bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INCIDÊNCIA DA COVID-19 NO RIO GRANDE DO NORTE E ESTRATÉGIAS DE CONTROLE DA PANDEMIA
Authors: De Souza Lucena Débora , Pinheiro Callou do Nascimento Daniel , Filgueira Leite Iracema , Nildivan Rodrigues da Fonseca Emanuel , Vidal de Negreiros Rosângela , Lopes Gomes de Siqueira André Luís
Published: September 2024

A evolução dos casos de Covid-19, assim como a regressão, foi influenciada pela implementação de medidas de controle no estado do Rio Grande do Norte, nas quais diversos fatores desempenharam um papel na contenção da incidência e diminuição de casos. Portanto, o objetivo do presente estudo é analisar a incidência da Covid-19 no estado do Rio Grande do Norte e suas tendências. Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico, exploratório, retrospectivo sobre a incidência da Covid-19 no estado do Rio Grande do Norte no período de 2020 a 2022. A partir da frequência absoluta e relativa, foi calculada a incidência de casos. As tendências foram analisadas utilizando o protocolo de Antunes e Cardoso e empregado o modelo de regressão de Prais-Winsten. Observou-se períodos de ascensão e decréscimo de casos de Covid-19, com uma tendência para redução a incidência da doença. Quanto às oscilações, observou-se um aumento significativo entre os meses de maio, junho e julho tanto em 2020, quanto em 2021. Em 2022, no mesmo período, ocorreu um aumento leve, menor do que nos anos anteriores, com uma tendência à estabilidade e decréscimo do número de casos. As novas perspectivas para os casos de Covid-19 e a redução da mortalidade estão diretamente ligadas a vários fatores promissores, como a vacinação e a realização de novas pesquisas. Conclui-se que a medidas de controle da doença sobretudo a vacinação contribuiu para redução da incidência bem como para uma tendência a valores endêmicos de casos. Faz-se necessário vigilância constante quanto a possíveis hospitalizações e surgimento de novas variantes e enovas epidemias causadoras de Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave que representam um importante problema de saúde pública.
CARATERIZAÇÃO DAS ENFERMIDADES QUE ACOMETEM PESSOAS IDOSAS NA COMUNIDADE
Authors: João José da Silva neto  , Da Silva Viana Maria Alice , Ferreira Nogueira Inara Larissa , Lira Rufino de Lucena Adriana
Published: September 2024

A presença de doenças crônicas aponta a necessidade de promover o controle e prevenção dos agravos, visto que são as principais causas de mortes. Esse estudo tem a finalidade de descrever os problemas de saúde e o autocuidado de pessoas idosas assistidas por uma unidade básica de saúde, no município de João Pessoa- PB. Essa pesquisa trata-se de um estudo exploratório, descritivo, de abordagem quantitativa, realizada com 50 pessoas idosas acompanhadas nas consultas de HIPERDIA, pertencentes a uma microárea de uma unidade básica de saúde. A coleta de dados foi realizada no mês de abril do corrente ano, na própria unidade de saúde. Cada entrevista durou uma média de 20 minutos. Ao término da coleta, os dados foram dispostos em uma planilha do Excel para análise descritiva e quantitativa. Verificou-se que 56% da amostra são do sexo feminino e compreende a faixa etária entre 60 a 69 anos; 50% não alfabetizados; 46% viúvos e 86%vivem com um salário mínimo; 62% apresentam hipertensão arterial, 22% diabetes mellitus e 20% osteoporose; 72% monitoram a pressão arterial; 68% não realizam atividade física e 86% não se alimenta de forma saudável, fatores necessários para controle pressórico, glicêmico e de massa muscular. Foi identificado que é imprescindível pensar na pessoa idosa para além do biológico e em todos os níveis de saúde, principalmente a atenção primária à saúde reconhecendo o espaço e dando vez e voz a dúvidas, pensamentos e as necessidades das pessoas idosas com condições crônicas, para que o processo terapêutico seja guiado para o conhecimento, autocuidado e assim, se construir um cuidado transformador baseado na promoção à saúde da pessoa idosa.
Cave Levels in the Totes Gebirge (Eastern Alps)
Authors: Rummler Lina , Plan Lukas , Hauser Xenia
Published: September 2024

The Totes Gebirge is not only the largest karst massif in the Northern Calcareous Alps, it also contains the most cave passages. In this area we are investigating the vertical distribution of phreatic cave passages to determine cave levels. These are vertical zones with clusters of cave passages that can be correlated with former valley floors. Since only phreatic cave passages (i.e. caves that were permanently or episodically filled with water during their formation) are to be analysed, a genetic classification is made on the basis of field observations, cave maps, 3D surveys and descriptions.

As of Sept. 2023, the Totes Gebirge range, including the adjacent Warscheneck and the Hohe Schrott, contains 3172 known caves with a total length of 821 km, including the two longest cave systems in Austria, the Schönberg- (156 km) and the Schwarzmooskogel-Höhlensystem (137 km). As small caves do not contribute significantly to these statistics, only caves ≥50 m were included. The remaining 754 caves have a total length of 790 km. Only 46 % of these caves are at least partially of phreatic origin, but they contain 92 % of the total passage length. After subtracting the caves from which no data were available and cave sections that are not phreatic in origin (i.e. vadose or those created by weathering and erosion), 641 km of cave sections remained, which were analysed for their vertical distribution in 25 m increments.

The histogram of cave length distribution vs. elevation for the Totes Gebirge range shows only a single significant cluster of phreatic cave sections between 1300 and 1850 m above see level (a.s.l.), with a clear maximum at 1500 m. The massif was divided into four sub-regions and all of them show this main interval, which is why it was interpreted as a cave level. It correlates well with the Giant Cave Level known from all other karst massifs in the Northern Calcareous Alps analysed so far. However, it is peculiar that in the other massifs at least three cave levels are present. Other reasons, such as the lack of known caves and the large size of the massif, which could lead to overlapping of cave levels, are unlikely. Therefore, it seems possible that the palaeo surface drainage pattern around the Totes Gebirge or its uplift history was different from the other karst massifs in the Northern Calcareous Alps and that low-lying cave levels (Spring and Berger Cave Level) or an elevated one (Ruin Cave Level) did not develop. For each of the 21 largest cave systems (≥5 km in length), the peak of the vertical distribution of the phreatic passages was determined. Vectors were calculated in order to test whether palaeo-flow directions could be inferred from their distribution. These phreatic maxima indicate a general dip from ESE to WNW, which could be interpreted either as a palaeo-drainage direction or as a tectonic tilting of the whole massif after the formation of the passages.
Autonomy of Generative AI Digital Platforms in Regulating Relations with Users
Authors: Kharitonova Y. S.
Published: September 2024

The impact of the phenomenon of digital platforms on public relations can be explained, inter alia, by the fact that platform operators are beginning to compete with states for the right to set rules for users, which include almost all participants in civil turnover, inventive and creative industries, consumers of content, etc. Conditional privatization of the regulatory impact on public relations, based on the example of analyzing the rules of generative artificial intelligence platforms for creating various kinds of content, urges the State to respond. With regard to the legal regulation of digital platforms, it seems possible to build such a multi-level system of regulation of public relations that can be based on both general principles of law and codified norms. The developing discussion around the concept of the digital code of the Russian Federation allows us to formulate approaches to identify those areas of relations in the digital environment that are subject to state regulation in regulatory legal acts, as well as those that can be regulated at the level of "soft law" and within the framework of contracts between platform operators and users.
"Retail Sale" as a Mandatory Feature of the Objective Side of Illegal Retail Sale of Alcoholic and Alcohol-Containing Food Products: Issues of Interpretation and Application
Authors: Ageev A. S.
Published: September 2024

The paper, based on a systematic analysis of Russian legislation, provides an interpretation of the act known as “retail sale” as a mandatory feature of the objective side of the crime provided for in Article 171.4 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. The problems generated by the current wording of the disposition of the norm in question are identified. The specific characteristics of the sale are emphasized and its retail nature is described in accordance with the provisions of industry legislation. Based on existing points of view and personal vision, the author proposed an adjusted definition of the term “retail sale” in relation to Note 1 to Article 171.4 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. In order to bring to criminal liability persons who have committed the “wholesale sale” of alcoholic and alcohol-containing food products, it is proposed to expand the scope of the analyzed norm by amending the disposition of the article and the note to it, formulating the act as “sale”. It is indicated that it is necessary to recognize a transaction as fictitious in cases where the sale of alcoholic and alcohol-containing food products is disguised as a gift transaction.
Prosecutor’s Supervision over the Implementation of Legislation on the Protection of Land and Soil
Authors: Otcheskaya Т. I.
Published: September 2024

The article deals with the issue of prosecutorial supervision of compliance with legislation on the protection of land and soil. The author concludes that it is necessary to improve the system of state monitoring of soil conditions, rationing and accounting of the ecological state when using land plots, as well as assigning responsibilities for soil improvement to their users. The author emphasizes the need to develop a final position on the issues under consideration in reviews of the practice of application in the courts of the Russian Federation, federal legislation in the field of environmental protection, rational nature management. It is also necessary to regulate all possible repetitive processes for prosecutors during inspections in collections of methodological materials on the organization of prosecutorial supervision of compliance with legislation on land and soil protection.
Anti-corruption Expertise of Regional and Municipal Regulations in the System of Corruption Prevention Measures by the Prosecutor’s Office
Authors: Mikhina E. G.
Published: September 2024

The article analyzes the problem of the prosecutor’s office conducting an anti-corruption examination of legal acts in the Russian Federation. The paper presents the author’s assessment of the methodological approaches currently in force to identify and eliminate corruption-causing factors in regulatory documents and their projects, characterized by an understanding of the theoretical foundations of anti-corruption expertise, potential and real risks of corruption actions. The analysis of theoretical aspects is associated with an in-depth study of the practice of prosecutorial activity in this area, which allowed us to form an idea of the corruption-causing factors that have the greatest prevalence Based on the conducted comparative legal study of the legislation of the CIS member states, the author concludes that it is possible to borrow a number of practices that have shown a positive result during their implementation: active involvement of the scientific community in conducting anti-corruption expertise, consolidation in the national legislation of the country of uniform requirements for the procedure for sending a draft normative act to subjects of expert activity and the composition of the attached package of documents, legislative consolidation of the right and obligations of the prosecutor’s office to carry out the examination of draft normative acts The author shows that in modern conditions, special attention should be paid to the problem of implementing the results of the anti-corruption expertise, notes the need for detailed legislative regulation of the procedure for considering the prosecutor’s claims to eliminate corruption-causing factors and establishing a list of grounds for refusing to satisfy the demands of prosecutors, specifying individual issues of judicial appeal.
Actual Problems of the Prosecutor’s Protection of the Rights of Minors to Education
Authors: Orkina К. A.
Published: September 2024

The article analyzes the problem of ensuring the human rights function in relation to such an unprotected category of citizens as minors. Based on the conducted research of violations that are detected by the prosecutor during prosecutor’s inspections, it was revealed which violations in this area are detected most often and what measures should be taken by the prosecutor to increase the effectiveness of supervision. Practical examples of violations related to the failure to provide minors with the right to receive free and affordable education are given. The author shows that supervision in the field of protection of the rights of minors has always been, is and will remain a priority. The purpose of this activity, implemented by the Prosecutor’s office, is to ensure the real implementation of legislation on the protection of the rights and legitimate interests of minors, the suppression, prevention and prevention of crime of children, as well as this work of the prosecutor’s office is aimed at restoring violated rights of citizens. The author justifiably notes that without compliance with the rule of law and the enforcement of legislation by all participants in educational relations, it is impossible to guarantee the real exercise of their right to education. In this regard, supervision of the implementation of legislation on the education of minors should not be limited to checking educational institutions. Every time, prosecutors should pay attention to the work of the supervisory authorities, to the acts that they draw up. When deciding on the choice of an act of a certain, most effective response act in each specific case, one should be guided by the organizational and administrative documents of the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Russian Federation, after a mandatory assessment of the negative consequences of fulfilling their requirements. When issuing response acts, prosecutors should be aware that such acts should not be aimed at destroying already real relationships, but only at changing them and bringing them into line with current legislation.
Surface-based morphometry of the cerebral cortex in cognitive impairments of varying severity in patients with age-related cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Kremneva Elena I. , Dobrynina Larisa A. , Shamtieva Kamila V. , Trubitsyna Victoria V. , Gadzhieva Zukhra S. , Makarova Angelina G. , Tsypushtanova Maria M. , Krotenkova Marina V.
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND: Analysis of structural magnetic resonance images is essential to assessing the main substrate of cognitive impairment in sporadic age-related cerebral small vessel disease, accounting for up to 45% of all dementia cases. Variations in the results of magnetic resonance morphometry applied in cerebral small vessel disease require extensive studies and clinical correlation.
AIM: To assess cerebral atrophy features in cognitive impairment in patients with cerebral small vessel disease by surface-based morphometry.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted to assess patients with cerebral small vessel disease and cognitive impairments of varying severity levels (subjective, moderate, and dementia) and sex- and age-matched groups of volunteers. The assessment included the analysis of signs of cerebral small vessel disease based on the results of magnetic resonance imaging with the computation of general cerebral small vessel disease index and processing T1 multiplanar reconstruction images by surface-based morphometry to quantify general and regional brain parameters, including the thickness of the cerebral cortex.
RESULTS: The main group consisted of 173 patients with cerebral small vessel disease, whereas the control group included 47 healthy volunteers. As the severity of brain structural changes and cognitive impairments increased, a significant (p 0.05) decrease in the cortical thickness of certain regions following a similar pattern was reported, particularly in the cingulate gyri, mainly their posterior sections; medial and middle sections of the frontal lobes, various areas of the insular cortex, and temporoparietal areas, particularly the supramarginal gyri. The brain volumes (overall, gray matter, and white matter volumes) in cerebral small vessel disease were significantly different only in controls but not between patients with cognitive impairment of different severity levels. The hyperintense white matter volume was significantly different between patients with dementia and moderate cognitive impairment, dementia, and subjective cognitive impairment (p 0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm secondary/mixed atrophy in cerebral small vessel disease. The clarification of the severity level of cognitive impairment in cerebral small vessel disease based on atrophy data is limited by the wide variety of regions with significant cortical thinning. Thus, the quantification of the cortex can only be a supplementary method in predicting cerebral small vessel disease progression.
An unreported accessory muscle on the neck region
Authors: Gürçay Sezgi , Önder Merve , Akyol Gökçe , Oğuz Nurettin
Published: September 2024

Anatomical variations or accessory muscles on the neck region are important for clinicians and surgeons. This case report aims to contribute to the literature by demonstrating the presence of a previously unrecognized muscle on the lateral neck region. During routine gross anatomy dissection of a 59-year-old male cadaver; an unreported muscle was observed next to the scalene muscles on the left lateral neck region. The distance between the center of the scalenus medius and the insertion of the muscle was 6.17 cm, and the distance between the scapular notch and the insertion of the muscle was 1.56 cm. The distance between the aponeurosis that connects the superior and the inferior bellies of the omohyoideus muscle and the first head of the muscle was 6.24 cm. This anatomical formation, which is not included in the literature, has anatomical and clinical importance in controversial clinical cases in neck pathologies.
Approach to cases diagnosed with mesenteric panniculitis
Authors: Erdoğrul Güven , Diner Güvenç , Sayar Samed , Aslan Sinan , Uğur Mustafa
Published: September 2024

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to report the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up results of patients who came to the hospital with complaints of abdominal pain and were diagnosed with Mesenteric Panniculitis (MP) by Abdominal Computed Tomography (ACT).
Method: 32 patients diagnosed with MP by ACT were examined retrospectively. The patients' age, gender, admission leukocyte count, CRP values, comorbidities, medications prescribed at discharge, and relapse status were evaluated.
Results: Of the 32 patients included in the study, 11 were male (34.4%), 21 were female (65.6%), and they had a mean age of 58.75±12.31 years. The average leukocyte value at first admission was 8240±2530 /mm³, CRP average 24.93±47.39 mg/L, neutrophil percentage was not above 80% in any patient. No patients were hospitalized. Recurrence was occurred in 2 (6.25%) patients (after 6 months and 28 months). No malignancy were during follow-up.
Conclusion: MP was diagnosed with ACT. No biopsy was required for diagnosis. Medical treatment was sufficient, no surgical procedure was performed on the patients.
Factors Associated with Post-COVID Syndrome Three Months After COVID-19
Authors: Açık Hasan , Açık Gülen
Published: September 2024

Objective: Post-COVID Syndrome has been defined as a syndrome with chronic fatigue and psychiatric problems continue after COVID-19. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate patients' health-related quality of life standards 3 months after COVID-19 diagnosis.
Method: In this study, the psychosocial status and quality of life standards of patients, who were older than 18 years old and followed up due to COVID-19 in the outpatient clinic, ward, or intensive care unit of a university hospital, were assesed by the short form-36 scoring system.
Results: Of 67 patients, 57 were followed up and treated at home, nine were admitted to the ward, and one was admitted to the the intensive care unit. Short form-36 test scores of women patients, patients aged over 65, had at least one comorbid disease, and inpatient treatments during acute infection were found to be statistically significantly lower.
Conclusion: Gender, advanced age, presence of comorbidity, and history of hospitalization were determined as risk factors for Post-COVID Syndrome.
Comparison of effectiveness indicators before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in a university hospital
Authors: Erdem Mehmet , Kara Bircan , Karadeniz Sibel Armağan
Published: September 2024

Objective: Our aim in this study is to reveal to what extent hospital efficiency indicators changed in a University Hospital between the period before the Covid 19 pandemic (2018-2019) and the period when the pandemic started and continued (2020-2021).
Method: The study planned as a retrospective and descriptive type, data belongs to a 4-year period (2018-2021). The number of personnel for the years examined in the study, the number of applications to the outpatient clinic and emergency department calculated monthly and the number of deceased patients. Bed occupancy rate, inpatient rate, average patient stay days, bed turnover rate and bed turnover interval were used as hospital bed utilization efficiency indicators.
Result: Among all years, April 2020 had the lowest number of emergency applications (n=1287) and total number of outpatient clinic applications (n=7530). The year with the highest bed occupancy rate was 2020 with 77.2±6.7. The highest inpatient rate was in 2020 with 6.7±2.1, the highest average day of stay was in 2021 with 10.8±2.2, the highest bed turnover rate was in 2018 and 2019 with 4.7±0.3 and the highest bed turnover interval was observed in 2021 with 5.2±2.2. April 2020 was the month with the highest inpatient rate at 11.8% and the highest bed turnover interval at 16.8.
Conclusion: The number of patients applying to emergency departments and outpatient clinics decreased, the inpatient rate increased, the bed turnover rate decreased, the bed turnover interval extended and the average day of stay increased during the pandemic period.
Evaluation of platelet indices in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Senel Mahmut Egemen , Erken Ertuğrul , Ozturk İlyas , Ulusoylar Erken Neziha , Altunören Orçun
Published: September 2024

Objective: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by an irreversible decrease in kidney functions and accumulation of uremic toxins in the body. Platelet indices have the potential to predict the inflammatory status and disease progression in patients with CKD. In this study it was aimed to investigate platelet indices and their relations with renal function and comorbid conditions in CKD patients.
Method: In this study it was included 411 CKD patients. We looked for associations between platelet indices and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). We generated linear regression models for platelet indices that may be associated with eGFR. We evaluated CKD patients for possible associations between platelet indices and comorbid conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.
Results: The mean age of CKD patients was 60.5 and the GFR value was 40.1+24.8 mL/min/1.73m2. While the mean platelet count, MPV, PCT, PDW, P-LCR values were lower in the advanced CKD group, hematocrit adjusted platelet count (HAPC), MPV/Lymphocyte ratio and SII parameters were higher in the advanced CKD group (p
Características cineantropométricas y rendimiento físico específico en triatletas amateur de media distancia
Authors: Corredor-Serrano Luisa Fernanda , Arboleda-Franco Santiago Adolfo , Manrique-Lenis Ana Maria , Aly Forero Shamyr , García-Chaves Diego Camilo
Published: September 2024

Introducción: La evaluación de las diferentes características morfológicas en los deportes de tiempo y marca como el triatlón se ha relacionado continuamente con el rendimiento físico específico; sin embargo, el comportamiento de estas variables en la población amateur no es claro. Objetivo: Caracterizar la composición corporal y el rendimiento específico en triatletas amateur de media distancia. Metodología: Se evaluaron 72 triatletas de ambos sexos: hombres, edad: 36,8±7,3 años, peso: 72,0±9,5 kg, talla: 172,1±6,7 cm y mujeres, edad: 34,8±6,2 años, peso: 59,2±7,6 kg, talla: 159,6±5,0 cm. La composición corporal se valoró por medio del método antropométrico y el rendimiento específico a través de tres pruebas relacionadas con los segmentos específicos del triatlón, utilizando el test de potencia funcional (FTP) en ciclismo, test de 400m en natación y el test de 3km en atletismo. Resultados: Resultados: En el fraccionamiento por 5 componentes se halló para los hombres: porcentaje de piel 4,97±0,40%, grasa 21,64±3,18%, músculo 51,11±3,82%, óseo 11,16±1,69%, residual 11,13±1,83%, y para las mujeres, piel 5,66±0,44%, grasa 28,31±4,57%, músculo 45,33±4,13%, óseo 10,74±0,64%, residual 9,96±0,94%. En cuanto al rendimiento específico para la potencia relativa en ciclismo 2,94±0,55 w/kg, el tiempo total en natación 7,50±1,33 min y en carrera a pie tiempo total 12,51±1,53 min. Conclusiones: Las características morfológicas de los triatletas amateur distan a las de triatletas elite a nivel internacional, con elevados porcentajes de masa grasa y bajos porcentajes de masa muscular, por lo tanto, el rendimiento específico del triatlón se ve afectado por las características de composición corporal en dicha población.
Java in Robotics: Bridging Software Development and Hardware Control
Authors: Kothapalli Kanaka Rakesh Varma
Published: September 2024

This research examines how Java bridges robotics software development with hardware control. The main goals are to assess Java's performance in robotic system integration, identify its drawbacks, and suggest ways to improve it. JRobotics, LeJOS, and ROSJava, are reviewed using secondary data to determine their effects on hardware interface, real-time performance, and data processing. According to major studies, Java's platform freedom and modularity enable software and hardware integration. Real-time performance, hardware interface, and memory management remain issues. The Real-Time Specification for Java (RTSJ) and specialized libraries provide partial solutions but need additional development. Policy implications include investing in Java library improvements and improving Java developer-robotics researcher cooperation. Research and optimization will improve Java's position in robotics, making robots more efficient and versatile.
SARS2/COVID 19 in Middlesex County, Massachusetts: A Pilot Community Report
Authors: Kiessling Ann
Published: September 2024

The rapid spread, and relentless mutations of SARS2, are a reminder of how quickly upper respiratory viruses that do not cause acute, debilitating disease in all infected persons can spread, and that continuing mutation is an adaptive hallmark of viruses. The global response to the SARS2/COVID19 pandemic varied widely, country to country, and state to state in the United States of America (U.S.). To better prepare for the next pandemic, the U.S. Government Accounting Office recommends that health agencies “…identify, document and share all challenges and lessons learned … to improve the response to ongoing and future public health emergencies…” Some countries continually published SARS2/ COVID19 reviews and adjusted recommendations throughout the pandemic, but an objective review of the U.S. SARS2/COVID19 public health response is lacking. This knowledge gap can be at least partially filled by taking advantage of publicly-available databases. As an example, this is a report of the spread of SARS2/COVID19 in diverse communities in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Neither mask mandates nor vaccinations halted the surge of SARS2/COVID19 in January, 2022; communities with the highest infection incidence were statistically significantly lowest in per capita income and highest in population density. If these findings apply globally, the development of a library of effective medications should be the first-line defense against the next pandemic, with a plan for effective distribution to the most vulnerable persons.
Carbohydrate PL-M binds galectin-3 to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 viral entry into cells
Authors: Miller Michelle , Sigamani Alben , Platt David , Mayo Kevin
Published: September 2024

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) binds to glycans on the spike protein S1 domain of the SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) virus, thereby facilitating viral entry into cells. Because little is known about how to antagonize Gal-3 to block viral activity, we developed a pectin-derived polysaccharide of a(1-6)-D-mannopyranose (termed “ProLectin M” or PL-M) and studied its effect on Vero cells being infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus. Using this novel glycovirology approach, we demonstrated a significant reduction in viral load with no demonstrable cytotoxicity. We also evaluated the efficacy of PL-M in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical study in 34 patients with mild to moderately severe COVID-19. Overall, treatment with PL-M significantly (p = 0.001) increased RT-PCR cycle counts for N and ORF genes on days 3 (Ct values 32.09 ± 2.39 and 30.69 ± 3.38, respectively) and 7 (Ct values 34.91 ± 0.39 and 34.85 ± 0.61, respectively) compared to placebo. From day 3 post-treatment, all subjects were RT-PCR negative for both genes in the PL-M treatment group, whereas placebo subjects remained positive. On the molecular level, our NMR studies show that PL-M binds relatively strongly to Gal-3, supporting the idea of an antagonist effect on the lectin. Gal-3 also binds strongly to sugar binding sites on the SARS-CoV2 virus spike protein S1 domain as evidenced by competitive lactose binding. In this regard, PL-M competes with the spike protein for binding to Gal-3 and thereby compromises viral entry into susceptible target cells, thus helping to explain our positive clinical effect from PL-M on the course of viral infection. This report provides a brief review of what is already known about PL-M and its effects on SARS-CoV2 virus, as well as new results on an expanded clinical trial with PL-M and NMR studies on the molecular mechanism of action of PL-M, Gal-3, and the SARS-CoV2 viral spike protein S1 from the Omicron variant.
Health Coaching: America's Overlooked Personalized Health Solution
Authors: Miller Briar , Klein Arthur , Leheste Joerg
Published: September 2024

Chronic diseases are on the rise in the United States, particularly in rural and underserved areas, and they are often caused by preventable factors, accounting for a significant portion of healthcare costs. The short duration of routine medical visits does not give clinicians enough time to adequately address and support changes in patients' behavior that are required to improve health outcomes. Health coaching, which focuses on holistic behavior modification, shows potential in preventing and controlling chronic diseases through individualized assistance and accountability. Motivational interviewing and continual patient involvement are critical components of health coaching, and they have proven to be highly beneficial. Despite the established success of existing programs, a more comprehensive implementation tailored to individual requirements is required. Health coaching is an underutilized but intriguing method for healthcare providers to address patient health concerns proactively and directly at the cause. This strategy focuses on those who neglect their health owing to stated time restrictions, financial worries, or a lack of health education, resulting in delayed treatment and the onset of preventable chronic disease. The adaptable design, as well as a combination of medical experts and volunteers, offers exciting possibilities for urban, suburban, and rural locations alike, and may be the answer to a long-standing problem to personalized medicine in a highly diverse healthcare environment.
Serum levels of soluble receptor activator of NF-κβ ligand are under dual, immune and neural effects in postmenopausal women
Authors: Molnár Ildikó , Nagy Zoltán , Immunoendocrinology Immunoendocrinology , EndoMed EndoMed
Published: September 2024

Background: The receptor activator of NF-κβ (RANK)/RANK ligand/ osteoprotegerin system is essential for osteoclast maturation and activation to induce bone loss, which plays a role in postmenopausal osteoporosis. Estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women is associated with T-cell mediated inflammation with increased proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-17A, IL-1, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha. Bone repair and remodeling processes highlight the role of nerve growth factor β (NGFβ), whose non-neural production is associated with T-cell mediated inflammation. Aims: To investigate the involvement of IL-17A and NGFβ cytokines in the elevation of serum soluble RANK ligand levels in postmenopausal and control women. Methods: Fifty-two postmenopausal and 37 control women were studied for age, body mass index, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index, serum levels of IL-17A, NGFβ, soluble RANK ligand (measured by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and estrogen (measured by chemiluminescence assay). Two- and three-way ANOVA (expressed as median with Q1 to Q3) and linear regression analysis were used to evaluate the strength of relationship between soluble RANK ligand levels as dependent and age, serum IL-17A and NGFβ levels as independent variables. Results: A significant difference in age, serum NGFβ and estrogen levels could be demonstrated between postmenopausal and control women (with borderline significance in HOMA indices). The differences in serum IL-17A and NGFβ levels were relevant between categories for body mass index in postmenopausal and control women, but in soluble RANK ligand levels only in postmenopausal women. The increase in soluble RANK ligand levels was greater in elevated IL-17A [101(291.75 to 39.92) vs. 45.24(95.56 to 25.34) ng/ml, p<0.015] and elevated NGFβ [222.2(142.75 to 1086.87) vs. 52.44(25.87 to 76.88) ng/ml, p<0.0001] categories compared to low categories in postmenopause, but not in controls. Both elevated IL-17A and NGFβ levels resulted in the greatest increase in serum levels of soluble RANK ligand [252.27(159.9 to 1099.64) vs. 41.4(35.91 to 59.94) ng/ml, p<0.0001] compared to elevated IL-17A levels alone. Conclusion: Both IL-17A and NGFβ cytokines were involved in the increased serum levels of soluble RANK ligand in postmenopausal women. Their joint involvement in postmenopausal osteoporosis highlighted that neurogenic inflammation may play a critical role in bone loss via greater elevated soluble RANK ligand levels induced by concomitant elevated IL-17A and NGFβ levels.
Procurement of devices for pulsed-field ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: the experience of the Tuscany region in Italy
Authors: Trippoli Sabrina , Romeo Maria , Collini Francesca , Messori Andrea
Published: September 2024

In this Health Policy article, we describe the experience conducted in Italy in the Tuscany region to implement an appropriate management of the devices available for pulsed-field ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. For patients who do not respond to pharmacological treatment, ablation techniques have long been a recognized therapeutic standard. Radiofrequency ablation and cryoballoon ablation (both referred to as thermal ablation options) were the first two techniques made available for this therapeutic indication. More recently, pulsed-field ablation has been developed as a means of achieving the same clinical result without any thermal intervention; iIn fact, thermal techniques are more often involved in determining local tissue damages. In 2024, there are already three different devices available to perform pulsed/field ablation, thus minimizing the risk of thermal damage to local tissues. These three devices include Farawave (from Boston), PulseSelect (from Medtronic), and Varipulse (from Johnson & Johnson). Our paper reports on the technical characteristics of these three devices and the available clinical evidence on their effectiveness. The clinical studies for Farawave (the first device developed in 2021) are more numerous than those for PulseSelect and Varipulse, whose development is much more recent. Epidemiological data from the entire region were analysed to determine the total number of the three devices needed by our hospitals on an annual basis. These regional data were interpreted in comparison with the national consumption of these devices. In conclusion, the main strength of the experience described here is that the principles of HTA have been successfully applied in daily practice. For more than 5 years, this policy has been applied in our Centro Operativo in the management of about 80 devices classified as class IIb, III or active implantable.
Immunogenicity and effectiveness of the Sinopharm BIBP COVID-19 inactivated vaccine in people living with HIV: A case-control study in Omicron era
Authors: Dehnavi Ali , Manshadi Seyed , Alinaghi Seyed , Amini Behnam , Rashidi Fatemeh , Ashtiani Masoumeh , khoshnevis Hoda , Tochaee Adel , Salehi Mohammadreza , Mussini Cristina
Published: September 2024

There is limited information about COVID-19 vaccines in people living with HIV (PLWH). We aimed to compare the immunogenicity and effectiveness of the Sinopharm BIBP COVID-19 inactivated vaccine between PLWH and non-HIV individuals in the Omicron era. We evaluated the production of receptor-binding domain (RBD), spike, SARS-CoV-2 IgG, and neutralizing antibodies in both PLWH (case) and individuals without HIV (control) groups three months after they received the second dose of the vaccine. All participants were also followed during three months after the second dose for the COVID-19 infection and its outcomes (hospital admission, need to intensive care unit, and mortality). A total of 250 individuals comprising 150 PLWH and 100 people without HIV were recruited. The mean age was 42.2 years. The infection rate was significantly higher in non-HIV individuals than in PLWH (63% vs. 21.3%, p < 0.001). The hospitalization rate in the PLWH group was significantly hig1her than that in the non-HIV group (5.3% vs. 1%, p = 0.009). There were no significant differences in the mean levels of Spike antibody (84.4 ± 34.4 vs. 95 ± 109.5 RU/mL), RBD antibody (65.6 ± 42 vs. 69 ± 42.3 RU/mL), and SARS-CoV-2 IgG (2.9 ± 2.5 vs. 3 ± 2.3 Index) between the groups. The mean value of neutralizing antibodies was significantly higher in non-HIV individuals (34 ± 23.3 vs. 26.2 ± 20 µg/mL, p = 0.005). The Sinopharm BIBP COVID-19 inactivated vaccine can be as immunogenic in PLWH as in non-HIV individuals. This vaccine is likely more effective in preventing Omicron-associated hospitalization in non-HIV individuals.
Burnout Syndrome in Intensive Care Unit Workers in a City in Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Góis Joselice , Santos Cleide , Aragão Núbia , Barbosa Gabriella , Rodrigues Éder , Tapioca Thatiane , Lima Ermillo , Nascimento Mônica , Júnior Davi , Sobrinho Carlito
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Studies point out that intensive care workers can suffer from chronic stress and dissatisfaction with their work, which can favor the development of Burnout Syndrome. Goal: To estimate the prevalence of Burnout Syndrome and describe the characteristics of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) workers. Methodology: A descriptive epidemiological study was carried out on a population of 177 ICU workers - 52 doctors, 65 nurses and 60 physiotherapists - in the city of Feira de Santana, Bahia. A self-administered survey assessed sociodemographic data, work characteristics, lifestyle habits and Burnout Syndrome using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Results: The prevalence of Burnout Syndrome was 47.9%, 45.3% among doctors, 55.6% among nurses and 33.3% among physiotherapists. Emotional exhaustion was the dimension most affected in the three categories studied. Males predominated among doctors and females among nurses and physiotherapists. Almost half of the workers studied were young, aged 34 or under, with little time in the profession. The majority had a partner, but no children. In terms of work characteristics, all three categories had high weekly working hours, high weekly on-call hours and night shifts in the ICU. Most of the workers studied reported practicing physical activity, drinking alcohol and not smoking. Final Considerations: There was a high prevalence of Burnout Syndrome and a high workload among the categories studied. It is necessary to reflect on the measures that can be adopted to reduce the prevalence of Burnout Syndrome among Intensive Care Unit workers.
Textbook of Social and Preventive Pharmacy for the Students of B.Pharm 8th Semester
Authors: Kauser Dr. Mohammed Sheeba , Syamala Dr. Ananta Lakshmi Prasanna
Published: September 2024

The book “Textbook of Social and Preventive Pharmacy” focuses on the role of pharmacy in public health and disease prevention. It covers a range of topics that are essential for pharmacists who are involved in public health initiatives and community care. Here are some key aspects typically addressed in such a book:
*Public Health Principles*: The book provides an introduction to public health concepts, including epidemiology, health promotion, and disease prevention.
*Health Policies and Programs*: It discusses various health policies, national health programs, and their implementation strategies. This includes vaccination programs, maternal and child health services, and other community health initiatives.
*Epidemiology and Biostatistics*: Basic principles of epidemiology and biostatistics are covered to help pharmacists understand and interpret public health data.
*Social Determinants of Health*: The book examines the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health outcomes, emphasizing the importance of addressing these determinants in public health practice.
*Preventive Healthcare Services*: It highlights the role of pharmacists in preventive healthcare services such as immunizations, health screenings, smoking cessation programs, and chronic disease management.
*Health Education and Promotion*: Strategies for effective health education and promotion are discussed, including communication skills, behaviour change theories, and the development of educational materials.
*Ethical and Legal Issues*: The book addresses ethical and legal considerations in social and preventive pharmacy, including patient privacy, informed consent, and professional ethics.
*Community Pharmacy Practice*: It explores the role of community pharmacies in public health, including collaboration with other healthcare providers, patient counseling, and public health advocacy.
*Global Health*: The book may also touch upon global health issues, such as infectious diseases, global health initiatives, and the role of pharmacists in international health efforts.
*Case Studies and Practical Applications*: Real-world case studies and practical applications are included to help readers apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios in community and public health settings.
Overall, “Textbook of Social and Preventive Pharmacy” aims to equip pharmacists with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute effectively to public health and preventive care, promoting healthier communities through proactive pharmacy practice.
Modern diagnostic aids: Exploring advanced tools
Authors: Mittal Shruti , Mittal Astitav , Teja Prerna Hoogan , Gulia Komal
Published: September 2024

Orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning have evolved in recent years making it more reliable and easy clinical tool. Recent diagnostic tools are issue oriented. Orthodontic treatment is carried out in all three dimensions, but we were having diagnostic aids to examine patient in two dimensions. But, now the concept of orthodontic treatment have changed w.r.t aesthetics and function. The recent advancement of digital technologies is 3D imaging making it more dynamic. The 3 dimensional diagnostic tools include digital scanning, 3D models, digital radiographic records and analysis, CBCT, CAD/CAM technology and 3D printers. The accuracy has been increased. Diagnostic capabilities of the imaging tools have been improved with digital processes, making orthodontic treatment more efficient, accurate and comfortable as compared to past. This article aims to give an insight into recent technology in diagnostic tools.
Awareness about clear aligner among dental students- Cross sectional study
Authors: Daniel Jibin Joy
Published: September 2024

To assess the awareness about clear aligner among dental students of first year, second year, third year, final year and interns of Pushpagiri College Of Dental Science.

A cross-sectional questionnaire study conducted among Dental Students of Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences, by collecting data using questionaire. Students of first year, second year, third year, final year and interns were included for the study. A questionnaire composed of 10 questions, designed to assess awareness about clear aligner among students. Fifty students participated in the study.

The study reveals that out of fifty attendees – I)83.3% attendees didn’t used clear aligner before II) 91.7% of attendees aware about clear aligner III)83.3% attendees knows in which cases Invisalign can be use IV)83.3% attendees knows clear aligner have better oral hygiene than traditional brackets.

Awareness program regarding clear aligner are necessary to create awareness among dental students.
Comparative evaluation of facial divine proportions in males and females with average growth pattern
Authors: Sharma Monika , Verma Sneh Lata , Khanna Rohit , Srivastava Kamna , Tikku Tripti , Maurya Rana Pratap
Published: September 2024

Facial beauty of an individual depends on proportion and its relationship to various facial parts which varies in each individual. The values of measured proportion in beautiful faces are likely to approximate divine proportion and may show variation with ethinicity, sex, growth pattern. Hence, aim of the study was to evaluate and compare vertical and horizontal parameters of facial divine proportions in male and female subjects with average growth pattern.

30 subjects (18-30 yrs age) with average growth pattern (based on cephalometric measurements FMA, Yaxis, GoGn-SN and facial axis angle) were divided into two groups as Group I (Male subjects, n=15) ; Group II (female subjects, n=15). Standardized frontal facial photographs of all the subjects were obtained. Nine vertical and four horizontal parameters were measured on all the facial photographs using IC Measure software and were used to evaluate horizontal and vertical facial proportions and then compared to divine proportions considering 1.618 as 100%.

Horizontal and Vertical facial proportion in males were higher than females. Group I showed that three of seven vertical facial proportions were close to divine proportion (1.618) whereas only one vertical facial proportion in Group II were close to divine proportions. Horizontal facial proportions in both the groups deviated more from divine proportion (1.618).

There was difference between males and females for the vertical and horizontal facial proportions with values being larger in males. This should be considered as an accessory guideline in planning orthodontic or orthognathic treatment.