bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sufficient condition for infinite solutions of Diophantine Equation: n! = P(s)
Authors: SINGH DEVANSH
Published: January 2022

In this article I have used method which tells that number of solutions of Diophantine equation: n! = P(s) is infinite if some condition is satisfied. I have applied Inverse Laplace Transform to n! = P(s) and got function f(t) which is easier to deal with. The condition is given in section below contains zero of f(t) or zero of some modified function of f(t): g(t) = f(t) - h(t).
Effects and mechanisms of Portulaca oleracea L. polysaccharides on the activation of dendritic cells derived from mice immunized with FMD vaccine
Authors: Zhao Rui , Zhou Xiechen , Zhao Hui , Jia Guiyan , Li Liyang , Li Tao , Li Yan , Qi Xin
Published: January 2022

Background

Our previous study has showed that Portulaca oleracea L. (POL-P), as an immunoenhancer, could increase the IgG and isotypes antibody titers in mice immunized with foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccines. However, the structural features and the mechanism of action are still unclear. Enhancing antigen presentation is one of the main ways that immunoenhancer boost immune response. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen presenting cell (APC), which stimulate the initial T cells directly and initiate the specific immune responses. In addition to extracellular factors and intracellular genetic factors, epigenetics plays a major role in the regulation of DCs. In this study, we obtained POL-P, and structural features and monosaccharide composition were analyzed. We evaluated the effect of POL-P on functional maturation of DCs derived from mice immunized with foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccine and explored the related mechanism responsible for immunoenhancer. The levels of protein and gene related to IL-12p35 and IL-12p40 were determined by western blot and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. The expressions of TLR2, TLR4 receptors and the downstream molecules of MyD88 and NF-κB were examined using immunohistochemistry.
Results

The average molecular weight (Mw) of the POL-P was 4×104 Da. The monosaccharide composition of the POL-P was mannose, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose and arabinose with a relative mass of 1.2%, 13.2%, 33.5%, 1.2%, 3.3%, 32.2% and 15.4%, respectively. We concluded that co-administration of POL-P with the FMD vaccine could significantly promote DCs maturation of phenotype and the immune function. In addition, the acetylation level of histone H3 of IL-12 was closely connected with the immune activity of DCs. Moreover, POL-P induced immune response was related to up-regulating protein expression of TLR2, TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB in DCs.
Conclusions

Our evidence suggested that POL-P could be a potential immunostimulant in the regulation of DCs maturation for FMD vaccine.
A single dose ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine elicits high antibody responses in individuals with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection comparable to that of double dose vaccinated SARS-CoV-2 infection naïve individuals
Authors: Gelanew Tesfaye , Mulu Andargachew , Abebe Markos , Bates Timothy A , Wassie Liya , Tefer Mekonnen , Fentahun Desalegn , Alemu Aynalem , Tamiru Frehiwot , Assefa Gebeyehu , Bayih Abebe Genetu , Taffesse Fikadu G , Mihret Adane , Abdissa Alemseged
Published: January 2022

Background

A single dose COVID-19 vaccines, mostly mRNA-based vaccines, are shown to induce robust antibody responses in individuals who were previously infected with SARS-CoV-2, suggesting the sufficiency of a single dose to those individuals. However, these important data are limited to developed nations and lacking in resource-limited countries, like Ethiopia.
Methods

We compared receptor-binding domain (RBD)-specific IgG antibodies in 40 SARS-CoV-2 naïve participants and 25 participants previously infected with SARS-CoV-2, who received two doses of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine. We measured the antibody response in post-vaccination blood samples from both groups of participants collected at four different post-vaccination time points: 8- and 12-weeks after each dose of the vaccine administration using an in-house developed ELISA.
Results

We observed a high level of anti-RBD IgG antibodies titers 8-weeks after a single dose administration (16/27; 59.3%) among naïve participants, albeit dropped significantly (p<0.05) two months later, suggesting the protective immunity elicited by the first dose ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine will likely last for a minimum of three months. However, as expected, a significant (p<0.001) increase in the level of anti-RBD IgG antibodies titers was observed after the second dose administration in all naïve participants. By contrast, the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine-induced anti-RBD IgG antibody titers produced by the P.I participants at 8- to 12-weeks post-single dose vaccination were found to be similar to the antibody titers seen after a two-dose vaccination course among infection- naïve participants and showed no significant (p>0.05) increment following the second dose administration.
Conclusion

Taken together, our findings show that a single ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 dose in previously SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals elicits similar antibody responses to that of double dose vaccinated naïve individuals. Age and sex were not associated with the level of vaccine-elicited immune responses in both individuals with and without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Further studies are required to assess the need for a booster dose to extend the duration and amplitude of the specific protective immune response in Ethiopia settings, especially following the Omicron pandemic.
The Effects From Oral Administration of Recombinant Interferon-alpha on Piglet Daily Care
Authors: Dai Fawen , Liu Yanting , Zhang Meimei , Tao Lin , Huashuo Chu , Gong Ruixue , Zhao Baokai
Published: January 2022

The administration of interferon has improved the antiviral and immunomodulatory abilities of piglets, which is conductive to conductive to the prevention of potential diseases or delay the appearance of clinical symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the effects from administration of recombinant interferon-alpha (IFN-α) on the daily care of piglets. The results were compared with compound Chinese herbal, which was proved to improve serum interferon level. Further, the administration routes were compared between oral administration and intramuscular injection. Forty (40) piglets with equal age and weight were randomly divided into four groups: Control group (Group C, without treatment), Group H (treated with compound Chinese herbal), Group K (administered orally with recombinant IFN-α, 1500 IU per day per piglet), and Group J (administered intramuscularly with IFN-α, 4× 106 IU per day per piglet). After the treatment of 15 days, both oral and intramuscular treatment of recombinant IFN-α significantly improved the secretion of IFN-gamma (IFN-γ) (P<0.05), and the effects of intramuscular pathway were faster. In addition, the expression levels of IFN-stimulated genes (MX1 and ISG15) were significantly enhanced (P<0.01), independently of IFN-α treatment time and serum IFN-γ level. Different from other studies, compound Chinese herbal showed weaker effects on interferon stimulation in piglets. The results indicated that oral administration of recombinant IFN-α improved interferon-induced response of piglets at both serum and molecular levels, which may be applied for improving autoimmunity of piglets.
Initiating Second-Line Antidiabetic Medication Among Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes on Metformin
Authors: DeCarlo Kristen , Wallia Amisha , Kang Raymond H. , Cooper Andrew , Cherupally Manisha , Harris Sterling A. , Aikman Cassandra , Liss David T. , Ackermann Ronald T. , O’Brien Matthew J.
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND: Antidiabetic medications (ADM), especially sulfonylureas (SFU) and basal insulin (BI), are associated with increased risk of hypoglycemia, which is especially concerning among older adults in poor health. The objective of this study was to investigate prescribing patterns of ADM in older adults according to their health status.METHODS: This case control study analyzed administrative claims between 2013-2017 from a large national payer. The study population was derived from a nationwide database of 84,720 U.S. adults aged ≥65, who were enrolled in Medicare Advantage health insurance plans. Participants had type 2 diabetes on metformin monotherapy, and started a second-line ADM during the study period. The exposure was a binary variable for health status, with poor health defined by end-stage medical conditions, dementia, or residence in a long-term nursing facility. The outcome was a variable identifying which second-line ADM class was started, categorized as SFU, BI, or other (i.e. all other ADM classes combined).RESULTS: Over half of participants (54%) received SFU as initial second-line ADM, 14% received BI, and 32% received another ADM. In multivariable models, the odds of filling SFU or BI was higher for participants in poor health than those in good or intermediate health [OR 1.13 (95% CI 1.05-1.21) and OR 2.34 (95% CI 2.14-2.55), respectively]. SFU and BI were also more commonly filled by older adults with poor glycemic control.CONCLUSIONS: Despite clinical consensus to use caution prescribing SFU and BI among older adults in poor health, these medications remain frequently used in this particularly vulnerable population.
Shedding Light On An Undiscovered Aspect That Perfectly Mimics Cosmic Acceleration
Authors: Takkhi Karan R.
Published: January 2022

The comparison of redshift-distance relationship for high and low-redshift supernovae revealed the surprising transition of the Universe’s expansion from deceleration to acceleration. As compared to local supernovae, remote supernovae appear 10% to 25% dimmer as they are further away than expected. The expansion rate obtained for local supernovae is higher with low redshifts as compared to the expansion rate obtained for remote supernovae with high redshifts. Since observed redshifts in an expanding Universe provide an estimate of recession velocities, therefore, it is very disturbing to find that low recession velocities (just 1% of speed of light) indicate a faster rate of expansion (acceleration), whereas high recession velocities (60% of speed of light) indicate a slower rate of expansion (deceleration). In this paper, I unravel an undiscovered aspect that perfectly mimics cosmic acceleration. Rather than “cosmic deceleration that preceded the current epoch of cosmic acceleration”, I show in this paper, that “consecutive expansion epochs of the Universe that preceded the current epoch of cosmic expansion” were responsible for placing remote supernovae further away than expected. As a consequence of consecutive expansion, expansion began for remote structures in preceding expansion epochs before it did for local structures in the current (or more recent) expansion epoch; remote supernovae, quasars, and gamma-ray bursts are therefore not only further away than expected, but they also happen to yield a slower rate of expansion, thereby suggesting their deceleration even with “superluminal expansion”. As a result of consecutive expansion, preceding expansion epochs appear to be decelerating as compared to the expansion epoch that succeeds them. The analysis is based on the redshift-distance relationship plotted for 580 type Ia supernovae from the Supernova Cosmology Project, 7 additional high-redshift type Ia supernovae discovered through the Advanced Camera for Surveys on the Hubble Space Telescope from the Great Observatories Origins Deep Survey Treasury program, and 1 additional very high-redshift type Ia supernova discovered with Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 on the Hubble Space Telescope. The results obtained by the High-Z Supernova Search Team through observations of type Ia supernovae have also been analysed. Studies incorporating quasars and gamma-ray bursts to determine how the expansion of the Universe has changed over time have been taken into consideration as well. The results obtained in this paper have been confirmed by plotting velocity-distance relationship, expansion rate vs. time relationship, expansion factor vs. time relationship, scale factor vs. time relationship, scale factor vs. distance relationship, distance-redshift relationship, and distance modulus vs. redshift relationship, moreover, the deceleration parameter (q0) is also found to be negative (q0 < 0).
A robust benchmark for evaluating and improving mosaic variant calling strategies
Authors: Ha Yoo-Jin , Kim Jisoo , Kang Seungseok , Kim Junhan , Jo Se-Young , Kim Sangwoo
Published: January 2022

The rapid advances in sequencing and analysis technologies have enabled the accurate detection of diverse forms of genomic variants, including germline, somatic, and mosaic mutations. However, unlike for the former two mutations, the best practices for mosaic variant calling still remain chaotic due to the technical and conceptual difficulties faced in evaluation. Here, we present our benchmark of nine feasible strategies for mosaic variant detection based on a systematically designed reference standard that mimics mosaic samples, with 390,153 control positive and 35,208,888 negative single-nucleotide variants and insertion–deletion mutations. We identified the condition-dependent strengths and weaknesses of the current strategies, instead of a single winner, regarding variant allele frequencies, variant sharing, and the usage of control samples. Moreover, feature-level investigation directs the way for immediate to prolonged improvements in mosaic variant calling. Our results will guide researchers in selecting suitable calling algorithms and suggest future strategies for developers.
On the radiation tolerance of CMOS Monolithic Active Pixel Sensors with partially depleted active volume
Authors:   , Deveaux Michael
Published: January 2022

CMOS Monolithic Active Pixel Sensors for charged particle tracking (CPS) form are ultra-light and highly granular silicon pixel detectors suited for highly sensitive charged particle tracking. Unlike to most other silicon radiation detectors, they rely on standard CMOS technology. This cost efficient approach allows for building particularly small and thin pixels but also introduced, until recently, substantially constraints on the design of the sensors. The most important among them is the missing compatibility with the use of PMOS transistors and depleted charge collection diodes in the pixel. Traditional CPS were thus first of all suited for vertex detectors of relativistic heavy ion and particle physics experiments, which require highest tracking accuracy in combination with moderate time resolution and radiation tolerance. This work reviews the R&D on understanding and improving the radiation tolerance of traditional CPS with non- and partially depleted active medium as pioneered by the MIMOSA-series developed by the IPHC Strasbourg. It introduces the specific measurement methods used to assess the radiation tolerance of those non-standard pixels. Moreover, it discusses the major mechanisms of radiation damage and procedures for radiation hardening, which allowed to extend the radiation tolerance of the devices by more than an order of magnitude.
Monitoring and assessment of fire consequences in the Republic of Buryatia
Authors: Astrakhantseva A. Yu. , Garmyshev V. V.
Published: January 2022

The article aims to study statistical data on the consequences of fires in the Republic of Buryatia from 2009 to 2020 using the methods of social and mathematical statistics. The study is relevant due to the current situation with fires and integral fire risk indicators in the municipalities. Man-made fires have been a source of increased danger to health and lives of the population, causing great material damage. Fires are a direct threat to the demographic situation in the region since they cause premature mortality. For households, fires undermine social status, destroy social units, cause moral harm aggravating stress, which provokes illnesses. From the technical point of view, man-made fires create risks for dilapidated houses and facilities that do not meet the fire safety requirements. The Republic of Buryatia is a region with a weak degree of industrial development and a vast territory with a low distribution of settlements, i.e. considerable remoteness from the regional centers. The impact of fires (which make up 99% of all types of emergency situation) on the social well-being of the population is studied. Based on the methodology and calculations of fire risks by the number of fires, injured and killed, material damage and destroyed buildings, it was established that the level of protection of residents of Buryatia from fire risks is insufficient. The indicators should encourage the government to develop and implement effective safety measures.
Assessment of professional burnout of media workers
Authors: Lyubimkina T. A. , Timofeeva S. S. , Ivanova S. V.
Published: January 2022

The results of an assessment of professional burnout of media workers are presented. Recommendations on reduction of the burnout syndrome impact are provided. The assessment was conducted using the professional burnout diagnostics method by K. Maslach and S. Jackson adapted by N.E. Vodopyanova. The burnout syndrome is considered to be a three-dimensional component consisting of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal achievement reduction. The study involved Irkutsk regional newspapers, radio broadcasting, television and Internet media. A total of 155 people participated were surveyed: 113 females and 42 males. Most of them suffer from the professional burnout syndrome. To verify the results obtained, age and work experience were taken into account. According to the results obtained, the degree of depersonalization increases with aging. The longer the participant works, the stronger the depersonalization component. The personal achievement reduction also depends on these components. The younger the editorial staff member and the shorter his/her work experience, the stronger the negative self-esteem, underestimation of own professional achievements and success. Conversely, the more mature the journalist is, the more positively he evaluates his professional competence and creativity. At the same time, emotional exhaustion manifests itself in all respondents, regardless of their age: in two studies, the average and high degrees were revealed. It is this component that makes a contribution to the professional burnout of journalists. To reduce the impact of the syndrome, a set of preventive measures has been developed. They can prevent economic and resource losses, and increase labor productivity. The methods of preventing professional burnout are aimed at preventing emotional exhaustion, and in extreme cases - at relieving negative symptoms and combating negative consequences. They can improve productivity of media workers and reduce psychosocial risks.
Establishment of metrological parameters of the method for measuring the protein mass fraction in fish food products by the Kjeldahl method
Authors: Kozin A. V. , Abramova L. S. , Guseva E. S. , Derunets I. V.
Published: January 2022

In laboratory practice, there are many protein quantification methods, and all of them have their own advantages and disadvantages. The most common and widely used method for the protein analysis in food products, including fish, is the Kjeldahl method. However, the current standards for measurement methods for the determination of the protein content in fish food products do not provide for the use of devices that meet the modern level of technical development, and also do not contain metrological indicators that guarantee the reliability of the results obtained. The aim of the study was to substantiate the method for measuring the protein mass fraction in fish food products by the Kjeldahl method on an automatic analyzer and to establish metrological parameters. The assessment of the quality indicators of the Kjeldahl measuring method was carried out using a Kjeltec System 2300 Nitrogen Analyzer (Foss Analytical AB, Sweden) in the form of a characteristic of the measurement error and its components, which will provide results with the required accuracy.
Food allergens: threshold levels and methodologies for risk management
Authors: Kryuchenko E. V. , Kuzlyakina Yu. A. , Chernukha I. M. , Zamula V. S.
Published: January 2022

Food allergies and allergen management are important problems of the public health and food industry. The idea of determining allergen concentrations in food ingredients and food products that are capable of causing severe allergic reactions is of great interest for regulatory bodies as well as consumer associations and the industry all over the world. In this connection, scientists proposed different approaches to determining the basis for assessment of severity of risks of food allergens for health of patients suffering from food allergy similar to methods of risk assessment for other hazards associated with food products (for example, chemical, microbiological). To assess risk of allergens, three different approaches were proposed: i) traditional risk assessment using the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL)) and uncertainty factors; (ii) approach based on the benchmark dose (BMD)) and margin of exposure (MoE)); and (iii) probability models. These approaches can be used in risk management in food production and in the development of warning marking about the presence of allergens. The reliability of risk assessment will depend on a type, quality and quantity of data used for determining both population threshold levels (or threshold distributions) and an impact of an allergenic product/ingredient on a particular individual.
Juice nanotechnology: A mini review
Authors: Ammar A. S. , Bazaraa W. A.
Published: January 2022

In the past two decades, nano-science is widely used in different applications and the increased interest in the utilization of nanoparticles in food processing is clear. Such applications include processing, packaging, development of functional food, safety, foodborne pathogens detection, and shelf-life extension. In this article, the essential facts and the latest uses of nano-science in fruit and vegetable juices were described. The green synthesis of nanoparticles with antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal characteristics is of great interest in food preservation. These nanoparticles such as metals, oxidized metals and its bioactivity in juice were reviewed. The current procedures to prepare nanojuice including nanofiltration and the most recent nanomilling were presented. Beside the preparation, special emphasis has also been given to the chemical as well as the biological (microbial and enzymatic) quality of the produced nanojuice. The role of nanotechnology in the development of the smart and the active food packaging systems for the improvement of food shelf- life and quality was also discussed. Since the physical and chemical characteristics of nanoparticles are completely different from those of macro-size. Therefore, special and urgent attention by responsible authorities should be given and effective policies should be applied for food products to ensure product quality, customer health and safety as well as the environmental protection.
Results of the complex evaluation of bryndza cheese and the byproduct milk whey with the use of enzyme MTG and its activity degree during storage
Authors: Kanina K. A. , Zhizhin N. A. , Karakulova E. A. , Atanasov P. R.
Published: January 2022

The paper examines the question of using the enzyme microbial transglutaminase (mTG) for bryndza cheese production. Microbial transglutaminase belongs to the enzyme family that catalyzes formation of bonds between amino groups. One of the problems in production of high-protein products, in particular, cheeses from goat milk is flabbiness of the clot. The use of mTG in the technological process would allow strengthening the product protein matrix, thereby improving its commercial characteristics. When performing the histological investigation of cheeses with this enzyme type to characterize the state of the protein matrix, the authors established that the product protein structure was more condensed compared to the control samples (without mTG), which affected cheese consistency. Consistency became more rubbery negatively influencing the product sensory properties, which are important traits for a consumer when buying a product. Using a Brookfield texture analyzer, it was shown that structural-mechanical characteristics were improved by 1.5 times for cheese samples produced from cow milk and by 2 times for goat cheese when mTG was used. Analysis of the enzyme catalytic activity showed that this enzyme retained its activity throughout the whole storage period, which is a potential hazard for human health. After shelf-life expiration, a change in the mTG activity was not more than 5% relative to the initial levels. The enzyme activity retained not only in cheese but also in the by-product — cheese whey, which made its processing more difficult.
An effect of fat emulsions of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae on the germination capacity and energy of sprouting of pea (Pisum sativum L.) seeds
Authors: Ruban A. A. , Novikova M. V. , Loskutov S. I. , Kostin A. A.
Published: January 2022

Various oils, fats and emulsifiers in the composition of preparations for soil enrichment or plant protection can have a significant effect on the germination capacity and energy of sprouting of pea seeds. Fat of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae can be used as a pesticide carrier as well as for increasing seed resistance to contamination with fungi and insects during storage and sprouting. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine an effect of insect fat in a form of an emulsion on sprouting of pea seeds of the variety “Rodnik” depending on a type of an emulsifier or stabilizer. It was found that the use of 0.3 weight% of xanthan gum as a stabilizer for fat emulsion of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae significantly increased the number of germinated seeds and the energy of seed sprouting. The use of 1–5 weight% of Tween 20 as an emulsifier for fat of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae led to inhibition of seed growth. Lecithin, sodium caseinate and microcellulose with addition of fat of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae also decreased the germination capacity and sprouting of pea seeds (Pisum sativum L.).
Características Intervenientes na Escolha e Uso de Métodos de Ensino por Professores de Contabilidade
Authors: Ferreira Marcelo Marchine , Nasu Vitor Hideo , Araújo Elias Junior da Silva
Published: January 2022

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar características docentes que possuem relação com a escolha e uso de estratégias/métodos de ensino em contabilidade. Foram analisadas as características sexo, atuação profissional, tipo de instituição de ensino superior (IES), idade, tempo de experiencia e tempo de formação em contabilidade dos docentes. A investigação considerou 24 métodos de ensino. Participaram da pesquisa com 79 professores de IES brasileiras. Os dados foram coletados por questionário eletrônico e submetidos a testes de média e análises de correlação. Os resultados indicaram que as técnicas ensino mais frequentemente usadas são os exercícios individuais e as aulas expositivas dialogadas. Em relação ao sexo, verificou-se que as professoras estão mais propensas a usar estratégias que envolvam atividades coletivas do que os professores. Os docentes que possuem outra atividade profissional além do ensino e que atuam em IES privada reportaram usar métodos mais práticos, por exemplo, o estudo de caso e a problematização. Enquanto professores que atuam na prática contábil podem assumir disciplinas mais aplicadas, outros com perfil acadêmico podem assumir disciplinas mais teóricas e de pesquisa acadêmica. Nesse sentido, o background e a composição do corpo docente precisam ser levados em conta pelos coordenadores de curso para potencializar o ensino. Por fim, propõe-se que docentes, em especial os mais jovens, reflitam sobre as suas práticas pedagógicas para verificar se o domínio de mais métodos de ensino é necessário para melhor atender as demandas de seus alunos.
Digitalization and higher education for sustainable development in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic: A content analysis approach
Authors: Pu Ruihui , Tanamee Danai , Jiang Songyu
Published: January 2022

Higher education for sustainable development (HESD) in the Covid-19 pandemic faces different challenges. Empirically few studies to date have introduced much on the digitalization of higher education for sustainable development. This study aims to explore and explain the digitalization of HESD from different attitudes and to build linkages of the digitalization in HESD. Furthermore, the study makes content analysis where 1,200 tweets on digitalization in higher education for sustainable development are collected from Twitter, and 19 documents have further categorized information data via NVivo. In addition, 22 students and 9 instructors were invited for a semi-structured interview to further supplement this study and confirm its findings. This study finds that attitudes towards digitalization in the study area can be divided into three correlated attitude layers. Teaching attitudes and educational attitudes are the first level, and the second level is the digital platform attitude, technology use attitude, and resource attitude. Furthermore, network attitude, service attitude, and development attitude are the third level. Thus, through the analysis, this study suggests higher education institutions should make improvements in digitalized teaching, education quality via innovation, technological development, resources use, and development via creating a better digital platform or environment is essential for genuinely promoting the HESD.
Results of the non-interventional observational program: Influence of Novel COroNavirus on the condition of patients with liver and gastrointestinal Tract diseases and the effect of Ursodeoxycholic acid drugs and Rebamipide on the course of COVID-19 infection (CONTUR)
Authors: Tikhonov I. N. , Ivashkin V. T. , Zharkova M. S. , Maevskaya M. V. , Koloteeva S. N. , Sarsenbaeva A. S. , Tkachenko L I. , Aronova O. V. , Tsvetaeva E. K. , Trofimovskaya N I.
Published: January 2022

Intriduction. The course and outcome of COVID-19 infection in patients with liver and gastrointestinal tract diseases remain poorly understood. The article presents a multicenter non-interventional observational program conducted by the Russian Society for the Study of the Liver.

Aim. To study the relationship between COVID-19 and injuries of gastrointestinal tract and liver, to assess the effect of therapy with UDCA and Rebamipide on the course and outcome of COVID-19 infection. Materials and methods. 460 patients were enrolled in the study, of which 46% were patients with gastrointestinal and liver diseases. Some patients received Rebamipide and UDCA at a dose of 15 mg/kg body weight, followed by assessment of the clinical and laboratory parameters.

Results. In the study group, more severe lung injury and the course of infection were observed. The investigators detected three phenotypes of gastrointestinal tract injury: dyspeptic, diarrheal and painful. The latter was more common in patients with gastrointestinal diseases. Liver injury occurred in 87% of patients with COVID-19 (of which 44% had a history of liver disease). Increased ALT and AST were more often recorded in patients with obesity and diabetes mellitus and correlated with the severity of the infection. An inverse relationship was found between the albumin level and death and transfer to mechanical ventilation. At least 5-day Rebamipide therapy leads to reduction of diarrhea and abdominal pain (p < 0.00001 and p = 0.002), decrease in the levels of systemic inflammatory markers (CRP and ferritin, p<0.00001). The use of UDCA leads to a decrease of the systemic inflammation markers: ferritin and is associated with a significant decrease/normalization of ALT levels (p < 0.00001).

Conclusions. In patients with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver, COVID-19 develops in a more severe form and symptoms of gastrointestinal tract injury may prevail in the clinical picture. The severity of liver injury correlates with the severity of COVID-19 and a poor prognosis. Rebamipide reduces diarrhea and abdominal pain. UDCA prevents or reduces liver injury in COVID-19 infection. Both drugs reduce the level of systemic inflammation markers.
Insulin biosimilars in clinical practice
Authors: Verbovoy A. F. , Dolgikh Yu. A. , Sharonova L. A.
Published: January 2022

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an important medical and social problem throughout the world due to its high prevalence. At the same time, the majority of patients have type 2 diabetes. The onset of the disease is gradual, with a prolonged asymptomatic preclinical stage. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct screening among patients at risk. Therapy for type 2 diabetes is carried out with oral hypoglycemic drugs. If it is impossible with their help to achieve adequate glycemic control, it is possible to add basal insulin to therapy, and if the own insulin secretion is depleted, an intensive insulin therapy regimen must be prescribed. Insulin preparations differ in the source of receipt, as well as in the duration of action: background, or basal (insulin of medium duration, long-term or ultra-long-acting) and prandial, or food (ultrashort and short insulin). Currently, along with original insulin preparations, their analogues, or biosimilars (biosimilars), appear on the pharmaceutical market. Biosimilar (biosimilar) is a biological product similar in quality, efficacy and safety parameters to a reference biological medicinal product in the same dosage form and having an identical route of administration. Biosimilars are used all over the world, and this applies not only to insulin preparations, but also to other biological preparations. Proof of bioequivalence is a long-term process that ensures comparability and the absence of clinically significant differences between the study and the reference drug, and includes preclinical and clinical studies. The task of studies of biosimilars of insulin is to confirm the comparability with a reference, previously well-studied biological product. The efficacy and safety of domestically produced biosimilars has been studied in a number of clinical studies, during which the bioequivalence of the drugs was shown. These drugs are of high quality and safe, and their pharmacological characteristics, immunogenicity and effectiveness do not differ from the original drugs.
Probiotics: relevant during the coronavirus (COVID-19) infection pandemic?
Authors: Shevyakov M. A.
Published: January 2022

The review presents modern views on the role of probiotics in the treatment and prevention of complications of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 infection. This infection can be complicated, for example, by the development of diarrhea after the use of antibacterial drugs in case of secondary bacterial infection, extrapulmonary viral infections, viremia, and the so-called «cytokine storm». The emphasis has been placed on such potentially beneficial effects of probiotics as а prevention of antibioticassociated diarrhea, prevention of intestinal damage induced directly by viral replication, prevention of leaky gut syndrome and immunomodulation in case of coronavirus COVID-19 infection. It has been shown that the use of probiotics alongside antibiotic therapy significantly reduces the risk of developing antibiotic-associated diarrhea, including such a severe variant as pseudomembranous colitis. The use of a probiotic during a viral respiratory disease reduces the risk of a severe disease course due to the positive modulation of inflammation and direct antiviral effects. Selected data showed the positive effect of probiotics on the tight junction stability of the intestine, which potentially protects against viremia and the penetration of immunogenic molecules into the internal environment of the body. In order to address the challenges adequately, a probiotic should meet certain requirements in terms of product quality, safety, evidence of efficacy, composition and understanding of the strains. The article presents data on the successful use of a multi-strain immuno-probiotic as an example demonstrating the therapeutic potential of modern multi-strain probiotics as a nonspecific immunomodulatory agent for the prevention of acute respiratory diseases.
Management of a patient with myofascial pain syndrome (piriformis syndrome): clinical follow-up
Authors: Belskaya G. N. , Makarov G. V. , Volkovitskaya A. D.
Published: January 2022

The article considers a clinical case of treatment of one of the variants of myofascial pain syndrome – piriformis syndrome without signs of sciatic nerve neuropathy. The peculiarity of the case is the comorbidity of the opioid syndrome with diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy and osteoporosis, which required the appointment of complex therapy. The diagnosis was confirmed by additional research methods: spondylography, MRI of the lumbosacral spine, ultrasound of the piriformis muscle, electroneuromyography. A patient management tactic was chosen based on federal clinical guidelines for the treatment of patients with nonspecific back pain. Treatment included non-medicinal and medicinal methods. In order to relieve pain, dexketoprofen was prescribed 2 ml intramuscularly per 2 ml of 0.5% lidocaine solution – 1 time а day No. 2 – under navigation by ultrasound. Subsequently, the transfer was made to oral administration of 25 mg 3 times а day for 3 days. A step-by-step scheme of prescribing dexketoprofen: its introduction into the piriformis muscle with subsequent transfer to oral administration allowed to significantly reduce the severity of pain after 5 days of treatment. The complex effect on the spasmodic piriformis muscle with the help of a tableted muscle relaxant in combination with postisometric relaxation made it possible to quickly stop the pain syndrome and prevent its chronization. The administration of the preparation of thioctic acid pursued two goals: to improve the metabolism of the spasmodic muscle and restore the energy metabolism of peripheral nerves. As a result of the use of complex, pathogenetically based therapy, a positive effect was achieved.
Potential use of dimensionhydrinate/cinnarizine combination in the treatment of vertigo
Authors: Pizova N. V.
Published: January 2022

Vertigo is a fairly common complaint with which patients present to physicians of various profiles, and especially to general practitioners, neurologists, and otorhinolaryngologists. Vertigo is a condition where a person has the illusion of movement or of surrounding objects moving when they are not. Vertigo is a symptom of a wide range of diseases, both benign and life-threatening. Vertigo can have a variety of causes, and the suggested treatment should depend on the cause. Due to the multifactorial etiology of medical care, many patients receive inadequate treatment under the primary healthcare scheme, especially during initial presentation. The main causes of vertigo are benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, Meniere’s disease, vestibular neuritis, vestibular migraine, and cerebrovascular diseases. Patients with other disorders, such as depression and hyperventilation syndrome, may present with complaints of nonrotary vertigo. Differential diagnosis of vertigo can be made using easy-to-perform tests during physical examination, including assessment of nystagmus, Dix-Hallpike maneuver, and blood pressure measurements with head-up tilt table tests. Treatment of patients with complaints of vertigo includes drug and non-drug therapy, depending on the established nosological form. However, due to the multifactorial etiology, many patients receive inadequate treatment under the primary healthcare scheme, especially during initial presentation. The dimensionhydrinate/cinnarizine combination is one of the drugs for the symptomatic treatment of vertigo of various origins in adults.
Pregnancy and childbirth in women from among the indigenous minorities of the north in the context of urbanization
Authors: Chegus L. A. , Solovyeva A. V. , Solovev V. G.
Published: January 2022

Data on the health status of the population of the indigenous small-numbered peoples of the North of Khanty and Mansi, who migrated to the city and changed the traditional nomadic way of life, are few and not systematized.

The aim of the study was to study the course of pregnancy and childbirth among the indigenous peoples of the north who migrated and live in the city of Khanty-Mansiysk, Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug-Yugra. An increase in the frequency of gynecological diseases was revealed: menstrual irregularities (in 38.5%), inflammatory diseases of the cervix (in 42.3%) and inflammatory diseases of the uterus (in 19.2%). Half of the observed women had gastritis (50%), cholecystitis (51.9%), every fourth cystitis (23.1%), anemia was diagnosed in every third in 30.8%. Pregnancy in women of the study cohort was often complicated by early toxicosis, anemia, gestational diabetes mellitus, threatening premature birth. Childbirth in pregnant women from among the indigenous small peoples of the north living in the city was complicated by anomalies in labor, indications for emergency operative delivery. This requires further study of the health status of the indigenous peoples of the north and the development of a health improvement program.

Materials and methods. The course of pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period was retrospectively analyzed in 168 women selected by the continuous sampling method. Women from the Khanty and Mansi KMNS living in the village of Berezovo, in the camps and in Khanty-Mansiysk were examined. Statistical processing was performed in the software package SPSS, Statistica 8.0, as well as using the Microsoft Excel analysis package.

Results. The results of the study showed that the least number of deviations in the state of health were among women from the number of KMNS living in the village and in the camps and leading a traditional nomadic lifestyle. The course of pregnancy rarely had complications and 100% of women ended in spontaneous labor on time.

Conclusion. The urbanization of women from among the indigenous small-numbered peoples of the north has an adverse effect on the state of somatic and reproductive health, characterized by a high frequency of gynecological diseases, pregnancy complications, labor anomalies and operative delivery.
Fungal urinary tract infection in outpatient practice: approaches to diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Sturov N. V. , Popov S. V. , Shmelkov I. Yu.
Published: January 2022

Introduction. In recent years, the role of fungal infection in inpatient and outpatient patients has been increasing. At the same time, there are currently no recommendations on the duration of treatment of outpatient patients with fungal urinary tract infection (UTI). Aim of the study. Optimization of methods of diagnosis and treatment of outpatient patients with fungal UTI.

Materials and methods. To detect fungi in urine, the E. Koneman et al. (1997) method was improved. 56 patients with fungal UTI were examined. The efficacy of fluconazole in the treatment of fungal UTI was studied in 53 patients.

Results. Candida albicans was detected in 37% of cases of fungal UTI in outpatient patients. Risk factors for fungal UTI in outpatient patients include: antibacterial therapy, infravesical obstruction, type 2 diabetes mellitus and the presence of urinary drainage. The microbiological efficacy of fluconazole therapy for 7, 10 and 14 days was 83.0%, 94.3% and 96.2%, respectively. The growth of fungi in the urine a month after treatment was absent in 86.7% of patients. In outpatient patients with fungal UTI without type 2 diabetes mellitus, the efficacy of fluconazole at a dose of 150 mg per day for 7 days was 94.9%. In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus after 7 days of therapy, the efficacy was 50.0%.

Conclusions. The most common causative agent of fungal UTI in outpatient patients is Candida albicans. To detect fungi in urine, samples should be seeded on selective media, while increasing the seeding volume to 0.1 ml and extending the incubation time to 96 hours. Fluconazole is a highly effective treatment for fungal UTI at a dose of 150 mg per day for 7 days, however, in patients with diabetes mellitus, therapy should last at least 10 days.
Caudal epidural blockades for chronic pain in the lower back in working age
Authors: Litvinov I. I. , Lokhovinin I. V. , Savgachev V. V.
Published: January 2022

Introduction. Chronic back pain syndrome, which significantly restricts a person’s daily activity, can cause the formation of depressive states and is a significantly more difficult task for treatment compared to acute pain.

Aim. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of caudal epidural catheterization (CEC) and local therapy with anesthetics and glucocorticoids for chronic nonspecific discogenic and chronic radicular low back pain (LBP) in young and middle-aged patients.

Materials and methods. 42 patients aged from 29 to 59 years, who in the neurosurgical department of the Vologda City Hospital No. 1 in 2017–2019 underwent an operation to install a caudal epidural catheter and prolonged injection therapy of local anesthetics and glucocorticosteroids for chronic nonspecific discogenic and chronic radicular LBP.

Results. There were no purulent-septic complications, hematomas of the spinal canal. In the group of patients with radicular syndrome the average values of LBP according to VAS were as follows: before CEC – 78.5 mm; 5 days after CEC – 24.1 mm; 6 months after CEC – 19.6 mm; after 12 months – 17.9 mm. In the group of patients with nonspecific discogenic LBP the average pain estimates for VAS were as follows: before CEC – 78.1 mm; 5 days after CEC – 21.7 mm; 6 months after CEC – 20.9 mm; after 12 months – 23.4 mm.

Сonclusion. Our experience indicates a high long-term efficacy and safety of treatment with caudal epidural catheterization and local prolonged therapy with anesthetics and glucocorticoids for chronic radicular and chronic nonspecific discogenic pain in the lower back in young and middle-aged patients selected on the basis of a special system of criteria.