bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A PANDEMIA COMO UMA VIA HERMENÊUTICA PARA OS SENTIDOS: DO APRESSAMENTO À POIESIS NARRATIVA
Authors: Ribeiro Layta Sena
Published: August 2022

A narrativa incide no descrever fenômenos, interpretar a história e o contexto social para compreender as histórias de vida. Logo, o objetivo deste texto é relatar, em um contexto de pandemia, a experiência de ser uma pós-graduanda que viveu a interrupção da colheita de pesquisa trazendo reverberações na vida pessoal e profissional. Foi possível compreender a experiência de viver a quarentena a partir de três categorias: “a experiência de parar”, “a experiência de produção acelerada” e “a experiência de compreender como está sendo viver a pós-graduação na pandemia”. Assim, apresenta-se a andarilhagem percorrida entre condições de sofrimento até o caminho de enfrentamento à crise e a ressignificação da identidade, ante a criação de projetos de sentido no encontro com a imprevisibilidade.
Quantifying ocean surface green tides using high-spatial resolution thermal images
Authors: Song Qingjun , Ma Chaofei , Liu Jianqiang , Wei Hongyang
Published: August 2022

The use of thermal remote sensing for marine green tide monitoring has not been clearly demonstrated due to the lack of high-resolution spaceborne thermal observation data. This problem has been effectively solved using high-spatial resolution thermal and optical images collected from the sensors onboard the Ziyuan-1 02E (ZY01-02E) satellite of China. The characteristics and principles of spaceborne thermal remote sensing of green tides were investigated in this study. Spaceborne thermal cameras can capture marine green tides depending on the brightness temperature difference (BTD) between green tides and background seawater, which shows a positive or negative BTD contrast between them in the daytime or nighttime. There is a significant difference between thermal and optical remote sensing in the ability to detect green tides; compared with optical remote sensing, pixels containing less algae are not easily distinguishable in thermal images. However, there is a good linear statistical relationship between the BTD and the optical parameter (scaled algae index of virtual baseline height of floating macroalgae, SAI(VB)) of green tides, which indicates that the BTD can be used to quantify the green tide coverage area in a pixel or biomass per area. Then, the uncertainty in thermal quantitative remote sensing of green tides was clarified according to the pixel-to-pixel relationship between optical and thermal images. In a mixed pixel, green tide coverage and algal thickness have different thermal signal responses, which results in this uncertainty. In future research, more thermally remotely sensed images with high spatial resolution are needed to increase the observation frequency in the daytime and nighttime for the dynamic monitoring of green tides.
Improved phase-shifting method for pinhole point diffraction interferometer based on a precise driving of the substrate
Authors: Lu Jiasheng , Li Bing , Zhao Zhuo , Geng Leqi
Published: August 2022

We report a phase-shifting method based on a pinhole point diffraction interferometer. Using the random two-frame phase-shifting algorithm, the piezo electric transducer (PZT) drives the pinhole moving a certain step length along the axis of the tested aspheric mirror. In each step, the CCD collects an interferogram. Then two interferograms are processed by the phase-shifting algorithm. After that, we can acquire the phase map of the interferograms. This technique has great potential for increasing the measuring aperture of the aspheric mirror in the pinhole point diffraction interferometer (PPDI) under the premise of keeping the advantages of PPDI of which the optic devices, as well as error sources, are few behind the substrate.
Study on the effects of environmental factors on enzyme activities during growth of Hypsizygus marmoreus
Authors: Yang Hongpeng , Lei Meige , Huang Liang , Wang Yu , Sun Ning , Ban Litong , Wang Xufeng , Zhang Hongyang
Published: August 2022

The sensitivity of Hypsizygus marmoreus to environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, illumination and CO2 concentration varies greatly in different growth stages. In this paper, the effects of various environmental factors on the growth and development of H. marmoreus were investigated by measuring the enzyme activities of H. marmoreus at different growth stages under different microenvironment conditions in the mushroom room, so as to confirm the influence mechanism of environmental factors on the growth of H. marmoreus. The results showed that at budding stage xylanase and laccase were found significantly positively correlated with CO2 concentration and light intensity, and dramatically negatively correlated with humidity while carboxymethyl cellulose and manganese peroxidase were markedly positively correlated with humidity, and significantly negatively correlated with CO2 concentration and light intensity. On the other hand, in mature fruit bodies xylanase activity was found significantly positively correlated with CO2 concentration and light intensity, and dramatically negatively correlated with humidity while manganese peroxidase activities were found significantly positively correlated with humidity, and dramatically negatively correlated with light intensity. The activity of β-glucosidase in budding and mature fruiting bodies was markedly negatively correlated with CO2 concentration and significantly positively correlated with humidity.
Characterisation of a soil MINPP phytase with remarkable long-term stability and activity from Acinetobacter sp.
Authors: Rix Gregory D. , Sprigg Colleen , Whitfield Hayley , Hemmings Andrew M. , Todd Jonathan D. , Brearley Charles A.
Published: August 2022

Phylogenetic analysis, homology modelling and biochemical methods have been employed to characterize a phytase from a Gram-negative soil bacterium. Acinetobacter sp. AC1-2 phytase belongs to clade 2 of the histidine (acid) phytases, to the Multiple Inositol Polyphosphate Phosphatase (MINPP) subclass. The enzyme was extraordinarily stable in solution both at room temperature and 4°C, retaining near 100% activity over 755 days. It showed a broad pH activity profile from 2–8.5 with maxima at 3, 4.5–5 and 6. The enzyme showed Michaelis-Menten kinetics and substrate inhibition (Vmax, Km, and Ki, 228 U/mg, 0.65 mM and 2.23 mM, respectively). Homology modelling using the crystal structure of a homologous MINPP from a human gut commensal bacterium indicated the presence of a potentially stabilising polypeptide loop (a U-loop) straddling the active site. By employ of the enantiospecificity of Arabidopsis inositol tris/tetrakisphosphate kinase 1 for inositol pentakisphosphates, we show AC1-2 MINPP to possess D6-phytase activity, which allowed modelling of active site specificity pockets for InsP6 substrate. While phytase gene transcription was unaltered in rich media, it was repressed in minimal media with phytic acid and orthophosphate as phosphate sources. The results of this study reveal AC1-2 MINPP to possess desirable attributes relevant to biotechnological use.
Retaliatory killing negatively affects African lion (Panthera leo) male coalitions in the Tarangire-Manyara Ecosystem, Tanzania
Authors: Felix Nancy , Kissui Bernard M. , Munishi Linus , Treydte Anna C.
Published: August 2022

In landscapes where people and lions coexist, conflicts are common due to livestock predation and threats to human safety. Retaliatory lion killing by humans is often a consequence and is one of the leading causes of lion population declines across Africa. We assessed the effects of retaliatory lion killing on male lion coalitions in the Tarangire-Manyara Ecosystem (TME) using a long-term dataset of lion monitoring for ten lion prides, spanning over a fourteen year-period from 2004–2018. We also interviewed 214 respondents about their attitudes and awareness of the effects of retaliatory killing on lions. We found that male lion coalitions were larger and lasted for a longer tenure period in locations with low risk of retaliatory killing, as well as far away from active hunting blocks. Further, young people (18–35 years old) had a more positive attitude towards lion existence and conservation compared to older age classes. Surprisingly, people with primary or secondary level of education were more likely to having lions killed if they attack livestock compared to people with no formal education, although the former supported lion presence for tourism in protected areas. We conclude that retaliatory killing has a large effect on long-term lion coalition dynamics and, thus, survival. Community awareness on retaliation effect varies widely, and we recommend implementing better education and policy strategies at TME to protect the declining carnivore populations.
"Give me a break!" A systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of micro-breaks for increasing well-being and performance
Authors: Albulescu Patricia , Macsinga Irina , Rusu Andrei , Sulea Coralia , Bodnaru Alexandra , Tulbure Bogdan Tudor
Published: August 2022

Recovery activities during short breaks taken between work tasks are solutions for preventing the impairing effects of accumulated strain. No wonder then that a growing body of scientific literature from various perspectives emerged on this topic. The present meta-analysis is aimed at estimating the efficacy of micro-breaks in enhancing well-being (vigor and fatigue) and performance, as well as in which conditions and for whom are the micro-breaks most effective. We searched the existent literature on this topic and aggregated the existing data from experimental and quasi-experimental studies. The systematic search revealed 19 records, which resulted in 22 independent study samples (N= 2335). Random-effects meta-analyses shown statistically significant but small effects of micro-breaks in boosting vigor (d= .36,p< .001;k= 9,n= 913), reducing fatigue (d= .35,p< .001;k= 9,n= 803), and a non-significant effect on increasing overall performance (d= .16,p= .116;k= 15,n= 1132). Sub-groups analyses on performance types revealed significant effects only for tasks with less cognitive demands. A meta-regression showed that the longer the break, the greater the boost was on performance. Overall, the data support the role of micro-breaks for well-being, while for performance, recovering from highly depleting tasks may need more than 10-minute breaks. Therefore, future studies should focus on this issue.
Caulerpa chemnitzia in Darwin threatening Galapagos coral reefs
Authors: Keith Inti , Bensted-Smith William , Banks Stuart , Suarez Jenifer , Riegl Bernhard
Published: August 2022

Coral reefs are rare in the Galapagos and there is concern that, like in many areas around the world, they may be degrading due to increasing anthropogenic pressure, which can cause changes and reorganizations of structure and function with associated phase shifts. Algae of the genus Caulerpa J.V. Lamouroux, 1809 are known as widespread and persistent marine invaders. They grow rapidly, particularly in disturbed areas where they can opportunistically monopolize substratum and compete with native species, thus reducing biodiversity. Caulerpa chemnitzia increased in abundance and overgrew corals on the reef since 2012, ultimately raising fears that a phase-shift from coral to algae might be imminent. However, from 2019 onwards algae populations strongly contracted and while not having returned to baseline level, there is currently low risk of corals being displaced. Visual censuses were conducted on a yearly basis since 2004 using sample quadrats (0.5 x 0.5m) every 5 m along a 50-m-long transects at a depth of 6–15 m at 5 permanent subtidal ecological monitoring sites around Darwin. In addition, 10 m photo-transects were taken using a graduated meter-long measuring stick in the centre of the frame in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2021 at a depth of 15m at Wellington reef. The authors hypothesize that this species could have expanded its distribution over Wellington Reef because of its known morphological plasticity due to a response to change in the environment, in this case high temperature and low nutrients. As ENSO events are predicted to increase in intensity and frequency due to the impact of climate change it is important to develop and implement a functional alert system. Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) protocols are recommended to avoid climate driven Non-Indigenous Species (NIS) entering the GMR or for native species becoming invasive due to warming-related phase shifts.
Social determinants of health associated with psychological distress stratified by lifetime traumatic brain injury status and sex: Cross-sectional evidence from a population sample of adults in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Chan Vincy , Marcus Lauren , Burlie Danielle , Mann Robert E. , Toccalino Danielle , Cusimano Michael D. , Ilie Gabriela , Colantonio Angela
Published: August 2022

This study identified the social determinants of health (SDoH) associated with psychological distress in adults with and without a self-reported history of traumatic brain injury (TBI), stratified by sex. Data from the 2014–2017 cycles of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Monitor Survey, a representative survey of adults ≥18 years in Ontario, Canada, were analyzed (N = 7,214). The six-item version of the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale was used to determine moderate to severe psychological distress. Self-reported lifetime TBI was defined as a head injury resulting in a loss of consciousness for ≥5 minutes or at least one-night stay in the hospital (16.4%). Among individuals reporting a history of TBI, 30.2% of males and 40.1% of females reported psychological distress (p = 0.0109). Among individuals who did not report a history of TBI, 17.9% of males and 23.5% of females reported psychological distress (p<0.0001). Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that the SDoH significantly associated with elevated psychological distress were similar between individuals with and without a history of TBI. This included unemployment, student, or ‘other’ employment status among both males and females; income below the provincial median and age 65+ among males; and rural residence among females. This study highlighted opportunities for targeted population-level interventions, namely accessible and affordable mental health supports for individuals with lower income. Notably, this study presented evidence suggesting adaptations to existing services to accommodate challenges associated with TBI should be explored, given the finite and competing demands for mental health care and resources.
Prevalence of sleep apnea in children and adolescents in Colombia according to the national health registry 2017–2021
Authors: Waich Alan , Ruiz Severiche Juanita , Manrique Andrade Margarita , Castañeda Aza Julieth Andrea , Castellanos Ramírez Julio Cesar , Otero Mendoza Liliana , Restrepo Gualteros Sonia Maria , Panqueva Olga Patricia , Hidalgo Martínez Patricia
Published: August 2022

Objective

To describe the sociodemographic and epidemiological characteristics of diagnosis and treatment of pediatric patients with sleep apnea, both central and obstructive, in Colombia between 2017 and 2021.

Methods

Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, epidemiological study using the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems as search terms for sleep apnea, based on SISPRO, the Colombian national health registry. Stratification by gender and age groups was performed. We also generated data of the amount of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed. A map of prevalence by place of residency was performed.

Results

National records report 15200 cases of SA between 2017 and 2021, for an estimated prevalence of 21.1 cases by 100000 inhabitants in 2019 the year with the most cases (4769), being more frequent and in the 6 to 11 age group and in males, with a male to female ratio of 1.54:1. The number of cases declined in 2020 and 2021. The map showed a concentration of cases in the more developed departments of the country.

Discussion

This is the first approximation to a nation-wide prevalence of sleep apnea in Colombia which is lower to what is found in the literature worldwide, including studies performed in Latin America and in Colombia, this could reflect sub diagnosis and sub report. The fact that the highest prevalence was found in males and in the 6–11 age group is consistent with reports in literature. The decrease in cases in 2020 and 2021 could be related to the COVID-19 pandemic impact in sleep medicine services.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of lung cancer patients with COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Wu Mingyue , Liu Siru , Yang Yi , Lin Jie , Liu Jialin
Published: August 2022

Background

COVID-19 is spreading rapidly worldwide, and the population is generally susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, especially those with cancer. Hence, our study aims to design a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of the clinical characteristics and prognoses of lung cancer patients with COVID-19.

Methods

The protocol is prepared following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The literature will be searched in Embase, Pubmed, the Cochrane Library, LitCovid, and CNKI for potentially eligible articles. The quality of the articles will be used in the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS) and Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Statistical analysis will be performed through RevMan 5 software. This review protocol has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022306866).

Discussion

To clarify whether COVID-19 affects the clinical symptoms and prognoses of lung cancer patients. Further study is needed to establish the best evidence-based for the management of lung cancer patients with COVID-19.

Conclusion

The definitive conclusion will be important to physicians effectively manage lung cancer patients with COVID-19.
Exploration and comparison of bacterial communities present in bovine faeces, milk and blood using 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing
Authors: Mtshali Khethiwe , Khumalo Zamantungwa Thobeka Happiness , Kwenda Stanford , Arshad Ismail , Thekisoe Oriel Matlahane Molifi
Published: August 2022

Cattle by-products like faeces, milk and blood have many uses among rural communities; aiding to facilitate everyday household activities and occasional rituals. Ecologically, the body sites from which they are derived consist of distinct microbial communities forming a complex ecosystem of niches. We aimed to explore and compare the faecal, milk and blood microbiota of cows through 16S rRNA sequencing. All downstream analyses were performed using applications in R Studio (v3.6.1). Alpha-diversity metrics showed significant differences between faeces and blood; faeces and milk; but non-significant between blood and milk using Kruskal-Wallis test, P < 0,05. The beta-diversity metrics on Principal Coordinate Analysis and Non-Metric Dimensional Scaling significantly clustered samples by type (PERMANOVA test, P < 0,05). The overall analysis revealed a total of 30 phyla, 74 classes, 156 orders, 243 families and 408 genera. Firmicutes, Bacteroidota and Proteobacteria were the most abundant phyla overall. A total of 58 genus-level taxa occurred concurrently between the body sites. The important taxa could be categorized into four potentially pathogenic clusters i.e. arthropod-borne; food-borne and zoonotic; mastitogenic; and metritic and abortigenic. A number of taxa were significantly differentially abundant (DA) between sites based on the Wald test implemented in DESeq2 package. Majority of the DA taxa (i.e. Romboutsia, Paeniclostridium, Monoglobus, Akkermansia, Turicibacter, Bacteroides, Candidatus_Saccharimonas, UCG-005 and Prevotellaceae_UCG-004) were significantly enriched in faeces in comparison to milk and blood, except for Anaplasma which was greatly enriched in blood and was in turn the largest microbial genus in the entire analysis. This study provides insights into the microbial community composition of the sampled body sites and its extent of overlapping. It further highlights the potential risk of disease occurrence and transmission between the animals and the community of Waaihoek in KwaZulu-Natal, Republic of South Africa pertaining to their unsanitary practices associated with the use of cattle by-products.
The burden and characteristics of HIV-infected COVID-19 patients at a tertiary care hospital in sub-Saharan Africa—A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Iyer Alok , Shah Jasmit , Shah Reena
Published: August 2022

Background

After the first case of COVID-19 caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus was discovered in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, the disease spread viciously throughout the world. Little is known about the impact of HIV infection on the clinical outcomes of patients co-infected with SARS-CoV-2. Studying the characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 among HIV-positive patients is key to characterising the risk of morbidity and mortality of HIV-positive patients from COVID-19.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we included patients admitted to Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection and who had consented to HIV screening. We compared the prevalence and characteristics of HIV patients with those of non-HIV patients and described the results for both groups.

Results

In our sample of 582 patients, the mean age was 49.2 years (SD = 15.2), with 68% of the sample being men. The cumulative HIV prevalence was 3.7%, and the most common symptoms were cough (58.1%), fever (45.2%), difficulty in breathing (36.8%) and general body malaise (23.9%). The most common comorbidities included hypertension (28.5%), diabetes mellitus (26.1%), and heart disease (4.1%). Most participants (228 or 49.5%) had mild COVID-19, and the mortality rate was 5%. Overall, there were no statistically significant differences in demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes between HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients.

Conclusions

There was a 3.7% prevalence of HIV in COVID-19 positive patients. Demographic characteristics and clinical outcomes were similar between the two groups. Future studies should seek to achieve larger samples, include multiple study sites and conduct subgroup analyses based on the immunologic status of HIV-positive patients.
AI-based search for convergently expanding, advantageous mutations in SARS-CoV-2 by focusing on oligonucleotide frequencies
Authors: Ikemura Toshimichi , Iwasaki Yuki , Wada Kennosuke , Wada Yoshiko , Abe Takashi
Published: August 2022

Among mutations that occur in SARS-CoV-2, efficient identification of mutations advantageous for viral replication and transmission is important to characterize and defeat this rampant virus. Mutations rapidly expanding frequency in a viral population are candidates for advantageous mutations, but neutral mutations hitchhiking with advantageous mutations are also likely to be included. To distinguish these, we focus on mutations that appear to occur independently in different lineages and expand in frequency in a convergent evolutionary manner. Batch-learning SOM (BLSOM) can separate SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences according by lineage from only providing the oligonucleotide composition. Focusing on remarkably expanding 20-mers, each of which is only represented by one copy in the viral genome, allows us to correlate the expanding 20-mers to mutations. Using visualization functions in BLSOM, we can efficiently identify mutations that have expanded remarkably both in the Omicron lineage, which is phylogenetically distinct from other lineages, and in other lineages. Most of these mutations involved changes in amino acids, but there were a few that did not, such as an intergenic mutation.
Design, implementation and evaluation of informal home care support intervention program for lonely older adults in the community: Protocol for a feasibility study
Authors: Lotfalinezhad Elham , Nadrian Haidar , Kousha Ahmad , Andersen-Ranberg Karen , Asghari Jafarabadi Mohamed , Sohrabi Ahmad , Hashemiparast Mina , Honarvar Mohammad Reza , Freeman Shannon
Published: August 2022

Background

Providing lonely older adults with informal home care services is important to improving their health and quality of life. The study aims to evaluate the feasibility of design, implementation and evaluation of an informal home care support intervention program (HoSIP) for community-dwelling lonely older adults in Gorgan, Iran.

Method/design

This feasibility study is a mixed-method with a concurrent nested design. Lonely older adults will be enrolled as the HoSIP intervention group and will receive 12-weeks of informal home care service by peer supporters. The purpose of this feasibility study is to determine the recruitment capability and resulting sample characteristics, data collection procedure and outcome measures, the acceptability and suitability of the intervention and study procedures, the resource and ability to manage the study and intervention, and preliminary evaluation of participant response to intervention. Primary outcomes including participant feelings of loneliness, quality of life, general health, social network, social support, and self-care ability, will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention for the intervention and control groups. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted immediately after the intervention using content qualitative approach to describe participants’ experiences with HoSIP.

Discussion

Through this study we will examine the feasibility of delivering informal home care services to community-dwelling lonely older adults in a developing country through employing a concurrent nested mixed-method design.

Trial registration

IRCT20190503043455N
Population dynamics and biology of Orchis mascula (Orchidaceae Juss.) in the Sochi Black Sea region
Authors: Averyanova E. A.
Published: August 2022

Orchis mascula (L.) L. is widely distributed in the Sochi Black Sea region. It occurs in forest phytocenoses of the low-mountain and mid-mountain belts of the southern macroslope of the Main Caucasian Range. The number in individual populations is from a few individuals to several tens, usually the populations are dispersed over large areas. The abundance varies greatly depending on weather conditions and other factors. O. mascula can be attributed to hemie-phemeroids, i.e., having spring-early summer green shoots with a period of summer-autumn-winter dormancy. The growing season lasts 3.5-4 months. The ontogenetic spectra of the studied populations are complete with a predominance of young individuals. The dynamics of the ontogenetic structure of the cenopopulation from the beech-hornbeam forest for 8 years is shown. The population is full-membered, normal type, stable. Seed renewal. Fruit formation is about 23 %. The average number of fruits formed on one individual was 4.8. The number of seeds in one fruit is on average 9000, one individual produces up to 45 thousand full-fledged seeds per season. Seeds of Orchis-type, pear-shaped, about 370 цш long; the embryo is large, round in projection. The species is protected in the Caucasian State Natural Biosphere Reserve and the Sochi National Park.
Seed production in the hybrids of Pinus sibirica and Pinus pumila in the north-eastern part of the hybrid zone
Authors: Vasilyeva G. V
Published: August 2022

Pinus sibirica and P. pumila hybrid zone have a vast territory. Previously, seed production was determined only in hybrids from the western part of the hybrid zone. The earlier established introgression of the species in the northeastern part of the hybrid zone gives more relevance to the study of the hybrid seed production in this area. The paper presents the results of the cone structure analysis in Siberian stone pine, Siberian dwarf pine and their hybrids, and also shows the dynamics of ovule development into a filled seed with a well-developed embryo. The final seed efficiency, i. e., the portion of sound seeds from the ovule number, was 65, 51, and 37 % for Siberian dwarf pine, hybrids, and Siberian stone pine, respectively. Low seed efficiency in P. sibirica was related with high portion of empty seeds in some individuals. The atypical seed efficiency in Siberian stone pine and hybrids could be explained by the lack of pure P sibirica, consequently, by the lack of F1 hybrids.
Ecological variability of seed production quality of Siberian stone pine (Pinus sibirica Du Tour) along the latitudinal gradient in the West Siberian Plain
Authors: Velisevich S. N.
Published: August 2022

The range of Siberian stone pine (Pinus sibirica Du Tour) in the flat part of Western Siberia occupies a wide strip from the forest-steppe zone in the south to the Arctic Circle in the north, therefore, the ecological amplitude of its growth covers conditions with different heat and moisture conditions. Optimal for this species is the moderately cold and humid climate of the middle taiga. In the north of the area, growth and reproduction are limited by a cold and short growing season, in the south of the area, by insufficient soil moisture. The relevance of studying the quality of sexual reproduction in the north and south of the area is due to the observed climatic changes, since the quality of the seeds determines the potential for adaptation and advancement of the species to new frontiers. This work analyzes the ecological variability of crop quality in three populations: (1) the border of the northern taiga subzone with the forest-tundra, (2) the middle taiga subzone, (3) the border of the southern taiga subzone with the forest-steppe. Analysis of the 22-year dynamics of the formation and maturation of cones on female shoots showed that in the southern population, with good quality of cones and seeds and a high average long-term level of cone formation, there is a tendency to reduce their maturation. The number of years with high seed production has decreased. In the northern population, the quality of cones was worse due to a decrease in the proportion of fertile scales, developed and filled seeds. The seeds had a normal weight but a short embryo. The frequency of high seed production is once every ten years. With a lower average number of initiated and matured cones on the shoot, their inter-annual dynamics demonstrates a steady upward trend.
Structure and condition of Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Druce) Soo cenopopulations in southern taiga pine forests of sphagnum type
Authors: Egorova N. Yu. , Suleimanova V. N.
Published: August 2022

The results of studies conducted during the mass flowering of Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Druce) Soo plants are presented in sphagnum pine forests in the subzone of the southern taiga of the Kirov region. Descriptions of the species’ habitats are given. The studied cenopopulations (CP) of D. fuchsii were studied in sphagnum-type pine forests: grass-shift-sphagnum pine with spruce (CP1), maynik-blueberry-green-moss-sphagnum pine (CP2). The ontogenetic structure of Dactylorhiza fuchsii populations is shown. The conducted studies have shown that in the ontogenetic spectrum of CP1, the predominant group of individuals of the generative period, which accounts for 58 %. The age spectrum of this population is of the right-sided type. In CP2, an approximately equal ratio is observed in the ontogenetic spectrum of D. fuchsii individuals. High values of the number and renewal index in the CP2 indicate its stable condition. The studied CP are quite numerous, the number of individuals in CP1 is - 88 individuals, in CP2 is - 239 individuals. In the biotopes under consideration, the species occurs both as individuals and in small scattered groups. Further monitoring is necessary to assess the state of cenopopulations and forecast their development.
On the characteristics of vegetation of the “Elandinsky stones” nature monument of regional importance (Altai Krai) Елесова Н. В.
Authors: Elesova N. V.
Published: August 2022

Flora and vegetation data of the nature monument of regional importance “Elandinsky stones” (Tselinnyy district, Altai Krai) are given. Flora comprises 283 species of higher vascular plants, including 2 rare species: Paeonia hybrida, Stipa pennata. Vegetation is represented by petrophyte forb-feathergrass steppe, rare for Bijsk-Chumysh upland, forb-grasses meadow, birch forests and bushes.
Comprehensive analysis of the family Liliaceae Juss. on the territory of the Altai Mountain Country: taxonomy, ecology, arealogy and phylogeny
Authors: Zholnerova E. A. , Vaganov A. V.
Published: August 2022

A comprehensive analysis of the family Liliaceae Juss. was compiled on the basis of the conducted studies, office work and previously published data for the territory of the Altai Mountain Country, which made it possible to diversify all possible features of the species of the family. Using the materials of the NCBI, based on the fragments «rbcL» and «trnL-trnF», phylogenetic trees were obtained, a modular evolutionary analysis was carried out using external morphology data. Ecological and arealogical analyzes, in turn, provided an opportunity to refine data on the modern distribution of the family members in the study area. Arealogical analysis showed the predominance of the Asian group, whose representatives belong mainly to the North Asian and Siberian-Central Asian areas. Belt-zonal analysis of the family showed that most of the species belong to the mountainous-plain ecological-geographical group.
Changes in sizes of mesophyll cells underlies the adaptation of Betula platyphylla Sukacz. leaf to increased climate aridity
Authors: Migalina S. V. , Ivanov L. A. , Ivanova L. A.
Published: August 2022

Climate changes in Central Asia attract increasing attention to studies in successions, ecosystem transformations and plant adaptation. Functional mechanisms of plant adaptation are related to the changes in leaf structure, first of all, the architecture of carbon-assimilating tissues. We studied leaf mesophyll structure of Betula platyphylla Sukacz. from geographical regions in the southern part of East Siberia and Mongolia with different climate aridity. Birch populations represented a latitudinal range from the middle taiga to the forest-steppe. According our results changes in mesophyll structure occurred along the aridity gradient, which manifested in a significant decrease (by 38-40 %) in cell sizes and an increase in surface area and volume ratio of mesophyll. Such rearrangement of mesophyll structure provides a higher rate of intraleaf diffusion of CO2 and the maintenance of high level of photosynthesis under water deficiency. We concluded that changes in the sizes of carbon-assimilating cells which underlies the restructuring of leaf three-dimensional organization provides regulation of gas exchange, and is a key mechanism for the adaptation of the photosynthetic function of Betula platyphylla to increased aridity of the climate.
Leaf epidermis of juvenile and immature individuals of Ferula tadshikorum Pimenov introduced in the Tashkent Botanical Garden
Authors: Khamraeva D. T.
Published: August 2022

The leaf epidermis was studied in individuals of different ages (juvenile plants of 1st year, immature plants of 1st year and 2nd years of life) Ferula tadshikorum of the family Apiaceae, grown in the conditions of the Tashkent Botanical Garden. The leaves are amphistomatic in the studied individuals of different ages. Plants are characterized by the presence of three types of stomata: anomocytic, hemiparacytic and paracytic, which are simultaneously present on both leaf surfaces. The anomocytic type of stomata is the dominant type. Diagnostic signs of the studied individual’s leaves of different ages are the number of epidermal cells and stomata per unit area, the size of cells and stomata, as well as indicators of the stomatal index. Immature plants 2nd years of life have the highest indicator in terms of the number of stomata and epidermal cells per 1 mm2 on the adaxial side of the leaf. The outlines of the anticlinal walls of the epidermal cells of the leaf on both abaxial and adaxial surfaces in all individuals are rectilinearly rounded. The conducted research shows that despite the new growing conditions, ancestral mesophilic signs remain in plants at the initial stages of development (juvenile individuals), however, already in the second year of vegetation, the appearance of xeromorphic signs is observed in immature plants 2nd years.
Features of the floristic composition of communities with the participation of Malus sieversii on the territory of “Zhongar - Alatau” National Park
Authors: Vesselova P. V. , Shadmanova L. Sh. , Danilov M. P. , Kudabayeva G. M. , Sitpayeva G. T.
Published: August 2022

Dzungarian Alatau mountain is a unique place of agrobiodiversity concentration. The apple forests consisted of the red book species Malus sieversii (Ledeb.) M. Roem. in combination with Abies sibirica Ledeb. and Populus tremula L. form a pronounced altitudinal-climatic band within 1200-1600 m in Dzungarian Alatau. In this article the features of the floristic composition of M. sieversii communities in four gorges of the Zhongar-Alatau National Park (Pikhto-voye, Mushabay, Kok-Zhota and Krutoye) were revealed. Plant species characteristic of the apple forest belt are shown. In the studied communities, there are 138 species of higher vascular plants from 110 genera, 42 families. The leading families in terms of the number of species are Asteraceae, Apiaceae, Rosaceae, Poaceae, Lamiaceae. Generic coefficient was revealed as 79.7 %. The ecological and geographical analysis of the noted species indicates that the floristic richness of the communities is mainly due to the natural conditions of growth, the leading of which are the height, exposure, moisture content of the substrate, and the closeness of the crowns of the tree canopy. In addition, the degree of anthropogenic impact on communities is of great importance.
DESALINATION OF MINE WATER FOR SUSTAINABLE MINING PRACTICES
Authors: Mbinda Phillis , Kiswa Ali Seif
Published: August 2022

Mine waste water management is a concern to mining stakeholders in Kenya and th world at large due to the call of sustainable mining practices and the feasibility of using saline water for domestic and agricultural practices. Innovative tecgnology and processes heeds to this call with the application of natural occuring diatomaceous earth in the desalination of the mine water. This in the post Covid era caters for food security and provides water both to the miners and the surrounding communities hense contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Continuing Medical Education Questions: September 2022
Authors: Dulaney David T.
Published: August 2022

Article Title: Efficacy and Safety of Infliximab Retreatment in Crohn’s Disease: A Multicenter, Prospective, Observational Cohort (REGAIN) Study
Clinical and epidemiological features of the spread of novel coronavirus infection in the children of Chelyabinsk during the first 12 months of the pandemic
Authors: Vasilkova D. , Abramovskikh O. , Pishchalnikov A.
Published: August 2022

The purpose of the study is to assess and identify patterns of the spread and course of novel coronavirus infection in the children of Chelyabinsk during the first 12 months of the pandemic. Results. The spread of novel coronavirus infection in Chelyabinsk during the first 12 months of the pandemic had two waves of rising morbidity with peaks in June 2020 and January 2021. The peak of the first wave corresponded to the time intervals of the peak of the spread of novel coronavirus infection in children in the Russian Federation, the peak of the second wave was observed 1.5-2 months later. The received data seems to be the regional feature of the epidemiological process of novel coronavirus infection. There were no gender differences in morbidity. The average age of the sick children was 9 years. Most of them were school-age children. The asymptomatic form of infection was recorded in 33% of children, mild course of infection – in 57% of children, and moderate – in 10%. Among the children hospitalized with the symptoms of novel coronavirus infection patients under the age of one year accounted for 22%. The prevalence of novel coronavirus infection in Chelyabinsk among children was lower than in other cities of the Russian Federation comparable in terms of population.
Pathogenetic and morphological features in certain types of primary glomerulonephritis
Authors: Bondareva L. , Vykhristenko L.
Published: August 2022

The kidney, as an organ, quite often appears as the target of immune system dysregulation in the context of a primary or systemic disease. Glomerulonephritis (GL) is the most common clinical and pathological manifestation of this process. Currently, there is no unified view on the classification of GN. However, the study and recognition of the pathophysiological mechanisms of GN made it possible to determine the immunological features, biomarkers and genetic aspects of the disease. In the review, we update modern ideas about the genetic factors, etiology, immunopathogenesis of primary GN, and the variety of damage to each of the components of the glomerular filtration barrier, including the endothelium of glomerular capillaries, glomerular basement membrane and podocytes. Special attention is paid to the pathogenesis of various morphological forms of primary GN, diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of the disease (markers of blood, urine, histopathological and genetic markers).
Oral neutrophilic elastase in children with bronchial asthma
Authors: Minina E. , Novikova V. , Novikov P.
Published: August 2022

Objective. Assessment of the level of functional activity and concentration of neutrophil elastase (NE) in patients with bronchial asthma (BA). Methods. The study involved 58 children 5-16 years old with allergic (n=35) and mixed (n=23) forms of BA, 31 children 7-17 years old of the control group (without allergic pathology). During the study, the functional activity (using human granulocyte elastase substrate Glp-Pro-Val-pNA) and the concentration (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) of neutrophil elastase in the oral fluid were assessed. Results. In patients with mixed BA on admission to the hospital, no statistically significant correlation was found between functional activity and concentration of NE (r=-0,015, p>0,05). After the treatment, the ratio in the BA group (both forms of BA) approached that in the control group (BA: r=0,475, allergic BA r=0,502, mixed BA r=0,459; control group: r=0,507; p<0,05). Conclusion. Determination of the functional activity and quantitative level of NE with the subsequent assessment of the «proteolysis-antiproteolysis» system can be considered as a marker of the mixed form of BA and the effectiveness of various basic therapy of the disease.
Etiological structure and antibiotic resistance of pathogens of purulent­ inflammatory diseases arising after kidney transplantation in the department of surgical hepatology and transplantology
Authors: Zemko V. , Okulich V. , Andreichik D.
Published: August 2022

Purpose: to analyze the structure of microflora and its antibiotic sensitivity in the Department of Surgical Hepatology and Transplantology and in accordance with the data determine the most effective antibiotic therapy and antibiotic prophylaxis. Materials and methods. 1305 isolates from various loci in the Department of Surgical Hepatology and Transplantology of a hospital for 2017-2020 years were investigated. Results. The most common microorganisms detected after kidney transplantation E. faecalis (25%) and E. coli (12,5%) were absolute sensitivity to carbapenems. There was a relative decrease in resistance of K. pneumoniae as the most frequently detected microorganism (43,49%), by 36,9% for imipenem and by 28,7% for meropenem (p <0,05 for both) in contrast to the 100% resistance of isolates in intensive care unit probably due to the patients staying in an isolated room. Conclusion. According to the data of antibiotic sensitivity of microflora in the Department of Surgical Hepatology and Transplantology antibiotic prophylaxis with carbapenems before heterotopic allotransplantation of a kidney to patients is justified and expedient.
The combined effect of protein with amyloid properties Bgl2p and other components of the cell walls of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the condition of the skin and behavior of mice
Authors: Kalebina T. , Rekstina V. , Gorkovskiy A. , Korolev A. , Ereshchenko M. , Motorin N. , Morenkov O. , Inozemtsev N.
Published: August 2022

The aim of the study was to carry out primary screening of changes occurring in the mice body as a result of intraperitoneal injections of a suspension of the cell walls (CW) of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae containing and not containing a protein with amyloid properties Bgl2p, and an extract from CW, in which the specified protein was present or removed. The studies were performed on CFW and C57BL/6 mouse lines using CW of wild-type strain of S.cerevisiae and a strain with the deletion of BGL2 gene encoding this protein. The presence of Bgl2p in the injection preparation was assessed according to immunoblotting data with antibodies to this protein. The ability to Bgl2p fibrillation was evaluated by electron microscopy and fluorescence analysis using Thioflavin T. It was shown that in all cases when Bgl2p protein was present in the injected drug, mice developed skin disorders of varying severity. In the case of CW injection obtained from wild-type yeast cells and treated with proteinase K, changes in animal behavior were observed, namely, a decrease in the parameters of their research activity. Data characterizing the ability of the Bgl2p protein to form fibrils of various morphologies after isolation from CW are presented. The conclusion is made about the Bgl2p toxic effect on the body of mice, the possibility of induction in animals of amyloidosis caused by contact with the Bgl2p protein is assumed. Other components of yeast CW toxic to animals have not been identified, however, their enhancing effect on the manifestation of toxic properties of Bgl2p is not excluded.
Skin tests in the diagnosis of food allergy
Authors: Titova N.
Published: August 2022

Skin tests are an important step in diagnosing food allergy. Several types of skin tests are used: prick test, intradermal, patch tests, as well as a special version of skin tests - these are tests with native (fresh allergens) – prick-prick tests. We review sensitivity, specificity, the possibility of false positive and false negative results when using natural products in testing. The safety of skin tests and certain contraindications for their use have to be considered. The advantages of using fresh products specimens for skin tests, their high sensitivity and negative predictive value of tests are described. This allows to reduce the likelihood of missing true positives:: the real patients with risk of a severe systemic reaction.