgesia, incidence ofcomplications related to TEA, and its efficacy in postoperative pain relief were observedand analysed.

Results: Out of 32 patients most of them (11) were in between 51-55 years. 10 out of32 had coexisting disease. 5 patient had hypertension and one had asthma. Modifiedradical mastectomy (MRM) was most frequently performed operation (24). 21 patientcomplained no pain during the operation and 5 patient complained mild discomforttowards end of operation. 4 patient developed bradycardia during the operation whichwas managed by inj. Atropin. Post operative analgesia was satisfactory.

Conclusion: Midthoracic epidural anaesthesia technique is a safe alternative acceptablemethod for various breast surgery with excellent postoperative pain relief and earlyrecovery.

Journal of Surgical Sciences (2017) Vol. 21 (1) :29-32
Evaluation of Female Infertility by Laparoscopy in a Secondary Level Infertility Care Centre
Authors: Kutubi Afroza , Rahman Rusdana , Rahman Sumana , Rahman Md Mustafizur
Published: February 2020

Introduction: infertility is regarded as an upsetting and difficult life experience for some women with elevated levels of anxiety & depression. Laparoscopy is the gold standard in diagnosing various aspects of female subfertility as well as treatment of some of them at the same time.Secondary level infertility care centre includes all those can manage every aspects of problems of infertily except IVF-ET and other advance aspects of management.

Objective: To find out the role of laparoscopy in the management of infertile women in a secondary level infertility care centre.

Study Design: Prospective cross sectional study.

Setting: Fertility care centre, Department of Obst. &Gynaecology Dhaka Medical College Hospital from January 2018 to June 2018.

Methods: During the study period 328 infertile women attended infertility outdoor. .Among them 48 were admitted for diagnostic laparoscopy.

Results: Out of forty eight women 26 (54%) had primary infertility, 22 (46%) had secondary infertility.The findings were PCOS in 22% of cases, endometriosis in 14%, PID in 15% cases,unexplained in 20%, fibroid uterus in 6% cases congenital anomaly of uterus in 1% and others in 22% .

Conclusion: Laparoscopy is the gold standard in evaluating infertile women.Some women would have a correctable problem found at laparoscopy that would not be discovered with any other fertility screening tests like endometriosis.

J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll, June 2019, Vol.11(1); 9-12
Early Outcome of Conventional Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting with Peri-operative Hyperglycaemia in Diabetic and Non- Diabetic Patients in NICVD, Dhaka
Authors: Ahsan Syed Imtiaz , Sabur SMA
Published: February 2020

Background: Peri-operative hyper glycaemia has been defined as the average of blood glucose test obtained by venous or arterial sampling on the day of and the day after surgery. Here the association between peri-operative hyper glycaemia and outcomes among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting was measured. Objectives: Evaluation of early outcome of conventional coronary artery bypass grafting with perioperative hyperglycemia in diabetic and non-diabetic patients & to compare the outcomes in both the groups.

Methodology: The study was a prospective observational analytic study conducted in National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Dhaka from January 2010 to December 2011 in 60 patients having ischaemic heart disease with or without diabetes mellitus.

Result: Postoperative ventilation time and ICU stay both were significantly longer in the diabetic group as compared to their non-diabetic counterparts (p<0.001). Pneumonia and all other infections and complications were also more in the former group. None in either group died. The diabetic group stayed on an average 4 days more than the non-diabetic group (p<0.001).

Conclusion: The study concluded that outcome of coronary revascularization in non-diabetic patients with peri-operative hyper glycaemia is better than that in diabetic patients with peri operative hyper glycaemia.

J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll, June 2019, Vol.11(1); 39-42
Primary Nongestational Ovarian Choriocarcinoma Mistaken for Ectopic Pregnancy: A Case Report
Authors: Adhikary Alpana , Khairunnahar - , Hussein Sabina , Rahman Dalia , Begum Anwara
Published: February 2020

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) or tic douloureux is one of the commonest cause of fascial pain after 50 years of age. It is characterized by recurrent, episodic, lancinating pain over the distribution of trigeminal nerve. There is a lack of certainty regarding the aetiology and pathophysiology of TN. Evidence suggests that the likely etiology is vascular compression of the trigeminal nerve leading to focal demyelination and aberrant neural discharge. Secondary causes such as multiple sclerosis or brain tumors can also produce symptomatic TN. The treatment of TN can be very challenging despite the numerous options patients and physicians can choose from. This multitude of treatment options poses the question as to which treatment fits which patient best. For patients refractory to medical therapy, Gasserian ganglion percutaneous techniques, gamma knife surgery and microvascular decompression are the most promising invasive treatment options. Among them three common interventions commonly carried out by interventional pain physician to provide pain relief are balloon compression, Glycerol rhizolysis and RF rhizotomy.

J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll, June 2019, Vol.11(1); 73-77
Profile of Children Presenting with Epilepsy in a Tertiary Health Care Centre in Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin Md Belal , Rahman Md Mizanur , Mannan MA , Hossain MA , Hoq MS
Published: February 2020

Epilepsy is a common neurological problem in children. A retrospective study was carried out among the epileptic children attending in the child development and Neurology service center of the department of Pediatrics of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka over a period from September 1999 to September 2001. The aim of this study was to find out clinical profile of epilepsy in children attending in a tertiary care hospital. One hundred twenty children of 1 month to 15 years of age of both sexes were included. Febrile seizures and seizure due to acute CNS infection were excluded from the study. This study showed that epileptic children were mostly from urban area (58%) with M&F 3.14:1 and 50% of them between 1-5 years of age with mean age 2.67 years it was found that most of the children were term (86.55%); home delivered (67.80%), normal birth weight (86.55%), history of delayed crying (43.78%) and history of resuscitation (24.00%). Majority of the patients had perinatal history of irregular and no antenatal check up 51.25%. Common age of onset of seizures was found in the most cases (57.75%) before 1 year of age. GTCS (48.27%) was the commonest pattern of seizure. Epileptic children were mostly severe type (71.70%), which were associated with daily seizure discharged (66.67%). Some of the patients (39.53%) were associated with known provoking factors. Gross motors (58.62%) were the common associated impairment or disability of the epileptic patients. About one third of the patients (32.46%) were associated with cerebral palsy where quadriplegic type was common 48.65%). A significant number of patients (44.8%) were treated previously with AEDs. Among them 60% were treated with single drug. Fifty one percent of the epileptic children were treated inadequately. After attending in the neurology center 69.25% of the patients were getting mono therapy and polytherapy was given in 30.48% of the patients. Carbamazipine and Valproate were commonly used in initial treatment. After initial treatment, control of seizures occurred in 54.25% of cases at different duration. With poly therapy 22.22% of patients did not response with AEDs. During the study period total 26 patients were remain seizures free at different duration.

TAJ 2010; 23(1): 46-50
Primary Calvarial Meningioma- Repaired by Acrylic Bone Cement: A Case Report
Authors: Talha Khandaker Abu , Hossain ATM Mosharef , Asaduzzaman Khan , Wahed Amer , Selina Farhana , Henry Paul T
Published: February 2020

We present a lady with scalp swelling and headache. CT scan of brain showed a right parietal bony lesion without any dural or parenchymal invasion. Tumour was removed. Bony gap was repaired by acrylic bone cement. Post operative recovery was uneventful. Biopsy report of tumour was primary calvarial meningioma. This is a very rare type of CNS tumour. Only very few cases were reported before.

TAJ 2010; 23(1): 80-83
Head Injuries, A Forensic Overview
Authors: Rahman M Emdadur , Haque M Enamul , Rahman Md Monsur
Published: February 2020

The incidence of head injuries is growing with greater mechanization in industry and an increase in high velocity transport. The injuries could be caused by a penetrating or blunt force either by direct violence or indirectly, such as a fall on the feet or buttocks. There is no direct relation to the severity of injury to skull bones and extent of cerebral disorder.We is reporting two cases of head injury from forensic point of view.

TAJ 2010; 23(1): 98-102
Complications of Two Port Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy-Studyof 50 Cases
Authors: Mahmud Nasir Uddin , Uddin Ghyas , Haque Md Anwarul , Haque ANM Mozammel , Kibria AKM Golam
Published: February 2020

Background: For the management of Gallstone disease, laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been the the gold standard and is preferred over open cholecystectomy. As patients’ demand has increased for improved postoperative quality of life and cosmesis, surgeons have continued to decrease the number of ports for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. To meet these expectations we adopted two-port techniques at Comilla, Bangladesh. For the last three years we have selected 50 patients where two-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy was trialled. The procedure were successfully performed in 47(94%) & conversion were required in 3(6%) with some accepted complications like epigastric port infection & herniation, post cholecystectomy syndrome, reactionary haemorrhage, bile leakage & biloma, significant epigastric port pain postoperatively & stricture of CBD. The present two port technique not only overcoming specimen extraction difficulties but also contributes to good cosmesis.

Objectives: To see the outcome of two port laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods: Consecutive 50 patients were admitted in surgery ward of Central medical college, Comilla with gallstone disease over a 3 years period. Diagnosis is confirmed by ultrasound with the assessment of operative feasibility. Data collection sheet was maintained by Microsoft Excel. Data were analyzed manually.

Results: In this study 50 patients were included. Among them 34 (68%) were females and 16 (32%) were males (ratio = 2.1:1). Mean age was 35.7 years (range 20–55years).All patient were undergone two port laparoscopic cholecystectomy & successfully accomplished in 47 (94%),conversion were required in 3 (6%) patients. Most common (62%) sonological findings were cholelithiasis with normal size & shape of gall bladder. Mean operative time was 50 minutes. Among the per operative difficulties bleeding were 14%, perforation of gall bladder 10%, spillage of gallstones 6%, epigastric forceps manipulation difficulties 4%,conversion to open cholecystectomy 6%. Most of the patients(80%) admitted in hospital for 2-3 days. 4 (8%) patient had epigastric port infection & 1 (2%) patient developed this site herniation, 3 (6%) patient had post cholecystectomy syndrome,1 (2%) patient had reactionary haemorrhage, 1 (2%) bile leakage & biloma,4(8%) patient had significant epigastric port pain postoperatively, 1 (2%) patient developed delayed stricture of CBD. In all other patients wound healed nicely with minimal scarring, with very less postoperative pain, with no problem so far in 3 years follow up. Most patients (90%) returned to work within 2 weeks.

Conclusion: Two-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe procedure & cosmetically rewarding.

TAJ 2018; 31(1): 29-37
Modern Adaptive Technologies of Individual Work with Masters of Education Management
Authors: Yeromenko Olha An.
Published: February 2020

This article discusses the process of training masters in managing an educational institution and its individual components, namely the creation of an individual adaptive scenario for the training of master masters, the filling of which depends on the creativity of the teacher and the motivation of the undergraduate. The necessity of searching for new technologies and diverse options for professional training of masters is emphasized.

The success of the training of master-managers depends on the filling of the process of training in technologies, techniques, innovative and interactive methods, practice-oriented, multi-level tasks. Therefore, an individual adaptive master's script should consist of correctly selected tools.

According to the author, adaptive technologies can automatically become a powerful tool for an individual scenario in the preparation of masters in managing an educational institution, which can automatically provide individual support for each student and work effectively at a subject-subject level.

The text of this article discusses an effective practice-oriented modern technology of “coaching”, which is capable of fundamentally changing the behavior model of a future manager, revealing his inner potential and helping to master the culture of managing teaching staff.

During the study, the author selected coaching techniques for the discipline that is taught to graduate students in school management in the first year of study “Conflicts in management”, since the future manager needs to learn how to adequately resolve conflict situations, be able to decompose the conflict into parts, find out its causes, see hidden motives, interests of the parties to the conflict. The “Wheel of balance” and “Generator of new behavior” techniques with the following description of step-by-step actions are presented as an effective tool.
Nfluence of Individual Properties of the Personality on the Formation of Professional Competence of Education Applicants
Authors: Tropina Mariia And.
Published: February 2020

An important task of education, in addition to the transfer of special knowledge and skills, is the formation of the structural components of the personality, which will ensure the high efficiency of future professional activities. The processes of integration of the Ukrainian education system into the European world educational space pose for educational institutions the problem of improving the quality of educational services, ensuring the proper level of the educational process. Modern society is largely interested in the psychological resources of the individual as the basis of all other resource components of the development of civilization. That is why the qualities of the person, which allow her to independently and actively act, make decisions, flexibly adapt to changing conditions of life, achieve success, professionally self-realize, should be formed and developed at all stages of education.

Тhe main purpose of the article is to analyze the mechanisms of formation and functioning of the individual in the process of learning and professional activity and to provide recommendations to future specialists on their effective use of methods of psychological tools, the formation of psychological culture for the successful implementation of their personal and professional self-realization.

The relevance of the topic is due to the current important changes in the educational system, related, in particular, to the understanding of a person as an entity - a person and a subject of professional activity. Special attention is paid to the problem of the development of the personality of a specialist, the formation of his professional values. We concentrate on the need to ensure the productive orientation of the individual, updating the motives for achieving it, increasing the need for self-development and self-realization, as well as increasing the adequacy of the tasks of the educational process to the real tasks that applicants have to solve at different stages of vocational training.
New Opportunities for Youth Entrepreneurship Development and Youth Self-Employment Increase
Authors: Iarmosh Olena Vit. , Lototskaya  Elizaveta M.
Published: February 2020

The article deals with general approaches to understanding the meaning of youth entrepreneurship, provides problems that young people face from the birth of an idea to its implementation, analyzes the main obstacles to the youth entrepreneurship development such as legal uncertainty, lack of financial resources, reduction of state programs, low professional training level, insecurity of entrepreneurs in stability, theft of business ideas, etc.In order to develop youth entrepreneurship and increase the level of self-employment among the youth, the necessary changes regarding each function of youth entrepreneurship, as economic, social and creative, are considered.The authors have supplemented the decision making mechanism on entrepreneurial activity in youth, taking into account the prospects of participation in start-ups and business clubs, and trends in the development of the national economy sector, especially high-tech.According to the results of the study, the article provides concrete measures that promote the youth entrepreneurship development, initiatives aimed directly at working with young people as entrepreneurs, perspective platforms for solving social problems, introducing the philosophy of new entrepreneurial values.So, among the important initiatives are lobbying the interests of young people, introducing effective medium-term forecasting of the labor market, introducing internships for students, developing cluster initiatives for entrepreneurship, promoting the spread of social responsibility of large businesses to support young people in small businesses, promoting the creation of a positive image of a young entrepreneurs, development of the system counseling for young professionals, tax or other benefits for those who support young people, creating a network symbiosis business with incubators, credit institutions and innovative or technology parks.The authors emphasize that entrepreneurship for young people should become the subject of increasing attention from all levels of government, responsible business, the public, international organizations as it promotes the formation of the middle class, the stabilization of society, the employment of young people and other social and economic tasks, as well as directly defines the welfare and level of national income of the country.
Competitiveness of Small Enterprises in the Modern Economy
Authors: Dudnieva Iuliia Er. , Kovalenko Olha Ol.
Published: February 2020

The article considers the place and role of small enterprises in the economic system, their impact on socio-economic development based on the functions that small business entities implement. The aim of the research is to study the preconditions for the competitiveness of small enterprises in the modern economy, to determine the advantages and disadvantages of small businesses taking into account the characteristics of the external environment. The authors examined the main trends in the development of the world economy, which are factors influencing the functioning of small enterprises, namely the participation of small businesses in global competition, the complexity of management systems of small enterprises, the general informatization of the economy, the emergence of highly specialized market niches, etc. It is proved that the competitiveness of small businesses is based on the negative “economies of scale” and relative competitive advantages in ensuring adaptation to changes in the business environment, customer focus, and low transaction costs. The basic economic, technological and social factors affecting the competitiveness of small businesses are identified.  The advantages and disadvantages of small enterprises in Ukraine are formulated. As one of the main disadvantages, the shortage of various resources that small enterprises encounter is highlighted, this is why it is effective cooperation with external contractors to overcome resource constraints that is considered as the main factor influencing the results of operations. The competitiveness of a small enterprise is largely determined by its competencies in interaction with the subjects of the external environment. To study the trends and prospects for the development of small enterprises in Ukraine, the authors analyzed the main indicators of the activities of business entities using official statistical information. The share provided by small enterprises in the results of socio-economic development of the country is calculated.  Conclusions are made regarding the place and role of small enterprises, their development trends, problems are identified that require attention from the state, and further scientific and practical solutions.
The Beauty of Life as a New Aspect of the Quality of Life Characteristic
Authors: Kim Matv. N. , Komarenko O. A.
Published: February 2020

This article attempts to substantiate, in the light of the synergetic research method, a new aspect of the quality of life - its beauty, its creative and constructive potential.

The beauty of life characterizes its quality not through its separate component, but using the same components of the level and quality of life. Let’s recall the elements of the standard of living: health and life expectancy, production of the gross national income per capita (GNI), educational and qualification standard of the population, employment, housing and communal living conditions, environment, social security of the people, etc., and quality of life indicators also - through subjective feelings and assessments of living conditions - satisfaction with oneself and one’s life as a whole, the state of the country's economy, satisfaction with labor activity, state democracy in the country, government control, a sense of harmony with socio-psychological and many other aspects of life, etc.

The beauty of life describes its quality through its new aspect, namely, the emotional and aesthetic state of life. Within the limited framework of the article, the beauty of life as a creative potential is justified by us with such types and forms of labor as:

the work of ballerinas and their partners, musicians;

through the results of labor: composers, artists and sculptors, workers employed in the fields of mechanical engineering, clothing, food, other industries and agriculture;

directly through the types of heroic, selfless and noble labor.

Partly, the work justifies the beauty of life as a new side of its quality through a happy family-intimate life with baby talk and crying, which requires, in addition to love and children, normal and comfortable housing and communal living conditions.
Mediation as a Component of Conflict Management: Experience of European Union Countries and its Implementation In Ukraine
Authors: Parkhomenko Olena St. , Neskorodieva Inna Iv. , Kvitka Yuliia N. , Babenko Kristina Ev.
Published: February 2020

In the context of transformation of all spheres of life, the ability of people to effectively communicate and resolve conflicts that arise throughout life is of great importance. The congestion of courts, the length and high cost, inflexibility and regularity of the judicial way of resolving conflicts in civil, family, labor and other areas of law make it necessary to resort to alternative approaches to dispute resolution (ADR). Of particular importance is the ability to use mediation procedures – an informal and flexible dispute resolution process. Mediation is free from the disadvantages of litigation: the European experience shows that the basic principles of mediation are voluntariness, autonomy of the parties, confidentiality of the procedure, the neutrality of the mediator, unlike a judge or lawyer. The actual application of these principles and rules of mediation allows for excellent results in conflict resolution - the practice of EU countries and associated members indicates that between 80% and 100% of cases are resolved through mediation.

The article discusses in detail the experience of EU Member States in applying mediation practices: models of keeping a register of mediators (registering is possible by a single state body, more often it is the Ministry of Justice; registers can be maintained by a single non-governmental organization, for example, mediators' associations of a country; which unites mediators and each is responsible for its own register), the requirements for the qualification and professional level of mediators (usually any person without restrictions on the profession can become a mediator; but often the age criterion is used), the regulatory framework for mediation (mainly mediation is governed by the relevant country law, but also the approach without legislative regulation of mediation procedures, for example, in the Netherlands), the cost of mediation procedures (mainly depends on the complexity of the conflict case and the field of the case). The role of mediation in resolving labor disputes is considered: models of application of mediation in companies, issues of organization losses in the event of conflicts and their improper resolution, directions of improvement of the system of conflict management in organizations taking into account the European experience.
Decay of peracetic acid in seawater and implications for its chemotherapeutic potential in aquaculture
Authors: Pedersen LF , Lazado CC
Published: February 2020

Peracetic acid (PAA) is a widely applied disinfectant in aquaculture. Knowledge on PAA decay in seawater (SW) is crucial for its successful implementation in SW aquaculture systems. We investigated the decay dynamics of PAA in SW under controlled conditions to assess the potential effect of temperature, salinity and light. We also applied PAA to 22 tanks with post-smolt Atlantic salmonSalmo salarin full-strength SW (33‰) over a realistic range of therapeutic concentrations (0.15-4.8 mg l-1) to simulate relevant treatment scenarios. The study showed that PAA degrades rapidly in SW. The degradation follows exponential first-order decay with half-lives on the order of minutes to hours. Salinity and temperature significantly affected the decay of PAA, showing a 4-fold faster decay rate in full-strength SW compared to freshwater. The decay of PAA was not significantly related to the nominal concentration of PAA in the concentration range tested. The other 2 active ingredients in PAA products, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and acetic acid, were found to degrade at a much slower rate. H2O2half-lives in SW were found to range from 15 to 70 h, and minimal acetate was found to be degraded when added to SW. Finally, we compiled published data on PAA decay in relevant water matrices and discussed the potential environmental impacts, mitigation options and future research.
15-Oxo-ETE-Induced Internal Carotid Artery Constriction in Hypoxic Rats Is Mediated by Potassium Channels
Authors: WANG D. , LIU Y. , LU P. , ZHU D. , ZHU Y.
Published: February 2020

Our own study as well as others have previously reported that hypoxia activates 15-lipoxygenase (15-LO) in the brain, causing a series of chain reactions, which exacerbates ischemic stroke. 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) and 15-oxo-eicosatetraenoic acid (15-oxo-ETE/15-KETE) are 15-LO-specific metabolites of arachidonic acid (AA). 15-HETE was found to be rapidly converted into 15-oxo-ETE by 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) in some circumstances. We have demonstrated that 15-HETE promotes cerebral vasoconstriction during hypoxia. However, the effect of 15-oxo-ETE upon the contraction of cerebral vasculature remains unclear. To investigate this effect and to clarify the underlying mechanism, we performed immunohistochemistry and Western blot to test the expression of 15-PGDH in rat cerebral tissue, examined internal carotid artery (ICA) tension in isolated rat ICA rings. Western blot and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to analyze the expression of voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels (Kv2.1, Kv1.5, and Kv1.1) in cultured cerebral arterial smooth muscle cells (CASMCs). The results showed that the levels of 15-PGDH expression were drastically elevated in the cerebral of rats with hypoxia, and 15-oxo-ETE enhanced ICA contraction in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was more significant in the hypoxic rats than in the normoxic rats. We also found that 15-oxo-ETE significantly attenuated the expression of Kv2.1 and Kv1.5, but not Kv1.1. In conclusion, these results suggest that 15-oxo-ETE leads to the contraction of the ICA, especially under hypoxic conditions and that specific Kv channels may play an important role in 15-oxo-ETE-induced ICA constriction.
Inter-Collicular Suppression Compresses All Types of Rate-Amplitude Functions of Inferior Collicular Neurons in Mice
Authors: CHENG L. , MEI H.-X. , HUANG Y.
Published: February 2020

The two inferior colliculi (IC) are paired structures in the midbrain that are connected to each other by a bundle of commissural fibers. The fibers play an important role in coordinating sound signal processing between the two inferior colliculi. This study examined inter-collicular suppression on sound signal processing in amplitude domain of mice by measuring the rate-amplitude functions (RAFs) of neurons in one IC during the electrical stimulation of the opposite IC. Three types (monotonic, saturated and non-monotonic) RAFs of collicular neurons were measured before and during inter-collicular suppression. Inter-collicular suppression significantly increased the slope, decreased the dynamic range and narrowed down the responsive amplitude of all RAFs to high amplitude level but did not change the type of most (36/43, 84 %) RAFs. As a result, all types of RAFs were compressed at a greater degree at low than at high sound amplitude during inter-collicular suppression. These data indicate that inter-collicular suppression improve sound processing in the high amplitude domain.
The Effect of Nano-Epigallocatechin-Gallate on Oxidative Stress and Matrix Metalloproteinases in Experimental Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Bulboaca Adriana Elena , Boarescu Paul-Mihai , Porfire Alina Silvia , Dogaru Gabriela , Barbalata Cristina , Valeanu Madalina , Munteanu Constantin , Râjnoveanu Ruxandra Mioara , Nicula Cristina Ariadna , Stanescu Ioana Cristina
Published: February 2020

Background: The antioxidant properties of epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG), a green tea compound, have been already studied in various diseases. Improving the bioavailability of EGCG by nanoformulation may contribute to a more effective treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) metabolic consequences and vascular complications. The aim of this study was to test the comparative effect of liposomal EGCG with EGCG solution in experimental DM induced by streptozotocin (STZ) in rats. Method: 28 Wistar-Bratislava rats were randomly divided into four groups (7 animals/group): group 1—control group, with intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of 1 mL saline solution (C); group 2—STZ administration by i.p. route (60 mg/100 g body weight, bw) (STZ); group 3—STZ administration as before + i.p. administration of EGCG solution (EGCG), 2.5 mg/100 g b.w. as pretreatment; group 4—STZ administration as before + i.p. administration of liposomal EGCG, 2.5 mg/100 g b.w. (L-EGCG). The comparative effects of EGCG and L-EGCG were studied on: (i) oxidative stress parameters such as malondialdehyde (MDA), indirect nitric oxide (NOx) synthesis, and total oxidative status (TOS); (ii) antioxidant status assessed by total antioxidant capacity of plasma (TAC), thiols, and catalase; (iii) matrix-metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and -9 (MMP-9). Results: L-EGCG has a better efficiency regarding the improvement of oxidative stress parameters (highly statistically significant with p-values < 0.001 for MDA, NOx, and TOS) and for antioxidant capacity of plasma (highly significant p < 0.001 for thiols and significant for catalase and TAC with p < 0.05). MMP-2 and -9 were also significantly reduced in the L-EGCG-treated group compared with the EGCG group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: the liposomal nanoformulation of EGCG may serve as an adjuvant therapy in DM due to its unique modulatory effect on oxidative stress/antioxidant biomarkers and MMP-2 and -9.
Antioxidant, Antiproliferative and Apoptosis-Inducing Efficacy of Fractions from Cassia fistula L. Leaves
Authors: Kaur Sandeep , Kumar Ajay , Thakur Sharad , Kumar Kapil , Sharma Ritika , Sharma Anket , Singh Prabhpreet , Sharma Upendra , Kumar Subodh , Landi Marco , Brestič Marián , Kaur Satwinderjeet
Published: February 2020

Cassia fistula L. is a highly admirable traditional medicinal plant used for the treatment of various diseases and disorders. The present study was performed to divulge the antioxidant, antiproliferative, and apoptosis-inducing efficacy of fractions from C. fistula leaves. The hexane (CaLH fraction), chloroform (CaLC fraction), ethyl acetate (CaLE fraction), n-butanol (CaLB fraction), and aqueous (CaLA fraction) were sequentially fractionated from 80% methanolic (CaLM extract) of C. fistula leaves. The CaLE fraction was fractionated using column chromatography to yield a pure compound, which was characterized as Epiafzelechin (CFL1) based on 1H, 13C, and DEPT135 NMR. Among these fractions, CaLE and isolated CFL1 fractions exhibited an effective antioxidant potential in Ferric ion reducing power, (2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline -6-sulfonic acid)) cation radical scavenging, and nitric oxide radical scavenging assays. Epiafzelechin was investigated for its antiproliferative effects against MG-63 (osteosarcoma), IMR-32 (neuroblastoma), and PC-3 (prostate adenocarcinoma), and was found to inhibit cell proliferation with a GI50 value of 8.73, 9.15, and 11.8 μM respectively. MG-63 cells underwent apoptotic cell death on treatment with Epiafzelechin as the cells showed the formation of apoptotic bodies, enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial membrane depolarization along with an increase in early apoptotic cell population analyzed using Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining assay. Cells showed cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase accompanied by a downregulation in the expression levels of p-Akt (Protein kinase B), p-GSK-3β (Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta), and Bcl-xl (B-cell lymphoma-extra large) proteins. RT-PCR (Real time-polymerase chain reaction) analysis revealed downregulation in the gene expression level of β-catenin and CDK2 (cyclin-dependent kinases-2) while it upregulated the expression level of caspase-8 and p53 genes in MG-63 cells.
The Metabolite Urolithin-A Ameliorates Oxidative Stress in Neuro-2a Cells, Becoming a Potential Neuroprotective Agent
Authors: Cásedas Guillermo , Les Francisco , Choya-Foces Carmen , Hugo Martín , López Víctor
Published: February 2020

Urolithin A is a metabolite generated from ellagic acid and ellagitannins by the intestinal microbiota after consumption of fruits such as pomegranates or strawberries. The objective of this study was to determine the cytoprotective capacity of this polyphenol in Neuro-2a cells subjected to oxidative stress, as well as its direct radical scavenging activity and properties as an inhibitor of oxidases. Cells treated with this compound and H2O2 showed a greater response to oxidative stress than cells only treated with H2O2, as mitochondrial activity (MTT assay), redox state (ROS formation, lipid peroxidation), and the activity of antioxidant enzymes (CAT: catalase, SOD: superoxide dismutase, GR: glutathione reductase, GPx: glutathione peroxidase) were significantly ameliorated; additionally, urolithin A enhanced the expression of cytoprotective peroxiredoxins 1 and 3. Urolithin A also acted as a direct radical scavenger, showing values of 13.2 μM Trolox Equivalents for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) and 5.01 µM and 152.66 µM IC50 values for superoxide and 2,2-diphenyss1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, respectively. Finally, inhibition of oxidizing enzymes, such as monoamine oxidase A and tyrosinase, was also detected in a dose-dependent manner. The cytoprotective effects of urolithin A could be attributed to the improvement of the cellular antioxidant battery, but also to its role as a direct radical scavenger and enzyme inhibitor of oxidases.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of the Crude Extracts of Raw and Fermented Tomato Pomace and Their Correlations with Aglycate-Polyphenols
Authors: Abbasi-Parizad Parisa , De Nisi Patrizia , Adani Fabrizio , Pepé Sciarria Tommy , Squillace Pietro , Scarafoni Alessio , Iametti Stefania , Scaglia Barbara
Published: February 2020

Two tomato pomace (TP) were studied as feedstocks to obtain extracts that are rich in polyphenols. TPs prompt degradation impairs biomass safety, thus naturally present microflora were tested to perform conservation, and own lactic bacteria became predominant after 60 days of treatment. The extracts of TPs and TPs fermented (TPF) were chemically characterized and tested for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Flavonoids and phenolic acids were classed as aglycone-polyphenols (A-PP), the most bioactive polyphenol fraction. Fermentation led to a reduction of the A-PP amount, but no significant change in composition. Antioxidant power increased, despite the A-PP reduction, for the presence of fermentation metabolites having aromatic-substituent. TP and TPF both have anti-inflammatory properties that were strictly dependent upon the A-PP content. Fermentation preserved the anti-inflammatory activity and the Partial Least Square (PLS) identified as the most active molecules naringenin chalcone, kaempferol, gallic acid, and cinnamic acid, together with the definition of the active dose.
Microfluidic Mixer with Automated Electrode Switching for Sensing Applications
Authors: Braunger Maria L. , Fier Igor , Rodrigues Varlei , Arratia Paulo E. , Riul Antonio
Published: February 2020

An electronic tongue (e-tongue) is a multisensory system usually applied to complex liquid media that uses computational/statistical tools to group information generated by sensing units into recognition patterns, which allow the identification/distinction of samples. Different types of e-tongues have been previously reported, including microfluidic devices. In this context, the integration of passive mixers inside microchannels is of great interest for the study of suppression/enhancement of sensorial/chemical effects in the pharmaceutical, food, and beverage industries. In this study, we present developments using a stereolithography technique to fabricate microfluidic devices using 3D-printed molds for elastomers exploring the staggered herringbone passive mixer geometry. The fabricated devices (microchannels plus mixer) are then integrated into an e-tongue system composed of four sensing units assembled on a single printed circuit board (PCB). Gold-plated electrodes are designed as an integral part of the PCB electronic circuitry for a highly automated platform by enabling faster analysis and increasing the potential for future use in commercial applications. Following previous work, the e-tongue sensing units are built functionalizing gold electrodes with layer-by-layer (LbL) films. Our results show that the system is capable of (i) covering basic tastes below the human gustative perception and (ii) distinguishing different suppression effects coming from the mixture of both strong and weak electrolytes. This setup allows for triplicate measurements in 12 electrodes, which represents four complete sensing units, by automatically switching all electrodes without any physical interaction with the sensor. The result is a fast and reliable data acquisition system, which comprises a suitable solution for monitoring, sequential measurements, and database formation, being less susceptible to human errors.
On Tanzania’s Precipitation Climatology, Variability, and Future Projection
Authors: Borhara Krishna , Pokharel Binod , Bean Brennan , Deng Liping , Wang S.-Y. Simon
Published: February 2020

We investigate historical and projected precipitation in Tanzania using observational and climate model data. Precipitation in Tanzania is highly variable in both space and time due to topographical variations, coastal influences, and the presence of lakes. Annual and seasonal precipitation trend analyses from 1961 to 2016 show maximum rainfall decline in Tanzania during the long rainy season in the fall (March–May), and an increasing precipitation trend in northwestern Tanzania during the short rainy season in the spring (September–November). Empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis applied to Tanzania’s precipitation patterns shows a stronger correlation with warmer temperatures in the western Indian Ocean than with the eastern-central Pacific Ocean. Years with decreasing precipitation in Tanzania appear to correspond with increasing sea surface temperatures (SST) in the Indian Ocean, suggesting that the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) may have a greater effect on rainfall variability in Tanzania than the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) does. Overall, the climate model ensemble projects increasing precipitation trend in Tanzania that is opposite with the historical decrease in precipitation. This observed drying trend also contradicts a slightly increasing precipitation trend from climate models for the same historical time period, reflecting challenges faced by modern climate models in representing Tanzania’s precipitation.