bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Task and Feedback-Based English for Tourism Subject Courses to Enhance Students' Character
Authors: Ginaya Gede , Somawati Ni Putu , Handayani Luh Nyoman Chandra , Hudiananingsih Putu Dyah , Sukmawati Ni made Rai
Published: July 2023

Task-based English learning is important because it helps in strengthening students' character. However, not all teachers believe the task is important to the learning process. Furthermore, the tasks such as homework given to students need to consider their situation and psychological state. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine an overview of the teachers' task model and the feedback in English classes. It was carried out at the Tourism Department, Politeknik Negeri Bali. A total of 116 students who learned English were selected as the participants utilizing a questionnaire. Moreover, the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with stages of collecting, compiling, processing, and presenting numerical data to give a regular, concise, as well as clear description of an event or symptom. The study indicated that students' perceptions varied with the tasks assigned. Almost all students considered that the teacher only sometimes comments on their sheets. In conclusion, each individual student showed different response patterns while exploring foreign languages.
Studying From Home During COVID-19: A Many-Facets Rasch Model (MFRM) Analysis
Authors: Agust Satria , Subroto Gatot , Handini Baiq Suprapti
Published: July 2023

This study proposes to measure students’ grammar distancing while studying from home and explore their strengths and weaknesses with a grammar test. It is a descriptive quantitative study, the participants being 55 students in their fifth (5th) semester of the 2020/2021 academic year at a university in Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands, Indonesia. Data is retrieved from the grammar test and analyzed using the Many-Facet Rasch Measurement (MFRM) Model Software Version 3.83.3. This research highlights that studying from home, or distance learning, impacts grammar distancing as seen in the students’ varying achievements in grammar, the breakdown being 10.91% lower achievement, 5.45% low achievement, 27.27% high achievement, 43.64% higher achievement and 12.73% highest achievement. The results also indicate their strength in sentence translations and jumbled words; 83.64% of the students displayed good understanding. Their weakness lies in rearranging compound-complex sentences with phrasal verbs. The students’ different achievements in grammar demonstrate the need for improvement for future use and better student performance.
The Connotations of Numbers in Colloquial Arabic: A Pragmalinguistic Study
Authors: Jaber Maisa S. , Jubran Sereen M. , Daana Hana A.
Published: July 2023

In Arabic culture, numbers have meanings based on old traditions and cultural beliefs. Some numbers have deep spiritual and symbolic meanings that may affect a person’s life path. Each group of numbers has a specific meaning attached to verbal number representations. This study pragmalinguistically analyses the use of numbers and their contextual connotations in Arabic. Six numbers are evaluated: two, ten, one hundred, one thousand, seven, and sixty. The study analyses these numbers in different contexts, providing the readers with expressions that portray negative and positive connotations. The study reveals that the number sixty has a negative connotation while ten, one hundred, and one thousand are used to denote exaggeration. The number two is used to express how many times something has been done. Finally, the number seven is a familiar number in different cultures with different connotations. The study also reveals that the connotations of the said numbers are related to social, religious, and cultural values. The study ends with two recommendations for further studies to analyse number connotations in other languages and to conduct comparative studies.
Development of design of an inductor for hardening a part of a complex shape
Authors:   Ivanovo State Power Engineering University, Lebedev V.D. , Gotovkina E.E. ,   Ivanovo State Power Engineering University
Published: July 2023

Due to active process of import substitution, domestic industry starts producing the parts previously purchased abroad. These parts are necessary for stable and reliable operation of various technical objects and systems. Thus, the development of a technological installation for hardening a metal profile is topical. The task is complicated by the fact that the profile has very thin irregularly shaped walls, which should be hardened only from the inside, while the outer wall of the profile should be heated minimally to maintain strength. The studies have been carried out on simulation models of electromagnetic and thermal fields, which make it possible to reproduce the process of induction heating of the research object. Since the part has the same shape along the entire length, the simulation of the process of its induction heating is performed in two-dimensional space. The authors have developed a simulation model of the process of induction heating of a part of a non-standard shape, which includes calculations of thermal and electromagnetic fields. The design of the inductor is proposed, supplemented with ferrite inserts, which makes it possible to achieve the temperature regime necessary for the hardening process. The developed simulation model makes it possible to evaluate the distribution of the thermal and electromagnetic fields of the part, thereby predicting getting the temperatures required for its hardening when using various designs of inductors. The results of numerical experiments are consistent with the physical concepts of induction heating and prove the possibility to use induction hardening for thin-walled parts of complex shape instead of laser hardening used for this type of parts. The proposed model can be used in engineering practice to design inductors of non-standard parts.
Development of controller for digital position sensor and its software
Authors:   LLC R&D Company “Rubicon – Innovation”, Polyuschenkov I.S.
Published: July 2023

For the operation of electric drives control systems, closed on the target coordinate of control – speed or position of actuator, an informational and measuring subsystem, formed by hardware and software to detect, capture and process signals from sensors, is required. The functionally completed and independent elements of such a subsystem are the controllers of each of the sensors, including digital position sensors, also used to measure the speed of motion. When developing such a controller, it is necessary to take into account the requirements for control system, performances of sensors and their signals, the form of position measurement result, the technique of the sensor interfacing with the control system, the features of hardware and software computing resources, including execution time. Thus, the development of a digital position sensor controller and its software is an actual problem. When developing the controller, methods of computational mathematics and system analysis, methods of model-based programming, methods of software developing and debugging, as well as methods of experimental research were applied. An algorithmic description of the digital position sensor controller is proposed for converting the angular position of the electric drive shaft, which changes cyclically within one revolution during rotation, into its rotation angle, which has wide limits of change. Also, the measuring of rotation speed of the electric drive shaft is algorithmically described by calculating the increment of its angular position during the observation interval. The software for this controller has been developed, which can serve as a typical element for microprocessor control systems for electric drives. When developing a controller for a digital position sensor, as well as other elements of the informational and measuring subsystem of closed-loop electric drives, it is necessary to take into account the performances of various technical means and requirements for the control system. Successful development is contributed by the use of modern microcontrollers with built-in specialized modules for detecting, capturing and processing signals, as well as the use of detailed computational algorithms and mathematical methods that are the least expensive in terms of execution time.
Magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of myocarditis in children
Authors: Fomina Lyubov E. , Yarmola Igor I. , Barskiy Vladimir I. , Anikin Anatoly V. , Uglova Elena V.
Published: July 2023

Background: There is a need for the systematization, generalization and analysis of the structural changes of the myocardium, occurring in patients with myocarditis. This disease is rare; therefore, structured information in the field of radiological diagnostics is still insufficient within national publications.
Aim: The study purpose was to determine the significance and specificity of changes observed in cardiac magnetic resonance images in patients with myocarditis, and to compare the obtained results with the literature data.
Methods: 7 patients, including children aged 4 and 6, with a verified diagnosis of myocarditis were retrospectively examined.
Results: The analysis of the obtained images revealed the most common changes related to myocarditis, such as myocardial edema, impaired myocardial contractility, increased delayed accumulation of the contrast agent. The pathophysiological mechanisms of the found structural changes were analyzed and described.
Conclusion: Magnetic resonance imaging is the most important non-invasive method for diagnosing myocarditis, which allows one to identify the lesion of the heart muscle, to assess the extent of its damage, to differentiate myocarditis from other diseases, as well as to assess the dynamics when evaluating the effectiveness of therapy.
Features of therapeutic tactics for the failure of gastrointestinal anastomosis in patients with morbid obesity after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
Authors: Stankevich Vladimir R. , Smirnov Alexander V. , Zlobin Alexandr I. , Panchenkov Dmitry N. , Danilina Ekaterina S. , Ivanov Yury V.
Published: July 2023

Background: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the main type of bariatric surgery. The most formidable and severe complication in morbid obesity patients after gastric bypass is gastrojejunostomy leak.
Aim: to study the possibilities of improving treatment outcomes of obese patients during gastrojejunostomy leak after gastric bypass surgery using new minimally invasive methods.
Methods: This retrospective cohort descriptive study included all patients with gastrojejunostomy leak after gastric bypass treated in the Department of Surgery of the Federal State Budgetary Institution Federal Scientific and Practical Center of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia in 20192022. In total, 445 gastric bypasses were performed during this period, and seven patients (1.6%) developed HEA failure in the postoperative period.
Results: The results of treatment of gastroenteroanastomotic leaks during gastric bypass in patients with morbid obesity are presented. The early diagnosis of gastroenteroanastomosis failure in this category of patients was difficult. All doubts in the diagnosis of anastomotic failure should be completed by revision laparoscopy with intraoperative esophagogastroscopy. Minimally invasive techniques (surgical, endoscopic), drug therapy, and adequate nutritional support are crucial for managing patients with anastomotic leaks.
Conclusion: The use of an endoscopic intraluminal vacuum aspiration system in the treatment of gastroenteroanastomotic insufficiency avoids the spread of inflammation in the abdominal cavity, accelerates the reparative process in the area of insufficiency, and, in most cases, avoids programmed sanitation, significantly improving the treatment results.
Morphological and molecular genetic diagnosis of CADASIL: a rare clinical case
Authors: Golubinskaya Elena P. , Makalish Tatyana P. , Kalfa Margarita A. , Ostapenko Olga V. , Savchuk Elena A. , Zyablitskaya Evgenia Y. , Maksimova Рolina E.
Published: July 2023

Background: Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a hereditary autosomal dominant vascular injury of the brain. Currently, the clinical diagnosis of CADASIL is based on the following criteria: the onset of the condition at a relatively young age (4050 years), recurrent lacunar infarcts, gradual progression of encephalopathy with the development of pseudobulbar syndrome and dementia, various emotional disorders, and autosomal dominant inheritance. Having a family history of relatives with similar symptoms. The diagnosis is verified on the basis of the results of the following studies: neuroimaging, instrumental, morphological, and laboratory. The presence of leukoaraiosis and multiple small bilateral infarctions in such anatomical structures as the basal ganglia and white matter of the cerebral hemispheres, visual tubercles and the pons, and brain stem during MRI diagnostics. Histologically, transmission electron microscopy reveals granular osmiophilic inclusions in the adventitial membrane of the blood vessels of the brain, and on the periphery in the adventitia of the vessels of skeletal muscles and somatic nerves and in vascular biopsies of skin flaps. A mutation in the Notch3 gene determines the clinic of the disease and morphological changes in blood vessels and is detected by a molecular genetic method. The article presents a clinical case, which was a manifestation of this rare hereditary microangiopathy.
Clinical case description: A 43-year-old patient was admitted to the Department of Neurology of the Republican Clinical Hospital in Simferopol for ischemic stroke in the basin of the left middle cerebral artery. According to the anamnesis, the patient suffered from migraine without aura from a young age and lacunar strokes; examination revealed a decrease in cognitive function, and MRI showed signs of microangiopathy of cerebral vessels. For final diagnosis, the patient underwent an intravital pathomorphological examination of the biopsy of the musculoskeletal flap; the results obtained made it possible to make a reliable diagnosis of CADASIL.
Conclusion: Understanding and knowledge of such a rare pathology as CADASIL is crucial for the rapid recognition of a characteristic clinical picture for further appointment and interpretation of the results of morphological and molecular genetic diagnostics, making it possible to make the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Lipoprotein (a) as a marker of hereditary lipid metabolism disorders in patients with early manifestation of coronary artery disease
Authors: Rogozhinа Anastasiа A. , Ivanova Olga N. , Minushkinа Larisа O. , Brazhnik Victotia A. , Zubova Ekaterina A. , Ivanovа Ludmila A. , Zateyshchikov Dmitry A.
Published: July 2023

Background: The clinical phenotype of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) combined with the classical genetic defects of this disease increase the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) in the case of a high level of lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)).
Aim: To assess the association of hereditary disorders of lipid metabolism with a high level of Lp(a) in the case of an early manifestation of CAD in the absence of the FH phenotype.
Methods: We studied 81 patients with premature CAD (at the age up to 55 years in men and up to 60 years in women). Lp(a) was measured in the blood serum by the immunoturbidimetric method. We performed the molecular genetic testing, using massively parallel sequencing, which included the following panel of genes: ABCA1, ABCG1, ABCG5, ABCG8, ANGPTL3, APOA1, APOA2, APOA4, APOA5, APOB, APOC1, APOC2, APOC3, APOE, APOH, CETP, CH25H, CIDEC, CREB3L3, GPD1, GPIHBP1, LCAT, LDLR, LDLRAP1, LIPA, LIPC, LIPE, LIPG, LMF1, LPA, LPL, MTTP, MYLIP, NPC1, NPC1L1, NPC2, PCSK9, PLTP, PPP1R17, SAR1B, SCARB1, STAP1.
Results: 24 (29.6%) patients had Lp(a) 30 mg/dl and were more likely to have a family history of CAD (70.8% vs 42.1%, p=0.05). In patients with a confirmed FH phenotype, there were no pathogenic variants associated with hereditary disorders of lipid metabolism. 4 patients with Lp(a) 30 mg/dl without a confirmed FH phenotype appeared to be carriers of pathogenic variants in the genes of lipid metabolism (LDLR p.Glu763Asp, ABCA1 p.Arg1128His, APOA5 p.His321Le), as well as of a not previously registered variant in the LIPE gene NM_005357.4:c. 2312TC.
Conclusions: Lp(a) can be an appropriate marker for revealing pathogenic variants in the genes of the lipid metabolism system in patients without the clinical FH phenotype with an early CAD manifestation.
The use of quadrotherapy of chronic heart failure in cancer patients (case series)
Authors: Peresada Anton K. , Dupik Nikolay V. , Dundua David P. , Kedrova Anna G. , Korolev Sergey V. , Chaikin Roman S.
Published: July 2023

Background: Chronic heart failure (CHF) for a patient with cancer is complex, as it complicates antitumor treatment. In some cases, severe CHF is a contraindication to the chemotherapy or surgical treatment. Despite significant progress in CHF treatment, some groups of drugs, particularly mineralocorticoid receptor inhibitors, angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors, and sodium-glucose co-transporter type 2 inhibitors, have not been studied related to cancer patients.
Clinical case description: In this report, we introduce two clinical cases in which, because of the invaluable contribution of the cardio-oncological team, we have managed to solve complex problems of treating patients with CHF and cancer. In patient 1 with severe CHF, it was possible to achieve regression of systolic dysfunction, despite the progression of bladder cancer T4N1M0. In patient 2 with severe ischemic cardiopathy and CHF, owing to the timely administration of quadruple therapy, we managed to significantly improve the cardiac status and increase the LV EF that the patient underwent gastrectomy and cholecystectomy for cancer of the cardiac part of the stomach cT2N0M0 without complications.
Conclusion: The above clinical cases demonstrate the possibilities of a team, multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of complex category of patients with CHF and active oncological disease. Modern therapy of cancer patients with severe heart failure allows successful antitumor treatment.
Mid-term results of the treatment of acute postero-lateral rotational instability of the elbow joint
Authors: Haj Hmaidi Mohamed A. , Lazko Fedor L. , Prizov Aleksey P. , Zagorodniy Nikolai V. , Belyak Evgeniy A. , Akhpashev Alexander A. , Lazko Maxim F. , Kuznetsov Aleksander V. , Strashinskiy Georgiy A.
Published: July 2023

Background: Dislocations of the forearm are rare injuries with the annual incidence of 6.1 cases per 100 000 population. Postero-lateral rotational instability is the most common complication after the conservative treatment of forearm dislocations. To restore the congruency and provide early movements in the elbow joint, the primary repair or reconstruction of the damaged ligaments of the elbow are required.
Aim: to evaluate the clinical and functional results after the surgical repair of the elbow joint ligaments in acute postero-lateral rotational instability.
Methods: The study was based on a retrospective analysis of a series of clinical cases, including 17 patients with acute postero-lateral rotational instability, among them 5 simple forearm dislocations, 9 fracture-dislocations of the forearm and 3 fractures of the radial head. Refixation of the lateral ulnar ligament was performed with anchor fixation or bone tunnels. The evaluation was performed using the clinical aspects (the lateral pivot shift test, the range of motion), according to the scale for the evaluation of the elbow joint functional condition (MEPS), Oxford scale of the elbow joint evaluation (OEC), the X-ray results were also estimated.
Results: In all the cases the elbow joint stability had been achieved, according to the X-ray and clinical aspects. In 4 cases, additional plasty of the medial collateral ligament was needed and performed after the restoration of the lateral ligament complex. According to the MEPS scale, 58% of the achieved results were excellent, 35% were good and 5.8% were satisfactory.
Conclusion: The restoration of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament complex is a safe and effective procedure, which restores the elbow joint stability and allows the patients to return to full physical activity and avoid the development of postero-lateral rotational joint instability.
Autoimmune anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis on the background of COVID-19: a clinical case
Authors: Ulyanova Olga V. , Ermolenko Natalia A. , Dudina Anna A. , Belinskaya Vera V. , Dutova Tatyana I. , Kulikov Arkady V. , Golovina Nadezhda P. , Kuleshova Ekaterina O. , Kuslivaya Anastasia V.
Published: July 2023

Background: During the new COVID-19 coronavirus infection pandemic, a growing incidence of autoimmune encephalitis cases has been observed. One of the primary problems related to patients with this highly lethal pathology is its timely early diagnostics and prescription of an optimal individual course of immunotherapy. In a debut of anti-NMDA receptor (inotropic glutamate receptor, selectively binding N-methyl D-aspartate) encephalitis, mental disorders are observed, prompting the initial admission of such patients to a psychiatric hospital. Then, the clinical picture of the disease is characterized by a significant polymorphism. In such cases, it is not always possible to suspect an autoimmune lesion of the nervous system.
Clinical case description: In this article, we present a clinical case of a female patient with serologically confirmed autoimmune encephalitis against the background of the new coronavirus infection (U07.1 according to ICD-10). The disease onset involved psychiatric symptoms; the patient was transferred to the Department of neurology of the VGK BSMP No. 1 Municipal Clinical Hospital of Emergency Care No.1 from the municipal psychiatric hospital, when generalized cerebral symptoms appeared. According to the diagnostic criteria, mental disorders and generalized epileptic seizures are the most significant signs in the verification of autoimmune encephalitis. Autoimmune encephalitis was suspected based on the developed neurological symptoms and generalized epileptic seizures and confirmed by the detected anti-NMDA antibodies in the blood serum. The anti-NMDA antibody analysis in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid is the most informative way of autoimmune encephalitis diagnosis.
Conclusion: Autoimmune encephalitis requires vigilance of physicians of all specialties who may encounter this disease. Timely diagnostic procedures and prescription of pathogenetically justified treatment are of importance.
Biomarkers for surgical sepsis. A review of foreign scientific and medical publications
Authors: Sсherbak Sergey G. , Sarana Andrey M. , Vologzhanin Dmitry A. , Golota Aleksandr S. , Rud’ Aleksandr A. , Kamilova Tatiana A.
Published: July 2023

Sepsis is an unregulated host response to infection resulting in life-threatening organ dysfunction. As one of the most catastrophic surgical complications, sepsis remains a major public health problem worldwide, with increasing incidence despite sterile preoperative prophylaxis and administration of antibiotics. Sepsis mortality has remained unchanged for over a decade, and early recognition continues to be the most crucial factor in survival outcome. Early and accurate diagnosis of infection and organ dysfunction remains problematic, as evidenced by numerous interventional trials that have not resulted in improved outcomes. These failures are partly because of the belated intervention, when the patient developed multiple-organ failure and the therapeutic window of opportunity closed. The success of immunomodulatory and other therapeutic strategies, which is often achieved in preclinical models of sepsis, depends on their use in the early stages of sepsis development or even proactive action. Predicting the development of sepsis in surgical patients using laboratory analysis of plasma may be useful for doctors in the intensive care unit and resuscitation. Significant efforts are being made to develop biomarkers for the early stages of sepsis with high sensitivity and specificity. For early and accurate diagnosis, effective treatment of sepsis requires a deep understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms. Dysregulation of the patients response to infection leading to sepsis and septic shock is studied using ohmic approaches: proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics. Owing to the complexity and large volume of data sets, special data analysis tools, the so-called machine learning, become necessary.
Rehabilitation of spinal patients with diseases and injury of the cervical spine in the early and late postoperative period (analysis of russian and foreign recommendations)
Authors: Tolstaya Svetlana I. , Ivanova Galina E. , Durov Oleg V. , Lavrov Igor A. , Baklaushev Vladimir P. , Belopasov Vladimir V.
Published: July 2023

Despite the success of modern conservative therapy of severe spinal instability, surgical methods still retain their importance in the treatment of this pathology, but even the most successful operation may be in vain without subsequent adequate rehabilitation. This report summarizes the features of rehabilitation of patients after surgery for injuries of the cervical spine using methods and means of physiofunctional treatment.
Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement in Patients with Mitral Annular Calcification: A Review
Authors: Agrawal Ankit ,   Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart Vascular and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA, Reardon Michael J ,   Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Institute, Houston, TX, USA, Goel Sachin S ,   Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Institute, Houston, TX, USA
Published: July 2023

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a progressive degenerative calcification of the mitral valve (MV) that is associated with mitral stenosis, regurgitation or both. Patients with MAC are poor candidates for MV surgery because of technical challenges and high peri-operative mortality. Transcatheter MV replacement (TMVR) has emerged as an option for such high surgical risk patients. This has been described with the use of the SAPIEN transcatheter heart valve (valve-in-MAC) and dedicated TMVR devices. Careful anatomic assessment is important to avoid complications of TMVR, such as left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, valve migration, embolization and paravalvular mitral regurgitation. In this review, we discuss the pathology, importance of preprocedural multimodality imaging for optimal patient selection, clinical outcomes and complications associated with TMVR in patients with MAC.
Mavacamten, an Alternative to Septal Reduction Therapy for Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Desai Milind Y , Ali Adel Hajj ,   Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center, Heart Vascular Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
Published: July 2023

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common heridetary cardiac disorder characterized by a wide range of symptoms. The pharmacological treatment of HCM is currently limited to beta blockers, non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers and disopyramide. Mavacamten is a novel cardiac myosin inhibitor, which was recently added to the limited pharmacological list of treatment options for HCM. This editorial elaborates on current evidence evaluating the use of mavacamten in patients with symptomatic obstructive HCM, comments on its current use and its expanded potential applications in the future.
Measurement of Blood Volume in Patients with Heart Failure: Clinical Relevance, Surrogates, Historical Background and Contemporary Methodology
Authors: Miller Wayne L ,   Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
Published: July 2023

The development of clinical congestion resulting from volume overload, either by renal fluid retention or redistribution of blood volume from venous reservoirs, is a recurrent scenario in patients with chronic heart failure (HF). As a result, the treatment of congestion, most commonly by initiating aggressive diuretic therapy, is a front-line issue in the management of patients with HF. However, the association of clinical congestion and volume overload with physical signs and symptoms, as well as other surrogates of volume assessment, has limitations in accuracy and, therefore, reliability to direct appropriate interventions. The ability to quantitate intravascular volume and identify the variability in volume profiles among patients with HF can uniquely inform individualized volume management and aid in risk stratification. This tool is provided by contemporary nuclear medicine-based BVA-100 methodology, which uses the well-established indicator-dilution principle and is a requested topic for discussion in this review.
Integrating Palliative Care into the Management of Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Practice Pearl
Authors: Latimer Abigail ,   University of Kentucky College of Nursing, Lexington, KY, USA, Knoepke Christopher E ,   Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA, Winters Roger ,   Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
Published: July 2023

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction is a progressive, undulating syndrome with an unpredictable illness course featuring intermittent symptom exacerbations and periods of stability. The progressive, variable trajectory of the illness burdens patients with myriad threats to physical, emotional, and spiritual functioning, quality of life and complex treatment decisions. Integrating palliative care is a recommended best practice for heart failure management; however, confusion persists about what palliative care comprises in the context of heart failure.
Low-flow, Low-gradient Severe Aortic Stenosis: A Review
Authors: Sharma Nishant ,   Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Foothills Medical Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada, Sachedina Ayaaz K ,   Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Foothills Medical Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada, Kumar Sachin ,   Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
Published: July 2023

Aortic stenosis (AS) is a common valve pathology experienced by patients worldwide. There are limited population-based studies assessing its prevalence; however, epidemiological studies emphasize that the burden of disease is growing. Recognizing AS relies on accurate clinical assessment and diagnostic investigations. Patients who develop severe AS are often referred to the heart team for assessment of aortic valve intervention. Although echocardiography has traditionally been used to screen and monitor the progression of AS, there can be discordance between measurements in a low-flow state. Such patients may have truly severe AS and potentially derive long-term benefit from aortic valve intervention. Accurately identifying these patients with the use of ancillary testing has been the focus of research for several years. In this article, we discuss the contemporary approaches and challenges in identifying and managing patients with low-flow, low-gradient severe AS.
PECULIARITIES OF MALATE DEHYDROGENASE ISOENZYME COMPOSITION AND ENZYMATIC ACTIVITY IN AMARANTH VARIETIES AND VARIETAL POPULATIONS OF DIFFERENT RIPENESS GROUPS
Authors: HOPTSII Tetiana , LYMANSKA Svitlana , HUDYM Olena , CHUIKO Dmytro , MYROSHNYCHENKO Lydia
Published: July 2023

The article presents the results of studying the enzymatic activity of malate dehydrogenase in amaranth varieties and breeding populations of different ripeness groups and vegetation lengths. The studied amaranth species were A. caudatus L., A. mantegazzianus Passer., A. hybridus L., and A. hypochondriacus L. It was found that the enzymatic activity of malate dehydrogenase ensured the glyoxylate cycle functioning. The malate dehydrogenase activity varied depending on the enzyme accumulation during the initial stages of amaranth plant development. Isoenzyme analysis revealed two isoforms of malate dehydrogenase. It was noted that, in the studied amaranth species, the F-band was intrinsic to the early ripening forms, while the late-ripening carried the S-band. In addition, we detected the malate dehydrogenase polymorphism and differences in the enzymatic activity and demonstrated that it was possible to use them as a biochemical marker in breeding.
PHYSICOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF THE GRAPE AND WINE OF THE BLATINA, TRNJAK AND VRANAC IN DIFFERENT VINTAGES
Authors: JOVANOVIC-CVETKOVIC Tatjana , GRBIC Rada , GROBELNIKMLAKAR Silva , BOSANCIC Borut , CVETKOVIC Miljan
Published: July 2023

Typicality and style of wine are closely related to the varietal character of grapes, ecological properties of the locality, and the specificities of the winemaking process. For this reason, autochthonous and indigenous grape varieties are increasingly the subject of many studies. To protect their uniqueness, in the region of Hercegovina (Bosnia and Herzegovina), indigenous grape varieties are part of the current grape and wine production. Therefore, the subject of a two-year study (2018-2019) were indigenous wine varieties: Blatina, Trnjak, and Vranac. Variations in the values of the analyzed parameters were a consequence of the significant and/or highly significant influence of the variety and year. Blatina stood out from other varieties with the highest average cluster weight (364.90 g) and the highest wine color intensity (10.71). Trnjak had the highest total anthocyanin content in the grape skin and total polyphenol content in the grape seeds (1090.198 mg/kg grapes; 1755.195 mg/kg grapes), while Vranac had the highest polyphenol content in the grape skin (1823.961 mg/kg grapes), the highest TSS level (21.55% Brix), and consequently, the highest alcohol content in the wine (12.07% v/v).
INDUCTION OF TOMATO POLYPHENOL OXIDASES IN RESPONSE TO COMMON CUTWORM (Spodoptera litura) AND JACK BEARDSLEY MEALYBUG (Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi) INFESTATIONS
Authors: KLAKANKHAI Sulita , KHAIRUM Apinya , TANTASAWAT Piyada Alisha
Published: July 2023

Our objectives were to evaluate the induction of polyphenol oxidases (PPOs) and expression patterns of PPO A, B, D, E, and F genes upon infestations by common cutworm (Spodoptera litura) and Jack Beardsley mealybug (Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi). After common cutworm infestation at leaf node 4, PPO activities increased 10.2-fold locally, leading to systemic increase in PPO activities at upper leaf nodes 1-2 (3.0-fold) and lower leaf node 6 (1.7-fold). While infestation at leaf node 6 locally induced PPO activities 14.5-fold, and systemically induced PPO activities 3.0-fold at leaf node 4. By contrast, no significant induction of PPO was observed at any leaf nodes when either leaf node 4 or 6 was infested by mealybug. When common cutworm fed on PPO B::GUS fusion tomatoes, induced PPO B expression was observed locally particularly in mature leaves at veins, petioles, and abscission zones. However, PPO D::GUS fusion tomatoes showed locally induced expression especially in older leaves at veins and petioles. Systemically induced expression was also observed. Mealybug feeding also locally induced PPO B and PPO D expression in vascular tissues but at lower levels.
A MODEL OF COLLABORATIVE THEMATIC DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS IN THE FIELD OF GEOMATICS
Authors: BADEA Alexandru , LILICHABAANE Zohra , DEFFONTAINES Benoit , MOISE Cristian , VIRSTA Ana
Published: July 2023

In the last half-century, the knowledge and understanding of the problems generated by the climate variations have been facilitated by a spectacular evolution of monitoring techniques based on evolved means of acquisition, processing and interpretation of geospatial data. In parallel, but at a slower pace, the training methods specific to geomatics were given due importance in education. Faced with the real needs to process geospatial data applied to agriculture and the environment and the opportunities of creating many jobs in the sector of spatial environmental information, universities need teachers. But, in a large number of cases, they have been formed imperfectly and sometimes convey an approximate and questionable formation. Therefore, it is essential to establish a solid quality training based on an original approach in geomatics applied to agriculture, environment and sustainable development. The ERASMUS+ project “Capacity building in the field of geomatics applied to agriculture and environment in Tunisia (GEOMAG)” is an example of a modern approach to the way of effective training, developed in synergy with the rapid progress of the geospatial domain.
WATER QUALITY MONITORING OF MOARA DOMNEASCĂ POND, ILFOV COUNTY, USING UAV-BASED RGB IMAGING
Authors: SANDU Mirela Alina , VIRSTA Ana , VASILESCAETEANU Gina , ILIESCU Alexandru Iulian , IVAN Ionel , NICOLAE Carmen Georgeta , STOIAN Marian , MADJAR Roxana Maria
Published: July 2023

The aim of the present study was the assessment of the water quality collected from Moara Domnească pond, in Ilfov County, on the basis of the following physico-chemical parameters: turbidity (T), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), chloride (Cl-), total hardness (TH), dissolved oxygen (DO), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), phosphate-phosphorus (P-PO43-) and nitrogen pollutant species: nitrate-nitrogen (N-NO3-), nitritenitrogen (N-NO2-), ammonium nitrogen (N-NH4+). Water sampling was performed during autumn (September) 2022 from 15 sampling points from surface layer (0.5 m). Based on the obtained results and according to Order 161/2006, water collected from Moara Domnească pond was classified in quality classes. Limnological surveys of physicochemical parameters were completed by high-resolution remote sensing imagery by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). For each flight performance, an orthomosaic of georeferenced RGB images was made and the different features of interest were monitored and quantified by an automatic identification. UAV imagery is a useful tool for environmental lake management. Reporting the coordinates of the sampling points on the orthomosaic it helps to interpret better the results, having an overview of the studied area.
CONSIDERATIONS UPON THE MORPHOANATOMICAL FEATURES OF DECORATIVE AQUATIC PLANTS Hydrocharis laevigata AND Lagenandra meeboldii
Authors: SANDULESCU Emilia Brinduşa , STAVRESCU-BEDIVAN Mala Maria
Published: July 2023

Two aquatic plant species were subjected to this study: Hydrocharis laevigata synonym Limnobium laevigatum (Alismatales: Hydrocharitaceae) and Lagenandra meeboldii (Alismatales: Araceae). The paper presents first insight into the microscopic aspects of cross-sections made through root, petiole and leaves of in-vitro plant L. laevigatum and Lagenandra meeboldii ‘Red’ form, biological material purchased from the Romanian market of ornamental aquarium plants. Considering the invasive potential of South American spongeplant, already well documented for other European countries, this short survey draws attention to the danger represented by releasing decorative aquatic plants from aquarium as a factor involved in a possible future spreading of this species into natural environments.
CHANGES IN PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND HUMUS CONTENT OF TYPICAL BLACK SOIL IN TREATMENT AND FERTILIZER SYSTEMS
Authors: TKACHENKO Mykola , ZADUBINNA Yelyzaveta , KONDRATIUK Iryna , TSYUK Oleksiy , TSIUK Yuliia
Published: July 2023

The article presents the results of studies on the effectiveness of various systems of basic soil cultivation and fertilizer systems for growing winter wheat, and their impact on the physicochemical properties of typical black soil and organic matter content. The experiment included plough tillage, tillage with a 10-12 cm disc harrow, 'No-till' technology, and a mineral fertilizer system - source-saving minimized and intensive. The study was conducted in the agrocenosis of winter wheat. The results showed that shallow tillage with a disc harrow and resource-saving minimized mineral fertilizer increased the humus content in the 0-15 cm layer by 0.04% and in the 15-30 cm layer by 0.03% compared to inversion tillage. High rates of hydrolytic acidity (1.61-2.92 mol/m3/100 g of soil) were noted at all doses of mineral fertilizer when using inversion tillage. More optimized indicators of the sum of exchangeable bases of typical chernozem in a layer of 15-30 cm were noted during inversion tillage - 28.0 mol/m3/100 g of soil. The lowest value of the sum of exchangeable bases in the 15-30 cm layer was noted using the No-till technology - 27.6 mol/m3/100 g of soil. High rates of hydrolytic acidity (1.61-2.92 mol/m3/100 g of soil) were observed at all doses of mineral fertilizer using surface tillage. More optimized indicators of the sum of exchangeable alkaline of typical black soil in a layer of 15-30 cm were noted during shelf tillage - 28.0 mol/m3/100 g of soil. The lowest value of the sum of exchangeable alkalines in the soil layer of 15-30 cm according to the No-till technology was 27.6 mol/m3/100 g of soil.
EVOLUTION OF CIS AND TRANS-RESVERATROL IN WINES OBTAINED THROUGH INOCULATION WITH ACTIVE DRY YEAST AT PIETROASA VINEYARD
Authors: URMUZACHE Raluca Elena , BANITA Daniel Cornel , ISRAELROMING Florentina , BARBULESCU Iuliana Diana , BEGEA Mihaela , FRINCU Mihai , DUMITRACHE Corina , TUDOR Valerica , MATEI Petruta Mihaela , DRAGOTOIU Dumitru , TEODORESCU Razvan Ionut
Published: July 2023

This paper presents the results of the testing during the winemaking process using commercial active dry yeasts (CADY) in parallel with yeast biomass produced starting from yeasts isolated from Pietroasa area (Romania) (PAY). PAYs were obtained based on autochthonous yeasts isolated from Busuioacă de Bohotin (BB) and Tămâioasa Românească (TR) grape varieties. Two variants of must for each grape variety were taken in study, i.e. obtained from early harvested grapes (TRD and BBD) and from late harvested grapes (TRS and BBS). Winemaking experiments were carried out with 7 types of commercial yeasts and two types of commercial nutrients. The alcoholic concentration of the experimental wines varied from 11.8 % for WTRD to 18.4% for WBBD. The WBBD & S samples showed a higher average trans-resveratrol content (1.716 and 1.555 mg/L, respectively) compared to the WTRD & S wine samples (0.590 and 1.365 mg/L, respectively). The variation in the cis-resveratrol content between the experimental variants produced with PAY was not significant.
CONTROL OF K+HOMEOSTASIS: AN ESSENTIAL STRESS TOLERANCE MECHANISM IN PLANTS
Authors: VICENTE Oscar , ALHASSAN Mohamad , BOSCAIU Monica , GONZALEZ-ORENGA Sara
Published: July 2023

Soil salinity is one of the most critical environmental stressors that reduces crop yields worldwide and affects wild plants distribution in nature. Climate change is increasing the salinity of irrigated cropland and natural saline habitats of high ecological value, highlighting the interest in elucidating salt stress tolerance mechanisms in crops and wild plants. One of the well-known adverse effects of salt is the interference of toxic Na+ ions with K+ uptake and homeostasis, as both cations compete for the same binding sites and transport proteins. Therefore, an increase in substrate salinity is usually accompanied by a reduction of K+ concentrations in the plant organs, as it has been observed in many species, both salt sensitive and tolerant. However, in other plants, K+ contents are maintained or even increase with increasing Na+ concentrations; for example, in some species, K+transport to the leaves is activated at high external salinity to counteract the toxic Na+ effects. This review will present several examples of these mechanisms and their relevance for stress tolerance, based primarily on our group's work during the last 20 years.
PROMISING BIOFERTILISING ENDOPHYTES AS HUMAN PATHOGENS SUPPRESSOR AGENTS
Authors: BOIU-SICUIA Oana Alina , TOMA Radu Cristian , DIGUTA Camelia Filofteia , CORNEA Calina Petruta
Published: July 2023

Despite the very good consideration regarding organic products, studies have shown that leafy vegetables can harbour various human pathogens. Preventive methods are the best way to reduce such risks and protect the quality and image of organic agricultural production. The aim of this study was to suppress important human pathogens, bacteria, and yeasts, by using selected plant beneficial endophytes. Results have showed that among 23 bacterial endophytes isolated from different plant species, some isolates revealed antimicrobial activity. Reference strains of Bacillus cereus and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus were inhibited by 34.8% of the isolated endophytes, while the methicillin-resistant strain of S. aureus was inhibited by 30.4% of the tested endophytes. Enterococcus faecalis and Salmonella typhimurium were more reticent, and only 8.7% of the isolated endophytes were able to inhibit their growth. The pathogenic reference yeasts, Candida albicans and C. parapsilosis were inhibited by 17.4% and 21.7%, respectively of the isolated endophytes. In vitro results revealed certain strains of endophytic bacteria as potential inoculants, to provide not only plant growth promotion but also protection against important pathogenic contaminants.
WINTER WHEAT YIELD AND QUALITY DEPENDING ON CHEMICAL FERTILIZATION, DIFFERENT TREATMENTS AND TILLAGE SYSTEMS
Authors: CHIRITA Sebastian , RUSU Teodor , URDA Camelia , CHETAN Felicia , RACZ Ionut
Published: July 2023

Winter wheat is one of the most important crop in the world of particular economic importance, bread made from wheat flour being the essential food, also ensuring about 20% total calories consumed. Identifying a technology that ensures a superior quality, but also a high and stable production of the wheat crop by choosing: the right tillage system, the optimal level of fertilization and the treatment to combat diseases and pests is one of the priorities of agricultural research. In order to evaluate the influence of chemical fertilization, seed treatment and tillage system on winter wheat yield and quality, a field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research and Development Station Turda (ARDS Turda), in 2020-2021. The Andrada winter wheat variety was used for the experiment. The experimental factors were: soil tillage system with four graduations, seed and foliar treatment with three graduations and chemical fertilization with three graduations. Even if high yield was obtained when conventional system was adopted, good winter wheat yield was observed in minimum tillage or no-tillage system when high doses of fertilization were experimented.