bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning Early-Stage Web Development at Scale
Authors:   , Kim Meen Chul , Forte Andrea
Published: October 2021

In this dissertation, I argue that web development can play a pivotal role in developing computational thinking as well as provide a stepping stone to an advanced mastery of computation. The preceding literature has extensively examined not only how learners practice computational thinking with a wide array of programming languages, but also how to assess their knowledge and skills against predefined educational criteria. In contrast to the literature on learning traditional programming at scale, there is relatively little known about what people practice and learn in web development, particularly in informal settings at scale. Against this backdrop, I pose the following questions. What knowledge and skills do web developers engage with in their early stages of learning? What mistakes and misconceptions do they make when learning to code in HTML and CSS? How can such learning be measured in informal settings that potentially support a wide range of contexts and purposes? What patterns emerge as people continuously engage in the creation of web artifacts? Guided by these questions, I aim to draw connections between the existing literature and my findings, which is currently missing, in a way attaining a deepened understanding of the skills and concepts that learners practice and know, the errors and misconceptions that they struggle most with, and the creative ways that assess informal learning. Ultimately, my goal is to broaden the notion of computational thinking through web development and to support a broader base of people as computer-literate citizens. To these ends, I conducted four empirical studies situated in a variety of learning contexts, including a laboratory-based study, an educational game, and online web authoring. The contributions of the present dissertation are as follows: (*) A conceptual framework that interprets computational features in web development at multiple levels, binding code features with higher-level features such as abstractions and concepts, which are potentially indicative of learners' knowledge and skills; (*) Data-driven evidence for early-stage web development as a rich, multi-layered activity including a wide range of computational skills and concepts that can broaden notions about computational thinking; (*) An expanded inventory of errors that people make and misconceptions they hold when learning to code in HTML and CSS, and the application of this inventory to large-scale code logs; (*) Design and implementation of learning analytics in informal contexts where collecting data on learning outcomes is challenging or not possible otherwise; and (*) Recommendations on the design of instructional methods and learning tools, as well as future research efforts, filling the gap between theory and practice.
Characterizing Active Learning Environments in Physics
Authors:   , Commeford Kelley Anne , Brewe Eric T
Published: October 2021

The vast majority of research involving active learning pedagogies uses passive lecture methods as a baseline. We propose to move beyond such comparisons to understand the mechanisms that make different active learning styles unique. This study uses social network analysis and the Classroom Observation Protocol for Undergraduate STEM (COPUS) to characterize six research-based introductory physics curricula. Peer Instruction, Modeling Instruction, ISLE, SCALE-UP, Context-Rich Problems (Minnesota model), and Tutorials in Introductory Physics were investigated. Students in each curriculum were given a survey at the beginning and end of term, asking them to self-identify peers with whom they had meaningful interactions in class. These surveys were turned into classroom social networks. Additionally, we use COPUS to perform live observations of each pedagogy for one week in the middle of the term. Within the network data, every curriculum showed an increase in the average number of student connections from the beginning of the term to the end of term, with the largest increase occurring in Modeling Instruction, SCALE-UP, and Context-Rich Problems. Modeling Instruction was the only curriculum with a significant change in how tightly connected the student network was. Transitivity increased for all curricula except Peer Instruction. From the COPUS observations, the student code profiles look nearly the same for Tutorials, ISLE recitations, and Context-Rich Problems discussion sections. This is likely due to the large resolution of activities that can be coded as "other group activity", suggesting the need for a more detailed observation instrument. When we investigated further using latent profile analysis (LPA), we were able to successfully group COPUS profiles into two and five hidden profiles. With two hidden groups, LPA sorted the observations into interactive lecture-like and other. Five latent profiles successfully sorted observations into interactive lecture-like, Modeling Instruction, ISLE labs, Context-Rich problems labs, and recitation/discussion-like. Latent profile analysis shows great promise for larger studies. We also began an exploratory analysis using exponential random graph models (ERGMs) with the Peer Instruction networks. Exponential random graph models are a family of statistical models used with relational data, like social networks. We discuss preliminary findings using this method for a Peer Instruction class. The best-fit ERGM predicts long "chains" of student edges, such as might arise from students talking along rows in the lecture hall. ERGMs appear to be a promising method for quantifying network topology in active learning classrooms and can be combined with external variables such as COPUS profiles.
Evaluating Mechanisms of Action of Adaptive Goal-Setting for Physical Activity
Authors:   , Berry Michael P. , Forman Evan M
Published: October 2021

Behavioral interventions to increase physical activity (PA), which typically prescribe uniform PA goals across participants, may be limited by their insensitivity to changing individual intervention needs across time. One alternative approach is to set variable PA goals that fluctuate based on changing individual performance over time. This intervention technique, known as adaptive goal-setting (AGS), appears more effective for increasing PA than non-adaptive approaches. Still, no prior studies have examined the psychological mechanisms targeted by AGS, which limits the ability to further refine and disseminate this potentially promising technique. In this exploratory study, we recruited a sample of 38 sedentary adults to participate in a short-duration goal-setting intervention (6 weeks) during which participants were randomized in a 1:1 fashion to receive either AGS or non-adaptive, static goal-setting (SGS). Over the course of the intervention, participants were assessed on variables hypothesized to mediate the effect of AGS on PA outcomes (expectancy beliefs about goals, perceived value of goals, affective appraisal of goals, implicit attitudes towards PA). Results indicated that unexpectedly, adaptive goals were associated with a greater initial increase to PA from baseline to intervention, but also a greater decrease to PA during the intervention phase. Hypotheses that candidate mediators would show differences in change across time by condition were not supported. Findings suggest that AGS may not outperform SGS for improving or maintaining PA under all circumstances, and also highlight the challenges associated with identifying mediators of goal-setting interventions for PA.
Credit Card Fraud Detection using Machine Learning: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Paruchuri Harish
Published: October 2021

Companies want to give more and more facilities to their customers. One of these facilities is the online mode of buying goods. The customers now can buy the required goods online but this is also an opportunity for criminals to do frauds. The criminals can theft the information of any cardholder and use it for online purchases until the cardholder contacts the bank to block the card. This paper shows the different algorithms of machine learning that are used for detecting this kind of transaction.
Post-operative atrial fibrillation in off pump coronary artery bypass graft: association with medication
Authors: Chooriyil Nidheesh , Jayakumar Thanath Krishnan Nair , Palappallil Dhanya Sasidharan
Published: October 2021

Background: Post-operative atrial fibrillation is a common post-operative complication and has significant morbidity and mortality. This study was done with an objective to determine the association of various medication use in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) with post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF).Methods: This was a prospective observational study done in the department of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery of GMC Kottayam from December 2019 to December 2020 after obtaining institutional review board clearance. A sample size of 334 was fixed and patients undergoing off pump (OP) CABG were consecutively recruited in the study. The association of intraoperative and postoperative medication use with occurrence of POAF were analysed using the univariate analysis with a p<0.05 using the SPSS 16 software.Results: Peri-operative inotrope use was found to be significantly associated with post operative atrial fibrillation odds ratio 1.08 (95% CI 1.02-1.13). We could not find any association with preoperative use of beta blockers/agonist, antidiabetics, levothyroxine, ACE inhibitors or antiplatelet drugs. All the patients 60 (18%) who developed POAF were given amiodarone as per protocol.Conclusions: Perioperative inotrope use was found to have significant association with the development of post operative atrial fibrillation following OPCABG. More multi-institutional studies with determination of association with individual drugs and doses with POAF need to be conducted in future.
Incidence of hypocalcaemia among post-thyroidectomy patients at a tertiary care hospital at Trivandrum, Kerala, South India
Authors: Thottath Deepu , Babu Dayananda , Thangavel Saravanan , Kannan Radhika
Published: October 2021

Background: Hypocalcemia is one of the most common complications of thyroid surgery. It is usually temporary, but it may rarely take several months to resolve. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of hypocalcaemia after total thyroidectomy and assess the biochemical factors that may be predictive of hypocalcemia.Methods: An observational study was conducted in 98 patients at the general surgery department of a tertiary care medical college hospital for a period of one year. Convenient method of sampling was done. All the patients undergoing total thyroidectomy were included in this study. The serum calcium level was evaluated at different times in the post-operative period as a part of the routine post-operative care at the hospital. During the postoperative period patients were carefully watched for clinical symptoms and signs of hypocalcemia.Results: In the study group, 19 (19.4%) had hypocalcemia. In the study group, 14 (14.3%) had symptomatic hypocalcemia and 5 patients (5.1%) had asymptomatic hypocalcemia. 18 patients (18.4%) had temporary hypocalcemia and 1 patient (1%) had permanent hypocalcemia. Among the patients with hypocalcemia, 18 (95%) were females and 1 (5%) patient was male. 13 (68%) patients were euthyroid, 5 (26%) patients were hyperthyroid and 1 (5%) patient was hypothyroid. Significant association was seen between diagnosis of thyroid disorders and hypocalcemia, thyroid function and hypocalcemia and between operating time and hypocalcemia.Conclusions: Incidence of hypocalcemia in patients who had undergone total thyroidectomy was found to be less. Majority of them had temporary hypocalcemia and permanent hypocalcemia was seen only in one patient.
Clinical profile and outcomes of dengue fever during monsoon season at a tertiary care hospital in South India
Authors: Goudar Santosh R. , D. Heshweaanth R. , Mathew Jobin , Agarwal Vipul , George Rohith
Published: October 2021

Background: Dengue is a mosquito-borne infectious disease of the tropical and subtropical countries which is rapidly becoming a global burden. It is caused by any of the four serotypes of dengue virus. Dengue disease presentation varies from mild fever with myalgia and fatigability to severe conditions of dengue haemorrhagic fever and shock syndrome. This study describes the clinical features, laboratory parameters and outcomes of the dengue fever patients during the monsoon season in a tertiary care hospital.Methods: This is retrospective, single centre study carried out at Yenepoya medical college and hospital (YMCH), Mangalore a coastal town in southern India. All patients who were adults (aged>16 years), positive for rapid (NS1 antigen) test or dengue IgM Elisa and admitted from 1-5-2019 to 31-9-2019 (monsoon season) were included in this study. Data was collected from the medical records of YMCH.Results: The male to female ratio of patients in this study was about 4:1. About 70.1% belonged to the age group between 16-35 years. The predominant symptoms on admission were fever, headache, myalgia, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, loose stools, bleeding manifestations and skin rashes. Average days of hospitalization are 5.88 days (SD 2.94). Thrombocytopenia leukopenia raised hematocrit and transaminases are the commonly observed laboratory findings. Ascites, pleural effusion, gall bladder wall edema, sepsis, bradycardia, hypotension, ARDS, and acute kidney injury are the complications observed during the illness. Mortality rate in this study is 1.9%.Conclusions: As seen in this study dengue fever is predominantly affecting the younger age group. The early confirmation of diagnosis, identifying the warning signs and prompt supportive management will help in preventing the further complications and in reducing the mortality. Increased public awareness and vector control measures are important factors to be taken into consideration in the prevention of dengue.
Serum calcium and phosphorous balance in diabetic nephropathy and its correlation with glycated hemoglobin
Authors: Kavuparambil Liji , P. Ashok Kumar , K. Jithesh T. , Kollathodi Shifa
Published: October 2021

Background: Timely control of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level is very important in patients with diabetic kidney disease. Diabetic nephropathy brings changes in mineral metabolism. The changes in calcium and phosphorous level is a reason for increased morbidity or decreased quality of life in these patients. Conflicting reports are available on serum calcium level and decline in kidney function. This study is to analyse the changes in calcium and phosphorous level in different stages of diabetic nephropathy and its correlation with glycated haemoglobin.Methods: A cross sectional study with 60 diabetic nephropathy patients admitted in MES Medical College for a period of 1.5 years. Patients with cardiac, liver, thyroid dysfunction, under dialysis were excluded from the study. Fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, calcium, phosphorous, creatinine were assessed by VITROS 5600 integrated system. The study population is divided into groups by two different means, according to HbA1c and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) value. Statistical analysis was performed by statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) software. Level of significance calculated at 95%.Results: eGFR value showed a highly significant correlation with age (p=0.016), creatinine (p≤0.00001), calcium (p≤0.00001), phosphorous (p≤0.00001) and HbA1c (p=0.00001). There was no significant difference in creatinine and eGFR between male and female subjects. Only eGFR (p=0.0396) showed a significant difference between poor and good glycaemic control groups.Conclusions: This study shows highly significant correlation between the decreased eGFR hypocalcaemia, hyperphosphatemia, increased serum creatinine level and HbA1c. Strict glycemic control is crucial in maintenance of mineral homeostasis and prevention of blood calcium, phosphorous abnormalities.
Baldíos, derechos posesorios y tierra realenga en el primer proceso de composición en el distrito de Charcas. Virreinato del Perú, 1591-1597
Authors: Jurado Carolina
Published: October 2021

A partir de un corpus documental diverso, que incluye disposiciones regias, correspondencia vicerregia, Pareceres locales y el juicio de residencia del juez de composición Osores de Ulloa, el artículo explora la figura jurídica del baldío e indaga en las relaciones posesorias que distintos vecinos ejercieron en ellos en el distrito de Charcas (virreinato del Perú) en la década de 1590. En ese sentido, se propone que, si hasta la década de 1580 las esferas virreinales peruanas propiciaban el uso común y el reparto gracioso de los baldíos, la primera composición de tierras y venta de baldíos, ordenada por reales cédulas de 1591, tuvo un rol central en el reforzamiento del dominio regio sobre las tierras baldías, a partir del accionar de distintos jueces comisionados que en el terreno dotaron de referente material a una noción jurídica en disputa.
Represje zaborców rosyjskiego i pruskiego wobec Polaków w dobie Powstania Styczniowego w świetle relacji prasowych gazety „Nadwiślanin” z Prus Zachodnich (1863-1865)
Authors: Ostapowicz Dariusz
Published: October 2021

W latach 1851-1866 w Chełmnie na Pomorzu Gdańskim (Prusach Zachodnich) ukazywała się jedna z pierwszych polskich gazet w tej części zaboru pruskiego: „Nadwiślanin” o charakterze polityczno-społeczno-gospodarczym pod redakcją Ignacego Łyskowskiego. W epoce powstania styczniowego gazeta sympatyzująca z „czerwonymi” na bieżąco informowała o wydarzeniach w zaborze rosyjskim od pierwszych manifestacji 1861 aż do represji carskich po 1864 r. W artykule skupiono uwagę na latach powstańczych 1863-1864 ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem różnych form represji rosyjskich (m.in. wyroki śmierci, konfiskaty, kontrybucje, więzienia i in.). Gazeta informowała również o szykanach ze strony władz pruskich wobec polskich patriotów udzielających pomocy powstaniu (rewizje, rekwizycje, areszty). Krzywdy dotknęły samą redakcję narażoną na konfiskaty numerów, tymczasowe zamknięcie gazety i uwięzienie redaktorów.
„Przesyłka” z Klimontowa do Rosji w 1904 r. Z dziejów biblioteki klimontowskiego konwentu ojców Dominikanów
Authors: Niebelski Eugeniusz
Published: October 2021

Tekst opisuje historię likwidacji biblioteki klasztoru Dominikanów w Klimontowie (w czasie kasaty 1864 r. uznany za tzw. etatowy) w ziemi sandomierskiej po śmierci ostatniego zakonnika w 1901 r. oraz przebieg przejęcia w 1904 r. przez Publiczną Bibliotekę w Petersburgu najcenniejszych ksiąg. Zawiera także przedruki dokumentów sprawy (w jęz. rosyjskim), ilustrujące szczegóły urzędowej procedury, poczynając od spisu tytułów zbioru książek po wysyłkę do Petersburga najcenniejszych pozycji, oraz prezentuje instytucje biorące w tym udział: zarówno ze strony rosyjskiej (łącznie z MSW), jak i polskiej: m.in. Konsystorz Biskupi w Sandomierzu oraz wójt Klimontowa, który drogą pocztową realizował wysyłkę do Petersburga. Według przytoczonej dokumentacji, do Petersburga wysłano dwie książki; wysyłkę pozostałych książek zatrzymały wydarzenia rewolucyjne 1905 r. mające miejsce w Rosji i w Królestwie Polskim. Prawdopodobnie pozostałe książki dominikańskiego zbioru w Klimontowie zostały później przekazane do biblioteki Seminarium Duchownego w Sandomierzu.
„Sprawa Ussasa”. Przyczynek do dziejów Mieszanych Komisji Reewakuacyjnej i Komisji Specjalnej 1922-1924
Authors: Ziółek Ewa M.
Published: October 2021

Artykuł poświęcony jest wkładowi ks. Bronisława Ussasa w prace Mieszanych Komisji Reewakuacyjnej i Specjalnej mających za zadanie rewindykowanie z Rosji sowieckiej polskich zbiorów bibliotecznych, archiwalnych i muzealnych po zawarciu traktatu ryskiego, kończącego wojnę polsko-bolszewicką. Zakończenie prac komisji względnym sukcesem przy całkowitej obstrukcji ze strony władz sowieckich było zasługą ludzi oddanych sprawie, ale jednocześnie posiadających ogromną wiedzę na temat polskich zbiorów zrabowanych przez Rosję w okresie zaborów. Jednym z takich ludzi był ks. Ussas.
Express determination of cephalexin
Authors:   Saratov State University, Tumskaia Anastasiia V. , Kosyreva Irina V. ,   Saratov State University
Published: October 2021

Test means based on immobilized Fehling’s reagent for the determination of cephalexin have been obtained. Methods for visual and colorimetric assessment of antibiotic concentration using a smartphone camera have been developed. The optimal conditions for the indicator reaction have been selected with varying heating time and temperature. For a visual semi-quantitative assessment of the content of cephalexin, a color scale has been obtained. The metrological characteristics of the test method have been determined: the range of the determined contents is 0.5–16 mg/ml, the unreliability interval is 0.1–0.4 mg/ml, and the detection limit is 0.4 mg / ml. For the colorimetric assessment of the concentration of cephalexin, a linear dependence of the intensity of the Blue channel on the logarithm of the concentration of cephalexin (у = –96x + 144, r 2 = 0.99) has been constructed, and linear dependences of the area (у = –36986x + 62458, r 2 = 0.96) and perimeter (у = –270x + 786, r 2 = 0.93) from the logarithm of the concentration of cephalexin have been obtained. The range of the determined contents was 0.1–16 mg/ml, the lower limit was 0.1 mg / ml. The verification of the correctness of the developed test methods was carried out by the «introduced-found» method (Sr  0.13).
Determination of thymol with micellar extraction preconcentration
Authors:   Saratov State University, Tsygulyova Elmira I. , Doronin Sergei Yu. ,   Saratov State University
Published: October 2021

For the efficient preconcentration of azo compounds – products of the interaction of 4-nitrophenyldiazonium with thymol, a system 4-nitroaniline (4-NA) – NO2- – Triton X-100 – NaOH – ethanol has been proposed. The optimal conditions for the formation of micellarsaturated phases of the system under study have been established: 3.10-4 M 4-NA – 3.10-4 M NO2- – 5% Triton X-100 – 2.8 M NaOH – 10 vol. % С 2Н5ОН. A spectrophotometric study of the above system has been carried out. A linear dependence was built in the coordinates A (at λ max = 552 nm) vs с(thymol), which is described by an equation of the form A = f(c), A = 26291c + 0.02; R2 = 0.997. The range of the determined contents of thymol is (2·10-6 – 4·10-5) mol/l. A technique for the colorimetric determination of thymol in aqueous media (color channel G) has been developed. The intensity of the channel G chromaticity (IG) is linearly dependent on pc(thymol) in accordance with the equation IG = 54.2pc – 267, R 2 = 0; the lower limit of the determined contents of thymol is 1.10-6 mol/l, which is two times less than in the variant of its spectrophotometric determination. The profiles of petal diagrams in the color coordinates of the RGB CMYK model have been constructed; the dependences of their area (S) and perimeter (P) on the thymol concentration have been obtained (P: y = 278x – 10.13; R 2 = 0.97; S: y = 20182x – 87649, R 2 = 0.99).
Phylogeography of the scorpion M. сaucasicus (Nordmann 1840) within the range of the genus Mesobuthus (Vachon 1950) (Scorpiones: Buthidae)
Authors:   Saratov State University, Poverennyi Nikita M. , Anikin Vasilii V. ,   Saratov State University
Published: October 2021

Currently, new habitats of scorpions of the genus Mesobuthus have been established on the territory of the republics of Armenia and Dagestan. The aim of the study was to determine the phylogenetic position of scorpions inhabiting the territories of the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Dagestan. This study contributes to the development of ideas about the zoogeographic distribution of the scorpion fauna in the Palaearctic. In the course of the research, phylogenetic relationships of the species Mesobuthus caucasicus from the territory of the Republic of Dagestan and Armenia with other taxa of the genus Mesobuthus from the Lower Volga region and southern Kazakhstan were established. This work is a continuation of the authors’ research on the study of phylogeny, morphological features and distribution of scorpions of the genus Mesobuthus in the Caspian, North Turan and Scythian regions. For the first time, DNA sequences for the СОI gene of the species M. caucasicus and M. eupeus from the territory of the Republic of Dagestan (Russia) and the Republic of Armenia were introduced into the complex analysis. A dendrogram was constructed based on the decoded nucleotide sequences of representatives of the populations of the Saratov, Volgograd, Astrakhan regions, the Republic of Dagestan, the Republic of Armenia and South Kazakhstan. It was found that representatives of M. caucasicus from Dagestan are included in the Central Asian complex of species of the genus Mesobuthus, in particular, they are close to the species M. fuscus, M. intermedius, M. kreuzbergi. As for scorpions from the populations of the Saratov, Volgograd, and Astrakhan regions, at the moment of research they form a separate cluster, which confirms their isolation from the species M. caucasicus and M. eupeus.
Stress signals of water scavenger beetles Berosus frontifoveatus Kuwert, 1888 and Berosus spinosus Steven, 1808 (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae)
Authors:   Kuban State University, Rodionova Elena Yu. , Sazhnev Alexey S. ,   Papanin Institute for Biology of Inland Waters, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kustov Semen Yu. ,   Kuban State University, Miroliubov Alexey A. ,   Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Science
Published: October 2021

The study of acoustic signals from various representatives of insects, and in particular coleopterans, has a long history. In the Russian-language literature, systematic, faunistic and ecological studies on aquatic beetles, including those on the family Hydrophilidae, are widely known; however, studies on the bioacoustics of the coleopteran group are quite rare. The aim of our study was to study stress signals of two species of Hydrophilidae – Berosus frontifoveatus Kuwert, 1888 and Berosus spinosus Steven, 1808. The sounds of adults were recorded using a Behringer ECM8000 measuring condenser microphone. The sounds of B. spinosus males have a maximum frequency of occurrence in the range of 3729.31–4013.75 Hz, sounds of B. frontifoveatus is 4895.42–5842.76 Hz. The sounds of B. spinosus females have a maximum frequency of occurrence between 2585.98 and 2807.82 Hz. The sounds of B. frontifoveatus females have a maximum performance of the dominant frequency in the range of 2745.21–3476.23 Hz.
Features of cultivation of the deadhead hawk moth Acherontia atropos (Linnaeus, 1758) on artificial nutrient media
Authors:   Penza State University, Leontiev Ilya S.
Published: October 2021

The results of testing of the method of cultivation of the deadhead hawk moth Acherontia atropos (Linnaeus, 1758) using solid culture medium are given in this article. Optimal cultivation conditions for all caterpillar stages of this species are discussed. Information about bacterial infection of caterpillars which is caused by Gram-negative rod-shaped bacterial flora, is also noted in the results. Methods of treatment of this bacterial infection were selected empirically and also given use of bactericidal antibiotics (ceftriaxone) and selenopiran. We also trialled the use of a similar method of cultivation on some specific media for rare species of Lepidoptera like Proserpinus proserpina, Eudia pavonia, Saturnia pyri and some other species.
Dynamics of the demographic structure and variability of some morphological parameters of Calophaca wolgarica (Fabaceae) during reintroduction to the Saratov region
Authors:   Saratov State University, Denisov Anton A. , Parkhomenko Alena S. ,   Saratov State University, Shilova Irina V. ,   Saratov State University, Grebenuyk Luydmila V. ,   Saratov State University, Kashin Alexandr S. ,   Saratov State University
Published: October 2021

Preliminary results of studies on the reintroduction of Calophaca wolgarica to the territory of the Saratov region are presented. In the period from 2018 to 2020, the age structure of artificial plantings and changes in the morphological parameters of individuals within them were studied. It is shown that on the territory of the Saratov region, artificial plantings of this species are best located near the protected area “Tulip Steppe near the village of Maksyutovo”. They marked the transition of plants from one ontogenetic state to another, the first generative plants appeared, which gave fruit. The habitat conditions of artificial plantings near the protected area “Ivanovo Field Tract” can be assessed as satisfactory – plant growth is slower, and the number of individuals that have passed from one age state to another is insignificant. Individuals of artificial plantings of C. wolgarica on one of the terraces of the Stepan Razin cliff mostly died, the remaining ones show general stagnation and extremely insignificant growth without transition to later age states.
90 years of the Biology Faculty of the Saratov State University
Authors:   Saratov State University, Yudakova Olga I.
Published: October 2021

The Biological Faculty of the Saratov State University turns 90 years old in 2021. The first students were enrolled at the Faculty in the 1931–1932 academic year. However, the faculty’s history began long before its opening, when the Department of Botany and the Department of Zoology with Comparative Anatomy were organized in the new Saratov Imperial Nikolaev University in 1909. The article describes important events in the life of the Faculty and the contribution of scientists who stood at the origins of the birth of biological science at Saratov State University and played an important role in the formation and development of the Biological Faculty. A whole galaxy of famous biologists and eminent personalities worked at the university at different times. These are the academicians N. I. Vavilov, N. A. Maksimov, A. A. Richter, corresponding members A. Ya. Gordyagin, S. D. Lvov, professors D. E. Yanishevsky, A. D. Fursaev, I. V. Krasovskaya, V. S. Elpatevskiy, B. K. Fenyuk, P. A. Vunder, A. A. Chiguryaeva, S. S. Khokhlov, M. P. Gnutenko, V. V. Ignatov and others. They founded scientific schools, laid down faculty traditions and set a high standard for biological education, which the modern faculty team strives to maintain to this day.
Psychiatric Complications in Patients with COVID-19: A Narrative Review
Authors: Hashemi Seyyed Mohammad , Nobakht Morteza , Ghazalgoo Arezoo , Ghadamgah Amirhossein , Kargar-Abarghouei Elias , Arab Firouzjaei Maryam
Published: October 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with severe multiorgan clinical manifestations. Although respiratory involvement is the predominant manifestation in patients infected with COVID-19, involvement of other organs, such as the nervous system, has also been identified; which highlights the virus' ability to disrupt the organs’ function. There is ample evidence of a nervous system susceptibility to the COVID-19. In this regard, the COVID-19 pandemic effect on psychological health, including insomnia, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression among health care workers and other high-risk groups has been identified.  So far, many studies have examined the psychiatric manifestations in infected patients with COVID-19. Undoubtedly, awareness of these findings can help in the prevention and timely treatment of these patients. This study aimed to review the possible mechanisms of COVID-19 neuroinvasive potential, psychiatric manifestations, and the management of mental disorders in infected patients.
Effects of human chorionic gonadotropin intrauterine injection on oocyte retrieval day on assisted reproductive techniques outcomes: An RCT
Authors: Hosseinisadat Robabe , Saeed Lida , Ashourzadeh Sareh , Safar Heidari Sedigheh , Habibzadeh Victoria
Published: October 2021

Background: Several mediators play an important role in implantation. One of these mediators is human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG).
Objective: To evaluate the effects of HCG intrauterine injection on the day of oocyte retrieval on the result of assisted reproductive techniques (ART).
Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial study, 126 women who were referred to Afzalipour Infertility Center between December 2018 to December 2019 undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles were enrolled and assigned to two groups of: a case (n = 62) and a control group (n = 64). The protocols for both groups were the same; except that the case group was injected with the protocols for both groups were the same, except that the case group was injected with 1000 IU of HCG into uterine cavity following the oocyte puncture, while no medication was administered to the control group. The implantation rate, chemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and abortion rates were compared between the two groups.
Results: Positive chemical pregnancy was seen in 15 (27.3%) cases of the case group and 14 (25.5%) of the control group. No significant difference was seen in the chemical and clinical pregnancy rates between the groups. The abortion rate was higher in the control group but that was not significant.
Conclusion: A 1000 IU of HCG intrauterine injection after oocyte retrieval does not improve implantation, chemical or clinical pregnancy rates in ART cycles. Further studies are needed to clearly understand the role of HCG intrauterine injection in the day of oocyte retrieval in ART outcomes.
Key words: Oocyte retrieval, Chorionic gonadotropin, Pregnancy, Assisted reproductive techniques.
Detrimental effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles on testis, sperm parameters quality, and in vitro fertilization in mice: An experimental study
Authors: Hosseinalipour Elnaz , Karimipour Mojtaba , Ahmadi Abbas
Published: October 2021

Background: Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) as an important nanomaterial have a wide range of applications in many fields and human beings’ exposure to this nanomaterial is unavoidable. The effects of CeO2 NPs on the male reproductive system are controversial.
Objective: To determine the effects of the administration of CeO2 NPs on the testis tissue, sperm parameters, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) in mice.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-four male mice were divided into three groups (n = 8/each): one control and two experimental groups receiving CeO2 NPs at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for 35 days. At the end of the experiment, the diameter of seminiferous tubules (SNTs), epithelial height of SNTs, spermiogenesis index in testes, sperm parameters (count, motility, viability, and morphology), sperm chromatin condensation, DNA integrity, and IVF assays were analyzed.
Results: Histological results showed that the tubular diameter, the epithelial height of the SNTs, and the spermiogenesis index were significantly decreased in the experimental groups receiving CeO2 NPs. All sperm parameters in the experimental groups were significantly reduced and, additionally, the percentages of immature sperms and sperms with DNA damage were significantly increased in groups treated with CeO2 NPs compared to the control. Furthermore, the rates of IVF and in vitro embryo development were decreased.
Conclusion: Collectively, the current study showed that oral administration of CeO2 NPs in mice had detrimental effects on the male reproductive system through inducing testicular tissue alterations, decreasing sperm parameters quality, and also diminishing the IVF rate and in vitro embryonic development.
Key words: Cerium oxide, Testis, Sperm, Fertilization, Mice.
Maternal aerobic running during mid or late gestation improves the quality of oogenesis and folliculogenesis in the ovary of neonatal rats: An experimental study
Authors: Yousefi Behpour , Baradaran Raheleh , Mokhtari Tamineh , Semnani Vahid , Sameni Hamidreza
Published: October 2021

Background: Regular maternal exercise in pregnancy enhances the physiological, metabolic, and psychological health of mother and fetus.
Objective: To determine the effect of maternal aerobic running during mid or late gestation on plasma levels of estrogen and progesterone and the histological alterations in the ovary of neonatal rats.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-one female Wistar rats were randomly divided into experimental groups to exercises during the 2nd or 3rd wk of pregnancy (n = 14) and a control group (n = 7). After birth, the neonate’s blood was obtained and the estrogen and progesterone levels were evaluated. The ovaries were then removed and used for histological investigations and apoptic assessment.
Results: Higher concentrations of estrogen and progesterone were found in the neonates of the experimental groups (p = 0.001) compared to the control group. The experimental groups had a large ovarian diameter (2nd wk: p = 0.044; 3rd wk: p = 0.005) and angiogenesis (2nd wk: p = 0.003; 3rd wk: p = 0.001). In addition, significant enhancements were seen in the the experimental groups in terms of the number (2nd wk: p = 0.017; p = 0.035) and diameter (2nd wk: p = 0.046; 3rd wk: p = 0.004) of primordial follicles, as well as in the diameter of primary oocytes (2nd wk: p = 0.073; 3rd wk: p = 0.019) compared to the control group. Moreover, rats that exercised had a lower number of apoptotic primordial follicles than the control group (2nd wk: p = 0.001; 3rd wk: p = 0.001).
Conclusion: It was shown that maternal aerobic running can lead to increased plasma levels of estrogen and progesterone, also improved histological characteristics of the ovary in neonatal rats.
Key words: Apoptosis, Exercise, Neonatal, Oogenesis, Ovary, Rat.
The correlation between the cerebroplacental ratio and fetal arterial blood gas in appropriate-for-gestational-age fetuses: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Jamal Ashraf , Marsoosi Vajiheh , Sarvestani Fatemeh , Hashemi Neda
Published: October 2021

Background: The cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) is an important index for predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes in small-for-gestational-age and appropriate-forgestational-age fetuses.
Objective: To find out whether there is an association between the CPR level and the blood cord gases analysis in appropriate for gestational age fetuses.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 347 pregnant women at the gestational age of 37-40 wk. Patients had an appropriate-for-gestational-age fetus confirmed from their first ultrasonography results. Participants were divided into two groups based on their CPR, measured before delivery. Finally, after delivery, arterial blood gas level and the incidence of emergency cesarean section, intrapartum fetal distress and neonatal intensive care unit admissions were compared between the two groups.
Results: Fifty-four (15.6%) cases had a CPR below the detection limit of the assay. The incidence of fetal distress, emergency cesarean section, neonatal hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit, and pH < 7.2 were significantly lower in women with CPR ≥ 0.67 multiples than in women with a CPR < 0.67 multiples of the median.
Conclusion: The third-trimester CPR is an independent predictor of stillbirth and perinatal mortality and morbidity. The role of UA/MCA Doppler and the CPR in assessing the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes should be evaluated prospectively.
Key words: Umbilical cord blood, Color Doppler ultrasonography, Gestational age.
Gestational diabetes mellitus: Major risk factors and pregnancy-related outcomes: A cohort study
Authors: Kouhkan Azam , Najafi Laily , Malek Mojtaba , Reza Baradaran Hamid , Hosseini Roya , Khajavi Alireza , Ebrahim Khamseh Mohammad
Published: October 2021

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a major pregnancy endocrine problem that has several confirmed risk factors and is associated with adverse pregnancy-related outcomes (PRO).
Objective: To evaluate the relationship between GDM diagnosis and the associated risk factors of PRO (maternal, intrapartum, perinatal, and neonatal) in accordance with International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups criteria.
Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was performed with 531 singleton parturient (265 GDM and 266 non-GDM). They were selected consecutively from referral hospitals, and the maternal, intrapartum, perinatal, and neonatal outcomes were assessed.
Results: The major risk factors influencing the GDM diagnosis were maternal age, obesity, family history of diabetes, previous history of GDM, and previous history of macrosomia. In the comparison of PRO between the groups, significant associations were detected for emergency cesarean delivery, preeclampsia, polyhydramnios, premature rupture of membrane, preterm delivery, and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in the GDM group. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, a previous history of stillbirth was significantly associated with maternal and perinatal outcomes. The odds ratios (CI 95%) of the PRO in the women with a GDM diagnosis were: maternal = 2.43 (1.51-3.90), intrapartum = 2.05 (1.35- 3.11), perinatal = 2.00 (1.29-3.10), and neonatal = 1.68 (1.08-2.62). The PRO was significantly correlated with GDM diagnosis, but not with the risk factors.
Conclusion: The adverse pregnancy outcomes were significantly correlated with GDM diagnosis, and the outcomes were not directly affected by the risk factors. Given the related adverse outcomes for mothers and offspring, early screening and management of GDM is necessary especially in Asians and in low-/middle-income countries.
Key words: Gestational diabetes mellitus, Pregnancy outcomes, Risk factors.
The Potential Role of Aerosolized Colistin in the Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Management Caused by Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Feizabadi Faezeh , Hashemian Seyed Mohammad Reza , Mirshafiei Zahra , Dastan Farzaneh
Published: October 2021

Background: Infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogen have caused a resurgence of interest in colistin. To date, information about the effectiveness of Aerosolized Colistin (AS) is very limited in the treatment of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP). The aim of this study is to evaluate the eﬃcacy and safety of AS in conjunction with intravenous (IV) colistin in patients with VAP, caused by MDR Gram-Negative Bacteria (GNB).
Methods: This parallel randomized clinical trial was conducted on patients with VAP in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ward. 27 patients allocated to the intervention or the control group. Patients in the intervention group received IV Colistin based on glomerular ﬁltration rate along with aerosolized Colistin, 2 million units three times a day. In the control group, only IV Colistin was administered. For all patients, Procalcitonin (PCT), sputum culture, and Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS) were evaluated and compared as outcome measures at the specified period of time.
Results: Negative sputum culture was achieved in 9 (80%) out of 11 patients in the AS-IV Colistin group after seven days of therapy versus 9 (56.25%) out of 16 in the control group (P= 0.01). PCT and CPIS scores were not significantly different between two groups (P=0.21, P= 0.62). Furthermore, nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity were not seen.
Conclusion: AS Colistin lead to earlier negative sputum culture without increasing risk of nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity, and could potentially be a beneficial adjunctive approach in the management of MDR-VAP.
Behavioral, Environmental and Pharmacotherapy Challenges in Dementia during COVID-19 Pandemic: Solutions and Management Issues
Authors: Mohammadian Fatemeh , Moghadamnia Marjan , Talebi Ali , Mohebbi Niayesh
Published: October 2021

With the increase in the world's elderly population, age-related disorders such as cognitive disorders and dementia have increased in this group, and with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, many of the world's rules and regulations have changed, and personal protection recommendations against infection have been recommended by various medical centers, which is very challenging for patients with dementia and can even lead to the development or exacerbation of behavioral symptoms in their everyday life.
On the other hand, caregivers of dementia patients are exposed to the burden of disease caused by the stress of transmitting infection along with the usual care needed for dementia patients, which has definitely increased this time during the pandemic. Therefore, caregivers of dementia patients, both at home and in care centers, need the advice to care for patients and prevent pandemic physical and psychological complications on themselves and their patients.
Regarding the administration of drugs effective on COVID-19 infection and the possibility of their interaction with drugs prescribed in patients with dementia or cognitive complications, delirium, and exacerbation of dementia, there is a need for solutions that are briefly reviewed in this report. It is hoped to provide assistance and support in providing services and care to dementia patients, health care providers, and physicians.
A Literature Review of the Poly Herbo-Mineral Formulation (Vellai Venkaiyah Kulikai) that Is Commonly Used in Siddha Medical System of the Sri Lanka
Authors: Sanmugarajah Vinotha , Gowreeshan Mathangy
Published: October 2021

A poly herbo-mineral preparation (Pill) (Vellai Venkaya Kulikai) which is used for treating painful menstruation, gastrointestinal disorders and abdominal pain in Siddha Medicine which is one of the traditional medical systems in Sri Lanka. Based on references, the preparation method of Vellai Venkaya Kulikai (VVK), which is mentioned in the Siddha Book of Pararajasekaram (Karppa roga nithanam) is commonly practiced in the health services of the Siddha medical system in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this preliminary step was taken to provide documentary evidence for the therapeutic effects of the ingredients which are used to the preparation of VVK. Data for the review of 28 ingredients were collected from relevant research sources from September 2020 to April 2021. Data entry form was prepared based on the characteristics of the ingredients such as families; morphology; parts used; siddha properties; pharmacological actions and phytochemical contents. Among these ingredients, all were identified as 25(89%) herbal, 2(7%) minerals and 1(4%) metal. These herbal ingredients are belonging to 15 families and 5(20%) of the species were found in the family of Umbelliferae. Based on the growth habit, these plant materials were classified as 17(68%) herbs and 9 (36%) species were used as seeds. Among 28 ingredients, siddha properties such as 15(48%) pungent taste, 21(81%) hot potency and 15(80%) pungent efficacy; carminative 17(11%) and stimulant 16(10%) actions and phytochemicals as volatile oil 20(15.87%) were found. Although this study provides the clear information for the therapeutic effects, further scientific studies for VVK and each medicinal ingredient should be performed in future.
Large Tricuspid Valve Myxoma in an Asymptomatic Patient with Uterine Myoma: An Uncommon Case
Authors: Khani Mohammad , Esfahani Morteza Abdar , Bayat Fariba , Khalaj Alireza , Bagheri Abdolhamid
Published: October 2021

Tricuspid valve myxomas are very uncommon tumors that could be found after the occurrence of pulmonary thromboembolism, symptomatic tricuspid obstruction, and right-sided heart failure.  Herein, we describe a 42-year-old woman evaluated for an abdominal mass. In preoperative consultation, a tricuspid valve mass was detected in echocardiography. She underwent the removal of a benign uterine myoma and a myxoma of the tricuspid valve. Tricuspid valve myxomas constitute a scarce diagnosis. They could be asymptomatic, occurring in unusual locations and in association with benign tumors in other organs. Our patient was asymptomatic, underscoring the significance of the early diagnosis of this type of tumor to prevent further catastrophic events.
Intramyocardial Mass with an Echo-Free Center as an Echocardiographic Presentation of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Alizadeh-Sani Zahra , Hosseinsabet Ali
Published: October 2021

The article's abstract is not available.