bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RESEARCH ON THE APPLICATION OF SPORT DANCE IN COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES IN THE HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS
Authors: Wang Aibo , Wang Caixia
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT Introduction: Immunity is closely related to health. When the body's immunity is strong, it is healthy. On the contrary, various diseases appear. Sports dance is an entertainment and fitness sports project that integrates sports, music, aesthetics, and dance, the body movement dance as the necessary content and two-person or collective exercises as the primary form of exercise. Studies have shown that long-term adherence to Tai Chi exercise can significantly increase the serum immunoglobulin IgA, IgG, and IgM levels. Objective: The paper explores the effect of physical dance exercise on serum immunoglobulin and T lymphocyte subsets of college students. Methods: The thesis randomly selected 16 male and female students in the first-grade physical dance optional course of public physical education as the experimental group. They performed physical dance exercises three times a week, 40 minutes each time, and the training intensity was controlled at a heart rate of 135-150 beats/min. Ten weeks; besides, 16 male and female students in the first grade were selected as the control group, and no physical dance exercise was performed; all the subjects were drawn from the elbow venous blood on an empty stomach at the same time before and after the experiment to measure serum immunoglobulin and T lymph Cell subpopulation content. Results: After ten weeks of sports dance training, the serum immunoglobulin IgG of both men and women in the experimental group increased significantly (P<0.01), and the CD4+% and CD4+/CD8+ ratio of T lymphocyte subgroups showed extremely significant and significant increases (P <0.01, P<0.05), serum IgM tended to increase, IgA, CD8+% tended to decrease, but there was no significant change. Conclusions: Long-term physical dance exercise can improve the body's immune function. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.
SIMULATION OF RECOGNITION METHOD OF DAMAGED PARTS OF HIGH-INTENSITY SPORTS INJURY IMAGES
Authors: Wang Feng , Wang Cheng , He Fei
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT Introduction: When athletes are performing sports training, many movements are of high intensity, and that training is repetitive, resulting in wear and tear on some injured parts. Objective: Sports athletes can damage parts of the body in high - intensity exercise. During the processing, it is necessary to identify and analyze the damaged parts in the image. However, the current relevant methods have low accuracy and different problems of efficiency and quality. Methods: In this paper, a Fish Swarm Algorithm is proposed to identify high-intensity motion damage images. According to the combination of adaptive threshold and mathematical morphology, the contour of the damaged part of the image is extracted. Results: The above-mentioned method can improve the accuracy of identifying damaged parts of sports injury images, shorten the recognition time, and has certain feasibility in determining sports injury parts. Conclusions: This method can be widely used in high-intensity sports injuries. Level of evidence II; Therapeuticstudies - investigation of treatment results.
RESEARCH ON THE IMPROVED IMAGE TRACKING ALGORITHM OF ATHLETES’ CERVICAL HEALTH
Authors: Jiang Jingjing
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT Objective: With the increasing number and youth of patients with cervical spondylosis, people pay more and more attention to the cervical spine. Early diagnosis, intervention and treatment play an important role in the recovery of cervical spondylosis. With the continuous development of computer technology, the improvement of various modeling theories, and the application of image processing methods in orthopedics, new ideas are opened to observe cervical vertebra motion health. Methods: In this paper, the measurement of cervical motion is achieved by machine vision. A method of parameter measurement based on the constraint relationship of lower cervical motion is proposed. Based on image preprocessing, the left edge of the cervical vertebra was extracted and analyzed. Results: With the horizontal coordinate of registration point as the reference line, the changing trend of the angle between the left edge curve and the reference line of C4 and C5 vertebrae in the process of spontaneous flexion and extension of the cervical vertebrae was observed, and the movement rate of the cervical vertebrae was analyzed. Conclusions: It was found that the speed of the cervical vertebrae in the process of movement of the patients with cervical spondylosis showed jumping changes. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.
RESEARCH ON SCIENTIFIC SPORTS TRAINING OF STUDENTS MAJORING IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Authors: Zhao Shaoping
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT Introduction: The organization of high-level sports teams in colleges and universities is an important measure for my country's competitive sports to break the traditional monopoly and monopoly pattern and go to the market and society in an all-around way. It helps to improve the cultural quality of Chinese athletes and cultivate new sports talents for comprehensive development. It can make full use of universities’ multidisciplinary and high-tech advantages, increase the technological content of competitive training, and accelerate the improvement of sports level. Objective: This article intends to take the diving team as an example to explain the role and significance of scientific training in developing competitive sports in my country's ordinary colleges and universities and put forward suggestions for the establishment, organization, and implementation of scientific training. Methods: The scientific research support system used in the thesis includes: physiological and biochemical monitoring, health and sports injury monitoring, nutrition and weight monitoring, psychological consultation and monitoring, technical training support system, training quality management system, physical training support system, and athlete training database. Results: The in-depth research on diving training focuses on: (1) the detection and evaluation of diving technique training; (2) the training of divers’ specific strength qualities; (3) the monitoring of nutrition and weight of female athletes; (4) Pre-match psychological training for outstanding diving athletes. Conclusions: The diving team's training shows that scientific and systematic training is an important guarantee for high-level student-athletes training in ordinary universities in my country. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.
Entropia de emaranhamento de duas partículas carregadas e sem spin em uma armadilha de Penning
Authors: Nascimento J. P. G. , Aguiar V. , Guedes I.
Published: August 2021

Investigamos o emaranhamento para o estado fundamental de duas partículas sem spin, carregadas e harmonicamente acopladas em uma armadilha de Penning. Encontramos uma expressão analítica para a entropia linear, L, e analisamos o grau de emaranhamento em função da variação da constante de acoplamento e dos parâmetros da armadilha de Penning. Os resultados mostram uma competição entre o acoplamento das partículas e os parâmetros da armadilha. Relacionamos os resultados com a incerteza na posição das partículas.
Propagação de ondas aplicadas ao mapeamento geológico: formulação acústica
Authors: Bartolo Leandro Di
Published: August 2021

O conceito de onda é recorrente nas ciências pura e aplicada, servindo de base para compreender desde terremotos, passando pelas telecomunicações e eletromagnetismo, até a difração de nêutrons, e.g., para citar um caso quântico. Assim, tal conceito desempenha um papel central em ramos tão diversos como Geofísica e Física Quântica, bem como em suas aplicações. A equação da onda é comumente estudada nos cursos de Física eminentemente utilizando soluções analíticas, não sendo possível obter respostas em domínios complexos e portanto estudar diversas aplicações. Este artigo objetiva apresentar detalhadamente, de forma simples e acessível, ricamente ilustrada, as ferramentas necessárias para obter soluções numéricas da equação da onda, dentro do escopo da Sismologia Aplicada, visando utilizá-las como base para um algoritmo de geração de imagens de estruturas geológicas em bacias sedimentares. Esta é uma bonita aplicação da Física, constituindo-se na base da exploração de hidrocarbonetos. A aplicação aqui descrita, conhecida na literatura especializada como Migração Reversa no Tempo, é aplicada a um modelo sintético, porém realístico. Os resultados demonstram a excelente qualidade da imagem obtida, sendo a técnica aplicada o estado da arte em termos de método de migração (mapeamento sísmico), atualmente muito em voga e utilizada pela indústria no pré-sal.
Analysis of the characteristics of periodontal curettes used for scaling the roof of the furcation by manual versus digital method
Authors: SALOMÃO Larissa Porcaro , SILVA Marcela Morgana Teixeira da , SOUZA Alessandra Areas e , CAMARGO Gabriela Alessandra da Cruz Galhardo , BARROSO Eliane Marçon , ZUZA Elizangela Cruvinel
Published: August 2021

Abstract Introduction The treatment of periodontal disease in multiradicular teeth with furcation involvement is a challenge for dentists, with unpredictable results. Objective To evaluate the characteristics of the active tip of periodontal curettes used for scaling the furcation roof, comparing the manual versus digital method. Material and method Forty-two Pádua Lima (PL) curettes of the Millennium® brand (n = 6 for each model) were evaluated: PL 1-2, PL 3-4, PL 5-6, PLW 1-2, PLW 3-4, PLW 5 -6, and PLF. The following were measured: total length of the coronary face (CTc, millimeters, mm), total length of the lateral face (CTl, mm), width of the coronary face (Lc, mm), and width of the lateral face (Ll, mm). The measurements were performed in duplicate. Result The results showed that weight varied among the curettes (p <0.05), however the handle diameter was similar for all instruments (p> 0.05). Considering that seven different types of curettes were evaluated, the parameters of CTl and Ll showed a statistical difference for all evaluated curettes (7: 7 ratio), with higher values for the caliper method compared to the software (p <0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between assessment methods for CTc and Lc measurements (p <0.05), showing that there was a coincidence of values in the proportion of 4:7 for measurements of CTc and 5:7 for Lc. Conclusion The comparison between methods generally resulted in lower values and greater variation for the digital method, thus favoring the use of the manual method to measure the active tip of periodontal curettes.
Vigilância Epidemiológica estadual no enfrentamento da pandemia pela COVID-19 no Brasil: um relato de experiência
Authors: Pereira Larissa Dell’ Antonio , Silva Cristiano Soares da , Garbin Juliana Rodrigues Tovar , Brandão-Souza Camila , Locatelli Rodrigo Leite , Leite Franciele Marabotti Costa
Published: August 2021

Resumo Objetivo sistematizar a experiência do estado do Espírito Santo no enfrentamento da COVID-19, baseando-se na vivência enquanto equipe gestora e operacional da vigilância epidemiológica estadual, no período de março de 2020 a março de 2021. Método trata-se de um estudo descritivo, do tipo relato de experiência. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de canais oficiais, alimentados por um sistema de notificação em saúde adotado pelo estado do Espírito Santo e por planilhas enviadas diariamente pelos estabelecimentos de saúde. Resultados observou-se que a aproximação entre a gestão estadual e municipal facilitou a implementação das orientações instituídas e a consolidação das medidas em todo território capixaba, vale salientar que outros órgãos governamentais auxiliaram nesse processo. Conclusão os desdobramentos exigidos na gestão da pandemia evidenciam a importância da Vigilância em Saúde e o papel estratégico da Vigilância Epidemiológica no controle da pandemia, e na tomada de decisão e direcionamento de recursos humanos e financeiros.
Traduzir de ouvido, traduzir para ouvir. O Fausto português de António Feliciano de Castilho
Authors: Daher Andrea
Published: August 2021

RESUMO: No século XIX, a cegueira como marca original dos primórdios da poesia foi louvada ou vituperada, segundo o grau de adesão dos representantes da modernidade literária à sacralidade que até então caracterizava o poeta cego. Este foi o caso da tradução do Fausto de Goethe pelo escritor português António Feliciano de Castilho, em 1872, que deu início à polêmica conhecida como a Questão do Fausto. A contenda produziu uma memória em que estão inscritas as marcas de oralidade que condicionaram a confecção da tradução, considerada, neste texto, a partir de perspectivas que permitem evidenciar o valor do oral na ordem do discurso.
O monge e o demônio etíope: raça e discretio nas Collationes Patrum de João Cassiano (426-428)
Authors: Borgongino Bruno Uchoa
Published: August 2021

RESUMO João Cassiano escreveu as Collationes Patrum entre os anos 426 e 428, num período em que já estava estabelecido num mosteiro nos arredores da cidade de Marselha, na Gália. Nesse documento, abordou diversos temas sobre a vida monástica, dentre eles, a virtude da discretio. João Cassiano incluiu também narrativas ilustrativas para seus argumentos, sendo que em algumas delas demônios em forma de etíopes instigavam os monges aos vícios - o que se alinhava aos discursos raciais que circulavam o contexto mediterrânico. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar as relações entre os demônios em forma de etíopes e o conceito de discretio nas Collationes Patrum.
A fotografia para além do registro histórico: o trabalho social, pedagógico e artístico de Tina Modotti nas “Escuelas Libres de Agricultura”
Authors: Muzardo Fabiane Taís
Published: August 2021

RESUMO A década de 1920 no México foi marcada por intensa produção cultural. Tina Modotti e outros artistas das mais variadas áreas iniciaram um projeto que visava produzir uma arte que fosse pública, ou seja, que fosse feita pelo povo e para o povo. Nesse sentido, a arte mexicana dessa década é marcadamente política. Tina foi uma fotógrafa italiana que se mudou para o México no início dos anos 1920. Seu trabalho inclui fotografias de murais, camponeses, símbolos comunistas, manifestações de trabalhadores, plantas, arquitetura, caveiras e escolas agrícolas, dentre outras temáticas. Suas fotografias foram publicadas em inúmeros periódicos, desde revistas de arte até atas de criação dessas escolas. Este artigo analisa as fotografias de Tina que compõem as atas de criação e desenvolvimento das escolas agrícolas, entendendo-as como uma produção que possui, ao mesmo tempo, um sentido social, pedagógico e artístico.
Growth and dry matter partition wheat plants in response to seed vigor and water restriction
Authors: Koch Felipe , Rolim Jessica Mengue , Martinazzo Emanuela Garbin , Pedó Tiago , Villela Francisco Amaral , Aumonde Tiago Zanatta
Published: August 2021

Abstract: The quality of the seeds and the occurrence of stresses are decisive for the development of the crops. Thus, the work aimed to verify the effect of seed vigor on growth and dry weight partition of wheat plants subjected to water stress. For growth evaluation, the experimental design was completely randomized, in a 2 x 2 x 8 factorial scheme (vigor level x water regime x collection time), with four replications. To evaluate the yield of the seeds, the design was completely randomized, in a 2 x 2 factorial scheme (level of vigor x water regime), with four replications. Total dry weight, dry weight production rate, relative growth rate, leaf area ratio, leaf area, solar energy conversion efficiency, dry weight partition and harvest index were evaluated. Total dry weight production, dry weight production rate, leaf area, leaf weight ratio, solar energy conversion efficiency and yield were higher for plants from highly vigorous seeds under field capacity. The yield was higher for plants with high vigor compared to those with low vigor in field capacity.
Physiological performance of Coccoloba gigantifolia seeds subjected to desiccation and storage
Authors: Ferreira Sidney Alberto do Nascimento , Gentil Daniel Felipe de Oliveira , Ferreira Carlos Alberto Cid
Published: August 2021

Abstract: Coccoloba gigantifolia is recently described species, with an area of restricted occurrence and threatened with extinction, whose great ornamental potential is due to the size of its leaves and the architecture of the plant. The objective of this study was to evaluate the viability of its seeds under different water contents and storage temperatures, through two experiments. The first one used a completely randomized design (CRD) with six treatments (drying periods: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 days) and four replications. The second experiment used a CRD in a 2 (storage temperatures: 8.0 ± 1.2 and 19.5 ± 0.7 °C) x 3 (storage periods: 1, 2 and 4 months) factorial scheme, in addition to a control treatment (without storage), with four replications. The seeds have a recalcitrant behavior, as they are sensitive to desiccation, with a marked reduction in viability with moisture content below 19.5%. Storage at temperatures of 8.0 and 19.5 °C did not maintain the physiological quality of the seeds, with 25.2% water, and the largest losses were found at a temperature of 8.0 oC.
Estratégias para potencialização das ações de promoção da saúde com crianças e adolescentes em situação de vulnerabilidade
Authors: Selau Bruna Lima , Kovaleski Douglas Francisco , Paim Marina Bastos , Prates Isadora Vieira
Published: August 2021

Apostar em práticas dialógicas de Educação Popular em Saúde com os profissionais que atuam em organizações da sociedade civil se torna um caminho necessário para assegurar a promoção da saúde de crianças e adolescentes em vulnerabilidade. O objetivo deste trabalho é refletir sobre estratégias para potencialização da promoção da saúde para crianças e adolescentes em situação de vulnerabilidade em uma organização da sociedade civil. O estudo foi realizado por meio dos Círculos de Cultura, de Paulo Freire. Foram elaboradas quatro propostas no Círculo de Cultura, que incluem a participação democrática das crianças na escolha e no cuidado do ambiente físico, a criação de espaços de convivência e interação e a participação da comunidade. As reflexões assumiram um caráter político e educativo de formação de cidadãos democráticos, de respeito às diferenças, de desenvolvimento da autonomia, caminhando em direção à promoção da saúde.
VALIDITY OF THE INSTRUMENT interRAI EMERGENCY SCREENER FOR PSYCHIATRY FOR THE BRAZILIAN CONTEXT
Authors: Cabral Luis Afonso Bataglin , Machado Wagner de Lara , Ferlin Elton Luiz , Hirdes John P. , Marrone Luiz Carlos Porcello , Hirdes Alice
Published: August 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to carry out the translation and present the evidence of validity of the Brazilian version of the interRAI Emergency Screener for Psychiatry (ESP). Method: this is a cross-sectional study conducted in a municipal hospital in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. A total of 161 patients were evaluated in the first 24 hours of emergency arrival using ESP. Exploratory factor analyses of the sections of the instrument and reliability analyses were conducted using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's Omega. Results: the analyses suggested an appropriate structure to the purpose of the instrument, two sections containing two factors instead of the expected one-dimensional structure. However, sections with two factors have interpretability and theoretical consistency. The factors presented internal consistency. Conclusion: the Brazilian version of the interRAI Emergency Screener for Psychiatry (ESP) demonstrates adequate psychometric properties through the internal structure of the instrument. Future studies should investigate the relationship of the scores produced by the instrument with clinical diagnosis and with covariates relevant to mental health outcomes.
Bioactivity-guided nanoparticle synthesis from Zingiber officinale and Mentha longifolia
Authors: Sarfraz Raja Adil , Ashraf Rizwan , Bedi Saira , Sardar Iqra
Published: August 2021

To date, various reports have exhibited the antidiabetic activity of plant extracts, but this activity could be improved through the conversion of plant bioactives into metal nanoparticles. Aqueous plant extracts were prepared from two plants, Zingiber officinale and Mentha longifolia. Silver nanoparticles from aqueous plant extracts were synthesized and characterized through spectroscopic techniques, including ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, in comparison with their respective plant extracts. After successful synthesis, these nanoparticles were evaluated for biological potentials of antioxidant, antimicrobial and antidiabetic activities. The nanoparticles of both plants offered outstanding antidiabetic potential, but the silver nanoparticles of Z. officinale showed the highest inhibition potential of 80.52% to α-amylase even at lower concentrations. The synthesized nanoparticles were found to be better antimicrobial agents against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli as measured through a well diffusion assay as compared with aqueous extracts. These nanoparticles offered antioxidant potential that was better than that of their plant extracts but was slightly lower than that of the positive control gallic acid. This study gives a direction for improvement of the biological activity of plant-based medicine through green synthesis of silver nanoparticles.
Preparation of Mg/PCL electrospun membranes and preliminary study
Authors: Abudihani Maheshati , Yu Yijun , Wang Qingqing , Miao Leiying
Published: August 2021

Magnesium (Mg) metal and its alloy degradation product magnesium ion (Mg2+) can stimulate the metabolic activity of bone cells, which is beneficial to bone growth and healing. With biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) and magnesium particles as raw materials, electrospinning technology is used to prepare electrospun membrane materials doped with magnesium particles. Meanwhile, the scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction analysis technology and microcomputer-controlled electronic universal testing machine are adopted to analyze the physical and chemical properties of the material. The biocompatibility of electrospun membranes and their potential to induce osteogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) were evaluated by in vitro cell experiments. The results showed that magnesium/PCL electrospun membranes doped with magnesium particles were successfully prepared with electrospinning technology, and the material has a good porous structure. Magnesium/PCL electrospun membranes have good biocompatibility and have the potential to induce osteogenic differentiation of hDPSCs. Among them, the effects of 10% magnesium/PCL electrospun membranes were the most obvious. Clinically, these materials provide new ideas for the restoration of alveolar bone defects and provide an experimental basis for the realization of alveolar bone regeneration.
Hydro-mechanical behaviour of soil experiencing seepage erosion under cyclic hydraulic gradient
Authors: Chen Chen , Zhang Limin
Published: August 2021

Numerous incidents and failures of earth slopes, dykes, levees and embankment dams are caused by internal erosion. At a time of global climate change, rapid pore-water pressure changes in soil masses are frequently induced by extreme rainfall, storm surges, waves, flash floods and so on. Under such complex cyclic hydraulic conditions, the soil erodibility, hydraulic conductivity and subsequent stress–strain behaviour may differ from those under the monotonic seepage condition, and are still poorly understood. In this study, preliminary laboratory tests have been conducted to investigate the development of internal erosion and changes in hydraulic conductivity under one-way cyclic seepage, and the post-erosion stress–strain behaviour. Representative internally stable and unstable soils were tested. The effects of mean hydraulic gradient and cyclic gradient amplitude were investigated in detail. Results show that the erosion development is significantly influenced by both the initial grain size distribution and the pattern of imposed cyclic hydraulic gradient. The cyclic seepage promotes the loss of fine particles and leads to larger hydraulic conductivity. For the internally unstable soil, the eroded soil mass and hydraulic conductivity increased significantly with increasing cyclic gradient amplitude. Nevertheless, the internally stable soil experienced a small amount of particle loss, even under large cyclic gradients. For both types of soil, a larger cyclic gradient amplitude corresponds to a stronger post-erosion contractive shearing behaviour and a smaller critical friction angle.
Covid-19: A Double Edged Sword-Rise in Complicated Ureteric Stone Disease
Authors: ZA Khan , S Swain , K Tonge , M Jena , P Agarwal , S Rulaniya , V Neniwal
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Healthcare is facing one of the biggest challenges in the form of Coronavirus-19 pandemic. Various measures are taken by the government to curb its spread in the form of lockdowns, travel bans, and restrictions upon non-covid admission to assimilate resources to tackle pandemic has affected non-covid patients in the form of delayed treatment. Ureteric calculus can present acutely and in sub-acute forms but without proper treatment in due time may have serious consequences. In our study, we aim to investigate the effect of pandemic upon patients of ureteric calculi.
The Potential of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the Pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal 11 in Zimbabwe
Authors: Masekesa Liberty Kudzai
Published: August 2021

The international community has recognised cities as important drivers of development and poverty reduction by including SDG 11 in the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Even though the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) do not have any legal force, SDG 11 seeks to make cities and human settlements across the world "inclusive", "safe", "resilient" and "sustainable" by 2030. While cognisant of the interdependence of these qualifiers, this article focusses on the issue of "sustainability" in the light of the view that a city cannot be said to be sustainable unless it is inclusive, safe and resilient. Cities on the path to a sustainable future are expected in terms of SDG 11 to invest in public infrastructure to provide services to local communities in a sustainable manner. Due to limited fiscal space, urban local authorities in Zimbabwe, as elsewhere, would have to harness private sector participation in infrastructure investment through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to transition to a sustainable future.

This article interrogates the extent to which the constitutional, legislative and policy frameworks in Zimbabwe enable urban local authorities to adopt and implement PPPs in order to achieve their mandate and by extension to realise local sustainability as envisaged in terms of SDG 11. The analysis reveals varied results about the potential of PPPs to contribute towards local sustainability in Zimbabwe. It is further argued that the legal framework underpinning PPPs has some generic features that could enhance their relevance and potential in the pursuit of sustainable cities in Zimbabwe.
A new genus of Early Jurassic earwigs from England (Dermaptera)
Authors: Engel Michael S.
Published: August 2021

A new genus of archidermapteran earwigs is described for Brevicula teres Tihelka (Dermapteridae) from Sinemurian deposits of the Black Ven Mudstone Member, Charmouth Mudstone Formation, Dorset, United Kingdom. Dacryoderma Engel, new genus, is distinct from Brevicula Whalley in the broadly rounded anterior tegminal border lacking a submedial hump and overall teardrop shape, with the anterior margin tapering gradually in a comparatively straight line to the more acutely rounded apex. The following new combination is established: Dacryoderma teres (Tihelka).
Comparative analysis of coating modalities for producing high resolution textured micrographs v1
Authors: Mentor Shireen , Cummings Franscious , Fisher David
Published: August 2021

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provides a technical platform for nanoscopic mapping of biological structures. Correct preparation of SEM samples can provide an unprecedented understanding of the nexus between cellular morphology and topography. This comparative study critically analyses two coating methods for investigating biological samples utilizing scanning electron microscopy. Biological material is often non-conducting, thermally sensitive and fragile and, therefore, needs to be fixed correctly and coated with thin conducting metal. This study aimed to compare biological sample coating modalities employed in the visualizing and analysis of texturized, membranous ultrastructures. The experimental model employed immortalized mouse brain endothelial cells (b.End5). The topographical structures of developing endothelial cells (ECs) were explored at high definition utilizing SEM as a tool to investigate the ultrastructural dynamics of membrane differentiation during monolayer development. Cell monolayers were prepared using two coating modalities, namely: carbon and gold:palladium (Au:Pd) sputter coating. SEM produced three-dimensional micrographs from which useful topographical cellular data could be extrapolated. We report on the novel ultrastructural membranous features of b.End5 cells. Furthermore, nanostructures were observably secreted on the BEC plasma membrane and are the nexus between direct cell-to-cell communication and cell monolayer development. The two coating methods display distinct differences in the topographical profile of developing BEC cytoarchitecture. SEM provides a glimpse of the ultrastructural behaviour of a differentiating cell surface topography. This study illuminates the relationship between generating highly definitive images and the appropriate coating method. The micrographical data suggests that Au:Pd sputter-coated samples generate descript imagery, providing useful information for profiling membrane nanostructures.
Using Distributed Cloud Computing to Solve Resource-Intensive Tasks
Authors:   Management Academy of the Ministry of the Interior of Russia, Moscow, 125993, Russian Federation, Bulgakov D. Yu.
Published: August 2021

A method for solving resource-intensive tasks that actively use the CPU, when the computing resources of one server become insufficient, is proposed. The need to solve this class of problems arises when using various machine learning models in a production environment, as well as in scientific research. Cloud computing allows you to organize distributed task processing on virtual servers that are easy to create, maintain, and replicate. An approach based on the use of free software implemented in the Python programming language is justified and proposed. The resulting solution is considered from the point of view of the theory of queuing. The effect of the proposed approach in solving problems of face recognition and analysis of biomedical signals is described.
Searching for Activity Results and Experts in a Given Subject Area, Taking Results Significance into Account
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Institute of Mechanics Moscow, 119192, Russian Federation, Shachnev D. A.
Published: August 2021

The paper describes the mathematical models, algorithms and software tools developed by the author for searching for objects in information analysis systems. A search query is a subject area, which is specified by keywords or rubrics of various classifiers. The search takes into account the relevance of the objects to the query, which is calculated by constructing thematic portraits of the objects and comparing them to the query, as well as the significance of the objects, the rules for calculating which can be set dynamically. Thematic portraits of objects are built by analyzing their relations with other objects in the system, for which a topic is specified. When applied to current research information systems, such an approach can be used to search for scientific results in a given subject area and for experts in this area.
Evaluation of Updates to the Risk-based Supervision Model of the Superintendence of Pensions in Chile
Authors: Ashcroft John
Published: August 2021

This first document of the PLAC Network Technical Assistance Document Series, entitled “Evaluation of Updates to the Risk-Based Supervision Model of the Superintendence of Pensions in Chile”, provides a commentary on the actions taken by the Superintendence of Pensions in response to the original advisory report on the application of risk-based supervision, which was formally delivered in December 2016. This revised version of the report also takes into account discussions with managers and staff from the Superintendence of Pensions during a series of presentations and training workshops held in Santiago de Chile during the week of 12-16 June 2017.
Clinical and diagnostic aspects of abnormal uterine bleeding in reproductive aged women with extragenital pathology
Authors: Tuchkina I.A. , Vygivska L.A. , Blagoveshchensky E.V. , Blagoveshchensky R.E.
Published: August 2021

Study objective: to determine the clinical and diagnostic features of the abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) in women of reproductive age with extragenital pathology.Materials and methods. The study involved a retrospective assessment of 400 case histories of reproductive aged women with AUB who underwent inpatient treatment.The main clinical group (I) consisted of 300 case histories of women with AUB and concomitant extragenital disorders, control group (II) consisted of 100 case histories of somatically healthy women with AUB. An ultrasound scan with Doppler mapping was performed to assess the pelvic organs. All women underwent hysteroscopy and/or separate diagnostic curettage with further morphological assessment of the endometrium.Results. The most common extragenital disorder was diseases of the circulatory system and endocrine system, diseases of the digestive system. 123 patients (41%) had concomitant hypertension and obesity, 76 (25.3%) – obesity and varicose veins, 53 (17.6%) – somatoform autonomic dysfunction and chronic gastritis, 39 (13%) – obesity and diabetes mellitus, 24 (8%) – chronic gastritis and obesity. AUB was complicated by anemia of varying severity in 176 (58.6%) women. According to ultrasound data the most common endometrial disorder in women of group I was glandular hyperplasia of the endometrium.Conclusion. A retrospective analysis of case histories showed a high prevalence of AUB among women with extragenital pathology, which is a clinical indicator of major menstrual disorders in this category of patients and can be a serious problem for women's health in general. The need to study the prevalence and identify the main risk factors for the AUB development will make it possible to provide a general strategy for its prevention, improve the reproductive potential of women and avoid serious abnormal changes in the process of fulfilment of the reproductive function in young women.
COVID-19: gender characteristics of the course, perinatal risks and possible ways to prevent complications
Authors: Zhabchenko I.A. , Lishchenko I.S. , Gerevich N.V.
Published: August 2021

The article contains modern data of the characteristics, course and impact on pregnant women, postpartum women, fetus and newborn of the SARS-CoV-2. The opinions of experts from different countries of the world on the consequences of coronavirus disease depending on racial, ethnic, age differences and delivery time. Immunological and hormonal protection during pregnancy against viral influences is noted. In the context of a pandemic, the number of premature births (for various reasons) and the birth of children with low birth weight significantly increased, but their relationship with COVID-19 infection has not been proven. Risk factors for the hospitalization of pregnant woman infected with COVID-19 are high body mass index, obesity and concomitant diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypertension. Women in older reproductive age also need hospitalization more often. During pregnancy, innate and adaptive immune responses shift from an inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory phenotype to prevent affection of the fetus and promote passive transmission of maternal antibodies to the fetus. These COVID-19 protection effects are largely mediated by estradiol and progesterone. New data on the impact of COVID-19 on erythropoiesis, hemoglobin and ferritin levels are presented, and risk groups of a more severe course of the disease are identified: elderly adults, patients, patients with arterial hypertension, obesity and diabetes mellitus, pregnant women, patients with primary and acquired immunodeficiency, with oppression of the hematopoiesis, HIV-infected and with cancer. The algorithm of outpatient monitoring of pregnant women during a pandemic (self-assessment of the state, online control, etc.) is given.Some current world protocols for the COVID-19 prevention and treatment have been analyzed and a modification adapted for Ukrainian pregnant women has been proposed. A method is proposed for the prevention miscarriage and nutritional deficits – one of the frequent and dangerous COVID-19 complications in pregnant women.
Estrogens and female developing brain: two sides of the coin
Authors: Reznikov A.G.
Published: August 2021

The review highlights current views and hypotheses on the pathogenetic role of natural and xenoestrogens in the disorders of programming of neuroendocrine regulation of reproduction, alaptation, and various forms of instinctive behavior (reproductive, eating, parental, etc.) in the perinatal period of development of the female brain. Catecholestrogens, which are formed in the brain as a result of sequential metabolic conversions of testosterone, are involved in exogenous or endogenous androgen-induced defeminization of hypothalamic control of ovulation in early female ontogenesis. In the research on female animals with a knocked out gene of alpha-fetoprotein, the protective role of this protein against the possible pathogenic effect of placental estrogens on the developing brain of female fetuses was proved. The damaging effect of phytoestrogens (genistein, coumestrol) in the early postnatal period on the formation of ovulatory cycles has been shown. Evidence from studies in rodents and other animal species, supported by clinical observations, indicate the potential damaging effect of exposure to low levels of environmental xenoestrogens on the developing brain, in particular on its sexual differentiation and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The potential hazard of the perinatal exposure to low doses of bisphenol A for the formation of estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus and amygdala of the female brain, sexual behavior and ovulation is discussed. Special attention is paid to the possible physiological role of natural estrogens in the formation of the female neuroendocrine system during puberty. It was concluded that in the early stages of female life, estrogens play a different role in the programming of the neuroendocrine system and behavior, depending on the period of individual development.
Application areas of modern automated methods of anti-Müllerian hormone evaluation
Authors: Burka O.A. , Tutchenko T.M. , Kudlai O.M. , Shevchuk T.V. , Protsenko O.V. , Makarovets O.M.
Published: August 2021

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMН) is a glycopeptide of the transforming growth factors β-family, used in many medical fields. Understanding of the biological role of AMH at norm and at pathology such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is expanding. This review includes the literature analysis on the synthesis and biological role of AMH in women and men; factors influencing its level; possibilities and limitations of clinical use of AMH in pediatric endocrinology/urogynecology, reproductive medicine, diagnosis of PCOS and other dyshormonal conditions, oncofertility programs and diagnosis of genital tumors.Effects of AMH in women: inhibiting the entry of primordial follicles into growth, control of follicle sensitivity to follicle-stimulating hormone, participation in the selection of the dominantfollicle, inhibition of aromatase activity in granulosa cells of the follicle, regulation of the gonadotropic generator of gonadotropic releasing hormone.AMH is an important component of predicting the response to ovulation stimulation in infertile women, diagnosis of nonclassical forms of PCOS, premature ovarian failure to the developmentof amenorrhea, other hormonal diseases, granulosa cell tumors, decisions about the possibility of maintaining reproductive function after cancer treatment. Currently, AMH cannot be used asa tool for individualized prediction of the age of menopause, fertility. It is not recommended to decide on the use of cryotechnologies based only on the AMH level.Evolution of laboratory estimation of АМН as an important factor of impact on clinical and scientific application of research is also considered. Despite significant improvements in thetechnical characteristics of test systems for determining the AMH level, there are limitations in the use of this diagnostic marker due to the lack of standardization. This shortcoming can beovercome by following principles: do not base important clinical decisions only at the AMH level, and use this indicator in conjunction with other laboratory parameters and clinical data;adhere to the consistent use of one automated test system until the introduction of the standard in laboratory practice.
Alternative possibilities of hyaluronic acid in genitourinary symptoms treatment
Authors: Sukhanova A.A. , Sumenko V.V. , Tkachuk R.R.
Published: August 2021

Research objective: to evaluate the clinical efficacy of vaginal gel with hyaluronic acid Revitaxa gel in comparison with synthetic estrogen-like topical agent in the treatment of women with genitourinary syndrome, to determine the recurrence rate of atrophic changes as a result of these schemes.Materials and methods. The study included 60 women with genitourinary manifestations and atrophic changes of the vaginal mucosa and cervical epithelium. Clinical, cytological and colposcopic studies were performed to analyze the vaginal epithelium, vaginal microbiocenosis and vaginal tissues. All women with an inflammatory type of smear were prescribed vaginal rehabilitation before the study. Repeated laboratory examination after anti-inflammatory, antibacterial topical therapy confirmed no pathogenic microflora, but signs of atrophy persisted in all women. All women are prescribed local treatment to improve the reparative processes of the vaginal mucosa. The main group (30 women) used Revitaxa gel for local therapy; the control group (30 women) used vaginal suppositories with the synthetic estrogen-like agent promestrienum.Results. Cytological remission after treatment was observed in all women of the control group and in 76.7% of patients in the main group. Restoration of the vaginal mucosa was detected in all patients of the control group and in 90% of patients in the main group. Repeated examinations 4 months after the end of therapy determined no recurrence of atrophic colpitis in 53.3% of patients in the main group and in 30% of women in the control group. Preservation of a favorable estatrophic type of smears was observed in 43.3% of women of group I and 13.3% of patients of group II (p <0.05), which indicates a more stable effect of hyaluronic acid compared with estrogen-like agent.Conclusions. Vaginal gel with hyaluronic acid Revitaxa gel in women with genitourinary syndrome gives results similar to the synthetic estrogen-like drug with promestrienum for topical treatment according to colposcopy, cytology, hormonal colpocytology and clinical indicators. Therefore, Revitaxa gel may be recommended for effective use in women with atrophic colpitis who refuse or have contraindications for topical hormonal agents.
Development of paclitaxel loaded pegylated gelatin targeted nanoparticles for improved treatment efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): an in vitro and in vivo evaluation study
Authors: Gu Minwei , Luan Jun , Song Kun , Qiu Cao , Zhang XiaoLi , Zhang Mingyong
Published: August 2021

Purpose: To develop and evaluate paclitaxel (PTX) loaded pegylated gelatin targeted nanoparticles for improved efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. Method: PTX loaded gelatin nanoparticles (PTX-GNP) were prepared by crosslinking with glutaraldehyde aqueous solution. These nanoparticles (NPs) were further incubated with PEG 400 to form PEGylated NPs (PEG-PTX-GNP). The NPs were evaluated for surface morphology, size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, in vitro drug release, cytotoxicity in an assay on cancer cell lines L132, in vitro cellular uptake in an assay in L132 and 293T cell lines, in vivo antitumor activity on female Balb/c mice, pulmonary deposition, histopathology, and immunohistochemical properties. Results: The nanoparticles were of spherical shape with smooth surface characteristics. The observed DL was of 20.18 to 32.11%, as particle size was of 90 to 115 nm. Zeta potential and polydispersity index (PDI) were within acceptable ranges. Encapsulation was effective when the NPs had a size of 80.50 nm to 98.12 nm. The PEGylated PTX loaded nanoparticles (PEG-PTX-GNP, GNP4) showed similar PTX release profile to that of the NP4 formulation. PEGylated NPs showed the desired PTX release pattern that is required for cancer treatment. In an in vitro cytotoxicity study, PEG-PTX-GNP showed the maximum antiproliferative activity over the period of 24 hours, followed by PTX-GNP, pure PTX and BPEG-GNP. PEG-PTX-GNP showed the highest internalization within both cell lines, followed by PTX-GNP and pure PTX. The survival rate of animals in PEG-PTX-GNP group was 100%, proving the safety and efficacy of the treatment. PEG-PTX-GNP showed the highest antitumor activity as compared to other formulations. The pulmonary deposition rate was the highest (6.5 to 12.55 μg/g) in PEG-PTX-GNP formulations. Histopathology and immunohistochemical study proved that PEG-PTX-GNP had greater anticancer potential than other tested formulations. Conclusion: This study confirms the potential use of paclitaxel loaded PEGylated gelatin targeted nanoparticles for improved efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment.