bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mobilising people as assets for active ageing promotion: A multi-stakeholder perspective on peer volunteering initiatives
Authors: Stathi Afroditi , Withall Janet , Agyapong-Badu Sandra , Barrett Eva E , Kritz Marlene , Wills Debbie , Thogersen-Ntoumani Cecilie , Fox Kenneth R
Published: July 2020

BackgroundSuccessful peer volunteering is central to many community-based, active ageing initiatives. This study synthesises the perspectives of a range of stakeholders involved in peer volunteering initiatives and provides recommendations as to how peer volunteers can be effectively mobilised as community assets.MethodsAn evidence synthesis of qualitative data from (a) the evaluation of ACE (Active, Connected, Engaged), a feasibility trial of a peer volunteering active ageing intervention, and (b) interviews with volunteers and managers of third sector organisations providing peer volunteering programmes. Data were analysed using directed content analysis.ResultsTen managers, 22 volunteers and 20 ACE participants were interviewed. The analysis identified six main themes, 33 higher and 22 lower order themes. Main themes were: (i) Motives, (ii) Benefits, (iii) Skills and Characteristics, (iv) Challenges, (v) Training Needs, (vi) Recruitment and Retention. Altruism, changes in life circumstances, opportunities to reconnect with the community and personal fulfilment were the main reasons for volunteering. Volunteering was described as being personally rewarding, an avenue to acquire new skills and knowledge, and an opportunity for increased social connections and physical activity. Good peer volunteers are committed, reliable, have a good sense of humour, good interpersonal skills and are able to relate to participants. When pairing volunteers with participants, shared interests and geographical proximity are important to consider. Clarity of role, level of time commitment, regular feedback, recognition of effort and strong networks for on-going support are important strategies to facilitate volunteer retention.ConclusionsThe findings of this study support the value of peer volunteering as a strategy for mobilising community assets in promoting active ageing. To ensure success and longevity, these schemes require appropriate funding and efficient administrative support.Trial registration: N/A
Process data of allogeneic ex vivo-expanded ABCB5+ mesenchymal stromal cells for human use: Off-the-shelf GMP-manufactured donor-independent ATMP
Authors: Ballikaya Seda , Sadeghi Samar , Niebergall-Roth Elke , Nimtz Laura , Frindert Jens , Norrick Alexandra , Stemler Nicole , Bauer Nicole , Rosche Yvonne , Kratzenberg Vanessa , Pieper Julia , Ficek Tina , Ganss Christoph , Esterlechner Jasmina , Kluth Mark Andreas
Published: July 2020

Background: Human dermal mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) expressing the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) efflux transporter ABCB5 represent an easily accessible MSC population that, based on preclinical and first-in-human data, holds significant promise to treat a broad spectrum of conditions associated not only with skin-related but also systemic inflammatory and/or degenerative processes.Methods: We developed and validated Good Manufacturing Practice-compliant expansion and manufacturing process by which ABCB5+ MSCs derived from surgical discard skin tissues are processed to an advanced-therapy medicinal product (ATMP) for clinical use. Enrichment for ABCB5+ MSCs is achieved in a three-step process involving plastic adherence selection, expansion in a highly efficient MSC-selecting medium and immunomagnetic isolation of the ABCB5+ cells from the mixed culture.Results: Product Quality Review data covering 324 cell expansions, 728 ABCB5+ MSC isolations, 66 ABCB5+ MSC batches and 85 final drug products reveal high process robustness and reproducible, reliable quality of the manufactured cell therapy product.Conclusion: We have successfully established an expansion and manufacturing process that enables the generation of homogenous ABCB5+ MSC populations of proven biological activity manufactured as a standardized, donor-independent, highly pure and highly functional off-the-shelf available ATMP, which is currently tested in multiple clinical trials.
Proposal and psychometric validation of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - Coronavirus-2 Fear Scale (SCoV-2-FS)
Authors: Almeida Sérgio Monteiro de , Villibor Clara Putini , Carstensen Suzana , Petterle Ricardo Rasmussen
Published: July 2020

Background: The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has created an unprecedented global health, economic, and social challenges, generating fear. Fear can cause a range of physical and psychological disorders including depression, anxiety, and panic. Leading to lower social isolation and adherence to security measures, consequently increasing infection risk. The objective was to validate an 11-item unidimensional fear scale to identify and assess the severity of the fear of SARS-CoV-2. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted through an online survey questionnaire. The sample included the Brazilian general population, randomly recruited by social networking platforms, during the pandemic. Participants aged ≥18 were included. A self-applicable fear scale named as the SARS-CoV-2 Fear Scale (SCoV-2-FS), comprising 11 questions addressing the fear of SARS-CoV-2 infection in performing daily activities was validated. The reliability and validity of the SCoV-2-FS were psychometrically evaluated using reliability measures and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The sample comprised 1332 Brazilian participants. Results: Cronbach’s α was 0.9, indicating very good internal reliability. The results of the CFA showed that the unidimensional factor structure of the SCoV-2-FS fitted well with the data.Limitations: The sampling method could have introduced selection bias in terms of socio-demographics.Conclusion: The SCoV-2-FS is a valid and reliable tool with robust psychometric properties, useful for assessing the psychological impact of fear due to COVID-19. Clinical relevance: The development of a scale may assist in the development of measures to control mental health disorders resulting from fear during and after the pandemic.
Developing Nomograms for Identifying Allergic Rhinitis Among Chronic Rhinitis: A Real-world Study
Authors: Huang Yanran , Wang Chengshuo , Zhang Yuan , Zhang Luo
Published: July 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Rectal Perforation Associated with Magnetic Resonance-Guided Radiation Therapy (MRgRT) after Peri-SpaceOAR Abscess Formation: A Case Report.
Authors: Kashihara Tairo , Inaba Koji , Komiyama Motokiyo , Nakayama Hiroki , Iijima Kotaro , Nishioka Shie , Okamoto Hiroyuki , Kikkawa Nao , Kubo Yuko , Shima Satoshi , Nakamura Satoshi , Takahashi Ayaka , Takahashi Kana , Okuma Kae , Murakami Naoya , Igaki Hiroshi , Nakayama Yuko , Fukunaga Arinobu , Matsui Yoshiyuki , Fujimoto Hiroyuki , Itami Jun
Published: July 2020

Background In definitive radiation therapy for prostate cancer, SpaceOAR, a hydrogel spacer, is widely used to decrease irradiated dose and toxicity of rectum. On the other hand, periprostatic abscess formation is known as a rare adverse effect of SpaceOAR. There is a lack of reports clarifying the association between aggravation of abscesses and radiation therapy, and whether SpaceOAR insertion succeeded or not. Case presentation We report a case of a 78-year-old high-risk prostate cancer patient. After SpaceOAR insertion into the correct space, he started to receive external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). He developed a fever, perineal pain and frequent urination after the completion of EBRT, and the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a peri-SpaceOAR abscess. Scheduled brachytherapy was postponed, administration of antibiotics and opioid via intravenous drip was commenced, and transperineal drainage was performed. After the alleviation of the abscess, additional EBRT instead of brachytherapy was performed with MRI-guided radiation therapy (MRgRT). On the last day of the MRgRT, perineal pain reoccurred, and MRI and colonoscopy detected the rectal perforation. He received an intravenous antibiotics drip and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), and fully recovered from the rectal perforation. Conclusions Our report indicates that EBRT can lead to severe rectum complication by causing inflammation for patients with a peri-SpaceOAR abscess. Furthermore, HBOT was effective for the peri-SpaceOAR abscess and rectal perforation associated with EBRT.
Adrenal Gland Irradiation Causes Fatigue Accompanied by Reactive Changes in Cortisol Levels
Authors: Huang Yu-Ming , Chi Chih-Wen , Wu Pao-Shu , Tai Hung-Chi , Chien Ming-Nan , Chen Yu-Jen
Published: July 2020

Background: Fatigue is a complicated syndrome associated with multiple factors. The development of fatigue after incidental radiotherapy (RT) to the adrenal gland has been observed in clinical practice. This study aimed to investigate the effect of adrenal RT on fatigue and related physiological impacts.Methods: Three patients with inevitable RT to the adrenal gland were enrolled. Serum levels of cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) were measured before, during, and after RT. Fatigue was scored according to the validated fatigue severity scale, and dosimetric parameters were collected. BALB/c mice were surgically explored for the identification of the left adrenal gland. Intra-operative RT was delivered with an electron beam. The swimming endurance test was applied for endurance assessment to represent fatigue. Plasma levels of stress hormones and histopathological features were examined.Results: In the enrolled patients, serum baseline cortisol levels declined after RT. Alterations in levels of morning cortisol and aldosterone showed a similar trend to baseline cortisol, whereas ACTH levels increased, indicating possible compensatory feedback from the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. In an experimental mouse model, RT to a unilateral adrenal gland decreased baseline cortisol levels and swimming endurance time. In the histopathological assessment, the irradiated adrenal glands showed characteristic RT injury features in the adrenal cortex.Conclusions: The preliminary clinical observation of fatigue development and characteristic hormone alterations indicated that the adrenal glands could be regarded as an organ at risk from RT adverse effects. This observation was supported by functional and histopathological evidence from an experimental animal model.
Retrospective Accuracy Analysis of MRI Based Lesion Size Measurement in Neuroblastic Tumors: Which Sequence Should We Choose?
Authors: Gassenmaier Sebastian , Tsiflikas Ilias , Maennlin Simon , Urla Cristian , Warmann Steven W. , Schaefer Juergen F.
Published: July 2020

Background: MR imaging of neuroblastic tumors is widely used for assessing the effect of chemotherapy on tumor size. However, there are some concerns that MRI might falsely estimate lesion diameters due to calcification and fibrosis.Therefore, the aim of our study was to compare neuroblastic tumor size based on MRI measurements to histopathology as standard of reference.Methods: Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of a neuroblastic tumor, MR imaging within 100 days to surgery and gross total resection without fragmentation of the tumor between 2008-2019. Lesion diameters were measured by two radiologists according to RECIST 1.1 in axial plane in T2w turbo spin echo (TSE), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and in T1w pre- and postcontrast sequences. Furthermore, the largest lesion size in three-dimensions was noted. The largest diameter of histopathology measurements was used for comparison with MRI.Results: Thirty-seven patients (mean age: 5±4 years) with 38 lesions (neuroblastoma: n=17; ganglioneuroblastoma: n=11; ganglioneuroma: n=10) were included in this retrospective study. There was excellent intra-class correlation coefficient between both readers for all sequences(>0.9)Tumor dimensions of reader 1 based on axial MRImeasurements were significantly smaller with the following median differences (cm): T1w precontrast-1.4 (interquartile range (IQR): 1.8 ), T1w postcontrast -1.0 (IQR: 1.9),T2w TSE:-1.0 (IQR: 1.6) and DWI -1.3 (IQR: 2.2) (p<0.001 for all sequences). However, the evaluation revealed no significant differences between the three-dimensional measurements and histopathology regardless of the applied MRI sequence.Conclusions: Axial MRI based lesion size measurementsare significantly smaller than histopathological measurements. However, there was no significant difference between three-dimensional measurements and histopathology. T2w TSE and T1w postcontrast images provided the lowest deviation and might consequently be preferred for measurements.
Effect of the Hepatocyte-Specific Deletion of SND1 in Mice on the Liver Insulin Resistance and Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Zhao Chunyan , Cui Xiaoteng , Qian Baoxin , Zhang Nan , Xin Lingbiao , Ha Chuanbo , Yang Jie , Wang Xinting , Gao Xingjie
Published: July 2020

Background: The multifunctional protein SND1 was reported to be involved in a variety of biological processes, such as cell cycle, proliferation or lipogenesis. We previously proposed that global-expressed SND1 in vivo is likely to be a key regulator for ameliorating HFD-induced hepatic steatosis and systemic insulin resistance. Herein, we are very interested in investigating further whether the hepatocyte-specific deletion of SND1 affects the insulin resistance or acute liver failure (ALF) of mice.Methods: By using Cre-loxP technique, we constructed conditional knockout (LKO) mice of SND1 driven by albumin in hepatocytes and analyze the changes of glucose homeostasis, cholesterol level, hepatic steatosis and hepatic failure under the treatment of high-fat diet (HFD) or upon the simulation of Lipopolysaccharide/galactosamine (LPS/GalN).Results: No difference for the body weight, liver weight, and cholesterol level was detected. Furthermore, we did not observe the alteration of glucose homeostasis in SND1 hepatic knockout mice on either chow diet or high-fat diet. Besides, hepatocyte-specific deletion of SND1 failed to influence the hepatic failure of mice induced by LPS/GalN.Conclusions: These findings suggest that hepatic SND1, independently, is insufficient for changing glucose homeostasis, hepatic lipid accumulation and inflammation. The synergistic action of multiple organs may contribute to the role of SND1 in insulin sensitivity or inflammatory response.
Effect of Spray-Dried Porcine Plasma in Peripartum Sow Feed on Subsequent Litter Size
Authors: Crenshaw Joe David , Río Laura Lafoz del , Sanjoaquin Luis , Tibble Simon , González-Solé Francesc , Solà-Oriol David , Rodriguez Carmen , Campbell Joy , Polo Javier
Published: July 2020

Background

Nutritional strategies for sows designed to reduce stress around parturition are suggested to support postpartum recovery and longer-term productivity. Past studies using spray-dried plasma in sow feed reported productivity benefits in sow and litter performance. Other studies indicate stressed animals fed diets with spray-dried plasma have a more efficient immune response to the stress which supports animal recovery and health. The purpose of the present study was to determine if 0, 0.5 or 2.5% spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) in peripartum feed provided from entry in maternity through d 5 of lactation affects sow productivity and serological immune and oxidation status markers around parturition and if peripartum feed provided only during the initial parturition affected post-weaning sow productivity parameters including litter size of the next parturition.

Results

In the initial parturition, litter size for total born pigs was linearly reduced ( P < 0.05) as dietary SDPP increased and percentage of stillborn pigs per litter decreased quadratically ( P < 0.05) for sows fed 0.5% or 2.5% SDPP compared to 0% SDPP in peripartum feed. In the subsequent parturition, total born pigs from parity 1 and 2 sows linearly increased ( P < 0.05) and live born pigs tended ( P = 0.09) to linearly increase as level of SDPP increased. The change in total and live born litter size from the initial to the next parturition linearly ( P < 0.01) increased as dietary SDPP increased for parity 1 and 2 sows. Diet did not differ ( P > 0.10) for serum cytokine markers. Serum glutathione peroxidase activity linearly increased ( P < 0.01) with increased dietary SDPP for both prepartum and postpartum sampling periods.

Conclusions

Inclusion of SDPP in peripartum sow feed reduced percentage of stillborn pigs during the initial parturition and increased litter size of parity 1 and 2 sows in the next parturition. The reduced oxidation stress around parturition as indicated by increased serum glutathione peroxidase activity for sows fed SDPP in peripartum feed suggests mitigation of oxidation stress can reduce stillborn rate and have a long-term benefit on subsequent litter size for parity 1 and 2 sows.
Czech Students’ Perceptions of Ethical Behavior in Business and Entrepreneurship
Authors: Barber III Dennis , Batchelo John H. , Hatten Timothy , Gibson Shanan G. , Rolínek Ladislav
Published: July 2020

The central notion of business culture and communication with stakeholders consists in the ethical standards regarding the behaviour of corporation owners and managers, which, on the one hand, form an essential element of successful business activities and partnerships, and on the other hand, are complicated in terms of measuring and managing the phenomenon. This study uses agency and stakeholder theories to compare the ethical standards in the behaviour of businessmen and managers. These theories influence freedom of decision-making and behaviour in entrepreneurial activity based on the personal ethical considerations and individuals’ interests, regardless of the size of their share in the business. The article analyzes data regarding differences in perceptions of business owners and managers by Czech students; the differences between ethical standards of behaviour of Czech and American entrepreneurs and managers; gender peculiarities of Czech students’ perception of different business representatives. A methodological tool for the study of ethical perception by youth at the University of the Czech Republic was the Bucar and Hisrich model, and the basis to define the statistical significance of testing the hypothesis ̶ even and odd T-tests. The object of the study contains representatives of small and medium-sized businesses in the Czech Republic, as a country that offers an appealing microcosm for research thanks to the recent transition to a market economy with rapid changes in policy and market activity perceptions. 73% of respondents previously worked in a small business, almost 44% had family members who owned or have a small business and 9.5% owned the business. The sample age structure consisted of 53% of women and 47% of men, on average, under 22 years old, 8% of whom were married. The results of the research revealed that there were no significant differences between the Czech students’ ethical perception of managers and businessmen and the lack of influence on the respondents’ previous experience in doing business. A study of gender-based sampling revealed that Czech female students are more likely to evaluate entrepreneurs less ethically than men do.

Keywords: Agency Theory, Czech Republic, Entrepreneurs, Ethics, Managers, Stakeholder Theory.
Descartes y Nietzsche: perspectivas acerca del cuerpo
Authors: Ospina Saldarriaga Julián
Published: July 2020

El presente artículo rastrea las concepciones del cuerpo en los planteamientos del filósofo francés René Descartes y del filósofo alemán Friedrich Nietzsche. En la revisión de diversas obras de cada uno de los pensadores se expone así, por un lado, la concepción moderna del sujeto que halla la identidad de lo que es y el valor de su verdad en la razón. Se trata, pues del dualismo cartesiano en el que, por lo menos en la interpretación canónica del filósofo francés, el cuerpo se ubica como “obstáculo epistemológico”, como algo inferior a la razón y al espíritu de lo que no proviene ningún tipo de conocimiento.Por otro lado, exponemos el pensamiento de Friedrich Nietzsche, quien despliega una crítica a la metafísica occidental en la que están implicadas el platonismo, el cristianismo y el cartesianismo. Los “valores absolutos”, llámense Dios o Razón son minados por el pensador alemán y transformados por otros en favor del cuerpo, la vida y la tierra. Gracias a esta crítica radical a la metafísica hecha por Nietzsche se abren después nuevos estudios, de distintos saberes y desde distintos campos de investigación social y cultural que reivindican el cuerpo y la vida, al tiempo que mantienen viva la crítica al modelo mecanicista, a la “lógica maquínica” y al dualismo cartesiano y su consecuente visión instrumentalista del mundo y del hombre. Al final, esbozamos como conclusión algunas consecuencias y posibilidades de estas perspectivas acerca del cuerpo en el ámbito de la educación y la cultura.
Interculturalidad e inculturación de la teología en México y Guatemala
Authors: Valtierra Zamudio Jorge , Gaytán Alcalá Felipe
Published: July 2020

La interculturalidad —entendida como una forma dialógica e intercambio de códigos y símbolos entre grupos y/o individuos culturalmente distintos— ha sido un elemento fundamental en el desarrollo y puesta en marcha de la acción pastoral católica y no católica en Latinoamérica, sobre todo en contextos indígenas. La base de esta práctica pastoral o teopraxis es la inculturación de la teología, la cual no sólo anhela lograr en el contexto sociorreligioso una interacción efectiva entre culturas distintas, sino una suerte de asimilación y encarnación religiosa a través de un proceso de vernaculización del cristianismo. En este artículo se busca discutir en torno a la interculturalidad y su desarrollo o búsqueda en la pastoral cristiana para lograr la denominada teología de la inculturación. Por medio de dos casos, resultado de una investigación antropológica en diferentes escenarios sociorreligiosos, tanto en Chiapas, México como Totonicapan, Guatemala; se pretende esclarecer cómo los procesos de inculturación implican una temporalidad y convivencia continua en la diversidad cultural, pero también un proceso de ruptura con modelos ideológicos hegemónicos y eurocentristas.
Zvakanaka Farm Data
Authors: Ruwanza Sheunesu
Published: July 2020

This data is from Zvakanaka farm. It contains soil and vegetation data.
Do Capital and Business Volume Matter for Productivity of the Cooperatives in Indonesia?
Authors: Majid M. Shabri Abd. , Azhari Azhari , Faisal Faisal , Fahlevi Heru
Published: July 2020

This research explored and analyzed the determinants of productivity of the cooperatives in Indonesia. These determinants included own capital, external capital, and business volume. The aggregate data of cooperatives were at the provincial level across 33 provinces in Indonesia. The data were gathered from the report of the Kementerian Koperasi dan Usaha Kecil dan Menengah Republik Indonesia (Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises of the Republic of Indonesia) over the 2010-2015 period. The data were analyzed using the panel regression technique. The result shows that own capital and business volume have a significant positive effect on the productivity of cooperatives. However, external capital has an insignificant effect on the productivity of cooperatives. To further improve their productivity, the cooperatives should increase the capital from internal sources as well as their business volume through more diversified business activities.
Intellectual Capital, Profitability, and Good Corporate Governance Effects on Company Value
Authors: Ekaputra Anugerah Ercy , Fuadah Lukluk , Yuliana Sa'adah
Published: July 2020

The research aimed to analyze the influence of Intellectual Capital (IC), profitability, and Good Corporate Governance (GCG) on company value indexed in LQ45 in 2014-2015. IC was measured using Value Added Intellectual Coefficient (VAICTM). Meanwhile, Return on Asset (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE) measured profitability, and institutional ownership and managerial ownership were measured for GCG. The sample was all companies registered in LQ45 from 2014 to 2018. The researchers used multiple regression analysis method. Based on the test results of the coefficient of determination (R2), it obtains a value of 0,785. It means IC, profitability, and GCG can explain the company value at 78,5%, while other 21,5% are from other variables. The results show that IC, ROA, institutional ownership, and managerial ownership have no significant effect on company value. The results also show that only ROE has a significant impact on company value.
HOW DOES MYELOID OR LYMPHOID ORIGIN OF HEMATOLOGIC MALIGNANCY AFFECT PULMONARY FUNCTION, MUSCLE STRENGTH, EXERCISE CAPACITY, AND QUALITY OF LIFE?
Authors: BARĞI Gülşah , BOŞNAK GÜÇLÜ Meral , TÜRKÖZ SUCAK Gülsan
Published: July 2020

Purpose: Although recipients’ muscle strength, exercise capacity and quality of life (QOL) may deteriorate during allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT), impacts on pulmonary function, muscle strength, exercise capacity, and QOL are still unknown in recipients based on immunophenotypes. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate retrospectively physical impairments and QOL between recipients with myeloid and lymphoid malignancies. Methods: Pulmonary function (FEV1, FVC, PEF, FEV1/FVC, and FEF25-75%), quadriceps and respiratory muscle strength, exercise capacity (incremental shuttle walk test, ISWT), and QOL of 25 recipients with myeloid (42.76±14.72 years) and 22 recipients with lymphoid (37.27±14.13 years) hematologic malignancies (>100 days post-AHSCT status) were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Age, gender, FEV1, FVC, PEF, quadriceps strength, QOL scores, and ISWT distance (lymphoid: 637.27±211.1 m, myeloid: 704±211.6 m, difference: 66.73 m) were similar between the groups (p>0.05). Lymphoid group’s FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75% values were statistically higher, and the percentage of ISWT distance (effect size d=0.97, power (1-b)=0.89), maximum inspiratory pressure (lymphoid: 106.64±23.99 cmH2O, myeloid: 121.88±24.4 cmH2O, difference: 15.24 cmH2O) and maximum expiratory pressure (lymphoid: 122.55±38.29 cmH2O, myeloid: 146.72±33.06 cmH2O, difference: 24.18 cmH2O) were significantly lower than the myeloid group (p<0.05). Conclusion: All recipients had common debilitating problems on exercise capacity, lower extremity strength, and QOL. However, recipients with lymphoid type disorder had more reduced respiratory muscle strength and exercise capacity. Small airway obstruction was more commonly observed respiratory dysfunction in recipients with myeloid type disorder. Modifying and adjusting contents of rehabilitation programs according to immunophenotype of hematologic malignancy should be considered in further study.
PARKİNSON HASTALARINDA KİNEZYO BANTLAMANIN YUTMA FONKSİYONUNA ETKİSİ: BİR YÜZEYEL ELEKTROMİYOGRAFİK YUTMA ÇALIŞMASI
Authors: NECATİ Ediz , DEMIR Numan , SEREL ARSLAN Selen , EKER Amber , KAYMAKAMZADE Bahar , KARADUMAN Aynur Ayşe
Published: July 2020

Amaç: Parkinson hastalarında ilerleyici şekilde yutma bozukluğu görülmektedir. Bu çalışma; kinezyo bantlamanın (KT) yutma bozukluğu şikayeti olmayan ancak risk altındaki Parkinson’lu hastaların yutma fonksiyonu üzerindeki etkisini elektrofizyolojik yöntemler ile incelemek amacıyla planlandı. Yöntem: Çalışmaya 65 yaş ve üzeri, kardiyopulmoner hastalık öyküsü ve aspirasyon/penetrasyon bulgusu olmayan 18 Parkinson hastası ve 15 sağlıklı yaşlı birey dahil edildi. Bireylere altı hafta boyunca ve haftada üç kez olmak üzere kas fasilitasyon tekniği ile KT uygulandı. KT öncesinde ve altı hafta sonrasında yüzeyel elektromiyografik (EMG) yutma değerlendirmesi olarak tek lokma analizi yapıldı. Sonuçlar: KT öncesi sonuçlara bakıldığında Parkinson hastası grubuna ait laringeal relokasyon (p=0,011) ve submental EMG (SM-EMG) toplam (p=0,009) süreleri daha uzun bulunmasına rağmen, KT uygulaması sonrasında sağlıklı yaşlılara göre fark yoktu (p>0,05). Ayrıca bu grubun KT öncesi ve sonrası grup içi karşılaştırmaları sonucunda laringeal relokasyon (p=0,013) ve SM-EMG toplam (p=0,011) sürelerinin kısaldığı bulundu. Tartışma: Çalışmamızın sonucunda altı haftalık KT uygulaması ile Parkinson hastalarında larinks hareket süresi ve submental kas aktivasyonunun gelişerek yutma fonksiyonunda ilerleme sağlandığı görüldü. KT, yutma bozukluğu olan hastalarda destekleyici tedavi yöntemi olarak kullanılabilir. Yutma bozukluğunun ileri evrelerinde ise, etkinliğinin araştırılması gerekmektedir.
AN EXAMINATION OF THIGH MUSCLE ACTIVATIONS IN BRIDGE-PLANK EXERCISES PERFORMED ON DIFFERENT GROUNDS
Authors: ÇINARLI Fahri Safa , ÖLMEZ Sevim Beyza , NAMALDI Seda , KARANFİL Ecem , GÜLLÜ Kerem , SOYLU Abdullah Ruhi
Published: July 2020

Purpose: The study aimed to examine hamstring-quadriceps muscle activations of the supine bridge and reverse plank exercises that are performed for both improving the overall body strength and contributing to the treatment in the process following an injury on different grounds. Methods: Ten participants (four males and six females, age=26.70±3.02 years) without regular sports habits were included in the study. Bilateral supine bridge and bilateral reverse plank exercises were practiced randomly on stable and unstable grounds. In the study, muscle activation values of vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF) and semitendinosus (SEM) muscles of the participants were examined. Along with the muscle activation that occurred during the exercise, hamstring (BF+SEM)/quadriceps (VM+VL) ratio was also determined (H:Q). Results: The lowest co-activation ratio (most balanced H:Q activation) was observed on stable ground bridge exercise (5.83±4.04), and the largest co-activation ratio (hamstring dominant activation) was observed on stable ground plank exercise (8.84±6.60). No significant difference was found between exercises at H:Q co-activation ratio (p>0.05). A statistically significant difference was found in the quadriceps and hamstring group in terms of exercise and difference ground in favor of plank (p<0.05). Conclusion: Reverse plank exercise has greater agonist muscle activation than the supine bridge. Therefore, it is thought that bridge exercise could be advised in the rehabilitation process that necessitates a high level of balance, especially in co-activation ratio. Further study with various clinical problems may direct the process.
SEREBRAL PALSİLİ ÇOCUKLARIN EBEVEYNLERİNİN EV PROGRAMINA UYUMUNA ETKİ EDEN FAKTÖRLERİN İNCELENMESİ: BİR ÖLÇEK GELİŞTİRME ÇALIŞMASI
Authors: SEL Sinem Asena , KEREM GÜNEL Mintaze , ŞENGELEN Meltem , HAYRAN Mutlu
Published: July 2020

Amaç: Ev programı, fizyoterapistler tarafından ebeveynlere tedavi seansı dışında uygulanmak üzere verilen öneriler bütünüdür. Bu çalışmanın amacı, ev programının etkinliği ve ailenin/bakım verenlerin ev programına uyumunu belirleyecek bir ölçek geliştirmekti. Yöntem: Ölçeğin geliştirilmesi için pediatrik rehabilitasyon alanındaki uzmanların klinik tecrübe ve görüşleri, aileler ile yapılan açık görüşme ve literatür taraması sonucu 48 madde belirlendi. Bu maddeler alanda en az beş yıl klinik deneyimi bulunan dört pediatrik nörolog ve yedi fizyoterapistin görüşleri temel alınarak ölçek 28 maddeye indirildi. Serebral palsili (SP) çocuk sahibi 155 ebeveyne uygulandı ve geçerlik ve güvenirlik analizleri yapıldı. Çocukların Kaba Motor Fonksiyon Sınıflandırma Sistemi, El Becerileri Sınıflandırma Sistemi, Yeme İçme Becerileri Sınıflandırma Sistemi ve İletişim Becerileri Sınıflandırma Sistemi seviyeleri belirlendi. Ebeveynlerin depresyon seviyesi Beck Depresyon Envanteri ile ölçüldü. Çocukların yaşam kalitesi, Pediatrik Veri Toplama Aracı ile değerlendirildi. Sonuçlar: Geliştirilen ölçeğin, test-tekrar test değeri ICC=0,939 ve iç tutarlılığı Cronbach alfa katsayısı=0,659 olarak bulundu. Kaba Motor Fonksiyon Sınıflandırma Sistemi seviyesi V olan SP’li bireylerin ev programına uyumu daha yüksekti (p=0,020). Tartışma: Geliştirilen “Serebral Palsili Çocukların Ebeveynlerinin Fizyoterapi ve Rehabilitasyon Ev Programına Uyumlarını Değerlendirme Ölçeği”nin geçerli ve güvenir olduğu belirlendi. Fizyoterapistler tarafından verilen ev programının etkinliği, ailenin/bakım verenlerin ev programına uyumunu belirleyecek düzeyde olduğu saptandı.
Evaluation of bottled water quality by determining nitrate concentration
Authors: Fortunato María Susana , González Ana Julieta , Tellechea María Florencia , Reynoso Mariano Humberto , Vallejos Favia , Donaire Andrea Natalia , Korol Sonia Edith , Gallego Alfredo
Published: July 2020

The presence of nitrate in sources of drinking water is a matter of concern because of its potential risk for human health. In many countries like Argentina, an increasing proportion of the population chooses to consume bottled water, among other reasons, for lack of water access. The present study was conducted (a) to evaluate the quality of bottled waters by determining nitrate concentration, (b) to relate bottled water quality with water access, (c) to analyze public awareness about bottled water quality and consumption habits of the population in the urban area of Buenos Aires. Two locations were selected, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (C.A.B.A.) and Malvinas Argentinas in Buenos Aires Province (PBA), with percentages of water access of 99.6% and 8.8%, respectively. Random samples from both locations (n = 100) were analyzed. A survey was conducted in order to inquire about perception of population on bottled water quality and their consumption habits. In C.A.B.A., no sample exceeded the 45 mg/L limit value in force in Argentina, while in Malvinas Argentinas, 34% of the brands analyzed showed values above it. The survey revealed that 71.7% of people consume bottled water. While people in C.A.B.A. do so mainly out of habit, safety is the priority in PBA.
Modelling impact of future climate and land use land cover on flood vulnerability for policy support – Hyderabad, India
Authors: Vemula Swathi , Srinivasa Raju K. , Sai Veena S.
Published: July 2020

The study analyses the impact of climate change and land use land cover (LULC) on runoff of Hyderabad city, India for the years 1995, 2005, 2016 and 2031. Flood vulnerability was evaluated for extreme historic and future rainfall events. Maximum daily rainfalls of 132, 181 and 165 mm that occurred in the decades of 1990–2000, 2001–2010 and 2011–2016 were considered for historic rainfall–runoff modelling. Complementarily in climate change, maximum daily rainfall of 266 mm predicted during 2020–2040 by Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory-Coupled Model 3 (GFDL-CM3) Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 2.6, was analysed for rainfall-runoff scenario in 2031. LULC was assessed from historic maps and the master plan of the city. Peak runoff was modelled in Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) for corresponding daily rainfall and LULC. The floodplain of the river Musi was modelled in Hydrological Engineering Center-River Analysis System (HEC-RAS). Results showed that changing rainfall and LULC increased peak runoff by three times, and flood depth in the river increased by 22% from 1995 to 2031. In 2016 and 2031, 48 and 51% of the city was highly vulnerable. Five detention basins were proposed to combat increasing runoff, due to which highly vulnerable areas reduced by 8% in 2016 and 9% in 2031.
Assessment of cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of Yamuna river water pollutants in an urban metropolis, Delhi (India)
Authors: Siddiqui Zahid Hameed , Wattal Ratnum Kaul , Batchu Hareramadas , Abbas Zahid Khorshid
Published: July 2020

The present study evaluates the hazardous effects of water pollutants present in the River Yamuna, the lifeline of Delhi. This was done by collecting water samples from seven sites on the River Yamuna, and studying their water quality parameters (WQP). In all cases, tap water was taken as the control, and WQP like pH, salinity, electrical conductivity (EC), etc. were measured. At site 1, water was slightly alkaline, whereas maximum salinity was found at site 4. The TDS, EC, and turbidity at site 5 were found to be the highest among the studied sites. Further, water samples were used to examine the cytotoxic and genotoxic effect of pollutants in the root tip cells of Allium cepa after three and seven day's growth. There was a sharp decline in root length and root number down stream. Moreover, the squash preparations showed significant abnormalities; at the cellular level, cell shape and sizes show undesirable changes. At nuclear level binucleate cells, lobulated nuclei, micronuclei at site 3, 4, and 7 were recorded. The chromosomal abnormalities included chromosomal bridges, chromosomal loss, and abnormal orientation at different sites. This report is a cause for significant concern as the River Yamuna is Delhi's primary source of water supply for domestic, agricultural, industrial, energy, and many other purposes.
Performance of ozone and peroxone on the removal of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) coupled with cost analysis
Authors: Olmez-Hanci T. , Dogruel S. , Emek A. D. Allar , Yılmazer C. Eropak , Çınar S. , Kiraz O. , Citil E. , Orhon A. Koc , Siltu E. , Gucver S. M. , Ozgun O. Karahan , Tanik A. , Yetis U.
Published: July 2020

Micropollutants such as endocrine disruptors are one of the most important groups of chemicals polluting water resources. Conventional treatment systems may not be effective for the removal of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and the fate of these chemicals should be carefully monitored in the effluent of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Additional treatment methods such as advanced oxidation processes can be used for the removal of endocrine disruptors. This study presents the existence of endocrine disruptors in 4 different effluents: (i) municipal WWTP effluent, (ii) textile industry WWTP effluent, (iii) organized industrial zone (OIZ) WWTP effluent and (iv) pharmaceutical industry discharge and also presents their removal efficiencies by ozonation and peroxone oxidation. A broad spectrum of removal efficiencies was observed for the EDCs present in the samples since the oxidation efficiency of wastewaters containing EDCs mainly depends on the wastewater matrix and on the type of the EDCs. Ozonation was found to be a lower-cost option than peroxone oxidation at the investigated conditions.
Overview of ERP Technologies Development in Recent Years
Authors: Bazhanova Mariia Olegovna
Published: July 2020

The article reviews some trends in developing ERP technologies for the last several years. It includes definition of Enterprise resource planning (ERP), a small history of ERP and primary trends in the field. Moreover, this article provides a brief understanding of each of the specified ERP technologies and their benefits. In this article Mobile ERP, Cloud ERP, Social ERP and Two-tier ERP are demonstrated.
Analysis of Housing Prices in Moscow
Authors: Abramov Andrei Sergeevich
Published: July 2020

В статье представлен анализ цен на жилье в г. Москва. Базой данных послужили данные о цене и предложении жилья по состоянию на 01.01.2018.
Unveiling the Anti-tubercular Properties of Biscoumarins, through Biological Evaluation and Docking Studies
Authors: Acharya Poornima , Ramana M.M.V. , Upadhyay Manish , Pavale Ganesh
Published: July 2020

Background:

Biscoumarin scaffolds are known for their promising pharmacological
properties. These compounds have not been studied for their activity against tuberculosis strains.

Objective:

Unveil the antitubercular properties of biscoumarin scaffolds.

Methods:

Biscoumarin derivatives (3a-3l) were synthesized using lemon juice as a catalyst and
were investigated for their in-vitro anti-tubercular activity against the H37Rv strain of Mycobacterium
tuberculosis using Microplate Alamar Blue Assay Method (MABA). Their binding interaction
was investigated by Molecular Docking Studies using InhA with PDB-ID: 2NSD as target receptors
in the H37Rv strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. These derivatives (3a-3l) were subjected to the
neutrophil function test.

Results:

The results revealed that compounds 3b, 3c, 3d, 3f, 3i, 3j showed excellent activity with
MIC 1.6μg/mL. Molecular docking interactions for their antitubercular activity proved that the derivatives
(3a-3l) can easily bind into the pockets of the enzyme. Neutrophil function test signified
that they exhibit moderate neutrophil functions assuring that they do not harm the functioning of
Neutrophils.

Conclusion:

These studies have awakened the property of Biscoumarins as promising antitubercular
scaffolds.
Virtual Compound Screening and Molecular Dynamics to Identify New Inhibitors for Human Glutathione Reductase
Authors: Sargolzaei Mohsen
Published: July 2020

Background:

Oxidative stress is a defense mechanism against malarial intracellular parasite
infection. On the other hand, the Human glutathione reductase enzyme reduces oxidative stress
in the cells, making the inhibitors of this enzyme a promising candidate for malaria treatment.

Objective:

Rational drug design was used in this work to plan new human glutathione reductase inhibitors.

Methods:

Virtual screening was performed using the ZINC database and molecular docking was
used to detect appropriate human glutathione reductase inhibitors. Based on the docking scores obtained,
the top three highest-ranked ligands were selected for the molecular dynamics simulation
study. The MD simulation was performed for each complex in a length of 100 ns.

Results:

RMSD, RMSF and hydrogen bond analyzes were performed on the derived trajectories.
Molecular mechanics generalized born surface area (MM-GBSA) and pairwise per-residue free energy
decomposition analyzes were performed for the determination of binding free energy and the
determination of dominant residues involved in the binding process, respectively. The binding free
energy analysis showed that the molecule of 3-((7-(furan-2-ylmethyl)-5,6-diphenyl-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-
d] pyrimidin-4-yl) amino) propan-1-ol is the most potent inhibitor among the molecules considered
against human glutathione reductase enzyme.

Conclusion:

This molecule can be considered a novel candidate for antimalarial treatments.
Molecular Biomarkers for Lung Adenocarcinoma: A Short Review
Authors: Chakravarthi Srikumar , Karikalan Barani
Published: July 2020

Lung cancer is a disease with higher death rates and is responsible for around 2 million
deaths per year worldwide. Recently, several breakthroughs have been made in the field of lung
cancer that has led to a revolution in the management of lung cancer patients. Identification of
molecular markers and the implication of respective targeted therapies has been a great success in
the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma patients. Despite the fact that targeted therapy of lung adenocarcinomas
represents one of the significant milestones in the treatment of lung cancer that resulted
in increased survival rates even in advanced stages, the mortality rates of lung cancer still remain
to be significantly high. This warrants further research for gaining better insights into molecular alterations
that can lead to newer innovations in targeted drug therapy towards lung adenocarcinoma.
In this review, we briefly summarized the literature on molecular markers that are already in use.
We also consolidated newer molecular markers that are under study with the potential for being targeted
for therapies in future.
A Computational Framework to Identify Cross Association Between Complex Disorders by Protein-protein Interaction Network Analysis
Authors: Suresh Nikhila T. , Ravindran Vimina E. , Krishnakumar Ullattil
Published: July 2020

Objective:

It is a known fact that numerous complex disorders do not happen in
isolation indicating the plausible set of shared causes common to several different sicknesses.
Hence, analysis of comorbidity can be utilized to explore the association between several
disorders. In this study, we have proposed a network-based computational approach, in which
genes are organized based on the topological characteristics of the constructed Protein-Protein
Interaction Network (PPIN) followed by a network prioritization scheme, to identify distinctive
key genes and biological pathways shared among diseases.

Methods:

The proposed approach is initiated from constructed PPIN of any randomly chosen
disease genes in order to infer its associations with other diseases in terms of shared pathways, coexpression,
co-occurrence etc. For this, initially, proteins associated to any disease based on
random choice were identified. Secondly, PPIN is organized through topological analysis to define
hub genes. Finally, using a prioritization algorithm a ranked list of newly predicted
multimorbidity-associated proteins is generated. Using Gene Ontology (GO), cellular pathways
involved in multimorbidity-associated proteins are mined.

Result and Conclusion:

: The proposed methodology is tested using three disorders, namely
Diabetes, Obesity and blood pressure at an atomic level and the results suggest the comorbidity of
other complex diseases that have associations with the proteins included in the disease of present
study through shared proteins and pathways. For diabetes, we have obtained key genes like
GAPDH, TNF, IL6, AKT1, ALB, TP53, IL10, MAPK3, TLR4 and EGF with key pathways like
P53 pathway, VEGF signaling pathway, Ras Pathway, Interleukin signaling pathway, Endothelin
signaling pathway, Huntington disease etc. Studies on other disorders such as obesity and blood
pressure also revealed promising results.
Downregulation of miR-140 is Correlated with Poor Prognosis and Progression of Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Yu Qianqian , Sun Wenhai , Hua Hui , Chi Yulian , Liu Xiaomin , Dong Anbing , Sun Yinghe , Zhang Jianhua , Guan Ge
Published: July 2020

Background:

The incidence of thyroid cancer is increasing rapidly and there is an urgent
need to explore novel therapeutic targets for thyroid cancer. MiR-140 has been reported to affect the
progression of various cancers, which makes it possible to play a role in thyroid cancer. This study
aimed to investigate the expression and role of miR-140 in thyroid cancer.

Methods:

The expression of miR-140 was investigated by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in thyroid cancer tissues and cell lines. The prognostic value of miR140 in thyroid cancer was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression. Moreover, the
effects of miR-140 on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of thyroid cancer were investigated by
CCK-8 and Transwell assay.

Results:

MiR-140 was downregulated in thyroid cancer tissues and cells, which correlated with TNM
stage and lymph node metastasis of patients. Patients with low miR-140 expression had a shorter survival
time compared with that in patients with high miR-140 expression. Furthermore, miR-140 acts as
an independent factor for the prognosis of thyroid cancer. Overexpression of miR-140 inhibited cell
proliferation, migration, and invasion of thyroid cancer.

Conclusion:

MiR-140 can serve as a potential prognostic factor for patients with thyroid cancer and
suppress the progression of thyroid cancer, which provides new insight for the therapeutic target for
thyroid cancer.