bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of ex vivo Purging with CD34+ Selection to Maximize the Effects of Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma Patients
Authors: Jeon Youngwoo , Woo Weon-Mu , Kim Tong-Yoon , Min Gi June , Park Sung-Soo , Park Silvia , Yoon Jae-Ho , Lee Sung-Eun , Cho Byung-Sik , Eom Ki-Seong , Kim Yoo-Jin , Kim Hee-Je , Lee Seok , Min Chang-Ki , Lee Jong-Wook , Cho Seok-Goo
Published: November 2022

Background: Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is the standard treatment for peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs). Strategies that reduce the relapse rate and treatment-related mortality are essential for successful ASCT. Because in vivo/in vitro purging methods using rituximab are not appropriate for T-cell lymphomas, an ex vivo CD34+ selective purging system is the most reliable method to reduce autograft tumor cell contamination in these tumors.
Methods: We retrospectively investigated the influence of ex vivopurging with CD34+ selection to maximize the effects of ASCT. Of 67 consecutive PTCL patients, 32 and 35 underwent purged and unpurged ASCT.
Results: The purged group had improved overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and cumulative incidence of relapse (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.68, p = 0.016; HR = 3.97, p = 0.002; and HR = 3.65, p = 0.004, respectively), compared to the unpurged group. Prognostic factor analysis showed that unpurged ASCT, chromosomal abnormalities at initial diagnosis, high risk, and pre-ASCT disease status were associated with poor survival outcomes. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that purging was most appropriate for International Prognostic Index high-risk patients who underwent upfront ASCT (HR = 3.35 [OS] and = 6.59 [DFS]). In purged ASCT group, NK cell activity and the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio known as an independent prognostic factor were increased after ASCT with statistical significance.
Conclusions: There were no engraftment failures or differences in adverse events between the two groups. CD34+ ex vivo purging ASCT is safe, effective, and may improve survival outcomes, particularly in high-risk PTCL patients.
Cognitive-adaptive functioning gap and mediating factors impact on adaptive functioning in preschool-aged children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Wang Shi-huan , Zhou Qing , Chen Kai-yun , Ceng Chao-qun , Zhan Guo-dong , You Cong , Xing Yu , Zou Yuan-Yuan , Deng Hong-zhu
Published: November 2022

Background Few studies have focused on cognitive-adaptive functioning gap in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and how mediating factors impact on adaptive functioning remains undefined. This study aims to investigate the gap between cognitive functioning and adaptive functioning in preschool-aged children with ASD. Mediating factors of cognitive functioning, ASD severity, early development and socioeconomic factorsare systematically explored to determine adaptive functioning.
Methods A total of 151 children with ASD were enrolled, aged 2.5-6 years. Adaptive Behavior Assessment System Version II，Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale-IV, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) were respectively performed to assess adaptive functioning, cognitive functioning and ASD severity. All children were divided into two groups based on IQ: IQ≥70 group and IQ<70 group. The difference of IQ-adaptive skills gap between the two groups were explored by calibrating age, age of diagnosis and IQ. Verbal acceptation index (VAI) and nonverbal index (NVI) were distinguished to predict adaptive skills.
Results The gap between IQ and adaptive skills was significant in ASD with IQ≥70, and the differences in VIA and NVI were still statistically significant (all P<0.001). VIA was positively association with overall adaptive skills and specific domain, whereas NVI had no significant correlations with adaptive skills. Despite ADOS-Calibrated severity scores were negatively correlated with social and practical skills, the scores accounted for no significant variance. Age of first walking unaided was positively correlation with adaptive skills and specific domain (all P<0.05).
ConclusionsThe IQ-adaptive functioning gap is significant in ASD with IQ≥70, suggesting that "high functioning autism" is not an appropriate description merely on account of IQ. Verbal IQ is a specific factor to predict adaptive functioning of ASD; The severity of ASD symptoms have no significant contribution to predict adaptive functioning; Early signs of motor development may be a predictor to adaptive functioning in preschool-aged children with ASD.
Native liver survivors of portoenterostomy for biliary atresia with excellent outcome. Redefining “successful” portoenterostomy
Authors: Tsuboi Koichi , Watayo Hiroko , Tsukui Takafumi , Suda Kazuto , Abe Eri , Fujimoto Takamori , Ochi Takanori , Lane Geoffrey J. , Koga Hiroyuki , Yamataka Atsuyuki
Published: November 2022

Purpose:
Native liver survivors (NLS) after portoenterostomy (PE) for biliary atresia (BA) with normal biomarkers defined as total bilirubin (T-Bil), aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) for liver function (LF), cholinesterase (ChE), platelet count (PC), and absence of portal hypertension (PHT) were reviewed to redefine “successful” PE.
Methods:
92 post-PE BA patients were classified as NLS-1: normal biomarkers, PHT (-); NLS-2: at least one abnormal biomarker, PHT (-); NLS-3: normal biomarkers, PHT (+); NLS-4: abnormal biomarkers, PHT (+) and reviewed for a maximum 32 years.
Results:
As of June 2022, 55/92 (59.8%) had received liver transplants and 37/92 (40.2%) were NLS. NLS patients were classified as excellent outcome (EO): NLS-1 (n=10; 27.0%) or non-EO: NLS-2: (n=8; 21.6%), NLS-3: (n=6; 16.2%), and NLS-4: (n=13; 35.1%). Compared with non-EO, EO had PE earlier (50.5 versus 65 days; not significant; p=0.08), significantly earlier onset of symptoms (13 days versus 32 days; p=0.01) and significantly shorter jaundice-clearance (JC; 34.5 days versus 56.0 days; p<0.001). Durations of follow-up were similar: 13 years in EO, 18.5 years in NLS-2, 20 years in NLS-3, and 15 years in NLS-4.
Conclusions:
Incidence of “successful” PE or EO is low and correlated with early onset of symptoms and quicker JC.
Influence of defects in sp2-bonded network of diamond-like carbon on silica scale adhesion in geothermal power plants
Authors: Nakashima Yuya , Umehara Noritsugu , Kousaka Hiroyuki , Tokoroyama Takayuki , Murashima Motoyuki , Murakami Kohei
Published: November 2022

Silica scale adhesion onto geothermal power plant equipment reduces the power efficiency. In our previous study, diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings with low sp2 fractions and high hydrogen contents were found to suppress silica adhesion. Therefore, the present study was aimed at clarifying the mechanism of silica adhesion onto the sp2-bonded network of DLC. In-lens scanning electron microscopic imaging of silica adhered onto defective graphene indicated that the adhesion occurred on defects in the sp2-bonded network. First-principles calculations revealed that the graphene with hydrogen-terminated defects exhibited reduced adsorption energy between silica and the sp2-bonded network. Overall, the simulations and experiments helped establish a silica adhesion model in which defects in the sp2-bonding network of DLC behave as silica adhesion sites
Effects of PM 2.5 exposure on metabolic dysfunction during pregnancy via personalized measurement of pollutant concentration in South Korea: A multicenter prospective cohort, air pollution on pregnancy outcome (APPO) study
Authors: Jeong Yeonseong , Park Sunwha , Kwon Eunjin , Hur Young Min , You Young-Ah , Kim Soo Jung , Lee Gain , Lee Kyung A , Cho Geum Joon , Oh Min-Jeong , Na Sung Hun , Kim Soo Min , Lee Se jin , Bae Jin-Gon , Kim Yu-Hwan , Lee Soo-Jeong , Kim Na Kyung , Kim Young-Han , Kim Young Ju
Published: November 2022

Background
Ambient particulate matter (PM) is a trigger factor for metabolic dysfunction. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between PM exposure and metabolic dysfunction in pregnancy.
Methods
This prospective, multicentre, observational, cohort study was conducted from January 2021 to June 2022. A total of 333 women with singleton pregnancies were recruited. For individual measurement of PM2.5 levels, an AirguardK® was installed inside the participants’ houses. Time-activity logs were recorded to predict each participant’s personal exposure to PM2.5. The participants were divided into groups according to the concentration of PM2.5 calculated by a time-weighted average model. We used the Student t-test and chi-squared test (or Fisher’s exact test) to evaluate changes in metabolic compound levels, blood pressure (BP), glucose intolerance, and lipid profiles, including serum triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratios. Logistic and linear regression models were used to analyse the association between PM2.5 exposure and metabolic dysfunction, using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results
PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy worsened metabolic dysfunction. Third trimester BP was elevated in those participants exposed to higher levels of PM2.5 (p <0.05). The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was constantly higher in those exposed to more PM2.5, regardless of the PM2.5 cut-off level (PM2.5 ≥10 µg/m3, 7.91 % vs. 16.09 %, p <0.05; PM2.5 ≥25 µg/m3, 7.91 % vs. 26.67 %, p <0.05). The proportion with a TG/HDL-C ratio ≥3.0 was significantly higher when PM2.5 was ≥10 µg/m3 (75.3 % vs. 83.0 %, p <0.05). Triglyceride levels were significantly higher in the PM2.5 ≥25 µg/m3 group (p=0.0171). We found an increased risk of elevated BP (adjusted OR [aOR]: 2.228, 95% CI: 1.115–4.449) and GDM (aOR 2.263, 95% CI 1.106–5.039) in the third trimester after adjusting for confounders.
Conclusion
Exposure to PM2.5 worsens metabolic dysfunction in pregnancy. Further studies are required to investigate the mechanisms by which ambient PM affects metabolic dysfunction in pregnancy.
Face expression recognition based on improved MobileNeXt
Authors: Chun-man Yan , Xiang Zhang , Qingpeng Wang
Published: November 2022

FER(Face expression recognition) plays an important role in human-computer interaction, but it is also one of the hot problems that artificial intelligence is difficult to solve. In recent years, as researchers have intensively studied the field of FER, the number of network models applied to FER has also increased. Relying on their strong feature extraction ability, CNN(Convolutional neural networks) have gradually become the main model in the field of FER. However, the excessive amount of parameters of CNN limits its application scenarios, and the lightweight technique for CNN brings about the degradation of face expression feature extraction ability. To address the above problems, this paper proposes an improved MobileNeXt-based expression recognition network. Based on the MobileNext lightweight network , the model improves its feature extraction capability. Firstly, the SandGlass block in the network can enhance the transmission of feature information in the network and reduce the loss of expression features during transmission. Secondly, the Ghost module is used to replace the 1×1 convolution kernel in the network to reduce the number of parameters in the feature extraction layer. Then use Drop-Activation layer instead of ReLU layer in Sandglass block to enhance the generalization ability and accuracy of the network. Finally, the Spatial Group-wise Enhance attention mechanism is introduced to enhance the network's ability to refine the expression features. The experimental results show that the network model improves the expression recognition accuracy by 2.6%, 6.5% and 7.15% in FER2013, RAF-DB and CK+ datasets, respectively, while the parameter and floating-point operations only increase 0.85M and 2.93M compared with MobileNet V2.
Effect of Substrate Media on Growth, Amino, and Fatty Acid Profile of Marine Worm (Nereis virens) at Awur Bay, Jepara, Indonesia
Authors: Windarto Seto , Elfitasari Tita , Darmanto Y.S. , Anggraeni Novia , Herawati Vivi Endar
Published: November 2022

Marine worms (Nereis virens) are deposit feeders that utilize organic materials as food and are used as natural feed for shrimp hatcheries. The type of substrate used for the growth of Nereis virens also affects the nutritional quality. This study aims to find the best substrate media for marine worms' growth, and the amino and fatty acid profile of N. virens. The study was conducted at the Marine Science Technopark (MSTP) Undip Jepara-Central Java. Test animals were 2–3 months old marine worms, with body lengths ranging from 10–15 cm/worm and weights ranging from 0.15–0.5 g/worm. Feed twice daily and maintain a density of 45 worms/L for 45 days. The experimental method with a completely randomized design (CRD) was used, treatment A (clay mud media), B (Sand Silt media), and C (mangrove mud media). The data observed were absolute weight (Wm), Specific Growth Rate (SGR), Feed Utilization Efficiency (FUE), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER), Survival Rate (SR), amino and fatty acid profile. The conclusion is that the mangrove mud substrate had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on Wm (6.80 ± 0.18 g), SGR (6.40 ± 0.01%), FUE (68.95 ± 2.30%), FCR (1.30 ± 0.12%), PER (1.70 ± 0.37%), and SR (97.44 ± 0.41%) of Nereis virens with 48.46 ppm of methionine and 8.15% of EPA.
Evaluation of postoperative discomfort after strabismus surgery under general anesthesia in children: a prospective observational study
Authors: Mo Yawen , Zhang Wenjuan , Tang Xiangcheng , Zhang Rui , Wang Yinghuan , Zheng Lingling
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Strabismus surgery is most commonly performed on children under general anesthesia. However, few studies have focused on the postoperative discomfort in children after strabismus surgery.
Methods: A single-center prospective observational study including 300 children who underwent strabismus surgery after general anesthesia was conducted. Patients’ characteristics, preoperative anxiety, surgical and anesthesia data, discomfort within 24 hours after postanesthesia care unit were recorded.
Results: Approximately 61.33% of the children complained of at least one of the following types of discomfort. Multivariate analysis indicated that history of PONV (P=0.999), history of motion sickness (P<0.001, odds ratio [OR]=3.72), and surgery in the dominant eye (P=0.010, OR=2.00) were independent predictors of postoperative discomfort; age was an independent predictor of EA (P<0.001, OR=0.33); prism diopter≥40 was an independent predictor of headache (P=0.005, OR=5.53); age (P=0.020, OR=1.12) and history of motion sickness (P=0.001, OR=2.80) were independent predictors of dizziness; history of PONV (P=0.999), history of motion sickness (P=0.001, OR=2.63), and surgery of inferior oblique anterior transposition (IOAT) (P=0.004, OR=3.10) were independent predictors of PONV.
Conclusion: Younger age, larger angle of strabismus, history of motion sickness, history of PONV, surgery on the dominant eye, and IOAT may be risk factors for postoperative discomfort.
On a Nonlocal Integral Operator Commuting with the Laplacian and the Sturm-Liouville Problem I: Low Rank Perturbations of the Operator
Authors: Hermi Lotfi , Saito Naoki
Published: November 2022

We reformulate all general real coupled self-adjoint boundary value problems as integral operators and show that they are all finite rank perturbations of the free space Green's function on the real line. This free space Green's function corresponds to the nonlocal boundary value problem proposed earlier by Saito [41]. These are polynomial perturbations of rank up to 4. They encapsulate in a fundamental way the corresponding boundary conditions.
EcoDataCube.eu: Analysis-ready open environmental data cube for Europe
Authors: Witjes Martijn , Parente Leandro Leal , Krizan Josip , Antonic Luka , Hengl Tomislav
Published: November 2022

The paper describes production steps and accuracy assessment of an analysis-ready open environmental data cube (2000--2021+) for continental Europe; at working resolutions from 10~m to 30~m and with quarterly to annual estimates. The data cube is based on processing and harmonizing earth observation (EO) images: Landsat GLAD ARD (2000- -2020+), Sentinel-2 images (2017--2021+) and Digital Elevation data. These datasets were created with accessibility, user-friendliness, interoperability and synthesis in mind. This has required systematic spatiotemporal harmonization, efficient compression, and imputation of missing values. To ensure a missing value percentage below 1%, the EO data was ûrst aggregated into 4 quarterly periods approximating the 4 seasons common in Europe (winter, spring, summer and autumn), and then split into three percentiles (25th, 50th and 75th). Remaining missing data in the Landsat time-series was imputed with a temporal moving window median (TMWM) approach. The accuracy assessment shows TMWM gap-filling achieves higher performance in Southern Europe, and lower performance in mountainous regions such as the Scandinavian Mountains, the Alps, and the Pyrenees. The intended uses of the EcoDataCube platform include vegetation, soil, land cover and land use mapping projects, environmental monitoring and automated generation of data for statistical oûces including Eurostat. Combining all four datasets produced in this work (DTM, Landsat 30m, Sentinel-2 30m and Sentinel-2 10m) yields the highest land cover classification accuracy, with different datasets improving the results for diûerent land cover classes. The Environmental data cube for Europe is available under CC-BY license as Cloud-Optimized GeoTIFFs (ca. 12TB in size) through STAC and the EcoDataCube data portal.
In Vitro Screening for Antitrypanosomal Potentials of Punica granatum L. Leaves Crude Extracts
Authors: Fathuddin Muhammad Muhsin , Inabo Helen Ileigo
Published: November 2022

Purpose: Punica granatum (P. granatum) L. leaves were examined for potential antitrypanosomal properties. These leaves were acquired and identified at Ahmadu Bello University (A.B.U.) Herbarium Unit in Zaria. Following drying, the following solvents—chloroform, ethyl acetate, and ethanol—were used in that order for Exhaustive Soxhlet Extraction. The phytochemical analysis and in vitro antitrypanosomal capability of the crude extracts were performed on Trypanosoma brucei brucei(T. b. brucei).
Research Method: The National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT), Basawa, Zaria, obtained the organism, T. b. brucei. The Wet and Thick Blood Film method and the Rapid Matching method were used to examine the antitrypanosomal activity under 400x magnification. In 96-round-bottom well micro-titre plates, the in vitrotrypanocide activity was evaluated in duplicate.
Findings: The antitrypanosomal activity of the ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts ranged from 6.25 to 400 mg/ml. Red blood cells (RBC) were destroyed at all concentrations between 200 and 400 mg/ml, while between 6.25 and 100 mg/ml, the RBCs were still intact. As concentrations dropped, the parasite's motility rose. The parasite's motility entirely stopped after 60 minutes, whereas it continued for an additional 80 minutes in the negative control. A standard medicine that was made per the manufacturer's instructions and used as the positive control cleared everything in less than a minute.
Original/Value: This research may help in the development of novel antitrypanosomal medications from P. granatum L. As a result, despite lysing the RBC and having no effect on the parasite, the chloroform extract did not kill it. At a minimum concentration of 6.25 mg/ml, the P. granatum L. Ethyl Acetate and Ethanol Extract have the potential to operate as an antitrypanosomal agent.
Serum vitamin D concentration is lower in patients with tinnitus: a meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Nocini Riccardo , Henry Brandon M. , Mattiuzzi Camilla , Lippi Giuseppe
Published: November 2022

Background: Tinnitus is a highly prevalent and frequently disabling condition, such that the identification of possible causal mechanisms would yield significant clinical and social benefits. Since vitamin D (Vit D) is involved in the pathogenesis of several ear disturbances, we review here the current scientific literature addressing the relationship between Vit D status and tinnitus.
Methods: An electronic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science with the keywords “tinnitus” and “Vitamin D” or “Vit D” or “25OH-D” or “cholecalciferol” or “ergocalciferol” or “hydroxycholecalciferol”, without date (i.e., up to November 10, 2022) or language restrictions, in accordance with a protocol based on the transparent reporting of systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) 2020 checklist, for identifying studies which assayed serum Vit D concentration in patients with or without tinnitus.
Results: Three observational, case-control studies encompassing four cohorts and totaling 468 patients with (n=268) or without tinnitus (n=200) were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled analysis with quality effects models evidenced significantly reduced serum Vit D levels in patients with tinnitus compared to those without (weighted mean difference [WMD], -6.2 ng/mL; 95%CI, -10.3 to -2.1 ng/mL; I2, 56%). Serum Vit D was found to be 22% lower in patients with tinnitus compared to those without.
Conclusions: Lower serum Vit D levels may be associated with tinnitus, thus paving the way to plan future trials aimed at exploring whether Vit D supplementation may aid in preventing and/or improving tinnitus.
Clinical case of complicated course of infectious endocarditis in a teenager
Authors: Dakuko A. N. , Zavalina N. V. , Tsekhanovich V. N. , Bataeva T. V. , Kungurtseva A. G. , Kauk A. V.
Published: November 2022

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a heart disease of an infectious nature with a primary lesion of the endocardium, heart valves, ligaments, followed by dissemination of the process to various organs. Infective endocarditis still remains a disease that is difficult to diagnose and unpredictable in terms of outcomes; it is registered in all countries of the world. Despite all the advances in medicine, infective endocarditis remains an extremely dangerous disease, with a mortality rate of 10–30%. The most common causes of lethal outcome of IE are multiple complications: embolisms of various localization, including cerebral arteries, aneurysms, toxic lesions of the spleen, myocarditis and pericarditis, acute renal failure. Currently, in pediatric cardiology practice, the frequency of primary infective endocarditis, which occurs with a change in the clinical picture, its atypical variants, has increased. The awareness of doctors of all specialties about this problem, the correct and timely diagnosis of the disease allows prescribing adequate therapy earlier and thereby improves the prognosis. The aim of our work was to familiarize physicians with the clinical observation of a teenager with an atypical onset of primary infective endocarditis, occurring under the “mask” of acute cerebrovascular accident. Also, the peculiarity of this case was the primary diagnosis of hereditary thrombophilia in the patient and the possible debut of a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system during the examination, which certainly complicated the diagnostic search and affected the outcome of infective endocarditis. The significance of dental procedures preceding the disease in a child, unfortunately, was not properly appreciated by the parents, but it is the inflammatory process in the oral cavity that should be considered as a key etiological factor in the development of infective endocarditis in this case.
Risk factors for birth asphyxia
Authors: Taranushenko T. E. , Parshin N. A. , Vaganov A. A. , Ovchinnikova T. V.
Published: November 2022

Introduction. Intrauterine hypoxia and asphyxia during childbirth are the leading causes of infant mortality in the structure of certain conditions arising in the perinatal period.Purpose. To study the involvement of negative events for the fetus in the ante- and intranatal periods in the occurrence of perinatal asphyxia in newborns and identify the main modifiable risk factors that will allow formulating preventive strategies in the development of child hypoxia.Materials and methods. A retrospective assessment of the course of the ante- and intranatal period was carried out according to 50 case histories. Nominal data are presented with indication of absolute and relative values. Sets of quantitative indicators are described by the values of the median (Me) and the lower and upper quartiles (Q1–Q3). The χ2 test was used to compare unrelated samples. Differences were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05. Statistical data processing was carried out using the Microsoft Office 2021 software package.Results: In the group of children with moderate and severe asphyxia at birth, the median gestational age was 36 and 33 weeks. The main ante- and intranatal risk factors for asphyxia of newborns were established in the following percentage: fetoplacental insufficiency – 32%; premature rupture of membranes and medical abortions in history, 30% each; first pregnancy, anemia, obesity, hypertension, smoking, maternal age > 35 years, 18% each; isthmic-cervical insufficiency – 16%; history of antenatal death, threatened miscarriage, vaginitis, 14% each; acute respiratory infections during pregnancy, assisted reproductive technologies (IVF), uterine fibroids – 12% each; oligohydramnios – 8%; polyhydramnios – 6%.Conclusion. The structure of factors that can contribute to the development of asphyxia in newborns is diverse. Understanding the involvement of modifiable risk factors determines the need to build a strategy and tactics to reduce their impact on the development of the pathology under consideration.
Features of the course of influenza and its co-infection in children at the present stage
Authors: Nikolaeva S. V. , Usenko D. V. , Pogorelova O. O. , Shabalina S. V. , Khlypovka Yu. N. , Shushakova E. K. , Rubleva O. V.
Published: November 2022

Influenza is an acute respiratory infection, mainly affecting the respiratory tract (often the trachea), with a tendency to develop symptoms rapidly and in most cases not requiring hospitalization. All acute respiratory infections are non-specific, with symptoms of intoxication, catarrhal symptoms (nasal congestion, rhinorrhoea, sore throat or pharyngeal discomfort), fever and cough. Improvement and widespread implementation of molecular methods to identify respiratory pathogens has led to the establishment of a higher frequency of co-infections. A literature review of the frequency of influenza co-infections is presented. Clinical cases of monoinfluenza and co-infections of influenza and respiratory syncytial infection are described, demonstrating the antagonistic effect of the two viruses on the course of the disease. In the first case, the patient, 1 year 1 month old, was hospitalised with a fever of 39 ºC in a moderate condition. A nasopharyngeal swab showed RNA of influenza A virus by PCR and was diagnosed with influenza. In the second case, the patient, 2 years old, at the beginning of the disease complained of an increase in body temperature to 38.7 ºC, cough, and difficulty in nasal breathing. On admission, the patient was in moderate condition with a body temperature of 36.6 ºC, clear consciousness and well-being. On auscultation, breathing in the lungs was rigid, single moist rales, scattered on both sides. A nasopharyngeal swab showed RNA of influenza A virus and respiratory syncytial virus by PCR. A viral acute respiratory infection of combined etiology and acute bronchitis was diagnosed. In the third case, a 14-year-old patient presented with complaints of fever up to 39 ºC, headache, weakness, muscle pain, dry cough. The condition was of moderate severity. The diagnosis of influenza A was confirmed by a rapid test for influenza A/B/C. In the treatment and prevention of both monoinfection and co-infections of influenza and other viruses, these clinical examples demonstrate the effectiveness of oseltamivir. These clinical examples highlight some key parameters: respiratory co-infections change the typical clinical picture of the disease, making it difficult to clinically diagnose the infection, highlighting laboratory diagnosis, which in turn facilitates rapid verification of the diagnosis and timely prescription of adequate therapy.
Improving the clinical effectiveness of the treatment of acute inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract in children with the use of silver-based medicines
Authors: Karpishchenko S. A. , Rodneva Iu. A. , Ekushov K. A.
Published: November 2022

Introduction. Acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI) is the most common reason for visits to the physician by both children and adults.The aim of the study was to analyse the features of the course of ARVIs in patients with different immune status, to evaluate the effectiveness of standard therapy for these groups of patients, as well as the use of silver-based medicines in the combination therapy of patients.Materials and methods. For the period from July to September 2022, 26 children (Group 1) without immunodeficiency conditions and 26 immunocompromised children (Group 2) were identified, all of them had symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections. In Group 1, 69.2% of children (n = 18) were classified as frequently ill children with ARVI rate of more than 8 times per year, 38.4% (n = 10) had allergic rhinitis, 7.7% (n = 2) had a concomitant bronchial asthma. In Group 2, the distribution of underlying immunocompromised disease was as follows: primary immunodeficiency – 7.7% (n = 2), Hurler syndrome after bone marrow transplantation – 11.5% (n = 3), acute lymphoblastic leukemia during specific therapy – 26.9% (n = 7), with graft versus host disease – 30.7% (n = 8) and currently in remission – 23% (n = 6). Among patients in this Group, only 7.7% of children (n = 2) had a history of allergic rhinitis.Results. The criterion for recovery in Group 1 was reversal of all clinical symptoms, in Group 2 – clinical improvement, normalization or significant decrease in C-reactive protein levels, improvement of paranasal sinuses pneumatization.Conclusion. During ARVI, post-viral rhinosinusitis often occurs, the ability of the mucosa to regenerate becomes disturbed, which makes it more vulnerable to adhesion of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. In this case, especially effective is the intranasal use of a silver-based medicine to form a protective protein film on the injured mucosa. The use of silver-based medicines in the combination therapy of patients with inflammatory pathologies of the nose, nasopharynx and paranasal sinuses can greatly increase the effectiveness of treatment, while shortening the duration of therapy and being safe.
New treatment and preventive options for acute respiratory infections in children
Authors: Lokshina E. E. , Rychkova T. I. , Kulikova E. V. , Ostroukhova I. P. , Kuznetsov G. B.
Published: November 2022

The article is dedicated to the issue of acute respiratory infections in children. Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are the most common infectious diseases among both adults and children. The article presents data on the 2020/2021 ARVI and influenza epidemic season in the Russian Federation, which was characterized by an earlier beginning of the rise in the incidence of ARVI and influenza, a wide geographic spread, the highest rates of respiratory infections in children aged 1–2 and 3–6 years, high intensity of the epidemic process, the predominant circulation of influenza A (H3N2) viruses, and the low incidence, absence of severe disease and low mortality among vaccinated against the flu. Modern options for specific prevention of ARI (vaccination against influenza and other infections as part of the national and regional schedules) and non-specific prevention (implementation of the healthy lifestyle principles, including a day regimen, age-adequate nutrition, environmental control, cold exposure training and therapeutic exercise, avoidance of second-hand smoking, vitamin therapy, reduction of potential exposure to sources of infection, use of anti-epidemic measures in the site of infection, regular ventilation and moist mopping, hand washing, elimination therapy, barrier protective devices, use of systemic bacterial lysates, synthetic molecules) are discussed. The principles of rational ARI therapy are provided. The use of essential oil combinations with a composition of oils at certain proportions is one of the promising directions for therapy and prevention of acute respiratory infections. The results of numerous studies assessing the efficacy and safety of the inhalation administration of natural essential oil compositions as part of the combination therapy and prevention of acute respiratory infections in children are provided, good tolerance and high efficacy of essential oil inhalations are observed.
Protracted bacterial bronchitis: new aspects of the problem based on сlinical recommendation of the Ministry of Health of Russian Federation
Authors: Taranushenko T. E. , Falaleeva S. O. , Gerasimova T. A.
Published: November 2022

In world pediatric practice, protracted bacterial bronchitis is the leading cause of chronic cough in preschool-age children. However, in Russia this nosology is not often diagnosed, and in real clinical practice children are observed for doubtful and ambiguous diagnoses. In 2021, the Russian Ministry of Health updated the clinical guidelines “Bronchitis” for pediatric age category with inclusion of protracted bacterial bronchitis in the list of bronchitis variants with designation of disease criteria: wet cough lasting at least 4 weeks, auscultatory symptoms of bronchitis in the absence of signs of chronic lung and bronchial pathology, cough relief after 2 weeks of therapy with an antibacterial drug active against H. influenzae, S. pneumoniae, M. catarrhalis. The article presents a review of the literature on protracted bacterial bronchitis in the historical aspect, and also reflects the criteria of the disease, epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, methods of examination. Particular attention is paid to the treatment and debatable scientific and practical issues in the study of protracted bacterial bronchitis in the light of the clinical guidelines of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. It is emphasized that the etiotropic treatment of protracted bacterial bronchitis is antibacterial therapy. The effectiveness of antibiotics for this disease has been proven in systematic reviews. Therapy is prescribed empirically. The first-line drugs of choice is oral amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. Preference is given to drugs in the form of dispersible tablets. The duration of therapy remains a subject of scientific debate. According to the clinical guidelines of the Russian Federation Ministry of Health, the course of treatment should not exceed 2 weeks, in case of ineffectiveness and/or relapse of protracted bacterial bronchitis, the course of antibiotic therapy may be prolonged to 4–6 weeks.
Influence of the personalities and adherence to therapy on the metabolic control type 1 diabetes in adolescents
Authors: Nikitina I. L. , Plaksina A. O. , Pirozhkova A. S. , Kelmanson I. A.
Published: November 2022

Introduction. Diabetes mellitus type 1 (T1DM) in children and adolescents occupies a leading place in the structure of chronic diseases of childhood. Despite modern advances in the treatment and control of CT 1, adolescents have problems with glycemic control in comparison with other age groups.Aim. Is to estimate the correlation between the degree of compensation for diabetes in adolescents and the features of the personality profile, emotional and behavioural characteristics and environmental factors.Materials and methods. The study included 101 children aged 11 to 17 years, treated to pump insulin therapy or multiple injections of insulin. Adherence and compliance to therapy was assessed using the Medication Adherence Questionnaire (MAQ) and the Self Care Inventory-Revised Version (SCI-R). Emotional and behavioral problems were evaluated using the Youth self-report for ages 11-18. Characterization of personality profile was assessed using the The Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire». Results. Diabetes was compensated in 25% of children (HbA1c < 7,0%). A statistically significant relationship was established between the degree of patient compliance and the level of HbA1c. The predictive role of individual psychological characteristics on compliance has been determined. Factors such as realism and acceptance of moral norms have a positive impact on compliance.Conclusions. The therapy compliance indicator is the most significant indicator of better compensation for type 1 diabetes in adolescents. The personality traits of adolescents, such as acceptance of moral norms and realism — sensitivity have a predictive effect on the therapy compliance.
Profil Pemahaman Konsep Matriks dalam Mata Kuliah Struktur Aljabar
Authors: Istikaanah Najmah , Wardayani Ari
Published: November 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui profil pemahaman konsep matriks pada mata kuliah Struktur Aljabar. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif. Metode pengambilan data dilakukan melalui dokumentasi, observasi, tes hasil belajar. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pemahaman konsep matriks pada mata kuliah Struktur Aljabar masih rendah. Hal tersebut ditinjau pada kemampuan mahasiswa untuk menjawab soal tes hasil belajar mata kuliah Struktur Aljabar. Dengan demikian diperlukan adanya penekanan khusus mengenai konsep matriks sebelum mahasiswa mengambil mata kuliah Struktur Aljabar.Kata kunci: pemahaman, matriks, struktur aljabar.
Understanding the adoption of urine-diverting dry toilets (UDDTs) in low- and lower-middle-income countries using the Diffusion of Innovation framework
Authors: Conroy Kristen M. , Mancl Karen M.
Published: November 2022

Understanding barriers and facilitators to the adoption of sanitation technologies is crucial to the diffusion of these innovations. Urine-diverting dry toilets (UDDTs) have been implemented throughout regions that are lacking improved sanitation. This review applied the Diffusion of Innovation theory to 18 research articles that collected end-user/potential end-user feedback on UDDT pilot projects in low- and lower-middle-income countries to better understand barriers and facilitators to adoption. Results show the main barriers to adoption were beliefs incompatible with UDDT by-product reuse, a lack of supporting infrastructure, high capital costs, and ineffective promotional communication strategies. The benefits promoted by the diffusion agency were often misaligned with the desires and interests of the potential adopters. Ensuring supporting infrastructure was in place and tailoring the promotional communications to the adopters’ perspectives facilitated UDDT adoption. The main facilitator was the perceived relative advantages of the UDDT over existing sanitation options, including fertilizer production. This indicates that safe treatment and reuse processes need to be implemented. Urine diversion was rarely mentioned as a barrier. These findings can help communities and organizations working to increase sanitation technology adoption in low-income, rural areas by better understanding common barriers and facilitators to adoption.
Low-cost onsite selection of suitable unplanted sand drying bed structure for faecal sludge treatment in less developed countries: A case study of Yaounde in Cameroon
Authors: Mbouendeu Lako Stephane , Emmanuel Ngnikam , Douken Josiane Sandrine Nindjieu , Tako Raissa Madjougang
Published: November 2022

There are lots of drying bed structures in the literature that are planted or unplanted but few indicate reasons behind their choice. As this technology is widely spread in less developed countries, identification and analysis of selection criteria for appropriate unplanted faecal sludge drying beds are necessary. This article analyses a case study in Yaounde for domestic septage over three bed structures for which sludge and percolates parameters are analyzed and treatment performance assessed through 10 technical criteria using a low-cost infrastructure with a minimal footprint. These are related to mass and volume reduction, organic and mineral pollution, as well as drainage capacity. The bed structure used is constituted of gravel and sand with 20–30 cm thickness. These beds recorded more than 85% reduction in organic and suspended matter and a 70% reduction in nitrates and lead concentration with at least 38% of dissolved material and chemicals removed. Considering the suggested criteria, a bed with 20 cm of gravel and 20 cm of sand was found to be the most efficient for material and pathogens removal. This method provides an interesting selection option with low-cost infrastructure, material, and operation for popular selection of suitable faecal sludge treatment technology in less developed countries.
Economic importance and production of oats: an overview
Authors: Reutina Anna Vasilevna , Kuznetsova Tamara Evgenevna , Nesterenko Vladimir Vladimirovich , Serkin Nikolai Viktorovich , Veretel'nikova Natal'ia Aleksandrovna
Published: November 2022

Oats are the most important food and grain feed crop in Russia. At present, with the development of animal husbandry and the food industry, the demand for oat grain has increased, which can be used both for feed and food purposes. Its grain contains from 10 to 17% protein, starch - 36.1% fat - 4.7%, ash - 3.2, sugar - 2.35, vitamins B1, B2. Oat grain is highly nutritious: 1 kilogram of oat grain corresponds to one feed unit containing 85-92 grams of digestible protein. Oatmeal is well absorbed by the body of animals, therefore it is used for fattening young animals. Recently, oats have become increasingly important as a food crop and are used to obtain food for healthy, dietary and sports nutrition. In the second half of the 20th century, there was a decrease in acreage, which led to a significant drop in oat production.
The Effects of Design Suitability and Usage Motivation on Web-Novel Usage: Focusing on the Moderative Role of User Age
Authors:   The Korean Publishing Science Society, Cho Kap Chun , Lee Jae Shin
Published: November 2022

This study tried to investigate the effect of web novel usage motives on usage amount, focusing on the snack culture characteristics and the ‘visual novels' characteristics of web novels of web novels. For this reason, the snack culture characteristics were analyzed by the usage motives, which were divided into ritual motives and instrumental motives, ‘visual novels' characteristics were analyzed by the design suitability. In addition, it was analyzed by the regulating role of age that the motive for using web novels may vary according to age. As a result of the analysis, it was found that the ritual motive is the most important factor in using web novels and has an absolute influence on the amount of use. Instrumental motivation was found to have an effect on usage as well. However, design suitability did not significantly affect usage. Also, it was found that age interacts with instrumental motivation and affects usage. These results met the purpose of identifying the snack culture characteristics of web novels, but did not match the purpose of identifying the reinforcement of the web novel's ‘visual novels' characteristics. In addition, it was confirmed that the age that previous studies paid attention had an effect on the use of web novels.
Sensorimotor Alterations Induced by Novel Fentanyl Analogs in Mice:
Possible Impact on Human Driving Performances
Authors: Marti Matteo , Bilel Sabrine , Giorgetti Arianna , Tirri Micaela , Arfè Raffaella , Cristofori Virginia , Marchetti Beatrice , Corli Giorgia , Caruso Lorenzo , Zauli Giorgio , Giorgetti Raffaele
Published: November 2022

Operating a vehicle is a complex task that requires multiple cognitive functions and psychomotor skills to cooperate. Driving might be impaired by licit or illicit drugs, including novel psychoactive substances (NPS) and novel synthetic opioids (NSO), the effects of which are still yet to be elucidated in humans. In the present work, a revision of the literature regarding the psychomotor impairing effects of Fentanyl (FENT) and three analogues (Acrylfentanyl, Ocfentanyl and Furanylfentanyl) is presented, as emerged by experimental studies on humans, driving under the influence of a drug (DUID) and intoxication cases. An experimental study on a mouse model evaluated the sensorimotor alterations induced by FENT and the three fentalogs. Acute systemic administration of the four opioids (0.01-15 mg/kg i.p.) dose-dependently decreased the visual object and placing tests, the acoustic and the tactile responses of mice. The preclinical data are in accordance with the data that emerged from the revision of the literature regarding experimental data on humans, driving under the influence of drugs and intoxication cases, suggesting that novel synthetic opioids might affect the psychomotor performances on daily human tasks with a particular focus on driving.
Amino Acids Profile in Children with Acute Brucellosis
Authors: Guzelcicek Ahmet , Bayraktar Nihayet , Bayraktar Mehmet
Published: November 2022

Background:

Many new cases of brucella infections are seen in Turkey every year, especially in March, April, and May, due to the consumption of local unpasteurized cheese. Amino acids profiles have not been studied in brucellosis so far so far.

Aim:

The amino acid profiles may be affected by infectious diseases. Our study aims to evaluate the plasma amino acid profile in the progression of acute brucellosis.

Methods:

Plasma amino acid profile was performed by an 8045 LC-MS / MS device (Shimadzu 8045, Japan) using JASEM amino acid kit.

Results:

Analysis of 45 amino acid profiles was made and results profiles showed significant differences in concentrations and types of amino acids in brucella patients. We observed a significant difference in terms of alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, glutamine, glutamic acid, glycine, isoleucine, ornithine, phenylalanine, proline, tyrosine, valine, alpha-aminoadipic acid, alpha-amino-pimelic ac-id, argininosuccinic acid, gamma-aminobutyric acid, thiaproline, 1-methylhistidine, 3-methylhisti- dine, hydroxylysine, hydroxyproline, cystine, serotonin, ethanolamine, and taurine (p-value < 0.05 for each). No significant differences were determined regarding asparagine, citrulline, histidine, leucine, alloisoleucine, lysine, methionine, serine, threonine, tryptophan, anserine, alpha aminobu-tyric acid, beta aminoisobutyric acid, beta-alanine, cystathionine, histamine, and 5-oh-trp (p-value > 0.05 for all).

Conclusion:

Patients with brucellosis have a specific profile of amino acids which may reflect sequelae of pathological and metabolic biochemical changes in the disease process due to the growth of Brucella spp. in the human body leading to an imbalance of amino acid levels.
Scrotal Leiomyoma: A Case Report of a Rare Intra-Scrotal Benign Mass
Authors: Wang Peipei
Published: November 2022

Introduction:

Scrotal leiomyoma is a rare benign mesenchymal neoplasm that originates
from smooth muscles. Up to now, the exact tumor properties remain unclear.

Case Presentation:

A 53-year-old male presented with intermittent mild pain and constant heaviness in
the right scrotum for 1 year. The physical examination revealed a 6.5 cm by 5.5 cm by 5.5 cm sized,
firm, mobile and non-tender lump within the inferior right scrotum. The ultrasound examination revealed
a well-circumscribed and heterogenous hypoechoic tumor. MR imaging showed isointense on
T1-weighted images, hypointense on T2-weighted images, and mild enhancement on post-contrast
sequences. Then, he received simple tumor excision and further pathological examination demonstrated
the diagnosis of typical leiomyoma.

Conclusion:

A full understanding of these rare tumor properties is the key to administering optimal
treatment.