bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility and Application of Machine Learning Enabled Fast Screening of Poly-Beta- Amino-Esters for Cartilage Therapies
Authors: Perni Stefano , Prokopovich Polina
Published: March 2022

Despite the large prevalence of diseases affecting cartilage (with knee osteoarthritis affecting 16% of population globally), no curative treatments are available because of the limited capacity of drugs to localise in such tissues caused by the low vascularisation and electrostatic repulsion. While an effective delivery system is sought, the only option is using high drug doses that can lead to systemic side effects. We introduced poly beta amino esters (PBAEs) polymers to effectively deliver drugs into cartilage tissues. PBAEs are copolymer of amines and di-acrylates further end-capped with other amine, therefore encompassing a very large research space for the identification of optimal candidates. In order to accelerate the screening of all possible PBAEs, the results of a small pool of polymers (n = 90) were used to train a variety of Machine learning (ML) methods using only polymers properties available in public libraries or estimated from the chemical structure. Bagged MARS returned the best performance and was used on the remaining (n = 3915) possible PBAEs resulting in the recognition of pivotal features; further refinements of such characteristics (n = 150) enabled the identification of a leading candidate predicted to improve drug uptake > 20 folds over conventional clinical treatment. This work highlights the potential of ML to accelerate biomaterials development by efficiently extracting information from a limited experimental dataset thus allowing patients to benefit earlier from a new technology and at a lower price. Such roadmap could also be applied for other drug/materials development where optimisation would normally be approached through combinatorial chemistry.
Subclinical Myocardial Damage after Anthracycline Chemotherapy in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Nakatsuma Kenji , Ozasa Neiko , Ohno Mikiko , Ishiguro Hiroshi , Minami Manabu , Nishi Eiichiro , Toi Masakazu , Ono Koh , Kimura Takeshi
Published: March 2022

Purpose: Data on the incidence, timing, and prediction of myocardial damage after anthracycline-based chemotherapy (AC) in patients with breast cancer are limited. We assessed myocardial damage in these patients following AC, using the high-sensitivity troponin I (TnI) assay. Methods: We prospectively assessed TnI levels in women with breast cancer (n=51) at baseline (before the first AC), 1 week, and 1, 2, 3, 6, 9,12, and 15 months after low-to-moderate doses of AC. Subclinical myocardial damage was diagnosed when TnI levels exceeded the 99th percentile (26 pg/mL). Echocardiograms were obtained at baseline and 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 months post-AC. Results: Subclinical myocardial damage was detected in 43% of the patients: in 0%, 3.9%, 7.8%, 33%, 29%, 6.7%, 2.3%, and 2.3% of patients at 1 week and 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 months after starting AC, respectively. From baseline to 1 week post-AC, median absolute change in TnI levels was 1.6 (interquartile range: 0.1–3.5) pg/mL. Absolute change in TnI levels ≥1.6 pg/mL at 1 week was associated with a higher peak TnI level during follow-up (p=0.042).Conclusions: Approximately half of the patients had subclinical myocardial damage, frequently observed at 3 or 6 months post-AC. TnI level changes at 1 week after the first AC may predict subsequent myocardial damage.
The Interaction Between Autophagy and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition via NICD/ULK1 is Involved in the Formation of Diabetic Cataracts
Authors: Ma Jiyuan , Ye Wei , Yang Yunshu , Wu Tong , Wang Yafen , Li Ji , Pei Rui , He Mengmei , Zhang Luning , Zhou Jian
Published: March 2022

BackgroundCataracts are the leading cause of blindness and a common ocular complication of diabetes. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of lens epithelial cells (LECs) and altered autophagic activity occur during the development of diabetic cataracts. The disturbed interaction of autophagy with EMT in LECs stimulated by high glucose may participate in cataract formation.MethodsWe employed a diabetic rat model induced by streptozotocin (STZ) and human lens epithelial HLE-B3 cells stimulated with high glucose to observe the interaction of autophagy and EMT. Lens opacification was observed by slit-lamp bio-microscope, and the histological changes of lenses were detected under light microscope through paraffin section staining with hematoxylin-eosin. The autophagosomes in lens epithelial cells in vivo and in vitro were quantified under a transmission electron microscopy. The expression of EMT and autophagy markers were measured by Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. Cell migration was determined by transwell and scratch wound assays. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) was performed to verify protein-protein interactions. Overexpression of proteins were induced by cell transfection. ResultsIn LECs, high glucose induces EMT by activating Jagged1/Notch1/NICD/Snail and inhibits autophagy through the AKT/mTOR/ULK1 signaling pathways in vivo and in vitro, resulting in diabetic cataracts. Enhanced autophagic activity by rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, suppressed EMT by degrading Notch1 through SQSTM1/p62 and LC3 in LECs, while inhibition of the Notch signaling pathway by DAPT, an inhibitor of γ-secretase, not only prevented EMT but also activated autophagy by downregulating the expression of NICD, which binds to ULK1, phosphorylates it, and then inhibits autophagic initiation.ConclusionsWe demonstrated a new interaction of autophagy and EMT involving NICD/ULK1, which mediates crosstalk between these two important events in the formation of diabetic cataracts. Activating autophagy and suppressing EMT mutually promote each other, identifying a potential target and strategy for the prevention of diabetic cataracts.
Trends In Hepatitis B, Influenza, And Pneumococcal Vaccination In Diabetic Patients
Authors: Alzahrani Ziyad , Bashrahil Bader , Alzahrani Muhanad Saleh , Alghamdi Nawaf , Nooh Mohammad , Alsolami Hatem , Alghamdi Abdullah Fuad , Alabbasi Abdullah Ahmed , Khan Muhammad Anwar , Alzahrani Abdullah M
Published: March 2022

Background: Diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases in Saudi Arabia to the extent that the country is ranked 4th in terms of incidence rate. Diabetes poses multiple health threats not only to patients but also to society and the healthcare system. Thus, numerous measures have been adapted to contain diabetes risk. One of these is the recommendation of vaccination sets for diabetic patients.Aim: This study aims to measure the coverage of hepatitis B virus (HBV), influenza, and pneumococcal vaccines in diabetic patients.Methods: Using a retrospective chart review, data were collected from 385 diabetic patients. An approved data collection sheet was used. Phone calls were utilized for subjective-based questions. The sample size was calculated via Raosoft@. Descriptive or inferential statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.Results: Type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients represented 44.2% and 55.8%, respectively. Only 15.2% of patients received influenza vaccination in the last 12 months. Approximately 14.2% of diabetic patients received the pneumococcal vaccine, while the HBV vaccination rate was 12.9%. Hospital admission within the last 12 months of influenza-vaccinated patients was 22.8%, while the unvaccinated patients recorded 77.8%. Diabetic patients reported that physicians’ recommendation rates of vaccines were 25.8% for influenza vaccine, 15.5% for pneumococcal vaccine, and 10.8% for HBV vaccine.Conclusions: Measuring vaccination rates of 12.9%, 14.2% and 15.2%, respectively, concludes that compliance with the medical recommendations of vaccinating diabetic patients is suboptimal. Healthcare institutions must collaborate with primary care physicians to integrate more efficient and adherent vaccination programs.
Evaluation of the Blood and Serum Biomarkers for the Prognosis and Progression of the ALS Disease by Eliminating the Effects of Aging
Authors: Aydemir Duygu , surucu Selcuk , Basak Ayse Nazli , Ulusu Nuriye Nuray
Published: March 2022

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is the most common motor neuron disease. There are no pathognomonic tests for ALS prognosis; clinical diagnosis of the disease takes time and is usually difficult. Prognostic biomarkers are urgently needed for rapid and effective ALS prognosis. Male albino rats were divided into ten groups based on age as 0 (40–45 days old), A (70–75 days old), B (90–95 days old), C (110–115 days old), and D (130–135 days old). Each group is divided into two subgroups according to their mutation status as wild type (SOD1WT) and mutated (SOD1G93A). Serum and blood biomarkers were measured of 90 rats to evaluate possible biomarkers for ALS prognosis. Weight loss, cholesterol, creatinine, Alkaline phosphatase (ALKP), glucose, total bilirubin (TBIL), blood urine nitrogen (BUN), c-peptide, glucagon, PYY, MCP-1, white blood cell (WBC), lymphocyte (LYM), monocyte (MID), granulocyte (GRAN), red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red cell distribution width with standard deviation (RDW-SD), red cell distribution width with the coefficient of variation (RDW-CV), platelet (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW) and procalcitonin (PCT) levels were changed in the SOD1G93A rats compared to the SOD1WT rats. First time in the literature, we showed promising blood and serum biomarkers in the pre-symptomatic and symptomatic stages of ALS by eliminating the effects of aging that can be used for early diagnosis of ALS.
Meeting in the Middle: Pediatric Abdominal Wall Reconstruction for Omphalocele
Authors: Kondra Katelyn , Jimenez Christian , Stanton Eloise , Chen Kevin , Shin Cathy E. , Hammoudeh Jeffrey A.
Published: March 2022

PurposeOmphalocele is a congenital abdominal wall defect with an incidence of 1/4,200 births. Repair timing varies from the neonatal period to the first few years of life. Surgical technique has changed over the last two decades. We sought to establish improved surgical/ventilation protocols for patients with omphaloceles requiring abdominal reconstruction. MethodsAn IRB-approved retrospective review was performed on patients with omphalocele requiring abdominal wall reconstruction by Plastics and/or Pediatric Surgery at a pediatric tertiary-care referral center (January 2006-July 2021). Birth history, comorbidities, surgical details, ventilation data, complications/recurrence were extracted. Results Of 129 patients screened, seven required Plastic Surgery involvement. Defect size was 102.9 cm2 (range: 24 - 178.5); four patients required component separation; zero patients received mesh; zero complications/recurrences were recorded. Two patients required postoperative ventilation for 2.5 days, based on increased peak inspiratory pressures at surgery stop versus start time.ConclusionPatients with large defects secondary to omphalocele benefit from collaboration between Pediatric and Plastic Surgery for component separation and primary fascial closure without mesh. Future research should follow patients who mature out of pediatric clinics to evaluate the incidence of hernias in adults with Plastic Surgery-repaired omphaloceles.
Expression pattern of Drug-Resistance Genes ERG11 and TAC1 in Candida albicans Clinical Isolates
Authors: Zare-Bidaki Majid , Maleki Anis , Ghanbarzadeh Nahid , Nikoomanesh Fatemeh
Published: March 2022

Background:Candida albicans (C. albicans) is an opportunistic fungus and the most common cause of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). In recent years, the use of antifungal drugs has led to the incidence of drug resistance. The purpose of this study is two fold: to determine the relationship between risk factors and antifungal resistance among C. albicans isolates from women with VVC and to investigate the expression pattern of drug-resistance genes ERG11 and TAC1 in C. albicans isolates using real-time PCR.Methods and Results:This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 C. albicans isolates from women with VVC. Antifungal susceptibility was tested for 4 azoles (fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, clotrimazole) and amphotericin B via the microdilution methods per the testing standard M27-A3/S4 of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). High susceptibility rates were recorded for itraconazole and voriconazole (68%), followed by ketoconazole (46%). Fluconazole had the smallest impact on C. albicans with 36% sensitivity The change in ERG11 and TAC1 genes expression was determined by qPCR, and the results revealed that ERG11 and TAC1 genes expression had overexpression in some fluconazole-sensitive isolates. The mRNA levels of ERG11 and TAC1 genes in fluconazole-resistant isolates compared to susceptible isolates increased by 1.1 and 3.1 times, respectively. Conclusion:The results revealed that drug resistance in C. albicans is not simply controlled by several genes but is a multi-factorial phenomenon, where several factors and mechanisms are involved in the process of drug resistance.
Clinical and Virological Features of the First Occurrence of COVID-19 Delta Variant in Anhui Province, China
Authors: He Jun , Wu Xiao-Min , Hou Sai , Feng Ya-Ting , Chen Xiao-Long , Gong Lei , Wang Wei , Chen Qing-Qing , Yu Jun-Ling , Li Wei-Wei , He Lan , Zhang Zhu-Hui , Wang Peng , Zhou Xue , Zhou Jian-Hua , Luo Wan-Rong , Yuan Yuan , Sun Yong , Su Bin , Pan Hai-Feng , Wu Jia-Bing , Wang Peng
Published: March 2022

Objectives
Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), it has caused serious casualties worldwide. In recent months, the virus has mutated into an increasingly infectious form (Delta variant) and spread rapidly.
Methods
In the current study, we analyzed the clinical, epidemiological and viral genetic characteristics of the first four imported Delta cases in Anhui Province, China.
Results
The four imported Delta cases developed chest inflammation, tissue damage and recovered after admission, the serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and CRP levels showed a first increasing and then decreasing trend. The changes of hs-CRP /CRP and serum neutralizing antibodies (Nab) against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) levels were associated with the regression of chest lesions. The combination of genetic sequencing and epidemiological analysis suggested that the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant infection of these four patients may originate from Russia.
Conclusions
Our study found the certain correlations of serum hs-CRP/CRP and Nab levels with the occurrence, development and outcome of COVID-19 delta variant, suggesting that monitoring hs-CRP/CRP and Nab levels of COVID-19 delta variant patients at hospital admission may be useful for understanding the severity of patients’ current conditions.
Air Pollutant Sulfur Dioxide is a Major Risk Factor for Pulmonary Tuberculosis Hospitalizations of HIV-infected Patients: Distribution Lag Non-linear Analyses
Authors: Wang Yaping , Chen Mingxiao , Deng Kai
Published: March 2022

Background: The relationship between air pollutants and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in HIV-infected patients, an immunocompromised population, is unclear.Methods: The data of PTB cases among HIV-infected patients admitted to Guangzhou Eighth People’s Hospital, the local largest HIV/AIDS treatment clinic, as well as the meteorological factors and air pollutants between 2014 and 2019, were collected. The associations between air pollutants and PTB were evaluated in generalized linear model (GLM) and distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM). The robustness of results was tested by sensitivity analysis.Results: A total of 494 subjects were enrolled. PTB cases were decreased over time and significantly correlated with monthly mean concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO2, r = 0.5, P < 0.001) but not other pollutants. In multi-pollutant GLM, SO2 was a risk factor of monthly PTB cases (relative risk [RR] =1.160, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.105-1.218) and fine particulate (PM2.5­) was a protective factor (RR = 0.971, 95% CI: 0.950-0.993). In single-pollutant DLNM, a 10-unit increase in SO2 concentration was significantly related to PTB cases within lag 0-6 months with the peak RR at lag 0 month (RR = 1.201, 95% CI: 1.028-1.403) and linearly decreased over lag months, and the cumulative effect reached the peak at lag 13 month (RR = 3.672, 95% CI = 1.052-12.81). In multi-pollutant DLNM, SO2 remained a risk factor of PTB within lag 0-3 months. PM2.5 was negatively associated with PTB at lag 18 month (RR = 0.900, 95% CI: 0.810-0.999 ) in single-pollutant DLNM and not significant in multi-pollutant DLNM.Conclusions: SO2 is identified as a major risk factor of PTB in HIV-infected patients.
Childbirth and Perinatal Outcomes of Healthy, Low-risk Pregnant Women With Abnormal Total Gestational Weight Gain.
Authors: Ornaghi Sara , Fumagalli Simona , Galimberti Sofia , Ornago Alice Margherita , Brivio Valentina , Lambicchi Laura , Nespoli Antonella , Vergani Patrizia
Published: March 2022

PurposeLittle is known on the potential effects of abnormal GWG among low-risk, healthy pregnant women with no comorbidities or gestational complications.We investigated perinatal outcomes of these pregnancies according to GWG as per the 2009 National Academy of Medicine (NAM) recommendations.MethodsA retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of low-risk pregnant women giving birth after 370/7 weeks’ gestation at our center between 1/2016 and 12/2020. Only women with normal pregestational BMI (pBMI) (18.5-24.9 Kg/m2) and no pre- or gestational complications were included. Self-reported prepregnancy weight was used to calculate pBMI; GWG was the difference between maternal weight at childbirth and prepregnancy weight. Women were classified according to the 2009 NAM guidelines for GWG: insufficient (iGWG, <11.5 Kg), adequate (aGWG, 11.5-16 Kg), and excessive (eGWG, >16 Kg). Logistic regression analysis with aGWG as referent was performed to independent estimate dose-response associations.ResultsDuring the study period, there were 4,127 (33.1%) births fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Fifty-two percent of women gained outside the recommended range: 33.5% had iGWG and 18.7% eGWG. iGWG women were 40% more likely to have early-term births and SGA neonates. In turn, eGWG women displayed increased odds of prolonged pregnancy (aOR 1.32), cesarean section in labor (aOR 1.50), high-degree perineal tears (aOR 2.04, postpartum hemorrhage >1000 mL (aOR 1.54), and LGA newborns (aOR 1.83).ConclusionOur data show that abnormal GWG can independently associate with heightened risk of adverse outcomes among healthy, low-risk pregnant women with normal pBMI and no comorbidities or gestational complications.
Kinematic Analysis Of Hurdles Clearance Techniques And The First Inter-Hurdle Stride Over 110-Metre Hurdles: Comparisons Between Specialists And Decathletes
Authors: Mansour Hamda , Chaifa Mounira Ben , Atta Ibrahim , Alhumaid Majed M. , Said Mohamed Ahmed
Published: March 2022

Background: Performances in the 110-metre hurdles sprint differ for Elite Hurdles Specialists (EHS) and Elite Decathletes (ED), possibly resulting in technical differences. This study aims to compare the kinematics of hurdle clearance and the first stride inter-hurdles of EHS and ED. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study involving twenty male athletes volunteered for the investigation (10 male EHS, and 10 male ED). Each athlete had previously achieved a 110m hurdles in a real competitive practice situation, and the kinematic parameters were determined by using kinematic analysis. The indices of spatial and temporal interaction in the support phase, as well as the angular parameters of motion and height of the body center of mass (CM) for various postures, were determined. Results: EHS were characterized by faster hurdle crossing (p < 0.01), shorter stride length over the hurdle (p < 0.05), and a shorter support phase in the first stride post-hurdle (p < 0.01). The CM path of ED was higher than that of EHS (p < 0.01). EHS attack the hurdle with the lead leg knee significantly more flexed (p < 0.001) and after crossing the hurdle, regain contact with the ground with the lead leg more flexed at the hip level (p < 0.01), the trunk more inclined forward (p < 0.01), and a relatively smaller positioning angle of the supporting leg (p < 0.05). Conclusions: EHS were distinguished by maintaining efficient sprinting mechanics over the hurdles, enabling them to develop optimal velocity between hurdles. This was reflected in both a shorter impulse time and a considerable reduction of braking forces at the touchdown. In addition, EHS showed a more fluid and quicker resumption of optimal speed between hurdles, resulting in minimal loss of speed and superior performance.
The Clustering, Distribution, Bioaccumulation and Translocation as an Ability of Mangrove Vegetation to Reduce Impact of Heavymetal (Hg, Cd and Zn) Pollution
Authors: Hilmi Endang , Dewi Rose , Sudiana Eming , Mahdiana Arif , Cahyo Tri Nur
Published: March 2022

Mangrove has ability to reduce impact of heavy metal contaminant released from industry and domestic waste. . Therefore, this study aimed to analyze interpolation and clustering of heavy metal accumulation and traslocation in mangrove ecosystem.. The results showed the accumulation of Mercury in water, stem and bark, leaves, and roots were 0.1347±0.0212 ppm, 0.0137±0.0137 ppm, 0.0110-0.0640 ppm, 0.0020-0.0120 ppm, and 0.0260-0.0690 ppm. Cadmium accumulations between 1.6048±0.3595 ppm, 0.0292±0.0047 ppm, 0.0790-0.2650 ppm, 0.0130-0.0480 ppm, and 0.1560-0.2300 ppm. Furthermore, Zinc had score that were 35.1746±5.4856 ppm, 0.0550±0.0095 ppm, 10.3250-32.4490 ppm, 7.1200-23.4150 ppm, and 16.7170-39.1200 ppm. However, bioaccumulation factors of Hg ranged between 0.0210-0.4751, Cd 0.0105-0.1541, and Zn 0.2807-1.2506 with the translocation factors of 0.0459-1.0547 (Hg), 0.0642-1.3855 (Cd), and 0.4086-1.3057 (Zn). The mangrove landscape showed that of Sonneratia alba (best of Hg accumulation), Rhizophora mucronata (best of Cd accumulation), Avicennia marina (best of Zn accumulation)
A necroptosis-related lncRNA signature can accurately predict the survival outcome of bladder cancer patients
Authors: Ma Zhifang , Zhang Wei , Wang Wei , Wang Shen , Song Liying , Ren Zhaoyu , Bai Zhongyuan , Wang Fang , Zhao Ruijie , Gao Yaran
Published: March 2022

Bladder cancer is the second most common malignant tumor in the male genitourinary system. This study explored the prognostic role of necroptosis-related long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) in bladder cancer.We used univariate Cox, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and multivariate Cox regression models to establish a necroptosis-related lncRNA prognostic signature. Then, 13 necroptosis-related lncRNAs were included in risk signature. Patients were divided into the high- and low-risk group based on the median risk score. The risk signature predicted that the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of patients at 1 year, 3 years and 5 years were 0.74, 0.78 and 0.79, respectively. Next, nomograms and correction curves were established using risk signature and clinicopathological factors. The nomogram-corrected curve shows a good fit. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis was used to explore the possible molecular mechanisms underlying the different prognosis of the low-risk and high-risk of patients, and showed that tumor-related signaling pathways and intercellular connectivity-related signaling pathways were significantly enriched in the high-risk group, while metabolism-related pathways were enriched in the low-risk group. In addition, Immune cell infiltration analysis and was performed on the two groups of patients and the response to immunotherapy was judged. Finally, tumor mutation data were analyzed, and potentially sensitive chemotherapy drugs were screened. The low-risk group was more sensitive to methotrexate while the patients in the high-risk group were more sensitive to cisplatin, docetaxel, paclitaxel and thapsigargin.
Green construction and release mechanism of lignin-based double-layer coated urea
Authors: Chen Xiaojuan , Yang Huchen , Zhang Lidan , Li Zhongli , Xue Yunna , Wang Rongfeng , Fan Xiaolin , Sun Shaolong
Published: March 2022

Background: Currently, there are few reports about the sustained-release time of single-layer non-modified lignin-based coated urea that meets the sustained-release standard. Therefore, the unmodified lignin-based material by adding a hydrophobic polymer can improve the hydrophobicity of the coating material.Results: A novel green double layer coating with lignin-based polyurethane (LPU) as the inner coating and epoxy resin (EP) as the outer coating was effectively constructed for coated urea. Fourier transform infrared spectra confirmed that lignin and polycaprolactone diol successfully reacted with Hexamethylene diisocyanate. The loss weight and water contact angle (WCA, 75.6-63.6°) of the LPUs decreased with the increased lignin content. The average particle hardness of the LDCU first increased from 58.1 N (lignin of 30%) to 67.0 N (lignin of 60%), but then decreased to 62.3 N (lignin of 70%). The release longevity of the coated urea was closely related to the preparation parameters of the coating material. The optimal cumulative nutrient release rate (79.4%) of LDCU was obtained (lignin of 50%, -CNO/-OH molar ratios of 1.15, EP of 35%, and coating ratio of 5%). The aggregates of hydrone on the LDCU caused the dissolution and swelling of nutrients, and then the diffusion of nutrients through the concentration gradient. Conclusion: Although the nutrient release of the LDCUs was affected by many factors, the successful development of the LDCUs will improve the rapid development of the coated fertilizer industry.
Clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes of cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis due to different causes
Authors: xia Yuanyuan , Lv Yanan , Fan Yun , Li Xiaomei , Liang Shaoshan , Liang Dandan , Xu Feng , Yang Fan , Zhu Xiaodong , Zhang Mingchao , Zeng Caihong
Published: March 2022

Background: Renal involvement is one of the poor prognostic factors in patients with cryoglobulinemia. Finding out the role of monoclonal immunoglobulin (MIg) in biopsy proven cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis (CGN) and exploring the clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes of CGN are of great significance.Methods: Forty patients with CGN from a single center were recruited in this retrospective study. Their clinical, pathologic, and follow-up data were collected and analyzed. According to whether the serum monoclonal immunoglobulin (MIg) and HBV-DNA/HBV markers or HCV-RNA/anti-HCV antibodies were positive or not, they were divided into four groups: positive serum MIg only (MIg group), positive HBV-DNA/HBV markers or HCV-RNA/anti-HCV antibodies (HBV/HCV) only (HBV/HCV group), positive serum MIg and HBV/HCV (MIg+HBV/HCV group), and all MIg/HBV/HCV negative group.Results: There were 24 males and 16 females, with a mean age of 47.8 years. Hypertension was presented in 70% of cases, anemia in 75%, renal insufficiency in 57.5%, nephrotic proteinuria in 57.5% and microscopic hematuria in 95%. 39 patients had a median follow-up of 24.9 months, and 28.9% of them progressed to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). MIg group had the highest incidence of renal insufficiency. The median serum creatinine (Scr) of patients in MIg group was significantly higher than those in HBV/HCV or MIg/HBV/HCV negative groups (P＜0.05). Membranoproliferative GN (MPGN) was the predominant histologic pattern( 38/40, 92.5%）. Glomerular Igs deposition in CGN were presented as three forms: consistent with serum MIg, single Igs deposition (IgM more than IgG) and multiple Igs deposition. MIg group had a higher incidence of ESRD than HBV/HCV group. Independent predictors of ESRD by multivariate analysis was positive serum MIg.Conclusion: CGN has varied clinical, pathological characteristics and prognosis in different groups. Patients with positive serum MIg alone in CGN had worse renal dysfunction and poor renal outcome, and serum MIg was the independent prognostic factor.
How viewing experience drives moviegoers on over the top platform: Investigating the patronized intention
Authors: Nata Christopher , Antonio Ferdi , Monika Monika
Published: March 2022

The emerging market of over the top (OTT) streaming platform has evolved the movie industry to a new challenge. Providing moviegoers with a good viewing experience is critical for success in the highly competitive OTT market. This study aimed to examine the antecedent of the viewing experience in the context of the OTT platform and the mediating role of viewing experience toward behavioral intentions in Indonesia. In conjunction with the viewing experience, this study also includes social media exposure and fear of missing out (FOMO) to predict behavioral intentions. PLS-SEM method was used to analyze the empirical data gathered through purposive sampling. A total of 438 eligible samples were obtained through a questionnaire distributed online. The results indicate that viewing experience is mainly influenced by movie attributes. Viewing experience also mediates behavioral intentions with an R-squared value of 0.629, indicating a strong effect. The theoretical and managerial implications of the study results are discussed. The study also aimed to ascertain how sound viewing experience, social media exposure, and fear of missing out predicts the intention to recommend movies, intention to recommend platforms, and intention to continue subscribing. Lastly, this study assessed which antecedent of viewing experience has the most significant impact on forming a good viewing experience.
Рain syndrome in the shoulder joint. Clinical significance of bioactive concentrate of small seafish in real clinical practice
Authors: Sivordova L. E. , Polyakova Yu. V. , Papichev E. V. , Akhverdyan Yu. R. , Zavodovskii B. V.
Published: March 2022

The limitation of the range of motion of the upper limb in combination with chronic pain syndrome and a decrease in the muscle strength of the arms leads to a significant deterioration in the quality of life of patients, often negatively affects their psychoemotional status, and reduces the ability to work. Arthrosis of the shoulder joint and pathology of the periarticular tissues of the shoulder affect up to 21% of the adult population and up to 33% of people over 60 years of age. Disagreements in the etiology, pathogenesis, terminology, approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of pain syndromes in the shoulder joint area do not contribute to the development of a unified concept of therapy for this pathology. The article provides a review of the literature on the epidemiology and pharmacotherapy of osteoarthritis and soft tissue pathology of the shoulder joint with an analysis of two clinical cases. The peculiarity of the first clinical case is the rapid achievement of therapeutic goals for third grade shoulder osteoarthrosis in an elderly patient with high comorbidity. This allows us to draw conclusions about the predominant role of periarticular tissues inflammation in the generation of severe pain syndrome. The second clinical case presents the dynamics of the development of calcifying tendinitis of the right, later of the left shoulder joint in a woman of working age. The use of a bioactive concentrate of small sea fish (BCSSF) (Alflutop®, Biotechnos) made it possible to quickly reduce the severity of the pain syndrome and return to the usual way of life in the first patient, which made it possible to shorten the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In the second clinical example, BCSSF promoted the stimulation of regenerative processes in the periarticular tissues of the shoulder joint, the restoration of the function of the dominant limb and the ability to work. Thus, BCSSF may be the drug of choice for patients with osteoarthritis of the shoulder joints with a high risk of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal complications, as well as the drug of choice for a faster recovery of function in case of damage to the periarticular apparatus.
Effects of digitalization during the pandemic in Russia and Belarus
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Sizova Irina L. , Karapetyan Ruben V. ,   St. Petersburg State University, Titarenko Larisa G. ,   Belarusian State University
Published: March 2022

The article discusses changes in the nature of the employed population’s labor behavior associated with the pandemic and the spread of working remotely. The main goal of the article is to identify the effects of digitalization on workers’ labor. These effects of digitalization are revealed in the collective perceptions and assessments of workers of their individual abilities and capabilities in the development and use of digital technologies for the performance of professional tasks and career advancement in the open labor market. The article examines the effects of digitalization in the context of the massive spread of remote labor during the pandemic from a comparative perspective. It covers the working population of two large cities of the Union State — St. Petersburg and Minsk. The empirical analysis of the collective opinions of workers is based on data collected in two telephone surveys conducted in February — March 2021. The results of the study showed that the population of the two cities responded in a similar way to the massive spread of remote work. The main result of changes in labor during the pandemic was a significant increase in fears and difficulties in using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) among those workers who continued traditional work, and more than a twofold increase in the motivation to study digital technologies among all employed in the economy. At the same time, both in St. Petersburg and in Minsk, the maximum has been reached in terms of development of the remote mode of work. Also, in the process of technological renewal, the most vulnerable categories of workers (those who experience the greatest difficulties in mastering and using ICT) are identified. Determining which category will be the weakest depends largely on regional specifics of the organization and regulation of labor. However, one group finds itself in a persistently negative position — those with low incomes.
Perception of fairness in pay by academic and teaching staff
Authors:   University of Tyumen, Efimova Galina Z.
Published: March 2022

Equity is defined as a correlation between a person’s merits and their remuneration. This article deals with social and labor equity, regarding it as a subjective assessment of the ratio of wages to employees’ physical and/or intellectual effort. The article aims to determine the subjective assessment of academic and teaching staff pay equity. An empirical study of the semi-formalized expert research method was carried out with 86 academic and teaching staff of four Russian universities. A series of expert interviews was conducted in 2019–2020. For the analysis, we relied on material and non-material factors of subjective assessment of wage fairness. The results show that half of the informants consider the balance of labor and effort to be fair. At the same time, they call their work quite laborious. Remuneration for research and teaching staff consists of educational and research activities. The second part is not guaranteed and is usually large income from educational activities. This level of fairness of payment is influenced by a competent system of incentives for university academic and teaching staff. An unfair level of remuneration compels competitive personnel to move to the real sector of the economy or academic markets of other countries. For younger (under 30) and non-graduated employees, the assessment of wages as unfair is characteristic. These people have a high classroom load and supporting roles in scientific projects. In addition to material factors on the subjective assessment of equity are non-material factors (free schedule, comfortable working conditions, management support, interest in work, involvement in scientific research and selfrealization). Intangible factors contribute to the consolidation of academic and teaching staff in the academic field. Fairness of pay is influenced by a transparent pay system and trust in the employer. The assessment of the fairness of the payment is stable, so it needs to be done regularly to prevent the edification of team dissatisfaction.
Post-apocalyptic environment and its reinterpretation in Death Stranding
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Sergeyeva Olga V. ,   The Sociological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences— Branch of the Federal Center of Theoretical and Applied Sociology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miziryak Nadezhda A. ,   The Sociological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences— Branch of the Federal Center of Theoretical and Applied Sociology, Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: March 2022

Before becoming a reality, the technological environment exists in the projects and intentions of people. Sociologist S.Jasanoff offers the concept “sociotechnical imaginary”, which means ideas about the value of technologies and their future contribution to social development. The authors analyze some futuristic environment elements in the computer game Death Stranding based on this concept. The game embodies avant-garde solutions for establishing social communication infrastructure in a post-apocalyptic world. Death Stranding’s semantic emphasis, which was released before the pandemic, anticipated many of the risks and sentiments from the physical and social barriers of the COVID-19 period. The authors use Russian-language streams dedicated to Death Stranding as empirical material for the case analysis. The authors review the academic experience of those who have already studied the post-apocalypse presented in various popular texts (movies, novels, computer games). In mass culture stand out the narrative and visual templates of the post-apocalypse: division of spaces and characters into “spoiled/infected” and “pure”; wandering; attention to unusual details of everyday life and world order, aestheticization of ruins. When discussing habitat in Death Stranding, there are clear solidarizing and eco-friendly landmarks in the game narrative and mechanics: minimalistic consumption and the importance of recycling, discovery of new renewable resources, cooperative usage of infrastructure, the ineffectiveness of violence. According to the authors, the game’s habitat model brings new insights into contemporary sociotechnical imaginary.
Signs of Cultural Significance in the Works of Mo Yan Translated into Russian
Authors:   Heilongjiang University, Xu Lihong , Kazakova Tamara A. ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: March 2022

The authors of this article analyze Russian translations of non-translatable linguistic signs in the works of Chinese writer Mo Yan, prize laureate of the Nobel Prize in 2012. In his works, the writer amply uses culturally-bound words and phrases as well as folklore and tales meaningful for Chinese material, social and spiritual culture. Some of them are cultural constants traditionally associated with emotional, axiological and aesthetic values. Mo Yan’s style includes common language, idioms, even swear words alongside vernacular parables and ditties. As a whole, his style itself is the embodiment of Chinese common culture, which presents a seemingly insoluble task for translators — how to translate the non-translatable, to recreate in Russian not just the style but the culture itself. The authors explore both the translators’ solutions and inevitable shifts and losses determined in the process of interaction between the two very different languages and cultures. Particular attention is paid to translators’ solutions for the symbolic functions of Chinese personal names. In addition, complications connected with the transfer of Chinese everyday realia, customs and traditions that appear as important components in the structure of images and contents of Mo Yan’s works are considered. An attempt is made to reconstruct some important components of the intercultural area that emerges in the course of translation from Chinese into Russian.
Influence of the Multiethnic Environment on the Diasporic Identity of Koreans in Kazakhstan
Authors:   Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Yefremov Yefrem A.
Published: March 2022

The author of this article examines the phenomenon of diaspora and diasporic identity, conditions, and factors influencing the transformation and development of identity in a multiethnic society in Kazakhstan. Diasporic identity is a multifaceted phenomenon characterized by its dynamism. Kazakhstani Koreans (ethnonym — “Koryo Saram”) are integrated into the multiethnic society of modern Kazakhstan and it can be argued that the overwhelming majority of them are urbanized. This factor determines the high rate of acculturation, which leads to the transformation of the traditional Korean community. The author also analyzes the relationship between ethnic and diaspora identities. The characteristic forms of manifestation of ethnic identity, as well as methods for preserving and manifestation of the ethnic identity of the Korean diaspora in Kazakhstan, are analyzed. A diaspora is not a diaspora by default — initially, it is a group that is in an amorphous state, which can develop into a diaspora, provided that its construction is based on ethnic consciousness. The community of Koreans in Kazakhstan is not ethnically closed. As a result, the nature of the phenomenon of diasporic identity was determined and the forms of manifestation of the diasporic identity of Koreans in Kazakhstan were identified. The diasporic identity of Koryo Saram — a construct of various identities, which are based on a common cultural basis and are superimposed on the identity of representatives of the multiethnic society of Kazakhstan — is a “borderline” phenomenon: on the one hand, representatives of the diaspora are focused on the preservation of their ethnic and cultural identity, or “otherness” in relation to the ethnic majority; on the other hand, the situation of long-term residence and adaptation to new socio-cultural conditions determines the process of socialization and the formation of the Republic of Kazakhstan’s civic identity.
Alphabets in the History of the Chinese Language
Authors:   Institute of Far Eastern Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences, Zavyalova Olga I.
Published: March 2022

Various phonographic variants of script, both for Chinese and for the neighboring languages using Chinese characters, had been created long before contacts with the West and the appearance of any Romanization systems in the region. Two official alphabets, the ʼPhags-pa and the Yìsītìfēi (Istīfā) scripts, and likely the nonofficial Arabographic Xi ˇа ojī ng writing system were introduced for the Chinese language already in the period of the Mongol Yuan dynasty. A syllabic character-based ‘women’s script’ Nǚshū was invented for the Southern Hunan Tǔhuà dialects at the turn of the Ming period or evidently much earlier. Modern information technologies and the possibilities of computer typesetting, in particular, have inevitably changed even the official character texts written in Standard Chinese. To a greater extent, these changes are known to have affected the language of the computer-mediated communication with its often unusual forms of Latin spelling for Chinese words. In many cases, however, Chinese Internet users and primarily speakers of various dialects prefer to use even for the all-China lexicon not only Latin variants, but also phonetically borrowed characters. Thus, they follow the centuries-old traditions of nonofficial texts including those in the medieval Báihuà vernacular language with its numerous phonetically or semantically borrowed characters from official Literary Chinese.
An interdisciplinary approach to evaluating the effectiveness of postgraduate education (MBA)
Authors:   Graduate School of Management, St. Petersburg State University, Zavyalova Elena K. , Tamontseva Maria S. ,   School of Business and Economics, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Published: March 2022

This article is devoted to the problems of additional professional education in Russia. The results of an exploratory research are presented, the purpose of which was to identify subjective and objective learning factors associated with the development of business careers of graduates of MBA programs. The role of subjective (usefulness of knowledge, business connections) and objective (academic performance) learning factors in the development of a business career is evaluated. The obtained data confirm the validity of using the intelligent career model to analyse the features of the professional actualization of graduates after graduation. The importance of subjective criteria for evaluating the usefulness of the acquired knowledge for both objective (change in income, status) and subjective (satisfaction with the ratio of resource and result) career success is noted. It is shown that academic performance is not related to objective criteria of business career development. It is revealed that the form of employment (entrepreneur or corporate employee) is associated with subjective attitude to knowledge assets and with career development after obtaining an MBA degree.
Boards of directors in BRIC countries: A review of empirical studies
Authors:   International Laboratory of Intangible-driven Economy, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Kirpishchikov Dmitri A. , Lopez-Iturriaga Felix ,   School of Business and Economics, Universidad de Valladolid, Spain; International Laboratory of Intangible-driven Economy, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Zavertiaeva Marina ,   International Laboratory of Intangible-driven Economy, National Research University Higher School of Economics
Published: March 2022

The paper is aimed to analyse the most recent and relevant research on boards of directors in BRIC. Existent reviews on the board of directors do not focus on BRIC and do not consider the specifics of their corporate governance model. Therefore, the current review fills this gap by analysing 111 research papers from Scopus/Web of Science published between 2015 and 2020. Firstly, we provide a content analysis of abstracts to find the most frequent research topics and compare them to the developed countries’ studies. Secondly, based on the content analysis findings, we provide a qualitative analysis of three research directions: board composition, social capital, and board functioning, divided further into ten smaller research topics. Thirdly, we compare the research output with the developed countries’ studies and the statistics provided by the Spencer Stuart Board Indexes to analyse whether they are coherent. The results confirm the topicality of board research in BRIC and overlapping topics between the BRIC and the more developed countries. As a result, we formulate a research agenda for further studies on boards in BRIC.