bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeted muscle reinnervation for a recurrent traumatic neuroma of the sural nerve: illustrative case
Authors: van Opijnen Mark P. , Hazelbag Hans Marten , de Ruiter Godard C. W.
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Traumatic neuromata often recur after resection. Recently, targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) has been shown to be a promising alternative for the treatment of traumatic neuroma, also in nonamputees. This case shows that TMR can also be applied for this indication in recurrent traumatic neuroma.

OBSERVATIONS

A 55-year-old patient with a history of cerebral palsy presented with a painful swelling in his right knee, 40 years after multiple Achilles tendon surgeries for contractures. On imaging, the lesion was suspect for a traumatic neuroma of the posterior sural nerve. After two failed resections, TMR was performed by connecting the proximal end of the sural nerve to the motor branch of the lateral gastrocnemius muscle. During outpatient visits at 3, 6, and 12 months, the patient reported significantly less pain compared to before the TMR. He had no weakness of plantar flexion. Postoperative imaging, however, showed atrophy of the lateral gastrocnemius muscle.

LESSONS

This case shows that TMR can be a successful strategy to treat recurrent traumatic neuroma after previous failed transection of single neuromata in nonamputee cases. In the authors’ patient, TMR did not result in motor deficit, but more research is needed to investigate this consequence of TMR for this indication.
Логіка: теорія і практика
Authors: Козаченко Надія Павлівна
Published: April 2022

У посiбнику представленi короткi теоретичнi вiдомостi, необхiднi для успiшного розв’язання задач, та запропонованi приклади i детальнi пояснення ходу розв’язування основних задач курсу логiки. Розглянуто табличнi методи класичної логiки висловлювань, логiчний аналiз понять та елементи силогiстики. Для студентiв та усiх, хто цiкавиться логiкою.
Основи самостійного вивчення курсу «Психологія» : навчальний посібник для студентів вищих навчальних закладів спеціальності «Хореографія»
Authors: Ткаченко Олена Андріївна
Published: April 2022

Навчальний посібник призначений для ґрунтовного самостійного оволодіння навчальним курсом «Психологія» студентами вищих навчальних закладів, які навчаються за спеціальністю «Хореографія». У посібнику наведено питання для підготовки, рекомендована література, загальні дані про зміст базових тем, вправи та практичні задачі для самостійної роботи, завдання для підготовки до тестового контролю. Зміст переважної більшості представлених вправ і практичних задач мають пряме професійне спрямування, що дозволить студентам при їх виконанні не тільки систематизувати й поглибити теоретичні знання, сформувати практичні прийоми та навички, а й усвідомити важливість їх засвоєння для успішного виконання професійної діяльності. Запропоновані завдання відповідають різним рівням складності, що надає студентам можливість вибору, у відповідності до їхнього рівня інтелектуальної активності (репродуктивного, продуктивного, творчого), пізнавальних здібностей, інтересів та потреб. Навчальний посібник буде корисним для викладачів і студентів вищих навчальних закладів, хореографів різного професійного спрямування, практичних психологів.
«І в мене був свій рідний край…»: хрестоматія української діаспорної літератури для дітей та юнацтва
Authors: Варданян М. В.
Published: April 2022

Це видання включає в себе різножанрові та багатотематичні твори письменників української діаспори, які писали для дітей та юнацтва. Деякі з них уже відомі українському читачу, але більшість із них ще знайдуть своїх поціновувачів. У презентованій книзі подані біографічні портрети письменників української діаспори, їхній літературний спадок та, власне, тексти. У підборі творів до хрестоматії увагу зосереджено на представленні таких тем, як патріотичні, релігійні, історичні, розваг дитини, її навчання, виховання, соціалізації, національної пам’яті, зберігання й пізнання свого, рідного та відкриття чужого, невідомого світу. Адресована хрестоматія студентам закладів вищої освіти, педагогічних коледжів. Прислужиться викладачам, учителям, вихователям та батькам, а також усім, хто цікавиться літературою української діаспори загалом та питаннями виховання молодого покоління засобами художнього слова зокрема.
Багатовікові дерева дубу звичайного (Quercus robur L.) садово-паркового культурфітоценозу – як перспективні об’єкти заповідання
Authors: Савосько В. М.
Published: April 2022

Досліджено методом маршрутних обстежень у 2007-2016 р. біометричні показники та стан багатовікових дерев дубу звичайного парку «Веселі Терни». Подано оцінку екологічного стану багатовікових дерев дубу звичайного, що проведено методом окомірного оцінювання. Завдяки застосованій шкалі оцінки життєвості дерев проаналізовано сучасний стан вікових дерев і спрогнозовано їх можливу подальшу «ботанічну долю» у найближчому майбутньому.
Професійна підготовка учителів природничо-математичних дисциплін засобами комп’ютерного моделювання: соціально-конструктивістський підхід
Authors: Теплицький Олександр Ілліч , Теплицький Ілля Олександрович , Семеріков Сергій Олексійович , Соловйов Володимир Миколайович
Published: April 2022

Спецвипуск містить монографію О. І. Теплицького, І. О. Теплицького, С. О. Семерікова та В. М. Соловйова, у якій визначені умови професійної підготовки майбутніх учителів природничо-математичних дисциплін засобами комп’ютерного моделювання, розроблено структурно-функціональну модель підготовки, дібрано соціально-конструктивістські форми організації, методи та засоби навчання комп’ютерного моделювання майбутніх учителів природничо-математичних дисциплін. Для науковців, викладачів та студентів закладів вищої освіти, учителів шкіл та всіх тих, кого цікавлять сучасні теорія та методика навчання.
Perceived Health Benefits of Exercise on Lifestyle of Civil Servants in Ilorin East Local Government, Kwara State
Authors: ALADESUSI GBOYEGA , Bakinde Tosho
Published: April 2022

Abstract
This study examined the health benefits of exercise on lifestyle of Civil servants of Ilorin East Local Government Area. The objective of this study were to find out if cardiovascular health, muscular endurance, body composition and flexibility as a result of exercise will influence positive lifestyle among Civil servants in the Area. Descriptive research design of survey method was adopted. The population for this study comprised all Civil servants in the area . Systematic sampling technique was used to select 10% of the population. A researcher designed structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from the respondent. A reliability coefficient of 0.65 was obtained through Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Four null hypotheses were tested using inferential statistics of Chi-square at 0.05 alpha level.
The result revealed that Cardiovascular health, Muscular endurance, Body composition, Flexibility as a result of exercise significantly influenced lifestyle among civil servants in Ilorin East Local Government positively. It was concluded that health benefits of exercise on lifestyle among Civil servants in Ilorin East. Local Government were significantly influenced by cardiovascular health, muscular endurance, body composition and flexibility as a result of exercise. Therefore, it was recommended that Civil servants should be encouraged to participate in exercise to improve their cardiovascular health.
Features of assessing the investment attractiveness of high-tech projects
Authors: Mandych I. A. , Bykova A. V. , Gaiman O. B.
Published: April 2022

Objectives. The creation of high-tech projects is one of the main stages of the transition to an innovative economy. This can further be explained by the intensive development of globalization processes in the economic system of Russia. High-tech projects have lower profitability when compared to venture projects, but a higher probability of commercial success. In Russia, there are currently six areas of support programs for high-tech projects. Moreover, there are a large number of operators supporting high-tech projects actively working in the Russian market. The acceleration of the technological development requires an intensification of innovation policy and a revision of the portfolio of its acting instruments. In turn, this makes the matter of analyzing their significance and relevance for participants in innovation processes more pertinent. The purpose of this work is to identify features of the investment process in the Russian Federation, and determine criteria for selecting priority high-tech projects and methods of evaluating high-tech projects, in the aim of making informed investment decisions.Methods. Models for assessing the investment attractiveness of high-tech projects were constructed using economic and mathematical modeling methods, in particular, nonlinear and dynamic programming methods.Results. The general principles and approaches to methods of evaluating the efficiency were analyzed. A model of the priorities of high-tech projects was presented. Models which take into account cash flows after the expiration of the payback period were also considered (by means of the nonlinear programming of calculation of the discounted payback period of investment costs and the modernized discounted payback period of investment costs). An algorithm for assessing the investment attractiveness of high-tech projects was demonstrated.Conclusions. To date, there has been no single algorithm for assessing the investment attractiveness of high-tech projects. However, the integrated application of the methods and models proposed in this work will allow investors to make informed investment decisions despite the complexity of project financing in innovative developments.
COVID-19-associated myocarditis: clinical pattern and medical treatment
Authors:   V.I. Razumovskiy Saratov State Medical University, Saratov, Russian Federation, Sergeeva V.A. , Lipatova T.E. ,   V.I. Razumovskiy Saratov State Medical University, Saratov, Russian Federation
Published: April 2022

Myocarditis associated with the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is a challenging diagnosis. Clinical presentations of this disease are either non-specific or occult. Meanwhile, long-term outcomes are unknown. Diagnostic approaches are challenging and virtually impossible to be applied in the COVID-19 hospitals. In addition, therapy for the COVID-19 infection is potentially harmful to the myocardium. This review article summarizes currently available published data on the clinical aspects and medical treatment for inflammatory myocardial damage in the COVID-19 infection. More than 300 publications were analyzed. This paper addresses the most relevant information. International published data provide strong evidence of the potential development of myocarditis secondary to the COVID-19 infection. Histological verification of myocardial damage is associated with significant differences since endomyocardial biopsy is not always possible in the setting of severe infection course. As a result, statistical data do not fully represent the prevalence of COVID-19-associated myocarditis. Pharmacotherapeutic strategies are generally empirical due to the understudied pathogenesis of inflammatory myocardial damage. Further studies are needed, given a controversial prognosis of COVID-19-associated myocarditis. KEYWORDS: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, myocarditis, myocardial damage, cardiovascular system, clinical presentations, treatment, drug effects. FOR CITATION: Sergeeva V.A., Lipatova T.E. COVID-19-associated myocarditis: clinical pattern and medical treatment. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2022;6(1):26–32 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2022-6-1-26-32
Complex assessment of the adherence to medical therapy in acute decompensated heart failure using various scales
Authors:   Kemerovo State Medical University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation, Okunev I.M. ,   L.S. Barbarash Kuzbass Clinical Cardiological Dispensary, Kemerovo, Russian Federation, Kochergina A.M. ,   Kemerovo State Medical University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation,   Research Institute for Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases, Kemerovo, Russian Federation, Kashtalap V.V. ,   Kemerovo State Medical University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation,   Research Institute for Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases, Kemerovo, Russian Federation
Published: April 2022

Background: acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is a potentially fatal condition that worsens prognosis and decreases quality of life. Poor adherence to treatment and recommendations increases the risk of ADHF. Aim: to study the clinical anamnestic data of patients with ADHF and assess adherence to medical treatment on the basis of various scales. Patients and Methods: this study enrolled 50 patients (mean age 70.9±12 years, 34% were men) with ADHF who were admitted to the Department of Emergency Cardiology in 2021. After stabilization, all patients filled a set of questionnaires, e.g., the 4-item and 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-4 and MMAS-8), ARMS, SEAMS, National Society of Evidence-based Pharmacotherapy (NSEP-1), and Complex Adherence Assessment (CAA-25), to evaluate pre-hospital adherence to treatment. Results: prehospital adherence to medical treatment was poor, i.e., 21 patients (42%) received β blockers and statins, 8 patients (16%) received ACE inhibitors, 13 patients (26%) received angiotensin II receptor antagonists (sartans), 23 patients 946%) received loop diuretics, and 11 patients (22%) received mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. Among 18 patients with established type 2 diabetes, 2 patients (11.15%) received no treatment, 10 patients (55.55%) received peroral glucose-lowering medications, and 4 patients (22.2%) received insulin therapy. Only 3 patients (6%) have been immunized against COVID-19, while 13 patients (26%) have been infected with COVID-19. None of the participants were immunized against the flu. The proportion of patients with maximum treatment adherence was 4% to 50%, meaning the most "loyal" scale was MMAS-4 and the most "strict" scale was SEAMS. Conclusion: MMAS-4 demonstrated maximum (50%) adherence to medical treatment, while SEAMS demonstrated minimum (4%) adherence to medical treatment. ARMS and CAA-25 produced the most realistic results. KEYWORDS: heart failure, re-hospitalization, adherence, scales. FOR CITATION: Okunev I.M., Kochergina A.M., Kashtalap V.V. Complex assessment of the adherence to medical therapy in acute decompensated heart failure using various scales. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2022;6(1):39–44 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2022-6-1-39-44.
Comparative Study between Using Only Vaginal Misoprostol and Using Vaginal Misoprostol and Estradiol Cream for Induction of Labour: Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mortada E. Ahmed , Fekria A. Salama , Amira Maher Ahmed Hassan , Gamal Rania
Published: April 2022

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of vaginal misoprostol versus vaginal misoprostol and estradiol cream for ripening of the very unfavorable cervix in patients requiring induction of labor.

METHODS: This study was a randomized controlled trial conducted on 120 women with unfavorable cervix during the period from April 2021 to October 2021. Patients were randomized into two equal groups as follows; _GROUP I_ included 60 patients who were given only vaginal misoprostol 25 μg, and _GROUP II_ included 60 patients in which women were given vaginal misoprostol 25 μg with vaginal estradiol 150 mg.

RESULTS: Thirty-two patients (53.3%) in the misoprostol group and 38 patients (63.3%) in the estradiol group reached the active phase. According to the mode of delivery, 29 patients (48.3%) in the misoprostol and 24 patients (40%) in the estradiol group underwent cesarean section. The most common causes of CS were failed induction and fetal distress. With exception of the 1st minute Apgar score, no statistically significant difference in labor induction between both groups was reported.

CONCLUSION: We found that a combination between the misoprostol and estradiol does not achieve a significant difference in labor induction compared to vaginal misoprostol alone.
Study results of the economic and biological characteristics of winter common wheat varieties when sown after sunflower in the south of the Rostov region
Authors: Gromova S. N. , Skripka O. V. , Podgorny S. V. , Samofalov A. P. , Chernova V. L. , Kravchenko N. S.
Published: April 2022

Methods. The current study was conducted in 2018–2020 on the experimental plots of the FSBSI “Agricultural Research Center “Donskoy” in order to estimate the effect of sunflower as a forecrop on the formation of productivity and quality traits of the winter common wheat varieties in the south of the Rostov region. There have been studied 13 winter common wheat varieties developed by the FSBSI “ARC “Donskoy”. The variety ‘Ermak’ was taken as a standard.Results. Through the years of study, the new winter bread wheat varieties ‘Razdolie’, ‘Donskaya step’ and ‘Rubin Dona’ had a higher realization of the genetic potential, which provided yields at the level of 5.30–5.78 t/ha, which was on 0.50–0.98 t/ha higher than that of the standard variety ‘Ermak’, and 0.46 t/ha with НСР05. The variety ‘Aksiniya’ had the smallest (66.0 cm) value of the trait ‘plant height’. On average for 2018–2020 there were dominated the varieties of medium-low height (from 66.0 to 80.0 cm). According to the trait ‘1000-grain weight’ the varieties ‘Aksiniya’, ‘Etyud’, ‘Donskaya step’, ‘Yubiley Dona’, ‘Zodiak’ and ‘Rubin Dona’ were of medium-size with 35.68–38.12 g, the standard variety ‘Ermak’ had 36.24 g. According to the trait ‘protein percentage’ the variety ‘Aksiniya’ corresponded to the 1-st class of quality (> 14.50%). According to the trait ‘gluten content’, the studied varieties ‘Tanais’, ‘Zernogradka 11’, ‘Aksiniya’, ‘Nakhodka’, ‘Etyud’, ‘Shef’, ‘Donskaya step’, ‘Yubiley Dona’, ‘Zodiak’, ‘Rubin Dona’ corresponded to the 2-nd class of quality (28.0–32.0%). The volume of bread yield ranged from 557 cm3 for the variety ‘Yubiley Dona’ to 683 cm3 for the variety ‘Aksiniya’, and 643 cm3 for the standard variety ‘Ermak’. Productivity had a positive average correlation with the trait ‘plant height’ (r = 0.59, p < 0.05) and a weak correlation with ‘heading stage’ (r = 0.20, p < 0.05) and with ‘gluten deformation index’ (r = 0, 22, p < 0.05). Productivity also negatively correlated with protein and gluten content in grain (r = -0.67 and r = -0.64, p < 0.05) and with kernel hardness (r = -0.27, p < 0.05).
Some photosynthetic and biochemical parameters of collection samples of eggplant of various origins
Authors: Eyvazov A. G.
Published: April 2022

Relevanceand methods. During the period of mass flowering — fructification 20 collection samples of eggplant of various origins were studied for some photosynthetic and biochemical parameters in the conditions of the Apsheron Peninsula of Azerbaijan Republic. On the basis of the conducted research, samples characterized by a high leaf area (1470,3–1810,1 cm2/plant), high content of total chlorophylls (94,8–104,3 mg/plant) in the leaves and dry matter in fruits (6,2–1,9%) were selected. The size of the leaf area was determined by a portable device L1–3000 C, the content of chlorophyll in the leaves was determined by the device SPAD-502 Chlorophyllo-meter, the content of dry matter and nitrates was determined by the method of A.I. Ermakov.Results.It was revealed that the varieties selected for photosynthetic parameters were also characterized by high productivity. Comparative characteristics of collection samples showed that the results obtained by assessing the dry matter content in eggplant varieties were higher compared to standard variety (6.2–11.9% contrary to 4.9%). Тhese distinguished samples are recommended for use by selectionist in further selection. At the same time, it is recommended to pay special attention to sample 148 (AFN-28), which exceeds the standard variety Zakhra by 2.43 times in dry matter content, 2.49 times in leaf area, and 3.30 times in total chlorophyll. It was also found that the content of toxic substances — nitrates in the fruits of the studied collection varieties was lower than the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) provided in the regulations of the Ministry of Health of Azerbaijan Republic (24.0–82.5 mg/kg contrary to 300 mg/kg), which indicates that these samples can be used to produce eco-friendly eggplant products.
Implementasi Media Pembelajaran Dengan Menggunakan EPRO dan E-Book Dalam Meningkatkan Antusias Belajar Peserta Didik di Desa Kepuhdoko
Authors: Waqfin Mohammad Saat Ibnu , Galih Ananta , Abdullah Hanif , Jamaludin Jamaludin , Nurlia Zulaikhotun
Published: April 2022

Since the implementation of the online learning system, not a few students find it very difficult to learn. In addition, the level of student enthusiasm for learning is decreasing and even disappearing. This is in accordance with the explanation of one of the guardians of students in Kepuhdoko Village. He explained that today's students prefer to hold gadgets rather than holding books. After the pandemic period has begun to recede, the government has a policy that schools can conduct offline learning but with a shortened learning period or can be called Limited Face-to-face Learning (PTMT). This applies as a result of the ongoing pandemic. This learning system also applies in Kepuhdoko village. In this case, our focus in this activity is students from the hamlets of Kepuh and Semaden at the SD/MI level. The education system in these two hamlets also follows the rules of the Ministry of Education and Culture, which is to apply limited face-to-face learning. However, it is undeniable that students need a process to restore feelings of pleasure or enthusiasm to learn directly with educators. Limited face-to-face learning (PTMT) is a transitional learning scheme, where students will take online and offline (face-to-face) courses before fully switching to a 100% offline learning scheme with several conditions and following health protocols. In the village of Kepuhdoko, there are 2 basic education institutions, namely MIS Darul Ulum Kepuhdoko and SDN Kepuhdoko. At MIS Darul Ulum Kepuhdoko teaching and learning activities use a collaborative system between the face-to-face learning system and the online learning system.
Pelatihan Dalam Pengaplikasian Konsep Transformasi Geometri Pada Desain Motif Batik di SMP Negeri 81 Jakarta
Authors: Wahidin Wahidin , Alyani Fitri
Published: April 2022

Mathematics is learned and developed to solve daily problems. One of the obstacles of students interesnt in mathematics is the lack of information related to the application of mathematics in daily life that is conveyed to students. In fact, the mathematics material learned in school is an early concept that is widely used in everyday life. One of them is the transformation of the geometry. Geometry Transformation is a branch of mathematics in the algebra. The use of geometric concepts is often found in everyday life. Based on these problems, the community service team offered a solution in the form of training in the concept of geometric transformation with batik motif designs.
Keywords: Transformation geometry, batik motif design.
Accuracy and precision of 31P-MRS assessment for evaluating the effect of melatonin-pretreated mitochondria transferring on liver fibrosis of rats
Authors: Ko Sheung-Fat , Huang Tien-Hung , Lin Yuan-Ping , Chen Yi-Ling , Yip Hon-Kan
Published: April 2022

This study examined the reliability of 31phosphorus-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS) to measure parameters of liver metabolic function in the intact animals. These parameters can help us to evaluate the severity and prognosis of liver fibrosis. In addition, 31P-MRS was also used to examine the protective effects of melatonin on liver mitochondria. An animal model of liver fibrosis was established via intraperitoneal administration of thioacetamide (TAA) to rats. Rats were scanned at baseline, week 3 and 6 after TAA treatment, respectively, to measure the longitudinal changes of phosphorus metabolite levels by 31P-MRS at 9.4 T. The results showed a consistent decline in the levels of phosphorus metabolites (inorganic phosphate, α-ATP, γ-ATP and NADH) in rats with fibrosis. Impaired mitochondrial respiration capacity, collagen accumulation and the extent of fibrosis in liver were markedly associated with decreased concentrations of phosphorus metabolites. Melatonin-pretreated mitochondria transferring efficiently prevented TAA-induced liver damage mainly by restoring mitochondrial function. In conclusion, the levels of phosphorus metabolites could serve as the indicators of mitochondrial oxidative capacity and thus provides a novel tool to evaluate mitochondrial integrity in the in vivo condition by using 31P-MRS in the setting of liver fibrosis.
Combination of melatonin with paclitaxel reduces the TLR4-mediated inflammatory pathway, PD-L1 levels, and survival of ovarian carcinoma cells
Authors: Gaiotte Leticia B , Cesário Roberta C , Silveira Henrique S , De Morais Oliveira Diego Augusto , Cucielo Maira S , Romagnoli Graziela G , Kaneno Ramon , De Campos Zuccari Debora Aparecida P , Reiter Russel J , Chuffa Luiz Gustavo de Almeida
Published: April 2022

Ovarian cancer (OC) has a high mortality rate. Although most patients respond to the conventional chemotherapy [e.g., paclitaxel (PTX)], some also develop drug resistance to make the treatment less effective. Since melatonin exhibits antioxidant, antitumor, and immunomodulatory functions in a variety of solid tumors, in this study the effects of a combination of PTX and melatonin on SKOV-3 human ovarian carcinoma cells were investigated and the focus was given to the Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated inflammatory pathway and cell signaling-related molecules. Flow cytometry showed that this combination significantly boosted the apoptosis/necrosis responses of the cancer cells. Cell migration was attenuated by melatonin alone, and the combination led to a reduced number of migrating and invasive cells. Melatonin alone and its combination also reduced the levels of TLR4, MyD88, TRIF, and PD-L1, but not TLR2. In addition, the combination significantly lowered the levels of NF-kB p65, PI3K, p-AKT, p38, ERK 1/2, JNK, CREB, p70s6K, and STAT5. The results suggested that this combination was effective in reducing the viability and the invasive capacity of SKOV-3 cells while increasing their apoptosis and necrosis rates. The potential mechanism of this combination is to attenuate the downstream molecules of the TLR4-mediated inflammatory pathway and cell signaling-related proteins in the cancer cells. Thus, melatonin improved the chemosensitivity of the cancer cells to PTX, serving as an effective adjuvant therapy against OC.
Melatonin synthesized by activated microglia orchestrates the progression of microglia from a pro-inflammatory to a recovery/repair phenotype
Authors: Souza Ewerton S , Santos Adriessa A , Ribeiro-Paz Edson ED , Córdoba-Moreno Marlina , Trevisan Isabela L , Caldeira Waldir , Muxel Sandra M , Sousa Kassiano DS , Markus Regina P
Published: April 2022

Microglia, the sentinels of the central nervous system, are responsible for the surveillance and the innate defense against pathogen or danger/damage-associated molecular patterns. The response is fine-tuned to restrain pro-inflammatory responses, preserving neighboring cells. At the injured area, microglia temporarily shift to a pro-inflammatory phenotype (M1), followed by anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotypes. The duration and magnitude of the pro-inflammatory phase are finely regulated to avoid unnecessary loss of brain tissue. The present study shows that melatonin synthesized by microglia plays a key role in the transformation of M1 to M2 phenotypes. In a mixed rat cerebellar glia culture, the percentage of activated microglia did not vary significantly with the treatments, while the role of melatonin synthesized by microglia in promoting the end of the pro-inflammatory phase, and the initiation of the regulatory/phagocytic phases was inferred by using pharmacological tools. Total microglia were identified by the expression of CD11b/c, whereas positive to IBA-1 microglia were considered activated, independent of the phenotype. M1 and M2 phenotypes were distinguished with the biomarkers NOS-2 and ARG-1, as these enzymes act on the same substrate (L-arginine), producing pro-inflammatory (NO) or anti-inflammatory (polyamines and proline) end products, respectively. Luzindole, a blocker of melatonin receptors, impaired the conversion of M1 to M2 phenotypes and zymosan phagocytosis. Thus, melatonin content synthesized by cerebellar microglia determines the extension of the pro-inflammatory phase of defense response.
Turning Red
Authors: Dunwoody Micha
Published: April 2022

This is a film review of Turning Red (2022) directed by Domee Shi.
Consideration of the Hygrothermal Actions in Concrete Pavement Design Procedures: Do we Follow the Right Approach?
Authors: Mateos Angel , A. Millan Miguel , Harvey John , Wu Rongzong , Paniagua Julio , Paniagua Fabian
Published: April 2022

Concrete moisture-related and thermal (hygrothermal) actions are known to have a large impact on the performance of concrete pavements. Despite that, current mechanistic-empirical design procedures oversimplify the prediction of these actions and their effects on the structure of the pavement. This paper evaluates the most common simplifications adopted by current mechanistic-empirical design procedures. The evaluation is based on the experimental data collected from fifteen thin bonded concrete overlay of asphalt pavements that were instrumented with sensors to measure the structural and hygrothermal response. The experimental data included the response of the slabs under the ambient environment, measured during fifteen months, and the response measured under the wheel of the Heavy Vehicle Simulator. The analysis of the experimental data shows that some simplifications adopted by current mechanistic-empirical design procedures lead to a considerable underestimation of the effects of thermal and moisture-related actions. The study emphasizes the need for a better understanding of a number of phenomena before a fully realistic modeling of the hygrothermal actions in concrete pavements can be achieved. Among those phenomena are concrete tensile creep, slab- base interaction, and concrete moisture content effect on the coefficient of thermal expansion.
Avrupa’da Sol-Popülizmin İktidar Deneyimi: Syriza ve Podemos
Authors: YILDIRIM Yavuz
Published: April 2022

Popülizm hakkında, demokrasilerin otoriterleşmesi tartışmasıyla ilgi kurularak, hem teorik açıdan hem de çeşitli ülke örnekleriyle pek çok çalışma yapıldı. Önceki dönemlerde genellikle Latin Amerika üzerinden anlaşılan bu tartışma, Avrupa kanadında ise aşırı-sağ eğilimlerle birlikte ele alınmaktadır. Bu çalışmada farklı olarak sol-popülist eğilimler sahip Syriza’nın ve Podemos’un partileşme ve hükümet ortağı olma süreçleri aktarılmıştır. Çalışmada öncelikle sağ ve sol-popülizmin teorik zeminleri ve söylemsel farklılıkları, yakın dönem çalışmalara odaklanarak, genel çerçevesiyle analiz edilmiştir. Devamında iki parti üzerinden solpopülist siyasetin hükümet deneyimi anlatılmıştır. Çalışmanın temel sorusu, sol popülist eğilime sahip hareketlerin partileşme ve hükümet olma sürecinde ne düzeyde değişime uğradığıdır. Gerek Syriza gerekse Podemos ülkelerindeki ana akım siyasetin işleyişini önemli ölçüde değiştirememiştir. Ancak partilerin kendilerini yeniden konumlandırmaları, demokratik tartışmayı yeniden gündeme getirmeleri ve siyasal tartışmaların genel seyrini etkilemeleri açısından belirleyici aktörlere dönüşmüştür. Sonuç olarak yazıya konuolan partilerin radikal öğelerden sıyrılıp merkez siyasetin oyuncusu olsa bile demokratik işleyişte pratik ve normatif dönüşümlere yol açtığı vurgulanabilir.
Guía para el manejo del Aldosteronismo Primario
Authors: Gomez-Sanchez Celso E.
Published: April 2022

El aldosteronismo primario es la causa de hipertensión secundaria más común que afecta entre 5-24% de los pacientes con hipertensión arterial y está asociada a un incremento de la morbilidad cardiovascular, cerebrovascular y renal comparada con pacientes con hipertensión primaria. El diagnóstico depende de la demostración de una elevación autónoma de la secreción de aldosterona con respecto a un aumento de la ingesta de sal y que no responde al sistema renina-angiotensina. Las causas más comunes del aldosteronism primario son debidos a un adenoma adrenal productor de aldosterona, hiperplasia bilateral idiopática y menos comunes son la hiperplasia unilateral idiopática y el carcinoma adrenal causante de aldosteronismo. El diagnóstico diferencial es realizado usando una tomografía adrenal y especialmente con el muestreo de las venas adrenales. El tratamiento de adenomas es por una adrenalectomíalaparoscópica y en el caso del aldosteronismo bilateral idiopático tratamiento médico con bloqueadores del receptor mineralocorticoide (espirolactonas o eplerenona).
A proof of the Riemann hypothesis
Authors: Abe Yukitaka
Published: April 2022

We prove the Riemann hypothesis. We also prove that every zero of the zeta function is simple.
Real-Life Experience With Subcutaneous Plasma-Derived C1-Inhibitor for Long-Term Prophylaxis in Patients With Hereditary Angioedema: A Case Series
Authors: Zanichelli Andrea , Suffritti Chiara , Popescu Janu Valentina , Merlo Andrea , Cogliati Chiara
Published: April 2022

Hereditary angioedema due to C1-inhibitor deficiency (C1-INH-HAE) is characterized by swelling attacks that may be even life-threatening. To reduce the frequency of attacks, some patients need a long-term prophylaxis (LTP). In addition to the intravenous administration, plasma-derived C1-inhibitor (pdC1-INH) has been proved effective also if administered subcutaneously at the dose of 120 IU/kg/week. In this case series, we collected from clinical records data about 5 patients with poorly controlled C1-INH-HAE with the registered LTPs or with difficult venous access, referred to the angioedema center in Milano (Italy), who received it at lower doses, i.e., 42.86–65.22 IU/kg/week. All the patients experienced a reduction in the attack rate, ranging from 29.67% to 96.53% compared with a control period with a different LTP or with no LTP. For one patient, the comparison was made with a period when he received s.c. pdC1-INH 2 (with poor outcomes) instead of 3 times a week, which made the patient experience a decrease in the attack rate from 5.26 to 1.12 attacks/month. Observation periods varied between 2.6 and 47.97 months. Two patients reported adverse events, which were localized at the infusion site and mild in severity. In conclusion, subcutaneous pdC1-INH represents an alternative therapeutic choice according to the physician's judgment for selected patients with HAE poorly controlled with registered LTPs. In patients with difficult venous access, in countries where pdC1-INH is not approved for subcutaneous administration, about half the recommended dose may be beneficial, although suboptimal results may be obtained.
β-Cyclodextrin and Oligoarginine Peptide-Based Dendrimer-Entrapped Gold Nanoparticles for Improving Drug Delivery to the Inner Ear
Authors: Luo Jia , Lin XueXin , Li LiLing , Tan JingQian , Li Peng
Published: April 2022

Here, we developed a safe and highly effective nanocarrier using β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and oligoarginine peptide (Arg8)-modified dendrimer-entrapped gold nanoparticles (Au@CD-PAMAM-Arg8), with a diameter of 5 nm, for improved delivery of dexamethasone (Dex) to the inner ear. The properties and in vivo distribution of the Au@CD-PAMAM-Arg8 were assessed in vitro, and a streptomycin (SM) ototoxicity model was used in vivo. Flow cytometry analysis of HEIOC1 cells treated with Au@CD-PAMAM-Arg8 and Au @CD-PAMAM at different time intervals indicated that cell uptake efficiency of the drug delivery carrier Au@CD-PAMAM-Arg8 was higher than that of Au @CD-PAMAM. Au@CD-PAMAM-Arg8 carrying Dex (Au@CD-PAMAM-Arg8/Dex) were mainly distributed in hair cells, the spiral ganglion, lateral wall, and nerve fibers and had stronger protective effects on the inner ear than Dex administration alone. In vivo tracer tests revealed that tympanic injection was significantly more effective than posterior ear injection, muscle injection, and tail vein injection, whereas clinical retro-auricular injection could not increase the efficiency of drug delivery into the ear. Electrocochleography results showed that Au@CD-PAMAM-Arg8/Dex significantly improved hearing in C57/BL6 mice after SM exposure. These findings indicate that Au@CD-PAMAM-Arg8 may be the useful drug carriers for the treatment of inner ear diseases.
Synthesis, Characterization, and In Vivo Toxicological Evaluation of Copper (II) Oxide Containing Herbometallic Siddha Nanocomplex “Thamira Parpam”
Authors: Royapuram Parthasarathy Parameswari , Manikandamathavan Verasundaram M. , Chandronitha Chandranayagam , Vasanthi Hannah R. , Mohan Vasanth Kumar , Vijayakumar Venkataramanan , Shanmugam Rajeshkumar , Sekaran Saravanan , Unni Nair Balachandran , Chamundeeswari Duraipandian , Thyagarajan Sadras Panchatcharam
Published: April 2022

“Thamira parpam” (TP), a copper-based herbometallic oxide (copper (II) oxide) nanodrug has been used in Siddha medicine for centuries because of its anti-ulcerogenic property. However, the physicochemical properties and in vivo toxicity of TP still remain elusive. Rigorous clinical translation requires deciphering these vital properties. We have synthesized TP following a gold standard protocol in the traditional Siddha methodology. We assessed the size, phase, elemental constituents, and thermal stability of TP by SEM and TEM, XRD, EPR, and EDAX analyses, respectively. The results depicted the conversion of metallic copper into copper (II) oxide in the final stages of TP preparation and exhibited nanodimensions ranging between 10 and 50 nm. The XPS spectra revealed the presence of oxygen-deficient state and a carbonaceous coating was found on the surface of TP using TEM analysis. In vivo safety was studied in rat toxicity models by adopting OECD guidelines. Body weight changes, feed, and water intake were unaltered upon TP administration. Hematological, biochemical profiling, and histopathological findings also suggested its nontoxic nature with no abnormalities in major organs and its functions. Interestingly, we found that the metal toxicity could have been subdued because of the carbonaceous coating around the nanoparticle copper (II) oxide, confirming that the drug is safe at a low dose. Overall, our study has enlightened the safety of TP supporting the use of Siddha formulations.
Augmented Reality in the Construction Industry: Use-Cases, Benefits, Obstacles, and Future Trends
Authors: Nassereddine Hala , Hanna Awad S. , Veeramani Dharmaraj , Lotfallah Wafik
Published: April 2022

Information is the lifeblood of modern construction. Advances in Information and Communication Technology have been and are continuing to progress at rapid rates. Construction companies that are successfully able to adopt and integrate new technologies will gain a competitive edge. One emerging technology that has great potential to transform the construction industry is Augmented Reality (AR). While AR has been of interest to researchers for some time, no single research effort has yet comprehensively investigated the opportunities, benefits, challenges, and future paths toward implementing AR in modern construction. The main objective of this research is to investigate the potential of AR throughout the lifecycle of a construction project from the perspective of the construction industry. Responses from 93 industry practitioners were collected to investigate use-cases of AR throughout the project lifecycle, highlight potential benefits, and identify obstacles to entry that have slowed the implementation of AR thus far. Cluster analysis was employed to determine AR use-cases with the highest usage potential and identify the highest perceived benefits and obstacles of AR. Finally, the future of AR in construction is forecast through a series of statements that describe potential trends of AR in the construction industry. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by exploring the potential of AR as perceived by construction practitioners.
Probabilistic Fatigue Fragility Curves for Overhead Transmission Line Conductor-Clamp Assemblies
Authors: Thomas Oluwafemi Olumide , Chouinard Luc , Langlois Sebastien
Published: April 2022

The residual life of transmission line overhead conductors under conditions of fretting fatigue is an important asset management issue for electric network operators. The current industry practice for overhead conductor residual life estimation relies heavily on experimentally generated fatigue curves or rule-based expert systems. The current experiment-based methods do not consider specific conductor-clamp configurations and are based on the simple flexion model. This approach results in large uncertainties in service life predictions and are limited to a failure criterion based on the first wire failure in the conductor. Rule-based expert systems also have limited applicability since they lack physical representation of the fretting fatigue process. Given the limitations of the current methods, the objective of this work is to propose a framework that combines physics-based models and probability theory to estimate the residual life of overhead conductors considering either single or multiple wire failure criteria. To illustrate this procedure, a finite element model of a Bersfort conductor-clamp system is used to assess the contact conditions and internal stress states in the wires of the conductor. Results from the numerical model are then used to develop a fretting fatigue criterion that is a function of the contact energy dissipation mechanisms, contact stresses, and the plain fatigue resistance of the wires. Probability of failure of each contact point between wires and between wires and clamp is computed using the fretting fatigue criterion. With this information, the most probable locations of fretting fatigue failure are identified in the conductor. The predictions for the locations of failure are validated with available literature data for the same conductor-clamp configuration. Given the probabilities of failures at each contact point, the probability of failure of the conductor is derived with the Poisson binomial distribution. Fragility curves are presented for the first through the third wire failures in the conductor. The fragility curves are validated through comparisons with available literature data on the same conductor-clamp configuration. Fatigue curves are also generated from the fragility model for the first wire failure and compared against experimentally generated fatigue curves.
Low Risk for Developing Diabetes Among the Offspring of Individuals With Exceptional Longevity and Their Spouses
Authors: Miljkovic Iva , Cvejkus Ryan , An Ping , Thyagarajan Bharat , Christensen Kaare , Wojczynski Mary , Schupf Nicole , Zmuda Joseph M.
Published: April 2022

Little is known about the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) among the offspring of individuals with exceptional longevity. We determined the incidence of and potential risk and protective factors for T2D among the offspring of probands and offspring’s spouses (mean age=60 years, range 32-88 years) in the Long Life Family Study (LLFS), a multicenter cohort study of 583 two-generation families with a clustering of healthy aging and exceptional longevity. Incident T2D was defined as fasting serum glucose ≥126 mg/dl, or HbA1c of ≥6.5%, or self-reported with doctor diagnosis of T2D, or the use of anti-diabetic medication during a mean follow-up 7.9 ± 1.1 years. Among offspring (n=1105) and spouses (n=328) aged 45-64 years without T2D at baseline visit, the annual incident rate of T2D was 3.6 and 3.0 per 1000 person-years, respectively, while among offspring (n=444) and spouses (n=153) aged 65+ years without T2D at baseline, the annual incident rate of T2D was 7.2 and 7.4 per 1000 person-years, respectively. By comparison, the annual incident rate of T2D per 1000 person-years in the U.S. general population was 9.9 among those aged 45-64, and 8.8 among those aged 65+ years (2018 National Health Interview Survey). Baseline BMI, waist circumference, and fasting serum triglycerides were positively associated with incident T2D, whereas fasting serum HDL-C, adiponectin, and sex hormone binding globulin were protective against incident T2D among the offspring (all P<0.05). Similar associations were observed among their spouses (all P<0.05, except sex hormone binding globulin). In addition, we observed that among spouses, but not offspring, fasting serum interleukin 6 and insulin-like growth factor 1 were positively associated with incident T2D (P<0.05 for both). Our study suggests that both offspring of long-living individuals and their spouses, especially middle-aged, share a similar low risk for developing T2D as compared with the general population. Our findings also raise the possibility that distinct biological risk and protective factors may contribute to T2D risk among offspring of long-lived individuals when compared with their spouses. Future studies are needed to identify the mechanisms underlying low T2D risk among the offspring of individuals with exceptional longevity, and also among their spouses.
In silico Docking Analysis for Blocking JUNO‐IZUMO1 Interaction Identifies Two Small Molecules that Block in vitro Fertilization
Authors: Stepanenko Nataliia , Wolk Omri , Bianchi Enrica , Wright Gavin James , Schachter-Safrai Natali , Makedonski Kiril , Ouro Alberto , Ben-Meir Assaf , Buganim Yosef , Goldblum Amiram
Published: April 2022

Combined hormone drugs are the basis for orally administered contraception. However, they are associated with severe side effects that are even more impactful for women in developing countries, where resources are limited. The risk of side effects may be reduced by non-hormonal small molecules which specifically target proteins involved in fertilization. In this study, we present a virtual docking experiment directed to discover molecules that target the crucial fertilization interactions of JUNO (oocyte) and IZUMO1 (sperm). We docked 913,000 molecules to two crystal structures of JUNO and ranked them on the basis of energy-related criteria. Of the 32 tested candidates, two molecules (i.e., Z786028994 and Z1290281203) demonstrated fertilization inhibitory effect in both an in vitro fertilization (IVF) assay in mice and an in vitro penetration of human sperm into hamster oocytes. Despite this clear effect on fertilization, these two molecules did not show JUNO–IZUMO1 interaction blocking activity as assessed by AVidity-based EXtracellular Interaction Screening (AVEXIS). Therefore, further research is required to determine the mechanism of action of these two fertilization inhibitors.