bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Calculation of Predicted Environmental Concentrations to Assess the Risk of Anticancer Drugs in Environmental Waters
Authors: Dominguez-García Pol , Gibert Marta , Lacorte Sílvia , Gómez-Canela Cristian
Published: May 2022

This study reports the consumption data for 132 anticancer drugs in Catalonia (NE Spain) during the period of 2013–2017 and calculates the predicted environmental concentrations (PECs) in wastewater effluents and rivers. This long-term analysis can determine the evolution of drugs present in the environment according to prescriptions and serve as an adequate tool to determine their presence and impact. Data showed that out of 132 compounds prescribed, 77 reached wastewater effluents, which accounted for the most consumed, those excreted in the highest doses, and the least biodegradable. Once diluted in receiving river waters, only mycophenolic acid and hydroxycarbamide had PEC values higher than 10 ng L−1, which is the value set by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to carry out further risk assessment. It was also observed that compounds present in river water are those that can pose a high risk, given their persistence and capability to bioaccumulate. Therefore, this study shows that the estimation of PEC, together with physico-chemical properties of detected compounds, is a useful tool to determine the long-term presence and fate of this new class of emerging contaminants.
Didactic Use of Virtual Reality in Colombian Universities: Professors’ Perspective
Authors: Antón-Sancho Álvaro , Vergara Diego , Fernández-Arias Pablo , Ariza-Echeverri Edwan Anderson
Published: May 2022

This paper presents quantitative research on the perception of the didactic use of virtual reality by university professors in Colombia, with special attention to the differences according to their area of knowledge, as the main variable, and gender and digital generation, as secondary variables. The study involved 204 professors from different Colombian universities. As an instrument, a survey designed for this purpose was used with four scales that were used to measure, on a Likert scale, different dimensions involving the participants’ perception of the use of virtual reality in the classroom. The answers were analyzed statistically and the differences in the perceptions have been identified by means of parametric statistical tests according to the following: (i) area of knowledge, (ii) gender, (iii) digital generation of the participants. The results showed that the participants expressed high valuations of virtual reality, despite having intermediate or low levels of digital competence. Gaps were identified in terms of area of knowledge, gender, and digital generation (digital natives or immigrants) with respect to opinions of virtual reality and digital competence. The highest valuations of virtual reality are given by professors of Humanities, and by digital natives. It is suggested that Colombian universities implement training plans on digital competence for professors and that these plans be aimed at strengthening knowledge of virtual reality.
Free-Standing, Interwoven Tubular Graphene Mesh-Supported Binary AuPt Nanocatalysts: An Innovative and High-Performance Anode Methanol Oxidation Catalyst
Authors: Nguyen An T. , Tran Van Viet , Siahaan Asnidar , Kan Hung-Chih , Hsu Yung-Jung , Hsu Chia-Chen
Published: May 2022

Pt-based alloy or bimetallic anode catalysts have been developed to reduce the carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning effect and the usage of Pt in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), where the second metal plays a role as CO poisoning inhibitor on Pt. Furthermore, better performance in DMFCs can be achieved by improving the catalytic dispersion and using high-performance supporting materials. In this work, we introduced a free-standing, macroscopic, interwoven tubular graphene (TG) mesh as a supporting material because of its high surface area, favorable chemical inertness, and excellent conductivity. Particularly, binary AuPt nanoparticles (NPs) can be easily immobilized on both outer and inner walls of the TG mesh with a highly dispersive distribution by a simple and efficient chemical reduction method. The TG mesh, whose outer and inner walls were decorated with optimized loading of binary AuPt NPs, exhibited a remarkably catalytic performance in DMFCs. Its methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) activity was 10.09 and 2.20 times higher than those of the TG electrodes with only outer wall immobilized with pure Pt NPs and binary AuPt NPs, respectively. Furthermore, the catalyst also displayed a great stability in methanol oxidation after 200 scanning cycles, implying the excellent tolerance toward the CO poisoning effect.
Traumatic Lesser Metatarsal Fractures: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Zale Connor L. , Cusi Melanie , Ryan Paul M.
Published: May 2022

Background: metatarsal fractures are a commonly encountered musculoskeletal injury. Scant literature exists to support current treatment guidelines and few studies describe the functional or occupational outcomes of patients with lesser metatarsal fractures. The purpose of this study is to describe occupational outcomes for traumatic lesser metatarsal fractures in relation to current treatment guidelines. Methods: a retrospective review of metatarsal fractures in adult military patients 18 years and older was performed. Data included: patient demographics, fracture angulation and displacement, treatment modality, associated injuries, rate of return to active duty, requirement for additional surgeries, ability to run a 2-mile physical fitness test, and presence of permanent activity limitations. Treatment guideline criteria were applied and compared with the occupational outcomes measured. Results: 38 fractures were included. The mean age was 27.2 ± 7.8 (19–48). Here, 28 fractures were initially treated non-operatively. Fractures selected for non-operative treatment had a mean displacement of 1.7 +/− 1.1 mm and a mean angulation of 3.3 +/− 3.5° at initial presentation. Fractures selected for operative treatment had a mean displacement of 4.5 +/− 2.4 mm and a mean angulation of 15.7 +/− 13.8° at initial presentation. The return to run rate was 89% in non-operatively treated patients and 50% in operatively treated patients (p = 0.02). Non-operative patients returned to running at a mean of 119 +/− 103 days and operative patients returned to running at a mean of 306 +/− 191 days (p = 0.0039). 50% of operatively treated patients and 11% of non-operatively treated patents were unable to remain in the military due to their metatarsal fractures. Conclusions: patients treated non-operatively were more likely to return to running and returned to running sooner than operatively treated patients. Current treatment guidelines could not be supported or refuted based upon the study results. The occupational and functional outcomes demonstrated in this study may assist surgeons in counseling patients on their planned treatment and anticipated recovery following a lesser metatarsal fracture.
The Microbiome as Part of the Contemporary View of Tuberculosis Disease
Authors: Barbosa-Amezcua Martín , Galeana-Cadena David , Alvarado-Peña Néstor , Silva-Herzog Eugenia
Published: May 2022

The study of the microbiome has changed our overall perspective on health and disease. Although studies of the lung microbiome have lagged behind those on the gastrointestinal microbiome, there is now evidence that the lung microbiome is a rich, dynamic ecosystem. Tuberculosis is one of the oldest human diseases, it is primarily a respiratory infectious disease caused by strains from the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex. Even today, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it remains one of the principal causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Tuberculosis disease manifests itself as a dynamic spectrum that ranges from asymptomatic latent infection to life-threatening active disease. The review aims to provide an overview of the microbiome in the tuberculosis setting, both in patients’ and animal models. We discuss the relevance of the microbiome and its dysbiosis, and how, probably through its interaction with the immune system, it is a significant factor in tuberculosis’s susceptibility, establishment, and severity.
Autoionization of Ultracold Cesium Rydberg Atom in 37D5/2 State
Authors: Jiao Yuechun , Hao Liping , Fan Jiabei , Bai Jingxu , Zhao Jianming , Jia Suotang
Published: May 2022

We present the observation of an autoionization of cesium 37D5/2 Rydberg atoms in ultracold gases and analyze the autoionization mechanism. The autoionization process is investigated by varying the delay time tD and Rydberg atomic density. The dependence of ionization signals on Rydberg density shows that the Rydberg density has an effect on not only the initial ion signals but also the evolution of the Rydberg atoms. The results reveal that the initial ionization of 37D5/2 Rydberg atoms is mostly attributed to the blackbody radiation (BBR)-induced photoionization, and the BBR-induced transitions to the nearby Rydberg states that lead to further ionization. Our work plays a significant role in investigating the collision between Rydberg atoms and many-body physics.
Late Blight Resistance Conferred by Rpi-Smira2/R8 in Potato Genotypes In Vitro Depends on the Genetic Background
Authors: Blatnik Eva , Horvat Marinka , Berne Sabina , Humar Miha , Dolničar Peter , Meglič Vladimir
Published: May 2022

Potato production worldwide is threatened by late blight, caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary. Highly resistant potato cultivars were developed in breeding programs, using resistance gene pyramiding methods. In Sárpo Mira potatoes, five resistance genes (R3a, R3b, R4, Rpi-Smira1, and Rpi-Smira2/R8) are reported, with the latter gene assumed to be the major contributor. To study the level of late blight resistance conferred by the Rpi-Smira2/R8 gene, potato genotypes with only the Rpi-Smira2/R8 gene were selected from progeny population in which susceptible cultivars were crossed with Sárpo Mira. Ten R8 potato genotypes were obtained using stepwise marker-assisted selection, and agroinfiltration of the avirulence effector gene Avr4. Nine of these R8 genotypes were infected with both Slovenian P. infestans isolates and aggressive foreign isolates. All the progeny R8 genotypes are resistant to the Slovenian P. infestans isolate 02_07, and several show milder late blight symptoms than the corresponding susceptible parent after inoculation with other isolates. When inoculated with foreign P. infestans isolates, the genotype C571 shows intermediate resistance, similar to that of Sárpo Mira. These results suggest that Rpi-Smira2/R8 contributes to late blight resistance, although this resistance is not guaranteed solely by the presence of the R8 in the genome.
Molecular Approaches to Overcome Self-Incompatibility in Diploid Potatoes
Authors: Kardile Hemant Balasaheb , Yilma Solomon , Sathuvalli Vidyasagar
Published: May 2022

There has been an increased interest in true potato seeds (TPS) as planting material because of their advantages over seed tubers. TPS produced from a tetraploid heterozygous bi-parental population produces non-uniform segregating progenies, which have had limited uniformity in yield and quality in commercial cultivation, and, thus, limited success. Inbreeding depression and self-incompatibility hamper the development of inbred lines in both tetraploid and diploid potatoes, impeding hybrid development efforts. Diploid potatoes have gametophytic self-incompatibility (SI) controlled by S-locus, harboring the male-dependent S-locus F-box (SLF/SFB) and female-dependent Stylar-RNase (S-RNase). Manipulation of these genes using biotechnological tools may lead to loss of self-incompatibility. Self-compatibility can also be achieved by the introgression of S-locus inhibitor (Sli) found in the self-compatible (SC) natural mutants of Solanum chacoense. The introgression of Sli through conventional breeding methods has gained much success. Recently, the Sli gene has been cloned from diverse SC diploid potato lines. It is expressed gametophytically and can overcome the SI in different diploid potato genotypes through conventional breeding or transgenic approaches. Interestingly, it has a 533 bp insertion in its promoter elements, a MITE transposon, making it a SC allele. Sli gene encodes an F-box protein PP2-B10, which consists of an F-box domain linked to a lectin domain. Interaction studies have revealed that the C-terminal region of Sli interacts with most of the StS-RNases, except StS-RNase 3, 9, 10, and 13, while full-length Sli cannot interact with StS-RNase 3, 9, 11, 13, and 14. Thus, Sli may play an essential role in mediating the interactions between pollen and stigma and function like SLFs to interact with and detoxify the S-RNases during pollen tube elongation to confer SC to SI lines. These advancements have opened new avenues in the diploid potato hybrid.
A Design of Experiments (DoE) Approach to Optimize Cryogel Manufacturing for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Carvalho Duarte Nuno , Gonçalves Cristiana , Oliveira Joaquim Miguel , Williams David S. , Mearns-Spragg Andrew , Reis Rui L. , Silva Tiago H.
Published: May 2022

Marine origin polymers represent a sustainable and natural alternative to mammal counterparts regarding the biomedical application due to their similarities with proteins and polysaccharides present in extracellular matrix (ECM) in humans and can reduce the risks associated with zoonosis and overcoming social- and religious-related constraints. In particular, collagen-based biomaterials have been widely explored in tissue engineering scaffolding applications, where cryogels are of particular interest as low temperature avoids protein denaturation. However, little is known about the influence of the parameters regarding their behavior, i.e., how they can influence each other toward improving their physical and chemical properties. Factorial design of experiments (DoE) and response surface methodology (RSM) emerge as tools to overcome these difficulties, which are statistical tools to find the most influential parameter and optimize processes. In this work, we hypothesized that a design of experiments (DoE) model would be able to support the optimization of the collagen-chitosan-fucoidan cryogel manufacturing. Therefore, the parameters temperature (A), collagen concentration (B), and fucoidan concentration (C) were carefully considered to be applied to the Box–Behnken design (three factors and three levels). Data obtained on rheological oscillatory measurements, as well as on the evaluation of antioxidant concentration and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration, showed that fucoidan concentration could significantly influence collagen-chitosan-fucoidan cryogel formation, creating a stable internal polymeric network promoted by ionic crosslinking bonds. Additionally, the effect of temperature significantly contributed to rheological oscillatory properties. Overall, the condition that allowed us to have better results, from an optimization point of view according to the DoE, were the gels produced at −80 °C and composed of 5% of collagen, 3% of chitosan, and 10% fucoidan. Therefore, the proposed DoE model was considered suitable for predicting the best parameter combinations needed to develop these cryogels.
Electric Drives: Complexes of Nonlinear Electromechanical Links Identified by Nonlinear Transfer Functions and Families of Frequency Characteristics
Authors: Kodkin Vladimir L. , Baldenkov Alexander A. , Grigoriev Maksim A.
Published: May 2022

The article considers a generalized block diagram of electromechanical systems: electric drives. It is shown that all their elements have significant nonlinearities that cannot be neglected when designing systems with maximum accuracy and speed. A method for taking into account the influence of nonlinearities on the electric drive characteristics, the method of nonlinear transfer functions and families of frequency characteristics, is proposed. It is shown how these nonlinear transfer functions make it possible to form correction and control systems for electric drives in the modes of processing task signals and in the modes of parrying the load.
A Survey of Process Monitoring Using Computer-Aided Inspection in Laser-Welded Blanks of Light Metals Based on the Digital Twins Concept
Authors: Aminzadeh Ahmad , Sattarpanah Karganroudi Sasan , Meiabadi Mohammad Saleh , Mohan Dhanesh G. , Ba Kadiata
Published: May 2022

The benefits of laser welding include higher production values, deeper penetration, higher welding speeds, adaptability, and higher power density. These characteristics make laser welding a superior process. Many industries are aware of the benefits of switching to lasers. For example, metal-joining is migrating to modern industrial laser technology due to improved yields, design flexibility, and energy efficiency. However, for an industrial process to be optimized for intelligent manufacturing in the era of Industry 4.0, it must be captured online using high-quality data. Laser welding of aluminum alloys presents a daunting challenge, mainly because aluminum is a less reliable material for welding than other commercial metals such as steel, primarily because of its physical properties: high thermal conductivity, high reflectivity, and low viscosity. The welding plates were fixed by a special welding fixture, to validate alignments and improve measurement accuracy, and a Computer-Aided Inspection (CAI) using 3D scanning was adopted. Certain literature has suggested real-time monitoring of intelligent techniques as a solution to the critical problems associated with aluminum laser welding. Real-time monitoring technologies are essential to improving welding efficiency and guaranteeing product quality. This paper critically reviews the research findings and advances for real-time monitoring of laser welding during the last 10 years. In the present work, a specific methodology originating from process monitoring using Computer-Aided Inspection in laser-welded blanks is reviewed as a candidate technology for a digital twin. Moreover, a novel digital model based on CAI and cloud manufacturing is proposed.
Clinical Imaging and Dosimetry of a Pan-Cancer Targeting Alkylphosphocholine Analog, [124I]I-NM404
Authors: Grudzinski Joseph J. , Hall Lance T. , Cho Steve , Liu Glenn , Traynor Anne , Lee Matthew H. , Longino Marc , Pinchuk Anatoly , Jaskowiak Christine , Bednarz Bryan , Weichert Jamey , Kuo John S.
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study was to assess organ dosimetry and clinical use of [124I]I-NM404, a radiotheranostic alkylphosphocholine (APC) analog, for accurate detection and characterization of a wide variety of solid primary and metastatic malignancies anywhere in the body. Methods: Patterns of [124I]I-NM404 uptake were quantitatively analyzed and qualitatively compared with [18F]FDG PET/CT in 14 patients (median age, 61.5 years; 7 males, 7 females) with refractory metastatic cancer who were enrolled in one of two Phase I imaging studies. Primary cancer types included bronchogenic (n = 7), colorectal (n = 1), prostate (n = 1), triple-negative breast (n = 1), head and neck (n = 2), pancreatic (n = 1) carcinoma, and melanoma (n = 1). Patients were administered [124I]I-NM404 and imaged via PET/CT at 1–2, 4–6, 24, and 48 h and at 5–10 days post injection, from top of the skull to mid-thigh. Volumes of interest were drawn over lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, and whole body for dosimetry estimation using OLINDA 1.1 Representative metastatic index lesions were chosen when applicable for each case with active sites of disease to calculate maximum and mean tumor-to-background ratios (TBRmax, TBRmean), using the adjacent normal organ parenchyma as background when possible. Results: Administrations of [124I]-NM404 were safe and well-tolerated. The organs with the highest estimated absorbed dose (mean ± SD) were the lungs (1.74 ± 0.39 mSv/MBq), heart wall (1.52 ± 0.29 mSv/MBq), liver (1.28 ± 0.21 mSv/MBq) and kidneys (1.09 ± 0.20 mSv/MBq). The effective dose was 0.77 ± 0.05 mSv/MBq. Preferential uptake within metastatic foci was observed with all cancer subtypes, TBRmax ranged from 1.95 to 15.36 and TBRmean ranged from 1.63 to 6.63. Robust sensitive imaging of lesions was enhanced by delayed timing (2–6 days after single injection of [124I]I-NM404, respectively) due to persistent tumor retention coupled with progressive washout of background activity. NM404 uptake was evident in pulmonary, nodal, skeletal, CNS, and other metastatic sites of disease. Radiation related injury or necrosis were NM404 negative, whereas certain small number of metastatic brain lesions were false negative for NM404. Conclusions: In addition to being well tolerated, selective tumor uptake of NM404 with prolonged retention was demonstrated within a broad spectrum of highly treated metastatic cancers.
Sea Surface Temperature Variability and Marine Heatwaves in the Black Sea
Authors: Mohamed Bayoumy , Ibrahim Omneya , Nagy Hazem
Published: May 2022

Marine heatwaves (MHWs) have recently been at the forefront of climate research due to their devastating impacts on the marine environment. In this study, we have evaluated the spatiotemporal variability and trends of sea surface temperature (SST) and MHWs in the Black Sea. Furthermore, we investigated the relationship between the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and MHW frequency. This is the first attempt to investigate MHWs and their characteristics in the Black Sea using high-resolution remote-sensing daily satellite SST data (0.05° × 0.05°) from 1982 to 2020. The results showed that the spatial average of the SST warming rate over the entire basin was about 0.65 ± 0.07 °C/decade. Empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis revealed that SST in the Black Sea exhibited inter-annual spatiotemporal coherent variability. The maximum spatial SST variability was discovered in the central Black Sea, whereas the lowest variability was in the Batumi and Caucasus anti-cyclonic eddies in the eastern Black Sea. The highest SST temporal variability was found in 1994. More than two-thirds of all MHW events were recorded in the last decade (2010–2020). The highest annual MHW durations were reported in 1994 and 2020. The highest MHW frequency was detected in 2018 (7 waves). Over the whole study period (1982–2020), a statistically significant increase in annual MHW frequency and duration was detected, with trends of 1.4 ± 0.3 waves/decade and 2.8 ± 1.3 days/decade, respectively. A high number of MHW events coincided with El Niño (e.g., 1996, 1999, 2007, 2010, 2018, and 2020). A strong correlation (R = 0.90) was observed between the annual mean SST and the annual MHW frequency, indicating that more MHWs can be expected in the Black Sea, with serious consequences for the marine ecosystem.
The Spatiotemporal Change of Glacier Runoff Is Comparably Attributed to Climatic Factors and Physical Properties in Northwestern China
Authors: Leng Xuejing , Feng Xiaoming , Fu Bojie , Zhang Yu
Published: May 2022

The spatiotemporal regimes of glacier runoff (GR) under a warming climate are of great concern, especially in dryland areas in northwestern China (DAC). Due to the difficulty of observing GR, little attention has been given to the spatiotemporal change in GR at regional scales. This study uses the regional individual glacier mass balance (GMB) dataset developed by digital elevation models (DEMs) to simulate the spatiotemporal regime of GR using atmospheric parameters considering both ablation and accumulation processes on glaciers. In this study, GR, including glacier meltwater runoff (MR) and delayed water runoff (DR) of the DAC, was quantitatively assessed at a catchment scale from 1961 to 2015. The total annual GR in the DAC was (100.81 ± 68.71) × 108 m3 in 1961–2015, where MR accounted for 68%. Most basins had continuously increasing tendencies of different magnitudes from 1961 to 2015. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and random forest techniques were used to explore the contributions of climate factors and glacier physical properties to GR, and the results indicated that climate factors could explain 56.64% of the variation. In comparison, the remaining 43.36% could be explained by the physical properties of glaciers themselves (i.e., degree-day factor on ice, degree-day factor on snow, glacier median height, aspect, and slope). This study not only improves our understanding of the spatiotemporal change in GR in the drylands of northwestern China at spatial and temporal resolutions but also highlights the role of physical properties in explaining the heterogeneous dynamics among GRs unlike previous studies that only emphasize rising temperatures.
Pediatric Foreign Body Ingestion: Complications and Patient and Foreign Body Factors
Authors: Conners Gregory P.
Published: May 2022

Background: Management of the child who has swallowed a foreign body should be guided by the risk of complication. Objective of the Review: This review discusses the patient and foreign body characteristics most likely to be associated with complications. Discussion: Most swallowed foreign bodies will pass through the GI tract without complication. Children with pre-existing GI tract abnormalities of any sort, or those who swallow higher-risk foreign bodies, are at higher risk. Higher-risk foreign bodies include long, sharp, or pointed objects, button batteries, and small magnets. Nearly any child who presents to an Emergency Department or other acute care setting after foreign body ingestion should undergo plain radiography; other forms of imaging may also be appropriate. Primary care providers may opt for an initial observation period when there is lower risk of complication. Esophageal button batteries should be emergently removed; other esophageal objects should be promptly removed or, if low risk, allowed a brief period to pass spontaneously. Most lower GI tract foreign bodies will pass spontaneously. Prevention, while not always possible, is preferable to management of foreign body ingestion. Conclusions: Management strategies for children who have swallowed foreign bodies can be optimized by considering relevant patient and foreign body factors, and how they contribute to the risk of complication.
Influence and Mechanism of Polar Solvents on the Retention Time of Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Gas Chromatography
Authors: Ren Mu , Natsagdorj Narantsogt , Shun Na
Published: May 2022

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), produced by microbes when dietary fiber ferments in the colon, are one of the most studied microbial products despite their volatility and complex matrices, which make analysis challenging. In the current study, we sought to address research gaps by exploring the commonalities and differences between the retention time changes for SCFAs in polar solvents. In one such solvent, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), the retention time of the SCFA acetic acid shows a linear positive correlation with the equal volume increase in the DMSO solvent. We used gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to analyze the retention times of mixed solutions of formic acid, acetic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, and toluene in the solvents DMSO and water and found that only the retention times of formic acid and acetic acid changed. We further compared the effect of three solvents with similar polarities, DMSO, N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), and dimethylformamide (DMF), on the retention time of acetic acid and found that it increased in the DMSO–water solution more than in the NMP–water solution and remained unchanged in the DMF–water solution. This finding is consistent with quantum chemical calculations showing that the strength of the hydrogen bond between DMSO and acetic acid is greater than between NMP and acetic acid. Taken together, the chromatographic results and quantum chemical calculations indicate that, in all three solvents, the portion of the molecule with the smallest negative electrostatic potential (red) has high electron density and can easily donate electrons, forming a hydrogen bond with acetic acid. However, the portion with the largest positive electrostatic potential (blue) forms a bond with polyethylene glycol, a column stationary solution with a strong dipole moment, and is adsorbed on the stationary solution in the direction of the dipole moment. Therefore, the retention times of formic acid and acetic acid change under the combined influence of a series of complex intermolecular forces. In the chromatographic column, the outflow rate of DMF is higher than that of acetic acid, and the force of the hydrogen bond between DMF and acetic acid cannot overcome the outflow resistance of acetic acid, so the retention time of the acetic acid in the DMF–water solution does not change. The retention times of butyric acid and valeric acid are unchanged in aprotic polar solvents for the same reason.
Standing Up for Culturally Competent Care in Portugal: The Experience of a “Health in Equality” Online Training Program on Individual and Cultural Diversity
Authors: Alarcão Violeta , Roberto Sandra , França Thais , Moleiro Carla
Published: May 2022

Health professionals play an essential role in the protection and promotion of health rights without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ethnicity/race, nationality and migration status, age, functional diversity, or any other individual and/or cultural positions. With the growing diversity of patient populations, health professionals must be able to identify and be responsive to individual and cultural diversity, ensuring equity in access to high-quality individually-centered care. For this, it is fundamental to promote training in cultural competence, understood as responsivity and the ability to work the valorization of multiple and intersectional identities throughout life. The paper aims to describe the experience of the implementation of the program “Health in Equality”, aimed at training the primary healthcare workforce in Portugal, which was based on Sue and Sue’s (2008) three-dimensional model of multicultural skills, which champions cultural best practices in an intersectional perspective. Based on the trainees’ and trainers’ evaluation of four completed editions developed online between March and July 2021, this study discusses ways to improve the impact of the training program and amplify the number of leaders and role models for other health care providers towards culturally competent healthcare systems and organizations.
Syndromic Surveillance among Evacuees at a Houston “Megashelter” following Hurricane Harvey
Authors: Leining Lauren M. , Short Kirstin , Erickson Timothy A. , Gunter Sarah M. , Ronca Shannon E. , Schulte Joann , Murray Kristy O.
Published: May 2022

In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, thousands of residents in the Houston area sought refuge at a convention center “megashelter”. Out of concern for the possibility of communicable diseases spreading rapidly in the crowded shelter, we conducted syndromic surveillance to monitor the health of evacuees using a digital drop-in cot-survey. The cot-to-cot survey design rapidly assessed evacuees to determine if they were experiencing any symptoms of illness each night from 1–7 September 2017. While no outbreak of a specific infection was identified during the surveillance period, runny nose, congestion, cough, achy muscles and joints, anxiety, and depression were the most commonly reported symptoms. Out of the total shelter population, 38% of adults reported symptoms compared to 25% of children (≤18 years). The cot survey took a median of 5.2 min per interview, and the daily participation rate increased throughout the surveillance period starting at 89% and ending at 96% on the last day. The success of this public health response was due, in part, to the effectiveness of survey design and the dissemination of real-time data to the health departments. Digital cot surveys can improve emergency response sustainability, interoperability among emergency responders, and improve evacuee participation.
Branding Places through Experiential Tourism: A Survey on the Features of the Experiential Product and Enterprises in Greek Regions
Authors: Yiannakou Athena , Apostolou Angelina , Birou-Athanasiou Vasiliki , Papagiannakis Apostolos , Vitopoulou Athina
Published: May 2022

The focus of experiential tourism is for the consumer or visitor to experience the tourist destination and to actively interact with local people, cultures, and the place itself. In fact, it can be seen as a form of tourism that builds upon place identities, both tangible and intangible, by energetically introducing the visitor to the culture, history, nature, traditions, cuisine, and social life of a place. In doing so, the emotional, physical, or spiritual experience of the consumer becomes a dynamic source of place branding. The paper investigates the main features of experiential tourism in the Greek regions of Central Macedonia, and Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, and discusses their interactions with place identity. Our methodology consists of a qualitative survey based on semi-structured interviews with stakeholders and a thematic analysis to trace the main features of the experiential product and enterprises that develop such products. The paper concludes that experiential tourism in Greece bears many of the features highlighted in the literature. Furthermore, our findings underline some new aspects, especially the links between the experiential product, small and well-qualified enterprises, and a place’s tangible and intangible identities, which make experiential tourism an opportunity for locales and their branding.
Urinary Levels of Sirtuin-1, π-Glutathione S-Transferase, and Mitochondrial DNA in Maize Farmer Occupationally Exposed to Herbicide
Authors: Khacha-ananda Supakit , Intayoung Unchisa , Wunnapuk Klintean , Kohsuwan Kanyapak , Srisai Pitchayuth , Sapbamrer Ratana
Published: May 2022

Epidemiologic studies have suggested an association between agrochemical exposure and risk of renal injury. Farmers face great risks to developing adverse effects. The most appropriate biomarker related to renal injury needs to be developed to encounter earlier detection. We aim to study the association between early renal biomarker and occupational herbicide exposure in maize farmers, Thailand. Sixty-four farmers were recruited and interviewed concerning demographic data, herbicide usage, and protective behavior. Two spot urines before (pre-work task) and after (post-work task) herbicide spraying were collected. To estimate the intensity of exposure, the cumulative herbicide exposure intensity index (cumulative EII) was also calculated from activities on the farm, type of personal protective equipment (PPE) use, as well as duration and frequency of exposure. Four candidate renal biomarkers including π-GST, sirtuin-1, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were measured. Most subjects were male and mostly sprayed three herbicides including glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH), paraquat, and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). A type of activity in farm was mixing and spraying herbicide. Our finding demonstrated no statistical significance of all biomarker levels between pre- and post-work task urine. To compare between single and cocktail use of herbicide, there was no statistical difference in all biomarker levels between pre- and post-work task urine. However, the urinary mtDNA seems to be increased in post-work task urine. Moreover, the cumulative EII was strongly associated with change in mtDNA content in both ND-1 and COX-3 gene. The possibility of urinary mtDNA as a valuable biomarker was promising as a noninvasive benchmark for early detection of the risk of developing renal injury from herbicide exposure.
Genetic Diversity, Biofilm Formation, and Antibiotic Resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Cow, Camel, and Mare with Clinical Endometritis
Authors: Mahmoud Samy F. , Fayez Mahmoud , Swelum Ayman A. , Alswat Amal S. , Alkafafy Mohamed , Alzahrani Othman M. , Alsunaini Saleem J. , Almuslem Ahmed , Al Amer Abdulaziz S. , Yusuf Shaymaa
Published: May 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous opportunistic bacterium that causes diseases in animals and humans. This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity, antimicrobial resistance, biofilm formation, and virulence and antibiotic resistance genes of P. aeruginosa isolated from the uterus of cow, camel, and mare with clinical endometritis and their drinking water. Among the 180 uterine swabs and 90 drinking water samples analysed, 54 (20%) P. aeruginosa isolates were recovered. Isolates were identified biochemically to the genus level by the automated Vitek 2 system and genetically by the amplification of the gyrB gene and the sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Multilocus sequence typing identified ten different sequence types for the P. aeruginosa isolates. The identification of ST2012 was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher than that of ST296, ST308, ST111, and ST241. The isolates exhibited significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased resistance to piperacillin (77.8%), ciprofloxacin (59.3%), gentamicin (50%), and ceftazidime (38.9%). Eight (14.8%) isolates showed resistance to imipenem; however, none of the isolates showed resistance to colistin. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was observed in 24 isolates (44.4%) with a multiple antibiotic resistance index ranging from 0.44 to 0.77. MDR was identified in 30 (33.3%) isolates. Furthermore, 38.8% and 9.2% of the isolates exhibited a positive extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL) and metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) phenotype, respectively. The most prevalent β-lactamase encoding genes were blaTEM and blaCTX-M, however, the blaIPM gene was not detected in any of the isolates. Biofilm formation was observed in 49 (90.7%) isolates classified as: 11.1% weak biofilm producers; 38.9% moderate biofilm producers; 40.7% strong biofilm producers. A positive correlation was observed between the MAR index and biofilm formation. In conclusion, the results highlighted that farm animals with clinical endometritis could act as a reservoir for MDR and virulent P. aeruginosa. The emergence of ESBLs and MBLs producing P. aeruginosa in different farm animals is a public health concern. Therefore, surveillance programs to monitor and control MDR P. aeruginosa in animals are required.
Development of a procedure for sterilizing filtration validation
Authors:   Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education «Peoples' Friendship University of Russia», Institute of Biochemical Technology and Nanotechnology, Vasilenko Ivan Aleksandrovich , Kozin Pavel Romanovich ,   Interregional Public Institution «Institute of Engineering Physics», Serpukhov, Moscow Region,  Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education «Peoples' Friendship University of Russia», Institute of Biochemical Technology and Nanotechnology, Krasnova Yuliya Valerievna ,   Interregional Public Institution «Institute of Engineering Physics», Serpukhov, Moscow Region
Published: May 2022

Validation of sterilizing filtration is extremely difficult in the realities of a working production. To prevent the negative impact of sterilizing filtration validation on the quality of the environment, a model of the process has been developed in the laboratory. On the basis of the developed model, validation tests were carried out to the extent that allows assessing the stability and reproducibility of the process. The obtained results showed the suitability of the process of sterilizing filtration of sodium luminol, as part of the process of aseptic production of the medicinal product.
Rationale for the use of hypo-hyperoxic training in patients with metabolic syndrome
Authors:   CELLGYM-RUS, Moscow, Tsyganova Tatyana Nikolaevna
Published: May 2022

Recently, the interest of scientists around the world in studying the relationship of metabolic disorders and obesity with the growth of cardiovascular diseases has increased significantly. Pharmacological medicine does not yet have effective drugs with which it is possible to solve the problem of metabolic syndrome in a complex, therefore, drugs are most often used to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood, blood pressure, appetite suppression to reduce body weight, etc. In recent years, the method of interval hypoxic and hypoxic-hyperoxic training has been very intensively researched and applied in clinical practice as a modern highly effective physical method of prevention and treatment of various diseases. It was found that with the course use of IGT, a complex of compensatory responses develops: optimization of the functioning of the sympatho-adrenal system; changes in the metabolism of lipids and lipoproteins due to the activation of key enzymes that catalyze the esterification of cholesterol and regulate the formation of high-density lipoproteins. Such a systemic response of the body is very important in people with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and impaired carbohydrate tolerance.
Application of electroneurostimulation of the peroneal and tibial nerve in the treatment of patients with neurological deficiencies after lumbosacral discectomy
Authors:   Faculty of Continuous Medical Education, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Clinic of the Brain and Spine «Olivia», Al-Zamil Mustafa Khalilovich , Vasilieva Ekaterina Stanislavovna ,   FSBSI B.V. Petrovsky Russian Scientific Center for Surgery, FSBEI HE A. I. Yevdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Kotenko Konstantin Valentinovich ,   FSBSI B.V. Petrovsky Russian Scientific Center for Surgery,  FSBEI HE A. I. Yevdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry of the Ministry of Health of Russia
Published: May 2022

In most patients after lumbar discoectomy, despite the elimination of root compression, the manifestations of chronic radiculopathy continue. Pain syndrome persists in 85.8% of patients, numbness in 74.1%, and paresthesia in 44.7%. Objective:to study the efficacy of transcutaneous electroneurostimulation (TENS) of the peroneal and tibial nerves in the treatment of patients with neurological deficit after undergoing discoectomy at the L4–S1 level. Materials and methods. After a course of pharmacotherapy, 15 patients underwent a course of direct stimulation of the peroneal and tibial nerves using transcutaneous electroneurostimulation, and 15 patients underwent a course of sham stimulation. Conclusion. Direct labile stimulation of the peroneal and tibial nerves using a monopolar current with a frequency of 1Hz, a duration of 200 μs and an amplitude that induces a painless motor response is a highly effective method of treating patients with residual clinical neurological manifestations after undergoing discoectomy at the L4–S1 level. Against the background of this method, the symptoms of tension, motor deficit, gait disturbance, impaired аchilles reflex and pain syndrome in the sensory and affective aspects are reliably regressed.
Creation of public spaces as the factor of development of the region
Authors:   Moscow State Regional University, Kubrak I. A. , Alenkova I. A. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU), Danilina А. О. ,   Moscow State University of Civil Engineering
Published: May 2022

The article proves the importance of the creation of modern attractive public spaces (taking into account the legal regulation of behavior in public places). The main benefits from the creation of public spaces are listed. Some successful examples from the practice of world megalopolises are given.
Analisis Visual Pada Poster Promosi Film Trilogi Batman
Authors: Ashari Aldy Muhamad , Rochmawati Irma
Published: May 2022

Poster merupakan suatu media penyampaian pesan dan informasi kepada masyarakat yang sudah digunakan sejak lama sesuai dengan kepentingannya tak terkecuali dalam promosi sebuah film. Dalam mempromosikan suatu film yang akan ditayangkan poster promosi film tentunya akan sangat membuat film yang akan ditayangkan tersebut jadi lebih dikenal dan sekaligus sebagai ‘wajah’  dari filmnya. Dalam penelitian ini mengkaji tanda dan unsur visual yang ditampilkan pada poster promosi film trilogi Batman karya Christopher Nolan yaitu The Dark Knight Trilogy yang dimana merupakan film batman yang paling sukses dalam segi pendapatan maupun penghargaan. Dalam poster promosi film ini terdapat kesan dan juga suatu makna yang memiliki relasi dengan filmnya dan  tidak hanya sebagai keindahan estetika semata pada tampilan posternya. Semiologi Ferdinand De Saussure digunakan sebagai metode penelitian untuk membantu peneliti mengkaji tentang unsur visual dan tanda yang ada pada poster promosi ini. Semiologi adalah kajian mengenai suatu tanda, penanda, dan petanda dan relasi diantara tanda tersebut berdasarakan konvensi di masyarakat. Dalam hasil penelitian ini ditemukan tanda-tanda yang berhubungan dengan film serta visual posternya dibuat melebihi dari referensi adegan film.
ADVERTISING SUPPORT FOR LOYALTY IMPLEMENTATION
Authors:   Chernivtsi Institute of Trade and Economics of KNUTE, Chaplinskyі Yuriy , Bozulenko Olena
Published: May 2022

The loyalty program is an important element of the marketing communication activities of the enterprise, so its implementation should be based on the concept of integrated marketing communications. Integrated marketing communications is a concept of marketing communications planning, related to the need to assess the strategic role of individual areas and find the optimal combination to ensure clarity, consistency and maximize the impact of communication programs through seamless integration of all individual appeals. That is, the loyalty program must be integrated with other elements of the marketing communications system. Combining a loyalty program with elements of advertising, public relations, sales promotion, direct marketing and synthetic marketing communications allows to combine and enhance the benefits of each marketing tool and maximize the effectiveness of the loyalty program to increase business competitiveness. In addition, it should be noted that in the scientific literature insufficient attention is paid to communication (in particular, advertising) support for loyalty programs, which determines the relevance of the research topic. The advertising campaign within the loyalty program is aimed at attracting new customers, forming an active target audience, increasing profits. Stages of loyalty program advertising support should include: determining the purpose of the loyalty program advertising campaign; identification of the target audience; determining the subject of advertising, focus on a specific loyalty program. Decisions on the choice of dissemination means for advertising information in the loyalty program support are made taking into account the characteristics of each of these means as well as a detailed analysis of their advantages and disadvantages. The effectiveness of the loyalty program advertising campaign is determined by its content and components. The introduction of tools for advertising support of the loyalty program by enterprises will maximize its effectiveness, which in the future will bring to a new level of quality management of marketing activities in general, and marketing communications in particular.