bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting the Death of Cerebrovascular Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Units
Authors: Moridani Mohammad Karimi , Setarehdan Seyed Kamaledin , Nasrabadi Ali Motie , Hajinasrollah Esmaeil
Published: November 2020

Background: This article aimed to explore the mortality prediction of cerebrovascular patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) by examining the important signals associated with these patients during different periods of admission in the intensive care unit, which is considered as one of the new topics in the medical field. Several approaches have been proposed for prediction in this area that each of these methods has been able to predict the mortality somewhat, but many of these techniques require the recording of a large amount of data from the patients, where the recording of all data is not possible in most cases; while this article focuses only on the heart rate variability (HRV) and systolic and diastolic blood pressure.Methods: In this paper, using the information obtained from the electrocardiogram (ECG) signal and blood pressure with the help of vital signal processing methods, how to change these signals during the patient's hospitalization will be initially checked. Then, the mortality prediction in patients with cerebral ischemia is evaluated using the features extracted from the return map generated by the signal of heart rate variability and blood pressure. To implement this paper, 80 recorded data from cerebral ischemic patients admitted to the intensive care unit, including ECG signal recording, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and other physiological parameters are collected. Time of admission and time of death are labeled in all data.Results: The results indicate that the use of the new approach presented in this article can be compared with other methods or leads to better results. The accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity based on the novel features were, respectively, 97.7, 98.9, and 95.4 for cerebral ischemia disease with a prediction horizon of 0.5-1 hours before death.Conclusion: The perspective of the prediction horizons and the patients' length of stay with a new approach was taken into account in this article. The higher the prediction horizon, the nurses or associates of patients have more time to carry out therapeutic measures. To determine the patient's future status and analysis of the ECG signal and blood pressure, at least 7.8 hours of hospitalization is required, which has had a significant reduction compared with other methods.
Adherence to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy and Its Association with Serostatus Disclosure among People Living with HIV in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Authors: Azagew Abere Woretaw , Mekonnen Chilot Kassa , Ferede Abebaw Jember , Yazew Kassahun Gebeyehu , Tezera Zewdu Baye
Published: November 2020

Background: Adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is a public health challenge worldwide. Non-adherence to HAART leads to treatment, immunologic, and virological failure. Despite different interventions made, adherence to HAART among adult people living with HIV (PLWHIV) is still inconsistent across studies, and the effect of serostatus disclosure on adherence to HAART was not studied in Ethiopia. Therefore, the study is aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of adherence to HAART and its relationship with serostatus disclosure among adult PLWHIV in Ethiopia.Methods: We searched 3247 original articles, both published and unpublished on Ethiopia dated from January 2016 to November 2019 by using different search engines. Data were extracted using Microsoft excel. New Castle Ottawa Scale quality assessment tool was used. STATA software version 11 was used for analysis. A random-effects model for meta-analysis was computed. Cochran Q statistics and I2 were used to estimate heterogeneity. Egger’s and Begg’s test was used to assess the publication bias.Results: A total of fifteen articles for systematic review and four articles for meta-analysis were used. The pooled prevalence of adherence to HAART is found to be 81.19% (80.1, 82.3). In the subgroup analysis, the pooled prevalence of adherence to HAART was 79.82% (73.19, 86.45) in the Oromia region, 82.51 %( 73.14, 91.87) in the Amhara region, and 72.7% (63.78, 81.61) in the Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR). The serostatus disclosure improves adherence to HAART by nearly three times compared to non-serostatus disclosed PLWHIV (AOR=2.99, 95 %CI: 1.88, 4.77).Conclusions: The pooled prevalence of adherence to HAART among adult PLWHIV in Ethiopia was found to be low compared to WHO antiretroviral treatment recommendations. Having serostatus disclosure improved adherence to HAART.
Consistency between Optical Coherence Tomography and Humphrey Visual Field for Evaluating Glaucomatous Defects in High Myopic Eyes
Authors: Wen Wen , Zhang Yuqiu , Zhang Ting , Sun Xinghuai
Published: November 2020

Background. The study is to investigate the influence of high myopia on the consistency between optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual field in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods. We enrolled 37 patients with POAG with high myopia (POAG-HM group), 27 patients with POAG without high myopia (POAG group), and 29 controls with high myopia (HM group). All subjects underwent Humphrey perimetry (30-2 and 10-2 algorithms). The peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thicknesses were measured using Cirrus HD-OCT. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis was used to determine correlations between OCT and perimetric parameters. Agreement was analyzed by cross-classification and weighted κ statistics. Results. In POAG group, the cross-classification analysis showed strong agreement between the inferior temporal GCIPL thickness and 10-2 MS (κ = 0.5447, P = 0.0048), and good agreement between the superior and inferior RNFL thicknesses and 30-2 MS (κ = 0.4407 and 0.4815; P < 0.05). In the POAG-HM group, only the inferior temporal GCIPL thickness showed good agreement with 10-2 MS (κ = 0.3155, P = 0.0289). Conclusions. In POAG patients with high myopia, changes in macular measurements were in accordance with visual field defects, and RNFL thickness did not consistently decline with visual field defects due to the effects of high myopia. This study suggests that during diagnosis and follow-up of glaucoma with high myopia, more attention need to be focused on structure and functional defects in macular areas.
Polysaccharide from angelica sinensis attenuates SNP-Induced Apoptosis in osteoarthritis Chondrocytes by Inducing Autophagy via ERK1/2 Pathway
Authors: Xu Chao , Ni Su , Zhuang Chao , Li Chenkai , Zhao Gongyin , Jiang Shijie , Wang Liangliang , Zhu Ruixia , Wijnen Andre J. van , Wang Yuji
Published: November 2020

ObjectiveChondrocyte apoptosis plays a vital role in osteoarthritis (OA) progression. Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP), a traditional Chinese medicine, possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties in chondrocytes. This study aimed to determine the protective role of ASP on sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced chondrocyte apoptosis, and explore the underlying mechanism.MethodHuman primary chondrocytes isolated from articular cartilage of OA patients were treated with SNP alone or in combination with different doses of ASP. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed, and apoptosis-related proteins including Bcl-2 and Bax were detected. Autophagy levels were evaluated by light chain 3 (LC3)-II immunofluorescence staining, mRFP-GFP-LC3 fluorescence localisation and western blot (LC3II, p62, Beclin-1, Atg5). Meanwhile，activation of ERK 1/2 pathway was determined by western blot. The autophagy inhibitors 3-Methyladenine (3-MA), chloroquine (CQ) and a specific inhibitor of ERK1/2, SCH772984, were used respectively to confirm the autophagic effect of ASP.ResultsThe results showed that SNP-induced chondrocyte apoptosis was significantly rescued by ASP, whereas ASP alone promoted chondrocytes proliferation. The anti-apoptotic effect of ASP was related to the enhanced autophagy and depended on the activation of ERK1/2 pathway.ConclusionASP markedly rescued SNP-induced chondrocyte apoptosis by activating ERK1/2-dependent autophagy in chondrocytes, and it made ASP a potential therapeutic supplementation for OA treatment.
Benchmark examination of blood amino acids patterns in phenylketonuric neonates and young children on phenylalanine-restricted dietary treatment
Authors: Wan Zhihui , Rosenbaum Eric , Liu Wei , Song Boyan , Yue Xiaofei , Kong Yuanyuan , Li Tianhe , Zhai Yanhong , Ma Zhijun , Cao Zheng
Published: November 2020

Background Phe-restricted diets have been the basis of therapy for phenylketonurics; however, little is known how this treatment effects homeostasis of other important amino acids. This study aimed to describe blood amino acid patterns in neonates with phenylketonuria (PKU) and identify any effects of Phe restriction on these patterns in young children.Methods Neonate group (age 0-4 weeks): 45 PKU patients, 45 age-/sex-matched controls without PKU; 1-4 year-old group: 27 diet-treated PKU patients, 27 age-/sex-matched children without PKU. Concentrations of 11 amino acids were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) performed on dried blood spots.Results Elevated blood phenylalanine (Phe), arginine (Arg), citrulline (Cit), valine (Val) and methionine (Met) concentrations were observed in PKU neonates relative to controls (Phe, Arg, Cit, Val: P < 0.001; Met: P < 0.05), of which Phe, Arg, and Met levels could be either partially or completely restored with dietary intervention. Diet had no effect on elevated Cit and Val. Decreased blood tyrosine (Tyr) and proline (Pro) concentrations were observed in PKU neonates compared to controls (P < 0.001). Both amino acids could be near completely restored to normal with dietary treatment. No significant differences in alanine (Ala), leucine (Leu), ornithine (Orn) and glycine (Gly) concentrations were found in the PKU neonates and 1-4 year-old groups (P > 0.05).Conclusions Blood amino acid homeostasis is disrupted in neonates and young children with PKU. Although dietary intervention adjusts amino acid homeostasis in the direction of a healthy equilibrium, complete restoration is not achieved. This persistent disruption may represent a clinically significant barrier to achieving the best possible therapy for those with PKU. Use of laboratory technologies such as LC-MS/MS enable characterization of persistent blood amino acid disequilibrium in the treated phenylketonuric. Testing of this kind presents opportunity for customized treatment feedback that may allow even greater optimization of therapy for neonates and children with PKU.
Sudden death in the young adult: A Tunisian autopsy-based series
Authors: Saadi Said , Jomaa Sami Ben , Hadj Mariem Bel , Oualha Dorra , Salem Nidhal Haj
Published: November 2020

Background: We aim to study the profile, and pathological characteristics of sudden death in young in purpose of recommendations for prevention. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study using autopsy data from the Department of Forensic Medicine of Monastir (Tunisia). A review of all autopsies performed for 28 years was done (August 1990 to December 2018). In each case, clinical information, and circumstances of death were obtained. A complete forensic autopsy and histological, and toxicological investigations were performed. We have included all sudden death in persons aged between 18 years and 35 years.Results: We collected 137 cases of sudden death during the studied period. The mean age of the studied population was 26.47 years. Almost 72% deaths were classified as cardiac death, and was due to ischemic heart disease in 32.32%. Sudden death was attributed to a pleuropulmonary cause in 7.4%, an abdominal cause in 6%, and from a neurological origin in 4.5%. The cause of sudden death in this group was not established by 9.5%.Conclusion: In this series, sudden death in young adults occurs mainly in a smoking male, aged between 18 and 24 years old, occurring at rest, in the morning, and early in the week. It is more common, especially in summer. Sudden death is most often the first manifestation of pathologies, especially unsuspected heart diseases. The predominance of cardiovascular causes is the common denominator of almost all studies reported in the literature. Our findings suggest that prevention of sudden death among young adults under the age of 35 years should also focus on evaluation for causes not associated with structural heart disease.
Assessing the Contextual Effect of Community in the Utilization of Postnatal Care Services in Ghana
Authors: Dankwah Emmanuel , Zeng Wu , Feng Cindy , Kirychuck Shelley , Lepnrum Rein , Farag Marwa
Published: November 2020

BackgroundInequalities in the use of postnatal care services (PNC) in Ghana have been linked to poor maternal and neonatal health outcomes. This has ignited a genuine concern that PNC interventions with a focus on influencing solely individual-level risk factors do not achieve the desired results. This study aimed to examine the community-level effect on the utilization of postnatal care services. Specifically, the research explored clusters of non-utilization of PNC services as well as the effect of community-level factors on the utilization of PNC services, with the aim of informing equity-oriented policies and initiatives.MethodsThe 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey GDHS dataset was used in this study. Two statistical methods were used to analyze the data; spatial scan statistics were used to identify hotspots of non-use of PNC services and second two-level mixed logistic regression modeling was used to determine community-level factors associated with PNC services usage. ResultsThis study found non-use of PNC services to be especially concentrated among communities in the Northern region of Ghana. Also, the analyses revealed that community poverty level, as well as community secondary or higher education level, were significantly associated with the utilization of PNC services, independent of individual-level factors. In fact, this study identified that a woman dwelling in a community with a higher concentration of poor women is less likely to utilize of PNC services than those living in communities with a lower concentration of poor women (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.60, 95%CI: 0.44 - 0.81). Finally, 24.0% of the heterogeneity in PNC services utilization was attributable to unobserved community variability.ConclusionThe findings of this study indicate that community-level factors have an influence on women’s health-seeking behavior. Community-level factors should be taken into consideration for planning and resource allocation purposes to reduce maternal health inequities. Also, high-risk communities of non-use of obstetric services were identified in this study which highlights the need to formulate community-specific strategies that can substantially shift post-natal use in a direction leading to universal coverage.
The Role of the Media on Maternal Confidence in Provider HPV Recommendation
Authors: Walker Kimberly , Owens Heather , Zimet Gregory
Published: November 2020

Background: Despite a growing understanding of the importance of provider HPV recommendation on parental acceptance, U.S. HPV vaccination rates remain suboptimal. Given the prevalence and use of the media for health decisions, this study examined the relationship between the media and provider HPV recommendation on maternal HPV vaccine hesitancy. Methods: Thirty individual interviews with HPV vaccine-accepting mothers in the Midwest U.S. were conducted to examine their feelings of hesitancy around the decision to accept HPV vaccination at the time of provider recommendation and their suggestions for improving the recommendation experience by addressing media concerns. Results: Media exposure was an antecedent to hesitancy for three main vaccination concerns: safety, protection/efficacy and sexual stigma. Although mothers accepted vaccination, they continued to feel confused and hesitant about HPV vaccination. They had several recommendations for how providers could combat hesitancy to improve confidence in HPV vaccine acceptance. Conclusions: Providers’ approach to HPV vaccination recommendation must consider concerns reported in the media with delivery techniques modified to adjust to maternal fears absorbed from adverse media information.
Bioclimatic zonation and potential distribution of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in South Kivu Province, DR Congo
Authors: Cokola Marcellin Cuma , Mugumaarhahama Yannick , Grégoire Noël , Bisimwa Espoir Basengere , Bugeme David Mugisho , Chuma Géant Basimine , Byamungu Adrien Ndeko , Francis Frédéric
Published: November 2020

Background: the fall Armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith), is currently a devastating pest throughout the world due to its dispersal capacity and voracious feeding behaviour on several crops. A MaxEnt species distributions model (SDM) was developed based on collected FAW occurrence and environmental data’s. Bioclimatic zones were identified and the potential distribution of FAW in South Kivu, eastern DR Congo, was predicted.Results: Mean annual temperature (bio1), annual rainfall (bio12), temperature seasonality (bio4) and longest dry season duration (llds) mainly affected the FAW potential distribution. The average area under the curve value of the model was 0.827 demonstrating the model efficient accuracy. According to Jackknife test of variable importance, the annual rainfall was found to correspond to the highest gain when used in isolation. FAWs’ suitable areas where this pest is likely to be present in South Kivu province are divided into two corridors. The Eastern corridor covering the Eastern areas of Kalehe, Kabare, Walungu, Uvira and Fizi territories and the Western corridor covering the Western areas of Kalehe, Kabare, Walungu and Mwenga.Conclusions: This research provides important information on the distribution of FAW and bioclimatic zones in South Kivu. Given the rapid spread of the insect and the climatic variability observed in the region that favor its development and dispersal, it would be planned in the future to develop a monitoring system and effective management strategies to limit it spread and crop damage.
Genetic Determinants Of Clinical Phenotype In Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy 
Authors: Velicki Lazar , Jakovljevic Djordje G , Preveden Andrej , Golubovic Miodrag , Bjelobrk Marija , Ilic Aleksandra , Stojsic Snezana , Barlocco Fausto , Tafelmeier Maria , Okwose Nduka , Tesic Milorad , Brennan Paul , Ristic Arsen , Popovic Dejana , MacGowan Guy A , Filipovic Nenad , Maier Lars S. , Olivotto Iacopo
Published: November 2020

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited cardiovascular disease that affects approximately one in 500 people. HCM is a recognized genetic disorder most often caused by mutations involving myosin-binding protein C (MYBPC3) and β-myosin heavy chain (MYH7) which are responsible for approximately three-quarters of the identified mutations.Methods: As a part of the international multidisciplinary SILICOFCM project (www.silicofcm.eu) the present study evaluated the association between underlying genetic mutations and clinical phenotype in patients with HCM. Only patients with confirmed single pathogenic mutations in either MYBPC3 or MYH7 genes were included in the study and divided into two groups accordingly. The MYBPC3 group was comprised of 48 patients (76%), while the MYH7 group included 15 patients (24%). Each patient underwent clinical examination and echocardiography.Results: The most prevalent symptom in patients with MYBPC3 was dyspnea (44%), whereas in patients with MYH7 it was palpitations (33%). The MYBPC3 group had a significantly higher number of patients with a positive family history of HCM (46% vs. 7%; p=0.014). There was a numerically higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation in the MYH7 group (60% vs. 35%, p=0.085). Laboratory analyses revealed normal levels of creatinine (85.5±18.3 vs. 81.3±16.4 µmol/l; p=0.487) and blood urea nitrogen (10.2±15.6 vs. 6.9±3.9 mmol/l; p=0.472) which were similar in both groups. The systolic anterior motion presence was significantly more frequent in patients caring MYH7 mutation (33% vs. 10%; p=0.025), as well as mitral leaflet abnormalities (40% vs. 19%; p=0.039). Calcifications of mitral annulus were registered only in MYH7 patients (20% vs. 0%; p=0.001). The difference in diastolic function, i.e. E/e’ ratio between the two groups was also noted (MYBPC3 8.8±3.3, MYH7 13.9±6.9, p=0.079).Conclusions: Major findings of the present study corroborate the notion that MYH7 gene mutation patients are presented with more pronounced disease severity than those with MYBPC3.
Cost-effectiveness of the Adaptive Implementation of Effective Programs Trial (ADEPT): approaches to adopting implementation strategies
Authors: Eisman Andria B , Hutton David , Prosser Lisa , Smith Shawna , Kilbourne Amy
Published: November 2020

Background: Theory-based methods to support the uptake of evidence-based practices (EBPs) are critical to improving mental health outcomes. Implementation strategy costs can be substantial, and few have been rigorously evaluated. The purpose of this study is to conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis to identify the most cost-effective approach to deploying implementation strategies to enhance the uptake of Life Goals, a mental health EBP. Methods: We used data from a previously conducted randomized trial to compare the cost-effectiveness of Replicating Effective Programs (REP) combined with external and/or internal facilitation among sites non-responsive to REP. REP is a low-level strategy that includes EBP packaging, training, and technical assistance. External facilitation (EF) involves external expert support, and internal facilitation (IF) augments EF with protected time for internal staff to support EBP implementation. We developed a decision tree to assess 1-year costs and outcomes for four implementation strategies: 1) REP only, 2) REP+EF 3) REP+EF add IF if needed, 4) REP+EF/IF. The analysis used a 1-year time horizon and assumed a health payer perspective. Our outcome was quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). The economic outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). We conducted deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA). Results: Our results indicate that REP+EF add IF is the most cost-effective option with an ICER of $593/QALY. The REP+EF/IF and REP+EF only conditions are dominated (i.e., more expensive and less effective than comparators). One-way sensitivity analyses indicate that results are sensitive to utilities for REP+EF and REP+EF add IF. The PSA results indicate that REP+EF, add IF is the optimal strategy in 30% of iterations at the threshold of $100,000/QALY. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the most cost-effective implementation support begins with a less intensive, less costly strategy initially and increases as needed to enhance EBP uptake. Using this approach, implementation support resources can be judiciously allocated to those clinics that would most benefit. Our results were not robust to changes in the utility measure. Research is needed that incorporates robust and relevant utilities in implementation studies to determine the most cost-effective strategies. This study advances economic evaluation of implementation by assessing costs and utilities across multiple implementation strategy combinations.
Impact of autologous platelet rich plasma use on postoperative acute kidney injury in type A acute aortic dissection repair: A retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Tong Jiaqi , Cao Liang , Liu Liwei , Jin Mu
Published: November 2020

Background Perioperative coagulopathy and blood transfusion are common in patients undergoing Stanford type A acute aortic dissection (AAD) repair. The autologous platelet-rich plasmapheresis (aPRP) technique is a blood conservation approach to reduce blood transfusions and morbidity in patients at high risk of bleeding. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of aPRP on outcomes, especially in postoperative acute kidney injury (post-AKI), in patients undergoing AAD surgery.Methods Six hundred sixty patients were divided into aPRP and non-aPRP groups according to aPRP use. The primary endpoint was the difference in the incidence of post-AKI between two groups. The secondary endpoints were risk factors for post-AKI and to assess clinical outcomes. The risk factors associated with post-AKI were calculated, and all outcomes were adjusted by propensity-score matching analysis.Results A total of 272 patients (41.2%) received aPRP, whereas 388 were in the non-aPRP group. Compared to non-aPRP group, the occurrence of post-AKI increased by 14.1% (p=0.002) and 11.1% (p=0.010) with and without propensity adjustment in the aPRP group, respectively. The aPRP group required fewer intraoperative transfusions (p<0.05) and shortened the duration of mechanical ventilation (p<0.05) than those in the non-aPRP group. Multiple regression analyses showed that aPRP (odds ratio: 1.729, 95% confidence interval: 1.225–2.440; p<0.001) was one of the independent risk factors for post-AKI. Conclusions The use of aPRP significantly reduced intraoperative blood transfusions and decreased postoperative mortality-adjusted mechanical ventilation. However, aPRP use was independently associated with an increased hazard of post-AKI after adjusting for confounding factors.
Power Transformer Fault Diagnosis System Based on Internet of Things
Authors: Wang Guoshi , Liu Ying , Chen Xiaowen , Yan Qing , Sui Haibin , Ma Chao , Zhang Junfei
Published: November 2020

Transformer is the most important equipment in the power system. The research and development of fault diagnosis technology for Internet of things equipment can effectively detect the operation status of equipment and eliminate hidden faults in time, which is conducive to reducing the incidence of accidents and improving people's life safety index. Objective: To explore the utility of Internet of things in power transformer fault diagnosis system. Methods: A total of 30 groups of transformer fault samples were selected, and 10 groups were randomly selected for network training, and the rest samples were used for testing. The matter-element extension mathematical model of power transformer fault diagnosis was established, and the correlation function was improved according to the characteristics of three ratio method. Each group of power transformer was diagnosed for four months continuously, and the monitoring data and diagnosis were recorded and analyzed result. GPRS communication network is used to complete the communication between data acquisition terminal and monitoring terminal. According to the parameters of the database, the working state of the equipment is set, and various sensors are controlled by the instrument driver module to complete the diagnosis of transformer fault system. Results: The detection success rate of the power transformer fault diagnosis system model established in this paper is as high as 95.6%, the training error is less than 0.000l, and it can correctly identify the fault types of the non training samples. It can be seen that the technical support of the Internet of things is helpful to the upgrading and maintenance of the power transformer fault diagnosis system.
Agricultural subsidies and global greenhouse gas emissions
Authors: Vos Rob , Debucquet David Laborde , Martin William , Pineiro Valeria , Mamun Abdullah
Published: November 2020

Agricultural production is both strongly affected by climate change and a major contributor to climate change, with agriculture and land use change accounting for around a quarter of total global emissions of greenhouse gases. Agricultural production benefits from substantial government support, costing around US$600 billion per year worldwide. These subsidies clearly affect greenhouse gas emissions by influencing the composition and location of output, and production practices, but no rigorous quantification of these impacts have been available to date. This article fills this void. Overall, we find small impacts of agricultural support programs on output and hence on emissions. Abolishing support altogether thus would do little to reduce global emissions from agriculture. In fact, paradoxically, it could even increase emissions. A repurposing of support towards incentives for more resource-efficient and climate-smart forms of production needs to be considered if this support is to contribute to climate change mitigation, adaptation and food security.
Relapses of urogenital tuberculosis
Authors: Kulchavenya E. V. , Shevchenko S. Yu. , Kholtobin D. P. , Baranchukova A. A.
Published: November 2020

The objective of the study: to characterize the cases of tuberculosis relapses with lesion in urogenital organs.

Subjects and methods. Out of 140 case histories of patients with urogenital tuberculosis (UGTB; tuberculosis of the urinary and male reproductive system), registered for follow-up by the phthisiourologist, all files of patients with tuberculosis relapses were picked up, totally, there were 13 of them.

Results. Men prevailed among cases of relapses (61.5%). Patients at the age of 30-50 years old made 46.1%, and 53.9% were 51 years old and above. In the first episode of tuberculosis, lesions of the genitourinary system were observed in 53.9% of patients, bacterial excretion was found in 38.5%. On the average, the relapse developed in 9.1 years after successful cure of the first episode of tuberculosis: after respiratory tuberculosis – in 5.6 years and after UGTB – in 12.3 years. In 3 (23.1%) patients with relapse, mycobacteriuria was documented, in 1 of them, drug resistance (to streptomycin and isoniazid) was detected. In general, in the relapse of tuberculosis with urogenital lesions, the kidneys were most often (69.2%) affected. The treatment of relapse was effective in 12 out of 13 patients. During chemotherapy of tuberculosis, 3 (23.1%) patients developed toxic and allergic reactions that required treatment interruption or cancellation of the drug.
Oblique shear method for determining strength performance of pre-compacted very coarse soils
Authors:   T. F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University, SHABAEV Sergey Nikolaevich , KRUPINA Natal’ya Vasil’evna ,   T. F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University, SHALAMANOV Viktor Aleksandrovich ,   T. F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University, MARTEL’ Nikita Aleksandrovich ,   T. F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University, SHTARK Artem Ivanovich ,   T. F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University
Published: November 2020

The relevance of the work. Crushed stone, crushed rock and very coarse (mostly crushed plant) soils are the most widely used in the construction of open pit haul roads. However, the strength performance of these media has been studied insufficiently, due, inter alia, to the fact that there are no reliable methods for their determination. The purpose of the work is to develop a reliable method for determining the strength performance of pre-compacted crushed stone, crushed rock and very coarse soils. Research methods. To achieve the purpose, an analysis of the design features of the existing oblique shear apparatus was carried out, elements and nodes were identified that needed refinement to ensure test media pre-compaction, a statistical analysis of the data obtained on the improved oblique shear apparatus, as well as their comparison with the results obtained by testing according to standard methods, were performed. Research results. A design of an improved oblique shear apparatus has been developed, which allows determining the strength performance of statically and dynamically pre-compacted crushed stone, crushed rock and very coarse soils. The required geometric parameters of its individual elements are determined depending on the maximum particle size of the test media, and the order of preparation for the experiment and its conduct is given. Conclusions. The proposed design of an improved oblique shear apparatus allows determining the strength performance of pre-compacted crushed stone, crushed rock and very coarse soils with a particle size of up to 20–30 mm. In order to avoid the occurrence of a keyway effect and to obtain chaotic results, the optimal clearance between the upper and lower holders should be 0.3 of the maximum particle size. To obtain the confidence interval of the measured breaking load value ±10% of the weighted average value with a confidence level of 90% when implementing the oblique shear method, taking into account possible misses, it is necessary to repeat the experiment with the same factors at least 5 times.
Opportunities and Challenges of Sino-Russian Economic and Trade Cooperation Under the Background of COVID-19 Epidemic
Authors:   Heilongjiang Academy of Social Sciences, ANQUAN FENG
Published: November 2020

Objective. Development Trend of Sino-Russian Economic Cooperation Under the Background of COVID-19 Epidemic. Мethod. This paper uses interdisciplinary research methods and comparative research methods. Results. In 2019, the trade volume between the two countries exceeded $110 billion for the first time. China is Russia’s largest trading partner, while Russia is China’s 10th largest trading partner. In recent years, the trade quota has grown strongly, and the potential for cooperation between the two sides is huge. Energy machinery and electricity are dominant, and the trade structure tends to be stable. Agricultural cooperation goes deep and practical, and effectively responds to challenges and risks. Service trade has been accelerated and the economic and trade fields have been continuously expanded. Solidly promote the construction of large projects and lay a solid foundation to help development. Sign the future cooperation plan to ensure the practical advancement of the project. Conclusions. With the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic, Sino-Russian trade in the first half of 2020 was $49.2 billion, down 4.3% year-on-year, but in July the bilateral trade resumed its rapid growth momentum. In July 2020, China-Russia trade volume was $9.7 billion, an increase of 5.4% year-on-year. Cross-border E-commerce trade has developed rapidly. Agricultural product trade has become a new bright spot in bilateral trade.
Geological structure of the Khylly field according to 3D seismic data
Authors:   Azerbaijan State University of Oil and Industry, AKHMEDOV Tofik Rashid ogly , SULTANOVA Aigyun Nemat kyzy ,   Azerbaijan State University of Oil and Industry
Published: November 2020

Relevance of the work. The paper considers challenging problems related with outlining of intervals with oil and gas presence in the mature Khylly field by use of latest 3D seismic survey techniques in order to gain larger crude resources base. The purpose of this research is to discover the most promising intervals of target horizons with relatively high reservoir properties outlined by 3D seismic data. The subjects of research are 3D seismic survey data, downhole seismic survey – Vertical Seismic Profiling (VSP) and well logging diagrams. The object of research is the Khylly deposit. The paper describes in brief geological and geophysical characteristics, stratigraphic and lithological features of rocks making the section. It is noted that despite repeated surveys by use of various geological and geophysical techniques, the field setting is not thoroughly studied and it has been covered by 3D seismic survey in 2012. Research results. 3D seismic survey applied across Khylly area is resulted in drawing of 4 structural maps for III and I horizons of Productive Series (PS), Akchagyl and Lower Absheron suites. Taking into account the relevance of structural planes of various stratigraphic levels and III horizon of PS being one of the major reference horizons the paper gives description of structural map drawn for this horizon. The detailed velocity model is designed based on VSP data with wide use of velocity analysis data. It has been made clear that Khylly area has block structure and each block has been described in detail. Based on acquired data it has been recommended to drill exploratory well R-1. Conclusion. Processing and interpretation of seismic data are aimed at solving some geological problems; the main task was to obtain results that ensure the study of the geological structure in the seismic survey area, including tracing of seismic horizons, faults and outlining the areas and section intervals which may be of interest due to possible oil and gas presence. VSP data acquired in well 2012 and velocity analysis made it possible to design velocity model of the section under the study, with the use of which the temporary 3D cube was transformed into a depth cube. The quality of seismic data is good and made it possible to solve the tasks set for this research.
MEASURABILITY IN IR THEORY AND GEOPOLITICS: ISSUES OF ORIENTATION
Authors:   Faculty of Turkish Studies and Modern Asian Studies National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece., Troulis Markos
Published: November 2020

The current paper gives emphasis on a neglected issue of IR theory analysis measurability as well as whether and how this can be feasible within a qualitative analysis. Undoubtedly, the scientific main aim of IR theorists refers to their capability to measure and even predict specifying, in this way, their cause-and-effect analyses about international phenomena. Causality is fully identified with measurability and thus, it is added to the notions making the second a continuous scope to be reached. On this line of thought, certain questions are answered with regard to the ontology of the international system, the epistemological aims as well as the methodological context of IR theory and the potential contribution of an orientational approach setting aside the deterministic inclinations of mainstream IR theory but, at the same time, analyzing in correlation with the theoretical legacy of classical realist figures. In the term of orientation the whole spectrum of immeasurable aspects of interstate relations is summarized and so does states birth procedure.
SOSYAL MEDYA HESAPLARININ MİRAS YOLUYLA İNTİKAL EDİP EDEMEYECEĞİ SORUSUNUN KİŞİSEL VERİLERİ KORUMA HUKUKU KAPSAMINDA İNCELENMESİ
Authors: YILMAZ Süleyman , ERKAN Vehbi Umut
Published: November 2020

2019 yılı itibariyle Türkiye’de nüfusun %63’ünün sosyal medya kullanıcısı olduğu tahmin edilmektedir. Bu oran azımsanamayacak kadar yüksektir. Bununla birlikte gün geçtikçe daha fazla sosyal medya hesabı sahibinin öldüğü de bir gerçektir. Ölüm halinde murisin parayla ölçülebilen mal ve hakları mirasçılarına intikal etmektedir. Ancak ölümle birlikte sosyal medya hesaplarının durumu belirsizdir. Sosyal medya hesaplarının kullanımına ilişkin sözleşmeler bir şirket ve kullanıcı arasında kurulmaktadır. Bu sözleşmeler uyarınca şirket, kullanıcının ve kullanıcının iletişim kurduğu kişilerin verilerini korumakla yükümlüdür. Bu durumda miras hukukunda yer alan intikal hükümleri ile kişisel verileri koruma yükümlülüğü arasında çatışma meydana gelmektedir. Nitekim yargıya yansıyan olaylarda da mahkemeler, sosyal medya hesaplarının mirasçıya intikal edip edemeyeceği noktasında kişisel verileri koruma ve miras hukuku ilkelerini birlikte değerlendirmiştir. Bu itibarla çalışmamızda, öncelikle kişisel veri kavramı, hukuki niteliği ve önemi açıklanmaktadır. Ardından sosyal medya sözleşmeleri incelenmektedir. Nihayet miras hukuku açısından sosyal medya hesaplarının miras yoluyla intikale elverişli olup olmadığı ele alınmaktadır. Böylelikle çalışmamızda kümülatif olarak kişisel verilerin korunması yükümlülüğünün sosyal medya hesaplarının miras yoluyla intikale engel olup olmadığı değerlendirilmektedir.
Collective memory of student youth in the post-modern era
Authors: Grosheva Irina A. , Groshev Igor L. , Grosheva Lyubov I.
Published: November 2020

The lack of consensus in society on the most important problems of history negatively affects the formation of the collective memory of the younger generation. The socialization of millennials (in the terms of N. Howe and W. Strauss) has specific features that become the main tool for the formation of a new collective identity. In the postmodern era, society faces a number of risks and needs recommendations to mitigate them. The purpose of this article is to reveal the features of the collective memory of student youth on the example of the perception of the events of the Great Patriotic War (WWII) in the conditions of a super-tolerant postmodern society. The following concepts were chosen as the methodological basis of the research: social construction (P. Berger, T. Luckmann), the concept of collective memory (M. Halbwachs, P. Nora, A. Assmann), as well as the post-structuralist direction of postmodernism (Z. Bauman, J. Baudrillard). The empirical base of the study was formed by the results of a large-scale research project of the Russian Society of Sociologists “Russian Students on the Great Patriotic War”, which has a fifteen-year history. Processing the data obtained has required using the software product Vortex 10. To study the peculiarities of young people’s perception of the events of the war years, the authors have chosen problematic issues, actualized by modern socio-political processes. The results have revealed the prerequisites for the alienation of generations (lack of discussion of events with relatives), as well as some inconsistencies in the perceptions of young people about the role of the countries participating in the Second World War to the real historical reality. The novelty of the results was predetermined by the identification of features in the views of civilian and military youth concerning controversial issues of history, explained by differences in the educational environment. In addition, the differences in ideas about patriotism in the two youth groups are shown and attributive markers of the concept of “patriotism” are proposed. The results obtained may be of interest to researchers studying youth problems.
Depressed territories of the Perm Territory (extension of Lapin’s study)
Authors: Neshataev Aleksandr V.
Published: November 2020

The level of socio-economic development of a region or country varies from a developed to a depressed one. A wide range of socio-economic problems in depressed territories lead to negative consequences: population migration, chronic alcoholism, a decrease in the number of business entities, and the lack of socio-psychological comfort in society. It is important to identify the problem areas according to certain criteria for the further provision of targeted measures to support specific municipalities and specific areas whose indicators are lagging behind the region. Constant monitoring of the socio-economic signs of depressive territories will make the most efficient use of the region’s budget in order to achieve more favorable living conditions for the population. This work aims to identify the depressive territories of the Perm Territory, which was based on a statistical approach. The author has analyzed the following indicators of municipalities of the Perm Territory: production decline, income level, unemployment rate, migration decline, and the level of the local budget’s income per capita. Based on the proposed criteria and indicators, the Cherdynsky, Yusvinsky, Yurlinsky, Kosinsky, and Gaynsky municipal districts were classified as depressed territories of the Perm Territory. As part of improving the welfare of depressed territories, it is necessary at the legislative level to adopt uniform criteria and conditions for classifying municipalities as requiring special attention to their socio-economic development and the subsequent development of comprehensive programs to leave the territory from the number of unsuccessful. This work continues A. V. Lapin’s research, as well as improves on the methodology and indicators he used.
Erkek Okul Öncesi Eğitimi Öğretmenlerinin Yaşadığı Mesleki Sorunlar
Authors: Er Ali , Ergen Hüseyin
Published: November 2020

Bu araştırmada devlet okul öncesi eğitim kurumlarında çalışan erkek okul öncesi eğitimi öğretmenlerinin karşılaştığı sorunları ortaya koyma amaçlanmıştır. Katılımcıların cinsiyet, yaş, medeni durum, kıdem yılı, mezuniyeti, çalıştığı yaş grupları ve okul türü de bu amaç doğrultusunda değerlendirilmektedir. Yapılan çalışma erkek okul öncesi eğitimi öğretmenlerinin sorun tanımlamalarını tarama araştırma deseni ile belirlemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Araştırmanın evrenini Mersin ili Toroslar ilçesinde devlete bağlı okul öncesi eğitim kurumlarında görev yapmakta olan 263 okul öncesi eğitim öğretmenleri oluşturmuştur. Örneklemi; bu evrende ulaşılabilen tüm bireyler oluşturmuş olup evrenin %90 ına ulaşılmıştır. Araştırma, Toroslar ’da kamuya bağlı anasınıfı ve bağımsız anaokullarında çalışan 236 öğretmenle yapılmıştır. Veri toplama sürecinde araştırmacı tarafından geliştirilen okul öncesi öğretmenleri için yarı yapılandırılmış “Öğretmen Görüşme Formu” kullanılmış. 5 erkek 5 kadın öğretmene Öğretmen görüşme formu uygulanmıştır. Forma istinaden erkek okul öncesi öğretmenlerinin sorunları belirlenmiş ve anket oluşturulmuştur. Oluşturulan anket formu 10 öğretmen üzerinde uygulanarak anket ile ilgili genel bir geri dönüt bildirimi alınmıştır. Geri dönütlere göre tekrar anket üzerinde düzeltmeler yapılmış daha sonra 5 uzman görüşü de alınarak anket maddeleri belirlenmiştir. Araştırma sonunda elde edilen verilere göre öğretmenler genel olarak; teneffüs ihtiyaçlarını, ikili öğretimdeki sabah ve öğleye öğrencilerin dengesiz dağılım durumlarını, velilerin okul öncesi eğitim hakkında yeterli bilgiye sahip olmamalarını, öğretmenler arasında kıyaslama yapmalarını, velilerin okul öncesi eğitimi kadın işi olarak görmelerini ve velilerin okul öncesi eğitimi bakım hizmeti olarak görmelerini sorun olarak gördükleri belirlenmiştir. Araştırmaya katılan öğretmenlerin, velilerin okul öncesi eğitimi kadın işi olarak görmesi, bakım hizmeti olarak görmesi ve öğretmenler arasında kıyaslama yapma durumlarını erkek okul öncesi öğretmenlerinde daha çok sorun olarak gördükleri sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
Legacy Effect of Antioxidant N-acetylcysteine in Cellular Senescence of Diet-induced Obesity Mice
Authors: Tsao Cheng-Feng , Chang Yen-Hsiang , Shen Feng-Chih , Su Yu-Jih , Lin Hung-Yu , Chang Chia-Shiang , Lin Ching-Yi , Lian Wei-Shiung , Chuang Jiin-Haur , Lin Tsu-Kung , Liou Chia-Wei , Wang Pei-Wen , Weng Shao-Wen
Published: November 2020

Background:

Cellular senescence is a state of stable growth arrest triggered
by mitogenic and metabolic stressors. Ageing and a high-fat diet (HFD) are proven
inducers of senescence in various organs, presenting a challenge for ageing populations
worldwide. Our previous study demonstrated that ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine
(NAC) can improve insulin resistance (IR) and chronic inflammation in diet-induced
obesity mice, an effect better achieved through early intervention. We, herein,
investigate whether NAC can improve cellular senescence in a diet-induced obesity
mouse model, and whether a legacy effect is presented with early intervention.

Materials and Methods:

For a twelve-month treatment course, all C57B/L6 mice were
fed a chow diet (CD), high-fat high-sucrose diet (HFD), CD+NAC1-12 (NAC intervention
1st-12th month), HFD+NAC1-12, and HFD+NAC1-6 (NAC intervention 1st-6th month).
Staticalanalysis was used to analyze the different markers of cellular senescence and
inflammation.

Results:

Throughout the study, the HFD group exhibited significantly increased body
weight (BW) and body fat, markers of senescence, decreased motor activity (MA) and
impaired glucose tolerance. Compared to the HFD group, the HFD+NAC1-12 group
exhibited increased MA, decreased BW and body fat, improved glucose tolerance, and
decreased senescence markers.The HFD+NAC1-6 group showed similar effects to the
HFD+NAC1-12 group, despite discontinuing NAC for 6 months. Our study showed that NAC
significantly increased MA in both HFD+NAC1-12 and HFD+NAC1-6 groups, and improved
HFD-induced mitochondrial and intracellular ROS expression, DNA and protein oxidative
damage, and adipose tissue inflammation.

Conclusion:

Legacy effect was indeed presented in HFD-induced cellular senescence
with NAC intervention, with possible mechanisms being persistently increased motor
activity and anti-oxidative stress effects.