bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of MSCs With/Without Silymarin Against Liver Fibrosis in Cell Line HepG2 With Study on NFKβ, Caspase3, Apoptosis, Necrosis, Proliferation,and Collagen
Authors: Kusnanto Paulus , Purwanto Bambang , Wasita Brian , Widyaningsih Vitri
Published: May 2022

Background: Liver fibrosis is characterized by irreversible damage to liver parenchyma. The mechanism of fibrosis is through activation of nuclear factor-kappa (NF-kβ), collagen, activation of necrosis, caspase-3, apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation. The HepG2 cell line is a human liver cancer cell, which is developed and has a human hormonal response. Hepatocyte stem cells have anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating properties, inhibit apoptosis and necrosis, as well as increase proliferation. Methods: This study is an in vitro pre and posttest experimental study. Hepatocyte stem cells were taken from the umbilical cord of newborns. Cell lines are made into 4 groups. Examination was carried out on NF-kβ, Caspase-3, Apoptosis, Necrosis, Proliferation, and cytopathologically.Results: Cytopathological test of cell line hepG2 showed fibroblast growth. Mesenchymal stem cells decreased NF-kβ activity. Mesenchymal stem cells did not decrease Caspase3 activity. Mesenchymal Stem Cells significantly decreased Apoptotic activity. Mesenchymal Stem Cells decreased Necrosis activity, while sylimarin was not significant. Mesenchymal Stem Cells increased the Proliferation significantly (p<0.001), while sylimarin was not significant.Conclusion: Mesenchymal stem cells significantly inhibited NF-kβ, necrosis, apoptosis, and proliferation activation, whereas caspase-3 inhibition was not significant.
Scientific Publications in Gastroenterology and Hepatology Journals from Chinese Authors in Various Parts of North Asia: a 20-Year Survey of the Literature
Authors: Yang Huai-Yu , Dong Zhi-Qi , Cai Yi-Li , Han Chao , Li Zhao-Shen , Hu Liang-Hao
Published: May 2022

China has a huge number of patients with gastrointestinal and liver diseases. To figure out research levels in gastroenterology and hepatology of three major regions of China - Mainland, Hong Kong, and Taiwan the outputs of articles published in international digestive journals from the three regions were compared in this study. Articles published in 80 journals related to digestive originated from Mainland, Hong Kong, and Taiwan from 1999 to 2018 were retrieved from “PubMed” database. The numbers of total articles, clinical trials, RCTs, case reports, articles published in top general medicine journals, impact factors and citation reports were compared for quantity and quality evaluation. The number of articles per capita was also compared. There were 27,612 articles from Mainland (20,501), Hong Kong (2,329) and Taiwan (4,782). Mainland published the most articles (2,416) in 10 highest impacted journals and the most articles (593) of “RCT”, but had the least average impact factor (4.380) and average citation (10.314). Hong Kong had the most number (302.139 per 10 million people) of articles per capita and the most articles (35) published in top general medicine journals among the three regions. Mainland has exceeded Hong Kong and Taiwan in the number of articles published in digestive journals, but there was a huge gap in quality of articles compared with other two regions. More high-quality research outputs from Mainland should be encouraged to be published in international digestive journals.
Implementing the WHO Labour Care Guide to reduce the use of Caesarean section in four hospitals in India: protocol and statistical analysis plan for a pragmatic, stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized pilot trial
Authors: Vogel Joshua P. , Pingray Veronica , Althabe Fernando , Gibbons Luz , Berrueta Mabel , Pujar Yeshita , Somannavar Manjunath , Vernekar Sunil S , Ciganda Alvaro , Rodriguez Rocio , Welling Saraswati A , Revankar Amit , Bendigeri Savitri , Kumar Jayashree Ashok , Patil Shruti Bhavi , Karinagannanavar Aravind , Anteen Raveendra R , R. Pavithra M. , Shetty Shukla , B Latha , M. Megha H. , Gaddi Suman S. , Chikkagowdra Shaila , Raghavendra Bellara , Armari Elizabeth , Scott Nick , Eddy Katherine , Homer Caroline SE , Goudar Shivaprasad S.
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND
The World Health Organization (WHO) Labour Care Guide (LCG) is a paper-based labour monitoring tool designed to facilitate the implementation of WHO’s latest guidelines for effective, respectful care during labour and childbirth. Implementing the LCG into routine intrapartum care requires a strategy that improves healthcare provider practices during labour and childbirth. Such a strategy might optimize the use of Caesarean section (CS), along with potential benefits on the use of other obstetric interventions, maternal and perinatal health outcomes, and women’s experience of care. However, the effects of a strategy to implement the LCG have not been evaluated in a randomised trial. This study aims to: 1) develop and optimise a strategy for implementing the LCG (formative phase); and 2) To evaluate the implementation of the LCG strategy compared with usual care (trial phase).
METHODS
In the formative phase, we will co-design the LCG strategy with key stakeholders informed by facility assessments and provider surveys, which will be field tested in one hospital. The LCG strategy includes a LCG training program, ongoing supportive supervision from senior clinical staff, and audit and feedback using the Robson Classification. We will then conduct a stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized pilot trial in four public hospitals in India, to evaluate the effect of the LCG strategy intervention compared to usual care (simplified WHO partograph). The primary outcome is the CS rate in nulliparous women with singleton, term, cephalic pregnancies in spontaneous labour (Robson Group 1). Secondary outcomes include clinical and process of care outcomes, as well as women’s experience of care outcomes. We will also conduct a process evaluation during the trial, using standardized facility assessments, in-depth interviews and surveys with providers, audits of completed LCGs, labour ward observations and document reviews. An economic evaluation will consider implementation costs and cost-effectiveness.
DISCUSSION
Findings of this trial will guide clinicians, administrators and policymakers on how to effectively implement the LCG, and what (if any) effects the LCG strategy has on process of care, health and experience outcomes. The trial findings will inform the rollout of LCG internationally.
TRIAL REGISTRATION:
CTRI/2021/01/030695 (Protocol version 1.4, 25 April 2022)
Investigation and Characterization of the Current Status, Development Trends and Future Prospects on Chondrosarcoma: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Shi Jingtian , Li Chen , Zhao Zhiqing , Jiang Kewei , Yang Rongli , Guo Wei , Tang Xiaodong , Yan Taiqiang
Published: May 2022

Background The Chondrosarcoma (CS) is the second most frequent common malignant bone tumor, with variety in terms of histopathology, clinical behavior and prognostic outcome. Although the exploration of this topics is extensive, the management for advanced CS is still exceptional challenging. A comprehensive understanding of the profile of the research status and determination of novel directions is of urgent need. Methods The Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) dataset was queried to collect all relevant publications related to CS on March 1, 2022. Bibliometric analyses of the acquired data were conducted with CiteSpace and VOSviewer software on these publications, to evaluate the collaborations among different countries, institutions and authors, as well as to explore the current hotspots and future directions in this field.Results Ultimately, we identified and analyzed a total of 4181 records in English. There was a noticeable increasing annual trend in publications since 1970s. The United States contributed to almost half of the records included, with a leading position in this field. The universities and institutes from United States, European and Asian countries such as Leiden University, Harvard University, China Medical University, Mayo Clinic and Memory Sloan Kettering Cancer Center were the biggest nodes in every cluster of the collaboration network. Active collaborations among the countries were observed. As for the productive authors, Tang, Chih-Hsin featured the highest number of publications among all authors (91 documents), while Hascall, Vc had the highest average citations (79.35 times). Keywords co-occurrence analysis divided the CS studies into 9 clusters: human CS cell, skull base, p53 expression, long bone, cartilage matrix, chondroid chordoma, endoplasmic tissue stress, pelvic sarcoma and connective tissue growth factor. Together with the citation burst of references, the cluster analysis of keywords co-occurrence suggested that the basic studies on human CS cells to investigate the mutant genes, related signaling pathways and novel alternative modalities to treat refractory CS is an upsurge of research with great significance. Conclusions The present bibliometric study summarizes the clinical research of CS on study type, most prolific countries, institutions, authors, keywords co-occurrence and references with citation burst. These findings may assist the new scholars to better understand the current status and research trends to guide future practice and directions.
Design of Branched Ti Nanorods for High SERS Sensitivity
Authors: Yussuf Nosirudeen Abayomi M , Li Jianlin , Jung Yung Joon , Huang Hanchen
Published: May 2022

This paper reports a rational design of branched titanium (Ti) nanorods formed by glancing angle physical vapor deposition and their applications as substrates for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Ti nanorods with branches have larger surface areas than non-branched nanorods. However, Ti oxidizes easily and is also not SERS sensitive. The oxidation is minimized by annealing Ti nanorods in nitrogen. Further, the plasmonic resonance of the branched titanium nanorod is improved by coating the top of the nanorods and branches with silver (Ag). The sensitivity of the SERS substrates is about 3700% that of as-deposited branched Ti nanorods with a native oxide layer. Our investigation provides a mechanism to fabricate sensitive SERS sensors of Ti nanorods that are known to be thermally and chemically stable and compatible with silicon-based electronics.
Validating the Japanese Version of the Career Competencies Questionnaire for Nurses
Authors: Yamada Masako , Asakura Kyoko , Takada Nozomu , Hara Yukari , Sugiyama Shoko
Published: May 2022

Background: Career competencies, which are the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for career development, have been shown to aid successful careers for fulfilling both work and life goals. In dynamically changing healthcare settings, nurses’ career competencies are key for navigating their own career successfully and improving their nursing practice abilities. However, limited studies have examined career competencies in the nursing profession. In particular, no research has been conducted on career competencies for Japanese nurses, which remains a major challenge as voluntary effort is the main factor that promotes career and professional development. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to validate the Japanese version of the Career Competencies Questionnaire (CCQ-J).Methods: The English version of the CCQ was translated into Japanese using back and forward translation. In the first survey, item analysis and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were conducted with 276 nurses from a hospital located in a prefecture in Japan. In the second survey, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted and concurrent validity and reliability were evaluated with 522 nurses from hospitals in the Tohoku region. Furthermore, we evaluated the concurrent validity and reliability of the CCQ-J.Results: The EFA showed that the CCQ-J consisted of a three-factor structure that explained 66.69% of the variance. As a result of the CFA, all the fitting indexes were acceptable [chi-square value (CMIN)=432.26, degree of freedom (df)=153, chi-square fit statistics/degree of freedom (CMIN/df)=2.83, goodness-of-fit index (GFI)=0.93, adjusted goodness of fit index (AGFI)=0.89, comparative fix index (CFI)=0.96, and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA)=0.06]. Cronbach’s α for the CCQ-J 21-items and the subscales ranged from 0.85 to 0.95. Concurrent validity was demonstrated via the positive correlation between work engagement, life satisfaction, and CCQ-J.Conclusions: The psychometric properties of the CCQ-J were validated for Japanese nurses. We hope that the findings presented in this study will contribute to a better understanding of nurses’ career competencies and their successful career and professional development in the future.
Bianchi type-I Barrow holographic dark energy model in symmetric teleparallel gravity
Authors: Koussour M. , Shekh S. H. , Bennai M.
Published: May 2022

In this work, we have discussed a spatially homogeneous and anisotropic Bianchi type-I space-time in the presence of Barrow holographic dark energy (infrared cutoff is the Hubble’s horizon) proposed by Barrow recently (Physics Letters B 808 (2020): 135643) and matter in the framework of f (Q) gravity where the non-metricity Q is responsible for the gravitational interaction for the specific choice of f (Q) = λQ 2 (where λ < 0 is a constant). In order to find the exact solutions to the field equations we consider the deceleration parameter q is a function of the Hubble’s parameter H i.e. q = b − n H (where b and n are constants). We have studied the physical behavior of important cosmological parameters, such as the EoS parameter, BHDE and matter density, skewness parameter, squared sound speed, and ωB − ω ′ B plane. We also constrain the values of the model parameters b and n using 57 Hubble’s parameter measurements.
Low mitochondrial DNA copy number induces chemotherapy resistance via epithelial-mesenchymal transition by DNA methylation in esophageal squamous cancer cells
Authors: Kubo Yuto , Tanaka Koji , Masuike Yasunori , Yamashita Kotaro , Makino Tomoki , Saito Takuro , Yamamoto Kazuyoshi , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Kurokawa Yukinori , Yamasaki Makoto , Nakajima Kiyokazu , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Doki Yuichiro
Published: May 2022

Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most severe cancers and is characterized by chemotherapy resistance and poor prognosis associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In a previous study, a low mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number was associated with poorer prognosis and induced EMT in ESCC. However, the detailed mechanism related to mtDNA copy number and EMT is unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the mechanism by which a change in mtDNA copy number contributes to EMT and to examine treatment of chemotherapy resistance in ESCC.Methods: The association between low mtDNA copy number and chemotherapy resistance was investigated using specimens from 88 patients who underwent surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Then, the mtDNA content of human ESCC cell lines, TE8 and TE11, was depleted by knockdown of mitochondrial transcription factor A expression. The present study focused on modulation of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and DNA methylation as the mechanisms by which mtDNA copy number affects EMT. mRNA and protein expression, chemotherapy sensitivity, proliferation, MMP and DNA methylation were evaluated, and in vitro and in vivo assays were conducted to clarify these mechanisms.Results: ESCC patients with decreased mtDNA copy number who underwent R0 resection after neoadjuvant chemotherapy had significantly worse pathological response and recurrence-free survival. Additionally, low mtDNA copy number was associated with resistance to chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo. mtDNA controlled MMP, and MMP depolarization induced EMT. Depletion of mtDNA and low MMP induced DNA methylation via a DNA methylation transcription factor (DNMT), and a DNMT inhibitor suppressed EMT and improved chemotherapy sensitivity in mtDNA-depleted ESCC cells, as shown by in vitro and in vivo assays.Conclusion: This study showed that decreased mtDNA copy number induced EMT via modulation of MMP and DNA methylation in ESCC. Therapeutic strategies increasing mtDNA copy number and DNMT inhibitors may be effective in preventing EMT and chemosensitivity resistance.
Oligonucleotide usage in coronavirus genomes mimics that in exon regions in host genomes
Authors: Iwasaki Yuki , Abe Takashi , Ikemura Toshimichi
Published: May 2022

Background
Viruses utilize various host factors for their growth, and efficient growth requires efficient utilization of these factors. Our previous study revealed that the occurrence frequency of oligonucleotides in the viral genome (e.g. the influenza virus genome) is distinctly different among derived hosts, and the frequency tends to adapt to the host cells in which they grow. We aimed to study the adaptation mechanisms of a zoonotic virus to host cells.
Methods
Herein, we compared the frequency of oligonucleotides in the coronavirus genome with those in the genomes of humans and bats, which are typical hosts of the virus.
Results
By comparing the oligonucleotide frequency in coronaviruses and their host genomes, we found a positive correlation between the frequency of coronaviruses and that of the exon regions of the host from which the virus is derived. To examine the characteristics of early-stage changes in the viral genome, which are assumed to accompany the host change from non-humans to humans, we compared the oligonucleotide frequency between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) at the beginning of the pandemic and the prevalent variants thereafter, and found changes towards the frequency of the host exon regions.
Conclusions
In coronaviruses, the genome oligonucleotide frequency is thought to change in response to the cellular environment in which the virus is replicating, and actually the frequency has approached the frequency in exon regions in the host.
A Hybrid Medical Image Denoising based on Block Matching 3D Collaborative Filtering
Authors: Annavarapu Ambika , Borra Surekha , Dinnepu Vijay Bhaskar  Reddy , Mishra Mankamana Prasad
Published: May 2022

To mitigate the noise effects without information loss at the edges of the radiological images, a well-designed preprocessing algorithm is required to assist the Radiologists. This paper proposes a hybrid adaptive preprocessing algorithm that utilizes a Rudin_Osher_Fatemi (R_O_F) model for edge detection, Richardson_Lucy (R_L) Algorithm for Image Enhancement, and Block Matching 3D Collaborative filtering for denoising of image. The performance of the proposed method is assessed and estimated on two realistic datasets, one on chest X-ray images and the another on MRI/CT images. The proposed hybrid system verifies the data reliability of Gaussian noise affected medical images. The simulation results shows that the proposed adaptive method attains a high value of Peak Signal-to-Noise ratio of 47.4433 dB for chest X-Ray and 46.8674 dB for MRI/CT datasets respectively at a standard deviation value of 2. Performance analysis of the proposed scheme is further carried out using various statistical parameters of Root Mean Square Error, Contrast – to – Noise ratio, Bhattacharya Coefficient and Edge Preservation Index. A comparative analysis on denoised image quality shows that the proposed system achieves better performance than several existing denoising methods.
Study on the expression and mechanism of Gab2 in ovarian cancer
Authors: YIN Yi , ZHANG Li , LI Yong , ZHANG Can , HE Aiqin
Published: May 2022

Objective
To detect the expression of Growth factor binding protein 2 associated binding protein 2 (Gab2) and CT10 regulator of kinase II (CrkII) in ovarian cancer and analyze their clinical significance. To explore the effects of Gab2 and CrkII on the biological behavior of ovarian cancer cells. To analyze the possible molecular mechanism of Gab2 in the development of ovarian cancer.
Methods
Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of Gab2 and CrkII in ovarian cancer. Chi square test was used to analyze the correlation between Gab2, CrkII and clinical parameters. Using Cox regression model to evaluate the risk factors affecting the prognosis. To analyze the correlation between Gab2, CrkII and survival rate by Kaplan-Meier. Cell experiments were preformed to explore the effects of Gab2 and CrkII on the biological behavior of cells. The interaction between Gab2 and CrkII was explored by immunoprecipitation.
Results
Immunohistochemistry revealed that high expression of Gab2 and CrkII in ovarian cancer. Patients with high expression of Gab2 or CrkII had higher International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, grade and platinum-resistance recurrence. Multivariate analysis showed that Gab2 and CrkII were independent prognostic factors. Kaplan-Meier curve showed that the higher Gab2 and CrkII were, the poor prognosis the patients had. We observed that the overexpression of Gab2 and CrkII promoted the proliferation, metastasis and reduced chemosensitivity of cells. Conversely, the knockdown of Gab2 and CrkII resulted in the opposite results. In CrkII-knockdown cells, we found that Gab2 mediates biological behavior through CrkII.
Conclusions
The expression of Gab2 and CrkII increase in ovarian cancer. The higher expression of Gab2 and CrkII predict the poor prognosis of patients. Gab2 and CrkII promote the proliferation and migration and reduce the chemosensitivity of cells. Gab2 regulates the biological behaviors of ovarian cancer cells through CrkII.
Determination of acute toxicity of sodium pyrithione on common carp and its effects on some hormones and hematological parameters
Authors: Korkmaz Nuh , Erdoğan Kenan , Örün Gül Nihal , Erkmen Belda , Doğru Mehmet İlker , Doğru Arzu , Polat Hüseyin , Örün İbrahim
Published: May 2022

In this study, the LC50-24 h value of sodium pyrithione (NaPT) on Cyprinus carpio was determined 102.7643 µg/L. The effects of NaPT exposure on hematological parameters and some hormones in carp were also studied. In the groups exposed to NaPT compared to the control group, there was a decrease in the erythrocyte count (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct) values, total leukocyte count (WBC), lymphocyte and monocyte ratios, while an increased ratio was observed in granulocyte. Hormone analysis revealed a decrease in serum growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels, while an increase was observed in total triiodothyronine (TT3), total thyroxine (TT4), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol levels. Depending on the duration of exposure, a decrease was observed in the ratios of RBC, Hb, Hct, WBC, lymphocytes, monocytes, GH, IGF-1, TSH, TT3, and TT4 in both dose groups, while a decrease was observed in FT3 levels in the NaPT-20 dose group. ACTH and cortisol levels were increased in both dose groups depending on the duration of exposure. At the FT4 level, it was determined that there was no statistically significant difference in the comparison between the exposure duration.
RAB10 involves in glucose uptake in pancreatic cancer cells by regulating GLUT1 expression and translocating GLUT1 to the cell membrane, which predicts poor prognosis
Authors: Cai Lijie , Han Jinrui , Wu Junqing , Ge Xinyu , Yao Jie
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is a lethal cancer, and metabolic reprogramming in PAAD is a clinical concern. The RAS oncogene family member RAB10 is highly expressed in many tumor tissues, but its role in PAAD remains unclear. Here, we explore correlations between RAB10 expression and PAAD prognosis. We investigate whether RAB10 regulates glucose uptake in PAAD cells through modulating the expression and location of the glucose transporter (GLUT1).Methods: Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of RAB10 in pancreaticoduodenectomy specimens. The function of PAAD cells expressing different levels of RAB10 was assessed by CCK-8 proliferation, wound healing, and transwell migration assays. Glucose uptake assays and lactate production assays were used to explore the effects of RAB10 on PAAD cell metabolism. In addition, we used qRT-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence to analyze interactions between RAB10 and GLUT members.Results: RAB10 was highly expressed in PAAD tissues and cell lines, and was significantly correlated with T classification and pathological differentiation. High RAB10 expression was found to be an independent prognostic factor of poor disease outcomes in PAAD. RAB10 knockdown inhibited proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of PAAD cells, and downregulated glucose uptake and lactate production. Down-regulation of RAB10 inhibited GLUT1 translocating to the cell membrane and downregulated GLUT1 expression, which in turn decreased glucose uptake in tumor cells.Conclusion: These results demonstrate that overexpression of RAB10 is associated with worse PAAD survival outcomes. Downregulation of RAB10 may decrease glucose uptake in tumor cells by inhibiting GLUT1 membrane localization and downregulating GLUT1 expression.
Structure of C. elegans TMC-1 complex illuminates auditory mechanosensory transduction
Authors: Gouaux Eric , Clark Sarah , Jeong Hanbin , Goehring April , Dehghani-Ghahnaviyeh Sepehr , Rasouli Ali , Tajkhorshid Emad
Published: May 2022

The initial step in the sensory transduction pathway underpinning hearing and balance in mammals involves the conversion of force into the gating of a mechanosensory transduction (MT) channel. Despite the profound socioeconomic impacts of hearing disorders and the fundamental biological significance of understanding MT, the composition, structure and mechanism of the MT complex has remained elusive. Here we report the single particle cryo-EM structure of the native MT TMC-1 complex isolated from C. elegans. The 2-fold symmetric complex is composed of 2 copies each of the pore-forming TMC-1 subunit, the calcium-binding protein CALM-1 and the transmembrane inner ear protein TMIE. CALM-1 makes extensive contacts with the cytoplasmic face of the TMC-1 subunits while the single-pass TMIE subunits reside on the periphery of the complex, poised like the handles of an accordion. A subset of particles in addition harbors a single arrestin-like protein, ARRD-6, bound to a CALM-1 domain. Single-particle reconstructions and molecular dynamics simulations show how the MT complex deforms the membrane bilayer and suggest crucial roles for lipid-protein interactions in the mechanism by which mechanical force is transduced to ion channel gating.
Efforts to control tobacco use in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK): an analysis of online media contents from the DPRK
Authors: Lee Heeje , Kang Minah , Yoon Sangchul , Park Kee B.
Published: May 2022

Background: Tobacco use is one of the main public health concerns as it causes multiple diseases. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) is one of the 182 Parties to the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention of Tobacco Control (FCTC). However, information is lacking regarding the tobacco use in the DPRK and the government’s efforts for tobacco control. The aim of the study was to analyze the DPRK online media content in Korean to assess the DPRK government’s efforts to control the tobacco use among its population, using MPOWER as a measuring tool.Methods: Through the online search using the Korean keywords that corresponded to “tobacco”, “smoking cigarette”, and “smoking cessation” in English, a total of 47 online materials were found for the content analysis. Two examiners reviewed online materials to find the evidence of policy implementations to control tobacco use in the DPRK according to the MPOWER measures. The frequency of media coverage for each MPOWER measure was calculated.Results: The appearance rate of each MPOWER measure on the online media was as follows: M 8.5%, P 44.7%, O 76.6%, W-package 12.8%, W-mass media 78.7%, E 4.3%, and R 0%.Conclusions: The online media contents showed the DPRK government’s stewardship to promote population health by controlling tobacco use.
F. F. MERING (1822–1887) – PROFESSOR OF STATE MEDICAL SCIENCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. VLADIMIR
Authors: Vasyliev Yuriy K.
Published: May 2022

Introduction. Fedir Fedorovych (Georg-Friedrich Friedrichovych) Mering was one of the leading specialists in internal medicine in the Russian Empire in the second half of the 19th century. However, his scientific career started not at the Therapeutic Department, but at the Department of State Medical Science. Our analysis of the literature showed that not all stages of F. F. Mering's life were equally well explored. The objective of this article, first of all, was to focus on the coverage of this period in the biography of a prominent Kyivan professor-therapist of the second half of the 19th century. To do this, we will use new historical sources: published and archival ones (such as the curriculum vitae of F. F. Mering).
Results. From September 1/13, 1853, F. F. Mering as an adjunct headed the Department of State Medical Science at the University of St. Vladimir, and from November 4/16, 1854 till December 13/25, 1857, he worked as an extraordinary professor at this department. At the Department of State Medical Science, F. F. Mering lectured on the following subjects: 1) forensic medicine; 2) medical police; 3) hygiene; and 4) the doctrine of epizootic diseases. At the same time, Prof. Mering started lecturing on the history of medicine (since 1854). In addition, from May 31/June 12, 1855, he was in charge of the therapeutic hospital clinic at the Kyiv Military Hospital; in connection with this, on January 29/February 10, 1856, he was appointed junior intern at this hospital. In connection with the relocation of Prof. Mering to the Department of Special Pathology and Therapy in 1857, F. F. Erhardt took the place of an adjunct, and since 1859, the latter was the last extraordinary professor at the department. During these years and until the end of the 1860–61 academic year, Prof. Mering continued lecturing on medical police and hygiene, and F. F. Erhardt gave lectures on forensic medicine.
THERMOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF FUNCTIONAL COLD TEST IN SCHOOLCHILDREN WITH ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION
Authors: Nechytailo Dmytro Yu. , Nechytailo Yuriy M. , Miheeva Tetiana M.
Published: May 2022

Introduction. Hypertension is in the focus of pediatricians worldwide, as it is one of the most common diseases in modern pediatric cardiology.
Methods. 61 school-age children were examined. They were divided into three groups: the 1st group included children with hypertension, the 2nd group – children with prehypertension, and the control group consisted of children with normal blood pressure.
Infrared thermography in children was performed on the back surface of the hands, remotely, using a certified thermal imager with professional software. Thermographic evaluation of the hands after the cold test was performed immediately after the end of the test, after 1 and 2 minutes, and the final degree of recovery of heat radiation was determined after 15 minutes.
The study found that in children with hypertension, the decrease in temperature after a cold test was probably higher than in children from the control group. Children with prehypertension also had a slightly greater decrease in temperature compared with children in the control group.
The obtained significant difference between the indicators of children with hypertension and children from the control group may be due to worse compensatory mechanisms of the microcirculatory tract, lower capillary density, the presence of local spasm of venules and arterioles in them. In addition, children with hypertension have increased vascular resistance, which also affects the level of fall and recovery of local temperature, because thermal emission is a direct reflection of microcirculation in the fingers of the child.
Conclusion. Children with hypertension are likely to have a greater decrease in the maximum temperature of thermal emission on the fingers and a slower recovery of heat radiation after a cold test, in contrast to children in the control group, due to microcirculation disorders.
CHANGES IN VENTILATION FUNCTION AND RESERVES OF GAS EXCHANGE IN CHILDREN WITH ACUTE BRONCHITIS
Authors: Mabrouk Ben Otmen , Nechytailo Yuriy M. , Mikheeva Tetiana M. , Nechytailo Dmytro Yu.
Published: May 2022

Among the diseases of the lower part of respiratory system in children, acute bronchitis dominates, often with obstructive syndrome and ventilation disorders. To assess the severity of the obstructive syndrome spirometry is used, which is the "gold standard" for this purpose. It combines two groups of tests: spirography – graphical recording of changes in lung volumes during respiratory movements and pneumotachography – graphical recording of the air flow velocity during tidal and forced breathing. Among modern methods, non-invasive determination of blood oxygen saturation with pulse oximetry is becoming increasingly popular. The combined use of spirometry and pulse oximetry makes it possible to determine accurately the state and reserves of the cardiorespiratory system in a wide range of pathological changes.
Objective. To learn the features of ventilation function and gas exchange in children with acute bronchitis.
Materials and methods. The paper analyzes the results of a survey of 59 children with acute bronchitis. Patients underwent a clinical examination, spirometry, pulse oximetry; breath-hold tests were performed. The results of spirometry and pulse oximetry were compared with the data of clinically healthy children (23 children).
Results. In children, the severity of bronchitis was moderate according to the BSS-7.79 ± 0.19 points, 30 patients had symptoms of obstructive syndrome. Spirometry recorded a decrease in forced respiratory volumes, peak forced expiratory flow and inspiratory flow. Pulse oximetry showed a relatively lower level of oxygen saturation in patients, which worsened during breath-hold tests. The obtained results indicate impaired ventilation and gas exchange in children with bronchitis, even with a mild course of the disease, especially in the presence of obstructive phenomena. Compensatory mechanisms for maintaining blood saturation based mainly on an increase in systemic blood flow due to an increase in heart rate.
Conclusions. In acute bronchitis in children, ventilation and gas exchange rates decrease, even in those patients with a mild course. Compensatory mechanisms for maintaining blood saturation are based mainly on increased systemic blood flow due to increased heart rate.
STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MANIFESTATIONS OF AUTONOMIC DYSFUNCTION AND HYPERTENSION SEVERITY
Authors: Ataman Yuriy O. , Pryimenko Lina V.
Published: May 2022

Introduction. Hypertension is one of the most common diseases of the cardiovascular system, which is observed in the majority of the working population of Ukraine and around the world. Autonomic dysfunction syndrome is one of the first manifestations and precursors of hypertension.
Materials and Methods. The study included 81 patients with hypertension and autonomic dysfunction. Patients were divided into 3 groups depending on blood pressure. To assess the pathology data, blood pressure was measured according to the 2018 recommendation and patients were surveyed according to a standard questionnaire to identify autonomic disorders by Vein.
Results. When assessing the prevalence of symptoms of autonomic dysfunction in the study groups, there was a weak dependence of their occurrence with the severity of hypertension, even in patients with mild hypertension there was a significant frequency of symptoms, which cannot but adversely affect patients' quality of life. Assessing the severity of symptoms of autonomic dysfunction, the prevalence of symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, periodic discoloration of the extremities and paroxysmal headaches in the first group (the most favorable course of high blood pressure). For the second group, the most severe were symptoms such as intermittent numbness of the fingers and shortness of breath. The rank correlation between the degree of hypertension and the severity of autonomic dysfunction was 0.103 (p = 0.302), which indicates a positive correlation between these parameters, but the relationship was weak and did not acquire statistical significance.
Conclusion. In patients with a combination of hypertension and autonomic dysfunction, the symptoms of the latter are common at any severity of hypertension. The relationship between the severity of hypertension and autonomic dysfunction could not be established, among hemodynamic indicators, pulse blood pressure was most correlated with the index of autonomic dysfunction.
An assessment of the governance efficiency of agricultural farms
Authors: Bachev Hrabrin
Published: May 2022

Despite the fundamental progression of the theory of economic organizations, Farm continues to be studied as a "production function" and its efficiency is assessed with "factors productivity". The report incorporates the New Institutional Economics and adequately defines and assesses the economic efficiency of Bulgarian farms. If inputs supply and marketing transactions of a farm are governed effectively (equal or fewer costs compared to another farm/organization), it is considered to be efficient, and vice versa. First in kind quantitative evaluation of governance efficiency of Bulgarian farms is made on the basis of assessments of managers of typical farms. "Nature of the problems in effective organization for major type farm transactions for securing needed factors of production and output realization" is used as an indicator for the comparative transaction costs. The study has found that the governance efficiency of farms is at a Good level but 60 % of all farms are with a Low efficiency and will likely cease to exist in near future. Major factors for inferior governance efficiency of farms are unsatisfactory efficiency in Supply of Necessary Labour, Innovations and Know-how, and Funding. There is a huge variation in governance efficiency of farms with different specializations as holdings in Field crops, Vegetables, Flowers and Mushrooms, and Mix livestock demonstrate the lowest levels. There is a big discrepancy between the new assessment and the dominating traditional approach to farm efficiency. The suggested framework has to be improved and widely applied in economic analysis at various levels, which require the collection of a novel type of micro-data on farms governance and transaction costs
Aportaciones al Catálogo Florístico de Navarra, II
Authors: Lorda López Mikel
Published: May 2022

Se aportan localidades para 25 plantas vasculares que completan el panorama florístico de Navarra (N de España). Algunas de las plantas citadas son novedad florística para el territorio; en otros casos amplían el área de distribución conocida, o bien certifican su presencia dudosa hasta la fecha. En su mayoría son plantas raras o escasas y algunas forman parte de la flora protegida de Navarra. Destacan: Arctium lappa, Biscutella auriculata, Centaurea bofilliana, Chrozophora tinctoria, Erodium manescavii, Gagea pratensis, Hypericum caprifolium, Orchis papilonacea y Tozzia alpina.
Mechanical Properties of Concrete Using Oyster Shells as Coarse Aggregate
Authors: Kanaka P.
Published: May 2022

Abstract. In order to investigate the recycling possibilities of coarse oyster shell aggregate, the chemical compound of oyster shell and reactivity of oyster shell with cement paste was examined. Specifically, the mechanical characteristics of fresh concrete and hardened concrete were quantified in terms of oyster shell substitution rates. Test results indicate that there is no interaction between oyster shell and cement paste and that concrete's workability decreases as the substitution rate for oyster shell increases. The decrease was about 20% at a substitution rate of 30%.
Behaviour of Polypropylene and Steel Fibre Reinforced High Strength Concrete Exterior Beam Column Joint
Authors: Andal L.
Published: May 2022

Abstract. The present work aims at studying the performance of polypropylene and steel fibre reinforced high strength concrete in exterior joint of beam-column. Individually and in combination, steel fibre with 0.25 %, 0.50 %, 0.75 %, and 1 % by volume of concrete and polypropylene fibre with 0.16 % and 0.32 % by volume of cement were induced into the concrete. The characteristics investigated are energy absorption capacity, displacement ductility and shear carrying capacity. From the obtained test results, it is concluded that 0.16% polypropylene fibre with 0.75% steel fibre in hybrid fibre composites show desired strength in all aspects of investigation.
Performance Evaluation of RCC Beam Column Joint with Aramid Fibre
Authors: Jayanthi V.
Published: May 2022

Abstract-In reinforced concrete structure beam, the beam column joints are more crucial zones which are most susceptible to failure during earthquake excitation. It is very important to design the joint to dissipate the large amount of energy to the neighbouring elements without loss of strength and ductility. Several retrofitting methods are employed to strengthen the beam column joint. The effective method one among is Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites. In this paper, the deflection of beam column joint wrapped with aramid fibre has been calculated and it is compared with Ansys software solution. From the results, the deflection of the joint is decreased when aramid fibre is used.
Experimental Analysis of Glass Fibre in Concrete
Authors: Gnanasundar V.M.
Published: May 2022

Abstract. Compared compared to concrete in a construction, the essential portion of the structure has higher weight, however steel utilised as reinforcement has no weight. To address this problem, the Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) material was developed. Polymers and glass fibre are impregnated in the cementation framework of GFRC, which is a material. Glass fibre, Fly ash, silica sand, Portland cement and water are all components of concrete. The glass content, mix procedure, and casting process all have an impact on the qualities of GFRC concrete. We present the fibre glass as well as other characteristic synthetic chemicals in GFRC to develop a material that is extremely solid and adaptableto construction.By this research, using 0.5 percent and 0.1 percent glass fibres increases compressive and flexural strength of concrete for 7,14 and 28 days with no admixtures.
Experimental Study on Practice of Cement Treated Subbase (CTSB) Layer in Flexible Pavement of National Highways in India
Authors: Loganayagan S.
Published: May 2022

Abstract. Due to the large number of infrastructure projects taking place in rural and urban areas there has been a shortage of building materials. The road industry is looking at ways to improve low-quality materials that are easily accessible for use in road construction. Cement / lime treatment has become an acceptable way to increase soil strength and consistency with moderate proportions, to reduce the number of compounds. The Indian roads congress (IRC) has developed a special edition for the mixed construction of the base / ground floor. There is no design guide currently available for the under the cement base. To overcome this problem, the aim of the current project is to create a chart of the paved area using concrete and limestone on rural and urban roads with small and medium vehicles. It not only saves money but also helps to increase the life cycle of roads. At the base of the road, there are different soils or granite materials available for construction, but they may indicate insufficient structures and lead to significant road stress and reduced life. However, the addition of a stabilizing agent such as cement, asphalt, lime or other non-traditional materials can improve soil properties. Among these various stable materials, cemented materials improve strength and high strength, and demonstrate the excellent performance of the paved system and high durability. Solid foundations can provide inexpensive solutions to many common designs and building conditions. Cement Treated Sub Base (CTSB) is a common method used on road foundations to improve its engineering properties due to the durability of cement where moisture is present and extends the healing time. The bonded base material provides additional strength and support without increasing the overall thickness of the mortar layers. Depending on the needs of the project, CTB increases construction speed, improves the capacity of the pavement structure, or in some cases reduces the full-time project. In addition, a strong foundation reduces deviation due to heavy traffic loads, thereby extending the life of the pavement. CTB base thickness is reduced due to higher carrying capacity compared to granular base thickness.
Explaining Decentralization Performance in Indonesia: Member of Parliament Decision, Political Networks, and Constitution Amendment
Authors: Baidhowah Adfin
Published: May 2022

Decentralization has several positive impacts on Indonesian local government performance. To date, many studies have unpacked the positive implications of Indonesian decentralization. Yet, few have shown a structural argument of the decentralization reform trajectory in Indonesia constitutional reform 1998-2002. This study investigates the dynamic processes of parliament voting within the constitution amendment on the decentralization article as a source of the existing Indonesian decentralization performance. Analyzing research questions will conduct; to what extent do political networks shape the content of the decentralization article in the constitution amendment in 1999-2000; how much pressures out of parliament session affect the political networks within Indonesian constitution amendment the decentralization article. This study applies a theory that social networks and personal relations sourced from party alignment can explain the outcome variations of decisions at the political arenas. The quantitative method is used to construct independent variables of political networks in testing to what extent informal political networks influence the voting of members of parliament within 32 meetings in 1999 and 2000. In presenting statistical, empirical findings, this study points out that the constitutional amendment, which ‘produces’ new decentralization article, is a direct result of bargaining between members of parliament, which builds informal political networks. So, this provision creates an improved performance of Indonesian decentralization today. Due to the statistical, empirical findings talking to wider themes of parliament and decentralization, this study suggests paying more attention to the indicators of political networks on and off parliament’s formal meetings within the constitution amendment.