bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of SNPs and Candidate Genes for Milk Produce Ability in Yorkshire Pig
Authors: Shi Lijun , Li Yang , Liu Qian , Zhang Longchao , Wang Ligang , Liu Xin , Gao Hongmei , Hou Xinhua , Zhao Fuping , Yan Hua , Wang Lixian
Published: June 2021

Background: Sow milk produce ability is an important limiting factor impacting suboptimal growth and survival of piglets. By pig genetic improvement, the litter size has been increased, and larger litters need more suckled mammary glands, that results in increased milk from lactating sow. Hence, it has much significance to explore the sow lactation performance. The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters and screen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for milk produce ability trait in 985 Yorkshire pigs by a genome-wide association study (GWAS), and to further identify the candidate genes.Results: By ASReml, we estimated the heritability of sow milk produce ability: 0.18 ± 0.07. With the Fixed and random effect model Circulating Probability Unification (FarmCPU), we performed a GWAS, and detected seven genome-wide significant SNPs, namely, Sus scrofa Chromosome (SSC) 2: ASGA0010040 (P = 7.73E-11); SSC2:MARC0029355 (P = 1.30E-08), SSC6: WU_10.2_6_65751151 (P = 1.32E-10), SSC7: MARC0058875 (P = 4.99E-09), SSC10: WU_10.2_10_49571394 (P = 6.79E-08), SSC11: M1GA0014659 (P = 1.19E-07), and SSC15: MARC0042106 (P = 1.16E-07). We performed the distribution of phenotypes corresponding to genotypes of the seven SNPs, and showed that ASGA0010040, MARC0029355, MARC0058875, WU_10.2_10_49571394, M1GA0014659, and MARC0042106 have extreme phenotypic values corresponded to the homozygous genotypes, while the intermediate values corresponded to the heterozygous genotypes. Further, we screened for flanking regions ± 200 kb nearby seven significant SNPs, and identified 30 genes. Among of them, 24 as the candidates were involved in lactose metabolism, colostrum immunity, milk protein, and milk fat by the gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis. Through the combined analysis between 24 candidate genes and differently expressed genes (DEGs) detected in transcriptome data (GSE101983), we found 11 commons (NAV2, ANO3, MUC15, DISP3, FBXO6, CLCN6, SLA-DQB1, PSMB8, PSMB9, TAP1, and KIF5C). Further, by comparing the chromosome positions of the candidate genes with the quantitative trait locus (QTLs) previously reported, a total of 13 genes were found to be within 0.86 Mb to 93.92 Mb of the reported QTLs for sow milk yield, in which, NAV2 was found to be located with 0.86 Mb of the QTL region ssc2: 40936355.Conclusions: In conclusion, we identified seven significant SNPs located on SSC2, 6, 7, 10, 11, and 15, and proposed 24 candidate genes for milk produce ability trait in Yorkshire pig. Among of them, 11 were the key candidates. These results contribute to the identification of variants and candidate genes for sow milk produce ability.
Accelerated Immune Senescence and Biological Aging of T-cell Subsets Among ART-naive HIV-infected Men Who Have Sex With Men in Beijing, China: a Case-control Study
Authors: Li Li , Ma Cheng-jie , Wang Ling-hang , Yu Feng-ting , Yang Si-yuan , Song Shu-jing , Tang Yun-xia , Li Xing-wang
Published: June 2021

Background: The average lifespan of HIV-infected subjects remains shorter compared to uninfected individuals. Accelerated senescence may be responsible for this difference despite effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) with successful viral suppression. The present study aimed to assess the impact of HIV on immune and biological senescence of ART-naive HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) in Beijing, China. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted that compared MSM HIV-infected patients and age-matched MSM HIV negative controls. Within the CD4 and CD8 population, the percentages of naive(TN), central memory(TCM), effector memory(TEM) and terminally differentiated memory(TemRA) subsets were studied and markers of senescence and activation in these cells were measured by multiparameter flow cytometry. Naive (CD45RA+) and memory (CD45RO+) CD8 T cells were purified by MACS technology. Telomere length was quantified by real-time PCR. Results: Within the CD8 T cell subsets, TN, TCM,TEM and TemRA cells showed more activation (HLA-DR+) and replicative senescence(CD28-CD57+) phenotypes in ART-naive MSM. However, in the CD4 T cell subsets, expect for TN, the percentage of senescent cells did not differ between ART-naive MSM and uninfected controls, but activated cells were upregulated in the former. The telomere length of naive and memory CD8 T cells was significantly shorter in ART-naive MSM than that of uninfected controls.Conclusion: Our results indicate that HIV-infected ART-naive MSM exhibit accelerated immune senescence with premature biological aging, which particularly affects the CD8 T-cell subsets. This highlights the strong impact of HIV on aging process of T-cell despite patient’s young age at infection and supports the importance of early control of HIV replication.
Drastic Differences in Silicon Concentrations between Roots and Leaves of 10 Different Solanum lycopersicum L. Varieties
Authors: Zellner Wendy L.
Published: June 2021

Silicon (Si) absorption is highly variable among different plant types; however, few studies have examined variations among different cultivars within a single species. In this study, 10 different tomato cultivars, including determinants and indeterminants as well as hybrids and heirlooms, were hydroponically grown in the presence or absence of Si to determine the absorption and distribution of the nutrients in roots, stems, petioles, and leaves. A total elemental analysis revealed that Si concentrations significantly increased with Si treatment, and that root concentrations were significantly higher than those in leaves. Although a few species showed differences in carbon, nitrogen, and calcium concentrations in roots and leaves with Si treatment, many of the macronutrients and micronutrients were unaffected. These data suggest that tomato plants absorb Si within the macronutrient range and restrict its movement from roots to shoots.
Fruit Textural Characteristics of 23 Plum (Prunus salicina Lindl) Cultivars: Evaluation and Cluster Analysis
Authors: Qiu Xia , Zhang Haonan , Zhang Huiyi , Duan Changwen , Xiong Bo , Wang Zhihui
Published: June 2021

Fruit textural characteristics can affect the storage, transportation, and processing of plum (Prunus salicina Lindl) in commercial production. We analyzed 23 plum cultivars with marked differences in fruit traits. Basic physicochemical indicators and textural characteristics of the fruits were determined using puncture testing and texture profile analysis. Furthermore, through the combined application of cluster analysis and principal component analysis, the indexes were simplified to three relatively independent dimensions, comprehensively reflecting the hardness, size, and flexibility of plum fruit. Our results show a high positive correlation among textural characteristics such as hardness, springiness, gumminess, and chewiness, whereas toughness and brittleness were negatively correlated. In addition, physicochemical properties were correlated to the texture traits. The weight and size of the plum fruit were related to hardness, adhesiveness, and chewiness. The soluble solids and water content contributed to the hardness, cohesiveness, and resistance to chewing. Cluster analysis revealed three distinct clusters: Cluster I represented by ‘Meiguihong’ with high hardness and a chewable texture; Cluster II represented by ‘Siyuecui’, ‘Cuimi’, and ‘Qingcui’ with a hard and brittle texture; and Cluster III represented by ‘Jinmi’, ‘Taoli’, and ‘Oishiwase’ with a soft and tough texture. The results of this study provide a significant theoretical foundation for quality evaluation, and classification of plum fruit characteristics, thus providing insights for further breeding of plum varieties.
Alleviation of Postharvest Skin Dimpling of MN55 Apple Fruit and a Possible Association with Apple stem pitting virus
Authors: Tong Cindy B.S. , Chang Hsueh-Yuan , Luby James J. , Bedford David , Lockhart Benham E.L. , Kiambi Roy G. , Mollov Dimitre
Published: June 2021

MN55 is an apple (Malus ×domestica Borkh.) cultivar recently released by the University of Minnesota apple breeding program, with fruit marketed in the U.S. as Rave®. When stored for 4 months at 0 to 4 °C, MN55 fruit can develop several storage disorders, including skin dimpling. Skin dimpling incidence was greater for fruit harvested 1 week later than those harvested earlier. Dimpling was not alleviated by prestorage treatments of 1-methylcyclopropene or diphenylamine or by holding fruit at room temperature for 1 day before long-term cold storage. However, dimpling incidence was very low when fruit were stored at 6 to 7 °C. Because viruses have been implicated in other fruit dimpling disorders, the presence of viruses in MN55 leaves and fruit was studied. Apple stem pitting virus (ASPV) was detected by microscopy, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) methodology, and high throughput sequencing (HTS) in peel of fruit from MN55 trees that exhibited skin dimpling after 4 months of storage at 0 to 1 °C. ASPV was also detected in supermarket-purchased fruit of other cultivars with noticeable skin dimpling. Although ASPV was not conclusively demonstrated to cause skin dimpling in our work, its prevalence indicates that further investigations are warranted to determine the relationship between viruses and skin deformities in stored apples.
Screening Cotoneaster sp. for Resistance to Fire Blight Using Foliar Inoculation with Two Strains of Erwinia amylovora
Authors: Neill Kristin E. , Contreras Ryan N. , Stockwell Virginia O. , Chen Hsuan
Published: June 2021

The genus Cotoneaster is composed of ≈400 species with a wide variety of growth habits and forms. These hardy landscape shrubs used to be commonplace because of their low maintenance and landscape functionality. However, the interest in and sales of cotoneaster have decreased for a variety of reasons, with the greatest being its susceptibility to a bacterial disease fire blight caused by Erwinia amylovora. The resistances of 15 different genotypes of Cotoneaster to a wild-type strain of Erwinia amylovora (Ea153) and a strain LA635 that has a natural mutation in avrRpt2 that encodes for a type III secretion effector were tested separately by inoculating leaves. Fire blight resistance was assessed by calculating the percent shoot necrosis (PSN) [PSN = 100 × (lesion length ÷ total branch length)] at 6 to 8 weeks after inoculation. Across all experiments, Cotoneaster genotypes H2011-01-002 and C. ×suecicus ‘Emerald Sprite’ consistently had the lowest PSN values when inoculated with either strain. Cotoneaster ×suecicus ‘Emerald Beauty’ was significantly more resistant to Ea153 than to LA635, whereas C. splendens was significantly more susceptible to Ea153 than to LA635.
Variable-rate Spray Technology Optimizes Pesticide Application by Adjusting for Seasonal Shifts in Deciduous Perennial Crops
Authors: Nackley Lloyd L. , Warneke Brent , Fessler Lauren , Pscheidt Jay W. , Lockwood David , Wright Wesley C. , Sun Xiaocun , Fulcher Amy
Published: June 2021

To optimize pesticide applications to the canopies of deciduous perennial crops, spray volume should be adjusted throughout the year to match the changes in canopy volume and density. Machine-vision, computer-controlled, variable-rate sprayers are now commercially available and claim to provide adequate coverage with decreased spray volumes compared with constant-rate sprayers. However, there is little research comparing variable- and constant-rate spray applications as crop characteristics change throughout a growing season. This study evaluated spray volume, spray quality (e.g., coverage and deposit density), and off-target spray losses of variable- and constant-rate sprayers across multiple phenophases in an apple (Malus domestica) orchard and a grape (Vitis vinifera) vineyard. The variable-rate sprayer mode applied 67% to 74% less volume in the orchard and 61% to 80% less volume in the vineyard. Spray coverage (percent), measured by water-sensitive cards (WSC), was consistently greater in the constant-rate mode compared with the variable-rate mode, but in many cases, excessive coverage (i.e., over-spray) was recorded. The variable-rate sprayer reduced off-target losses, measured by WSC coverage, up to 40% in the orchard and up to 33% in the vineyard. Spray application deposit densities (droplets per square centimeter) on target canopies were typically greater in variable-rate mode. However, the deposit densities were confounded in over-spray conditions because droplets coalesced on the WSC resulting in artificially low values (i.e., few, very large droplets). Spray efficiencies were most improved early in the growing season, when canopy density was lowest, demonstrating the importance of tailoring spray volume to plant canopy characteristics.
Renewed Philosophical Practices and Philosophically-Oriented Biographical Analysis
Authors: Daddi Andrea Ignazio
Published: June 2021

U radu se ocrtavaju glavne značajke biografijske filozofije i uz nju vezane obnovljene filozofijske prakse, talijanskog mislioca Romana Màdera. Slijedeći privlačnost rada Pierrea Hadota, Màdera pokušava pronaći mogući put prilagodbe drevnog viđenja filozofije kao načina života za suvremenost, čak se vraćajući doprinosu psihoanalize i dubinske psihologije. Dio rada posvećen je predstavljanju posebnosti prakse filozofijski orijentrane biografijske analize kakvu predlaže Màdera.
To Philosophise about Dying
Authors: Harteloh Peter
Published: June 2021

Jedan je od osnivača filozofijske prakse, Pierre Hadot, odredio takvu praksu kao duhovnu vježbu učenja kako pisati, čitati, živjeti i umrijeti. U ovom se radu želim usmjeriti na umiranje. Kako filozofirati o
smrti? Pristupit ću ovom pitanju sa stajališta filozofijskog savjetnika
koji se s tim pitanjem susreće tijekom savjetovanja i dat ću nekoliko primjera takvog savjetovanja. Približit ću se temi u skladu s drevnom stoičkom tradicijom i razlikovati fiziku, logiku i etiku umiranja. Činjenice će ograničiti i odrediti prikladni oblik (logika) i sadržaj (etika) filozofiranja tijekom savjetovanja. Argumentirat ću da možemo i trebamo razviti stav prikladan našoj smrti. Filozofijsko savjetovanje može pomoći u razvoju takvog stava.
In Defence of Integrative Violence
Authors: Fatić Aleksandar
Published: June 2021

Rad se bavi odnosom između organskih i institucionalnih oblika društvene kontrole s točke gledišta mogućeg doprinosa filozofijske prakse razumjevanju društvenih sankcija. Argumentacija polazi od empirijske činjenice da zakoni i ustavi različitih zemalja, u svojim preambulama, najčešće definiraju svrhu kažnjavanja u utilitarističkom svjetlu. Ovaj operativno-utilitarni karakter institucionalne društvene kontrole sličan je utilitarnoj prirodi filozofskog savjetovanja kao praktične djelatnosti. Kada se kontrola, koja podrazumijeva neku vrstu »nasilja«, sagleda u širokom razumijevanju pojma nasilje, otvara se prostor za diskusiju o izazovnom i kontroverznom pitanju o tome može li nasilje biti integrativno kako u smislu integracije vrijednosti, tako i u smislu potvrđivanja nečijeg socijalnog statusa nakon prijestupa i to u mjeri većoj nego što su to institucionalizirane i od pojedinca relativno konceptualno udaljene vrste sankcija.
Death, Community, Mourning – about Voice and Listening in Philosophy
Authors: Harbaš Bernard
Published: June 2021

Rad se bavi različitim filozofijskim aspektima pojma slušanja u svezi s oblikovanjem i obustavljanjem totalitarnih zajednica. Tradicionalna filozofija uglavnom je kritički nastrojena prema čulnom znanju, dok se suvremena misao usmjerava na slušanje kao značajan i kompleksan fenomen koji može biti promatran kao kognitivna kategorija i kroz različite filozofijske perspektive (politika, etika). Za Heideggera, slušanje ima egzistencijalni status i predstavlja jedno od Daseinovih obilježja. Po njegovu mišljenju, slušanje je razumijevanje onoga tko nam je blizak (koga nosimo u sebi) – prijatelja. U Heideggerovoj filozofiji slušanja, Derrida prepoznaje mogućnost oblikovanja zajednice istih i bliskih. Aludira na homogenizaciju i neprijateljstvo. Napuštajući Heideggerovu tezu o slušanju prijatelja, Derrida piše o mogućnosti slušanja sablasti koja predstavlja afirmaciju egzistencije apsolutne drugosti. Slušanje sablasti jedina je ispravna etika putem koje se uspostavlja udaljenost i izbjegava totalitarnu zajednicu. Poput Derridaa, Nancy vidi opasnost u oblikovanju totalitarne zajednice u istosti i bliskosti članova društva. Način izbjegavanja mogućnosti oblikovanja takve zajednice Nancy vidi u izravnom (čulnom) dodiru sa svijetom. Za Nancyja, slušanje je dodir sa svijetom neposredovan označavanjima i razumijevanjima. Slušanje predstavlja metaforu otpora prema aspiracijama predstavničkih političkih sustava u oblikovanju potpunih i zatvorenih zajednica. Predstavljajući nekoliko suvremenih filozofijskih pojmova, ovaj rad pokušava demonstrirati da slušanje, osim stvaranja bliskosti, može održavati nemoguću zajednicu karakteriziranu nepredstavništvom i heterogenošću te, što je važnije, može funkcionirati kao otpor prema totalitarnim sustavima.
Putting a spin on metamaterials: Mechanical incompatibility as magnetic frustration
Authors: Pisanty Ben , Oğuz Erdal Celal , Nisoli Cristiano , Shokef Yair
Published: June 2021

Mechanical metamaterials present a promising platform for seemingly impossible mechanics. They often require incompatibility of their elementary building blocks, yet a comprehensive understanding of its role remains elusive. Relying on an analogy to ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic binary spin interactions, we present a general approach to identify and analyze topological mechanical defects for arbitrary building blocks. We underline differences between two- and three-dimensional metamaterials, and show how topological defects can steer stresses and strains in a controlled and non-trivial manner and can inspire the design of materials with hitherto unknown complex mechanical response.
Endovasal laser obliteration of arteriovenous fistulas in patients on chronic hemodialy
Authors: Veselov B. A. , Burleva E. P.
Published: June 2021

Introduction. Vascular access complications are associated with about 30% of patient hospitalizations, and annual costs of vascular access maintenance account for 14–20% of total healthcare costs for dialysis patients. At the same time, current international clinical guidelines emphasize the need to implement a patient-centered approach with planning of possible vascular access complications and selection of optimal surgical interventions (risk/benefit balance) for correction of compromised access.Aim. To present the first experience of endovasal laser obliteration of arteriovenous fistulas for correction of venous hypertension syndrome.Materials and methods. The first experience of complicated arteriovenous fistulas liquidation using endovasal laser obliteration in 6 patients receiving hemodialysis replacement therapy for stage 5 chronic kidney disease (National kidney Foundation (NkF) classification) is presented. In 5 patients due to the presence of venous hypertension of the upper extremity, where the arteriovenous fistula functioned, open intervention was unacceptable because of the high risk of bleeding. In one patient the arteriovenous fistula was closed due to its aneurysmatic transformation. we performed endovasal laser obliteration of four Cimino-type radial artery-cephalic arteriovenous fistulas, one brachial-basilar arteriovenous fistula, and one brachial-cubital arteriovenous fistula. Endovasal laser obliteration was performed with an endovascular light guide under ultrasound navigation using tumescent anesthesia. we used a laser device with a wavelength of 1.56 µm and power of 15 w, working in continuous mode (time 2–4 min, energy density 500 to 1,000 J/cm). The average diameter (Me) of the fistula vein was 8 mm.Results. The course of the early postoperative period in all patients was uncomplicated. The follow-up period was 30 days. Symptoms of venous hypertension were eliminated in all patients, the pain syndrome disappeared completely, there were slight feelings of heaviness and fullness of the limb.Discussion. Experience has shown that standard modes used for varicose vein obliteration for elimination of arteriovenous fistulas in chronic renal failure are ineffective: under conditions of blood flow in the area of arteriovenous anastomosis the energy density is almost 10 times higher. Therefore, other modes were used in our study: energy density from 500 to 1,000 J/cm. This was due to the lack of coagulation of the fistula vein when using standard parameters due to high blood flow rate, despite the use of proximal and distal vascular compression. In all cases we obtained positive results (obliteration of arteriovenous fistulas) without complications along with the correction of venous hypertension within 1 month after the intervention.Conclusion. The advantages of this method are technical simplicity and minimal blood loss, which is especially important for this cohort of patients with initial anemia against chronic renal failure.
Relapses of ingrown toenail: causes and treatment features
Authors: Malkov I. S. , Korobkov V. N. , Filippov V. A. , Tagirov M. R.
Published: June 2021

Introduction.The recurrent course of an ingrown toenail remains a serious problem to this day, despite the centuries-old history of its study. Among outpatient patients, the incidence of this disease reaches 10% and does not tend to decrease, and among the population, the incidence of ingrown toenail is 3.4%. Theaimof the work was to study the causes of recurrent ingrown toenail and the effectiveness of using a laser beam in the treatment of this pathology.Material and methods.The authors analyzed the causes of recurrent ingrown toenail in 66 patients after various surgical interventions for the period from 1990 to 2020.Results and discussion.The following causes of relapse of the disease were identified: removal of the entire nail plate not according to indications, carrying out marginal resection of the nail on the affected side with the preservation of the nail plate matrix, performing removal of granulations in the nail roller area with the preservation of the nail, underestimating the importance of anti-inflammatory drug treatment in the postoperative period, as well as the importance of correcting metabolic processes in patients with concomitant pathology. A clinical case is presented: a patient with a non-healing wound after four surgeries due to an ingrown toenail with a recurrent course. The patient underwent a Schmiden surgery with resection of the “ingrown edge” of the right first toe nail and removal of infected granulations using laser irradiation of the wound and careful treatment of the matrix area in the projection of the removed part of the nail. In the postoperative period, bandages with ointment based on chloramphenicol and methyluracil were used for local treatment. Recovery occurred on the fourteenth day.Conclusion.In order to reduce the number of relapses of the disease, it is recommended to perform a matrixectomy of the bed of the removed nail plate using laser or radio wave radiation.
Мodern opportunities of organizing complex obstetric and gynecological care using hospitalreplacing technologies
Authors: Lebedev N. N. , Shikhmetov A. N. , Zadikyan A. M. , Pazychev A. A. , Panova E. A. , Kalmakova E N. , Kalmakova E. N. , Petrova M. V. , Osin L. A. , Nazarov V. A.
Published: June 2021

The authors analyzed their 25-year experience in organizing obstetric and gynecological care in outpatient settings of the branch clinical and diagnostic center of PJSC Gazprom using inpatient replacement technologies. Effective use of modern clinical, laboratory and instrumental methods of examination allows at the stage of primary treatment in the shortest possible time to establish a clinical diagnosis and determine the plan of invasive diagnostic and therapeutic measures. Cost-effectiveness of hospital-replacing forms of care delivery involves a significantly lower cost of services in day hospital, as well as a shorter average length of treatment in comparison with a day and night facility. Social efficiency is determined by the fact that treatment in a day hospital has a significant “deontological” advantage, most of the time the patient is at home, in a familiar comfortable environment, surrounded by the family which increases satisfaction with health care. Medical effectiveness of hospital-replacing forms of care delivery is determined by continuity of inpatient and outpatient care, ensuring continuity of the entire treatment process. Reduction of temporary disability in the patient, reduction of postoperative complications, nosocominal infections are high efficiency of the developed model of organization. The experience accumulated over 25 years in the organization of surgical gynecological care allowed us to reach the level when the patient’s age, the presence of several concomitant chronic diseases, compensated diabetes mellitus type 2, obesity of any degree, cicatricial adhesion of any prevalence have ceased to be absolute and relative contraindications for laparoscopic benefits under general anesthesia and sling operations for genital prolapse under general or regional anesthesia in the surgical day care center of the clinic of high medical technologies of the clinical diagnostic center.
Diagnostic and treatment algorithm for anaphylactic shock of the Self-regulatory organization of the “National board of phlebologists” Association
Authors: Editorial Article
Published: June 2021

Many phlebologists today work in ambulatory settings, using both local anesthetics and sclerosants. Cases of anaphylactic shock are rare, but its consequences can be catastrophic. At the request of the self-regulatory organization of the “National College of Phlebologists” Association with the support of “Servier” company, the legal partner of the LLC “Faculty of Medical Law” board, together with leading anesthesiologists-resuscitators, has developed an easy-to-understand and easy-to-deliver information Algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment of anaphylactic shock. This algorithm will not only reduce the risks of adverse effects of anaphylaxis for the patient, but will also protect the physician in case of litigation, as it is prepared with references to current sources of evidence-based medical practice and regulations.
Major aspects of aesthetic sclerotherapy of hand veins
Authors: Semenov A. Yu. , Raskin V. V.
Published: June 2021

Introduction. In recent years, phlebology centers have experienced an increasing inflow of patients presenting with a cosmetic issue related to bulging enlarged veins of the upper extremities. This issue especially affects people, whose jobs are associated with increased physical workloads to hands. A microfoam sclerobliteration procedure for eliminating hand veins has been performed in the phlebology center of the Medical Innovative Phlebological Center (MIPC, Moscow) since 2015. This procedure is indicated for patients with enlarged hand veins, which worsen the psycho-emotional condition of the patients. This study was aimed at developing the optimal method for conducting sclerotherapy of unaesthetic hand veins.Materials and methods. 38 patients (36 women and 2 men) have received sclerotherapy at the clinics of the Medical Innovative Phlebological Center from September 2015 to February 2020. The procedure was conducted using 1.5% to 2.5% lauromacrogol 400 microfoam. Each patient received 1 to 3 sclerotherapy sessions per hand with an interval of 3 to 7 days, the number of injections ranged from 1 to 5 per session.Results. All patients were followed over a period of 1 month to 1 year. Target veins were occluded in 100% of cases. Moderate hyperpigmentation in the projection of obliterated veins was observe in seven patients, after which it disappeared within 3 to 6 months.Conclusion. The aesthetic sclerotherapy of upper limbs is a safe and effective cosmetic procedure. After it is completed, the patients do not have any cicatrices, scars or stitches. Sclerotherapy provides demonstrates high cosmetic efficacy with minimal trauma. The procedure results in selective occlusion of targeted venous segments and makes it possible to preserve the cubital veins.
Ways to improve outpatient phlebological care with “one day” technology
Authors: Pelevin A. V. , Guzhkov O. N. , Mushnikov D. L.
Published: June 2021

Introduction.Chronic venous insufficiency is one of the most common diseases, so finding the best treatment options is one of the most urgent tasks of surgery. One of the methods of implementing this direction is to apply a personalized approach. The aim of the study is to improve surgical care for patients with VVPC by introducing a personalized approach.Materials and methods.The study was based on clinical observations and special studies in 428 patients with uBVNC in outpatient settings. All of those surveyed were women. The average age of the patients was 42.3 ± 15.5 years. All patients were operated on — endovasal laser coagulation (EVLk) was performed in the traditional way. Clinical examination of patients, as well as special methods of research was carried out. A questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life of patients. The peculiarity of the study was the use of social and hygienic methods: survey, psychological testing, expert. Statistical analysis and mathematical processing of results were carried out with the help of modern computer technologies based on the Statisticala 6 application package.Results.It has been established that over the past five years in the Ivanovo region there has been an increase in the incidence of vessels of the lower extremities. The frequency of varicose veins exceeds 47 per 100 patients examined. The desire to perform surgery in the nonstate health sector is observed in 9.8 cases. In 85.0% of patients with VBNC, received for surgical treatment, have a lack of preparedness. Their information, clinical and psychological level is 65.0–89.0% of the due and direct influence on the formation of an unfavorable result.Conclusion.Thus, the implementation of a personalized approach to the surgical treatment of patients with chronic venous insufficiency by laser coagulation provides on a par with the reliable obliteration of altered veins the fastest clinical recovery of patients, improvement of their quality of life, satisfaction with results, good hemodynamic and cosmetic effects.
Martorell’s ulcer: a literature review and own clinical observation
Authors: Boldin B. V. , Golosnitskiy P. Yu. , Bogachev V. Yu. , Rodionov S. V. , Dizengof I. M.
Published: June 2021

Introduction. Martorell’s ulcer is a rather rare pathology that occurs exclusively in patients with long-term and poorly controlled arterial hypertension and continues to be one of the poorly studied areas of modern surgery. There are few reports on the occurrence of this pathology in the medical literature and, as a rule, describe extremely rare clinical cases. The issues of etiology, pathogenesis and differential diagnosis of this disease continue to cause debate. The article provides a review of the literature on this rare surgical pathology, presents its own clinical observation, discusses the issues of diagnosis and treatment options for this disease.Clinical case. A 56-year-old patient was admitted with complaints of a non-healing trophic ulcer on the lateral surface in the lower third of the right leg since one year ago with severe pain syndrome not adequately controlled with non-narcotic analgesics. he received treatment in an outpatient department and in the hospital, underwent courses of rheological therapy to the ulcer region as a local therapy, used a wide range of dressings of domestic and foreign origin. No positive effect was reported on the top of already administered combination therapy, the ulcer continued to increase in size. A Martorell’s ulcer was diagnosed, and a decision was made to provide a course of presurgical conservative rheological therapy with PGE1 (VAP 20 mg), antibiotic therapy, and local therapy aimed at maximal ulcer necrotic tissue clearance before the forthcoming planned surgical treatment. The patient underwent the surgery – autodermatoplasty of the trophic ulcer of the right leg with a mesh graft, continued local treatment of the ulcer using dressings with peruvian balsam and other medications on an outpatient basis without chemical and biological components from the antiseptics and healing stimulants group. Two months after the surgery, the patient had no complaints, the pain syndrome in the ulcer region completely regressed, no edema occurred in the lower operated leg, the right let ulcer completely healed with the formation of a permanent scar.Conclusion. Surgical management is the final and definitive treatment for Martorell’s chronic hypertensive ulcer and should be carried out promptly to minimize the spread of the ulcer and minimize a pain syndrome.
Solitary mastocytoma in children: a retrospective analysis of the clinical course and timing of regression
Authors: Kasikhina E. I. , Ostretsova M. N. , Tereshchenko G. P.
Published: June 2021

Introduction. Solitary mastocytoma is a rare clinical variant of cutaneous mastocytosis that makes its debut in infancy and early childhood. Сhanges in clinical manifestations at different ages and the rate of regression of the disease are insufficiently covered in the literature.Aim. To study the clinical manifestations and timing of regression of solitary mastocytoma in children, through retrospective analysis.Materials and methods. We retrospectively reviewed data from 32 children aged 3 months to 9 years who were on outpatient treatment and observation at the State Budgetary Healthcare Institution “Moscow Scientific and Practical Center of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology of Moscow Health Department” in the period from 2016 to 2020 inclusive. Diagnosis information obtained from medical records.Results and discussion. The average age of disease onset was 2.5 ± 0.7 months. Solitary mastocytoma was observed more often in boys than in girls (1.4:1). In 81.2% of children, solitary mastocytoma clinically regressed before the age of 6 years. Delayed regression of rashes in the age range from 6 to 9 years was observed in 18.8% of children. Late correct diagnosis, lack of timely recommendations for care and treatment, traumatization of elements are factors that slow down the regression of the disease. Dermatoscopic examination can be used for dynamic observation of mastocytoma, since the patterns in the foci of regression differ from mature mastocytomas in the absence of yellow-orange areas. A pronounced brown pigment network on a yellow background can be a sign of the activity of the process and a reason for the appointment of symptomatic therapy.Conclusion. The clinical features of the modern course of solitary mastocytoma are the tendency to multiple rashes, the variety of localization and the long-lasting positivity of the Darier sign. Obviously, clinical monitoring using dermatoscopy and laboratory research methods allows to follow-up the activity of the process and promptly adjust drug treatment. To prevent delayed regression of solitary mastocytoma, traumatization of rashes of any localization should be excluded.
Ciência e tecnologia militar: “política por outros meios”?
Authors: de Sousa Moreira William
Published: June 2021

A ciência e a tecnologia impulsionaram o potencial econômico e militar das potências que souberam investir nesse binômio e compreender suas inter-relações com a política. O poder gerado e acumulado se refletiu amplamente na ordem internacional vigente. Um exemplo emblemático da interação entre ciência, tecnologia, poder e política foi o surgimento da arma atômica, em 1945, produto de um extraordinário esforço combinado de pesquisa científica e mobilização política. É notável que essa empreitada tenha se iniciado nas décadas anteriores em ambiente de cooperação acadêmico-científica, algo que mudou quando os cientistas perceberam o potencial da energia que estavam descobrindo. Merece atenção, nesse caso, como foram estimuladas conexões entre ciência básica, tecnologia e política de estado e, ainda, como essa última se sobrepôs a todas as outras. O presente trabalho tem por objetivo explorar e expor essas inter-relações entre ciência, tecnologia e política, suas influências recíprocas, buscando na experiência histórica e na literatura especializada os fundamentos que permitem desvelar a dimensão instrumental da ciência e tecnologia militar como “política por outros meios”.
Pathogen performance testing of a natural swimming pool using a cocktail of microbiological surrogates and QMRA-derived management goals
Authors: Shoults David C. , Li Qiaozhi , Petterson Susan , Rudko Sydney P. , Dlusskaya Lena , Leifels Mats , Scott Candis , Schlosser Cyndi , Ashbolt Nicholas J.
Published: June 2021

In recent decades, natural swimming pools (NSPs) have gained popularity in Europe, especially in Germany and Austria. NSPs differ from swimming pools in that they utilize biological treatment processes based on wetland processes with no disinfection residual. However, data are missing on the specific log-reduction performance of NSPs to address enteric virus, bacteria, and parasitic protozoa removal considered necessary to meet the North American risk-based benchmark (<35 illnesses per 1,000 swimming events) set by the USEPA for voluntary swimming. In this study, we examined Canada's first NSP at Borden Park, Edmonton, Canada, to address the following three questions: (1) Given normal faecal shedding rates by bathers, what is the total log reduction (TLR) theoretically needed to meet the EPA benchmark? (2) what is the in-situ performance of the NSP based on spiking suitable microbial surrogates (MS2 coliphage, Enterococcus faecalis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae [Baker's yeast])? and (3) how much time is required to reach acceptable bather risk levels under different representative volume-turnover rates? A reverse-quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) revealed that of the four reference pathogens selected (Norovirus, Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia), only Norovirus was estimated to exceed the risk benchmark at the 50th, 75th, and 95th percentiles, while Campylobacter was the only other reference pathogen to exceed at the 95th percentile. Log-reduction values (LRVs) were similar to previous reports for bacterial indicators, and novel LRVs were estimated for the other two surrogates. A key finding was that more than 24 h treatment time would be necessary to provide acceptable bather protection following heavy bather use (378 bathers/day for main pool and 26 bathers/day for children's pool), due to the mixing dynamics of the treated water diluting out possible residual pool faecal contamination. The theoretical maximum number of people in the pool per day to be below USEPA's 35 gastro cases in 1,000 swimming events was 113, 47, and 8, at the 50th, 75th, and 95th percentiles. Further, the use of ultra-violet disinfection to the pool return flow had little effect on reducing the treatment time required.
Flocculation-based methods of microalgae removal from the eutrophic pond enrichment culture
Authors: Melnikova Anna A. , Komova Anastasiya V. , Vasilev Ruslan A. , Namsaraev Zorigto B. , Gorin Kirill V.
Published: June 2021

The method of flocculation of biomass from the water depth to the bottom can be applied in case of local algae blooms. In our research, the combined application of FeCl3 and Polyethyleneoxide-based cationic flocculant was applied for the first time for the harvesting of the enrichment culture obtained from the reservoir during eutrophication. The effects of coagulant (FeCl3·6H2O), various flocculants based on polyacrylamide (PAA), polyethylenoxide (PEO) and flocculated biomass as ballast agent, dosage and sedimental time on flocculation efficiency of harvesting enrichment culture obtained from Pond Chernoistochinsky during eutrophication have been studied. The results show that the flocculation efficiency achieved about 90% after 5 min of sedimentation when adding coagulant and flocculant mixture (FeCl3 30 mg/L + PEO based Sibfloc-718 2.5 mg/L) or flocculant with ballast agent (FeCl3 30 mg/L + Sibfloc-718 2.5 mg/L + 1,7% flocculated biomass). PAA, PEO and FeCl3·6H2O did not demonstrate a sufficient flocculation capacity with enrichment culture containing different types of microalgae.
Association Between the Digital Clock Drawing Test and Neuropsychological Test Performance: Large Community-Based Prospective Cohort (Framingham Heart Study) (Preprint)
Authors: Yuan Jing , Libon David J , Karjadi Cody , Ang Alvin F A , Devine Sherral , Auerbach Sanford H , Au Rhoda , Lin Honghuang
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

The Clock Drawing Test (CDT) has been widely used in clinic for cognitive assessment. Recently, a digital Clock Drawing Text (dCDT) that is able to capture the entire sequence of clock drawing behaviors was introduced. While a variety of domain-specific features can be derived from the dCDT, it has not yet been evaluated in a large community-based population whether the features derived from the dCDT correlate with cognitive function.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the association between dCDT features and cognitive performance across multiple domains.

METHODS

Participants from the Framingham Heart Study, a large community-based cohort with longitudinal cognitive surveillance, who did not have dementia were included. Participants were administered both the dCDT and a standard protocol of neuropsychological tests that measured a wide range of cognitive functions. A total of 105 features were derived from the dCDT, and their associations with 18 neuropsychological tests were assessed with linear regression models adjusted for age and sex. Associations between a composite score from dCDT features were also assessed for associations with each neuropsychological test and cognitive status (clinically diagnosed mild cognitive impairment compared to normal cognition).

RESULTS

The study included 2062 participants (age: mean 62, SD 13 years, 51.6% women), among whom 36 were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. Each neuropsychological test was associated with an average of 50 dCDT features. The composite scores derived from dCDT features were significantly associated with both neuropsychological tests and mild cognitive impairment.

CONCLUSIONS

The dCDT can potentially be used as a tool for cognitive assessment in large community-based populations.
Automatic Depression Score Estimation with Word Embedding Models (Preprint)
Authors: Pérez Anxo , Parapar Javier , Barreiro Alvaro
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Depression is one of the most common mental health illnesses. Despite existing effective treatments, the biggest obstacle lies in an efficient and early detection of the disorder. Self-report questionnaires are the instruments exploited to elaborate a diagnosis by medical experts. However, questionnaires often encounter certain limitations. Factors such as the lack of awareness and social stigmas negatively affect the success of self-report questionnaires. In this context, social media platforms provide non-direct means of communication capable of being a source of evidence to detect patients at risk.

OBJECTIVE

This paper aims to describe techniques to automatically estimate the degree of depression from users on social media. We aimed to explore neural language models to exploit various aspects of the subject's writings. Our proposals have focused on automatically completing the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). BDI-II is a validated psychometric test consisting of 21 items, each one associated with a different symptom of depression.

METHODS

We presented three approaches for automatically filling the BDI-II questionnaire based on neural language models. The first proposal captures the overall use of language and communication patterns evidenced by individuals. In the second proposal, we narrow the user's representation by only using limited extracted answers from their posts to the items in the BDI-II. For that, we use state-of-the-art Question Answering models based on bidirectional encoder representations. Finally, we propose a mixed model that selects whether to automatically fill an item using the first or the second model. The rationale behind the mixed model is that, on the one hand, users easily comment the answer to some items in their texts, which made the second method appropriate. On the other hand, on more private or sensitive items, the first method is the best alternative, given that users avoid writing about them explicitly.

RESULTS

We addressed the task "Measuring the Severity of the Signs of Depression" of eRisk 2020, an initiative in the CLEF Conference. In this task, the participants have to fill in the BDI-II for the collection delivered by the task. We measured our results using the same accuracy metrics proposed by the competition. We compared them with the rest of the 17 methods presented by participants. Our proposals outperformed almost all participants for every official metric.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that techniques based on neural language models are a feasible alternative for estimating rating scales for depression, even when small amounts of training data are available (20 users). We observe that depending on the symptom, it will be more appropriate to use general language patterns or looking for direct concerns about the particular symptom. In summary, the results of this study have demonstrated the potential of automatic text mining models to serve as a tool helping to diagnose depression disease.
Ecological Momentary Assessment of Weight-Related Behaviors in the Home Environment of Children From Low-Income and Racially and Ethnically Diverse Households: Development and Usability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Trofholz Amanda , Tate Allan , Janowiec Mark , Fertig Angela , Loth Katie , de Brito Junia N , Berge Jerica
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) is an innovative tool for capturing in-the-moment health behaviors as people go about their daily lives. EMA is an ideal tool to measure weight-related behaviors, such as parental feeding practices, stress, and dietary intake, as these occur on a daily basis and vary across time and context. A recent systematic review recommended standardized reporting of EMA design for studies that address weight-related behaviors.

OBJECTIVE

To answer the call for reporting study designs using EMA, this paper describes in detail the EMA design of the Family Matters study and how it was adapted over time to improve functionality and meet the needs of a racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse sample.

METHODS

Family Matters is an incremental, 2-phased, mixed methods study, conducted with a racially and ethnically diverse, immigrant and refugee sample from largely low-income households, designed to examine risk and protective factors for child weight and weight-related behaviors in the home environment. The Family Matters study intentionally recruited White, Black, Hmong, Latino, Native American, and Somali parents with young children. Parents in phase 1 of the study completed 8 days of EMA on their smartphones, which included signal-contingent surveys (eg, asking about the parent’s stress at the time of the survey), event-contingent surveys (eg, descriptions of the meal the child ate), and end-of-day surveys (eg, overall assessment of the child’s day).

RESULTS

A detailed description of EMA strategies, protocols, and methods used in phase 1 of the Family Matters study is provided. Compliance with EMA surveys and participants’ time spent completing EMA surveys are presented and stratified by race and ethnicity. In addition, lessons learned while conducting phase 1 EMA are shared to document how EMA methods were improved and expanded upon for phase 2 of the Family Matters study.

CONCLUSIONS

The results from this study provided an important next step in identifying best practices for EMA use in assessing weight-related behaviors in the home environment.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/30525