bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac Arrhythmias and Electrocardiogram Modifications in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. A Systematic Review
Authors: Ismaiel Abdulrahman , Colosi Horaţiu A. , Rusu Flaviu , Dumitrașcu Dan L.
Published: December 2019

Background and Aims: Recent studies have evaluated the relationship associating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with several electrocardiogram (ECG) findings, but the results have been inconsistent. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the association between NAFLD with ECG modifications.

Methods: We conducted a systematic search on PubMed with predefined keywords identifying observational studies published till 22 February 2019 with NAFLD diagnosed either by biopsy, imaging, surrogate markers or ICD code and ECG findings by either a standard ECG, 24-hour Holter ECG or ICD code. Quality assessment was performed using the quality assessment tools from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Results: A total of 20 observational studies (1 case-control, 4 cohort, 15 cross-sectional studies, 401,745 individuals) were included. Twelve studies evaluated cardiac arrhythmias in NAFLD subjects, out of which 10 evaluated atrial fibrillation (AF). Although results were inconsistent, most studies rated as “good” demonstrated that hepatic steatosis was independently associated with an increased risk for prevalent AF in NAFLD patients. Diabetic patients with NAFLD were associated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias in only one study rated as “good”. Two studies rated as “good” demonstrated that hepatic steatosis was associated with a prolonged QTc interval. Four studies supported the association between cardiac conduction abnormalities and NAFLD, out of which two were rated as “good”. Two studies assessed ECG modifications of ischemic heart disease (IHD), but only one having a “good” rating confirmed this independent association.

Conclusions: Studies of high quality and with low risk of bias demonstrated that NAFLD is independently associated with AF, a prolonged QTc interval, bundle branch and atrioventricular blocks. Diabetic patients with NAFLD present an increased risk for developing ventricular arrhythmias.
Usefulness of polyglycolic acid sheet for tumor hemorrhage from advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Kozuka Kazuhiro , Kobara Hideki , Nishiyama Noriko , Mori Hirohito , Masaki Tsutomu
Published: December 2019

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Vonoprazan May Provide Better Results than PPIs in Helicobacter Pylori Eradication and Beyond – Is it Time for a Change?
Authors: Ghisa Matteo , Barberio Brigida , Savarino Vincenzo , Savarino Edoardo
Published: December 2019

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Drug-coated Balloons for Small Coronary Vessel Interventions: A Literature Review
Authors: Nestelberger Thomas , Jeger Raban
Published: December 2019

Newer-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) are the standard of care for the treatment of symptomatic coronary artery disease. However, some lack of efficacy has been reported in small coronary arteries based on higher rates of target lesion restenosis, thrombosis and MI resulting in repeated interventions. Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) are an established treatment option for in-stent restenosis in both bare metal stents and DES and they can deliver an anti-proliferative drug into the vessel wall without implanting a stent. DCBs are a promising technique for selected de novo coronary lesions, especially in small vessel disease. In this article, the current evidence for the treatment of small vessel disease with DCBs will be reviewed.
Rotational Atherectomy: A Contemporary Appraisal
Authors: Gupta Tanush , Weinreich Michael , Greenberg Mark , Colombo Antonio , Latib Azeem
Published: December 2019

Rotational atherectomy (RA) is an atheroablative technology that enables percutaneous coronary intervention for complex, calcified coronary lesions. RA works on the principle of ‘differential cutting’ and preferentially ablates hard, inelastic, calcified plaque. The objective of RA use has evolved from plaque debulking to plaque modification to enable balloon angioplasty and optimal stent expansion. The clinical experience over the past 30 years has informed the current best practices for RA with use of smaller burr sizes, short ablation runs a ‘pecking’ motion, and avoidance of sudden decelerations. This has led to significant improvements in procedural safety and a reduced rate of associated complications. This article reviews the principles, clinical indications, contemporary evidence, technical considerations and complications associated with the use of RA.
Contemporary Approach to Heavily Calcified Coronary Lesions
Authors: Dini Carlotta Sorini , Nardi Giulia , Ristalli Francesca , Mattesini Alessio , Hamiti Brunilda , Di Mario Carlo
Published: December 2019

Percutaneous treatment of heavily calcified coronary lesions still represents a challenge for interventional cardiology, with higher risk of immediate complications, late failure due to stent underexpansion and malapposition, and consequently poor clinical outcome. Good characterisation of calcium distribution with multimodal imaging is important to improve the successful treatment of these lesions. The use of traditional or new dedicated devices for the treatment of calcified lesions allows better lesion preparation; therefore, it is important that we know the different mechanisms and technical features of these devices.
A bronze figurine of Minerva discovered at Apulum
Authors: Ota Radu , Bolog Adrian Cosmin
Published: December 2019

The authors discuss herein, and present the specialists, a recent find related to the classical Graeco-Roman pantheon. It is a bronze figurine of Minerva discovered in a waste pit from the southern cemetery of the urban centre at Apulum, located on the Furcilor Hill-“Podei”. Although archaeology records no workshop making such pieces, this figurine, rather modest in artistic terms, had likely been produced at Apulum or in one of the workshops from the Roman province of Dacia. It is a solid cast, in the “lost-form” technique, sized as follows: height – 7.2 cm, width – 1.9 cm, thickness – 0.9 cm. On the basis of its execution, which lacks accurate rendering of facial features, yet also the absent Gorgon on the aegis, the votive figurine may be dated to the 3rd century AD. Since it was not discovered in a grave, but in a waste pit, it is rather difficult to make a connection with any possible funerary function of the goddess. The ancient prototype of this kind of representation is the cult statue of Athena Parthenos of Phidias, housed on the Acropolis of Athens. The other six bronze votive figurines of Minerva discovered in Dacia do not resemble that discussed here.
IDENTIFIKASI LIKUIFAKSI DI KAWASAN PESISIR KOTA PADANG DENGAN METODA GEOLISTRIK 2D
Authors: Pryambodo Dino Gunawan , Sudirman Nasir
Published: December 2019

Makalah ini menyajikan studi kasus penyelidikan likuifaksi, dilakukan di kawasan pesisir kota Padang, yang terletak di pesisir barat Sumatra, pada zona ini sering tejadinya gempa bumi. Prediksi dari zona likuifaksi ini daerah kegempaan yang tinggi akan sangat membantu untuk mitigasi bahaya bencana gempa bumi. Geolistrik 2D menggunakan konfigurasi Wenner telah dilakukan dan bisa membantu untuk menggambarkan zona likuifaksi. Lintasan geolistrik ini terdiri dari empat lintasan yaitu lintasan UBH, lintasan Parak Gadang, lintasan Purus dan lintasan Telkom dengan bentangan kabel sepanjang 160 meter dan dengan kedalaman penetrasi sedalam 26,5 meter. Dengan latar belakang ini, bahwa dalam hubungannya dengan karakteristik tanah dan sedimen menunjukkan hubungan yang tinggi terhadap likuifaksi, dan anomali nilai tahanan jenis akan memberikan informasi penting untuk memprediksi dan mengidentifikasi zona likuifaksi. Hasil dari penelitian ini mengungkapkan lapisan bawah permukaan terdiri dari endapan aluvial yang jenuh air sehingga berpotensi menjadi likuifaksi selama terjadinya gempa bumi. Pada model 2-D geolistrik ini dengan nilai tahanan jenisnya rendah < 2 Ωm dan dengan kedalaman rata-rata kurang dari 10 meter dan di lintasan Telkom di beberapa tempat kedalaman likuifaksinya mencapai 20 meter.
The Next Generation: How medical students use new Social Media to support their learning
Authors: Guckian Jonathan , Leighton Jessica , Frearson Richard , Delgaty Laura , Finn Gabrielle , Matthan Joanna
Published: December 2019

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. BackgroundThe rise of social media [SoMe] has changed medical education practice, possibly facilitating learning through conversational interaction, social feedback and relationships. Usage of newer SoMe tools like Instagram and Snapchat has not been scrutinised. This study aimed to understand how medical students may use newer SoMe tools, specifically Twitter, Instagram & Snapchat, in their learning, in the context of a parallel SoMe course.MethodsAn optional, parallel SoMe course was established at Newcastle University Medical School. 301 fourth-year medical students were invited to engage using Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram. Evaluation adopted a mixed methods approach, gathering SoMe analytics and survey data as well as qualitative, free-text responses from a questionnaire and focus-group discussion.ResultsLive-tweeting lectures featured 95 facilitator tweets, with five replies by students. 22 Instagram posts received no student responses, and three Snapchat stories were viewed 15,312 times, with 212 screenshots taken. Of questionnaire respondents, 75% [n=66] stated they engaged with content. Framework analysis of free-text responses and focus group discussion identified peer influence, fear of exposure, cognitive load and curiosity as drivers in new SoMe use.DiscussionMedical students may engage with new SoMe for learning. This may manifest as yet another unilateral learning resource, rather than a tool for discussion or debate. Educators should be aware of external influences, such as peer influence, before assuming student interaction. Further research into medical student use of newer SoMe platforms is warranted, given their popularity, rapidly evolving nature and short lifespan.
A practical creep model for concrete elements under eccentric compression
Authors: Huang Haidong , Garcia Reyes , Huang Shan-Shan , Guadagnini Maurizio , Pilakoutas Kypros
Published: December 2019

Many prestressed concrete bridges are reported to suffer from excessive vertical deflections and cracking during their service life. Creep softens the structure significantly, and therefore an accurate prediction of creep is necessary to determine long-term deflections in elements under eccentric axial compression such as prestressed concrete girders. This study proposes a modification to the creep damage model of Model Code 2010 to account for the effect of load eccentricity. The modified creep model considers damage due to differential drying shrinkage. Initially, the creep behaviour of small scale concrete specimens under eccentric compression load is investigated experimentally. Twelve small-scale concrete prisms were subjected to eccentric axial loading to assess their shrinkage and creep behaviour. The main parameters investigated include the load eccentricity and exposure conditions. Based on the experimental results, an inverse analysis is conducted to determine the main parameters of the modified creep model. Subsequently, a numerical hygro-mechanical simulation is carried out to examine the effect of load eccentricity on the development of shrinkage and creep, and on the interaction between drying, damage and creep. The results indicate that eccentric loading leads to different tensile and compressive creep through the cross section, which contradicts the current design approach that assumes that tensile and compressive creep are identical. The proposed model also predicts accurately the long-term behaviour of tests on reinforced concrete elements available in the literature. This study contributes towards further understanding of the long-term behaviour of concrete structures, and towards the development of advanced creep models for the design/assessment of concrete structures.
Improved bending behaviour of steel-fibre-reinforced recycled aggregate concrete beams with a concrete jacket
Authors: Anvari Ali , Ghalehnovi Mansour , de Brito Jorge , Karimipour Arash
Published: December 2019

This paper studies the flexural behaviour and ductility ratio of reinforced concrete beams made with steel fibres and coarse recycled aggregates (RAs) and strengthened after failure. Eight reinforced concrete beams (of 150 by 200 mm cross-section and 1500 mm span), with various transverse reinforcement spacings, were manufactured and tested. RAs from building demolition were used at 0% and 100% by mass to replace natural aggregates. Furthermore, steel fibres were added to improve the flexural behaviour of the beams at 0% and 2% (by volume). Both shear and flexural failures in a four-point bending test were analysed in specimens with various transverse reinforcement spacings. First, the specimens were tested to failure and then strengthened with a concrete jacket. In these tests, the flexural capacity, maximum displacement at mid-span and ductility before and after strengthening using the concrete jacket were measured. The effects of the steel fibres and of the transverse reinforcement spacing on the flexural behaviour of RA concrete beams, with and without a concrete jacket, were determined. Concrete jacketing is an efficient method for strengthening RA concrete beams, and when steel fibres, RA, and a combination of both were used, the ductility ratio increased by 160, 24 and 146%, respectively.
El tratamiento informativo de la guerra híbrida de Rusia
Authors: Miguel-Gil Javier
Published: December 2019

El artículo tiene como objetivo analizar el tratamiento informativo que los medios de comunicación han realizado de las campañas de desinformación rusa en un supuesto contexto de guerra híbrida. A partir de noticias de los principales medios de comunicación que informaron sobre el tema, el análisis se centra en el uso del concepto de guerra híbrida y lo compara con su concepción tradicional estratégica, para determinar si las actividades en cuestión pueden inscribirse en este tipo de conflictos.

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to analyze the treatment that the mass media have given to Russian disinformation campaigns in a supposed context of hybrid war. The exposition of news from the main mass media allows to focus the analysis on the concept of hybrid war, and to compare it with its traditional strategic conception, to determine if the activities in question can be classified into this kind of conflicts.
SPOR ENDÜSTRİSİNDE MÜŞTERİ BAĞLILIĞI: SPOR AYAKKABISI PAZARINA YÖNELİK BİR ARAŞTIRMA
Authors: BİRİCİK Yunus Sinan
Published: December 2019

Alıcının sürekli olarak belirli bir malı satın alması veya aynı satış yerinden alışverişi tercih etmesi müşteri bağlılığıdır. Spor ekonomisi içerisinde yer alan ve sportif amacının yanı sıra günlük yaşam içerisinde de yaygın olarak kullanılan spor ayakkabıları büyük bir sektör haline gelmiştir. Spor ayakkabı sektöründe yaşanan gelişmeler, teknoloji, yeni ürünler, kalite, uygun fiyat gibi etmenler spor pazarında yaşanan rekabetin daha da artmasına neden olmaktadır. Bu açıdan spor endüstrisi içerisinde bulunan işletmeler için müşteri bağlılığının ölçülmesi ve elde edilen bulguların müşteri bağlılığı açısından yorumlanabilmesi oldukça önemlidir.  Bu çalışmada, üniversite öğrencilerinin spor ayakkabısı tercihlerine yönelik müşteri bağlılıkları ölçülmüştür. Keiningham vd. (2015) tarafından geliştirilmiş ve Türkçe’ye uyarlaması Bektaş ve Aydın (2018) tarafından yapılmış Müşteri Bağlılığı Ölçeği (MBÖ) ile araştırmacı tarafından oluşturulan “Kişisel Bilgi Formu”, Atatürk Üniversitesi’nde 2017-2018 bahar yarıyılında öğrenim gören lisans düzeyindeki 410 kadın, 452 erkek olmak üzere toplamda 862 öğrenciye uygulanmıştır. Katılımcıların demografik özelliklerini belirlemek için frekans analizi; cinsiyet değişkeni için bağımsız gruplarda t-testi uygulanmıştır. Sınıf, yaş, aylık gelir düzeyi ve spor ayakkabısını değiştirme sıklığı durumlarına göre müşteri bağlılık düzeylerinin karşılaştırılmasında Tek Yönlü Varyans analizi (ANOVA) ve gruplar arasındaki farkın kaynağını belirlemek için de Tukey testi uygulanmıştır. Yapılan analizler sonucunda kadın öğrencilerin, erkek öğrencilere oranla duygusal bağlılık alt boyutunda daha yüksek müşteri bağlılığına sahip olduğu belirlenmiştir. Bununla birlikte, erkek öğrencilerin kadın öğrencilere oranla ekonomik bağlılık ve zoraki bağlılık alt boyutunda daha yüksek müşteri bağlılığına sahip olduğu belirlenmiştir.
Gongqose v Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries – A Tale of Customary Rituals and Practices in Marine Protected Areas
Authors: Monyamane Lesetja , Bapela Mpho Paulos
Published: December 2019

The correct application of customary law post constitutionalism continues to be the subject of much judicial and academic deliberation. This is especially true where the existence and/or scope of customary rights and cultural practices are not well defined in a specific case. Gongqose v Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries 2018 5 SA 104 (SCA) presents a perfect example of the dissonance between the recognition of customary law by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 and the regulation of rights and cultural practices emanating from customary law. The case grapples with the meeting point of customary rights and customs and the need to preserve the environment. This intersection is considered in view of earth jurisprudence as an emerging legal thought topic in environmental law. On the whole, the decision of the SCA demonstrates encouraging signs of an appreciation of customary law as deserving of an equal place on the legal podium.
Analysis of the impact of the use time of n1 motor vehicles on the economic efficiency of their maintenance
Authors: Jóźwiak Arkadiusz , Owczarek Paulina , Prochowski Leon , Świderski Andrzej
Published: December 2019

The efficiency of operation of motor vehicles with a DMC (Permissible Laden Mass) <3.5 tonnes is considered. These are vehicles
belonging motor vehicles of category N1, usually referred to as delivery vehicles. The results of observations on the implementation of transport orders in 7 transport companies from the MŚP (Small and Middle-size Companies) sector were used to conduct
the effectiveness analysis. The research group covered 24 vehicles that implementation transport orders in the urban zone and
in the immediate vicinity of the city. Information was collected on a monthly basis.During the analysis of economic efficiency the
income measures (absolute and relative) were used. The calculations were carried out using the model of the vehicle operation
process in the form of a neural network, in which a set of 12 input variables and 3 output variables were taken into account. Using
the Statistica 13.3 computer program and defining the group and factors describing the process of implementation of individual
transport tasks, the developed neural network model enabled searching for the impact of selected operational factors on the economic efficiency of N1 category cars.The calculations showed a significant impact of the number of vehicle days in a month, the
weight of the load, as well as the time of year. The obtained calculation results showed the specific features of the impact of the
number of working days on revenue in a transport company. The increase in the number of working days favors the increase in
income in a limited way, and this restriction depends, among others since the time of year
Common cause and load-sharing failures-based reliability analysis for parallel systems
Authors: Zhang Chao , Zhang Yunan
Published: December 2019

For parallel system reliability, the mean time to failure of parallel system under common cause failure (load-sharing failure) is
shorter than that of the system without common cause failure (load-sharing failure). The traditional calculation approaches of
mean time to failure of parallel systems do not consider the possible effect of common cause and load-sharing failure. However,
it may result in the poor accuracy of mean time to failure of parallel system and pose a threat to system reliability. This paper not
only considers the effect of common cause failure with stress strength, but also investigates the joint effect of the load-sharing and
common cause failures. Besides, the joint failure model of three-dependent-component parallel system are established, and the
corresponding properties are analyzed. Finally, a numerical example is used to illustrate the proposed method.
Time-based machine failure prediction in multi-machine manufacturing systems
Authors: Sobaszek Łukasz , Gola Arkadiusz , Świć Antoni
Published: December 2019

The execution of production processes in real manufacturing systems is associated with the occurrence of numerous disruptions,
which predominantly revolve around technological machine failure. Therefore, various maintenance strategies are being developed, many of which tend to emphasise effective preventive measures, such as the Time-Based Maintenance (TBM) discussed
in this paper. Specifically, this publication presents the time-based machine failure prediction algorithm for the multi-machine
manufacturing environment. The Introduction section outlines the body of knowledge related to typical strategies applied in
maintenance. The next part describes an approach to failure prediction that treats processing times as makespan and is followed
by highlighting the key role of historical data in machine failure management, in the subsequent section. Finally, the proposed
time-based machine failure prediction algorithm is presented and tested by means of a two-step verification, which confirms its
effectiveness and further practical implementation
MAN-CITIZEN-INTELLECTUAL IN THE INTERPRETATION OF UKRAINIAN AND POLISH EMIGRATION ON THE PAGES OF “CULTURE” BY J. GIEDROYC
Authors: Nakhlik Olesya
Published: December 2019

The article is devoted to the elucidation of the points of view, considerations and discussions of Ukrainian and Polish emigrants from the circles united around the Parisian magazine “Culture” by J. Giedroyc on the deformation of a human-intellect- citizen in the Soviet totalitarian society. Immediately after its foundation, the well-known Polish emigration magazine “Culture” designated his pages as a place for the intellectual meetings of the authors describing the essence of Soviet totalitarianism, the importance of exposing illusions about the absence of the threat of sovietism to the countries of Western Europe, realizing that com- munism is in the same degree dangerous for European culture, as there was dangerous German Nazism before. First of all Polish and later Ukrainian intellectuals (writers, historians, publicists, journalists) focused their attention on reflections on the deforma- tion of the human-intellectualist-citizen in the totalitarian world. Articles by J. Ławrinenko, Julian Kardosz (E. Małaniuk), J. Sze- rech-Szewelow, Cz. Miłosz, G. Herling-Grudziński, J. Czapski and many other dissidents living in Western democracies, hold the necessary distance to look carefully at the methods of the Soviet repressive system and the effects of total propaganda. The research material consists of the texts of these authors from the post-war decade. Despite the fact that this is a relatively short moment in the decades-long dominance of the Soviet regime in a large part of European territories, even it reveals the scale of crimes committed against a man forced to live in the Soviet regime in the countries behind the Iron Curtain. Published in “Culture” texts belonging to various literary and non-literary genres show us the essence of totalitarianism existing in the homelands of their authors – it is total power over every citizen, manifesting from physical destruction (unjustified arrests, abductions, exiles to camps, shootings) to the spiritual humiliation by torture with the atmosphere of fear, terror, informing, uncertainty, indoctrination. The level of merciless means of maintaining this total power in Poland was somewhat weaker in comparison to Ukraine, but at the same time did not change its basic striving to suppress and eliminate any individual or collective opposition of the communist ideology. That is why it is particularly important to consider points of view, meditation and discussion of the Polish and Ukrainian perspectives on Soviet totalitarianism, its ideology, which has entered all aspects of human existence.
Peculiarities of the method in internal formation of structures in bipolar and CMOS technologies
Authors: Solodukha Vitaly A. , Snitovsky Yuri P. , Solovyov Yaroslav A.
Published: December 2019

The possibility of creating silicon bipolar high-power microwave transistors by the method of ion doping of monosilicon with B + ions through a layer of SiO2 and emitter windows in it with the subsequent introduction of P + ions into them and annealing in argon is shown. The developed process reduces the labor intensity of manufacturing and improves the frequency and power characteristics of transistors: increasing the cut-off frequency (collector current = 1.5 A) from 1.8 to 2.1 GHz and from 1.5 to 1.9 GHz (collector current = 2,8 A), output power from 20 to 21.3 W, power gain from 2.5 to 2.7, collector efficiency from 60 to 79.8 %. The formation of pockets of n- and p- type CMOS structures was considered using a mask of thermal SiO2 without a layer of Si3N4. The developed process reduces the labor intensity of manufacturing by ~ 21.5 % and increases the yield of CMOS microcircuit structures by ~ 4.5 %, thanks to a decrease in the residual stresses in monosilicon and the improvement of pocket doping methods.
Evaluation of the state of tubular epithelium in low birth weight infants with ischemic ­nephropathy
Authors: Akhundova A A
Published: December 2019

Aim. The study of the diagnostic value of KIM-1 and NGAL in urine and cystatin C in the blood plasma of low birth weight infants with ischemic nephropathy.

Methods. 150 newborns were divided into 3 groups: main group 72 low birth weight infants with manifestations of ischemic nephropathy divided into three subgroups: group 1A mild (n=36), 1B moderate (n=20), 1C severe (n=16); comparioson group 28 low birth weight infants without the evidence of ischemic nephropathy; control group 50 healthy newborns (20 full-term and 30 preterm).To assess the state of tubular epithelium of the kidneys, the levels of KIM-1 and NGAL were measured in the urine of neonates, to assess the state of glomerular filtration the level of сystatin C in the blood plasma was determined. Samples of blood and urine were collected twice, on days 1 to 3 and 7 to 10. Biomarker levels were determined by solid-phase enzyme immunoassay.

Results. In the main group on day 1 to 3 of life KIM-1 and NGAL in the urine were significantly elevated compared to the control group (p 0.001). On day 7 to 10 the level of KIM-1 in the urine in subgroup 1A decreased (0.980.09 ng/dl), while remaining significantly higher compared to the control group, and in subgroups 1B and 1C it increased to 1.240.10 and 1.360.12 ng/dl, respectively. On day 7 to 10 of life the concentration of NGAL in the urine of children of all three subgroups declined, remaining significantly high compared to the control values. Сoncentration of cystatin C was significantly high only in newborns of subgroup 1C (p 0.001).

Conclusion. Molecules of NGAL and KIM-1 are early markers of the renal ischemic injury in low birth weight infants who suffered perinatal hypoxia, and cystatin C cannot be considered an early predictor of renal damage in low birth weight infants with ischemic nephropathy as its level in the blood rises only in severe damage.
Aspects of the pathogenesis of anemia in cancer patients
Authors: Romanenko N A , Bessmeltsev S S , Alborov A E , Shilova E R , Chechetkin A V , Khanevich M D
Published: December 2019

Anemia is considered one of the manifistations of many neoplasms affecting the overall survival and reducing the quality of life of patients. The prevalence of anemia varies from 20 to 90% depending on the nosology, the stage of the disease, antitumor treatment. The pathogenesis of anemia in cancer patients is complex. Among pathogenetic factors, such factors are distinguished as tumor infiltration of the bone marrow by malignant cells, inhibition of erythroid growth by cytokines of inflammation, decreased sensitivity of receptors to erythropoietin and its production, increased levels of hepcidin, defects of nutrition, increased deposition and sequestration of blood cells in the spleen, excessive bone fibrosis, hemorrhagic syndrome, antitumor therapy. The article presents the pathogenesis of anemia in oncological disease with a detailed description of the suppressive effect on hematopoiesis of a number of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-, interferon-) produced by cells of the immune system. The mechanism of influence of cytokines on erythropoiesis, synthesis of erythropoietin as well as on the enhancement of hepcidin production in the body is presented in detail. The article also describes the mechanism of impairment of iron kinetics in the body in patients with cancer and subsequent development of functional deficiency. This review of the literature contains up-to-date information about the factors involved in the pathogenesis of anemia in cancer patients, understanding of which will allow the clinical physician to choose a rational way of pathogenetic or substitution correction of anemic syndrome, taking into account the personalized approach to treatment and prevention, especially in patients receiving surgical, chemotherapy, radiation treatment.
“Global” assays of hemostasis in modern obstetrical practice
Authors: Mustafin I G , Kurmanbaev T E , Shmidt A A , Timoshkova Yu L , Atayants K M
Published: December 2019

It is known that during pregnancy, the hemostatic system, like the rest of the body's systems, undergoes certain changes: there is a gradual increase in the activity of coagulation unit of the hemostasis reaching a maximum before childbirth. However, if pregnancy is complicated by various hypertensive conditions, such as preeclampsia, an imbalance is observed in the hemostasis: against the background of an increase in the activity of coagulation link, depletion of anticoagulation factors and dysfunction of fibrinolytic system are observed. All these changes create a pathogenetic basis for the occurrence of severe thrombohemorrhagic complications that are fatal for both mother and fetus. Thus, the timely detection of these violations is an important task for modern obstetrics. Unfortunately, the applied screening methods for assessing the hemostasis system in practice provide extremely limited information: the tests have low sensitivity to hypercoagulation, as well as moderate to hypocoagulation, they do not allow to fully evaluate the dynamics of coagulation process in real time. In addition, when performing the same tests with reagents of different companies in the same patient, there may be a significant difference in the results. Disadvantages of screening tests became the reason for the search for a test to assess the functioning of the hemostatic system, which can reflect the complete picture of the state of blood coagulation system, and not of its individual links. Such tests are the so-called global tests for assessing the hemostatic system: thrombin generation test, thromboelastography, low-frequency piezothromboelastography and thrombodynamics. Each of the listed global tests has been successfully tested in obstetric and gynecological practice.
Prognostic analysis of epidemiological indicators of the breast cancer among women in the Udmurt Republic
Authors: Batov S V , Napol'skikh V M , Svirin N A , Tchurakov I V , Batova I I , Yushkova O N
Published: December 2019

Aim. To study a number of epidemiological indicators of a breast cancer in the Udmurt Republic for their assessment and prediction of dynamics.

Methods. A retrospective analysis of data on a breast cancer of the population cancer register of the Udmurt Republic was performed in comparison with the corresponding statistics in the Russian Federation in 2017. For assessment of the received results the software BIOSTAT 4.3 was used. The forecast of epidemiological intensive indicators was calculated by methods of linear and polynomial trends.

Results. The ratio of breast cancer (17.8% in 2017) among the female population of the Republic was the highest among all malignant tumors. In 2017 the crude indicator of breast cancer morbidity equaled 69.80 per 100 000, and standardized one 40.50 per 100 000. The standardized indicator of breast cancer incidence in Udmurtia was one of the lowest in Russia (77th rank place among 85 territorial entities). Crude mortality rate was 19.10 per 100 000, and standardized one 10.00 per 100 000 (82nd rank place in the Russian Federation). The ratio of the patients actively revealed (among registered numbre) was 45.8% (the average Russian value, 38.7%). Early diagnostics of tumor was carried out in 71.6% of patients, stage 1 of the disease was revealed in 34.3% of cases (in the Russian Federation average data, 69.9% and 26.0%, respectively). Forecasting till 2022 shows a trend of further growth of detectability of malignant tumors of breast at early stages among female population in the Udmurt Republic. Lethality of patients during the first year from the moment of diagnosis was 5.4% (the average Russian indicator, 6.0%).

Conclusion. Morbidity and mortality rates of breast cancer in the Udmurt Republic in 2017 were lower than the average Russian indicators, and the statistical analysis does not show a negative trend till 2022.
Delayed post-hypoxic leukoencephalopathy
Authors: Matveeva T V , Zhukova V D , Artemyeva A O , Kazantsev A Yu , Gaifutdinov R T
Published: December 2019

Delayed post-hypoxic leukoencephalopathy is a clinical syndrome caused by a lesion of the white matter of the brain with an acute onset developing several days after emerging from coma. The reason of delayed post-hypoxic leukoencephalopathy is prolonged cerebral hypooxygenation, it often results from carbon monoxide poisoning, less often it is associated with acute brain hypoxia caused by respiratory failure, an overdose of opiates. The leading role in the clinical picture of delayed post-hypoxic leukoencephalopathy is played by the duration and severity of cerebral anoxia in the acute period of the disease. The period of temporary well-being of a patient with an episode of acute hypoxia lasts 2 to 40days. Pathogenesis and pathophysiology have not been well studied. Its development after carbon monoxide poisoning is considered to be caused by direct myelinotoxic effect. Itis essential to collect a detailed history for diagnosing a case, neurovisualization is an informative method for investigation. Magnetic resonance imaging may detect the signs that are pathognomonic for delayed post-hypoxic leukoencephalopathy, that is diffuse hyperintensity of the white matter of the cerebral hemispheres in T2-mode, symmetry of the damage of both cerebral hemispheres, damage of the subcortical gray matter globus pallidus. The standards for the treatment of delayed post-hypoxic leukoencephalopathy have not been developed. The use of glucocorticoids has been described, perspective use of amantadine were shown in case of frontal-subcortical syndrome. There are recommendations on prescribing the following therapy for the patients with delayed post-hypoxic leukoencephalopathy: hyperbaric oxygenation, coenzymeQ10, vitaminE and groupB. We present a clinical observation that demonstrates the complexity of the clinical picture of delayed post-hypoxic leukoencephalopathy, the difficulty of its diagnosis without taking into account information about previous carbon monoxide poisoning. The results of magnetic resonance imaging at the onset of the disease are considered to be of utmost interest. The clinical observation of the patient presented in the article allows us to make an assumption about pathogenesis and contributes to search for means aimed at preventing the development of delayed post-hypoxic leukoencephalopathy in people with acute carbon monoxide poisoning.
Human cloning ethical and legal issues
Authors: Guryleva M E , Khamitova G M
Published: December 2019

In developing science and society, the questions about the acceptability of the use of certain invented technologies arise more frequently. These issues require an unambiguous solution and monitoring of its implementation. One of the most pressing contemporary issues of biomedicine is the possibility of human cloning, the legal regulation of which has not been developed. The aim of the work is to analyze the existing ethical and legal framework of human cloning in the Russian Federation and to develop proposals for its improvement. The authors studied the materials published since the invention of cloning technology, such as speeches by leading scientists, scientific publications on this topic, the work of research groups (both in support of cloning and against it), as well as the results of sociological surveys of the population, legal acts of the Russian Federation, the experience of foreign states in the regulation of biotechnology. The lack of legal regulation of the process of human cloning in the territory of the Russian Federation was revealed. To supplement it, the following proposals are suggested: (1)clarification of terminology in legislative documents and legal consolidation of the concepts of therapeutic and reproductive cloning; (2)establishment of penalties for violation of prohibitions on the use of technology and definition of mechanisms for the enforcement of these penalties; (3)development of the direction of somatic human rights and, with a view to the future, consolidation of human clone rights. The authors believe that in the presence of legal regulation, the development of technology will not bring moral harm to humanity.
Huertas Caseras como una Opción de Sostenibilidad Socio-Ambiental
Authors: Moreno López Nidia Milena , González Robles Angie Carolina , Medina Guerrero Jairo Andrés , Rodríguez Palacios Jorge Alejandro , Cisneros Rincón Carlos Fernando
Published: December 2019

El artículo tiene como objetivo analizar la estrategia “huertas caseras” como opción de sostenibilidad socioambiental, tomando como referente contextual la experiencia de acciones solidarias de seguridad alimentaria con familias del Municipio de Tenza, Boyacá, Colombia. La metodología se aborda desde tres fases: 1. Diagnóstica orientada al reconocimiento de la comunidad intervenida, a través de una ficha de caracterización sociodemográfica, ambiental y de seguridad alimentaria. 2. Diseño de un plan estratégico con acciones solidarias para la atención de las necesidades encontradas en el diagnóstico. 3. Implementación del plan propuesto en las comunidades objeto de estudio. Los resultados evidencian que el modelo de huerta casera y el aprovechamiento de residuos sólidos orgánicos, resultan opciones estratégicas pertinentes para generar en la comunidad una iniciativa de reflexión sobre la seguridad alimentaria y la sostenibilidad socioambiental. Se concluye que, si la población cuenta con una mejor oferta alimenticia, se podrá garantizar una óptima ingesta de nutrientes, mejorando los niveles de bienestar y estado de salud en sus habitantes.
Social Responsibility and Civic Readiness as Critical Higher Education Outcomes
Authors: Caret Robert L.
Published: December 2019

Throughout my 25 years in higher education leadership, overseeing two campuses and two university systems, I have maintained a strong connection to the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU), both philosophically and in practical terms.
Early on in my tenure as president of San Jose State University, I established the overarching goal of making San Jose State the Metropolitan University of Silicon Valley. Complementing the institution’s geographic location, size, and mission, all of which positioned it ideally for this role, I also saw a student population, a community role, and an ethos of service that spoke to the institution’s responsibility as an urban citizen.
This same perspective was part and parcel of my approach at Towson University (TU). As president, I actively created a vision and an identity for the institution, focusing on its role as the Metropolitan University of Maryland. I established external partnerships with focuses on education, economic and workforce development, arts and culture, and social change.
As president of the 5-campus University of Massachusetts System (UMass) I oversaw two CUMU member institutions, UMass Lowell and UMass Boston. The University System of Maryland (USM), where I currently serve as chancellor, is itself a CUMU member, as are several of its component institutions, with Towson and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) “founding members” of CUMU as a formal organization.
Throughout these years, I also had a very direct connection to CUMU, serving on several committees, on the Board of Directors, as a vice president, and, from 2006-2011, as CUMU president.
With this background, I know first-hand the distinctive perspective and unique tools that our comprehensive institutions can use to address social challenges and bring about meaningful change. In addition, I also recognize the special obligation our comprehensive metropolitan and urban universities have to be active and engaged in the communities they serve. These are the primary, 4-year, “access” institutions, not just in terms of the sheer numbers of students they educate, but also in terms of the composition of those students, serving as a vital higher education pathway for women, underrepresented minorities, and first-generation college students. Beyond that, our comprehensive universities stand as bridges, with numerous graduates going on to advanced degree programs at research universities.
Looking Forward in Ominous Times
Authors: Guarasci Richard
Published: December 2019

On the whole, futurists usually suffer badly. Unforeseen challenges, new political realities, technological breakthroughs, and cultural patterns shape futures as well as markets. As one realist once said, “real life happens in‑between plans.” I suspect the future reality lies somewhere in between these two possible pathways. The larger point is that higher education can allow other societal forces to predominate in shaping its future or it can challenge itself to find a pathway to a future where its commitment to deep learning will be predicated on our core values of evidence‑based and logical reasoning, openness to new and challenging ideas and educating students to play their roles as creative, ethical, and civic professionals, all necessary for a dynamic economy and a robust, diverse democracy.
Higher Education’s Role in the Support of Diverse and Ever-Changing New American Cities
Authors: Conway-Turner Katherine S.
Published: December 2019

Urban institutions are typically located in diverse and vibrant cities. This diversity has changed over the decades, thus requiring campuses to address the complexity that is seen as these new American cities evolve. In this article the city of Buffalo is discussed as a city that manifests a continuous change in population diversity with a significant increase in the immigrant and refugee populations. The ways that Buffalo State College has evolved its outreach to support immigrants, refugees, and new Americans is discussed, approaches that include ways to support entry and success within the city school systems, support for families and adults learning the English language and preparing for citizenship exams, convening and support to navigate their new location, and assistance in business efforts. Extensions of the mission of urban institutions to support these new members of city communities allows campuses to participate fully in addressing the needs of this important segment of our cities. Immigrant and refugee families add to the vibrancy and economic success of our communities and facilitating their adjustment, integration, and success within our cities not only provides needed support for new American families, but adds to the current and future economic and social success of the community where they now call home. This is an important aspect of the urban anchor mission.
Left ventricular dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Chandey Manish , Kamboj Robin , Sikri Tejinder , Kaur Nivenjit
Published: December 2019

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is on the increase globally. Cardiovascular complications, such as left ventricular dysfunction is a major cause of death in patients with type II DM. Prior to the development of symptomatic heart failure, subclinical left ventricular dysfunction (systolic and diastolic) may exist for some time. Aim of this study is to find out abnormalities in left ventricular function in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus with help of 2D Colour Doppler Echocardiography. To find its correlation with glycemic control on the basis of glycosylated haemoglobin (Hba1c).Methods: Total 100 Patients of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus of duration more than 10 years of both sexes were included in the cross-sectional study conducted from Jan 2018 to Aug 2019.All the patients were assessed through clinical examination and 2-D echocardiography and control of diabetes determined on the basis of HbA1c.Results: Study consisted of 100 patients with type 2 DM, 55(55%) were females and 45(45%) males. Majority of patients were in the age group of 4th to 6th decade of life.  Diastolic dysfunction was present in 81(81%) patients. systolic dysfunction was present in 14(14%) patients. There was a linear increase in prevalence of diastolic dysfunction with increasing age, increased FPG, increased BMI. There was also significant correlation between LV diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) and LA size. While no statistical correlation found between gender, duration of diabetes, HbA1c with diastolic and systolic dysfunction.Conclusions: LV diastolic dysfunction is an early manifestation of diabetic cardiomyopathy. LVDD contributes significantly to morbidity of congestive heart failure in diabetic patients. Echocardiography is a very useful non-invasive tool in detecting LVDD and systolic dysfunction in type 2 DM patients.
Fuel-air mixing process of low pressure direct injection in a side ported rotary engine
Authors: TASKIRAN Ozgur Oguz
Published: December 2019

Stratification is seen as a prominent technique for improving the performance of spark ignition engines especially at part loads. Though rotary engines have high specific power, they suffer high fuel consumption and HC emission. For this reason, direct injection methods in rotary engines have been investigated since they were introduced to the market. In this study, early direct injection in a side ported rotary engine was investigated by using CFD techniques. The aim of the study is to obtain the potential of low pressure direct injection method on mixture formation process. Geometrical model of Mazda Renesis engine that were modified as a single rotor engine for research activities was used in the modeling studies. Fuel was injected directly to the chamber from present oil hole location that has less geometrical constraints than any other location of the Renesis engine. Simulations were done for 2000 rpm which is a typical part load operation point of the engine. In numerical calculations, RNG k-ε model was used as the turbulence model; spray breakup was modeled by the Taylor Analogy Breakup (TAB) model. Flow pattern of intake air and fuel droplet distributions were investigated for a possibility of having rich mixture around spark plugs. The results showed that swirl-like motion of the side ported engine inhibits fuel spray to accumulate in the middle of the combustion chamber. Fuel droplets were driven to the counter side of the inlet wall by centrifugal force of the inlet air. This effect reduced as the swirl flow diminishes due to sweeping motion of the rotor. It is observed that the main flow in the chamber is converted to the tumble-like flow at middle and last part of the compression stroke.