bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Current State of the Economy of Fruit and Vegetable Clusters in Uzbekistan
Authors: Urdushev Khamrakul , Yunusov Khudaynazar , Eshankulov Sirojiddin
Published: May 2021

The article examines the formation of fruit and vegetable clusters in Uzbekistan. The indicators of the area of land, production, processing, storage, sale of fruit and vegetable clusters operating in the regions are analyzed. The area of land and production indicators are analyzed in the directions of formation of fruit and vegetable clusters in the regions. Conclusions and recommendations are developed on the basis of conducted research.
Point spread function of a four-wave radiation converter in a multimode waveguide with Kerr nonlinearity
Authors: Vorob’eva Elena V. , Ivakhnik Valery V. , Kapizov Darkhan R. , Nikonov Vladimir I.
Published: May 2021

An expression is obtained for the point spread function of a four-wave radiation converter in a multimode waveguide with Kerr nonlinearity, taking into account the transfer of energy from the object wave to the signal wave and vice versa. For single-mode pump waves, the presence of «generation» points is shown and conditions are found on the waveguide parameters, characteristics of the interacting waves, under which the «generation» condition is realized. In the vicinity of the «generation» points, the shape of the point spread function is determined by one of the waveguide modes, the number of which coincides with the number of the pump wave mode. For a four-wave radiation converter in a waveguide with infinitely conducting surfaces, the quality of the wavefront conjugation near the second «generation» point coincides with the quality of the wavefront conjugation at a low reflection coefficient. For a four-wave radiation converter in a parabolic waveguide near the second and next «generation» points, the shape of the point spread function is determined by one of the waveguide modes.
Improving noise immunity of homography superposition for television signals
Authors: Diyazitdinova Alfiya A.
Published: May 2021

The algorithm of homography superposition of the television signals was shown in this article. The algorithm allows improving noise immunity for homography parameters of television signal with textural fragments. The core of the estimation procedure of homography parameters for image superposition is the matching of the feature points. The feature points are local extremes of the pixel brightness of the image. The matching is defined by the maximum correlation coefficient between a region of the image of a neighbor area of the feature point. The log-polar system of the images provides an invariant correlation of scale and rotate are proportional offsets along the axis in this coordinate system. The noise immunity is provided due to the developing procedure of removing feature points in the textural region. This procedure leads to decreasing probability of error matching of the feature points. The numerical modeling shows high noise immunity of the developed procedure in comparing the current researches.
Algorithm for filtering coordinates of a ground source unauthorized radio emission in a satellite communication system with direct retransmission
Authors: Polyansky Ivan S. , Pham Tuan Zap , Tikhonov Alexey V. , Katygin Boris G.
Published: May 2021

In the article, an algorithm for filtering the coordinates of a ground source of unauthorized radio emission in a satellite communication system with direct retransmission is developed. The content statement of the problem of filtering the coordinates of a ground source of unauthorized radio emission is initially formulated for its formation when selecting a system of restrictions and assumptions. On the basis of its mathematical model is developed, which unlike the well-known allows you to perform collaborative problem solving filtration coordinates of ground source unauthorized radio emission in conditions of a priori uncertainty about the position coordinates and velocity vector of the perturbed orbital motion of the primary and adjacent satellites-repeaters. The basis of the final algorithm for filtering the coordinates of a ground source of unauthorized radio emission is the rule of recursive estimation of the state vector, defined when using the extended Kalman filter to minimize the root-mean-square error of the state vector. The efficiency of the developed algorithm is checked on specific examples. The efficiency of the developed algorithm is checked. Based on the results of a posteriori studies, it was determined that the algorithm on average reduces the root-mean-square error of the estimate by 1,34 times.
CHANGES IN CEPHALOMETRIC PARAMETERS IN CHILDREN WITH DEEP DISTAL OCCLUSION
Authors: Menshikova Evgeniya , Bimbas Evgeniya , Shishmareva Anastasiya
Published: May 2021

Object. A cephalometric analysis was performed in children with deep distal occlusion. The aim of the study — To determine the age-related changes in the vertical parameters of the face in children with deep distal occlusion. Methodology. The article is devoted to the analysis of cephalometric parameters in patients with deep distal occlusion at different age periods in the groups: 7-9, 10-12, 13-15 years. The calculation of 15 parameters of lateral teleroentgenograms was carried out, of which 12 characterized the vertical development of the facial skeleton and the tooth-alveolar region. The analysis was performed using a computer program for automated analysis of skull radiographs. Results. The study revealed age-related changes in the parameters that characterize the vertical development of the maxillofacial region in children with deep distal occlusion. Conclusion. Changes with age in the parameters of the angles NSL/ML, NSL/NL, anterior and posterior height of the face are early signs of a genetically determined developmental anomaly. An increase in the depth of the incisal overlap with age, a deepening of the Spee occlusal line are interrelated with an increase in the tooth-alveolar height in the incisor region and with a decrease in the tooth-alveolar height in the region of the first molars, especially in the lower jaw. The sagittal position of the upper and lower incisors in distal occlusion does not change with age and corresponds to the average normal values. Established age-related changes in the parameters of the facial skeleton in deep distal occlusion make it possible to determine the area of influence of orthodontic treatment at the stages of bite development — tooth-alveolar, in the vertical plane.
COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF INDIVIDUAL PARAMETERS OF BIOLOGICAL MATURITY IN PRESCHOOL CHILDREN OF OMSK, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE DENTAL
Authors: Skripkina Galina , Garifullina A'bina , Ekimov Evgeniy , Matskieva Olga , Romanova Yulia
Published: May 2021

Subject. The child's development process takes place in stages. At the age of 4 to 6 years, children have the first growth spurt, as a result of which the trunk and limbs increase in length. This manifests itself in the appearance of the ability to perform the Philippine Test. The beginning of the change of teeth, the order and rate of teething are important indicators of biological maturation and harmonious development of the child's body. The lack of a standardized integrated approach among specialists of various profiles in determining the correspondence of the chronological age to the biological age of each examined child dictates the need to develop and apply in practice a universal test, taking into account the dental status of the patient living in a certain geographical region.

Background. The aim is to comprehensively assess the parameters of biological maturity of preschool children (5 and 6 years old) in the city of Omsk, taking into account the dental status.

Methodology. The study involved 5 and 6-year-old children attending the Omsk pre-school, 55 of them boys and 46 girls-a total of 101 children.

The children were divided according to odontological characteristics into three groups. The first group ― children whose number of available teeth corresponds to the terms of eruption according to Kolesov A. A. (1985); the second group ― children who have advanced terms of teething; the third group ― children whose terms of eruption lag behind the above terms.

Results. An interdisciplinary approach is needed, aimed at the timely diagnosis of mineral metabolism disorders in children and the appointment of an adequate set of preventive and therapeutic measures.

Findings. The established dissonance of the studied parameters of the biological maturity of the child dictates the need for a comprehensive approach to the planned medical examination of preschool children in order to determine the biological maturity of the child, taking into account the dental status of the growing organism.
JUSTIFICATION OF THE CHOICE OF THE METHOD OF USING THE CARBON COATING OF THE BASES OF REMOVABLE PROSTHESES FOR THE RELIEF OF TOXIC AND ALLERGIC REACTIONS OF THE ORAL MUCOSA
Authors: Gumanyuk Tatyana , Nurieva Natal'ya , Shirshova Nataliya , Dyuryagin Vitaly
Published: May 2021

Subject. Despite the sufficient functionality of modern removable orthopedic structures, they are able to have a mechanical, chemical-toxic, sensitizing and thermally insulating effect on the mucous membrane of the prosthetic bed (NOZZLES). Violations of the integrity of the epithelium of the oral mucosa are often infected with the subsequent development of inflammation. If the traumatic factor has the character of a long-term impact, then the mechanism of chronic inflammation is triggered and maintained. In addition, there is a possibility of changing the nature of differentiation of epithelial or connective tissue cells of the oral mucosa, which can lead to the development of precancerous and tumor lesions. Therefore, the problem of early diagnosis, prevention and treatment is very relevant at the present time. In this regard, the issue of early and complete elimination of lesions of the oral mucosa with the introduction of new, more effective methods is of high importance.

The goal — to justify the choice of the method of applying carbon nanocoating on the basis of the prosthesis on the basis of a systematic analysis of literary sources.

Methodology. The article presents an analytical literature review on the problem of the reaction of prosthetic bed tissues to interaction with removable orthopedic dental structures. A method of processing the prosthesis base by applying a carbon nanocoating, which has been tested in clinical conditions, is presented.

Results. The method of processing removable orthopedic structures by applying a carbon nanocoating allows, with a partial change in the initial physical and chemical properties, to increase its bioinertness and can be used for the treatment of toxic-allergic, mechanical lesions of NOZZLES.

Conclusions. The analysis of literature sources allows us to justify the method of applying carbon nanocoating on the basis of the prosthesis as a method of treating toxic and allergic reactions of the oral mucosa.
PRN Treatment of Neovascular AMD with Cycles of Three Monthly Injections
Authors: Banaee Touka , Alwan Shadan , Kellogg Clint , Kornblau Ilyse , El-Annan Jaafar
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To report the one and two year outcome of cycles of three, monthly anti-VEGF injections given upon reactivation of the disease in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).
Methods: Retrospective study of naïve nAMD cases with more than one year of followup, treated with a protocol of cycles of three monthly injections of anti-VEGF drugs upon reactivation. Visual acuity (VA) and central macular thickness (CMT) are the main outcome measures.
Results: Twenty-six patients with a mean age of 78.15 ± 9.29 years (57.7% female) were included. The mean follow-up was 30.89 ± 6.95 months. Treatment started with bevacizumab in all patients but in six patients was switched to aflibercept due to inadequate response to intravitreal bevacizumab injection. The mean VA at baseline and at 12 and 24 months was 53.87 ± 21.84, 60.54 ± 21.13, and 53.68 ± 27.16 ETDRS letters, respectively. Patients gained a mean of 6.67± 13.7 (p = 0.013, 95% CI= 0.60 to 12.65) and 0.77±15.21 (p = 0.4, 95% CI: –5.65 to 7.2) letters at 12 and 24 months. CMT at baseline, 12, and 24 months was 403.55 ± 147.59, 323.95 ± 79.58, and 298.59 ± 77.161 μm, respectively. The number of injections in the first and second years were 7.65 ± 2.64 and 5.52 ± 3.01, respectively. Three eyes (12.5%) lost >15 letters at 24 months.
Conclusion: This protocol can stabilize or improve vision in 87.5% of nAMD patients and can reduce the number of visits.
Clinical and Multimodal Imaging Features of Subretinal Drusenoid Deposits
Authors: Kumawat Devesh , K. Padhy Srikanta , Kumar Vinod
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To describe the multimodal imaging (MMI) features of subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDD) in Indian population.
Methods: Patients diagnosed to have SDD from January 2016 to December 2018 at our tertiary care center were recruited. The diagnosis of SDD was made on the basis of MMI consisting of a combination of color fundus photography (CFP), optical coherence tomography (OCT), red-free (RF) imaging, blue autofluorescence (BAF), and near-infrared reflectance (NIR) imaging. The morphological type and distribution of SDD and the associated retinal lesions were reviewed.
Results: Twenty-three patients with SDD were included. The mean age of the patients was 68.1 ± 12.2 years. SDD were noted in 77.8% of eyes clinically (n = 35/45) and could be detected in 100% of these eyes with OCT. The morphology of SDD was nodular in 65.7% of eyes (n = 23/35), reticular in 5.7% (n = 2/35), and mixed pattern in the remaining cases. BAF and NIR showed hyporeflective nodular lesions often with a target configuration. The location was commonly in the perifoveal area, mostly involving the superotemporal quadrant (74.3%, n = 26/35). Associated retinal lesions were type-3 neovascularization or retinal angiomatous proliferation in 17.1% (n = 6/35), disciform scar in 11.4% (n = 4/35), type-1 neovascularization in 8.5% (n = 3/35), and geographic atrophy in 5.7% (n = 2/35) of eyes. The mean subfoveal choroidal thickness was 186.2 ± 57.8 μm.
Conclusion: SDD commonly have a nodular morphology and their identification often requires confirmations with OCT. Advanced age-related macular degeneration features are frequently present in eyes with SDD and the fellow eyes.
Ocular Manifestations of Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Roshanshad Amirhossein , Ali Ashraf Mohammad , Roshanshad Romina , Kharmandar Ali , Alireza Zomorodian Seyed , Ashraf Hossein
Published: May 2021

Apart from conjunctival involvement which is the most well-known ocular manifestation of coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19), there are multiple reports of the involvement of other ocular structures by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We comprehensively reviewed PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar for available evidence regarding COVID-19 various ocular manifestations, with special focus on less known and unusual ocular findings. We then categorized the findings based on the parts of the eye which was involved. In anterior sections of the eye, the involvement of the eyelid (tarsadenitis), conjunctiva and cornea (follicular conjunctivitis, pseudomembranous conjunctivitis, and keratoconjunctivitis), episclera (nodular episcleritis), uvea (anterior uveitis) were reported. Also, third, fourth, and sixth nerve palsy, retinal vasculitis, retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT) changes (hyper-reflective lesions and increased retinal nerve fiber layer thickness [RNFLT]), optic neuritis, papillophlebitis, Miller Fisher syndrome, posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy (PRES), ophthalmic artery and central retinal artery occlusion, and polyneuritis cranialis were reported in different studies. Postmortem evaluation of COVID-19 patients detected no viral RNA in different anterior and posterior segments of the eyes. However, another study revealed a 21.4% positivity of the retinal biopsies of dead patients. The results of this study can help ophthalmologists to be vigilant when they see these findings in a suspected case of COVID-19. In addition, wearing face masks and protective goggles or eye shields are recommended, especially in high-risk contacts.
Artifacts in Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Anvari Pasha , Ashrafkhorasani Maryam , Habibi Abbas , Ghasemi Falavarjani Khalil
Published: May 2021

We performed a comprehensive search of the published literature in PubMed and Google Scholar to identify types, prevalence, etiology, clinical impact, and current methods for correction of various artifacts in optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) images. We found that the prevalence of OCTA image artifacts is fairly high. Artifacts associated with eye motion, misidentification of retinal layers, projections, and low optical coherence tomography signal are the most prevalent types. Artifacts in OCTA images are the major limitations of this diagnostic modality in clinical practice and identification of these artifacts and measures to mitigate them are essential for correct diagnosis and follow-up of patients.
Pigment Epithelium Macroadenoma Mimicking Iris or Ciliary Body Melanoma
Authors: Sánchez-Tabernero Sara , García-Alvarez Ciro , García-Lagarto Elena , A. Saornil Maria
Published: May 2021

This is a Photo Essay and does not have an abstract. Please download the PDF or view the article HTML.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Ophthalmology Residency Training
Authors: Nilforushan Naveed , Abolfathzadeh Navid
Published: May 2021

This is a Letter to the Editor and does not have an abstract. Please download the PDF or view the article HTML.
Protocol for Conducting Procedural Skills Training With Simulators: A Critical Proposal
Authors: Coro-Montanet Gleyvis , Sánchez-Ituarte Julia , de la Hoz-Calvo Ana , Pardo-Monedero María Jesús
Published: May 2021

Task trainer simulators are often used in medical programs for bachelor’s degree students when teaching procedural skills. They provide the opportunity to practice dangerous maneuvers that students are not ready to perform on real patients yet. The rise of technology has vastly expanded the availability of these devices for use in teaching. To develop a protocol that would account for the complexities of psychomotor learning, based on student progress, and improve training quality, we designed a protocol for the bachelor’s degree program in dentistry. We justify the key elements of the proposal and explain the full working protocol.
“Getrouwste hofstijl der Sarmaeten…”. Joost van den Vondel en Jan Andrzej Morsztyn over poëzie en politiek
Authors: Kiedroń Stefan
Published: May 2021

This article presents two 17th-century poets, Joost van den Vondel and Jan Andrzej Morsztyn, against the backgrounds of the Dutch and the Polish Golden Age. They were ‘connected’ in their times: both through poetry and politics. Vondel’s Parnaes aen de Belt (1657) included a poem for Tobiasz, the brother of the Polish poet, in which he was praised as the “Getrouwste hofstijl der Sarmaeten” (Most fidel court pillar of the Sarmatians); and also Jan Andrzej received praise here. In his other poems, Vondel had written about the greatness of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, among other things about the city of Danzig (Polish: Gdańsk), which he, in his ode “Bestand tusschen Polen en Zweden. Aen Dantzik”; (Truce between Poland and Sweden. For Danzig”; 1635), called the “Parrel aen de Kroon van Polen” (Pearl at the Crown of Poland).On the other hand, the Morsztyn brothers were interested in the developments of the Republic of the United Provinces. Like many other foreigners, they undertook a Peregrinatio Academica to Leiden where they could see the prosperity of the Republic at first hand, together with other Poles (including the poet-preacher Samuel Przypkowski, the poet-preacher Andrzej Węgierski or the later secretary of the Polish King Andrzej Rej). This Polish circle in the Republic is also shown here.However, there is a double meaning to be discovered in the connection ‘Morsztyn-Vondel’: there was more politics in it than poetry. Morsztyn’s perspective was mainly directed to France (even against the Polish king) — and Vondel’s perspective not to Poland as a political power, but to the Dutch ‘Moedernegotie’ (Mother of all trades) in the Baltic Sea, between the Danish Sound and Danzig. This double meaning is also shown here.
De Hongaarse kinderactie 1947–1949. Nederlandse hulp en politiek machtsspel
Authors: Pusztai Gábor
Published: May 2021

After the First World War, Hungary was in a dire situation. In these troubling conditions, many different countries came to its aid. The first of these countries was the Netherlands. Besides having sent trains full of relief supplies, thousands of Hungarian children were able to stay with foster parents in the Netherlands to recover from war trauma. After the Second World War this charity action was repeated, albeit on a much smaller scale. In both cases politics played a very important role.
Mandatory Disclosure Rules (MDR) and the Professional Secrecy of a Tax Advisor
Authors: Raszczyk Zuzanna
Published: May 2021

Mandatory Disclosure Rules (MDR) have been introduced to the Polish legal system and have been in force since 1 January 2019. It is a regulation imposing an obligation of disclosing tax planning schemes to fiscal administration bodies, and its purpose is to protect the tax system against tax evasion and dishonest lowering of public levies. This regulation introduced significant changes in the scope of practising the profession of a tax advisor with a particular consideration of a change made in the professional secrets of a tax advisor. These changes gave rise to many controversies and doubts both in the doctrine as well as among the tax advisors’ self-governing council. The newly-introduced institution may have a negative impact on the practical aspects of performing the profession of tax advisor. The aim of the work is to discuss and analyse the Mandatory Disclosure Rules in terms of professional confidentiality of a tax advisor, as well as to indicate the practical effects of the introduced amendment. The scientific article uses the formal-dogmatic method, analysing the legal text and its interpretation, including jurisprudence.
How the German Pension System can benefit from insights of behavioural economics
Authors: Koch Oliver
Published: May 2021

Due to the demographic change that has been going on for several decades, the pension system in Germany is being heavily burdened. The German pension system can be described as a three-pillar system that includes not only the compulsory statutory pension insurance, but also the company pension schemes and the private pension schemes. However, the statutory pension insurance is particularly affected by the demographic crisis. The resulting declining birth rates and the rising life expectancy caused an unfavorable ratio between contributors and recipients of this system. Several pension reforms have already been introduced in Germany in order to manage this crisis, but the expected results did not occur. This article is therefore concerned with the findings of behavioral economics and what solutions it gives for this problem. In addition, a reform concept for Germany with behavioral economic elements is presented — “Deutschlandrente”.
Man and image in Gaston Bachelard’s thought: Between antagonism and unity
Authors: Morawska Kamila
Published: May 2021

The aim of this article is to present the concept of man and image in Gaston Bachelard’s thought. Following the path of the antagonism of concept and image (Gilbert Durand), psychoanalytical (Sigmund Freud, Carl Gustav Jung) and hermeneutic (Leszek Brogowski) interpretations, the author presents her own interpretation of Bachelardism based on anthropological reflection (Hans Belting, Jean-Jacques Wunenburger, Max Scheler, Helmuth Plessner, Arnold Gehlen), asking about the strictly human world and its “being-in-the-world”. Its reading is based on the dynamism and the linkage between reason and imagination in the presentation of the world (Arthur Schopenhauer), which is expressed in the broadest sense in the formula of the “illustrating self”.
The idea of constitutionalism in democratic and authoritarian states
Authors: Bernaczyk Michał
Published: May 2021

Polish constitutional law utilizes the notion of “constitutionalism” but does not explain the basic components which would help to classify a given system to such a category. The 20th century utilized this concept for the purposes of confrontation between West and East, but with the democratic wave of the 1990s and the decay of the transition process, it began to lose its widely acknowledged criteria of recognition. The article brings new taxonomy proposed in comparative constitutional law which suggests that there is no longer one fixed notion of constitutionalism. Such an approach seems to be the equivalent of realpolitik in constitutional studies accompanied by the suggestion that Western taxonomy can no longer ignore the protracted existence of constitution- based states which treat it as an object but reject other components e.g. separation of powers, an effective impartial and independent judicial system and legal constraints. Such realism in taxonomy may come at a price, with even further decay of rule of law standards and erosion of liberal democracy.
“Sovereign democracy”: the roots, contents and critique of contemporary Russian political thought
Authors: Czachor Rafał
Published: May 2021

Background: The paper is devoted to the concept of ‘‘sovereign democracy’’ that emerged in Russia in 2005 and was thought to play an important political role. The concept, authored by Vladimir Surkov, the deputy chief of the Administration of the President, having both internal and external political goals, was the first attempt of the formulation of the values of the new political system under Vladimir Putin. The paper discusses the roots of ‘‘sovereign democracy’’, its contents, and critique. It also presents the circumstances of a decline of this concept in 2007–2008, which resulted from the new rhetoric of President Dmitry Medvedev.Objectives: The main goal of the following paper is to present and discuss the contents of the Russian political concept of “sovereign democracy”. Since this concept was the first, and as it turned out — only attempt by the Russian ruling elite to define its own ideological identity, the following study enables us to make some remarks regarding the axiology and ideological maturity of “Putinism”. Methods: The adopted perspective of the investigation imposes the employment of the his-torical method and the exegesis of the documents.Results: “Sovereign democracy” was the first effort of this kind to define contemporary Rus-sian national interests, the challenges and opportunities, both in internal and external dimensions. It embraces a diagnosis of Russia’s main problems in the first decade of the 21st century: the vulner-ability of the economy based on the export of oil and gas, the unfavourable international situation, and a possible unipolar world order. It has had national and international aims: consolidation of the political elite and a clear message to international society that Russia will not give up the reshaping of the world towards a multipolar one. Since its beginning, the concept was understood doubly — as a future “state ideology” and as a short-lived project for current political purposes. Despite the fact that it was officially adopted by the “One Russia” party, it was not recognised by V. Putin and did not obtain any official status. Conclusions: Being, in fact, the product of one man — Vladimir Surkov, the concept of sovereign democracy emerged in 2005 as a response to the need for a tool to mobilise society before parliamentary and presidential elections. As a result of the restrained and sceptical attitude of V. Putin and D. Medvedev, the concept was not developed and abandoned by the “One Russia”
Convolvulaceae in the Flora of Thailand: Addenda, Corrigenda and Emendanda, I
Authors:   Harvard University Herbaria, 22 Divinity Ave., Cambridge MA 02138, U.S.A., Staples George , Chitchak Natthaphong ,   Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama VI Road, Thung Paya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok  10400, Thailand, Kochaiphat Phongsakorn ,   Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama VI Road, Thung Paya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok  10400, Thailand, Rattamanee Chakkrapong ,   Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Burapha University, Sa Kaeo Campus 254 M4 T. Wattana Nakhon, Wattana Nakhon, Sa Kaeo  27160, Thailand, Rattanakrajang Pantamith ,   Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama VI Road, Thung Paya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok  10400, Thailand, Traiperm Paweena ,   Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama VI Road, Thung Paya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok  10400, Thailand
Published: May 2021

This compilation, the first of a series, presents additions, corrections, and amendments to the Convolvulaceae account for the Flora of Thailand that was published 10 years ago. Methods used include the traditional study of dried voucher specimens housed in herbarium collections, field research and collecting, and monitoring photographs of Thai Convolvulaceae shared on selected natural history applications. This initial compilation results in 13 species new to the flora, updates names for eight species, amends taxonomic concepts (and names) for four species, and augments the distribution for 16 species. One orthographic change is made to bring a binomial into conformity with the International Code of Nomenclature. We highlight significant discoveries for two rare and little-known Thai Convolvulaceae species. References are cited to document descriptions, ecology, distributions beyond Thailand, and several new taxonomic works published since 2010.
Relation of Serum Copper Status to Survival in COVID-19
Authors: Hackler Julian , Heller Raban Arved , Sun Qian , Schwarzer Marco , Diegmann Joachim , Bachmann Manuel , Moghaddam Arash , Schomburg Lutz
Published: May 2021

The trace element copper (Cu) is part of our nutrition and essentially needed for several cuproenzymes that control redox status and support the immune system. In blood, the ferroxidase ceruloplasmin (CP) accounts for the majority of circulating Cu and serves as transport protein. Both Cu and CP behave as positive, whereas serum selenium (Se) and its transporter selenoprotein P (SELENOP) behave as negative acute phase reactants. In view that coronavirus disease (COVID-19) causes systemic inflammation, we hypothesized that biomarkers of Cu and Se status are regulated inversely, in relation to disease severity and mortality risk. Serum samples from COVID-19 patients were analysed for Cu by total reflection X-ray fluorescence and CP was quantified by a validated sandwich ELISA. The two Cu biomarkers correlated positively in serum from patients with COVID-19 (R=0.42, p<0.001). Surviving patients showed higher mean serum Cu and CP concentrations in comparison to non-survivors ([mean+/-SEM], Cu; 1475.9+/-22.7 vs. 1317.9+/-43.9 µg/L; p<0.001, CP; 547.2.5 +/- 19.5 vs. 438.8+/-32.9 mg/L, p=0.086). In contrast to expectations, total serum Cu and Se concentrations displayed a positive linear correlation in the patient samples analysed (R=0.23, p=0.003). Serum CP and SELENOP levels were not interrelated. Applying receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis, the combination of Cu and SELENOP with age outperformed other combinations of parameters for predicting risk of death, yielding an AUC of 95.0%. We conclude that the alterations in serum biomarkers of Cu and Se status in COVID-19 are not compatible with a simple acute phase response, and that serum Cu and SELENOP levels contribute to a good prediction of survival. Adjuvant supplementation in patients with diagnostically proven deficits in Cu or Se may positively influence disease course, as both increase in survivors and are of crucial importance for the immune response and antioxidative defence systems.
Group Transformation: Fruiting Body and Stalk Formation
Authors: Broersma Cathleen , Ostrowski Elizabeth
Published: May 2021

Throughout the eukaryotic tree of life, amoeboid organisms have evolved that aggregate upon starvation and form multicellular fruiting bodies, consisting of a ball of spores atop a stalk. This chapter discusses the remarkable convergent evolution of a stalked fruiting body in these different taxa. It then discusses a well-studied group of aggregative fruiters, the cellular slime molds, in more detail. These organisms exhibit substantial variation in their stalk formation and composition, which allows a better understanding of the evolution, maintenance and possible functions of stalked fruiting bodies, but also points to potential costs and benefits of different types of stalks.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Risk Assessment Based on SORA for First Responders and Disaster Management
Authors: Janik Pawel , Zawistowski Maciej , Fellner Radosław , Zawistowski Grzegorz
Published: May 2021

Worldwide, there is a significant increase in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by emergency services. They offer a lot of possibilities during the rescue operation. Such a wide application for various purposes and environments causes many threats related to their use. To minimize the risks associated with conducting air operations with UAVs, the SORA methodology will be important. Due to its level of detail, it is a methodology adapted to civilian use. In this article, the authors' team will try to develop guidelines and directions for adapting SORA to the requirements of the operational work of emergency services. Thus following article aims to present the most important risks related to conducting operations with the use of UAVs by First Responders (FRs) and to show the sample risk analysis performed for this type of operation on the example of the ASSISTANCE project. The paper describes, on the one hand, possibilities offered by UAVs in crisis or disaster management and step-by-step Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) and on the other hand, presents possible threats, consequences and methods of their mitigation during FRs missions.
Salmonella Characterization in Poultry Eggs Sold in Farms and Markets in Relation to Handling and Biosecurity Practices in Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Agbaje Michael , Ayo-Ajayi Patience , Kehinde Olugbenga , Omoshaba Ezekiel , Dipeolu Morenike , Fasina Folorunso O.
Published: May 2021

Salmonella remains one of the notable food-borne bacterial pathogens. It is associated with poultry and poultry products including eggs. This study investigated Salmonella distribution in eggshell and content, their antimicrobial resistance pattern, and the possible risk factors driving contamination in Ogun State, Nigeria. A total of 500 eggs (5 eggs pooled into one sample) were collected and culturally examined for the presence of Salmonella serovars. Isolates were further characterized biochemically using Microbact 20E (Oxoid) and Antimicrobial susceptibility determined by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. A total of 14 Salmonella isolates spread across 10 serovars were recovered from the 100 pooled egg samples; 10 (10%) from the market and 4 (4%) farms, 13(13%) eggshell, and 1(1%) egg content. All tested serovars were susceptible to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, florfenicol, and kanamycin. Resistance was mostly observed in sulfamethoxazole 8 (80%), followed by ciprofloxacin 5 (50%) and tetracycline 3 (30%). Sales of eggs in the market appears to be a strong factor encouraging contamination in addition to poor biosecurity and unhygienic handling of eggs on the farm.
Perinatal pathology and its outcomes by the age of three in late preterm children with respira-tory disorders
Authors:   V.N.Gorodkov Ivanovo Scientific-Research Institute of Maternity and Childhood, Ivanovo, Rus-sian Federation, Shilova N.A. , Andreev A.V. ,   V.N.Gorodkov Ivanovo Scientific-Research Institute of Maternity and Childhood, Ivanovo, Rus-sian Federation, Kharlamova N.V. ,   V.N.Gorodkov Ivanovo Scientific-Research Institute of Maternity and Childhood, Ivanovo, Rus-sian Federation
Published: May 2021

Objective. A single-center prospective study of late preterm children’s health condition in the neo-natal period and at the age of 3 was conducted. Patients and methods. 115 late preterm children with respiratory disorders were examined. Two observation groups were formed: group 1 – 62 children with congenital pneumonia, group 2 – 53 children with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Results. Children with congenital pneumonia, unlike those with RDS, are born at earlier periods of gestation reliably more often: they are born in extremely critical condition, have a low Apgar score at 5 minutes after birth, require surfactant re-administration. In addition, they are significantly more often diagnosed with brain ischemia (grade III) and intraventricular hemorrhages (grade II–III), acute anemia, hemodynamically significant ductus arteriosus, retinopathy of prematurity and bron-chopulmonary dysplasia. By the age of 3, 59.7% of children from group 1 and 83.0% of children from group 2 are practically healthy. However, transferred congenital pneumonia worsens health indicators at the age of 3: these children more frequently have health group III, a low level of body resistance to external influences and higher disability rates. Conclusion. The presence of congenital pneumonia is an aggravating factor of late preterm chil-dren’s health condition not only in the neonatal period, but also by the age of 3. Keywords: congenital pneumonia, late preterm infant, health groups, catamnesis, neonatal period, perinatal pathology, respiratory distress syndrome
The role of complex metabolic antihypoxants in the treatment of acute drug poisoning in children
Authors:   N.F.Filatov Children's City Hospital of Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow, Russian Federation, Chugunova O.L. ,   N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Kovalenko L.A. ,   N.F.Filatov Children's City Hospital of Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow, Russian Federation,   Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow Russian Federation, Larin M.A. ,   N.F.Filatov Children's City Hospital of Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow, Russian Federation,   Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow Russian Federation, Yaroshevskaya O.I. ,   Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow Russian Federation
Published: May 2021

Critical health conditions of children, including acute poisoning, are accompanied by the development of organ dysfunctions, particularly acute kidney injury (AKI). Objective. To study the efficiency of complex metabolic antihypoxant cytoflavin in the treatment regimen for severe acute drug poisoning in children. Patients and methods. The results of observation of 52 patients aged 15–18 admitted to the Toxicology Unit of the City Children’s Hospital named after N.F. Filatov are presented. The children were divided into two groups: the main group (i, n = 27), where cytoflavin was added to the treatment (intravenously, 20.0 ml per day diluted with 200.0 ml of 5% glucose solution at a rate of 3–4 ml/min, a course of 5–7 days), and the control group (II, n = 25), which was provided with standard treatment. The general condition and dynamics of laboratory indicators were evaluated for all patients (1st, 5th and 7th day of the disease). Results. It was revealed that 24–48 hours after admission to hospital, in 100% of cases, AKI with different severity levels developed, accompanied by azotemia. In 92% of adolescents, during the first night, urine syndrome with the predominance of proteinuria was detected, and in 22.8% – glycosuria. The inclusion of cytoflavin in therapy accelerated the normalization of serum creatinine level and significantly reduced the length of stay in the intensive care unit and in the hospital in general (on average 7.5 against 10.7 bed-days). Conclusion. The results obtained testify to the effectiveness of cytoflavin in the treatment of severe forms of acute drug poisoning with AKI in children. Key words: drugs, metabolic antihypoxant, cytoflavin, acute kidney injury, children
Surgical management for ureteral duplicated systems pathology in children
Authors:   Morozov Children's City Clinical Hospital, Moscow, Russian Federation, Kulaev A.V. , Sharkov S.M. ,   Morozov Children's City Clinical Hospital, Moscow, Russian Federation,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: May 2021

Ureteral duplication is often accompanied by such malformations as vesicoureteral reflux, megaureter, ureterocele and extravesical ureteral ectopia. The least traumatic transurethral interventions have been developed, but, unfortunelly, these kind of treatment have limited indications and effectiveness. In the presence of contraindications to transurethral methods or negative results of their use, urologists have until recently been forced to return to traditional open surgical operations. The desire to reduce trauma has led to the development of laparoscopic methods for correcting malformations of the ureterovesical segment, combining the high efficiency of surgical operations with less traumatic transurethral methods of treatment. In the review we have built up national and international research experience about the treatment of the pathological conditions in duplex upper urinary tracts, including the use of open operations, endoscopy and endosurgery. The results of low-traumatic transurethral interventions and the results of various variants of the formation of ureterocystoanastomosis are considered. Numerous publications indicate that, with the same effectiveness, less traumatic laparoscopic techniques are now becoming the preferred methods of treating malformations of the ureterovesical segment in children. At the same time, there is a certain lack of information on their use with complete ureter duplication, which determines the relevance of continuing research in this direction. Key words: duplication, laparoscopy, megaureter, review, ureterohydronephrosis, urology, vesicoureteral reflux
Role of the brain neutrophic factor in the genesis of obesity
Authors:   Multidisciplinary clinic «Scandinavia», Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Milner E.B. , Pokhlebkina A.A. ,   Multidisciplinary clinic «Scandinavia», Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation,   Saint Petersburg State Paediatric Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Leonova I.A. ,   V.A.Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation,   I.P.Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Khavkin A.I. ,   N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: May 2021

Obesity is directly related to metabolic disorders, and recently, this disorder has been associated with inflammation. Over the past decades, there has been an increase in the number of obesity cases with metabolic syndrome, which belongs to the set of disorders, and includes glucose intolerance and dyslipidemia in addition to obesity. Since obesity is related to the balance of energy consumption, several new factors are currently being considered – metabolic. They are involved in the control of lipid and glucose levels and support cardiovascular homeostasis. The nerve growth factor and brain neurotrophic factor have got into the amount of these factors. The latter plays an important role in the development, regulation and survival of neurons in the hippocampus and other structures related to cognitive functions. Neurotrophic brain factor also regulates energy homeostasis of the body, food behavior, fat oxidation in skeletal muscles and a number of other functions. At present, obesity is also associated with a lower level of neurotrophic factor in the brain. However, it is still an open question whether the introduction of the exogenous factor will help prevent the impact of metabolic syndrome and the progression of obesity. Key words: metabolic syndrome, neurotrophin, neurotrophic brain factor, obesity, triact
Interferons in the treatment of enterovirus meningitis in children with herpesvirus infection
Authors:   Ural State Medical University, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation, Khamanova Yu.B. , Ovchinnikova A.O. ,   City Clinical Hospital No 40, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation
Published: May 2021

The problem of mixed viral infections in children with herpes-induced immunosuppression has not been sufficiently studied. The causal therapy for enterovirus infections is still being developed; it is not widely used in the adult population and not used at all in children. Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of Viferon® for the treatment of enterovirus meningitis in preschool children with herpesvirus infection. Patients and methods. This study included two groups of children aged 3 to 7 years (30 children in each) with clinical manifestations of enterovirus meningitis. Patients in one group had no markers of herpesvirus infection, whereas patients in the second group had markers of herpesvirus infection (virus persistence). Children in the second group received recombinant human interferon a-2b (Viferon®) as a part of comprehensive therapy. Enterovirus meningitis developed in children with preexisting persistent Epstein–Barr virus infection (30%) and human herpesvirus 6 infection (53%). Results. Administration of Viferon® reduced the duration of fever by 1.3 times (p < 0.05). Pathogen elimination from cerebrospinal fluid was observed in 80.0% of patients receiving Viferon® and in 46.7% of controls (p < 0.05). During convalescence, the T cell count came back to normal only in children receiving Viferon®. Conclusion. Viferon® stimulates helper T cells thereby regulating humoral immune reactions. Key words: herpesviruses, children, interferons, enterovirus infection