bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MatteRealities: Historical Trajectories and Conceptual Futures for Material Culture Studies
Authors: Gessner Ingrid , Nandi Miriam , Schwarz-Bierschenk Juliane
Published: October 2019

“No ideas but in things!” William Carlos Williams’s leitmotif for the modernist epic Paterson seems to anticipate the current renewal of academic attention to the materialities of culture: When the Smithsonian Institution accounts for The History of America in 101 Objects (Kurin) or when Neil MacGregor, designated director of the Humboldt Forum in Berlin, aims at telling The History of the World in 100 Objects (2011), they use specimens of material culture as register and archive of human activity. Individual exhibitions explore the role of objects in movements for social and political change (Disobedient Objects, Victoria and Albert Museum, London). Large-scale national museum projects like the new Humboldt Forum in Berlin or the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., draw attention to the long existence of collections in Western institutions of learning and reveal the inherently political character of material culture—be that by underscoring the importance of institutional recognition of particular identities or by debates about provenance and restitution of human remains and status objects. The plethora of objects assembled in systematic as well as idiosyncratic collections within and outside the university is just beginning to be systematically explored for their roles in learning and education, funded by national research organizations such as the German BMBF.1 In theatrical performances, things function as discussion prompts in biographical work (Aufstand der Dinge, Schauspielhaus Chemnitz) or unfold their potential to induce a bodily experience (The Force of Things: An Opera for Objects, GK Arts Center, Brooklyn, NY). Things are present: as heritage, as commodities, as sensation; they circulate in processes of cognition and mediation, they transcend temporal and spatial distantiations. Things figure in narration and performance, in our everyday life practices, in political activism. They build knowledge of ourselves and others, influence the ways in which we interact with our fellow human beings, and in which we express or control our feelings. They combine the apparently concrete and the fleetingly abstract. Overall, things make us do things.
On a problem of Călugăreanu, Chekhlov and Krylov regarding pure endomorphic images of abelian groups
Authors: Keef Patrick W.
Published: October 2019

A problem of Călugăreanu, Chekhlov and Krylov asks which abelian groups have the property that all of their pure subgroups that are endomorphic images are necessarily summands.
Complete answers are given for the groups in certain classes (for example, the torsion groups).
On the other hand, examples are constructed that show a complete solution to the general problem is likely to be quite difficult.
On a non-stationary, non-Newtonian lubrication problem with Tresca fluid-solid law
Authors: Benterki Djamila , Benseridi Hamid , Dilmi Mourad
Published: October 2019

The paper deals with the theoretical analysis of a non-Newtonian lubrication problem in a dynamic regime in a three-dimensional thin domain

Ω
ε

{\Omega^{\varepsilon}}

with Tresca friction law. The problem statement and variational formulation of the problem are formulated. Then the problem is reformulated in a fixed domain, in which case the estimates on velocity and pressure are proved. These estimates are useful in order to give a specific Reynolds equation associated with variational inequalities and prove the uniqueness.
Long-term follow-up of children with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia: suggestions for age dependent treatment in childhood and puberty
Authors: Pijnenburg-Kleizen Karijn J. , Thomas Chris M.G. , Otten Barto J. , Roeleveld Nel , Claahsen-van der Grinten Hedi L.
Published: October 2019

Background

In congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), achieving the balance between overtreatment and undertreatment remains challenging. Final height (FH) can serve as a long-term outcome measure. We aimed to identify age-dependent factors that influence FH in CAH patients, resulting in age-specific treatment goals.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated longitudinal data of 39 pediatric CAH patients born between 1980 and 1997 from the Radboudumc CAH database. We analyzed height and bone age (BA) at diagnosis or 4 years of age, at the start of puberty and at FH. Height data were corrected for parental height and secular trend. Hydrocortisone (HC) use and salivary steroid concentrations were studied longitudinally throughout childhood and puberty.

Results

Median FH standard deviation scores (SDSs) corrected for target height SDSs (THSDSs) was −1.63. Median height SDS corrected for THSDS (HSDS-THSDS) decreased from diagnosis/age 4 years to FH in both salt wasting (SW) CAH and simple virilizing (SV) CAH, and in both male and female patients. However, when height was corrected for BA, no height loss occurred from diagnosis/age 4 years to FH in any of the subgroups, while a height gain was seen in SV males. In the combined model analyzing both HC dose and salivary steroid concentrations, in childhood the androstenedione (A) concentration was negatively associated with FH, while in puberty the HC dose was negatively associated with FH.

Conclusions

In CAH, loss of growth potential already occurs in early childhood. In prepubertal children, exposure to elevated androgens is associated with decreased FH. In puberty, the growth suppressing effects of HC outweigh the negative effects of elevated androgens. Therefore, we suggest different treatment approaches in prepubertal and pubertal patients.
Equity-linked security pricing and Greeks at arbitrary intermediate times using Brownian bridge
Authors: Jang Hanbyeol , Wang Jian , Kim Junseok
Published: October 2019

We develop a numerical algorithm for predicting prices and Greeks of equity-linked securities (ELS) with a knock-in barrier at any time over the total time period from issue date to maturity by using Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). The ELS is one of the most important financial derivatives in Korea. In the proposed algorithm, first we calculate the probability (

0
≤
p
≤
1

{0\leq p\leq 1}

) that underlying asset price never hits the knock-in barrier up to the intermediate evaluation date. Second, we compute two option prices

V

n
⁢
k

{V_{nk}}

and

V
k

{V_{k}}

, where

V

n
⁢
k

{V_{nk}}

is the option value which knock-in event does not occur and

V
k

{V_{k}}

is the option value which knock-in event occurs. Finally, we predict the option value with a weighted average. We apply the proposed algorithm to two- and three-asset ELS. We provide the pseudo-numerical algorithm and computational results to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed method.
Differential place marking and differential object marking
Authors: Haspelmath Martin
Published: October 2019

This paper gives an overview of differential place marking phenomena and formulates a number of universals that seem to be well supported. Differential place marking is a situation in which the coding of locative, allative or ablative roles depends on subclasses of nouns, in particular place names (toponyms), inanimate common nouns and human nouns. When languages show asymmetric coding differences depending on such subclasses, they show shorter (and often zero) coding of place roles with toponyms, and longer (often adpositional rather than affixal) coding of place roles with human nouns. Like differential object marking, differential place marking can be explained by frequency asymmetries, expectations derived from frequencies, and the general preference for efficient coding. I also argue that differential place marking patterns provide an argument against the need to appeal to ambiguity avoidance to explain differential object marking.
Hitler und das Reich
Authors: Maier Hans
Published: October 2019

Vorspann

Das Reich war seit dem Mittelalter eine zentrale Kategorie deutschen juristischen und politischen Denkens. Vom Heiligen Römischen Reich deutscher Nation über das Kaiserreich bis zum Dritten Reich hat es gleichzeitig die politische wie territoriale Struktur als auch die politischen Hoffnungen der deutschen Lande bestimmt. Trotz seiner Zentralität ist das Konzept des Reichs im Kontext des Nationalsozialismus noch nicht vollständig untersucht worden. Wichtige Fragen über das Verhältnis des Regimes zu diesem politischen Begriff und Modell blieben daher bisher unbeantwortet: Wie sah, zum Beispiel, Hitler das Reich? Welche Rolle spielte es in seinem Denken? Dieser Aufsatz untersucht die Rolle des Konzepts des Reichs im Denken zentraler NS-Akteure wie Hitler selbst sowie Goebbels, Rosenberg und Himmler. Er zeigt, dass, trotz der wohlbekannten Identifikation des Nazismus mit dem Begriff Drittes Reich, Hitler sich tatsächlich vom Reichskonzept distanzierte - besonders vom Heiligen Römischen Reich und seiner christlich-universalistischen Tradition. Sogar Bismarcks Kaiserreich war nicht in dem Maß ein Vorbild für den Nationalsozialismus wie dies manchmal unterbreitet wird. Der Begriff Drittes Reich selbst wurde von Hitler explizit abgelehnt. Mit dem Ende des Nazismus verschwand das Reich endgültig aus der deutschen juristischen Tradition. Es wurde schlicht durch den Begriff Deutschland ersetzt.
Ein überschätztes Buch?
Authors: Lieb Felix
Published: October 2019

Vorspann

Nur wenige Monate nach Ende des Zweiten Weltkriegs mahnte der Philosoph Karl Jaspers, dass das „Übernehmen der Schuld […] zu einem Grundzug unseres deutschen Selbstbewußtseins“ werden müsse. Jaspers’ 1946 veröffentlichte „Schuldfrage“ und die darin formulierte Unterscheidung zwischen krimineller, politischer, moralischer und metaphysischer Schuld gelten bis heute als ausgesprochen wichtigste Beiträge zur Frage nach der Verantwortung für die Verbrechen des Nationalsozialismus. Auf der Grundlage der zeitgenössischen Reaktionen kann Felix Lieb zeigen, dass Jaspers’ Buch in der Nachkriegszeit kaum wahrgenommen wurde. Außerdem begriffen die Deutschen seine Thesen zunächst weniger als Aufruf zum eigenen Schuldeingeständnis, sondern eher als willkommenes Instrument zur Abwehr eines vermeintlichen Kollektivschuldvorwurfs.
Was bringt der „erinnerte Jesus” der Bibeldidaktik? Überlegungen zu den didaktischen Chancen und Grenzen einer neuen Modellierung der Rede von Jesus Christus
Authors: Roose Hanna
Published: October 2019

Didaktische Überlegungen zur Behandlung des Themas „Jesus Christus“ basieren seit etwa vier Jahrzehnten auf der Diastase zwischen dem historischen Jesus und dem kerygmatischen Christus. An die Stelle dieser Unterscheidung tritt jedoch seit mehreren Jahren im neutestamentlichen Diskurs die Rede vom „erinnerten Jesus“, in dem diese Diastase überwunden werden soll. Der Beitrag untersucht, inwiefern von diesem Paradigmenwechsel auch für die Religionsdidaktik fruchtbare Impulse ausgehen könnten. Als anschlussfähig erweisen sich die Aufwertung narrativer Zugänge und das konstruktivistische Geschichtsverständnis, als problematisch die Anbahnung eines konstruktivistischen Geschichtsverständnisses bereits in der Grundschule sowie der drohende Verlust kritischen Potenzials und der fruchtbaren Distinktion zwischen Historie und Theologie.
The IOC and Olympic bids from democracies and authoritarian regimes – A socioeconomic analysis and strategic insights
Authors: Könecke Thomas , De Nooij Michiel
Published: October 2019

In this socio-economic study, the bidding processes for the Winter Olympic Games in 2022 and the Summer Games in 2024 and 2028 serve as case studies to scrutinize the decisions linked to the bidding process in democratic countries and authoritarian states. Transaction cost economics is employed as a lens to outline the problems that the findings pose for the IOC and to understand why the organization has to keep a certain proximity to authoritarian states for strategic reasons. This measure can be considered an insurance policy because of the high and likely sunk ex ante transaction costs that characterize bids from democratic countries. It will become apparent that keeping good working relations with authoritarian governments helps the IOC to secure the future of its main revenue driver, the Olympic Games, thus providing for its own future. Furthermore, the IOC’s decision to include the Summer Olympic Games in 2028 in the bidding process originally geared towards the Games in 2024 will be outlined as a logical consequence of the developments that are analysed in this study. This strategic move will turn out to be a logical consequence of the developments that are analysed in this paper.
Using position data to estimate effects of perceptual features of play on passing decisions in soccer
Authors: Steiner Silvan , Rauh Stephan , Rumo Martin , Sonderegger Karin , Seiler Roland
Published: October 2019

Passes are a performance-relevant parameter in many team sports. They must be played in the highly dynamic and unpredictable contexts of interactive team competitions. The difficulty to plan passes in advance requires real-time decisions and highlights the importance of the perceptual information provided by current game contexts. This study estimates the relevance of perceptual information to passing decisions at an ecological scale by analyzing sports data from real competitions. In support of previous findings of a scenario-based investigation, open passing lanes, spatial proximity to the ball carrier, team members’ positions in front of the ball carrier, and loose defense by opposing players all significantly increased team members’ odds for receiving passes. Together, the four kinds of perceptual information enabled the correct prediction of 41% of the passes played. The prediction rate compares to a base rate of 11% and is substantially higher than that for passing decisions made in static game scenarios. The results are interpreted with regard to the relevance of the perceptual information to passing decisions made in time-constrained competitive situations.
Visual error amplification showed no benefit for non-naïve subjects in trunk-arm rowing
Authors: Gerig Nicolas , Basalp Ekin , Sigrist Roland , Riener Robert , Wolf Peter
Published: October 2019

Motor learning is assumed to be a partly error driven process. Motor learning studies on simple movements have shown that skilled subjects benefit from training with error amplification. Findings of studies with simple movements do not necessarily transfer to complex sport movements. The goal of this work was to determine the benefit of visual error amplification for non-naïve subjects in learning a fast rowing movement.We conducted a study comparing non-naïve subjects receiving a fading, visual feedback with visual error amplification against a control group receiving the same visual feedback without error amplification. Separate outcome metrics were applied for the domains of spatial and velocity magnitude errors. Besides error metrics, variability metrics were evaluated for both domains, such that they could be interpreted in quantitative relation to each other.The implemented error amplification did not cause group differences in any variable. Subjects with or without error amplification reached similar absolute levels in error and variability. Possible reasons remain speculative. For implementing error amplification to the training of complex movements design decisions must be made for which an informative basis is missing, e.g. the error amplification gains.
New Hypotheses and Unanswered Questions in Running Injury Research – comment on Nigg et al.
Authors: Becker James
Published: October 2019

After critical evaluation of the evidence, Nigg et al.’s target article reject currently discussed hypotheses regarding relationships between impact forces, pronation, and running injuries.  In doing so, they highlight methodological questions underlying research in this field.  This commentary focuses on three such questions including: how are impact forces and the relationship between impact and injury being quantified, what are the methods currently used to measure foot pronation and what are metrics being extracted, and the importance of focusing on individual response patterns.   Each of these areas represents important venues for continued development in the field of running biomechanics and running injuries.
Postoperative expression of Cushing disease in a young male: metamorphosis of silent corticotroph adenoma?
Authors: Jahan Sharmin , Hasanat M A , Mahmood Tahseen , Morshed Shahed , Haq Raziul , Fariduddin Md
Published: October 2019

Silent corticotroph adenoma (SCA) is an unusual type of nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (NFA) that is silent both clinically and biochemically and can only be recognized by positive immunostaining for ACTH. Under rare circumstances, it can transform into hormonally active disease presenting with severe Cushing syndrome. It might often produce diagnostic dilemma with difficult management issue if not thoroughly investigated and subtyped accordingly following surgery. Here, we present a 21-year-old male who initially underwent pituitary adenomectomy for presumed NFA with compressive symptoms. However, he developed recurrent and invasive macroadenoma with severe clinical as well as biochemical hypercortisolism during post-surgical follow-up. Repeat pituitary surgery was carried out urgently as there was significant optic chiasmal compression. Immunohistochemical analysis of the tumor tissue obtained on repeat surgery proved it to be an aggressive corticotroph adenoma. Though not cured, he showed marked clinical and biochemical improvement in the immediate postoperative period. Anticipating recurrence from the residual tumor, we referred him for cyber knife radio surgery.

Learning points:

Pituitary NFA commonly present with compressive symptoms such as headache and blurred vision.

Post-surgical development of Cushing syndrome in such a case could be either drug induced or endogenous.

In the presence of recurrent pituitary tumor, ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome indicates CD.

Rarely a SCA presenting initially as NFA can transform into an active corticotroph adenoma.

Immunohistochemical marker for ACTH in the resected tumor confirms the diagnosis.
Sperm-hybrid micromotors: on-board assistance for nature’s bustling swimmers
Authors: Schwarz Lukas , Medina-Sánchez Mariana , Schmidt Oliver G
Published: October 2019

Sperm cells that cannot swim and orient properly compromise male fertility. Such defects are responsible for male infertility regardless of the actual quality of the most important content, the sperm’s DNA. Synthetic micromotors are engineered devices that are able to swim in (body) fluids and microscopic environments, similar to flagellated cells like sperm. Coupled together, a sperm-hybrid micromotor embodies the concept of bringing the sperm cell together with artificial components that assist or replace defective functions of the cell, helping it to pursue its goal without interfering with its health, enabling the process of assisted fertilization and further embryo development all inside the body. Non-invasive, remote-controlled in vivo applicability is the key quality of such hybrid microdevices. Assisted reproduction with the help of micromotors is in the focus of this review, although other biomedical applications that arise from the powerful combination of sperm cell and synthetic enhancement are also discussed and summarized. Details are provided about different fabrication processes and cell-material coupling strategies, and the way from proof-of-concept studies to in vivo experiments in animals is outlined.
Inconsistent Management of Neonatal Herpes Simplex Virus Infections
Authors: Keuning Maya W. , van der Kuip Martijn , van Hattem Jarne M. , Pajkrt Dasja
Published: October 2019

OBJECTIVES:

The incidence of neonatal herpes simplex virus (nHSV) infections is monitored periodically in the Netherlands, yet management and outcome is unknown. Comprehensive national guidelines are lacking. We aim to describe management and outcome in the last decade to explore current diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. We aim to identify possible variability in management of patients with a suspected nHSV infection.

METHODS:

We conducted a retrospective case series of management and outcome of nHSV infections at 2 tertiary care center locations in the Netherlands.

RESULTS:

An nHSV infection was diagnosed in 1% (12 of 1348) of patients in whom polymerase chain reaction for HSV was performed. Of the patients with nHSV infection, 3 of 12 died, and 4 of 9 (44%) survivors suffered neurologic sequelae. Neurologic symptoms at presentation were seen in only 2 of 8 patients with nHSV encephalitis. A cerebral spinal fluid analysis was performed in 3 of 6 patients presenting with skin lesions. Only 3 of 6 patients with neurologic symptoms received suppressive therapy. nHSV infection was diagnosed in 8 of 189 (4%) patients who were empirically treated.

CONCLUSIONS:

Management of nHSV infection, particularly when presented with skin lesions, is inconsistent. Many infants without a HSV infection are exposed to antiviral medication. There is substantial interhospital variation in diagnostic and therapeutic management of a suspected infection. Comprehensive guidelines need to be developed to standardize management of suspected nHSV infection.
Volume Versus Mass Dosing of Epinephrine for Neonatal Resuscitation: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Brune Kate D. , Bhatt-Mehta Varsha , Rooney Deborah M. , Weiner Gary M.
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND:

Intravenous epinephrine for neonatal resuscitation requires weight-based calculations. Epinephrine is available in 2 different concentrations, increasing the risk of dosing errors. Expert panels have conflicting recommendations for the ordering method. The Neonatal Resuscitation Program recommends the volume (milliliters per kilogram) method, whereas the Institute for Safe Medication Practices recommends the mass (milligrams per kilogram) method. In this study, we aim to determine if the mass method is more accurate and efficient than the volume method.

METHODS:

In a randomized crossover simulation study, 70 NICU and pediatric emergency department nurses calculated the intended dose then prepared epinephrine using both the mass and volume methods. Both epinephrine concentrations were available. Scenarios were video recorded and timed. The primary outcome was the proportion of epinephrine doses prepared correctly. Variables associated with correct dosing were analyzed by using logistic regression.

RESULTS:

Of 136 total doses, 77 (57%) were prepared correctly. The correct intended dose was calculated more frequently by using the mass method (82% vs 68%; risk difference 15%; 95% confidence interval 3% to 26%), but there was no difference in the proportion of doses that were actually prepared correctly (53% of mass method doses versus 60% of volume method doses; risk difference −7%; 95% confidence interval −24% to 9%). There was no difference between methods in the time required to prepare the dose. Selecting the correct epinephrine concentration was the only variable associated with correct dosing.

CONCLUSIONS:

The mass method was neither more accurate nor more efficient. Nurses made frequent errors when using both methods. This is a serious patient safety risk. Additional educational and medication safety interventions are urgently needed.
Predictors of Bacteremia in Children Hospitalized With Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Lipsett Susan C. , Hall Matthew , Ambroggio Lilliam , Desai Sanyukta , Shah Samir S. , Brogan Thomas V. , Hersh Adam L. , Williams Derek J. , Grijalva Carlos G. , Gerber Jeffrey S. , Blaschke Anne J. , Neuman Mark I.
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The yield of blood cultures in children hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is low. Characteristics of children at increased risk of bacteremia remain largely unknown.

METHODS:

We conducted a secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort study of children aged 3 months to 18 years hospitalized with CAP in 6 children’s hospitals from 2007 to 2011. We excluded children with complex chronic conditions and children without blood cultures performed at admission. Clinical, laboratory, microbiologic, and radiologic data were assessed to identify predictors of bacteremia.

RESULTS:

Among 7509 children hospitalized with CAP, 2568 (34.2%) had blood cultures performed on the first day of hospitalization. The median age was 3 years. Sixty-five children with blood cultures performed had bacteremia (2.5%), and 11 children (0.4%) had bacteremia with a penicillin-nonsusceptible pathogen. The prevalence of bacteremia was increased in children with a white blood cell count >20 × 103 cells per µL (5.4%; 95% confidence interval 3.5%–8.1%) and in children with definite radiographic pneumonia (3.3%; 95% confidence interval 2.4%–4.4%); however, the prevalence of penicillin-nonsusceptible bacteremia was below 1% even in the presence of individual predictors. Among children hospitalized outside of the ICU, the prevalence of contaminated blood cultures exceeded the prevalence of penicillin-nonsusceptible bacteremia.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although the prevalence of bacteremia is marginally higher among children with leukocytosis or radiographic pneumonia, the rates remain low, and penicillin-nonsusceptible bacteremia is rare even in the presence of these predictors. Blood cultures should not be obtained in children hospitalized with CAP in a non-ICU setting.
Associations Between Opioid Prescribing Patterns and Overdose Among Privately Insured Adolescents
Authors: Groenewald Cornelius B. , Zhou Chuan , Palermo Tonya M. , Van Cleve William C.
Published: October 2019

OBJECTIVES:

Little is known about the risk for overdose after opioid prescription. We assessed associations between the type of opioid, quantity dispensed, daily dose, and risk for overdose among adolescents who were previously opioid naive.

METHODS:

Retrospective analysis of 1 146 412 privately insured adolescents ages 11 to 17 years in the United States captured in the Truven MarketScan commercial claims data set from January 2007 to September 2015. Opioid overdose was defined as any emergency department visit, inpatient hospitalization, or outpatient health care visit during which opioid overdose was diagnosed.

RESULTS:

Among our cohort, 725 participants (0.06%) experienced an opioid overdose, and the overall rate of overdose events was 28 events per 100 000 observed patient-years. Receiving ≥30 opioid tablets was associated with a 35% increased risk for overdose compared to receiving ≤18 tablets (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.35; 95% confidence interval: 1.05–1.73; P = .02). Daily prescribed opioid dose was not independently associated with an increased risk for overdose. Tramadol exposure was associated with a 2.67-fold increased risk for opioid overdose compared to receiving oxycodone (adjusted HR = 2.67; 95% confidence interval: 1.90–3.75; P < .0001). Adolescents with preexisting mental health conditions demonstrated increased risk for overdose, with HRs ranging from 1.65 (anxiety) to 3.09 (substance use disorders).

CONCLUSIONS:

One of 1600 (0.06%) previously opioid-naive adolescents who received a prescription for opioids experienced an opioid overdose a median of 1.75 years later that resulted in medical care. Preexisting mental health conditions, use of tramadol, and higher number of dispensed tablets (>30 vs <18) were associated with an increased risk of opioid overdose.
English Central
Authors: Obaid Naji Rashed
Published: October 2019

English Central is an online software program designed to teach various skills of conversation and the basic vocabulary of English. The program is available in 11 different languages, including Chinese, Turkish, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, and Korean. Non-native English speakers can use one of these languages to access the website and its various learning materials. According to the program’s homepage (www.englishcentral.com), English Central is a leading provider of online conversation solutions, combining the Internet’s best English videos, a proprietary Intelligent Speech Assessment Technology, an adaptive vocabulary learning system, and live tutors, all of which are delivered seamlessly to computers and mobile devices.

Users enjoy a welcome lesson, and every topic in the course’s platform contains at least ten units that have comprehensive lessons in conversation. The software also offers different activities for grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, reading, writing, and speaking. Each activity focuses on a particular sort of conversation arising in everyday life, such as those associated with business engagements, social interactions, travel, academic encounters, and so on. Those who initiate a lesson but then stop prior to its completion can complete the exercise at a later point. The program will mark their placement and remind them where to resume their training.
Left ventricular structure and geometry, peripheral artery endotheliumdependent vasodilatation, antihypertensive effect of ACE inhibitors, and hormone replacement therapy in premenopausal women with arterial hypertension
Authors: Khabibulina M. M.
Published: October 2019

Aim.To summarize the data on the 7-month treatment with ACE inhibitors (lisinopril) and hormone replacement therapy, HRT (femoston) – in particular, the effects on left ventricular (LV) structure and geometry, peripheral artery endothelium-dependent vasodilatation (EDVD), blood pressure (BP), and clinical perimenopausal symptoms – in premenopausal women with arterial hypertension (AH).Material and methods.The study included 84 premenopausal women with Stage II AH and LV myocardial hypertrophy (LVH). Group I (47 women; mean age 48,6 years). The clinical symptoms included nighttime hyperhidrosis and hot flashes. In Group II (37 women, mean age 53,2 years). The clinical symptoms in Group II participants included hyperhidrosis, hot flashes, malaise, and dysphoria. Group II received lisinopril (1– mg/day) and femoston (2/10/2 mg); Group I was administered lisinopril in the same dose and placebo. Clinical examination, the measurement of BP and heart rate (HR), ECG, EDVD assessment, and echocardiography (EchoCG) were performed at baseline, during the treatment, and 7 months after the end of the treatment.Results.Lisinopril therapy demonstrated a good antihypertensive effect in premenopausal women with AH, while also preventing the progression of LVH and dilatation of left heart chambers.Conclusion.The studied medications improved peripheral artery endothelial function and were well tolerated. Femoston was highly compatible with cardiac therapy and effectively reduced clinical symptoms in premenopausal women with AH.
Organo-protective effects of quinapril: pharmacogenetic aspects
Authors: Sychev D. A. , Muslimova O. V.
Published: October 2019

The review presents current experimental and clinical evidence on organo-protective effects of an ACE inhibitor quinapril. These effects are dependent on I/D polymorphism of ACE gene. The data available are consistent that quinapril could modulate this genetic risk factor, highly prevalent in Russian patients.
Modern ultrasound methods and atherosclerosis assessment in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Ershova A. I. , Meshkov A. N. , Boytsov S. A. , Balakhonova T. V.
Published: October 2019

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FHCH) is characterised by early atherosclerosis development and its fast progression. The prevalence of FHCH inRussiahas been increasing, therefore, it is important to evaluate the potential of various methods for atherosclerosis diagnostics. Arterial ultrasound is an informative, accessible, and safe method for evaluating atherosclerotic vascular changes. The modern ultrasound methods allow describing vascular wall status in detail, including qualitative and quantitative characteristics of its structure and function. At the same time, most ultrasound characteristics of arterial wall are used in research settings or are under development, and not implemented into clinical practice. The most promising parameters, applicable for clinical use in FHCH patients, simultaneously describe atherosclerosis severity and its localization, such as total plaque height, ankle-brachial index, and plaque number.
Stress reactivity in patients with workplace hypertension
Authors: Antropova O. N. , Osipova I. V. , Zaltsman A. G. , Pyrikova N. V. , Lobanova N. A. , Shakhmatova K. I.
Published: October 2019

Aim. To investigate the specific features of stress reactivity and diagnostic potential of psycho-emotional tests for identification of the patients with workplace arterial hypertension (WPAH). Material ad methods. The study included 197 patients with WPAH and 132 subjects with essential AH (EAH). All participants underwent blood pressure monitoring (BPM) during work and leisure hours and stress reactivity assessment (count test). Results. In WPAH and EAH patients, the count test resulted in increased systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP) BP, and heart rate (HR) (р<0,001), which was an evidence of stress-related functional cardiovascular reaction. In subjects with new-onset WPAH, compared to EAH patients, the SBP and HR increases were greater by 7,9 mm Hg (р<0,005) and 4,3 bpm (р<0,001), respectively. In patients with long-term EAH, SBP increase was greater by 3,4 mm Hg (p=0,03), with a halved HR increase (p<0,001). In healthy controls and AH patients, the differences between baseline levels of SBP and DBP, peak levels during the count test, and BMP levels for work hours were comparable. Conclusion. The patients at early WPAH stages were characterized by increased cardiovascular reaction to acute induced psycho-emotional stress. At the later WPAH stages, BP reactivity was reduced. The cont test could be used as a screening tool in patients with undiagnosed WPAH.
Cardiovascular risk, metabolic disturbances, and the choice of antihypertensive therapy
Authors: Mamedov M. N. , Stroeva M. V. , Didigova R. T. , Poddubskaya E. A. , Kovrigina M. N.
Published: October 2019

Aim. To study antihypertensive and metabolic effects of combined antihypertensive therapy with fixed doses of ACE inhibitor and thiazide-like diuretic (Noliprel®), in comparison with ACE inhibitor monotherapy (ramipril). Material and methods. The study included 44 men, aged 30-65 years, with Stage I-II arterial hypertension (AH) and at least one manifestation of metabolic disturbances (dyslipidemia, pre-diabetes, or hyperuricemia). All participants were divided into two groups: Group I received ramipril, and Group II was administered a combination of ACE inhibitor and thiazide-like diuretic (Noliprel®/ forte). Results. Medication doses were increased in patients who failed to achieve target blood pressure (BP) levels. At baseline and after 6 months of the treatment, all patients underwent BP and heart rate (HR) measurement, electrocardiography (ECG) at rest, and the assessment of lipid profile, fasting and post-load (2 hours) glucose, insulin resistance (IR) index, uric acid (UA) and potassium (К+), as well as total coronary risk level. Conclusion. In men with AH and metabolic disturbances, combined antihypertensive therapy with fixed doses of ACE inhibitor and thiazide-like diuretic, as well as ACE inhibitor monotherapy, demonstrated good antihyperten-sive effectiveness and no deterioration in metabolic parameters. Combined antihypertensive therapy was associated with a reduction in coronary risk by 30 %.
Renal risk factors, coronary plaque parameters, and their effects on cardiovascular prognosis in patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Batyushin M. M. , Levitskaya E. S. , Terentyev V. P. , Dyuzhikov A. A. , Poddubnyi A. V. , Sobin S. V.
Published: October 2019

Aim. To assess the impact of renal risk factors (RFs) and local vascular factors on cardiovascular survival in patients with disturbed intracoronary hemodynamics after myocardial revascularization. Material and methods. In total, 99 patients with indications for myocardial revascularization (mean age 56,5±0,8 years) were examined. All participants were divided into two groups: Group I — with 3 or less RFs, and Group II — with 4 or more RFs. The renal RFs included microalbuminuria (MAU) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The area of atherosclerotic plaque (SAP) and the rate of its intra-luminal growth (VAP) were calculated. Results. Group II demonstrated higher MAU levels than Group I: 171,2±23,9 vs. 112,9±11,99, respectively (р=0,03). In addition, SAP values were higher in Group II (8,02±0,22 vs. 6,94±0,29 in Group I; р=0,004), as well as VAP values (6,62±1,26 vs. 1,44±0,18 in Group I; р<0,001). Conclusion. Increased number of traditional RFs could be associated with increased MAU, hemodynamically significant coronary stenosis, and higher rate of atherosclerotic plaque growth.
Plant sterols and stanols as dietary factors reducing hypercholesterolemia by inhibiting intestinal cholesterol absorption
Authors: Khuchieva M. A. , Perova N. V. , Akhmedzhanov N. M.
Published: October 2019

The review is focussed on the mechanisms of action, lipid-lowering activity, structural characteristics, and safety of plant sterins and stanols. Phytosterins and phytostanols inhibit intestinal cholesterol (CH) absorption, therefore decreasing plasma CH levels. The emphasis is put on prospective epidemiological studies of representative samples, which demonstrated that plasma concentrations of phytosterins and phytostanols in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) are substantially lower than in CHD-free participants. A two-fold increase in serum sytosterin concentration was associated with a reduction in relative risk of CHD by 22 %. Plant sterin and sterol esters could be regarded as effective and safe dietary ingredients decreasing blood levels of CH — one of the major cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Clinical effectiveness of thrombolytic therapy with alteplase and double antiplatelet therapy in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Kuznetsov D. N. , Trusov V. V. , Kazakova I. A.
Published: October 2019

Aim. To assess the clinical effectiveness of thrombolytic therapy (TLT) with alteplase in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Material and methods. The study included 54 AMI patients, divided into two groups: Group I (n=26), which underwent TLT, and Group II (n=28), which had contraindications to TLT. The TLT method was an accelerated alteplase infusion. Both groups were comparable by age and sex. In all patients, AMI biomarker levels and echocardiography (EchoCG) parameters were measured. Results. Successful thrombolysis was performed in 19 patients (73 %). The mean “symptom-to-needle” time was 3,7±0,6 hours. In Groups I and II, the 50 % reduction in the ST segment deviation from isoelectric line at 180 minutes was observed in 34,6 % and 0 % of the patients, respectively. In addition, in Group I, there was a reduction in the number of patients complaining of general weakness, dyspnoea, and recurrent angina attacks. The levels of cardio-specific AMI biomarkers were higher in Group II. According to the EchoCG results at 10 days after admission, the Group I patients demonstrated higher minute volume (by 28,8 %), higher ejection fraction (by 30 %), and higher end-diastolic dimension (by 23,8 %). Conclusion. The results obtained confirm high effectiveness of the in-hospital TLT with accelerated alteplase infusion. Alteplase therapy was associated with clinical and morphological myocardial salvage in AMI patients.
LIS Study (Lyubertsy Study of mortality in patients after acute myocardial infarction): the patients’ portrait
Authors: Martsevich S. Yu. , Ginsburg M. L. , Kutishenko N. P. , Deev A. D. , Fokina A. V. , Daniels E. V.
Published: October 2019

Aim. As a part of the LIS Study (Lyubertsy Study of mortality in patients after acute myocardial infarction), to assess the patients’ demographic characteristics, specifics of the clinical course and treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD) and other cardiovascular pathology, as well as the risk factor (RF) prevalence before acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Material and methods. The study included all patients (n=1133) who, within the three-year study period, developed AMI and were admitted to Lyubertsy clinics (Moscow Region). Results. The study population included 54,5 % men and 45,5 % women. Mean age of male and female AMI patients was, respectively, 60,1±0,5 and 71,4±0,4 yeas. Approximately 35 % of all participants were working-age men. The majority of the patients had several RFs, among which arterial hypertension (AH) was the most prevalent (76 %). Over 30 % of the patients did not have pre-existing CHD before AMI. Prior to AMI, pharmaceutical treatment was rare; antiplatelet agents and statins were administered to 16 % and 2 %, respectively. Conclusion: AMI often developed in people without pre-existing CHD, being, therefore, the first CHD manifestation. Cardiovascular risk assessment in people with RFs should be an important part of the everyday clinical practice.
Safety and efficacy of the sulfydryl ACE-inhibitor zofenopril in the management of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Napoli C.
Published: October 2019

In the 1970s, pharmacological therapy interrupting the renin-angiotensin system was considered beneficial for patients with high-renin hypertension. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors proved to be effective not only in patients with high renin and elevated blood pressure, but also in many hypertensive patients with normal levels of plasma renin activity. ACE inhibitors are used in a wide range of chronic illnesses such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, myocardial infarction, heart failure, diabetic complications, and stroke. To date, more than ninety controlled clinical trials evaluating the beneficial effects of 14 different ACE inhibitors were conducted. Moreover, data from experimental studies showed that ACE inhibitors can attenuate the development of atherosclerosis, oxidative stress, and vascular inflammation in a wide range of species indicating that ACE inhibition also favourably affects the vasculature. More than fifteen years ago, the bi-sulfydryl ACE-inhibitor zofenopril has shown an excellent clinical safety and efficacy in patients with hypertension and in those with myocardial infarction. More recently, this compound exhibited a potent antioxidant and antiatherosclerotic effect indicating a clinical useful vasoprotective action.
Gender specifics of cardiovascular pathology
Authors: Oganov R. G. , Maslennikova G. Ya.
Published: October 2019

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Amlodipine therapy effects on quality of life in patients with essential arterial hypertension
Authors: Ilov N. N. , Schwartz R. N. , Panova T. N.
Published: October 2019

Aim. To assess the effects of amlodipine therapy on quality of life (QoL) parameters among patients with different stages of essential arterial hypertension (EAH). Material and methods. In 97 EAH patients, aged 30-60 years, QoL parameters were assessed before and after amlodipine therapy. Results. In EAH patients, baseline QoL levels were relatively low, especially for the domains of general health, vitality, and mental health. Amlodipine monotherapy improved the physical QoL component, without any clear beneficial impact on mental wellbeing. The largest effect of amlodipine monotherapy on QoL parameters was observed among Stage I EAH patients. It might be the case that this therapy decreases QoL in Stage II and especially Stage III EAH patients, negatively affecting the mental health domain. Conclusion. QoL monitoring during antihypertensive therapy could not only improve therapy compliance, but also increase the motivation towards long-term treatment.
Coronary artery status in patients with coronary heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: results of selective coronary angiography
Authors: Grigorieva N. Yu. , Sharavrin E. G. , Kuznetsov A. N. , Koroleva T. V. , Blinov P. A. , Shakhov E. B.
Published: October 2019

Aim. To study the specifics of coronary artery pathology in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), using the data of selective coronary angiography (CAG). Material and methods. In total, 907 CHD patients were examined. Group I included 251 participants with CHD and COPD; Group II included 656 individuals with CHD only. CAG was performed in 582 patients (64,2%): 184 from Group I (73,3%) and 398 from Group II (60,7%). Results. In patients with the combination of cardiac and pulmonary disease, the prevalence of two- and three-vessel pathology was higher, compared to CHD-only patients: 70,6% in Group I vs. 53,8% in Group II (p=0,002). In Group I, the Syntax Scale score was significantly higher than in Group II (24,7±4,1 vs. 18,7±3,1, respectively). Conclusion. Patients with combined cardiac and pulmonary pathology demonstrated a more severe coronary artery atherosclerosis, based on such CAG parameters as stenosis degree, number of involved vessels, size and location of lesions, and proximal stenosis.
Clinical effectiveness of bilateral recanalization of chronic coronary artery occlusion
Authors: Ruzanov I. S. , Shitikov I. V. , Titkov I. V. , Glukhov E. A. , Sanbaev A. K. , Zhuravel M. S. , Oleynik A. O.
Published: October 2019

Aim. To assess the short- and long-term angiographic and clinical effectiveness of endovascular bilateral recanalization of chronic coronary artery occlusion (CCAO), compared to conservative therapeutic strategy. Material and methods. The study included 56 patients with coronary heart disease and CCAO. Angina Functional Class (FC) was assessed clinically and in electrocardiography tests. Local and global myocardial contractility was assessed using echocardiography. Group I (n=36) included CCAO patients who underwent an attempt of bilateral percutaneous coronary angioplasty; Group II (n=20) included CCAO patients who were treated conservatively. Clinical effectiveness of the treatment was assessed at 12 months. Results. At baseline, 16 and 20 Group I patients had FC III and II, respectively. Out of 36 attempts of bilateral recanalization, 27 were successful, based on the angiography results. All these 27 cases were also clinically successful in the short term, and 20 in the long term. Global myocardial contractility increased from 54±3% to 56,9±4% (p=0,03). In Group II, 10 and 10 patients had baseline FC III and II, respectively. The long-term stabilisation of clinical status was observed in 15 patients, with the mean levels of left ventricular ejection fraction of 53,9±2,4% (p=0,9). Observed complications of coronary angioplasty did not result in clinically significant ischemic and haemorrhagic events, while the clinical improvement was substantially more pronounced, compared to Group II. Conclusion. Bilateral CCAO recanalization is a technically demanding procedure, requiring an extensive surgical expertise and experience, and linked to a higher risk of complications. However, it could be used when the antegrade access is impossible; the anaesthesiological risk of coronary artery bypass graft surgery is high; and the patient refuses the cardiac surgery intervention.
Pathogenetic therapy of heart failure: beta-adrenoblockers
Authors: Shayduk O. Yu. , Taratukhin E. O.
Published: October 2019

The paper discusses key aspects of the chronic heart failure (CHF) pathogenesis, which justify the use of β-adrenoblockers (β-AB) in the treatment of CHF. The authors present the clinical and experimental evidence confirming the effectiveness of these agents in CHF patients. Dose titration and the use of β-AB in various clinical groups are also discussed.