bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resource-saving thermodynamic cycles in liquid hydrocarbon fuel storage technology
Authors: Shevtsov A. A. , Shevtsov S. A. , Koshelev V. A.
Published: June 2020

Resource-saving thermodynamic cycles for material and energy flows in the technology of storing liquid hydrocarbon fuel in tanks using a vapor compression heat pump are proposed, which reduce the loss of fuel resulting from evaporation. The heat pump is equipped with a two-section evaporator, the working and reserve sections of which alternately operate in condensation and regeneration modes, respectively. Vapors of hydrocarbon fuel from the tank are discharged to the evaporator section operating in condensation mode. The water contained in the fuel vapor condenses on the heat ex-change surface in the form of an ice crust, and the condensed fuel separated from the water is discharged into an interme-diate tank and returned to the storage tank. The condensation heat of the refrigerant in the condenser is used to heat the intermediate coolant, which is sent to defrost the section of the evaporator operating in the regeneration mode. After this section, the spent intermediate coolant is returned to the condenser in the closed thermodynamic cycle mode. The water formed during defrosting is sent to the biological treatment stage. Thus, real conditions are created for increasing the ener-gy efficiency and environmental safety of the technology for storing liquid hydrocarbon fuel in tanks with maximum con-densation of the vapors resulting from evaporation.
A model for producing polymer stabilizers of composites with a given macromolecule composition
Authors: Glazkov S. S. , Glazkov D. S. , Kozlov V. A. , Shutilin Y. F.
Published: June 2020

An attempt has been made to obtain a working technological formula that regulates the addition of comonomer over time, which ensures the synthesis of a copolymer macromolecule with a constant composition and, accordingly, with predicted properties of both the copolymer and its modified porous composite materials. Mathematical modeling is based on the theory of the kinetics of copolymerization, which takes into account the reactivity of monomers by means of copolymerization constants of reacting comonomers. The starting base was the kinetics of the copolymerization of two comonomers, significantly differing in their reactivity, which required a sequential, stepwise supply of a less reactive monomer to the reaction medium with a more active monomer. This technological technique contributes to maintaining the constancy of the initial ratio of comonomers and, accordingly, the synthesis of a copolymer with a constant composition, structure and properties. The dependence of the sequence of supply of comonomer to the reaction medium required the introduction of a generalized effective binary copolymerization rate coefficient. To find the generalized coefficient of the copolymerization rate, the operation of logarithm was performed and the current expression of the dependence of the concentration change of the more active monomer in time in a linear form was translated. This mathematical technique made it possible to use software to process reference information to obtain the necessary coefficients for the working formula. As a result of mathematical modeling using the basic principles of binary copolymerization, the law of effective masses, and the least squares method, a working formula is obtained that allows one to regulate the given introduction of a less active monomer into the reaction medium in time. The model is analyzed using background information, the basic concepts of binary copolymerization and can be used in technological calculations when producing copolymers with specified characteristics in composition and structure.
The use of carbon nanotubes to create materials that absorb electromagnetic radiation and electrodes of supercapacitors
Authors: Shchegolkov A. V. , Shchegolkov A. V. , Komarov F. F. , Parafimovich I. D. , Milchanin O. O. , Kobelev A. V.
Published: June 2020

Carbon nanotubes are effective nanomodifiers – providing the formation of a variety of thermal and electrophysical properties in composite materials. The functional purpose of composite materials determines the type and concentration of carbon nanostructures. The use of carbon nanostructures in polymer composites intended for electromagnetic shielding and electrode materials of supercapacitors is a promising direction in modern materials science. The method of manufacturing a radio-absorbing composite material included impregnation of a polyurethane foam billet – an aqueous composite suspension consisting of water, an acrylic copolymer, and carbon nanotubes "Taunit-MD". Structural studies of carbon nanotube samples were performed using transmission and scanning electron microscopy. To do this, PAM and SAM studies were performed using a HitachiH-800 electron microscope with an accelerating voltage of up to 200 Kev. For research purposes, electrodes with an area of 2 cm2 were made from carbon materials. Active mass was prepared from a carbon material and a binder, polivinildenftorid. Show PEM and SAM micrographs for samples of carbon nanotubes with the commercial name "Taunit-M". In this case, carbon nanotubes are characterized by smaller thicknesses in the range of 10-20 nm with a preferred average size of 12-15 nm. The structure of the tubes is very defective. The thickness of the tubes varies in some areas (not exceeding hundreds of nm) by more than 2 times. Carbon nanotubes have an irregular shape-there are processes, bends. The analysis of the obtained results allows us to conclude that the characteristic of the reflected EMI signal demonstrated by the pyramidal RPM is close in its values to that of the free space. At the same time, in comparison with the free space, there is a slight weakening (3-4) dB of the reflection coefficient. Carbon nanotubes MD has characteristics that exceed the carbon fabric "busofit" in terms of specific mass capacity, but inferior to it in terms of specific surface capacity. In addition, this advantage completely disappears at high current densities, which may be the result of a closed macrostructure and requires further optimization of the electrode manufacturing technology
Forecasting the target values of the Federal target program “Development of domestic and inbound tourism in the Russian Federation 2011-2018”
Authors: Agaeva N. Y. , Alekseeva T. V. , Stolyarov A. E. , Taltynova E. S. , Pevneva D. M. , Nesterenko I. P.
Published: June 2020

In Russia over the past 20 years, a series of processes has occurred, which entailed strong changes in the external, internal economy, labor market and the tourist market of the country. Some changes did not receive positive dynamics, others faced a series of failures. Looking at the hospitality industry in a specific way, one can understand that the inefficient development of this cluster is due to the fact that the services provided by this sector are at a very low level. Moreover, the quality of services is always equal to the professional level of employees and their desire to provide a guest with a personalized service with an individual approach to it. It is such a process of work that serves as a factor in the involvement of personnel in the process of providing services and the continued successful existence of the enterprise in the services market and its development. The last 5-10 years can be described as the time for the design of the hospitality industry as an independent industry. Entering the world level followed after a large number of international-class events. An important factor is the global coverage of territories and all subjects of Russia. Attention to the hospitality industry has reached the state level and is reflected in a large number of documents of long-term significance with specific tasks. All the key stages that were set before the industry are outlined in targeted programs and are aimed at both inbound and outbound tourism. The introduction of these programs contributed to the creation of collective accommodation facilities of various levels, which increased the number of jobs and reduced the unemployment rate in the regions, and increased the investment attractiveness of the regions. Over the past 20 years, there has been an increase in investment in the regions by more than 3 times.
Using mathematical models in a disequilibrium economy with offsetting demand
Authors: Lapshina M. L. , Lukina O. O. , Lapshin D. D.
Published: June 2020

When modeling a nonequilibrium economy, the behavior of participants is described by the same optimization problems, including the criterion and internal technological and budgetary constraints, as in the theory of Walrasian equilibrium. They are only supplemented by external restrictions on the purchase (or sale) of scarce (slow-moving) products. Various principles are known for establishing these boundaries. They can be fixed (a rigid scheme of rationing) and not depend directly on the decisions of the participant, or be determined by the demand expressed by them (flexible scheme). The presented demand for rationable products, as a rule, does not coincide with the Walrasian one. We will call it an order. In well-known models, the order is considered equal to active demand. The concept of active demand has been successfully used in price control models. However, it is not the object of the choice of participants aimed at optimizing their criteria. Meanwhile, it seems natural that manufacturers and consumers, seeking to maximize utility, are free to choose order sizes at their own discretion. Modeling of the situation arising with this approach is the goal of the present work and is based on a modification of the rationing scheme proposed by J.P. Benassi The work also considers equilibrium models at fixed prices, in which participants, when forming demand, take into account the scarcity of products and the level of satisfaction of orders. Models are used to assess the impact of taxes, government spending, and other macro-regulators on employment and national income. The paper provides an overview of literary sources in the subject area, as well as an economic interpretation of the results.
Search for all solutions to the dynamic programming problem if their multicriteria estimates coincide
Authors: Bugaev Y. V. , Korobova L. A. , Shurupova I. Y.
Published: June 2020

Among the mathematical methods used in economics, a prominent place is occupied by the dynamic programming method, with the help of which the optimal control of multi-stage processes is organized. The disadvantage of this method is the impossibility of calculating all solutions to the problem if their criteria-based estimates coincide. The fact of the existence of several optimal trajectories of a multi-step process may mean that the task is not set correctly, in the sense that the assigned criteria do not fully characterize the system under study. This means that the traditional method of dynamic programming needs to be refined in case of the existence of several optimal trajectories with the same value of the criterion. This article proposes the most general version of such refinement, namely, a multi-criteria numerical scheme is generalized. For a more visual representation of calculations and the result of the study, we will describe the discrete dynamic programming problem in terms of graph theory. In this case, it reduces to the problem of finding the optimal path on a directed graph. To solve it, a three-stage algorithm is proposed, the composition of which includes the following steps. The first stage is the construction of optimal criteria estimates for paths from the initial vertex to all the others. To perform this stage, the most universal method is the multicriteria version of the Ford – Bellman method. The second stage is the construction of a graph of optimal paths. In the original graph, arcs are selected that are part of the optimal paths. Of these, using the original algorithm, a subgraph is formed in which all paths are optimal. It is analytically proved that this algorithm gives the correct result (correct). The third stage is enumeration of all paths in the constructed subgraph. Numerical experiments showed that the proposed three-stage method works efficiently on oriented graphs of any type in a sufficiently large range of dimensions. The proposed algorithm with minimal changes can be used to solve an arbitrary discrete dynamic programming problem.
Evaluation of competitiveness of retail enterprises in Nalchik
Authors: Dzakhmisheva I. S.
Published: June 2020

The article defines the ability of retailers, the ability of retailers to meet the requirements of consumers in high-quality products and trade services, taking into account local or regional characteristics. A generalization of the existing terminology allows us to understand the competitiveness of retailers as the ability of a retailer to meet the requirements of consumers in high-quality products and trading services taking into account local or regional characteristics. Assessment of the competitiveness level of a retail trade enterprise is carried out in the following sequence: selection of criteria and their assessment; determination of criteria weighting factors; calculation of a generalized criterion. To calculate the generalized competitiveness level of a retail trade enterprise, criteria and their scores are proposed, and their weighting factors are determined. An essential criterion for the competitiveness of retail enterprises is the degree to which they meet their real needs, which determines the different attractiveness of competitors to consumers. A direct comparison of retail enterprises in a series of similar ones (selling similar products or providing the same services) was carried out according to the main parameters (indicators): the atmosphere of the store, the internal environment of the store, the quality of goods and services, the image of the enterprise; financial and economic indicators. A comparative assessment of the competitiveness of retail trade enterprises has made it possible to establish that the Deya hypermarket is the most competitive trading enterprise. Along with this, it is necessary to direct the activities of the hypermarket to improve the financial and economic component and increase the image of the enterprise. One of the ways to increase the financial and economic indicators of a trading company is merchandising.
Analysis of the imрact of foreign ecocomiс factors on the develoрment of transit transрort in the territorу of The EEU
Authors: Dorokhin S. V. , Zelikov V. A. , Subhonberdiev A. S. , Titova E. V. , Popova N. N.
Published: June 2020

Globalization of world markets, the formation of global supply chains, current economic trends allow us to count on further growth in world trade. The main challenge to the transport complex of the EAEU is the realization of the possibilities for reorienting part of the transported goods between the largest world markets for transportation through the territory of the EAEU. It should be noted that the attraction of transit freight traffic will remain relevant even with a decrease in world trade due to any economic changes, as it is not only about attracting additional freight traffic due to an increase in trade volumes, but also the redistribution of the structure of the existing freight traffic due to an increase in the share of the EAEU. All EAEU member states are interested in developing the transit transport market in Europe-Asia traffic and vice versa. Considering that almost all transit is container traffic, container rail transport will be mainly considered. The transportation of containers by road was not considered in the framework of the preparation of the report, due to the practical absence of such transportation across the Union from one external border to another. The existing container transportation by road is mainly a component of multimodal transportation, one of the links along with rail and water transportation. The task of the EAEU is to ensure an increase in transit traffic between the PRC and the EU, following the land route through the territory of the Union. The transit route from China to Europe through the Union has several advantages: it is faster than the sea route via the Suez Canal and cheaper than air transportation from China to Europe. Thus, there are all the prerequisites for the reorientation of part of the cargo flow to transportation through Eurasian transit corridors. The main share of container transportation in the world is in maritime transport. Due to its characteristics, maritime transport will continue to play a key role in the Europe-Asia transport market. However, there are two factors that are currently pushing for the diversification of communications and the opening of new land connections between Europe and Asia.
Problems of seasonality of sugar production from beets
Authors: Golybin V. A. , Fedoruk V. A. , Matvienko N. A.
Published: June 2020

In recent years, the annual processing of sugar beet in Russia is 45 million tons or more, which allows to produce white sugar in the amount of 6.0 million tons or more. during the production season, the quality of beets does not remain constant – not only its sugar content changes, but also the content of harmful soluble non-sugars, as well as physical and chemical parameters - the mass of root crops decreases due to wilting, reducing turgor, respiration and germination, rotten mass appears as a result of microbiological and enzymatic processes and the formation of foci of mucous bacteriosis. One of the main tasks of improving the diffusion process is to increase the elasticity of beet tissue and reduce the intensity of the transition of pectin substances into the diffusion juice. This goal is achieved by using effective chemical reagents in the composition of the feed water introduced into the diffusion apparatus, as well as processing of beet chips immediately before the sucrose extraction process; reducing the temperature of desugarisation of beet pulp in the diffusion apparatus in the allowable interval. The method of intensification of sucrose extraction using the method of treatment of feed water in an electric field is proposed. Improvement of the dispersed composition of the resulting sediment particles is facilitated by the return to the preliming of the carbonate suspension of juice II saturation, carried out using an activated suspension of filter perlite. The homogeneity of calcium carbonate particles and correspondingly high filtration rates of saturation juice are formed due to the active circuit of the internal circulation of the juice. The use of the proposed recommendations during the implementation of technological processes in their implementation in modern equipment of the diffusion process and purification of the obtained juice allow to minimize the negative consequences of beet processing both at the initial stage of the production season when technically not ripe root crops are received, and during the end of the season when processing raw materials of reduced quality.
Modeling of food systems for nutritional correction of the ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids in people
Authors: Alekseeva T. V. , Zdorovtsev E. O. , Malakova L. V. , Fursova A. P. , Stolyarov A. E. , Taltynova E. S.
Published: June 2020

The positive effect on the human body of polyunsaturated fatty acids is confirmed by numerous studies. Therefore, it seems relevant to create food systems for the enrichment of consumer goods with physiologically active and essential substances, in particular polyunsaturated fatty acids. The effect of alimentary shunting of the human body with polyunsaturated fatty acids depends on many factors, the most important are their amount in the diet, composition, ratio of polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids, the presence of antioxidants. The aim of the research is to develop a methodology for managing the quality of food systems to balance the ratio of (-6 and (-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. A software product was developed that allows you to select the ratio of the components in the food composition for the given ratios (-6/(-3. As an example, a food enrichment system was selected, consisting of oilcake of wheat germ, amaranth and pumpkin oils. The created software product allows you to work with other food systems. As a result of data processing, a nomogram was obtained to determine the percentage ratio of (-6/(-3 fatty acid components in the food system. A software product has been developed that makes it possible to select the content of the third component in food compositions according to two fixed quantitative values of the components that satisfies the given ratio of (-6/(-3 acids. A variant of the food composition is proposed and the work of the developed software product is tested. It has been established that a food enrichment system based on cake of wheat germ oil, amaranth oil and pumpkin oils can be used to enrich food products with polyunsaturated fatty acids, and this creates the possibility of targeted regulation of the ratio of (-6/(-3 fatty acids. The developed software allows, in production conditions, depending on the availability of certain types of raw materials, to select the best options for food compositions and choose the most suitable option in the current production situation, make decisions on the movement of raw materials at the enterprise after analyzing the data.
Computational Approaches to Functionally Annotate Long Noncoding RNA (lncRNA)
Authors: Ramakrishnaiah Yashpal , Kuhlmann Levin , Tyagi Sonika
Published: June 2020

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) are implicated in various genetic diseases and cancer, attributed to their critical role in gene regulation. RNA sequencing is used to capture their transcripts from certain cell types or conditions. For some studies, lncRNA interactions with other biomolecules have also been captured, which can give clues to their mechanisms of action. Complementary \textit{in silico} methods have been proposed to predict non-coding nature of transcripts and to analyze available RNA interaction data. Here we provide a critical review of such methods and identify associated challenges. Broadly, these can be categorized as reference-based and reference-free or \textit{ab initio}, with the former category of methods requiring a comprehensive annotated reference. The \textit{ab initio} methods can make use of machine learning classifiers that are trained on features extracted from sequences, making them suitable to predict novel transcripts, especially in non-model species. Machine learning approaches such as Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machines, Random Forest, and Deep Learning are commonly used. Initial approaches relied on basic sequential features to train the model, whereas the use of secondary structural features appears to be a promising approach for functional annotation. However, adding secondary features will result in model complexities, thus demanding an algorithm that can handle it and furthermore, considerably increasing the utilization of computation resources. Computational strategies combining identification and functional annotation which can be easily customized are currently lacking. These can be of immense value to accelerate research in this class of RNAs.
Infliximab Attenuates Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome in SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS)
Authors: Meredith Joseph , Khedim Cher-Antonia , Henderson Paul , Wilson David C. , Russell Richard K.
Published: June 2020

Paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS) is a newly described condition. It has a spectrum of presentations related to hyperinflammation and cytokine storm. We report the first case of PIMS-TS in a child on established anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (anti-TNF-α) therapy; a 10 year-old girl with ulcerative colitis treated with infliximab. The patient had 6-weeks of daily fever with mucocutaneous, gastrointestinal, renal and hematologic involvement. Biomarkers of hyperinflammation were present including: hyperferritinaemia (up to 691 µ/L; normal 15-80 µg/L), C-reactive protein (CRP) (>100mg/L for >10 days, normal 0-5 mg/L), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) consistently >100mm/hr (normal 0-15 mm/hr), raised white cell count with neutrophilia, elevated D-dimer and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), anaemia and Mott cells on bone marrow analysis. Extensive investigations for alternative diagnoses for pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO) were negative. The condition was refractory to treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) but improved within 24hrs of high dose methylprednisolone. Infliximab treatment followed and the patient has remained well at follow up. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and serology for SARS-CoV-2 were negative. Current series report such negative findings in up to half of cases. The patient experienced a milder clinical phenotype without cardiac involvement, shock or organ failure. It is postulated that prior anti-TNF-α therapy attenuated the disease course. Infliximab therapy may interfere with serology testing and produce false negative results. This case supports the need for investigation into infliximab as primary therapy for PIMS-TS.
To “Heed the Call” Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kuhn Andrew W. , Coxe Francesca R. , Kunze Kyle N. , Bernstein David N.
Published: June 2020

As incoming orthopaedic surgery interns, we enter the workforce amidst a global pandemic—a pivotal moment in history. We do not know what the landscape will look like later this summer, but it will most likely be different for each of us and from those of our predecessors. Regardless whether COVID-19 will still be rampant or under better control, we know that we can start our internship and orthopaedic residency embracing a set of principles to "heed the call" no matter the circumstance.
Efecto de la combinación de Metarhizium anisopliae y Gliocladium virens sobre la oviposición, eclosión y emergencia de Aedes aegypti
Authors: Torres-Estrada José Luis , Mendoza-Ledesma Mercedes Nathalie , Gálvez-Coutiño Olga Ruth
Published: June 2020

Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto de la combinación de Metarhizium anisopliae y Gliocladium virens, ambos con Aqua Reslin Super, sobre oviposición, eclosión y emergencia de Aedes aegypti. Material y métodos. Se realizaron evaluaciones para determinar el efecto de los tratamientos impregnados en papel filtro y expuestos dentro de recipientes de plástico sobre la oviposición, eclosión y emergencia de Aedes aegypti. Resultados. Los resultados indicaron que las combinaciones hongo e insecticida no afectaron el comportamiento de oviposición, pero sí la eclosión de los huevos y la emergencia del adulto. Conclusión. Con los resultados se puede concluir que la combinación de hongos + insecticida puede ser una buena opción para aplicarse en sitios de oviposición con miras al desarrollo de una ovitrampa letal.
Macronutrient, immunoglobulin A and total antioxidant capacity profiles of human milk from 1 to 24 months postpartum
Authors: ongprasert krongporn , Ruangsuriya Jetsada , Malasao Rungnapa , Sapbamrer Ratana , Suppansan Pikul , Ayood Pisittawoot , Kittisakmontri Kulnipa , Siviroj Penprapa
Published: June 2020

Background: A longer duration of breastfeeding of up to two years is encouraged by many health authorities, but there is limited information regarding the composition of milk after one year postpartum. The goal of this study was to determine the changes in human milk macronutrient, immunoglobulin A (IgA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) profiles during extended lactation.Methods: One hundred eighty-four breastfeeding mothers with full-term healthy children who had been lactating from 1 to 24 months were recruited from January 2019 to April 2019. Human milk was biochemically analyzed for protein and carbohydrate content by colorimetric assays. The fat content was determined by capillary centrifugation, and the energy content was calculated from the results of centrifugation assays. IgA levels and TAC were determined by ELISA and a Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay, respectively. Pearson’s correlation coefficient and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient were used to determine the association of milk composition with month of lactation.Results: The fat, energy and IgA contents were positively correlated with the duration of lactation (r = 0.229, p = 0.002 ; r = 0.229, p =0.002 and r = 0.304, p < 0.001, respectively). No significant correlations between protein, carbohydrate concentrations and TAC with the duration of lactation were observed (r = 0.106, p = 0.15; r = -0.032, p = 0.67; r = -0.056, p = 0.45, respectively).Conclusions: We demonstrated that fat, energy and IgA contents increased during extended lactation lasting up to two years postpartum, while protein and carbohydrate concentrations and TAC were not related to lactation duration. Based on these results, lactating mothers should be encouraged to continue breastfeeding for at least two years postpartum.
Realist Evaluation of Public Engagement and Involvement in Data-intensive Health Research
Authors: Hobbs Georgina , Tully Mary Patricia
Published: June 2020

Background: High quality public engagement and involvement (PEI) in data-intensive health research is seen as one way of ensuring that social legitimacy, i.e. a social license, is conferred through public acceptance of the need for research use of their data. This is a complex research area, and portfolios of involvement have been suggested, but not yet evaluated, to support the role of public contributors. The study aim was to evaluate if and how membership of a data-intensive research public forum can act as a mechanism for enhancing members’ personal development. Our objective was to understand the circumstances and mechanisms that help to explain how, why and for whom involvement with a public forum enhanced those members’ personal development.Method: Qualitative data were collected from 15 current and previous members, via semi-structured interviews, notes from meetings, and consultations with and feedback from members. Data were critically compared, contrasted and reviewed until no new themes could be discerned and then condensed into context-mechanism-outcome (CMO) configurations. Realist evaluation was used to generate a theoretical and empirical appreciation of the contextual circumstances and mechanisms which help to explain the extent to which involvement with a public forum would enhance members’ personal development and, if so, how, why, and for whom.Results: Three CMO configurations were identified. All of them showed that using the portfolio facilitated growth in forum members’ personal development, but only where the members valued using the portfolio. This was particularly so for female members. Members valued the portfolio in one or more of three ways: as a tool to record and evidence activities, to facilitate reflective practice or as a guiding framework. Conclusions: Data analysis and consideration of the three CMO configurations suggests a refined middle range theory that ‘The use of a portfolio as a framework for learning in a public forum will facilitate members’ personal development if they value its use as a framework for learning’. Further work is needed to confirm these findings both elsewhere in data-intensive health research and in other complex research areas using public forums for PEI.
Diversity and distribution of marine heterotrophic bacteria from a large culture collection
Authors: Sanz-Sáez Isabel , Salazar Guillem , Sánchez Pablo , Lara Elena , Royo-Llonch Marta , Sà Elisabet L. , Lucena Teresa , Pujalte Maria J. , Vaqué Dolors , Duarte Carlos M. , Gasol Josep M. , Pedrós-Alió Carlos , Sánchez Olga , Acinas Silvia G.
Published: June 2020

Background: Isolation of marine microorganisms is fundamental to gather information about their physiology, ecology and genomic content. To date, most of the bacterial isolation efforts have focused on the photic ocean leaving the deep ocean less explored. We have created a marine culture collection of heterotrophic bacteria (MARINHET) using a standard marine medium comprising a total of 1561 bacterial strains, and covering a variety of oceanographic regions from different seasons and years, from 2009 to 2015. Specifically, our marine collection contains isolates from both photic (817) and aphotic layers (744), including the mesopelagic (362) and the bathypelagic (382), from the North Western Mediterranean Sea, the North and South Atlantic Ocean, the Indian, the Pacific, and the Arctic Oceans. We described the taxonomy, the phylogenetic diversity and the biogeography of a fraction of the marine culturable microorganisms to enhance our knowledge about which heterotrophic marine isolates are recurrently retrieved across oceans and along different depths. Results: The partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene of all isolates revealed that they mainly affiliate with the classes Alphaproteobacteria (35.9%), Gammaproteobacteria (38.6%), and phylum Bacteroidetes (16.5%). In addition, Alteromonas and Erythrobacter genera were found the most common heterotrophic bacteria in the ocean growing in solid agar medium. When comparing all photic, mesopelagic, and bathypelagic isolates sequences retrieved from different stations, 37% of them were 100% identical. This percentage increased up to 59% when mesopelagic and bathypelagic strains were grouped as the aphotic dataset and compared to the photic dataset of isolates, indicating the ubiquity of some bacterial isolates along different ocean depths. Finally, we isolated three strains that represent a new species, and the genome comparison and phenotypic characterization of two of these strains (ISS653 and ISS1889) concluded that they belong to a new species within the genus Mesonia. Conclusions: Overall, this study highlights the relevance of culture-dependent studies, with focus on marine isolated bacteria from different oceanographic regions and depths, to provide a more comprehensive view of the culturable marine bacteria as part of the total marine microbial diversity.
Influence of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement on Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis Undergoing Non-cardiac Surgery
Authors: Omoto Tadashi , Aoki Atsushi , Maruta Kazuto , Masuda Tomoaki , Horikawa Yui
Published: June 2020

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to clarify the influence of introduction of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)on patients with aortic stenosis(AS) undergoing non-cardiac surgery.Methods: Thirty-four patients with severe AS diagnosed by preoperative evaluation for non-cardiac surgery were reviewed and compared in following two categories. First,patient’s profile and surgical risk were compared between pre-TAVR group (n=10) and post-TAVR group (n=24)according to before or after the introduction of TAVR. Second, completion rate of non-cardiac surgery and interval between two operation were compared between surgical aortic valve replacement(AVR)patients before introduction of TAVR (pre-AVR group (n=10)), AVR patientsafter introduction of TAVR (post-AVR (n=12)), and TAVR patients (TAVR group (n=12)).Results: Ageand Japan score were higherin post-TAVR group than in pre-TAVR group. Malignancy was the most common non-cardiac disease (80%) in pre-TAVR group, however, orthopedic disease became the most common (50%) in post-TAVR group. Completion rate of non-cardiac operation in pre-AVR, post-AVR and TAVR group were 70%, 33%, and 75% (post-AVR vs. TAVR: p=0.010), and interval between two operations were 129±98 days, 87±40 days and 27±15 days, respectively (pre AVR vs. TAVR: p=0.034 and post AVR vs. TAVR: p=0.025).In Post-TAVR group, AVR was selected because of unfit condition for TAVR in 5 out of 12 patients. Conclusions:After introduction of TAVR, more senile and high-risk patients became the candidate for two staged operation and orthopedics became the most common non-cardiac disease. Innovation of transcatheter valvular interventionsand expansion of indication for currently evaluated as “unfit for TAVR” might be crucial issue for non-cardiac surgery with severe AS.
Plasma Ephrin-A1 level in a cohort of diabetic retinopathy patients
Authors: Mao Danna , Hu Ying , Bao Qi , Wu Kewei , Zheng Yaoding , Yang Yukun , Jiang Ying , Lei Bo
Published: June 2020

Background: To determine plasma Ephrin-A1 and VEGF 165 levels in a cohort of diabetic retinopathy patients. Methods: Plasma ephrin-A1 and VEGF 165 levels in fifty-five subjects including 19 individuals without diabetes (non-DM), 16 patients with diabetes (DM) but without diabetic retinopathy, and 20 patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR), were determined by ELISA. Serum creatinine, total cholesterol, fasting blood glucose and HbA1c were also measured. Mann-Whitney U analysis, independent sample T analysis and Spearman correlation coefficient analysis were used for data analysis. Results: Ephrin-A1 expression could be detected in human plasma with an average of 1.52 ± 0.43 (mean ± SEM) ng/ml. In DR subjects, the plasma ephrin-A1concentration was 3.63 ± 4.63 ng/ml, which was significantly higher than that of the other two groups (non-DM: 0.27 ± 0.13 ng/ml, DM: 0.35 ± 0.34 ng/ml). The expression of VEGF 165 in human plasma was 34.00 ± 42.55 pg/ml, with no statistical difference among the three groups. There was no correlation between Ephrin-A1 and VEGF 165 in human plasma. Conclusions: Plasma ephrin-A1 was highly expressed in patients with diabetic retinopathy, and there was no difference of plasma VEGF 165 expression in patients with diabetic retinopathy compared to the other two groups, suggesting that changes of plasma ephrin-A1 may be a more sensitive biomarker than plasma VEGF 165 in detecting diabetic retinopathy.
Placental Growth Factor for the Prognosis of Women with Preeclampsia (fullPIERS model extension): Context matters
Authors: Ukah U. Vivian , Payne Beth A , Hutcheon Jennifer , Chappell Lucy , Seed Paul , Conti-Ramsden Frances Inez , Ansermino J Mark , Magee Laura A , von Dadelszen Peter
Published: June 2020

Background
The fullPIERS risk prediction model was developed to identify which women admitted with confirmed diagnosis of preeclampsia are at highest risk of developing serious maternal complications. The model discriminates well between women who develop (vs. those who do not) adverse maternal outcomes. It has been externally validated in several populations. We assessed whether placental growth factor (PlGF), a biomarker associated with preeclampsia risk, adds incremental value to the fullPIERS model.
Methods
Using a cohort of women admitted into tertiary hospitals in well-resourced settings (the USA and Canada), between May 2010 to February 2012, we evaluated the incremental value of PlGF added to fullPIERS for prediction of adverse maternal outcomes within 48 hours after admission with confirmed preeclampsia. The discriminatory performance of PlGF and the fullPIERS model were assessed in this cohort using the area under the receiver`s operating characteristic curve (AUROC) while the extended model (fullPIERS + PlGF) was assessed based on net reclassification index (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) performances.
Results
In a cohort of 541 women delivered shortly (< 1 week) after presentation, 8.1% experienced an adverse maternal outcome within 48hrs of admission. Prediction of adverse maternal outcomes was not improved by addition of PlGF to fullPIERS (NRI: -8.7, IDI − 0.06). Discriminatory performance (AUROC) was 0.67 [95%CI: 0.59–0.75] for fullPIERS only and 0.67 [95%CI: 0.58–0.76]) for fullPIERS extended with PlGF, a performance worse than previously documented in fullPIERS external validation studies (AUROC > 0.75).
Conclusions
While fullPIERS model performance may have been affected by differences in healthcare context between this study cohort and the model development and validation cohorts, future studies are required to confirm whether PlGF adds incremental benefit to the fullPIERS model for prediction of adverse maternal outcomes in preeclampsia in settings where expectant management is practiced.
The Quality of Primary Care in Community Health Centers: Comparison among Urban, Suburban and Rural Users in Shanghai, China
Authors: Shi Jianwei , Jin Hua , Shi Leiyu , Chen Chen , Ge Xuhua , Lu Yuan , Zhang Hanzhi , Wang Zhaoxin , Yu Dehua
Published: June 2020

Background
Following World Health Organization’s initiatives to advance primary care, China put forth forceful policies including the Personal Family Doctor Contract to ensure that every family sign up with a qualified doctor in a community health center (CHC) ever since its 2009 New Health Reform. This study used the Johns Hopkins-designed Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCAT) to assess primary care quality experienced by the contracted residents and compare this across different socioeconomic regions.
Methods
Using a multistage sampling method, four CHCs each were randomly selected from urban, suburban and rural districts of Shanghai, a metropolitan with 24 million residents. ANOVA and Multivariate analyses were used to assess the association between location of CHC and the quality of primary care experience.
Results
A total of 2,404 CHC users completed our survey. Except for the domain of coordination (information systems), users from suburban CHCs reported best primary care experiences in all other domains, followed by users of rural CHCs. After controlling for covariates, suburban CHC users were more likely to report higher total PCAT scores (ß=1.57, P < 0.001). The older users, more frequent users, and those in better health condition reported higher PCAT scores.
Conclusions
CHC users generally reported high quality primary care experience especially in the domain of first-contact (utilization), family centeredness, and comprehensiveness (services provided). That suburban and rural CHC residents reported better primary care experience than urban CHCs demonstrates the unique value of CHCs in relatively medical underserved areas.
Closing the Knowledge Gap in Pelvic Neuroanatomy: Assessment of a Cadaveric Training Program
Authors: Marcu Ioana , Balica Adrian , Gavard Jeffrey , Campian Eugen , Fernandes Gustavo , Solnik M Jonathon , Morozov Vadim , Lemos Nucelio
Published: June 2020

Background
The objective of this study is to characterize participants in a laparoscopic cadaveric neuroanatomy course and assess knowledge of pelvic neuroanatomy before and after this course.
Methods
This is a survey-based cohort study with a setting in a university educational facility. The participants are surgeons in a multiday laparoscopic cadaveric pelvic neuroanatomy course. Participants completed a precourse survey, including demographics and comfort with laparoscopic surgery. They then completed identical precourse and postcourse anatomic knowledge test.Main outcomes are scores on anatomic knowledge test precourse and postcourse.
Results
44 respondents were included: 25 completed fellowship, 15 completed residency, 2 were residents, and 2 were fellows. Participants were on average 11.09 years post training, with an average of 8.67 years from training if they completed fellowship and 18.62 years if they completed residency only. 22 of 42 respondents strongly agree or agree they are comfortable performing complex laparoscopic hysterectomies. The average precourse score was 32.18/50 points and the mean difference score (MDS, defined as mean of posttest scores minus pretest scores) was 9.80, showing significant improvement (p < 0.001). Precourse and MDS scores were not significantly different when comparing country of practice, level of training, or time since training.
Conclusion
Baseline knowledge of pelvic neuroanatomy was equal among groups when comparing fellowship status, place of training, or time since training. There was significant improvement in knowledge after training in this dissection method. This course garnered interest from surgeons with broad training backgrounds.
Inequalities in Infant Mortality in Brazil at Subnational Levels in Brazil, 1990 to 2015
Authors: Szwarcwald Celia Landmann , de Almeida Wanessa da Silva , Teixeira Renato Azeredo , França Elisabeth Barboza , de Miranda Marina Jorge , Malta Deborah Carvalho
Published: June 2020

Background: In this study, infant mortality rate (IMR) inequalities are analyzed from 1990 to 2015 in different geographic scales. Methods: The Ministry of Health (MoH) IMR estimates by Federative Units (FU) were compared to those obtained by the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) group. In order to measure the inequalities of the IMR by FU, the ratios from highest to lowest from 1990 to 2015 were calculated. Maps were elaborated in 2000, 2010 and 2015 at the municipality level. To analyze the effect of income, IMR inequalities by GDP per capita were analyzed, comparing Brazil and the FU to other same-income level countries in 2015, and the IMR municipal estimates were analyzed by income deciles, in 2000 and 2010. Results: IMR decreased from 47.1 to 13.4 per 1,000 Live Births (LB) from 1990 to 2015, with an annual decrease rate of 4.9%. The decline was less pronounced for the early neonatal annual rate (3.5%). The Northeast region showed the most significant annual decline (6.2%). The IMR estimates carried out by the GBD were about 20% higher than those obtained by the MoH, but in terms of their inequalities, the ratio from the highest to the lowest IMR among the 27 FU decreased from 4 to 2, for both methods. The percentage of municipalities with IMR higher than 40 per 1000 LB decreased from 23% to 2%, between 2000 and 2015. Comparing the IMR distribution by income deciles, all inequality measures of the IMR decreased markedly from 2000 to 2010. Conclusion: The results showed a marked decrease in the IMR inequalities in Brazil, regardless of the geographic breakdown and the calculation method. Despite clear signs of progress in curbing infant mortality, there are still challenges in reducing its level, such as the concentration of deaths in the early neonatal period, and the specific increases of post neonatal mortality in 2016, after the recent cuts in social investments.
Effects of circadian clock and light on melatonin concentration in Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John’s Wort)
Authors: Ming-Hsiu Chung , Deng Tzu-Shing
Published: June 2020

Background
Melatonin acts as a signaling hormone and entraining agent in many organisms. Here, we studied the spatiotemporal regulation and influence of light (photoperiods, intensities and spectral qualities) on melatonin concentration in the medicinal herb Hypericum perforatum L. Furthermore, melatonin concentration in leaves of 8 species of Hypericum genus collected has been compared and analyzed by HPLC.
Results
Melatonin concentration was found to be the highest in its flowers and leaves. The leaves exhibited a rhythmic variation in melatonin concentration of approximately 24 h under both light–dark entrained (Zeitgeber time) and constant light [circadian time (CT)] conditions, with melatonin concentration peaking at approximately CT6 in the middle of the subjective day. Melatonin concentration was influenced significantly by not only photoperiods but also applied light’s wavelength and intensity. It was approximately six times higher under long-day conditions (18-h light:6-h dark) than under short-day photoperiods (10-h light:14-h dark) and was the highest (131 µg/g fresh weight [FW]) under treatment with blue light at an intensity of 45 µmol·m2/s of photons. The melatonin concentration of the two examined Hypericum spp., namely H. kouytchense Lev. and H. coris L., were approximately twice that of H. perforatum L.
Conclusion
Our findings provide first insights on melatonin-related functions and mechanisms in the circadian system of H. perforatum and useful resources for further melatonin-oriented research and possible applications in agriculture and pharmaceutical industries.