bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autoimmune thyroid disease and thyroid function test fluctuations in patients with resistance to thyroid hormone
Authors: Okazaki-Hada Mikiko , Nishihara Eijun , Hisakado Mako , Kudo Takumi , Ito Mitsuru , Fukata Shuji , Nishikawa Mitsushige , Akamizu Takashi , Miyauchi Akira
Published: November 2021

Objective

Resistance to thyroid hormone beta (RTHβ) is an inherited syndrome caused by mutations in the thyroid hormone receptor β (THRB) gene. Patients with RTHβ typically have elevated thyroid hormone levels with non-suppressed serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). We aimed to elucidate the clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings of RTHβ patients and further to explore their association with THRB gene mutations.

Design and methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical charts and compared the clinical findings of 68 RTHβ patients (45 probands and 23 relatives) and 30 unaffected relatives in Kuma Hospital.

Results

Genetic testing revealed 35 heterozygous THRB gene mutations. Among all RTHβ patients, autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) was detected in 42.1% of men and 40.9% of women, showing that the prevalence of AITD in affected males was significantly higher than in unaffected relatives (P  = 0.019). During the follow-up of 44 patients, 13 patients (29.5%; 8 (42.1%) with AITD and 5 (20%) without AITD) temporarily showed thyroid function test results inconsistent with RTHβ. Two patients with the R383H mutation, which has little dominant-negative effect, temporarily showed normal thyroid hormone and TSH levels without AITD.

Conclusions

The frequency of AITD in male RTHβ patients was significantly higher compared to unaffected relatives. More than 20% of RTHβ patients temporarily showed laboratory findings atypical of RTHβ during their follow-up, and patients with AITD and specific THRB mutations were prone to display such findings. Therefore, genetic testing should be performed even for patients with fluctuations in thyroid function test results to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.
Positive Lateral Flow Urine Lipoarabinomannan Assay (LF-LAM) Result in Detection of Active Tuberculosis
Authors: Puspita Sara , Turbawaty Dewi Kartika , Tristina Nina , Lismayanti Leni
Published: November 2021

Lipoarabinomannan (LAM) is the main component of M. tuberculosis (MTB) wall as result of MTB degradation by macrophages in the human body. In patients with active TB and HIV co-infection, a decrease in antibody responses may be apparent that some of LAM may not be bound with antibodies. In this condition, LAM can pass through the normal glomerular basement membrane and can be detected in the urine. One laboratory examination for detecting LAM is the Lateral Flow Urine Lipoarabinomannan (LF-LAM) assay that uses urine as the sample. The purpose of this cross-sectional observational descriptive comparative study was to compare the positivity rate of LF-LAM examination results in active TB patients with and without HIV infection. Random urine samples were collected from patients diagnosed with active TB with and without HIV infection who visited Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital Bandung from August to October 2020. The proportion between the group with HIV and group without HIV was analyzed with the Chi-Square test. Subjects were 52 patients, consisting of 25 (48%) subjects with HIV infection and 27 (52%) subjects without HIV infection. The positive LF-LAM results were found in 11 (21%) subjects, consisting of 9 (36%) subjects with HIV infection and 2 (7%) subjects without HIV infection, with p=0.012. In conclusion, the positivity rate of LF-LAM results is higher in active TB patients with HIV infection compared to those without HIV infection.
How Hotel Industry Cope up with the COVID-19: An SME Perspective
Authors: Tunio Muhammad Nawaz , Yusrini Lenny , Shah Zubair A. , Katper Naveeda , Jariko Mushtaque Ali
Published: November 2021

This study aims to determine the plans and strategies adopted by the hotel industry during the COVID-19 crisis. In order to conduct this study, a qualitative research methodology was used where semi-structured interviews were conducted from three countries: Austria, Pakistan, and Indonesia. Interviews were conducted online with the help of applications such as Skype, WhatsApp, and Zoom. A thematic analysis was conducted in which codes, categories, and final themes were generated. The final themes are the study's findings, which are strategies for employees, strategies for customers, strategies for SME hotels, and strategies for the staff. Strategies for employees indicate the planning and programs of the SME Hotels. The study's findings show that strategies adopted by the hotel industries vary from country to country while depending on the contextual factors and role of the government. Most Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) hotels in developing countries are less familiar with how to react and survive in the conditions of the crises. Thus, this study can benefit the different stakeholders in the developed and developing countries for adopting strategies and maintain their business during the crises of the COVID-19.JEL Classification: B17, B27, F30, L83How to Cite:Tunio, M. N., Yusrini, L., Shah, Z. A., Katper, N., & Jariko, M. A. (2021). How Hotel Industry Cope Up With The Covid-19: An SME Perspective. Etikonomi, 20(2), 213 – xx. https://doi.org/10.15408/etk.v20i2.19172.
The Impact of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) on Economic Growth: Where the Absorption Capacity of Domestic Labor Stands?
Authors: Waqar Shujaa , Badshah Iftikhar , Bandeali Marium Sara Minhas , Ahmed Saira
Published: November 2021

This study designs to assess and infer the effect of Special Economic Zones under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor on the economic growth of Pakistan through technological spillovers and the absorption capacity of domestic laborers. The present study develops a theoretical model and an empirical panel model to test whether the intervention of Special Economic Zones in the Asian developing countries has affected their economic growth through domestic Human Capital. For relevant results, we have employed the GMM model for the panel data set. The results indicate that the technological enhancement accumulates the economy through various other selected indicators rather than domestic labor productivity. The human capital remains inconsequent in this nexus. This condition gives us guidelines to follow pro-human capital policies to accumulate domestic human capital before the intervention from the foreign firms on our soil. Subsequently, much waited for dynamic or long-run benefits in terms of human capital can be attained rather than static effects.JEL Classification: C23, D24, J24How to Cite:Waqar, S., Badshah, I., Bandeali, M. S. M., & Ahmed, S. (2021). The Impact of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) on Economic Growth: Where the Absorption Capacity of Domestic Labor Stands?. Etikonomi, 20(2), xx – xx. https://doi.org/10.15408/etk.v20i2.19386.
How Did The Financial Markets Respond to The COVID-19 Pandemic? Empirical Evidence from BRICS Countries
Authors: Chavali Kavita , Al Samman Hazem , Jamil Syed
Published: November 2021

The paper aims to evaluate the reaction of stock markets in BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study uses ARCH and GARCH models that use daily stock prices from January 1, 2020, to September 2, 2020. The financial market response was analyzed in two phases. The first phase analyses the financial markets' response within 30 to 60 days from the first day of confirmed cases of COVID-19. The second phase analyses the financial market response post 30 to 60 days of initial confirmed cases. The study results conclude that the share prices decreased, but in the second phase, the markets responded positively. Our results conclude that governmental support played an important role in mitigating the repercussions of the COVID-19 outbreak on stock markets in BRICS countries.JEL Classification: E44, G15, G10How to Cite:Chavali, K., Al Samman, H., & Jamil, S. A. (2021). How Did The Financial Markets Respond to The Covid-19 Pandemic? Empirical Evidence from BRICS Countries. Etikonomi, 20(2), xx– xx. https://doi.org/10.15408/etk.v20i2.20339.
Parent-Collected Oropharyngeal Swabs in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Doumit Michael , Cox Aiden , Butler Jane , Luxton Nia , Jaffe Adam , Chuang Sandra
Published: November 2021

The validity of oropharyngeal swabs obtained by parents is described, and a case for parent-collection to be used as part of remote care is presented.
Impulse control disorders in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Toś Mateusz
Published: November 2021

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterised by typical motor symptoms and a range of non-motor symptoms, among which impulse control disorders, defined by an inability to resist temptations, impulses or urges, despite them being potentially harmful to the patient or caregivers, are gaining an increasing research interest. The most common compulsive activities include pathological gambling, hyper-sexuality, compulsive buying, and binge eating. The prevalence of impulse control disorders varies greatly depending on the country where the study was conducted, probably due to cultural and socioeconomic factors or the research methods used. Non-ergotamine dopamine agonists, and to a lesser extent highdose L-dopa and other antiparkinsonian drugs, are considered to be major risk factors for the development of impulse control disorders. Young age of patients, male gender, and early age of disease onset also increase the risk of developing this type of disorder. A probable cause of impulse control disorders is a state of dopaminergic overstimulation within the mesolimbic pathway and frontal-striatal circuit. The management of impulse control disorders is particularly challenging in view of the possible worsening of motor symptoms. The primary strategy remains dose reduction, discontinuation or switching from a dopamine agonist to another drug. If this type of intervention has failed, it is advisable to add atypical antipsychotics or antiepileptic drugs. Because of the low detection rate of impulse control disorders and their potentially devastating impact on patients’ personal and family lives, every clinician managing patients with Parkinson’s disease should be particularly vigilant for the presence of such disorders.
Efficacy of cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy in the treatment of chronic fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis – a literature review
Authors:   Oddział Rehabilitacji Neurologicznej, Centrum Kompleksowej Rehabilitacji Sp. z o.o., Konstancin-Jeziorna, Polska, Wiśniowska Justyna , Puławska Kamilla ,   Indywidualna Praktyka Psychologiczna Kamilla Puławska, Wyszków, Polska
Published: November 2021

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms seen in patients with multiple sclerosis. Cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy can be a non-pharmacological approach for these patients. Van Kessel and Moss-Morris developed a cognitive-behavioural model to explain multiple sclerosis-related fatigue (2006). According to this model, inflammatory and demyelinating factors present in the central nervous system trigger fatigue, while cognitive interpretation, anxiety, or depressive symptoms and resting lifestyle are maintaining factors. Based on the cognitive-behavioural model of fatigue in multiple sclerosis, a protocol encompassing 8 treatment sessions was developed. For over 10 years, studies have been conducted to verify the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy in the treatment of fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis. The so far obtained results show that cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy has a moderate short-term effect on reducing fatigue, while the effect size in the long-term is small. The obtained results were undoubtedly influenced by several factors: the heterogeneity of the procedures used, the size of the research groups, and the large number of disease-related intermediary variables. Further research should be conducted to identify specific factors responsible for the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy in the treatment of fatigue and to assess the long-term effects of therapy.
Exploring a Music-based Intervention Entitled "Portrait Song" in School Music Therapy
Authors: Elkoshi Rivka
Published: November 2021

Songwriting has gained footing as one of the main approaches in music therapy. Many of the publications focus on various techniques whereby children and adults are assisted, individually or in groups, to create songs collaboratively. This study explored a non-collaborative song-based intervention entitled "Portrait Song"; namely, an original song composed by the therapist for and about specific recipients as a therapeutic tool. The "Portrait Song" intervention was initiated and implemented by Ms. Stella Lerner, an Israeli music therapist and composer. Two specific aims were set for the study: (1) to explore the nature of the "Portrait Song" practice as a means for school music therapy; and (2) to examine the effect of the "Portrait Song" intervention on students' outcomes. The author/researcher acted as an outside observer, evaluating the "Portrait Song" intervention and the students' experiences in two schools in Israel, which provide music therapy programs for children possessing a broad range of disorders. Data included field notes compiled during class observations, extensive interviews with the therapist, and examination of musical scores and written material. The study showed that the "Portrait Songs" intervention guided participants to higher levels of social adjustment, refined physical skills, and assisted with areas of self-identity and self-efficacy. Lerner's innovative "Portrait Song" intervention can give music therapists some perspectives about the possibility and benefits of composing complete therapeutic songs (lyrics and music) for and about specific clients in school settings.
Exploring the Use of Hip Hop-Based Music Therapy to Address Trauma in Asylum Seeker and Unaccompanied Minor Migrant Youth
Authors: Gulbay Salih
Published: November 2021

There are numerous young asylum seekers and unaccompanied migrant minors around the globe. A comprehensive literature review revealed that post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the most common disorder that affects the asylum seeker youth and migrant minor populations. Many of these individuals struggle with PTSD and show resilience in their daily lives while also learning, discovering, and surviving. Accordingly, therapeutic interventions directed to them must be trauma-informed, phased, engaging, empowering, and impactful to support the needs of these young people. A seven-month-long music therapy intervention experience that was applied to young asylum seekers in Spain, and found that the most effective intervention tools were Hip Hop Therapy-related interventions. This study resulted in a new intervention model, The Integral Hip Hop Methodology. This paper highlights the importance that intervention models be engaging and considerate to the necessities and preferences of the addressed population and presents The Integral Hip Hop Methodology as an example.
Diagnostic Approaches to Various Muscle Diseases Based on Muscle Pathology
Authors: Park Young-Eun , Shin Jin-Hong , Kim Dae-Seong
Published: November 2021

Muscle pathology can give much information to reach the diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders. Major pathological changes occurred in skeletal muscles include muscle fiber atrophy/hypertrophy, necrosis/regeneration, inflammation, myofibrillar disorganization, abnormal inclusions, and disruptions in cellular organelles. Physicians should be able to understand what each of these findings indicates. However, these are not always specific to a certain disease, and instead most of them are commonly found in many of muscle diseases. Thus, muscle pathological findings should be carefully interpreted under the given clinical settings.
Metabolomics Preparation and Analysis v1
Authors: Yoo Bryan , Griffiths Jessica , Mazmanian Sarkis
Published: November 2021

Protocol for metabolomics used in Yoo et al 2021
Comparative Study of Description in The Middle Eastern Bazaar and The Libido for the Ugly
Authors: Wang Xinmei
Published: November 2021

The Libido for the Ugly and The Middle Eastern Bazaar are two important texts in Advanced English. Both of them are description. However, they show significant differences in aspect of objectivity, use of figure of speech and language features, etc. Through a comparative study of the differences between The Libido for the Ugly and The Middle Eastern Bazaar, this paper aims to help readers to improve their understanding of the two texts, so as to further help readers to deepen their appreciation of the textual features of classic descriptive texts.
Design and Evaluation of a Spanish Language Therapy Support System
Authors: Arce-Ruelas Karla I. , Alvarez-Xochihua Omar , Gonzalez-Fraga José A. , Martinez-Martinez Evelio , Paez-Manjarrez Patricia
Published: November 2021

Specific Language Impairment (SLI) is a language disorder that delays progress in mastering speech-language skills, and typically occurs in childhood. Most speech-language pathologists commonly use paper-based instruments to diagnose and treat this problem. This article describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of SATEL, an ontology-based system used both in diagnosing this condition and as part of speech therapy for children with SLI. With the help of a Kinect sensor, SATEL is able to recognize and classify pronounced words. The proposed system was designed and evaluated by a team of four speech-language pathologists and 26 children diagnosed with SLI. Results showed an accuracy rate of 94.42% and 97.75% in recognizing syllables and words correctly and incorrectly pronounced in the diagnostic and treatment modules, respectively.
Reflexives and Reciprocals in English and Modern Standard Arabic: An Investigation and a Comparison
Authors: Darwish Shaimaa
Published: November 2021

The aim of this paper is to investigate the typology of reflexives and reciprocals in English and MSA, which is a variety of standardized, literary Arabic used throughout Arab countries. It has shown that MSA morphologically encoded reflexives and reciprocals are in fact syntactically and semantically asymmetrical. It will be argued that morphologically encoded reflexives do not project an anaphor (an internal argument) syntactically and their morphological marker semantically serves as a reflexivizer, whereas morphologically encoded reciprocals do project an anaphor syntactically, realized either overtly or covertly. Concerning the distribution of such anaphor, the paper elucidates the admissible and in admissible environments. It is argued that MSA does not allow possessive reflexives, but allow possessive reciprocals such as the construct-state, whether it be a noun phrase or a locative prepositional phrase. This variation is accounted for by assuming that reciprocals occupy Spec of DP and therefore can be bound by an NP from a higher phase, whereas reflexives occupy a position lower than the D head and thus must be bound within their DP phase. Finally yet importantly, MSA override reflexives and reciprocals unlike their English counterparts, are always subject to the Principle A of the Binding Theory.
How Is Meaning Constructed Multimodally?—A Case Study of PowerPoint Presentations in an MA Thesis Defense
Authors: Liu Zhencong , Liu Hui
Published: November 2021

Taking the theory of multimodal analysis as the theoretical basis and 7 ppts in an MA thesis defense as the research data, this paper uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze the distribution and realizations of types and modalities of PPTs in this MA thesis defense. The results show that the analyzing type accounts for the highest proportion to make sure the PPT defense presentation is academic and serious. The use of connecting, persuading, and prompting types has a strong personal tendency, varying from person to person. The visualizing type takes up the lowest proportion among them, indicating that pictures are the last modality that demonstrators tend to use. The paper further explores how meanings of MA thesis defense are constructed multimodally, and investigates the characteristics of PPT as a thesis defense genre, aiming to give some suggestions and instruction on ppt presentation for thesis defenses.
On Linguistic Landscape in Language Service at Da Li Ancient City, China
Authors: Lu Xing , Sudipa I Nengah , Artawa Ketut , Suastra I Made
Published: November 2021

This study aims to research the language service of the linguistic landscape in Da Li ancient city, China. In order to achieve research goal, the research questions are put forward. (1) What kind of language service does the linguistic landscape provide in the study area? (2) How does the linguistic landscape provide the language service in the study area? The data sources are collected from most densely populated places with large population flow and the uncertain source of the people to make the study more reliability and validity. The methods of data collection mainly are observation and interview. The techniques of data analysis combined descriptive quantitative and qualitative analysis. The result showed that the linguistic landscape in Da Li mainly belongs to the text service, which took the language written on public signs as a carrier to implement language service. The linguistic landscape in the study area provides double-sided language service to both sign owners and readers.
A Corpora-Based Analysis of the Collocations of May as Well and Might as Well
Authors: Kang Namkil
Published: November 2021

The goal of this paper is to compare the collocations of May as well and Might as well and to provide an in-depth analysis of the frequency of each expression in the Corpus of Contemporary American English (3 July. 2021. Online https://corpus.byu.edu/coca), the British National Corpus (3 July. 2021. Online https://corpus.byu.edu/bnc), and the Corpus of Historical American English (3 July. 2021. Online. https://corpus.byu.edu/coha). With respect to the COCA (3 July. 2021. Online https://corpus.byu.edu/coca), it is interesting to note that May as well go is the most preferred by Americans, followed by May as well get, and May as well give, in descending order. It is also interesting to point out that Might as well get is the most preferred by Americans, followed by Might as well go, and Might as well make, in descending order. With respect to the BNC (3 July. 2021. Online https://corpus.byu.edu/bnc), it is noteworthy that the collocation May as well go is the most preferred by the British, followed by May as well tell (May as well get), May as well make, and May as well use, in descending order. It is also worth noting that Might as well go is the most preferable among the British, followed by Might as well get, Might as well make (Might as well take), and Might as well give, in descending order. Finally, this paper argues that Might as well is preferred over May as well by both Americans and the British and that the former is slightly different from May as well in its use.
Eptonyms in German: An Attempt of Typological Distinction (on the Example of Maxims and Aphorisms)
Authors: Onishchenko Nataliia , Smoliana Tetiana , Miroshnychenko Maryna
Published: November 2021

The present paper provides an outline of the German eptonym, as a quotation-like utterance that can be traced back to the name of its real or alleged author, a precedential text / a part of a precedential text connected with the concept AUTHOR. The eptonyms are examined from the point of view of the specifics of the AUTHOR's position regarding the topic of the utterance determining the type of eptonym. The four-step algorithm shown in the paper involves modelling the degree of the author's personality prominence in the eptonym. Two polar points – maximal social experience and maximal individualised author-based approach – are represented in the eptonymicon by maxims and aphorisms respectively. It is stated that the maxim objectifies the moral norms of a certain national language collective. It is rational, contains an immanent moral component, has a directive character, explicates the rules of behaviour, ethical principles, objective laws, norms. The aphorism is paradoxical, reflecting the depth and originality of individual author's multi-vector thought, formal symmetric, dialogic, breaking the rules of formal logic. The provided method can be used with the purpose of distinguishing and defining other types of German eptonyms.
The New Versus True Woman in Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s The Yellow Wallpaper and Ellen Glasgow’s Dare’s Gift
Authors: Zeidanin Hussein H.
Published: November 2021

Given their opposition to Victorian conceptions of womanhood and domesticity, the literary works of Gilman and Glasgow have been a rallying point for women's emancipation and empowerment. Though the article touches upon several works by Gilman and Glasgow, it focuses particularly on the feminist viewpoints underpinning the transformation of female characters in Gilman’s The Yellow Wallpaper and Glasgow’s Dare’s Gift from true to new women. The purpose of both tales, the article contends, is to question and deconstruct the dominant Victorian patriarchal cult of true womanhood, which has confined women to the domestic sphere and constrained their freedoms and liberties The theoretical foundation for the examination of the two stories is laid out in the Introduction, which contrastively explores the conflicting paradigms of new and true womanhoods. The Discussion delves into the many reactions to the characters' defiant behavior, as well as the phallocentric interpretation of it.
Starting From a Ground Level: A Hope of Reconciliation in Lucy’s Silence and Subjection in Disgrace
Authors: Chen Xue
Published: November 2021

This paper focuses on Lucy’s double predicaments as a white woman in post-apartheid South Africa in J.M. Coetzee’s novel Disgrace. As an heir of settler history and as the other to men in the patriarchal society, Lucy becomes a scapegoat of history and is raped by three black men. With a post-colonial interpretation of Lucy’s rape, this paper interprets Lucy’s silence about her rape and subjection to the blacks as her efforts to achieve a peaceful relationship with the blacks. Her determination to love the child bred in hatred by the black rapists shows a hope of reconciliation between whites and blacks through forgiveness and love.
Development of English Speaking Skills Through Task-Based Learning Among Primary School Students in Malaysia
Authors: Hassan Isyaku , Zamzam Izatil Aqmar Mohd , Azmi Mohd Nazri Latiff , Abdullah Ahmad Taufik Hidayah
Published: November 2021

Effective teaching and learning activities are required to provide language learners with chances to develop communicative competence. In 2000, the Malaysian Ministry of Education introduced a program entitled “Literacy and Numeracy Screening” (LINUS) to enhance learners’ language proficiency. Despite the existence of this program, research shows that students in Malaysia face difficulties in developing English speaking abilities. This study, therefore, focuses on the application of task-based learning, particularly under the LINUS program. Specifically, the study aims to explore primary school pupils’ English speaking achievements and determine the extent of their improvements after learning through the task-based approach. This study employed a quasi-experimental method in which English-speaking tests (pre-test and post-test) were used as data-gathering instruments. The data were collected from a sample of 30 first-year primary school pupils at a national primary school using purposive sampling. The findings showed that as most of the pupils scored higher marks in the post-test compared to the pre-test. Further analysis revealed that task-based learning under the LINUS program enhances pupils’ English speaking achievement significantly. The task-based learning approach provides learners with chances to interact with peers and teachers to develop self-confidence, which in turn, helps them acquire language skills. It was envisaged that this study could provide English instructors, particularly primary school teachers, with valuable insights into the development of a more creative approach to teaching English speaking subjects through task-based learning under the LINUS program.
MULTIVARIATE FACTOR ANALYSIS OF THE HYDROPOWER POTENTIAL MODULES IN THE PRIPYAT BASIN RIVERS (UKRAINE)
Authors: Korniienko V.O.
Published: November 2021

The importance of assessing hydropower resources in recent years determines the study of the quantitative characteristics of river hydropower. Interesting and at the same time important for understanding the assessment of hydropower potential and its module is a multivariate analysis of the determining factors that determine their magnitude. This approach makes it possible to establish the impact and assess the possible relationship between natural and anthropogenic indicators on its formation. It is especially important to establish the factors that determine the magnitude of the modulus of the hydropower potential, an indicator by which it is possible to reflect the total hydropower of rivers in a spatial context.
Since the magnitude of the hydropower potential and its modulus is influenced by numerous factors that may be weakly interdependent, it was decided to apply multivariate analysis to establish the most significant indicators using factor analysis. Studies have shown that hydropower, runoff indicators, catchment area, indicators of erosional activity of the catchment, and indicators of the river’s slope exert the greatest influence on the magnitude of the modules of the hydropower potential. The indicators of plowing, forest cover, and regulation indirectly affect the magnitude of the modulus of the total hydropower potential. In the course of the study, the dependences of the hydropower potential on the catchment area and the average annual water discharge, the module of the hydropower potential and the indicator of the depth of the erosional incision of the rivers were built. The connections are characterized by good degrees of correlation and can be used to calculate the magnitude of hydropower in rivers for which there are no or insufficient input data.
In a conclusion, the use of factor analysis made it possible to establish a relationship between all 15 factors, according to 26 hydrological stations, and to identify the main determining factors influencing the formation and spatial distribution of the total hydropower potential module for the Pripyat basin rivers within Ukraine. According to the results of the calculation by the method of factor analysis, five main groups of factors with the corresponding factor load. The first two groups of factors accounted for more than 80% of the total variance of the distribution.
The role of human paillomavirus in the development of squamous urothelial metaplasia
Authors: Galkina Natalya G. , Galkin Alexey V. , Kaganov Oleg I.
Published: November 2021

Squamous metaplasia of the vesical triangle urothelium often accompanies chronic cystitis in women with dysuric simptoms. There is no generally accepted diagnosis and treatment of this condition. The etiological factor is unknown. Thus it is very important to determine the etiological factor in the development of dysuria in women with squamous metaplasia. 50 women with the signs of urothelial squamous metaplasia and persistent or recurrent dysuria for more than 6 months participated in our study. All patients underwent cystoscopy, biopsy was taken from the site suspicious for squamous metaplasia. Urethra scraping was also performed. The samples were tested for the DNA of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV was found in 41 patients (82%). Consequently, it can be supposed that the human papillomavirus can be the cause of dysuria in women with squamous metaplasia of the vesical triangle.
Spectrophotometric quantitative analysis of metronidazole and itraconazole in a combined preparation made on the basis of Tizol gel
Authors: Zamaraeva Anna I. , Bessonova Natalya S. , Kobeleva Tatyana A. , Sichko Alik I.
Published: November 2021

Actuality. Nowadays, the problems of effectiveness and accessibility of dermatoprotective therapy and prevention of dermatological diseases are urgent. The complex use of metronidazole in combination with drugs of other pharmacological groups is particularly relevant and promising. The dosage form consisting of 0.1 g of Itraconazole, 0.1 g of metronidazole and Tizol gel up to 10 g, termed by us Metroitraconazole, can be used in dermatology, ophthalmology and gynecology as a bactericidal and antifungal agent.
The aim of the study is to develop the method for the quantitative spectrophotometric determination of metronidazole and itraconazole in a soft dosage form on a titanium-containing base. Materials and methods. For the analysis, we used substances, ethanol solutions of Metronidazole and Itraconazole, an ointment with the conditional name Metroitraconazole, containing 1.0% of the preparations in the Tizol gel. The study was carried out by spectrophotometry in the ultraviolet region, using spectrophotometer SF-2000 (Russia).
Results. The study of the absorption spectra and statistical processing of the finding demontstrated that spectrophotometric determination of Itraconazole and metronidazole demanded the wavelengths of 262 and 312 nm, with a relative error of 1.52% and 1.67%, respectively. As a result of the analysis of the soft dosage form, it was determined that the content of metronidazole calculated with the use of Firordt method and a simplified system of equations ranged 0.0987-0.1057 g, and Itraconazole ranged 0.0925-0.1055 g. These data conformed the acceptance criteria.
Conclusion. The conducted research allowed us to develop and propose a method for the quantitative determination of itraconazole and metronidazole in Metroitraconazole ointment by means of spectrophotometric method. It allowed us to determine the content of drugs in the dosage form with an error not exceeding the standard deviations.
The study of the effect of Thymus serpyllum extract on the mitotic activity of cells by means of Allium test
Authors: Sheremetyeva Anna S. , Kotuleva Victoria G.
Published: November 2021

Topicality. Extract of Thymus serpyllum L. exerts a wide range of biologically active properties, for example, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, analgesic, and antioxidant. However, there is no information about the effect of its water-alcohol extraction on cell proliferation.

The aim of the research was to study the effect of Thymus serpyllum extract in concentrations of 50.0, 25.0, 12.5, 6.2, 3.1, 1.5 mg/ml on the mitotic activity of cells with the application of Allium test.

Materials and methods. The bulbs of Allium cepa L., species Stuttgart Riesen, were used in the experiment. Bulbs were sprouted for three days in thyme extracts with different concentrations of extractives. The experiment was repeated five times. Eight groups were studied in each series: distilled water as negative control, dioxidine 100 mg/ml as positive control, the extract of Thymus serpyllum in concentrations 50.0, 25.0, 12.5, 6.2, 3.1, 1.5 mg/ml. The toxic effect was evaluated by measuring the root length, and the mitotic activity was evaluated by calculating the mitotic index without cells at the prophase stage.

Results. The longest roots were observed in the extract concentration of 1.5 mg/ml, but their length was less than that of bulbs that sprouted in the negative control. The highest value without the prophase index was also found at the extraction concentration of 1.5 mg/ml, and the values were similar to those in the negative control. The shortest roots were observed in the extract concentration of 6.2 mg/ml; their length was comparable to the positive control. The lowest values without the prophase index were revealed in the extraction concentration of 6.2 mg/ml and were similar to the values in the negative control. The bulbs that were exposed to water-alcohol extract of Thymus serpyllum in concentrations of extractives 1.5, 25.0, 50.0 mg/ml had no roots.

Conclusion. Thymus serpyllum extract reduces the mitotic activity of cells in concentrations of 1.5-6.2 mg/ml. The inverse dependence of the root length and the non-prophase index on the concentration of water- alcohol extract of Thymus serpyllum has been established.
Risk factors for the development ofabnormal uterine bleeding in girls
Authors: Kazakova Anna V. , Lineva Olga I. , Bogdan Zlata V. , Mishina Anna I. , Trupakova Anna A. , Dufinets Irina E. , Chipchikova Daria A.
Published: November 2021

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AMB) is the most common form of menstrual irregularities in case of gynecological diseases in children. The statistical data over the period of the last five years describing the incidence of AUB in girls aged 10-15 years treated in Togliatti City Clinical Hospital № 5 were analyzed. The study involved 140 girls aged 10-15 years: 30 girls with diagnosed AUB, 110 girls with a normal menstrual cycle. Clinical examination included the study of anamnesis, heredity, the presence of somatic diseases, the course of puberty, the characteristics of menstrual function. An examination was carried out and Tanner scale was used to assess the sexual maturity of the girls. The examination data were included into the specially developed questionnaire of a pediatric gynecologist. The level of reactive and personal anxiety in girls (SpielbergerKhanina, 1999) was also studied. This level was significantly higher in girls with uterine bleeding.
Sarcopenia and its diagnosis
Authors: Zakrevsky Anton I. , Fedorova Anna A. , Pasechnik Igor N. , Kutepov Dmitry E.
Published: November 2021

An increased life expectancy is associated with an increased number of persons suffering from sarcopenia, as manifested by a loss of muscle mass, strength, and body functions (decreased performance) due to aging processes.
The development of sarcopenia significantly reduces the quality of life of patients and worsens the results of treatment in the event of life-threatening conditions. Unfortunately, clinicians underestimate its diagnosis and do not pay enough attention to the muscle conditions, as well as the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia.
To date, active research and search for methods for diagnosing sarcopenia and similar pathological conditions of the muscle tissue (cachexia, fatty infiltration, and inflammatory lesions of muscle tissue) are conducted. Various scales are used to detect sarcopenia at the prehospital stage. An example is the Strength, Assistance with Walking, Rising from a Chair, Climbing Stairs, and Falls questionnaire that assess the following indicators: lifting a load, walking around the room, getting out of bed, climbing the stairs, and involuntary falls. The use of scales is limited in a hospital setting; thus, instrumental diagnostic methods are more informative, particularly bioimpedance, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, but the most in demand is ultrasound imaging of the muscle tissue.
The dynamics of the severity of sarcopenia is a promising method used to assess nutritional support and rehabilitation measures in patients under intensive care.
Urological complications in obstetrics
Authors: Musin Ilnur I. , Berg Edvard A. , Safiullin Ruslan I. , Urmantsev Marat F. , Absalyamova Dina F. , Fatkullina Yulia N. , Yashchuk Ksenia N.
Published: November 2021

Urinary tract injury is a rare but severe complication during abdominal delivery. Over the past quarter of the last century, the frequency of abdominal delivery in Russia has more than tripled due to the increase in the number of pregnant women at high risk for the development of maternal and perinatal complications. Intraoperative diagnosis of urinary tract injuries allows timely treatment with better postoperative outcomes. Given the high percentage of caesarean sections in many countries, the risk of the above complications remains high. Risk factors for urinary tract injury during cesarean section are an increase in womens average age and body mass index, high parity, the presence of adhesions, prior cesarean section, emergency cesarean section, and cesarean section in the second stage of labor. This article discusses several clinical cases on the development of urological complications in obstetrics and gynecology. Due to modern progress in the field of operative obstetrics, vesicouterine fistulas caused by obstetric causes may not occur as often as in the last century. Nevertheless, even despite this, one should not forget about elementary preventive measures in operative delivery, especially in such obstetric situations as placental ingrowth, bleeding, hematoma, and parametria.
Myomectomy or conservative management of uterine fibroids: effects on reproductive potential
Authors: Shapovalova Alexandra I. , Popov Eduard N. , Mozgovaya Elena V.
Published: November 2021

AIM: The aim of this study was to analyze reproductive function, pregnancy and labor in women after laparoscopic myomectomy and in women with unoperated myoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The main group consisted of 60 patients aged 25-46 years with a scar on the uterus who had laparoscopic myomectomy. Inclusion criteria were full-term pregnancy, uterine scar after laparoscopic myomectomy for subserosal or intramural uterine myoma (3-10 cm), and myomatous nodules (one to three). The comparison group included 30 women aged 25-46 years who were not surgically treated. Inclusion criteria were full-term pregnancy, subserosal or intramural uterine myoma (3-10 cm), and myomatous nodules (one to three). All patients in the main group underwent laparoscopic myomectomy. In all cases, the myomatous nodule was removed intracapsularly, leaving the leiomyoma pseudocapsule, which, with a deep arrangement of the transmural myomatous nodules, avoided opening the uterine cavity; myomatous nodule morcellation being used. With a deep intramural arrangement of the leiomyoma, the myometrial defect was sutured layer by layer with the application of several rows of endosutures. RESULTS: Six months after myomectomy, the patients underwent MRI of their pelvic organs with contrast. In 95% of cases, the uterine scar had no anatomical insolvency. In assessing the anamnesis, gynecological diseases occurred two times more often in women in the main group: 22 (36.7%) patients resorted to the use of the in vitro fertilization method for pregnancy, while among the patients in the comparison group, there were only two (6.7%) of them (2 = 12.8; р 0.001). In the main group, moderate preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus were twice as common. In the main group, all patients were delivered by caesarean section, of which 83.3% were planned and 16.7% were emergency. In the comparison group, 73.3% of patients were delivered through the natural birth canal and 26.7% by caesarean section (2 = 149, p 0.0001). The most unfavorable signs predisposing to obstetric complications and operative delivery were the presence of multiple nodules (OR = 5.96 (1.09-32.72), p 0.05), the location of the nodule or scar in the uterine bottom (OR = 2.52 (1.00-6.33), p 0.05), and their combination with IVF (OR = 9.09 (2.42-34.07), р 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In 95% of women, the scar on the uterus after myomectomy was consistent, but all these pregnant women were delivered by cesarean section, mainly for combined indications. However, they carried out the pregnancy safely, with a good outcome for the fetus. In women with uterine myoma and its conservative management, there was a lower rate of aggravated gynecological history and obstetric complications, and 73.3% of them were delivered through the natural birth canal. Despite the increased risk of caesarean section, the presence of uterine fibroids, even of a large size (more than 4 cm), should not be considered as a contraindication to vaginal delivery.
Maternal mortality: structure and solutions to the problem
Authors: Ziganshin Aydar M. , Nagimova Elvina M. , Marakanov Rail M. , Mudrov Viktor A.
Published: November 2021

Maternal mortality is the most important indicator of womens health, but its level is still high. In 2018, 146 cases of maternal death were registered in the Russian Federation. Its main causes were extragenital diseases, bleeding, preeclampsia and eclampsia, amniotic fluid embolism, clinical narrow pelvis, and unsafe abortion. The aim of this study was to assess the structure of maternal mortality in recent years and to evaluate possible ways to reduce it. This was achieved by using an analytical method including carrying out a detailed systematic analysis of modern domestic and foreign literature on the maternal mortality issue. The study used databases such as eLIBRARY.RU, Scopus, PubMed, MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library from the creation until July 2021. The measures adopted so far do not allow for counting on a further decrease in maternal mortality rate, therefore the coming decade requires the introduction of artificial intelligence technologies.
Abnormal labor as a medical and social issue
Authors: Mudrov Viktor A.
Published: November 2021

Abnormal labor is a main cause of obstetric and perinatal complications. Impaired uterine contraction during childbirth is accompanied by an increase in the risk of fetal asphyxia, obstetric bleeding and postpartum inflammatory diseases. The frequency of diagnosed abnormal uterine contractile activity is 10-25%, which, along with the high need for operative delivery, allows for considering abnormal labor as one of the main medical and social issues of the present time. The aim of this study was to consider abnormal labor as a medical and social problem. This was achieved by using an analytical method including carrying out a detailed systematic analysis of modern domestic and foreign literature on abnormal labor. The study used databases such as eLIBRARY.RU, Scopus, PubMed, MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library from the creation until July 2021. Abnormal labor is an important medical and social issue that requires the active development of methods to predict and prevent not only violations of uterine contractility, but also their complications.
Seismic Wave Propagation and Inversion with Neural Operators
Authors: Yang Yan , Gao Angela F. , Castellanos Jorge C. , Ross Zachary E. , Azizzadenesheli Kamyar , Clayton Robert W.
Published: November 2021

Seismic wave propagation forms the basis for most aspects of seismological research, yet solving the wave equation is a major computational burden that inhibits the progress of research. This is exacerbated by the fact that new simulations must be performed whenever the velocity structure or source location is perturbed. Here, we explore a prototype framework for learning general solutions using a recently developed machine learning paradigm called neural operator. A trained neural operator can compute a solution in negligible time for any velocity structure or source location. We develop a scheme to train neural operators on an ensemble of simulations performed with random velocity models and source locations. As neural operators are grid free, it is possible to evaluate solutions on higher resolution velocity models than trained on, providing additional computational efficiency. We illustrate the method with the 2D acoustic wave equation and demonstrate the method’s applicability to seismic tomography, using reverse-mode automatic differentiation to compute gradients of the wavefield with respect to the velocity structure. The developed procedure is nearly an order of magnitude faster than using conventional numerical methods for full waveform inversion.