bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Leisure Activity and All-cause Mortality in Older Adults: A 4-Year Community-based Cohort
Authors: Xiao Qianyi , Liu Xin , Ruan Ye , Huang Limei , Guo Yanfei , Sun Shuangyuan , Chen Hao , Gao Junling , Shi Yan
Published: January 2021

Background: Cognitive leisure activity, such as reading, playing mahjong or cards and computer use, is common among older adults in China. Previous studies suggest a protective role of cognitive leisure activity against cognitive impairment. However, the relationship between cognitive leisure activity and all-cause mortality has rarely been reported.Objectives: This study aims to explore the relationships between cognitive leisure activity and all-cause mortality in a community-based elderly cohort in China.Methods: The current study sample comprised 4003 community residents aged ≥ 60 y who were enrolled in June 2015, and were followed up every year from 2015 to 2018. Reading, playing mahjong or cards and computer use were measured by questionnaires and summed into a cognitive leisure activity index (CLAI) score. Cox proportional hazards analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to examine the association of cognitive leisure activity with all-cause mortality.Results: During the 4-year follow-up of 4003 participants, 208 (5.2%) deaths were registered. Of all participants, 66.8%, 26.7%, 6.1% and 0.35% reported CLAI scores of 0, 1, 2 and 3, respectively. A strong association was noted between the CLA score and all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 0.72, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.54-0.96, P = 0.025). Stratified analysis suggested that a higher CLAI score was significantly associated with a decreased risk of all-cause mortality mainly among those who were male, aged ≥ 80 y, cognitively impaired, and not diagnosed with cancer (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Cognitive leisure activity has beneficial effect on reduced risk of death from all cause among the elderly in China, which helped promote a comprehensive understanding of health characteristics at advanced ages.
The Progression of Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH) is Related to the Expression of Integrin Β1 (ITGB1)
Authors: Ma Hai-Yang , Xu Yan , Qiao Chun-You , Peng Yi , Ding Qi , Wang Li-Zhong , Yan Jun-Fei , Hou Yuan , Di Fei
Published: January 2021

Background: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is fatal and detrimental to quality of life. Clinically, options for monitoring are often limited, potentially missing subtle neurological changes. Integrin β 1 (ITGB1) and β 3 (ITGB3) are the main components of integrin family receptors, which regulate the formation and stability of blood vessels. This study explored the relationship between expression of ITGB1, ITGB3 in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) to analyze their functional and clinical relevance. Methods: The expression of ITGB1 and ITGB3 in ICH was accomplished by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and western blotting (WB) analysis, respectively. Results: Furthermore, the results demonstrated that ITGB1 was expressed in ICH tissues, but ITGB3 was not expressed in ICH tissues. Conclusions: In summary, the clinical progression of ICH was related to the expression of ITGB1. ITGB1 may be a potential biomarker and contribute to the treatment of ICH.
The Effect of Multimedia Message Reminders on Oral Hygiene Promotion during Removable Orthodontic Treatment: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Baherimoghadam Tahereh , Naseri Navid , Hamedani Shahram , Mokhtar Maliheh
Published: January 2021

Background: Orthodontic appliances complicate daily oral hygiene maintenance and enhance the formation of microbial biofilm on tooth surfaces and orthodontic appliances. Any tool that enhances the oral hygiene of patients during orthodontic treatment would be of imperative beneficial. This trial was conducted to assess the effect of message reminders on oral hygiene of patients during removable orthodontic treatment. Methods: In this 2-arm parallel randomized controlled trial, participants were randomly allocated to two groups; one receiving messages reminder and one as the control group. The patients in the messaging group received one or two message reminders and educational videos weekly during the course of treatment. The patients with removable maxillary appliance who were in the age range of 8 to 12 years old and had daily access to Internet to receive message reminders were recruited in this study. A single blinded examiner measured the plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) and dental caries index of patients in both groups at baseline (T0) and one (T1), three (T2) and six (T3) months after the first day of treatment to assess their oral hygiene status during the course of treatment in both groups. Results: A total of 50 patients were enrolled and randomized to two even groups (n=25) but only 46 patients completed the study; 22 in control group, and 24 in message reminder group. The PI and GI scores were increased neither in control group nor in message reminder group during T0 and T1, significantly. The PI and GI scores in message reminder group were significantly lower than those in the control group at T2 (PI: P=0.003, GI: P=0.001) and T3 (PI: P=0.044, GI: P=0.012). However, slight significant increasing in the PI and GI score were found during T2 and T3 during in message reminder group. Caries index showed no significant difference between two group during study.Conclusion: It seems that message reminders can efficiently promote oral hygiene of patients undergoing removable orthodontic treatment. Although, this promotion wasn’t progressive.
Group Testing Can Improve the Cost-Efficiency of Prospective-Retrospective Biomarker Studies
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Zhiwei , Krushkal Julia , Liu Aiyi
Published: January 2021

Background: Cancer treatment is increasingly dependent on biomarkers for prognostication and treatment selection. Potential biomarkers are frequently evaluated in prospective-retrospective studies in which biomarkers are measured retrospectively on archived specimens after completion of prospective clinical trials. In light of the high costs of some assays, random sampling designs have been proposed that measure biomarkers for a random sub-sample of subjects selected on the basis of observed outcome and possibly other variables. Compared with a standard design that measures biomarkers on all subjects, a random sampling design can be cost-efficient in the sense of reducing the cost of the study substantially while achieving a reasonable level of precision.Methods: For a biomarker that indicates the presence of some molecular alteration (e.g., mutation in a gene), we explore the use of a group testing strategy, which involves physically pooling specimens across subjects and assaying pooled samples for the presence of the molecular alteration of interest, for further improvement in cost-efficiency beyond random sampling. We propose simple and general approaches to estimating the prognostic and predictive values of biomarkers with group testing, and conduct simulation studies to validate the proposed estimation procedures and to assess the cost-efficiency of the group testing design in comparison to the standard and random sampling designs.Results: Simulation results show that the proposed estimation procedures perform well in realistic settings and that a group testing design can have considerably higher cost-efficiency than a random sampling design. Conclusions: Group testing can be used to improve the cost-efficiency of biomarker studies.
Post-trial Perceptions of a Symptom-based TB Screening Intervention in South Africa: Implementation Insights and Future Directions for TB Preventative Healthcare Services
Authors: Salazar-Austin Nicole , Milovanovic Minja , West Nora S , Tladi Molefi , Barnes Grace Link , Variava Ebrahim , Martinson Neil , Chaisson Richard E , Kerrigan Deanna
Published: January 2021

Background: Tuberculosis is a top-10 cause of under-5 mortality, despite policies promoting tuberculosis preventive therapy (TPT). We previously conducted a cluster randomized trial to evaluate the effectiveness of symptom-based versus tuberculin skin-based screening on child TPT uptake. Symptom-based screening did not improve TPT uptake and nearly two-thirds of child contacts were not identified or not linked to care. Here we qualitatively explored healthcare provider perceptions of factors that impacted TPT uptake among child contacts.Methods: Sixteen in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants including healthcare providers and administrators who participated in the trial in Matlosana, South Africa. The participants’ experience with symptom-based screening, study implementation strategies, and ongoing challenges with child contact identification and linkage to care were explored. Interviews were systematically coded and thematic content analysis was conducted. Results: Participants’ had mixed opinions about symptom-based screening and high acceptability of the study implementation strategies. A key barrier to optimizing child contact screening and evaluation was the supervision and training of community health workers. Conclusions: Symptom screening is a simple and effective strategy to evaluate child contacts, but additional pediatric training is needed to provide comfort with decision making. New clinic-based child contact files were highly valued by providers who continued to use them after trial completion. Future interventions to improve child contact management will need to address how to best utilize community health workers in identifying and linking child contacts to care. Trial Registration: The results presented here were from research related to NCT03074799, retrospectively registered on 9 March 2017.
Comparison of length and dynamics of wood pieces in streams covered with coniferous and broadleaf forests mapped using orthophotos acquired by an unmanned aerial vehicle
Authors: Tsunetaka Haruka , Mtibaa Slim , Asano Shiho , Okamoto Takashi , Kurokawa Ushio
Published: January 2021

As wood pieces supplied by landslides and debris flows are one of the main components of ecological and geomorphic systems, the importance of quantifying the dimensions of the wood pieces is evident. However, the low accessibility of disturbed channels after landslides and debris flows generally impedes accurate and quick wood-piece investigations. Recent advances in photogrammetry techniques may overcome such issues. In this study, we used orthophotos acquired using a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to measure the lengths of wood pieces (> 0.2-m long and > 0.03-m diameter) entrapped mainly by check-dams. We focused on channels that are located in coniferous and broadleaf forests and affected by two different landslide events. The measurement accuracy was analyzed by comparing the lengths derived from the UAV method with direct measurements. When the both ends of a wood piece are satisfactorily extracted from an orthophoto acquired via the UAV, the wood-piece lengths of coniferous trees can be measured with an accuracy of approximately ±0.5 m. For broadleaf trees, most of the extracted lengths were shorter than the directly measured lengths, probably due to the low visibility arising from the complex structures of the root wad and tree crown. Most wood pieces were discharged from landslide scars in the broadleaf forest, whereas approximately 750 wood pieces were left in the landslide scars of the coniferous forest. The number of wood pieces in the landslide scars increased with the increase in the landslide area, suggesting that some wood pieces can be left even if large landslides occur. There were no significant changes in the lengths or locations of the entrapped wood pieces, at either site seven months after the first UAV flight. In the coniferous forests, the rainfall that triggered landslides in 2017 exceeded the 100-year return level, which was an abnormally intense rainfall. Although the 2019 rainfall event that occurred between UAV flights did not provide enough rainfall to trigger landslides, rainfall intensities with different durations reached the second-highest value from 1976 to 2019, exceeding the 30-year return period. This suggests that most of the entrapped wood pieces rarely migrate even under extreme rainfall.
The Impact of China-US Trade Conflict on Korean Economy
Authors: Shuquan He , Ju Sora
Published: January 2021

This paper concentrated on how US-China Trade conflicts would have impacts on Korean economy. Making the best use of WIOTs (World Input Output tables), this research focused on value added contents in trade instead of traditional trade statistics in the light of double-counting problem. Thus, the paper set two feasible bad-case scenarios: when China and US’s GDP fall and when China and US’s exports fall. Making a comparison of the results from the two models, the ripple effects that Korea would suffer from are bigger in China’s case. Even though it is under the same condition where China and US’s GDP identically fall by 1%, China’s case would bring about stronger impacts on Korea. In a nutshell, the outcome illustrates that the extent of the damage that Korea would undergo is always larger in China’s bad-case scenarios compared to US’s bad-case scenarios which reveals that Korea is more associated with China than US in global value chains. The findings of the analysis are arranged and diagrammed in a table as follows.

Keywords: China, US, China-US Trade War, Korean Economy, WIOTs.
Increase The State Of Poverty In Jordan During The Period 2010-2017
Authors: Aljaloudi Jameel
Published: January 2021

This research aims to study the change in poverty rates in Jordan and the governorates during the period 2010-2017. In estimating poverty rates, the method used by the government in the report on the state of poverty in Jordan for the year 2012 was adopted. This method is similar to the method of the World Bank in estimating global poverty rates. In assessing poverty lines for the year 2017, poverty lines for the year 2010 were re-estimated based on the change in inflation rates and the change in the standard household size at the national and governorate levels during the period 2010-2017. The research relied on national and international secondary sources to collect data related to income, economic growth, and unemployment. Mainly, in this research, reference was made to the Household Income and Expenditure Survey for the year 2010 and 2017 that was conducted by the Jordanian Department of General Statistics. The results of the research showed a significant increase in poverty rates at the national level. It increased from (14.4%) in 2010 to (22.2%) in 2017. With the exception of Ma’an Governorate, all governorates showed a significant increase in their poverty rates. The results also showed the great variation in poverty rates between governorates. These results indicate that the goals contained in the government’s poverty reduction strategies have not been achieved. The reason is not only due to the content and implementation of these plans, but also to the slowdown in economic growth rates and the high unemployment rates since 2010. It is also expected that the rise in the state of poverty will continue due to the deterioration of the economic conditions and will continue with the Corona pandemic, the end of which cannot be foreseen. This situation constitutes more pressure on the government to provide appropriate solutions to alleviate the state of poverty, especially in the difficult fiscal conditions it has faced recently.

Keywords: poverty, welfare economic, income distribution, economic growth, unemployment.
METABOLIC SINGLE-PHOTON EMISSION COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY WITH THE NEW RADIOPHARMACEUTICAL ⁹⁹ᵐTc-1-thio-D-glucose IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND MONITORING OF THE PRIMARY BREAST LYMPHOMA (CASE REPORT)
Authors: Dudnikova Ye. A. , Chernov V. I. , Muravleva A. V. , Kravchuk T. L. , Zelchan R. V. , Medvedeva A. A. , Bragina O. D. , Simolina Ye. L. , Popova N. O. , Vysockaja V. V. , Lukina N. M. , Shatalova V. A. , Shpileva O. V. , Goldberg A. V. , Goldberg V. Ye.
Published: January 2021

The article shows the feasibility of detecting and monitoring primary breast diffuse large B-cell lymphoma using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with 99mTc-1-thio-D-glucose (99mТс-TG), a new radiopharmaceutical. The innovative radiopharmaceutical makes it possible to evaluate the metabolism of tumor tissue without using positron emission tomography. The findings of 99mTc-TG SPECT obtained during diagnosis and monitoring of the patient were confirmed by the results of computed tomography. A comprehensive examination of the patient, including 99mTc-TG SPECT, made it possible to diagnose a rare case of primary breast lymphoma. Primary breast lymphoma accounts for 1.7–2.2 % of all extranodal nonHodgkin lymphomas. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common histological type occurring usually as a unilateral palpable tumor in middle-aged women. Extranodal lymphomas account for less than 0.5 % of all malignant neoplasms of the breast. After 6 courses of immunochemotherapy, the patient underwent 99mTc-TG SPECT, which demonstrated persistent hypermetabolic activity in the breast. The patient received radiation therapy to the remaining tumor of the left breast. The patient is in remission and followed up at the Cancer Research Institute of Tomsk National Research Medical Center. Thus, 99mTc-TG SPECT is believed to be a promising method for visualizing primary breast lymphomas and assessing their treatment outcomes. It is an alternative to the standard approach using 18F-FDG positron emission tomography. The method compares favorably with positron emission tomography with its wide availability and low cost of study.
Si es un Problema de Racismo. Reseña.
Authors: Correa Mosquera Nancy Rocío
Published: January 2021

En la presente reseña, se analizan los aspectos principales que propone el autor a ser considerados, para comprender cómo los procesos histórico-sociales, se han desarrollado de manera en que han conducido a una estratificación velada, de rasgos étnicos, en las sociedades occidentales, ubicando a las personas negras y afrodescendientes, en el escalón más desventajoso, sosteniéndolas allí estructuralmente, a pesar de los casos excepcionales, por medio de mecanismos que se refinan en la medida en que el racismo es desvelado y denunciado, lo que tiene como consecuencia la reproducción de problemáticas de gran envergadura en las sociedades contemporáneas.
Desarrollo cognitivo de la lectura y la escritura en primera infancia: entre la ciencia y la experiencia
Authors: López Liliam Cuartas
Published: January 2021

La editora académica y compiladora de este libro es Nidia Orozco Camacho; una investigadora dedicada al tema de la lectura y la escritura en diferentes niveles educativos desde el inicial hasta el universitario. Ha realizado investigaciones que aportan con sus producciones una importante bibliografía para que maestros, maestras, agentes educativos, madres y padres impulsen la sensibilidad hacia los procesos señalados. Aludir primero al nombre y experiencia de quien además de ser compiladora es autora de uno de sus capítulos, es importante para que lectores y lectoras tengan la confiabilidad de que se encontrarán con una buena obra resultado de investigación la cual por su estructura y contenido constituye una guía pedagógica para labor de impulsar y desarrollar procesos de lectura y de escritura desde la infancia.
Ways to prevent acute viral infection and its bacterial complications
Authors: Lavrenova G. V. , Zaynchukovskiy M. S. , Zhamakochyan K. T. , Malysheva M. I.
Published: January 2021

Viruses of the ARVI group that are tropic to the epithelium of the upper respiratory tract are able to inhibit the function of the mucociliary system to a certain extent, which contributes to the attachment of bacterial infection. Thus, in respiratory inflammatory diseases, the infection is often combined. This means, that the question about approaches to treatment at the stage of prevention of the development of complications of ARVI arises. A significant increase in the relapse of chronic sinusitis has been observed over the past 10 years. According to A.I. Kryukov et al. the relapse of inflammatory diseases of the paranasal sinuses, the chronic process has no tendency to decrease, aided by the unfavorable ecological situation, the growth of allergic and viral respiratory diseases, poor nutrition to which the body is not evolutionarily adapted. Worsening of chronic sinusitis contributes to many factors, but the starting point is almost always viral infections. Relapse, as a rule, begins with viral rhinitis, which is rarely an independent disease. Most often, a runny nose is a symptom of ARVI or ARI (influenza, parainfluenza, adenovirus infection, etc.). The entrance gate of infection is the epithelial cells of the respiratory tract. The main pathological process in sensitive cells develops both as a result of the penetration of the virus from the outside, and due to the activation of latent or chronic viral infection under the influence of various factors, including other infection.

The appointment of drugs with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, adaptogenic activity is one of the promising options for the prevention of both primary viral infection and the development of bacterial complications.

We have included a drug that combines adaptogenic and immunomodulatory activities in the treatment of chronic sinusitis. Trekrezan belongs to the group of adaptogens – low-toxic compounds, it is recommended as a measure for the treatment and prevention of viral infections and increasing resistance to various stress factors (hypoxia, hypothermia) and adverse environmental effects.
Features of the therapy of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in comorbid patients
Authors: Maevskaya M. M.
Published: January 2021

The problem of modern medicine and modern society is a comorbid patient with metabolic disorders. Hypothetical portrait of such a patient: over 40 years old, overweight, arterial hypertension, coronary atherosclerosis, impaired carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, liver steatosis or steato-hepatitis, often with changes in the function of the musculoskeletal system. Rational pharmacotherapy of this patient is of fundamental importance. The article analyzes, from the point of view of polypotency, efficacy and safety, the main drugs used in Russia for treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in comorbid patients. Attention is paid to vitamin E, glycyrrhizin, ursodeoxycholic acid. Domestic and foreign studies of these drugs are analyzed, and the scope of their rational use is shown: reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications, a positive effect on the lipid spectrum, reducing the activity of serum transaminases and other hepatotropic effects. Their side effects are also considered, which should be taken into account when choosing the treatment of a comorbid patient. We have analyzed the efficacy and safety of new molecules that are in clinical trials and/or have not yet been registered in our country, e.g. obeticholic acid, cenicriviroc, tropifexor, etc. The ability of some molecules to act as biological enhancers is also highlighted, which is important to consider when prescribing combination therapy. Doctors are recommended to carefully consider and take into account all the features of a comorbid patient and choose for this category of patients safe drugs of hepatotropic action with simultaneous positive effect on the cardiovascular system. Among other things, it will avoid polypragmasy.
Type 2 diabetes: evidence-based medicine approach to glucose-lowering therapy
Authors: Biryukova E. V. , Morozova I. A. , Rodionova S. V.
Published: January 2021

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a serious medical and social problem. The danger of the disease is associated with epidemic growth rates and chronic complications, leading to early disability, decreased quality of life and mortality. The prevention of diabetes complications is based on the optimal glucose-lowering therapy with the achievement of target metabolic parameters from the date the diagnosis of T2DM was established and throughout the patient’s life. The complex pathogenetic mechanisms of T2DM are the underlying rationale for drug therapy with a simultaneous effect on various disorders, which will provide a greater hypoglycemic potential and maintain effective glycemic control as T2DM progresses. The main reasons for poor disease control include clinical inertia, untimely intensification of drug therapy, and the use of treatment regimens that are insufficiently effective given the progressive course of the disease. The therapy for T2DM is based on clinical guidelines. The pathogenetic therapy options associated with the use of vildagliptin and metformin are considered. Much attention in modern diabetology is paid to the study of the influence of various therapeutic approaches on the disease progression rates from the perspective of improving prognosis and long-term maintenance of target glycemic control. The advantages of combined glucose-lowering therapy at the onset of T2DM are considered in comparison with the stepwise intensification of glucose-lowering therapy. The VERIFY study examined the long-term efficacy and safety of two treatment approaches: early vildagliptin and metformin combination therapy versus the traditional stepwise approach starting with metformin as initial therapy. The combined glucose-lowering therapy is an important direction in the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.
Potential protective effect of zoledronic acid when switching from long-term therapy of osteoporosis with denosumab
Authors: Yakushevskaya O. V.
Published: January 2021

In accordance with the data of the Federal Clinical Recommendations for the Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention of Osteoporosis, with the latter, antiresorptive drugs (denosumab, bisphosphonates) are used, which mainly suppress bone resorption, and anabolic compounds (teriparatide), which enhance bone formation. The vector of their pharmacological effect helps to prevent BMD loss and significantly reduces the risk of low-energy vertebral fractures and fractures of other localizations. The experience of clinical trials makes it possible to successfully carry out antiresorptive therapy with some drugs (denosumab) for up to 10 years, demonstrating good adherence and tolerance. Bisphosphonates remain in the bone matrix for a long time and are characterized by a period of a certain aftereffect. Denosumab and teriparatide show their effect only during the period of direct use. According to some data, when denosumab therapy is canceled in a situation where the targeted goal is achieved, the incidence of vertebral fractures increases, especially in patients with a history of low-traumatic fractures. The article will present the main provisions of the European Calcified Tissues Society, the European Medical Agency, the Russian Association for Osteoporosis regarding the timing of treatment and an analysis of clinical situations requiring the appointment of alternative antiresorptive therapy. According to the resolution of the Council of Experts of the Russian Association on Osteoporosis, bisphosphonates are recommended for all patients to prevent an increased risk of vertebral fractures 6 months after patients had their last subcutaneous injection of denosumab. Oral bisphosphonates should be taken immediately, and zoledronic acid injection should be delayed for another 65 days following a missed denosumab injection.
Vitamin D is a strategic blow to coronavirus infection
Authors: Salukhov V. V. , Kovalevskaya E. A.
Published: January 2021

The world is in the grip of the pandemic of the new viral infection COVID-19. The number of patients around the world is not only not decreasing, but also progressively increasing. Treatment and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 is a major global healthcare challenge. Effective and safe methods of treatment and prevention are urgently needed that can reduce the risk of infection, reduce the risk of developing the infectious process and mortality from this serious disease in addition to quarantine. Vitamin D is known for its classic role in maintaining bone mineral density. Currently, his contribution has been more and more studied. For example, the immune system is important, as well as adaptive immunity and regulation of the inflammatory cascade. In these reviews, the mechanisms of the effect of vitamin D on cellular and humoral immunity and direct antiviral defense of the body were discovered, and its potential modules – the role in vaccine immunogenicity. The data of observational and randomized clinical trials proving the positive effect of colecalciferol on the frequency and severity of seasonal viral respiratory diseases are presented. The mechanism of penetration and development of coronavirus in the human body, changes in the immune system and humoral factors of the body’s defense against the background of the course of SARS-CoV-2. Coronavirus and more severe course is an infectious process depending on age and associated diseases. In this article, we analyze and summarize the data of modern studies, in which it is proved that the level of vitamin D in the blood has a beneficial effect on the content of vitamins D in the body’s immune and antiviral defense and its role in reducing the risk of infection and the severity of pathological diseases, including COVID-19. Discussion of the doses and regimens of vitamin D therapy against viral infections, including COVID-19, is based on the experience of previous and ongoing studies and guidelines.
Assessment of systemic inflammatory reactions and coagulopathy against the background of hormonal therapy in covid-associated lung damage
Authors: Salukhov V. V. , Gulyaev N. I. , Dorokhina E. V.
Published: January 2021

The mechanisms of COVID-19-associated coagulopathy (CAC) are complex and differ in many ways from the standard mechanisms of thrombosis in critically ill patients. This review presents the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and comparison of various types of coagulopathy with SAS. During COVID-19 infection, the number of sudden deaths outside the hospital increased. One possible reason is the high incidence of serious thrombotic events in patients with COVID-19. However, the pathogenesis of these life-threatening events is multifactorial and requires independent discussion.

Deviations in laboratory studies of the hemostatic system in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 with a severe course indicate the activation of the blood coagulation system corresponding to sepsis-induced coagulopathy (SIC) or DIC. However, hemostasis disorders in COVID-19 have characteristics that distinguish them from DIC in sepsis.

The clinical and laboratory features of CAC overlap with hemophagocytic syndrome, antiphospholipid syndrome, and thrombotic microangiopathy. The review presents data on their similarities and differences.

Inadequate diagnosis or inadequate treatment of hypercoagulability may explain the high incidence of unexplained deaths from COVID-19. They can be associated with potentially preventable microvascular and macrovascular thrombosis and subsequent cardiovascular complications, including myocardial injury and infarction, as well as insufficient information content of biomarkers for their assessment.

Research to identify the most informative biomarkers for decision-making to intensify anticoagulant prophylaxis in patients with severe COVID-19 is progressing rapidly, with increasing focus on TEG and ROTEM.

The review presents changes in CAC during hormone therapy for COVID-19-associated lung damage. Pulse therapy with high doses of GCS has a rapid anti-inflammatory effect, but at the same time increases the level of D-dimer, which increases the risk of venous thrombosis and thromboembolism.
Effects of the inclusion of alfacalcidol in complex rehabilitation programs for patients with age-related facial ptosis
Authors: Gromova O. A. , Torshin I. Yu. , Gilels A. V. , Tomilova I. K.
Published: January 2021

Introduction. The sufficiency of vitamin D is important for slowing down the aging of the skin, maintaining its hydration, elasticity and the ability to regenerate. Biologically active forms of vitamin D (including alfacalcidol) promote the activation of genes whose function is directly related to the maintenance of the structure of the skin, subcutaneous tissue, fascia and muscle fibers.

The aim of the work was to assess the prospects for the inclusion of alfacalcidol (“Alpha D3”, 0.25 μg, 1 caps/day) in the rehabilitation programs of patients with age-related ptosis of the face (n = 40, age 47 ± 5 years).

Materials and methods. 4 groups of patients with age-related facial ptosis (n = 40, average age 47 ± 5 years) were observed for 60 days; measurements were made before and after clinical trials. Group 1A (first treatment, n = 12) received the daily dose of Alpha D3, 0.25 mg, in the morning, for 60 days, during this period the patients received 4 cosmetic procedures (2 plastic face massages and 2 stimulation current therapies). Group 1B (first control, n = 8) received only 4 cosmetic procedures over 60 days (2 plastic face massages and 2 stimulation current therapies). Group 2A (second treatment, n = 12) received the daily dose of ALFA D3, 0.25 mg, for 60 days, during this period the patients received 4 DMAE (diethylaminoethanol) mesotherapy procedures. Group 2B (second control, n = 8) only received 4 DMAE (diethylaminoethanol) mesotherapy procedures.

Results. Alfacalcidol intake significantly increased the concentrations of 25 (OH) D (from 17 ± 5 ng/ml to 27 ± 8 ng/ml, P = 0.001) and calcium (from 86 ± 10 mg/L to 96 ± 6 mg/L, P = 0.01) in serum. The positive dynamics of the concentrations of 25 (OH) D and calcium when taking alfacalcidol corresponded to an increase in the total bone mineral density (+ 0.03 ± 0.03 g/cm3, control: + 0.006 ± 0.03, P = 0.016) and T-criterion (+0.4 ± 0.5, control: -0.07 ± 0.2, P = 0.0002), which indicates compensation for vitamin D deficiency and an improvement in bone metabolism. An increase in the levels of 25 (OH) D and calcium when taking alfacalcidol was accompanied by a positive trend in skin condition according to bioimpedance measurements. Taking the drug significantly increased the moisture content of the facial skin (from 17 ± 14 points to 29 ± 14 points, P = 0.055, without changes in the control) and increased the amplitude of the muscle motor response to the stimulus (+ 0.24 ± 0.22, P < 0.02).

Conclusions. Within the framework of a randomized design, it was shown that the addition of massage, microcurrent therapy, mesotherapy with alfacalcidol led to a significant increase in serum 25 (OH) D levels, an increase in skin elasticity and hydration, a decrease in visceral fat according to bioimpedance measurements, and an improvement in indicators of muscle contractility and neuromuscular signal transmission according to electromyography data and an increase in bone mineral density.
Biliary slage as a stage of gallstone disease: the successes and difficulties of treatment
Authors: Minushkin O. N. , Topchiy T. B. , Burdina E. G. , Novozhenova E. V. , Tugova Yu. E.
Published: January 2021

Introduction. The high prevalence rates of biliary sludge and its frequent development into the stone stage of cholelithiasis constitute grounds for studying this issue, as the effective action on biliary sludge can prevent overall disease progression.

Purpose of the study. To determine the options for diagnosis of biliary sludge in the polyclinic settings. Objectives: 1) Estimate the frequency of diagnosis of biliary sludge. 2) Assess the features and dependence of treatment on the type of biliary sludge. 3) Assess the outcome of treatment depending on the follow-up managing of patients. 4) Propose an algorithm for managing patients after biliary sludge has been diagnosed.

Materials and methods. In the work used data of the clinics of the President of the Russian Federation. The total number of people surveyed for 1 year was 1.117. These patients underwent an ultrasound examination (dispensation) and 218 were fitted with biliary sludge (BS), which was 19.4%. Of the 70 patients with BS, 4 groups were formed: 1st group (20 patients) with BS type, 2nd (20 patients) – with BS type, 3rd (20 patients) – with BS type, 4th (10 patients) – with BS-type (BSS) type.

All patients received Exchhol therapy at the rate of 15 mg/kg of weight; patients with a pronounced spastic component in the sphincter system – myotropic spasmolytic Sparex (20 mg x 2 times a day); patients of the 4th group (with a near-located sediment indicating the presence of inflammation) – Adisord (derived nitrofuran) 200 mg x 4 times a day (5 days).

Results. The type of precipitation was cupped in 4 weeks of treatment; Type – for 8–12 weeks of treatment, type V – for 13–14 weeks.

Conclusions. The presented data allow us to hope that early diagnosis of biliary sludge and the factors of its development will help start timely treatment and prevention of the disease.
Metaphor in the Structure of Exploring Complexity
Authors: Dumov Alexander
Published: January 2021

The paper presents a review of modern philosophical and methodological literature on exploring complexity. The research featured the effect of metaphor in the cognitive processes, research communication, and transmission of complex ideas. The author developed a classification of metaphors in the context of exploring complexity. The approach is based on the identification of a certain ontological and epistemic content of the metaphor. The contextual role of the metaphor in cognition processes depends on these aspects of its content. The author analyzed the groups of metaphors associated with such topics of exploring complexity as self-organization, ecology, and dialogue. The metaphors proved important in developing a complex vision of the relationship between the cognizer and the world. The study also examined the axiological aspects of the metaphors, as well as the connection between the metaphor and the new vision of rationality, typical of the philosophical reflection of complexity. The metaphor proved to have a heuristic, communicative, and organizational potential in conditions of methodological uncertainty. The context of philosophical and theoretical-methodological reflection of complexity makes it possible to study the metaphor in order to identify the existing models of exploring complexity and their cognitive stylistics.
Regulatory Issues to Develop Secure Automated Smart Systems
Authors:   Joint Stock Company ", Gavrilov Dmitry ,   Lebedev Institute of Precision Mechanics and Computer Engineering with Russian Academy of Science",   Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology
Published: January 2021

Purpose of the Article. The purpose of the article is to address the regulatory and technical issues of effective creation, operation and operation of safe, reliable and effective systems based on artificial intelligence. The research method. Opportunities for conceptual and logical modeling of ergasystems and invariant architectures of rational modeling based on the problem-oriented version of the integrated “information-cybernetic-didactic” approach using the information and mathematical structure of the automated optical-electronic system of groundspace monitoring are considered. Results. Presented conceptual and logical model of the system of regulatory and technical regulation of systems based on artificial intelligence technologies, and the invariant architecture of the rational model of the artificial intelligence system, developed a method of solving the problem of the operation of the automated optical-electronic system of ground-space monitoring.
Plant RABs: Role in Development and in Abiotic and Biotic Stress Responses
Authors: Tripathy Manas K. , Deswal Renu , Sopory Sudhir K.
Published: January 2021

Endosomal trafficking plays an integral role in various eukaryotic cellular activities and
is vital for higher-order functions in multicellular organisms. RAB GTPases are important proteins
that influence various aspects of membrane traffic, which consequently influence many cellular
functions and responses. Compared to yeast and mammals, plants have evolved a unique set of
plant-specific RABs that play a significant role in their development. RABs form the largest family
of small guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-binding proteins, and are divided into eight sub-families
named RAB1, RAB2, RAB5, RAB6, RAB7, RAB8, RAB11 and RAB18. Recent studies on different
species suggest that RAB proteins play crucial roles in intracellular trafficking and cytokinesis,
in autophagy, plant microbe interactions and in biotic and abiotic stress responses. This review recaptures
and summarizes the roles of RABs in plant cell functions and in enhancing plant survival
under stress conditions.
A QSAR Study of Peptidyl Vinyl Sulfone Cysteine Protease Inhibitors Using Topomer CoMFA and Molecular Docking
Authors: Lu-Yang W.U. , Yang-Min M.A. , Shan L.E.I. , Tian-Hao Wang , Yi Feng
Published: January 2021

Background:

Malaria is one of the most important infectious diseases in the world. The
most severe form of malaria in humans is caused by Plasmodium falciparum. Malaria is a worldwide
health problem, with 214 million new cases in 2015 and 438,000 deaths, most of which are in Africa.
Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel, low-toxic, more specific inhibitors to find new antimalarial
agents. A promising target for antimalarial drug design is falcipain-2, a cysteine protease
from P. falciparum that has received considerable attention due to its key role in the life cycle of the
parasite.

Materials and Methods:

Three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR)
models of 39 peptidyl vinyl sulfone cysteine protease inhibitors was constructed using Topomer
CoMFA. Topomer Search was employed to virtually screen lead-like compounds in the ZINC database.
Molecular docking was employed to further explore the binding requirements between the ligands
and the receptor protein which included several hydrogen bonds between peptidyl vinyl sulfone
cysteine protease inhibitors and active site residues.

Results:

The non-cross correlation coefficient (r2), the interaction validation coefficient (q2) and the
external validation (r2
pred) were 0.902, 0.685 and 0.763, respectively. The results showed that the
model not only had good estimation stability but also good prediction capability. 22 new molecules
were obtained, whose predicted activity is higher than the template molecules. The results showed
that the Topomer Search technology can be effectively applied to screen and design new peptidyl
vinyl sulfone cysteine protease inhibitors. Molecular docking showed extensive interactions between
peptidyl vinyl sulfone cysteine protease inhibitors and residues of LYS24, ASP21, LYS59, and
ASP17 in the active site.

Conclusion:

: 39 peptidyl vinyl sulfone cysteine protease inhibitors were used in the 3D-QSAR study.
Topomer CoMFA 3D-QSAR method was used to build the model, and the model was well predicted
and statistically validated. The design of potent new inhibitors of cysteine protease can get useful
insights from these results.
An Efficient Light-weight Network for Fast Reconstruction on MR Images
Authors: Zhen Bowen , Zheng Yingjie , Qiu Bensheng
Published: January 2021

Background:

In recent years, deep learning (DL) algorithms have emerged endlessly
and achieved impressive performance, which makes it possible to accelerate magnetic resonance
(MR) image reconstruction with DL instead of compressed sensing (CS) methods. However, a DLbased
MR image reconstruction method has always suffered from its heavy learning parameters
and poor generalization ability so far. Therefore, an efficient, light-weight network is still in desperate
need of fast MR image reconstruction.

Methods:

We propose an efficient and light-weight MR reconstruction network (named RecNet)
that uses a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to fast reconstruct high-quality MR images. Specifically,
the network is composed of cascade modules, and each cascade module is further divided
into feature extraction blocks and a data consistency layer. The feature extraction block can not only
effectively extract the features of MR images, but also do not introduce too many parameters for
the whole network. To stabilize the training procedure, the correction information of image frequency
is adopted in the data consistency (DC) layer.

Results:

We have evaluated RecNet on a public dataset and the results show that the image quality
reconstructed by RecNet is the best on the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity
index (SSIM) evaluation standards. In addition, the pre-trained RecNet can also reconstruct high-
-quality MR images on an unseen dataset.

Conclusion:

The results demonstrate that the RecNet has superior reconstruction ability in various
metrics than comparative methods. The RecNet can quickly generate high-quality MR images in
fewer parameters. Furthermore, the RecNet has an excellent generalization ability on pathological
images and different sampling rates data.
The Correlation Between the Autotaxin Enzyme and Pruritus in Egyptian Patients Suffering from Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Asal Fathia , Ziada Dina , Wageh Ayman , El-Kohy Mohammed , Hawash Nehad , Abd-Elsalam Sherief , Badawi Rehab
Published: January 2021

Background & Aims:

Pruritus associated with liver diseases confines daily activities and
causes sleep deprivation in patients with chronic liver diseases. Autotoxin enzyme (ATX) was
found to be higher in sera of patients with intrahepatic cholestasis and it was found to be associated
with the intensity of itching. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between the autotaxin
enzyme and pruritus in Egyptian patients suffering from chronic liver disease (CLD).

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was carried on a total number of 80 patients with chronic liver
disease divided into four groups: Group A and B included cirrhotic patients suffering from pruritis
with and without cholestasis, while group C and D included patients without pruritis with or without
cholestasis and group E included 17 healthy controls. They were subjected to measurement of
serum autotoxin concentration by ELISA in addition to routine investigations including liver function
tests: Total and direct bilirubin, ALT, AST, Alkaline phosphatase, Gama- glutamyl transferase,
and serum albumin.

Results:

There was a significant increase in autotaxin in the four groups included chronic liver disease patients (P value
<0.001*) compared to control group (group E). Autotoxin level was the only marker which had a significant increase in
pruritus groups (groups A & B) compared to non-pruritus groups (groups C & D) with cut off value ≥ 32.

Conclusion:

Serum autotaxin level was elevated in patients with chronic liver diseases with pruritus.
Autotaxin enzyme may play a key role in the induction of hepatogenic pruritus. So, autotaxin
enzyme inhibitors and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor blockers could be a future line of treatment
of hepatogenic pruritus.