bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFICACY OF A FIXED COMBINATION OF LOSARTAN AND AMLODIPINE IN PATIENTS WITH ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION: SEASONAL FEATURES
Authors: Smirnova M. D. , Fofanova T. V. , Blankova Z. N. , Vitsenya M. V. , Tsybulskaya T. V. , Dianova Yu. F. , Ageev F. T.
Published: August 2023

The goal is to evaluate the efficacy and security of treatment of patients with arterial hypertension (AH) during the heat wave of a fixed combination of ARBS+ACC (losartan+amlodipine).

Materials and methods. Included 26 patients with hypertension 1 and 2 degrees from 42 to 81 years. All patients underwent measurement of office blood pressure, 24h ambulatory BP monitoring, Self-measurement of BP (Home BP ), electrocardiography, biochemical analysis of blood, estimation of osmolarity of blood, questionnaire: visual analogue scale, a questionnaire for patients exposed to heat, the test of adherence to treatment Moriscos-Green. Estimated diaries of self-control of blood pressure. The inclusion visit took place in spring 2016, 1st visit was in May-June 2016, 2nd - during heat waves, 3rd -September-October 2016.

Results. The observed decrease in systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure (p=0.000) to the target values, preserved for the whole period of observation. According to the diaries of selfcontrol of blood pressure controlled blood pressure 81% of patients. During a heat wave, this value decreased to 58%, in autumn - to 63%. The 3rd visit achieved a reduction in heart rate at -6.0 (-11.1; and 2.8) beats/min; p=0.007; the decline in uric acid level c of 415.3 to 346.2 mmol/l (p=0.04) and creatinine on the 2nd visit compared to baseline (p=0.02). According to 24h ambulatory BP monitoring, 24h ambulatory BP monitoring, during a single visit, the mean SBP decreased from 139 to 121 mm Hg. (P=0.04) and DBP from 88 to 76 mm Hg. (P=0.04) in the daytime and the tendency to decrease SBP variability from 12 to 10 mm (p=0.07). At the end of the study, the indicators remained stable. The mean value of SBP decreased at night to the third visit from 116 to 110.5 mm Hg. (P=0.04). During the heat wave, a larger mean SBP and DBP was recorded compared with the third visit (p=0.04). A correlation was found between the mean DBP value (r=0.725, p=0.03), the SBP time index (r=0.695, p=0.04) and the SBP time (r=0.787, p=0.02) at night and Quality of life Electrolyte shifts and increasing the osmolarity of the blood during heat waves have not been identified. There is a growing commitment therapy (p=0.04) and quality of life to 20.0 (7.4; 23.3); p=0.000 by visual analogue scale.

Conclusion. Fixed combination of losartan and amlodipine (Lorenza) is an effective, safe and may be recommended for hypertensive patients during heat wave and seasonal cold snap.
SHAPE OF CALCIUM PHOSPHATE BIONS DEFINES A PROATHEROSCLEROTIC SHIFT IN CYTOKINE SECRETION PROFILE OF ENDOTHELIAL CELLS
Authors: Kutikhin A. G. , Velikanova E. A. , Shishkova D. K.
Published: August 2023

Study aim. To investigate whether the shape of calcium phosphate bions (CPB) affects their endothelial toxicity via evaluating the cytokine secretion profile of endothelial cells upon the exposure to either spherical or spindle-shaped CPB.

Material and methods. For the experiments, we used an immortalized human vein endothelial cell line EA.hy 926. Cells were seeded into 6-well plates (3*105 cells) with the further: 1) addition of 100 |jL either spherical CPB, spindle-shaped CPB, or 1x phosphate buffered saline (PBS) upon 1 h following culture for 24 h (non-confluent cell culture); 2) culture for 44 h and subsequent addition of 100 jL either spherical CPB, spindle-shaped CPB, or PBS following culture for 4 h (confluent cell culture). Upon the collection of cell culture supernatant (n=11 wells per group), the levels of proatherosclerotic cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-23, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a, interferon (IFN)-y, and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM)-1) were measured utilizing an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results. In a non-confluent cell culture, exposure to spindleshaped CPB increased the secretion of several proatherosclerotic cytokines (IL-1 ß, IL-10, IL-12, IL-23, IFN-y) compared to either spherical CPB-treated or control cells. In a confluent cell culture, exposure to either of CPB types decreased the release of IL-1 ß, IL- 10, and IFN-y; however, their concentration was still higher upon the exposure to spindle-shaped CPB in comparison with exposure to spherical CPB. Discriminant analysis and principal component analysis demonstrated that the cytokine secretion profile of spindle-shaped CPB-treated endothelial cells significantly differed from those of either spherical CPB-treated or control cells.

Conclusion. Spindle-shaped CPB induce the secretion of proatherosclerotic cytokines by endothelial cells compared to spherical CPB; this suggests higher endothelial toxicity of spindleshaped CPB.
FEATURES OF THE RESPONSE OF ARTERIAL BLOOD FLOW TO THE ORTHOSTATIC LOAD IN YOUNG WOMEN WITH IDIOPATHIC ARTERIAL HYPOTENSION
Authors: Agafonova T. Y. , Baev V. M. , Samsonova O. A. , Dusakova R. S.
Published: August 2023

The aim of the study was to evaluate the response of arterial blood flow to the orthostatic load in young women with idiopathic arterial hypotension (IAH).

Material and methods. A comparative analysis of systemic hemodynamics and peripheral arterial blood flow parameters was performed for orthostasis between two groups of women aged 1825: test with IAH (n = 73) and control (n=37). The SBP level in the test group was 90-98 mm Hg, in the control group - 120-129 mm Hg. BP, heart rate and angio-scanning were performed twice: at rest, lying after 15 minutes rest and during the first minute of orthostasis. Blood flow was studied in the right vertebral, radial and posterior tibial arteries. The following parameters were evaluated: diameter during diastole, peak systolic and terminal diastolic blood flow velocity.

Results. In young women with IAH, as those with normal arterial pressure, orthostasis was accompanied by an increase in SBP, DBP and an increase in heart rate. With hypotension, an increase in the diameter of the vertebral artery and a decrease in the diameter of the posterior tibial artery were detected. In both groups, orthostasis was accompanied by a decrease in the rate of blood flow, both during systole and diastole.

The conclusion. Orthostasis with IAH is accompanied by an increase in SBP, DBP and heart rate. The response of peripheral arteries to orthostasis is characterized by a change in the diameter of the vessels, which indicates a pronounced adaptive response to the physiological stress load.
COMPLICATED CLINICAL CASE: CHRONIC THROMBOEMBOLIC PULMONARY HYPERTENSION IN PATIENT WITH RECIDIVOUS CARDIAC MYXOMA
Authors: Zykova A. M. , Arkhipova O. A. , Martynyuk T. V. , Demchenkova A. Y. , Danilov N. M. , Korobkova I. Z. , Chazova I. Ye.
Published: August 2023

The clinical case demonstrates the difficulties of differential diagnosis and the determination of treatment tactics in a patient with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, recidivous cardiac myxoma and radiographic pattern of dissemination in lung tissue.
EVALUATION OF DEFORMATION OF THE LEFT VENTRICLE AND LEFT ATRIUM, AND THE ROTATIONAL PROPERTIES OF THE LEFT VENTRICLE IN PATIENTS WITH CHF ACCORDING TO THE ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC TECHNOLOGY OF NON-DOPPLER IMAGING IN TWO AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL REGIMENS
Authors: Sohibnazarova V. K. , Saidova M. A. , Tereshchenko S. N. , Belevskaya A. A.
Published: August 2023

Objective. To study the peculiarities of deformation, rotation properties, twisting and untwisting of the left ventricular(LV), evaluation of the function of left atrium in patients with CHF with preserved and reduced ejection fraction of the left ventricular according to Echocardiography technology Non Doppler imaging in two and three-dimensional regimes (2D and 3D Speckle tracking imaging).

Material and methods. The study included 70 patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) with preserved (Group I) and reduced (Group II) ejection fraction (EF) of the left ventricular (LV). In addition to the standard Transthoracic echocardiography, all patients were assessed the deformation of the left ventricle (LV) and left atrium (LA) as well as the rotational properties of the LV using the technology of myocardial image in two and threedimensional regimen.

Results. Studies show that patients CHF deformation of the left ventricular (LV) and left atrium (LA), and the rotational properties, twisting and unwinding of the (LV) according to the two methods were lower than the control group (CG). In both groups there was a reliable increase the size and volume of LA, as well as a decrease the deformation of the LA in it phases and global longitudinal deformation. The values of the global longitudinal deformation of the LA in patients group I and II (-6,68±3.0% and-6,63±3.3%, respectively) were reliably lower compared to CG (-9.3±7.3%) (p <0.001). A good correlation was found between LV deformation and LV EF in patients group I (r = -0.39) ( p <0.001) and in group II (r = 0.35)(p <0.001).

Conclusions. When estimating the deformation of the left ventricular according to the data of two technologies, the threedimensional mode demonstrated lower myocardial deformation in comparison with the three dimensional regime, which may be associated with a fuller assessment of the deformation of the left ventricular myocardium. Also increased global longitudinal deformation of LA can be an early predictor of diagnostics of CHF.
ANTICOAGULANT THERAPY FOR CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE AND ATRIAL FIBRILLATION: THE AXIS OF ROTATION BETWEEN THE POLES OF RISK
Authors: Kobalava Z. D. , Shavarov A. A.
Published: August 2023

The frequent comorbidity of atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the general population is demonstrated in many epidemiological studies. Most patients with an established diagnosis of AF are recommended to use constant anticoagulant therapy (ACT) to prevent ischemic stroke and thromboembolic complications (TEC). With renal dysfunction, changes in the hemostatic system are observed at all stages of CKD, both related to an increase in prothrombogenic activity as well as to development of coagulopathy, which increases the threat of bleeding. Therefore, in patients with CKD and AF, an important aspect of ACT is the choice of the optimal anticoagulant, that will provide a balance between the risks of stroke and hemorrhagic complications, to which this article is dedicated.
TIME-DEPENDENT FACTORS OF EFFECTIVENESS AND TOLERABILITY OF STATINS: SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL ASPECTS
Authors: Giliarevskii S. R.
Published: August 2023

The article considers modern approaches to analyzing the effectiveness of interventions in relation to time, that is, the length of the period after the beginning of their application. The role of the analysis of the Kaplan-Meier curves for the evaluation of the effects of compared interventions depending on the time is discussed. Various options of the relative layout of the Kaplan-Meier curves in the course of the study are examined. The results of a recent analysis of the duration of the period between the onset of statin use and the development of clinical benefits of therapy are presented. In particular, the possibility of using the TTB indicator of intervention and TTH indicator, caused by the intervention, is discussed in making a clinical decision about the validity of the choice of a particular treatment method, in particular the indicator of number of patients Analysis of the Kaplan-Meier curves as an approach to assessing the effectiveness of therapy Modern effective clinical practice largely depends not only on the clinical experience of the physician, but also on the skills of searching and evaluating the evidence-based information that allows to choose the optimal treatment strategy. Such tactics can be determined only in the course of large and well-planned randomized clinical trials (RCTS). Analysis of the survival curves constructed using the Kaplan-Meier method has become one of the main approaches to assessing the incidence of adverse outcomes in modern clinical trials. There may be several variants of the "behavior" of such curves [1]. Such curves may not diverge throughout the study period (Figure 1A), indicating that there is no difference between the efficacy and / or safety of the interventions compared. Such curves may diverge, which will indicate a difference between the who need to be treated with a particular drug. Opinions that emphasize the importance of evaluating the effectiveness of interventions with absolute rather than relative risk of adverse clinical outcomes are mentioned. Clinical situations in which the duration of the TTB is of particular importance, in particular, in patients with a very high risk of developing complications of cardiovascular diseases (for example, after an acute coronary syndrome) and in patients who in most cases have limited life expectancy are considered. The role of atorvastatin in clinical situations is emphasized, in which the earlier achievement of the clinical advantages of lipid-lowering therapy is important. Data on the role of statins, in particular atorvastatin, are given in the early stages after the development of acute coronary syndrome.
RESISTANT ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION
Authors: Esaulova T. E. , Aksenova A. V. , Sivakova O. A. , Chazova I. Ye.
Published: August 2023

Resistant hypertension is defined as a lack to lower 140 mmHg (systolic blood pressure) and 90 mmHg (diastolic blood pressure) values of ambulatory blood pressure (BP) response using 3 antihypertensive agents of different classes, one of which should be a diuretic in patients fully adherent to antihypertensive therapy. Prevalence of resistant hypertension is ranging from about 5 to 50 % in various cohorts. Initial management requires identification of true treatment resistance by out-of-office BP measurements, assessment of adherence and screening for treatable causes of uncontrolled BP. Recent studies try to indicate possible biomarkers of resistance hypertension. Treatment include lifestyle changes, enhancing treatment adherence and optimization of the doses. An invasive approach to resistant hypertension should be kept for persistently severe cases managed in a specialized hypertension center. This article aims to familiarize readers with the evaluation and management of resistant hypertension by outlining the most recent evidence-based treatment options.
NOSOLOGICAL STRUCTURE OF ACUTE CORONARY EVENTS AT ADMISSION AND AT DISCHARGE, PATIENT COMPLIANCE AND NEAREST FORECAST (DATA OF THE RACSMI-UZ REGISTER)
Authors: Nagaeva G. A.
Published: August 2023

Introduction. Basing on the data of the “RACSMI-UZ” register, the article provides comparative analysis of the structure and transformation of diagnoses during acute coronary conditions in the dynamics (at admission and discharge), assesses patients' adherence to drug therapy depending on gender and also describes analysis of its effect on the short-term prognosis.

Material and methods. The study material included 449 patients with ACS/AMI hospitalized to relevant health care facilities of the experimental district of Tashkent. Two groups of patients were distinguished depending on the gender: group 1 included 243 male patients, and group 2 consisted of 206 female patients.

Results. The registration showed that ACS/AMI was more often observed in men than in women (54.1% vs. 45.9%, respectively). Male patients proved to be younger than female ones (p <0.05); obesity of different degree prevailed in women (48.0% in women vs. 29.6% in men, p <0.05). In the male population, AMI at admission was registered in 43 (17.7%) patients but the number of patients with this diagnosis increased at discharge (61 subjects, or 25.1%). Out of 243 men, 3.7% died and the largest number of deaths occurred in patients with initial diagnosis of unstable angina. In the female population, the incidence of AMI both with and without Q at admission was recorded 2 times less frequent than that at discharge from the hospital (8.7% of cases at admission and 17.5% of cases at discharge), which shows low vigilance of healthcare professionals in diagnostics of AMI in women. Mortality from ACS/ AMI in women was 3.4% with the largest number of deaths being associated with the initial diagnosis of AMI without Q. Compliance in females was somewhat higher than in males; men were prone to taking more medications (Mc’s), though there were no significant differences between men and women by the proportion of Mc’s taken. The direct correlation was found between the patients’ compliance level and the time interval: from admission to death of the respondent (p> 0.05).

Conclusion. ACS / AMI was more often recorded in men than in women, while the age of men was younger (p<0.05). Alertness of primary care physicians in ACS / AMI was low, especially for women. Compliance in women was higher than in men. Thus, the higher was the patient adherence to therapy, the more stable the body appeared to cardio stress.
CLINICAL IMPORTANCE OF MARKERS OF RENAL DYSFUNCTION IN CARDIO-VASCULAR RISK STRATIFICATION
Authors: Murkamilov I. T. , Aitbaev K. A. , Murkamilova Z. A. , Fomin V. V. , Raimzhanov Z. R. , Redzhapova N. A. , Yusupov F. A. , Aidarov Z. A.
Published: August 2023

Purpose of the study. To study the significance of cystatin C of blood plasma and its relationship with central arterial pressure and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in the stratification of cardiovascular risk.

Materials and methods. A general clinical and laboratory examination of 206 patients aged 16 to 88 years was performed, of which men were 101 (49%), women - 105 (51%). The mean age of the examined subjects was 51.8±14.3 years. Lipid spectrum parameters [total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)], cystatin C, plasma uric acid and fibrinogen were studied. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated using the F.J. Hoek et al. (2003) formula. To assess the central blood pressure, all patients underwent a contour analysis of the pulse wave on the AngioScan-01 (AngioScan-Electronics, Russia) and ultrasound examination of carotid artery (CA) on Vivid Q (USA). The type of research was single-step cross-sectional. Depending on the content of cystatin C of the blood plasma, all the examined subjects were divided into three groups. Group 1 (n=62) consisted of patients with cystatin C concentration of up to 0.99 mg/l; group 2 (n=91) - from 1.0 mg/l to 1.5 mg/l; group 3 (n=53) - over 1.51 mg/l.

Results. Patients with excessive body weight, stable angina, type 2 diabetes, cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) and chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) significantly prevailed in group 3, in comparison with groups 1 and 2 (p<0.5). Mean levels of systolic and central blood pressure (BP) were significantly higher in patients from group 3 (p<0.05). In the same group, there was a significant decrease in HDL cholesterol level (p<0.05), an increase in TG concentration (p<0.05), and blood plasma uric acid (p<0.05), as well as CIMT. Statistically and clinically significant decrease in GFR and an increase in the level of cystatin C in blood plasma was noted both in groups 2 and 3 (p<0.05). Positive correlation between CIMT and the level of cystatin C of blood plasma (r=0.578, p<0.05) and negative correlation with the value of GFR (r=-0.556, p<0.05) were recorded among the patients of group 1. In group 2, strong correlation was observed between CIMT and the content of HDL cholesterol plasma (r=-0.343; p<0.05). A significant direct relationship between CIMT and systolic level (r=0.482, p<0.05) and central arterial pressure (r=0.479, p<0.05) was found in individuals from group 3.

Conclusion. Studying the content of cystatin C of blood plasma in conjunction with determination of GFR is a priority for early diagnosis of renal dysfunction and assessment of cardiovascular disorders, providing stratification of groups of cardiovascular risk and subsequent implementation of preventive measures to reduce the level of total cardiovascular risk.
LEFT MAIN CORONARY ARTERY COMPRESSION SYNDROME IN PATIENT WITH PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION. FIRST CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Authors: Bykov A. N. , Arkhipov M. V. , Klimusheva N. F. , Iofin A. I.
Published: August 2023

Chest pain remains a common complaint in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Compression of the coronary arteries is rare and probably underestimated syndrome being a typical cause of angina pectoris in patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension. Compression of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) by an enlarged pulmonary trunk is oftentimes associated with angina pectoris, but appropriate approaches to diagnosis and treatment remain poorly defined. This is a clinical case of a 38 years-old woman with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) who has suffered from myocardial ischemia due to compression of the LMCA by a pulmonary artery aneurysm. The diagnosis of LMCA compression was made by coronary angiography (CA) and multispiral computed tomography (MSCT), which confirmed the pulmonary artery aneurysm as a source of external compression. LMCA stenting and changing in the PAH-specific therapy led to a significant improvement in angina, heart function and quality of life. Percutaneous coronary intervention appears to be feasible, safe and effective treatment for patients with external compression of the left coronary artery from pulmonary artery enlargement.
Morphology and multi-gene phylogeny reveal a novel Torula (Pleosporales, Torulaceae) species from the plateau lakes in Yunnan, China
Authors: Luan Sha , Shen Hong-Wei , Bao Dan-Feng , Luo Zong-Long , Li Yun-Xia
Published: August 2023

During an investigation into lignicolous freshwater fungi from the plateau lakes in Yunnan Province, China, two fresh collections of Torula taxa were collected and examined morpholgically.

Torula luguhuensis is characterised by: conidiophores which are semi-macronematous mononematous, erect, septate, smooth, slightly flexuous and pale brown; conidiogenous cells which are holoblastic, mono- to polyblastic, integrated, terminal, terminal or intercalary in conidial chains, doliiform and pale brown; conidia which are branched chains, acrogenous, straight or slightly curved, dark brown to blackish, pale brown or subhyaline at apex, 1–3 septate, strongly constricted at the septa, verruculose or finely echinulate and rounded at both ends. A new species was introduced, based on morphological and phylogenetic analysis of combined ITS, LSU, RPB2 and TEF sequence data. Detailed descriptions and illustrations are provided, with an updated phylogenetic tree depicting intergeneric relationships within the Torulaceae.
Towards FAIR Principles in Biodiversity Research: Enabling computable taxonomic descriptions and ecological data with Phenoscript
Authors: Tarasov Sergei , Montanaro Giulio , Losacco Federica , Porto Diego
Published: August 2023

Taxonomic descriptions hold immense phenotypic data, but their natural language (NL) format poses challenges for computer analysis. In this talk, we will present Phenoscript, a user-friendly computer language enabling computer-readable species descriptions and automated phenotype comparisons, in accordance with FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles.

Phenoscript facilitates the creation of semantic species descriptions that represent a knowledge graph composed of terms from predefined biological ontologies. A Phenoscript description resembles a NL description, but follows a specific language grammar. We have developed the Phenospy package: a Python-based Phenoscript toolkit. Phenospy converts Phenoscript descriptions into both NL format, facilitating scientific publication, and the Web Ontology Language (OWL) format, enabling downstream analysis and computable phenotypic comparisons. OWL is a standard for sharing semantic data on the Web. While initially designed for phenotypes, Phenoscript can be extended to create semantic ecological data, encompassing environmental traits, functional traits, and species interactions. We will discuss the integration of species and ecological traits encoded in Phenoscript into downstream analysis, highlighting its potential for phenomic-level research in biology.
Clinical and laboratory study of corrosion resistance of a base dental alloy for selective laser melting
Authors: Tomova Zlatina , Chonin Atanas , Stoeva Iliyana , Vlahova Angelina
Published: August 2023

Introduction: CAD/CAM technologies are becoming widely used for the production of metal ceramic dental restorations. Powder Co-based alloys are developed for selective laser melting. The corrosion resistance of the dental alloy affects the biocompatibility, functional suitability, and longevity of the prosthetic restoration.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the corrosion resistance of a cobalt-chromium dental alloy for porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns produced for selective laser melting technique in clinical and laboratory conditions.

Materials and methods: PFM crowns were made for 35 patients using CAD/CAM technology. The metal copings of the crowns were made of the EOS CobaltChrome SP2 alloy (EOS, Germany). Eocp measurements were conducted 2 hours and 7 days after fixing the restorations in oral cavity. The digital files of patients’ designed copings were used for the production of another 35 specimens, which were placed in artificial saliva. Eocp measurements were conducted after the same periods.

Results: In vitro studies showed high corrosion resistance after the short 2-hour stay. After 7 days in artificial saliva, the corrosion resistance became even higher probably due to strong passivation. In clinical conditions, Eocp values were slightly higher than the normal range 2 hours after fixing the crowns. Seven days after fixing, the Eocp values showed a decrease of corrosion resistance of the PFM crowns. The cause of the decrease may be interaction with other metal objects or specific conditions of the oral cavity.

Conclusions: The investigated alloy showed high corrosion resistance in in vitro settings. Clinical research revealed that PFM crowns had lower corrosion resistance. Further observation and research are required.
Lumbar disc herniation in children and elderly patients
Authors: Ovcharov Mladen E. , Mladenovski Milan N. , Mladenovski Igor N. , Valkov Iliya V. , Vasilkova Stanislava B.
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Lumbar disc herniation is a common pathology of young and middle-aged patients. Fissures and tears in the annulus fibrosus become weak points that facilitate herniation of the nucleus pulposus, especially when extreme forces ‘attack’ the intervertebral disc. A significant biomechanical force applied to a healthy (‘normal’) disc can have the same effect. Disc protrusions and herniations to varying degrees penetrate the spinal canal.

Aim: This study aims to present features of lumbar disc herniation in pediatric and elderly patients and evaluate them with respect to data reported in the literature.

Materials and methods: Five hundred eighty-nine patients were assessed, 64 of whom were children (0-18 years), and 98 were elderly patients (>60 years). The operated patients were followed up for at least three years. All data were recorded at the regular follow-ups (at 1 and 3 months, and at 1 and 3 years after surgery). We used chi-square tests and directional measures to determine statistically significant data. Operative treatment in children and elderly patients was 28% (162) of our cohort’s total number of patients.

Results: Analyzing postoperative MacNaB, our result showed that children have 23.4% excellent and 76.6 good self-assessment, while in elderly patients, on the one hand, MacNaB used to be excellent or good in 78.5%, and on the other hand, 21.5% had fair or poor self-assessment (p<0.05).

Conclusions: Long-term postoperative outcomes were worse in elderly patients than in children. This was mainly due to the poor status of the intervertebral discs according to the Phirman scale and the associated pathologies at other levels.
Revision of the Palaearctic species of the genus Plateumaris C. G. Thomson, 1859 (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Donaciinae)
Authors: Geiser Elisabeth
Published: August 2023

Ten of the 27 species of Plateumaris Thomson (Chrysomelidae: Donaciinae) occur in the Palaearctic. Due to the intraspecific variation and the large distributions of some species, descriptions exist for at least 80 taxa plus five nomina nuda. The status of each valid species is clarified and the remaining 70 names are allocated as synonyms. New synonymies are P. tenuicornis Balthasar, considered a synonym of P. consimilis (Schrank), P. sulcifrons Weise as a synonym of P. rustica (Kunze), and P. caucasica Zaitzev as a synonym of P. sericea (Linnaeus). Two controversial synonyms are confirmed: P. discolor (Panzer) and P. sericea sibirica (Solsky) are both synonyms of P. sericea. Finally, P. obsoleta Jacobson is a synonym but at present it is not possible to decide whether it belongs to P. shirahatai Kimoto or to P. sericea. Forty-one new country records are added, compared with the Catalogue of Palaearctic Coleoptera published in 2010; 28 records are based on recently published records and 13 are first records for a specific country.
Demarchus hsui (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini), a new species from Taiwan, with notes on immatures and biology
Authors: Lee Chi-Feng , Chen Jung-Chan
Published: August 2023

A new species of the little-known genus Demarchus Jacoby was discovered at Pilu, East Taiwan, and is here described as Demarchus hsuisp. nov. The larvae and adults utilise showy mistletoes as food plants. Their remarkable biology is described in detail, including egg deposition and leaf mining behaviour. Their biology is compared with that of other members of the genus.
Triple correlation sums of coefficients of $ \theta $-series
Authors: Hou Fei , Chen Bin
Published: August 2023

We investigate the triple correlation sums of coefficients of $ \theta $-series and prove an asymptotic formula with power-saving error term. As a result, we present that this type of sum is non-trivial in the regime $ H\ge X^{2/3+\varepsilon} $.
Characterization of the human IDH1 gene promoter
Authors: Takihara Yutaka , Otani Ryuji , Ishii Takuro , Takaoka Shunsuke , Nakano Yuki , Inoue Kaori , Larsen Steven , Ogino Yoko , Asai Masashi , Tanuma Sei-ichi , Uchiumi Fumiaki
Published: August 2023

In cancer, the production of ATP depends mainly on glycolysis, usually accompanied by the dysfunction of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a coenzyme for various biological enzymatic reactions such as those involved in the TCA cycle. To investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in carcinogenesis, the transcription system of genes associated with mitochondrial function should be elucidated. In this study, we isolated several mitochondrial function-associated bidirectional promoters and tested whether they responded to NAD+-metabolism regulating compounds, namely, trans-resveratrol (Rsv), 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG), 3-amino benzamide (3AB), and olaparib (OLA), in HeLa S3 cells. Transient transfection and luciferase (Luc) reporter assay showed that the IDH1 promoter was prominently activated by these compounds. The IDH1 gene, which encodes a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+) dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase, is frequently mutated in glioma and leukemia cells. In this study, RT-PCR showed that IDH1 gene and protein expression was induced in response to the NAD+-regulating drugs Rsv and 3AB. However, IDH1 protein amount was rather stable at control level. The result suggested that a post-transcriptional controlling system works to keep IDH1 at a stable level.
Influence of Learning Intervention on Online Learners’ Performance
Authors: Ren Limin , Fu Kelu , Cao Ruifeng
Published: August 2023

With the expansion of the online learning scale and the rapid development of learning analysis techniques, learning systems can completely record learners’ online learning behavior. What types of learning intervention measures can influence learning performance? How is the intervention working? The above questions are the focus of online courses and emphasize improving the online learning effect. In this research, 96 undergraduates (Classes 1 and 2, Grade 2) majoring in civil engineering and enrolled in the Engineering Surveying online course at the College of Transportation Engineering, Huanghe Jiaotong University, Henan Province, were selected as the research objects and randomly divided into two groups (the experimental group (N = 48) and the control group (N = 48)). Then, conducted a 15-week sustained intervention study through quasi-experimental research, and verified the effectiveness of different types of intervention measures on the learners’ learning performance. Next, a one-way analysis of variance was conducted, based on the pretesting of the performance data, the quality of online discussion posts, the effective learning duration, and the online final test results. Research results showed no obvious differences between the experimental group and control group in the online final test results from the previous semester (P = 0.347). The online learners’ learning performance was influenced by three aspects of the learning intervention, that is, apparent differences in the posting quality in the learning prompt intervention (T = 8.23, P < 0.01), the online learning duration in the process monitoring intervention (T = 23.19, P < 0.01), and the online final test results in the achievement incentive intervention (T = 6.08, P < 0.01). The research results have an important reference value for implementing intervention strategies in the online learning environment, judging the effectiveness of such strategies according to curve changes in performance, and using the mass data of learners recorded by online learning platforms.
Validation of a Didactic Model for the Understanding of Academic Texts in Virtual Higher Education
Authors: Rodríguez Maira Alejandra Pulgarín
Published: August 2023

Academic literacy is a crucial aspect of education, yet assessing it remains a challenge for universities in knowledge management. This research focuses on how to support Colombian university students in understanding academic texts in virtual learning environments. To address this issue and fill a gap in the literature, the main objective of this study is to propose a model for assessing academic literacy in virtual learning environments, using the Delphi method as a validation tool. A panel of language experts from various Latin American countries was convened to ensure a diverse and representative perspective of the region for this study. The research involved the participation of 15 experts with doctoral degrees from different countries, which allowed for a broad and heterogeneous perspective on academic literacy in virtual learning contexts in Latin America. Each of the participants contributed their knowledge and experience in the language area. In the results, ten key elements were identified and distributed in different subconstructs that allow for a comprehensive evaluation and improvement of academic competence in virtual learning environments. The identification of these elements provides teachers and university management personnel with a reliable and precise tool for evaluating students’ competence levels in virtual learning environments and designing effective pedagogical strategies to improve their academic performance.
Hybrid Learning through Lecture Capture: Exploring Perspectives and Overcoming Challenges with Blackboard Encore Technology
Authors: Zhao Xin
Published: August 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant disruptions in higher education. Despite UK universities returning to in-person teaching, many international students still face travel restrictions imposed by their home countries, resulting in remote learning for many students at the beginning of the 2022–2023 academic year. To ensure a seamless academic transition for all students, a British university has implemented a hybrid learning model that utilizes lecture capture technology, specifically Blackboard Encore Streaming, to provide face-to-face and remote students with access to the same learning experience. This paper presents the findings from two online focus groups with students (n = 18) and two staff reflections, which aimed to explore the perspectives of teachers and students on the new Encore Streaming feature. The results indicate that both teachers and students value the hybrid approach, with remote students appreciating the flexibility and convenience of this approach more than face-to-face students. However, the study also reveals significant discrepancies in teacher attention and student participation opportunities between remote and face-to-face students, attributed to pedagogical and technological barriers. The study highlights the crucial role of teachers in orchestrating the hybrid classroom to ensure equal learning opportunities for all students and identifies areas where teachers require support, such as training, staff time, and technology support.
A Model to Predict and Analyze Students' Learning Preferences and their Cognitive Development through Educational Big Data
Authors: Li Mingyang
Published: August 2023

Underpinned by the accelerated progression of information technology, the role of educational big data in information gathering and analysis has been underscored, particularly so in finance, a discipline embedded in logic and analysis. Patterns in student learning and behavioral data, when examined, can afford educators invaluable insights to shape efficacious teaching strategies. Contemporary research probing into the dynamics of student learning preference evolution and cognitive advancement appears to over-depend on static data, often falling short of effectively addressing the intricate data structures in educational big data. In this light, it becomes imperative to delve into the temporal shifts in student learning preferences and their link to cognitive advancement. In this context, a novel dynamic trustaware preference evolution model is brought to the fore, with the potential to precisely track variations in learning preferences of finance students and elucidate their correlation with cognitive advancement. A correlation model is erected, laying bare the reciprocal interaction between the metamorphosis of student learning preferences and cognitive progression. This pioneering approach eclipses the constraints inherent in extant research methodologies, rendering deeper comprehension to educators. Findings from regression analysis divulge the association between the transformative journey of learning preferences and cognitive advancement, holding far-reaching implications for educational practices. These revelations can capacitate educators to fine-tune their teaching approaches in line with student development, fostering personalized learning ecosystems. This research further holds significant merits for addressing complexities within finance education, aiding in the cultivation of adept professionals capable of navigating the fluid landscape of modern finance.
“There Are a Lot of People Like Me…”
Authors: Knight Kelly L. , Seshaiyer Padmanabhan , Craddock Danielle , Davis Claudette P.
Published: August 2023

There is a disparity between the number of men and women in STEM fields. The disparity is further exacerbated when considering the percentage of women from underrepresented backgrounds in the STEM workforce. However, early and persistent exposure to STEM through out-of-school programming can potentially increase the likelihood of a young girl, and particularly girls of color, pursuing a STEM degree and ending up in a STEM career. This chapter describes an out-of-school STEM program designed for middle school and high school girls. The design of the program is described as well as the critical role of community and corporate partnerships. Participants complete both pre- and post-program participation surveys which are used to gather data on demographics, STEM experiences, as well as their interests and motivation. The data presented provides evidence of the impact of the program. This chapter may also be a useful resource for others in the field who are designing similar programs which are specifically curated for girls.
Mutually Beneficial School-Industry Partnerships in STEM Education
Authors: Perry Anthony Michael
Published: August 2023

The case of Mid-America STEM High School showcases a partnership between one high school and a local STEM business. The partnership leverages the assets of both organizations to transform the quality of the high school STEM learning experience. As a result, learners regularly experience authentic learning opportunities which increases their odds of persisting in STEM-related postsecondary pathways. Cross-sector partnerships are often cited as a strategy to improve STEM education. The case demonstrates how one community overcame common collaboration barriers and suggests design principles that may be useful when developing new partnerships. The rich description of Mid-America STEM High School's partnership is derived from stakeholder interviews. Success can be attributed to intentional trust-building, a willingness to accommodate partner organizations' needs, and symbolic investments from organizational leaders. Other communities beginning new partnerships can learn from this case to build their own mutually beneficial school-STEM industry partnerships.
Monitoring of polyphosphate levels in animal source products collected in Italy by means of ion chromatography with suppressed conductivity detection
Authors: Berardi Giovanna , Di Taranto Aurelia , Haouet Naceur , Vita Valeria , Palomba Elena , Rizzi Gianluca , Iammarino Marco
Published: August 2023

Polyphosphates (PPs) constitute a class of food additives widely used due to their ability to exercise different useful activities. The food safety concern about the use of PPs in food is both the possible non-declared addition and some health effects, such as bile duct stones, decrease in oligo-element absorption, and allergic reactions in susceptible people. In this study, an analytical method based on ion chromatography with conductivity detection was applied for the detection and quantification of PPs in 238 samples of animal-derived products such as meat, dairy, and fish products. A contribution to risk assessment was also included. The monitoring confirmed the absence of non-compliant results. All concentrations of PPs were indeed lower than the legal limits set in European Regulation No. 1333/2008. Moreover, no residue of PPs was detected (> limit of quantification: 0.09 g kg-1) in all samples where they were not reported on the product label. No PPs were detected in molluscs, meat-based preparations, semi-ripened, unripened, and spun paste cheese, while they are widely used in surimi, with concentrations in the range of 0.1-0.5 g kg-1. The highest concentrations were quantified in a wurstel sample (4.7±0.3 g kg-1) and a spreadable cheese sample (8.9±0.7 g kg-1). Considering that the high-exposure scenario together with a very susceptible population group (toddlers) were considered for risk exposure study, and that the highest admissible daily intake obtained was equal to 10.4%, the assessment demonstrated that the actual use of PPs in food does not pose a risk for food safety.
A convenient one pot synthesis, crystal structure and chemiluminescence of S,S-diphenyl ethanebis(thioate) compound
Authors: Li Ruiji , Fang Qi , Mou Bingzhao , Chen Minghui , Tang Qiwen , Shen Baojun , Wang Dong , Li Wei
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT. A compound S,S-bis(2-(prop-1-yn-1-yl)phenyl) ethanebis(thioate) is synthesized through one-pot synthesis. The lithiation reaction of 3-bromo-2-methylbenzo[b]thiophene by using n-butyllithium, is followed by conversion to the corresponding organocopper compound, and subsequent reaction with oxalyl chloride to afford the target compound. The chemical structure of the final compound is well confirmed by NMR, HRMS and X-ray analysis. Meanwhile, the proposed reaction mechanism is fully discussed. Furthermore, the chemiluminescent reaction by using target compound to release light is also investigated. This work provides a convenient synthetic approach for obtaining S,S-diphenyl ethanebis(thioate) compound and broadening its application in chemiluminescence.

 

KEY WORDS: One pot synthesis, S,S-Diphenyl ethanebis(thioate) compound, Crystal structure, Reaction mechanism, Chemiluminescence

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(5), 1185-1191.                                                          

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i5.11
Design and synthesis of indole-benzimidazole hybrid molecules and evaluation of their in-vitro cytotoxic activities
Authors: Hamza Sherif Salah , L.N. Murthy Y.
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT. Cancer is one of the most deadly diseases worldwide, challenging the world for effective treatment of the diseases, to tackle this problem a vast amount of therapeutic candidates are being investigated. Indole-benzimidazole structures have recently gained considerable attention, because compounds containing these structure exhibit a very good anticancer property. Two series of novel indole-benzimidazole hybrids molecules viz., 2-(5-substituted-1H-indol-3-yl)-5-substituted-1H-benzo[d]imidazole 5(a-f) and 2-(5-substituted-1-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-5-substituted-1H-benzo[d]imidazole 6(a-f) were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic techniques. The twelve target molecules have been investigated for their in-vitro cytotoxic activity against human ovarian carcinoma cells (SKOV-3), human prostate cancer cells (PC-3), human cervical cancer cells (HeLa) and human acute monocytic leukemia cells (THP-1) using MTT assay. Compound; 2-(5-bromo-1H-indol-3-yl)-5-methyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazole (5e) was interesting with IC50 (μM) values of 23.69 (SKOV-3), 73.05 (PC-3), 64.66 (HeLa) and 39.08 (THP-1), respectively.

                                                                                                    

KEY WORDS: Indole, Benzimidazole, Hybrid molecules, Anticancer activity

 

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(5), 1209-1220.                                                       

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i5.13
Production rate of heterocyclic compounds iodinated N-(p-chlorophenyl)-3,5- dimethyl-1,1-dioxo-1,2-thiazine
Authors: Ibrahim Hamadamin Shireen
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT. Iodinated heterocyclic molecules are crucial structural components of many natural products, including hormones, vitamins, and medicines. The pharmaceutical survey is very interested in the investigation of the kinetics of the iodination of N-(p-chlorophenyl)-3,5-dimethyl-1,1-dioxo-1,2-thiazine. The rate of iodination is directly dependent on the concentration of both 1,2-thiazine and iodine under different molar ratios (1:10), (10:1) adopted on the isolation method, the observed rate of iodination, the pseudo-first-order and the second order using (1:1) molar ratio in the overall reaction using spectrophotometric techniques. Thermodynamic activation parameters activation energy Ea, enthalpy change ΔH#, entropy change ΔS#, and Gibbs free energy ΔG# of activation were calculated from the rate constant at temperatures 273, 283, 293, 303, and 318 K.

 

KEY WORDS: Production rate, 1,2-Thiazine, Iodine (I2), Kinetic

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(5), 1253-1262.                                                         

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i5.16