bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence trend and prognosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a study based on the SEER database
Authors: Yang Juqin , Wang Xiaoguang , Zhou Zhongcheng , Chen Xujian , Wu Bin
Published: April 2022

Background: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have different cellular origins; therefore, ICC is significantly different from HCC in terms of aetiology, mechanism, tumour biological behaviour, treatment methods, and prognosis. The objective of this study was to investigate the current incidence trend and prognosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and deepen the understanding of ICC. Methods A large sample of ICC and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patient data was obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), USA. The incidence trend, prognosis, and the effect of surgery and lymph node dissection on the prognosis of ICC patients were analysed. Results In recent years, the incidence of ICC has increased. The prognosis of ICC patients is significantly worse than that of HCC patients. Surgery can benefit all stages of ICC, and lymph node dissection is beneficial for the prognosis of patients with positive lymph nodes (N1). Conclusion In recent years, the incidence of ICC has been increasing, and its prognosis remains poor, which is a cause for concern.
Effect of internet-based UP-A intervention on stress, anxiety, depression, and psychological flexibility during the COVID-19 pandemic: A clinical trial
Authors: Javadi Vahideh , Ahmadi Farzane , Ebrahimi Leila Salek , Mousavi Seyedeh Elnaz
Published: April 2022

Objective: The Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders in Adolescents (UP-A) has been shown to be effective for reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in adolescents with emotional disorders. The present study aims to assess the effectiveness of internet-based UP-A in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, and psychological flexibility of adolescents with subclinical features of emotional disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: This is a longitudinal randomized clinical trial conducted on 40 adolescents aged 12-17 years with subclinical features of emotional disorder. They were assigned randomly into two groups of intervention (n=20) and control (n=20). They first completed the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale- 21 item (DASS-21) and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-2) online. Then, the intervention group received 12 sessions of UP-A through video call on WhatsApp, two days per week each for 45 minutes. The control group received no treatment. Immediately and 3 months after the intervention, the questionnaires were completed again. Collected data were analyzed using longitudinal marginal modeling.Results: The stress, anxiety, and depression levels of adolescents decreased and their psychological flexibility increased immediately and 3 months after the intervention. The marginal modeling showed the interaction effect of time and group (p<0.05), indicating that the difference between groups was significant at all three time points. Conclusion: Online transdiagnostic therapy based on the UP-A is effective in reducing the symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, and improving psychological flexibility of adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
High-throughput interspecies profiling of acidic plant hormones using miniaturised sample processing
Authors: Široká Jitka , Brunoni Federica , Pěnčík Aleš , Mik Václav , Žukauskaitė Asta , Strnad Miroslav , Novák Ondřej , Floková Kristýna
Published: April 2022

Background: Acidic phytohormones are small molecules controlling many physiological functions in plants. A comprehensive picture of their profiles including the active forms, precursors and metabolites provides an important insight into ongoing physiological processes and is essential for many biological studies performed on plants.Results: A high-throughput sample preparation method for liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry determination of 25 acidic phytohormones classed as auxins, jasmonates, abscisates and salicylic acid was optimised. The method uses a small amount of plant tissue (less than 10 mg fresh weight) and acidic extraction in 1 mol/L formic acid in 10% aqueous methanol followed by miniaturised purification on reverse phase sorbent accommodated in pipette tips organised in a 3D printed 96-place interface, capable of processing 192 samples in one run. The method was evaluated in terms of process efficiency, recovery and matrix effects as well as establishing validation parameters such as accuracy and precision. The applicability of the method in relation to the amounts of sample collected from distantly related plant species was evaluated and the results for phytohormone profiles are discussed in the context of literature reports.Conclusion: The method developed enables high-throughput profiling of acidic phytohormones with minute amounts of plant material, and it is suitable for large scale interspecies studies.
Multi-step-ahead soil temperature forecasting at multiple-depth based on meteorological data: Integrating resampling algorithms and machine learning models
Authors: Khosravi Khabat , Golkarian Ali , Barzegar Rahim
Published: April 2022

Direct soil temperature (ST) measurement is time-consuming and costly; thus, the use of a simple and cost-effective machine learning (ML) tool is helpful. In this study, ML approaches, including KStar, instance-based K-nearest learner (IBK) and locally weighted learner (LWL) coupled with resampling algorithms of bagging (BA) and dagging (DA) were developed and tested for multi-step ahead (3, 6 and 9 days ahead) ST forecasting. In addition, a linear regression model (LR) was used as a benchmark to compare the results. A dataset with daily ST time-series (as models’ output) along with meteorological data (mean (TMean), minimum (TMin) and maximum (TMax) air temperature, evaporation (Eva), sunshine hours (SSH) and solar radiation (SR); as models’ input) were collected at Isfahan synoptic station (Iran), in a farmland, during 13 years (1992–2005) at 5 and 50 cm soil depths. Six different input combination scenarios were proposed to the models based on Pearson’s correlation coefficients between inputs and outputs. For the model building, we used 70% of the data and the remaining 30% was considered for model evaluation through different visual and quantitative metrics. Our findings showed that variable TMean is the most effective input variable for ST forecasting in most of the developed algorithms, while in some cases the combination of several variables including TMean, TMax and as well as the integration of TMean, TMax, TMin, Eva and SSH proved to be the best input combinations. Among the evaluated models, KStar showed more compatibility with the BA algorithm, while, in most cases and depending on soil depth, IBK and LWL obtained more accurate results when they were hybridized with DA. For soil depth of 5 cm, BA-KStar has superior performance (i.e. Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) = 0.90, 0.87 and 0.85 for 3, 6 and 9 months ahead forecasting, respectively) while for soil depth of 50 cm, DA-KStar outperforms other algorithms (i.e. NSE = 0.88, 0.89 and 0.89 for 3, 6 and 9 months ahead forecasting, respectively). Also, results confirmed that all hybrid models had higher prediction capability than the LR model.
Evaluation of lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant capacity in patients with uterine cancer
Authors: shademan behrouz , Mahboob Soltan Ali , Ravanbakhsh Ghodsie , Nourazarian Alireza
Published: April 2022

Oxidative stress has been associated with developing many female reproductive diseases, including uterine cancer. This study investigated lipid peroxidation levels and antioxidant enzyme activity in women with uterine cancer. Blood samples were collected from 50 patients with uterine cancer and 50 healthy subjects as a control group. All subjects gave their informed consent. The blood samples were measured for superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidants, malondialdehyde, and lipid profiles. Hemoglobin levels of the control group and patients were also measured. Serum levels of TG, LDL, and cholesterol were higher in the patients than in the healthy group but not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Serum HDL levels were lower in the patient group than in the healthy group. However, this decrease was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The mean levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were increased in the patient group compared to the control group, but this increase was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The mean serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and SOD were increased in the patient group, which was statistically significant (p < 0.05). In addition, the hemoglobin level of patients with uterine cancer was decreased compared to the control group, which was statistically significant (p < 0.05). To develop treatment strategies for disease management. Increased serum levels of MDA and SOD and decreased hemoglobin in the blood of patients with uterine cancer can be considered diagnostic biomarkers. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
The Use of Phosphogypsum for Soil Bricks Manufacturing as an Alternative for Its Sustainable Destination
Authors: FILHO João Alexandre PASCHOALIN , CHAVES Hendrio Carvalho , GHERMANDI Andrea , DIAS António José GUERNER , CARVALHO David , RIBEIRO Joana
Published: April 2022

This research studies soil-compacted bricks using Phosphogypsum (PG) in their dosage. Aiming to assess the physical characteristics of these bricks, laboratory tests were performed. To obtain the bricks, two dosages were used: 4 and 7% of Phosphogypsum (PG) concentration. Bricks with no Phosphogypsum (PG) in their mixture were also assessed as a benchmark. The brick's physical characteristics were obtained for bricks dried by the sun and in an oven at 900oC for 96 hours. The results of the laboratory tests were analyzed through statistical analysis to explore the differences between the means for each studied condition (dosage and drying method). We found no statistically significant difference between the mean strength of bricks with 4% of Phosphogypsum (PG) in their dosage and bricks with no PG. Beyond 4% of Phosphogypsum (PG) dosage, the brick's strength presented a reduction. For all dosages, bricks dried in the oven showed higher strength than bricks dried by the sun. However, according to the Brazilian Technical Standards, all studied bricks presented enough strength to be used in regular constructions. We conclude that Phosphogypsum (PG) for brick manufacturing can be an alternative way for its disposal, which can help mitigate the civil construction environmental impacts.
Correlation of Cardiac Output Estimation by Analysis of Arterial Blood Pressure Waveforms versus Continuous Pulmonary Artery Thermodilution in Post Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Khanna Ashish K. , BA Lillian Nosow , Sands Lauren , Saha Amit , Agashe Harsha , Harris Lynnette , Martin R. Shayn , Marchant Bryan
Published: April 2022

Purpose
We sought to assess agreement of cardiac output estimation between continuous pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) guided thermodilution (CO-CTD) and a novel method that performs an analysis of multiple beats of the arterial blood pressure waveform (CO-MBA) in post-operative cardiac surgery patients.
Methods
PAC obtained CO-CTD measurements were compared with CO-MBA measurements from analysis of arterial blood pressure waveforms using the Argos monitor (Retia Medical; Valhalla, NY, USA), in prospectively enrolled adult cardiac surgical intensive care unit patients. Correlation between paired values of CO-CTD and CO-MBA was computed, and agreement was assessed via Bland-Altman analysis. Subgroup analysis was performed on data segments identified as arrhythmia.
Results
927 hours of monitoring data from 79 patients was analyzed, of which 26 had arrhythmia. Mean CO-CTD was 5.29 ± 1.14 L/min (bias ± precision), whereas mean CO-MBA was 5.36 ± 1.33 L/min, (4.95 ± 0.80 L/min and 5.04 ± 1.07 L/min in the arrhythmia subgroup). Mean of differences was 0.04 ± 1.04 L/min, 95% limits of agreement: -2.00 to 2.08 L/min, and a percentage error of 38.2%. In the arrhythmia subgroup, mean of differences was 0.14 ± 0.90 L/min, 95% limits of agreement: -1.63 to 1.91 L/min and percentage error of 35.4%. Paired observations showed a moderate correlation throughout the cohort (r = 0.64).
Conclusion
CO measurements using a novel multi-beat analysis of the arterial pressure waveform are reasonably correlated with traditional more-invasive continuous PAC thermodilution guided cardiac output measurements in adult patients after cardiac surgery including in those with arrythmias.
Response of seed germination and seedling emergence of Haloxylon ammodendron to climate change in desert ecosystem
Authors: Zhu Yajuan , Jia Zhiqing , Wang Guoje
Published: April 2022

Climate change will result in the variation of rain frequency and warming in arid zone, which is expected to affect seed germination and seedling emergence in desert ecosystem. However, the effect of unpredictable rainfall and increasing temperature on seed germination and seedling emergence of dominant desert plants remains unclear across different deserts, which is important for population regeneration and community succession in desert ecosystem. Seed germination and seedling emergence of Haloxylon ammodendron across four desert in Northwest China was examined at different rain frequencies, and constant and alternating temperatures, to investigate their response to climate change. Rain frequency determined seed germination and seedling emergence of H. ammodendron in Tengger Desert, Badain Jaran Desert, Gurbantonggut Desert and Mutthar Desert, which was maximal at rain frequency of 10 times per month and decreased with a decrease of rain frequency. Temperature was not a restricting factor for seed germination of H. ammodendron in Tengger Desert, Badain Jaran Desert and Gurbantonggut Desert, varying from 10 °C to 25 °C and from 20/10 °C to 30/15 °C, respectively. However, the highest temperature of 25 °C and 30/15 °C inhibited seed germination of H. ammodendron in the Mutthar Desert. Haloxylon ammodendron had an opportunistic germination strategy to adapt to the arid climate. Under climate change in the future, seed germination and seedling emergence of H. ammodendron would be restricted by the combination of less frequent rainfall and increased temperature in desert ecosystem. The regeneration of H. ammodendron community should be promoted by irrigation and seedling transplant.
Targeted degradation of IKZF2 for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Solomon Jonathan , Bonazzi Simone , d'Hennezel Eva , Beckwith Rohan , Xu Lei , Fazal Aleem , Magracheva Anna , Ramesh Radha , Cernijenko Artiom , Antonakos Brandon , Bhang Hyo-eun , Caro Roxana Garcia , Cobb Jennifer , Ornelas Elizabeth , Ma Xiaolei , Wartchow Charles , Clifton Matt , Forseth Ry , Fortnam Bethany , Lu Hongbo , Csibi Alfredo , Tullai Jennifer , Carbonneau Seth , Thomsen Noel , Larrow Jay , Chie-Leon Barbara , Hainzl Dominik , Gu Yi , Lu Darlene , Meyer Matthew , Alexander Dylan , Kinyamu-Akunda Jacqueline , Sabatos-Peyton Catherine , Dales Natalie , Zecri Frederic , Jain Rishi , Shulok Janine , Wang Y. Karen , Briner Karin , Porter Jeffrey , Tallarico John , Engelman Jeffrey , Dranoff Glenn , Bradner Jay , Visser Michael
Published: April 2022

Growing malignant tumors must evade destruction by the immune system, a hurdle some malignancies overcome by attracting immune-suppressive regulatory T-cells (Tregs)1. The IKZF2 (Helios) transcription factor plays a crucial role in maintaining function and stability of Tregs, and IKZF2 deficiency enhances immune responses to tumors in mice2, suggesting IKZF2 may be an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy. Here we describe the discovery and characterization of DKY709, the first molecular glue degrader of IKZF2/4 which spares IKZF1/3. DKY709 was identified through a recruitment-guided medicinal chemistry campaign that redirected the degradation selectivity of CRBN binders towards IKZF2.
The IKZF transcription factor selectivity of DKY709 was rationalized by the X-ray structure of the CRBN-DKY709-IKZF2(ZF2) ternary complex. Upon exposure to DKY709, human Tregs showed reduced suppressive activity and exhausted T-effector cells recovered IFNγ production. In vivo, oral treatment with DKY709 drove a rapid and sustained degradation of IKZF2 including in humans and led to delayed tumor growth in mice with humanized immune systems and enhanced immunization responses in monkeys. DKY709 is a first-in-class, potent and selective oral IKZF2/4 degrader currently being investigated in a phase 1 clinical trial as an immune-enhancing agent for cancer immunotherapy.
Clinical efficacy and imaging analysis for the surgical treatment of thoracolumbar infections in elderly patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Wan Zongmiao , Zhong Yanlong , Tang Benyu , Lai Qi , Sheng Yonghong , Li Chao , Guo Jia , Luo Shiwei , Yao Haoqun
Published: April 2022

BackgroundFew reports have been conducted to comparing surgical results and safety evaluations between the different types of infections in geriatric patients with thoracolumbar infections. The aim of this study is to investigate the safety and efficacy of surgical treatment for thoracolumbar infections in elderly patients.Methods21 patients with pyogenic spondylodiscitis (PS) and 26 patients with tuberculous spondylodiscitis (TS) were enrolled in the study. All patients were treated using one-stage posterior debridement, decompression, and pedicle screw fixation. Comparison of operative safety parameters between the two groups. Clinical efficacy was evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS) score, the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grade, the short form (SF)-36 survey and Oswestry disability index (ODI) to determine patient quality of life pre- and post-operatively. Results Hospitalisation and intensive care unit duration in the PS group were significantly shorter than in the TS group (P<0.05). The total incidence of post-operative complications for both groups was 44.7%. More complications occurred in the TS group, but the difference was not significant. The VAS and SF-36 scores (physical component) were significantly better in the PS group six months post-operatively, and the SF-36 (mental component) scores were significantly better in the PS group at the one-year follow-up. Neurological status in both groups improved post-operatively, and 83% of the patients were satisfied with the results of their operation. Imaging results showed that bone graft fusion improved in both groups at six months, one year and at the final follow-up. ConclusionOne-stage posterior debridement, decompression, interbody fusion, and internal fixation can be considered a safe and effective method of treating spinal infections in the elderly. This method can improve nerve function, reconstruct spinal stability, and enhance the quality of life of elderly patients. Both PS and TS who underwent surgery achieve similar clinical and radiological results.
Obtaining a relativistic dispersion formula and practice of its application.
Authors: Chernov Andrey
Published: April 2022

The main prerequisite for creating a new dispersion formula was the external similarity of such physical processes as the refraction of light in a transparent substance and the deflection of light by the gravitational field of massive cosmic bodies. Based on the external similarity, a hypothesis was put forward about the internal similarity of these two physical processes. This made it possible to apply Einstein's relativistic formula to the process of light propagation in electron clouds (fields) of transparent substances. As a result, on the basis of this well-known formula, a dispersion formula with a wide range of action was obtained. The new physical formula was used to calculate 26 refractive indices of light in 5 transparent substances in three states of aggregation. Comparison of the obtained indicators with laboratory indicators showed the high accuracy of the new dispersion formula, which amounted to ±10 -7−10 -5 in the calculated wavelength ranges of more than 100 nm. In addition to obtaining a new exact dispersion formula, the successful application of the relativistic formula to processes occurring inside matter at the atomic level allows us to look at the nature of the interaction of light and matter from a new angle.
YARGI BAĞIMSIZLIĞI EKSENİNDE CUMHURBAŞKANLIĞI HÜKÜMET SİSTEMİNDE YÜRÜTME VE YARGI İLİŞKİSİ
Authors: ÇAPAR Asuman
Published: April 2022

Türkiye’de yeni anayasa yapımı konusunda çalışmalar yapılmaya başlanmıştır. Yeni anayasa yapımı sürecinde, cumhurbaşkanlığı hükümet sisteminde tartışmalı olan hususların gündeme getirilmesinde toplumun ve devletin yararı vardır. Cumhurbaşkanlığı hükümet sisteminde yargı yürütme ilişkileri çerçevesinde yürütmenin yargı organları üzerinde birtakım yetkileri vardır. Bu kapsamda yürütme ve yargı organının ilişkileri konusunda güncelliğini her daim koruyan, eleştirilen noktaların yeniden gözden geçirilmesi, alternatif çözüm yollarının gündeme getirilmesi gerekir. Partili cumhurbaşkanlığı sistemine geçilmesi ile cumhurbaşkanının özellikle Anayasa Mahkemesi ile Hakimler ve Savcılar Kurulu üyelerini atamaya ilişkin mevcut yetkileri, hukuk devleti ilkesinin temel gereklerinden olan yargı bağımsızlığı ilkesine zaman içerisinde gölge düşürebilecek uygulamalar olarak karşımıza çıkabilir. Bu kapsamda cumhurbaşkanlığı hükümet sisteminin yargı bağımsızlığı ilkesini kuvvetlendiren düzenlemeler getirmediği görülmektedir. Yeni anayasa yapımı sürecinde, yürütme yargı ilişkileri çerçevesinde yargı bağımsızlığını destekleyen düzenlemeler yapılmalıdır. Cumhurbaşkanının yargı organları üzerindeki atama yetkilerinin azaltılması ya da yapılan bazı atamalar konusunda yasama organının onayının alınması, cumhurbaşkanının bu konudaki yetkilerinin kamuoyu tarafından benimsenişini artırıp, yargı bağımsızlığını güçlendirecektir.
New approaches of patients with varicocele for different forms of pathospermia depending on age
Authors: Panchenko R. I. , Garmash O. N. , Gorbunkov V. Ya. , Baichorov E. Kh.
Published: April 2022

Introduction. Varicocele is a testicular varicose vein caused by pathological venous reflux. It is most common in infertile men. Clinically, varicocele is found in 15% of the male population, while in 35% of men with primary infertility and in 70–81% of men with secondary infertility. Varicocele, not accompanied by pain, is the most common cause of the development of pathospermia and infertility. Varicocele is detected at the age of 10 years in 1% of boys, increasing to puberty up to 15%. At the age of 50–80 years, the incidence of varicocele increases to 75–77.3%, thus adding an average of 10% every 10 years of life.

Aim is to investigate the fertility restoration after surgical procedures and the prognostic criteria for its restoration depending on age and the proposed medical rehabilitation.

Materials and methods. In the urological hospital for a short stay of the state autonomous healthcare institution of the Stavropol Territory “Regional Clinical Specialized Uro-Andrology Center” from 2011–2019. 1143 varicocelectomies were performed (244 laparoscopic varicocelectomy, 975 microsurgical varicocelectomy). The study is based on a comparative analysis of the results of examination of 100 patients with pathospermia and varicocele in the period from 2011 to 2019, who received surgical treatment and did not have concomitant pathology. All patients were followed up for 18 months after surgery.

Results and discussion. The pain syndrome was stopped in 100% of cases in the studied patients. Progression of hypotrophy of the left testicle in the postoperative period was not detected. Relapses and other complications were not noted. Patients in the control group were also observed for 1.5 years with an interval of 6 months. Deterioration of spermatogenesis in this group was not detected.

Conclusions. It was revealed that varicocele was the main cause of spermatogenesis and fertility disorders in the studied groups. Surgical treatment is a pathogenetically grounded and statistically proven method of restoring fertility in varicocele. After varicocelectomy, adequate medical rehabilitation allows to normalize the qualitative and quantitative parameters of sperm in most clinical cases as soon as possible (up to 3 months).
The double bronchodilation era: new capabilities in a new drug delivery device
Authors: Orlova E. A. , Dorfman I. P. , Orlov M. A. , Abdullaev M. A.
Published: April 2022

A literature review presents the efficacy and safety of the new glycopyrronium bromide/formoterol fumarate (GP/FF) combination in the treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease according to the PINNACLE 1, 2, 3, 4 studies. There are 4 fixed LAMA/LABA combinations which used in world practice, as well as in Russia: vilanterol + umeclidinium bromide, glycopyrronium bromide + indacaterol, olodaterol + tiotropium bromide and aclidinium bromide + formoterol. The GP/FF combination also approved in Russia, is currently present in Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). A new method of co-suspension delivery via the Aerosphere inhaler has been developed for this combination. The efficacy and safety in GP/FF MDI compared to its monocomponents and tiotropium bromide were assessed in phase III clinical trials PINNACLE 1, 2, 3, 4. The GP/FF combination showed an improvement in the morning and after 2 hours parameters of FEV1 compared to monocomponents and placebo. Data from PINNACLE studies showed an improvement in the quality of life associated with a decrease in compared with the baseline level of the overall score on the scale of the St. George’s Hospital Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) in 24 weeks against those taking GP/FF in contrast to monocomponents and placebo. The use of GP/FF showed a significant reduction in theuse of salbutamol compared with placebo. A pooled analysis of PINNACLE 1, 2, 4 demonstrated that GP/FF improved lung functionand reduced the risk of COPD exacerbations compared with monocomponents and placebo. According to the results of the analysis, there was also no increase in the number of the most frequently recorded side effects.
The use of phytopreparations in the treatment of bronchopulmonary diseases: evidence base and practical experience
Authors: Berdnikova N. G. , Tsyganko D. V. , Ekaterinchev V. A.
Published: April 2022

Respiratory diseases take the lead in the infectious pathology pattern of various organs and systems and are the most common. Acute bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi due to a viral infection and is characterized by a persistent cough that can be productive or dry. The authors consider the use of herbal preparations as an effective symptomatic product for the treatment of cough of various origins. Medicinal herbs are widely used in medicine due to many useful properties and do not have any serious side effects. Ivy leaf (Hedera helix) extract preparations are common cough medicines available over the counter that are approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Ivy (Hedera helix) leaves contain various biologically active components, but saponins are the main substance. Saponins are natural compounds that have a variety of biological effects. According to literature data, the action of saponins is determined not only by their bronchodilator and mucolytic properties: among additional therapeutic options of saponins are high anti-inflammatory activity, as well as antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral effects. The article shows the potential for use of ivy saponins as carriers of pharmaceutical substances, which can significantly reduce the effective doses of certain drugs. Preparations containing ivy leaf extract are safe and approved for use even in new-borns. Also, herbal preparations with antiviral, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory potential become the object of study as a new strategy for treating COVID-19.
Personalized prediction of the results of reconstructive surgery for chronic otitis media
Authors: Dubinets I. D. , Korkmazov M. Yu. , Korkmazov A. M. , Sinitskii A. I. , Mokina M. V.
Published: April 2022

Introduction. The goal of the surgical treatment of patients with chronic otitis media is to eliminate the consequences of the inflammatory and destructive disease while preserving the anatomy of the middle ear and improving auditory function. According to the literature, the outcome of middle ear reconstructive surgery for the surgeon and the patient in most cases remains unpredictable. The development of an integrated approach to predicting the results of reconstructive sanitizing surgery will make it  possible to select the most effective surgical tactics in terms of treatment time and type of surgical intervention.

Aim.To develop a methodology for personalized prediction of the result of operations on the temporal bone in patients with chronic otitis media and substantiate the choice of optimal surgical tactics, taking into account clinical and functional parameters.

Materials and methods.A retrospective study was carried out to compare the data of patients with the use of the author’s personalized prognosis method: “A method for predicting the result of tympanoplasty” and “A method for predicting the degree of  hearing loss in otosurgery for chronic otitis media” with the results of surgical treatment of 263 patients with chronic otitis media, operated on in hospitals in Moscow. Chelyabinsk in 2018–2020.

Results and discussion. In the observation, the patients were divided into two groups according to the sum of points, which determined the volume, type and timing of the operation. The sum of points less than or equal to 20 was assessed as a favorable prognosis for reconstructive debridement surgery. The sum of points in the range from 21–40 was assessed as the possibility of carrying out onestage surgery for the purpose of sanitation and reconstruction, but the patient should be informed about the unfavorable prognosis for the restoration of hearing. A score greater than 40 is assessed as an unfavorable prognosis, with an indication for separate-stage surgery, indicating a socially significant hearing loss in the postoperative period in patients with chronic otitis media.

Conclusion. A personalized approach to predicting the results of surgical treatment forms groups of patients with chronic suppurative otitis media and helps in choosing surgical tactics in terms of the type, volume and timing of one-stage or separatestage reconstructive surgery and the need for reoperation for a period of one year.
Factors affecting the content of Ig G-antibodies to S-protein SARS-CoV-2 in the blood of reconvalescents after new coronaviral infection (COVID-19)
Authors: Kryukov E. V. , Salukhov V. V. , Kotiv B. N. , Ovchinnikov D. V. , Andreychuk Yu. V. , Denisov D. G. , Bogomolov A. B. , Kharitonov M. A. , Rudakov Yu. V. , Sadovnikov P. S. , Chugunov A. A.
Published: April 2022

Introduction. Morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 actualizes the identification of groups with the greatest risk of primary and re-infection, persons in need of priority vaccination or revaccination.

Objective. To study the factors affecting the content of IgG antibodies to the S-protein SARS-CoV-2 in convalescents after suffering COVID-19 for 6 months.

Materials and methods. The study of  the Military Medical Academy and the  Helix Laboratory Service was carried out from 06/01/2020 to 08/01/2021 on the basis of the Military Medical Academy and the Helix centers. The study included 1421 people – both sexes from 18 to 70 years old. 1205 with asymptomatic and mild disease (outpatient group). 216 with moderate or severe form (inpatient group). The outpatient group underwent a quantitative determination of IgG to the spike (S) protein SARS-CoV-2 by immunochemiluminescence analysis at 30, 45, 60, 90, 180 days from diagnosis. The diagnosis was verified by a positive RT-PCR result. The inpatient group underwent an identical study on the 1st, 14th, 45th, 60th, 90th and 180th days from the moment of admission to the hospital. The diagnosis was verified in the same way.

Results. In convalescents, post-infectious immunity is formed from 30 days. Older age was associated with a more pronounced production of IgG to the S-protein SARS-CoV-2, mainly in older women. Moderate and severe course is characterized by higher concentrations of IgG to the SARS-CoV-2 S protein. A high level of IgG to the S-protein SARS-CoV-2 persists for up to 90 days, with a subsequent decrease by 180 days. Body weight, days of oxygen therapy, hyperthermia, the volume of lung tissue lesions and the level of C-reactive protein correlate with the concentration of IgG to the S-protein SARS-CoV-2. The use of glucocorticoids (GCS) is characterized by the presence of a higher concentration of IgG to the S-protein SARS-CoV-2 up to 6 months. There is a dose-dependent effect of using GCS.

Conclusion. The formation and maintenance of the level of neutralizing antibodies for 6 months depends on the severity of the disease, the gender and age of the patients, and the fact of using GCS. This must be taken into account when carrying out therapeutic and preventive measures, planning vaccination.
Atorvastatin: old friend in the light of novel coronavirus infection’s pandemia
Authors: Ezhov M. V. , Kolmakova T. E. , Matveeva M. M. , Alekseeva I. A.
Published: April 2022

The COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease 2019) pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus 2) continues to be a global threat to people and health systems. As of March 21, 2022, there are more than 460 million cases and more than 6 million deaths worldwide, and more than 17 million and 360,000 respectively in the Russian Federation. Due to the rapid spread of the new coronavirus infection, since the beginning of the pandemic, tremendous efforts have been made to create new pharmacological agents to reduce morbidity and mortality, and tactics have been used to repurpose existing medications in treatment regimens for patients with COVID-19, particularly statins. Statins represent one of the most widely used and prescribed classes of drugs in the world. The hypolipidemic properties of statins are actively used to treat hyperlipidemia and primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases and their complications. Statins have a known safety profile, are inexpensive and accessible. In addition to their hypolipidemic effects, statins have a wide range of pleiotropic anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antithrombotic effects potentially useful in the treatment of COVID-19. Presumably, the use of statins can reduce SARS-CoV-2-induced organ and tissue damage and improve lung function. The use of statins, particularly atorvastatin, as one of the most effective, widely prescribed and studied drugs in this class, as a safe, affordable and relatively inexpensive therapy may be a promising therapeutic approach in the fight against a new coronavirus infection.
GCMs simulation-based assessment for the response of the Mediterranean Gaza coastal aquifer to climate-induced changes
Authors: Al-Najjar Hassan , Ceribasi Gokmen , Dogan Emrah , Ceyhunlu Ahmet Iyad , Abualtayef Mazen , Qahman Khalid
Published: April 2022

In the Eastern Mediterranean countries, groundwater contained in coastal aquifers is the predominant water source for supplying water. The Mediterranean Gaza coastal aquifer in Palestine is showing alarming signs of depletion due to climate change and human-caused influences that substantially impact the hydraulic performance of the Gaza coastal aquifer. The climate statistical modeling and the downscaling of the ensemble global climate model under the representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios of RCP 2.60, 4.50, and 8.50 refer to a future decreasing trend in the precipitation and an increasing trend in the temperature. The stochastic model refers to an average decrease of −5.2% in the rainfall every 20 years that coincides with the RCP scenarios that show a decrease in precipitation between 0 and −5%. The rate of temperature increase over the next 20 years is defined at +1 °C, which closely matches the RCP results. As a result of human fast-paced activities, groundwater consumption is expected to rise by nearly 55% by the end of 2040, to around 193 million cubic meters, with a substantial withdrawal trend in southern provinces of the Gaza Strip. Consequently, the aquifer model predicts that subsurface water levels might fall at a rate of −2.50% per year, reaching a level of around −27.77 m below the mean sea level (MSL) by 2040. Alternative water supplies, such as desalinated seawater and treated wastewater, with annual maximum volumes of 110 and 16.5 million cubic meters, respectively, are expected to perfectly recharge groundwater resources of the Gaza coastal aquifer at an annual rate of about +3.65% to meet a groundwater table level of around −5 m below the MSL by 2040.
HEC-HMS based rainfall-runoff model for Punpun river basin
Authors: Ranjan Shashi , Singh Vivekanand
Published: April 2022

Various hydrological models were used in different river basins to simulate the runoff on available rainfall, land use and soil property data. The HEC-HMS model is used by several researchers to estimate the water potential of the basin through rainfall-runoff modeling. In this study, a rainfall-runoff model for the Punpun river basin has been developed using HEC-HMS. Daily rainfall and runoff data from the years 2005 to 2017 were used for the development of model. ArcGIS has been used to analyze the hydrological parameters, preparation of LULC, soil and slope maps for the computation of curve number as input into the HEC-HMS model. Daily, monthly and monsoonal rainfall-runoff models have been developed. The performance of all the models has been evaluated using statistical indices–coefficient of determination (R2), Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), percent bias (PBIAS) and RMSE-observations standard deviation ratio (RSR). R2 and NSE values for all the models are greater than 0.75 and PBIAS is less than 10, which shows very good results from all the models except the daily model, in which NSE values are less than 0.75. Based on statistical indices, the monthly model performs better than the daily and monsoonal models.
Resistance of anaerobic activated sludge acclimated by different feeding patterns: response to different stress shocks
Authors: Lu Fuzhi , Huang Luodong , Qian Feng , Jiang Qiong , Khan Sohail , Shen Peihong
Published: April 2022

Anaerobic activated sludge plays a key role in the anaerobic digestion (AD) treatment of wastewater. The ability of anaerobic activated sludge to endure stress shock determines the performance of AD. In this study, the resistance of anaerobic activated sludge acclimated by three feeding patterns (continuous, semi-continuous, and pulse) to four stress shocks, including low pH influent, high OLR (organic loading rate), high ammonium and high sulfate, was investigated respectively. The results showed that the anaerobic activated sludge acclimated by semi-continuous feeding had the best resistance to high OLR shock, followed by pulse feeding, and then continuous feeding. There was no significant difference in the resistance of the three activated sludge to the other stress shocks. Under stress shock, the microbial community structure and abundance of specific functional microorganisms in the activated sludge acclimated by different feeding patterns varied, while the relative abundance of Methanosarcinaceae in the anaerobic activated sludge increased. The variation in the relative abundance of specific functional microorganisms was in charge of the differences in the resistance of anaerobic activated sludge. Overall, the results presented herein provide reference for improving the stability and effectiveness of activated sludge under adverse conditions.
Caracterización del turismo médico transfronterizo en Ciudad Juárez motivado por la crisis derivada del COVID-19
Authors: Martínez Almanza María Teresa , Morales Santos , Breceda Pérez Jorge Antonio
Published: April 2022

El trabajo vincula la movilidad transfronteriza y el turismo médico durante la pandemia de COVID-19. El objetivo fue analizar el comportamiento del turismo médico en Ciudad Juárez durante octubre de 2020 a julio de 2021 de esta pandemia. La variable contextual es la movilidad regular frente a la actividad del comercio de servicios de salud de las ciudades fronterizas. Es un estudio cualitativo y exploratorio de 34 entrevistas semiestructuradas de casos reales. Se encontraron pacientes transfronterizos que acuden a Ciudad Juárez en busca de atención sanitaria para la enfermedad de COVID-19 en hospitales públicos y privados y para la atención y seguimiento de las secuelas relativas. En las conclusiones se expone la vulnerabilidad de las personas que realizan turismo médico y las deficiencias institucionales que abonan a los desafíos del estado de bienestar durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Se identifica la noción de la funcionalidad de las fronteras.
Chemistry and Structure Activity Relationships of Bafilomycin A 1, A Potent and Selective Inhibitor of the Vacuolar H+-ATPase
Authors: Gagliardi S. , Rees M. , Farinaa C.
Published: April 2022

Bafilomycin A 1 , a macrolide antibiotic isolated from the fermentation of Streptomyces spp., is a potent and selective inhibitor of vacuolar-type proton translocating ATP-ases (V-ATPases) and was used to study the physiological role of this class of enzymes. An extensive chemical
effort on the unusual structure of this macrolide led to the synthesis of significantly different bafilomycin derivatives. None of the new analogues
was more potent than the parent compound but provided a significant amount of information
about the structural requirements for .the inhibitory activity of bafilomycin A1 in particular on chicken osteoclast (cOc) ATPase. The vinylic methoxy group adjacent to a carbonyl function, the dienic system and the hydroxy group at position 7 were recognized to be essential features for bafilomycin V-ATPase-inhibitory activity. This information was utilized to design simplified novel derivatives as inhibitors of bone resorption.
Analisa Pengaruh Komposisi Cu dan Mg pada Paduan Al - Cu dan Al - Mg untuk Chassis Kendaraan
Authors:   Politeknik negeri Madura, Ulfiyah Laily , Rohmah Faizatur , Permata Tristiandinda
Published: April 2022

Chassis is a frame that functions as a support for vehicles, engines and passengers weight. The chassis also serves to hold the vehicle to remain rigid and not experience bending. To meet the needs of the global market for chassis products with good material quality, of course it can not be separated from how the product is made, starting from the casting process, heating to the final process (finishing). In this research, the chassis was made with aluminum waste material which is mixed with copper (Cu) and mixed with Magnesium (Mg) through the casting process. This research was carried out with Al and Cu alloys, Al and Mg and it was carried out by tensile and bending, hardnest tests. Aluminum is melted at the melting point and added with Cu powder ang with Mg powder with a composition of 0%, 1%, 2%, 2,5% and 3%. Alloy results are printed according to the tensile, bending and hardnest material test standards. Based on the results of tensile, bending and hardnest tests it can be concluded that the composition of 2% is the lowest elasticity alloy and 3% is the highest elasticity alloy.
Peran Senyawa Asam Fulvat dari Air Gambut terhadap Produktivitas Gas Hidrogen dengan Metode Elektrolisis
Authors:   Universitas Brawijaya, Musthofa Imron , Wardana I Nyoman Gede , Widhiyanuriyawan Denny
Published: April 2022

Wetlands water is water formed from the breakdown of organic substances found in peatlands. In general, wetlands water has acidic properties (pH<7), besides that the constituent compounds are humic substances, which consist of humic acid, fulvic acid and humin. Of the three acids that can react with air, namely fulvic acid, because this acid can react with all conditions, whether acidic, neutral or alkaline. Meanwhile, humic acid can only react with air in alkaline conditions. So, this research discusses the role of fulvic acid in H2O bonds to produce hydrogen by electrolysis. In the structure of fulvic acid which has an aromatic ring, where the aromatic ring can produce a magnetic field, so that the aromatic ring on the fulvic acid can resonate. The resonance reaction of deep fulvic acid can induce and weaken the H2O bond by attracting oxygen atoms in the H2O bond, because atoms have paramagnetic properties where these atoms can be weakly attracted by magnets, so that the H2O bonds become weak and can be easily reduced to hydrogen gas. fulvic acid, there are several other compounds contained in peat water and also help in the attenuation of H2O, namely K, Ca, Na, Fe, Mg, and Al compounds, where these compounds can react with H2O and produce H2. From the results of research conducted, the volume of hydrogen gas produced was 62.7 mL with a power consumption of 7.7-6.0 watts and the resulting current reached 0.64-0.5 amperes for 11 minutes of electrolysis time.
Studi Eksperimental Performance Kincir Air Breastshot dengan Menggunakan Nozzle
Authors:   Universitas Brawijaya, Kurniawan Muhammad Helmi , Soenoko Rudy , Winarto Winarto , Sunarso Alfeus ,   Politeknik Negeri Pontianak
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this study was to determine the performance of a waterwheel with a breastshot using a nozzle. The test was carried out experimentally on a laboratory scale and to anticipate the relatively large size of the program because of the complexity in data acquisition and control, the Arduino Mega 2560 board was used. In this study, a breastshot-type waterwheel with 12 blades with a water flow rate of 12 liters/second was used. By using the analysis, the results show that the mechanical data and the efficiency of the wheel are affected by the flow of water hitting the blade using a nozzle. The tilt angle of the nozzle is very important, the steeper the nozzle, the faster the water flow will hit the blade of the wheel. In the rotation test (rpm), the highest mechanical power and efficiency at the use of a single nozzle with an angle (25 °) of the highest efficiency is 86.34% at 76 rpm, which is 33 Watt and the lowest power is 15 Watt at 19 rpm with an efficiency of 39.76% at discharge 12 liters / second. While the use of a double nozzle with an angle (25 ° -15 °) has the highest efficiency of 89.26% at 63 rpm, which is 37 Watt and the lowest power is at 16 rpm, which is 14 Watt, with an efficiency of 35.4% at a discharge of 15 liters / second.