bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of Ceftaroline in Human Plasma Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Ultraviolet Detection: Application to Pharmacokinetic Studies
Authors: Alarcia-Lacalle Ana , Barrasa Helena , Maynar Javier , Canut-Blasco Andrés , Gómez-González Carmen , Solinís María Ángeles , Isla Arantxazu , Rodríguez-Gascón Alicia
Published: June 2021

This study was conducted to develop a rapid, simple and reproducible method for the quantification of ceftaroline in plasma samples by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV). Sample processing consisted of methanol precipitation and then, after centrifugation, the supernatant was injected into the HPLC system, working in isocratic mode. Ceftaroline was detected at 238 nm at a short acquisition time (less than 5 min). The calibration curve was linear over the concentration range from 0.25 to 40 µg/mL, and the method appeared to be selective, precise and accurate. Ceftaroline in plasma samples was stable at −80 °C for at least 3 months. The method was successfully applied to characterize the pharmacokinetic profile of ceftaroline in two critically ill patients and to evaluate whether the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) target was reached or not with the dose regimen administered.
Impact-Rubbing Dynamic Behavior of Magnetic-Liquid Double Suspension Bearing under Different Protective Bearing Forms
Authors: Zhao Jianhua , Xing Lanchun , Li Sheng , Yan Weidong , Gao Dianrong , Du Guojun
Published: June 2021

The magnetic-liquid double suspension bearing (MLDSB) is a new type of suspension bearing, with electromagnetic suspension as the main part and hydrostatic supports as the auxiliary part. It can greatly improve the bearing capacity and stiffness of rotor-bearing systems and is suitable for a medium speed, heavy load, and frequent starting occasions. Compared with the active electromagnetic bearing system, the traditional protective bearing device is replaced by the hydrostatic system in MLDSB, and the impact-rubbing phenomenon can be restrained and buffered. Thus, the probability and degree of friction and wear between the rotor and the magnetic pole are reduced drastically when the electromagnetic system fails. In order to explore the difference in the dynamic behavior law of the impact-rubbing phenomenon between the traditional protection device and hydrostatic system, the dynamic equations of the rotor impact-rubbing in three kinds of protection devices (fixed ring/deep groove ball bearing/hydrostatic system) under electromagnetic failure mode are established, and the axial trajectory and motion law of the rotor are numerically simulated. Finally, the dynamic behavior characteristics of the rotor are compared and analyzed. The results show that: Among the three kinds of protection devices (fixed ring/deep groove ball bearing/hydrostatic system), the hydrostatic system has the least influence on bouncing time, impact-rubbing force, and impact-rubbing degree, and the maximum impact-rubbing force of MLDSB is greatly reduced. Therefore, the protective bear is not required to be installed in the MLDSB. This study provides the basis for the theory of the “gap impact-rubbing” of MLDSB under electromagnetic failure, and helps to identify electromagnetic faults.
“Whatsoever You Do unto the Least of My Brethren, You Do unto Me:” Using the Assessment of Spirituality and Religious Sentiments (ASPIRES) Scale in a Socially and Economically Marginalized Rescue Mission Sample
Authors: Piedmont Ralph L. , Fox Jesse , Copello Evan
Published: June 2021

Homelessness is a continual problem around the world, leaving many organizations uncertain of how to serve these individuals. Although 60-percent of homeless are being served by faith-based organizations, religiosity and spirituality have been largely ignored by researchers as a way of treatment. In this study, we looked at 121 men who were admitted to a Christian-based rescue mission. The mission offered programs such as NA/AA and Spiritual Development. Those that agreed to participate in the study filled out the survey after the first 7-days of treatment, and again after 3 months. Our results revealed that due to the program, there was an overall increase in Religious Involvement, and a significant decrease in Religious Crisis. It is evident that religious and spiritual counsel is vital to improving the lives of those who are economically marginalized, and to ignore this is to not treat these individuals holistically.
Comparative Analysis of Different Mobile LiDAR Mapping Systems for Ditch Line Characterization
Authors: Lin Yi-Chun , Manish Raja , Bullock Darcy , Habib Ayman
Published: June 2021

Maintenance of roadside ditches is important to avoid localized flooding and premature failure of pavements. Scheduling effective preventative maintenance requires a reasonably detailed mapping of the ditch profile to identify areas in need of excavation to remove long-term sediment accumulation. This study utilizes high-resolution, high-quality point clouds collected by mobile LiDAR mapping systems (MLMS) for mapping roadside ditches and performing hydrological analyses. The performance of alternative MLMS units, including an unmanned aerial vehicle, an unmanned ground vehicle, a portable backpack system along with its vehicle-mounted version, a medium-grade wheel-based system, and a high-grade wheel-based system, is evaluated. Point clouds from all the MLMS units are in agreement within the ±3 cm range for solid surfaces and ±7 cm range for vegetated areas along the vertical direction. The portable backpack system that could be carried by a surveyor or mounted on a vehicle is found to be the most cost-effective method for mapping roadside ditches, followed by the medium-grade wheel-based system. Furthermore, a framework for ditch line characterization is proposed and tested using datasets acquired by the medium-grade wheel-based and vehicle-mounted portable systems over a state highway. An existing ground-filtering approach—cloth simulation—is modified to handle variations in point density of mobile LiDAR data. Hydrological analyses, including flow direction and flow accumulation, are applied to extract the drainage network from the digital terrain model (DTM). Cross-sectional/longitudinal profiles of the ditch are automatically extracted from the LiDAR data and visualized in 3D point clouds and 2D images. The slope derived from the LiDAR data turned out to be very close to the highway cross slope design standards of 2% on driving lanes, 4% on shoulders, and a 6-by-1 slope for ditch lines.
Woody Above-Ground Biomass Estimation on Abandoned Agriculture Land Using Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 Data
Authors: Bucha Tomáš , Papčo Juraj , Sačkov Ivan , Pajtík Jozef , Sedliak Maroš , Barka Ivan , Feranec Ján
Published: June 2021

Abandoned agricultural land (AAL) is a European problem and phenomenon when agricultural land is gradually overgrown with shrubs and forest. This wood biomass has not yet been systematically inventoried. The aim of this study was to experimentally prove and validate the concept of the satellite-based estimation of woody above-ground biomass (AGB) on AAL in the Western Carpathian region. The analysis is based on Sentinel-1 and -2 satellite data, supported by field research and airborne laser scanning. An improved AGB estimate was achieved using radar and optical multi-temporal data and polarimetric coherence by creating integrated predictive models by multiple regression. Abandonment is represented by two basic AAL classes identified according to overgrowth by shrub formations (AAL1) and tree formations (AAL2). First, an allometric model for AAL1 estimation was derived based on empirical material obtained from blackthorn stands. AAL2 biomass was quantified by different procedures related to (1) mature trees, (2) stumps and (3) young trees. Then, three satellite-based predictive mathematical models for AGB were developed. The best model reached R2 = 0.84 and RMSE = 41.2 t·ha−1 (35.1%), parametrized for an AGB range of 4 to 350 t·ha−1. In addition to 3214 hectares of forest land, we identified 992 hectares of shrub–tree formations on AAL with significantly lower wood AGB than on forest land and with simple shrub composition.
Investigation of the Physical Processes Involved in GNSS Amplitude Scintillations at High Latitude: A Case Study
Authors: D’Angelo Giulia , Piersanti Mirko , Pignalberi Alessio , Coco Igino , De Michelis Paola , Tozzi Roberta , Pezzopane Michael , Alfonsi Lucilla , Cilliers Pierre , Ubertini Pietro
Published: June 2021

The storm onset on 7 September 2017, triggered several variations in the ionospheric electron density, causing severe phase fluctuations at polar latitudes in both hemispheres. In addition, although quite rare at high latitudes, clear amplitude scintillations were recorded by two Global Navigation Satellite System receivers during the main phase of the storm. This work attempted to investigate the physical mechanisms triggering the observed amplitude scintillations, with the aim of identifying the conditions favoring such events. We investigated the ionospheric background and other conditions that prevailed when the irregularities formed and moved, following a multi-observations approach. Specifically, we combined information from scintillation parameters and recorded by multi-constellation (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo) receivers located at Concordia station (75.10°S, 123.35°E) and SANAE IV base (71.67°S, 2.84°W), with measurements acquired by the Special Sensor Ultraviolet Spectrographic Imager on board the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program satellites, the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network, the Swarm constellation and ground-based magnetometers. Besides confirming the high degree of complexity of the ionospheric dynamics, our multi-instrument observation identified the physical conditions that likely favor the occurrence of amplitude scintillations at high latitudes. Results suggest that the necessary conditions for the observation of this type of scintillation in high-latitude regions are high levels of ionization and a strong variability of plasma dynamics. Both of these conditions are typically featured during high solar activity.
Sub-Auroral and Mid-Latitude GNSS ROTI Performance during Solar Cycle 24 Geomagnetic Disturbed Periods: Towards Storm’s Early Sensing
Authors: Kotulak Kacper , Krankowski Andrzej , Froń Adam , Flisek Paweł , Wang Ningbo , Li Zishen , Błaszkiewicz Leszek
Published: June 2021

Geomagnetic storms—triggered by the interaction between Earth’s magnetosphere and interplanetary magnetic field, driven by solar activity—are important for many Earth-bound aspects of life. Serious events may impact the electroenergetic infrastructure, but even weaker storms generate noticeable irregularities in the density of ionospheric plasma. Ionosphere electron density gradients interact with electromagnetic radiation in the radiofrequency domain, affecting sub- and trans-ionospheric transmissions. The main objective of the manuscript is to find key features of the storm-induced plasma density behaviour irregularities in regard to the event’s magnitude and general geomagnetic conditions. We also aim to set the foundations for the mid-latitude ionospheric plasma density now-casting irregularities. In the manuscript, we calculate the GPS+GLONASS-derived rate of TEC (total electron content) index (ROTI) for the meridional sector of 10–20∘ E, covering the latitudes between 40 and 70∘ N. Such an approach reveals equatorward spread of the auroral TEC irregularities reaching down to mid-latitudes. We have assessed the ROTI performance for 57 moderate-to-severe storms that occurred during solar cycle 24 and analyzed their behaviors in regard to the geomagnetic conditions (described by Kp, Dst, AE, Sym-H and PC indices).
The Mediating Role of Entrepreneurial Mindset between Intolerance of Uncertainty and Career Adaptability
Authors: Lee Ahram , Jung Eunju
Published: June 2021

Entrepreneurship education has been employed broadly in higher education, and one of the most popularly targeted outcomes is enhancing entrepreneurial mindset. However, the role of entrepreneurial mindset has not been examined in relation to career adaptability, which has been acknowledged as an important resource for adjustment, especially with the increased uncertainty caused by COVID-19. The current study investigated the relations among intolerance of uncertainty—specifically its sub-factors, prospective anxiety and inhibitory anxiety—career adaptability, and entrepreneurial mindset in 274 Korean college students facing school-to-work transition during COVID-19. The study conducted path analysis and evaluated the mediating effect of entrepreneurial mindset, using a 95% bootstrapping confidence interval, to better understand the role of entrepreneurial mindset in general career development in the context of uncertainty. The results found that inhibitory anxiety had an inverse association with career adaptability and entrepreneurial mindset, while prospective anxiety had a positive relation with career adaptability and entrepreneurial mindset. Entrepreneurial mindset and career adaptability showed a significantly positive relation, and the mediating role of entrepreneurial mindset between intolerance of uncertainty and career adaptability was also supported. Discussions on the role of entrepreneurial mindset are initiated and practical implications for entrepreneurship education are proposed along with the limitations of the study.
Assessing Livelihood Vulnerability of Minority Ethnic Groups to Climate Change: A Case Study from the Northwest Mountainous Regions of Vietnam
Authors: Tran Van Thanh , An-Vo Duc-Anh , Cockfield Geoff , Mushtaq Shahbaz
Published: June 2021

Climate variability, climate change, and extreme events can compound the vulnerability of people heavily reliant on agriculture. Those with intersecting disadvantages, such as women, the poor, and ethnic minority groups, may be particularly affected. Understanding and assessing diverse vulnerabilities, especially those related to ethnicity, are therefore potentially important to the development of policies and programs aimed at enabling adaptation in such groups. This study uses a livelihood vulnerability index (LVI) method, along with qualitative data analysis, to compare the vulnerability of different smallholder farmers in Son La province, one of the poorest provinces in Vietnam. Data were collected from 240 households, representing four minority ethnic groups. The results indicated that household vulnerability is influenced by factors such as income diversity, debt, organizational membership, support from and awareness by local authorities, access to health services, water resources, and location. Results revealed that two of the ethnic groups’ households were, on average, more vulnerable, particularly regarding livelihood strategies, health, water, housing and productive land, and social network items when compared to the other two ethnic groups. The study shows the need for targeted interventions to reduce the vulnerability of these and similarly placed small ethnic communities.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Family Carers of Older People Living with Dementia in Italy and Hungary
Authors: Kostyál László , Széman Zsuzsa , Almási Virág , Fabbietti Paolo , Quattrini Sabrina , Socci Marco , Lamura Giovanni , Gagliardi Cristina
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect on both older people with dementia and families caring for them. This paper presents the results of an online survey carried out among Italian and Hungarian family carers of people with dementia during the first pandemic wave (May–July 2020, n = 370). The research questions were the following: (1) How has the pandemic changed the lives of family carers? (2) How did government restriction measures change the availability of care-related help? (3) What other changes did families experience? Results show that about one-quarter of both subsamples experienced a deterioration in their financial status. A decline in both general and mental health was also reported. Due to “lockdown”, family carers’ burden increased substantially. Utilization of care-related help decreased, and the share of those left with no help increased in both countries. Cross-country differences emerged in terms of dementia care system, severity of the first pandemic wave, and measures put in place by governments. Findings outline the weaknesses of support structures and their country-specific vulnerabilities to a worldwide pandemic. To better protect people with dementia in the future, it is essential to strengthen their family carers, and support structures need to be re-evaluated and re-designed.
Nature of the Wind, the Culture of the Landscape: Toward an Energy Sustainability Project in Catalonia
Authors: Colafranceschi Daniela , Sala Pere , Manfredi Fabio
Published: June 2021

Landscape and energy are an inseparable and innovative binomial because of the challenges they imply and being the factors we use to measure the quality of our habitat. Presenting the report “Wind Energy and Landscape. Guidelines for a suitable installation in Catalonia”, which involved research into the methodology for installing wind farms, this article presents a critical reflection on the possible spatial, ethical, and aesthetic effects of energy transition. Landscape design interprets the convergence of territorial values with the innovation of an energy system: it is not measured on a geographical scale, but draws from geography the sense of the overwriting of everyday places, giving them sense, orientation, meaning, and narrative. The research involves ecology, society, nature, and culture. Methodologically, the approach is reversed: rather than designing a project for the correct installation of wind power plants, the project for the wind landscape is understood as new contemporary nature. Wind energy and the culture of the landscape legitimize an advance in thought on design tools, espousing the dictates of the European Landscape Convention and more recent ambitious goals set by the UN with the 2030 Agenda.
Sustainable Urban Transportation Criteria and Measurement—A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Kraus Lisa , Proff Heike
Published: June 2021

Sustainable transportation plays a key role in social participation and climate change. However, no universally accepted set of criteria for tracking the progress of urban sustainable transportation projects currently exists; one reason for this is the absence of a standardized lexicon for sustainability measurement elements. Therefore, this paper conducts a systematic literature review and analysis of sustainable transportation criteria using 21 papers from journals listed in the German rating system JOURQUAL3 (JQ3) and published between 2010 and 2020. The paper thus develops a unified vocabulary for sustainability measurement elements that is structured into a hierarchy. The goal (sustainable transportation) presides over the following three sustainability dimensions: objectives (e.g., minimization of traffic clogging), criteria (e.g., congestion), and indicators (e.g., cost of traffic congestion). Within the hierarchy, the main criteria for urban multimodal sustainable transportation are identified as follows: 13 social, 11 economic, and 9 environmental main criteria are determined. The three main criteria used most in the literature exclusively concern the environment. Future research is recommended to assess the interrelations between the criteria as their assignment to sustainability dimensions is ambiguous in the existing literature. This paper helps mobility managers to make decisions about urban transportation concepts and while overseeing projects.
Development of the My Cult-Rural Toolkit
Authors: Martin John , Williamson Dominica , Łucznik Klara , Guy John Adam
Published: June 2021

The EU H2020 RURITAGE project takes 20 case studies, considered to be Role Models (RMs) of successful heritage-led rural regeneration from Europe, to analyze them and transfer knowledge and learning to a network of Replicators (Rs). To quantify the success of these RURITAGE interventions, a monitoring framework has been developed which includes a range of Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and a co-monitoring program. This program takes a bottom-up approach working with key stakeholders to understand their values. The My Cult-Rural Toolkit described in this paper has been designed and developed to support the co-monitoring program. The toolkit includes various methods allowing expert and non-expert engagement with the landscape valuation process through embodied and situated approaches. All the co-monitoring tools share the principle of gathering data through real-time interaction in the place of interest, following principles of the embodied approach to ecosystems’ valuation. The toolkit employs both participatory hands-on workshops (Mini-Landscapes, Object Mapping, and Walking Maps) for in-depth understanding of values attached with landscape, and digital mobile apps (Rate my View App and Landscape Connect App) for exploratory, participatory mapping. This paper describes the toolkit and discusses benefits and limitations of its usage in the context of co-monitoring of cultural and natural heritage (CNH) inspired rural change.
Co-Creation as the Solution to Sustainability Challenges in the Greenhouse Horticultural Industry: The Importance of a Structured Innovation Management Process
Authors: Moons Ingrid , Daems Kristien , Van de Velde Lorens L. J.
Published: June 2021

Sustainable innovations try to resolve complex challenges related to climate change. Co-creation with diverse stakeholders in innovation networks opens opportunities to successfully develop and implement sustainable innovations. However, collaboration between heterogeneous partners poses challenges at the level of stakeholder relationship management that affect the progress of innovation development. This study’s purpose is to investigate how co-creation processes that develop sustainable and climate-neutral high-tech innovations in the greenhouse horticultural industry should be structured and how stakeholder relationship management affects the progress of innovation development. Design methodology is linked with innovation management literature. A case study observed seven innovation trajectories that developed energy saving and climate-neutral growing techniques in the greenhouse horticultural industry in Flanders (Belgium) and The Netherlands over a period of three years. In-depth interviews (n = 13) were conducted to have the partners reflect on the co-creation process. Results show that co-creation management should focus on team composition, partner alignment and transparent communication about intentions, expectations and role division throughout the process. The initial stages of a co-creation process are crucial for context mapping and creation of team cohesion and do affect the subsequent stages in the process. Besides, in sustainable high-tech contexts, co-creation facilitators are faced with the need for technical knowledge and skills.
Extrapolative Collaborative Filtering Recommendation System with Word2Vec for Purchased Product for SMEs
Authors: Lee Kyoung Jun , Hwangbo Yujeong , Jeong Baek , Yoo Jiwoong , Park Kyung Yang
Published: June 2021

Many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) want to introduce recommendation services to boost sales, but they need to have sufficient amounts of data to introduce these recommendation services. This study proposes an extrapolative collaborative filtering (ECF) system that does not directly share data among SMEs but improves recommendation performance for small and medium-sized companies that lack data through the extrapolation of data, which can provide a magical experience to users. Previously, recommendations were made utilizing only data generated by the merchant itself, so it was impossible to recommend goods to new users. However, our ECF system provides appropriate recommendations to new users as well as existing users based on privacy-preserved payment transaction data. To accomplish this, PP2Vec using Word2Vec was developed by utilizing purchase information only, excluding personal information from payment company data. We then compared the performances of single-merchant models and multi-merchant models. For the merchants with more data than SMEs, the performance of the single-merchant model was higher, while for the SME merchants with fewer data, the multi-merchant model’s performance was higher. The ECF System proposed in this study is more suitable for the real-world business environment because it does not directly share data among companies. Our study shows that AI (artificial intelligence) technology can contribute to the sustainability and viability of economic systems by providing high-performance recommendation capability, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups.
A Note on Decomposable and Reducible Integer Matrices
Authors: Marijuán Carlos , Ojeda Ignacio , Vigneron-Tenorio Alberto
Published: June 2021

We propose necessary and sufficient conditions for an integer matrix to be decomposable in terms of its Hermite normal form. Specifically, to each integer matrix, we associate a symmetric integer matrix whose reducibility can be efficiently determined by elementary linear algebra techniques, and which completely determines the decomposability of the first one.
Top–Bottom Condensation Model: Symmetries and Spectrum of the Induced 2HDM
Authors: Osipov Alexander A. , Hiller Brigitte , Blin Alex H. , Sampaio Marcos
Published: June 2021

Here, we use the Schwinger–DeWitt approach to address the four-fermion composite Higgs effective model proposed by Miransky, Tanabashi and Yamawaki (MTY). The surprising benefit of such an approach is that it is possible to ascribe to a SM-type Higgs a quark–antiquark structure of predominantly a b¯b nature with a small t¯t admixture, which in turn yields a Higgs mass compatible with the observed value of 125 GeV. We discuss this result in a detailed and pedagogical way, as it goes against the common belief that this model and akin composite descriptions should predict a Higgs mass-of-order of twice the top quark mass, contrary to empirical evidence. A further aspect of this approach is that it highlights the link of the SU(2)L×U(1)R symmetric four-fermion MTY model interactions of the heavy quark family to a specific two-Higgs-doublet model (2HDM), and the necessity to go beyond the one Higgs doublet to obtain the empirical Higgs mass within composite models. By appropriately fixing the symmetry-defining interaction parameters, we show that the resulting CP-preserving spectrum harbors the following collective states at the electroweak scale ΛEW=246 GeV: a light scalar to which the standard Higgs is associated; a heavier neutral state preconized as the Nambu partner of the standard Higgs within the Nambu sum rule; the expected triplet of Goldstone bosons associated with the longitudinal polarizations of the electroweak massive bosons; and a neutral pseudoscalar state that in the limit of a global U(1)A symmetry would be a Goldstone mode. The anomalous breaking of this axial symmetry is a subleading effect in a large Nc counting scheme, and we discuss how it modifies the leading-order Nambu sum rule result and its relevance for the qualitative description of the spectrum.
A Review of the Impact of Selected Anthropogenic Chemicals from the Group of Endocrine Disruptors on Human Health
Authors: Goralczyk Katarzyna
Published: June 2021

Background: The aim of the study was to review data on the impact of anthropogenic chemicals (endocrine disruptors) on various diseases, which, consequently, may facilitate their prevention and be used as a tool for managing public healthcare. Every day, humans are exposed to chemicals, including xenoestrogens, which are similar to female hormones. Methods: This manuscript was prepared based on a meta-analysis of research on the impacts of selected EDCs on human health. Results: Special attention should be paid to bisphenol A (BPA), benzo-α-pyrene, and phthalates due to their proven endocrine activity and presence in our daily lives. Xenoestrogens are absorbed by human organisms through the digestive system since they can migrate to food from food packages and drinks as well as from plastic products used daily. The presence of these chemicals in human organisms is considered a potential cause for some diseases commonly referred to as ‘diseases of civilization’. Conclusions: The biomonitoring of xenoestrogens, which are chemicals with unfavorable impacts on human health, is a crucial tool for assessing the risk from the pollution of the environment. The novelty is a holistic approach to assessing the occurrence of risk factors for civilization diseases.
Seroprevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Blood Donors from Nuevo Leon State, Mexico, during 2020: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Evaluation
Authors: Martinez-Acuña Natalia , Avalos-Nolazco Diana Minerva , Rodriguez-Rodriguez Diana Raquel , Martinez-Liu Cynthia Gabriela , Galan-Huerta Kame Alberto , Padilla-Rivas Gerardo Raymundo , Ramos-Jimenez Javier , Ayala-de-la-Cruz Sergio , Cienfuegos-Pecina Eduardo , Diaz-Chuc Erik Alejandro , Cazares-Tamez Rogelio , Flores-Arechiga Amador , Perez-Chavez Fernando , Arellanos-Soto Daniel , Lozano-Sepulveda Sonia Amelia , Garza-Gonzalez Elvira , Treviño-Garza Consuelo , Montes-de-Oca-Luna Roberto , Lee-Gonzalez Aurora Beatriz , de-la-O-Cavazos Manuel Enrique , Rivas-Estilla Ana Maria
Published: June 2021

The progression and distribution of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic are continuously changing over time and can be traced by blood donors’ serological survey. Here, we investigated the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in blood donors in Nuevo Leon, Mexico during 2020 as a strategy for the rapid evaluation of the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and asymptomatic case detection. We collected residual plasma samples from blood donors who attended two regional donation centers from January to December of 2020 to identify changes in anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG prevalence. Plasma samples were analyzed on the Abbott Architect instrument using the commercial Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG chemiluminescent assay. We found a total of 99 reactive samples from 2068 analyzed plasma samples, resulting in a raw prevalence of 4.87%. Donors aged 18–49 years were more likely to be seropositive compared to those aged >50 years (p < 0.001). Weekly seroprevalence increased from 1.8% during the early pandemic stage to 27.59% by the end of the year. Prevalence was 1.46-fold higher in females compared to males. Case geographical mapping showed that Monterrey city recorded the majority of SARS-CoV-2 cases. These results show that there is a growing trend of seroprevalence over time associated with asymptomatic infection that is unnoticed under the current epidemiological surveillance protocols.
A Hepatitis B Virus-Derived Peptide Can Inhibit Infection of Human Lung Cells with SARS-CoV-2 in a Type-1 Interferon-Dependent Manner
Authors: Choi Yu-Min , Jeong Hyein , Park Uni , Cho Nam-Hyuk , Kim Bum-Joon
Published: June 2021

The current COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need to develop effective therapeutic strategies. We evaluated the in vitro antiviral effect against SARS-CoV-2 of a hepatitis B virus (HBV) hexamer peptide, Poly6, which is capable of eliciting an antiviral effect against human immunodeficiency virus -1 (HIV-1), as a novel HIV-1 integrase inhibitor, and a strong anticancer immune response in an IFN-I-dependent manner, as a novel potential adjuvant in anticancer immunotherapy. Here, we report that Poly6 exerts an anti-SARS-CoV-2 effect, with an estimated 50% inhibitory concentration of 2.617 µM, in the human bronchial epithelial cell line, Calu-3 but not in Vero-E6 cells, which are deficient in type 1 interferon (IFN-I) signaling. We proved via assays based on mRNA profiles, inhibitors, or blocking antibodies that Poly6 can exert an anti-SARS-CoV-2 effect in an IFN-I-dependent manner. We also found that Poly6 inhibits IL-6 production enhanced by SARS-CoV-2 in infected Calu-3 cells at both the transcription and the translation levels, mediated via IL-10 induction in an IFN-I-dependent manner. These results indicate the feasibility of Poly6 as an IFN-I-inducing COVID-19 drug with potent antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities.
Current Drugs to Treat Infections with Herpes Simplex Viruses-1 and -2
Authors: Sadowski Lauren A. , Upadhyay Rista , Greeley Zachary W. , Margulies Barry J.
Published: June 2021

Herpes simplex viruses-1 and -2 (HSV-1 and -2) are two of the three human alphaherpesviruses that cause infections worldwide. Since both viruses can be acquired in the absence of visible signs and symptoms, yet still result in lifelong infection, it is imperative that we provide interventions to keep them at bay, especially in immunocompromised patients. While numerous experimental vaccines are under consideration, current intervention consists solely of antiviral chemotherapeutic agents. This review explores all of the clinically approved drugs used to prevent the worst sequelae of recurrent outbreaks by these viruses.
Using Constructed Floating Wetlands to Remove Nutrients from a Waste Stabilization Pond
Authors: Huth Isaac , Walker Christopher , Kulkarni Ramraj , Lucke Terry
Published: June 2021

This study reports the biomass accumulation, plant nutrient concentration, and nutrient uptake rates of plants in a constructed floating wetland (CFW) installed for a sewage treatment application in Australia. Plant biomass accumulation was estimated based on field samplings throughout the duration of the study. Analysis of samples of each plant species was also completed to estimate the mean plant tissue nutrient content. The plant biomass accumulation estimate and the mean plant tissue nutrient concentration were then used to estimate the total nutrient uptake for each species. Each of the species were found to differ in biomass accumulation and plant tissue nutrient concentration and the distribution of biomass and nutrients between the shoots and roots. The nutrient uptake rates varied between the species, with B. articulata having the greatest nutrient uptake rates (shoots: N, 104 ± 31.5 g/m2, P, 12.9 ± 3.87 g/m2; roots: N, 23.9 ± 7.23 g/m2, P, 5.54 ± 1.67 g/m2). Harvesting of the four CFW islands after 375 days of growth removed an estimated 23.2 kg of N and 2.97 kg of P. The results of this study indicate that the use of CFWs with carefully selected plant species can successfully remove significant amounts of nutrients from domestic wastewater.
Water Treatment in Hybrid Connection of Coagulation, Ozonation, UV Irradiation and Adsorption Processes
Authors: Karwowska Beata , Sperczyńska Elżbieta , Dąbrowska Lidia
Published: June 2021

In recent years, conventional water treatment systems have been supported by ozonation or UV irradiation processes. The efficiency of four hybrid processes: (1) coagulation and adsorption, (2) ozonation and coagulation, (3) ozonation, coagulation and adsorption, (4) ozonation, UV irradiation, coagulation and adsorption of inorganic and organic pollutants removal was analysed. In the presented study, the content of organic matter in natural water was evaluated as colour, oxidisability (OXI), total and dissolved organic carbon (TOC and DOC) content and UV absorbance at the wavelength of 254 nm for natural and modified water. Additionally, removal of Ni2+, Cd2+and Pb2+ ions during the treatment processes was analysed. The coagulation process with the use of polyaluminium chloride removed 45% of colour and 39, 26% and 45% of OXI, TOC and UV absorbance, respectively. Using the ozonation before coagulation increased efficiency of colour and UV254 absorbance reduction by 33% and 25%, respectively. Coagulation with both UV irradiation and adsorption had insignificant results on the analysed factors value. The coagulation process was the most efficient for metal ions removal (40–78%). The ozonation process before coagulation increased removal up to 55–85%. Additional irradiation with UV or using of the adsorbent during coagulation of initially ozonated water had an insignificant impact on metal ions concentration in water.
Understanding Water Use Conflicts to Advance Collaborative Planning: Lessons Learned from Lake Diefenbaker, Canada
Authors: Chilima Jania S. , Blakley Jill , Diaz Harry P. , Bharadwaj Lalita
Published: June 2021

Conflicts around the multi-purpose water uses of Lake Diefenbaker (LD) in Saskatchewan, Canada need to be addressed to meet rapidly expanding water demands in the arid Canadian prairie region. This study explores these conflicts to advance collaborative planning as a means for improving the current water governance and management of this lake. Qualitative methodology that employed a wide participatory approach was used to collect focus group data from 92 individuals, who formed a community of water users. Results indicate that the community of water users is unified in wanting to maintain water quality and quantity, preserving the lake’s aesthetics, and reducing water source vulnerability. Results also show these users are faced with water resource conflicts resulting from lack of coherence of regulatory instruments in the current governance regime, and acceptable management procedures of both consumptive and contemporary water uses that are interlinked in seven areas of: irrigation, industrial, and recreational water uses; reservoir water level for flood control and hydroelectricity production; wastewater and lagoon management; fish farm operations; and regional water development projects. As a means of advancing collaborative planning, improvements in water allocation and regulatory instruments could be made to dissipate consumptive use conflicts and fill the under-regulation void that exists for contemporary water uses. Additionally, a comprehensive LD water use master plan, as a shared vision to improve participation in governance, could be developed to direct the water uses that have emerged over time. This study suggests that these three areas are practical starting conditions that would enable successful collaborative planning for the seven areas of water uses. Focusing on these three areas would ensure the current and future needs of the community of water users are met, while avoiding reactive ways of solving water problems in the LD region, especially as the water crisis in the Canadian Prairie region where LD is located is expected to intensify.
Catchment versus Riparian Buffers: Which Land Use Spatial Scales Have the Greatest Ability to Explain Water Quality Changes in a Typical Temperate Watershed?
Authors: Song Minmin , Jiang Yuan , Liu Qi , Tian Yulu , Liu Yang , Xu Xia , Kang Muyi
Published: June 2021

Identifying the multi-scale spatial relationship between land use and water quality is critical for determining the priorities and key areas of river management. To more accurately identify the scale effect of land-use patterns on water quality and quantitatively distinguish the difference in the impacts of land-use composition and configuration on water quality, we used 94 sites to extract the upstream catchment and riparian buffer zone with different widths. The results showed that the ability of land use variables with different buffer widths to explain water quality differed slightly from the ability of these variables at the catchment scale, and the joint explanatory ability of land use composition and configuration was greater than that of each individually. The patch density and landscape shape index of cultivated land, shrubland, and built-up land in the buffer area close to the water bodies were the main factors for the increase in the concentration of total nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, total phosphorus, and suspended solids. As the width of the buffer increased, the role of the percent of land use increased. Our research indicates that water quality management needs to adopt a multi-scale perspective and focus on key local areas while coordinating at a broader scale.
Patient quality of life and risk factors affecting the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Perevezentsev Egor Aleksandrovich , Gurvich Nadezhda Ilyinichna , Alenina Svetlana Igorevna
Published: June 2021

The article considers the risk factors affecting the occurrence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and the quality of life of patients with this type of pathology. World statistics indicate that BPH is a disease of mainly elderly and senile men. The main reason leading to the development of BPH is a change in the hormonal background of males. BPH is characterized by symptoms that negatively affect the quality of life of men, causing physical and psychological discomfort. This pathology is accompanied by squeezing of the bladder, which contributes to the appearance of frequent urge to empty it, erectile dysfunction, a decrease or complete absence of sexual desire, which often leads to a decrease in self-esteem and depression. Among the main risk factors that cause BPH controllable and uncontrollable ones are distinguished. Elimination of the influence of controllable risk factors that cause BPH leads to a decrease in the rate of progression of the disease, allows timely initiation of treatment, which has a positive effect on the quality of life of men with this diagnosis.
Acute intermittent porphyria: familial disease cases (clinical observation)
Authors: Kurkina Nadezhda Viktorovna , Skvortsov Vsevolod Vladimirovich , Polozova Ella Ivanovna , Vyshinskaya Valeriya Aleksandrovna
Published: June 2021

Acute intermittent porphyria is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by excessive accumulation and excretion of porphyrins and their precursors, repeated attacks of neurological and mental symptoms. Due to the rarity of this pathology and the atypical course in the onset, certain difficulties often arise during the initial diagnosis. The main pathogenetic drug is gemin (Normosang), which allows obtaining a stable clinical response and preventing the development of severe changes in the nervous system. This article presents an analysis of a clinical case of acute intermittent porphyria among blood relatives and discusses the effectiveness of targeted therapy.
Modern approaches to pharmacotherapy of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Maksimov Maksim Leonidovich , Zvegintseva Albina Airatovna , Shindina Tatyana Sergeevna
Published: June 2021

According to the forecasts of the World Health Organization, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) will rank first in the structure of liver diseases by 2020. The article presents the current provisions on the pathogenesis of NAFLD, as well as existing and promising directions in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. A review of the recommendations of the leading hepatological associations for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is carried out. The main directions in the pharmacological treatment of NAFLD are the prescription of drugs that reduce body weight, increase the sensitivity of tissues to insulin, affect oxidative stress, normalize the levels of lipids and blood transaminases, and correct intestinal microflora.
Care for patients with leprosy: history of the issue
Authors: Kaspruk Lyudmila Ilyinichna
Published: June 2021

January 30 is World Leprosy Day. An analysis of the historical and medical aspects of the formation and development of medical care in Hansen's disease reveals the main milestones in the history of the humanity's opposition to the disease that could not be completely defeated in South America, Southeast Asia and Africa.
Organization of primary health care and specialized medical care for patients with prostate cancer in the Nizhny Novgorod Region
Authors: Perevezentsev Egor Aleksandrovich , Kuzmina Maya Andreevna , Vasina Dariya Dmitrievna , Volodin Denis Igorevich
Published: June 2021

At present, the quality and availability of medical care are the aspects to which close attention is paid in the system of organizing medical care. One of the ways to achieve a high level of quality and accessibility of medical care is building up human resources, i.e. the presence of highly qualified general practitioners, sub-specialties and middle medical personnel in sufficient numbers in a medical organization. Currently, the oncological service of Russia has been assigned tasks to fulfill the instructions from the State Program for the Development of Health Care. The results of the work should lead to a decrease in mortality and an increase in the quality of life of the population. To address the issue of reducing mortality from malignant neoplasms, in particular from prostate cancer, a three-level system of oncological care has been created on the territory of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, including 1 regional center, 2 interdistrict cancer centers, 88 primary oncology rooms and 96 examination rooms. The tasks set to reduce morbidity and mortality from oncological diseases can be realized only with close interaction of the oncological service with the primary health care sector, in which the prevention should be the priority direction of work.
Winners of the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2020
Authors: Rybachok Oksana Aleksandrovna
Published: June 2021

Despite the height of the coronavirus infection, the Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded in Stockholm in October 2020. This event was held online for the first time and was not accompanied by the traditional honoring of the laureates. In his will, Alfred Nobel entrusted the selection of the winner in this nomination to the Karolinska Medical and Surgical University of Stockholm, and the first award in this nomination took place in 1901. Since then, this event has been held 110 times, and 216 scientists have become laureates of the prize in the field of physiology and medicine, since the nominees are often not just one, but a group of researchers. This happened in 2020 - for research in the field of studying the hepatitis C virus, three scientists received the most prestigious award: the British Michael Houghton and the Americans Harvey Alter and Charles Rice. Due to the results of the research, which these three people conducted separately from each other, for the first time it became possible to completely eliminate the virus from the body.