bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Placement of Capacitors, Voltage Regulators, and Distributed Generators in Electric Power Distribution Systems
Authors: Gallego Pareja Luis Alfonso , Lopez Lezama Jesus Maria , Gomez Carmona Oscar
Published: June 2021

Context: With the advent of the smart grid paradigm, electrical distribution network (EDN) operators are making efforts to modernize their power grids through the optimal implementation of distributed generators (DGs) and other devices such as capacitors (CAs) and voltage regulators (VRs). The optimal allocation of such devices is a challenging task involving discrete and integer decision variables.
Method: This paper presents an approach for the optimal placement of CAs, VRs and DGs in EDNs. The distinctive feature of the proposed model is the fact that it can be used to optimize the allocation of all of these elements together, in pairs, or separately. The optimal implementation of these elements is formulated as a mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem, and it is solved by means of a specialized genetic algorithm (SGA).
Results: The proposed methodology was tested on the IEEE 69-bus test system. The results were compared with previous works from the specialized literature, showing the effectiveness and robustness of the model.
Conclusions: It was found that the appropriate allocation of CAs, VRs, and DGs results in a significant power loss reduction. It was also found that the proposed model is faster than other techniques proposed in the specialized literature.
Acknowledgements: The authors gratefully acknowledge the support from the Colombia Científica program, within the framework of the Ecosistéma Científico (Contract No. FP44842- 218-2018). The authors also acknowledge the support of the State University of Londrina and Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira (UTP).
Performance of molecular dynamics simulation for predicting of solvation free energy of neutral solutes in methanol
Authors: Emamian Mohammad , Azizpour Hedayat , Moradi Hojatollah , Keynejad Kamran , Bahmanyar Hossein , Nasrollahi Zahra
Published: June 2021

In this study, molecular dynamics simulation was applied for calculating solvation free energy of 16 solute molecules in methanol solvent. The thermodynamic integration method was used because it was possible to calculate the difference in free energy in any thermodynamic path. After comparing results for solvation free energy in different force fields, COMPASS force field was selected since it had the lowest error compared to experimental result. Group-based summation method was used to compute electrostatic and van der Waals forces at 298.15 K and 1 atm. The results of solvation free energy were obtained from molecular dynamics simulation and were compared to the results from Solvation Model Density (SMD) and Universal Continuum Solvation Model (denoted as SM8), which were obtained from other research works. Average square-root-error for molecular dynamics simulation, SMD and SM8 models were 0.096091, 0.595798, and 0.70649. Furthermore, the coefficient of determination (R2) for molecular dynamics simulation was 0.9618, which shows higher accuracy of MD simulation for calculating solvation free energy comparing to two other models.
Pattern, severity, and outcome of adverse drug reactions in a tertiary care hospital: an evidence from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chhabra Manik , Jangra Manjeet Singh , Rashid Muhammed , Sharma Puneet , Vidyasagar Kota
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Study aim to describe the spontaneous reporting of the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) among the patients admitted to medicine department of a tertiary care hospital.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted over a period of four months at the medicine department. On the daily basis, all the patients aged >18 years admitted to the internal medicine department were followed and analyzed for occurrence of ADRs. Naranjo scale was used to determine causal relationship between the ADRs and suspected drugs. The nature of ADRs and its severity was assessed using the Hartwig scale.

Results

A total of 4,530 patients were screened for the ADRs, out of which 90 ADRs were developed in the 89 patients. The overall incidence of ADRs was found to be 1.96% in the studied population. The most common ADRs encountered during the study period were type A (augmented). The least number of ADRs were observed in the age group of 31–40 years. Furthermore, the more significant number of male patients suffered from a severe type of ADRs as compared to females. Sixteen ADRs were of the mucocutaneous type of reaction followed by dizziness in 12 cases. The higher number of patients recovering from the ADRs was in the age group 41–60 years. The outcomes of ADRs were not found to be statistically significant with gender and age groups.

Conclusions

There is a strong need to extend the monitoring and reporting of the ADRs to ensure the patient safety. However, the overall incidence of ADRs appeared to be less in our study, highlighting the need for strengthening reporting system of ADRs. The results indicate that elderly patients are at significant risk of developing ADRs.
SLC35A2-CDG: novel variants with two ends of the spectrum
Authors: Kasapkara Çiğdem Seher , Ceylan Ahmet Cevdet , Özyürek Hamit , Karakaya Molla Gülhan , Civelek Ürey Burcu , Kıreker Köylü Oya , Küçükçongar Yavaş Aynur , Sönmez Fatma Müjgan
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDGs) are rare inherited metabolic disorders associated with facial dysmorphism and in the majority of the patients, there is an important neurological impairment. Epilepsy was a main concern in rare forms of the disease. There are two groups of the disease: CDG-I results from the defects in glycan addition to the N-terminal and CDG-II occurs due to defects in the processing of protein bound glycans. SLC35A2-CDG is a rare form of CDG caused by mutations in the X-linked gene that encodes a UDP-Galactose transporter. The manifestations of the disease include seizures, failure to thrive, delayed myelination, and cerebral atrophy.

Case presentation

We describe herein a severe female child with intractable seizures, microcephaly, growth retardation, hypotonia, global developmental delay, facial dysmorphism, skeletal findings, cerebral/cerebellar atrophy, and thin corpus callosum, and a mildly affected male carrying a novel variant with seizures and mild global developmental delay who were found by whole exome sequencing (WES) for SLC35A2 mutations previously not reported.

Conclusions

Our findings expand the number of reported cases and add novel variants to the repertoire of SLC35A2-CDG.
Universities as Engines of Development
Authors: Ghosh Shubha
Published: June 2021

The Bayh–Dole Act was enacted in the United States in 1980 to promote economic development and growth at regional and national levels. A key engine is research generated within universities. This article addresses the question of how universities can serve as engines of development. Drawing on Cooter and Shaeffer’s work on law and development, specifically what they call the double trust problem, this article shows how the Bayh–Dole Act was justified as resolving the double trust problem arising from lack of property rights in university research. This article presents the argument that this goal of the Bayh–Dole Act ignores how universities solve another dimension of the double trust problem, namely the generation of human capital. The author examines the theoretical justifications for the Bayh–Dole Act and universities and the empirical policy literature assessing university patenting and commercialization in the United States, South Africa, and India.
Porphyrin-lipid nanovesicles (Porphysomes) are effective photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy
Authors: Guidolin Keegan , Ding Lili , Chen Juan , Wilson Brian C. , Zheng Gang
Published: June 2021

Porphysomes (PS) are liposome-like nanoparticles comprising pyropheophorbide-conjugated phospholipids that have demonstrated potential as multimodal theranostic agents for applications that include phototherapies, targeted drug delivery and in vivo fluorescence, photoacoustic, magnetic resonance or positron emission imaging. Previous therapeutic applications focused primarily on photothermal therapy (PTT) and suggested that PSs require target-triggered activation for use as photodynamic therapy (PDT) sensitizers. Here, athymic nude mice bearing subcutaneous A549 human lung tumors were randomized into treatment and control groups: PS-PDT at various doses, PS-only and no treatment negative controls, as well as positive controls using the clinical photosensitizer Photofrin. Animals were followed for 30 days post-treatment. PS-PDT at all doses demonstrated a significant tumor ablative effect, with the greatest effect seen with 10 mg/kg PS at a drug-light interval of 24 h. By comparison, negative controls (PS-only, Photofrin-only, and no treatment) showed uncontrolled tumor growth. PDT with Photofrin at 5 mg/kg and PS at 10 mg/kg demonstrated similar tumor growth suppression and complete tumor response rates (15 vs. 25%, p = 0.52). Hence, porphysome nanoparticles are an effective PDT agent and have the additional advantages of multimodal diagnostic and therapeutic applications arising from their intrinsic structure. Porphysomes may also be the first single all-organic agent capable of concurrent PDT and PTT.
Residual compression property and response of honeycomb sandwich structures subjected to single and repeated quasi-static indentation
Authors: Ye Hangyu , Dai Xiangjun , Yuan Tianyu , Zhou Jilei , Zhang Jipeng , Shao Sujuan
Published: June 2021

This paper investigated the response and residual compression properties of honeycomb sandwich structures subjected to single quasi-static indentation (QSI) and repeated QSI (RQSI). The damage depth after repeated low-velocity impact (LVI) was considered as the governing parameter during the QSI experiments. Three-dimensional digital image correlation method was applied to determine deformation of the front panels after LVI and QSI to describe damage to honeycomb structures. For specimens with the same depth, it is found that the residual strength of QSI was less than that of LVI and close to that of RQSI. Results indicated that it is more reasonable to describe the damage by volume than by depth.
Splits on Instagram: a case study of young adults’ selfies
Authors: Shazly Reham El
Published: June 2021

Instagram serves as a powerful instrument for youth socialization, self-expression, and self-performance in visual online spaces. Using social semiotics and multimodal discourse analysis, this study examines the potential ideological meanings and implications of selfie-shooting and sharing on Instagram on young adults’ self-concept. A corpus of 110 questionnaires, including almost 85 captioned selfies, was surveyed as multimodal utterances. In doing so, this study argues that selfies can create young adults’ split-selves while constructing their multiple personas in visual online spaces. This marks the significance of viewing selfie-creators not only as authors of their selfies, but rather as viewers of a three-fold self: an ideal-self, a projected-self, and an internal-self, to negotiate social and power relationships, while (re)positioning observer-observed roles. This study claims originality in unraveling how young adults use visual and textual mediated communication to represent and perform their split-selves. It suggests that selfie-shooting-sharing has become a key self-performance tactic and behavior in online cultures. Therefore, young adults deploy selfies and captions to posit a redefinition of certain social values, such as aesthetics and freedom, while deploying their selfies and captions. Challenging certain orthodox social allegiances, they conceive wildness, messiness, and exuberance as emerging neo-aesthetics components of appeal. This study contributes to the literature on personal visual communication with insights on how Egyptian young adults perform their self-concept via the semiotic practice of selfie-shooting-sharing.
Psychische Beanspruchung in der manuellen Montage
Authors: Tropschuh Barbara , Diez Marta Aranda , Waldherr Stefan , Reinhart Gunther
Published: June 2021

Die Bedeutung des Leistungserhalts bei Arbeitnehmenden nimmt stetig zu, besonders in der personenintensiven manuellen Montage. Dies zeigt sich insbesondere an den steigenden Fallzahlen psychischer Beschwerden. Durch die Messung von Vitalwerten kann die psychische Beanspruchung der Mitarbeitenden erfasst und ein leistungserhaltender Personaleinsatz realisiert werden. Nachfolgend wird eine Methode zur Auswahl von Smart Devices zur Messung psychischer Beanspruchung in der manuellen Montage vorgestellt.
Intelligente Steuerung einer automatisierten Werkzeuglogistik mittels mobiler Robotik
Authors: Ried Florian , Härdtlein Christian , Ziegler Steffen , Miller Anja , Fottner Johannes
Published: June 2021

Wie die gesamte Produktion steht auch die Werkzeugbereitstellung durch höhere Variantenzahlen und kleinere Losgrößen vor erheblichen Herausforderungen. Eine vielversprechende Möglichkeit, diesen zu begegnen, ist eine Automatisierung der Werkzeuglogistik mittels mobiler Robotik. Dabei ist neben den physischen Eigenschaften der Roboter besonders deren Koordination und Steuerung von zentraler Bedeutung. Die Konzeptionierung und Umsetzung eines solchen Leitsystems soll in diesem Beitrag vorgestellt werden
Determinación del uso potencial del suelo a partir de la modelación geoespacial de variables agroecológicas y forestales de un área de protección ambiental ubicada en la Región Centro-Sur de México
Authors: VILLEGAS MARTÍNEZ DANIEL
Published: June 2021

La degradación de los suelos en áreas naturales protegidas (ANP) de México se deriva del comportamiento irracional de la sociedad en estos espacios geográficos, aunado al carente diseño, instrumentación y regulación de políticas de manejo por parte de las autoridades facultadas. Cimentada en esta realidad, la presente investigación tuvo por objetivo determinar el uso potencial del suelo mediante la modelación geoespacial de variables agroecológicas y forestales del territorio administrativo del Parque Otomí-Mexica del Estado de México. Para su desarrollo se diseñó la siguiente metodología: a) selección de variables agroecológicas y forestales de acuerdo con las características geográficas del territorio; b) ponderación de variables mediante el método Scoring; c) modelación geoespacial de variables mediante métodos superposición en ambiente de sistemas de información geográfica ( SIG) y d) validación de la información. Los resultados exponen que, de acuerdo con la modelación de las variables territoriales, el espacio administrativo del parque es adecuado para desarrollar actividades vinculadas con el desarrollo forestal en más del 85% de su superficie terrestre.
Die Erinnerung an die Krimmler Tauernflucht 1947. Wissenschaftliche Aufarbeitung, Vermittlung und Initiativen in der Public History
Authors: Hechenblaikner Verena
Published: June 2021

The memory of the Krimmler Tauernflucht. Scientific research and public history initiativesThe following seminar paper examines the memory of the Krimmler Tauernflucht, a journey of a group of Jews from Eastern Europe across an Austrian alpine pass to reach Palestine in 1947. For almost forty years, this historical event was ignored by historians and the public, but the anniversaries in 1997, 2007 and 2017 as well as the founding of Alpine Peace Crossing in 2007 have brought new momentum. As a result, various initiatives have emerged and the crossing is now also being prominently addressed in the field of public history.
Analysis of the hydraulic connection of the Plitvica stream and the groundwater of the Varaždin alluvia

l aquifer
Authors: Karlović Igor , Pavlić Krešimir , Posavec Kristijan , Marković Tamara
Published: June 2021

A combination of different statistical methods and flow duration curves was used to examine hydraulic connection between the Plitvica stream and the surrounding piezometers that capture the groundwater of the Varaždin alluvial aquifer. Also, rainfall quantities over a wider study area were considered to examine the effect of precipitation on Plitvica water levels and groundwater levels. The following statistical methods were used in this paper: the correlation method, the auto- correlation method, and the cross-correlation method. Correlation analysis show that there is generally a significant correlation between the Plitvica water levels and groundwater levels, with positive direction of the correlation. The analysis of auto-correlograms for groundwater and surface water shows that the correlation coefficient value drops below 0.2 after a longer period, which indicates a long-term memory of the system that can be explained by the slow flow and thus slow pressure transfer. Cross-correlation analyses of the time series of the Plitvica water levels and groundwater levels showed a time lag of 1-2 days with a fairly significant cross-correlation coefficient. For precipitation and groundwater levels, the relationship is much weaker, with a lag time of 4-5 days with a weak cross- correlation coefficient. The least time lag, within a day, was established between precipitation and Plitvica water levels. Analyses of the flow duration curves revealed that Plitvica almost completely drains groundwater, except in the vicinity of the piezometer 2178 where Plitvica recharges the aquifer about a quarter of the time.
Determining the effect of synthetic-based varnish and impregnation on wood’s shear strength under cold climate conditions
Authors: Doruk Şemsettin
Published: June 2021

Glue shear strength and wood preservatives play an important role in the longevity of engineered wood products. The effects of factors such as UV rays, humidity, and temperature on wooden materials are known. However, it is not known what effects sub-zero temperatures have on wood material and how wood preservatives play a role. This study determined the effects of synthetic-based varnish and impregnation on shear strength in cold climatic conditions. Variables including glue type, ambient temperature, tree type, and process type were investigated. Wood laminate test samples were produced for this purpose, and water repellent impregnation material and synthetic-based varnish were used as wood preservatives. Experimental samples were kept in a cold air cabinet at (-15 °C) and (-30 °C) temperature for 90 days. Samples kept in different temperature conditions were subjected to a pull experiment in a parallel (//) direction to the fibers under static load. As the ambient temperature decreased, the shear strength decreased (-15 °C: 8,960 N/mm2 ,-30 °C: 8,025 N/mm2 ) . When the performance of wood preservation elements were examined, it was determined that the varnish process (8,875 N/mm2) and the impregnation process (8,691 N/mm2) were not statistically significant, at 12% and 10%, respectively.
Cross-laminated timber design by flattened bamboo based on near-infrared spectroscopy and finite element analysis
Authors: Li Chao , Zhang Lixin , Ma Xinyu , Wang Xilong
Published: June 2021

Bamboo-wood composite cross-laminated timber (BCLT) is a new kind of wood structure material. Studies of the mechanical properties of BCLT have the potential to improve its utilization. Compared with the traditional testing method, this paper designs a fast and effective nondestructive testing method. Three types of composite BCLT plates were designed and made. Multi-point sampling of unit-converted timber was done using a 900-1700 nm NIR spectrometer. Mechanical properties of the unit converted timber were obtained through a four-point bending experiment. The data set consisted of near-infrared spectrum data and mechanical property data. The NIR prediction model was obtained by partial least squares method. The coefficients of determination for the density, MOR and MOE prediction models were 0.88, 0.88, and 0.85, respectively. Finally, the finite element modeling analysis of BCLT plate was carried out according to the element material prediction model, and the prediction of mechanical properties of BCLT plate was achieved. For the three BCLT plates, the prediction error of the finite element model was less than 10%, showing that the finite element analysis method is feasible to predict the mechanical properties of BCLT plate.
Socratic dialogue in Lesia Ukrainka's poetic and practical philosophy
Authors: Yermolenko Anatoliy
Published: June 2021

The article is about the poetic-practical philosophy of dialog of Lesia Ukrainka, which is manifested in the dramatic creativity of the prominent poetess, her translation activity and the concept of “person-nature relations”. In the text it is shown that Lesia Ukrainka created a new genre of contemporary drama on the basis of application of “Socratic dialog”, which started an important direction in contemporary literature and coincides with a leading trend of world philosophy associated with the paradigmatic turning point from the philosophy of subjectivity to the philosophy of inter-subjectivity. The kinship of the Socratic philosophy of dialog and “Socratic drama” is also referred to. The author also showed that the meaning of Socratic dialog of Lesia Ukrainka in the resolution of the main problems of world outlook of modernity and the role of argumentation, in particular, the method of elenctics, the realization of such notions as “truth” and “verity”, which is particularly important the modern day situation of “posttruth” and “post-morality”. Against the background of the global environmental crisis, it is important to look at the way how Lesya Ukrainka suggests treating nature as a subject and partner in dialogue. This paradigm continues and deepens the Romantic concept of nature as a partner in a conversation and co-creator of the liber mundi ("the book of the world"). It also opens the opportunity to apply hermeneutical methods of understanding nature as a common world (Mitwelt) of communication, love and creativity. The article also analyzes the topic of dialogue between cultures, as well as perception and understanding of another culture as a subject in a dialogue. We can see this focus in Lesya Ukrainka's approach to translation of poetic texts produced by cultures from distant places and epochs.
Hegel, Hölderlin and we, the ukrainians, or: is it worse to accept recommendations of the german idealism?
Authors: Kultaieva Maria
Published: June 2021

The article represents the explication of some Hegel’s ideas with coherence to Hölderlin’s philosophical reflections, all of which are dealing with the problem of making more significant the philosophy for the social life especially in the period of the national self-statement and radical cultural transformations on the crossing of the XVIII-th and XIX-th centuries. The communication between Hegel and Hölderlin shows the different ways of making philosophy more available for lower classes of population. Hölderlin’s considering on this problem was to make philosophical thinking more sensuous through its transforming into a new rational religion. Hegel perceived solving of this problem in education and teaching without reducing standards of philosophy as a science. The university philosophy with its abstract concepts and systems was criticized by Hölderlin and accepted by Hegel, because his aim was to activate the social and orientation functions of philosophical ideas. The popular philosophy with its metaphorical language was regarded by him as preparing for fundamental philosophical studies. The role of the philosophical lyric in the evolution of German Idealism is analyzed with its impulses for the renewal of philosophical thinking. Hegel shows some risks of symbiosis of the lyric and philosophy such as losing its freedom and turning into a new mythology with eclipse of reason. Hegel emphasizes the role of the grammar of philosophical thinking: its concepts and categories. The dialectical potential of concepts is illustrated on their cunning possibility what might be regarded as opening of closed systems. The adaptation possibilities of this theoretical and practical experience to the Ukrainian social and cultural contexts are regarded. Hegel’s interpretation of the dialectical interconnection existing between the philosophical creativity and the philosophical education for the foundation of the philosophical inquiring culture are actual today as well his demand to search for the truth. The causes for explaining Hegel’s intuitions about the concept’s and reason’s cunning are stating in their validity for developing strategies and practices of the spiritual renewal of the Ukrainian society.
Formación del talento humano en enfermería en Colombia
Authors: Vélez-Álvarez Consuelo , Arboleda-Isaza Valentín , Chalapud-Vivas Carlos-Javier , Giraldo-Osorio Alexandra , Jaramillo-Ángel Claudia-Patricia
Published: June 2021

Introducción: la formación del talento humano en enfermería requiere de la articulación, de mane­ra imprescindible, con las Institu­ciones Prestadoras de Servicios de Salud (IPS).
Objetivo: analizar la relación docencia-servicio para la formación de talento humano en enfermería en Colombia.
Materiales y métodos: estu­dio de tipo descriptivo. Se realizó una encuesta electrónica con preguntas estructuradas y semiestructuradas a 53 instituciones de educa­ción superior (IES). Se incluyeron institu­ciones con programas de enfermería y con convenios docencia-servicio para prácticas formativas.
Resultados: participaron 48 programas de enfermería de IES priva­das (60,4 %) y públicas (39,6 %). El 62,5 % no contaban con una IPS propia para el desarrollo de prácticas forma­tivas en salud, situación que deri­va en estructuración de convenios docencia-servicio y pagos en dinero o servicios por las IES. Las principales modalidades de contraprestación fueron capacitación del recurso humano, educación continuada y dotación tecnológica.
Conclusiones: la integración docencia-servicio de universidades públicas y privadas con diferen­tes instituciones es necesaria en la formación integral de profesionales de enfermería. Las IES se ven abocadas a ofrecer actividades de compensa­ción y contraprestación según su capacidad y valoración de las necesi­dades conjuntas. Un bajo porcentaje cuenta con IPS propias, cuya mayoría es de carácter privado. La relación docencia-servicio mejora la atención, educación, orientación a los pacien­tes y familiares y la credibilidad por la presencia de la academia en las unidades asistenciales.
A Bíblia como Literatura
Authors: Golin Luana Martins
Published: June 2021

Este artigo é resultado de uma palestra ministrada no Webinar: “Revisitando a Bíblia a partir de perspectivas modernas”, organizado pela Faculdade de Teologia da Igreja Metodista, em junho de 2020. Trata-se de um tema que também foi desenvolvido em minha tese de doutorado em Ciências da Religião. A reflexão sobre Bíblia como literatura parte de importantes autores que discutem o tema, a saber: Eric Auerbach, Northrop Frye e Robert Alter. A artigo procurou demonstrar e exemplificar as características literárias da Bíblia e sua importância no diálogo com a cultura e outras literaturas.
Religião em movimento: Recriação da Bíblia no cinema
Authors: Nogueira Paulo Augusto de Souza
Published: June 2021

Os pesquisadores dos textos bíblicos debatem intensamente sobre questões teórico-metodológicas. Definir os métodos da exegese bíblica, seu alcance, limites, ferramental conceitual, etc. é uma das tarefas fundamentais da área. Soma-se a esse esforço, nos últimos anos, a contribuição dos estudos de recepção da Bíblia. Dá-se dessa forma atenção aos processos de interpretação do texto Bíblico em diferentes linguagens (nas artes, por exemplo), temporalidades e culturas. Neste artigo discutimos aspectos da interpretação da Bíblia no cinema. Mostramos as implicações da transformação do texto em imagem em movimento. Propomos que, no entanto, se trata de muito mais que uma forma específica de recepção do texto bíblico. A Bíblia é submetida a muitas transformações semióticas em sua recriação fílmica, manifestando e atualizando assim sentidos potenciais do texto antigo. Não se trata, nesse sentido, de uma recepção particular, mas de um potencializar os sentidos do texto que só podem efetivamente serem articulados e experimentados na experiência audiovisual cinematográfica. Apresentamos esse processo de articulação de sentido do texto bíblico, um texto mito-poético antigo, na linguagem técnica e moderna do cinema numa breve análise de aspectos da interpretação do filme Metropolis (Dir. Fritz Lang, 1927).
Primeiras comunidades cristãs sob o olhar da Hermenêutica dos Espaços
Authors: Bósio Frederico Danielle Lucy
Published: June 2021

As comunidades primitivas realizavam os seus encontros comunitários em casas e isso é um fato. Outro fato é que não é incomum imaginarmos as casas do primeiro século como as que residimos hoje. Essa maneira de entendermos os fatos é um anacronismo, pois está fora do tempo, isto é, uma leitura descontextualizada. Uma pergunta simples deveria ser feita ao lermos e/ou pensarmos sobre esse tema: em que tipo de casas eles se reuniam? Como eram as casas daquela época? Haviam outros lugares em que esses cristãos poderiam se reunir? Partindo do pressuposto de que haviam vários espaços nesse mundo antigo que seriam propícios aos encontros dessas comunidades e de que é preciso ampliar a nossa percepção sobre o tema a fim de que novas possiblidades surjam; utilizaremos a Hermenêutica dos Espaços e revistaremos alguns lugares. Nosso objetivo é identificar novas possiblidades e reconhecer a fluidez desse mundo outro e tão rico em que nasceram as primeiras comunidades cristãs.
Distribution patterns of HLA-A*, B*, DRB1* allele groups among persons who underwent COVID-19
Authors: Bubnova L. N. , Pavlova I. E. , Berkos A. S. , Terentyeva M. A. , Glazanova T. V. , Erokhina L. V. , Belyaeva E. V. , Chechetkin A. V. , Bashketova N. S. , Chkhindzheria I. G. , Kozhemyakina M. А. , Azarov D. V. , Kuznetsova R. N. , Totolyan Areg A.
Published: June 2021

The main histocompatibility complex — HLA system (Human Leukocyte Antigens) is among the most important genetic factors determining response of humans to infectious agents. The key role that HLA molecules play in immune response is to present the pathogen-derived peptides. Enormous molecular variability of HLA alleles in human populations have attracted close attention and became the basis for numerous studies aimed at evaluating the role of HLA genotypes for individual features of immune response to COVID-19, the new infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 β-coronavirus. Many studies have focused on search of specific alleles associated with both susceptibility and resistance to this disease. Separate HLA patterns were reported already. These patterns may be either universal to several populations, or rather peculiar, since distribution of HLA genes is different for various populations, depending on the living conditions, including specific protection from environmental pathogens. Therefore, it is evident that individual effects of HLA genotype upon occurrence and course of SARS-CoV-2 infection should be performed in comparison with the HLA distribution among the residents of appropriate region. The objective of this study was to compare the distribution of HLA-A*, B*, DRB1* allele groups, and to analyze the frequencies of HLA-AB-DRB1 haplotypes in subjects with COVID-19 (n = 138), compared with the control group presented by residents of the North-Western Russia (n = 1456). The most significant differences between COVID-19 patients compared with a group from control population were revealed for the groups of HLA-A* alleles: the frequencies of HLA-A*02 and HLA-A*26 were significantly reduced (39.86% versus 51.72%, χ2 = 7,58, and 4.35% versus 9.07%, χ2 = 4.17, respectively). At the same time, the frequency of HLA-A*29 was increased more than 2-fold (5.80% versus 2.47%, χ2 = 4.03). This finding suggests that the allele groups A*02 and A*26 are associated with reduced likelihood of the disease, while A*29, is an apparent factor predisposing for susceptibility to the disease. It was found that occurrence of definite HLA haplotypes, including the A*02 allele group, is less common in persons who have undergone COVID-19, and are ranged at the 4th, 7th and 10th positions in frequency, while in the population control group such HLA haplotypes took the 3rd, 4th, 7th and 8th places. Further evaluation of the HLA gene polymorphism will allow to understand the predetermined immunogenetic basis for susceptibility, as well as clinical severity of COVID-19.
Results of studying pro- and anti-atherogenic immune factors in the persons chronically exposed to ionising radiation
Authors: Oslina D. S. , Rybkina V. L. , Azizova T. V.
Published: June 2021

It is well established that cohorts of individuals exposed to ionizing radiation exhibit increased risks for cardiovascular diseases. Currently, the role of immune system in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is actively studied. Meanwhile, the immunomodulatory effects of irradiation in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in the persons exposed to ionizing radiation still remain unclear. The aim of this research was to study the effect of ionizing radiation upon lymphocyte subpopulations involved in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The lymphocyte subpopulations were studied in peripheral blood of the workers chronically exposed to occupational combined radiation versus a control group. The study considered 72 workers of the Russian nuclear production facility, the Mayak Industrial Association (mean age of 72.1±10.9 years), and 72 control individuals (mean age of 70.7±9.2 years). All the workers were chronically exposed to combined radiation (external gamma-rays and internal alpha-particles). The mean cumulative dose absorbed by red bone marrow from external gamma-ray exposure was 0.750±0.699 Gy; the mean cumulative absorbed dose to red bone marrow from internal alpha-particles was 0.072±0.092 Gy. The relative and absolute numbers of lymphocyte subpopulations (total T-cells, T-helpers, T-cytotoxic, total B-cells, NK-cells and T-NK-cells) were detected by flow cytofluorometry. The absolute number of CD3+CD19+T-lymphocytes was significantly lower in the individuals exposed to chronic irradiation, compared with the controls (1658.8±694.3 x 106/l and 1988.4±1045.4 x 106/l, respectively). The relative number of CD3+CD4+T-helpers and CD3+CD8+T-cytotoxic lymphocytes was significantly higher in individuals exposed to chronic irradiation. Relative number of T-helpers in the main group was 42.4±8.8% vs 35.3±8.7% in controls; the relative number of T-cytotoxic lymphocytes was 27.6±9.5%, and 23.3±6.5%, respectively. A significant negative correlation was revealed between absolute number of T-lymphocytes and cumulative absorbed doses to bone marrow from external gamma irradiation (correlation quotient r = -0,53565, p = 0,000001) and internal alpha sources (r = -0.54804, p = 0.0000006). This correlation may indicate a relationship between these changes (decreased absolute numbers of T cells) and occupational exposure rates. The increased relative number of T-helpers and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes confirm an assumption that specific antigens may cause an enhanced immune response during the development of atherosclerosis in exposed individuals.
Secretory immune status of oral cavity in the patients with Сandida-associated denture stomatitis
Authors: Malyshev M. E. , Iordanishvili A. K. , Mushegyan P. A. , Khabirova T. G.
Published: June 2021

Age-related changes in the oral mucosa immunity, including decreased contents of secretory immunoglobulins and antimicrobial peptides in saliva, along with changed balance of pro- and antiinflammatory cytokines, care risks for development of purulent-inflammatory or allergic diseases of the oral cavity. For example, denture stomatitis (DS) caused by Candida albicans occurs in about 30—70% of denture users. The purpose of this study was to assess the secretory immune state of oral mucous membranes in the patients with Candida-associated denture stomatitis. We examined 42 elderly patients (61-72 years old) with one-piece acrylic dentures for at least, 6 months (15 men and 27 women). Based on clinical and microbiological studies, the patients were divided into a group with DS (n = 24) and a group without DS (n = 18). The contents of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and proinflammatory cytokines was determined, i.e., interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), and anti-inflammatory cytokines, e.g., receptor antagonist of interleukin-1 (RAIL), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-10 (IL-10), as well as antimicrobial peptides (cathelicidin LL-37, lactoferrin and alphadefensins 1-3 (HNP1-3). The sIgA levels in the salivary fluid of patients with DS (0.92 (0.80-1.26) g/l) were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than in patients without stomatitis (1.71 (1.23-2,13) g/l). In the group with advanced DS, a significant increase of IL-1β levels in saliva was observed, along with simultaneous decrease of IL-8 concentrations, compared to the other group, without differences in TNFα and IL-6 concentrations. Increased contents of IL-10 in saliva was also noted. It was shown that the concentrations of cathelicidin LL-37 in saliva of the DS patients was increased two-fold, whereas the contents of neutrophil-derived alpha-defensins (HNP 1-3) was decreased. Conclusions: The development of inflammation in denture stomatitis caused by usage of removable acrylic dentures associated with Candida albicans infection is characterized by functional insufficiency of the secretory immunity of the oral mucosa associated with decreased amounts of secretory immunoglobulin A and antimicrobial peptides of neutrophilic origin. Low levels of alpha-defensins may suggest a decrease in the functional activity of neutrophils in the elderly, thus leading to higher susceptibility to fungal infection of oral cavity.
An impact of the combined drug containing antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, antifungal and glucocorticoid agents on local immunity in women with bacterial vaginosis and non-specific vaginitis
Authors: Bokach O. M. , Murasheva M. S. , Selkova M. S. , Storozheva K. V. , Chepanov S. V. , Selkov S. A.
Published: June 2021

Inflammatory diseases of the vagina related to imbalanced microflora composition represent one of the most common gynecological diseases primarily dealt with by obstetrician/gynecologists. Such diseases markedly worsen female patient quality of life as well as affect female reproductive system resulting both in altered fertility and adverse pregnancy outcomes. By now, multiple therapeutic and preventive protocols have been proposed to manage such diseases, but insufficient therapeutic efficacy and frequent relapses require further investigations. The aim of the study was to evaluate an effect of the drug Elgyna (Wertex, Russia) consisting of antibacterial, antifungal and glucocorticoid agents on local immunity in females with bacterial vaginosis and nonspecific vaginitis. For this, there were examined and treated 24 females enrolled to the study, who underwent gynecological examination (speculum and bimanual vaginal examination), cervical epithelium microscopy, and calculating karyopicnotic index. Special attention was paid to quantifying level of cytokines IL-6, IL-10, TNFα in vaginal smears before and after therapy with the drug Elgyna. It was found that by the end of the therapy course vaginally administered Elgyna resulted in significantly ameliorated clinical symptoms and normalized microscopic parameters of vaginal discharge. Moreover, this drug consisting of antibacterial, antifungal and glucocorticoid agents did not suppress vaginal epithelium proliferation, but lowered production of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNFα in vaginal smears and shifted toward anti-inflammatory cytokine production. This evidence pathogenetically justifies administration of the drug Elgyna in females with bacterial vaginosis and nonspecific vaginitis as an anti-inflammatory medicine. Efficacy and safety of the two-step therapeutic approach consisting of antibacterial therapy followed by vaginal microbiota recovery for treating inflammatory diseases of vaginal mucosa were confirmed in multiple randomized clinical trials. We envision that such therapeutic concept might be added with a third component implying correction of local vaginal immunity aimed at normalizing the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines.
Comparing humoral immune response in adult measles patients and measles vaccinated subjects
Authors: Toptygina A. P. , Andreev Yu. Yu. , Smerdova M. A. , Navruzova L N. , Maleev V V.
Published: June 2021

Introduction. The implementation of the WHO Measles Elimination Program has yielded serious results, but in recent years an increase in the incidence rate of this infection has been observed. In particular, according to the WHO, in 2019 vs. 2018 measles morbidity was elevated by 3-fold worldwide. While investigating measles outbreaks among patients, apart from unvaccinated subjects, a substantial group of adults vaccinated in childhood was distinguished. The aim of this work was to examine the characteristics of humoral measles immunity in adult measles patients as well as subjects after measles vaccination. Materials and methods. 50 adult measles patients aged 20 to 55 years were examined. In all patients, the diagnosis was confirmed clinically and by laboratory assays by detecting measles IgM antibodies. The second group consisted of 50 conditionally healthy seronegative age-matched adults, vaccinated with the live measles vaccine (Microgen, Russia). Peripheral blood samples were collected from the cubital vein in total volume of 4 ml on 6±1 day after the onset of rash in patients as well as 6 weeks after vaccination. Specific measles antibodies and their avidity were determined by ELISA using the commercial Avidity: Anti-Measles Viruses ELISA/IgG kit (Euroimmun, Germany). Results. It was shown that people aged 20—35 years more likely suffered from measles than elderly. And it was in this age group that healthy measles seronegative individuals were more abundant. Among vaccinees, 44% responded to vaccination with the primary type of immune response, and 56% responded with the secondary type, while among measles patients, 34% and 66% responded with the primary and secondary type, respectively, as follows from the spectrum of specific IgG subclasses and the antibody avidity assay. The secondary type of immune response indicates that these subjects were apparently vaccinated against measles in childhood, but lost with time long-lived plasma cells producing protective antibodies. While comparing the parameters of specific humoral immunity in groups with acute measles infection (day 6 from the onset of rash) and early convalescents (3 weeks after the onset of rash), it was shown that the level of specific IgG increased threefold in early convalescents (p 0.01) compared with those at acute phase. The level of specific IgA, on the contrary, decreased from 73.44 (69—75.3) Me/ml to 48.64 (45—56.4) Me/ml, but remained very high. At the same time, the spectrum of specific IgG subclasses shifted from primary immune response (high IgG3 and low IgG1) to secondary response (low IgG3 and high IgG1), which is typical for the response of emerging memory B cells.
Melioidosis in aspects of epidemiology, clinic, and laboratory diagnostics
Authors: Zakharova I. B. , Toporkov A. V. , Viktorov D. V.
Published: June 2021

Melioidosis is a life-threatening infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, an environmental Gram-negative bacterium, inhabitant of moist soils in the tropics and subtropics. There is no licensed vaccine against melioidosis. The main routes of B. pseudomallei infection are percutaneous inoculation, inhalation, or ingestion. Individual cases of vertical, sexual, zoonotic, and nosocomial transmission of melioidosis are described. Risk factors for infection are contact with soil or water (especially during the rainy season). The age over 45, type 2 diabetes, alcoholism, liver disease, chronic lung disease, chronic renal disease, and thalassemia, as well as long-term use of steroids and immunosuppressive therapy, are the main susceptibility factors for melioidosis. Among the affected adult residents of endemic regions, 80% had one or more predisposing factors, among children — about 20%. No significant influence of concomitant diseases on the development of melioidosis in travelers was found. Less than 50% of patients had predisposing factors. The incubation period of melioidosis ranges within 1—21 days; on average, 9 days, in case of sizeable infectious dose, it can be less than one day. There is no post-infectious immunity, and reinfection can occur with a different B. pseudomallei strain after successful treatment. B. pseudomallei is a facultative intracellular pathogen that can invade and multiply inside a wide range of cells, including phagocytic. The acute form of melioidosis is characterized by pneumonia, multiple abscesses, bacteremia, and systemic sepsis. Chronic, subacute, and latent forms are also possible. Antimicrobial therapy is divided into the initial intensive phase and the subsequent eradication phase. B. pseudomallei is resistant to penicillins, first- and second-generation cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, macrolides, chloramphenicol, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, trimethoprim, and in some cases to co-trimoxazole, and rarely to ceftazidime. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial in reducing severe complications leading to high mortality, and in preventing disease recurrences. However, there is no pathognomonic melioidosis-specific feature, and the disease is not well known to physicians and microbiologists. The results of serological tests for detection of specific antibodies are ambiguous. The bacterial load of the tested sample limits the detection of antigens. Among the accelerated methods for identifying the causative agent of melioidosis, PCR has the highest sensitivity and specificity. Automated identification using microbiological analyzers generally shows good results, but about 15% of isolates are misidentified. Time-of-flight mass spectrometry with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization is potentially useful for rapid identification of B. pseudomallei. However, existing databases require optimization by adding the reference spectra for B. pseudomallei.
Geometria solar na escola: uma prática com cartas solares
Authors: Silva Fernando Siqueira da , Catelli Francisco , Dutra Carlos Maximiliano
Published: June 2021

Neste artigo focalizamos o nosso estudo no movimento diário do Sol projetado sobre cartas solares, um saber mais elaboradamente investigado nos cursos superiores de arquitetura e engenharias, com inúmeras aplicações práticas. Um saber também sugerido pela Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC) para a área das Ciências da Natureza, devendo ser estudado a partir do 2° ano do Ensino Fundamental. Falaremos então do movimento do Sol e de sua projeção sobre cartas solares, um assunto que, devido aos inúmeros objetos-modelo conceituais envolvidos, deveria ser investigado a partir dos anos finais do Ensino Fundamental, a partir do 8° ano e, principalmente, no Ensino Médio, onde o conhecimento adquirido no Fundamental deve então ser ampliado e aprofundado. Assim, neste artigo, buscamos fornecer aos leitores um entendimento inicial e importante sobre o que é, para o que serve e como funciona uma carta solar, bem como, alguns de seus fundamentos básicos. Ao final, a título de exemplo, sugerimos alguns problemas que poderão ser resolvidos na Escola. Esperamos com este trabalho fornecer subsídios ao estudo de pesquisadores, professores e alunos, principalmente aqueles dos anos finais do Ensino Fundamental e do Ensino Médio, onde também se observa uma maior carência de materiais didáticos de astronomia.