bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CHRONIC SMOKING AND PORNOGRAPHIC ADDICTION IN SCHIZOPHRENIA PATIENT WITH URBAN LIVING: CASE REPORT
Authors:   Department of Anatomy Faculty of Medicine Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya, Indonesia, Putra Gumilar Fardhani Ami , Syulthoni Zain Budi ,   Department pf Psychiatry Faculty of Medicine Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya, Indonesia, Ulya Zuhrotun ,   Department of Psychiatry Faculty of Medicine Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia
Published: September 2023

Introduction – Urban living, chronic smoking is a risk factor in schizophrenia. Pornographic addiction is also a potential risk factor of schizophrenia considering its neurobiological pathways. Schizophrenia is one of the most dangerous mental illness contributing to 2,8% years lived with disability. Considering many people with urban living, chronic smoking, and pornographic consumption, relation of these risk factors to schizophrenia is demonstrated in this case report. Methods – Presented the case of the patient, 39 years old with psychotic symptoms was found to be born and lived most of his life in urban area, smoking since junior high school, and often consumed pornographic contents since senior high school. Data were taken from psychiatric interviews, general, and mental status examinations in psychiatric clinics, then a literature review was carried out. Results – People who born, and live through their live longer in a larger city, have more risk of Schizophrenia. Patient was known to be born in one of the biggest city in Indonesia, before moved out to another urban area in different countries in last two years. Crave with chronic smoking and pornographic addiction become one of contraproductive conduct source which arise difficulty in patient’s side to take an health life style with the risk of poor prognosis and mental health deterioration. Discuss – People who born and live longer in urban areas such as cities are in increased risk of schizophrenia due to social status awareness and fast paced life induce brain stress. Chronic smoking is a risk factor of schizophrenia due to the effect of nicotine on dopamine levels. Pornographic addiction is a potential risk factor due to addiction pathway effect on dopamine threshold. Conclusion – Urban living, chronic smoking, and pornographic addiction are risk factors associated with schizophrenia found in this case report. Epidemiologic and pathophysiological mechanisms behind these risk factors are an interesting view for physician dealing with schizophrenia patients. Awareness of social status and fast paced life in urban lifestyle, pathways of nicotine in dopamine dysregulation, and dopamine-related impairment in addiction are the neurobiological mechanisms behind these risk factors which a physician needs to be aware of. Keywords: schizophrenia, urban living, chronic smoking, pornographic addiction
Anxiety levels and school performance of Ecuadorian children from 3 to 5 years old: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Roldán Bazurto Mayra Azucena , Montes-Escobar Karime , Zambrano Acosta Jimmy Manuel , Meza Intriago Hipatia , Siteneski Aline
Published: September 2023

Anxiety Disorder is common in kindergarten children. The high rates of anxiety disorder impact neurodevelopment and consequently may contribute to poor school performance. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of anxiety rates on the school performance of kindergarten children. It used the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED) parent version in parents of Ecuadorian children. The statistical analyses included one hundred fourteen responses from parents of kindergarten children. The binomial logistic regression model for the SCARED rating for parents' answers was statistically significant for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (odds [OR], 0.036; 95% confidence interval and p <0.001. A statistically substantial score (odds [OR], 0.037; 95% confidence interval and p <0.001, was presented in Social Anxiety Disorder. Finally, school refusal was evaluated (odds [OR], 0.038; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.004-0.340) with a (p <0.003). A positive statistical correlation between social disorder and school avoidance correlated with anxiety disorder in kindergarten children.
In conclusion, our results showed that Anxiety Disorders are common in kindergarten children. We did not find a correlation between anxiety levels and the school performance of our children sample. There is a positive relationship between anxiety and school avoidance in Ecuadorian children.
Keywords: Anxiety Disorder; Kindergarten; Children; School performance Social disorder; School avoidance.
Effectiveness of a 5-Week Virtual Reality Telerehabilitation Program for Children With Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy: Prospective Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Baeza-Barragán María Rosa , Labajos Manzanares Maria Teresa , Amaya-Álvarez Mercedes Cristina , Morales Vega Fabián , Rodriguez Ruiz Judit , Martín-Valero Rocío
Published: September 2023

Background

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) are neuromuscular diseases. DMD is the most prevalent in children. It affects dystrophin production, reducing the patient’s mobility and quality of life. New technologies have become a part of physical therapy in DMD and BMD. During the COVID-19 pandemic, conducting telerehabilitation through virtual reality–based games could help these children maintain their physical abilities.

Objective

This study examined if the use of a virtual platform in a multimodal intervention program changes the results of the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) in children with DMD and BMD. The main objective was to test whether children with DMD and BMD obtain different results on the 6MWT after completing 10 telerehabilitation treatment sessions. The secondary objective was to measure whether other specific motor scales also produce different results after the 10 defined sessions.

Methods

This was a descriptive, open, and quasi-experimental study with a prospective A-B (control-intervention) design. A sample of 12 participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria followed the program for 5 weeks with 10 telerehabilitation sessions. During the sessions, the participants used virtual reality glasses to train for the treatment goals. All participants were assessed in person before and after the intervention. Analysis was performed using R software according to the different functional assessments performed for each test.

Results

The participants showed a 19.55-meter increase in the 6MWT. Motor function also remained stable according to other scales used to assess it. The North Start Ambulatory Assessment scores were stable in both treatment conditions (P=.20). Furthermore, the timed up and go test results were 0.1 seconds faster in the telerehabilitation condition, and the Motor Function Measure in all of the 3 dimensions showed no significant differences (P=.08). Finally, the Effort Perception Infant scale showed that during the training, fatigue increased in the middle and decreased by the end of the sessions, but the perception throughout the sessions was lower even as the exercise intensity increased.

Conclusions

There were no differences between conventional and telerehabilitation treatments, so the telerehabilitation tool could be used without harming children with DMD and BMD, facilitating their access to therapies and stimulating learning to maintain their functional capacity. Therefore, telerehabilitation in general may be helpful in maintaining motor function in children with DMD and BMD. The learning effect helped reduce the feeling of fatigue in the children during the program.
An Automated Electronic System in a Motorized Wheelchair for Telemonitoring: Mixed Methods Study Based on Internet of Things
Authors: Câmara Gradim Luma Carolina , Santana André Luiz Maciel , Archanjo José Marcelo , Zuffo Marcelo Knörich , Lopes Roseli de Deus
Published: September 2023

Background

Wheelchair positioning systems can prevent postural deficits and pressure injuries. However, a more effective professional follow-up is needed to assess and monitor positioning according to the specificities and clinical conditions of each user.

Objective

This study aims to present the concept of an electronic system embedded in a motorized wheelchair, based on the Internet of Things (IoT), for automated positioning as part of a study on wheelchairs and telemonitoring.

Methods

We conducted a mixed methods study with a user-centered design approach, interviews with 16 wheelchair users and 66 professionals for the development of system functions, and a formative assessment of 5 participants with descriptive analysis to design system concepts.

Results

We presented a new wheelchair system with hardware and software components developed based on coparticipation with singular components in an IoT architecture. In an IoT solution, the incorporation of sensors from the inertial measurement unit was crucial. These sensors were vital for offering alternative methods to monitor and control the tilt and recline functions of a wheelchair. This monitoring and control could be achieved autonomously through a smartphone app. In addition, this capability addressed the requirements of real users.

Conclusions

The technologies presented in this system can benefit telemonitoring and favor real feedback, allowing quality provision of health services to wheelchair users. User-centered development favored development with specific functions to meet the real demands of users. We emphasize the importance of future studies on the correlation between diagnoses and the use of the system in a real environment to help professionals in treatment.
Improving Vaccine Clinic efficiency through the CANImmunize platform (Preprint)
Authors: Kuatsidzo Ananda , Wilson Kumanan , Ruller Sydney , Daly Blake , Halil Roland , Kobewka Daniel
Published: September 2023

UNSTRUCTURED

Our objective was to evaluate the CANImmunize digital solution and measure the impact on workflow and appointment booking at Bruyère Hospital.
Imaginarios sociales sobre la migración venezolana en la ciudad de Villavicencio: experiencias desde el contexto colombiano
Authors: Perdomo Vargas Iván Ricardo , Rodríguez Gladys , Rodríguez Hernández Guillermo , Herrera Merchán Becky Julieth
Published: September 2023

En la actualidad, la República Bolivariana de Venezuela atraviesa un momento histórico que ha desatado una migración masiva principalmente hacia aquellos países circunvecinos, entre ellos Colombia. En el proceso de adaptación e inserción en una nueva sociedad, emergen los imaginarios sociales como mediadores que configuran las realidades constituyendo tanto un modo de ver el mundo como una percepción individual. Teniendo en cuenta esto, el presente trabajo busca comprender los imaginarios sociales construidos en el proceso migratorio de ciudadanos ve-nezolanos a territorio colombiano. Desde un enfoque cualitativo, se entrevistaron a 20 participantes: 10 ciudadanos colombianos y 10 venezolanos, con el fin de explorar las principales características de estos imaginarios a través de un análisis fenomenológico. Entre los principales hallazgos, destaca el alcance de los medios de comunicación en el reforzamiento de la imagen negativa del migrante venezolano; así mismo, prevalecen las creencias negativas acerca del migrante y sus intenciones. Estos hallazgos están atravesados por una constante distinción amigo-enemigo, fuertemente arraigada en actitudes etnocéntricas que favorecen procesos de rechazo y exclusión hacia la población migrante.
Thermal Performance Evaluation of Trapezium Solar Cooker with Hexagonal Solar Cooker
Authors: Patel Prakash
Published: September 2023

Abstract: Energy has become the utmost necessity of our life. It is required from dawn to dusk to fuel the world. Energy is scattered everywhere around the Earth. Energy has always been an inextricable part of human life. The existence of living organisms on the earth is possible due to the solar radiations reaching the earth and the ozone layer that makes the most favorable temperature required for the functioning of enzymes and led to the existence of life and other sources required for supporting the survival of life. The present work aim on fabrication of trapezium and hexagonal cooker and their thermal performance comparison to evaluate based on their temperature values using K type thermocouples.
Assessing the Performance of Video Classification Models in Identifying Violent Actions
Authors: Patel Divya , Shah Jash , Pandey Pradhyuman , Katre Neha , Tawde Prachi
Published: September 2023

Abstract: Manual video surveillance takes time and is prone to human error. Thanks to machine learning and deep learning, video analytics automates these processes. Video classification is an important aspect of video analytics. It is critical to detect violent behavior in recordings for surveillance, crime prevention, and public safety. Video classification algorithms are capable of detecting violent acts in video data. This paper introduces readers to the many approaches to video classification and describes the underlying network structure of the 3DCNN, ConvLSTM, and LRCN models, which are commonly used for video classification. Additionally, the models' implementation results were compared in order to conduct a comparative performance analysis of the models for the task of violent action classification. When it comes to classification, F1-Score, AUC score, and accuracy are useful metrics for evaluating models, and they were compared. We discuss some of the difficulties in violent action classification, as well as some potential future opportunities and new perspectives on how to address them and improve the system.
Wireless Technology: Transformation from 1G to 5G and Beyond
Authors: Dhandhukia Unnati Mahesh
Published: September 2023

Abstract: This research paper explores the evolution of wireless technology from 1G to 5G and provides insights into the potential of 6G technology. It discusses the historical significance of each generation, their technological features, and their impact on various aspects of our lives. Furthermore, the paper delves into the applications of 5G in fields such as IoT, healthcare, smart cities, vehicular networks, and agriculture. It concludes by offering a glimpse into the future of wireless communication with 6G, emphasizing its capacity to transform healthcare, communication, and extended reality. The research anticipates that 6G will usher in an era of limitless wireless connectivity.
Exploring the Relationship between Social Networking Addiction, Academic Stress and Academic Performance
Authors: Sen Anushmita
Published: September 2023

Abstract: The contemporary digital landscape presents a complex interplay between social networking addiction, academic stress, and academic performance. As students navigate the challenges of academia while remaining constantly connected to the digital world, it is essential to examine the relationships between these factors. This study endeavors to explore the intricacies of this relationship, drawing upon existing research and shedding light on potential implications for students, educators, and policymakers alike. A deeper understanding of these dynamics equips us to navigate the digital age while preserving the pursuit of academic excellence. This study utilized a quantitative research design to collect data from two groups: males and females, using a self-administered questionnaire that will gather information on social network addiction, academic stress and academic performance. In this study, the examination of the intricate relationship among social networking addiction, academic stress, and academic performance has provided valuable insights into the complex interplay of these factors. However, the study has also brought to light several research gaps that require further investigation. In conclusion, this study has illuminated the elaborate dynamics among social networking addiction, academic stress, and academic performance. By addressing these complexities and leveraging the insights gained, researchers and educational institutions can strive to create a healthier and more supportive academic environment that empowers students to excel academically while maintaining a balanced relationship with the digital world.
Role of meteorology in logistics planning
Authors: Jarosova Miriam
Published: September 2023

Meteorology affects every part of life. We need to know the weather conditions for our everyday life, but also for the work activities of the company. Transport is a very sensitive area that is very responsive to changing weather conditions. Each type of transport is sensitive to different weather phenomena. The article provides basic information about weather, its role in transportation, and the fact that hazardous weather phenomena can significantly affect the speed of delivery, safety and quality of transportation.
Influence of succinic acid Acidum succinicum on chinchilla growth in postembryonic period
Authors: Golovacheva Natalia A. , Selivanova Irina R. , Chichenkova Margarita A. , Filatova Polina A. , Antonova Vera S.
Published: September 2023

In animal husbandry, special attention is paid to biological additives and natural metabolites used in the development of feeds that ensure productivity of animals and increase resistance to adverse environmental factors. Such additives actively influence energy metabolism and do not harm even in case of an overdose, due to the absence of xenobiotic effects inherent in a large number of synthetic drugs. The purpose of the research was to study growth dynamics of chinchillas against the background of drug Succinic acid forte. The experiments were carried out on chinchillas 55-61 days old. At the same time, succinic acid (Acidum succinicum) was given to the chinchillas of the experimental group for 30 days in addition to the main diet - 20 mg/kg of live weight, pre-mixed with a small amount of water, then chinchillas were fed individually from the syringe. Determination of the dynamics of live weight was carried out using individual weighing of animals at the beginning of the experiment when forming groups, and then every ten days before feeding. When analyzing the main productive indicators, a direct pattern was noted - use of succinic acid in the diet of young chinchillas led to an increase in growth rate. So, 20 days after the start of the experiment, indicators of absolute gain in live weight of experimental animals were 32.07 % (p = 0.001), and after 30 days - 45.34 % (p = 0.001) more than in the control, where in the feeding of chinchillas, only the main diet was used without additional introduction of succinic acid.
Allelic frequency of beta-lactoglobulin gene in different cattle breeds
Authors: Khudyakova Natalya A. , Kozhevnikova Irina S. , Stupina Alexandra O. , Klassen Inga A. , Selkova Iya V.
Published: September 2023

The results of research on the frequency of genotypes AA, AB, BB and alleles A and B of milk protein beta-lactoglobulin in various cattle breeds over the past decades were presented and summarized. The livestock of the following foreign countries was considered: Italy, India and the Czech Republic. Also, on the territory of the Russian Federation, breeding stock and sires of the Republic of Bashkortostan, Tatarstan, Pskov, Samara and Arkhangelsk regions, as well as sires in the Altai Territory, were studied. Black-and-White breed is the most studied one. Moreover, there are data on the Simmental and Kholmogory breeds of cattle. The frequency of allele B among the breeding stock of Black-and-White breed in farms ranged from 0.21 to 0.64. The frequency of allele B among the breeding stock of Simmental breed in farms ranged from 0.42 to 0.65. The frequency of allele B among the breeding stock of Kholmogory breed in farms was from 0.60 to 0.70. The frequency of allele B among sires of Black-and-White breed ranged from 0.43 to 0.69. In most farms, BB genotype leads in terms of quality indicators of milk productivity, and AB genotype leads in quantitative indicators of milk productivity. However, in some farms, AA genotype prevails in terms of milk yield and protein, and this genotype is also associated with a high content of dry skimmed milk residue and resistance to mastitis. Thus, further in-depth study of the beta-lactoglobulin gene is necessary, since new data will expand the understanding of the effect of this gene on economically useful traits of animals and will eliminate contradictions in the available data.
Neurophysiological cognitive assessment and its association with neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio
Authors: Rajprabha - , Sharma Anshul , Sorout Jitender , Kacker Sudhanshu , Jangid Naina
Published: September 2023

Relevance. Cognition is an important physiological and higher mental functions in human being. There are various studies showing that inflammatory condition could negatively affect fronto temporal cognitive abilities such as memory, attention and executive functions. A non-invasive test P300 a component of Auditory events related potentials and Mini mental state examination (MMSE), a questionnaire based test reflect cognitive function, and haematological parameter neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a convenient parameter of systemic inflammation. Aim of present study was to assess the cognitive function assessment by P-300, MMSE and academic performance and find an association with neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in first year medical students. Materials and Methods. This was an observational study conducted on 79 first year medical students of age group 18-25 years in the department of physiology RUHS College of medical sciences Jaipur. For cognitive assessment non-invasive test P300, MMSE and academic performance was recorded. A haematological parameter NLR was calculated by dividing the absolute neutrophil count with the absolute lymphocyte count. To find an association statistical analysis was done by MEDCALC 16.4 version software. Results and Discussion. The association between P-300 amplitude and latency and MMSE with NLR was found non-significant. Marks have a significant positive correlation with NLR (0.015). Conclusion. In the present study neurocognitive function test P-300 and MMSE found non-significant association with inflammatory marker NLR although academic performance (marks) have a significant positive correlation with NLR.
Osobennosti tserebral'nogo krovoobrashcheniya studentov-pervokursnikov severnogo regiona
Authors: Govorukhina Alena A. , Maltsev Viktor P. , Malkov Oleg A. , Nagovitsina Ulyana V.
Published: September 2023

Relevance. Intense psycho-emotional and intellectual loads during the period of higher education, combined with climatic and environmental pressure, living in the northern regions, cause enormous stress for the emerging organism and can lead to violations of the functional state of the organism as a whole and cerebral hemodynamics in particular. In this regard, early identification of students with risk factors of circulatory system dysfunction for timely assistance and correction of their lifestyle is relevant. The purpose of the study was to analyze the features of cerebral circulation of first-year students of the northern region. Materials and Methods. Within the framework of the pilot study, first-year students (n = 30; 13 girls and 17 boys, average age 18 ± 0.6 years) of Surgut State Pedagogical University living in the territory equated to the conditions of the Far North took part. Indicators of cerebral circulation of the examined patients were diagnosed using the rheographic complex «Reo-Spectrum» (LLC «Neurosoft», Ivanovo) in four standard leads: front-mastoid (FM) on the left and right, and occipito-mastoid (OM) on the left and right. The diagnosis was carried out in accordance with bioethical norms with the voluntary written consent to conduct the study. Results and Discussion. In the course of the study, it was found that rheoencephalography indicators in the majority of the examined young men reveal insufficient blood filling in all the diagnosed arterial basins of the brain. At the same time, the tone of the arteries of different calibers correspondes to the normative indicators. Cerebral blood flow in them is provided mainly by increasing the tone of arterioles. An adequate blood outflow was diagnosed against the background of normal tone of venous vessels In young men. The tone of small vessels of girls was increased in all brain leads, in the carotid artery basin there was an increase in volumetric blood filling of brain vessels against the background of increased tone of large vessels, which can be considered as a regulatory mechanism for normalizing reduced blood filling of the corresponding vascular region. The outflow of blood from arterioles and vein tone was increased only on the left. Conclusion. To identify the peculiarities of cerebral circulation of first-year students of the northern region, it is necessary further to study the hemodynamic mechanisms of regulation of vascular tone, as well as the relationship with central circulation.
Cardiorhythm in postural changes depending on the autonomic centers reactivity
Authors: Skorlupkin Dmitry A. , Golubeva Elena K. , Yarchenkova Larisa L.
Published: September 2023

Postural changes are accompanied by the formation of an adaptive response of the cardiovascular system. This is manifested by a change in heart rate variability. The features of the reaction largely depend on the excitability (reactivity) of the vegetative centers. The aim of the study was to identify individual features of heart rate regulation in postural changes depending on the reactivity of sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic centers in students. Material and Methods. In 50 men, temporal, frequency, geometric and calculated indicators of heart rate variability were determined in a horizontal position, with active orthostasis, passive orthostasis and passive antiorthostasis. The reactivity of the sympathetic system was assessed by the change of heart rate in active orthostasis. The reactivity of the parasympathetic system was determined by K30:15. Results and Discussion. With normal and high sympathetic reactivity, active orthostasis causes an increase in the low-frequency power of the spectrum, stress index, heart rate, a decrease in the high-frequency component and the duration of cardiac intervals. The changes are more pronounced with high sympathetic reactivity. In passive orthostasis, high sympathetic reactivity is manifested by a large increase in heart rate, shortening of cardiac intervals and a decrease in the proportion of the spectrogram high-frequency component. Passive antiorthostasis with normal sympathetic reactivity causes a decrease in the adequacy of the regulation processes and an expansion of the scatterogram. In subjects with high parasympathetic reactivity with active orthostasis, the increase in the stress index is less than with normal and low reactivity. With low parasympathetic reactivity, the indicator of the adequacy of the regulation processes is greater than with normal and high reactivity, and the increase in heart rate and shortening of the minimum cardiac interval is greater than with normal. In passive orthostasis, the proportion of the high-frequency component decreases, the proportion of the ultra-low-frequency component increases, the modal cardiointerval shortens, which is more pronounced with low parasympathetic reactivity than with normal. In passive antiorthostasis, the ultra-low frequency component decreases in individuals with normal reactivity. With high reactivity, the maximum value of the high-frequency component increases and the adequacy of the regulation processes decreases. Conclusion. Active and passive orthostasis is accompanied by activation of sympathetic centers. It is more pronounced with high reactivity of the sympathetic department and low reactivity of the parasympathetic. Passive antiorthostasis stimulates the activity of parasympathetic cardiac centers in subjects with normal, high parasympathetic reactivity and normal sympathetic reactivity.
Inflammatory response modulation by epinephrine and norepinephrine
Authors: Guryanova Svetlana V. , Ferberg Artem S. , Sigmatulin Ilya A.
Published: September 2023

Relevance. Inflammation is a defense response of an organism to a pathogen. It appears in order to maintain homeostasis and is regulated by the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems. The hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine are produced in the adrenal medulla and in the brain, and are universal messengers that trigger the transmission of nerve impulses at synapses, and also have a receptor-mediated effect on immunocompetent cells. The aim of this study was to investigate adrenergic pathway regulation of inflammation on the neutrophil granulocytes in the presence of activators of innate immunity receptors. Materials and Methods. Neutrophil granulocytes were obtained from peripheral blood of healthy volunteers in a density gradient of Histopaque 1077 and Histopaque 1119 (Sigma Aldrich, Steinheim, Germany), and cultured in the presence of LPS, GMDP, epinephrine and norepinephrine. The amount of human neutrophil peptides 1-3 (HNP1-3) was examined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; the gene expression of TLR4, NOD2, ATF3 and A20 was determined using RT-PCR. Results and Discussion. Norepinephrine (noradrenaline) was found to decrease the synthesis of human neutrophils peptides 1-3 (HNP 1-3 defensins, alone and in the combination with agonists of TLR4 and NOD2 receptors - LPS and GMDP respectively. It was found out that there was no a statistically significant effect of epinephrine (adrenaline) on the production of HNP 1-3, including when combined with LPS and GMDP. As a result of the study, an increase in the levels of expression of the genes TLR4, NOD2 and regulator of inflammatory reactions A20 both in LPS- and GMDP- induced neutrophil culture were uncovered, while ATF3 was increased only in LPS-induced neutrophil culture. Epinephrine demonstrated the absence of a statistically significant effect on the expression of the studied genes. While norepinephrine significantly increased the expression of A20 genes. Conclusion. The data obtained shows that norepinephrine can reduce the synthesis of HNP 1-3, including the one induced by LPS and GMDP. Moreover, the ability of norepinephrine to induce the expression of A20 may play a significant role in modulation of inflammation.
The effectiveness of assisted reproductive technologies immunological prediction
Authors: Matveeva Ljubov V. , Fominova Galina V. , Gromova Elena V. , Alyamkina Elena A. , Galynya Anastasiya S.
Published: September 2023

The high frequency of infertility is a significant medical and social problem in many countries of the world; assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are actively used to solve it. Given that immune responses play an important role in the development and maintenance of pregnancy, the study of changes in immune parameters is relevant in different trimesters of pregnancy, as well as at the stage of preconception preparation. It is believed that the maternal-fetal relationship is not limited to the development of maternal tolerance to fetal antigens, but is complemented by complex cytokine interactions that control selective immune regulation, control of adhesion and vascularization processes during embryo implantation and pregnancy. The purpose of the review was to analyze the available scientific data on the use of immune parameters to predict the effectiveness of ART. A review of Russian and foreign scientific papers on prevalence, immunopathogenetic mechanisms, and infertility diagnostics was carried out. A multi-criteria search was carried out for inventions, abstracts of patent documents on immunological prediction of the effectiveness of ART. As predictors, immunocompetent cells (CD3+-, CD4+-, CD3-CD16+56+-venous blood lymphocytes, CD95+ macrophages of endometrial biopsy), cytokines, pregnancy glycoproteins, autoantibodies, immunogenetic markers are presented. The study of the quantitative level of cytokines in blood serum, ovarian follicular fluid and endometrium as mediators of intercellular and intertissue interactions is of undoubted scientific and practical interest in terms of establishing their discriminatory levels specific to different trimesters of a normal pregnancy, the threat of miscarriage, and infertility. There was an association with non-occurrence of pregnancy due to in vitro fertilization of an increased content of interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon (IFN)-γ in the follicular fluid, and a soluble receptor IL-2-α, IL-8 and lactoferrin in the blood serum. The immunosuppressive effects of pregnancy-associated α2-glycoprotein, trophoblastic β1-glycoprotein, α-fetoprotein, α2-macroglobulin contribute to the development and maintenance of pregnancy, but their prognostic value is not unambiguous. The study of the content of immunoglobulins G to α2-macroglobulin, lactoferrin, progesterone, estradiol, cardiolipin in the follicular fluid and blood serum makes it possible to predict the result of ART. Conclusion. The study of immune parameters, especially in combination with sex hormones and characteristics of the state of the embryo, in infertile women has diagnostic value and prognostic significance, and can contribute to the timely correction of therapy and the ART program.
Modern osteoplastic materials
Authors: Salekh Karina M. , Dymnikov Alexandr B. , Mukhametshin Roman F. , Ivashkevich Sergey G.
Published: September 2023

Relevance. Bone tissue regeneration and the development of methods for directed influence on the processes of bone healing are of the most urgent problems of modern medicine. Defects in the jaw bones are widespread, which in turn leads to the search for modern bone - replacing materials that meet the basic characteristics of the bone. Information was searched based on the PubMed and E-library databases, using the keywords: “bone tissue” AND “bone regeneration” AND “osteoplastic materials” AND “osteoinduction” AND “osteoconduction”. Autologous bone is considered the clinical gold standard and the most effective method of bone regeneration. It is the autograft that has three main characteristics: osteogenicity, osteoinductive and osteoconductive. The autograft has limitations due to the limited amount of bone tissue and the soreness of the donor site. A viable alternative to autologous bone is an allograft. The most widely used allograft is demineralized freeze - dried bone allograft (FDBA). The freeze - drying process promotes damage to osteoblasts, which limits its osteoinductive potential, but it is a profitable alternative in terms of convenience, abundance of choice and absence of pain due to the absence of additional surgical intervention. The main component of xenogeneic materials is collagen, which has the ability to resorb in tissues and stimulate regenerative processes. The material has osteoconductive properties and is capable of bone ingrowth, with the formation of a new bone directly from the xenomaterial bed with the deposition of bone cells on its surface. Subsequently, the xenomaterial undergoes resorption with complete replacement with new bone tissue. Alloplastic materials are fully synthetic materials synthesized from inorganic sources. Alloplastic materials have the property of osteoconduction, and when various growth factors are added to their composition, the property of osteoinduction is added to osteoconductive. The clinical use of bone substitutes is limited by their fragility as well as their unpredictable rate of resorption, which render these materials generally less favorable in clinical outcomes. Conclusion. Until now, a scientific search for various materials capable of replacing an autogenous transplant is being carried out. At the moment, none of the currently available materials has all the desired characteristics and the choice of materials directly depends on the specific clinical situation in the oral cavity.
Antibacterial activity of Clove Syzygium aromaticum L. and synergism with antibiotics against multidrug-resistant uropathogenic E. coli
Authors: Marouf Razan , Ermolaev Andrey A. , Podoprigora Irina V. , Senyagin Alexander N. , Mbarga Manga J.A.
Published: September 2023

Relevance. Urinary tract infections pose a growing threat to humanity due to the rise of antibiotic resistance in uropathogens. Exploring natural sources for alternative treatments has become a prominent approach. The aim of the research was to investigate the antibacterial effects of clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) against uropathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli). Materials and Methods. The research was performed on three clinical multidrug-resistant uropathogenic E. coli isolates and E. coli ATCC 25922. Clove hydroalcoholic extract was obtained by cold maceration technique. To evaluate the antibacterial activity of the extract, agar well diffusion method was performed. Minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations of the extract were determined by microbroth dilution method. Light microscopy was used to investigate morphological changes in uropathogenic E. coli after exposure to clove extract. Checkerboard assay was used to assess synergism between clove extract and antibiotics. All obtained data were statistically processed. Results and Discussion. In well diffusion method, bacterial responses to clove extract were concentration-dependent with inhibition zone diameter of 7-10/10-15 mm for uropathogenic strains and E. coli ATCC 25922, respectively. Minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations of clove extract against uropathogenic strains were 25 mg/mL. The extract showed a lower minimum inhibitory concentration against E. coli ATCC 25922 (6.25 mg/ mL) with minimum bactericidal concentration being 25 mg/mL. Minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations ratio showed that clove extract tends to be bactericidal agent. Synergy test revealed that the combination of clove extract and nitrofurantoin or ciprofloxacin resulted in no interaction. However, minimum inhibitory concentrations of all tested agents in combinations exhibited varying degrees of decrease. Incubation of uropathogenic strains with the extract transformed them to unstable spherical L-form in percentage of 96-99 %. Conclusion. This study highlights clove as a potential natural antibacterial agent against multidrug-resistant uropathogenic E. coli, warranting further investigations into its antibacterial properties.
Long exposure impact of antibiotics subinhibitory doses and silver nanoparticles on uropathogenic bacteria
Authors: Mbarga Manga J.A. , Marouf Razan , Podoprigora Irina V. , Anyutoulou Kitio L.D. , Chapurin Yuri V. , Sharova Irina N.
Published: September 2023

Relevance. Although the primary purpose of using antibiotics is to treat infectious diseases, their misuse gradually leads to loss of their effectiveness. The aim of the current investigation was to explore the changes that occur in uropathogenic bacteria after long exposure to antimicrobials. Materials and Methods. We compared the effects of long-term exposure to ampicillin, cefazoline, kanamycin and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on susceptibility, biofilm formation and planktonic bacteria in 4 clinical uropathogenic strains namely Escherichia coli (UPEC), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) and Streptococcus agalactiae (St. agalactiae). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined using the microplate mircodilution method and bacteria were exposed to increasing concentrations of each antimicrobial (from MIC/2 to MIC) prepared in the brain heart infusion broth for 8 days. The susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics was assessed using the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method and the biofilm formation was assessed using crystal violet bacterial attachment assay. Results and Discussion. The data in this investigation highlight that long-term exposure to antimicrobials may induce changes in susceptibility to other antibiotics and biofilm formation in Uropathogenic strains. Indeed, exposure to ampicillin made E. faecalis resistant to ceftazidime and St agalactiae resistant to tetracycline, ceftazidime/clavulanate and ceftazidime. Following exposure to cefazolin, a significant decrease in susceptibility was observed in E. coli to ceftazidime/clavulanate and ceftazidime while S. aureus became resistant to ceftazidime/clavulanate, ceftazidime and to ceftriaxone. Similar variations were observed on St agalactiae and E. faecalis, which in addition to the 3 antibiotics above-mentioned, have become resistant to tetracycline. The most significant variations in susceptibility to antibiotics were observed following exposure to kanamycin: E. coli developed resistance to ceftazidime and a decrease in sensitivity was noted on ceftazidime/clavulanate while S. aureus, E. faecalis and St. agalactiae all 3 became resistant to ceftazidime/clavulanate and ceftazidime. In addition, except for E. coli all the bacteria in this investigation which had undergone successive passages in AgNPs developed resistance to ceftazidime/ clavulanate and ceftazidime. Bacteria exposed to ampicillin and cefazolin produced more biofilms than their respective controls. Conclusion. Long term exposure of uropathogens to antibiotics and AgNPs induces significant changes in susceptibility to other antibiotics and biofilm formation and antibiotics should therefore only be used when necessary.
UN Peacekeeping in Africa: Nature, Scope and Development
Authors: Bokeriya Svetlana A. , Khudaykulova Alexandra V.
Published: September 2023

The hybrid nature and scope of contemporary conflicts, the terrorism threat, and the dramatic increase in competition for resources, global militarization and security challenges in Africa do not only carry the risk of state collapse, but have conditioned concerted efforts by national, regional and international actors to protect human rights and remedy the humanitarian situation. In many ways, the African continent with its unique and diverse nature of conflicts has become a platform for the renewal of the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping through the development of new operational and normative practices and strategies that, as a distinctive feature of the UN missions in the African continent, have gradually moved from the status of innovations to the category of quite commonplace global practice. This article attempts to assess UN peacekeeping in Africa from the 1960s till 2022. The authors examine the characteristics, nature and scope of peacekeeping operations (PKOs) as well as strategies for transforming peacekeeping mandates. Using a problem-chronological approach, comparative analysis and quantitative assessments of the UN peacekeeping missions, the formats of cooperation with regional organizations (the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)), gender composition of the UN missions, in particular, the authors come to the natural conclusion that the number of the UN peacekeeping operations and political missions in Africa remains high and their mandates have expanded and become more complex with increased activity of the leading world powers. The authors conclude that stabilization and conflict resolution in Africa will greatly depend on effective cooperation between the UN and regional organizations, as well as on the UN reforms and its ability to adapt rapidly to changing conflict scenarios in each African state.
Book Review: Glas, A. (2022). Practicing Peace: Conflict Management in Southeast Asia and South America. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 243 p.
Authors: Ermolaev Ivan A.
Published: September 2023

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The tenth All-Russian Meeting of legal theorists and presentation of a special issue of the RUDN Journal of Law - Monuments of Soviet Law
Authors: Andreeva Polina N.
Published: September 2023

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Problematic preventive efforts of sexual harassment through Islamic gender justice values-based education
Authors: Fadhilah Ningsih , Rohmaniyah Alfiatur
Published: September 2023

This article aims to uncover preventive efforts against sexual harassment in higher education conducted by UIN KH Abdurrahman Wahid Pekalongan[1], which involved education based on Islamic gender justice. Education based on gender justice values in Islam needs to be carried out because Islam is a Rahmatanlil'alamin religion and is the main pillar of human values. This qualitative study employed interviews, observations, and documentation for collecting data. Meanwhile, the data analysis techniques proposed by Miles, Huberman, and Saldana, like data condensation, data presentation, concluding, and verification. The findings indicated that the portrait of sexual harassment phenomena among students could be considered an urgent condition. The student's understanding of sexual violence, Islamic gender justice, and preventing and handling sexual violence regulations was still inadequate. Moreover, various cases of sexual harassment, ranging from verbal to physical forms, have been identified. However, the preventive efforts against sexual harassment by UIN Gusdur through PSGA[2] and ULT SETARA[3] have been relatively effective. Meanwhile, education based on Islamic gender justice is carried out by socializing the problems cases regarding understanding gender and Islam.[1] K.H Abdurrahman Wahid Pekalongan State Islamic University (UIN) usually called UIN Gusdur Pekalongan, is located on Jl. Hero KM 5 Kajen Pekalongan Regency, Central Java 51156.[2] Center for Gender and Child Studies (PSGA) is a study center that focuses on issues of gender equality and justice in higher education [3] Integrated Service Unit (ULT) SETARA is a service under the center for gender and child studies which focuses on preventing and handling sexual violence at UIN Gusdur Pekalongan
Host avian species and environmental conditions influence the microbial ecology of brood parasitic Brown-headed Cowbird nestlings: What rules the roost?
Authors: Rudzki Elizabeth , Antonson Nicholas , Jones Todd , Schelsky Wendy , Trevelline Brian K. , Hauber Mark , Kohl Kevin
Published: September 2023

The role of species interactions, as well as genetic and environmental
factors, all likely contribute to the composition and structure of the
gut microbiome, however disentangling these independent actors under
field conditions represents a challenge for a functional understanding
of gut microbial ecology. Avian brood parasites provide unique
opportunities to investigate these questions, as brood parasitism
results in parasite and host nestlings being raised in the same nest, by
the same parents. Here we utilized obligate brood parasite Brown-headed
Cowbird nestlings (BHCO; Molothrus ater) raised by several different
host passerine species to better understand, via 16S rRNA sequencing,
the microbial ecology of brood parasitism. First, we compared fecal
microbial communities of Prothonotary Warbler nestlings (PROW;
Protonotaria citrea) that were either parasitized or non-parasitized by
BHCO, and communities among BHCO nestlings from PROW nests. We found
that parasitism by BHCO significantly altered both the community
membership and community structure of the PROW nestling host-associated
bacterial microbiome (HABM), perhaps due to the stressful nest
environment generated by brood parasitism. In a second dataset, we
compared fecal HABMs from BHCO nestlings raised by 6 different host
passerines species. Here, we found that the HABM of BHCO nestlings was
significantly influenced by the parental host species and the presence
of an interspecific nestmate. Thus, early rearing environment is
important in determining the HABM of brood parasite nestlings, and their
companion nestlings. Future work may aim to understand the functional
effects of this HABM variability on nestling performance and fitness.