bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct microalloying of steel with cerium under slags of СаО–SiO 2 – Ce2O3– 15 % Al2O3 –8 % MgO system with additional reducing agents
Authors: Upolovnikova A. G. , Babenko A. A. , Smirnov L. A. , Mikhailova L. Yu.
Published: September 2021

An assessment of the possibility of steel direct microalloying with cerium was performed using thermodynamic modeling of cerium reduction from slags of CaO– SiO2– Ce2O3 system containing 15 % Al2O3 and 8 % МgO, additional additives of reducing agents (aluminum or ferrosilicoaluminium), at temperatures of 1550 and 1650 °C using the HSC 6.1 Chemistry (Outokumpu) software package. Depending on the additional additives of aluminum or ferroglycoaluminium, metal temperature, slag basicity and content of cerium oxide, 0.228 to 40.5 ppm of cerium transfers into the metal. With an additional additive of aluminum from slag (Y1) containing 1.0 % of cerium oxide, 0.228 ppm of cerium is transferred to the metal at 1550 °C. An increase in the system temperature to 1650 °C is accompanied by a slight increase in cerium content, reaching no more than 0.323 ppm. When added to ferrosilicoaluminium metal, cerium content in the metal is higher and amounts to 0.402 and 0.566 ppm at 1550 and 1650 °C, respectively. When concentration of cerium oxide in the slag (Y2) increases to 7.0 %, more signifcant increase in cerium content in the metal is observed, reaching in temperature range of 1550 – 1650 °C, 1.65 – 2.31 ppm with aluminum additives and 2.90 – 4.05 ppm with ferrosilicoaluminium additives. The most noticeable increase in cerium content in the metal is observed with an increase in slag basicity. During formation of slags with basicity of 2 – 3, containing 1 – 7 % Ce2O3, the equilibrium concentration of cerium in the metal varies from 0.5 to 4 ppm with aluminum additives and 1 – 7 ppm with ferro­silicoaluminium additives at 1550 °C. Slags transfer to the increased (up to 3 – 5) basicity is accompanied by an increase in the equilibrium content of cerium in the metal to 4 – 12 ppm with aluminum additives and 7 – 20 ppm with ferrosilicoaluminium additives at Ce2O3 content of 3 – 7 % and, as a result, an increase in efciency of cerium reduction process.
Digital transformation of pyrometallurgical technologies: State, scientifc problems and prospects of development
Authors: Spirin N. A. , Lavrov V. V. , Rybolovlev V. Yu. , Shnaider D. A. , Krasnobaev A. V. , Gurin I. A.
Published: September 2021

The article considers an overview and critical analysis of the digitalization of the leading Russian ferrous metallurgy enterprises in accordance with the Industry 4.0 development concept. It provides for the creation of digital twins of pyrometallurgical technologies, the widespread use of machine vision and artifcial intelligence. The examples of domestic industrial systems using the technologies of machine (technical) vision in production cycle, digital assistants (twins) of metallurgical units and their sets are presented. With regard to blast­furnace production, technical vision systems used to control processes in the upper and lower zones of blast furnace are considered. A promising area is the integration of technical vision and decision support systems, including algorithms and software modules for implementation of deterministic mathematical models of individual phenomena of blast furnace smelting. They are based on fundamental physical concepts of blast­furnace smelting processes. One of the main directions of digital transformation of pyrometallurgical technologies is creation of intelligent control systems for technological process in metallurgy in real time. When formulating and solving problems, it is required not only to study the characteristics describing the eﬀect of change in melting conditions on technical and economic indicators of the operation of individual furnaces, but also a detailed analysis for mathematical description of external and internal constraints. The authors present the examples of subsystems for control of heat losses in a blast furnace, predicting the parameters of tuyere hearths and controlling distribution of blast parameters around the perimeter of a blast furnace, an automated system for analyzing and predicting production situations in a blast furnace. Creation of such systems was carried out on the basis of modern principles and technologies for the development of appropriate mathematical, algorithmic and software support.
Generation of increased mechanical properties of Cantor high­entropy alloy
Authors: Gromov V. E. , Rubannikova Yu. A. , Konovalov S. V. , Osintsev K. A. , Vorob’ev S. V.
Published: September 2021

The article considers a brief review of the last years of Russian and foreign research on the possibilities of improving mechanical properties of the Cantor quinary high­entropy alloy (HEA) with diﬀerent phase composition in wide temperature range. The alloy, one of the frst created equimolar HEAs with FCC structure, needs mechanical properties improvement in accordance with possible felds of application in spite of its high impact toughness and increased creep resistance. It has been noted that bimodal distribution of the grains by sizes under severe plastic torsional strain at high pressure of 7.8 GPa of cast alloy and subsequent short­time annealing at 873 and 973 K can change strength and plastic properties. Nanodimensional scale of the grains surrounded by amorphous envelope has been obtained for HEA produced by the method of magnetron sputtering and subsequent annealing at 573 K. In such a two­phase alloy nanohardness amounted to 9.44 GPa and elasticity modulus – to 183 GPa. Using plasticity eﬀect induced by phase transformation in (CrMnFeCoNi)50Fe50 alloy obtained by the method of laser additive technology the ultimate strength of 415 – 470 MPa has been reached at high level of plasticity up to 77 %. It has been ensured by FCC → BCC diﬀusionless transformation. It is shown that diﬀerence in mechanisms of plastic strain of cast alloy at 77 K and 293 K (dislocation glide and twinning) determines a combination of increased “strength­plasticity” properties. Samples for generation of twins prestrained at 77 K exhibit increased strength and plasticity under subsequent loading at 293 K in comparison with the unstrained ones. For HEA obtained by laser additive technology this way of increasing properties is also true. The way of improving mechanical properties at the expense of electron beam processing is noted. The attention is paid to the necessity of taking into account the role of entropy, crystal lattice distortions, short­range order, weak diﬀusion and “cocktail” eﬀect in the analysis of mechanical properties.
Feasibility of tailings retreatment to unlock value and create environmental sustainability of the Louis Moore tailings dump near Giyani, South Africa
Authors: Singo N.K. , Kramers J.D.
Published: September 2021

The reprocessing of tailings resources to extract gold on an industrial scale has become common practice. While these projects are common in the Witwatersrand basin, similar low-technology processes are not operational in smaller goldfields. This study explores the possibility of reclaiming the tailings dump of the Louis Moore Mine in the Giyani Greenstone Belt, investigates potential hazards to communities in the vicinity, and identifies mitigation strategies. Auger samples were taken from the Louis Moore tailings at depths of up to 5 m. Aqua regia leach analyses show Au concentrations of up to 1 g/t. Inferred estimations based on ordinary kriging (OK) and inverse distance weighted (IDW) methods put the residual Au resource in the Louis Moore tailings dump at 0.20 t. Reworking the tailings is viable, although a potential environmental risk exists in the form of elevated arsenic concentrations. Further exploration is required to determine the mineralogical associations of Au and As. Tailings reworking would assist in raising funds for mine rehabilitation. The secondary tailings could potentially be repurposed, which would provide employment and facilitate community development, as well as deliver environmental benefits.
Sensitivity of shotcrete Brazilian discs coated with thin spray-on liners to environmental conditions
Authors: Kanda M.J. , Stacey T.R.
Published: September 2021

Thin spray-on liners (TSLs) have been used as sealants and rock support in tunnels for over 25 years. Laboratory tests have indicated satisfactory properties that can provide adequate strength, adhesion, toughness, and elasticity as part of rock support systems in mining excavations. These characteristics are, however, not always demonstrated in practice, when mine environmental conditions do not correspond with laboratory environmental conditions. The shortcomings of TSLs experienced in the mining industry have raised concerns, resulting in scepticism from some operators regarding their utilization. The research described in this paper aims to investigate TSL performance in environmental conditions similar to those experienced in mines. Brazilian indirect tensile (BIT) specimens were prepared from precast shotcrete and coated with TSLs. The specimens were then exposed to different environmental conditions for up to 112 days before BIT testing under various conditions: laboratory room temperature and humidity; saturated room temperature; and combined saturated and high temperature (50°C). Additional uncoated shotcrete and TSL BIT specimens were prepared for comparison purposes. The results of the BIT tests showed that environmental conditions have a significant influence on the tensile strength enhancement of shotcrete by TSLs. Water-based TSLs are most likely to be suitable for high humidity environments, although their performance decreases at higher temperatures. Numerical modelling of TSL-coated BIT samples confirms the potential limitations of designing TSL support based only on laboratory testing carried out under room conditions.
Beneficiation of recycled process water at DRDGOLD's ERGO plant, and its effect on gold recovery
Authors: Narain A. , Potgieter J. H. , Rencken G. E. , Smith J.
Published: September 2021

To conserve fresh water resources and comply with environmental regulations, DRDGOLD, a South African gold producer re-treating surface tailings, has transitioned to a fully closed water circulation system. Consequently, the accumulation of contaminants, as well as addition of reagents, has led to changes in water composition that have compromised leach performance and overall gold recovery. A two-sample t-test confirmed a significant difference in gold recoveries between the use of Rand Water, which was used as a benchmark, and untreated process water. Atomic absorption analysis of ERGO's process water, confirmed the presence of iron, nickel, zinc, and manganese. A study of the effect of the identified contaminants on gold recovery showed that iron, nickel, and zinc have the largest negative effect on gold recovery, with iron and nickel being more detrimental than zinc. Sulphates were shown to have a possible passivation effect, which also influenced gold recoveries, although to a lesser extent than the heavy metals. Calcium, when present in excess, had a positive influence on gold recovery indicating the possible formation of a calcium aurocyanide complex. Lime softening successfully reduced the heavy metal and sulphate concentrations, and the gold recoveries obtained with the treated process water were similar to those as achieved with Rand Water.
Effects processing parameters and building orientation on the microstructural and mechanical properties of AlSilOMg parts printed by selective laser melting
Authors: Phetolo C. , Matjeke V. , van der Merwe J.
Published: September 2021

The mechanical properties and microstructure of AlSilOMg alloy samples that were printed by selective laser melting (SLM) were studied to determine the effect of processing parameters and building orientation. After printing, the alloy was stress relieved at 250°C for 2 hours. The microstructures were analysed by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine the alloy phases and distribution. Phase transformation characteristics of the material were evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Mechanical properties were determined by subjecting the XY- and Z-built samples to tensile and nano-indentation testing. The samples from the tensile tests were then used to perform fractographic analysis by SEM. The microstructural properties in each orientation revealed a non-homogeneous microstructure which was characterized by a semi-elliptical tract and fine silicon precipitates, which were found to be softer along the fusion zone. The DSC thermograms revealed that the material underwent two phase transformations during the first heating cycle. The mechanical properties revealed a higher UTS, higher yield strength, and a lower percentage elongation in the Z orientation than in the XY orientation. Fractographic analysis showed that crack initiation in both orientations started from the surface in a brittle manner due to surface flows, and then propagated via microvoid coalescence.
Altered molecular pathways and prognostic markers in active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis: integrated bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Ren Yi , Labinsky Hannah , Palmowski Andriko , Bäcker Henrik , Müller Michael , Kienzle Arne
Published: September 2021

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) is a severe childhood-onset inflammatory disease characterized by arthritis accompanied by systemic auto-inflammation and extra-articular symptoms. While recent advances have unraveled a range of risk factors, the pathomechanisms involved in SJIA and potential prognostic markers for treatment success remain partly unknown. In this study, we included 70 active SJIA and 55 healthy control patients from the National Center for Biotechnology Information to analyze for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using R. Functional enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI), and gene module construction were performed for DEGs and hub gene set. We additionally examined immune system cell composition with CIBERSORT and predicted prognostic markers and potential treatment drugs for SJIA. In total, 94 upregulated and 24 downregulated DEGs were identified. Two specific modules of interest and eight hub genes (ARG1, DEFA4, HP, MMP8, MMP9, MPO, OLFM4, PGLYRP1) were screened out. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that complex neutrophil-related functions play a decisive role in the disease pathogenesis. CIBERSORT indicated neutrophils, M0 macrophages, CD8+ T cells, and naïve B cells to be relevant drivers of disease progression. Additionally, we identified TPM2 and GZMB as potential prognostic markers for treatment response to canakinumab. Moreover, sulindac sulfide, (-)-catechin, and phenanthridinone were identified as promising treatment agents. This study provides a new insight into molecular and cellular pathogenesis of active SJIA and highlights potential targets for further research.
(Im)politeness and Emotion in Academic Correspondence
Authors: Caldero Juan Antonio , Sun Lin
Published: September 2021

Wechat and email are the principal platforms of online interactivity in academia. Lack of English language pragmatism and the transfer of polite requests from L1 into L2 might have the outcome of perception of (im)politeness. Speakers might encounter issues distinguishing between orders vs. want i.e. requests. A certain adherence to the pragmatic clarity of the message is an essential part of inferring (im)politeness. (Im)politeness could be addressed as communication strategy with the main purpose of (breaking)maintaining relations between the interlocutors. In academic correspondence both the use of direct and non-conventional indirect strategies by Chinese students’ positive politeness might be inferred as impolite by British academics’ negative politeness. This research shows how Chinese L2 English’s academic correspondence might lead to the emotion of mild irritation triggered by the reader’s inferring of (im)politeness; therefore, an intended degree on (im)politeness requires an appropriate level of pragmatic competence in L1.
Linguistic Variation and Change in Nawfija Speech Community
Authors: Chineze Nwagalaku , Chinyere Obiora Harriet , Nwike Christopher Chinedu
Published: September 2021

The focus of this study is on linguistic change and variation in the Nawfija speech community. It distinguished dialect from other similar words and contrasted the traditional Igbo dialect with the Nawfija dialect of the Igbo language on an equal footing. The types of dialectal variations found in the Igbo Nawfija dialect were investigated in this study, as well as the question of dialect supremacy. For the creation of standard Igbo, some suggestions have been made.
Islamification vs. Islamophobia: A Message to the Youth in the Occident: Critical & Rhetorical Inquiries
Authors: Kazemian Bahram , Qaiwer Shatha Naiyf , Mohammadian Shafigeh
Published: September 2021

Drawing upon the recent theoretical framework of Burkean concept of identification (ID), the current study aims at probing the interaction of content and form in two letters penned by Iran’s Supreme Leader and addressed to the Youth on Jan. and Nov. 2015. To this end, the study seeks (i) to determine a role ID takes in the conveyance of intended assumptions to the targeted readers; and (ii) to observe if the writer’s objectives, i.e. to identify himself with the readers and to realize his politically-religiously-infused creeds, result in success or failure; moreover, (iii) it seeks to determine how he achieved his end to attenuate the impacts of blazing inferno of Islamophobia and anti-Islam sentiments in his addressees. The whole corpus (about 3000 words), in light of van Dijk’s Socio-cognitive approach, is critically perused to seek out contextually-coded expressions. The study tries to set out a manner in which political text/talk could be analyzed rhetorically employing ID concept. It was found that ID as a two-way process is a key component for both parties to identify with. It makes the readers align themselves with the writer and helps the writer to associate with the readers and accomplish his goals.
A Genre Analysis of English and Chinese Legal Research Article Abstracts: A Corpus-based Approach
Authors: Duan Jing , Wei Jing
Published: September 2021

Research article (RA) abstracts are generally viewed as the gateway to know the gist and major findings of a study. They also function as a “promotional” genre to attract readers’ interest and increase readership so as to better engage the authors in the academic communities. Although RA abstracts as a genre have been gaining more attention over the years, there is still a lack of study on RA abstracts in the field of law, let alone cross-linguistic study concerning them. Therefore, this study investigates English and Chinese legal RA abstracts from the perspective of genre, analyzes their move structures, frequency and features, and then compares the similarities and differences of them in two different languages. To this end, a corpus consisting of 60 RA abstracts was compiled, 30 randomly selected from three prestigious English law journals and 30 from three Chinese law journals. The move analysis was conducted based on an adjusted model of four moves. The results reveal that the moves of Introduction, Gap-filling and Contribution are obligatory while that of Methodology is optional in both languages. However, English abstracts, with more complicated move structures than Chinese ones, tend to state explicitly the purposes of study while Chinese abstracts show a preference for pointing out the “Gap” first.
Evaluation of efficiency and reliability of airport processes using simulation tools
Authors: Gołda Paweł , Zawisza Tomasz , Izdebski Mariusz
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the efficiency of airport processes using simulation tools. A critical review of selected scientific studies relating to the performance of airport processes with respect to reliability, particularly within the apron, has been undertaken. The developed decision-making model evaluates the efficiency of airport processes in terms of minimizing penalties associated with aircraft landing before or after the scheduled landing time. The model takes into account, among other things, aircraft take-offs and landings and separation times between successive aircraft. In order to be able to verify the correctness of the decision-making model, a simulation tool was developed to support decision making in the implementation of airport operations based on a genetic algorithm. A novel development of the structure of a genetic algorithm as well as crossover and mutation operators adapted to the determination of aircraft movement routes on the apron is presented. The developed simulation tool was verified on real input data.
Prevalence of Ehrlichia canis and Hepatozoon canis in sheltered dogs in southern Aburrá Valley, Colombia.
Authors: Cabrera-Jaramillo Azucena , Monsalve Santiago , Arroyave Esteban , Rodas Juan-David
Published: September 2021

Background: Bacteria of the Anaplasmataceae family and canine hemoparasitic protozoans transmitted by ticks are common in Colombia due to circulation and biological adaptation of vector Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.). Objective: To detect the circulation of Ehrlichia canis and Hepatozoon canis in sheltered dogs in three municipalities in southern Aburrá Valley, province of Antioquia, Colombia. Methods: Primers were used to amplify the 16S rRNA associated with the Anaplasmataceae family, dsb for Ehrlichia sp. and 18S rRNA for Hepatozoon sp. Results: Of the 357 samples of venous blood obtained, representing all the sheltered dogs in the study zone, Ehrlichia canis DNA was detected in 2.2% of individuals, showing identity of 100% with previous sequences from the GenBank. Hepatozoon canis showed 8.7% (31/357) prevalence of infection, with 100% identity to genotypes from Japan, Brazil, and Spain. Only one sequence of H. canis exhibited a phylogenic divergence concerning H. canis previously reported in Brazil and the Old World. Conclusions: This study confirms the circulation of E. canis and H. canis in asymptomatic shelter dogs in the south-central zone of the Aburrá Valley, province of Antioquia, Colombia. The present study is the first molecular detection of H. canis in the Province of Antioquia and the third report of canine hepatozoonosis from Colombia, highlighting the importance of considering this agent in veterinary clinic.
Effect of the opening and location ratio on the performance of an H-Darrieus VAWT
Authors: Burbano-Hernández Andres Felipe , Hincapié Zuluaga Diego Andres , Graciano-Uribe Jonathan Andrés , Torres Lopéz Edwar Andrés
Published: September 2021

Vertical axis wind turbines such as Darrieus turbines are a very interesting category of low wind speed domestic wind turbines. Further research work is needed to enhance their efficiency to fulfill the higher demand in small applications for power generation. The main objective of this work is to find a Darrieus turbine design to boost the starting capacity of the turbine through an opening located at the lower surface of the airfoil. We carried out a thorough CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) investigation to determine the impact of the opening position on the Darrieus rotor's output. This new type of airfoil uses a standard NACA 0015 profile and a profile with an opening on the lower surface of the profile. Different sizes of the opening in a symmetrical profile are evaluated through the CFD method to predict the Cp and CT of this H-Darrieus turbine design. Five sections were designed to describe the research of this new H-Darrieus rotor. Generally speaking, the results showed that the Cp decreases with the opening ratio, the desirable rotors with the lower surface opening ratio are 0.12 to 0.36 considering this with the low CpLP.
Design and simulation of mechanical press for testing of coining tools with nanostructured coatings
Authors: Galán-Avila Johan Andrés , Avendaño-Rodríguez Diego Fernando , Villalobos-Correa Daniel Eduardo
Published: September 2021

The present study proposes the design, simulation, and finite element analysis (FEA) of a mechanical press to test coining tools that contain nanostructured coatings. The designed mechanical testing press has a nominal force capacity of 800 kN with a ram stroke of 100 mm. CAD modeling of components, assemblies, and press structure is developed. The validation of the safety factor of the stress of the press is implemented by FEA analysis. Axisymmetric 2D FEA simulation is applied to determine the nanostructured coating behavior when subjected to high loads, the results are promising for future simulation studies on coatings. A displacement mechanism was designed for the test sheet, offering versatility and a variety of options for testing the coining tools as often as necessary under different load conditions. The final results of the machine operation simulation are satisfactory.
Sustainability performance assessment of the transport sector in European countries
Authors: Gruetzmacher Sarah Beatriz , Bento Vaz Clara , Ferreira Ângela
Published: September 2021

The transport sector plays a fundamental role in the European Union economy and its efficiency is fundamental to strengthen the region's environmental and economic performance. Unfortunately, the sector still remains heavily dependent on oil resources and is responsible for a large part of the air pollution. The European Union has been promoting various initiatives towards sustainable transport development by setting targets in the sector such as the ones proposed in the 2011 White Paper on transport. Under this context, this study aims at evaluating the environmental performance of the transport sector in 28 European Union countries, from 2015 to 2018, towards the policy agenda established in the strategic documents. The assessment of the transport environmental performance is made through the aggregation of seven sub-indicators into a composite indicator using a Data Envelopment Analysis technique. A variant of the Benefit of the Doubt model is used to determine the weights to aggregate the sub-indicators. The results obtained indicate that the European Union countries have been improving their transport environmental performance in the last two years of the time span under analysis, i.e., 2017 and 2018. Regarding the inefficient countries, results suggest they should improve the transport sustainability mainly by drastically reducing the greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-based propulsion, increasing the share of freight transport using rail and inland waterways and also the share of transport energy from renewable sources.
SOFCEV: Conventional LCC reduction and NPV based on savings in fixed carbon by sugarcane
Authors: Rodrigues de Moraes Danielle , de Almeida Guimarães Vanessa , Hernández-Callejo Luis , De Noronha Gonçalves Bárbara , Mancebo Boloy Ronney Arismel
Published: September 2021

Carbon pricing is a cost-effective method for mitigating climate impacts. This article examines the conventional life cycle cost (LCC), net present value (NPV), and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (SOFCEV) powered by Brazilian fuels. The cost reduction potential of the SOFCEV was evaluated, considering the Brazilian productivity of sugarcane and the carbon fixed by these plantations, through the mechanism of carbon credits sale. Sugarcane ethanol and gasoline C (73% gasoline A and 27% anhydrous ethanol) were considered. Three scenarios were outlined: a) Cost of investment, fuel production, and vehicle maintenance and operation in USD/km, over a 10-year amortization period; b) SOFCEV emission cost from well-to-wheel added to cost (a); c) Cost of carbon fixed by hectares of sugarcane in Brazil necessary to supply the fuel demand of the SOFCEV subtracted from (b). Results showed that the ethanol-fuelled SOFCEV attends the carbon-neutral cycle, since the carbon credit sale resulted in an avoided cost 1.1 times higher than the emissions cost. Gasoline C showed similar results for the three scenarios, with an emission cost 2.5 times higher than the avoided cost. Carbon pricing was not sufficient to make the technology more viable for consumer, with an expected NPV of -USD 8006.38 after the amortization period. Thus, it is expected to obtain economic indicators to encourage the use of biofuels in electric fleets.
Dinâmicas espaciais de espalhamento do SARS-COV-2 no Brasil
Authors: Souza Netto Manoel Camilo , Godoy Viera Angel Freddy , Pinto Adilson
Published: September 2021

O presente artigo expõe brevemente a problemática da atual pandemia de SAR‑CoV-2 que assola a humanidade. Relata que autores afirmam que as pandemias podem se tornar rotineiras, considerando que a troca virais entre espécies tem ocorrido com mais frequência devido à presença regular do homem em vários ecossistemas. Apresenta uma breve caracterização do transporte interestadual de passageiros no Brasil. Descreve o conceito de PageRank, métrica que classifica páginas web. Rememora os conceitos de escalonamento e correlação. Obtém, via dados abertos, informações sobre o transporte interestadual e internacional no Brasil. Cria, na forma de um grafo, uma rede do fluxo de passageiros e nela realiza análise exploratória preliminar. Paralelizando semanticamente a rede criada com a web, calcula sua métrica PageRank e estabelece sua correlação com a data da primeira infecção em cada Unidade Federativa do país. Por fim, esboça uma previsibilidade dos dias ordinais em que cada Unidade Federativa seria infectada por meio de regressão linear, destacando que, para além dos cálculos, a metodologia possui mais relevância como resultado apresentado.
Physiological functions of keratinocyte epidermal growth factor receptors and their role in the development of skin toxicity during targeted cancer therapy
Authors: Orlova Ekaterina V.
Published: September 2021

The binding of epidermal growth factor (EGFR) receptors is a good target for the treatment of lung, colon, pancreatic, head and neck cancers. The adverse events that develop as a result of therapy, in the form of lesions of the skin and mucous membranes, is a serious problem for the doctor to choose a long-term treatment strategy. The developing symptoms of skin toxicity, as skin problems in patients are often called, are worrisome and often affect the quality of life and compliance with the treatment regimen. Thus, it is important for doctors to know the prerequisites and ways to manage skin toxicity associated with the use of tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitors of epidermal growth factor.
The mechanism and consequences of EGF receptor activation are described to explain the development of undesirable skin toxicity associated with inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor.
Systemic therapy of onychomycosis of the feet with terbinafine: dynamics of nail rehabilitation and quality of life
Authors: Yakovlev Alexander B.
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND: Systemic therapy with terbinafine (Exifin) forms the basis of any treatment programs for onychomycosis of the feet of dermatomycete etiology. At the same time, the available literature presents relatively little data on the efficacy and safety of systemic terbinafine drugs for individual age groups; and there are practically no such studies based on a large statistical sample with a simultaneous assessment of the dynamics of the quality of life indicator. AIMS: To study the use of the drug Exifin tablets in certain age groups of patients with mycosis and onychomycosis in clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a multicenter observational (non-interventional) study involving 1602 patients with varying degrees of severity of onychomycosis of the feet/hands. The patients were divided into 4 age groups, each of which was divided into subgroups according to the severity of onychomycosis, from very mild to extremely severe. The positive dynamics of regression of symptoms, improvement of the quality of life according to the survey scale, the presence or absence of significant adverse reactions were evaluated. RESULTS: In all 1602 patients, positive dynamics from the skin process was obtained in the form of regression of onychomycosis symptoms. The best results on the speed of nail sanitization were obtained in more young age groups with a mild degree of onychomycosis. The lowest rate of regrowth of a healthy nail plate was observed in the age groups 4560 years and over 60 years. In the same age groups, the greatest number of persistent onychodystrophy remained after the eradication of the fungus. In all age groups, there was a positive trend in the quality of life: at the end of treatment, 67% of patients rated the quality of life as excellent and good, and another 24.1% ― satisfactory. No adverse events were recorded in any clinical case. CONCLUSION: Systemic therapy with terbinafine in onychomycosis of the feet/hands is a highly effective component in the combination treatment, allowing to achieve eradication of the fungus in 8590% of cases.
Methods of camouflage vitiligo (literature review)
Authors: Vovdenko Kseniia A. , Lecaillon Makhabbat , Lomonosov Konstantin M.
Published: September 2021

Vitiligo significantly affects the quality of life of patients, their social and psychological adaptation in society. It has been noted that patients with vitiligo are more likely to develop anxiety and depressive disorders, suicidal thoughts. Standard therapy regimens today often take a long time, are not enough effective and do not always meet the expectations of the patient and the dermatologist, reduces compliance to treatment. In this regard, comprehensive therapy for vitiligo remains a pressing issue to this day.
Medical camouflage is a promising adjunctive or alternative therapy for vitiligo, as it allows to control the clinical manifestations of the disease.
The purpose of this review is to consider the main types of medical camouflage in the Russian and foreign markets, their availability and principles of action. The PubMed database and the Internet were used to identify the most effective, affordable, and easy-to-use products available in the Russian and foreign markets. The research identified the most significant products that are most convenient to apply to the skin and are easily available for purchase by vitiligo patients in Russia. Parameters such as shape, texture, composition and effect duration were evaluated. Each group of preparations was described in detail, as well as the technique for their correct application.
Thus, this review will be useful to all practicing dermatologists in controlling the clinical course of vitiligo as well as its skin manifestations.
Chronicles of A.I. Pospelov Moscow Dermatovenerology and Cosmetology Society (MDCS was founded on October 4, 1891)Bulletin of the MDCS meeting N 1141
Authors: Yakovlev Alexey B.
Published: September 2021

On January 19, 2021, the regular, 1141st meeting of the Moscow Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology Society named after A.I. Pospelova. The agenda included the following issues: admission to membership in the MDCS, analysis of 3 clinical cases, hearing of scientific reports.
Clinical experience of observation and tactics of management of a patient with ectodermal angydrotic dysplasia
Authors: Startseva Elena Y. , Bobrova Olga V. , Letyaeva Olga I. , Ziganshin Oleg R. , Zakomoldina Ksenia K.
Published: September 2021

The concept of ectodermal dysplasias covers a group of rare hereditary developmental anomalies that have a variety of phenotypic variants, but are characterized by common signs of underdevelopment or abnormal formation of organs and tissues derived from the ectodermal layer (skin and its derivatives - nails, hair, teeth, nervous system and sensory organs) ... Approximately 25% of ectodermal dysplasias known to date are inherited in an autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive manner; in other cases, the mode of inheritance is unclear. The syndrome is characterized by a wide range of clinical manifestations and may include additional symptoms of damage to other ectodermal, mesodermal, and endodermal structures. Ectodermal anomalies are a manifestation of disturbances in spatial-temporal coordination during the development of the epidermis. They involve genes such as EGF (epidermal growth factor), ED1 (ectodisplasin), EDAR (anhydrotic receptor ectodysplasin 1) and others that regulate the activity of genes involved in epidermal morphogenesis by activating or suppressing transcription factors (in particular, pb3; Koster). So far, only about 20% of genes have been identified that are responsible for about 200 ectodermal dysplasias of various symptoms and severity. This article describes the clinical observation of a patient with a rare disease - ectodermal anhydrotic dysplasia. The literature data on the clinical features of the course of this dermatosis, as well as the features of the course in this patient are presented.
Pathomorphology of gravid endometrium in patients with recurrent miscarriage in early periods with underlying chronic endometritis and the presence of low-functional alleles in folate cycle genes
Authors: Peretyatko Lybov P. , Fetisova Irina N. , Fateeva Natalya V. , Kuznetsov Roman A. , Fetisov Nikolay S.
Published: September 2021

AIM: This study aimed to identify the peculiarities of pathomorphological alterations in the gravid endometrium and polymorphism of the folate cycle genes in female patients with recurrent early miscarriage and underlying chronic endometritis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The uterine mucosa of women who had uncomplicated pregnancies and decided to have an artifactual abortion within 512 weeks (control group, n = 36) and patients with recurrent miscarriage with underlying chronic endometritis (main group, n = 83) was histologically examined. The polymorphism of the folate cycle genes MTHFR С677Т (rs 1801133), MTHFR A1298C (rs 1801131), and MTRR A66G (rs 1801394) was studied in the female patients of the main group and women with the preserved reproductive function (comparison group, n = 52) through real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
RESULTS: Fibroblast-like cells (FLCs) of the stroma sequentially differentiated into predecidual cells from 5 weeks to 12 weeks of uncomplicated pregnancy. In the case of recurrent miscarriage against background chronic endometritis, defect was observed in the differentiation of FLCs of the endometrial stroma. This finding was associated with a decrease in the morphometric parameters of the cells and an increase in the frequency of the occurrence of the low-functional allele 677T in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene.
CONCLUSION: The course and outcome of pregnancy in the first trimester were negatively affected by the structural inadequacy of endometrial stromal cells in recurrent miscarriage and chronic endometritis combined with the presence of the MTHFR 677T allele in a womans genotype.
Effects of metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonists on a rat model of maximum electroshock
Authors: Bashkatova Valentina G. , Sudakov Sergey K.
Published: September 2021

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effect of metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor antagonists on the development of seizure caused by maximum electric shock (MES) and the content of lipid peroxidation (LPO) products in the brain of rats.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experiments were carried out on male Wistar rats (n = 87) with a mass of 180210 g. In this work, MES was administered. Selective antagonists of I and V subtype mGlu receptors were administered 1 h before MES was administered. Control rats were injected an equivalent amount of saline. The intensity of LPO processes was assessed in terms of the level of secondary products reacting with thiobarbituric acid via a spectrophotometric method.
RESULTS: MES led to the development of pronounced clonictonic seizures and increased the level of LPO products in the cerebral cortex of rats by more than threefold. A selective antagonist of subtype V mGlu receptors almost completely stopped the tonic phase of rat seizures and largely prevented the intensification of LPO processes caused by MES. Tonic convulsions were observed in 44% of the experimental animals after the administration of a selective subtype I mGlu receptor antagonist. This antagonist also partially reduced the content of LPO products caused by the effect of MES.
CONCLUSION: Thus, mGlu receptors are involved in the development of MES-induced seizures in rats. The most pronounced weakening of convulsive manifestations and the prevention of an increase in the level of LPO products caused by MES were observed in the block of subtype V mGlu receptors. The obtained data confirmed the possibility of using subtype V metabotropic receptor antagonists as anticonvulsants for the treatment of epilepsy with generalized convulsive seizures.
Rare clinical case of the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary artery hypertension
Authors: Ignatenko Grigory A. , Grekov Ilya S. , Grushina Marina V. , Dubovyk Anna V.
Published: September 2021

In this work, a rather rare (morbidity of about 12 cases per 1 million of adult population per year) and interesting clinical case of the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary artery hypertension (IPAH) was described. This case was also known as Ayerza disease or AyerzaArilago syndrome. At the initial stage, this pathology was characterized by an asymptomatic course that caused certain difficulties in making a correct diagnosis. In general, this disease had a poor prognosis. The main cause of death was decompensated right ventricular failure. The occurrence of complications could be significantly reduced and the life quality of such patients could be improved by the timely diagnosis and correct approach.
Polymorphism of CYP3A4 isoenzyme gene in patients with chronic rheumatic heart disease
Authors: Petrov Vadim S. , Nikiforov Alexander A. , Smirnova Elena A.
Published: September 2021

AIM: This study aimed to identify the associations of CYP3A4 isoenzyme gene polymorphism with the parameters of echocardiography (EchoCG), spirometry, and endothelial function of patients with chronic rheumatic heart disease (CRHD).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 128 patients with CRHD (15.6% men and 84.4% women) were examined. A392A, A392G, and G392G polymorphic markers were genotyped through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with an SNP-EXPRESS electrophoretic scheme (NPF Litekh, Russia) to detect results after DNA was isolated from leukocytes in venous blood. EchoCG was implemented on an Affinity 50 apparatus (Philips, the Netherlands), endothelial function was assessed with an AngioScan01 apparatus (AngioScan-Electronics, Russia), and respiratory function was examined using a SpiroLab II spirometer (MIR Medical, Italy).
RESULTS: The distance in a 6 min walk test did not show any significant differences among the groups: A392A 327.47 6.71 m, A392G 303.63 26.19 m, G392G 338.87 20.12 m (p=0.505). The area of the mitral opening was as follows: A392A 1.74 (1.67; 1.81) cm2, A392G 1.68 (1.45; 1.92) cm2, and G392G 1.65 (1.67; 1.81) cm2 (p = 0.214). As for the EchoCG parameters, the group of G392G homozygotes had the lowest linear dimensions of the left ventricle (the end diastolic dimension 4.83 (4.72; 4.95) cm, the end systolic dimension 2.97 (2.79; 3.14) cm, the right ventricle (2.45 [2.32; 2.58] cm), of the right atrium (4.09 [3.56; 4.62] cm), and the criteria of left ventricular hypertrophy (thickness of the interventricular septum 0.88 [0.81; 0.95] cm, and the posterior wall 0.88 (0.81; 0.95 cm). No statistically significant differences were found in the occlusion index amplitude among the groups, that is, single nucleotide replacements of CYP3A4 had no influence on the system of low-resistance arteries. Conversely, the values of the phase shift between channels (reflecting the condition of large arteries) significantly differed. The G392G polymorphism showed the worst parameters, and minimal changes were observed in the A392A group. Contour analysis demonstrated the highest augmentation index values in the G392G group, reflecting the maximal stiffness of vessels. The CYP3A4 polymorphism had no effect on the parameters of respiratory function in the studied cohort of patients. Spirometry revealed that the obstructive and restrictive parameters were not significant although homozygotes demonstrated the highest forced vital capacity of the lungs (76.5% [71.1% and 82.0%]) and forced expiratory volume for 1 s (84.6% [79.0% and 90.3%]). The maximal parameter of the vital capacity of the lungs in homozygotes for A392A (85.6% [82.3% and 88.8%]).
CONCLUSION: Patients with CRHD homozygous for G392G had the minimum parameters of hypertrophy and dimensions of the left ventricular cavity. They also had the lowest values for the cavities of the right heart. CYP3A4 polymorphism had no effect on the parameters of respiratory function in the studied patients with CRHD.
Genetic predictors of an unfavorable course of obliterating atherosclerosis of lower limb arteries
Authors: Kalinin Roman E. , Suchkov Igor A. , Chobanyan Artem A. , Nikiforov Aleksandr A. , Shumskaya Evgenia I.
Published: September 2021

AIM: This study aimed to determine the influence of 250GA polymorphism in the LIPC gene and 1607insG in the MMP-1 gene on the course of obliterating atherosclerosis of lower limb arteries (OALLA).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-six individuals were included in this study. In the first group (n = 34), patients with an unfavorable (progressive) course of OALLA and developed critical ischemia of the lower limbs within 5 years from the onset of the disease were included. In the second group (n = 34), patients with a conventionally favorable (non-progressive) course but did not develop critical ischemia of the lower limbs within 5 years from the onset of the disease and did not have a progressive degree of chronic ischemia. In the control group, healthy volunteers (n = 8) without signs of atherosclerosis in all vascular pools were included. In all the patients, LIPC-250GA and MMP-1-1607insG were genotyped. The difference in the observed and expected frequencies was evaluated via a Pearson 2 test with correction for likelihood.
RESULTS: Significant differences (p = 0.013) in the 250GA polymorphism of the LIPC gene were found between the observed and expected frequencies compared with those in patients with OALLA and healthy volunteers. The assessment of the first and second groups revealed differences in the observed and expected frequencies (р = 0.004). Heterozygous carriage (GA genotype) was associated with an increased risk of the development of the unfavorable course of OALLA (hazard ratio = 2.133 with 95% confidence interval = 1.2143.748). In the analysis of the 1607insG polymorphism of the MMP-1 gene, statistically insignificant data were obtained compared between the first and second groups (р = 0.128) and between the groups of patients with OALLA and healthy volunteers (р = 0.38).
CONCLUSIONS: The heterozygous carrier of LIPC 250GA was associated with an increased risk of an unfavorable OALLA course. This research on this polymorphism could be applied to patients with the newly diagnosed atherosclerosis of the arteries of the lower extremities to determine the prognosis of the disease course, especially in young patients with early manifestation and individuals with a burdened hereditary history. The 1607insG polymorphism of the MMP-1 gene had no effect on the course of OALLA.