bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pneumococcal Burden in Hospitalized Adults in Bogotá, Colombia.
Authors: Narvaez Paula , Gomez-Duque Salome , Alarcon Juan , Ramirez-Valbuena Paula , Serrano-Mayorga Cristian , Lozada-Arcinegas Julian , Bastidas Alirio , Gomez Sandra , Vargas Hernan , Feldman Charles , Reyes Luis
Published: January 2021

Background: The incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) varies depending on a number of factors, including vaccine uptake, in both children and adults, the geographic location, and local serotype prevalence. There are limited data about the burden of Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn), serotype distribution, and clinical characteristics of adults hospitalized due to IPD in Colombia. Thus, this study will attempt to bridge this gap in the literature. Methods: This was an observational, retrospective, a citywide study conducted between 2012 and 2019 in Bogotá, Colombia. We analyzed reported positive cases of IPD from 55 hospitals in a governmental pneumococcal surveillance program. Pneumococcal strains were isolated in each hospital and typified in a centralized laboratory. The objectives of this study included assessment of Spn serotype distribution, clinical characteristics, mortality, ICU admission, and the need for mechanical ventilation. Results: A total of 310 patients with IPD were included, of whom 45.5% were female. The leading cause of IPD was pneumonia (60%, 186/310), followed by meningitis. The most frequent serotypes isolated were 19A (13.87%, 43/310) and 3 (11.94%, 37/310). The overall hospital mortality rate was 30.3% (94/310). Moreover, 52.6% (163/310 patients) were admitted to the ICU, 45.5% (141/310) required invasive mechanical ventilation and 5.1% (16/310) non-invasive mechanical ventilation. Conclusion: Pneumococcal pneumonia is the most prevalent cause of IPD, with serotypes 19A and 3 being the leading cause of IPD in Colombian adults. Mortality due to IPD in adults continues to be very high.
Predicting the Use Labor Induction Intervention: A Machine Learning Approach for the Birth-Cohort Registry at A Tertiary Hospital in North Tanzania.
Authors: Tarimo Clifford , Bhuyan Soumitra , Li Quanman , Mahande Michael , Wu Jian
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Following an increased use of labor induction procedure to prevent adverse maternal and fetal outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa, hitting the best algorithm that accurately classify subjects in need of the intervention is of paramount importance. This study aimed at comparing the potential benefits of applying machine learning (ML) algorithms over the conventional logistic regression model in predicting the use of labor induction intervention in pregnant women attending one of the tertiary hospitals in north Tanzania for delivery. Methods: We conducted a secondary data analysis of the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) birth registry database for women with uncomplicated pregnancies from the year 2000 to 2015. We excluded observations with non-vertex presentation and those with missing information on labor induction status. Model accuracy and Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC - ROC) were used to assess the discriminative ability of the selected models. We plotted the decision curve analysis (DCA) to assess the clinical utility of the models under observation. Results: A total of 21,578 deliveries were analyzed. Among these, 8814 (41%) were induced during the study period. Among the selected machine learning models, Random forest algorithm exhibited the best performance in terms of accuracy [0.75; 95%CI (0.73 – 0.76)] and AUC-ROC [AUC-ROC: 0.75; 95% CI (0.74 – 0.76)] compared to other models including logistic regression. Among assessed maternal attributes, parity, maternal age, body mass index, gestational age and birthweight were deemed most important predictors for labor induction intervention. Conclusion: The selected machine learning methods offered better computational performance compared to the conventional logistic regression model in predicting the use of labor induction intervention. The current study lends substantial support to the use of machine learning models in predicting the use of labor induction intervention.
Integrated Eco-sustainable System for Alluvial Gold Leaching-Recovery
Authors: Aguinaga Ulises Quiroz , Baena-Moncada Angélica María , Rosa-Toro Adolfo La
Published: January 2021

An Integrated system for alluvial gold leaching-recovery was design to leach gold from alluvial ore as alternative to mercury and cyanide leaching. NaClO is obtained by NaCl 1 % in-situ electrolysis at pH 2 and used as leachate solution. Gold leaching optimization is achieved using a rotary drum reactor fed with the leaching solution, the process takes 6 hours and 95 % of gold recovery is obtained, the remnant gold from the alluvial ore is treated in an stationary reactor with NaClO 200 ppm at pH 2; reaching 99.6 % recovery of the total alluvial gold. This leaching-recovery alluvial system has the potential to replaced mercury and cyanide leaching process.
Worse Prognosis for IDH Wild-Type Diffuse Gliomas With Larger Residual Biological Tumor Burden
Authors: Tatekawa Hiroyuki , Uetani Hiroyuki , Hagiwara Akifumi , Bahri Shadfar , Raymond Catalina , Lai Albert , Cloughesy Timothy , Nghiemphu Phioanh , Liau Linda , Pope Whitney , Salamon Noriko , Ellingson Benjamin
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to assess the association between biological tumor burden in pre- and post-operative status and overall survival (OS) in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) wild-type gliomas, and to evaluate which volume was the best predictor of OS. Thirty-four patients with treatment-naïve IDH wild-type gliomas (grade II, 6; III, 15; IV, 13) were retrospectively included. Three pre-operative tumor regions of interest (ROIs) were segmented based on the contrast-enhanced (CE), fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) hyperintense, and 3,4-dihydroxy-6-[18F]-fluoro-L-phenylalanine (FDOPA) hypermetabolic regions. Resected ROIs were segmented from the post-operative images. Residual CE, FLAIR hyperintense, and FDOPA hypermetabolic ROIs were created by subtracting resected ROIs from pre-operative ROIs. Cox regression was conducted to investigate the association of OS with the volume of each ROI. Residual CE volume had a significant association with OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.26, P = 0.039), but this effect disappeared when controlling for tumor grade. Residual FDOPA hypermetabolic volume was significantly associated with OS (HR = 1.18, P = 0.008), even when controlling for tumor grade. FLAIR hyperintense volume showed no significant association with OS. Residual FDOPA hypermetabolic burden predicted OS for IDH wild-type gliomas, regardless of tumor grade. Furthermore, removing hypermetabolic and CE regions may improve the prognosis.
Clinical Performance of The sFlt-1/PlGF Test For The Prediction of Preeclampsia Among Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Pregnant Women in Estonia: A Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Hanson Ele , Rull Kristiina , Ratnik Kaspar , Vaas Pille , Teesalu Pille , Laan Maris
Published: January 2021

Background: Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy complication manifesting as new-onset hypertension and other maternal organ dysfunction after 20th gestational weeks. The study aimed to evaluate the applicability and limitations of the maternal serum soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1/placental growth factor (sFlt-1/PlGF) test in a clinical setting for the prediction of PE among symptomatic and asymptomatic pregnant women. There is limited knowledge on the performance of this test in asymptomatic women and thus, its value for screening purposes to predict PE is not confidently settled.Methods: The study group comprised of 215 patients developing either PE (n=29) or gestational hypertension/proteinuria (n=22) or representing controls (n=164). Patients had been sampled within 180-291 gestational days in the presence (symptomatic, n=31) or absence (asymptomatic, n=216) of PE-alerting symptoms. Serum samples collected during prospective cohort study ’Happy Pregnancy’ at the Women’s Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, Estonia, and they were analyzed using the BRAHMS sFlt‑1 Kryptor/BRAHMS PlGF plus Kryptor PE ratio test (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Henningdorf, Germany). The results were interpreted using recommendations by Stepan et al 2015 Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. Results: The assignment of ’Rule-out PE’ (sFlt-1/PlGF ratio <38) had a negative predictive value >99% for four weeks for both asymptomatic and symptomatic women. Among 29 sera assigned to the ‘Rule-in PE’(sFlt-1/PlGF >85/110), only 18 pregnancies (62.1%) eventually developed PE. For four weeks period, the overall PE detection rate was 83% for asymptomatic and 50% for symptomatic pregnancies. Pregnancies receiving false predictions of PE risk based on sFlt-1/PlGF ratio represented either cases with an isolated small-for-gestational age fetus or blood sampling after 34 gestational weeks.Conclusions: The first study in Estonian patients confirmed high reliability of the proposed cut-off value sFlt-1/PlGF <38 as a “Rule-out PE” cut-off value for two weeks in both symptomatic and asymptomatic pregnancies. The test’s limitation in our clinical setting appeared to be high false positive rate in pregnancies with other placental pathologies than PE or due to physiological increase in sFlt-1/PlGF in late gestation. For correct prediction of PE, more specific recommendations are urgently needed for the application and interpretation of the test in routine clinical practice.
Flexible, high mobility short-channel organic thin film transistors and logic circuits based on 4H-21DNTT
Authors: Bilgaiyan Anubha , Cho Seung-Il , Abiko Miho , Watanabe Kaori , Mizukami Makoto
Published: January 2021

The low mobility and large contact resistance in organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) are the two major limiting factors in the development of high-performance organic logic circuits. Here, solution-processed high-performance OTFTs and circuits are reported with a polymeric gate dielectric and 6,6 bis (trans-4-butylcyclohexyl)-dinaphtho[2,1-b:2,1-f ]thieno[3,2-b]thiophene (4H-21DNTT) for the organic semiconducting layer. By optimizing and controlling the fabrication conditions, a record high saturation mobility of 8.8 cm2V− 1s− 1 was demonstrated as well as large on/off ratios (> 106) for relatively short channel lengths of 15 µm and an average carrier mobility of 10.5 cm2V-1s-1 for long channel length OTFTs (> 50 µm). The pseudo-CMOS inverter circuit with a channel length of 15 µm exhibited sharp switching characteristics with a high signal gain of 31.5 at a supply voltage of 20 V. In addition to the inverter circuit, NAND logic circuits were further investigated, which also exhibited remarkable logic characteristics, with a high gain, an operating frequency of 5 kHz, and a short propagation delay of 22.1 µs. The uniform and reproducible performance of 4H-21DNTT OTFTs show potential for large-area, low-cost real-world applications on industry-compatible bottom-contact substrates.
Simulation study of BPPV fatigability
Authors: Yang Xiao-kai
Published: January 2021

To analyze the mechanism and clinical significance of BPPV fatigability and discuss how to eliminate BPPV fatigability. A physical simulation model of BPPV was developed to analyze the effects of the Dix-Hallpike test and different angles of bowing maneuver on otolith positions. Dix-Hallpike test can keep the otoliths in the lower arm of the posterior semicircular canal away from the ampulla. The otoliths located in the lower arm of the posterior semicircular canal, slide closed to the ampulla while tilting the head forward more than 30 degrees; slide to the bottom of the crista ampullaris while tilting the head forward more than 60 degrees. The otoliths located in the short arm of the posterior semicircular canal leave the short arm and enter the utricle while tilting the head forward more than 120 degrees. It is recommended that tilting the head forward at least 60° so that the nystagmus induced by repeated Dix-Hallpike tests is consistent with long latency and fatigability is eliminated,which will be an important basis for the diagnosis of BPPV.
Persistent Fifth Aortic Arch Associated With Aortic Coarctation: A Case of Surgical Correction Without Artificial Material
Authors: Kim Chang Hun , Kim Hyungtae , Choi Kwang Ho , Sung Si Chan , Ko Hoon , Choo Ki Seok
Published: January 2021

Background: Persistent fifth aortic arch (PFAA) is a rare anomaly often associated with aortic coarctation or interruption, and various surgical techniques for this anomaly have been reported. Herein, we show a case of an infant with PFAA and severe aortic coarctation. Case presentation: A 41-day-old female infant was admitted for sustained fever. Initially, the patient was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, and echocardiography showed PFAA with severe aortic coarctation. Because the patient presented progressive oliguria and metabolic acidosis, she was transferred for emergency cardiac surgical intervention. The aortic arch was reconstructed using end-to-side anastomosis between the fifth aortic arch and the descending aorta without any artificial conduit or patching material. Conclusions: PFAA with aortic coarctation can be repaired by various surgical methods. Among them, our surgical approach is easy and effective, has growth potential, and an additional surgery is not needed.
Genome-Wide Identification Analysis of The Auxin Response Factor Gene Family (ARF) in Zizania Latifolia and its Role in Swelling Stem Formation After Ustilago Esculenta Infection
Authors: Li Jie , Hou Jinfeng , Lu Zhiyuan , Yang Yang , Wang Hao , Wu Ying , Yuan Lingyun , Chen Guohu , Wang Chenggang , Gan Defang , Zhu Shidong
Published: January 2021

Background: Auxin signalling plays a crucial role in plant growth and development. Although the auxin response factor (ARF) gene family has been studied in some plant species, its structural features, molecular evolution, and expression profile in Zizania latifolia (Z. latifolia) are still not clear.Results: Our study identified 33 putative YSL genes from the whole Z. latifolia genome. Furthermore, a comprehensive overview of the ZlARFs was undertaken, including phylogenetic relationship, gene structures, conserved domains, synteny, Ka/Ks, motifs, and subcellular locations of the gene product. Synteny analyses and the calculation of Ka/Ks values suggested that all 57 orthologous/paralogous gene pairs between Z. latifolia and Z. latifolia, Z. latifolia and Oryza sativa have experienced strong purifying selection. The phylogenetic analysis of ARFs indicated that the ZlARFs can be divided into 6 classes and that most ZlARFs from Z. latifolia have closer relationships with Oryza sativa than with Arabidopsis. RNA-Seq data and qRT-PCR analyses showed that ZlARF genes were expressed in TDF treatment and U. esculenta infection, while some ZlARFs exhibited high expression levels only in U. esculenta infection. Meanwhile, the interaction networks and gene ontology (GO) term of the ZlARF genes were constructed and 23 ZlARF co-expressed genes were identified, most of which were down-regulated involve auxin-activated signalling pathway in after swelling stem formation. Transcriptome analysis results verified the relevant functions of ARF genes, and most ZlARF genes regulated physiological processes in response to differential cell expansion. Conclusion: Comprehensive bioinformation analysis of the auxin response factor gene family (ARF) in Z. latifolia and its association with swelling stem formation after U. esculenta infection. The bioinformatic and RNA-Seq analyses provided valuable information for further study on the regulation of the growth and development of swelling stem formation by ZlARFs in Z. latifolia.
Preparation and Evaluation on Paracetamol Tablets Using Goatskin Gelatin as a New Binder
Authors: Zilhadia Zilhadia , Amaliya Shoffiya , Anggraeni Yuni , Anggia Vivi , Harahap Yahdiana
Published: January 2021

Halal gelatin extracted from goatskin could be used as a new excipient in pharmaceutical dosage forms. This study was to determine the potency of gelatin extracted from goatskin as a binder on paracetamol tablets using wet granulation process with 2, 3 and 4% concentration ranges. As a comparison, tablets were formulated using bovine gelatin at the same concentration level. The results showed that weight variation, thickness uniformity and hardness value have met the requirements. Here, the paracetamol tablets using goatskin gelatin as a binder had better friability value, faster disintegration time and easier dissolution than the comparison (p < 0.05). Comparative test result showed increasing the concentration of gelatine caused the hardness value to go up, the disintegration time to take longer, and the tablet friability value to decrease (p < 0.05). The best tablets were produced with the 3% concentration of goatskin gelatine with the following evaluation results: the hardness value of 15.07 ± 0.67 Kp, the disintegration time of 3.71 ± 1.00 minutes and the friability value of 0.62% ± 0.89 respectively. The concentration of paracetamol in the 30th-minute dissolution test was equal to 99.78 ± 0.94%. The goatskin gelatin was very promising as a good binder using the wet granulation process.
Intestinal Parasites of Buffalo Calves from Romania: Molecular Characterization of Cryptoporidium spp. and Giardia Duodenalis, and the first Report of Eimeria Bareillyi
Authors: Bărburaș Diana Ancuța , Cozma Vasile , Ionică Angela Monica , Abbas Ibrahim , Bărburaș Remus , Mircean Viorica , D’Amico Gianluca , Dubey Jitender P , Gyorke Adriana
Published: January 2021

Buffaloes represent an important economic resource for several regions of the world including Romania; however, no reports on parasitic infections in buffaloes from Romania are available. In the present study, we examined for the gastrointestinal parasites 104 fecal samples bimonthly collected from 38 buffalo calves (2–11 weeks old) from household rearing systems in Romania. All samples were tested using the saturated salt flotation, McMaster and modified Ziehl-Nielsen staining methods. PCR coupled with isolates sequencing methods were used to identify the Giardia duodenalis assemblages and Cryptosporidium species. Overall, 33 out of 38 examined buffalo calves were infected with different gastrointestinal parasites; 16 had single infections and 17 had mixed infections with 2 or 3 parasites. Eimeria species (32/38; 84.2%) was the most prevalent parasite; 8 species were identified according to the oocyst morphology including the pathogenic E. bareillyi which detected for the first time in buffaloes from Romania. Toxocara vitulorum (11/38; 36.8%) and Strongyloides papillosus (6/38; 15.8%) were also detected. Cryptosporidium spp. were found in 4 (10.5%) buffalo calves; 2 of them were molecularly identified as C. ryanae and another one was clustered in the same clade with C. ryanae, C. bovis, and C. xiaoi. Giardia duodenalis assemblage E was also molecularly detected in a single (2.6%) buffalo calf. The presence of other buffaloes in the same barn was identified as a risk factor for infection with T. vitulorum. Our results indicate extensive parasitic infections in buffalo calves from Northwestern Romania and underline the necessity of prophylactic treatments for T. vitulorum and E. bareillyi.
Chronoefficacy of the herbal medicines Puerariae radix and Coptidis rhizoma in mice: A potential role of REV-ERBα
Authors: Liu Jinming , Xu Haiman , Zhang Li , Wang Shuai , Lu Danyi , Chen Min , Wu Baojian
Published: January 2021

Background

Identifying drugs with circadian time-dependent efficacy (chronoefficacy) and understanding the underlying mechanisms would help to improve drug treatment outcome. Here, we aimed to determine chronoefficacy of the herbal medicines Puerariae radix (PR) and Coptidis rhizoma (CR), and investigate a potential role of REV-ERBα as a drug target in generating chronoefficacy.
Materials and methods

PR and CR efficacy were assessed based on the diseases hyperhomocysteinemia and chronic colitis, respectively. The efficacy of PR against hyperhomocysteinemia in mice was evaluated by measuring total homocysteine, triglyceride levels and lipid accumulation. The efficacy of CR against chronic colitis in mice was evaluated by measuring disease activity index, colon length, malondialdehyde/myeloperoxidase activities and IL-1β/IL-6 levels. The underlying mechanisms related to REV-ERBα target genes were analyzed by qPCR. Puerarin in PR and berberine in CR were analyzed by UPLC-QTOF/MS.
Results

PR dosed at ZT10 generated a better efficacy against hyperhomocysteinemia than drug dosed at ZT2. Furthermore, PR increased the expressions of REV-ERBα target genes Bhmt, Cbs and Cth (encoding three key enzymes responsible for homocysteine catabolism), thereby alleviating hyperhomocysteinemia in mice. Moreover, CR attenuated chronic colitis in mice in a circadian time-dependent manner. ZT10 dosing generated a better anti-colitis efficacy as compared to ZT2 dosing. This was accompanied by lower production of colonic inflammatory cytokines (i.e, Nlrp3, IL-1β, IL-6, Tnf-α and Ccl2, REV-ERBα target genes) in colitis mice at ZT10 dosing. The circadian patterns of PR and CR effects were respectively consistent with those of puerarin (a main active constituent of PR, a REV-ERBα antagonist) and berberine (a main active constituent of CR, a REV-ERBα agonist).
Conclusion

The therapeutic effects of PR and CR depend on dosing time in mice, which are probably attributed to circadian expression of REV-ERBα as the drug target. Our findings have implications for improving therapeutic outcomes of herbal medicines with a chronotherapeutics approach.
Overexpression of Hepatocyte growth factor in dental pulp stem cells ameliorates the severity of psoriasis by downregulating Th1 and Th17 cells and upregulating Treg cells
Authors: Meng Hongfang , Wei Fen , Zhou Ying , Ge Zhiqiang , Jin Jide , Wang Hua , Wu Chu-tse
Published: January 2021

Background

Psoriasis is a kind of autoimmune disease still lacking standard treatment. Recently, it was demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are capable of immunoregulation. The underlying mechanism might involve the secretion of soluble cytokines, such as hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) overexpressed DPSCs (HGF-DPSCs) on psoriatic mice and the underlying mechanisms.
Methods

DPSCs were isolated and transfected by adenovirus vector carrying human HGF cDNA (Ad-HGF). DPSCs and HGF-DPSCs were transplanted into the psoriatic mice model. On 7th day of post-transplantation, the mice were euthanized and sacrificed. The psoriatic skin lesions were analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemical staining for histopathological changes, and quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) was applied to detect the expression levels of T-bet, IFN-γ, GATA3, IL-4, RORγt, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-23, Foxp3 and IL-10. The concentrations of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-17A in the mice blood serum were measured by MILLIPLEX analysis. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were cocultured with DPSCs or HGF-DPSCs under appropriate stimulations. The proliferation index and quantity of T helper 1 (Th1) cells, T helper 2 (Th2) cells, interleukin 17 (IL-17)-secreting helper T (Th17) cells, and regulatory T (Treg) cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The concentrations of IFN-γ, IL-4, TGF-β1, and IL-6 in the coculture supernatants were quantitated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis.
Results

In psoriatic mice, HGF overexpression enhanced the amelioration of epidermal thickening, inflammation infiltration and keratinocyte differentiation by DPSCs treatment. In the psoriatic skin lesions, HGF overexpression enhanced the downregulation of T-bet, IFN-γ, RORγt, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-23, and upregulation of Foxp3 and IL-10 by DPSCs treatment. When cocultured with PBMCs, HGF overexpression significantly enhanced the downregulation of Th1 and Th17 cells and upregulation of Treg cells by DPSCs, but did not affect their suppression effect on lymphocyte proliferation.
Conclusion

HGF overexpression enhanced the treatment effect of DPSCs on psoriasis by downregulating Th1 and Th17 cells’ activity and upregulating Treg cells’ activity.
Relationship Between Disease Activity Level and Physical Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis Using a Triaxial Accelerometer and Self-reported Questionnaire
Authors: Toyoshima Yoichi , Yajima Nobuyuki , Nemoto Tetsuya , Namiki Osamu , Inagaki Katsunori
Published: January 2021

Objective: This study evaluated the relationship between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity level and physical activity (PA) by using an accelerometer and self-reported questionnaire.Results: The cross-sectional study included 34 patients with RA. We classified patients with a Disease Activity Score 28-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) of less than and higher than 3.2 into the low-disease-activity (LDA) group and moderate/high-disease-activity (MHDA) group, respectively. PA was assessed using a triaxial accelerometer. We measured the wear time, time of vigorous-intensity PA (VPA), moderate-intensity PA (MPA), light-intensity PA (LPA), and sedentary behavior per day by using this device. Moreover, we evaluated the relationship between accelerometer-measured and self-reported PAs in each group. The accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) was 17.2 min/day and 10.6 min/day in the MHDA group and LDA group (p < .05), respectively. No significant association was observed between RA disease activity level and accelerometer-measured PA with adjustment for age and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue score. No correlation was noted between accelerometer-measured MVPA and self-reported MVPA in the MHDA group, but these factors were correlated in the LDA group (rs = 0.5, p < .05). The RA disease activity level and accelerometer-measured PA were not correlated.
Public Knowledge and Practices Regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Cross-Sectional Survey from Pakistan
Authors: Saqlain Muhammad , Ahmed Ali , Nabi Ijaz , Gulzar Aqsa , Naz Sahar , munir Muhammad M , Ahmed Zaheer
Published: January 2021

Background:Effective mitigation of coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) pandemic required true adoption of precautionary measures by the masses, that primarily depends upon their knowledge and practices behaviors. The current study aimed to evaluate the knowledge; practices of Pakistani residents regarding COVID-19 and factors associated with good knowledge and positive practices. Methods:A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from 15-April 2020 to 20 May 2020 among 689 Pakistanis by using a validated self-administered questionnaire. Regression analysis was applied to find potential predictor of knowledge and practices. Results:Of 689 participants, around 48% had good knowledge; 80% had good practices regarding COVID-19 and majority seek knowledge from social media. Knowledge was significantly higher (OR>1.00, p<0.05) among educated and higher income participants. Positive practices were significantly (OR>1.00, p<0.05) related to the older age (≥50 years), higher education, higher income and good knowledge regarding COVID-19. Conclusion:The study concluded that Pakistani residents had average knowledge and practices towards COVID-19 yet there are gaps in specific aspects of knowledge, and practice that should be focused in future awareness and educational campaigns. The study recommends the ministry of health authorities to promote all precautionary and preventive measures of COVID-19-consisting of a better-organized approach- to all strata of society: less privileged people, older ones and less educated people, in order to have equilibrium of knowledge about COVID-19; hence effective implementation of precautionary measures.
Impact of Intravenous Dexmedetomidine on Postoperative Bowel Movement Recovery After Laparoscopic Nephrectomy: A Consort-Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: huang shanshan , Song Fuxi , Hu Shuai , Yang Shaozhong , Wang Shuqin , Zhao Lianying , Wu Qi , Liu Xin , Qi Feng
Published: January 2021

Background Postoperative ileus is a frequent complication after surgery, especially abdominal surgery. Of the factors, sympathetic excitation is the primary factor for postoperative ileus. Sympathetic activation is always increased by the stress of surgery and postoperative pain. It was reported that dexmedetomidine (DEX) lessens pain and inhibits the sympathetic nerve by acting on the locus coeruleus. Therefore we designed our study to observe whether DEX promotes bowel movements in patients after laparoscopic nephrectomy.MethodsOne hundred and twenty patients undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy were assigned into three groups, group C (normal saline infusion), group D1 (DEX 0.02 µg/kg/h), and group D2 (DEX 0.04 µg/kg/h). The primary outcome was to record the times of first flatus, defecation and eating after surgery. The secondary outcome was postoperative pain accessd by the numerical rating scale (NRS), concerning adverse effects, as well as the duration of the postoperative hospital stay.ResultsThe times of first flatus, defecation and eating in groups D1 and D2 were shorter than those in group C (P<0.01). The NRS scores at 8 h and 24 h after surgery were obviously lower in groups D1 and D2 than in group C (P<0.05). There were no concerning adverse effects (P>0.05).ConclusionDEX in 0.04 µg/kg/h postoperative infusion facilitates bowel movements in patients undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy.Trial registrationThis trial was registered in a Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) center on December 23, 2015. The registered number was ChiCTR-IPR-15007628.
Two novel biallelic mutations in PSMC3IP in a Chinese patient affected by primary ovarian insufficiency: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Mei Libin , Huang Lingling , Huang Yanru , Wu Xiaoling , He Huang , He XueMei , Su Zhiying , Li Ping
Published: January 2021

Background:Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a heterogeneous condition occurring when a woman experiences a loss of ovarian activity before the age of 40. It is one of the most common reproductive endocrine diseases in women of childbearing age. Here, we investigated the clinical manifestations and genetic features of a Chinese patient affected by POI.Methods: We applied next-generation whole-exome capture sequencing with Sanger direct sequencing to the proband and her clinically unaffected family members. Results: Two novel compound heterozygous mutations were identified in the PSMC3IP gene. The first is a splicing mutation (c.597+1G>T) that was inherited from her father, while the second mutation (c.268G>C p.D90H) was also discovered in her mother and younger sister. The two mutations were co-segregated with the disease phenotype in the family. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report of PSMC3IP mutations causing POI in the Chinese population. Our findings further support the key role of the PSMC3IP gene in the etiology of POI. However, additional studies are required to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms involved.
CONCEPT AND SPECIFICS OF REST TIME OF THE NATIONAL POLICE OF UKRAINE
Authors: Veklyuk O.V.
Published: January 2021

A scientific article devoted to one of the directions of the modern formation and development of the rule of law is related to the improvement of various branches of law and the relevant legislation in the fields of labor law.
One of the most important features in the use of rest time is the correct definition and use of its legal regulation in relation to the National Police of Ukraine. This will allow the National Police to fully fulfill the tasks set by society. The subject of the right to rest is everyone who works, and therefore everyone who has the right to work. The concept of rest time is not defined by the labor legislation of Ukraine. It is opposed to the concept of “working time”. All-time outside working hours is considered to be rest time. Having studied the scientist’s thoughts, we can point out that during the rest period one must understand the statutory, collective, and employment contract the period of time during which the employee is released from the performance of his / her job function and which he/she can use at his / her discretion for the purpose of restoration of working capacity, health promotion, birth and the upbringing of children, the satisfaction of their own needs and interests, as well as the comprehensive development of the individual. During the analysis of scientific literature, legal framework, international legal acts, the concept of rest time of the National Police of Ukraine employees was established and revealed. Based on the views of individual authors, the nature and content of the rest time of the National Police of Ukraine employees are revealed. The use of rest time, its legal regulation against the National Police of Ukraine employees is determined.
Keywords: vacation time, employee, National Police of Ukraine, service relations.
FEATURES OF LEGAL REGULATION OF COUNTERACTION TO BULLYING AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN UKRAINE
Authors: Starynskyi M.V. , Sokolenko O.P.
Published: January 2021

The article investigates legal regulation of counteraction to bullying and its implementation during inclusive education and draws attention to the problems in its implementation. The authors investigated such phenomenon as “bullying”, its manifestations in general and in the process of realization during inclusive education. The authors, based on case law analysis, have identified and analyzed the corpus of the offenses that may qualify as bullying. It has been proven that actions that are biased or biased against individual members of society by people with disabilities in the learning process should be qualified as bullying. At the same time, the legal corpus of these offenses should include: the object (health, will, honor, and dignity of the person); the objective side, which may be manifested in 1) acts or omissions regarding the energetic (physical) or informational (mental) influence on the victim (victim); 2) in the consequences of severe physical or moral suffering; 3) in the causal link between the said actions (inaction) and the consequences. The subject of bullying is a participant in the educational process, and the subjective side is characterized by direct intent (actions taken to inflict physical and moral suffering on a person, to discredit, humiliate the honor and dignity of a person, to compel actions contrary to his will, to receive some recognition). The authors of the article pay considerable attention to the characteristics of the current legislation of Ukraine, which regulates the issue of counteracting bullying. The authors also pay considerable attention to the study of foreign law and the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights, which reveals the peculiarities of the mechanisms of counteracting bullying in the field of education in foreign countries. Based on their analysis, recommendations are made to improve the legal regulation of bullying. in Ukraine, in particular in the implementation of inclusive education.
Keywords: education, bullying, inclusive education, legal regulation of bullying, people with special needs.
LEGAL STATUS OF A JUDGE AS A PUBLIC SERVANT
Authors: Slabunova Yu.V. , Shcherbak N.M.
Published: January 2021

The article deals with the characterization of the legal status of a judge of a court of general jurisdiction as a public servant. In the context of the active development and improvement of public administration in the world, the role of public service as a defining feature of the state for which the rights, freedoms, and legitimate interests of citizens is of the highest social value is increasing. Since the signing of the Association Agreement with the European Union by Ukraine, it has become necessary to introduce and establish in the national legislation such an institution as a public service. This became the lever that started the process of reforming the government system in the country and determined the correct vector for the development of public service in Ukraine. Legislative improvement of the judicial system and the status of judges of
courts of general jurisdiction in the context of public service reform in Ukraine is one of the prerequisites for the further development of our country as a rule of law and democracy. In particular, public service reform in Ukraine should be aimed at creating a fundamentally new system of judiciary. Unfortunately, as of today, the domestic legislation has not undergone significant changes and additions regarding the introduction of the Public Service Institute. Particular attention is paid to the concept of “public service”, which is the defining legal definition for the study. Based on the analysis of the opinions of scientists, scientists form a list of the main features of public service. The nature and content of the activity of judges of courts of general jurisdiction is determined by the totality of the relevant legal elements that are part of the structure of their legal status. These include the judge’s legal personality, his rights and obligations, functions, principles, legal liability, and safeguards. The list of features of activity of judges of courts of general jurisdiction as public servants is determined. It is concluded that the status of judges of the courts of general jurisdiction is to be legally enshrined as a fundamentally separate and distinct type of public service.
Keywords: public official, public service, judges of courts of general jurisdiction, judicial authorities, legal status.
THE CORRELATION OF THE CATEGORIES OF “QUALITY” AND “SAFETY” OF PRODUCTS
Authors: Malanchuk T.V. , Zaitsev E.A.
Published: January 2021

The article analyzes the complex state of the modern legislative regulation of quality and product safety issues in the context of ensuring consumers’ rights to the proper quality of goods (works, services). It is stated that in view of the variety of different properties that make up the notion of quality, the most important are the defects, which are capable of damaging the life, health, or property of the consumer, that is, the defects, which indicate that the goods are dangerous. The safety of goods works, and services as a legal category are of particular importance and is one of the functions of the state to ensure public safety. State measures of influence on manufacturers and sellers of goods, persons who perform work and provide services should be aimed at ensuring the protection of fundamental civil rights. In most cases, these are imperative requirements for safety, which are approved by special legal acts, as well as measures of state supervision and control to ensure the safety of manufactured goods, works, and services. The legislator, when defining security, uses the term “safety of goods (works, services)”, but it would be advisable to carry out graduation of these concepts since the safety of goods is a state of goods that allows it to be sold, used, stored, transported, disposed of without harm for life, health, the property of the consumer and the environment in normal conditions, and the safety of works and services is the quality of protection of the legal rights of the consumer in carrying out the activities of persons who perform work and provide services, danger to life, health, the property should not manifest itself either in their implementation and providing or later. It is noted that quality requirements should be made mandatory when designing production specifications. It is stated that in order to ensure the effectiveness of legal regulation, the safety of a product, work, or service must be considered as a full-fledged property within the legal notion of quality.
It is concluded that product safety is an integral feature of any product, work, and service, acting as an integral element of the quality category. Lack of safety features indicates that the product is of poor quality.
Keywords: quality, safety, proper quality, improper quality, specifications, consumers.
ROMANYA’DA MODERNİZASYON VE İŞGÜCÜ KITLIĞI ARASINDA TARIMSAL SORUNLAR VE ÇÖZÜM ÖNERİLERİ
Authors: CAN Reyhan Rafet
Published: January 2021

Romanya verimli topraklar bakımından zengindir, ancak binlerce hektarlık arazi hâlâ ıssızdır. Ülke hükümeti yerli yatırımları teşvik edemediği için topraklarının bir kısmı yabancılara satılmıştır. Kırsal alanda yaşayan milyonlarca Romen vatandaşı için toprak her türlü ürünün yetiştiği yerdir. Ülke nüfusunun neredeyse yarısı tarımla uğraşmasına rağmen, çoğu çiftlikler kapandığı için tarım sektörünün payı GSYİH’nin % 10’undan fazla değildir. Buna ek olarak, neredeyse her dört Romen vatandaşından biri hayatını devam ettirmek için tarımla uğraşırken, bu sektörün modernizasyonu bir hükümet önceliği hâline gelememiştir. Tarımın modernizasyonu büyük yatırımlar gerektirdiği için hükümet tarım sektörünü yabancılara açarak, karşılayamadığı mali desteğin yabancı yatırımcılar tarafından yapılmasını sağlamıştır. Bu çalışmada Romanya’da tarımın sektörel özellikleri, yapısı ile uygulanan tarımsal politikalar analiz edilip sorunlara çözüm önerileri sunulmuştur. Çalışma sonucunda ülkenin belkemiği konumundaki tarımın Komünizm Dönemi’nden başlayarak günümüze kadar modernize olamadığı, tarımsal verimin giderek düştüğü ve Romen çiftçilerin kendi topraklarında işgücünü kaybetmeye başladığı sonucuna varılmıştır.
Zasada ograniczonej jawności rejestru stanu cywilnego a uzyskiwanie odpisów aktów stanu cywilnego przez powinowatych
Authors: Wojewoda Michał
Published: January 2021

Prawo o aktach stanu cywilnego z 2014 r. przewiduje ograniczoną jawność formalną rejestru stanu cywilnego. Wśród osób uprzywilejowanych, które nie muszą spełniać dodatkowych przesłanek otrzymania odpisu aktu stanu cywilnego dotyczącego innej osoby, ustawa nie wymienia powinowatych, ale jedynie małżonka i pewną grupę najbliższych krewnych. W praktyce natomiast powinowaci dość często występują o wydanie odpisu aktu osoby, z którą łączy ich więź powinowactwa. Dotyczy to zwłaszcza odpisu aktu zgonu, który może być potrzebny w różnych sprawach. Brzmienie art. 45 ust. 1 p.a.s.c. prowadzi do wniosku, że powinowaci, tak jak inne osoby postronne, muszą wykazać interes prawny w uzyskaniu odpisu aktu stanu cywilnego. Autor przekonuje jednak, że przynależność do rodziny osoby, o której akt chodzi, oraz mnogość przypadków, w których powinowaci mogą potrzebować danego dokumentu, powinny wpływać na przyjęcie mniej rygorystycznych wymagań co do wykazania interesu prawnego. Interes taki można zwykle domniemywać. Dlatego też wystarczające wydaje się ogólne wskazanie wiarygodnego powodu, uzasadniającego wniosek o wydanie odpisu aktu, bez konieczności składania szczegółowych wyjaśnień i przedstawiania dodatkowych dokumentów.
O regułach prawnych w Egipcie rzymskim, albo jak rodzi się reguła?
Authors: Urbanik Jakub
Published: January 2021

Reguły prawne, ich treść, pochodzenie i zakres stosowania cieszą się niesłabnącym zainteresowaniem badaczy. W ostatnich dekadach temat ten, tradycyjnie przedmiot uwagi największych przedstawicieli naszej dyscypliny, brany jest na warsztat jeszcze częściej niż niegdyś. To nowe wzmożenie badawcze wynika z odwiecznego poszukiwania sensu naszej dyscypliny: a reguły prawne, z ich atrakcyjną łacińską postacią (nawet jeśli w formie często samym Rzymianom nieznanej), zdają się przydawać nowe tchnienie użyteczności prawu rzymskiemu w XXI w. Jawi się ono współczesnym jako rezerwuar powszechnie obowiązujących, a jednocześnie zrozumiałych reguł – norm. Przy okazji, te chwytliwe cytaty, gotowe do użycia w codziennym dyskursie przez współczesnych prawników, dowodzić mają, jak użyteczni i istotni być możemy dla współczesności. W prezentowanym eseju zajmuję się próbą rekonstrukcji dróg powstawania takich reguł, które do naszych czasów dotarły najczęściej odarte ze swego oryginalnego kontekstu. W tym celu przedstawiam dokumenty procesowe z Egiptu rzymskiego (protokoły postępowań, wyroki oraz decyzje sędziów, a także petycje stron). Znajdujemy w nich cytowane często w lakonicznej, epigramatycznej formie prawa (nomoi) czy też wcześniejsze decyzje jurysdykcyjne. Takie kategoryczne stwierdzenia, poddane „regulalizacji” przepisy prawa strony przywołują, chcąc jakby związać władzę sądową, by wydała pomyślne im rozstrzygnięcie. W tekście przedstawiam zatem użycia i nadużycia tak rozumianych reguł, szczegółowo zajmując się P. Oxy. II 237, P. Oxy.XLII 3015 oraz SB XIV 12139.
Historia o Tyberiuszu Grakchu, ojcu Grakchów, trybunie plebejskim, zaczerpnięta z roczników; oraz dekrety trybuńskie dosłownie przytoczone. Aulus Gellius, Noce Attyckie 6,19. Tekst-tłumaczenie-komentarz
Authors: Tarwacka Anna
Published: January 2021

Historia o Tyberiuszu Grakchu, ojcu Grakchów, trybunie plebejskim, zaczerpnięta z roczników; oraz dekrety trybuńskie dosłownie przytoczone. Aulus Gellius, Noce Attyckie 6,19. Tekst-tłumaczenie-komentarz
Supramolecular Assemblies for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Pappalardo Andrea , Gangemi Chiara M.A. , Testa Caterina , Sfrazzetto Giuseppe Trusso
Published: January 2021

In recent years, supramolecular systems for nano-medicine, and in particular for
photodynamic therapy, have gained great attention for their uses as smart and engineered
therapeutic agents. We proposed a collection of very recent articles on supramolecular complexes
for photodynamic therapy based on different photosensitizers assembled with cyclodextrins,
cucurbiturils, calixarenes, pillararenes, or involved in nanobox and tweezer structures,
nanoparticles, aggregates and micelles, that are dynamic assemblies inspired to biological
systems. Despite the advantages of traditional Photodynamic therapy (PDT), which is a
non-invasive, reliable and highly selective clinical treatment for several pathological conditions,
different drawbacks are still smothering the applicability of this clinical treatment. In
this contest, a new supramolecular approach is emerging, in fact, the reversible formation of
these supramolecular assemblies, combined with the possibility to modify their dimensions and shapes in the presence
of a guest make them similar to biological macromolecules, such as proteins and enzymes. Furthermore, due to
the relatively weak and dynamic nature of supramolecular assemblies, they can undergo assembly and disassembly
very fast as well as responses to external stimuli, such as biological (e.g. enzyme activation), chemical (e.g. redox
potential or pH), and physical (e.g. temperature, light or magnetic fields). Therefore, the responsiveness of these supramolecular
assemblies represents a highly promising approach to obtain potentially personalized PDT.
Nanotechnology Enabled Solutions to Combat Covid-19: Prevention, Treatment, and Diagnosis
Authors: Musyuni Pankaj , Nagpal Manju , Singh Manjinder , Goyal Ramesh K. , Aggarwal Geeta
Published: January 2021

Changes in human lifestyles and environmental deterioration globally cause the emergence
of new viruses, posing research challenges. The outburst of COVID-19 (nCoV19) is a recent example,
wherein effective management of virus, using the conventional medication and effective diagnostic
measures is a challenge. While many ongoing strategies from vaccine development to drug repurposing
are currently being investigated, a targeted approach with nanotechnology can be helpful to
meet the demand for preventive and diagnostic measures. The significant results of nanotechnology in
providing better efficacy of pharmaceutical drugs is expected to combat nCoV19 by using nanotechnology-
based solutions, preventive treatment, and diagnosis. This article addresses the dire need for
nanotechnology-based solutions in the current pandemic, as well as analyzes the ongoing innovation
and existing patents that can be used to provide better solutions. Multiple applications of nanotechnology
are considered to be helpful in preventive and diagnostic measures, immune response modulation,
and immunity boosters, along with projecting a pathway for industry and academic researchers
for addressing such a pandemic.