bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical Composition of Vegetables and Diet-dependent Intensity of Caries in Residents of Chervonograd (Ukraine) and Kraśnik (Poland)
Authors: Jarosz Zbigniew , Pitura Karolina Maria , Wolańska-Klimkiewicz Ewa , Hendzel Barbara , Samborski Dariusz , Shybinsky Volodymyr , Bachanek Teresa , Tymczyna-Borowicz Barbara
Published: September 2020

BackgroundNutrition is one of the major determinants of human health. Consuming plant foods provides not only nutrients but also bioactive substances that reduce disease. The health of the oral cavity is determined by the quality of food, including vegetable food.ObjectiveTo study the effects of macro and microelements in vegetables on the status of mineralised dental tissues in relation to the hygiene and nutritional habits in 15-year-old adolescents living in Lublin Province and Lviv Oblast.MethodsThe chemical composition of plants was assessed (macro and microelements) of carrots and potatoes, vegetables consumed by 15-year-old inhabitants of Poland and Ukraine. The status of mineralised dental tissues was assessed based on caries severity expressed by the mean D3MFT number and the SIC index value. Another part of the study was a socio-medical survey focused on assessment of patients' eating habits.The respondents answered questions about the frequency of consumption of fruit and vegetables and fruit juices.ResultsThe chemical composition of plants depended on the species and place of cultivation. The present study showed higher caries frequency in the group of the 15-year-olds living in Kraśnik, i.e. 88% vs. 75% in the group from Chervonograd. The intensity of caries measured by the mean D3MFT value in the 15-year-old teenagers from Chervonograd who declared everyday consumption of fresh vegetables and fruit was 3.77, and from Krasnik 5.17.ConclusionThe present results show that carrots are a good source of microelements for humans, whereas potatoes provide potassium and calcium. The impact of the frequency of consuming plant products on the health of the oral cavity, which depended on the place of youth research.
Lung Mechanics in Type L CoVID-19 Pneumonia: A Pseudo-Normal ARDS.
Authors: Viola Lorenzo , Russo Emanuele , Benni Marco , Gamberini Emiliano , Circelli Alessandro , Bissoni Luca , Santonastaso Domenico Pietro , Scognamiglio Giovanni , Bolondi Giuliano , Mezzatesta Luca , Agnoletti Vanni
Published: September 2020

Background.
This study was conceived to provide systematic data about lung mechanics during early phases of CoVID-19 pneumonia, as long as to explore its variations during prone positioning.
Methods.
We enrolled four patients hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit of “M. Bufalini” hospital, Cesena (Italy); after the positioning of an esophageal balloon, we measured mechanical power, respiratory system and transpulmonary parameters and arterial blood gases every 6 hours, just before decubitus change and 1 hour after prono-supination.
Results.
Both respiratory system and transpulmonary compliance and driving pressure confirmed the pseudo-normal respiratory mechanics of early CoVID-19 pneumonia (respectively, CRS 40.8 ml/cmH2O and DPRS 9.7 cmH2O; CL 53.1 ml/cmH2O and DPL 7.9 cmH2O). Interestingly, prone positioning involved a worsening in respiratory mechanical properties (CRS,SUP 56.3 ml/cmH2O and CRS,PR 41.5 ml/cmH2O – P 0.37; CL,SUP 80.8 ml/cmH2O and CL,PR 53.2 ml/cmH2O – P 0.23).
Conclusions.
Despite the severe ARDS pattern, respiratory system and lung mechanical properties during CoVID-19 pneumonia are pseudo-normal and tend to worsen during pronation.
Trial registration.
Restrospectively registered.
The Swedish Gamble and the Battle to Combat the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from the Field
Authors: Hassan Mohammed Salah , Halbusi Hussam Al , Razali Asbah , Williams Kent A.
Published: September 2020

Governments around the world have issued movement restrictions and quarantine to combat the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, the Swedish government has not implemented such measures but rather depended on individual responsibility. An important question regarding the extent to which individuals have been encouraged to trust in and be satisfied with government strategies and adopt personal health measures, such as social isolation, remains unanswered. This study aims to examine the direct effects of trust in the government and risk perception on self-efficacy. Most importantly, this study intends to explore whether satisfaction with government measures augments the relationships between trust in the government and self-efficacy and between risk perception and self-efficacy. Thus, we test our suggested hypotheses using survey data obtained from 403 Swedish citizens living in Sweden, and as predicted, the findings indicate that trust in the government and risk perception positively impact individual self-efficacy. Additionally, the findings reveal that satisfaction with government measures strengthens this relationship; more precisely, the impact of trust in the government and risk perception under a high level of individual satisfaction with government measures is much more positive than that under a low level of satisfaction. In practice, a focus on implementing successful policies or strategies and excellent individual self-efficacy are required to halt the pandemic, and the findings indicate that combining strictly attentive and adaptive individual strategies with government strategies can minimize the spread of infection.
Multi-omics data integration and network-based analysis drives a multiplex drug repurposing approach to a shortlist of candidate drugs against COVID-19
Authors: Tomazou Marios , Bourdakou Marilena , Minadakis George , Zachariou Margarita , Oulas Anastasis , Karatzas Evangelos , Loizidou Elena , Kakouri Andrea , Christodoulou Christiana , Savva Kyriaki , Zanti Maria , Onisiforou Anna , Afxenti Sotiroula , Richter Jan , Christodoulou Christina , Kyprianou Theodoros , Kolios George , Dietis Nikolas , Spyrou George
Published: September 2020

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is undeniably the most severe global health emergency since the 1918 Influenza outbreak. Depending on its evolutionary trajectory, the virus is expected to establish itself as an endemic infectious respiratory disease exhibiting seasonal flare-ups. Therefore, despite the unprecedented rally to reach a vaccine that can offer widespread immunization, it is equally important to reach effective prevention and treatment regimens for COVID-19. Contributing to this effort, we have curated and analyzed multi-source and multi-omics publicly available data from patients, cell lines and databases in order to fuel a multiplex computational drug repurposing approach. We devised a Network-based integration of multi-omic data to prioritize the most important genes related to COVID-19 and subsequently rerank the identified candidate drugs. We concluded to a highly informed integrated drug shortlist by combining structural diversity filtering along with experts’ curation and drug-target mapping on the depicted molecular pathways. In addition to the recently proposed drugs that are already generating promising results such as dexamethasone and remdesivir, our list includes inhibitors of Src Tyrosine Kinase (bosutinib, dasatinib, cytarabine and saracatinib) which appear to be involved in multiple COVID-19 pathophysiological mechanisms. In addition, we highlight specific immunomodulators and anti-inflamatory drugs like dactolisib and methotrexate and inhibitors of histone deacetylase like hydroquinone and vorinostat with potential beneficial effects in their mechanisms of action.
BİR İNSAN HAKLARI İHLALİ VE AYIRIMCILIK BİÇİMİ OLARAK TOPLUMSAL CİNSİYET ROLLERİ VE KALIPYARGILARI: CEDAW ÇERÇEVESİNDE BİR İNCELEME
Authors: ŞİMŞEK A. Aslı
Published: September 2020

Cinsiyetlerin, farklı fiziksel, biyolojik, cinsel, sosyal fonksiyonlarına göre toplumsal ve kültürel olarak inşası, toplumsal cinsiyete dayalı kalıpyargıları ve rolleri oluşturmaktadır. Bu roller ve kalıpyargılar, bir insan topluluğunun özellikleri, rolleri, nitelikleri hakkındaki önyargılardan oluştuğundan, bazı durumlarda insan haklarından eşit şekilde istifade etmeyi engellemekte ve insan hakları ihlallerine yol açmaktadır. Kalıpyargıların ve rollerin özel bir görünümü olan toplumsal cinsiyet temelinde bir sorunsallaştırma ve kavramsallaştırma yapılması gerekmektedir. Buna karşın konu, ulusal hukuk literatürü ve uygulamasında yeterli ilgiyi görüp tartışılmamıştır. Uluslararası ve bölgesel insan hakları koruma mekanizmaları bu konuyu gündeme getirme ve tartışma olanağı sunmaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı da Kadınlara Karşı Her Türlü Ayırımcılığın Önlenmesi Uluslararası Sözleşmesi (CEDAW)’nin dönüştürücü etkisi çerçevesinde toplumsal cinsiyete dayalı kalıpyargıları ve rolleri bir insan hakları ihlali ve ayırımcılık biçimi olarak kavramsallaştırarak bunlarla mücadelede hukuki bir yol haritasını tartışmaya açmaktır. Bu kapsamda toplumsal cinsiyet rolleri ve kalıpyargıları, tanımlanmış, devletin yükümlülükleri açıklanmış, uygulamada karşılaşılan zorluklar ve çözüm önerileri incelenmiştir.
The role of company’s top officials in corporate communications
Authors: Tsymbalenko Yevhen , Oltarzhevskyi Dmytro , Horodenko Lesya , Oltarzhevska Olha
Published: September 2020

In contemporary society, corporate communications are becoming an increasingly important and significant component of management. This field includes not only building an external and internal image of a company but also interacting with stakeholders and achieving business aims. This research aims to define the potential and features of company’s top officials (owners, CEOs, presidents, and other top managers) involvement in corporate communications and representing a business. It is based on the content analysis of corporate websites of the first 100 international companies from the Forbes list. The study demonstrated that most (62%) world successful firms involve their owners, CEOs, and top managers in corporate communications as speakers. At the same time, business owners appear on corporate websites less often (only 2%). CEOs engage in such communications in 47% of cases. Most often, other authorized representatives are speakers of companies (51%). A descriptive analysis of topics helped to distinguish the most common types of texts: formal ideological speeches, corporate news, corporate blog texts, and personalized corporate storytelling. Most texts are posted on corporate websites in the News chapter (28%). This suggests that news as a genre may be the most appropriate form of communication on behalf of management. Thus, some recommendations are proposed regarding the participation of top officials as speakers. From a practical point of view, companies can be guided by the outcomes of this research when deciding to engage their leaders in corporate communications.
YAŞLILARLA SOSYAL HİZMETLERDE YENİ PARADİGMA: YAŞLILARI GÜÇLENDİRME
Authors: PAK Melike
Published: September 2020

Yaşlı bireyler toplum tabanında ve sosyal politika uygulamalarında bakıma muhtaç, diğerlerine bağımlı, topluma faydasız ve yük olarak değerlendirilmekte, bu algı hizmet süreçlerine de yansımaktadır. Ülkemizde yaşlı bireylere yönelik sosyal hizmetler bakım modeli odaklı olarak uygulanmakta, bu durum yaşlıları daha bağımlı hale getirerek güçsüzleştirmektedir. Ancak son yıllarda sosyal hizmet disiplininde ön plana çıkan güçlendirme yaklaşımı, bireylerin içsel potansiyellerinin geliştirilmesi, güçlü yanlarının ön plana çıkarılması, çevresel kaynakların harekete geçirilmesi, karar süreçlerine dahil olması, topluma katkı ve katılımlarının desteklenmesi ile birlikte yaşlıların toplumda olumsuz algılanmasının önüne geçilmesi ve yaşam kalitelerinin arttırılması açısından faydalı görülmektedir. Güçlendirme yaklaşımında hizmet alanlarla işbirliği içinde bir süreç izlenerek kurum bakımı, sağlık hizmetleri ve sosyal hizmetlerde güçlendirme odaklı uygulamalar ile birlikte kollektif grup çalışmaları, sivil katılım, istihdam, eğitim, gönüllü çalışmalar, kuşaklararası ilişkiler gibi pek çok alan yaşlı bireylerin güçlendirilmesi için kullanılabilir. Yaşlı bireylerin yardıma muhtaç ve güçsüz bir grup olarak algılanmasını önlemek için makro düzeyde sosyal politika uygulamaları üretilmesi gerekmektedir.
Ekoinnowacje a rozwój zrównoważony
Authors: Chrząścik Ireneusz , Marciniuk-Kluska Anna , Kluska Mariusz
Published: September 2020

This work presents the issues concerning connections between eco-innovations and sustainable development in Poland and the European Union. Innovations and sustainable development are of fundamental importance for the growth in the economy. Sustainable development has been one of the European priorities for a long time. At present, it has acquired new significance in the light of the crisis connected with climate changes and the extensive financial crisis prevailing mainly in the USA and Europe. Still, it is a great challenge for EU cities and regions. Also examined were little cooperation between entrepreneurs and people of science in the processes introducing modern technologies and expenditure on innovations.
Wybrane koncepcje filozoficzne a działania medyczne dla poprawy jakości życia i urzeczywistniania rozwoju
Authors: Letkiewicz Sławomir
Published: September 2020

Constitutional features of ethics in general, in both the descriptive and normative meanings, or deontology, are certainly freedom of choice strictly related to responsibility, the axiological system, etc. I advance a thesis that ethical eidetic must concentrate on the issue of human honesty. The analyzed ethical proposals, those of Friedrich Nietzsche and Józef Bańka, place the importance of philosophical reflection and speculation on this issue. The modern axiological crisis is a result of the collapse of authorities and not, inversely, that the destruction came from relativism and post-modernistic anarchism. It is easy to be disinterestedly honest; it is more difficult when its rules are being “observed” by a “daimonion”, which is transcendental to a human. Perhaps it is time for authentic, disinterested honesty, both in the rules of ethics and in deontology, and also, or perhaps mainly, in medical ethics, which has essential significance for the improvement of life quality, constituting an essential criterion in the process of realising development. But if the honesty does, during the building of the technical civilization?
Ekoterroryzm zagrożeniem dla polityki zrównoważonego rozwoju. Aspekt ideologiczny i praktyczny
Authors: Ciszek Mariusz
Published: September 2020

The balanced development is the conception friendly attitude to the matter of protecting the human’s social and natural environment. More ecological organizations accept this idea, which they try to introduce in life. However, we can meet with the activity of those ecological organizations which have a radical character and in fact, they have much less common with the conception of balanced development and they are even opposite. The balanced development does not aim to set back the social and economical development of human civilization, but it tries to reconcile with the requirements of the protection of the natural environment (to balance). The ideology of some ecological radicals’ formations, their methods of working ( the practical aspect) show, however, that in fact such seen the comprehended development of human civilizations is with their point of sight too moderated and not to accept. The author in this article introduced the basic arguments that supported such opinions. He characterized also the individual extreme ecological organizations and he tried to establish on the basic literature of this object the border which permits to distinguish from these radical organizations those which we can recognize as an ecoterrorist.
Stan i prognoza rozwoju systemu gospodarki odpadami w Europie i USA
Authors: Biernat Krzysztof , Dziołak Paulina Luiza , Samson-Bręk Izabela
Published: September 2020

This article presents waste management in the world and in some highly developed countries in the European Union such as Germany, Netherlands, and Sweden. The article presented also waste management systems in these countries, with special attention to the processes of energy use of waste (Waste to Energy - WTE) in existing plants.
Średniowieczne źródła antropocentryzmu
Authors: Ganowicz-Bączyk Anita
Published: September 2020

Anthropocentrism seems to be a key notion associated with the man-nature relation. Probably it is also the most controversial one in environmental ethics. The anthropocentric attitude is sometimes meant to be the main cause of the ecological crisis. One can distinguish at least several stages of the process, which led to this crisis, namely: stage of Magic and Myth, Ancient Times, Middle Ages, and Modern Times. The aim of this article is to show the process of development of an anthropocentric thought in Medieval European culture. Cultural changes of the Middle Ages, under the influence of Christianity among other things, led to the revaluation of the ancient way of thinking. The next step towards anthropocentric attitude in philosophy was made: the importance of the human individual increased, his needs and development became more vital than society as a whole. On the other hand, an essential aspect of medieval philosophy was rejecting the earthly world and turning to the transcendental one. One can distinguish three currents of medieval thought, which unlikely understood the meaning of the world and man as well as the way of cognition of reality. These are mysticism, rationalism, and empiricism. Mysticism negated both the value of nature and man as accidental entities. Nonetheless, it elevated man above other creatures. Rationalism assigned the man a central position in nature, for only human being among the accidental material entities is endowed with intellect and grace of faith., On the other hand, empiricism enhanced both nature (as the subject of cognition and exploitation) and man (as a rational being, who has some extraordinary abilities to use the environment to satisfy his needs). The process of drawing away from the holistic view on nature, of its desacralization and of tending towards controlling it started just in the Middle Ages. In the following ages antiteleologism developed in philosophy, which contributed to the growth of mechanism and rejecting the inherent value of nature in the Modern Times.
Charakterystyka miejscowego stanu zapalnego kości strzałkowej z materiału kostnego z Tell Masaikh (Syria)
Authors: Mańkowska-Pliszka Hanna , Tomczyk Jacek
Published: September 2020

Inflammatory states usually precede the development of an organ or systemic pathologies. Whether a given infection that causes such a state has a chance to develop, depends on many individual and environmental factors. Post-inflammatory changes can be traced in the osseous material. Therefore, macroscopic, radiological, and histological analysis was performed on the upper epiphysis of the right fibula (caput fibulae) with a lesion within the articular surface turned towards the tibia (facies articularis capitis fibulae). The research material came from the excavations led in Tell Masaikh (Syria).
Wpływ emisji energii dźwiękowej ze szlaków komunikacyjnych i innych miejsc konsumpcji energii na zdrowie ludzi
Authors: Kaźmierczak Urszula , Kulczycki Andrzej
Published: September 2020

This article aims to draw attention to the hitherto unexplored and scarcely noticed the problem of the effects of the consumption of increasing amounts of energy to human health and ecosystems exposed to emissions processed in the phase of energy consumption. Ever-increasing amounts of energy are consumed in relatively small areas of highways. Reference is made to the results of pioneering research on the impact of emitted sound energy by transport routes and by industrial noise on human health (Borzyszkowski 2010). This was clearly found to increase in people exposed to prolonged acoustic wave energy. The results of the effect of noise on human health clearly indicate the need for further research in this field. It should be emphasized that although the research and evaluation conducted by the Institute for Environmental Protection and Proeko CDM Ltd., which have been presented in this article, are pioneering and include an analysis of the cause-and-effect phenomenon, they do not, however, indicate the mechanism of the effect of noise on human health. The category rating of disease symptoms caused by the noise indicates that the key to clarifying the influence of the energy supplied to the organisms of people on the way of acoustic waves on their health may be forced supplied energy changes of biochemical reactions occurring in humans.
Wpływ emisji energii z terenów zurbanizowanych i szlaków komunikacyjnych na zmiany w rozwoju ekosystemów w ich otoczeniu
Authors: Kaźmierczak Urszula , Kulczycki Andrzej
Published: September 2020

This article aims to draw attention to the hitherto unexplored and scarcely noticed the problem of the effects of the consumption of increasing amounts of energy to human health and ecosystems exposed to emissions processed in the phase of energy consumption. Ever-increasing amounts of energy are consumed in relatively small urban areas, in communication routes, and in airport areas. As far as Poland is concerned, these areas represent less than 10% of the country. For such a small area the energy consumed is converted to other forms of energy, much of which is emitted into the environment. These emissions primarily include heat and various forms of mechanical energy, mainly that of acoustic waves. It studies the effect of noise on the health of people living in the vicinity of highways, as well as studies of ecosystems in the surrounding routes. There is still no explanation for the reasons for this phenomenon, as research in this area has been mainly carried out at the level of statistical analysis. The article has pointed out the possible causes of this phenomenon. The new theory of catalysis demonstrates the effect of mechanical energy input on the direction and rate of chemical reactions. This effect can also be significant in the case of biochemical reactions. Finally, the paper points out the need and direction of research, conducted at various levels, to determine and explain the environmental effects of increasing energy consumption, other than the greenhouse one.
Public administration bodies competent in environmental protection in agriculture (requests and demands de lega lata and de lege ferenda)
Authors: Jabłoński Maciej
Published: September 2020

Undertaking activities in agriculture associated with the implementation of environmental standards. This applies to Polish public administration and European Union bodies. A coherent policy for agricultural development will enable the financing of environmental protection in this area, both within the current budget, as well as the financial period 2014-2020.
Biomarkers of Senescence during Aging as Possible Warnings to Use Preventive Measures
Authors: Gasmi Amin , Chirumbolo Salvatore , Peana Massimiliano , Mujawdiya Pavan Kumar , Dadar Maryam , Menzel Alain , Bjørklund Geir
Published: September 2020

Human life expectancy is increasing significantly over time thanks to the improved
possibility for people to take care of themselves and the higher availability of food, drugs, hygiene,
services, and assistance. The increase in the average age of the population worldwide
is, however, becoming a real concern, since aging is associated with the rapid increase in
chronic inflammatory pathologies and degenerative diseases, very frequently dependent on
senescent phenomena that occur alongside with senescence. Therefore, the search for reliable
biomarkers that can diagnose the possible onset or predict the risk of developing a disease associated
with aging is a crucial target of current medicine. In this review, we construct a synopsis
of the main addressable biomarkers to study the development of aging and the associated
ailments.
Beneficiary and Adverse Effects of Phytoestrogens: A Potential Constituent of Plant-based Diet
Authors: Sridevi Vaadala , Naveen Ponneri , Karnam Venkat S. , Reddy Pamuru R. , Arifullah Mohammed
Published: September 2020

Background:

Phytoestrogens are non-endocrine, non-steroidal secondary derivatives of plants and
consumed through a plant-based diet also named as “dietary estrogens”. The major sources of phytoestrogens
are soy and soy-based foods, flaxseed, chickpeas, green beans, dairy products, etc. The dietary inclusion of phytoestrogen
based foods plays a crucial role in the maintenance of metabolic syndrome cluster, including obesity,
diabetes, blood pressure, cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, postmenopausal ailments and their
complications. In recent days, phytoestrogens are the preferred molecules for hormone replacement therapy. On
the other hand, they act as endocrine disruptors via estrogen receptor-mediated pathways. These effects are not
restricted to adult males or females and identified even in development.

Objective:

Since phytoestrogenic occurrence is high at daily meals for most people worldwide, they focused to
study for its beneficiary effects towards developing pharmaceutical drugs for treating various metabolic disorders
by observing endocrine disruption.

Conclusion:

The present review emphasizes the pros and cons of phytoestrogens on human health, which may
help to direct the pharmaceutical industry to produce various phytoestrongen based drugs against various
metabolic disorders.
Facile Synthesis of Quinolines in Water
Authors: Borah Gongutri , Borah Preetishmita , Bhuyan Arnav , Banik Bimal Krishna
Published: September 2020

Reactions in water have demonstrated numerous surprising results. The effects
of water in these reactions may include significant physical and chemical interactions with
the substrates and catalysts through polar effects and hydrogen bonding ability. In some
instances, water is also able to interact with the intermediates of reactions and possibly
with the transition states of chemical processes. Organic synthesis in water encourages the
researchers to follow the principles of green chemistry. Among heterocyclic compounds,
quinoline scaffold has become an important motif for the development of new
drugs. They are widely found in pharmaceuticals as well as in agrochemical industry. Over
the last few decades, numerous reports have been documented to access quinoline derivatives
with structural diversity, either by new annulation or by ring functionalization. This review summarizes an
overview of the synthesis and functionalisation of quinoline scaffolds in an aqueous medium. This method may
encourage researchers to adopt green chemistry and to apply these environmentally safe methods in designing
important heterocyclic cores.
Why Iranian Women Experience Work-Family Conflict?
Authors: Taghizadeh Ziba , Ebadi Abbas , Keshavarz Sedigheh , Pourreza Abolghasem , Kazemnejad Anoshirvan , Bagherzadeh Razieh
Published: September 2020

Background:

Despite the global importance of work-family issues and the many calls for studies within
distinct cultural contexts; work-family research has mainly been conducted in Anglo societies, and Western countries.

Objective:

The present study was designed to explore the factors which determine work-family conflict through personal
information including, but not limited to the lived experiences and perspectives of Iranian women who are both employed
and married.

Methods:

A qualitative approach was chosen which would allow for an in-depth and rich exploration of the experiences,
perceptions, and feelings of participants. Data were obtained from 29 participants. In-depth individual interviews with 17
participants and two focus groups. Each focus group discussion included 6 participants.

Results:

Six main categories emerged from the data analysis: the value of work and family, hegemonic masculinity, nonsupportive environment, job stress, overloading family, and inadequacy of individual ability and skills.

Conclusion:

Based on data obtained from participants, sociocultural factors play an important role in the creation of
work-family conflict.
Covalent-driven Layer-by-layer Self-assembly of Clindamycin-loaded PPLA Nanoparticles/chitosan Membrane on Titanium Sheet for Longacting Anti-infection
Authors: Yang Shuangya , Yin Yan , Xu Yajuan , Zhang Tanglin , Li Youbin , Fei Jun , Huang Xiao
Published: September 2020

Background:

Post-arthroplasty implant-related infection is one of the most feared complications with adverse consequences for patients and public health systems, especially in terms of the huge financial cost of treatment. This is compounded by the potential risks of continuous metamorphosis and emergence of new resistant bacterial strains. Constructing an antibacterial surface, therefore, on the implant represents an approach to reduce the incidence of implant-related infections.

Methods:

In this study, a covalent-driven layer-by-layer self-assembly of clindamycin-loaded polyethylene glycol grafted polylactic acid nanoparticles/chitosan membrane has been successfully fabricated on the titanium sheet and evaluated for drug releasing potential and antibiotic activity.

Results:

Attenuated total reflectance spectrum of the layer-by-layer self-assembly membrane showed three absorption peaks around 1680, 1520 and 1240 cm-1, which are the characteristic absorption peaks of secondary amines. The results indicated the formation of an amide bond between the carboxyl groups of clindamycin-loaded polyethylene glycol grafted polylactic acid nanoparticles and the amino groups of chitosan. The covalent bond stabilized the membrane construct. The membrane exhibited a sustained drug release behavior whereby less than 50% of clindamycin was released after 160 hr. The membrane persistently inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus with the inhibition ratio exceeding 60%.

Conclusion:

The membrane construct holds a great potential for managing anti-implant-related infections.
Psychometric Properties of the Japanese Version of the Single Dental Anxiety Question: A Cross-sectional Online Survey
Authors: Ogawa Mika , Sago Teppei , Lahti Satu , Taniguchi Shogo
Published: September 2020

Background:

Assessment of dental anxiety using a validated questionnaire is important for its management and survey.

Objective:

The aim of this cross-sectional online survey was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Japanese version of the Single Dental Anxiety Question (SDAQ).

Methods:

The single question was translated into Japanese following the forward-backward method. Four hundred Japanese internet monitors (age 20–79 years) were included in the study. Sensitivity–specificity analysis and the Kappa coefficient were calculated against the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) using the 19 cutoff score for high dental anxiety. Criterion validity was evaluated using age, gender, dental attendance pattern, negative dental experiences, and subjective oral health.

Results:

Among these subjects, 11% were found to have high dental anxiety on the MDAS score and 9% rated themselves as very afraid of SDAQ. The Kappa coefficient between the MDAS cutoff score and the SDAQ classification was 0.58, the sensitivity was 0.56, and the specificity was 0.97. The SDAQ was associated with gender (P = 0.018), dental attendance pattern (P = 0.020), negative dental experiences (P < 0.001), and subjective oral health (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The Japanese version of the SDAQ has good criterion and construct validity but lower sensitivity than the original version. It can be used to assess dental anxiety in large dental surveys or clinical settings where a multi-item questionnaire is not feasible.
Isolation and Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus From Food of Bovine Origin in Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Weldeselassie Million , Gugsa Getachew , Kumar Ashwani , Tsegaye Yisehak , Awol Nesibu , Ahmed Meselu , Abebe Nigus , Taddele Habtamu
Published: September 2020

Background:

Among Food-borne diseases,S. aureusis a leading cause of gastroenteritis resulting from the consumption of contaminated food.

Objectives:

The study aimed to isolate and characterizeS. aureusfrom raw milk, yogurt and meat and determine its antibiotic sensitivity pattern.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2014 to June 2015 in Mekelle. A total of 284 samples were collected purposively. Enumeration of total viable bacteria count (TVBC), bacteriological isolation and identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, as well as PCR amplification offem Aandmec Agenes were performed. Chi-square (χ2) and one way ANOVA tests were used for analysis.

Results:

Overall TVBC mean was found to be 1.29x108cfu/ml/g. The highest TVBC (1.38x108cfu/ml) was from the yogurt sample and the lowest (1.26x108cfu/g) was from meat. The overall prevalence of coagulase positiveS. aureus(CoPS) was 39.1% (111) and of the smaples, 51(56.04%), 38(26.20%) and 22(45.83%) were isolated from meat, raw milk, and yogurt, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) among the different sample types and sources in the prevalence ofS. aureus. Almost half of the CoPS isolates were sensitive to Tetracycline, Gentamycin, and Kanamycin, but resistant to Amoxicillin (96.9%) and Penicillin G (93.8%). Moreover, 93.75% of the isolates developed multidrug resistance. All isolates carried thefem Agene and among these isolates, 12 (37.5%) carriedmec Agene.

Conclusion:

The present study revealed that foods of bovine origin of the study area are found to be having less bacteriological quality, high prevalence of CoPS and development of drug resistance.
Novel Polypseudorotaxanes Hydrogel based Nail Lacquer of Efinaconazole for Transungual Drug Delivery
Authors: Aggarwal Rohan , Targhotra Monika , Kumar Bhumika , Sahoo P.K , Chauhan Meenakshi K.
Published: September 2020

Aim:

Due to the various drawbacks associated with current treatment therapy of onychomycosis,
the main aim was to develop thermosensitive hydrogels and thermosensitive polypseudorotaxanes
hydrogels-based nail lacquer for transungual delivery of Efinaconazole for the management
of onychomycosis. The objective is to enhance the permeation and retention of the drug in
the nails and improve patient compliance.

Methods::

Poloxamer 407 and Hydroxy Propyl-β-cyclodextrin were used to prepare the nail lacquers.
2-mercaptoethanol was added as a penetration enhancer to improve the penetration of the
drug across the nail plate. The formulations were optimized by varying the concentration of poloxamer
and water: ethanol ratio and evaluated based on the basis of drying time, sol-gel transition
temperature, ex vivo drug release, and viscosity. The optimized formulation was further evaluated
for pH, water resistance, non-volatile content, drug content, blush test, spreadability, and stability
studies.

Results:

The increase in ethanol concentration and reduction in poloxamer proportion led to a reduction
in lacquer stickiness thus, improving the lacquer drying time and penetration. The polypseudorotaxanes
improved the permeation profile of the drug in comparison to the marketed nail
lacquer. The presence of 2-mercaptoethanol also contributed to the transungual delivery of Efinaconazole.

Conclusion::

The polypseudorotaxanes based nail lacquer with the incorporation of penetration enhancer
was able to achieve a high rate of drug penetration and retention, thus supporting the potential
use of aqueous based-nail lacquer in transungual drug delivery for the onychomycosis treatment.
DFT Study and Synthesis of Novel Bioactive Bispyrazole using Mg/Al-LDH as a Solid Base Catalyst
Authors: Akhramez Soufiane , Achour Youness , Dib Mustapha , Bahsis Lahoucine , Ouchetto Hajiba , Hafid Abderrafia , Khouili Mostafa , El Haddad Mohammadine
Published: September 2020

Objective:

To synthesize novel bispyrazole heterocyclic molecules may have important
biological activities and thus can serve as good candidates for pharmaceutical applications.

Methods:

The bispyrazole derivatives 3a-m were prepared by the condensation reaction of
substituted aromatic aldehydes with 1,3-diketo-N-phenylpyrazole by using Mg/Al-LDH as a
heterogeneous catalyst under THF solvent at the refluxing temperature.

Results:

This protocol describes the synthesis of bioactive compounds under mild reaction
conditions, with good yields, and easiness of the catalyst separation from the reaction mixture.
Furthermore, a mechanistic study has been performed by using DFT calculations to explain
the observed selectivity of the condensation reaction between aryl aldehyde and 1,3-
diketo-N-phenylpyrazole via Knoevenagel reaction. The local electrophilicity/ nucleophilicity
explains correctly the experimental finding.

Conclusion:

In summary, the pharmacologically interesting bis-pyrazole derivatives were
synthesized through Mg/Al-LDH as a solid base catalyst, in THF as a solvent. The synthesized
bioactive compounds containing the pyrazole ring may have important biological activities
and thus can serve as good candidates for pharmaceutical applications. Therefore, the
catalyst Mg/Al-LDH showed high catalytic activity. Besides, a series of bispyrazole molecules
were synthesized with a good yield and easy separation of the catalyst by simple filtration.
Moreover, DFT calculations and reactivity indexes were used to explain the selectivity of the
condensation reaction between aryl benzaldehyde and 1,3-diketo-N-phenylpyrazole via
Knoevenagel reaction, and the results were in good agreement with the experimental finding.
Development and Evaluation of Sustained Release Lipid Nanocarriers for Curcumin
Authors: Pawar Harshal A. , Bhangale Bhagyashree D.
Published: September 2020

Background:

Lipid based excipients have increased acceptance nowadays
in the development of novel drug delivery systems in order to improve their
pharmacokinetic profiles. Drugs encapsulated in lipids have enhanced stability
due to the protection they experience in the lipid core of these nano-formulations.
Phytosomes are newly discovered drug delivery systems and novel botanical
formulation to produce lipophilic molecular complex which imparts stability,
increases absorption and bioavailability of phytoconstituent. Curcumin, obtained
from turmeric (Curcuma longa), has a wide range of biological activities. The
poor solubility and wettability of curcumin are responsible for poor dissolution
and this, in turn, results in poor bioavailability. To overcome these limitations,
the curcumin-loaded nano phytosomes were developed to improve its physicochemical
stability and bioavailability.

Objective:

The objective of the present research work was to develop nano-phytosomes
of curcumin to improve its physicochemical stability and bioavailability.

Methods:

Curcumin-loaded nano phytosomes were prepared by using phospholipid
Phospholipon 90 H using a modified solvent evaporation method. The developed
curcumin nano phytosomes were evaluated by particle size analyzer and
differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

Results:

Results indicated that phytosomes prepared using curcumin and lipid in
the ratio of 1:2 show good entrapment efficiency. The obtained curcumin phytosomes
were spherical in shape with a size less than 100 nm. The prepared nano
phytosomal formulation of curcumin showed promising potential as an antioxidant.

Conclusion:

The phytosomal complex showed sustained release of curcumin
from vesicles. The sustained release of curcumin from phytosome may improve
its absorption and lowers the elimination rate with an increase in bioavailability.
Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Dimension of Health: A Sensitive Issue to be Addressed at the Earliest
Authors: Nepal Sunil , Nepal Sudip , Shastry Chakrakodi S. , Chand Sharad , Nandakumar U.P. , Pant Bishnu Dev , Khanal Pukar , Rawal Kala Bahadur
Published: September 2020

Background:

The novel coronavirus disease outbreak of 2019 was declared as a public
health emergency by the World Health Organization. At present, the virus has spread throughout the
world, leading to millions of cases and is further increasing.

Objective:

The main objective of this study is to review the impact of Corona Virus Disease 2019
(COVID-19) on the mental health of frontline workers, isolated and quarantined people and the
general population.

Methods:

The relevant articles were extracted from PubMed, Web of Science and ScienceDirect
database by using the keywords “Mental health”, “COVID-19”, “Impact of COVID-19”, “Frontline
workers”, “Quarantine”, “Isolation”, “Immunity” and “Economy”. The retrieved articles were included
in the study based on inclusion criteria to perform the review. All the selected scientific articles
were critically reviewed and the information is summarized in this narrative review.

Results:

The majority of the studies stated that frontline health workers were at an increased risk of
depression. The infected, suspects and quarantined people were reported with high stress, posttraumatic
stress disorder, and suicidal thoughts. The pandemic has devastated the world’s economy,
which has severely impacted global mental health.

Conclusion:

Mental health should be taken into account, and necessary interventional initiatives
need to be considered both by the health authorities and the government to minimize the adversity
of the consequences. The pandemic may disappear with the discovery of new vaccines or medications,
but its negative impact on mental health may persist, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Thus, mental health must be a matter of concern in the present scenario.
Coronavirus: History, Genome Structure and Pathogenesis
Authors: Poonam B. , Gill Prabhjot Kaur
Published: September 2020

Background:

The positive sense and inordinate large RNA genome enclosed by helical nucleocapsids
along with an outermost layer belongs to the family Coronaviridae. The phylogenetic tree of
this family has been classified into Class1 as alpha, Class 2 as beta, Class 3 as gamma, and Class 4 as
delta CoV. The mammalian respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts are the main target organs of this enveloped
virus with misperceived mechanisms. The relevance of this virus family has considerably increased
by the recent emergence of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East
Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), which are caused by viruses that belong to the beta-CoV group.

Aim:

Aforesaid illustrations of the emergence of coronavirus diseases over the past two decades, SARS
(2002; 2003) and MERS (2012 to present) - the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak has pressurized the WHO
to take innovative measures for public health, research and medical communities. The aim of the present
review is to have proficiency in the coronavirus replication and transcription process which is still in its
infancy.

Conclusion:

As an outcome of epidemics, it is being recognized as one of the most advancing viruses by
the virtue of high genomic nucleotide substitution rates and recombination. The hallmark of coronavirus
replication is discontinuous transcription resulting in the production of multiple subgenomic mRNAs
having sequences complementary to both ends of the genome. Therefore, the complete genome sequence
of coronavirus will be used as a frame of reference for comprehending this classical phenomenon
of the RNA replication process. Finally, research on the pathogenesis of coronaviruses and the host
immunopathological response will aid in designing vaccines and minimizing the mortality rate.
The Implications of the Cultural Values of Individualism and Collectivism in the Formation of the Psychological Contract and Employee Commitment
Authors: Street Jeffrey N.
Published: September 2020

We examine here employee commitment to the organization as an outcome variable of the psychological contract, generally defined as the employee’s perception of what will be received from the employer in exchange for work. As a context for the formation of the psychological contract, cultural values of individualism and collectivism are considered as antecedents in a proposed research model. The study is conceptual in nature, however, propositions related to the effect of individualism and collectivism on the type of psychological contract formed, transactional or relational, and the subsequent component of commitment realized, affective, continuance, or normative, are offered.
Use of an Internet-of-Things Smart Home System for Healthy Aging in Older Adults in Residential Settings: Pilot Feasibility Study
Authors: Choi Yong K , Thompson Hilaire J , Demiris George
Published: September 2020

Background

The Internet-of-Things (IoT) technologies can create smart residences that integrate technology within the home to enhance residents’ safety as well as monitor their health and wellness. However, there has been little research on real-world testing of IoT smart home devices with older adults, and the feasibility and acceptance of such tools have not been systematically examined.

Objective

This study aims to conduct a pilot study to investigate the feasibility of using IoT smart home devices in the actual residences of older adults to facilitate healthy aging.

Methods

We conducted a 2-month feasibility study on community-dwelling older adults. Participants chose among different IoT devices to be installed and deployed within their homes. The IoT devices tested varied depending on the participant’s preference: a door and window sensor, a multipurpose sensor (motion, temperature, luminosity, and humidity), a voice-operated smart speaker, and an internet protocol (IP) video camera.

Results

We recruited a total of 37 older adults for this study, with 35 (95%) successfully completing all procedures in the 2-month study. The average age of the sample was 78 (SD 9) years and primarily comprised women (29/37, 78%), those who were educated (31/37, 86%; bachelor’s degree or higher), and those affected by chronic conditions (33/37, 89%). The most widely chosen devices among the participants were multipurpose sensors and smart speakers. An IP camera was a significantly unpopular choice among participants in both phases. The participant feedback suggests that perceived privacy concerns, perceived usefulness, and curiosity to technology were strong factors when considering which device to have installed in their home.

Conclusions

Overall, our deployment results revealed that the use of IoT smart home devices is feasible in actual residences of older adults. These findings may inform the follow-up assessment of IoT technologies and their impact on health-related outcomes and advance our understanding of the role of IoT home-based monitoring technologies to promote successful aging-in-place for older adults. Future trials should consider older adults’ preferences for the different types of smart home devices to be installed in real-world residential settings.
Human-Animal Interaction and the Emergence of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Hassani Asma , Khan Gulfaraz
Published: September 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all sectors of society, from health and economics to socialization and travel. The level and extent of this impact are unprecedented. Although the cause of COVID-19 was quickly identified to be a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), the world was poorly prepared for preventing its spread. One important pillar of preparedness is surveillance of the sources of emerging pathogens and responding appropriately to prevent their spread in the human population. The ever-increasing interaction between humans and animals is one leading factor in facilitating the emergence of new pathogens. In this viewpoint, we discuss the possibility of the zoonotic origin of SARS-CoV-2, highlight the importance of understanding human-animal interaction to improve preparedness for future outbreaks, and outline recommendations for prevention.