bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barriers to Sexual and Reproductive Health Information among University Students in Uganda: A qualitative study
Authors: Nuwamanya Elly , Qureshi Eman T.U. , Pemunta Ngambouk Vitalis , Adedze Miranda , Nalwanga Robinah , Nuwasiima Afra , Babigumira Janet U. , Asiimwe Francis T. , Babigumira Joseph B.
Published: July 2020

Background: University students are one of the most vulnerable groups to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) threats, yet they often have limited access to SRH tools, services and information. This study explored university students’ perceptions of SRH, their source of SRH information and how they authenticated such information in Uganda. Methods: Data were collected from 40 students of Kyambogo university—20 males and 20 females through 4 gender-classified Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Atlas ti 8 software was used to analyse the data and generate themes from interview transcripts.Results: Many students perceived SRH to be about sexual intercourse and its related consequences. Perceived risky behaviours included mainly having multiple sexual partners. The students identified the reduced sexual sensitivity, struggle to bear children in the future, as the myths and misconceptions about different SRH goods and services in addition to the uncertainty over safe days. The various sources of SRH information included Google, social media, health centres, friends, parents and government and non-government organizations. The main barriers to accessing SRH information included lack of finances, inadequate or few medical personnel, and service provider bias. Many of them authenticated the SRH information from the internet through their friends. Conclusion: New approaches and interventions should target both students and their parents, as this multifaceted approach will reduce the societal stigma, bias, ignorance, negative attitudes, and exposure to risky sexual behaviours among such youth populations.
The Association Between TP53 rs1625895 Polymorphism and the Risk of Sarcopenic Obesity in Iranian Older Adults: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Montazeri-Najababady Nima , Dabbaghmanesh Mohammad Hossein , Nasimi Nasrin , Sohrabi Zahra , Chatrabnous Nazanin
Published: July 2020

Background: Aging and obesity are the two major global health concerns. Sarcopenia, an age-linked disease, wherein a progressive loss of muscle volume, muscle strength, and physical activity occurs. In this study we evaluated the association of TP53 rs1625895 polymorphism with the susceptibility to sarcopenic obesity in Iranian old-age subjects. Total of 206 old individuals (45 sarcopenic and 161 non-sarcopenic) were recruited in this research and genotyped by PCR–RFLP. BMI, Skeletal Muscle Mass Index (SMI), body composition, Handgrip Strength (HGS), Gait Speed (GS), and biochemical parameters were measured. Chi-square test was done for genotypes and alleles frequency. Linear regression was applied to find the correlation between TP53 rs1625895 polymorphism, and biochemical and anthropometric parameters. The correlation between TP53 rs1625895 and the risk of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity was investigated by logistic regression.Results: G allele was significantly higher in sarcopenic obesity group [P =0.037, OR (CI 95%)=1.9 (1.03-3.5)] compared to A allele. BMI (P= 0.049) and LDL (P=0.04) were significantly differed between genotypes when GG was compared to AA/AG genotype. The results revealed when GG genotype compared to AA/AG genotype in adjusted model for age, the risk of sarcopenic obesity [P value= 0.011, OR (CI 95%); 2.72 (1.25-5.91)] increased. Similarly, GG/AG genotype increased the risk of sarcopenic obesity [P value= 0.028, OR (CI 95%); 2.43 (1.10-5.36)] in adjusted model for age compared to AA genotype.Conclusion: We concluded that TP53 rs1625895 polymorphism may increase the risk of sarcopenic obesity in Iranian population.
Development and Evaluation of a Novel Music-based Therapeutic Device for Upper Extremity Movement Training
Authors: Schaffert Nina , Janzen Thenille Braun , Ploigt Roy , Schlüter Sebastian , Vuong Veronica , Thaut Michael H.
Published: July 2020

Background

Restoration of upper limb motor function and patient functional independence are crucial treatment targets for neurologic recovery. Growing evidence indicates that music-based intervention is a promising therapeutic approach for the restoration of upper extremity functional abilities in neurologic conditions. In this context, music technology may be particularly useful to increase the availability and accessibility of music-based therapy and assist therapists in the implementation and assessment of targeted therapeutic goals. In the present study, we describe and evaluate a novel music-based therapeutic device (SONATA) for upper limb extremity movement training.
Methods

The device consists of a graphical user interface generated by a single-board computer displayed on a 32” touchscreen with build-in sound speakers controlled wirelessly by a computer tablet. The system includes two operational modes that allow users to play musical melodies on a virtual keyboard or draw figures/shapes whereby every action input results in controllable sensory feedback. Four functional tests were performed with 21 healthy individuals (12 males, age 26.4 ± 3.5 years) to evaluate the device’s operational modes and main features, such as presenting sequences of audiovisual stimuli at a pre-defined order (Tasks 1–3), displaying different shapes (Task 4), and collecting response and movement data (e.g., reaction time, correct/incorrect responses, and timing data).
Results

The results indicate feasibility and ease of use of the device, as shown by the participants’ performance accuracy in all tasks. The findings also demonstrate the reliability of the data acquired automatically by the system as we replicated the results of previous research showing a decrease in reaction time in sequences repeatedly presented in relation to random sequences, and that sequence length, rate and complexity affect accuracy of newly learned action sequences.
Conclusions

This device is a feasible tool for upper limb extremity movement training and opens new avenues for the the systematic evaluation of the benefits of music technologies in clinical research.
Computed Tomography Imaging Features of Malignant “Triton” Tumor for Its Clinical Diagnosis: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Li Yuan , Zeng Chun , Jiang Ning , Molloy David P. , Peng Qiling , Zhang Cheng , Shi Haoming , Chen Dan , Wu Qingchen
Published: July 2020

Background: malignant triton tumors (MTTs) are an extremely rare subtype of malignant periphery nerve sheave tumors (MPNSTs). Clinical diagnosis of MTTs is difficult before surgery due to its low incidence and the lack of knowledge. Therefore, to describe and summarize the computed tomography (CT) imaging characteristics of malignant triton tumors (MTTs) is of great assistance for early and preoperative diagnosis.Case presentation: Two case reports were closely observed in our hospital, with the presumptive diagnosis of MTT by CT scan examination before surgery. The diagnosis of MTT was eventually confirmed by immunochemical (IHC) assay, which verified speculation of CT scans. Huge, irregular, well-circumscribed lobulated mass-like shadows can be observed from these patients by CT scans. Besides, heterogeneity of density within the body of tumor was well-established by CT scans, together with linear septum. Meanwhile, CT scans demonstrated that calcifications were remarkable at the margin of tumor body. Conclusions: Some CT image features from two cases admitted to our hospital were presented as a reference for the preoperative diagnosis of MTTs: (i) enormity of mass-like shadow; (ii) presence of well-circumscribed lobulated shape; (iii) septum within the well-defined mass accompanied with hemorrhage, necrosis and cystic changes as well as calcification, especially within neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) patients.
Catheter Care Bundle and Low Catheter Infection Rates in a Home Parenteral Nutrition Population: A 4 Year Observational Study
Authors: DeLegge Mark , Hamilton Karen Sexton , Leone Melissa , Checkley L. Allyson
Published: July 2020

Background
Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) is often a life-saving therapy for patients. One of the most common complications for HPN is catheter-related blood stream infections (CRBSI). In the home setting there is no single defined “care bundle” for the on-going maintenance of central venous catheters (CVC) for the prevention of CRBSI. We evaluated the impact of a standardized catheter care bundle in patients receiving HPN on the incidence of CRBSI.
Methods
Data collection included use of standardized tools and processes to capture patient demographics, catheter complications including CRBSI and some associated risk factors. Reported data was collected and analyzed annually and compared year-to-year from the years 2014–2017 from one national home infusion company. CRBSI reported as number of infections/1000 catheter days
Results
The CRBSI rate/1000 days was reported as 0.43, 0.31, 0.30 and 0.23 (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 respectively). The type of catheter, number of catheter lumens and type of nursing care provided had importance. In general, single lumen central venous catheters had numerically less CRBSI than double lumen central venous catheters; peripherally-inserted central venous catheters were the most common catheter used but also had the highest percentage of CRBSI.
Conclusion
The use of a catheter care bundle in an HPN population resulted in a 4- year reported outcomes of low and continuously declining CRBSI in a large, diverse United States-based HPN population.
LncRNA ZFPM2-AS1 Promotes Metastasis and Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition of Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Targeting miR-3612/ADAM15 Axis
Authors: Yang Nan , Chen Tianxiang , Yao Bowen , Wang Liang , Liu Runkun , Niu Yongshen , Tu Kangsheng , Liu Zhikui
Published: July 2020

Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have obtained growing attention due to their potential effects as novel regulators in various tumors. This study aimed to investigate the expression and roles of lncRNA ZFPM2-AS1 in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Transwell was used to determine migration and invasion of HCC cells in vitro. The lung metastasis mouse model was established to detect tumor metastasis of HCC in vivo. The direct binding of miR-3612 to 3'UTR of DAM15 was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. The expression of ZFPM2-AS1 and miR-3612 in HCC specimens and cell lines were detected by real-time PCR. The correlation among ZFPM2-AS1 and miR-3612 were disclosed by a dual-luciferase reporter assay, RIP assay and biotin pull-down assay.Results: In present study, we found that ZFPM2-AS1 was up-regulated in HCC tissues and cells and its upregulation was associated with TNM stage, vascular invasion, and poor prognosis of HCC patients. Functionally, gain- and loss-of-function experiments indicated that ZFPM2-AS1 promoted cell migration, invasion and EMT progress in vitro and in vivo. ZFPM2-AS1 could function as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by sponging miR-3612 in HCC cells. Mechanically, miR-3612 inhibited HCC metastasis and alternation of miR-3612 reversed the promotive effects of ZFPM2-AS1 on HCC cells. In addition, we confirmed that ADAM15 was a direct target of miR-3612 in HCC and mediated the biological effects of miR-3612 and ZFPM2-AS1 in HCC. Curcumin, an active derivative from turmeric, exerts its anticancer effects through ZFPM2-AS1/miR-3612/ADAM15 pathway. Our data identified ZFPM2-AS1 as a novel oncogenic lncRNA and correlated malignant clinical outcomes in HCC patients. Conclusions: ZFPM2-AS1 performed as oncogenic role via targeting miR-3612 and subsequently promoted ADAM15 expression in HCC. Our results revealed that ZFPM2-AS1 could be a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.
SARS-COV2 Envelope Protein (E) interacts with the Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptor 1 (LPAR1) from humans
Authors: NALLUR GIRISH
Published: July 2020

A proteomic screen of human proteins interacting with the SARS-COV2 Envelope (E) protein identified LPAR1 as a strong candidate. Physical association of E protein and LPAR1 was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation and cell surface staining. LPAR1-E protein interaction was confirmed in all eight human cell lines tested. Many additional proteins participating in the E protein interactions network were also enriched from each of the cell lines, some of which were cell type specific. These findings suggest that LPAR1 is likely a cell surface receptor for the E protein, and pave the way for follow-on studies aimed at understanding the biological significance of the interactions in SARS-COV disease, including the signaling mechanisms.
Baseline predictors of attrition in a randomised controlled trial of treatments for people with recurrent binge eating episodes associated to overweight or obesity
Authors: Mannan Haider , Palavras Marly , Hay phillipa , Claudinho Angelica
Published: July 2020

PurposeUnderstanding the high rate of treatment attrition in trials of people with eating disorders is important as it can compromise the quality of the trials. In clinical practice, it may also contribute to illness chronicity, relapse, and costs. Thus, we investigated factors associated with treatment attrition to a new manualised psychotherapy HAPIFED compared to CBT-E, for individuals with Bulimia Nervosa or Binge Eating Disorder comorbid with overweight or obesity.MethodsIn total, 98 participants were recruited with half randomised to HAPIFED and half to the control intervention CBT-E, all administered in groups of up to 10 participants. An investigator external to the site conducted the random allocation, which was concealed from the statistician involved in the analysis, and known only to the therapists until the finalization of the 12-month follow-up after the end of active treatment. Three scenarios in the timeline treatment of a total of 30 sessions were assessed: 33% or 60% or 75% of presence. Logistic regression analysis was performed to find the correlates of attrition.ResultsNone of the six variables - frequency of binge eating episodes, purging, eating disorder symptom severity, weight, illness duration and mental health-related quality of life - significantly predicted attrition at 33%, but longer illness duration predicted lower treatment attrition at both 60% and 75% presence of the interventions. Also for 75% presence, lower weight predicted lower treatment attrition.ConclusionsLate treatment dropout was associated with lower illness length and a higher weight. More research is needed to recognize factors that may interfere with engagement in treatments aiming to avoid early dropout.Trial registrationUS National Institutes of Health clinical trial registration number NCT02464345, date of registration 1 June 2015.
Rab25 Acts as a Promising Novel Bio-Marker in the Prognosis of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Dai Zhong , Yao Ke-Qing , Hu Xing-Sheng , Li Yi-Qun , Liu Yu-Tao , Li Shu-Luan , Ji Xue
Published: July 2020

Background: Rab25 was indicated to be involved in several human tumors. However, the clinical significance of Rab25 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression and prognostic value of Rab25 in HCC.Methods: The relative mRNA expression levels of Rab25 in HCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Chi-square test was used to analyze the relationship between Rab25 expression and clinical characteristics of patients. The prognostic value of Rab25 in HCC was estimated through Kaplan-Meier method and cox regression analysis.Results: Rab25 gene expression level was significantly higher in HCC tissues than that in normal tissues (P<0.001). Importantly, the increased Rab25 expression was closely associated with TNM stage (P=0.024), metastasis (P=0.022) and invasion classification (P=0.039). Moreover, patients with high Rab25 expression tended to have obviously shorter overall survival than those with low expression of Rab25 (log rank test, P<0.001) via Kaplan-Meier analysis. Univariate and multivariate cox regression analyses revealed that Rab25 was an independent prognostic factor of HCC.Conclusions: Rab25 is up-regulated in HCC and contributes to the progression of this tumor. What’s more, Rab25 may be a potential bio-marker for the prognosis of HCC.
Transcription Factor FOXK1 Regulates the lncRNA NEAT1 to Promote Glioma Development Through Mediating KDM3A
Authors: Liu Feng , Wu Hao , Wu Guangyong , Long Jun , Dai Jin , Wang Zhifei
Published: July 2020

Background: Long noncoding RNAs are widely studied in glioma. However, the role of the lncRNA NEAT1 and KDM3A in glioma has not yet been reported. We aimed to reveal the role of these two lncRNAs in the development of glioma through this study.Methods: Samples from glioma patients and normal brain tissues were collected, and the expression of NEAT1 was detected by qRT-PCR. A dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), and RNA pulldown experiments were used to identify the relationship between FOXK1, NEAT1, miR-128, and KDM3A. The CCK8 assay, Transwell assay and flow cytometry were used to detect cell viability, invasion and migration ability, and the cell cycle and apoptosis, respectively. Tumor formation experiments verified the effect of NEAT1 on gliomas in vivo.Results: FOXK1 and NEAT1 were significantly overexpressed in glioma tissues and cells, and NEAT1 was significantly related to WHO classification. FOXK1 bound the NEAT1 gene promoter region in glioma cells, and interference with FOXK1 inhibited NEAT1 expression. NEAT1 inhibited miR-128 expression by binding miR-128; significantly improved cell viability and invasion and migration capabilities; increased the expression of KDM3A and activated the Wnt signaling pathway. Interference with KDM3A reversed the above results. In addition, interference with NEAT1 decreased KDM3A expression and inhibited tumor growth.Conclusion: Interference with NEAT1 promoted the expression of miR-128, thereby suppressing the expression of KDM3A and inhibiting the occurrence and development of glioma, while the expression of NEAT1 was shown to be regulated by the upstream transcription factor FOXK1.
Thyroid dysfunction as a modifiable risk factor for age-related macular degeneration: A case-control investigation
Authors: Farvardin Mohsen , mousavi Seyed esmaeil , Zare Kamran , Bazdar Somaye , Farvardin Zahra , Johari Mohammadkarim
Published: July 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Prenatal diagnosis of double arterial perfusion syndrome in multiple
pregnancy
Authors: O.V. Chursina , O.L. Malmberg , A.V. Zvereva
Published: July 2020

The case of prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of double arterial perfusion syndrome in multiple pregnancy
with two amorphous acardial fetuses is presented. The issues of prenatal diagnosis, management and surgical
correction of pathology, the outcome of the observation are discussed.
O MINISTÉRIO DA CULTURA E SUAS ENTIDADES VINCULADAS: GESTÃO E POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS DE CULTURA NO BRASIL
Authors: Sandy Danielly Dias , Stadler Adriano
Published: July 2020

O presente estudo aborda a gestão e políticas públicas da cultura no Brasil, e objetiva apresentar a trajetória do Ministério da Cultura (MinC) e suas entidades vinculadas, até o seu fechamento em 01 de janeiro de 2019. Os dados foram levantados a partir de fontes secundárias, tanto das primeiras, quanto das mais difundidas ações dos governos para a promoção da cultura no país. Além do levantamento histórico, buscou-se identificar quais eram, e como atuavam as entidades vinculadas ao ministério. Utilizando-se de abordagem qualitativa, por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica e documental em fontes, tal levantamento propiciou a compreensão do organograma institucional, composto por autarquias, fundações, órgãos e secretarias, criados para atender às particularidades que refletem a pluralidade da produção artística e cultural no país. Os resultados demonstram a relevância da estrutura organizacional do MinC para a eficiência da gestão da cultura, visando atender às especificidades de fomento, preservação e produção cultural.
Masjid, Khutbah Jumat, dan Konstruksi Realitas Keagamaan di Ruang Publik: Studi tentang Materi Khutbah Jumat di Masjid-Masjid Kota Surakarta
Authors: Mibtadin Mibtadin , Hedi Fathol
Published: July 2020

Abstract

This research is about the material or sermons content in Surakarta mosques in which there is an indication of hate speech if it is viewed from the analysis discourse and its implications for the religious diversity of worshipers in each mosque. Is there an element of hate speech in sermons in several mosques in the city of Surakarta? what are the implications of the Friday sermon on the diversity of society? This research is a descriptive qualitative research, data collection is done by observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Data analysis was performed with interactive analysis including: data reduction, data delivery; and drawing conclusions. Sermons are words that contain religious advice and information. Sermon material serves to strengthen the religious narrative of pilgrims. In general, the Friday sermon material does not contain indications of hate speech. The implication of Friday sermons on worshipers is to provide perspective and point of view so that it will affect the religious life of worshipers so they can be tolerant and respectful to groups outside of themselves.
Keywords: Friday sermon, hate speech, religious diversity

Abstrak
Penelitian ini mengenai materi atau konten khutbah yang ada di masjid-masjid Surakarta didalamnya ada indikasi mengandung unsur ujaran kebencian jika dilihat dari diskursus analisis serta implikasinya terhadap keberagamaan jamaah di setiap masjid. Apakah ada unsur ujaran kebencian pada khutbah di beberapa masjid a di Kota Surakarta? bagaimana implikasi khutbah Jumat terhadap keberagamaan masyarakat? Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif deskriptif, pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan observasi, wawancara mendalam, dan dokumentasi. Analisis data dilakukan dengan interaktif analisis meliputi: reduksi data, penyampaian data; dan penarikan kesimpulan. Khutbah merupakan perkataan yang mengandung nasehat dan informasi keagamaan. Materi khutbah berfungsi untuk penguatan narasi keagamaan jamaah. Secara umum, materi khutbah Jumat yang ada tidak mengandung indikasi ujaran kebencian. Implikasi khutbah Jumat pada jamaah adalah memberikan perspektif dan cara pandang sehingga akan berpengaruh terhadap kehidupan beragama jamaah sehingga bisa bersikap toleran dan menghargai kepada kelompok di luar dirinya.
Kata Kunci: Khutbah jumat, ujaran kebencian, keberagamaan
Ekspresi Keberagaman Online: Media Baru dan Dakwah
Authors: Asmar Afidatul
Published: July 2020

Abstract

This paper explain how diversity expression of dakwah in new media. Today, media makes many preachers and mad’u use new media facilities, including internet media where content to Islam is packaged in stories of everyday life and given with funny things. this strategy attracts many interested people on both sides of the preacher and the mad'u themselves. Da'wah is the one of the activities aimed at inviting others in kindness, reminiscent of the end of the day, while new media is a tool used to invite others to better paths. In other developments the question arises regarding human imagination about God and the path of understanding spirituality experiencing setbacks or impoverishment in the digital age. Will the path of God's search for this generation of media cause visitors to the place of worship to recede, the preaching of the Scriptures is not heard, and the spirit of the religious community was down. Is the “new media gedia generation” aware or not “deify” “virtual God”. This research uses a case study on the response of preachers and people related to the expression of diversity in using new media, so that how to interpret the message in the social media content Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube which is a unity of the internet world.

Keywords: Religion, new media, dan da’wah

Abstrak

Tulisan ini berupaya menjelaskan bagaimana dakwah dengan ekspresi keberagaman pada media baru saat ini. Dewasa ini media membuat banyak pendakwah maupun mad’u memanfaatkan fasilitas media baru, diantaranya media internet dimana konten-konten ke Islaman yang dikemas dengan santai dalam cerita kehidupan sehari-hari serta dibumbuhi hal-hal lucu. Strategi ini banyak menjaring peminat pada kedua sisi baik pendakwah maupun para mad’u itu sendiri. Dakwah adalah salah satu kegiatan yang bertujuan mengajak orang lain dalam kebaikan, mengingatkan terhadap hari akhir, sedangkan media baru adalah alat yang digunakan untuk mengajak orang lain kejalan yang lebih baik. Pada perkembangan lain muncul pertanyaan terkait imajinasi manusia tentang Tuhan dan jalan pemahaman spritualitas mengalami kemunduran atau pemiskinan di era digital. Apakah jalan pencarian Tuhan generasi media ini akan menyebabkan pengunjung tempat ibadah surut, pemberitaan Kitab Suci tidak didengar, dan spirit komunitas keagamaan tatap muka meredup. Apakah “generasi media baru” ini sadar atau tidak mulai : “menuhankan” “Tuhan-tuhan virtual”. Penelitian ini menggunakan studi kasus terhadap respon pendakwah dan umat terkait ekspresi keberagaman didalam menggunakan media baru, sehingga bagaimana memaknai pesan dakwah yang terkandung didalam konten-konten media sosial Instagram, facebook, twitter maupun youtube yang merupakan satu kesatuan dunia internet.

Kata kunci: Agama, media baru, dan dakwah.
Pipeline leak detection using the multiple signal classification-like method
Authors: Li Juan , Wu Ying , Lu Changgang
Published: July 2020

Leakages in pipelines can cause severe hazards to industries, the environment and people. For the purpose of an accurate identification of the leakage location, a transient-based leakage detection method using multiple signal classification (MUSIC)-like is applied to this paper. The localization is achieved by a one-dimensional search of leak location along the pipe, which means it involves low computational cost. The performance of the MUSIC-Like method in the cases of a single leak and multiple leaks is discussed by comparison with three spectral-based methods. In the single-leak case, the MUSIC-like algorithm provides precise localization estimation even for a high level of noise. For the multiple-leak case, the MUSIC-like method is superior to the other three methods. It is capable of identifying all leaks where the leak-to-leak distance is less than half the shortest probing wavelength. Therefore, the MUSIC-like method has an excellent performance in leak detection and location.
Rainwater as an alternative drinking water source for the Chronic Kidney Disease Of Uncertain etiology (CKDu) prone areas: a case study for Girandurukotte, Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayasooriya V. M. , Perera V. M. M. , Muthukumaran S.
Published: July 2020

Chronic Kidney Disease of uncertain etiology (CKDu) is a fatal disease that causes death from kidney failure due to unknown risk factors and has already affected more than 400,000 people in the rural agricultural landscape (dry zone) of Sri Lanka. The major drinking source in Sri Lanka is groundwater and it is suspected that the pollution of groundwater sources due to agricultural means has a major impact on CKDu. The primary objective of this study is to determine whether rainwater can be used as an alternative safe drinking water source in Girandurukotte area, Sri Lanka, which is known to be an area endemic for CKDu. The physical, chemical, and biological analyses were performed to compare the water quality parameters of three water sources (groundwater, surface water, and rainwater) for Girandurukotte area. The most common storage tanks in polyethylene (PE) and ferrocement (FC) were compared to assess the influence of the material of rainwater tank on water quality. The results showed that there is a significant difference in rainwater in terms of water quality compared to groundwater and surface water. Rainwater in FC and PE tanks showed significant differences (p < 0.05) for some parameters however, they were still within accepted potable drinking water standards.
Flora dynamics and the problem of vegetation cover safety in the Volga basin
Authors: Senator Stepan
Published: July 2020

The general data of flora dynamics in the Volga basin and problems of its protection are presented. The flora dynamics is characterized through: a) introduction of alien or non-native species, b) disappearance of certain species, c) appearance of new taxons. The red book of the Volga basin is one of the tools useful for the protection of vegetable cover. The red book underlies the principles of protection of rare species through the preservation of their environment.
Eksplozja demograficzna – zagrożenia i dylematy etyczno-prawne
Authors: Klimska Agnieszka , Kaniewska Małgorzata
Published: July 2020

The article considers risks as well as ethical and legal dilemmas arising from the human population explosion. It presents the causes of this occurrence, its course, and forecasts as to the further growth of the global population. Furthermore, it contains an analysis of birth control methods and shows a link between arguments of selected stances and inter alia economics and ecology. The human population explosion has been recognized by the authors as one of the major causes of the deepening crisis in the natural environmental balance.
Prymat prawa nad etyką? Nowy etap włoskiego sporu o metodę in vitro
Authors: Kobyliński Andrzej
Published: July 2020

In April 2014 The Constitutional Court in Italy was called to judge parts of the Law 40/2004 and canceled the prohibition of the methods of heterological artificial reproduction. !is decision opened a new stage of the public dispute about artificial reproduction that has been held in Italy for the last 20 years. The most significant principle of the legislation from the year 2004 was the recognition of the human embryo as a human being from the very moment of conception. The law in Italy forbade, among others, producing human embryos for scientific purposes, freezing and destroying human beings. The opponents of such legal regulations evoked the nationwide referendum in 2005 which did not manage to repeal the operative legislation. In 2015 the Italian Parliament will adopt a special law regulating the use of the methods of heterological artificial reproduction.
Turystyka zrównoważona na obszarach przyrodniczo cennych: strategie i implementacja
Authors: Majdak Piotr
Published: July 2020

Przedstawione w artykule rozważania ogniskują się wokół zagadnień związanych z implementacją założeń koncepcji rozwoju zrównoważonego w odniesieniu do obszarów przyrodniczo cennych, pełniących funkcje turystyczne. W kręgu zainteresowań badawczych znalazły się dwa kraje: Finlandia oraz Stany Zjednoczone Ameryki Północnej. Ze względu na dużą różnorodność wynikającą zarówno z uwarunkowań przyrodniczych, geograficznych, przestrzennych jak i organizacyjnych czy politycznych – prezentowany katalog rozwiązań praktycznych zawiera obszerny zestaw inicjatyw, które realizują w praktyce założenia rozwoju zrównoważonego. Wśród nich wymienić można zarówno działania wynikające z realizacji ogólnonarodowych projektów jak i inicjatywy realizowane na poziomie stowarzyszeń lokalnych. Prezentowane rozwiązania uwidaczniają, że założenia rozwoju zrównoważonego stanowią źródło cennych inspiracji dla działań praktycznych, a sama koncepcja nie ogranicza się jedynie do warstwy dyskursywnej i teoretycznej.
Zapewnienie bezpieczeństwa energetycznego jako warunku zrównoważonego rozwoju Polski
Authors: Jędral Waldemar
Published: July 2020

Bezpieczeństwo energetyczne jest warunkiem zrównoważonego rozwoju Polski. Celem pracy było omówienie problemów związanych z zapewnieniem bezpieczeństwa energetycznego i przedstawienie racjonalnych sposobów rozwiązania tych problemów. Uzasadniono konieczność znacznego ograniczenia spalania paliw kopalnych, m.in. w celu zmniejszenia emisji wielu szkodliwych substancji. Wskazano na potrzebę funkcjonowania dużych źródeł energii sprawnych, niezawodnych, sterowalnych i stabilnych przez cały rok i przy każdej pogodzie. Oparcie polskiej energetyki na dużych elektrowniach wiatrowych i fotowoltaicznych uniemożliwia osiągnięcie bezpieczeństwa energetycznego, brak bowiem jak dotąd efektywnych metod magazynowania wielkich ilości energii elektrycznej (e.e.). Istotną rolę może za to odegrać masowy rozwój małych, rozproszonych odnawialnych źródeł energii (OZE) wytwarzających e.e. i ciepło na użytek własny i wysyłających nadwyżki e.e. do sieci. Ważnym zasobem energii, wciąż niedostatecznie wykorzystanym, jest potencjał efektywności energetycznej procesów produkcyjnych i eksploatacyjnych. Konieczne jest też ograniczenie marnotrawienia wielkich ilości energii na produkcję wyrobów jednorazowego użytku, nienaprawialnych lub niskiej jakości, albo zbyt często wymienianych na nowe. W pracy zastosowano metodę krytycznej analizy obecnego stanu rzeczy i niewłaściwych rozwiązań wykorzystującą proste oszacowania oparte na informacjach z dostępnej literatury przedmiotu.
Role of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma (PPARγ) in Different Disease States: Recent Updates
Authors: Mal Suvadeep , Dwivedi Ashish Ranjan , Kumar Vijay , Kumar Naveen , Kumar Bhupinder , Kumar Vinod
Published: July 2020

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), a ligand dependant transcription
factor, is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily. PPAR exists in three isoforms
i.e. PPAR alpha (PPARα), PPAR beta (PPARβ), and PPAR gamma (PPARγ). These are
multi-functional transcription factors and help in regulating inflammation, type 2 diabetes,
lipid concentration in the body, metastasis, and tumor growth or angiogenesis. Activation of
PPARγ causes inhibition of growth of cultured human breast, gastric, lung, prostate, and other
cancer cells. PPARγ is mainly involved in fatty acid storage, glucose metabolism, and homeostasis
and adipogenesis regulation. A large number of natural and synthetic ligands bind to
PPARγ and modulate its activity. Ligands such as thiazolidinedione, troglitazone, rosiglitazone,
pioglitazone effectively bind to PPARγ; however, most of these were found to display
severe side effects such as hepatotoxicity, weight gain, cardiovascular complications and
bladder tumor. Now the focus is shifted towards the development of dual-acting or pan PPAR
ligands. The current review article describes the functions and role of PPARγ in various disease
states. In addition, recently reported PPARγ ligands and pan PPAR ligands were discussed
in detail. It is envisaged that the present review article may help in the development of
potent PPAR ligands with no or minimal side effects.
Dysfunctional High-density Lipoprotein: The Role of Myeloperoxidase and Paraoxonase-1
Authors: Bacchetti Tiziana , Ferretti Gianna , Carbone Federico , Ministrini Stefano , Montecucco Fabrizio , Jamialahmadi Tannaz , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: July 2020

Low circulating high-density lipoproteins (HDL) are not only defining criteria for
metabolic syndrome, but are more generally associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular
disease (ASCVD) and other chronic diseases. Oxidative stress, a hallmark of cardio-metabolic
disease, further influences HDL activity by suppressing their function. Especially the leukocyte-
derived enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) has recently attracted great interest as it catalyzes
the formation of oxidizing reactive species that modify the structure and function of
HDL, ultimately increasing cardiovascular risk. Contrariwise, paraoxonase-1 (PON1) is an
HDL-associated enzyme that protects HDL from lipid oxidation and then acts as a protective
factor against ASCVD. It is noteworthy that recent studies have demonstrated how MPO,
PON1 and HDL form a functional complex in which PON1 partially inhibits the MPO activity,
while MPO in turn partially inactivates PON1.In line with that, a high MPO/PON1 ratio
characterizes patients with ASCVD and metabolic syndrome and has been suggested as a potential
marker of dysfunctional HDL as well as a predictor of ASCVD. In this review, we
summarize the evidence on the interactions between MPO and PON1 with regard to their
structure, function and interaction with HDL activity. We also provide an overview of in vitro
and experimental animal models, finally focusing on clinical evidence from a cohort of patients
with ASCVD and metabolic syndrome.
Diosgenin via NMDA Receptor Exerted Anxiolytic-like Effect on Maternally Separated Mice
Authors: Boroujeni Shakiba Nasiri , Lorigooini Zahra , Boldaji Fatemeh Rahimi , Amini-Khoei Hossein
Published: July 2020

Background and aim:

Anxiety is one of the most common psychiatric disorders that lead to the disruption
of daily life and also the quality of life. Routine medications have many side effects and cause physical
dependence and psychosocial addiction. Diosgenin is a phytosteroid found in a number of herbs. The present
study aimed to investigate the anxiolytic-like effect of diosgenin in the maternal separation model in male mice
focusing on the role of NMDA receptors.

Material and Methods:

Maternal separation (MS) paradigm was performed daily (3 h) from postnatal day
(PND) 2-14. Male mice were treated with different doses of diosgenin to find effective and sub-effective doses. In
the next step, mice were treated with an effective dose of diosgenin plus NMDA and or a sub-effective dose of
diosgenin plus ketamine (NMDA antagonist). Valid behavioral tests for the evaluation of anxiety-like behavior
were performed. Then, mice were euthanized, the hippocampus was dissected out and gene expression of NMDA
receptors (NR2a and NR2b subunits) was assessed.

Results:

MS provokes anxiety-like behaviors in the open field test (OFT) and elevated plus maze (EPM) test.
Diosgenin significantly mitigated the negative effects of MS. Co-administration of NMDA attenuated anxiolyticlike
effect of the effective dose of diosgenin, while ketamine potentiated the anxiolytic effect of sub-effective
dose of diosgenin. Furthermore, MS increased the expression of the NMDA receptor in the hippocampus which to
some extent modulated with diosgenin.

Conclusion:

Diosignin has an anxiolytic-like effect on MS mice which at least, in part, mediated through NMDA
receptors.
Cytotoxic Effects of Blue Scorpion Venom (Rhopalurus junceus) in a Glioblastoma Cell Line Model
Authors: Lozano-Trujillo Laura A. , Garzón-Perdomo Diana K. , Vargas Andrea C.R. , de los Reyes Lina M. , Avila-Rodriguez Marco F. , Gay Olivia T.G. , Turner Liliana F.
Published: July 2020

Background:

Cancer is one of the main death causes worldwide. Besides, current therapies and treatments to counter cancer, it is needed new alternatives to diminish the cell proliferation of oncogenic processes.

Methods:

One of the most promissory therapy includes the use of blue scorpion venom as a specific cytotoxic agent to kill tumoral cells including Glioblastoma multiforme. We show evidence of the cytotoxic effect of blue scorpion venom in a cellular model of Glioblastoma multiforme.

Methods:

We show evidence of the cytotoxic effect of blue scorpion venom in a cellular model of Glioblastoma multiforme.

Results:

Our results demonstrate that 50 μg/ml of scorpion venom is capable to diminish the viability of Glioblastoma populations.

Conclusion:

It is possible that the action mechanism could be associated with a loss of membrane integrity. Additionally, some metalloproteinases as MMP2 and MMP9 may also participate in the potential action mechanism.
A Comparative Assessment of Metabolic Syndrome and its Association with Vitamin D and Other Risk Factors in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Jairoun Ammar A. , Shahwan Moyad J. , Khattab Mohammed H.
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

To determine the overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome using the World
Health Organization (WHO); National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP), and the International
Diabetes Federation (IDF) guidelines and to study its association with vitamin D and other biochemical
parameters in patients with type 2 Diabetes mellitus, as well as to identify the set of biochemical parameters
that jointly influence the metabolic syndrome using different diagnostic criteria.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was carried out at a private health care center in -a total of 291 diabetic
patients. Socio-demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were obtained from the medical records
of patients. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences
(SPSS, version 23).

Results:

A total number of 291 patients with T2DM were included in this study. The overall prevalence
of metabolic syndrome among the study subjects was 48.1%, 87.3%, 64.9% using the WHO, IDF, and
NCEP-ATPIII criteria, respectively. The highest prevalence was reported following IDF diagnostic criteria.
Sex, triglyceride, and fasting blood sugar were associated factors of metabolic syndrome by all the
three diagnostic criteria of metabolic syndrome.

Conclusion:

The study revealed a high prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome among type 2 diabetic
patients, which was highest at 87.3% according to IDF and lowest was observed according to the WHO
criteria i.e, 48.1%. A significant variance in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was reported between
WHO, IDF, and NCEP criteria.
THE COSMOPOLITAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES OF THE IDEA OF EUROPE IN THE AGE OF THE ANTROPOCENE
Authors: Rego Bruno
Published: July 2020

In this paper we try to show how the contemporary challenges of the global environmental crisis in the age of the Anthropocene confront us with the urgent need of reevaluating the premises of classical contractualism and designing a new idea of Europe for the 21st century. We begin by expounding the principles of what we call an enviro-social contract which takes the environmental crisis as the main axis of our ontological condition in the contemporary world to subsequently identifying in the remaining sections the main theoretical issues on the possibility of a new environmental and cosmopolitan idea of cosmopolitan Europe according to our previous arguments. We finish by proposing cities as cosmopolitan political agents which can contribute to rethink the idea of Europe through the creation of a cosmopolitan political culture in face of the current European sociopolitical and institutional crossroads.
‘EMANCIPATIONISM’: AN ATTEMPT TO SYNTHESIZE NEO-REPUBLICAN AND SOCIALIST THOUGHT
Authors: Donoghue Robert
Published: July 2020

The republican revival of recent decades, spearheaded by thinkers like Philip Pettit and Quentin Skinner, has brought forth many interesting questions. This article takes up one such inquiry: what is the relationship between neo-republicanism and socialism? On the one hand, there appears to be a number of striking similarities between these social philosophies, such as their shared principal commitment to the liberation of people. On the other hand, however, a number of philosophers have questioned whether an allyship between them is theoretically sound. In what follows is an attempt to fuse these philosophies into a singular project under the heading of ‘emancipationism’. In so doing, it will be shown that not only are neo-republicanism and socialism mutually compatible, they are, in fact, incomplete without one another. Each of these traditions focuses on the eradication of a particular evil. Whereas neo-republicanism tends to highlight the problem of domination, the socialist tradition emphasizes the need to abolish exploitation. Thus, it will be shown that by conjoining the core commitments of these social philosophies, and the language both traditions employ when condemning domination and exploitation respectively, a stronger theory of freedom and justice emerges.
Nas trilhas do Parque Estadual de Vila Velha, (Paraná-Brasil): entre formas e grafias da paisagem
Authors: De Araujo Danieli Barbosa , Oliveira Larissa Alves , Goes Denilson Manfrin
Published: July 2020

Esta pesquisa discute o potencial pedagógico dos patrimônios geomorfológicos como espaços de formação cidadã, por se constituírem como locais acessíveis à construção e a difusão de conhecimentos nas diferentes fases educacionais. Neste sentido, como forma de usufruir das potencialidades formativas dos patrimônios geomorfológicos, propôs-se por meio de uma prática interdisciplinar entre Geografia e Arte, um estudo, in loco, no Parque Estadual de Vila Velha, no município de Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brasil. O objetivo foi aprofundar os conhecimentos sobre formas de relevo e estrutura geológica da Terra, bem como, estimular o potencial artístico e criador dos estudantes, do sexto ano do ensino fundamental de um colégio em Londrina/Paraná, por meio da realização de vídeos e fotos. O Parque Estadual Vila Velha é constantemente visitado para este fim, visto que se trata de um sítio geológico, tombado como Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Estadual em 1966. Como resultados, verificou-se como o parque, enquanto patrimônio geomorfológico, apresenta potencial para o desenvolvimento de atividades de educação ambiental. O trabalho proporcionou uma percepção frente aos problemas ambientais da contemporaneidade, assim como, a sensibilização dos sujeitos para a temática ambiental. Conclui-se que a realização de trabalhos de campo com escolares em locais de geoconservação reverbera em aprendizado para a vida, uma vez que coloca os estudantes numa experiência direta com os locais visitados.
Toward a European citizenship based on transnational constitutionalism and solidarity
Authors: R. Oquendo Ángel
Published: July 2020

In this text the author argues that the European Union should undertake a twofold strategy to assure its own survival against the deadly threat of ethno-nationalism. In particular, it should (1) propel a participatory procedure to constitutionalize and to transform how it views itself and (2) enhance social-welfare rights for the benefit of the immense majority of its citizens. These initiatives would inevitably have to take place over an extended period of time and against all odds. Notwithstanding, they appear to offer the Continent its only chance of overcoming its longstanding crisis and resisting its ethnic nationalist temptations.
Smart Companies: Company & board members liability in the age of AI
Authors: Kindylidi Iakovina
Published: July 2020

Artificial Intelligence, although at its infancy, is progressing at a fast pace. Its potential applications within the business structure, have led economists and industry analysts to conclude that in the next years, it will become an integral part of the boardroom. This paper examines how AI can be used to augment the decision-making process of the board of directors and the possible legal implications regarding its deployment in the field of company law and corporate governance. After examining the three possible stages of AI use in the boardroom, based on a multidisciplinary approach, the advantages and pitfalls of using AI in the decision-making process are scrutinised. Moreover, AI might be able to autonomously manage a company in the future, whether the legal appointment of the AI as a director is possible and the enforceability of its action is tested. Concomitantly, a change in the corporate governance paradigm is proposed for Smart Companies. Finally, following a comparative analysis on company and securities law, possible adaptations to the current directors’ liability scheme when AI is used to augment the decisions of the board is investigated and future legal solutions are proposed for the legislator.