bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of three pro-nuclei (3PN) incidence on pregnancy outcomes in women with good prognosis undergoing in vitro fertilization with donor sperm (IVFD)
Authors: Li Mingzhao , Xue Xia , Shi Juanzi
Published: June 2022

Purpose
To investigate the factor of three pro-nuclei (3PN) incidence and its effect on pregnancy outcomes in women with good prognosis undergoing in vitro fertilization with donor sperm (IVFD).
Methods
We retrospectively identified all IVFD embryo transfers (IVFD-ETs) for the first time between January 2014 and January 2021 at our hospital. Women aged ≤ 35 years who received the long/ultra-long follicular phase agonist protocol were included. The patients were divided into two groups as follows: 3PN = 0% group included patients with no 3PN zygotes and 3PN > 0% group included patients with 3PN zygotes.
Results
We observed that the number of retrieved oocytes was independently associated with 3PN incidence (OR: 1.078, 95% CI 1.045–1.113, p < 0.001). Both the 3PN = 0% and 3PN > 0% groups showed no significant differences in the cleavage, high-quality embryo and available embryo rates (p > 0.05). Our data indicated that the 3PN = 0% group had significantly higher ongoing pregnancy (68.50 versus 62.76%, p = 0.033) and live birth (66.93 versus 59.84%, p = 0.009) rates compared with that in the 3PN > 0% group. The miscarriage rate was significantly lower in the 3PN = 0% group than that in the 3PN > 0% group (7.78 versus 12.26%, p = 0.026). The multinucleation at two-cell stage (MN2) rate was slightly higher in the 3PN > 0% group than that in the 3PN = 0% group (23.57 versus 16.11%, p = 0.085).
Conclusions
The incidence of 3PN zygotes made negative influence on the pregnancy outcomes in women with good prognosis undergoing IVFD-ETs. 3PN incidence might be associated with normal embryo multinucleation at two-cell stage.
A conceptual model for nurse educators to facilitate presence in large class settings through reflective practices: A theory synthesis
Authors: Froneman Kathleen , du Plessis Emmerentia , Graan Anneke Catherina van
Published: June 2022

Background: Nurse educators are required to facilitate presence by implementing creative, innovative and reflective ways in interacting with and involving nursing students more directly in the teaching-learning process. Managing large class groups of nursing students and the nurse educators’ daily workload demands, including teaching, clinical supervision and research priorities could hinder facilitating presence through reflective practices. Methods: Walker and Avant’s strategy of theory and statement synthesis was followed. Theory synthesis included three iterative steps: identifying, defining and classifying main and related concepts, defining relational statements, and organising the main and related concepts, relational statements and conceptual framework into an integrated and efficient representation. Conclusion statements were formulated through statement synthesis.Results: A model to facilitate presence in large class settings through reflective practices was developed as a theoretical framework to guide nurse educators in their teaching-learning practices. Six conclusion statements for “presence and reflective practices in nursing education” emerged.Conclusions: This model addresses the gap in the literature and contributes substantially to deepen the body of knowledge in the nursing education domain of the South African context as well as the nursing education domain internationally, to serve as a model for guiding nurse educators in their teaching-learning practices.
C1QBP is highly expressed and participated in lipid metabolism in prostate cancer
Authors: Liu Shuang , Du Runxuan , Xu Jia , Chen Ruibing , Wang Rui , Tian Shaoping , Xiao Xuesong , Lin Tianyu , Niu Yuanjie , Wang Yong , Yue Dan
Published: June 2022

Complement component 1q subcomponent binding protein (C1QBP) is a multifunctional protein that plays an important role in tumors. However, the relationship between C1QBP and lipid metabolism has been relatively little studied. In this study, we examined the expression of C1QBP in clinical prostate cancer (PCa) patients and explored its effects as well as the possible mechanisms on lipid metabolism in PCa. In this study, the expression of C1QBP in PCa was detected by TCGA database and immunohistochemical staining (IHC), while Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), Oil Red O staining and triglyceride assays were used to explore the effects and possible mechanisms of C1QBP on lipid metabolism in prostate cancer. We reported that C1QBP expression is significantly elevated in PCa compared to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). C1QBP-associated differentially expressed proteins are enriched in the fatty acid degradation pathway, and reduced C1QBP expression is accompanied by a significant reduction in lipid droplet and triglyceride content in cells, as well as an impairment in cell proliferation and migration capacity. In addition, we identified Aldehyde dehydrogenase 9 family member A1(ALDH9A1), a downstream molecule that may be regulated by C1QBP in the fatty acid catabolic pathway, and confirmed that C1QBP regulated ALDH9A1 at the transcriptional level.In summary, C1QBP could regulate lipid metabolism in PCa. Meanwhile, our study provided a possible mechanism by which C1QBP regulated PCa progression by affecting lipid metabolism through ALDH9A1.
Deep learning applied to 4-electrode EEG resting-state data detects depression in an untrained external population
Authors: Jan Damián , De Vega Manuel , López-Pigüi Joana , Padrón Iván
Published: June 2022

In this study we trained and tested several deep learning algorithms to classify depressive individuals and controls based on their electroencephalography data. Traditionally, classification methods based on electroencephalography resting state are based primarily on linear features or a combination of linear and non-linear features. Based on different theoretical grounds, some authors claim that the more electrodes, the more accurate the classifiers, while others consider that working on a selection of electrodes is a better approach⁠. In this study, a data-driven approach was initially applied on a selection of electrodes to classify 25 depressive and 24 control participants. Using a classifier with just four electrodes, based on non-linear features with high temporo-spatial complexity, proved accurate enough to classify depressive and control participants. After the classifier was internally trained and tested, it was applied to electroencephalography resting-state data of control and depressive individuals available from a public database, obtaining a classifier accuracy of 93% in depressive and 100% in control. This validates the generalizability of the classifier to untrained data from different teams, populations, and settings. We conclude that time-window span analysis is a promising approach to understand the neural dynamics of depression and to develop an independent biomarker.
High adsorption performance of novel 1,4-polyketone: synthesis, characterization, and removal of pollutants
Authors: sayed marwa , El-Hamid Islam S Abd ,   Haitham M. El-Bery3, Farrag Mostafa , Abdelhakiem Alaa K. , Aly Kamal I.
Published: June 2022

This research aims to create an alternating polyketone with the advantage of having its cationic groups in one and four alternating places for increased functionality. Simple condensation polymerization between terephthaldehyde and 2,5-hexane dione yielded a new polyarylidene ketone (PAK). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction, UV-Visible absorbance, fluorescence, and SEM studies were used to assess the physicochemical properties of the resultant polymer. The results demonstrate that the polymer is amorphous, has good thermal stability, and emits a red color. It can also be utilized as a dye adsorbent in an aqueous solution, with remarkable adsorption selectivity for the cationic dye methylene blue (MB). The effectiveness of PAK as an adsorbent was calculated as a function of pH, dosage, and initial dye concentration; the highest dye removal percentage of 96% was achieved at pH 10, 50 mg dosage and initial dye concentration of 20 ppm. The study of kinetics and isotherms was also carried out. The pseudo-second-order model was more adapted to the kinetic data, while the Freundlich and Langmuir models were better suited to the PAK equilibrium data. According to the kinetics and isotherms analyses, the adsorption behavior was a favorable chemisorption process. The findings of this study suggest that PAK could be used as an adsorption filter for MB dyeing wastewater decolorization. It also has excellent metal ion removal capabilities with various metals (Zn2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Co2+, Cd2+, and Fe3+). PAK is selective for Fe (III) and Cu (II); the polymers' ion adsorption is not based on ion exchange but on chelating process.
Long-term osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells in simulated microgravity: novel proteins sighted
Authors: Montagna Giulia , Pani Giuseppe , Flinkman Dani , Cristofaro Francesco , Pascucci Barbara , Massimino Luca , Lamparelli Luigi Antonio , Fassina Lorenzo , James Peter , Coffey Eleanor , Rea Giuseppina , Visai Livia , Rizzo Angela Maria
Published: June 2022

Microgravity induced bone loss is a major concern for space travellers. Ground-based microgravity simulators are crucial to study the effect of microgravity exposure on biological systems and to address the limitations posed by restricted access to real space. In this work, for the first time we adopt a multidisciplinary approach to characterize the morphological, biochemical, and molecular changes underlying the response of human bone marrow stromal cells to long-term simulated microgravity exposure during osteogenic differentiation. Our results show that osteogenic differentiation is reduced while energy metabolism is promoted. We found novel proteins were dysregulated under simulated microgravity, including CSC1-like protein, involved in the mechanotransduction of pressure signals, and PTPN11, SLC44A1 and MME which are involved in osteoblast differentiation pathways and which may become the focus of future translational projects. The investigation of cell proteome highlighted how simulated microgravity affects a relatively low number of proteins compared to time and/or osteogenic factors and has allowed us to reconstruct a hypothetical pipeline for cell response to simulated microgravity. Further investigation focused on the application of nanomaterials may help to increase understanding of how to treat or minimalise the effects of microgravity.
Differential CpG DNA Methylation of Peripheral B, CD4 + T cells and Salivary Gland Tissues in IgG4-related Disease
Authors: Wu Xunyao , Wang Anqi , Wang Mu , Peng Yu , Chen Yingying , Li Jieqiong , Liu Zheng , Lu Hui , Zhou Jiaxin , Peng Linyi , Zhao Yan , Zeng Xiaofeng , Fei Yunyun , Zhang Wen
Published: June 2022

Objectives.
Immunoglobulin-G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a distinct systemic autoimmune-mediated disease that characterized by tissue fibrosis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the epigenetic modifications in IgG4-RD.
Methods.
A genome-wide DNA methylation study was performed in B cells, CD4+ T cells and salivary gland tissue from IgG4-RD patients and matched controls using the Illumina HumanMethylation 850K BeadChip.
Results.
We identified differentially methylated CpG sites including 44 hypomethylated and 166 hypermethylated differentially methylated probes (DMPs) in B cells, 260 hypomethylated and 260 hypermethylated DMPs in CD4 + T cells from 10 IgG4-RD patients compared with 10 healthy controls. We also identified 36945 hypomethylated and 78380 hypermethylated DMPs in salivary gland tissue of 4 IgG4-RD patients compared with 4 controls. We found that DPM2 (cg21181453), IQCK (cg10266221), ABCC13 (cg05699681, cg04985582) were hypermethylated and MBP (cg18455083) was hypomethylated in B cells, CD4+ T cells and tissue of IgG4-RD patients compared with controls. Also, we observed hypomethylated HLA class in both B cells and CD4+ T cells from IgG4-RD patients compared with controls. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis of DMPs in salivary gland of IgG4-RD patients demonstrated enrichment of pathways in regulation of immune cells responses and fibrosis.
Conclusion.
Our study is the first DNA methylation study in peripheral B cells, CD4+ T cells as well as salivary gland tissues from patients with IgG4-related disease. Our findings highlighted the role of epigenetic modification of DNA methylation and identified several genes and pathways that might involve in the pathogenesis of IgG4-RD.
Selective isolation of extracellular vesicles from minimally processed human plasma as a translational strategy for liquid biopsies
Authors: Fortunato Diogo , Giannoukakos Stavros , Giménez-Capitán Ana , Hackenberg Michael , Molina-Vila Miguel A. , Zarovni Nataša
Published: June 2022

Background: Intercellular communication is mediated by extracellular vesicles (EVs), as they enclose selectively packaged biomolecules that can be horizontally transferred from donor to recipient cells. Because all cells constantly generate and recycle EVs, they provide accurate timed snapshots of individual pathophysiological status. Although EVs can be isolated from any biofluid, blood plasma circulates through the whole body and it potentially transports EVs derived from most organs, making it the biofluid of choice in most studies. Blood collection is easy and minimally invasive, yet reproducible procedures to obtain pure bulk EV samples and specific EV subtypes from blood are still lacking. Here, we addressed central aspects of EV immunoaffinity isolation from simple and complex matrices, such as plasma. Methods/Results: Fluorescent EV spiking allowed us to demonstrate that target EV subpopulations can be efficiently retrieved from plasma, and that their enrichment is dependent not only on complex matrix composition, but also on the EV surface phenotype. Additionally, we found that plasma-derived EVs can be captured and detected using a simple protocol, which sequentially combines isolation and staining of specific surface markers. Finally, we conducted mRNA profiling experiments to prove that distinct EV subpopulations can be captured by directly targeting different surface markers. Furthermore, platelet-derived EVs encapsulated mRNA expression patterns that might be associated to early-stage lung cancer, which demonstrated that each EV subset conferred a differential clinical value, highlighting the advantages of selective isolation.Conclusions: In summary, our EV isolation protocol facilitated the extraction of clinically useful information from plasma. Compatible with common downstream analytics, it is a readily implementable tool that was tailored to provide a truly translational solution in routine clinical workflows, fostering the inclusion of EVs in novel liquid biopsy settings.
Outcomes following Surgical Resection of Cystic Intracranial Meningiomas
Authors: Tang Alan R. , Chotai Silky , Grisham Candace J. , Guidry Bradley S. , McDermott Jake R. , Le Chi H. , Morone Peter J. , Thompson Reid C. , Chambless Lola B.
Published: June 2022

Introduction
Cystic meningiomas are rare, accounting for 2–7% of all intracranial meningiomas. Little is known regarding whether these meningiomas behave differently compared to solid meningiomas. We sought to study this relatively uncommon imaging appearance of meningioma and to evaluate its clinical significance.
Methods
A single-institution retrospective cohort study of surgically-treated meningioma patients between 2000–2019 was conducted. Cystic meningioma was defined as a tumor with an intratumoral or peritumoral cyst present on preoperative imaging. Demographics, preoperative imaging, histopathology characteristics, operative data, and surgical outcomes were reviewed. Imaging variables, histopathology and outcomes were reported for cystic meningiomas and compared with non-cystic meningiomas. Univariate/multivariable analyses were conducted.
Results
Of 737 total meningiomas treated surgically, 38 (5.2%) were cystic. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 84.2% of cystic meningioma patients. Eighty-two percent of cystic meningiomas were WHO grade I (n = 31), 15.7% were grade II and 2.6% were grade III. Most cystic meningiomas had low Ki-67/MIB-1 proliferation index (n = 24, 63.2%). A total of 18.4% (n = 7) patients with cystic meningioma had recurrence compared to 12.2% (n = 80) of patients with non-cystic meningioma (p = 0.228). No significant difference in median time to recurrence was observed between cystic and non-cystic meningiomas (25.4, Q1:13.9, Q3:46.9 months vs. 13.4, Q1:8.6, Q3:35.5 months, p = 0.080).
Conclusions
A small portion of intracranial meningiomas have cystic characteristics on imaging. Cystic meningiomas are frequently WHO grade I, have low proliferation index, and had similar postoperative outcomes compared to non-cystic meningiomas, suggesting that cysts in meningioma may not be as aggressive a feature as previously thought.
In Human Lymphatic Glycocalyx Identification by Electron Microscopy and Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Gianesini Sergio , Rimondi Erica , Raffetto Joseph Dante , Melloni Elisabetta , Pellati Agnese , Menegatti Erica , Avruscio Giampiero , Bassetto Franco , Costa Alfio Luca , Rockson Stanley
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUNDBlood flow is translated into biochemical inflammatory or anti-inflammatory messages based on the type of shear stress, by means of sensitive receptors located on the endothelium. Recognition of the phenomenon is of paramount importance for the advancement in the understanding of the pathophysiological processes of vascular remodeling.The endothelial glycocalyx is a pericellular matrix, identified in both arteries and veins, acting as sensors responsive to the flow changes. Venous and lymphatic physiology is interconnected; however, to our knowledge, a lymphatic glycocalyx-like structure has never been identified in humans. The objective of this investigation is to identify glycocalyx-like structures from ex vivo lymphatic human samples. METHODSLower limb vein and lymphatic vessels were harvested. The samples were analyzed by electron microscopy. The specimens were also examined by immunohistochemistry.RESULTS Scanning electron microscopic identified a glycocalyx-like structure in both venous and lymphatic structures. Immunohistochemistry for podoplanin, glypican-1, mucin-2, agrin and brevican characterized both the lymphatic and venous structures. CONCLUSIONSTo our knowledge, the present work reports the first identification of a glycocalyx-like structure in the human lymphatic. The vasculoprotective action of the GCX could become an investigational target in the lymphatic system as well, with clinical implications for the many patients affected by lymphatic disorders.
Physical Activity Increases Synovial Fluid in Ankle Tendon Sheaths: an Adjustment of MR Criteria is Needed
Authors: De Maeseneer Michel , Doering Seema , De Grove Veerle , Buls Nico , Shahabpour Maryam , Shahabpour Maryam , Provyn Steven , Willekens Inneke
Published: June 2022

Objectives: To compare the amount of fluid in synovial sheaths of the ankle before and after running. Our hypothesis was that this amount would increase, and that the threshold for what is normally acceptable should be adjusted after physical activity.Methods: Twenty-one healthy volunteers (n=42 ankles) ran for 40 minutes on a treadmill. They underwent 3T MRI before and immediately after running using a dedicated ankle coil. The images were stored and subsequently measured in a standardized way and independently read by two readers for fluid in the tendon sheaths in the retro and inframalleolar area. Statistics were performed for each tendon (Wilcoxon signed rank test), and also for the pooled data. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated.Results: For reader 1, for all tendons the values after running increased without reaching statistical significance. For reader 2 this was not the case for all tendons but for most. When all the data were pooled (n=800 measurements), the statistical difference before and after running was significant (p< 0.001).Conclusion: Data pre and post running show a trend of increasing synovial fluid, however not significant for each individual tendon. The pooled data for all tendons, (n=800) show a statistically significant increase after running (p< 0.001). The clinical implication is that the threshold for normally acceptable fluid should be adjusted if the patient undergoes an MR study after recent physical activity.
Staged Surgical Approach of Neonates with Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula from Low and Middle Income Countries
Authors: Kang Hae Sung , Kraus Samuel , Robertson Emily , Lanning David A.
Published: June 2022

BackgroundNeonates born in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) often do not have access to adequate surgical care. We have partnered with the non-profit organization World Pediatric Project (WPP) to facilitate care for such patients. MethodsThis was a retrospective review of the patients (n=9) in this program. Our protocol included placement of a gastrostomy tube by local surgeons before definitive repair at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU (CHoR). The outcomes included: demographics, length of stay, complications, mortality, and nutritional status. ResultsThe median age at the time of admission to CHoR and at the time of surgery were 3.1 weeks [1.1 – 21.1] and 5.9 weeks [3.4 – 22], respectively. All the patients had a successful primary repair of the EA and TEF without postoperative mortality. As a result, every patient is now on regular PO diet by mouth without TPN dependence. Every patient has been seen in follow up in the U.S. and their home country. ConclusionWe provided successful multidisciplinary care for neonates with EA and TEF from LMICs in partnership with WPP, which has provided essential support to identify and manage these patients.
Assessments of Grazing Land Degradation and Communities' Response in Farta Woreda, South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Mekonnen Debrie Mersha
Published: June 2022

In poor countries, grazing area is a valuable source of cattle feed. It has social, economic, and environmental benefits for the communities of Ethiopia. As a result, the general purpose of this study was to assess grazing ground degradation in Farta Woreda, as well as local community reactions, and 360 sample respondents were chosen from the target group using a stratified random sampling approach. The factors contributing to grazing land degradation in the area were identified using descriptive data like frequency, percentage, and mean, as well as inferential statistics from multiple logistic regressions models. According to the findings of the inquiry, there were both communal and private grazing grounds. The grazing land's capacity is not proportionate to the amount of livestock kept on it. Grazing land degradation is caused by both natural and human-made processes. Livestock size, slope type of the grazing land, traditional grazing practices, bush encroachment, and climate change were positive predictor variables of grazing land degradation at p < 0.05 significant level, and also Rotating grazing land, grazing field fences, minimizing animal size, grazing land management, and avoiding illegal grazing practices were among the mitigation strategies used by local communities to rehabilitate degraded grazing land. While, landholding size, frequency of extension service, and distance from grazing land to residence have negative predictor variables of grazing land degradation at a p < 0.05 significant level. Therefore all responsible bodies and communities should collaborate to develop contemporary grazing land management procedures to address the degradation issues.
Establishment of narrow root fracture models using modified temperature cycling method and diagnosis using different cone-beam CT units
Authors: Liang Jiahao , Hu Ziyang , Cao Dantong , Cao Ya , Xie Xin , Gao Antian , Wang Zhiyong , Lin Zitong
Published: June 2022

Aim: Using modified thermal cycling method to establish narrow root fracture models and evaluate the diagnosis efficiency of them using four different cone-beam CT (CBCT) units.Methodology: Fifty-six intact teeth were selected and the crowns of the teeth were embedded using general purpose acrylic resin. 50 root fracture models were established by soaking these teeth in liquid nitrogen and hot water cyclically; 6 teeth were used as negative control. All the 56 teeth were scanned with the smallest voxel size of four different CBCT units (NewTom VGi, Planmeca Promax 3D Max, Kavo 3D eXam and Soredex Scanora3D). 10 teeth were randomly selected and the roots were sliced using slow-speed saw to obtain horizontal root sections. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to measure the width of the fracture lines (FLs). The CBCT images were evaluated for the presence or absence of fracture lines. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for the diagnosis of FLs using the four CBCT units. Results: Fifty narrow root fracture models were successfully established, and 25 root sections with 45 FLs were acquired. The width of FLs was from 3.43μm to 143μm; 32.2% of the points had width under 25μm, while only 9.6% of them had width over 75μm. The accuracy was 0.41, 0.54, 0.41 and 0.30 for NewTom VGi, Planmeca Promax 3D Max, Kavo 3D eXam and Soredex Scanora3D, respectively. Conclusions: The modified temperature cycling method is a simple and effective method to establish narrow root fracture models, the diagnosis efficiently for these narrow fracture lines were quite poor using all the four different CBCT units.
Evaluation of the route selection in international freight transportation by using the CODAS technique based on interval-valued Atanassov intuitionistic sets
Authors: Görçün Ömer Faruk , Pamucar Dragan , Küçükönder Hande
Published: June 2022

The selection of a proper international freight transport route is one of the crucial tasks for decision-makers since it can affect costs, efficiency, and transportation performance. Besides, the selection of suitable and appropriate freight routes can also reduce external costs of transportation such as emissions, noise, traffic congestions, accidents, and so on. Route selection in international transportation is a complicated decision-making problem as many conflicting factors and criteria affect the assessment process. It has been observed that there is no mathematical model and methodological frame used for solving these selection problems, and decision-makers make decisions on this issue based on their own experiences and verbal judgments in the research process. Therefore, a methodological frame is required to make rational, realistic, and optimal decisions on route selection. From this perspective, the current paper proposes using the IVAIF CODAS, an extended version of the traditional CODAS techniques, and using the Atanassov interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IVAIFS) for processing better the existing uncertainties. The proposed model is applied to solve the route selection, a real-life decision-making problem encountered in international transportation between EU countries and Turkey. According to the results of the analysis, option A6 (i.e., Route -6 (Bursa - Istanbul - Pendik-Trieste (Ro-Ro) - Austria - Frankfurt / Germany) has been determined as the best alternative. These obtained results have been approved by a comprehensive sensitivity analysis performed by using different MCDM techniques based on interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets. Hence, it can be accepted that the proposed model is an applicable, robust, and powerful mathematical tool; also, it can provide very reliable, accurate, and reasonable results. As a result, the proposed model can provide a more flexible and effective decision-making environment as well as it can provide valuable advantages to the logistics and transport companies for carrying out practical, productive, and lower costly logistics operations.
Financial stress, financial literacy, and financial insecurity in India’s informal sector during COVID-19
Authors: Ravikumar Thangaraj , Sriram Mali , Girish S , Anuradha R , Gnanendra M
Published: June 2022

The lockdowns and restrictions imposed to control COVID-19 have made life miserable for people, especially those involved in informal economic activities. The pandemic induced financial hardships, caused financial anxiety and financial stress among informal sector participants. This study aimed to measure and analyze the financial stress and financial insecurity of one of the important informal sector elements (street vendors) in India. Street vendors in Bangalore were interviewed in this descriptive research through personal interaction and telephonic interviews. The collected primary data were processed using SPSS statistical package. The results have indicated that the pandemic inflicted financial stress on street vendors irrespective of their gender, marital status, age, education, monthly income, and type of product dealt. Financial stress levels varied depending on the number of dependents of street vendors and their business nature. Financial literacy differed according to street vendors’ marital status. A person becomes extremely sensitive and cautious in personal finance matters on getting married. Financial stress and financial literacy correlated negatively. 89.5% of street vendors perceived that they had financial insecurity in the future due to this pandemic. The results indicated that financial stress and financial literacy did not affect financial insecurity perceptions of street vendors. The predictors of financial insecurity have been marital status and the number of dependents of the street vendors (r2: 16.6%). However, marital status alone impacted the 6% variance in financial insecurity. This study concluded that the pandemic caused financial stress and financial insecurity among street vendors, but not financial stress and financial literacy.
Assessment of carcinogenic risk caused by elevated 3,4-benz(a)pyrene concentration in soils in an industrial city
Authors:   Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology in Rostov Region, Taganrog Office, 16a Bol'shoi Ave., Taganrog, 347930, Russian Federation, Marchenko B.I. ,   Southern Federal University, 105/42 Bol'shaya Sadovaya Str., Rostov-on-Don, 344006, Russian Federation, Tarasenko К.S. ,   Southern Federal University, 105/42 Bol'shaya Sadovaya Str., Rostov-on-Don, 344006, Russian Federation
Published: June 2022

Apparent destructive changes in soils typically occur in residential areas within urbanized ecological systems formed in large industrial cities. Elevated concentrations of super-toxicants and xenobiotics in soils, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons included, create high potential health risks for city population. Our research goal was to assess the carcinogenic risk caused by elevated 3,4-benz(a)pyrene concentrations in soils in Taganrog, an industrial city with its population being about 250 thousand people located in Rostov region. The assessment included individual and population risks. There are two basic reasons which make the research vital. First of all, 3,4-benz(a)pyrene contents in soils in residential areas exceed hygienic standards. Secondly, the incidence of malignant neoplasms has been stably high in the city. We analyzed the results of determining 3,4-benz(a)pyrene concentrations in 384 soil samples taken in 2013–2020 at 19 monitoring posts (located within residential areas close to crossroads with intense traffic, recreational zones, and areas around preschool children facilities). 3,4-benz(a)pyrene was established to be the priority pollutant in soils in the city with its share contribution to the complex pollution index (Csoil) being 55.25 %. 3,4-benz(a)pyrene concentrations were higher than maximum permissible ones in 65.63 % of all the examined soil samples; its average and maximum concentrations were equal to 2.298 and 45.525 MPC accordingly. We assessed the individual multi-route carcinogenic risk (CR) caused by elevated 3,4-benz(a)pyrene concentrations in soils. The risk turned out to be high (2.4606•10–3) and inhalation introduction was established as the priority one (94.84 %).
Anthropometric measurements in newborn children of personnel employed at radiation-hazardous production as indicators used in monitoring over consequences of parental exposure to radiation Primary tabs View(active tab) Edit
Authors:   Southern Urals Biophysics Institute of FMBA of Russia, 19 Ozerskoe shosse, Ozersk, 456780, Russian Federation, Sosnina S.F. , Okatenko P.V. ,   Southern Urals Biophysics Institute of FMBA of Russia, 19 Ozerskoe shosse, Ozersk, 456780, Russian Federation, Sokolnikov M.E. ,   Southern Urals Biophysics Institute of FMBA of Russia, 19 Ozerskoe shosse, Ozersk, 456780, Russian Federation
Published: June 2022

Physical development of offspring can be an important criterion applied to assess effects produced by parental exposure. The cohort that includes workers employed at Mayak Production Association (PA), the first nuclear fuel cycle production facility in Russia, is a valuable information source for analyzing consequences of occupational exposure. Our objective was to analyze somatometric parameters of newborn children of Mayak PA workers who were occupationally exposed to pre-conception external gamma-radiation. We retrospectively analyzed anthropometric measurements of 13,880 newborn children, all born in 1949–1973; 9321 children were conceived by parents who were long-term occupationally exposed to radiation at Mayak PA. The analysis covered the core anthropometric elements including height, weight, head circumference, and chest circumference. Development proportionality was estimated by using Quetelet, Vervek – Vorontsov’s, and Erismann indexes. We estimated a correlation between anthropometric measurements and accumulated parental pre-conception external gamma radiation dose and calculated relative risk coefficients and odds ratio with 95 % confidence interval. We established that parents were exposed to a wide range of external gamma radiation doses, up to 4075.6 mGy to the ovaries and 5653.1 mGy to the testicles. There was a weak correlation between newborns’ height and weight and parental exposure. We also detected a trend for a decrease in newborns’ body mass with increasing accumulated pre-conception dose of external gamma radiation to the ovaries and, conversely, for an increase in it with a growing dose to the testicles. We revealed a statistically significant increase in height and weight among children conceived and born by Mayak PA workers, namely, a greater share of children with high body mass at birth. Analysis of children’s somatotypes confirmed excessive values of proportionality indexes that showed height and weight measurements among children of exposed parents. Additional analysis of firstborns and children with proper duration of gestation produced the same results. Risk assessment indicated there was significant prevalence of children with high body mass among offspring of exposed people. We also assessed physical development of Mayak PA workers’ newborns taking into account the latest data on long-term occupational exposure; this assessment is vital for epidemiological monitoring over health of children born by personnel employed at radiation-hazardous production facilities.
Substantiating methodical approaches to quantifying reproductive health risks caused by harmful occupational and work-related factors
Authors:   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya Str., Perm, 6140045, Russian Federation, Shur P.Z. , Zaitseva N.V. ,   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya Str., Perm, 6140045, Russian Federation, Lir D.N. ,   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya Str., Perm, 6140045, Russian Federation,   Perm State Medical University named after Academician E.A. Wagner, 26 Petropavlovskaya Str., Perm, 614990, Russian Federation
Published: June 2022

The article dwells on methodical approaches to quantifying occupational risk (OR) which give an opportunity to spot out priority trends in prevention of reproductive losses caused both by occupational diseases (ODs) and work-related diseases (WRDs). OR quantitative assessment takes into account an additional probability of developing disorders and their severity. When assessing OR for reproductive health, it is advisable to take into account sex-related peculiarities, sensitive periods in the reproductive cycle, variable physiological states, as well as health disorders in offspring caused by parental occupational exposures. The assessment is based on epidemiological research. The algorithm also involves determining OR of reproductive disorders; determining an integral OR of reproductive disorders (as a combined account of both ODs and WRDs caused by exposure to different factors); determining OR categories and assessing their acceptability regarding reproductive health. It is suggested to determine severity of reproductive health outcomes (health effects) using conventional coefficients recommended by the WHO and “loss of fertility” level which is significant in assessing consequences for offspring. In case a risk is detected, both for exposed workers and their offspring, it is recommended to consider selecting the priority (maximum) risk level to be the ultimate assessment result. The suggested methodical approaches were tested on a group of women employed at a petrochemical production and exposed to several harmful occupational factors (chemical factor and labor intensity) with working conditions at their workplaces belonging to the hazard category 3.1. The assessment revealed the integral risk for reproductive health to be equal to 1.6∙10-2 thus indicating that the risk was unacceptable. Besides, occupational factors influencing a mother create an unacceptable risk for development of healthy offspring (the detected risk is 3∙10-3). Such a reproductive disorder as infertility causes “insignificant” risks for women whereas they grow up to being “high” for their potential offspring. The ultimate assessment result is selecting the maximum risk levels, that is, the “high” risk for offspring’s health.
Peculiarities detected in formation of speficic hapten sensitization to phenol in children
Authors:   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya Str., Perm, 6140045, Russian Federation, Dolgikh O.V. , Dianova D.G. ,   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya Str., Perm, 6140045, Russian Federation
Published: June 2022

Phenol contamination in ambient air is a factor which creates health risks for children living in a zone influenced by emissions from a ferrous metallurgy enterprise. Our research goal was to assess specific hapten sensitization in children living under excessive aerogenic exposure to phenol. We performed hygienic assessment of ambient air pollution on territories of pre-school children facilities located at various distances from a zone influenced by the examined enterprise (1 km and 5 km were the test territories No. 1 and 2 accordingly) which emitted phenol thus creating elevated concentrations of the chemical in ambient air being higher than single maximum MPC. Ambient air on a selected reference territory was not polluted with any industrial emissions. The test group No. 1 was made of 99 children (the test territory No. 1); the test group No. 2, 92 children (the test territory No. 2); and the reference group, 95 children (the reference territory). We analyzed phenol contents and levels of IgG specific to phenol in blood of all the examined children. Phenol concentrations in ambient air were higher than its permissible levels on the test territory No. 1, 1.7 single maximum MPC, and the test territory No. 2, 1.1 single maximum MPC. We comparatively assessed phenol contents in blood of children from all three groups. The assessment revealed that children from the test group No. 1 had a hydroxybenzene concentration in their blood which was statistically significantly (р = 0.031) by 1.9 times higher than in blood of children from the reference group. Production of specific G class antibodies was higher than the upper limit of the physiological standard in 60 % and 36 % children living and attending a preschool children facility in zones located accordingly at the minimal and maximum distance an emission source. The research results indicate that a hapten-associated increase in the level of IgG specific to phenol in preschool children is associated with excessive phenol contamination creating a substantial burden on biological media (OR = 14.75; 95 % CI = 6.45–33.73; р < 0.05).
Urban planning and public health: Analytical review
Authors:   Institute of Economic Forecasting, 47 Nakhimovsky prospect, Moscow, 117418, Russian Federation, Revich B.A.
Published: June 2022

This review focuses on certain challenges related to hygienic assessment of urban planning. Studies by Soviet (and later Russian) hygienists that have been accomplished since 1970ties have brought about optimal solutions for planning urban districts, climatic peculiarities taken into account. Specific hygienic standards have been developed with respect to insolation, building density, minimum safe distances from housing to parking areas, recommendations on creating green spaces along the busiest motorways as well as some other parameters that are now a part of regulatory documents on construction. A comfortable urban environment can hardly be created in Russian cities without adherence to hygienic standards regarding ambient air quality, noise levels, insolation, creating easily available open green spaces. All this should be implemented without any limitations on building density, especially in downtowns areas. Hygienic standards stipulate transition from fossil fuels to more environmentally friendly ones in cities located in Siberia and the Far East. There are also other multiple indicators of urban environment quality that shouldn’t be neglected. The review also considers how important insolation is for health of urban citizens, especially bearing in mind the latest data on significance of vitamin D for prevention of osteoporosis. A great attention is paid to positive effects produced by open green spaces on population health including mental health, higher levels of physical activity, better social interactions and mutual trust, and reduced social isolation. All these aspects are becoming truly vital after the COVID-19 pandemic. Green spaces are also important since they help mitigate certain negative consequences of living in an aggressive urban environment.
Epidemiologic aspects in prevention of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) (Literature review)
Authors:   North-Ossetian State Medical Academy, 40 Pushkinskaya Str., Vladikavkaz, 362019, Russian Federation, Butaev T.M. , Tsirikhova A.S. ,   North-Ossetian State Medical Academy, 40 Pushkinskaya Str., Vladikavkaz, 362019, Russian Federation, Kabaloeva D.V. ,   North-Ossetian State Medical Academy, 40 Pushkinskaya Str., Vladikavkaz, 362019, Russian Federation, Kudukhova D.O. ,   North-Ossetian State Medical Academy, 40 Pushkinskaya Str., Vladikavkaz, 362019, Russian Federation,   The Federal Service for Surveillance over Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-being, Regional office in the Republic of North Ossetia Alania, 17A Tel'mana Str., Vladikavkaz, 362021, Russian Federation
Published: June 2022

At the end of 2019 the mankind had to face a new coronavirus infection with higher virulence which resulted in its rapid spread all over the world and in an ultimate pandemic. Initially a new virus which causes COVID-19 was called 2019-nCoV but it soon acquired its well-known name, SARS-CoV-2. We can positively state that this new coronavirus infection will remain in the history of world public healthcare as a disease that caused a collapse in rendering medical aid. Undoubtedly, this new coro-navirus infection has changed customary lifestyle of the overall world population. This review can be considered problematic in its essence and focuses on examining contemporary trends in the official epidemiologic situation in the world regarding the new coronavirus infection (SARS-CoV-2). Having analyzed several foreign and domestic documents, the authors revealed a necessity to enhance levels and quality of COVID-19 epidemiologic diagnostics. There is a suggestion being considered at the moment on including additional clinical and diagnostic activities aimed at preventing further spread of the new coronavirus infection. We should note that data on COVID-19-related mortality and morbidity are renewed every day and every hour. Given that, it seems rather difficult to keep in line with the latest trends in COVID-19 prevention and epidemiologic diagnostics. However, the authors made an attempt to possibly collect all the latest data on epidemiological peculiarities related to the clinical course of the new coronavirus infection. The authors have a hope that this review will be useful for epidemiologists when they detect new cases of the disease as well as for lecturers at medical higher educational establishments when they train students and resident physicians.
THE ROLE OF HUMORAL FACTORS IN FORMATION OF ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION IN OBESE
Authors: Lezhenko G. A. , Gladun K. V.
Published: June 2022

It was studied performance monitoring of blood pressure in obese adolescents according to that of the "office"blood pressure. It was shown that adolescents with obesity indicators increase ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and associated with increased vaspin, resistin and osteopontin in the blood serum.
MODERN NATUROPATHIC APPROACH AND ITS EFFECT ON THE RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF BILE IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS COMORBID WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME
Authors: Prystupiuk L. O. , Barabanchyk O. V. , Slobodyanik M. P.
Published: June 2022

The paper presents the positive impact of Inulin-Nutrimedr the level of blood glucose, blood biochemistry and rheological properties of bile in patients with type 2 diabetes with comorbid pathology of the hepatobiliary system. These results give reason to recommend Inulin-Nutrimedr for use in combined therapy in such patients.
MELATONIN, ITS STRUCTURE ANALOGUES AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
Authors: Redkin R. G.
Published: June 2022

The fundamental role of Melatonin (MT), its precursor - L-tryptophan and other indolamines in human and animal organism, attracts the postponial attention of these substances and, in particular, to further study and the origin of a new direction of new biologically synthesis. active substances (bar) on the basis of MT and other spectacular structures in order to find new libraries and studying fundamental files, such as biorhythms, starting, neuro-humoral regulation, apoptosis to [1]. The presentation is an attempt to conduct the classification of structural analogues of MT and systematization of the functions of the faraco properties of MT and close to it by the action or structure of synthetic compounds, known as its analogues, to release the dependence of the dependence of the biological activity of the defined classes of the compounds from their structure.
FEATURES OF PRO-INFLAMMATORY CYTOKINE PART IN PATIENTS WITH ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE AND TYPE 2 DIABETES
Authors: Dunayeva I. P.
Published: June 2022

In patient with ischemic heart disease and type 2 diabetes are revealed increase of levels proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 that testifies to activation of an immune inflammation at thiscategory of patients. The activity of the TNF-α and IL-6 in blood plasma in patients with ischemicheart disease and type 2 diabetes is connected with the bigger duration of the disease and with obesitypresence.