bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of electrognathography indicators in patients with decreased height of the lower part of the face and symptoms of intolerance to the structural materials of dentures
Authors: Dubova L. V. , Rudakova A. M. , Samoylenko R. V. , Manin O. I.
Published: November 2024

Purpose of the study: to conduct a comparative assessment of electrognathography indices in elderly patients with a decrease in the height of the lower part of the face with symptoms characteristic of intolerance to the structural materials of dentures, before and during the diagnostic and treatment stages of using occlusal-stabilizing devices.

Material and methods. We examined 76 patients aged 61 to 74 years with a decrease in the height of the lower part of the face and the presence of symptoms characteristic of intolerance to the structural materials of dentures. Based on the results of a short “Hamburg” examination, 30 patients were selected with the possibility of dysfunctional disorders of the temporomandibular joint, for whom occlusal-stabilizing devices were made.

Results. A study of elderly patients with a decrease in the height of the lower part of the face and symptoms characteristic of intolerance to the structural materials of dentures revealed the effectiveness of the use of occlusal-stabilizing devices at the treatment and diagnostic stages due to a decrease in complaints of dry mouth more than in twice, a decrease in the intensity of burning of the mucous membrane, a decrease in the number of complaints accompanying dysfunctional disorders of the temporomandibular joint, as well as an improvement in electrognathography indicators to physiological norms.

Conclusion. The obtained results of treatment with occlusal-stabilizing devices for patients with a decrease in the height of the lower part of the face, presenting complaints characteristic of intolerance to the structural materials of dentures, at the treatment and diagnostic stages indicate the feasibility and effectiveness of their use in this category of people.
Key role of laboratory diagnostics of cardiovascular system injury in COVID‑19
Authors: Tazina S. Ia. , Antipova I. Y. , Fedorova T. A. , Roytman A. P. , Bugrov A. V.
Published: November 2024

This literature review examines data characterizing the clinical significance of the most informative laboratory markers, which make it possible not only to promptly identify the pathology of the cardiovascular system, but also to assess the risk of adverse outcomes of coronavirus infection. The most studied markers are hsTnI, NT-proBNP, D-dimer. Promising laboratory markers that require comprehensive study include osteopontin, stimulating growth factor ST2, Gal-3, copeptin, endothelin-1. With all the variety of pathological conditions that are accompanied by an increase in the concentrations of these markers, they can be considered as indicators that undoubtedly deserve close attention when assessing patients with COVID-19.
Review of domestic test systems for detecting current or past SARS‑CoV‑2 infection using enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay
Authors: Galkina O. V. , Anpilova A. O. , Bogdanova E. O. , Zubina I. M. , Levykina E. N.
Published: November 2024

Introduction. Rapid and reliable assessment of circulating antibody levels to SARS-CoV-2 remains the current challenge for monitoring and preventing the spread of COVID-19. As the risk of emergence and dissemination of new viral strains continues to grow, epidemiologic research is also becomes increasingly important. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is useful to assess the vaccination effectiveness and the need for revaccination, the proportion of post-disease and vaccinated individuals, and to monitor population immunity. This article provides an overview of the local ELISA kits currently available for the detection of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins, with a comparison to the certified kit by Mediagnost Ltd. (Germany).

The aim. Laboratory testing of seven domestic reagent kits for the determination of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins by ELISA in comparison with the certified test system “Anti-SARS-CoV-2 ELISA E 111-IVD” (Mediagnost Ltd., Reutlingen, Germany).

Materials and methods. The study included 80 serum samples from conditionally healthy donors: experimental group (n=70, serum samples collected after 2019) and control group (n=10, serum samples collected before 2018). The experimental group is comprised of non-infected and post-disease individuals; a proportion of those were vaccinated against COVID-19.

Results and conclusions. The data obtained indicate high reproducibility, sensitivity (100 %), and specificity for all domestic ELISA kits in detecting both post-disease (90–95 %) and vaccinated volunteers (100 %). The main quality criteria of the obtained results were comparable to those for the certified test system, “Anti-SARS-CoV-2 ELISA E 111-IVD” (Mediagnost Ltd., Germany). All kits detecting IgG to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and to the S-glycoprotein were effective for the reliable assessment of antibody production after the vaccination. Kits for the detection of antibodies to the RBD and/or viral nucleocapsid are useful for identifying unvaccinated post-disease individuals.
Determination of functional relationships between calciuria and plasma calcium metabolism indices
Authors: Solomennikov A. V. , Tyukavin A. I. , Arseniev N. A. , Yankina I. V. , Barykina A. A.
Published: November 2024

In the presented work, the authors propose to use for the differential diagnosis of factors contributing to calciuria in personal observations the method of visualization of multidimensional relationships using a panel of ratios of laboratory parameters of water-electrolyte metabolism. The calculation of the ratio panel included plasma values: HCT (hematocrit), MSNS (hemoglobin concentration in erythrocyte), Na (sodium), K (potassium), Caобщ (total calcium), Cl (chlorides), F (phosphates), Kr (creatinine), Ur (urea). Along with these parameters, the following plasma parameters were determined: B-CrossLaps (osteolysis index), TP1NP (osteosynthesis index), VitD, parathyroid hormone, as well as urine pH and calcium. The results obtained, according to the authors, demonstrate the informativeness of the proposed method, which makes it possible to identify the leading complexes of bonds associated with calciuria in individual observations. At the same time, these complexes can differ significantly in their structure in different patients, finding their description in literary sources, thereby demonstrating their differential significance. The authors note that the different “images” of the connections accompanying calciuria established in this study do not exhaust all possible variants of the connections of laboratory parameters associated with the dynamics of calciuria, but as additional laboratory data of patients with various pathologies accumulate, the base of the general array can be significantly expanded. Based on the results obtained and their analysis, the authors conclude that the proposed approach is promising to use in the expert assessment of laboratory parameters as an auxiliary method in analyzing the obtained laboratory data in supporting decision-making and determining the goals of pharmacological correction of calcium metabolism disorders.
HIV tropism to chemokine coreceptors. Features of the definition, the current state
Authors: Martynov M. A. , Semenov А. V. , Batyrgalieva L. M. , Levchenko M. A.
Published: November 2024

HIV infection is a significant cause of death worldwide, the number of people with HIV infection in the Russian Federation as of 2022 amounted to 1163818 people. The determination of HIV tropism is necessary for the appointment of drugs from the group of penetration inhibitors, and also opens up new opportunities in the prediction and analysis of HIV infection in a patient.

Aim. To present a description and assess the current state of methods for determining HIV tropism, to summarize known information about the influence of HIV tropism on the course of the disease, to identify topical issues related to HIV tropism and requiring solutions.

Materials and methods. A review of domestic and foreign sources devoted to methods for determining the prevalence and clinical significance of HIV tropism was carried out.

Results. For the effective administration of CCR5 antagonist drugs, preliminary analysis is necessary to establish the tropism of HIV by genotypic or phenotypic methods. The use of CCR5 antagonists is not possible if HIV can use the CXCR4 coreceptor. CXCR4 – tropism of HIV is associated with the duration of the disease, a decrease in the number of CD4 cells, AIDS, and is a negative prognostic factor. Human mutations affecting coreceptors can affect the course of infection and susceptibility to HIV.

Conclusion. The determination of HIV tropism is a useful analysis, the importance of which will increase in connection with the development of new drugs from the group of penetration inhibitors. To increase the availability of HIV tropism analysis in the Russian Federation, the creation of genotypic test systems is required. To create proprietary algorithms used in genotypic analysis, as well as laboratory testing and development of new effective drugs from the group of penetration inhibitors, it is necessary to develop a phenotypic test system. The small study of the influence of other regions of the env gene on HIV tropism, the study of HIV tropism to alternative coreceptors are urgent issues that need to be addressed.
Comparing quality parameters of apheresis and pooled platelet concentrates
Authors: Bulanov A. Yu. , Makarov M. S. , Borovkova N. V. , Storozheva M. V. , Ponomarev I. N. , Evseev A. K. , Goroncharovskaya I. V. , Bitkova E. E. , Kostin A. I.
Published: November 2024

Introduction. Harvesting of pooled platelet concentrates (PC) significantly expands the volume of transfusion support and could be used to create strategic platelet reserve.

The aim of work. To compare the quality of pooled and apheresis platelet concentrates.

Materials and methods. We studied platelet fractions (PF), isolated from the whole blood of cadre donors with Reveos system, platelet concentrates, obtained by pooling PF (Pooled PC), and platelet concentrates harvested by automatic apheresis. In all cases 2 days passed from the moment of blood donation to the platelet examination. In PC samples we studied cellular composition, morphofunctional parameters of platelets, pH and electrochemical parameters, hypotonic shock response.

Results. The morphofunctional platelet rate in PF was significantly reduced, comparing to the normal levels. At the same time, the morphofunctional parameters of platelets did not significantly differ in PF and pooled PC. The pH values, the total content of platelets and leukocytes in the pooled PC corresponded to the requirements of The rules for procurement, storage, transportation and clinical use of donated blood and its components (2019). The total platelet count, the level of annexin-positive platelets, did not significantly differ in apheresis PC and pooled PC, hypotonic shock response was correct in apheresis PC and pooled PC. On the other hand, the level of platelets with granules in pooled PC was 1,8 times lower than in apheresis PC, other morphofunctional parameters of platelets in pooled PC were also reduced. Pooled PC were characterized by more positive level of open circuit potential and lower antioxidant capacity compared with apheresis PC on the same storage time.

Conclusions. Platelet pooling with Reveos system is acceptable for obtaining PC doses that comply with Technical Regulations. Nevertheless, methods of pooled PC harvesting need further optimization.
Application of Raman spectroscopy using an original optical sensor to assess the laboratory efficacy of antiplatelet drugs
Authors: Moiseeva E. M. , Roytman A. P. , Rafalskiy V. V. , Zyubin A. Y. , Samusev I. G. , Filimonkina Iu. A. , Mikhailova L. V.
Published: November 2024

The main method for monitoring the laboratory effectiveness of antiplatelet drugs in modern clinical practice is aggregometry, but this method is not without limitations. In this connection, there is an objective need to develop alternative methods. One of the promising areas is the method of Raman spectroscopy (RS).

Objective: development of a method to detect high residual platelet reactivity (RPR) in patients with CVD receiving acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or clopidogrel by giant Raman spectroscopy (GRS) using an original optical biosensor.

Material sand Methods. Platelet-rich plasma of patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) was investigated by Raman spectroscopy using an original optical biosensor. Platelet aggregation activity was investigated using a Siemens PFA-200 aggregometer with three types of cartridges – Collagen/EPI, Collagen/ADP, and P2Y. Fisher’s linear discriminant analysis was performed using Statistica 13.0 package.

Results. Raman spectra analysis using different values of frequency shifts (970 cm-1 or 1590 cm-1), allows to evaluate laboratory ineffectiveness separately for ASA and clopidogrel. Thus, the number of patients with high residual platelet reactivity (RPR) was 41.7 % ± 6.3 % with ASA and 36.7 % ± 6.2 % with clopidogrel therapy; similar values using aggregometry were 43.5 % ± 10.3 % and 30.4 % ± 9.6 %.

Conclusion. Application of the method of Raman spectroscopy using the original optical biosensor allows to distinguish patients with high RPR in the population of patients with CVD receiving antiaggregant therapy.
Epidemiological features of chronic hepatitis B in the Russian Federation and the Samara region
Authors: Churbakovа O. V. , Akimkin V. G. , Pechkurov D. V. , Kindalova E. S.
Published: November 2024

Research objective. To analyze the epidemiological features of chronic hepatitis in the Russian Federation and in the Samara region.

Materials and methods. The data of official statistics were analyzed: the materials of the Federal Service for Supervision in the Field of Consumer Protection and Human Welfare, the Office of the Federal Service for Supervision in the Field of Consumer Protection and Human Welfare in the Samara Region.

Results. The long-term dynamics of the incidence of newly diagnosed chronic hepatitis B in the Russian Federation and the Samara region in 1999–2021 was synchronous. In 1999–2001 the incidence of HCV (Chronic hepatitis B) in the Russian Federation and the Samara region had maximum values of 16,00⁄0000–22,50⁄0000. In the Samara region, it was higher than in the country. As a result of systematic measures to vaccinate the population against HCV during the period of mass immunization (2006–2021), the rate of decrease in the incidence of HCV in the Samara region decreased from 14,5 0⁄0000 to 2,40⁄0000 and in the country – from 14,0 0⁄0000 to 4,50⁄0000. The introduction of immunization of the child population against HCV in the Samara region had a positive effect on the incidence of HCV. From 2000 to 2021, the incidence of HCV decreased by 9,4 times. If in 2000 the incidence of children with HCV was 4,20⁄0000 in the Russian Federation, in 2002–7,30⁄0000 in the Samara region, then in 2021 in the Russian Federation it decreased to 0,080⁄0000, no cases were registered in the Samara region.
Features of laboratory indicators in cancer patients with COVID‑19, staying in the intensive care unit
Authors: Vlasenkova A. A. , Mochalova A. S. , Linnik D. V. , Akselrod B. A. , Alieskerov M. V.
Published: November 2024

Objective: Comparative analysis of laboratory blood parameters in patients with COVID‑19 without and with oncopathology, who are in the intensive care unit.

Materials and methods. A total of 118 people who had had COVID‑19 were examined. The main group consisted of 54 patients with various malignant neoplasms, the control group – 64 patients without oncological pathology. Laboratory parameters of a complete blood count (hemoglobin, leukocytes, lymphocytes, platelets) and a biochemical blood test (total protein, total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, ferritin) were examined.

Results. Before COVID‑19 treatment, the average hemoglobin level in patients of the main group was 117.8±5.3 g/l, in the control group – 134.5±1.9 g/l (p=0.008), the average total protein level was 62.0±1.6 g/l and 67.9±0.9 g/l, respectively (p=0.005). After COVID‑19 treatment, hemoglobin in cancer patients remained lower (112.1±5.2 g/l) than in the control group (130.1±1.8 g/l, p=0.004), as well as total protein (60.0±2.0 g/l versus 66.3±0.9 g/l, p=0.004). Also, in patients of the main group after treatment, statistically significantly (p=0.0001) lower levels of lymphocytes (1.3±0.1 cells/ml) were found than in the control group – 2.0±0.1 cells/ml.

Conclusion. Cancer patients had reduced levels of hemoglobin, total protein, and lymphocytes before and after treatment for COVID‑19. Increased urea, creatinine, and leukocytes were also noted, which requires enhanced monitoring of their condition.
EXTRAJUDICIAL PROCEDURE FOR EXERCISING THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO APPEAL AGAINST ACTIONS AND DECISIONS OF OFFICIALS IN A CONSTITUENT ENTITY OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors:   Naberezhnye Chelny Institute, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Naberezhnye Chelny, Russian Federation, GIZYATOVA S.V. , KUROCHKIN A.V.
Published: November 2024

The purpose is to identify the features of the legislation of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation in regulating extrajudicial procedures for the implementation of the constitutional right to appeal the actions and decisions of regional officials. In the presented article, the authors projected the theory of constitutionalization of the institution of appeal onto an alternative procedure for the implementation of such subjective rights as the right to defense, to appeal to authorities, to appeal the actions and decisions of officials. The authors applied systematic and formal-logical methods to the norms of federal and regional legislation, which allowed them to establish individual legal conflicts. Conclusion-In this article, the authors highlighted the differences in the legal regulation of extrajudicial procedures for appealing the actions and decisions of officials at the level of constituent entities of the Russian Federation. This is related to the content of regional constitutional legislation. It provides for the right to independently establish the legal status of their own executive bodies. All of them are subject to both departmental norms and administrative acts. Administrative and legal relations are under the joint jurisdiction of the Russian Federation and the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. This allows Russian regions to take advantage of gaps in federal legislation and independently overcome them through their own regulatory and legal acts of a by-law nature.
FEATURES OF THE LOW-RISE HOUSING STOCK LEGAL REGIME: STATUTORY DEFINITION AND GOAL OF THE REGIME
Authors:   the Academy of Labor and Social Relations, Moscow, Russian Federation, DMITRIEVA A.A. , RABETZ A.M. ,   National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russian Federation
Published: November 2024

Purpose of the study. The legal regime of low-rise housing stock is still understudied, despite a large number of studies in the field of legal regime. In many ways, this is due to the non-allocation of low-rise housing stock as a separate object of research. This article aims to fill this gap by highlighting the features of the legal regime of low-rise housing stock. Within the framework of the article, it is proposed to focus on such features of the legal regime as statutory definition and the goal of the regime. Conclusions. The analysis has shown that the normative consolidation of the legal regime of low-rise housing stock in Russia is highly variable due to the principle of analogy of the law. Moreover, there is a «normative» consistency of the legal regime, expressed in a gradual and consistent differentiation of the nature of emerging legal relations: «from» housing law towards other branches of law.
MONETARY CIRCULATION IN THE USSR IN THE PERIOD BETWEEN THE REFORMS OF 1947 AND 1961
Authors:   Chelyabinsk State University, Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation, BAKANOV S.A.
Published: November 2024

The article contains an analysis of the monetary circulation of the USSR in the post-war period and gives an assessment of the causes, conditions for the implementation and consequences of monetary reforms of 1947 and 1961. Their fundamental differences are indicated and the common features that emerged during the implementation are analyzed. The results of reforms in the economy and social policy of the country are presented. The article is a scientific response to the public interest in Soviet economic history, which has manifested itself in recent years and the need to use the positive experience accumulated by previous generations in the implementation of state economic and financial policy by decision-making bodies.
THE ACTIVITIES OF SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL BODIES IN THE FIELD OF ARTILLERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE XIX CENTURY
Authors:   A.S. Pushkin Leningrad State University, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, BENDA V.N.
Published: November 2024

The article deals with the transformations of the central management bodies of the army and reforms in the field of artillery management and scientific and technical work. The management of scientific and technical work in the field of improving artillery weapons, equipment and ammunition, as well as their production in the first half of the XIX century was entrusted to various scientific and technical bodies that changed their name, organization and range of tasks assigned to them. One of these bodies in the period under review was the «Artillery Department of the Military Scientific Committee», which was tasked with monitoring scientific and technical activities in the field of improving artillery weapons, equipment and ammunition and their production. It is noted that one of the directions that contributed to the dissemination and improvement of special knowledge by officers and non-commissioned officers of artillery units was the publication and distribution of the «Artillery Magazine», the publication of which resumed after 1812 in 1839. It is concluded that the Artillery Department received from various sources many different proposals for new models of artillery weapons, equipment and ammunition, and methods of their combat use, as well as scientific and technical literature published abroad, according to which the department should prepare reasoned conclusions about the possibility or impossibility of using them in Russia, about the advantages and disadvantages of foreign publications. Previously unpublished archival and other little-studied sources are introduced into scientific circulation.
ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW TECHNOLOGY AT ONE SINGLE ENTERPRISE: ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE GRODNO CHEMICAL FIBER PLANT
Authors:   Ural Federal University named after the First President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation, ZAPARIY V.V.
Published: November 2024

One of the most important subjects of the economic policy of the CPSU in the 1970s was the introduction of scientific and technological progress in production. There was a detailed mechanism for implementing such measures. It was well thought out and scientifically substantiated. However, the implementation of such measures did not give the expected effect. In the article, using the example of a single enterprise - the Grodno Chemical Fiber Plant, it is described how and why such a mechanism did not work effectively.
USSR BOND LOAN IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA (1935)
Authors:   Ryazan State Radio Engineering University named after V. F. Utkin, Ryazan, Russian Federation, SOKOLOV A.S.
Published: November 2024

The article examines the contacts between the Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia in the economic sphere in the 1930s. In the context of accelerated industrialization, the Soviet leadership faced the task of obtaining targeted loans. The article analyzes the experience of the USSR issuing a bond loan guaranteed by the government of the Czechoslovak Republic. The source base was documents stored in the Russian State Archive of Economics. These documents are devoted to the history of issuing government loan bonds intended to pay for orders from the trade mission of the USSR to Czechoslovak firms. Conclusions. The bond loan of 1935 played an important role in the development of trade between the two countries. The loan agreement marked the beginning of a new stage in the history of Soviet-Czechoslovak relations during the interwar period.
A hybrid workflow connecting a network and an agent-based model for predictive pedestrian movement modelling
Authors: Ullrich Anita , Hunger Franziska , Stavroulaki Ioanna , Bilock Adam , Jareteg Klas , Tarakanov Yury , Gösta Alexander , Quist Johannes , Berghauser Pont Meta , Edelvik Fredrik
Published: November 2024

Pedestrian movement has always been one of the main concerns for urban planning and design, but it has become more important within the sustainable development agenda, as walking is crucial to reducing urban emissions and fostering liveable cities. Therefore, urban planners need to take pedestrian movement into consideration as part of the workflow of planning and designing cities. This study outlines a comprehensive workflow tailored for urban planners. It proposes a hybrid model that integrates an agent-based model, which simulates the micro-scale movement of pedestrians in outdoor urban environments, with a network model, which predicts the aggregated pedestrian flows on a macro-scale. The hybrid model is applied to a pedestrian precinct in the city centre of Gothenburg, Sweden, and is compared to real-world measurements. The reasonable agreement between the simulation results and the real-world data supports the reliability of the proposed workflow, underscoring the model’s ability to statistically predict pedestrian movement on a large scale and individually on a local scale. Furthermore, the model enables the analysis of flow distributions and movement restrictions and facilitates the analysis of different design scenarios and specific pedestrian behaviour. This functionality is valuable for urban design and planning practice, contributing to the optimisation of pedestrian flow dynamics.
Digital identification and adulteration analysis of Codonopsis Radix and Stellariae Radix based on the “digital identity” of chemical compositions
Authors: Wang Xianrui , Zhang Jiating , Jing Wenguang , Guo Xiaohan , Li Minghua , Cheng Xianlong , Wei Feng
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Under the background of digitalization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this study aimed to realize the digital identification and adulteration analysis of Codonopsis Radix (CR) and Stellariae Radix (SR) based on chemical analysis.

Methods

This study combined digitalization concepts and chemical analysis and conducted a chemical analysis of CR and SR from different batches based on UHPLC-QTOF-MSE. Furthermore, the shared ions were extracted from different batches of CR and SR as their “ion characterization” after digital quantization. Then, the data matrices of unique ions of CR relative to SR and SR relative to CR were screened out, and the top-N ions were outputted as the “digital identities” of CR and SR, sorted by ionic strength. Finally, the above “digital identities” of CR and SR were used as benchmarks for matching positive samples and market samples to provide feedback on the matching credibility (MC) for identification and adulteration analysis.

Results

The results showed that based on the “digital identities” of CR and SR, the digital identification of CR, SR, and positive samples can be realized at the individual level of TCM efficiently and accurately, even if 3% of SR in the mixed samples can still be identified efficiently and accurately. Moreover, 1 of the 12 batches of market samples was identified as an adulterated sample.

Conclusion

It proved that the identification and adulteration analysis of two herbs can be realized efficiently and quickly through the “digital identities” of chemical compositions. It has important reference significance for developing the digital identification of CR and SR at the individual level of Chinese medicine based on the “digital identity” of chemical compositions, which was beneficial to the construction of digital quality control of CR and SR.
Ensemble modeling of SARS-CoV-2 immune dynamics in immunologically naïve rhesus macaques predicts that potent, early innate immune responses drive viral elimination
Authors: Byrne Catherine , Schiffer Joshua T.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

An unprecedented breadth of longitudinal viral and multi-scale immunological data has been gathered during SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, due to the high complexity, non-linearity, multi-dimensionality, mixed anatomic sampling, and possible autocorrelation of available immune data, it is challenging to identify the components of the innate and adaptive immune response that drive viral elimination. Novel mathematical models and analytical approaches are required to synthesize contemporaneously gathered cytokine, transcriptomic, flow cytometry, antibody response, and viral load data into a coherent story of viral control, and ultimately to discriminate drivers of mild versus severe infection.

Methods

We investigated a dataset describing innate, SARS-CoV-2 specific T cell, and antibody responses in the lung during early and late stages of infection in immunologically naïve rhesus macaques. We used multi-model inference and ensemble modeling approaches from ecology and weather forecasting to compare and combine various competing models.

Results and discussion

Model outputs suggest that the innate immune response plays a crucial role in controlling early infection, while SARS-CoV-2 specific CD4+ T cells correspond to later viral elimination, and anti-spike IgG antibodies do not impact viral dynamics. Among the numerous genes potentially contributing to the innate response, we identified IFI27 as most closely linked to viral load decline. A 90% knockdown of the innate response from our validated model resulted in a ~10-fold increase in peak viral load during infection. Our approach provides a novel methodological framework for future analyses of similar complex, non-linear multi-component immunologic data sets.
MICA and NKG2D gene polymorphisms influence graft survival, and response to therapy in kidney transplantation
Authors: Littera Roberto , Mocci Stefano , Argiolas Davide , Littarru Letizia , Lai Sara , Melis Maurizio , Sanna Celeste , Mereu Caterina , Lorrai Michela , Mascia Alessia , Angioi Andrea , Mascia Giacomo , Matta Valeria , Lepori Nicola , Floris Matteo , Manieli Cristina , Bianco Paola , Onnis Daniela , Rassu Stefania , Deidda Silvia , Carta Mauro Giovanni , Giuressi Erika , Perra Andrea , Chessa Luchino , Giglio Sabrina , Pani Antonello
Published: November 2024

Background

Antibody-mediated rejection is a significant cause of kidney transplant failure. Recent studies have shown that the MHC class I MICA gene influences the transplantation outcome. However, the role of the primary MICA receptor, NKG2D, has yet to be explored.

Aim

We aimed to investigate the correlation between recipient/donor MICA allele matching and NKG2D genotype with the risk of antibody-mediated rejection and their potential clinical effects and implications for organ maintenance therapy.

Methods

Of the 524 patients who underwent transplantation, 387 were eligible for the study. Complete MICA allele and two functional polymorphisms of NKG2D (rs1049174C>G and rs2255336G>A) were analyzed in 148 transplanted patients and 146 controls.

Results

Increased recipient/donor MICA allele mismatches correlate with an elevated risk of antibody-mediated rejection (X2 = 6.95; Log-rank=0.031). Notably, the rs1049174[GG] genotype contributes to a significantly increased risk of antibody-mediated rejection (X2 = 13.44; Log-rank=0.001 and X2 = 0.34; Log-rank=0.84). The combined effect of two MICA allele mismatches and rs1049174[GG] genotype shows the highest risk (X2 = 23.21; Log-rank<0.001). Most importantly, patients with rs1049174[GG] and rs2255336[AA] genotypes may respond less to mTOR inhibitor immunosuppressive therapy than Calcineurin inhibitors (rs1049174[GG]; P=0.035; and rs2255336[AA]; P=0.002).

Conclusion

Recipient/donor MICA allele mismatches and specific NKG2D variants, as well as their combinations, influence kidney transplant outcomes, providing insights for personalized treatment and enhancing graft survival.
Influence of microplastics on the structure and function of deep-sea communities during long-term enrichment processes
Authors: Lv Shiwei , Li YuFei , Yuan Qing , Lu Yao , Ye Yonglian , Zhong Yangsheng , Liu Renjiu , Zhao Sufang , Xia Jingyu , Zeng Lingyu , Shao Zongze
Published: November 2024

Microplastics are widespread pollutants in aquatic environments, posing a significant threat to the health of marine ecosystems. However, little is known about the impact of plastics on deep-sea microbial communities. In this paper, we investigated the effects of polystyrene (PS) microplastics with three particle sizes (60 nm, 600 nm and 1 µm) and three concentrations (10, 50, 150 mg/L) as well as PS films (1 × 1 cm) on the deep-sea microbial community inoculated with water of 3370 m water depth from Pacific Ocean by using reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection, growth rate, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and high-throughput sequencing. Microplastics surface rotting (600 nm and 1 µm) and further fragmentation (60 nm) were observed caused by plastic-degrading microbial erosion after 50 days’ incubation. Similarly, deformation of PS film, including formation of obvious wrinkles and deep pits and the generation of microplastics and nanoplastics were also observed. Microplastics from commercial and plastic films could stimulate the bacterial community to secrete extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), favouring biofilm formation and resistance to external stress. Compared with larger microplastics, 60 nm microplastics and plastic films significantly inhibited the growth of bacterial communities with enhanced ROS production. The abundance of Moraxellaceae dominated in all enriched samples with the addition of microplastics, while the abundance of Alcanivoracaceae also increased in the 60 nm and plastic film enrichments, in contrast to dominant bacteria of Colwelliaceae, Marinobacteraceae, Rhodobacteraceae and Alcanivoracaceae the deep seawater in situ. Correspondingly, the functional changes of the communities were observed via functional prediction by 16S rRNA gene based on their alterations in bacterial community structure. The study provides insights into the effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on deep-sea microbial communities.
Controlling windscreen wiper vibration through yaw angle adjustments: a study of dynamic contact behavior using fluorescence observation
Authors: Tadokoro Chiharu , Kobayashi Hiroaki , Sueda Miwa , Nagamine Takuo , Vlădescu Sorin-Cristian , Reddyhoff Tom , Nakano Ken
Published: November 2024

Friction-induced vibration in the wiper system of passenger cars not only causes impaired visibility as a result of uneven water film distribution on the windscreen surface, but also leads to noise problems by transmitting vibrations as sound to the passengers. In this study, a novel experimental apparatus was developed to simulate the wiper system, enabling the change in normal support stiffness and the precise adjustment of the yaw angles of a shortened rubber blade and its flexible base relative to the drive direction of a glass plate. The use of fluorescence observation provided a significant advantage, enabling precise measurements of the position of the rubber blade tip and the water film thickness in the contact area of the rubber blade and the glass plate during operation. In conjunction with this, an accelerometer and a gap sensor were employed to measure the normal and tangential motions of the support structures, respectively. This comprehensive setup allows for precise control of blade support conditions, and provides accurate measurement for motions of rubber blade and support structures, making it a powerful tool for investigating friction-induced vibration in the wiper system. The experimental results clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of applying large yaw angles to both the rubber blade and the flexible base in suppressing friction-induced vibration, resulting in smooth motion at any drive speed. These findings have the potential to improve wiper performances under actual operating conditions.
In vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches for evaluating the preclinical DMPK profiles of ammoxetine, a novel chiral serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
Authors: Zhu Xiuqing , Li Yuexin , Luo Huan , Zhang Yunxia , Zhang Zhenqing , Li Jinglai
Published: November 2024

Background and Aim

Ammoxetine, a novel chiral serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, holds promise for major depressive disorder treatment. This study aimed to thoroughly investigate its preclinical drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) profiles.

Methods

The preclinical DMPK profiles of ammoxetine were examined through in vitro, in vivo, and in silico methods.

Results

Assessment of blood-brain barrier penetration via MDCK-MDR1 cells revealed strong brain permeation by ammoxetine, despite being a probable P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrate. Molecular docking indicated a robust binding interaction between ammoxetine and P-gp. Ammoxetine was well absorbed orally, with Tmax ranging from 0.75 to 3.83 h in rats and 0.75–1.40 h in beagle dogs. At a 2 mg/kg dose in beagle dogs, ammoxetine exhibited an absolute bioavailability of approximately 42%. Plasma protein binding rates were around 50%–60% in beagle dogs, rats, and humans, suggesting moderate binding. Tissue distribution studies displayed rapid and extensive ammoxetine spread in major rat tissues post-gavage, with notable brain exposure and no tissue accumulation. Cumulative excretion rates in rats’ urine, feces, and bile accounted for only 1.11% of the total administered drug, indicating extensive transformation into metabolites. Chiral inversion of ammoxetine was absent in vivo. Metabolic stability varied across species using liver microsomes, but beagle dogs showed clearance rates more akin to humans. Metabolic pathways unveiled two key metabolites, M1 and M2. M1, likely generated through methylenedioxyphenyl ring oxidation, involves CYP2C19 and CYP3A4, crucial human cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes for liver metabolism, while M2 is M1’s glucuronide conjugate. Ammoxetine may exhibit saturation elimination trends with increasing doses in rats and beagle dogs. A high-throughput assay using the cocktail-substrate method indicated weak CYP inhibition by ammoxetine on CYP2D6 and CYP1A2, with minimal effects on other CYP enzymes, suggesting a low likelihood of CYP inhibition-related drug-drug interactions.

Conclusion

This study presents encouraging DMPK profiles of ammoxetine, backing its potential as a candidate compound for future clinical assessments.
Impact of intergenerational support on older adults’ care expectations in rural areas in China
Authors: Wu Lianxia , Xie Tong , Guan Weihua , Li Wei
Published: November 2024

Introduction

As rural-to-urban migration accelerates, rural areas are experiencing a significant increase in empty-nesters among the older adults. Influenced by traditional concepts of filial piety, older adults in rural areas heavily rely on the family-based old care model, creating a complex interplay between supply and demand for older adults’ care. This study investigates the relationship between intergenerational support and older adults’ care expectations in rural areas. We construct measures of financial and care expectations of older adults’ care to reflect older adults’ intentions and choices.

Methods

This study uses data from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study and rural case studies to employ a binomial logit regression model, moderation effect analysis, and in-depth interviews.

Results

Our research reveals that the level of financial expectations for older adults’ care is inversely related to the extent of financial support from the parental generation but positively related to the level of financial support from the offspring. However, the older adults’ care expectations do not appear to be influenced by intergenerational support. Furthermore, population characteristics of the parental generation, such as educational attainment, age, and marital status, moderate the relationship between intergenerational support and older adults’ care expectations. Educational attainment negatively moderates the impact of parental financial support on financial expectations, age positively moderates offspring’s financial support on financial expectations. However, age negatively moderates offspring’s financial support on care expectations, while marital status positively moderates offspring’s financial support on care expectations.

Discussion

These findings help to elucidate the older adults’ care expectations of rural residents during the process of urbanization and social transformation, offering family-centered solutions such as ‘promoting cohabitation or proximity of children to their parents, developing diverse older adults’ care models based on different family situations, and ensuring the provision of basic older adults’ care services’ to address the current challenges of rural older adults’ care in China.
Assessment of the relationship between living alone and suicidal behaviors based on prospective studies: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Luo Zhipeng , Wang Jinfeng , Chen Xu , Cheng Dejin , Zhou Yuanyuan
Published: November 2024

Suicide, a global health concern, can be influenced by living arrangements. Hence, the objective of this systematic review was to assess the extent of the association between living alone and suicidal behaviors. We conducted a comprehensive search across eight databases for prospective studies. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals were pooled using Stata software. Nine large-scale prospective studies with 3,663,205 participants proved eligible. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the pooled prevalence of living alone was 32%. Living alone was associated with suicide attempts and suicide death even after adjusting for all potential confounding factors (AHR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.13–1.77; AHR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.06–1.48). Compared to people who live with others, living alone increases the risk of suicide behaviors. Given the anticipated global rise in suicide rates and the growing prevalence of living alone, it is recommended to explore this issue on a broader scale.

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42023464684, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023464684.
Spatial prediction of the probability of liver fluke infection in water resource within sub-basin using an optimized geographically-weighted regression model
Authors: Pumhirunroj Benjamabhorn , Littidej Patiwat , Boonmars Thidarut , Artchayasawat Atchara , Buasri Nutchanat , Slack Donald
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Infection with liver flukes (Opisthorchis viverrini) is partly attributed to their ability to thrive in sub-basin habitats, causing the intermediate host to remain within the watershed system throughout the year. It is crucial to conduct spatial monitoring of fluke infection at a small basin analysis scale as it helps in studying the spatial factors influencing these infections. The number of infected individuals was obtained from local authorities, converted into a percentage, and visually represented as raster data through a heat map. This approach generates continuous data with dependent variables.

Methods

The independent set comprises nine variables, including both vector and raster data, that establish a connection between the location of an infected person and their village. Design spatial units optimized for geo-weighted modeling by utilizing a clustering and overlay approach, thereby facilitating the optimal prediction of alternative models for infection.

Results and discussion

The Model-3 demonstrated the strongest correlation between the variables X5 (stream) and X7 (ndmi), which are associated with the percentage of infected individuals. The statistical analysis showed t-statistics values of −2.045 and 0.784, with corresponding p-values of 0.016 and 0.085. The RMSE was determined to be 2.571%, and the AUC was 0.659, providing support for these findings. Several alternative models were tested, and a generalized mathematical model was developed to incorporate the independent variables. This new model improved the accuracy of the GWR model by 5.75% and increased the R2 value from 0.754 to 0.800. Additionally, spatial autocorrelation confirmed the difference in predictions between the modeled and actual infection values. This study demonstrates that when using GWR to create spatial models at the sub-basin level, it is possible to identify variables that are associated with liver fluke infection.
Relationship Between the Online Health Information Search and Vaccination Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Xu Yunpeng , Pan Chen , Kong Peiyu , Shangguan Lina
Published: November 2024

Objectives

During the COVID-19 pandemic, online health information search has been shown to influence the public’s health beliefs, risk attitudes, and vaccination behavior. This study constructs a conditional process model to explore how online health information search impacts public vaccination behavior, considering critical factors like healthcare system satisfaction, vaccine risk perception, and the perceived usefulness of information.

Methods

Data from the 2021 Chinese General Social Survey (N = 2,547) were analysed. The study utilized logistic regression, path analysis, and the Bootstrap method to test the conditional process model.

Results

Increased online health information search promotes vaccination behavior, while increased vaccine risk perception hinders vaccination behavior. Higher satisfaction with the healthcare system encourages vaccination behavior, but online health information search reduces healthcare system satisfaction. Satisfaction with the healthcare system and vaccine risk perception play a chain mediating role between online health information search and vaccination behavior. Additionally, the perceived usefulness of information has a negative moderating effect on online health information search and healthcare system satisfaction.

Conclusion

The research findings provide new insights for health information dissemination and vaccination interventions.
Data-Driven Formation Control for Multi-Vehicle Systems Induced by Leader Motion
Authors: Parlangeli Gianfranco
Published: November 2024

In this paper, a leader motion mechanism is studied for the finite time achievement of any desired formation of a multi-agent system. The approach adopted in this paper exploits a recent technique based on leader motion to the formation control problem of second-order systems, with a special effort to networks of mobile devices and teams of vehicles. After a thorough description of the problem framework, the leader motion mechanism is designed to accomplish the prescribed formation attainment in finite time. Both asymptotic and transient behavior are thoroughly analyzed, to derive the appropriate analytical conditions for the controller design. The overall algorithm is then finalized by two procedures that allow the exploitation of local data only, and the leader motion mechanism is performed based on data collected by the leader during a preliminary experimental stage. A final section of simulation results closes the paper, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed strategy for formation control of a multi-agent system.