bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconocimiento y evaluación de posibles geositios asociados a dolinas en el departamento de Malargüe Provincia de Mendoza, Argentina
Authors: Cortez Taillant Valeria Sofia , Arroqui Langer Agustín
Published: September 2021

Objetivo: Evaluar y valorar sitios de interés geológico planteando rutas turísticas asociadas a geoformas kársticas (dolinas) para luego proponerlas en el proyecto Global Geosites de la Unión Internacional de Ciencias Geológicas (IUGS) como posibles geositios. Recomendar futuros estudios en la temática exokárstica ya que la información es muy escasa y esto contribuiría a un mejor desarrollo turístico del departamento Malargüe.

Metodología: La metodología aquí aplicada se abordó a partir del estudio de las geoformas kársticas mediante un exhaustivo trabajo de interpretación de imágenes satelitales y posterior control de campaña. Además, se desarrolla una valoración sobre la base de trabajos previos (Panizza y Piacente 1993, Reynard et al., 2007, Pereira et al., 2007, Zouros 2007, Coratza, P., et al., 2012) y se basa en tres conjuntos de valores (Valor Científico, Valor Adicional y Valor de Uso).

Resultados: La dolina N°6 (Laguna de la Niña Encantada) es la que obtuvo mayor puntuación total siendo casi perfecta; con valoraciones máximas en casi todos los criterios.

Conclusiones: Los datos obtenidos a partir de la valoración sugiere que el primer recorrido propuesto, ubicado al norte del área de estudio, comprendido por las dolinas 1 a 7, es el más propicio para la determinación de geositios. La valoración más alta de este recorrido fue de 9 puntos, Laguna de la Niña Encantada, siendo casi perfecto en todos los criterios de clasificación.

Financiamiento: Departamento de Geología, Universidad Nacional de San Juan.
Numerical Analysis of Velocity Magnitude on Wave Energy Converter System in Perforated Breakwater
Authors: Setyandito Oki , Nizam Nizam , Pierre Andrew John , Suputra Gede Dharma , Wijayanti Yureana , Anda Martin
Published: September 2021

Waves are an alternative energy source that can be used for electricity generation. Wave Energy Converter (WEC) system in perforated breakwater is potentially applicable WEC system for coastal area. The magnitude of wave energy generated is determined by the volume of sea water inside the perforated breakwater. This volumetric flow rate is calculated using the flow velocity at perforated holes on the structure slope. Therefore, this research aims to study the velocity magnitude by analyzing the interrelation among wave steepness, wave run-up and relative velocity. The method used consists of applying numeric 3D flow model in the perforated structure of the breakwater with the variation of wave height, wave period and structure slope. The result shows that, the steeper the structure, the bigger is the relative run up (Ru/H). The higher the relative run up, the higher are the relative run-up velocities (V/Vru). As the velocity increase, the volumetric flow rate inside perforated breakwater will be higher, which leads to higher wave energy. Hence, it can be concluded that the higher the velocities (V/Vru), the higher is the wave energy generated.
In sacco nutrient degradability of silage containing intact and defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae
Authors: Mulianda R. , Sofyan A. , Herdian H. , Laconi E.B. , Ridla M. , Wardani W. W. , Jayanegara A.
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the in sacco nutrient degradability of total mixed ration (TMR) silage containing intact and defatted black soldier fly (BSF) larvae. The study evaluated four dietary treatments and six replications. The treatments consisted of control TMR silage without BSF larvae (R1), 20% intact BSF larvae + 80% TMR silage (R2), 20% chemically defatted BSF larvae + 80% TMR silage (R3), and 20% mechanically defatted BSF larvae + 80% TMR silage (R4). Samples were placed in polyester bags and incubated in the rumen in sacco up to 72 h. Nutrient degradability was evaluated for each time point interval. Results revealed that the lowest dry matter degradability (DMD) was found in R1 compared to all treatments (p < 0.05), while the highest DMD was found in R2 (p < 0.05). The highest organic matter degradability was found in R2 compared to R1, R3 and R4 (p < 0.05). Addition of BSF larvae to TMR silage increased the crude protein degradability (p < 0.05). In conclusion, inclusion of both intact and defatted BSF larvae into TMR silage did not have any adverse effects on nutrient profiles and showed a good nutrient degradation values in the rumen.
The way insoluble fiber incorporated in the diet changes its physiological response
Authors: Hartini S. , Rahardjo D. D. , Sasongko H.
Published: September 2021

The physiological effect of insoluble fibers may change with diet composition. The present study aimed to determine the difference in the physiological responses of broiler chickens fed diet incorporated with rice hulls in different ways. Two hundred and forty broiler chicks at two-days old were randomly placed in 30 cages and fed: control diet (based on corn-soybean) (CO), rice hull supplementation diet (CO + 4% of rice hulls) (RS), and rice hull inclusion diet (inclusion of 4% rice hulls in diet) (RI). The significant effects were mostly found in the starter phase. The RI increased ADG (P<0.05) but reduced empty ceca weight (P<0.05) in comparison to CO and RS. The RS increased the jejunal crypt depth (P<0.05) and reduced the small intestinal content (P<0.05). Birds fed RS and RI had higher villus height (P<0.05) and thicker jejunal mucosa (P<0.05) than those fed the CO. In the finisher phase, birds fed the RS had the narrower width of the upper and lower jejunal villi than the others. Supplementation or inclusion of insoluble fiber in the diet will lead to different physiological responses due to changes in diet composition.
Business strategy of salted egg agro-industry to achieve sustainable competitive advantage
Authors: Sumekar W. , Al-Baarri A. N. , Setiadi A.
Published: September 2021

Business strategy is an effort to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage in an agro-industry. The research objective on salted egg agro-industrial center is to identify a model for business development. The advantages of salted duck eggs have been recognized by people in south east asian countries and east asian countries. This observational research was conducted on 105 salted egg agro-industries in Brebes Regency. Data on 22 variables of quantitative strategic planning were collected through interviews using a questionnaire. Strategy formulation framework method was applied to determine specific alternative strategies to reach sustainable competitive advantage The results showed that the salted egg agro-industry were not supported by the availability of duck eggs and upstream industry (50.58%) although most consumers were fond of salted egg due to its taste (52.38%), texture (58.10%), and price (71,43%). The salted egg agro-industry was in the aggressive position. The best strategy concept for business policy development was market penetration The market penetration strategy was chosen, namely increasing promotion and sales volume. Market penetration strategy is suggested to be the mod-el for empowering salted egg agro-industry and agro-industrial commodities in general so that the activ-ity of duck farming and upstream industry can be leveraged.
Simultaneous Effect of Ultrasonic and Chemical Treatment on the Extraction of Nanocellulose From Sugarcane Bagasse
Authors: Hisbiyah A'yunil , Nurfadlilah Lilik
Published: September 2021

The focus of this study was the simultaneous effect of ultrasonic and chemical treatment on the extraction of nanocellulose from sugarcane bagasse. Ultrasonic waves can accelerate the dispersion process of nanocellulose particles so that extraction runs faster and is environmentally friendly. The bagasse was treated by chemical treatment with ultrasonic waves, and then the nanocellulose was prepared using acid hydrolysis with ultrasonic waves. The effect of ultrasonication was investigated. The crystallinity of sugarcane bagasse, cellulose, and nanocellulose was analyzed by X-ray diffraction. Based on the diffractogram, there was an increase in the crystallinity of nanocellulose. The chemical composition of extracted cellulose and nanocellulose was analyzed by Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy. The results of the analysis showed that lignin and hemicellulose were removed from the bagasse during the extraction process. The analysis results also showed that the breaking of intramolecular hydrogen and glycosidic bonds occurred during the hydrolysis process. The morphology of bagasse, cellulose, and nanocellulose was analyzed by Scanning electron microscopy. While the particle size of nanocellulose was analyzed by the Particle Size Analysis instrument. The average size of nanocellulose particles was 132.67 nm.
Molecular Cloning and Expression of Haloacid Dehalogenase Gene from a Local Pseudomonas aeruginosa ITB1 Strain and Tertiary Structure Prediction of the Produced Enzyme
Authors: Ratnaningsih Enny , Utami Lousiana Dwinta , Nurlaida Nurlaida , Putri Rindia Maharani
Published: September 2021

Organohalogens are widely utilized as pesticides, herbicides, solvents, and for many other industrial purposes. However, the use of these compounds caused some negative impacts to the environment due to their toxicity and persistency. In the light of this, some microbes have been identified and employed to perform dehalogenation, converting halogenated organic compounds to non-toxic materials. In this research, we successfully cloned and sequenced the haloacid dehalogenase gene from a local Pseudomonas aeruginosa ITB1 strain, which is involved in the degradation of monochloroacetate. First, the haloacid dehalogenase gene was amplified by PCR using a pair of primers designed from the same gene sequences of other P. aeruginosa strains available in the GenBank. The cloned gene in pGEM-T in E. coli TOP10 was sequenced, analyzed, and then sub-cloned into pET-30a(+) for expression in E. coli BL21 (DE3). To facilitate direct sub-cloning, restriction sequences of EcoRI (G/AATTC) and HindIII (A/AGCTT) were added to the forward and reversed primers, respectively. The expressed protein in E. coli BL21 (DE3) appeared as a 26-kDa protein in SDS-PAGE analysis, which is in good agreement with the size predicted by ExPASy Protparam. We obtained that the best expression in LB liquid medium was achieved with 0.01 mM IPTG induction at 30°C incubation for 3 hours. We also found that the enzyme is more concentrated in the pellet cells as inclusion bodies. Furthermore, the in-silico analysis revealed that this enzyme consists of 233 amino acid residues. This enzyme’s predicted tertiary structure shows six β-sheets flanked by α-helixes and thus belongs to Group II haloacid dehalogenase. Based on the structural prediction, amino acid residues of Asp7, Ser121, and Asn122 are present in the active site and might play essential roles in catalysis. The presented study laid the foundation for recombinant haloacid dehalogenase production from P. aeruginosa local strains. It provided an insight into the utilization of recombinant local strains to remediate environmental problems caused by organohalogens.
Development of a Fast Simultaneous Analysis Method for Determination of Middle Rare-Earth Elements in Monazite Samples
Authors: Saputra Heru Agung , Anggraeni Anni , Mutalib Abdul , Bahti Husein Hernandi
Published: September 2021

Rare earth elements are a set of seventeen metallic elements, which is an essential part of many high-tech devices. Hence, analysis and/or separation of the rare earth elements from their mineral become crucial. A novel analysis method combining ultraviolet-visible spectroscopic and multivariate analysis was developed to determine middle rare earth elements quickly and simultaneously. The data collected from ultraviolet-visible spectroscopic were analyzed by multivariate analysis. The results showed that the developed method has good accuracy and precision with a detection limit of 1.375 (± 0.012), 0.332 (± 0.004), 42.117 (± 0.200), 1.767 (± 0.011), and 0.576 (± 0.002) ppm, respectively for samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, and dysprosium. The interference effect of ammonium iron(II) sulfate hexahydrate, manganese(III) sulfate hydrate, calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate, and lead(II) nitrate were examined. The reliability of the proposed method was evaluated using monazite samples. Conclusively, the developed method was successfully applied to determine the middle rare earth elements in monazite samples.
The relationship between systolic function and serum NGAL levels in patients with chronic heart failure of ischemic origin
Authors: Lysenko V. A. , Syvolap V. V. , Potapenko M. S.
Published: September 2021

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is considered one of the most informative biomarkers of chronic kidney disease (CKD). NGAL can also serve as a biomarker of cardiovascular disease and heart failure (HF). However, the relationship between systolic function and serum NGAL concentrations in patients with chronic HF (CHF) of ischemic origin remains insufficiently studied.
The aim. To study the influence of tubulo-interstitial injury marker NGAL on systolic function in patients with CHF of ischemic origin.
Materials and methods. The study included 51 patients with CHF, stage II AB, NYHA II-IV FC. Doppler echocardiographic examination was performed on the device Esaote MyLab Eight (Italy) according to standard methods. NGAL levels were analyzed using an ELISA kit (E-EL-H0096, Elabscience, USA). Depending to the concentration of serum NGAL, the patients were divided into 2 subgroups. In the first group (n = 37), the NGAL level was higher than 168 ng/ml, in the second (n = 14) – less than 168 ng/ml.
Results. The mean serum NGAL concentration in the first subgroup was 192 (183; 200) ng/ml, in the second subgroup – 154 (134; 160) ng/ml. The patients with CHF of ischemic origin with tubulo-interstitial injury (according to the serum concentration of NGAL) did not differ significantly from the patients with CHF of ischemic origin without tubulo-interstitial injury in age (P = 0.950), height (P = 0.983), weight (P = 0.681), body surface area (P = 0.975). Most of left ventricular systolic function indicators showed a downward tendency (S 6.90 ± 2.85 cm/s vs. 7.67 ± 2.83 cm/s (P = 0.536); S lat 7.33 ± 2.08 cm/s vs. 11.00 ± 4.00 cm/s (P = 0.467); TEI LV 0.56 ± 0.26 c.u. vs. 0.49 ± 0.14 c.u. (P = 0.747)) in the patients with CHF of ischemic origin with elevated serum levels of NGAL compared to similar indicators in the patients with CHF of ischemic origin without tubulo-interstitial injury. The index of LVEF was significantly lower in the patients with CHF with elevated serum NGAL compared to that in the patients with CHF with normal serum NGAL (50.43 ± 17.85 % vs. 63.29 ± 13.24 % (P = 0.021)).
Conclusions. Serum NGAL was not only the sensitive marker of tubulo-interstitial injury in patients with CHF of ischemic origin, but also appeared to be a predictor of changes in systolic heart function.
Diagnostic and prognostic value of serum hepcidin concentration in patients with acute spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Koziolkin O. А. , Kuznietsov A. A.
Published: September 2021

The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of serum hepcidin concentration in patients with acute spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage (SSICH).
Materials and methods. Prospective cohort study of 88 patients with acute SSICH receiving the conservative therapy was conducted. Level of neurological deficit was evaluated using the Full Outline of UnResponsiveness Scale, the Glasgow Coma Scale and the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale. Computed tomography was performed to detect an intracerebral hemorrhage volume (ICHV), secondary intraventricular hemorrhage volume (SIVHV) and total volume of intracranial hemorrhage (TVICH). Laboratory blood samples were taken within 24 hours of hospitalization. Hepcidin levels, serum iron concentrations and total iron-binding capacity were determined, followed by calculations of transferrin saturation coefficient. Early neurological deterioration (END) and unfavorable variants of the acute period of SSICH (lethal outcome, modified Rankin score 4-5 on the 21st day of the disease) were considered as endpoints. Statistical processing of the obtained results included a correlation analysis, logistic regression analysis and ROC-analysis.
Results. It was identified, that serum hepcidin level in the patients with SSICH was correlated with ICHV (R = 0.44, P ˂ 0.01), SIVHV (R = 0.45, P ˂ 0.01) and TVICH (R = 0.57, P ˂ 0.01). Hepcidin serum concentrations in the patients with ICHV >30 ml exceeded the value of those in cases of ICHV ≤30 ml by 69.0 % (P ˂ 0.0001). Serum levels of hepcidin were significantly higher in the patients with an unfavorable course and outcome of the disease in the acute period on the 1st day of admission (P ˂ 0.0001). Informative multipredictor models were developed via multiple logistic regression analysis, which include hepcidin values coupled with clinical and neurovisualization findings and are predictive of lethal and unfavorable acute period functional outcomes (AUC = 0,93, P ˂ 0.0001).
Conclusions. The level of serum hepcidin in patients with acute SSICH is associated with the severity of cerebral lesions. The integration of serum hepcidin concentration with clinical and neuroimaging findings in the structure of multipredictor logistic regression models allows to determine the vital and functional prognosis of the acute period of SSICH with an accuracy of >85 %
Study on the influence of 7-β-hydroxy-γ-aryloxypropylxanthinyl-8-thioalkanic acid derivatives on the lipid metabolism in experiment
Authors: Bilai I. M. , Romanenko M. I. , Ivanchenko D. H.
Published: September 2021

Statin side effects are not a rare occurrence, in particular dyspeptic disorders, insomnia, headache, skin erythema, rash are often noted. All of this determines scientists to find new effective and low-toxic hypolipidemic agents. Various natural and synthetic xanthine derivatives have been recognized as therapeutically potential compounds and reported to control various diseases. Therefore, the study of new xanthine derivatives and their hypolipidemic effects, which would have a significant therapeutic effect with minimal side effects, is relevant.
The aim of the study was to examine the effect of 7-β-hydroxy-γ-aryloxypropylxanthinyl-8-thioalkanic acid derivatives on lipidogram parameters in experimental laboratory rats.
Materials and methods. The objects of the study were 7-β-hydroxy-γ-aryloxypropylxanthinyl-8-thioalkanic acid derivatives. The experiments were performed in white laboratory Wistar rats weighing 180–220 g. Experimental modeling of hyperlipidemia – tween model: intraperitoneal administration of tween-80 at a dose of 200 mg/100 g body weight. The test compounds were administered orally, simultaneously with tween, at a dose of 1/10 of LD50 (previously calculated by Prozorovsky express method) for 6 days. The following indicators of lipidogram were determined: total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL cholesterol), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), triglycerides (TG) and atherogenic index of plasma: TC – HDL cholesterol / HDL cholesterol. The experiments were carried out with respect to Bioethical rules and norms.
Results. The studies have shown data on the hypolipidemic activity of 7-β-hydroxy-γ-aryloxypropylxanthinyl-8-thioalkane acid derivatives. According to the conditional efficiency index Ʃ, which included the overall percentage of the following indicators – total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides, the leading compounds were 2439 (87.47 %), 6047 (82.30 %). The reference drug atorvastatin had a value of 82.98 %.
Conclusions. The major compound was 2439 identified among all compared to the control group. The prospect of further research is a more detailed study on the ability of xanthine derivatives to exhibit hypolipidemic effects and to influence oxidative stress in various hyperlipidemic models.
Pneumonia caused by SARS-COV-2: diagnosis and treatment in outpatient settings
Authors: Melnyk V. P. , Panasiuk O. V. , Sadomova-Andrianova H. V. , Antoniuk I. V. , Sliusarchuk I. O. , Solonynka H. Ya.
Published: September 2021

The aim of the study was identifying the features of infection in the site, clinical course of the disease, amount and frequency of patient examinations, family doctor communications and treatment of patients with pneumonia caused by SARS-Cov2.
Materials and methods. We examined 23 families of 2–6 members (a total of 78), among them 41 patients with SARS-COV-2 pneumonia. The amount of patient examination (PCR, plain X-ray and CT of the thoracic cavity, coagulogram, blood oxygen saturation) and treatment extent (antibacterial, anticoagulant and oxygen therapy) were considered.
Results. The contagiousness of the disease in the families of patients was from 33 % to 100%. The thoracic CT overuse: 73.3 % repeated, 33.0 % triple. Family doctors monitored the treatment only in 14.6 % of cases. The antibacterial therapy administration was 2 times more often than necessary; the treatment was changed by patients themselves or their acquaintances. A hospitalization was offered to patients with a decreased blood oxygen saturation of 92 % and below (29.3 %), and only 2 patients agreed to it. In a lack of treatment efficacy, the patients used respiratory fluoroquinolones (levofloxacin, moxifloxacin), meropenem, linezolid, amikacin, which are among the main drugs for the treatment of resistant tuberculosis. Extensive misuse of antibacterial drugs unnecessarily will result in an alarming increase in antibiotic-resistant infections after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusions. Pneumonia caused by SARS-COV-2 is a highly contagious disease in a family cluster (33–100 %). Routine administration of antibacterial drugs (especially levofloxacin, moxifloxanemine, meropenem, linezolid, amikacin) for patients with suspected SARS-COV-2 pneumonia by thoracic CT or PCR-confirmed without proven need is not only unnecessary, but even dangerous due to the potential increase in resistance to these drugs, which are the primary in the treatment of resistant tuberculosis. The anamnesis of the disease, oxyhemometry and coagulogram are of great importance when examining a patient with this pathology.
Clinical manifestations of Grinspan–Potekaev syndrome on the buccal mucous membrane (a case report)
Authors: Kosenko V. M. , Skyba I. M.
Published: September 2021

Grinspan–Potekaev syndrome is a rare disorder facing dentists in practical activity. That is why the detailed analysis of the disease clinical course peculiarities is important and urgently needed.
The aim of the work: to analyze the clinical course of Grinspan–Potekaev syndrome on the buccal mucous membrane using the example of a patient treatment in the dental clinic Denta Plus (Zhytomyr city).
Materials and methods. Bibliosemantic method (analysis, correlation, comparison, generalization, systematization of scientific literature on the studied issues), system analysis and logical generalization (for developing the algorithm of diagnostics and treatment), medical documentation analysis of the patient, who sought medical assistance in the dental clinic Denta Plus, were used.
Results. The clinical course of Grinspan–Potekaev syndrome on the buccal mucous membrane was described and analyzed. The conducted diagnostic methods allowed to determine the diagnosis, to develop and to apply the complex drug therapy that positively influenced the general well-being, promoted the transformation of erosive-ulcerous form of lichen planus into less aggressive and safer exudative-hyperaemic one. The difficulties during the diagnostic and differential diagnostic stages concerned the fact that typical skin lesions were not observed and the “fern pattern” on the buccal mucous membrane (within the period of exacerbation) was not clear. Besides, the patient did not have any complaints specific to diabetes mellitus, therefore a blood glucose level and glycemic profile were determined only in the process of case follow-up, the patient was further referred to an endocrinologist, who diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Conclusions. The described case of Grinspan–Potekaev syndrome allowed to analyze the clinical course of the disease in the oral cavity within the exacerbation period and to examine the components of diagnostic and treatment process. The treatment response in Grinspan–Potekaev syndrome (with isolated manifestations of lichen planus on the buccal mucous membrane) depends not only on a dentist competence but also on cooperation between other specialists: dermatologist, oncologist, psychotherapist, family physician, and endocrinologist. Despite the positive clinical effect, the need to follow-up the further course of the disease is associated with the possibility of erosive-ulcerous form of lichen planus relapses and its malignant transformation.
The role of exosomes in the mechanisms of inflammation development in patients with cardiovascular pathology and the contribution to therapeutic potential of stem cells
Authors: Muzychenko P. F. , Minchenko Zh. M. , Havrylenko T. I. , Cherniak V. A. , Demidov S. V. , Ryzhkova N. O. , Pidhaina O. A.
Published: September 2021

The aim – based on the analysis of the scientific literature focused on understanding the role of exosomes in the mechanisms of inflammation development and application of stem cells for cellular therapy in different pathological conditions, to identify and substantiate the prospects of using the exosomes as prognostic markers of a disease progression and application of their therapeutic potential in cardiovascular pathology.
Global trends in the study of stem cells of different origins from the perspective of morphofunctional, molecular-genetic, cytogenetic, immunogenetic and cytological characteristics contribute significantly the development of regenerative medicine in the context of developing new methodological solutions for the use of stem cells and their components, particularly exosomes, for cell therapy of various pathological conditions. Studies show the indirect effect of exosomes on the immune response activation, coordination of cellular senescence processes and antigen presentation. There are also evidence of their impact on the structural and functional restoration of affected organs and blood vessels.
The application potential of exosomes in practical medicine, particularly in the area of new approaches development to synthesize the newer biopharmaceuticals and as markers of multifactorial pathology course in conjunction with studies on the mechanisms of exosome involvement into immune processes is discussed.
The study on the exosome-mediated mechanisms of inflammation in atherosclerosis is relevant, given the fact that their main physiological role is to implement the link between immunocompetent cells.
Conclusions. Improving knowledge of the molecular biological mechanisms of the exosome influence on immunological processes in patients with cardiovascular pathology allows to expand the range of diagnostic and prognostic criteria for the formation of immuno-inflammatory reactions and endothelial dysfunction and to outline ways to personify the choice of therapeutic programs, which, in turn, can open approaches to develop fundamentally newer pharmaceuticals.
Inflammatory damage to the myocardium in patients with novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Authors: Buheruk V. V. , Voloshyna O. B. , Balashova І. V.
Published: September 2021

The aim. To analyze current evidence about etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestation, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with COVID-19 associated myocarditis.
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome is possible in COVID-19 including inflammatory damage to the myocardium, which may last over several months and worsen the disease outcome. Mechanisms of inflammatory cardiac damage include direct damage by SARS-CoV-2, massive release of cytokines, dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin system. All these factors can aggravate pre-existing overload of the right heart chambers in patients with multifocal pneumonia, thrombosis of coronary arteries and myocardial ischemia. Inflammation of the myocardium manifests with typical symptoms of myocarditis and pericarditis. It can be accompanied by heart failure with rapid decompensation, arrhythmia, acute coronary syndrome or even sudden death. Laboratory findings in COVID-19 associated myocarditis include high levels of CRP, BNP, NT-proBNP, and D-dimer. Transthoracic echocardiography allows for an assessment of the left ventricular dysfunction and diagnosis of a pericardial effusion. Heart MRI according to the Lake Louise Diagnostic Criteria is the most sensitive diagnostic method in acute myocarditis. Medical imaging is indicated only in cases when results obtained can potentially influence the patient management tactics and should be performed according to the shortest protocol due to high risks of virus transmission.
Conclusions. ESC experts (2020) do not provide unanimous recommendations for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 associated myocarditis, considering a lack of the evidence base. Patient management is limited to adequate treatment of heart failure, arrhythmia, acute coronary syndrome, and prevention of thrombotic complications. Ongoing studies are aiming to evaluate potential place of glucocorticoids, intravenous immunoglobulins, antibodies against IL-6 receptor, colchicine in the treatment of COVID-19.
The pattern of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion in patients with secondary edematous breast cancer
Authors: Bilyi O. M. , Mitriaieva N. A. , Krasnoselskyi M. V. , Hrebinyk L. V.
Published: September 2021

Secondary edematous breast cancer (SEBC), T4b, has a poor prognosis.
The aim of this study is to examine the balance in serum levels of pro-inflammatory (TNFά, IL-8) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4) cytokines in patients with SEBC before special treatment.
Materials and methods. A total of 87 patients with breast cancer (BC) were examined before treatment: 42 patients with SEBC in T4bN0-3M0 stage and 45 BC patients in T3-4N1-3M0 stage without edema. The control group consisted of 15 patients with fibroadenomas. The serum levels of cytokines (IL-4, IL-8, TNFά) in the patients was determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results. In the SEBC patients as compared to the patients without cancer, the serum pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-8, TNFά) levels were significantly increased and the anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-4) level was slightly increased in 22 %. In BC without edema, an imbalance was noted in favor of pro-inflammatory cytokines, but in SEBC it was more pronounced (31.6 versus 12.4 and 5.6 versus 3.2, respectively).
Conclusions. In the majority of SEBC patients, there is an imbalance in the cytokine profile in favor of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-8, TNFά). SEBC patients with elevated levels of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines before treatment are the highest risk group of tumor progression and metastasis. Inhibition of the IL-8 effects or related CXC chemokines, TNFά, and others may have important consequences for the systemic treatment of SEBC.
Current aspects of diagnostics and surgical treatment of acute lung abscesses
Authors: Tielushko Ya. V. , Pertsov V. I. , Savchenko S. I.
Published: September 2021

Increasing number of lung diseases, unfavorable environmental factors, dissemination of infectious agents in a patient's body result in increased frequency of purulent-septic complications, thereby making the study on methods of their diagnosis and treatment relevant.
Aim of the work: to examine the diagnostic value of lung ultrasound (US) and spiral computed tomography (SCT) in the diagnosis of acute abscesses and in determining the tactics of surgical treatment.
Materials and methods. A prospective study of 40 cases of acute lung abscesses with diagnostic value of US and SCT examination to choose a surgical method in accordance with the type of acute lung abscess.
Results. Male was dominated in the study (82.5 %). The median age was 52 (43.5; 60.0) years. SCT revealed an abscess with sequestration in 9 (22.5 %) of 40 patients, which was confirmed during surgery. A false negative result was obtained in 5 (35.7 %) patients out of 14. Lung US revealed sequestration in 14 (35.0 %) patients: 2 (14.3 %) of them were false positive. Transthoracic drainage was performed in 24 (92.3 %) of 26 patients without sequestration. In 2 (7.7 %) cases – video abscessoscopy (VAS). The median length of hospital stay was 34.5 (29.0; 43.0) days for patients without sequestration and 32.0 (26.0; 35.0) – with sequestration, Р = 0.16.
Conclusions. Modern radiation imaging is an effective tool for the diagnosis of lung abscess. The sensitivity and specificity of computed tomography was 64.3 % and 100.0 %, sonography – 85.7 % and 92.3 %, respectively, in the study. The concurrent use of these diagnostic methods increases their information content: sensitivity up to 100.0 %, specificity up to 92.3 %. Video abscessoscopy with sequestrectomy is an effective method of treatment and etiological diagnosis of the process, which allows achieving the length of hospital stay comparable to patients without sequestration: 32.0 (26.0; 35.0) vs 34.5 (29.0; 43.0), Р = 0.16.
Comparison of three respiratory physical therapy techniques and their impact on pulmonary function restoration among cardiac surgery patients in hospital settings
Authors: Vitomskyi V. V.
Published: September 2021

The aim. To compare three respiratory physical therapy techniques and their impact on pulmonary function restoration among cardiac surgery patients in hospital settings.
Materials and methods. The study involved 126 patients of both sexes who were admitted for cardiac surgery. All the procedures were performed by sternotomy with cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic arrest. The patients were randomly divided (with a ratio of 1:1:1 by envelope method) into the control group (CG, n = 42), incentive spirometry group (ISG, n = 42) and іnspiratory muscle training group (IMTG, n = 42). The examined patients underwent standardized physical therapy (early mobilization; therapeutic exercises; coughing). The groups varied in respiratory therapy. Patients of the ISG group performed additional respiratory exercises using a Tri-Ball respiratory exerciser (three repetitions of 10 forced, full and rapid inspirations through the respiratory exerciser under the supervision of a physical therapist; besides, they were recommended to perform 3 repetitions with 10 inspirations each hour). Patients of the IMTG group performed additional respiratory exercises using Respironics Threshold IMT breathing exerciser, received explanations and recommendations like patients of the ISG group. The pulmonary function test (PFT) was performed for the patients of all groups before the surgery and on the 7 postoperative day.
Results. PFT scores did not differ statistically between the groups of patients before the surgery. The three groups of patients had a negative dynamic of all test indicators, except Tiffeneau index. The analysis of PFT final scores did not confirm a significant difference in the studied indicators among the groups: vital capacity (P = 0.599), forced vital capacity (P = 0.393), forced expiratory volume in one second (P = 0.589), peak expiratory flow (P = 0.326), forced inspiratory vital capacity (P = 0.258), peak inspiratory flow (P = 0.569).
Conclusions. Statistical analysis of PFT indicators did not reveal any significant differences among the groups of cardiac surgery patients at the preoperative examination and on the 7 postoperative day, despite the differences in postoperative respiratory physical therapy.
Exercise tolerance in school-age children with hypertension based on body weight
Authors: Marushko Yu. V. , Kostynska N. H. , Hyshchak T. V.
Published: September 2021

Hypertension and obesity are important problems among adolescents. In clinical practice, these diseases are often combined and worsen the quality of life, so the study on indicators of tolerance to exercise is of great scientific and practical importance.
The aim. To determine the state of tolerance to physical activity among school-age children with stable hypertension depending on body weight.
Materials and methods. The study involved 95 children aged from 9 to 18 years who were divided into four groups: the first – 18 patients with normal blood pressure and body weight; the second – 39 with stable hypertension and normal body weight; the third – 20 with normal blood pressure and obesity; the fourth – 18 children with stable hypertension and obesity. Exercise tolerance was examined during cycling ergometry according to the PWC 170 protocol; the maximum myocardial oxygen uptake index – VO2peak (the “gold standard” for determining tolerance) was evaluated.
Results. According to the study results, among children with a combination of primary hypertension and obesity, the clinical picture of the condition is characterized by significantly more frequent complaints of dizziness, heart pain, headache and loss of consciousness. The total score of complaints was 5.8 ± 1.9 points in the combined pathology of primary hypertension and obesity group, which is significantly higher (P < 0.01) than that among children with primary hypertension or obesity. In primary hypertension and obesity, there is a decrease in VO2peak, which is most pronounced in the combination of these conditions (up to 26.4 ± 6.7 ml/min/kg among boys and up to 22.7 ± 3.6 ml/min/kg among girls) indicating a significant decrease in exercise tolerance.
Conclusions. It has been proven that the combined pathology of primary arterial hypertension and obesity among adolescents greatly worsens the clinical condition of children and significantly reduces exercise tolerance more pronounced than in primary arterial hypertension or obesity.
Structural and functional changes of the heart in chronic heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction with excess body weight depending on the presence and form of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Bidzilya P. P. , Kadzharian V. H.
Published: September 2021

The aim. To examine the features of structural and functional changes of the heart in patients with chronic heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (CHF pr EF) with excess body weight depending on the presence and form of atrial fibrillation (AF).
Materials and methods. The study involved 248 patients with CHF pr EF and excess body weight, the mean age was 65.0 ± 11.0 years, 146 females (58.9 %) and 102 males (41.1 %). The first group included 181 patients without concomitant AF, the mean age was 64.0 ± 11.0 years, 110 females (60.8 %) and 71 males (39.2 %); the second group included 67 patients with AF, the mean age was 67.9 ± 11.3 years, 36 females (53.7 %) and 31 males (46.3 %). Subjects with AF were further divided into subgroups: 7 patients with paroxysmal AF, the mean age – 6.7 ± 10.4 years, 3 females (42.9 %) and 4 males (57.1 %), 12 patients with persistent AF, the mean age – 70.8 ± 10.3 years, 10 females (83.3 %) and 2 males (16.7 %); 48 patients with permanent AF, the mean age – 67.3 ± 11.7 years, 23 females (47.9 %) and 25 males (52.1 %).
Results. Patients with concomitant AF had a significantly larger aorta diameter (by 3.0 %), systolic left atrium size (LAs) (by 14.5 %), right atrium size (RA) (by 8.3 %), left ventricle end-diastolic size (LVEDS) (by 7.1 %), left ventricle end-systolic size (LVESS) (by 10.6 %), right ventricle size (RV) (by 13,1 %), mean pulmonary artery pressure (by 20.0 %) and the prevalence of LV eccentric hypertrophy (by 21.0 %; P ˂ 0.001). At the same time, LV wall relative thickness (LV RT) was lower by 6.3 %, LV EF – by 3.4 % and the frequency of LV concentric hypertrophy – by 19.1 % (P ˂ 0.001). In permanent form of AF compared to paroxysmal one, significantly larger LAs (by 10.6 %), RA (by 10.9 %), LV myocardial mass (LV MM) (by 18.1 %) and LV MM index (by 21.1 %) were determined and in contrast to persistent AF, LAs (by 9.8 %), RA (by 11.4 %), LVEDS (by 15.6 %), LVESS (by 15.8 %), RV (by 27, 9 %), LV MM (by 29.8 %), LV MMI (by 14.9 %) were predominant, at the same, LVRT was 12.8 % less.
Conclusions. In patients with CHF pr EF and excess body weight, concomitant AF is associated with greater dilatation of the heart cavities, eccentric hypertrophy predominance, decreased LV contractility and pulmonary hypertension. Compared to other forms, permanent AF is characterized by severe structural and functional changes in the heart, maximal manifestations of LV dilatation and hypertrophy.
Interdisciplinary approach to surgical treatment for patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
Authors: Rudenko K. V. , Nevmerzhytska L. O. , Kozhanov M. V. , Tregubova M. О. , Danchenko P. А.
Published: September 2021

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) – is the most common genetically determined heart disease, characterized by symmetrical or asymmetrical myocardial thickening (≥15 mm), leading to progressive heart failure and a high risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD).
Diagnosis, natural course and treatment of HCM have become sources of uncertainty, misunderstanding and debate due to the increasing complexity of diagnosis in clinical practice, international differences in strategic approaches, advances in the treatment of genetic diseases and cardiac imaging.
The aim. To amplify the current concept of HCM pathogenesis and mechanisms of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction as well as to highlight our own results of HCM surgical correction.
Materials and methods. A total of 330 HCM patients underwent surgical correction (septal myectomy) in the National M. Amosov Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery affiliated to National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine. The mean age of the patients was 49.7 ± 15.0 years, median – 53; 168 (50.9 %) were male.
Results. Surgical correction of HCM significantly improves the quality of life (80 % of patients were in NYHA II functional class after correction), reduces the symptoms of heart failure (93 % of patients had minimal mitral regurgitation after septal myectomy), decreases LVOT systolic pressure gradient (SPG) (the mean SPG was 18.9 ± 8.5 mmHg versus preoperative 93.6 ± 23.2 mmHg) and lowers the high-risk for SCD in the patients (the mean percentage of high-risk group was 3.78 % after correction).
Routine CT planning and intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography helps to avoid severe iatrogenic complications and resect the interventricular septum as accurately as possible, completely eliminating LVOT obstruction.
Conclusions. Secondary abnormal chordal attachment cutting, papillary muscle realignment and anterior mitral leaflet plication along with septal myectomy allows to fully correct all phenotype of HCM, is the safe and effective procedure as well as the definitive method of this pathology treatment minimizing the risk of disease recurrence.
Determination of comorbidity index for high-risk patients with coronary artery disease before cardiac surgery
Authors: Gogayeva О. К.
Published: September 2021

The aim: to determine the comorbidity index before cardiac surgery in high-risk patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).
Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of data from 354 random high-risk patients who underwent a surgery and were discharged from National M. Amosov Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery affiliated to National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine during the period 2009–2019. The mean age of patients was 61.9 ± 9.6 years. All the patients were examined: ECG, ECHO CG, coronary angiography before the surgery as well as Charlson comorbidity index was calculated and a risk on the scales EuroSCORE I, EuroSCORE II and STS was stratified.
Results. I–III degree obesity was revealed in 133 (37.5 %) patients, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) were more likely to have BMI >30 kg/m2 (P = 0.017). Patients with normal weight had a carotid artery stenosis >50 % (P = 0.014) and history of stroke (P = 0.043) significantly more frequently. No differences in comorbidity of overweight and normal weight patients were detected (5.73 ± 1.70 vs. 5.9 ± 1.8, P = 0.4638). Type 2 DM was diagnosed in 90 (25.4 %) patients. In the case of normoglycemia, the comorbidity index was significantly lower than in type 2 DM (4.88 ± 1.38 vs. 6.60 ± 2.03, P = 0.0001) and glucose intolerance 5.8 ± 1.5 (P < 0.0001). Chronic kidney disease (CKD) G3a–G4 stages was diagnosed in 132 (37.2 %) patients. Significant higher comorbidity was found in patients with G3a–G4 stages CKD in comparison to those with G1–G2 stages CKD – 6.33 ± 1.78 vs. 5.46 ± 1.60 (P < 0.0001). Among comorbidities in patients with gouty arthritis, type 2 DM (P < 0.0001), obesity (P = 0.0080), CKD G3a–G4 (P = 0.0020) and varicose veins of the lower extremities (P = 0.0214) were significantly more common. Preoperative risk stratification according to the EuroSCORE II scale averaged 8.8 %.
Conclusions. Preoperative analysis of baseline status in CAD patients showed the high Charlson comorbidity index, which averaged 5.7 ± 1.7. The weak direct correlation between the comorbidity index and the high predicted cardiac risk on the ES II scale (r = 0.2356, P = 0.00001), length of stay in the intensive care unit (r = 0.1182, P = 0.0262) and discharge after the surgery (r = 0.1134, P = 0.0330) was found.
Liouville theorems and elliptic gradient estimates for a nonlinear parabolic equation involving the Witten Laplacian
Authors: Taheri Ali
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we establish local and global elliptic type gradient estimates for a nonlinear parabolic equation on a smooth metric
measure space whose underlying metric and potential satisfy a

(
k
,
m
)

{(k,m)}

-super Perelman–Ricci flow inequality. We discuss a number
of applications and implications including curvature free global estimates and some constancy and Liouville type results.
Aristotle’s First Moves Regarding Perception: A Reading of (most of)De Anima 2.5
Authors: Anagnostopoulos Andreas
Published: September 2021

Whereas scholars often look toDe Anima2.5 to support one or another understanding of the sense in which perception, for Aristotle, qualifies as an alteration and qualitative assimilation to the sense-object, I ask the more basic question of what the chapter is meant to establish or accomplish with respect to the question whether perception is an alteration. I argue that the chapter does not presuppose or legitimate the view that perception is an alteration where it is thought to, and that it is meant rather to challenge that view, most importantly, by putting its argumentative weight behind a different model of perception, leading to a kind of antinomy. What stands in the way of understanding perception as an alteration (and assimilation to the sense-object), in this chapter, is ultimately the lack of an account of perceiving a quality as having that quality.
Diachronie der Zukunft
Authors: Hartmann Stefan
Published: September 2021

Based on the Reference Corpus of Middle High German (REM) and the Bonn Early New High German Corpus (FnhdC), this paper investigates the development of the German future constructionwerden + Infinitive as well as constructions that are often seen as its predecessors and/or competitors. The paper focuses on the constructionwerden + Present Participle but also takes modal verb constructions withmögen, müssen, sollen, andwolleninto account. A semantic analysis of the dependent verbs occurring in the constructions with regard to their aspectual characteristics reveals thatwerden + Infinitive andwerden + Present Participle undergo parallel developments that can be seen as context expansion from a grammaticalization-theoretical perspective. The modal verb constructions, by contrast, remain stable with regard to the aspectual semantics of their dependent verbs. Furthermore, it is argued that, following recent theoretical approaches from diachronic Construction Grammar, the complex relationship betweenwerden + Infinitive andwerden + Participle can be modelled as ›attraction‹ or contamination between different constructions.