bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploration of the Mechanism, Chemospecificity, Regiospecificity and Stereoselectivity of the Cycloaddition Reaction between Hydroxyparthenolide and Nitrilimine: MEDT Study
Authors: Ouahdi Zineb , Ourhriss NAJIA , Aytouna Anas Ouled , Barhoumi Ali , Belghiti Mohammed elalaoui , Moubarik Amine , Abdallaoui Habib El Alaoui El , idrissi Mohammed El , Zeroual Abdellah
Published: February 2022

The cycloaddition reaction between hydroxyparthenolide and nitrilimine has been investigated in molecular electron density theory (MEDT) at the B3LYP/6-31(d) computational level. The reaction paths including the six cycloaduit were explored. The DFT calculations show that the cyclization takes place on the C1=C2 double bond, which indicates that this reaction is chemiospecific and regiospecific in full compliance with the experimental results.In addition, we have studied the mechanism of this reaction, we found that this reaction followed asynchronous mechanism.
Combination of FDG PET/CT Radiomics and Clinical Parameters for Outcome Prediction in Patients with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Authors: Ortega Claudia , Eshet Yael , Prica Anca , Anconina Reut , Johnson Sarah , Constantini Danny , Keshavarzi Sareh , Roshini Kulanthaivelu , Metser Ur , Veit-Haibach Patrick
Published: February 2022

Purpose:
The aim of the study is to evaluate the prognostic value of joint evaluation of PET- and CT radiomics combined with standard clinical parameters in patients with HL.
Methods:
Overall, 88 patients (42 female and 46 male) with a median age of 43.3 (range 21-85 years) were included. Textural analysis of the PET/CT images was performed using a freely available software (LIFE X). 65 radiomics features (RF) were evaluated. Univariate and Multivariate models were used to determine the value of clinical characteristics and FDG PET/CT radiomics in outcome prediction. A binary logistic regression model was used to determine potential predictors for radiotherapy and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Features relevant for survival outcome were assessed with Cox proportional hazards to calculate hazard ratios with 95% CI.
Results:
Overall, Albumin + ALP + CT radiomic features (Area under curve (AUC): 95.0 (86.9;100.0) – Brier: 3.9 (0.1;7.8) remained as significant independent predictors for outcome prediction. PET- SHAPE Sphericity (1.9 (1.05,3.42) p=0.033); CT grey level zone length matrix high gray-level zone emphasis (GLZLM SZHGE mean (2 (1.08,3.73) p=0.028)) and PARAMS XSpatial Resampling (2.1 (1.2,3.68) p=0.0091) as well as hemoglobin results (p=0.016) remained as independent features in the final model for binary outcome as predictors of need of radiotherapy. (AUC = 0.79)
Conclusion:
We evaluated the value of baseline clinical parameters as well as combined PET and CT radiomics in HL patients for survival and prediction of need of radiotherapy. We found that different combinations of all three factors/features were independently predictive of the here evaluated endpoints.
The Amelioration of Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction, and the Increase in Testosterone After Obesity Surgery Decreases Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Men
Authors: Cobeta Pilar , Pariente Roberto , Osorio Alvaro , Gomez-Martin Jesus , Blazquez Luis , Pestana David , Galindo Julio , Botella-Carretero Jose
Published: February 2022

Introduction:
Obesity increases cardiovascular risk in men through several mechanisms. Among them, low-grade chronic inflammation and possibly obesity-associated hypogonadism have been described. We aimed to study the association of cardiovascular risk with changes in inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction markers and testosterone.
Methods
We included 60 men, 20 submitted to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), 20 to sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and 20 to life-style modification (controls). Several inflammatory markers and total testosterone (TT) were measured at baseline and six months after surgery. Free testosterone (FT) was calculated, and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) measured by ultrasonography.
Results
Compared to controls, cIMT decreased after surgery concomitantly with CRP, PAI-1, sICAM-1, IL-18 (P<0.01) and with an increase in sTWEAK (P=0.027), with no differences between RYGB and SG. The increase in TT and FT after surgery correlated with the changes in cIMT (P=0.010 and P=0.038 respectively), but this association disappeared after multivariate analysis. Linear regression showed that sTWEAK (ß=-0.245, P=0.039), PAI-1 (ß=0.346, P=0.005) and CRP (ß=0.236, P=0.049) were associated with the changes in cIMT (R2=0.267, F=6.664, P=0.001).
Conclusion
Both RYGB and SG in men induced a similar beneficial response on inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction markers that was associated with a decrease in cIMT.
Improving Estimates of the Ionosphere During Geomagnetic Storm Conditions Through Assimilation of Thermospheric Mass Density
Authors: Fernandez-Gomez Isabel , Kodikara Timothy , Borries Claudia , Forootan Ehsan , Goss Andreas , Schmidt Michael , Codrescu Mihail
Published: February 2022

Complex dynamical changes in the ionosphere and thermosphere during geomagnetic storm times could have a significant impact on our communication and navigation applications, as well as satellite orbit determination and prediction activities. Because of the complex electrodynamics coupling processes during storms, which cannot be fully described with the sparse set of thermosphere-ionosphere (TI) observations, it is crucial to accurately model the state of the TI system. The approximation closest to the true state can be obtained by assimilating relevant measurements into physics-based models. Thermospheric mass density (TMD) derived from satellite measurements is ideal to improve the thermosphere through data assimilation. Given the coupled nature of the TI system, the changes in the thermosphere will also influence the ionosphere state. This study presents for the first time a quantification of the changes and improvement of the model state produced by assimilating TMD not only for the thermosphere density but also for the ionosphere electron density. TMD estimates derived from a single Swarm satellite and the Coupled Thermosphere Ionosphere Plasmasphere electrodynamics (CTIPe) physics-based model are used for the data assimilation. The results are presented for a case study during the St. Patrick’s Day storm 2015. It is shown that the TMD data assimilation generates an improvement of the model's thermosphere density of up to 40% (measured along the orbit of the non-assimilated Swarm satellites). The model's electron density during the course of the storm has been improved by approximately 8 and 22% relative to Swarm-A and GRACE, respectively. The comparison of the model's global electron density against a high-quality 3D electron density model, generated through assimilation of total electron content, shows that TMD assimilation modifies the model's ionosphere state positively and negatively during storm time. The major improvement area are the mid-low latitudes. The largest improvements are measured during the storm's recovery phase.
Comparative life cycle assessment of synthesis routes for cathode materials in sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Mozaffarpour Fatemeh , Hassanzadeh Nafiseh , Vahidi Ehsan
Published: February 2022

Sodium-ion batteries are lower cost and more sustainable alternatives for lithium-ion batteries. The development of cheap and environmentally friendly electrode materials with high electrochemical performance is the key strategy for the advancement of sodium-ion battery technology. However, despite the high research attention to the development of the synthesis procedures of the electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries, there has been less focus on the environmental footprint of each production route which is a vital aspect for large-scale industrial applications. A comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) study was performed here to evaluate the sustainability of the production phase of a promising cathode material with the chemical formula of Na3MnCO3PO4 (NMCP), which was previously studied in sodium-ion batteries. LCA approach was used to compare the environmental impacts of three representative synthesis strategies of NMCP nanoparticles including ball milling, hydrothermal, and stirring assisted hydrothermal. Results showed that the footprint associated with the ball milling method is dominant for three categories of acidification, eutrophication, and carcinogenics, while its impact in the other seven categories is only slightly less than the hydrothermal-based methods. The LCA analysis suggested that hydrothermal-based methods were eco-friendlier than the ball milling method. Consequently, between NMCP materials with comparable capabilities, the one prepared by a procedure with lower environmental impact and acceptable electrochemical performance, i.e. stirring assisted hydrothermal, would be the most appropriate method for large-scale applications.
Protease-producing lactic acid bacteria with antibacterial properties and their potential use in soybean meal fermentation
Authors: Ma Hao , Wang Lei , Yu Haojie , Wang Weiwei , Wu Guofang , Qin Guangyong , Tan Zhongfang , Wang Yanping , Pang Huili
Published: February 2022

Background: As an adequate plant protein raw material, soybean meal has attracted extensive attention because of its high protein content, abundant amino acids essential for animals, and many functional nutrients. Feed fermentation is a new way to improve nutrient absorption of animals by inoculating microorganisms, which can also play a probiotic role. In order to screen the lactic acid bacteria with remarkable protease-producing performance and excellent growth and fermentation characteristics, 1000 strains isolated from different materials were evaluated in this study. After primary and re-screening, 22 strains both with protein transparent circle diameters larger than 15.00 mm (including the diameter of a hole puncher 10.00 mm) and enzyme activities greater than 20.0 U/mL were screened out for physiological and biochemical tests, as well as antimicrobial performance tests. Results: Strains P (Pig) 15 and ZZUPF (Zhengzhou University Pig Fecal) 95, which have excellent physiological and biochemical characteristics, as well as good inhibition abilities for Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Micrococcus luteus, were selected and used as fermenting agents for 3- and 30-day (d) fermentation of soybean meal. The analysis of microorganisms, fermentation quality, and chemical composition during fermentation revealed that all lactic acid bacteria addition groups had lower harmful bacteria and pH value, as well as higher lactic acid bacteria content and lactic acid level compared with CK and protease-treated groups. These effects were even better especially after 30 d of fermentation. Conclusions: This study indicated that the selected strains Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum P15 and Enterococcus faecalis ZZUPF95 could be considered as potential probiotics for fermenting soybean meal for further research.
The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients with Trauma Presented to the Emergency Department
Authors: Çalık Mustafa , Satılmış Dilay , Yavuz Burcu Genc , Guven Ramazan , Çolak Şahin , Sogut Ozgur , Altundag İbrahim , Altinbilek Ertugrul , Tayfur İsmail , Tekyol Davut , Hok Nihat Müjdat , Eyüpoğlu Gokhan , Akdemir Tarık
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND: The present study aims to examine the characteristics of patients with trauma who applied to the emergency department in parallel periods before and after the novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak and analyze the effects of social change on traumatic injuries.METHODS: In this study, medical records of patients who presented to the emergency departments of seven hospitals operating as a tertiary training and research hospital in Istanbul between March-June 2018, March-June 2019, and March-June 2020 are due to trauma were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical and demographic characteristics of traumatic injuries before and after the pandemic were compared.RESULTS: In our study, 4088 trauma patients' data were reviewed; 1279 in March-June 2018, 1684 in March-June 2019, and 1125 in March-June 2020. When the total number of patients was examined, it was noticed that the number of patients decreased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. No significant difference was found between the periods regarding sex and trauma mechanisms of the patients. The mean age was higher in patients admitted in 2020 compared to previous years. In our study, incidences of intracranial hemorrhage, femur fracture, lung injuries, and mortality rates were higher in March-June 2020 compared to previous parallel years. CONCLUSION: In March-June 2020, compared to the previous year, there was a 34% decrease in trauma cases admitted to the emergency department. Albeit no difference was found between the periods regarding trauma mechanisms, the higher mortality in the March-June 2020 period indicates that trauma continues to be one of the major causes of death despite the pandemic.
Behavioral Response of The Egg Parasitoid Cosmocomoidea Annulicornis (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) and Characterization of The Chemical Cues That Guide Females Toward Host Eggs Located In Taxonomically Distant Plants Species
Authors: Manzano Carolina , Fernández Patricia Carina , Hill Jorge , Albarracín Erica Luft , Virla Eduardo , Aráoz Maria Victoria Coll
Published: February 2022

Parasitoids are known to exploit volatile cues emitted by plants after herbivore attack to locate their hosts. Feeding and oviposition of a polyphagous herbivore can induce emission of odor blends that differ among distant plant species, and parasitoids have evolved an incredible ability to discriminate them and locate their hosts relying on olfactive cues. We evaluated the host searching behavior of the egg parasitoid Cosmocomoidea annulicornis (Ogloblin) (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) in response to odors emitted by two taxonomically distant host plants, citrus and johnsongrass, after infestation by the sharpshooter Tapajosa rubromarginata (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), vector of Citrus Variegated Chlorosis. Olfactory response of parasitoid females toward plants with no herbivore damage and plants with feeding damage, oviposition damage and parasitized eggs was tested in a Y-tube olfactometer. In addition, volatiles released by the two host plant species constitutively and under herbivore attack were characterized. Females of C. annulicornis were able to detect and significantly preferred plants with host eggs, irrespectively of plant species. However, wasps were unable to discriminate between plants with healthy eggs and those with eggs previously parasitized by conspecifics. Analysis of plant volatiles induced after sharpshooter attack showed only two common volatiles between the two plant species, indole and β-caryophyllene. Our results suggest that this parasitoid wasp uses common chemical cues released by different plants after herbivory at long range and that, once on the plant, other more specific chemical cues could trigger the final decision to oviposit.
Genetic Variations In Human ATP2B4 Gene Alter Malaria Growth In Rbcs From Gambian Adults.
Authors: Joof Fatou , Hartmann Elena , Jarvis Alison , Colley Alhassan , Cross James H , Avril Marion , Prentice Andrew M , Cerami Carla
Published: February 2022

Background: Polymorphisms in ATP2B4 coding for PMCA4b, the primary regulator of erythrocyte calcium concentration, have been shown by GWAS and cross-sectional studies to protect against severe malaria but the mechanism remains unknown.Methods: Using a recall-by-genotype design, we investigated the impact of a common haplotype variant in ATP2B4 using in vitro assays that model erythrocyte stage malaria pathogenesis. Ninety-six donors representing homozygote (carriers of the minor allele, C/C), heterozygote (T/C) and wildtype (T/T) carriers of the tagging SNP rs1541252 were selected from a cohort of over 12,000 participants in the Keneba Biobank.Results: Red blood cells (RBCs) from homozygotes showed reduced PMCA4b protein expression (mean fluorescence intensities (MFI = 2428 ± 124, 3544 ±159 and 4261±283] , for homozygotes, heterozygotes and wildtypes respectively, p<0.0001) and slower rates of calcium expulsion (calcium t½ ± SD = 4.7±0.5, 1.8±0.3 and 1.9±0.4 min, p<0.0001). Growth of a Plasmodium falciparum laboratory strain (FCR3) and two Gambian field isolates was decreased in RBCs from homozygotes compared to heterozygotes and wildtypes (p<0.01). Genotype group did not affect parasite adhesion in vitro or var-gene expression in malaria-infected RBCs. Parasite growth was inhibited by a known inhibitor of PMCA4b, aurintricarboxylic acid (IC50=122uM CI: 110-134) confirming its sensitivity to calcium channel blockade.Conclusion: The data support the hypothesis that this ATP2B4 genotype, common in The Gambia and other malaria-endemic areas, protects against severe malaria through the suppression of parasitemia during an infection. Reduction in parasite density plays a pivotal role in disease outcome by minimising all aspects of malaria pathogenesis. Follow up studies are needed to further elucidate the mechanism of protection and to determine if this ATP2B4 genotype carries a fitness cost or increases susceptibility to other human disease.
The Critical Pressure for Bulk Leakage of Non-planar Smooth Surfaces
Authors: Huang De , Yan Xiang , Larsson Roland , Almqvist Andreas
Published: February 2022

The sealing surfaces subjected to the hydrostatic load from the sealed fluid can deform to such an extent that leakage occurs when the sealed fluid pressure is sufficiently high, and this critical pressure that the seal can sustain without leakage is a fundamental aspect of the seal design. This paper presents a new numerical method based on the bisection algorithm and the boundary element method, which can be utilized to capture the critical pressure with high accuracy. The present method is employed to study the relationship between the critical pressure and the non-planar geometry of the sealing surfaces, under a wide range of loading conditions. The results show that the critical pressure can be acquired from the surface's dry contact state with a dimensionless correction factor.
Comparison of Epitheliotrophic Growth Factors in Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Autologous Serum and Their Treatment Efficacy in Dry Eye Disease
Authors: Metheetrairut Chanatip , Ngowyutagon Panotsom , Tunganuntarat Abhirak , Khowawisetsut Ladawan , Kittisares Kulvara , Tanthuvanit Pinnita
Published: February 2022

Current treatment of severe dry eye disease (DED) includes blood-derived eye drops, such as autologous serum (AS), which lubricate the eyes and provide factors that improve ocular surface and aid in wound healing. Recent studies indicated that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was also effective. This study aims to compare the concentration and stability of epitheliotrophic growth factors in AS and PRP and their efficacy in DED patients. Growth factors of interest are epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibronectin, platelet-derived growth factor-AB (PDGF-AB), and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1). We determined that all growth factors were present in AS and PRP at baseline and did not decrease in levels in all storage conditions (4ºC for 1 week and at -20ºC for 1 and 3 months.) However, differences in growth factor concentrations in AS and PRP were observed. PRP was also shown not to be inferior to AS in terms of efficacy in DED treatment in a prospective randomized control trial which evaluated ocular surface disease index, dry eye questionnaire, ocular surface staining, tear breakup time, and Schirmer test at baseline and at 1-month follow-up. Therefore, with its shorter preparation time, PRP could be considered as an alternative to AS for the treatment of DED.
Subsurface residual stress and damaged layer in high-speed grinding considering thermo-mechanical coupling influence
Authors: Ren Zhida , Li Beizhi , Zhou Qingzhi
Published: February 2022

Subsurface residual stress and damaged layer play a vital role in determining the accuracy maintenance and fatigue performance of parts. Due to the advantages of machining quality and efficiency, high-speed grinding technology is being applied to the machining of precision parts. At present, the influence of high-speed grinding on the damaged layers generation and residual stress distribution has not been completely recognized, and there has been little quantitative research on the mechanism of thermo-mechanical coupling influence on the distribution of residual stress generated in the high-speed grinding process. In this study, a finite-element model comprehensively considering grinding force and thermal field was proposed to investigate the subsurface residual stress and heat influenced layer of AISI 52100 bearing steel. The subsurface damaged layer and residual stress fields were measured to validate the analytical results. Mathematical models were proposed to quantitatively analyze the thermo-mechanical coupling influence on the distribution characteristics of subsurface residual stress. The theoretical and experimental results demonstrate that when the grinding speed surpasses the critical value of 45 m/s, the depth of residual stress and damaged layer decrease simultaneously with the increase of grinding speed. Higher grinding speeds exceeding 60 m/s are supposed to restrain the maximum value of both the tensile and compressive residual stress, which helps to enhance the precision retention and fatigue performance of components. Base on this study, the performance of the subsurface can be controlled by selecting the proper grinding speed in the high-speed range.
Beneficial Effects of 1500 MHz Microwave on Old 5×FAD Mice
Authors: Sun Qiyu , Li Shuoshuo , Zhu Peipei , Yin Jiye , Zhou Hongmei , Zhao Xuelong , Liu Qi , Dong Guofu , Cheng Jinbo , Tian Zhaoju , Wang Changzhen
Published: February 2022

Background: Treatment of Alzheimer’s disease is still a medical challenge now. Some researchers have tried to use electromagnetic therapy to treat Alzheimer’s disease, but there are no clear conclusions. 1500 MHz microwave was used to expose young and old 5×FAD mice here to explore the beneficial effect of microwave on Alzheimer’s disease.Methods: Young and old 5×FAD mice were exposed to 1500 MHz microwave at SARs of 2 or 4 W/kg for 5-months (2 h/day, 5 days/week). The cognitive function and emotional behavior were detected by Morris Water Maze, Y-Maze, Open Field Test and Elevated Plus Maze respectively. Amyloid β peptides, BACE1 expression, and inflammatory cytokines interleukin were detected by ELISA and qPCR. Amyloid β peptides and Iba1 in hippocampus of old FAD mice were further detected with immunohistochemistry.Results: Microwave treatment obviously improved the learning and memory in old AD mice after 5 months of exposure, which was confirmed by the significant decreased Aβ42 peptides and downregulated BACE1 expression in hippocampus. 1500 MHz microwave exposure caused anxiety-like behavior in young and old AD mice at a SAR of 2 W/kg and 4 W/kg respectively. IL-6 mRNA levels were significantly decreased while IL-4 and IL-10 were significantly increased in old AD mice after exposure at a SAR of 2 W/kg. At the same time, the amount of microglia along with Aβ deposition were significantly decreased in hippocampus. The weight loss of aged AD mice slowed down and no obvious increase of anal temperature was found during exposure.Conclusions: 1500 MHz microwave exposure can significantly improve the symptoms of AD in aged mice at a SAR of 2 W/kg with the regulations of inflammatory reaction in hippocampus, which may provide an effective clinical choice for treatment of elderly patients with AD.
Phytochemical composition, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of the ethanolic root extract of the endemic Onosma, northern Iran.
Authors: Pahlavan Parsa , Babanejad Homan , Band Shahab S.
Published: February 2022

This experimental study was performed for determining the antioxidant and antibacterial bioactivity of Onosma dichroantha’s root extract obtained using ethanol as our solvent. The results showed that phthalic acid, di(2-propylpentyl) ester (54.52%), .beta.-sitosterol (16.65%) and ethanol, 2-(butylamino)- (13.32%) were the major compounds of the ethanolic root extract of O. dichroantha. Total phenols was determined by the Folin-ciocalteu method and the flavonoid content was determined by the colorimetric aluminum chloride method. The maximum phenolic (139.2 ± 0.25 mg gallic acid equivalents/ g of root powder) and flavonoid (17.6 ± 0.12 mg quercetin equivalents/ g of root powder) contents were measured in the ethanol extract. The antioxidant capacity of the root extract was assessed by the scavenging of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals. It was found that antioxidant activity elevated linearly with an increase in the concentration of the ethanol extract. Furthermore, the inhibition value was rather significant compared to the standard controls. The disk diffusion method was used to determine the antibacterial activity of this extract. Thereby, the ethanolic root extract of O. dichroantha exhibited great bioactivity against 11 bacterial species, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus epidermis and Streptococcus pyogenes. In conclusion, the ethanolic root extract of O. dichroantha has antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.
Analysis of Sanitation and Waterborne Disease Occurrence in Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Adegoke Hussein Adedoyin , Solihu Habeeb , Bilewu Solomon Olakunle
Published: February 2022

Waterborne diseases are linked to significant disease burden worldwide. Waterborne diarrhoea disease, for example, is responsible for two million deaths each year. Proper household water and sanitation can, however, increase resilience to waterborne disease risks. In view of the foregoing, this work has established a relationship between sanitation and waterborne disease occurrence in Ondo State and between potable water and waterborne diseases in the State by the analysis of the data sourced from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Ministry has used the stratified sampling procedure to prepare the National Water Supply and Sanitation Baseline Survey Forms that was administered to get information on improved sanitation, potable water supply and waterborne disease occurrence in Ondo State, Nigeria. Three equations were generated to mock the variables of improved sanitation, potable water supply and waterborne disease occurrence and their interdependencies. To predict one variable when the other is known, modelled equations were also validated and returned errors were less than 50% in all cases. It was concluded that since the least average error was generated when the prevalence of waterborne diseases in the State was predicted with information available on improved sanitation, the occurrence of waterborne diseases in the State is due to the unhygienic practices of the people of the State. The study has contributed to the first two goals of SDG 2030 which are: to increase potable water availability and to give access to an improved level of sanitation by the year 2030.
Using Survey Data to Estimate the Impact of the Omicron Variant on Vaccine Efficacy against COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Rufino Jesús , Baquero Carlos , Frey Davide , Glorioso Christin , Ortega Antonio , Reščič Nina , Roberts Julian , Lillo Rosa , Menezes Raquel , Champati Jaya , Anta Antonio Fernandez
Published: February 2022

Data collected in the Global COVID-19 Trends and Impact Surveys (UMD Global CTIS), and data on variants sequencing from GISAID, are used to evaluate the impact of the Omicron variant (in South Africa and other countries) on the prevalence of COVID-19 among unvaccinated and vaccinated population, in general and discriminating by the number of doses. In South Africa, we observe that the prevalence of COVID-19 in December (with strong presence of Omicron) among the unvaccinated population is comparable to the prevalence during the previous wave (in August-September), in which Delta was the variant with the largest presence. However, among vaccinated, the prevalence of COVID-19 in December is much higher than in the previous wave. In fact, a significant reduction of the vaccine efficacy is observed from August-September to December. For instance, the efficacy drops from 0.81 to 0.30 for those vaccinated with 2 doses, and from 0.51 to 0.09 for those vaccinated with one dose. The study is then extended to other countries in which Omicron has been detected, comparing the situation in October (before Omicron) with that of December. While the reduction measured is smaller than in South Africa, we still found, for instance, an average drop in vaccine efficacy from 0.53 to 0.45 among those vaccinated with two doses. Moreover, we found a significant negative (Pearson) correlation of around -0.6 between the measured prevalence of Omicron and the vaccine efficacy.
piRNAs Are a New COVID-19-Fighting Tool
Authors: Ivashchenko Anatoliy , Pyrkova Anna , Akimniyazova Aigul , Rakhmetullina Aizhan , Niyazova Togzhan
Published: February 2022

A prolonged pandemic with numerous human casualties requires a rapid search for means to control the various strains of SARS-CoV-2. Since only part of the human population is affected by coronaviruses, there are probably endogenous compounds preventing the spread of these viral pathogens. We investigated the effect of piRNA (PIWI-interacting RNAs) molecules on SARS-CoV-2 (NC_045512.2) coronavirus expression, which can inhibit protein synthesis on the genomic RNA (gRNA) of the virus and simultaneously prevent viral gRNA replication. A 28-nt cluster of 70 piRNA binding sites (BSs) in the SARS-CoV-2 gRNA region encoding the LETIQITIS oligopeptide of the ORF1ab protein was identified. The second cluster of BS 39 piRNAs with a length of 31 nt in the gRNA region encodes the RATLQAIASEF oligopeptide of the ORF1ab protein. The third cluster of 24 piRNA BSs 31 nt long in the gRNA region encodes the oligopeptide PKLQSSQAWQP of the ORF1ab protein. Twelve piRNAs were identified that strongly interact with the gRNA sites of the virus from 4670 nt to 29024 nt. Based on the identified functionally important endogenous piRNAs, synthetic piRNAs (spiRNAs) are proposed that will suppress the multiplication of the coronavirus even more strongly. These spiRNAs and selected endogenous piRNAs have little effect on human 17494 protein-coding genes, indicating a low probability of side effects. spiRNA and piRNA kits are proposed to control the SARS-CoV-2 strain. The piRNA and spiRNA selection methodology created for the control of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus NC_045512.2 can be used to control all strains of coronavirus.
Improving Image Quality in Diffuse Optical Tomography
Authors: Kazanci Huseyin Ozgur
Published: February 2022

Diffuse Optical Tomography (DOT) imaging technique has low spatial image resolution and low image quality. DOT studies have shown that image quality is more affected by the forward model problem equation numbers. Forward model problem is built with the source and detector couplings, frequency, and phase shift data in frequency domain DOT (FDDOT). To improve the image quality, source-detector match numbers or frequency-phase data are increased. In this study, increased number of frequency-shift data were added to the forward model. Since increasing the number of source-detector numbers and frequency-shift data will raise the computational cost, the optimum number of frequency-shift data was set in this work. 8 sources and 8 detectors were placed based on the back-reflection imaging geometry. Diffuse optic tomography technique has basically 3 different running principal mode which are continuous wave (CW), time resolved (TR), and frequency domain (FD). Geometrically DOT imaging modality has also three basic source-detector placement approaches. These are back-reflected, transmission-through and ring imaging modes. Ring geometric placement is the most appropriate for breast imaging. Back-reflected mode is also suitable for breast imaging, beside it is also convenient for other tissue and organ imaging. In this work, back-reflected geometric source-detector placement was used. 8 sources and 8 detectors were placed based on the back-reflected geometric shape and it generated 64 total number of source-detector couplings. Since frequency domain forward model was built, additional frequency-shift data was also added to the forward model problem. 100 MHz modulation frequency was used for light source. Tissue absorption coefficient ma is 0.2 cm− 1 and tissue scattering coefficient µs is 80 cm− 1. x, y, z cartesian grid coordinate system has 1 micrometer length in each direction for simulation tissue media. In this work, the effect of frequency-shift was observed to improve the reconstructed image quality. Image quality was assessed based on the adding number of frequency-shift data. The total number of 20 and 500 frequency-shifts were tested against each other case. 2 inclusions were embedded inside the imaging tissue simulation geometry. The case 1 which has 20 frequency-shifts and the case 2 which has 500 frequency-shifts were compared with each other. It was observed that case 2 is superior to the case 1. This is the first study to show the effect of increasing frequency-shift data to the forward model problem in DOT imaging modality.
Data Governance für Smart Mobility aus rechtlicher Perspektive
Authors: Früh Alfred , Braun Binder Nadja , Schibli Robert
Published: February 2022

Die rechtliche Befassung mit Smart Mobility steht — zumindest aus dem Blickwinkel der Data Governance — noch ganz am Anfang. Der vorliegende Artikel versteht sich als Auslegeordnung, auf deren Basis weitere rechtliche Erwägungen angestell werden können. Erstens gibt der Beitrag einen Überblick über die wesentlichen Aspekte von Smart Mobility, zweitens zeigt er auf, welche rechtlichen Herausforderungen sich mit Blick auf die für Smart Mobility unabdingbare Datennutzung stellen und drittens skizziert er mögliche rechtliche Handlungsoptionen.

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La recherche juridique menée sur la smart mobility n'en est qu'à ses débuts, du moins du point de vue de la gouvernance des données (data governance). La présente publication est un état des lieux sur la base de laquelle de nouvelles réflexions juridiques peuvent être menées. Premièrement, l'article donne un aperçu des aspects essentiels de la smart mobility, deuxièmement, il met en évidence les défis juridiques qui se posent en ce qui concerne l'utilisation des données, indispensable à la smart mobility, et troisièmement, il esquisse les options juridiques possibles.
Treatment of plantar fasciitis (heel spur) with focused shockwave therapy and superinductial magnetotherapy
Authors: Lazarenko Viktor A. , Mishustin Vladimir N. , Bobrovskaya Elena A.
Published: February 2022

Objective. To evaluate the clinical efficacy of focused shockwave therapy and superinductive magnetotherapy combination in the treatment of plantar fasciitis (heel spur). Materials and methods. 70 patients with plantar fasciitis (heel spur) were under observation. Depending on the clinical picture, the patients were divided into three groups: the main group (n=20) - patients who underwent superinductive magnetic therapy and shockwave therapy; comparison group (n=40) - patients who underwent shockwave therapy; control group (n=10) - patients who underwent local hormone injection with anesthetic. Results. It was found that the complex treatment of plantar fasciitis (heel spurs) with focused shockwave therapy and superinductive magnetic therapy allows to obtain satisfactory results in 90% of patients at the end of the 2nd week after the treatment and 100% results by the end of the 4th week after the treatment. This is significantly higher than with shockwave therapy (SWT) alone (p<0.05). Pain relief in plantar fasciitis (heel spur) is directly related to the presence of edema in the heel area. Patients with edema should be treated with superinductive magnetic therapy before SWT. Conclusion. The treatment results with shockwave therapy only and combination SWT with superinductive magnetotherapy(SIS therapy) will optimize the treatment strategy for various patients with plantar fasciitis (heel spur).
Experience of studying cerebral disorders in women in menopause
Authors: Izvarina Olga A. , Nikolaeva Tatiana O. , Anikin Viktor V. , Beganskaya Natalia S. , Gromnatskiy Nikolai I.
Published: February 2022

The incidence of arterial hypertension (AH) in women increases significantly with the onset of menopause. Age-related hypoestrogenism leads both to an increase in blood pressure (BP) and to a violation of its daily profile. It can lead to impaired cerebral blood flow. Objective: to study the features of cerebral disorders in women in the perimenopausal period with and without hyper-tension using rheoencephalography, as well as their relationship with some indicators of the daily blood pressure profile. Materials and methods. A clinical and instrumental examination of 190 women in the climacteric period (141 people with hypertension and 49 without hypertension) was carried out, who were divided into groups depending on the presence of hypertension and the period of perimenopause. Instrumental research included 24-hour blood pressure monitoring and rheoencephalography. Results. The onset of menopause was accompanied by an increase in the degree of arterial hypertension, with an in-crease mainly in systolic blood pressure. Changes in its daily profile was also noted, especially insufficient or excessive de-crease at night, as well as an increased speed and magnitude of the morning rise both in women with hypertension and without it. The revealed disorders were more pronounced in postmenopausal women and were accompanied by changes in cerebral circulation, which can lead to ischemic and hemorrhagic cerebral complications. Conclusion. Comparison of indicators of rheoencephalography and daily monitoring of blood pressure in menopausal women revealed changes in cerebral circulation, most pronounced in the presence of arterial hypertension and after meno-pause.
Research of the elemental composition of the aerial organs of Leonurus deminutus V. Krecz. growing in Central Siberia
Authors: Mirovich Vera M. , Sokolova Iana V. , Chebykin Eugene P.
Published: February 2022

The article is devoted to the research of the composition of elements in the aerial part of a poorly studied species of the genus Leonurus L. - Leonurus deminutus V. Krecz, the most common in Central Siberia. This species belongs to the plants of folk medicine and is used as a sedative and antihypertensive agent in the form of infusions, tinctures and fresh juice. Objective: to study the composition of elements of the aerial part of L. deminutus of Central Siberian flora. Materials and methods. The object of the study was the aerial organs of L. deminutus harvested during the flowering period in 2020 in the Irkutsk Region. To study the composition of elements we used the method of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) using a quadrupole mass spectrometer “Agilent 7500 ce”. Results. 72 elements were found in the aerial organs of L. deminutus, 9 of which belong to the group of macroelements (Al, K, C, Si, Mg, Na, S, P, Cl), the rest belong to the group of micro- and ultramicroelements (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, V, Cr are the most valuable). The content of heavy metals and arsenic complies with the permissible standards regulated by the XIV State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation. Conclusion. The composition of elements in the aerial organs of L. deminutus was studied for the first time. The data obtained indicate the promising use of the studied species as a reserve source of minerals.
The prohibition on entering into financial transactions with foreign counterparties and its extension to deputies of regional parliaments
Authors:   Siberian Federal University, Damm Irina A. , Tarbagaev Aleksey N. ,   Siberian Federal University, Ronzhina Olga V. ,   Siberian Federal University, Tolstikova Irina N. ,   Siberian Federal University, Akunchenko Evgenii A. ,   Siberian Federal University
Published: February 2022

The article examines the problems of legal regulation of the prohibition for officials to open and have accounts (deposits), store cash and valuables in foreign banks located outside Russia, own and (or) use foreign financial instruments, associated with the extension of this prohibition to deputies of legislative authorities of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. Based on the analysis of current federal and regional legislation, the authors have identified various approaches to the formation of a list of public offices at the level of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. It was also found that the provisions of regional normative legal acts determine the effect of this prohibition in different ways in a circle of persons and often extend it only to those deputies of the legislative (representative) authorities of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation who exercise their powers on an ongoing basis. The existing practice of regional rulemaking contradicts the goals of ensuring the national security of the state, for the achievement of which the considered prohibition was established, since all deputies, regardless of the basis for filling the corresponding position, have equal powers to participate in the activities of the collegial body by implementing law-making initiatives and voting on the agenda of the meeting. The authors come to the conclusion that issues concerning the spread of anti-corruption standards of conduct to certain categories of persons holding government positions in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation cannot be attributed to the subject of joint jurisdiction. In this regard, at the level of federal legislation, it is necessary to provide a provision for the extension of this prohibition to deputies of the legislative authorities of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation who exercise their powers both on a permanent and non-permanent basis.
Administrative liability for “disrespect” to the authorities in Russia: Gross defects in legislative regulation and enforcement
Authors:   Siberian Federal University, Kondrashev Andrey A.
Published: February 2022

The article analyzes the new composition of an administrative offense introduced in Art. 20.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation in 2019 on the initiative of several well-known senators and deputies, which received the name in public discourse — “liability for disrespect to the authorities”. The author, using the practice of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation and the ECHR, proves the legal inconsistency of the introduced measure of liability, both from the point of view of its inconsistency with constitutional principles, and from the standpoint of contradiction with international standards for the implementation of freedom of speech, developed by the ECHR and binding on Russia. Moreover, the article notes that in democratic European countries there is a tendency to exclude or not apply criminal liability for insulting the head of state, at the same time in nondemocratic countries there is an opposite trend: the expansion of the list of sanctions and their tightening in relation to citizens insulting the highest official of the respective state. The article analyzes that the evaluative formulations chosen by the legislator: “an indecent form that offends human dignity and public morality” and “a clear disrespect for society, the state, official state symbols of the Russian Federation, the Constitution of the Russian Federation or bodies exercising state power”, during a short judicial application (several months), have already led to the emergence of controversial situations in the application of this norm and the issuance of not entirely substantiated judicial acts against Russian citizens. The author proposed to the legislator to exclude from the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation parts 3–5 of Art. 20.1 and also consider the exclusion of Art. 148, 297, 319, 336 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation since they violate the provisions of Articles 19 and 29 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation. These two articles of the Constitutions establish excessive, disproportionate and discriminatory guarantees for the legal protection of certain categories of Russian citizens (civil servants, law enforcement officials, judges, military personnel), to the detriment of the general legal constitutional principle of equality of all before the law and court.
Development of juvenile delinquency — causes and conditions
Authors:   South-West University “Neofit Rilski”, Andonova Gergana
Published: February 2022

In the last few decades, juvenile delinquency in the Republic of Bulgaria has begun to acquire new and specific characteristics. Inexplicable cases of violence are all too common in schools, families and public places. The article analyzes a small part of the theories of juvenile delinquency that exist in the global aspect, which are based on the understanding that criminal acts are determined by mental and behavioral processes at the individual level. According to the theory of rational choice, minors are motivated offenders who subordinate their behavior to a certain goal. Another group of views is defined as theories of biological and psychological traits. Antisocial manifestations are not so much due to the course of certain motivational processes in an individual’s mental state, but primarily to the formation of individual patterns of behavior. The article aims to assist Bulgarian criminal law and criminology in clarifying the current circumstances in which juvenile delinquency develops, and the conclusion is that they do not differ significantly from those in the global context. The different perspectives on juvenile delinquency and the interdisciplinary nature of the problems are presented as objectively as possible. Such an approach can lead to a rethinking of the mechanisms and measures that should be applied to achieve the educational purpose of punishment. The analysis presented in the article also supports the introduction of alternative measures to punishment, as well as the achievement of better results in terms of resocialization of juvenile offenders.
Prohibition of discrimination on the grounds of genetic characteristics in US legislation and judicial practice
Authors:   Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) University, Dallakyan Lilit
Published: February 2022

The article examines current problems of discrimination on the grounds of genetic characteristics. For the first time, this problem was seriously raised by the scientific community in the USA, becoming a topic of debate and one of the areas of state legal policy. As a result, numerous laws were drafted and adopted both at the state and federal levels to prohibit disclosure of confidential human genetic information, as well as its misuse in areas of employment, insurance, education, housing, etc. The analysis of legislation and judicial practice has shown that the adopted measures have introduced common basic standards, according to which employment or promotion decisions should be based on qualifications and a person’s ability to perform a job, and not on the basis of presumed genetic factors that do not influence the effectiveness of their work at the current time. Insurance companies should take into account an individual’s current state of health, and the amount of rates and premiums should not be adjusted on the basis of predictive genetic information. Therefore, it is prohibited to discriminate on the basis of predictive genetic information and not on the basis of a pre-existing condition. The confidentiality of the results of genetic testing should be protected and the results of testing should not be disclosed to third parties (including insurance companies or employers). At the same time, federal genetic nondiscrimination law should not interfere with state laws that provide a higher level of protection against genetic discrimination, for example in housing, education, mortgages, etc.