bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CARBONATE FORMATION OF THE UPPER TRIASSIC WEST OF THE SCYTHIAN PLATFORM AND THE NORTH CAUCASUS
Authors:   Kuban State University, VASILY I. POPKOV , IVAN V. POPKOV ,   Kuban State University, VICTOR P. CHAITSKIY ,   Kuban State University
Published: October 2021

Relevance of the work. Despite the long history of studies of the Triassic deposits of the Western Ciscaucasia and the North Caucasus, the scheme of their lithological-stratigraphic division and the correlation of sections of different tectonic zones remains poorly developed. This is especially true for the Upper Triassic carbonate formation, which is of oil and gas exploration interest. In this regard, the aim of the work is a detailed lithological and stratigraphic study of Upper Triassic sediments, elucidation of their occurrence conditions, and determination of the areal distribution of carbonate strata. Research methods. Macro- and microscopic studies of the core material were performed. Biostrati-graphic analysis of the Upper Triassic sections was carried out. To dissect the section, a complex of geophysical methods of well research was used, including all types of logging. The results of the work and the scope of their application. A detailed lithological and stratigraphic study of a powerful section of the Triassic sediments of the Western Ciscaucasia and the North Caucasus allowed us to identify a Late-Norian carbonate formation (the Velikovechnenskaya formation), to identify the features of its structure, the lithofacial composition of the composing rocks, the conditions of occurrence, to make typical sections in various tectonic zones, and the subsequent correlation - to outline the areal distribution of the strata. The zone of probable development of reef structures is determined. Conclusions. The carbonate formation may be of practical interest in the search for minerals, but the area of its development is characterized by a low degree of geological and geophysical knowledge. To clarify the boundaries of its distribution, to clarify the features of the internal structure, it is necessary to conduct additional seismic studies. Exploratory seismic work on a sparse network of profiles is recommended in the western part of the Kopan syncline, as well as along the north-eastern slope of the Kanevsko-Berezansky shaft from Berezanskaya Square to the Adygeya salient.
DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVEMENT OF GEOECOLOGICAL TOURISM IN THE BOGDINSK-BASKUNCHAK NATURE RESERVE
Authors:   Astrakhan State University, ALEXANDER N. BARMIN , STANISLAV B. GLAGOLEV ,   Bogdinsky-Baskunchaksky State Nature Reserve, KIRILL V. DEDOV ,   Astrakhan State University, DANIIL YU. BELYAEV ,   Astrakhan State University, EKATERINA A. BARMINA ,   Astrakhan State University
Published: October 2021

The aim of this work is to study the main elements contributing to the development and improvement of ecotourism in the Bogdinsko-Baskunchak nature reserve, as well as to consider and analyze the financing of this specially protected natural area (SPNA) and its impact on the wellbeing of the reserve. Methods. The work uses the method of complex scientific analysis, comparative analysis, statistical method, study and application of available literature and scientific funds . Results. An assessment of the improvement of the infrastructure of the Bogdinsko-Baskunchak nature reserve is given and the main factors contributing to the growth of ecotourism and environmental education are determined. The analysis of the financing of the reserve both at the expense of budgetary and at the expense of extra-budgetary funds and donations to the account of the reserve is given using a comparative analysis by years of the study period. The current tourist routes of the reserve are described. Conclusions. The development of ecotourism is greatly influenced by a complex of internal and external factors. Among them: the need and opportunities of the population to satisfy contact with nature, the epidemiological situation in the country, the presence or absence of certain sources of funding, the availability of opportunities to improve the infrastructure, etc. In addition, one should not forget about the need to develop additional services and tourist routes, as well as introduce new elements of ecotourism activities.
GEOECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE CONTEMPORARY LEAD CONTENT IN THE SOIL COVER OF THE URBANIZED TERRITORIES OF THE LOWER VOLGA REGION
Authors:   Astrakhan State University, ALEXANDER V. SINTSOV , ALEXANDER N. BARMIN ,   Astrakhan State University, PETR A. ZIMOVETS ,   Ltd “TORA”, MICHAIL V. VALOV ,   Astrakhan State University
Published: October 2021

The relevance of the work lies in the study of the process of pollution of the soil cover of an urbanized area with heavy metals. The aim of the work was to study the modern process of soil pollution in the city of Astrakhan with lead. The main task of the work was to determine the degree of exceeding the hygienic standards of the maximum permissible concentration of lead in soil samples. The work involved the methods of geographical and ecological research. The collection of soil samples was carried out, followed by determination in a certified laboratory of the concentration of a substance in each of the soil samples. In the course of the work, the indicators of exceeding the maximum permissible concentration of lead in the soil of Astrakhan were determined and the presumptive sources of pollution were identified. Under the conditions of the urban environment, under the influence of anthropogenic and technogenic processes, a significant change in the composition of the soil cover occurs. One of the processes that significantly affect the soil cover of the city is the process of soil pollution with heavy metals. The term heavy metals, as a rule, means metals (lead, zinc, chromium, mercury and others) that are found in various components of the natural environment and systems of anthropogenic and technogenic origin. Heavy metals are bio-chemically active and highly toxic. These substances are characterized by the ability to accumulate in the body of living beings and have a negative effect on them. The concentration of heavy metals in the soil of an urbanized area poses a significant danger to the urban population. The process of pollution of the soil cover of the city with heavy metals is associated with a large number of technogenic sources, which include energy and industrial facilities, systems for providing the city's infrastructure, zones of construction activities and storage of materials or waste. Lead «Plumbum - Pb» is one of the main pollutants of urban soil with highly toxic properties and belonging to the group of heavy metals. The article describes the results of a study of the current lead content in the soil of the city of Astrakhan conducted in 2020.
SOIL AS A MAIN GEOECOLOGICAL FACTOR FORMING LANDSCAPES
Authors:   Astrakhan State University, ELENA M. STOLYAROVA , GERMAN V. VAYCHULIS ,   Astrakhan State University
Published: October 2021

The relevance of the work. At the moment, a stable trend has formed in soil science, according to which the soil is considered and recognized not only as a result that was achieved as a result of the process of soil formation, but also simultaneously as a multifunctional natural structure, which is of colossal importance in terms of the formation of existing landscapes and newly formed and the proper functioning of the ecosystem as such. Purpose of work. Comprehensive and complete analysis of soil as the main geoecological factor shaping landscapes. Methodology of work. Analysis of scientific literature on this topic, synthesis, system-structural method. Method of comparative analysis. Results of work. The article discusses the main ecological functions of soils: global (atmospheric, hydrospheric, lithospheric, general biosphere) and biogeocenotic (ecosystem). The most important biogeocenotic functions of soils are determined by the physical, physicochemical, and chemical properties of soils. It is noted that the physical properties of soils determine such functions as habitat, living space of soil organisms and plants; chemical properties as a source of nutrients and energy; physicochemical properties such as sorption of mineral and organic substances, microorganisms, enzymes, water. Soils in biogeocenoses also perform informational functions, the functions of preserving and maintaining biodiversity, sanitary, etc. Conclusions. Consideration of various categories of soil functions in the system of its biogeocenotic, landscape and biospheric interactions allows us to conclude that the ecological multifunctionality of the soil is its fundamental feature.
GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE OF THE SURFACE OF THE PALEOZOIC FOLDED BASE OF THE WEST OF THE TURAN PLATFORM
Authors:   Kuban State University, VASILY I. POPKOV
Published: October 2021

The surface of the folded base of the platforms is an important geological boundary separating rock complexes formed in different geodynamic settings and characterized by different physical properties, which largely determine the patterns of formation of minerals in them. Therefore, determining the depth of its occurrence and morphology is not only theoretical, but also practical. Despite many years of studying the foundation of the west of the Turan Platform, there is no unity among geologists and geophysicists in their ideas about its structure, depth of occurrence and surface structure. In this regard, the aim of the work is to build a structural map of the surface of the foundation of the west of the Turan plate, to identify the main tectonic structures and their morphology. The construction is based on a comprehensive analysis of drilling materials and geophysical data. When drawing up the structural map, all the currently available geological and geophysical material was used, including data from drilling, gravity and magnetic surveys, and seismic surveys of various modifications, which made it possible to perform fairly detailed and reliable constructions. The article provides a detailed description of the surface structure of the folded base of the west Turan platform. The obtained results can be used in solving the issues of oil and gas potential of the studied territory. The folded base of the western Turan plate is a heterogeneous and heterochronous formation, differentiated by the depth of occurrence, which allows for morphostructural zoning of its surface.
INTERCUTTING AND PLANNING OF NATURAL TECHNOGENIC AND GEOGRAPHICAL TERRITORIES WHEN PLACING LINEAR FACILITIES
Authors:   Rostov State Transport University, GALINA V. KOLOSHINA , OLGA N. SOBOLEVA ,   Rostov State Transport University, SVETLANA E. TURCHIK ,   Rostov State Transport University
Published: October 2021

One of the key problems of territorial delimitation of linear facilities is the presence of a large number of legal acts that regulate certain types of linear facilities. Besides, there is inconsistency of general and special legislation. We strongly believe that when defining a linear facility, it is necessary to take into account the industry specificity of such objects, as well as the presence of natural and technogenic areas, which are an integral part of the technological process of using these facilities. The findings of the study demonstrate that features of a linear facility are reflected in the content and procedure for preparing design documentation for such an object.
Prospective approaches to predictive modeling of degradation processes of track superstructure elements and its application in creating digital twins
Authors: Syslov O. A. , Fedorova V. I.
Published: October 2021

It’s impossible to use digital technologies without using the amount of information coming from various systems designed to manage the transportation process and plan its work, taking into account modern economic requirements and resource constraints. Digital twins are currently the most promising tool for solving the problems of managing technically rich multi-level assets, which include railway transport. The track facilities are one of the most expensive assets, and the issues of organizing the management of the maintenance of the railway track are very acute, since they are directly related to the safety of train traffic, therefore, the development of a digital twin of the railway track is a priority task for track science. A digital twin of a railway track should contain elements of BigData technology in the form of arrays of diagnostic data coming online from mobile and stationary diagnostic tools, an array of passport data about the track device, as well as a set of models that can convert this data into matrices “state — action”, suitable for making organizational and technical decisions on the management of the track complex, starting from the level of linear enterprises and ending with network tasks. The article presents models that can be taken as a foundation for building digital twins of a railway track. The results of verification and approbation of the proposed models in the “Neyroekspert-Put’” software package are also presented.
La reforma agraria del Frente Nacional
Authors:   Universidad de Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano, Villamil Chaux Carlos
Published: October 2021

Muchos analistas creían, cuando se aprobó la Ley 135 de 1961, que la mala distribución de la tierra tenía efectos muy negativos sobre el crecimiento y sobre la tranquilidad del país. Para ellos, los problemas agrarios estaban en la base de los conflictos sociales y de la consiguiente violencia. En los años sesenta la reforma agraria se planteó como un objetivo que compartían personas con visiones muy diferentes: algunas de izquierda que buscaban equidad, y otras que consideraban que era importante hacerla para promover el bienestar y el progreso económico. Por otra parte, es de suponer que la mayoría de los pequeños labriegos estaban interesados, en un país campesino como era Colombia en ese entonces, en que se adelantara una reforma que les diera acceso a la tierra que trabajaban. Además, se contaba con el apoyo de EE. UU., a través de su programa Alianza para el Progreso, propiciado por la AID. Sin embargo, vistos los resultados, no fue mucho lo que se logró. ¿Cuál fue la causa de que un programa, con tanto apoyo aparente, no avanzara como se esperaba?
De Triumphus Stultitiae van Faustinus Perisauli en de Laus Stultitiae van Erasmus
Authors: IJsewijn J. , IJsewijn-Jacobs J.
Published: October 2021

Anno 1963 Albertus Viviani et Ianninus Fabbri Florentiae carmen ediderunt DE TRIUMPHO STULTITIAE,cuius est auctor Faustinus Perisaulus Tradotianus, sacerdos Ariminensis, Erasmi aetate aequalis. Editores persuasum habent Erasmumhoc carmine usum esse ad conscribendam Stultitiae Laudem. At eorum demonstratio incredibilibus scatet erroribus. Hac autemcommentatione demonstraturi sumus Faustinum revera Erasmo usum esse ad quasdam saltem partes sui carminis componendas,praefationem nempe ad primum librum totumque librum alterum.Pleniorem utriusque operis aliorumque eiusdem generis comparationem parat discipulus noster Carolus De Graeve. Quod studiumintra paucos annos editum iri speramus una cum nova et accuratiore editione operum Latinorum Perisauli libris cum impressiscum manu scriptis traditorum.
Algorithm Change Protocols in the Regulation of Adaptive Machine Learning–Based Medical Devices
Authors: Gilbert Stephen , Fenech Matthew , Hirsch Martin , Upadhyay Shubhanan , Biasiucci Andrea , Starlinger Johannes
Published: October 2021

One of the greatest strengths of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) approaches in health care is that their performance can be continually improved based on updates from automated learning from data. However, health care ML models are currently essentially regulated under provisions that were developed for an earlier age of slowly updated medical devices—requiring major documentation reshape and revalidation with every major update of the model generated by the ML algorithm. This creates minor problems for models that will be retrained and updated only occasionally, but major problems for models that will learn from data in real time or near real time. Regulators have announced action plans for fundamental changes in regulatory approaches. In this Viewpoint, we examine the current regulatory frameworks and developments in this domain. The status quo and recent developments are reviewed, and we argue that these innovative approaches to health care need matching innovative approaches to regulation and that these approaches will bring benefits for patients. International perspectives from the World Health Organization, and the Food and Drug Administration’s proposed approach, based around oversight of tool developers’ quality management systems and defined algorithm change protocols, offer a much-needed paradigm shift, and strive for a balanced approach to enabling rapid improvements in health care through AI innovation while simultaneously ensuring patient safety. The draft European Union (EU) regulatory framework indicates similar approaches, but no detail has yet been provided on how algorithm change protocols will be implemented in the EU. We argue that detail must be provided, and we describe how this could be done in a manner that would allow the full benefits of AI/ML-based innovation for EU patients and health care systems to be realized.
A Chatbot to Engage Parents of Preterm and Term Infants on Parental Stress, Parental Sleep, and Infant Feeding: Usability and Feasibility Study (Preprint)
Authors: Wong Jill , Foussat Agathe C , Ting Steven , Acerbi Enzo , van Elburg Ruurd M , Mei Chien Chua
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Parents commonly experience anxiety, worry, and psychological distress in caring for newborn infants, particularly those born preterm. Web-based therapist services may offer greater accessibility and timely psychological support for parents but are nevertheless labor intensive due to their interactive nature. Chatbots that simulate humanlike conversations show promise for such interactive applications.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to explore the usability and feasibility of chatbot technology for gathering real-life conversation data on stress, sleep, and infant feeding from parents with newborn infants and to investigate differences between the experiences of parents with preterm and term infants.

METHODS

Parents aged ≥21 years with infants aged ≤6 months were enrolled from November 2018 to March 2019. Three chatbot scripts (stress, sleep, feeding) were developed to capture conversations with parents via their mobile devices. Parents completed a chatbot usability questionnaire upon study completion. Responses to closed-ended questions and manually coded open-ended responses were summarized descriptively. Open-ended responses were analyzed using the latent Dirichlet allocation method to uncover semantic topics.

RESULTS

Of 45 enrolled participants (20 preterm, 25 term), 26 completed the study. Parents rated the chatbot as “easy” to use (mean 4.08, SD 0.74; 1=very difficult, 5=very easy) and were “satisfied” (mean 3.81, SD 0.90; 1=very dissatisfied, 5 very satisfied). Of 45 enrolled parents, those with preterm infants reported emotional stress more frequently than did parents of term infants (33 vs 24 occasions). Parents generally reported satisfactory sleep quality. The preterm group reported feeding problems more frequently than did the term group (8 vs 2 occasions).
In stress domain conversations, topics linked to “discomfort” and “tiredness” were more prevalent in preterm group conversations, whereas the topic of “positive feelings” occurred more frequently in the term group conversations. Interestingly, feeding-related topics dominated the content of sleep domain conversations, suggesting that frequent or irregular feeding may affect parents’ ability to get adequate sleep or rest.

CONCLUSIONS

The chatbot was successfully used to collect real-time conversation data on stress, sleep, and infant feeding from a group of 45 parents. In their chatbot conversations, term group parents frequently expressed positive emotions, whereas preterm group parents frequently expressed physical discomfort and tiredness, as well as emotional stress. Overall, parents who completed the study gave positive feedback on their user experience with the chatbot as a tool to express their thoughts and concerns.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03630679; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03630679
Suggestions to the article: Overview of Graves Ophthalmopathy Literature From 1999 to 2019: Bibliometric Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Lin Ju-Kuo , Chien Tsair-wei , Chou Willy , Chou Willy
Published: October 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

The article published on 28 September 2018 is well-written and of interest, but remains several questions that are required for clarifications, such as (1) the number of publications for each year should be noted at the bottom of Figure 1 so that any reader who is interested in reproducing the exponential growth curve(EGC) can compare them each other; (2) the node size in Figure 2 representing the number of author outputs, with larger size indicating more outputs, should be further clarified about the meaning in social network analysis(SNA); and (3) the burst strength and the corresponding temporal bar graphs(TBG) for keywords and citation references in Figures 7 and 9 requires further interpretations. We listed suggestions and references to the article for improvement made in the future relevant studies, including (1)the inflection point(IP) on the EGC; (2) the node size in Figure 2 should equal the weighted publication in comparison to other nodes in the network; and (3) the improved TBG combined with IP and burst strength using the bar size to represent is demonstrated. The three improved visualization of EGC, SNA, and TBG were suggested to the article and the future studies with deeper insights into the bibliometric analysis and make the data easier and clearer to understand.
Viability of an Early Sleep Intervention to Mitigate Poor Sleep and Improve Well-being in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Protocol for a Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: O'Hora Kathleen Patricia , Osorno Raquel A , Sadeghi-Bahmani Dena , Lopez Mateo , Morehouse Allison , Kim Jane P , Manber Rachel , Goldstein-Piekarski Andrea N
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to drastic increases in the prevalence and severity of insomnia symptoms. These increases in insomnia complaints have been paralleled by significant decreases in well-being, including increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidality and decreased quality of life. However, the efficacy and impact of early treatment of insomnia symptoms on future sleep and well-being remain unknown.

OBJECTIVE

Here, we present the framework and protocol for a novel feasibility, pilot study that aims to investigate whether a brief telehealth insomnia intervention targeting new insomnia that developed during the pandemic prevents deterioration of well-being, including symptoms of insomnia, depression, anxiety, suicidality, and quality of life.

METHODS

The protocol details a 2-arm randomized controlled feasibility trial to investigate the efficacy of a brief, telehealth-delivered, early treatment of insomnia and evaluate its potential to prevent deterioration of well-being. Participants with clinically significant insomnia symptoms that began during the pandemic were randomized to either a treatment group or a 28-week waitlist control group. Treatment consists of 4 telehealth sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) delivered over 5 weeks. All participants will complete assessments of insomnia symptom severity, well-being, and daily habits checklist at baseline (week 0) and at weeks 1-6, 12, 28, and 56.

RESULTS

The trial began enrollment on June 3, 2020 and closed enrollment on June 17, 2021. As of October 2021, 49 participants had been randomized to either immediate treatment or a 28-week waitlist; 23 participants were still active in the protocol.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this protocol would represent the first study to test an early sleep intervention for improving insomnia that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of this feasibility study could provide information about the utility of CBT-I for symptoms that emerge in the context of other stressors before they develop a chronic course and deepen understanding of the relationship between sleep and well-being.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04409743; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04409743

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/34409
Une statue à Divicot
Authors: Roorda Henri
Published: October 2021

Dans cette chronique de 1920, Roorda donne libre cours à ses convictions pacifistes à partir de la figure de Divico, personnage de l’ancienne Helvétie nimbé de légende, dont il suggère ironiquement qu’il soit statufié pour être déclaré héros national et alimenter ainsi les sentiments guerriers chez les Suisses.

Keywords : Henri Roorda, guerre, pacifisme, Suisse, Divico, Charles Gleyre, Giovanni Giolitti.
Max Stirner et Henri Roorda sur l’éducation : éloge de l’indocilité
Authors: L’Aminot Tanguy
Published: October 2021

Le premier texte que publie Roorda sous son nom, en 1898, s’intitule « L’École ou l’apprentissage de la docilité ». Le thème s’inscrit dans la critique anarchiste du pouvoir et trouve chez Max Stirner un précurseur. Celui-ci, dans Le Faux Principe de notre éducation notamment, a critiqué fortement le système scolaire et s’oppose à la soumission de l’enfant qui anticipe celle de l’adulte, en appelant à l’insoumission des enfants contre le maître. L’article examine donc successivement ce que chacun des deux auteurs dit à ce propos, puis propose une illustration du thème à travers plusieurs livres et films des années 1950 à 1970 : La Guerre des boutons et La Foire aux cancres, St Trinian’s et if….

Keywords : Henri Roorda, Max Stirner, éducation, indocilité, Louis Pergaud, cinéma, St Trinian’s, if….
Tradición poética y variante humana en "El rayo que no cesa", de Miguel Hernández: metáforas de lo invisible
Authors: Ferris José Luis
Published: October 2021

El rayo que no cesa, segunda obra publicada de Miguel Hernández, ha sido sometida durante décadas a numerosos estudios críticos que han tratado de desentrañar el carácter clásico y vanguardista de esta obra, sus precedentes en la poesía áurea y moderna, tanto en forma como en contenido. Sin embargo, el ingrediente biográfico, determinante en la poesía de Hernández –en él es imposible deslindar vida y obra–, se ha mantenido al margen de estas consideraciones. El presente trabajo trata de aportar a los tradicionales estudios la variante humana apoyándose en nuevos y contrastados datos biográficos que desde 2002 forman parte de una investigación personal. El objetivo es sumar, a los conocimientos filológicos, una visión iluminadora de las circunstancias que motivaron El rayo que no cesa.

Keywords: poesía, Hernández, soneto, amor, petrarquismo, símbolo.
Real-world treatment patterns and outcomes in platinum-sensitive recurrent high-grade serous ovarian cancer patients
Authors: Moya-Alarcón Carlota , Piera Guiomar , Callejo Ángel , Gascó Amaya
Published: October 2021

Aim:
To describe the overall cancer-related healthcare utilization patterns, treatment patterns and outcomes in women diagnosed with platinum-sensitive recurrent high-grade serous ovarian cancer.
Patients & methods:
Subanalysis of the Spanish sample of a retrospective, noninterventional, multinational, observational study.
Results:
BRCA
-mutated patients had better outcomes in terms of progression-free survival and overall survival than patients who were
BRCA
wild-type. It was observed that patients’ treatment outcomes after the first recurrence progressively worsened as the patient underwent subsequent chemotherapy lines. Healthcare resource utilization when accounting for the follow-up time did not substantially differ between
BRCA1
/
2
-mutated and
BRCA
wild-type patients.
Conclusion:
BRCA1/2
mutation carriers have better treatment outcomes, including longer survival, without a negative impact on the use of healthcare resources.
Utility of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration values and Antibiotyping for Epidemiological study of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Devhare Deepa
Published: October 2021

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) have emerged as an important nosocomial infection. Three important vancomycin resistance types namely, VanA, VanB, VanC are very commonly found in enterococci. VanA and VanB are plasmid-encoded, transferable types of resistance and VanC is chromosomally mediated nontransferable resistance. So for infection control purpose, it is important to know the type of vancomycin resistance to prevent the spread of drug resistance. Enterococci isolated from clinical samples were tested for vancomycin resistance by disc diffusion and macro broth dilution (MIC) method. Vancomycin resistance gene was detected by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Antimicrobial susceptibility for penicillin, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, high-level gentamicin, nitrofurantoin, tetracycline, teicoplanin and linezolid was performed by disc diffusion method. Antibiotyping of VRE strains was done based on their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. Over a period of one year out of 246 clinical isolates of enterococci, seven (2.8%) isolates showed vancomycin resistance. Based on MICs and PCR, all the isolates demonstrated VanA type of resistance. Analysis of antibiogram showed three different antibiotype patterns for VRE labelled as 1,2,3. The majority of VRE isolates (72%) belonged to “Pattern 1”. Also clustering of cases of “Pattern 1” was observed in medicine ICU and medicine ward. These areas were identified as a potential reservoir for VRE infection and appropriate infection control measures were taken to curtail the spread of infection. The present study recommends a macro broth dilution method for detection of the type of vancomycin resistance in enterococci and “antibiotyping” as a basic typing method for VRE in resource-poor health care settings specifically in outbreak situations.
A Study on Prevalence and Characterization of Candida Species in Immunocompromised Patients
Authors: Nandini Dhanapal , Manonmoney J. , Lavanya J. , Leela K.V. , Sujith
Published: October 2021

Candida spp. is one among the major causes of nosocomial infection, with candidemia gaining increasing prevalence worldwide in parallel with mortality rates ranging from 10-49%. Epidemiology and predisposing factors of candidemia have changed since the number of patients receiving transplants and immunosuppressive therapy, the use of broadspectrum antimicrobials, and the number of AIDS patients have increased. Candidemia is more common among patients with subcutaneous and cutaneous candida infections, through percutaneous inoculation. Major predisposing factors for invasive candidiasis includes neutropenia, haematological malignancies, bone marrow transplantation, total parenteral nutrition, chemotherapy, invasive procedures, and immune-suppressive agents. This study analyses the risk factors of immunocompromised patients with candidemia and antibiogram of Candida spp. isolated from ICU patients. To evaluate the prevalence, distribution and antibiogram of Candida spp., associated risk factors, and outcome in candidemia patients. Blood samples received from patients with clinically suspected fungal infections were subjected to gram staining, culture, sugar assimilation & fermentation, Candida Chrome agar (CCA) & Corn meal agar for identification and speciation. Antifungal susceptibility tests were performed by disk-diffusion tests. Among a total of 337 samples received, 22 (6.5%) samples were positive for candida infections, of which Candida tropicalis 9 (41%) was the predominant isolate followed by C. albicans 5 (23%), Candida glabrata 4 (18%), Candida parapsilosis 2 (9%) and Candida krusei 2 (9%). Male patients had a higher prevalence of candidemia 15 (68.2%). Among the age group of 51-70 years, uncontrolled DM(Diabetes mellitus) and CKD (chronic kidney disease) were found to be the predominant co-morbidities with candidemia.
Predisposition of Blood group Non-secretors to Urinary tract infection with Escherichia coli Anti-microbial Resistance and Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Thiagarajan Shanmugapriya , Stephen Selvaraj , Kanagamuthu Sarangapani , Ambroise Stanley , Viswanathan Pragasam , Chinnakali Palanivel , Ganesh Rajesh Nachiappa
Published: October 2021

Urinary tract infection (UTI) causes significant renal damage and disease severity is compounded by antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and other comorbidities in the patient. Blood group antigens secreted in body fluids (secretor status) are known to play a role in bacterial adhesion and we studied its influence on AMR in UTI. A total of 2758 patients with UTI were studied with urine culture, qualitative and semiquantitative urine microscopy, serum creatinine and secretor status in saliva samples by adsorption-inhibition method. Of these, AMR from 300 patients with E. coli infection were assessed as per CLSI 2019 guidelines and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) genes (bla TEM, bla CTX-M, bla SHV) and NDM1 genes were studied using TaqMan probes in Real-time polymerase chain reaction. Patients with UTI were followed up for two weeks. Female patients had higher predilection (57%) for E. coli infection while patients with diabetes or non-secretors had none. In our study, ESBL producers were seen in 62% of the E. coli isolates and fosfomycin had 100% susceptibility. Non-secretors were significantly associated with acute kidney injury (AKI), AMR and ESBL genes. Multidrug-resistance (MDR) was noted in 127/160 (79.4%) ESBL and 17/18 (94%) NDM1 gene encoding strains. Quantitative urine microscopy scoring predicted AKI both at presentation and at end of follow up. ESBL producers were common in our study population and non-secretors had a significant association with AMR genes. Urine microscopy scoring system may be a useful tool to predict AKI in patients with UTI.
The Attractant Bioactivity Test of Semi-Polar Fraction of the Datuan Stem Bark (Ficus vasculosa Wall. Ex Miq) against Warehouse Pest (Sitophilus oryzae L.)
Authors: Bahri Syaiful , Ambarwati Yuli , Marlina Lina , Fitriani Vera , Hadi Sutopo
Published: October 2021

Bioactive isolation was performed on the stem bark of Datuan (Ficus vasculosa Wall. Ex Miq), and extraction was carried out via the maceration method using acetone as a solvent. Furthermore, an attractant bioactivity test was conducted on acetone extract, A-G fraction, and composition of the isolates. The separation and purification via column chromatography produced a D8.3.5.7 fraction in the form of needle crystal of about 50 mg, at a melting point of 136°C–138.7°C. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) analysis showed a single spot at an Rf value of 0.57 (n-hexane eluent: ethyl acetate 7:3), 0.36 (DCM eluent), and 0.24 (CHCl3 eluent). The isolated compounds were identified using infrared and UV–Vis spectrophotometry, as well as mass spectrometry. The characterization of the infrared spectrum of the isolated compound showed a strong OH goo band at 3461 cm-1 region and the absorption band at 2936.25 cm-1 exhibited a stretch of CH alkanes. These two bands are supported by the vibration at 1378.47 and 1462.55 cm-1 for CH absorption of methyl and methylene. The absorption band in the 1622 cm-1 region showed a stretch of conjugated C=C double bond, which is supported by absorption at 918.96 and 966.22 cm-1 as C–H alkene. The UV–Vis spectrophotometry showed absorption at λmax 263.97 nm A = 0.483, which was the result of electronic transition π → π*, and at λ 331.0 nm A = 0.274, which was an electronic result of n → π*. Meanwhile, identification via mass spectrometry that produces isolate has a molecular weight of 414.1 m/e with the formula C29H50O. Therefore, the bioactivity test results on compound D8.3.5.7 had an attractant activity of 71.67% against warehouse pests (Sitophilus oryzae L.) and an interest index of 0.63.
Notícia de Guillem Roca Sansaloni (1868-1894)
Authors:   Universitat de les Illes Balears, Pons Pons Damià
Published: October 2021

En el context d’una Mallorca que tot just estava iniciant el seu procés de modernització, Guillem Roca Sansaloni amb els seus articles va promoure la reforma urbana de la ciutat de Palma (descongestió de l’espai, introducció de mesures higièniques, instal·lació de monuments dedicats a personatges rellevants) i també la dignificació del teatre com a manifestació cultural. En concret, Roca fou l’autor dels primers escrits sobre Henrik Ibsen que es publicaren a la premsa mallorquina, va fer costat als autors d’orientació realista (Galdós) i va propugnar un canvi dràstic en els hàbits del públic que assistia a les funcions que es feien al Teatre Principal.
Diagnostic testing laboratories are valuable partners for disease gene discovery: 5-year experience with GeneMatcher
Authors: Towne Meghan , Rossi Mari , Wayburn Bess , Huang Jennifer , Radtke Kelly , Alcaraz Wendy , Farwell Kelly , Shinde Deepali
Published: October 2021

Clinical and research laboratories extensively use exome sequencing due
to its high diagnostic rates, cost savings, impact on clinical
management, and efficacy for disease gene discovery. While the rates of
disease gene discovery have steadily increased, only
~16% of genes in the genome have confirmed disease
associations. Here we describe our diagnostic laboratory’s disease gene
discovery and ongoing data-sharing efforts with GeneMatcher. In total,
we submitted 246 candidates from 243 unique genes to GeneMatcher, of
which 45.93% are now clinically characterized. Submissions with at
least one case meeting our candidate genes reporting criteria were
significantly more likely to be characterized as of October 2021
compared to genes with no candidates meeting our reporting criteria
(p=0.025). We reported relevant findings related to these gene-disease
associations for 480 probands. In 219 (45.63%) instances, these results
were reclassifications after an initial candidate gene (uncertain) or
negative report. Since 2013, we have co-authored 105 publications
focused on delineating gene-disease associations. Diagnostic
laboratories are pivotal for disease gene discovery efforts and can
screen phenotypes based on genotype matches, contact clinicians of
relevant cases, and issue proactive reclassification reports.
GeneMatcher is a critical resource in these efforts.
A rare etiology of persistent jaundice in type 1 autoimmune hepatitis
Authors:   Department of Medical Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, India, Kumar Budumuri Gautam V. , Sethy Purna Ch. ,   Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Thimphu, Bhutan, Gupta Rohit ,   Department of Medical Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, India
Published: October 2021

A 24-year-old male without previously known comorbidities presented with progressive jaundice and hepatomegaly. Autoimmune serology and liver biopsy revealed features of autoimmune hepatitis. A treatment by oral prednisolone and azathioprine was initiated, after which he achieved remission. However, hyperbilirubinemia persisted, with a predominantly unconjugated fraction. Hemolytic causes of unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia were ruled out, and the diagnosis of Gilbert syndrome was established.
Total occlusion of abdominal aorta: still a deadly event in the very elderly
Authors:   Department of Internal medicine, Hospital São Sebastião, Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal, Carneiro Gonçalo José Pereira , Martins Carla ,   Department of Internal medicine, Hospital São Sebastião, Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal
Published: October 2021

Total occlusion of the abdominal aorta is an uncommon but potentially devastating event. Clinical symptoms are usually sudden and may vary depending on the level of the aortic occlusion. Associated morbidity and mortality remain substantial with high rates of limb loss, acute renal failure, rhabdomyolysis, and death. We report a case of a bedridden 91-year-old woman with history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, anemia and dementia, carried to the emergency department because of bilateral lower limb pallor. She had been at the same department the week before because of the same problems and high blood pressure (BP), but had been discharged after administration of hypotensive drugs and a short period of observation. No attention was paid to those perfusion alterations, or the global picture at all. The physical examination revealed cooling of the lower limbs and significant BP differential between upper and lower limbs (ankle-brachial index of 0.173), leading to the suspicion of bilateral acute limb ischemia. Abdominal, pelvic and lower limb CT was conducted, revealing calcification and important atheromatosis of the thoracic-abdominal aorta and a mural thrombus beginning above the origin of the celiac trunk, with complete occlusion below the origin of the renal arteries. After discussion with Vascular Surgery Department, given the advanced age, known co-morbidities and the timing of diagnosis, the patient was considered not eligible for revascularization surgery and comfort measures were honored. This case highlights the importance of stablishing a timely and correct diagnosis, even in the very elderly, emphasizing that they too benefit from secondary and tertiary prophylaxis, in order to prevent devastating outcomes as this.
Advanced Manufacture by Screen Printing
Authors:   , Potts Sarah-Jane
Published: October 2021

Screen-printing is the most widely used process in printed electronics, due to its ability to transfer materials with a wide range of functional properties at high thickness and solid loading. However, the science of screen printing is still rooted in the graphics era, with limited understanding of the fundamental science behind the ink transfer process. A multifaceted approach encompassing all aspects of the production of printed electronics from ink formulation, through screen-printing and post processing was therefore undertaken. With a focus on carbon inks due to their electrical conductivity, low cost, inertness and ability to be modified or functionalised. Parametric studies found that with blade squeegees, lower angles and softer blades led to increases in ink deposition, irrespective of ink rheology. However, the effects of print speed and snap distance were related to the rheology of the inks. Existing computational models were inaccurate and based on two contrasting theories. Extensional CaBER testing provided qualitative indications of the effect of separation speed and distance on deposition. However, this could only assess the effect of vertical, 2-dimensional forces and could not evaluate the influence of shear forces due to separation angle or the effects of the screen mesh. For this purpose, a screen-printing visualisation rig was specifically constructed, allowing the ink transfer mechanism to be captured for the first time. This identified similarities with one of the two theories, although existing models had oversimplified the process and did not account for variations in lengths of the separation regions or the contact angle between the mesh and substrate. It was also found that changes in the ink rheology and parameter settings changes the lengths of these regions, as well as the shape and presence of filaments formed during separation. The parameters of print speed, snap distance, solid loading and ink rheology were assessed and found to affect the mesh/substrate contact time and filamentation behaviour. This had a quantifiable effect on ink deposition, in terms of the amount of ink transfer, roughness and therefore conductivity. Finally, photonic annealing and subsequent compression rolling were found to enhance the conductivity of carbon inks by removing binder between particles and consolidating the ink film, leading to 8 times reduction in resistivity for a graphite-based ink and halving in resistivity for an ink containing a combination of carbon black and graphite, where there was less potential for improvement due to the conductive bridges between the graphite flakes.
How is well-being in the information society introduced?
Authors: Halonen Raija , Cacace Mirella , Li Chenglong , Suomi Reima
Published: October 2021

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Agrupamientos poblacionales en Uruguay inferidos en base a la distribución de apellidos
Authors: Rodríguez-Larralde Alvaro , Dipierri José Edgardo , Alfaro Emma Laura , Sans Mónica
Published: October 2021

Recientemente publicamos el análisis de los apellidos del Padrón Electoral de 2010 de la República Oriental del Uruguay a través de distancias isonímicas, basado en sus 19 departamentos y las 171 comparaciones posibles entre estos, lo que mostró la forma-ción de dos grandes agrupamientos en el sur, y otros pocos vinculados en el norte y este. El objetivo del presente trabajo es detallar el análisis de las distancias isonímicas utilizando la distribución de apellidos, no a nivel departamental, sino de los 221 municipios en los cuales se divide el país. Se estimaron las distancias isonímicas entre ellos, tomados dos a dos (24.310 comparaciones), se construyeron las matrices de distancia correspondientes y se correlacionaron con las de distancias geográficas. La correlación fue mayor para la distancia euclídea (r=0,253±0,033), intermedia para la de Lasker (r=0,18±0,029) y menor para la de Nei (r=0,17±0,03), todas estadísticamente significativas (p<0,001). Se construyeron nuevos dendrogramas determinándose agrupamientos no identificados previamente. Se destaca cierta homogeneidad en el sur con las me-nores distancias, con 7 agrupamientos cercanos a  Montevideo. Al norte, con mayores distancias que denotan mayor heterogeneidad de apellidos, se identifican 8 agrupamientos. Se corrobora que el río Negro actuó como barrera geográfica, pero también se observan límites marcados por otros accidentes orográficos, hidrográficos, históricos y factores sociodemográficos no identificados en el análisis anterior. Por último, se resalta la utilidad del uso de apellidos para analizar la estructura poblacional, permitiendo el análisis global de la población de un país, en este caso, Uruguay.
Role of the Patient‘s Viewpoint in Health Technologies Assessment in Bulgaria
Authors: Georgieva C. , Yanakieva A.
Published: October 2021

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the role of the patient’s point of view when assessing health technologies as well as the patients’ willingness to participate in this process in our country.

Methods: A pilot study included 165 patients across Bulgaria recruited from December 2019 to March 2020. Appropriate descriptive and statistical methods were used.

Results: The patient’s point of view was an essential element in HTA. Patients in Bulgaria have the desire and willingness to share their personal experience with institutions, but insufficient knowledge of the process hinders their full participation in HTA. Our results showed that the need for higher awareness in the field and familiarity with HTA methodology are critical factors for the inclusion of patients in the HTA procedures in Bulgaria.

Conclusion: This study was one of the few ones focused on the impact of patient participation in HTA in Bulgaria. The patient’s role in the development of medical technology must be recognized and considered a critical factor in the future of HTA.
Informationisation construction of pharmacology continuing education – a case study on big data analysis of the aetiology of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Chen Qun , Wang Jie , Kateb Faris
Published: October 2021

The goal of promoting Information and Communication Technology of continuing education in colleges and universities is to standardise the process of teaching and scientific research, make the process more scientific and refined, so as to facilitate and improve the quality of teaching and scientific research, as well as professional disciplines. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease with chronic, symmetrical and non-specific inflammation of the synovium of the joints (subcutaneous nodules, pericarditis, pleurisy, pneumonia, peripheral neuritis etc.) as the main clinical manifestations. The analysis of pharmacological big data information helps to understand its aetiology and pathological mechanism, which is complex and involves various pathogenic factors.