bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conventional Approach Versus Lensectomy with Anterior Vitrectomy in Congenital Cataract - A Comparative Study from Meerut, India
Authors: Devi Satendri , Singh Lokesh Kumar , Gupta Alka
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND We wanted to compare lensectomy with anterior vitrectomy and conventional methods in the surgical management of congenital cataract. METHODS The present study is an interventional analytical study that entailed 30 patients (33 eyes) of bilateral or unilateral congenital cataract who attended the Ophthalmology outpatient department of LLRM Medical College, Meerut, during the period extending from March 2018 to March 2019. 19 of these patients (63.3 %) were males while 11 (36.7 %) were females. Age of the patients varied from 2 years to 12 years, with a mean age of 5 years 7 months. The maximum number of patients was in the age group of 4 - 8 years in either sex. RESULTS Being a comparative analysis, this study had 39.3 % cases treated by conventional methods and 60.7 % cases managed by lensectomy and anterior vitrectomy. The visual acuity was compared in the conventionally treated patients and lensectomy and anterior vitrectomy treated patients. Amongst the patients managed by conventional methods, 37.5 % had good vision, 12.5 % had fair vision and 50.0 % poor vision. In the lensectomy and anterior vitrectomy treated group, 61.1 % cases had good vision, 22.2 % had fair vision and only 16.7 % had poor vision. Comparing the occurrence of complications in both groups, the conventionally treated group showed an incidence of 32.4 % as compared to 4.4 % in lensectomy and anterior vitrectomy treated group. CONCLUSIONS The lensectomy and anterior vitrectomy treated groups had good vision and fewer complications as compared to the conventional methods. KEY WORDS Cataract, Visual Acuity, Lensectomy, Vitrectomy
Odontologia Minimamente Invasiva em Tempos de Covid-19: Revisão de literatura / Minimally Invasive Dentistry in Times of Covid-19: Literature Review
Authors: Febbo Cristiane , Pinchemel Edite Novais Borges
Published: August 2021

2020 foi marcado pelo COVID-19 em escala global, a doença é transmitida por meio de gotículas de saliva de pessoas infectadas. Entendendo como o vírus se espalha e observando os métodos de atendimento da clínica odontológica, uma das principais formas de transmissão é por meio de aerossóis formados por canetas de alta rotação, equipamentos de ultrassom e seringas triplas. O objetivo deste estudo é obter análises a partir de uma revisão de literatura, para orientar o cirurgião dentista no seu entendimento na estratégia de mínima intervenção em dentes decíduos e abordar a importância da diminuição dos fatores de riscos em tempos de COVID-19.
Eficácia do uso da Fluoxetina no Tratamento do Transtorno dos Comportamentos Obsessivo-Compulsivo em Autistas / Effectiveness of Fluoxetine use in the Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior Disorders in Autistic Persons
Authors: Oliveira Carla Alves de , Belmont Eloah Jacinta , Oliveira Isadora Anízio Verissimo de , Batista Mariana Moreira , Soares Michelle Dias Carneiro Ribeiro , Sousa Milena Nunes Alves de
Published: August 2021

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar a eficácia do uso da fluoxetina no tratamento do transtorno do espectro autista (TEA). Métodos: Efetuou-se uma revisão sistemática da literatura a partir da questão de pesquisa “Em pacientes portadores do transtorno do espectro autista, o uso da fluoxetina em comparação ao placebo, é eficaz no tratamento dessa condição?”. Para seleção dos artigos realizou-se uma busca nas seguintes bases de dados: Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) e PUBMED, utilizando-se como critérios de elegibilidade apenas ensaios clínicos randomizados e de qualquer ano. A amostra final foi composta por seis artigos. Resultados: em mais de 60% dos estudos, o tratamento com a fluoxetina resultou na redução dos comportamentos obsessivo-compulsivos encontrados no TEA. Os demais resultados foram conflitantes ou inconclusivos. Conclusão: Embora a maior parte dos estudos tenha apresentado que o uso da fluoxetina como redutor dos comportamentos obsessivo-compulsivo, não se pode asseverar eficácia comprovada devido ao número limitado de pesquisas e pelo pequeno grupo de pessoas que foram randomizadas. Mesmo não havendo uma comprovação “universal” os médicos optam por utilizar este medicamento desde que seja ponderado os riscos e benefícios.
Condutas do Enfermeiro em Situações de Urgências e Emergências Obstétricas / Nurse's Conduct in Situations of Obstetric Urgency and Emergencies
Authors: Silva Maria Andressa Bezerra da , Evangelista Brenda Pinheiro , Feitosa Jardenia Pereira , Evangelista Breno Pinheiro , Nóbrega Riani Joyce Neves
Published: August 2021

Introdução: O enfermeiro obstetra junto a equipe multidisciplinar diante de situações de urgência e emergência obstétrica deve prestar assistência de forma holística com a finalidade de promover e minimizar o sofrimento materno fetal. Objetivo: Analisar por meio da literatura, as principais condutas de enfermeiros frente a situações de urgências e emergências obstétricas. Metodologia: Trata-se de um revisão integrativa de literatura realizada por meio de seis fases, através dos Descritores em Ciências da Saúde (DeCs): cuidados de Enfermagem", "Emergências" e "Enfermagem obstétrica". Os critérios de inclusão artigos em texto completo, língua portuguesa, e publicados no período de 2015 a 2020, e os critérios de exclusão foram: artigos de revisão, livros, capítulos de livros, entre outros formatos de textos e que não respondessem à pergunta norteadora do estudo. Incialmente foram encontrados 91 artigos a partir dos critérios de inclusão, após os critérios de inclusão ficaram 08 artigos.  Resultados e Discussões: Foram estabelecidas duas categorias: (I) Práticas dos enfermeiros diante de situações de urgências e emergências obstétricas e (II) Atendimento à mulher no ciclo gravídico nos serviços de urgência/emergência dos hospitais. As categorias mostraram a importância da assistência holística da enfermagem para a resolutividade das intervenções realizadas. Considerações finais: Desta forma, percebe-se a necessidade da ampliação das estratégias para a classificação de risco e acolhimento em casos de urgência e emergência obstétrica, no sentido de ampliar o acolhimento para essas mulheres e o tratamento de forma eficaz.
Aplicação de Novas Tecnologias na Gestão de Estoques / Application of New Technologies in Inventory Management
Authors: Silva Isaac Lima e , Medeiro Yara Maria Dias , Rodrigues Luciana Da Luz , Souza Josiano César de
Published: August 2021

Resumo: O gerenciamento de estoque é um dos processos mais importantes na gestão de uma empresa que busca a excelência na exploração de sua atividade e busca, a cada dia, melhorar a eficiência de seus processos para que assim o seu gerenciamento possa se manter a empresa competitiva no mercado. O presente artigo foi elaborado com o objetivo de analisar como as dificuldades atuais dos modelos de gestão de estoque podem ser sanadas com a utilização de novas tecnologia. Para sua realização, dados foram coletados através de análise qualitativa de caráter bibliográfico. Os resultados permitiram constatar que novas tecnologias, como a inteligência artificial, contribuem para a geração de um diferencial competitivo no mercado, e as empresas devem utilizar as mais variadas ferramentas para que a gestão dos seus estoques gere vantagem competitiva em relação aos concorrentes do mesmo segmento.
Gerenciamento Financeiro de Contas a Pagar nas Empresas de Micro e Pequeno Porte / Financial Management of Accounts Payable in Micro and Small Businesses
Authors: Sá Tatiana Gomes Xavier de
Published: August 2021

Resumo: O presente artigo apresenta uma pesquisa sobre como está sendo gerenciado o financeiro nas Micro e Pequenas Empresas (MPEs), especificamente no setor de contas a pagar das mesmas, verificando quais são os controles, métodos e ferramentas utilizados em seu financeiro pelos seus gestores. Representando um percentual de 99% dos estabelecimentos empresariais do nosso país, as micro e pequenas empresas bancam melhorias significativas no âmbito empresarial, gerando inúmeras oportunidades de emprego e renda. Tendo como objetivo mostrar a importância de se adquirir o conhecimento necessário sobre planejamento e gestão de negócios, buscando o auxílio necessário de informações nos órgãos que disponibilizam apoio. A organização deste setor leva as empresas a alcançarem resultados positivos, através de seu desenvolvimento evitando assim a mortalidade de sua empresa, aonde muitas não ultrapassam seus primeiros anos de existência.
Impactos das Condições de Trabalho na Saúde dos Professores em uma Escola Pública de Paranaíta - MT / Impacts of Working Conditions on Teachers' Health in a Public School in Paranaíta - MT
Authors: Souza Alice Brito de , Marques Marilaine De Castro Pereira , Souza Eunice Brito de , Chaves Sidney Da Silva , Gabriel Aparecida Pacheco , Vizzer Marlize Reffatti Zinelli
Published: August 2021

Resumo: O mal-estar docente é caracterizado pelo adoecimento de professores, como resultado do caráter negativo de elementos que afetam suas personalidades no ambiente de trabalho. A presente investigação teve por objetivo geral pesquisar como os professores do 6° ao 9° ano de uma Escola Pública no município de Paranaíta, estado de Mato Grosso, concebem suas condições de trabalho e o impacto destas na própria saúde. Desenvolveu-se a pesquisa no período de fevereiro a novembro de 2018. Utilizou-se os métodos indutivo, descritivo e de campo, sendo a coleta de dados realizada por questionário. Todos os professores abordados afirmaram que a formação continuada da escola era de relevância e um deles destacou que esta não contempla questões correlatas aos anos finais do Ensino Fundamental.  Dois dos pesquisados declararam que choram muito e que se medicam para continuarem trabalhando. Três dos pesquisados sabiam o que é mal-estar docente e o associou a sintomas manifestados na saúde de ambos, tais como limitações da voz, dores de cabeça, ansiedade e depressão. Uma gestão democrática, solidária e sensível gerencia conflitos e percebe quando os professores estão precisando de apoio pedagógico e ajuda médica, de forma a diminuir as pressões no ambiente de trabalho. Os resultados dessa pesquisa poderão ser de relevância para fortalecer o movimento de alerta sobre o mal-estar docente, uma síndrome que acarreta prejuízos aos docentes, alunos, ao sistema de ensino e a sociedade.
Legislação sobre o Currículo de Curso de Direito no Brasil / Legislation on the Law Curriculum in Brazil
Authors: Zaminhan Rogério Borba
Published: August 2021

Resumo: Este estudo objetivou uma discussão sobre da legislação que regula a educação no Brasil, tanto nos seus aspectos mais gerais, quanto nos específicos, é relevante para acompanhar sua efetividade na sociedade. Trata-se de um estudo documental, transversal e qualitativo. Os resultados levaram a crer que o alinhamento com as diretrizes do Ministério da Educação, bem como as adaptações na grade curricular, adaptadas a atual realidade, certamente tenderá a restauras a qualidade necessária a formação dos egressos de cursos de Direito no País. Políticas públicas capazes de enfrentar a atual situação dos cursos de Direito são necessárias neste momento, para que se resguarde o prestígio e respeito aos profissionais e a prática do Direito de uma maneira geral.
Principais Metodologias de Gerenciamento de Riscos: Uma Revisão Bibliográfica / Main Risk Management Methodologies: A Bibliographic Review
Authors: Barbosa Raille Dos Santos , Pinheiro Francisco Alves , Crisóstomo Antonio Pires
Published: August 2021

Resumo: O gerenciamento de riscos é de extrema importância para as organizações, ao passo em que permite a antecipação aos riscos, através de sua identificação, análise e tomada de decisão acerca de medidas corretivas e, principalmente, preventivas, constituindo a principal ferramenta de apoio à garantia da saúde e segurança dos colaboradores. Dito isto, temos o presente estudo com o objetivo de identificar os principais métodos de gerenciamento de riscos, a partir de fontes nacionais, e com base nas normas de regulamentação brasileiras. As ferramentas apresentadas neste estudo serão a Análise Preliminar de Riscos (APR), a Série de Riscos e a Análise de Árvore de Falhas. A metodologia se constituiu na pesquisa bibliográfica, fundamentada na análise de livros, dissertações, artigos de profissionais da área, entre outras fontes compreendidas, em grande maioria, em períodos posteriores a 2010.  Desta forma, foi possível conhecer as principais ferramentas, bem como a construção e aplicação que cada uma delas, colaborando para a disseminação deste conhecimento e demonstrando como as metodologias de gerenciamento de riscos auxiliam na promoção da saúde e segurança no ambiente laboral.
Reflexo da COVID-19 em asmáticos
Authors: Santos Lins de Oliveira Guilherme , Cavalcanti Pires de Azevedo Thomás , Aguiar Costa Rayane , Gomes de Mendonça Vasconcelos Júlia Maria , Monteiro da Cruz Cristiane , Reis Gonçalves Marcos
Published: August 2021

O novo coronavírus, descoberto em dezembro de 2019, é o agente causador da pneumonia grave que gerou uma pandemia global. O reconhecimento dos fatores de risco e proteção são essenciais para direcionar o seguimento de novos tratamentos e estratégias de prevenção de infecções. Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a influência da asma frente a pandemia pelo novo coronavírus, no que tange à fisiopatologia dos quadros patológicos, aos fatores de risco, às formas terapêuticas, às comorbidades associadas e aos atuais protocolos que estão sendo utilizados em tal cenário. O estudo baseia-se em uma pesquisa descritiva de revisão integrativa da literatura. Limitou-se, para estabelecer a relação da asma e COVID-19, artigos publicados nos anos de 2019 e 2020, nas bibliotecas virtuais PubMed e BVS. Asma é uma doença respiratória crônica caracterizada pela inflamação das vias aéreas, hiper-responsividade, produção exacerbada de muco e remodelação. O gatilho mais frequente da patologia é a infecção das vias aéreas, especialmente de origem viral. O sistema imunológico inato do paciente asmático é incapaz de impedir a disseminação desses vírus para as vias respiratórias inferiores. Atualmente, o Centro de Controle e Prevenção de Doenças e a Organização Mundial de Saúde sugerem que pacientes com asma moderada e grave podem estar em maior risco para os casos graves de infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2, entretanto, na literatura, não há achados que corroboram. Sendo assim, vê que o estudo e novas associações devem ser continuados, a fim de melhor compreender a relação entre a asma e a COVID-19.
“He remains a second person no matter the age”: Historical and Contemporary Perceptions of Childlessness and Adoption in Nigeria
Authors: Chapdelaine Robin P.
Published: August 2021

As a consequence of infertility, some Southeastern Nigerians adopt children as a way to fulfill social and emotional voids. Through the use of secondary sources, colonial documents, legal analyses, clinician reports, and nearly two dozen interviews with residents of Aba, Calabar, Enugu, and Owerri, this article examines Nigerian perceptions of the incorporation of nonbiological children into their households. This study reflects upon the relationship between slavery, pawnship, fosterage, the incorporation of “house” children, and adoption in a historical context and illustrates that former social stigmas attached to subordinate statuses influence the choices infertile couples make. I argue that the taboo associated with adoption is steeped in the legacy of slavery and other forms of child trafficking, and such sentiments will prevail as long as shadow markets wherein children are bought and sold continue to exist.

L’infertilité pousse certains Nigérians du sud-est à adopter des enfants pour combler les vides sociaux et émotionnels. Grâce à l’utilisation de sources secondaires, de documents coloniaux, d’analyses juridiques, de rapports de cliniciens et de près de deux douzaines d’entretiens avec des habitants d’Aba, Calabar, Enugu et Owerri, cet article examine les perceptions nigérianes de l’incorporation d’enfants non biologiques dans leurs ménages. Cette étude explore la relation entre l’esclavage, le gage, le placement familial, l’incorporation d’enfants «au foyer» et l’adoption dans un contexte historique et illustre que les anciens stigmates sociaux attachés aux statuts subordonnés influencent les choix que font les couples infertiles. Nous soutenons que le tabou associé à l’adoption est imprégné de l’héritage de l’esclavage et d’autres formes de traite des enfants, et que de tels sentiments continueront à prévaloir tant que les marchés parallèles où les enfants sont achetés et vendus continueront d’exister.
Preparing students for studying abroad
Authors: Goldoni Federica
Published: August 2021

Abstract: This study is situated in the fields of language education, study abroad (SA) and intercultural communication. The interest in SA is increasing on the part of students, administrators, educators, and business companies. However, SA students are not always prepared to maximize their learning opportunities at the foreign site, to effectively interact with locals, to develop cultural awareness, and to respond to challenging situations occurring abroad. This article suggests preparatory activities and projects, including exercises on students’ own identity as a powerful construct impacting their SA experiences. University officials and international education offices face the challenge to rethink the SA experience at their institution, focus on what learners need to take home from SA, and implement practices that are the truly effective to prepare student to become global citizens. Our fast-changing multicultural societies need translingually and transculturally competent language speakers who can function as informed interlocutors in contact with host communities.
PENGARUH KOMPETENSI SDM DAN SISTEM AKUNTANSI KEUANGAN DAERAH TERHADAP KUALITAS LAPORAN KEUANGAN DAERAH
Authors: Rahman Abdul , Permatasari Ayudhini Azzahra
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this article is to determine the impact of human resource skills and financial accounting systems on the quality of regional financial statements. Using quantitative methods for accounting or financial personnel management at government offices in Buleleng regional, this study shows that human resource literacy and the financial system have a positive and significant impact on the quality of regional financial systems reported. Thus, the results of this study indicate the need to increase human resources for financial management in the regions and the financial accounting system in accordance with established standards.
HAGLR promotes neuron differentiation through the miR-130a-3p-MeCP2 axis
Authors: Wei Bo , Xiao Gui-rong , Wu Cheng-long , Xu Yi-qin
Published: August 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disease. Currently, the molecular mechanisms underlying the progressions of PD are not fully understood. The human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y has been widely used as an in vitro model for PD. This study aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms of the non-coding RNA-mediated SH-SY5Y differentiation induced by retinoic acid (RA). By microArray analysis, lncRNA HAGLR was observed to be significantly upregulated during the RA-induced SH-SY5Y differentiation. Silencing HAGLR blocked the RA-induced SH-SY5Y differentiation. Moreover, bioinformatical analysis illustrated that miR-130a-3p contains binding sites for HAGLR. The RNA-pull down assay and luciferase assay demonstrated that HAGLR functioned as a ceRNA of miR-130a-3p in SH-SY5Y cells. Overexpression of miR-130a-3p effectively inhibited SH-SY5Y differentiation. We identified MeCP2, a vital molecule in neuronal diseases, to be a direct target of miR-130a-3p in SH-SY5Y cells by western blot and luciferase assays. The rescue experiments verified that recovery of miR-130a-3p in HAGLR-overexpressing SH-SY5Y cells could successfully overcome the RA-induced SH-SY5Y differentiation by targeting MeCP2. In summary, this study reveals a potential molecular mechanism for the lncRNA-HAGLR-promoted in vitro neuron differentiation by targeting the miR-130a-3p-MeCP2 axis, contributing to the understanding of the pathogenesis and progression of PD.
Structural characterization of microcrystalline and nanocrystalline cellulose from Ananas comosus L. leaves: Cytocompatibility and molecular docking studies
Authors: Sainorudin Muhammad Hanif , Abdullah Nur Athirah , Asmal Rani Mohd Saiful , Mohammad Masita , Mahizan Munirah , Shadan Nursyazwani , Abd Kadir Nurul Huda , Yaakob Zahira , El-Denglawey Adel , Alam Mahboob
Published: August 2021

The present study focused on the preparation of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) from pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) leaves using chemical treatments followed by acid hydrolysis. Pineapple leaves could be used in medical applications such as drug delivery carriers. Advanced spectroscopy techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to analyze the physical, chemical, and morphological features of the isolated MCC and NCC; the results indicated the needle-shaped form of nanostructures with good purity and high crystallinity index of 75.00 and 76.38%, respectively. In addition, inhibition of the treated MRC-5 cells with all the samples revealed that the percentage of cell viability was less than 30%, which is an interesting finding given their role in the cytotoxicity effect of MCC and NCC. It appears that MCC and NCC derived from pineapple leaves have lower toxicity. As a result, the developed MCC and NCC can be used in pharmaceutical applications as a novel drug delivery system. Molecular docking was performed to understand the non-bonding interaction of cellulose with human acid-beta-glucosidase (β-Glc) (PDB: 1OGS). The docking result shows that cellulose unit docked within the active pocket of the enzyme by forming hydrogen bonds against ASN19, THR21, and VAL17 with distances of 2.18, 1.93, and 2.92 Å, respectively, with binding energy (−5.0 kcal/mol) resulting in close interaction of cellulose unit with the receptor.
Living With HIV During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Impacts for Older Adults in Palm Springs, California
Authors: Nguyen Annie L. , Davtyan Mariam , Taylor Jeff , Christensen Christopher , Plankey Michael , Karpiak Stephen , Brown Brandon
Published: August 2021

We conducted surveys in March 2020 with 100 older adults living in Palm Springs, CA, to (1) report the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their day-to-day well-being and (2) describe the factors related to missing HIV medication during the pandemic. Respondent's mean age was 64.2 and the majority identified as White, men, and gay. The majority stated that the pandemic had impacted their lives “much,” “very much,” or “extremely.” One-third experienced financial challenges and 46.0% experienced disruptions to health care. Almost a quarter (24.0%) reported missing a dose of their HIV medication during the pandemic. Compared to those ages 64+, younger respondents were more likely to report some negative impacts like changes in sleep patterns, financial challenges, and missed HIV medication doses, and had higher PTSD severity scores. In adjusted logistic regression, higher PTSD severity scores and disruption to health care were associated with missed doses of medications (ps < .05).
Primary Care Providers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs About HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): Informing Network-Based Interventions
Authors: Storholm Erik D. , Ober Allison J. , Mizel Matthew L. , Matthews Luke , Sargent Matthew , Todd Ivy , Zajdman Deborah , Green Hank
Published: August 2021

Increasing access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in primary care settings for patients who may be at risk for HIV could help to increase PrEP uptake, which has remained low among certain key risk populations. The current study conducted interviews with primary care providers identified from national claims data as having either high or low likelihood of serving PrEP-eligible patients based on their prescribing practices for other sexually transmitted infections. The study yielded important information about primary care providers’ knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about PrEP, as well as the barriers and facilitators to prescribing PrEP. Key recommendations for a provider-focused intervention to increase PrEP prescribing among primary care providers, including increasing patient education to increase demand from providers, enhancing provider education, leveraging technology, and instituting standardized sexual health checks, are provided with the goal of informing network-based interventions.
Modeling Soil Carbon Stocks in Morobe Province, PNG
Authors: Moripi Leroy
Published: August 2021

This study was done to develop a best fit model for soil carbon distribution to 1-m depth in Papua New Guinea’s Morobe Province using multiple linear regression (MLR) technique on environmental variables elevation, slope, aspect, normalized difference vegetative index, mean annual temperature (MAT) and mean annual precipitation (MAP) using SPSS and ArcGis 10 software. Descriptive, correlation and MLR analyses were performed, and the data revealed that elevation and MAT were skewed. Slope and elevation were significantly negatively correlated to soil carbon distribution (R = −.725 at p < .05; R = −.862 at p < .01), while MAT was significantly positively correlated to the soil carbon distribution (R = .906 at p < .01). Three models developed from MLR analysis revealed that Model 2 (adjusted R2 = .987 at p < .05) and Model 3 (adjusted R2 = .990 at p < .05) were both significant, hence Model 2 developed Equation (3), whereas Model 3 developed Equation (4). Prediction accuracy of the two equations revealed that Equation (3) (root mean square error [RMSE] = 2.597) performed better than Equation (4) (RMSE = 2.764), hence Equation (3) was the best fit model that developed the predicted map of soil carbon distribution (Model 1 predicted approximately 271 t/ha). This study shows that environmental variables can be used to predict soil carbon distribution. However, the limited number of sites (n = 8) could have greatly affected the model development exercise (e.g., the surprising positive correlation of soil carbon with MAT) and consequently the accuracy of the prediction map.
Nicotinamide riboside has minimal impact on energy metabolism in mouse models of mild obesity
Authors: Cartwright David M , Oakey Lucy A , Fletcher Rachel S , Doig Craig L , Heising Silke , Larner Dean P , Nasteska Daniela , Berry Caitlin E , Heaselgrave Sam R , Ludwig Christian , Hodson David J , Lavery Gareth G , Garten Antje
Published: August 2021

Supplementation with precursors of NAD has been shown to prevent and reverse insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, and liver damage in mouse models of diet-induced obesity. We asked whether the beneficial effects of supplementation with the NAD precursor nicotinamide riboside (NR) are dependent on mouse strain. We compared the effects of NR supplementation on whole-body energy metabolism and mitochondrial function in mildly obese C57BL/6N and C57BL/6J mice, two commonly used strains to investigate metabolism. Male C57BL/6N and C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) or standard chow with or without NR supplementation for 8 weeks. Body and organ weights, glucose tolerance, and metabolic parameters as well as mitochondrial O2 flux in liver and muscle fibers were assessed. We found that NR supplementation had no influence on body or organ weight, glucose metabolism or hepatic lipid accumulation, energy expenditure, or metabolic flexibility but increased mitochondrial respiration in soleus muscle in both mouse strains. Strain-dependent differences were detected for body and fat depot weight, fasting blood glucose, hepatic lipid accumulation, and energy expenditure. We conclude that, in mild obesity, NR supplementation does not alter metabolic phenotype in two commonly used laboratory mouse strains.
Prenatal androgen excess impairs beta-cell function by decreased sirtuin 3 expression
Authors: Zhou Yu , Gong Min , Lu Yingfei , Chen Jianquan , Ju Rong
Published: August 2021

Prenatal androgen exposure induces metabolic disorders in female offspring. However, the long-term effect of maternal testosterone excess on glucose metabolism, especially on pancreatic beta-cell function, is rarely investigated. Our current study mainly focused on the effects of prenatal testosterone exposure on glucose metabolism and pancreatic beta- cell function in aged female offspring. By using maternal mice and their female offspring as animal models, we found that prenatal androgen treatment induced obesity and glucose intolerance in aged offspring. These influences were accompanied by decreased fasting serum insulin concentration, elevated serum triglyceride, and testosterone concentrations. Glucose stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells of aged female offspring was also affected by prenatal testosterone exposure. We further confirmed that increased serum testosterone contributed to downregulation of sirtuin 3 expression, activated oxidative stress, and impaired pancreatic beta-cell function in aged female offspring. Moreover, over-expression of sirtuin 3 in islets isolated from female offspring treated with prenatal testosterone normalized the oxidative stress level, restored cyclic AMP, and ATP generation, which finally improved glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in beta cells. Taken together, these results demonstrated that prenatal testosterone exposure caused a metabolic disturbance in aged female offspring via suppression of sirtuin 3 expression and activation of oxidative stress in pancreatic beta cells.
Effect of physicochemical pretreatments and enzymatic hydrolysis on corn straw degradation and reducing sugar yield
Authors: Huang Weiwei , Wang Erzhu , Chang Juan , Wang Ping , Yin Qingqiang , Liu Chaoqi , Zhu Qun , Lu Fushan
Published: August 2021

Straw lignocelluloses were converted to reducing sugar for possible use for bioenergy production via physicochemical pretreatments and enzymatic hydrolysis. The experiment was divided into 2 steps. The first step focused on breaking the crystal structure and removing lignin in corn straw. The lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose degradation rates observed were 92.2%, 73.7%, and 4.6%, respectively, after corn straw was treated with sodium hydroxide (3% w/w) plus high-pressure steam (autoclave), 74.8%, 72.5%, and 4.3% after corn straw was treated with sodium hydroxide (8%, w/w) plus wet steam explosion, compared with native corn straw (P < 0.05). The second step was enzymatic hydrolysis for the pretreated straw. The enzymatic hydrolysis could yield 576 mg/g reducing sugar and significantly degrade cellulose and hemicellulose contents by 93.3% and 94.4% for the corn straw pretreated with sodium hydroxide plus high-pressure steam. For the corn straw pretreated with sodium hydroxide plus wet steam explosion, the enzymatic hydrolysis could yield 508 mg/g reducing sugar, and degrade cellulose and hemicellulose contents by 83.5% and 84.2%, respectively, compared with the untreated corn straw (P<0.05). Scanning electron microscopy showed that the physicochemical pretreatments plus enzymatic hydrolysis degraded corn straw to many small molecules. Thus, physicochemical pretreatments plus enzymatic hydrolysis converted lignocellulose to reducing sugar effectively.
Ethical compass for medical solutions in the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors:   Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman 54/1, Peremohy Avenue, Kyiv, 03057, Ukraine, Petrashko L. P. , Martyniuk O. V. ,   Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman 54/1, Peremohy Avenue, Kyiv, 03057, Ukraine
Published: August 2021

The article actualizes and structures significant problems of the medical sphere that arise in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, in terms of the relations vectors: global world – state – person, state – clinic – society, clinic – doctor (medical staff), clinic – patient, doctor (medical staff) – the patient. The authors presented the evolutionary context of the norming process of medical resources and emphasized the hierarchical scheme of the regulation process of scarce resources norming in the health care system under the pandemic crisis conditions. The paper substantiates approaches to making medical decisions on “sorting” and applying a number of its forms depending on various regional, national, religious, and local models of the ethical values system formation. Emphasis is placed on American and European models of bioethics. The authors consider the utilitarian approach to preparing medical solutions of “clinical sorting” to level ethical catastrophes in a pandemic based on Catholic ethics. The issues of regulated norming of scarce medical resources and the “clinical triage” of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ukraine have been investigated. The main bioethical dilemma of the COVID-19 pandemic is outlined. The authors actualize criteria and models of ethical medical solutions for equitable allocation of scarce medical resources in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. These criteria and models are defined in the Ethical Guidelines for Responding to COVID-19 of the Bioethics Committee at the Council of Europe, the US Department of Health and Human Services; in normative documents in the field of ethics of medical decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic of the National Medical Associations, chambers, centres of bioethics of Italy, Hungary, USA, Great Britain; in the guidelines of national, religious and local institutions for the preparation of medical decisions for the levelling ethical catastrophes during the pandemic and the studies of international bioethics experts. The paper identified the need to formalize the fair distribution of scarce resources during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ukraine. The authors suggested recommendations for the implementation of ethical values and priorities for their application in critical conditions of shortage of medical resources and personnel in the COVID-19 pandemic in the health care system of Ukraine.
The international experience of damages valuation criteria application for measuring losses through intellectual property illegal exploitation
Authors:   V. Lashkaryov Institute of Semiconductor Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine 41, prospect Nauky, Kyiv, 03680, Ukraine, Solntsev V. S. , Kyiashko O. Ye. ,   2, Budivelnikiv Str., Appt. 130, Ukrainka, 08720, Obukhiv District, Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine, Klymova N. B. ,   Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine 6, Smolenska Str., Kyiv, 03057, Ukraine, Nestor N. V. ,   Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine 6, Smolenska Str., Kyiv, 03057, Ukraine
Published: August 2021

One of the main goals of intellectual property rights is to ensure financial protection of intellectual property rights of the rightsholder in case of violation. The article analyses the international experience of damages valuation criteria application for measuring losses through illegal exploitation of intellectual property (patents, trademarks, copyrights, etc.). The ability to make preliminary damage measuring due to the illegal use of intellectual property helps make better litigation choices. It is crucial to understand the basic approaches and damages valuation criteria in determining material loss. On the one hand, it helps the rightsholder make an informed and optimal decision to recover a reasonable amount of compensation in court. On the other hand, understanding the approach to determining damages affects the type and number of witnesses, facts, and experts involved in defending the case. Authors consider approaches and damage criteria for assessing the loss caused to rightsholders on the example of the European Union, the United States, and Colombia. It is shown that the same criteria are used in different countries for damages: lost benefit of the rightsholder; the profit of the offender; lump sum damage and/or hypothetical (“reasonable”) royalties; compensation established by law; coverage of other indirect losses. However, applying these criteria in different countries is different for the reimbursement of different types of intellectual property rights. The international experience analysis of damages valuation criteria application for measuring losses through intellectual property illegal exploitation allows to improve the normative-legal field in Ukraine and create a national methodology of damages measuring caused by illegal exploitation of the intellectual property.
Naturaleza y sociedad en Horacio
Authors: Mainero Jorge S.
Published: August 2021

El propósito de este artículo es estudiar dos vertientes de la poesía de Horacio. Él pasó de profesar un ideal ético individualista, proclive al retiro apacible en el seno de una naturaleza sujeta a ritmos periódicos (beatus ille, Epod. 2), a la convicción de que le estaba reservado celebrar la gloria romana como sacerdote de las musas (Carm. 3, 1), en las seis primeras odas del libro tercero. Las Odas Cívicas son consistentes con el plan de Augusto, nombrado y representado en Carm. 3, 3. En el artículo se analiza este poema considerando el mito como un sistema simbólico apto para representaciones colectivas, en cuyo empleo se reconoce un principio estructural, dada la organización del material lírico-narrativo. Se adoptó, además, la hipótesis de las tres funciones indoeuropeas elaborada por Dumézil, con el fin de leer estos poemas como intento de construcción de una ética para los romanos contemporáneos del poeta.El propósito de este artículo es estudiar dos vertientes de la poesía de Horacio. Él pasó de profesar un ideal ético individualista, proclive al retiro apacible en el seno de una naturaleza sujeta a ritmos periódicos (beatus ille, Epod. 2), a la convicción de que le estaba reservado celebrar la gloria romana como sacerdote de las musas (Carm. 3, 1), en las seis primeras odas del libro tercero. Las Odas Cívicas son consistentes con el plan de Augusto, nombrado y representado en Carm. 3, 3. En el artículo se analiza este poema considerando el mito como un sistema simbólico apto para representaciones colectivas, en cuyo empleo se reconoce un principio estructural, dada la organización del material lírico-narrativo. Se adoptó, además, la hipótesis de las tres funciones indoeuropeas elaborada por Dumézil, con el fin de leer estos poemas como intento de construcción de una ética para los romanos contemporáneos del poeta.
Feiras Agroecológicas e de Economia Solidária da UFFS
Authors: Radünz André Luiz , Gilson Ítalo Kael , De Vargas Lucas Ramão Rogério , Tonin Samuel Tadeu , Andrioli Antônio Inácio , Radünz Marjana , Fabres Oliveira Radünz Amanda , Burg Inês Claudete
Published: August 2021

Preocupada com os processos formativos e com o fomento a estratégias de desenvolvimento sustentáveis, a UFFS institucionalizou em 2018 o programa de extensão “Agroecologia e economia solidária: espaço de empoderamento social e educativo”. Diante disso o objetivo do presente artigo é relatar o processo de implantação e desenvolvimento da feira agroecológica e de economia solidária da UFFS no município de Chapecó (Campus e Reitoria). Os dados foram coletados a partir da aplicação de um questionário ao coordenador geral do projeto. Os resultados demonstram que a Feira Agroecológica e da Economia Solidária está consolidada e demonstra ser um espaço que oportuniza à sociedade de forma geral o acesso a produtos sustentáveis e justos. Além de propiciar locais de trocas de saberes e espaços formativos que integralizam os processos de ensino, pesquisa e extensão, fomentando discussões acerca do desenvolvimento sustentável e das práticas integrativas e complementares em saúde.
Palavras-chave: Feiras livres; comércio; alimentos orgânicos; comunidade acadêmica; comunidade regional.
Plant-parasitic nematodes associated with Moringa tree (Moringa oleifera Lam.) in Adamawa, North Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Jada M.Y. , Adamu M.Y. , Aji M.B. , Abdullahi G.
Published: August 2021

Abstract. Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) is becoming an economically important crop because of its nutritional value, therefore, more land area is currently being devoted to its cultivation particularly by vegetable farmers. But right now, little is known about plant-parasitic nematodes as one of its probable pest problems. A survey was, therefore, carried out to determine the plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) associated with Moringa tree in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Nine of the 21 local government areas (LGAs) of the state were randomly selected; and 10 moringa farms, indicating at least two household/home gardens, were picked from each of the selected local government area for the survey of PPN. In each selected sampling site, soil samples were taken from the base of randomly selected moringa plants to a depth of 15-25 cm using hand trowel and hoe. Composite sample from each LGA from root and soils were taken to Laboratory for nematode extraction. Nematodes were extracted from both soil and roots using Baermann Tray method. The Moringa tree root rhizosphere revealed the presence of 14 genera of plant-parasitic nematodes with specimens from Meloidogyne, Scutellonema, Aphelenchoides, and Hoplolaimus genera being more abundant and frequent. They recorded average prominence value of 123.96, 93.31, 63.83 and 61.83, respectively. Whereas in the roots, Meloidogyne and Scutellonema specimens were found more than the remaining plant-parasitic nematodes genera with an average prominence value of 50.92 and 22.26, respectively.
Estimation of the economic efficiency of Lacaune sheep farms, based on theoretical bio-economic models
Authors: Slavova S.
Published: August 2021

Abstract. The aim of the present study was to develop theoretical bio-economic models of Lacaune sheep farms and establish their economic efficiency. Based on three main criteria, 15 options were considered and analyzed. Data were processed using the program EWSH2 as a part of ECOWEIGHT Package for calculating economic weights in livestock. Revenues from sales, variable costs, gross margin and profitability before and after subsidies and per ewe were calculated. It was found that raising sheep of the high productive Lacaune breed could generate profit and provide profitability for the studied models of farms, regardless of the level of selection, type of production system, flock size and even the amount of subsidies. Nucleus farms reported the largest gross margin, followed by the basic and commercial farms. Profitability without subsidies showed the highest values for the nucleus flocks of 1000 ewes – 24.24% when adopting semi-intensive production system and 23.14% for the intensive one. With the addition of subsidies, nucleus and basic farms of 1000 ewes were considered the most profitable with 40% and 37.37%, as for both options the semi-intensive conditions were preferable. A tendency for the values of the studied indicators to grow with the increase in the number of ewes in the flocks was observed, as only for the variable costs it was reversed. Due to the lack of studies on economic efficiency of Lacaune sheep farms in Bulgaria, an additional detailed research, based on real data, is advisable to be conducted.
Laboratory parameters predicting mortality of adult in-patients with COVID-19 associated cytokine release syndrome treated with high-dose tocilizumab
Authors: Lakatos Botond , Szabo Balint Gergely , Bobek Ilona , Gopcsa Laszlo , Beko Gabriella , Kiss-Dala Noemi , Petrik Borisz , Gaspar Zsofia , Farkas Balazs Ferenc , Sinko Janos , Remenyi Peter , Szlavik Janos , Valyi-Nagy Istvan
Published: August 2021

Large randomized clinical trials in severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients have proven efficacy of intravenous tocilizumab. Our aim was to describe the laboratory parameters predicting in-hospital mortality of patients with tocilizumab administration in COVID-19 associated cytokine release syndrome (CRS).

We evaluated high-dose (8 mg/kg) intravenous tocilizumab administration in severe and critically ill COVID-19 adult patients fulfilling predefined strict CRS criteria. A single-centre, prospective, observational cohort study was carried out among consecutive adult (≥18 years of age) in-patients with COVID-19 between April 1 and December 31, 2020. The primary endpoint was 28-day all-cause mortality. The changes in laboratory parameters from baseline on day 7 and 14 after administration of tocilizumab were analysed.

In total, 1801 patients were admitted to our centre during the study period. One hundred and six patients received tocilizumab, and among them 62 (58.5%) required intensive care unit admittance while 25 (23.6%) deceased. At day 7 after tocilizumab administration, inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, ferritin) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) values were significantly lower among survivors. Subsequently, at day 14, differences of IL-6 and LDH levels has become more pronounced between subgroups. Restoration of absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) by day 7 and 14 was insufficient among patients who died.

In our cohort, administration of high-dose tocilizumab for COVID-19 patients with CRS demonstrated clinical and sustained biochemical parameter improvement in 76.4%. In this patient population high and increasing LDH, IL-6, and low ALC levels had a predictive role for mortality.
Pharmacokinetics of tectorigenin, tectoridi, irigenin, and iridin in mouse blood after intravenous administration by UPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Li Jianbo , Yao Yuqi , Zhou Minyue , Yu Zheng , Jin Yinan , Wang Xianqin
Published: August 2021

Tectorigenin, tectoridin, irigenin, and iridin are the four most predominant compounds present in She Gan. She Gan has been used in traditional Chinese medicine because of its anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-tumor, antioxidant, phytoestrogen-like properties. In this paper, a UPLC-MS/MS method was developed to measure the pharmacokinetics of tectorigenin, tectoridin, irigenin, iridin after intravenous administration in mice. A UPLC BEH C18 (50 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm particle size) chromatographic column was utilized for separation of the four target analytes and internal standard (IS), and the analysis of blood plasma samples; the mobile phase consisted of an acetonitrile-water (w/0.1% formic acid) gradient elution. Electron spray ionization (ESI) positive-ion mode and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was used for quantitative analysis of the analytes and internal standard. The four compounds were administered intravenously (sublingual) at doses of 5 mg/kg. After blood sampling, samples were processed and then analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS. The linearity of the method was robust over the concentration range of 2–5,000 ng/mL. The intra-day precision of the analysis was within 15%, the inter-day precision was within 12%, and the accuracy was between 92% and 110%. The recoveries were 65–68%, and the matrix effect was 93–109%. The established UPLC-MS/MS detection method was then successfully applied to study the pharmacokinetics of tectorigenin, tectoridin, irigenin, iridin in mice.