bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Noise, narration and nose-pegs: Adapting Shakespeare for radio
Authors: Smith Andrea
Published: August 2021

The BBC’s first director general, John Reith, believed the plays of Shakespeare were perfect for radio, with ‘little in the way of setting and scenery’ and relying chiefly on plot and acting. However, a closer look at the texts reveals that many require a good deal of adaptation to work in sound only. That has not stopped BBC radio producers creating hundreds of productions over the past century. Instead, it has spurred many of them on to greater creativity. Initially reliant on narration, producers began to devise a wide range of techniques to make Shakespeare comprehensible without visuals. These include specially devised sound effects, soundscapes and music, as well as distorting the actors’ voices in various ways, including using nose-pegs and the assistance of the Radiophonic Workshop. This article uses audio and written evidence to uncover those techniques and examines how successful they have been deemed to be.
The value of authenticity and intimacy: A case study of the Danish independent podcast Fries before Guys’ utilization of Instagram
Authors: Adler Berg Freja Sørine
Published: August 2021

The article addresses podcasting as a social media activity, considering independent podcasters’ – an emerging but understudied category of Pro-Ams – utilization of social media. This was done by conducting qualitative interviews (Brinkmann and Kvale 2001) with the Danish podcast phenomenon, Fries before Guys, and their main sponsor. To study the online interaction between listeners and podcasters, an inductive open coding of the podcast’s Instagram account was carried out, focusing on the ten most-liked Instagram posts and the user comments written underneath. Since Instagram is the podcasters’ primary means of communication in engaging socially with their mainly young female listeners, the aim was to explore how the digital infrastructure between Instagram and the podcast medium unfolds. The study shows that social media activity, besides providing emotional support through posts, comments and direct messages, is essential to independent podcasters to make revenue.
Pirate mentality: How London radio has shaped creative practice in grime music
Authors: de Lacey Alex
Published: August 2021

Grime music is an Afrodiasporic performance form originating in London. While artists such as Stormzy and Skepta are now international stars, its gestation took place within a grounded network of record shops, radio stations and raves. This article argues for grime pirate radio’s role as both an oppositional channel and site of creative practice. Based on empirical work undertaken from 2017 to 2019 in London’s grime scene, it demonstrates how artists harness radio’s communicative power to engender a Black counterpublic, before outlining a framework for creative agency: afforded by a network of stations and practitioners; made meaningful through its community of listeners; and realized through improvisatory practice. Existing studies focusing on pirate radio often present these fora as domains for dissemination. In grime, however, its creative function highlights the potentiality of radio as a performance medium: a space for quotidian belonging and co-presence, but also for musical development and grassroots practice.
Two Different 1-Week Quadruple Therapies Given Back-to-Back Consecutive Therapy for Difficult-to-Treat Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Pilot Study
Authors: Liu Jing , Ji Chao-Ran , Li Yue-Yue , Qiao Chen , Hu Jun-Nan , Wan Meng , Lin Min-Juan , Lin Bo-Shen , Wang Juan , Zha Jing , Li Li-Xiang , Zuo Xiu-Li
Published: August 2021

INTRODUCTION:

We aim to evaluate the efficacy of 2 different 1-week quadruple therapies given back-to-back consecutive therapy in patients with difficult-to-treat Helicobacter pylori infection.

METHODS:

Patients with proven H. pylori infection were recruited after >3 failed standard quadruple eradication. They received consecutive therapy consisting of esomeprazole 40 mg or rabeprazole 20 mg twice daily, amoxicillin 1,000 mg twice daily, tetracycline 500 mg 4 times daily, and furazolidone 100 mg 3 times daily for the first 7 days, followed by colloidal bismuth pectin 200 mg twice daily in place of furazolidone 100 mg for another 7 days. Eradication rates, treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), and compliance were assessed.

RESULTS:

Sixty-five patients were enrolled. The mean number of previous eradications was 3.6 (range: 3–7). The intention-to-treat and per-protocol eradication rates were 90.8% (59/65) and 95.1% (58/61). In total, 23.4% (15/64) of patients experienced drug-related TEAEs. No serious adverse events were observed. None of the patients required treatment for TEAEs, and 95.3% (61/64) showed good compliance. Overall, 51 patients (78.5%) were with the available antimicrobial susceptibility testing results. The resistance rates to clarithromycin, metronidazole, levofloxacin, and amoxicillin were 60.8% (31/51), 100% (51/51), 70.6% (36/51), and 2.0% (1/51), respectively. No resistance was detected to either furazolidone or tetracycline. However, in 54.9% of patients (28/51), H. pylori was resistant to 3 antibiotics (metronidazole, levofloxacin, and clarithromycin).

DISCUSSION:

Consecutive therapy, including amoxicillin, tetracycline, and furazolidone, achieved a good eradication rate (>90%), with desirable compliance and tolerability in difficult-to-treat H. pylori infection.
Integrating Tumor Sequencing Into Clinical Practice for Patients With Mismatch Repair-Deficient Lynch Syndrome Spectrum Cancers
Authors: Dixon Katherine , Asrat Mary-Jill , Bedard Angela C. , Binnington Kristin , Compton Katie , Cremin Carol , Heidary Nili , Lohn Zoe , Lovick Niki , McCullum Mary , Mindlin Allison , O'Loughlin Melanie , Petersen Tammy , Portigal-Todd Cheryl , Scott Jenna , St-Martin Genevieve , Thompson Jennifer , Turnbull Ruth , Mung Sze Wing , Hong Quan , Bezeau Marjorie , Bosdet Ian , Tucker Tracy , Young Sean , Yip Stephen , Aubertin Gudrun , Blood Katherine A. , Nuk Jennifer , Sun Sophie , Schrader Kasmintan A.
Published: August 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Uninformative germline genetic testing presents a challenge to clinical management for patients suspected to have Lynch syndrome, a cancer predisposition syndrome caused by germline variants in the mismatch repair (MMR) genes or EPCAM.

METHODS:

Among a consecutive series of MMR-deficient Lynch syndrome spectrum cancers identified through immunohistochemistry-based tumor screening, we investigated the clinical utility of tumor sequencing for the molecular diagnosis and management of suspected Lynch syndrome families. MLH1-deficient colorectal cancers were prescreened for BRAF V600E before referral for genetic counseling. Microsatellite instability, MLH1 promoter hypermethylation, and somatic and germline genetic variants in the MMR genes were assessed according to an established clinical protocol.

RESULTS:

Eighty-four individuals with primarily colorectal (62%) and endometrial (31%) cancers received tumor-normal sequencing as part of routine clinical genetic assessment. Overall, 27% received a molecular diagnosis of Lynch syndrome. Most of the MLH1-deficient tumors were more likely of sporadic origin, mediated by MLH1 promoter hypermethylation in 54% and double somatic genetic alterations in MLH1 (17%). MSH2-deficient, MSH6-deficient, and/or PMS2-deficient tumors could be attributed to pathogenic germline variants in 37% and double somatic events in 28%. Notably, tumor sequencing could explain 49% of cases without causal germline variants, somatic MLH1 promoter hypermethylation, or somatic variants in BRAF.

DISCUSSION:

Our findings support the integration of tumor sequencing into current Lynch syndrome screening programs to improve clinical management for individuals whose germline testing is uninformative.
Optimizing Positivity Thresholds for a Risk-Adapted Screening Strategy in Colorectal Cancer Screening
Authors: Lu Ming , Wang Le , Zhang Yuhan , Liu Chengcheng , Lu Bin , Du Lingbin , Liao Xianzhen , Dong Dong , Wei Donghua , Gao Yi , Shi Jufang , Ren Jiansong , Chen Hongda , Dai Min
Published: August 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Risk-adapted screening combining the Asia-Pacific Colorectal Screening score, fecal immunochemical test (FIT), and colonoscopy improved the yield of colorectal cancer screening than FIT. However, the optimal positivity thresholds of risk scoring and FIT of such a strategy warrant further investigation.

METHODS:

We included 3,407 participants aged 50–74 years undergoing colonoscopy from a colorectal cancer screening trial. For the risk-adapted screening strategy, subjects were referred for subsequent colonoscopy or FIT according to their risk scores. Diagnostic performance was evaluated for FIT and the risk-adapted screening method with various positivity thresholds. Furthermore, a modeled screening cohort was established to compare the yield and cost using colonoscopy, FIT, and the risk-adapted screening method in a single round of screening.

RESULTS:

Risk-adapted screening method had higher sensitivity for advanced neoplasm (AN) (27.6%–76.3% vs 13.8%–17.3%) but lower specificity (46.6%–90.8% vs 97.4%–98.8%) than FIT did. In a modeled screening cohort, FIT-based screening would be slightly affected because the threshold varied with a reduction of 76.0%–80.9% in AN detection and 82.0%–84.4% in cost when compared with colonoscopy. By contrast, adjusting the threshold of Asia-Pacific Colorectal Screening score from 3 to 5 points for risk-adapted screening varied from an increase of 12.6%–14.1% to a decrease of 55.6%–60.1% in AN detection, with the reduction of cost from 4.2%–5.3% rising to 66.4%–68.5%.

DISCUSSION:

With an appropriate positivity threshold tailored to clinical practice, the risk-adapted screening could save colonoscopy resources and cost compared with the colonoscopy-only and FIT-only strategies.
Draft of the clinical recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism
Authors: Fadeev V. V. , Morgunova T. B. , Melnichenko G. A. , Dedov I. I.
Published: August 2021

Hypothyroidism is one of the most common endocrine diseases. More than 99% of all cases of hypothyroidism in adults are due to primary hypothyroidism. Most often, hypothyroidism develops because of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, as well as after medical manipulations (iatrogenic hypothyroidism) — postoperative or as a result of therapy with radioactive iodine. The article presents a draft of clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism in different groups of patients, including pregnant women.
Tapentadol in acute pain: a review of the results of international studies
Authors: Nikoda V. V.
Published: August 2021

The treatment of acute pain is a fundamental goal for doctors of various specialties. Tapentadol, which combines the properties of an opioid receptor agonist and a noradrenalin reuptake inhibitor, is one of the most popular analgesics in the world that is effective in severe acute pain. We provide a review of international publications about pharmacological properties, efficacy and safety of tapentadol immediate release (IR) in acute pain. Data from phase II and III of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), in which tapentadol IR (50, 75 and 100 mg) was used for moderate to severe pain in surgical and therapeutic practice is discussed. A number of studies have compared tapentadol with placebo groups and classical opioids (oxycodone, morphine). The results of two meta-analyzes and systematic reviews of efficacy and safety of this analgesic in patients with acute pain are presented.International multicenter RCTs have demonstrated high efficacy of tapentadol IR 50, 75 and 100 mg in patients in the early postoperative period. Comparison with other opioid analgesics showed that tapentadol was superior to placebo and comparable to oxycodone in analgesic effect.It was concluded that tapentadol has a better safety and tolerability profile than classical opioids. The incidence of adverse events on this drug is lower than on oxycodone or morphine.
Efficacy of Chondroitin Sulfate in Patients with Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis
Authors: Sharapova E. P. , Taskina E. A. , Kashevarova N. G. , Alekseeva L. I. , Lila A. M.
Published: August 2021

Currently chondroitin sulfate (CS) is the most studied drug from the group of «chondroprotectors». The article shows the role of CS in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA): mechanism of action, clinical efficacy and safety in patients with OA with comorbidity. Evidence for the effectiveness and safety of the use of CS has been analyzed. The place of this drug in Russian and international clinical guidelines for the management of patients with OA is discussed.In domestic practice, the parenteral form of CS is often used in patients with OA. The parenteral form of CS for intramuscular and intra-articular administration (Chondroguard®) has a number of advantages, including the rapid onset of the effect. This enables reducing the dose in a short time or completely abandon the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which is extremely important for patients with OA with comorbidity. Chondroguard®can be recommended for initial use in exacerbations of chronic joint and back pain in OA, including in patients with relative and absolute contraindications for NSAID therapy.
Resolution of the Expert Council «The role of type I interferon inhibitor in the treatment of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus»
Authors: Lila A. M. , Soloviev S. K. , Popkova T. V.
Published: August 2021

On April 28, 2021, a meeting of the Council of Experts was held with the participation of the leading experts in the field of rheumatic diseases, approaches to the treatment of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were discussed. The issues of medical care for patients with SLE and their routing, key points of Russian and international clinical guidelines for the management of patients with SLE, as well as the role of interferon (IFN) type I in the pathogenesis of the disease were discussed. It is noted that the management of patients with SLE requires a multidisciplinary approach. The basis of therapy is the use of glucocorticoids (GC), immunosuppressive drugs and their combinations. But long-term use of GC in patients with SLE leads to severe complications. Early prescription of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) allows to achieve the greatest effect and prevent the development of irreversible organ damage associated with SLE. Currently data from three clinical trials on the efficacy and safety of the type I IFN inhibitor anifrolumab are available. During the discussion, experts defined the clinical profile of a patient with SLE, for whom administration of bDMARD therapy is indicated. According to experts, the use of a type I IFN inhibitor in routine clinical practice can improve disease outcomes in both short and long term.
Satisfaction with analgesic therapy in patients with rheumatic diseases in real clinical practice, according to the KOMPAS study (Quality of Pain Relief in the Opinion of Patients with Arthritis and Back Pain)
Authors: Pogozheva E. Yu. , Karateev A. E. , Bulgakova N. A. , Amirdzhanova V. N. , Filatova E. S. , Nesterenko V. A. , Lila A. M.
Published: August 2021

Patient's satisfaction with treatment is a fundamental indicator of the quality of medical care, which is especially important for assessing the effectiveness of therapy for musculoskeletal pain in rheumatic diseases (RD).Objective: to determine satisfaction of patients with RD with pain relief therapy and to analyze the factors influencing the subjective assessment of analgesic therapy.Patients and methods. Anonymous survey of 1040 patients (age 55.8±14.0 years, 76.8% were women) with RD, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), spondyloarthritis, systemic connective tissue diseases and gout, was carried out. The presence of pain and its therapy, satisfaction with treatment, and patient's opinion about the reasons of low pain relief effectiveness were assessed. The dependence of the presence of dissatisfaction with treatment on a number of demographic and clinical factors was analyzed.Results and discussion. 71.5% of patients experienced pain in one or more joint areas and/or in the back. 70.6% of patients used non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), 1.6% – paracetamol, 40.0% – non-drug modalities and methods of alternative medicine. 15.6% of the respondents were completely satisfied with the treatment, 64.0% were partially satisfied, and 20.4% were completely dissatisfied. The main subjective reasons for the insufficient effectiveness of analgesic therapy were: fear of taking prescribed medications due to possible complications (45.4%), low effectiveness of drugs (15.7%), insufficient attention of doctors (20.3%). Male gender, body mass index >30 kg/m2 , severe pain, pain in several areas, and the diagnosis of OA were statistically significantly associated with treatment dissatisfaction. In contrast, patients with RA showed greater satisfaction with treatment.Conclusion. Most patients with RD are dissatisfied with the results of pain therapy. Educational work with patients and a personalized approach to prescribing analgesic therapy is needed.
Colchicine for acute arthritis attacks prevention in patients with gout during urate-lowering therapy (results of a pilot study)
Authors: Eliseev M. S. , Chikina M. N. , Zhelyabina O. V.
Published: August 2021

Objective: to investigate the efficacy and safety of low-dose colchicine in patients with gout receiving urate-lowering therapy (ULT).Patients and methods. A single-center prospective study included 113 patients with gout. The main group consisted of 92 patients who were prescribed colchicine 0.5 mg/day combined with ULT (allopurinol or febuxostat), control group – 21 patients with contraindications to colchicine therapy who received only ULT. Patient data were entered into individual registration cards at the first visit, as well as on the 90th and 180th day after the start of drug intake. The presence of arthritis attacks was recorded by doctor or patient using a validated questionnaire. We compared the mean frequency of arthritis attacks in the groups, their duration and maximum pain intensity according to the visual analogue scale (VAS). Laboratory tests included: complete blood count test, general urinary test, uric acid (UA), blood glucose, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, serum creatine phosphokinase.Results and discussion. Patients who did not receive prophylactic anti-inflammatory therapy had significantly longer duration of the disease and higher number of affected joints. For 6 months of follow-up, there were no arthritis attacks in 54% of patients who were prescribed colchicine, and only in 19% of patients who did not use prophylactic anti-inflammatory therapy (p=0.004). The duration of arthritis attacks and the intensity of pain according to the VAS were also statistically significantly lower in the colchicine group (p<0.031 and p<0.01, respectively). Due to the development of adverse events, related to colchicine therapy, only 3 were excluded from the study. The mean serum UA level by the end of the study in colchicine group did not differ from that in the control group.Conclusion. Administration of colchicine, 0.5 mg/dai for 6 months after initiation of ULT is safe and can reduce the frequency and severity of arthritis attacks.
Results of a prospective 6-year observational study of the efficacy and safety of a bioactive concentrate of small marine fish in senile patients with knee osteoarthritis and multimorbidity
Authors: Letaeva M. V. , Koroleva M. V. , Raskina T. A. , Malyshenko O. S. , Averkieva Yu. V. , Usova E. V.
Published: August 2021

Objective: to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Alflutop therapy in elderly patients (75–90 years old) with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and multimorbidity based on the results of a prospective 6-year follow-up.Patients and methods. The study included 38 elderly women with knee OA (according to ACR criteria, 1986) stage II–III by Kellgren–Lawrence grading system, with pain ≥40 mm by visual analogue scale (VAS), who needed to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Alflutop was administered as 1 ml intramuscular injections 20 consecutive days with a 6-month interval (12 courses). The effectiveness of therapy was assessed by VAS, WOMAC index and EQ-5D questionnaire. The safety of therapy was monitored throughout the observation period. The duration of the study was 6 years.Results and discussion. The full course of treatment with Alflutop was completed by 29 (76.3%) patients. Nine (23.7%) patients discontinued the study due to their inability to visit the treatment center (for reasons unrelated to the study).In elderly patients with knee OA, high level of multimorbidity was revealed, 5 comorbidities on average.There was a significant decrease in pain according to VAS (≥20%): by visit (V) 1 – in 76.3%, by V2 – in 71.0%, by V3 – in 68.4%, by V4 – in 63.1% and by V5 – in 55.2% of patients. By the 21st day of Alflutop therapy, a statistically significant decrease in the total WOMAC index (p<0.001) and an improvement in the quality of life according to the EQ-5D questionnaire (p=0.016) were found. These indicators remained relatively stable throughout the follow-up. By the 12th month, a decrease of the need of NSAIDs was registered (p=0.005).X-ray progression of OA stage ≥1 according to Kellgren–Lawrence on Alflutop therapy after 36 months of observation was recorded in 10.5% of patients, after 72 months – in 50.0%. No serious adverse events were registered during entire observation period.Conclusion. The results of a 6-year prospective study demonstrate the high efficacy of Alflutop in elderly patients with knee OA. The obtained data confirm the safety of long-term treatment with this drug in elderly patients with high multimorbidity, which makes it the first-line drug in the complex therapy of OA.
Combination of ankylosing spondylitis with combined autoinflammatory skin lesions (clinical observation and literature review)
Authors: Dibrov D. A. , Korotaeva T. V. , Krasnenko S. O. , Urumova M. M. , Kruglova L. S. , Lila A. M.
Published: August 2021

We present a clinical case of combination of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and chronic recurrent skin lesions in the form of acne conglobata, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) with fistulous tracts formation. During the diagnostic search, the following diseases were considered: HS, SAPHO syndrome (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, osteitis), PASS syndrome (pyoderma gangrenosum, acne, ankylosing spondylitis, HS). The choice of therapy in this patient and the possibility of using biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs for axSpa and concomitant autoinflammatory skin process are discussed.
Prospects for the use of belimumab in lupus nephritis
Authors: Kozlovskaya N. L. , Soloviev S. K. , Aseeva E. A.
Published: August 2021

Over the past 50 years the survival rate of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) significantly improved, however, it is necessary to develop a new generation of drugs for the treatment of lupus nephritis (LN), the development of which is one of the main factors of high mortality risk in at least 50% of SLE patients. The international clinical trial BLISS-LN has demonstrated a high rate of achievement and maintenance of renal response (RR), confirmed by a higher rate of achievement of RR primary efficacy and complete renal response when using belimumab (BLM) in addition to standard therapy (ST) compared to ST alone in patients with LN. When using BLM, there was a statistically significant reduction in the risk of developing adverse renal events (in particular, deterioration of renal function) or death within 104 weeks compared with placebo. Improvement in LN outcomes was achieved in the setting of long-term reduction in glucocorticoids use after the induction phase. With BLM therapy, there was also a decrease in the total activity of SLE, a decrease in the number of severe exacerbations, and an improvement in serological markers. The benefit/risk ratio of BLM in combination with ST for LN treatment was favorable. BLM can be recommended for LN therapy in combination with standard treatment methods in order to achieve and maintain remission.
Menstrual cycle and gynecologic pathology in menstrual-related migraine
Authors: Kiryanova E. A. , Tabeeva G. R.
Published: August 2021

Migraine is the first most frequent cause of disability among women of reproductive age globally, and up to 60% of patients note the association of headache attacks with menstruation.

Objective: to determine the features of menstrual cycle and gynecologic pathology in women with menstrual-related migraine (MRM).

Patients and methods. A prospective comparative study included 69 women of reproductive age with a migraine diagnosis who did not receive hormonal contraception. Depending on the association of migraine attacks with menstruation (according to headache diaries), the patients were divided into two groups: the 1st group consisted of 44 patients with MRM; group 2 — 25 patients with non-menstrual migraine (without the association of attacks with menstruation).

Results and discussion. Patients with MRM had heavier menstrual bleeding, longer menstruations (more than six days), abnormal menstrual cycle length and regularity, dysmenorrhea. In addition, the obtained data indicate a comorbid estrogen-associated gynecological pathology (endometriosis, adenomyosis, endometrial polyps, myoma) in MRM.

Conclusion. Presumably, the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis dysfunction plays the leading role in the MRM. It presents with menstrual cycle abnormalities and increased presence of estrogen-associated gynecological pathology, which should be considered during patient evaluation and suggesting recommendations.
Methionine synthase reductase A66G polymorphism and ischemic stroke in younger patients
Authors: Tsyganenko O. V. , Volkova L. I. , Alasheev A. M.
Published: August 2021

In the past decade, stroke incidence in younger adults increased. Methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) A66G polymorphism is one of the risk factors for ischemic stroke (IS). However, clinical features of IS in MTRR A66G polymorphism are not yet studied.

Objective: to investigate clinical features of IS in MTRR A66G polymorphism.

Patients and methods. One hundred forty-one younger patients with IS, hospitalized in the neurological department of Sverdlovsk Regional Clinical Hospital №1, were included in the study. MTRR A66G polymorphism was detected by the real-time polymerase chain reaction in all participants.

Results and discussion. MTRR A66G polymorphism was present in 83.7% of younger patients with IS. Participants with MTRR A66G polymorphism had a significantly higher prevalence of arterial hypertension (р=0.029). In addition, protein C level was significantly lower in patients with MTRR A66G mutation (р=0.001).

Conclusion. The majority of younger patients with IS have MTRR A66G polymorphism. Therefore, the inclusion of MTRR A66G polymorphism screening in the diagnostic algorithm of stroke in young adults seems necessary.
Fatigue and cognitive impairment in post-COVID syndrome: possible treatment approaches
Authors: Bogolepova A. N. , Osinovskaya N. A. , Kovalenko E. A. , Makhnovich E. V.
Published: August 2021

Post-COVID syndrome can develop in all patients who have had COVID-19, regardless of the disease severity. Clinical manifestations postCOVID syndrome vary greatly, but the most common symptoms include fatigue, anxiety and depression disorders (ADDs), and cognitive impairment (CI).

Objective: to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Cholytilin (choline alfoscerate) and the combined drug MexiB 6 in patients with post-COVID syndrome and fatigue, ADDs, and CI.

Patients and methods. The study included 100 patients aged 22 to 71 years who have had COVID-19 5.4 months ago. Inclusion criterion: cognitive complaints, fatigue, and emotional disturbances. The evaluation included neurological exam, Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), 10-words list task, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Study participants were divided into two groups. Patients who had ADDs (anxiety/depression level according to HADS ≥8 points; n=50) were prescribed with MexiB 6 (1 tablet three times per day). Patients with CI (mean MoCA score ≤25 points; n=50) were prescribed with Cholytilin (2 capsules (800 mg) in the morning and 1 capsule (400 mg) at lunchtime). The follow-up period was 60 days.

Results and discussion. According to MoCA scores, a decrease in cognition was observed in 58% of participants, while 28% did not notice CI earlier. ADD fere present in 51%, and fatigue — in 100% of patients. We observed a significant reduction in fatigue severity (from 62.42±7.18 to 52.32±16.36 points; p<0.05) in patients prescribed with MexiB 6. The majority of patients noted a significant increase in physical activity, decreased fatigue, improvement of attention and physical well-being, and increased workplace efficiency. We also found a significant decrease in ADDs severity: ADDs either regressed completely (in 42% of participants) or became subclinical (in 48%; р<0.001). CI severity also reduced according to mean МоСА (from 26.60±1.31 to 27.28±1.39 points; p<0.05) and FAB (from 16.98±1.06 to 17.20±0.90 points; p<0.05) scores. In a subgroup of patients with mild CI treated with Cholytilin mean МоСА (from 23.50±0.99 to 26.36±1.34; р<0.001) and FAB (from 16.02±0.91 to 16.96±0.99; р<0.001) scores significantly increased. Complete regression of CI was observed in 74% of participants (р<0.001). We also found a decrease in ADDs (р<0.001) and fatigue (mean MFI-20 scores decreased from 42.28±10.73 to 35.60±8.10; р<0.001) severity in all study participants.

Conclusion. Patients who have had COVID-19, regardless of the disease severity, have a high prevalence of fatigue, ADDs and CI, and MexiB 6 and Cholytilin have a potential in their treatment.
IncobotulinumtoxinA in the treatment of sialorrhea in patients with infantile cerebral palsy
Authors: Kurenkov A. L. , Kuzenkova L. M. , Chernikov V. V. , Bursagova B. I. , Nezhelskaya A. A. , Artemenko A. R.
Published: August 2021

Sialorrhea is a severe medical problem that is difficult to treat, which can lead to serious complications. In almost all cases, chronic sialorrhea is accompanied by a restriction of the child's contacts with peers, socialization difficulties, and a significant decrease in the quality of life. Nowadays, botulinum therapy can be an effective tool that significantly reduces sialorrhea manifestation.

Oblective: to evaluate the effectiveness of Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA) in the treatment of sialorrhea in patients with spastic infantile cerebral palsy (ICP).

Patients and methods. We enrolled 24 children with ICP (14 (58.3%) females, and 10 (41.7%) males) with various disease forms: 4 (16.6%) — with spastic hemiparesis, 6 (25.0%) — with spastic diplegia, and 14 (58.3%) — with spastic quadriparesis. IncobotulinumtoxinA injections were performed bilaterally in the parotid and submandibular salivary glands under ultrasound control at a total dose of 40-100 U (min 1.3, max 4.5 U/kg of body weight). IncobotulinumtoxinA. The Drooling Impact (DIS) and the Global Impression of Change Scale (GICS) were used 1, 3 and 6 months after IncobotulinumtoxinA injections to assess treatment effectiveness.

Results and discussion. Botulinum toxin therapy resulted in a significant decrease in saliva discharge from the oral cavity 1 and 3 months after IncobotulinumtoxinA injections, which was demonstrated by a reduction in mean DIS score from 78.6±9.6 (min 62, max 95 points; 95% CI 74.6—82.7) to 48.7±6.7(min 25, max 61 points; 95% CI45.8—51.6) and 52.7±8.5points (min 22, max 65; 95% CI49.1—56.3), respectively, as well as an increase in delta GICSscore up to +1.3+0.8(min 0, max 3points; 95% CI 1.0—1.6) and +1.0+0.7points (min 0, max 3points; 95% CI 0.8—1.3), respectively. Adverse events were observed in 4patients (16.6%), which were classified as mild in 3 patients (did not require special treatment and completely stopped within six days) and moderate in 1 patient (also did not require special treatment and completely stopped within three weeks).

Conclusion. In the majority (79.1%) of patients with ICP, it is possible to achieve high efficiency in reducing sialorrhea and this effect persists for at least 3 months.
EFFICIENT ENGINEERING IN DEVELOPMENT OF CONSTRUCTION SECTOR COMPETITIVENESS
Authors:   Voronezh State Technical University, Voronezh, Russian Federation, Bekirova O.N. , Barkalov S.A. , Trifonova M.S.
Published: August 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has really become a real shock for the whole world. The way of life has changed not only for people, but also for companies in various industries. Today, the real estate market, like many other industries, is in conditions of economic instability. The study highlights the problems faced by the construction sector in the current conditions of the coronavirus pandem-ic. One of these problems is the sustainable competitiveness of construction and its compliance with new consumer preferences. Aim. The study of the influence of engineering solutions and other fac-tors on the competitiveness of construction in modern economic conditions, the definition of key criteria. Development and description of the decision-making methodology for choosing the optimal construction enterprise from the point of view of competitiveness. Materials and methods. The methods of system analysis, optimization methods, hierarchy analysis and decision theory are ap-plied in the work. Within the framework of the proposed methodology, the author's method of identifying key competitiveness criteria has been developed. Since the problem of choosing the optimal solution from among the alternatives is based on a multi-criteria approach, the use of this method is quite appropriate. The template for the formation of the methodology was identified based on the analy-sis of existing research in this area. Results. The author summarizes and supplements the criteria and factors affecting the competitiveness of construction organizations in the study. The author's method of making a decision on determining the optimal construction enterprise from the point of view of competitiveness based on the criteria considered by the author is presented. This technique includes several stages: 1) forming a goal; 2) formation of criteria by which organizations will be evaluated; 3) calculation of criteria for each organization and bringing them to a homogeneous type of data; 4) building a tree of goals and a matrix of priorities; 5) Determining the values of priority vectors for each organization under study. Conclusion. The total influence of criteria and engineering solutions on the competitiveness of construction is determined. In this regard, the implementation of the con-struction project should be carried out taking into account the strategic goals of the organization and binding to the identified criteria. The proposed methodology is developed for Russian construc-tion companies operating in modern economic conditions.
REQUIREMENTS FOR DISTRIBUTED INFORMATION SYSTEMS TO SUPPORT SCIENTIFIC AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Authors:   .N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Nur-Sultan, Republic of Kazakhstan, Serikbayeva S.K. , Tussupov J.A. ,   L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Nur-Sultan, Republic of Kazakhstan, Sambetbayeva M.A. ,   Institute of Information and Computational Technologies CS MES RK,  Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan, Serikbayeva J.K. ,   Educational and Methodological Center for the Development of Education  of the Karaganda Region, Karaganda, Republic of Kazakhstan
Published: August 2021

To increase the effectiveness of research, it is necessary to have access to systematic infor-mation resources of scientific work. Therefore, in any field of science, it begins with research, the search for scientific information, but with the growing number of scientific articles, books, mon-ographs, patents, the search for information becomes more and more difficult. Creating a unified information system that allows scientists to quickly get acquainted with the results of other scientific research and prevent their duplication. The main tasks of creating a model of a distributed infor-mation system that supports scientific and educational activities, the functional capabilities of the model, the concept of metadata, and the requirements for the metadata profile are described. The task, subject area, subjects, objects, the main functionality of the information system are de-fined, a list of the main types of information resources is provided. The paper analyzes the func-tional requirements for such systems. Purpose. In the process of creating distributed information systems that support scientific and educational activities, it is necessary to study the requirements imposed on the information system. Methods. The article discusses in detail technological methods for construc¬ting models of information systems for supporting scientific and educational activities. Results. Using the requirements, models, metadata of a distributed information system supporting scientific and educational activities, the architecture of the information system was developed and a scheme for exchanging information in the information system through information protocols was presented. Conclusion. The article discusses technological methods of a distributed information sys-tem that supports scientific and educational activities. The main tasks for building a model of a dis-tributed information system supporting scientific and educational activities, ensuring the functional functioning of the model, the concept of metadata for this system, and the requirements for the metadata profile are described. Based on the proposed requirements, the architecture of a distribut-ed information system supporting scientific and educational activities has been developed and the structure has been clearly described.
The Effect of Seven Etching Solutions used for the Differentiated Visualization of Complex Microstructures in Low-Alloyed Cast Iron
Authors: Duwe S. , Tonn B.
Published: August 2021

For numerous steel grades, detailed descriptions of different etching techniques and etching times for microstructural analysis are available. However, there are only few reference works for low-alloyed cast iron. Particularly for complex microstructures with combined fractions of bainite, ferrite, pearlite, retained austenite, carbides and martensite, there are only few detailed collections. In addition, the effects of the etchants are rarely investigated for the same image section. Therefore, this study will exclusively compare identical microstructural regions and the effect of different etchants on them.

Two specific sample areas were selected in a low-alloyed cast iron and the effect of both surface removal etching and tint etching reagents on them was examined under a reflected light optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope.

The results of the study have shown that some etchants for complex microstructures are only suitable in case potentially present phases are already known. However, the combined use of two etching solutions in particular, led to a very detailed and highcontrast image, capable of revealing and resolving microstructures with a variety of phases.
The functions of the verb ‘to say’ in the Jordanian Arabic dialect of Irbid
Authors: Al-Shawashreh Ekab , Jarrah Marwan , Zuraikat Malek J.
Published: August 2021

This research investigates the functions of the verb ‘to say’ in the Jordanian Arabic dialect of Irbid (JADI). Relying on a 250,000-word corpus, we propose that the speech verb ‘to say’ in JADI has one main lexical function (i.e. introducing direct or indirect speech) in addition to three functions which the verb develops, i.e. expressing the speaker’s mental state, signalling indirect evidentiality, and revealing the speaker’s incredulity towards the accompanying utterance. We show that in these three developed functions, the verb lost one or more of its lexical properties, because of an (initial or advanced) grammaticalization process whose effects are clearly manifested by the function of the verb as an incredulity marker, in which case the verb is semantically bleached, phonologically reduced, and de-categorized. Following Traugott (1989), Wang et al. (2003) and Hsieh (2012), among others, we propose that the grammaticalization path of the speech verb in JADI into these three functions are motivated by pragmatic inference and (inter)subjectification. The directionality of the grammaticalization process is also shown to be implemented from propositional (through textual) to expressive functions.
Unrundwalzen – Walzen unrunder Querschnitte
Authors: Peter Roe Christopher , Kriwall Mareile , Stonis Malte , Behrens Bernd-Arno
Published: August 2021

Das Flachbackenwalzen ist der Massivumformung zuzuordnen, in welchem zwei mit Gravuren versehene Werkzeugplatten aneinander vorbeilaufen und dabei ein zylindrisches Halbzeug umformen. Mithilfe des Unrundwalzens als Vorformverfahren soll es ermöglicht werden, lokal unrunde Abschnitte, beispielsweise Ellipsen oder Exzenter in ein Halbzeug zu formen. Der Stofffluss soll ausschließlich in radialer Richtung vorliegen. Erste Simulationen zeigen, dass die genannten Anforderungen erfüllt werden können.
Oberflächenmorphologie gefräster Aluminiumwerkstücke
Authors: Weber Daniel , Kirsch Benjamin , Gutzeit Kevin , Linke Barbara S. , Hill Michael R. , Aurich Jan C.
Published: August 2021

Das Einsatzverhalten dünnwandiger, monolithischer Aluminiumlegierungen, welche in der Luft- und Raumfahrtindustrie eingesetzt werden, wird maßgeblich durch deren Oberflächenmorphologie beeinflusst. Diese setzt sich aus den mechanischen und metallurgischen Randschichteigenschaften sowie der Oberflächentopografie zusammen. In diesem Beitrag wird der Einfluss der Schnittparameter auf die Rauheit, die Mikrostruktur, die Mikrohärte sowie auf prozessinduzierte Eigenspannungen von gefrästem Al 7050 untersucht.
Energieeffizientes Recycling von Titanspänen
Authors: Denkena Berend , Dittrich Marc-André , Kettelmann Simon
Published: August 2021

Eine neue Prozesskette ermöglicht das direkte Recycling von Titanspänen für die additive Fertigung. Die Prozesskette bietet Potenzial zur Verbesserung der ökologischen Nachhaltigkeit in der additiven Herstellung von Titanbauteilen. Im Vergleich zur Verwendung von Primärtitanpulver sind erhebliche Ressourceneinsparungen möglich. Zusätzlich kann das Recycling von Spänen zu Pulver für die additive Fertigung eine ressourcensparende Alternative zum Recycling zu Vollmaterial sein.
Fuzzy-gestützte Messdatenauswertung zur Prozessoptimierung an Werkzeugmaschinen
Authors: Blum Andreas , Diban Raphael al , Rudolph Mathias , Weickhardt Christian
Published: August 2021

Durch die Möglichkeit, Wartungsintervalle dynamisch und zustandsabhängig planen zu können, gewinnen messdatengetriebene Instandhaltungskonzepte in modernen Fertigungslinien zunehmend an Bedeutung. Diese erlauben neben der Gewährleistung einer gleichbleibenden Prozessqualität die Schonung von Ressourcen. Bestehende Zustandsüberwachungen nutzen eine auf Kenn- und Grenzwerten basierende Messdatenauswertung. Alternativ dazu wird hier ein Verfahren der unscharfen Auswertung zur Prozessoptimierung an Werkzeugmaschinen vorgestellt, das keine Definition einzelner Grenzwerte erfordert, sondern basierend auf Methoden des maschinellen Lernens einen robusten Algorithmus zur Verfügung stellt, mit dem sich der Prozesszustand vorgegebenen Klassen zuordnen lässt. So lassen sich Unregelmäßigkeiten im Prozess anhand der Klassenzugehörigkeitswerte identifizieren und Diagnosefehler vermeiden.
Prevalence of Normal Weight Obesity and Health Risk Factors for the Female Collegiate Dancer
Authors: Brown Ann F. , Alfiero Christopher J. , Brooks Samantha J. , Kviatkovsky Shiloah A. , Smith-Ryan Abbie E. , Ormsbee Michael J.
Published: August 2021

Brown, AF, Alfiero, CJ, Brooks, SJ, Kviatkovsky, SA, Smith-Ryan, AE, and Ormsbee, MJ. Prevalence of normal weight obesity and health risk factors for the female collegiate dancer. J Strength Cond Res 35(8): 2321–2326, 2021—The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of normal weight obesity (NWO) and evaluate the relationship between NWO and health risk factors in a collegiate dancer population. Reanalysis of data of female dancers (N = 42) from 2 larger studies was used to assess prevalence and health risk factors of NWO. Dancers completed a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan to assess fat mass (FM), lean mass (LM), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and a 3-day food record. Normal weight obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5–24.9 kg·m−2 and body fat (BF) ≥30%. Twenty-five (60%) dancers were classified as normal weight lean (NWL), and 17 dancers (40%) were classified as NWO. Significant differences were observed for BMI (NWL: 21.1 ± 1.7, NWO: 23.1 ± 1.6, p < 0.001), LM (NWL: 71.0 ± 2.9%, NWO: 62.5 ± 2.7%, p < 0.001), %BF (NWL: 24.8 ± 3.1%, NWO: 33.9 ± 2.6%, p < 0.001), and VAT (NWL: 130.6 ± 43.0 g, NWO: 232.3 ± 70.8 g, p < 0.001) between NWL and NWO. A significant difference was observed for carbohydrate intake (NWL: 4.7 ± 1.8 g·kg−1, NWO: 3.7 ± 1.0 g·kg−1, p = 0.020) between groups. Significant positive correlations with FM were observed between carbohydrate (kcal, p = 0.048), fat (kcal, p = 0.018; g·kg−1, p = 0.040), and total calories (p = 0.019) in NWO. Normal weight obesity in collegiate dancers may be more prevalent than previously perceived and may be significantly related to important health risk factors. The current study demonstrates the need for body composition assessments and emphasizing on promoting overall health in collegiate dancers.
Laser Capture Microdissection of Single Neurons with Morphological Visualization Using Fluorescent Proteins Fused to Transmembrane Proteins
Authors: Chang Ching Ching , Chong Hai Tarng , Tashiro (田代 歩) Ayumu
Published: August 2021

Gene expression analysis in individual neuronal types helps in understanding brain function. Genetic methods expressing fluorescent proteins are widely used to label specific neuronal populations. However, because cell type specificity of genetic labeling is often limited, it is advantageous to combine genetic labeling with additional methods to select specific cell/neuronal types. Laser capture microdissection is one of such techniques with which one can select a specific cell/neuronal population based on morphological observation. However, a major issue is the disappearance of fluorescence signals during the tissue processing that is required for high-quality sample preparation. Here, we developed a simple, novel method in which fluorescence signals are preserved. We use genetic labeling with fluorescence proteins fused to transmembrane proteins, which shows highly stable fluorescence retention and allows for the selection of fluorescent neurons/cells based on morphology. Using this method in mice, we laser-captured neuronal somata and successfully isolated RNA. We determined that ∼100 cells are sufficient to obtain a sample required for downstream applications such as quantitative PCR. Capability to specifically microdissect targeted neurons was demonstrated by an ∼10-fold increase in mRNA for fluorescent proteins in visually identified neurons expressing the fluorescent proteins compared with neighboring cells not expressing it. We applied this method to validate virus-mediated single-cell knockout, which showed up to 92% reduction in knocked-out gene RNA compared with wild-type neurons. This method using fluorescent proteins fused to transmembrane proteins provides a new, simple solution to perform gene expression analysis in sparsely labeled neuronal/cellular populations, which is especially advantageous when genetic labeling has limited specificity.