bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of COVID-19 and bushfires on the mental health of Australian adolescents: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Beames Joanne R. , Huckvale Kit , Fujimoto Hiroko , Maston Kate , Batterham Philip J. , Calear Alison L. , Mackinnon Andrew , Werner-Seidler Aliza , Christensen Helen
Published: March 2023

Background

When COVID-19 spread to Australia in January 2020, many communities were already in a state of emergency from the Black Summer bushfires. Studies of adolescent mental health have typically focused on the effects of COVID-19 in isolation. Few studies have examined the impact of COVID-19 and other co-occurring disasters, such as the Black Summer bushfires in Australia, on adolescent mental health.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey to examine the impact of COVID-19 and the Black Summer bushfires on the mental health of Australian adolescents. Participants (N = 5866; mean age 13.61 years) answered self-report questionnaires about COVID-19 diagnosis/quarantine (being diagnosed with and/or quarantined because of COVID-19) and personal exposure to bushfire harm (being physically injured, evacuated from home and/or having possessions destroyed). Validated standardised scales were used to assess depression, psychological distress, anxiety, insomnia, and suicidal ideation. Trauma related to COVID-19 and the bushfires was also assessed. The survey was completed in two large school-based cohorts between October 2020 and November 2021.

Results

Exposure to COVID-19 diagnosis/quarantine was associated with increased probability of elevated trauma. Exposure to personal harm by the bushfires was associated with increased probability of elevated insomnia, suicidal ideation, and trauma. There were no interactive effects between disasters on adolescent mental health. Effects between personal risk factors and disasters were generally additive or sub-additive.

Conclusions

Adolescent mental health responses to community-level disasters are multi-faceted. Complex psychosocial factors associated with mental ill health may be relevant irrespective of disaster. Future research is needed to investigate synergistic effects of disasters on young mental health.
The Network Zoo: a multilingual package for the inference and analysis of gene regulatory networks
Authors: Ben Guebila Marouen , Wang Tian , Lopes-Ramos Camila M. , Fanfani Viola , Weighill Des , Burkholz Rebekka , Schlauch Daniel , Paulson Joseph N. , Altenbuchinger Michael , Shutta Katherine H. , Sonawane Abhijeet R. , Lim James , Calderer Genis , van IJzendoorn David G.P. , Morgan Daniel , Marin Alessandro , Chen Cho-Yi , Song Qi , Saha Enakshi , DeMeo Dawn L. , Padi Megha , Platig John , Kuijjer Marieke L. , Glass Kimberly , Quackenbush John
Published: March 2023

Inference and analysis of gene regulatory networks (GRNs) require software that integrates multi-omic data from various sources. The Network Zoo (netZoo; netzoo.github.io) is a collection of open-source methods to infer GRNs, conduct differential network analyses, estimate community structure, and explore the transitions between biological states. The netZoo builds on our ongoing development of network methods, harmonizing the implementations in various computing languages and between methods to allow better integration of these tools into analytical pipelines. We demonstrate the utility using multi-omic data from the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia. We will continue to expand the netZoo to incorporate additional methods.
Hypochromic red cells as a prognostic indicator of survival among patients with systemic sclerosis screened for pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Xanthouli Panagiota , Gordjani Ojan , Benjamin Nicola , Harutyunova Satenik , Egenlauf Benjamin , Marra Alberto M. , Haas Simon , Milde Nicklas , Blank Norbert , Lorenz Hanns-Martin , Fiehn Christoph , Ulrich Silvia , Distler Oliver , Grünig Ekkehard , Eichstaedt Christina A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) are frequently affected by iron deficiency, particularly those with pulmonary hypertension (PH). The first data indicate the prognostic importance of hypochromic red cells (% HRC) > 2% among patients with PH. Hence, the objective of our study was to investigate the prognostic value of % HRC in SSc patients screened for PH.

Methods

In this retrospective, single-center cohort study, SSc patients with a screening for PH were enrolled. Clinical characteristics and laboratory and pulmonary functional parameters associated with the prognosis of SSc were analyzed using uni- and multivariable analysis.

Results

From 280 SSc patients screened, 171 could be included in the analysis having available data of iron metabolism (81% female, 60 ± 13 years of age, 77% limited cutaneous SSc, 65 manifest PH, and 73 pulmonary fibrosis). The patients were followed for 2.4 ± 1.8 (median 2.4) years. HRC > 2% at baseline was significantly associated with worse survival in the uni- (p = 0.018) and multivariable (p = 0.031) analysis independent from the presence of PH or pulmonary parenchymal manifestations. The combination of HRC > 2% and low diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) ≤ 65% predicted was significantly associated with survival (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

This is the first study reporting that HRC > 2% is an independent prognostic predictor of mortality and can possibly be used as a biomarker among SSc patients. The combination of HRC > 2% and DLCO ≤ 65% predicted could serve in the risk stratification of SSc patients. Larger studies are required to confirm these findings.
Correlation between Selective Motor Control of the Lower Extremities and Balance in Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mohammed Amira H. , El-Serougy Hager R. , Karim Amel E Abdel , Sakr Mohamad , Sheha Samah M.
Published: March 2023

Background

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have motor deficits caused by spasticity, weakness, contractures, diminished selective motor control (SMC), and poor balance. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the influence of mirror feedback on lower extremity selective motor control and balance in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Understanding the relationship between SMC and balance will help children with hemiplegic CP receive more appropriate therapies.

Methods

Forty-seven children of both sexes diagnosed with hemiplegic CP participated in the study. Group1 (Gr1 - control group) received conventional physical therapy training while group 2 (Gr2 - intervention group) received conventional physical therapy training in addition to bilateral lower extremity mirror therapy (MT). The primary outcome measure used was Selective Control Assessment of Lower Extremity scale (SCALE), while the secondary outcome measure was the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS).

Results

There were significant differences in Selective Control Assessment of Lower Extremity Scale (SCALE) and Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) between both groups in favor of Gr2. After treatment, both groups improved significantly, yet Gr2 outperformed Gr1 by a large margin.

Conclusion

Mirror therapy may be a useful addition to home-based motor interventions for children with hemiplegic CP due to its relative simplicity, low cost, and high patient adherence. Additionally, it may help children improve their selective motor skills and balance.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials using African Clinical Trials Registry website with ID number PACTR202105604636415 retrospectively registered on 21/01/202.
The electrocardiogram on the wrist: a frightening experience to the untrained consumer: a case report
Authors: Zenzes Michael , Seba Philip , Portocarrero Vivero-Fäh Bettina
Published: March 2023

Background

Smartwatches offering electrocardiogram recordings advertise the benefits of supporting an active and healthy lifestyle. More often, medical professionals are faced with privately acquired electrocardiogram data of undetermined quality recorded by smartwatches. This is boasted by results and suggestions for medical benefits, based on industry-sponsored trials and potentially biased case reports. Yet potential risks and adverse effects have been widely overlooked.

Case presentation

This case report describes an emergency consultation of a 27-year-old Swiss–German man lacking known previous medical conditions who developed an episode of anxiety and panic due to pain in the left chest prompted by over-interpretation of unremarkable electrocardiogram readings of his smartwatch. Fearing acute coronary syndrome, he presented at the emergency department. His smartwatch electrocardiograms, as well as a 12-lead electrocardiogram, appeared normal. After extensive calming and reassuring, as well as symptomatic therapy with paracetamol and lorazepam, the patient was discharged with no indications for further treatment.

Conclusions

This case demonstrates the potential risks of anxiety from nonprofessional electrocardiogram recordings by smartwatches. Medico–legal and practical aspects of electrocardiogram recordings by smartwatches need to be further considered. The case shows the potential side effects of pseudo-medical recommendations for the untrained consumer, and may add to the discussion on the ethics of how to evaluate smartwatch electrocardiogram data as a medical professional.
A novel Sybil attack detection scheme in mobile IoT based on collaborate edge computing
Authors: Yan Junwei , Jiang Tao , Lin Liwei , Wu Zhengyu , Ye Xiucai , Tian Mengke , Wang Yong
Published: March 2023

Background

Internet of things (IoT) has been used in many places. IoT make devices connected to the Internet via sensor devices to achieve the interconnection between things and things, people and things. Sybil attacker attacks IoT by imitating the identity of users. Few methods are applicable for mobile IoT in previous Sybil attack detecting methods, while the methods are mainly focus on static IoT.

Results

A distributive and lightweight Sybil attack detection scheme in the mobile IoT is proposed in this paper. This scheme works around received signal strength indications (RSSI). The scheme consists of two rounds. Identity information is sent from member nodes to edge nodes in both of the two rounds. In the first round edge, nodes calculate the possible RSSI interval for each member node; in the second round, they check the RSSI value of member nodes to detect Sybil attacks. Intelligent algorithms are used to predict the position of member nodes, which makes the theoretical interval more accurate. Extensive experimental studies show that in the true and false detection rate, this scheme is superior to many existing schemes.
Application research of polar coded OFDM underwater acoustic communications
Authors: Zhai Yushuang , Li Jilong , Feng Haihong , Hong Feng
Published: March 2023

To further accelerate the practical process of polar codes in underwater acoustic communication (UWC) and improve the reliability and efficiency of underwater data transmission, we first propose a polar code construction method suitable for the underwater acoustic channel, which drastically reduces the complexity and meets the need for practical UWC. Then, we establish a practical polar coded UWC scheme by devising a two-step procedure based on the Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing technique. Moreover, through simulation, the scheme's performances with the unimproved and the proposed polar code construction method are analyzed. Moreover, its performances with four different polar decoders are also given. The performance comparison with the LDPC coded UWC system is studied as well. Furthermore, lake-trial results under two different channel conditions demonstrate that the proposed construction method and the scheme effectively guarantee the reliability of data transmission, achieving error-free transmission at a transmission distance of 1718 m with the signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) of 21 dB, and a transmission distance of 749 m with the SNR of 16.5 dB, better than the LDPC coded system with same conditions. The semi-experimental results show that the proposed polar coded system under the Cyclic Redundancy Check-Aided Successive Cancellation List decoder outperforms the LDPC coded system by approximately 2.1–3.7 dB.
Fundamental and speculative components of the cryptocurrency pricing dynamics
Authors: Kukacka Jiri , Kristoufek Ladislav
Published: March 2023

The driving forces behind cryptoassets’ price dynamics are often perceived as being dominated by speculative factors and inherent bubble-bust episodes. Fundamental components are believed to have a weak, if any, role in the price-formation process. This study examines five cryptoassets with different backgrounds, namely Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, XRP, and Dogecoin between 2016 and 2022. It utilizes the cusp catastrophe model to connect the fundamental and speculative drivers with possible price bifurcation characteristics of market collapse events. The findings show that the price and return dynamics of all the studied assets, except for Dogecoin, emerge from complex interactions between fundamental and speculative components, including episodes of price bifurcations. Bitcoin shows the strongest fundamentals, with on-chain activity and economic factors driving the fundamental part of the dynamics. Investor attention and off-chain activity drive the speculative component for all studied assets. Among the fundamental drivers, the analyzed cryptoassets present their coin-specific factors, which can be tracked to their protocol specifics and are economically sound.
Acute organ injury and long-term sequelae of severe pneumococcal infections
Authors: Kruckow Katherine L. , Zhao Kevin , Bowdish Dawn M.E. , Orihuela Carlos J.
Published: March 2023

Streptococcus pneumoniae(Spn) is a major public health problem, as it is a main cause of otitis media, community-acquired pneumonia, bacteremia, sepsis, and meningitis. Acute episodes of pneumococcal disease have been demonstrated to cause organ damage with lingering negative consequences. Cytotoxic products released by the bacterium, biomechanical and physiological stress resulting from infection, and the corresponding inflammatory response together contribute to organ damage accrued during infection. The collective result of this damage can be acutely life-threatening, but among survivors, it also contributes to the long-lasting sequelae of pneumococcal disease. These include the development of new morbidities or exacerbation of pre-existing conditions such as COPD, heart disease, and neurological impairments. Currently, pneumonia is ranked as the 9thleading cause of death, but this estimate only considers short-term mortality and likely underestimates the true long-term impact of disease. Herein, we review the data that indicates damage incurred during acute pneumococcal infection can result in long-term sequelae which reduces quality of life and life expectancy among pneumococcal disease survivors.
Gallic acid enhances anti-lymphoma function of anti-CD19 CAR-T cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Luo Zhiqiang , Shi Jiaru , Jiang Qiyao , Yu Guohua , Li Xiaorui , Yu Zhuoying , Wang Jianxun , Shi Yuanyuan
Published: March 2023

Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell targeting CD19 antigen has achieved exhilarative clinical efficacy in B-cell malignancies. However, challenges still remain for the currently approved anti-CD19 CAR-T therapies, including high recurrence rates, side effects and resistance. Herein, we aim to explore combinatorial therapy by use of anti-CD19 CAR-T immunotherapy and gallic acid (GA, an immunomodulatory natural product) for improving treatment efficacy. We assessed the combinatorial effect of anti-CD19 CAR-T immunotherapy with GA in cell models and a tumor-bearing mice model. Then, the underlying mechanism of GA on CAR-T cells were investigated by integrating network pharmacology, RNA-seq analysis and experimental validation. Furthermore, the potential direct targets of GA on CAR-T cells were explored by integrating molecular docking analysis with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay. The results showed that GA significantly enhanced the anti-tumor effects, cytokine production as well as the expansion of anti-CD19 CAR-T cells, which may be mainly through the activation of IL4/JAK3-STAT3 signaling pathway. Furthermore, GA may directly target and activate STAT3, which may, at least in part, contribute to STAT3 activation. Overall, the findings reported here suggested that the combination of anti-CD19 CAR-T immunotherapy with GA would be a promising approach to increase the anti-lymphoma efficacy.
Actin-related protein 6 facilitates proneural protein-induced gene activation for rapid neural differentiation
Authors: Hsiao Yun-Ling , Chen Hui-Wen , Chen Kuan-Han , Tan Bertrand Chin-Ming , Chen Chia-Hsiang , Pi Haiwei
Published: March 2023

Neurogenesis is initiated by basic helix-loop-helix proneural proteins. Here, we show that Actin-related protein 6 (Arp6), a core component of the H2A.Z exchange complex SWR1, interacts with proneural proteins and is crucial for efficient onset of proneural protein target gene expression. Arp6 mutants exhibit reduced transcription in sensory organ precursors (SOPs) downstream of the proneural protein patterning event. This leads to retarded differentiation and division of SOPs and smaller sensory organs. These phenotypes are also observed in proneural gene hypomorphic mutants. Proneural protein expression is not reduced in Arp6 mutants. Enhanced proneural gene expression fails to rescue retarded differentiation in Arp6 mutants, suggesting that Arp6 acts downstream of or in parallel with proneural proteins. H2A.Z mutants display Arp6-like retardation in SOPs. Transcriptomic analyses demonstrate that loss of Arp6 and H2A.Z preferentially decreases expression of proneural protein-activated genes. H2A.Z enrichment in nucleosomes around the transcription start site before neurogenesis correlates highly with greater activation of proneural protein target genes by H2A.Z. We propose that upon proneural protein binding to E-box sites, H2A.Z incorporation around the transcription start site allows rapid and efficient activation of target genes, promoting rapid neural differentiation.
Responses of the in vitro turtle brain to visual and auditory stimuli during severe hypoxia
Authors: Ariel Michael , Ahuja Shivika , Warren Daniel E.
Published: March 2023

North American pond turtles (Emydidae) are renowned for their ability to survive extreme hypoxia and anoxia, which enables several species to overwinter in ice-locked, anoxic freshwater ponds and bogs for months. Centrally important for surviving these conditions is a profound metabolic suppression, which enables ATP demands to be met entirely with glycolysis. To better understand whether anoxia limits special sensory functions, we recorded evoked potentials in a reduced brain preparation, in vitro, that was perfused with severely hypoxic artificial cerebral spinal fluid (aCSF). For recordings of visual responses, an LED was flashed onto retinal eyecups while evoked potentials were recorded from the retina or the optic tectum. For recordings of auditory responses, a piezomotor-controlled glass actuator displaced the tympanic membrane while evoked potentials were recorded from the cochlear nuclei. We found that visual responses decreased when perfused with hypoxic perfusate (aCSF PO2<4.0 kPa). In contrast, the evoked response within the cochlear nuclei was unattenuated. These data provide further support that pond turtles have a limited ability to sense visual information in their environment even while moderately hypoxic, but that auditory input may become a principal avenue of sensory perception during extreme diving in this species such as occurs during anoxic submergence.
Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on women entrepreneurs in Sukoharjo Regency
Authors: Kriseka Putri Mediany , Annisa Diya
Published: March 2023

Background: The number of workers in the Sukoharjo Regency in 2020 decreased compared to 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This is different from the number of MSME actors in Sukoharjo Regency, which has increased after the pandemic. During the Covid-19 pandemic, women entrepreneurs are experiencing a drastic impact on their lives. Most women are encouraged to become entrepreneurs, because their income is not enough if they only manage housework and take care of children.

Methods: This study uses semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions under a case study research design. The main resource persons involved were seven business actors in the micro sector who were female and as a supporting resource in this study was one person from the Cooperative Small and Medium Enterprises, and Trade Office of Sukoharjo Regency.

Results: The results of the study provide a valuable overview of how the Covid-19 pandemic affects women entrepreneurs with aspects of household income, lifestyle, mental health, and sales of the business. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, household income has decreased. Likewise, the lifestyles of women entrepreneurs have changed. They struggled to meet the basic needs of their families and a decline in their standard of living when compared to before the Covid-19 pandemic. Most of the women entrepreneurs admitted that their mental health was affected by the unprecedented changes in conditions ever. Then business sales also decreased, this was supported by a decrease in the purchasing power of customers so it could threaten the existence of their business.

Conclusions: The results of this study are expected to be used to evaluate how women entrepreneurs can survive in any crisis conditions. In addition, the research results on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic indicate the need to reconsider innovation, digitalization, understanding of business management and self-management in maintaining business continuity.
The identification of retro-DNAs in primate genomes as DNA transposons mobilizing via retrotransposition
Authors: Tang Wangxiangfu , Liang Ping
Published: March 2023

Background: Mobile elements (MEs) constitute a major portion of the genome in primates and other higher eukaryotes, and they play important role in genome evolution and gene function. MEs can be divided into two fundamentally different classes: DNA transposons which transpose in the genome in a “cut-and-paste” style, and retrotransposons which propagate in a “copy-and-paste” fashion via a process involving transcription and reverse-transcription. In primate genomes, DNA transposons are mostly dead, while many retrotransposons are still highly active. We report here the identification of a new type of MEs, which we call “retro-DNAs”, for their combined characteristics of these two fundamentally different ME classes.

Methods: A comparative computational genomic approach was used to analyze the reference genome sequences of 10 primate species consisting of five apes, four monkeys, and marmoset.

Results: From our analysis, we identified a total of 1,750 retro-DNAs, representing 748 unique insertion events in the genomes of ten primate species including human. These retro-DNAs contain sequences of DNA transposons but lack the terminal inverted repeats (TIRs), the hallmark of DNA transposons. Instead, they show characteristics of retrotransposons, such as polyA tails, longer target-site duplications (TSDs), and the “TT/AAAA” insertion site motif, suggesting the use of the L1-based target-primed reverse transcription (TPRT) mechanism. At least 40% of these retro-DNAs locate into genic regions, presenting potentials for impacting gene function. More interestingly, some retro-DNAs, as well as their parent sites, show certain levels of expression, suggesting that they have the potential to create more retro-DNA copies in the present primate genomes.

Conclusions: Although small in number, the identification of these retro-DNAs reveals a new mechanism for propagating DNA transposons in primate genomes without active canonical DNA transposon activity. Our data also suggest that the TPRT machinery may transpose a wider variety of DNA sequences in the genomes.
Network biology of lapatinib resistance in different types of HER2-positive breast cancers informs the prioritization of the combination anticancer treatments as anti-resistance interventions
Authors: Alkhawaja Bayan , Khaleel Anas , Abu Dayyih Wael , Hamad Mohammed F. , Hajjo Rima , Hailat Mohammad
Published: March 2023

Background: With widespread therapeutic advancement, targeted anticancer therapeutics are taking over traditional treatment protocols. Nevertheless, the resistance to targeted therapeutics has halted the enthusiastic treatment response. An example of targeted therapy is Lapatinib. Lapatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in HER2-positive breast cancer. It is widely used in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer in combination with other drugs.

Methods: This study's main objective was to provide a plausible mechanistic insight into lapatinib’s resistance in two HER2 positive breast cancer cell lines, SKBR3 and BT-474. We performed gene set analysis to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEG) in response to treatment with lapatinib from the gene expression profiles obtained from GSE38376 and GSE16179. The DEG was then analyzed by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA).

Results: The IPA analysis showed that the increased expression of Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) and Wnt/β-catenin and their related networks were associated with resistance and poor prognosis in SKBR3 and BT-474 cell lines, respectively. Although both cell lines are categorized as HER2 positive cell lines and in some reports were used interchangeably, in our hands, the two cell lines exhibited different biological pathways underlying resistance to lapatinib. In addition, among the other top canonical pathways, TNF was identified as the top upstream regulator in SKBR3 cell lines, whereas the Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) was predicted as a top regulator in BT-474 cell lines.

Conclusions: This study highlights the relevance of HIF-1α and Wnt/β-catenin compensatory networks in resistance toward lapatinib. Our findings outline the activation of angiogenesis and invasion processes in resistant cells with differential underlining gene networks in two different HER2 positive cell lines. The two cell lines reflect two different types of breast cancer, and hence the treatment strategy to avoid resistance should be planned differently.
A feasibility study of training in a local community aimed upon health promotion with special emphasis on musculoskeletal health effects
Authors: Prawiradilaga Rizky Suganda , Bendtsen Magnus , Esrup Simon , Jørgensen Niklas Rye , Yulianto Fajar Awalia , Helge Eva Wulff
Published: March 2023

Background: To minimize fracture risk, multimodal training regimens are recommended. However, their effectiveness in community settings remains uncertain. This study evaluated the feasibility of 19-weeks of multimodal training in a local community center with emphasis on musculoskeletal health in postmenopausal women.

Methods: In a controlled trial, 28 postmenopausal women (53-68-years-old) were assigned to a multimodal training group (MMT, n=15) or a control group (CON, n=13). The training consisted of high- and odd-impact, resistance and balance-coordination training 1-2 hours weekly. The outcomes were attendance rate, regional and total bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), bone turnover markers (BTM), body composition, functional muscle strength and power, and dynamic balance. All were determined at baseline and after 19 weeks of training. BTM was assessed after three weeks.

Results: Overall, 22(79%) participants (MMT, n=9; CON, n=13) completed the study, and the mean attendance rate for MMT was 65.5% of the maximum sessions (2) offered. Only right trochanter BMD increased (p<0.05) by 1.0±1.1% in MMT, which was higher(p<0.05) than CON. While whole-body BMC was not changed at 19 weeks from baseline in MMT, it decreased (p<0.05) in CON resulting in a significant difference (p<0.05) in whole-body BMC delta values between the two groups. Compared to baseline, body fat percentage(%BF), fat mass(FM), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT)-mass and -volume were decreased (p<0.01) in MMT, and were larger (p<0.05) than CON. No significant changes were observed in BTM, muscle strength and power, and dynamic balance after 19 weeks.

Conclusions: Nineteen weeks of multimodal training 1-2 hours per week in a local community had a health-enhancing effect on %BF, FM, and VAT, whereas the musculoskeletal health impact was modest. We hypothesize that the reason might be too low training volume and frequency and supposedly too low musculoskeletal training intensity for some participants.

Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05164679 (21/12/2021).
ISOLATION OF METHANOTROPHIC BACTERIA FROM NATURAL BIOCENOSES AND SELECTION OF NUTRIENT MEDIA OPTIMAL FOR CULTIVATION IN LABORATORY CONDITIONS
Authors: Prokudina Olga V. , Pestsov Georgiy V. , Tretyakova Anastasia V.
Published: March 2023

Background. One of the most pressing problems in the world is the production of food protein. The global protein deficit is estimated at 30 million tons per year, for the Russian Federation it is estimated at 2-2.5 million tons of protein per year.

The problem of protein deficit can be partially solved with the help of methanotrophic bacteria. Under optimal conditions, methanotrophic bacteria are able to oxidise actively natural gas – methane and increase their biomass, rich in valuable protein, vitamins and other biologically active substances. The feed product from methanotrophic bacteria is comparable to fish meal and soybean meal, the concentration of pure protein in it is more than 80%.

Purpose. Isolation of methanotrophic bacteria from natural biocenoses and their cultivation on various nutrient media in laboratory conditions.

Materials and Methods. The study was conducted from 2019 to 2022 in the microbiological laboratory of the Center for Technological Excellence “Advanced Chemical and Biotechnology” of the Tolstoy Tula State Pedagogical University. The object of the study was methanotrophic bacteria isolated from various natural and artificial ecosystems, collection strains of Methylococcus capsulatus B-2990 and Methylomonas methanica B-2110. To isolate methanotrophic bacteria, the method of seeding a accumulative culture on a solid agiarized sterile nutrient medium in Petri dishes was used. For the cultivation of methanotrophs, nutrient media of various compositions containing all the necessary macro- and microelements for the normal growth of bacterial colonies were used.

Results. Colonies of methanotrophic bacteria were found in one sample of bottom sediments taken from the sphagnum swamp of the village of Kochaki in the Tula region and in samples from a methane reactor. As a result of comparison of nutrient media for isolation and cultivation of methanotrophs, it was found that the most suitable medium for isolation of methanotrophic bacteria is the standard nitrate mineral medium NMS. For the cultivation of methanotrophic bacteria, the best media were: the nutrient medium with the addition of anaerobic sludge, the ammonium mineral nutrient medium (AMS), and AMS with addition of methanol, the nutrient medium No.221 with addition of methanol.

Conclusions. The use of various nutrient media for the cultivation of methanotrophic bacteria makes it possible to assess the effect of various organic substances on the growth and development of bacterial colonies. The study of various natural and artificial ecosystems makes it possible to expand taxonomic knowledge about this group of microorganisms, as well as to increase the potential of using methanotrophs in solving various problems of ecology and biotechnology.
CHANGES IN THE CONTENT OF WATER-SOLUBLE SUGARS IN NEEDLES OF SCOTS PINE AND SIBERIAN SPRUCE GROWING IN THE SOUTH OF EASTERN SIBERIA
Authors: Korotaeva Natalya E. , Oskorbina Maria V. , Gritsai Elena N. , Borovskii Gennadii B.
Published: March 2023

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Siberian spruce (Picea obovata Ledeb.), which are common for the south of Eastern Siberia, differ from each other in their ecophysiological characteristics. Scots pine is more thermophilic and drought-resistant, while Siberian spruce is more hydrophilic and tolerates cooling better. In different seasons, both species accumulate water-soluble sugars (WSS) in their needles, which are one of the factors of cold and drought resistance of needles. The level of WSS accumulation in needles can be influenced by both factors determined by the tree species and territorial ones, associated with the climate of the growing region. For the first time, this study introduces a comparison of changes in WSS content in Scots pine and Siberian spruce growing in the south of Eastern Siberia during two annual cycles. During the observation period, winter 2015-2016 was colder than winter 2016-2017, and the growth period 2015 was warmer and wetter than the same period in 2016. WSS content in Scots pine needles was found to be less subject to fluctuations and, according to the results of most of the observations made, to be higher than in Siberian spruce needles both in more favorable and less favorable conditions for the physiological activity. The exception was the period of November-February 2015-2016 (when WSS content in the needles of both species was the same) and March-April 2016 (when it was higher in Siberian spruce needles). The ability of Scots pine to maintain higher WSS reserve in its needles is possibly one of the mechanisms that allow trees of this species to successfully compete with Siberian spruce and occupy larger territories under the extreme conditions of the south of Eastern Siberia.
THE ISSUES OF CHARACTER ACCENTUATION ADOLESCENTS WITH DIABETES
Authors: Kolkova Svetlana M. , Zhivaeva Yulia V. , Stoyanova Ekaterina I. , Kazakova Tatiana V. , Kembel Vera R. , Guseva Tatiana A.
Published: March 2023

Purpose. Theoretical justification and empirical study of the characteristics of adolescents’ personality with diabetes mellitus

Method. The study was conducted on a sample of 40 adolescents (20 with diabetes and 20 without). To determine the character accentuations, the following were used: Leonhard’s questionnaire and the method of identification characterological verbal portraits – E.G. Eidemiller. To compare the groups, correlation analysis was used (Mann-Whitney U test).

Results. Within group of adolescents with diabetes, the sensitive (40%) and schizoid (30%) types of accentuation prevail, while in healthy adolescents, the hyperthymic (55%) type of accentuation prevails. Adolescents with diabetes were more conflicted and less capable of self-control than a group of adolescents without a diagnosis. On average, accentuations were more pronounced in healthy adolescents, the average scores for each of the accentuations in patients with diabetes mellitus were lower. Also, the correlation coefficients between the indicators of the K. Leonhard method and the indicators of the E.G. Eidemiller method on samples of adolescents with and without a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus turned out to be different. In the group of adolescents with diabetes mellitus, correlations were observed between the following parameters: “emotive type” and “neurasthenic type” (r=0.81, p=0.05), “anxious type” and “paranoid type” (r=0.65, p=0.05), “excitable type” and “unstable type” (r=0.65, p=0.05). In a group of healthy adolescents, the following correlations were found between the indicators of the methods of K. Leonhard and E. G. Eidemiller: “pedantic type” and “hyperthymic type” (r=0.63, p=0.05), “exalted type” and “paranoid type” (r=0.65, p=0.05), “pedantic type” and “hysterical type” (r=0.70, p=0.05), “conformal type” (r=0.63, p=0.05), “cyclothymic type” and “conformal type” (r=0.67, p=0.05).

Conclusion. Such results will allow psychologists to more accurately take into account the personal characteristics of adolescents with diabetes and provide them with more effective assistance. Targets for work with adolescent with diabetes mellitus can be their introversion and, accordingly, assiste them in social adaptation, help with lack of self-control, aggressiveness.
EVOLUTION OF MASSAGE AS ONE OF THE DIRECTIONS OF MANUAL MEDICINE IN RUSSIA
Authors: Didur Mihail D. , Egorova Irina A. , Novoseltsev Svyatoslav V. , Zinkevich Elena R.
Published: March 2023

Background. The article presents the evolution of massage in Russia - one of the directions of manual medicine. The study of such an evolutionary process is due to the need to comprehend the mental, historical and methodological foundations of massage, allowing to assess the importance of this direction for the treatment of patients. The content of the article shows the attitude of people to massage in Ancient Russia, illustrates its progressive development from the beginning of the XVI to the end of the XVIII centuries, describes the milestones of the development of massage as an independent method of treatment in the XIX–XX centuries.

Purpose. Studying the evolution of massage as one of the directions of manual medicine in Russia, interconnected with the mentality of our people and traditions that are rooted in the long past.

Materials and methods. The study was carried out through a theoretical method – the analysis of scientific literature on the history of massage, the history of medicine and, to some extent, the history of medical education. The authors in their theoretical study relied on historical and cultural approaches that allow us to consider the evolution of massage in Russian medicine.

Results. Theoretical analysis of scientific literature made it possible to visualize in a scientific text the evolution of massage as one of the directions of manual medicine in Russia.

Conclusions. The results of the theoretical research contribute to the history of medicine and medical education, are a source that allows us to rethink the contribution of Russian scientists to the development of massage as one of the directions of manual medicine in Russia.
PANDEMIC LESSONS: DIGITALIZING TRENDS ON MEDICAL EDUCATION IN THE COVID-19 ERA
Authors: Soloveva Irina A. , Yuryeva Elena A. , Kustova Tatyana V. , Belyaeva Anna V. , Tkachenko Oksana V. , Narkevich Artem N.
Published: March 2023

The beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and the response of the Institutes of health aimed at reducing the spread of the disease required an immediate change in the traditional approach to education, especially medical. Against the background of severe restrictions in the implementation of educational programs – normative, situational and managerial - universities have an acute question about the available opportunities for mastering the competencies of the educational standard in a remote format. Forced emergency changes in approaches, forms, and methods of training allowed overcoming the crisis in the field of medical education. The article highlights the main trends in medical education formed during the crisis associated with the new coronavirus infection. The experience of organizing training in a pandemic in an educational organization is presented.

The purpose of this work is to identify the main trends in the digitalization of medical education during the period of the threat of the spread of a new coronavirus infection.

Methods of comparative analysis, description and subject modeling of indicators recorded in the electronic educational environment of the University for the period of 2020 were applied, as well as information from the Portal of continuing medical and pharmaceutical education was used.

As a result, the main trends in the digitalization of medical education during the period of high alert on the example of COVID-19 were identified: the introduction of online education; personalization of medical education; transformation of working time and revision of process management practices at the university.

The identified trends have led to the preservation of the quality of training for practical health care and have become a new starting point in the strategy for the development of medical education.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PRODUCTION OF OIL IN THE VOLGOGRAD REGION
Authors: Belikina Anna V. , Sukhareva Elena P.
Published: March 2023

The Volgograd region is one of the largest regions producing sunflower oil seeds. In the approved State program of the Volgograd region “Development of agriculture and regulation of the markets of agricultural products, raw materials and food” until 2025, targets for the production and sale of sunflower seeds are fixed, and within the framework of the federal project “Export of agricultural products”, the share of the region in the volume of Russian exports of oil and fat products by 2024.

Purpose. Analyze the possibility of meeting the fixed targets in the state plans.

Materials and methods. In the process of writing the article, publicly available documents of state authorities, information on agricultural production of the State Statistics Committee of the Russian Federation and the Volgograd region were used. The work was carried out using the graphical-analytical method and simple extrapolation. Microsoft Office Excel 8 was used for the calculation work.

Results. In 2020, over 709 thousand hectares of sunflower crops were located in the region, and the yield of its seeds was 1.53 t/ha. The article considers the dynamics of the current state of sunflower seed production in the Volgograd region and the resource base on the basis of which the sub-sector operates. A forecast has been made, where it is determined that the indicator of the volume of sunflower seeds produced will be successfully achieved. Two scenarios are considered, according to which the development of sunflower seed production is possible and the results of their implementation are determined.

Conclusion. After analyzing the current state of production of sunflower oil seeds, we can conclude that the level of their production enshrined in the State Program will be successfully achieved. Scenarios for the implementation of the established goals are proposed.
DIGESTIBILITY AND ABSORPTION OF NUTRIENTS BY YOUNG CATTLE AT INCLUSION OF COMPLEX FEED ADDITIVES INTO THE DIETS IN THE CONDITIONS OF YAKUTIA
Authors: Grigorev Mikhail F. , Soloshenko Vladimir A. , Grigoreva Alexandra I. , Chernogradskaya Natalia M. , Stepanova Daria I.
Published: March 2023

It is known that cattle with a high genetic potential of productivity cannot fully realize it in the conditions of Yakutia. This is facilitated by many factors, especially it is necessary to highlight the basic feeds, which are poorly provided with nutrients and minerals. Therefore, the development of technologies and methods to increase productivity of cattle through inclusion of complex feed additives from natural resources in their diets is of scientific and practical importance for the conditions of risky agriculture. In this regard, the goal was to study effect of complex feed additives from local natural raw materials on the digestibility and metabolism of young cattle. The studies used methods generally accepted in zootechnical practice, setting up for the experiment was carried out according to the method (M.F. Tomme, 1969). Experiments were conducted on 3 groups of young cattle. Each group has 10 heads selected by the method of analogues. When analyzing the data on the digestibility and absorption of nutrients, it was found that the animals of the experimental groups digested nutrients better compared to the animals of the control group: dry matter by 1.44% and 0.1%, organic matter by 2.0% and 1.65%, crude protein by 1.68% and 1.16%, crude fat by 2.28% and 1.33%, crude fiber by 2.48% and 2.04%, and nitrogen-free extractives by 1.88% and 1.61%. At the same time, the animals of the experimental groups used nitrogen better compared to the control group by 2,28% and 1,05%. The study of the biochemical composition of animal blood showed that complex feed additives are harmless. Thus, the inclusion of complex feed additives in the diets of young cattle can improve the indicators of digestibility and the degree of use of nutrients in the conditions of Yakutia.
STUDY OF BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY COLLOIDAL SOLUTIONS OF IRON SYNTHESIZED ON THE BASIS OF AQUEOUS CUFF EXTRACT
Authors: Nikishina Maria B. , Ivanova Evgeniya V. , Tretyakova Anastasia V. , Mukhtorov Loik G. , Atroshchenko Yuri M.
Published: March 2023

Background. Anthropogenic impact on agricultural areas leads to pollution of environmental objects, as well as to an increase in the resistance of pathogens to modern means of protection. One of the ways to solve these problems is the development of new drugs based on colloidal solutions of metals synthesized by the “green synthesis” method using aqueous extracts of medicinal plants from central Russia. The biological activity of metal nanoparticles obtained using plant extracts is currently being actively studied in relation to various biological objects. It is advisable to study the effect of iron colloids obtained with the help of an aqueous extract of the common mantle on the growth and development of wheat plants, as well as on phytopathogen fungi, the causative agents of the main diseases of agricultural plants.

Purpose. To study the biological activity of iron colloids synthesized on the basis of aqueous extracts of the common cuff. To establish the effect of iron nanoparticles on the growth and development of wheat plants, and to study the fungicidal effect of colloids on pathogenic fungi.

Materials and methods. Iron colloids were obtained from plant extracts of various dilutions and iron salt solution.

The content of sugars, tannins and dyes, photosynthetic pigments, vegetable protein, flavonoids and ascorbic acid was determined in the composition of the common cuff.

The influence of iron colloids on the growth and development of agricultural plants was studied by analyzing the seed germination energy and biometric parameters of wheat germs treated with initial extracts and synthesized colloids.

The fungicidal activity of common mantle extracts and iron colloids synthesized on their basis was studied in vitro on the following fungi – phytopathogens: F. moniliforme and F. oxysporum, V. inaequalis, R. solani, B. sorokiniana, P. ostreatus and A. alternata.

Results. Growth-stimulating activity is exhibited by aqueous extracts of the common cuff of an average degree of dilution and iron colloids synthesized on their basis. Only extracts of the common cuff have fungistatic properties in relation to the fungus B. sorokiniana.

Conclusion. Biological activity is shown by extracts of medium dilution and colloids synthesized on their basis. In further research on this topic, it is advisable to study the effect of various variations in salt and extract concentrations on the manifestation of fungicidal and growth-stimulating activity.
SMART AGRICULTURE: A REVIEW
Authors: Singh Gurjeet , Kalra Naresh , Yadav Neetu , Sharma Ashwani , Saini Manoj
Published: March 2023

Agriculture is regarded as one of the most crucial sectors in guaranteeing food security. However, as the world’s population grows, so do agri-food demands, necessitating a shift from traditional agricultural practices to smart agriculture practices, often known as agriculture 4.0. It is critical to recognize and handle the problems and challenges related with agriculture 4.0 in order to fully profit from its promise. As a result, the goal of this research is to contribute to the development of agriculture 4.0 by looking into the growing trends of digital technologies in the field of agriculture. A literature review is done to examine the scientific literature pertaining to crop farming published in the previous decade for this goal. This thorough examination yielded significant information on the existing state of digital technology in agriculture, as well as potential future opportunities.