bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk-Adjusted Strategies to Protect Food Supply and Farmer Livelihoods in West Africa
Authors: Leip Debbora , Rovenskaya Elena , Wildemeersch Matthias
Published: October 2022

Weather extremes and high population growth are challenging the achievement of SDG 2 Zero Hunger in West Africa. However, future food security scenarios are often based on models that ignore annual weather variability and weather extremes. As a result, this approach also disregards the risk of having lower than expected yields, with adverse consequences for food security and farmer livelihoods. Here we present a stochastic food production model to show how optimal crop allocations change depending on food security risk targets. To guarantee stable livelihoods for farmers, we examine the viability of a contingency fund that supports farmers in the event of low crop yields. Applied to the West African context, accounting for weather variability can substantially improve the reliability of the food supply and boost the fiscal sustainability of a contingency fund. Yet, setting reliability targets for food security is costly and leaves high residual risk in certain regions. Spatial risk-sharing through regional cooperation at the West African scale can eliminate the risk of insufficient food supply and further enhance the fund solvency without additional cost.
Hidden causes of increased frequency of vesicoureteral reflux in patients with joint hypermobility
Authors: Sag Sefa , Kalyoncu Mukaddes
Published: October 2022

Purpose: The relationship between vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) is known. However, voiding dysfunction (VD) and constipation are also common in patients with GJH. We aimed to examine the relationship between VD, constipation and VUR in patients with GJH.
Methods: A total of 224 children including 122 children with recurrent urinary tract infection (RUI) and 122 children as a control group were enrolled in a cross sectional study performed between April 2018, and April 2020. Control group was evaluated only for GJH. Patients with RUI were divided into two groups as groups with (Group 1), and without VUR (Group 2) and evaluated for the presence of VD, constipation and GJH.
Results:The prevalence of GJH was statistically significantly higher in patients with RUI than the control group (p>0.001). The prevalence of GJH was significantly higher in Groups 1 and 2 than the control group (p>0.001, and p>0.001) without any significant difference between Groups 1 and 2 (p=0.36). VD and constipation were observed in significantly higher number of patients with GJH in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (p=0.01 and p=0.02, respectively).
Conclusion:Our findings confirmed that the prevalence of GJH in children with VUR is higher than in the general population. In addition, constipation and VD in children with GJH contribute to the increased frequency of VUR in these patients.
An ER–Horse Detonating Stress Cascade for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Nanotherapy
Authors: Bian Xintong , Fan Ningke , Li Meng , Han Daobin , Li Jia , Fan Lu , Li Xinyu , Kong Liangsheng , Tang Hua , Ding Shijia , song fzngzhou , Li Siqiao , Cheng Wei
Published: October 2022

Persisting and excessive endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) can evoke rapid cell apoptosis. Therapeutic interference of ERS signaling holds enormous potentials for cancer nanotherapy. Herein, a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell–derived ER vesicle (ERV) encapsulating siGRP94, denoted as ER–horse, has been developed for precise HCC nanotherapy. Briefly, ER–horse, like Trojan horse, was recognized via homotypic camouflage, imitated physiological function of ER and exogenously opened the Ca2+ channel. Consequently, the mandatory pouring–in of extracellular Ca2+ triggered the aggravated stress cascade (ERS and oxidative stress) and apoptosis pathway with the inhibition of unfolded protein response by siGRP94. Collectively, our findings provide a paradigm for potent HCC nanotherapy via ERS signaling interference and exploring therapeutic interference of physiological signal transduction pathways for precision cancer therapy.
A Key Management Protocol for Heterogeneous Sensor Networks Based on Zero Trust Security and Chaotic Neural Networks
Authors: Li Guogang , Xie Tong , Zou Cheng , Fu Wenlong
Published: October 2022

Aiming at the node security risks and key management vulnerabilities in heterogeneous sensor networks, a key management protocol for heterogeneous sensor networks based on zero-trust security and chaotic neural networks (KMPHSN-ZTSCNN) was proposed. Based on the singular matrix decomposition of difficulty and Hopfield overload chaos neural network classification features, using blockchain and zero-knowledge proof to realize sensor network node registration and authentication, it relies on channel state information (CSI) and adjustable mathematical function to generate dynamically changing keys to complete continuous verification and achieve zero-trust security authentication to ensure data security. The protocol can dynamically allocate different keyspace sizes according to the security level of the group, node storage capacity and computing capacity, and can adapt to the asymmetric structure of heterogeneous sensor networks. Theoretical proof and experimental performance analysis show that the protocol is feasible and can meet the security requirements of heterogeneous sensor networks.
The value of Xpert MTB/RIF assay of urine samples in the early diagnosis of smear-negative urinary tuberculosis
Authors: Wang Yachun , Tan Jiao , Lei Lei , Yuan Yingying , Li Wenbo , Zhao Yue , Wang Yali , Niu Xiaodong , Li Zheng , Wei Lukuan , Han Yungang , Cheng Meijing , Wang Wei
Published: October 2022

Background: According to reports, between 30 and 40 percent of extrapulmonary TB cases are caused by urinary tract tuberculosis (UTB). It is critical to identify UTB quickly since it frequently precedes delayed medical attention, which can have detrimental effects. This study examined the use of Xpert MTB/RIF, a rifampicin-inhibited continuous fluorescence quantitative nucleic corrosive enhancement discovery innovation, in urine tuberculosis (UTB), particularly for the early identification of UTB.
Methods: 180 patients with clinically suspected UTB whose urine samples were chosen for urine sediment smear, culture, Xpert MTB/RIF, and TB-DNA testing at Henan Chest Hospital between January 2019 and July 2022. We studied and compared the positive rates for various tests using the t-test.
Results: In this subject, a total of 108 patients were diagnosed with urinary tract tuberculosis, and the positive detection rate was 67.1%. Among patients with urinary tract tuberculosis, the highest positive rate of a single test was Xpert MTB/RIF, reaching 29.69% (19/64, P<0.001), and the positive rates of the other three test items were: TB-DNA positive rate was 18.75% (6/32, P<0.1), the positive rate of culture was 12.12% (4/33, P>0.05), and the positive rate of smear was 7.56% (9/119, P<0.01). For the smear-negative group, Xpert MTB/RIF had the highest detection rate of 31.6% (6/19, P<0.1).
Conclusion: Xpert MTB/RIF assay has high application value in the diagnosis of urinary tract tuberculosis. It can be widely used in clinical early diagnosis of urinary tract tuberculosis.
Influence of Implant Dimensions on Stress Distribution Within Alveolar Bone of Supported Mandible Using 3D Finite Element Analysis
Authors: El-Morsy Abdel-Wahab , Mourshedy Nada A. Al
Published: October 2022

Purpose: The aim of this work is to evaluate the influence of implant dimensions on the stress distribution of implant supported mandible utilizing 3D finite element analysis.
Materials and Methods: Six finite element models for completely edentulous patient were created which were corresponded to three different implant diameters (2.9, 3.4 and 3.9 mm) and two implant lengths (11 and 15 mm) grouped into six groups. The models were composed of a core of cancellous bone layer surrounded by a 2mm cortical bone layer, mucosal layer, dental implant vertically placed in the canine area and implant supported overdenture. The models were loaded by 35 N vertical load and 10 N horizontal load; all loads were applied to the first molar of the prosthesis.
Results: von Mises stresses were numerically situated at the implant neck. The use of larger diameter or longer implant decrease the maximum stresses within the alveolar bone.
Conclusion: Implant parameters affect load transmitting mechanism to the alveolar bone. The results suggested that the use of wider and longer implant as could as accommodated by the ridge might ensure a better biomechanical environment for both implant and alveolar ridge.
Decoding coaching. How does a metacognitive strategy-based training program affect coaches’ self-regulation skills?
Authors: Sabaliauskas Stanislav , Gražulis Donatas , Žilinskienė Nelė , Kaukėnas Tomas
Published: October 2022

Self-regulation can be understood not only as a feature, but also as a process that learners use to control and organize their thoughts and turn them into skills used in learning. Self-regulated learning relies on the activation and use of metacognitive skills. Meanwhile, metacognitive strategies applied by educators help learners to become aware of their thinking processes during learning. Self-regulation skills are significant when operating in difficult or extreme conditions that require exceptional human abilities and efforts.
Conscious observation and reflection on own activities enables an individual to improve personal metacognitive skills. Observing and reflecting on own behaviour can significantly contribute to changing behaviour, that is, to improving self-regulation processes. The aim of this research is to assess the impact of a metacognitive strategy-based training program on coaches’ self-regulation skills.
Results. The facilitation program for improving self-regulation skills had a positive impact on coaches’ self-regulation skills. At the end of the program, the total self-regulation index of the coaches increased. The training programme based on metacognitive questioning allowed for enhancing self-regulation skills of experienced coaches. Self-reflection and implementation of metacognitive strategies influenced coaches’ cognition, thinking competences and behaviour.
Identification of decreased intrinsic capacity: Diagnostic performance indicators of the ICOPE Screening tool in community-dwelling older people in the VIMCI study
Authors: Luque Xavier Rojano , Alias Sergi Blancafort , Casanovas Susanna Prat , Forné Susanna , Vergara Nuria Martín , Povill Pilar Fabregat , Royo Maria Vila , Serrano Rosa , Sanchez-Rodriguez Dolores , Saldaña Montserrat Vílchez , Martínez Iris , Domínguez Mariola , Riba Francesc , Intxaurrondo Aimar , Salvà Antoni
Published: October 2022

Background: The WHO has developed the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) strategy to face the challenges of ageing societies. This strategy is focused on person centered care and the assessment intrinsic capacity (IC). Early identification of five domains of IC (cognition, locomotion, vitality, sensory (hearing and vision), and psychological) has been shown to be related with adverse outcomes and can guide actions towards primary prevention and healthy aging. IC assessment proposed by the WHO ICOPE guidelines is composed by two steps: First, Screening for IC declines in IC by the ICOPE Screening tool; second, by the reference standard methods. The aim was to assess the diagnostic performance indicators (sensibility, specificity, diagnostic accuracy, and agreement of the ICOPE Screening tool) compared to the reference standard methods in European community-dwelling older adults.
Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of the baseline of the ongoing VIMCI cohort study, which was carried out in Primary Care centers and outpatient clinics from 5 rural and urban territories in Catalonia (Spain). Participants were 207community dwelling persons ≥ 70-year-old with Barthel ≥ 90, without dementia or advanced chronic conditions who provided their consent to participate. The 5 IC domains were assessed by the ICOPE Screening tool and the reference methods (SPPB, gait speed, MNA, Snellen chart, audiometry, MMSE, GDS5) during patients’ visit. Agreement was assessed with Gwet AC1 index.
Results: ICOPE Screening tool sensitivity was higher for cognition (0.889) and ranged between 0.438 and 0.569 for most domains. Specificity ranged from 0.682 to 0.96, diagnostic accuracy from 0.627 to 0.879, Youden index from 0.12 to 0.619, and Gwet AC1 from 0.275 to 0.842
Conclusion: The ICOPE screening tool showed fair diagnostic performance indicators; it was helpful to identify those participants with satisfactory IC and showed a modest ability to identify IC decline in older people with high degree of autonomy. This limitation may be overcome by repeating periodically the screening in those with satisfactory screening for IC. The screening for IC could be considered for implementation into clinical practice.
“Log sem” statistics for two chimpanzee species in relation to the Congo river: spatial and temporal dynamics.
Authors: Thackeray Francis
Published: October 2022

Morphometric statistics (“log sem”) based on standard errors of the m-coefficient (sem) associated with general equations of the form y = mx + c have been calculated from least squares regression analyses of cranial measurements of two chimpanzee species: Pan troglodytes (currently distributed north of the Congo river) and P.paniscus (the bonobo) distributed south of that river in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A phenetic tree has been obtained from UPGMA analysis of the log sem matrix for the two species of Pan. This study focusses primarily on P. paniscus. The phenetic tree is related to locality data for individuals collected in various regions of the DRC. A few specimens attributed to P. troglodytes are “misfits” in the sense that they occur within the P. paniscus group. An explanation is provided by invoking a scenario in which there was not always a geographical barrier in the form of the Congo river, and hybridisation could occur. Genetic evidence points to at least two periods within the Pleistocene during which hybridisation took place. It is proposed that log sem values based on anatomy are indirectly sensitive to variability in gene pools. Alpha taxonomy (assuming clear boundaries between taxa) is not necessarily always possible, hence the need for a probabilistic species definition (“sigma taxonomy”), without assuming boundaries (Thackeray, 2018). These concepts are relevant to challenges associated with the taxonomy of early Pleistocene hominins, especially if there is no clear boundary between species representing Australopithecus and early Homo.
Precise sediment flux assessment of a small ungauged low-mountain catchment in the North Caucasus
Authors: Tsyplenkov Anatoly , Kharchenko Sergey , Uspensky Maxim , Scheper Simon , Golosov Valentin
Published: October 2022

Soil erosion and sediment export from hillslopes are significant problems associated with agriculture, especially in parts of the world where society is already living in extreme environments. In particular, mountainous environments remain severely understudied, with only a few runoff and sediment transport measurements available. It is necessary, therefore, to develop and validate independent methods that do not rely on long-term observations at gauging stations. Here we used three independent methods to predict soil erosion and associated sediment yield (SY) from a 1.84 km² basin in the North Caucasus. The first part concerns assessing the sedimentation rate, which was made using in-situ measurements of volumetric sediment deposition rates. Secondly, we look at the connectivity of sediment sources and the lake. A combination of remote sensing data and field surveys was used to estimate sediment connectivity and erosion mapping. The third part regards the computation of soil erosion using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE). There are three major findings in this study that help us understand sediment redistribution patterns in mountainous areas. First, based on the lake sedimentation rate, we found that the mean annual area-specific sediment yield is 514 (95% CI, 249–839) t km− 2 yr− 1. Similar results were obtained from the erosion mapping (i.e., a map of erosion processes) — 428 (95% CI, 322–546) t km− 2 yr− 1. Secondly, the spatial distribution and rates of the erosion processes suggest that sheet and rill erosion are responsible for ca. 40% of total sediment export, slides and rockfalls — 18%, while the rest is removed by soil creep. Additionally, the RUSLE-based modelling of sheet wash and rill erosion has highlighted the areas most prone to soil erosion. The corresponding mean annual soil erosion rate of 1.59 mm yr− 1 was very close to the results obtained from the literature review.
Weighing Externalities of Economic Recovery Projects: An Alternative to Green Taxonomies that is Fairer and more Realistic
Authors: Bardy Roland , Rubens Arthur
Published: October 2022

Natural and man-made crises and disasters often cause untold destruction, but also provide multiple opportunities for economic redevelopment post the crisis. Like other crises the COVID-19 pandemic has spurred public and private entities to become engaged in significant redevelopment efforts. Policymakers in some countries view these efforts as an opening for not only including other issues such as deficits in infrastructure and the social systems, but also for redefining their political priorities towards a “green economy”. While pursuing various policy objectives at the same time is a prudent undertaking, it seems rather questionable that politicians, under the pressure of ecological activism, would evaluate all crisis policy measures by their effect on environmental outcomes. We are seeing this in the European Union (EU) as it is about to couple its Recovery and Resilience Facility (financed through the “Next Generation EU Recovery Fund”) with its Green Deal. In the U.S., so far, the Build Back Better package and the American Rescue Plan seem to seek separate evaluation schemes for their different policy fields. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the wide-ranging opinions that exist on the intention to make recovery support contingent on ecological effects: For example, there is the classic Tinbergen Rule which states that for each policy target there must be at least one policy tool; thus, if there are fewer tools than targets, then some policy goals will not ultimately be achieved. Likewise, long-term climate change mitigation can only be achieved with long-term policies that consider and weigh out all externalities. Moreover, embarking on long term recovery plans cannot solely be formulated and implemented on ex-ante definitions of ecological impacts. The paper raises the question whether requesting ecological effects from all recovery programs is just and fair. It contrasts the various options of coupling recovery efforts and climate mitigation with state-of-the-art approaches of valuating multiple externalities: weighing the diverse externalities of policy projects can determine which policy tools to choose. It also demonstrates the downside of a policy that are solely focuses on granting financial support, if not, a project can effectively meet a pre-specified ecological and energy goal as set up by the EU and which ranks recovery projects according to their arbitrary effect on climate change. A wider scope of decision criteria will produce more effective ways to “build back better”.
Dual Process Ethical Decision-Making Models: Need for Empirical Examination
Authors: Gupta Seema , Bhandari Shilpa
Published: October 2022

The main purpose of the study is to examine various ethical decision-making models based on Dual Process Theory (DPT) and to determine the features of their application in business management. Systematization of the literary sources and approaches for solving the problem of managerial decision-making indicates that despite a significant number of data publications, the issue of the implementation and effectiveness of ethical models is poorly researched and requires a more detailed analysis. The object of research is secondary data contained in scientific articles published in journals. The paper examines the social-intuitive-emotional context of the ethical decision-making process, which can help understand the management context of these models. The results of the empirical analysis of the features of the use of the Social-Intuitionist (S-I), Cognitive-Intuitionist (C-I), and Cognitive-Affective models (C-A) models in the decision-making process proved the existence of significant differences between them. The methodological tools of the research were the theories of emotion and intuition, as they directly relate to the “Integrated Ethical Decision Making” (I-EDM) model, which is the most practiced in the actual business setting. The article proposes a conceptual integrated R-S-I-E Ethical Decision-Making model, which can be used in testing theoretical research questions and hypotheses related to business ethics. This model considers individual factors, personal moral philosophy (deontology, teleology), and the moral intensity managers feel during a moral dilemma. Based on the research results, the consequences of overcoming the gap between the existing theoretical developments on these issues and the peculiarities of the decision-making process in practice are summarized. The research results can be used in the empirical evaluation of ethical models in different cultural conditions (including India) and be helpful for the management of companies in making ethical decisions.
Resisting Violence: The Politics of Storytelling in it felt empty when the heart went at first but it is alright now and Lela & Co.
Authors:   British And American Language And Literature Association Of Korea, Kim Yungduk
Published: October 2022

This essay explores storytelling as a political drama strategy in two 21st-century plays that deal with sex trafficking, Lucy Kirkwood’s it felt empty when the heart went at first but it is alright now and Cordelia Lynn’s Lela & Co. Tapping into the recent tradition of women’s monologues that give voice to victims of sexual violence and exploitation, these dialogical monologues foreground and dramatize the female characters’ storytelling as violence survivors’ self-representation and reclaiming of subjectivity. In the process, the characters draw and reciprocate the spectatorial gaze, resisting the objectification of the female body. More significantly, their storytelling bears witness to their ordeal and in doing so engenders audience engagement. Kirkwood’s promenade stage invites the audience to follow Dijana’s journey alongside and reflect on their complicity in sexual exploitation, whereas the testimonial storytelling of Lynn’s narrator calls on the spectator to witness her story about violence against women in the global age.
Dimensión histórica, síntomas y neurobiología del trastorno dismórfico corporal
Authors: Rincon Dubis
Published: October 2022

El trastorno dismórfico corporal (TDC) se caracteriza por una preocupación excesiva por una parte del cuerpo que resulta defectuosa; así como por la presencia de pensamientos sobre el cuerpo que resultan desagradables, intrusivos y difíciles de controlar. Este artículo presenta la dimensión histórica y la evolución de la clasificación del TDC, así como su semiología en correlación con la neurobiología que se ha descrito hasta la fecha. Para ello, se realizó una revisión de estudios acerca de la dimensión histórica, los síntomas y las comorbilidades del trastorno dismórfico corporal, llevados a cabo entre los años 2000 y 2020. Se em- plearon las bases de datos PubMed, MedLine, Embase, Science Direct y Bibliomed y los descriptores “tras- torno dismórfico corporal”, “evaluación de síntomas” y “comorbilidad” tanto en inglés como en español. Se encontró que el TDC está asociado a otros trastornos mentales y a síntomas como ideación e intentos de suicidio; en cuanto a la edad, se describe un inicio a los 16 años; y sobre la neurobiología del TDC, algunos estudios indican cambios en la corteza occipital y los circuitos frontoestriatales. Sin embargo, es necesario generar nuevo conocimiento sobre el TDC con el fin de precisar los diagnósticos diferenciales y las nuevas formas de tratamiento.
Palabras clave: Cognición, Comorbilidad, Evaluación de síntomas, Salud mental, Trastorno Dismór- fico Corporal.
Sudden cardiac death in a patient with complicated peripartum cardiomyopathy, long QT syndrome and mutation in FLNC gene
Authors: Reznik E. V. , Yasnovskaya A. A. , Yadrov E. M. , Borisovskaya S. V.
Published: October 2022

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a diagnosis of exclusion in women presenting with heart failure due to left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. PPCM should be considered in case of unknown etiology of heart failure during pregnancy or after childbirth. Long QT syndrome is a primary electrical heart disease associated with a prolonged QT interval on the ECG, recurrent paroxysms of ventricular tachycardia, and a high risk of sudden death. Our aim was to demonstrate a case of cardiomyopathy in combination with long QT syndrome in a patient with a mutation in the FLNC gene. A 38-years-old woman was hospitalized 4,5 months after childbirth after sudden cardiac arrest and successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Long QT interval was revealed on the electrocardiogram. Echocardiography registered an akinesis of the apical and middle segments of the anterior wall of the left ventricle and interventricular septum, apex, left ventricular ejection fraction – 32%. Coronary angiography revealed no stenotic lesion of the coronary arteries. N-terminal precursor of brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) was 33300 mg/l. Mass parallel sequencing of 17 genes revealed the nucleotide variant c.1609T>G (chr7:128480661T>G, NM_001488.4; rs760471547) in a heterozygous state in exon 10 of the FLNC gene (OMIM 102565), leading to the amino acid variant p.Y537D.The combination of peripartum cardiomyopathy and long QT syndrome may increase the likelihood of sudden cardiac death, especially in individuals with a genetic mutation of cardiomyopathy. Timely diagnosis of the described conditions is necessary to prevent complications and increase the life expectancy of patients.
Possibilities of drug correction of the state of the main arteries and microcirculation in patients with chronic heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Statsenko M. E. , Turkina S. V. , Lopushkova Yu. E.
Published: October 2022

Introduction. Patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are increasingly found in the clinical practice. The comorbidity of CHF and COPD promotes high mortality in such patients. Therapy that is prescribed to patients with CHF and COPD may not always have a positive effect on the condition of blood vessels. In this regard, researchers began to pay attention to drugs that have a beneficial effect on blood vessels, without worsening the course of CHF and COPD, one of which is meldonium.

The purpose of the study. To study the effect of meldonium as part of complex therapy on arterial stiffness and microcirculation in patients with CHF and COPD.

Materials and methods. The open randomized study included 60 patients with CHF IIA stage, II–III functional class (clinical recommendations of RKO, OSSN 2020) and COPD of the I–III degree of airflow restriction (classification GОLD 2021) without exacerbation. The patients were divided into 2 groups: the 1st group – the main group (n = 30) with CHF and COPD, which was prescribed meldonium as part of complex therapy at a dosage of 1000 mg/day, the 2nd group – the control group (n = 30) was on therapy only with basic drugs of CHF and COPD. The observation period is 12 weeks.

Results. As a  result of  12  weeks of  therapy with the  inclusion of  meldonium in  the complex therapy of  patients with CHF and COPD, a decrease in the stiffness of the main arteries, an improvement in the regulation and parameters of microcirculation, an increase in the frequency of occurrence of the normocirculatory type of microcirculation were noted.

Conclusions. A significant useful effect of complex therapy with the inclusion of meldonium on the condition of arterial stiffness and microcirculation in  patients with CHF and COPD has been established, which makes it possible to recommend the  use of meldonium in this category of patients.
Postcovid syndrome, cardiovascular disorders
Authors: Redkina I. N. , Suplotova L. A. , Bessonova M. I.
Published: October 2022

Coronavirus infection has become one of the biggest shocks of our time. Coronaviruses are viruses with a positive RNA chain, most often affecting the respiratory tract. The virus penetrates into human type II alveolar cells using receptors for angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (APF2). SARS-CoV uses specific host cell factors throughout its infection cycle. The virus replicates inside cells, distracting the body’s own cellular mechanisms, and binds the virion to the APF2 receptor. The number of COVID-19 patients is more than 100 million people. Many recovered people note the persistence of symptoms for several months after an acute illness. Most often, patients complain of shortness of breath, fatigue, general weakness, pain behind the sternum, palpitations. Many studies have clearly demonstrated the effect of COVID-19 on metabolic disorders, the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases and mortality. The studies have shown that inflammation is formed in the myocardium. Its pathogenesis is not fully elucidated. According to two main theories, APF2 plays an important role in myocardial damage, as well as a  hyperimmune response, which can independently lead to myocarditis. The frequency and prognostic effect of COVID-19 myocarditis are unknown. This article analyzes the current literature data on the epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of  postcovid syndrome, in  particular subacute COVID-19 in  the focus of  cardiovascular disorders. The search for relevant literature was carried out on the basis of Web of Science, PubMed, by keywords: long COVID-19, cardiovascular diseases, postacute COVID-19 syndrome, SARS-CoV-2. The analysis included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical studies, literature reviews published over the past 2 years.
Bedaquiline in the complex treatment of HIV-associated respiratory tuberculosis
Authors: Mordyk A. V. , Ivanova O. G. , Sitnikova S. V. , Gusina V. I. , Ptukhin A. O.
Published: October 2022

Introduction. The continued decline in the number of patients shedding multidrug-resistant mycobacteria (MDR MDR), which has continued since 2018, determines the priority of measures to improve the effectiveness of treatment of newly diagnosed patients, including HIV-associated tuberculosis, with the mandatory inclusion of new anti-tuberculosis drugs in the treatment regimens of patients. drugs.

Aim. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of bedaquiline in the complex treatment of patients with HIV-associated respiratory tuberculosis.

Materials and methods. In the  prospective study was included 60  patients with newly diagnosed HIV-associated respiratory tuberculosis, randomized into 2 groups: group 1 – 30 patients who received bedaquiline in the combination of anti-tuberculosis drugs; group 2 – 30 patients who received therapy without the addition of bedaquiline. Bacterial excretion was detected in all patients of the 1st and 2nd groups, the MBT drug sensitivity test confirmed the presence of pre-XDR MBT. Patients in both study groups received antiretroviral therapy. The follow-up period for patients was 12 months.

Results. In the group of patients treated with bedaquiline, higher treatment results were noted both in terms of the criterion “closing of decay cavities” (by 14.7%) (p > 0.05) and by the criterion “cessation of bacterial excretion” (by 23.3%) ((p <0.05).

Conclusions. The high clinical efficacy and safety of the use of bedaquiline in the complex treatment of patients with HIV-associated respiratory tuberculosis has been demonstrated. The data obtained make it possible to recommend the use of bedaquiline in the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed HIV-associated tuberculosis, isolating MBT with pre-XDR, to increase the effectiveness of the main course of chemotherapy, prevent the amplification of MBT drug resistance and develop extensive MBT drug resistance.
THE EFFECTS OF ABDOMINAL BRACING MANEUVER ON QUADRICEPS MUSCLE TORQUE, TIME TO PEAK TORQUE AND MUSCLE ACTIVATION LEVELS AT DIFFERENT KNEE FLEXION ANGLES
Authors: SÖĞÜT Bensu , ŞAHİN Deniz Can , ARSLAN Damla , YILLI Sercan , TARKAN Sümeyya , HARPUT Gülcan
Published: October 2022

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of abdominal bracing maneuver (ABM) on quadriceps peak torque (PT), time to peak torque (TTPT) and muscle activation levels during maximal strength testing of the quadriceps muscle in healthy individuals.

Methods: Sixteen healthy individuals (Age: 24.63±1.67 years) participated in the present study. Each participant was taught ABM technique by a physical therapist’s guidance. Surface electromyography was used to measure internal oblique/transversus abdominis, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, and rectus femoris activation levels. Isokinetic dynamometry was used to measure quadriceps PT and TTPT during maximum isometric muscle testing at 60° and 90° of knee flexion angles with and without ABM. Repeated measures of ANOVA was performed for statistical analysis.

Results: There was a significant angle by condition interaction for quadriceps PT (F(1,15)=5.30, p=0.04). PT decreased when ABM was performed, but the decrease was greater at 600 compared to 900 of knee flexion (60°: p=0.001, ES=0.68; 90°: p=0.008, ES=0.33). Quadriceps activation levels also decreased during ABM (p=0.04) regardless of knee flexion angle.

Conclusion: The present study revealed that ABM may decrease muscle activation levels and peak torque during maximal quadriceps strength testing. Researchers should evaluate compensatory movements of the lumbopelvic region in order to prevent the error of force transfer in test results.
Assessing health risks caused by exposure to climatic factors for people living in the far north
Authors:   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya Str., Perm, 614045, Russian Federation, Shur P.Z. , Kiryanov D.А. ,   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya Str., Perm, 614045, Russian Federation, Kamaltdinov М.R. ,   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya Str., Perm, 614045, Russian Federation, Khasanova А.А. ,   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya Str., Perm, 614045, Russian Federation
Published: October 2022

Extreme climatic conditions in the Far North region create health risks for people living there. Given the necessity to adapt to these conditions, it seems vital to assess health risks caused by exposure to extreme climatic factors. Such an assessment will give an opportunity to establish and quantify influence exerted by climatic factors on public health. The task was to assess risk rates for adults and children living in the Far North region in Russia. To do that, we analyzed the “exposure – effect” relationship for previously established climatic factors (atmospheric pressure and atmospheric air temperature, air humidity, and wind speed (as an index of the normal equivalent-effective temperature – NEET). Additional likelihood of incidence associated with exposure to climatic factors and occurring risk rates were calculated and then characterized based on the results of the analysis using mathematical modeling techniques. As a result, we identified parameters of a cause-effect relation between average monthly NEET, daily pressure drops and incidence among population living in the Far North. We established unacceptable health risks for adults caused by diseases of the circulatory system that were associated with effects produced by NEET and atmospheric pressure, diseases of the respiratory system, injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes associated with effects produced by NEET. We also established unacceptable health risks for children caused by diseases of the respiratory system, injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes associated with effects produced by NEET. The results produced by this study can provide a guideline for developing activities aimed at facilitating adaptation to the existing climatic conditions in order to preserve public health.
Chemical air pollution in dwelling as a health risk factor
Authors:   Center for Strategic Planning and Management of Biomedical Health Risks, bldg 1, 10 Pogodinskaya Str., Moscow, 119992, Russian Federation, Malysheva A.G. , Kalinina N.V. ,   Center for Strategic Planning and Management of Biomedical Health Risks, bldg 1, 10 Pogodinskaya Str., Moscow, 119992, Russian Federation, Yudin S.M. ,   Center for Strategic Planning and Management of Biomedical Health Risks, bldg 1, 10 Pogodinskaya Str., Moscow, 119992, Russian Federation
Published: October 2022

Up-to-date techniques applied in physical-chemical studies made it possible to identify and quantify chemical pollutants in the air inside contemporary dwelling in a large megacity and then create a database on them. This database has a list of more than 600 chemicals from 18 groups of volatile hydrocarbons and covers hygienic standards for their contents, their hazard category, and ranges of detected concentrations. Major sources of air pollution with these chemicals in dwelling were also identified. From the hygienic point of view, a significant fact is that there are no hygienic standards for more than 60 % of chemicals detected in air in dwelling. Formaldehyde, phenol, and styrene are priority chemicals for quality monitoring and risk-based control of hazards posed by chemical air pollution both in newly built houses that are at the approval stage and already exploited ones. Formaldehyde, benzene, phenol, styrene, acetophenone, ethylbenzene, hexanal, nonanal, butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, isopropanol, and trimethylbenzene are the most hygienically significant volatile organic compounds for quality control and health risk assessment considering frequency of their occurrence, concentration levels, concentrations exceeding MPC, group affiliation, hazard category, and ability to transform. When controlling natural chemicals that occur in air in dwelling due to some internal pollution sources, we should bear in mind that transformation may result in a new structure of pollution and new occurring chemicals can be more toxic and hazardous than original ones. To minimize risks associated with exposure to chemical pollution and to assess chemical safety of air in dwelling, we recommend wider use of up-to-date physical and chemical methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis thereby securing identification of a wide range of pollutants including potentially hazardous ones. Since certain chemicals have been detected for which no safety criteria have been developed so far, it is especially vital to perform research in the sphere of hygienic standardization and to develop methodical documents aimed at providing adequate hygienic assessment of quality and chemical safety of internal environment in dwelling.
Substantiation of statistical model to describe and predict risks of tick bites for population
Authors:   Yekaterinburg Research Institute of Viral Infections, State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology “Vector”, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-being, 23 Letnyaya Str., Ekaterinburg, 620030, Russian Federation, Mishchenko V.A. ,   Institute of Plant and Animal Ecology, Ural Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 202 8 Marta Str., Ekaterinburg, 620144, Russian Federation, Kshnyasev I.A. ,   Institute of Plant and Animal Ecology, Ural Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 202 8 Marta Str., Ekaterinburg, 620144, Russian Federation, Davydova Yu.A. ,   Institute of Plant and Animal Ecology, Ural Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 202 8 Marta Str., Ekaterinburg, 620144, Russian Federation, Vyalykh I.V. ,   Yekaterinburg Research Institute of Viral Infections, State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology “Vector”, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-being, 23 Letnyaya Str., Ekaterinburg, 620030, Russian Federation
Published: October 2022

Incidence of tick-borne encephalitis and other tick-borne infections correlates with a number of people applying for medical aid due to tick bites. Obviously, the number of registered tick bites is proportionate to people’s economic and recreational activities on an endemic territory and the quantity of hungry ticks. In its turn, the quantity of ticks depends on abundance of main hosts for blood-feeding stages but with a certain time lag caused by their life cycle parameters such as molting to the next stage, diapauses, and apparent seasonality in a continental boreal climate zone. Our research goal was to analyze and synthesize an adequate formalized/parameterized statistical model to describe and predict risks of tick bites for population. To describe dynamics and to predict a number of people bitten by ticks exemplified by the Sverdlovsk region, we used several linear (by parameters) logistic regression models. We applied a multimodel inference framework to assess whether the observed dynamics was described adequately. Long-tern dynamics of the number of people bitten by ticks in the Sverdlovsk region is characterized with an occurring high-amplitude slow long-wave oscillation (circadecadal one, with a quasi-period being approximately 10 years) and a short-wave 2–3-year cyclicity. The former may be associated with climatic rhythm and socioeconomic trends; the latter may be caused by biotic factors. By using the logit-regression model, we showed that the number of small mammals, both in the previous year and at the beginning of the current tick activity season can be a valuable predictor of a risk for population to be bitten by ticks. Predictive values of the created statistical model adequately describe an initial time series of chances/probabilities of tick bites.
Risk factors of healthcare-associated infections in recipients of bone marrow transplant
Authors:   Pirogov National Medical and Surgical Center, 70 Nizhnyaya Pervomaiskaya Str., Moscow, 105203, Russian Federation, Orlova O.A. ,   Central Research Institute for Epidemiology, 3A Novogireevskaya Str., Moscow, 111123, Russian Federation,   N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, 18 Gamaleya Str., Moscow, 123098, Russian Federation, Yumtsunova N.A. ,   Pirogov National Medical and Surgical Center, 70 Nizhnyaya Pervomaiskaya Str., Moscow, 105203, Russian Federation, Semenenko T.A. ,   N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, 18 Gamaleya Str., Moscow, 123098, Russian Federation,   I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, bldg. 2, 8 Trubetskaya Str., Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation, Nozdracheva A.V. ,   N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, 18 Gamaleya Str., Moscow, 123098, Russian Federation
Published: October 2022

Bone marrow recipients are the most immunocompromizied patients who are susceptible to multiple infections. It is especially true for long-term episodes of drug-associated granulocytopenia. Our research goal was to identify risk factors of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in patients after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Risk factors of developing HAIs were identified by accomplishing an analytical epidemiological “case – control” study with 973 patients participating in it. They all underwent BMT in the Hematology, Chemotherapy and Bone Marrow Transplantation Department of the Pirogov National Medical and Surgical Center on a period from 2015 to 2018. The following diseases were diagnosed in them: lymphoma (n = 158), multiple myeloma (n = 96), and multiple sclerosis (n = 719). HAIs cases were selected based on the standard (epidemiological) case definition in accordance with the Federal Clinical Recommendations on Epidemiological Surveillance over HAIs approved by the National Association of Experts responsible for Control over Healthcare-Associated Infections. Retrospective analysis established 75 HAIs cases or 7.7 % of the total number of the analyzed patients after BMT. Catheter-related bloodstream infections took the leading place among all the HAIs accounting for 52.0 ± 2.4 %. They were followed by bloodstream infections, 28.0 ± 3.1 %; lower respiratory tracts infections, 17.0 ± 3.2 %; and post-injection complications, 3.0 ± 0.6 %. Oncological diseases were established to cause HAIs in bone marrow recipients more frequently (ОR = 5.603; 95 % CI = 3.422÷9.174) than multiple sclerosis (ОR = 0.178; 95 % CI = 0.109÷0.292). This indicates that an underlying disease has its influence on a risk of infectious complications. We established a direct correlation between HAIs frequency and contamination with opportunistic microorganisms detected in objects in the hospital environment (r = 0.79, p = 0.01). This calls for implementing up-to-date disinfection provided for such objects.
Evaluación económica de una propuesta para el mejoramiento del acondicionamiento turístico del Santuario de la Melchorita, Ica, Perú
Authors: Pachas-Fuentes María Olivia , Alberca-Sialer Fabrizio Augusto
Published: October 2022

En el presente artículo se analiza el estado de la infraestructura y las instalaciones del Santuario de la beata Melchora Saravia Tasayco (Ica, Perú). Se describe el acondicionamiento turístico y se considera la percepción de los visitantes. Con esos resultados se construyen dos propuestas: una orientada al mejoramiento de las instalaciones existentes y otra a la implementación de infraestructuras, servicios y equipamientos necesarios para generar experiencias turísticas satisfactorias. En las siguientes páginas se presenta una propuesta que busca incrementar el flujo turístico, mejorar la experiencia durante la visita e involucrar a la población de manera sostenible. Se presenta la evaluación económica, compuesta por la proyección de visitantes, cálculos de inversión, cálculos de ingresos y egresos, análisis del flujo de caja, además de los cálculos de la Tasa Interna de Retorno (TIR) y del Valor Actual Neto (VAN), y las externalidades. Todos los resultados obtenidos confirman la rentabilidad y la viabilidad del proyecto.
Dinámica del precio de la leche en las regiones de Colombia: un análisis de series de tiempo
Authors: Yanes-Guerra Carlos , De La Cruz-Almanza Sadan
Published: October 2022

En los últimos años, y a través de diferentes decretos, el Ministerio de Agricultura y Desarrollo Rural en Colombia establece la fórmula para liquidar el precio de la leche pagada al productor lácteo. Su implementación ha tenido efectos diferentes en las regiones. Por lo tanto, este trabajo desarrolla como objetivo principal el análisis del comportamiento del precio de la leche pagada al productor y la calidad higiénica en el mercado lácteo. Para tal finalidad, se hace uso de los distintos modelos de series de tiempo multivariados conocidos como los modelos de corrección de error (VEC), así como la construcción de funciones impulso-respuesta (IRF) de las series temporales. Los resultados más relevantes están centrados en el comportamiento de la tasa de crecimiento del precio, asociada con el aumento de la calidad. De igual manera, se desarrolla un pronóstico del pago realizado a los proveedores de leche cruda, en el cual se observa una tendencia negativa.