bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors influencing the expansion of the epidemic process of hiv infection in the penitentiary system of the region with a high level of HIV prevalence
Authors: Kondratova S. E. , Marchenko A. N. , Beltikova A. A.
Published: October 2021

The Tyumen Region, being the largest one in the Ural Federal District in terms of territory, has a high level of HIV prevalence, particularly among those taken into custody. This group of people involves the maximum number of injecting drug users, men having sexual encounters with other men and sex workers. All acquired diseases including the diseases aggravated during the service of sentence become the problem of the expirees as well as the entire civil society. From an epidemiological perspective it is important to search for the risk factors which are active among the prisoner population serving their sentence in the region and which cause HIV progression with fatal outcome, taking into account their unequal significance among the prisoner population and the civilians.

Object of research. 365 HIV-infected, deaths were identified, including: the study group — 222 prisoners, HlV-infected and died at the regional hospital of the Federal penitentiary service of Tyumen for the period 2008-2018; the control group - 143 civil (law-abiding) patients, HIV-infected and died at the Regional infectious diseases hospital for the period 2011-2018.

Purpose of research. Identification and assessment of priority risk factors for the expansion of the epidemic process of HIV infection with a fatal outcome in the zone of high concentration of the risk group.

Methods of research. The following methods have been used in this work: methods of epidemiological research, methods of mathematical modeling and forecasting, as well as the method, of logistic regression, of step-by-step inclusion with ROC analysis.

Results. To assess the epidemiological situation in terms of the HIV infection prevalence in the prison area a long-term and intra-annual dynamics of the epidemic process expansion in the region have been studied along with assessment of the priority risk factors, trends, forecasting of the HIV infection expansion in the penitentiary system specifying the social significance and risks to the civilian population over a long period.
Case of Kawasaki syndrome associated with Mycoplasma infection
Authors: Kozyrev E. A. , Ermolenko K. D. , Babachenko I. V. , Razd'jakonova I. V. , Sharipova E. V.
Published: October 2021

Based on the literature sources, modern ideas about Kawasaki syndrome, its diagnostic criteria and the possible trigger role of M. pneumoniae are given. The author describes his own observation of Kawasaki syndrome, probably associated with mycoplasma infection, in a boy of 4 years and 8 months. A special feature of the case was also the presence of a combined mycoplasma-enterovirus infection, which explained the wave-like course of the disease, as well as the delayed development of the respiratory syndrome.
Clinical case of combined intestinal infection caused by enteroaggregative Escherichia coli and toxigenic strain Clostridium difficile in a child with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Gonchar N. V. , Klimova O. I. , Razd'yakonova I. V. , Orlov A. V. , Kvetnaya A. S.
Published: October 2021

The goal is to study the peculiarities of the clinical picture and the distant outcome of intestinal infection due to enteroaggregative escherichiosis and the toxigenic strain of C. difficile in a child with cystic fibrosis.

Material and methods. To verify the etiology of intestinal infection, the following studies were conducted. — fecal PCR “OKI-screen” tests to detect viral and bacterial pathogens, fecal bacteriopsy for pathogenic and opportunistic microbes; determination of C. difficile A and B toxins in feces by enzyme-linked fluorescence analysis.

Results. The combined intestinal infection caused by en-teroaggregative escherichiosis and a toxigenic strain of C. difficile, in a child with pulmonary-intestinal form of cystic fibrosis was characterized by a wavy course, a pronounced intoxication syndrome, excicosis, hemorrhagic enterocolitis, signs of systemic and local inflammation, metabolic disorders. There were no recurrences of C. difficile-infection in catamnese.

Conclusion. It is necessary to continue research on the course of intestinal infections caused by bacterial associations of pathogens.
Hepatitis E, to the 40th anniversary of the discovery of the virus by academician of the RAMS M.S. Balayan
Authors: Mikhailov M. I. , Kyuregyan K. K. , Malinnikova E. Yu. , Polyakov A. D.
Published: October 2021

2021 marks the 40th anniversary of the discovery of the hepatitis E virus by an outstanding Russian virologist, academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Mikhail Surenovich Balayan. This date is an occasion to remember this remarkable scientist and person, to analyze the current state of the problem of viral hepatitis E, to sum up the research results and to correct the prospects of scientific directions, the development of which is largely related to the basic foundations laid by M.S. Balayan.

The scientific heritage of M.S. Balayan is associated with the study of poliomyelitis, hepatitis A and hepatitis E. The main contribution of Mikhail Surenovich Balayan to world science was the discovery of the hepatitis E virus. This is, in first place, associated with the significance of the results obtained and the high moral value of the experimental selfinfection with hepatitis E.

The paper presents data on the study of virology, epidemiology, clinical course, diagnosis and prevention of hepatitis E. The main concepts and directions of studying hepatitis E are overviewed.
Detection of IgM, IgG and IgA against pertussis in pregnant women in I - II - III trimesters
Authors: Skirda T. A. , Borisova O. Yu. , Gadua N. T. , Pimenova A. S. , Mekhant'ev I. I. , Stepkin Yu. I. , Degtyareva I. M. , Bredihin S. V. , Petrova M. S. , Borisova A. B. , Safronova A. V. , Kombarova S. Yu.
Published: October 2021

Purpose: to investigate the level anti-pertussis IgM, IgG, IgA in pregnant women in the I — II — III trimesters. Materials and methods. A total of 288 pregnant women aged. 17 — 43 years (in the I — II — III trimesters) were examined. A serums samples tested for IgM, IgG, IgA against pertussis by ELISA of RIDASCREEN (Germany). Results. Anti-pertussis IgG concentration below the low limit of detection occurred in 75,7% of pregnant women. The majority of seropositive among pregnant women was in the age group 26 — 35 years (82,9%). The proportion of seronegative among pregnant women increased. with increasing pregnancy periods, as well as depending on age. In III trimester IgG were detected in 18,2% of pregnant women. The most seronegative among pregnant women were in the III trimester and at the age of over 36 years old. The detection of IgM, IgG and IgA made it possible to detect the active infection process in 11 (3,9%) pregnant women by elevated level of IgA. High IgA level only in combination with IgM was in serum sample from 1 pregnant woman, high IgA level in combination with IgG at negative values of IgM was in serum samples from 8 pregnant woman. Only IgA in serum sample from 2 pregnant women (I and III trimesters of pregnancy) were detected. This is probably due to the presence of whooping cough or mucosal contamination with B.pertussis (persisting IgA). Conclusion. The serological studies have shown the need to develop algorithms for protecting newborns — from, the moment pregnant women are registered, to the onset of childbirth. These algorithms will provide information about on the presence of whooping cough and will help prevent infection of the newborn.
Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of meningococcal infection morbidity in Penza Region for the period 2007-2019
Authors: Melnikov V. L. , Mitrofanova N. N. , Mitushkin A. E.
Published: October 2021

Objective. To study the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of meningococcal disease morbidity in the Penza Region population for the period 2007-2019.

Materials and methods. The retrospective analysis carried out of archival documents of a specialized infectious diseases hospital in Penza and materials of the center of the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-being. Methods of statistical processing were used for the analysis.

Results and discussion. As a result of the analysis, it was revealed that the incidence of meningococcal infection in the Penza region exceeds the average level in Russia for almost the entire time period under study. We revealed the predominance of the share of the child population in the structure of total morbidity throughout the entire time tranche under study was revealed. The presence of 4 peaks in the mortality rate was found — in 2009, 2012, 2014 and 2016. On the territory of the Penza region, the infection has a pronounced winter-spring seasonality, there are generalized forms of meningococcal infection and localized forms of meningococcal infection.

Conclusions. Thus, meningococci of serogroups B and C prevail in the serogroup landscape of meningococci in the Penza region. The excess of the average Russian indicators of the incidence of meningococcal infection was revealed by 2 or more times throughout the entire study period. patients under the age of 14 from unorganized groups predominate among patients with meningococcal infection. the Gender structure is dominated by males from rural areas. The infection has a pronounced winter-spring seasonality. The most common clinical forms are meningitis and mixed form.
Clinical and epidemiological features of HPV-associated head and neck cancer in Russia: results of a sample study
Authors: Belyakova E. N.
Published: October 2021

Recently, an increase in the incidence of all malignant neoplasms of the head and neck has been noted throughout the world. The most common type of head and neck cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which originates from the epithelium of the oral mucosa, pharynx, and larynx. In Russia, cancer of the oral mucosa and cancer of the oropharynx are in 4th place in the structure of malignant neoplasms: more than 80 thousand new cases are registered every year. Human papillomavirus is the leading cause of increased incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in many regions of the world.

Objective: to determine the main clinical and epidemiological features of HPV-associated head and neck cancer.

Methods: a study based on a retrospective analysis of the patient's anamnestic data was carried out. Results: Demonstrated the role of smoking OR=2.07 (CI: 1.07—4.02), hookah smoking OR=3.06 (CI: 1.06—8.80), drinking strongly hot drinks OR=3.65 (CI: 1.44—9.25), the presence of a dental prosthesis OR=7.32 (CI: 2.77—19.31), heredity OR=7.38 (CI: 3.07—17.76), “Poor” dental status OR=33.54 (CI: 15.01—74.95), positive HPV status in history OR=7.31 (CI: 2.77—19.31), 5 or more sexual partners lifetime OR=4.95 (CI: 2.47—9.93) as risk factors for HPV-associated. head, and neck cancer. Conclusion: HPV prophylaxis plays an important role in reducing the incidence of associated head and neck malignancies. The results of the study convinced of the need for preventive measures in relation to the identified risk factors for the development of HPV-associated head and neck cancer.
The concept of hemostasis disorders in severe leptospirosis
Authors: Moisova D. L. , Gorodin V. N.
Published: October 2021

The purpose of the research to create a concept for diagnostics and therapy of hemostasis disorders of patients with severe leptospirosis.

Patients and Methods. The study included 474 patients with severe serologically confirmed leptospirosis with a favorable outcome of the disease and 31 patients with fatal outcome (total 505 people). Variant of coagulopathy was determined by using a set of special methods for studying hemostasis. The influence of platelet concentrate transfusion, plasma exchange and various tactics of glucocorticoid therapy on patient survival and correction of hemostasis disorders was evaluated. Survival analysis was made using Kaplan-Meyer method with a Cox proportional intensity model. Relative risk (RR) was calculated with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results: the use of early diagnosis of coagulopathy variants and the use of a differentiated therapy regimen in the choice of the variant of hemostasis disorder led to a decrease of mortality from 16.45% to 11.5% and decrease in the consumption of platelet concentrate and fresh frozen plasma.

Conclusion: patients with severe leptospirosis develop a multivariate hemostatic pathology: isolated thrombocytopenia (38%) with thrombotic microangiopathy (20,5%), disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (37,1%), uremic coagulopathy (4,9%), hepatic coagulopathy (3,4%). Plasma exchange in thrombotic microangiopathy is pathogenetically justified. Also, plasma exchange is pathogenetically justified in order to reduce plasma volume in DIC syndrome with consumption coagulopathy and hepatic coagulopathy. The use of GCS in isolated thrombocytopenia can be effective and safe in both “medium doses” and in the form of “pulse therapy” if the following conditions are met: acute renal injury (AKI) III stage according to AKIN and the absence of renal replacement therapy (RRT). The main indication for platelet concentrate transfusion in severe leptospirosis is extremely severe thrombocytopenia (grade 4) with active life-threatening bleeding at the time of transfusion.
Effect of Time and Temperature of Air Jet on the Mechanical and Biological Behavior of a Universal Adhesive System
Authors: Zimmer R , Leite ML , de Souza Costa CA , Hebling J , Anovazzi G , Klein CA , Hosaka K , Reston ED
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the influence of heat application on the degree of conversion (DC) of the 3M Single Bond Universal Adhesive System, as well as its transdentinal cytotoxicity and microtensile bond strength to dentin.

Methods

Experimental groups were established according to the time and temperature of the air jet: G1: 5 seconds–25°C; G2: 10 seconds–25°C; G3: 20 seconds–25°C; G4: 5 seconds–50°C; G5: 10 seconds–50°C; G6: 20 seconds–50°C. In control group (G7), no treatment was performed. The DC was assessed using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy–attenuated total reflectance (FTIR–ATR) technique. For the transdentinal cytotoxicity test, dentin discs fitted in artificial pulp chambers (APC) received the application of the adhesive system and the air jets. For the microtensile bond strength, healthy molars were restored and submitted to the microtensile test after 24 hours and 6 months, respectively.

Results

Significant reduction in viability of Mouse Dental Papilla Cell-23 (MDPC-23), which exhibited morphological changes, was observed in all experimental groups compared to control (p<0.05). Although all tested protocols resulted in transdentinal diffusion of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), the group G6 presented the highest degree of monomeric conversion and the lowest cytotoxic effect, with higher dentin bond strength values in comparison to group G1 (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Applying an air blast at 50°C for 20 seconds increases the DC and microtensile bond strength of the 3M Single Bond Universal Adhesive System to dentin, as well as reduces the transdentinal cytotoxicity of the material to pulp cells.
Protocols for Mechanical Cleaning of the Post Space on the Bond Strength Between Root Dentin and Cementation System
Authors: Alencar CM , Verbicário dos Santos JRE , Jassé FFA , dos Santos GO , Escalante-Otárola WG , Castro-Nuñez GM , de Campos EA , Kuga MC
Published: October 2021

Objective

To evaluate the effects of mechanical versus chemical cleaning protocols for cleaning the root dentin surface before cementation of fiberglass posts for their effect on the bond strength, failure mode, and dentinal penetration of the cementing agent using an etch-and-rinse adhesive system on dentin prepared to receive a fiberglass post.

Methods

Forty roots of bovine teeth were endodontically treated and prepared for fiber post cementation. The specimens were randomized into 4 groups of 10: Control group (CO) - irrigation with 2.5% NaOCl; DW group- irrigation with distilled water; RB group - rotating brush for cleaning root canals, and CUI group - continuous ultrasonic irrigation. The fiberglass posts were cemented, and the specimens were immersed in distilled water for 6 months. A push-out test was performed on the cervical, middle, and apical thirds of the samples. Dentinal penetration of the cementing agent and the fracture pattern were evaluated by laser confocal microscopy. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Tukey tests (α=0.05). Results: The RB and CUI groups showed significantly higher bond strength values when compared to the Control and DW groups (p<0.05). In addition, in the control and DW groups, the apical third presented lower bond strength values when compared to middle and cervical thirds.

Conclusion

While DW showed the highest incidence of adhesive type failure, CUI resulted in the highest dentinal penetration of the cementing agent (p<0.05). RB and CUI resulted in the highest bond strength between cementation system and root dentin. In addition, CUI favored greater dentinal penetration of fiberglass post cementing agent.
CAD/CAM Milled Glass Fiber Posts: Adaptation and Mechanical Behavior in Flared Root Canals
Authors: Gama MER , Balbinot GS , Ferreira GC , Mota EG , Leitune VCB , Collares FM
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the cementation and mechanical behavior of flared root canals restored with CAD/CAM milled glass fiber post-and-core systems. Sixty-six endodontically treated human canines with a flared root canal were divided into three different groups according to the type of post: GPF received prefabricated posts; GREL received relined glass fiber posts, and GMILLED received CAD/CAM milled glass fiber posts. Cementation was performed with self-adhesive resin cement. The samples were submitted to x-ray microcomputed tomography analysis for the analysis of voids and gaps. The roots were sectioned and submitted to the push-out bond strength test. The load-to-fracture was evaluated in post-and-core systems. GMILLED presented lower void and lower gap volumes when compared to GPF and GREL. On the load-to-fracture test, GREL presented statistically significant higher values than GMILLED. GPF values had no statistically significant difference from the two other groups. On the push-out bond strength test, GPF presented statistically significant lower values when compared to GREL and GMILLED. The most common failure pattern was between dentin and cement in all groups. CAD/CAM milled glass fiber post-and-core systems presented an enhanced adaptation of glass fiber posts to flared root canal systems. Their results were comparable to relined posts in bond strength, while load-to-fracture-results for GMILLED were lower than those for GPF.
EVALUATION OF GERMINATION, EMERGENCE AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF SUGAR BEET CULTIVARS UNDER SALINITY
Authors: KULAN Engin Gökhan , ARPACIOĞLU Alper , ERGİN Nurgül , KAYA Mehmet Demir
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to determine a useful selection criterion for salt tolerance during the early development stage of sugar beet. Four sugar beet cultivars (Orthega, Valentina, FD Shoot, and Mohican) were exposed to NaCl stresses (Control, 5, 10, and 15 dS m-1), and morphological and physiological characteristics were investigated. Germination percentage, mean germination time (MGT), seedling length, and seedling fresh weight (SFW) in germination test; emergence percentage, mean emergence time (MET), root length, shoot length, plant fresh weight, relative chlorophyll content (Chl), relative water content (RWC) and electrolyte leakage of the plants grown in pod experiment were measured. The results showed that the maximum germination at control was recorded in FD Shoot, but it gave the lowest germination at 15 dS m-1. In the pod experiment, the highest emergence rate was detected in Orthega and Mohican at all levels of NaCl. Increased salinity delayed MET and led to reduction in shoot length, root length, and RWC of sugar beet cultivars. Relative Chl content and electrolyte leakage enhanced from 32.7 SPAD and 21.6% in control to 38.5 SPAD and 35.6% in 10 dS m-1, respectively. In general, there were significant differences among sugar beet cultivars, and they could keep the salinity up to 5 dS m-1 in terms of the investigated traits. It was concluded that relative Chl content and electrolyte leakage should be used a promising clue for selection of tolerant or sensitive sugar beet cultivars for salinity.
Performance Comparison of Gel and Ice Coolants for Cold Chain Packaging
Authors:   Gadomski School of Engineering, Christian Brothers University, 650 East Parkway South, Memphis, TN 38104, USA, Malasri S. , Pourhashemi A. ,   Gadomski School of Engineering, Christian Brothers University, 650 East Parkway South, Memphis, TN 38104, USA, Podesta T. ,   Gadomski School of Engineering, Christian Brothers University, 650 East Parkway South, Memphis, TN 38104, USA, Nicholson K. ,   Gadomski School of Engineering, Christian Brothers University, 650 East Parkway South, Memphis, TN 38104, USA, Waddell T. ,   Gadomski School of Engineering, Christian Brothers University, 650 East Parkway South, Memphis, TN 38104, USA, Rodriguez L. ,   Gadomski School of Engineering, Christian Brothers University, 650 East Parkway South, Memphis, TN 38104, USA, Arnett M. ,   Gadomski School of Engineering, Christian Brothers University, 650 East Parkway South, Memphis, TN 38104, USA, Duckworth D. ,   Gadomski School of Engineering, Christian Brothers University, 650 East Parkway South, Memphis, TN 38104, USA, Ayesh T. ,   Gadomski School of Engineering, Christian Brothers University, 650 East Parkway South, Memphis, TN 38104, USA, Fantaziu V. ,   Gadomski School of Engineering, Christian Brothers University, 650 East Parkway South, Memphis, TN 38104, USA, Knighton B. ,   Gadomski School of Engineering, Christian Brothers University, 650 East Parkway South, Memphis, TN 38104, USA
Published: October 2021

Temperature-sensitive products are often shipped in an insulated container with a coolant to maintain the interior temperature at a certain temperature threshold. In this study, the performance of two popular coolants, gel and ice, were compared using trendline data. Comparison using collected data on some cases were made so that phase changes could be observed, which was explained by a study of gel latent heat of fusion that was also performed. The amount of 2.09, 4.19, and 6.28 pounds of each coolant were placed in a 12x12x11.5” expanded polystyrene insulated foam container with a 2-inch wall thickness. In each case, the sealed container was put in a chamber with temperatures of 60-, 90-, and 113-degrees Fahrenheit. Overall, the gel coolant performance was slightly better than the ice coolant.
Celiac Disease and Its Association with Organ-Specific Auto-Immune Diseases
Authors: Buchke Sakshi , Bora Anusuiya , Mehta Bhavika , Relekar Maitrali , Varsha Piyush , Kumar Jitendra , Bhanu Piyush
Published: October 2021

Wheat is one of the most consumed foods in the world. Although it is extremely nutrient rich for us humans, some of us have great difficulties in completely digesting its protein subunits. This review aims to understand the onset of Celiac Disease and its association with several other auto-immune diseases. The gliadin molecule, undigested in the small intestine, over time, ruptures the villi lining of the intestinal wall and enters the bloodstream which in turn activates the body's immune response. In some patients with the presence of HLA DQ2/DQ8 genes, this immune response results in Celiac Disease. Notably, researchers over the past several decades have found several links between Celiac Disease and multiple auto-immune diseases. Diabetes is one such auto-immune disease which has shown multiple associations with Celiac Disease. Similarly, in this review paper, we are critically analyzing the association of Celiac Disease with some of the most common autoimmune diseases namely Type-1 Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, Autism and Inflammatory Bowel Disease. In this paper, we have shown a clear correlation of celiac disease with several other auto-immune diseases. Further study is needed to understand the bidirectional association of Celiac Disease with different auto-immune diseases.
A Review of Multi-Channel Medium Access Control Protocols for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Alahmadi Hanan , Boabdullah Fatma
Published: October 2021

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are witnessing a momentum spread especially with the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm. Indeed, WSNs are considered as the main enabling infrastructure for IoT networks. Nowadays, the emerging WSNs applications require not only long network lifespan but also considerably high data rate. Consequently, conceiving Multichannel MAC protocols that save the scarceenergy budget of sensor nodes while providing high network throughput is crucial for the emerging WSNs applications. In this paper, a thorough review of recent multichannel MAC protocols is provided along with a classification framework to deeply understand the design aspects for each protocol.
Farmers’ Attitude Towards Ponds and Creeks Use in Some Selected Hilly Areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Chakma Prabin , Hasan Shaikh Shamim , Rafiquzzaman S.M. , Alam Md. Jahangir
Published: October 2021

This study explores the status and potential of creek and pond as well as the attitude of the farmers towards pond and creek use. Following random sampling technique, a total of 60 fish farmers were sampled from Panchari Upazila, Khagrachari district of Bangladesh who were involved with pond and/or creek culture and they were interviewed through a predesigned questionnaire. The findings of the study indicated that most of the respondents belonged to above 50 years of age while 95% of them had small to medium (2-7 members) family size and about 72% of whom were literate either from primary to more than SSC level. Out of all the farmers, 85% of them had their own pond/creek and only 25% of them maintained communication with the fisheries related personnel (SUFO/UFO/others) to receive fish extension related information although, 36.7% of them didn’t receive any training on agriculture and aquaculture related issues. By producing different types of fishes, they earned an average BDT 35915.25 from aquaculture which helped them maintaining positive attitude towards ponds and creeks use. The respondents of the study area perceived that ponds/creeks fish culture helped to increase their family income in the hilly areas and also uplifted their self-employment. Out of all the farmers, 65% had moderately to highly favorable attitude towards ponds and creeks use. Linear regression analysis indicated that age, level of education, income from aquaculture, agricultural training received, and aquaculture training received of the farmers had significant contribution on their attitude. The respondents of the study area perceived that ponds/creeks fish culture helped to increase family income in the hilly areas and also uplifted their self-employment.
Study of the Chemical Composition of Hylocereus Undatus and Its Utility after Dehydration
Authors: Rathore Pragya , Kaba Lubaina , Tamrakar Satya , Sinha Rounak , Singhal Shreya , Malu Anuj , Seth Sarvesh
Published: October 2021

This research deals with the characterization of dragon fruit for the purpose of consumption in different forms. Dragon fruit is supposed to be very nutritious and is rich source of several Phyto-chemicals. However, till now its utility in country like India is highly underrated. Dragon fruit has been found to be rich in antioxidants as well thus providing a wider scope for the research [1]. The fruit also contains high amount of minerals and balanced content of nutrients. High amount of dietary fiber and carotenoids make it beneficial for chronic heart disorders, cancer, and diabetes [1].

The paper highlights the nutritive attribute of fruit pulp and to increase its use as a dehydrated powder keeping the nutritive value intact. The dehydrated form increases the shelf life and is easy to use and also eases the distribution and transportation of fruit.
Genotypic Effects on Morphological Characterization of Fruit Traits in Mulberry
Authors: Ahmed Faruque , Hossain Anwar , Ahmed Nasir Uddin , Alam Md. Jahangir , Islam Md. Shoriful
Published: October 2021

The research was conducted to evaluate the morphological variability in fruits traits among the mulberry genotypes grown in Mulberry Germplasm Bank of Bangladesh Sericulture Research and Training Institute (BSRTI), Rajshahi, during 2018–2020. The aim of the research was to find out the genotypes accessibility for varietal improvement. Total 50 mulberry genotypes were morphologically characterized on fruit traits through this research. The experimental design was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and the plantation system was high bush. Each plot consists of 20 plants and unit plot size was 4 m × 5 m. Fruit colour, fruit taste and seed colour was determined. Nine distinct fruit colours such as reddish-black (23.33%), black-berry (18.33%), cream (10%), black (8.33%), white-cream (6.67%), pink (6.67%), pinkish (3.33%), orange (3.33%) and radish (1.67%) were observed among several germplasms. Remarkable variation was found in fruit taste such as sour sweet (28.33%), sweet (21.67%), light sweet (5%), light-sour sweet (5%) and deep sweet (5%), respectively. Five colored of seed viz: light yellow, light brown, yellowish brown, dark brown and blackish brown were observed among the germplasm. Length of the fruit diverse from 0.73 (BSRM-8) to 5.58 (BSRM-56 and widthfrom 0.52 (BSRM-8) to1.9 (BSRM-56),single fruit weight varied from 0.07 (BSRM-8) to 4.11 (BSRM-56), fruit weight per plant varied from 101.47 (BSRM-11) to 2250.43 (BSRM-56), seed setting (%) varied from 8.13 (BSRM-29) to 94.24 (BSRM-16), sprouting (%) varied from 36.67 (BSRM-22) to 96.67 (BSRM-38), rooting (%) varied from 13.89 (BSRM-22) to 98.33 (BSRM-10),achene number/fruit varied from 12.53 (BSRM-10) to118.10 (BSRM-56), seed number/fruit varied from 2.99 (BSRM-8) to 47.86 (BSRM-56) and 100 seed weight varied from 0.019 (BSRM-35) to 0.166 (BSRM-56), respectively. Results showed that the black-berry, sweet tasted fruited mulberry (BSRM-56), cream colored, sweet tasted fruited mulberry (BSRM-1) and white cream, sweet tasted fruited mulberry (BSRM-34) was promising on the basis of greatest fruit production potential to be appears for further commercial utilization. Generally, a wide range of variation was exhibited among the sampled and characterized genotypes.
Evaluation of Food Safety of Commercial Baby Foods according to Legal Regulations
Authors: Var Işıl , Özçakmak Sibel , Tekin Ali , Yılmaz Seda , Heshmati Behzad , Uçkun Okşan , Çetinkaya Asya
Published: October 2021

It has recently been recognized that some commercial infant formulae have, due to spoilage and pathogen microorganisms, which are detected risks to health, been recalled and reported in the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed on notification lists. The risk of microbial contamination from the environment or from the addition of ingredients to cereal-based follow-on formulae (FOF) and powdered infant foods (PIF) products could occur under poor hygienic conditions. This project was designed to evaluate the associated risks of Cronobacter sakazakii, Salmonella, Total Coliform, E. coli, E. coli O157:H7, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus and Ochratoxin-A in PIF, FOF and rice flour products marketed in Turkey. Seventy-four baby formulae and thirteen rice flour trademarks obtained in 2018 randomly from different markets in Samsun, Kars, and Adana in Turkey. Salmonella, C. sakazakii, Coliform, S. aureus, L. monocytogenes and Bacillus cereus were analyzed using the ISO 6579:2002, ISO/TS 22964:2006, MPN, FDA (2001), FDA (1998) and FDA (2012) methods, respectively. C. sakazakii was isolated from 7/74 FOF products and 4/13 rice flour products, yielding 12.64% prevalence. Salmonella, S. aureus and L. monocytogenes were not detected in any of the samples. The FOF products, including cereals of different origins and one rice flour sample (7.69%), were found to be contaminated with B. cereus (6.76%) and B. subtilis (5.41%). OTA values were found to be above the legal limits in 4.05% (3/74) FOF products. These results suggest that routine quality controls and hazard and risk analysis for infant foods have to be much more rigorous in terms of the potential risk of microbiological contamination.
Determination of Swell Potential of Soils using Cole in Panyam, North – Central Nigeria
Authors: Umbugadu A. A. , Ancho M. I. , K’tso Nghargbu
Published: October 2021

Swell potential of soils from parts of Panyam, North – Central Nigeria were investigated covering 72 square kilometres within latitudes N9021′ and N9026′ and longitudes 9011′E and 9015′30″E. With the increase of civil engineering constructions and the scramble for limited portions of competent soils for such constructions, there is an urgent need in a developing nation to study and characterize such soils based on its geotechnical properties. The geotechnical studies include twenty soil samples taken within the 1.5m depth with the aim of determining the swell potential in order to give appropriate guide to any civil engineering design and construction. The direct method of soil analysis which is the coefficient of linear extensibility (COLE), which ranges from 0.02–0.17 was used for the study. COLE Values greater than 0.06, were considered to be critical for most civil engineering design and constructions. Most of the samples studied were considered not safe for bungalows and some infrastructure without proper safety measures carried out to improve upon it.
The nurse’s role in the care of primary cutaneous lymphomas
Authors: Tselenkidou Sophia , Andreou Marianna
Published: October 2021

Primary Cutaneous Lymphomas are a group of lymphomas that show complexity in diagnosis, clinical presentation and treatment. The aim of this review paper is to present the nurse’s role in the care of Primary Cutaneous Lymphomas, both as member of a multidisciplinary team, as well as an independent healthcare professional in the diagnosis, treatment, support of patients’ and in the management of the adverse complications. A review of the publications in Greek medical journals, nursing books, electronic databases of scientific societies and in pubmed and google scholar database, for the period from 2004 to 2018. From the papers found 53 were used. The nursing role is crucial, both in the initial diagnosis of the disease, as well as in the progress and treatment. The nurse’s role as a member of the multiprofessional team is emphafized, especially as nurse navigator. At the same time, the potential problems during treatment and the nursing interventions are presented. In conclusion, it is stated that a nurse can help solve many problems related to the understanding of symptoms and the course of the disease, but also be a supportive person for the patient and his/her caregiver. At the same time, the nurse is presented as a useful guide with the complexity of healthcare system.
Patients’ reported experiences and Health Related Quality of Life after discharge from Intensive Care Units
Authors: Peleka Panagiota , Siskou Olga , Galanis Petros , Konstantakopoulou Olympia , Kaitelidou Daphne
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Providing high quality care in todays’ Intensive Care Units is a challenge because of the constant increase in demand, the high functional cost and the restricted availability of resources. Evaluating both patients’ experiences and outcomes from the care provided is necessary for ensuring high quality in health care.

Aim: The investigation of patient reported experiences in Intensive Care Units and the evaluation of their health related quality of life six to twelve months after discharge.

Methods: It is a non-interventional cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection. The participants were 108 patients, discharged from four Intensive Care Units of three military hospitals in Athens. Telephone interviews were conducted using “Patient Empowerment Questionnaire” and “Quality of life Questionnaire” to evaluate patients’ experiences and health related quality of life respectively. Statistical analysis was conducted using the statistical package SPSS v.25.0.

Results: The majority of the study population reported positive experiences with the critical care staff and normal quality of life after discharge. However, 47% reported that they could not always sleep at night and 32% did not always receive adequate pain relief. In regards to patients’ quality of life, “normal daily activities” were affected the most. Specifically, half of the patients reported inability to carry out activities requiring high level of physical effort and 1/5 expressed difficulties in walking and in mobility. Additionally, 43% reported difficulties in the job or their daily activities, have changed or completely abandoned them.

Conclusions: The patients’ positive experiences and good health related quality of life after discharge gave the impression that quality of intensive care in Greek military hospitals is high. Interventions intending to achieve more adequate pain relief, better sleep at night, and prevention of critical illness’ negative impact on day-to-day activities would ensure more positive results.
Laboratory parameters of hemostasis in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Seregina E. A. , Koltsova E. M. , Ataullakhanov F. I. , Rumyantsev A. G.
Published: October 2021

The new coronavirus infection (currently classified as COVID-19), first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, has contributed to a significant increase in global mortality. Coagulopathy is a common disorder in COVID-19 patients, which develops in parallel with respiratory failure. Currently, COVID-19 continues to be a life-threatening disease and requires new developments and solutions to define preventive and curative strategies. Studies often report an abnormality in the balance of coagulation and fibrinolytic systems in COVID-19, but there is still no adequate set of laboratory tests that could provide a diagnosis of coagulopathy in COVID-19. This review analyzes current studies on the clinical manifestations of COVID-19 coagulopathy, and also analyzes the informativeness of laboratory hemostasis tests in relation to the severity of the disease and clinical outcomes.
Endothelial dysfunction in patients with hereditary spherocytosis and b-thalassemia
Authors: Chuyko Ya. M. , Seregina E. A. , Vuimo T. A. , Poletaev A. V. , Smetanina N. S.
Published: October 2021

Patients with hereditary spherocytosis and b-Thalassemia are characterized by the increased risk of thrombosis. The early manifestation of thrombotic complications can occur even in childhood especially after surgery. Hypercoagulability can be associated with endothelial dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate the hemostatic state and endothelial function in children with hereditary spherocytosis and b-thalassemia. The study was approved by the Independent Ethics Committee of the Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology. The hemostatic status of 18 children (10 boys and 8 girls from 1 to 13 years) with hereditary spherocytosis and of 8 children (4 boys and 4 girls from 3 to 8 years) with b-thalassemia was assessed using clotting times (activated partial thromboplastin time – APTT, thrombin time – TT, prothrombin time PT), fibrinogen levels and markers of endothelium dysfunction: endothelin-1 and thrombomodulin levels. Patients with hereditary spherocytosis were divided into 2 groups: during the hemolytic crisis (11 patients) and without the hemolytic crisis (7 patients). Patients with b-Thalassemia were divided into 3 groups: b-thalassemia major, b-thalassemia intermedia and b-thalassemia minor. APTT, TT and PT were not changed significantly between groups. We find the decreased fibrinogen levels in patients with severe condition: in hereditary spherocytosis patients during hemolytic crisis (1.9 ± 0.3 ng/ml with normal range 2–3.9 ng/ml) and in b-thalassemia major patients (1.8 ± 0.3 ng/ml with normal range 2–3.9 ng/ml). This could be caused by consumption of fibrinogen during acute hemolysis. The Thrombomodulin levels were increased in all hereditary spherocytosis patients, but median value was higher in group with hemolytic crisis (6665 pg/ml vs 5976 pg/ml with ormal value 275–909 pg/ml) indicating endothelium dysfunction and activation of blood clotting. In b-thalassemia patients Thrombomodulin levels were more elevated in b-thalassemia major and b-thalassemia intermedia (6389 ± 537 pg/ml и 6804 ± 120 pg/ml) compared to b-thalassemia minor (2727 ± 213 pg/ml) which is still higher than normal range. Endothelin-1 levels were elevated on 55% with hereditary spherocytosis patients during crisis vs 43% without. In general Endothelin-1 levels were more elevated in b-thalassemia patients (were normal in b-thalassemia minor) vs hereditary spherocytosis patients (2.33 ± 2.89 fmol/ml vs 0.95 ± 0.35 fmol/ml). Thrombomodulin and endothelin-1 levels revealed endothelium dysfunction in children with hemolysis. More dramatic changes observed in severe condition: in hereditary spherocytosis patients during hemolytic crisis and in b-thalassemia major and b-thalassemia intermedia patients.
Targeted therapy of hemispheric infant gliomas
Authors: Papusha L. I. , Salnikova E. A. , Panferova A. V. , Zaytseva М. А. , Vilesova I. G. , Merishavyan A. A. , Druy A. E. , Karachunskiy A. I. , Novichkova G. A.
Published: October 2021

Infant high grade gliomas (HGG) are the most frequent tumors of the central nervous system in children below 1 year of age. Standard therapy involves surgical resection and chemotherapy. Prognosis in infant HGG is better than in older patients, however, the absence of effective regimens of anti-recurrence therapy and the impossibility of radiation therapy implementation predetermine a negative prognosis in the group of infant gliomas in case of disease progression. In most patients with infant HGG of hemispheric localization, gene rearrangements of receptor tyrosine kinases – NTRK1/2/3 (24%), ALK (41%), ROS1 (28%), MET (7%) are described. The results of tyrosine kinase inhibitor administration show high efficacy and safety in the treatment of patients with NTRK-positive gliomas. The study was approved by the Independent Ethics Committee of the Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology. The paper presents two examples of the successful use of targeted therapy in patients with infant HGG lacking the efficacy of the standard chemotherapy. In both cases, a persistent response was obtained: in the first case, a complete response to therapy was achieved, the duration of treatment is currently 1 year, in the second case – there is no progression of the disease during 20 weeks of therapy. Of the adverse events (AE) of targeted therapy in patients, only transitory neutropenia was noted in the first case, in the second case, AEs were not detected. In order to expand therapeutic options and prescribe targeted therapy drugs, a molecular genetic investigation of tumor tissue is mandatory for patients with hemispheric infant gliomas. The parents of the patients agreed to use the information, including photos of children, in scientific research and publications.
Diasporic Politics and Defining Diaspora in Law: The Case of Latvia
Authors: Birka Ieva , Lāce Agnese
Published: October 2021

Passage of the Diaspora Law of Latvia required policymakers to go through an arduous process of discussing the limitations of diaspora, weighing the potential risks and benefits of various possible approaches, and ultimately agreeing on a definition to be included in the law. The end result was a very broad interpretation of who can be recognized as part of the Latvian diaspora. In this paper, to understand the political process of arriving at a definition, the theoretical perspectives of the ‘narrow’ and ‘broad’ definitions of diaspora are discussed, the motivations driving national governments to engage with their diasporas are analysed, and the discourse used during the drafting process is reviewed.
The Price of Medical Negligence – Should it Be Judged by the Criminal Court in the Context of the Jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights?
Authors: Pranka Darius
Published: October 2021

The article deals with a recently relevant issue – whether a doctor who has made an error or was negligent during his or her professional activity that has resulted in injury or death should be prosecuted, whether this type of liability is not too strict, and whether it is proportionate and adequate to the specificities of the medical profession. From the point of view of criminal justice in Lithuania, this topic has not been investigated at all. The courts hear such criminal cases without any exceptions for doctors. However, in an international level, the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights or investigations in other states suggest that criminal liability is not always a binding legal consequence in such cases. After having analysed and summarised the case-law of the said court, by taking into account the insights of foreign authors, the danger of medical error and ultima ratio principle, the author raises the idea that the current practice in civil medical negligence when doctors are prosecuted for simple negligence should be changed.
Internal Migration of Workers in the European Union: Legal Aspects of Lithuania’s Experience in Transposing the Posting of Workers Directive
Authors: Krasauskas Rytis , Mačernytė-Panomariovienė Ingrida
Published: October 2021

Freedom to provide services and free movement of workers are linked to the processes of permanent intra-EU migration, which are regulated, inter alia, by the national legislation implementing PWD. Consequently, the posting of workers within EU is not only part of the work organization process, but also part of a wider phenomenon of internal migration of workers. Accordingly, posted workers are to be considered as internal labour migrants. The regulation of the posting of workers must consider the legitimate interest of Member States in protecting their markets from social dumping as well as ensure minimum guarantees for posted workers. These circumstances presuppose changes in the regulation of the posting of workers. This article identifies four stages in the transposition of PWD into Lithuanian national law that are causally related to changes in European legislation and Lithuanian labour law reform as of 2017. It presents the legal assessment of national legal regulation and case law, identifying the related legal problems. The article pays special attention to the legal regulation of the remuneration of a posted worker, established by PWD (Directive 96/71/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on 16 December 1996 concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services (Official Journal (EU), 2004, no. L 18) [Directive 96/71/EC], with the amendments introduced by Directive 2014/67/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council from 15 May 2014 on the enforcement of Directive 96/71/EC concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services and amending Revision 4 of the EU Posting of Workers Directive Regulation (EU) No 1024/2012 on administrative cooperation through the Internal Market Information System (‘the IMI Regulation’) (Official Journal (EU), 2014, no. L 159) [Directive 2014/67/EU] and Directive 2018/957/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on June 2018 amending Directive 96/71/EC concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services (Official Journal (EU), 2018, no. L 173) [Directive 2018/957/EU]). It also explains the impact on the regulation of employment relations for posted workers in Lithuania stemming from Directive 2019/1152 on transparent and predictable working conditions in the EU.