bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A genomic autopsy identifies causes of perinatal death and provides options to prevent recurrence
Authors: Scott Hamish , Byrne Alicia , Arts Peer , Ha Thuong , Kassahn Karin , Pais Lynn , O’Donnell-Luria Anne , Babic Milena , Frank Mahalia , Feng Jinghhua , Wang Paul , Lawrence David , Eshraghi Leila , Arriola Luis , Toubia John , Nguyen Hung , Network Genomic Autopsy Study Research , McGillivray George , Pinner Jason , McKenzie Fiona , Morrow Rebecca , Lipsett Jillian , Manton Nick , Khong T , Moore Lynette , Liebelt Jan , Schreiber Andreas , King-Smith Sarah , Hardy Tristan , Jackson Matilda , Barnett Christopher
Published: January 2022

Perinatal death, of a fetus or newborn, is a devastating event for families. Following nationwide multicentre recruitment, we assessed ‘genomic autopsy’ as an adjunct to standard autopsy for 200 families who experienced perinatal death, and provided a definite or candidate genetic diagnosis in 105 families. From this understudied cohort, half of the (candidate) diagnoses were phenotype expansions or novel disease genes, revealing previously unknown in-utero presentations of existing developmental disorders, and genomic disorders that are likely incompatible with life. Among the definite diagnoses, 43% were recessively or dominantly inherited, posing a 25% or 50% recurrence risk for future pregnancies. Ten families used their diagnosis for preimplantation or prenatal diagnosis of 12 pregnancies, facilitating the delivery of ten healthy newborns and management of two affected pregnancies. We emphasize the clinical importance of genomic investigations of perinatal death, with short turn-around times, enabling accurate counselling and options for families to prevent recurrence.
A Case of Rhino-Orbital Cerebral Mucormycosis presenting with spontaneous Cerebrospinal fluid Rhinorrhoea
Authors: Verma Rajesh , Chakraborty Rajarshi , DB Keerthiraj
Published: January 2022

Rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis has increased in the recent second wave of post-Covid-19 illness, mainly in tropical countries like India. The burden of diabetes mellitus and rampant use of corticosteroid, environmental factors, post-covid-19 immunological derangement might be contributory factors to the development of extensive outbreak of ROCM. Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea is rarely documented with such fungal infection in literature. This case report described a 45-year diabetic woman in the post-Covid-19 phase,who developed rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis, presenting with spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea.
Estimation of Nutrient Loads With the Use of Mass-balance and Modelling Approaches on the Wełna River Catchment Example (Central Poland)
Authors: Bojanowski Damian , Orlińska-Woźniak Paulina , Wilk Paweł , Szalińska Ewa
Published: January 2022

Nitrogen and phosphorus budgeting is considered to be a useful tool for policy makers and stakeholders when dealing with nutrient contamination issues. Although a variety of budgeting approaches have been employed in countries affected by this problem, the direct comparison of possible options for the same area is quite limited. The current study offers a detailed insight into the estimations of nutrient loads and their distribution between different sources for a middle-sized agricultural catchment, with the use of two approaches: mass balance method and SWAT modelling. As a result of their comparison, both methods revealed similar contributions of analysed nutrient sources, although the absolute loads were heterogeneous, which stems from drawbacks related to the quality of the monitoring data, the performance of the model and omission of some catchment processes. However, in light of the performed comparison, we suggest a hybrid solution, combining the best features of both approaches.
SARS-CoV-2 variants genome analysis of Indonesian isolates and their responses to available vaccines
Authors: Yurico Dyana , Jeremy Michael , Shaikho Nasser Mohamed Ghassan Mohamed Adnan , Audah Kholis Abdurachim
Published: January 2022

Background
SARS-CoV-2 is a virus that initially appeared in Wuhan, China, at the end of 2019. Since then, the virus has spread until to almost all countries resulting in a global pandemic. Over time, this virus continues to mutate and produce several other variants. In Indonesia, there are multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2 identified, as well as various local variants that are not yet considered to be ‘variants of concern’. Therefore, this investigation is intended to understand the prevalence and epidemiology of the virus, along with detecting the mutations that occur in genes associated with whole-genome-sequences (WGS) isolated in Indonesia.
Result
Analyses were performed to investigate SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in Indonesia using data obtained from GISAID.org. A whole-genome sequencing was performed on the random samples taken from GISAID.org utilizing the BLAST tool from NCBI. The variants identified in Indonesia are Alpha, Beta and Delta variants, as well as local variants B.1.470 and B.1.466.2. As of the end of November, it was found that there are a total of 5.348 cases of the Delta, 78 cases of the Alpha, 22 cases of the Beta, 572 cases of the local variant B.1.470, and 1.833 cases of the local variant B.1.466.2. Other cases include 219 cases of local variant B.1.1.398, 160 cases of local variant B.1.459 and 1.028 cases of the wild type. In total there are 9.260 isolated genomes collected in GISAID that are located in Indonesia. Using BLAST, WGS of Alpha, Delta, Beta, B.1.470 and B.1.466.2 variants isolated in Indonesia was compared with the wild type from Wuhan NC.045512.2. It was found that multiple mutations have occurred in the samples. The mutations identified as are H69del, V70I, N501Y, D614G, A570D, P681H, T716I, S982A, and D1118H in the Alpha variant, T19R, L452R, T478K, D614G, and D950N in the Delta variant, D215G, D614G, A701V, L241-, L242-, K417N in the Beta variant, D614G, L242F, and S12F in the B.1.470 variant and D614G, N439K, and P681R in the B.1.466.2 variant. These mutations had caused alterations in the characteristics of the virus and how it may affect vaccine efficacy.
Conclusions
The results from whole-genome sequencing of variants isolated in Indonesia have found that multiple mutations have occurred in genes of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus and it caused alterations in the characteristics of the virus and may affect vaccine efficacy. It should be noted that classification from the GISAID website may change overtime. The result in this paper is based on the data taken at the end of November.
Substituent Effect on AIE Mechanism of Two Coumarin Derivatives: Uncommon TICT Fluorescence in Aggregation State
Authors: Li Qiao , Zhao Yang , Niu Zhigang , Wang Enju
Published: January 2022

Two coumarin derivatives, 7-diethylamino-3-(4-nitrophenyl)coumarin (DNC) and 7-hydroxy-3-(4-nitrophenyl)coumarin (HNC), were synthesized via Knoevenagel condensation of salicylaldehyde derivatives with 4-nitrophenylacetonitrile and then cyclization reaction. Both of them were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The molecules of DNC are stacked via π-π interaction, while the hydrogen bond interactions instead of π-π interaction were observed in the crystal packing of HNC. Both of DNC and HNC showed solvatochromic properties and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) activities, but the AIE characteristics of them were entirely different. HNC exhibited an AIE phenomenon as the result of the restriction of twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT), while DNC emited peculiar dual fluorescence which was assigned to the emission based on the inhibition of TICT state formation and the emission from the TICT state respectively.
An Original Approach to Measure Ligand/receptor Binding Affinity in Non-purified Samples
Authors: Rascol Estelle , Dufourquet Anouk , Baccouch Rim , Soule Pierre , Alves Isabel
Published: January 2022

Several biochemical and biophysical methods are available to determine dissociation constants between a biological target and its ligands. Most of them require purification, labelling or surface immobilisation. However, these measurements remain challenging concerning membrane proteins because purification requires their extraction from the native lipid environment using different approaches, a process that may impact receptor conformation and functionality. We have developed a novel experimental procedure to determine binding affinities of a ligand to a membrane protein, the dopamine D2 receptor (D2R), directly from cell membrane fragments, using microscale thermophoresis (MST). Two main challenges had to be overcome: to determine the concentration of dopamine D2R in the crude sample; to find ways to minimize or account for non-specific binding of the ligand to cell fragments. Using MST, we were able to determine the D2R concentration in cell membrane fragments to be about 36.8 ± 2.6 pmol/mg. Then titration curves allowed the determination of a KD about 5.3 ± 1.7 nM, that is very close to the reported value. Important details of the experimental procedure are detailed to allow the transposition of this novel method to various membrane proteins.
Choroidal Thickness and Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor in Tears Improve the Prediction Model for Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Romero-Trevejo Jose Lorenzo , Fernandez-Romero Lourdes , Delgado Josue , Muñoz-Garcia Erika , Sanchez-Perez Andres , Gutierrez-Bedmar Mario , Jimenez-Navarro Manuel Francisco
Published: January 2022

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) detection in asymptomatic patients still remains controversial. The aim of our study was to evaluate the usefulness of ophthalmologic findings as predictors of the presence of CAD when added to cardiovascular classic risk factors (CRF) in patients with acute coronary cardiopathy suspicion. Methods: After clinical stabilization, 96 patients with acute coronary cardiopathy suspicion were selected and divided in two groups: 69 patients with coronary lesions and 27 patients without coronary lesions. Their 192 eyes were subjected to a complete routine ophthalmologic examination. Samples of tear fluid were also collected to be used in the detection of cytokines and inflammatory mediators. Logistic regression models, receiver operating characteristic curves and their area under the curve (AUC) were analysed. Results: Suggestive predictors were choroidal thickness (CT) (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.03) and tear granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95-0.99). We obtained an AUC of 0.9646 (95% CI: 0.928-0.999) when CT and tear G-CSF were added as independent variables to the logistic regression model with cardiovascular CRF: sex, age, diabetes, high blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, smoking habit and obesity. This AUC was significantly higher (p=0.003) than the prediction derived from the same logistic regression model without CT and tear G-CSF (AUC=0.828, 95% CI: 0.729-0.927). Conclusions: CT and tear G-CSF improved the predictive model for CAD when added to cardiovascular CRF in our sample of symptomatic patients. Subsequent studies are needed for validation of these findings in asymptomatic patients.
Three-dimensional Digital Anatomical Measurement of Modified Sacroiliac Screws
Authors: Wang Tingguang , Zhao Bei , Yan Jun , Wang Jia , Chen Chong , Mu Weidong
Published: January 2022

Purpose To rebuild a model of the pelvis and effectively simulate the trajectory of modified sacroiliac screws, we measured the parameters of each screw and screw channel and assessed the safety and feasibility of the parameters in adults.Method and materials One hundred (50 males and 50 females) normal adult pelvic CT (computed tomography) images were randomly selected and imported into Mimics software to rebuild the three-dimensional pelvis model. In these models, each ideal channel of modified screws was simulated, and then we obtained the precise parameters of screws and channels using Mimics and Three-matic software.Results The results of the comparison (right vs. left) showed that there were no significant differences in any of the angles, radius or M1SI parameters (the first modified sacroiliac). However, one parameter (BS) of M2SI (the second modified sacroiliac), two parameters (AP and BS) of M3SI (the third modified sacroiliac), and three parameters (AP、BS、L) of M4SI (the fourth modified sacroiliac) were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The result of comparison (between genders) showed that there were no significant differences in M1SI and M2SI; in contrast, the radius, length and the α angle of M3SI and M4SI were significantly different between genders (P < 0.05), and the radius of M4SI required special attention. If the radius of the limiting screw channel was >3.50 mm, 52 cases (52%, 24 males and 28 females) could not complete the M4SI screw placement among 100 samples. If the radius of the limiting screw channel was >3.0 mm, a total of 10 cases (10%, 2 males and 8 females) could not complete the M4SI screw placement.Conclusion Through the measurement of 100 healthy adult real three-dimensional pelvic models, we obtained the parameters of each modified sacroiliac screw and measured the three angles of each screw based on international coordinates for the first time, which can instruct clinical application.
Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant for chrysanthemum stem and leaf in zebrafish inflammatory bowel disease model and identification of the bioactive compositions by UPLC-TQ/MS
Authors: Li yi , Liu Xiajin , Su Shulan , Yan Hui , Guo Sheng , Qian Dawei , Duan JinAo
Published: January 2022

Background

Modern studies have shown that chrysanthemum has anti-inflammatory, regulating intestinal function and other effects, chrysanthemum stem and leaf as a nonmedicinal part of chrysanthemum, has similar chemical components with

chrysanthemum, so it is speculated that chrysanthemum stem and leaf also has the effect of regulating intestinal inflammation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antiinflammatory and antioxidant effect of chrysanthemum stem and leaf extract through zebrafish inflammatory bowel disease model, and to detect flavonoids, phenolic acids and polysaccharides in chrysanthemum stem and leaf extract.

Methods

DSS induced inflammatory bowel disease model of zebrafish was used.

Aliciin blue staining was used to observe the secretion of intestinal acid mucin, and H&E staining was used to detect the inflammatory cell infiltration. Superoxide dismutase activity was determined by kit, and the expression levels of key inflammatory cytokines IL-1 β , IL8 and MMP9 were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, UPLC-TQ /MS method was used to detect the contents of flavonoids and phenolic acids in chrysanthemum stem and leaf extracts. Neutral and acidic polysaccharides were determined by the phenol-sulfuric acid method and the carbazol-sulfuric acid method.

Results

H&E staining showed that extracts from chrysanthemum stem and leaf inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration to varying degrees. The expressions of inflammatory cytokines IL-1 β , IL8 and MMP9 were significantly increased in DSS induced zebrafish. The extracts inhibited the expression of IL-1 β , IL8 and MMP9 in DSS induced zebrafish. The water extract 0.2mg/ mL and alcohol extract 0.04mg/ mL had the most significant inhibition. Superoxide dismutase activity in extract treatment group was also up-regulated compared with model group. The results showed that the contents of total flavonoids and phenolic acids in the alcohol extract of chrysanthemum stem and leaf were significantly higher than those in the water extract of chrysanthemum stem and leaf, but the water-soluble polysaccharides were significantly more in the water extract of chrysanthemum stem and leaf.

Conclusions

In conclusion, this study suggests that chrysanthemum stem and leaf extract can improve inflammatory bowel disease of zebrafish through antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities.
Bicuspid Aortic Valve Morphology And Hemodynamics By Same-Day Echocardiography And Cardiac MRI
Authors: Lee Jeesoo , Hangouche Nadia El , Pathrose Ashitha , Soulat Gilles , Barker Alex J. , Thomas James D. , Markl Michael
Published: January 2022

PURPOSE: This study investigated the impact of bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) on valve morphology and motion as well as proximal and aortic hemodynamics using a same-day echocardiography and cardiac MRI. METHODS: Transthoracic echocardiography, two-dimensional cine MRI of the aortic valve, and aortic 4D flow MRI were performed on the same day in 9 normofunctional BAV patients (age=41±12, 3 female), 4 BAV with moderate to severe aortic stenosis (AS) (age=63±5, 1 female), and 36 healthy tricuspid aortic valve controls (age=52±10, 21 female). Valve opening and closing timings and transvalvular peak velocity were measured using B-mode and Doppler echocardiogram, respectively. Valve orifice morphology at fully-opened state was characterized using cine MRI. Ascending aortic (AAo) wall shear stress (WSS) was measured using 4D flow MRI data. RESULTS: Valve motion timings were similar between BAV and controls. BAV was associated with increased orifice aspect ratio (1.44±0.11 vs. 1.10±0.13, P<0.001), transvalvular peak velocity (1.5±0.3 vs. 1.2±0.2 m/s, P<0.001) and maximum AAo WSS (1.62±0.31 vs. 0.91±0.24 Pa, P<0.001). Increased orifice aspect ratio was associated with the increase in transvalvular peak velocity (r=0.80, P < 0.0001) and maximum AAo WSS (r=0.83, P<0.0001). Transvalvular peak velocity was also positively correlated with maximum AAo WSS (r=0.83, P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: A same-day echo and MRI imaging allows for comprehensive assessment of the impact of aortic valve disease on valve function and hemodynamics. In this pilot application to BAV, we found increased orifice aspect ratio may be responsible for increased transvalvular peak velocity and maximum AAo WSS.
Clonally Expanded B Cells in Multiple Sclerosis Bind EBV EBNA1 and GlialCAM
Authors: Lanz Tobias V , Brewer R Camille , Ho Peggy P , Jude Kevin M , Fernandez Daniel , Moon Jae-Seung , Fernandes Ricardo A , Gomez Alejandro M , Nadj Gabriel-Stefan , Bartley Christopher M , Schubert Ryan D , Hawes Isobel A , Vazquez Sara E , Iyer Manasi , Zuchero J Bradley , Teegen Bianca , Dunn Jeffrey E , Lock Christopher B , Kipp Lucas B , Cotham Victoria C , Ueberheide Beatrix M , Aftab Blake T , Anderson Mark S , DeRisi Joseph L , Wilson Michael R , Bashford-Rogers Rachael JM , Platten Michael , Garcia K Christopher , Steinman Lawrence , Robinson William H
Published: January 2022

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a heterogenous autoimmune disease in which autoreactive lymphocytes attack the myelin sheath of the central nervous system (CNS). B lymphocytes in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of MS patients contribute to inflammation and secrete oligoclonal immunoglobulins. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection has been linked to MS epidemiologically, but its pathological role remains unclear. Here we demonstrate high-affinity molecular mimicry between the EBV transcription factor EBNA1 and the CNS protein GlialCAM, and provide structural and in-vivo functional evidence for its relevance. A cross-reactive CSF-derived antibody was initially identified by single-cell sequencing of the paired-chain B cell repertoire of MS blood and CSF, followed by protein microarray-based testing of recombinantly expressed CSF-derived antibodies against MS-associated viruses. Sequence analysis, affinity measurements, and the crystal structure of the EBNA1-peptide epitope in complex with the autoreactive Fab fragment allowed for tracking the development of the naïve EBNA1-restricted antibody to a mature EBNA1/GlialCAM cross-reactive antibody. Molecular mimicry is facilitated by a post-translational modification of GlialCAM. EBNA1 immunization exacerbates the mouse model of MS and anti-EBNA1/GlialCAM antibodies are prevalent in MS patients. Our results provide a mechanistic link for the association between MS and EBV, and could guide the development of novel MS therapies.
Identification of stressors and quantification of stress among veterinary students in India using a cross-sectional questionnaire survey
Authors: Grakh Kushal , Jadhav Vijay Jayawant , Panwar Diksha , Khurana Rajesh , Bangar Yogesh Chanderkant , Pandita Sakshi , Yadav Dheeraj
Published: January 2022

As an intensive professional training program veterinary education presents high academic and non-academic stressors to students. Identifying the stressors responsible and measuring the stress among veterinary students can prove useful to design any coping strategies to safeguard the mental health of students. The study aimed to identify the responsible stressors, measure the level of stress caused by each kind of stressor, the relation of stress with variables such as gender and family income. For this, 44 items based cross-sectional questionnaire survey was designed and distributed among veterinary students of India. On statistical analysis, the questionnaire yielded high internal consistency. More than 95% of students were found to be under stress. Maximum students reported the highest stress due to academic-related stressors. Female students reported high overall stress, academic stress, and intrapersonal and interpersonal-related stress than male students. Students with lower family incomes experienced more overall stress as well as family responsibilities-related stress. Gender, family income, academic stressors, intrapersonal, interpersonal, and conflict-related stressors, and social activities-related stressors positively predicted the overall stress among the students and thus these factors should be given special emphasis while designing any stress combating or reducing measures for veterinary students of India.
Der Einfluss von Chemotherapie bei malignen pädiatrischen Erkrankungen auf kindliche Impftiter
Authors:   , Bartsch Rebecca
Published: January 2022

Hintergrund: Chemotherapie hat nicht nur einen Einfluss auf die Krebszellen, sondern auch auf das Immunsystem der Behandelten. In unserer Studie untersuchten wir den Impftiterverlust impfpräventablen Erkrankungen (Masern, Mumps, Röteln und Varizella zoster) bei Kindern und Jugendlichen, welche eine chemotherapeutische Behandlung wegen einer malignen Erkrankung erhielten. Methoden: Eingeschlossen in die retrospektive Studie wurden Kinder, Jugendliche und junge Erwachsene im Alter bis zum 21. Lebensjahr, welche zwischen 2001 und 2010 an der Kinderklinik für Hämatologie und Onkologie der Universitätsklinik Frankfurt am Main therapiert wurden. Es erfolgte die Analyse von Antikörper-Titer für Masern, Mumps, Röteln und Varizella zoster zum Diagnosezeitpunkt und erneut bis zu 12 Monate nach Therapieende. Ergebnis: Insgesamt konnten 195 Kinder und Jugendliche in die Studie eingeschlossen werden. 122 Probanden waren männlich, 73 weiblich. Die größte Patientengruppe war an ALL erkrankt (80 Patienten). Die übrigen Patienten verteilten sich auf 15 Patienten mit AML, 18 Patienten mit NHL, 22 Patienten mit Hodgkin Lymphom. 60 Patienten waren an soliden Tumoren erkrankt. Insgesamt haben 27%, 47%, 19% und 17% der Kinder und Jugendlichen ihren Impfschutz gegen Masern, Mumps, Röteln und Varizella zoster verloren. Hierbei zeigte sich eine Altersabhängigkeit. In der Auswertung zeigte sich bei jüngeren Kindern unter 7 Jahren häufiger ein Titerverlust als bei den älteren Kindern und Jugendlichen. Auch an ALL-erkrankte und behandelte Kinder und Jugendliche verloren häufiger ihren Impfschutz als die Patienten mit anderen untersuchten Krebserkrankungen (AML, NHL, M. Hodgkin, solide Tumore). Fazit: Die Daten unserer retrospektiven Studie zeigen, dass eine signifikante Anzahl von Kindern und Jugendlichen durch eine chemotherapeutischen Behandlung ihre vorbestehenden Impftiter gegen impfpräventable Erkrankungen wie Masern, Mumps, Röteln und Varizella zoster verlieren. Dieser Verlust zeigt sich häufiger bei jüngeren Patienten und ALL-Patienten. Unsere Daten unterstreichen daher, wie wichtig es ist, Kinder und Jugendliche nach Beendigung der Chemotherapie erneut zu impfen, um einen neuen ausreichenden Impfschutz gegen Masern, Mumps, Röteln und Varizella zoster zu erhalten.
Assessment of the level of pollution of water bodies of the Denezhkin kamen reserve by the Shemur field
Authors: Zlobin N. I.
Published: January 2022

Waste produced during the extraction of minerals can cause various environmental problems. One of which is polluting underground and surface waters. The purpose of the article is to assess the level of pollution of water bodies of the Denezhkin Kamen reserve by the Shemur ore field. To assess the level of pollution, individual and complex pollution indices, statistical parameters and the ʺQuartileʺ method for calculating emissions are used. An analysis of the geological structure of the territory and physical and geographical conditions of the area was carried out; the level of pollution was assessed; the main causes of pollution were determined; the main pollutants were identified. The waters flowing through the reserve are not polluted they are polluted near the reserve borders. Pollutants are carried downstream over long distances and get into the intakes of local settlements. In the Bannaya River basin, the pollution area is about 80 km; in the Olkhovka River basin, the pollution area is about 60 km. There is a dependence in the change in the concentration of pollutants on seasonality and weather conditions. The main pollutants are those that are contained in large quantities in the overburden rocks of the deposit. Additional studies are required using a sampling program, which was not available during the current studies.
The effect of adding natural materials waste on the mechanical properties and water absorption of epoxy composite using grey relations analysis
Authors: Khalaf Ahmad A. , Abed Salwa A. , Alkhfaji Saad Sami , Al-Obaidi Mudhar A. , Hanon Muammel M.
Published: January 2022

Recently, there has been a tendency for scientific studies to deal with natural materials as fillers and reinforcement for polymer composites, which are used in many different applications due to their environmentally friendly properties when compared to synthetic materials. The current study aims to preserve the environment by dealing with natural materials and their influence on the mechanical properties and water absorption property of the polymer composites. In this study, epoxy composites were produced from local natural sourced non-hazardous raw natural materials using grey relational analysis (GRG). The materials used for fabrication include micro-filler of pollen palm 50 μm, seashell 75 μm and epoxy resin. Nine different composites were prepared using pollen palm and seashell as reinforcement material by varying the wt % of the micro-filler. Rule of the mixture was used for formulation and wt % of (0.5, 1 and 1.5) % reinforcement and 99.5, 99 and 98.5 % epoxy (binder) were used for composites. Grey relational analysis was conducted in order to scale the multi-response performance to a single response. The results indicate that optimum performance can be achieved with the addition of 1.5 wt % micro-filler of seashell, which achieved the first rank, while the second rank achieved by 0.5 wt % micro-filler of palm pollen and seashell when compared to other composites. The addition of micro-fillers has improved greatly the mechanical properties of epoxy composites. The loading of micro-fillers has influenced the water absorption property of composites based epoxy in ascending order
Türkiye’de Büyüme Derece Günlerinin Zamansal ve Mekânsal Trendinin İncelenmesi
Authors: DOĞAN İlhami , KARABULUT Murat
Published: January 2022

Küresel ısınmanın etkileri, dünyanın her bölgesinde aynı şiddette değildir. Doğu Akdeniz Havzasında bulunan Türkiye, bu ısınmadan etkilenen alanlardan birisidir. Yaz kuraklığının önemli derecede hissedildiği Türkiye’de, küresel ısınma nedeniyle iklimsel koşullar sürekli olarak değişmektedir. Bu yüzden, iklim kontrolündeki fenolojik olayların sürekli olarak gözlenmesi gerekmektedir. Fenolojik olayların araştırılmasında, uzaktan algılama sistemleri, meteorolojik gözlemler ve tür bazlı lokal değerlendirmeler gibi çeşitli metotlar kullanılmaktadır. Büyüme derece günleri (BDG), meteorolojik değişkenliği esas alan fenolojik tahmin modellerinden birisidir. Bu çalışmada, Türkiye’de BDG’lerdeki, yıllık ve mevsimsel trendleri belirlemek için 147 adet meteoroloji gözlem istasyonun günlük maksimum ve günlük minimum sıcaklık kayıtları kullanılmıştır. Çeşitli periyotlardaki BDG trendleri, Mann-Kendall sıralı istatistik metoduyla belirlenmiştir. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre, 1970’ten 2018 yılına kadar BDG’deki mevsimsel ve yıllık eğilimler pozitif karakterdedir. İklimsel değişimlerin kontrolündeki bu süreçte, Türkiye’de önemli fenolojik kaymalar meydana gelmiştir. Yaz mevsiminde gözlenen BDG artışları; tarım ve ormancılıkta, kuraklığa dayalı sıcaklık stresini daha da arttırmış olabilir. Çalışmada bulunan pozitif eğilimlerin endüstri, tarım, yerleşme, doğal kaynaklar vasıtasıyla doğal ekosistemler üzerinde etkili olabileceği düşünülmektedir. Bu nedenle sıcaklık ve yağış gibi temel iklimsel parametrelerin daha lokal ölçeklerde toplanması gerekmektedir.
İzmit Körfezi ve Çevresinde Bina Yoğunluk ve Sıvılaşma Yayılımının Mekânsal Analizi
Authors: ERENER Arzu , AŞCI Metin , GÜLSOY Gül , ÜSTÜN Aydın , GÜVENALTIN Muhammet , ŞENTÜRK Erman , YALVAÇ Sefa , CANASLAN ÇOMUT Fatma , IRMAK Tahir Serkan , KONAK Haluk , KÜREÇ NEHBİT Pakize , KAYA Efdal , KOTAN Burak , ÖYE Selin
Published: January 2022

2017 yılı Aralık ayından itibaren KOÜ Harita Mühendisliği Bölümü’nün yürütücülüğü ve Kocaeli Büyükşehir Belediyesi’nin desteği ile “Çok Bandlı InSAR ve GNSS Tekniği ile Doğu Marmara (İzmit Körfezi) Düşey Yönlü Yer Değiştirmelerin İzlenmesi, Zemin Çökmeleri ile Bina Yoğunluğu ve Sıvılaşma İlişkisinin Araştırılması” başlıklı ve 117Y155 numaralı TÜBİTAK projesi kapsamında İzmit körfez bölgesinde risklerin tespiti için çalışmalara başlanmıştır. Bu bağlamda, proje kapsamında yapılan bina yoğunluk analizleri ve sıvılaşmanın körfez bölgesi çevresindeki mekânsal dağılımı CBS ortamında bütünleşik olarak ele alınarak mekânsal dağılımları incelenmiştir. Zemindeki yüke ait bilgi çıkarımı için binaların 3. boyutu dikkate alınarak bina katlarının mekânsal dağılımları mekânsal otokorelasyon çalışmaları ile irdelenmiştir. Mekansal otokorelasyon analizlerinden Lokal Moran’s I istatistikleri dikkate alınmıştır. Ayrıca körfez ve çevresinde görülen sıvılaşma potansiyeli 0-3 m, 3-6 m, 6-9 m, 9-12m’den 33-35 m derinlikleri için oluşturulmuştur. Sıvılaşma potansiyel eşiklerine göre, farklı derinlikler için, sıvılaşma değerleri kategorize edilerek sıvılaşma alanları ve riskli bölgeler tanımlanmıştır. Sonuç olarak sıvılaşma risk alanlarında bulunan bina tespitleri yapılmıştır. Çalışma; ileriye yönelik doğal afetlere karşı sürdürülebilir önlemlerin alınması, yapılaşma hızı ve yoğunluğu için önlem planlarının hazırlanması, Gölcük ve İzmit Körfez çevresinde bina ve zemin sıvılaşmalarının mevcut durumunun belirlenmesi, risk taşıyan alanlarda mühendislik tedbirlerinin alınarak yapı ve can güvenliğinin sağlanması ve afet değerlendirmelerinde altlık oluşturması açısından önem arz etmektedir.
Dissipative cooling induced by pulse perturbations
Authors: NAVA ANDREA , Fabrizio Michele
Published: January 2022

We investigate the dynamics brought on by an impulse perturbation in two infinite-range quantum Ising models coupled to each other and to a dissipative bath. We show that, if dissipation is faster the higher the excitation energy, the pulse perturbation cools down the low-energy sector of the system, at the expense of the high-energy one, eventually stabilising a transient symmetry-broken state at temperatures higher than the equilibrium critical one.
Such non-thermal quasi-steady state may survive for quite a long time after the pulse, if the latter is properly tailored.
Impact of tax fairness and tax knowledge on tax compliance behavior of listed manufacturing companies in Nigeria
Authors: Oladipo Olufemi , Nwanji Tony , Eluyela Damilola , Godo Bitrus , Adegboyegun Adekunle
Published: January 2022

Tax compliance is a major contemporary debate surrounding corporate taxation in the business world. The tax avoidance issue, which remains an ethical problem for companies, has been a general concern in developed and developing countries alike. The main problem of this study is a non-tax compliance behavior of the corporate organization taxpayers in Nigeria. This study examined the influence of tax fairness on the tax compliance behavior of listed manufacturing companies in Nigeria. The paper adopted a survey research method, and four hundred (400) copies of the questionnaire were administered to the selected manufacturing companies of both consumer and industrial goods sectors. The Laffer Curve Theory underpinned this study and Correlation Analysis, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and Multiple Regression Analysis were also employed. The study found that there is a significant level of tax compliance among the listed manufacturing companies in Nigeria. The study also shows that the corporate taxpayer’s perception of fairness of –2.765 (0.006) has a significant impact on corporate taxpayers’ willingness to pay taxes and tax knowledge of 4.601 (0.000) significantly influenced tax compliance. Based on tax knowledge, the study recommends that tax authorities must improve the knowledge of taxpayers and tax collection agents through programs, initiatives, and training on tax awareness.
Balanced diet to prevent allergic diseases
Authors: Editorial Article
Published: January 2022

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Possibilities of colecalciferol therapy for tension type headache combined with hypovitaminosis D
Authors: Koloskova A. A. , Vorob’eva O. V.
Published: January 2022

Introduction. Modern studies indicate the therapeutic effect of vitamin D (VD) in chronic pain conditions, but there is no data on the use of VD in chronic tension type headache (CTTH) treatment.

Objective: comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of various options for preventive treatment of CTTH: the use of colecalciferol, standard therapy of the disease and a combination of these methods.

Materials and methods. 125 women with CTTH and hypovitaminosis D were treated in the study. The frequency, duration and intensity of headache (HF, HD and HI, respectively), HIT index, frequency of analgesics taking, pericranial muscle dysfunction were evaluated. The VD level was measured by the concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]. The patients received differentiated therapy for 16 weeks: group 1 – colecalciferol, group 2 – amitriptyline, group 3 – a combination of these medicines. Results. In group 1, HF, HD, HIT-index and the frequency of analgesics taking decreased, all p ≤ 0.001. In groups 2 and 3, the values of all CTTH-parameters decreased, all p < 0.05. HF, HIT-index and the frequency of analgesics taking in group 3 decreased more than in group 2, all p >< 0.017. In women who had VD deficiency before treatment, the decrease in HF from the initial one was 36% in group 1, 55% in group 2, and 74% in group 3. In patients who had VD deficiency before treatment, the effectiveness of therapy in group 3 was higher than in group 2: 74% vs. 55%, respectively, p >< 0.001.

Conclusions. Treatment of hypovitaminosis D in women with CTTH is accompanied by a decrease in HF, the effect of headache on the quality of life of patients and the frequency of taking analgesics. In CTTH and VD deficiency normalization of 25(OH)D level contributes to higher efficiency of standard therapy.
Asthenia and fatigue in hyperammonemia: etiopathogenesis and methods of correction
Authors: Plotnikova E. Yu. , Sinkova M. N. , Isakov L. K.
Published: January 2022

Asthenia and fatigue are the most common syndromes in patients with liver disease, which significantly affects their quality of life. The prevalence of fatigue in chronic liver diseases is from 50% to 85%. While some progress has been made in understanding the processes that can cause fatigue in general, the underlying causes of fatigue associated with liver disease remain not well understood. In particular, many data suggest that fatigue associated with liver disease likely results from changes in neurotransmission in the brain against the background of hyperammonemia. Hyperammonemia is a metabolic state characterized by an increased level of  ammonia, a  nitrogen-containing compound. The  present review describes hyperammonemia, which is likely important in the pathogenesis of fatigue associated with liver disease. Ammonia is a potent neurotoxin, its elevated blood levels can cause neurological signs and symptoms that can be acute or chronic, depending on the  underlying pathology. Hyperammonemia should be recognized early, and immediately treated to prevent the development of life-threatening complications, such as, swelling of the brain and coma. The article gives pathophysiological mechanisms of influence of hyperammonemia on state of psychovegetative status of patients with liver diseases, also lists basic principles of treatment. A significant part of the article is devoted to L-ornithine-L-aspartate, which is effective in asthenia and fatigue to reduce the level of hyperammonemia through a variety of well-studied mechanisms in chronic liver diseases.
Assessment of the temporomandibular joint condition using two-dimensional ultrasound scanning and doppler ultrasonography methods in patients with chronic inflammatory periodontal diseases
Authors: Chapanova E. M. , Ikonnikova M. A. , Ikonnikov G. G. , Ermolev S. N. , Yanushevich O. O. , Merzhoev I. O. , Khitrov A. N. , Gryzunova G. K. , Chereshneva Y. V. , Ferzauli A. N. , Gatagazheva Z. M. , Tachieva B. I.
Published: January 2022

Introduction. Currently, dentists are increasingly detecting changes in the temporomandibular joint in patients with chronic inflammatory periodontal disease.

Aim of the study. To carry out a comprehensive dynamic assessment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) condition and the registration of regional blood flow using two-dimensional ultrasound scanning to improve the efficiency of diagnostics of inflammatory periodontal diseases.

Materials and methods. The study included 2 groups of patients: group 1 (control) consisted of 20 volunteers aged 20–25; Group 2 consisted of 52 people aged 25–45 years with moderate chronic periodontitis. For TMJ ultrasound and Doppler ultrasound, a portable ultrasound scanner LogicScan  128 with an HL-10  linear ultrasound transducer  with an operating frequency of 5     to 12 MHz was used.

Results and discussion. During ultrasound examination of the temporomandibular joint and measuring the size of the joint space in patients with moderate chronic periodontitis in a state of relative physiological rest, the following  values were obtained:   in the anterior region – 2.3 ± 0.5 mm; in the upper section – 1.6 ± 0.6 mm; in the posterior section – 1.8 ± 0.3 mm. We also measured the area of the temporomandibular joint disc in various positions. According to ultrasound data, an increase in the size of the joint space from 12.2 to 16.1% and an increase in the area of the articular disc by 17.1 to 36.7% were found in patients with chronic periodontitis. When assessing the trajectory of the articular track, motion delay and joint wedging are determined. In addition, in the color Doppler mapping (CDM) mode, the speed and index indicators of Doppler ultrasonography of the external carotid and temporal arteries were calculated.

Conclusions. Modern diagnostic methods of ultrasound and Doppler mapping, assessing the hemodynamics and functional state of the TMJ, allow early diagnosis of changes in order to prevent the development of TMJ disorders in patients with chronic inflammatory periodontal diseases.
Assessment of the vitamin d levels effect on the course of the first trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Kovalevа I. V. , Bakleicheva M. O. , Bespalova O. N.
Published: January 2022

Introduction. The course of physiological pregnancy is provided by many complementary factors. Thus, a deficiency in one of the links of the metabolic network contributes to the development of an imbalance in the work of the whole organism, which ensures the growth and development of the embryo from the first days of gestation. It has been proven that vitamin D can act as an immune regulator during implantation, providing a protective effect in whole period of pregnancy.

Aim. The aim of this study is assessed the features of the course of pregnancy in patients with different levels of vitamin D in the blood in the first trimester.

Materials and methods. A prospective multicenter randomized study was conducted in the North-West region of the Russian Federation among 88 pregnant women in the first trimester of gestation (up to 13 weeks). All patients were divided into 3 groups depending on the initial level of vitamin D (group 1–14 women with a 25(OH)D < 10 ng/ml, group 2–62 pregnant women from 10 to 30ng/ml, group 3–12 pregnant women with a vitamin D content > 30 ng/ml).

Results. In group 1.86% of patients with severe vitamin D deficiency were diagnosed with threatened miscarriage, which is significantly higher than in group 3 (85.7% and 33.3%, χ2 = 7.490, p = 0.007). At the same time, retrochorial hematoma in group 1 occurred 3.5 times more often than in group 3 (57.1% and 16.67%, respectively, χ2 = 4.473, p = 0.035). Subsequently, every 4th woman from the group with vitamin D deficiency gave birth earlier than expected, which was not observed among patients from group 3 (25%, 0%, χ2 = 1.231, p = 0.268).

Conclusion. Prescribing cholecalciferol vitamin replacement therapy as part of complex preserving therapy for threatening miscarriage, followed by monitoring its blood level and deviating from normal parameters, contributing to a favorable course of pregnancy and improving perinatal outcomes.
Prediction of the transsphenoidal endoscopic adenomectomy results in patients with cushing’s disease
Authors: Kuritsyna N. V. , Tsoy U. A. , Cherebillo V. Yu. , Paltsev A. A. , Tsiberkin A. I. , Grineva E. N.
Published: January 2022

Introduction. Transsphenoidal adenomectomy (TSA) is the method of choice in the treatment of Cushing’s disease (CD), but remission of hypercorticism cannot be achieved in all patients. The search for predictors of CD remission after TSA remains to be an important challenge in the endocrinology today.

Aim. To study the preoperative and postoperative data of patients with CD to identify the predictors of hypercorticism remission after TSA.

Materials and methods. 101 patients with confirmed CD after TSA were included. One year after operation all patients were examined for the presence of hypercorticism remission and divided into two groups: with CD remission and its absence. In both groups’ preoperative pituitary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, the results of preoperative high dose dexamethasone suppression test (HDDST) and the results of serum cortisol collected in the morning 2–3 days after surgery were compared.

Results. One year after TSA, CD remission was confirmed in 63 patients (62.4%), whereas in 38 patients (37.6%) hypercortisolism persisted. Favorable predictors of CD remission were: the adenoma size > 3 mm without the invasive growth according to pituitary MRI (specificity 82.4%, sensitivity 82.8%), serum cortisol suppression ≥ 74% in preoperative HDDST (specificity 81.5%, sensitivity 86.3%), morning serum cortisol level in 2–3 days after surgery ≤ 388 nmol/l (specificity 79.3%, sensitivity 97.4%).

Conclusions. Pituitary MRI data, the results of preoperative HDDST and morning serum cortisol in the 2–3 days after surgery can be used as predictors of CD remission.
The role of non-drug methods of increasing adherence to the treatment of patients with arterial hypertension in a polyclinic
Authors: Simenyura S. S. , Sizova Zh. M.
Published: January 2022

Introduction. Arterial hypertension (AH) is one of the important high-risk factors for the development of heart diseases, but its diagnosis and treatment does not require high technologies and substantial costs. However, the asymptomatic course of AH combined with a low level of medical literacy contributes to low adherence to treatment.

Aim. To study the indirect impact of remote blood pressure monitoring (RBPM), the introduction of educational materials (EMs) in comparison with self-monitoring of blood pressure (SMBP) on adherence of patients with AH to outpatient treatment.

Materials and methods. 60 subjects with an established fact of partial or complete refusal to use antihypertensive therapy were enrolled in the study and randomized into four equal and comparable groups: 1 – SMBP, 2 – RBPM, 3 – SMBP + EMs, 4 – RBPM + EMs. The impact of using RBPM was assessed by comparing blood pressure values in groups 1 and 2; the impact of EM – by comparing the results of questionnaire surveys in groups 1 and 2 and groups 3 and 4.

Results and discussion. Additional training of patients with AH contributed to a twofold increase in adherence in using SCAD and RBPM. The average systolic blood pressure in groups 1 and 2 was 134 mm Hg, in groups 3 and 4 – 129 mm Hg; diastolic blood pressure in groups 1 and 2 – 78.5 mm Hg, in groups 3 and 4 – 77.5 mm Hg.

Conclusion. The maximum impact on adherence to AH treatment can be achieved with the introduction of a set of measures. However, the introduction of RBPM has a number of limitations associated with the additional economic burden and the lack of an approved methodology. However, the provision of treatment and prevention facilities with EMs does not require additional development of methodology and is significantly cheaper than the cost of modern blood pressure monitors.
Intellectual decline in patients with schizophrenia with comorbid type ii diabetes mellitus and alcoholism
Authors: Kostyuk G. Р. , Cherepakhin D. I. , Aronov P. V. , Belskaya G. N. , Nikiforov I. A.
Published: January 2022

Comorbid conditions in general psychopathological practice need equally research in the field of psychiatry and narcology, as well as the development of issues of social practice in relation to mental patients. There is an opinion that comorbid mental pathologies are even more common than “pure” forms of diseases. In most cases of comorbid conditions, the medical community increasingly encounters clinical situations where “classic” symptoms and syndromes are deformed, mutually intertwined and, superimposed on the actual social situation of the patient, acquire an “unreal fancy character”.

Schizophrenia remains one of the most urgent problems at the stage of modern psychiatry formation. Up to date there are 1.1% of men and 1.9% of women in the general population of patients. Schizophrenic spectrum disorders are often combined with a number of chronic pathologies that increase the negative impact on the neuro-cognitive sphere of a person. One of the main problems of modern urbanized society is type II diabetes and alcoholism. By increasing the negative impact on a person’s cognitive abilities, they accelerate the process of disintegration of personality and its social functioning. The intellectual level of patients with those chronic diseases that require patients to actively and consciously participate in the treatment process and social functioning can significantly affect the patient’s ability to learn, independently manage the disease, establish a high level of compliance and, as a result, the effectiveness of therapy. An attentive study of the issue of the state of intelligence of patients with comorbid pathology will lead to an improvement in the patient’s social adaptation, a more careful attitude to their somatic health and reduce the risk of disability of the able-bodied population.