bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ABUNDÂNCIA E RARIDADE DE ESPÉCIES ARBÓREAS EM UMA FLORESTA OMBRÓFILA ABERTA COM BAMBU NO ESTADO DO ACRE, BRASIL
Authors: Ribeiro Renan Da Cunha , Miranda Izildinha De Souza
Published: April 2020

O presente trabalho visou determinar a abundância e raridade de espécies arbóreas de uma Floresta Ombrófila Aberta com Bambu, localizada na Floresta Nacional do Macauã (FLONA), no estado do Acre, utilizando três métodos de análise sobre dados de 15 hectares, inventariados em dois estratos florestais, constituídos por indivíduos com diâmetro à altura do peito maior que  30 (Estrato 1, árvores) e indivíduos com diâmetro à altura do peito entre 10 e 30 (Estrato 2, arvoretas). A abundância e raridade, nos dois estratos foram determinadas por três métodos de análises (Hubbell, Martins e Kageyama), O método de Kageyama acusou maior quantidade de espécies raras em comparação ao método de Hubbell e Martins, nos dois estratos. As percentagens de espécies comuns determinadas pelo método de Hubbell, único aplicado para analisar essas espécies, foi similar entre os estratos. As porcentagens médias de espécies comuns encontradas pelo método de Hubbell variou muito em relação a outras áreas da Amazônia; para espécies raras o método de Martins mostrou uma porcentagem de espécies menor do que o de Hubbell, enquanto o método de Kageyama apresentou a maior porcentagem.
GERENCIAMENTO DE RESÍDUOS SÓLIDOS EM UMA EMPRESA DE CONFECÇÃO DE VESTUÁRIO NO MUNICÍPIO DE TRÊS PASSOS/RS
Authors: Schmitt Fernanda , Silva Danni Maisa da , Bohrer Robson Evaldo Gehlen , Souza Eduardo Lorensi de , Bisognin Ramiro Pereira , Guerra Divanilde
Published: April 2020

As indústrias de confecção de vestuário compõem um dos principais setores da produção nacional, gerando em seu processo produtivo diversos tipos de resíduos característicos dessa atividade bem como os comuns. No presente estudo objetivou-se identificar, analisar e quantificar os resíduos sólidos gerados em uma empresa de confecção de vestuário do município de Três Passos/RS. O estudo foi realizado entre setembro de 2016 e maio de 2017, e a metodologia de classificação e separação dos resíduos sólidos foi baseada na NBR 10004/2004, quantificando-se os resíduos gerados durante 50 dias, bem como foram identificadas as práticas de acondicionamento e destinação final. Verificou-se que a empresa gera 33 tipos de resíduos, sendo os têxteis os mais representativos. Dos 351,44 kg de resíduos totais gerados no período, 241,56 kg foram de resíduos têxteis (68,73%), gerados nos setores de corte e costura/acabamento e limpeza; 92,66 kg de resíduos secos (26,37%); 8,80 kg de resíduos orgânicos (2,5%); e 8,42 kg de rejeitos provenientes dos banheiros (2,4%). Dessa forma foi possível identificar o principal setor gerador, que foi o de corte e indicar alternativas para a destinação dos resíduos.
Колебание гласных [а] и [е] в исходе слов в хорасанских персидских диалектах, "Письменные памятники Востока"
Authors: Иоаннесян Юлий Аркадьевич
Published: April 2020

Статья посвящена чередованию [а] и [е] в исходе слов как устойчивой тенденции в хорасанской группе персидских диалектов и одному из ее «промежуточных» признаков между западной и восточной группами. Анализ построен как на материале, собранном автором в процессе полевых исследований в Афганистане, так и почерпнутом из разнообразных источников, включая огласованные и частично транскрибированные диалектные тексты, доступные благодаря интернету. Для анализа привлечены три показательных хорасанских диалекта - гератский (на территории Афганистана), мешхедский и бирджандский (в Иране), что позволило охватить обширный регион распространения данной группы диалектов.
Значение и символика берберских татуировок Магриба, "Письменные памятники Востока"
Authors: Степанова Анастасия Владимировна
Published: April 2020

Традиция нанесения татуировок играет важную роль в культуре берберов стран дальнего Магриба. Несмотря на запрет татуировок в Коране, в исламских обществах Северной Африки сильны черты атавистического анимизма, вера в сакральное значение символов и могущество бараки - энергии, присущей живым и неживым объектам. Татуировка, ее ингредиенты, иглы, символы - всё это, в глазах берберов, способно повлиять на жизнь людей, защитить их от дурного глаза, превратностей судьбы и злых духов (джиннов). Традиция нанесения татуировок - это часть женского социального пространства, посредством этой практики передаются мудрость и опыт поколений. Статья представляет краткое исследование основных символов, техник и значений берберских татуировок.
Согдийские фрагменты буддийской сутры, "Письменные памятники Востока"
Authors: Чунакова Ольга Михайловна
Published: April 2020

В статье рассматриваются десять согдийских фрагментов из рукописного фонда ИВР РАН. Почерк, внешний вид, сгибы и изломы фрагментов свидетельствуют о том, что они принадлежат одному свитку. Их содержание и сходство с другими буддийскими сочинениями позволяют предположить, что этот свиток является сборником буддийских повествований, подобным известной «Сутре о мудрости и глупости».
Основы тибетской лексикографии в словаре «Махавьютпатти» 76, "Письменные памятники Востока"
Authors: Харькова Елена Юрьевна
Published: April 2020

В статье рассматриваются особенности тибетской лексикографии, одной из классических индо-тибетских наук, на начальном этапе ее развития, представленном санскритско-тибетским словарем «Махавьютпатти» (IX в.). Методологические принципы, которые легли в основу тибетской лексикографии как самостоятельной области знания, выявлены в результате изучения текста колофона к среднему по объему варианту словаря - «Грамматическому комментарию [к „Махавьютпатти“] в двух частях» (шив. Sgra sbyor bam gnyis), или «Мадхьявьютпатти».
Письма В.И. Рассадина из Дархана (по материалам АВ ИВР РАН), "Письменные памятники Востока"
Authors: Сабрукова Светлана Санджиевна
Published: April 2020

Статья посвящена четырем письмам В.И. Рассадина, адресованным его преподавателю Т.А. Бурдуковой (1912-1987) с марта 1962 по январь 1963 г. из г. Дархан (МНР). В них В.И. Рассадин впервые излагает новую методику изучения языков, которая легла в основу его дальнейшей научной деятельности. Он подробно разъясняет свою теорию, применимую не только к монгольскому, но и к другим языкам. Благодаря ей автор писем самостоятельно выучил татарский язык, преподавал русский язык, используя ее, вел курсы монгольского языка для советских специалистов в г. Дархане. Большой интерес вызывают описание реалий жизни монгольского общества в период становления промышленности Монголии, его личные взгляды на жизнь.
АБОРАТОРИЯ РЕСТАВРАЦИИ ИВР РАН, "Письменные памятники Востока"
Authors: Лундышева Ольга Владимировна , Крякина Любовь Ивановна
Published: April 2020

Статья посвящена 70-летию основания в Институте востоковедения АН - Институте восточных рукописей РАН Лаборатории реставрации. Основная цель статьи - вспомнить имена всех реставраторов, которые работали и работают в ИВ АН - ИВР РАН, и таким образом выразить им уважение и благодарность за их труд. Статья вводит в научный оборот ряд архивных документов, связанных с историей Лаборатории.
Режекция локальной помехи в пассивной гидролокации с разнесенными антеннами, "Фундаментальная и прикладная гидрофизика"
Authors: Бампер Л.Е. , Попова О.С.
Published: April 2020

Рассмотрен метод пассивного определения дистанции до подводного источника, использующий кривизну волнового фронта поля источника в зоне Френеля. В основе синтеза алгоритмов оптимальной пространственно-временной обработки информации системы гидроакустических приёмников, обеспечивающих обнаружение сигнала и определение параметров источников, а также наблюдение их расположения в заданном секторе направлений и интервале дальностей, лежит уравнение отношения правдоподобия. При наличии в зоне наблюдения более одного источника обнаружение слабого сигнала, интересующего наблюдателя, и определение его параметров может быть затруднено в связи с подавлением его боковым полем сильного источника, смещением оценки и увеличением флуктуационной погрешности. В статье рассматривается алгоритм режекции мешающего сигнала перед проведением «базовых» процедур пассивной гидролокации, обеспечивающий уменьшение влияния сильного источника на оценку параметров слабого сигнала. Приведены расчеты точности оценки дистанции с использованием алгоритма режекции и без него.
УЧАСТИЕ БЕЛКОВ МЛУ КЛЕТОК ЛЕГКОГО В СНИЖЕНИИ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ ДЕЙСТВИЯ ПРОТИВОТУБЕРКУЛЕЗНЫХ ПРЕПАРАТОВ, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Ерохина Мария Владиславовна , Лепеха Лариса Николаевна
Published: April 2020

В обзоре рассмотрены вопросы, связанные с проблемой формирования множественной лекарственной устойчивости соматических клеток макроорганизма (МЛУ-СКМ), снижающей эффективность лечения противотуберкулезными препаратами (ПТП), в частности, рифампицином. Освещена история возникновения проблемы и пути ее решения у онкологических больных. Рассмотрены основные белки-транспортеры, отвечающие за перенос лекарственных или иных веществ через клеточную мембрану, из которых самый универсальный - Pgp - является транспортером с наиболее широким субстратным охватом, обеспечивает наиболее высокие уровни МЛУ-СКМ и негативный прогноз течения онкозаболевания. Приведены первые сообщения зарубежных и отечественных исследователей, отметивших возрастание экспрессии генов белков МЛУ-СКМ в эксперименте и клинике туберкулеза органов дыхания, химиотерапии ПТП. Рассмотрен вопрос о ПТП как модулятор эндоцитоза и активности белков МЛУ. Высказано предположение о возможном синергизме действия АТФ-связывающих белков-транспортеров возбудителя и белков МЛУ-СКМ.
РЕНТГЕНСЕМИОТИКА ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗА ОРГАНОВ ДЫХАНИЯ У БОЛЬНЫХ ХРОНИЧЕСКОЙ БОЛЕЗНЬЮ ПОЧЕК В ТЕРМИНАЛЬНОЙ СТАДИИ, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Гордеева Ольга Михайловна , Карпина Наталья Леонидовна , Амансахедов Ресулгулы Бердигулыевич , Михайлов Станислав Глебович
Published: April 2020

Заболеваемость туберкулезом (ТБ) среди больных хронической болезнью почек в терминальной стадии (ТХБП) превышает таковую в основной популяции в десятки раз. Отсутствие типичной рентгенологической картины затрудняет диагностику ТБ у таких больных. В статье проведен анализ данных рентгенологического обследования 80 больных с ТХБП с впервые выявленными изменениями в легких и/или наличием интоксикационного синдрома неясного генеза. По результатам проведенного обследования, в 61,25% был диагностирован ТБ: у 40% - активный и у 21,25% - остаточные посттуберкулезные изменения (ОПТИ) ТБ органов дыхания (ОД). У 38,75% больных с ТХБП были выявлены хронические нетуберкулезные заболевания легких. Установлена низкая информативность обзорной рентгенографии органов грудной клетки (ОГК) по сравнению с компьютерной томографией (КТ) ОГК для больных с ТХБП в выявлении инфильтративных (23,75% против 48,75%), очаговых изменений в легких (71,25% против 17,5% соответственно), что указывает на необходимость выполнения КТ ОГК при подозрении на патологию ОД у данной категории больных. Обнаружение инфильтративных и очаговых изменений в легких, а также их сочетания свидетельствует о наличии патологии ОД, требующей незамедлительной диагностики, но не является патогномоничным для ТБ ОД. Результаты анализа данных КТ ОГК позволили выявить ряд признаков, характерных для активного ТБ ОД у больных с ТХБП, что имеет важное значение для диагностики ТБ у данной категории иммунокомпрометированных лиц.
ВЛИЯНИЕ АНТИРЕТРОВИРУСНОЙ ТЕРАПИИ НА ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ ЛЕЧЕНИЯ КО-ИНФЕКЦИИ ВИЧ/ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗ С УЧЕТОМ ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ ЛИПИДНОГО СПЕКТРА, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Макаров Павел Викторович
Published: April 2020

Туберкулез (ТБ) - одно из наиболее частых вторичных заболеваний у больных с ВИЧ-инфекцией на последних стадиях, вызывающее тяжелые поражения различной локализации и являющееся основной причиной летального исхода. Согласно принятым стандартам, назначение антиретровирусной терапии (АРВТ) показано всем пациентам с ко-инфек- цией ВИЧ/туберкулез (ВИЧ/ТБ), однако в силу ряда причин могут возникать препятствия для ее проведения. В частности, развитие интоксикационного синдрома на 4-й стадии ВИЧ после начала АРВТ нередко служит показанием к ее отмене. Необходима разработка простых критериев для прогнозирования эффективности АРВТ при ко-инфек- ции ВИЧ/ТБ. Цель исследования - повышение эффективности лечения больных с сочетанной патологией ВИЧ/ТБ с учетом показателей липидного обмена. Материалы и методы. Для решения поставленной задачи исследовался липидный спектр сыворотки крови у пациентов с сочетанной патологией ВИЧ/ТБ. Были сформированы три группы пациентов. Уровень общих липидов, отдельных фракций фосфолипидного спектра сыворотки крови был исследован у 50 здоровых лиц (группа контроля); 50 пациентов с ВИЧ/ТБ, получавших противотуберкулезную терапию (ПТТ) без АРВТ (группа 1); 50 пациентов ВИЧ/ТБ с сохраненной лекарственной чувствительностью возбудителя ТБ, получавших ПТП по первому режиму и АРВТ (группа 2); 50 пациентов с ВИЧ/ТБ с множественной лекарственной устойчивостью (МЛУ) возбудителя ТБ, получавших ПТП и АРВТ (группа 3). Результаты. Под влиянием АРВТ происходило уменьшение общего холестерина (ОХ) - питательного субстрата (нутриента) для микобактерий туберкулеза (мБт). Наибольший эффект в виде понижения уровня ОХ при лечении наблюдался у больных с мЛу ТБ. По результатам исследования разработан способ прогнозирования эффективности АРВТ при ко-инфекции ВИЧ/ТБ, заключающийся в том, что цифровое значение соотношения содержания ОХ к триглицеридам менее 5,0 является маркером эффективности АРВТ (Патент № 2 666 233 от 06.09.2018).
СЛУЧАЙ ГЕНЕРАЛИЗОВАННОГО ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗА У БОЛЬНОГО С ВИЧ-ИНФЕКЦИЕЙ, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Байке Евгений Ерболович , Рогова Ольга Олеговна , Архипова Мария Вячеславовна
Published: April 2020

Представлено клиническое наблюдение, демонстрирующее развитие генерализованного туберкулеза (ТБ) у пациента с ВИЧ-инфекцией, не получавшего антиретровирусной терапии (АРВТ). Несмотря на обширное поражение органов и систем, правильная терапия позволила добиться благоприятного исхода.
Blood Lipids and Its Atherogenic Indices in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Male Rats
Authors: Chikezie O. D. , Meludu S. C. , Ogbu I. S. I. , Egejuru B. N. , Ude T. , Ekuma-Ogbonnia O.
Published: April 2020

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders which result to excessive accumulation of blood sugar over a prolonged period. Due to higher risk of diabetes mellitus to cardiovascular disease, it is crucial to identify and address these cardiovascular risks. This study assessed the effects of diabetes on levels of some blood lipids and its atherogenic indices in diabetic male rats.

Methods: This is an experimental study that involved 40 apparently healthy adult male albino rats (wistar strain) which were randomly assigned to five groups (A, B, C, D and E) of eight (8) animals each. Group A (Normal Control of No intervention for 72 hours), Group B (Diabetic rats of 72 hours post diabetes induction), Group C (metformin treated diabetic rats), Group D (Diabetic Control untreated) and Group E (Normal Control of 3 weeks post diabetes induction). Seven milliliters of fasting blood sample were collected from all the subjects. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-c) were determined using standard methods. Atherogenic indices, non HDL cholesterol (Non HDL-c), cardio risk ratio (CRR), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), atherogenic coefficient (AC) and atherosclerosis index (AI) were calculated. It was analyzed statistically using SPSS version 23.0.

Results: The mean values of HDL-c was significantly higher in the treated diabetic group when compared with untreated diabetic control (P<0.05) while TC, TG, LDL-c, VLDL-c, Non HDL-c, CRR, AIP, AC and AI were significantly lower in treated diabetics when compared to the untreated diabetic control (P<0.05). Also, blood mean levels of HDL-c were significantly lower in the diabetic groups (treated and untreated) when compared with non diabetic control (P<0.05) while TC, TG, LDL-c, VLDL-c, Non HDL-c, CRR, AIP, AC and AI were significantly higher in the diabetic groups (treated and untreated) when compared with non diabetic control (P<0.05).

Conclusion: The study suggests that atherogenic indices can serve as predictive pointer for future cardiovascular event especially, when LDLc value is normal. Also hyperglycemia could cause significant alterations of lipids, but metformin treatment has showed not only hypoglycemic effect, but also anti-hyperlipidemic properties.
Philately’s Implications in Ecological Education via Romanian Thematic Joint Issues (II): Collaboration with United Nations Post Office
Authors: Cioruța Bogdan , Pop Alexandru Leonard
Published: April 2020

The natural heritage, in line with current sustainable development policies and strategies, is defined and accepted as the set of physico-geographic and biocenotic components and structures of the natural environment, who’s biogenic, ecological, economic, scientific, sanogenic, landscape, re-creational and cultural-historic value has a relevant significance, not just for the present generations, especially for the future generations. Protected areas, as an integral part of natural heritage, by their intrinsic value and low human intervention degree, are by far, the best examples and models for natural and semi-natural ecological systems. Protected areas are still perceived by many individuals, only in their conservationist sense, being considered true wild nature oasis, which need protection only for conservation of different unique species that populate them. Little is known about the fact that natural and semi-natural regime areas constitute livelihood support and decisively contribute to social and economical development. Constantly promoting philatelic themes, among others, that address the natural heritage, Romfilatelia - as a promoter of environmental protection policies and strategies, performs a series of postage issues - most of them in the last period - in whose pictures we also observed the Romanian preoccupations for natural heritage protection over the time. In the present paper we propose a very short introduction into the history of Romanian preoccupations for natural heritage protection, and bring into limelight the significant concerns in promoting ecological educational via thematic joint issues (in this case, United Nations Post Office). In this context, the main objective of the sudy was to identify, index and describe the main Romanian philatelic pieces issued (for example - postal stamps, First Day Covers, maxicards, occasional envelopes and other postal circulations), from the beginning of issuing in this field.
Azolla as an Alternative of Mineral Nitrogen for Chamomile Plant (Matricaria chamomilla L.) Fertilization in Sandy Soil
Authors: Rabie Kawthar, A. E. , El-Sherif M. H. , El-Shahat R. M. , Ali Fatma, S. I.
Published: April 2020

Two pot experiments were carried out during the two successive seasons of 2010/2011 and 2011/ 2012 to apply mineral nitrogen and/or Azolla at different methods of addition with a reduction of mineral nitrogen fertilizer and its effect on vegetative growth, the yield of inflorescences, total phenolic concentration, antioxidant activity, nitrate and nitrite concentrations and the volatile oil concentrations and composition of chamomile inflorescences in sandy soil. Data indicated that dry Azolla (DA) treatments increased significantly plant height, number of branches/plant, shoot fresh and dry weights and number of inflorescences/plant against the rest treatments. It is clear that DA singly induced maximum growth parameters in both seasons and the reverse was true with fresh Azolla (FA) alone. It is obvious that DA achieved the highest total phenolic concentrations, antioxidant activity and volatile oil (VO) concentrations, and the opposite response was true for nitrate & nitrite concentrations. Addition of 50% ammonium nitrate to 50% FA or 50% Azolla extract as foliar (spray Azolla) SA have positive effect on chemical constituents except nitrate and nitrite concentrations. It is evident that the highest chamazulene and α ̶ bisabolol oxide ̶ B were achieved with DA and the reverse was true for α ̶ bisabolol oxide ̶ A. Dry Azolla treatment alone was the most efficient one in increasing the yield production with increment in active substances of chamomile plant in sandy soil.
Knowledge on Classroom Behaviour Modification Techniques of Pre-Service Teachers of Colleges of Education in Ghana
Authors: Yeboah Grace , Nyarko-Sampson Eric , Forde Linda Dzama
Published: April 2020

Classroom discipline is one of the most thought-provoking issues in modern education.Studies has it that students’ classroom misconduct interferes with teaching and learning and is believed to be a precursor to later school dropout and similar negative social outcomes. This study aimed at investigating the knowledge of pre-service teachers of Colleges of Education in Ghana on the concept of behaviour modification techniques in the classroom. A cross-sectional survey design was used for the study. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to obtain a sample size of three hundred and sixty participants for the study. Data was collected using behaviour modification questionnaire developed by the researchers and analysed using SPSS data analysis software. The results show that most of the participants have insufficient knowledge on behaviour modification techniques for classroom management even though they exhibited strong knowledge on few of the items. At 5% level of significance, there was virtually no significant difference found to exist in pre-service teachers’ knowledge of behaviour modification practices in terms of gender difference. Furthermore, the study revealed that programme of study never had a significant effect on the pre-service teachers’ knowledge on classroom behaviour modification techniques. It is recommended that training programmes of teacher education should be reviewed to strengthen the knowledge of pre-service teachers on classroom behaviour modification techniques.
The Impact of Egbu Abattoir Wastes on Fungal Concentrates of the Soil Environment
Authors: Nwachukwu M. I. , Ike C. C. , Nwachukwu I. O.
Published: April 2020

The impact of Egbu abattoir wastes on fungal concentrates of the soil environment was undertaken. Samples of contaminated soil from the abattoir environment were taken against control and evaluated for fungal concentrates using standard methods. Results obtained showed that total fungal count (TFC) ranged from 3.5×105 cfu/g to 4.50×105 cfu/g and total hydrocarbon utilizing fungi (THUF) ranged from 1.8×105 cfu/g to 3.80×105 cfu/g.  The percentage occurrence for mould isolates indicated the presence of Absidia sp., Aspergillus sp., Fusarium sp., Cladosporium sp., Penicillium sp., and Rhizopus sp. while yeast isolates were Candida sp., Rhodotorula sp., Saccharomyces sp., and Torulopsis sp., for both seasons. Though most of these organisms were indigenous to the soil some invading species were also isolated and were higher in contaminated soil than control soil. Egbu abattoir waste could be behind these observations. The study has revealed the impact of Egbu abattoir wastes on fungal concentrates of the soil environment.
Seasonal Evaluation of the Physicochemical Properties of Some Boreholes Water Samples in Mile 50, Abakaliki Ebonyi State
Authors: Ibo Eziafakaego Mercy , Orji M. U , Umeh Odera Richard
Published: April 2020

Water as excellent natural resource is meant to be of good quality to prevent the outbreak of water-borne diseases. The physical, chemical and biological qualities of water constitute groundwater quality. Water of poor physicochemical quality may have adverse effects on human health and the economy. The physicochemical evaluation of fifteen borehole waters in mile 50 Abakaliki was carried out during the rainy and dry seasons to determine their suitability for drinking using standard analytical methods. During the rainy season, the temperature was 28-30°C; pH, 6.63-8.51; dissolved solids, 1.04-17.01 mg/l; total suspended solids, 0.09-0.98 mg/l; total solids, 1.14-17.99 mg/l; electrical conductivity, 107-328 us/cm; turbidity, 1.27NTU-2.60 NTU total alkalinity, 27.68-82.23 mg/l; total hardness, 70.20-150.84 mg/l; total chloride, 67.30-124.14 mg/l; calcium hardness, 24.50-53.58 mg/l; magnesium hardness, 39.40-97.26 mg/l; sulphate, 30.03-61.88 mg/l; phosphate, 0.25-6.71 mg/l; potassium, 0.00-8.04 mg/l; nitrate, 1.16-8.03 mg/l; iron, 0.00-0.26 mg/l; lead, 0.00-0.05 mg/l; cadmium, 0.00-0.04 mg/l; copper, 0.00-0.23mg/l; chromium, 0.00-0.05 mg/l and zinc, 0.07-2.15 mg/l. During the dry season the temperature was 27-29°C; pH, 6.40-7.75; electrical conductivity, 24-149 us/cm; dissolved solids, 0.10-2.03 mg/l; total suspended solids, 0.02-0.29 mg/l; total solids, 0.13-2.64 mg/l; turbidity, 0.61NTU-1.90 total alkalinity, 19.96-55.97 mg/l; total hardness, 49.61-82.35 mg/l; total chloride, 26.31-80.72 mg/l; calcium hardness, 5.63-29.30 mg/l; magnesium hardness, 30.54-67.30 mg/l; sulphate, 13.88-39.18 mg/l; phosphate, 0.07-3.18 mg/l; potassium, 0.00-4.73 mg/l; nitrate, 0.44-4.95 mg/l; iron, 0.00-0.16 mg/l; lead, 0.00-0.02 mg/l; cadmium, 0.00-0.02 mg/l ; copper, 0.00-0.15 mg/l; chromium, 0.00-0.03 mg/l and zinc, 0.02-0.64 mg/l during the dry season. From the average 7% of cadmium and 33% of lead in the water samples were above the NIS required limits of 0.003 and 0.01mg/l respectively. Generally, the water from the borehole was of poor physicochemical quality and must be treated adequately before being used by humans.
Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections in the Vasculopathic Patient: Review of Literature
Authors: Tsang Chi Lap Nicholas , Cao Jerry , Gunanayagam Prashanth , Feitosa Rui , Bullen Andrew
Published: April 2020

Background:

Necrotizing soft tissue infection is a surgical emergency associated with high mortality. Its presence in patients with risk factors for peripheral arterial disease such as diabetes mellitus is consistently associated with significantly poorer outcomes. Though it has been over a century since it was initially described in the literature, mortality rates remain high and treatment regimens are not standardized.

Materials and methods:

PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched for articles pertaining to necrotizing soft tissue infections. Articles were screened for relevance with the intent to compare outcomes in prospective studies of patients with diabetes mellitus or peripheral arterial disease. Patient demographics, clinical findings, mortality, rates of amputation, and morbidity were intended to be compared.

Results:

857 articles were identified, 165 duplicates were removed, and 6 prospective trials were identified for inclusion. Due to significant paucity of data, patient heterogeneity, and lack of standardization for surgical management, a descriptive review of the literature in relation to necrotizing soft tissue infections was pursued, with a focus on high-risk patients with peripheral arterial disease or diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions:

Early aggressive surgical intervention or major amputation may reduce mortality at the cost of increased disability and poorer quality of life in the long term, and may be appropriate in vasculopaths with poorly controlled diabetes and rapidly progressive fulminant infection. However, there is a deficiency in high-level evidence supporting surgical decision-making in this setting, with no standardized protocols for amputation. Future research will be needed to clarify the patient population who would benefit from radical amputation versus intention for limb salvage.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Mesh Repair for Inguinal Hernia During a Humanitarian Surgical Mission in Rural Nigeria
Authors: Oehme Florian , Beeres Frank J. P. , Fourie Lana , Okwudili Eze Tobias , Nussbaumer Peter
Published: April 2020

Background:

Humanitarian short-term surgery missions remain under debate, even though the proportion of the burden of surgical diseases around the world that could be treated based on surgery is constantly rising. The primary objective of this study was to prove the cost-effectiveness (CE) of a hernia repair–teaching mission in the rural setting of Nigeria.

Methods:

We present a CE analysis (CEA) of a 2-week surgery mission performing inguinal hernias with mesh repair according to the Lichtenstein maneuver. All data were collected prospectively. The contribution to the local health system was measured based on the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Further on, the CEA was analyzed and separated for surgeons from Nigeria and Europe, respectively.

Results:

During this mission a total of 107 patients with 123 hernias were treated. An average of 6,61 DALYs per patient were averted. The total costs for the mission team amounted to $8485.26, with a total of $19,210.73 from a societal perspective. Single-procedure costs amounted to $198.87 per patient, with $39.35 per procedure from a patient perspective. The CEA showed $31.04/DALY averted from a societal perspective, $13.71/DALY averted from a provider perspective, and $6.81/DALY averted from a patient perspective. This was well below the threshold of $2790 (gross domestic product per capita). Sensitivity analysis showed robust results.

Conclusion:

With these results we proved CE and remained about 90 times below the threshold of the gross domestic product per capita.
Ski3/TTC37 deficiency associated with trichohepatoenteric syndrome causes mitochondrial dysfunction in Drosophila
Authors: Ohnuma Kohei , Kishita Yoshihito , Nyuzuki Hiromi , Kohda Masakazu , Ohtsu Yuta , Takeo Satomi , Asano Tsunaki , Sato‐Miyata Yukiko , Ohtake Akira , Murayama Kei , Okazaki Yasushi , Aigaki Toshiro
Published: April 2020

Tetratricopeptide repeat protein 37 (TTC37) is a causative gene of trichohepatoenteric syndrome (THES). However, little is known about the pathogenesis of this disease. Here, we characterize the phenotype of a Drosophila model in which ski3, a homolog of TTC37, is disrupted. The mutant flies are pupal lethal, and the pupal lethality is partially rescued by transgenic expression of wild‐type ski3 or human TTC37. The mutant larvae show growth retardation, heart arrhythmia, triacylglycerol accumulation, and aberrant metabolism of glycolysis and the TCA cycle. Moreover, mitochondrial membrane potential and respiratory chain complex activities are significantly reduced in the mutants. Our results demonstrate that ski3 deficiency causes mitochondrial dysfunction, which may underlie the pathogenesis of THES.
Association between fluid overload and delirium/coma in mechanically ventilated patients
Authors: Ouchi Akira , Sakuramoto Hideaki , Hoshino Haruhiko , Matsuishi Yujiro , Sakaguchi Tatsuya , Enomoto Yuki , Hoshino Tetsuya , Shimojo Nobutake , Inoue Yoshiaki
Published: April 2020

Aim

Several studies have shown an association between fluid overload (FO) and mortality or duration of mechanical ventilation in critically ill patients. However, the association between FO and delirium duration remains unclear.

Methods

This retrospective observational cohort study was undertaken at University of Tsukuba Hospital (Tsukuba, Japan) from April 2015 to March 2017. Mechanically ventilated patients who stayed in the intensive care unit for more than 7 days were eligible for inclusion. Univariate analysis was carried out with the Mann–Whitney U‐test for continuous variables and Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables. A multivariate proportional odds logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association between FO and delirium/coma days (DCDs) during the 7‐day study period.

Results

A total of 118 patients were included and divided into FO and non‐FO groups. Fluid overload occurred in 40% of patients. The FO group had a higher APACHE II score than the non‐FO group (19 [16–26] versus 23 [20–29], P = 0.017). Cumulative fluid balance at day 3 was higher in the FO group (3,238 [281–6,530] versus 7,886 [4,106–10,631], P < 0.001). Delirium days within 7 days was longer in the FO group (1 [0–3] versus 2 [1–3], P = 0.048) and DCDs was longer in the FO group (4 [1–5] versus 6 [3–7], P = 0.002). After adjusting for covariates, there were significant associations between FO and DCDs (odds ratio, 2.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–4.47).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that FO is associated with increased DCDs in mechanically ventilated patients.
Understanding how engagement in a self‐managed shelter contributes to empowerment
Authors: Huber Max A. , Brown Louis D. , Metze Rosalie N. , Stam Martin , Van Regenmortel Tine , Abma Tineke N.
Published: April 2020

Participant empowerment is a foundational goal of self‐organised homeless care. We aim to understand how a self‐organised setting contributes to participants' empowerment. The data we analysed (56 interviews, both open and semi‐structured) were generated in a longitudinal participatory case study into Je Eigen Stek (Your own place, JES), a low‐cost shelter for people experiencing homelessness in the Netherlands. JES participants experienced the freedom of choice and influence on their living environment. JES' fluid structure allowed participants to adapt the program to their desires and needs, though participants were sometimes negative about having to live together. Most participants preferred JES over regular shelters. Unlike empowerment literature, participants mostly emphasised freedom of choice over capacity development. JES offered opportunities for social and organisational engagement, through which participants developed roles, skills and self‐image. However, a limited number of participants developed leadership roles through self‐management. Literature suggests setting aspects to be either enabling or entrapping. We found some aspects (e.g., size, freedom of choice) could be entrapping or enabling, depending on personal factors. Our analysis revealed individual freedom of choice, balancing freedom of choice with support, offering opportunities for engagement and maintaining fluidity in program management as core aspects of how JES contributed to participants' empowerment.
Could We Really Be Made of Swiss Cheese? Xenobiology as an Engineering Epistemology for Biological Realization
Authors: Koskinen Rami
Published: April 2020

Besides having potential medical and biosafety applications, as well as challenging the foundations of biological engineering, xenobiology can also shed light on the epistemological and metaphysical questions that puzzle philosophers of science. This paper reviews this philosophical aspect of xenobiology, focusing on the possible multiple realizability of life. According to this hypothesis, what ultimately matters in understanding life is its function, not its particular building blocks. This is because there should, in theory, be many different ways to build the same function. The possibility of multiple realizability was originally raised in the context of AI's hypothesized capacity to realize mental functions. Because we still do not have any incontrovertible examples of digital minds, not to mention alien life of foreign biochemistry, the best way to test this philosophical idea is to examine the recent results and practices of synthetic biology and xenobiology.
Ribosomal Target‐Binding Sites of Antimicrobial Peptides Api137 and Onc112 Are Conserved among Pathogens Indicating New Lead Structures To Develop Novel Broad‐Spectrum Antibiotics
Authors: Kolano Lisa , Knappe Daniel , Volke Daniela , Sträter Norbert , Hoffmann Ralf
Published: April 2020

Proline‐rich antimicrobial peptides expressed in insects are primarily active against Enterobacteriaceae. Mechanistically, they target the bacterial (70S) ribosome after partially transporter‐based cellular uptake, as revealed for Api137 and Onc112 on Escherichia coli. Following molecular modeling indicating that the Onc112 contact site is conserved among the ribosomes of high‐priority pathogens, the ribosome binding of Api137 and Onc112 was studied. The dissociation constants (Kd) of Onc112 were ∼75 nmol/L for Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter baumannii, 36 nmol/L for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 102 nmol/L for Staphylococcus aureus, thus indicating a very promising lead structure for developing broad‐spectrum antibiotics. Api137 bound weaker with Kd values ranging from 155 nmol/L to 13 μmol/L. For most bacteria, the antibacterial activities were lower than predicted from the Kd values, which was only partially explained by their ability to enter bacterial cells. Other factors limiting the activity expected from the ribosome binding might be off‐target binding.
Mapping the Binding Interface of PET Tracer Molecules and Alzheimer Disease Aβ Fibrils by Using MAS Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Niu Zheng , Sarkar Riddhiman , Aichler Michaela , Wester Hans‐Jürgen , Yousefi Behrooz Hooshyar , Reif Bernd
Published: April 2020

Positron emission tomography (PET) tracer molecules like thioflavin T specifically recognize amyloid deposition in brain tissue by selective binding to hydrophobic or aromatic surface grooves on the β‐sheet surface along the fibril axis. The molecular basis of this interaction is, however, not well understood. We have employed magic angle spinning (MAS) solid‐state NMR spectroscopy to characterize Aβ‐PET tracer complexes at atomic resolution. We established a titration protocol by using bovine serum albumin as a carrier to transfer hydrophobic small molecules to Aβ(1‐40) fibrillar aggregates. The same Aβ(1‐40) amyloid fibril sample was employed in subsequent titrations to minimize systematic errors that potentially arise from sample preparation. In the experiments, the small molecules 13C‐methylated Pittsburgh compound B (PiB) as well as a novel Aβ tracer based on a diarylbithiazole (DABTA) scaffold were employed. Classical 13C‐detected as well as proton‐detected spectra of protonated and perdeuterated samples with back‐substituted protons, respectively, were acquired and analyzed. After titration of the tracers, chemical‐shift perturbations were observed in the loop region involving residues Gly25‐Lys28 and Ile32‐Gly33, thus suggesting that the PET tracer molecules interact with the loop region connecting β‐sheets β1 and β2 in Aβ fibrils. We found that titration of the PiB derivatives suppressed fibril polymorphism and stabilized the amyloid fibril structure.
EGFR Fragmentation for Topological Transformation Nanobarcoding
Authors: Kim Jeonghun , Yoo Changhoon , Moon Je Hun , Um Soong Ho
Published: April 2020

As the market for personalized lung cancer medicine expands, the demand for molecular diagnostic tools in general, and methods of detecting multiple genes with qualitative, quantitative, and high specificity in particular, have grown. Here, we propose a system for the effective detection of lung cancer‐specific, long‐length epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutations by using a topological transformation nano‐barcoding technique (TNT). In former TNT studies, EGFR was successfully detected in cell environments and at test stages in the presence of a reference gene. However, because typical EGFR target concentrations are significantly lower at the clinical stage and the probe‐binding ability of long‐length targets is lower that of short targets, our system employs polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, restriction, and filtering (PRF) for EGFR fragmentation to maximize performance. In a PRF system, the target is amplified by PCR, cut to a suitable size by a restriction enzyme, and filtered by a magnetic bead. With detection limits of 0.3555 % and 1.500 % for EGFR Del 19 and L858R mutations, respectively, the proposed TNT with PRF can effectively distinguish mutant cell lines and efficiently detect various lengths of genetic variations in clinical trials.
The first love, you never forget. The last heart valve, you might remember better than the first
Authors: Aranzulla Tiziana Claudia , Musumeci Giuseppe
Published: April 2020

Key Points

Valve‐in‐valve (VIV) transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) does not increase cerebrovascular risk compared with TAVR in native aortic valves; the only predictors of new brain lesions were age and postdilatation.

Wise choice of the biological valve at the time of surgical aortic replacement, routine use of cerebral protection devices, and new therapeutic paths may be important.

Larger studies are needed, hopefully with systematic postdilatation or bioprosthetic valve fracture in cases of residual high transvalvular gradients after VIV TAVR.
Rules for Selecting Metal Cocatalyst Based on Charge Transfer and Separation Efficiency between ZnO Nanoparticles and Noble Metal Cocatalyst Ag/ Au/ Pt
Authors: Liu Qianxia , Wang Zhuan , Chen Hailong , Wang Hao‐Yi , Song Hui , Ye Jinhua , Weng Yuxiang
Published: April 2020

Loading metal cocatalyst on semiconductor nanoparticles is a general strategy to enhance photocatalytic efficiency, while the consensus of selecting metal cocatalyst matching with semiconductor is still unclear. Herein, we investigated the charge transfer and separation efficiency between ZnO and cocatalysts Ag, Au, and Pt nanoparticles respectively using ultrafast mid‐IR transient absorption spectroscopy. We found that Ohmic contact of Ag with ZnO favoring electron transfer and charge separation, while Schottky junction of Pt or Au with ZnO preventing electron transfer from ZnO to metal. Thus Ohmic contact would be better than Schottky contact. Since photocatalytic efficiency is also determined by chemical catalytic efficiency, we proposed a dual metal cocatalyst strategy for improving the overall photocatalytic efficiency, with the inner metal forming Ohmic contact for efficient charge separation and shuttling electrons and the outer‐layer metal cocatalyst for optimizing the chemical reactivity.
Complete Formaldehyde Removal over 3D Structured Na1.1Mn4O8@Mn5O8 Biphasic‐Crystals
Authors: Zhang Chunlei , Liu Guojuan , Wu Ping , Zeng Gaofeng , Sun Yuhan
Published: April 2020

With the increasing concerns on the formaldehyde (HCHO) hazard, the efficient oxidation of HCHO over affordable and harmless catalyst is of significant practical interest. Herein, the intermediate state of Mn5O8−Na1.1Mn4O8 (Na−Mn5O8) biphasic‐crystal catalyst, which features Na1.1Mn4O8‐nanosheet@ Mn5O8‐nanorod interconnected 3D structure, is successfully fabricated through the anaerobic calcination of manganite followed by alkali treatment. The resultant Na−Mn5O8 exhibits 100 % conversion of HCHO (150 ppm and 60000 h−1) and reliable stability (50 h) at 90 °C under demanding water‐free feed conditions, which is superior to that of the reference samples of Mn5O8, Na1.1Mn4O8, MnO2 and Na−MnO2. The experimental results demonstrate that the abundant structure defects (oxygen vacancies) on Na−Mn5O8, which may locate along the phase interfaces / shared‐edges of Mn5O8 nanorods and Na1.1Mn4O8 nanosheets, significantly enhance the active oxygen species and finally contribute to the high activity for HCHO oxidation. Furthermore, the 3D structure of Na−Mn5O8 favors mass transfer and fully exposing active sites for the HCHO adsorption and conversion. These findings reveal a way to enhance the catalytic activity of metal oxides via controlling the intermediate state of heteropical crystals.
Rhodium Nanoparticles as a Novel Photosensitizing Agent in Photodynamic Therapy against Cancer
Authors: Machuca Andres , Garcia‐Calvo Estefania , Anunciação Daniela S. , Luque‐Garcia Jose L.
Published: April 2020

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising alternative treatment for different types of cancer due to its high selectivity, which prevents healthy tissues from being damaged. The use of nanomaterials in PDT has several advantages over classical photosensitizing agents, due to their unique properties and their capacity for functionalization. Especially interesting is the use of metallic nanoparticles, which are capable of absorbing electromagnetic radiation and either transferring this energy to oxygen molecules for the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or dissipating it as heat. Although previous reports have demonstrated the capacity of Rh derivatives to serve as anti‐tumor drugs, to the best of our knowledge there have been no studies on the potential use of small‐sized Rh nanoparticles as photosensitizers in PDT. In this study, 5 nm Rh nanoparticles have been synthesized and their potential in PDT has been evaluated. The results show that treatment with Rh nanoparticles followed by NIR irradiation induces apoptosis in cancer cells through a p53‐independent mechanism.
A three‐dimensional, anatomy‐based nephrometry score to guide nephron‐sparing surgery for renal sinus tumors
Authors: Huang Qingbo , Gu Liangyou , Zhu Jie , Peng Cheng , Du Songliang , Liu Qiming , Chen Jianwen , Wang Baojun , Fan Yang , Gao Yu , Fam Xenginn , Wang Haiyi , Liu Fengyong , Guo Aitao , Li Hongzhao , Zhang Xu , Ma Xin
Published: April 2020

Background

A quantitative nephrometry scoring system specifically for renal sinus tumors will assist in classifying surgical complexity and treatment planning.

Methods

By using preoperative computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and 3‐dimensional image reconstruction, 5 critical components were assessed: the ratio of the sinus area occupied by the tumor in relation to the whole sinus area (R), the compression of the renal segmental vessels or collection system by the tumor (O), the anteroposterior relation of the tumor relative to the segmental vessels or collection system (A), the tumor diameter (D), and whether the tumor affects a solitary kidney (S) (“ROADS”). The ROADS score, indicating low, moderate, or high surgical complexity, was then used to guide surgical strategy planning, including cooling techniques, surgical approaches, and parenchyma incision techniques. A cohort of 134 patients with renal sinus tumors was treated based on their ROADS score and was retrospectively analyzed.

Results

The authors successfully performed 113 nephron‐sparing surgeries and 21 radical nephrectomies with a complication rate of 7.9%. During follow‐up, 3 cases were classified according to surgical margin status because they lacked an intact tumor capsule. There was only 1 case of local recurrence, and there were no cases of metastasis. A high ROADS score was correlated with greater operative complexity, such as longer operation and ischemia times and higher estimated blood loss and complication rates. However, renal function and short‐term oncologic outcomes were not related to the score.

Conclusions

The ROADS scoring system provides a standardized, quantitative, 3‐dimensional anatomic classification to guide surgical strategy in renal sinus tumors.